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 Trump says phone call with Putin "went very well" Xinhua) 08:47, May 20, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) LOS ANGELES, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote. "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." Trump noted that Russia wants to "do largescale TRADE with the United States" when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," the post read. Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump shows the signed Take It Down Act during a bill signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) speaks to the press after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Indonesia and Thailand agreed yesterday to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, during the first state visit by an Indonesian president in 20 years and agreed to push for greater trade and investment. President Prabowo Subianto, who took power last year, was welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in intermittent rain at Government House in Bangkok. As is traditional, the two leaders reviewed an honor guard before heading inside to hold bilateral talks on the future shape of their relationship. Subiantos visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Paetongtarn said that the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, tourism, and food security. The decision to elevate the two countries relations to strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in several aspects on issues of mutual interest to the people of both countries, Paetongtarn said in a statement. They also discussed defense and security issues, which include enhancing maritime security collaboration, strengthening counterterrorism efforts, bolstering cybersecurity cooperation, increasing joint military exercises and fostering defense industry partnerships, Subianto said in his speech. Paetongtarn said Thai and Indonesian police will strengthen cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, especially online scams, human trafficking and drug trafficking. Dozens of Indonesians earlier this year were freed from scam centers in Myanmar and repatriated through Thailand, in part of a large-scale regional crackdown effort. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have been lured to work in the region to commit global scams through false romances, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Many of the workers were recruited under false pretenses, only to find themselves trapped in virtual slavery. Ministers from both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation in a number of fields including prevention and control of communicable diseases and medical tourism. They also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and Subianto praised Thailands constructive role, especially in engaging neighboring countries to seek a peaceful solution in Myanmar and facilitating dialogue between all parties. We emphasized the importance of an inclusive national dialogue that can achieve peace and stability in Myanmar, Subianto said, We also emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity and centrality of ASEAN. The crisis in Myanmar has emerged as one of the blocs biggest challenges since a military coup ousted an elected civilian government in February 2021, plunging the country into conflict. It has sparked an armed resistance movement, with rebel forces now controlling large parts of the country. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, and displaced millions. JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK, MDT/AP Three people were killed and several others injured when they were struck by lightning while visiting Cambodias famous Angkor Wat temple complex. They had been seeking shelter around the main temple of the UNESCO site when the lightning struck late Friday afternoon. Video posted on social media showed two ambulances arriving in the aftermath and onlookers and site officials carrying out some injured people and helping others out on foot. Other images showed multiple people being treated in the hospital. The day after the incident, Cambodias Minister of Tourism Hout Hak issued a statement telling people to take down online posts about it, saying the spreading of negative information could harm the countrys tourism sector. Authorities have released no information about the incident, but an official yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed to The Associated Press that three people all Cambodian were killed in the lightning strike. The Cambodian Red Cross also posted an update saying it had delivered care packages to the families of two of the victims, a 34-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman. The Red Cross refused to comment further by phone. A spokesman for the Angkor Wat site did not respond to requests for comment, nor did a regional health official. Cambodias government under Prime Minister Hun Manet keeps a tight grip on information, and has been accused by rights groups of using the court system to prosecute critics and political opponents. Hun Manet in 2023 succeeded his father, Hun Sen, who was widely criticized for the suppression of freedom of speech during his nearly four decades of autocratic rule. Angkor Wat is Cambodias best-known tourist attraction, attracting some 2.5 million visitors annually, and is even featured on the countrys flag. UNESCO calls the site, which sprawls across some 400 square kilometers (155 square miles) and contains the ruins of Khmer Empire capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Cambodia has been actively developing the area to attract more visitors, including opening a new $1.1 billion Chinese-funded airport in nearby Siem Reap. Its move to relocate some 10,000 families squatting in the Angkor Wat area to a new settlement has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups, however, and UNESCO itself has expressed concern. Cambodian authorities have said the families were being voluntarily relocated, but Amnesty International and others have questioned how voluntary the relocations actually have been. DAVID RISING, BANGKOK, MDT/AP * Ticket economy Lawmakers express concern over SMEs survival amid declining spending, and propose a discount scheme for event ticket holders to shop about town * Welfare | Domestic violence cases jump 38%, with mental health and poverty cited as factors * The AL passed a bill revising the framework governing teaching staff at non-tertiary education private schools * Govt risks controversy by mixing handouts with consumption cards * Wuhan: One dead in apparent shooting in rare case of gun violence in China DOWNLOAD PDF Tuesday, May 20, 2025 edition no. 4720 Madisons multimillion-dollar mens homeless shelter, under construction on the Far East Side, remains on schedule to open early next year. But officials are warning it may not have enough money to stay open 24 hours a day as intended. Despite cost overruns bringing the project to about $27 million total, $6 million higher than the estimate in 2023, the city and county have secured the financing they need for the project, Community Development Director Jim OKeefe said. Thats all in, OKeefe said. The projected concept includes everything from acquiring the site, to construction, and the soft costs, the money that it took to design the facility, engineering costs all of that. But the need for continued fundraising doesnt end there, OKeefe said, adding that keeping the 42,125-square-foot shelter at 1904 Bartillon Drive running 24 hours a day will cost about $4 million a year. The current budget to operate a temporary overnight shelter only amounts to about $1.2 million in city, county and state funding. I think people tend to prefer to give to a capital campaign, because they can point to a tangible product at the end, OKeefe said. Also because capital funds tend to be one-time. Complicating matters, the city-sanctioned campground of tiny shelters at Dairy Drive on the Southeast Side is slated to shut down Sept. 30, months before the Bartillon Drive shelter opens. The joint city-county shelter initiative at Bartillon Drive is the end result of an odyssey that started five years ago, when COVID-19 forced the closure of smaller shelters in various Downtown church basements. That March, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and then-Dane County Executive Joe Parisi proposed that the city and county work together to create a permanent mens shelter. The shelters were first consolidated in a temporary space at the Warner Park Community Center on the North Side, and later moved to the citys 45,000-square-foot former Fleet Services building at 200 N. First St. on the East Side. The Fleet Services building is now being converted into Madisons first public market, which required moving the shelter again, this time to a 31,500-square-foot former Savers store at 2002 Zeier Road near East Towne Mall. That building is meant to fill a service gap until the permanent shelter is ready, Community Development Manager Linette Rhodes said. Even then, many other services for the homeless are run out of The Beacon a Catholic Charities day shelter at 615 E. Washington Ave., blocks from the Capitol. It is really hard to provide quality services when you only have a very short window of them coming into the shelter at night ... then leaving right away in the morning, Rhodes said. The Beacon also cant keep up with demand, OKeefe said. Keeping the new shelter open 24 hours a day would alleviate some of that strain by providing some of the same services, he said. The new facility will also have a medical respite space and a commercial kitchen. Project funding The city spent $855,000 to acquire the Bartillon Drive property, while the construction was financed with $13.5 million from the city and $10.5 million from the county. Federal COVID relief funding contributed $2 million, with another $2 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth. But running the shelter 24/7 will be a challenge. Officials have so far lined up $1.2 million from a combination of city, county and state sources less than half of what it will cost to run the facility overnight and about a third of whats needed to run during the day. Dane County has a little over $525,000 budgeted for shelter operations, and the city of Madison has budgeted $300,000. Porchlight Inc., Dane Countys largest provider of housing and services for the homeless, is contributing $200,000, while the state is adding between $125,000 and $150,000, a figure OKeefe called sorely inadequate. Right now, its discussions that the city and the county are having, but I think its a conversation that we want to make sure is a community conversation as well, Rhodes said. Homelessness is a community problem. A federal and state funded resource that just became available in February through a medical assistance program could contribute to paying for case management staff for the facility, OKeefe said, which would help with operational funding. We want to do everything we can to find every possible resource thats available before we start looking to the private sector, OKeefe said. Private fundraising efforts are ongoing, with hopes to create an endowment for sustainable funding. Daily operations at the shelter will be overseen by Porchlight. Tiny site to close In another part of the city, the collection of tiny shelters at Dairy Drive is getting ready to close at the end of September after the federal pandemic relief money it relied on for most of its funding runs out. The city-sanctioned campground launched in 2021 after the city closed an illegal encampment at Reindahl Park near East Towne. The city has budgeted about $225,000 to shut down and clean up the site, OKeefe said. Access to those funds expires at years end. Closing the site, an alternative for those who decline shelter services, blows my mind, said Brenda Konkel, a longtime homeless advocate and executive director of Madison Street Medicine, which runs the encampment. Madison Street Medicine also provides medical and housing street outreach, along with medical clinics at The Beacon and the mens shelter. Were going to have less people getting into the shelters when the new shelter opens, and weve lost a lot of units in our community, she said. Were going to see an increase in homelessness. Its just not a pretty picture out there. Staff will remain for one month to help those living there transition elsewhere. Not giving up The city is not opposed to keeping the site open if it can find funding, Konkel said, but with the timing of that, it just seems less and less likely. Were still working on it and were still not giving up. However, organizers have so far secured only about a third of the funding they would need through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, Konkel said. The super good news is that weve got some opportunities for people to get into housing that normally wouldnt be there, she said. We also applied for rapid rehousing and got 10 Section 8 vouchers that are being offered to campers. We have five rapid rehousing slots. Rapid rehousing provides short- and medium-term rental assistance plus support services for households experiencing homelessness. The Section 8 housing program provides for low-income residents to pay all or some their rent. The Dairy Drive site was supposed to be open for two years, but it has been there for four. On the other hand, it could go for another two years, right?, if we could figure it out, especially after they invested $1.2 million into setting it up, Konkel said. Its here. Its viable. Lets keep going. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia update name guidelines to make travel easier for locals KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have updated their name entry guidelines for flight bookings to better accommodate Southeast Asian naming conventions. According to the airlines, the changes aim to resolve confusion caused by names that do not follow traditional Western formats. Malaysian names have caused problems during flight check-in in the past, primarily due to the unique naming conventions and how Malaysian passports do not separate first and last names in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). This has led to confusion and errors when booking tickets and checking in, especially with airlines outside Malaysia. ADVERTISEMENT Malaysia Airlines now separates names into First & Middle Name and Last Name/Surname. AirAsia uses a similar format, splitting names into Given Name and Family Name/Surname. The revised systems now recognise a wider range of naming traditions, including those from Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese backgrounds. A screen capture from the Malaysia Airlines site shows its guide for name entries. A screen capture from the Malaysia Airlines site shows its guide for name entries. Under Malaysia Airlines rules, names like Vincent Tan Ming Ban would be split with Tan as the surname and Ming Ban Vincent as the given name. Similarly, in cases such as Foo Mei Mei, Foo is the surname and Mei Mei the given name. Passengers with names containing Bin or Anak must now place those titles in the surname field, as shown in the example of Mohd Ali Ahmad Bin Mohd Abu. Whats in a name? Everything.Especially when flying.Heres the correct way to fill in your #AirAsia guest name pic.twitter.com/DE8fIY61Cf AirAsia (@airasia) May 19, 2025 The changes apply only to new bookings, and do not affect existing reservations. Over the last ten years in France, repression against young people and workers has continued to intensify: police violence, preventive arrests of activists, the criminalisation of trade union activity, bans on demonstrations, gatherings and meetings, etc. The repression of the Yellow Vests and the solidarity movement with Palestine are two glaring examples, but this is a serious and ongoing trend. [Originally published in French at marxiste.org] On the left, the observation of this trend is leading a growing number of activists to conclude that France is no longer a bourgeois-democratic regime, but a form of dictatorship or, at the very least, a transitional form between bourgeois democracy and dictatorship. This is the case, for example, of Revolution Permanente, which since 2015 at the latest has been repeating that we are under the imminent threat of a Bonapartist turn. In Marxist terminology, Bonapartism refers specifically to a military-police dictatorship. Unfortunately, far from clarifying the question of the nature and trajectory of the current bourgeois regime in France, the articles on the website of Revolution Permanente only serve to sow confusion. Reading them, it is difficult to understand whether these comrades believe that the Bonapartist turn has already taken place or whether it is still ahead of us. For example, they assert that we are living within the ultra-Bonapartist framework of the Fifth Republic, but that we must nevertheless fear a Bonapartist leap in the short term. On the one hand, they describe the Fifth Republic in general (from 1958 to the present day) as a Bonapartist regime; but on the other hand, they only speak of Bonapartist tendencies and Bonapartist measures. Insofar as they raise the spectre of a new Bonapartist turn, one must assume that a first turn has already taken place, but this is not very clear. In fact, it is mainly the reader who is left turning in circles after reading Revolution Permanentes material. Bonapartism is a complex phenomenon. To shed light on it, we must return to the fundamental ideas of Marxism, and that is what we will do here. This will allow us to understand the nature of the current regime, its trajectory and the tasks that follow for revolutionary communists. Repression and special powers Contrary to what the comrades of Revolution Permanente often suggest, Bonapartism cannot be reduced to the articles of a constitution, whether it be Article 49.3 or Article 16 of the current French constitution, which allows the President to grant himself full powers in the event of a major crisis. In reality, all bourgeois regimes, even the most democratic ones, are equipped with legislative or constitutional tools state of emergency, martial law, etc. allowing the ruling class to resort legally to extraordinary measures to defend its domination. Every state is a class state, which, in the final analysis, consists of special bodies of armed men, according to Engels / Image: Kristoffer Trolle, Wikimedia Commons Similarly, repression is not a characteristic unique to Bonapartist regimes. In 1891, soldiers shot and killed nine strikers in Fourmies, in northern France. Fifteen years later, Interior Minister Georges Clemenceau deployed the army and had 146 trade unionists arrested preventively in order to break the strike of 1 May 1906. There are many other examples of brutal repression during this period. Despite this, Marxists including Lenin and Trotsky considered the Third French Republic to be a bourgeois democracy. Every state is a class state, which, in the final analysis, consists of special bodies of armed men, according to Engels. Their role is to defend the rule of the ruling class. Under capitalism, the state always defends the rule of the bourgeoisie. And when the need arises, even the most democratic bourgeois regime resorts to exceptional measures, whether martial law or violent repression. In a sense, these measures represent elements of Bonapartism, but only elements: on their own, they are not sufficient to determine the political character of a regime. In fact, there are elements of Bonapartism more or less developed in every bourgeois democracy. An arbiter between the classes On this question, Revolution Permanente too often neglects the following idea, which is fundamental to Marxist analysis: Bonapartism is the product of a certain type of relationship between social classes, but also between the state apparatus (the armed bodies of men) and the ruling class itself. The two are closely linked, as we shall see. In a bourgeois democracy, the state pretends to be independent and neutral, but this is to better hide the fact that it is firmly controlled by the class whose interests it serves. The big bourgeoisie holds all the strings of the democratic regime, from politicians to the highest civil servants, including those in the police and the army. We even see constant movement between the private sector and the highest echelons of the state: Emmanuel Macron, the banker turned president, is a good example of this. Under certain conditions, however, the state apparatus can acquire much greater independence from the bourgeoisie. This is the case when, in one way or another, a certain balance of power is established between the social classes for example, when, after a phase of intense mobilisation, the working class is exhausted but has not succeeded in taking power, while the ruling class is unable to continue ruling as before. As Engels wrote: Exceptional periods, however, occur when the warring classes are so nearly equal in forces that the state power, as apparent mediator, acquires for the moment a certain independence in relation to both. Taking advantage of this equilibrium between the classes in struggle, the state apparatus can free itself to a certain extent from the control of the ruling class. This type of regime is called Bonapartist, in reference to that of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1799 onwards. A Bonapartist regime presents itself as an arbiter between the classes and essentially rules by the sword, i.e. by means of the police and the army. It represses the labour movement, but also forces the bourgeoisie to make certain concessions. However, this regime continues to defend the fundamental interests of the capitalist class. The latter no longer directly controls the state, but nevertheless remains the economically ruling class in society. In this sense, it can be said that a Bonapartist regime emancipates itself from the control of the bourgeoisie with the aim of consolidating the rule of the bourgeoisie itself, which, for this reason, consents to it with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Putin, de Gaulle and Pinochet Vladimir Putin's regime is a good example of this. At the end of the 1990s, after the restoration of capitalism in the USSR, the Russian working class was paralysed by the leadership of the Communist Party, while the young Russian bourgeoisie, riddled with gangsterism, was incapable of maintaining a stable bourgeois-democratic regime. The army and security services then took matters into their own hands, under the leadership of the head of the intelligence services: Vladimir Putin. Once president, Putin brought the Russian bourgeoisie to heel and repressed certain oligarchs, with the aim of defending the fundamental interests of the ruling class and stabilising Russian capitalism. In the 20th century, Bonapartist regimes existed in many capitalist countries. They were not all identical / Image: Revolution In 2009, one particular incident starkly illustrated what a Bonapartist regime is all about. Following the 2008 financial crisis, a company owned by oligarch Oleg Deripaska announced the closure of one of its factories. Its workers went on strike; their mobilisation could have signalled a general movement of the Russian working class. Vladimir Putin then summoned the owners, including Deripaska, to a meeting held at the factory in question, which was broadcast on television. Deripaska was called incompetent by the Russian president, who behaved like a headmaster facing a disruptive schoolboy. Humiliated in front of millions of Russians, the oligarch was forced to sign an agreement on the spot, guaranteeing the jobs that had been threatened. Through this staged performance, Putin was attacking one boss in order to defend the fundamental interests of the entire bourgeoisie. By playing the role of arbiter between the classes, he sent the following message to the Russian working class: what is the point of striking if the Kremlin's strong man defends your jobs? In the 20th century, Bonapartist regimes existed in many capitalist countries. They were not all identical. Between 1958 and 1968, General Charles de Gaulle led a particularly weak Bonapartist regime in France. In May 1958, with the Algerian War at a stalemate, a group of generals supported by ultra-nationalists who wanted to keep Algeria French staged a coup in Algiers and threatened to drop paratroopers on Paris and overthrow the Republic. In mainland France, the Stalinist leaders of the French Communist Party were under pressure from their grassroots supporters, who were prepared to take up arms against the leaders of the coup. Caught between these two threats from the far right and the far left the bourgeoisie accepted De Gaulle's offer to take power in order to contain both. He was thus appointed Prime Minister with extraordinary powers by the National Assembly on 1 June. Having defused the coup by the generals in Algiers (with whom he had played a kind of double game) and thus given the PCF leaders a pretext for demobilising the working class, De Gaulle established a new Republic at the head of which he played the role of referee. As we have seen above, Revolution Permanente emphasises the ultra-Bonapartist framework of the Fifth Republic, concocted by De Gaulle. But this misses the point: the weakness of the working class at that time was very relative and temporary, so that the Gaullist regime could not completely eliminate all the democratic rights of the workers, let alone ban the powerful French Communist Party or the CGT. The repression of the workers' movement by the Gaullist regime therefore remained roughly comparable in intensity to that which had prevailed under the Fourth Republic before 1958. In fact, the Gaullist regime depended to a large extent on the complicity of the Stalinist leaders of the PCF in a context where the Soviet bureaucracy in Moscow viewed the Gaullist regime's official anti-Americanism very favourably. The regime also benefited from a particularly favourable economic situation, with French capitalism still booming at the height of the postwar boom, known as the Trente Glorieuses (the thirty glorious years). The Bonapartist character of De Gaulle's regime stemmed from the conditions of its birth through a coup d'etat, which had enabled the state apparatus to free itself from the control of the usual representatives of the bourgeoisie, its professional politicians and bankers. They were replaced in power by military figures such as De Gaulle himself, ambitious bureaucrats such as Maurice Couve de Murville, and genuine political adventurers with links to the criminal underworld such as Charles Pasqua. Similarly, the official services were challenged by a host of more or less unofficial networks: the police were backed up by the Service d'Action Civique (Civic Action Service) the regime's real political police while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was challenged by diplomatic cells that De Gaulle personally directed through shadow men such as Jacques Foccart. In short, the ruling class had lost control of various mechanisms through which it normally ensured control of the state apparatus. By contrast, General Pinochet's Bonapartist regime in Chile was an extremely brutal dictatorship. The coup d'etat of 11 September 1973 was the result of the paralysis of the Chilean working class after three years of revolutionary mobilisations. Chilean workers could have taken power if the social-democratic and Stalinist leaders had not opposed them with all their might. In the wake of the coup, the Chilean generals subjected the workers to a regime of terror comparable to that of a fascist state: all workers' organisations were banned, tens of thousands of people were arrested and thousands were summarily executed. A strong regime? A Bonapartist regime can appear very solid; indeed, it does everything it can to appear so. But in reality, it depends on maintaining a more or less precarious balance between the classes. As Trotsky pointed out in his masterful History of the Russian Revolution: If you stick two forks into a cork symmetrically, it will, under very great oscillations from side to side, keep its balance even on a pin point: that is the mechanical model of the Bonapartist superarbiter. The degree of solidity of such a power, setting aside international conditions, is determined by the stability of equilibrium of the two antagonistic classes within the country. A Bonapartist regime can appear very solid; indeed, it does everything it can to appear so. But in reality, it depends on maintaining a more or less precarious balance between the classes / Image: Municipal Archives of Toulouse, Wikimedia CommonsWhen this balance is upset by a resurgence of class struggle, the Bonapartist regime can quickly collapse. Thus, the Gaullist regime was swept away by the general strike of May-June 1968. Only the betrayal of the leaders of the PCF and the CGT at the time prevented the working class from taking power, allowing the bourgeoisie to regain control of the situation. It retained the ultra-Bonapartist framework of the Fifth Republic (according to the superficial formula of Revolution Permanente), but the upheaval in the class balance of forces forced the French bosses to pursue their reactionary policies within the framework of a fairly classical bourgeois democracy, led by the investment banker Georges Pompidou. Since then, the French ruling class has always relied on bourgeois democracy as its instrument of rule. Bonapartist dictatorships far more brutal than that of General de Gaulle were also swept away by mass mobilisations. In South Korea, the generals ruled for nearly three decades from 1961 to 1988 subjecting the working class to a regime of terror. In 1980, an uprising was crushed in blood in the city of Gwangju; between 600 and 2,000 people were massacred by the army. But this event was a harbinger of the awakening of the South Korean working class. After years of intense class struggle, the generals were forced to transfer power to normal bourgeois politicians, who nevertheless retained many of the legislative measures put in place under the dictatorship. The role of the reformists As Marxist Ted Grant explained in 1946, bourgeois-democratic regimes all have certain specific features in common. He continues: These are the traits which are decisive in determining the Marxist classification. All have independent workers' organisations: trade unions, parties, clubs, etc, with the rights which go with them. The right to strike, organise, the right to vote, free speech, press, etc, and the other rights which have been the by-product of the class struggle of the proletariat in the past. (Here we might add that the loss of this or that right would not, in itself, be decisive in our analysis of a regime. It is the totality of the relations which is the determining factor.) He then adds a decisive remark: Where [workers] organisations exist and play a powerful role (in France and Italy they are stronger than they have ever been) the bourgeoisie rules through the leaders and top layers of these organisations. As Marxist Ted Grant explained in 1946, bourgeois-democratic regimes all have certain specific features in common / Image: RCI To determine the nature of the current regime in France, we need only ask the question: what factor has played the main role in keeping Macron in power since 2017? Is it the use of force or the exhaustion of the working class? Neither. The decisive factor was the policy of systematic sabotage of large-scale working-class mobilisations by the reformist leaders and first and foremost by those of the trade union confederations. For example, it is true that the Macron government brutally repressed the Yellow Vests movement. But the momentum generated by this magnificent movement could have led to the overthrow of the Macron government if the leaders of the trade union movement had thrown all their forces into the battle and put a broad movement of rolling strikes on the agenda. As we wrote in December 2018, the Yellow Vests movement placed the country on the brink of a revolutionary crisis. This is precisely what terrified the reformist trade union leaders. Instead of mobilising the working class, they tacitly approved the repression of the Yellow Vests and did everything they could to keep as many workers as possible out of the movement. The same can be said of the powerful movement against Macrons pension reform in 2023 and other similar movements over the past 20 years. The deliberate and calculated conservatism of reformist leaders is a central feature of bourgeois democracy, in France as elsewhere. Contrary to the claims of Revolution Permanente, the French big bourgeoisie is not prepared for the moment to embark on a Bonapartist leap that would lead to a military-police dictatorship. And for good reason: far from being exhausted, the working class still has considerable reserves of strength and militancy. The majority of wage earners have not participated in the mobilisations of recent years, precisely because of the conservative policies of the trade union leaderships, which fear that a movement that is too massive will escape their control. If it attempted to establish a Bonapartist dictatorship, the French bourgeoisie would provoke a potentially uncontrollable mobilisation of workers. This is exactly what happened in South Korea last December. President Yoon's declaration of martial law provoked an explosive movement. The masses spontaneously took to the streets to block military convoys, while the leaders of the main trade union confederation were forced to call a general strike under the pressure of events. The overwhelming majority of the South Korean bourgeoisie had to condemn the coup attempt. The US imperialists did the same. All understood that it is dangerous to provoke the powerful South Korean working class in this way. From their point of view, it would be better to rely on the reformist and petty-bourgeois leaders of the Democratic Party and the reformist trade unions. As we write these lines, the South Korean bourgeoisie is struggling to calm the masses, whose defiance and militancy have been stimulated by Yoon's Bonapartist adventure. These events have been closely watched by the ruling classes around the world, including the French bourgeoisie. A broader democratic regime? We are not saying that a Bonapartist regime is impossible in France. If the working class fails to take power in the next few years, the conditions for such a regime will eventually be created. But these conditions do not exist at this stage. By constantly raising the spectre of a Bonapartist turn in the short term, the leaders of Revolution Permanente are seriously misjudging the dynamics of the class struggle and the immediate prospects arising from it. As is often the case, this error is linked to a lack of confidence in the ability of the workers to take power and transform society. Take, for example, one of many articles published by Revolution Permanente in April 2023, entitled: Faced with authoritarian radicalisation, for a radical democratic response from below. After emphasising that communism is the only progressive and viable response to the crisis of capitalism, the author of this article, Juan Chingo, wrote the following: "But the reality is that we are not yet in a position to replace Macron with a government of workers, the popular classes and all the exploited and oppressed, breaking with capitalism. The majority of workers, despite their growing hatred of the existing institutions, still stand on the ground of bourgeois democracy. The urgency of the moment requires a determined fight against the bourgeois project of an ever more authoritarian state directed against all the exploited and oppressed. But to regain all that has been lost in the authoritarian radicalisation, we cannot return to the parliamentary combinations of the Third or Fourth Republic, as proposed by the supporters of France Insoumise. Rather than hoping for a return to renewed imperialist democracies, we must draw inspiration from what made the French Revolution so radical, starting with 1793. (...) A broader democratic regime, capable of ending the growing separation between the rulers and the ruled, where the former monopolise decision-making power during their term of office, thus excluding voters from public affairs, would accelerate the political education of workers and the popular classes and facilitate the struggle for a workers government. This is followed by a detailed description of this broader democratic regime: abolition of the Senate and the presidential office; election of deputies for two years and by full proportional representation; the possibility of recalling deputies, whose allowances would not exceed those of a skilled worker, etc. By constantly raising the spectre of a Bonapartist turn in the short term, the leaders of Revolution Permanente are seriously misjudging the dynamics of the class struggle and the immediate prospects arising from it / Image: public domain All this is very nice, but there is a big problem: this broader democratic regime, which Revolution Permanente makes the central axis of its programme, would still be a bourgeois regime, a regime based on private ownership of the means of production, so that the state would still be at the service of the capitalists. It would still be based on the gulf between rulers and ruled, capitalists and workers, billionaires and minimum wage earners. As Lenin pointed out in The State and Revolution: We are in favor of a democratic republic as the best form of state for the proletariat under capitalism. But we have no right to forget that wage slavery is the lot of the people even in the most democratic bourgeois republic. Furthermore, every state is a special force for the suppression of the oppressed class. Consequently, every state is not free and not a peoples state. This also applies, of course, to the broader democratic regime that the leaders of Revolution Permanente are calling for. Once again, this opportunist error stems from a lack of confidence in the working class. Since the majority of workers still stand on the ground of bourgeois democracy, they should be called on to fight not for the expropriation of the big capitalists, but only as a first step for a broader bourgeois democracy. This amounts to renouncing the basic duty of Marxists, which is to always link partial demands, democratic or otherwise, to the necessity of overthrowing capitalism and reorganising society on socialist foundations. It is true that the majority of workers are not yet ready to fight for the programme of socialist revolution. Only in a revolutionary situation, by definition, can the working masses embark on this path and take power, on one condition: that they have a sufficiently strong revolutionary party, with deep roots in the working class. This party must be built well before the majority of workers turn towards the seizure of power, and it must be built amongst the most conscious layers of our class on the basis of the Marxist programme, methods and ideas. Revolution Permanente does the exact opposite. This small organisation claims to address the majority of workers, and to this end it discards the flag of October 1917, replaces it with the (glorious but bourgeois) flag of 1793, and campaigns for a broader bourgeois democratic regime in short, it sinks into the quagmire of opportunism. Faced with the strengthening of repression and elements of Bonapartism within bourgeois democracy, revolutionary communists must energetically defend all the democratic rights of the working class and emphasise the enormous responsibility of the reformist leaders of the workers' movement for undermining these rights. However, we must never harbour illusions or allow the slightest ambiguity: only socialist revolution will bring about genuine democracy, in which workers will not only be able to elect their political representatives, but also control and plan the economy, finally guaranteeing that the needs of the entire population are met. UNESCO on Monday launched Africa Week 2025 highlighting the importance of engagement under the theme Global Solidarity for the Restitution and Restoration of African Heritage through Culture, Education and Sciences. UNESCO Deputy Director-General Xing Qu, and Executive Council President Vera El Khoury Lacoeuilhe reiterated the organizations commitment to safeguarding African heritage and combating illicit trafficking, in line with the 1970 Convention. The opening panel, chaired by Moroccos Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and vice-president of UNESCOs Africa Group, introduced key themes: global solidarity; the role of education; and scientific diplomacy in reclaiming and restoring African heritage. These themes reflect a shared aspiration for historical justice, mutual respect, and strengthened cooperation, said the Moroccan diplomat. He also emphasized a comprehensive approach to restitution, beyond the return of objects, and highlighted the importance of education, research, and cultural diplomacy in rebuilding memory and reinforcing dignity. The event, honoring this year the African descendence and diaspora, features a brand-new program as interesting as it is diversified, including conferences, movies, exhibitions, Gala A Moroccan-Emirati consortium, including the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, TAQA Moroccopart of Abu Dhabis TAQA Groupand NAREVA, has signed three memoranda of understanding with the Moroccan government and the state utility ONEE to develop large-scale water and energy infrastructure. The agreements, sealed under a declaration signed by King Mohammed VI and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in December 2023, cover critical projects in desalination, electricity generation and transmission, and water transfer systems. The program aims to address Moroccos pressing water scarcity and energy demands, while advancing the countrys long-term goals of energy independence and climate resilience. The proposed investments include water transfer, through the construction of a new waterway that will connect the Sebou and Oum Rabia river basins, with an annual capacity of 800 million cubic meters. The project addresses growing water scarcity, according to statements by ONEE and TAQA. The deals also include building five seawater desalination plants in regions including the Oriental, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Souss-Massa, Guelmim, and Tan-Tan. The plants will have a combined capacity of 900 million cubic meters annually and will be powered entirely by renewable energy. The partners also teamed up to build a 1400-kilometre high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line, connecting the southern provinces to central Morocco, with a transmission capacity of 3,000 MW. The line is intended to accelerate the integration of renewable energy from the Sahara into the national grid. Concerning renewable energy development, the consortium will add 1,200 MW of new capacity, primarily wind and solar, with projects spanning from Boujdour to Dakhla. They will also develop a 1,500 MW combined-cycle gas power plant at Tahaddart in northwestern Morocco to enhance grid stability. The consortium will structure and secure financing from both domestic and international institutions. ONEE said the projects will be implemented under individual development agreements, the first of whichcovering the Tahaddart gas planthas already been signed. All projects are subject to regulatory approvals. The program is expected to generate over 25,000 jobs during construction and operation, including more than 10,000 permanent positions. Officials say it will also foster technology transfer, support the emergence of a local industrial ecosystem in desalination and renewables, and spur regional development through improved infrastructure and rural electrification. The initiative is expected to generate over 25,000 jobs, including 10,000 permanent one, and foster a local industrial base in desalination and renewable technologies. It also aims to spur workforce training and technology transfer. Framed as a transformational public-private partnership, the program underscores Moroccos ambition to secure critical resources, attract foreign investment, and position itself as a regional leader in sustainable infrastructure. Top court of the United Nations has supported on May 19 Equatorial Guinea in a dispute with Gabon over three islands in potentially oil-rich waters. Since the early 1970s, the two Central African nations have been at odds over the islands of Conga, Mbanie, and Cocoteros. Despite being in a maritime area believed to have substantial oil deposits, the islands are essentially uninhabited. Equatorial Guineas claim, which is based on a treaty from 1900 that divided up the colonial assets of France and Spain, should be honored, according to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The court rejected Gabons main contention, which was that the islands sovereignty had been shifted in its favor by a more recent agreement known as the 1974 Bata convention. Conga, Mbanie, and Cocoteros were held by Spain before being transferred to Equatorial Guinea, which became independent in 1968, according to the International Court of Justices final and binding ruling.Now, Gabon will have to evacuate its troops from the largest island, Mbanie. The Gabonese army established its own military presence in Mbanie in 1972 after driving Equatoguinean troops out. When the possibility of oil in the Gulf of Guinea became clear in the early 2000s, hostilities subsided. After years of UN mediation, the two countries decided to let the ICJ decide the case in 2016. Both nations produce a sizable amount of oil. However, because of underinvestment, a lack of exploration, and aging wells, their oil production has decreased recently. Official and local sources said gunmen killed at least 50 people in three different attacks on northern Nigerian States on Monday, May 19, Anadolu reported. The attacks, which took place on Saturday and Sunday in the States of Katsina, Kebbi, and Benue, brought attention to the regions escalating security issues. Although no group has taken credit for the attacks, many people think bandits, who have been committing violent, robbery, or kidnapping crimes in northern Nigeria since 2020, were responsible. In Nigeria, they have grown to be a serious security threat, upsetting livelihoods and communities. Residents of the Gobirawa community in Katsinas Dutsinma Local Government Area report that 20 bodies were found there on Sunday. Late on Saturday night, bandits were said to have killed them. The attackers stormed the community on motorcycles and shot civilians, according to several eyewitnesses who spoke to Anadolu over the phone. The attack destroyed 20 houses and 15 shops, according to Abdurrahman Abdullahi, a community leader in Gobirawa and the chairman of the Katsina State Coalition of Civil Societies. Abdullahi told Anadolu, Many residents have been displaced and are missing, aside from the 20 bodies we were able to recover on Sunday. State Police Department spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu told Anadolu that the attacks had occurred, but he gave no further details. Regarding the attacks, state police have not yet released a statement. In the meantime, 15 more people were killed on Sunday night in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, close to Ogwumogbo and Okpookpolo. The majority of them were traders. A trader named Quadri Muniru told Anadolu late on Sunday night that the victims were ambushed on their way back from the Oweto market. In communities that are at risk, the attacks have rekindled calls for more robust security measures. There is mounting pressure on the Nigerian government to address the regions escalating insecurity, which has led to thousands of deaths and displacements. After advocating for electoral reforms prior to the general election in October 2025, Tanzanias most well-known opposition figure appeared in court on Monday, May 19, to face treason charges. Treason convictions are punishable by death. However, a spirited Tundu Lissu was wearing a T-shirt that read, no reforms, no electionthe same slogan that led to his arrest on April 9, after speaking at a public rally. Lissu had started a hunger strike in protest of having to appear in court virtually rather than in person. After surviving an assassination attempt in 2017, the politician, who is the chair of the opposition Chadema party, has been in exile for a portion of that time due to threats against his life. During his court appearance, Lissu made gestures of victory and urged supporters not to be scared. To finish their investigations, investigators requested an additional two weeks. On June 2, the trial will begin. Lissu supporters have been subjected to a crackdown. Martha Karua, an opposition politician from Kenya, was deported after traveling to Tanzania prior to the hearing. Three Kenyan activists and Willy Mutunga, a former chief justice of Kenya, were taken into custody. Korir Singoei, the secretary of Kenyas foreign ministry, demanded Mutunga and his delegations release on Monday. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, declared Monday that she would not permit foreign activists to cause instability in her nation. Human rights activists have accused her administration of oppressing the opposition with harsh measures. These allegations are denied by the government. In the October election, which will also select members of parliament, Hassan will be seeking reelection. Laws that favor the ruling party, CCM, which has held power since Tanzania gained its independence in 1961, and the lack of an independent electoral commission have been criticized by the Chadema party. The authorities in South Africa say they will follow to the end legal action against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso who has left the country. Omotoso was found not guilty of rape last month. He was charged with sexually abusing young women from his Port Elizabeth church, but he denied the 32 charges against him. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has stated on May 19 that it will continue to appeal the verdict that found Mr. Omotoso not guilty, arguing that his presence is not necessary. According to South Africas Department of Home Affairs, Mr. Omotoso took a plane to Nigeria from OR Tambo International Airport, where he was captured on camera by public broadcaster SABC, while sporting dark sunglasses and a hoodie. When Mr. Omotoso tried to flee South Africa in 2017, he was first taken into custody. One of his accusers claimed that the pastor had sexually assaulted her when she was fourteen years old. Following his acquittal, South African prosecutors acknowledged in a statement that there are no legal grounds to prevent Mr. Omotoso from departing the nation. The statement also mentioned South Africas bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria and stated that if the appeal were granted, the authorities would request that Mr. Omotoso be extradited back to South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs claimed earlier this month that Mr. Omotoso was in South Africa illegally, adding to his immigration problems following his acquittal in April. According to South Africas public broadcaster, the pastor left the nation on his own volition. In light of Mr. Omotosos designation as a undesirable person, the BBC has reached out to the NPA to inquire about the specifics of any possible extradition procedure. Morocco has reiterated its position regarding the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, insisting that the two-state solution is the Only path to peace The position was reiterated by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on Tuesday, at the opening of the 5th meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-organized by Morocco and the Netherlands. Beyond condemnations and denunciations, Morocco is working concretely to bring positions closer toward a sustainable solution. Our country has always believed that there is no other solution than the coexistence of two states, Israeli and Palestinian, living side by side, Bourita said, insisting that this is the only solution likely to guarantee peace and security in the regionThe two-state solution is the only option in which there are no losers, because everyone wins: the Palestinians gain their freedom and dignity, the Israelis secure their security and stability, while the entire region gets opportunities for development and progress. The two-state solution is the one that can ensure lasting peace in the region, based on widely recognized international references, Nasser Bourita added. Around fifty ministers, including the Palestinian Authoritys Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Varsen Agabekian Shahin, senior political officials, and special envoys of countries from Europe, Africa, Asia, as well as other stakeholders and representatives of international and regional organizations, committed to the Two- State Solution took part in the event organized under the theme Sustaining the Peace Process Momentum: Lessons Learned, Achievements, and Prospects. Bourita stated further that this gathering falls within the framework of Moroccos ongoing commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in support of the Palestinian cause and peace in the Middle East. It also aligns with Moroccos decades-long efforts to promote a sustainable and comprehensive solution in the Middle East, based on the deep conviction that such a solution can only be achieved through the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel, within the framework of a two-state solution. This 5th meeting is also being held in Morocco because the country has always taken a pragmatic approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bourita stressed. The Minister stressed that the Two-State solution is neither an empty slogan nor a pretext for diplomatic posturing, but a moral commitment and a realistic political option that can no longer be postponed or subject to hesitation. In this context, wars have been waged and violence has afflicted all parties, never bringing about peace or lasting security. Today, it is imperative to translate this choice into a roadmap with a clear timeline and responsible steps, he added. It is evident that some do lose from the implementation of this solution: extremists on all sides, who thrive on the conflict and live in its shadow. Also, among the losers are those who trade in slogans and claim to support the Palestinian people without offering even a bag of rice, simply because they prefer the comfort of opposition over the responsibility of action. After he recalled that the two-state solution is endorsed by the international community despite the succession of crises, he said this option remains the only possible horizon for a just and lasting settlement allowing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, Moroccan diplomacy continues to work with determination and serenity to bring points of view closer together and increase the chances of a just peace, said the minister, recalling the royal speech addressed to the latest Arab summit convened in Bagdad. In his speech, the Monarch had called for an immediate cessation of military operations and a return to the negotiating table. He also stressed the urgent need for an intervention to put an end to the Israeli military aggressions in the West Bank, to ensure the continued provision of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank Bourita stressed the importance of the Global Alliances approach to implementing the two-state solution seeking to build a promising future for the region, and lauded the leading role played by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the European Union in leading this global Alliance. France, for its part, sent a clear message through Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Paris has expressed its determination to recognize a Palestinian state. This decision is expected to be announced at the international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place next June 17 to 20, with the aim of reviving a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, known as the two-state solution. The agenda of the 5th meeting of the Alliance featured debates and presentations focusing on the impact of peace processes in the Middle East, efforts to support governance structures of the Palestinian state, and the economic foundations of peace in the region. The meetings recommendations will be submitted to the High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution, scheduled in New York in June 2025. 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: olia danilevich from Pexels By 2030, there will still be over 1 billion of the world's adolescents (aged 1024 years) living in countries where preventable and treatable health problems like HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, depression, poor nutrition and injury collectively threaten the health and well-being of adolescents, suggests a new analysis from the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being. Commission co-chair, Professor Sarah Baird, George Washington University (U.S.) says, "The health and well-being of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. "While tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. "Additionally, the challenges faced by the world's adolescents are at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. "Investing in the health and well-being of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future. We must prioritize investment in adolescent health and well-being through initiatives including those that strengthen schools to promote health and well-being and to ensure universal access to health care for adolescents. "Furthermore, adolescent engagement and activism must be central to creating the social and community changes we need to foster a more just society and create a healthier planet with more opportunities for everyone." Insufficient and uneven progress A decade since the first Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being published in 2016, there have been global improvements in education, and in reducing global rates of smoking and alcohol use. However, across many areas of adolescent health, progress has been undermined by the COVID-19 pandemic and a chronic lack of funding. In a novel analysis using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study, the Commission estimates that there were nearly 1.1 billion adolescents living in countries where preventable and treatable health problems like HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, depression, poor nutrition and injury remain a daily threat to their health, well-being, and life chances (which the Commission terms multi-burden countries). This compares to just under 1 billion adolescents living in multi-burden countries in 2016, indicating, alongside population growth, a lack of progress in addressing adolescent health. New projections suggest that, without political will, policy initiatives and financial investments, there will still be more than 1 billion adolescents living in multi-burden countries in 2030. Limited progress is evident in several critical areas impacting adolescents. The Commission estimates that nearly one-third of adolescent girls will be anemic globally by 2030, highlighting inadequate efforts to tackle this issue. Anemia can cause fatigue, hinder growth and cognitive development and, in extreme cases, lead to organ damage, making it crucial to address for the well-being of girls. Similarly, adolescent mental health has seen a significant decline over the past three decades in countries with available data, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2030, the Commission projects 42 million years of healthy life will be lost to mental disorders or suicide (2 million more than in 2015). Additional projections indicate that one-third of adolescents in high-income countries, Latin America, and the Middle East will be overweight by 2030, underscoring the shortcomings in combating adolescent obesity. In 2030, the Commission projects 464 million adolescents globally will be overweight or obese (143 million more than in 2015). Commission co-chair, Professor Alex Ezeh, Drexel University (U.S.) says, "Demographic shifts will continue to drive global progress or lack thereof in adolescent health and well-being. Africa's share of global adolescents will increase from under 25% currently to more than 46% by 2100. "Consequently, progress in improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Africa will increasingly determine progress in improving the health and well-being of adolescents globally. This calls for targeted attention to the needs of adolescents in Africa." New threats to adolescent health The Commission identifies several significant new threats to adolescent health, emphasizing that young people are navigating a rapidly changing world. Emerging challenges, such as climate change and the shift toward a more digital world, are expected to have a profound impact on young people's future health and well-being. Today's adolescents are the first generation who will live their entire lives with the average annual global temperature that has consistently been 05C higher than pre-industrial levels. And by 2100, 1.9 billion adolescents will live in a world that is expected to warm to around 2.8C above pre-industrial times, bringing catastrophic risks to their health such as heat-related illnesses, reduction in food and water quality and availability, and a rise in mental health conditions related to climate events. The Commission undertook a new systematic review to identify how climate change affects adolescent mental health. The review found that both quick-acting climate disasters such as hurricanes and slower-acting effects such as chronic food insecurity contribute to mental health conditions in adolescents such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Commissioner Dr. Aaron Jenkins, University of Sydney (Australia), says, "I am profoundly encouraged by our Second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being, which embraces the ecological foundations of human well-beinghighlighting biodiversity, environmental integrity, and climate as pivotal determinants of adolescent health. "This holistic approach underscores that safeguarding our planet's health is inseparable from nurturing the potential and resilience of young people. For the first time, we are identifying and encouraging interventions that simultaneously advance adolescent health, ecological integrity, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and social justice. "This integrative co-benefit strategy not only addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by today's youth but also paves the way for a sustainable and equitable future." Additionally, the Commission highlights how the digital transition offers adolescents new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment, and health promotion. However, many key social and emotional experiences now occur online, raising concerns about potential harm to their development and well-being. While the impact of the digital world, especially social media, on adolescent mental health remains highly debated with limited causal evidence, there is a need to balance early protective actions with avoiding unintended harm by overly restricting digital access. Actions to address adolescent health and well-being The Commission highlights that current funding for adolescent health and well-being is not proportionate to the magnitude of the challenge nor targeted to areas of greatest need. An analysis of funding undertaken by the Commission finds adolescent health and well-being makes up only 2.4% of global aid, despite adolescents being 25% of the world population and making up 9% of the total burden of disease. The Commission's analyses of the returns on investments in adolescence show they are on par with investments in children aged 09 years, and that investments in children and adolescents are associated with better returns than investments in adults. The Commission's exploration of the challenges facing the field of adolescent health suggests that investment is hampered by the absence of global and national leadership, governance and accountability for adolescent health and well-being, among many other factors. This is the first global Commission to prioritize and embed meaningful adolescent and youth engagement at every stage, co-led by ten diverse Youth Commissionersaged 23 to 35spanning academia, civil society, and multilateral organizations. Their lived experiences, research expertise and leadership shaped the Commission, while Youth Solution Labs run by the Commission engaged over 200 adolescents across 36 countries to identify key priorities and develop actionable recommendations. Youth Commissioner Dr. Shakira Choonara says, "Young people are navigating a rapidly changing world, and through this Commission we've heard the diverse and alarming concerns adolescents have about their health and well-being. "However, there are also opportunitiesand we've seen firsthand and through the Commission's finding how adolescents are already stepping up as active citizens and powerful agents of change, from leading advocacy and activism to co-designing policies that shape the future of human health and planetary health. "I am deeply inspired by the change youth leaders are bringing to their communities and to the global landscape. Investing in and engaging with our generation will build a healthier, more empowered, and better-equipped generation of future leaders." More information: A call to action: a second Lancet commission on adolescent health and wellbeing, The Lancet (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00503-3 Journal information: The Lancet 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: Schematics of AACessTalk system. It provides personalized vocabulary cards for children with autism and context-based conversation guides for parents to focus on practical communication. Large Turn Pass Button is placed at the childs side to allow the child to lead the conversation. Credit: Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1145/3706598.3713792 For many families of minimally verbal autistic (MVA) children, communication often feels like an uphill battle. But now, thanks to a new AI-powered app developed by researchers at KAIST in collaboration with NAVER AI Lab and Dodakim Child Development Center, parents are finally experiencing moments of genuine connection with their children. A research team led by Professor Hwajung Hong of the Department of Industrial Design has developed "AAcessTalk," an artificial intelligence (AI)-based communication tool that enables genuine communication between children with autism and their parents. This research was recognized for its human-centered AI approach and received international attention, earning the Best Paper Award at the ACM CHI 2025, an international conference held in Yokohama, Japan. The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. Called AACessTalk, the app offers personalized vocabulary cards tailored to each child's interests and context, while guiding parents through conversations with customized prompts. This creates a space where children's voices can finally be heardand where parents and children can connect on a deeper level. Traditional augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools have relied heavily on fixed card systems that often fail to capture the subtle emotions and shifting interests of children with autism. AACessTalk breaks new ground by integrating AI technology that adapts in real time to the child's mood and environment. Among its standout features is a large "Turn Pass Button" that gives children control over when to start or end conversationsallowing them to lead with agency. Another feature, the "What about Mom/Dad?" button, encourages children to ask about their parents' thoughts, fostering mutual engagement in dialogue, something many children have never done before. One parent said, "For the first time, we shared a meaningful exchange." Such stories were common among the 11 families who participated in a two-week pilot study, where children used the app to take more initiative in conversations and parents discovered new layers of their children's language abilities. Parents also reported moments of surprise and joy when their children used unexpected words or took the lead in conversations, breaking free from repetitive patterns. "I was amazed when my child used a word I hadn't heard before. It helped me understand them in a whole new way," recalled one caregiver. Professor Hwajung Hong, who led the research at KAIST's Department of Industrial Design, emphasized the importance of empowering children to express their own voices. "This study shows that AI can be more than a communication aidit can be a bridge to genuine connection and understanding within families," she said. Looking ahead, the team plans to refine and expand human-centered AI technologies that honor neurodiversity, with a focus on bringing practical solutions to socially vulnerable groups and enriching user experiences. For the 2025 CHI conference, approximately 1,200 papers were selected out of about 5,000 submissions, with the Best Paper Award given to only the top 1%. The conference, which drew more than 5,000 researchers, was the largest in its history, reflecting the growing interest in Human-AI Interaction. More information: Dasom Choi et al, AACessTalk: Fostering Communication between Minimally Verbal Autistic Children and Parents with Contextual Guidance and Card Recommendation, Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1145/3706598.3713792 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 University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers have identified a potential way to reduce female post-operative pain by inhibiting pituitary prolactin generated by pre-operative stress. The paper, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could lead to ways to reduce post-operative pain and decrease the need for opioids for pain relief after surgical procedures in women. Prolactin, naturally found at higher levels in females than in males, is a neurohormone best known for assisting mammary gland development and stimulating milk production. Recent research led by Frank Porreca, Ph.D., research director for the U of A Health Sciences Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction, found that it also excites female nociceptors, the nerve cells responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Stress can increase the circulating level of prolactin in women, leading to a pre- and post-operative perfect storm of pain. "Many clinicians will tell you that they can predict which patients will have the worst post-operative pain outcomes based on the level of anxiety and stress that a patient exhibits before a scheduled surgery. And it has been shown that women exhibit greater stress responses," said Porreca, the Cosden Professor of Pain and Addiction Studies at the U of A College of MedicineTucson. Prolactin is produced and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. That production is usually slowed when the hypothalamus releases dopamine, a natural prolactin inhibitor. Stress can disrupt this natural balance, resulting in increased prolactin levels. For this study, Porreca's research team used mouse models to test the hypotheses that high levels of prolactin enhance and prolong the degree of post-operative pain; stress can act as a priming stimulus for a prolactin mechanism leading to increased post-operative pain; and a pre-surgery intervention to reduce prolactin levels could improve post-operative pain outcomes. In each case, they were right. "Our findings focused on the fact that the prolactin consequence comes from the psychological stress of an anticipated surgery," Porreca said. "Now we know how stress may influence the excitability of the nociceptors that are going to produce the pain input to the central nervous system." Porreca and the team successfully lowered prolactin levels and reduced post-operative pain in female mice using three different approaches: gene therapy; medication with cabergoline, a drug that acts at dopamine receptors to inhibit prolactin release; and administration of PL 200,019, a novel monoclonal antibody discovered by the team and optimized to inhibit prolactin. "The concept here, in all cases, is that if you have an anticipated surgery and related psychological stress, there are approaches we can use preemptively to improve outcomes of post-operative pain in females," Porreca said. Cabergoline is a Food and Drug Administration-approved medication that Porreca is hoping to take into clinical trials soon to test its suitability as a pre-emptive therapy for post-surgical pain. PL 200,019 is still under development, but research suggests a high likelihood the monoclonal antibody can eventually be successfully transferred into the clinic. Either therapy could help decrease the risk of acute pain turning into chronic pain and reduce the post-surgery use of opioids by women. "Opioids remain the most important medications that we have for trauma-induced pain, for surgical-induced pain and for cancer pain," Porreca said. "If we can reduce the need for post-operative opioids, it's beneficial for the patient. It shortens their duration of stay in the hospital, and it gets them back on their feet faster, moving and recovering quicker. And, of course, that decreases the risk of addiction, respiratory depression, constipation, and all the things that we don't like with opioids." This study built on some of Porreca's prior research, published in BRAIN, including a paper that showed stress-induced activation of the hypothalamus in models of migraine can affect prolactin production and lead to increased nociceptor activation; and a study that was the first to identify that nociceptors are sexually dimorphic and selectively sensitized by prolactin in women and the hormone orexin in men. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A top World Health Organization committee on Monday unanimously adopted a proposed pandemic agreement, boosting its chances of being passed by the UN agency's full assembly on Tuesday. The accord aims to prevent the disjointed response and international disarray that surrounded the COVID-19 pandemic, by improving global coordination and surveillance, and access to vaccines, in future pandemics. The committee approval paves the way for its formal adoption by the annual assembly, which serves as the WHO's decision-making body. Namibia's Health Minister Esperance Luvindao, chairing the committee, announced that a resolution on the accord had been adopted by 124 votes with no votes againstwhile 11 countries abstained, including Iran, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia and Slovakia. "Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He congratulated WHO member states for coming together since the COVID-19 pandemic. "Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat," he said. Luvindao said the WHO Pandemic Agreement, concluded last month, showed the common international desire to be better prepared to prevent and respond to future pandemics. She said it showed a commitment to the principles of "respect for human dignity, equity, solidarity and sovereigntyand basing public health decisions to control pandemics on the best available science and evidence." The text of the agreementwhich looks to improve pandemic surveillance and access to vaccineswas finalized by consensus last month, capping more than three years of negotiations. The United States pulled out of those talks, following US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw his country from the WHO, a process that takes one year to complete. Precious Matsoso of South Africa, and France's ambassador for global health Anne-Claire Amprou co-chaired the talks process. "It is intended to create a rules-based, future-proof system that will stand the test of time. It does not, and will not, undermine the sovereignty of countries," she told the World Health Assembly. "In a time of growing geopolitical tensions and seismic changes, this agreement is proof that the world is still together." Amprou said COVID-19 had been an "electroshock" to the system. "It brutally reminded us that viruses know no borders; that no country, however powerful, can face a global health crisis alone." 2025 AFP 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 U.S. regulators will no longer approve COVID booster shots for healthy adults and children without new studies, adding a costly requirement for drugmakers, though they will still be available for millions of high-risk Americans. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad, who leads the agency's vaccine division, outlined the approach the agency intends to take with updated versions of the immunizations in an article published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The agency's willingness to continue making the shots available to high-risk people with a wide range of health conditions was a relief to the industry, which feared a wave of restrictions from President Donald Trump's political appointees who questioned the vaccines. Investors were buoyed as the new policy doesn't require the costly trials for older adults, who are more likely to get vaccinated. Moderna Inc.'s shares rose 6.5% as of 12:23 p.m. in New York. Pfizer Inc. gained 1.6% and Novavax Inc. was up 3%. The new FDA guidance "may be a silver lining" for COVID vaccine makers because it could increase the use of the shots given how many people have other health conditions, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Sam Fazeli said. Vaccination rates have been in decline, with just 23% of U.S. adults getting the latest booster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Required research Typically, with seasonal vaccines like the flu, drugmakers are able to introduce new formulas designed to match the mutating virus based on simple tests that show they generate a strong immune response. These faster reviews follow initial approvals based on rigorous trials proving the shots are safe and reduce the risk of infection and death. Going forward, the FDA expects drugmakers to do full studies before it approves updated immunizations each season for those six months to 64 years old without health issues that put them at high risk, Makary and Prasad wrote. Shots for the elderly and those with health risks, a group they say encompasses between 100 million and 200 million Americans, will be cleared using the current approach that doesn't require extensive studies. The rigorous trials, which involve testing against a placebo, are typically considered unethical when a vaccine already exists because it involves withholding proven protection and potentially exposing people to preventable illness. Manufacturers have also worried that it may be difficult to do another study in time for the fall immunization season. The range of high-risk conditions that will allow for vaccine use without additional studies is broad, including people who are obese and have mental health conditions like depression, the FDA officials wrote. It's unclear whether drug companies would do the trials to get broader approval. Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, which make COVID vaccines, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. New direction Changes in who gets COVID vaccinations have been looming for some time. While the shots are currently recommended for everyone aged six months and older, a group of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisers is debating whether they should only be offered to high-risk children and adults. Such a move would make it even less attractive for companies to do additional studies. The FDA is changing its approach in part because the benefits of repeat COVID shotsparticularly among low-risk people who may have already gotten boosters or been infected by the virus multiple timesare uncertain, Makary and Prasad wrote. The FDA's new policy "represents a balance of regulatory flexibility and a commitment to gold-standard science," they said. "The FDA will approve vaccines for high-risk persons, and at the same time, demand robust, gold-standard data on persons at low risk." The FDA has already started to limit who can get COVID shots. Last week, the agency gave full approval to a COVID vaccine from Novavax, but for a narrower group that includes adults 65 and older and those ages 12-to-64 who have at least one underlying condition. The agency also required the company to conduct additional safety trials, including evaluating the risk of myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. Moderna, meanwhile, is currently awaiting an FDA decision on a new version of its COVID vaccine. The article didn't address the company's situation 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Some of the nation's top brain researchers are still facing layoffs, even after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said no working scientists would be cut. Last month, scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) got layoff notices. NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The scientists were told they could keep working for a few more weeks, but their terminations have not been canceled, sources told CBS News. Their jobs are set to end on June 2. "Most people believe we were reinstated because we got back to the office," one scientist told CBS News anonymously. But that wasn't true. "These 11 labs have about 100 staff, mainly young trainees whose careers will be severely disrupted," one researcher said. Among the laid-off scientists is Richard Youle, who has worked at NIH since 1978. He is a distinguished investigator, a title reserved for the most respected researchers. Youle won the $3 million Breakthrough Prize in 2021 for his work on Parkinson's disease. After news of the layoffs came out, Youle received four job offersthree from outside the U.S., according to a source. "The world is ready to pounce and take our top scientists if we don't fix this," the source said. Ten other senior scientists at NINDS were also laid off, including experts in dopamine signaling and neurodegenerative disease. One of them, Dr. Ling-Gang Wu, received an award this year for his work on how brain cells communicate, CBS News added. In a U.S. Senate hearing on May 14, Kennedy testified that only administrative staff had been cut. "As far as I know, we have not fired any working scientists, the working scientists, the people who are actually doing science. There are some people who were scientists that were doing IT or administration, who did lose their jobs. But in terms of working scientists, our policy was to make sure none of them were lost and that that research continues," Kennedy said. While layoffs at other agencies, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were reversed before Kennedy's testimony, that hasn't happened at NIH, CBS News said. NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya had reportedly called the layoffs mistakes that would be reversed. But several weeks later, the scientists have not received any official notice that their jobs will be saved. Other research groups were also affected. Layoffs hit NIH staff at the National Cancer Institute and the Office of Research Facilities. These teams helped maintain labs and oversaw safety, CBS News said. The cuts also gutted NIH's acquisitions office, which helps researchers get the supplies they need. Laid-off scientists at the CDC also spoke out. "Perhaps [Kennedy] is unaware that his RIFs [reductions in force] have gutted scientists and front-line public health workers at CDC, the very people he vowed to protect," one researcher said. More information: The American Association for the Advancement of Science has more on federal funding cuts to medical research. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is teaming up with California-based biotech Septerna to develop new pills to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The deal could be worth up to $2.2 billion for Septerna. This includes more than $200 million in upfront and short-term milestone payments, plus future rewards tied to research, development and sales. Septerna will also get royalties on any future product sales, The Wall Street Journal reported. Novo Nordisk will pay all the research and development costs for the project. The U.S. biotech company has developed a platform that finds and develops drugs that target special proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These proteins help pass chemicals from outside cells to the inside. Many major drugs on the market today also target GPCRs. Novo Nordisk's best-known drug, Wegovy, targets a GPCR called GLP-1. Eli Lilly's popular weight-loss drug Zepbound targets both GLP-1 and another GPCR called GIP. "Septerna has demonstrated strong capabilities in GPCR drug discovery," Marcus Schindler, chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, told The Wall Street Journal. "We are excited about the opportunity to develop oral small molecule medicines directed at multiple targets," he added. The two companies plan four programs to create pills that target GPCRs including GLP-1, GIP and glucagonwhich are important proteins involved in blood sugar and appetite control, The WSJ said. Right now, leading weight-loss drugs must be injected into the body. Pill versions could make the drugs more convenient for patients and easier to ship and store. About one-third of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) target GPCRs, according to Novo Nordisk. But an estimated 75% of GPCR targets have not yet been used in medicine, meaning there's still a big opportunity for discovery. Septerna's stock jumped 69% in premarket trading after the deal was announced. Novo Nordisk's stock rose 1.2% in European trading. More information: The Mayo Clinic has more on prescription weight-loss drugs. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In the dim basement of a Salt Lake City pharmacy, hundreds of amber-colored plastic pill bottles sit stacked in rows, one man's defensive wall in a tariff war. Independent pharmacist Benjamin Jolley and his colleagues worry that the tariffs, aimed at bringing drug production to the United States, could instead drive companies out of business while raising prices and creating more of the drug shortages that have plagued American patients for several years. Jolley bought six months' worth of the most expensive large bottles, hoping to shield his business from the 10% across-the-board tariffs on imported goods that President Donald Trump announced April 2. Now with threats of additional tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals, Jolley worries that costs will soar for the medications that will fill those bottles. In principle, Jolley said, using tariffs to push manufacturing from China and India to the U.S. makes sense. In the event of war, China could quickly stop all exports to the United States. "I understand the rationale for tariffs. I'm not sure that we're gonna do it the right way," Jolley said. "And I am definitely sure that it's going to raise the price that I pay my suppliers." Squeezed by insurers and middlemen, independent pharmacists such as Jolley find themselves on the front lines of a tariff storm. Nearly everyone down the linedrugmakers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and middlemenopposes most tariffs. Slashing drug imports could trigger widespread shortages, experts said, because of America's dependence on Chinese- and Indian-made chemical ingredients, which form the critical building blocks of many medicines. Industry officials caution that steep tariffs on raw materials and finished pharmaceuticals could make drugs more expensive. "Big ships don't change course overnight," said Robin Feldman, a UC Law San Francisco professor who writes about prescription drug issues. "Even if companies pledge to bring manufacturing home, it will take time to get them up and running. The key will be to avoid damage to industry and pain to consumers in the process." Trump on April 8 said he would soon announce "a major tariff on pharmaceuticals," which have been largely tariff-free in the U.S. for 30 years. "When they hear that, they will leave China," he said. The U.S. imported $213 billion worth of medicines in 2024from China, but also India, Europe, and other areas. Trump's statement sent drugmakers scrambling to figure out whether he was serious, and whether some tariffs would be levied more narrowly, since many parts of the U.S. drug supply chain are fragile, drug shortages are common, and upheaval at the FDA leaves questions about whether its staffing is adequate to inspect factories, where quality problems can lead to supply chain crises. On May 12, Trump signed an executive order asking drugmakers to bring down the prices Americans pay for prescriptions, to put them in line with prices in other countries. Meanwhile, pharmacists predict even the 10% tariffs Trump has demanded will hurt: Jolley said a potential increase of up to 30 cents a vial is not a king's ransom, but it adds up when you're a small pharmacy that fills 50,000 prescriptions a year. "The one word that I would say right now to describe tariffs is 'uncertainty,'" said Scott Pace, a pharmacist and owner of Kavanaugh Pharmacy in Little Rock, Arkansas. To weather price fluctuations, Pace stocked up on the drugs his pharmacy dispenses most. "I've identified the top 200 generics in my store, and I have basically put 90 days' worth of those on the shelf just as a starting point," he said. "Those are the diabetes drugs, the blood pressure medicines, the antibioticsthose things that I know folks will be sicker without." Pace said tariffs could be the death knell for the many independent pharmacies that exist on "razor-thin margins"unless reimbursements rise to keep up with higher costs. Unlike other retailers, pharmacies can't pass along such costs to patients. Their payments are set by health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers largely owned by insurance conglomerates, who act as middlemen between drug manufacturers and purchasers. Neal Smoller, who employs 15 people at his Village Apothecary in Woodstock, New York, is not optimistic. "It's not like they're gonna go back and say, well, here's your 10% bump because of the 10% tariff," he said. "Costs are gonna go up and then the sluggish responses from the PBMsthey're going to lead us to lose more money at a faster rate than we already are." Smoller, who said he has built a niche selling vitamins and supplements, fears that FDA firings will mean fewer federal inspections and safety checks. "I worry that our pharmaceutical industry becomes like our supplement industry, where it's the wild West," he said. Narrowly focused tariffs might work in some cases, said Marta Wosinska, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center on Health Policy. For example, while drug manufacturing plants can cost $1 billion and take three to five years to set up, it would be relatively cheap to build a syringe factorya business American manufacturers abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic because China was dumping its products here, Wosinska said. It's not surprising that giants such as Novartis and Eli Lilly have promised Trump they'll invest billions in U.S. plants, she said, since much of their final drug product is made here or in Europe, where governments negotiate drug prices. The industry is using Trump's tariff saber-rattling as leverage; in an April 11 letter, 32 drug companies demanded European governments pay them more or face an exodus to the United States. Brandon Daniels, CEO of supply chain company Exiger, is bullish on tariffs. He thinks they could help bring some chemical manufacturing back to the U.S., which, when coupled with increased use of automation, would reduce the labor advantages of China and India. "You've got real estate in North Texas that's cheaper than real estate in Shenzhen," he said at an economic conference April 25 in Washington, referring to a major Chinese chemical manufacturing center. But Wosinska said no amount of tariffs will compel makers of generic drugs, responsible for 90% of U.S. prescriptions, to build new factories in the U.S. Payment structures and competition would make it economic suicide, she said. Several U.S. generics firms have declared bankruptcy or closed U.S. factories over the past decade, said John Murphy, CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines, the generics trade group. Reversing that trend won't be easy and tariffs won't do it, he said. "There's not a magic level of tariffs that magically incentivizes them to come into the U.S.," he said. "There is no room to make a billion-dollar investment in a domestic facility if you're going to lose money on every dose you sell in the U.S. market." His group has tried to explain these complexities to Trump officials, and hopes word is getting through. "We're not PhRMA," Murphy said, referring to the powerful trade group primarily representing makers of brand-name drugs. "I don't have the resources to go to Mar-a-Lago to talk to the president myself." Many of the active ingredients in American drugs are imported. Fresenius Kabi, a German company with facilities in eight U.S. states to produce or distribute sterile injectablesvital hospital drugs for cancer and other conditionscomplained in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that tariffs on these raw materials could paradoxically lead some companies to move finished product manufacturing overseas. Fresenius Kabi also makes biosimilars, the generic forms of expensive biologic drugs such as Humira and Stelara. The United States is typically the last developed country where biosimilars appear on the market because of patent laws. Tariffs on biosimilars coming from overseaswhere Fresenius makes such drugswould further incentivize U.S. use of more expensive brand-name biologics, the March 11 letter said. Biosimilars, which can cost a tenth of the original drug's price, launch on average three to four years later in the U.S. than in Canada or Europe. In addition to getting cheaper knockoff drugs faster, European countries also pay far less than the United States for brand-name products. Paradoxically, Murphy said, those same countries pay more for generics. European governments tend to establish more stable contracts with makers of generics, while in the United States, "rabid competition" drives down prices to the point at which a manufacturer "maybe scrimps on product quality," said John Barkett, a White House Domestic Policy Council member in the Biden administration. As a result, Wosinska said, "without exemptions or other measures put in place, I really worry about tariffs causing drug shortages." Smoller, the New York pharmacist, doesn't see any upside to tariffs. "How do I solve the problem of caring for my community," he said, "but not being subject to the emotional roller coaster that is dispensing hundreds of prescriptions a day and watching every single one of them be a loss or 12 cents profit?" 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Mount Sinai researchers have found for the first time that a woman is more than 10 times more likely to develop postpartum psychosis if her sister had experienced the condition, compared to a woman with a sister who did not. The findings, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and highlighted at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting press briefing the same day, suggest both genetic and shared environmental influences. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental illness that has a devastating impact on mothers in the vulnerable weeks and months after childbirth. It carries an increased risk of suicide and infanticide if left untreated. Among the early warning signs of postpartum psychosis are severe mood swings, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, insomnia, paranoia, and thoughts of self-harm. Despite the devastating ramifications of the disorder, it remains vastly understudied and a challenge for physicians to diagnose and address. "Every woman of childbearing age and their physicians need to know about the existence of, severity, symptoms, and familial risk for postpartum psychosis so it can be promptly diagnosed and, hopefully, prevented," said Veerle Bergink, MD, PhD, Director of the Women's Mental Health Center at Mount Sinai and co-senior author of the paper. "At present, too many women at higher risk don't know it and are left on their own with a new baby and no support. We hope these study findings will help move the needle and impart change. With wider recognition of this particular condition and risk factors for it, we can implement changes to help ease the burden on women during this postpartum period." The Mount Sinai study team examined the records of more than 1.6 million women from the Swedish nationwide registries, identifying 2,514 women who had experienced postpartum psychosis within three months of their first childbirth. In addition to finding that a woman is more than 10 times more likely to develop postpartum psychosis if her sister had the condition, the Swedish registry study showed that the presence of bipolar disorder in a sister doubles the woman's risk of developing postpartum psychosis. Women with a sister who has bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis were shown to be at highest risk; their risk of developing postpartum psychosis themselves is 14 times increased. The study measured relative recurrent risk for the disorder, which implies an increased likelihood of its appearance in another member of the family. This differs from actual risk, which refers to the probability of developing the condition. Researchers learned that while the relative risk of postpartum psychosis is quite high in full siblings, the absolute risk for women with an affected sister is still low at 1.6%. "These findings support the view that even though there is overlap between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, these are, in fact, distinct conditions," said Dr. Bergink. "We hope this new data will help move the needle and impart change. With wider recognition of this particular condition and risk factors for it, measures can and should be taken to help ease the burden for women during this postpartum period." Beyond expanding awareness around postpartum psychosis, this study provides a solid foundation for the next step of research, aimed at early recognition and prevention. Work that involves identifying the genes responsible for this disease is already underway at Mount Sinai in the lab of Behrang Mahjani, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-author of the study. "We're using complex molecular data to investigate the genetic architecture of the disease," says Dr. Mahjani. "Knowing what specific genes are involved will help us dive into the mechanisms and triggers of postpartum psychosis, and if they're hormone- or immune-related. And that, in turn, could lead us to novel treatments and ways to proactively inform women of their risk before they're faced with a severe health crisis." More information: Adrianna P. Kepinska et al, Familial Risk of Postpartum Psychosis, American Journal of Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230576 Journal information: American Journal of Psychiatry Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of Indias most distinguished astrophysicists and a global name in theoretical cosmology, passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 86. His death marks the end of an era in Indian science, leaving behind a towering legacy of intellectual brilliance, fearless scientific inquiry and unwavering commitment to public science education. Best known internationally for the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, developed in collaboration with British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, Dr Narlikar brought a bold and alternative perspective to mainstream cosmology. The HoyleNarlikar theory offered a formulation of gravitation that synthesised Einsteins general relativity with Machs principle, proposing that the inertial mass of a particle depends on the distribution of mass across the universean idea that challenged conventional big bang cosmology and continues to stimulate scientific debate. Born on 19 July 1938, at Kolhapur in Maharashtra, Dr Narlikar was the son of noted mathematician Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar. He studied at Banaras Hindu University before going on to the University of Cambridge, where he worked closely with Fred Hoyle. He earned his PhD in 1963 and soon gained prominence as a young cosmologist unafraid to contest established paradigms. Dr Narlikar served on the faculty of Cambridge and later returned to India, where he committed himself to nurturing scientific talent and promoting a culture of excellence in astrophysics. In 1988, he became the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune which he built into a world-class institution. He remained associated with IUCAA as professor emeritus. Equally passionate about public engagement, Dr Narlikar was a prolific writer in English and Marathi. He authored numerous booksboth technical and popularincluding science fiction and essays aimed at making complex scientific ideas accessible to lay readers. His outreach efforts made him a beloved figure beyond the scientific community, inspiring generations of students and amateur astronomers. A recipient of several prestigious honours, Dr Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1965) and the Padma Vibhushan (2004), two of Indias highest civilian awards. He was elected Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and the Third World Academy of Sciences, among others. Internationally, he held visiting professorships and was often invited to speak on cosmology and the philosophy of science. Despite his international stature, Dr Narlikar remained rooted in Indian science, advocating for indigenous research and voicing concern over pseudoscience and uncritical thinking. He was known for his integrity, humility, and unflinching belief in the scientific method. Dr Narlikar is survived by his wife, Dr Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician, and their three daughters. In mourning his passing, India has lost not just a scientist of rare calibre but also a tireless champion of rationality and curiosity. His work will continue to influence and challenge future generations in the quest to understand the cosmos. In a significant step towards streamlining responses to cyber financial crimes, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has rolled out a pilot of the e-Zero first information report (FIR) initiative in Delhi. The system enables the automatic conversion of cybercrime complaintsspecifically those involving financial losses above Rs10 lakhinto FIRs, substantially reducing the time between complaint and investigation. The initiative, developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), aims to empower victims by speeding up the recovery process and ensuring rapid punitive action against cybercriminals. Union home minister Amit Shah, in a social media post, said the project will drastically enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend cyber fraudsters with unprecedented speed. He noted that the system was introduced to address the difficulties faced by victims in getting their money back after falling prey to financial cybercrimes. The MHA's Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) introduced the new e-Zero FIR initiative to nab any criminal with unprecedented speed. Launched as a pilot project for Delhi, the new system will automatically convert cyber financial crimes filed at NCRP or 1930 to FIRs, Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 19, 2025 The newly-introduced mechanism integrates the national cybercrime reporting portal (NCRP), cybercrime helpline 1930, Delhi polices e-FIR system, and the crime and criminal tracking network & systems (CCTNS) managed by the national crime record bureau (NCRB). Under the pilot framework, any complaint involving financial losses above Rs10 lakh made through NCRP or 1930 will trigger an automated registration of a zero FIR at the e-crime police station in Delhi. This FIR will then be routed to the relevant territorial cybercrime police station based on jurisdiction. Victims will be allowed a three-day window to visit the cybercrime police station and have the zero FIR converted into a regular FIR. The process is compliant with the latest criminal law reforms, specifically the newly introduced section 173 (1) and 1(ii) of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). According to MHA, the e-zero FIR system will soon be extended beyond Delhi to other states and Union territories (UTs), enabling nationwide standardisation of cybercrime reporting and enforcement. The move is expected to significantly improve the conversion rate of cybercrime complaints filed via NCRP or 1930 into official police cases. It also enhances the chances of tracing and restoring defrauded funds to victims. According to officials, the new system will be critical in bridging the gap between digital complaint platforms and actionable criminal proceedings, ultimately building a stronger and more responsive cybersecurity grid across the country. The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), has voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of former Union minister MJ Akbar in an all-party delegation visiting Europe following Operation Sindoor, calling it a 'regressive signal' that undermines India's global stance on gender justice. In a public statement , NWMI said Mr Akbars inclusion in the delegation contradicts the spirit of Operation Sindoor which was launched on 7 May 2025 as a tribute to Indian womens resilience after the Pahalgam terror attack left several women widowed. The operation has been projected as a mission upholding the honour and dignity of Indian women. It is deeply inappropriate to include in such a delegation a person accused by multiple women of sexual harassment, particularly when the mission is framed around dignity and justice for women, NWMI says in its statement. Mr Akbar, a former editor and minister, faced numerous allegations of sexual harassment during Indias MeToo movement in 2018, mostly from women journalists who had worked with him. At least 20 women had come forward to testify. Mr Akbar responded by filing a defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani, one of the first to speak out. In a landmark verdict in 2021, the court acquitted Ms Ramani, affirming that a woman has the right to speak up about sexual abuse even decades later. NWMI noted that the courts decision was widely celebrated as a turning point in Indias struggle for workplace safety and women's rights. Mr Akbars inclusion now sends a disheartening message to survivors of sexual harassmentnot just in journalism but across professions, NWMI stated. The delegation is reportedly being sent to engage with European partners in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which combines military strategy with a symbolic stand on women's dignity. NWMI questioned the credibility of such messaging when a person with Akbars record is among the official representatives. We urge the withdrawal of Mr Akbar from this delegation to ensure that Indias representatives truly reflect the values of dignity, respect, and justice for women, the statement concluded. Last week, US president Donald Trump fired a salvo against Apples Tim Cookdemanding that iPhones be made in America, not India. This marks a fresh escalation in his 'America First' crusade. The outburst, laced with characteristic bluster, came despite Mr Cooks earlier pledge of US$500bn (billion) in US investments. In 2024-25, Apple churned out 40mn (million) iPhones in India, worth US$22bn, with 32mn units (US$17.5bn) exported to the US, Europe, and West Asia. By 2026, the tech giant aims to assemble all US-bound iPhones there, scaling production to 80mn units annuallya boon for both Apple and Indias ambitions as a manufacturing hub. But Mr Trumps demands threaten to upend this. It is a reminder that the presidents tariff threats are not merely about trade deficits; they are a battering ram for his broader goal of reshoring manufacturing to American soil. This dual agendabalancing trade while reviving US industryputs him on a collision course with the long-term strategies of companies like Apple, which has deftly shifted production from China to India, and with nations banking on manufacturing to fuel growth. Reshoring, however, is a far thornier issue than trade negotiations. Targeting Apple publicly is only the first example of Mr Trumps thinking. Expect trade discussions with other manufacturing heavyweights such as Germany, Korea and Japan to be laced with equally contentious demands on reshoring. It will be worse than the trade talks which themselves have not progressed much. Trade Deals So Far President Trumps stream of absurd and chaotic tariff pronouncementsfrom a tariff rate that was based on trade surplus percentage, to punitive tariffs even on remote islands inhabited by only penguinshave violently shaken up supply chains, trade relations and unit economics of businesses. Countries were given a 90-day ultimatum to negotiate, prompting a frantic scramble to decode his intentions. In response, they have scrambled to figure out what they were suddenly guilty of and how best to negotiate with the US within a 90-day timeline. Many experts thought that his aim was to lock out China from the global trade chains by first striking major deals with big, long-term trade partners and allies like Japan, Germany and South Korea. They were wrong. One month later, only two agreements have materialised: one with China (a US$295bn trade surplus foe) and another with the UK (a modest US$12bn surplus ally). Trade deals with the European Union (EU) will prove extremely complicated and are nowhere near in sight; Mr Trump calls EU bigger cheats than China. Japan is in a confrontational mode. There is no deal in sight with Vietnam, a major transhipment hub for Chinese exports to the US. Deals with Canada and Mexico are in a limbo. While the broad assumption is that Mr Trumps inflammatory rants will always end with some negotiation, 90-day deadlines can expire, without many of the expected 90 deals with 90 countries, leading to another round of Trump tantrums and accompanying volatility and economic uncertainty. But, as the Apple example shows, it is reshoring that will be a bigger bone of contention. President Trump is not trying to balance his trade book alone; if he did, countries could very well try to reduce their trade deficit at least partly through imports from the US of high volume (oil & gas) and high value (defence and high-tech) products. He wants both trade deals and reshoring. But European Union countries are struggling with poor growth, declining population and higher social costs. Flooded by Chinese imports, they cant shrink their manufacturing base any further. Developing countries need to pull out millions from poverty. The best way to do it is through manufacturing, which alone is scalable and can thereby create massive employment which agriculture cannot. Services cannot make a dent on unemployment in rural and semi-urban areas. Of course, Mr Trump cannot force Apple to reshore. The US lacks the skilled labour with experience in electronics assembly, needed for precision products like assembling iPhones, tight supply chain of component suppliers (for chips, displays and camera modules) located in China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea and manufacturing ecosystems (specialised tooling, logistics support, sub- be Regulated, Bancontractors and just-in-time supply networks). It is just not possible for Apple to build all of it from scratch. It is too costly and will take years. The same is the story for pharmaceuticals, where India has unique competitive advantages. But Mr Trump, of course, will have none of these arguments. His relentless push for reshoringhowever impracticalwill keep global policymakers and executives on edge. The past four months of chaos have been a spectacle for the masses. For those steering companies and countries, the nerve-shredding roller coaster has not ended. If there seems to be a lull, it is because we may have just seen the end of phase one of the trade wars. (This article first appeared in Business Standard newspaper) Hardships and famines brought the first wave of Irish immigrants to America. What lay before them in a new country was a mystery, but they must have felt it couldnt be any worse than what they were leaving behind. The second wave as well yearned for different lives. Many headed for the big cities of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, while others settled in such towns as St. Patrick, Missouri, Fall River, Massachusetts, Calumet, Michigan, and Leadville, Colorado. Because of its underground mining, add Butte to that list. By the dawn of the 20th century, hundreds of Irish immigrants had already put down roots in the Mining City, and they kept coming. So much so that Butte would warrant the nickname, Irelands Fifth Province. Among those Irish immigrants were nearly 2,000 men, women and children from the Beara Peninsula, which borders Counties Cork and Kerry. Speaking of newly arrived, it's because of those immigrants of decades past that 50 residents of the Beara Peninsula have arrived recently in Butte. They are here to learn more about the lives their ancestors led after leaving Ireland and familiarize themselves with the city they called home. For those immigrants, Butte represented an opportunity to begin anew. The late Riobard ODwyer, a historian, author and genealogist from the Beara Peninsula, published several genealogical books in his lifetime. While he focused on the peninsulas history and its people, he also chronicled the journeys of those who left the peninsula to settle in their new chosen homes, including Butte. ODwyer, who died in 2020, visited Butte in 1994 and said Except for not having the sea rolling up to its shores, the whole atmosphere here could lead one to imagine that a big part of the Beara Peninsula was lifted up off the southwest of Ireland, set down in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and renamed Butte, Montana. Walking through St. Patricks Cemetery and looking at all the headstones with the familiar Beara surnames such as Sullivan, Shea, Harrington, Murphy, ONeill, Lynch, Sheehan and others, you cant help but wonder what their lives were like once they settled in Butte. Johanna Murphy Sullivan was just 33 years old when she died of heart failure on Sept. 17, 1899. Married to another Beara native, Quinn Sullivan, she did not live to see her children grow into adulthood. Looking through newspapers.com, you learn that a son, Dennis, would become a Jesuit priest and treasurer of Seattle College. Her youngest daughter, Norah Berg would author a 1952 novel, Lady on the Beach while living in Washington. Her husband, Quinn, died in 1910 at the age of 45. When Timothy Sheehan died on Oct. 29, 1899, The Butte Miner referred to him as a highly respected old timer of Butte. He was 49 years old. Sheehan, who died of pneumonia, was married and the father of seven children. According to the National Vital Statistics Report, Sheehan had already surpassed the average life expectancy for a man of that era, which was 47.3 years. Julia and Jerry ONeill, the parents of five daughters and five sons, made their home on East Center Street and were members of St. Lawrence OToole Church. The couple died within seven months of each other Julia, 55, on June 8, 1900; Jerry, 67, on Jan. 24, 1901. The headstone, erected by their sons, included the prayer, "May the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. It was also noted that both were natives of County Cork. For 17 years, Patrick Sullivan lived in Butte and by local newspaper accounts, was a well-respected man. Married with four young children, the 43-year-old man had worked his way up in the mining industry and was a foreman at the Rarus Mine. Sullivan died unexpectedly of appendicitis on May 5, 1905. His funeral procession to St. Patricks Cemetery included 200 horse-drawn carts and carriages. The Anaconda Standard reported that the procession was perhaps the longest ever seen in Butte and along the route great crowds congregated. Proof of the Beara influence, among his survivors were three sisters and two brothers, all of whom were living in Butte. Described as one of the pioneers among the Irish colony in Centerville, Dennis Lynch died Oct. 3, 1915. While he did not live a lavish lifestyle, Lynch had some money to spare. For many years he worked in the mines, helped to run a miners boarding house and reportedly had made some sound investments. When his wife Margaret died on Feb. 14, 1898, he did not skimp on her towering headstone. The Mother monument, with its cast iron plate, includes carvings of angels. Ornamental designs of leaves and flowers are clearly visible as well. His own headstone, erected 17 years later by his survivors, pales in comparison. Less than two feet up from the ground, it includes only his name, age and date of death. Sometime around 1896, Dennis Harrington immigrated to Butte with four of his brothers, Patrick, Daniel, Michael and Timothy. Like so many of his countrymen, he worked in the Butte mines. Harrington, however, had dreams that did not include toiling underground. He wanted to be his own boss and by 1910, was able to open a drinking establishment at 829 N. Wyoming St. The 37-year-old man was not able to run the business for long. On Aug. 23, 1911, he died at his residence at 125 Clear Grit Terrace, leaving his widow, Kate, to raise their two young children. His funeral Mass was held nearby at St. Marys Church, which was built around the Irish neighborhoods of Dublin Gulch, Corktown and Muckerville. So many women from these neighborhoods were left widows that St. Marys would earn the nickname, Widows Parish. Not all natives of the Beara are buried at St. Patricks Cemetery. Michael Sheas final resting place is Holy Cross Cemetery. His story had an all-to-familiar ring. Shea, like so many Butte men, was killed in a mining accident. What makes his story more poignant was that the 23-year-old was working his last shift April 6, 1924, at the Black Rock Mine. Plans had already been made, and he was leaving in two days for the big city lights of New York City. His life was cut short when he died from injuries received when he fell 75 feet down a chute. Decades have passed since the men and women mentioned here played a part in making Butte the richest hill on earth. Make no mistake, their collective contributions, along with the immigrants of other lands, were enormous, and more importantly, decades later, not forgotten. Its their legacy of strength that their descendants continue to honor. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Cellphone records and data offered during testimony Monday gave Scott County jurors another look at what was going on before and after a 2024 double homicide. Davenport police detective Aric Robinson spent the morning on the witness stand detailing the data during the ninth day of testimony in Adriana Blake's trial for her role in the Jan. 15, 2024, shooting deaths of Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith. The bodies of Goodwin and Smith were discovered in the early morning hours of Jan. 16, 2024, after a neighbor called in a fire at 5210 N. Division St., where Goodwin rented the basement portion of a converted house. Blake and Braet, who were living with Goodwin at 5210 N. Division St. at the time of the murders, were arrested days after the discovery of the killings. On Feb. 5, 2024, both were charged with two counts of first-degree murder, among other offenses. They were slated to be tried together, but Braet was severed from Blake's trial on May 8 a day-and-a-half after testimony started. Blake is represented by Des Moines attorneys Christopher Kragnes and Austin Luse. Braet's trial is set to start June 16 in Scott County. He will continue to be represented by State Assistant Public Defender Jill Eimermann and Amy Kepes of the State Public Defender's Office. 'U gotta stop this' On the witness stand under direct examination by Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham, Robinson told jurors about the calls, texts and Facebook Messenger messages Goodwin exchanged with others in the hours leading up to his death sometime after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2024. Backing the earlier testimony of Victoria Smeaton, at 12:43 a.m. on Jan. 15 Goodwin sent a message on Messenger to Smeaton to say that he was 10 minutes from her home. At 1:07 a.m., Smeaton also used Messenger to tell Goodwin he could park anywhere. Smeaton was Goodwin's girlfriend from 2020 until his death. Smeaton testified that Goodwin left early in the morning of Jan. 15, before 4:30 a.m. At 4:18 a.m. Goodwin messaged Smeaton to tell her he was leaving. In a subsequent message, he said he had lost a lot of money and didn't want to do drugs around her. According to Smeaton's testimony, she continued to message Brian after he left her home. At 4:27 a.m., as he is walking into his home at 5210 N. Division St., Goodwin messaged Smeaton: "U gotta stop this." That was the last message anyone ever received from Goodwin. Smith's cellphone records showed that she was trying to reach Goodwin the entire time he was at Smeaton's home. Smith called Goodwin at total of 14 times between 1:40 a.m. and 4:11 a.m. on Jan. 15. Goodwin and Smith did not answer any calls, text or Messenger messages after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 15. Investigators believe they were dead. Looking for Goodwin During testimony offered last week, Amber LeBarge and Richard Dean testified that they started looking for Goodwin after 8 p.m. Jan. 15 because he had not returned phone calls from friends and family members. He also had not returned the Toyota Celica used by his son, Caleb Goodwin. When LeBarge, Dean and Caleb Goodwin independently determined that the Celica and Brian Goodwin's Dodge Nitro were missing from in front of 5210 N. Division St., concern grew. Dean testified that he texted Blake, and spoke to her on the phone. Robinson testified that cellphone records backed that testimony. At 8:56 p.m. on Jan. 15, Dean texted Blake and concluded the text with " ... now you keep on hanging up the phone Do I need to call the cops or what you tell me." At 11:27 p.m. on Jan. 15 he once again threatened to call the police. As Lebarge and Dean testified, late Jan. 15 they chased two unidentified men driving Goodwin's Nitro before calling the police. That call led to Davenport Police patrol officer Larry Le's decision to check out 5210 N. Division St. just hours before the Jan. 16 fire that led to the discovery of the bodies of Goodwin and Smith. A man with guns In testimony delivered last week, Katelynn Hunter testified that in July 2023 she was pregnant with Braet's child and remained in contact with him throughout that year and into 2024. She testified that on Jan. 16, 2024 Braet texted her and said he would not contact her from his number and that he was trying to leave town. From the witness stand Monday, Robinson told jurors that on Jan. 9, 2024, six days before the deaths of Goodwin and Smith, Braet send Hunter a series of three photos that showed him in possession of a 9 mm Glock, a .38-caliber handgun, and a short-barrel, .22-caliber rifle. Weapons matching those descriptions were recovered from a white Ford Bronco on the night of Jan. 18, 2024 when Braet and Blake were taken into custody. During the arrest, Braet had the Glock in a body holster. Investigators said the other handgun was recover from a pocket in the vehicle in front of where Blake was seated and the rifle was also in the vehicle. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the recent deportation of Martha Karua by Tanzanian authorities, clarifying that her denial of entry was unrelated to her role as an opposition leader in Kenya. During his weekly briefing on Monday, Mwaura stressed that each country in the East African region independently manages its internal security and immigration decisions. He explained that the Tanzanian government made the decision to deport Karua along with two other Kenyans. If a certain government feels like they have information about a particular individual, whether in government or in opposition, it has the right to admit. It is not a question of which side of the political divide one belongs to, Mwaura said. He added that Kenya respects Tanzanias sovereign decisions and cannot question them. Kenya-Tanzania Relations Remain Strong Mwaura reassured Kenyans that diplomatic relations between the two countries remain strong despite the deportations, which also affected former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. I dont think that there is any diplomatic spat between Kenya and Tanzania. Any country has the right to admit anyone within its territories, he said. Highlighting the case as an isolated incident, Mwaura noted that opposition figures from Kenya and other East African countries have previously traveled to Tanzania without issue. When Raila Odinga was the opposition leader, he used to travel a lot to Tanzania, he said. Responding to claims by Karua that the deportations were part of a coordinated attempt to restrict opposition leaders, Mwaura dismissed the allegations as unfounded. There is a specific issue here. Martha Karua wanted to go and defend Tundu Lissu in Tanzania, but the government thought otherwise, and they were deported. It has nothing to do with the opposition leaders, he clarified. He concluded by emphasizing Kenyas right to refuse entry or deport individuals deemed a security risk, underscoring the importance of reciprocity in regional security cooperation. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a full-scale investigation into Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya over allegations of embezzling Ksh1.4 billion in county funds. The probe centers on claims that the governor manipulated tender processes and received kickbacks through proxies tied to major infrastructure projects. On Monday morning, EACC detectives raided Natembeyas home in Milimani, Kitale, as part of the ongoing investigation. The operation, which also targeted the homes of four senior county officials, aimed to uncover evidence linked to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments made during the 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 financial years. The Commission confirmed it had recovered critical pieces of evidence and plans to use them in the prosecution of those implicated. Investigators are closely examining how Natembeya and the other officials allegedly facilitated suspicious payments tied to three multimillion-shilling public projects. The first project under scrutiny involves the rehabilitation and modernization of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A), awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited. The second focuses on the construction of the Trans-Nzoia County Headquarters, handed to C.M. Construction Company Limited. The third project, awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited, involves the construction of Tom Mboya Hospital. EACC has listed several county officials as persons of interest, including Emanuel Masungo (Chief Officer for Finance), Dorothy Nyukuri (Chief Officer for Water), and Eliyah Liambula (Director of Procurement). Also under investigation is Desmond Shivachi, a contractor whom the agency identifies as one of Natembeyas proxies. In addition to corruption and procurement fraud, EACC is investigating possible money laundering and unexplained wealth among the officials, suggesting a broader scheme to conceal illicit funds. Angry Residents Clash With EACC Officers During Raid But the high-stakes probe took a violent turn on Monday. As officers carried out the early morning raid, angry residents gathered outside Natembeyas home and quickly turned hostile. The crowd pelted EACC vehicles with stones, deflated tyres, and eventually stormed the compound, disrupting the operation. Governor Natembeya, a fierce critic of the President William Ruto government, was not present during the raid, which began shortly before 8 a.m. and lasted over two hours. By the end of the standoff, the mob had damaged more than five vehicles belonging to the Commission and the police. EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud condemned the violence, calling it a direct attack on the rule of law. The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. Obstructing a Commission officer is a criminal offence, he said in a statement. He urged the public to respect the law and allow investigations to proceed without interference. Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has stepped in to defuse rising diplomatic tensions between Kenya and the United States following recent remarks by President William Ruto during a high-profile visit to China. President Rutos comments, which highlighted a growing strategic partnership between Kenya and China, triggered backlash from Idaho Senator Jim Risch, who called for a reassessment of Washingtons ties with Nairobi. On Monday, May 19, 2025, Koechwho chairs the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relationsreleased a statement addressed to Senator Risch, seeking to clarify Kenyas position and ease concerns in Washington. He maintained that Kenyas foreign policy stance remains rooted in mutual partnerships, not political shifts. Koech said Kenya is not changing its allegiance but rather, changing the conversation. He explained that President Rutos assertion of Kenya and China as co-architects of a new world order was not a signal of realignment but a bold declaration that Africa must have a seat at the global table. According to Koech, the Presidents remarks reflect a growing demand across the continent for fairer, more inclusive global governance and economic systems. President Rutas reference to Kenya and China as co-architects of a new world order must be viewed as an assertion of Africas right to shape its future, not as a pivot in allegiance. Kenya is calling for a more just global system, one where Africa contributes meaningfully to international governance and economic policy. Koech Urges Respect for Kenyas Sovereignty To underscore his point, Koech drew a comparison to former US President Donald Trumps foreign policy legacy, noting that Trump similarly questioned outdated global institutions and pushed for reforms that benefited American interests. This aspiration mirrors President Trumps own push for reform within global institutions, Koech noted. From the United Nations to the World Trade Organization, Trump consistently demanded updated frameworks for American interests. Kenya is asking for the samenot to reject multilateralism, but to rebuild it on principles of equity and shared responsibility. Koech reaffirmed that Kenya values its longstanding relationship with the United States and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation. He pointed out that the two nations share key interests, including climate action, sustainable trade, regional security, and global economic development. While acknowledging Senator Rischs concerns, Koech urged any reassessment of bilateral ties to be grounded in mutual respect. He reminded Washington that Kenya remains a sovereign nation with the right to pursue diverse diplomatic relationships in the interest of its people. If there is a reassessment to be made, then let it be one that recognises sovereignty, agency, and mutual benefit, Koech concluded. Kenya is not walking away from the United States. We are simply widening our diplomatic space; every nation has the right to do so. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has once again raised alarm over Kenyas labour export practices, renewing his call to abolish the National Employment Authority (NEA), which he accuses of facilitating modern-day slavery. On Monday, May 19, 2025, Atwoli took to his official X account to voice deep concern about the growing number of Kenyan workers being sent abroad without proper safeguards to protect their rights and welfare. He warned that this troubling trend continues unchecked, putting vulnerable youth at serious risk. Atwoli stressed that this issue is not new. Over time, he has repeatedly urged the government to dismantle the NEA, which he believes has failed to uphold the dignity and safety of Kenyans working overseas. According to him, the authority operates too independently and without sufficient oversight. He went further, branding the NEA an agent of modern slavery. He called on the government to scrap the agency and fold its responsibilities into the Ministry of Labour, where better regulation and accountability can be ensured. The COTU boss criticized the NEA for collaborating with unscrupulous employment agents who send Kenyan domestic workers to Gulf countries without properly assessing the harsh conditions awaiting them. These agents are nothing short of modern-day slave traders, Atwoli said, urging authorities to suspend the laws that allow these exploitative practices immediately. Atwoli Urges Ban on Exporting Kenyan Workers to Gulf He pointed to the disturbing reality many Kenyan youth face abroad, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, where workers often endure inhumane treatment. Many of our youth end up in inhumane situations, forced to work for people who believe they own them, like slaves. Youve seen these stories on television, Atwoli said, referencing the widely reported abuse cases in the Gulf region. In response, Atwoli demanded the government impose an immediate ban on exporting domestic and unskilled workers, particularly to Gulf nations. He described the current system as modern slavery, plain and simple and called on Kenya to prioritize the protection and dignity of its workforce. Beyond stopping labour export, Atwoli emphasized the urgent need to focus on Kenyas domestic economy. He urged the government to invest in growing local industries and creating meaningful employment opportunities for Kenyan youth at home. Instead of exporting our workforce, we need mechanisms to grow our own economy and create employment opportunities within Kenya, he said. Atwoli reminded Kenyans of the countrys historic economic leadership in East Africa. Until recently, we had the highest GDP in East Africa, surpassing Ethiopiauntil they overtook us, he noted. He called on policymakers to go back to the drawing board and develop strategies to revive Kenyas economic strength. We must implement policies that attract investors, he added. President William Ruto walked into Mukuru Kwa Njenga on Tuesday morning determined to change the weeks political script. Flanked by construction workers in hard-hats, the Head of State handed 1,080 families their keys and declared the moment a special day and the most consequential day in my political career. The new tenants are the first beneficiaries of the 56-acre Mukuru Social Housing Project, Kenyas largest affordable-housing build to date, and the president wasted no time linking the ceremony to his broader battle over the contested housing levy. A quick look at Mukuru Phase One Units delivered: 1,080 out of an eventual 13,428. 1,080 out of an eventual 13,428. Mix & pricing: 5,616 bedsitters (KSh 640,000), 3,024 one-bedrooms (KSh 960,000) and 4,608 two-bedrooms ( KSh 1.28 million). Monthly rent-to-own payments start at roughly KSh 3,900 for studio units and rise to about KSh 21,000 for lower-middle-income apartments. 5,616 bedsitters (KSh 640,000), 3,024 one-bedrooms (KSh 960,000) and 4,608 two-bedrooms ( KSh 1.28 million). Monthly rent-to-own payments start at roughly KSh 3,900 for studio units and rise to about KSh 21,000 for lower-middle-income apartments. Project cost: Government figures put the first two phases at about KSh 7 billion, financed through the Housing Fund and on-site private developers. President @WilliamsRuto at the New Mukuru Estate: This is one of the most consequential days in my political career! pic.twitter.com/bvJ1dKWYXf Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) May 20, 2025 Direct construction and supply contracts have already engaged some 4,800 local workers on site, according to State House numbers. Nationally, the administration insists the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has generated 200,000 direct jobs since mid-2023 and aims for 500,000 by 2027, although critics say the tally is fuzzy. The Affordable Housing Act, signed on 19 March 2024, cemented a 1.5 percent deduction from every workers gross pay, matched by employers, to bankroll similar estates country-wide. The houses are then either sold cash, or through a low tax mortgage advertised as rent-to-own. The levy has survived two high-court nullifications, a Court of Appeal stay, and fresh petitions filed last month that again call its constitutionality into question. Opposition fire and Gen Z push-back Last years Gen Z-led #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests spilled into street battles that left at least 50 people dead and forced Ruto to withdraw a separate finance bill. Demonstrators lumped the housing levy into a wider complaint about a tax-every-breath presidency. Politicians have kept the flames alight. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka vows to scrap the levy on day one if he wins the 2027 race, while former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and other break-away Kenya Kwanza figures have adopted the same pledge. It is song and dance in Mukuru Kwa Njenga as residents celebrate the miracle that affordable housing program is. From shame to dignity. pic.twitter.com/ClcVAeo4Mc Gerald Bitok (@geraldbitok) May 20, 2025 A volatile political week Natembeya in cuffs: On Monday, detectives arrested Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya on graft charges linked to Sh260 million in procurement. He spent the night at EACC headquarters before a Tuesday court appearance; fuel for opposition claims of selective justice. On Monday, detectives arrested Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya on graft charges linked to Sh260 million in procurement. He spent the night at EACC headquarters before a Tuesday court appearance; fuel for opposition claims of selective justice. Gachagua in the cross-hairs: Hours earlier, a multi-agency squad had reportedly raided two homes belonging to Gachagua. Government spokespeople deny a witch-hunt, but cabinet insiders have openly warned the former DP that incitement could land him in jail. Ruto used Tuesdays hand-over to paint opponents as anti-worker and anti-development. He boasted that none of his predecessors had the courage to tackle the housing and slum problem head-on. The AHP claims 140,000 units completed country-wide as of April and targets 200,000 new homes annually. Still, looming VAT changes on steel and cement in the Finance Bill 2025, plus continuing court battles, threaten to slow delivery. For now, Ruto gets to show the result of one of his major promises. Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has dismissed claims that recent arrests of political leaders are politically driven. He maintained that law enforcement agencies are acting based on individuals behavior, not their political affiliations. Mwaura addressed the growing criticism surrounding the arrests, urging Kenyans to avoid drawing blanket conclusions. He clarified that each case should be judged independently and not assumed to be part of a broader political witch hunt. It is not fair to say that the people who are being arrested are those against the protest-free government. I dont think thats a fair statement. If you look at anyone who may has been arrested, it has to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, he said. It cannot simply be assumed that their arrest is because they do not support the protest-free government. Reinforcing Kenyas democratic principles, Mwaura reminded the public that the country allows freedom of expression, even for those who hold contrary views. He pointed out that disagreements exist within all political parties, including ODM and UDA, yet no one has faced arrest simply for opposing the government. Even within the ODM party, there are voices that may not necessarily agree with the broad-based government, and they have come out strongly to speak about it. We are a free and democratic country., Mwaura noted. And its not just ODM, look at UDA. Youll find several members with contrary opinions, and they are still not being arrested by anyone whatsoever. Mwaura Warns Against Incitement Mwaura also issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to stir unrest, making it clear that the government will not tolerate incitement. He stressed that enforcing law and order is a constitutional mandate that applies to every citizen equally. Nobody is above the law. The government will not sit back and watch as Kenyans are incited into violence. The role of the government is to maintain law and order, and it doesnt matter who is breaking the law, wrong is wrong. He challenged the perception that people with large political followings deserve special treatment, saying the law must apply uniformly. According to Mwaura, the government has a duty to protect all Kenyans, not just those with influence or public support. The government should not be held hostage simply because some individuals have followers, Mwaura stated. Even the government has followers. In fact, we are all followers of Kenya, and we should be protected at all costs. We have no other home than this one. Mwaura concluded by urging unity and responsibility, calling on both leaders and citizens to uphold peace and safeguard the countrys stability. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has strongly condemned what she termed state-sanctioned brutality after former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her driver were hospitalized following a chaotic police crackdown in Tigania East on Sunday afternoon. In a statement issued on Monday, May 19, Passaris accused police officers of using excessive and unprovoked force during Mwangazas Operation Okolea rally. She said the officers lobbed teargas canisters at Mwangazas team, injuring both the former governor and her driver in the process. Passaris noted this was the second violent incident targeting Mwangaza in just a week, calling the attack a disturbing pattern of aggression. That a tear gas canister was hurled into her car on Mothers Day and again yesterday is a shocking display of state-sanctioned brutality. Kawira is now hospitalised. Her driver was injured. What began as a moment of worship and unity ended in chaos and pain, she said. Demanding accountability, Passaris urged law enforcement officers to uphold their constitutional mandate and resist being used by politically motivated actors. Who are the police acting for? When the protectors become the perpetrators, our democracy stands in peril. Freedom of assembly and worship are constitutional rights, not privileges granted by political favour. We demand accountability. We demand justice. We demand answers, she declared. Kawira Mwangaza Hospitalized After Teargas Attack The incident unfolded when police abruptly disrupted a church-organized gathering attended by Mwangaza, her husband Murega Baichu, and several supporters. Eyewitnesses reported that officers fired multiple teargas canisters into the crowd, bringing the event to a chaotic and premature end. One canister reportedly landed inside Mwangazas car while she and her husband were still inside. Later that day, Mwangazas communications team confirmed she and her driver were rushed to hospital for emergency care. The driver reportedly suffered a head injury, while Mwangaza was left temporarily unable to speak after inhaling the teargas fumes. Local authorities defended the police action, citing intelligence reports that warned of potential clashes between rival political groups. However, Mwangazas allies dismissed those claims, insisting the event was a peaceful interdenominational prayer service. This was a church function, not a political rally, said Nchamba Mbithi, a close ally of Mwangaza. There was no cause for this kind of aggression. Mwangazas team accused the state of using police to settle political scores, citing repeated disruptions to her public appearances since she left office. The pattern is cleartargeting her events, frustrating her supporters, and weaponizing the police to silence her, the statement read. Kisumu West detectives, working closely with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau from the Nyanza region, have arrested two fugitives linked to a terrifying gang-rape and robbery case that rocked Kisiani Market in Siaya County. The crime unfolded on the night of May 12, 2025, when a woman and her cousin left Billionaires Bar and Restaurant in Kisiani aboard a tuk-tuk. As they approached their gate in Ongallo village, a grey Toyota Axio suddenly pulled up beside them. Three machete-wielding assailants leapt out, abducted the victim, and forced her into the waiting car. Her cousin managed to escape and raised the alarm. The attackers sped off toward Kisiani Junction, using the victims phone to demand money from her contacts. Hours later, they dumped her at Daraja Mbili along Kiboswa Road. She had been gang-raped, and her phone and personal belongings were stolen. Detectives launched a manhunt and analyzed forensic evidence that eventually pointed to Kisumu City Centre. On spotting the grey Toyota Axio, registration KDA 019U, officers gave chase from Patel Junction to Kondele. The suspects tried to flee but lost control of the vehicle, crashing during the dramatic pursuit. Police arrested Fredrick Oduor Ongori, the driver and suspected ringleader, at the scene. After hours of interrogation, he led detectives to Obunga slums, where they arrested his accomplice, John Okumu Owidhi, alias Matools. Investigations revealed both suspects are escaped convicts with a history of evading law enforcement. Now in custody, they are set to face serious charges, including gang rape, robbery with violence, and jailbreak. Police have vowed to continue hunting for more members of the gang. Emory University recruited Joanne Brzinski as an expert in European political parties and elections more than 30 years ago before the European Union was formed. In the decades years since, as her title expanded to administrator, director and even Emory parent, Brzinski forever changed Emorys undergraduate student experience. When she steps down as the Emory College senior associate dean for undergraduate education in May, she will have shaped thousands of lives with a legacy that includes Emorys iconic multi-disciplinary undergraduate research programs, a robust national scholarship program, first-year seminars that introduce new students to liberal arts learning and countless other efforts that elevate the undergraduate experience. Joanne has been an absolutely tireless and passionate supporter for creating an Emory experience that helps our students to think in new ways that open their minds and their worlds, says Robyn Fivush, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor Emerita of Psychology, who served as Brzinskis co-chair overseeing revisions to the general education requirements (GERs) implemented in 2023. She is a remarkable mentor to students, supportive of faculty and fully understands the liberal arts and sciences, Fivush adds. I couldnt even think of constructive criticism. She is A-plus. Growing Emory programs through passion and dedication Brzinskis oversized, quiet role in Emorys advancement on the national stage began when she arrived, eager to teach the talented undergraduates who were helping build the Colleges reputation. She quickly began working individually with some students, helping them find their next steps after graduation. That commitment led her to administration in 1999. She worked solo as the founding adviser of the National Scholarships and Fellowships Program now a five-member office in Emory Colleges Pathways Center while also advising first-year students. One of her first advisees was Danielle Sered, Emorys 16th Rhodes Scholar, who had been able to travel to Ireland to interview Irish women poets for her honors thesis. At the time, undergraduate research was more common in the natural sciences, thanks to the efforts of Biology Professor of Practice Emerita Patricia Marsteller. Watching Sered flourish, Brzinski committed to expanding student research and mentoring programs to the social sciences, arts and humanities. In doing so, she designed and served as founding director of the Scholarly Inquiry and Research Experience (SIRE) program for first-time researchers and, working with Marsteller, grew the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. Both are cornerstones of Emorys hands-on research offerings. Danielles experience demonstrated to me how transformative it can be for our students to research the topics that inspire them, Brzinski says. The support we can provide for undergraduate research really makes a difference in their lives. It did for Sered. After earning masters degrees from the University of Oxford and New York University, she began her career in restorative justice. She is the founder and executive director of Common Justice, a nonprofit that offers alternatives to incarceration for people charged with violent felonies. I remember Dean Brzinskis total generosity of spirit, Sered says. She poured into me, and so many others, and made us feel we were deserving of that investment. Brzinski deflects that sort of admiration, always sure to note that she did not achieve those accomplishments alone. She has assembled an adroit leadership team in the Office for Undergraduate Education (OUE) that directs student services, connects with 650 faculty members and coordinates curriculum initiatives. One of her more visible changes is the development of professional advisers who provide pre-major and major support to 5,700 undergraduate students. The less visible programs Brzinski built include a records team managing accurate data on student enrollment, schedules and graduation requirements and her work in online learning and design, which was instrumental when the pandemic shut down campus in spring 2020. It is rare to find a person who can both envision what the future needs and also has the practical experience to make it happen, says Jason Ciejka, the associate dean for academic programs and faculty partnerships who has worked for Brzinski nearly his entire career. Joanne is both that architect and builder. For instance, while building the frameworks and staffing for enterprises her office oversees, Brzinski worked closely with faculty to seek, develop and apply updated Emory College GERs. A central component of the latest updates is the experiential learning requirement. Emorys efforts included Brzinski hosting careful listening sessions with professors who had created their own programs, says Michael Rich, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science who started the Community Building and Social Change program. Joanne and her team were able to craft an experiential learning requirement that amplifies our scattered programs into an opportunity for all students, Rich says. Her legacy is one of innovation through engaged listening. Connecting academic experiences and real-life problems Brzinski was not just listening to professors for the changes; she met with students and staff. She also drew on her own experiences as an adviser and parent. Her son Ted graduated in 2005 and is now a professor of physics at Haverford College. He launched his career in soft matter research as an undergraduate researcher for Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Physics Eric Weeks, now the associate vice provost for faculty affairs. Her other son, Josh, graduated with a degree in international studies and German in 2014. He now works in software development after finding a mentor in Emory alumnus Steve Ebrahimi. The most valuable way to retain students is to create those connections between academic experiences and real-life problems, and experiential learning creates those links, Brzinski says. My one hope is that more students have experiential learning so they can see themselves in the real world that needs what they have to offer. Brzinskis dedication to the student experience will continue in the coming year when she becomes a senior adviser to Emory College Dean Barbara Krauthamer. She will work on curriculum and other projects for the dean, who cited Brzinskis tenure of innovative programs and deep commitment to mentoring in naming her to the new role. Joanne Brzinskis transformative leadership has inspired a culture of curiosity, purpose and academic excellence that will continue to shape student and faculty experiences, Krauthamer says. Im grateful she will continue to lend her insight and vision as a senior advisor in the year ahead. Brzinski also will continue to serve as director of the Robert T. Jones Scholarship program for its 50th anniversary next year. At its core, the Bobby Jones Scholars program is an exchange of exemplary students between Emory and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Through the years it has expanded to include a successful study abroad program and faculty research partnerships. There have been more than 400 Bobby Jones Scholars since its inception, many of whom are expected to celebrate a 50th anniversary reunion in 2027 in Atlanta. Steve Savage, whom Brzinski hired at OUE after his Bobby Jones Scholar year concluded, will be among them. I thought Id be a math teacher, says Savage, who earned a masters in business administration at Emorys Goizueta Business School with Brzinskis support and is an assistant professor in the practice of organization and management at Goizueta. It speaks to Joannes commitment to Emory that she uses her ability to see and bring out the best in people in her mentorship and by engaging with students. Her core reason for her work is to understand peoples wants and dreams and help make it happen. That devotion proved invaluable in 2020 when, as she was flying back from meeting the latest St Andrews cohort of Bobby Jones Scholars, Emory announced it was shutting down and pivoting to remote learning. In less than two weeks, she helped guide an emergency transition to provide online classes to students scattered around the globe. She leveraged the trust she had spent decades building with faculty to get buy-in for the tools and resources needed. Brzinski also laid out plans to meet the needs of students, which ranged from technological to housing to mental health support for the personal and professional anxieties that bloomed amid the instability. Former Emory College Dean Michael A. Elliott, now president at Amherst College, oversaw the transition and how Brzinski re-envisioned Emorys educational mission with limited information and no existing blueprint. He became the public face for the plans as Brzinski and her team worked behind the scenes in what would become a model for other universities navigating the crisis. She always puts the needs of the students and the institution first. Always, Elliott says. Joanne Brzinski is somebody whose contributions to the quality of the undergraduate experience are not always visible. Her impact has been more profound than I think most people know. Emory seniors Ilo Elder and Danielle Sherman are the recipients of the 2025 Louis B. Sudler Prize in the Arts, recognizing their accomplishments and skill in the creative and performing arts. The Sudler Prize, given annually at Emory and a select group of colleges across the nation, is accompanied by a $6,000 award and is bestowed at the Emory College Honors Program each Commencement. Ilo Elder Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Ilo Elder is not only a consistent presence in Emorys dance scene, but also an accomplished performer, teacher and choreographer. Being a Sudler recipient was a dream for the latter half of my college career, Elder states. As an artivist (artist and activist), Elders studies and artistic practices have focused on embodied liberation within Afro-diasporic forms such as West-African and Afro-Caribbean dance. Looking back on their Emory career, Elder highlights the impact of their mentor, Julio Medina, assistant professor of dance and movement studies and Emory College alum. My dear mentor, Julio Medina, is also a Sudler honoree and has played a significant role in my artistic development and success, says Elder. And so, this achievement feels like a passing of the torch and a huge affirmation of the impact and importance of my artistry. Ilo is a magnetic performer, drawing in the audience with his fierce and gentle presence, says Medina. Ilo moves with grace, power, and superb articulation, infecting other dancers around them with energy so they may move with Ilo's elegance. Throughout their time at Emory, Elder developed a proficiency and passion for house dance, a style originated by Black and Brown queer dancers in the 1970s. In his first year, Ilo was in one of my choreographies that focused on house dance, and since then, Ilo has devoted time to developing their skills in that form, says Medina. Elder incorporated this passion for house dance into their honors thesis project, titled Queer B/being. The term, which they coined during the research process, references, the radical assertion of possibility through embodied practice. Alongside Elders performance work, they are a teaching assistant for Emorys beginner, intermediate and advanced hip-hop classes. Elder also served as a mentor at the Bates Dance Festival and as a choreography assistant intern in Deeply Rooted: Fertile Ground, a dance production in Chicago. Ilo has also been featured in arts publications such as ArtsATL and Dance Magazine. After graduation, Elder plans to continue teaching hip-hop in Atlanta, start community House Dance classes, and expand their artivism. Danielle Sherman Danielle Sherman is the creative writing departments first fiction writer to be nominated for the Sudler Prize. Im immensely honored to receive the Sudler Prize, says Sherman. Being selected as Creative Writings nominee was itself a huge honor, because Im surrounded by such talented peers in the program. A longtime storyteller, Sherman first dipped her toes in creative writing after her sophomore year of high school, when she attended a creative writing summer program. After submitting a novella to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards winning National Gold Key in the process Sherman knew she wanted to pursue a creative writing degree. When it came time to choose a university, she headed to Emory thanks to its renowned creative writing program. Here at Emory, the workload was demanding, the professors expectations were high and the workshops were brutally honest I loved it, she says. Tiphanie Yanique, professor of English and creative writing, served as a mentor for Sherman throughout her time at Emory. Sherman took Yaniques Introduction to Fiction course in her first year, and Yanique would eventually become her thesis advisor. Even now, four years later, I remember the first story she wrote in my class, says Yanique. It was already a piece I could imagine in a reputable literary journal. Throughout her time at Emory, Shermans work has been featured in literary journals across the country, including the North American Review and the Los Angeles Review. Yanique notes Shermans commitment to utilizing research in her writing process, as well as her multidisciplinary approach to wordcraft, stating, [Sherman] might represent not just the creative writing program, but the College as a whole. Her work illustrates how the practice of art is often both fueled by and responding to research in the humanities. For instance, in her short story, And Then There is Time, Sherman integrates material from linguistics and film studies courses to imagine an alternate version of California, where vocal fry has become part of the accepted vernacular, and that second-rate movies are sometimes the ones most helping define a national collective understanding. Alongside her creative work, Sherman has participated in Emorys Summer Undergraduate Research Program as a student researcher, served as a research assistant for Emorys Creative Writing Department, worked as a prose reader for The Adroit Journal, and assisted the online literary archive Writing Atlas as a fellow. After graduation, Sherman will pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The program is particularly geared toward writing across genres, so Im excited to continue improving my fiction while expanding outward into other forms, Sherman says. She has also been accepted into the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Mentorship Program, where she plans on preparing new pieces to workshop before her masters program. SIUs Paul Simon Institute awards four Simon Democracy Prizes CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute announced today (May 20) four recipients of the 2025 Paul Simon Democracy Prize. The institute is awarding four $5,000 prizes to current students at Illinois colleges and universities for designing and implementing projects aimed at revitalizing democracy in their communities. The winners are: Tatiana Castillo from SIU Carbondale. She will chronicle the contributions of the international community to democratic life in Southern Illinois over the past five years. The project will culminate in a public event showcasing these contributions and encouraging a discussion of democracy and inclusion. Winter Hurst-Leadicker of Western Illinois University in Macomb will work to add a referendum to the citys ballot to implement a ranked-choice voting system, replacing the current first-past-the-post electoral system. Ben Muncy from Illinois State University in Normal will set up voter registration tables on campus to help students register to vote or update their existing registration, with the goal of making voting more accessible and representative of where students actually live. Raluca Pavel from Loyola University in Chicago. She will create and implement an upper-level undergraduate course designed as an experiential learning opportunity for students to explore democratic participation, civic responsibility and policy engagement, with an emphasis on participatory budgeting. John Shaw, institute director, said hes encouraged by the participants compelling proposals. We received fantastic proposals, which confirm that students are determined to find creative and constructive ways to revitalize our democracy, Shaw said. We hope the Paul Simon Democracy Prize will help inspire students to improve their communities and ultimately preserve our democracy. The institute invited proposals that were persuasive and imaginative, with the condition that they must have a realistic chance of being implemented within six months. Submissions were made in the form of short videos. The four winning videos are now featured under each of the winners names on the institutes website and YouTube channel. The prize recipients will present their progress during a virtual event in early 2026, sharing how their proposals are being brought to life. The Paul Simon Democracy Prize was launched by the institute in 2023. Shaw said the institute has established three programs to underscore Simons commitment to better government and smarter politics: the Paul Simon Democracy Prize, the Renewing Illinois Summit for Illinois college and university students and the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award in Illinois state and local government. These three programs reflect the highest ideals and most inspiring values championed by Paul Simon, Shaw said. Complete details of the Paul Simon Democracy Prize and its winners are available on the institutes website. After serving as a state legislator and lieutenant governor, Simon was in Congress for 10 years, followed by two terms in the U.S. Senate. After leaving public office in 1997, he returned to his Southern Illinois roots and established the then-Public Policy Institute at SIU Carbondale. The institute was renamed to honor Simons legacy after his death in December 2003. The institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service. PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 20: INDEXPLUS 2025 returns to Mumbai from 30 May to 1 June as India's leading trade fair for furniture, design, and interiors. Organised by NuernbergMesse India, the event connects top innovators and decision-makers, reflecting the industry's shift toward ergonomic, modular, and sustainable solutions for modern living and workspaces. Strategically located to serve Western and Southern India, it stands as a key business platform for design insight and growth. * 200+ Leading Brands * 100+ New Product Launches * Expert-Led Conferences & Technical Sessions * Special Zones & Trend Showcases for Niche Interests INDIA: A Rising Powerhouse in Furniture & Design "With our furniture market now valued at over USD 32 Billion, India ranks fourth globally and second in Asia-Pacific. INDEXPLUS opens the gateway to this thriving ecosystem--where design, technology, sustainability, and innovation converge," states Sonia Prashar, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India. INDEXPLUS will cover a full spectrum: Living, Kitchen, Dining, Bedding, Outdoor Furniture, Mattresses, Seating, Workstations, Institutional Interiors, Decor, Artifacts, Floor Coverings, and Furnishings - offering comprehensive sourcing and trend experience for dealers, retailers, architects, designers and professionals. Designing for Tomorrow's Spaces Furniture design is rapidly adapting to the needs of modern, multi-functional spaces. Attendees will get a close look at the latest innovations - from ergonomic seating and modular systems to advanced components that prioritize comfort, durability, and flexibility. Whether it's for compact urban living or evolving hybrid work environments, the spotlight will be on smart, space-efficient solutions that blend performance with contemporary style. Residential Furniture: Personalized Living on the Rise With D2C brands and digital platforms reaching Tier 2 and 3 cities, India's residential furniture market is growing rapidly, now valued at over USD 20 billion. The surge is driven by demand for modular homes, space-saving designs, smart features, and sustainable materials. Top brands like Advent International, Hanfei Luxury Living, Crystal Furnitech, Phoenix Industries (Sri Lanka), Urbanhome by ARTASIA, Homelane, and more will showcase their latest collections at INDEXPLUS. Commercial & Institutional Furniture: Powering India's Modern Workplaces Valued at USD 12 Billion, this segment spans offices, hospitality, healthcare, education & retail. Driven by hybrid work and wellness trends, demand is rising for ergonomic and smart solutions. Explore innovations from top brands like Adinath Furniture Mall, Delite Hitech, ND Chair Parts, Ragam Polymoulds & Saviton Metplast at the Expo. Decor & Aesthetics: Elevating Interior Expression India's home decor market, valued at USD 25.5 Billion and growing fast, reflects rising urbanization and evolving tastes. INDEXPLUS will highlight how art and accents shape interiors, with brands including Akara Rugs, Heritage Hut, NEXLIFE by BAJAJ, LG HAUSYS (Wonder Signs) showcasing their latest collections. Design Highlights: Experience Zones & Special Features INDEXPLUS 2025 will feature a host of curated experiences and design showcases, including: * Kudos Gallery - Showcasing architectural brilliance with standout displays by top and emerging architects * The Art Enclave - Contemporary art, sculpture, and design from renowned Indian galleries * Innovative Workspace Lab - Next-gen office furniture from Indian and global brands (e.g. Godrej, Viak) * Trends Design Showcase - 2025's top furniture and decor trends from brands like Kernig Krafts, Woodform, Art Lounge * ISPF Sleep Pavilion - Innovative sleep solutions by Indian Sleep Products Federation members INDEXPLUS serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, aesthetics and function, and most importantly, people and possibility. Whether you are a dealer, retailer, manufacturer, designer, procurer, or distributor INDEXPLUS Mumbai 2025 is the place to explore trends, build partnerships, and shape the future of interiors. Be part of INDEXPLUS in Mumbai - and be part of the transformation. Register your visit here: https://n-gage.live/INDEXPLUS2025MUMBAI/visitor/step1 For more information: www.indexplus.in Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690737/INDEXPLUS_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 20: EnKash, India's leading spend management and payments platform, has officially launched the EnKash Payment Gateway - a first-of-its-kind payment solution engineered for India's 63 million+ small to medium-sized & startup merchants. At a time when digital commerce is surging, EnKash is putting the country's most underserved merchants at the front of the fintech revolution. * Empowering modern merchants with a faster, flexible, and future-ready payment infrastructure Despite being the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing nearly 30% to India's GDP and employing over 110 million people, the majority of legacy players still focus on payment solutions catering to large enterprises. SMBs & startups remain underserved, and payment solutions often lack flexibility, come with complex integrations, and have all the more complicated documentation. A Gateway Tailored for Growth The EnKash Payment Gateway is engineered to deliver a frictionless experience for merchants across categories - from D2C brands, SaaS platforms, and B2B commerce to healthcare, hospitality, education, and logistics. It comes with dominance of powerful SDKs & APIs with low-code/no-code integration, unlimited developer sandbox and seamless onboarding, in-built Orchestration Suite for smart routing, automated reconciliation, real-time monitoring, and actionable analytics. It also provides Zero-cost lifetime support & High reliability during peak hours. "Our vision is to simplify every entrepreneur's payments journey, be it a small D2C brand or any high-growth merchant. With decades of the team's core DNA & experience of payments infrastructure, I am proud to say that our team has built the finest payment gateway for the world," said Hemant Vishnoi, Co-founder of EnKash. "We are building rails that will power India's digital economy for the next decade. This gateway isn't just another processor; it's an infrastructure layer built for trust, speed, and scale, and it's our contribution to a more connected, cashless India." Why Now India processed over Rs14 lakh crore in UPI transactions in March 2025 alone - a clear signal that digital payments are now mainstream. Yet, SMBs continue to struggle with outdated infrastructure: * 20-30% failure rates during peak hours * Manual reconciliations that slow down decisions and cause revenue leakages * Disjointed systems offering no unified control across payments and spend EnKash Changes That With this launch, EnKash becomes India's first fintech to offer a truly unified payments and spend stack, bringing together accounts payable automation, expense management, corporate cards, loyalty programs, and now, a seamlessly embedded payment gateway. Built to plug into platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and custom tech stacks, the EnKash Payment Gateway is ready to power sectors from D2C and SaaS to edtech, logistics, B2B commerce, and more. About EnKash EnKash is India's leading spend management and payments platform, simplifying payments, corporate cards, and expense management. Operational since 2018, it has pioneered fintech innovation with multiple RBI-regulated licenses, including PAPG, BBPOU, and the newly secured PPI license. With $23M in funding led by marquee investors such as Ascent Capital, Mayfield, Axilor & Baring Private Equity Partners India, its financial orchestration suite empowers CXOs with automation, real-time insights, and compliance tools, making business finance faster, smarter, and more efficient. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2660080/ENKASH_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 20: Satin Creditcare Network Ltd. (SCNL), a leading NBFC-MFI committed to rural financial inclusion, has reported a strong financial performance for Q4 of FY 2025. Despite ongoing challenges in the microfinance sector, the company's resilience and strategic prudence have enabled it to maintain stability and growth. On a standalone basis, SCNL recorded an Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs11,316 crore, reflecting a 6.8% year-on-year growth. The company continued its streak of profitability for the 15th consecutive quarter, posting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs217 crore and a Pre-Provision Operating Profit (PPOP) of Rs736 crore. Return metrics remained robust, with Return on Assets (RoA) at 2.07% and Return on Equity (RoE) at 7.86%, backed by a healthy net worth of Rs2,843 crore. Despite prevailing headwinds, SCNL demonstrated significant improvement in asset quality. The company successfully lowered its PAR 1 by 192 basis points to 4.9% and maintained Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) at 3.70%. Collection efficiency for the 0 days past due portfolio remained exceptional, standing at ~99.8% in March 2025, while credit costs were effectively managed at 4.6%, staying within the guided range. On a consolidated basis, SCNL reported an AUM of Rs12,784 crore and a PAT of Rs186 crore, with a Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 12.61%, underscoring its disciplined pricing and efficient capital deployment. Mr. H P Singh, CMDexpressed happiness at the company's performance, "Our FY25 results underscore the strength of our business model and our unwavering commitment to financial inclusion. Despite challenges in the sector, our prudent risk management, diversified funding base, and customer-centric approach have enabled us to navigate volatility while maintaining stability and growth. As we move forward, we remain focused on innovation, sustainability, and expanding financial access to underserved communities." SCNL made significant strides in strategic initiatives during the year, including the successful closure of a USD 100 million syndicated social loan via External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) and further diversification of its lender base. Additionally, the company received a prestigious "SQS2" Sustainability Quality Score from Moody's Ratings for its Social Financing Framework. The company's subsidiaries also posted strong growth. Satin Housing Finance Ltd. achieved a 22% YoY AUM increase to Rs920 crore, while Satin Finserv Ltd. scaled its MSME book to Rs516 crore, marking an impressive 58% jump. With a steadfast commitment to governance, technology-driven operations, and a diversified product portfolio, Satin Creditcare continues to solidify its position as one of India's most stable and future-ready financial inclusion leaders. About Satin Creditcare Network Limited: Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL or Satin) is aleading microfinance institution (MFI) in the country with presence in 29 states & union territories and over 90,000 villages. The Company's mission is to be a leading micro financial institution by providing a comprehensive range of products and services for the financially under-served community. The Company aims to lead in gender empowerment by leveraging on technology and innovation that forge sustainable strategic partnerships. The Company also offers a bouquet of financial products in the Non-MFI segment, comprising of loans to MSMEs and affordable housing loans. In April 2017, SCNL incorporated a wholly-owned housing finance subsidiary Satin Housing Finance Limited (SHFL) for providing loans in the affordable and micro-housing segment. In January 2019, SCNL received separate NBFC license to commence MSME business through Satin Finserv Limited (SFL). In August 2024, SCNL incorporated a subsidiary for software services, Satin Technologies Limited (STL) dedicated to developing innovative, world-class technology solutions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. As on 31st March 2025, Satin group had 1,568 branches and a headcount of 16,705 across 29 states and union territories, serving 33.6 lakh clients. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The global rating agency noted that this progress has led to upgrades in the Viability Ratings (VRs) of several large Indian banks. Fitch said the recent VR upgrades reflect stronger underwriting standards, better loan diversification, improved asset quality, and stronger buffers to absorb losses. The upgrades signal that Indian banks are better prepared to handle financial stress than in the past. It said, "The recent upgrades of Indian banks, Viability Ratings (VRs) reflect improved risk profile and asset quality". In March 2025, Fitch upgraded the VRs of Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, and Bank of India. All three banks are rated at BBB-/Stable for Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and bb- for Viability Rating. In April 2025, Bank of Maharashtra and ICICI Bank Limited also saw their VRs upgraded. Bank of Maharashtra holds a BBB-/Stable IDR and a bb- VR, while ICICI Bank stands out with a BB+/Stable IDR and a bb+ VR--the highest among the nine large Indian banks rated by Fitch. Despite these improvements, the report expects the Issuer Default Ratings of these banks to remain unchanged. This is because these ratings are largely based on the expectation that the Indian government (rated BBB-/Stable) will provide extraordinary support if needed. Therefore, the improvement in banks' internal strength does not directly affect the IDRs. The report also pointed out that some banks, like Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank, continue to face constraints on their VRs due to high growth appetite and risks related to newly issued loans. However, if these banks can sustain their recent financial improvements, Fitch may consider upgrading their VRs as well. After the recent upgrades, all nine large Indian banks rated by Fitch now fall within the 'bb' category in terms of Viability Ratings. This indicated a moderate level of financial strength, with ICICI Bank leading the pack due to its better performance, lower risk appetite, and more stable track record. (ANI) The port restriction on import of certain goods from Bangladesh to India has been notified in the Gazette of India. The official gazette notification was issued on Monday and published today. India has imposed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) and other products through its northeastern land ports -- Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram -- and Fulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal, weeks after controversial remarks made by Bangladesh's interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus about the India's northeastern region, during his visit to China. During a speech in China, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Yunus had described India's northeastern states as a "landlocked region with no access to the ocean." This comment has sparked diplomatic friction, with Indian officials viewing it as undermining the region's connectivity and status. The new restrictions will, slapped on May 17 and came into effect immediately, forced Bangladesh to reroute exports -- including Ready-Made garments (RMG), plastics, melamine, furniture, juices, carbonated drinks, bakery items, confectionery, and processed foods -- through Kolkata port in West Bengal or Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra, sharply increasing logistics costs. With 93 per cent of Bangladesh's exports to India previously moving through these land routes, the impact on its ready made garments sector -- which exports nearly USD 740 million worth of garments to India annually -- could be severe. The move is expected to disrupt Bangladesh's garment industry, raising costs and limiting market access, while creating new opportunities for Indian manufacturers. India's restrictions on imports from Bangladesh via land ports will impact goods worth USD 770 million, accounting for nearly 42 per cent of total bilateral imports, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report, a trade-focused research group. The May 17 directive makes clear that imports of essential items like fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone remain unaffected. Goods transiting through India from Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan are also exempt. The Indian government has imposed land port restrictions on certain Bangladeshi exports to the northeastern states, a move that sources say is aimed at restoring "equality in the relationship". The sources further said that while India had hitherto allowed all exports from Bangladesh without restrictions, the transit and market access to India's northeast region had been restricted by Bangladesh. The sources further said that the relationship with Bangladesh will now be on "reciprocal terms". India limiting imports from Bangladesh to only two seaports, according to the sources, is a reciprocal measure to Bangladesh -- which had imposed similar trade restrictions on Indian yarn and rice, besides selectively enhancing inspection on all Indian goods exported to Bangladesh. The sources further noted that Bangladesh needs to realise that "it cannot cherry pick terms of bilateral trade solely for its benefit or assume North East is a captive market for its exports, while denying it market access and transit." (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], May 20: With rising temperatures and vacation time in summer just around the corner, summer travel to Europe is seeing a huge boom from Indian tourists. According to recent reports, there has been a whopping 29% increase in Schengen visa applications from India, signifying strong demand to discover the cultural festivals, historic cities, and picturesque landscapes Europe has in store. Due to more efficient processes and enhanced travel assistance, Indian travelers are now opting to apply Schengen visa online with Akbar Travels--one of India's most reliable travel brands with hassle-free online visa assistance for over 180 countries. Schengen Visa Rush: Why It's Happening Now This summer, Europe is witnessing a large Schengen visa rush, with more Indians making advance bookings for long-overdue international vacations. The convergence of good weather, long school vacations, and a growing list of travel-ready European nations has prompted travelers to take the plunge. The convenience of planning travel is also a big reason. From visa procedures to stay and flight reservations, websites such as Akbar Travels have simplified everything. Individuals who are planning their vacations can avail cheap flights to Europe from India to destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Vienna. A Quick Guide to Schengen Visa Applications in India For all those intending to make the best out of the European summer, early visa processing is the way to go. Schengen visa applications in India are now higher than ever before, which means appointment positions are limited and processing is taking longer. Here's the gist of things before you apply for a Schengen visa * Valid passport (minimum 3 months valid from date of travel) * Schengen visa application form * Booked travel itinerary * Hotel reservation * Financial documents such as updated bank statements, Income tax returns, salary slips etc. * Travel insurance according to Schengen visa requirements * Other documents as required by the Embassy Most visitors need to book a Schengen visa appointment in order to submit their biometrics and the documents. Depending on the nation, the Schengen visa from India wait time can be between 10 to 15 working days. France visa and Germany visa have some of the fastest Schengen visa processing time but with the peak season rush, even these take some extra time. The Schengen visa fee typically is approximately EUR80 for adults, although it can vary for children, students, and business travelers. It's also important to recognize Schengen visa validity, which usually is a stay of up to 90 days over a period of 180 days. This provides flexibility for visitors to travel between several Schengen visa countries, such as Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Switzerland, without having to secure multiple permits. Why Choose Akbar Travels to Apply for a Schengen Visa from India? For more than 45 years, Akbar Travels has been a one-stop travel agent for travelers. Their customized services with competitive rates makes applying for a Schengen visa easy and hassle-free. Akbar Travels provides comprehensive visa services ranging from France visa, Germany visa, Switzerland visa, and so on, where you can travel upto 28+ European countries on a single Schengen visa. With their professional services, they support you from submitting visa forms to document verification right up to getting appointments and giving free visa consultation. With a 99.8% visa success rate, over 150 branches across the globe, and 24/7 customer service, Akbar Travels keeps your holiday plans on track. With their AI-based travel assistant, Sky, you can plan everything from booking to itinerary creation and get real-time travel updates--making travel easy. Apart from visa services, Akbar Travels provides flexible flight cancellations and bookings with quick refunds, best currency exchange rates, trustworthy travel insurance, and high-end hotel and tour packages. Accommodation and Travel in Europe Getting a suitable place to reside is equally essential as making travel plans. Both while traveling individually or with family, Akbar Travels provides a range of best hotels in Europe in key cities such as Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Prague. These hotels are centrally located in close proximity to sightseeing areas and transport terminals. Planning a hassle-free trip? Browse their handpicked Europe tour packages ranging from flights and accommodations to guided tours, dining, and airport transfers. Conclusion Increased Schengen visa applications are a stark indication that Europe is back in the Indian travel agenda. With one visa granting entry to multiple Schengen visa countries, the continent is full of opportunities for limitless discovery. As the Schengen visa rush continues, the key to a smooth journey lies in early preparation, proper documentation, and expert support. With its proven track record, comprehensive travel solutions, and customer-centric approach, Akbar Travels is the ideal partner to help you apply for a Schengen visa from India and make your dream vacation a reality. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], May 20: Rajasthan is at the epicentre of a quiet revolution. This once princely state is bucking the trend towards fast manufacturing with Boon Doors, a manufacturer of high-quality and stylish handmade wooden doors, door frames, and window frames. Boon Doors is starting a new trend that's reviving traditional design and modifying it for the urban home. The company is the go-to partner for professional designers wanting to merge precision and high-performance with authenticity, durability, and elegance. Boon Doors already makes doors and frames for the wealthy, large corporations, and speciality hotels. A Mix of Traditional Jodhpuri Elegance and Global Preferences Boon Doors is headquartered in Jodhpur and long reputed for decorative, yet durable, woodwork. The wood products are the results of centuries of honed and refined artisnal and craftmanship wisdom. The doors and frames may reflect old tradition, but they are manufactured in advanced facilities using emerging and innovative finishing techniques and scalable delivery models. Boon Doors is well-positioned to meet the demands of India's rapidly growing construction and interior design industries. It may be a Rajputana palace-inspired royal double-door entrance or a sleek frame with basic yet elegant designs for an upscale urban penthouse, but each product is designed and manufactured to look beautiful, work well, and last for decades. Ravindra Singh (Managing Director) states, "We don't just produce doors. We shape the first impression of a space. That's a responsibility we take seriously-from wood selection to the final coat of polish." Boon Doors' Products Reflect Intricate Architectural Traditions Boon Doors' products don't just beautify homes and commercial buildings, they bring them to life. Each product collection gives its buildings real personality and lets the owners weave intricate stories through emotional life experiences through style and texture. Some more popular styles are: * The Maharaja and Maharani Collections: Huge, intricately designed, and decorative pieces that reflect the best of traditional North Indian architecture. * Jodhpur Lancers Series: A mix that balances structure and subtlety with intricate and precise geometry-inspired artwork perfectly. * Veneer and painted lines: Reflecting minimalism taken to the extreme for aesthic and appealing doors and frames. * Custom frames & windows: Designed to beautify traditional houses and modern mansions. Boon Doors works with architects to develop or adapt products to designs that reflect certain buildings' style and personality. Outfitting Modern India Boon Designs can mass-produce and distribute traditional Indian style and design on a large scale while keeping that 'handmade flavor.' Boon Doors suceeds where other manufacturers struggle because it can maintain style, consistency, and scale with dedicated plants, trained and professional craftspeople, standardized processes, and meticulous and extensive quality control systems. So, every product, regardless of size, is consistent, brilliantly engineered, and beautiful. The products have been installed in large estates, large hotel chains, large scale homes and offices, and spiritual places across India. Builders prefer them because they're reliable. Developers love them because they are intricately detailed. Clients love them because they age beautifully and gracefully. For the FutureAs India continues to modernize, architecture will become more ornate and expressive by combining clean lines, cultural references, and tactile materials tastefully and seamlessly. Boon Doors is one of the few Indian companies poised to revolutionize the future by celebrating the architectural past. Boon Doors takes growth seriously and is investing in refining production techniques, sustainable sourcing, and expansion to new metros through new partnerships. Boon Doors offers long-term partnerships for construction and interior design players based on respect of vision, values, and tradition and delivers nothing but the best. About Boon Doors Boon Doors is headquartered in Jodhpur and manufactures handcrafted wooden doors, windows, frames, and cladding. Reputed for products reflecting traditional North Indian architectural styles and high-quality craftsmanship, it works with Indian architects, developers, and interior designers to deliver products that merge the beautiful with precise engineering. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The amendment in Section 31(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) will be made. This particular section mandates prior approval from the CCI for any resolution plan. Sources said the amendment in IBC will reduce the load on the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Once the new amendment is adopted, approval from CCI would not be needed for a company planning resolution under the IBC route, they added. The plan to amend the IBC comes in the wake of Supreme Court's latest observation during the hearing of the resolution plan of AGI Greenpac. The apex court had noted that the resolution was unsustainable without CCI approval. The Supreme Court had reportedly observed in January 2025 that AGI Greenpac Ltd's bid for the acquisition of insolvent Hindustan National Glass (HNG) Ltd without the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) approval is unsustainable and must be set aside. "AGI Greenpac's resolution plan is unsustainable as it failed to secure prior approval from the CCI, as mandated under the proviso to Section 31(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Consequently, the approval granted by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to the resolution plan dated October 28, 2022, without the requisite CCI approval, cannot be sustained and is hereby set aside and quashed," the apex court order had said. (ANI) President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday announced a plan during his first anniversary speech for Taiwan to set up a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to be responsible for foreign investment "to connect with the world," as reported by Focus Taiwan. "The government will set up a sovereign wealth fund to build a national-level investment platform," he said in his address made at the Presidential Office one year after he took office. The fund will "take advantage of the strengths of Taiwanese businesses and be led by the government while harnessing the power of the private sector to build a global presence and connect with major target markets in the AI era," Lai said, without elaboration. During a question and answer session following his speech, Lai was asked about why his government thinks it is the right time to set up a sovereign wealth fund for Taiwan and if it will focus on investing in the United States. In response, the president said the latest proposal was raised as part of its international economic strategy to deal with the latest challenges in the global economy, the Focus Taiwan reported. Lai said the government will propose legislation to create the fund, which will be used mainly for foreign investment while at the same time helping local businesses to expand their international presence. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), sovereign wealth funds are "government-owned investment funds, set up for a variety of macroeconomic purposes. They are commonly funded by the transfer of foreign exchange assets that are invested long term, overseas." The issue has been debated locally in recent months, with the Ministry of Finance saying last month that more discussion was needed before a consensus on the idea was reached. In his speech Tuesday, Lai also mentioned the ongoing trade dialogue between Taiwan and the United States over the threat of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from Taiwan. Unlike other governments in the region, Taiwan has remained extremely vague about what has been going on in its interaction with the Trump administration, and Lai's speech was no different. He said it was not uncommon for friends like Taiwan and the U.S. to have some friction but that ultimately the two sides would find common ground. Aside from continuing to expand economic and trade cooperation with the U.S., Taiwan has also been expanding such relations with United Kingdom by signing the Enhanced Trade Partnership, Lai said. It is actively in talks with other countries to sign more bilateral trade deals and double-taxation avoidance agreements, and also hopes to gain access to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he said. According to Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, Taipei and Washington concluded a first in-person meeting on tariffs on May 3. The meeting followed an initial round of talks held via videoconference on April 11. U.S. President Donald Trump first announced sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs on April 2, including a 32 percent import duty on goods from Taiwan, that targeted countries with large trade surpluses with Washington. A week later, he announced a 90-day pause to allow for negotiations to reduce the impact of the high tariffs. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], May 20: As 2025 begins, Indian investors are looking for smart ways to grow wealth while optimising tax benefits. One emerging trend is investing in New Fund Offers (NFOs) within Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). These NFOs offer a mix of market growth, insurance cover, and tax efficiency--a rare trio in personal finance. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has launched a new ULIP-linked NFO: the Bajaj Allianz Life Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund. Let's understand what ULIP NFOs are, how they differ from mutual fund NFOs, and who they are best suited for. What are ULIP-Linked NFOs? A New Fund Offer (NFO) is when a new investment fund is introduced to the market. In mutual funds, NFOs allow investors to get in early on new strategies or themes. Similarly, ULIP-linked NFOs are new funds that can be selected as part of your ULIP plan. The difference? ULIP NFOs come with built-in life insurance cover and tax-saving benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D). Plus, you can switch between funds within the ULIP without any tax event--something mutual funds don't offer. NFO Spotlight: Bajaj Allianz Life Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund This latest NFO by Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance aims to capture India's structural growth story through a focused investment approach. Key highlights: * Tracks the Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index - an index of 30 high alpha stocks selected from the Nifty 200 universe. * Alpha-focused strategy - aims to deliver better risk-adjusted returns. * Diversified market cap - includes large, mid, and small-cap stocks. * Suited for long-term retirement planning - positioned under pension ULIP options. This fund is ideal for those who want to invest in top-performing stocks based on a scientific method, while also planning for retirement. Who should consider ULIP-Linked NFOs? ULIP NFOs aren't for everyone. But they work very well for some investor types: * Young professionals Looking to grow wealth over time? ULIP NFOs are great for starting early. You get equity exposure and insurance in one plan. Plus, you build financial discipline with regular premium payments. * High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) ULIP NFOs offer a chance to explore new investment ideas without triggering capital gains tax when switching funds. HNIs can use these NFOs to diversify portfolios while also getting succession and estate planning benefits from life insurance. * Tax-savvy planners If you're maxing out your Section 80C every year, ULIP Plans with new fund options give you tax-saving plus market participation. Unlike mutual funds, switching between funds in a ULIP doesn't attract any tax. Why ULIP NFOs make sense in 2025? India's economic growth is expected to continue, backed by digital innovation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Equity markets are expanding, and thematic investing is gaining attention. ULIP NFOs help investors access such focused strategies within a goal-based financial product. For instance, the Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index fund uses quantitative screening to pick the top 30 alpha-generating stocks from across sectors. That's smart investing made simple--and insurance-backed. Key benefits of ULIP NFOs vs Mutual Fund NFOs When choosing between ULIP NFOs and mutual fund NFOs, it's important to understand the unique benefits each offers. While mutual funds focus purely on returns, ULIP NFOs combine growth, protection, and tax efficiency. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which suits your financial goals better: Final thoughts ULIP-linked NFOs, like the Bajaj Allianz Life Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund, are designed for future-ready investors. If you want to combine market growth with financial protection and tax planning, this could be the next step for your portfolio. Think of them as your wealth creation toolkit with a built-in safety net. Explore, evaluate, and if it fits your goal--invest smart with ULIP NFOs in 2025. NFO Details: Bajaj Allianz Life Presents Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund under New ULIP pension product: * Available at Rs. 10 NAV**, from 16th - 30th May 2025 * Life cover and no medical test* * High growth potential * 100% digital process * Potential returns up to 29.6%^ Disclaimer- *T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited ('BFL') is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Co. Limited , Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited , Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. **Not available if policy issued after 30th May 2025. ^ As on 28th March 2025. Past 5 year CAGR Returns in Benchmark- Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index. Please note that the fund aims to replicate the performance of benchmark index fund, subject to tracking error. Past returns of a fund are not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the fund. Please consult the financial advisor before investing. URN No. BFL/Advt./24-25/754 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SMPL New Delhi [India], May 20: India just got its first-ever sustainable babywear brand that's all about purity, purpose, and durability. Oh My Bebe is a revolutionary new label, exclusively offering 100% organic cotton clothing in India, which is trendy, smart, stylish and colourful for babies aged 0 to 4 years. Designed with an international aesthetic and crafted with the finest cotton from the historic textile hub with over 700 women workers in Tirupur powering the brand, Oh My Bebe supports livelihoods and uplifts communities, it promises to redefine children's apparel in India with a focus on quality, sustainability, and durability. A Global Vision Brought Home In Tirupur, Saravanan is heading this initiative, under his leadership we are designing 100% organic clothing that blends comfort, conscious living, and modern design. The brand brings with it 22 years of global experience, having earned trust in Australia and the UK. Designed internationally and proudly Made in India, we're now excited to bring that same legacy and quality to a new generation of Indian consumers. Internationally Designed but Proudly Made in India - Oh My Bebe Each piece in Oh My Bebe's debut line is made with love in Tirupur, the cotton capital of India. The brand conjugates local craftsmanship with global design sensibilities, offering a fresh, modern twist to traditional babywear. Every product is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. That means no toxic dyes, no synthetic fabrics; just clean, breathable cotton that's gentle on the baby's delicate skin. Why Are Parents Falling in Love with Oh My Bebe? Here's what makes this brand stand out from the crowd: * 100% Organic Cotton: The use of only 100% organic cotton for ultimate softness and safety makes it perfect for a baby's delicate skin. * Skin-Friendly Fabric: Gentle on Delicate Skin Hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals, which means no rashes, no irritation. Just soft comfort. * No Toxic Chemicals: Clean from Farm to Fabric Grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, meaning safe for baby and safe for Earth. * Eco-Conscious Choice: Better for the Planet Organic farming uses less water, protects soil, and supports a cleaner planet. * Built to Last: Soft. Strong. Washable. Breathable and durable fabrics stay cozy even after endless washes. * Vibrant & Trendy Designs: Collection features playful and cheerful colors--making sure your baby looks as joyful as they feel, every day. Discover the Full Range of Organic Baby Essentials At Oh My Bebe, we offer a thoughtfully designed collection of organic cotton baby clothes for newborns and toddlers (0-4 years). Our range includes soft bodysuits, breathable rompers, snug growsuits, floral dresses, easy Jabla sets, cozy leggings, cute tops and pants, and cheerful unisex sets--all made from 100% pure organic cotton. Loved by parents across India, our Rompers Set is appreciated for its gentle softness and cozy fit, providing all-day comfort for your little one. And our Jabla Set, known for its softness and traditional fit, is perfect for warmer days. Every piece is skin-friendly, lightweight, and designed for all-season comfort. Because your baby deserves safe, stylish, and sustainable clothing--right from the start. Targeted to become a household name for every parent in India, the brand is now available online specifically targeting tier 1 cities. The brand is planning the expansion into Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, making organic babywear affordable and accessible for all. Shop anytime, anywhere: Oh My Bebe Goes Omnichannel Oh My Bebe is now live on the e-commerce platform www.ohmybebe.com, making it easier than ever for parents to shop for their little ones from the comfort of their homes. In addition, they have launched the products on Amazon, with upcoming launches on Nykaa, Myntra, and Ajio, bringing the commitment to quality closer to every parent wherever they shop online. From Instagram Reels to parenting forums, the brand is making conscious fashion not just cool, but necessary. What Makes Them Different? * Pricing with a Purpose: Offering premium organic quality at competitive prices, making sustainable fashion accessible. * Deep-rooted Values: Sustainability, durability, and safety are woven into every stitch, ensuring we are a brand parents can trust for their child's future. This is more than any other baby brand; it's more like a trustworthy companion for your parenting journey. Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Purity and Purpose Oh My Bebe is here for transformation. As it scales into smaller towns and wider markets, the mission is to normalize sustainable and good-quality fashion, accessible. Parents shouldn't have to choose between style, safety, or sustainability; they should have it all. At Oh My Bebe, every stitch, every fibre, and every piece of clothing reflects our deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. We are proud to set new standards for baby apparel in India and look forward to being part of your child's beautiful journey. Shop our full range of organic cotton baby clothes at www.ohmybebe.com -- because your baby deserves the purest start. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], May 20: DuDigital Global Limited (NSE: DUGLOBAL) is proud to announce a series of landmark achievements that significantly bolster its position in facilitating India-Korea bilateral travel and consular relations. In a major milestone, DuDigital Global Limited has been awarded the prestigious contract by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, for Outsourcing CPV (Consular, Passport, Visa) Services at the Embassy of India in Seoul, South Korea. This contract reflects MEA's confidence in DuDigital's robust capabilities, citizen-centric approach, and tech-driven solutions that ensure secure, seamless, and efficient service delivery across Indian Missions worldwide. "We are honored and grateful to be entrusted by the Ministry of External Affairs with this responsibility in South Korea," said Manoj Dharmani, Group CEO, DuDigital Global Limited. "This recognition reinforces our mission to simplify cross-border processes and deliver user-friendly, secure, and scalable consular services." CPV Services Covered: * Passport Services* Visa Applications* OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Cards* Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)* Surrender Certificate (SC)* Global Entry Program (GEP) Verification* Miscellaneous Consular Attestations Key Services to be Offered in Indian Consular Application Centre, Seoul for convenience of applicants includes - Digital Appointment Management, Biometric and Photo Capture, Document Collection & Return, Data Digitization & Indexing, Application Scrutiny & Submission, Real-time Support, Form Filling & Attestation Assistance etc. Supporting Both Sides of the India-South Korea Corridor In addition to the above win, DuDigital Global is also entrusted with supporting South Korean missions in India. The company has been: * Appointed as a Designated Travel Agency by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) to promote outbound tourism from India to South Korea. * Recognized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India as a Designated Travel Agency for visa facilitation services. Under these partnerships, DuDigital provides express visa services and end-to-end support to Indian travelers. planning visits to South Korea. By leveraging its in-house digital platform DuVerify, DuDigital has helped streamline verification processes at the Embassy of Korea in India, ensuring higher efficiency and applicant satisfaction. "These dual recognitions by both governments reinforce our commitment to strengthening the India-Korea travel ecosystem," added Mr. Dharmani. "We are excited to drive tourism, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration between the two nations." Highlights of DuDigital's KTO and Korean Embassy Collaboration: * Tourist visas processed in just 3-5 working days, significantly faster than standard timelines. * Pan-India group submission access via DuDigital's Delhi operations. * Real-time tracking, transparency, and enhanced applicant experience through digital tools and dedicated support. About DuDigital Global Limited: DUDIGITAL GLOBAL LIMITED (NSE: DUGLOBAL) is a pioneer in digital transformation for global mobility and visa facilitation. With a presence in India, Dubai, Bangladesh, and beyond, DuDigital delivers tech-enabled services for visa processing, citizen services, and international business establishment. The company also provides Citizenship/Residency by Investment solutions and specializes in UAE company formation. As a trusted partner to multiple diplomatic missions, governments, and tourism bodies, DuDigital Global continues to redefine efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction in cross-border processes. For more information, visit: https://dudigitalglobal.com/ For enquiries - please contact: * For ICAC, Seoul - Sarfaraz Anwar Email - sarfaraz@dudigitalglobal.com * For Korea Visa - Gagandeep Singh Bhatia Email - gagandeep@dudigitalglobal.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Indian stock indices slumped for the third straight session, possibly due to continued profit booking, while investors awaited further updates on India-US trade deal negotiations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had "good discussions" with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, towards expediting the first tranche of India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement in his ongoing visit to the US. Sensex closed at 81,191.51 points, down 867.91 points or 1.06 per cent, while Nifty closed at 24,684.85 points, down 260.60 points or 1.04 per cent. All the sectoral indices were deep in the red, with auto, FMCG, media, pharma slumping the most. Nifty India Defence slumped 2.4 per cent. Gold, a key indicator of financial sector, was trading at USD 3,238.50 per ounce, up USD 5.00 or 0.15 per cent. Sensex is now some 4,000 points below its all-time high of 85,978 points. "Among Sectors, all the major sectoral indices registered intraday profit booking at higher levels but Defense, Auto indices lost the most shed over 2 percent. Technically, after a positive open market consistently witnessing selling pressure at higher levels," said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities. Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said, "With the lack of major positive triggers and prevailing uncertainty over U.S. fiscal stability, investors opted for profit-booking and adopted a cautious stance. Selling pressure was widespread as participants awaited more clarity on the India-U.S. trade agreement. Given the current premium valuations and delays in the trade deal, we foresee a phase of short-term consolidation, which may lead FIIs to scale back their positions in the domestic market." Indian stock indices soared early last week, supported by the news that the conflict between India and Pakistan had de-escalated after the two Armed forces reached an understanding to stop the military actions. Another shot in the arm came from the easing of trade wars between the US and China. They had agreed to withdraw their previously announced reciprocal tariffs and counter tariffs for an initial period of 90 days. For Indian stock markets, key monitorables going ahead are Q4 GDP numbers and global cues. The official GDP data for Q4 2024-25 is scheduled to be released on May 30 by the National Statistics Office, along with the annual GDP for 2024-25. During the April-June, July-September, and October-December 2024 quarters, the country's economy, in real terms, observed a growth rate of 6.7 per cent, 5.6 per cent, and 6.2 per cent, respectively. As per the second advance estimates of NSO, the country's economy is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in 2024-25. (ANI) Solar Industries India Limited (SIIL) posted the highest ever yearly revenue and profits with a significant orderbook of Rs 17,000 crore in the financial year 2025, the company said in a release. Solar Industries India Limited (SIIL) registered highest ever quarterly and yearly sales at Rs 2167 crore and Rs 7540 crore. It also posted highest ever quarterly and yearly EBIDTA at Rs 546 crore and Rs 2031 crore respectively. The company has also posted highest ever defence revenue in the quarter and year at Rs 430 crore and Rs 1355 crore, as per the Solar Industries India Limited. Presenting the Quarterly and yearly results, Manish Nuwal, Managing Director and CEO of Solar Industries, shared delightedly the pivotal year where strategy, scale, and execution converged to deliver highest ever revenue and profits. "We are happy to report the highest ever sales for the quarterly and yearly at Rs 2167 crore & Rs 7540 crore. We have also achieved the highest ever quarterly EBIDTA & PAT at Rs 546 crore & Rs 371crore registering growth of 47 per cent and 42 per cent yoy and highest ever yearly EBIDTA & PAT at Rs 2031 crore & Rs 1288 crore registering growth of 44 per cent & 47 per cent in the year FY25. We achieved around 27 per cent EBIDTA margin more than our annual guidance". Manish highlighted "Solar's international business is gaining good momentum and as a result registered a 18 per cent YOY growth. Solar's ability to expand its global footprint and forging strong relationship with its customers as a trusted partnet underscores company's strength in identifying and capitalizing on global opportunities. " He further stated that," The defence sector revenue has increased from Rs 517 crores to Rs 1355 crores showing a growth of 162 per cent. Years of strategic efforts in building state of the art facilities, developing wide range of products and qualifying products across the customers has positioned Solar as a strongdefence player in the global market. This is reflected in the substantial increase in our order book to over Rs 15,000 crores plus, including a landmark order of Rs 6,084 crores for Pinaka rockets and contracts of around Rs 8,500 crores from international markets " The company's statement added that a historic milestone was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art loitering munition testing range and a 1230 meters UAV runway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a testament to Solar's growing capabilities in defence and aerospace. "Hosting Hon'ble Prime Minister of India was a moment of immense pride, boosting morale of Solar team," the financial statement. Manish expressed while sharing capex plans "We are propelling Solar to the next frontier. Further to capex of around Rs 1,200 crore in FY25, a massive plan to do capex of Rs 2,500 crore in FY26 will unlock new opportunities, scaling existing capabilities, upgrading technology, and expanding the product portfolio, including advanced munitions and aerospace solutions. Aligned with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Solar signed a Rs 12,700 crores Moll with the Government of Maharashtra to invest in defence and aerospace over the next decade." Solar enters FY26 on a strong footing, driven by growth of 15-2 per cent from Explosives sector and a robust target to surpass Rs 3,000 crores from Defence. Supported by this momentum, the company is targeting total revenues of Rs 10,000 crores in FY26. With this Defence contribution in total revenue will be crossing 30 per cent from the current share of 18 per cent. The company has proposed a dividend of Rs 10/share for FY25 up from Rs 8.5/share in the previous year, reflecting confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholders. (ANI) Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday expressed confidence that India's satellite telecom network will likely be the fastest in the world. With the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) releasing regulations for administrative assignment, multiple players have already obtained licenses. Scindia anticipates the satellite network rollout to be the fastest globally, driven by growing demand and technological advancements. "We are now seeing the new technology of satellite telecom communication. Satellite technology is complementary to our service book. TRAI has come up with their regulations for administrative assignment. Multiple players have availed of a license, and I am very confident that this rollout on the satellite network will probably be the fastest in the world in the years to come." Recently, Airtel and Jio partnered with Starlink to bring the latter high-speed satellite internet services to their customers in India. Starlink is still awaiting official authorisation from Indian regulatory bodies, which include IN-SPACe and the Department of Telecommunications. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation from Elon Musk-owned satellite internet services company Starlink on April 16. "Discussions covered Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India," Minister Goyal wrote on X, post the meeting. Satellite technology will complement existing mobile services, enhancing connectivity in remote areas where conventional telecom services are costly. Satellite telecom in India will help the country provide much-needed services to remote interior places where conventional telecom services tend to be costly. The Indian satellite broadband market is projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2030, making it an attractive opportunity for players like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper. Further, Scindia shared the vision and said that telecom's growth rates are unlike any other in the world. On the satellite recommendations given by TRAI, Union Minister Scindia said, "TRAI has done its job of giving recommendations. Based on the recommendations, we will be able to push forward this policy. We were eager to push this policy as soon as possible. TRAI has done its job, and now the onus is on the government." The minister said the government has allocated Rs 26,316 crores for setting up nearly 9,300 towers for 5G services, with another 11,000 towers to be installed. Scindia said the focus is on domestic manufacturing, low-cost handsets, and rural connectivity to boost India's digital growth further. Notably, India has become a global leader in digital transactions, with UPI applications facilitating 46% of the world's digital transactions. "The thrust is on rural connectivity, which will power India further. Today, India has become the capital of digital transactions across the world. Our UPI application has resulted in close to 46 per cent of the world's digital transactions, close to 1.7 2 billion transactions, leading to USD 2.85 trillion per annum. That has been the capability of our UPI network," he added. Scindia emphasised the importance of quality standards, commending TRAI for creating its quality benchmarks and stressing the need for Six Sigma standards. The Union Minister added, "Quality provision of our connectivity and cost is something that I have laid a lot of stress on in the last 11 months, since taking over this ministry. I'd also like to commend TRAI for creating its quality standards. We must stress on six sigma. It's important to ensure that we have the largest, second-largest market in the world, but it must also be defined by the highest cost quality of service in the world." He said, "We have done a very detailed study. According to what TRAI has come out in terms of regulations, it is my sincere hope that all our telco providers will move up the value chain in terms of quality of service, not up to international benchmarks, but beyond international benchmarks." The Union Minister said that online safety and security are crucial. The telecom department operationalised the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app to tackle fake mobile connections and phone theft, resulting in the disconnection of almost 3.4 crore fake mobile connections. He added that about 30 lakh mobile connections have been blocked, and about 17 lakh phones have now been recovered through the Sanchar Saathi portal. (ANI) Despite the bail, she will remain in jail under the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) case. Tarun Kondaraju, a co-accused in the gold smuggling case, was also granted conditional bail. The court approved their release on the condition that each submits two sureties and a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh. The court also barred both from leaving the country and ordered them not to commit similar offences. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport after DRI officials found her carrying gold. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later filed an FIR based on a complaint by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI. The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988 and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS). According to the complaint, two foreign nationals were arrested at Mumbai Airport on March 6 for attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold into India, valued at Rs. 18.92 crore. (ANI) On Tuesday, Banshidhar Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Film Vikas Parishad, visited the set at Halduwala in Dehradun and met with the actor. A picture from their meeting surfaced online in which the duo can be seen exchanging pleasantries. During the interaction, meaningful discussions were held on Uttarakhand's film policy, location diversity and support being given by the state government. CEO Tiwari said that "the kind of positive and comfortable environment the film unit is getting here makes the state a strong destination for film production." Directed by Anurag Singh, 'Border 2' is set to be a grand cinematic spectacle with a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol reprising his legendary role, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The original film, helmed by JP Dutta, was a landmark in Indian cinema, depicting the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and introduced audiences to unforgettable characters like Suniel Shetty's portrayal of BSF officer Bhairav Singh. The film 'Border 2' boasts a stellar production team, including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. (ANI) People's immune systems deteriorate as they age, making cancer therapies that rely on immune cells difficult to implement. In a new study, researchers from the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) show that age-related immune decline has a measurable impact on CAR-T cell therapy, one of the most advanced forms of cancer immunotherapy. CAR-T therapy works by engineering a patient's T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. But the study found that CAR-T cells from aged mice had poor mitochondrial function, lower "stemness", and reduced antitumor activity. The culprit: a drop in levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule essential for cellular energy and metabolism of mitochondria. "CAR-T cells from older individuals are metabolically impaired and significantly less effective," said first author Dr. Helen Carrasco Hope. "What's exciting is that we were able to rejuvenate these aged cells by restoring their NAD levels--reviving their antitumor function in preclinical models." "Our findings strengthen the growing recognition that aging fundamentally reshapes immune cell function and metabolism," she added. "They highlight the urgent need to model age more accurately in preclinical studies, so that therapies are developed with the real-world cancer population in mind--where most patients are older adults." The team used NAD-boosting compounds currently under clinical investigation for other conditions, demonstrating that this approach is translatable and potentially applicable in humans. "This is a major step toward personalized and age-conscious immunotherapy," said senior author Dr. Nicola Vannini. "By correcting age-related metabolic defects, we could improve outcomes for a large segment of cancer patients." The study adds to a growing body of work showing that age is not just a chronological number, but a biological factor that can shape therapy response. The authors call for age to be systematically considered in the development and evaluation of cell-based immunotherapies. (ANI) After Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's remarks questioning the loss of aircraft during Operation Sindoor, Defence expert Dhruv Katoch believed that the latter is "misinformed". The defence expert highlighted that India's Operation Sindoor was conducted in two phases, out of which one of the attack on "terror bases". In contrast, the second phase depended upon "Pakistan's response". Katoch highlighted that Pakistan was informed about the Operation Sindoor following its completion, and no civilian infrastructure was targeted during the operation. "I guess Rahul Gandhi is misinformed. Operation Sindoor was carried out in two phases, the first one was to hit out at the terror bases... The second phase depended upon Pakistan's reaction... After the first phase, Pakistan was informed that we had hit out nine targets, no civilian infrastructure was harmed, and we would not escalate it further," Katoch told ANI. The defence expert further said that Pakistan was responsible for escalating the situation, to which the Indian Army responded and neutralised them. "But they escalated, we responded and neutralised their attacks... At no time was our activity or our part of plans revealed to Pakistan, but only after the event, as the External Affairs Minister has clearly stated... Pakistan was told after the attacks went through, not to react, otherwise it would get worse, but they chose to react and they got the punishment," he added. Dhruv Katoch highlighted that Rahul Gandhi is being very "irresponsible" by asking about the casualties and losses during Operation Sindoor. He stated that casualties are part of war, and it is very irresponsible of the Congress MP to ask such questions. "Rahul Gandhi is being very irresponsible when asking about losses and casualties... Casualties are a part of war, but no nation ever talks about the casualties of its own nation, and it is very irresponsible of him to ask this question. What he should ask is if the targets designated to the Indian military were destroyed or not... I hope better sense prevails in the near future", he told ANI. On Monday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, accusing him of being silent on how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during Operation Sindoor and said that the nation "deserves the truth." "EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling -- it's damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. (ANI) The Indian Army has emphasised that Pakistan's "uncoordinated" firing targeted civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, while in contrast, India's reply was as swift as a blade and as coordinated as a clock. Speaking to ANI, an Indian Army personnel said that Pakistan could not gain a difference in a hilly region, due to which they opened fire on the plains, which is India's region. "It was on the morning of May 10, when Pakistan could not gain a difference in the hilly sector, they opened fire on the plains, which is our region. Their motors aimed towards our forward posts, and their artillery towards our civilian areas. Their fire was not precise and uncoordinated. They were firing in a disarray... They could not have a pitched battle against the might of the Indian Army. They were firing at us in desperation", he said. "Our responses were controlled and coordinated... Our boys knew their job well, and we had rehearsed multiple times before... If you had seen that moment, it was thunder in the sky on their heads, it was raining bullets, mortars, and rounds of artillery... They opened fire again that night. Our reply was as swift as a blade and as coordinated as a clock", he added. The Indian Army also deployed several advanced defence weapons, which helped it gain an edge in the cross-firing from Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. "Third Eye" surveillance cameras were installed at forward posts, feeding real-time data to surveillance rooms equipped with VR (Virtual Reality) interfaces. These systems enabled constant monitoring of enemy activities during Operation Sindoor and allowed for rapid targeting and response. "Through the surveillance centre, we were tracking every movement around the clock. We would get live feeds of all their actions, and we would be prepared to deal accordingly... We stopped all their infiltration, which they attempted during shelling... Thermal imaging cameras enabled us to detect movement at night as well", an officer of the Indian Army said. The IGLA missile proved to be a game-changer against Pakistani fighter jets and kamikaze drones. Its major strength lies in its mobility; being shoulder-fired, it can be launched virtually from anywhere, providing flexibility and speed in dynamic combat situations. "This is a shoulder-fired missile that works on passive IR seeking... This weapon system received its early warning through the Akashteer Command System. Its firers caught an IR signature of aerial threats and destroyed it way beyond our LOC... It success rate is high, with a kill ratio of 75% against fighters," an Army personnel said. Recently inducted into the Indian Army, Armado Light Specialist Vehicles were used during Operation Sindoor to target enemy posts and incoming vehicles. Equipped with anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers, these vehicles offered high mobility and destructive capability against enemy armour and bunkers. Highlighting the features of the newly inducted Anti-Tank Guided Missile, an Indian Army personnel mentioned that it can target bunkers, enemy posts, and tanks. He further said that during Operation Sindoor, the weapon was very successful and destroyed 95 per cent of its targets. "This is an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)... This can target bunkers and enemy posts in addition to tanks... It was extremely successful in Operation Sindoor. It has a hit probability of 90-95%," the personnel said. Mortars, long a staple of battlefield engagements, were once again crucial in countering Pakistan's ceasefire violations. Used for indirect fire, these weapons were instrumental in destroying enemy posts and neutralising Pakistani shelling during the operation. As per the Indian Army, the forces were already prepared for Operation Sindoor, and they demarcated certain points which could be used by the Pakistani Army to promote terrorist movement. Drones were used by the forces to drones to pinpoint targets, causing heavy casualties on the enemy's end. "We were already prepared for Operation Sindoor. We had demarcated certain points which could be used by the Pakistani Army to promote terrorist movement and support them. As soon as the ceasefire violation took place, we fired indiscriminately... We used drones for pinpoint target, causing heavy casualties on their side", the Army personnel said. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar has raised concerns over the probe by a panel of three judges into allegations of discovery of unaccounted cash at the official resident of Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident in March this year, wondering that there is no FIR to date and everyone in the country is now thinking "whether this will be washed off." VP Dhankhar spoke at the book launch event of 'The Constitution We Adopted (with Artworks)', edited by Vijay Hansaria, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. "We're confronted with the jarring reality. A judge's residence in Lutyens Delhi had burnt notes. There is no FIR to date...Everyone in the country is now thinking whether this will be washed off or fade with time, and they are really concerned. How come the criminal justice system was not operationalised as it would have been done for every other individual?... This issue for which people are waiting with bated breath, the money trail, its source, its purpose," he said. Furthermore, the Vice President asserted that there have already been two months into the matter and an investigation must be conducted with "expedition". "Did it pollute the judicial system? Who are the bigger sharks? We need to find out. Already two months have gone by. An investigation is required to be conducted with expedition. So is the case with the registration of an FIR. I do hope and believe that the Supreme Court acted the very best so far because it had a legacy issue of judgments imparted in 90s," Jagdeep Dhankhar said. "But now is the time to take a call. Partly the confidence has been restored by Justice Khanna. When you put in public domain documentation which people thought will never be shown to them. That was a big step by him to project accountability and transparency. If democratic values have to prosper, I am sure this is a test case. There must be a swift investigation by those concerned with the investigation," VP Dhankhar added. A panel of judges tasked with conducting an internal inquiry into allegations of cash being discovered at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence submitted its report to the then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on May 4. The Chief Justice of India constituted this committee on March 22 to examine the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the High Court of Delhi. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian armed forces. He said the operation was a result of the collective desire of every Indian citizen to avenge the deaths of innocent people killed by terrorists in Pahalgam. "Operation Sindoor was successful because it was the heart's desire of every citizen of the country to avenge the deaths of the innocent who were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam. PM Modi and our armed forces fulfilled that desire," he said. Talking to reporters on Tuesday Shinde said, "Operation Sindoor was a success. So, I thank PM Narendra Modi. I also express gratitude to the jawans of our Army, Navy and Air Force." Taking aim at Pakistan, the Deputy CM alleged that the neighbouring country has encouraged terrorism. "Pakistani Army and their lawmakers publicly attended the last rites of terrorists who were killed recently," he said. He also claimed that Indian forces destroyed nine terror camps, including the training centre of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. "Our jawans also destroyed the training centre of Kasab. Nine such terror camps were destroyed," Shinde said, adding, "Other countries should know about Pakistan's sin of nurturing terrorism, and India's role against it." Shinde also said that his son and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde was part of one of the MPs' delegations and called it a matter of pride for the party. "This is patriotism, nationalism," he said. "I also express gratitude and thank PM for this opportunity," he added. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will be leading a group of MPs from multiple parties to United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone, to put forth India's stance. BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, along with Opposition members including Indian Union Muslim League MP Mohammed Basheer, BJD's Sasmit Patra, and Sujan Chinoy will be part of the group. A total of seven groups of MPs have been delegated to go to more than 30 countries, led by a variety of leaders, including Congress' Shashi Tharoor, NCP-SCP's Supriya Sule, BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and others. Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Biju Janata Dal from the opposition's side have sent their MPs to be part of the delegation. NDA allies, including Janata Dal (United), and TDP are also part of the delegations. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, targeting terror bases in Pakistan in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The operation 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. (ANI) The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the controversial remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kunwar Vijay Shah, who serves as the Tribal Affairs minister in the state cabinet. This development comes after the Supreme Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to form an SIT, comprising three IPS officers, including a lady officer, while coming down heavily on Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, referring to her as "sister of terrorists". A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed that the SIT must consist of three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, who are currently serving in the state but do not originally belong to it. The court also specified that one of the officers must be a woman. The apex court instructed the Director General of Police to constitute the SIT by May 20. Terming the minister's remarks as "filthy, crass and shameful", the court rejected Shah's public apology, calling it insincere. "The nation is ashamed of you (Shah). Redemption is yours to seek," said Justice Surya Kant. While the court stayed Shah's arrest, it directed him to join and fully cooperate with the investigation. Although the bench said it would not monitor the investigation directly, it made it clear that it would keep a close watch on the case. The SIT has been asked to submit a status report on the probe, and the matter has been posted for hearing on May 28. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader Umang Singhar welcomed the Supreme Court's direction. He said, "I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court. I can say that it is a move of the Apex Court in the army's honour. But the Bharatiya Janata Party government, be it the central government or the state government, did not wake up; the court did, but they didn't. The Supreme Court said that the minister's remark is not worthy of apology, but the BJP feels that it is worthy of apology, and that is why the state government hasn't asked for the resignation of the minister yet." (ANI) A 25-year-old resident of Kaithal (Haryana), Devendra Singh, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, Kaithal Superintendent of Police (SP), Astha Modi said on Monday. The accused is currently a first-year MA student at a college in Patiala. Kaithal SP Astha Modi further added that Devendra was in contact with four Pakistani intelligence operatives-three men and one woman. "He went to Pakistan in November last year and after that he was constantly in touch with them. He has admitted to making a video near the cantonment area in Patiala and sending it to them," said SP Modi. Devendra is on a three-day police remand. Police have searched his house and seized two electronic devices. A cyber forensic lab has recovered about 300 GB of data from these devices, which is now being analysed. A forensic audit of his bank accounts is also underway. The police informed that further investigation into the case is ongoing. In a separate incident, following the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen, Odisha police is investigating her links with another YouTuber from the State. Inspector General of Police (IGP) CID Crime Branch, Sarthak Sarangi, said that facts are being verified. "We have just received information that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra visited Puri's Jagannath temple and posted a video regarding it on Instagram. She also visited Chilika and Konark. She was in touch with a YouTuber from Odisha. We are verifying all the facts. We are in touch with our counterparts in Haryana regarding Jyoti Malhotra," the police official said. Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. Puri Superintendent of Police, Vinit Agrawal, said that they are in touch with the Haryana police over the matter. Earlier in Haryana, several individuals were arrested for alleged espionage activities in favour of Pakistan, according to Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor. He said the crackdown was the result of increased vigilance and surveillance across the state. (ANI) Medchal Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder and robbery of a woman in Athvelly village, Telangana. The accused, Katiike Rakesh, son of late Gopal, a labourer from Saidabad, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad, originally from Lingampet town, Kamareddy district, was taken into custody following swift police action. On the morning of May 16, police received information about a partially burnt female body found inside a rented house in Athvelly. Medchal Inspector A. Satyanarayana and his team arrived at the scene and found the deceased, identified as Dasari Lalitha, aged 50, with grievous injuries including a slit throat, and severed ears and nose. The house owner, Mohd Ajaz, reported that Lalitha had been residing there for six months and that neighbours alerted him to thick smoke coming from the house at around 4 AM. Upon breaking the lock, Ajaz and his father found Lalitha's body engulfed in flames. Following the complaint, SIP Manmadha Rao registered a case under FIR No. 465/2025 under Sections 103(1), 305, and 238 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Inspector Satyanarayana took charge of the investigation. Police formed special teams and, using technical evidence and CCTV footage from the crime scene and nearby Medchal bus stop, successfully apprehended the accused. The accused had recently been incapacitated due to an accident and was living with his mother in Dilsukhnagar, working odd jobs. Financial difficulties led him to consider theft. After a failed burglary attempt at a milk shop, his mother contacted Lalitha, a former co-worker from Patancheru dumping yard, to seek help finding a job for him. Lalitha, living alone in Athvelly, invited them to her workplace at a wine shop in Kistapur on May 15 and assured assistance. That evening, the trio consumed toddy in Kistapur. Later, at Medchal bus stop, the accused's mother returned home while he stayed with Lalitha. At her rented room, he coerced her into drinking more toddy. When she fell asleep, he attempted to steal her jewellery. Facing resistance, he slit her throat with a kitchen knife, mutilated her body by cutting off her nose and ears to remove jewellery, set the body on fire, locked the room, and fled with the stolen ornaments. Police recovered seized items including gold ear studs and nose studs weighing 5 grams, silver nuptials, bracelet, and ring totaling 60 grams, cash worth Rs 3,500, the deceased's navy blue keypad cell phone, the accused's red Oppo smartphone, and the room key locked by the accused after the murder. The arrest was made under the supervision of DCP Medchal Zone N. Koti Reddy, IPS, along with Additional DCP Purushottam, ACP Shankar Reddy, SHO A. Satyanarayana, DI Sudheer Krishna, DI Satish, and other Medchal Police officials. The police efforts in swiftly solving this gruesome murder and robbery case within 72 hours were highly appreciated and will be suitably rewarded, said the Deputy Commissioner of Police. (ANI) Two terror suspects, including one from Hyderabad, were apprehended in a joint operation by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police, as they were allegedly planning to carry out bomb blasts, officials said on Monday. The accused, identified as Syed Sameer, a 27-year-old lift technician from Bhoiguda in Secunderabad, and Siraj Ur Rehman, a resident of Vizianagaram, were allegedly planning to test explosive devices ahead of a larger conspiracy to carry out bomb blasts. According to the police, Siraj was the primary architect of the plot, while Sameer allegedly assisted him in advancing their conspiracy to carry out subversive activities. Meanwhile, Siraj had procured bomb-making materials, including explosive precursors, through various e-commerce platforms. The Vizianagaram Town-II police produced the two in the local district court, which remanded them to judicial custody for two weeks. An official added that they were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for plotting terrorist acts and endangering public peace. Visakhapatnam Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gopinath Jetty confirmed over the phone that the arrested individuals had links to terror activities. Counter-Intelligence officials are expected to file a petition in court seeking police custody of the accused for further interrogation and evidence collection. Commenting on the arrests, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister and BJP leader Satya Kumar Yadav said," I have received several reports over time regarding terrorist activities and sleeper cells. For many days now, the BJP has been alert to the presence of terrorist sleeper cells operating around Hyderabad and in certain areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. There are ongoing activities linked to organisations like PFI, SIMI, and SDPI. We have always emphasised the importance of maintaining strict surveillance on these groups. We strongly believe there are elements of ISIS present in the southern states, which is a matter of serious concern.(ANI) Ahmedabad Police on Tuesday started the second phase of demolition to remove illegal encroachment from an area of more than 2.5 lakh square meters. Visuals showed the demolition being carried out in Chandola area. Joint Commissioner of Police (CP), Sharad Singhal said that in the first phase about 1.5 lakh square kilometres of illegal encroachment was cleared and further said that the public was cooperating. "In the first phase, about 1.5 lakh square kilometres area was cleared (illegal encroachment) by the corporation and we had made proper arrangements to ensure law and order. The second phase has started from today and adequate police force has been deployed. Senior officers are present on the spot and the public is also cooperating with us..." Singhal told ANI. Earlier on May 19, the Rajkot Police demolished 60 illegal constructions belonging to habitual offenders linked to 38 individuals, with multiple offenses, including murder, attempted murder, and loot. The action was taken following directions from the Gujarat Home Minister and DGP to identify and take action against such offenders. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the state government and police are committed to taking strict action against individuals who occupy government land and engage in criminal activities." Under CM Bhupendra Patel's guidance, state government and police have a clear resolution that if anyone commits a crime and occupies the state's government land, we will not let it happen... All the places in Rajkot that have been a hub for illegal activities will be demolished... Strictest action will be taken against all these people. The state government stands with all the people who work peacefully and hard...," said Sanghavi .Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Jagdish, said that the police had prepared a list of 30 habitual offenders and were asked to identify any illegal constructions or unauthorised electricity connections linked to them. "More than 60 illegal constructions belonging to 38 criminals with multiple offences, such as murder, attempt to murder, and loot, were destroyed," said DCP Jagdish. He added that some of these offenders have over 10 cases registered against them. (ANI) At least four people lost their lives and around 17 others were injured in a collision between a cement-loaded truck and a bus under the Parigi police station limits in Vikarabad district of Telangana. The mishap occurred around 1:45 am on Monday when the bus, carrying passengers returning from a wedding reception in Shahbad, rammed into the truck. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to the government hospital for post-mortem examination (PME), and the injured were shifted to various hospitals for treatment. According to Vikarabad Superintendent of Police, K. Narayana Reddy, said ,"This accident took place early this morning around 1:45 am between a cement-loaded truck and a bus. The bus was carrying people who were returning from a reception to Shahbad. Four people died, and around 17 others were injured. They were immediately shifted to various hospitals in Hyderabad, and the deceased bodies were shifted for post-mortem examination (PME)." (ANI) The accused has been identified as Paramjit Singh alias Pamma, a resident of Binjon village, Hoshiarpur. He is reportedly involved in more than 15 criminal cases. According to police officials, a team led by DSP (Detective) Inderjit Singh set up a checkpoint at Kalra village based on a tip-off. On spotting the police, the accused tried to flee and opened fire. In retaliation, the police fired back, injuring him in the leg. SSP (Rural) Harvinder Singh Virk also arrived at the scene following the encounter. Two pistols and a large quantity of narcotics were recovered from the accused, who was traveling in a Bolero pickup. Further investigation is underway. Earlier, In a significant counter-espionage operation, Gurdaspur Police thwarted an attempt to compromise national security by apprehending two persons involved in leaking sensitive military information. On May 15, credible intelligence inputs indicated that Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh were engaged in sharing classified details related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movements and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, & Jammu and Kashmir - with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. Acting swiftly, the police has arrested both suspects. Forensic examination of their mobile phones has confirmed the intelligence inputs. The police team has also recovered 3 mobile phones and 8 live cartridges (.30 bore) from their possession. Preliminary findings establish that the accused were in direct contact with ISI handlers and had transmitted critical information concerning the Indian Armed Forces. FIR has been registered under the Official Secrets Act at PS Dorangala. The investigation continues, and more disclosures are expected as the probe deepens. The Punjab Police said it stands strong with the Indian Army and remains unwavering in its duty to safeguard national interests. Any attempt to undermine the security of the armed forces will be met with firm and immediate action. (ANI) Sri Lankan president pledges to prevent repeat of civil war tragedies Xinhua) 09:31, May 20, 2025 COLOMBO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the tragic events of the past are never repeated in Sri Lanka, the President's Media Division (PMD) said in a statement. Sri Lanka marked the 16th National War Heroes' Day celebrations on Monday. This coincides with the end of the country's 30-year conflict in 2009. Dissanayake visited the Mihindu Seth Medura convalescent home in Attidiya on Monday morning, where he met with war veterans receiving long-term care and rehabilitation. Reflecting on the long-term consequences of the 30-year conflict, Dissanayake noted that the 30-year conflict had left a lasting impact on the nation, with many from both the north and south suffering not only the loss of life but also severe physical injuries. He reiterated his firm commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated, according to the PMD. The president emphasized his administration's commitment to prioritizing the welfare and development of disabled war heroes and their families. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Police in Haryana's Biwani district have identified at least 10 people, four of whom are women, who are suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in the area. Taking stringent measures on illegal Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas, Biwani Police conducted a search operation in Dadri Road of the district on Tuesday. During the search operation that began at 5 am today, police said they had identified 10 suspicious people, six men and four women, and initiated further actions such as document verification. Station House Officer (SHO) Satyanarayana told ANI, "We are checking the Aadhar cards and verifying them online. We have found some doubtful people, including six males and four females. We will verify their documents in detail, and further action will be taken." The SHO assured that police are determined to catch every illegal immigrant and deport them. "We are checking only adults as of now. We are alert, and we will catch every illegal immigrant and deport them," SHO Satyanarayana said. On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Police detained 90 Bangladeshi nationals from Khajpur village under the jurisdiction of Police Station Nauhjheel in Mathura district, said officials. According to Shlok Kumar, the senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the inspection was part of a drive to verify the identity and legality of labourers working in the rural part of the district. "During the checking of kilns in Khajpur village by the team of PS Nauhjheel, about 90 people were found to be citizens of Bangladesh. All of them have been taken into custody and are being questioned. There are 35 men, 27 women and 28 children," SSP Kumar told ANI on Friday. He added, "They said they reached Mathura 3-4 months ago; before that, they were living in a nearby state. Detailed interrogation is being done. Other agencies have also been informed about this. They are also questioning them." Earlier on Friday, Delhi Police's Crime Branch detained 13 Bangladeshi nationals, including five children, for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation. The individuals were apprehended from village Auchandi in the national capital. According to DCP Crime, Aditya Gautam, "The detained individuals entered India through unfenced agricultural fields along the India-Bangladesh border and later reached Delhi via Cooch Behar railway station. They reportedly worked as casual labourers in a brick kiln in Kharkhoda, Haryana." The Delhi Police's Crime Branch has initiated the process for their deportation. The agency is working to identify and apprehend the agent, Zalil Ahmad, who allegedly helped them cross the border. (ANI) Locals in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir were the first to be in the line of fire during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, which has come to a pause after both countries reached an agreement of cessation of hostilities. However, the destruction caused by shelling from the Pakistani side has wreaked havoc in the lives of people living in villages near the border areas, with their houses destroyed or in a dilapidated condition, becoming uninhabitable. Mohammad, an elder of a village in Rajouri, said that his entire house came down after shells hit the building. He appealed to the government to provide his family with tents and other assistance since they have nowhere to go. "It was morning when I was going for my prayers, and we heard the explosion. We have a house with two floors, which came down. It has become uninhabitable. We should be given tents or some kind of assistance. They (officials) came, saw and went away. I was admitted to the hospital (after injuries to the head) and recieved stitches. I have been discharged after seven days," he said. "I took loans to teach my daughter...We have no support. I urge the government to help us in any way possible," he added. Mariya, a family member, said that her uncle Mohammad and her cousins were inside the house when shelling occurred, after which they fainted and regained consciousness after a while. "When shelling occurred, my uncle (Mohammad) and his family members were inside the house. The shelling has caused massive losses to them. They have worked as labour to educate their daughters. Everyone in the house fainted when the shells hit the house. As soon as they regained consciousness, they tended to my uncle's injuries. We appeal to the government to help them," she said. Saima, daughter of Mohammad, said that her father educated them by indulging in labour and built the house by taking loans. She lamented that many household items kept for her newly wedded sister were also destroyed due to the shelling. "We are three sisters. Our father has taught us by doing labour with huge difficulties. We built this house by taking loans. Our sister just got married, and many items that were kept for her have been destroyed. We were in the kitchen; my father was in the lobby when the shelling occurred," she added. Akhtar, wife of Mohammad, became emotional while describing the scenes from when their house was destroyed. "I feel like running away. I never want to return here," she said. "The shelling happened around 5:00 in the morning. I was trapped in the washroom. One of my daughters rescued me after regaining consciousness. Everything is destroyed. Nobody is there to earn. My husband got a head injury, which has left him incapable of working. We have no support," she added. Intense shelling by Pakistan during the recent conflict with India has left a trail of destruction in the border villages and districts across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, with locals suffering damages to their houses and livelihood. Reportedly, the locals have suffered damages to their livestock, properties, and essentially their livelihood in border areas such as Nowshera. Last week, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited border villages near the LoC in Rajouri district and interacted with residents affected by recent hostilities. Over a week ago, the locals residing in the border villages demanded that the government compensate them for the damaged houses. They also urge the Indian government "not to spare Pakistan" for its misadventures. Vijay Kumar, a local from a village in Nowshera, said that his entire life savings were spent on building the house, which has been damaged due to shelling by Pakistan. He said that the government must compensate those who have suffered damages to their houses in the village, inflicted due to the shelling. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday morning met with security force personnel in Tanot on the Jaisalmer border, praising the army and Border Security Forces (BSF) for their "outstanding performance" during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. During his visit, General Dwivedi presented a Commendation Disc to PK Mishra, Assistant Commandant, BSF, from the Rajasthan Frontier, in recognition of his outstanding performance. "On 19 May 2025, General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS visited Tanot, jaiselmer border and praised Army & BSF for their outstanding performance during OPS Sindoor & presented Commendation Disc to Sh P K Mishra , AC ,BSF of Raj Ftr," BSF Rajasthan posted on X. On Monday, Dwivedi visited Laungewala in the forward areas of the Konark Corps in the desert sector and lauded the forces for their contribution during Operation Sindoor. In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG-PI)-Indian Army lauded the Laungewala as a site where "bravery and sacrifice are etched in the nation's history". "General Upendra Dwivedi, #COAS today visited #Laungewala, a site where bravery and sacrifice are etched in the nation's history. He emphasized that the iconic battleground symbolizes the unwavering spirit and valour of the soldiers who defended the motherland against overwhelming odds, inspiring generations with their courage and dedication," the post stated. 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. (ANI) Maharashtra Minister and State BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday welcomed the inclusion of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal in the state cabinet. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule said, "Chhagan Bhujbal is known as an OBC leader and the inclusion of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal in the cabinet will strengthen the Maharashtra government." He further expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar for including Bhujbal in the cabinet. Bawankule added, "Chhagan Bhujbal will play a major role in fulfilling the resolve of 'Viksit Maharashtra'." In the past, Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in Nashik district, has held key positions as a cabinet minister and also served as the Deputy Chief Minister in different Maharashtra governments. While speaking to reporters and being asked about Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on the all-party delegation visiting key partner countries to showcase India's continued fight against terrorism, Bawankule responded, "Prithviraj Chouhan should refrain from commenting on this. Prime Minister Modi and our government have taken a strong stand against terrorism, and we want to show the world how we initiated this fight. That is why Modi ji has decided to form an all-party delegation- to unite all parties against terrorism. Our goal is to encourage the entire world to join us in standing against terrorism, and that is what Modi ji envisions." Earlier, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan had said, "This is not a parliamentary delegation, it is a government delegation because non-MPs are also members. It is the government's right to decide what kind of delegation should be sent. It would have been right if the names had been decided, and those people could then ask their respective parties whether they should go. As per convention, the party should be written to and asked for names. This is an insult to parliamentary tradition and the Congress party. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister should have handled this delicately. They (Central govt) have made a mistake." The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. The list includes MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups of 8 to 9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group, who will lead the delegation at a global level. The Members of Parliament include 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. Seven all-party delegations, each led by a prominent leader from various political parties, will visit different countries to highlight India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Delegation 1, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. Delegation 2, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, will visit the UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, and Denmark. Delegation 3, led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Delegation 4, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, will visit the UAE, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. Delegation 5, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will visit the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Delegation 6, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, will visit Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia. Delegation 7, led by NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule, will visit Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. (ANI) Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after a 40-feet long section of a concrete dam over the Atreyee river was swept away due to heavy rains. In a post on X, Majumdar wrote that the West Bengal government which brought in a "flood of development" had unfortunately proved it's failure time again in the public. He further wrote that the government had made it clear that they were under complete darkness. "A few months ago, the bridge suddenly collapsed, and now a nearly 40-foot-long section of the concrete dam over the Atreyi River has been swept away by the current! "The West Bengal government, which brought a 'flood of development' everywhere in the state under the ultimate inspiration of Mamata Banerjee, is unfortunately proving its failure time and again in public. Whether it is the incompetence of government engineers or the corruption in construction companies and construction materials is another matter, but it is becoming clear that the state is in complete darkness under the rule of Trinamool. The tide of corruption is breaking the dams time and again and the money-grubbing brokers are getting excited!" the post read. Meanwhile, Majumdar led a Tiranga Yatra' in Kolkata to honour the Indian Armed Forces. He said the yatra was being held to celebrate the bravery shown by the forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sukanta Majumdar said, "We are joyfully celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor through Tiranga Yatra in every corner of the country. Today we are celebrating the story of valor that the Armed Forces has written on Pakistani soil under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. We are sending the message that we are standing with the Armed Forces." 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) Former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman MR Srinivasan passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday. The Padma Vibhusan recipient had played a key role in the development of India's nuclear power programme. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the death of MR Srinivasn and said his demise mark a significant loss for India's scientific community. In a post on X, Kharge said, "The demise of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a pioneering nuclear scientist and Padma Vibhushan recipient, marks a significant loss for India's scientific community." https://x.com/kharge/status/1924669234803798100 Kharge also shared the significant accomplishments of MR Srinivasan. "Starting his distinguished career with Homi Bhabha on India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara (1956), he went on to hold key national roles, including Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Member of the Planning Commission," Kharge said. Kharge highlighted that MR Srinivasan leadership led to development of 18 nuclear power units. "His visionary leadership led to the development of 18 nuclear power units. His technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape," Kharge said. "Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones," he added. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also condoled the demise of Srinivasan and said, "The nuclear power stations now operating at Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Kaiga, Kakrapar, and Narora are all shining testimonies to his yeoman contributions to nation-building." "It has been my good fortune to have known him for a long time and he is someone who has left a deep and lasting impression on me by the strength of his commitments, his deep appreciation of the larger social functions of science, and his profound understanding of India's rich cultural traditions," he added. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1924663158683402475 MR Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in September 1955 and began his distinguished career working alongside Homi Bhabha on the construction of India's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in August 1956. Srinivasan held several key positions of national importance. In 1974, he became Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, DAE, and in 1984, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. In these roles, he oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of all nuclear power projects across the country. In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday expressed grief over a fatal road accident near Rangapuram village in the state's Vikarabad district. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, Revanth Reddy expressed condolences over a recent road accident near Rangapuram in Vikarabad district. The Chief Minister also directed officials to provide immediate assistance and better medical treatment to those injured in the accident and conveyed his sympathies to the families of the deceased. at least four people lost their lives and around 17 others were injured in a collision between a cement-loaded truck and a bus under the Parigi police station limits in Vikarabad district of Telangana. The mishap occurred around 1:45 am on Monday when the bus, carrying passengers returning from a wedding reception in Shahbad, rammed into the truck. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to the government hospital for post-mortem examination (PME), and the injured were shifted to various hospitals for treatment. According to Vikarabad Superintendent of Police, K. Narayana Reddy, said ,"This accident took place early this morning around 1:45 am between a cement-loaded truck and a bus. The bus was carrying people who were returning from a reception to Shahbad. Four people died, and around 17 others were injured. They were immediately shifted to various hospitals in Hyderabad, and the deceased bodies were shifted for post-mortem examination (PME)." Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Telengana CM expressed deep shock over the tragic fire mishap that occurred near Gulzar House in the Old City of Hyderabad. He instructed the top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident; the Chief Minister 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 enquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief operations by the Police and Fire Service wings. (ANI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, the newly inducted minister in the Mahayuti-led government in Maharashtra, on Tuesday said that he would be satisfied with whatever responsibility or portfolio was granted to him in the cabinet. "As it is said, 'everything is well if it ends well'," Bhujbal told ANI, adding, "I have not expressed anything regarding this (getting a preferred portfolio). Whatever I will get, I will get." When asked about the portfolio expectations, Bhujbal said that it was the decision of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "I have been a minister (on several occasions) since 1991. I have handled every responsibility, from the Home Ministry to everything. Whatever responsibility I'll be given, that will be alright. It's the prerogative of the CM," the senior NCP leader said. Bhujbal on Tuesday morning took oath as a minister in the Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The oath-taking ceremony was held in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor CP Radhakrishnan, who administered Bhujbal's oath. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the chief of NCP, were also present at the occasion, along with other prominent ministers in the Mahayuti government. Shinde said that Bhujbal had served as a minister earlier, and his experience would benefit the Maharashtra government. He said that CM Fadnavis would decide on the portfolio for the veteran leader. The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that Bhujbal started his political career with the Shiv Sena and was a Shiv Sainik of Bal Thackeray. "Chhagan Bhujbal has served as a minister before as well. He has led many departments. He is an experienced minister. He is also a Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray. He started from the Shiv Sena. He started from corporator, mayor and went on to become an MLA and a minister. He has held many positions. Today, he has taken the oath again. I want to congratulate him. His experience will benefit the government. The portfolio will be decided by the Chief Minister," Shinde told ANI. In the past, Bhujbal, the MLA from Yeola in the Nashik district, held key positions as a cabinet minister and served as the deputy chief minister in different Maharashtra governments. He served as the fifth Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1999 to 2003. Bhujbal started his political career with the Shiv Sena in the 1960s, when the regional movement advocating for the rights of Marathi speakers was at its peak. (ANI) Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Tuesday said that the objective of all party delegations is to explain India's position on terrorism to other countries. MJ Akbar is part of the eight-member delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, which will convey India's stance to European Union, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Denmark. Speaking with ANI, MJ Akbar highlighted the threat of terrorism saying that it is "a vicious, poisonous problem". "Our principal objective is to explain the national position, as articulated by PM Modi and explain it to the world that our fight is against the terrorism. Terrorism is a vicious, poisonous problem in the region, and not only in the region but across the world," Akbar said. Akbar said that the threat from terrorism is not restricted to one geography but extends to other geographies like Europe. "The threat that emerges from a century of terrorism is not restricted merely to one geography; it extends to other geographies. It extends Europe. Europe has been a victim of terrorism. MJ Akbar also highlighted that the objective of delegations is to explain India precise measures against terrorism. "We need to explain that India did precisely what the PM made the objective of India's war against terrorism, which was we would hit terrorist bases. We sent a powerful message as the PM said that we will hunt the terrorists wherever they are in the world; and if they are in Pakistan, we will hunt them there too," Akbar said. Along with MJ Akbar, TDP MP Duggubati Purandeswari, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana, Congress MP Amar Singh, BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran is part of the Ravi Shankar Prasad delegation. India will send seven all-party delegations, each led by a prominent leader from various political parties, will visit different countries to highlight India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Notably the delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will visit the USA, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. (ANI) A case of data theft has been reported at the Raj Bhavan office in Somajiguda, Hyderabad, after a suspended employee allegedly accessed a government computer system and removed a hard disk containing confidential files. The incident came to light on the morning of May 15 when IT Manager N. Rakesh and Network Engineer Sriram entered Room No. 104 and noticed the system was switched on with a blue screen and a replaced hard disk. According to the FIR filed by the police, the complaint was received on May 15 at 5:30 pm from N. Rakesh, who stated that he visited the Raj Bhavan office as part of his routine duties. His colleague Sriram, who also works at Raj Bhavan, opened Room No. 104 and observed the unusual state of the system. Upon examination, they found that the user account was different and the original hard disk had been replaced. Following this discovery, CCTV footage from the Sudarma Building's ground and first floors was reviewed. It reportedly showed an individual identified as T. Srinivas entering the premises around 10:11 pm on May 14, wearing a helmet. The footage captured his presence during non-working hours. According to the FIR, Srinivas had been suspended from duty earlier the same evening, at around 8:10 pm, based on certain allegations. The stolen hard disk reportedly contained licensed software, official documents, user credentials, and IT-related inspection reports. The complainant instructed Sriram not to tamper with the system and immediately reported the matter to senior officials. A case was registered under Cr. No. 373/2025 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the investigation was assigned to Sub-Inspector B. Venugopal. Providing further details, ACP Panjagutta S. Mohan Kumar said that, "A previous complaint had been filed against Srinivas on May 10 by a female employee who alleged that her photos had been morphed and shared with others in an obscene manner. Based on the complaint, a case was registered and Srinivas, a 45-year-old IT hardware employee at Raj Bhavan, was arrested on May 12 and remanded to judicial custody. He was later released on bail and subsequently suspended from service." Despite being under suspension, Srinivas allegedly returned to the office premises on the night of May 14 and stole the hard disk which contained the photos in question. A fresh complaint was lodged by the Raj Bhavan IT Manager, leading to his re-arrest on May 15. The hard disk has since been recovered. Clarifying media reports that claimed outsiders had accessed the Raj Bhavan premises and removed important documents, ACP S. Mohan Kumar said that such reports were "baseless and untrue." In a significant crackdown, Punjab Police dismantled a terror module of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), backed by Pakistan's ISI, and following an encounter arrested six operatives who were involved in a failed grenade attack on a liquor vend in Batala. The terror operation was directed by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa, based in Portugal, and Mannu Agwan, who recently took operational control of BKI following the arrest of Happy Passian in the United States. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav posted on X on Tuesday that the arrested individuals, identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar, were receiving direct instructions from Billa and Agwan, under the command of BKI mastermind Harwinder Singh Rinda. During the operation, Jatin Kumar was injured in an exchange of fire with police while being taken for recovery. He opened fire on the police team, sustaining injuries in retaliatory action, and is currently admitted to Civil Hospital, Batala. Police recovered a 30-bore pistol from the module, the Punjab Police DGP said. A case has been registered at PS Civil Lines, Batala, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Meanwhile, on Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 15 locations in Punjab, in connection with the grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur district in December last year. The searches, carried out in the Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar, and Kapurthala districts of Punjab, led to the seizure of various incriminating materials, including mobiles, digital devices, and documents. On the radar were premises of suspects linked with US-based BKI operative and gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian and his nodes Shamsher Singh Shera alias Honey, along with others based in various countries. A key aide of Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, Happy, is responsible for recently orchestrating numerous grenade attacks on multiple police stations and police posts in the states of Punjab and Haryana. NIA investigations in the case relating to the hand grenade attack on Police Station Ghanie Ke Bangar in district Gurdaspur had revealed that the arrested accused, who had committed the crime, was acting on the directions of Happy, along with Shamsher and other aides. As per NIA investigations, BKI's operatives, based in various countries, were engaged in a criminal conspiracy to recruit and train India-based associates, provide funds, weapons and explosives to the field operatives of the terror outfit. (ANI) A Delhi Court has recently declined cognisance of a Defamation complaint filed by a woman against her husband. The man had filed a divorce petition in Karnataka on the grounds of cruelty and adultery. While declining cognisance, the court observed, "A crucial element for completing the offence of defamation is that the imputation (allegation) must have been made with the requisite mensrea (intention) to cause harm to the reputation of the concerned person." A woman had alleged that her husband had falsely alleged in the divorce petition that she was having an affair with her gym trainer, used to meet her secretly, used to invite him to their house in the absence of the accused and used to frequent hotels with him. It was further alleged that during cross-examination in the divorce proceeding, the husband could not substantiate his allegations and failed to justify the ground of adultery. As per the admitted case, the divorce was eventually granted in the matter on the ground of cruelty. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Yashdeep Chahal refused to take cognizance of the Complaint. "I have no hesitation in observing that the version of the complainant fails to disclose the ingredients and nexus necessary for proving the offence of defamation against the accused herein, and thus, no prima facie case is made out for taking cognisance. Accordingly, cognisance is declined under Section 223 of BNSS and the complaint is disposed of," JMFC Chahal said in the order passed on May 16. The court also pointed a finger towards making Delhi a jurisdiction for filing a complaint. "It is also apparent from how the cause of action has been created in Delhi. To keep the pot boiling is a method which the Courts must be circumspect about. I need not say more," JMFC Yashdeep Chahal said. The complainant had alleged that when she was in Delhi to meet her friend she was having the affidavit filed by her husband. Her husband caught hold of the affidavit and read it. Her friend asked her the question about the allegations. She alleged that the false Allegations levelled in the affidavit defamed her in the eyes of her husband. The court also said that it has been observed by the Constitutional Courts, time and again, that the tendency to misuse the criminal machinery for settling monetary/civil scores must be nipped in the bud. " Without expressing much, I may only note that the prayer on behalf of the complainant to keep this complaint pending, for no reason whatsoever, till settlement talks are going onoutside the Court, only points in the direction alleged by the accused to keep the pressure points on," the judge observed. The couple got married on 28.04.2008. As the relationship went sour, the accused husband filed a divorce petition in 2020 before the Family Court in Bengaluru. In the said petition, the husband filed his affidavit of evidence wherein, the accused pleadedfor divorce on the twin grounds of cruelty and adultery. To substantiate his ground of adultery, the accused allegedly levelled certain allegations against the complainant. (ANI) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh participated in a Tiranga Yatra organised in Amritsar to honour the Indian armed forces for their role in Operation Sindoor. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Every resident of Amritsar has come out to participate in the Tiranga Yatra organised in Amritsar to honour the Indian armed forces...Every citizen has come out with the tricolour in their hands..." On Monday, the Tiranga Yatra was successfully organised in New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha, promoting unity and pride among participants. In Himachal Pradesh's Pangi area of Chamba district, the locals marched at an altitude of 13,570 ft above sea level to honour the valour of the Indian Armed Forces. They held tri-coloured flags and chanted slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai!" (Victory to Bharat Mata!)". On May 18, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also participated and led the 'Tiranga Yatra' in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, in honour of the Indian Armed Forces, following the success of Operation Sindoor. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "The brave soldiers of the country have made Operation Sindoor synonymous with the elimination of terrorism with their valour. Live from the Tiranga Yatra organised in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha in honour of the soldiers on the historic success of this operation..." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched the 'Tiranga Yatra' on May 13 and will continue until May 23. The yatra aims to honour the valour of Indian soldiers and inform citizens about Operation Sindoor's recent success. 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) CPI General Secretary D Raja on Wednesday backed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks questioning the loss of aircraft during the Operation Sindoor and questioned why the Prime Minister does not open his mouth and speak on such a matter. He further stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should respect the parliamentary democracy. Parliament and the opposition. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition, and why not the Prime Minister open his mouth and speak on such a matter? It is not only Rahul Gandhi, but all political parties are asking many critical questions and demanding a special parliament session," Raja told ANI. "Although the DGMO had briefed, doesn't the Prime Minister have a responsibility to answer to the people's representatives? Then why do we have the parliament? BJP should respect the parliamentary democracy, the parliament and the opposition," he further said. On Monday, Rahul Gandhi again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, accusing him of being silent about how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during the operation. He said that the nation "deserves the truth." "EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling -- it's damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. Congress MP Manickam Tagore endorsed his leader and said that the nation deserves the truth and Parliament deserves accountability. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi in his post on X, 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?" Calling this statement an "utter misrepresentation of facts," the Ministry of External Affairs had said that the EAM had stated that the government warned Pakistan at "the early phase after Operation Sindoor's commencement" and not before it. 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. (ANI) The Crime Branch has captured a fugitive who had been on the run for more than four years. The person, known as Mohd. Ali alias Suja from Khagaria, Bihar, was sought in a robbery and unnatural sex case from 2015. He got 90 days emergency parole during COVID period but he failed to surrender and jumped the parole in case at PS Anand Vihar, Delhi. The Case was registered on the complaint wherein complainant alleged that on 30 Nov 2015 he had deboarded a local train coming from Ghaziabad at Anand Vihar Railway Station. He had to go to Nirman Vihar and he was told that the said local train had no stoppage at the nearest railway station Mandawali. Therefore, as per advice given to him, he was going to Karkardooma Metro Station through a rough road (Katchcha Rasta). When he was passing urine and talking on his mobile phone, all of a sudden, three boys came there and snatched his mobile phone. When the complainant chased them, the robbers stopped running, and two of them caught hold of the complainant, and the third one put his private part in the mouth of the complainant, forcibly. Thereafter, they gave beatings to the complainant, and one of them had also shown a blade to him. When those boys started running away again, the complainant again chased them, raising hue and cry and two of them were apprehended by the public persons at the spot. They were handed over to police, and later, the third boy was also arrested at the instance of the other two accused persons, as well as the complainant. Thereafter, a charge sheet was filed in the Court against the accused persons. On December 10, 2019 accused was convicted to 6 years rigorous imprisonment by the Court. During COVID period, on October 4, 2021 accused was released from jail in pursuant to order of Home (General) Department, Delhi on emergency parole for 90 days, but he jumped the parole and absconded. The Crime Branch was tasked with maintaining surveillance on Parole Jumpers involved in heinous crimes. As part of this ongoing operation, on May 15, the team received a piece of credible secret information regarding a parole jumper, namely Mohd. Ali alias Suja. The information also revealed that accused was convicted by the court of Delhi and he obtained emergency parole during COVID period and later jumped the parole. Then accused was traced using advanced technical surveillance and human intelligence and it was found that he had been living under a false identity and frequently changed locations across Bihar, Gujarat and Maharashtra to evade his arrest. Crime Branch pursued leads ultimately closing in on the suspect working in a factory at Navalakh Umbre, Pune, Maharashtra. Undeterred, the officers launched a meticulous search operation at a factory located in Navalakh Umbre, Pune, Maharashtra. The factory was enormous, employing approximately 5,000 workers. After an exhaustive operation lasting 3-4 hours, the team successfully identified and apprehended the accused within the premises. Following his arrest, the accused was subjected to intensive interrogation, during which he revealed his long-standing efforts to evade law enforcement agencies. It was uncovered that he had been frequently changing his appearance, residential addresses, and mobile numbers to avoid detection. (ANI) Congress leader V Hanumanth Rao on Tuesday hit out at Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy over the latter's social media remarks accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of working against national interest. Responding to Reddy's post on X, Rao said it was "really unfortunate" that such a statement was made about the Gandhi family, which has "sacrificed for the nation." "Kishan Reddy, being both the Telangana BJP President and a Union Minister, has posted on social media that Rahul Gandhi is working against national interest. This is truly unfortunate. He seems to have forgotten the sacrifices made by the Gandhi family for the nation. Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi -- they always prioritised the country, even at the cost of their lives," Rao said. He further said Reddy was playing "cheap politics" in the name of Operation Sindoor and questioned the BJP's motives. "Kishan Reddy, you are well aware of the all-party meeting held after the Pahalgam incident, where innocent people were killed. Despite political differences and opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every party -- including Mamata Banerjee's -- came together and wholeheartedly supported the government once Operation Sindoor was launched," he said. Defending Rahul Gandhi's statements, Rao added, "Now Rahul Gandhi is simply asking how many aircraft were damaged. Is that wrong? Instead, you're playing cheap politics. Militant activities are increasing day by day, and instead of focusing on that, you are trying to politicise the issue." He also accused the BJP of manipulating the delegation process. "A delegation is being sent, and the names were not even suggested by the Congress party. Yet, you are handpicking members and politicising the process in the name of Operation Sindoor. This is nothing but cheap politics," Rao said. Earlier, in a strongly worded post, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy had accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading "Pakistan's falsehoods" and demoralising the armed forces. "While the entire nation is united in saluting our soldiers for the success of Operation Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi seems to be working against our national interest. Instead of acknowledging PM Modi's strong response that has forced Pakistan on its knees, Rahul Gandhi is busy spreading Pakistan's falsehoods to create doubts amongst the people and demoralise our armed forces," Reddy said in a post on X. "It is truly unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress continue to echo Pakistan's propaganda -- especially when the entire world has acknowledged India's precision strikes. Can we ever expect Rahul Gandhi and the Congress to rise above petty politics and stand with India? Will he ever change? Or is loyalty to the nation too much to ask from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party?" he added. On Monday, Rahul Gandhi again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, accusing him of being silent about how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during the operation. He said that the nation "deserves the truth." "EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling -- it's damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. 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. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, a luminary in the field of astrophysics and said that the latter's writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. "The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks, will be valued by generations of researchers," PM Modi posted on X. "He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," he added. The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics on Tuesday, in a post on X, said that he passed at the age of 86 in Pune. "Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, an internationally renowned Indian astrophysicist, a visionary, and a passionate science communicator, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Pune on May 20, 2025. He was 86. The @IUCAAstro family is in grief," IUCAA posted on X. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condoled the death of MR Srinivasn and said his demise mark a significant loss for India's scientific community. In a post on X, Kharge said, "The demise of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a pioneering nuclear scientist and Padma Vibhushan recipient, marks a significant loss for India's scientific community." Kharge highlighted that MR Srinivasan' leadership led to development of 18 nuclear power units. "His visionary leadership led to the development of 18 nuclear power units. His technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape," Kharge said. "Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones," he added. According to the website of IUCAA, in 1988, the University Grants Commission invited him to set up the proposed Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) as its Founder Director. He held the Directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. He was President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union from 1994 to 1997. Since 1999, he has been heading a multiinstitutional team of scientists pioneering experiments designed to sample air at heights of up to 41 km, to look for microorganisms. (ANI) In a scathing attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, former Industry Minister and senior BJP MLA Bikram Singh Thakur described the state administration as a "complete failure over the past two and a half years", accusing it of misleading the public, mismanaging resources, and imposing unjust financial burdens on common citizens. Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Thakur said the current state of affairs in Himachal Pradesh is akin to "propaganda-driven governance" seen in Pakistan. "The kind of false information that people blindly believe in Pakistan is being replicated in Himachal Pradesh. It pains me to say this, but the image of our state is deteriorating under this government. It works against the interests of the common man," said Thakur. Thakur accused the state of introducing regressive policies that are excluding deserving citizens from welfare schemes. Referring to the new survey criteria for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. He said, "The state has set an income limit of Rs 50,000 annually for BPL eligibility. But in practice, patwaris and panchayat heads are refusing to list eligible citizens unless they're already on the BPL list. It's a vicious loop." He pointed out that during the BJP's tenure, land ownership of up to two hectares was also considered a key criterion to identify eligible BPL families, but the Congress government has disregarded it. "Panchayat powers have been usurped and transferred to bureaucrats. Earlier, tenders for local works were managed by panchayats; now, the Block Development Officers (BDOs) control them. Even when powers were nominally restored to panchayat heads, all final control remains with the BDOs," he said. Thakur alleged that this has opened the door to corruption, with the state allegedly favouring certain contractors and groups close to the ruling party. Thakur also highlighted the plight of thousands of contractual and irregular employees, such as panchayat chowkidars and Sikhsha Karmis (temporary teachers). "Since September 2022, employees under the Zila Parishad cadre have not been regularised. Chowkidars haven't received salaries for five months. There are 900 vacancies for chowkidars alone," he claimed. He also slammed the government for withdrawing unspent funds from panchayats. "Last year, Rs 25,000 was forcibly taken back from each panchayat. During the Kangra Utsav, every panchayat was made to contribute Rs 3,200 under pressure," he said. "On February 21, the minister said the government would clear Rs 385 crore in dues. On April 19, he promised full payment by April 30. Just a day ago, he said Rs 90 crore would be cleared in a few days. How can anyone believe these shifting deadlines?" asked Thakur. The BJP MLA outlined the burden being placed on citizens and industries through steep hikes in electricity charges and connection fees. "Domestic electricity that used to cost 13 paise per unit is now unaffordable. Night tariff benefits for small industries have been removed. Environmental and milk cess have been added under new names," he added. According to Thakur, connection fees have doubled: Charges that were Rs 50 are now Rs 100, Rs 200 connections are now Rs 400, For 3,000 KW, the fee has jumped from Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,500. "Industrial units operating at peak efficiency are being crushed. Thousands of workers are losing jobs. First we had Van Mitras (forest friends), then Pashu Mitras (animal friends), and now the government wants to appoint Pakshi Mitras (bird friends). These are unnecessary posts with no real need," he said. Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Operation Sindoor, a recent military mission by Indian forces, Thakur said,"A person will only speak as wisely as their intellect allows. The country knows the Gandhi family's record and their value system. I don't need to elaborate." He praised the Indian armed forces for the success of the operation, stating. "Our soldiers used advanced techniques and cut Pakistan to size. Operation Sindoor is a glorious success and a strong message to our enemies," he asserted. The BJP MLA also criticised the recent launch of a Super Speciality Hospital in Shimla, claiming it was done without adequate infrastructure. "They've started the hospital without essential facilities. Even a simple registration slip costs Rs 10. There's no digital payment option. This is an injustice to patients," he said. Thakur also expressed regret over the discontinuation of the Himcare health scheme, initiated under the BJP government for citizens not covered by Ayushman Bharat. In one of his most biting remarks, Thakur said the financial condition of the state has become so poor that, "The Chief Minister and his ministers should stand at major intersections across Himachal Pradesh with begging bowls in their hands. That might be the only way they can collect funds to run the government." He said by warning the government that youth are growing restless, corruption is on the rise, and law and order is deteriorating. He urged the government to rethink its decisions before the public turns against them. (ANI) Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday supported Rahul Gandhi's remark accusing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of informing Pakistan before the strikes on terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor. Pramod Tiwari, blaming Jaishankar, said that if our Armed Forces have not got the desired results, it is due to EAM. "I fully support Rahul Gandhi's statement. I salute the bravery and valour of our Armed Forces. Big terrorists like Hafiz (Hafiz Saeed) were not killed because the EAM admitted that India had informed Pakistan before striking. Today, if our Armed Forces have not got the desired results, it is due to EAM who said Pakistan was informed prior," Pramod Tiwari said. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi in his post on X, 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?" On Monday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, accusing him of being silent on how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during Operation Sindoor and said that the nation "deserves the truth." "EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling -- it's damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. BJP have launched an attack on the Congress MP accusing him of speaking the "language of Pakistan" after his remarks. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan alleged that Rahul Gandhi distrusted the Indian Armed Forces. He further said that the nation deserves a more "patriotic" Leader of Opposition than the latter."Rahul Gandhi has been doubting the nation, the government, and also distrusting the Indian armed forces. Now, he is sounding like the propaganda in chief of Pakistan. Let alone the Leader of Opposition, our nation deserves a more responsible and patriotic parliamentarian than Rahul Gandhi. Pakistan is now parading Rahul Gandhi as a poster boy for Pakistan, and they are peddling Rahul Gandhi's tweets to spin and fabricate an inimical narrative to India and our Indian armed forces," CR Kesavan said. (ANI) Congress leader Nana Patole on Tuesday wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu on taking action against officers who did not follow the protocol in welcoming and securing Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai while he was on his visit to Maharashtra. https://x.com/NANA_PATOLE/status/1924717395689795886 "In the wake of this incident, today, I wrote a letter to His Excellency the President, demanding action against the officers who did not follow the protocol," Patole's post read. Further, in his letter, Patole wrote on how the matter was not just limited to the personal neglect of the CJI but affected the dignity of the Indian Constitution. He also questioned if Gavai was not given proper treatment if he was a follower of Ambedkar. "When the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Hon. Bhushan Gavai, was on a visit to Maharashtra, the state government and administrative apparatus did not follow the necessary protocol in welcoming and securing him. This matter is not limited to his personal neglect, but it directly affects the dignity of the Indian Constitution. Has Chief Justice Gavai been insulted in Maharashtra because he is an Ambedkarite? This question also arises," Patole's post on X read. Patole also mentioned how Gavai's statement on the displeasure on the functioning of the government drew attention of the entire country. "The Hon'ble Chief Justice himself, in his speech, expressed his strong displeasure over the functioning of the state government and administration. His statement has drawn the attention of the entire country to this matter," the post further read. Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj also criticised the absence of senior state officials at the felicitation event, calling it an insult to CJI Gavai and a Dalit holding a top constitutional post. Speaking to ANI, Udit Raj said, "The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa organised a felicitation event for CJI Gavai, who is from Maharashtra. It was his first visit after becoming the Chief Justice of India, but the Chief Secretary and DGP were not present. This is a serious breach of protocol. Gavai always speaks about the Constitution, which has three pillars -- the legislature, executive and judiciary -- and the judiciary is led by the Chief Justice. The absence of these top officials is an insult to a Dalit holding such a high post. BJP cannot support Dalits. Modi ji and the Chief Minister should apologise to the people of the country."He added, "CJI Gavai may not have taken it seriously, but we do. This is an insult to the Constitution and to a Dalit. BJP is the B-team when it comes to Dalit issues. They cannot tolerate a Dalit in such a top position." He demanded action against the officials, saying, "The DG Police and Chief Secretary should be removed from their posts for not attending the CJI's event." Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B R Gavai on Saturday addressed a felicitation event organised by the Bar Council of India (BCI), where he spoke about the important responsibility of judges to understand and respond to the realities of society. The event was held to honour Justice Gavai following his recent appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. (ANI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday asserted that war was not even a "last option" given that India was a nuclear power. She said the central government should have sent the multi-party delegation earlier, after the Pahalgam attack, to apprise other countries about the country's ordeal. "What the government of India is doing today - sending delegations to different countries- it should have been done earlier to raise awareness in other countries about what has happened and what could be done. War is not an option, not even a last option, when you are a nuclear power," Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, told ANI. Mufti said that this war was not between civilians, but between two countries. She suggested that the conflict could have been resolved by political intervention and diplomacy. "The government must do many things, as it is not our war. It's between two countries - the thing that could have been sorted out by political intervention and diplomacy - where a knife was needed, you put out the sword. What is there to gain from it?" she asked. She further said that both countries need to understand that war is not a solution since it only brings destruction, while the lives of people in border areas are affected. "I hope that both countries understand that war is not a solution. War brings destruction, and it just increases media TRPs. The lives of the people living in the border areas, especially from J&K, get destroyed," Mufti said. "We lost 27-28 people in Pahalgam, and then we lost more people. Many of the houses were destroyed, and our city, Poonch, has been destroyed. Children and women were killed, and those militants involved in Pahalgam are yet to be caught. What have we achieved then?" she added. Earlier, Mufti welcomed the central government's decision of sending an all-party delegation to key global capitals to brief different countries on the recent India-Pakistan tension. She said that while diplomatic outreach by India in the wake of Operation Sindoor is a good step but the Centre should have called a Parliament session and held a discussion with the parliamentarians. (ANI) A scuffle broke out during the BJP-organized Tiranga Rally in Khammam city of Telangana after two youths from different communities got into an argument with a traffic constable at Illendu Cross Road, police said on Tuesday. According to the police, the constable had requested the youths to wait due to the rally yesterday, but they claimed they were on urgent business. The situation escalated when some rally participants supported the constable, leading to a heated argument and eventually a scuffle. The police personnel on duty immediately intervened and took the two youths and the BJP members involved in the scuffle to the Khammam 2-Town Police Station, and registered two separate cases against both groups, the police said. According to the police official, "Regarding the Tiranga Rally held in Khammam city Yesterday, some individuals are intentionally spreading rumours and misinformation on social media, despite no untoward incidents occurring. The public is advised not to believe these false allegations." The Police Commissioner, Sunil Dutt, warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved The police are currently investigating the incident and have appealed to both groups to maintain law and order and coordination. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched the 'Tiranga Yatra' on May 13 and will continue until May 23. The yatra aims to honour the valour of Indian soldiers and inform citizens about Operation Sindoor's recent success. 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) The Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday reserved order on the point of cognisance of the Defamation complaint filed by former Delhi Minister Satyender Jain against BJP MLA Karnail Singh. Former Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain moved a defamation complaint against Karnail Singh, a Delhi election candidate of the BJP from Shakoor Basti. Jain alleged that Singh made the defamatory statement during an interview on a news channel on January 19, 2025. After hearing arguements of both sides on the point of Cognizance, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal listed the matter for order/clarification on June 2. The court has also asked the counsel for the parties to file a written submission in 5 pages within 4 days. Advocate Vinod Dahiya counsel for Karnail Singh stated that allegations levelled against the complainant were based on the press release of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and media reports. It was further submitted that it was the duty of Karnail Singh, being a candidate in the assembly election, to make the public aware of the opponent, who was a former Minister also. The proposed accused, Karnail Singh, had raised the issue of maintainability and jurisdiction. However, the court decided the issue in favour of Jain. Counsel for Karnail Singh had said that at the time to incident Karnail Singh was neither MP or MLA. Therefore this special court can't hear this complaint as this court is meant to hear the cases against MP-MLAs. Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj appeared for Satyender Jain. The Former Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain moved a defamation complaint against Karnail Singh, a Delhi election candidate of BJP from Shakoor Basti. It is alleged that the proposed accused made defamatory statement during an interview on a news channel on January 19, 2025. It is alleged by complainant Jain that Karnail Singh made a statement that Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered 37 Kg of gold from his house and he has 1100 Acres of land on his name. The plea has been moved through advocate Rajat Bhardwaj. The plea has stated that the proposed accused made a statement that Jain has made his own wealth by corruption and the money which was supposed to be spent on the public. It is further alleged that the proposed accused made a false statement that huge gold recovered from his house. He is Bhoo Mafia, he will go to jail again. It is also alleged that the proposed accused defamed the complainant by calling him corrupt and a fraud. It is also alleged that several other malicious and defamatory allegations levelled against the complainant.(ANI) YSRCP solemnly commemorated the death anniversary of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, the revered freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Andhra State, at its central office in Tadepalli, as per a release. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy led the tribute by offering floral respects to Prakasam Pantulu's portrait, honouring his monumental contributions to India's independence movement and his selfless dedication to public service. The ceremony saw the participation of prominent YSRCP leaders, including Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Shatrucharla Parikshit Raju, Alajangi Jogarao, Tippala Nagireddy, Malla Vijay Prasad, Vasupalli Ganesh, and several senior party members. "Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu devoted his life to the people, embodying the spirit of selfless leadership. On his death anniversary, we renew our resolve to carry forward his legacy of public welfare and justice," said YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in a statement shared via tweet. Meanwhile, earlier today, YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has alleged that illegal liquor is being sold in Tirupati, citing evidence gathered by party's Tirupati incharge Bhumana Abhinay. In a statement, Gurumoorthy alleged that the sales are taking place under watch of ruling TDP-led coalition and said that the temple city has become a hub of unlawful liquor trade, operating round-the-clock in gross violation of excise laws. According to a statement from MP Gurumoorthy, Bhumana Abhinay inspected over a dozen liquor outlets across Tirupati and found liquor being sold at least Rs. 50 above MRP, and shops open as early as 5:00 AM and past midnight--clearly violating legal time restrictions. Gurumoorthy said this illegal liquor network not only threatens the sanctity of Tirupati but also reflects the complete breakdown of governance and regulatory enforcement. He demanded that the government take immediate action against those responsible and answer to the people for turning a holy city into a hotspot of lawlessness. "The TDP coalition is looting even in Tirumala's shadow. If this is the situation in a temple town, one can imagine the anarchy elsewhere in the state," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan on May 22 and will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner's Deshnoke. According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi will travel to Bikaner and will undertake darshan at Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the redeveloped Deshnoke Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai express train. Thereafter, he will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore and also address a public function in Deshnoke, the PMO release stated. In line with his commitment to constantly improve and enhance the rail infrastructure in the country, Prime Minister will inaugurate 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations in 86 districts across 18 States and Union Territories of India, developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. "Over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, designed to reflect regional architecture and enhance passenger amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Deshnoke railway station, serving pilgrims and tourists visiting the Karni Mata Temple among others, is inspired with temple architecture and arch and column theme. Begumpet railway station in Telangana is inspired by the architecture of the Kakatiya empire. Thawe station in Bihar incorporates various murals and art works representing Maa Thawewali, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and depicting Madhubani paintings. Dakor station in Gujarat is inspired by Ranchhodrai Ji Maharaj," the PMO stated. The redeveloped Amrit stations across India integrate modern infrastructure with cultural heritage, passenger-centric amenities, including those for Divyangjan and sustainable practices to enhance the travel experience. Indian Railway is marching towards 100 per cent electrification of its network, making railway operations more efficient and environment-friendly. In line with this, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Churu-Sadulpur rail line (58 km) and dedicate to the Nation Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km); Phulera-Degana (109 km); Udaipur-Himmatnagar (210 km); Phalodi-Jaisalmer (157 km) and Samdari-Barmer (129 km) rail line electrification. In a major boost to road infrastructure in the state, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the construction of 3 Vehicle Underpasses, widening and strengthening of National highways. He will also dedicate 7 roadways projects in Rajasthan. The roadways projects, worth over Rs 4850 crore, will facilitate smoother movement of goods and people. The highways extend up to the Indo-Pak border, enhancing accessibility for security forces and strengthening India's defence infrastructure. Furthering the vision of electricity for all and green and clean energy, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of power projects, including Solar projects at Bikaner and Nawa in Didwana Kuchaman, and Transmission Systems for Evacuation of Power Part B PowerGrid Sirohi Transmission Ltd and Part E PowerGrid Mewar Transmission Ltd. PM Modi will also inaugurate power projects, including the Solar project at Bikaner, the Transmission system for Evacuation of PowerGrid Neemuch and from Bikaner Complex, Augmentation of transformation capacity at Fatehgarh-II Power Station, which will provide clean energy and reduce carbon emission. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate 25 important state government projects across Rajasthan to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, power supply, health services, and water availability in the state. These include laying of foundation stone and dedication to the nation of projects for upgrading and maintaining 12 State Highways covering a total length of over 750 km, worth over Rs 3,240 crore; further expansion under the program includes an additional 900 km of new highways. The Prime Minister will inaugurate power projects at Bikaner and Udaipur, the PMO stated. He will also inaugurate Nursing Colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, Dholpur which will play a key role in enhancing health infrastructure in the state. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various water infrastructure projects in the region, including Rural Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project in Jhunjhunu District, Restructuring of Urban Water Supply Schemes in 7 Towns of Pali District under AMRUT 2.0, among others. (ANI) The Telangana government has constituted a six-member high-level committee to investigate the recent fire incident at Gulzar House near Charminar, as per the release statement. The panel includes senior officials from civic, police, fire, and power departments. The state leadership will take further action based on the committee's report. "The Telangana government formed a six-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the Gulzar House fire incident that occurred on May 18 near Charminar," said the statement. According to officials from the office of Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, the high-powered panel will include key administrative and enforcement heads: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner R.V. Karnan, Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durshsetti, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, Director General of Fire Services Nagi Reddy, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ranganath, and Chairman and Managing Director of the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) Musharaf. Earlier, Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence, at least 17 people lost their lives in the fire that broke out early Sunday morning at a building housing the Krishna Pearls shop and a residential complex near Charminar. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also expressed deep shock over the tragic fire mishap that occurred near Gulzar House in the Old City of Hyderabad. He instructed the top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident; the Chief Minister issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment. Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar says, "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. 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." (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday stated that while tourism in the region has been affected, the government is currently prioritising the smooth and secure conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Abdullah affirmed that civil and security arrangements are being put in place for the annual pilgrimage, which will begin via the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes. He further added that the administration is currently focusing on the successful organisation of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, and efforts to revive tourism will begin once the Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully. Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared. As far as security is concerned, due steps will be taken. We are primarily focused on the successful conduct of Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on 3 June. Amarnath Ji Yatra will be conducted via two routes- Sonamarg- Baltal, and Pahalgam, and we will see that it goes on smoothly and the yatris return safely..." "Tourism has been hit, but we are not doing anything about it for now. Let the situation return to normalcy, after which we will sit with the stakeholders of tourism and work on the revival of our tourism industry... Once Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully, we will start working on the revival of tourism," he added. Meanwhile, with less than two months left for the commencement of the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, preparations are gathering pace at key points along the Pahalgam route. Scheduled to begin on July 3, this year's yatra is witnessing heightened coordination between security agencies and civil departments to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. At the Nunwan Base Camp, the main transit and registration hub near Pahalgam, a large-scale verification and registration process is currently underway for ponies, their handlers, and service providers. These individuals play a critical role in ferrying pilgrims and supplies during the challenging trek to the Amarnath cave shrine. A joint team comprising officials from the Labour Department and Animal Husbandry Department (Anantnag) is stationed at security checkpoints to oversee this process. The officers are verifying the identity and background documents of pony owners and other service personnel, while veterinary doctors are conducting thorough health checkups of the ponies before allowing them to be registered. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Modi government for alleged security lapses that led to the Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in 26 deaths. Kharge claimed that the government failed to provide adequate security arrangements for tourists, despite being aware of potential security threats. Mallikarjun Kharge said, "26 people were killed in Pahalgam because the Modi government did not provide security there. The centre did not provide police security or forces to tourists. Modi did not say anything about this. There were people going to Kashmir on the 17th, but Modi did not go to Kashmir, because his intelligence security told him not to go, as there would be chaos in Kashmir." He alleged that the government's intelligence agencies had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the security threat, but no action was taken to warn tourists. Kharge condemned the government's priorities, stating that the Prime Minister's security was prioritised over the lives of citizens. "You knew this. When you cancelled the trip to Kashmir, why did you not tell the tourists through the police? Why didn't you tell the tourists not to go there? If you had told them, 26 lives would have been saved. Pakistan has no power. It is weak; they have taken power from China and attacked our country. I had told you on the 22nd that we are all united. The country is important to us, but here it shows that Modi is more important than the country. You gave protection to Modi, but not to the people," he further added. He attacked PM Modi and said that Congress would never be weakened by notices sent by central agencies. "Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi gave their lives for this country. You thought we should give ED and CBI notices to such a party and cause trouble and weaken it. That will never happen," he added. Earlier Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya posted an edited photo of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, comparing him with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, and suggesting that he might receive Nishan-e-Pakistan - highest civilian award in the neighbouring country. Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khera said that someone who went to eat biryani with former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was more deserving of Nishan-e-Pakistan. "As far as Nishaan-e-Pakistan is concerned, their leader, Morarji Desai, was the only Indian politician who was awarded it for leaking RAW's secrets. Nobody else got it...Some more people deserve Nishan-e-Pakistan, like Lal Krishna Advani, who called Jinnah a secular, and the person who went to eat biryani with Nawaz Sharif without being invited," Khera told ANI. He also took a dig at Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, alleging that he had informed Pakistan beforehand about the attacks on terror camps. "We think he will get Nisha-e-Pakistan. There is another person who deserves Nisha-e-Pakistan- the one who said 'at the start of the action'. These are the words of EAM S Jaishankar, who informed Pakistan that we are taking action only on terrorist hideouts. He has very close relations with America. So now let's see what award he gets from which country," Khera added. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva virtually from New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting India's contributions to global health initiatives under the unifying theme of "One World for Health." PM Modi mentioned India's Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest health insurance program, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. He outlined three cores for the future of a healthy world -- inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration. "The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration. Inclusion is at the core of India's health reforms. We run Ayushman Bharat - the world's largest health insurance scheme. It covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. This program was recently extended to cover all Indians above 70 years," said PM Modi. He emphasised India's network of health and wellness centres, which screen and detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. "We have a network of thousands of health and wellness centres. They screen and detect diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Thousands of public pharmacists provide high-quality medicines at far less than the market price," added PM Modi. PM Modi invited countries to participate in the International Day of Yoga, with the theme "Yoga for One Earth One Health." "In June, the 11th International Day of Yoga is coming up. This year's theme is 'Yoga for One Earth One Health.' Being from the nation that gave yoga to the world, I invite all countries to participate," said PM Modi. PM Modi congratulated the WHO and member states on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty, aimed at fighting future pandemics with greater cooperation. "I congratulate the WHO and all Member States on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty. It is a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater cooperation while building a healthy planet. Let us ensure that no one is left behind," he said. The INB was established in December 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly, bringing together Member States and relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, private sector, and civil society. At the World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments made concrete commitments to complete negotiations on a global pandemic agreement within a year. The upcoming Assembly, starting May 19, 2025, will consider the proposal developed by the INB and decide whether to adopt the instrument under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. PM Modi also highlighted India's digital health initiatives, including a platform to track vaccination and a telemedicine service enabling over 340 million consultations. "Technology is an important catalyst to improve health outcomes. We have a digital platform to track the vaccination of pregnant women and children. Millions of people have a unique digital health identity. It helps us integrate benefits, insurance, records, and information. With telemedicine, nobody is too far from a doctor. Our free telemedicine service has enabled over 340 million consultations," he added. PM Modi offered to share India's learnings and best practices with the Global South, particularly in addressing health challenges. "The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable. The Global South is particularly impacted by health challenges. India's approach offers replicable, scalable and sustainable models. We would be happy to share our learnings and best practices with the world, especially the Global South," he added. PM Modi also highlighted that India's initiatives have brought down the out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of total health expenditure significantly, while government health expenditure has gone up considerably. "Thousands of public pharmacies across the country provide high-quality medicines at prices significantly lower than market rates, increasing access to essential drugs for all," he added. He concluded his speech with a verse from the Vedas, calling for universal well-being: Sarwey bhawantu sukhin sarwey santu niramaya. Sarwey bhadrani pasyantu maa kashichit dukhbhag bahavate (May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer). Apart from this, after India was conferred the certificate of elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Union Health Minister JP Nadda lauded this achievement and said it was a proud moment for the nation. In a post on X, JP Nadda said, "A proud moment for the nation at WHA78 (World Health Assembly) India has been conferred the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO, at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva." (ANI) The Central government has extended the tenure of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Kumar Deka by another year, affirming his continued leadership at the helm of India's premier intelligence agency. The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to an official order issued on Tuesday, Deka's service will be extended for a period of one year beyond June 30, 2025, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. The extension was granted by relaxing the provisions under Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958 -- a measure rarely used and indicative of the government's strong trust in Deka's leadership. Deka, a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, was appointed as IB chief in July 2022 for a two-year term. He was previously granted an extension in 2023, which was to conclude in June 2025. Known for his operational expertise, Deka has had a long and distinguished career in the intelligence community. He is considered a key figure behind India's counterterrorism strategy and has played a pivotal role in several high-profile operations, including those targeting terrorist networks and insurgent groups. During his tenure, the IB has reportedly enhanced its coordination with other intelligence and enforcement agencies, strengthened surveillance on internal threats, and expanded its role in handling cyber threats and counter-radicalisation efforts. This extension comes at a time of heightened security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists. Deka's extension is significant as India prepares for potential challenges in its internal security environment. His continued presence at the helm is expected to provide strategic continuity and operational stability to the intelligence framework. (ANI) Justice PC Ghosh Commission on Tuesday issued summons to former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister Harish Rao, and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who also served as a minister during the BRS regime in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), according to sources. The Commission, which has been probing financial and procedural lapses in the multi-crore irrigation project, directed the three political leaders to appear for questioning in the first week of June. As per the sources, KCR was asked to appear before the Commission on June 5, followed by Harish Rao on June 6, and Etela Rajender on June 9. The questioning is expected to focus on their respective roles and decisions taken during the execution of the Kaleshwaram project. Meawhile, on April 30, Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has held the previous BRS government squarely responsible for the collapse of the Kaleshwaram project, calling it the biggest man-made disaster since Independence and the most expensive engineering failure caused by any state government in India. He stated that Telangana is currently paying Rs16,000 crore annually in interest and instalments on high-cost loans borrowed during the BRS regime for this "faulty" project, thereby placing an enormous burden on the state's finances and its farmers. Releasing the final report of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at the Secretariat, the Minister said the findings confirmed the structural collapse of all three barrages...Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla and exposed the inefficiency, negligence, and deliberate mismanagement of the previous regime under former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. Reddy alleged that the Kaleshwaram project was not based on scientific principles but on a campaign of lies, propaganda, and false publicity. He reminded the public that the original plan was the Dr BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Project at Tummadihatti, for which even the then TRS government had sought national project status. Uttam Kumar Reddy added, "The Kaleshwaram collapse is not a natural tragedy. It is a direct result of the BRS government's irresponsible decisions. It has dealt a serious blow to Telangana's finances and the lives of farmers. Telangana is paying Rs 16,000 crore every year just in loan repayments for this failed project. This is public money lost due to a political stunt." The Minister said it was "outrageous and shameful" that KCR, instead of accepting responsibility, is now attacking the credibility of the NDSA and questioning its authority. "This is a huge injustice to Telangana. It has deeply hurt the sentiments of our people and destroyed the credibility of our state in the eyes of the country. When we recently approached the Ministry of Jal Shakti seeking clearance for the Sitaramasagar project, the officials refused to consider it because our irrigation system had collapsed," he added. He also refuted the falsehoods surrounding the original Pranahita-Chevella project. "They said there was no water there, but that was a lie. The project cost was escalated, and public money was wasted. Over Rs1.81 lakh crore was shown as irrigation expenditure, all pushed through post-facto approvals," he said. He added that despite the collapse of Kaleshwaram, Telangana achieved record paddy production in the Yasangi season under the Congress government, proving that good governance, not faulty engineering, ensured success. The NDSA report recommended urgent stabilisation, repair, and rehabilitation of the damaged structures, and the Minister stressed the need for expert-driven technical intervention. He assured that the Congress government would take every necessary step. "All decisions will be taken after Cabinet discussion. Action will follow as per the law. Those who gave the orders that led to this disaster will be held accountable," he said. He also announced a public awareness campaign to educate citizens on how the BRS regime betrayed Telangana. "Technical institutions like WALAMTARI, which once trained irrigation engineers, must be urgently strengthened. We are working on a scientific plan, with expert inputs and no political interference," he said. Advisor Adityanath Das is currently reviewing the feasibility of reviving the original Tummadihatti-based Pranahita-Chevella project. (ANI) Two terror suspects, Siraj Ur Rehman from Vizianagaram and Syed Sameer from Telangana, were arrested in a joint operation by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police. They were remanded to judicial custody for 14 days on Tuesday and shifted to Vizag Central Jail for allegedly planning bomb blasts. According to the police, the suspects were planning to test explosive devices as part of a larger terror plot. The in-charge Superintendent of Police (SP) of Vizianagaram stated that the accused were shifted early this Monday morning after being remanded by the court. The duo had been communicating through a WhatsApp group and had procured bomb-making materials via e-commerce platforms. Siraj was arrested along with another suspect, and investigations are currently underway. The Vizianagaram Town-II police produced the accused before the local district court, which remanded him to judicial custody for two weeks. Police are investigating the suspects' possible links to terror organisations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI), Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). Commenting on the arrests, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister and BJP leader Satya Kumar Yadav said, "I have received several news reports over time regarding terrorist activities and sleeper cells. For many days now, the BJP has been alert to the presence of terrorist sleeper cells operating around Hyderabad and in certain areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These ongoing activities are linked to organisations like PFI, SIMI, and SDPI. We have always emphasised the importance of maintaining strict surveillance on these groups. We strongly believe there are elements of ISIS present in the southern states, which is a matter of serious concern." The suspects have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for plotting terrorist acts and endangering public peace. Police officials stated that Siraj was the primary architect of the plot, while Sameer allegedly assisted in executing their conspiracy to carry out subversive activities. Siraj had procured bomb-making materials, including explosive precursors, through various e-commerce platforms. Visakhapatnam Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gopinath Jetty confirmed over the phone that the arrested individuals had links to terror activities. (ANI) The Indian Army used Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) to target Pakistani Army forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC), inflicting heavy casualties during a ceasefire violation on the intervening night of May 7-8. The action was part of the Indian Army's swift and decisive response to Pakistan's unprovoked aggression. Operation SINDOOR, initiated on May 7 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. A soldier of the Indian Army explained, "This episode took place on the intervening night of 7-8 May. Pakistan violated the ceasefire. We studied the pattern of fire and retaliated accordingly within seconds. We destroyed their bunkers and launching pads and inflicted heavy casualties. This is a Medium Machine Gun (MMG), and it has heavy firepower. He added, "When Pakistan could not retaliate to our fire on their posts, they started targeting our civilian areas. The enemy sent drones as well, but since the drones were from another country, the Pakistani troops were not well trained to handle them. We destroyed their drones also." The Indian Army's swift retaliation continued with precise targeting of Pakistan's positions. An Army Lieutenant added, "On May 7, around 1:30 am- 2 am, Pakistan violated the ceasefire. Their biggest crime was that they targeted our civilians. Our battalion was prepared for it. In the next 10 minutes, we fired indiscriminately on their forward posts and launching pads. We destroyed all their posts, which can be seen in the visuals. Our fire was effective and accurate, but the enemy fire either never hit the target or hit civilian areas. This is why we destroyed these posts." Army Captain shared further details of the combat, stating, "A face-to-face battle was fought with direct firing weapons, and our mortars supported us from the back. We indiscriminately fired on the enemy post and destroyed it. Pakistan Army started an unprovoked artillery fire, and we retaliated accordingly. We even used ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) to destroy their posts. There are 10-12 posts in the Poonch area that we destroyed. After they failed to destroy our military posts, they started firing on civilian areas. We destroyed their ammunition storage as well." The fencing along the LoC remains heavily guarded, with the morale of Indian forces at an all-time high after the success of Operation Sindoor. Despite the ongoing threat, the Indian Army continues to maintain vigilance and preparedness along the volatile border. Operation SINDOOR was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised BJP IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya over his recent social media post targeting Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, suggesting the BJP to reconsider its social media strategy. Amit Malviya had posted an edited image of Rahul Gandhi comparing him with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and suggesting he might receive Nishan-e-Pakistan -- highest civilian award in the neighbouring country. Chaturvedi said such remarks were inappropriate at a time when political parties across the spectrum were standing united in the wake of the recent terrorist attack. "At a time when the opposition leaders of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the all-party meeting supported the government and the armed forces to take every possible action against the terrorist attack..." she said. "When the entire opposition is supporting and are going before the world (all party delegation) by keeping their personal differences aside and Amit Malviya is making statements on Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, which is against the spirit of the work being done... The BJP should rethink its social media strategy," she added. BJP's Amit Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of "speaking the language of Pakistan" for asking about the alleged fallen jets of India, which he said has already been addressed by the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Rajiv Ghai. He also questioned Gandhi for not asking about the Pakistani jets that were destroyed. "It is not surprising that Rahul Gandhi is speaking the language of Pakistan and its benefactors. He hasn't congratulated the Prime Minister on the flawless Operation Sindoor, which unmistakably showcases India's dominance. Instead, he repeatedly asks how many jets we lost--a question that has already been addressed in the DGMO briefings. Curiously, he hasn't once inquired about how many Pakistani jets were shot down during the conflict, or how many were destroyed while parked in their hangars when Indian forces pounded Pakistani airbases," Malviya said. "What's next for Rahul Gandhi? The Nishan-e-Pakistan?" he added. Congress leader Pawan Khera also lashed out at the BJP after Malviya's post. Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khera said that someone who went to eat biryani with former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was more deserving of Nishan-e-Pakistan. "As far as Nishaan-e-Pakistan is concerned, their leader, Morarji Desai, was the only Indian politician who was awarded it for leaking RAW's secrets. Nobody else got it...Some more people deserve Nishan-e-Pakistan, like Lal Krishna Advani, who called Jinnah a secular, and the person who went to eat biryani with Nawaz Sharif without being invited," Khera told ANI. He also took a dig at Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar for informing Pakistan beforehand about the attacks on terror camps. "We think he will get Nisha-e-Pakistan. There is another person who deserves Nisha-e-Pakistan- the one who said 'at the start of the action'. These are the words of EAM S Jaishankar, who informed Pakistan that we are taking action only on terrorist hideouts. He has very close relations with America. So now let's see what award he gets from which country," Khera added. He further stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was engaged in "cartoongiri" during such a serious situation. "Do you expect a responsible political party, which is in power, to indulge in cartoongiri during such a serious situation? It is happening. When there was conflict, Congress and the opposition stood with the government. However, they were still engaged in all such nonsense. If you're being asked a question, answer it," Khera said. He asserted that Congress didn't have faith in the political leadership of the country and said that they should have informed civilians in Poonch before informing Pakistan about the attack. "The entire country is satisfied with what the DGMO told us. However, we don't have faith in the political leadership of this country. We will continue to ask them questions. You (the government) say that you informed Pakistan beforehand. You didn't inform the civilians in Poonch who were killed? Is this the reason why Azhar Masood and Hafiz Saeed could escape?" Khera added. (ANI) The Crime Branch team of New Delhi Range, RK Puram, has apprehended Dr Devender Kumar Sharma, a parole jumper and convicted serial killer. Sharma was convicted for life imprisonment in several cases of kidnapping-cum-murder of truck and taxi drivers and had jumped parole in August 2023, while serving his sentence in murder cases registered in Delhi and Rajasthan. He is a habitual parole jumper and previously jumped parole in 2020. He remained indulged in the kidney transplant racket with Dr Amit between 1998 to 2004 and confessed about 125 kidney transplants. Devender Kumar Sharma has been absconding since August 3, 2023. He was granted two months of parole on June 9, 2023, in FIR No. 55/2004 u/s 302/365/392/201 IPC, PS Sarita Vihar, Delhi, but failed to surrender after the parole period and went into hiding. The police team conducted discreet inquiries in Aligarh, Jaipur, and Delhi. They worked relentlessly and patiently, gathering information over a period of six months across all possible hiding places, including Jaipur, Delhi, Aligarh, Agra, and Prayagraj. Their efforts led to the successful location of the convict, Devender Sharma, in Dausa, Rajasthan, where he was hiding in an ashram, posing as a priest. The team camped there and met accused pretended to be a follower and kept a watch to make sure that he was indeed Dr Devender. Upon apprehension, the accused confessed to his criminal past and admitted that he had jumped parole to never return to jail. Devender Sharma is a permanent resident of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. His father worked for a pharmaceutical company in Siwan, Bihar. In 1984, Sharma completed his graduation with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree from Bihar. After graduation, he established his own clinic named Janta Clinic in Bandikui, Rajasthan, which he operated for 11 years. In 1994, he suffered a major financial setback after being defrauded of Rs 11 lakh in a gas dealership scam. Following this loss, in 1995, he turned to criminal activities and allegedly started operating a fake gas agency. During interrogation, he confessed that he came into contact with a person named Dr Amit. Between 1998 and 2004, he facilitated over 125 illegal kidney transplants, earning between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh per procedure. He acted as an intermediary, arranging donors for Dr Amit. In 2004, he was arrested in Gurugram in connection with the illegal kidney racket. During the same period, he and his gang were also involved in the abduction and serial killing of taxi drivers. Their vehicles were sold in the grey market in Uttar Pradesh, earning them Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per vehicle. He was charged with the murder of 21 taxi drivers. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in seven separate cases across Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He was also sentenced to death by a Gurgaon court for the murder of a taxi driver. He has confessed to killing more than 50 people. His wife and children abandoned him in 2004 after his horrific crimes became public. In 2020, he was granted a 20-day parole but jumped bail and remained at large for seven months before being apprehended in Delhi. Again, in June 2023, he was granted parole for two months but failed to return to prison. Later, he was arrested at an ashram in Dausa, Rajasthan. The fugitive has now been handed over to the jail authorities. (ANI) Several areas like Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions witnessed intense heat and warm nights, while Udaipur and Kota divisions saw relief in the form of dust storms and light to moderate rainfall. "Today, in some parts of Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur divisions, the maximum temperature remained between 44 C to 47C along with heatwave and warm night conditions. In Udaipur and Kota divisions, there were chances of thunderstorms, strong winds (40-50 kmph), and light to moderate rainfall post noon," IMD said. Temperatures across Rajasthan were expected to rise further by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours. Several parts of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions were predicted to face maximum temperatures of 45 degree Celsius to 47 degree Celsius along with severe heatwave and warm night conditions between May 21 and 23. The weather office also warned, "In border areas, strong dusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph are likely." For the next 4 to 5 days, parts of Udaipur and Kota divisions were expected to experience intense thunderstorms, winds (40-50 kmph), and scattered rainfall, especially during late afternoons. The IMD further stated, "There is a strong possibility of continued thunderstorms, dust storms (40-50 kmph), and light to moderate rain in the southern districts." The forecast also included a warning for Jaipur, Bharatpur, and Bikaner divisions for May 22 and 23, stating, "In these divisions, there are chances of thunderstorms and dust storms (40-50 kmph) post noon." The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur urged citizens to stay cautious during the extreme heat and sudden weather changes. People were advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and secure loose outdoor items due to gusty winds. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, questioning the effectiveness of his frequent international trips. Kharge alleged that despite Modi's 151 foreign visits to 72 countries, including 10 trips to the US, India seems isolated on the global stage. Kharge questioned whether these trips have yielded meaningful results for India's global standing. He accused PM Modi of making foreign visits more focused on photo opportunities than diplomatic achievements. In a post on X, Kharge said, "PM Modi has been making frequent foreign trips for the last 11 years, but our India is now alone! In the last 11 years, Prime Minister Modi has made 151 foreign trips and visited 72 countries. Out of these, he has visited the US 10 times. Yet, our country stands alone under the Modi government's foreign policy. Is it the Prime Minister's job to visit foreign countries and only pose for photos?" Kharge highlighted the International Monetary Fund (IMF's) USD 1.4 billion loan to Pakistan and the sudden ceasefire declaration during anti-terror operations as examples of India's diminishing influence. "In addition, the IMF has provided support by providing a loan of $1.4 billion to Pakistan. A ceasefire was suddenly declared while our brave Army was conducting operations against terrorists," he added in his post. He criticised Modi for not addressing US President Trump's claims of brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire, suggesting a lack of clarity and transparency in India's foreign policy. "The US President has insulted our country by saying, "I brokered" the ceasefire between India and Pakistan about 7 times. The entire country was united in the tough action against terrorists, but Modi ji is trying to cover up the issue by not providing clarity to the people of the country regarding US President Trump's statements, so far," added the Congress President. Earlier, Kharge today criticised the Modi government for alleged security lapses that led to the Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in 26 deaths. Kharge claimed that the government failed to provide adequate security arrangements for tourists, despite being aware of potential security threats. Mallikarjun Kharge said, "26 people were killed in Pahalgam because the Modi government did not provide security there. The centre did not provide police security or forces to tourists. Modi did not say anything about this. There were people going to Kashmir on the 17th, but Modi did not go to Kashmir, because his intelligence security told him not to go, as there would be chaos in Kashmir." (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday chaired a special cabinet meeting at the historic Rajwada Palace in Indore to mark the 300th birth anniversary year of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, during which several key projects were approved. Following the meeting, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed gratitude to CM Yadav for organising the cabinet meeting at Rajwada and briefed the media about the major decisions taken. Among the key approvals was the 'Rahveer' scheme, under which individuals who help road accident victims by taking them to a hospital or primary health center will be rewarded with Rs 25,000 by the state government. "The person will have to immediately inform 108 ambulance service, and the police will not harass them. This scheme will play an important role in saving lives," said Vijayvargiya. The minister also highlighted the government's continued efforts to double farmers' income, including regular hikes in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops. The cabinet also approved the formation of Metropolitan Development Authorities in Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, with CM Yadav as the chairman of each. Vijayvargiya assured that the functioning of municipal corporations would remain unaffected. "These authorities will ensure systematic urban development with a focus on future needs," he said. In another significant move, the cabinet approved a plan to build working women's hostels in industrial areas. These hostels will be built under a Public-Pirvate Partnership (PPP) model and funded partially through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions of industrialists. "The objective of this scheme is to ensure safety and housing for women working in these areas," the minister said. Referring to the legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Vijayvargiya said, "Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai had given training to weavers to make sarees in Maheshwar to provide employment during her rule. Even today, the Maheshwari sarees are famous globally and a skill development program dedicated to it has been started. Under the programme, an exemption from bank interest is provided. A provision of Rs 100 crore has also been made for the scheme." The cabinet also gave its nod to a Rs 2,100 crore project for promoting Sanatan traditions around the statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar. The project includes hostels for research scholars, a library, and other facilities aimed at promoting spiritual tourism. A hostel with a capacity of 1,000 people will also be constructed, he added. To boost healthcare infrastructure, the cabinet approved Rs 773 crore for Indore's MY Hospital, which will be upgraded with modern medical facilities, including heart and liver surgery units to reduce dependency on hospitals in Delhi and Mumbai. Besides, Rs 321 crore was approved for the development of the district hospital in Rewa. Vijayvargiya also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bhopal on May 31, where he will address a Women's Convention at Jamboree Ground. During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate metro services in Bhopal and Indore, as well as the newly constructed airports in Datia and Satna, he added. (ANI) As part of their ongoing "Drug Free Udhampur" initiative, the Udhampur police have arrested 50 drug peddlers so far and seized a significant amount of narcotic substances. Udhampur District SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure said that the police have intensified their crackdown on the district's drug trade, registering 40 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2025. "Udhampur Police has registered 40 cases in the year 2025 under the NDPS Act and arrested 50 drug peddlers so far under the Drug Free Udhampur initiative. At the same time, four famous drug peddlers have been arrested under the strict provisions of the NDPS Act. A huge amount of narcotic substances have been seized from these drug peddlers," he said. Further highlighting the police's efforts, he continued, "Taking this battle forward, Udhampur police have so far registered four cases attaching illegal properties of drug peddlers, the total value of which is around 4 Crores. We have also freezed the bank accounts of 32 peddlers from which 16 Lakhs have been recovered." Udhampur Police have also frozen movable assets of Rs 1.50 crore belonging to notorious drug peddler Mohammad Asif of Hartayan village, Rehambal SSP Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure said, "The operation, carried out under Section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, focused on assets allegedly purchased through illegal drug trafficking activities." SSP Udhampur added that "confiscated property comprises three commercial trucks with registration numbers JK14J-6362, JK14J-8369, and JK20C-4698 and a Bolero vehicle (JK14J-4983). The attachment order was made today under ongoing legal proceedings in respect of FIR No. 14/25, registered at Rehambal Police Station under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act." Mohammad Asif, son of Sanak Mohammad and a resident of Hartayan Rehambal, has been named as a key figure in the area's drug trade. The enforcement action reflects the district police's staunch commitment to their zero-tolerance approach to narcotics distribution and trafficking. Nagpure explained that this attachment is one part of their "overall approach to dismantle the drug networks by going after their economic pillars." Udhampur Police have vowed to continue a tough stand against drug crime perpetrators across the district. He added that our Motive is to Drug free Udhampur District. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday lauded the Indian armed forces for their precision in Operation Sindoor, paralleling them to skilled surgeons who struck at the roots of terrorism in Pakistan while ensuring civilian areas were not harmed. Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of KNS Hospital in Lucknow, Singh said, "...We work at the Ministry of Defence, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. We do the treatment of terrorists across the border...India initiated Operation Sindoor against terrorism and successfully targeted the terrorist camps located in Pakistan and neutralised a large number of terrorists. Indian armed forces worked like able doctors and surgeons...Just like a skilled surgeon uses his tools at the root cause of a disease, the Indian armed forces too used their tools with precision at the roots of terrorism. But Pakistan is habituated to not mending its ways easily. It started attempts to attack India and target civilians as well." Congratulating the armed forces, Minister Singh said that Pakistan attacked Temples, Gurdwaras and Churches, but retaliatory action by the Indian armed forces made the Pakistan military fall to their knees. "Temples, Gurdwaras and Churches were targeted. The retaliatory action by the Indian armed forces made the Pakistan military fall to their knees. When we were undertaking retaliatory action, utmost care was taken that only the terrorist camps in Pakistan are targeted, and no attack is done on civilian areas. Like a skilled surgeon, Indian armed forces conducted an operation. I congratulate them on this," Singh said. Speaking at the same event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Operation Sindoor a symbol of India's self-respect, the honour of the 'sindoor' of the women of India, and a guarantee of the safety of the coming generations. CM Yogi said, "Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India's self-respect, honour of 'sindoor' of the women of India and guarantee of the safety of the coming generations. Pakistan and its supporters were doing anything they wanted. But to protect its 'aan-baan-shaan', India did what PM Narendra Modi had assured the citizens of the country..." CM Yogi further stated that India is a symbol of the culture, which will always be a guide and ray of hope for humanity, whereas Pakistan is a distortion whose fate is to die and to rot. "India is a symbol of the culture which will always be a guide and ray of hope for humanity, for the world. Pakistan is a distortion whose fate is to die, whose fate is to rot, whether it dies in the hands of India or dies due to the actions of terrorists they themselves nurture, it is certain. What is written in their destiny will definitely happen," CM Yogi said. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was among the dignitaries who attended the Silver Jubilee Celebration of KNS Hospital, alongside BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra on Tuesday targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi Mallikarjun Kharge over their remarks concerning conflict with Pakistan and alleged that Islamabad had shown videos of remarks of Congress leaders in the wake of Operation Sindoor and that the comments of the leaders of opposition party provide "oxygen to Pakistan". He said Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who is chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah, had during an interview praised Congress and said it is a good party. "You do the work of giving oxygen to Pakistan...Today, we all know why Hafiz likes Rahul (Gandhi)...Congress party, Kharge ji is saying that Operation Sindoor is a small war...Are Rahul Gandhi and Khargeji not able to understand that our Armed Forces entered Pakistan and struck nine terror sites there, and more than 100 terrorists were killed? After retaliation by Pakistan, their 11 airbases were destroyed, and today, Pakistan is crying in pain. And you are saying that Operation Sindoor was a small war. This is cheating the country and the bravery of the Armed Forces. Rahul Gandhiji has been asking for proof for the last two days. We have been presenting digital proofs since day one. There is evidence from Pakistan (of burial of terrorists, attended by Pakistan army officers)," Patra told ANI. "Despite this, you are asking for proof of the courage of the Armed Forces. This is the reason Rahul Gandhi and his leaders have become poster boys in Pakistan. At the time of Operation Sindoor, Pak DGMO had shown your (Rahul Gandhi) videos...You do the work of giving oxygen to Pakistan. Hafiz likes Rahul and today we all know why Hafiz (terrorist Hafiz Saeed) likes Rahul ," he added. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in which precision strikes destroyed terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) and eliminated nearly 100 terror operatives at key bases in Pakistan. On May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Modi government for alleged security lapses that led to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Kharge, who was addressing a rally in Karnataka, alleged that the government failed to provide adequate security arrangements for tourists, despite being aware of potential security threats. "Twenty six people were killed in Pahalgam because the Modi government did not provide security there. The centre did not provide police security or forces to tourists. Modi did not say anything about this. There were people going to Kashmir on the 17th, but PM Modi did not go to Kashmir, because his intelligence security told him not to go...." He alleged that the government's intelligence agencies had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the security threat, but no action was taken to warn tourists. Kharge condemned the government's priorities, stating that the Prime Minister's security was prioritised over the lives of citizens. "You knew this. When you cancelled the trip to Kashmir, why did you not tell the tourists through the police? Why didn't you tell the tourists not to go there? If you had told them, 26 lives would have been saved. Pakistan has no power. It is weak; they have taken power from China and attacked our country. I had told you on the 22nd that we are all united," he said. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed satisfaction over holding cabinet meeting at Rajwada in Indore on Tuesday and said that it was first moment post independence that state government sat inside the palace and took various far-sighted decision for the welfare of the public. In view of the 300th birth anniversary year of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the state government organised the cabinet meeting at Rajwada Palace in the city, which is closely associated with Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. "We are satisfied that our cabinet members not only learned a lot about Devi Ahilyabai from yesterday, but also they participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for the renovation of Lalbagh Palace of the Holkar empire this morning. Today, after many centuries, especially after independence, this is the first time that the Madhya Pradesh government sat in the Rajwada and took various Public welfare-oriented, long-term, and far-sighted decisions with impacts lasting for centuries," CM Yadav told reporters. CM Yadav further informed that the formation of the Metropolitan Development Authority for the five major cities of the state, which include Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur and Gwalior. Along with this, many other decisions were made during the cabinet meeting here. CM Yadav also expressed gratitude to the residents of Indore on the occasion. Meanwhile, Former Lok Sabha speaker and veteran BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan also lauded the state government's decision to hold the cabinet meeting at Rajwada Palace and said that it was a very good thought of the chief minister to organise the meeting at the place in the city. "It is a matter of great importance that a cabinet meeting was organised here in Indore on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary year of Devi Ahilyabai and our CM thought of conducting it here. Also, the administration of Indore, including the mayor and officials made a good arrangement at Rajwada for the meeting. It is very good that the meeting was held here. Our CM is very active and a history enthusiast," Mahajan said. During the cabinet meeting, various proposals were given nods, including approval of Rs 773 crore for MY Hospital for upgrading the facilities and arrangements in the hospital. (ANI) The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in MCD House, Ankush Narang, slammed the BJP-led MCD government, highlighting that the BJP-appointed MCD Commissioner bypassed the AAP-led MCD House's approved proposal to waive House Tax for properties up to 100 square yards and halve it for properties up to 500 square yards, according to press release. Instead, they stated that user charges were forcibly imposed on Delhiites despite the absence of proper garbage collection systems. Most households still pay private individuals to lift waste, while garbage dumps continue to exist across colonies. AAP councillors have declared that their protest against these arbitrary charges will continue from the streets to the MCD House. During a press briefing, AAP's Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj called out the BJP-led central government and its appointed MCD Commissioner for bypassing the democratic mandate and burdening the public with arbitrary user charges. "When the MCD House met under AAP's majority and passed the budget, a special demand raised by our councillors was included--to waive off house tax for properties up to 100 square yards, whether residential or commercial, and to reduce house tax by 50 per cent for properties up to 500 square yards," he said. Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that despite these measures being passed in the House, the Commissioner failed to implement them and instead imposed an unjustified user charge on Delhi residents in the name of municipal solid waste management. This charge often exceeded the actual tax--if a property's tax was Rs. 2500, the user charge levied was even higher. He explained that before the AAP came to power in the MCD, the policy of levying user charges had already been approved by the then BJP-led MCD government. However, it was never implemented. "When the AAP came to power in the MCD, the BJP's favoured MCD Commissioner forcibly implemented the user charge policy that was created during the BJP's tenure and imposed it on the people of Delhi," said Saurabh Bharadwaj. The senior AAP leader added that just yesterday, in response to this, "AAP's Leader of Opposition in the MCD House, Ankush Narang, along with all AAP councillors, confronted the current BJP Mayor and demanded that this arbitrary extortion under the name of user charges be withdrawn immediately." Meanwhile, LoP in the MCD House, Ankush Narang, stated, "Under the name of user charge, the BJP is extorting arbitrary taxes from the people of Delhi. If a person's property tax amounts to Rs. 2,500, the user charge itself comes to nearly Rs. 5,000. This means that in addition to the Rs. 2,500 property tax, one has to pay around Rs. 5,000 more as a user charge." He emphasised that this was not just an administrative decision but a matter of policy and finance. "Before implementing the user charge, it was mandatory to present it in the MCD House. But the BJP's favoured Commissioner implemented it arbitrarily without presenting it in the House," said Ankush Narang. "He knew that if this proposal was brought before the House, the Aam Aadmi Party, being in power, would oppose it and not allow it to pass." Ankush Narang also highlighted the state of waste management in the city: "Even today, in most areas of Delhi, MCD concessionaires do not collect garbage from outside people's homes. Residents pay private individuals from their own pockets to have their garbage collected." Ankush Narang further said that even today, there are open waste dumping points, vulnerable spots, and FCTS (Fixed Compactor Transfer Stations) across Delhi where large amounts of garbage are collected, and these are situated right in residential areas. Residents in these areas have to endure unbearable stench and a severely degraded environment. Despite all this, the BJP has failed to shut down these dumps or eliminate vulnerable points, and they've been unable to ensure 100% cleanliness." He said, "Instead of resolving these fundamental issues, the BJP-backed Commissioner imposed User Charges on Delhi's people. On May 6, I wrote a letter to the Mayor demanding immediate withdrawal of these User Charges. But to this day, the Mayor has not responded. If the Mayor doesn't bother replying to a letter from the Leader of Opposition, what can common people expect?" Ankush Narang continued, "Following this, we submitted a proposal for discussion in the general House meeting scheduled for May 21-- that's tomorrow. In that proposal, we demanded that User Charges must be scrapped. Right now, the biggest issue in Delhi is User Charges and House Tax." He added, "When the AAP had formed the government in MCD, we passed a proposal in the House to completely waive House Tax for properties up to 100 square yards, and reduce it by 50% for properties up to 500 square yards. That proposal was never implemented. But the BJP didn't hesitate for a moment in burdening people with unjustified User Charges." Ankush Narang said, "Our new proposal -- to withdraw these charges -- wasn't even allowed on the agenda. If the BJP truly feels accountable to Delhi's citizens, they must answer: why is this burden of User Charges still being imposed?" He said, "We gheraoed the Mayor and handed over another memorandum demanding that these charges be withdrawn immediately. But the BJP has not rolled them back." Ankush Narang added, "People are confused -- should they deposit House Tax along with User Charges or not? When Raja Iqbal Singh became Mayor, he had stated in his speech that User Charges would be rolled back immediately. But now, they hide behind the excuse of the Standing Committee. If the Standing Committee never implemented these charges, how can it now be responsible for rolling them back?" He said, "To the 'Bharatiya Jumla Party', we say this -- stop the jumla even on User Charges. Provide immediate relief to Delhiites and roll back these unjust charges. And until the BJP rolls back User Charges and fully waives House Tax for the current year -- while allowing people who haven't paid for previous years to just pay for this one -- the Aam Aadmi Party's councillors will continue their protest. Whether inside the House or on the streets, we will relentlessly raise the issue of User Charges and Property Tax." (ANI) As per the release, a six-member US delegation headed by RAdm Casey Moton, Programme Executive Officer (PEO), Aircraft Carriers visited various defence establishments in Delhi and Goa. The opening session of the Joint Working Group Meeting, which was co-chaired by RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Assistant Controller Carrier Projects (ACCP), was held on May 13 in New Delhi. During the meeting, the RAdm Casey Moton highlighted the importance of the Joint Working Group and the progress it has made over the last 10 years. Both sides appreciated the remarkable work undertaken by the Joint Working Group to exchange valuable information on Aircraft Carriers. Plans for future cooperation in various aspects of Aircraft Carrier Technology were discussed, and a Joint Statement was also released. At Goa, professional interactions were undertaken with the Indian Navy's Aviation Specialists on Aircraft Carrier operations and technical aspects. The meeting marked yet another significant milestone in the ongoing co-operation between the two countries in the field of Aircraft Carrier Technology. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "giving oxygen to Pakistan" and alleging that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) used his statements to claim India was lying during Operation Sindoor. Patra claimed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistani officials showcased remarks made by Indian opposition leaders to undermine India's narrative and question the operation's legitimacy. He said such statements from Congress leaders lower the morale of the Army and benefit Pakistan's propoganda. Speaking to ANI, Sambit Patra said, "Rahul Gandhi has been asking for proof for two days. Today, the whole world and even Pakistan itself are providing evidence. We have kept digital evidence. Evidence upon evidence is being presented. The Pakistanis themselves have shown the dead bodies of their terrorists. The terrorists themselves were seen standing to bury the terrorists. Despite the fact that the whole world has seen this evidence, you are still asking for proof of the indomitable courage of the army." Patra went on to say that this is why Rahul Gandhi and his party leaders are viewed as "poster boys of Pakistan." "This is the reason why today, Rahul Gandhi, you and your leaders remain the poster boys of Pakistan. Is this not true? After 26/11, you were forming a party, which was written in all the newspapers. We saw it in the newspapers. And that's probably why you see Operation Sindoor as a small battle," he alleged. He also took aim at Congress leader Pawan Khera, saying, "Your leader, Pawan Khera, says that Operation Vermilion is a deal of vermilion, just like you said, blood was pouring from the top of our sisters' foreheads. There are twenty-six sisters whose demands have been listened to, and even after that, calling it a vermilion deal, calling it a small battle, and saying "we need proof" shows what your mindset is. You do not trust the country. And that is why, in every press conference of yours today, all of Pakistan is showing interest." Patra added that Rahul Gandhi does not trust the country, and that's why Pakistan closely follows every press conference he holds. "Pakistan watches your words because they benefit from them," he said. "You are the hero of Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, you and your leaders are heroes of Pakistan today. You are running on every news channel, and not just today. Even at the time when Operation Sindoor took place, the DGMO of Pakistan showed your statements in a press conference, showed the statements of your leaders, and said, What we Pakistanis are saying is true, India is lying. You do the work of giving oxygen to Pakistan, and perhaps that is why there is no doubt about this. There is no doubt," Patra said. "Hafiz Saeed, a notorious terrorist, once said in an interview that Congress is a good party. Hafiz likes Rahul, and today, we all know why Hafiz (terrorist Hafiz Saeed) likes Rahul," he added. His remarks came after Rahul Gandhi accused External Affairs Minister Jaishankar of being silent on how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during Operation Sindoor. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday described Operation Sindoor a symbol of India's self-respect, honour of 'sindoor' of the women of India and a guarantee of the safety of the coming generations. He made the remarks while addressing the Silver Jubilee Celebration of KNS Hospital in Lucknow. At the event, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India's self-respect, honour of 'sindoor' of the women of India and guarantee of the safety of the coming generations. Pakistan and its supporters were doing anything they wanted. But to protect its 'aan-baan-shaan', India did what PM Narendra Modi had assured the citizens of the country..." He further said that India is a symbol of the culture, which will always be a guide and ray of hope for humanity, and Pakistan is a distortion whose fate is to die and to rot. "India is a symbol of the culture which will always be a guide and ray of hope for humanity, for the world. Pakistan is a distortion whose fate is to die, whose fate is to rot, whether it dies in the hands of India or dies due to the actions of terrorists they themselves nurture, it is certain. What is written in their destiny will definitely happen," Adityanath added. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also attended the Silver Jubilee Celebration of KNS Hospital. Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the foundation laying ceremony of various development projects worth Rs 724 crore in Kasganj district. Speaking at the event, CM Yogi lauded the strength of the Indian Army under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "Under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, India's brave soldiers have defeated Pakistan. If we did not have a strong army, how would the people of the country have remained safe in the presence of enemies like Pakistan? Pakistan is pleading with the world to spare it once. This is because, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership in the last 10 years, work has been done to modernise and strengthen the army. Continuous efforts have been made, and this is the reason why the Indian Army is always ready to face any enemy. If the enemy dares to do something, then the Indian Army has the full capability to enter its home, kill, and destroy it," CM Yogi said. (ANI) The case, heard by a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member), highlights critical concerns regarding the compliance with environmental norms. The plea moved by Ram Chander Bhardwaj asserts that a historical water body, spanning 84 Bighas (approximately 7 hectares), exists in Section A-10, Narela, Delhi. According to the applicant, the lake was constructed by a king named Chand and historically served as a venue for water sports. The applicant contends that the water body has been encroached upon, and authorities have failed to take necessary steps for its restoration. In support of the plea, the applicant's counsel referred to revenue records confirming its status as a water body. During the legal proceedings, the applicant's counsel presented communication from the DDA to its Director of Planning, addressing the proposal for the beautification of the pond. Additionally, the applicant highlighted a letter dated July 13, 2022, from the Member Secretary of the Wetland Authority of Delhi to the Superintending Engineer / Water Bodies, DDA urging the revival and development of the pond. Please claims that despite these official correspondences, the grievance remains that no concrete measures have been taken by the concerned authorities to remove encroachments or undertake the rejuvenation of this historic water body. (ANI) A delegation of Tharonk village of Kotkhai area of Shimla district called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday and demanded to take up the matter of imposing a complete ban on import of Turkish apples immediately with the Union Government. They also thanked the Chief Minister for implementing various measures to benefit the apple growers, such as the adoption of Universal Cartons and the purchasing of apples on a weight basis. The delegation also apprised him of their various demands, and the Chief Minister assured them that he would consider them sympathetically. They demanded the construction of a link road from Koku nallah to Gharok and a drinking water supply scheme from Katch nallah to Gharok to benefit the people residing in these areas. They also invited the Chief Minister to visit the area. The Chief Minister directed the officers to prepare DPRs for both projects immediately. MLAs Sanjay Awasthy and Vivek Sharma, Principal Advisor Media to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, and former MLA Bamber Thakur were also present on the occasion. Earlier, apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh demanded a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples. A joint delegation of fruit growers and farmers, led by Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch Convener Harish Chauhan, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, Chauhan expressed deep anger over Turkey's support to Pakistan, particularly during Operation Sindoor. "Turkey is an ally of our enemy nation. It supported Pakistan during a critical time when India was fighting against Pakistan. At the same time, back in February 2023, when a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, the Government of India helped them on humanitarian grounds. In return, Turkey stabbed us in the back by aiding Pakistan," he said. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday was told by petitioners challenging the Constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, that the Act has been framed to protect Waqfs but in reality, it is designed to "capture Waqfs" through a process which is non judicial. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners, objected to the provision empowering a government Officer to decide disputes about whether Waqf properties have encroached on government land. He said that private properties are being taken away only because of dispute. "A officer above Collector is appointed to see the dispute, and meanwhile till the dispute is decided, the property is taken away and loses its character as a Waqf property," Sibal argued. A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing the arguments on interim relief in the case. The senior advocate further told the bench that the 2025 amendments nullified the principle "once a Waqf, always a Waqf." Sibal contended that earlier, though the property was preserved as an ancient monument the identity of the property did not change from being a Waqf and get transferred to the government. "Now such Waqf property shall be void, and once Waqf is void, people will be stopped from going to pray. The right to freely practice religious activity is curtailed," contended Sibal. To this, CJI said that people still go and pray at Khajurao temple though it is preserved as an ancient monument. He further argued that under the previous law, non-registration of the Waqf properties did not affect the validity of the Waqfs and the only consequence was that the Muttawalli would have to pay some penalty. "However, the 2025 amendment makes a complete departure to state that if there was no registration, the Waqf will no longer be recognised," he added. Next, Sibal objected to the provisions allowing the nomination of non-Muslims to the Central Waqf Council and the state Waqf Boards. He further pointed out that in none of the laws relating to Hindu endowments, persons from other religions are allowed. On the Centre's stand that the 2025 amendments are to regulate the secular aspects of property administration, Sibal said the creation of Waqf is not a secular activity. "It is a Muslim's property which he dedicates to God," he added. Senior advocates Rajeev Dhawan, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, CU Singh also argued for the petitioners. The bench will continue hearing the arguments of Centre. The previous bench headed by the then CJI Sanjiv khanna had said it will consider three issues for interim relief -- de-notifying Waqf properties whether they are Waqf by deed or Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards and identification of government land under Waqf. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, had earlier assured the apex court that the three key provisions of the Waqf Act will not be given effect to for some time. Solicitor General of India had also given an assurance that no appointments will be made to the Waqf Council or Waqf boards. A batch of petitions challenging the Act was filed before the apex court contending that it was discriminatory towards Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. Six Bhartiya Janta Party-ruled states had also moved the apex court in the matter, in support of the amendment. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. Central government had filed its preliminary affidavit in the Supreme Court while seeking dismissal of petitions challenging constitutional validity of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 as it said law was not violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The Centre in its affidavit had said the amendments are only for the regulation of the secular aspect regarding the management of the properties and hence, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Central government had urged the court not to stay any provisions of the Act said that it is a settled position in law that constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and will decide the matter finally. (ANI) The incident took place on Tuesday morning at a privately operated stone quarry in Mallakottai when a sudden rockslide claimed the lives of five workers. The deceased were identified as Muruganandham, Arumugam, Ganesan, Andichamy, and Harshit, a worker from the state of Odisha. Speaking on the incident, the Sivaganga District Superintendent of Police said, "So far, we have found four bodies, and one injured person has been admitted to a private hospital in Madurai for treatment." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. In an official statement, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Office said, "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased. He also announced financial aid of Rs. 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured worker from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund." The Chief Minister further directed authorities to ensure the injured worker, identified as Michael, receives top-quality medical attention. "Additionally, the Chief Minister has ordered that Michael, who was injured in the accident and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital, be given the best possible medical care," said the CMO statement. Further investigations into the cause of the incident are underway. (ANI) Murali Naik was gravely injured during heavy shelling from the Pakistani side along the Line of Control (LoC) on May 8. Despite immediate medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on May 9. The Corps stated, "GOC and all ranks of White Knight Corps salute AgniVeer Mood Muralinaik, who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. His courage and dedication to duty remain etched in our memory. We continue to stand with the bereaved family." Operation Sindoor was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepali national. Operation Sindoor marked a decisive moment in India's defence strategy, as the Indian Army launched a series of successful strikes against Pakistan's forward posts and terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC). Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also honoured the soldier's heroism and expressed his condolences on the young jawan's death in Ananthapuram district. According to an official release from the TDP, CM Naidu spoke with Murali's parents, Jyotibai and Ram Naik, and offered the state government's support. CM Naidu highlighted Murali Naik's invaluable service to the army over the past two years and praised his dedication to his country, calling on the public to unite in patriotism and honour the fallen soldier's sacrifice. Operation Sindoor was a response to Pakistan's unprovoked violations and aimed at neutralising cross-border threats to India's sovereignty. The Indian Army's use of advanced surveillance technology played a crucial role in monitoring enemy movement, allowing for accurate identification and rapid targeting of Pakistani positions. This strategic use of technology enabled the Indian forces to carry out precise attacks, effectively damaging key terror launchpads and military installations, which had been used to disrupt peace in the region. (ANI) Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, president of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board, has said that students in state madrasas will be taught about Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces against terror infrastructures in Pakistan. Qasmi said that a delegation met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and congratulated him on Operation Sindoor. The delegation also conveyed its thoughts to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The delegation took inspiration from Operation Sindoor and decided to teach the students about the operations conducted by the Indian forces in the madrasas of Uttarakhand. Qasmi highlighted that Operation Sindoor is being included in the syllabus of Uttarakhand's madrasas as it is the country's "paramount." "A delegation of the Muslim community met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and we congratulate the defence minister on Operation Sindoor. We conveyed our thoughts that we are with PM Modi. Taking inspiration from that, we thought of a new beginning, and we will teach the children studying in Madrasas about Operation Sindoor... Pakistan killed our innocent civilians... We are not those who believe in the two-nation theory. We don't differentiate between Hindus and Muslims... We are including it in the syllabus as the country is paramount... We will begin this from 2025", Mufti Shamoon Qasmi told ANI. 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. On May 10, both countries agreed to the cessation of hostilities. The Indian government has decided to send a delegation of its MPs from various parties to different countries to brief them about the Operation Sindoor. (ANI) According to officials, one car parked near the school was charred by the fire. Speaking to ANI, Fire Officer Firoz Khan said five fire tenders were at the spot to douse the fire, and no casualties have been reported. "We received a call at 8.55 pm. Five fire tenders reached the spot and we doused the fire. There was a fire at the school, an adjacent building, and a nearby car... No injuries or casualties have been reported so far," Khan said. The cause of the accident is yet to be revealed. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, called on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini here on Tuesday. The Chief Minister lauded the Indian Army, particularly the Western Command, for their exemplary performance during "Operation Sindoor" in safeguarding the nation's integrity. In response, the Army Commander expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and the State Administration for their unwavering support in all aspects of civil-military cooperation during the operation. The Army Commander raised the issue of Agniveers' post-service employment. The Chief Minister informed him that the Haryana State Cabinet has approved a provision for 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of Police Constables in the Police Department. He noted that Haryana is the first state in the country to secure the future of Agniveers by ensuring job opportunities after their military service. He added that several other decisions have also been undertaken by the state government to support and benefit Agniveers. During the meeting, the Chief Minister also highlighted the need to open Army Canteens in select areas that meet the required norms and criteria. The Army Commander assured him that the matter would be looked into. Lt Gen Katiyar also urged the allotment of land to the Army Welfare Housing Organisation to meet the critical housing needs of Army personnel. During the meeting, a range of other issues were also discussed, including the welfare of ex-servicemen, provision of ex-gratia for martyrs, strict implementation of job reservation quotas for ex-servicemen and their dependents, and the need to address the staff shortage in the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department to ensure its efficient functioning. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also emphasised on Tuesday that the state government is fully committed to maintaining law and order. He directed the Police and Civil administration to work together as a team at the grassroots level to eliminate crime and criminals effectively. "My aim is to make Haryana a zero-crime State," he said. The Chief Minister was presiding over a state-level review meeting on crime and law and order on Tuesday. (ANI) The United Kingdom, France, and Canada on Monday (local time) strongly opposed Israel's recent expansion of military operations in Gaza, condemning the intolerable level of human suffering in the region. In a joint statement, the leaders of the three countries called for an immediate cessation of Israel's military actions, unrestricted humanitarian aid access in coordination with the United Nations (UN), and the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, while emphasising the urgent need for a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace. "We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday's announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to the delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023," the joint statement declared. The statement criticised the Israeli government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance. It condemned recent statements by Israeli officials threatening civilian relocation amid Gaza's destruction, labelling permanent forced displacement as a breach of international law, noting that the current escalation is "wholly disproportionate". "The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate," the statement read. The leaders warned of further action if Israel does not cease its offensive and lift aid restrictions, saying, "We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response." They also opposed Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank, describing it as illegal and a threat to the viability of a Palestinian state, and pledged to consider targeted sanctions if the practice continues. The statement further strongly supported US, Qatar, and Egypt-led efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising that a ceasefire, hostage release, and a long-term political solution are the best path forward. "We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas' control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution," the statement stated. Taking to X, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated this stance, stating, "We firmly oppose the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering is intolerable. In the lead-up to the June 18 conference in New York, we must all work toward implementing the two-state solution." This came amid Israel's newly launched extensive ground offensive in Gaza on Saturday, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots". According to Israeli officials referred to by the Times of Israel, the Gideon's Chariots offensive would see the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) "conquering" Gaza and retaining the territory; moving the Palestinian civilian population toward the south of the Strip; attacking Hamas; and preventing the terror group from taking control of humanitarian aid supplies. Meanwhile, acting on the recommendations from the IDF, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet have agreed to allow a "basic quantity" of food after a nearly three-month blockade in Gaza that has brought Palestinians to the edge of famine, as reported by Euronews. According to Euronews, this move is aimed at facilitating Israel's expansion of intense military operations in Gaza. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Hamas is currently believed to be holding 57 hostages, 22 of whom are presumed alive. Israel's subsequent military response has resulted in more than 50,000 deaths in Gaza, according to figures from Hamas-run authorities. The Israeli military reports that 856 of its soldiers have been killed since the fighting began. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his meeting with Netherlands' Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on Monday (local time), admired the country's strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its support for a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Taking to the social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' hospitality, noting his discussion with his counterpart on deepened bilateral ties between the two nations and pressing global issues. "Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands' strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU. Exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi-polarity," the EAM stated on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924487566998589496 Jaishankar also engaged with the Netherlands' Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and discussed the benefits of a bilateral defence partnership between the two nations. "Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership," Jasishnakr stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924488270336991502 The EAM also engaged with the Indian community in the Netherlands, noting the value of the community's contribution to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands. "Interacted with representatives of the Indian community this evening. Value the contribution of the community to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands," the EAM stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924549573445296534 EAM Jaishankar arrived in the Netherlands early Monday (IST) to hold discussions with the country's leadership. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. During the visit, the EAM will meet with the leadership of the three countries and discuss 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 came after Friedrich Merz took over the office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany earlier this month. In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world that 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. "India shares warm and friendly ties with the three countries. The relationship between India and Denmark is based on historical links, common democratic traditions, and a shared desire for regional and international peace and stability. The current development of renewed India-Denmark relations has been guided by the "Green Strategic Partnership", the MEA said. 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. (ANI) Following the United Kingdom, France, and Canada's strong opposition to Israel's recent expansion of military operations in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) launched a sharp rebuke of those countries and their leaders, accusing them of rewarding Hamas's genocidal attack on October 7, 2023. In a strongly worded post on X, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to achieving "total victory" against Hamas, aligning with US President Donald Trump's vision for resolving the conflict. "By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities," the Israeli Prime Minister said. "This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved," he added. Netanyahu recounted the origins of the conflict, noting, "The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza." The Israeli Prime Minister outlined conditions for ending the war, saying, "Israel accepts President Trump's vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won't." This came following a joint declaration by the UK, France, and Canada earlier today condemning Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza under the "Gideon's Chariots" offensive, which began on Saturday. The European leaders criticised the "intolerable" human suffering in Gaza, Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid, and settlement expansions in the West Bank, threatening further action, including sanctions, if Israel does not halt its offensive. They also supported US, Qatari, and Egyptian-led efforts for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. (ANI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held productive discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, focusing on expediting the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. Taking to the social media platform X, Goyal shared an image of the two leaders shaking hands, stating, "Good discussions with Secretary Howard Lutnick towards expediting the first tranche of India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement." Earlier in May, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister stated that the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US was moving progressively in the right direction. "Conversation with the US is going very well. We were the first country to start the conversation. Conversion is going extremely well. We are moving progressively in the right direction," said Union Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the Columbia India Energy Dialogue in New Delhi. "I think the US and India are totally complementary to each other. We are a perfect fit, where there is hardly anything, except one or two products, where we compete; otherwise, we are totally too complementary. At USD 83,000 per capita income, what the US can produce can never compete with Indian goods made in India. And there are so many technologies and so many innovations and products which are not available in India, which I would buy from the United States rather than buying from many other non-market economies," the Union Minister said." "Frankly, this is a partnership that's truly contemporary, a win-win for both and will be the defining partnership in the coming months and years, given the very sheer scale of the American economy today and the delta of opportunity that India offers as it grows from a 4 trillion-dollar economy to a USD 35 trillion economy by 2047," Goyal added. India and the US aim to ink the deal by the fall of 2025. India's exports reportedly rose 11.6 per cent to USD 86.5 billion, while imports rose 7.4 per cent to USD 45.3 billion in 2024-25, resulting in a higher trade surplus of USD 41 billion. The US administration imposes reciprocal tariffs on countries with a sizable trade deficit. During their meeting in mid-February 2025, President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative, and supply chains more resilient. They resolved to deepen the US-India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security, and job creation. To this end, the leaders set a bold new goal for bilateral trade - "Mission 500" - to more than double total bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with the Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague on Monday and exchanged views on their respective security perspectives and challenges. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924488270336991502 Jaishankar interacted with representatives of the Indian community, noting the value of the community's contribution to building a stronger relationship between the two nations. "Interacted with representatives of the Indian community this evening. Value the contribution of the community to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924549573445296534 Earlier, Jaishankar met Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and appreciated the country's strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its support for a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Jaishankar said that he and Veldkamp discussed deepening bilateral partnership and engagement with the European Union. "Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands' strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU. Exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi-polarity," the EAM stated on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924487566998589496 During his visit, Jaishankar also interacted with strategic experts in the Hague. He said that they discussed why India and the EU should engage more in an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "A good exchange of views with strategic experts in the Hague this morning. Discussed why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multi-polarity and strategic autonomy." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924392040856441319 According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar will be on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany from May 19-24. In the press release, MEA stated, "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." (ANI) According to Taiwan's MND, six sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese action, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "6 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1924631160380129540 This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. Earlier on May 17, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited the Army Engineer Training Centre and the Navy Anti-Submarine Aviation Command in Kaohsiung and expressed gratitude to members of the armed forces for their dedication. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) shared the details regarding the visit on X. "Today, President @ChingteLai visited the Army Engineer Training Center and the Navy Anti-Submarine Aviation Command in Kaohsiung. He expressed gratitude to the service members for their steadfast dedication to guarding the frontlines day and night", Taiwan's MND stated in a post on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1923308508847505428 His visit comes after Taiwan conducted a series of test firings of several Land Sword II and HIMARS systems in recent times to bolster air defence preparedness. As per the MND, Land Sword II possesses the capability of countering varied aerial threats, thereby significantly enhancing the protection of the force. "Land Sword II makes its live fire debut. This SAM system is capable of countering diverse aerial threats and significantly enhances force protection for #ROCArmy," MND wrote in a post on X on May 13. (ANI) Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) voted in favour of a resolution calling for the adoption of a global compact to prevent future pandemics. The pandemic agreement and the resolution calling for its adoption will be discussed by the full plenary of the World Health Assembly on May 20. Immediately after, a High-Level segment featuring statements from Heads of State of various nations will follow, according to WHO press release. The vote in favour of the Pandemic Agreement resolution follows a more than three-year process, launched by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, to negotiate the world's first such accord to address the gaps and inequities in preventing, preparing for and responding to pandemics. In a press release, WHO stated, "This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to better respond in the event of a future pandemic crisis." WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated member states for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. In a press release, Ghebreyesus stated, "Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential." "I congratulate WHO's Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat," he added. The resolution sets out several steps for taking the world forward and preparing for implementing the Pandemic Agreement. It includes launching a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the Agreement to establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The result of this process will be considered at next year's World Health Assembly. After the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force. Furthermore, Member States also instructed the IGWG to initiate steps to allow creation of the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to "enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for prevention of such emergencies." In a press release, the WHO stated, "According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO 'rapid access targeting 20 per cent of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.' The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries and those supported through the GSCL." The Pandemic Agreement aligns with the International Health Regulations, amendments to which were adopted by governments during the World Health Assembly last year to bolster international rules to better detect, prevent and respond to outbreaks. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) that coordinated and facilitated the process to draft and negotiate the Pandemic Agreement. He praised the work and excellence of the WHO Secretariat team, which supported the Bureau and Member States, led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour. https://x.com/DrTedros/status/1924550242927518158 He stated, "An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement." "This group of individuals, representing so many countries and regions of the world, deserve enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations," he added. (ANI) US President Donald Trump has claimed that he was doing the best he could with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to try and stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Tuesday, while speaking at the Kennedy Center Board Dinner Trump said that his talks with Putin is making progress. "I'll tell you about the day- first my little conversation with a nice gentleman named Vladimir Putin. But we actually had a good talk and I think that progress is being made. 5,000 young soldiers are being killed every single week on average," he said. Trump called the Ukraine-Russia conflict a "bloodbath". "Can you believe? 5,000! and it's actually a number probably worse than that in addition to other people that are being killed in towns. We're trying to stop it. It's an absolute bloodbath," he said. The US President said that the satellite pictures show the massive destruction and said he is doing everything he can. "I've seen satellite pictures that are so bad, so horrible. To think that in this day and age we're living with this horrible thing that's going on and we're doing the best we can," he said. Trump added that he was involved in the conflict even when it was not the war related to the US. He added that he was also involved in the conflict in the Middle East, which was also not a war pertaining to the US. "This was not our war. We're doing something from the last administration. How they allowed that to happen? It wouldn't have happened. I'll tell you what else wouldn't have happened- October 7th would not have happened. This was a terrible thing. Also a lot of bad things happened in the last four years but good things are happening now," he said. Trump also elaborated about his recent visit to the Middle East. He said that the visit brought him USD 1.5 trillion worth of investments. Trump's visit also got him orders for Boeing airplanes. "We had a tremendous visit in the Middle East We went to Qatar. We saw the Saudi Arabia, all the top people in UAE and we brought back about USD 5.1 trillion. That's not bad and it's being credited as one of the most successful visit that anybody's ever made to any place. There's never been anything like this- hundreds of planes- big, wide-body planes ordered. Getting them from Boeing but an order of 148 planes- That's a lot of 777s. Those are the big ones for the 787 Dreamliners and orders of everything. The AI is going wild. I hope it's as good as people say because otherwise some people are going to be pretty disappointed," he said. President Trump who on Monday held a two-hour long phone call with Putin said the Russian leader had agreed to "immediately" start direct negotiations with Ukraine toward a cease-fire and a broader peace deal to end the war as per the New York Times. The outlet said that Trump backed off his demand that Russia declare an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, instead endorsing Putin's call for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has refuted reports claiming the party was planning to initiate a no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, The Express Tribune reported. In a statement to Express News, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan termed the reports baseless. He said, "We currently have no intention of bringing a no-confidence motion against anyone, and there have been no instructions from the PTI founder in this regard." He mentioned that the option of initiating a no-confidence motion is constitutionally available to all political parties. However, he noted that the Imran Khan-founded party has not considered using it at this time. He said, "All media reports circulating about such a move are unfounded." Meanwhile, Ayaz Sadiq, during an informal conversation with reporters, stated he had heard about a no-confidence motion being planned against him, The Express Tribune reported. He said, "I've heard that a no-confidence motion is being brought against me. Whoever wants to pursue this desire may go ahead." Expressing confidence in his position, Sadiq said that many PTI members would not support such a move. He stated, "I have always looked after everyone as Speaker. Even if the motion is presented, their own members will not support it." Last week, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denied any deal over PTI founder Imran Khan's case, saying that political issues must be settled through talks instead of clandestine pacts, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking outside Parliament House, Gohar Ali Khan said that "no deal has been made" with any quarter regarding Imran Khan's case. He further said that all negotiations should remain confidential and constitutional. When asked about reports that Imran Khan had agreed to hold talks with the government, the PTI chairman said he had relayed the Pakistan Prime Minister's invitation but would not share details regarding the discussions held at Adiala jail. He emphasised that genuine progress in national politics relied on discretion and sincerity and warned against media sensationalism. He said, "Political matters must be resolved through talks." His statement comes after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's recent call for talks with opposition parties, which Imran Khan reportedly welcomed in principle. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday following a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump said that the exchange was extremely productive. Putin said that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. "This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange," he said. Putin expressed his gratitude towards the US for attempting to sort the Ukraine-Russia issue. "First and foremost, I expressed my gratitude to the President of the United States for the support provided by the United States in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at potentially reaching a peace agreement and resuming the talks which, as we know, were thwarted by the Ukrainian side in 2022," he said. Putin said that Trump shared his views on the cessation of hostilities during the phone call that lasted for over two hours. "The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. For my part, I noted that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis as well. What we need now is to identify the most effective ways towards achieving peace," he said. Putin said that Russia is ready to engage with the Ukrainian side on drafting a memorandum regarding a potential future peace agreement. "We agreed with the President of the United States that Russia would propose and is ready to engage with the Ukrainian side on drafting a memorandum regarding a potential future peace agreement. This would include outlining a range of provisions, such as the principles for settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace deal, and other matters, including a potential temporary ceasefire, should the necessary agreements be reached," he said. The Russian President said that as the peace talks have resumed, they were now on the right track. "Contacts among participants of the Istanbul meeting and talks have resumed, which gives reason to believe that we are on the right track overall. I would like to reiterate that the conversation was highly constructive, and I assess it positively," he said. Putin added that the Ukrainian side must now show their commitment to peace. "The key issue, of course, is now for the Russian side and the Ukrainian side to show their firm commitment to peace and to forge a compromise that would be acceptable to all parties. Notably, Russia's position is clear. Eliminating the root causes of this crisis is what matters most to us," he said. US President Donald Trump claimed earlier in the day that he was doing the best he could with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to try and stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (ANI) The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to revoke legal protections for thousands of Venezuelans, The Hill reported. In January, the Trump administration said it would move to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, removing protections that stop deportation due to civil unrest and dangerous conditions in a migrant's home country. The US Justice Department filed an appeal in the top court after a San Francisco-based federal district judge put the efforts on hold, finding they "appear predicated on negative stereotypes." Ketanji Brown Jackson, former US President Joe Biden's appointee to the court, was the only justice to note her dissent from Monday's order to lift that judge's block. Both Jackson and the majority have not explained their decision. The court's decision marks a legal win for the Trump administration, which has filed several emergency appeals in the Supreme Court after district judges across the country blocked various policies introduced by US President Donald Trump, The Hill reported. On Friday, the court blocked the Trump administration from swiftly deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants it claims are gang members. In announcing the decision, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she "vacated" an earlier designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by her predecessor, complaining the Biden administration wanted to tie their hands. "For decades, Secretaries across administrations have accordingly terminated TPS designations when, in their judgment, the statutory conditions no longer warrant them. That is exactly what Secretary Noem did here," Solicitor General D John Sauer wrote to the justices. It followed a lawsuit from the National TPS Alliance, which said Noem did not have the power to unwind the earlier designation and mentioned that she must evaluate conditions in the country and provide notice of the decision. The administration has said that the courts did not have the power to review the matter, calling any intervention an intrusion on the executive branch's control over foreign affairs. However, the National TPS Alliance has argued that the position would hand over unchecked power. The group's lawyers in court filings wrote, "They could designate Mexico for fifty years to accomplish mass legalization, or China and India to sweeten a trade deal." They further stated, "The government believes such blatantly unlawful actions would be unreviewable 'determinations.' The Court should not so radically expand the Secretary's powers, especially on the emergency docket." The case will directly affect roughly 300,000 Venezuelans whose protections would otherwise have expired in April. However, it will also impact another roughly 300,000 whose protections are scheduled to expire in September due to Noem's decisions, The Hill reported. Previously, a lower court judge blocked Noem's vacatur from being enforced, mentioning that her decision "smacks of racism" after making a series of demeaning statements about Venezuelans. California-based US District Judge Edward Chen stated that the Trump administration did not follow proper procedure for revoking TPS from those being deported and that the administration was "motivated at least in part by animus." He said that Noem repeatedly suggested Venezuelans were gang members or criminals. Noem has argued that Venezuela no longer needs the protections under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro. However, Venezuela has seen a massive exodus of its citizens. Apart from political unrest, Venezuela is facing widespread food shortages. After winning in the top court, the Department of Homeland Security initially referenced a different immigration program that the administration is similarly attempting to topple while noting a gang primarily linked to nations other than Venezuela. In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs, said, "Today's SCOTUS decision is a win for the American people and the safety of our communities. The Biden administration exploited programs to let poorly vetted migrants into this country - from MS-13 gang members to known terrorists and murderers. The Trump administration is reinstituting integrity into our immigration system to keep our homeland and its people safe." MS-13 largely operates in Central America and mainly has Salvadoran membership. Trump has designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organisation, as per the report. The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court after the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals did not lift Chen's order pausing the TPS vacatur. The case is now back in the lower courts. The 9th Circuit has not yet issued its final ruling in the administration's appeal, and Chen has meanwhile set a July 11 hearing on the Trump administration's decision to dismiss the lawsuit. (ANI) The Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to The Hague on Tuesday, said the two discussed the Pahalgam terror attack and its aftermath. In a post on X, he said, "After meeting in India last month, I was delighted to welcome EAM S Jaishankar to The Hague. We discussed the aftermath of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and the current halt of hostilities with Pakistan as a step towards de-escalation." https://x.com/ministerBZ/status/1924497357468475549 Velkamp added that the Netherlands saw great opportunities to take the bilateral cooperation to the next level with India. "In this rapidly changing world, I see great opportunities to take our bilateral cooperation to the next level. We look forward to the establishment of our long-term strategic partnership, which includes key areas such as security and critical emerging technologies," he added. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Veldkamp on Monday (local time), appreciated the country's strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its support for a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' hospitality, noting his discussion with his counterpart on deepened bilateral ties between the two nations and pressing global issues. "Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands' strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU. Exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi-polarity," the EAM stated on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924487566998589496 The External Affairs Minister also engaged with the Indian community in the Netherlands, noting the value of the community's contribution to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands. "Interacted with representatives of the Indian community this evening. Value the contribution of the community to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands," the EAM stated. Jaishankar arrived in the Netherlands early Monday (IST) to hold discussions with the country's leadership. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924549573445296534 According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed his greetings to Cameroon Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella on their National Day. Jaishankar expressed his confidence that the cooperation between both the countries will continue to grow stronger. In a post on X, he said, "Greetings to FM Lejeune Mbella Mbella, the Government and the people of Cameroon on their National Day. Confident that our cooperation will continue to grow stronger." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924706421440233761 Jaishankar shared an image of the 1,000 metric tonnes of food assistance and medicines that India had earlier sent to Cameroon. India on April 9 sent a consignment of 1,000 MT of rice to Cameroon for food grain assistance. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said the effort is in the spirit of a committed partnership with the Global South. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India: A committed partner to the Global South. India sends food-grain assistance for the people of Cameroon. A consignment of 1000MT Rice departed today from Nhava Sheva Port to Cameroon." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1909871162248536568 India and Cameroon enjoy warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of Cameroon. As per MEA, the bilateral relations have received further impetus with the opening of India's resident mission in Yaounde in 2019. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily, reaching USD 1.1 billion during FY 2022-23 from USD 523 million in 2018-19. As per the MEA, India extended two Lines of Credit (LoCs) worth USD 79.65 million to the Republic of Cameroon for Rice, Maize, and Cassava plantation projects. India has also been supporting Cameroon in capacity building by providing training to Cameroon officials in various areas under ITEC and scholarships/ fellowships under ICCR. The food security crisis in Cameroon is due to several factors, mainly the reduced availability and accessibility of stocks of staple products and livestock for milk and meat. According to the World Bank, nearly a quarter of a million Cameroonians are facing severe or elevated food insecurity. (ANI) Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, discussed the security challenges in Europe and Asia with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at The Hague. Brekelmans said that today, cooperation with India has assumed greater importance. In a post on X, he said, "In these turbulent times close cooperation with India is more important than ever. Great honour to receive Minister of Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar. We discuss security challenges in Asia/Europe and our Defence partnership. Looking forward to deepening our cooperation!" https://x.com/DefensieMin/status/1924493586743132218 Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and Jaishankar discussed the benefits of a bilateral defence partnership between the two nations. "Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership," Jaishankar stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924488270336991502 The EAM also engaged with the Indian community in the Netherlands, noting the value of the community's contribution to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands. "Interacted with representatives of the Indian community this evening. Value the contribution of the community to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands," the EAM stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924549573445296534 EAM Jaishankar arrived in the Netherlands early Monday (IST) to hold discussions with the country's leadership. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. During the visit, the EAM will meet with the leadership of the three countries and discuss 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 came after Friedrich Merz took over the office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany earlier this month. In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world that had expressed solidarity with India. (ANI) Amjad Ayub Mirza, a prominent political analyst, author, and human rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has formally offered his services to the Government of India to join the 59-member parliamentary delegation. The delegation is scheduled to brief Western governments and international stakeholders on Operation Sindoor and ongoing provocations by Pakistan, including its continued use of non-state actors and cross-border terrorism. In a public statement, Mirza emphasised the strategic importance of including voices from PoJK in international engagements, saying, "Our lands are being used as training grounds for terrorism. As people living under Pakistan's illegal occupation, we are directly impacted by its state-sponsored use of jihadi elements to destabilise India. It is vital that the international community hears our voices." Mirza, who resides in exile and has been a vocal advocate for the rights of oppressed communities in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed his willingness to make formal presentations and participate in dialogues with government officials, ministers, and lawmakers in Europe and beyond. He wants to expose Pakistan's strategy of exporting terror under the guise of diplomacy and to reinforce India's position as a victim of sustained hybrid warfare. He further noted that his participation in the delegation would strengthen India's case on the global stage by offering first-hand insights into the ground realities of Pakistan's proxy war through terrorist proxies trained in PoJK territory. In a major diplomatic initiative following Operation Sindoor, the Indian government unveiled a list of 59 members of parliament on Saturday, who will form seven all-party delegations tasked with amplifying India's voice on the global stage. These delegations, comprising MPs from the ruling BJP, its allies, independents, and members of the Opposition, are set to visit over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Prominent Opposition leaders have been given key roles in this outreach. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead the delegation to the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and Guyana. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule will head the group, travelling to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. DMK's Kanimozhi and JDU's Sanjay Kumar Jha are also among the delegation leaders from the opposition. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague. Jaishankar appreciated his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. He also appreciated Netherlands' stance against terrorism. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for the Netherlands' firm and resolute stance against terrorism. Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. Assured that our teams will work hard to achieve these goals." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924733417813426198 Earlier on Monday, Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, discussed the security challenges in Europe and Asia with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at The Hague. Brekelmans said that today, cooperation with India has assumed greater importance. In a post on X, he said, "In these turbulent times close cooperation with India is more important than ever. Great honour to receive Minister of Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar. We discuss security challenges in Asia/Europe and our Defence partnership. Looking forward to deepening our cooperation!" https://x.com/DefensieMin/status/1924493586743132218 Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and Jaishankar discussed the benefits of a bilateral defence partnership between the two nations. "Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership," Jaishankar stated. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924488270336991502 EAM Jaishankar arrived in the Netherlands early Monday (IST) to hold discussions with the country's leadership. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. During the visit, the EAM will meet with the leadership of the three countries and discuss the entire range of bilateral relations. Discussions will also take place on global and regional matters of mutual interest. In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world that had expressed solidarity with India. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded first Medals of Sacrifice to fallen Palm Beach County officers. The medals are a new honour meant to be bestowed on first responders who die in the line of duty. The three officers were killed in November 2024 when a driver struck them on the side of the road. "We award the first ever medals of sacrifice to three heroic law enforcement officers from Palm Beach County Florida. I went to the service it was crazy, it was just horrible. Earlier today Congressman Brian Mast introduced a bill to ensure this new medal will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty," Trump said. The White House said in a post on X, "In the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump presented the first-ever Medal of Sacrifice to three Palm Beach County fallen heroes: Cpl. Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Dan Diaz, & Deputy Sheriff Ralph Butch Waller. "We will never forget their legacy & we will never forget the debt we owe."" https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1924644642638684227 "We properly respect the ones that have lost their lives today. We also remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medal's first ever recipients it's a big honor. Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Dan Diaz, and Deputy Sheriff Ralph Butch Waller," he said. Trump said that the three deceased officers were represented by their family. "They are represented by family members. They were devastated. We're profoundly grateful to be joined by their loved ones Corporal Paez's former wife Doris and his son Cameron. Deputy Waller's wife Denise and Deputy Diaz's daughter Alexandria. I want to thank the three officers we recognized today. They were close friends and colleagues and together they dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and well beyond," he said. Trump talked about how dangerous their job was, and how they carried it out countless times. "They were beloved and respected by all really top-of-the-line people countless times. When I was in Florida, they proudly saved a lot of lives. Their reputation was incredible they served in motorcades for presidents, called presidential motorcades- a very dangerous job actually," he said. Trump said he attended the memorial service of the officers in November, and that their accident shook the entire Palm Beach. "I was deeply honored to attend their memorial service last year in a horrific accident in November. The three officers were working to restart one of their motorcycles on the shoulder of a road when they were struck by an SUV dead center and all three perished from their injuries essentially. This was a terrible tragedy, it shook the entire Palm Beach community," he said. Trump said that the US will never forget their sacrifice and legacy. "We'll never forget their legacy and we will never forget the debt we owe all of these great law enforcement heroes who have given their lives to keep our community safe and make America strong again. We have so many unbelievable people in the police department and other departments- first responders, firemen, a lot of brave incredible people," he said. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Tibetan cause, joining a protest held last Saturday outside the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The demonstration, organised by the Berlin-based non-profit Tibet Initiative Deutschland, marked the 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama -- one of the most significant spiritual figures in Tibetan Buddhism In a post shared on social media platform X, World Uyghur Congress stated, "Last Saturday, the WUC Berlin Office Director Gheyyur Qurban joined a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Berlin organised by Tibet Initiative Deutschland. Mr. Qurban attended and underscored WUC's unwavering and long-standing support for the Tibetan cause. We stand in full solidarity with the Tibetan people and their right to practice their religion freely and without fear." It further stated, "We strongly condemn the Chinese government for abducting the Panchen Lama and for its ongoing campaign of repression against Tibetan religious and cultural identity. Religious freedom is a fundamental right. Tibet must not be forgotten" The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was recognised by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1995 at the age of six. Just days later, he was taken into custody by Chinese authorities and has not been seen since. His prolonged disappearance continues to be one of the most prominent cases of religious persecution under Chinese rule. Tibetans in China have faced persecution since the 1950s, when the Chinese government annexed Tibet. The 1959 uprising led to the Dalai Lama's exile and intensified repression. Tibetan culture, language, and religion have been systematically suppressed. Several reports confirm that in China, monasteries are tightly controlled, and religious practices are restricted. Surveillance is widespread, and dissent is harshly punished. Self-immolations have occurred in protest of cultural erasure and human rights abuses. Education promotes Mandarin over Tibetan. The Chinese government labels Tibetan activism as separatism, justifying heavy-handed policies. Despite international concern, Beijing maintains strict control, framing its actions as development and stability efforts, while limiting outside access to the region. (ANI) Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday criticised China for threatening peace across the Taiwan Strait, calling it an "aggressor" despite reiterating his willingness to hold talks with Beijing, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. After delivering a speech marking the first anniversary of his taking office, he said, "The aggressor is the one who undermines peace." He said, "Many countries around the world, including Taiwan, are in fact under the threat of aggressors," noting that Taiwan was committed to pursuing peace. Lai made these remarks while responding to a question regarding the ongoing cross-strait tensions and China's apparent use of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan whenever Lai, who faces strong opposition from Beijing, delivered key speeches over the past year. Since Lai assumed office on May 20 last year, China has intensified its grey-zone tactics that stop short of direct military conflict or war -- including the alleged sabotage of undersea cables by Chinese vessels, CNA reported. In recent months, Lai Ching-te has toughened his cross-strait policy, in contrast to the more moderate stance taken by former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Earlier in March, Lai called China a "foreign hostile force" as he accused Beijing of increasing infiltration, spying activities, and united-front work against Taiwan and vowed to take multiple measures in response to those national security threats. The measures include tightening controls on cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, reinstating military courts, and expanding the screening of cross-strait flows of talent, goods, and capital, CNA reported. Despite calling China an "aggressor", he reiterated his willingness to hold talks to continue exchanges and collaborations with China, provided that each side treats the other equally and respectfully. Lai said he remained ready to "engage in dialogue instead of confrontation" and work with China towards peace and prosperity. On Tuesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that it detected six People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and three official ships operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Tuesday. According to Taiwan's MND, six sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese action, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "6 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." (ANI) Seven Member of the European Parliament (MEPs) from four different political groups tabled urgent questions to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, pressing for answers about the Panchen Lama's fate and urging the European Union to take a firmer stance in its human rights dialogue with China, the Central Tibetan Administration reported. "The 11th Panchen Lama turns 36 on 25 April 2025. But where is he? China is answerable to the world." This powerful message was displayed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a symbolic action marking the birthday of Gedun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, who has been missing since 1995. As reported by Central Tibetan Administration, the gesture was part of a broader effort by MEPs to highlight the 30th anniversary of his enforced disappearance and to renew international calls for his release. The Dalai Lama recognised Gedun Choekyi Nyima in May 1995 as the 11th Panchen Lama, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most revered figures. Just days later, he and his family were taken into custody by Chinese authorities, and he has not been seen in public since. His disappearance remains one of the most prominent unresolved cases of religious repression in China. MEPs are calling on the EU to prioritise his case in diplomatic engagements and ensure it is consistently raised in both bilateral and multilateral settings. They stress that the EU must adopt a stronger, coordinated approach to uphold religious freedom and demand accountability from Beijing. As the EU continues its engagement with China, the fate of the Panchen Lama remains a powerful symbol of the broader struggle for human rights and religious freedom in Tibet. China took control of Tibet in 1950 as part of what it described as the "peaceful liberation" of the region. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. He has called Beijing's control a "cultural genocide", Al Jazeera reported. Beijing claims he is a dangerous separatist and instead recognises the current Panchen Lama as the highest religious figure in Tibet. The Panchen Lama was installed by the party, as per Al Jazeera. () Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he discussed the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday in The Hague. Schoof said they also discussed Strategic Partnership concerns of long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and India in areas such as trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. In a post on X, he said, "Good to receive the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar at the Catshuis. First of all, I expressed my support for India's fight against terrorism after the terrible attack last month in Pahalgam. It is good for all parties that the violence between India and Pakistan has not escalated further." https://x.com/MinPres/status/1924736551973687425 Schoof further said that he looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Netherlands. "In addition, we discussed the Strategic Partnership. This concerns long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and India in areas such as trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. In a changing world, it is important for both the Netherlands and India that we can continue to count on each other. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to our country soon to discuss this further," he added. Jaishankar also appreciated Netherlands' stance against terrorism. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for the Netherlands' firm and resolute stance against terrorism. Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. Assured that our teams will work hard to achieve these goals." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1924733417813426198 Jaishankar arrived in the Netherlands early Monday (IST) to hold discussions with the country's leadership. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. During the visit, the EAM will meet with the leadership of the three countries and discuss the entire range of bilateral relations. Discussions will also take place on global and regional matters of mutual interest. In the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, the three countries were a part of the several countries from across the world that had expressed solidarity with India. (ANI) India is set to launch a major humanitarian initiative in Guatemala, providing approximately 600 artificial limbs to those in need, officials announced today. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala City confirmed that all administrative procedures have been completed for an artificial limb fitment camp to be held within the premises of Guatemala's Ministry of Defence. The 50-day camp, scheduled to begin in October 2025, will be conducted by a specialized team from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the organization behind the globally acclaimed Jaipur Foot prosthetic. "This humanitarian initiative will not only provide life-enhancing support to its beneficiaries but will also serve as a testament to the deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Guatemala," said India's Ambassador to Guatemala Manoj Kumar Mohapatra. The project comes under India's "India for Humanity" programme and will be the 33rd such camp organized globally. The initiative coincides with celebrations marking the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, recently visited Guatemala at Ambassador Mohapatra's invitation to commemorate this diplomatic milestone and formalize arrangements for the camp. "We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. All are our brothers and sisters in the world and we will provide free artificial limbs to them. Even our Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam policy," Bhandari told ANI. During the visit, Bhandari handed over the official confirmation letter to Guatemalan officials including Claudine Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED (Guatemala's National Coordination for Disaster Reduction), and William Oswaldo, Inspector General of the Army by prem Bhandari on behalf of the Indian Embassy in Guatemala Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez attended the announcement event alongside diplomatic corps members, government officials, and business leaders. BMVSS, which has conducted 114 international camps since its founding in 1975, has provided nearly 2.3 million prosthetic limbs and assistive devices worldwide. The organization was founded by DR Mehta, who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours. A container carrying machinery and equipment required for the camp is expected to arrive at a Guatemalan seaport in September, with the team comprising seven technicians and two team leaders arriving shortly thereafter. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala also announced plans to host what it describes as the largest International Day of Yoga celebration outside India on 13 June, with 12,000 people expected to participate. (ANI) India to provide 600 artificial limbs in Guatemala Humanitarian Initiative Guatemala City [Guatemala], May 20 The Consul General of Russia in Chennai, Valerii Khodzhaev, paid a courtesy visit to Telangana Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy. J Snehaja, Regional Passport Officer, Hyderabad was also present at the occasion. In a post on X, the Chief Minister's Office stated, "The Consul General of the Russian Federation in Chennai, HE Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, paid a courtesy visit to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Revanth Reddy, at his residence in Jubilee Hills. Smt. J. Snehaja, Regional Passport Officer, Hyderabad was also present on the occasion." https://x.com/TelanganaCMO/status/1924725619763376441 The meeting came as Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, claimed that the West was allegedly trying to fracture India-Russia-China relations, RT India stated on May 16. "Western policy in the region is an attempt to create a "clash" between "our great friends and neighbours India and China," he said, RT India reported. "What is happening right now in the Asia-Pacific region, the West has begun to call it the Indo-Pacific region in order to give its policy a clear anti-Chinese direction, hoping to thereby additionally gain the opportunity to pit our great friends and neighbours India and China against each other. Recently, President Putin recalled that it's simply a divide-and-rule policy," he said. https://x.com/RT_India_news/status/1923277596243951906 Ever since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia and China are fostering closer ties, as Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 8 told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that his country will stand with Moscow against "unilateralism and hegemonic bullying" during a visit to the country to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Al Jazeera reported. Xi hailed the "deeper" trust developing between the two countries, appearing to take a swipe at Western critics of Russia's continuing offensive in Ukraine, which Putin has characterised as a war against latter-day Nazis, as per Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, ever since Trump took office, Russia-US ties have improved significantly. On March 18, US President Donald Trump held a crucial phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to secure a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The Trump administration is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities after Ukraine agreed to a temporary cessation of fighting, provided Russia does the same, ABC News reported. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday accused Russia of using diplomacy to "buy time to continue its war and occupation" and also said he is working with allies to ensure that pressure compels Russia to change its behaviour. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Spoke with President of Finland @AlexStubb. We informed each other about our contacts with partners and discussed details of yesterday's conversation with @POTUS. The key point is that diplomacy aimed at peace must be well-coordinated and focused on tangible outcomes." The post read, "It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation. We are working with our partners to ensure that pressure forces Russians to change their behaviour. Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who is making them more biting for those responsible for this war." He reiterated that Ukraine is ready for negotiation talks, but warned that Russia's "unrealistic demands" must be met with "tough consequences." "There is no doubt that the war must end at the negotiating table. The proposals on the table must be clear and realistic. Ukraine is ready for any negotiation format that delivers results. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences," Zelenskyy said. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1924754314397958609 Following calls with US President Donald Trump and other European leaders on the potential ceasefire talks with Russia, Zelenskyy on Monday (local time) had voiced his uncertainty about Russia's readiness to commit to a ceasefire, citing a lack of trust in Moscow's intentions. Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's willingness to pursue a full ceasefire without preconditions, a proposal initially put forward by US President Donald Trump, while emphasising the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment through concrete actions. "I don't know the principles from the Russian side. As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian side wants to send us a memo on how they see the principles, and they want to see not only a ceasefire; they want some more principles," Zelenskyy stated. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, following a telephone conversation with President Trump, said that the exchange was extremely productive. Putin said that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. "This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange," he said. Putin also expressed his gratitude towards the US for attempting to sort the Ukraine-Russia issue. "First and foremost, I expressed my gratitude to the President of the United States for the support provided by the United States in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at potentially reaching a peace agreement and resuming the talks which, as we know, were thwarted by the Ukrainian side in 2022," he said. Earlier in the day, Trump claimed that he was doing the best he could with Putin to try and stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (ANI) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly condemned recent drone strikes in North Waziristan, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several civilians, including children. In a statement released on social media platform X, the BYC described the attack as part of a "systematic genocide" of the Pashtun people and called for a united resistance among oppressed communities across the region. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1924703021688357342?t=HGrcq0lnfla2afHIfLb_-w&s=08 "We strongly condemn the drone attacks on civilian homes in North Waziristan, the brutal massacre of children, and the ongoing genocide of the Pashtun people. For decades, Pashtun lands have been subjected to state oppression, violence, and military brutality," the BYC stated. The group drew parallels between the state's actions in Waziristan and those in Balochistan, where they allege similar patterns of military aggression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting the Baloch population. "Just as the state is pursuing a systematic policy of genocide against the Baloch nation in Balochistan, a similar pattern of state violence and brutality continues in Pashtun territories as well. Shelling civilian populations and drone attacks have become routine actions, which are blatant violations of human rights," the statement added. The BYC urged solidarity among marginalised and oppressed groups, calling for a united front against what it described as a "tyrannical system." "We believe that all oppressed nations must unite and struggle together against state oppression and brutality. Only this united resistance and people's power can defeat this tyrannical system," it said. The statement comes amid rising tensions in Pakistan's north western tribal regions, where military operations continue under the pretext of counterterrorism. Civil rights groups have increasingly raised alarms about civilian casualties and the lack of transparency in military actions. Civil rights organisations in Pakistan and abroad have consistently raised serious concerns about the high number of civilian casualties resulting from military operations, particularly in regions like North Waziristan and Balochistan. These groups highlight the lack of transparency in how these operations are conducted, with limited access for independent media or human rights observers. Reports of drone strikes, shelling of civilian areas, and extrajudicial killings have intensified fears of widespread human rights violations. Activists argue that labelling such actions as counterterrorism often serves to justify state violence, while affected communities face trauma, displacement, and a lack of legal recourse or accountability mechanisms. (ANI) A youth in the Koh-i-Suleman area of Dera Ghazi Khan was allegedly forced by a local tribal jirga to undergo a life-threatening traditional ritual known as 'Aas Aaf' in order to prove his innocence, after being accused of having relations with a married woman, Dawn reported. Local jirgas can be seen as informal tribal councils that operate outside the formal justice system. Common in parts of rural Pakistan and Afghanistan, they are often composed of community elders who make decisions on disputes based on customary practices. The victim, Jamal Buzdar, son of Rahim Buzdar, told reporters during a protest and press briefing that he had been falsely accused of having relations with the wife of one Muhammad Sadiq. He said he was presented before a six-member jirga, which included Yusuf, Syed Khan, Ahmed Niazi, Abid, Rab Nawaz and Jamal. According to Buzdar, the jirga gave him three options: to leave the area permanently, be murdered, or prove his innocence through the Aas Aaf ritual. He stated that the ritual required him to remain submerged in a deep pond for a set duration without the use of any diving equipment. Despite raising objections to the jirga's decision, Buzdar said he was forced into the pond and told that surfacing before the full duration would mean he was guilty, reported Dawn. Buzdar said he managed to stay underwater for the required time and survived the ritual. He has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, along with the commissioner and deputy commissioner of DG Khan, to take legal action against the members of the Jirga, Dawn reported. He has also filed a complaint at Zain police station against the individuals involved. According to Border Military Police (BMP) Commandant Asad Chandia, a case has been registered under sections 325, 365, 452, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code on Buzdar's complaint. (ANI) As Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te marks one year in office, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) sharply criticised his administration's performance, placing particular emphasis on cross-strait relations with China and accusing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values., Taipei Times reported. In a press briefing, the KMT presented a list of ten major criticisms, accusing Lai of breaking campaign promises and steering Taiwan towards what it called "green authoritarianism." The party said the DPP "waves the flag of democracy while wielding dictatorial control" and described its policies as a form of "green communism." One of the KMT's most pointed criticisms focused on Lai's recent comments likening Taiwan and China to companies discussing a merger, which the party viewed as a betrayal of national interests. "Taiwanese sovereignty is not a product for sale, and is not a bargaining chip for the DPP," the KMT said. The party alleged that Lai was "selling out" Taiwan and compromising its position in cross-strait relations. The KMT also criticised the administration for failing in its efforts to negotiate on tariffs with the United States, claiming that Lai's government had "handed over Taiwan's interests on a platter." It accused the judiciary of becoming a political tool and described Taiwan's democracy under Lai as "an empty shell." The party further claimed that rational political discourse had been replaced by "the violent silencing of the opposition," reported Taipei Times. Turning to domestic governance, the KMT denounced the government's decision to shut down nuclear power plants, citing energy instability and public dissatisfaction. It said the Lai administration's energy policies had left the people "angry and without power." The KMT also pointed to a surge in financial fraud, calling official measures to combat the problem "completely ineffective." In healthcare, the party noted that the Ministry of Health and Welfare's budget had increased to NTD 370 billion (USD 12.3 billion), yet frontline personnel remained overworked and the sector faced collapse. Other criticisms included the administration's attempts to challenge laws passed by the legislature, and what the KMT described as an evasion of responsibility in the case of Kai Kai, a one-year-old boy tortured to death by foster caregivers in 2023. The final point accused the Cabinet of intimidating subordinates and misusing public funds. In a separate statement, former president Ma Ying-jeou offered his own critique of Lai's approach to China, urging the president to abandon a confrontational path. "Lai should slow down and stop his line of 'protesting China,' which is hurting Taiwan," Ma said. Ma acknowledged recent signs of adjustment in Lai's comments, noting what he viewed as greater "flexibility and goodwill" in addressing cross-strait tensions. He expressed hope that Lai would continue with this approach to help resolve what he called the current "deadlock" with Beijing. Ma also said Lai had deviated from Taiwan's constitutional framework by advancing a "two-state theory" over the "one China" principle. He pointed out that Lai had described China as a "foreign adversary" and promoted "decoupling from China" in favor of alignment with the West, Taipei Times reported. As Lai completes his first year, Ma offered three suggestions: approach global developments more cautiously to balance ties with both the US and China; base cross-strait relations on the Constitution, the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, the 1992 consensus, and the principle of "one China, with respective interpretations"; and reduce domestic political infighting amid growing regional and global challenges. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday expressed regret over the Nagasaki city government's decision not to invite Taiwan to participate in this year's memorial ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, which occurred during the final days of World War II, Taipei Times reported. MOFA spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei addressed the issue during a weekly news briefing, calling the lack of an invitation "regrettable" in response to a question about Taiwan's absence from the upcoming event. He reaffirmed Taiwan's ongoing commitment to regional peace and cooperation. "Despite this, as a peace-loving and responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said. While Taiwan has not been included in the Nagasaki ceremony, a different stance appears to be emerging in Hiroshima. According to a report last Friday by Asahi Shimbun, citing unnamed sources, Hiroshima City has chosen to notify Taiwan about this year's August 6 peace memorial event - a departure from its past practice of not extending an invitation, reported Taipei Times. In response to that development, Hsiao confirmed that Taiwan has not yet received an official invitation to the Hiroshima memorial but expressed optimism about participation. "Now the case is being handled by Taiwan's representative office in Osaka with the Hiroshima City government," he said, adding that the ministry would decide who to send once the invitation is received. Until last year, Taiwan had typically been excluded from Hiroshima's annual peace memorial due to pressure from the People's Republic of China, which maintains diplomatic relations with Japan and considers Taiwan part of its territory. However, this year's commemoration - marking the 80th anniversary of the bombing - has reportedly prompted a reassessment. Sources quoted in Japanese media said Hiroshima officials decided there was no reason to exclude Taiwan, citing the event's core message: the "spirit of Hiroshima," a wish for the coexistence and prosperity of humankind, Taipei Times reported. In contrast, Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki reiterated on Friday that Taiwan would not be invited to the Aug. 9 ceremony, stating that invitations are limited to countries with formal diplomatic ties to Japan. The 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and led to Japan's surrender six days later on August 15, effectively ending World War II. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands from May 19 - 20, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit featured high-level meetings with top Dutch leadership, including Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. It focused on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, from trade, technology and defence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday, "External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 19-20 May 2025. During the visit, EAM called on HE Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergences in the India-Netherlands relationship, and agreed further to strengthen bilateral ties through regular high-level visits and exchanges. EAM conveyed India's appreciation for the statement of solidarity from the Netherlands in the fight against terrorism" EAM Jaishankar met with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global matters of mutual interest. "The Ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress in diverse sectors, including trade & economy, science and technology, water, agriculture and health, education, culture and people-to-people ties. They also discussed ways of increasing collaboration in new and emerging sectors of digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and green hydrogen," the statement said. EAM Jaishankar also met with Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and discussed opportunities to take forward the defence and security cooperation between the two countries to the next level. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defence sector further. The MEA further said, "EAM also addressed leading strategic and international affairs experts from various think tanks in the Netherlands. The discussions focused on why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy." During the visit, EAM also interacted with representatives of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands. "EAM's visit, coming within a month of the visit of Minister Caspar Veldkamp to India in April 2025, reflects the commitment of both sides for regular and sustained engagement between the two countries, and has led to further deepening of bilateral ties," the statement added. EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. (ANI) In a troubling development from Balochistan, activist Sammi Deen Baloch has raised alarm over the attempted arrest of a young activist, Mahzaib Baloch, during her school examination. In a statement posted on X, Sammi revealed that police and law enforcement agencies surrounded the Hub Chowki examination centre in an apparent attempt to detain Mahzaib. However, swift action by those present at the exam centre enabled her safe escape. According to the post, Mahzaib has been actively raising her voice for several years against the enforced disappearance of her uncle, Rashid Hussain Baloch. She has consistently joined protest demonstrations and sit-ins alongside families of missing persons in Balochistan, demanding justice. As a result of her peaceful activism, Mahzaib has reportedly faced repeated harassment, including being dragged through the streets, arrested multiple times, imprisoned, and falsely charged in several cases. Sammi Deen Baloch condemned the recent incident as a clear indication that state institutions now perceive the families of forcibly disappeared persons as a threat. "In Balochistan, raising a voice against enforced disappearances has become such a 'crime' that even children are being targeted," Sammi stated. She emphasised that the state's attempt to silence peaceful dissent through intimidation and force is not only ongoing but escalating. In earlier remarks, Sammi drew parallels between the situation in Balochistan and that in other marginalised regions. "Just as the state is pursuing a systematic policy of genocide against the Baloch nation, a similar pattern of state brutality and violence continues in Pashtun lands as well," she said. She further added that oppressed nationalities across the region, including Baloch, Pashtun, and others, are facing severe state repression marked by enforced disappearances of political leaders, extrajudicial killings, and military operations disguised as security efforts. Sammi also pointed to the regular shelling of civilian populations with mortar fire and the use of drone strikes, actions she called "clear violations of human rights." Her statements highlight the growing concern among activists and civil society groups about the intensifying crackdown on dissent in Balochistan and other regions. (ANI) Following an interaction with a French delegation, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor, highlighted the Rafale fighter jets as a symbol of the deepening Indo-French strategic partnership. Tharoor further stated that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad praised Rafale as a symbol of close collaborations between India and France. While speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "We had a very strong and positive discussion on the strength of the Indo-French bilateral relationship, political, economic, strategic, military, all of that, and we also talked positively about the horizon for the future. In addition to that, the French visitors expressed strong support for India's position in the wake of the recent terrorist attack and our actions that followed. That support was very much appreciated by our committee." He added, "In addition, I was able to introduce them to my colleague, Ravi Shankar Prasad, who will be leading a delegation from India. It was a good meeting for all these purposes. Ravi Shankar Prasad praised Rafale as a symbol of our close collaborations...There was no detailed discussion of the military actions." Meanwhile, Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday vowed to convey India's concerns effectively in front of the international community after being named as a member of the delegation visiting key partner countries to project India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor. 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 UN Security Council. The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. Each delegation will include members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats. The MPs, who will lead the delegations, are Shashi Tharoor (INC), Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP) and Srikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). India had carried out Operation Sindoor early on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and launched precise strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. India responded effectively to Pakistan's subsequent aggression and pounded its airports. The countries have reached an understanding for stopping military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI) In a move widely viewed as an attempt to mask recent military and strategic failures, the Pakistani federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal. The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, labelled Marka-i-Haq, as grounds for the honour, Dawn reported. Despite the military setbacks, Pakistan's government is projecting the outcome as a "historic victory," praising General Munir's leadership during the conflict. General Asim Munir became only the second army officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to Field Marshal. Ayub Khan, Pakistan's president from 1958 to 1969, holds the distinction of being the country's first Field Marshal. Notably, his promotion to this highest military rank was self-appointed, following his coup and assumption of the presidency in 1958. A year later, in 1959, Khan awarded himself the Field Marshal rank, citing "persistent requests" from Pakistani civil society members, just before his scheduled retirement from the army. Khan promoted himself to Field Marshal after seizing power. As President, he used his authority to issue a proclamation promoting himself. Munir's elevation also signals who truly calls the shots in Pakistan. The government approved a promotion that further cements the army chief's dominance over the country's civilian leadership. Notably, even General Pervez Musharraf, despite holding absolute power for years, never assumed the title. The position of field marshal is symbolic but permanent, with no retirement, and held until death. The promotion comes just weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-impact counter-terror operation in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack. The operation exposed Pakistan's inability to shield its territory and airspace from precise Indian strikes, which destroyed critical infrastructure and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Despite this, Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership is now projecting the outcome as a "historic victory." General Munir's promotion is seen as an attempt to bolster his position and mask recent military setbacks. In a statement following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's Office said, "The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership during Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos." Prime Minister Sharif reportedly consulted President Asif Ali Zardari before the promotion, and the cabinet also decided to extend the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zahar Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The PMO announced that military personnel, martyrs, veterans, and even civilians involved in the recent conflict would be awarded state honours -- further cementing what appears to be a carefully crafted narrative of national triumph. General Munir, in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), accepted the rank and said, "I am grateful to the president of Pakistan, the prime minister and the cabinet for their trust." He dedicated the promotion to "the entire nation, the armed forces of Pakistan, especially the civil and military martyrs and veterans," adding, "This is not an individual honour but an honour for the armed forces of Pakistan and the entire nation." However, the facts on the ground present a more complex reality. The escalation began after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which killed 26 people and injured several others. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes led to the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling and attempted drone strikes, to which India retaliated by targeting Pakistani radar systems, communication centres, and airfields. The hostilities de-escalated only after US intervention on May 10. While both sides agreed to a ceasefire without an expiry date, Indian officials confirmed that the strikes were purely anti-terror in nature and not part of a broader conflict -- a position that starkly contrasts Pakistan's claim of a military victory. (ANI) The European Union and the United Kingdom unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia's economy, shadow oil fleet, and military supply chains on Tuesday. The EU adopted its 17th and most extensive sanctions package, while the UK imposed 100 fresh sanctions, including on financial institutions, and military suppliers. The European Council on Tuesday adopted the 17th package of economic and individual restrictive measures cutting off Russia's access to key military technology. "Today's 17th package is part of an even broader set of EU measures also targeting Russia's hybrid activities, domestic violations of human rights and the use of riot control agents by Russian forces in Ukraine, under three other sanctions regimes," the European Council said in a press release. It added, "The Council adopted today its largest ever package targeting Putin's shadow fleet, doubling the number of vessels included in the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services. 189 vessels originating from third countries were targeted today, bringing the total of designated vessels to 342. Those vessels are part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', and are responsible for transporting Russian oil while practising irregular and high-risk shipping practices, or supporting Russia's energy sector. Restrictive measures on the shadow fleet are intended to dismantle its operational capacity, thereby reducing the oil revenues that support Russia's war economy." In addition, the EU also imposed individual sanctions (asset freeze and prohibition to make funds available) targeting the shadow fleet ecosystem, namely on actors enabling the operation of the shadow fleet. These measures cover shipping companies responsible for the transportation of crude oil and oil products by sea and engaging in dangerous practices at sea while transporting Russian oil, including entities from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong. The list also includes one important insurer of the Russian oil shipping industry. In order to further curb Russia's revenue sources, the EU also imposed restrictive measures on Surgutneftegaz, a major Russian oil company which provides substantial revenues to the Russian government, directly fuelling its war effort. The EU is imposing sanctions on more than 45 Russian companies and individuals providing the Russian army with drones, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, critical components and logistical support. The European Council also added 31 new entities to the list of those subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual-use goods and technologies, due to their support to Russia's military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Some of these entities are located in third countries (Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Vietnam and Uzbekistan) and have been involved in the circumvention of export restrictions, including on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or computer numerical control machine tools. The EU also introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement, the development of its defence and security sector the development or the production of its military systems, including chemical precursors to energetic materials and spare parts for machine tools. Meanwhile, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in a statement on Tuesday said, "As President Putin ruthlessly intensifies his strikes against innocent Ukrainians, the UK is ramping up pressure with a raft of 100 new sanctions. The latest sanctions targets include entities supporting Russia's military machine, energy exports and information war, as well as financial institutions helping to fund Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Today's measures sanction the supply chains of deadly Russian weapons systems, including Iskander missiles. This will protect Ukrainian lives and our collective security by disrupting Russia's military machine." The UK's sanctions also target 14 more members of the Social Design Agency (SDA), which carries out Kremlin-funded information operations that are designed to undermine sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law in Ukraine and across the world. The sanctions also target 46 financial institutions that help Russian attempts to evade sanctions, as well as the St Petersburg Currency Exchange, and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency which insures Russian banks. The UK will also sanction 18 more ships in the 'shadow fleet' carrying Russians oil, along with the fleet's enablers. The Prime Minister announced 110 shadow fleet related sanctions ahead of his visit to Kyiv earlier this month. "Today's targets include John Michael Ormerod, a British national who procured ships for Russia's shadow fleet, and two Russian captains of shadow fleet tankers," the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said. Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using diplomacy to "buy time to continue its war and occupation" and also said he is working with allies to ensure that pressure compels Russia to change its behaviour. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Spoke with President of Finland @AlexStubb. We informed each other about our contacts with partners and discussed details of yesterday's conversation with @POTUS. The key point is that diplomacy aimed at peace must be well-coordinated and focused on tangible outcomes." The post read, "It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation. We are working with our partners to ensure that pressure forces Russians to change their behaviour. Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who is making them more biting for those responsible for this war." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for Denmark's solidarity in the fight against terrorism and for the warm reception he received upon his arrival in the Nordic country on Tuesday (local time). The EAM was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and key discussions focused on advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership were held. This underscored both nations' commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges. "Thank PM Mette Frederiksen for warmly receiving me in Copenhagen this evening. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Thank Denmark for its solidarity and support in combating terrorism. Value PM Frederiksen's guidance to take forward our Green Strategic Partnership and widen the canvas of our cooperation," Jaishankar stated in a post on X. EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. Earlier, the EAM concluded a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands from May 19 to 20, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit featured high-level meetings with top Dutch leadership, including Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and focused on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, from trade, technology and defence. "External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 19-20 May 2025. During the visit, EAM called on HE Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergences in the India-Netherlands relationship, and agreed further to strengthen bilateral ties through regular high-level visits and exchanges. EAM conveyed India's appreciation for the statement of solidarity from the Netherlands in the fight against terrorism," The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday. EAM Jaishankar met with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global matters of mutual interest. "The Ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress in diverse sectors, including trade & economy, science and technology, water, agriculture and health, education, culture and people-to-people ties. They also discussed ways of increasing collaboration in new and emerging sectors of digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and green hydrogen," the statement said. EAM Jaishankar also met with Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and discussed opportunities to take forward the defence and security cooperation between the two countries to the next level. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defence sector further. "EAM also addressed leading strategic and international affairs experts from various think tanks in the Netherlands. The discussions focused on why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy," the MEA further said. During the visit, EAM also interacted with representatives of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands. "EAM's visit, coming within a month of the visit of Minister Caspar Veldkamp to India in April 2025, reflects the commitment of both sides for regular and sustained engagement between the two countries, and has led to further deepening of bilateral ties," the statement added. (ANI) The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday (local time) stated that while the first trucks carrying food and other supplies had entered Gaza after an 11-week blockade, the aid is yet to be distributed due to logistical challenges imposed by Israel's on-ground military operations. During a briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasised the urgent need to distribute these supplies, calling the current influx "a drop in the ocean" given the massive humanitarian crisis in the region. He highlighted that the deprivation in Gaza exacerbating the humanitarian crisis was driven by ongoing bombardments, blockade, and recurrent displacement. "Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, the first trucks of vital baby food are now inside Gaza after 11 weeks of total blockade, and it is urgent that we get that assistance distributed. We need much, much more to cross," Dujarric stated. "This is a drop in the ocean of what's required to address the massive scale of humanitarian needs. The deprivation we are seeing in Gaza is the result of ongoing bombardments, blockade, and recurrent displacement," he added. According to Dujarric, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday detailed that the UN sent flour, medicines, nutrition supplies, and other essentials through the Israeli fence into the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, with baby formula and other nutrition supplies being sent on Monday. He noted that Israeli requirements to offload and reload supplies separately after securing access have delayed distribution, with UN teams waiting hours for clearance to collect the items. "The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that today, the UN is sending flour, medicines, nutrition supplies and other basics through the Israeli fence into the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. Yesterday, we managed to get in baby formula and other nutrition supplies... Today, our team waited several hours for the Israeli green light to access Kerem Shalom and collect the nutrition supplies. Just to make it clear, while more supplies have come into the Gaza Strip, we have not been able to secure the arrival of those supplies into our warehouses and delivery points," the UN official clarified. Earlier today, the UN was granted approval by Israel to send an additional 93 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, as reported by Times of Israel, citing a spokesperson from the UN's humanitarian office and Israeli officials. Compounding the crisis, Dujarric further stated that water and sanitation services across Gaza were severely disrupted due to fuel shortages, with no fuel currently available in northern Gaza and with only half the required weekly supply received last week, leading to nearly depleted reserves and reduced operating hours for water wells, with complete shutdowns imminent. He stated that in southern Gaza, water utilities have received no fuel, despite needing 1,40,000 litres weekly to maintain operations. "The partners providing water and sanitation services report that their operations continue to be severely disrupted across the Strip due to the ongoing fuel shortages. In the northern part of Gaza, no fuel is currently available, and only half of the required weekly supply was received last week. As a result, fuel reserves are nearly depleted. Operating hours for water wells have been further reduced, and complete shutdowns are imminent. In southern Gaza, water utilities have not received any fuel, although 140,000 litres per week are needed to maintain operations," the Spokesperson added. The blockade, which began on March 2, followed Israel's on-ground military operations "Gideon's Chariots" in the region launched on May 17, aimed at "conquering" Gaza, retaining the territory; moving the Palestinian civilian population toward the south of the Strip; attacking Hamas; and preventing the terror group from taking control of humanitarian aid supplies. Earlier on Monday, acting on the recommendations from the IDF, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet agreed to allow a "basic quantity" of food after the blockade in Gaza that has brought Palestinians to the edge of famine, as reported by Euronews. Meanwhile, the UK, France, and Canada jointly condemned Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza. The European leaders criticised the "intolerable" human suffering in Gaza, Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid, and settlement expansions in the West Bank, threatening further action, including sanctions, if Israel does not halt its offensive. (ANI) Ethiopian Ambassador to India, Fesseha Shawel Gebre, strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, squarely blaming Pakistan for orchestrating the violence that killed 26 civilians while appreciating India's response on the matter. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, the Ambassador praised India's "responsible" response and highlighted the shared fight against terrorism between Ethiopia and India, noting that a delegation from India is expected to visit Ethiopia by the end of May to brief on the attack. "Ethiopia has condemned the terrorist act. India has responded very responsibly and did not escalate... It is not Indians who went to Pakistan to create a problem; it is the Pakistanis who came to India to create a problem. They were identifying people with religion. This is terrible... This is unacceptable... Like India, Ethiopia is also fighting terrorism in East Africa... We are also getting a delegation from India at the end of May," Ambassador Gebre stated. The April 22 terror attack, executed by Pakistan-backed terrorists, prompted India to launch 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression. Following a call by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart, the countries have reached an understanding on stopping military action. A seven-party delegation will visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism. The delegations are led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, JD-U's Sanjay Kumar Jha, DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and (NCP-SP) leader Supriya Sule. Meanwhile, Ambassador Gebre also celebrated yoga's global appeal, drawing parallels between India's contribution to yoga and Ethiopia's gift of coffee to the world. Speaking about the Harit Yoga programme at the Ethiopian Embassy, Gebre said, "In Ethiopia, we don't have Hindus; we are Christians and Muslims in equal numbers, but they still do yoga... They are not Hindus, but they still cross their legs, meditate, pray and do rituals, so it is beyond one religion... If you go anywhere in the world and mention the word 'yoga', people do know what yoga is... It is like yourself, your body, and your spirit coming together and listening to your inner self." "Just like India has given yoga to the world, Ethiopia has given coffee... We will promote yoga and coffee together... India is good because it cares for humans, animals, birds, and plants. We need to take a lesson from India," he added. According to the Ministyr of AYUSH, Harit Yoga is a sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives. (ANI) The meeting, held between India's Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and Nepal's Minister of Health and Population Pradip Paudel, focused on key health issues such as affordable drugs, communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, and capacity building of the health workforce. "A bilateral meeting took place today on the sidelines of #WHA78 between Health Secretary, Govt of India, Punya Salila Srivastava and Pradip Paudel, Minister of Health and Population, Govt of Nepal. Bilateral issues on health such as ensuring affordable drugs, communicable diseases, NCDs, digital health and capacity building of health workforce were discussed," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) stated in a post on X. "The meeting also reinforced the strong partnership and support shared by India and Nepal," The MoHFW further noted. Earlier, India was conferred with the certificate of eliminating Trachoma as a public health problem at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Union Health Minister JP Nadda lauded this achievement and said it was a proud moment for the nation. "A proud moment for the nation at WHA78 (World Health Assembly), India has been conferred the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO, at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva," Nadda stated in a post on X. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva from New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting India's contributions to global health initiatives under the unifying theme of "One World for Health". PM Modi mentioned India's Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest health insurance program, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. He outlined three cores for the future of a healthy world - inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration. (ANI) Protesters on Tuesday (local time) disrupted a Senate hearing of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, voicing strong opposition to Washington's support for Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza, as reported by Anadolu Agency. According to Anadolu Agency, two demonstrators were heard shouting, "Stop the genocide," during Rubio's hearing. Rubio was presenting the proposed 2026 State Department budget to the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees when these activists began shouting criticisms of US policy toward Israel, as per Anadolu Agency. Security promptly removed them from the room. At the same time, a number of demonstrations also took place outside the Senate Committee building before Rubio's arrival, with activists from the peace and human rights group CODEPINK chanting slogans like "Stop the genocide", "Sanction Israel", and "Start feeding the children!" Senate Committee Chairman Jim Risch had previously issued a stern warning against disruptions, stating that protestors who interrupted proceedings would face arrest and potential bans lasting up to a year. The protest highlights growing opposition to continued US military aid to Israel. As per Anadolu Agency, since October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 53,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and has sparked global calls for a ceasefire. In response to the conflict, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. Earlier today, the United Nations (UN) was granted approval by Israel to send an additional 93 aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, as reported by Times of Israel, citing a spokesperson from the UN's humanitarian office and Israeli officials. Meanwhile, the UN stated that while the first trucks carrying food and other supplies had entered Gaza after an 11-week blockade, the aid is yet to be distributed due to logistical challenges imposed by Israel's on-ground military operations. The blockade, which began on March 2, followed Israel's on-ground military operations "Gideon's Chariots" in the region launched on May 17. During a briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasised the urgent need to distribute these supplies, calling the current influx "a drop in the ocean" given the massive humanitarian crisis in the region. On Monday, acting on the recommendations from the IDF, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet agreed to allow a "basic quantity" of food after the blockade in Gaza that has brought Palestinians to the edge of famine, as reported by Euronews. Meanwhile, the UK, France, and Canada jointly condemned Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza. (ANI) MIE, May 21 (News On Japan) - Following a high-speed incident in which a vehicle drove the wrong way for more than 10 kilometers on the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Mie Prefecture, dashcam footage has revealed the near misses and chaos caused before the driver was finally arrested. The video, recorded from a white car, shows a blue vehicle swerving down the opposite lane with its headlights flashing and windshield wipers active, forcing two oncoming cars to sharply maneuver out of the way to avoid collision. Shocked voices in the video react in real time: "What? Huh? Is that a wrong-way driver?" and "Should we call the police?" Within three seconds of spotting something ahead on the fast lane, the car passes dangerously close at high speed. On May 20th, police sent 34-year-old Rossi Cruz John Elias, a Peruvian national residing in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, to prosecutors. He was arrested the previous day on suspicion of fleeing the scene after causing a crash involving two cars while driving against traffic on the expressway. The suspects car was later found approximately 20 kilometers from the crash site in a residential area of Mie Prefecture. He turned himself in alone at the Nagahama Police Station. A person familiar with the suspects family said: "He went back to Peru about two years ago, but no one really knows when he returned to Japan. Ive heard hes been moving around doing temporary work, so he probably just kept his registered address here." According to police, the suspect had converted his foreign drivers license to a Japanese one at least five years ago. Investigators also believe he may have made a U-turn directly on the main highway before starting to drive in the wrong direction. Four people sustained injuries in the crash, and police are now considering more serious charges, including dangerous driving resulting in injury. Source: TBS OSAKA, May 20 (News On Japan) - A group of around 220 Ainu from across and beyond Hokkaido performed traditional dances at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 17th, conveying the Ainu spirit of mutual support and the importance of diversity and coexistence. The ancient dances, which express reverence for animals such as cranes and foxes as well as deities in the natural world, were performed on stage in a uniquely Ainu worldview. The production was directed by Debo Akibe, who also presented Ainu dances to international audiences during the Tokyo Olympics and a Sapporo event. What Akibe aimed to communicate to the world was the Ainu principle of "ureshipa"a spirit of mutual growth and support. Akibe said: "This world is 'Ureshipa Mosir.' Ureshipa means mutual support, living together by helping each other. Wind, mountains, volcanoes, even a single wave or lakeall these elements support one another and make up the world. Thats why we shouldnt be waging wars. Thats the message in this word." At the Expo venue, performances were divided into three regional groupsCentral/Northern Hokkaido, Southern Hokkaido, and Eastern Hokkaido/Kantoeach presenting dances that reflected their respective local stories and traditions. Audience members, many of them Ainu, shared their emotional reactions: "I was simply overwhelmed," said one viewer. "I hope the Ainu spirit of living in harmony with nature spreads across Japan and the world," said another. Through their ancient dances, the Ainu delivered a powerful message of diversity and coexistence to a global audience. Source: HBC SAPPORO, May 20 (News On Japan) - Starting in 2027, the number of giant snow sculptures produced by Japans Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the Sapporo Snow Festival will be reduced from two to one, due to increasing demands on personnel for disaster response and winter training. Each year, the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) has created two of the massive snow sculptures at the festivals Odori site in response to a request from the City of Sapporo. However, on May 19th, the GSDF formally proposed reducing its involvement to just one sculpture beginning in 2027, citing the need to secure more time for training and disaster preparedness. In addition to the two SDF-made sculptures, three others are usually created by nonprofit organizations and other groups, making a total of five. But Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto suggested that the overall number may fall to four, as replacing the SDFs contribution with an additional private-sector sculpture could prove difficult. "While we want to avoid reducing the number, realistically it may be very challenging for the private sector to take on another giant sculpture," said Akimoto. Sapporo City plans to hold discussions with the festivals executive committee to determine the path forward. Source: UHB Never let the guy with the broom decide how many elephants can be in the parade. Even if I was the guy with the broom, Id have 10 elephants. Youve got to love a parade, and if you or your kids or your grandkids havent already done so, this is the year to be part of the walking party cal Ailong Technology, a Chinese company specializing in wind turbine blade manufacturing, is preparing to open its first overseas factory in Nador, Northeastern Morocco, according to press reports. The $340 million plant, located in the industrial zone near the Nador West Mediterranean port, has been built over a 50-hectare area. This project, which is expected to create around 3,320 jobs, is part of Moroccos drive to bolster renewable energy and industrial development, leveraging its strategic location and expanding industrial infrastructures. The Chinese company pointed out when it launched the plant construction works in January 2024 that the launch of Aeolons production activities outside China is an important step in the companys quest for operational excellence and improved competitiveness. Morocco was chosen as the location for the new plant for a number of key reasons. Firstly, the country offers remarkable political and economic stability, enabling Aeolon to concentrate fully on its production activities. In addition, Morocco has a highly qualified and young workforce, further strengthening the companys competitiveness, the company had said. Aeolon expressed confidence that this expansion outside China would significantly improve the efficiency of the industrys supply chain, reducing the logistical costs associated with wind turbine blades thanks to Moroccos strategic geographical location. The company said it was keen to continue working with national players in the renewable energy sector and to contribute to the sustainable growth of the wind energy industry in Morocco. By the end of 2024, Moroccos wind energy capacity reached 2,373 MW, making it the second-largest wind energy producer in Africa, behind South Africa. Morocco has an estimated onshore wind potential of 25 GW, with 6 GW targeted for installation by 2030. The countrys 3,500 km coastline, particularly along the Atlantic coast and in regions like Tangier, Tetouan, Essaouira, and Dakhla, experiences high wind speeds (7.511 m/s), ideal for wind energy generation. Offshore wind potential is estimated at 200 GW, with 11% fixed and 89% floating. Morocco targets 52% renewable energy by 2030, with wind power contributing 4.1 GW. Wind projects create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and improve infrastructure, such as new roads connecting rural communities. Korlat solar project praised for boosting employment, China-Croatia ties Xinhua) 09:36, May 20, 2025 BENKOVAC, Croatia, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The mayor of Benkovac, home to the largest solar power plant in Croatia, has praised the Korlat photovoltaic project as an important step in promoting local green development, creating job opportunities, and strengthening bilateral ties between Croatia and China. Tomislav Bulic extended his welcome to the Chinese consortium undertaking the project, underlining the project's significance for the region and local population. With an expected annual output of 165 million kilowatt-hours, the Korlat solar plant will be able to supply electricity to around 50,000 households in Croatia. Once completed in April 2026 as scheduled, it is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Croatia by 150,000 tons per year. The project is being undertaken by a consortium of China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International) and the Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute, who won the tender in October last year and started construction two months later. Bulic said Benkovac is happy to cooperate with "a reputable company" like Norinco International. Citing Norinco International's role as the builder of the Senj Wind Farm project in Croatia, he added: "We are open to cooperation with it from the very beginning, and we are pleasantly surprised by how successfully the project is being implemented." He also highlighted the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, especially in creating jobs for the local community. Currently, more than 20 workers on the Korlat project - about half of the employees - are Croatian. "The Korlat project will also help our experts and workers gain appropriate experience, and I am very satisfied with that," Bulic said, citing the example of Martina Rogic, who progressed from assistant engineer on the Senj Wind Farm to chief civil engineer on the Korlat project. Bulic concluded by hailing the broader cooperation between the two countries. "Croatia and China are two friendly countries. The realization of the Senj Wind Farm and our project are proof of the successful cooperation between the two," he said, adding, "This cooperation should be continued." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A high-level parliamentary delegation from Ghana is visiting Morocco to foster parliamentary cooperation ties with the Kingdom and look into ways of boosting trade exchanges and partnership in agriculture, air transportation, education, employment, and sustainable development. Led by Chairperson of the foreign Affairs Committee Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, the delegation held on Monday in Rabat separate talks with Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and Speaker of the House of Representative Rachid Talbi Alami. The visit comes after Ghanas decision to withdraw recognition of the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group, giving a new impetus to relations between Rabat and Accra. Following his talks with Moroccos top diplomat, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije said his visit aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two countries legislative institutions. He also said he had fruitful discussions with Bourita on several subject matters of common interests as well as on latest regional and international developments. Okoe Vanderpuije and accompanying delegation met the same day with Speaker of the House of Representatives who thanked Ghana for its supportive stand with Moroccos territorial integrity. Talks focused on Moroccos African solidarity-based cooperation spearheaded by King Mohammed VI, citing in this regard Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, the African Atlantic Initiative, and the initiative aimed at enabling Sahel countries to access the Atlantic Ocean. In January 2023, Rabat and Accra signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and combat tax evasion. Ghana is one of Moroccos key trading partners within ECOWAS. Moroccan exports to Ghana have grown at an average annual rate of 14% over the past 20 years, increasing from approximately $5 million in 1995 to $133 million in 2021. Major Moroccan exports include raw sugar, processed and frozen fish, while Ghana exports tropical fruits, cocoa powder, and bran to Morocco. Investments of the North African Kingdom are also gaining momentum. Moroccan companies such as BMCE Bank, CIMAF (cement manufacturer), Addoha (real estate group), and OCP (fertilizer giant) have established a solid presence in Ghana. In 2023, the Moroccan furniture company KITEA opened its first store in Accra, supporting this growing investment trend. The proposed two-state solution for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle-East region, said on Tuesday Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita. In an opening address to the 5th meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized in Rabat by Morocco in partnership with the Netherlands, the minister said the two-state solution is the only option in which there are no losers, because everyone wins: the Palestinians gain their freedom & dignity, the Israelis secure their security and stability, while the entire region gets opportunities for development and progress. In the current context wherein wars and violence have affected all sides, time has come to implement the two-state solution and turn it into a roadmap with a precise timetable and clear and responsible steps, said the minister. He also affirmed that the two-state solution is endorsed by the international community despite the succession of crises. This option remains the only possible horizon for a just and lasting settlement allowing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, said Mr. Bourita. Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, Moroccan diplomacy continues to work with determination and serenity to bring points of view closer together and increase the chances of a just peace, said the minister, recalling the royal speech addressed to the latest Arab summit convened in Bagdad. In his speech, the Monarch had called for an immediate cessation of military operations and a return to the negotiating table. He also stressed the urgent need for an intervention to put an end to the Israeli military aggressions in the West Bank, to ensure the continued provision of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank Bourita stressed the importance of the Global Alliances approach to implementing the two-state solution seeking to build a promising future for the region, and lauded the leading role played by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the European Union in leading this global Alliance. The Rabat meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was organized under the theme Sustaining the Peace Process Momentum: Lessons Learned, Achievements, and Prospects. Senior political officials, special envoys, as well as other stakeholders and representatives from international organizations committed to the Two- State Solution are taking part in the event. The agenda features debates and presentations focusing on the impact of peace processes in the Middle East, efforts to support governance structures of the Palestinian state, and the economic foundations of peace in the region. The meetings recommendations will be submitted to the High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution, scheduled in New York in June 2025. Following months of consistent military advances against its paramilitary rival, Sudans army chief on Monday, May 19, named Kamil al-Taib Idris as the nations first Prime minister since the civil war broke out in the country two years ago. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the head of the military, has long praised Kamil al-Taib Idris for taking charge of the countrys transitional Government, especially after the Army retook Khartoum in March 2025, and drove the Rapid Support Forces out of the capital. When the RSF and the military turned against one another in a power struggle in April 2023, the war in Sudan began. From Khartoum, their conflicts extended throughout the nation. Although at least 20,000 people have died, the actual number is most likely much higher. Four million of the nearly 13 million people who have fled their homes are swarming into neighboring countries. Of the 50 million people, half are hungry. Abdalla Hamdok, the previous prime minister, resigned in 2022 amid pro-democracy demonstrations and a political impasse. The appointment of Idris, according to journalist and political analyst Osman Mirghani, is a significant step in reestablishing civilian-led governance and resolving Sudans political crisis. Because he has no political affiliations, his chances of being accepted by various communities of the Sudanese society seem higher, even among those who support the RSF, he stated. In February, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the RSF and its supporters signed a charter to form a parallel government. In response to the growing demands of Sudans numerous communities for independence from Khartoum, the charter calls for a secular, democratic, and decentralized state. Authorities in Libya reported Monday, May 19, that they had found 58 unidentified bodies kept for a long time in a morgue at the Abu-Saleem Hospital, in southern Tripoli, which is run by a strong armed group. The Interior Ministry claimed in a Facebook post that the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a militia affiliated with the Presidency Council in Tripoli, was in charge of the morgue. According to the ministry, the bodies had been held for a long time without notifying the judiciary or relevant Police departments. Legal processes and forensic sampling are currently in progress. The finding coincides with escalating tensions in the capital after days of violent clashes between the SSA and Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibahs militia, the 444 Brigade. Following the reported death of an SSA commander in a 444 Brigade-controlled facility last week, fighting broke out. Ten bodies were found in a mass grave south of Tripoli on Sunday, according to the 444 Brigade, which claimed the SSA was responsible for the deaths. Since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in an uprising supported by NATO in 2011, Libya has remained unstable and divided. There are two competing governments in the country: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and an eastern government supported by Khalifa Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA). Armed groups still operate largely unhindered throughout GNU-held territory, especially in Tripoli, where conflicting factions regularly vie for resources and power. This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. On a rainy Sunday evening in May, the mood inside Brooklyn Steel was, like the candidate, jubilant and young. Around 1,500 people had gathered for Zohran Mamdanis campaign rally for mayor of New York City. This was a congregation of true believers, the evangelists who not only plan to vote for the 33-year-old democratic socialist and three-term Queens assemblyman but are trying to convince everyone else to do so. The evenings roster was a concentration of power and cool and changing winds. Before the event began, Julian Casablancas dropped by to say hello with his kids. Ella Emhoff and Councilmember Chi Osse did a joint endorsement video on the step-and-repeat. Family friend Kal Penn emceed, and Jaboukie Young-White told some jokes. State Senator and work BFF Jabari Brisport led the audience in a rousing call-and-response of what has been the lodestone of Mamdanis pitch: Freeze the Rent! Make Buses Fast and Free! Universal Child Care! When Mamdani entered the race in October, most wrote him off as just another hat in the ring. He was a Democratic Socialists of Americabacked candidate with a short work history and a long history of pro-Palestinian advocacy qualities that were seen as nonstarters within the small electorate that ultimately decides the race. (Less than a million people voted in the Democratic primary Eric Adams won.) In the intervening six months, however, hes transformed the race with memorable policy proposals and a winning social-media presence. If youre online, he seems to be the only candidate with Wi-Fi. His campaign videos are stylish, fun, direct, and in the language of the internet. The first of his to pop came this past fall, after the general election, when he interviewed Trump supporters in the Bronx and Queens, laying out the argument that Democrats had lost touch with the reality of everyday life. On New Years Day, he did a polar plunge, diving headfirst into the ocean in a full suit and yelling, Im freezing your rent as the next mayor of New York City! Hes done the rounds with the tastemakers of the dirtbag left (Hasan Piker, Crackhead Barney, Chapo Trap House) and become a media darling with the politically allergic (Vogue, GQ). He hung out at a friendraiser with Alison Romans baby. More than anyone else in the race, he looks like hes having fun. Mamdani has a genial presence he is energetic, enthusiastic, quick with a joke, and good-looking in a Whos your brothers friend? kind of way. He has given hope to people who are in despair about the state of the country and looking for someone with real fight, showing up at protests for trans rights and shouting at Tom Homan while State Police officers hold him back and then posting it all on Instagram. The other serious contenders Comptroller Brad Lander and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams have failed to break through in a meaningful way. On March 24, Mamdani became the first to max out the citys campaign matching funds and had more individual donors than the rest of the field combined. More compellingly, his campaign has built the largest field program ever for a mayoral race: Around 22,000 volunteers have knocked on 450,000 doors and made 140,000 phone calls. Recent polls have him at around 20 percent with most of the other ten candidates stagnating in the single digits (or less). The primary will employ a ranked-choice ballot, and many progressives have been hedging their bets by endorsing a slate of candidates. But the rally at Brooklyn Steel was a demonstration to the citys progressive power brokers that the time to consolidate behind their candidate was yesterday that he was the only one who could slay the big bad, former governor Andrew Cuomo. Though the odds of that happening are not good. Despite his ignominious resignation in the wake of sexual-harassment allegations and the fact that everyone in Albany hated him, Cuomos near-universal name recognition had him polling at 22 percent before he even entered the race. He still commands a double-digit lead in first-round votes. Their respective campaigns are striking foils: Cuomo, who at 67 would become the oldest incoming mayor of New York City ever, has stayed out of the public eye while racking up endorsements from major labor unions. When he does appear, hes working the Black church circuit. He knows that the path to the Democratic nomination has historically gone through Black and Latino voters, mostly in Southeast Queens and Central Brooklyn. In one simulation, Cuomo is winning those communities by 91 percent and 72 percent by the final round, respectively. To the ire of white liberals, he has a broad multi-racial coalition. While Mamdani is seemingly everywhere in the city, running from protests to rallies to galas, his base is largely white college-educated Brooklynites, with much of his early efforts going toward activating South Asian and Muslim voters, who have traditionally been ignored. Zohran is Cuomos wet-dream opponent, says one anti-Cuomo Democratic strategist. Supported by online kids, on the record for defund, on the record about Palestine, and little support in Black or Latino communities. Mamdanis detractors think his campaign is more of a vanity project that has gotten out of control. Critics point to his performance in Albany, arguing that hes someone drawn to attention-grabbing stunts rather than the grind of whipping votes, and that his biggest achievement the fare-free-bus pilot program in the 2023 budget may not be the unqualified success he claims it was. Hes such a talented communicator, and thats quite a gift, says a fellow Democratic legislator. Yet it doesnt suffice when it comes to moving legislation or getting something done in the budget process. But momentum is its own irrevocable force. Mamdani supporters have had a smothering effect on discourse, making any public criticism or dissent verboten within parts of the left. At the rally, some party members were beginning to fall in line. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who just a week before had named Brad Lander as his first choice, welcomed Mamdani to the stage as the next mayor of New York City. Mamdani came out, smile wide, right dimple weaponized. He delivered his stump speech in a tight ten minutes, reciting his policy promises: to tax the rich and big corporations, provide free buses and municipal grocery stores, and establish a department to handle mental-health crises. How he would actually do all of this was unclear, but tonight, he was selling the dream of a socialist New York. There is a myth about this city, one that has persisted for far too long: Its the lie that life has to be hard in New York, Mamdani said to a roar of approval. I dont believe that for a moment. At the end of the speech, people cheered and stamped their feet and chanted his name. Some cried. Everyone in the room seemed to share a feeling: that he reminded them of you-know-who. It was the energy, messaging, and presence. The forward-looking, slightly corny confidence that somehow convinces other people to believe, even if just for a spell, that he might be able to pull this off. Photo: Adam Dowling for New York Magazine A few days before the rally, Mamdani took the train to Albany. He lives in a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria (rent stabilized) with his wife, Rama Duwaji, 27, an illustrator. Hed been commuting to the capital a couple of times a week as the Legislature hammered out the budget with Governor Kathy Hochul. At Moynihan Train Hall, his communications director, Andrew Epstein, filmed a couple takes on his iPhone of a promotional video for the ZetroCard, a frequent-canvasser card eight punches and you get a poster. Mamdani and Epstein finish shooting the video in the trains cafe car. Its the only time Mamdani exhibits the slightest bit of awkwardness, saying his lines next to a guy working on his laptop. Afterward, he settles into his seat with a bag of peanut M&Ms, a pack of Tylenol, and two phones by his side one so he can take calls and text; the other logged into Zoom for an Assembly meeting so he can vote on the Medical Aid in Dying act, which would allow the terminally ill to end their own lives. A right people should have, in my humble opinion, he says. He got personal dispensation to work remotely because that morning his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent postcolonial-studies professor at Columbia University, had his U.S. citizenship interview. Mamdani and his wife waited at a cafe nearby while his mother, the filmmaker Mira Nair, went inside the courthouse with his father. When Mamdani became a U.S. citizen in 2018, it was a joyful occasion, he remembers. Hes been on edge about his fathers status. Mahmood, who has lived in the U.S. since 1999, has been a vocal supporter of the pro-Palestine activism that has roiled the campus since 2023. The uncertainty is deeply unsettling, and its not what we deserve after so many years of contributing to this city and country, says Nair. After about three and a half hours, his parents emerged, his father now a citizen. I just gave them the biggest hug I could, says Mamdani. Mamdanis parentage has been a source of quiet fascination. His mother, Nair, directed canonical films about South Asians and the diaspora, including The Namesake and Monsoon Wedding. (Zohran was the one who suggested she consider Kal Penn for The Namesake; he was a fan of Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.) Nair met Mahmood in 1989 in Kampala when she was doing research for her second feature, Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury, which begins with an Indian familys expulsion from Uganda. Mahmood was one of the countrys Indian minority, who were expelled from the country by President Idi Amin in 1972. Nair had read From Citizen to Refugee, a personal work Mahmood had written while living in a transit camp in London after his exile. He had since returned to the country after Amin was overthrown. She interviewed him, and they fell in love. During location scouting for Mississippi Masala, Nair searched for a house the patriarch would long to return to for the entire film. Her hunt served a dual purpose: Mahmood was being kicked out of housing at Makerere University for student organizing and needed a place to live. They found a ramshackle cottage on Buziga Hill, just outside the city, below a barracks and riddled with bullet holes. It was in extraordinarily bad condition but had a panoramic view of Lake Victoria, says Nair. After production, they briefly lived in New York while Nair edited the film; that winter she learned she was pregnant, and they moved back into the house on the hill, staying there until Zohran was 5. Then they relocated to wherever academia took Mahmood: Delhi; Princeton, New Jersey; Cape Town. When Zohran was 6 years old, he remembers going to his fathers lecture on the place of African studies in post-apartheid South Africa. The next day I went to school, and I was like, I just went to the best rock concert, he says. I grew up going with my parents to a lot of what it was that they did, and it helped to shape my world. The following year, Mahmood got a job at Columbia University, and they moved to Morningside Heights. Mamdani describes himself as an Indian Ugandan New Yorker. My father raised me with a real sense of being African, being proud of that heritage, he says. I grew up with a reverence for Mandela, Desmond Tutu. Theyre a significant part of informing my sense of universalism and consistency and what it means to fight for equal rights. His middle name is Kwame, after Ghanas first prime minister, Kwame Nkrumah. The multiplicity of our lives were completely integrated between New York and Kampala and Delhi, says Nair. There was never only one way of living. In the past, Mamdani has been explicit about how Palestine has shaped his understanding of U.S. politics. After spending part of his childhood in South Africa, he said it was a shock to my system to see the glaring contradiction of U.S. policy toward Palestine. We say we care about freedom and justice and self-determination and yet for some reason we draw the line when it comes to Palestinians, he said in a 2023 interview. It became a driving force for me. At Bowdoin College, he received his bachelors degree in Africana studies and co-founded the schools chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine his first experience with political organizing. His immediate postcollegiate years had the patchwork quality of a 20-something finding his way, with the occasional help of his famous mother. After graduation, he joined Change Corps, a one-year training program for organizers. He resigned after six months because he had been organizing a union within the program and he thought they were going to fire him anyway. When that was over, Nair brought him onto the set of her film Queen of Katwe, starring Lupita Nyongo and David Oyelowo, where he picked up various jobs: in the casting department (Nair credits him for discovering Madina Nalwanga, who plays the protagonist), as the third AD, in a background role as a student, and as the comusic supervisor. He took to the last role in particular, forming a hip-hop duo as Young -Cardamom with his childhood friend Abdul Bar Hussein, a.k.a. HAB. They had a comedic-political sensibility reminiscent of Das Racist. Their first single, Kanda (Chap Chap), was an ode to chapati; their EP Sidda Mukyaalo was a socially conscious hip-hop album in six different languages. Then they made an original track for Queen of Katwe called #1 Spice and a music video starring Nyongo and Oyelowo, directed by his mother. Mamdani is cautious around the subject of his parents, but their influence is apparent in the ease of his carriage. He doesnt seem like someone who grew up with his back against the wall; he had the luxury to find himself. As a child, he attended Bank Street, a progressive private school in Morningside Heights. After 9/11, he recalls a teacher pulling him and another student out of class and telling them to speak up if they ever had any trouble. That was the opposite experience for many Muslim kids, he says. For a Muslim American man, there is the trap of coming off as too angry, but there is a genuine lack of bitterness to Mamdani. He understands why people are angry and frustrated, but it doesnt seep into his being. The way he describes the combination of the relative privilege in his own life and the working-class people at the center of his politics is to call it engaging with contradictions. Sometimes the impulse is to wash your hands of the guilt, to slip away from it, he says. But what that assumes is that your responsibility ends because youre not directly involved when in fact it continues, just without you. I ask him to tell me more about his interest in politics and desire for executive power how is he different from, say, Cuomo? I think its a question of who its for. Power for us is for the people, he says. In 2015, Mamdani volunteered for Ali Najmis City Council campaign, which he heard about through Heems, a rapper Mamdani loved who was supporting Najmis candidacy. Najmi lost, but Mamdani joined his Muslim Democratic Club. (Najmi is now the election attorney on his campaign.) Like many of this generation of lefty politicians, Mamdani is a Bernie bro. The Vermont senators run for the Democratic-primary nomination beginning in 2015 gave him the language to call himself a democratic socialist. In 2017, he joined the DSA and worked full time for Lutheran pastor Khader El-Yateem, a Palestinian American running for City Council in Bay Ridge. That was a moment of political transformation of my life: Here I was, a Muslim South Asian New Yorker who had long known this city was my home but hadnt known if my ideas of this city had a home, he says. El-Yateem lost the five-way primary with 31 percent of the vote to Justin Brannan, who had 39 percent. I remember just crying onstage, says Mamdani, who was 25 at the time. That campaign meant so much to so many of us because it was really the first time that we were asserting our belonging in this city in a political context and doing so without sacrificing any part of ourselves. We were fighting for people to stay in their homes as we were building our own political homes. I was so committed I had never even imagined that we could lose. More heartbreak would follow: He worked on Ross Barkans unsuccessful State Senate campaign, then volunteered for Tiffany Cabans nail-biter of a race for Queens DA. By the time he moved to Astoria in late 2018, he was working for Chhaya, a housing-justice organization, as a foreclosure-prevention counselor. He still had remnants of musical ambition left: As Mr. Cardamom, he released a solo single, Nani, a whisper-rap song and tribute to his grandmother. The music video stars the food legend Madhur Jaffrey, wearing a yellow beret, with lines like Outlast everybody, all my fuckin haters / Dont know me now, then youll never know me later. In his music video for Nani. Photo: Mr. Cardamom/YouTube In 2020, Mamdani was part of a miniwave of DSA members to unseat incumbents in Democratic primaries, alongside Phara Souffrant Forrest, Marcela Mitaynes, and Emily Gallagher in the State Assembly. They represented an anger that had been coursing through the city, beginning with the claustrophobia of lockdown that gave way to the collective release of the George Floyd protests. It was a terrifying and exhilarating time when institutional reckoning seemed real. For them, that meant the Democratic Party itself. It was a radical moment that we got elected on, says Brisport. People were looking for drastic changes in society. The reality of the chamber was different. Interpersonal relationships could take precedence over actual policies. The early sessions were on Zoom, making it difficult for the freshman DSA members to network. While the Democrats had increased their supermajority in the Assembly, the new DSA cohort was just four out of 150, meaning the fight would be intraparty. The reality is that the Democratic Party overall is hostile to the idea of primaries, says Amanda Septimo, an assemblywoman representing the South Bronx. And so youre coming into this new space knowing theres a degree of disdain in the air, and you hope that it doesnt land on you. The 2021 budget negotiations became the partys primary battleground, and a fight broke out over whether to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals by $50 billion as well as a proposed fund for undocumented workers and others who had been denied federal pandemic relief. Moderate Democrats balked, and the tension between them and the progressive wing escalated. Mitaynes went on a 15-day hunger strike. Mamdani spearheaded a sleep-out in the war room of the Capitol as a pressure tactic. Eventually, they arrived at a $2.1 billion plan for the excluded-workers fund short of the $3.5 billion they wanted. As the budget was coming to a floor vote, Mamdani, Mitaynes, and Forrest indicated to Speaker Carl Heastie that they would lodge a protest vote against it. While their votes didnt matter practically the budget would pass with or without them Heastie warned that the fund would get watered down even more if they didnt fall in line. (Heastie denies this.) It was very important to show that Carl had control over the left as well as the moderates, says one Democratic legislator. That the Democrats were a big tent where everyone was welcome and working together. Mamdani was in a panic, unsure of what to do. Accept less than what you believe or risk losing even more? Another legislator advised him that he could publicly explain why he had changed his vote. We started to be strong-armed into accepting what we had made very clear was too little, Mamdani said in his speech on the floor, speaking for Mitaynes and Forrest. And so it breaks my heart today to announce that against what I had told many, against what I had told everyone, that I and my colleagues who had previously spoken before me will be changing our votes to vote in the affirmative for this budget. He then suggested that some of his colleagues should be primaried. In his time as a legislator, Mamdani earned a reputation for ideological purity. He had a talent for bringing attention to causes through a combination of protest and video. In an effort to push through single-payer health care, he staged a late-night vigil on the steps of the Capitol. He also shot a spoof with Brisport in which they both play firefighters who cant help someone because he doesnt have the right coverage. When the New York Taxi Workers Alliance was fighting for hundreds of millions in debt relief from the city, Mamdani was one of its biggest advocates in Albany, setting up his office at the protest encampment outside City Hall. He got arrested for blocking traffic on Broadway. Eventually, he convinced Chuck Schumer to shoot a video with him while taking a ride with a taxi driver whose brother had died by suicide. Hes just a real one, says Bhairavi Desai, the president of NYTWA. From that first night, he never left until we won. Mamdanis biggest legislative coup came in late 2022, when he introduced a package of eight bills called Fix the MTA, which included freezing fares, instituting six-minute service on subways, and phasing in free buses over four years. He enlisted Senate deputy leader Mike Gianaris to co-sponsor it and spent $22,000 of his campaign money to publicize it. The initial reception from Governor Hochul and MTA leaders was lukewarm, and it wasnt included in her 2023 budget proposal in April. Weeks passed. The budget was overdue and momentum was stalling around free buses. In a Hail Mary pass, Mamdani texted Mayor Eric Adams. Earlier in the year, Adams had hosted a meeting with progressive lawmakers at Gracie Mansion. Each person would introduce themselves and discuss policy proposals they were passionate about. Before Mamdani began, Adams said, I read your bio you were born in Uganda. I was fascinated by Idi Amin, referring to the leader who had expelled Mamdanis father. Mamdani went into his pitch about free buses. He thought Adams seemed into it but sensed that the mayors staff didnt love that he loved the idea. Afterward, the mayor came up to him to reiterate how interesting he thought Idi Amin was. I said, Well, you know, my dad was expelled by him. He has a lot he can share, Mamdani recalls. Adams said, Take my number. Lets have dinner sometime. (A press representative says Adams is not fascinated with the dictator and that he was solely interested in Mamdanis fathers story.) They met on a Saturday night at Gracie Mansion. Beforehand, Mamdani told his father, Baba, please just humor his questions. They talked about Uganda, New York, their respective upbringings. After a couple hours, Mamdani pulled a small poster out from under his chair that read A FREE BUS IS SAFER, FASTER BUS. He asked Adams if he could take a photo of him holding it. He said yes. Then he asked Adams to do a quick video in support of the free-bus program. Boom. A few days later, Mamdani posted it on Twitter and Instagram. The New York Times picked it up, and free buses were back in play. In the 2023 budget, they got a fare-free-bus pilot that began that September: Five bus lines, one in each borough, would be free for one year. It was a success. Ridership increased, particularly among low-income people, and assaults against bus drivers decreased. For Mamdani, this was an example of his ability to work with someone, like Adams, whom he was critical of and yet recognized as a potential ally. Sometimes the greatest potency comes from the least likely members of a coalition, he says. That and the grace of my father to spend two hours with the mayor. A fundraiser at NightClub 101 on March 2. Photo: Mark Peterson/Redux Pictures At the end of the yearlong bus pilot, Mamdani and Gianaris touted the victory in an op-ed in The Nation, calling it a resounding success. However, according to some of his colleagues, the story didnt end there. During the 2024 budget negotiations, Mamdani had an opportunity to extend the program. This should have been a no-brainer. But he took issue with another part of the budget regarding housing specifically an act on Individual Apartment Improvements. These, he argued, would be a way for landlords to say they were doing repairs while actually raising the rent on rent-stabilized tenants. According to those with knowledge of the conversations, Mamdani told Heastie that he planned to vote no on the budget because of the IAIs. (He also filmed a video explaining his reason for his vote.) Heastie said he would pull the expansion of the free-bus pilot if he did so. Mamdani refused to budge, even though the bill would pass regardless of his support. Zohran didnt want to get strong-armed again, and he said, Im voting no, says a Democratic legislator. And Carl said, Well, if youre voting no, then Im not going to put the buses in the budget. Its not worth it. Youre not cooperative, and you dont know how to negotiate, so maybe thisll teach you something. (Heastie and Mamdani say this never happened. Mamdanis campaign adds that the results for the pilot program werent out until that September and legislators wanted to see them before they voted on whether to continue it.) As a result, the free-bus program didnt continue after a year. That is literally a material good being delivered to the working class, the legislator continues. And he threw it away for a performance. According to Mamdanis colleagues, he appeared to realize hed made a mistake. During this years budget negotiations in March, they say, he tried to get free buses back on the agenda, this time by attempting to leverage his districts capital funds. Each year, assemblymembers are given funds to distribute in their districts that can go to local infrastructure projects, like building a playground or renovating the library. According to one of Mamdanis fellow legislators, in his five years in office he had barely used his, which they say adds up to around $5 million. Instead, he tried to swap his funds for the bus pilot if he gave them up, could he get buses in exchange? Its just not a real strategy at all, the legislator says, because its trying to use a currency thats not real, like Monopoly money. (The campaign denies that Mamdani was leveraging capital funds for the bus program but says he is planning to use them for a major capital investment happening in the district.) In April, I asked Mamdani what he is advocating for in this years budget. Its hard to give an assessment prior to it, but this is the time in which you could find potentially $50 million for a program that could keep people in their homes, he says, referring to the Housing Access Voucher Program sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Brian Kavanagh. He didnt mention free buses. Buses are now one of the centerpieces of Mamdanis campaign for mayor. In March, he posted a video with Gianaris in which he said, If I want to make buses fast and free, I dont have to wait until next year. I can get to work right now. The pitch rankled some of his colleagues. That was more related to messaging for his mayor campaign than it was to getting the thing done, says one. That to me demonstrates how he operates you can talk about doing things, but that alone is not going to achieve those things. He continues to be dishonest about the fare-free-bus pilot and how things went down. What some New York Democratic Party members see as Mamdanis legislative missteps have given them pause about his ability to govern. During some of the budget fights, we would be whipping and trying to talk to people, says a Democratic political operative. And he was more busy trying to figure out a video to tweet because he couldnt call anybody, because nobody would pick up his call. He is incredibly charming, but he doesnt know how to build. They see him as a show pony, not a workhorse. I personally adore him, says another operative. I think hes a sweetheart, but hes in second place and theres been nothing beyond just, Alison Roman loves him. And its like, Okay, but hes running for fucking mayor of New York City. When Mamdani decided to launch his campaign last summer, some saw it as a DSA base-building exercise, a strategy they worried could backfire and set back the left. Others think that perspective is just sour grapes an idea spread by people who believe theyre in the trenches doing the work and Mamdani is the popular kid getting all the credit. Regardless, in order to win he needs to reach outside of the young, white, college-educated voters who have formed the base of his constituency. In a ranked-choice voting system, a candidate cant always rely on voters who will rank them at the top of their ballot. Its the people who rank you second and third that will ultimately decide the winner. We know this race is not going to be done in the first round, says one Democratic legislator. Anecdotally from people who are working on campaigns, the conversations theyre having is, Whats each candidates ceilings for ones? For twos? And who is going to be able to consolidate more twos than anybody else out of that slate of progressive candidates? Whos going to be able to get Zellnor Myries twos and Adrienne Adamss twos and Scott Stringers twos? The Working Families Party has been internally divided between Mamdani and Lander. Lander has a broader base of support among institutional progressives and is largely viewed as the more experienced, if wonkish, candidate. But his campaign has struggled to catch fire hes polling between 6 and 10 percent. We know him to be a very capable, experienced guy, says one legislator. But hes not nearly as charismatic. So people are sitting in roundtables and trying to make sense of that. The biggest question for Mamdanis campaign is whether he can make deeper inroads into Black and Latino communities, which both Adams and de Blasio won. When I asked about their strategy, his campaign manager Elle Bisgaard-Church said, paid media will be quite huge there. We can literally select certain networks and shows that we know have more of a Black following and cut an ad and have a very specific message focused on that. She also says Mamdani will be going to church more. Every Sunday between now and the end of the primary, we have a goal of at least one church visit. We had spoken in mid-April, but the latest Marist polls, taken in early May, dont show significant progress. In first-round choices, Mamdani had 8 percent of the Black vote compared to Cuomos 50 percent. (Adrienne Adams was second at 14 percent.) Voters are not as ideologically consistent as the left wishes. In a recent Siena College survey, half of Landers supporters were evenly split between Mamdani and Cuomo as their next choice, despite the fact that Mamdani and Lander are more closely aligned. But the polls can be fantastically non-predictive: Around this juncture in the previous mayoral race, Andrew Yang was the front-runner over Adams. On June 4, the full slate of candidates will do a televised debate. Many expect an aggressive air war in the final stretch. Theres also a chance the race extends until the general election in November. Both Adams and Cuomo have filed to run as independents. The summer could see a four-way battle between Adams, Cuomo, perennial Republican cat guy Curtis Sliwa, and either Lander or Mamdani running on the Working Families Party line. I ask Mamdani whether he would consider doing so if he loses in June. Im confident that we can win on June 24, he replies. Im not entertaining any questions that would assume otherwise. Then he adds with a laugh, You hack! How could you say it? On a recent spring day, Mamdani and I sat on a bench in Central Park. Wed come from a candidate forum he had left early after taking questions from youth at John Jay College; next up is the New York Communities for Change gala in Gowanus. On the walk over, several people eyed him as they passed. Sometimes my instinct is to preempt because people arent quite sure how to ask you for a photo, he said. The fear is you preempt a person who has no idea who you are. Someones trying to figure out what train to take, and you say, Would you like a photo? As if on cue, a young woman entered our periphery. Im sorry, you look like someone Ive seen on the internet a lot, she said. I wanted to see if you were him. He smiled and asked her name. Im Zohran, and Im running for mayor, he said, just like in the videos. Literally this morning I posted you on my Instagram Story! she said, pulling out her phone and showing us his first TV ad, which had premiered the day before during the Knicks game. Im so emotional seeing you. Like, youre real. Five minutes later, someone else came up young and wearing a Princess Diana T-shirt. Im a huge fan, he said. Im volunteering in a couple of weeks. Mamdani, characteristically and without effort, replied, Ive been thinking for Halloween my wife would be Princess Di and I would be her Pakistani boyfriend, he said. Oh my God, in the car with the sunglasses on and, like, a bottle in your hand? he said, clapping. Thatd be great. Mamdani is in his element. The first time I met him, he told me about the word gup-shup, which means breezy chitchat or gossip in Hindi. He excels at it, and it makes him a good hang. I came away from every interaction liking him yet always feeling like we were just skimming the surface. But the appeal of his message is its simplicity and memeability. Mamdanis moral clarity has the aura of privilege: He is right and righteous. The thing about being a legislator and making compromises is that poor people make compromises every single day, one of his colleagues tells me. Poor people know what is important, and sometimes they have to choose between two important things. Mamdani seems to float a few inches off the ground the hemline never grazes the earth. What he sells through his being is inarguable: Everybody should have this life. The prospect of ending U.S. sanctions against Iran looked rather distant just a couple of weeks ago, but now President Trump is signaling that he wants to make a deal and is serious about it. Lifting the sanctions would have significant implications for the oil marketand some unintended consequences. The most obvious effect of sanction removal, of course, would be a further decline in oil prices. In March, for instance, a fresh round of sanctions that the Trump administration slapped on Tehran served to offset a bearish report from the International Energy Agency, propping up international prices. Since then, further sanction additions have helped limit the price slide in Brent crude and WTI. With sanctions gone, the slide will acceleratefor a while. One perhaps not-so-obvious effect of removing sanctions on Iranian oil would be financial pain for independent Chinese refiners. The presence of sanctions has already been disruptive to this segment of the refining industry in China, with reports from earlier this month saying the pressure campaign was putting a premium on Iranian crude, which teapots had gotten used to being cheap. But the absence of sanctions will also be disruptive, some argue, because it would erase the sanction-related discount. Related: Oil Prices Remain Rangebound as Geopolitical Catalysts Loom Venezuelan, Iranian, and Russian oil share this discount. Sanctions make moving the oil abroad harder, so producers are forced to discount it in order to entice buyers. Once the sanctions are gone, the need for such a discount vanishes, and the price is left to the market. This could be life-threatening to Chinese independent refiners, Reuters Ron Bousso wrote in a recent column. Bousso argued that cheap oil is vital for many of these refiners and even though the removal of U.S. sanctions would make oil cheaper still, this would either not last for a very long time or be insufficient to maintain teapots profit margins, slim as they are already. The argument sounds a little bit confusing since it is quite likely that the ramp-up of Iranian oil production would also contribute to prices remaining weak and good for teapots. Indeed, Bousso acknowledges that Irans oil production has proven unexpectedly resilient to sanctions, maintaining an average level of 3.3 million bpd last year. Then again, the price slide following any hypothetical removal of sanctions may prove to be more temporary than many assume. The International Energy Agency has been reporting crude oil stock builds for three years in a row. Now, actual consumption data is in, and the IEA has had to make a significant revision: the world has not actually seen increased crude oil stocks. It has seen a drawdown in crude oil stocks. Earlier, the IEA had estimated builds totaling some 220 million barrels over the three years to 2024. Now, the physical world data shows that inventories in the period actually dropped by close to 75 million barrels. This is just one instance of how assumptions based on modeling and simulation rather than on hard dataoften for lack of such datacould mislead. The assumed effect of sanctions and sanction removal on oil prices is similar. If the United States does decide to lift sanctions on Iran in order to get from Tehran a commitment that nuclear weapons development will be taken off the table, oil prices will fall. But they may fall only temporarily, what with all the warnings of peak shale in the U.S. and the outlook for resilient demand that has withstood scores of bearish forecasts only to prove them wrong. The removal of Iranian sanctions would certainly strengthen this demand by virtue of its negative effect on oil prices. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com While oil markets have calmed somewhat at the start of this week after a period of intense volatility, developments in either Ukraine or Iran might soon spark another significant move. Rome will host the fifth round of US-Iran talks this upcoming weekend, whilst the Trump administration is ratcheting up sanctions pressure on Iranian shipping companies and Chinese buyers of Iranian oil, having OFAC-listed two Chinese refiners last month. - Irans leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, questioned the viability of a deal with the United States, saying that Trumps demand to halt nuclear enrichment is excessive and outrageous, lowering the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough. - Chinese refiners are hoping for the negotiations to fail - accounting for 77% of all Iranian exports last year, the so-called teapots in Shandong province would no longer enjoy discounts on Iranian oil. - According to OPEC secondary sources, Irans oil production remained steady at 3.3 million b/d in April, higher than the 2024 average of 3.25 million b/d, even if floating storage of Iranian storage anchored off Singapore and Malaysia has been on the rise, potentially signalling difficulties in delivering the oil to China. Market Movers - Nigeria is in negotiations with Brazils state oil company Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) to provide it with deepwater exploration acreage, five years after it divested all its Nigerian assets to trading firm Vitol. - Frances nuclear giant Orano is reportedly looking into divesting its uranium mining assets in Niger after Paris relationship with West African countries have deteriorated beyond repair. - The government of Oman extended an exploration and production deal with Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) for Block 53 until 2050, with the US oil major vowing to invest at least $29 billion in the acreage. - French energy major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) signed a long-term supply deal for 2 mtpa of LNG from the planned Ksi Lisims site in British Columbia, Canada, also allowing it to take an ownership stake in the project. Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Oil prices have been range-bound after weeks of wild swings, with both positioning data and traded volumes indicating traders are taking a breather to assess where Brent futures would be moving next. With Brent at $65 per barrel and WTI at $62.5 per barrel, the next big pricing move might come from the Russia-Ukraine or US-Iran negotiations. Chinese Refinery Runs Fall on Trump Impact. Chinas crude refinery throughput declined by 1.3% from a year ago and averaged 14.12 million b/d last month, with consultants estimating that utilisation rates were as low as 73.8%, the lowest in the countrys post-COVID recovery period. UK Signs All-Round Trade Treaty with Europe. Nine years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, London signed a defence and trade treaty with Brussels, opening up each others waters for fishing for 12 years, easing agricultural exports and facilitating arms investments. Baltic Sea Shipping Roiled by Tanker Detainments. Russia detained a Greek tanker after it left Estonias port of Sillamae and crossed into Russian territorial waters, four days after the Baltic countrys navy attempted to stop a Russia-bound oil tanker for being part of the shadow fleet. Indonesia Investigates Its Own State Oil Firm. The Indonesian Attorney Generals Office reached out to a number of trading firms in Singapore to investigate corruption in its state oil and gas company Pertamina, alleging that fraudulent oil import deals caused $12 billion in lost government revenue. Turkey Keeps on Finding More and More Gas. Turkish explorer TPAO has discovered a new offshore gas field containing at least 75 billion cubic metres (2.6 Tcf) in the Black Sea, adding to the 400 bcm Sakarya field as Ankara doubles down on domestic exploration, still importing 90% of its energy needs. China Becomes the New Favourite of TMX Exporters. Fears of US-Canada trade frictions have led Canadian oil exporters to focus primarily on China with their TMX barrels, sending 226,000 b/d of heavy sour crude (or 55% of all exports) to Chinese refiners, with Sinopec emerging as the largest buyer. Equatorial Guineas Territory Expands. Following five lengthy years of arbitration, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Equatorial Guinea in its territorial dispute with Gabon, awarding it the Mbanie, Cocotiers and Conga islands, located in the oil-rich waters in the Gulf of Guinea. Chinas Copper Stocks Recover. Copper inventories in warehouses controlled by the Shanghai Futures Exchange rebounded sharply this week after weeks of continuous declines driven by strong US-bound export flows, jumping 34% week-on-week to 108,142 metric tonnes, marking the end of destocking. Denmark Seeks to Attract Wind Investment. Having failed to attract any bids for its biggest ever offshore wind tender in late 2024, Denmark plans to launch its 2025 offering with two areas in the Danish North Sea, willing to dole out government subsidies for new developments worth $8.3 billion. Venezuela Takes Over Chevrons Export Grades. As US sanctions were snapped back on Venezuela, the Latin American countrys state oil firm PDVSA has begun exporting the heavy Boscan grade itself, produced at the Petroboscan JV that US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) used to operate. Nippon Steel Still Didnt Give Up on Its Dream. Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel (TYO:5401) vowed to invest up to $4 billion in a new US steel mill should the Trump administration approve its $14 billion takeover of US Steel (NYSE:X), ahead of the May 21 deadline for the completion of its national security review. EU Pitches Lower Oil Price Cap on Russia. The European Commission will propose to lower the current $60 per barrel oil price cap to $50 per barrel in this weeks meeting of G7 finance ministers, as lower outright prices are now keeping Russian barrels sanctions-compliant even without using the shadow fleet. Shell Plays Down BP Merger Probability. After re-electing Shell CEO (LON:SHEL) Wael Sawan, the annual general meeting of the London-based energy major poured cold water on market speculation about a potential BP merger, saying the bar for M&A deals is very high, preferring to put money into share buybacks. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The European Union will propose to G7 finance ministers to lower the price cap on Russian crude from the current $60 per barrel to $50, European Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. Established in December 2022, the G7 oil price cap prevents Western-allied companies from providing shipping, insurance, and related services for Russian crude sold above $60 per barrel. The main objective of the price cap is to cripple Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine, while also maintaining reasonable flows of Russian oil to global markets to prevent a supply crisis. However, many analysts argue the price cap has become less effective because Russia now largely reroutes its exports through a so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers that evade maritime oversight. Moscow relies on this fleet to bypass the oil price cap and sell its crude above the threshold. "This is something which we flagged from the Commission's side in the context of the 18th sanctions package," Dombrovskis said, as reported by Reuters. "I would expect some interest also from other G7 partners in this regard and some discussion." Russias shadow fleet consists of approximately 500, mostly poorly insured and aging tankers that ship crude to countries such as India and China, in defiance of Western sanctions. These tankers, estimated to carry as much as 85% of Russias oil exportswhich bring in a third of Russias export revenuestypically have opaque ownership structures and lack top-tier insurance or safety certification. Most belong to anonymous or newly formed shell companies based in jurisdictions such as Dubai, further complicating accountability. Related: Goldman Raises Oil Demand Outlook The majority of shadow tankers sail across the Baltic Sea, a route considered critical for Russia's energy exports. The shadow fleet uses various tactics to avoid detection, including ship-to-ship transfers in international waters, spoofed location data, and fake ship identification numbers. Some estimates suggest that approximately three shadow tankers carrying Russian crude pass through European waters each day, including the Danish straits and the Channel. Some experts estimate the shadow fleet may now include as many as 700 tankers. However, Lithuanian National Security Advisor K?stutis Budrys has highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the law on interdiction in international waters, warning that trying to stop the shadow fleet could risk an all-out military confrontation with Russia. Last week, a Russian fighter jet briefly entered Estonias airspace, in what some experts suspect was a reprisal for the Estonian military escorting a tanker named Jaguar out of the countrys economic waters. The Estonian navy acted quickly, believing the ship posed a threat to nearby underwater cables, and checked its status and registration. The Russian jet entered Estonian airspace without permission. Whether the latest EU sanctions will deliver the desired results remains to be seen. Back in January, the Finnish Border Guard reported that Russia's oil shipments via the Baltic Sea declined by 10% during the last quarter of 2024, largely due to the impact of EU sanctions. Finland's Coast Guard closely monitors the shadow fleet. The decline may also be related to U.S. sanctions: Last year, the Biden administration sanctioned Russias Surgutneftgas and Gazprom Neft, two companies responsible for about 25% of Russian oil exports, shipping an average of 970,000 barrels per day in 2024. "In the last four or five months of last year, we saw a roughly 10% decline in the amount of oil leaving from Russia," Finnish Border Guard's Head of Maritime Safety Mikko Hirvi told Reuters. "That is of course very good, but on the other hand, older vessels have been added to the traffic on the Baltic Sea at the same time. The vessels in operation are in worse condition than before," he added. However, Hirvi conceded that the decline might only be temporary. A recent study found that limiting Russias shadow fleet may be more effective than simply lowering the oil price cap: "While all sanctions reduce the present value of Russias profits, we find that the tighter the ceiling and the tighter the enforcement, the less harm sanctions imposecontradicting conventional wisdom based on the Hotelling lemma. However, policies to reduce the shadow fleets size may increase the sanctions effectiveness." Source: CREA An April report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that Russias shadow fleet is shrinking. According to the report, shadow tankers transported 65% of Russian crude exports in April, down from 81% in January. Russias fossil fuel export revenues declined 6% month-on-month to EUR 585 million per day in April, while export volumes rose marginally by 1%. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. President Donald Trumps decision last week to lift sanctions on Syria is the logical next step in shifting the country back into the U.S. sphere of influence that began with Washingtons crucial role in ending the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December. It is strategically vital to each of the major global powers for several reasons, with the speed of this move by the U.S. reflecting that, and the fact that Russia especially, has been busily seeking to rebuild its strong grip on the country through several overtures to its new President, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The plans that Washington has in place for Syria now are in large part the same as those that were drawn up in early 2011 when the U.S. believed the al-Assad regime would fall in a matter of weeks. These included options to support Syrias production of oil and gas, as it was seen as key to the economic and political rebuilding process that would see the new Syria pivot back to the West. Before Syria became embroiled in its civil war, it was a major oil producer, with an output of around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from proved reserves of 2.5 billion barrels. Prior to that before the recovery rate started to decline due to a lack of enhanced oil recovery techniques being employed at the major fields -- it had been producing nearly 600,000 bpd. Europe imported over US$3 billion of oil per year from Syria up to the beginning of 2011, and many European refineries were configured to process the heavy, sour Souedie crude oil that makes up much of Syrias output, with the remainder being the sweet and lighter Syrian Light grade. Most of this some 150,000-bpd combined went to Germany, Italy, and France, from one of Syrias three Mediterranean export terminals: Banias, Tartus, and Latakia. As an adjunct to this, a multitude of international oil companies were operating in Syrias energy sector, including the UKs Shell, Petrofac and Gulfsands Petroleum, Frances then-Total, the China National Petroleum Corporation, Indias Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Canadas Suncor Energy, and Russias Tatneft and Stroytransgaz. Related: US Oil Inventories Keep Growing as Prices Sag The countrys gas sector was at least as significant as its oil one, with output of about 316 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of dry natural gas, and proven reserves of 8.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf). Russia had already been a major presence in this sector before the civil war began in 2011. With Stroytransgaz starting up the build out of Syrias South-Central Gas Area in 2009, which by 2011 had boosted the countrys natural gas production by about 40%. This allowed Syrias combined oil and gas exports to generate a quarter of government revenues at that point, making it the eastern Mediterraneans leading oil and gas producer at the time. With heavy military intervention from Russia having shored up al-Assads power, the two nations agreed to the 2015 Cooperation Plan that covered the restoration of at least 40 energy facilities in Syria (including offshore oil fields), together with the build-out of the power sector. The deal also covered the full reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Aleppo thermal plant, the installation of the Deir Ezzor power plant, and the expansion of capacity of the Mharda and Tishreen plants, with a view to re-energising Syrias power grid and restoring the main control centre for the grid back to Damascus. An additional key infrastructure project was the repair and capacity-boosting upgrading of the Homs oil refinery (Syrias other refinery was then in Banias). The initial target capacity was 140,000 bpd, Phase 2s was 240,000 bpd, and Phase 3s was 360,000 bpd. The intention was that it could also be used to refine Iranian oil coming through Iraq if needed, before onward shipment into southern Europe. The U.S.s original plans and the current ones aim to include a similarly wide-ranging brief for the resuscitation of Syrias oil and gas sectors and are also set to feature a dramatically enhanced security presence to safeguard the interests of U.S. and Western firms instrumental in these projects. The U.K. which played a vital role alongside the U.S. in the ousting of al-Assad recently lifted sanctions on several major Syrian firms, particularly those connected to its former cornerstone oil and gas sectors as part of a coordinated strategy by the West to secure the western flank of the Middle East that has unfettered access to the Mediterranean Sea. The coastline encompasses Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt and is regarded as a strategic zero-sum game by both the West and the East, given the access it provides to the worlds sea routes and to land routes along in southern Europe and northern Africa, as fully analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. The multiple advantages of securing influence over what happens down that coastline are magnified for whichever side has it by the fact that the other side does not. For Russia, it will be even more of a strategic disaster if the U.S. is successful, given its own vast military and intelligence presence in the country. This is the reason why the first official high-level visit to Syria after the fall of al-Assad was by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on 28 January. He met with President al-Sharaa, together with his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Minister of Health Maher al-Sharaa. After the meetings, he confirmed that his country had been in direct contact with al-Sharaas radical Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, about the future of its energy projects and of its key military bases across Syria as well. These comprise the naval base at Tartus Russias only Mediterranean port, its Khmeimim air force base near Latakia, and its huge listening station nearby. Aside from these prized assets and its oil and gas riches, Russia prizes Syria as the biggest country on the western side of the Shia Crescent of Power that Moscow had been meticulously developing for years as a counterpoint to the U.S.s own sphere of influence centred then on Saudi Arabia (for hydrocarbons supplies) and Israel (for military and intelligence assets). By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com An Australian tribunal has ruled that a multi-billion gas project by Santos in New South Wales can proceed as energy and gas security outweighs potential damages to climate and an Indigenous heritage site. Santos, one of Australias top energy firms, has proposed the US$2.3-billion (AUS$3.6 billion) Narrabri Gas Project, a coal-seam gas project in the northwest of New South Wales that overlaps with cultural heritage sites of the indigenous Gomeroi people. Santos proposed the project a decade ago and was granted the lease to drill more than 800 wells. But the company has been fighting in courts for its plans to drill in the area, as local people have appealed the leases, claiming native title rightsa legal doctrine in Australia recognizing Indigenous rights to certain parcels of land. Santos says that the Narrabri Gas Project is 100% committed to the domestic market and could supply up to 50% of New South Wales natural gas needs. Gas produced close to market will always have a cost advantage over gas imported from other states or overseas and will help to put downward pressure on domestic gas and energy prices for NSW customers, Santos said last year. In the years-long legal saga, the National Native Title Tribunal acknowledged on Monday that while the Narrabri Gas Project could be detrimental to climate, it would also be an important benefit for the public and the Gomeroi people. Weighing the public interest evidence, including the evidence addressing environmental matters, the panel has found the project offers a net public benefit, the tribunal said in the ruling, as carried by Reuters. Energy companies operating in Australia are looking to boost domestic gas output as supply in major consuming areas is often strained at peak demand periods. Australias east coast could see shortages of natural gas as early as in 2027 unless more supply is made available soon, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a report last year, adding another warning about the domestic market of one of the worlds biggest LNG exporters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinese imports of Russian crude oil slumped to below 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, down by 13%, while imports from Malaysia, the biggest trans-shipment hub for Irans oil, nearly doubled from a year earlier. Chinas imports from Russia, its single biggest supplier of crude, fell by 12.9% on the year to 1.96 million bpd in April, according to Chinese customs data in tons converted into barrels per day by Reuters. Russian sales in China in April also declined month over month, by 5.8% from 2.08 million bpd in March. At the same time, Chinese customs data showed no crude imports from Iran, but a 96.9% surge in imports from Malaysia, whose waters are being used by the shadow fleets for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to mask the origin of the crude from Iran. Malaysia is thus the second-biggest supplier of crude oil to China in April, with 1.93 million bpd of Chinese crude imports from the country. That was ahead of Saudi Arabia, Russias ally in the OPEC+ agreement. Chinese imports from the Kingdom fell by 12.8% year-over-year to 1.35 million bpd. China accelerated the pace of its crude oil imports in March and April, but the increased purchases this spring arent necessarily a sign of recovering fuel demand in the worlds biggest crude importer. Its more likely that Chinese refiners are aggressively stockpiling cheaper crude amid uncertainties about sanctioned barrels going forward, analysts say. Uncertainty and lower oil prices prompt aggressive stockpiling by Chinese majors, while sanctioned crude imports hold near record highs, Emma Li, senior market analyst at Vortexa, wrote in an analysis earlier this month. The surge in Chinas seaborne crude imports in April was initiated by concerns over potential supply disruptions amid tightening US sanctions, prompting Chinese refiners to ramp up bookings and bolster onshore inventories, Li noted. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Energy independent Continental Resources has accused sector player Hess Corp of fraud to the tune of $69 million in a lawsuit alleging the latter artificially inflated the price of its midstream services through deals with its own subsidiaries. Per a Reuters report citing the lawsuit, the alleged fraud concerned oil wells in North Dakota, in which Continental Resources holds non-operating interests. The net revenues that the company received from those wells was much lower than their market value because of those inflated midstream prices that Hess allegedly charged for its services. Hess Corp has transferred value from its upstream assets to its midstream assets rather than operate with the best interests of non-operating working interest owners in mind, the lawsuit said. It was filed at a Houston court. The subsidiaries that Continental claims were involved in the defrauding are Hess Bakken Investments, which operates 483 wells in the Williston Basin in North Dakota, and Hess Midstream, which operates mainly in the Bakken and the Three Forks plays in the state, Continental said. Per the lawsuit, the ownership of Hess Corp in these two companies has resulted in higher fees for their services for companies such as Continental, which hold working but non-operating interests in oil wells in the area the two service. Per the allegations, the revenue loss ranges between $34 million and $69 million. Hess Corp is currently in the process of getting taken over by Chevron in a deal worth $53 billion and first announced back in 2023. Progress has been slowed, however, by Exxons argument that it has right of first refusal to Hess Corps stake in their joint Guyana venture, in the Stabroek Block. That stake is one of the main reasons Chevron wants to buy Hess, so if Exxon wins the dispute, the takeover may well fall through. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Kazakhstans oil production rose 2% in May, defying yet another OPEC+ quota and testing the limits of Saudi Arabias patience with overproducers. According to an industry source cited by Reuters, the country pumped an average of 1.86 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in the first 19 days of Maywell above its OPEC+ target of 1.486 million bpd. The increase comes after Kazakhstans energy ministry said earlier this month that there would be no cut to its crude and condensate levelsa cut which would be necessary to comply with its OPEC+ obligations. But the ministry insists production will not rise further this year, citing that the giant Tengiz field, operated by Chevron and ExxonMobil, has now hit its planned output level. This isnt Kazakhstans first rodeo when it comes to overproducing. In March, the country hit a record 2.17 million bpd of combined crude and condensate outputmuch of it thanks to Chevrons 260,000-bpd expansion at Tengiz. April output dropped slightly but still breached the quota. And now Mays rise adds fuel to the fire just as OPEC+ members like Saudi Arabia have begun loosening their own taps, partly to punish noncompliant producers with lower prices. Kazakhstan has promised to compensate by shaving 1.3 million barrels from cumulative output by 2026. But with Western oil majors firmly in control of Kazakhstans biggest fields, that promise is more theoretical than enforceable. Chevrons CEO has flatly stated the company does not engage in OPEC+ coordination. Meanwhile, higher volumes havent translated to higher revenues. With oil prices hovering near multi-year lows, Kazakhstans National Oil Fund revenues are down 43% year-on-year, and analysts warn more withdrawals may be needed this fall to plug budget gaps. Kazakhstan is pumping hard, promising later, and betting that nobody really wants to be the one to pull the plug on Tengiz. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com OPECs expectations of global oil demand growth remain generally optimistic, despite recent headwinds including risks to trade and the global economy, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said on Tuesday. Al Ghais chaired the 17th Technical Meeting of OPEC and Non-OPEC Countries Participating in the Charter of Cooperation (CoC), which was attended by delegates from OPEC+ countries and select industry experts. The technical meeting focused on and discussed the short-to medium-term outlook of the global oil market, including demand, supply, and trade, as well as the global economy, the OPEC Secretariat said. In his opening remarks to the panel, Secretary General Al Ghais noted that OPECs expectations remain generally optimistic, despite the recent global economic developments, with global economic growth this year forecast at 2.9%, while 2026 is expected to see growth of 3.1%. OPEC estimates that global oil demand will grow by 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in both 2025 and 2026. This forecast was left unchanged in OPECs Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) out last week. But OPEC said in the report that lower upstream spending amid falling oil prices is set to slow the growth in oil supply from producers outside the OPEC+ pact this year and next. Liquids supply from OPEC+s rivals including the United States is set to increase by 800,000 bpd in 2025, down by 100,000 bpd compared to OPECs assessment of 900,000-bpd growth last month. U.S. crude oil and condensate production is anticipated to expand by 130,000 bpd this year, and by just 44,000 bpd year-over-year in 2026, according to OPECs estimates. The cartel expects capital spending on exploration and production in the non-OPEC+ producers to fall in 2025 and 2026, after small growth in 2024. In the U.S. in particular, upstream E&P liquids investment in 2024 is estimated to have dropped by 8% to about $125 billion. Investment is set to drop further, by around 9% and 7% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, according to OPEC. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Trump administration has given the go-ahead to an offshore wind power project in New York that it suspended a month ago. Empire Wind, ran by Norways state oil major Equinor, can now resume construction work. The reversal of course followed political involvement from the Norwegian government and the participation of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Reuters reported, citing the chief executive of the Norwegian oil and gas major. I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S., Anders Opedal said. The Department of the Interior ordered the suspension of construction works at the Empire Wind project last month, saying the project may have been approved by the previous administration without an appropriate environmental assessment. The Empire Wind project has a price tag of $5 billion, with Equinor saying in January it had secured a financing package of $3 billion. The installation was planned to power 500,000 New York homes and was expected to reach its commercial operation date in 2027. With a contracted capacity of 810 megawatts, Empire Wind 1 was going to be the first offshore wind project to connect to the New York City grid. Now, its back on the table just days after a senior Equinor executive warned the company will scrap it in days unless the Trump administration lifts the stop-work order that Doug Burgums Department of the Interior issued in April. Report said the stop-work order was costing Equinor some $50 million per week. Also, if Equinor missed the summer construction period, this could delay the completion of the project by as much as a year. Since its approval by the Biden administration, back in 2023, the Empire Wind has progressed to 30% of completion. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S. Department of Energy will restart issuing new permits for exports of liquefied natural gas, reversing one of the most controversial decisions of the Biden administration that froze the process while it investigated the impact of LNG production and exports on the climate. This week, the DoE said it had finalized its conclusions about the Bide admins pause on LNG approvals and the environmental impact study that followed that pause, complete with the public comments that were collected after the studys release at the end of last year. The conclusions were that the United States had enough natural gas resources to significantly increase its exports of the commodity without making gas for domestic consumers too expensive, the Department of Energy said. It added that growing LNG exports increases our gross domestic product and expands jobs while improving our trade balance; and increasing U.S. LNG exports enhances domestic and international global security with no discernable impact to global greenhouse gas emissions. Commenting on the news, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that The facts are clear: expanding Americas LNG exports is good for Americans and good for the world. Today, the Department of Energy is following the facts, closing the door on the Biden administrations failed policies, and putting Americas energy future on stronger footing. President Biden signed what the White House called a pause on new LNG export capacity permits in late January 2024, under pressure from climate activists. Those claimed that LNG was even worse for the environment than coal and any new export capacity would aggravate what they see as an already grave situation with the earths climate. Currently, the United States is the largest exporter of LNG in the world and has the ambition to become even larger, with energy companies planning what amounts to a threefold increase in export capacity for liquefied gas. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Australias Woodside Energy, the developer of the Louisiana LNG export project, expects global natural gas demand to jump by 50% by the end of the decade, chief executive Meg ONeill said at an industry conference on Tuesday. Woodside Energy, the biggest natural gas producer in Australia and developer of LNG projects at home and abroad, has seen customers willing to lock in LNG supply into the 2040s, the executive said at the World Gas Conference in Beijing. The message is very clear, consistent, around the desire for more affordable reliable energy for nations on their journey towards net zero and gas is absolutely a part of the mix, ONeill said, as carried by Reuters. As Woodside looks to meet part of the soaring global gas demand, the company is going where the gas is, the executive added, commenting on the decision to buy the former Driftwood LNG project in Louisiana as part of its acquisition of Tellurian for $1.2 billion last year. Woodside was the first to take a final investment decision (FID) on a U.S. export project this year, approving investment in April in the Louisiana LNG plant. Ahead of the FID, Woodside had already sold 40% in Louisiana LNG to Stonepeak, under which the infrastructure investment firm will provide $5.7 billion towards the expected capital expenditure for the foundation development of the facility. Last week, Woodside signed a non-binding collaboration agreement with Saudi Arabias oil giant Aramco to explore Aramcos potential acquisition of an equity interest in and LNG offtake from Louisiana LNG. The Australian firm is also developing the Scarborough Energy Project off the Pilbara coast of Western Australia. Last week the project saw topsides and hull for the Floating Production Unit (FPU) joined, in what Woodside said was a significant step forward for the Scarborough Energy Project as it progresses towards first LNG cargo, targeted for the second half of 2026. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A Nebraska nonprofit has asked the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse the dismissal of a womans federal lawsuit alleging the state terminated a North Platte womans Medicaid coverage without giving adequate notice and routinely does the same to others. Nebraska Appleseed, a criminal and social justice advocacy group, alleged Nebraska Health and Human Services officials had unconstitutionally deprived Gillian Filyaw of her due process rights and sought to go forward as a class-action lawsuit against them. In a decision last year, U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher granted the states motion to dismiss the case. On appeal, Kelsey Arends, a staff attorney with Nebraska Appleseed, didnt argue that Filyaw currently was eligible for Medicaid benefits or that the state couldnt terminate her benefits. Rather, she argued that the state had failed to provide her adequate notice by sending her a letter saying she was going to be terminated because her income exceeds standards. Arends said the notice should have provided a basis for the conclusion, including a calculation of her income and how it exceeded the standards. And the benefits should have continued until she got proper notice, she said. This appeal is about whether Ms. Filyaw has an opportunity to come to federal court to challenge the defendants deficient notice, she told a three-judge panel last week at oral arguments in Omaha. Nebraska Appleseed has proposed the case as a class of more than 22,000 Nebraskans who received identical notices since March 2023, when pandemic-era federal protections for Medicaid enrollees ended and HHS began reexamining Medicaid eligibility for more than 390,000 Nebraskans. Buescher dismissed the case before reaching the question. Late last week, Arends argued that the practical effect of the District Courts order and defendants arguments on appeal is a per se jurisdictional bar to any terminated public benefits. Yet, she said, in similar cases the U.S. Supreme Court, 8th Circuit Court and other Circuit Courts have routinely granted prospective declaratory and injunctive relief, which focuses on preventing future actions, in cases involving public benefits. The results should be the same here, Arends said. She said they werent asking for damages or past medical expenses. Theyre seeking a change to the states ongoing practice of issuing deficient notices in the future. What were requesting is that defendants fulfill their obligation to furnish Medicaid until they provide an adequate notice, Arends told the judges. On the other side, Assistant Solicitor General Zachary Pohlman of the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office said when the state ends Medicaid benefits the recipient can challenge the decision in state court. If they file in federal court, state sovereign immunity bars the claim. He said Filyaw filed it in federal court anyway, attempting to avoid Nebraskas sovereign immunity through a narrow exception, which requires an ongoing violation. While sovereign immunity does not bar certain suits seeking relief against state officers in their official capacities based on ongoing violations of federal law, the exception is narrow and applies to prospective relief, a remedy that applies to future conduct. Here, Pohlman said, there is no ongoing violation. There is no state action that is currently pending, he said. Filyaw hasnt had Medicaid benefits for more than a year, and the complaint doesnt allege she is entitled to the benefits, Pohlman said. He said any lingering effects of the notice she was given that she was being terminated would not amount to a present violation, but she cant bootstrap her claim onto an unnamed class member now. Pohlman said the state agrees that Filyaw must be able to challenge the notice, and she was given an opportunity to have an informal conference to help her understand the reason for the termination. He said if she wanted to appeal, she should have done it through the state administrative appeal process. Last September, Buescher sided with the state, finding that sovereign immunity barred Filyaws entire suit. In the suit filed last year, Arends said Filyaw, then a 23-year-old mother in North Platte, enrolled in Medicaid coverage at the end of 2020 and on April 18, 2024, received a notice that a renewal of eligibility had been completed and she was found ineligible because income exceeds standards. Her coverage was terminated 13 days later. The nonprofit had asked the judge to enter an injunction preventing HHS from enforcing Filyaws Medicaid coverage termination or terminating coverage for others in Nebraska without first providing a notice that sets forth a specific reason for the termination. Chief Judge Steven Colloton of Iowa and Judges Lavenski Smith and Bobby Shepherd, both of Arkansas, took the case under advisement. LINCOLN A trimmed-down proposal to bump up tobacco and vape sales taxes for the sake of property tax relief failed to advance in the Legislature on Monday after eight hours of debate. State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth thought he had the 33 of 49 votes he needed to overcome a filibuster, but he fell three votes short. Its kind of disappointing when people give you their word, but they dont tell you when they change their minds, Brandt said. Brandts Legislative Bill 170 was the vehicle for multiple proposals that would use sales taxes to generate funds to reduce the local and state dependency on property taxes, something that Gov. Jim Pillen and numerous lawmakers have made a priority in recent years. The full package proposed raising the tax on tobacco and vape products, closing a loophole for online cigar purchases and removing a sales tax exemption on soft drinks along with a specific list of services that ranged from charter flights to nail care. Lawmakers were split over the impact of those taxes, with bill supporters focusing on high-end services like charter flights, limousines, landscaping and pool cleaning as examples of the bill targeting luxuries or as State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said, Tax the rich. Opponents said that some of those services, like dance lessons, nail care, pool cleaning and tattooing, are often small businesses with modest revenues and that operators customers would shoulder the new tax burden. Brandt asked lawmakers to have an open mind and please come talk to us if they had issues with elements of the bill. We do not have a lot of revenue sources in this state, he said, noting that annual trends indicate Nebraskans will pay $283 million more this year in property taxes. He acquiesced in negotiations to keeping only the tobacco and vape portions of the bill. The bill would have bumped up the cigarette tax from 64 cents to $1.64 per pack. Before reducing the scope of taxes in the bill, Brandt proposed an increase to $1.36 per pack. The tax hasnt changed for decades, and the higher rate would bring in an additional $59 million, Brandt said. The proposal to increase the vape tax came from Sen. Jana Hughes, who has crusaded for years to curb youths usage of addictive nicotine products. She proposed a 40% wholesale tax for vapes and other electronic nicotine devices to generate about $15 million. Sen. Dave Wordekemper of Fremont set out to close a cigar loophole, which causes the state to lose about $100,000 annually. Brandt said he felt bad for Hughes and Wordekemper and hoped to see their bills back in the Legislature. Im very disappointed that the Legislature doesnt place any priority on property tax relief, Brandt said. Im not sure what theyre interested in, but its not in helping out property owners in the state of Nebraska. The vote broke down in unusual numbers: 25 of 33 Republicans voted for the bill, with five Democrats joining them. Last year, lawmakers dramatically reduced a similar Pillen-backed proposal to use sales taxes for a huge reduction in property taxes. Republicans who voted against Brandts bill Monday said the real issue is government overspending and bristled at raising one tax to address another. Were at a crisis level with property taxes, and if this bill did something to address that issue, I would be fully supportive, Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, a Republican, said. But were going to come back next year and were going to ask for another tax increase. When going door to door in my district, people did say, Lower my property taxes, but they didnt say, Raise other taxes to lower my property taxes. Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, a Democrat, said turning to sales taxes is not tax relief, its a tax shift that would place more burden on working Nebraskans and provide property tax benefits that have the most impact on large landowners. He said discussions of taxing more items and services should come with a discussion of lowering the overall rate. We are nickel-and-diming the people of Nebraska day in and day out, and refusing to make corporations and other entities pay their fair share, Dungan said, channeling a concern from progressives that the state is drawing from individuals without addressing its corporate tax policy. Jacobson has been a leading voice to remind lawmakers about property tax relief, saying, I want a tax shift because of the feedback he heard from residents as he campaigned for his seat. He posited that property taxes were the top issue most senators heard about as well. Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said his constituents are largely renters who may not see reduced rents when landlords costs go down. McKinney said North Omaha residents are more worried about services that the state can help provide like affordable housing, access to child care and transportation. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Police received a call from an Oregon City man saying he was going to kill himself. Another 911 call came in from his wife saying he had just left the house with a loaded firearm. The man returned to the house to find his wife had fled the house. The man, now identified as a former Clackamas County Deputy, opened fire upon police several times. Police returned fire, hitting his leg, causing his death. These are the impossible circumstances our law enforcement officers face constantly. How do you keep a wife safe from a husband wielding a firearm? How do you keep a suspect from killing themselves? How do you shoot a man firing upon you in hopes that the suspect wont die? In this case, only 1/3 of the hopeful conclusions came true. Police were able to protect the wife, but were unable to stop the suicide and unable to detain the suspect without causing death. Yet, pressure upon police expect them to detain people shooting at them without harming them this is impossible. There is pressure upon police to be able to use magic or hypothetical de-escalation tactics to make someone not kill themselves. It doesnt happen. In Beaverton, near the Taxpayers Association office, there was a six-hour stand-off with a criminal with a gun threatening to kill himself. He eventually did. The police tried everything and were willing to put in the time to save this mans life. We need to use this incident as a reminder of how impossible and difficult modern policing really is. This whole incident unraveled in mere minutes. We applaud our local law enforcement in this incident. Their valor is not clouded by the death. Their valor is made more real because of it because it shows how lethal their challenges are that they face daily. Majority Party Passes Bill Making Oregon the First State in The Nation to Hold Owners Liable for Wages They Already Paid By Oregon State Representative Lucetta Elmer, House Republicans Offer Real Solutions to Help Workers Experiencing Wage Theft Salem, Ore. Today, House Democrats on the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards Committee passed Senate Bill 426A, holding owners and upper tier contractors liable for unpaid wages of subcontractors employees, with some limited exceptions. If passed, this legislation would make Oregon the first state in the nation to hold owners liable for wages they already paid. I firmly believe this legislation will result in devastating lawsuits against Oregon businesses and property owners who did nothing wrong. There are better ways to target these bad actors, as I believe our amendments showed today. We will continue advocating for policy that gets to the heart of this issue, said Representative Elmer (R-McMinnville). During the committee, the Majority Party touted the excellent process to improve the legislation. However, it was discovered during the House committee hearing that the bill was passed out of the Senate under the false impression that primary homeowners were exempt from potential liability. After receiving over 1,300 emails in opposition to this bill, and with several outstanding concerns remaining on Senate Bill 426A, House Republicans proposed five commonsense amendments to help workers experiencing wage theft or human trafficking: -A18 Amendment : During the public hearing, the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries verified on the record that there are two licensed Construction Labor Brokers licensed in the State of Oregon. There are hundreds in other sectors. This amendment would have changed the focus of the bill to go after the bad actors, rather than holding owners & direct contractors liable for wages they already paid. During the public hearing, the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries verified on the record that there are licensed Construction Labor Brokers licensed in the State of Oregon. There are hundreds in other sectors. This amendment would have changed the focus of the bill to go after the bad actors, rather than holding owners & direct contractors liable for wages they already paid. -A19 Amendment: According to the Oregon Department of Justice, there is one full-time state position in the State of Oregon dedicated to Human Trafficking Response & Intervention. This amendment would have directed the Oregon DOJ, via a pre-existing advisory committee, to look at the prevalence of human trafficking in Oregon and the extent to which unpaid wages may be connected to human trafficking. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, there is one full-time state position in the State of Oregon dedicated to Human Trafficking Response & Intervention. This amendment would have directed the Oregon DOJ, via a pre-existing advisory committee, to look at the prevalence of human trafficking in Oregon and the extent to which unpaid wages may be connected to human trafficking. -A20 Amendment: Binding Arbitration is a private legal procedure many unions utilize rather than having to go through a court system. This amendment would have given nonunion contractors the opportunity to use binding arbitration, like unions can, for resolving wage claims. This would have ensured workers could be paid quickly and would have avoided a complicated legal process. Binding Arbitration is a private legal procedure many unions utilize rather than having to go through a court system. This amendment would have given nonunion contractors the opportunity to use binding arbitration, like unions can, for resolving wage claims. This would have ensured workers could be paid quickly and would have avoided a complicated legal process. -A23 Amendment: In its current form, Senate Bill 426A would invalidate many business-to-business contracts. This amendment would have ensured that employees cannot be required to waive liability for a contractor or owner. In its current form, Senate Bill 426A would invalidate many business-to-business contracts. This amendment would have ensured that employees cannot be required to waive liability for a contractor or owner. -A24 Amendment: Under the base legislation, it remains unclear about who or is not exempt from liability. This amendment would have exempted all owners from liability and clarified that a worker must approach a third party representative on their terms, such as union or non-profit. Under this legislation as drafted, unions or non-profits could show up on jobsites and solicit such representation. All five House Republican amendments were voted down along party lines. Ultimately, the Majority Party adopted the -A22 Amendment, doing little to fix the issues in Senate Bill 426A. Despite attempted clarifying questions to Legislative Counsel by House Republicans, it is unclear who will or will not be held liable under this legislation. House Republicans made a motion to send Senate Bill 426A to the House Committee on Rules for additional discussion, but this also was rejected along party lines. The contentious Senate Bill 426A now moves to the House floor for a vote. House Republicans have served notice of a Minority Report. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has just announced that she supports raiding the people Kicker Income Tax Refund to pay for funds relating to wildfire funding. Governor Kotek was quoted as saying, I do think this conversation on a one-time basis of supporting rural Oregon by potentially using a portion of the kicker tax break would be a beneficial approach.That would be very helpful for the state. Most of the folks who are going to be paying that are folks who do not live in fire-prone areas. The people Kicker is over-collected surplus tax revenue. Voters put the Kicker Refund law in the State Constitution so politicians would not raid it. For Governor Kotek to steal the Kicker requires that either she (1) refer a measure to voters asking them to change their mind like Senate joint Resolution 15 or (2) obtain a super-emergency 66% vote threshold by lawmakers to over-ride the Constitution with Senate Bill 1137. As we have mentioned previously, Kotek and the liberal-Democrat majority in the State Capitol, have been over-spending the State Budget but under-spending on important matters. Consider our graphic below that shows that the State of Oregon grew their last budget by 20% but forgot to fund wildfire costs and sex offender registration costs. Now they aim to steal your Kicker Refund to pay for wildfire costs they left out. Right now, the State over-collected on taxes by a billion dollars in over-collected, surplus funds. The average Oregon taxpayer will be able to claim their refund on April 2026 tax time. Kotek wants to raid this very tax refund to fund programs she refuses to fund with her budget surpluses. Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). BLOOMINGTON In his first week of training as a patrol officer, Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli witnessed a fatal scene that has stuck with him in the 26 years since. "It was a head-on collision on the interstate," Petrilli said of the 1999 incident. "There was no follow-up for those types of things. It was just, you went to the call and you handled it." Since taking over as chief in 2022, Petrilli has made officer wellness both mental and physical a priority for his department. He and other police leaders in Bloomington-Normal acknowledged law enforcement officers historically have been expected to compartmentalize rather than address the traumas they are exposed to on the job. But that approach can take a toll. When it is coupled with a lack of resources to cope with what they've seen, officers and dispatchers have reported experiencing lasting effects to their mental health that can affect both their work and personal lives. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Police 1, a platform focused on content, policy and training for first responders, 83% of police officers reported their mental health affects their work. In the same survey, 16% of officers reported they had experienced thoughts of suicide within the last year. And in a study published by the National Institutes of Health, officers reported experiencing depression at a rate almost twice as high as the general population, attributed to traumatic events encountered daily in their line of work. As concerns for law enforcement wellness rise, local police leaders say they are working to break down the barriers and culture surrounding the mental health of officers and dispatchers and building support systems to help them cope with traumatic events. Getting help The Illinois Police Training Act, which was signed into law in 2019, amended police training procedures to include officer wellness in recognition of issues of mental health concerns and suicide prevention. Since then, sworn officers have been mandated to receive eight hours of mental health training every three years. Law enforcement officials in Bloomington-Normal agreed the biggest challenge when implementing wellness into their departments was breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health in their profession. "I explained to them, it's not a weakness, it's just, if you need to talk to somebody, we'll give you somebody," McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane said. When identifying an employee who has been through a traumatic experience, local law enforcement agencies say they provide support in several ways, including debriefing, time off, peer support and therapy. "We've both been here a long time, since the 90s," Chief Deputy Hadley Welsch said, gesturing to Lane in a recent interview with The Pantagraph. "Needless to say, it's come leaps and bounds from three decades ago to where we are now, in terms of prioritizing mental health in criminal justice." Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington agreed, reflecting on his years working in law enforcement. "Back in the day, when I started, it was you dust off whatever you were exposed to, and you move on to the next call and the next day, and you put it behind you," Simington said. Sarah Vitzthum, a licensed clinical professional counselor, has been staffed full-time at the Normal Police Department for two and a half years. Normal officers are required to see her annually for check-ins, during which she assesses if they need further counseling. "There's a susceptibility to feel helpless in this field, and helping people to feel empowered to make changes ... that's hard to do," Vitzthum said. Vitzthum said she pays attention to the types of calls for service officers are responding to, as well as volume and frequency which she said can also be overwhelming to determine when an additional check-in is due. If officers want to use her services, Vizthum said she is flexible with her hours to be available whenever the officer is, providing a person to talk to or just a quiet safe space to breathe for a moment. Both Bloomington and Normal police departments, as well as the McLean County Sheriff's Office, have also introduced peer support teams, which is a group of officers who undergo a three-day certification course through the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program, to provide confidential crisis intervention. Normal police officers also train through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. "Everybody in this police department knows that confidentiality is there, and it's adhered to," said Sgt. Tim Power of the Bloomington Police Department. The support officers are trusted resources for the officers to be able to debrief their emotions when dealing with a traumatic event or general stress in their work or personal lives. Additionally, each department has lists of about a dozen vetted mental health professionals to whom officers can be referred, the law enforcement agencies said. Simington also noted a local chaplain volunteer program that began two years ago works with the police department as needed. "The more trust (officers) have in the system that it won't harm their ability to serve in public safety, opens the door for them to be more realistic, to be more forthright, with whatever their struggles are in life and on the job," Simington said. On top of the peer support officers, Bloomington police and the McLean County Sheriff's Office utilize an app, which allows all employees to see the peer support members, vetted clinicians and chaplains, with personal phone numbers to reach out. In addition to helping law enforcement, these platforms are also available to the families of law enforcement, giving them the ability to reach out for help on behalf of themselves or their loved one. The McLean County Sheriff's Office also added a gym in their facility about two years ago. "(Exercise will) surely bleed into your mental health, too," Lane said. On the horizon In the Illinois State University Police Department, Lt. Jeff Klepec is initiating a new peer support program this summer as a part of his graduate program, in which he studies social work. "This is something we have not had here at ISU. It gives officers an opportunity to seek help if they're having mental health issues, coping with various things in their lives. ... It provides them with an avenue more or less," Klepec said. Though the program is in its beginning stages, Klepec said he has been researching and talking to colleagues from other departments including Power, who helped lead the wellness unit at BPD to get the program off the ground. "We have an employee assistance program through the university, we have a health promotion and wellness program here at the university, so (we are) trying to encourage officers to participate," ISUPD Chief Aaron Woodruff said. Bloomington and Normal police departments and the McLean County Sheriff's Office also offer an employee assistance program. Retiring healthy Local law enforcement officials said advocacy has led to more mental health resources and more attention on the prevalence of suicide among first responders and cops living short lives after retirement. When bringing awareness and resources to mental health at Bloomington Police, Power and Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley said healthy retirements have been at the forefront of their program initiatives. Wamsley, who is a fourth-generation officer, spoke about how he watched his father's and grandfather's wellness post-retirement from law enforcement. "I've been really able to see the toll that this career did have on them," Wamsley said. "... You want to live the last portion of your life like the first portion was before you became a police officer. You don't want this job to affect it and it's going to affect it at some point, don't get me wrong but we want to keep that balance as close as possible from beginning to end so that you have that full life." The ISUPD chief also talked about issues involving retirement. "We in policing kind of get into this role, and we lose our own self identity and become, you know, 'I am a cop,' not 'I work as a cop,'" Woodruff said. "Unfortunately, it is such a tight environment that sometimes we lose that sense of self." Woodruff said this can lead to overall wellness concerns. Focus on wellness Petrilli also discussed, what he calls, the "four pillars of wellness" nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management all of which he said are not kept up with as their careers progress in law enforcement. The Normal chief, who has taught officer wellness at a local, state and federal level with the FBI, said he has incorporated what he knows into the department's core values. "My job as a chief is to hire healthy people and help them navigate this 20- to 30-year career," Petrilli said. "Because you get better employees that ultimately prove a better service. It's a win, win for the employee and the community." Simington echoed his words, "We have to have a healthy officer, healthy dispatcher, in order for them to thrive and to be able to provide a high level of services to our community. That's our obligation. Our duty as an administration and as a city, we know it's important to keep our folks healthy." Vitzthum and Klepec are a part of a group of local providers who aim to educate first responders about resources available to help them cope with their demanding, and sometimes traumatizing, careers. In February, Vitzthum and Klepec were part of a group of providers who participated in an event aiming to spread mental health awareness in law enforcement, they welcomed first responders to share their experiences. In a recent interview, Vitzthum said through her advocacy, she hopes to give perspective to first responders so they can better aid the communities in which they serve. "Officers aren't just officers. They're partners, potentially. Maybe they're parents. They're certainly friends or a son or a daughter. There's a lot of different roles that we all play ... and being an officer is just one part of that," Vitzthum said. BLOOMINGTON In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, police leaders in Bloomington-Normal reflected on the ongoing stigmas surrounding mental health in their profession that keep many officers from seeking help. But a high rate of suicide in law enforcement and other first responders is among the reasons local leaders are working to address their officers' overall wellness mental and physical. "When I got hired, it was like, 'shut up and do (it),' 'get over it,' type of stuff," Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli said. He has been working to change the mindset in his own department, and leaders in the McLean County Sheriff's Office and Bloomington and Illinois State University police departments are as well. Aaron Woodruff, ISU police chief, said the Below 100 is a public safety initiative that aims to reduce or eliminate preventable police deaths to less than 100 a year a number that has not been seen since 1897. "On average, we have 150 to 200 line of duty deaths a year, but we also average over 300 officer suicides nationally a year. If you're having double the suicides, why aren't we talking about that?" he said. Bloomington and Normal police chiefs agreed, noting suicide is one of the leading causes of death in law enforcement. The chiefs in each department cited suicide rates in officers as a primary motivator for their desire to change stigmas around seeking help. "What's making that suicide rate go up higher? What are the factors contributing to that phenomenon?" said Hadley Welsch, chief deputy for the McLean County Sheriff's Office. Reported suicides According to the Blue H.E.L.P. and The Center for Naval Analyses, between 2016 and 2022, 1,287 law enforcement and correctional officers deaths were by suicide. In 2024, 107 law enforcement officers died by suicide nationwide, and five of those were in Illinois. So far in 2025, 35 officers have died by suicide in the U.S., including three in Illinois, according to data compiled by Blue H.E.L.P, which is a nonprofit that describes itself as "the only organization in the country that collects law enforcement suicide data and regularly supports families in the aftermath." In the last five years, the number of law enforcement suicides peaked in 2022 with 175 reported nationwide by Blue H.E.L.P. However, the FBI's law enforcement suicide data collection reports lower totals: 39 suicides and 10 attempted suicides in 2024, 41 suicides and 11 attempts in 2023, 50 suicides and nine attempts in 2022 and none reported thus far in 2025. The federal law enforcement agency collects this data "to better understand the factors related to law enforcement officer suicides." In collecting this data, the FBI follows legislation "designed to assist in the development of programs, and potential resources, to help prevent suicides." According to the World Health Organization, data collection for suicide can be poor as underreporting and misclassification are common, "given the stigma surrounding suicide." Centering officer wellness Today, local police leaders encourage conversation about mental health including work-life balance, stress management and practicing healthy habits. Petrilli said his own experiences and those of other officers prompted him to approach officer wellness differently from the way he came up as a patrol officer. He became familiar with the term "officer wellness" in the last five years, and it sparked his interest. Of the hot-topic term, Bloomington Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley said, "It was something everybody was starting to get some buy in." Wamsley and Sgt. Tim Power began working together, going to classes, researching and educating themselves on the subject so it could be pushed department-wide. "The hardest thing to do, I think initially, was just changing the culture," Power said. "Mental health and emotional health, those kind of things were just simply not on the radar, and you dealt with it yourself, however you dealt with it." In many cases, this led to excessive drinking or substance use in officers, as well as gambling, marriage problems and other mental health issues, police leaders noted. The divorce rate among law enforcement is also significant, with some studies showing divorce rates as high as 70%, according to the FBI. "Over the years, law enforcement has realized through the help of clinicians and studies that (mental health) makes an impact on an officer's life, and it could lead to detrimental things at home," Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said. "It could lead to finances spiraling out of control, and it could also lead to possible suicidal tendencies." According to a survey of 2,833 law enforcement personnel, 71% of police struggle with sleep disturbances; 50% experience heightened anger; 50% indicated relationship or family issues; 39% are affected by depression; 36% endure anxiety or panic attacks; 35% reported post-traumatic stress; and 11% harbored suicidal thoughts specifically because of work stress. The 2024 survey was conducted by Police 1, a platform focused on content, policy and training for first responders. Woodruff used Newton's Law as an analogy: "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So then when you're not at work, you get down and become almost this depressive state." "We're getting officers now that are more willing and accepting of those concepts and the importance of it, but you still have a lot of resistance," Woodruff said. Petrilli said he was optimistic about the local efforts to shift law enforcement culture for better outcomes in mental health. SPRINGFIELD In the 2018 midterm election, Rep. Lauren Underwood unseated a four-term Republican incumbent in a district that was once represented by former GOP House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Underwood's victory was a manifestation of Democrats' growing power in the Chicago suburbs, a region long dominated by Republicans. And it helped Democrats regain the House majority after two years under President Donald Trump and unified Republican government. Facing a second midterm election under Trump and unified Republican government, the Naperville Democrat, now in her fourth term in the U.S. House, said on Monday, she will be part of the latest effort to take back the House, opting to seek reelection instead of embarking on a campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat. "When I reflected on the way that I could best serve families in Illinois and around the country, I really decided to stay in the House of Representatives and leadership and to help the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as we seek to reclaim the majority," Underwood told CNN's Kasie Hunt in an interview on Monday. Underwood, 38, a nurse before her election to Congress, first ran to protect health care for people with preexisting conditions, a provision threatened by attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. In a statement after Monday's announcement, Underwood said health care is once again a reason why she plans to stick around in the House. "Donald Trump and his administration are renewing their attacks on health care by trying to slash Medicaid and undo all the progress we've made, which would have deadly consequences for working families across the country," Underwood said. "Our work is not done, and I've decided the most powerful way for me to defend our values and hold Donald Trump accountable is to help Democrats win back the House." In the House, Underwood has a seat on the influential Appropriations Committee and is one of three co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. She is also a recruitment co-chair for the DCCC. She has long been considered a rising star in the party and was at one point considered among the most likely Democrats to seek Durbin's seat if it were open. Less than half the age of the 80-year-old Durbin, she would have represented generational change in a party that has been seeking out younger leaders. Stratton, 59, declared her candidacy less than a day after Durbin's announcement and quickly rolled out endorsements from the state's top two Democrats: Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Pritzker, a billionaire, is expected to back Stratton financially through federal political action committees that cannot directly coordinate with her campaign but can support her candidacy. PACs can receive and spend unlimited amounts. Krishnamoorthi, who made his campaign official two weeks ago, has spent years laying the groundwork for a Senate run. He has been the most aggressive fundraiser in Illinois' congressional delegation. As of March, he had more than $19 million in his campaign account, dwarfing that of his current and would-be primary opponents. The Peoria native has also made frequent stops across the state over the past year, from fundraisers for various county Democratic parties to official congressional events well outside the boundaries of his suburban congressional district. Kelly, 68, a member of Congress since 2013, has cast herself as the underdog in the race. She served as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois from 2021 to 2022, initially defeating a candidate backed by Pritzker and dropping her bid for a full term a year later after another candidate backed by Pritzker, current chair state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, locked up the necessary support. Kelly has about $2 million in her campaign account. Underwood's would-be primary opponents praised her following her announcement, with Krishnamoorthi calling her "an unflinching champion for maternal health and ensuring every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare." "I look forward to continuing to work together in the future," he said. Stratton said Underwood's leadership is "critical" to Democrats taking back the House. How Underwood's decision impacts the race remains to be seen. Krishnamoorthi's campaign released polling data from late April indicating he would have a nine-point lead over Stratton and Kelly in a three-person race. In a five-person race featuring Underwood and Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Krishnamoorthi was in a statistical tie with Underwood. Frerichs announced last month he would not run for the Senate seat. The poll was conducted before Kelly and Krishnamoorthi announced their candidacies. Underwood was also asked in the CNN interview about an NBC Chicago report earlier this month that suggested Pritzker's political team was discouraging Underwood from running. Aides reportedly told donors Underwood was "damaged goods," an allegation the governor has vehemently denied. Well, I didnt speak to the governor, and I dont need to speak with him, but what I do know is that kind of ugliness has no place in our politics, Underwood said on CNN. You know, Illinois voters cant be bought, right? And this is going to be a really rigorous, competitive election. And I think the voters are excited to have a choice. Asked if Pritzker pushed her out of the race, Underwood said "absolutely not." A family-friendly favorite, Bernal Heights boasts hillside parks, green space and panoramic views. With its mix of charm and community, its beloved by residents seeking calm within city limits. From Forest Knolls to Silver Terrace, and Midtown Terrace to Corona Heights, theres always more to discover in this iconic city. Whether you're here to wander or hoping to call it home, San Franciscos neighborhood features deliver on every front. We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor. 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: Scientists overlooking the edge of Mawson Glacier, East Antarctica. Credit: Richard Jones Efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C under the Paris Climate Agreement may not go far enough to save the world's ice sheets, according to a study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. Research led by Durham University, UK, suggests the target should instead be closer to 1C to avoid significant losses from the polar ice sheets and prevent a further acceleration in sea level rise. The team reviewed a wealth of evidence to examine the effect that the 1.5C target would have on the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, which together store enough ice to raise global sea levels by almost 65 meters. Deep crevasses form in fast-flowing ice at Store Glacier, an outlet glacier of the west Greenland Ice Sheet. Credit: Dr. Tom Chudley, Durham University The mass of ice lost from these ice sheets has quadrupled since the 1990s and they are currently losing around 370 billion metric tons of ice per year, with current warming levels of around 1.2C above pre-industrial temperatures, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. The authors argue that further warming to 1.5C would likely generate several meters of sea level rise over the coming centuries as the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets melt in response to both warming air and ocean temperatures. This would make it very difficult and far more expensive to adapt to rising sea levels, causing extensive loss and damage to coastal and island populations and leading to widespread displacement of hundreds of millions of people. Iceberg towers calved from the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Credit: Nerilie Abram Policymakers and governments need to be more aware of the effects a 1.5C rise in temperatures could have on ice sheets and sea levels, the researchers say. Currently, around 230 million people live within one meter of sea level and melting ice represents an existential threat to those communities, including several low-lying nations. Avoiding this scenario would require a global average temperature cooler than that of today, which the researchers hypothesize is probably closer to 1C above pre-industrial levels or possibly even lower. However, the researchers add that further work is urgently needed to more precisely determine a "safe" temperature target to avoid rapid sea level rise from melting ice sheets. The research team also included experts from the universities of Bristol, UK, and Wisconsin-Madison and Massachusetts Amherst, both U.S.. Looking across bedrock to the terminus of Vanderford Glacier, Wilkes Land, East Antarctica. Credit: Richard Jones Lead author Professor Chris Stokes, in the Department of Geography, Durham University, UK, said, "There is a growing body of evidence that 1.5 C is too high for the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. We've known for a long time that some sea level rise is inevitable over the next few decades to centuries, but recent observations of ice sheet loss are alarming, even under current climate conditions. "Limiting warming to 1.5C would be a major achievement and this should absolutely be our focus. However, even if this target is met or only temporarily exceeded, people need to be aware that sea level rise is likely to accelerate to rates that are very difficult to adapt torates of one centimeter per year are not out of the question within the lifetime of our young people. "We are not necessarily saying that all is lost at 1.5C, but we are saying that every fraction of a degree really matters for the ice sheetsand the sooner we can halt the warming the better, because this makes it far easier to return to safer levels further down the line" 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. Professor Stokes added, "Put another way, and perhaps it is a reason for hope, we only have to go back to the early 1990s to find a time when the ice sheets looked far healthier. "Global temperatures were around 1C above pre-industrial back then and carbon dioxide concentrations were 350 parts per million, which others have suggested is a much safer limit for planet Earth. Carbon dioxide concentrations are currently around 424 parts per million and continue to increase." The research team combined evidence from past warm periods that were similar or slightly warmer than present, and measurements of how much ice is being lost under the present level of warming, together with projections of how much ice would be lost at different warming levels over the next few centuries. Perhaps unsurprisingly, evidence from past warm periods shows that higher sea levels are increasingly likely the higher the warming and the longer it lasts. Professor Andrea Dutton of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S., a co-author of the study, said, "Evidence recovered from past warm periods suggests that several meters of sea level riseor morecan be expected when global mean temperature reaches 1.5 C or higher. Furthermore, this evidence also suggests that the longer those warm temperatures are sustained, the greater the impact on ice melt and resulting sea-level rise." Fellow study co-author Jonathan Bamber, Professor of Glaciology and Earth Observation at the University of Bristol, UK, has been measuring changes in ice sheets for several decades. Professor Bamber said, "Recent satellite-based observations of ice sheet mass loss have been a huge wake-up call for the whole scientific and policy community working on sea level rise and its impacts. The models have just not shown the kind of responses that we have witnessed in the observations over the last three decades." Fellow co-author, Professor Rob DeConto, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, U.S., specializes in computer simulations of Antarctica that reveal how the ice sheet might change under different warming levels. Professor DeConto said, "It is important to stress that these accelerating changes in the ice sheets and their contributions to sea level should be considered permanent on multi-generational timescales. "Even if the Earth returns to its preindustrial temperature, it will still take hundreds to perhaps thousands of years for the ice sheets to recover. If too much ice is lost, parts of these ice sheets may not recover until the Earth enters the next ice age. In other words, land lost to sea level rise from melting ice sheets will be lost for a very, very long time. That's why it is so critical to limit warming in the first place." Commenting on the research, Ambassador Carlos Fuller, long-time climate negotiator for Belize, agreed that policymakers and governments need to be more aware of the effects of a 1.5C temperature increase. Belize long ago moved its capital inland; but its largest city will be inundated at just 1 meter of sea-level rise. Ambassador Fuller said, "Findings such as these only sharpen the need to remain within the 1.5C Paris Agreement limit, or as close as possible, so we can return to lower temperatures and protect our coastal cities." More information: Warming of +1.5 C is too high for polar ice sheets, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02299-w Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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: Molecular evolution of Kai-protein oscillator over 3 billion years. Credit: Yoshihiko Furuike & Atsushi Mukaiyama To better understand the circadian clock in modern-day cyanobacteria, a Japanese research team has studied ancient timekeeping systems. They examined the oscillation of the clock proteins KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC (Kai-proteins) in modern cyanobacteria, comparing it to the function of ancestral Kai proteins. Their research is published in the Nature Communications. "Extant cyanobacteria utilize a circadian clock to predict the light-dark environmental cycle by the Earth's rotation in order to achieve efficient photosynthetic reactions. We wanted to know the evolutionary history of when ancient bacteria acquired the circadian clock and how this property was inherited by the present cyanobacteria," said Atsushi Mukaiyama, Associate Professor, Fukui Prefectural University. Cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria that influence Earth's oceans and atmosphere in important ways. Scientists know that the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria emerged about 3 billion years ago. It evolved into the current ecosystem through the Great Oxidation event, which occurred when the level of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere rose about 2.3 billion years ago. This evolution continued through at least two Snowball Earth events, about 2.4 and 0.7 billion years ago, when the planet was covered in ice, and through the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation event, when Earth's oxygen levels rose a second time. The Neoproterozoic Oxygenation event occurred between 800 and 540 million years ago. Through studies of fossils and molecular evolution models, scientists suggest that the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria already possessed primitive oxygen photosynthetic systems. The efficiency of photosynthesis is strongly influenced by light-dark environmental cycles. The research team set out to examine whether primitive cyanobacteria had a timekeeping system when photosynthesis became active during the Great Oxidation event. This can help scientists understand the physiological origin of circadian clock systems. Scientists have identified circadian clocks, those internal timekeepers that guide an organism to run on a 24-hour clock, in various organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants, and mammals. The research team studied the cyanobacteria's circadian clock using the cyanobacteria strain Synechococcus elongatus. They reconstructed the clock oscillator in a test tube using the clock protein KaiC. They also examined the function and structure of ancestral Kai proteins to determine how self-sustained Kai-protein oscillators have evolved over time. Knowing that lightdark cycles affect how efficient photosynthesis is in cyanobacteria, the team wanted to determine whether ancient cyanobacteria possessed a self-sustained circadian clock when the ancient oxidation events occurred and the photosynthetic systems were first established. 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. They discovered that faster rhythmic phenomenon was encoded in ancestral clock proteins. "The ancient cyanobacterial clock was synchronized to the cycle of 18 to 20 hours. This means that the history of Earth's rotation period has been restored by tracing the evolution of clock protein molecules," said Yoshihiko Furuike, Assistant Professor, Institute for Molecular Science. The team's results show that the oldest KaiC in ancestral bacteria lacked the function and structure that is essential for rhythmic qualities. Through molecular evolution, the ancestral Kai proteins acquired the necessary function and structure around the Global Oxidation and Snowball Earth events. Eventually, the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria capable of photosynthesis inherited this self-sustained circadian oscillator. These results are extremely helpful in scientists' understanding of chronobiology. "Our ultimate goal is to design modified cyanobacteria that can adapt to the rotation period of planets and satellites other than Earth by shortening or lengthening the period of the Kai-protein oscillator. Cyanobacteria have taken a long time to tune their clock to 24 hours, but we may be able to achieve even faster evolution using modern knowledge and technology," said Shuji Akiyama, Professor, Institute for Molecular Science. More information: Atsushi Mukaiyama et al, Evolutionary origins of self-sustained Kai protein circadian oscillators in cyanobacteria, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59908-7 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artist's interpretation of what Idiorophus patagonicus may have looked like. Credit: Jaime Bran, background added by author. A recent study, published in Papers in Palaeontology, discusses the reanalysis of the only known Idiorophus patagonicus specimen. After a nearly 130-year scientific slumber, the study, titled "Awakening Patagonia's sleeping sperm whale: A new description of the Early Miocene Idiorophus patagonicus (Odontoceti, Physeteroidea)," provides new insights into early sperm whale evolution, body size, and feeding behavior. The fossils were first described by Richard Lydekker in 1893 and given the scientific name Physodon patagonicus. However, as the name Physodon had already been used for both isolated teeth found in the Miocene layers in Lecce, Italy, and was an earlier name given to sharks, a new name was suggested in 1905 by Abel. He suggested the taxon ought to be called Scaldicetus, which became a wastebasket taxon for any species that did not fit neatly into any other taxonomic group. Eventually, I. patagonicus was given the name Idiorophus by Kellogg in 1925. The fossil specimen was recovered somewhere in the Early Miocene Gaiman Formation (20 million years old), at Cerro Castillo, in front of Trelew, Argentina, although the exact location is unknown. Of the many sperm whales (Physeteridae) that existed during the Miocene, today only three species remain: Physeter macrocephalus (Giant Sperm whale), Kogia sima (Dwarf sperm whale), and Kogia breviceps (Pygmy sperm whale). The I. patagonicus specimen underwent a thorough anatomic and taxonomic revision, revealing several new insights. The I. patagonicus specimen was a subadult, measuring between 5 and 6 meters in length. Based on its phylogenetic analysis, it was not closely related to any other Physeteridae species in the region. Additionally, it may have been one of the earliest species of physeterids or possibly even the ancestor of all physeterids. Its rostrum (snout) provided some of the most intriguing insights pertaining to its feeding habits, according to Dr. Florencia Paolucci, "The ecomorphological features of Idiorophus point to a lifestyle quite different from that of modern sperm whales. It was likely an active predator of large fish and possibly some seabirds, while extant sperm whales feed mostly on cephalopods or small fish through suction feeding. "Unfortunately, most of the traits related to diving behavior in living cetaceans are found in soft tissues, which don't preserve in fossils. In some cases, parts of the basicranium, especially the bones that house the sinus system, can give clues about diving abilitiesbut in this case, the basicranium of Idiorophus wasn't preserved." Despite the insights gained from this study, there are still many unanswered questions about I. patagonicus. When asked about the timespan this species existed, Dr. Paolucci acknowledges the limitations of their research: "Unfortunately, I don't have clear answers yet, and it's hard to draw conclusions based on a single specimen. We know the age of the fossil based on the surrounding sediments, which indicate an Early Miocene age (around 2019 million years ago). 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. "Since the studied specimen is the only one known for Idiorophus, we can't determine whether the species lasted for a longer time spanwe just know it was present in the Early Miocene. "As for its extinction, we've recently been working on sperm whales from a more global perspective, looking at specimens from other regions and different time periods (e.g., Late Miocene). So, there's still a lot of work to be done on this topic. "For now, any hypothesis is on the tablefrom global climate changes that may have altered ocean dynamics and prey availability, to potential competition with other marine mammals (e.g., dolphins). Hopefully, future analyses will allow us to test these ideas properly." However, recent science and technology funding cuts have made future fieldwork difficult, explains Dr. Paolucci, "The type specimen is the only one known for this species so far. I really hope to find more during future fieldwork. But with the severe cuts to science and technology currently happening in Argentina under President Javier Milei's government, that possibility is becoming increasingly distant." More information: Florencia Paolucci et al, Awakening Patagonia's sleeping sperm whale: A new description of the Early Miocene Idiorophus patagonicus (Odontoceti, Physeteroidea), Papers in Palaeontology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/spp2.70007 Journal information: Papers in Palaeontology 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: Elephant brain size differs between species and sexes and shows a comparatively large postnatal increase. A) Top view of the brain of a 44-y-old Asian female elephant, Dumba. B) Top view of the brain of a 35-y-old African female elephant, Indra. C) Top view of the brain of an 28-y-old feral African male elephant; aging was performed according to tooth abrasion patterns. D) Top view of the brain of a newborn African male elephant. Credit: PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf141 African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth and significantly larger than their relatives in Asia, from which they are separated by millions of years of evolution. Nevertheless, Asian elephants have a 20% heavier brain, as scientists from Humboldt-University of Berlin and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) were able to demonstrate together with international colleagues. They also showed that elephant brains triple in weight after birth. These results, published in the journal PNAS Nexus, provide potential explanations for behavioral differences between African and Asian elephants as well as for the pachyderms' long youth, during which they gain enormous experience and learn social skills. Elephants are among the best-known and most iconic animal families and are considered to be exceptionally social and intelligentyet surprisingly little is known about their brains. An international research team led by Malav Shah and Michael Brecht from the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience at Humboldt-University of Berlin (BCCN) and Thomas Hildebrandt from the Leibniz-IZW has now analyzed the weight and structure of the brains of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana) based on dissections of wild and zoo animals as well as on literature data and MRI scans. They showed that externally visible differencesAsian elephants are smaller, have relatively smaller ears, only one "trunk finger" and most of the females have no tusksand some of the associated behavioral differences extend to the inside of their huge skulls: Adult female Asian elephants have significantly heavier brains, weighing a good 5,300 grams on average, than their African counterparts, which average just over 4,400 grams. This finding could not be conclusively confirmed for male elephants (which have significantly heavier brains in both species) owing to the limited data available on Asian elephants. However, the cerebellum is proportionally heavier in African elephants (a good 22% of the total brain weight) than in Asian elephants (a good 19%). Elephant brains grow almost as much as human brains after birth The scientists were also able to show that elephants exhibit very large postnatal brain growth. The brains of adult elephants are about three times as heavy as they were at birth. This means that elephants have a significantly higher lifetime brain growth than all primateswith the exception of humans, in which the brain at birth weighs only around a fifth of its final weight. The fact that these findings on the size of elephant brains are new is explained by the challenging acquisition of the objects of investigation: Extracting elephant brains from the skulls of deceased animals is a complex and very rarely performed veterinary procedure. For the present study, 19 brains were analyzed that were extracted at the Leibniz-IZW from deceased zoo animals or animals euthanized for animal welfare reasons (14) or obtained from dissections of wild elephants that had died (5), including in Kruger National Park in South Africa. In addition, the scientists were able to include data on six additional brains from an earlier study by another research team in their analysis. Brain size as a possible explanation for differences in behavior and motor skills? "The difference in brain weight is perhaps the most important difference between these two elephant species," says Malav Shah from the BCCN, first author of the paper. "It could explain important behavioral differences between Asian and African elephants." For example, both species show very different behavior when interacting with humans. 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. Asian elephants have been partially domesticated over thousands of years and are used as work animals in different cultures and regions. In the case of African elephants, there are only very few cases in which domestication was even partially successful. It is much more difficult to habituate African elephants to human company than Asian elephants. The fact that their brains grow so much over the course of an elephant's life seems plausible to the study heads, Michael Brecht and Thomas Hildebrandt. "Social factors and learning processes could explain the strong brain growth after birth, as elephants live in complex social structures and have an outstanding memory. The experience and accumulated knowledge of adult elephants, especially matriarchs, is central to the group behavior of elephants and the young animals are very closely cared for over a long period of childhood and adolescence." The fact that the cerebellum is larger in African elephants relative to the animals' overall size could be related to the more complex motor function of the trunk in this species. With their two trunk fingers, African elephants can perform more diverse movements, which is also reflected in a higher number of neurons in the trunk's control center in the brain. Brecht and Hildebrandt point to the many unanswered questions in researching the brains of Asian and African elephants and their significance for motor skills and social behavior. They will continue their intensive research into these fascinating, intelligent animals and their "control centers." More information: Malav Shah et al, Larger brains and relatively smaller cerebella in Asian elephants compared with African savanna elephants, PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf141 Journal information: PNAS Nexus Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. 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: Elianne Dipp from Pexels New research published in BioScience reveals that climate change is rapidly emerging as a third major threat to Earth's wild animals, joining habitat alteration and overexploitation in what scientists call a shift from "twin to triple threats." The research team, led by William J. Ripple of Oregon State University, analyzed data for 70,814 animal species from 35 classes, using two publicly available biodiversity datasets to assess climate change vulnerability among the world's wild animal populations. Their findings indicate that 5.1% of all assessed animal species are threatened by climate change, with six animal classes having at least 25% of assessed species at risk. The researchers note that these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the crisis. "We are entering an existential crisis for the world's wild animals," say the authors. "Although some species might benefit, increases in global temperature can lead to a variety of impacts on wild animals, including changes in their physiology, behavior, life cycle, distribution, and interactions among species." In the Special Report, the authors document numerous recent population collapses linked to climate change, including the disappearance of over 10 billion snow crabs in the Bering Sea since 2018, 7,000 heat-wave-related humpback whale deaths in the North Pacific, and the unprecedented mortality of 4 million common murres off the west coast of North America in 20152016. The assessment revealed stark disparities in research attention among animal groups. While 72.6% of vertebrate species have been assessed for conservation status through the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List process, only 1.6% of invertebrates have received similar attention, despite constituting the vast majority of animal biodiversity. The authors emphasized the urgency of climate action: "We may be approaching tipping points regarding the impact of climate change on Earth's animals. We anticipate future extinction risks and mass mortalities due to climate change not only to rise but also greatly accelerate with each fraction of a degree increase in global temperatures." The researchers recommend establishing a global database to track climate-related mass mortality events, accelerating assessments of vulnerable but understudied species (particularly invertebrates), and integrating biodiversity and climate change policy planning at the global scale. The American Institute of Biological Sciences, which publishes BioScience, has facilitated the development of national level databases for the study of biological diversity over multiple decades. "Rapid and effective climate mitigation is crucial now more than ever for saving the world's biodiversity," the authors conclude. More information: William Ripple et al, Climate change threats to Earth's wild animals, BioScience (2025). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaf059 Journal information: BioScience 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: Florida beach erosion. Credit: Paul Brennan Worldwide, coastal areas are squeezed between a rising sea level on one end and human structures on the other. The distance between a sandy coastline and the first human structures averages less than 400 meters around the world. And the narrower a coastline is, the lower its biodiversity as well. That is shown by the thesis that coastal ecologist Eva Lansu will defend at the University of Groningen on May 20. "This coastal squeeze is not only a problem for biodiversity, it also affects our defense against flooding and our drinking water supply," Lansu says. All sandy beaches For her research, Lansu analyzed a huge database, previously created by colleagues at TU Delft and Deltares, of all the world's (ice-free) sandy beaches. On top of that map, she projected another map of all human-built structures and paved roads. With that, she calculated the distance from the high waterline to the first built-up area. The average 390 meters around the world that resulted from these measurements is shockingly little, Lansu argues. "For a seaside resort like Zandvoort or Scheveningen, it may still sound like a long distance, but when you consider that it's an average that includes the beaches of Walvis Bay in Namibia or the Amazon in South America, we are building remarkably close to the coast." Vulnerable to sea level rise Constructions close to the sea make coastal areas extra vulnerable, Lansu emphasizes in her dissertation. "The narrower a coast, the sooner you will run into problems with rising sea levels." Washington Oaks Florida (U.S.) coastal squeeze. Credit: Orlando Cordero Vegetation survey in the dunes. Credit: Eva Lansu Vegetation survey Cumberland Island GeorgiaU.S. Credit: Eva Lansu In addition to those weaker defenses, narrower coasts are also bad news for biodiversity, Lansu found in a comparative study in both the Netherlands and the United States. In the Netherlands, together with colleagues, Lansu visited 35 dune areas. In each of these areas, they walked a transect perpendicular to the coastline and determined plant diversity every hundred meters. She did the same along 12 transects in the states of Florida and Georgia. Lansu says, "It was clear that the wider the coast was, the greater the plant diversity. Especially the first two kilometers, that diversity increased rapidly." In the Netherlands, only coastal areas of at least 3.8 kilometers wide reached their maximum plant diversity. "But unfortunately, such wide zones are rare. Dutch dune areas are on average no more than one kilometer wide, leaving plant diversity stuck at half the possible level," Lansu said. Manage better or plan smarter The limited biodiversity in narrow coastal strips can be boosted to some extent by nature management. But much more important, Lansu argues, is spatial planning. "We will have to take into account rising sea levels and avoid further hardening our coasts. We also need to start looking at coastal expansion, as has been done in the Netherlands with the 'Sand Motor' near the village of Monster." The Sand Motor is a place where a gigantic amount of sand was deposited off the coast once in 2011, only to have it spread naturally along the coast. Lansu says, "At that spot you can already see quite a few embryonic dunes forming on the newly raised beach. But future coastal expansion could stimulate natural sand dynamics and associated biodiversity even better. After all, biodiversity is not a luxury. It is our insurance for the future, for coastal defense, drinking water supply and in general also for our food supply." More information: Eva M. Lansu. Squeezed sands: Human footprints in coastal lands (2025). DOI: 10.33612/diss.1294442415 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 Colorado State University-led research explored the nuanced dynamics of identifying a romantic partner as a best friend and its implications for well-being. Only 14.4% of partnered U.S. adults call their romantic partner a best friend, according to the study, a choice linked with more companionship yet less perceived social support than keeping a separate best friend. Views have shifted public focus from marriage as life's central milestone to friendships as key to fulfillment. Polling data from the Pew Research Center reveals that 61% of Americans consider close friendships as "very" or "extremely" important for a fulfilling life, compared to just 23% who hold the same view of marriage. In the study, "What's in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being," published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers surveyed a representative panel to examine how naming a partner as best friend relates to relationship quality and mental-health outcomes. Researchers surveyed 940 adults in the United States, all of whom were in a romantic relationship and identified at least one best friend. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 85, with a median age of 41. Participants completed a survey that assessed relationship quality and well-being through measures of emotional closeness, routine interaction, companionship, perceived social support, stress, and loneliness. Respondents listed up to seven friends, labeling each as a "friend," "best friend," "romantic partner," or a combination. Surveys measured two relationship-quality facets, emotional closeness and routine interactions, via 7-point scales. Seven well-being dimensions, including life satisfaction, companionship, loneliness, perceived stress and social support, also appeared. Logistic regression assessed which personal or situational factors predicted the best-friend label, while linear models compared relationship quality and well-being between those whose partner was a best friend versus those who kept those roles separate. Only 36.4% of respondents included their partner among named friends, and a mere 14.4% labeled that partner a best friend. Odds of calling one's partner a best friend rose with older age and dating status, yet fell as income increased. Participants who named their partner a best friend reported higher companionship but lower social support from non-partner friends, potentially reflecting a narrowing of the social network. Best-friend partners scored higher on emotional closeness and routines than non-partner best friends. Companionship levels proved higher among those who fused partnership and best-friend roles, whereas perceived social support leaned stronger when best friends remained separate from romantic partners. Findings suggest that romantic partners can serve everyday companionship needs, yet maintaining a distinct best friend may broaden one's support network. Couples and counselors might therefore encourage both partnership intimacy and independent friendships to foster richer social resources for well-being. More information: Natalie Pennington et al, What's in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (2025). DOI: 10.1177/02654075251336872 Journal information: Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain An earthquake that struck southeast Asia in late March is thought to have killed more than 3,000 people in Myanmar, a country ruled by a military junta that has blocked humanitarian aid and continued waging war on quake-ravaged rebel territory. I am interested in how authoritarian regimes handle disasters and whether they disrupt or reinforce the ruling elite's agenda. My research has led me to Tibet, which has endured Chinese occupation since 1951 and suffered a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in early January 2025. Beijing controls the access of independent media and international observers in Tibet. What we know about the disaster's impact is largely based on initial reporting by the Chinese media, which has claimed the loss of 126 lives and damage to roads and communication networks. Tibetan sources have, however, contended that there has been much greater destruction, including to a number of monasteries and nunneries across the region. Following the earthquake, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, ordered "all-out search and rescue efforts" and pledged a rapid recovery. The constrained political environment has meant that Chinese relief agencies and the Chinese state-run media have controlled the narrative, praising Beijing's capacity for "speed and compassion" in mobilizing rescue efforts while using the disaster to highlight China's record of "good governance and putting people and their lives first." These accounts not only fail to report on the civic responses to disaster, such as mutual aid networks organized by Tibetans both locally and internationally, but they tend to overlook the immediate concerns of the affected communities. Survivors and activists using social media to challenge Chinese media narratives of purported success in rescue and relief efforts have faced censorship and outright hostility from the Chinese authorities. A previous study, looking at the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, found that communities that were considered a challenge to Chinese authority had their demands for relief suppressed. The earthquake has sparked further concerns among Tibetans that Chinese authorities will use the disaster to tighten their grip on the region. The situation is reminiscent of the April 2010 earthquake that struck Tibet's Yushu region, claiming more than 2,600 lives and causing significant disruption to local life. The earthquake enabled China to push its vision of modernity and development in Tibet amid allegations of corruption in relief distribution and forced relocations. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The aftermath revealed a divergence between the Chinese interpretation of recovery and what many Tibetans saw as essential for preserving and promoting their unique cultural identity. In their study of the Zimbabwean state's response to tropical cyclone Idai in 2019, anthropologist Denboy Kudejira described this phenomenon as "disaster authoritarianism": when an authoritarian regime exploits a disaster to reassert its power. Akin to China's model, the Zimbabwean government restricted the involvement of non-state groups in longer-term recovery efforts. The relative lack of attention journalists and politicians abroad pay to Tibet makes this problem more acute. For instance, the wildfires in Los Angeles erupted at the same time as the earthquake, but garnered greater and more sustained media attention that mounted scrutiny on responsible agencies. By contrast, the Tibet earthquake quickly faded from the news. 'Confrontational politics emerging' For Tibetans, challenging disaster authoritarianism is part of a delicate political struggle. Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, called the disaster "a natural phenomenon and not the result of human activities," while urging Tibetans not to be "angry with the Chinese." This appears to reflect his long-held wisdom that antagonizing Chinese authorities will invite further hardship for communities enduring political marginalization. Others are more skeptical. Some people inside Tibet have questioned the official number of casualties reported by Beijing and pushed Chinese authorities to clarify the scale of the tragedy. There are signs of more confrontational politics emerging. The International Campaign for Tibet, which lobbies for self-determination for Tibetans, has labeled the disaster "the silent earthquake" and accused Chinese authorities of censoring the true nature of suffering. Another rights group, the Tibetan Rights Collective, has highlighted China's interventions in Tibet that have made the region more geologically unstable, including the building of hydropower dams and roads. Recent research shows that China's push to build infrastructure in the region has increased the risk of disasters, such as floods and landslides, for downstream communities in south Asia. Research a colleague and I conducted during the pandemic showed that community groups can compensate for gaps in state-led disaster responses, and alert where help is needed. But this depends on public participation and grassroots organizing that, in authoritarian contexts such as Tibet and Myanmar, is heavily restricted. The climate crisis is increasing the risk of disasters at the same time as there is widespread fear of increasing authoritarianism globally. We should all worry about how these two trends might interact. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A Kobe University research team found that two species of self-pollinating orchids with unopened flowers each arose from insect-pollinated species that already have a very low degree of genetic variation in this geographic region. Credit: Ansai Shun, Suetsugu Kenji, Kaneko Shingo Plants that reproduce exclusively by self-pollination arise from populations with extremely low diversity to begin with. Kobe University research not only adds a facet to possible evolutionary strategies, but also lends weight to Darwin's suspicion that this strategy might be a path to extinction. Charles Darwin once remarked, "It is hardly an exaggeration to say that nature tells us, in the most emphatic manner, that she abhors perpetual self-fertilization." And yet, Kobe University botanist Suetsugu Kenji knows of a few islands in Japan where orchids reproduce without ever opening their flowers. He says, "I've long been captivated by Darwin's skepticism about plants that rely entirely on self-pollination. When I found those non-blooming orchids, I felt this was a perfect chance to directly revisit this issue. The apparent defiance of evolutionary common sense made me wonder what precise conditionsboth environmental and geneticwould allow a purely self-pollinating lifestyle to emerge, let alone persist." On the Northern Ryukyu Islands of Kuroshima, Takeshima and Yakushima exist the only wild populations of plants known to reproduce solely by self-pollination. "Our group spent over ten years working with local plant enthusiasts, monitoring more than a hundred individual plants across several islands, so we can say with certainty that these orchids never open their flowers in their natural habitats," explains Suetsugu. He and his team decided to subject these populations to genetic analysis that can detect minute differences even between closely related individuals, which allowed them to track gene flow and relatedness. In the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the Kobe University-led team now reports that the extreme genetic uniformity between the plants in each species proves that they are truly purely self-pollinating. In addition, they also found that the two species each arose from insect-pollinated species that already have a very low degree of genetic variation in this geographic region. The variation is so low, in fact, that even though pollen might get transported from one plant to the next, it's nearly identical to self-pollination. On the Northern Ryukyu Islands of Kuroshima, Takeshima and Yakushima exist the only wild populations of plants known to reproduce solely by self-pollination (Gastrodia kuroshimensis). Credit: Yamashita Hiroaki This is only made worse by another observation Suetsugu made: the cross-pollinating relatives on these islands rely on fruit flies with limited flight ability. The animals thus only pollinate, if they pollinate the plants at all, flowers of the same plant or of those that live very close by, even further reducing the benefit of insect pollination. Suetsugu explains, "Darwin's statement was motivated by the idea that a purely self-pollinating lineage would accumulate harmful mutations and eventually face an evolutionary dead end. Yet our findings show that for the relative species with open flowers, the real genetic payoff for outcrossing might be marginal, giving the self-pollinating orchids, which are more successful at producing fruit, an evolutionary edge." As it turns out, Darwin's skepticism might not have been unfounded. Another result of the Kobe University study is that even with conservative estimates, these self-pollinating species are at most 2,000 years old. Given that there are no other known examples of purely self-pollinating plants in the wild, such species might be ephemeral. "The fact that these orchids truly never outcross raises intriguing questions about their long-term viability, especially under pressures like habitat fragmentation and climate change," says Suetsugu. He nevertheless is proud of his team's findings, saying, "Each new data point, each newly described species, brings me closer to grasping the full spectrum of evolutionary possibilities." 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 Did you know goldfish can learn to drive cars? Have you heard bumblebees can learn to pull on a string? Would you believe some primates can perform calculations with Arabic numerals? These tasks seem completely irrelevant to these animals in their natural environment, so why are researchers interested in them? As someone who studies the intelligence of insects, much of my own research has been labeled as "ecologically irrelevant." However, as I have argued in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, there are plenty of reasons to study this kind of animal intelligence. Finding relevance in irrelevance The study of animal intelligence often seeks to form a better understanding of the animal's ecology. However, there are also many studies that aim to push the limits of animal cognition beyond what we would expect in their everyday life. Ecologically irrelevant research can help us understand the limits of animal intelligence and develop bio-inspired technology. It can also help us explore behavioral responses to environmental change, and advance our understanding of the evolution of intelligence. Understanding how animals respond to ecologically irrelevant tasks sheds light on how our own intelligence has evolved. We frequently use comparisons between humans and non-human primates to understand whether a cognitive capacity has evolved in modern humans, or if we observe similar abilities in other primates and animals. This honeybee has been trained to find sugar water where there are an even number of shapes. For example, children as young as 24 months old can find a hidden object in a room when its location is pointed out to them in a photograph. This ability is known as representational insight. Some chimpanzees can also pass this test. Do these results mean a chimpanzee has the same level of intelligence as a two-year-old child? Furthermore, this test may allow us to estimate when representational insight evolved. It may have been before humans and chimpanzees split into different lineages. Imitating nature, comparing species Biologically inspired (bio-inspired) solutions to modern computing problems use technology based on biology. Some bio-inspired technologies can cope well with uncertainty by using brain-like computations to process and solve real-world problems. Many animals are considered models for bio-inspired technologies based on their vision, behavior and movement. For example, the flight mechanics of dragonflies have been studied to build micro aerial vehicles. Since bio-inspired technology will undoubtedly be used in unnatural situations, it is useful to know how animals would respond in these same scenarios to build more accurate technology. Researchers trained goldfish to steer a tank on wheels. Comparing the behavior and intelligence of different species can pose a huge challenge to scientists. To enable accurate comparisons, we need to have a task of equal difficulty for both species. If we use a task that animals perform regularly in their natural environments, we run the risk that one species may have an advantage from performing the task more frequently. However, if we use a task that neither animal is likely to ever need to perform, we can "level the playing field" for an accurate comparison. Animals must often adapt to new and unfamiliar situations. Environmental changes such as urbanization, climate change, habitat loss and invasive species introductions cause animals to encounter new challenges that may have previously been ecologically irrelevant. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A puzzle box may seem irrelevant to many animals. However, cockatoos in Australia have learned how to open rubbish bins to forage. The cockatoos have then adapted to solve new puzzles as humans attempt to make bins harder to open. This "innovation arms race" between humans and cockatoos shows how an initially ecologically irrelevant task may become relevant to an animal. Does a true test of ecologically irrelevant intelligence exist? One major question is whether we have been able to create a truly ecologically irrelevant task for animals to complete. For example, bees have been trained to recognize images of human faces. This task may appear ecologically irrelevant to a bee. However, to the bee, an image of a human face may actually represent an unfamiliar but rewarding flower, particularly when the correct option is paired with a reward of sugar water, which imitates a flower's nectar. Is this task relevant or irrelevant to a bee? The answer is: it depends. Many experiments provide food rewards. Therefore, animals may interpret these experiments as a foraging task, thus making even the most complex and arbitrary tasks during tests of intelligence still somewhat ecologically relevant to the animal. Other rewards for animals participating in experiments include shelter, social interactions, and play. While the task itself may appear ecologically irrelevant, the reward may be highly relevant to animals looking for food, mating opportunities, safety, or fun. This leads us to question if any task we give animals is completely bereft of ecological relevance. More information: Scarlett R. Howard, The value of ecologically irrelevant animal cognition research, Trends in Cognitive Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2025.03.005 Journal information: Trends in Cognitive Sciences This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A mother and baby whale swim at Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. Credit: Vanessa Risku - Instagram: droning_my_sorrows It turns out humpback whales' epic migrations to tropical waters aren't as essential as previously thought for giving birth: calves can be born as far south as Tasmania or New Zealand, 1,500 km further south than previously known. Researchers say these results overturn long-held beliefs about humpback migration, and thatto protect these unexpected baby whaleswe need to improve awareness of expanded calving areas. "Hundreds of humpback calves were born well outside the established breeding grounds," said Dr. Tracey Rogers of the University of New South Wales, senior author of the article in Frontiers in Marine Science. "Giving birth along the 'humpback highway' means these vulnerable calves, who are not yet strong swimmers, are required to swim long distances much earlier in life than if they were born in the breeding grounds." "Alongside my studies, I work as a marine guide," said Jane McPhee-Frew of the University of New South Wales, Ph.D. candidate and first author. "In July 2023, during a whale-watching tour, I encountered a mom and calf at the mouth of Newcastle Harborthe busiest shipping port in Eastern Australia. The calf was tiny, obviously brand new. What were they doing there? But none of my tourism colleagues seemed surprised." A baby whale breaches in Western Australia. Credit: Jason Milligan - Instagram: millo_hd The whales' way Inspired by McPhee-Frew's sighting, the researchers investigated the calving range for humpback whales around Australia and New Zealand. They combined data from citizen science observations, government surveys, and reported strandings. New Zealand's Department of Conservation Cook Strait Whale Project supplied data from migration surveys, and Australian state wildlife departments supplied information on strandings dating back to 1991. The scientists identified 209 records of newborn calves, including 11 births41 strandings and 168 observations of live calves, representing at least 169 individuals. They had data on the direction of travel for 118, which showed the whales were continuing to migrate north after delivery. "Humpback whale populations undertake extensive long-distance migrations from the Southern Ocean to breeding grounds in the tropics," explained co-author Dr. Adelaide Dedden of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Australia. "They rely heavily on body reserves from an enormous amount of Antarctic krill to support the physiological costs of the journey and reproduction." The highest-latitude calf was found at Port Arthur, Tasmania, 1,500 km further south than we previously thought humpback whales could calve. The highest-latitude birth recorded was witnessed only slightly further north, at Kaikoura, New Zealand. A mother and baby humpback whale in Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. Credit: Vanessa Risku - Instagram: droning_my_sorrows Most observations of live calves were recorded from 2016 onward, with two-thirds of the observations made in 2023 or 2024. Meanwhile, comparisons with historical texts and whaling logbooks indicate that calves born during migration were observed before the population crashed due to hunting. "I think it's very likely that this pattern has always existed, but the low number of whales obscured it from view," said McPhee-Frew. "The Eastern Australia humpback population narrowly escaped extinction, but now there are 30, 40, or 50,000 in this population alone. It doesn't happen overnight, but the recovery of humpback whales, and the return of their full range of behaviors and distribution, just goes to show that with good policies built on good science we can have excellent outcomes." 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. Migration motives Migrating costs energy and leaves calves vulnerable to predators. Why do humpback whales risk migrating if they can give birth further south? This study can't answer that question, but it's possible other factors drive migration, or the benefits of usually delivering in tropical waters outweigh the risks to a potential calf born on the way. Although data provided by Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions identified a possible nursery area in Flinders Bay, it's likely most calves are born much further north in the tropics. The findings do have conservation implications. Some of the calves observed were injured, and the scientists say expanded protected areas, awareness campaigns about protective measures, and more research into the habitats humpbacks use while migrating are needed to safeguard calves. "This study was based on opportunistic observations," cautioned McPhee-Frew. "This data is excellent for answering questions like, 'are there newborn whales here?' But we can't stretch the interpretations too far. It might appear that we see more calves the further north we go, or that we have seen more over time. But it could be that there are more people whale-watching in the north, or more cameras and social media sharing in recent years." "We can only document what we see," added co-author Dr. Vanessa Pirotta of Macquarie University. "Perhaps there are things happening in our ocean that we are yet to find out." More information: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) continue migration after giving birth in temperate waters in Australia and New Zealand, Frontiers in Marine Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1545526 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science Provided by Frontiers 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: Gail Samko's Australian Shepard-cattle dog mix, Rio, spots a spotted lanternfly egg sac mass on a tree Monday, May 5, 2025, in Cleveland Metroparks' Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki The spotted lanternfly, a leaf-hopping invasive pest first detected in the U.S. a decade ago, has steadily spread across the East Coast and into the Midwest with little getting in its way. But now researchers are deploying a new weapon to slow it's advancespecially trained dogs with the ability to sniff out the winged insect's eggs before they hatch. Since late last year, four of the dogs have been scouring parks in the Cleveland area in search of egg masses hidden around trees, shrubs, park benches, landscape rocks and bridge pillars. Each egg mass can produce 30 to 50 spotted lanternflies. So far, the dogs have uncovered more than 4,000 of the masses, meaning they've helped eradicate as many as 200,000 of the sap-sucking bugs that damage grapes, fruit trees, hops and hardwoods, said Connie Hausman, senior conservation science manager at Cleveland Metroparks. In just a few hours in April, the dogs found about 1,100 egg masses at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Hausman said. Not just any dog can go out searching, she said. "They all have wonderful noses, but they're not all eligible," she said. "They had to pass tests to prove their service." The dogs were trained through a research project led by a group at Virginia Tech University, which is setting out to slow the spread of the insects that are native to eastern Asia and recognizable for their distinctive black spots and bright red wing markings. Connie Hausman, Senior Conservation Science Manage, Cleveland Metroparks, holds a display of the different phases of the spotted lanternfly, from egg mass to adult lantern fly, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Cleveland Metroparks' Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki Spotted lanternfly egg masses are pictured on a tree Monday, May 5, 2025, in Cleveland Metroparks Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki Connie Hausman, left, Senior Conservation Science Manage, Cleveland Metroparks, and Gail Samko, right, scrape spotted lanternfly egg masses from trees Monday, May 5, 2025, in Cleveland Metroparks' Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki Gail Samko and Australian Shepard-cattle dog mix, Rio, left, and Paige Malone and her Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Bronco, search for spotted lanternfly egg masses Monday, May 5, 2025, in Cleveland Metroparks' Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki The four working in Cleveland owned by local residents already had scent training before they worked with Virginia Tech to hone their noses to detect the spotted lanternflies. Once they spot a new mass of eggs, the dogs get a treat from their handlers who scrape away the mud-like masses. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Blue electrolyte-to-golden metal transition in solutions of lithium in liquid ammonia. Computer simulations predict that at intermediate concentrations the system by itself rapidly flips back and forth between a low conductivity electrolyte (blue) and a high conductivity metal (gold). Credit: Vitek, M., Roncevic, I., Marsalek, O. et al. Rapid flipping between electrolyte and metallic states in ammonia solutions of alkali metals. Nat Commun 16, 4302 (2025). A research team led by Prof. Pavel Jungwirth at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) has uncovered a previously unknown phenomenon that emerges during the transformation of a liquid from a nonmetal to a conductive metal. In this transition, they observed a distinct phase in which the system spontaneously and rapidly flips between metallic and nonmetallic stateswithout settling in either for any meaningful length of time. This newly proposed theory is grounded in high-level molecular modeling. The study, carried out in collaboration with the University of Oxford, the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, and the J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS, has been published in Nature Communications. Prof. Jungwirth and his colleagues have long been exploring the conditions under which substances shift from nonmetallic to metallic states. Their research challenges conventional ideas rooted in the fact that metals are typically solid, showing instead that certain liquids can exhibit interesting metallic behavior not present in solids. One of their earlier modelswhere alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, or potassium are dissolved in liquid ammonia until the solution transitions from blue to a golden metallic stategarnered attention in Science five years ago. As alkali metals release electrons into the solution, the increasing number of free electrons begins to form a conduction band, turning the electrolyte liquid into a liquid metal. The team at IOCB Prague developed a methodology that not only allows this transition to be calculated but also, in principle, verified experimentally using photoelectron spectroscopy at a synchrotron facility. Building on these results, they've now used advanced molecular dynamics simulations to propose a new hypothesis: that between the nonmetal and metal phases, there exists a third phase characterized by ultrafast switchingwithin just tens of femtosecondsbetween the two. "No one had previously realized that a system might oscillate between metallic and nonmetallic states on such a brief timescale. It simply hadn't been considered before," says Prof. Jungwirth. "We believe our theoretical predictions are accurate enough to warrant serious attention." The team is now working to validate their findings experimentally and is searching for a laboratory equipped to detect these fleeting transitions. "This won't be easy, because the switching happens incredibly faston the order of millionths of a millionth of a second," says Ph.D. student Marco Vitek, the study's first author. "The question is how to capture something that fast in an experiment. Our plan is to use ultrafast lasers, some of which we already have access to here at the institute." If confirmed, the findings could open a new chapter at the boundary of physics and chemistryintroducing a fundamental physical process not yet covered in the literature. More information: Marco Vitek et al, Rapid flipping between electrolyte and metallic states in ammonia solutions of alkali metals, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59071-z Journal information: Nature Communications , Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: One of the navigation cameras on NASAs Perseverance captured the rovers tracks coming from an area called Witch Hazel Hill, on May 13, 2025, the 1,503rd Martian day (sol) of the mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech NASA's Perseverance Mars rover is exploring a new region of interest the team is calling "Krokodillen" that may contain some of the oldest rocks on Mars. The area has been on the Perseverance science team's wish list because it marks an important boundary between the oldest rocks of Jezero Crater's rim and those of the plains beyond the crater. "The last five months have been a geologic whirlwind," said Ken Farley, deputy project scientist for Perseverance from Caltech in Pasadena. "As successful as our exploration of 'Witch Hazel Hill' has been, our investigation of Krokodillen promises to be just as compelling." Named by Perseverance mission scientists after a mountain ridge on the island of Prins Karls Forland, Norway, Krokodillen (which means "the crocodile" in Norwegian) is a 73-acre (about 30-hectare) plateau of rocky outcrops located downslope to the west and south of Witch Hazel Hill. A quick earlier investigation into the region revealed the presence of clays in this ancient bedrock. Because clays require liquid water to form, they provide important clues about the environment and habitability of early Mars. The detection of clays elsewhere within the Krokodillen region would reinforce the idea that abundant liquid water was present sometime in the distant past, likely before Jezero Crater was formed by the impact of an asteroid. Clay minerals are also known on Earth for preserving organic compounds, the building blocks of life. "If we find a potential biosignature here, it would most likely be from an entirely different and much earlier epoch of Mars evolution than the one we found last year in the crater with 'Cheyava Falls,'" said Farley, referring to a rock sampled in July 2024 with chemical signatures and structures that could have been formed by life long ago. "The Krokodillen rocks formed before Jezero Crater was created, during Mars's earliest geologic period, the Noachian, and are among the oldest rocks on Mars." Data collected from NASA's Mars orbiters suggest that the outer edges of Krokodillen may also have areas rich in olivine and carbonate. While olivine forms from magma, carbonate minerals on Earth typically form during a reaction in liquid water between rock and dissolved carbon dioxide. Carbonate minerals on Earth are known to be excellent preservers of fossilized ancient microbial life and recorders of ancient climate. The rover, which celebrated its 1,500th day of surface operations on May 9, is currently analyzing a rocky outcrop in Krokodillen called "Copper Cove" that may contain Noachian rocks. Ranking Mars rocks The rover's arrival at Krokodillen comes with a new sampling strategy for the nuclear-powered rover that allows for leaving some cored samples unsealed in case the mission finds a more scientifically compelling geologic feature down the road. To date, Perseverance has collected and sealed two regolith (crushed rock and dust) samples, three witness tubes, and one atmospheric sample. It has also collected 26 rock cores and sealed 25 of them. The rover's one unsealed sample is its most recent, a rock core taken on April 28 that the team named "Bell Island," which contains small round stones called spherules. If at some point the science team decides a new sample should take its place, the rover could be commanded to remove the tube from its bin in storage and dump the previous sample. "We have been exploring Mars for over four years, and every single filled sample tube we have on board has its own unique and compelling story to tell," said Perseverance acting project scientist Katie Stack Morgan of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "There are seven empty sample tubes remaining and a lot of open road in front of us, so we're going to keep a few tubesincluding the one containing the Bell Island coreunsealed for now. This strategy allows us maximum flexibility as we continue our collection of diverse and compelling rock samples." Before the mission adopted its new strategy, the engineering sample team assessed whether leaving a tube unsealed could diminish the quality of a sample. The answer was no. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The environment inside the rover met very strict standards for cleanliness when the rover was built. The tube is also oriented in such a way within its individual storage bin that the likelihood of extraneous material entering the tube during future activities, including sampling and drives, is very low," said Stack Morgan. In addition, the team assessed whether remnants of a sample that was dumped could "contaminate" a later sample. "Although there is a chance that any material remaining in the tube from the previous sample could come in contact with the outside of a new sample," said Stack Morgan, "it is a very minor concernand a worthwhile exchange for the opportunity to collect the best and most compelling samples when we find them." Provided by NASA 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: Frans af Malmborg calls for debate about artificial intelligence. The photo is created using the AI tool Midjourney. Credit: UiA In his recent doctoral thesis from the University of Agder, Frans af Malmborg examined how politicians in the Nordic countries and the EU discuss and develop policies on artificial intelligence (AI). "Almost all politicians in the Nordics say yes to artificial intelligence. But the political governance behind developments is weak. Artificial intelligence is presented as the solution to most problems," says Malmborg. The conclusion is clear. Regardless of political party or country, the message is the same: We need more artificial intelligence. "Politicians view artificial intelligence as a driving force for efficiency and economic growth. But I find almost no one asking critical questions," says Malmborg. The EU sets the agenda The researcher reminds us that the study was conducted before ChatGPT was launched in 2022. Since then, more critical voices have emerged. "The study shows that politicians see artificial intelligence as something inevitable. It is seen as a development beyond political control. So, control is left to the market and EU regulations." Malmborg has looked at political documents and debates in the EU, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. He finds a consistent trend: Countries are adapting to EU policies. "The EU, in turn, derives its understanding of AI from an optimistic narrative about technology and artificial intelligence that everyone seems to agree on. The EU builds its policies on the idea that Europe lags behind China and the US and must invest heavily to catch up. This narrative has gained a foothold everywhere," he says. He points out that the market and industry largely shape the EU's direction. As a result, the policy becomes market-driven rather than state and politically governed. "There is a kind of overconfidence that AI will solve most things," says Malmborg. Copy of EU policy In the Nordic countries, politicians often speak as if they have their own AI policy. But in reality, most of it is copied from the EU, according to Malmborg. "It's of course adapted to local conditions. In Sweden, for instance, the development is closely linked to companies like Volvo and Ikea. But the core idea that AI is positive and necessary is shared by all," he says. He has reviewed debates in the Swedish parliament, the Riksdag, from 2016 to 2022. There he finds few traces of disagreement between the various parties. "Everyone thinks the same: More AI is the way forward. There are almost no voices pointing out challenges related to privacy, labor rights or climate," says Malmborg. Political differences are erased There are usually clear ideological divides in political questions, such as taxation. But when it comes to AI, it's a different story. "Even though there are nuances in what the technology can be used for, everyone agrees that we need more of the technology itself. It is striking," says Malmborg. He provides an example from the Riksdag: A liberal politician argues that AI creates growth, while an environmental politician believes the technology can free up time for workers. Both view the technology positively, but for different reasons. "This illustrates an important difference in values, but not in the view of the technology itself. There is general agreement that AI is beneficial," says Malmborg. 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. 'Politics fails its responsibility' Malmborg believes the technological consensus is problematic for democracy. "Politicians should discuss both advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to artificial intelligence there is little willingness to challenge assumptions. This results in weak governance and far too much power given to large technology companies," he says. He says the time is ripe to develop political tools and ideological understanding to address the challenges brought by AI. Not least because the technology is changing the labor market, health services and public sector at record speed. AI is not just technology Malmborg's research shows that AI is not just a neutral technology, but a political project rooted in certain ideas about efficiency, growth and modernization. "This is about the kind of society we want. When all parties agree on more AI without discussing what it actually entails, we lose important political perspectives," he says. More information: Artificial Intelligencea Promethean Technology? Frames, Narratives and Arguments about AI in the EU and the Nordics 2016-2022. uia.brage.unit.no/uia-xmlui/handle/11250/3161524 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: John Nees (left) and laser engineer Paul Campbell (right) work in Target Area 1, where the first 2 petawatt user experiment will take place. ZEUS is now the most powerful laser in the U.S. Credit: Marcin Szczepanski, Michigan Engineering The ZEUS laser facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the U.S. with its first official experiment at 2 petawatts (2 quadrillion watts). At more than 100 times the global electricity power output, this huge power lasts only for the brief duration of its laser pulsejust 25 quintillionths of a second long. "This milestone marks the beginning of experiments that move into unexplored territory for American high field science," said Karl Krushelnick, director of the Gerard Mourou Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, which houses ZEUS. Research at ZEUS will have applications in medicine, national security, materials science and astrophysics, in addition to plasma science and quantum physics. ZEUS is a user facilitymeaning that research teams from all over the country and internationally can submit experiment proposals that go through an independent selection process. "One of the great things about ZEUS is it's not just one big laser hammer, but you can split the light into multiple beams," said Franklin Dollar, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Irvine, whose team is running the first user experiment at 2 petawatts. "Having a national resource like this, which awards time to users whose experimental concepts are most promising for advancing scientific priorities, is really bringing high-intensity laser science back to the U.S." Dollar's team and the ZEUS team aim to produce electron beams with energies equivalent to those made in particle accelerators that are hundreds of meters in length. This would be 510 times higher energy than any electron beams previously produced at the ZEUS facility. "We aim to reach higher electron energies using two separate laser beamsone to form a guiding channel and the other to accelerate electrons through it," said Anatoly Maksimchuk, U-M research scientist in electrical and computer engineering, who leads the development of the experimental areas. They hope to do this in part with a redesigned target. They lengthened the cell that holds the gas that the laser pulse rams into, helium in this experiment. This interaction produces plasma, ripping electrons off the atoms so that the gas becomes a soup of free electrons and positively charged ions. Those electrons get accelerated behind the laser pulse-like wakesurfers close behind a speedboata phenomenon called wakefield acceleration. Light moves slower through plasma, enabling the electrons to catch up to it. In a less dense, longer target, the electrons spend more time accelerating before they catch up to the laser pulse, enabling them to hit higher top speeds. Credit: University of Michigan This demonstration of ZEUS's power paves the way for the signature experiment, expected later this year, when the accelerated electrons will collide with laser pulses coming the opposite way. In the moving frame of the electrons, the 3-petawatt laser pulse will seem to be a million times more powerfula zettawatt-scale pulse. This gives ZEUS its full name of "Zettawatt Equivalent Ultrashort laser pulse System." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The fundamental research done at the NSF ZEUS facility has many possible applications, including better imaging methods for soft tissues and advancing the technology used to treat cancer and other diseases," said Vyacheslav Lukin, program director in the NSF Division of Physics, which oversees the ZEUS project. "Scientists using the unique capabilities of ZEUS will expand the frontiers of human knowledge in new ways and provide new opportunities for American innovation and economic growth." The ZEUS facility fits in a space similar in size to a school gymnasium. At one corner of the room, a laser produces the initial infrared pulse. Optical devices called diffraction gratings stretch it out in time so that when the pump lasers dump power into the pulse, it doesn't get so intense that it starts tearing the air apart. At its biggest, the pulse is 12 inches across and a few feet long. After four rounds of pump lasers adding energy, the pulse enters the vacuum chambers. Another set of gratings flattens it to a 12-inch disk that is just 8 microns thickabout 10 times thinner than a piece of printer paper. Even at 12 inches across, its intensity could turn the air into plasma, but then it is focused down to 0.8 microns wide to deliver maximum intensity to the experiments. "As a midscale-sized facility, we can operate more nimbly than large-scale facilities like particle accelerators or the National Ignition Facility," said John Nees, U-M research scientist in electrical and computer engineering, who leads the ZEUS laser construction. "This openness attracts new ideas from a broader community of scientists." The road to 2 petawatts has been slow and careful. Just getting the pieces they need to assemble the system has been harder than expected. The biggest challenge is a sapphire crystal, infused with titanium atoms. Almost 7 inches in diameter, it is the critical component of the final amplifier of the system, which brings the laser pulse to full power. "The crystal that we're going to get in the summer will get us to 3 petawatts, and it took four and a half years to manufacture," said Franko Bayer, project manager for ZEUS. "The size of the titanium sapphire crystal we have, there are only a few in the world." In the meantime, jumping from the 300 terawatt power of the previous HERCULES laser to just 1 petawatt on ZEUS resulted in worrying darkening of the gratings. First, they had to determine the cause: Were they permanently damaged or just darkened by carbon deposits from the powerful beam tearing up molecules floating in the imperfect vacuum chamber? When it turned out to be carbon deposits, Nees and the laser team had to figure out how many laser shots could run safely between cleanings. If the gratings became too dark, they could distort the laser pulses in a way that damages optics further along the path. Finally, the ZEUS team has already spent a total of 15 months running user experiments since the grand opening in October 2023 because there is still plenty of science that could be done with a 1 petawatt laser. So far, it has welcomed 11 separate experiments with a total of 58 experimenters from 22 institutions, including international researchers. Over the next yearbetween user experimentsthe ZEUS team will continue upgrading the system toward its full power. 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: Farmer Luke Abblitt inspects his crop of sugar beets on Daintree Farm in Cambridgeshire which he says are half the size they should be due to lack of rain. UK farmers are praying for rain as Britain suffers its driest spring in well over a century, which has left the soil parched and crops stunted from lack of water. At his 400-hectare (988-acre) farm near the eastern town of Peterborough, Luke Abblitt sadly surveyed his fields of thirsty sugar beets and potatoes struggling to grow. Not a drop of rain has fallen since March. "I'm not quite sure how I'm going to handle it on the farm, I'm hoping that we're going to get some rain, if not then I'll have to somehow magically do something," Abblitt, 36, told AFP. The tiny green shoots of the sugar beets poking through the cracked, dusty earth "should be at least twice the size," he sighed. In a neighboring field he has just planted potatoes with the help of his father, Clive, toiling to break up the baked soil. A total of 80.6 millimeters (3.1 inches) of rain has fallen since the start of spring, which covers the months of March, April and May, according to the national weather agency. That is well below the all-time low of 100.7 millimeters which fell in 1852, according to the Met Office. "This spring has so far been the driest for more than a century," the Met Office told AFP, cautioning that it would be necessary to wait until the end of May to confirm the record. According to the Environment Agency, levels in the reservoirs have fallen to "exceptionally low". Sacks of potatoes are pictured on Daintree Farm in Cambridgeshire where the farmers are praying for rain. It called a meeting of its national drought group last week, at which deputy director of water Richard Thompson said climate change meant "we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades". The dry start to the year meant water companies were "moving water across their regions to relieve the driest areas", a spokesperson for Water UK, the industry body representing water suppliers, told AFP. Memories linger in Britain of July 2022 when temperatures topped 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit) for the first time. 'One extreme to another' In a barn, the Abblitts worked side-by-side with a noisy machine packing potatoes harvested last year into 25-kilo sacks. "Potatoes are a lot heavier users of water ... and they're also a lot more high value. So, we desperately need some rain," Luke Abblitt said. Without water, a potato "will only reach a certain stage before it stops and then it won't grow any bigger," he added. If his potatoes are stunted he will not be able to sell them to his main clients which are British fish and chip shops. "I need to make sure they're a fair size, because everyone wants big chips, no one wants tiny chips do they?" he said. The weather is going from "one extreme to the other," he said dejectedly. Water levels have dropped at Woodhead reservoir in northern England as the UK experiences its driest spring since 1852. "We're having a lot of rain in the wintertime, not so much rain in the spring or summer time. We need to adapt our cultivation methods, look at different varieties, different cropping possibly to combat these adverse weather conditions." In recent years, Britain has been battered by major storms, as well as being hit by floods and heat waves. "As our climate changes, the likelihood of droughts increases," said Liz Bentley, chief executive at the Royal Meteorological Society. "They're likely to become more frequent, and they're likely to be more prolonged," she warned. In past years the country used to experience a severe drought every 16 years. "In this current decade, that's increased to one in every five years, and in the next couple of decades, that becomes one in every three years." And a fall in harvests risks pushing up prices in the supermarkets, she added. Some farmers have begun irrigating their crops earlier than usual, the National Farmers' Union said, calling for investment to improve water storage and collection systems. Vice President Rachel Hallos warned "extreme weather patterns ... are impacting our ability to feed the nation". Abblitt applied two years ago for a license to install an irrigation system on the lands he rents from the local authorities. He is still waiting. "I'm just praying for the rain," he added. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers at the WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center recently published a paper that showed some varieties of wild spinach are resistant to a fungal disease that wreaks havoc in the cultivated varieties of spinach. From left, Ph.D. student Alex Batson; Bryn Hulbert, field rep for Syngenta Seeds; and Sanjaya Gyawali, postdoctoral research associate and first author of the paper published recently in Scientific Reports. Credit: Lindsey du Toit Several varieties of wild spinach that originated in Central Asia show resistance to a destructive soil-borne pathogen that beleaguers growers of spinach seed in the Pacific Northwesta finding that can be used to breed hardier crops. Researchers at Washington State University's Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center demonstrated in a new paper that some strains of wild spinach are resistant to Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that is a persistent problem for growers of commercial spinach seed, and they identified regions of the plants' genome associated with that resistance. The findings are important for seed growers in western Washington and Oregon, where a significant portion of the world's spinach seed is grown and where the pathogen has long been a problem due to the acidic soils. "We were very, very pleased we found some excellent resistance when we did the screening and then we followed up with the DNA sequencing and looking at where that resistance might be lying," said Lindsey du Toit, a plant pathologist who has worked on fighting disease in seed crops for 25 years at WSU's Mount Vernon NWREC. Though the new paper, published this month in Scientific Reports, identified several varieties of wild spinach associated with resistance to Fusarium wilt, more study is needed to understand the genetic nature of the resistance. However, seed companies don't have to wait to apply the findingsthey can begin breeding hybrids with the wild spinach varieties that showed resistance. "You don't necessarily have to understand the mechanism of resistance in order to use it," du Toit said. "This is a tool that's available immediately to breeding programs." Spinach consumption has been growing dramatically around the world. In the U.S., the per-capita consumption of the vitamin-rich vegetable has more than doubled in the past 20 years, with a particularly strong market for baby leaf spinach. Most of the domestic crop is grown in hot, dry regions such as California, Texas and Florida. But growing spinach seed requires a rare combination of seasonal conditionslong, dry summers that aren't too hot. As a result, around a fifth of the world's spinach seed is grown in the Pacific Northwest. But those crops have little resistance to Fusarium wilt, which afflicts spinach by entering through the roots and blocking their ability to take up water. Seed growers have tried to manage this problem by rotating spinach crops on long timelinea decade or more between plantingsand taking other measures to treat the soil with calcium carbonate to reduce the acidity. Even so, the prospect of an expensive "wipeout" of an entire crop has remained a continual threat. In the current study, du Toit and a former post-doctoral researcher in her lab, Sanjaya Gyawali, screened 68 varieties of wild spinach from the region where the plant originatedUzbekistan and Tajikistanand compared them to 16 cultivated varieties. Researchers from the University of Arkansas also participated in the study. They found strong resistance to the pathogen in several wild varieties. They then identified the chromosomal locations associated with the most powerful resistance. Those locationsknown as quantitative trait locican be used by breeders to introduce more resistance to Fusarium wilt into commercial lines using marker-assisted selection, a technique that uses DNA markers to select for desirable traits. More information: Genome wide association study of Fusarium wilt resistance in Spinacia turkestanica, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-98932 Journal information: Scientific Reports Why America was great Memorial Day is intended to honor and mourn military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces. For many citizens this can be personal, not just for those who lost loved ones but for all Americans who have relatives who served. My father, and the father of my wife, who Ive been married to for 52 years, volunteered during World War II. The former served in the Navy in the Philippines, the latter in the Army in Europe. That was a time when America was truly great, when it didnt turn away from nations invaded by tyrants. Before the lessons learned from Hitler and Mussolini and Tojo were forgotten, and the party of Ronald Reagan became the party of appeasement. Some of you who wave flags now and think youre making America great again cheer on President Donald Trump as he dismantles our Constitution and places himself above the rule of law. You who excuse his corruption, you who are silent as he grovels before a murderous Russian dictator, you disgrace the flag and all those who died for freedom. Gullibles in the 1930s who believed that if they gave their beloved leader a little more power, he would make their lives better, were wrong. And so are you. You betray what Americans have died for from our beginning. But you will be remembered, not as conservatives but as weak. As cowards. As the worst generation of Americans. You do make me glad of one thing: that I am old. I wont have to witness the long-term consequences of what my children and grandchildren will witness. I hope the Americans, and patriots, and warriors from our times past who made real sacrifices can still see you. I hope you will come to feel their shame for you. And I pray they never forgive you. Jim Tweed Ocean City Atlantic City letter writer praises Pope 'Leo the Local' Thomas Sykes, of Atlantic City, wonders whether Pope Leo's regional connections could be just what the world needs. Voting by mail safe On March 25, President Trump signed an executive order that is stacked with blatant lies to undermine the nations free and fair election process by placing restrictions on voter access to the ballot box. Our country is stronger when more people participate in the democratic process, no matter how they choose to cast their ballots: early, in person on Election Day or through mail-in ballots. Letter carriers take pride in our work and have safely, securely and successfully delivered ballots since the Civil War. In the 2024 election, letter carriers delivered 99.22 million ballots to and from voters, tens of millions of which were cast for President Trump. In 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of Americans sheltered in place, letter carriers delivered a record-breaking 135 million ballots. While this executive order claims to be about preserving and protecting American elections, we the letter carriers see this for what it is: a clear attack on voting rights and the security of voting by mail. The National Association of Letter Carriers will not stand for any attempt to diminish Americans' accessibility to free and fair elections, and we will fight like hell to protect this right for the millions of Americans who rely on us. Nelson Gaskill Vice president, N.J. State Association of Letter Carriers Cape-Atlantic Branch 903 Mays Landing Former Atlantic City police officer says union shouldn't endorse Small A former Atlantic City police officer says supporting those who have committed crimes due to personal connections or organizational pressures shows a lack of integrity by the membership. So much for 'free speech' During his March 4 address to Congress, President Trump said I have stopped all government censorship and brought back free speech in America. Now Trump is urging Republicans to treat Americans voicing a dissenting opinion like disruptors and troublemakers who should be immediately ejected from town hall meetings. So much for free speech in America as Trumps hypocrisy is on full display. Under Trumps government, Americans dont have the freedom to speak, or write, or assemble according to their conscience. Only the freedom" to agree with Trump. So much for free speech. MAGA Republicans may think they are finally achieving greatness for America, but in reality they are quickly moving away from it. When the fundamental freedoms are diminished, whatever remains is hollow and not worth defending. Josh Lucchesi Northfield The superintendent of the North Scott Community School District announced Monday he will run for state senate as a Republican. Joe Stutting, a Princeton resident and long-time educator, plans to run for Iowa Senate District 35 in 2026, a seat which attracted national attention when fellow educator Mike Zimmer flipped it for Democrats in a January special election. Stutting filed paperwork late last month to run for the office, but until Monday had not made a public announcement. In a news release from Stutting's campaign, he said he would focus on "continued tax relief, education excellence, defending our liberties, workforce development and preserving Iowa's small-town conservative values." "As the next Iowa Senator for District 35, I will work every day to ensure (Iowans) keep more of their hard-earned money and protect them from government trampling on their freedoms and rights," Stutting said in the news release. "I'm committed to growing Iowa and that starts by supporting family farmers, entrepreneurs and our main street businesses, in addition to making Iowa No. 1 in education again." Stutting told the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus, that this will be his final three-year contract with the North Scott school district, a process Stutting said he has been in conversation with the school board about for around a year. If elected, his first legislative session would coincide with the final year in his superintendent contract the 2026-2027 school year. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. Stutting, 56, said the timing was right for North Scott to make a transition and he was looking at doing something different. Stutting said he still plans to work after he leaves North Scott until at least age 62, but is not sure yet what that will look like. He has always been interested in politics, Stutting said, and that serving as an elected official has been a lifelong dream. Earlier in his career he served as a city council member in Wisconsin and, as a superintendent, he said, political lobbying and discussions are part of the job. According to the Clinton Herald, Stutting is a 1987 Camanche High School graduate. He and his family moved from Wisconsin in 2014 as Stutting started his current role as superintendent for North Scott schools. Stutting has degrees in education and administration from Central College in Pella, Iowa; Drake University in Des Moines, and the University of Wisconsin - Superior, according to a resume sent by Stutting's campaign. Stutting got his teaching start in 1991 at Southern Cal Schools in Lake City, Iowa, and has been a principal for schools in Eldon, Iowa; Columbus Junction Iowa; and Clintonville, Wisconsin, according to his resume. Before moving back to Iowa to be North Scott superintendent, Stutting was the superintendent for Sturgeon Bay School District in Wisconsin. He is also the president of the School Administrators of Iowa. Stutting is a former National Guard member and collegiate All-American wrestler, according to the news release. He also has served as a president of Rotary groups and served on boards of Quad-Cities groups such as Junior Achievement of the Heartland. We need leaders who know how to get things done by delivering conservative results, Stutting said. Ive spent my career listening to people, solving problems and fighting for working families and thats exactly what Ill do in the Iowa Senate. In 2023, Stutting weighed in on the state's plans to create state-funded educational savings accounts for Iowa families' private school expenses. He expressed concerns to the Legislature during a public hearing, calling the plan "not fiscally sound." Stutting said he would not look to eliminate education savings accounts if elected, but that he would be focused on the state's ability to afford the program as the state also reduces income from taxes, as well as bolstering accountability for how private schools spend the money. If elected, he said, he would also advocate for local control and use his background in education to inform decision-making at the Legislature. "As Republicans, we promote local control, but then take powers away from the (school) board," Stutting said. He added that state mandates for teachers often take away time from the classroom. The 2026 primary is June 2, 2026, and the general election is Nov. 3, 2026. Stutting is so far the only Republican to announce a run for the seat. Zimmer, whose resume in eastern Iowa education includes as a North Scott principal, a Pleasant Valley administrator and president of the Central DeWitt school board, has said he plans to run for reelection as a Democrat. Prospective candidates for state offices must file with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office between Feb. 23, 2026, and March 13, 2026, to appear on the ballot. Rapid City Area Schools' Area 3 seat is up for election, and the Journal asked the candidates various questions about their thoughts on issues and why they are running. The candidates are Michael Birkeland, who's seeking re-election, and longtime RCAS teacher Angela Bradsky Rafferty, who recently retired. Area 3 encompasses a large portion of the neighborhoods in west and southwest Rapid City. To see area maps within the school district, including Area 3, visit pennco.org, hover over the "Departments" tab toward the top of the website, then hover over "Auditors Office", then hover over "Elections," and click on "District Maps." Scroll down to see links to the school district map and individual area maps. The election will be held on June 3 and new representatives will be sworn in on July 1. Look for additional entries in our question and answer series with local candidates this week. Michael Birkeland, 32, is an instructional designer at McGraw Hill Education. He holds a bachelor's of science in education from Black Hills State University in math and science education and a master's in education from Arizona State University in learning and design technologies. He worked as a math teacher for six years at Central High School from 2015 to 2021. Birkeland's campaign website is birkelandforboard.com. Angela Bradsky Rafferty, 58, is a retired RCAS teacher. She double-majored in elementary education and special education and taught at RCAS for 29 years. Her campaign website is angelaforarea3.com. What inspired you to run for this seat? Birkeland: I initially ran for the board because I believed our schools needed strong advocates who genuinely support all staff, students and the value of public education. I also felt that the communitys concerns were not being recognized, particularly regarding the need for more behavioral supports, expanded and alternative education options, and much-needed improvements to our facilities. I wanted to be a representative who truly listened and stood up for the needs of everyone in our district. Im running for reelection because, while weve made meaningful progress in these areas, theres still important work ahead. In my first term, we've made progress and laid a lot of groundwork toward raising student achievement, improving staff morale, updating facilities, and expanding educational opportunities. I'm ready to put in the work to keep these initiatives going and growing. I'm running for reelection to build upon the momentum we've built and ensure the upward trajectory continues. Bradsky Rafferty: I was inspired to run for school board after I retired from kindergarten teaching in 2023. I have observed the shifts in our district over the years, and I believe there are critical areas where we can do better. Our district faces many challenges, so I want to use my 31 years of classroom teaching experience to do something that would help benefit the students of Rapid City. I felt further inspired to act as a voice for the teachers and students in our community, as I think their needs are getting drowned out by administration gains. This has led to my concern about our declining enrollment and losing great teachers to other schools. RCAS teachers received a 2.1% raise this year, but the public does not realize that their insurance premiums have also gone up. Insurance premiums increase every year, so the raise is not sufficient to make a real difference for teachers. The public also doesnt realize that admins received a much higher raise than teachers, with one receiving an 18% raise. I also decided to run for school board because our buildings are deteriorating, making conditions less safe for students. What are 2-3 areas/topics within Rapid City Area Schools that can be improved, changed or built upon? How will you execute those areas? Birkeland: Student achievement is always the top priority, and improving it requires addressing several interconnected factors. My focus is on three key areas: expanding early interventions and educational options, ensuring safe and supportive learning environments, and recruiting and retaining high-quality staff. In my first term, we introduced junior kindergarten, implemented behavioral interventions at all levels, and launched a virtual elementary school. These early interventions have shown success since beginning them, and I want to see them expanded to better serve even more families. To do that, we must also support the staff and infrastructure behind them. Another area I would focus on is ensuring that we have safe and appropriate learning environments throughout the district. In order to guide our work in this area, during my first term I voted to commission a facilities master plan. This plan has been recently completed and lays out the needs and plans for each building in our district. In order to fulfill these needs, I would recommend exploring grant options and proposing a bond issue to accelerate these important upgrades, as many of the needs revolve around safety and security. Finally, recruiting and retaining excellent staff is essential. We've made progress by raising compensation, especially for high-need roles like bus drivers and paraeducators, but we still lag behind the national average. I will continue to advocate for competitive pay, as well as creative, lower-cost incentives like additional paid time off and flexible working options. We've also started partnering with colleges to bring student teachers to Rapid City, and Id like to expand those efforts. Each of these priorities is critical, as together they lay the foundation for a school system where students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed. Bradsky Rafferty: As a school board candidate, I aim to improve and strengthen Rapid City Area Schools by focusing on two critical areas: enhancing teacher support and ensuring student safety. My plans are rooted in my experience as a former educator of 31 years. First, I will prioritize teacher support in the classrooms, starting with reinstating literacy and math specialists at the foundational (elementary) level. Years ago, RCASD provided this support, which reduced disruptive behaviors and met diverse student needs, but budget cuts since eliminated these roles. Additionally, I advocate for revising the teacher compensation model. The current placement grid rewards longevity over growth. I propose a step-based system that incentivizes continuing education and advancing degrees, ensuring teachers are fairly rewarded for professional development. Not only will this help our teachers thrive, but it will also attract and retain great teachers, directly benefiting student outcomes. Second, I want to improve student and teacher experience by addressing outdated school facilities. Many RCASD buildings are aging, with infrastructure not conducive to modern learning or safety. The recently revealed Facilities Master Plan sounds good, but recent bond failures show that we need a community buy-in to achieve facility goals. I believe we can secure this by first retaining our great teachers and then pushing for incremental improvements if a bond isnt feasible. When elected to school board, I plan on collaborating with board members, educators, and the community, using community feedback, data-driven insights, and open communication. By addressing teacher support and student safety, we can create an exciting environment of learning for our community. How should the board and district approach the teacher and bus driver shortage? Birkeland: Attracting and retaining quality staff is crucial, and while salary improvements are essential, we must also explore alternative recruitment methods and focus on retaining our current staff. Weve already begun partnering with colleges to bring student teachers to the area, and Id like to continue and expand this initiative. Additionally, were reaching out to professionals without a traditional teaching background to help fill key roles, particularly in our career and technical education programs. For example, we could work with a nurse to become certified to teach a nursing course. These nontraditional recruitment strategies are a step in the right direction, and I am committed to expanding these efforts moving forward. Supporting the staff we already have is even more crucial. Many are facing increased challenges due to difficult student behaviors, leading to burnout. Expanding behavioral interventions will allow us to address these issues and help staff return to focusing on the aspects of their jobs they love. For all staff, but particularly our hourly staff, I will continue advocating for more flexible working arrangements, such as accommodating varying schedules for bus drivers, to provide greater work-life balance. When reelected, I will continue to collaborate with our staff and their negotiating groups to find creative solutions that go beyond just salary, ensuring we meet both recruitment and retention goals. Bradsky Rafferty: To address the teaching shortage, I propose advocating for a budget that prioritizes teacher salary increases, as RCASDs average teacher salary is 24.5% below the national average, driving turnover to higher-paying districts. Additionally, Ill push for policies reducing teacher burdens, such as limiting required busy work thrust upon teachers, allowing teachers to focus on instruction. I strongly believe our students and teachers would thrive with less testing and more teaching in the classroom. Enhancing classroom support through reinstated literacy and math specialists will create safer, more effective teaching environments, addressing burnout and retention. For bus drivers, Ill propose a community outreach campaign targeting retirees and part-time workers, emphasizing flexible schedules and training programs. Adding bus monitors could also enhance safety and reduce driver stress, making the role more appealing, with costs evaluated within the budget. In both cases, the board must cultivate respect through regular feedback forums with teachers and drivers and setting policies that value these professionals. An environment of mutual respect and voices heard will stabilize staffing and strengthen RCASD. How would you work to boost RCAS declining enrollment as alternative forms of education become increasingly popular? Birkeland: One of the most important things we can do is share the success stories of our public schools. While it's true that there are areas for improvement, it's equally important to highlight the incredible achievements happening every day. RCAS boasts award-winning sports, music, and other extracurricular activities. We have students heading to Ivy League universities, as well as graduates earning certifications in various trades. These success stories are a testament to the hard work of our students and staff and to the opportunities public schools provide. At the same time, we must recognize and address the diverse needs of our families. For example, when families expressed a desire for more flexible options, we created the virtual elementary school to give students access to RCAS staff and curriculum from home. When concerns about student behavior were raised, we implemented behavior intervention programs. As we've heard concerns about safety being a reason for withdrawal, we continue to update facilities and policies to create a safer learning environment. Its vital that we only address the reasons that families may not choose public schools while also promoting the unique opportunities that only public education can provide. When reelected, I will continue to be a champion for our public schools. Bradsky Rafferty: To boost RCASDs declining enrollment amid the rise of alternative education, I will push for transparency, facility improvements, and community engagement as a school board member. Declining enrollment driven by teacher shortages, perceptions of outdated infrastructure and lack of confidence reduces funding, creating a negative feedback loop we must break. First, Ill advocate for prioritizing facility upgrades in the districts budget, targeting critical issues like outdated heating systems. As a former teacher in RCASD for 29 years, I endured a classroom in the winter without heat due to a radiator that couldnt be fixed because it was too outdated. This is an unacceptable barrier to learning. These critical problems need to be addressed quickly to make our schools a safe and appealing option compared to alternative programs. Second, Ill strengthen community trust through transparent communication, reaching out to the community to make sure they know that their voices are being heard. I want my voting record to reflect community priorities. By highlighting RCASDs strengths, we can counter the allure of homeschooling or charters. What makes you the best choice for school board? Birkeland: I have been a part of RCAS my entire life: as a student, as an educator, and now as a board member. I have a strong commitment to this district, and my variety of experiences provides me with a unique perspective. During my first term, Ive proven myself to be a communicative, dedicated, and solution-driven board member. Weve maintained a balanced budget each year while also increasing staff compensation and expanding opportunities for students. I've done the work and will keep doing the work to ensure our district continues to improve. Im the best choice for the school board because I understand where weve succeeded and where we still need to grow. With the knowledge and experience Ive gained, I am ready to continue the important work from day one of my next term. Ive been directly involved in creating plans for our future, and Im excited to continue turning those plans into action for the benefit of our students, families, and staff. Bradsky Rafferty: With 29 years of classroom teaching experience in RCASD, 31 years of teaching experience in total, I bring a proven commitment to education, making me the best choice for school board. As a former teacher, Ive seen what workssupportive classrooms, valued educators, functioning facilitiesand what doesnt. Unlike my opponent, whose focus misses critical issues, I prioritize reflecting the communitys values with actionable solutions. My opponent stresses that he wants to keep the momentum going, but our current momentum sees us with declining enrollment and unsatisfied teachers. These outcomes seem more like a sign of failure than of success. RCAS faces declining enrollment, outdated buildings, and teacher turnover due to low pay (24.5% below nation average) and insufficient support. Recently, my opponent voted to give himself a 121% raise to $166 per diem for a role that is often a volunteer position in many communities. 62.3% of school board members nationally receive no salary, and per diems, when offered, are modest. With our teachers struggling, this was an awful move by my opponent, and I would not have voted for it. Ill advocate for budget priorities that boost teacher salaries, reinstate literacy and math specialists, and fund facility upgrades. The Council of Nicaea, the First Ecumenical Council of the ancient and undivided Catholic Church, bequeathed to the world far more than the one universally accepted creed in Christian history, though that is no small feat. The council itself is shrouded in myth and mystery. The official Acts have been lost. The records we have of which bishops and clerics were present do not agree. Was St. Nicholas, for example, really there? Did he really, overcome by zeal, strike the heretic Arius in the face? Some have even theorized that the number of bishops (318) comes not from careful accounting but rather biblical allusion: Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan (Gen. 14:14). And, of course, no story of Nicaea can ignore the role played by the first Christian emperor: Constantine. The legacy of Nicaea is not only theological but social and political as well. It set the tone for a new, and often fraught, relationship between church and state, even East and West, with enduring lessons for Christians in every age. First, we have to consider the background. Since the time of the Apostles, 10 of whom, according to tradition, suffered martyrdom, including St. Peter and St. Paul at the hands of the Romans, the Church faced intermittent, usually regional, persecutions in Rome. For three centuries, Christian intellectuals such as St. Justin Martyr, St. Athenagoras of Athens, Tertullian, Origen, and Lactantius made principled cases not just for the end of persecution but also for universal religious libertyall, with the exception of Lactantius, to no avail. Then came Constantine, or as we refer to him in my Orthodox tradition, St. Constantine the Great, equal-to-the-Apostles. The emperors own biography cannot be separated from conflicting and legendary accounts, but the short version is that, having adopted the Chi Rho (the first letters of Christ in Greek) as his armys symbol, he crossed the Milvian bridge, defeated his rival Maxentius, and entered Rome as a liberator, becoming emperor of the West and later, in 324 after defeating Licinius, sole ruler of the empire. In 313, when relations with Licinius had been better, the two issued the so-called Edict of Milan, returning confiscated property to the Church and granting universal religious tolerance, including for Christians. He did not make Christianity the official religion, though he did promote it. Eusebius of Caesareas jubilation over the event captures the relief of long-persecuted Christians: Finally a bright and splendid day, overshadowed by no cloud, illuminated with beams of heavenly light the churches of Christ throughout the entire world. Reflecting early Christian support for religious liberty, Eusebius continues: And not even those without our communion were prevented from sharing in the same blessings, or at least from coming under their influence and enjoying a part of the benefits bestowed upon us by God. Constantine drew upon Lactantius in his religious policy and appointed him tutor to his star-crossed son Crispus. Nevertheless, Constantines conversion to Christianity was gradual, and much of his life and worldview retained older Roman practices and perspectives. However, to his credit, upon his triumphant arrival in Rome, he refused to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods and basically reduced the cult of the emperor to a fan club, ending the sacrifices and worship previous emperors had permitted. Even after becoming a catechumen, he delayed his baptism until just before his death. Charitably, we could say this was in recognition of the messiness and moral corruption of worldly power, including his involvement in the deaths of his son Crispus and his (Constantines) wife Fausta. That might be too generous, though. In fact, Constantine had planned a lavish public event in which he would be baptized in the Jordan but fell ill before he could realize his plans, dying in 337. The Council of Nicaea took place at the imperial palace there from May to July in 325. Constantine had called the council to settle a source of civil unrest in his newly unified empire: the relation of Jesus Christ to God the Father. The ancient church historian Socrates Scholasticus notes, So disgraceful an extent was this affair carried, that Christianity became a subject of popular ridicule, even in the very theatres. In some cases, angry crowds squared off in city streets chanting their partys slogans at one another. Even if Constantine werent a Christian, as emperor he had to do something. So, what were the details of this chaotic affair? Arius, a charismatic priest of the Church of Alexandria, began preaching that there was a time when the Son was not. For Arius, the Son was Gods first and best creation, but Christ was not equal to, nor coeternal with, the Father. The core of Ariuss theology was one that could be reduced to the aforementioned chant and seemed to make sense of some very difficult questions: If Christians worship the Son of God, what is his relation to God the Father? If Christians believe in one God, the Father, are they polytheists for also worshipping the Son? If the Son is begotten of the Father, doesnt that also mean he was created by him? In fact, the Greek words for begotten and created are homonyms and differ only by a single letter. Finally, the anti-Arian party, led by St. Alexander, patriarch of Alexandria, had introduced a philosophical term to the discussion. They claimed the Son was homoousios, or of the same essence as the Father. But as Tertullian once asked, What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem? Could Christian theological controversy be solved by means of pagan philosophy? The bishops gathered at Nicaea to settle these questions could not have been coerced by Constantineseveral of them likely bore scars and permanent injuries from the brutal persecutions of Diocletian and Galerius. These were men willing to suffer and die for their faith. Rather, they wanted the matter settled as much as the emperor and were grateful for his patronage. By all contemporary accounts, though he played host to their proceedings, Constantine did not interfere, and in fact he may not even have understood sufficiently the subtleties of the controversy to do so anyway. He just wanted an end to civil unrest and peace in the Church, and the council decision seemed to settle the matter. Three-hundred and eighteen bishops finally agreed that there was not a time when the Son was not, issuing a creed that included the affirmation that the Son is homoousios with the Father. Christians are not polytheists precisely because Arianism was rejected as foreign to the faith passed down from the Apostles: The Son is not a god like Zeus or Poseidon but equally divine with, and inseparable from, the Father and the Holy Spirit. In response, Constantine did what any other emperor might havehe used the arm of state power to enforce the decision of the council and restore civil order. As Jaroslav Pelikan notes, after the council he issued an edict against heretics on that basis, forbidding them to gather and confiscating their church buildings and places of assembly. That edict treated Christian dissenters far more harshly than it did pagans. Unfortunately, while Nicaea marks a theological triumph for orthodox doctrine, it marks the beginning of the end of the short-lived religious liberty of Christian Rome. After Constantines death, bishops who had been sympathetic to Arius, or at least skeptical of the Nicene party, gained influence on successive emperors, East and West, in order to persecute orthodox Christians. Saint Athanasius, successor to Alexander as patriarch of Alexandria and adherent to the declaration of Nicaea, found himself suddenly on the run, hiding out in the desert with monks, fearing for his life and lamenting the collusion of state and church. There have been many Councils held heretofore, he wrote, and many judgments passed by the Church; but the Fathers never sought the consent of the Emperor. His stubborn support of Nicaea earned him the Latin epithet Athanasius contra mundum, Athanasius against the world, and so it must have seemed in his time. After Athanasiuss death, the Cappadocian Fathers, St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Basil the Great, would take up his mantle, and the two Gregories would play a major role in the Second Ecumenical Council, held at Constantinople in 381. The Nicene Creed as Christians know it today comes from that Councils revision of the Creed of Nicaea to include a fuller account of the Holy Spirit and the Church. After this time, Arianism became scarce in Christian Rome, but it did not die out. Instead, it found fertile soil among the barbarians (Germans, basically). When Old Rome fell to the Goths in the fifth century, the conquerors were not pagans but Arian Christians, who spared anyone who took refuge in the citys churches, as St. Augustine recounts in his City of God. The Byzantine symphonia, or harmony, between church and state, while an improvement over pagan conceptions of the emperor as a god with total authority over all of life, would nevertheless lead, again and again, to theological combat being waged by way of the sword of the state. This was not so in the West during the early years of the so-called Dark Ages, however, where Constantinople had lost its jurisdiction and was forced to acknowledge the Goths as legal visitors in control of Rome from Ravenna. In the fifth and sixth centuries, Arian and Catholic Christians lived together in relative religious freedom. Ironically, it was under these circumstances, through missionary zeal originating with St. Columbanus of Ireland, that orthodoxy finally vanquished Arianismfreely, and largely without bloodshed. The triumph of Nicaea in the West was also (though again short-lived) a triumph of the religious liberty sought by so many early Christian apologists. Though Constantinople reunited the empire under St. Justinian, two centuries later relations between East and West would break down again in the eighth century. As Orthodox priest and church historian Fr. John Meyendorf recounts: The radical change in Byzantine imperial policies which would occur under the iconoclastic emperors Leo III (717741) and Constantine V (741[775])forceful imposition of iconoclasm, confiscation of the popes Sicilian revenues, and cutting all military support of the papacy against the Lombardsput an end to the period of Byzantine papacy. Pope Stephen II looked for support elsewhere and switched his loyalty to the Franks (754). This would lead to another fateful event when, as Fr. Andrew Louth notes, in the year 800, on Christmas Day 25 December, at the beginning of the third mass of Christmas, Pope Leo [III] solemnly crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans to the acclamation of those present. The newly revived Western Empire nevertheless often clashed with the pope in Rome. Under Spanish influence, the emperor had adopted a version of the Nicene Creed with an addition to the clause about the Holy Spirit. The original (from 381) says that the Spirit proceeds from the Father. In Spain, at the conversion of the Visigoth King Recared in the sixth century, apparently as an additional, anti-Arian affirmation of some sort, the word filioque, meaning and the Son, was added. Though the popes did not disagree with the underlying theology, to exercise their political independence they refused to adopt formally this version of the creed. It wasnt until the eleventh century, at the eve of the Great Schism, that Rome finally accepted the creed with the word filioque. While the actual complaints cited in the papal bull that caused the schism were liturgical practicesEastern Christians use leaven in the Eucharist while Western ones did notnevertheless Nicaeas legacy remains the major theological point of dispute between Western Christians and the Eastern Orthodox Church to this day. The very creed that technically unites all Christians today also stands as the greatest source of division between them. As we mark the 1,700th anniversary of Nicaea this year, a celebration at which both Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had planned to attend before the formers death on Easter Monday this year, we should consider the long and complicated legacy of this First Ecumenical Council. Nicaea pronounced and protected the tradition of faith passed down by the Apostles, but it also sparked a recurring entanglement of church and state that hurt Christian witness, valorized theological error, and led to the martyrdom of many saintsa cautionary tale for those in our own day who believe the state should play a greater role in enforcing orthodoxy. The divided churches will never be restored to the communion of the one Catholic and Orthodox Church apart from the hardand freework of loving discourse, by which, as Christ himself prayed, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me (John 17:21). The most successful version of the most powerful tool humanity has ever created was born in a place where war now rages. That tool is human language, without which we would never have achieved the social organization and transmission of knowledge that have made us masters of the planet. Although the tongue called Proto-Indo-European hasnt been used in 4,000 years, about half Earths inhabitants speak its more than 400 descendant languages: English, the Romance languages of Europe, the Slavic and Baltic languages, the Celtic languages of Wales and Ireland, Armenian, Greek, and languages spoken in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The explosion of Proto-Indo-European from its origins in Eastern Ukrainethe subject of science journalist Laura Spinneys beguiling and revelatory new book, Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Globalis, according to Spinney, easily the most important event of the last five millennia in the Old World. Multilingualism predominated in the ancient world, where you might need different tongues to chat with your neighbor, perform religious rituals, and trade with the metal workers upriver. Its astonishing how much weve discovered about these languages that have gone unspoken and unheard for millennia. In the past two decades, new DNA analysis technologies, combined with archaeological advances and linguistics, have solved many mysteries surrounding the spread of the Proto-Indo-European (or PIE). For example, Anatolian, a now-extinct group of languages, was once thought to be the earliest offshoot of PIE, the first instance in which a new language split off from the mother tongue. But in recent years, genealogical analysis of human remains from the period shows no genetic connection between the people who spoke the Anatolian languages and the Yamnaya, a people of the PonticCaspian steppe region north of the Black Seanow considered the source of PIE. The presiding theory now is that Anatolian isnt the daughter of PIE, but its sister, with both being the products of an even more ancient lingua obscura. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this sounds a bit wonky, well, it is. Tracing the triumphant spread of PIE-derived languages from Central Asia through Europe and the Indian subcontinent, and even to one fascinating outpost in the ancient Far East, is a matter of comparing syllable sounds and consonant pronunciations and following them through a bewildering maze of obscure outposts in unfamiliar places inhabited by long-lost peoples. Fortunately, Spinney is a stylish and erudite writer; its the rare science book that quotes Keats, Seamus Heaney, and Ismail Kadare. She also has a keen sense of the romance of her subject. Her vivid scene-setting takes us from the vast, grassy steppes where the nomadic Yamnaya grazed the livestock whose meat and milk made them exceptionally tall and strong to the perplexing Tocharian culture on the western border of Chinawhose capital was regarded by the Chinese as filled with heavy-drinking, decadent barbarians, famed for its dancing girls and the flock of a thousand peacocks upon which its nobles liked to feast. This latter cultureand not Sanskrit, as was long thoughtmay even be the source for the English word shaman. Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PIE itself is a reconstructed or deduced language, with no living speakers, although if you want to hear one adventurous mans attempt to voice it, you can listen to a translation of the Lords Prayer on YouTube. The prayer is a good choice of text for this experiment because it doesnt contain words for which the Yamnaya were unlikely to have counterparts or that linguists havent been able identify. The reconstructed lexicon of Proto-Indo-European has only about 1,600 words, and at its dawn the language may have been spoken by as few as 100 peoplepeople who didnt need words for such exotica as, for example, bees. Spinney illuminates the way that languages reflect the material reality of the world in which they are spoken. Hotspots of linguistic diversity, she writes, coincide with hotspots of biodiversity, because those regions can support a higher density of human groups speaking different languages. These are the places where the speakers of different languages are most likely to borrow words from each other, leaving clues to their encounters for later generations of scholars. Historical linguists were able to map the epic trek of the Roma people from India to the West by the vocabulary they picked up along the way, such as words for honey and donkey taken from the Persians. After the Hittites conquered the Hattian people in central Anatolia, Hittite myth, according to Spinney, portrayed the two peoples as equal partners in the social order that followed. But while the Hittites borrowed some words from Hattian (a non-Indo-European tongue), over time, Hattian was more deeply transformed, moving from placing verbs at the beginning of a sentence to placing them at the end, as the Hittites did. This suggests, Spinney writes, that the Hittites retained the upper hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genetic evidence has also revealed that while the Yamnaya did not venture all that far from the steppes where they domesticated horses and ate tulip bulbs, their more aggressive successors, the Corded Ware Culture (named for their distinctive style of pottery), carried the PIE languages all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. In much of Europe, this advance resulted in, as Spinney writes, an almost complete replacement of the gene pool, in particular the male chromosome. The Corded Ware men had bred with local women and prevented local men from passing on their genes, she explains; Rape, murder, even genocide could not be ruled out. However, a group of Danish scientists now believe that the replacement was not necessarily intentionalthat plagues swept through Europe in the Late Neolithic period, diseases to which the newcomers from the steppes were resistant. In a related mystery, the population of Ireland is one of the few in Europe that has been genetically consistent since the Bronze Age, yet somehow Ireland also adopted (and still strives to preserve) Gaelic, its own Indo-European language. Usually genetic and linguistic change go hand in hand, but in this case, not. Advertisement Multilingualism predominated in the ancient world, where you might need different tongues to chat with your neighbor, perform religious rituals, and trade with the metal workers upriver. Monolingualism is a modern phenomenon, one Spinney links to the concept of the nation-state. Though in the 21st century humans move greater distances even more easily, languages seem to intermingle and influence one another much less than in ancient times. Spinney theorizes that the desire to belong is as strong as ever, and as it becomes harder to see the difference between them and us, linguistic and cultural boundaries are being guarded more jealously. The war currently ravaging the Yamnayas ancestral homeland, destroying irreplaceable archaeological treasures even as it takes many lives, is, Spinney asserts, in part, a war over languageover where the russophone sphere begins and ends. Putin himself has said as much. But Spinney points out that the people who spoke the primordial tongues from which Russian and Ukrainian both emerged would have regarded this project as bizarre. Prehistoric people undoubtedly had identities as complex and multi-layered as ours, Spinney writes, but we can be sure that nowhere among the layers was the nation-state. The more we learn about these ancestors, the more we bump up against what we dont (and shouldnt presume) to understand. They seem both close and far. Spinney describes the work of Gabriel Leger, a French artist who has restored the polish to old bronze mirrors from Greece and Rome so that they can once more reflect the faces theyre held up to. We know that ancient people looked at themselves in mirrors, she observes. We dont know what they saw. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The Trump administrations next steps on reproductive rights have remained a question mark for months, but cryptic remarks by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before Congress last week might have revealed the start of a plan. Investigation has emerged as the administrations strategy on abortion. That was what RFK promised, explaining that he had recently launched an inquiry as to the safety of one of the most closely studied drugs in the world, mifepristone. Investigation has lots of advantages: It gives Trump an excuse to postpone dealing with reproductive rights until he is readyeven potentially after the 2026 midterm. But more than that, it gives him political cover. Trump has promised to leave abortion to the states, but armed with new data and a fresh inquiry, he can now claim the mandate to change his mind. Since January, when Trump took office, anti-abortion leaders have devised various strategies to get the administration to act on access to abortion pills. Anti-abortion lawmakers have sent letters to the president; conservative attorneys general have courted Attorney General Pam Bondi and pressed on with a lawsuit challenging the current rules governing the drug. Most recently, Sen. Josh Hawley has proposed a bill on mifepristone that would direct the Food and Drug Administration to impose new restrictions on the drug, allow people to file lawsuits against prescribers and pharmacies, and prohibit foreign companies from the mailing the drug. All of this is meant to force Trump to act. But if the president isnt moved by the federal courts or the stock market, Josh Hawley is not likely to do any better. That seemed to be part of RFKs message to Hawley: Any change on mifepristone, he suggested, would come through the White House. Hawley might be planning to gently nudge Trump toward a national ban, but RFKs implications were clear. Its Trump whos calling the shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Senate Republicans Are Poised to Deal a Shattering Blow to the Filibuster Read More Trump, for his part, may simply want to buy time. The president knows that the issue hurts him and his party politically, but hes equally aware that many of his most ardent donors and supporters expect big things from him when it comes to limiting reproductive rights. Kicking the can down the road is the logical choice, especially with Republicans looking at a dogfight over control of the House in 2026. Moving quickly might make it easier for Democrats to retake that chamber and throw up roadblocks in front of Trumps real priorities. But investigations dont just seem to be about pushing people like Hawley to one side. RFK referenced a recent study by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a socially conservative think tank, that released what it claimed was the largest-ever study of mifepristone. Authored by the president of EPPC, Ryan Anderson, and its director of data analysis, the report claimed that the adverse incident rate tied to mifepristone was 22 times higher than the FDA recognized. Advertisement Critics pointed out numerous problems with the papers methodology and conclusions. It wasnt peer-reviewed or published; it highlighted some risks already detailed on the drugs warning label, for example, and counted as adverse events things that might signal real medical trouble, like a visit to the emergency room, or that had nothing to do with taking the drug, like an ectopic pregnancy. The quality of the EPPC report wasnt the point, as far as abortion opponents were concerned. They had heard Trump promise over and over to let the states set their own policies on abortion. That meant leaving the status quo on mifepristone alone. The EPPC report is an attempt to give the president an out. Trump can claim that he believed in good faith that he would leave the rules governing mifepristone alone, but then the data changed. The EPPC report doesnt need to be scientifically convincing if it is politically convenient. And the strategy may pay dividends. RFK seemed at least somewhat receptive, suggesting that at a minimum, the drugs warning label should be changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPPC and its allies are hoping that at a minimum, the FDA will reinstate restrictions requiring that mifepristone be dispensed in person. That would make mifepristone much harder to get for patients in every state, including those that treat abortion as a rightespecially for patients in rural areas. As important is that this kind of restriction could make state abortion bans much easier to enforce. A number of states have passed shield laws, which aim to protect their residents from civil and criminal consequences for helping out-of-state abortion-seekers. One of the most consequential developments under these laws is the emergence of shield doctors, who mail medication into ban states. Anti-abortion leaders are desperate to shut down the shield network. Conservative attorneys general are filing civil suits and criminal charges; legislatures are considering new bills to make it easier to sue. But ultimately, without a national restriction, the anti-abortion movement will be playing a game of whack-a-mole, forced to target each defendant individually, and uncertain if a federal court will even regard a cross-border prosecution or lawsuit as constitutional. If the FDA makes clear that no doctor can mail abortion pills, that would deal shield doctors a major blow. And it would open the possibility that the FDA would use its enforcement power to go after doctors in abortion-protective states. EPPC is clearly aiming higher, hoping the Trump FDA will take mifepristone off the market altogether. Its too early to know what will come of RFKs investigation. After all, he reminded us that whatever happens next, the buck will stop with Trump. What we know already is that the investigation isnt really about the safety of mifepristone. Its about whether Trump can find a way to break his campaign promises without crippling political fallout, or whether the anti-abortion movement can simply convince him not to care about those political consequences anymore. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin talked Monday for more than two hours but made not an inch of progress toward ending the RussiaUkraine war. No one whos been following the brutal conflict, now in its fourth year, could have been surprised by the impasseexcept, perhaps, for Trump, who said afterward that he believes Putin wants peace. But judging from both leaders summaries of the call, it seems Trump doesnt really believe this or care about Putins motives. He wants the war to end quickly only so that the U.S. and Russia can resume good relationsand if this means Ukraines surrender, so be it. Trump hailed the tone and spirit of their conversation as excellent. Putin, in a formal statement, deemed the talk frank and useful. But upon close inspection, its clear neither man was talking about prospects for peace. Every now and then in recent weeks, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed the idea. Putin never has. Earlier on Monday, several European leaders urged Trump to renew the demand during his conversation with Putin. Trump, who not long ago even threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia if Putin didnt go along with a truce, ignored their plea. Advertisement Related From Slate Trumps Attempts to Increase American Power Are Backfiring Read More For his part, Putin continued to insist that prior to a ceasefire, the two combatants must address the wars root causeswhich, in Putins mind (and public words), amount to the very existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state with its own language, culture, and aspirations to align with Europe. To Zelensky, and to most of Europes leaders, this would amount, plain and simple, to surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump didnt challenge Putin on this point. He also told reporters that he would not impose sanctions or any other punishment on Russia, regardless of Putins actions. Finally, he said that Russia and Ukraine would have to hold negotiations on their owna reversal of his statement, just a few days earlier, that only direct talks between him and Putin could end the war. Now, he said, if Putin refuses to hold talks with Zelensky, I just back away, and theyre going to have to keep going. Advertisement Notice the clear tilt. Trump is acknowledging that Putin, not Zelensky, is the one resisting a ceasefireyet if Russia stays on that course, the U.S. wont step up its support for Ukraine; instead, Trump will simply pull out. Trump has said (and some analysts agree, though others do not) that without firm U.S. support, Russia will win the war. That seems fine with the American president. It is noteworthy, even eyebrow-raising, that the day before the much-anticipated phone call, Russia slammed Ukraine with one of the largest drone attacks since the war beganyet Trump didnt so much as mention it in their talk, or if he did, he didnt consider it worth mentioning in his recounting of the call. Advertisement This part of the conversation could have been wrapped up in 10 minutes. What did the two leaders talk about for more than two hours? Mainly, it seems, about tradeor as Trump put it in his social-media post, TRADE. As he elaborated: Advertisement Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic bloodbath is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Advertisement He went on to say that Ukraine too can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Countrybut only in one sentence and no words in ALL CAPS. To the extent a coherent foreign policy is emerging in Trumps second term as president, it is centered around three goals. The first is trade, at least to the extent that it enriches the United States and Trump himself (see the tariffs and his recent trip to the oil-rich countries of the Middle East). The second is the promotion of great-power politics, narrowly defined as an exclusive focus on transactional relations with other great powers. The third is peace at any price in order to promote the first two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing here about democratic values, securing alliances, curbing poverty, wiping out diseases, or any other aspects of soft power (which bolsters U.S. interests much more than he realizes). In this view of the world, the defense of Ukraine is a sideshow at best. If it gets in the way of what Trump sees as his larger interests, its a hindrance. This explains, to a great extent, Trumps repeated concessions to Putins demandsand clarifies the immense challenges facing not only Ukraine and Europe but also Americas position in the world as weve known it since the end of World War II. A pair of $22,222 upper-level conditioned paces were featured at Plainridge Park on Monday, May 19, and both winners were piloted by the 12th all-time leading dash winner in North America, Walter Case Jr. In the first event, ER Griffin (pictured above) tripped-out to his first win of the year. ER Griffin sat in the pocket and let Rooster Bennett (Nick Graffam) do all the heavy lifting as he led the field through quarters of :27.1, :55.1 and 1:23.3 before rounding the final turn. As the pacers made their way into the stretch, Case pulled ER Griffin and ran down Rooster Bennett at the line by three-quarters of a length in a season's best 1:52.1. A five-year-old Riggins-Susie Girl gelding, ER Griffin ($5.20) is owned by his trainer, Mike Eaton, in partnership with Bob McHugh, Robert Griffin and Russell Young. Then in the second split, Warrawee Yale wore down the leader in the stretch to nab his first win of the year. Skyway Masterpiece (Kevin Switzer Jr.) claimed the lead off the gate and paced strongly to the half in :56.1. It was there that Warrawee Yale pulled first-over from third and advanced towards the leader, eventually drawing even with Skyway Masterpiece before three-quarters in 1:24.1. The pair then paced stride-for-stride around the final bend, but when they entered the stretch, Warrawee Yale pulled away to an easy 2-1/2 length win in 1:52.4, which was also a seasonal mark. Warrawee Yale ($10.60), a five-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous out of Queen Fourteen, is owned and trained by Gerald MacKenzie. After Monday's action, Case now boasts 11,497 trips to the winner's enclosure in his career, which places him ninth all-time among still active drivers in North America. In a $20,833 starter allowance for Plainridge Park horses, Hespoisedtopounce A (Matty Athearn) bolted to the front, cut quarters of :27, :55.3 and 1:24, and then cruised home under wraps on top by four to win in 1:52.3, for yet another seasonal mark. Hespoisedtopounce A ($5) is trained by Jimmy Nickerson owned by Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo. Nick Graffam was the leading driver at The Ridge on Monday after his sulky-sitting hat trick while 11 different trainers each won one race apiece. Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. There will be a $1,896 USD carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in the sixth race. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) With the date for the 2025 Pepsi North America Cup eliminations less than three weeks away, more of the three-year-old pacers aiming for Canadian harness racing's biggest prize have sharpened in pursuit of divisional dominance. This year's edition of the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup will be contested on Saturday, June 14 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ont., with eliminations the preceding Saturday, June 7. Here are the horses that are still eligible to the Cup as of the April 15 sustaining payment and have raced or are in-to-go as of May 19. American Son - qualified on May 17 at The Meadowlands and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:52. Aquinas Hanover - raced on May 16 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and finished second, individually timed in 1:52. Avanti - raced on May 9 at Hoosier Park and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:51.4. Banderas - raced on May 17 at Pocono and finished third, individually timed in 1:51. Boomerang - raced at Oak Grove on May 12 and finished third, individually timed in 1:54.1. Entered to race at Oak Grove on May 20. Bourbon County - qualified at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 9 and finished first, winning in 1:52.3. Brigade - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:51.2. Bunkhouse Boss - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 16 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:53.2. Captain Hurley - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 16 and finished first, winning in 1:52. Captain Optimistic - qualified on May 17 at The Meadowlands and finished first, winning in 1:50.3. Chantilly - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:52. Courts On Fire - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 10 and finished second, individually timed in 1:51.4. Entered to race at Saratoga on May 25. Crack Shot - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:51. Currys Flurry - raced at The Meadows on May 17 and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:52.3. D A Love Boat - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished second, individually timed in 1:51.3. Dandy Ideal - raced at Pocono on May 14 and finished first, winning in 1:54.3. Entered to race at Saratoga on May 25. Dismas - qualified on May 10 at The Meadowlands and finished sixth, individually timed in 1:58.2. Doncic - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished seventh, individually timed in 1:54.1. Dreamboat Hanover - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished sixth, individually timed in 1:53. Expedited Service - raced at The Meadowlands on May 10 and finished third, individually timed in 1:51.2. Fallout - raced on May 17 at The Meadowlands and finished second, individually timed in 1:50.2. Fast Choice - raced on May 14 at Pocono and finished third, individually timed in 1:55. Entered to race at Saratoga on May 25. Fifth And Five - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished seventh, individually timed in 1:52.4. Floor It Freddie - raced at The Meadowlands on May 10 and finished sixth, individually timed in 1:54.1. Glowing Lou - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 9 and finished tenth, individually timed in 1:55. Go Go Grasshopper - raced at The Meadows on May 3 and finished first, winning in 1:50. Hello Darkness - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 16 and finished seventh, individually timed in 1:54.1. Interstatedaydream - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished eighth, winning in 1:52. Joel And The Jets - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:51.3. Jon I Love Dat - raced at Northfield Park on May 17 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:54.2. Knockout Round - qualified on May 17 at The Meadowlands and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:52. Lite Up The World - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:51. Louprint - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:50.2. Lyons Moonshadow - qualified at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 5 and finished second, individually timed in 1:57.3. Mad River - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:52.1. Madden Oaks - raced at Tioga Downs on May 17 and finished second, individually timed in 1:51.3. Making History - raced at The Meadowlands on May 10 and finished third, individually timed in 1:51.3. Nikola J - qualified at Harrah's Philadelphia on April 15 and finished seventh after making a break. Pac Man Hanover - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 12 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:52.2. Pants On Fire - raced at Northfield Park on May 17 and finished second, individually timed in 1:53. Papis Pistol - qualified at The Meadowlands on May 10 and finished second, individually timed in 1:52.4. Power Code - raced at The Meadowlands on May 10 and finished seventh after making a break. Prince Hal Hanover - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:49.3. Readyforprimetime - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:52.3. Red Blooded - raced at Tioga Downs on May 17 and finished first, winning in 1:51.3. Seaworthy Hanover - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:50.3. Set Shot - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished sixth after suffering interference, individually timed in 1:52.3. Sippinonsearoc - qualified at The Meadows on May 13 and finished second, individually timed in 1:49.3. Sterling Choice - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished second, individually timed in 1:51.4. Stonebridge Wizard - qualified at Pocono on May 14 and finished first, winning in 1:55. Strangerinthenight - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:53.1. Strangeronthebeach - raced at Hoosier Park on April 19 and finished second, individually timed in 1:52.1. Swingtown - qualified at The Meadows on May 13 and finished first, winning in 1:49.3. Th Colby - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fifth, individually timed in 1:52.4. The Magic Moment - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 10 and finished seventh, individually timed in 1:53.4. The Real Thing - raced at Pocono on May 18 and finished third, individually timed in 1:53.4. Th Kay C Crunch - raced at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 17 and finished third, individually timed in 1:51.2. Twin B Fresh Bet - raced at Pocono on May 18 and finished second, individually timed in 1:52.3. Wavemaker - raced at Harrah's Philadelphia on May 18 and finished sixth, individually timed in 1:53.3. Welcometotheshow - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished second, individually timed in 1:52.1. Wild Bill Wyatt - raced at Pocono on May 17 and finished fourth, individually timed in 1:51.2. The following Cup eligibles have not started in a qualifier or race in 2025: Bold Venture. (Standardbred Canada; photos, Joel And The Jets (New Image Media), Swingtown (Conrad Photo), Prince Hal Hanover and Chantilly (New Image Media)) Sify Technologies launched its unique Pay-per-use model to support the burgeoning requirements for AI Cloud Services. This follows the recent expansion of Sifys portfolio of DGX-Ready Data Centers, certified for up to 130 KW/rack capacity under NVIDIAs DGX-Ready Data Center program Sifys latest hyperscale data centers in Chennai and Noida have now been certified by NVIDIA, joining Sifys Navi Mumbai data center which was certified in 2024. Sify will offer this innovative, colocation pricing program at all three of these campus locations. The hourly pricing model is inclusive of hosting, power and infrastructure costs. By pricing its services on an hourly basis, Sify is removing the entry-cost barrier and fixed-cost infrastructure risk, enabling its GPU Cloud partners to set up and respond quickly to the growing AI market. Sifys converged ICT ecosystem will also offer an extensive array of services like Global connectivity, White Glove IT infrastructure and Managed Services. Initially, Sify will support the NVIDIA H100, H200, B200, GB200 NVL72, and GB300 NVL72 platforms, including liquid-cooled variants. Top Breaking News Of The Day Speaking on this market disruption, Sharad Agarwal, CEO, Sify Infinit Spaces Limited, the data center subsidiary of Sify Technologies Limited, said By investing ahead in state-of-the-art infrastructure, Sify already has the most extensive footprint of NVIDIA-certified data centers and a network connectivity with the lowest latency to hyperscale clouds. Now, by introducing colocation pricing on an hourly basis, we aim to make it much faster and easier to deploy these platforms in India to support on-demand applications. Sifys colocation partners can bring the latest NVIDIA GPUs to India, while Sify will manage all of the local infrastructure to support this dynamic and rapidly evolving market. India is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the global AI race, with its deep talent pool, cost advantages, and rapidly advancing digital infrastructure. Sifys pay-per-use colocation model, built on NVIDIA-certified platforms, is a timely innovation that removes traditional barriers to AI adoption. By enabling global enterprises to tap into Indias AI capabilities through scalable, high-performance infrastructure, Sify is well positioned to support domestic innovation and position India as a global hub for AI workloads and transformation, quoted Rajiv Ranjan, Associate Research Director, IDC Asia Pacific. Chinese FM urges China, Germany to deepen win-win cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism, protectionism Xinhua) 09:55, May 20, 2025 BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday urged China and Germany to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Wang congratulated Wadephul on assuming office, saying that China-Germany relations carry significance beyond the bilateral scope and exert an important influence on global economic development and strategic stability. Noting that China and Germany share a comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang expressed his hope that the new German government will maintain this position and pursue a rational and pragmatic policy towards China. Emphasizing that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests, Wang said he believes that the German side will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, just as China has supported Germany's reunification. For China and Germany, whose economies are highly complementary, industries deeply intertwined and interests closely integrated, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation is a natural choice, said Wang, stressing that both sides should prevent the undermining of normal bilateral cooperation in the name of so-called "de-risking." This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), which is an important juncture bridging the past and the future, said Wang, expressing his hope that Germany will play an active role as a core major country of the EU, and inject fresh momentum into the development of China-EU relations through high-quality China-Germany cooperation. China expects that the EU will work with the Chinese side in the same direction, properly resolve the anti-subsidy case involving Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) at an early date, and promote the upgrading of China-EU cooperation in both quality and scale, he said. China and Germany should shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, jointly advocate and uphold free trade, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, practice true multilateralism and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, he added. For his part, Wadephul said that the relationship between Germany and China is of great significance to the world economic development and the future of the international community, adding that the new German government attaches great importance to relations with China and is willing to pursue a proactive policy towards China. Germany has firmly adhered to the one-China policy and will continue to do so, and is willing to be a reliable and predictable partner of China, he said. Taking a leading role in the EU, Germany is willing to devote itself to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and supports the EU and China in resolving issues such as the anti-subsidy case against China's EVs through negotiations, Wadephul said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wang said that China has been committed to promoting peace talks and supports reaching a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement through direct dialogues. Wadephul said he hopes that China will exert its influence to push for a ceasefire and bring the Ukraine crisis to an early end. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 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: Caption:A new color-correcting tool, SeaSplat, reconstructs true colors of an underwater image, taken in Curacao. The original photo is in the left, and the color-corrected version made with SeaSplat is on the right. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology The ocean is teeming with life. But unless you get up close, much of the marine world can easily remain unseen. That's because water itself can act as an effective cloak: Light that shines through the ocean can bend, scatter, and quickly fade as it travels through the dense medium of water and reflects off the persistent haze of ocean particles. This makes it extremely challenging to capture the true color of objects in the ocean without imaging them at close range. Now, a team from MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has developed an image-analysis tool that cuts through the ocean's optical effects and generates images of underwater environments that look as if the water had been drained away, revealing an ocean scene's true colors. The team paired the color-correcting tool with a computational model that converts images of a scene into a three-dimensional underwater "world," that can then be explored virtually. The researchers have dubbed the new tool SeaSplat, in reference to both its underwater application and a method known as 3D Gaussian splatting (3DGS), which takes images of a scene and stitches them together to generate a complete, three-dimensional representation that can be viewed in detail, from any perspective. Daniel Yang et al "With SeaSplat, it can model explicitly what the water is doing, and as a result it can in some ways remove the water, and produces better 3D models of an underwater scene," says MIT graduate student Daniel Yang. The researchers applied SeaSplat to images of the sea floor taken by divers and underwater vehicles, in various locations including the U.S. Virgin Islands. The method generated 3D "worlds" from the images that were truer and more vivid and varied in color, compared to previous methods. The team says SeaSplat could help marine biologists monitor the health of certain ocean communities. For instance, as an underwater robot explores and takes pictures of a coral reef, SeaSplat would simultaneously process the images and render a true-color, 3D representation, that scientists could then virtually "fly" through, at their own pace and path, to inspect the underwater scene, for instance for signs of coral bleaching. "Bleaching looks white from close up, but could appear blue and hazy from far away, and you might not be able to detect it," says Yogesh Girdhar, an associate scientist at WHOI. "Coral bleaching, and different coral species, could be easier to detect with SeaSplat imagery, to get the true colors in the ocean." Girdhar and Yang will present a paper detailing SeaSplat at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2025), held May 1923 in Atlanta. Their study co-author is John Leonard, professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. The paper is available on the arXiv preprint server. Credit: Daniel Yang et al Aquatic optics In the ocean, the color and clarity of objects is distorted by the effects of light traveling through water. In recent years, researchers have developed color-correcting tools that aim to reproduce the true colors in the ocean. These efforts involved adapting tools that were developed originally for environments out of water, for instance, to reveal the true color of features in foggy conditions. One recent work accurately reproduces true colors in the ocean, with an algorithm named "Sea-Thru," though this method requires a huge amount of computational power, which makes its use in producing 3D scene models challenging. In parallel, others have made advances in 3D Gaussian splatting, with tools that seamlessly stitch images of a scene together, and intelligently fill in any gaps to create a whole, 3D version of the scene. These 3D worlds enable "novel view synthesis," meaning that someone can view the generated 3D scene, not just from the perspective of the original images, but from any angle and distance. But 3DGS has only successfully been applied to environments out of water. Efforts to adapt 3D reconstruction to underwater imagery have been hampered, mainly by two optical underwater effects: backscatter and attenuation. Backscatter occurs when light reflects off of tiny particles in the ocean, creating a veil-like haze. Attenuation is the phenomenon by which light of certain wavelengths attenuates, or fades with distance. In the ocean, for instance, red objects appear to fade more than blue objects when viewed from farther away. Out of water, the color of objects appears more or less the same regardless of the angle or distance from which they are viewed. In water, however, color can quickly change and fade depending on one's perspective. When 3DGS methods attempt to stitch underwater images into a cohesive 3D whole, they are unable to resolve objects due to aquatic backscatter and attenuation effects that distort the color of objects at different angles. "One dream of underwater robotic vision that we have is: Imagine if you could remove all the water in the ocean. What would you see?" Leonard says. A model swim In their new work, Yang and his colleagues developed a color-correcting algorithm that accounts for the optical effects of backscatter and attenuation. The algorithm determines the degree to which every pixel in an image must have been distorted by backscatter and attenuation effects, and then essentially takes away those aquatic effects, and computes what the pixel's true color must be. Yang then worked the color-correcting algorithm into a 3D Gaussian splatting model to create SeaSplat, which can quickly analyze underwater images of a scene and generate a true-color, 3D virtual version of the same scene that can be explored in detail from any angle and distance. SeaSplat produces true color images of underwater scene, as captured by MIT teams underwater robot. The original photo is in the left, and the color-corrected version made with SeaSplat is on the right. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology The team applied SeaSplat to multiple underwater scenes, including images taken in the Red Sea, in the Caribbean off the coast of Curacao, and the Pacific Ocean, near Panama. These images, which the team took from a pre-existing dataset, represent a range of ocean locations and water conditions. They also tested SeaSplat on images taken by a remote-controlled underwater robot in the U.S. Virgin Islands. From the images of each ocean scene, SeaSplat generated a true-color 3D world that the researchers were able to virtually explore, for instance, zooming in and out of a scene and viewing certain features from different perspectives. Even when viewing from different angles and distances, they found objects in every scene retained their true color, rather than fading as they would if viewed through the actual ocean. "Once it generates a 3D model, a scientist can just 'swim' through the model as though they are scuba-diving, and look at things in high detail, with real color," Yang says. For now, the method requires hefty computing resources in the form of a desktop computer that would be too bulky to carry aboard an underwater robot. Still, SeaSplat could work for tethered operations, where a vehicle, tied to a ship, can explore and take images that can be sent up to a ship's computer. "This is the first approach that can very quickly build high-quality 3D models with accurate colors, underwater, and it can create them and render them fast," Girdhar says. "That will help to quantify biodiversity, and assess the health of coral reef and other marine communities." More information: Daniel Yang et al, SeaSplat: Representing Underwater Scenes with 3D Gaussian Splatting and a Physically Grounded Image Formation Model, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2409.17345 Journal information: arXiv This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Property heavyweight Sun Group proposes more major investments in southern Vietnam By Chau Anh Tue, May 20, 2025 | 2:09 pm GMT+7 Sun Group, one of Vietnams top real estate developers, has proposed a slate of investments in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, focusing on commercial, tourism, and urban development. Its proposal was presented to provincial authorities during a working session last Friday. The projects include the Mui Nghinh Phong commercial-service complex, the Cu Lao Ben Dinh urban area, the Go Gang Island urban-tourism zone, and the Bac Phuoc Thang eco-tourism site, and the Southwest Ba Ria urban area, all located in Vung Tau town, and several others in the tourism archipelago of Con Dao. Illustration of Sun Groups 3/2 street urban area project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. Construction of the complex began on May 16, 2025. Photo courtesy of the company. At the meeting, Ba Ria-Vung Tau's Party chief Pham Viet Thanh affirmed that the province values the groups capability, vision, and commitment to nationwide projects, as well as its dedication in studying and proposing investments in the province. Ba Ria-Vung Tau wants to sign a strategic cooperation memorandum with Sun Group at an investment promotion conference scheduled for late May, he said. Thanh also suggested Sun Group consider investing in a high-end hospital in the province. Briefing the group on Ba Ria-Vung Taus efforts in investment attraction, the official stressed that the province has ranked near the top in the administrative reform index for four consecutive years and currently leads the southeastern region. Its transport infrastructure network is expected to be fully completed by mid-2027, he added. Sun Group recently submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction, offering to fund the master planning for expansion of Con Dao airport in Con Dao archipelago in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. The archipelago is home to a jail system dating back to the French colonial time. According to Sun Group, currently, the airport can only accommodate small aircraft and is unable to operate night flights due to its short runway and aging infrastructure. Therefore, it has proposed upgrading the airport to 4E, a global standard for large airports, extending the runway and boosting the capacity to 2 million passengers per year by 2030. The upgrade would enable the airport to handle wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. Sun Group pledged to cover all planning costs in accordance with legal regulations, "on a voluntary and unconditional basis, ensuring transparency and without affecting public interests". Con Dao airport in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Ba Ria-Vung Tau newspaper. Last Friday, Sun Group broke ground on a VND37 trillion ($1.43 billion) urban area project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The development is poised to become one of the largest integrated urban complexes ever undertaken in the province. 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. During the upcoming investment promotion conference, the provincial Peoples Committee will grant investment licenses to 39 investors with registered capital of at least VND200 billion ($7.7 million) each and sign strategic cooperation agreements with five major enterprises. PV Gas subsidiary feeds LNG to Korean chaebol HS Hyosung in central Vietnam By Chau Anh Tue, May 20, 2025 | 9:04 am GMT+7 CNG Vietnam JSC (PV Gas CNG), a subsidiary of PV Gas, has officially commenced the initial phase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivery to HS Hyosung Quang Nam under South Korean chaebol HS Hyosung in central Vietnam. HS Hyosung commits to establishing an industrial complex worth $1.34 billion in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of HS Hyosung Quang Nam. In March, PV Gas CNG broke ground on the LNG supply station for HS Hyosung Quang Nam, wrapping up construction just a month later. The modern, internationally certified facility began its initial phase with a capacity of 3,000 Sm/h, featuring large storage tanks, an advanced regasification system, and state-of-the-art safety control equipment. PV Gas CNGs professional technical team has guaranteed continuous operation and a stable gas supply, meeting strict safety and quality standards. PV Gas, a unit of state-run Petrovietnam, said the supply marks not only a strategic step forward for PV Gas CNG in the central region but also reinforces the companys growing role in Vietnams gas industry. HS Hyosung is a multi-sector corporation and one of the 30 largest economic groups in South Korea. The company leads in the research, development and production of advanced materials, including automobile tire fibers, high-tech fibers, and carbon fibers. It also specializes in luxury car segment customer service, global logistics, AI research, and big data centers, among other areas. It began investment in Quang Nam in 2018, committing to the establishment of an industrial complex worth $1.34 billion. To date, HS Hyosung Quang Nam has operated two projects focused on curtain fabric and airbag fabric production, with total investment capital of $452 million. These projects generate an annual revenue of approximately $200 million, with expectations to grow to $250 million this year. The group plans to invest in a furniture factory in Quang Nam in 2025, which will supply car interior products and commercial carpets. The $110 million factory is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026. In addition to Quang Nam, HS Hyosung has invested in several key projects in Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in southern Vietnam, and Bac Ninh in the north. To date, the group has poured around $4.6 billion into the Southeast Asian nation, generating some 10,000 jobs. As part of its sustainable development strategy, HS Hyosung Quang Nam has decided to use LNG to cut operating costs, boost profit margins, and reduce CO emissions. Meanwhile, PV Gas CNG plays a pioneering role in supplying compressed natural gas (CNG) and LNG beyond pipeline systems, operating a nationwide distribution network. The company currently supplies gas to more than 200 businesses. Thailand, Indonesia elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership By Vietnam News Agency Tue, May 20, 2025 | 11:01 pm GMT+7 Thailand and Indonesia have declared the elevation of bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following a high-level meeting in Bangkok on Monday between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News. They also pledged to boost trade and investment, and cooperate on cyber scams and drug trafficking crackdowns. Elevating the partnership was among the key issues discussed and agreed upon at the first high-level meeting under the Leaders' Consultation framework during President Prabowo's visit to Thailand. It was the Indonesian President's first official trip to Thailand since taking office in October 2024 and the first official visit by an Indonesian president in 20 years. The high-level talks also touched on security, health, tourism and economic cooperation. On security, both countries focused on transnational crime, human trafficking and the narcotic trade, while Thailand also proposed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of prisoners. On the economic front, both sides believed they could expand and increase trade, with Thailand affirming its readiness to host the first Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting within this year as a mechanism to bolster trade, reduce barriers, and promote closer cooperation. The Indonesian leader pledged support for Thai businesses interested in investing in Indonesia. Regarding agriculture, fisheries, and food security, Indonesia proposed extending an MoU for the rice trade. Thailand has also agreed to export more rice to Indonesia to support its food security and the opening of the market for meat, livestock, and fresh fruits. The Thai PM proposed setting up a working group to study the possibility of co-investing in fisheries industries to promote sustainable fishing and food security. Both leaders also expressed their satisfaction with an increase in tourism activities and agreed to explore and expand opportunities within this industry. After the talks, both leaders witnessed Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono sign an MoU on health cooperation between the Thai and Indonesian health ministries. Thailand slashes growth forecast amidst US tariffs By Vietnam News Agency Tue, May 20, 2025 | 9:07 am GMT+7 Thailand has lowered its economic growth forecast this year due to trade disruptions stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan. Photo courtesy of The Nation. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Thai economy grew by 3.1% in Q1/2025, slightly down from 3.3% in Q4/2024. Against the backdrop, the agency reduced its annual growth projection to between 1.3-2.3%, down from the previous forecast of 2.3-3.3%. NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan attributed the downward revision to uncertainties surrounding tariff issues and a decrease in projected tourist arrivals this year. Following a decline in Chinese visitors in Q1, Thailand lowered its 2025 tourism forecast to 37 million visitors, as compared to the earlier projection of 38 million. Additionally, he held that the economy is expected to continue slowing in Q2 as private investment remains cautious pending the outcome of negotiations with the U.S. According to President Trump's previous announcement, Thailand faces a potential 36% reciprocal tariff from the U.S. Implementation of this tariff has been suspended for 90 days, until early July, for bilateral negotiations. Vietnam okays property developer Sun Groups airline project By Minh Hue Tue, May 20, 2025 | 8:59 pm GMT+7 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday gave in-principle approval to the establishment of Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) by Sun Group, one of Vietnams top real estate developers. Under the decision, the project will be carried out by Sun Phu Quoc Aviation Limited Liability Company, a subsidiary of Sun Group, with a total investment of VND2.5 trillion ($98.8 million). SPA is expected to operate 31 aircraft by 2030. A plane of Sun Air, a premium airline operated by Sun Group to offer luxury, personalized private jet services for high-end customers. Photo courtesy of the company. The project aims to establish a new airline primarily focused on commercial passenger transportation. It will also operate charter flights catering to tourists traveling to key tourism and business destinations in Vietnam and around the world, particularly well-known islands and bustling financial-commercial hubs. Notably, SPA is envisioned to bring international tourists to Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang. The presence of another airline flying to the island will also make it more accessible and convenient for Vietnamese travelers. The Prime Ministers in-principle approval marks a significant milestone for Vietnams aviation sector and the development of Phu Quocs tourism industry. Alongside existing carriers, SPA is expected to become a new bridge connecting Phu Quoc - ranked as the second most beautiful island in the world after the Maldives - with both domestic and international tourists. SPAs first flights are expected to launch in Q4/2025, connecting Phu Quoc with key economic and tourist hubs both domestically and internationally. In addition to SPA, Sun Group also operates Sun Air, a premium airline offering luxury, personalized private jet services for high-end customers. In March, Sun Group proposed the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) invest in the second phase of Phu Quoc International Airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, via a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract. If selected as the investor, the group said it is committed to developing Phu Quoc airport with the most advanced technologies in the world and finishing the project within 16-18 months from land clearance completion. The Phu Quoc airport expansion project is one of the projects set to serve the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in 2027 in the province. It has an estimated total investment of VND22 trillion ($847.13 million). The expanded airport, spanning 1,050 hectares, will achieve ICAO 4E classification, with an annual capacity of 18 million passengers. Major components of the expansion include extending the existing runway to 3,500 meters, constructing a new second runway 3,300 meters in length, building Terminal T2 and a VIP terminal, and developing aircraft aprons with 70-80 parking stands. In the master plan for Phu Quoc International Airport for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the airport will be capable of accommodating large aircraft such as Boeing B747, B787, Airbus A350, and equivalents. Currently, in addition to Sun Group, Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG) of billionaire Johnathan Hanh Nguyen has proposed to engage in the expansion and upgrade of Phu Quoc airport. Sun Group is also the investor behind Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh, currently the only privately-owned airport in Vietnam. Vietnam to build one international financial center operating in two cities By Bach Quang Tue, May 20, 2025 | 7:47 pm GMT+7 Vietnam seeks to develop one international financial center that will operate in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, says Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh. Initially, Vietnamese authorities' idea was to build one international financial center in HCMC - the country's largest economic hub in the south, and another at regional levels in the central city of Danang. The current idea of building only one has received support from many experts. Binh on Tuesday chaired a conference to discuss the latest draft National Assembly Resolution on developing such a center in Vietnam. The draft will be submitted to the National Assembly for approval at the legislature's ongoing working session, which will last until June 30. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal. The international financial center is expected to become a solid foundation for mobilizing high-quality financial resources to support national development. It will also contribute to enhancing state governance capacity, fostering national competitiveness, and promoting deeper and more effective national integration into the global financial system. Richard McClellan, global ambassador of Terne Holding and former director of the Tony Blair Institute, said that if Vietnam aims to build an international financial center with global standing, it must approach the concept of the center not as a separate geographical area, but as a unified operating system. This model allows synergy, not rivalry, between Da Nang and HCMC, he added. Vietnam can also establish two international financial centers in those cities to optimize their own advantages, he suggested, adding that the two centers will support each other and grow together. Richard McClellan, global ambassador of Terne Holding and former director of the Tony Blair Institute. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal. Meanwhile, Andreas Baumgartner, CEO and founder of The Metis Institute, said the dual-city international financial center model is essential to ensuring unified management. Many experts emphasized that, in addition to hard infrastructure, Vietnam should pay more attention to developing "soft" and digital infrastructure to ensure the effective operation of the center. There must also be a well-prepared plan for training and developing human resources to ensure smooth operations. Vietnam's leading developer Novaland plans share issuance for debt conversion By Tuong Nhu, Thai Ha Tue, May 20, 2025 | 8:57 am GMT+7 Novaland, a major real estate developer in Vietnam, plans to issue additional shares to convert debt into shares for some major shareholders who have lent the company in times of financial woes. Logo of Novaland. Photo courtesy of the company. Issuing shares for debt conversion According to Novaland (HoSE: NVL), its board of directors plans to seek an AGM approval to implement an issuance of shares for debt conversion. Specifically, Novaland will issue shares to swap debts for some major shareholders who sold collateral to repay the company's debts in loans and bonds. The major shareholders are NovaGroup and Diamond Properties which are both related to Bui Thanh Nhon, chairman of the board of directors. According to Novaland's leaders, during Novaland's most difficult period, the major shareholders were committed to paying off mature debts for it when necessary, helping the company to maintain its continuous operations. According to the signed agreements, in the three years 2022-2024, shares mortgaged by these shareholders to fulfil Novaland's debt obligations were sold to pay off the company's debts. This means Novaland has recorded debt obligations with these shareholders in its financial statements. At the end of 2021, when Novaland had not yet encountered financial difficulties, a group of shareholders related to chairman Bui Thanh Nhon took control of the company by owning more than a 61.4% stake. In early 2022, the price of Novaland's shares began to decrease, given a series of unfavorable market developments. Novaland began to fall into a crisis period, with NVL shares plummeting. During this period, to "save" Novaland, the group of shareholders related to Nhon lent the company shares to sell to pay off debts, and at the same time proactively sold a large amount of NVL shares to support the debt restructuring for the company, leading to a continuous decrease in their aggregate ownership ratio, from 60.8% in June 2022 to 38.7% in December 2024. Most recently, five shareholders related to Nhon have also registered to sell nearly 19 million NVL shares to balance their investment portfolio and support debt restructuring, as well as due to "personal reasons". The transaction is expected to be carried out by order matching and put-through from May 16 to June 13, 2025. If successful, the total ownership ratio of Novaland's major shareholders will decrease to 37.4%. Therefore, Novaland's leaders said that the current plan to issue additional shares is based on the reimbursement needs of the major shareholders. Commitment to ensure fairness for all investors The detailed plan has not been announced, however, the issuance of shares for debt conversion will dilute shares, affecting the interests of current shareholders. Novaland's management affirms that it will always be transparent and ensure fairness for all investors. Novaland, together with major shareholders, is committed to achieving the firm's business targets to ensure the interests of shareholders and all related parties. According to the roadmap, Novaland's leaders expect to complete the restructuring by the end of 2026 and return to the growth and development trajectory from 2027. The company will strive to fulfill all debt obligations to customers, investors, shareholders, bondholders, partners, and related parties from end-2026-2027. According to another plan approved at the AGM, Novaland also wants to issue up to 350 million individual shares to 20 professional investors at an issuance price of VND10,000/share. At the same time, the company wants to issue 97.5 million shares to employees (ESOP) to enhance the company's connection with its staff and express its recognition of their efforts and contributions. NVL shares recorded a good recovery from the VND8,100/share range on April 9 to VND12,600/share in early May. However, with many negative news such as the first-quarter loss, major shareholders and insiders' divestments, and not having yet fulfilled debt obligations, the price has adjusted to hover around VND12,200/share. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, NVL shares closed Monday at VND12,050 ($0.46). Boise School District Boosts Information Literacy with Gale In Context Databases Students in Idaho's Boise School District are learning how to analyze and think critically about the information they read through the use of Gale In Context. The suite of online databases from Gale, part of Cengage Group, is designed to "provide students with access to current, relevant and authoritative digital content for effective researching," according to the company, enabling learners to better understand the reliability of source materials. Improving information literacy is part of the district's strategic plan, Natasha Rush, a certified teacher librarian and building technology lead at Boise High School, shared. "We have a goal at Boise School District to create future-ready students so they can find good information and use critical thinking skills to be productive members of society," she noted. "We found that Gale's resources allow us to do just that." Gale In Context has been incorporated across the district, including in ELA, social studies, science, and multi-language classrooms, as well as in AP and SAT prep. The databases provide topic overview pages that bring together nonfiction materials in all-digital, accessible formats; content includes articles, videos, charts, images, infographics, and more. Features of the platform, as described by the company, include: Curated, Grade-Appropriate Content: delivers age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content that covers a broad range of subjects, enabling students to learn at a comfortable pace through trusted content. delivers age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content that covers a broad range of subjects, enabling students to learn at a comfortable pace through trusted content. Built-in Scaffolding: helps students learn to scan and evaluate sources quickly. helps students learn to scan and evaluate sources quickly. Citation Tools: integrated directly into the user's workflow, formatted citations can be easily imported from single or multiple documents to services like EasyBib or NoodleTools. MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard style citations are supported. integrated directly into the user's workflow, formatted citations can be easily imported from single or multiple documents to services like EasyBib or NoodleTools. MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard style citations are supported. Google & Microsoft Integration: features integration capabilities with Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools. These enable users to easily access, share, save and download content including highlights, notes, and other e-resources. features integration capabilities with Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools. These enable users to easily access, share, save and download content including highlights, notes, and other e-resources. Topic Browse Searching: unique topic pages collect information from reliable sources, making it easy for students to search, compare, and contrast different sources and headlines. "It's all about getting students to understand that where they're getting their information is just as important as what information they're getting," commented Rush. "Being able to sort information, ask questions about where it comes from, and determine its credibility is a critical thinking skill that affects not only students' academic performance but also their ability to function in society and be future-ready adults. The amount of information they have access to is only going to increase and teaching them how to handle that information responsibly is of the utmost importance." 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. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Bilateral trade between Trinidad and Tobago and India reached a record TT$1.2 billion (US$368.96 million) in the last fiscal year, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. She disclosed this as she announced that her Government aims to expand exports to tap into Indias market of 1.4 billion consumers, and will pursue a Partial Scope Trade Agreementthe first from a Caricom countrywhile laying the foundation for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty. ON Thursday night, when hosted at the Diplomatic Centre, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an experience that has been preserved by the nations diaspora for 180 years. In images that have since gone viral, Modi was seen eating on the leaves of the sohari (Calathea lutea). In a social media post to Angelo Bissessarsinghs Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page, Patricia Bissessar said the serving of food on the leaves of the sohari is a practice rooted in Indo-Trinidadian cultural heritage, particularly among the Hindu community. 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. University of Arizona faculty and students express mixed views after Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill that will prohibit encampments on university or community college campuses. Its disappointing that Governor Hobbs has let the Legislature outlaw an effective and traditional form of peaceful campus protest by criminalizing it as trespass, said UA Chair of the Faculty Leila Hudson. The university already has policies regulating campus use, structures, and camping, so criminalizing protest encampments can be seen as emphatically stifling a traditional modality of nonviolent civil disobedience with the threat of disproportionate penalties and exposure to police violence, Hudson said. On May 7, Hobbs signed HB2880 into law, to prohibit establishing or occupying an encampment on a university or community college campus and mandating procedures universities and community colleges must follow in case an encampment occurs. Rep. Alma Hernandez, a Tucson Democrat who sponsored the bill, said it will protect the integrity of public universities by ensuring safety. Upholding the right to free speech and peaceful protest is a priority, she added. However, encampments have never been protected by the First Amendment and have no legal right on our campuses, Hernandez said. In the wake of the October 7th events, we witnessed how encampments disrupted the educational experience and created tension within our university communities. ... This legislation is a balanced step that upholds First Amendment rights while affirming that our campuses are places for education, not disruption. Last year, university campuses across the country, including in Arizona, were sites of pro-Palestinian encampments during Israels ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza that began with the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Numerous universities have faced targeted attention from the Trump administration since January, including being investigated for allegedly encouraging anti-Semitism on their campuses. Some international students who participated in protests have been targeted for deportation. At the UA, a pro-Palestinian protest and encampment in the spring of last year ended with UA police and other law enforcement agencies breaking up the camp with rubber bullets and pepper balls after some protesters threw objects at officers. Edan Levy, describing himself as a Jewish Israeli-American student at the UA, said he was directly impacted by last years anti-Israel encampments and he strongly supported the bipartisan passage of HB2880. He said the legislation strikes a critical balance between upholding the fundamental right to free speech and empowering universities to address conduct that crosses into harassment and intimidation. These encampments became platforms for targeted harassment and hostility towards Jewish students. My friends and I were spat on, called slurs, and told to go back to Poland by individuals participating in the encampment, Levy said. I firmly believe in freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. However, people do not have the right to establish lairs of hatred used to launch attacks against Jewish students and endanger the safety of all students on campus. Vanessa Perry, a UA professor, said the new law will give college administrators and others even more opportunity to conflate pro-Palestinian sentiments with anti-Semitism. Recalling the UA protests and encampments last spring, Perry said she cannot even fathom the disproportionate show of force this law will invite. This bill is deliberate censorship of pro-Palestinian voices, she said. The procedures the new law will require institutions to follow include: immediately directing individuals involved to dismantle the encampment and vacate the campus; advising them that anyone who fails to comply and leave is guilty of criminal trespass; initiating legal action to have them removed from campus if they dont leave; and initiating disciplinary action against students who refuse to leave or to comply with the institutions code of conduct. Max Thomas, a UA student who took part in the pro-Palestinian protests last year, said the government is choosing to focus on prosecuting protesters of what he calls genocide in Gaza, instead of on genocide itself. This bill undoubtedly infringes on students rights to speech and assembly. And for what? Thomas asked. I truly cant wrap my head around the reality that the political response to anti-genocide protest is to weaponize the state against students. Hudson, the UA faculty chair, wrote to the Arizona Daily Star that, The local encampments protesting the Israeli destruction of Gaza (and U.S. institutional complicity in it) follow in the tradition of peaceful civil disobedience of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and have been sites of interfaith community, education, and civil discourse. ... They have been the targets, not the source, of violence, said Hudson, an associate professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies. Samuel Gottfried, a UA student, said he doesnt believe the legislation limits free speech at all and that instead, it helps students express opinions in ways that dont prevent other students from having access to buildings or resources. Nor will it allow those who want to express their opinions to intimidate or incite violence against any individual or group of people, Gottfried said. I want to thank the Arizona Legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs for signing this law into effect, and I hope that this helps set the groundwork for more civil discourse on our campuses as opposed to the ugly incidents of the last year and a half. Nolan Cabrera, a UA professor, said if the encampments were supporting Israel, this bill never would have passed. Historically, universities have frequently stifled unpopular speech, he said, pointing as an example to steps taken to repress anti-Vietnam War protests. The current actions are a modern day version of this tension. Photos: Police break up second pro-Palestinian encampment on University of Arizona campus Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestine protests Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest Pro-Palestinian protest PHOENIX Arizona lawmakers agreed Tuesday to close what some consider to be loopholes in state laws on animal cruelty. But not everyone is on board. On a 41-13 vote Tuesday, the state House gave preliminary approval to a proposal that would expand the definition of cruelty to include failing to provide medical attention to prevent unreasonable suffering by a pet. Current law says only when such suffering is protracted does someone break the law language that animal rights advocates say often leaves police and prosecutors unable to act. Potentially more significant, Senate Bill 1658, sponsored by Phoenix Republican Sen. Shawnna Bolick, spells out for the first time what is considered cruel neglect that is illegal. It includes failing to provide water suitable for drinking, food fit for consumption and, for animals that reside outside, sufficient shelter. The bill drew concerns from Rep. Rachel Keshel who said she worries about unintended consequences. The Tucson Republican said she fears it could be read to restrict what ranchers can do with their animals. But the biggest complaint came from Scottsdale Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin, who argued that the measure gives more protection to animals than to humans. He noted that it would make it a misdemeanor, with the penalty of a possible six months in jail and a $2,500 fine, to fail to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering for a pet. That requirement applies even if you cant afford to give yourself or your children that same level of medical care, Kolodin told colleagues. He acknowledged that state law requires parents to get emergency treatment for children who are injured or ill. But Kolodin said the way this bill is worded, it could conceivably require pet owners to get expensive treatment for their pets in situations such as cancer, treatment they could not afford for their children and that Medicaid does not cover. He also argued that the requirement for shelter would apply even to those who are homeless. But Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson, pointed to specific language that exempts anyone who has no place of residence. The efforts to kill the measure angered Rep. Walt Blackman. The Snowflake Republican who has multiple dogs agreed to sponsor Bolick's bill in the House after the original version that had passed the Senate faltered when the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee refused to give it a hearing.You dont like it, dont vote for it, he told critics. But dont put roadblocks up so we can not take care of these animals when theyre supposed to be taken care of. The bill is being pushed by the Arizona Humane Society. Tracey Miller, director of field operations for the organization, told lawmakers during an earlier hearing that Arizona is getting a national reputation as a state where abuse is becoming more widespread. The data bear that out, she said. Last year, Miller said, her team responded to more than 16,000 calls for service in Maricopa County alone. That is up 31% from a decade ago, she said. And of those, Miller said, 10,000 were cases of animal cruelty, a 29% increase. The way pets have been treated in our community is unacceptable, said Miller, who was previously a police lieutenant in Phoenix. It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of these animals. They deserve better than the current laws that are in place. Prior efforts to tighten up laws have faltered, at least in part because of ranchers concerns they would be subject to new restrictions on how they could work and treat their animals. Bolick said this version is designed to make clear it governs only domestic animals, defined as mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians kept primarily as a pet or companion or that is bred to be a pet or companion. Also helping to propel this years version is a high-profile case from Chandler last year involving a woman who said she was running an animal rescue operation out of her house. Police eventually found dead dogs in her freezer and dozens of other dogs in poor condition. Bolick said that situation was allowed to go on as long as it did because of current laws -- including the requirement for police to show that any suffering is "protracted,'' something she said which can be difficult to define. What the legislation also will do, she said, is ensure there is a state law that covers all of Arizona, not just those communities and counties that have adopted their own -- and sometimes different -- ordinances and definitions. But what's really crucial, Miller said, is tightening up all the language about what is neglect. "I've been on too many calls for service where domestic animals have algae for water, maggots in their food,'' she said. "And the only way they can seek shelter is to dig a hole under an abandoned car.'' All of that, Miller said, is enough to get by under current law -- and insufficient for police intervention. By contrast, SB 1658 would spell out that water has to be "suitable for drinking.'' It also requires that domestic animals have "food that is appropriate for the species and that is fit for consumption.'' And then there's the issue of shelter. The language of the proposed new law requires that it be accessible throughout the year and have natural or artificial cover. SB 1658 would require it be structurally sound, maintained in god repair, and be of sufficient size to allow a dog to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural manner. Plus, it has to be maintained to minimize the risk of disease, infestation or parasites. Tuesday's vote is not the last word. The measure still needs a final roll-call vote in the House. And then it needs to go to the Senate which had balked at approving the original measure. Persistent unreality In Trumps visit to the Middle East, he spoke to our troops in Qatar: He continued his 2020 election loss denial by saying, As you know we won three elections. And some people want us to do a fourth. So, what causes a person to insist that their version of reality, a delusion, is correct, while all others are wrong? What causes a person to think that everyone agrees with their delusion (as you know)? Those with a grandiose self-image see themselves not as a mere mortal but as a superior being, incapable of failure. Therefore, any accused failure will not be believed as reality. Only his grandiosity-based reality is true. Trump exists in his own reality that reinforces his self-image. This rejection of reality is commonly seen in those with antisocial personality disorder. This is a serious mental disorder as seen in the DSM-5. In our reality-based nation, any president with this disorder should be removed via the 25th Amendment. Steve Rasmussen Foothills Medicaid pays for addiction treatment As others in Tucson have seen, the problem of drug use and addiction has exploded in the past few years. Addressing the issue of supply is important, but demand will still be there if it is not addressed through the treatment of addiction. Medicaid is the largest single payer for behavioral health services, including addiction treatment in the United States. They cover detox programs, inpatient treatment and outpatient programs. If the Republican-controlled House passes their cruel bill to defund Medicaid or restrict its use for addiction treatment programs, the issues associated with addiction will explode homelessness, crime and lives lost to this horrible disease. Addiction touches so many lives in America, regardless of social status, education and financial circumstances. Any progress thats been made to address this national tragedy will be lost if Medicaid is defunded. Contact your representative and insist that they do not defund Medicaid. Gina Chorover Foothills Mortensens theory of Tucson Is the idea behind the 19-story tower of apartments on Speedway and Campbell to block the blighted views cast on midtown by those horrendous Catalina Mountains to the north? Apparently, the theory does not include the splendor of the view of the mountains surrounding Tucson when evaluating its impact. Such a theory may also support the return of the signage along Speedway that earned the Life magazine designation as the ugliest street in America in 1970? Look out Phoenix, here comes Tucson. Ed Waymire Midtown Response to fire trucks letter I would like to respond to a letter titled Firetrucks from Mr. Thomas Rothe. First, lets address the call. I believe he is referring to a medical emergency. He states paramedics and firemen race to the scene with competing sirens. This is an insult. There is no competition to arrive on scene first. Their concern is to arrive there quickly and safely. As an example, you use a little old lady stumbles. Well, why did she stumble? Is she having a true medical emergency, or did she just slip on a wet floor? If she just slipped, the medics will evaluate her and if they can handle it the engine will be cleared to return to the station for another emergency. But if this patient is experiencing a possible cardiac problem, the medics will need help to treat the patient before transport. As a retired firefighter/EMT for 35 years, I take offense to your comments without knowing the facts. Please educate yourself before condemning something you know nothing about. Jerry Deno Green Valley Dont accept this as normal Authoritarianism doesnt need to shock you. It just needs to have you accept it as normal. Trump talks about suspending habeas corpus and due process. A mayor gets arrested for protesting and people are snatched on sidewalks for exercising their 1st Amendment rights by masked men with no identification. Government employees and programs are axed with no justification. The dear leader wants a multimillion-dollar military parade on his birthday. We cant just shrug and go about our business. We must resist and protest. Write your representatives, and above all, when we have the next election, vote these people out of office. Mary Zimmerman SaddleBrooke Utility bill is terrible news Governor Hobbs just signed HB 2679, a bill that is blatantly unconstitutional, since it usurps the power of the Arizona Corporation Commission to regulate finance decisions of the utilities. The 43-page bill allows utilities to move debt from their balance sheet into mandatory ratepayer charges by creating bonds. It did not undergo an evidentiary hearing or the appropriate stakeholder review. Moreover, it is a huge step backward for clean energy in Arizona, as it virtually assures that some coal plants will stay open and continue spewing deadly pollution, depleting our water supplies, and irreparably harming the health of citizens. Independent energy experts, public health advocates, environmental groups, Arizonas attorney general, former ACC chairman Burns, and the ACC itself all expressed their opposition to this terrible bill, which will offload the costs of bad investment decisions onto ratepayers. This is a corporate bailout of monopolies disguised as policy. Is this the quo for the $371,400 quid APSs parent company donated to Hobbs over the last 3 years? Barbara Liguori Northeast side Another blow to Arizona families What accounts for over a fifth of the nations carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels? What releases into the air soot-like particles, mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides that cause heart and asthma attacks, pollute waterways, soil, air, game and fish? Coal plants. What generates over 100 million tons of ash and waste sludge every year releasing arsenic, mercury, heavy metals into the surrounding areas? What dumps waste, untreated, into unlined pits and ponds that can leak chemicals into groundwater? Coal plants. What needs to use 75 trillion gallons of water annually in the mining and utility industry to burn only a fraction of that amount for energy? Coal. Who wants this released into your backyard? Who wants AZ children breathing and drinking these contaminants in the air and groundwater? Arizona ACC, Arizona GOP Legislature, Governor Hobbs The 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant spill is a history lesson we have forgotten. Coal costs more to your family than you ever save on your energy bill. That is fact. Carissa Sipp Midtown Eat the tariffs says Trump to Walmart Everyone from Trump, Ciscomani, Bessent, Navarro and little miss I wear a gold cross which proves I am telling the truth Leavitt, keep pushing the idiotic and grossly incorrect argument that tariffs are paid by the exporting country. If they are indeed paid by the exporting country, why do Trump & Bessent want Walmart to eat the tariffs? Cant have it both ways! Companies will not eat a damn thing! They will pass it on to the consumer just like they did during COVID, and if the tariffs are lowered, prices will not retreat below the high-water mark. Plain and simple, the Trump tariffs are a tax on the American people, but especially on the most economically vulnerable Americans. How else will you fund the billionaire tax breaks? Keep in mind that these great ideas are from a guy that bankrupted a casino. How in the hell do you bankrupt a casino? Alexis Raptis West side Tough love for Israel Yom Haatzmaut is Israel Independence Day, commemorating the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. Following the Holocaust, it was a miracle, as is its continued existence through today. As a Jewish American, I dont feel much like celebrating. What started out as a justified response to the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas the better part of two years ago has turned into something else. What appears to be a campaign of destruction, deprivation, starvation and death of mostly innocent Palestinian people. The government of Israel has taken the war to a place not consistent with the basic principles of Judaism. It is not antisemitic to criticize the government of Israel. I do not stand with Israel in its ongoing military action in Gaza. I fear for the future of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. Paul Simon Northwest side TCC Arena loudness policy We saw a great concert at the TCC Arena on May 17. Dwight Yoakam, the Mavericks and a newcomer named Noah Rinker. Our seats were the farthest from the stage, top row, because thats where the wheelchair seats are located. The sound, while well mixed, was so loud it was painful and people around us were holding their ears. Fortunately, Im an old musician and I remembered to bring a couple sets of rocknroll musician hearing protectors. When we saw Joe Bonamassa at that Arena, I complained to the sound technician that the loudness was painful. He apologetically said, They told me thats the way they want it. Then, two uniformed TPD officers grabbed me, one by each arm. The officer who spoke said, What youre saying is right, but we cant allow you to interfere with the concert crew. If the sound technician, the police and the audience all know its way too loud, why is this the TCC policy? Brooks Keenan Oro Valley Presidential fitness Certainly, in light of Bidens diagnosis of prostate cancer and questions about his mental status towards the end of his term, all candidates for president and serving presidents should disclose their health status. This doesnt mean just a report that says the person is fit and capable of the demands of the job, but a comprehensive release of a yearly physical and mental acuity exam. Craig Miller Northwest side Bidens presidency is history Worry about the present. Tariff taxes and their effects on consumers and small businesses. Massive layoffs and firings and how they affect families and community. How soon /severe will there be a recession? Worry about your healthcare stability, Social Security & vaccine availability for you and your family. Worry about schools/education. Do some research from several sources. Study history when we had some stability and leadership. Dan Bannon Midtown Immigration disconnect Its difficult to understand the Trump Administrations decision to welcome white Afrikaners to the U.S. while at the same time trying to locate non-white immigrants from other places and then arrest and deport them. Didnt Trump claim that he is not racist? Alan Roehl Green Valley Birthright citizenship Kim Mikflofsky Bayne got it partially correct in her opinion piece MAGA Threatening 14th Amendments Bedrock. The 14th Amendment meant to ensure the horrors of slavery and exclusion wouldnt be repeated. Clearly, the purpose was to guarantee former slaves had full citizenship rights. When it was ratified in 1868, the country was not dealing with an illegal immigration problem like it has been in recent decades. To compare the children born here to parents who are in the country illegally to former slaves and their descendants diminishes the significance of the 14th Amendment. Dan Watson Oracle Medicaid limits hurt veterans I am writing in response to Chuck Barretts excellent letter on Medicaid (May 18.) He listed the ways Rep. Ciscomani and the other Trump Republicans seek to limit access to Medicaid. As a disabled combat veteran, I get all my health care from the Veterans Administration. However, not all veterans do. Almost two million veterans depend on Medicaid nationally; 45,000 in Arizona alone. Some 40% of working-age veterans get their health care exclusively through Medicaid. If we consider the families of veterans, 660,000 spouses of veterans nationally are enrolled in Medicaid. Please contact Rep. Ciscomani and ask him not to limit access to Medicaid, a program that provides health care to so many veterans and their families, as well as to civilians. Dr. Jim Driscoll Midtown Pay more, get less Beware of deceptive ads promoting the GOP budget bill for small businesses, paid for by Americans for Prosperity (AFP). Over 70% of AFPs funding comes from wealthy individuals. The Koch brothers were founding members. What does AFP want? They want an extension of the 2017 tax cuts that primarily benefited the super-rich. The tax cuts would balloon our national debt, reduce safety-net programs for everyday Americans, and have led Moodys to downgrade U.S. credit, the first time in over a century. AFP also seeks to eliminate green tax credits, deregulate environmental protections, and privatize schools through vouchers. The ads are part of AFPs prosperity campaign, prosperity for the ultra-rich. The rest of us get increased health care costs, lose tax credits, subsidize private schools, and jeopardize our health. Small businesses are suffering under Trumps economic policies. JM Meconi Sumit Singh and Syed Abubakr, TwoCircles.net New Delhi: Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an associate professor and head of the Political Science Department at Ashoka University, was arrested on May 18 by the Haryana Police in Delhi over a social media post linked to Operation Sindoor Indias military retaliation against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Based on two First Information Reports (FIRs), the arrest has ignited a storm of controversy and raised concerns about free speech, academic independence and perceived legal double standards in the country. Support TwoCircles A Facebook post made by him on May 8 led to his arrest wherein he talked about the media briefings by Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misti after the armed forces launched precision attacks against nine terrorist infrastructures deep inside Pakistan on the intervening night of May 6 and 7. In the post, Mahmudabad lauded the decision to have two women officers represent the armed forces, seeing it as a symbol of Indias pluralism. However, he warned that such gestures must be accompanied by substantive change, cautioning against hypocrisy if issues like mob lynchings and unlawful demolitions remain unaddressed. He urged right-wing commentators praising Col. Qureshi to also advocate for victims of communal violence. So, what did he write exactly? While Mahmudabad praised Operation Sindoor and criticised Pakistans military response, he expressed grief over civilian casualties on both sides, calling for de-escalation. He concluded that the press briefings showed an India, united in its diversity, is not completely dead as an idea. Academic and Civil Society Condemn Arrest; University Keeps Distance Ashoka University distanced itself from Mahmudabads comments and asserted that the post was made in his personal capacity and does not reflect the institutions views. Comments made by a faculty member on his personal social media pages do not represent the opinion of the university, read the statement. The university confirmed awareness of his detention and stated it was cooperating with authorities while seeking details of the case. However, students and faculty expressed strong support for the professor. Ajayant Katoch, a PhD scholar in Sociology and Anthropology at Ashoka, described the arrest as an indicator of the shrinking space for academic freedom and critical inquiry in India. Within the university, both student bodies and faculty have unequivocally condemned this action and expressed solidarity with Professor Mahmudabad. Ashoka Universitys reluctance to defend him publicly reflects a wider and troubling pattern where institutional autonomy is being eroded by increasing state interference, especially under the New Education Policy, he said. Katoch did not shy away from saying what he called the varsitys hypocrisy in branding itself a liberal arts institution while failing to support its own faculty. Some students refrained from speaking to the media due to alleged strict instructions from faculty members. Speaking anonymously, a student said, Professor Mahmudabad has a profound love for the country and its Constitution. Everything he teaches reflects these principles. He is deeply knowledgeable be it the Gita, the Quran or the Constitution. It is heartbreaking to see him treated this way, he said. Another student added, I took his Economics, Politics and Society class in my first semester. He is an insightful mentor and inspiring teacher. His arrest under draconian laws on such flimsy grounds is disheartening. Professor Ashwini Deshpande, head of the Economics Department at Ashoka, said, The faculty association is in complete solidarity with Professor Mahmudabad. In a statement, the Faculty Association of Ashoka University termed the arrest calculated harassment based on groundless and untenable charges. It claimed Mahmudabad was denied access to essential medication and was kept incommunicado for hours. Mahmudabad is an invaluable member of our community, a respected educator and a dedicated citizen committed to communal harmony and the greater good, the statement read. The Committee for Academic Freedom at the varsity described the arrest as a disproportionate punishment and a direct attack on academic independence. Historian Dr. Ruchika Sharma called the arrest a travesty of justice, adding, His post both praised the women officers and condemned growing communalism in India. It is shocking that Ashoka University chose to distance itself instead of expressing solidarity. Inside the Two FIRs Against the Professor Lodged on May 17 by Yogesh Jatheri a village sarpanch and BJP Yuva Morcha general secretary in Haryana, the first FIR invokes sections 152 (endangering sovereignty), 196(1) (promoting enmity), 197(1) (hurting national integration) and 299 (outraging religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Jatheri alleged that Mahmudabads remarks incited sentiments benefiting external forces and claimed to have been personally offended during a face-to-face exchange on the Ashoka University campus. The second FIR, filed by Haryana State Commission for Women Chairperson Renu Bhatia, accuses Mahmudabad under BNS sections 152, 353(1) (causing public mischief), 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman) and 196(1). Bhatia alleged that the professors post disparaged women officers, misrepresented facts and fuelled communal unrest by attributing malintent to the armed forces and the government. Section 152 carries a prison term of up to seven years, while the remaining charges are punishable by up to three years in prison. Mahmudabad vs Haryana Womens Panel The Womens Commission summoned Mahmudabad on May 14. He submitted a written response through legal counsel, stating, There is nothing remotely misogynistic in my comments. He asserted that his post praised the inclusion of women officers and highlighted Indias diversity. Describing the commissions action as a new form of censorship and harassment, he reaffirmed his faith in the legal system to uphold constitutional rights. Bhatia claimed Mahmudabad ignored the summons and did not cooperate when commission members visited Ashoka University on May 15. The following day, she recommended that Haryanas Director General of Police file an FIR. On May 18, Bhatias expanded complaint alleged that Mahmudabads references to the BJP as a hate-mongering entity and to right-wing commentators as a class incited disharmony. We visited the university to speak with him. I hoped he would apologise, but he did not seem inclined, Bhatia said. She herself has come under criticism, with social media users bringing out a 2017 interview wherein she reportedly struggled to label convicted rapist Ram Rahim as a rapist. Bhatia further remained silent when the widow of naval officer Lt. Vinay Narwal killed in the Pahalgam attack faced online abuse for appealing against communal hatred spread after the Pahalgam attack. Narwals widow, Himanshi, hails from Gurugram in Haryana. Inside the Courtroom Mahmudabad was arrested from his Delhi home in the early hours of May 18 and taken to Rai Police Station in Sonipat. He was presented before a magistrate later that evening and remanded to two days in police custody. His counsel, Kapil Balyan, stated that the court instructed the police to cooperate, given Mahmudabads wife is due to deliver their child imminently. On May 19, Mahmudabad moved the Supreme Court, seeking immediate release on the grounds that the FIRs were baseless and infringed upon his right to free speech. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court take up the matter on May 21, but Chief Justice BR Gavai advanced it to May 20, pending official listing. DCP (Crime) Narender Kadian said the police would seek a five-day remand. BJP Ministers Controversial Comments Spark Comparison Mahmudabads arrest has been widely compared to that of Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who, on May 12, insinuated that Colonel Qureshi was the sister of terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Taking suo motu cognizance of his highly controversial and objectionable remarks, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered an FIR against Shah, calling the statement made during an event cancerous. Although Shah apologised, he was neither arrested nor removed from office, prompting criticism of legal double standards. When Shah approached the Supreme Court offering apology, the top court rejected it, saying describing it crocodile tears and ordered formation of a three-members Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising IPS officers, to prove the ministers public statement which is available online. Congress leader Pawan Khera said, Mahmudabad is jailed not for inciting violence but for speaking against it. His real crime? Daring to call out the BJPs communal hypocrisy and nationalism. Meanwhile, BJP leaders demean the armed forces without consequences. Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi, Mahua Moitra and those belonging to the CPI(M) have condemned the arrest and called it a targeted attack on dissent. Owaisi also alleged that the police violated legal protocol by arresting Mahmudabad from Delhi without proper procedure. More than 1,200 individuals, including academics, students, journalists and artists, have signed an open letter demanding that the Womens Commission withdraw its notice and issue a formal apology. Mahmudabads case highlights the fragile balance between national security, communal harmony and constitutionally guaranteed free speech. The outcome of his Supreme Court plea and ongoing investigations may significantly shape the future of academic freedom and political expression in India. Crazy Rich Asians actress Gemma Chan has said UK aid cuts cannot be "borne by the most vulnerable children in the world" after signing and delivering an open letter to 10 Downing Street. Chan, 42, who is also a Unicef ambassador, delivered the open letter on Monday, calling on the UK government to ensure that 25% of the aid budget is spent on "life-saving and life-changing work for children". The letter comes after the UK government announced it would cut foreign aid from 0.5% gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% from 2027, in order to increase defence spending. READ MORE: Welsh Government's 250K grant to 'count moths on the Great Orme is crazy' ADVERTISEMENT READ MORE: WRU and regions to face off in tense meeting amid recriminations Signatories included Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, pop star Robbie Williams, 15 development organisations and more than 40,000 members of the UK public. Speaking to PA news agency, Chan said: "We're definitely living in a really challenging time and difficult decisions are having to be made, but I feel that these decisions shouldn't be borne by the most vulnerable children in the world. "Things like vaccinations, access to health care, they're a human right. No matter where a child lives, they deserve access to that. "Today is really about just making sure that we're speaking up at this really difficult time for people that don't have anyone advocating for them." The actress recently travelled to Malawi with Unicef UK and saw the ways UK funding has helped develop solutions to overcome healthcare and climate change challenges. ADVERTISEMENT This includes using solar panels to help improve health in rural communities by extending the shelf life of vaccines by keeping them refrigerated, and using drones to help speed up test results and to deliver health supplies. This is supported by the African Drone and Data Academy, which trains young people to use satellite technology to map flooding damage and better predict weather patterns to improve agriculture, health and emergency responses. Chan added: "I'm really inspired by the young people that I meet in the course of doing my work with Unicef and trips like this trip to Malawi. "I think it's really important not to lose hope, and it's really important to support the people that are really doing tireless, not necessarily very glamorous work, but working every day to make sure that children everywhere are given a good chance that (they are) growing up healthy and to be able to pursue their hopes and their dreams." Speaking about the open letter, Chan emphasised that aid for children should be "prioritised". ADVERTISEMENT She said: "(The letter is) calling on the government to make sure that, in spite of the recent decisions and the cuts to international aid, that aid for children is prioritised and to make sure that 25% of the budget is spent on these vital programmes for children in areas such as health, nutrition, education, sanitation and just to make sure that the world's most vulnerable children aren't bearing the brunt of these really difficult decisions." Homeland actor David Harewood also signed the letter alongside British-Somali Olympic boxer Ramla Ali, who fled Somalia with her family as a child and went on to compete for the world title. The open letter says: "We know that by almost every measure, 2024 was one of the worst years on record for children in conflict. "Cutting critical aid again, this time even more drastically, will put their lives at risk and undo decades of progress. "The UK's commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on aid demonstrated our leadership and our compassion. The decision to cut it to 0.3% will make it impossible for this government to achieve its aspirations of tackling extreme poverty, addressing the climate crisis and building long-term global security." Embarking on this new chapter, Opella Vietnam is redefining self-care through trusted, science-backed brands, deep market expertise, and agile innovation guided by a strong commitment to sustainability and community well-being. Valentina Belcheva, General Manager of Opella Vietnam & Cambodia, shares insights into the companys new journey, long-term strategies in Vietnam, and commitment to sustainable health. Question: Over its 70-year journey, how has Opella Vietnam established its leadership in the over-the-counter market and contributed to the well-being of Vietnamese families? Valentina Belcheva: Our leadership in the OTC market is rooted in a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare solutions that meet the needs of Vietnamese consumers. Opellas achievement of becoming the No. 1 OTC brand in Vietnam is the result of a legacy built and nurtured over more than 70 years. We are committed to transforming consumer healthcare through a self-care approach. Everyone should understand that healthcare begins with ourselves, and self-care is a practice everyone can adopt daily to take charge of their health. This vision is supported by our trusted portfolio of proven brands, spanning categories such as allergy, digestive health, pain relief, mental and physical well-being, and personal care. In Vietnam, we are particularly strong in digestive health, with leading brands like Enterogermina and Phosphalugel, and in personal care with Lactacyd. Several of our products have received prestigious accolades, including the Ministry of Healths Vietnamese Drug Star award. Our investment in local infrastructure further demonstrates our commitment. We have built a factory certified to GMP-WHO, Australias TGA, and Koreas MFDS standards, along with a regional R&D centre. We also prioritise community well-being. Our School Hygiene Project, recognised with AmCham CSR Awards, and our continued efforts to provide advanced healthcare knowledge to professionals and consumers alike, reflect our dedication to meaningful CSR initiatives. Question: How will becoming an independent entity allow Opella Vietnam to enhance its focus on consumer health and innovation? What key priorities will you focus on to 'do even better' in fulfilling your commitments to the community? Valentina Belcheva: Thank you for emphasising the importance of doing better. As a long-standing leader in consumer healthcare in Vietnam, this new chapter allows us to become faster, more agile, and more accessible to even more consumers. Independence empowers us to accelerate innovation tailored to the unique needs of the Vietnamese people and to fulfil our mission: Health in Your Hands making self-care as simple as it should be. Under this mission, and with a vision to lead the way in fast-moving consumer healthcare (FMCH) in and for Vietnam, we aim to go beyond products, becoming a trusted health partner in daily life, grounded in scientific expertise and consumer understanding. Some mistakenly believe that consumer healthcare is not part of the pharmaceutical industry. In reality, much of our portfolio includes OTC medicines backed by clinical trials. Our supplements and personal care products also meet the highest safety and scientific standards under the Opella brand. We are also adopting a more agile model. Unlike the traditional prescription model, where time to market for innovations can take up to 10 years, we are targeting a reduction to as little as six months. We are embedding AI and digital tools across our operations from R&D to e-commerce to deliver more personalised healthcare experiences. At Opella, we do science for people. We listen truly listen to what patients and consumers need, and we turn those insights into product development. This is the heart of a consumer-centric approach. Its not just a strategy; its our commitment. And its the future were building where science serves people, guided by their voices. Question: How important is the Vietnamese market to Opellas global strategy? What strategies will help maintain your leadership in sustainable healthcare? Valentina Belcheva: With a population of 100 million and rising demand for self-care, Vietnam holds tremendous potential and is a key market in Opellas global roadmap. It is one of only four countries worldwide where we have commercial operations, a manufacturing site, and an R&D centre. This places Vietnam among our top 10 global markets and underscores our long-term commitment. We reaffirm our goal to lead the FMCH market in and for Vietnam, driving better health for individuals, families, and communities. Our manufacturing site at the Saigon High-Tech Park not only serves Vietnam but also exports to 13 countries across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Republic of Korea. This positions Vietnam as our regional manufacturing hub. The R&D centre plays a regional role by conducting key research, including ingredient selection, clinical trials, manufacturing optimisation, and formulation enhancement. We operate through offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi to stay closely aligned with the market and regulatory partners. Looking ahead, our goal is not just to maintain, but to grow our leadership position. With Vietnam being one of the fastest-growing economies globally, we aim to grow at par with or faster than the countrys pace by leveraging our brand portfolio, expanding our innovation pipeline, and further tapping into self-care opportunities. Question: How do you think Opellas sustainability roadmap will impact the healthcare ecosystem? Valentina Belcheva: Sustainability is at the core of every initiative we undertake at Opella Vietnam. Our roadmap spans environmental and social dimensions, aiming to shape a more resilient and healthy healthcare ecosystem. In 2023, we achieved landfill-free operations and now run entirely on renewable energy. In 2024, we eliminated 4.4 tonnes of plastic by switching from stretch wrap to reusable covers. By 2025, we aim to phase out non-sustainable plastics entirely, transitioning to post-consumer recycled bottles. Our ongoing environmental projects include adopting solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and replacing fossil-fuel boilers with electric and biomass alternatives. We are targeting net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027. Social impact is also central to our mission. In partnership with the Hope Foundation, our School Hygiene Project has improved clean water and hygiene conditions for nearly 40,000 students and teachers, and there are plans to support 20 more schools in 2025. We will continue to use edutainment to provide access to learning facilities and long-term training for healthcare professionals and consumers alike. Question: What is Opella Vietnams vision for empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals? Valentina Belcheva: We believe the next generation is essential to the future of healthcare. At Opella Vietnam, we are committed to empowering young professionals through education, innovation, and access to reliable health information. Pharmacists often the first point of contact in healthcare play a vital role in promoting self-care. Through our Pharmacist Academy, we provide regular, expert-led training sessions to support their role in the community. For doctors, we offer continuous learning opportunities via platforms like Docquity, keeping them informed and engaged in preventive care. We also invest in technology to promote accessibility and innovation. Vietnam is a priority market for launching new self-care solutions. All our products are backed by rigorous clinical evidence what we call hard science that fosters public trust. To enhance accessibility, we have introduced QR codes on our packaging, allowing consumers to instantly access product information via mobile devices. This promotes safety, transparency, and ease of use. Our long-term vision is to build a portfolio of trusted, loved brands that meet the evolving needs of Vietnamese consumers. We will continue to prioritise our commitment to society through our corporate social responsibility initiatives. For us, CSR is not separate from business its fully integrated. We do not view our work as divided between sales and something else; it is all connected. We cannot promote self-care and champion Health in Your Hands as our tagline without genuinely caring for the lives and health of the communities. A NANG The central city of a Nang has intensified efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce to underpin its ambition of establishing the Viet Nam International Financial Centre (IFC). This initiative aligns with the citys recently issued Resolution No. 29-NQ/TU, dated April 26, which outlines the vision of transforming a Nang into a green, smart and innovative financial hub adhering to advanced international standards and integrating with global financial markets. Strategic role of the University of a Nang The University of a Nang (UD), leveraging its tradition and capabilities, has been entrusted with a pivotal role in this strategic endeavour. Tasked with developing comprehensive training programmes, the university aims to supply a high-quality workforce for the IFC. These programmes include short-term courses and specialised training for Government officials, business executives, academics and scientists. Moreover, it is actively engaged in promoting both domestic and international investment, enhancing the branding of a Nangs IFC as a modern, open, reputable and competitive entity. Its member institutions, including the University of Economics and the Viet Nam-Korea University of Information and Communications Technology (VKU), have initiated pioneering training programmes in fields including financial technology (fintech), international business and artificial intelligence applications in business. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving demands of the financial sector and to prepare a workforce adept in emerging technologies. In addition to academic programmes, UD's member universities are collaborating with municipal departments to elevate the awareness, mindset and competencies of public officials in a Nang. This collaboration aims to prepare the city's workforce for new responsibilities associated with the establishment of the regional financial centre, thereby acting as a catalyst for economic growth and investment attraction. Notably, the University of Economics has been assigned to develop a proposal focused on cultivating a highly skilled workforce for the IFC. This proposal includes specialised short-term training courses for State managers, business leaders, educators and researchers, emphasising the integration of international standards and practices. International collaboration and training UD is prioritising the development of English-language programmes, international training partnerships, faculty and expert exchanges and the organisation of student activities to accumulate international certifications. Participation in forums such as the Viet Nam Fintech Forum facilitates exposure to global trends and practical experiences, enhancing the readiness of graduates for the international financial environment. In April, the University of Economics conducted training sessions to disseminate knowledge on international financial centres to officials from various city departments. These sessions covered topics such as management models, legal operations, international experiences in developing financial centres and the application of digital finance and fintech trends to meet strategic objectives. Embracing fintech and data analytics Associate Professor Dr ang Tung Lam, head of the Finance Department at the University of Economics, emphasised the city's advantages, including a youthful population and high internet and smartphone penetration rates, which present significant opportunities for the growth of the fintech industry. He highlighted the department's efforts to encourage finance lecturers to acquire technological expertise and to recruit faculty with backgrounds in data science and artificial intelligence, thereby fostering interdisciplinary research and education in fintech. Meanwhile, the VKU has introduced four new programmes in 2025, including Fintech, Data Analytics, Game Technology and Automotive Software Engineering. According to VKU rector and Associate Professor Dr Huynh Cong Phap, the fintech programme addresses the increasing integration of technology in financial services, transforming transactions, payments, investments and financial management. The Data Analytics programme responds to the growing demand for professionals capable of analysing and processing large datasets, enabling organisations to make informed business decisions. Through these concerted efforts in education and training, a Nang is laying a robust foundation for the successful establishment and operation of the Viet Nam International Financial Centre. By fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, the city aims to enhance its position in the global financial landscape and drive sustainable economic development. VNS HCM CITY A landmark US$6 billion investment agreement was signed in HCM City Monday, uniting Vietnams KOGI Group, Japans Mazda Oil Corporation, and several Middle Eastern conglomerates in an effort to bolster green industrial production and energy infrastructure in southern Viet Nam. The deal encompasses two major projects in HCM City. The first, a $5 billion oil refinery and storage complex, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, will have an annual processing capacity of 50 million tonnes. The second, a $1 billion green manufacturing plant, will focus on producing engine components using hydrogen technology in its initial phase. Additionally, the consortium plans a cross-border oil pipeline linking Viet Nams Vung Ang port with Vientiane, Laos, with an estimated cost of $500-700 million. Koki Kobayashi, an advisor to Mazda Oil, expressed enthusiasm for Viet Nams potential as an investment destination, particularly in the energy sector. He noted that many Japanese firms share this optimism but urged Viet Nam to further streamline administrative processes and improve its investment climate to sustain momentum. Nguyen Hong Hue, Chairman of KOGI Group, said the agreement builds on talks sparked by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to Middle Eastern countries in October 2024. He described the projects as a testament to Viet Nams rising prominence in global and regional energy security and a reflection of international confidence in the countrys development trajectory. Hue also credited recent policy moves, including the Politburos Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in sci-tech, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution 68 on private sector growth, for galvanising Vietnamese business community. These, he said, provide a fresh tailwind for Vietnamese firms to partner with global corporations and fully unlock the nations economic potential. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and the US began the second round of negotiations on a proposed reciprocal trade agreement in Washington on Monday which aims to deepen the economic ties between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The talks, scheduled to run through Thursday, are led by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. On the first days, the two sides exchanges views on approaches to address problems and accelerate the negotiation process. Discussions focused on clarifying the draft and eachs countrys current policies in areas of interest. On the same day, Dien held a separate working session with Westinghouse, a global leader in nuclear power technology. During the meeting, Dien said that Viet Nam is considering to revive its nuclear energy programme to meet glowing power demand and ensure the national energy security. He stressed that Viet Nam will adopt a cautious and modern approach aligned with global safety standards and domestic conditions, adding that Viet Nam has potential locations for nuclear power development, providing ground for enhancing international cooperation on both large-scale and small modular reactor projects. Cooperation in energy development will be a key drier in balancing the bilateral trade, he said. Margaret Cosentino, vice president of Westinghouse, expressed strong support for Viet Nams energy plan, stressing the importance of long-term cooperation in the energy sector. The two sides also agreed to advance the cooperation and plan to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Westinghouse and Viet Nams State-run energy group PetroVietnam on nuclear energy development. VNS HA NOI National Assembly deputies discussed the establishment of specialised courts for intellectual property (IP) and bankruptcy cases, while reviewing a draft law amending and supplementing articles of the Law on Peoples Courts yesterday. The draft proposes allowing regional Peoples Courts to establish Intellectual Property Courts and Bankruptcy Courts. These would be created by decision of the National Assembly Standing Committee, based on a proposal from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court. Deputy Thach Phuoc Binh from Tra Vinh said it's a move closer to a global trend of judicial specialisation. IP and bankruptcy cases are often complex and require interdisciplinary expertise. Specialised courts would enhance adjudication quality, help form case law and ensure consistent legal interpretation. However, he said gaps in the draft, such as the absence of criteria for selecting regions to establish such courts, the minimum annual caseload required and where to find qualified personnel. He warned that too many specialised courts with low case volumes and a shortage of expert judges could lead to inefficiency and higher costs. To address this, Binh proposed amending Articles 58 and 61 of the law, suggesting that the decision to establish specialised courts should be based on average case numbers over three consecutive years, local development needs, judicial expertise and available infrastructure. Deputy Phan Thi Nguyet Thu from Ha Tinh also backed the proposal, noting the Governments plan to develop an international financial centre. As Viet Nam attracts more diverse investment, specialised courts will be essential for resolving disputes effectively. She called for a training plan to develop judges with expertise in these areas. Meanwhile, deputy Nguyen Thi Viet Nga from Hai Duong urged caution. She said that the number of IP and bankruptcy cases remains low in many provinces, with some seeing no such cases all year. Instead of creating new courts, she suggested assigning these cases to trained judges within existing economic or civil courts. Chief Justice Le Minh Tri acknowledged that while the number of such cases is currently limited, future demand is likely to grow alongside economic development and global integration. Bankruptcy, he said, provides businesses with a legal exit, while IP is increasingly viewed as a key asset in developed economies. He emphasised that although these courts are not urgently needed now, integrating them within regional courts allows flexibility. In the future, when demand rises, full-fledged specialised courts will be necessary. He also noted that foreign investors and officials are increasingly inquiring about Viet Nams capacity to handle IP and bankruptcy disputes. BIZHUB/VNS HAI PHONG Hai Phong is committed to facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises in pursuing long-term, effective and sustainable operations locally, Permanent Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Le Anh Quan stated at a seminar held on May 20 to discuss opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese and Korean firms operating in the northern port city. Quan noted that Hai Phong will continue efforts to enhance its business climate, assist enterprises in accessing land, credit, and skilled human resources, while also prioritising the training of a high-quality workforce. The city aims to support domestic businesses, particularly small-scale ones, in developing the capacity to collaborate with FDI firms and adopt advanced technologies to foster effective partnerships with those from the Republic of Korea (RoK). Seog Myeong Gug, chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hai Phong (KOCHAM Hai Phong), highlighted that the event provided valuable opportunities for Vietnamese and RoK enterprises to explore potential cooperation, especially in the fields of supporting industries and human resources. He acknowledged that many RoK firms have traditionally sourced supporting products from their home country or others, a practice that has increased operational costs. Lee Kyung Hee, vice chairman of KOCHAM Hai Phong, recommended that the city work to enhance the quality of education and vocational training to meet international standards, with a focus on key sectors such as industrial engineering, automation, electronics, and artificial intelligence (AI). He also encouraged greater collaboration between Vietnamese and RoK vocational education institutions through joint training initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, and internship programmes. RoK businesses, he suggested, should be involved in shaping training curricula and providing practical training opportunities for local students. The RoK is currently Hai Phongs largest investor in terms of total registered capital and the second biggest in the number of projects, with US$14.2 billion across 186 projects. VNA/VNS HA NOI As an amendment to the Law on Atomic Energy undergoes discussion at the National Assemblys ninth session, Vietnamese-origin experts with experience in major nuclear projects abroad have suggested transformative approaches to the countrys future power projects. Its essential to change public perception of nuclear energy, said Duong Thanh Nam, a lead engineer of the EPR2 nuclear power project at the French utility company Electricite de France (EDF). He stressed that mastering nuclear technology was not only a technical challenge, but also a matter of mindset and approach concerning the entire society. The engineer told Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporters in Paris: People might associate nuclear with destruction and devastation, but everything depends on how we think and what we choose. Its important to explain that mastering nuclear technology serves the interests of humanity. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, Nam said that the high level of precision required in nuclear power projects could be both a challenge and an opportunity for Viet Nam to comprehensively upgrade its supporting industries. Nuclear energy is more than just reactor technology, according to Nam. One of the most controversial issues is the management of radioactive waste. This is a challenge that can persist for thousands of years even after a nuclear plant halts operation. Dr Vu Minh Ngoc, the only Vietnamese to have won the PhD Prize in Geomaterials by the Alliance of Laboratories in Europe for Research and Technology (ALERT), said: Radioactive waste management is the final step of the nuclear fuel cycle, aimed at protecting current and future generations. According to Ngoc, who is leading geomechanics and civil engineering projects at the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA), the safest practice currently applied in developed countries is to store waste in suitable layers of geological formations, such as clay or granite. Notably, although constructing underground geological storage facilities may cost tens of billions of euros, Viet Nam, as a newcomer in the field, could reduce research time and costs by identifying geological strata similar to what has been proven effective by other countries. For Bui Nguyen Hoang, a senior engineer with over 15 years of experience working on nuclear power plant projects across Europe and Asia, human capacity remains the top priority. Many engineers and experts are eager to return and contribute directly to project management, supervision and quality control throughout operations, he said. Hoang noted that there were currently nearly 100 Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin engineers and experts working in nuclear plant construction in Europe. This would be a high-quality human resource that could contribute to policy consultation, design verification and technical review for Viet Nam. However, to attract this talent pool, Viet Nam needed to adopt special policies and foster a more professional working environment, he added. Safety measures With more than 20 years of experience in construction, Dr Le Quoc Viet pointed out that after the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, safety regulations were significantly tightened, making design and project management much more complex. Having worked on the Flamanville 3 EPR nuclear reactor in France since the groundbreaking until grid connection, Viet said this project was one of the victims of these complex procedures. The Flamanville 3 EPR nuclear reactor took 17 years to complete, with costs rising to EU23.7 billion compared to the initial estimations of EU3.3 billion. Building a nuclear power plant is already a complex task, but safe operation and management is even more difficult, Viet noted. Citing the Fukushima and Chernobyl disasters, he said these accidents showed that "despite technological advancements, human factors, operational procedures and emergency response capabilities are decisive to safety outcomes". Lessons from these disasters are of particular concern to the Association of Civil, Mechanical and Materials Engineering (GCMM) of Vietnamese engineers in France. With nearly 500 members of Vietnamese origin working or studying construction in France, about 50 of whom have extensive experience in the nuclear sector, GCMM has made several specific proposals for disaster preparedness. The Fukushima accident showed that we must comprehensively assess natural disaster risks, even those deemed unlikely, said GCMM chair Dr Nguyen Thuong Anh. Together with PhD candidate Phi Minh Nhat, he recommended that Viet Nam adopt disaster prevention measures such as building seawalls at least 12m high, setting plant foundations more than 20m above sea level, and designing structures that can withstand strong earthquakes. Experts also stress leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence. Smart sensor systems, big data analysis models for natural disaster forecasting and internal vibration sensors can enhance responsiveness and reduce risks. More importantly, they note that investing in disaster prevention measures from the design stage not only ensures safety but also brings long-term economic benefits, as insurance costs could be reduced by 30-50 per cent if strict safety standards are followed. Viet Nam stands at a pivotal moment in developing safe and effective nuclear power programmes whose success relies on more than the right technology. They require comprehensive investment in human resources, building a strict safety culture and applying the most advanced design standards within a rigorous legal framework. In this context, Vietnamese atomic experts abroad are invaluable bridges to help the country meet global standards in developing nuclear energy. VNS BANGKOK A Vietnamese bookcase was launched at Khanh An Vietnamese language school in Vietnam Town, Thailands northeastern Udon Thani province, on May 18. Featuring 600 titles, the bookcase offers a diverse range of content suitable for all ages and proficiency levels. It includes colorful picture books for young children who are beginners in their mother tongue, as well as textbooks and reference materials for students at Vietnamese language schools across Thailand. Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen, inh Hoang Linh, emphasised that the bookcase holds profound significance in preserving and promoting the Vietnamese language within the Vietnamese community in Thailand. He noted that the initiative is the result of collaboration between the Consulate General and the Vietnam Education Publishing House (VEPH). The donated books not only carry educational value but also reflect a deep connection to the homeland, fostering a love for the Vietnamese language and President Ho Chi Minh, and national pride among the younger generation, he said. Luong Xuan Hoa, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Udon Thani, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community for this meaningful gift from the homeland. He pledged that the association and the school will use the bookcase effectively and continue to expand the collection to better serve the local community. The bookcase, a joint initiative of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and the VEPH, plays a vital role in promoting the reading culture and enhancing Vietnamese language skills among overseas Vietnamese communities. Since 2023, the bookcase project has been launched in various countries and territories, including Fukuoka (Japan), Budapest (Hungary), Taiwan (China), Paris and New Caledonia (France), Prague and Brno (Czech Republic), Melbourne (Australia), Vientiane (Laos), and most recently, Minsk (Belarus). VNA/VNS BERLIN The Vietnamese community in Leipzig city has coordinated with Leipzig Zoo to organise "Viet Nam Cultural Days" to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Germany (1975 - 2025). The event is also a part of the multicultural week organised by the Leipzig city administration, which aims to create a space for communities to promote and introduce their countries images, cultures, and cuisine. During the evenf from May 17-18, the Vietnamese community, including children, performed artistic items featuring both traditional and modern Vietnamese culture such as lion dances, cheo and quan ho (love duet) singing. General Director of Leipzig Zoo, Prof. Dr. Jorg Junhold said that the event was not only an opportunity to honour cultural diversity, but also helped Leipzig people to better understand the country and people of Viet Nam. Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Leipzig Bui Quang Huy said that the event was expected to help the second and third generations of overseas Vietnamese in Germany better understand their roots, and the Vietnamese community in Leipzig to strengthen solidarity. Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh thanked the Leipzig Zoo and the city administration for their support in conserving and rescuing endangered wild animals in Viet Nam. Minh said he wished that the cooperation and friendship between the two twinned cities of Leipzig and HCM City in particular, as well as with Viet Nam in general, will increasingly develop strongly and sustainably. On behalf of the Vietnamese Embassy, Minh presented certificates of merit to four members of the Leipzig Zoo, including Prof. Dr. Jorg Junhold, in recognition of their contributions and dedication to animals and paying special attention to promoting cooperation between Leipzig Zoo and Viet Nam. VNA/VNS HA NOI The UNESCO World Heritage Centre will continue to stand alongside Viet Nam in safeguarding and promoting its world heritage, Director Lazare Eloundou Assomo affirmed during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on May 19. Assomo reiterated UNESCOs ongoing commitment to providing technical advice and support for the management, conservation, and enhancement of the eight recognised world heritage sites in Viet Nam. Deputy PM Son expressed his delight with the tangible progress made in Viet Nam UNESCO cooperation since Assomos inaugural visit to the country in 2023, as well as the outcomes of the meeting between Party General Secretary To Lam and UNESCO Secretary-General Audrey Azoulay in October 2024. He underlined Viet Nams focus on four strategic breakthroughs in the current development phase, with science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation identified as key drivers for national modernisation, integration into the world, and fast and sustainable socio-economic development, which match UNESCOs orientation for integrating science and culture into global development strategies. He called for continued support from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, particularly from Assomo, in harmonising heritage conservation with development efforts at Viet Nams heritage sites, especially the restoration of the Kinh Thien Palace and its surrounding complex at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the heritage dossier for the Yen Tu Vinh Nghiem Con Son, Kiep Bac complex, scheduled for UNESCO consideration this July. Impressed by Viet Nams significant progress over the past two years, particularly in integrating urban development with heritage preservation, Assomo welcomed the upcoming international seminar on the community-based world heritage protection and promotion, slated for May 21. He described it as a clear reflection of Viet Nams commitment to balancing preservation with sustainable development. Assomo also praised Viet Nam as a trustworthy and responsive partner that takes UNESCOs recommendations seriously and implements them effectively. He noted with satisfaction that several of his proposals made during the visit two years ago have since been successfully carried out, underscoring the enduring partnership between Viet Nam and UNESCO in protecting global heritage. In recognition of his contributions, Deputy PM Son awarded Assomo the For the Cause of Viet Nams Diplomacy insignia, honouring his outstanding contributions to the preservation of Viet Nams heritage values as well as bilateral cooperation. On the same day, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO Nguyen Minh Vu also held a meeting with Assomo to discuss strategic cooperation directions in the new period. VNA/VNS HA NOI The National Assembly (NA) on Monday deliberated the investment policy for two key expressways - the Quy Nhon Pleiku Expressway and proposed adjustments to Phase 1 of the Bien Hoa Vung Tau Expressway, as part of its 9th session. Presenting the proposal for the Quy Nhon Pleiku Expressway, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh stressed the urgency of investing in the project. He pointed out that the current road connections between Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces with Binh inh and the south central coastal region, primarily via national highways, only met basic transport demands and have not attracted significant investment. This, he said, was due to high transportation costs and long travel times, hindering the development potential of agriculture, processing industries, renewable energy and tourism in Gia Lai and Kon Tum. The plans show the expressway starting at National Highway 19B in An Nhon Town, Binh inh Province and ending at Ho Chi Minh Road in Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province, with a total length of approximately 125 km. It will traverse An Nhon Town and Tay Son District in Binh inh Province, An Khe Town, the districts of ak Po, Mang Yang, ak oa and Pleiku city in Gia Lai Province. The project is designed as a four-lane highway with continuous emergency stopping lanes, a road width of 24.75 metres, and a design speed of 100 kph. The estimated land use is around 942.15 hectares. The proposed investment method is public investment, with a preliminary total budget of approximately VN43.73 trillion (US$1.68 billion). Funding will come from State budget resources, including increased revenue and expenditure savings from 2024, and budget allocations from both central and local governments in the 20212025 and 20262030 periods. Delivering the verification report, Chairman of the NAs Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai affirmed the necessity of the project. The Committee recommended that, during the feasibility study phase, the Government carefully review and select the most optimal route alignment. It also advised further scrutiny of infrastructure such as rest stops, intelligent transportation systems, interchanges and supporting structures, ensuring they are built in sync with the main expressway to maximise investment efficiency. Some lawmakers suggested that, based on projected traffic volumes by 2035, only two or three lanes may be required initially. Therefore, the feasibility study should include a comparative analysis, particularly on whether to construct the full four-lane structure in Phase 1, or agree to any expansion based on traffic growth to avoid unnecessary expenditure. Regarding the investment format, the committee supported the use of public funding for the project. Also on Monday, the NA gave preliminary approval to the adjusted investment policy for Phase 1 of the Bien Hoa Vung Tau Expressway, with the total investment rising from VN17.83 trillion ($687.1 million) to VN21.55 trillion ($830.5 million), an increase of 20.8 per cent. The project spans approximately 53.7 km, with a design speed of 100 kph and four to six lanes. It is divided into three components. Component 1 of the project spans 16 kilometres and is designed with four lanes, with an estimated total investment of VN6.24 trillion ($240.4 million). Of this amount, approximately VN3.58 trillion ($137.9 million) is allocated for land compensation and resettlement. Component 2 covers a length of 18.2 kilometres and will feature four to six lanes. Its estimated investment stands at VN6.40 trillion ($246.6 million), including VN1.7 trillion ($65.5 million) for compensation and resettlement. Component 3 extends 19.5 kilometres with four lanes and has a projected investment of VN5.19 trillion ($200 million), of which VN1.33 trillion ($51.2 million) is designated for compensation and resettlement. The original funding plan for the project consisted of VN14.27 trillion from the 20212025 state budget, including VN11 trillion from central Government funds and VN3.27 trillion from local budgets. In addition, VN3.56 trillion was allocated from the 20262030 central budget. Under the revised proposal, the total investment has increased significantly to VN21.55 trillion, with updated allocations for each project component. Component 1 is now projected to require VN6.69 trillion, the second part VN7.64 trillion and Component 3 VN7.21 trillion. Accordingly, the budget has been adjusted to reflect the increase. The 20212025 state budget is now set at VN17.12 trillion an increase of VN2.85 trillion with VN12.14 trillion sourced from central Government funds and VN4.98 trillion from local budgets. For the 20262030 period, the central budget has also been raised to VN4.42 trillion, marking an increase of VN860 billion. The cost increase was attributed to rising land compensation, resettlement expenses and construction costs. However, the committee noted that the 20.8 per cent rise in investment was substantial. It called for a clearer explanation of the causes and greater accountability from the agencies and individuals responsible for the initial project preparation. To ensure timely funding, the committee urged the Government to clarify the capital sources and ensure funding is balanced. It also asked the Government to take responsibility for the accuracy of cost estimates, commit to meeting deadlines and quality standards and clearly define the projects completion timeline. VNS HA NOI Mexico was among the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam shortly after the historic reunification on April 30, 1975. Over the past 50 years, the two nations have cultivated a model relationship, marked by comprehensive, practical, and increasingly effective cooperation across a wide range of sectors. This photo essay highlights the enduring bond between the peoples of Viet Nam and Mexico, as well as the promising potential for their bilateral partnership in the years to come. VNS HA NOI The Government has proposed abolishing the death penalty for several offences as part of a broader amendment to the Penal Code, marking a significant shift in the countrys approach to criminal justice. Presenting the draft law to the National Assembly during its 9th session on Tuesday, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said the Government plans to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment without parole in eight out of 18 offences. The proposed changes would apply to a range of serious offences, including attempts to overthrow the administration, sabotage of national infrastructure, production and sale of counterfeit medicine, espionage, illegal transportation of narcotics, embezzlement, and bribery. The draft law also proposes exempting death row inmates from execution in specific humanitarian cases, such as individuals with terminal-stage cancer or those living with AIDS. Minister Quang said the current law, last amended in 2017, has revealed shortcomings after more than eight years in effect. He noted that some death penalty provisions are no longer aligned with Viet Nams socio-economic realities or the evolving nature of crime. The wide sentencing range in some criminal statutes, spanning 20 years imprisonment to life or death, has made it difficult to apply capital punishment consistently. In practice, courts have largely avoided handing down the death sentence for certain crimes, including subversion and the production of fake medicine. Other crimes, like embezzlement and bribery, have seen the penalty used sparingly. The Minister said the introduction of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole would maintain public safety by permanently isolating offenders from society, while aligning with the States policy of gradually limiting the use of capital punishment. The proposal has triggered debate among lawmakers. The Chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs, Hoang Thanh Tung, said there were two main viewpoints. One group supported the Governments recommendation to abolish the death penalty for the eight offences. Another agreed with the broader aim of reducing capital punishment but urged caution, particularly regarding crimes such as embezzlement, bribery, and drug trafficking. Most members of the committee backed the second, more conservative position. The draft amendment also includes proposals to increase prison terms and financial penalties for certain offences, including environmental crimes and the production or trade of counterfeit goods, food and pharmaceuticals. Minister Quang said the changes are intended to strengthen deterrence and better protect the rights and interests of citizens and the State. Tung said the committee generally supports harsher penalties for crimes related to the environment, drugs, and food safety, but called for further explanation to justify the increases. He also urged lawmakers to ensure that sentencing remains proportionate to the severity of each offence. Regarding monetary fines, the committee backed a proposal to double penalties for specific offences related to environmental protection and public order. Some members also pointed to Politburo Resolution 68, which advises prioritising financial penalties over prison time when both are available in the same sentencing range for economic and environmental offences. The committee recommended adjusting fines to appropriate levels and requiring offenders to compensate for the harm caused by their actions. The Government is seeking approval to pass the draft amendment under a fast-track legislative process during the current National Assembly session. If adopted, the new law would take effect on July 1, in line with ongoing efforts to streamline Viet Nams political system and implement a two-tier model of local government. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam on Tuesday hosted a reception for First Deputy Secretary General of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) Nomvula Mokonyane, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam from May 17 to 22. The Vietnamese Party chief said the Southern African officials visit, which coincides with a series of important events in Viet Nam, reflects the solidarity and fraternal ties that the ANC extends to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam. Recalling the positive impressions from his recent high-level phone call with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and President of the ANC, Lam affirmed that Mokonyanes visit will further tighten ties between the two Parties and promote the traditional friendship and good cooperation between Viet Nam and South Africa. Lam expressed his belief that the ANC will continue to lead the South African people to successfully achieve their set goals, building a prosperous nation, and enhancing the countrys role in the region and the world. Mokonyane conveyed the sincere greetings from President of the ANC and President of South African Cyril Ramaphosa to leaders of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), stressing that the longstanding ties between the CPV and the ANC, forged during their respective struggles for national independence. She expressed the ANCs and the South African people's deep admiration for Viet Nam and President Ho Chi Minh. On a personal note, she shared how deeply moved she was to have the opportunity to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. The South African Party official showed her gratitude for the solidarity and valuable support that the CPV and the people of Viet Nam have extended to the ANCs struggles in the past, as well as during South Africas nation-building efforts today. She emphasised that the ANC delegations visit to Viet Nam aims to implement the outcomes of the April high-level phone talk between Lam and Ramaphosa, demonstrating the ANCs commitment to advancing cooperation between the two Parties and countries. She hoped that the fruitful results of the visit would support the ANC in shaping its policies for party-building and reform, enabling it to lead the country more effectively in the time ahead. Informing Lam about the positive outcomes of her talks with Permanent member of the CPV Central Committees Secretariat Tran Cam Tu on Monday, Mokonyane highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two parties, saying that this document holds not only political significance but also targets practical and substantive cooperation in the coming time. She hoped to welcome high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to the G20 Political Parties Conference and the G20 Summit scheduled in November in South Africa. Lam thanked Ramaphosa for his invitation to Vietnamese leaders, showing his belief that South Africa will successfully host the G20 Summit. He affirmed that Viet Nam will send senior leaders to the event. He expressed his hope to soon welcome Ramaphosa to Viet Nam, to strengthen political trust and elevate the relationship between the two countries to new levels. He applauded the signing of the MoU between the two parties and suggested that the relevant agencies of both sides develop concrete plans to implement the agreed areas of cooperation. The two sides agreed to promote trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, noting the significant untapped potential in this area. They also emphasised the importance of strengthening partnership in national defence and security, as well as in culture and people-to-people exchanges, towards increasing connectivity and solidarity between the two countries. They also exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern, and agreed that the two parties and countries will further uphold their tradition of coordination and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms, particularly the United Nations. They affirmed their commitment to demonstrating international responsibility and contributing actively to the progressive and just movement, and the prosperous development of their respective regions and the world. VNA/VNS HA NOI A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, attended the 34th session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ34) in Vienna on Monday, outlining Viet Nams push to strengthen its criminal justice system and spearhead international cooperation against cybercrime. The session served as the final preparatory meeting for the 15th UN Crime Congress set for 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. In her opening remarks, the deputy foreign minister highlighted Viet Nams role in hosting the signing ceremony for the Hanoi Convention, a new UN treaty on cybercrime, scheduled for October 25-26 in Ha Noi. Co-chaired by Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the signing event marks a milestone as the first global legal instrument on crime prevention adopted by the UN in more than two decades. She said through top-level diplomatic channels, Viet Nam is delivering invitations from President Cuong to heads of state across all UN member countries to attend the ceremony, a milestone that underscores the countrys active role as a responsible member of the international community. Over 1,000 delegates from UN member states reviewed reports from regional preparatory meetings held throughout 2025, finalised key documents that will form the basis for negotiations on the draft Abu Dhabi Declaration. At a hybrid seminar attended by over 200 delegates the same day, Hang detailed plans for the Ha Noi event, underlining close coordination with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the personal involvement of its Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly. She stressed that the Hanoi Convention represents the international communitys commitment to multilateralism, providing a legal framework for global cooperation in addressing cybercrime, a growing threat to socio-economic development worldwide. The signing ceremony is not merely a formal event, but a powerful call to action for countries to sign and ratify the Convention swiftly, enabling it to enter into force and strengthen the global fight against cybercrime effectively, she said. Waly expressed his optimism about the ceremonys success, noting its significance as a lead-up to the UNs 80th anniversary on October 24. Representatives from Algeria and Japan underscored the conventions regional importance and praised Viet Nams role as host of the signing ceremony. As part of the CCPCJ34, the Vietnamese delegation held a working session with UNODC Executive Director Waly to discuss detailed preparations for the upcoming signing ceremony, as well as explore more Viet NamUNODC cooperation opportunities in crime prevention. The delegation also met with representatives from several key countries involved in the negotiation of the Convention, including Russia, Algeria, Thailand, and Saint Kitts & Nevis. During these meetings, Viet Nam delivered official invitation letters from President Cuong to the heads of state of participating countries and exchanged views on plans for cooperation at events scheduled for this October in Ha Noi. On the occasion, Deputy FM Hang and her entourage had a working session with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Gross, discussing cooperation in nuclear energy and IAEA support for building Viet Nams legal and policy frameworks, transferring technology, and training personnel for its nascent nuclear power project, with an emphasis on safety and security. Hang invited Grossi to visit Viet Nam again, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure. Grossi expressed his belief in Viet Nams determination to build the nuclear power plant and support for the promotion of partnerships between the private area and the IAEA. VNA/VNS PRAGUE A memorial plaque marking the historic 1957 visit of President Ho Chi Minh to the Czech town of Chrastava was officially inaugurated on Monday on the occasion of the Vietnamese leaders 135th birth anniversary (May 19, 1890-2025) and 75th anniversary of the Viet NamCzech Republic diplomatic ties (1950-2025). The event was jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic, Chrastava authorities, the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, the Vietnamese Association in the country and its local chapters. In his address, Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam highlighted the significance of the memorial as both a historical marker and a powerful symbol of enduring friendship between the two countries. He noted that the memorial site will be a place for the Vietnamese diaspora in the Czech Republic to honour President Ho Chi Minh, reflect on their heritage, and strengthen community bonds. Nam expressed his hope that local authorities will continue support for the preservation of the site as well as promotion of its values, helping local residents understand the importance of President Ho Chi Minhs visit. He emphasised that educating younger generations about this history will inspire them to cultivate the longstanding friendship between the two nations. The ambassador extended heartfelt thanks to the people and leaders of Chrastava, especially Mayor Michael Canov, for their respect and affection for President Ho Chi Minh, a revered figure in Vietnamese history. Canov, for his part, recalled the significance of the visit as the first by a Vietnamese head of state to Chrastava. During that trip in July 1957, the President met with hundreds of Vietnamese young cadets who were studying and living in the town. These children, entrusted to the care of Czech teachers, benefactors, and local authorities, were raised in a spirit of international solidarity and deep friendship between the two nations. He affirmed that the bond between Chrastava and the Vietnamese community has deep roots in shared history, and has been thriving for years. He expressed profound gratitude for the Vietnamese communitys contributions, especially their solidarity during the 2010 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their consistent support for Chrastavas socio-economic development over the recent past. VNA/VNS HCM CITY HCM City will review its regulations for short-term apartment rentals following a recent ban on platforms like Airbnb that has sparked concerns among homeowners who rely on rental income. The Department of Housing Management and Real Estate Market under the Ministry of Construction is set to suggest changes to the current regulations. The changes aim to address issues pointed out by the Department of Document Inspection and Management of Administrative Violations from the Ministry of Justice. The Justice Department highlighted a contradiction in the 2023 Housing Law, which bans using apartments for non-residential purposes, while short-term rentals basically involve tenants living in these spaces. They said that the current ban lacks a solid legal foundation because it seems unreasonable to allow long-term rentals but not short-term ones. While acknowledging the potential disruptions caused by short-term rentals, the Justice Department advocated for management solutions rather than a complete ban. They propose requiring homeowners to register their rentals and adhere to safety regulations. If the ban remains in place, regulatory bodies may consider enforcing penalties for those who violate the rules. In February, the city imposed the ban on short-term rentals, including those of Airbnb, due to tensions between long-term residents and short-term renters. While some residents support the ban, opinions among apartment owners vary, with many expressing concern over potential financial losses. Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association, suggested that rather than banning short-term rentals, the city should explore their benefits, as they could boost tourism and generate revenue. Currently, nearly 10,000 apartments in the city operate as short-term rentals, contributing significantly to homeowners income and the citys budget, according to a recent survey. These short-term rentals reportedly generate an average monthly revenue of between VN15 million and VN60 million (US$630-2,520) for homeowners, which also contributes to the citys budget. Short-term rentals have emerged as a thriving business model in many countries. In case of violations, guests may be prohibited from utilising the service in the future. However, the increasing popularity of Airbnb rentals has resulted in complaints from long-term residents regarding noise disturbances and the misuse of shared facilities. VNS HA NOI The Department of Medical Service Administration under the Ministry of Health (MoH) has called on hospitals to strengthen efforts in examining, detecting, and treating COVID-19 cases. In an official letter sent to hospitals, provinces, and cities on Monday, Ha Anh uc, Director of the department, noted that several countries, including Brazil, the UK, and Thailand, have recently experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases. In Viet Nam, since the beginning of 2025, about 148 COVID-19 cases have been recorded across 27 provinces and cities, with no reported fatalities. To ensure a proactive and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has directed hospitals, provincial, and municipal health divisions to urgently review and update their admission and treatment plans for COVID-19 patients. These efforts must be guided by pandemic forecasts, ensuring a well-prepared approach rather than a passive or reactive response. Relevant units are advised to prepare and optimize facilities, including quarantine areas, medical equipment, and essential supplies for diagnosis, treatment, and infection control. The MoH requires medical facilities to strengthen infection prevention, especially respiratory infections, to minimise pandemic spread in medical examination and treatment facilities. They must have solutions to ensure safety for patients in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, people with underlying diseases, serious illnesses and the elderly, as well as patients in intensive care, cardiovascular, artificial kidney and surgery areas. VNS Hanoi is at the forefront of Vietnams rural development movement, leading by example in the successful implementation of the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programmea national initiative aimed at promoting local specialties and traditional craftsmanship. The programme has not only revitalised the capitals rural economy but also opened doors for the citys long-standing craft villages to access international markets. Among the most notable beneficiaries is Bat Trang Commune, located in Gia Lam District, renowned for its centuries-old ceramic tradition. According to Pham Huy Khoi, Chairman of the Bat Trang Commune Peoples Committee, the village currently boasts around 50 certified OCOP products, including several rated at the prestigious 5-star level, the highest distinction in the OCOP rating system. "Thanks to the OCOP programme, our most unique and culturally significant ceramic products have gained recognition and appreciation both in Vietnam and beyond," Khoi shared. Among Hanois many success stories in rural economic development is Quang Vinh Ceramics Joint Stock Company, a standout in Bat Trangs famed pottery tradition. Director Ha Thi Vinh shared that four of the companys exquisite ceramic setsincluding lotus-themed dishware and tea setshave earned 5-star OCOP ratings and are now exported to the UK, France, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Quang An Village, located in Tay Ho District, is another exemplary model of cultural preservation and innovation. Known for its lotus-infused tea, a delicate, aromatic brew once reserved for Vietnamese royalty, the village has upheld this heritage craft across generations. According to Ms. Luu Thi Hien, Head of the Quang An Lotus Tea Village Association, two of the associations products have been awarded 4-star OCOP certifications, opening exciting new opportunities. This recognition has created valuable connections with cultural tourism and expanded access to international markets, she said. To further elevate craft village products on the global stage, Hanoi has intensified international trade promotion efforts. Ngo Van Ngon, Deputy Chief of the Office for the New-Styled Rural Development Programme, noted that the city has actively participated in global fairs and exhibitions, ensuring these artisanal goods reach international consumers while preserving their rich cultural heritage. In late 2024, Hanoi showcased its OCOP products at the 28th Artigiano in Fiera, an international handicraft fair in Milan, Italy. The Hanoi Vietnam pavilion, spanning 84sq.m, featured a diverse array of products, including ceramics, silk, embroidery, rattan and bamboo items, home decor, tea, dried fruits, and more. The exhibition garnered significant interest from international buyers, paving the way for increased exports of Hanois craft village products. Nguyen Xuan Dai, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment and Chief of the Office for the New-Style Rural Development Programme, highlighted Hanois leadership in the OCOP initiative. Since 2019, the city has certified 3,317 OCOP products, including six rated 5 stars, 22 with potential for 5-star certification, 1,571 rated 4 stars, and 1,718 rated 3 starssurpassing its 2025 goal of 2,000 certified products a year ahead of schedule. Nearly 800 of these products originate from craft villages. The diversity, quality, and design of Hanois craft village products provide them with strong competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, Dai remarked. To further support development, Hanoi established 16 creative design and promotion centers between 2023 and 2024, with five more expected to be recognised in 2025, bringing the total to 21. These hubs foster innovation and serve as platforms for introducing OCOP and craft village products to tourists and buyers. Additionally, the city has adopted Decision No 282/QD-UBND, approving a comprehensive development plan for Hanois craft villages from 2025 to 2030, with a long-term vision to 2050. The strategy focuses on preservation, product design innovation, and trade promotion to ensure sustainable growth. Hanois success with the OCOP programme illustrates how traditional culture and modern development can go hand in hand. With strong policy support, creative promotion strategies, and international outreach, the city is turning its rich craft heritage into a dynamic economic forcebringing the soul of rural Vietnam to the world. VNS QUANG TRI Border guards in Quang Tri Province have launched criminal proceedings against a 22-year-old Lao man for illegally possessing drugs after a major drug bust in the border town of Lao Bao. On Tuesday, the border guard station at Lao Bao International Border Gate issued a decision to prosecute the case after officers said they seized a large quantity of synthetic drugs during a coordinated raid earlier this month. At around 8.30pm on May 12, officers from the provincial Border Guards Drug and Crime Prevention Unit, working with the Central Region Drug Prevention Task Force and other relevant forces, raided a hotel in Lao Bao township, Huong Hoa District. During the raid, officers say they caught TonSakSith LatXaKham from Vieng Vi Lay village in Thakhek District, Khammouane Province, Laos, in the act of storing drugs. According to authorities, 40,000 synthetic drug tablets and 3kg of crystal methamphetamine were seized at the scene. The suspect allegedly admitted that he had been hired to transport the drugs from Lao Bao to ong Ha City for a fee. The case is still under investigation as authorities work to identify others involved. VNS NGHE AN Authorities in Nghe An Province held a solemn reburial on Tuesday to honour 76 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who lost their lives during missions in Laos. The ceremony took place at the Nghi Loc District Martyrs Cemetery. The remains were recovered by the provinces Military Command search team during the 20242025 dry season in the Lao provinces of Xaysomboun, Vientiane and Xiangkhoang. The operation forms part of an ongoing bilateral effort between Viet Nam and Laos to locate and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese personnel who died during wartime operations on Lao territory. In his eulogy, Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee and head of Nghe Ans Steering Committee 515, Phung Thanh Vinh, paid tribute to the fallen, noting that over 12,000 Vietnamese soldiers and experts had died in the three Lao provinces during Viet Nams international missions. He underscored the courage, solidarity and ingenuity with which these soldiers fought, contributing not only to the revolutionary cause in Laos, but also strengthening the special bond between the two nations. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Lao Party, Government and people, particularly those in Xiangkhoang, Vientiane and Xaysomboun, for the compassion they have shown in caring for the graves of Vietnamese martyrs and supporting search and repatriation efforts. Speaking on behalf of the Lao delegation, Deputy Governor of Xiangkhoang Province and head of its Special Working Committee, Sivilay Sengchaluen, expressed profound gratitude to Viet Nam for its unwavering support during Laoss revolutionary struggle. He paid tribute to the Vietnamese soldiers and experts who, he said, had sacrificed their youth and lives for the freedom of the Lao people. He affirmed that the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam would continue to flourish. Following the speeches, representatives from both countries, along with local residents, offered flowers and incense at the cemetery monument before the 76 sets of remains were reburied with full military honours. Since the beginning of this joint effort, the special working committees of the two governments, together with Viet Nams Ministry of National Defence, Military Region 4 Command and Nghe An Province, have located and repatriated a total of 12,740 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts from Laos. Of these, 1,680 have been identified by name and hometown, with 937 returned to families for reburial in their native provinces. VNS HA NOI Experts discussed ways to enhance legal access capacity for workers with disabilities, during a conference held by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on Monday. The Deputy Director General of the Mo's Department of Legal Dissemination and Education, Ngo Quynh Hoa, told the forum that people with disabilities played an important role in creating material wealth for society, earning incomes to support themselves and their families. Employment helps people with disabilities confidently overcome difficulties, integrate into the community and contribute to economic, cultural and social development, she said. But, their participation in the labour market also faces many challenges, such as lack of professional skills, limited job opportunities, social awareness of people with disabilities has not improved significantly and public infrastructure is not suitable to support them in travelling and working. In particular, disabled peoples awareness and understanding of legal issues, is still limited. The conference was a way to share obstacles and propose recommendations and solutions to improve support effectiveness and legal education for people with disabilities, as well as for businesses who hire disabled workers. Difficulties Deputy President of the Viet Nam Association of Enterprises of Invalids and Persons with Disabilities Le Van Loc said that in reality, most businesses owned by persons with disabilities faced many barriers in accessing the law, from information to legal procedures, to preferential policies that they should enjoy. This significantly affects the businesses ability to work efficiency and their ability to develop sustainably. Many disabled business owners do not have full and timely access to new legal documents, or have difficulty understanding and applying legal regulations. Current forms of legal education are not really suitable for the needs and conditions of disabled people, especially those who are deaf, blind or have difficulty communicating. Some localities do not have specialised staff or separate legal support programmes for disabled businesses, leading to ineffective advice and help. Businesses owned by disabled people are often small-scale, lacking financial and human resources, making it difficult to hire private lawyers and legal advisors. To solve the difficulties outlined, and to improve legal access, Loc proposed developing a legal support network, establish volunteer lawyer groups and specialised legal consulting centres to provide free or low-cost support for them. He suggested to encourage associations of people with disabilities to participate in providing legal consulting services and act as a bridge with authorities, as well as offering an online legal question and answer system online to promptly answer legal questions. At the conference, delegates affirmed that in the global trend towards sustainable growth, Viet Nam cannot stand outside the trend of supporting business models towards social benefits. Completing the legal system for businesses must not only meet practical needs, but also offer a long-term strategy to promote equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. With a central role in building and perfecting the national legal system, the MoJ will be the pioneer in promoting legal policies to effectively recognise and support the business community. VNS QUANG TRI The central province of Quang Tri is set to send four teachers this month to Laos to teach Vietnamese to ethnic Vietnamese and mixed-race students in Savannakhet Province. They will work at the Lao-Vietnamese Friendship Secondary School, where most of these biracial children study. Le Thi Huong, director of the Quang Tri Department of Education and Training, said the secondment would last three years. She said the province had been sending teachers to Laos since 2007, with volunteers who complete their teaching assignment in Laos considered for recruitment in the education sector. But later changes in policy made that difficult, she said. So this year teachers were given jobs prior to their departure to Laos, which will ensure their benefits, she said. Besides salary, the teachers will also receive a monthly allowance of VN3 million from the Lao government. The programme has enabled the Vietnamese students in Laos to practise speaking their mother tongue and for teachers in the two countries to exchange pedagogical experience, she said. She thanked Lao teachers for their efforts to keep the Vietnamese teaching going during a two-year break since 2023, when the province could not send teachers. Representatives from the Vietnamese community in Savannakhet said they hope programmes like this would make their children competent enough in their mother tongue to go and study in Vietnamese universities and vocational schools. The Lao-Vietnamese Friendship Secondary School, built in 2019, has on average 850 students from grades one to 12 each year. Besides the local curriculum, it also teaches Vietnamese language and culture. VNS BANGKOK Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a joint press conference on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation. At Government House in Bangkok, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Public Health of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia on health cooperation. The agreement was signed by Thailands Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and Indonesias Foreign Minister Sugiono. The MoU aims to enhance relations between the two nations and promote cooperation in various public health areas. Key areas of focus include strengthening health systems and primary healthcare services, preventing and controlling communicable diseases, ensuring the security of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, improving health financing, and promoting health tourism. Following the MoU signing, Thai and Indonesian leaders held a joint press conference, with Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub summarising the key points. Prime Minister Paetongtarn expressed her honour in welcoming President Subianto on his first official visit to Thailand. She highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations, dating back over 150 years, with King Chulalongkorns historic visit to Java in 1871 marking a key milestone in bilateral ties. The Presidents visit reaffirms this enduring friendship and marks an important occasion as Thailand and Indonesia celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Both sides held constructive and friendly discussions, co-chairing the inaugural leaders consultationa new mechanism designed to facilitate regular exchanges between the two countries leaders. They also announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of their peoples. Thailand and Indonesia further pledged to work together to strengthen ASEAN amid ongoing global geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Prime Minister Paetongtarn outlined the main outcomes of the discussions with President Subianto, highlighting strengthened cooperation across several strategic areas. Political and security cooperation Both leaders agreed to promote regular high-level exchanges and fully utilise existing bilateral mechanisms. The foreign ministries were tasked with developing a strategic partnership action plan, to be finalised within the year. Military cooperation will be enhanced across multiple dimensions, including exploring joint efforts in defence industry collaboration. Thai and Indonesian police forces will also step up cooperation to combat transnational crime, particularly online fraud, human trafficking and drug smuggling. Economic partnership The two countries committed to boosting trade, investment and tourism. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$18 billion (594.88 billion baht), and the Prime Minister expressed confidence in further growth potential that would benefit not only both nations but the wider ASEAN region. Thailand will host the first Joint Trade Committee meeting this year to identify new areas of cooperation. The leaders encouraged closer collaboration between public agencies and the private sector to unlock new investment opportunities. The Prime Minister thanked the Indonesian President for supporting Thai businesses operating in Indonesia and requested continued fair treatment to ensure their smooth operations. Food and energy security Both sides agreed to revitalise cooperation in food security, particularly in agricultural trade and the halal industry, and to explore a partnership in sustainable fisheries. They also pledged to increase collaboration on energy security, with a focus on renewable and green energy. Tourism The two countries welcomed the launch of new flight routes between BangkokSurabaya and BangkokMedan, as well as the planned PhuketMedan route. These connections are expected to boost tourism links between Thailand and eastern Java and northern Sumatra. Tourism agencies will jointly promote the new routes and explore further potential connections between destinations in both countries. Public health and education As members of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Group under the United Nations (UN) framework, Thailand expressed readiness to share its experience with Indonesia on universal health coverage, which it has developed since 2001. Regional cooperation Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity amid global political and economic uncertainties. They pledged to support inclusive and sustainable ASEAN economic and social integration, and to enhance regional stability. They also shared a common interest in seeing a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar. As close friends of Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia will collaborate with Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, to support peace efforts, with ASEAN playing a leading role. Prime Minister Paetongtarn concluded by thanking President Subianto for his warm friendship and expressed hope for an official visit to Indonesia in the near future. THE NATION/ANN This rejuvenated oasis, reimagined with a fresh aesthetic, offers a serene escape in the heart of the city, making it the perfect spot to bask in the sun by the picturesque West Lake. The jacuzzi is integrated into the outdoor pool, and the sunbathing area has been expanded and upgraded with new lounge chairs and igloo daybeds. A new pool bar indulges in a diverse selection of fresh food and beverages, including signature offerings such as sandwiches, coconut jelly, vegetarian pizzas, draft beer, cocktails, and fruit juices. On May 24, a Sunset Splash Party will take place at 4.30-8.30pm. It will be Sheraton Hanoi's first pool party in eight years. "Previously, pool parties were seen as a luxurious event for a wealthy young group of friends. However, we want to shift this perspective within the local community," shared Tiffany Hwang, general manager of Sheraton Hanoi Hotel. "We aim to create welcoming spaces where guests and locals can embrace diverse cultures and share memorable moments, whether they are on business trips, leisure vacations, or simply enjoying a special weekend with family. Guests purchasing swimming pool tickets outwith the party event will enjoy a 15 per cent discount on all food and drinks at the pool bar. Additionally, the culinary journey continues with a 35 per cent discount at the Oven D'or buffet restaurant and a 15 per cent discount at the Michelin Guide-recommended Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill. Club Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy members receive an extra 10 per cent discount at the pool bar, enhancing the experience even further. Nestled just a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is surrounded by the serene beauty of West Lake, adorned with lush greenery. The harmonious landscape creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and convenience for visitors. With 299 guest rooms, each providing expansive views of West Lake and the Red River, Sheraton Hanoi offers a unique perspective on the city's greatest natural lake. Indulge in local culinary delights or explore the latest trends in contemporary cuisine at one of three restaurants, or find solace in the spa, gym, or outdoor pool for some well-deserved quiet time. The swimming pool entrance fee will typically be set at VND500,000 ($19) per adult, plus taxes, which includes all-day swimming pool access and attractive food and beverage offers. State-of-the-art meeting facilities at Sheraton Hanoi In honour of its 20th anniversary, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel has unveiled a stunning renovation of its function spaces, including the Song Hong Grand Ballroom, Song Da Complete meeting room, and the newly transformed Ho Tay Complete meeting room. Celebrate Womens Day at the Sheraton Hanoi In celebration of International Womens Day on March 8, Sheraton Hanoi proudly presents a collection of refined experiences, from gourmet dining to a romantic getaway, designed to honour and cherish the incredible women in your life. C.P. Group chairman Soopakij Chearavanont (left) and PM Pham Minh Chinh The chairman of C.P. Group expressed his sincere thanks to the Vietnamese government and the prime minister for consistently creating amenable investment conditions and supporting the group through its development in the country over the past 32 years. C.P. Group has committed to continue to develop here and make Vietnam a hub for smart manufacturing centre in ASEAN through innovation, technology and sustainability practices. "Following the CPV Food chicken processing complex in Binh Phuoc province, CPV will expand its production and business activities, providing C.P. products to all markets in the region and around the world," said Chearavanont. Chearavanont shared the company's strategic vision to make CPV a pioneering enterprise, leading and developing in food production and processing, and expanding export markets globally. They are also developing its staff, especially the Vietnamese leadership team, to make deeper contributions to the Vietnamese economy in the new era. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke of his appreciation for the contributions of C.P. Group to the Vietnamese economy. The Prime Minister asserted that agriculture continues to be an important pillar in the national development strategy, not only for the present but also for the next 100 years. Vietnam aims to develop agriculture based on high technology, sustainable ecology, civilised farmers and modern countryside. The PM emphasised that the socioeconomic development of the nation cannot happen without agriculture. "The activities of CPV in agriculture and the food industry are aligned with the government's vision and will play an important role in the transformation of national agriculture," he said. Chinh called on CPV to partner with the government in driving double-digit GDP growth through high-tech adoption, digital transformation, value chain optimisation, and long-term raw material contracts, while boosting domestic agricultural processing. "We will continue to support and accompany farmers and livestock breeders in building a closed-loop chain model from production to deep processing and export, thereby contributing to the construction of a modern, internationally integrated and environmentally friendly agriculture," said Chinh. Chearavanont reaffirmed his commitment to long-term development in Vietnam. "C.P. Group will continue to expand investment, improve production capacity, act as a bridge to bring Vietnam's livestock products to the world, and continue to stand side by side with the government and people of Vietnam on the journey of sustainable development in the era of Vietnam's rise." C.P. Group, headquartered in Bangkok, is the largest private company in Thailand and one of the largest corporations in the world. The group covers three sectors of agriculture and food business, retail and distribution, and telecommunications and technology in dozens of countries around the world and hundreds of thousands of employees. CPV is a member company of the group, operating in agriculture, industry and food processing. CPV provides safe products with clear origin and contributes to the sustainable development of Vietnam's agricultural industry. With more than 30,000 employees, CPV is currently operating dozens of farm factories and research centres across the country, providing millions of tonnes of products each year for the domestic and export markets. C.P. Vietnam hands over forest project in Binh Phuoc province C.P. Vietnam Corporation (CPV) and the Ta Thiet Protective Forest Management Board handed over a forestry project in Binh Phuoc province on October 31. C.P. Vietnam promotes green lifestyle at 2024 Green Vietnam Festival On November 9-10, CP Vietnam held an exhibition booth at the Green Vietnam Festival, held at the Youth Cultural House in Ho Chi Minh City. Nguyen Ngoc Luan, director of Meet More Coffee Co.. Ltd, based in Ho Chi Minh Citys Hoc Mon district, shared that the companys orders in the Australian market have increased by 30 per cent so far this year, a promising sign as US sales may see a downturn in the near future. In addition to Australia, Meet More is also accelerating its presence in Japan, South Korea, and India, with stable growth since the beginning of the year. These are markets we had already targeted prior to the US policy shift. However, with the rapidly changing global economic landscape, we have sped up market promotion efforts and achieved encouraging results, Luan said. Firms are taking measures for market diversification to boost efficiency Although the US remains Vietnams largest export market, Vietnam is not alone on the global playing field. Vietnam's wide range of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries has opened doors for firms to access other markets with preferential tariffs and fewer technical barriers. Phung Quoc Man, chairman of th Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, noted that a survey of its 50 export members revealed that 52 per cent of them rely primarily on the US market, which accounts for more than half of their export revenues. As such, US tariffs could present a significant shock to these businesses. However, this also serves as a strategic stress test for Vietnamese firms. If leveraged correctly, it can be a chance to accelerate market diversification, reduce dependency, and enhance internal resilience," said Man. In addition, Vietnamese businesses can capitalise on the global trend of major economies seeking alternative supply chains. This is a golden opportunity to boost domestic production, elevate environmental, social, and governance standards, and improve product quality, paving the way for deeper integration into global value chains, said Man. Tran Lam Son, vice chairman of Thien Minh Wood Trading and Services Co., Ltd., shared that while many businesses have aggressively pivoted to the US market and experienced rapid growth, Thien Minh has maintained stability in the European market. Now, as the US market faces challenges, Thien Minh is intensifying efforts to expand its EU market share. As a result, we've recorded strong order volumes from the EU, which now account for 60-70 per cent of our total exports, helping us mitigate upcoming risks, Son said. Speaking at the 82nd HUBA Business Cafe seminar organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association on May 10, Can Van Luc, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, outlined potential post-negotiation scenarios and recommended that businesses increase transparency, particularly in product origin traceability and corporate accountability at all levels. This is a fundamental solution for addressing these challenges in the near future. At the same time, firms must strengthen internal capacity to better withstand future shocks, Luc noted. Agreeing with this perspective, Pham Van Viet, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Garment, Textile, Embroidery and Knitting, noted that US tariffs on Vietnamese exports should serve as a wake-up call regarding transparency in product origin. He urged businesses to review and adjust supply chains while deepening integration into global value chains to enhance resilience. The textile and garment sector is now aiming to increase the use of domestically sourced materials from around 40 per cent to 60 per cent to minimise origin-related issues and optimise production costs, Viet shared. While the outcome of US tariff policies is pending, the proactive adaptation by Vietnamese firms would form a solid foundation for navigating the unpredictable shifts ahead. US calls tariff talks with Vietnam productive US Trade Representative Jamieson L. Greer and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien agreed on the importance of making swift progress towards reciprocal and balanced trade between the US and Vietnam. Industrial zone developers adapt amid tariff turmoil Industrial zone developers are adjusting their strategies, diversifying tenant portfolios, and enhancing service quality to maintain investment appeal while awaiting positive signals from upcoming trade negotiations. The loan will be provided by HSBC Vietnam in collaboration with Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and United Overseas Bank (Vietnam) Limited. HSBC Vietnam served as the coordinating arranger, joint mandated lead arranger, joint green coordinator, and facility agent for the deal. With a commitment of VND3.75 trillion ($114.5 million), the loan will finance the investment and development of Eaton Park, a high-end residential project in Ho Chi Minh City. The project is a mixed-use development strategically located in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, and spans over 3.75 hectares with six high-rise apartment towers totalling more than 2,000 units. The development will also offer more than 100 amenities, including an ice sauna, gourmet kitchen, and pickleball court. This project has received Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies green building certification by the International Finance Corporation, which requires Eaton Park to achieve a minimum of 20 per cent savings across energy, water, and embodied energy in materials. Eaton Park also reflects Tam Lucs commitment to incorporate sustainability into their real estate development. The transaction demonstrates HSBCs ability to structure sophisticated financial solutions like a green club loan tailored to support sustainable development, said Tim Evans, CEO and head of banking at HSBC Vietnam. By leveraging our expertise and network, we empower our clients to incorporate sustainability into their business models and showcase our commitment to support businesses in their transition journey. HSBC signs deal for first green trade facility in Vietnamese seafood industry HSBC Vietnam and Vinh Hoan Corporation signed a deal on November 13 for HSBC Vietnam to provide green trade financing for Vinh Hoan. HSBC and Mobile World sign sustainability-linked trade agreement On March 21, Mobile World JSC (The Gioi Di Dong - TGDD), a member of Mobile World Investment Corporation (Mobile World Group MWG), has secured a sustainability-linked trade loan with HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Ltd. (HSBC). MoF and Moody's Ratings cooperate to develop transparent capital markets Moodys delegation comprised Wendy Cheong, managing director for Asia-Pacific, regional business leaders, and representatives from Vietnam Investors Service and Credit Rating Agency JSC (VIS Rating). Cheong spoke of her appreciation of the initiatives to develop Vietnam's capital and financial markets, emphasising the key role of regulatory agencies, especially through strengthening corporate governance, ensuring transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest. "Moody's is committed to promoting local capital and debt markets globally. Leveraging decades of market expertise, a global network of member agencies, and world-class analytical capabilities, Moodys maintains strong partnerships with domestic credit rating organisations, not just across Asia-Pacific but worldwide," said Cheong. Cheong also praised VIS Ratings contributions as Moodys local affiliate in Vietnam, highlighting its work in expanding coverage of new issuers, a complex, expertise-driven process. She emphasised that VIS Ratings efforts are laying critical groundwork for the development of Vietnams credit rating market Vietnam is currently cooperating with many prestigious credit rating organisations. This helps large international investors gain a more accurate and comprehensive view of Vietnam's economic development prospects. Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong stressed the importance of objective and honest assessments from reputable international credit rating organisations. "Vietnam's economy is in the process of deep integration and would like to claim its position on the economic map as well as draw in global investment capital," said Phuong. "The MoF would like to cooperate with Moody's in national credit rating, and other areas and activities related to the development of Vietnam's financial and capital market." Phuong added, "Vietnam's capital market is undergoing rapid development to meet global standards. Support services such as credit rating are important factors, helping the market keep pace with the development of global finance, and new regulations now mandate credit ratings and transparency for bond issuers, strengthening risk management in capital mobilisation." The Deputy Minister urged VIS Rating to enhance its capabilities and strive to become Vietnams premier credit rating agency, meeting both domestic demands and international standards. With Vietnam home to numerous large enterprises and developing two regional financial centres, the need for reliable credit ratings is set to grow significantly, fuelling a more dynamic capital and financial market. "VIS Rating needs to become a model of a credit rating organisation in Vietnam. This is completely achievable if there is adequate technical support and knowledge transfer from Moody's," said Phuong. Moodys upgrades ratings of 12 Vietnamese banks Moody's Investors Service has raised ratings of 12 Vietnamese banks following its upgrade of Vietnam's sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3. Ratings upgrades auger well for long-term progress Moodys Investors Service has upgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit and issuer ratings of eight Vietnamese banks, following its upgrade of the countrys sovereign rating earlier this month. Moodys launches Vietnam-based credit rating agency On September 19, Moodys Corporation announced that it had launched its credit rating agency in Vietnam in a collaboration with local financial institutions. The event took place in the presence of Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during the latters official visit to Vietnam from May 15-16. This significant event underscores the commitment of both sides to promote investment, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, and propel the northern province of Phu Thos socioeconomic development. This landmark agreement signifies a mutual commitment to fostering a favourable investment environment in Phu Tho. Under the terms of the MoU, Phu Tho pledges to provide maximum support to Amata VN, facilitating information gathering, streamlining administrative procedures, assisting with land clearance and resettlement, and promptly resolving any difficulties encountered during project implementation and operation. Phu Tho Peoples Committee will also closely coordinate with Amata VN in encouraging and attracting projects. Leveraging its extensive experience, international reputation, and network, Amata VN is committed to supporting Phu Tho in enhancing local investment appeal to draw in investors from Thailand and around the world. Amata VN plans to study and invest in key projects in Phu Tho in diverse fields, focusing on industrial park and urban areas, smart cities, logistics services, commerce, high-quality training and development centres, and environmental protection initiatives. The collaboration aims to transform planned development areas into dynamic industrial parks, urban areas, and commercial service zones of international scale. These developments will prioritise balancing economic and social progress with environmental sustainability, thereby enhancing the province's attractiveness to investors, residents, and tourists and contributing effectively to Phu Tho's overall development. The MoU was signed by Bui Van Quang, Chairman of Phu Tho People's Committee, and Somhatai Panichewa, CEO of Amata VN. Both parties have committed to developing concrete action plans and continuously exploring new areas for cooperation based on mutual potential and strengths. Amata VN has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand since 2015 and serves as the strategic investment arm for all Vietnam operations of Amata Corporation, a major developer of integrated industrial cities and related infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Amata Corporation currently hosts over 1,600 factories and commercial outlets, including numerous Global Fortune 500 operations, across its developments in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Amata strengthens ties with Hong Kong and Japan Thai-backed Amata Vietnam participated in the 9th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong this month, and co-organised investment promotion conferences in Osaka city and Aichi prefecture, Japan. Amata Vietnam strengthens international cooperation with manufacturers On December 12, Amata Vietnam participated in the third Vietnam Manufacturing Investment Summit in Hanoi to strengthen its partnership with manufacturers. Savour authentic handcrafted dragon boat dumplings at Li Bai restaurant Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (May 31 in 2025) in Vietnam and various Asian countries, Dragon Boat Festival is a cherished tradition where families come together to honour ancestors, celebrate a bountiful harvest, and share meaningful moments. For the Chinese community, the tradition of enjoying zongzi is an indispensable part of the Dragon Boat Festival feast. Dragon boat dumplings, also known as Chinese zongzi or bak zhang, come in various shapes and recipes depending on the region, such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Chaozhou. Similar in shape to 'banh u' in the Mekong Delta and reminiscent of the texture of Vietnamese 'banh chung', zongzi is wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with glutinous rice and savoury ingredients, including pork, mung beans, salted egg yolk, and various nuts, providing a rich and decadent filling. Located on the second floor of the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, Li Bai restaurant annually delights Ho Chi Minh City's gourmands with authentic handcrafted Cantonese zongzi, available a month before the auspicious fifth day. From the superior wrapping techniques of our skilled chefs, Li Bais dragon boat dumplings boast a pyramid shape, guaranteeing a firm hold before cooking and yielding a desirable texture afterwards. Li Bai uses imported bamboo leaves, larger than local varieties, to tightly wrap and fully embrace the precious fillings within. In the bustling Li Bai kitchen, each zongzi is patiently slow-boiled for three to four hours, a process requiring constant monitoring to maintain optimal water levels, ensuring even cooking from the inside out. The dumplings are removed from the cooking process after reaching the required duration and left to cool naturally to retain their firm texture before being packaged. Diep Nhieu, Li Bai's Sous Chef, is behind tens of thousands of dumplings throughout the Dragon Boat Festival seasons. "With over two decades of experience in Li Bai restaurant, we believe that a truly exquisite zongzi comes not only from quality ingredients, methods and skilful techniques, but also from the dedication and passion of the culinary team. Nothing brings us greater satisfaction than witnessing the pleasure of our guests as they savour the flavours of our handcrafted dumplings every fifth day of the fifth lunar month," said Nhieu. This year, Li Bai restaurant is offering four distinct filling options, each representing a unique fusion of Eastern and Western culinary philosophies. This combination is rarely found in a typical zongzi, where traditionally most would feature solely Chinese ingredients. With boundless creativity, Li Bai's seasoned chefs have incorporated premium European ingredients such as foie gras and Iberico smoked ham, alongside Southeast Asian influences like soy tempeh, to enhance the zongzi's flavour profile. On May 31, Li Bai marks its sixth year of producing handcrafted dragon boat dumplings. As a renowned retail product of Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, Li Bai's dragon boat dumplings are elegantly packaged in a luxurious gift box. Inspired by the distinctive pyramid shape of the zongzi, the new packaging features a unique design with a sturdy base and four sides adorned with traditional patterns that evoke the festive spirit of the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, including dragon boat races and family gatherings. Boasting a triangular structure with a handle reminiscent of the ties of a zongzi, the box reflects the colour of bamboo leaves presented in a verdant green and available in two sizes for two or four dumplings, depending on the customers orders. This exquisite box is the perfect heartfelt gift for family, friends, and business associates during the Dragon Boat Festival. Li Bais dragon boat dumplings are available for purchase until May 31. Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel reveals culinary delights Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel launched a series of exciting culinary programmes on September 7, offering an array of experiences for gastronomes in Ho Chi Minh City. Culinary journey curated by Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotels lady chefs Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel has unveiled a series of culinary programmes curated by talented female chefs throughout October, all under the theme Inspired by Her. The Vietnam Market Deep-Dive Series: Smart Agriculture Focus Group workshop was also held with contributions from the Startup Vietnam Foundation (SVF), and Dear Our Community (DOC) to discuss and identify barriers, opportunities, and emerging challenges in the development of smart agriculture in Vietnam. At the event, Jonathan Saw, Australias Trade and Investment Commissioner for Vietnam and Cambodia, reaffirmed the strength of the Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly the two nations shared commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. "Austrade's desire is to encourage cooperation and share experiences in addressing the challenges and operational gaps in Vietnam's agriculture through advanced solutions and technologies," said Saw. The workshop gathered policymakers, experts, and representatives from numerous businesses and organisations in agriculture and agricultural technology (AgriTech) in Vietnam, like Pan Group, TTC AgriS, Demeter, De Heus, Halo Philic, ViOT, Enfarm, Tep Bac, Neotiq, Shrimpl, and TerraTech, among others. The workshop aimed to assess Vietnams agricultural landscape, pinpoint challenges, and explore smart technology solutions to drive productivity and value addition in the sector. In-depth discussions focused on key issues such as agricultural value chains, cooperation models, sustainability and climate adaptation, as well as trade and policy barriers. Le Hong Minh, from consultancy firm i.Value, opened the discussion by raising the issue of Vietnam's labour productivity as compared to other countries in the region, emphasising the role of AgriTech in improving productivity and calling for an in-depth discussion to identify gaps in capacity and technology, and build an effective model for cooperation within the ecosystem. "Each party must clearly define its role and specific responsibilities in promoting the innovation ecosystem in agriculture in the near future," said Minh. Nguyen Hong Hiep, Pan Groups External Relations director, said that the workshop was necessary to create motivation and opportunities for private enterprises and startups. Hiep also shared Pan Group's experience in removing barriers such as small-scale production, policy inconsistencies, limited farmer capabilities, and high initial investment costs. "Pan Group has implemented solutions such as digital transformation in raw material area management; investment in high-quality varieties and climate change adaptation; strengthening value chain linkages and cooperation with technology partners; and incorporating advanced training," said Hiep. Le Minh Nhut, CEO of Demeter Demeter CEO, Le Minh Nhut, outlined development strategies for international cooperation in innovation and sustainable development, particularly as they affect small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "Vietnam's SMEs make up 95 per cent of all businesses in the country, while more than 60 per cent of the population are working in rural areas. So they are struggling with major challenges such as access to finance, export markets, as well as barriers in technology and workers," said Nhut. According to Nhut, there are currently over 300 AgriTech companies in Vietnam operating in various fields such as climate change adaptation, environmental monitoring, automation, and traceability, all of which are critical to improving production efficiency and agricultural product quality. In addition, green capital is increasingly flowing into the sustainable agriculture sector, particularly into AgriTech. A notable example is Techcoop a Vietnamese agricultural technology startup, which successfully raised $70 million in February, a positive signal reflecting the growing momentum of innovation investment in Vietnams smart agricultural sector. Vietnam aspires to become a global leader in modern, smart agriculture by 2050, leveraging its competitive advantages, such as expansive fertile land, growing demand for premium agricultural products, strong export potential, and opportunities to pioneer sustainable farming practices. Other industry leaders shared their operational insights, highlighting both hurdles and opportunities in agri-tech adoption. While noting high implementation costs for the Internet of Things and challenges in drone investments, they emphasised the potential of smart agriculture hubs to streamline value chains and optimise efficiency. Aquaculture sector insiders highlighted key challenges, including limited access to capital and slow technological adoption. To boost productivity, stakeholders proposed innovative solutions such as saltwater-tolerant intercropping in shrimp farming. Discussions also focused on bridging the gap with developed nations through improved infrastructure planning, quality raw material sourcing, and advanced weather/pest monitoring systems, all critical steps towards sustainable growth and tangible benefits for farmers. The Smart Agriculture Focus Group workshop brought together industry leaders to share innovative approaches and practical insights for advancing Vietnam's agricultural modernisation. Business leaders pledged to enhance collaboration and accelerate technology adoption, with the goal of establishing a digital, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector. These efforts aim to strengthen the global competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. The workshop outcomes are expected to serve as a catalyst for Vietnam's smart agriculture development, positioning the country as a regional leader in agricultural innovation. Agriculture to benefit from digital tech The application of digital tech is seen as the key to developing sustainable agriculture, promoting efficient resource use, and enhancing productivity and quality. AI-enhanced crop breeding could boost yields, say experts Innovation in crop breeding technology is crucial in enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and developing high-quality crop varieties resilient to climate change conditions. The event reaffirmed the projects rapid progress and the strong commitment of developer Nguyen Kim Da Nang to deliver on schedule by the first quarter of 2026. Situated at a prime location in Danang, TTC Plaza offers a contemporary living space with world-class integrated amenities, affirming its prominence in Vietnams most liveable city. Nicknamed the bright pearl of the coastal city, TTC Plaza Danang marks a key milestone in the development journey of developer TTC Land and introduces a new standard of urban living with comprehensive amenities in the heart of the city. With contributions from major industry names like AEON Mall, TUI Hotels & Resorts, and Coteccons, the undertaking reflects a long-term vision and world-class scale. TTC Plaza Danang boasts a prime location at 46 Dien Bien Phu, one of the busiest streets in Danang. With four street-facing facades, it sits directly across from the citys green lung, 29/3 Park, and is just five minutes from the city's airport. Its strategic position ensures seamless connectivity and makes it an ideal destination for both residents and tourists. In addition, the development integrates a range of smart apartment models, offering exceptional investment value and appeal to savvy buyers. The dual-key apartment line features flexible layouts that can be easily converted into two or three bedrooms, offering a level of adaptability rarely found in traditional apartments. Despite their larger floor area, dual-ley units are priced lower than typical two-bedroom apartments, making them a highly attractive and worthwhile option in the next phase of Danangs real estate market. The presence of Japanese retail giant AEON Mall elevates the venture beyond a shopping and leisure destination it becomes a provider of premium goods and services. The mega-mall model attracts loyal tenants and consumers, boosting its appeal to investors. AEON Mall delivers an international retail experience and acts as a property value catalyst. Proximity to such a large-scale retail complex drives demand and increases real estate value in the surrounding area, attracting residents and investors alike. This transformation turns the area into a golden zone for investment in serviced apartments, homestays, and rental offices. According to the Vietnam Institute for Real Estate Research and Training, Danangs real estate market has rebounded with growth rates of up to 30 per cent over the past year. This trend indicates that many fully legal real estate projects are returning to price levels seen in 2019, while Danang currently has no remaining land reserves for new developments. As a result, after a prolonged period of stagnation, the citys property market is showing strong signs of resurgence, driven by a renewed wave of investor interest. TTC Plaza Danang is emerging as a new icon of the coastal city, and presents a promising opportunity for sustainable investment, poised to enhance both the quality of life and real estate value in Danang. Backed by a clear legal status and a tightly managed construction timeline, the venture is well-positioned to meet growing demand for both investment and long-term residence. TTC Plaza Da Nang's special promotional offers - Payment discounts of up to 9 per cent - Furniture package worth up to VND300 million ($11,600) - 12-month rental support worth up to VND180 million ($7,000) - Bulk purchase discount of up to 1.5 per cent - Receive a home with an SJC gold gift - Additional 1 per cent discount for transactions completed before May 31 Da Nang property market registers recovery in first half In the open period of 2022, the central city of Da Nang is recovering by focusing more on branded tourist real estate projects. Moreover, Da Nang continues to develop smart urban areas with the ambition to put the city into the map of a high-class living and resort urban area. Da Nang revives FDI inflow The central beach city of Da Nang is taking measures to revive the foreign direct investment (FDI) flow with a view to attracting 7 billion USD in this capital by 2030. Photo: MoIT The Vietnamese delegation is being led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, alongside representatives of different ministries. On May 19, the two sides discussed a comprehensive approach to resolve issues and accelerate the negotiation process. Discussions revolved around clarifying the contents of the bilateral agreement on trade and eachs countrys current policies in areas of interest. On the same day, Minister Dien had a meeting with Westinghouse, the world's leading corporation in nuclear power technology. The minister said Vietnam is mulling reviving a nuclear power programme to ensure energy security amid growing electricity demand and unstable renewable energy. "Vietnam is taking a modern and cautious approach in line with practice. The country has many potential locations to develop nuclear power," the minister added. "This is the basis for promoting cooperation with international partners such as Westinghouse, including large and small modular reactors. Cooperation in energy development will also be an important driving force to balance bilateral trade," he said. Margaret Cosentino, vice president of Westinghouse, said, "The corporation would strongly support Vietnam's plan, highlighting the importance of long-term energy cooperation." The two sides agreed to share information and advance an MoU signing between Westinghouse and Petrovietnam in nuclear power development. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are on US priority list The United States has prioritised negotiations with 20 nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, according to a report released by Maybank on May 16. Firms rethink export strategies amid US tariff threat Vietnamese firms are taking steps to adapt and expand into new markets and restructure their development strategies amid US tariff threats. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, CEO of WHA Group, received the official documents in Hanoi, marking a significant milestone in WHAs development journey in Vietnam. These projects are poised to meet the rising demand from global manufacturers across key industries. The ceremony was graced by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, alongside WHA Groups senior leadership. WHA Group was granted an investment registration certificate for WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone 2 Thanh Hoa, Phase 1. Thanh Hoa province, with a population of 3.7 million, is rapidly emerging as a high-potential investment hub. It boasts a young, skilled labour force, and increasingly robust infrastructure, creating conditions for high-tech industries such as electronics, electrical appliances, automotive, logistics, and supporting sectors. WHA Smart Technology Industrial Zone 2 Thanh Hoa marks WHAs second industrial development in the province. Located in Thieu Hoa district, the project will span 300 hectares. Phase 1 will cover 175 ha, with construction expected to commence by the end of 2025. Its strategic proximity to Thanh Hoa city and the North-South Expressway enhances its appeal to manufacturers. The investment registration certificate was handed over to Jareeporn Jarukornsakul by Do Minh Tuan, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Thanh Hoa. In addition, WHA Industrial Development PLC signed an MoU) with Hung Yen province. Hung Yen province has become a prime destination for foreign direct investment, owing to its strategic location near Hanoi and the Haiphong deep-sea port cluster, along with a well-established industrial base. The MoU paves the way for collaboration between WHA Group and Hung Yen for the development of a new 250-hectare industrial zone. The agreement facilitates the necessary groundwork and licensing procedures for the proposed investment. The MoU was signed by Jareeporn Jarukornsaku and Tran Quoc Van, chairman of Hung Yen Peoples Committee. With these developments, WHAs industrial footprint in Vietnam will expand to 4,590 ha (inclusive of projects with investment registration certificate and MoUs/investment agreements), spanning across five key provinces. Serving over 1,000 clients globally, WHA Group is continuing to elevate its Vietnam-based projects into premier destinations for industrial investment. The group remains committed to driving sustainable development through its focus on renewable energy, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community engagement in line with its vision: "WHA: WE SHAPE THE FUTURE Working together to build a sustainable future for all." WHA Group takes the lead in smart eco-industrial park model for Nghe An As part of Thailands WHA Group, WHA Nghe An is working to help develop the province sustainably thanks to the international-standard smart eco-industrial park model. Thailands WHA Group plans 1,200-hectare industrial park in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Thailands WHA Group has made a proposal to invest in the Chau Duc service-urban-industrial park on an area of 1,200 hectares in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Tanzania sees 56.5 pct rise in Chinese tourist arrivals in 2024: minister Xinhua) 09:57, May 20, 2025 DAR ES SALAAM, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tourist arrivals in Tanzania rose from 45,463 in 2023 to 71,140 in 2024, an increase of 56.5 percent, Tanzanian Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Pindi Chana told parliament on Monday. Chana attributed the increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to the government's various tourism promotion strategies, which aim to reach new markets beyond the traditional ones. Presenting the ministry's budget proposals for the 2025/2026 financial year to parliament in the national capital of Dodoma, Chana said the film "Amazing Tanzania," featuring President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar's President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, contributed to the increase in the number of Chinese tourists. She told the House that after its premiere in Beijing, China, in May 2024, the film, which also features Chinese actor Jin Dong, was launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in November 2024, and has continued to be viewed worldwide. "After airing on China's Hunan TV and social media platforms, the show reached approximately 1.2 billion viewers in China and neighboring countries," she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Mono County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team has released information about a rescue made last week near Boundary Peak. On Tuesday, May 13 at around 7:30 p.m., the Mono County Sheriff's Office received a request for aid from Esmeralda County, Nevada for a hiker in distress. A 45-year-old hiker was able to call 911 and report that they had lost the trail after departing the summit of 13,147-foot Boundary Peak, around the area of the Trail Canyon Saddle. According to officials, the hiker was in very complex terrain over 10,000 feet and wasn't prepared to spend the night on the mountain, with temperatures in the area around 10F. Search and Rescue divided into teams and worked their way towards the hiker, and eventually made contact with him. Officials reported that the hiker was uninjured and required no assistance to exit the canyon; the team drove the hiker back to his vehicle, where he was able to leave. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for comment from the public on the proposed Dodge Flat II solar project. The project is reported to take up 500 acres of public land and over 1,000 acres of private land near Wadsworth in Washoe County. The BLM is also looking for help identifying historical properties in or near the area of the proposed project. If the project is approved, Dodge Flat Energy Center, LLC could build and operate a roughly 200-megawatt solar facility with a battery storage system and on-site substation. More information is available and comments may be submittedusing the 'Participate Now' buttonon the BLM's project website. NDOT has released video of workers conducting a routine inspection on U.S. 50 at Cave Rock. NDOT inspected the tunnels for several hours on Tuesday. MAY 20, 2025: Starting Tuesday, lanes will be reduced and shifted on U.S. Highway 50 at Cave Rock Tahoe for a routine inspection. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be inspecting the tunnels from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. During those hours, U.S. 50 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Westbound traffic will be alternated periodically through the eastbound Cave Rock tunnel during the inspection. Drivers in the area should expect delays, and are encouraged to leave extra travel time. For more information about the state's highway projects, check out NDOT's website. Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore will stay suspended with pay after a decision by the Nevada Commission of Judicial Discipline. Monday's decision was filed with the Nevada Supreme Court. Fiore was pardoned by President Trump after she was found guilty of defrauding donors in a failed statue project meant to honor a fallen police officer. She was due to be sentenced on April 14th before receiving a 'full and unconditional pardon' effectively closing her criminal case. A court document states that since Fiores pardon, the Commission has received additional complaints against her. On April 24th her counsel requested that the Commission rescind her suspension and reinstate her to the bench. A Nevada Supreme Court filing (below) states even though a pardon may close a criminal case related to an ethical complaint against the judge, but it does not preclude the Commission from considering a judges ongoing conduct as it may relate to the conviction to determine the judges violation of the Revised Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct Fiore was initially suspended without pay after the jury's conviction. Fiore argues the Commission must disregard her conduct because it occurred before she became a judge. However, the filing says even after she accepted the judgeship she continued to defraud the donors by keeping donations to which was not entitled and continued to fail to notify them she used their funds for personal expenses As a result, the Commission finds that Fiores criminal case has deeply affected the publics perception of (her) continued honesty and integrity and that her return to full judicial duties pending the disposition of the additional complaints poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and to the administration of justice. It goes on to say that until a final decision is made by the Commission, she will remain suspended with pay. Fiore also worked as a city councilmember in Las Vegas, where she was charged for using funds gathered for a law enforcement memorial for personal use. May 5, 2025: A notice has been filed with the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline regarding the April 24th presidential pardon of former Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore. The notice states that there will be a hearing on May 9th regarding whether a suspension placed on Fiore is still warranted following her pardon by President Trump, and whether a suspension should be in place with or without salary. If not, the commission will determine whether Fiore posts a "substantial threat of serious harm to the public or to the administration of justice," based on the case of United States v. Michele Fiore - the case for which Fiore was pardoned. The hearing will be broadcast live using Zoom; a YouTube link for public viewing will be made available on the Commission's website after the hearing. Fiore also worked as a city councilmember in Las Vegas, where she was charged for using funds gathered for a law enforcement memorial for personal use. Original story (4/24/2025, 2:30 p.m.): Former Las Vegas city councilwoman Michele Fiore has received a full and unconditional pardon from President Donald Trump, effectively erasing her federal conviction for defrauding donors in a failed statue project meant to honor a fallen police officer. The pardon, signed April 23, comes just three weeks before Fiore was due in federal court for sentencing on May 14. Fiore was convicted of misusing funds that donors had contributed for the memorial statue, with prosecutors arguing she redirected the money for personal and political gain. In a filing on Thursday, Fiores legal team referred to the pardon as clemency and presented a motion in U.S. District Court to cancel the upcoming sentencing. The motion, submitted by attorneys Paola Armeni and Gia Marina of Clark Hill PLLC, cites the presidential clemency as grounds to vacate the hearing. The President of the United States has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Michele Fiore, the court filing reads, referencing Trumps constitutional authority under Article II, Section 2. The executive order names Fiore specifically and applies to all offenses outlined in her case, United States v. Fiore, 2:24-cr-155. The pardon authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to act on Trumps behalf in executing the clemency. A judge has not yet ruled on the motion to vacate the sentencing. Fiore, a vocal Trump supporter and former Republican candidate for state office, was a polarizing figure throughout the trial. Her case drew national attention both for its political undertones and the emotionally charged nature of the failed police memorial effort. MAY 21 UPDATE: More details have emerged about an incident on the campus of Reno High School. A man was arrested after he was allegedly found with weapons in his car. According to a probable cause document obtained by 2 News Nevada, Alejandro Barragan was found sleeping in his car on Reno High School property. Police saw a rifle in the open in the back seat of his car. Barragan was detained, and police asked him for permission to search the car, which he granted. Police then went on to find a handgun on the front passenger seat and four knives. Barragan was arrested and taken to the Washoe County Jail. He is facing six counts of possession of a dangerous weapon on school property and one count of possession of a weapon with intention to sell or transport without a serial number. --- ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Washoe County School District has shared details of an incident that occurred as school was starting Tuesday morning at Reno High School. A school district phone call was placed to families of Reno High School students this morning, letting them know about the incident. According to the call, school police were called after a person was seen on the high school campus who had not checked in at the office. Officials say that no students were involved, and the school police took the person into custody as students and staff arrived at the start of the school day. The district reports that everyone is safe and school will continue to operate as normal today. A driver faces several charges after he was stopped in Sun Valley last Thursday night. Deputies say the driver identified as Israel Jaramillo Lopez, appeared impaired and was detained. During a subsequent investigation, they say they found two guns that were reported stolen our of Reno and Churchill County. Lopez was arrested and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on the following: * DUI Alcohol, Second Offense * Possession of a Stolen Firearm (2 counts) * Failure to Yield * Resist a Public Officer Natasha Ivantsova is a force. She has a confident grace and an obvious heart that make you instantly love, respect, and feel safe with her. She is equal parts compassion for others and passion for her business: Glow Yoga and Wellness. Whether you are taking to the mat at an advanced level or need to literally take to the mat in childs pose for the duration of class, Glow is a space for healing and communitynot judgment and competitiveness. It's a one-stop shop for wellness, focusing on sustainable fitness for everyone through yoga classes, pilates, resistance training, and meditation, as well as workshops and offsite retreats, corporate wellness for local businesses, and spa offerings like massage, facials, red light therapy, and reiki. Glow is like how I feel after I come from a yoga class," says Ivantsova with a smile. "It's this soulful feeling from the inside, like your heart is renewed and your cheeks are rosy because it was a hard class. It's like that glowing way. The serene lobby of Glow Yoga and Wellness (Courtesy of Glow Yoga and Wellness) Ivantsova is the modern embodiment of the American dream. Born in Belarus, in a small town near Minsk, the self-proclaimed village girl has followed the flow of her life, letting her work ethic, ambition, and quest for independence guide her to this country and to what she refers to as the gorgeous bubble of serenity that is Glow. Her journey to get here was pure chancea Green Card lottery she won while studying in Ireland. Anyone can play from around the world," Ivantsova explains. "The [Diversity Immigrant Visa] program allows the United States to diversify their population by letting people from other countries come and participate in the economy." It was the fresh, foggy air and the palm trees along the Embarcadero that sold Ivantsova on settling in San Francisco. Determined to improve her English, she enrolled in classes at City College and got a job working the floor at CompUSA. Within six months, she was promoted to their business services department, and soon went to work at an investment company. When Ivantsova began having chronic neck pain, her chiropractor suggested she try yoga and pilates. Six months later, the treatment was working but traveling across the city to attend yoga in the Mission or pilates in the Marina was exhausting. Tired of running around the city for classes and perplexed by the lack of studio offerings at the time around the Embarcadero, Downtown, and North Beach, Ivantsova began cold-calling studios, encouraging them to open in the area. When no one was interested, she decided to do it herself. Natasha Ivantsova, founder of Glow Yoga and Wellness (Courtesy of Glow Yoga and Wellness) When you are young, you have this attitude of It helped me. It is going to help everybody,'" she says. When I started feeling better, I was like, this is my mission nowto help other people feel better, too. She got her yoga teacher's certificate and, armed with her education and a business plan, she went seeking a small business loan to open the studio. The bank said no. Ivantsova was surprised but undeterred. She sought advice from the Small Business Administration and found a way through. I am telling you, when you are in the state of flow, when you believe everything is possibleeven if it is a naive beliefif you know you can do it, you can do it! Somehow, you will find a way, Ivantsova says. I had the belief and the blessing of the naivete of an immigrant that this was possible, because this is America. Glow Yoga and Wellness opened in March 2011, and it has been a place where welcome and wellness have coexisted ever since. I wanted to offer spiritual yoga for all ages, a place that welcomed all levels so that everyone was included, Ivantsova saysa commitment to access that includes offering free memberships in exchange for volunteer shifts and a 20 percent discount for anyone who makes less than $90,000 a year. A class at Glow's studio in North Beach (Courtesy of Glow Yoga and Wellness) Everybody can come and do self-care. There's no way you're not able to. I've never, ever turned anyone away in 14 years who could not afford it. I will find a task for you, she says. The studio also offers a variety of workshops and events that allow outside professionals in the wellness sphere to speak, inform, and inspire, "helping other small businesses and our students to find different ways to take care of themselves." According to Ivantsova, the hard work put in during classes is not only about perfecting a pose or simply getting better at yoga or pilatesit is meant to be taken off the mat, outside of the studio, and into the world. "That's the whole point of self-care," she says. She facilitates it by organizing everything from painting parties, salsa dance classes, and city jazz bars to kayak trips in Jenner, and icy breathwork done under the aurora borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. After retreats, everybody's so much closer. Like now youve actually made a friendnot just five minutes here and five minutes there after class. Stepping away from Glow, from the cityit's so good for you, she says. A corporate wellness class with Glow (Courtesy of Glow Yoga and Wellness) With her family across the world, Ivantsova knows the importance of meaningful friendships and community. She has found that through Glow. Ascending the stairs to the studio, the walls of which are dotted with inspirational quotes and positive affirmations, you just know you are headed somewhere good. The studio smells of incense and radiates positivity and lightit's an enclave of calm in a busy part of the city. This is the place that I created, and it keeps feeding me with love. I just feel so much care here, Ivantsova says. I no longer feel lonely because I have this space. It's my little home. I love everybody I work with, and I'm so inspired by the people who come to Glow. // 1548 Stockton St. (North Beach), glowyogasf.com Two more restaurants are coming to Clift Farm north of Madison. And a retail center is being built in Jones Valley. They are among construction projects issued permits in the Huntsville area since April 29. Overall, 386 permits totaling $105 million have been issued in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties, according to Southern Exposure Information. Huntsville issued 175 permits totaling $48.4 million. Madison County issued 127 totaling $35.3 million. Athens issued 47 totaling $11.8 million. Madison issued 16 permits totaling $5.3 million. Decatur issued 18 permits totaling $4.1 million and Priceville issued three totaling $374,000. Twelve projects in the area exceeded $1 million. That includes the $2.8 million, 8,141 square-foot building that will house Grimaldis Pizzeria and Melt at 461 John Henry Way in Clift Farm. Neither restaurant is a stranger to the area. Grimaldis has a location in Jones Valley. Melt, which specializes in classic comfort food of burgers and sandwiches, has a location in downtown Huntsville. The Clift Farm franchise will be the fourth in Alabama. Breland Companies President Joey Ceci said both restaurants are expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. Breland is the Clift Farm developer. The two restaurants will be near Capriottis Sandwich Shop and the recently opened Chucks Fish. Ground was also broken this month on Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant off U.S. 72 in the development. Jones Valley retail center A permit was also issued for Lendon Corner a retail center at 2600 Carl T. Jones Drive in Jones Valley in Huntsville. Consolidated Construction is the builder for the $5.4 million building. The center, at 15,000 square feet, is expected to open in 2026. The boutique Sweet Pineapple is listed as the anchor tenant with space available for retail, dining, and service-oriented businesses at the heavily traveled intersection of Lendon and Carl T. Jones. Other projects A $9.7 million building at 3414 Ninth Ave. SW in Huntsville is the most expensive project. The building is for Jesse Stutts, Inc., an electrical contractor. A building permit was issued to company president Jimmy Wall. Limestone Building Group is the contractor for the project. A permit for a $4.1 million alteration was issued to Blue Origin for its facility at 1100 Explorer Blvd. NW in Huntsville. Delta Concrete & Industrial Contracting is listed as the builder for the rocket engine manufacturing facility. A permit was also issued for a $3.4 million, 2,694 square-foot addition for Flint River Baptist Church at 12945 U.S. 231-431 North. Stutts Corporation, Inc., is the contractor for the project. The Robins & Morton Group is working on a $1.4 million project at Huntsville International Airport. It is the contractor for several projects at the airport, including improvements to the terminal, concourse, parking deck and rental lots. Winter Homes of Madison is building a $1 million, 3,745 square-foot home at 20574 Jeremiah Lane in Athens. Davidson Homes was the top home builder. It was issued 42 permits totaling $8.9 million. DR Horton was issued 50 permits totaling $7.3 million. Elmington Residential was issued 27 permits totaling $6.3 million. And Lennar Homes was issued 27 permits totaling $6.2 million. A Huntsville man is facing human trafficking and drug charges after police say they found him in a hotel room with a 14-year-old girl. According to police, officers responded to a report of a possible runaway at a motel in the 3700 block of University Drive on Monday at about 11 a.m. Officers were acting on information that a missing 14-year-old may have been with an adult man. In the room, they found James Randall Bolden, 35, of Huntsville, as well as the juvenile victim, police said. They also found two firearms, more than 175 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Investigators believe Bolden was supplying the victim with drugs and engaging in sexual activity with her. Bolden has been charged with first degree human trafficking, second degree statutory rape, trafficking meth, possession with intent to distribute, drug possession and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. He is being held in the Madison County Jail without bond. This case remains under investigation. We commend the swift and collaborative efforts of all officers involved, police said in a statement. If Damien McDaniel is convicted of the 18 murders with which he is charged, he would become the most prolific known killer in Alabamas history. If he is convicted of just two of those 18 killings, he would officially be labeled a serial killer under the FBIs definition. The 22-year-old Fairfield man, described in federal court records as the primary enforcer of violence and homicides for a Birmingham-area drug organization, may not fit the traditional idea of a serial killer. But, according to a well-known profiler, true crime author, podcaster, public speaker and educator, thats exactly what McDaniel is. He is the new prototype of the serial killer, said author Phil Chalmers. Most people have no idea this happening. Serial killers cant be classified like they used to be, Chalmers said. Its not all Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. Some are lust killers. Some are angry. Some are doing it for profit, he said. Theres a reason why they do it and theyre all different. McDaniel is accused of two Birmingham mass murders in two months, as well as a string of murders that claimed the lives of a young couple expecting a baby and an on-duty firefighter. In all, he is charged with killing 18 people and wounding 30 others during a 14-month span. His alleged crimes include a mass shooting at Trendsetters Lounge on July 13, 2024 and another at Hush Lounge on Birminghams Southside that happened Sept. 21, 2024. Damien McDaniel appeared in a Jefferson County courtroom April 29, 2025, along with attorney John Robbins. (Carol Robinson) The murders helped drive Birminghams 2024 homicide total past a record high that stood since 1933. The spree may well be the bloodiest in all of Alabamas 205 year history. The deadliest mass shooting in Alabama history came on March 10, 2009 when Michael McLendon, 28, killed 10 people and then himself in Coffee and Geneva Counties. People think serial killers today are stabbing and strangling, and they are, but predominately theyre shooting people, Chalmers said. Chalmers, over the past 40 years, has interviewed hundreds of violent killers, including serial killers, school shooters, mass murderers, family annihilators, and spree killers including Charles Manson, the Son of Sam, BTK, The Hillside Strangler, The Gainesville Ripper, The Zodiac Copycat and The Smiley Face Killer. People think serial killers are white, and theyre not, Chalmers said. Efforts to reach McDaniels attorney to comment for this article were unsuccessful. Its over with. McDaniels alleged crime spree, according to authorities, began in July 2023 and ended in September 2024. It started with the alleged murder-for-hire ambush killing of Birmingham Firefighter Jordan Melton. McDaniel and Eddie Jerry Jones, 47, are charged in Meltons shooting death, which also injured another firefighter. Charging documents against Jones, who was previously convicted of murder in a 1999 homicide, state Jones provided specific information to McDaniel regarding Meltons identification and location which led to his death. The criminal complaint says Melton was killed because he was subpoenaed to testify against Larry Denzel Rollins in a murder trial. The crime stemmed from, was caused by, or was related to the capacity or role of Jordan Ellis Melton as said witness, the warrant states. Rollins has not been charged with any crime in connection to Meltons death. He was acquitted in the murder case in which Melton was scheduled to testify. He is, however, one of six people including McDaniel charged with capital murder in the 2024 shooting death of Jamarcus McIntrye, who was killed during a theft of his backpack the night after the Hush mass shooting, in which McDaniel is also charged. McIntyres death was the last killing for which McDaniel is accused. Rollins and Jones were both recently arrested in a massive drug conspiracy case and identified as the organizations leaders. Though McDaniel isnt charged in the federal drug case, his name surfaced multiple times in court records involving the drug suspects. On Jan. 7, 2025, McDaniel, Rollins and others had state bond hearings in Jefferson County. In calls intercepted by law enforcement officials, records state, Jones contacted an individual and told him that he wanted to identify the detectives and that once the detectives were identified, Its over with. Following that call, safety measures were followed to protect the identity of witnesses. A cooling off period On Feb. 25, 2025, Jones and McDaniel spoke about McDaniels arrests on the homicides. They also talked about how McDaniel and Rollins were persons of interest in Meltons homicide, but they were not certain how McDaniel was a suspect because the firearms used in the homicide were hidden, records state. They discussed whether certain people were cooperating with law enforcement and discussed the evidence surrounding the mass shooting at Hush Lounge. McDaniel stated that the police may have his DNA from that shooting, the agent wrote. In the days leading up to the mass shooting at Trendsetters, McDaniel, records show, texted another drug conspiracy suspect for what appeared to be an order for specific calibers of firearms or ammunition. Many of McDaniels alleged crimes are murder-for-hire but authorities say some were personal, such as the January 2024 shooting death of Mia Nickson, an ex-girlfriend, and the 2023 robbery and shooting death of Reginald Bryant in Pratt City. He is also charged with the Valentines Day 2024 killings of Angeliyah Webster and Chris Norris, both 20, and their unborn son. A motive has not been publicly disclosed but Norris and McDaniel had, at one point, been friends. My definition of a serial killer is what the FBIs definition is you have to kill at least two people with a cooling off period, Chalmers said. With Damien McDaniel, he does a mass shooting, he does a hit, he does a robbery-gone-bad, he does another shooting here, another shooting there, Chalmers said. Hes definitely got two or more with a cooling off period. He for sure is a serial killer. Damien is Michael Myers Chalmers has a new book set for release this summer detailing the myths around serial killers. I do a lot of training, and I ask them, Who are serial killers? Chalmers said. They say white males in their 20s and 30s and I say if you use that profile, youd only arrest 7 percent of serial killers today. According to Chalmers, 60 percent of todays serials killers are Black, mostly male, and only 31 percent are white. Additionally, he said 42 percent of serial killers shoot their victims. It throws off law enforcement, it throws off investigators because they automatically think three people shot in Birmingham has to be gangs or drugs and they go, next case, he said. A lot of times they never make the connection. Chalmers rattled off a list of recent serial killing incidents whose profiles are similar to McDaniel, including Robert Hayes, the Daytona Beach Serial Killer, who was convicted in 2022 of killing three women and sentenced to life in prison. There is also Wesley Brownlee, a California man accused of killing seven people in Stockton, seriously wounding another; Howell Donaldson III, who in 2023 pleaded guilty to killing four people in random encounters in Tampa in 2017; and Tyrone Steele, who was convicted last year in a string of New Orleans killings when he was 18 that claimed five lives over 45 days in 2022. Its a new trend and it doesnt quite get the coverage that other serial killers get, Chalmers said. Robert Hayes is called the Daytona Beach Serial Killer but yet nobody knows who he is. I think one because hes Black and they dont want to cover that case and two, sometimes they feel the victims arent important. Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy got a little more coverage -theyre white males, their victims are white, he said. (The ones listed above) just dont get the coverage, but to me, theyre just as scary and just as crazy and just as violent as the others. Up until recent times, Chalmers said, the FBI was pretty specific about who they counted as serial killers. They wouldnt count gang members, they wouldnt count hitmen, but theyre slowly adding those to the definition, Chalmers said. In a U.S. Department of Justice handbook of sorts called Serial Murder, Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives for Investigators, the FBI says a serial killer is the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender or offenders in separate events. The FBI lists several motivations of serial killers: anger, financial gain, ideology, power/thrill, psychosis, sexually based, or criminal enterprise in which the motivation gives the offender benefits in status or monetary compensation by committing murder that is drug, gang or organized crime related. Chalmers said he was quickly made aware of the allegations against McDaniel. He does Google searches every night and also receives tips from law enforcement officers. In the case of McDaniel, I got it both ways, he said. He looks like an average guy, Chalmers said, like all serial killers do. Chalmers hopes to speak with McDaniel. If you sat down with Damien McDaniel today, your first reaction would be he seems like a nice guy, Chalmers said. Theres a guy in Atlanta Aeman Presely. He was killing homeless people, Chalmers said. Hes very friendly and cordial with me but in the wrong setting, in the wrong environment, Damien McDaniel is very dangerous, Damien is Michael Myers. They all seem normal. Of McDaniel, Chalmers said, Im sure he had a messed-up childhood. Im sure hes dealing with some issues of anger, hes probably an anger retaliatory killer, caught up in the gang, street lifestyle. Im sure hes had some issues with his father, or no father, or a bad father, he said. The breakdown of family is usually the case. NyQuan Cordae Lollar and Damien McDaniel in a Youtube documentary. Screengrab McDaniels father, 43-year-old Damien Laron McDaniel Jr., is in federal prison in Kentucky. He was sentenced to 26 years in 2013 for trafficking cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The older McDaniel was described in news reports as a former leader of the Bloods gang in the Fairfield area. When McDaniel III was 5 years old, his father was charged with the fatal 2007 shooting death of 23-year-old Cedric Burch in Fairfield two months after McDaniel Jr. and others allegedly poured gasoline on Burch and set him on fire. At the time of that homicide, McDaniel Jr. was out on bond for shooting Burchs brother and had already served at least part of a 10-year sentence for possessing cocaine. The case was nol prossed, and Damien McDaniel Jr. never went to trial for the slaying. His son was a few months shy of his 12th birthday when McDaniel Jr. received the 26 year sentence. Damien McDaniel Jr. is scheduled to be released in 2037, according to the federal prison system. Chalmers said he grew up with a violent alcoholic father. I know exactly what its like growing up in dysfunction, he said. Its probably why I can relate to the guys, and Ive to so many Charles Manson, David Berkowitz, BTK. The most shocking thing is they all seem normal. You meet them at a bar, and youd say, Thats a nice guy, he said. Thats what I see. Ive been face to face with a lot of big-name people and Ive been face to face with a lot of people nobody knows, and they all seem very cordial and very friendly, he said. And I would expect that out of (McDaniel). A suspect has been charged with murder in the disappearance of an Alabama woman who was reported missing over the weekend. Florence police on Tuesday evening said they have found human remains that are believed to be Autumn Paige Strickland, the 38-year-old who was reported missing over the weekend. Those remains will be sent to a forensics lab to be analyzed for proper identification, said Florence police Capt. Jason Fort. Logan Rogers, 28, of Florence is held in the Lauderdale County jail without bail, pending an Aniahs Law hearing. Fort said the investigation into Stricklands disappearance indicates that she was intentionally struck by a vehicle. Earlier Tuesday, police took Rogers into custody at a home on the 2200 block of North Wood Avenue. Fort said they upgraded his charge from attempted murder to murder after finding the remains at the home. Police said Strickland had been missing since May 16. She was last seen in the area of North Court Street and had not been heard from since. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Monday issued a missing and endangered alert for Strickland and said she may have been living with a condition that impairs her judgment. Autumn Paige Strickland (Contributed) Fort said officers have worked tirelessly around the clock to follow every lead. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 256-760-2764. Editors note: This story was updated at 6:54 p.m. to show that remains had been found and Rogers charge was upgraded to murder. Actor Steve Burton, seen here receiving an Emmy Award in 2017, was married on Saturday in California. WireImage Daytime soap star Steve Burton got married over the weekend in a ceremony in California. The General Hospital star, 54, married chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom, 44, in an intimate Orthodox church ceremony, followed by a reception at Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California. This day isnt just about a ceremony, Burton told PEOPLE. Its the beginning of forever with the love of my life. According to the report, the wedding included a small guest list, including a few of the grooms friends from General Hospital. Lundstrom, who appeared on Netflixs Barbecue Showdown 2, told PEOPLE, It was exactly what I had wanted, romantic with a vintage vibe. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. On Oct. 9, 1927, fire ripped through the business section of the small town of Lowndesboro, Ala. When the blaze was extinguished, only two stores remained in the town of 264 people. Numerous businesses, all made of wood, were a total loss; the fire is estimated to have caused $7,000 to $10,000 in damage, according to an article in The Birmingham News at the time. Click through the gallery at the top of this story to see photos of the stores current condition. Today, the Lowndes County town has only 79 residents but the people who remain are determined to preserve its history. Of the two stores that survived the 1927 fire, only one is still standing one called DeBardelabens survived the fire, according the an article in The Birmingham News, but was later destroyed. The Will Stone Store, a 200-year-old store in Lowndesboro, Ala., is being restored. The town of 79 residents has a preserved historic district with plantation homes, churches and schools. Lea Ingram The surviving store currently called the Will Stone Store but also known as the Old Indian Trading Post, Stone-Dryer Store or the Jimmy Crum Store was in danger of collapse until members of the Lowndesboro Landmarks Foundation stepped in to restore it. The ca.-1820 store was donated to the town of Lowndesboro in 2011 by Reg and Lila Dryer, according to an article by The Lowndes Signal. Lea Graves Ingram, who operates the store for the foundation, said it is not open full-time but it is used for community events. We opened for July 4th and had a few vendors there; we did a hot dog cookout, we decorated for Halloween and had trick or treaters, etc., Ingram said. We plan to have other types of events in the future. We also sell a few items like local cookbooks, bumper stickers and T-shirts." The wooden store reportedly predates the towns foundation. A historical marker at the site says Lowndesboro, because it is situated on the Alabama River, developed from a small community of early settlers to a thriving township in the 1830s. With nearby ports and cotton warehouses, the town drew plenty of visitors. A story in the Birmingham News in 1927 describes the fire that destoryed Lowndesboro's business district, leaving the Will Stone Store and one other store standing. Today, only the Stone Store remains. Birmingham News Before long, Lowndesboro had hotels, the Lowndesboro Boys Academy, the Lowndesboro Female Institute, a horseracing track, numerous churches and a thriving business district. Until the fire, the business district housed livery stables, six doctors, a dentist, grocery stores, two taverns (hotels), general stores, a Masonic Hall, and a post office, mostly wooden structures located on the west side of Broad Street. According to a 1927 article in The Birmingham News, a drug store and the post office were also a loss, although the postmistress saved the mail before fire reached it. Lowndesboros historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It includes the Stone store, plantation homes and a C.M.E. Church topped with the cupola from Alabamas first capitol building in Cahaba. There is a dark chapter in Lowndesboros past: It was the site of the murder of civil rights worker Viola Liuzzo on March 25, 1965. The White woman was shot to death in her car following a high-speed chase by KKK members. She was transporting Black youths to demonstrations at the time. A monument was erected in Liuzzos memory at the site of her death on U.S. Highway 80. A former Democratic candidate for the Clay County Commission has pleaded guilty to voter fraud. Terry Andrew Heflin, 46, was arrested last year on seven counts of unlawful use of absentee ballots. The indictment said Heflin falsified absentee ballot applications for multiple people and then used those peoples names to vote for himself by absentee ballot. The crimes took place in the March 2024 primaries. Court records show Heflin pleaded guilty to one of the seven charges against him. The rest were dismissed under the plea agreement. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said Heflin admitted to unlawfully requesting and completing another citizens absentee ballot, voting for himself without the voters knowledge or consent. He directed the ballot to be mailed to his own post office box and submitted the fraudulent vote during his campaign for public office. Heflin was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, split to serve 15 days in jail, and was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. Voter fraud is a direct attack on our democratic process, and it will not be ignored or excused in Alabama, Marshall said. When someone cheats the system to steal a vote, they are stealing the voice of their fellow citizens. This conviction sends a clear and unmistakable message: if you undermine our elections by committing voter fraud, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted, he said. Court records show Heflin pleaded guilty in 2021 to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with two years to serve. Alabama Music Hall of Fame A scathing state audit report released Friday found that the executive director of an Alabama agency used the organizations money to buy clothes, pay for flower delivery, and a massage. The findings detailed multiple accountability, management, and legal failures, including a lack of insurance protection for artifacts and memorabilia at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame facility in Tuscumbia. The state established the board in 1980 to honor the states music trailblazers and showcase them. The audit, which examined the agencys finances from 2019 to 2024, included several demands for corrective action, with Sandra Burroughs, the executive director, now on the hook to repay nearly $65,000. The board had put Burroughs on administrative leave without pay in March, citing a pending investigation. Burroughs, who is also the mayor of the town of Lexington, had not responded to a request by AL.com for comment prior to publication of this story. The audit report released last week noted the state attorney general would take over the collection. When asked about the case Monday, the office declined comment. It is the longstanding policy of this office to neither confirm nor deny the possibility of an investigation, a spokesperson for the office of the Attorney General said in an email to AL.com. Auditors initially demanded Burroughs repay nearly $115,000 but reduced the amount to under $65,000 after she successfully defended approximately $50,000 in expenses. The remaining payments that auditors deemed inappropriate or inadequately documented, which the executive director must repay, include nearly $15,000 for food, about $9,000 for individuals described as musicians or laborers, $300 paid to individuals rather than businesses indicated on invoices, over $1,300 spent at retail stores, about $800 for gift cards, nearly $11,000 for in-state hotels, and more than $26,000 to various vendors. In an email statement to AL.com, board chairwoman Judy Hood said the body would start reforms to address issues mentioned in the report. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors is committed to addressing all issues identified in the audit and is scheduled to meet on May 28 to begin that process, Hood said. As part of its response, the Board also plans to seek legal guidance and representation from the Attorney Generals Office to help ensure these matters are resolved promptly and appropriately. The audit lists numerous Alabama laws the board failed to uphold, including a $600 yearly longevity payment only for state employees with at least five years of service. The report said Burroughs twice received the payment after only two years, prompting auditors to demand $1,200 in repayment. In contrast, another facility employee who qualified for the bonus never received it. The facility operates an onsite and online gift shop without collecting sales tax, depriving the state of revenue. Conversely, despite being statutorily tax-exempt, the organization paid sales taxes to vendors on multiple occasions. Since the Board is exempt from taxes, the amounts paid for sales tax could have otherwise been used to support the operations and purpose of the Board, the report said. When the board purchases beer or wine from local retailers for resale to event attendees or banquet hall renters or buys merchandise for the gift shop, it reportedly maintains no inventory controls. Auditors found no matching of purchased items with collected revenue and remaining inventory. According to the audit, Due to the lack of internal controls, the Board was exposed to a greater risk of inventory being misappropriated or becoming spoiled and wasted. The executive director exercises sole control over the bank account and credit card, and the address for the card is her home address. As a result, deposits and disbursements were exposed to a greater possibility that errors or irregularities, including misappropriations and fraud, could occur and not be detected, the auditors said. The report cited failure to collect required financial disclosure statements from individuals involved in contracts exceeding $5,000. These documents disclose if any government employees or officials would benefit from the contract. Another issue involved not requiring competitive bidding for nearly $52,000 spent on purchasing and installing a public sign. Various parts of the boards operation also came under scrutiny. The board, according to the report, met seven times in six years - five of which were virtual - instead of the required 24 quarterly meetings. And officials failed to inform the Secretary of States office for the five virtual meetings for it to put the notice online. The auditors reminded the board in the report that those failures to abide by the Alabama Open Meetings Act date back to 2013. The report said the minutes of all seven meetings lacked signatures from the chairman and secretary, adding that without signatures affirming that the minutes of the Board meetings are true and accurate, the public cannot be assured that the minutes represent the official actions taken by the Board. The auditors found it problematic that a local business provided services to students on field trips to the facility and musicians performed based solely on verbal agreements. Board approval was not provided for any of these verbal agreements, the report said. Due to the lack of Board approved written contracts, payment amounts and the terms of the agreements could not be verified. The board accepts money and property donations, leases spaces, and collects rent, but there wasnt a requirement to issue receipts and ensure bank deposits, the report said. It noted that a similar issue existed with admission tickets. As a result, we could not determine the amount of donations or rental revenue received by the Board, nor that all monies received were deposited into the Boards bank accounts, the auditors noted. The auditors said there was inconsistent employees time documentation at work and could not confirm what the organizations holiday practice exactly is. A review of the Alabama Music Hall of Fames social media account revealed that the Alabama Music Hall of Fame was closed on numerous days that do not correspond to either the Boards approved Policy Manual or the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 1-3-8(a), the report said. Due to inconsistent records documenting time worked and the Music Hall of Fame employees not consistently following approved Board policy or State law related to holidays, it could not be determined whether the Executive Director authorized additional time off for holidays in excess of what was allowed. The cost of defending lawsuits against individual officers and larger, class-action cases against the Alabama prison system has pushed legal spending over $57 million since 2020. (Alex Cochran for Alabama Reflector) (Alex Cochran for Alabama Reflector) Most of the complaints are handwritten in ballpoint pen and sent from prisons to federal courts through the U.S. mail. The particulars about the incidents vary, but fear of correctional officers is a common theme. I am requesting an emergency transfer before these officers kill me, wrote one man from St. Clair Correctional Facility. I am more afraid now than I ever have been since I was first incarcerated, wrote another man from Holman Prison. Dont let these people kill me, wrote another man from Donaldson Correctional Facility. Im scared for my life and that they will say I killed myself. The allegations are from three civil rights lawsuits among 124 that the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has paid to settle since 2020. The vast majority involved complaints of excessive force inside Alabamas violent and overcrowded prisons, according to a review of court records and state financial data. More from Alabama Reflector An Alabama Reflector examination found that of 124 lawsuits that ADOC settled in the five-year period between 2020 and 2024, 94 involved complaints of excessive force. Other lawsuits alleged wrongful deaths and accused ADOC staff of failing to protect incarcerated people from violence, including assaults and rapes. The cost of defending lawsuits against individual officers and larger, class-action cases against the entire department has pushed ADOCs legal spending over $57 million since 2020. In the last five years, the department has spent over $17 million on the legal defense of accused officers and lawsuit settlements, along with over $39 million litigating a handful of complex cases against ADOC, including a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice over prison conditions. Data on civil lawsuits and outcomes against other state prison systems is not readily available, but the sheer volume of excessive force cases ADOC is settling is significant, according to several correctional experts. That sounds extreme, in my experience, said Steve Sinclair, who retired as Washingtons Department of Corrections Secretary in 2021 after a 32-year career in corrections. Its pretty routine to have lawsuits for various reasons, and not all of those are legit lawsuits. But certainly not 60 or 80 plus. Its inconceivable to me. The 94 excessive force lawsuits were settled between 2020-2024, but resulted from incidents that occurred in the span between 2014-2022, and cover 15 of ADOCs 26 institutions, including maximum, medium and minimum-security facilities. Alleged acts of excessive force resulting in serious injury were documented everywhere from the Loxley community work center, a minimum-security facility housing 360 prisoners who work in the community, to death row at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, depicting an institutional landscape characterized by subterranean brutality. William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, is the only prison in the state to house an execution chamber. (Photo by ADOC) Alabama Department of Corrections Forty-five percent of the lawsuits detailed injuries so severe that the victims required hospitalization, ranging from lacerations requiring stitches to broken bones, many requiring surgery. Some complaints allege beatings that resulted in multiple injuries. Medical records submitted in court show one man had both arms broken in an incident involving an officer. Another man said he suffered broken ribs and broken bones in his back from a staff assault. A third was hospitalized with a broken leg and hand. Nineteen complaints described traumatic head and brain injuries. At least seven cases detailed catastrophic traumas that left the victims permanently disabled or disfigured. The findings are the result of a monthslong investigation that included the examination of accounting data obtained from the Alabama Department of Finance detailing all payments made from the General Liability Trust Fund since 2020, as well as court records connected to the trust fund transactions. The General Liability Trust Fund operates similarly to insurance, with a $1 million cap per incident, to cover both the legal defense of state employees and any potential settlement payment, also known as indemnity, to plaintiffs. State agencies pay an annual premium to participate. The fund is used for individual plaintiff-filed lawsuits that seek damages. Lawsuits filed against entire state agencies, like class-action litigation that seek to change policy, are paid for out of the states General Fund. The increased volume of individual lawsuits filed against employees of ADOC comes as the department is embroiled in several class-action lawsuits against the entire system over prison labor and the lack of mental health treatment, as well as ongoing litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice, which sued the state in December 2020 after concluding that Alabama failed or refused to correct unconstitutional prison conditions, including the common use of excessive force. A staff member from the U.S. Attorneys office in Alabamas Northern District said the lawsuit remains ongoing at this time, but would not provide any further details. ADOC and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office continue to deny that the states prison problems amount to systemic constitutional violations, but lawyers for state employees are routinely using public dollars to quietly pay out dozens of lawsuit settlementsthe amounts determined in confidential settlement negotiations or mediation, not reported in court filings, and outside stakeholder scrutiny. While settlements are not an admission of liability, these lawsuits were filed over the same conditions that led the DOJ to sue the state: overcrowding, understaffing, inadequate facilities, and an excessive amount of violence, sexual abuse and prisoner deaths. The DOJ began investigating Alabamas 13 prisons for men in 2016, and in 2019 released the first of two findings letters that detailed why the federal department found reasonable cause that conditions in ADOC violate the Eighth and 14th Amendment rights of prisoners, amounting to cruel and unusual punishment. All too often, correctional officers use force in the absence of a physical threat while making no effort to de-escalate tense situations, the DOJ stated in its findings letter on excessive force. Such uses of force heighten tensions in already violent and overcrowded prisons. Correctional officers also use force as a form of retribution and for the sole purpose of inflicting pain. In response to questions about the surge in excessive force lawsuits and settlements, an ADOC spokesperson pointed to the DOJ. Most are piggybacking off the allegations contained in the DOJ findings letters, which ADOC adamantly denies, wrote ADOCs spokesperson, Kelly Betts, in an email response. Betts also wrote that ADOC does not comment on pending litigation or confidential settlement negotiations and any resulting agreements, and referred questions about the number of settlements or specific lawsuits to the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, which began handling most of ADOCs civil litigation in 2023. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office did not respond to multiple emails and phone messages seeking comment, including a list of submitted questions. For decades, ADOC had no internal grievance process for people in prison to file complaints over officer abuse or misconduct. Without proper oversight inside the prisons, lawsuits can serve as a backstop for accountability. Many legal rights and protections for people in prison have been put in place by the courts, and some of those cases started out as complaints from the prisoners themselves. Everything from the right to send and receive mail, to the right to basic medical care are the results of litigation, said one man who has filed lawsuits against ADOC officers in the past and asked to withhold his name out of fear of reprisal. Theres really no bottom to how badly a state will treat prisoners without the intervention and oversight of the courts, he said. Filing a lawsuit seeking damages is often the only meaningful way to challenge mistreatment in prison. A culture of impunity The 94 excessive force complaints that resulted in settlement payments to victims do not represent the total lawsuits filed against ADOC officers, many of which are dismissed by the courts. These are probably the most egregious examples of what is really a culture of impunity and violation of peoples rights, said David Gespass, an attorney who has represented incarcerated people in excessive force cases against ADOC officers. Correctional officers walk the hallways during a tour of Draper Correctional Facility on Feb. 6, 2017, about a year before the Alabama Department of Corrections shuttered the prison. In April, the DOC reopened parts of the facility for use as COVID-19 quarantine space. (Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com) The complaints detail incidents occurring in various parts of the prisons open dormitories and individual cells, but also prison barbershops, chow halls, health care units and bathrooms. Forty-five percent of complainants said officers beat them while they were handcuffed, and 27% alleged the excessive use of chemical spray, two factors cited in the DOJs findings. The states highest security and most overcrowded prisons generated the most lawsuits in the time period examined. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer topped the list with 25 excessive force lawsuits ending in settlement, followed by Holman, St. Clair, Limestone and Bibb. Some of the complaints include shocking and gruesome details. 2018 assault at Ventress. The complaint stated an officer handcuffed the victim behind his back, then struck him from behind, breaking his jaw in two places, sending a large portion of his jawbone between his teeth and spraying blood all over the wall. ADOC settled the lawsuit for $90,000, and according to court documents, terminated the officer who assaulted the man. 2019 incident at Limestone. The complaint stated an officer placed the victim in a takedown position, known to cause excruciating pain in the shoulders, then another officer kicked his legs, causing him to fall and strike his head on the floor. Officers then sprayed him with mace, kicked and punched him. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury, permanent hearing loss, and numerous contusions, according to the complaint. The plaintiff was released from prison and died of an overdose in 2023, according to court documents. ADOC settled the lawsuit with his mother for $9,000. 2018 assault at Staton. The complaint stated that two officers sprayed the victim with pepper spray, beat him with batons, kicked and stomped him. The man was flown to a hospital in critical condition, where he was diagnosed with bleeding in the brain, multiple fractures to his ribs, face, head, back and damage to his lungs. The man is now in a long-term VA hospital bedridden, unable to verbally communicate, and minimally conscious. ADOC settled the lawsuit filed by his family for $55,000. Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest houses more than 2,300 inmates. Five settlements stemmed from a raid at Holman prison in 2016 by ADOCs Correctional Emergency Response Team or CERT. According to the complaints, CERT members charged into the dorm while the men inside were sleeping, shouting and beating men with batons. At least one man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The settlements totaled $13,500. Two years later, another incident involving CERT at Holman led to an excessive force lawsuit filed by a man who uses a wheelchair. The man handwrote in his complaint that one officer slapped him, another hit him in the head with his baton. That blow busted my head and caused me to fall out of my wheelchair flat on the floor face down, he wrote. They kicked and stomped on me so viciously until I defecated on myself. I was knocked out unconscious. His lawsuit ended in a $7,000 settlement. Prisoners injured during a medical event At least a half dozen complaints alleged that officers used excessive force on incarcerated men who were in need of mental health or medical attention, including two filed by men who said they were beaten while having a seizure. One such complaint accused officers at Bibb of beating a man with batons while he was suffering an epileptic seizure in the infirmary, strapped or handcuffed into a gurney. When his seizure was over and the beating stopped, officers accused the man of using drugs, which he denied, according to the complaint. They then chained plaintiff to a wall as he continued to bleed and exhibit clear epileptic symptoms. The incarcerated man presented witness statements from other prisoners and prison staff to support his claim, but officers argued their use of force was justified because the plaintiff was violent and unrestrained. A federal judge denied the officers motions to dismiss the case. The court finds that a reasonable jury would have difficulty not concluding that prison officers beating a fully restrained, possibly unconscious prisoner who had just suffered an epileptic seizure offends contemporary standards of decency, U.S. District Judge Karen Owen Bowdre wrote. ADOC settled the lawsuit for $30,000. Excessive force should always be treated like a big deal, said former Washington Department of Corrections Secretary Steve Sinclair. If you tolerate or minimize it, thats what builds a horrible culture. And you shouldnt have to wait for a court to tell you. Mounting cases, mounting costs A spike in lawsuits filed against individual officers began in 2020. In the five years before that, ADOC typically filed fewer than 20 claims per year to the General Liability Trust Fund, according to records provided by the Department of Finance. In 2020, the number of claims ticked up to 33, then 58 in 2021. In 2022, facing a surge of lawsuits against officers, ADOC filed 194 liability claims, and then filed 235 in 2023. Complete data for 2024 is not yet available. That flood of lawsuits caused ADOCs spending from the general liability trust fund to quadruple. Between 2015 and 2019, ADOC accounted for $2.9 million in legal expenses and settlement payments from the fund. In the following five years between 2020 and 2024, ADOC utilized $17.4 million from the General Liability Trust Fund, more than any other state department. Legal expenses for the defense of officers named in the lawsuits amounted to double the amount of paid settlements. Between 2020 and 2024, payments to private attorneys who were hired to represent ADOC employees topped $12.9 million in that five year period, while indemnity, or settlement payments to plaintiffs, accounted for just $4.4 million. Plaintiffs alleging excessive force received a total of $1.7 million, with a median settlement of just $8,000. These figures represent only a fraction of ADOCs overall legal spending since 2020. Legal payments to outside attorneys and law firms for the departments defense in class action cases amount to over $39.7 million, paid out of the states General Fund budget, according to records available in the Open Alabama checkbook database maintained by the Department of Finance. Combined with transactions from the states liability trust fund, ADOC has spent over $57 million on legal services since 2020. By comparison, the Alabama Attorney General Offices General Fund budget this year is about $13.7 million. I think its fair to ask, how much is too much? said Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, a member of the states Joint Prison Oversight Committee and a frequent critic of prison conditions and ADOC spending. Its hard to imagine that we were intending to create a fund that just allows us to be in a perpetual state of lawsuits forever. When does the state of Alabama start demanding results from these lawsuits? This reporting was made possible by support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. Sean Diddy Combs didnt hide his brutal abuse of Casandra Cassie Ventura, once hurtling a skillet full of eggs at her head in front of guests at his home and another time gut-punching her at a restaurant dinner attended by Usher and Ne-Yo, jurors heard at the rap moguls Manhattan trial Monday. Testifying as the fifth witness at Combs Manhattan Federal Court trial, Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, 42, of New Orleans, told jurors about witnessing the Bad Boy Records co-founder attack Ventura multiple times. Richard was selected for stardom as a member of Danity Kane by Combs in MTVs reality series Making the Band. In one 2009 incident, she recalled a belligerent Combs throwing a skillet Ventura was cooking eggs in toward her head. He came downstairs angry and was saying where the fk was his eggs. Excuse my language, Richard said. And he was telling Cassie that she never gets anything right, where the fk is his food, and he proceeded to come over to her and took the skillet with the eggs in it and tried to hit her over the head with it, and she fell to the ground. Ventura assumed a fetal position to defend herself, Richard testified. She said Combs started to punch and kick Ventura in her body and head and then proceeded to grab her by the neck and drag her to a room on another floor. Richard then heard glass breaking and yelling. The next day, Combs summoned Richard and another woman who witnessed the incident, Kaleena Harper, to return to his place, locking them in his recording studio to deliver a thinly veiled threat, Richard testified. He said that what we saw was a passion and what lovers in relationships do. He said that she was OK and that it would be in our best interests if we didnt say anything, Richard recalled, adding Combs also told them, where he comes from, people go missing if they say things like that, like, if people talk. Richard, who was later in the musical trio Diddy Dirty Money, shared the account of the kitchen assault Friday after jurors heard four days of bombshell testimony from Ventura about suffering for 11 years under Combs. Richard told prosecutors about seeing Combs assault Ventura on other occasions. She testified Combs gut-punched Ventura at a West Hollywood restaurant where celebrities Usher, Ne-Yo, and Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine were present, but without saying whether they witnessed it. She also told the jury about seeing firearms in the presence of Combs and his security guards and witnessing drug dealers drop off cocaine and marijuana. Richard is among more than 70 plaintiffs who have sued Diddy since sexual misconduct and violence allegations first surfaced against the once larger-than-life producer in 2023, alleging he assaulted, imprisoned and threatened her life. In her cross-examination Monday, Combs defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland attempted to portray Richard as motivated by money and highlighted discrepancies in her testimony and initial interviews with the feds. Westmoreland said Richard hadnt previously recounted Combs making the threat about people going missing. Richard said shed remembered more over time and acknowledged contacting Combs about professional opportunities after Danity Kane disbanded. When Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner resumed questioning Richard after her tense cross-examination with Westmoreland, she reiterated that she did not doubt her recollection of the kitchen attack and the threat that followed. In addition to experiencing frequent savage beatings, Ventura, 17 years Combs junior, last week told the jury she was coerced into participating in hundreds of degrading sexual performances with male commercial sex workers that he dubbed freakoffs. That activity began soon after she started dating him after being signed to his record label at 19. As she recovered from beatings, Combs, in essence, imprisoned her in hotel rooms and at his properties, refusing to let her leave until her injuries were no longer visible, she said. She also said he threatened to release videos of her participating in humiliating freakoff sessions as blackmail. Later Monday, jurors heard more detailed allegations about Combs firm grip on Ventura as the prosecution sought to establish the controlling and coercive nature of their relationship. Kerry Morgan, once one of Venturas best friends before they fell out in 2018, testified about witnessing Combs brutally assault Ventura on trips to Los Angeles and Jamaica, obsessively contacting her and making demeaning comments that saw her lose her confidence. The Buffalo native said she and Ventura met in their late teens on a modeling gig in New York City and lived together in Manhattan. She said Combs violence brought about the end of their yearslong friendship after she became a victim of it. Recounting being home with Ventura in April 2018, Morgan said Combs turned up unannounced and started ranting about Ventura cheating on him. The next thing she knew, he was choking Morgan and boomeranged a wooden hanger at her head, she said. Morgan said she wound up receiving a $30,000 settlement and signed a nondisclosure agreement to stay silent about the assault. She never spoke with Ventura again after the incident. Morgan said she had often talked to Ventura about leaving Combs, but Ventura said it would be impossible, with him controlling her career and financing every aspect of her life, all of her livelihood. After Morgan, the jury heard a similar account from David James, Combs personal assistant from 2007 to 2009. He recalled speaking with Ventura and asking her why she didnt get out of the lifestyle she found crazy. I cant get out, James recalled Ventura saying, adding that she told him Combs controlled her music career, apartment, allowance and everything else in her life. James also recalled Combs commenting on how Ventura was moldable. Cassies good, the former assistant recalled Combs saying. Ive got her right where I want her shes young. The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office alleges that Combs, from 2004 to 2024, coerced Ventura and another woman into participating in dehumanizing freakoffs with assistance from a network of high-ranking employees and committed other abuse. The 55-year-old has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and could face life in prison if convicted. 2025 New York Daily News. Visit atnydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Todays podcast includes a chat with retiring features reporter Bob Carlton: Politics cant wait In Alabama, its officially the Election 2026 season, at least by one important criteria. That criteria being -- reports AL.coms Mike Cason -- that candidates were able to begin raising campaign money on Monday. Yesterday was exactly one year before next years primary election. The big offices are up for the taking: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and all 140 seats in the Alabama Legislature. Plus one of Alabamas United States Senate seats. That Senate seat currently belongs to Tommy Tuberville. He has indicated that he might pass over a re-election campaign for a run at the governors mansion. Hed probably be a solid favorite in either race, but the governors position is more strict with its residency requirements, and there have been questions raised as to whether Tuberville has truly lived in Alabama for the past seven years rather than at one of his homes in Florida, where he voted as recently as 2018. If he does decide to run for governor, hell leave a big, politically attractive seat to fill. Current Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said on Alabama Public Televisions Capitol Journal that he might be interested if it opens up. Marshall has made a splash in his support of President Trump and has joined other Republican state attorneys general on several national issues. Already in the race is Democrat Kyle Sweetser, the longtime Republican who voted for Trump twice before turning on him and speaking at the Democratic National Convention. If Tuberville leaves his Senate seat we might also hear announcements from former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. At governor, Kay Ivey is term-limited out. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is term-limited in his office as well, and hes seemingly had an eye on Iveys job at least dating back to his announcement in 2022 that he wouldnt try to primary Ivey if she ran for re-election. Already bidding to replace Ainsworth as lieutenant governor are current Secretary of State Wes Allen and Opelika pastor Dean Odle. If youre into political battles, in the event Merrill has interest in lieutenant governor we could see a scrap between the past two secretaries of state who are both conservative but apparently not personal allies. FBI and Alabama You may have heard FBI Director Kash Patel talk about moving FBI workforce out of D.C. during an interview on Fox News Channel over the weekend. And if you were able to refocus after hearing Patel say that Jeffrey Epstein actually killed himself in prison, then a big takeaway was Patels calling Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal one of the crown jewels of the FBI and that some of the 1,500 workers shipping out of D.C. will be shipping into Alabama. But he also said they are moving agents and intel folks into higher-crime spots across the U.S. AL.coms William Thornton reports that an FBI spokesperson clarified that this doesnt affect plans already laid out for Redstone. Patel had already ordered the transfer of 500 workers from D.C. to Redstone this calendar year, a number the spokesperson said is still accurate. Patel said earlier this month that 1,400 FBI employees may be heading to Redstone over the next three years. On Fox, Patel called the Huntsville base essentially headquarters too, for lack of a better word. Attention, weather-radio listeners Some stormy weather could work through the state this afternoon and evening, reports AL.coms Leigh Morgan. As of this recording, the farther north you are, the more chance you have for severe weather -- although thunderstorms will be possible for most of the state. Theres another variable for some folks in the coverage area of the National Weather Service in Birmingham, which stretches from counties such as Marion, Winston and Cherokee in the north to Marengo, Lowndes, Pike and Barbour in the south. If you live in that big swath of central Alabama and rely on a NOAA Weather Radio transmitter for updates, you need to find a backup. It will be off the air and broadcasting a recorded message as the weather service undergoes a software upgrade. Affected radio transmitters are in Winfield, Oneonta, Birmingham, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Demopolis, Selma, Montgomery, Auburn and Texasville. Watches, warnings and advisories wont be affected by the work, and forecast products and weather watches are good to go. Its just the Weather Radio transmitters that are going offline. During this time you are encouraged to use good weather apps, local EMA and TV and Internet alerts. And if you know somebody who lives where the polygon pops up, it doesnt hurt to give them a call. The work is expected to finish up on Wednesday in time for you to hear it warn you about clear skies and high near 85. Quoting So when you go and you want to become a new FBI agent, we send you to Quantico. When youre in the job for a couple of years and you need advanced training, you go to Huntsville. FBI Director Kash Patel, on Fox News Channel over the weekend. By the Numbers 37 Thats how many people were arrested during the three-day Sand in my Boots music festival in Gulf Shores. Thats down from 94 a year ago during Hangout Fest. (Sand in My Boots is the takeover name for this years Hangout. Its named for a hit song by Morgan Wallen, who was the artist to take over the event for 2025.) This year, 26 of the 37 arrests involved charges of possession of a controlled substance. One person was charged with possession of marijuana and six with public intoxication. More Alabama News Born on This Date In 1940, soul singer, songwriter and piano player Shorty Long of Birmingham. He co-wrote Devil with the Blue Dress On and died at 29 in a boating accident. The podcast Chloe Hastings, 17, was killed in a fiery crash in Decatur on May 17, 2025. (Contributed) A fiery weekend crash that killed a 17-year-old girl in Decatur also critically injured a bystander who stopped to help. Decatur police on Monday said multiple passers-by who stopped to help when the wreck happened Saturday were heroes. Before emergency responders arrived, multiple courageous citizens stopped to render aid in an attempt to rescue the trapped individual, police said in a statement. Tragically, during their efforts, the vehicle exploded, seriously injuring one of the civilians. The civilian was later airlifted to UAB Hospital due to the severity of their burns. Killed in the crash was Chloe Hastings, who was described by Hartselle First Methodist Student Ministry as a ray of sunshine wherever she went with a heart of generosity and kindness. The driver of the other vehicle, Kevin Jay Penich, was initially arrested on a DUI charge. On Monday evening, Decatur police said Penich is now charged with murder. He was booked into the Morgan Jail with bond set at $250,000. The wreck happened at 9:02 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Beltline Road S.W. and Westmeade Street. Responding officers were told the driver was trapped inside. When first responders arrived, they found the SUV engulfed in flames. Despite the selfless and heroic actions of the bystanders, the occupanta 17-year-old femalewas pronounced deceased at the scene, said Decatur police spokeswoman Irene Cardenas-Martinez. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this time of unimaginable loss, the statement read. We also extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to the brave individuals who risked their lives trying to save her. Their courage in the face of danger is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. Hasting had just finished her junior year at Priceville High School. Morgan County Schools Superintendent Tracie Turrentine released this statement to WAFF: It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of the loss of one of our beloved students. This student was known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support for her friends, as well as an infectious personality that could brighten anyones day with her smile. We extend our deepest sympathies to the students family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Our Crisis Support Team will be available for students and staff over the next few days at school. As the school community processes this news and copes with grief, please know that support services are available to those in need. Hastings was one of two people killed minutes apart in crashes in Decatur Saturday night. At 9:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to a second fatal crash on Beltline Road N.W. near the railroad crossing just south of Highway 20, said Cardenas-Martinez. In that incident, a motorcyclist later identified as Leroy Goodwin struck a train and was pronounced dead on the scene. Due to the magnitude of these two tragic incidents and the strain on departmental resources, additional officers were called in. Nearly half the water produced by the Birmingham Water Works Board goes unaccounted in its system at a rate much higher than the national average. Leaks from ruptured and antiquated water pipes are to blame for much of the water loss, staff members explained during their first work session with the new regional water works board. The states largest utility has a 48.5 percent non-revenue water rate or water that is either lost or unaccounted for within its system, explained Patrick Flannelly, a senior vice president at ARCADIS North America, a longtime water works engineering consultant. Its just massive, he said. The reality is theres no quick fix. Flannelly said that 500 miles of pipe needs to be replaced to reduce the non-revenue water rate. Such a project would cost $750 million, Flannelly said. Flannelly estimated that actual water loss might be closer to 40 percent after factoring out known activity such as the utility flushing out the system. Cutting the loss rate to about 20 percent would save the utility $4.3 million a year. However, Flannelly said that savings is not enough to pay for the project. Already, the water works plans to spend $130 million for pipe replacement in the next five years. Several factors could account for missing water including leaking pipes, leaking storage tanks, and water being used but not properly billed. Several board members asked for details regarding pipe replacement and whether the utility should expedite the process. General Manager Mac Underwood said issues of pipe replacement all revolve around money and the boards budget priorities. Meanwhile, senior employees are being challenged to examine ideas to reduce loss water within their divisions. Theres a taskforce in place, Flannelly said. This taskforce is hitting it from multiple angles. While portions of the system are plagued with leaks, Flannelly said the water loss has not affected operations. The leaks are pressurized, explained. They do not compromise the integrity of our system. Water loss at the utility is a longstanding challenge. The water works in 2011 experienced a surge in lost water jumping from 12.6 percent of its water that couldnt be accounted for in late 2009 to 22 percent by the end of 2010. The system implemented a program in 2007 that lowered its losses from 28 percent to 17 percent within seven months. The work session Monday evening included presentations from each senior department head. The seven board members left with three-ring binders, handouts and booklets. We dont expect you to get all of this in one setting, Underwood told board members. Again, this isnt all of it. The regional board was created in the last legislative session with a law that set up a seven-member board where Birmingham has two seats with the rest reserved for members in surrounding communities in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount and St. Clair Counties. The new configuration which ends Birminghams dominance and places it in a minority among decision makers, is being challenged in court by Mayor Randall Woodfin and the city council. Almost 600,000 people from the U.S. visit Peru each year, with hundreds of thousands enjoying historical places such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu. But those going to the South American country need to pay extra attention to their surroundings when they travel, federal officials warn. The State Department reissued its travel warning for Peru. The country remains under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning due to crime, civil unrest and risk of kidnapping. READ MORE: U.S. issues new travel advisories: Think twice before visiting these 2 countries Crime is common in Peru, the State Department warned, with petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assault and other violent crimes occurring even in daylight hours. Crime risks increase at night and groups even set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can shut down local roads, trains and major highways. U.S. government employees are prohibited from nighttime driving except within cities or between Lima and Huacho to the north and Lima and Paracas to the south. Do not travel Parts of the country are under Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. Those areas include: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region The Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, including Vilcabamba Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin Parts of Cusco with popular tourist sites nearby like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are not in the affected areas. Avoid traditional Amazon substances Of particular concern are the use of Ayahuasca or Kambo, traditional Amazonian practices that involve the use of natural substances for reported healing and spiritual purposes. Both practices have known dangers including the possibility of causing serious illness and, in some cases, death. Others have reported being sexually assaulted, injured or robbed under the influence of the substances. You can go here to see more travel safety tips related to Peru. . Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson (left) speaks with Alabama State Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (right) in the Mobile Government Plaza atrium on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in downtown Mobile, Ala. Pictured in the middle is Stephen McNair, the City of Mobile's Director of External & Governmental Affairs. John Sharp Less than a week after the 2025 spring legislative session ended, the leader of the Alabama State Senate found his way to Mobile in a familiar setting of a city council meeting. Ive been in those seats, said Republican Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger of Cullman during Tuesdays Mobile City Council meeting, referring to 14 years he spent as a member of the Cullman City Council from 2004 to 2018. I just wanted to let you know youre partnering with the Alabama State Senate and its open for business with you guys and anyway we can work together, my office doors are open. Gudgers visit to Mobile was part of a statewide swing for the Senate leader in what he called visits to areas of Alabama that are making an impact on the state. Mobile visit While in Mobile, Gudger visited with officials at the University of South Alabama and at the Alabama State Port Authority. His trip to the council did not include any policy specifics, but was simply meant as an introduction and as an opportunity to discuss if there were further opportunities for the government units to partner. I want you to know that you are making an impact where you are, Gudger said during the council meeting. We are trying to do the same thing at the state level. Council members largely thanked Gudger for the impromptu appearance. Its unclear when the last time a high-ranking elected state official visited the Mobile City Council during a council meeting. Some longtime council members say they could not recall anyone of similar stature showing up to an official meeting and introducing themselves. We dont always get this, said Councilman Ben Reynolds. You sometimes dont hear it enough, but thank you for taking (the position) seriously and not just showboating and everything else. Back the Blue Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson speaks to the Mobile City Council during its meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. John Sharp Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson did praise Gudger and the rest of the Legislature for overseeing what he said was one of the more successful sessions during his tenure as the citys mayor, dating back to 2013. Stimpson pointed out the passage of most of Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys public safety package she unveiled and rallied around in February. The most controversial bill was approved during the waning hours of the session last Wednesday and was entitled the Back the Blue provision. It was HB202 that, in short, would provide law enforcement officers with enhanced immunity protections. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, was largely opposed by Democratic lawmakers, who cited concerns over making it harder to hold law enforcement officers accountable for wrongdoing. Stimpson called the immunity legislation hugely important, and credited the passage of the public safety bills to Ivey, Gudger and leadership in the Alabama House. The legislation, signed into law last week by Ivey, is also aimed at improving law enforcement recruiting that has sagged in some of the cities metropolitan regions such as Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. Stimpson credited the session as the most consequential for law enforcement. Mobile City Councilman William Carroll echoed the concerns from Democratic lawmakers that HB202 could make it difficult to hold bad police officers accountable for their actions. The legislation prompted Democratic lawmakers to engage in a lengthy filibuster that was credited for stalling of bills aimed on local issues. First of all, I know we need to do everything we can to keep our police safe and protect them and that nothing happens to them on the street as they protect Mobile and the State of Alabama, Carroll said. But what concerns me is with the use of force, who is to determine how much is too much? Who is to measure that? I dont know how its measured, and I think we need to take a look at that. The session also included other bills that Stimpson, as the head of the Big 10 Mayors Association representing the states largest cities, had advocated. Among them was legislation that got bipartisan support in applying a Class C felony on a person for knowingly possessing a machine gun conversion device commonly called a Glock Switch. The devices, which have been used in high-profile shootings in Mobile, are used to convert a semiautomatic pistol into an automatic machine gun. Authorities are asking for the publics help in identifying the suspect or suspects in a Sylacauga shooting that left one man dead and another injured. The shooting happened just before 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11. Talladega County 911 received reports of shots fired in area of East Fifth Street, according to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers. Two minutes later, dispatchers got a call of shots fired into a vehicle on Curran Street off North Broadway Avenue. When officers arrived, they found two people wounded. Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was taken to Coosa Valley Medical Center and then transferred to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he was pronounced dead. Sylavonta Dvon Mays, 29, of Sylacauga, was treated at Coosa Valley for gunshot wounds and later released from the hospital. Investigators determined the shooting happened at the intersection of North Louisville Avenue and East Fifth Street. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 256-391-4390, the tip line at 256-249-4716 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Days after thunderstorms ripped through areas in eastern Jefferson County, trees remain where they fell on homes. Nick Patterson Days after strong storms hit Jefferson County, massive trees are still impacting roads and laying on top of damaged houses. The storms took down power lines and trees which blocked some roads. More than 200 active power outages are affecting 4,297 residents in central Alabama as of early Monday afternoon, according to Alabama Power. Officials say they are working to clear the damage before another storm hits. We had a number of trees down over the weekend, especially in the southern part of the county, but we have crews on call and they are still out responding to things, Jefferson County Public Information Officer Helen Hays told AL.com. Our goal is to really have everything from this weekend storm cleared by tomorrow, before the next storm hits. The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency reported that a higher-end severe weather threat is forecast for much of Central Alabama and Jefferson County through Tuesday afternoon and night. This system has the potential to bring significant impacts across the region, The agency wrote in a Facebook post. Residents across the county were impacted by the storms that hit Saturday and Sunday. Large uprooted trees remained on top of houses, some demolished, in Birminghams Huffman area. Major roads were blocked by fallen trees, although most streets were passable on Monday. In Birmingham, there were 128 reports of fallen trees and road blocked issues. Ten streets remain blocked, according to the Birmingham Department of Public Works. DPW crews have worked overtime since the storms, clearing up downed trees and roads blocked, Rick Journey, city of Birminghams director of communications, said. Its unfortunate whenever weather events like this strike our community, said Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods, whose district took damage from the storm. It creates a tough situation for families who are without power and who might have property damaged by fallen debris and trees. Im thankful for city crews and the power crews who have been out working all day to clear the roads and restore power - especially since we are expecting another round of bad weather. ... Im relieved that despite the damage, there was no loss of life or serious injuries that have been reported at this time. News reports demonstrated damage was widespread, with several residents having to extract themselves from their houses after trees hit. During the weekend storm, Doris Reel, a McCalla resident, had a tree fall on her home while she and her husband Leonard slept. Glass fell down, the rain poured in, the tree came through the skylight and through our bathroom and other places in our bedroom, Reel told WVTM 13. We ran. My husband said, Go right now. Leave before the walls fall in. A Trussville resident said a tree fell beside their childrens rooms and missed crashing onto a car, WVTM reported. A tree fell on a house in St. Clair County but there were no injuries, according to the National Weather Service. One tree fell across a section of Colonnade Parkway. The tree blocked all lanes going towards Hwy. 280, forcing many drivers to turn around, according to media reports. In Hoover and Vestavia, some businesses were without power due to the overnight storms. AMC Patton Creek 15 showed movies without air conditioning for hours on the warm and muggy Sunday. Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott said that while the storm caused power outages and fallen trees, it did not cause much damage in the area. We did have some power outages, but no major property damage...We had a few trees down on different roads, but those were taken care of immediately by Alabama Power, Scott told AL.com. We were very fortunate. We didnt get anything that was a major threat. AL.com reached out to the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency but did not receive responses prior to publishing. Jefferson County residents can report fallen trees on the MyJeffCo App. The new civilian head of the U.S. Army says he is optimistic that Redstone Arsenal will see growth even under a new Defense Department policy that aims to reshape force structure and scrutinize acquisition. Speaking to media Monday after a tour of the arsenal along with Army leadership and Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll lauded insights arising from work in Huntsville that he said align with the new Army Transformation Initiative. One of the biggest things were learning is logistics matters, Driscoll said. Were going to have contested logistics in whatever we do, and a lot of the innovation in that space is happening right here. In a May 1 memo to Army leaders, Driscoll wrote the service will transform to a leaner, more lethal force by adapting how we fight, train, organize, and buy equipment. His memo followed a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the Army to begin, divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems. Yet Driscoll said even amid talk of leaner forces and program divestment, no one is contemplating base closures. He predicted, rather, that the Army would lean into the sort of critical logistics and R&D work for which Redstone is known. The arsenal is considered a federal center of excellence a site of collaboration between the Army, other Defense Department agencies, NASA and the Department of Justice. The Army and over 65 tenant agencies bring particular expertise in logistics, space and missile defense, research and development, and intelligence and homeland defense. Logistics is a strength due to Redstone housing U.S. Army Materiel Command, one of four existing Army commands, which will soon be consolidated into three with the merger of Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command. Driscoll predicted the ATI would lead to, a Renaissance for small and medium businesses, and some of the larger ones in the country. It should unlock innovations, he said. We want to empower [contractors] to bring their innovative spirit to the warfighter, so were confident places like Redstone will see an uptick. Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, and deputy commanding general and acting commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, said for initiatives like integrating open architecture and building a data layer into new Army systems, This is the place to do that. Britt said Driscoll visiting in his first 90 days in the position, shows the importance of Redstone and the work that we do. Ultimately what this is about is making sure that our warfighter is the best trained, prepared and ready across the planet, she said. I have no doubt that the Army is in the right hands. Driscoll was President Donald Trumps first service branch secretary nominee to be confirmed. He is a former combat soldier who served a tour in Iraq, earning his Ranger tab. He left the service with the rank of first lieutenant. Driscoll attended Yale Law School on the GI Bill, where he met future Vice President J.D. Vance, for whom he later served as a senior adviser. Driscoll worked in venture capital after graduating Yale. He has said his priorities as Army secretary include reinvigorating the defense industrial base. From that standpoint, Redstone where 17,000 civilian contractors work daily could play an outsized role in any Renaissance that comes with the Armys transformation initiative. I am incredibly optimistic that with the talent and the resources and the sense of innovation that you have in this area, that you may see growth, he said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) AP Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was ripped by Democrats after she incorrectly defined habeas corpus while giving congressional testimony Tuesday. Noem, the former South Dakota governor who is referred by Democratic social media influencers as ICE Barbie over her penchant for photo-ops, was asked what is habeas corpus? by Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., as she testified before the Senate Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee. HASSAN: What is habeas corpus? NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country HASSAN: That's incorrect pic.twitter.com/ozRVVfdSoP Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025 Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right the president has to be able to remove people from this country, Noem said. Hassan interrupted the secretary to give the correct definition. No, let me stop you ... habeas corpus is the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people, the senator said. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason, Hassan continued. Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea, she said. As a senator from the Live Free or Die State, this matters a lot to me and my constituents and to all Americans ... Habeas corpus has been thrust into the national immigration debate after Stephen Miller, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, said earlier this month the administration was debating suspending the constitutional right to expedite deportations. Asked if she supports the core protection that habeas corpus provides, Noem said: I support habeas corpus. I also recognize that the president of the United States also has authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not. It has never been done without approval of Congress, Hassan said. Even Abraham Lincoln got retroactive approval from Congress. Noems response was slammed by Democrats on social media. Its no surprise they are violating court orders when they dont know the law themselves, tweeted Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News The Five. Its no surprise they are violating court orders when they dont know the law themselves. https://t.co/o5X93Ynumv Jessica Tarlov (@JessicaTarlov) May 20, 2025 ICE Barbie is a f------ idiot, tweeted Joanne Carducci, a Democratic social media influencer known as JoJo from Jerz. Kristi Noem doesnt know what habeas corpus is because understanding it doesnt come with a cute cosplay get-up, she added. Jon Favreau, former head speechwriter for Barack Obama and co-host of the podcast Pod Save America, described Noem as having a fully cooked propaganda brain. FILE - Former FBI Director James Comey speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill Washington, Dec. 17, 2018. The commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service has asked the Treasury Departments inspector general to immediately review the circumstances surrounding intensive tax audits that targeted ex-FBI Director James Comey and ex-Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Former FBI Director James Comey said Monday that the group of advisors President Donald Trump has surrounded himself with is concerning, using a press conference debacle from Trumps first term to describe them. He has a very different crew. The last group had people who were flexible but had some institutionalist principles. They all ran into the hills, as you would expect, after Jan. 6. And now its Four Seasons Total Landscaping all the way down, Comey told MSNBCs Nicole Wallace. Comey was referencing the Philadelphia landscaping business near a sex shop and crematorium where Trump personal attorney Rudolph Giuliani held a news conference shortly after the 2020 election outlining the Trump campaigns fight against the election results. The news conference was ostensibly meant to be held at a Four Seasons hotel. Unlike Trumps first term, according to Comey, you dont have people who are interested in standing up for institutional values. They work for the president, and thats concerning. Its actually shortsighted for a president to have people around him like that because he cant look to an institution if the American people start worrying about a set of facts and say theyll handle it in a fair way. Because hes made clear now theyre all his people, the former FBI director, who was fired by Trump shortly after the president began his first term, continued. Comeys MSNBC appearance came days after he was criticized by Trump supporters for posting a photo on his Instagram account of seashells that were arranged as 86 47. The supporters and the president himself claimed Comeys post was a thinly veiled message to assassinate Trump. Comey took down the post and apologized, saying he was not calling for violence against Trump and did not believe86 had a violent connotation. National Security Adviser Tulsi Gabbard called on Comey to be arrested. The former FBI director didnt take Gabbards plea seriously. I hope people know about that particular person that they understand where its coming from, It says something more depressing about the leadership of our current administration, and I just shrug because thats ridiculous, he said. Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Bill Lewis, appointed Tuesday by Gov. Kay Ivey, is the fourth Black justice to serve on the nine-member court. Governor's office Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday named Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Supreme Court, replacing Justice Jay Mitchell, who resigned Monday. Lewis becomes the fourth Black justice to serve on the nine-member Alabama Supreme Court and the first in more than two decades. Lewis was the presiding circuit judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County before Ivey appointed him to the Court of Civil Appeals in February 2024. Before that, Lewis was the senior partner in a law firm he started in 2006. He has also served as an assistant district attorney in the 19th Circuit. Judge Bill Lewis continues demonstrating justice and fairness under the law, as well as a willingness to serve the people of Alabama, Ivey said. His decades of experience will serve the Supreme Court of Alabama well, and I am confident he is the best choice. Lewis received his undergraduate degrees in political science and economics from the University of the South and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law. Lewis appointment is effective immediately. Alabamas previous Black justices were Oscar W. Adams Jr., who was appointed by Gov. Fob James in 1980 and elected in 1982 and 1988; Ralph D. Cook, appointed by Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. in 1993 and elected in 1994, and John H. England Jr., appointed by Gov. Don Siegelman in 1999. Mitchell, in his resignation letter to Ivey on Monday, said he looked forward to an announcement about his future in the coming days. Yellowhammer News reported that Mitchell was running for attorney general, although Mitchell has not announced that. Mitchell was elected to the court on 2018 and reelected without opposition to a six-year term in 2024. Ivey will appoint a replacement for Lewis on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. This story was edited at 10:13 to change headline and sentence that said Lewis is the first Black Republican on the Supreme Court. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey is facing a federal assault charge related to a confrontation at an Immigration, Customs and Enforcement detention facility in Newark earlier this month, officials announced Monday. McIver, D-10th Dist., was charged with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement on May 9 at Delaney Hall, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said. Today my office has charged Congresswoman McIver with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement, Habba, the states top federal prosecutor, said in a statement. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official for the State of New Jersey and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties. McIver called the charges filed by Habba, an appointee and former lawyer for President Donald Trump, purely political. Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees at Delaney Hall in my district, McIver said in a statement. We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka. The charges against me are purely politicalthey mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight." The news came as Habba also announced that a trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat also running for governor, is being dismissed. After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Barakas misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward, Habba said. McIver, along with fellow Democratic New Jersey U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, went to Delaney Hall on May 9 for an oversight visit and a scuffle with law enforcement took place as Baraka was arrested at the site. In a statement released late Monday night, Baraka said he was aware of the charges McIver was facing. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend, Baraka said. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated. Baraka also said he was glad the case against him was dismissed. I have had strong relationships with prior U.S. Attorneys, and I plan to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about issues on which we can cooperate, he said. As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. Habba said in her statement Monday night that she invited Baraka to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand, Habba said. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Trumps administration alleges that the lawmakers stormed Delaney Hall and assaulted officers. All three Congress members and Baraka have refuted those claims, with Baraka releasing video that showed a guard at the facility allowing him beyond the gate. The Congress members said they also were permitted past the gate prior to Baraka arriving. Ice agents surround U.S. Rep LaMonica McIver (red jacket), U.S. Rep Bonnie Coleman (tan jacket) , and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside Delaney Hall in Newark on Friday, May 9, 2025. Michael Dempsey | For NJ Advance The situation escalated, they contend, when Baraka exited the gates after being asked to leave. Four minutes later, guards came out to arrest him, according to body camera video. It was then that the Congress members and an aide encircled the mayor. Video shows a chaotic scene in which Baraka was restrained, then dragged back through the security gates and handcuffed while McIver and Menendez jostle with the crowd and guards and move beyond the gates with the mayor. They made this a violent scene that we were unfortunately all a part of, Menendez said during an interview on CNN last weekend. And its something that should really shock all Americans. U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez (left) LaMonica McIver (center) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (right) exit Delaney Hall in Newark on Friday, May 9, 2025. Michael Dempsey | For NJ Advance Earlier that day, the mayor came to Delaney Hall, as he had two other days that week and again last week, to serve ICE with violation notices from the city of Newark. The notices allege the Geo Group, which is contracted by ICE to operate the 1,000-bed facility, was refusing city officials entry to the facility and improperly padlocking the front gate. He returned in the afternoon when the Congress members were already beyond the gate, waiting to be let in to the center for an oversight tour. None of the videos released by the federal government or city officials shows the moment the Congress members arrived or were admitted in. In the videos, ICE security guards can be seen telling Baraka that the Congress members are different and can be allowed in, but hes told to leave, which he does to a round of applause from protestors. Minutes later, the agents return in an attempt to arrest Baraka. During the scuffle, McIver and some of the guards can be seen pushing each other. Once beyond the gates, McIver accuses one of the guards of assaulting her and another officer attempts to break up the verbal dispute. Since then, the Department of Homeland Security and the elected officials from New Jersey have sparred over the portrayal of the events. The department said two members of Congress stormed the gate and broke into the detention facility and called it a bizarre political stunt. McIver denied the departments accusation that she body-slammed an agent. I honestly do not know how to bodyslam anyone, McIver said. Theres no video that supports me bodyslamming anyone. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a member of Trumps cabinet, said she wants the three Democratic members of Congress to be formally admonished by the House of Representatives and relieved of their committee assignments. Rep. Earl L. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., has introduced a resolution to strip them of their committee assignments. Late Monday night, joint Democratic House leadership, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, said the criminal charge against McIver is extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact. Menendez, D-8th Dist., called the charges unprecedented and politicized. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP President Donald Trump strongly suggested that Joe Biden hid his prostate cancer diagnosis from the American people when opining on the news, adding that the alleged omission is worthy of investigation. Its a very, very sad situation. I feel very badly about it. And I think people should try and find out what happened, Trump said Monday. Because Ill tell you, I dont know if it had anything to do with the hospital. Walter Reed is really good. Theyre some of the best doctors Ive ever seen. I dont even know if they were involved. But a doctor was involved in each case. Maybe it was the same doctor. And somebody is not telling the facts, he continued. Thats a big problem. Trump said he was shocked that the public didnt learn about the diagnosis sooner, mistakenly referring to it as being stage 9. The statement from Bidens personal office said the cancer was characterized by a Gleason score of 9, which is a measure of how aggressive it is. The cancer was described in the statement as stage 4. I think its very sad, actually. Im surprised that it wasntyou knowthe public wasnt notified a long time ago, because to get to stage 9, thats a long time, Trump said. But when you take testsmedical, as a malethat test is very standard. I dont know if its given to everybody, but its given just about. And it takes a long time to get to that situation to get to a stage 9. I think that if you take a look, its the same doctor that said that Joe was cognitively fine, there was nothing wrong with him. If its the same doctor, he said there was nothing wrong there. Thats being proven to be a sad situation," he said. Trump also claimed that Biden wasnt really in charge at the White House. And the autopen is becoming a very big deal. You know, the autopen is becoming a big deal because it seems that maybe it was the president -- whoever operated the autopen, Trump said, referring to the machine used by presidents to automate signatures on documents. But when they say that that was not good ... you have to say that the test was not so good either. In other words, there are things going on that the public wasnt informed [of], and I think somebody is going to have to speak to his doctor if its the same or even if its two separate doctors -- why wasnt the cognitive ability -- why wasnt that discussed?" Trump continued. And I think the doctor said hes just fine, and its turned out thats not so. Its very dangerous this is dangerous for our country. Look at the mess we are in." While speaking about Bidens diagnosis, Trump also criticized his predecessors policies. You talk about all these questions on Ukraine and Russia. That wouldve never happened, as an example, if I were president. It wouldve never happened, he said before turning back to Bidens cancer. The other thing is you have to say: why did it take so long? I mean, this takes a long time. It can take years to get to this level of danger. National Streaming Day 2025: The best streaming deals available right now Yzzy Liwanag | YLiwanag@syracuse.com Tuesday, May 20 is National Streaming Day, which means several top streaming service platforms are dropping special promotions. Those looking to ditch the hassle of traditional cable and switch to a streaming service instead can find todays top deals from some of the leading streaming services below. DirecTV slashes $30 off first month New DirecTV subscribers can take advantage of DirecTVs latest discount through signing up for the following plans: Choice, Ultimate or Premier. Through these plans, users save $30 for the first month. Along with the appealing discount, each plan includes a 5-day free trial for users upon signup. DirecTV is one of the leading streaming services as it offers a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features. DirecTV is perfect for cord cutters looking to access popular TV channels such as ESPN, Bravo, BET, CNN, CMT and more, while also enjoying unlimited DVR. Peacock offers $24.99 annual plan One of the most generous National Streaming Day offers is brought to streamers by Peacock. New subscribers can snag a rare deal and get one year of Peacock for just $24.99 with the code SPRINGSAVINGS when signing up for the annual Peacock Premium plan. Normally $79.99 annually, the Peacock Premium plan includes new and hit shows, films and Peacock Originals as well as access to live sporting events, NBC and Bravo shows, and over 50 Always-On channels. Sling cuts 50% off first month and offers free AMC+ New Sling subscribers can take full advantage of the platforms latest deal of 50% off the first month with one month free of AMC+. New users can access the promotion through any of the three Sling plans, which are the Orange, Blue or the combination of the two, the Orange & Blue package. Like DirecTV, there is no promo code you need to enter to receive the deal, simply go to the platforms website and choose one of the plans. The discount will be applied at checkout. Sling is one of the top streaming services to check out if affordability is one of your top requirements. Plans normally start at $45.99 a month (just $23 a month with the current promotion) and through the available plans, users can access top live TV channels such as ESPN, CNN, AMC and more. English News A Glimpse of "Tomorrowland" in China Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 17 Mai 2025 Both Shanghai Disneyland and Huawei's Lianqiu Lake R&D Center have small trains that connect different parts of their respective sites. In today's global village, economies are linked by countless such "small trains"interconnected, mutually enabling. China is not only a connector in global industrial and supply chains but also a stabilizer of global business confidence. By navigating turbulent times and seizing new opportunities, China is growing stronger through adversity. The next China is still China. By Li Hongxing, People's Daily If you were visiting Shanghai and had to choose between Shanghai Disneyland and Huawei's Lianqiu Lake R&D Center, which would you pick? Not long ago, Thomas Friedman, a New York Times columnist, faced precisely this dilemma. He described both destinations as symbols of a "Tomorrowland," but ultimately concluded that Huawei's R&D facility represented the real one. So, he went to Lianqiu Lake. What makes this R&D center so compelling? Located in the start-up area of the demonstration zone for intergrated ecological and green development ,in the Yangtze River Delta region, the facility comes with an investment of over 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) and is designed to house tens of thousands of researchers. For Friedman, it's the superior environment"designed to attract the best Chinese and foreign technologists"that stands out. At a time when the global economy is grappling with uncertainty, the vibrancy and creativity of this research hub are especially significant. It's not just Huawei. Across China, more companies are embracing innovation and moving steadily toward becoming more high-end, intelligent, and green. Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD, for example, had poured over 180 billion yuan into R&D by the end of 2024. That same year, China's total R&D spending exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan, remaining the world's second largest. In an era of fierce technological competition, industries across the board are doubling down on innovation, demonstrating both a commitment to upgrading and confidence in the future. This momentumChina's transformation from the "world's factory" to a global innovation powerhousehas highlighted the country's growing significance in the global innovation ecosystem. It's no surprise that Friedman described Huawei's Lianqiu Lake R&D center as a direct response of the Chinese tech firm to the "U.S. attempt to choke it to death." Through proactive innovation, openness to fresh ideas, and bold creativity, China is focusing its energy on breakthrough technologies and industrial upgrading, enhancing its ability to attract high-quality global resources. This not only boosts China's own development potential and competitiveness but also makes the country increasingly appealing to international capital and talent. Confidence in China's market isn't limited to the Chinese themselves. Foreign businesses are actively seeking opportunities too. Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, noted that foreign companies expanding their presence in China are demonstrating their confidence in achieving long-term growth within one of the world's largest and most dynamic markets. For example, the rapid construction of Carlsberg's production facility in Foshan, south China's Guangdong province, gave the company a crucial first-mover advantage. Negotiations to contract signing took just six months, while groundbreaking to completion of construction took only a year and a half. With stable market expectations, a sound business environment, and a strong industrial foundation, both Chinese and foreign enterprises are gaining the confidence in increasing investment and expanding operations. The market remains vastand in the face of rising barriers and protectionism, what truly matters is capability and determination. China is turning pressure into motivation by embracing greater openness, deepening cooperation, and renewed determination. Yiwu in Zhejiang Province offers a valuable case in point. Conversations with local entrepreneurs there reveal a striking absence of complaints, instead, the focus is on solutions. Some manufacturers are facing severe challenges. What's the response? One exporter said local businesses are sharing their client networks, many of which are in developing countries. Cooperation in commerce and production to weather the storm together has become both a consensus and a common practice. Recently, industry associations, leading retailers, and e-commerce platforms have joined forces to promote the integration of domestic and foreign tradea clear proof of this trend. With resilient industries and strong domestic demand, China retains significant flexibility. Both Shanghai Disneyland and Huawei's Lianqiu Lake R&D Center have small trains that connect different parts of their respective sites. In today's global village, economies are linked by countless such "small trains"interconnected, mutually enabling. China is not only a connector in global industrial and supply chains but also a stabilizer of global business confidence. By navigating turbulent times and seizing new opportunities, China is growing stronger through adversity. The next China is still China. 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) I say that men are instinctively social animals who live by hierarchy. There is no mystery about this. Men were once warriors defending the borders, just like the chimpanzees in Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade. In chimpanzee troops the males patrol the border in threes. Obviously, when the three chimp comrades encounter an intruder from another troop someone needs to decide who holds down the intruder and who bashes his brains out with a rock. So it is in a human army, with a hierarchy of generals over officers over NCOs over privates. Now, the social scientists in our modern era advertise the conceit that they believe in equality. So did Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong, dictators of the most unegalitarian regimes in history. The fact is that every government that ever was and ever will be is a hierarchy, with a king or president or Dear Leader at the top and various subordinate ranks below. But what is this magnificent hierarchy to do? That is the existential problem that faces every Great Leader who has climbed the greasy pole of political hierarchy. Somehow, they all decide on a war against an enemy. But Alamogordo has rather taken the shine off glorious world wars, and so our Dear Leaders have been forced to find new enemies. That is why, as Jeffrey A. Tucker relates, the World Health Organization went all-in on the existential war against COVID. WHO sent a team to China in February 2020 to view the CCP response to the new Coronavirus. A team toured several cities and listened as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) instructed them on the control of infectious disease through shocking totalitarian schemes. And the WHO team loved it. Their report exulted: In the face of a previously unknown virus, China has rolled out perhaps the most ambitious, agile and aggressive disease containment effort in history. Agile, mind you. In fact, it was the clumsiest, most ineffective, and damaging attack on human welfare since Stalins Five-Year Plan and Maos Great Leap Forward. Planning? Leaping? Maybe not. Its always the same story. If you are the leader of a troop, you are consumed with the threat from the troop next door. If you are the leader of a nation, you are consumed with the threat from the nation next door. But if you are the leader of the UN or the WHO things are a bit different. You are not just defending your nation from its enemies; you are consumed with a global nightmare threatening the entire Planet. Thats why Maurice Strong gussied up the Global Warming threat when he was rattling around at the UN in the 1990s. The United Nations, like any hierarchy, needed an enemy to fight. But what enemy? Obviously, an enemy that would make all the Nations of the world United. Its obvious, at least to you and me if not to the folk at the global Activist Industrial Complex, that the political response to the equality thing has not been exactly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as Bert would say. The drive for equality resulted in the opposite of equality. So what do we do? The answer is clear. We must look again at hierarchy and try to understand how much hierarchy is really needed, in some middle ground between a hegemonic inequality and an unattainable equality. As with many things, the Germans cottoned on to this fairly early. After World War I, in an all-hands review, the German army decided that the modern lethal battlefield required that responsibility be pushed down the hierarchy as far as possible -- to preserve agility. But this meant that junior officers and NCOs needed to be resourceful and responsible. The Germans came up with a word for it: verantwortungsfreudig. It means joyful in taking responsibility. Two things we know. The uber-hierarchy of lefty domination by the best and brightest -- as epitomized by the disaster of the late COVID unpleasantness -- does not work, and the uber-equality for the helpless victims of activist fantasy does not work either. On the question of equality, I am going to step outside the Overton Window. See you in a minute. I believe that, since the beginning of agriculture, there have always been human slaves and serfs, and there always will be. You think plantation slavery is bad? Compared to the slavery of Communism and the slavery of drug dependency on the downtown streets of our liberal blue cities, Id say that plantation slavery was usually a walk in the park. But what does work? We dont know. I believe we are entering a Golden Age where we are going to find out. I think the Golden Age will have something to do with that crazy German word that means joyful in taking responsibility. But, Bert the chimney sweep warns, it probably wont quite be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Then there is the question of how the Committee of Neighborhood Women fits into this story of hierarchy. But that is another story. Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill blogs at The Commoner Manifesto and runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class. Imahe: RawPixel.com The reaction of the American left and its adjacent black political class to the arrival of 59 white refugees fleeing de facto genocide in South Africa, combined with ever-accelerating racist rhetoric and demands from Americas black population has further exposed the depth of anti-white racism in the United States and accelerated race fatigue among the vast majority of the American population. The Episcopal Church Migration Ministries, contractually obligated to the federal government to assist in resettling refugees regardless of race or nationality since 1988, has terminated its participation in the program because of a few white South Africans refugees declaring In light of our churchs steadfast commitment to social justice and reconciliationwe are unable to take this step. Bishop Sean W. Rowe, in a self-damning, openly racist statement abetting the anti-white rhetoric of the Black political class, said: Its against what we stand for to help white refugees fleeing South Africa. Further, We cant be ourselves in the Episcopal Church and take this step of resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa. Martin Luther King and both black and white partners during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Public domain. A CNN panel, consisting primarily of black former Obama and Biden staffers and dyed-in-the-wool leftists, declared that being victims of crimes does not entitle white South Africans to asylum in the United States and that they are not the type of immigrants we want in our country because they are white. These openly racist comments are not surprising, given that there is among the black political class a constant and endless drumbeat of anti-white rhetoric from virtually every black member of Congress, state legislators, mayors, and many of those now seeking political office. Almost all of them are enthusiastically supported by the majority of black media outlets and websites. Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) recently claimed, White supremacy is rampant in this country, just look at the current administrationthey have contributed to racial terrorism. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) offered her own spin: The United States [i.e. the white population] owes us a debt; we need reparations now. She cited emboldened white supremacy as a catalyst for the introduction of reparation legislation costing $14 trillion (or 2.5 years of all taxes collected by the Federal Government). According to Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), We right now have a white supremacist sitting in the White House. He is backed by other white supremacists. If you really want to know who are the criminals are in this country, you can google it. The people that commit 80 percent of the most violent crimes in this country are white supremacists, yet for whatever reason, they sit and serve at the pleasure of the president. In fact, per FBI data, in 2023, blacks, who make up 12% of the population, committed 46% of all violent crimes. Martin Luther King would be aghast at the current state of race relations in America, as race-based hatred now permeates much of the black population, abetted by their white sycophants among the far left. Their underlying belief is that whites are not only historically unredeemable racists but, as Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire observed, They want us to believe that white people are somehow not native or indigenous to any place on earth. Therefore, whites are deserving of never-ending disdain and persecution for their innumerable past sins. For forty-five years (1964 to 2009), the United States experienced noteworthy progress in race relations. Thanks to the efforts of individual citizens in their communities throughout all regions of the country, this nation was well on its way to racial healing. In 2008, only 18% of Americans were greatly concerned or worried about the state of race relations in the country, as nearly 70% thought that relations between whites and blacks were very or somewhat good. In 2009, the most divisive and societally destructive president in American history, Barack Obama, came into office determined to reverse this trend by manipulating the black citizenry into abandoning racial harmony. To do so, he maliciously demonized the white population. He succeeded in fanning the dying embers of racism into a potential national conflagration. Thanks to Obama and the medias incessant drumbeat that so-called white supremacy is a major threat to black Americans, a Washington Post poll revealed that three-quarters of blacks are worried that a white person will attack them or someone they love. The reality is that Blacks perpetrate the vast majority of interracial crime. Meanwhile, nearly as many blacks, 70 percent, believe that half or more of all white people hold white supremacist beliefs. A Rasmussen poll exposed the inevitable and disturbing reality that only 54% of blacks think its ok to be white. Race-based hatred and discrimination now appear to pervade the bulk of the black population. This same mindset is also pervasive within far too many of the nations private and government institutions. As a former participant in the Civil Rights Movement, I can say with certainty that those people, whether black or white, who were determined to permanently eradicate institutional racism and discrimination, would be as angered and horrified at the racial exploitation and animosity rampant in todays United States as I am. This outcome would have been unthinkable to the many white and black activists who sacrificed their lives in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. On July 4, 1963, as part of a predominantly white crowd of demonstrators intent on desegregating Gwynn Oak Amusement Park outside of Baltimore, I briefly met Michael Schwerner. In August of that summer, unbeknownst to me until many years later, we were both in attendance at the March in Washington for Jobs and Freedom highlighted by Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech. Ten months later, he was brutally murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi along with Andrew Goodman and James Chaney. Both Schwerner and Goodman were white and among a considerable number of white citizens who gave their lives in order to permanently stamp out institutionalized racism and outright segregation. Untold thousands of others joined in protests, demonstrations, and voter drives, oftentimes at great financial and personal cost. In 1960, nearly 89% of the American population identified as white. The involvement of a significant percentage of the white population was critical to the success of the Civil Rights Movement. Further, the goal of eliminating all vestiges of institutionalized racism would not have been achieved without the acquiescence of the vast majority of the white population. The determination of a significant segment of Americas white population to right wrongs and live by the tenets of the Declaration of Independence stretches back to the abolition movements in the early nineteenth century. This determination culminated in a devastating and brutal Civil War, a war in which nearly 400,000 white Union soldiers died to end slavery. (The equivalent of over 5 million today.) This nation cannot survive if 41 million Americans who identify as black are coerced into pitting themselves against 250 million Americans who identify as white (which includes 60-plus percent of Hispanics). Both blacks and whites have much in common, and race relations are an ongoing challenge in any multi-racial society, but the black political and cultural leadership must stop its vile racist rhetoric, aimed at manipulating the black population into reveling in threats, violence, and intimidation against their fellow citizens. Race fatigue is beginning to take hold of the country. If this continuous drumbeat of race hatred continues, then American society will assuredly descend into chaos as the white and other minority populations will abandon trying to coexist with the black population. Benedict Arnold is one of the few people from American history whose name has become an adjective. If you call someone Benedict Arnold, you are calling them a traitor. Arnold joined the Continental Army when war broke out in 1775. After five years of fighting, with some Patriot victories, the war was still not going well for Americans. By 1780, it looked to many that the British might win and put down the rebellion. Yet, Patriots continued risking life and fortune fighting for Americas independence. But not General Benedict Arnold. Believing the British would eventually put down the revolt and angry that there was no money to pay him for his military service, on September 21, 1780, Arnold met with British Adjutant General John Andre, who oversaw the British Secret Intelligence. Arnold was the commander of West Point (located on New Yorks Hudson River and then called Fortress West Point). He offered to give the fort to Great Britain in exchange for money and a high position in the British army. Image created using AI. Fortunately, the plot was discovered, but it devastated George Washington, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and had always trusted Arnold. Escaping to Great Britain, Arnold evaded capture. However, Andre, who was respected by both the British and the Americans, was captured wearing civilian clothes and was soon after hanged for treason. Many felt it was Arnold who should have suffered that fate. As the war continued, traitor Arnold led British troops against colonists in Virginia and Connecticut. Following the wars end in 1783, Arnold remained in England. However, no one respects a traitor, and Arnold was never truly welcomed into British society, nor did he ever receive the money promised to him. Benedict Arnold, a name now synonymous with traitor, died in London on June 14, 1801. Jake Tapper is a traitor to the American ideal of a free press being the quasi fourth branch of government by asking questions of elected officials and providing the people with accurate information. Conservatives viewed Tapper as a traitor since 2019 when he attacked anyone questioning Joe Bidens obvious mental acuity issues. Now he is also a traitor to progressives who say Tappers lack of candor lost them the 2024 presidential election. Just as Benedict Arnold sought money from Great Britain, Jake Tapper seeks money from the sales of his co-authored book Original Sin where he and Axios reporter Alex Thompson write how almost EVERYONE in D.C. politics and the media knew pResident Joe Biden had dementia. Everyone, that is, except Jake Tapper who is CNNs anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent. Tapper can pretzel his words into an aspirin-inducing claim of innocence, but he knew for years that pResident Joe Biden had mental acuity issues. Moreover, Tapper attacked anyone who said otherwise until he and Axios reporter Thompson could make money selling the falsehood that others knew, but they didnt. (Didnt Germans say the same following Nazi Germanys defeat in 1945?) During the 2019 presidential campaign, it was obvious that Bidens mind was drifting away from his body. Yet, Original Sin, which Tapper is hawking like a carnival barker, insults all Americans who suffered during Bidens miserable four years in office when a cabal must have been running the country. (Jill? Hunter? A caucus of communist leaning progressives? It certainly wasnt the guy who couldnt walk off a stage.) Weve all heard the audio from pResident Bidens two-day interview (October 8-9, 2023) with Special Counsel Robert Hur. The supposedly most powerful man in the world had a non-functioning brain! As bad as it was to have had the election stolen in 2020 and given to someone with mental acuity issues, they wanted Biden to continue for another four years! Tapper repeatedly lied: June 2020: On CNN, Tapper said concerns over Bidens mental state were unfounded and based on edited clips and disinformation. August 2021: He claimed that Bidens handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal showed strategic resilience, despite televised moments where Biden struggled with clarity. October 2022: Tapper ridiculed what he called conspiracy-addled accusations regarding Bidens cognition, adding that Republicans were pushing manufactured panic ahead of the midterms. January 2024: He scolded political commentators on-air, saying that questioning Bidens mental capacity was beneath the dignity of political discourse. And on and on, until Tapper couldnt lie anymore. Then, like Benedict Arnold, he sought to make some money. Arnold abandoned the Continental Army to fight for the British while Tapper wrote a book pointing fingers at everyone but himself. Interestingly, many on the left (the ones who sleep in pink vagina hats) are livid at Tapper for hiding Bidens dementia until he could profit from it. Their anger stems from a belief that if this had been made public long before Bidens horrific June 2024 debate performance, Democrats would have had a primary, found a better candidate, and won the presidential election. Between Bidenflation, open borders, and the illegal invasion, Democrats would not have won, but thats what progressives believe. The next time youre about to call someone Benedict Arnold because they are a traitor, instead say, You are a Jake Tapper! Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter. Robin can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com. Middlebury College was a bastion of eugenics theory a century ago. The school today teaches an offensive array of racist ideologies that are indistinguishable from its eugenics advocacy of yesteryear. Middlebury College seeks to scapegoat former Vermont Governor John Mead for modest pro-eugenics comments made a hundred years ago, obscuring its active and ongoing neo-racist teachings. The Trump Administration should turn a critical eye toward this fountain of toxic, patently racist Critical Race Theory (CRT) and DEI. Middlebury prides itself on its strong DEI curricula, demonstrating that it has not learned from its past errors of race-focused ideology. The ACLU charges that Trumps efforts to enforce the U.S. Constitution and equality on publicly-funded campuses corrode[s] principles of academic freedom, but the opposite is the case Middlebury teaches subjects that are corrosive to American law, culture, and public safety. Middlebury has been charged with antisemitic policies that failed egregiously to provide adequate protection for Jewish students seeking to remedy persistent antisemitic bigotry on campus. It has realigned its bold DEI policies from its Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OIDEI) to Student Affairs and the Office of General Counsel. It maintains these unconstitutional, race-centered policies in the deceptive name of promot[ing] critical engagement, collaboration, and full participation. Yet, the school has demonstrated the opposite it does not tolerate critical engagement that questions DEI or CRT. A description for a course titled White Peoplestates: White people did not just appear out of nowhere. Instead, they are the result of a long history of structural and everyday racism that was always intertwined with class, sex, sexuality, and nation. We will explore how whiteness became a foundational category for citizenship in the US, especially after the Civil War when the Color Line was drawn through the legal, cultural, and spatial practices of Jim Crow. We will consider how new immigrants and even white trash became white primarily through the exclusion of Black Americans. Finally, we will look at the formation of whiteness today as a site of privilege, aggrieved entitlement, and violence. This course, and the tiresome racism that has saturated Middlebury Colleges mission, administration, and instruction for many years, is in direct violation of President Trumps anti-DEI Executive Order, which faithfully advances the Constitutions promise of colorblind equality before the law. Another Middlebury College course offering is Decolonizing Porn, which incorporates the text of Jennifer Nashs The Black Body in Ecstasy and edifies students with yet more CRT: In this course we will use feminist, queer, critical race, and decolonial theories to analyze porn in Europe and the Americas. The goal is to give students the analytic tools they need to think deeply about the centrality of porn to our lives and to global capitalism. Middlebury staff anti-racism book recommendations consist of far-left racist agitation parading as enlightened texts, including Ibram Kendis largely discredited tome, How to Be an Antiracist. Kendis book turns Middleburys pretentiousness of being a fount of critical thinking upside down. To quote Kendi, One endorses either the idea of a racial hierarchy as a racist, or racial equality as an anti-racist. One either believes problems are rooted in groups of people, as a racist, or locates the roots of problems in power and policies, as an anti-racist. By this definition, Middlebury College is blatantly racist. It centers identity on race, imposes a hierarchy based on stereotypes of race, labels all white people racist, and implements inequalities of opportunity in the name of equity. Kendi rants that, Americans have long been trained to see the deficiencies of people rather than policy. White supremacists blame non-White people for the struggles of White people when any objective analysis of their plight primarily implicates the rich White Trumps they support. Middlebury College is saturated with policies focused on the alleged moral deficiencies of white people. The unproven victimhood of people of color (not colored people) is used to blame white people for the struggles of black people when any objective analysis negates these racial slurs. Missing from Middlebury Colleges reading list are brilliant books by authors of color, including Coleman Hughess The End of Race Politics, and John McWhorters insightful Woke Racism, which condemns the cultish race ideology spewed by outlets like Middlebury College as literally a race-focused religion: Something must be understood. I do not mean that these peoples ideology is like a religion. I seek no rhetorical snap in the comparison. I mean that it is actually a religion. In his seminal study of the statistical perversion of CRT, Thomas Sowell revealed the direct parallel of the progressive eugenics movement of the early twenty-first century (of which Middlebury College was a leading proponent) and its close cousin today: In the early twentieth century, the key factor behind economic, intellectual and other disparities among different groups was assumed to be genetics. That view was as dominant then as the opposite view today that disparities in outcomes imply discrimination. American colleges and universities had hundreds of courses on eugenics then, just as many academic institutions have courses and whole departments teaching that outcome disparities imply discrimination. [snip] American Progressives took the lead in promoting genetic determinism in the United States then, as they later took the lead in promoting the opposite presumption that disparities imply discrimination in the second half of the twentieth century. On both sides of the Atlantic, and in both eras, leading intellectual and political figures were in the forefront of those promoting the prevailing presumption of their times. (Thomas Sowell, Discrimination and Disparities, p. 25.) Middlebury College does not embrace critical discourse on race issues it practices and encourages racial divisions and stereotypes. It is repeating its past intellectual failure of advocating for the eugenics movement by perpetuating an unconstitutional race-based elitism that is a betrayal of healthy race relations. Middlebury embraces Ibram Kendis racist notion that The most threatening racist movement is not the alt right's unlikely drive for a White ethnostate but the regular Americans drive for a race-neutral one. In doing so, it unwittingly proves Kendi correct when he writes that Racist ideas love believers, not thinkers. A race-neutral society is the Constitutional law of the land, violated boldly by Middlebury College. American taxpayers must not be unconstitutionally compelled to financially support such hateful dogma and accompanying anti-semitism. President Trump and the federal government must suspend all funding for Middlebury College until it ends its illegal racist policies and instruction. Author, pastor, and attorney John Klar raises grass-fed beef and sheep in Vermont. His Substack, Small Farm Republic, is based on his 2023 book, Small Farm Republic: Why Conservatives Must Embrace Local Agriculture, Reject Climate Alarmism, and Lead an Environmental Revival. John is a staff writer at Liberty Nation News. Image: Public domain. Obamas legacy started early in his presidency. Not quite in office for six months, Obama showed his hand with his characterization that The police acted stupidly in reference to the arrest of Henry Louis Gates a professor at Harvard who, locked out of his house, broke in. A neighbor, not recognizing Gates, called 911. The police arrived, things didnt go well, and Gates was arrested. When asked about race and the incident a week later, Obama responded : I dont know, not having been there and not seeing all the facts, what role race played in that. But I think its fair to say, number one, any of us would be pretty angry; number two, that the Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home, and, number three, what I think we know separate and apart from this incident is that theres a long history in this country of African Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately. Without the facts, Obama stated the police acted stupidly and implied that racism might have played a role. Nothing, however, about Gates reported loud and tumultuous behavior . For Obama, it was just racism and police misbehavior. Image created using AI. But this was just the beginning. After George Zimmerman was acquitted of criminally causing Trayvon Martins death, Obama said : You know, when Trayvon Martin was first shot, I said that this could have been my son...Another way of saying that is Trayvon Martin could have been me, 35 years ago. And when you think about why, in the African-American community at least, theres a lot of pain around what happened here, I think its important to recognize that the African-American community is looking at this issue through a set of experiences and a history that doesnt go away. Again. All race, no facts. But theres more. About Michael Browns death, Obama said : In too many communities around the country, a gulf of mistrust exists between local residents and law enforcement Too many young men of color feel targeted by law enforcement guilty of walking while black or driving while black, judged by stereotypes that fuel fear and resentment and hopelessness. About the jury failing to indict the NYPD officer involved in Eric Garners death, Obama said : [T]hat we are going to take specific steps to improve the training and the work with state and local governments when it comes to policing in communities of color; that we are going to be scrupulous in investigating cases where we are concerned about the impartiality and accountability thats taking place. In these instances and more, Obama made it all about race when a black man was affected by a police action or killed by a non-black person. (George Zimmerman was called a white Hispanic.) Its no surprise that the BLM movement began under Obama, nor that the fiction of systemic racism took hold, nor that the black victimization ideology became omnipresent. Thats unfortunate. As Rod Serling might have said, imagine if you will, if Obama had handled those incidents differently. What if he had said about Gates: He should probably have remembered that the police were simply trying to protect his neighborhood after neighbors called them. Misunderstandings happen. Or this about Brown: Michael Brown was killed after stealing from a store, attacking the proprietor, and attacking a policeman. Had Mr. Brown not done these things, hed likely be alive. What if he had responded to the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, after Browns death by taking to the airwaves and telling black Americans that the problem in their communities is not racist police, but criminal activity and fighting with police? What if he had nationalized National Guard troops to restore peace in Baltimore or Ferguson, rather than standing by and later coercing police forces around the country into consent decrees that invariably increase crime . But he didnt do any of those things. Instead, Barack Obama reinforced the notion that blacks are victims of systemic racism, that they cannot win on an even playing field, and that in any negative outcome, racism must be the cause. It is that pervasive belief in black victimization that leads us to where we are today. The Internet is simply bulging with videos of blacks behaving badly. Black flash mobs robbing stores. Blacks punching random people on the street. Blacks pushing people in front of trains, running over bicyclists, attacking bus drivers, destroying merchandise in stores, rioting on cruise ships, attacking airline workers, and more. Sure, we must state the obligatory reality that other people commit crimes too, but the fact of the matter is, blacks do so at far higher rates. Race relations are reaching a boiling point. To put this in perspective , in 2007, 75% of whites and 71% of blacks thought race relations in America were either good or very good. By 2021, those numbers were down to 43% and 42% respectively, and no doubt theyre lower today. The reality of that dichotomy can be seen in two events from last month. In April, Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old black high school student, knifed and killed fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas. The family, claiming self-defense, has raised over $600,000 in support , with many of Anthonys supporters posting explicitly anti-white racist comments. Later that same month, Shiloh Hendrix a white woman in Rochester, New York was captured on video calling a black child a niggervile word for certain, but one frequently used by blacks, even as its arbitrarily off limits to whites. After claims of death threats and pleas for security, she raised over $700,000 , with many of her supporters posting explicitly anti-black racist comments. Combine all of that with the growing phenomenon called Black fatigue , as well as cities , states , and members of Congress calling for reparations, and you get an idea of where Americas temperature is on the scale of race relations. And thats where we are today. Obama had the opportunity to go down in history as one of Americas greatest presidents. He not only didnt take it, but he made it worse. For longer than I can remember, weve been told that America needs to have a Conversation about Race. We did, for generations, but it was always about whites abusing or keeping blacks down. That is, or at least is now, the wrong conversation. The conversation America needs to have today is pretty much the opposite. Far too many blacks see the system, the police, whites, and society at large as racist, with the corollary that they see themselves as victims...but victims with a pass from law enforcement. (And no, theres no way to square that pass with systemic racism.) Therefore, they feel like they can do anything without consequences. Thats a recipe for disaster, both for blacks and for America. And thats Barack Obamas legacy. There may be a tiny sliver of hope, however. There are a growing number of black personalities and potential leaders who are pushing back on that victimization narrative. Guys like Jason Whitlock, Byron Donalds, Charles Payne, Jason Riley and others are regularly telling their millions of followers how to succeed in life sans the victimization narrative, sort of a wider version of what Chris Rock did with his spectacular video How not to get your ass kicked by the police! With Donald Trump at the helm, Barack Obamas legacy has the potential to be reversed as more Americans of all hues decide that the everything is racist shibboleth and, more broadly, the cancer of DEI get the derision they so badly deserve. Follow Vince on X at @ImperfectUSA After decades of left-wing bias, every segment an attack on conservatives, and especially so against President Trump, 60 Minutes has decided to take a curiously rightward turn. It was obvious enough in its three segments last night, all three of which had some kind of nod to conservatives. They can be viewed on 60 Minutes's site here. The first began as a segment on the hideousness of the Chinese communist regime, hounding dissidents around the world in the kind of human rights violations only conservatives care about, going after the decent people, following them from country to country, as the rest of the world's focus goes to business deals with the behemoth. Anna Kwok: So every single day I wake up, I open my social media, and then I would see people talking about how, if I keep talking-- here in the United States, they will come kidnap me and-- take my body to the Chinese Consulate so that they can send me back to China. Norah O'Donnell: How are you viewed by the Chinese government? Anna Kwok: If I do go back to Hong Kong, it's gonna be life imprisonment. So basically they see me as a traitor, as someone who betrays-- the Chinese government and the Hong Kong government. Norah O'Donnell: And what's the crime you've committed? Anna Kwok: They think that fighting for democracy, wanting a say in our own future is a crime. Norah O'Donnell: The United States is known as the land of the free. Do you feel free here? Anna Kwok: Honestly, with China's long arm repression, it's difficult to feel free anywhere in the world. The thing about the Chinese government is that you can leave the country, you can leave the territory, but you can never actually leave their governance. After we met her, Anna kwok's father and brother were arrested in Hong Kong. She is currently seeking political asylum in the U.S. In March, the Trump administration announced sanctions against officials in Hong Kong who have targeted her and 18 other prominent activists living abroad. That's not standard 60 Minutes fare that we have seen. They even put in a good word for President Trump. More likely, they would go with a story about Russian or Saudi dissidents hounded by their regimes, the better to attack President Trump's efforts to establish good working relations with these countries. The Chinese segment didn't have any of that -- just straight tyrannical behavior from a regime that spies a lot on us and has grown too big for its britches. Its communist underpinnings have yet to be addressed. In general, that's Republican fare, given how many Democrats have climbed into bed with China's regime -- Tim Walz, Eric Swalwell, Joe Biden, and many more. It got even more rightward with the second segment, a feature about a defense industry entrepreneur named Palmer Luckey, who had a new concept of defense contracts, which was to produce the AI products before the contracts were negotiated, and use them to arm allies, too. Luckey had started up several companies in his past, one of which was purchased by Mark Zuckerberg, which led to a job with Zuck's companies. 60 Minutes explored his firing from the company, and allowed the man to say it involved his campaign donation to President Trump in 2016 without cutting that segment out. Sharyn Alfonsi: Why did you get fired? Palmer Luckey: Well, you know, everyone's got a different story, but it boils down to I gave $9,000 to a political group that was for Donald Trump and against Hillary Clinton. To be a Trump supporter in 2016-- you know, this was at the height of the election insanity and derangement in Silicon Valley. And so I think that a lot of people thought back then that you cou-- you could just fire a Trump supporter. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has denied that Luckey was fired for his political views. They didn't go too deeply with this topic, but they let him have his say and didn't argue with him. It was pretty interesting that they featured him at all, given his Trump support. Not like them at all. Then there was a third segment on Cajun and Zydeco music, claiming they were growing in popularity, though they didn't cite any data. They said a Cajun musical group played in Brooklyn,"in Red Hook, of all places" which anyone who knows anything about New York would not find unusual, given that it's a hipster redoubt. I discovered Cajun music in New York myself when I lived there, decades ago, so I am not convinced there's a new upsurge of interest in the music, though perhaps there is. They didn't feature the music all that much at all, just snippets of accordian riffs and the like. (Objectively speaking, the music really is good, so they should have worked harder getting a really good musical sequence to explain its appeal.) The segment got interesting though as it delved into cultural details, particularly on the Cajun side of the equation. Interviewing a young white Cajun musician, they asked him if they thought his music was a way to preserve his cultural heritage, and he replied that he adamantly believed that. Jon Wertheim: You have a saying, you say a lot that's in some of your song lyrics. You wanna tell us what it is? Jourdan Thibodeaux: Tu vis ta culture ou tu tues ta culture, il y a pas de milieu. Means, "You either live your culture or you kill your culture. There's no in between." Jon Wertheim: What do you mean? Jourdan Thibodeaux: You see this-- this vanishing of cultures, of dialects, of-- of everything to just create this one generic human, you know. And it's really sad to me. So I'm gonna get up every day and I'm gonna live my culture today. I think it's every individual's responsibility to maintain who they are as a people. That last sentence would have been held high as an example of white supremacy if it had been broadcast during the old 60 Minutes era. They included it in this one, and just let him say what he had to say now. All of which suggests that Scott Pelley's temper tantrums of the past few episodes were done, and someone has ridden herd on them to balance out their reporting. Perhaps the merger with Paramount is on the table and CBS wants federal approval. Perhaps they actually want something from President Trump so they are now trying to flatter him. Or maybe they want to increase their viewership. Whatever it is, it's weird stuff, a leopard changing its spots overnight. All the same, these were good segments, easily more interesting than previous fare. One wonders what made them take that pretty obvious right turn in front of our faces. Image: Grok, via X, AI-generated image The second Trump Administration is promoting a Golden Dome to be placed over the country to prevent hostile missiles and/or bombers from attacking us. Theoretically, this is an attractive technology, but a technology that may be suited for small countries, like Israel. Whether it fits the 3,000 miles of America, however, should be at least investigated as nuclear missile technology proliferates, and even tiny countries, like North Korea, can threaten Los Angeles. Not to mention the advances made in this area by Russia and, particularly, China. I am not a technologist, but one expert with years of experience in the field assures us that we have all the tools for Americas Golden Dome. We can start deploying the first elements tomorrow. Congress needs to act. But I am a historian and, as such, have an obligation to remind readers that in world politics, nobody is perfectly safe. There are always ways of going over, around, and under defensive technology. In fact, relying on technology for safety can lead to disaster. After World War I, when France was occupied for four years by the German Army, they were determined never to let it happen again. In 1930, France began the Maginot Line (named after their Minister of War), which nearly guaranteed safety for the 40 million French population. The Line was based on the experience of 1914 that any war would be long and costly, and that a defensive perimeter would suffice to hold out until France and the allied countries could mount an offensive. Included in the expanse, which became the model for the whole world, were 142 concrete forts, 352 casements, 5,000 blockhouses, 150,000 tons of steel, 1.5 million cubic meters of concrete, hundreds of tunnels and rail guns, 78 hilltop fire decks, and walls 12 to 16 feet deep. The entire project cost 3.3 billion dollars (todays value) and was finished by 1939. Unfortunately, Hitler had no intention to test such a monstrosity and sent his Blitzkrieg forces around and over the Wall, principally through the Ardennes Forest. A rapid advance through the forest and across the river Meuse encircled both the French and British armies, forcing the historic evacuation at Dunkirk and leaving the remaining French Army in the south vulnerable and soon surrounded. Hitlers Army was ably assisted from the air, as the Luftwaffe pounded the French Army to the ground. British Historian Alistair Horne summarized the final effects of the Maginot Line on France: Rapidly, the Maginot Line came to be not just a component of strategy but a way of life. Feeling secure behind it the French Army allowed itself to atrophy into disuse. A massive combination of factors complacency, lassitude, deficiencies of manpower and finance conspired to rust the superb weapon which the world had so admired. France surrendered to Germany after six weeks (June 22, 1940). Historically, Americans have discovered unity only after foreign attack, and Pearl Harbor symbolizes this. The Golden Dome will not provide political unity but it could bolster Deterrence as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) did in the Reagan Administration. SDI was never accomplished, but it helped collapse both the Cold War and the Soviet Union together. According to Cold War historian Derek Leebaert, SDI would remain forever scattered between symbol, deception and real power by and large Moscow was fooled SDI was an inspired step in the war of attrition, whether or not Moscow tried to match it. (The Fifty Year Wound, 2002). Jack Tierney is a Professor of International Relations at the Institute of World Politics. He was also a Former Special Assistant and Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (1981-1993), and the former Executive Director of the Congressional Caucus on National Defense and the National Security Research Group. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. This past weekend on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, made a stunning declaration: Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. That was it. Case closed. Bongino even said hes seen the file, as if that alone should convince the American people to move on. But thats not how this works. I couldnt tell if I was watching an interview or a hostage video. The public doesnt owe Patel and Bongino blind trust, especially not on a matter this explosive. In fact, their appearance on Bartiromos show torpedoed their credibility. Epstein wasnt just another inmate. He was a nexus of corruption, intelligence, and elite abuse someone whose connections spanned elites, presidents, royalty, billionaires, and spies. His death was either one of the most spectacular security failures in modern history or something far darker. And no number of official titles or vague references to secret documents should shut down public scrutiny. Americans have good reason to be suspicious. Epsteins death was a hall of mirrors from the start. There werent just a few oddities; there was an avalanche of contradictions and red flags. Yet Bongino and Patel simply want you to trust what they say their eyes saw. Nope. Sorry. The cameras outside Epsteins cell mysteriously failed the night of his death. Two guards assigned to check on him allegedly fell asleep and didnt perform their rounds. He was taken off suicide watch days after a prior attempt, against standard protocol. He had no cellmate at the time, though he had had one shortly before. The fractures in his hyoid bone and carotid artery were more consistent with strangulation than hanging, according to forensic experts. Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent pathologist who observed the autopsy, publicly stated that the evidence pointed to homicide. The staff at the prison were charged with falsifying records about their monitoring duties. Those charges were later dropped. Key documents and surveillance footage have never been released or are said to have disappeared. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provided no meaningful accountability following his death. The director of the BOP, appointed by Attorney General William Barr nine days after Epsteins death, raises other questions. Despite all this, the DOJ closed the case quietly and without holding anyone truly accountable. This isnt a tinfoil-hat conspiracy theory. Its a pattern of irregularities so staggering that any reasonable observer would demand real answers. This isnt even the first time the BOP (ironically, the same director) has declared a clear-cut murder a suicide. In 1995, Kenneth Michael Trentadue was found dead in his federal prison cell in Oklahoma. The government claimed that it was a suicide. His family was told it was an open-and-shut case. But when they saw the body, it was clear: Trentadue had been beaten to death. Photos showed extensive bruising, open wounds, and facial trauma. The autopsy didnt match the story. A cover-up was obvious. The director of the Bureau of Prisons at that time? Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, appointed by thenattorney general William Barr in 1992. She should have been held accountable then. But instead, she re-entered the scene in August 2019 reappointed by Barr again just nine days after Epstein died. Thats not coincidence. Thats choreography. So when Kash Patel and Dan Bongino go on national TV and expect Americans to take their word for it that Epstein killed himself because the file says so they're not just asking for trust. They're demanding silence. In doing so, they've crossed a line. Patel and Bongino once built reputations as truth-tellers, exposing corruption inside federal agencies. But now they stand on the side of opacity and deference to power. Instead of providing transparency, theyre waving it off. Instead of advocating for full accountability, theyre sealing the vault. Its a self-inflicted credibility collapse. Trust in government institutions is at an all-time low, and for good reasons. The Epstein case may be the single greatest example in a generation of how the elite are protected at all costs. If two of the most visible law enforcement figures in the country are now helping to obscure that truth, the public has every right to be outraged. Trust us, weve seen the file is not justice. Its not transparency. Its a message to the American people: Dont ask questions. Todd Baumann is the director of operations for Special Guests Publicity, www.specialguests.com. Image: Kash Patel. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. In the wake of COVID 19, the left began a short-lived campaign calling for COVID Amnesty. They claimed that people shouldnt try to hold people accountable for the things they said and did during COVID. They pushed for Americans to turn the other cheek. Sure, we cost some of you your careers, we had citizens snitching on each other, we held your relatives hostage from you while they were dying. Mistakes happen! Lets move on. Nothing can be gained by looking backwards. For the most part, the narrative fell on deaf ears. Many Americans didnt want to let go of how they were mistreated by the government, and rightfully so. In the last two weeks, Joe Biden was wheeled back into the news. His wife paraded him out on The View in an effort to either feign his cognizance or to lay the groundwork for a lucrative book deal. It was an appearance that didnt sway people. Biden was confident he could have beaten Trump, claiming the debate was just a bad night. Reality and the Bidens couldnt have been further apart. Joe and Jills living in the delusional land of denial was sad and seemed cruel. Then came the release of the Robert Hur audio files of Joes deposition during the documents investigation. From the transcripts, we knew it was bad, but hearing the former president unable to remember years (not dates) of when he served was painful and frustrating. Many of us remember Joe claiming Hur had brought up his sons death, and feigning indignity that he would do that. The audio files showed it was Joe himself that brought up Beaus death, as he often did when under pressure. What we all heard was a confirmation of what most people believe, that Biden was mentally incapacitated. Hur was right, yet to date, not a single media outlet or politician has apologized for smearing him. The Bidens response to this was to announce that Joe had stage four pancreatic prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. We all felt sorry that he was enduring this, but it only raised more questions. How could someone with some of the best medical care available, in a mere hundred or so days, end up in stage four of cancer? Were his mental issues tied to dementia or his cancer treatments? The reality is evidenthe had been fighting cancer for years. What was also painstakingly clear was that the Biden family, the White House staff, leaders of the Democrat party, and the bulk of the mainstream media lied and deceived the American people. They placed our nation at risk by propping up a man incapable of fulfilling his duties. They willfully backed this deception while fully knowing the truth, flagrantly ignoring their responsibilities under the 25th Amendment. Up until the cancer announcement, the so-called journalists and the Democrat leadership all maintained that they believed Joe was alert, sharp, at the top of his game. After the cancer declaration, the left dusted off the COVID Amnesty strategy and rebranded it Biden Amnesty. Demands were made by Congressional leaders that investigations into Biden, his administration, and any hints of a cover-up needed to be dropped solely because he is suffering from cancer. Just as they had done with COVID, they called for the Trump Administration to not look backwards. Most people see this for what it is, a way to erase their own misdeeds and possibly criminal actions. Some pointed to Ronald Reagans last term, completely ignoring their own cries for investigations at the time. Hypocrisy is one of the virtues the left cloaks themselves in when faced with harsh truths. Until Joe Biden came along, we never heard the phrase, Putting a lid on communications today, from the White House communications team. With his administration it became a weekly tag line. Yet people like Jen Psaki still claim that she saw no evidence of his mental failings. If so, why put a lid on communications? Even now, she and her media cronies try to protect a failed and corrupt legacy. The American people need and must demand the truth. We want to know how bad things were, if only so we can ensure it never happens again. If people lied, they need to be exposed. If they broke the law, they need to be held accountable for their actions. We want to know who was standing behind the curtain, pulling the strings on the Joe Biden marionette. The cries for Biden Amnesty are nothing more than demands to ratify the misdeeds of those involved. Sweeping this under the rug, just because Joe Biden has cancer is wrong. If anything, the events of the last two weeks all but demand that the President form an investigative group to look into the last administration, something on the level of the Warren Commission. The Biden cover up has the potential to dwarf Watergate, with far more people involved in the conspiracy against the American people. We cannot let our sadness for Bidens condition cloud our need for justice. Blaine Pardoe is a New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author canceled by one of his publishers in 2022. His conservative political thriller series, Blue Dawn, is the story of the violent overthrow of the government by radical progressives. His new series, Tenure, is about a Punisher-like hero that goes after the woke. He also authors the bestselling military science fiction series, Land&Sea. Image: YouTube video screen grab. Douglas Murray, in his book, On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization, pointed out that the Hamas terror attacks of October 7th on Jewish civilians were committed with a level of glee by the assailants that has little precedence in the modern age. Rwandan Hutu militias may have rivaled Hamas with their orgiastic delight in hacking their Tutsi victims to death, but it is difficult to find others. Even the Nazis, in perpetrating the mass murder of European Jewry, tried to cover up their actions because they knew that their undertaking was far outside of the norms of civilized society. The Hamas assailants acted without even an understanding that what they were doing was wrong. They reveled in the satisfaction that their mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters would experience similar delight in viewing live streams of them decapitating Jewish children with shovels. This all demonstrates to me that Gazan society is deeply implicated in the crimes of October 7th. Although almost entirely forgotten, the Germans as a whole, not just the Nazi leadership in the dock at Nuremberg, paid a price for their actions in WWII. Over 12 million Germans were displaced under the Potsdam Agreement of 1945 that dictated German loss of all land east of the Oder-Neisse Line to Poland and the USSR. A similar fate should await the Gazans. All two million Gazans should be displaced to a location far away from Israels border. To weed out some and allow others to stay based upon their involvement with the Hamas death cult is an impractical, near impossible task. As Trump has reportedly suggested, Libya seems to be the ideal spot for relocation of the Gazan population in that the language, culture and proximity to the Mediterranean matches with what they have known. The relocation does not necessarily have to be inhumane, and the cost of resettlement is small in comparison to the future human and monetary cost of continued fighting in Gaza. Trumps recommendation is to build a luxury resort to supplant what remains of Gaza. I prefer that Gaza be transformed into a nature preserve. The preserve would provide sanctuary and respite for birds during their annual migration from Europe to Africa and back. This has the advantage of refuting any claim that Israel or the U.S. was seeking any territorial aggrandizement or monetary gain. Rehabilitating the land as a bird sanctuary would be a good task for the Audubon Society, if it could take its attention away from climate change for a minute. If it isnt up to the task, then I am sure that the Israeli army has the engineering prowess to accomplish it. Naysayers to the relocation scheme may point out that it will only be moving the trouble to another country. A country from which a resurgent Hamas might continue to launch attacks against Israel. This might be the case, but it will be logistically much more difficult for Hamas to do so. Others on the Left, like Greta Thunberg 2.0, will gnash their teeth and beat their breast screaming, Oh the inhumanity of it all!, but they were bound to do that anyway. There are modern precedents in which the political displacement of populations worked out well in the long run. The reason you dont hear about them is because they were successful. In addition to the aforementioned displacement of Germans after WWII, there is the Turkish Greek partition and subsequent population realignment in 1923, a result of the Treaty of Lausanne following the Greco-Turkish War. This agreement led to the relocation of approximately 1.5 million Orthodox Christians from Turkey to Greece and 500,000 Muslims from Greece to Turkey. One should not dismiss the Gazan situation as intractable. Although Hamas inducted many into its death cult, so did the bushido militarists of prewar Japan, and in the aftermath of WWII, the Western world came up with an answer. The Japanese are now pacified and firmly ensconced in the Western alliance. It is time to think out of the box about answers to this conflict and ignore the academics who are stuck in the oppressor-oppressed mindset. Image generated by AI. However one feels about Joe Biden, its disturbing to hear the latest news about his physical health. I wouldnt wish prostate cancer (or any cancer) on anyone. Sure, there are any number of people whose obituaries (as Clarence Darrow in a quote often misattributed to Mark Twain would say) I would read with great relish. I still enjoy being reminded, for example, that Yasser Arafat is dead. But all-in-all, no matter how reprehensible I might consider someone to be, I would rather see them swallowed by a sinkhole or run over by a cement truck than to wish cancer on them. But the revelation that Biden has advanced, metastatic prostate cancer raises all manner of questions as to whether this condition, like his cognitive decline, was deliberately hidden and covered up by his handlers, manipulators, or puppeteers and their cohorts in the Democrat party, the press, and Hollywood. Isnt it far more likely that information about Bidens physical health was deliberately hidden, rather than expecting us to believe that a man with unlimited access to the finest medical care would have his cancer discovered only at this late date? Especially since hes married to an amazing doctor, whom Whoopi Goldberg even proposed for the post of Surgeon General! (Im sorry, I couldnt resist.) One has to hope that the sheer fishy-ness of Bidens cancer just now coming to light will help unmask the machinations employed by those puppeteers to keep a doddering figurehead in office rather than risk relinquishing their power. And maybe laying bare those cynical conspiracies will cause a wising-up of some of the useful idiots who believe the propaganda that it is Donald Trump who is a threat to our democracy. In those whose Trump Derangement Syndrome can actually be reversed, the exposure of all the lies told about Bidens physical and mental health just might make the scales finally fall from their eyes. But I dont really have very high hopes. But one aspect of this that I havent yet seen discussed is how things would be different if the shoe were on the other foot. I think we all can imagine, however, what we would be seeing and hearing if it were Trump whose advanced cancer diagnosis had just been announced! We would be awash in a deluge of people, from TV talking heads to social media and everywhere in between, who would be unable to contain or conceal their apoplectic glee at the news. Just as Trump Derangement Syndrome is a type of mass psychosis, all the Trump-haters would experience a mass schadenfreude overload. The likes of Stephen Colbert and Robert DeNiro would be over the moon! Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and the other fishwives of The View would be in throes of ecstasy, like Meg Ryans performance at Katzs Delicatessen in When Harry Met Sally, except that it would all be real! And, just like in that famous scene, they would have had not a smidgen of embarrassment over expressing their extreme euphoria. In fact, they would be popping champagne corks and hugging one another! Nothing would please them more than to learn that Donald Trump had advanced cancer; it would be a gloat-fest! They would be celebrating like those Muslims on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River who danced in the streets and passed out candy while watching the smoke from the Twin Towers on 9/11. So far, I havent heard of anyone even hinting at what Im sure theyre all thinking, It shouldve been Trump! But well see just how long they can keep those lips buttoned. Authors Note: Stu Tarlowe, a septuagenarian, is a raconteur, entrepreneur, chanteur, dilettante, boulevardier, chapeaute and amoureaux de chiens (and he doesnt even speak French). He has, since 2010, contributed over 160 essays to American Thinker, most of which can be accessed here. He also writes a Substack newsletter, Stus Stack o Stuff (the name is an homage to Rush Limbaugh), published sporadically, which covers topics not limited to politics (and to which subscriptions are currently free). He is for hire as a columnist, proofreader and copyeditor. Image from X. Google has started rolling out the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update. In other words, the company started pushing out a preview of the next Pixel Drop and yes, it does give you a taste of Material 3 Expressive revamp. Google talked about Material 3 Expressive last week, and Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 is now available Google showed us plenty of Material 3 Expressive revamp during its pre-event Android Show last week. The company did leave one rather exciting move for Google I/O 2025. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 started rolling out during the show. Pixel users who are enrolled in the Android beta program can get this update. It is now rolling out to Pixel phones ranging from the Pixel 6 series and up. Ill leave a full list in the next paragraph. Android beta program users who are using one of the following devices can get this update: Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro, 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. You can also install it yourself, if you want. Google has made this release available in the form of a Generic System Image (GSI). We would not recommend messing with that if you dont know exactly what youre doing, though. Android 16 QPR1 is expected to drop in June, a stable version of it, that is. As I said at the beginning of the article, this is essentially a preview of what youll get then. If youre not ready to face some bugs, however, you may want to stay away from this update. It has the Beta 1 tag for a reason. Do note that full Material 3 Expressive revamp is coming later in the year. You can check out a couple of screenshots we were able to grab of the Material 3 Expressive below, along with a quick hands-on video from Google I/O 2025. Trumps decision to implement massive tariffs on goods imported into the US has sent shockwaves across global markets. Some have questioned his motives, but if anything, it has brought awareness to the fact that many companies rely heavily on China and that it might also be a good time to diversify supply chains. Unfortunately, such an effort could come at a cost. According to a recent report, building chips in TSMCs US plant in Arizona could result in prices hiking up by as much as 30%. TSMC raising prices The report follows a comment made by NVIDIAs CEO, Jensen Huang, during the Computex 2025 trade show. One reporter asked Huang about the potential extra price NVIDIA might have to pay for making chips in the US. Huang didnt dive into specifics but stated that TSMCs price is consistent and fair for everyone. Huang acknowledges that building chips on the 2nm process is incredibly expensive, incredibly hard, but he also said that whatever is the price, as long as its consistent and fair, thats the price. Its not surprising that building chips at the TSMC US plant will result in raised prices. After all, TSMCs facilities in the US arent on the same level as those in Taiwan. Furthermore, putting aside the cost of technology and equipment, the cost of labor is higher in the US than in Taiwan. This means that TSMC will have to raise the prices of its chips to maintain its profitability. Building on the 2nm process As it stands, multiple companies, including Apple and Qualcomm, are expected to take advantage of TSMCs new 2nm process, apart from NVIDIA. It was also recently revealed that MediaTek has plans to debut its own 2nm SoC in 2026. However, TSMC needs to be wary of raising its prices too much. While the company is more or less the de facto chipset maker for major tech companies around the world, it isnt the only one in the market. Samsung has its own foundry. In fact, Samsung is planning on kicking off 2nm manufacturing as well, and recent yield rates have proven to be quite promising. This means that if Samsung can get up to scale, TSMCs raised prices could very well price them out of the market. We doubt that will happen anytime soon, but its something that TSMC should definitely be aware of. If youre using Android phones or tablets, Google Discover is the best way to get lots of curated information at a glance. Sometimes, you might even see your social media post pop up in there. As with any feature, some people may like Google Discover, some may not. If you are among those who love it, theres some good news. It seems Google has started rolling out the Discover feed to desktop, though its currently only available to users in select countries. Google Discover on desktop will look and feel different than the mobile version Folks over at Android Authority yesterday spotted a post from X (formerly Twitter) user Damien Andell, showcasing the new look of Google Discover on desktop. Per the report, some users from Australia and New Zealand have started seeing the Discover feed on the Google homepage, right below the search bar. If youd like to check whether the desktop version of Google Discover is available to you, head to this link. The news outlet managed to get the feature working on desktop, as shown in the screenshot below. When your window is maximized, youll reportedly see an At a glance section on the Google homepage. You can also customize the Discover results by clicking the vertical three-dot menu, like you do on mobile or tablet. Thats not all; youll be able to choose from three different optionsFinance, Sports, and Weather. Well, there are some visible differences between the desktop and mobile versions of Google Discover. LinkedIn user Nicola Agius shared that the images on the desktop version are less prominent than the mobile version. Theyre visible in a square box to the left. Next, youll be able to read the first sentence of every article. Image: X/@AndellDam The company may officially unveil the desktop version today at the I/O event This isnt the first time weve heard about Google Discover on desktop, but its certainly the first time we have seen it in action. At the Search Central Live event in Madrid last month, Google announced that itll be expanding Discover. It seems Google is just doing that. Not to forget, Google kicks off its annual I/O event today, where it might showcase the desktop version of Discover. NVIDIA has long been a company well-known for its powerful graphics cards, but what many people probably dont know is that NVIDIA also appears to be applying pressure to media outlets to push a certain narrative to consumers. This reported manipulation of the media is said to be the latest tactic from NVIDIA in a string of anti-consumer practices and dishonest statements. Details about NVIDIAs media manipulation tactics come from Gamers Nexus, which recently reported on NVIDIAs attempts to manipulate reviews of its newest graphics cards. In the editorial, Gamers Nexuss Steve Burke leaves nothing on the table, revealing what appears to be a very problematic company culture where NVIDIA bullies its partners into doing what it wants, or else. NVIDIA bullying its partners is nothing new. If youve been around PC gaming long enough, you may remember a little company called EVGA. EVGA used to make some of the best NVIDIA GPUs available. It no longer makes GPUs after a falling out with the company over NVIDIAs poor treatment of partners. This happened years ago, so this kind of behavior is not new for NVIDIA. Though this does appear to be the first time NVIDIA has been openly accused of trying to force media to provide certain information that it wants to focus on. In this case, NVIDIA is very keen on reviewers putting a large emphasis on multi-frame generation 4x and DLSS 4. NVIDIA attempts to pressure media to show Multi-Frame Generation 4x performance figures in reviews When it comes to reviews, as a consumer, you want to know that the review youre reading or watching is ethical and honest. After all, youre likely consuming that content because youre interested in buying the specific product that the review is talking about. According to Gamers Nexus, NVIDIA has been threatening access to hardware samples and interviews if it didnt include MFG4X performance figures. Gamers Nexus says that NVIDIA initially requested these figures be included in the review. Gamers Nexus refused on the basis that including those figures when doing a review on hardware performance would be unethical and ultimately be dishonest. NVIDIAs response was to threaten Gamers Nexus by revoking access to a couple of thermal engineers with whom the channel has routinely done interviews. These interview videos are apparently a popular segment for Gamers Nexus. With Burke stating that he and his team genuinely enjoy working with both engineers, and NVIDIA knows this. And since threatening access to hardware samples didnt convince Gamers Nexus to bend to NVIDIAs whims, the company has gone after what it thinks will make a bigger impact. This kind of tactic isnt necessarily unique to NVIDIA. Burke mentions that AMD used to do something similar by threatening access to hardware samples if a certain narrative wasnt focused on. That is, until the top executives who were trying to push this narrative were fired. A pattern of problematic decisions and outcomes NVIDIA may still be a household name in the GPU space. However, the goodwill it fostered with gamers over decades seems to be dwindling away with each new GPU generation. Increasingly higher prices for minimal hardware upgrades are just the tip of the iceberg. Higher costs are certainly frustrating for consumers, sure. But it gets much worse when those inflated prices are paired with what very much appears to be artificially manufactured limited availability. Causing consumers to fight tooth and nail to acquire a new GPU because theres only so much to go around. The real problem with this limited availability is the influx of scalpers. They buy up as much stock as possible from what little stock was made available for purchase. Thereby forcing prices to increase even more because scalpers are taking advantage of the market. Putting all of that aside, consumers are met with even more issues. For example, RTX 4090 GPUs melting power connector cables. Which, by the way, happened again with the RTX 5090. These arent cheap problems. As RTX 4090 and RTX 5090 cards were set at MSRP of $1,599 and $1,999, respectively. Thats even assuming you could get one at MSRP. NVIDIA has also had an increasing problem with unstable drivers. Which, in some cases, are causing PC crashes. RTX 4090 performance at $549 Then, of course, theres the manipulation of the consumer and now the media. On the consumer side, by stating that an RTX 5070 provides RTX 4090 performance at a fraction of the price. That was, of course, not true. As evidenced by reviews from Gamers Nexus and other media outlets. This isnt to say that Multi-Frame Generation 4X isnt an impressive feature. It is. But one thing it isnt is completely honest. NVIDIA appears to be trying to spin a narrative that its latest GPUs are a massive hardware upgrade over the previous generation. While there are improvements, those improvements are not as big as NVIDIA would have you believe. Gamers Nexus and other outlets have tried to shine a light on that. NVIDIA, however, wants to cast a shroud over those honest reviews by putting pressure on the media. Refusing to cooperate with its narrative now seems to put the media at risk of losing access. And its not a good look. Google also announced today at Google I/O 2025 that Android XR will be available first on Samsungs Project Moohan. This headset is set to launch later this year, as Google also confirmed during The Android Show: I/O Edition last week. We dont know specifically when the headset could launch, but we would expect it to launch this Summer with Samsungs foldable devices, or perhaps in the fall when they typically launch the new FE devices. Samsung has shown off Project Moohan a handful of times already, including at Unpacked in January and again at Mobile World Congress in March. But we still dont have an official name for the headset. We also have very few details on this headset, other than the fact they are working with Qualcomm and Google on Android XR. So its likely running on one of Qualcomms XR chipsets. XREAL is joining the Android XR family XREAL also announced today that it will be making an Android XR device, called Project Aura. This is going to be a portable and tethered device that would give users access to their favorite Android apps, including those that have been built for Android XR. The company isnt revealing a lot about these XR Glasses just yet, but XREAL did say they would release more details next month at the Augmented World Expo. Project Aura will launch as a developer edition, this is specifically so that developers can start creating and experimenting with different apps for XR on glasses. Google also released Android XRs Developer Preview 2 today, with loads of updates to the APIs and making tools much easier to use to build for Android XR. It is also getting the Play Store ready to host Android XR apps, with 2D apps that are supported on Android XR also being highlighted. Google Meet has just become a lot more appealing, all because of one feature Google just added. During Google I/O 2025, the company announced that real-time speech translation is coming to Google Meet. Google Meet is getting real-time speech translation You can now easily talk to people who dont speak your language via Google Meet. Needless to say, its one of the coolest features the app has to offer. Do note that the feature is available to subscribers only, though. Another thing to note is that only English and Spanish are available now, but you wont have to wait long for more languages. Google said that support for more languages will be rolling out in the coming weeks. This feature will be coming to enterprises later this year. Only Spanish and English are supported for now, but in a couple of weeks, that will change Google did not say support for what languages is coming in the coming weeks, though. So, we can only guess at this point. Either way, support for German, Italian, and French is probably around the corner, along with a number of other languages. In the demo that Google showed during the Google I/O 2025 keynote, the feature worked really well. This could be a really powerful tool for a number of scenarios, and the first one that came to my mind is business, of course. Youll be able to talk to your business partners with ease through Google Meet, even if there is a language barrier. This will come especially handy if one of the two sides doesnt know English all that well. Setting up new projects and partnerships will be much easier. The feature will hopefully work as well in practice as it did in Googles demo. It also remains to be seen if other languages will be as well-supported as Spanish is, of course. Google has a lot of experience with this, so our expectations are high. As many of you know, today is Google day, in a way. Google I/O 2025, aka Googles annual developer conference for this year, is taking place. If youd like to watch Google I/O 2025 live, youre in the right place. The Google I/O 2025 will kick off today, and you can watch the keynote live As is the case every year, Google will livestream this one as well. The event will take place at 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST / 7 PM CET / 6 PM BST. As per usual, it will be hosted by Google over at Mountain View in California. The event will be livestreamed via YouTube, as you could have guessed. The livestream link has been embedded below. You can also access the same link via Googles official IO website, of course. What are we going to see at Google I/O 2025? Google will share a ton of stats regarding its products and services, along with updates on what the company is working on currently. That is the most important part for us, and all that will be announced during the keynote. Google will also host separate developer sessions for different products There will be additional sessions for different company products, such as Android, but the keynote is what most of you should focus on. Well follow up with more information from said sessions in follow-up articles. Google did host a pre-recorded Android show last week, so it may not talk about Android as much during the keynote. That 20-minute video talked a lot about Android 16s Material 3 Expressive revamp. Google will likely focus more on the development side of things. So, developments in Chrome, Google Play, Gemini, and more. Were also expected to hear more information about Android XR glasses and updates on various Google services/apps. You can learn more about Google I/O 2025 by clicking here. Motorola and Verizon have delayed the release of the Razr 2025, pushing back its launch date and forcing customers to wait a little bit longer before they can purchase the new phone. When Motorola announced the new 2025 Razr lineup earlier this month, the company said that the phones would be launching on May 15. That was initially the case with carriers in the US, including Verizon. However, Verizon and Motorola have now confirmed that the phone launch will take place at a later date. The Motorola Razr 2025 comes in three different models. This includes the Razr 2025, the Razr Plus 2025, and the Razr Ultra 2025. All of which were supposed to be available at Verizon last Thursday. Verizon also initially listed the May 15 date in its blog post about carrying the phone. Verizon has delayed the Motorola Razr 2025 until May 22 If youre looking to get your hands on one of the three new Razr phones at Verizon, youll have to wait until this coming Thursday, May 22. Motorola confirmed the delay in a statement to 9To5Google. Verizon, for its part, has also updated its original blog post with the new launch date. Beyond this, theres no information available as to the reason for the delay. Motorola does state that Verizon is still carrying the phone. With regard to the delay, however, it merely says the timeline of the launch was adjusted so that Verizon could provide the best possible launch experience for their customers. While that non-answer probably isnt what customers want to hear, its something. And if nothing else, its a confirmation that the phone is still on the way. It was just pushed back one week. The phone will be available online and in stores at Verizon and its MVNOs Although the launch date has changed, where you can buy the phone has not. Verizon confirms that it will be selling the new Razr 2025 lineup at its own stores. Customers will be able to pick up the phone online and in physical Verizon stores, so you can walk out with it or have it delivered. Whatever strikes your fancy. The phone will also be coming to Visible, Straight Talk, and Total Wireless, and will be available in stores and online at these carriers as well. A key witness stared down Harvey Weinstein and pointed sharply at him as she left court in tears, marking one of the most heated moments of the former studio boss sex crimes retrial. The confrontational moment came after Jessica Mann described Weinstein grabbing, dragging, forcefully undressing and raping her in a Beverly Hills, California, hotel room around the beginning of 2014, after she told him she was dating someone else. You owe me one more time, Weinstein bellowed, according to Ms Mann, who wiped her eyes and took heaving breaths as she testified. Weinstein who denies ever raping or sexually assaulting anyone briefly shook his head as he watched from the defence table. After Ms Mann finished her narrative, she continued crying and did not answer when a prosecutor asked whether she needed a break. Judge Curtis Farber called for one. Jessica Mann arrives to testify in Harvey Weinsteins trial (Stefan Jeremiah/AP) When Ms Mann passed the defence table on her way out, she turned toward the seated Weinstein, aimed a finger at her eyes and then at him. It was not clear how many jurors saw the gesture, and Ms Mann did not respond to a question outside court about what she meant to convey. After they left, Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala made the latest of more than a half-dozen requests for a mistrial. He cited Ms Manns gesticulation, questioned her displays of emotion and complained that she should not have been asked about the alleged Los Angeles rape, as Weinstein is not actually charged with it. The Oscar-winning producer is charged with raping Ms Mann on another occasion, in 2013 in New York, and forcing oral sex on two other women separately in 2006. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Mr Farber denied the mistrial request. He ruled before the trial that Ms Mann and the other two women could put the charges in the context of their other interactions with Weinstein, including other times when he allegedly made unwanted advances. As for Ms Manns gesture, I cant control what people do in the courtroom nor what jurors may make of it, Mr Farber said, suggesting that Ms Mann be told not to make any more such moves. The judge noted that he had also seen Weinstein react visibly and mutter at times during the trial. Harvey Weinstein (Curtis Means/Pool Photo via AP) Ms Mann returned to the witness stand without looking at Weinstein, who watched her stone-faced. She resumed testifying through an edgy morning. This is my response, she interjected at one point when Mr Aidala raised a legal objection to her answer to a prosecutors question. Mr Aidala has not yet has his turn to question Ms Mann, 39, about her fraught and complex history with Weinstein, 73. During an opening statement last month, the attorney portrayed her as an aspiring actor who had only willing sexual encounters with a Hollywood bigwig she thought could help her. A cosmetologist and hairstylist, she met Weinstein socially in Los Angeles more than a decade ago, when she was trying to get acting work. Ms Mann said she had a consensual, on-and-off relationship with the then-married Weinstein, but that he was volatile and violated her if she refused him. Weinstein went from movie mogul to #MeToo pariah in 2017, after allegations emerged that he had sexually harassed and sexually abused women for years. He was later convicted of various sex crimes in both New York and California, but his New York conviction was later overturned, leading to the retrial. The proceedings have been graphic, exhaustively detailed and tense at times as his accusers underwent days of questioning. One of them, Miriam Haley, cursed at Weinstein from the witness stand. Another, Kaja Sokola, was dismayed by questions about her private journal, which Weinsteins lawyers had gotten without her knowledge. Israel has escalated its war in Gaza by launching a fresh offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory - Abed Rahim Khatib A British surgeon working in hospitals caught in the middle of Israels new Gaza offensive said air strikes were shredding people to pieces. Tom Potokar, a plastic surgeon stationed in southern Gaza with the charity Ideals, told The Telegraph he was working in the Strips European Hospital when it was hit by Israeli bombs. Israel has escalated its war in Gaza by launching a fresh offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory, which it announced on Sunday, triggering international outrage. Hundreds of people have been killed in recent days, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli tanks have rolled into the Strip, air strikes have intensified and thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes by Israeli displacement orders. Speaking from the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, where he is now stationed, Dr Potokar said: You have to consider that the Gaza Strip is, geographically, a very small area and yet there are nearly two million people living here. So when you drop ordnance with the amounts being used and the type of weapons being used in such a small, densely populated area you are literally shredding people to pieces. Dr Tom Potokar (right) performs surgery to repair the nerves of a two-year-old who was hit by shrapnel - Dr Tom Potokar The 61-year-old surgeon, who previously worked as a consultant at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery in Swansea before becoming a voluntary independent humanitarian surgeon, said he had moved hospital three times in the past week amid ongoing Israeli bombardments. Recalling the massive air strike on the Gaza European Hospital, he said: It is difficult to imagine how human beings can treat other human beings in this way. To see children particularly with horrific injuries and amputations, to see pregnant women requiring major surgery its absolute brutality. The Israeli air force said the target of the strike was an alleged Hamas command centre situated underneath the hospital, with defence sources claiming Mohammed Sinwar, the organisations leader, may have been killed in the attack. But the strikes on Gazas hospitals have drawn criticism from humanitarian organisations, with the UN Human Rights Office and Human Rights Watch warning the campaign is pushing the healthcare system in the enclave to the brink of collapse. Rights groups have also warned of famine, as aid continues to be blocked by Israel. Dr Potokar evacuated the European facility on Thursday morning and headed to Nasser Hospital, where he stayed for two days, before being transferred to the nearby Al-Amal Hospital, where there was no plastic surgeon onsite. The doctor says he was also caught up in an air strike near the Al-Amal facility, with the strength of the blast causing a piece of shrapnel to narrowly miss the entrance to the emergency department. It was around 6am and a massive strike happened about 400 metres from the hospital, with heavy machine gun fire and helicopters. Thankfully, there were no casualties in the hospital, but a huge piece of shrapnel landed in front of the emergency room. Credit: Gaza European Hospital/Dr. Tom Potokar Israel announced the start of the latest ground offensive in a statement on Sunday, saying it had already struck 670 Hamas terror targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. On Monday, the army ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, where Israel carried out a massive operation earlier in the war that left much of the area in ruins. It follows a more than two-month blockade on Gaza after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down amid accusations the organisation was stealing supplies. But Israel has faced growing international pressure in recent weeks, including from the US, to agree to a temporary armistice and allow aid into the region. In a rare US intervention, Donald Trump, the US president, warned that Gazans were starving last week as a result of the humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. We are looking at Gaza, were gonna get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving. Theres a lot of bad things going on, the US president said on Friday as he concluded a tour of the Middle East that took in several Gulf countries but excluded Israel. Damage from an Israeli airstrike outside the Gaza European Hospital in eastern Khan Younis - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg Commenting on Mr Trumps visit to the Gulf, Dr Potokar said many in the enclave were hopeful that the president would intervene and were left bitterly disappointed after he signed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. People were very optimistic of Trumps visit, everyone really thought that he might do something. But what did it do? It sold billions worth of arms deals. Its not humanity; its just money and power. He continued: What is the West doing, what is the rest of the world doing churning out press statement after press statement but nothing is changing. This will be a stain on humanity when people look back in years to come, when we say, How did we allow this to happen? Weve been here before and no lessons are being learnt. The killing goes on, the slaughter goes on and these are people like you and me. Since the end of the ceasefire in March, at least 3,131 Palestinians have been killed and more than 8,600 injured, the Gaza ministry of health has said. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, signalled on Sunday that he was open to making a deal with Hamas, saying his negotiation team would exhaust every possibility in an effort to end the fighting. Jimmy Lai is currently being held in solitary confinement - Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images Suella Braverman has called on China to immediately release Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned Hong Kong businessman, after meeting his son in Westminster. The former home secretary criticised his ongoing detention as she accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of behaving like a gangster regime crushing free speech. Mrs Braverman also said the UK Governments approach towards China was incoherently dangerous and claimed it was kowtowing to Beijing. Mr Lai, who founded Hong Kongs popular newspaper Apple Daily and media company Next Digital, has been a British national since 1996. Following the meeting, his son Sebastien Lai said: As my 77-year-old father faces another brutal Hong Kong summer in a concrete cell, I urge the UK Government and all parliamentarians to do more to secure his immediate and unconditional release. My father is a man of extraordinary courage and principle. Someone we are proud to be able to call a British citizen. Its time for his Government to honour his bravery by standing up for the values we all share and demanding his freedom before it is too late. The time for fine words is over we need urgent action. Suella Braverman described the businessmans ongoing detention as an international outrage - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph A prominent critic of the CCP, Mr Lai was arrested in August 2020 by Hong Kong police on charges of violating the territorys new national security law. He was further charged with fraud and organising illegal protests. The businessman has been in prison for more than four years and is currently being held in solitary confinement. Weak, inconsistent and submissive Mrs Braverman said: Jimmy Lais continued detention is an international outrage. He is behind bars not for any crime, but for his unflinching commitment to freedom, democracy and the truth. Now, it is time for the UK parliament to unite and stand up for him, just as he stood up for our shared values. The CCP is behaving like a gangster regime, threatening democracy, crushing free speech and waging a sustained assault on political dissent. From the genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang to the suppression of journalists and opponents, we are witnessing the CCP trample on the very principles of the international rules-based order. Weve seen this dark path before in history and we must not look away in silence. She added: If the Prime Minister still held the convictions of a human rights lawyer, I have no doubt he would be acting on behalf of the Lai family. Why the silence now? This Governments approach to China is incoherently dangerous, complacent, weak, inconsistent and submissive. Whether its approving a Chinese spy-centre in the heart of London, appeasement over the Chagos Islands, or the failure to list China on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, Labour continues to kowtow to Beijing. The Foreign Secretary once said he would stand up to China. Now is the time to prove it. A stretch of bridge in Madera County built to carry the California High-Speed Rail which Donald Trump has said may be the worst managed project he has ever seen The latest broadside in the seemingly unending war between President Trump and California Governor Newsom came with a presidential attack on the states long-delayed, over-budget high-speed rail project. Trump, who seems determined to stop federal funding for the project, even suggested that its dire problems will pose a challenge for Newsom as he gets ready for a run for the 2028 Democratic nomination. If Newsom were prone to self-reflection, hed admit that the line intended to connect LA and San Francisco is an embarrassment. The rail authority estimated in 2008, when voters approved $9 billion for the system, that it would cost $33 billion and start running by 2020. The projected cost has since ballooned to over $100 billion. Governing magazine, hardly a voice for less public spending, placed the blame largely on incompetence uncoordinated planning that ignored basic construction logistics and bent to the need to please political factions. Indeed, the route was in large part sold to people in the states hard-pressed interior as an economic boon, which ignores the nature of the area, whose economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing and oil. Wider truck lines for congested freeways would make far more economic sense. Many projects go over budget, but, as the president has suggested, for once plausibly, the California high-speed train may be the worst managed project hed ever seen. Even progressives are aware of this failure. The first to jump off the train, so to speak, was Kevin Drum at Mother Jones a decade ago, who called the project ridiculous. He assaulted the cost overruns and absurd ridership projections. The projected cost of the high-speed railway has ballooned to over $100 billion - Godofredo A. VAsquez More recently, the train was singled out for infamy by the authors of Abundance. This new progressive bible, which embraces all the memes of the Left, for example on urban density and climate, expresses horror at how the train has been delayed and has escalated in cost. Today, even Democrats like former California State Speaker Anthony Rendon admit that there is no confidence in the project and have been far from anxious to pour more good money after bad. Unless there is an unanticipated flow of state funds, the Legislative Analysts Office suggests that the project could grind to a halt within 15 months. There is now only enough money, and perhaps not even that, for a line from agriculture and oil-dominated Bakersfield to even more rustic Merced. Not exactly the glamorous LA-San Francisco route originally mooted, much less something to rival the lines connecting Tokyo to Osaka or Paris to Lyon. Despite being described by Hoover Institute economist Lee Ohanian as the greatest infrastructure failure in the history of the country, the California disaster does admittedly have a great deal of competition. A similar pattern can be seen in the slow pace of repairs to the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimores Harbour. Bostons Big Dig (Central Artery/Tunnel Project) was plagued by cost overruns and delays, eventually coming in at nearly $25 billion, $10 billion more than previously reported. In fact, the entire transit industry, a favourite target for investment among progressives and greens, is stymied by what the Marron Institute at New York University found were among the highest transit-infrastructure costs in the world far higher than not only China, which can ascribe to less cumbersome processes, but the likes of Sweden, Italy, and Turkey as well. Phase one of New Yorks Second Avenue Subway, Marron notes, clocked in at 8 to 12 times more expensive than what the international analysis suggested should be the baseline cost, reflecting strict overtime rules, local union agreements that limit the available labour pools geographically, and an unwillingness to address staffing and labour agreements. But even in this world of lavish overruns, Newsoms California stands in a league of its own. Back in 2015, UC Berkeley scholar Karen Trapenberg Frick outlined how the cost of replacing the eastern section of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge rose from an estimated price of $250 million in 1995 to $6.5 billion by September 2013. This was in part due to political pressures from elected officials, according to a report prepared for a state Senate committee. But nothing quite matches the incompetence and overspending of Newsoms choo-choo. It has likely undermined support for building a national network of high-speed trains, something promoted in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal. Donald Trump is determined to stop federal funding for the project Despite the green visions, high-speed trains seem a bit of a step back the St Louis Post-Dispatch labelled them a bridge to the 19th century. In a world where most people drive, and many commute from home, the idea of sinking tens of billions into high-speed projects seems a poor bet, as Britain has already found with the cancellation of large parts of the HS2 project. Even in China, where political opposition is verboten, the choo-choos have been plagued by corruption, rising costs and massive indebtedness. Under Biden, Newsom enjoyed large lumps of gravy for his train, but under Trump, he is now likely to have to choose between funding the money-mad rail network or doing such basic things as balancing his budget and facing Californias gargantuan public employee pension costs, as well as paying for healthcare for the states estimated 2.5 million undocumented immigrants. The overpriced choo-choo reflects the ultimate dilemma for Democrats like Newsom. In the 1930s and 1940, under Democrats, American ingenuity produced the infrastructure that underpinned the worlds largest industrial economy the Hoover Dam, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and countless bridges, roads, and other critical infrastructure. Todays presumed heirs of FDR still talk big about infrastructure, but are loath to offend public unions, green lobby groups and progressive non-profits. Most of the successful case studies on infrastructure come from red states like Florida, which built its new train lines at something approaching original costs and deadlines. If you want to advocate for more government, perhaps its best to prove that you can do this efficiently. Newsoms high-speed rail line proves that, for now, the progressives are prisoners of their own massive incompetence. Joel Kotkin is presidential fellow in urban futures at Chapman University and senior research fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas King Charles III attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 17 May. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA King Charless visit to Canada will reinforce the countrys sovereignty against threats from Donald Trump, the Canadian high commissioner in the UK has said. Ralph Goodale reiterated his countrys independence as Charles and Camilla visited Canada House in central London on Tuesday ahead of their trip to Ottawa later this month. Speaking about Trumps repeated suggestions that Canada could become the 51st state, Goodale told journalists that the kings visit will show Canada is the true north, strong and free and we will stay that way. Charles will open a session of the Canadian parliament on 27 May the first time a monarch has done so since 1957. The visit comes after the election of Mark Carney a former governor of the banks of Canada and England as Canadian prime minister, amid a wave of anti-Trump sentiment. Its a very important opportunity for His Majesty to be in a forum where he will have the opportunity to speak to Canadians at a time when that message about the significance and the strength of Canadian sovereignty needs to be reinforced by every means possible, Goodale said. The prime minister has made it clear that Canada is not for sale now, is not for sale ever. The king, as head of state, will reinforce the power and the strength of that message. As Charles undertakes his duties as head of state of Canada, he is also playing a role in Keir Starmers attempt to maintain strong relations with the US. Charles is expected to host Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, after Starmer handed the president an invitation letter from Charles at the White House in February. Carney has criticised that invitation, saying it cut across messages his government is trying to send to the White House in response to threats against Canadian sovereignty. He said Canadians werent impressed by the gesture given the circumstance. Goodale told the UKs PA news agency that Carneys words were direct and very accurate. He said: The prime minister was asked the clear, direct question: what do Canadians think? He answered it very directly and very accurately as an assessment of what Canadian public opinion was at that time. The monarchs arrival at the high commission marked the 100th anniversary of Canada House in London. The king and queen will visit Ottawa from 26 May to 27 May 2025. The visit will be Charless first to Canada as sovereign. He will hold audiences with the governor general and Carney before a short ceremony to swear in the queen as a member of the Canadian privy council. He will attend the state opening of parliament accompanied by the queen. During the ceremony, he will deliver the speech from the throne to the Senate Chamber. The occasion will be only the second time that the sovereign has opened a parliament, following Queen Elizabeth II opening the 23rd Canadian parliament in October 1957, and the third time a sovereign has delivered a speech from the throne. A BBC programme which aired a claim that Gerry Adams sanctioned the killing of a spy would probably not have breached broadcasting regulations and was not unfair or unjust, a media expert has told a court. Chris Banatvala, who drew up the UKs broadcasting rules for Ofcom and was its founding director of standards, compiled a report based on a programme which claimed that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. Mr Banatvala, who is an independent and media consultant, said that in his conclusion it is his view that the programme would probably not have been found to breach Ofcoms broadcasting rules, and was not unfair or unjust. Mr Adams has claimed that the BBC Spotlight programme, as well as an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of Mr Donaldson. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams claims he was defamed (Brian Lawless/PA) He denies any involvement. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in 2006, months after admitting he was a police and MI5 agent for 20 years. In 2009, the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing, and the Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016 while a garda investigation into the matter was ongoing. In the programme, an anonymous source identified as Martin, who says he was an informant for Special Branch within the IRA, claimed that the shooting was sanctioned by the political and military leadership of the IRA and that Mr Adams gives the final say. The BBC has said the claim was corroborated by five other sources. The High Court in Dublin heard that he was asked to assess and produce a report on the programme by solicitors for the BBC. He said: What I have written is, on balance, given the significant public interest, what information is already in the public domain about Gerry Adams, the fact that the BBC reasonably believed its primary source, Martin, to be credible and reliable, that the BBC had corroborative evidence from other credible and multiple sources. It was couched in terms of allegations, there was an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond, the programme would probably not be found in breach and not be unfair or unjust to Mr Adams. He said that Ofcom is not a fact-finding tribunal. It is not there to decide whether or not this allegation is true. What it is there to decide was whether making that claim was unfair to Mr Adams, given all the circumstances and the programme as broadcast, he added. He also said that the allegation was of high public interest. Its of high public interest because it concerns a then elected politician, an allegation of serious misconduct, of potentially sanctioning a murder at a time when the IRA had a ceasefire, where the political progress had moved towards peace, and he was responsible, allegedly, for sanctioning the killing of an informant. You couldnt get a more serious allegation or something of greater interest to the public. In his report, he stated that an allegation that an elected figure sanctioned the killing of an informant in the context of that political environment is of the highest public interest. He also said the more serious an allegation is, the better the investigation should be. Mr Banatvala added: I understand that people have made allegations that he (Mr Adams) was on the IRA army council, and hes always denied it. I also understand that he has an alleged paramilitary background, and he sanctioned murders. I also know that hes vehemently denied that that Ive known for the last 10 or 20 years. That does not mean that you can make any allegation against any person. Youve got to have the evidence, youve got to have your sources, but that is the background in which you have to make that particular judgment on that particular issue. I think the programme is quite clear that it explains that the programme is based on a number of sources, whether that is security forces, police forces, etc. With regard to the allegation against Mr Adams, post transmission correspondence is clear that the BBC claims to have multiple credible other sources. I think it would have been helpful for the audience to have understood that, it would have perhaps given greater veracity to the story. Mr Adams vehemently denies the allegations, the court heard (Brian Lawless/PA) Having said that, I dont believe that that within itself would cause unfairness to Mr Adams. Ironically, you could argue that, saying that there are more sources out there that agree with that claim, you could say that actually that does potentially more damage to potential unfairness to Mr Adams, because it only reinforces the allegation. So it works both ways. Mr Banatvala said it was also important to assess whether or not the BBC states as a matter of fact that Mr Adams sanctioned the murder, or whether it put it in the words of an allegation. Obviously, if they state it as fact, that means that it needs an awful lot of particular evidence that you can prove it. If you state it as an allegation, something that you have heard, you think is credible, you think its in the public interest to transmit, but you cannot guarantee that its true, he added. If you take that in the round and the programme, and the fact there are sources, I think its very evident on this particular point that it was couched in the terms of allegation. Mr Banatvala also said that Mr Adams was given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to the allegations. During cross-examination by Mr Adams barrister, Tom Hogan SC, Mr Banatvala said the BBC programme had not portrayed the material from its anonymous source as a fact, and rather as an allegation. He said that was a subtle distinction. Mr Hogan rejected that assertion, insisting that the documentary had presented the claim about Mr Adams sanctioning the murder as fact. I respectfully disagree, replied the witness. Mr Hogan then asked Mr Banatvala if it was unusual for a programmes editor not to be involved in engagement with Ofcom when it was investigating a complaint. The barrister noted that Spotlights then editor Jeremy Adams was not listed as a witness in the High Court case. Mr Banatvala replied: I believe hes no longer at the BBC. The trial continues. Sean Diddy Combs demanded 20,000 dollars (14,962) from Casandra Cassie Venturas mother and threatened to release explicit sex tapes of his longtime girlfriend when he became angry that she was dating someone else, her mother told the hip-hop moguls sex trafficking trial. Regina Ventura said she felt physically sick when she received an email from Cassie in late 2011 saying Combs was planning to release two explicit videos of her and send someone to hurt her and the man she was seeing, rapper Kid Cudi. I did not understand a lot of it. The sex tapes threw me, Ms Ventura told the Manhattan federal court. Ms Ventura, from Connecticut, said she then received a demand from Combs for 20,000 dollars to recoup money he had spent on her because he was unhappy she was in a relationship with Kid Cudi. He was angry that he had spent money on her and she went with another person, she said. Ms Ventura said she used a home equity loan to make the payment because I was scared for my daughters safety. Days later, she said, the money was returned, and before long, Cassie was dating Combs again. Ms Ventura was in the witness box for less than half an hour, in part because defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo declined to cross-examine her. During her evidence, the jury was shown photographs of bruises on Cassies body that Ms Ventura said were taken when her daughter came home for Christmas in 2011. Before the jury arrived on Tuesday, Mr Agnifilo tried to persuade Judge Arun Subramanian to disallow the evidence, saying it was purely prejudicial because it illustrated the wide difference between the financial status of the Ventura family and Combs. The judge allowed it though, saying the threats to release sex tapes and harm Cassie made it an instance of potential extortion. The testimony came during the second week of the trial, which is scheduled to last up to two months. If convicted of the charges he faces, including racketeering, the Bad Boy Records founder could be sentenced to at least 15 years in prison. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he used threats and his powerful position in the hip-hop world to abuse women and others, and force Cassie to take part in drug-fuelled sexual performances with other men that she said left her too drained to pursue her singing career. Former assistant to Sean Combs, David James, gave evidence on Monday (Elizabeth Williams via AP) Earlier on Tuesday, David James, Combs personal assistant from 2007 to 2009, told the court that the job that seemed to come with increasing perils. He said he leave his job when he realised that his life had been put in danger after he was forced to drive a car in which an angry Combs sat in the back seat with three handguns on his lap. Mr James said his job sometimes required him to ensure that hotel rooms where Combs stayed under the name Frank Black were stocked with the musicians comforts, including fresh underwear, an iPod, apple sauce, vodka, baby oil, Viagra and condoms. There were also surprising moments, Mr James said, including one in 2008 when Combs asked him to bring an iPod from his Miami home to a hotel room. Upon entering, Mr James said he saw Cassie on the bed with a white comforter pulled up to her neck and an unfamiliar naked man running from the room. Another time, he said Combs summoned him to his office to show him video he had recorded at a party of James dancing wildly and told him: Ok, Im going to keep this footage in case I ever need it. Mr James said he took it as a threat to keep him in line. Cassie gave evidence last week that Combs threatened to release videos of her having sex with male sex workers during so-called freak-offs Combs orchestrated if she did not do as he said. Mr James also described being required to take lie detector tests twice when Combs was trying to find out who stole cash in one instance and a watch in another. He said Combs was on drugs nearly every day, often taking Percocet by day and ecstasy by night. When he stocked Combs hotel rooms, he said, drugs were in a bag dropped off by security, including a pill meant to look like then-president Barack Obama. The moment when Mr James saw the three guns on Combs lap came when he testified that he was involved in Combs attempt to confront his music industry rival Suge Knight at a Los Angeles diner in November 2008 an incident that Cassie also spoke about. He said he quit soon afterwards. I was real shook up by it, Mr James said. This was the first time being Mr Combs assistant that I realised my life was in danger. Before Tuesdays lunch break, Sharay Hayes, an exotic dancer known as The Punisher, gave evidence that Combs and Cassie brought him into the freak-offs world. He said a woman Cassie using a pseudonym called and told him it was her birthday and that her husband said she should hire a dancer. Mr Hayes said he arrived at a Manhattan hotel room expecting to perform a striptease for a small group of people but instead found the woman who hired him whom he later found out was Cassie alone with an otherwise naked man who hid his face with a burqa-like cloth. That man, he said, turned out to be Combs. Hayes recalled seeing bottles of baby oil in bowls of water and getting handed a stack of 800 dollars (600) in cash. Later, after Combs watched him have a sexual encounter with Cassie, he said he was handed an additional 1,200 dollars (897). He said he was a fan of Combs but did not realise it was him in the room until a subsequent encounter at another hotel where the message on the TV screen said: Essex House would like to welcome Mr Sean Combs. Jurors also saw parts of two AR-15 rifles that federal agents found last year while searching Combs mansion on Star Island, a celebrity enclave off Miami. Special agent Gerard Gannon, of Homeland Security Investigations, said in evidence that agents executing a search warrant for the property in March 2024 used an armoured vehicle to bust through Combs security gate and had teams on boats nearby. In addition to weapons, he said they found platform high heels and items that prosecutors say Combs frequently used during his freak-off sex marathons, including lingerie, sex toys, baby oil, lubricant and condoms. Crime bosses are to face new court-ordered curbs to prevent them running criminal empires from their prison cells. An independent review into sentencing will recommend on Thursday that criminals should be subject to court orders to this effect while still in prison. National Crime Agency and police investigators would be able to open up their bank accounts, ban contact with named associates and intercept communications. These serious crime prevention orders (SCPOs) would also force criminals to reveal any documents or answer any questions, including names of associates, asked by investigating officers. If they were found to have breached the orders, they could face up to five years extra in jail. At present, SCPOs can only last for a maximum of five years and do not kick in until after a criminal is released from prison. David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary, believes that as well as disrupting their crime business, the orders could provide police officers with leads and insights into the jailed bosses criminal networks. David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary, says crime must not pay - David Mirzoeff/PA The moves will be allied to a new criminal receivership scheme to expand the powers of law enforcement to seize and sell all the assets of offenders who have made millions from their criminal enterprises. Mr Gauke said: Serious and organised criminals should not be able to run a criminal enterprise from prison, nor return to a life of wealth when they are released. Put simply, crime must not pay. The Government should strengthen existing financial monitoring tools, and consider a new system to enable them to seize all assets to effectively punish offenders who have benefited from a life of crime. Ministers are concerned that confiscation orders, meant to take back money made from crime, are not working as well as they should. While there is thought to be a pile of potential criminal assets worth more than 2.7 billion, only around 214 million is currently considered recoverable. Under the receivership scheme, a court-appointed receiver would be able to take control of any criminals money and property to make them pay back for their crimes. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, says drug drones in prison airspace threatens national security - Andrew Crowley Unlike current orders, all assets, both legally and illegally earned over the course of an offenders life, would be covered. It would be a form of criminal bankruptcy, without offering any debt relief, making it a deliberately severe and uncompromising form of punishment. Crime bosses inside jail are known to control much of the sale and flow of drugs into jails, much of it imported by drones, because of the huge profits to be made from dealing in prisons. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, said even high-security jails have ceded their air space to drug drones in a move that threatens national security. The proposed crackdown comes alongside proposals, revealed this week by The Telegraph, to deport foreign offenders as soon as they are convicted in a bid to tackle prison overcrowding. Burglars, drug dealers and offenders convicted of assault who have been sentenced to less than three years in prison will be removed from the UK as soon as operationally possible rather than serving their time in Britain, as is currently the case. The sentencing review aims to enable the Government to avoid running out of prison cells, with forecasts that it will be 9,500 spaces short by spring 2026, even with its 4.7 billion prison-building programme. Other measures to be recommended include the release of prisoners as little as a third of the way through their sentences if they behave well, as revealed last week by The Telegraph. There will also be a presumption against sending criminals to jail for under one year and greater use of community punishments, with a major expansion of electronic tagging to create digital prisons outside of prisons. As traditional gender roles around parenting shift, the UKs outdated parental leave system is falling behind. British fathers get the worst deal in Europe, with just two weeks off at pay that amounts to less than half the minimum wage. In a bid to demand change, fathers in the UK will host the worlds first-ever dad strike in June. Organised by the campaign group the Dad Shift, fathers and non-birthing parents across the UK will request time off from work to protest outside government buildings in London and Edinburgh, calling for stronger and fairer parental leave policies. Offering adequate paternity leave isnt just a nice-to-have. Enabling fathers and partners to spend time with their children in the first year of life has been shown to improve the mental and physical health of mothers, narrow the gender gap and improve educational outcomes for children. Paid leave also helps parents share the responsibilities of childcare more equally, leading to lasting benefits for mothers' careers, health and overall wellbeing. Despite this, new fathers in the UK are entitled to only two weeks paternity leave at 187.18 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings whichever is lower. This is less than half of the national living wage for a standard 35-hour working week. Read more: How inadequate maternity leave harms mothers wellbeing Comparatively, Norway gives fathers 15 weeks of parental leave, paid at more than 90% of the average salary, while parents in Sweden are given 480 days of paid parental leave between them at up to 80% of their salary. In Lithuania, fathers are entitled to 30 days of paid paternity leave, paid at 77.58% of their salary. So why is paternity leave so poor in Britain and what will it take for the UK to catch up with the rest of Europe? "This isn't about our values as a country this is a problem of political inaction, says Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of the Dad Shift. Ninety per cent of fathers agree that 'dads today want to be a bigger part of their kids' lives,' and 82% of people believe it's better when both parents have equal opportunities to be involved in childcare. Our ideas about parenting have evolved like their countries, but our policies haven't. In April, it emerged that the promised day one right to paternity leave would not include the right to statutory pay under Labours flagship employment rights bill. So for dads to be eligible for paternity pay, they will still need to have worked for the same employer for at least six months up to the qualifying week 15 weeks before the baby is due. Self-employed fathers are locked out of any kind of financial support entirely. Fathers 'seen as supporting actors, not equal parents' Harriet Morton-Liddle, co-founder of Nugget Savings, a platform that campaigns for parental leave transparency, says Britains approach to paternity leave reflects a legacy of outdated assumptions about who should care for children. Statutory paternity leave wasnt introduced until 2003 and in the 20 years since there have been no meaningful changes beyond minor tweaks to flexibility, she says. Even the language on the government website reveals how fathers are still viewed. It states that you may be eligible for leave because your partners having a baby not because youre becoming a parent. That one line captures the problem that fathers are seen as supporting actors, not equal parents. So far, broad policy efforts to increase paternal leave uptake, like shared parental leave introduced in 2015, have largely fallen short. When economists at the University of Bath and Cardiff University examined data from 40,000 households across the UK last year, they found shared leave hasnt affected the number of fathers taking leave, nor has it allowed fathers to take longer leave. A happy young man taking care of his newborn baby and little daughter indoors at home, paternity leave. (Halfpoint via Getty Images) International evidence shows that if we want fathers to take on more caregiving responsibilities, they need their own dedicated leave paid at a level that makes it financially feasible. In 2022, Finland overhauled its parental leave system, giving each parent an equal share: 160 days of paid leave to be used before the childs second birthday. Since then, the number of fathers taking paternity leave has nearly doubled. Offering similar in the UK could reform how we take and think about parental leave, bringing benefits for all parents, children and even employers. Regardless of what couples want, the current system means mothers are forced to become primary caregivers by default. One parent told us, 'we woke up one day and found ourselves in the 1950s, says Hunter. This in turn means many women lose out in their careers or face discrimination at work, with the 'motherhood penalty' now accounting for up to 75% of the gender pay gap. Fathers don't have fair chance to bond with children Currently, fathers arent given a fair opportunity to bond with their children during their early years. Instead, theyre forced to make an impossible choice between keeping their family afloat financially or being present for them. Fathers miss out on precious time bonding with their babies and supporting their partners recovery from childbirth, says Dr Jeremy Davies, deputy CEO & head of impact and communications at the Fatherhood Institute. Children, mothers and fathers themselves also lose out from lost opportunities for fathers to become skilled and equal caregivers throughout the babys first year which is when ongoing caring patterns are set, and father-child relationships built, he adds. This has implications for childrens emotional and learning outcomes in the longer term. And arguments that adequate paternity leave harms employers simply dont stand up. A 2023 qualitative study suggests offering fathers their own protected, paid leave would benefit their mental health, which in turn would likely boost morale, job satisfaction and retention. Read more: This is why more employers are introducing their own enhanced paternity leave policies, says Hunter. It's good business the idea that someone can return to work after just two weeks, sleep-deprived and with their life completely turned upside down, and be 100% productive is a complete fantasy, he explains. What happens instead is that fathers struggle in silence, and their mental health often suffers dramatically. Read more: How to speak to your boss about a women's health issue But, with only larger companies financially able to offer enhanced parental leave policies, a two-tier system is emerging. Employees at big firms may benefit from better-paid leave, while those working for smaller employers, or who are self-employed, are left with limited or no support. That's why government action is essential to ensure every father gets decent leave, not just those lucky enough to work for progressive employers, says Hunter. Whether the structural changes needed to fix the problem are put in place remains to be seen. But right now, paternity leave is treated as an optional extra not a basic right. It is completely out of step with how families live and work today, says Lucy Kemp, Future of Work and employee experience expert. When men are not supported to take time off, it reinforces the idea that childcare is a womens issue. That makes it harder for mothers to return and thrive at work. The best employers are the ones who treat parental leave as a core part of their culture, not a tick-box exercise. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. A nurse involved in the care of a deaf TikTok star who died after ingesting poison warned of a huge shortage of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters during an inquest into the death. Imogen Nunn, 25, died in Brighton, East Sussex, on New Years Day 2023 after taking a poisonous substance she ordered online. Ms Nunn, who was born deaf, raised awareness of hearing and mental health issues on her social media accounts, which attracted more than 780,000 followers. On Tuesday, the Inquest at West Sussex Coroners Court in Horsham were informed of a huge shortage in BSL interpreters from Carmen Jones, a nurse for the deaf adult community team (DACT) at South West London and St Georges NHS Trust. Just days before Ms Nunns death, she received a check-in visit at her home from care professionals after sending a text message saying she had had an increase in suicidal thoughts. No BSL interpreter was brought to the meeting as there was not enough time to arrange it, the court was told in March. Communicating through a BSL interpreter on Tuesday, Ms Jones said: There is a huge shortage of BSL interpreters. Even in my current job I still struggle to get interpreters for my role in my work and because Ive seen deaf patients requiring access to mental health teams, I see that they are also struggling. She told senior coroner Penelope Schofield it would be very difficult for a deaf person to communicate the crisis they were in without an interpreter. Its based around language, how can anyone understand another person if they dont share a language? Ms Jones added. Consultant psychiatrist Simon Baker, who visited Ms Nunn on 29 December 2022 at her home, previously told the court he was surprised how well the meeting had gone. The inquest into Ms Nunns death was previously adjourned for two months because there were no BSL interpreters available to translate for two members of DACT. This correlated with concerns noted in a prevention of future deaths report written by Ms Schofield regarding Ms Nunns care. It reads: During the course of the inquest (which has yet to be concluded), I heard evidence that there was a lack of availability of British Sign Language Interpreters able to help support deaf patients in the community who were being treated with mental health difficulties. This was particularly apparent when mental health staff were seeking an interpreter at short notice for a patient who was in crisis. The lack of interpreters available has meant that urgent assessments are being carried out with no interpreters present. The inquest continues on Wednesday morning. Donald Trump speaks alongside House speaker Mike Johnson in Washington DC - JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Donald Trump has told Republicans in Congress not to f--- around with his big, beautiful bill in a closed-door meeting to quash dissent. The US president met with GOP representatives on Tuesday, urging them to unite around the budget reconciliation bill which will be crucial to driving through his massive domestic programme. Dont f--- around with Medicaid, he told fiscal conservatives, who have pushed for cuts to the programme providing health insurance to low-income Americans, while urging moderates to drop their backing for tax relief. Tuesdays meeting was a test of Mr Trumps ability to enforce his will on Congress and unite warring factions of his party behind his big, beautiful bill on energy, tax and border security. Although he insisted before heading into the closed-doors gathering that the party was united behind his agenda barring one or two grandstanders, at least eight Republicans said immediately afterwards they were still opposed. Trump losing patience Republicans have a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives and can only afford to lose three votes if the bill is to pass through the chamber. While fiscal conservatives want Medicaid cuts to limit the growth of the deficit, other Republicans have warned it would hurt the partys popular appeal and see it lose control of the House in the mid-terms next year. A senior White House official said Mr Trump is losing patience with all holdout factions, according to The Wall Street Journal. A House Republican described the US presidents attitude: Hes done with this. Andy Harris of Maryland, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, which is pushing for Medicaid cuts, said he would not support the bill and that Republicans were a long ways away from a deal. Chip Roy, a Texas congressman and another member of the caucus, said the bill needed to deliver on the spending restraint and was not exactly where it needs to be, yet. Mr Trump pledged to oppose slashing the health insurance programme during his White House run last year, although he told Republicans on Tuesday that savings would be generated by addressing waste, fraud and abuse. Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves the House Republican meeting at the US Capitol on Tuesday - Andrew Harnik/2025 Getty Images Marjorie Taylor Greene, the hardline Republican from Georgia, was one of the staunchest defenders of protecting Medicaid. She has repeatedly warned her party that it risks losing touch with its base and on Tuesday told her colleagues that Mr Trump had not been elected to cut Medicaid, a source familiar with the meeting told The Telegraph. Writing in The New York Times last week, Josh Hawley, the Missouri senator, said slashing the health programme would be morally wrong and politically suicidal. It would mean workers and their children will lose their health care and end any chance of us becoming a working-class party, he argued. A White House spokesman said: President Trump and Republicans are protecting and preserving Medicaid for the Americans who the programme was intended to be a lifeline for: pregnant women, children, disabled individuals, and seniors. Analysis from the congressional budget office shows that 7.6 million people would lose their Medicaid coverage if the current House proposal becomes law. Warren Davidson, an ally of Mr Trumps, said he would vote against the bill as it stands because it grows the deficit this Congress. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimated that the bill as written would increase deficits by $3.8 trillion through to 2034. Im not going to budge Another point of contention is from moderate Republicans who want to raise the Salt cap, which limits the amount of state and local tax a taxpayer can write off. New York representatives who are pushing for an increase are said to be dismissive of House speaker Mike Johnsons attempts to seek a compromise, with congressman Mike Lawler calling his proposals insufficient. In his meeting, Mr Trump pushed the faction known as the Salt caucus to leave it alone and accept the latest offer from Mr Johnson, calling out Mr Lawler by name. While I respect the president, Im not going to budge, Mr Lawler told Politico afterwards. His allies, Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota, also indicated they would vote against the bill. Don Bacon, a moderate representing Nebraska, said he still had a few issues with the bill as it stood, including maintaining federal benefits for refugees, but believed a deal was very close. Before heading into the meeting, Mr Trump warned taxes would go up for American households if Congress failed to extend the breaks from his first term. He told reporters: What Republican would vote for that? Because they wouldnt be a Republican much longer. They would be knocked out so fast. Mr Trump went on to say Thomas Massie, one of the House Republicans expected to oppose his big, beautiful bill, should be voted out of office, and other holdouts should possibly face primary challenges. Mr Massie told Politico he was still opposed to the bill, adding: I dont think he [Mr Trump] wants to talk about cutting spending. People line up outside a bank to exchange dollars for Syrian pounds in the capital Damascus. The EU has eased restrictions on four banks. Photograph: Mohammed Al Rifai/EPA The EU has agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria in an effort to help the war-torn country recover after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. After the decision by EU foreign ministers on Tuesday, the EUs chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X: We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria. The move comes one week after Donald Trump announced that all US sanctions on Syria would be lifted, after he met the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and told the former jihadist he had an enormous opportunity. Speaking before the decision was formally approved, Kallas told reporters there had been some very intense discussions about lifting sanctions. She said: There are worries about whether the [Syrian] government is going [in] the right direction. But I think we dont have a choice. We either give them the possibility to stabilise the country or we dont do that, suggesting that failure to lift the sanctions could push Syria down a path similar to Afghanistan. After the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Afghanistans economy collapsed as the countrys central bank assets remained frozen, leaving ordinary people facing huge price increases for basic goods such as flour, rice and oil. The EU decision came as the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said Syria could be weeks away from another civil war of epic proportions, as he called for support to the transitional leadership. He told a US Senate hearing: It is our assessment that, frankly, the transitional authority, given the challenges theyre facing, are maybe weeks not many months away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions, basically the country splitting up. The EU dismissed suggestions its decision was a response to US policy. Just weeks after Sharaas forces ousted the Assad regime, the EU in February suspended sanctions targeting Syrias energy and transport industries and eased restrictions on four banks and an airline company in an attempt to get more money flowing through the financial system. Some member states argued those measures were not sufficient to stabilise the Syrian economy. But EU officials have been concerned about an upsurge in violence, with deadly clashes between Syrian security services and fighters loyal to the Assad regime. In March, more than 1,000 people, including 754 civilians, were killed during two days of clashes between security forces and fighters loyal to the former regime, according to an independent monitoring group. Last month, at least 16 people died after an attack on a security checkpoint by unknown gunmen and an attack on a Druze-majority suburb in Damascus. Relations between the Syrian government and the Druze community, an Arab religious minority of about 500,000 people, are already tense over negotiations about a future Syrian state. The EU has called on Syrias government to ensure a peaceful and inclusive transition. Germanys foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said in a written statement: The European Union wants to make a fresh start with Syria but we also expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population groups and religious groups. The family of a firefighter killed in a blaze at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire last week have paid tribute to her bravery and fearlessness as they described her as a force to be reckoned with. Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Councils Fire and Rescue Service, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday alongside fellow firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, and member of the public David Chester, 57. Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital in a stable condition, Thames Valley Police said. In a statement released by the force, Ms Logans mother, father and sister Emilie said: When Jennies pager went off, there was no stopping her. Never did we think that when running out the door last Thursday, to give it her all, like she always did, it would be for the final time. Her bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end. Our lives will never be the same, well miss her beautiful smile and zest for life. She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts. Jennie Logan, one of the two firefighters who were killed during the blaze (Bicester RUFC/PA) The family said Ms Logan was a much loved daughter and sister and mum to her dog Mouse. They added: We still cant believe well never see her again, driving around Bicester collecting her dogs, which were like a second family. Also, at such a young age, setting up her own dog business and making it such a success, was truly inspirational to us all. She found her calling three years ago when she joined the fire service where she could use her incredible strength and determination. Jennie was a force to be reckoned with but to everyone who knew her, she was such a loving, caring, thoughtful person, who would do anything and everything to help. She lived life at 100mph, juggling her business with her love for rugby, where she made some truly amazing friends. On Tuesday Thames Valley Police said the fire service had brought the fire under control and made the area safe. The force has taken over the scene and is investigating the cause, treating the deaths as unexplained. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: We have now taken primacy for the incident and our major crime unit is carrying out an unexplained death investigation. I want to reiterate that this is currently not a criminal investigation; however, we will follow the evidence as our inquiries continue. The building is currently being assessed by structural engineers to understand whether it is safe to allow our officers and partners to carry out examinations at the scene. We will be supported by the fire service in trying to establish the cause of the fire. The force said the fires major incident status had been removed and there is no information to suggest anyone else is in the building. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community. A family of professional travelling burglars who targeted the home of Premier League star Alexander Isak have been jailed. Siblings Valentino Nikolov, 32, Giacomo Nikolov, 28, and Jela Jovanovic, 43, as well as Jovanovics son Charlie Jovanovic, 23, travelled from Italy to the UK last year to commit carefully planned burglaries targeting high value properties, a court heard. Prosecutors said the gang arrived on a ferry to Dover and drove across the country, sleeping in a motorhome during their week-long crime spree. The three men would carry out the burglaries, wearing gloves and masks to cover their tracks, while Jela Jovanovic waited outside in a getaway car. Newcastle Crown Court heard they stole Mr Isaks car, jewellery worth 68,000 and up to 10,000 in cash when they burgled his home in Darras Hall, Northumberland, last April. Valentino Nikolov was jailed for 10 years on Tuesday, Giacomo Nikolov for eight years, Jela Jovanovic for seven years and two months, and Charlie Jovanovic for six years and nine months. Judge Robert Spragg said the sentences mean the defendants meet the Home Office criteria for automatic deportation. Valentino Nikolov, 32, was handed a 10-year prison term (North East Regional Organised Crime Unit/PA) Mr Isaks victim impact statement said he had been left with a sense of unease by the attack on his home, while a player liaison manager at Newcastle United said the club had been forced to invest in monitored alarm systems and security patrols following a spate of burglaries targeted at players. The court heard Newcastle United and Sweden forward Mr Isak had left his house between 4pm and 10pm on April 4, and discovered the break-in when he returned and saw his bins had been moved. Prosecutor Dan Cordey said mobile phone evidence showed the gang had been carrying out surveillance at the Newcastle United training ground in the two days leading up to the break-in to establish movements to and from the facility. The court heard the gang broke into Mr Isaks home through a glass door and carried out an untidy search of the property, taking cash, jewellery and an Audi RS6 estate car, which a member of the public later found abandoned. Mr Isak told detectives he kept cash in bags upstairs, made up of notes of varying denominations as well as coins, and the amount taken was between 5,000 and 10,000. He said bespoke mens jewellery from Frost of London worth about 68,000 made up of bracelets, necklaces and rings was taken. Giacomo Nikolov, 28, will spend eight years behind bars (North East Regional Organised Crime Unit/PA) Mr Cordey said the gang also took a safe left by the homes previous occupant, although it did not contain anything valuable. CCTV images of the break-in, recorded on a doggy cam, showed three masked men climb on to a first floor balcony and disappear from view, before a large black item was thrown from the balcony. In a victim impact statement read in court, Mr Isak said he had lived in the North East of England since August 2022 and had not experienced any problems in the first period of living there. He said: Things changed, however, on April 4 2024 when, following an evening at a colleagues house, I returned to my home to find I had been burgled and my car stolen from my drive. It appeared a significant level of force had been used to attack the property, a large safe had been thrown over an upstairs balcony My car had been used as a battering ram to force through the gates of my house. None of the property stolen from my home was ever recovered. The attack on my home has left me with a sense of unease and I fear it could reoccur. Jela Jovanvic, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary (North East Regional Organised Crime Unit/PA) A statement from Glenn Patterson, a player liaison officer at Newcastle United, said a spate of burglaries and attempted burglaries targeted at players had impacted the players themselves and forced the club to conduct an extensive review of player safety. He said the club had invested in monitored alarm systems and recruited private security patrols to allay players fears for their families and homes. The court heard before burgling Mr Isaks home, the forensically aware thieves had already stolen a CBE medal and jewellery and clothes worth more than 1 million from Tyneside businesswoman Helen McCardle, and designer goods worth 100,000 from a woman living in a gated cul-de-sac in South Tyneside in the previous days. Mrs McCardle told police she and her husband were on holiday in Spain when their four-storey home in Jesmond, Newcastle, was burgled. The thieves got in through a patio door into her bedroom and raided her walk-in wardrobe, stealing designer items including Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton handbags that she had collected over the years. Charlie Jovanvic, 23, admitted his role in the plot (North East Regional Organised Crime Unit/PA) She said her CBE, presented to her by the late Queen, was priceless. Mr Cordey said police traced the car used in the burglaries and the defendants were arrested in the West Midlands in mid-April. Stephanie Stokoe, whose home was burgled in Whitburn, said in a victim personal statement she would would never get over walking in to find our home torn to pieces. Mrs McCardles statement, read in court, said the thieves had not only stolen our belongings but our privacy and security. The court heard the gang arrived in the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome last March. They headed to London, then drove to the North East a few days later. The gang used the Citroen to travel to break-ins and the motorhome was a base where they slept, the prosecution said. The defendants attended by video link from prison and had an Italian interpreter to translate the hearing. Giacomo Nikolov, Jela Jovanovic and Charlie Jovanovic pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Valentino Nikolov was found guilty of the same offence after a trial in March. 2105 Israel's 'comprehensive' assault on Gaza The world is judging, David Lammy said in the Commons today, with all the pique of an imperial overlord rebuking a former colony. History will judge them. Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop. The speech surely won him loud applause throughout the progressive world, not to mention among Labours diminishing Muslim base. Next stop: endorsing false claims that Israel is conducting a genocide and unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state. Its coming. Mark my words. Hamas is already licking its lips. Yesterday, when Sir Keir Starmer joined Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney to issue a statement rebuking Israel and vowing concrete action against it, the jihadis issued a delighted official response, calling it a principled stance. Which rather suggests that were now on the wrong side of history, doesnt it? Or at least on the wrong side of morality. The volte face on support for Jerusalem was only a matter of time. In fact, it was something of a surprise that it hadnt come sooner. During the months it has been in power, the Starmer government has been maintaining a degree of superficial support for the Jewish state while pursuing a policy agenda that told a different story. Suspending 30 arms export licences. Voting against Israel at the United Nations. Supporting the pernicious International Criminal Court case against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, then suggesting that Britain would uphold the arrest warrant and take them into custody were they to set foot on our soil. Plotting with Emmanuel Macron to recognise a State of Palestine. Step by step, the government has been edging the country towards a position that is hostile towards Jerusalem, while trying to keep Jewish voters happy with platitudes and not giving Reform any gratuitous targets. The same strategy has been pursued in other policy areas, from Brexit to immigration. Throw the public some rhetoric to shut them up, then press the button on decisions that take the country in precisely the opposite direction. It looks like flip-flopping until you realise youve been had. Well, now the move has come. Say goodbye, Britain, to the long-awaited free trade agreement with Israel, which would have provided a much-needed boon to the economy. Our trade is currently worth 5.8 billion; this with the nation that produced the cybersecurity startup Wiz, which in March was snapped up by Alphabet, Googles parent company, for a record-breaking $32 billion. This with a nation that actually knows how to fight a war. Lammy has suspended it. If this continues, we can also likely bid farewell to our security cooperation. Hundreds of millions of UK-Israel trade is military spending, which over the years has been of vital importance to Britain. British troops were supplied with the Spike NLOS missile to start with, directly from IDF stocks for the sake of speed saving many British lives. In British service Spike was known as Exactor, and it was used to defend bases in Iraq and Afghanistan against enemies firing rockets at them or planting bombs nearby. It prevented attacks and saved British lives. Our servicemen have also trained on Salisbury Plain with Israels high-tech Rhino mobile command and control centre. The RAF has conducted numerous exercises with the Israelis, which has been of huge benefit; Israeli forces are unique in actually putting their kit and training to the test in high-stress, real world environments. We need the benefit of such hands-on experience. The cooperation goes both ways. When I met him in Israel, Ram Ben-Barak, the former deputy director of Mossad, told me that a 2007 Israeli strike on a secret nuclear reactor in Syria came about after a tip-off from MI6. All this has been placed in jeopardy. For what? Of course, we crave an end to the fighting in Gaza. But the Israeli hostages are not an afterthought, as they so often seem in government speeches. They are a casus belli, and Israel is entitled to do all it can to get them home. For another, Hamas is not yet destroyed. If Lammy has an alternative idea for getting Israels civilians home and obliterating the jihadis, lets hear it. Right now, however, the two original provocations to war remain intact; diminished, but intact. Britain may have the luxury of suggesting that Israel downs weapons before it finishes the job, but thats only because our people arent the ones who will be raped, kidnapped, butchered and mutilated again if Hamas is able to regroup. Likewise, the two-state solution. In Israel, support for that plan is at rock bottom, across the political spectrum. Why? Because their children are the ones who will suffer the results of a terrorist state, endorsed by the international community, just across the border. From the point of view of Westminster, however, the feelgood factor is more important. It all reminds me of the hullaballoo over Rafah. Remember? Israeli forces were held up for four months by the Biden administration, backed by the international community, who all insisted that a humanitarian catastrophe would occur if the invasion went ahead. The propaganda campaign was intense. Footage of suffering children was everywhere. Every single public figure was talking about the campaign. A social media meme called all eyes on Rafah went viral, viewed by almost 50 million people. Eventually, however, Israel gave up listening. It evacuated the million civilians to safety within ten days and took the fight to Hamas. As a result, very few innocents were killed but the redoubt of the jihadis was razed. The smuggling tunnels into Egypt, the lifeline of Hamas, were captured and blown up, and Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of October 7, was killed. Israel, it seems, was on the right side of history that time. The war is messy, the loss of life agonising and the Netanyahu government deeply compromised by the hardline elements within it. Take a step back, however, and this is a fight against jihadism. Our foreign secretary should take heed: Theres only one way that history is going to judge that struggle. Harry Maguire admits the Manchester United dressing room has been taken aback by the remarkable way fans have supported them during a disappointing campaign they are desperate to end on a high with Europa League glory. Wednesdays all-English final pits 16th against 17th in the Premier League in a Bilbao showpiece that will see the victor salvage their season by securing silverware and much-needed Champions League qualification. Falling short at San Mames would mean United spend a first season without European football since 2014-15, compounding their worst top-flight campaign since suffering relegation in 1973-74. The 20-time English league champions have been wretched on the domestic front, yet fans have stuck with the team and chanted head coach Ruben Amorims name throughout the dark moments. Harry Maguire knows United have disappointed their fans too often this term (Martin Rickett/PA) Theyve been absolutely incredible this season, defender Maguire told the PA news agency. It is surprising us players how much they are backing us. Weve disappointed them far too much. Weve given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad and things, but its even surprised me. I say theyre great fans in the world and I think this year theyve proved that. Its been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though were not performing. Maguire wants to repay the supporters by giving them memories to cherish in Spain, but knows it is only a good day out if we come back and win the tournament. The 32-year-old repeatedly acknowledged that Uniteds season has been nowhere near good enough and used the same phraseology when describing the sides play in both boxes. Such deficiencies have allowed struggling Spurs to win all three of their meetings against United in a campaign that has long been a case of Bilbao or bust for the misfiring Red Devils. We know its such a big game for everyone the fans after such a disappointing season, the club, Maguire said. But we go into it and take it like a normal game, like we did in the semi-final against Bilbao. We prepare well every day and when you get on that pitch you give absolutely everything and thats only what you can do. The result will look after itself. Weve got to really look after the performance. Listen, finals are finals. You know they can change on moments or anything. You need that little bit of luck maybe. We could perform really well on the day and get beat, or we could perform badly and win. But for sure weve got to make sure that we put the percentages in our favour in terms of turning up, giving absolutely everything and performing on the day. Maguire is vying to start his first final for United since joining from Leicester in 2019. Missing the Europa League final in 2021 was particularly painful for the defender, with a nasty ankle injury meaning the clubs then captain had to watch Villarreal triumph on penalties in Poland from the sidelines. There was talk at the time of making it, but I was nowhere near fit for that final, he said. I pushed and pushed but I was still struggling to jog, never mind being able to go and play a final. Missing the Villarreal one was a big one for me. I was captain of the club at the time and a big part of that team. Maybe the result would have been different if Id been in the team. Thats what I felt. An incident on rail lines at Strathfield in Sydney has caused commuter chaos across the city, including at Central station. Photograph: Alyx Gorman/The Guardian Sydney commuters have been warned there could be knock-on effects on Wednesday morning after high-voltage wire fell on the top of a train on Tuesday afternoon, trapping 300 passengers and causing massive disruption across the city during the evening rush. Howard Collins, the coordinator general for Transport for NSW, told reporters the incident happened at 2.30pm on Tuesday, leaving 300 passengers trapped at Strathfield in Sydneys inner west and other trains stranded when the power was switched off. Transport for NSW teams worked to allow passengers to safely leave the train and three others that had been stopped for safety reasons, with Collins telling reporters: Its life threatening if you get very near or touch wires with that amount of voltage it will kill you straight away. The most important thing here is safety, making sure we do that under safe conditions and theres no risk of the power being switched on by accident or other means, Collins said. On Tuesday evening, the NSW transport minister, John Graham, said the passengers had been taken off the stranded train that was entangled in wiring, as well as three other trains that were stopped with passengers onboard. This is a very serious incident in a critical part of the rail network and we apologise to all train passengers affected and trying to get home tonight. The position of the train at Strathfield is [at] a major artery of the network and has caused huge disruption, he said. Teams are now working to cut the entangled train away and an assessment made of recovery work needed. We will update on how that work progresses tonight and any flow-on impacts into tomorrow morning. We are advising in the morning to make sure you check the latest information, he said. Its possible there could be some knock-on effects. Passengers on the T1, T2, T3, T5, T8 and T9 lines were advised to delay all non-essential travel or use alternative modes of transport on Tuesday evening. Shuttle buses replaced services on the T1, T2, T5, T8 and Blue Mountains line between Lithgow/Mt Victoria to Penrith, with limited services running on the T9 and Central Coast and Newcastle. The T4 (Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra), T6 and South Coast Lines were not affected, and the Metro, Light Rail and local buses are not affected. Sydney Trains is investigating the root cause of the incident. Commuter chaos There were chaotic scenes at Sydneys Central station as thousands of commuters heading home flooded platforms to board trains that were mostly not running. Trains on the main western suburbs line were not moving, with carriages at crush capacity as commuters boarded, seemingly unaware that their services had been cancelled. Station staff erected tape to block entry to various platforms but commuters remained unclear about the closures, with many ducking under the barriers to continue to the platforms. Jordi Bradley had travelled to Central for what she thought would be a quick transit to an express train home to Meadowbank, but soon realised shed be spending much more of her evening on platform 19 than she had expected. Its a good thing Ive got no plans tonight because I dont think Ill be getting on a train anytime soon, she said. There were people heading to the airport on the train I was on to get here, but theyre now stuck at Central with their luggage. She decided to wait on the platform rather than board one of the crammed trains, saying nothing is moving. Rose Bilyk was at Central to catch a train home to the Fairfield area. She lives on the T3 line, and previously relied on the Bankstown-Sydenham train line which is now shut for conversion to Metro, so her only alternative rail route in recent months has been via Strathfield. This is nuts, they have totally isolated south-west Sydney because the only passage we had left was via Strathfield, she said. There is no train alternative for me, and they have cut the bus routes, so I have to try to get as far south west as I can and then just get an Uber. Frustrated commuters swarmed around rail workers at Central station asking how they could get home, but officials did not have much information other than to suggest people caught buses. Guardian Australia saw transport officials checking Google Maps for routes commuters could take, rather than relying on data from internal communications. Platform announcements also conflicted with the train information screens for each service. At one point, passengers piled off a packed train that appeared to be headed for the airport when a platform announcement informed them that a train on a neighbouring platform would instead operate the airport service. Collins said the problems should be fixed on Tuesday night, but advised commuters to check the news in the morning. Transport for NSW advised people to plan for extra travel time or consider using Metro services between Epping, Chatswood and Central, or alternative bus routes. Collins said the alternatives were very limited, so people should avoid using the rail network where possible. He said Uber had activated a price surging cap to prevent sharp price increases for the ride-share service. It was too early to say what brought the cable down, Collins said, but the overhead wire was maintained to a very strict standard. But like anything mechanical, there may be a reason why this has occurred, he said. It is very unusual but does happen on overhead wire lines around every state and around the globe. Graham told the ABC he didnt believe the rainy weather had caused the wire to fall but said it had made the operation more complex, with crews working out in the dark, in the wet weather. He said crews were expected to be working until the early hours of Wednesday morning, and there could be knock-on effects for commuter travel as late as Wednesday morning. Anyone whos been through there regularly on the train would understand why [Strathfield] is such a big part of the network, those lines running very close to each other, he said. Any disruption here, it really has a ripple effect. Its impacted on every line in the Sydney metro basin, apart from the T4 line; that has had a big impact over the course of tonight. ITV documentary The British Blood Scandal looks at how contaminated blood transfusions and products infected thousands. (Getty Images) (TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) ITV has aired The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School, a new documentary about what is widely regarded as the worst medical treatment disaster in NHS history. The programme investigates a devastating health crisis that took place between the 1970s and early 1990s, in which more than 30,000 people were exposed to HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood transfusions and treatments using blood products. As a result, more than 3,000 people have since died and thousands more are living with lifelong health implications. At the heart of the documentary are the surviving former pupils - all boys - of Lord Mayor Treloar College, a boarding school in Hampshire that became the epicentre of the scandal. The British Blood Scandal chronicles the men's decades-long fight for truth, accountability, and justice a struggle made harder by years of institutional denial and government silence. So what happened in the case? Here's everything you need to know. Steve Nicholls, Gary Webster and Richard Warwick, all former pupils at the boarding school where they were treated. They all feature in ITV's The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School. (Candour Productions) (ITV) The heartbreaking story behind the documentary Two main groups of people were affected by the scandal. The first was those with haemophilia a rare genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly and others with similar conditions. Blood clotting conditions impair the body's natural ability to stop bleeding, meaning even minor injuries can result in excessive or prolonged blood loss, posing serious health risks without proper treatment. The second group was people who received blood transfusions, often following childbirth or surgery, between 1970 and 1991. What does the documentary cover? The documentary centres on the experiences of haemophiliac children sent to Lord Mayor Treloar School in Hampshire, a specialist boarding school where an NHS haemophiliac unit was opened, promising quality medical care. Instead, the children became unwitting subjects in secret medical trials, leaving many infected with life-threatening viruses. In the 1970s, a new treatment for haemophiliacs was introduced to replace missing clotting factors. It used a concentrate derived from donated human blood plasma. However, large batches of these products, known as Factor VIII and Factor IX, were contaminated with deadly viruses, including HIV and hepatitis C. In the 1970s, the UK faced a shortage of blood-clotting treatments and began importing supplies from the United States. Many of these imported products were sourced from high-risk donors including prisoners and intravenous drug users with donations from such groups continuing until 1986. Despite growing concerns, too little was done to halt the use of these contaminated blood products, contributing to the scale of the disaster. "The pupils and their parents thought Factor Concentrates were a miracle cure when, in fact, they were a death sentence for many and led to the co-infection of around 1,250 people with bleeding disorders with HIV and Hepatitis C, and another 2,400 to 5,000 people developing Hepatitis C on its own," a press release from ITV states. The former pupils including Adrian Goodyear (right) visit the grounds of the school in Hampshire where they were treated. (Candour Productions) (ITV) Of the 122 haemophiliac boys who attended Treloar's during this period, only approximately 30 are alive today. The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School gives voice to some of these survivors Adrian Goodyear, Gary Webster, Richard Warwick, Steve Nicholls now men in their 50s, who have spent their adult lives battling for truth, accountability and justice. During the documentary, Goodyear recounted the moment a doctor informed a group of students, including himself, of their diagnoses. "We were 15 and we were asked to go to the haemophilia centre. One of the nurses was tearful, really tearful, and that made us really uncomfortable because nurses don't cry really," he said. "He [The doctor] lifted his left hand and went round the room, and he said, 'You have it, you haven't, you have, you haven't, you have,' and I was the one at the end. I got HIV.' "One lad said, 'How long have we got?' He [the doctor] said, 'Two to three years, but we'll do our best for you.'" Lord Mayor Treloar College said in a statement: "We sincerely apologise to our former students and their families who were so devastatingly infected and affected by the infected blood scandal. The treatment by clinicians of pupils at Treloars in the 1970s and 1980s was unethical and wrong." What happened after the blood scandal? Goodyear recounted the moment a doctor told him he had HIV. (Candour Productions) (ITV) The blood scandal has had a devastating and lifelong impact on those infected and their families. A public inquiry was launched on 2 July 2018. The Infected Blood Inquiry called for immediate financial redress, public memorials and sweeping reforms across the medical community, government and civil service. The inquiry's final report, published 20 May 2024, revealed a damning indictment of systemic failure. Its summary concluded that there had been: "Systemic, collective and individual failures to deal ethically, appropriately, and quickly, with the risk of infections being transmitted in blood, with the infections when the risk materialised, and with the consequences for thousands of families." Some of the report's recommendations included: Immediate set up of a compensation scheme Public recognition, including a formal, "meaningful" apology A permanent memorial, potentially in each nation of the UK, as well as a memorial specifically for the children infected at Treloar School Funding for support events for infected and affected people Following the publication of the report, thenprime minister Rishi Sunak addressed the House of Commons and issued a formal apology on behalf of the government. In August of that year, the government outlined plans for a comprehensive compensation scheme for victims and their families. Have the survivors received compensation? The Infected Blood Compensation Authority reported that, as of 6 May 2025, a total of 106 compensation payments had been made, amounting to over 96 million. However, during an appearance on This Morning on May 20th, 2025, Richard Watkins one of the survivors featured in the documentary revealed he is yet to receive compensation. In a statement read on the show, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority said: "Our priority is to pay many people as soon as possible. We aim to start on average 100 claims a week, expecting all living infected individuals registered with support schemes to begin their claims by the end of 2025. "We're recruiting up to 500 claim managers and planning to add around 80 monthly from late June to increase the number of claims we can process." On Tuesday, prime minister Keir Starmer came under pressure to provide clear assurances to victims of the infected blood scandal, amid growing concerns over delays to the governments compensation scheme. Campaigners delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street on the anniversary of the landmark public inquiry report, urging the government to ensure that victims are no longer subjected to prolonged suffering. The letter states: "The physical and emotional burden of this continual fight for fair compensation is falling with ever greater weight on the shoulders of those who have already had to campaign for too long. "We look to the Government now for recognition of the anxiety and stress the last 12 months of uncertainty have caused and for an assurance that this suffering will not be dragged out further." Read more about the infected blood scandal: As Israeli troops launched raids further into Gaza, the country was facing a diplomatic backlash - Israel Defense Forces Britain sent an unmistakable message to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on Friday continue what you are doing in Gaza and risk becoming a pariah amongst the few Western friends you have left. The suspension of trade talks, the summoning of the Israeli ambassador, the threat of further action, the language of unvarnished condemnation taken together, these are unprecedented moments in the recent history of Anglo-Israeli relations. There have been moments of tension before, primarily over Jewish settlement building in the West Bank. In 2010, Britain even went as far as to expel an Israeli intelligence officer after Mossad spies used fraudulently obtained British passports in a mission to kill Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a senior Hamas commander, in his Dubai hotel room. In retrospect, though, such moments of drama proved to be passing spats. Even if relations are not yet at breaking point, this feels different. It is hard to recall the last time a Cabinet minister used such robust language towards Israel in the House of Commons. Sir Keir Starmer said he was horrified by Israels latest escalation in Gaza, the whole of which Mr Netanyahu has threatened to take over following the launch of a major operation in the territory last week. According to doctors from Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, 500 people have been killed in the past eight days. Sir Keir also expressed his fury over the limited aid Israel has allowed into Gaza, describing it as totally and utterly inadequate. Israel allowed five aid lorries to enter the strip on Monday for the first time since early March, and has given the United Nations permission to send 100 more. But the UN, which warns that Gaza stands on the brink of famine and that thousands of infants could die in the coming days without urgent aid, says 500 lorries a day are needed to avoid the worst. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, went even further, saying that the Israeli governments egregious actions were isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world. For the moment, despite the unusually strong language, the UKs actions remain mostly symbolic. But there are more substantive options under consideration, including potential sanctions against hardliners in Mr Netanyahus cabinet and the possibility of the UK formally recognising the state of Palestine. Such a step would have been unthinkable a few months ago. It is not any longer. Nor is Britain alone. The horrific massacre Hamas unleashed against the Jews of the Holy Land on Oct 7 2023 brought Israel widespread sympathy from the Western world, as well as support and patience for its response against the Islamist group. But more than 19 months later, amid the widespread destruction unleashed in Gaza and the deaths of an estimated 50,000 people, that patience is evaporating. On Monday, France and Canada joined Britain in condemning Israels latest Gaza offensive, saying the level of human suffering in the territory was intolerable. The European Union is also considering more robust action, with Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedens foreign minister, calling for sanctions against members of the Israeli cabinet. For the moment, Israel is shrugging off Britains actions. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and political considerations, the British Government is willing to harm the British economy, that is its own prerogative, said Oren Marmorstein, a spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry. Amid the irritation that will be felt in the Israeli government, there is also likely to be concern. With Europe and the US clearly increasingly at odds over foreign policy, European leaders will feel less obliged to stand shoulder to shoulder with Washington over matters pertaining to Israel. They are therefore more likely to take robust action than in the past. While there is little prospect of the US taking similar action against Israel, Mr Netanyahu will be anxious that the support of Donald Trump, the US president, is no longer as cast iron as in the past even if criticism by his administration is only voiced in private. But it is clear that Washington is far from enthusiastic about the latest offensive. JD Vance, the US vice-president, reportedly cancelled a visit to Israel this week to avoid giving the impression that he endorsed it. The Trump administration has also taken a number of key decisions in the Middle East in recent weeks over the objections of Israel, from lifting sanctions on Syria, ending air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen and negotiating directly with Hamas to free a US hostage in Gaza. These moves have undoubtedly caused dismay in the Israeli government. By ordering the Israeli army back into Gaza in full force, Mr Netanyahu has held together his fractious cabinet but at a significant cost. Rarely has Israel looked as isolated internationally as it does today. Family members of migrants imprisoned in El Salvador protest outside the United Nations building, in Caracas, Venezuela, on 22 April. Photograph: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters At least 50 Venezuelan men sent by the Trump administration to a prison in El Salvador had entered the United States legally, according to a review by the Cato Institute. The report, published by the libertarian thinktank on Monday, analyzed the available immigration data for only a portion of the men who were deported to El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), and focuses on the cases where records could be found. The government calls them all illegal aliens. But of the 90 cases where the method of crossing is known, 50 men report that they came legally to the United States, with advanced US government permission, at an official border crossing point, Cato said in its report. Related: The desperate search for a father disappeared by Trump to El Salvador: We dont know anything This number aligns with broader trends among Venezuelan migrants, many of whom entered the country either as refugees or through a Biden-era parole program that granted two-year work permits to those with US-based sponsors. The proportion isnt what matters the most: the astounding absolute numbers are, reads the report. Dozens of legal immigrants were stripped of their status and imprisoned in El Salvador. Catos analysis goes against the Trump administrations justification for sending the men to El Salvador, saying that only undocumented people were deported. The report says that 21 men were admitted after presenting themselves at a port of entry, 24 were granted parole, four were resettled as refugees, and one entered the US on a tourist visa. The Trump administration deported more than 200 alleged gang members to the Cecot mega-prison in March, controversially invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law meant only to be used in wartime, as justification. The Cecot prison is known for its harsh conditions, and lawyers for Venezuelan deportees have alleged that the migrants being held there are victims of physical and emotional torture. The deportations have since drawn widespread scrutiny. To date, the Trump administration has not released complete records for the more than 200 Venezuelans transferred to El Salvador. Catos review includes information for 174 men whose cases have some degree of public documentation. The Trump administration has accused many of the deported Venezuelan men of gang involvement, but in many cases, those claims appear to hinge largely on their tattoos. Related: US supreme court allows Trump to revoke protected status for Venezuelans Many of the tattoos cited as evidence have no connection to gang activity. The markings reflect, in many cases, personal or cultural references. Cato uses the example of Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, a makeup artist, who has crown tattoos on his arms that reference the Three Kings Day celebrations in his Venezuelan hometown. The report comes amid a sprawling crackdown on immigrants in the US. On Monday, the supreme court ruled that the Trump administration could proceed with efforts to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuelans. Ending TPS, which protects foreign citizens who cannot return home because of war, natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances, could open up approximately 350,000 people for potential deportation. Agencies contributed reporting The Government is being threatened with legal action over plans to allow prison officers to use synthetic pepper spray in young offender institutions. Charity Howard League for Penal Reform has sent a letter before claim to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging her to reverse the move set to be rolled out this summer. Pava spray, which is an incapacitant, is due to be made available in limited circumstances to a select number of specialist staff at the three public sector YOIs holding under-18s YOI Werrington, Wetherby and Feltham A, the Ministry of Justice announced in April. The measure, which seeks to combat rising violence from inmates, was welcomed by union bosses who lobbied for the change for prison officers to be given equipment to protect themselves. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show rates of assaults on staff in the YOIs are 14 times higher than within adult prisons. But the plan sparked criticism from the Childrens Commissioner and the charity, which warned it was a serious escalation in the use of force that is permitted against children. The spray is set to be rolled out for an initial 12 months before it is reviewed by ministers, while each use of the spray will be reviewed by an independent panel. On Tuesday, charity chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: The Howard League has been preparing to take whatever steps necessary to challenge the roll-out of Pava spray to prisons holding children, including potential legal action. We know that Pava spray has been used inappropriately in prisons holding adults; to use it on children would be catastrophic. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been urged to reverse the move before it is rolled out this summer (Ben Whitley/PA) Far from keeping children and staff safe, normalising the use of violence in this way risks making conditions even worse for those living and working in prison. The national charity is concerned there is a lack of research on the use of the spray in custody, and specifically against children, while existing research in relation to adults shows a myriad of potential physiological health impacts. Ms Coomber added: Instead of arming staff, the way to reduce violence is to close failing young offender institutions and ensure that children are accommodated in more appropriate settings such as secure childrens homes where they can be given the care and support they need. Prison is no place for a child. The pre-action letter sent by lawyers on behalf of Howard League asks for the Justice Secretary to withdraw the decision and respond within 14 days, it said. The campaigners have also launched a crowd fundraiser to help them fund the challenge, which has currently raised more than 10,000. Announcing the roll-out in April, justice minister Sir Nic Dakin said: This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. The unacceptable levels of violence faced by our brave frontline officers in young offender institutions is yet another symptom of that. This is not a decision we have made lightly, but our overarching duty is to keep staff and young people in custody safe. This spray is a vital tool to prevent serious violence, helping staff to focus on rehabilitation as part of our Plan for Change. The rate of assault incidents on staff last year was 170.0 per 100 children and young people at Feltham, 182.9 per 100 at Werrington, and 167.4 per 100 at Wetherby, Ministry of Justice figures show. The rates are around 14 times the equivalent figure in adult prisons in England and Wales, which was 12.2 per 100. The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. Four UK supermarkets are launching a joint campaign to tackle hunger, following a challenge from the King. Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Waitrose will take part in the Lets Make A Meal Of It campaign, which encourages customers to donate to charity FareShare either online or by rounding up their bills in store. The campaign is a response to a challenge set by the King on his 75th birthday in 2023, when he called on the food industry to do more to close the gap between food waste and hunger. It begins on Monday and will run for up to two weeks, with all proceeds going to the food redistribution charity FareShare, which works with 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK. The campaign will run in Waitrose and Morrisons online, and in Tesco and Sainsburys online and in stores. The supermarkets said every 1 raised will provide five meals for people facing hunger by sourcing and redistributing surplus food. Beneficiaries will include children receiving hot meals at youth clubs during school holidays, and people experiencing loneliness who will be able to share meals in community settings. A crate of fresh fruit and vegetables (David Davies/PA) Alongside the fundraising, a new group called Alliance Food Sourcing is working to reduce the 4.6 million tonnes of food that goes to waste in the UK every year. They are focusing on food that is often thrown away before it reaches shops, such as unused ingredients or items with damaged packaging. This includes turning vegetable off-cuts into soups, packing leftover pasta sauce into large bags for community kitchens, and using surplus flour and sugar to make biscuits. Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsburys, said: At Sainsburys we believe everyone should have access to good food. This is a breakthrough for the UK food industry to be working together in this way to tackle food poverty and just shows what is possible in delivering real and positive change. Matthew Barnes, UK chief executive of Tesco, said: We are excited to support the Lets Make A Meal Of It campaign and strengthen our partnership with FareShare. Collaboration is key to addressing food insecurity, and we are happy to partner on this with the other retailers. Rami Baitieh, chief executive of Morrisons, said: As a food retailer and manufacturer, we are committed to tackling food waste from field to fork. We want to help eradicate food poverty and are delighted to play our part in this industry initiative to redistribute surplus food to people in need. James Bailey, managing director of Waitrose & Partners, said: We are proud to be part of Alliance Food Sourcing to reduce food waste while tackling food insecurity. Working with our suppliers, were helping to divert surplus from our supply chain that would otherwise be wasted, to get good, nutritious food to people in need. 20 May 2025 at 2:03 am A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Michael Mike Gaine has been released without charge. Mr Gaine, a 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry, was reported missing more than eight weeks ago. On Saturday, partial remains were found at Mr Gaines farm in Carrig East, and a crime scene was declared as gardai searched for further remains. On Sunday, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaines murder. A general view of Killarney Garda Station. (PA) He was held for 24 hours for questioning before being released. He was driven away from Killarney Garda Station in an unmarked garda car shortly before 11pm on Monday. Gardai said the Gaine family have been kept up to date with developments and said the family have asked for privacy. The search and examination of Mr Gaines farmland is set to continue, gardai said, aided by the emergency services and Irish troops. Several personnel were seen digging near a barn on Monday afternoon while Irish soldiers searched a field further away by hand. Kerry Drain Services machinery was also seen at the scene on Monday. Over the past eight weeks, several appeals have been issued and extensive searches involving Irish soldiers, the Garda water unit and road checkpoints have been held to try to find the missing man. Army personnel close to the farm of Michael Mike Gaine near Kenmare in Co Kerry, as the search for the 56-year-old sheep farmer continues. Around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage and 130 witness statements were taken by the end of April. Mr Gaines wife Janice and sister Noreen ORegan issued a plea at that time, a day after gardai upgraded the investigation from missing person to homicide. An appeal for the public to help with their investigation has been renewed by gardai this week. Those with information have been asked to contact the confidential Garda line or any Garda station. The Eventin tanker, believed to be part of Russias shadow fleet, was seized by Germany off its Baltic coast An Eton-educated accountant has been sanctioned by the Government over procuring ships for Russias shadow fleet. John Michael Ormerod, a 74-year-old shipping industry veteran, furnished Moscow with 25 vessels that helped it avoid Western sanctions on global oil sales, according to an investigation by the Financial Times last year. The ships helped Russia earn at least $7.2 billion, the newspaper reported, carrying about 120 million barrels of oil. Announcing fresh sanctions on the fleet, a statement from the Foreign Office said: This action [against Mr Ormerod] imposes a personal cost on those who are supporting Russias trade in oil. Donald Trump has also threatened to impose secondary sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil, should Vladimir Putin not commit to peace with Ukraine. However, he pushed back on the idea of sanctioning Russia itself during a call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and five European leaders on Monday, Axios reported. Sources who were on the call which came hours after he spoke with the Russian president said some European leaders were shocked and surprised at the US presidents response. In December 2022, the UK, US and EU blocked companies in the G7 from transporting Russian oil unless it was sold at a discount. This prompted Russia to establish a shadow fleet of about 400 old tankers registered in countries outside the organisation. The rusty fleet, flagged under nations including Gabon and Liberia, has allowed Moscow to skirt the impact of the sanctions intended to slash revenues from its energy exports. The ships carry vast cargoes of oil to willing purchasers in India, China and elsewhere. Efforts to sanction the vessels have been hampered by the difficulty of determining their ownership, which is often obscured through offshore corporate structures. According to the Financial Times, Mr Ormerod created a network of offshore companies in the Marshall Islands to buy the 25 ships. The $700 million needed to fund the purchases was provided by Eiger Shipping DMCC, a Dubai-based subsidiary of Russias state-owned Lukoil, for the purposes of chartering the vessels. Although Lukoil is under Western sanctions, Eiger Shipping DMCC is not. Dubai-based companies are also not bound by the G7 sanctions so long as they do not use Western financing or services. On Tuesday, the Foreign Office announced it had sanctioned Eiger Shipping, under its new name Rhodania Shipping SA. In a statement to the Financial Times last year, Mr Ormerods lawyers said he was approached by Eiger Shipping in late 2022 to purchase ships for their general trade. He did extensive due diligence to ensure the proposed purchases would not violate sanctions, they added. The sanctions announced today will freeze Mr Ormerods UK assets, barring him from accessing bank accounts and other sources of wealth. Outside a south London address linked to Mr Ormerod, a woman told The Telegraph: Hes not talking to anyone. Since the war began, Russia has earned around 760 billion from sales of oil, gas and coal, according to the Centre for Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based think tank. That is more than double the 300 billion provided and pledged to Ukraine by Europe and the US. Western sanctions on the shadow fleet have started to curtail its operations. Before leaving office, Joe Biden sanctioned 155 tankers, effectively knocking them out of business. On Tuesday, the UK announced sanctions on 18 vessels, adding to the 100 or so already targeted. In March, Russia saw a 36 per cent month-on-month increase for oil on tankers registered in the G7, subjecting its profits to the $60 Western price cap. Moscow has begun to respond more aggressively. Last week, Russian fighter jets briefly entered Estonian airspace after one shadow fleet tanker was detained. Credit: X/@M_Simonyan A Greek tanker was later seized after briefly entering Russian territorial waters on a pre-approved route out of the Gulf of Finland. This is definitely connected to the fact that we have started to harass Russias shadow fleet, said Margus Tsahkna, Estonias foreign minister. In its statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office added that it was working with allies to review the $60 oil price cap. The EU, which imposed its 17th round of sanctions on Russia on Tuesday, is likely to propose a $50 cap, according to recent reports. The current benchmark for a barrel of Brent crude stands at $65. US leadership, analysts argue, would be critical in ratcheting up sanctions to effectively crippled Russias energy export business. However following his one-to-one call with Putin on Monday, the US president gave little sign he intends to follow through with his previous secondary sanctions threats, despite the Russian dictator rebuffing his calls for a 30-day ceasefire. He described the tone and spirit of the call as excellent. In a later statement posted on his X account, Mr Zelensky said: It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions, he added. Lucy Connolly was jailed after admitting inciting racial hatred on X after the Southport killings Britain is becoming a police state under Sir Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson has said after judges rejected a bid by a mother jailed for a tweet about the Southport attacks to have her sentence reduced. Lucy Connolly, a former childminder and the wife of a Conservative councillor, was jailed for 31 months in October after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. Three Court of Appeal judges threw out the 42-year-olds application on Tuesday morning, meaning she will not be released before August. Mr Johnson branded the ruling a propaganda gift for Vladimir Putin. The former prime minister told the Daily Mail: Starmers Britain is losing its reputation for free speech and turning into a police state, where we must all learn to fear the knock on the door simply for something we say. The UK police are now making over 10,000 arrests every year for online comment, more than the police in Russia itself, and this judgment is yet another propaganda gift for Vladimir Putin. Earlier, Ray Connolly said he was heartbroken that his wifes appeal was not upheld, adding: I think the system wanted to make an example of Lucy so other people would be scared to say things about immigration. Connollys lawyers had argued that she had not fully understood what she was pleading guilty to, and also that the original judge had failed to give enough weight to various mitigating factors including the welfare of her 12-year-old daughter. Lucy and Ray Connolly with their daughter Mr Connolly said: I am heartbroken that my wife Lucys appeal was not upheld by the Court of Appeal. It feels shocking and unfair. The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl. Lucy posted one nasty tweet when she was upset and angry about three little girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. She realised the tweet was wrong and deleted it within four hours. That did not mean Lucy was a far-Right thug, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed. My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist. As a childminder, she took care of small children of African and Asian heritage they loved Lucy as she loved them. My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake, and today the court has shown her no mercy. Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she will release 40,000 prisoners, some of them dangerous men, on tag. Lucy has not been allowed out on tag and she has been denied leave to see our child, who is struggling. Today, the court had the opportunity to reduce her cruelly long and disproportionate sentence, but they refused. That feels like two-tier justice. We will continue to pursue every possible avenue to seek justice and to bring Lucy home to us. Lucy Connolly with her husband, who said the court judgment was shocking and unfair The judgment was handed down moments after Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, had his 18-month sentence for contempt of court reduced by four months at the High Court. It also came days after Ms Mahmood had announced plans to release more than 1,000 inmates early. Under the move, intended to tackle the prisons overcrowding crisis, offenders serving one to four years who are recalled to jail for breaching their licences will be released after 28 days. Last July, hours after Axel Rudakubana went on a knife rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, murdering three little girls, Connolly went on social media platform X to express her outrage. She posted: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f---ing hotels full of the b------s for all I care, while youre at it, take the treacherous government politicians with them. I feel physically sick knowing what these [Southport] families will now have to endure. If that makes me racist, so be it. Connolly, who lost her son Harry when he was 19 months old, and cares for her sick husband, deleted the post less than four hours later but not before it had been viewed 310,000 times. She was arrested on Aug 6 following widespread riots across the country. Police officers who searched her devices found other posts commenting on the reaction to her social media post. In one message, she joked that she would play the mental health card if arrested. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, also sent another tweet commenting on a sword attack, which read: I bet my house it was one of these boat invaders. But there were also posts condemning the riots. In one, written the day after widespread disorder, she wrote: FFS, I get theyre angry. Im f---ing raging, however, this is playing right into their hands. I do not want civil unrest on our streets. Tommy Robinson is not going to say but this is not going to get anyone anywhere. Protests yes but not riots. The following day, she wrote another message that read: Last night was not protesting, it was rioting. People are playing right into the hands of the establishment and the media. We need people to come together intelligently and articulately, not riots. Lucy Connolly lost her young son Harry Giving evidence via videolink from HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire, Connolly, wearing a floral dress, was asked how she felt when she posted the offending tweet. She said: Really angry, really upset and really distressed that those children had died and those parents would have to live a lifetime of grief. Really angry and upset that this had been allowed to happen. It sent me into a state of anxiety. It made me worry about my children. I thought, I know how they [the parents] feel and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. It just made me so angry. Her barrister, Adam King, asked: Did you intend anyone to set fire to any asylum hotels? Connolly replied: Absolutely not. Mr King asked: Did you intend anyone to murder any politicians? Again, she answered: Absolutely not. The Court of Appeal judges said they did not accept that the original 31-month sentence was manifestly excessive. They also said they did not accept the argument that the offending tweet had been no more than an expression of emotion. Their ruling went on: The words of the tweet are on their face an incitement to serious violence. The judges also said they did not accept that Connolly had entered her guilty plea without fully understanding what it entailed. Referring to the mitigating factors, the ruling said: We of course have every sympathy with the applicant over the death of her son, and we can understand why she remains angry about the circumstances of his death. We can therefore accept that the shocking events in Southport had an impact on her which went beyond that felt by many others. But as the judge rightly said, she did not post a message of support and sympathy to the victims of the Southport attack and the bereaved. Nor, we would add, did she post a message of hostility confined to the perpetrator of the Southport attack. She chose instead to incite serious violence against large numbers of persons. The applicants personal history cannot significantly reduce her culpability for that serious offence. For the reasons which we have explained, there is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused. Lord Toby Young, the general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: This is terribly disappointing. How can it be right for Lucy to have been condemned to spend more than two and a half years in jail for a single tweet when members of grooming gangs who plead guilty to the sexual exploitation of children get lower sentences? Lucy should be at home with her 12 year-old daughter and husband, not rotting in jail. Sir Keir Starmer signalled he did not believe free speech was dead in the UK when asked about Connollys case. The Prime Minister told broadcasters: Im not across the details of the particular case, but let me give you the principles that I would apply. Firstly, Im strongly in favour of free speech. Weve had free speech in this country for a very, very long time, and we protect it fiercely. Im equally, though, against incitement to violence against other people. That has long been an offence in our country, and rightly so. So, as I say, I dont know the details of this, but free speech: yes; incitement to violence: no. The length of Connollys sentence shocked many, and politicians including Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, Liz Truss, the former prime minister, and Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, called for her to be released. Mrs Braverman said: Lucy Connolly is a victim of a politicised two-tier justice system in Starmers Britain. She should not be in prison. Yes, her comments were crass, tasteless and vile, and I disagree with them. Lucy deleted them quickly and apologised for her error of judgment. That is why the sentence of 31 months custody for her first-time offence seems excessive. She has deliberately been made an example of to intimidate others into silence. Ms Truss said: Lucy Connolly should be released immediately and reunited with her family. The severity of her sentence is completely unjustifiable and a shocking example of two-tier justice which now prevails in Britain. We are now suffering the consequences of a system that has been captured by Leftist ideology. She also won the backing of Elon Musk, the worlds richest man and the owner of X, who accused Britain of operating a two-tier justice system. Supporters of Lucy Connolly gathered outside the Court of Appeal in central London last Thursday - Yui Mok/PA Downing Street would not comment directly on Connollys case, but said individuals posting illegal content online should face robust law enforcement. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: I cant comment on individual cases thats obviously one for the court. More broadly, the Government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech. But, as the Prime Minister has said previously, individuals posting illegal content should know that that will be met with robust law enforcement. Since being jailed, Connolly has been denied the right to spend temporary leave at home with her husband, who is suffering from a bone marrow complaint, and her young daughter. She has been eligible for release on temporary licence since last November, based on her prison time served. This form of release is open to inmates as a way to rebuild family ties and allows for up to two overnight home stays a month. But despite winning credit for good behaviour, so far she has not been allowed out of prison to visit her family. Support from Trump ally Charlie Kirk, a Maga influencer and ally of Donald Trump, was speaking at the Oxford Union on Tuesday night. Mr Kirk said Lucy Connollys case proved free speech in the UK was dead. He told the Oxford Union: As of today, Lucy Connolly is going to jail for two and a half years in this country for a social media post that she apologised for and deleted That is not a free speech battle at all. You should be allowed to say outrageous things. You should be allowed to say contrarian things. Free speech is a birthright that you gave us, and you guys decided not to codify it and now its poof! it is basically gone. Speaking to GB News, Mr Kirk said he would raise Connollys case with the Trump administration, adding: Im going to bring this up to Marco Rubio [the US secretary of state]. Im going to send him a text. Credit: National Crime Agency A migrant with drug offences smuggled at least 4,000 asylum seekers into Europe while living on benefits in his taxpayer-funded flat. Egyptian-born Ahmed Ebid, 42, helped organise the movement of 3,800 migrants, including women and children, on just seven fishing boat crossings from North Africa to Italy between October 2022 and June 2023. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said that some of them made their way to Britain. Ebid even told an associate to kill and throw into the sea any migrants caught with phones, in a bid to avoid law enforcement, the NCA said, all while he was living in Isleworth, south-west London. He was living on benefits in a taxpayer-funded home, having arrived in the country as an asylum seeker in 2022 on a small boat across the Channel, despite a previous drug-smuggling conviction in Italy. Ebid pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to assist illegal immigration in October 2023, but claimed he was only a low-ranking member of the network. The NCA disputed his claim and was backed by a judge in a Newton hearing at Southwark Crown Court that he was a mastermind of the 12 million smuggling operation. On Tuesday, Ebid was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with judge Adam Hiddleston describing him as having held a significant managerial role within an organised crime group. He said the truly staggering amount of money made by the smuggling gang came from the hard-earned savings of desperate individuals, who were ruthlessly and cynically exploited. Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, welcomed the sentence, tweeting: Good. I am determined to smash the small boat gangs behind the vile trade in people smuggling. Ahmed Ebid arrived in Britain as an asylum seeker in 2022, despite a previous drug-smuggling conviction in Italy - NCA/PA Wire Ebids calls with criminal associates were intercepted by NCA surveillance officers. In one conversation, he told an associate that migrants were not allowed to have phones on his boats to avoid law enforcement. Tell them guys anyone caught with a phone will be killed, threw in the sea, he said. One crossing in October 2022 saw more than 640 migrants rescued by the Italian authorities after they attempted to get to Italy from Libya in a wooden boat. It was taken into port in Sicily. Two bodies were recovered. In another, 265 migrants were rescued by the Italian coastguard from a 20-metre fishing boat found adrift in the Mediterranean in early December 2022. The boat had departed from Benghazi in Libya. In April 2023 two further search and rescue operations were mounted following distress calls to the coastguard in each case more than 600 migrants were on board each boat. An image of a boat found on Ebids phone after his arrest - NCA/PA Wire The NCA worked with the Italian Guardia di Finanza and Italian Coastguard in the investigation which revealed Ebids role in at least seven separate crossings in 2022 and 2023 which carried almost 3,800 people into Italian waters. Each migrant had been charged an average of around 3,200, netting the criminals involved more than 12 million in total. On a phone seized from Ebid after his arrest, investigators found images of boats, conversations about the possible purchase of vessels, videos of migrants making the journey and screenshots detailing money transfers. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigation, said: Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants to ship them across the Mediterranean in death trap boats. The cruel nature of his business was demonstrated by the callous way he spoke of throwing migrants into the sea if they didnt follow his rules. To him they were just a source of profit. He was based in the UK but organising crossings from north Africa. A proportion of those he moved to Italy would also have ended up in northern Europe, attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. Dame Angela Eagle, the border security minister, said: For too long our borders have been undermined by vile people-smuggling gangs putting lives at risk for cash. Ebid and his associates preyed on vulnerable individuals, with hundreds being crammed onto dangerous boats and charged an extortionate fee for their transport. I would like to thank the tireless work and dedication from the NCA in dismantling Ebids criminal organisation, working hand in glove with our international partners to save lives and protect our borders. A new survey found that girls in England are more likely to complain of feeling unsafe or worried after starting secondary school. Photograph: Peter Lopeman/Alamy One in four pupils in England disengage when they move up to secondary school, with enjoyment, trust and a sense of feeling safe declining sharply, according to a new report. After a largely positive experience at primary school where children report high levels of enjoyment, there is a steep and lasting drop in engagement after year 7 when pupils transfer to secondary at the age of 11, the survey of 100,000 pupils in England reveals. Girls are more likely to complain of feeling unsafe or worried, while pupils eligible for free school meals are more likely to report lower levels of trust, enjoyment and belonging a gap which grows throughout secondary school. The study, published on Tuesday, says lower levels of engagement are linked to absenteeism a key concern for government after Covid with the top 25% most engaged secondary pupils 10 percentage points less likely to be persistently absent than those in the bottom 25%. It also finds that primary school pupils are more likely to have a greater sense of agency and believe hard work at school will lead to success compared with secondary pupils, scoring 8.4 out of 10 compared with 6.8 for older students. The research tracked how pupil engagement changed across the 202425 academic year and found pupils average school enjoyment score drops from about 6.0 in year 6 to 3.8 in year 7, which then falls further to 3.2 in year 8. A sense of feeling safe falls from 7.2 in year 7 to 5.9 in year 9 among female pupils, compared with a decline from 7.4 to 6.6 for male pupils. Almost every country with available data sees a decline in engagement as children advance through school, but the report says it is more pronounced in England, suggesting that disengagement is not just a symptom of age, but something atypical happening in our context. This article was amended on 21 May 2025 to replace the main image. The findings come from the Research Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators (RCELI), led by the ImpactEd group in partnership with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), and other education organisations. The commission chair, Sue John, said: It is crucial that we identify the points at which pupils are starting to disengage with school, so that we can intervene to stop a disconnection leading to non-attendance and poorer outcomes. This research provides rich and nuanced insights into pupil engagement at a school and classroom level, which will enable leaders to act fast and understand more complex dynamics in their schools, such as what is happening at age 11 for different pupil groups. Margaret Mulholland, Special educational needs and disabilities (Send) and inclusion specialist at the ASCL, said: The transition between primary and secondary school is a hugely important stage of a childs education. It can also be an unsettling time where issues with anxiety and behaviour can arise. As this study shows, a drop in engagement during this period can be hugely detrimental to a pupils wellbeing and attainment. Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the CST, added: There are many factors beyond schools which may be contributing to this picture. We need to delve deeper into what the factors are that are driving this disengagement and how we might reconnect these pupils with schooling. Mr Carpiuc has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life A Russian-speaking student allegedly conspired to start a series of fires that damaged properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer, a court was told. Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who was born in Ukraine, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He is accused of conspiring with Roman Lavrynovych, a Ukrainian who has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, and other unknown individuals. He was arrested on Saturday by counter-terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit at London Luton Airport. Two of the fires took place in Kentish Town, north London, one in the early hours of May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister and moved into Downing Street. A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier on May 8. The other fire was on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. As his father looked on from the public gallery, the court heard Mr Carpiuc had recently completed a degree in business studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. Credit: Starnow.com/stanislavcarpiuc The court heard Mr Carpiuc was born in Ukraine but is a Romanian citizen who has been living in the UK for nine years. Mr Carpiuc has no previous convictions Stanislav Carpiuc appears at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday - Elizabeth Cook/PA Jay Nutkins, defending, said Mr Carpiuc did not deny knowing or being in contact with Mr Lavrynovych, but denied being near the vicinity of the alleged arson attacks. Mr Nutkins said Mr Carpiuc had been intending to visit his sister in Romania when he was arrested, adding that Mr Carpiuc had every intention to return as he has strong ties in this country and was well integrated in the community. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Mr Carpiuc in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on June 6. Stanislav Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 at London Luton Airport by counter-terrorism officers Mr Carpiuc, who is understood to run a painting and decorating firm with his brother, is an aspiring actor and model. He posted pictures on a modelling website in which he says he was born in the west of Ukraine in the small town of Chernivtsi. In a biography, he said he wanted to be the top male model in the world. He described himself as ethnically ambiguous and in a video he said he loves London and enjoys long walks in the park with his dog. A car believed to be linked to Sir Keir Starmer was also damaged in an alleged arson attack Neighbours at Mr Carpiucs home in Romford, east London, said he lived at the property with his parents and a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Dave Newland, 83, said: They were a very nice family, very quiet. Another neighbour who did not wish to be named said plain clothes police officers had been seen at the address in previous days. Before moving to Romford, Mr Carpiuc is understood to have lived at a property in north London. Owners at a local barber shop said police had visited the flat Mr Carpiuc reportedly stayed in on Monday afternoon. Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life over the incidents One hairdresser said he had told them he was Ukrainian and he could barely speak English. Mr Lavrynovych, 21, appeared in court last week, charged in connection with the three fires. Like Mr Capriuc, he was also an aspiring model and had posted a number of pictures on a modelling agency website. The alleged plot bears a resemblance to the 2001 film Zoolander, which follows two male models played by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson one of whom is tricked by a fashion mogul into trying to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia. Photographs of Mr Lavrynovych on social media show him doing press-ups in his bedroom, where there is an England flag in the background. A third suspect, a 34-year-old man who has not been charged, remains in custody following his arrest in Chelsea yesterday. Interview: Slovenia seeks deeper engagement through China-CEEC Expo: official Xinhua) 10:27, May 20, 2025 LJUBLJANA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia will present itself as a "green, creative, and smart" economy at the upcoming 4th China-CEEC Expo &International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, China, Matevz Frangez, state secretary at Slovenia's Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, has told Xinhua. Frangez will lead a high-level Slovenian delegation, including 25 companies across sectors such as high-tech, food and beverage, smart manufacturing, port logistics, and tourism, with a unified goal: to deepen engagement with China's dynamic market. Slovenia is the Guest of Honor at the Ningbo fair scheduled for May 22-25. "Slovenia boasts fast-growing AI and blockchain industries and excels in smart manufacturing and robotics," Frangez noted. "Our country is the seventh most roboticized economy in the world, supported by our robust innovation ecosystem and research infrastructure." On China-Slovenia partnership, a key highlight is Chinese appliance giant Hisense's acquisition of Slovenian brand Gorenje, followed by the establishment of its Global Innovation Center in Slovenia. There are significant opportunities for collaboration between Slovenia and China in such fields as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and wine, tourism and sports, and port logistics, he noted. "Slovenia is not only the perfect entry point for China into the European market, but also a crucial hub for Chinese goods being exported back to Europe," he said. Port Koper is Slovenia's largest seaport located on the northern Adriatic Sea. It offers efficient overland access to numerous European countries, serving as a key transit point for Central and Eastern European inland countries and providing the shortest maritime route from the Far East to Central Europe via the Suez Canal. In the automotive industry, Slovenia is actively exploring partnerships with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and is open to host Chinese EV production facilities. Leading Slovenian pharmaceutical firm Krka has a joint venture in China, Ningbo Krka Menovo Pharmaceutical Ltd, while China's Boten (Porton) PharmaTech has set up an R&D center in Slovenia. In addition, Frangez highlighted Slovenia's cultural and natural appeal, describing it as a boutique travel destination with rich culinary traditions, outdoor experiences, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. "Slovenia is the only country in the world with 'LOVE' in its name," he said with a smile. "It's more than a slogan. It reflects our love for nature, innovation, and people." As global uncertainties reshape the economic landscape, Frangez voiced confidence in the resilience and potential of China-Slovenia relations. "Slovenia supports clear and strong rules of the international trade and the need to reform WTO, so that it will be able to meet the challenges of changed and globalized world," he said. He stressed that Slovenia is one of the EU countries that has publicly opposed imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs, and reaffirmed Slovenia's desire to build long-term, trust-based partnerships with China. "This is not just about market access. It's about sustainable and mutually beneficial development," he said. "We can be an interesting and reliable partner and a European anchorage of large countries like China." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Keir Starmer For the first time in three centuries since the Hanoverian kings made Britain serve German interests we are ruled by a political and administrative elite that does not put this nation first. Our other rulers, whether they were kings, aristocrats or parliamentarians, took it for granted that their duty was to Britain. They laboured long and hard for the country in which they had a stake. But not today. Sir Keir Starmers reset is only the latest example of decisions made since 2005 that obey other priorities. The Net Zero utopia is the most dangerous. The Chagos Islands fiasco now on hold is the most incomprehensible. The reset with the European Union is merely the most predictable. Michel Barnier predicted years ago that Starmer would lead Britain back into the EU. I was naive about Brexit. I thought a democratic decision would be honoured in good faith. I hoped that lowered immigration would accelerate improvement in education and training for neglected British communities. But the former Labour Europe minister Denis MacShane, with whom I appeared in my first Brexit debate in Cambridge in 2016, saw more clearly: It doesnt matter how people vote, he said smugly, the Deep State wont let it happen. Sure enough, the Deep State lets call it the Blob, that indistinguishable mass of politicians, officials, and lobbyists have won a victory. I was doubly naive. I thought that the British electorate could not simply be told to vote again and change their mind, as happened to the Irish and the Danes. Technically that has been true. But instead, our vote is simply ignored, like the French and Dutch votes in 2005. We are not being given the opportunity of a second referendum to rejoin the EU because that would require a proper campaign examining the pros and cons, and the BBC, for example, would be required to give a voice to all sides. In Greece and Italy, governments simply disobeyed their own voters and democracy was nullified. At least they had the excuse of being intimidated by brutal threats of financial destruction. What is Sir Keir Starmers excuse? Can anyone suppose that his reset is the outcome of a dispassionate analysis of Britains needs, thrashed out in a hard-nosed negotiation with the EU? Or is it a desperate attempt to reach any deal to placate blinkered Remainers and allow Starmer to declare victory? It is the Chagos deal on a vast scale: we give away things of huge value, and then pay the beneficiaries to accept them. How they laugh! This reset floats on the ocean of misinformation with which the country has been inundated since 2016, and to which even some Leave voters have surrendered in despair. On one hand, propagandists declare that British trade has taken a huge hit from Brexit a hit that can be found nowhere in the statistics. Goods exports have suffered not from Brexit, but from Whitehalls own policies, which have deliberately slashed exports of oil, cars and chemicals in the name of net zero, and decimated some of our major export industries by the highest energy costs in the developed world. On the other hand, the EU, economically stagnant, politically crippled and strategically impotent, is hailed as a miraculous cargo cult, which will shower down wealth from the skies and make us somehow more economically successful than any of its actual members. Can anyone follow the logic here? The EUs negotiators have ensured that what Starmer has presented as his gains are far outweighed by what we lose. As with EU research funds, we will doubtless pay in more than we get out. Does anyone think that the strategic defence fund will be different? Will the EU fund frigates and submarines we need for our defence rather than tanks made in France and Germany? How many rich European kids will be subsidised by British taxpayers to take coveted university places? How much of a regulatory burden will be placed on our struggling economy for decades to come without any choice by us? But dont worry: we might be able to use e-gates when we go on holiday, and rock stars will roam the Continent unhindered. The frivolity of this whole exercise is utterly depressing. Have we as a country ceased to be able to think seriously and make proper decisions on matters of historic importance? Are we now incapable of distinguishing sense from nonsense? The Labour Party once contained people like Attlee, Bevin, Gaitskill, Barbara Castle and not least Peter Shore. Listen to Shores 1975 speech at the Oxford Union on You Tube: he spoke with wit, certainly, but also with a seriousness of mind now extinct in Labour ranks. This reset is depressing enough for its superficiality. But it is not just about trivial gains and losses. Above all it displays careless indifference to fundamental British values. The greatest of these is the belief that the people, finally, decide. This has been a golden thread in our history: Magna Carta; the Glorious Revolution; the Great Reform Bill; the Peoples Budget; Womens Suffrage. Part of this is myth, critics might say, but it is a healthy myth, an aspiration to democracy and a warning to politicians that they are not the masters. But this week the people did not decide. Who did? Keir Starmer. He is counting not on popular consent but on popular apathy. In short, the significance of the reset goes far beyond its details, many of which will be trivial. It is significant as one sign not the only one, alas that our fundamental political values are despised. So I return to my opening thought. They are being despised by a governing Blob that no longer cares much about its country. Breathes there a man with soul so dead? asked Sir Walter Scott. Yes, all too many. They are a post-national, globalised, post-democratic (that follows inevitably) elite happiest behind closed doors. The EU is their Eden. The Opposition must not only say that it will reverse every concession that damages the national interest, as Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage have rightly done. I am sure they both mean it: it is Farages raison detre and Badenoch was often the only Tory minister trying to make Brexit work. But words are cheap. Badenoch is a planner, and she must explain in detail exactly how to extract us from this sorry mess and reassert popular sovereignty. Robert Tombs is emeritus professor of history at the University of Cambridge The UK and EU are looking forward to tomorrow and not re-litigating Brexit, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he defended a new trade deal with Brussels. The Prime Minister hailed his deal with the bloc, set out at a Monday summit in London, as a win-win for both parties, which would be the start of a new era in the UK-EU relationship. The wide-ranging deal will allow more British travellers to use passport e-gates when going on holiday to Europe, while farmers will get swifter, easier access to trade on the continent as a result of an agreement on animal and plant product standards. A youth experience scheme allowing young Britons to study and live in Europe, and a new security and defence partnership were also agreed. The Government claimed the post-Brexit reset will cut red tape for travellers and businesses, boosting the economy by 9 billion by 2040. But it has been met with criticism after agreeing to grant European fishing trawlers a further 12 years access to British waters. Speaking in the garden of Downing Street, where he welcomed UK and EU businesses on Monday evening, the Prime Minister insisted the deal was good for bills, good for jobs, good for borders. He also hailed a mood change in the relationship with the bloc, adding: The EU and the UK wanting to work together, all of us prepared to say let yesterday be yesterday, we are looking forward to tomorrow. We are not going to litigate old arguments, we are going to go forward in the spirit of what we do together, we do better. The PM hit out at the myth that next year everybody was free to do what they like if he had not extended the fishing deal with the EU. Sir Keir was earlier accused by the Conservatives of having surrendered many of the gains they negotiated post-Brexit. Conservative ministers accused Sir Keir of having surrendered many of the gains negotiated following Brexit (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Kemi Badenoch added: This deal will mean Britain becoming a rule-taker, accepting dynamic alignment, giving up fishing rights and paying new money to the EU. Nobody has lost more than the fishermen, as a result of the deal she also told reporters. Reform UKs Nigel Farage elsewhere warned the 12-year fishing deal would be the end of the fishing industry. Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC that the UK was in a better place than any country in the world on trade. The first deal and the best deal so far with the US, weve got the best deal with the EU for any country outside the EU, and weve got the best trade agreement with India, she said. Not only are these important in their own right, but it also shows that Britain now is the place for investment and business, because weve got preferential deals with the biggest economies around the world. Other measures covered in the UK-EU deal include: British burgers and sausages will once more be allowed into the EU, and some routine checks on plant and animal products will be removed completely. Linking UK and EU emissions-trading schemes, which will mean British firms will not be hit by Brusselss carbon tax next year. A commitment to work towards the UK associating with the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. British steel exports will be protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, saving the beleaguered industry 25 million. The Metropolitan Police said the force is assessing whether an investigation is needed following complaints about presenter Gary Linekers social media post which led to his early exit from the BBC. The pundit issued an unreserved apology on Monday after he deleted a post he had previously shared about Zionism that featured a picture of a rat. After this weekends Match Of The Day, Lineker, 64, will leave his presenting role at the BBC and will no longer front the corporations coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season. A Met Police spokesperson said: We have received a number of reports from members of the public relating to a post published on social media on Monday, May 12. The reports will be assessed to determine what further action might be required. There is currently no police investigation into this matter. In a video on Instagram, in which Lineker referenced the post which Downing Street branded completely unacceptable, he said: I would like once again to say Im sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused, it was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent, I know that. Downing Street said Lineker had made a significant contribution to the BBC but it was important the broadcaster upholds the highest standards. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Specifically in relation to the social media post by Gary Lineker, that was clearly completely unacceptable and its right that hes apologised. Gary Lineker has obviously made a significant contribution to the BBCs broadcasting over the last two decades and we obviously wish him the best. The BBCs highest-paid presenter has headed up Match Of The Day since 1999 and had announced he would be leaving the programme last year at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. But in the apology video, Lineker said that Sunday will be his last show, adding it was best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next seasons FA Cup or World Cup. Gary Lineker will present Match Of The Day for the last time on Sunday (Zac Goodwin/PA) In the wake of his departure, after 26 years at the BBC, the vice president of the Board Of Deputies Of British Jews, Andrew Gilbert, called on the BBC to implement antisemitism training for all its staff. Mr Gilbert said: We had called for his departure and welcome this outcome. This incident further underscores the importance and urgency of implementing antisemitism training for all BBC staff. Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-governments new asylum policy. He was also among 500 high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC to rebroadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer. Sir Keir Starmer has said his comment that the Plaid Cymru Westminster leader talks rubbish was overly rude. The Prime Minister apologised to Liz Saville Roberts at the despatch box on Tuesday, as he took questions about the UK agreement with the European Union. Ms Saville Roberts told the Commons: The Prime Minister once argued and we quote, we should retain the benefits of the single market. Given his recent tendency to dismiss the views of others, what would he say to his younger self? Sir Keir replied: I think last week I was overly rude and I apologise. I do respect the honourable member. Responding to her question, the Prime Minister described red lines on the single market in Labours 2024 manifesto and added the Government had kept those red lines and delivered a very good deal. At last weeks Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs), Ms Saville Roberts asked Sir Keir about a speech he made to launch the Governments Immigration White Paper. She said Sir Keir once spoke of compassion and dignity for migrants, and for defending free movement but added he now talks of islands of strangers and taking back control. Ms Saville Roberts asked: It seems the only principle he consistently defends is whichever he last heard in a focus group. So I ask him, is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street? The Prime Minister replied: Yes, the belief that she talks rubbish. He also told the Commons: I want to lead a country where we pull together and walk into the future as neighbours and as communities, not as strangers, and the loss of control of migration by the last government put all of that at risk, and thats why were fixing the system based on principles of control, selection and fairness. Launching the Immigration White Paper last week, Sir Keir said in a speech that nations depend on rules fair rules and added: Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together. He said the strategy including tougher English language requirements and a university degree threshold for skilled worker visa applicants would help take back control of Britains borders and close the book on a squalid chapter for our politics, our economy and our country. Nick Clegg besides former Prime Minister David Cameron - Stefan Rousseau/PA Coalition government made and unmade the Liberal Democrats. It made them, because it put Liberal Democrat MPs into ministerial office for the first time. And it unmade them, because it turned the party out of Parliament almost altogether. In 2010, just before they entered coalition, they had 62 MPs. In 2015, after a term of it, they were reduced to only eight. So Sir Nick Clegg, in suggesting that the Liberal Democrats enter coalition again in the event of a hung parliament, is thumping a bruise: memories of 2015 are painful, even ten years on, among the party that he used to lead. Politics without power is like a car without fuel. Whats he up to? There is no great mystery about Sir Nicks motives. Politicians are defensive of their record and had he not entered the coalition he would be remembered as a minor party leader, rather than as Deputy Prime Minister. But there is more to his intervention than a backwards glance at his legacy. Sir Nick is also looking forward to what may happen after the next election. British politics is fragmenting: five parties now compete for votes in England Labour, Reform, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and a de facto alliance of Greens, independents and Islamists. The political logic of electoral disintegration is a hung parliament. So Sir Nicks intervention is nothing if not timely, however inconvenient it may be for Sir Ed Davey. And inconvenient it certainly is. For Clegg is posing what, if the Liberal Democrats claim to be a serious party, is nothing less than an existential question for them namely, what on earth are they for in the first place? What do they exist to do other than publish leaflets with misleading bar charts and post placards that proclaim winning here? Or, to cut to the chase, whats the point of Sir Ed last seen challenging Sir Keir Starmer in a TikTok dance video? Does this former Cabinet Minister Energy Secretary under the Coalition, no less now exist only to tumble from paddleboards in Lake Windermere, or to hurl himself in bungee jumps from cranes? Is he no more than a walking, talking photo-op. Perhaps so and in a Parliament in which Labour has a vast majority, Reform are rampant and the Conservatives are vanishing, Sir Eds attention-seizing irrelevances are, on the whole, a net plus for his party. A hung parliament would be a different matter. The Liberal Democrat leader would have to put aside childish things. A minority party has four options in a hung parliament: to enter a coalition, give a government confidence and supply, bring it down or simply dither. The Liberal Democrats chose the first in 2010. Then, their partner was the Conservatives. At the next election, their option would surely be, in the event of a hung Parliament, Sir Keir Starmer and Labour. Heres the crunch for Sir Ed, at any rate. There is no gain from failing to make up ones mind. Nor, as matters stand, for pivoting back towards the Tories: after all, the Liberal Democrats have prospered by presenting themselves, post-Brexit, as a proEurope, southern-based alternative to the Conservatives. A revived alliance with them would be unthinkable. Electoral reality would suggest propping up Sir Keir in return for as many concessions as Sir Ed could squeeze out of him. Customs union membership? Proportional representation? A written constitution? Who knows? But Sir Ed understands the terms of trade between the senior and junior partner in any arrangement none better. Coalition would mean office, red boxes, ministerial cars, and jobs for the boys and girls. Confidence and supply would bring none of those things. But it would keep more distance between Sir Ed and Sir Keir. And so appease that segment of Liberal Democrat voters whose hearts may be on the Left, but whose wallets are on the Right, and are reflexively suspicious of Labour. But Sir Nick has raised a bigger question than the future of the party he used to lead as it calculates the trade-offs between ministerial office and parliamentary numbers. Namely: what would other parties do in the event of a future hung parliament? We have the Liberal Democrats on the Centre-Left. What about the parties of the Right? If Reform are the smaller of the two Right-wing parties, might they enter into coalition with the Conservatives? If the Tories are the smaller, would they let themselves be swallowed up by Reform? Or would both parties rather endure another term of Sir Keir than work with each other? In encouraging us to think ahead, Sir Nick is doing us a service. Lord Goodman of Wycombe is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, says the agreement with the EU places the UK in a stronger position to trade - TOLGA AKMEN/POOL/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK Rachel Reeves defended Sir Keir Starmers Brexit reset deal with the European Union after critics claimed it amounted to a surrender to Brussels. The Chancellor argued Britain was now in a better place on trade than any other country in the world because of the EU deal as well as recently agreed pacts with India and the US. The Prime Minister unveiled the latest agreement on Monday at the first ever UK-EU Summit alongside Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council. The deal will grant European fishermen access to British waters for a further 12 years, with the Prime Minister having agreed to the concession in return for an agreement to boost trade. The announcement of the pact, which also included measures aimed at increasing cooperation on defence and energy, prompted a wave of fury from Brexiteers who accused Sir Keir of seeking to unpick the UKs departure from the bloc. But Ms Reeves defended the agreement and said it was part of a wider pattern of the Government improving Britains position on the world stage. The Chancellor told the BBC: Britain is in a better place than any other country in the world in terms of deals with those countries. She added: The first deal and the best deal so far with the US, weve got the best deal with the EU for any country outside the EU, and weve got the best trade agreement with India. Ms Reeves said each of those deals was important in their own right but they also demonstrated that Britain now is the place for investment and business, because weve got preferential deals with the biggest economies around the world. The Chancellor said that an improved relationship with Gulf nations would be the next deal to be agreed by the Government. Sir Keir described his pact with the EU as a win-win, but his political opponents savaged the agreement. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, claimed Labour had well and truly sold out our fishing industry, all in the name of closer ties to an ever-diminishing political union. His deputy, Richard Tice, said the deal represented a shameful sell out and a great surrender. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, pledged to reverse this terrible deal at the first opportunity. Boris Johnson, who negotiated the UKs original post-Brexit trade deal with the EU when he was in No 10, decried Sir Keirs agreement as hopelessly one sided. The former prime minister posted on X: This deal should not be signed, should not be ratified and should never come into force and if it is the next Conservative government should kick it out forthwith. Camila Batmanghelidjh founded Kids Company in 1996. Photograph: Nick Cunard/Shutterstock A watchdog report into Kids Company, the childrens charity set up by the late Camila Batmanghelidjh, was irrational, unfair and one-sided in key criticisms it made of the way the charity was managed, a court has ruled. Nevertheless, although the Charity Commission admitted it made errors and would have to rewrite parts of its inquiry report, published in 2022, the judge refused to quash it, and upheld other criticisms the watchdog made of Kids Company. Although both sides said the ruling vindicated their positions, a separate ruling on costs by the judge, Mr Justice Sheldon, said: In substantive terms, it seems to me that there was no overall winner or loser in this case. Alex Goodman KC, the lead counsel for the supporters of Kids Company, who brought the legal challenge, said: We are hugely relieved and pleased with this judgment, which provides long-overdue vindication for Kids Company. This robust decision addresses fundamental wrongs and restores fairness and accuracy to the narrative. The Charity Commission said the ruling had largely vindicated its inquiry report, saying: Todays high court judgment has upheld our finding of mismanagement of the charitys finances and has confirmed that it was based on ample evidence. Kids Company was one of the UKs best-known charities when it collapsed in 2015 after unfounded media reports of abuse. It had been praised for its pioneering work in London, providing practical, emotional and educational support for thousands of severely traumatised children caught up in poverty and gang violence. Batmanghelidjh, its charismatic founder, subsequently endured years of political and media vilification before being dramatically exonerated in a high court ruling in 2021 that praised her achievements and paid tribute to the charitys trustees. The Charity Commissions inquiry report into the collapse of Kids Company published a year later caused surprise when it delivered a formal finding of mismanagement in the administration of the charity, triggering the legal challenge by Batmanghelidjh that led to Tuesdays ruling. Lawyers for Kids Company, whose former clinical director Michael-Karim Kerman continued the challenge on behalf of Batmanghelidjh after her death in 2024, argued the commissions report was vague and superficial, ignored positive findings of the previous years high court ruling, and perpetuated stigma around the charity. Sheldon ruled the commissions criticism of Kids Companys management of payments to children in its care amounted to innuendo and was extremely unfair. He also concluded that a separate criticism of Kids Companys trustees running of the charity was irrational. Sheldon said: Although the commission has a discretion as to what to include in the report of a statutory inquiry, that discretion must be exercised lawfully. Creating such extreme unfairness would not be lawful: in public law terms, it is irrational. But he upheld the commissions conclusions on other aspects of the management of the charity, including its handling of client records, claims it made about the number of beneficiaries it supported, and its handling of a payroll issue. He rejected allegations the commission had predetermined the outcome of its inquiry. He said: I do not consider that the report, looked at as a whole, was irrational. The fact that the report contains errors, and even a small number of irrational findings or observations, does not mean that the overall document is irrational. Kerman said he would continue to carry on the fight for justice for all those who have been stigmatised by the untruthful narrative [about Kids Company] created by the media and the actions of various government bodies since the charitys closure. He said: Since Kids Companys traumatic closure in August 2015 there has been a concerted attempt to denounce unfairly the charity and all who were touched by it, whether in the capacity of staff, volunteer, supporter or one of the thousands of vulnerable young children and families the charity served for nearly 20 years. This articles headline was amended on 21 May 2025 to more fully reflect the text of the article. A second man has been charged with arson over fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer. Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, from Romford, east London, is accused of arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said. He is accused of conspiring with Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych, who appeared in court last week, and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another, intending to damage the property, intending to endanger the life of another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered. Carpiuc was arrested at Luton Airport on Saturday. Two of the fires took place in Kentish Town, north London one in the early hours of May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister and moved into Downing Street. A still from a video of the car fire on May 8 (Linda Perry/PA) A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier on May 8. The other fire was on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. Lavrynovych, 21, of Sydenham, south-east London, has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires. He denied the charges 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. A third man, aged 34, was arrested in Chelsea, south-west London, on Monday on suspicion of arson. He remains in custody. Michelle ONeill, the first minister of Northern Ireland and the vice-president of Sinn Fein, stated that anything that removes barriers for trade is welcomed - Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sinn Fein has welcomed Sir Keir Starmers reset deal with the EU, saying it would protect the all-island economy because it means the Republic and the north continue to follow the same EU trading rules. The party, which wants a united Ireland, said the deal undid some of the disastrous impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland. Anything that protects the all-island economy, anything that maximises our access to both markets in terms of trade, anything that removes barriers for trade, then thats something that we would obviously very much welcome, said Michelle ONeill, the first minister of Northern Ireland. Ms ONeill, the vice-president of Sinn Fein, said relations between London and Brussels had improved but added on Monday that the devil would be in the detail. Chris Hazzard, a Sinn Fein MP, added: I welcome the reset of relationships between the EU and British Government undoing some of the disastrous impacts of Brexit. The people of the north were dragged out of Europe against their wishes, so any improvements in the relationship between the British government and the EU, particularly in areas such as trade, agri-food, energy, and climate are positive steps, the South Down MP said. Credit: Reuters In 2016, most people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the EU, which the region would automatically rejoin if there was a united Ireland. That can only happen after a referendum, which Sinn Fein wants by 2030 but the Government has rejected. The Windsor Framework is Northern Irelands Brexit deal. It prevents a hard land border with EU member Ireland, which could jeopardise the peace process. The treaty grants Northern Ireland unique access to both the UK and EU markets. The UK region continues to follow hundreds of EU rules after Brexit. Border checks and controls are carried out on British goods and animals arriving in Northern Ireland to ensure they meet European rules. Almost all of those Irish Sea border checks will now not be necessary after the Government agreed to align with EU rules on plant and animal health as part of the reset deal. In a nod to Irish neutrality, Sinn Fein criticised the new UK-EU defence pact, which will allow Britain to participate in EU defence spending schemes. We are concerned by the focus placed on funding increased militarisation rather than on the resolution of conflicts and on peace building, Mr Hazzard said. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) campaigned for Brexit but fears the Windsor Framework jeopardises Northern Irelands place in the UK. Gavin Robinson, the DUP leader, said the reset would be assessed through the prism of the union. Gregory Campbell, the MP for East Londonderry, told The Telegraph: We welcome what may prove to be progress towards removing barriers to trade within the United Kingdom, but the progress made does not deal with the host of problems created by the application of EU law specifically in Northern Ireland only. We will continue to make the case for full restoration of Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea border it creates. He added: Sinn Feins opposition to defence spending sits alongside their pro-Putin propaganda, and ignores the Republic of Irelands reliance on the United Kingdom for its air and sea defence. John Swinney said that the fishing industry looks as if its been surrendered by the United Kingdom Government - Andrew Milligan/PA The SNP is all over the place on whether to back Sir Keir Starmers Brexit reset deal with the EU, it has been alleged after the partys Westminster leader appeared to contradict John Swinney. Mr Swinney reacted with hostility to the agreement when it was unveiled on Monday, saying that the fishing industry looks as if its been surrendered by the United Kingdom Government as part of its negotiations. But Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster lead, told the Commons on Tuesday that the deal is obviously not a surrender to the EU. He instead argued the agreement did not go far enough, saying that it was obviously no substitute for membership of the European Union. This would mean signing up again to the EUs hated Common Fisheries Policy, which gave European fishing vessels access to British waters more than 12 nautical miles from the coast. Credit: Reuters Ian Murray, Labours Scottish Secretary, said that the SNP was tying themselves in knots trying to oppose the deal despite supporting closer links with the EU. Sir Keir said he had been surprised to see the First Minister line up with Nigel Farages Reform UK party and the Tories in opposing the agreement. The Prime Minister told the Commons thats a pretty small and miserable club for the SNP to be in and warned Mr Swinney that he was out of kilter with Scottish business leaders who have backed the deal. The Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnsons government reduced the annual quota that could be caught by EU fishermen by 25 per cent, but set a cut-off date for that arrangement in 2026. But Sir Keirs agreement means this will now be extended until 2038 and annual negotiations for EU access to British waters will no longer start next year. Scottish fishermen reacted with fury to the deal, saying it was a horror show and accusing the Prime Minister of betraying the industry for no discernible benefit. However, the Scottish salmon exporters praised the deal, saying it would cut delays and red tape that have cost the industry 3 million a year since Brexit. Scottish salmon is the UKs largest food export and France is its largest international market, accounting for 462 million of sales last year. The deal will also reopen the EU market to some British shellfish. Not a surrender Mr Flynn, who has been touted as a successor to Mr Swinney as SNP leader and First Minister, told the Commons: This is obviously not a surrender, just as its obviously no substitute for membership of the European Union. Nor indeed is it, as the Prime Minister has repeatedly said today, providing unprecedented access to the EU market. That is simply absurd. However, he praised the deal for allowing co-operation with the EU on developing carbon storage. Mr Murray, the Edinburgh South MP, tweeted: John Swinney called it a surrender yesterday. The SNP tying themselves in knots to be against this new EU partnership to put them on the same side as Badenoch and Farage. Not a peep about India [trade] deal, against the US deal and now putting themselves on the wrong side of the EU deal. Strange position to get themselves into. Michael Shanks, an energy minister and the Rutherglen MP, tweeted: Swinney v Flynn continues. Who knows who is setting SNP policy now. Meanwhile, both of them stand against the CBI, FSB, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Food and Drink Federation and many many more on a deal that will deliver tangible benefits for Scotland. Sir Keir urged the SNP to reconsider their position and said that the party lining up with Reform is not a place I would expect them to be, but thats where they are. Faux outrage Neil Bibby, Scottish Labours constitution spokesman at Holyrood, said the SNP are all over the place and accused them of displaying faux outrage over fishing, given their support for rejoining the CFP. Angus Robertson, the SNPs external affairs secretary, used a statement at Holyrood to complain that UK ministers had failed to consult the Scottish Government on the deal and had cancelled a number of meetings. He said this represented an affront to devolution as fisheries should have been discussed with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations. But Tim Eagle, the Scottish Tories shadow fishing secretary, said: The SNP cannot continue their crocodile tears over this deal. Their fisheries policy would see them drag the sector back into the hated Common Fisheries Policy, which would be an outcome even worse than Labours capitulation. The point of Keir Starmers reset was to shift this country back into the EU orbit one step at a time - Hannah McKay/AFP via Getty Images There is a coherent case for Britain to rejoin the EU as a full member. There is an even more coherent case for it to be a self-governing nation under its own parliament, laws and courts, geared towards world trade and diplomacy. There is no coherent case for what Sir Keir Starmer has just agreed with Brussels. It breaches a large constitutional and democratic principle by submitting Britain to the EUs law-making machinery over food and farming as a satellite state without voting rights, which is what dynamic alignment means. It violates the terms of our membership in the Asia-Pacific trade pact (CPTPP) and guarantees lawsuits that will put us in an invidious position. It shows that Britain cannot be trusted to uphold a treaty arrangement that it has just joined. It signals to the world that there is no longer much point trying to do a deal with Britain since the country has given up part of its regulatory autonomy. Can anything now be salvaged from talks about stage two of the US trade talks? Labour recrossed this legal Rubicon without a mandate, for no plausible economic gain and probably at a substantial economic loss. It could hardly have made a greater mess of the matter. The only reason a sane government would agree to such one-sided terms is if the true objective is to shift this country back into the EU orbit one step at a time, creating a series of precedents via the incremental Monnet method until the logic becomes unstoppable. The key stakeholders supposed to benefit from the great prize of Sir Keirs reset do not want it on these terms. British farmers and the food and drinks industry would certainly like to cut the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers imposed by Brussels in a needlessly aggressive fashion after Brexit, but they have also stated that this is no longer paramount and should not be sought at any price. They are finding that life outside the EU has its compensating advantages after all. Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers Union, fired a warning shot last week. Its vital that any progress on an SPS agreement protects our ability to make our own production choices. The new EU-UK SPS agreement must respect the UKs autonomy while reducing barriers to trade, he said. Ministers present dynamic alignment as a cleaning-up exercise to remove barriers in one area for mutual gain. This is political malpractice. The clause gives the European Commission deep reach into laws governing wide areas of the British economy, extending into biosciences and the fast-growing ag-tech sector. The EU did not insist on dynamic alignment in its deal with New Zealand for the obvious reason that global trade is not conducted on such terms, and Wellington would have walked away. Consenting sovereign states normally trade on the basis of mutual recognition, and agree to differ on laws. To add parody to injury, Britain had to pay for Sir Keirs prize with 12 years of fish, along with the continued eco-degradation caused by European bottom-trawling megaboats. Will the UK have to repeal its post-Brexit ban on live animal exports and the use of animals for testing cosmetics? Presumably, the UK will have to replicate the EUs curbs on gene-editing, and in particular a 2018 ruling by the European Court of Justice that raises the bar on gene-edited crops to near impossible levels. Will it have to accept the EUs Novel Foods Regulation, which has led to an exodus of European start-up companies developing lab-grown proteins and precision fermentation, both of which will be required to feed the world? A majority of EU states are digging in their heels, calling cellular agriculture a threat to genuine food production methods at the very heart of the European farming model. The Italian, French, Spanish and Romanian agro-industry knows how to weaponise the precautionary principle. How is this going to be compatible with the Food Standards Agencys new regime for cultivated protein, which aims to create a top global hub in Britain for ag-tech innovation? The UK has a unique opportunity to be a global leader in the alternative protein industry, said Lydia Collas, from the Green Alliance, a think tank. She said the sector could be worth almost 7bn a year by 2035, but whether that happens depends on securing a specific exemption from alignment as the detailed terms of the deal are thrashed out. It is an example of the rising costs of moving back into the EU legal orbit, but only one of many. Brussels has also shot itself in the foot on AI by trying to become the worlds super-regulator, rushing through a sledgehammer directive before it understands what the technology does. We have probably gone beyond the economic crossover point on Brexit. We have been through the adjustment and survived, in better shape than I feared. At this stage the British economy would probably suffer net damage by becoming entangled in the EU Acquis again. The calculus depends on what you think has happened since 2016. What I see from my angle covering the world economy is that the UK has done no worse than the big three eurozone economies. Any Brexit effect has been overwhelmed by the larger shocks of Covid, Putin and Trump. What puzzles me about this reset saga is why Labour is still in thrall to the EU since a) it is an increasingly reactionary project and b) it is in serious economic trouble. The political centre of gravity has moved to the Right. The European Council and Parliament are becoming hostile to Labours belief system. Hard-Right parties are ascendant or waiting in the wings across most of the major states, and Hungary and Slovakia have gone over to Putin. Why does Labour want our laws to be set by the parties of Marine Le Pen, Giorgia Meloni, Geert Wilders or by Alternative for Germany, rather than by our own parliament? Sir Keir Starmer leaves Britain vulnerable to having its laws dictated by the likes of Giorgia Meloni - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images I would advise Labour ministers to shut themselves away for a morning and read the Draghi report. All illusions will fall away. They will learn just how far the EU has fallen behind America in digital tech, and how far behind China in green tech. Why is this still a model in the Labour mind? I dont wish to be stubbornly purist about an EU reset. I backed Rishi Sunaks Windsor deal. I back closer defence ties, though not if presented as a British ask. I am relaxed about free movement within limits because we are in a new era of cut-throat global competition for high-skilled labour. If the plan is to shoehorn the UK back into the EU, Labour should have told us in its manifesto last year. It went to great lengths instead to disguise any such intention. Why might that be? This is to repeat the insidious practice of both the EU priesthood and the British establishment over the last half century of slipping through European integration by stealth, with hooks in the fine print of seemingly innocuous texts, and lying to the people at every stage. God forbid that we should ever go back to that. The Prince and Princess of Wales were among the most influential people shaping the future of giving - AARON CHOWN/POOL/ AFP/Getty Images The Prince and Princess of Wales have been hailed by Time for their modern royal agenda. In the magazines inaugural Time100 philanthropy list, the royal couple have been named alongside the most influential people shaping the future of giving, including David Beckham, Michael Bloomberg and Oprah Winfrey. The Prince and Princess, whose primary charitable work is under the umbrella of the Royal Foundation, were recognised for aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach. Elsewhere in the accompanying description, Time said the couple were less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues, suggesting that priorities have shifted in how the Royal family conducts philanthropy. Previously, Prince William said he intended to go a step further than his family had previously done by bringing change instead of just raising awareness about good causes. In November 2023, the heir to the throne revealed that he would like to delve deeper into select social issues, such as tackling homelessness, rather than having too many causes on his agenda. Prince William: We Can End Homelessness/Disney+ Between them, the Waleses have established initiatives tackling climate change, mental health in the rural community, homelessness in the UK, as well as improving public awareness of the importance of early childhood. Time noted Catherines Shaping Us campaign, launched in 2023, which aims to improve societys understanding of the significance of a childs first five years in shaping adulthood and society as a whole. As part of the initiative, the Princess convened a business taskforce to back her campaign, bringing influential names on board such as Deloitte, Lego and Ikea. At the time, she urged leaders to think radically in order to create a workforce that is resilient, flexible and able to work through differences with each other because the healthy development of our children relies on healthy adults. Time hailed the taskforce and their subsequent report, published last spring, which concluded that investing in early childhood programs could yield an additional 45.5 billion for the UKs economy annually. The Princess of Wales has improved public awareness of the importance of early childhood - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA The couples approach to philanthropy does not follow in the footsteps of the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, who held over a thousand charity patronages between them, raising awareness and money through their support of many causes. Instead, the Prince of Wales who holds far fewer patronages than his father has stated his preference for focusing on creating impact and legacy through more specific social campaigns for his tenure. Rather than just being patron, I want to do more, he said during his trip to Singapore for the Earthshot Prize Awards in 2023, adding: Its kind of going deeper and longer than it is the case of just having loads of causes that you sort of turn up and keep an eye on. Prince William has focused on creating impact through social campaigns - Alastair Grant/Pool/REUTERS The Prince and Princess have previously featured on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. They were chosen in 2011, the year of their marriage which was described as a fairy tale and happy ending by the magazine. Enormous popular appeal The Princess was later featured on the list alone in 2013, as the then Duchess of Cambridge, for her enormous popular appeal and her embracing of the royal familys tradition of public service. It was the same year that her eldest, Prince George, was born. The King was named on Time 100 in 2023 and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were named icons by the publication on the 2021 list. Elsewhere on the inaugural philanthropic Time 100 are the Duchesss friends including her Montecito neighbour Oprah Winfrey and celebrity chef and collaborator Jose Andres. Nigel Farage is due north of the border for the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse which is to be held on June 5 - Getty Is Keir Starmers Brexit reset the surrender and betrayal that the SNP and Reform UK claim it amounts to? Its interesting that those two parties chose roughly the same words, albeit with different meanings, in response to the Labour governments latest deal with the EU. For the SNP, it was a straightforward attack on Scotlands fishing communities in that it will mean that a veritable European fishing armada will now be able to plunder the UKs fish stocks much of them in Scottish waters, until something like 2038. Or at least thats what they say will happen. For Reform, it was much worse a near-complete reversal of the 2016 referendum result that took the United Kingdom out of the EU, and an attempt to drag Britain back into the EU against the will of the people. However, if we look at these responses more closely, what do we find? In the SNPs reaction, we see the ages-old double standards at play, those outraged protests so beloved of the late Alex Salmond that have now been bequeathed to his partys current leadership. Apart perhaps from the Liberal Democrats, the SNP is easily the most pro-EU party in these islands and is desperate to take a separate Scotland back inside the club. But when it comes to supposedly protecting Scotlands fisheries, First Minister John Swinney and his team always skirt over the fact that to get back into the EU, Scotland would have to be a member of the Common Fisheries Policy, which states that member states can fish where they like within the EUs seas. And as an example that the SNPs right hand doesnt know what its right is doing, Mr Swinney and his Commons leader, Stephen Flynn, couldnt even agree on whether the Starmer deal was a surrender. Politics is for grown-ups, isnt it? For Reform, its much simpler, or is it? Its all very well for Nigel Farage to rage about Starmers alleged perfidy in seeking to ignore the Brexit result, but can he count on getting a decent hearing in Scotland on the issue of EU membership as he seems to be confident of receiving in England? After all, while England voted by 53 per cent to 47 per cent to Leave, Scotland voted decisively by 62 per cent to 38 per cent to Remain and every single one of Scotlands 32 local authorities voted to stay in the EU. Yes, there may well be those who insist that the Brexit result applied to all parts of the United Kingdom and that Starmer shouldnt seek to overturn a democratic vote, but Id bet there are many more who wish the UK hadnt left the EU. Its a difficult one for Nigel, but then politics is for grown-ups, isnt it? Were told hes due north of the border shortly for the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, which is due on June 5. Will he canvass on what he sees as a Brexit betrayal, even if there are decidedly different views on it amongst Scots? And just as an example of the local differences, which decision of Starmers reset will annoy people the most? The fact that Scottish fishermen feel badly let down by a new deal for EU boats? Or that the salmon farming business is cheering that the trading restrictions are being eased, allowing a big potential increase in their margins? Ive no idea; last time I looked, there were neither fish farms nor trawlers in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Local issues are expected to dominate the Scottish Parliament by-election there, especially the awful record of the SNP government on issues like hospital waiting times, but in spite of this, theyre still favourites to win. One of the reasons for their confidence is that there will be the four Unionist parties of Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and now Reform, contesting the seat and splitting the anti-separatist vote. Why shouldnt opposition to another independence referendum, as soon to be demanded by the SNP, take centre stage in this by-election? Richard Tice, the deputy Reform leader, has publicly opposed indyref2, but, frankly, hardly anyone knows much about him. Isnt it time for Nige to bang the drum for the Union? Tina Satchwells cause of death could not be determined due to the skeletal nature of the remains recovered from a grave in her home, the jury in her murder-accused husbands trial has heard. Richard Satchwell, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017. The 58-year-old, who is originally from Leicester in England, denies the charge. Flowers and messages left near to a property in Youghal, Co Cork, where Tina Satchwells remains were discovered (Brian Lawless/PA) The jury in Satchwells trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard details of the post-mortem examination of Mrs Satchwell after her remains were found under the stairs in the living room of their Co Cork home in October 2023, six years after Satchwell reported her missing. On Tuesday, assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that she was asked to attend the scene where Mrs Satchwells remains were found on October 12, 2023. She said she observed that a wall had been removed and a hole at a depth of approximately 62cm had been dug. She said Mrs Satchwells remains, which looked to be in a considerable state of longstanding disarray, were found in what was effectively a grave. Dr Bolger, who told the jury she had completed some 30,000 post-mortem examinations, said she began the examination of Mrs Satchwells remains in the Cork City mortuary that evening, before finishing her work the following morning. She said she was given information that Mrs Satchwell had been in previous good health. The body was received in a black body bag, and a layer of black plastic which was put on the scene to keep the remains together and preserve and trace evidence. Beneath that, the body was in another layer of black plastic and also wrapped in a heavily stained, soiled sheet which appeared to be a bed sheet. Richard Satchwell leaves the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary, after being charged in connection with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell (Brian Lawless/PA) She said the soiling of the bed sheet was to be expected due to the earth and the decomposition of the body. There was debris and soil present on the body and bones could be seen protruding through the bed sheet. The body was received lying face down and was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. A gold-coloured Playboy branded purse was removed from the left hand pocket of the dressing gown. It contained a Tesco clubcard, a Public Services Card, a Holland and Barrett rewards card, an Xtravision premium membership card, a Rathcormack car boot sale card, and a Boots advantage card in Mrs Satchwells name. Dr Bolger outlined details of the post-mortem examination, stating that the body was rotated onto its back for the examination. She told the jury the skull had separated from the rest of the body as a result of the natural process of decomposition, while one of the arms and femurs had also been disarticulated. She explained there was formation of adipocere on parts of the remains, which forms in decomposing tissue in warm and moist environments. Dr Bolger said there were also pieces of what could be glass found on the scalp and body but added she could not say where the pieces had come from. Asked if it was possible the glass came from the sheet, she said she could not say. Tina Satchwell, who was 45 when she went missing, was last seen alive in her home in Youghal, Co Cork, on March 20 2017 (Family Handout/PA) Dr Bolger said she could not examine for external marks or injuries due to the length of time between death and the post-mortem examination. She said examiners would normally document every single marking on the head, neck and body to get an understanding of what may have been the cause of death. She said an internal examination was not possible because there were no organs remaining after decomposition. Therefore, she added that no comment on natural disease could be made. Dr Bolger said a toxicology report was also not possible, although a small amount of head hair was examined and showed that prescribed or illicit drugs had not been consumed in the previous 90 days. On the small amount of muscle that was available for examination, she said she could not identify any signs of hemorrhage or bleeding. There was no evidence of any fractures or previous fractures to any of the remaining bones throughout the skeletal remains, including in x-rays of Mrs Satchwells hands. There was no evidence of fracture to the hyoid bone. Dr Bolger said this was like a chicken wishbone at the top of the voice box, which had not much more of a consistency than a matchstick. Members of the Garda forensics at the Satchwell property in Youghal, Co Cork (Brian Lawless/PA) She explained that this bone is fractured in roughly 9% of hangings, 24% of ligature strangulations, and 73% of manual strangulations or incidences of throttling. She said that Mrs Satchwells larynx could not be identified in the decomposing remains. Dr Bolger said the dressing gown cord was in a very unusual position and was not threaded through the loops of the gown itself. The jury was shown a video of a garda with a different dressing gown cord tied around his body to demonstrate how it appeared on the remains. The cord of the gown in the reconstruction was wrapped over the shoulder of the garda, across the chest under the other arm, and wrapped around the back to be tied on the front of the body. She said this was done over the dressing gown. The original gown and belt was explained to be in a brittle and hazardous state. Under cross-examination by Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Satchwell, Dr Bolger was asked if the tying of the gown was like something used to carry a body. She replied: Thats exactly my thoughts. She explained from her experience it was difficult to move a deceased body and very often ligatures are used to move a body from one area to another. Richard Satchwell (second right) leaves the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary (Brian Lawless/PA) Also under questioning from Mr Grehan, Detective Garda David Kelleher told the court that the dressing gown had been photographed and searched for Mrs Satchwells wedding ring in February of this year. He said this was done as Satchwell had said he placed the ring in a pocket of the gown. The ring has not been recovered, the jury heard. The jury previously heard evidence from a forensic scientist who said the gown and cord were not suitable for examination as they were too damp, mouldy and brittle. Mr Grehan asked if it was possible the ring fell out of the gown, which had partially disintegrated. Det Gda Kelleher, the garda in the reconstruction video, said he could not be sure. Ms Satchwells former doctor, Dr Deirdre OGrady, returned on Tuesday after being asked to search for documents relating to her care. However, she said that the files could not be located and offered two potential explanations for why that may be the case. She said either Ms Satchwell had taken the documents herself when she changed doctors, or that the files had been shredded at some point after her file was inactive for eight years. Meanwhile, Dr OGrady reiterated that she had no recollection of claims that she had consulted with Satchwell after an alleged overdose or after an alleged incident in which his face was scratched by his wife. The trial continues on Wednesday. Treating cold sores with anti-viral medicines could help slash the risk of Alzheimers disease, research suggests. Previous studies have found that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can lie dormant in human cells for a lifetime before re-awakening, leading to dementia symptoms. Experts have discovered that HSV-1 causes changes that resemble those in the brains of dementia patients, such as amyloid plaque-like formations and inflammation. Now, a large US study suggests that treating HSV-1 may be a route to lessening the risk of Alzheimers disease. Researchers, including from pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle, used data on 344,628 people with Alzheimers matched with the same number of people without the disease. All were aged over 50 and the diagnosis of Alzheimers was made between 2006 and 2021. A history of HSV-1 diagnosis was noted for 1,507 (0.44%) patients with Alzheimers, compared with 823 (0.24%) of those without. Nearly two thirds (65%) of those with Alzheimers disease were women, with an average age if 73. The study found that people who had suffered the herpes virus had an 80% increased risk of Alzheimers, even when other factors were taken into account. But those with HSV-1 who used anti-virals to treat the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimers compared with those who did not the medicines. Among the 2,330 people with a history of HSV-1 infection, 931 (40%) used anti-virals after their diagnosis. The authors, writing in the journal BMJ Open, concluded: Findings from this largestudy implicate HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimers disease and highlight anti-herpetic therapies as potentially protective for Alzheimers and related dementia. In the UK, the drug aciclovir is one of those available for treating cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections. The researchers also looked at the potential role of other herpes viruses, including HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus. Both HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus infections were also associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimers disease. Exactly how HSV-1 and other viruses might heighten the risk of dementia is not clear, point out the researchers. However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in (Alzheimers disease) development, they added. HSV-1 DNA is also found in the plaques characteristic of Alzheimers disease, and people carrying the most common genetic risk factor for the disease are more susceptible to HSV infections, they said. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimers. Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimers disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimers risk. Dr David Vickers, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said the research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56% of Alzheimers disease cases. He added: The observed 17% hazard reduction with anti-herpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in Alzheimers disease onset. Dr Richard Oakley, director of research and innovation at the Alzheimers Society, said: Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimers disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk. But this doesnt prove that cold sores cause Alzheimers disease, or that anti-virals prevent it. The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didnt track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication. Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions. Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, welcomed the study but said more research was needed. We know there are 14 established risk factors for dementia, and theres not enough evidence to include infections in this list. This study doesnt tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is. An offshore wind turbine at the South Fork wind farm in New York in 2023. Photograph: Steve Pfost/Newsday via Getty Images The Trump administration has lifted a stop-work order on a $5bn wind farm off the coast of New York after negotiations with the state to resume the major clean energy project, but canceled plans for a gas pipeline could also be revived. The month-long stop-work order on the Empire Wind project came amid Donald Trumps targeting of the wind industry in the first 100 days of his second term as the US president pushes a pro-fossil fuels agenda. The pause on the project had raised concerns about whether New York state could meet its climate and energy goals without it, and environmentalists will welcome its resumption. Norways Equinor said on Monday that construction work can now resume on the project, which is expected to provide power for half a million homes from 2027 onwards, and create 1,500 jobs. New Yorks governor, Kathy Hochul, has been lobbying Trump over resuming the project, with the Washington Post reporting that she has had three one-hour calls with him, with the latest on Sunday. New Yorks economic future is going to be powered by abundant, clean energy that helps our homes and businesses thrive. I fought to save clean energy jobs in New York and we got it done, Hochul said in a statement on Monday. Related: How Trump is targeting wind and solar energy and delighting big oil Liz Burdock, the president and CEO of the non-profit Oceanic Network, welcomed the resumption of the project: After more than a month of uncertainty, America is back on track with an Above All Energy approach one that puts thousands of skilled workers back on the job, reignites construction in our nations shipyards and sends mariners back to sea. The interior secretary, Doug Burgum, who had issued the stop-work order on Empire Wind on 16 April, sending shockwaves through the offshore wind industry, said he was encouraged that Hochul will now allow new gas pipeline capacity to move forward. The deal could revive plans to build a gas pipeline from Pennsylvanias drilling fields, which was blocked on environmental grounds in 2020. Americans who live in New York and New England would see significant economic benefits and lower utility costs from increased access to reliable, affordable, clean American natural gas, Burgum wrote in a post on X on Monday. Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration will move forward with developing the so-called Golden Dome missile defense system that he envisions will protect the United States from possible foreign strikes using ground and space-based weapons. Flanked by the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, in the Oval Office, Trump also said that he wanted the project to be operational before he left office. He added that Republicans had agreed to allocate $25bn in initial funding and Canada had expressed an interest in taking part. Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space, Trump said, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland. Related: US army parade could cost up to $45m and involve 6,600 soldiers What exactly the Golden Dome will look like remains unclear. Trump has not yet decided which of three options proposed by the defense department he wants to pursue. Pentagon officials recently drafted three proposals small, medium and large for Trump to consider. The proposals all broadly combine ground-based missile interceptors currently used by the US military with more ambitious and hi-tech systems to build a space-based defense program. The option that Trump chooses will determine its timeline and cost. The $25bn coming from Republicans budget bill is only set to cover initial development costs. The final price tag could exceed $540bn over the next two decades, according to the congressional budget office. Trump said on Tuesday evening that he had settled on architecture for the project and suggested the total cost of putting it into service would reach $175bn, but gave no specifics. Gen Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force will oversee implementation of the project, Trump said. The selection of Guetlein, the vice-chief of space operations, means the elevation of a four-star general widely seen at the Pentagon to be competent and deeply experienced in missile defense systems and procurement. The project is expected to end up largely as a partnership with major defense contractors, including Elon Musks SpaceX, given it has the capacity to manufacture rockets to launch military payloads into orbit and satellites that can deliver next-generation surveillance and targeting tools. It will also rely on companies that manufacture ordnance currently used by the US military. The projects baseline capabilities are set to depend on existing systems including the Thaad and Aegis Ashore systems made by Lockheed Martin and Patriot surface-to-air missiles made by Raytheon. Golden Dome came into existence because Trump believes that the US should have a missile defense program to track and kill missiles headed towards domestic US targets, possibly sent by China, Russia, North Korea or other strategic foreign adversaries, similar to Israels Iron Dome program. Shortly after he took office again in January, Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to develop proposals for a next-generation missile defense shield in order to upgrade the USs missile defense capabilities, which he noted had not materially changed in 40 years. The order came as the defense department has become more concerned about the threat of long-range strikes from strategic adversaries. Last week, the Defense Intelligence Agency released an assessment that said China has about 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles, Russia has 350 and North Korea has a handful. Initially, the White House had named the options for a space-based missile defense system Moonshot Plus and Moonshot Plus Plus. They were later renamed by Hegseth to be called silver, gold and platinum-dome options based on the three tiers, two former Pentagon officials said. Joe Bidens cancer is said to have been diagnosed on Friday - AP Someone is not telling the facts about Joe Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis, Donald Trump has claimed. The US president suggested Mr Biden or his medical team had sought to cover up his illness and cognitive decline during his time in office, calling it a very sad situation. Mr Bidens office revealed on Sunday that the former president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer which had metastasised to the bone. Asked about his predecessors diagnosis, Mr Trump said: I think its very sad, actually. Im surprised that the public wasnt notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine, thats a long time. Mr Bidens cancer which is a grade nine on the Gleason scale, marking it as aggressive is said to have been diagnosed on Friday after doctors discovered a nodule on his prostate the week before. Why did it take so long? Speaking to reporters on Monday evening, Mr Trump expressed scepticism that the cancer would not have been detected on Mr Bidens annual physical exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Maryland. Why did it take so long? I mean, this takes a long time, it can take years to get to this level of danger, he said. So its a very, very sad situation. I feel very badly about it, and I think people should try and find out what happened. Walter Reed is really good. Theyre some of the best doctors Ive ever seen. I dont even know if they were involved, but a doctor was involved in each case. Maybe it was the same doctor, and somebody is not telling the facts. Thats a big problem. Although some doctors have expressed surprise that Mr Bidens cancer was not detected earlier, others suggested that it may have developed rapidly since his last physical examination. Prof Karol Sikora, a former director of the World Health Organisation Cancer programme, told The Telegraph Mr Bidens late diagnosis was very unusual. Joe Biden shared a picture on Monday with his wife Jill, saying that cancer touches us all - X He said it could have been a cover-up by his doctors that had been hidden for months or years, but was more likely to be a rapid-growing cancer. Mr Bidens last physical exam at Walter Reed took place in February last year and was overseen by his personal physician, Dr Kevin OConnor, who declared the then-president fit for duty and said there were no new concerns about his health. It comes as Mr Biden faces renewed questions about his mental acuity in office following the publication of a new book, Original Sin, which reported he had forgotten the names of close aides whom he had known for decades. This is dangerous for our country On Monday, Mr Trump raised questions about why Mr Bidens doctors had not raised concerns about his cognitive ability. And I think the doctor said hes just fine, and its turned out thats not so, he continued. Its very dangerous. Look, this is no longer politically correct. This is dangerous for our country. Look at the mess were in. Youre talking about all these questions on Ukraine and Russia that would have never happened. Mr Biden never received a cognitive test during his time in office, despite calls from critics for him to submit to one during the 2024 election campaign. He told an interviewer in July that his role as president meant he had a cognitive test every single day, amid calls from Democrats to drop his re-election bid following a faltering debate performance. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, told reporters Mr Trump was not concerned about a declining standard of care at Walter Reed, calling its medical team phenomenal. On Monday, JD Vance, the vice president, raised concerns that the public had been kept in the dark about Mr Bidens health struggles during his time in the White House. Why didnt the American people have more accurate information about what he was actually dealing with? he asked. .@VP JD Vance on former President Biden's cancer diagnosis: "We really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job...I don't think that he was in good enough health. In some ways, I blame him less than I blame the people around him." pic.twitter.com/0DYOd2mu4G CSPAN (@cspan) May 19, 2025 Mr Biden released a statement on social media on Monday, 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. UK ramps up pressure on Israel over actions in Gaza and West Bank The UK has suspended trade deal talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers and summoned the countrys ambassador as the relationship with Benjamin Netanyahus government deteriorates. Foreign Secretary David Lammy hit out at the renewed military offensive in the Gaza strip and the restrictions on aid to the population of the territory, describing Israels actions as monstrous. He also condemned the actions of extremist settlers in the West Bank, saying Mr Netanyahus administration has a responsibility to intervene to halt their actions. Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely has been called in to the Foreign Office, where Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would set out the Governments opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid has been cruel and indefensible. In the Commons, Mr Lammy said: We have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. He also said the UK is reviewing its co-operation with the Israeli administration, adding: The Netanyahu governments actions have made this necessary. Mr Lammy said Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7, 2023 and the UK Government has backed Israels right to defend itself. Tzipi Hotovely, Israels ambassador to the UK, has been summoned to the Foreign Office (Jonathan Brady/PA) But the military escalation in Gaza was morally unjustifiable, its wholly disproportionate, its utterly, utterly counterproductive whatever Israeli ministers claim, this is not the way to bring the hostages safely home. He said Mr Netanyahus government was planning to drive Gazans from their homes and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. As MPs called on him to label it a genocide, Mr Lammy said: We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. In response to the situation in the West Bank, Mr Lammy announced measures, including financial restrictions and travel bans, targeting prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss and two other individuals, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations accused of backing violence against Palestinian communities. Mr Lammy said: The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril. Following the UKs announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers: Even prior to todays announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than pic.twitter.com/EcyFBT3T55 Oren Marmorstein (@OrenMarmorstein) May 20, 2025 Responding to the suspension of trade talks, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British Government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative. He said the sanctions in relation to the West Bank were unjustified and regrettable. And he added: The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction. Elsewhere, Sir Keir Starmer said the intolerable situation in Gaza was the pretext for the UKs actions. Humanitarian aid needs to get into Gaza at pace, the Prime Minister told broadcasters as he visited a supermarket in north London on Tuesday afternoon. He added: The current situation in which we are seeing the bombardment including of children, and the prospect of starvation, is just intolerable. Which is why, as I say, we are co-ordinating with our allies on this. The Labour Friends of Israel group said that while it opposes Mr Netanyahus decision to stop aid into Gaza and supports sanctions against extremists in Israel and Palestinian Territories who incite violence, it is disappointed at the suspension of trade negotiations. Palestinians ride a cart past the rubble of houses in Gaza City. Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters UK-Israeli relations have plunged to their worst state for decades after the British foreign secretary, David Lammy, suspended negotiations over a new free trade deal, saying Israels cabinet ministers calls to purify Gaza by expelling Palestinians were repellent, monstrous and extremist. He also said wider talks about a future bilateral strategic roadmap with Israel were being reviewed. Lammy condemned Israels refusal to allow thousands of aid trucks access to starving Palestinians and said Israels treatment of Palestinians was an affront to the values of the British people and incompatible with the principles that underpin the UK-Israeli bilateral relationship. At the same time, EU foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, decided to review the blocs trade agreement with Israel after a request from the Dutch foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp. Seventeen of the 27 states backed the move. The EU is Israels biggest trading partner, accounting for 32% of Israels total trade in goods in 2024. Lammy, unleashing language he has not used since the latest Gaza conflict began, said the further planned major military incursion into Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces was morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counterproductive. As the foreign secretary made his opening remarks in the Commons, backbenchers shouted genocide. Sounding genuinely outraged with the government of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Lammy said: We are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahus government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. Israels foreign ministry accused the UK of having an anti-Israel obsession. Responding to the suspension of trade talks, the Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said: If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative. He said the sanctions in relation to the West Bank were unjustified and regrettable. And he added: The British mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction. Lammy told MPs: Yesterday, minister [Bezalel] Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces cleansing Gaza, destroying whats left, of resident Palestinians being relocated to third countries. We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. He added that the Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was being summoned to hear British demands that the latest assault on Gaza be halted. Lammy said Israel had suffered a heinous attack on 7 October 2023 and that the UK government backed Israels right to defend itself. But the military escalation in Gaza was morally unjustifiable, its wholly disproportionate, its utterly, utterly counterproductive whatever Israeli ministers claim, this is not the way to bring the hostages safely home. Israel has held back aid, saying it was being stolen by Hamas and claimed the renewed assault was necessary to wipe out the terrorists and release the remaining hostages. But Lammy said Israel would not secure the release of the hostages by creating a humanitarian catastrophe. He said: Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, new displacement and new suffering. And the remaining hostages kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost 600 days are now at heightened risk from the war around them. They are going to take control of the strip and will allow just enough to prevent hunger. Fewer than 10 trucks entered Gaza yesterday. The UN and WHO have issued stark warnings of the threat of starvation hanging over the heads of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. This is abominable. He warned that the Israeli government was damaging the countrys global reputation. They are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world. Undermining the interests of the Israeli people. And damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world. I find this deeply painful, as a lifelong friend of Israel and a believer in the values expressed in its declaration of independence. But many Labour backbenchers in the Commons found a gulf between Lammys rhetoric and the governments actions limited to a symbolic suspending of talks on a free trade deal. Backbenchers including many Tories called for a tightening of controls of UK arms exports to Israel, recognition of the state of Palestine at a UN conference next month and a full ban on Israeli trade. Lammy said further concrete action would be considered but in conjunction with allies. The Conservative former minister Kit Malthouse said Lammys anger and the outrage was appreciated by us all, but added: He knows as well as I do that the Israelis couldnt give a damn what he says in this chamber. He added: Does the frontbench need us to beg for the lives of those Palestinian children before theyll trigger this concrete action, whatever it might be? Lammy said it was wrong of Malthouse to claim that Israelis couldnt give a fig what [was] said from this frontbench, adding that the government announced further sanctions because of the position of this Netanyahu government and the language that we see from these ministers. He also imposed sanctions on a further three Israeli settlers and four entities on the West Bank, including the veteran settler extremist Daniella Weiss, the head of the Nachala movement, who featured in Louis Therouxs recent documentary, The Settlers. Other individuals targeted were Zohar Sabah, an Israeli who the US imposed sanctions on in November. It was from the Zohar Zabah farm that settlers, some of them minors, set out to attack the principal of a Palestinian school in the grounds of the school. When contacted by phone, Weiss shrugged off the sanctions, which she attacked as childish and claimed they would not affect her personally or the broader settler movement. My husband ordered tickets already for an around the world tour, without including Britain, she said. It is not mature, it is not serious. If it were a child doing it I could say that the child doesnt understand. Britain knows, the [British] government knows, that we were attacked, and if it were up to the Israeli government we wouldnt have started any war. But as we were attacked and as there are intentions to continue attacks, so we fight. And we will have the upper hand. However, Lammy again held back from imposing sanctions on two Israeli cabinet ministers, the finance minister, Smotrich, and the interior minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, although he said some of their language would be kept under review. Smotrich said this week: Just as we levelled Rafah, we will level all of Gaza. Lammy said there was a UN plan ready to deliver aid at scale with more than 9,000 trucks at the border. He called on Netanyahu to immediately end the blockade and allow aid in. Sanctions were also imposed on Libi Construction and Infrastructure Ltd, Harel Libi and Cocos Farm Outpost, and Nerias Farm Outpost, including persons residing in the outpost, for involvement in human rights abuses. Earlier Keir Starmer said Britain cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve and that levels of suffering there were utterly intolerable. The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate, he told MPs. So we must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky President Trump will get a nasty surprise next time he tries to bully Volodymyr Zelensky. He will threaten to cut off the intelligence but he cant. We live in a different world now where the proliferation of precision and accessibility of data means the state and the traditional large defence primes are being outmanoeuvred at every turn. The Ukrainian armed forces have shown that the Wests choice to invest in exquisite platforms that cost billions was wrong. We were so convinced our enemies cared about casualty figures the way we did that we presumed that attrition was not going to be a major barrier and everything would be over in a few weeks. Our ammo stocks were the real giveaway. Nato countries were buying Formula One cars that they couldnt afford to maintain, let alone lose. Only the US with its trillion-dollar budget could afford such purchases and even the Americans are now having a strategic rethink. If you are a fan, as I am, of Formula One, you will know that the car cant even start itself without a team of highly skilled engineers and that after about 1200 miles it must be completely rebuilt. Such machinery is great for a race of 60 laps, but lousy for a prolonged war of attrition. In the effort to keep up with the Joneses across the Atlantic we stopped focusing on outcomes and became obsessed with structure. What Ukraine has shown is the new way of warfare. They are the teachers now. When a surface drone that costs $80,000 can sink a Russian warship or shoot down jets and helicopters hundreds of kilometres out to sea then we must not shy away from the consequences. The new, simple platforms are incredibly lethal because of the data they feed on. Data is the new oil. There are now AI, satellite and even advertising companies who have data for sale. The one thing all these companies have in common is that they are not the state. They are private companies and many of them are vital to the new ways of warfare and intelligence. Not that long ago spy satellites and data mining were the preserve of governments. Then along came Google Earth. Suddenly nothing was secret. The commercial satellites do more than observe. Elon Musks Starlink isnt NASA: its for hire. The commercial world now has data, AI and collection assets to rival any state. With the right knowledge and expertise individual capabilities can be woven together to create a formidable intelligence, surveillance and targeting regime. You can literally buy, off the shelf, an intelligence agency as long as you know where to go shopping. In March Mr Trump claimed he switched off US intelligence sharing as a way bullying Zelensky to the table. His bold statements, while causing short term harm, also exposed his ignorance of modern warfare. Supportive allies and companies soon stepped into the gap. If Tesco can switch suppliers in a matter of hours so too can armies. General Sir Nick Carter used to say when he was Chief of Defence staff that the modern battlefield is about hiding and finding. Ukraines challenge isnt finding Russians; it is having enough shells, drones, missiles and effects to deal with them. And I believe that Europe and the UK can provide that if the US wont. Ukraine will teach us all a lesson, but I wonder if it is a lesson our military leaders and politicians are prepared to act on. Rt Hon Ben Wallace was Defence Secretary from 2019 - 2023 European leaders have agreed to increase pressure on Russia through further sanctions after Donald Trump briefed them on his call with Vladimir Putin, the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said late on Monday. Europe will increase the pressure on Moscow through sanctions. This is what we agreed upon with [Trump] after his conversation with Putin, Merz posted on X, saying Europe and America are very united on this. After speaking with Putin, Trump held calls with the leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Kyiv and its partners were considering arranging a high-level meeting between Ukraine, Russia, the US, EU countries and Britain. The Ukrainian leader said he hoped the meeting could happen as soon as possible and that it could be hosted by Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. Zelensky said US sanctions on Russia had the power to determine Moscows ability to continue its invasion. The European package will be there, and it will be strong, Zelenskyy said. As for the United States package, that is a different story. Here, we all need to work hard with the United States of America so that at some point, when they are able to, they will impose appropriate sanctions. Last week, Merz said new sanctions against Russia would be adopted in Brussels on Tuesday 20 May. Trump said on Monday that he would not impose further sanctions on Russia I think theres a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse. Trump claimed after his Putin call that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start ceasefire negotiations but did not appear to have secured major concessions. The Kremlin said Putin and Trump had not discussed a timeline for a ceasefire but that Trump had stressed his interest in reaching agreements quickly. Putin said after the call that Russia was ready to work toward ending the fighting, starting with Ukraine and Russia setting out a memorandum on a possible future peace accord. The Russian leader said Istanbul talks last week between Moscow and Kyiv put the world on the right path towards ending the conflict which began with Moscows full-scale 2022 offensive. European and US leaders welcomed Pope Leo XIVs readiness to host Russia-Ukraine talks at the Vatican, said the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. Italy is ready to do its part to facilitate contacts and work for peace, Meloni added. Safari travel has changedand honestly, thats a good thing. Today, theyre more about your experience than just game drives and wildlife checklists. Its also about how you get to experience it all: from a lodge with a view, on foot, by balloon, or by canoe. We bring you the top safari experiences that show just how many ways there are to go wild in Africa in 2025. The Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya Credit: Wikimedia Commons This ones a classic for a reason. Every year, huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of greener grass and water. Along the way, they face croc-filled rivers and prowling predators. Expect drama, yes, but also moments of total stillness on the savanna. This trip covers the big hitters: Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Sabi Sand Leopard Safari in South Africa Credit: Facebook If big cats are your thing, Sabi Sand is your spot. Bordering Kruger National Park, this private reserve gives you the best shot at seeing leopards up close, often lounging in trees or slinking through the grass. Off-road drives and guided bush walks let you explore beyond the usual tracks. Gorilla Trekking in Ugandas Bwindi Forest Credit: Facebook Hiking through thick forest to meet a mountain gorilla family isnt your average wildlife encounter. Its quiet, humbling, and pretty unforgettable. Small group treks make it feel personal, and youll have time to just watch, not rush. Bonus stops include a chimp sanctuary on Ngamba Island and a chance to spot rare shoebills in Mabamba Swamp. Victoria Falls and Zambezi Safari in Zimbabwe Credit: Wikimedia Commons If youre short on time, this three-day adventure makes the most of it. Start with a stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, dinner at The Boma Drum Show, and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. For thrill-seekers, dont miss out on microlight flights and bungee jumps. This is a good add-on if youve been on safari in Botswana or South Africa. Hot-Air Balloon Over the Masai Mara Credit: Instagram Flying over the Mara at sunrise in a hot-air balloon is an extraordinary way to take in Kenyas famed landscape. This four-day safari also includes game drives, bush walks with Maasai guides, and stays in tented camps near the Mara River. To add to the thrill, this place is home to crocodiles, hippos, and the big cats that hunt them. Okavango Delta Canoe Safari in Botswana Credit: Instagram The Okavango Delta is all water channels and hidden islands. But here comes the interesting part: The best way to explore it is with a mokoro, which is basically a canoe carved from a tree. Glide past elephants, watch for birds, and sleep in small camps far from anywhere. Walking safaris give you another way to get into the wild. Kruger and Sabi Sand Fly-in Combo Credit: Instagram This five-day fly-in safari splits your time between Krugers southern section and the private Sabi Sand reserve. At Lukimbi Safari Lodge and Idube Safari Lodge, daily game drives and bush walks create unbeatable opportunities to photograph leopards, elephants, and more. Its an efficient and luxurious way to explore two prime wildlife areas. Botswanas Chobe and Kruger-Victoria Falls Combo Credit: Instagram Chobes elephant herds and big cats are a major highlight. In just seven days, this itinerary moves across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Youll sleep on a stationary train over a river in Kruger, cruise the Zambezi at sunset, and go on a day-long river and land safari in Chobe. Luxury Kenya-Tanzania Fly-in Safari Credit: Facebook With legs by bush plane, balloon, and on foot, this ten-day safari spans the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Theres also time for cultural visits with Maasai communities and a crater rim walk. Youll finish in Nairobi with a head full of stories and memory cards full of close-up wildlife shots. Lake Manyara and Tree-Climbing Lions Credit: Instagram Lions in trees? Yep, thats what Lake Manyara is known for. They climb fig trees to escape bugs or just get a better view of the world. But theres more here too: elephants strolling through forests, flocks of flamingos on the lake, and quiet corners where its just you and the birds. Kruger National Park Classic Safari Credit: Instagram Theres a reason Krugers a go-to. Its easy to get to, packed with wildlife, and works whether you want to self-drive or go with a guide. One day youre watching a leopard in the shade, the next youre tracking rhinos through the bush. With solid roads and plenty of stay options, its as flexible as it is rewarding. Cape Town and Sanbona Safari Add-On Credit: Facebook Just three hours from Cape Town, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offers a quick safari extension without flights. Stay at Dwyka Tented Lodge for Big Five sightings, then return to Cape Town for city and peninsula tours. Its ideal for those short on time who still want a complete safari-and-city experience. Serengeti Under Canvas Mobile Camp Credit: Instagram This landscape is where luxury tents meet a wild setting. These mobile camps follow the migration, meaning youre right where the action is, without the crowds. Youll fall asleep to the sounds of the plains (maybe wildebeest, maybe lions), wake up with coffee by the campfire, and head out into open grasslands that feel like another planet. Zanzibar Extension After Safari Credit: Instagram After days on game drives, ending with beach time in Zanzibar is a welcome shift. The islands white sands, spice markets, and coral reefs provide a slower pace, with options for snorkeling, sailing, or just decompressing. Its often added after Tanzania safaris through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. South Luangwa Walking Safari in Zambia Credit: Wikimedia Commons South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Guides lead small groups through open terrain, pointing out animal tracks, plants, and subtle movements in the bush. Its less about ticking off big game and more about tuning into the parks rhythm, though elephants, giraffes, and big cats are often close by. Ben Rathbun, best known for his appearance on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, has tragically passed away at the age of 55. According to TMZ, the reality star, who appeared on Season 5 of the hit show, died Monday, May 19 in the morning at his home in Greencastle, Indiana, surrounded by family. According to a source close to the family, Rathbun had been battling stage 4 stomach cancer since being diagnosed late last year. At 52, he was a father of four when he met 22-year-old Mahogany Roca online. Their relationship sparked skepticism, with many believing that Mahogany, who was from South America, might have been catfishing Ben. However, when the couple finally met in person, it was clear that their connection was real. Despite their age gap, Ben and Mahogany appeared to have tied the knot after filming wrapped. Reports confirm that Mahogany remained by Bens side until his final moments, offering support as he fought his illness. Joseph St. Clair is seen in this undated photo. - Family of Joseph St. Clair An American Air Force veteran has been released from imprisonment in Venezuela, a US official and the mans family said in a statement Tuesday. Joseph St. Clair was released to US special envoy Richard Grenell, the family statement said. St. Clair had been detained since November and was one of nine Americans declared wrongfully detained in Venezuela. This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Scott and Patti St. Clair said. Scott and Patti St. Clair hold a photo of their son Joseph at their home in Hansville, Washington, on May 6, 2025. - Meegan M. Reid/Kitsap Sun/USA Today Network/Imagn Images The details around Joseph St. Clairs release were not immediately clear. The families of Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela met virtually with senior national security official Seb Gorka earlier this month, participants and a White House official told CNN. In late April, Patti St. Clair had expressed concern for her sons well-being, noting that he suffers from severe PTSD. Can you imagine his fear? Can you imagine the isolation that he must be feeling battling his unseen scars in a foreign prison, unsure if help is even coming? she said at a Bring Our Families Home event in Washington, DC She had called on President Donald Trump and Congress to act now to save Joe and his fellow captives. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rui Xu/Getty Images Sitges Beach in the Costa Brava seaside town of Sitges in Spain's Catalonia region. Key Takeaway A new analysis looked at the world's most popular beaches to identify the "happiest" one. Coming in at No. 1 is a beach in Barcelona. We're pretty sure any day at any beach could be just the thing to make anyone happier. However, it turns out there are some beaches around the world that are a little bit better than others at packing in the joy. In March, CV Villas, a global luxury villa rental company, unveiled its list of the happiest beaches in the world. The way the company went about finding them was rather scientific. It first created a seed list of 103 of the world's most popular beaches. Next, it analyzed over 1,000 Instagram photos tagged in each beach and used AWS Rekognition software to analyze the images to find "positive facial expressions." It then calculated an average smile score for each beach (giving it a grade from 0 to 100) and ranked them from highest to lowest. After doing all that data work, it named Barcelonas Sitges Beach the Worlds Happiest Beach. "Sitges Beach in Barcelona, Spain, is crowned the worlds happiest beach, with a near-perfect happiness score of 98.42 out of a possible 100," the findings revealed. "Just outside Spain's popular city, it is much beloved among locals and travelers for a mix of smooth sands and warm, welcoming atmosphere with a lively promenade, too." One traveler took to Tripadvisor to call out that the beach has "nice sand and there were sea walls that allowed a peaceful sea area." However, this beach isn't the only one from Spain to make the list. "Mallorcas Port de Soller ranked third with a smile score of 96.95," the findings revealed. "Framed by the Tramuntana mountains, the Mediterranean hotspot leaves beachgoers grinning and ready to snap photos, admiring the view." In fact, the entire Iberian Peninsula proved to hold the secret to happiness. "Following in the rankings, neighboring Portugal claims four spots in the top 20, with Praia da Falesia (97.24) and Praia Dona Ana (94.31) landing in second and seventh place, respectively," the findings noted. "Both located in Southern Portugal, Instagram users seem particularly keen on showing off bright smiles while dipping into the turquoise waters on offer in this part of the world." Wales also had a strong showing, taking the fourth and fifth spots with Rhossili Bay and Caswell Bay, respectively. And naturally, Greece had a fantastic showing in this list, claiming five beaches, including Elafonisi Beach (93.34) and Ai Helis in Kefalonia (92.25) at No. 10. (The company noted, "If youre planning your next summer escape, Elafonisi Beach, in Crete, is particularly popular for striking sands with an ombre pink facade, making for a perfect photo opportunity.") However, there were a few top happy beaches outside of Europe as well, with Cannon Beach in Oregon snagging No. 16 and Siesta Key Beach in Florida taking No. 21. But, again, this is a beach day we're talking about. So if you get to have one anywhere, ever, make sure to smile about it. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Details released so far about former President Joe Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis suggest his case is uncommon but not unheard of, according to doctors who treat the disease. Biden, 82, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer on Friday, following the discovery of a nodule on his prostate, his personal office said in a statement. The cancer has spread to the bone, his office said, but seems likely to respond to treatment. Most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, often with the help of routine screenings involving blood tests or rectal exams. But in around 8% of cases, the cancer has already metastasized or spread to other organs by the time its diagnosed. At that point, the patient has likely had prostate cancer for several years to a decade, multiple oncologists said. In Bidens case, we definitely would anticipate that he has had prostate cancer for many, many years, said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society. There are exceptions, however. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing, but some people can develop a high-risk cancer that happens relatively quickly and can spread quickly, said Dr. Alon Weizer, a urologist and chief medical officer of Mount Sinai Medical Center. Is that super common? No. But it can occur and it all depends on the underlying biology of that individual cancer. Though screenings can help with early detection, medical professionals dont always agree on who should get screened for prostate cancer. Many doctors do not screen men in their late 70s or 80s, since those individuals are likely to die of another medical condition before they die of prostate cancer. But as people continue to live longer, some doctors feel that screenings are appropriate for older men in good health. The American Cancer Society recommends that men in their 50s and 60s get screened every two years. Men whose blood tests show elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland, should get annual screenings, according to the ACS. And men with a higher risk of prostate cancer, such as African Americans or those with a family history of the disease, should start screenings in their 40s. But the current guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force an independent panel of experts whose recommendations often determine whether screenings are covered by insurance say that men ages 55 to 69 should merely discuss getting a blood test with their physician. The task force is weighing new guidelines for prostate cancer screenings, with many doctors calling for a more expansive and emphatic recommendation. Weizer said doctors used to screen more widely for prostate cancer in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which led to diagnosing and treating cases that might not have otherwise impacted a persons life. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force from 2012 to 2018 recommended against blood tests that helped identify prostate cancer, which led to a drop-off in screenings. Prostate cancer is an unusual type of cancer in the sense that we now know theres a lot of prostate cancers that will never cause a problem in a person, Weizer said. So you dont really even want to find those cancers. You want to find the ones that are going to behave more aggressively. In recent years, he said, the pendulum has swung back in the direction of more screenings, as doctors have gotten better at knowing which cases to treat and which to monitor over time. But Dahut said theres still some lingering concerns among patients and physicians that the benefits of screening dont outweigh the risks of overdiagnosis or overtreatment. Screening rates have steadily declined since 2012 which Dahut said has contributed, in part, to a 5% annual increase in men being diagnosed with more advanced prostate cancer. Its unclear whether Biden has been screened for prostate cancer in recent years. His annual physical exam in February 2024 did not indicate that a screening had taken place, though it would not have been expected for his age. According to his physical exam from 2019, he had an enlarged prostate, but had not been diagnosed with prostate cancer by that point. Dr. David Shusterman, a New York-based urologist, said Bidens advanced diagnosis would be considered unusual for someone who was screened regularly. Its rare to present with bone [metastasis] in someone whos checking with their urologist once a year, he said. Ive been doing this 25 years and Ive never had a patient like that. The diagnosis is more common in patients who dont regularly see a doctor, he added. That was the case with Rick Gum, who had never been screened before he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Gum, the 73-year-old owner of a trucking company in Big Rock, Illinois, originally sought care for a hernia, only to learn he had aggressive cancer that had spread to his bones. I learned the hard way, he said. I should have been going to the doctor. Gum said his cancer was too far progressed to receive standard treatments, so he participated in various clinical trials at Northwestern Medicine involving chemotherapy, radiation and a pharmaceutical drug containing radioactive isotopes. Ive had seven good years since they diagnosed me, he said. Theyve been quality years. I ride motorcycles. We travel some. I love my job. Ive been able to do it all. Around 37% of patients whose prostate cancer has metastasized survive at least five years after their diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Peter Nelson, vice president of precision oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, said patients like Biden have a more than 90% chance of responding to therapies that lower testosterone a hormone that can feed the cancers growth. These so-called hormone therapies often come in the form of an injection or pill. Most likely, he will get multiple medications at the initiation of his therapy, and could expect several years of response to that therapy before that cancer becomes resistant, Nelson said. Some patients receive chemotherapy or radiation at the same time or following hormone therapy, he added. Biden and his family are considering multiple treatment options, including hormone therapy, according to a source familiar with the familys thinking. searagen/Getty Images A block of houses located on Eason Street in the Highland Park community in Detroit. WalletHub named Flint, Michigan, the most affordable city to own a home, boasting the lowest cost of living and the most affordable home prices in relation to its residents income. Flint has the lowest median home price per square foot at just $61, while its rent-to-price ratio remains quite high, indicating that it is cheaper to buy a home than to rent one. Keep reading to see what other cities made the list. The cost of homes in the U.S. is skyrocketing. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median sales price went from $313,000 at the beginning of 2019 to $416,900 at the beginning of 2025. And, as WalletHub noted, that doesn't account for the rise in mortgage rates, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumping from 2.65 percent in January 2021 to 6.87 percent in January 2025. However, you can still find a great deal in certain parts of the country. On May 20, WalletHub released its latest report identifying the most affordable cities for home buyers. The company compared 300 U.S. cities across 10 key metrics, including housing affordability, the average cost per square foot, average cost of home insurance, the city's cost of living, and the real estate tax rate. Flint, Michigan, came out on top. "Flint is the most affordable city for home buyers, boasting the lowest cost of living index (COLI) in the country and the most affordable home prices relative to residents income," the report stated. "It also has the lowest median home price per square foot, at only $61. To put that in perspective, the price in the most expensive cities is over $1,000 per square foot." Flint also has a very high rent-to-price ratio, meaning its "cheaper to buy property than it is to rent it," WalletHub reported. The report indicated that part of the city's affordability is likely due to its water crisis, but added that "Flints drinking water has now been in compliance with EPA standards for six years," making it a great place to revisit. "We have new infrastructure. We have new state-of-the-art technologies, Mayor Sheldon Neeley shared in 2024. Residents of this community never again have to worry about drinking from the Flint River water. Joining Flint at the top of the list is another Michigan city: Detroit. The median home value in Motor City is a little over twice the median household income, while the median price per square foot is just $87. "Due to people moving out of Detroit during the past financial crisis, over 22 percent of housing in the city is vacant, which makes it a buyers market compared to other cities where available houses are scarce," the report noted. And rounding out the top three is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which the study found has the 23rd-highest rent-to-price ratio in the nation, indicating that buying a home is a better investment than renting. Steel City also performs well in the housing affordability category, with a median home price around 3.8 times higher than the median household income. Of course, as Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, noted, a lot goes into choosing where to live. But at least this study offers a good financial insight into where to start. When deciding where to buy a home, home prices alone arent a good enough indicator of how affordable things will be," Lupo said. "You also have to consider how the average price compares to a typical income in the area, plus things like the overall cost of living and the costs of maintenance and taxes." See the full study rankings of all 300 cities at wallethub.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Delta Air Lines resumed its daily flights to Tel Aviv on Tuesday after a temporary suspension due to airstrikes near Ben Gurion Airport earlier this month. The carrier said the decision to resume the route, which flies nonstop from New York (JFK) to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), "follows an extensive security risk assessment by the airline" in a press release on Tuesday. Since the conflict escalated in Oct. 2023, global carriers including Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines started to temporarily halt service to Tel Aviv. United Airlines resumed its route between Newark and Tel Aviv on March 15, plus added a second flight on March 29, following "a detailed assessment of operational considerations for the region and close work with the unions who represent our flight attendants and pilots." On May 4, Yemen's Houthi rebels fired a missile that landed near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting several global airlines to pause service again. Many European airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, continue with the suspension indefinitely. "Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports," Delta said. The airline also issued a travel waiver for customers who purchased tickets to TLV for before May 5 for travel through May 25. Rebooked travel must take place on or before June 15. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Delta's service to Tel Aviv resumes after missile attack A sign for the company Equinor is displayed on Oct. 28, 2020, in Fornebu, Norway. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB Scanpix via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The Trump administration is allowing work on a major offshore wind project for New York to resume. The developer, the Norwegian energy company Equinor, said Monday it was told by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that a stop-work order has been lifted for the Empire Wind project, allowing construction to resume. Work has been paused since Interior Secretary Doug Burgum last month directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt construction and review the permits. Burgum said at the time that it appeared former President Joe Biden's administration had rushed through the approvals. Equinor spent seven years obtaining permits and has spent more than $2.5 billion so far on a project that is one-third complete. Equinor President and CEO Anders Opedal thanked President Donald Trump for allowing the project to move forward, saving about 1,500 construction jobs and investments in U.S. energy infrastructure. He also expressed appreciation to New York's governor, New York City's mayor, members of Congress and labor groups, as well as Norwegian officials who worked to save the project. The Norwegian government owns a majority stake in Equinor. We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs, Opedal said in a statement. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said it took countless conversations with Equinor and White House officials, and the involvement of labor and business interests, to emphasize the project's importance and get Empire Wind back on track. Equinor is building Empire Wind south of Long Island, New York, to provide power in 2026 for more than 500,000 New York homes. New Yorks economic future is going to be powered by abundant, clean energy that helps our homes and businesses thrive. I fought to save clean energy jobs in New York and we got it done, Hochul said in a statement Monday. The Interior Department said Tuesday the pause on the project was lifted while a review of the permits continues. Large offshore wind farms have been making electricity for three decades in Europe and, more recently, in Asia. But the industry has struggled to grow in the U.S. due to high costs, difficulties growing a supply chain for materials and the lengthy permitting process. Trump has prioritized fossil fuels and moved against renewable energy since returning to the White House. One of his first acts was ordering a pause of offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and the issuance of approvals, permits and loans for all wind projects. But the administrations targeting of Empire Wind, a project already underway, took that a step further. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement Friday that while unleashing Americas energy dominance, Trump paused certain wind projects that are detrimental to our beloved wildlife including birds and whales. There are no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While wind turbines can pose a risk to birds, wildlife conservation organizations say they support the responsible development of offshore wind because climate change is a bigger threat. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Monday that lifting the stop-work order is welcome news. Empire Wind will greatly benefit the economy on Long Island and the environment for all New Yorkers, he said in a statement. Offshore wind advocates also celebrated the decision. Its a win for workers, the industry and companies in places like Louisiana, South Carolina and Pennsylvania, helping to build projects in the Northeast, the Oceantic Network said in a statement. Equinor said on May 9 it would be forced to abandon Empire Wind within days unless the administration relented on its order that stopped construction. Equinor was spending up to $50 million per week and had 11 vessels on standby. Equinor finalized the federal lease in March 2017, during Trumps first term. The federal government approved the construction and operations plan in February 2024. New York aims to obtain 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035. New York is getting some wind power from the nations first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, a 12-turbine wind farm called South Fork that opened a year ago, operated by different companies east of Montauk Point, New York. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Food & Wine / Natalia Gdovskaia / Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Getty Images When you take that first sip of morning coffee, its likely theres little on your mind beyond getting a jolt of caffeine to jumpstart the day. But theres a lot to learn about whats brewing inside your cup. While there are nearly 120 different varieties of coffee plants, arabica and robusta are the only two that can be harvested for their beans. These two varieties couldnt be more different, from the regions where each bean thrives, to the resulting flavor profile and caffeine content contained in each. Related: How to Store Coffee to Stay Fresh the Longest, According to Experts Arabica used to dominate the global market and make up more than 80% of the coffee consumed around the world. But, robusta is narrowing the margin as more coffee professionals educate consumers about the beans, and roasters offer single-variety bags of robusta coffee. As robusta and arabica gain equal footing, heres everything you need to know about what differentiates the two primary types of coffee beans. Arabica Comes from the plant coffea arabica Tends to be more acidic with a sweeter, fruitier flavor profile More popular than robusta, makes up 60% of the coffee consumed in the U.S. Can be more expensive due to more challenging growing conditions Robusta Comes from the coffea canephora plant Known for its bold flavor Contains 60% less fat and sugar than arabica Has about twice the caffeine of arabica The plant is hearty and can thrive in lower elevations and varying climates What is arabica coffee? Arabica is a delicate bean that comes from the plant coffea arabica and is prized for complex flavor profiles. According to Thu Pham, co-owner of Caphe Roasters, a Philadelphia-based roaster offering both arabica and robusta coffee from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, arabica is not easily defined thanks to its wide variety of tasting notes. While some arabica beans can contain chocolate notes and others lean citrusy, Pham says arabica tends to be more acidic with a sweeter, fruitier flavor profile than robusta coffee. For years, arabica coffee was the gold standard for specialty coffee roasters, so youve likely seen brands advertising 100% arabica on coffee labels and store signs. All that marketing has made arabica slightly more popular than robusta, resulting in about 60% of the coffee consumed in the U.S. Arabica is grown around the world, but countries like Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia are known for growing arabica coffee because of their temperate climates and high elevations. The growing conditions required for arabica plants are part of the reason why it tends to be thought of as the higher-end choice and can be more expensive than robusta coffee. Arabica plants are challenging to grow, requiring elevations of more than 3,000 feet, subtropical climates, and some shade to thrive. While robusta coffee grows uniformly in clusters and can be picked all at once, the cherries on an arabica tree need to be picked off individually because they ripen at different times, making more work for farmers. Related: The Top 10 US Cities for Coffee, According to the Experts What is robusta coffee? Robusta, which comes from the coffea canephora plant, is known for its bold flavor. Many describe it as similar to dark chocolate with bitter, nutty tasting notes and just a bit of sweetness. That is likely due to the fact that robusta contains 60% less fat and sugar than arabica. Its also a supercharged way to start your day, as robusta naturally has about double the caffeine of arabica coffee beans. The robusta coffee plant is hearty and can thrive in lower elevations and varying climates. Robusta is grown around the world in countries like Indonesia and Uganda, but Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta beans, and the second largest overall coffee producer worldwide after Brazil. For years, robusta was unfairly considered an inferior bean. As the name suggests, its a resilient plant that can handle tricky growing conditions and reproduce much more quickly than arabica plants. It was first grown for quantity and not necessarily quality, but modern farmers and coffee roasters aim to change that by investing in the beans and giving them the specialty coffee treatment with 100% robusta bags. Related: Coffee Experts Agree, Freezing Your Coffee Beans Keeps Them Fresher for Longer I didn't even realize that Vietnam was this huge coffee producer, says Kim Dam, owner of the robusta-focused shop Portland Ca Phe. Its crazy to think that I had been in coffee for so long and had really never seen these beans being used in specialty coffee shops. Helen Le, author and recipe developer based in Da Nang, Vietnam, says the bold flavor profile of robusta is popular in her home country because it works well with traditional Vietnamese coffee preparations like ca phe sua da, or iced coffee, which is typically served with sweetened condensed milk. Robusta is a great pairing for this type of coffee, as well as other variations like egg coffee or avocado coffee, because its intense flavor isnt diluted by melting ice or downplayed by sweet additions. Robusta may not always get the spotlight on the global stage, says Le. But in Vietnam, its celebrated for everything it brings to the table: strength, character, and a connection to heritage. Read the original article on Food & Wine Courtesy 90 Day Fiance/YouTube 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days alum Ben Rathbun has died at the age of 55, according to TMZ. Rathbun, who appeared on season 5 of the TLC reality show with then-girlfriend Mahogany Roca, died on Monday, May 19, at his home in Greencastle, Indiana, according to the outlet. TMZ reports that Rathbun had been battling stage 4 stomach cancer since the end of 2024. During Before the 90 Days season 5, Rathbun, then 52 and a divorced father of four, met Roca originally from Peru online. However, Rathbuns loved ones (and some viewers) were worried he was being catfished because she refused to take part in video calls during their courtship. The couple eventually met in Peru and got married. Our civil ceremony was just brilliant, I could not believe how beautiful it was, Rathbun noted on a February 2024 episode of spinoff show 90 Day Diaries, per In Touch. But we are still planning on having a religious ceremony. 90 Day Fiance Original Couples Status Check: Who Is Still Together? At the time, Rathbun shared that despite the nuptials, he still needed to build trust with his new wife. Were just going through a really difficult transition. Ive gone about six months without a really good job and bills have been piling up, of course, he said. Things are extremely tight now and Im doing everything I can right now to pay all the bills and for my next trip to Peru. The couple previously detailed their engagement in a YouTube vlog published in August 2022. The engagement came just months after Rathbun was arrested in March 2022 for failing to appear at a probation violation hearing. According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, the reality star was originally booked for operating while under the influence and driving with a suspended license in 2020. He was later sentenced to 18 months of probation in January 2021. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 5 Status Check: Which Couples Are Still Together? Rathbun missed a scheduled appearance at a probation violation hearing in February 2022. As a result, a judge issued a bench warrant the following month and the TLC personality was taken into custody. In a statement to In Touch at the time, Rathbun said he missed the summons for his court appearance because he moved states and the document was delivered to the wrong address. This was my fault because I needed to make sure I was getting all notices, but by the time I found out, it was too late, and I missed my appointment, he said. So a warrant was issued for my arrest. I immediately drove 14 hours and turned myself in to the court and spent a night in jail. A man takes a photo with his cell phone as he stands facing the giant pharmaceutical Roche Towers with an ESC (Eurovision Song Contest -Love) sign created by blinded windows, in Basel on May 15, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) Image not from story. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) Billions of dollars have been spent bolstering national security since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but government facilities are still vulnerable to espionage and leaks, security experts told the Daily Caller. The intelligence community (IC) implemented standards in 2010 for sensitive government facilities, noting that portable electronic devices can enable hostile attacks that threaten classified information in government facilities. However, these sensitive facilities are often not equipped with the proper tools to monitor unauthorized devices, security experts told the Caller. Retired Senior CIA Executive Rodney Alto spent 35 years in the agency and told the Caller there are a wide array of actors trying to obtain sensitive information about U.S. national security. Whether that be nation-state actors, terrorist organizations, or criminal organizations, what were seeing them do today is exploit all the technology tools that are in front of them to gain access to sensitive conversations, Alto said. Alto currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Federal and Security at the radio frequency security company Bastille, according to his LinkedIn. And at the top of that list, [it] really starts to become things like cell phones, and how can I exploit a cell phone to allow me to eavesdrop on a sensitive conversation? Alto continued. Phones have been the targets of espionage operations in recent years. A Chinese espionage campaign allegedly stole information from potentially more than 1 million American mobile phone customers, sources told ABC News in 2024. U.S. officials deemed it a significant intelligence gathering operation, according to the outlet. Americans are not the only ones vulnerable to spyware French President Emmanuel Macron was reportedly targeted for phone hacking software, the BBC reported. Macron was allegedly a target of the software Pegasus. The spyware was created by the Israeli firm NSO Group and enables users to infect electronic devices. NSO Group denied allegations of wrongdoing, according to the BBC. Federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) store and disseminate information in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs). In those facilities, government officials can openly discuss sensitive information and classified communications, sources told the Caller. (RELATED: Cable Companies, Pentagon And Dark Money Clash With Cell Phone Titans Over Cruz-Backed Idea For Big, Beautiful Bill) However, Alto estimates that only 10% of the thousands of U.S. government SCIFs and SAPFs are appropriately detecting unauthorized devices even though these facilities publicly display signs prohibiting electronic devices. WASHINGTON, DC MAY 6: The Department of Justice logo is displayed before U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives for a news conference at the Department of Justice on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Bastille, one of the companies contracted to monitor SCIFs and SAPFs, deploys Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS) for 40 federal agencies, Bastille CEO Chris Risley told the Caller. WIDS detect thousands of devices brought into those facilities each year, he said. The majority of these instances are not bad actors, but rather employees who accidentally brought their phones into the secure facility, according to the CEO. It does not take much to compromise a cellular device. An unsecure app, a sketchy link or even connecting to public Wi-Fi on a personal phone can all expose it to malware, turning the phone into a tool for data exfiltration otherwise known as data theft Alto told the Caller. Even well-meaning employees can unknowingly become a source of classified leaks, Risley told the Caller in a statement. Thats why real-time wireless monitoring is critical in secure environments. Smartphones have built-in microphones and cameras, enabling them to share information through cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, Alto told the Caller. The signs forbidding electronic devices in SCIFS and SAPFS are insufficient, as they could create the opportunity for a crime of opportunity, Risley said. Risley described the mindset of someone who brings a phone into those facilities, and he said those individuals are not necessarily planning on leaking sensitive information. If you know its not being monitored, you say, gee, Id rather keep my cell phone with me in case my wife needs to send me a text or something, and people bring them in, Risley told the Caller. If someone were tempted to leak sensitive information to a journalist or an adversary, that individual could easily capture information with a phone camera. A similar incident allegedly occurred at the State Departments headquarters in Washington, D.C. in February. Michael Schena, a State Department employee, allegedly used his cell phone to take photos of multiple documents labeled SECRET on his computer and brought his phone home, according to a press release by the Department of Justice (DOJ). His phone was seized by authorities, the DOJ said. Schena was allegedly providing information to people he met online a few years earlier in exchange for payments, the press release noted. These occurrences are becoming far more common due to technological advancements, and officials know its a problem that needs to be addressed, Alto told the Caller. (RELATED: Trump Pushes $1 Trillion Pentagon Budget) Security experts warn that cellphones, smartwatches, hearing aids and Wi-Fi-connected printers are also vulnerable to compromise. These devices can become tools for data exfiltration if they are not properly secured against unauthorized wireless signals. A 2023 DOD memorandum issued by then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed all SCIF and SAPF users to certify compliance with policies banning personal electronic devices. Lloyd required DOD components to program for appropriate electronic device detection systems and mitigation measures in all DOD SCIFs and SAPFs by September 2024, according to the memo. ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA SEPTEMBER 09: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participates in an honor cordon alongside Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang at the Pentagon on September 09, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) There are a few barriers to detecting electronic devices in sensitive facilities, however, Alto told the Caller. Installing and monitoring electronic device detection systems in every SCIF and SAPF requires funding, Alto noted. I think its a funding issue, he said. We, clearly as a government, need to invest funding to better protect our national security spaces or locations where sensitive conversations are occurring. However, Alto emphasized the lack of education on the risks of electronic devices as a major factor. We need to continue to educate our leadership on the sensitivities revolving around unauthorized electronic devices in sensitive locations and the capacity they have to exploit those environments to acquire and transmit unauthorized data to unauthorized users, Alto said. (RELATED: Heres Why Government Officials Use Signal To Communicate) He noted that individuals who break the law must be held accountable. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the cybersecurity products and services for mobiles devices that are used by DOD. Alto stressed that lawmakers need to ensure there is appropriate funding to protect Americas national security. We need direction from Congress, he said. WASHINGTON, DC JANUARY 17: The U.S. Capitol is seen on January 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. The second Trump inauguration ceremony on January 20 will be moved to the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol as temperatures are expected to be the coldest in forty years. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) We prioritized, a number of years ago, increasing physical security around government buildings because we were concerned about unauthorized individuals, vehicles, and whatever gaining physical access to a building, which is really important for us to do, Alto added. Today, we live in a world where access is now happening via things like cell phones that can exponentially create enormous harm to national security through the ease of exfiltrating data that they present, he told the Caller. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU defense ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BARCELONA (AP) The European Union will lift sanctions on Syria's economy but keep those in place targeting the former Assad regime, the EU's top diplomat announced Tuesday. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke after chairing a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc. She said the decision was designed to avert poverty and radicalism in the country after more than a decade of civil war sent millions fleeing, including to Europe. The sanctions are conditional and could be resumed if the new government of Ahmad al-Sharaa doesnt keep the peace, Kallas said. Saving lives must be our top priority on Syria," she said. The announcement came a week after U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with al-Sharaa and his announcement that the U.S. would ease sanctions on Syria. Lifting sanctions could bring much-needed investment to Syria, which needs tens of billions of dollars to restore its battered infrastructure. An insurgency late last year unseated former Syrian President Bashar Assad and ended the civil war that decimated much of the countrys infrastructure. The United Nations estimates that 90% of Syrians live in poverty and state-supplied electricity comes as little as two hours every day. Earlier in the day, Kallas acknowledged concerns about sectarian conflict but said we don't have a choice but to lift sanctions and bolster the Syrian economy: We actually either give them possibility to stabilize the country or we dont do that and we have something like what we have in Afghanistan. Kallas added: There can be no peace without the path to economic recovery, and we all need a stable Syria." She did not provide details or timing on the lifting of sanctions. But a European Council statement said it would keep sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression. In addition, the EU will introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fueling instability in Syria. Syrians had celebrated in streets across the country after Trump's announcement, and Arab leaders in neighboring nations that host millions of refugees who fled Syrias war praised it. Big technology companies, along with their industry associations, are pressuring the EU to cut back on its AI regulations by claiming that doing so would promote innovation. We believe this is a red herring. Europes path to AI competitiveness lies in cutting actual bureaucratic red tape that hinders startups and scale-ups across the single market, not in removing AI safeguards. Right now, independent experts are working with the EU AI Office on practical guidelines for general-purpose AI companies. As Turing Award-winning computer scientist Yoshua Bengio points out, this effort aims to turn regulatory principles into clear practices that work across all EU countries, preventing a patchwork of different rules in each member state. Under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, this toolbox will in practice be used by global behemoths like Meta and Google and doesnt have much to do with European startups. Hence, keys to unlocking actual EU economic growth are not hidden in the AI-safety box at all. It is all about the plain old business bureaucracy that we need to cut. What the EU should fix In Estonia, where we are from, launching a company takes just 10 minutes online. A digital form needs to be completed and a fee of roughly 200 paid to the government. For a founder in Belgium, despite identical EU-level rules, bureaucratic hurdles start with over 1,000 in notary fees, mandatory bank account setup that requires in-person meetings, and other requirements that could drag on for weeks. Or if you start in Greece or Italy, for months. These are the things that the EU needs to fix inside member states. Furthermore, if you start that business in Estonia, it should be straightforward to expand to any other EU country, across a true digital single market. Instead, we face fragmentation caused by national-level administrative requirements. Hiring, raising capital, and serving customers becomes much more difficult when you cross national borders even inside the EU. More harmonized EU-level standards could help ensure documentation from one member state would be recognized throughout the Union. As Columbia law professor Anu Bradford notes, the EU lacks a true digital single market, has shallow and fragmented capital markets, punitive bankruptcy laws, a culture of risk-aversion, and an inability to harness global talent. The Mario Draghi report from last year identifies fragmentation, insufficient investment, and regulatory complexity as key barriers, and calls for investment and regulatory harmonization. This kind of administrative inconsistency, rather than EU digital regulations, adds unnecessary friction to creating and scaling more European tech companies. Yet, in the laudable drive to pull back on regulations to boost entrepreneurship, weve noticed a worrisome movement of trying to bundle recommendations that dont help this objective. AI giants There are about 10 companies worldwide building the most capable general-purpose AI models, the ones covered by the safety and security requirements in the EUs regulatory framework. These are not garage startups. They are some of the most well-resourced corporations in human history. They can handle the requirements set forth in the EU AI Act. One key requirement is third-party evaluationsmeaning that an independent entity tests whether an AI model is safeunder certain conditions. These assessments are designed to ensure that models like Metas Llama or Googles Gemini do not pose systemic risks such as cyberattacks, bio-risk, and loss of control. Claims that such tests would be too burdensome or unworkable is ludicrous given the resources of the companies involved. Such claims also contradict the prior commitments of top companies at the 2023 UK AI Safety Summit, the 2024 Seoul Summit, and as part of the White House Commitments. Getting rid of such AI testing to help EU innovation is like hoping that eliminating checks for hazardous material in Chinese toys automatically helps the EU produce and export more toys for children. Neither addresses the actual barriers to bringing more European technologies to the world. Sensible AI oversight Indeed, the safeguards mirror established practices in pharmaceuticals, aviation, and finance where independent verification builds essential public trust and investor confidence. For example, in pharmaceuticals, new drugs must undergo rigorous clinical trials overseen by independent regulatory bodies like the FDA before reaching consumers. Why should AI, possibly one of the most consequential technologies of our time, be exempt from such oversight? A recent survey by researchers from Stanford University, KU Leuven, the Centre for the Governance of AI, and the Future of Life Institute showed strong expert consensus that third-party assessment of general-purpose AI models is both effective and feasible. Between 62% and 87% of experts agreed it helps reduce systemic risks. Nearly all said it was technically feasible. Digital regulations are unlikely the main reason behind the EUs relative lack of technological innovation, and cutting AI safety requirements on big corporations isnt the solution to it. Robust regulations for powerful digital tools developed by well-funded companies are much needed to increase the trust in this technology in an already risk-averse culture. We can also simultaneously remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for small businesses looking to scale up and fix many of the other culprits impeding business growth along the way. While the U.S. and China clash over perceived and real AI dominance, the EU has an excellent opportunity to build technology companies rooted in our humanistic values. Lets not squander it by confusing safeguards with red tape and losing sight of the real obstacles to innovation. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. Read more: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Texas to the rescue? Tesla (TSLA) is exploring alternative ways to pay CEO Elon Musk in a new deal that, if put on the table, would be the first time the electric vehicle makers pay proposal for the worlds richest man would be subject to Texas rather than Delaware law. The Financial Times reported last week that Teslas board formed a two-member special committee to evaluate a pay package that could reward the CEO for his past work if the Delaware Supreme Court denies the $56 billion-plus performance-based deal that the state's Chancery Court invalidated. The compensation has been hung up in court for seven years and is now pending Musk and Tesla's appeal. The state's Supreme Court has not publicly indicated when it will issue a decision. Meanwhile, in an objection to the Chancery Court's controversial decision, Tesla dissolved its incorporation in Delaware and reincorporated in Texas. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on its board's reported backup pay plan considerations. In a remote interview for the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday, Musk described the Delaware judge who invalidated his pay, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, as an activist who is playing a judge in a Halloween costume. Musk said his decision to stay at Tesla is less about pay, and more about gaining more control over the company. I cant be sitting there and wondering if Im going to be tossed out, he said. A 'defining' dispute for corporate law For roughly the past century, Delaware has been the dominant place to incorporate because of its so-called corporate-friendly laws, specialized business courts, and ease of filing company documents. But in the wake of Tesla's highly publicized litigation, other states have been vying for its business, and a wave of corporations followed Tesla's decision to reincorporate elsewhere. University of California, Berkeley law professor, Stavros Gadinis, believes that what Tesla's board does next will test and help settle the defining features of where corporate law is headed. Texas and Delaware courts, he explained, may part ways is in their views over what qualifies a director as "independent" and Texas courts are not bound to follow Delaware's law. Delaware's interpretation of independence is strict, Gadinis added. One of the ways it can find a director not independent is if the director's board compensation represents a substantial part of their total wealth. Just saying no to Tesla's board: Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick. (Photo: Eric Crossan via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "How Texas deals with this question is going to be very critical on how people see Texas, moving forward, and how people see Delaware, moving forward, and ultimately how they see corporations," Gadinis said. "I don't think that Texas courts would necessarily be willing to be aligned with Delaware." The Delaware court's concern about board independence in Musk's case was elevated because, although Musk wasn't a controlling shareholder of Tesla, his influence over its board was considered substantial. That influence permitted the Delaware court to apply a stricter standard to the pay deal, which it used to rule that the board had breached its fiduciary duty to Tesla's shareholders. Delaware has since amended its corporate law to specify that shareholders like Musk who control less than one-third of a company's shares are not considered controlling shareholders. However, Gadinis said the law still permits judges to apply a higher standard to transactions when they involve shareholders who dominate the board. "I think because of Musk's ownership percentage, which is less than one-third, Texas might part ways with Delaware in that regard," he said. Kelsey Szamet, a partner with the California law firm Kingsley Szamet, agreed that Tesla's conflict raises broader questions about corporate governance and how corporations justify sizable performance-based remuneration. "Regardless of the outcome," she said, "the case is likely to influence how other boards approach executive compensation." What's next for Musk's pay? Executive compensation attorney Dario Mendoza, a partner with Texas-based Vinson & Elkins, said Texas law is fairly flexible when it comes to C-suite pay arrangements, but neither state nor federal laws are flexible enough to go back in time and reinstate Musks disputed plan. As a general matter, you cannot backdate options, Mendoza said. So if those options stay rescinded, there's no way to grant a new option that was effective as of 2018. Tesla stockholders approved Musk's pay-performance-based package a second time in June. That was after a single-member special committee with independent director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson recommended it to shareholders. The deal entitled Musk to a series of stock option grants that triggered when Teslas market cap and operational goals reached escalating benchmarks. At the time the options were granted, a total of 304 million shares at $23.34 each, the plan was worth roughly $56 billion. Since then, it has ballooned beyond $100 billion due to an increase in Teslas stock price. At its peak in 2024, it was worth $146 billion. At Monday's market close, it was worth roughly $104 billion. Those options that cost Tesla $2.3 billion in 2018, if reissued today, would carry an accounting charge to Tesla of roughly $50 billion. Gadinis said it's unlikely that a purely performance-based award would get Musk back to the same compensation level because in the next two to five years, Tesla's share price may not see the same level of growth as when Musk was building the company. And given Musk's interests outside of Tesla, he said, a replacement deal could include promises from Tesla to invest in or make loans to outside enterprises. "Part of it will include an outright payment," Gadinis predicted about a potential new compensation proposal to shareholders. "And then I think it would be a combination of performance, some type of outright bonus or gift, and some sort of loan or co-investment." Mendoza said Tesla could grant Musk in-the-money options with an exercise price lower than its stocks current fair market value. But to work legally, the options must have dates on which they would automatically vest. An in-the-money pay plan could grant Musk the right to options at the same price per share awarded in his original deal, instead of at Teslas current share price of roughly $342. In that case, he said, Musk would have no say over the vesting date, and any gain he earned at the time of vesting would amount to immediate taxable income. Elon would not have the ability to exercise at his discretion whenever he wanted to, Mendoza said. "Because it's in-the-money, it has to be designed in a way that complies with the Internal Revenue Code, which is really restrictive on when in-the-money options can be exercised." Otherwise, a 20% excise tax would apply, on top of normal income taxes. In Musk's case, Mendoza said, the tax, on top of his maximum 37% income tax rate, would lead to a potential 57% tax. Another method would be for the board to grant Musk full value stock, or restricted stock units. Each full value share is worth the current fair market value of Tesla's stock at the time it vests, which can be based on meeting certain conditions, with no purchase or exercise required. Restricted options are not required to have an exercise price, and simply confer the right to purchase the shares at a set "strike" or "exercise" price after vesting. "That could get around the issue of having to exercise and comply with the IRS restrictions on in-the-money option grants," Mendoza said. The committee could give Musk a certain number of shares, and the shares could be subject to time-based vesting, or performance-based vesting, he said. "They've got a lot of flexibility in that regard." Shareholders got 'a lot' out of Musk's pay deal A single Tesla shareholder undid Musk's pay in a lawsuit that alleged that Tesla's board members breached their fiduciary duties by approving the plan. Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick agreed, holding that the deal was invalid because Musk as a "controlling shareholder" held too much sway over the board. In this courtroom sketch, venture capitalist Ira Ehrenpreis is cross-examined as testimony started in Wilmington, Del., on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in a shareholder lawsuit challenging approval of Tesla CEO Elon Musk's pay package. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Tesla's new compensation committee, according to the financial times, includes Wilson-Thompson and board chair Robyn Denholm, who has made roughly $530 million in Tesla share sale profits since taking her board chair position in 2018. University of Colorado finance professor Sanjai Bhagat said that any alternate compensation plan Wilson-Thompson and Denholm conjure up should again restrict Musk from immediately selling shares or exercising options. In order to incentivize Tesla's long-term goals, he said, a bulk of CEO pay should be locked up until at least six to 12 months after the last day serving as CEO. That could overcome concerns that Musk may not dedicate enough time to leading the company. Musk has previously threatened to step down as CEO unless his compensation is renegotiated to award him at least 25% of Tesla's shares. On the other hand, a replacement deal shouldn't have to happen, Bhagat said. In his view, the Delaware Supreme Court should overturn McCormick's decision because despite its flaws the pay deal fulfilled the point of CEO compensation, which is to serve the purpose of the corporation: maximizing long-term shareholder value. "The only time in Tesla's compensation plan that [Musk] gets anything out of it is if the shareholders get something out of it. And in fact, the shareholders have gotten a lot out of it," he said, noting that Musk's pay deal offered him no salary and was entirely performance-based. "If the CEO was getting paid a cash amount, unrelated to stock price performance, then I'd be very concerned." Gadinis said that at the end of the day, the question that courts are supposed to ask is this: Was it fair to shareholders? By the second shareholder vote, he said, the shareholders knew much more about the structure of Musk's deal, and they also knew he had already met its stated targets. A new pay plan under Texas law would still require that Tesla publicly disclose its pay proposal to shareholders and gain shareholder approval. Meanwhile, a new Texas law, SB29, went into effect last week, which would make it more difficult for a shareholder dispute like the one against Tesla to go forward in Texas. The law offers personal liability protection to officers and directors who make "good faith" decisions on behalf of the companies they serve, and makes it more difficult for minority shareholders to bring shareholder derivative claims. Tesla amended its bylaws last week to reflect the change, specifying that shareholders or a group of shareholders must own at least 3% of the company's shares to maintain a derivative suit. Pay or won't play? Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) (REUTERS / Reuters) Texas hopes the move helps it attract more businesses. Before the change, Musk moved the incorporation for his rocket-building company, SpaceX (SPAX.PVT), from Delaware to Texas. Neuralink (NEUR.PVT), Boring, and the social media platform X three other companies he oversees have left Delaware for Nevada. Over the past year, Meta (META), Dropbox (DBX), hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, Trade Desk (TTD), Fidelity National Financial (FNF), and Sonoma Pharmaceuticals (SNOA) have all floated plans to move their incorporations. High-profile business departures from Delaware also prompted the state's new governor to amend its corporation laws. Its amended law, signed by the governor in March, extends more leeway to board members in transactions where their interests or relationships raise conflicts of interest. It also broadens the set of conditions that investors must meet before inspecting company records, making it more difficult for plaintiffs to find evidence supporting a lawsuit. "I think what [Judge McCormick] has done is a great disservice to the corporate governance structure in the country," Bhagat said. "There's a larger issue at stake. Why do international investors have so much faith in the US, even investors in countries that are hostile to the US? Basically, the answer is that they trust the US system of corporate governance." The court does not comment on pending cases. A recent regulatory filing from Tesla said it would delay the filing of its proxy statement, which could give Tesla more time to work out a backup pay plan for Musk. The company's annual shareholder meeting was held last year on June 13. Asked during Tuesday's interview with Qatar's forum if he will be CEO of Tesla in five years time. Yes, Musk said. No doubt about that? Well, no, I might die, he laughed. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Texas to the rescue? Tesla (TSLA) is exploring alternative ways to pay CEO Elon Musk in a new deal that, if put on the table, would be the first time the electric vehicle makers pay proposal for the worlds richest man would be subject to Texas rather than Delaware law. The Financial Times reported last week that Teslas board formed a two-member special committee to evaluate a pay package that could reward the CEO for his past work if the Delaware Supreme Court denies the $56 billion-plus performance-based deal that the state's Chancery Court invalidated. The compensation has been hung up in court for seven years and is now pending Musk and Tesla's appeal. The state's Supreme Court has not publicly indicated when it will issue a decision. Meanwhile, in an objection to the Chancery Court's controversial decision, Tesla dissolved its incorporation in Delaware and reincorporated in Texas. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on its board's reported backup pay plan considerations. A 'defining' dispute for corporate law For roughly the past century, Delaware has been the dominant place to incorporate because of its so-called corporate-friendly laws, specialized business courts, and ease of filing company documents. But in the wake of Tesla's highly publicized litigation, other states have been vying for its business, and a wave of corporations followed Tesla's decision to reincorporate elsewhere. University of California, Berkeley law professor, Stavros Gadinis, believes that what Tesla's board does next will test and help settle the defining features of where corporate law is headed. Texas and Delaware courts, he explained, may part ways is in their views over what qualifies a director as "independent" and Texas courts are not bound to follow Delaware's law. Delaware's interpretation of independence is strict, Gadinis added. One of the ways it can find a director not independent is if the director's board compensation represents a substantial part of their total wealth. Just saying no to Tesla's board: Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick. (Photo: Eric Crossan via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "How Texas deals with this question is going to be very critical on how people see Texas, moving forward, and how people see Delaware, moving forward, and ultimately how they see corporations," Gadinis said. "I don't think that Texas courts would necessarily be willing to be aligned with Delaware." The Delaware court's concern about board independence in Musk's case was elevated because, although Musk wasn't a controlling shareholder of Tesla, his influence over its board was considered substantial. That influence permitted the Delaware court to apply a stricter standard to the pay deal, which it used to rule that the board had breached its fiduciary duty to Tesla's shareholders. Delaware has since amended its corporate law to specify that shareholders like Musk who control less than one-third of a company's shares are not considered controlling shareholders. However, Gadinis said the law still permits judges to apply a higher standard to transactions when they involve shareholders who dominate the board. "I think because of Musk's ownership percentage, which is less than one-third, Texas might part ways with Delaware in that regard," he said. Kelsey Szamet, a partner with the California law firm Kingsley Szamet, agreed that Tesla's conflict raises broader questions about corporate governance and how corporations justify sizable performance-based remuneration. "Regardless of the outcome," she said, "the case is likely to influence how other boards approach executive compensation." What's next for Musk's pay? Executive compensation attorney Dario Mendoza, a partner with Texas-based Vinson & Elkins, said Texas law is fairly flexible when it comes to C-suite pay arrangements, but neither state nor federal laws are flexible enough to go back in time and reinstate Musks disputed plan. As a general matter, you cannot backdate options, Mendoza said. So if those options stay rescinded, there's no way to grant a new option that was effective as of 2018. Tesla stockholders approved Musk's pay-performance-based package a second time in June. That was after a single-member special committee with independent director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson recommended it to shareholders. The deal entitled Musk to a series of stock option grants that triggered when Teslas market cap and operational goals reached escalating benchmarks. At the time the options were granted, a total of 304 million shares at $23.34 each, the plan was worth roughly $56 billion. Since then, it has ballooned beyond $100 billion due to an increase in Teslas stock price. At its peak in 2024, it was worth $146 billion. At Monday's market close, it was worth roughly $104 billion. Those options that cost Tesla $2.3 billion in 2018, if reissued today, would carry an accounting charge to Tesla of roughly $50 billion. Gadinis said it's unlikely that a purely performance-based award would get Musk back to the same compensation level because in the next two to five years, Tesla's share price may not see the same level of growth as when Musk was building the company. And given Musk's interests outside of Tesla, he said, a replacement deal could include promises from Tesla to invest in or make loans to outside enterprises. "Part of it will include an outright payment," Gadinis predicted about a potential new compensation proposal to shareholders. "And then I think it would be a combination of performance, some type of outright bonus or gift, and some sort of loan or co-investment." Mendoza said Tesla could grant Musk in-the-money options with an exercise price lower than its stocks current fair market value. But to work legally, the options must have dates on which they would automatically vest. An in-the-money pay plan could grant Musk the right to options at the same price per share awarded in his original deal, instead of at Teslas current share price of roughly $342. In that case, he said, Musk would have no say over the vesting date, and any gain he earned at the time of vesting would amount to immediate taxable income. Elon would not have the ability to exercise at his discretion whenever he wanted to, Mendoza said. "Because it's in-the-money, it has to be designed in a way that complies with the Internal Revenue Code, which is really restrictive on when in-the-money options can be exercised." Otherwise, a 20% excise tax would apply, on top of normal income taxes. In Musk's case, Mendoza said, the tax, on top of his maximum 37% income tax rate, would lead to a potential 57% tax. Another method would be for the board to grant Musk full value stock, or restricted stock units. Each full value share is worth the current fair market value of Tesla's stock at the time it vests, which can be based on meeting certain conditions, with no purchase or exercise required. Restricted options are not required to have an exercise price, and simply confer the right to purchase the shares at a set "strike" or "exercise" price after vesting. "That could get around the issue of having to exercise and comply with the IRS restrictions on in-the-money option grants," Mendoza said. The committee could give Musk a certain number of shares, and the shares could be subject to time-based vesting, or performance-based vesting, he said. "They've got a lot of flexibility in that regard." Shareholders got 'a lot' out of Musk's pay deal A single Tesla shareholder undid Musk's pay in a lawsuit that alleged that Tesla's board members breached their fiduciary duties by approving the plan. Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick agreed, holding that the deal was invalid because Musk as a "controlling shareholder" held too much sway over the board. In this courtroom sketch, venture capitalist Ira Ehrenpreis is cross-examined as testimony started in Wilmington, Del., on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in a shareholder lawsuit challenging approval of Tesla CEO Elon Musk's pay package. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Tesla's new compensation committee, according to the financial times, includes Wilson-Thompson and board chair Robyn Denholm, who has made roughly $530 million in Tesla share sale profits since taking her board chair position in 2018. University of Colorado finance professor Sanjai Bhagat said that any alternate compensation plan Wilson-Thompson and Denholm conjure up should again restrict Musk from immediately selling shares or exercising options. In order to incentivize Tesla's long-term goals, he said, a bulk of CEO pay should be locked up until at least six to 12 months after the last day serving as CEO. That could overcome concerns that Musk may not dedicate enough time to leading the company. Musk has previously threatened to step down as CEO unless his compensation is renegotiated to award him at least 25% of Tesla's shares. On the other hand, a replacement deal shouldn't have to happen, Bhagat said. In his view, the Delaware Supreme Court should overturn McCormick's decision because despite its flaws the pay deal fulfilled the point of CEO compensation, which is to serve the purpose of the corporation: maximizing long-term shareholder value. "The only time in Tesla's compensation plan that [Musk] gets anything out of it is if the shareholders get something out of it. And in fact, the shareholders have gotten a lot out of it," he said, noting that Musk's pay deal offered him no salary and was entirely performance-based. "If the CEO was getting paid a cash amount, unrelated to stock price performance, then I'd be very concerned." Gadinis said that at the end of the day, the question that courts are supposed to ask is this: Was it fair to shareholders? By the second shareholder vote, he said, the shareholders knew much more about the structure of Musk's deal, and they also knew he had already met its stated targets. A new pay plan under Texas law would still require that Tesla publicly disclose its pay proposal to shareholders and gain shareholder approval. Meanwhile, a new Texas law, SB29, went into effect last week, which would make it more difficult for a shareholder dispute like the one against Tesla to go forward in Texas. The law offers personal liability protection to officers and directors who make "good faith" decisions on behalf of the companies they serve, and makes it more difficult for minority shareholders to bring shareholder derivative claims. Pay or won't play? Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) (REUTERS / Reuters) Texas hopes the move helps it attract more businesses. Before the change, Musk moved the incorporation for his rocket-building company, SpaceX (SPAX.PVT), from Delaware to Texas. Neuralink (NEUR.PVT), Boring, and the social media platform X three other companies he oversees have left Delaware for Nevada. Over the past year, Meta (META), Dropbox (DBX), hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, Trade Desk (TTD), Fidelity National Financial (FNF), and Sonoma Pharmaceuticals (SNOA) have all floated plans to move their incorporations. High-profile business departures from Delaware also prompted the state's new governor to amend its corporation laws. Its amended law, signed by the governor in March, extends more leeway to board members in transactions where their interests or relationships raise conflicts of interest. It also broadens the set of conditions that investors must meet before inspecting company records, making it more difficult for plaintiffs to find evidence supporting a lawsuit. "I think what [Judge McCormick] has done is a great disservice to the corporate governance structure in the country," Bhagat said. "There's a larger issue at stake. Why do international investors have so much faith in the US, even investors in countries that are hostile to the US? Basically, the answer is that they trust the US system of corporate governance." The court does not comment on pending cases. A recent regulatory filing from Tesla said it would delay the filing of its proxy statement, which could give Tesla more time to work out a backup pay plan for Musk. The company's annual shareholder meeting was held last year on June 13. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance National Weather Service meteorologists are hustling to keep up with the extra work load during the ongoing bout of severe storms in the Central U.S., some working double shifts to issue warnings and survey the damage from deadly tornadoes. The Jackson, Kentucky weather service office is one of those down a number of employees, including its meteorologist in charge, since the Trump administration began broad scale efforts to shrink the size of the federal government. As a storm system approached Jackson, in Southeastern Kentucky, on May 16, a few individuals agreed to work double shifts to make sure timely warnings continued during the overnight hours, said Tom Fahy, legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization. The severe weather outbreak is among the first to challenge the weather service amidst growing concerns about staffing shortages as the busiest time of year for storms, hurricanes and wildfires ramps up. Jackson is among dozens of forecast offices working with reduced staffing and one of four that began closing for several hours overnight as of last week, Fahy said. The Goodland, Kansas office, also hit by tornadoes and severe storms, is closing at night. So are Sacramento and Hanford in California, with weather monitoring duties during that period turned over to nearby regions. Final surveys won't be complete for days, but preliminary reports show more than three dozen tornadoes in the nation on May 16-17. Of those, 28 struck in Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, including one EF-4, and three EF-3s. EF-5 is the most violent category. At least 26 people died, including 19 in Kentucky and seven in Missouri, state officials said. Dozens were injured. Residents salvage belongings and assess damage after a tornado tore through the Sublimity neighborhood along Miller Lane in London, Ky. on May 18, 2025. At least nine tornadoes were reported by the Paducah, Kentucky forecast office, where two of the leadership staff are among the hundreds of weather service employees who have left the agency in recent weeks. Five previous weather service directors wrote in a letter earlier in May that they feared there could be "needless loss of life" because of the staffing shortages. The Jackson office is among those short on meteorologists, and recently had one position listed as open for one of the transfers the weather service has offered to its employees to help fill shortages. The weather service offices in Kentucky Jackson, Louisville and Paducah provided "forecast information, timely warnings and decision support in the days and hours leading up to the severe weather on May 16," including through official posts, social media and NOAA weather radio, the weather service stated in an email. "As planned in advance, neighboring offices provided staffing support to the office in Jackson, KY," stated the weather service. "Additionally, the Jackson office remained fully staffed through the duration of the event using surge staffing." Records show there were at least two meteorologists in the office issuing warnings and advisories in the Jackson office on Friday night. A preliminary report confirmed "high end EF-3 damage, with low end EF-4 indicators" in the Sunshine Hills area of London in Southeastern Kentucky. A tornado watch from the National Weather Service forecast office in Jackson, Kentucky on May 16, 2025, hours before a tornado with at least high end EF-3 winds ripped through the area. Records show the Jackson office first warned of the risk of severe weather at least six days before the outbreak, then continued to warn of the potential throughout the week on its website, in social media posts and in conversations with emergency managers and the news media. A tornado watch was issued for the region at 3 p.m. on May 16. A tornado warning was issued for parts of Wayne and Pulaski counties at 10:29 p.m. and a warning was extended to Laurel, Knox, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties at 10:57 p.m. when a tornado was confirmed over the Somerset Pulaski Airport. Damage surveys continued on May 19. In the Paducah region, the weather service reported at least nine tornadoes including an EF-4 and two EF-3 tornadoes. A preliminary damage survey reported the EF4 had peak winds of 190 mph when it ripped through southern Williamson County, Illinois. The Louisville weather service office confirmed that an EF-2 with winds of around 130 mph struck eastern Russell County. A young child helps clean up bricks outside a damaged home, as family members begin clearing debris after a tornado ripped through the neighborhood, in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. May 17, 2025. Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, covers climate change, weather, the environment and other news. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weather service offices struggling with staffing cuts face tornadoes A fourth inmate in a group of 10 who escaped from New Orleans' main jail Friday has been captured, Louisiana State Police said Monday. Gary C. Price, 21, was found in New Orleans, the agency said in a statement. He is charged with first-degree murder and was being held without bond as he awaited court proceedings, according to court documents. "Price will ultimately be transported to a secure state facility outside of the area," state police said Monday. Six others remained at large Monday evening. On Sunday, officials said they believed the remaining escapees would be found and placed back into custody in short order. A prison cell at the Orleans Parish Justice Center where the escape is believed to have happened Friday. NBC News has blurred phrases including profanity. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) More than 200 law enforcement personnel were looking for them, authorities said, and a reward for information leading to the capture of each man has grown to $20,000. "Were confident at this time that we have actual intelligence on all of those fugitives," the state police superintendent, Col. Robert Hodges, said at a news conference Sunday night. The 10 escaped shortly after midnight Friday from the jail at the Orleans Parish Justice Center by using a rectangular hole behind a bathroom fixture in a cell. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said she suspected personnel inside of our department" may have been involved. Three employees were ultimately placed on leave without pay pending investigation. The state attorney general is investigating the escape. A wildfire in eastern Arizona has set over 20,000 acres ablaze in the span of a week. After six days of fighting the blaze, dubbed the Greer Fire, fire officials announced that they had gotten control of the fire. As of May 19, the Greer Fire is 39% contained. Hundreds of firefighters are working to extinguish the wind-driven wildfire, which is currently burning through natural plant material, including grass, shrubs and timber. "As a result of substantial work securing heat near the edge of the line, fire managers were able to add some containment to the fire this morning," according to a May 19 daily update posted to InciWeb, an information management system maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. "Today, all available resources are actively working to secure the fire perimeter and cool hot spots to prevent the spread of the fire by wind-driven embers." Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state emergency that will release $200,000 in state funds to the firefighting effort after a May 17 visit to the fire zone, according to reporting by The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. "Everything we heard today is such a testament to the partnership and the coordination that doesn't just happen in the middle of a catastrophic incident," Hobbs said. "I'm committed to helping ensure those families have the resources they need post-fire... I know we're all expecting a bad season." Here's what we know about the Greer Fire so far. When and where did the Greer Fire start? Smoke from the Greer Fire off Highway 260 in Springerville, Arizona seen on May 14, 2025. The Greer Fire broke out in Greer, Arizona, a small town over 200 miles northeast of Phoenix, around 11 a.m. on May 13. The wind-driven fire was pushing to the east/northeast along the ridges through grass and pinyon-juniper. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to InciWeb. How could current weather conditions affect the fire? Fire personnel were expected to continue to patrol and up hotspots along the control lines to prepare for unfavorable weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning, which warns of warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger than average winds, remains in effect across several regions until 8 p.m. local time on May 19. Eagar, Springerville and St. Johns, communities neighboring to the Greer Fire, were also subject to a Red Flag Warning. The weather conditions forecast "critical fire weather" in the White Mountains, Little Colorado River Valley and northeastern plateaus, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service's field office in Flagstaff. Dangerous fire conditions were expected to continue through May 19, according to an X post from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Lighter winds are expected on May 20. "One spark into the dry veg under red flag conditions can start a rapid spreading wildfire," a warning from the agency reads. "Avoid burning or using tools that spark. Please do your part to prevent wildfires." What regions have been impacted by the Greer Fire? The Apache County Sheriff's Office issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in Eagar, Greer, South Fork and all areas west of State Route 261 on May 16, three days after the wildfire began. Eagar residents located south of State Route 260 between River Road and the SR 260/U.S. 180 junction directly east of the fire were included in the evacuation area. The fire had crossed east over State Route 261. The latest Greer Fire evacuations could be seen on an interactive map provided by the National Interagency Fire Center. Shelter for evacuees were open at the County Fairgrounds in St. Johns and the Alpine Community Center. Blankets and food were available for those who had been evacuated, according to the Apache County Office of Emergency Management website. Greer Fire animal victims: Where residents can take horses, livestock and other animals Greer Fire map This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Greer Fire scorches over 20,000 acres across eastern Arizona GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Eight people were killed when multiple gunmen opened fire at a tavern in South Africa on Friday evening Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are investigating the motive behind the attack The incident highlights South Africas ongoing struggle with violent crime Police in South Africa have launched a manhunt for suspects after eight people were shot and killed at a tavern in the southeast city of Durban. The attack occurred on Friday evening when police say multiple gunmen entered the bar and opened fire, according to a statement from the South African Police Service. When first responders arrived at the scene they found eight people lying in a pool with multiple gunshot wounds, police said in a statement. The police service added that six of the victims were men and two were women. Their ages ranged from 22 to 40 years old. Investigations into the possible motive of the killings are underway, the statement said, adding that police have started a manhunt for multiple suspects. The South African Police Service are asking for anyone with information about the shooting to contact them. 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 country has struggled with violence. According to police data, there are around 75 murders a day in South Africa. Over 6,900 people were murdered in the country from October 2024 to December 2024, per police crime statistics. Read the original article on People The 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Hybrid. Honda Honda plans to reduce EV investment by $20 billion to focus on hybrids amid a global sales slowdown. Its CEO cited regulatory changes and slowing EV growth as key reasons for a strategic shift. The abandoned merger with Nissan adds pressure on Honda to safeguard its future. Honda is dialing back its ambitious EV push and doubling down on hybrids amid slowing demand. On Tuesday, CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the automaker would cut its EV investment by 30% from $69 billion (10 trillion yen) to $48.4 billion (7 trillion yen) through the 2031 fiscal year. The move is aimed at stabilizing Honda's future in a slowing EV market. The Japanese company will focus on ramping up its hybrid lineup, citing "changes in environmental regulations" and "a slowdown in EV market expansion" as key drivers. "Due to the recent market slowdown, our EV sales ratio in 2030 is now expected to fall below the previously announced target of 30%," Mibe said. CEO Toshihiro Mibe said Honda was responding to slowing EV sales. Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS The shift comes amid broader turbulence in the auto industry. In the first four months of 2025, EV sales in North America the US, China, and Mexico rose by just 5% compared to 25% in Europe and 35% in China, according to data from EV research firm Rho Motion. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said in its Global EV Outlook 2025 that higher tariffs could further raise EV prices and slow down sales growth. In response, Honda plans to launch 13 new hybrid models globally starting in 2027, with the aim of selling 2.2 million hybrids annually by 2030. Despite the pivot, Honda said it remains committed to reaching 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040. The announcement follows the collapse of a proposed $50 billion merger with Nissan that would have created the world's third-largest automaker. Nissan rejected the deal over concerns about being treated as a subsidiary. Honda is also ordering US employees back to the office at least 80% of the time by October, saying in-person work is key to "facing a rapidly changing business environment and increasingly competitive market conditions." Read the original article on Business Insider The Trump administration on Monday conducted a first-of-its-kind voluntary deportation flight, transporting dozens of migrants who sought to self-deport rather than face forced removal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assisted with transporting 68 participants back to their home counties of Honduras and Colombia under Project Homecoming, according to a press release from the administration. The illegal migrants were offered generous incentives for participating: a free flight, a $1,000 stipend and a chance to, someday in future, return to the U.S. legally. (RELATED: Absolutely Sickening: Trump DHS Unloads On Tim Walz For Comparing ICE Agents To Gestapo) Departing from Houston, Texas, the voluntary deportation flight dropped 38 participants off in Honduras who were warmly welcomed by their home government, according to DHS. The chartered flight dispatched an additional 26 participants to their home country of Colombia. DHS stated that both groups received social service benefits from their home countries in addition to the incentives provided by the Trump administration. Today, DHS conducted its first Project Homecoming charter flight of 64 individuals who voluntarily chose to self-deport to their home counties of Honduras and Colombia, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a prepared statement. If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home, Noem continued. If you dont, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. The Project Homecoming charter flight is the latest strategy by DHS to remove illegal migrants from the U.S., a top priority of the White House. Earlier in May, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing Project Homecoming an initiative to provide government-funded flights and a exit bonus to participating illegal migrants. DHS also announced it would begin offering a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance to illegal migrants who choose to leave willingly. As President, it is my legal obligation to exercise all tools at my disposal to end this invasion, remove the illegal-alien invaders from the United States, and protect the American people, Trump said in a prepared statement about the initiative. This proclamation establishes Project Homecoming, which will present illegal aliens with a choice: either leave the United States voluntarily, with the support and financial assistance of the Federal Government, or remain and face the consequences. Moderator and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks before former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends during a town hall at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Oaks, Pennsylvania, on October 14, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) Upon returning to power in January, the Trump administration immediately nixed a Biden-era app that allowed migrants to apply en masse for asylum. In its place, DHS launched the CBP Home app, which includes a feature for illegal migrants to announce their voluntary departure from the U.S. While the administration has made incredible progress in reducing illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border, interior enforcement can be incredibly burdensome for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents working across the country. The average cost to arrest, detain and deport an individual illegal migrant is $17,121, according to DHS. The White House projects that use of the CBP Home app will cut deportation costs by roughly 70%, even when including the cost of the stipends. For the illegal migrants that choose to defy removal orders and remain in the U.S., the Trump administration has worked to make it easier to locate and arrest them by removing sensitive locations, areas such as schools, hospitals and churches previously off limits for ICE agents giving illegal migrants fewer places to hide. The administration has also applied mounting pressure against sanctuary jurisdictions that have laws shielding criminal illegal migrants from ICE apprehension, even taking these jurisdictions to court. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way, Noem said Monday. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Business Insider's reporter flew from her home in New York City to Vancouver, British Columbia. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I spent three nights in Vancouver, British Columbia, in May. The Canadian city looked and felt vastly different from my home, NYC. I was surprised by Vancouver's forest hikes, luxury estates, and floating gas station. When I need a break from my life in New York City, I tend to avoid other urban metropolises. I usually prefer to divert my attention from the loud, crowded streets at home to national parks and small towns to refresh my state of mind. But this May, I decided to try something different. I visited a major city I'd never been to on the other side of the continent Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. I spent three spring nights in Vancouver. With mountain ranges, quiet forests, and sprawling estates, it looked and felt nothing like NYC. I was fascinated by the unique aspects of the city that gave me a break from mine. I didn't expect to start my trip with a unique experience in the airport, and it made me excited for the coming days. Pacific Passage sits inside an international airport terminal in Vancouver. Joey Hadden/Business Insider When I landed in Vancouver after a six-hour flight, I followed fellow passengers through the international terminal to customs. On the way, we walked through a room that made me stop in my tracks. It looked like a museum exhibit. Known as the Pacific Passage, this room was designed by AldrichPears Associates to immerse visitors in the natural wonders of British Columbia upon arrival. As I entered, I was entranced by the soundtracks of waves crashing and birds chirping through the overhead speaker. The room had a forest scene on the left, a body of water on the right, and sculptures by indigenous artists on display a canoe in the water and a gigantic thunderbird suspended in the air, among others. The city was far lusher than I was expecting. A view of Vancouver from Queen Elizabeth Park. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I've grown accustomed to a lifestyle with limited access to nature in New York. We have plenty of parks, but the skyscrapers and bustling streets dominate the landscape. I long for more natural escapes within my city, but I always assumed the lack of them was the price you pay for a convenient, urban lifestyle. That's not the case in Vancouver. From the downtown area to the quieter surrounding neighborhoods, various tree types stood as tall as the buildings, if not taller. There was no shortage of shade, and looking over the city from hilltops and hotel balconies, I could see how forests were embedded throughout the skyline. I was blown away by the city's quiet hiking trails that felt miles away from the bustling streets. A hiking trail in Vancouver's Stanley Park. Joey Hadden/Business Insider After seeing Vancouver's forests from a distance, I wanted a closer look. So I wandered Stanley Park and Jericho Beach Park. From the trails, it was easy to forget I was in the middle of a major city. Hiking from one neighborhood to the next rather than walking through the developed streets was a scenic route I never expected to find. I was stunned by the castle-like hotel that stood out among skyscrapers downtown. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is downtown. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I spent my first night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a historic hotel that looks like a castle. I had stayed in a similar Fairmont in the past, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, where the castle-like structure matched the old-world European-style town. But I was surprised by the Vancouver hotel's location in the middle of the downtown area in a busy city. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver looked like a medieval relic next to modern skyscrapers. From the balcony of a hotel room, I spotted something I'd never seen before a floating gas station. A view of the gas station from the reporter's balcony. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I spent my second night in Vancouver at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which overlooks Coal Harbour. From my balcony room on the 21st floor, I was astonished to spot a Chevron gas station in the water. Installed in 2010, the Chevron Legacy is the only gas station for boats in the harbor. Its placement made sense, since I saw a marina full of yachts nearby, but I'd never previously thought about how boats fuel up. I was in awe of the mansions along Billionaires' Row with striking architecture and regal landscaping. A mansion on Belmont Avenue, Vancouver's Billionaires' Row. Joey Hadden/Business Insider NYC's Billionaires' Row is world-famous for its ultra-luxury residential buildings with glass facades that tower over Central Park. Vancouver's Billionaires' Row looks vastly different. The elite Belmont Avenue in the West Point Grey neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the city, including a 10-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion valued at roughly $72 million, according to Coast Reporter. A 20-minute drive from downtown, Belmont Avenue is lined with mansions with large lots and ocean views. During my visit, I spotted a range of architectural styles, from Victorian to modern. The most surprising part of these properties was the landscaping. Perfectly trimmed trees, bushes, and hedges stood above vibrant flower beds. They looked like grounds you'd find at a European palace. I didn't expect to leave with dreams of moving in. The reporter enjoys her trip to Vancouver. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I love living in New York, but don't plan to stay here forever. I've always thought that whenever I decided to leave the city for a place with more space and nature, I'd end up somewhere that left me longing for the urban lifestyle. But visiting Vancouver made me realize I can have it all the mountains, the hikes, and the bustling city streets. On the day of my departure, I daydreamed about what my life would be like if I moved there. And one day, I just might. Read the original article on Business Insider Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed doubt about his country's nuclear negotiations with the United States, saying he does not think the talks will come to a result, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. However, Khamenei, who is supreme leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution, acknowledged that the final outcome remains uncertain, he said during a Tuesday morning meeting with some Iranian authorities. He clarified that Iran will not stop its enrichment. Diplomats from the United States and Iran have held a series of high-level but "indirect" nuclear talks in Muscat. Tehran described the first four rounds of talks as "difficult but useful." Washington said was "encouraged" by the outcomes so far. PHOTO: This combo of pictures show President Donald Trump, left, in Washington, March 4, 2025, and a handout of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2025. (Ben Curtis/AP and Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Khamenei mentioned on Tuesday that "indirect" talks happened during the late President Ebrahim Raisi as well, but ended in no result, adding that "It is the same now." MORE: Iran's top diplomat arrives for indirect nuclear talks with US in Oman "We don't think it will lead to any results. We don't know what will happen," he said. PHOTO: In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with teachers, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP) The Iranian supreme leader used strong language warning American officials who have asked Iran to stop enrichment. MORE: Iranian minister says Trumps Tehran accusations are 'pure deception' "Speaking of negotiations, I would like to give a reminder to the other party," Khamenei said. "The American side that enters into these indirect negotiations and talk, they should try not to talk nonsense." "To say that we will not allow Iran to enrich, this is a big mistake. No one is waiting for their permission. The Islamic Republic has a policy, it has a method, it pursues its own policy," the Iranian leader added. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi followed the leader's speech by saying, "Today, the Supreme Leader set the task completely clear." "We are witnessing completely unreasonable and illogical positions of the Americans. Enrichment is not a topic for negotiable at all," he added. While Iranian authorities have consistently stated that the principle of uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, they have said they are open to negotiating measures to increase transparency in their enrichment activities and to come up with ways with other parties to demonstrate that these activities are for peaceful purposes. Iran leader casts doubt on US nuclear talks, saying Tehran won't stop enrichment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com International pressure has been building on Israel over its new military offensive in Gaza that has left hundreds dead in just the last few days. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada threatened to take concrete actions on Monday, including targeted sanctions, if Israel does not stop its renewed military offensive and continues to block aid from entering Gaza. Israel launched a new devastating ground offensive in Gaza over the weekend just as US President Donald Trump departed the region without sealing a ceasefire and hostage deal. The Israeli military said its forces moved into northern and southern Gaza over the past day as part of the Gideons Chariots operation, which Israel warned would take place if Hamas doesnt agree to a new hostage deal on its terms. The ground operation came after days of heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which according to health authorities there have wiped out entire families. Israel has said it will allow a basic amount of food into the besieged enclave, a move which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted was due to intense pressure from allies, and on Monday the Israeli agency that approves aid shipments into Gaza said five trucks had entered the enclave. However, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher described the delivery as limited and a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. The latest developments come after Hamas and Israel began indirect talks in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday. Heres what we know about Israels new offensive and what it means for Gazans. What is Israels new operation in Gaza? Israels Security Cabinet approved the new military offensive in Gaza on May 5. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later said the aim of the operation was to achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including defeating Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages in the territory. On Monday, Netanyahu said that Israel plans to take control of the entire Gaza Strip. The warring parties failed to reach a deal during Trumps visit last week, and Israel pressed on with its operation over the weekend. This began with a series of intense airstrikes last week and was followed by an expanded ground offensive on Sunday. Israeli soliders stand next tanks parked near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Israel on Monday. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters The Israeli military said Sunday that over the past week, it struck more than 670 Hamas targets in a wave of preliminary airstrikes across the enclave. Early Monday morning, Israeli forces struck the medical supplies warehouse of the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gazas Khan Younis neighborhood, damaging some of the medical supplies that had been provided to the center by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), according to the UK-based organization. On Tuesday, health officials in Gaza said that Israeli strikes killed at least 49 people across the enclave overnight. On Monday, health officials said that Israels operation had killed at least 136 people in 24 hours, and shuttered the last functioning hospital in the enclaves north. Entire families were killed while sleeping, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. More than 400 people have been killed and over 1,000 others injured since Thursday, according to a CNN count of health ministry data. More than 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its war on October 7, 2023, according to the ministry, which added that the majority of the dead are women and children. Whats happening with Gaza aid? On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office said that due to the operational need, Israel will allow a basic amount of food to enter Gaza to prevent famine in the enclave, which Israel says would jeopardize its military operation. The United Nations acknowledged on Monday that several of its trucks were allowed in through the Kerem Shalom crossing but that much more aid was needed. Earlier on Monday, Gazas Government Media Office said at least 500 aid trucks were needed daily to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu has also hinted that his country could lose the support of its closest allies, including the United States, if it doesnt lift its 11-week blockade on the territory, which has further exacerbated a humanitarian crisis on the ground that aid agencies have said could lead to widespread famine. The UN had warned that Gazas entire population of over 2.1 million people is facing a risk of famine following 19 months of conflict and mass displacement. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have called on the Israeli government to stop its military operations in Gaza and allow the entry of humanitarian aid. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response, a joint statement from the leaders read. Those actions could include targeted sanctions, they warned. Netanyahu responded by accusing the leaders of offering a huge prize to the Hamas fighters who attacked Israel on October 7 and inviting more such atrocities to follow. In a separate joint statement, foreign ministers from 23 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the UK, and EU representatives urged Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and to enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially to save lives. Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gazas people must receive the aid they desperately need, the joint statement Monday said. On Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Israels easing of humanitarian aid access to Gaza is insufficient. It is totally insufficient Immediate and massive aid is needed, Barrot told France Inter radio. Trucks carrying aid, make their way into Gaza, at the Kerem Shalom crossing, on the Israeli side of the crossing on Monday. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters Earlier Monday, Netanyahu had conceded that if a situation of famine arose in Gaza, Israel simply wont receive international support. Even our closest allies in the world US senators I know personally and who have been staunch, unconditional supporters of Israel for decades are coming to me and saying: We are giving you all the support to achieve victory weapons, support for your efforts to eliminate Hamas, protection at the UN Security Council but theres one thing we cannot accept: images of mass starvation If that happens, we wont be able to support you anymore, Netanyahu said in an address posted to Telegram. Netanyahus explanations were largely aimed at mollifying his right-wing supporters who adamantly oppose the entry of any humanitarian aid to Gaza, including to civilians. Asked when aid will start entering into the enclave, Netanyahus office said it will happen in the near future. A controversial American-backed organization, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), tasked with delivering aid to the territory, welcomed the Israeli announcement about allowing food aid as a bridging mechanism until the group is fully operational. The foundation is meant to run a new, tightly controlled mechanism for aid deliveries that has been approved by Israel and the US, which both countries say is designed to prevent Hamas from stealing aid. Given that the initial sites would only be in southern and central Gaza, the UN warned, this could be seen to be encouraging Israels publicly stated goal of forcing the entire Gazan population out of northern Gaza, as Defense Minister Israel Katz put it earlier this month. Jake Wood, the foundations executive director, said Israel has also agreed to allow it to establish two sites in northern Gaza, which he believes can be up and running within the first 30 days of its operations. Wood told CNN that he did not yet know when or how many aid trucks Israel would allow into Gaza and said he believes much of the humanitarian communitys opposition to the mechanism is based on misinformation. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Jabalya, northern Gaza, on Monday. - Jehad Alshrafi/AP How have others reacted? Rights advocates say the US and Israeli-backed plan would militarize aid, endanger civilian lives and encourage their forced displacement. On Monday, the UNs childrens agencys top chief described the new GHF mechanism as unworkable, saying the scheme would weaponize humanitarian aid for children and women. Israel as the occupying power, has a legal responsibility actually to provide aid, James Elder told CNNs Becky Anderson on Connect the World. Despite more aid workers being killed than any other conflict brave people are ready to do that job. They need to be allowed to do it. It came after the UNs aid chief, Tom Fletcher, insisted theres no need for an alternative Gaza aid plan. Lets not waste time: We already have a plan, he said on Friday. In one of the strongest condemnations of Israels war by a high-ranking UN official, Fletcher said the international community must prevent genocide in the enclave. Will you act decisively to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead, we did all we could? he told the UN Security Council. What is Trump saying? Trump visited Gulf Arab states last week, including Qatar, where his negotiating team was engaged in ceasefire and hostage talks. The president said this month that he wanted an end to the brutal war in Gaza and did not visit Israel during his tour of the region, which he had already twice bypassed this month in reaching bilateral deals with regional militant groups. On Wednesday, Trump 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. US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press on Air Force One while flying over Saudi Arabia on his way to Qatar on Wednesday. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images He also told Fox News on Saturday that he is not frustrated with Netanyahu, as the Israeli prime minister has got a tough situation. While in the Gulf, Trump also acknowledged that people are starving in Gaza and said the US would have the situation taken care of. On Sunday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told ABC News that the issue with getting aid into Gaza is primarily logistical. It is logistically complicated and the conditions on the ground are dangerous, he said. Where does this leave talks? Israeli Defense Minister Katz said Saturday that the new military operation in Gaza is what pressured Hamas to return to negotiations in Qatar last week. But analysts and officials say its more likely that the militant group agreed to restart the talks following Trumps Middle East visit. Senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirmed Saturday that negotiations without preconditions had started in Doha, according to Hamas-run al Aqsa TV. It is unclear how well the discussions are progressing in Doha. Israel on Sunday indicated its openness to ending the war in Gaza if Hamas surrenders, a proposition the group is unlikely to accept as long as Israel continues to insist on Hamas disarming. Meanwhile, Hamas officials have given conflicting comments about the talks. 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. Palestinian civilians walk past collapsed structures and debris in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, on Saturday. - Abood Abusalama/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images Hours later, another senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, denied and contradicted that proposal, posting a statement on Al-Aqsa TVs Telegram: There is no truth to the rumors regarding the movements agreement to release nine Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. Zuhri 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. CNNs Jeremy Diamond, Mohammad Al Sawalhi, Mostafa Salem, Abeer Salman, Eyad Kourdi, Ibrahim Dahman, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Tim Lister, Mick Krever, Euegnia Yosef, Dana Karni, Tala Alrajjal and Sana Noor Haq contributed reporting. Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, also contributed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said on Tuesday there was no change to Tokyo's stance of demanding an elimination of U.S. tariffs in bilateral trade negotiations. Tokyo will not rush into clinching a trade deal if doing so risked hurting the country's interests, he said. "The slew of U.S. tariffs including reciprocal tariffs as well as those on automobiles, car parts, steel and aluminium, are regrettable. There's no change to our stance of seeking a review, which is to say an elimination, of them," Akazawa told a regular press conference. Akazawa said the two countries held working-level trade talks in Washington on Monday. The schedule of a third round of ministerial-level negotiations was yet to be fixed, he added. Japan's Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday that Akazawa will travel to Washington this week to attend the third round of talks potentially starting on Friday. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to attend the talks, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent, Kyodo reported without citing sources. On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on all countries except Canada, Mexico and China, along with higher tariff rates for many big trading partners, including Japan, which faces a 24% tariff rate starting in July unless it can negotiate a deal with Washington. Japanese policymakers and ruling party lawmakers have said they see no merit in striking a deal with the United States unless a 25% tariff on automobile imports is lifted, given the industry's economic importance. While Japan was the first major economy to start bilateral trade talks with Washington, Britain was the first to strike a deal with the Trump administration. China and the United States also agreed to a 90-day truce in their trade war that had threatened a global recession. With initial hope of a quick deal failing, the Nikkei newspaper reported last week that Japan may water down its demand to a reduction, rather than an elimination, of U.S. tariffs. A source with knowledge of the negotiations has told Reuters that Japan is considering a package of proposals to gain U.S. concessions that may include increased imports of U.S. corn and soy, technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and revision to inspection standards for imported automobiles. (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Tom Hogue and Shri Navaratnam) Two teenagers, one a juvenile, brutally beat a 19-year-old woman inside a suburban McDonald's after making derogatory comments about her sexual orientation, according to local police. The May 13 incident occurred at the fast food chain's location in Carpentersville, Illinois, about 40 miles from Chicago, with officers responding to a report of a fight in progress, according to news release from the Carpentersville Police Department. The victim, who was later identified as Kady Grass, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated and has since been released. via GoFundMe Following an investigation, the Kane County States Attorneys Office approved multiple felony charges against the suspects, according to police. John Kammrad, 19, was charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated battery in a public place, mob action and more. Kammrad was taken into custody on Saturday, while the juvenile suspect turned himself in on Friday. Photos posted to a GoFundMe account for Grass show the extent of her injuries, which span her face and her legs. In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grass said the attack happened while she was in town to see her 13-year-old cousins choir concert. One hit me in the jaw and one was hitting me in the front, and then I didnt realize that I was getting hit behind until a little bit later, like it took me a while to realize, Grass said. I was unconscious when they were stomping on my head, so I dont remember that part, but my 13-year-old cousin does. Carpentersville Police Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz said the incident underscores the importance of addressing violence and discrimination within the community, according to the news release. In an email to NBC Chicago, Stankowitz said the department collaborated with the Kane County States Attorneys Office on whether or not to file hate crime charges. After a review of the case, Stankowitz said, the office declined to file them. This story first appeared on NBC Chicago Getty Images for Hearst Magazines The hard work of destigmatizing mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and OCD can occasionally fall in the hands of public figures who choose to be upfront about their own experiences. And in 2025, actor Lili Reinhart and musician Lizzy McAlpine are leading that charge. At Hearst Magazines' second annual Women's Health lab in New York City, the artists sat down with Cosmopolitan's editor-in-chief Willa Bennett to explain why they are committed to keeping their fans aware it's not all happy thoughts all the time, even as famous faces. Getty Images for Hearst Magazines I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 12, so I've been living with this for half my life, Lili said. Although I don't look at this as part of my identity, it's a part of my story. So when I started doing interviews, it felt organic to talk about my experience with my mental health. Not that there weren't other people in the industry talking about their mental health, but I was 19 at the time on this big show, and I think people were surprised I could have the capacity to feel depression. So I was constantly encouraged to keep talking about it. Getty Images for Hearst Magazines Lizzy said while she is forthcoming about her struggles, setting up boundaries online has also been a protective measure for maintaining her own mental wellness. I used to post a lot more on social media, and I was open with my life. It kind of got to a point where I felt like people felt they had a say in what I was doing, and that was affecting me. So I've really scaled back the amount I share because I need to make sure my mental health stays sane. Getty Images for Hearst Magazines Lili adheres to similar boundary-setting practices: There's a weird balance between wanting to be open about your mental health but also understanding how badly social media can affect your mental health. I try to be open and honest about when I'm in a rut. Both Lizzy and Lili detailed how they see their artistic work as a release. Lizzywho is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Floyd Collinssaid the experience is healing [her] inner child and she finds working on her own music to be therapeutic. I have to write songs or I'll be depressed all the time. Without music, I don't know where I would be. Getty Images for Hearst Magazines As for Lili, she finds acting to be a helpful gateway, offering her a sense of ease in being emotional on set. Sometimes a camera in my face gives me permission in a weird way. I know that whatever emotion I'm presenting on film will be captured, and people will maybe be able to see themselves in it. So it's almost permission to let myself feel to the fullest extent. When Willa asked about the advice they'd offer their younger selves, Lizzy said she'd focus on the strength of sitting with emotions. It's okay to feel everything you're feeling. I feel like for a while, and still sometimes, if I'm having a feeling I don't want to have, I'm like, Okay, need to push that away. But if you don't let it move through you then it will never go away completely. I wish someone had told me that. Lili fully agreed. I viewed depression as a dragon that needed to be defeated rather than something I needed to learn to have compassion for. I've always been on a quest to feel betterto try medication and therapy and Reiki and all these different energetic healing worksand it's not for this end goal of I need to be this to be happy.' It's sort of like how can I manage this and how can I live with this thing that's a part of me and my existence? If I [went] towards it with compassion and empathy, maybe it would have made my younger self a little bit more accepting when I was 12, 13, and not really understanding why I felt the way I felt. You Might Also Like If Disney were to replace Mickey Mouse as its mascot, the only choice that probably wouldnt cause a global riot is Stitch. That adorably furry mix of E.T., the Tasmanian Devil and a rambunctious puppy has become one of the most beloved animated characters in the companys iconic lineup. So its a little head-scratching why theres not more of the big-eared alien weirdo in the new live-action remake Lilo & Stitch ( out of four; rated PG; in theaters May 23). Director Dean Fleischer Camps family adventure feels like an excessively earnest Disney Channel movie compared with the delightfully unhinged 2002 cartoon. That's great for those who want more of a human connection but not so much if youre more jazzed about Stitch wrecking a bunch of stuff. The updated Lilo pulls back on the sci-fi action to focus instead on the emotional story of two orphaned human siblings, though it begins the same as the first flick. Stitch (aka Experiment 626) is deemed too dangerous to exist by the United Galactic Federation, and escapes authorities in a flurry courtesy of a space police cruiser. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Stitch wreaks havoc in the lives of orphaned sisters Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and Nani (Sydney Agudong) in Disneys live-action "Lilo & Stitch." He crash lands in Hawaii near the home of young Lilo (newcomer Maia Kealoha). Shes a rebellious 6-year-old who gives her big sister/guardian Nani (Sydney Agudong) fits, and Nani is desperately trying to keep social services from taking Lilo away. Lilo visits the local pound where she meets (and immediately falls for) Stitch, whom everyone assumes is a pooch even though he looks more like a blue koala bear. The sisters' lives get more fun and also more stressful as Stitch causes mayhem wherever he goes (from surfing and driving to some antics with a soda gun). Meanwhile, a couple of other aliens are dispatched to bring him back: his mad scientist inventor Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Earth-loving oddball Pleakley (Billy Magnussen). The new Lilo & Stitch takes a much more grounded approach to the plot, with some changes from the original movie. For example, the antagonistic alien brute Captain Gantu is left out. While the OG Jumba and Pleakley wore random clothing as a disguise, their updated counterparts use holograms to appear human which just seems to be an excuse to include a couple of recognizable faces. And Ving Rhames tough-guy social worker Cobra Bubbles is essentially two characters in the remake: The new Cobra (Courtney B. Vance) is a CIA agent searching for Stitch, too, while Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) is the social worker concerned about Nani and Lilos home life. Pleakley (Billy Magnussen, left) and Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) go undercover as humans to find an alien fugitive in "Lilo & Stitch." One aspect thats improved in the revamp is Lilo and Nanis relationship. Kealoha is precocious enough as the Elvis-loving Lilo, leaning more troublemaker than her animated self. And Agudong makes the most of Nani's character reinvention. (Rather than just trying to get a job, she has a whole subplot about going to college to study marine biology.) There are some nifty nods to the first film. The casting of Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, is a nice touch. And Chris Sanders (who directed the animated version alongside Dean DeBlois) also returns to give voice to all Stitchs signature growls, snarls and yells. That old Ohana means family riff still hits right in the feels, though what this latest outing lacks most is the first films electric charm. Its surprising considering that Camp crafted the sweetly bizarre Marcel the Shell With Shoes On this Stitch settles on being a fine retread instead of a rabble-rousing romp. Stitch, in his own peculiar way, sums it up perfectly: This Lilo & Stitch is broken but still good. Even if it's ultimately an unnecessary new take on a chaotic masterpiece. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Lilo & Stitch' review: New Disney live-action movie needs more charm Inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail around 1 a.m. - WDSU Authorities have arrested an Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office employee following the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail, the Louisiana Attorney Generals office said Tuesday. Sterling Williams, 33, a maintenance worker with the sheriffs office at the time of the escape, allegedly told investigators he had turned the water off in the cell from which the inmates escaped, according to the attorney generals office. Williams was placed under arrest and booked into the Orleans Parish Jail but was then relocated to a different facility. The Plaquemines Parish Jail showed Williams under arrest Tuesday morning. He faces 10 counts related to the escapees and one count of malfeasance in office, due to the fact that he acted under the order of an inmate, his arrest warrants states. This was a coordinated effort, aided by individuals inside our own agency, who made the choice to break the law, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said Tuesday at a meeting of the New Orleans city councils criminal justice committee. Hutson noted the agency continues to pursue everyone involved. CNN is working to determine if Williams has an attorney. The arrest comes after a fourth inmate who escaped from the jail Friday was captured Monday in the New Orleans East neighborhood and flown to a secure state facility, as hundreds of local, state and federal authorities scramble to find six still on the loose, according to Louisiana State Police. All the escapees bolted out of a hole carved in the jail wall, sprinted across an interstate and vanished. Still on the loose are: Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen. The escapees face an array of charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment with a weapon and murder. We cannot give additional details as to the supposed whereabouts of the remaining fugitives but we can say that we will follow any investigative leads no matter where they take us, Lt. Mindi MacHauer Keith with the Louisiana State Police told CNN. The suspects took advantage of a faulty locking system, a jail employee who had stepped away to get food and a complex escape plan that may have involved inside help, authorities said. The remaining escaped inmates have been identified, from top left, as Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen. - Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office And even though officials described the escapees as armed and dangerous, they didnt inform the public of the security breach for several hours. Heres what we know about the escape, the multistate manhunt and whos blaming whom for the calamity that has caused some fearful residents and lawyers with the district attorneys office to flee: To Easy LoL A cascading series of breakdowns contributed to the escape, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said Monday. The Orleans Justice Center went into lockdown at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, as it does every night, meaning inmates were expected to stay in their cells. That didnt happen. Shortly after midnight Friday morning, a corrections monitoring technician stepped away for food. During his absence, several inmates started yanking on the door of Cell Delta 1006. A staff member should have been monitoring the cameras in the facility, Jason Williams said at a Monday news conference. The idea that they are saying they had to go back and look at footage is ridiculous, he said. Those monitors are there to be observed in real time. Eventually, the door broke open. The men snuck into another cell. In a matter of minutes, 10 inmates maneuvered past a metal toilet, squeezed through a small hole carved in the wall and fled into the darkness. One of the escapees directed Sterling Williams, the arrested jail maintenance worker, to turn the water off inside that cell, threatening to shank him if he did not, he told investigators. Instead of reporting the inmate, he turned the water off as directed, allowing for the successful escape, the attorney generals office said. Investigators believe Sterling Williams had multiple days of involvement, turning off the water supply for inmates to be able to cut the pipes on more than just that night, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told FOX News on Tuesday. The inmates brought blankets to protect themselves from getting cut by barbed wire. They then scaled a fence and bolted across Interstate 10. They darted into a nearby neighborhood, ripped off their inmate clothes and disappeared into the night. Before they escaped, they taunted jail staff with a message scrawled above their escape hole: To Easy LoL, it read. The hole itself is one sign of the continued lapses at the facility, according to Jason Williams. Someone should have caught the destruction of the toilet and destruction of the wall and getting out, because that doesnt happen in a day, does it? he went on. So, it was missed during the entire time that that plan was being hatched. This is not just about one lunch break, he added. The escape wasnt discovered until a routine head count at 8:30 a.m., Hutson said Friday. Inmates from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans left taunting messages on a cell wall before they escaped. Note: CNN has blurred portions of this image. - Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office DAs staff members flee the city Another failure: Several hours elapsed before authorities notified the inmates victims and witnesses and the public of the escape, the district attorney said. If it happened at 1 a.m. they should have been notified at 1:30, right, because they were in harms way, Jason Williams said. The sheriff said she found out about the escape around 9 a.m. eight hours after the inmates are thought to have escaped and the US Marshals Task Force were notified by 9:30 a.m. The DA himself only found out about the jailbreak from the media, he said Monday. I am personally afraid, not just for myself, but for my lawyers who tried the case against the individual twice, he said, referencing the case against Groves, the escapee who was convicted of murdering two men in 2018 after his first trial ended in a mistrial and a second trial ended in a deadlocked jury. The DA had prosecuted Groves in his second and third trials. These lawyers got out of town this weekend with their families out of fear of retribution and retaliation, he said. The DA said his office immediately began working with the chief of victims and witness services, Alison Morgado, to notify victims and witnesses of the escape. Police helped relocate some, he said. Theyre very afraid, and I think they have a right to be afraid, he said. Manhunt spreads to other states Authorities initially said 11 inmates had escaped but later corrected the number to 10 after discovering one man had been moved to another cell before his records were updated. So far, four men have been caught: Dkenan Dennis, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody and Gary Price. All were recaptured in the New Orleans area. The search for the remaining six escapees now involves more than 200 law enforcement personnel spanning the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the US Marshals Service and the FBI. Because the escapees may have crossed state lines, Murrill, the Louisiana attorney general, asked her counterparts in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee to alert their law enforcement agencies. The FBIs New Orleans office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of each escapee, and Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $5,000 for information leading to each arrest. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering an additional $5,000 reward. Sheriffs office admits lapse but blames infrastructure and staffing problems Much of the criticism has focused on Hutson. Louisiana state Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman has called for the sheriff, also a Democrat, to resign, calling the escape an alarming failure of leadership. Sheriff Susan Hutsons most fundamental responsibility is to keep inmates in custody and she failed, Freeman said in a statement shared with CNN affiliate WDSU. In response, the sheriff said she had no plans to resign in a statement shared with CNN. I remain committed to leading this office through the current crisis and continuing the long-term work of reform and public service I was elected to carry out. Jason Williams, the district attorney, called the jailbreak a complete failure of the most basic responsibilities entrusted to a sheriff or a jail administrator in an interview with WDSU. Hutson admitted a lapse in security, partially due to defective locks and suggested prison employees may have participated. We do acknowledge there is no way people can get out of this facility without there being some type of lapse in security, Hutson said. Its almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help from the outside. These folks that were able to get out did so because of defective locks on the cells, the sheriff said at a Friday news conference. She claimed she had been asking for funding to repair the locks since she started her position. Additionally, we have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department, she said. The security breach happened on the first floor of the jail, where cells have sliding doors that are able to be manipulated by force off the track that theyre on, which allows individuals to enter and exit at will, Orleans Parish Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett said Friday. The primary security breach and concern is the facilities infrastructure, Mallett said. Weve identified that we have a large number of high-security individuals in a minimum custody facility. The district attorney said dangerous inmates, like the men who escaped, shouldnt have had access to the first floor in the first place. Theres a critical need for repairs and upgrades at the jail to ensure doors and locks are fully functional, Hutson said. There are deficiencies in these facilities that cause public safety concerns, she said. The sheriffs offices chief financial officer, Bianka Brown, said the budget would need to be increased from $68 million to $150 million. The locks would cost $5.2 million. And the jail has only about 60% of the staffing it should, the sheriff said, and 150 more deputies are needed. But if any staff members helped with the escape, they will be held accountable both administratively and criminally, the sheriff said. CNNs Rebekah Riess contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Southern California college student who went missing in a popular mountain town over the weekend has been found dead in Big Bear Lake. Tanner Prentiss, 22, was last seen on May 17 at around 12:30 a.m. in Big Bear Lake, California, according to the city's sheriff station. Search crews located his body in the water Monday shortly before 10:30 a.m. near the city's Pine Knot Marina. CBS News reported that deputies searching the lake from a helicopter spotted Prentiss' body, which was then recovered by a dive team. Deputies are investigating how Prentiss ended up in the water, the outlet reported. No foul play is suspected and his cause of death is under investigation by the coroner's office, the Big Bear Sheriff Station confirmed on Facebook. 22-year-old Tanner Prentiss went missing on May 17, 2025 in Big Bear Lake and was found dead on May 19, 2025. The University of California at Santa Barbara student visited the lake with a group of friends, who reported him missing after he failed to return to their rental cabin, according to local stations KTLA and KABC. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanners family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss. The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident," the sheriff station wrote. 'This loss is more than we can bear' Prentiss' grandmother, Marilyn Taylor, wrote on Facebook that her family is devastated by Tanner's passing and thanked everyone who supported their family during this time. "Tanner was the funny guy, always smiling, tons of friends, charismatic, responsible and a really good person. This loss is more than we can bear at this time," she wrote. In a statement, UC Santa Barbara called Tanner's death "heartbreaking" for the entire university community and expressed condolences to his friends and families. "We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted," the school said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "Our campus offers resources to students, staff, and faculty who are in need of support." A GoFundMe page dedicated toward supporting Tanner's family has raised more than $21,000 as of May 20. The fundraiser was started by Tanner's college roommate Arjun Malaviya in partnership with Santa Barbara Snow Club. "He truly was an angel on earth kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless," the fundraiser reads. "He had this rare ability to bring light into any room, and he never hesitated to lift others up. Tanner believed in the good in people, even when they didnt see it in themselves. Thats something Ill always carry with me, and I know many others will too." (This story was updated to include video and add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missing California student found dead in lake after group trip jimfeng/Getty Images Golden hour sets over Indiana Dunes National Park. Some national parks are difficult and expensive to travel to, especially by airplane. Going has released a list of the most affordable national parks to fly to, based on average fares at surrounding airports. A national park on the shores of Lake Michigan was named most affordable, with the average round-trip flight costing just $138. Traveling to a national park this summer might feel like an out-of-budget impossibilityand that might be true if youre trying to visit one of the most popular parks in the country, like Yellowstone or Yosemite. Trying to snag reservations far enough in advance is tricky in itself, but the real barrier to entry is traveling to these destinations. Booking flights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or Fresno Yosemite International Airport can be incredibly costly, and after flying in you still need to navigate multi-hour drives to actually make it to the parks. Theres good news for travelers looking for easier, cheaper ways to visit national parks this summer. While Yosemite and Yellowstone might be going viral on social media, there are a total 63 national parks across the country to choose from. In that list, there actually are a few that are incredibly affordable to fly to, according to new data from Going. The most affordable national park to fly to was determined by an analysis of fares at airports within 300 miles of each park and how many times Going has identified deals to each airport. All that number crunching yielded one clear result: Indiana Dunes National Park. The national park is located just 40 miles away from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and about 50 miles away from both South Bend International Airport (SBN) and Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD). Going found that average flights are $138 roundtrip and has sent 42 deals to subscribers to MDW in the last year. Indiana Dunes is not only the cheapest national park to fly to, but it also offers a ton for nature lovers of every type. To start theres 15 miles of dune covered coastline right on Lake Michigan. Then, theres more than 50 miles of hiking trails, swimming beaches, horseback riding, bird watching, and guided tours. The varied landscapes of the park, which includes those dramatic dunes, prairies, bogs, and marshes, is home to at least 350 different species of birds. The National Park Service has recommended itineraries for half day and day trip visits to the parkmaking it even easier to add a national park visit to your next trip to Chicago. The city is only a 45 minute drive from the park, making it one of the most accessible in the country. Looking for even more affordable national parks to fly to this summer? Here are the 10 cheapest parks according to Going: Indiana Dunes National Park White Sands National Park in New Mexico Big Bend National Park in Texas Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota Congaree National Park in South Carolina Lassen Volcanic National Park in California Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona Just remember that no matter which national park you plan on visiting this summer, you should strive to be more respectful and patient than ever. A federal reduction in staffing means that we all need to do our part to keep the parks and their ecosystems pristine. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Getty Wendy Castillo-Torres is charged with causing death while driving without a valid drivers license after crushing her 10-month-old infant son to death by accident on May 17 She was trying to move a car in the driveway but she allegedly put the vehicle in drive instead of reverse Prosecutors filed the charge against Castillo-Torres just hours after her son's death A New Jersey mother accused of crushing her son to death while trying to move a car is now being charged. Wendy Castillo-Torres, 30, is charged with causing death while driving without a valid drivers license following the incident, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. That charge was announced on May 17, the same day that Castillo-Torres allegedly killed her child while washing cars in the driveway of a friend's home. The Jackson Township Police arrived at the scene shortly after 6 p.m. following a 911 call from the residence, according to a news release from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Officers quickly got to work by rushing the unresponsive 10-month-old infant, who had serious injuries, to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Monmouth Medical Center, per the release. 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. Billhimer said that Castillo-Torres had placed her son in a bouncer seat between two cars while she was washing the vehicles that day. Once finished, Castillo-Torres got into one of the vehicles so she could move it, but instead of putting the vehicle in reverse she placed the vehicle in drive, he said. Her son, sitting in the bouncer seat between the two vehicles, got crushed as he became trapped between them. Castillo-Torres quickly put the car in reverse when she realized what was happening, but it was too late, according to the release. Once authorities arrived on the scene and started to investigate the incident, they allegedly learned that Castillo-Torres did not have a license. Soon after, charges were filed. Our investigation indicates that this is a tragic accident," Billhimer said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time." Castillo-Torres was served via summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court. Read the original article on People By Maximilian Heath BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentina's agricultural heartland has been lashed by heavy rains in recent days, leaving some soy fields underwater with up to 400 millimeters (15.75 inches) of precipitation recorded in certain areas bringing widespread flooding. "Everywhere you looked was like a sea of water," grains farmer Martin Vivanco told Reuters by phone on Monday from San Antonio de Areco, a rural area 100 kilometers (62.14 miles) west of the capital city, Buenos Aires. "Some of the farmland in lower regions is completely covered in water and will be very hard to harvest. Some people even lost their farms." Argentina is the world's top exporter of soybean oil and soybean meal, and the No. 3 exporter of corn. The precipitation is some three to four times normal levels for May, according to German Heinzenknecht, a meteorologist at Applied Climatology Consulting, raising farmers' fears that the soy and corn crops could suffer major losses. The heavy rains from Thursday to Saturday added to already-abundant showers in recent months, said Heinzenknecht. "The amount of water that fell was absolutely ludicrous," said Heinzenknecht. "Even if it had only rained 150 mm, we would have still faced flooding." Farmers have been facing delays in harvesting the current soy crop due to the wet fields and muddy roads. Putting off harvesting can cause crops to develop disease or seed pods to open, also causing losses. In Salto, another agricultural area north of Buenos Aires, storms flooded 171,000 hectares with 330 mm of water, according to farmer Esteban Plazibat. "I have silobags and I know I will have problems. I have them in high places, but this time even the high places were flooded," he explained. The floods are affecting chicken and pig farms in the area as well, he added. Silobags are large bags that farmers can use to store over 200 tons of soybeans. These bags are widely used in Argentina and can be seen in fields across the country. Soy that has not yet been harvested is also at risk given that collection was already delayed due to excess water in the soil. Major delays imply potential losses due to crop disease or pod openings in the field. Though corn is more tolerant to water, Vivanco explained that some fields saw water levels of over a meter, which can impact the plant's development. Farmers' association CARBAP showed images on social media platform X of fields underwater and impassable farm roads. The heavy rains also caused flooding in some cities in the Buenos Aires province, where locals had to be evacuated from their homes. Prior to the most recent rains, the Buenos Aires grains exchange estimated the current soybean crop to reach 50 million metric tons and the corn crop to reach 49 million tons, respectively. Both crops are in their harvesting stage. "Everything is affected. This is unlike anything we've seen before," Vivanco said. (Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Writing by Kylie Madry and Rafael Escalera Montoto; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Jan Harvey and Aurora Ellis) By Mari Saito and Maria Tsvetkova BERLIN (Reuters) -The European Union on Tuesday announced sanctions against three pro-Russia activists whose activities promoting the Kremlin's agenda inside Germany were first revealed in a Reuters investigation in 2023. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Elena Kolbasnikova and her husband Max Schlund have been organising pro-Kremlin rallies in Germany to urge Berlin to abandon its military support for Kyiv. In the sanctions listing, the EU said both Kolbasnikova and Schlund, who also goes by the name of Rostislav Teslyuk, had taken part in "destabilising activities". It said Kolbasnikova had promoted "violent acts" committed by her husband including organising car rallies to "intimidate Ukrainian minors" who were seeking refuge in Germany. The listing said the couple had close ties with, and were financially supported by, Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian government cultural promotion agency. The sanctions mean any assets the three targeted activists - including a Russian associate of Kolbasnikova and Schlund - have inside the EU will be frozen, and they will be barred from entering any of the bloc's member countries. On a public Telegram group run by both Kolbasnikova and Schlund, the pair denounced the sanctions. "PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR PEACE ARE BEING SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS," they wrote. "IDIOCY." When reached by phone for comment on Tuesday, Schlund told the Reuters reporter to "fuck off" before hanging up. Reuters first reported on the couple in 2023, detailing how they were at the centre of an effort in Germany to turn public opinion against the German government's continued support for Ukraine. In its report, Reuters revealed how the couple had received plane tickets from a Russian cultural promotion body that is part of Rossotrudnitschestwo to travel to a forum for civil society activists in Moscow that was co-organised by the Russian government. Kolbasnikova and Schlund left Germany last year after they said authorities there had barred them from re-entering the country. The sanctions listing on Tuesday said a criminal investigation against the pair over their alleged support for pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's Donbas region was ongoing. Reuters in 2023 also reported that the couple had donated funds to a Russian army division fighting in Ukraine, and that it had used the money to purchase walkie-talkie radios, headphones and telephones. In the same listing, Europe also imposed sanctions on Andrei Kharkovsky, a Russian citizen residing in Germany who is a member of a Cossack organisation endorsed by the Kremlin. In the 2023 report, Reuters wrote that Kharkovsky provided security for Kolbasnikova and Schlund at pro-Moscow rallies they held in Germany. The listing said the group Kharkovsky was part of, the Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad, was linked to the Kremlin and accused it of supporting pro-Russian separatists. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Kharkovsky for comment. (Additional reporting by Anton Zverev; editing by Mark Heinrich) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The Mexican Navy ship which crashed into New York's Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend made no distress calls before the accident but called for support instead, Mexico's Navy chief Raymundo Morales said on Tuesday. The port pilot maneuvering the Cuauhtemoc sailing vessel had little time to stop it because it was docked a short distance from the bridge, Morales said at Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning press conference. "We cannot speculate at this time whether the port pilot properly used all measures available." The accident, which left two dead and 20 injured, occurred when the majestic white training vessel was leaving lower Manhattan's Pier 17 on the East River shortly after sunset on Saturday. A U.S. investigation into the accident will look at possible engine malfunction and the role of a tugboat that assisted the ship in backing out of its pier, U.S. officials said on Monday, adding that the probe will take at least 30 days. "Of course, it will count on the collaboration and support of the Navy and the insurance company responsible for the ship," Sheinbaum said. Two cadets with severe injuries are in New York hospitals and their families have traveled there to be with them, Morales said. "Their lives are not in danger and they will probably be released from the hospital on Wednesday," he said. "The two cadets that unfortunately died were transferred back to Mexico on Monday and their bodies are now with their families." (Reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Raul Cortes; Editing by Kylie Madry and Richard Chang) Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design. Key Points For optimal freshness, store unwashed raspberries toward the front of your fridge. Wash raspberries just before eating or adding to recipes. When stored properly, frozen raspberries can last for a year or longer. Raspberry season is about to begin, and while you can typically find fresh raspberries in your local grocery store year-round, the fruits juicy sweetness truly shines from June to September, when it doesnt need to travel as far to make it to your kitchen. When you finally get your hands on fresh, in-season raspberries, youll want to store them correctly. After all, even when stored right, raspberries are delicate and will typically last just two days before they are past their peak. For advice on how best to store berries, we turned to Driscolls. The company is the global market leader in not just raspberries, but also blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. Founded in 1872 in Pajaro Valley, California, the company has grown to work with more than 900 independent farmers. As a result, they now provide berries year-round to customers in North America, Australia, Europe and China. Driscolls vice president of marketing, Frances Dillard, tells EatingWell that the best way to store your berries is in the fridge before washing them. Keep reading for more tips on storing your raspberries for optimal freshness. How to Store Raspberries in the Fridge The first step to keeping your raspberries fresh and flavorful actually begins at your grocery store or farmers market, Dillard says. Keep an eye out for packages with dry, brightly colored berriesthis is a good sign that theyre fully ripe. Pass over containers with visible moisture or discolored berries. Once home, keep raspberries away from the sink. Dry berries will stay fresh for longer than those that have been exposed to moisture. Keep the raspberries in their original clamshell container, which is designed with slots and holes to allow airflow and help them stay fresh longer, Dillard adds. To keep your berries fresh, youll need to be strategic about where theyre placed in the fridge. Ideally, they should be kept between 32F and 34F and kept closer to the front of the fridge, rather than tucked in the back or inside the crisper drawer. The crisper can be more humid, which may cause the berries to dry out faster, Dillard explains. The back of the refrigerator is typically the coldest spot in the fridge, so Dillard says the front is more likely to be in the optimal range for berries. When stored this way, Dillard says your raspberries should stay fresh for about two days. Just make sure you take them out of the fridge a bit early when you are ready to eat them: For the best taste, let them come to room temperature before serving. This helps bring out their natural sweetness, she says. When to Wash Your Raspberries You know those viral fridge-stocking videos where folks rinse their berries and toss them in the salad spinner before storing them in a cute fridge container? Dillard says thats not the best way to keep your raspberries fresh. Washing them before storing adds moisture, which can lead to quicker spoilage since raspberries are especially delicate, she says. Instead, keep them dry until youre ready to eat them, then rinse your raspberries with cold water right before snacking. How to Freeze Fresh Raspberries According to Dillard, the only time you shouldnt follow the above washing advice is when you plan to freeze your raspberries. Frozen raspberries are a perfect addition to smoothies and are great for baking. Plus, freezing in-season berries is a budget-friendly way to enjoy them year-roundjust make sure to polish them off within 1218 months for optimal flavor. To freeze yours and keep the berries from sticking together, Dillard recommends the following: Wash raspberries in cool water and gently pat them dry. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and place raspberries on top in an even, single layer. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let raspberries freeze until theyre solid. Depending on the size of your freezer and how many berries youre freezing, you may need to use a smaller pan and/or do this step in batches. Once the raspberries are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, such as a freezer zip-top bag. The Bottom Line To maximize freshness, raspberries should be stored toward the front of the fridge, rather than the crisper drawer, and kept in their original clamshell packaging. To minimize spoilage, wait to wash raspberries until youre ready to eat them or just before adding them to recipes. When freezing raspberries, give them a quick rinse in the sink and freeze them in an even layer on a wax paperlined sheet pan before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Read the original article on EATINGWELL Growtika | Unsplash For states like Washington, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, the 10-year regulatory moratorium on artificial intelligence recently passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The committee's decision to advance this pause on state-level AI regulations marks a crucial step toward creating the regulatory certainty needed to attract substantial tech investment to our region, diversifying our economies and creating high-paying jobs across the American West. The Western states stand at a pivotal moment. While Washington has established itself as a tech powerhouse, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana offer untapped potential with their lower costs of living, abundant renewable energy resources, and high quality of life that increasingly attracts talented workers seeking alternatives to coastal tech hubs. What these states need now is regulatory certainty to attract AI companies looking to expand. The proposed federal moratorium would provide exactly thata stable, predictable environment where tech firms can invest with confidence, knowing they won't face a confusing patchwork of conflicting regulations across state lines. The scale of the emerging regulatory challenge is staggering. More than 1,000 AI-related billsroughly eight every dayhave been introduced across state legislatures in just the first four months of 2025. This uncoordinated flood creates precisely the kind of regulatory uncertainty that drives investment away from emerging tech ecosystems like those developing in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Measures like New York's proposed RAISE Act would require qualifying AI labs to hire third-party inspectors under ambiguous rules. If Western states feel compelled to create their own competing requirements, companies would face the burden of navigating different auditors in different states evaluating them on different metricsdirectly undermining our region's attractiveness for new facilities and jobs. Even basic definitions aren't consistent across proposed legislation. Terms like "developer," "high-risk" and "consequential decision" vary widely from bill to bill. This definitional chaos creates legal uncertainty that deters the very investments our Western states need to diversify beyond traditional resource-based economies. The moratorium provision passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee would create a 10-year window of opportunity for states like Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to develop their tech ecosystems under stable, predictable conditions. This breathing room would allow our states to focus on what really matters for attracting tech investment: workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and business-friendly environments. Importantly, the moratorium doesn't block state efforts that remove barriers to innovation, streamline permits, or apply tech-neutral rules equally to AI and non-AI systems. Our states can and should continue creating favorable business environments while maintaining appropriate consumer protections through existing laws. The pause would also prevent a harmful race among Western states to create competing regulatory regimes, which would fragment our regional market and undermine the collaborative interstate approach needed to compete with established tech hubs. Critics have spread several misconceptions about the moratorium. First, it wouldn't leave AI unregulated in our states. Existing laws covering privacy, consumer protection, civil rights, product liability, anti-fraud statutes, and tech-neutral sector rules all continue to apply. The moratorium simply prevents a maze of new, conflicting AI-specific rules. Second, rather than primarily benefiting Big Tech, the moratorium levels the playing field for emerging tech ecosystems like ours. Without it, established companies gain an insurmountable advantage, while the smaller innovators most likely to consider our states are disadvantaged. Finally, this isn't about undermining states' rights. Our states retain their traditional police powers and can enforce all their generally applicable lawsthey just won't be forced into a counterproductive regulatory arms race that fragments the regional market while Congress works on a coherent national framework. The AI revolution presents a historic opportunity for economic diversification throughout the American West. Washington can strengthen its position as a tech leader, while Wyoming, Idaho and Montana can establish themselves as attractive alternatives to traditional coastal tech hubs. With the committee's approval of the moratorium provision, we're one step closer to the regulatory certainty that will allow our Western states to focus on building the infrastructure, workforce, and business environment needed to attract AI investment. While the moratorium still needs to pass additional legislative hurdles, the committee's approval signals growing recognition that a patchwork of conflicting state regulations would harm American innovation and competitiveness. For Western states looking to build tech economies, this progress toward regulatory certainty couldn't come at a better time. If the moratorium becomes law, our Western states will have a decade to develop coordinated regional approaches that showcase our unique advantagesabundant clean energy, affordable living costs, outdoor lifestyle amenities, and a growing tech talent pool. With regulatory certainty as a foundation, we could market the Western states as a unified, innovation-friendly region. The potential of AI to transform our regional economies is enormous. But that potential can only be realized if companies have the confidence to invest here. The committee-approved moratorium takes us one step closer to providing exactly the stable, predictable environment needed to make the American West a new frontier in artificial intelligence. Taylor Barkley is Director of Public Policy at Abundance Institute. Sebastian Griffin is the lead researcher for the Junkermier Center for Technology and Innovation at Mountain States Policy Center. Crime scene investigators work at the site where the personal secretary and an advisor to Mexico City's mayor were killed by gunmen on a motorcycle, in Mexico City, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Tristan Velazquez) MEXICO CITY (AP) The personal secretary and an adviser to Mexico Citys mayor were shot dead Tuesday, authorities said, in the worst attack against public officials in the capital in recent years. Mayor Clara Brugada who holds the second most powerful political post in the country to President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement that her secretary Ximena Guzman and adviser Jose Munoz were killed in the Moderna neighborhood. The motive was under investigation. Later, in a brief statement to the press, a visibly upset Brugada said she had worked with both for years. She vowed that her administration will continue its relentless fight against insecurity. The attack happened at around 7 a.m. when Munoz and Guzman were in an Audi on a busy Mexico City thoroughfare. There were four bullet holes clustered on the driver's side of the windshield. One body lay on the pavement. Mexico security analyst David Saucedo said the killings had the hallmarks of an organized crime hit and he believes they were intended to put pressure on Brugada's administration. He questioned why someone as important as Guzman to Brugada did not have a security detail. Sheinbaum condemned the killings and said there would not be impunity. She said she was not aware of any threats against Guzman. Sheinbaum served as Mexico Citys mayor prior to winning the presidency last year. She and Brugada are allies in the Morena party. Homicides were up slightly in Mexicos capital during the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Kevin Tachman/MG19 - Getty Images Balenciaga has found its new creative director, and its a familiar name. Pierpaolo Piccioli has been appointed to the position, replacing Demna, who announced in March that hed be departing for fellow Kering brand Gucci. I couldnt be happier to welcome Pierpaolo to the group. He is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today. His mastery of haute couture, his creative voice, and his passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the house, said Francesca Bellettini, Kerings Deputy CEO, in a statement. Piccioli previously served as the creative director of Valentino, working his way up at the house after starting as an accessory designer in 1999 and taking on the post in 2008 (first with his creative partner Maria Grazia Chiuri, then solo in 2016.) His vibrant, maximalist collections, including a hot pink-themed show for fall 2022, and his mastery of accessories, including the Rockstud, made him one of the biggest names in Italian fashion. During his time at the house, he dressed celebrities including Rihanna, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway. The designer once dreamed of becoming a film director, telling ELLE in 2017 that his aim was to tell stories about life through fashion. Instead, Piccioli veered in a different direction; he attended the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome, going on to work at Fendi in the accessories department. Channeling his deep love of the arts, Piccioli has become known for his dramatic silhouettes, fresh interpretations of old Hollywood, and daring color stories, making him a synergistic fit for the legacy of Cristobal Balenciaga and a sudden shift from the hyper-realist aesthetics of Demna. IMAXTREE.COM What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating, said Piccioli in a statement. I must first and foremost thank Demna; Ive always admired his talent and vision. I couldnt ask for a better passing of the torch. This gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story. Demna is set to finish out his tenure at Balenciaga with its couture show on July 10th, although subtle hints nodded to his early start at Gucci during last weeks cruise show in Florence. Piccioli will officially take the reins immediately following the couture show, and will debut on the runway in October this fall. Additional reporting by Tasha Nicole Smith. You Might Also Like Let's start with chicken and dumplings. Few dishes come closer to what I imagine the cafeteria rations in heaven will mercifully taste like than perfectly executed chicken and dumplings. Then again, perhaps no other dish looks quite so, well, regurgitated, either. So, at a recent Southern Foodways Alliance symposium in Oxford, Mississippi, when world-renowned chef Sean Brock served up a batch he'd cookedwith his very own mothersome of my fellow diners were in a visible tizzy about what to do. Throughout the event, we'd all been posting hundreds of images of each course to our Instagram accounts. The slice of golden skillet cornbread, the glistening bowl of butter beans, and the Technicolor-green pickles were all objectively lovely. But chicken and dumplings, it seemed, was the whiz kid who couldn't find a date. And as people wavered and then lowered their cameras without snapping a shot, I found myself downright upset. I mean, this was a rare privilege: An A-list chef and the woman who'd pretty much taught him how to cook, putting their down-home dish on a pedestal in front of some of the biggest names in the food world. And we were shying away because it was homely? Screw that, I thought. This is honest food, and it should be honestly portrayed. I steadied my phone, clicked, and posted. The caption: "Some food isn't pretty and does not need to be." As a food writer, I've found myself both annoyed and a bit mystified that the social-media value of our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners is considered almost as important as their gustatory properties. While the nose never liesand neither do the taste budsthe eyes do, all the damn time. I've been thinking about ugly food, and ugly things in general, for an awfully long time now. I still remember using my post as a high school yearbook editor to make sure the wallflower kids were just as well represented as the tall poppies in our class. Sure, they weren't the prettiest of the bunch, but I felt a certain solidarity with them. I knew we had a special value all our own. As a girl who figured I'd never measure up as lovely enough (mostly because so many people flat-out told me so), I had always identified with the ugly and the overlookedthe teddy bear with the wonky eye, the holey thrift store dress. I understood these things. I celebrated them. The foods that pleased me the most were the objectively ugly ones: the stews, gravies, gumbos, curries, goulashes, mashes, braises, and sauces that were cooked long and low until they slumped and thickened. Maybe I knew that these foods, like all the ugly ducklings in this world, had to work harder to get their proper due. It takes time and effort to transubstantiate flour and fat into cocoa-dark roux, a rough hunk of muscle into sumptuous brisket, and raw, tough leaves and tops into sweet, savory greens. Time, it seems, can make some foods taste like heaven, and look like hell. It's a good reminder that aesthetics are a poor predictor of goodness; that there are other qualities to considerthe most important of which, to me at least, is the olfactory. When presented with, say, a muddy bowl of beef stew, I'll sweep my nose down low over it and inhale, like Hawkeye Pierce over his powdered eggs in the M*A*S*H mess tent. For him, it was probably preventive. For me, it's a tease of impending pleasure. But before I take my first bite, I will lovingly snap a photo of it and post it to Instagram or Facebook, chronicling the dish the same way I did my dorky classmates back in high school. I know it may seem foolish to use a visual medium to capture the way we eat, but until Smellstagram and Snaptaste technology appear, it's one of the best ways we have to celebrate the overlooked, while at the same time documenting our not-so-camera-ready colloquial chow for future generations. Unless, of course, we want them to think we were a civilization fueled entirely by green smoothies, avocado toasts, and baked goods tied up with red and white baker's twine alongside mini milk bottles. Such a twee vision of our culinary culture would be a tragic misrepresentation of the foods America does best. I fear that Instagram, blogs, and glossy mags continually bump my favorite foods from their collective menus in favor of eye candy. I'm terrified that the less-lovely and monumentally delicious ducklings will be lost to the ages, overshadowed by prettier dishes in this new era of visual gluttony. If they aren't beautifully documented, Pinterested, or posted, they must not be worth it. When exactly did we start losing purchase on this slippery slope? I can't help but point a finger or two at Martha Stewart. Starting in the 1980s, she was the one who helped make clench-jawed perfection de rigueur for home cooks, rather than the bailiwick of restaurant chefs, caterers, and civilians with cash to burn on personal kitchen staffs. With beautifully packaged features and photographic technology in her arsenal (not to mention a team of food stylists who must have suffered from debilitating tweezer-hand cramps), she was a driving force in bringing food's physicality to the spotlight. And while I've never found myself under her sway (mostly out of self-preservation and, for a long time, personal brokeness), I have seen some of my favorite peoplerational human beings whom I care about deeplyreduced almost to tears because their perfectly delicious pate a choux didn't puff up as prettily as Martha's does. Martha wasn't the first person to challenge us to such impossibly high standards, though. A paw through my collection of vintage magazines and home entertaining booksThe Art of Serving Food Attractively (1951) and The Perfect Host: A Husband's Guide to Home Entertaining (1975) are particular favoritesunderscores the importance of polished silver service and a wide array of molds from which to deploy aspics, meat rings, and unnerving desserts. (One chapter of the former provides detailed instructions on fashioning a lettuce skirt for a "lady China figurine," while another suggests crafting a clown from spiced peach halves, gumdrops, and wads of cream cheese!) Then again, those books were meant for entertaining company. With the launch of Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1990, however, such aesthetics were promoted as something we should incorporate into an everyday lifestyle that allows foreven insists upondevoting time and energy to optics on a daily basis. Until the age of Instagram and bloggers with DSLR cameras, it didn't occur to me that we mortals were on the hook to make our food look as good as Martha and her predecessors once did. But I was still taken aback when a commenter on my Instagram account took time out of her day to tell me how vomitous she found my wedding foodincluding my dad's goulash and my mother-in-law's chicken and dumplingsto be. She was, so far as I could recall, not on the guest list. I'm not the only one held to the task. Even Martha was hoisted with her own petard after she posted images of dishes (granted, from restaurants, not from her own kitchen, but still...) that commenters likened to all manner of bodily secretions ("spit," "poo," even "cat vomit"!). Yes, Martha's images were poorly lit, blurry, and bizarrely framed. Yes, the fault was clearly the photographer's. But behind the big, steaming heaps of schadenfreude, there was plenty of condemnation of the food itself. And that freaked me out. Martha was partially responsible for taking food presentation and photography to an almost absurd level. And sure, she was contradicting everything she had taught us by taking some pretty terribly lit and unfocused photographs. But is French onion soup even supposed to be tres jolie? Isn't the job of chicken liver pate to simply taste good? Do they really need to strut through Instagram's version of a swimsuit round? Does every dish, no matter how unattractive it may be, need to aspire to the level of food porn? (And what is food porn, anyway? Did you ever find your grandfather's stash of food porn wedged behind the busted toaster and kidney bean cans in his basement workshop? When you were growing up, did your mom emerge flush-cheeked from the pantry with a fluted tart pan, some Demerara sugar, a hank of baker's twine, and a fancy-ass camera?) So be forewarned: The next time someone trots out "You eat with your eyes" in my presence, I'll seriously consider testing that theory by flicking biscuit crumbs toward their tear ducts and spackling their sockets with room-temperature (I'm not a monster) cream gravy until their face is smoothed over from the cheekbones up. I don't know your particular life. I hope that it's grand and delicious and satisfies all of your senses. I only know that when I'm hungry, my sight is the last thing that needs to be fed. And while I will continue to document my favorite dishes with a point and a click, there's no need for the perfect shot, no mandate to try to make it pretty. If I share a photo of a bowl of soup or a mess of greens with you, I'm sharing it because there's something more than meets the eye. An uncelebrated beauty. If you see an ugly duckling, look closer; imagine what it smells like, and how it tastes. Lo and behold, you might just see a swan. Read the original article on Serious Eats By Maria Tsvetkova, Karen Freifeld and David Shepardson NEW YORK (Reuters) - The investigation into why a Mexican Navy training ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, shearing the top of its masts, will look into a possible engine failure and the role of a tug boat that assisted it in backing out of its pier, officials said on Monday. The ship's engine was the key focus for the National Transportation Safety Board, said Brian Young, who is leading the agency's investigation. "We will look at the status of the engine, we will look for any failures, we will look for engine inspections and we'll talk to the crew on what may have possibly happened with the engine," Young said at a preliminary NTSB briefing. He said investigators would also look for any electronic control data. The accident occurred when the majestic white training vessel Cuauhtemoc was departing from lower Manhattan's Pier 17 on the East River shortly after sunset on Saturday. The ship's planned route was southward, away from the Brooklyn Bridge and toward New York Harbor and her next destination in Iceland. As it backed out of the pier, the ship was accompanied by a tug boat operated by McAllister Towing. As it cleared the dock, the ship pivoted but continued to move swiftly in reverse in the direction of the bridge. Minutes later, its three 147-foot (44.8-meter) masts hit the underside of the iconic 142-year-old bridge, causing them to partially collapse. The strike knocked dozens of white-uniformed naval cadets off the ship's crossbeams, where they were standing ceremoniously for her exit from the harbor. They could be seen dangling from their harnesses high above the ship's deck. Two people aboard the ship - a cadet and a sailor - were killed, and around 20 were injured, two of them critically. Salvatore R. Mercogliano, a maritime historian at Campbell University, said it appeared that an engine malfunction caused the accident. "Without the engine failure, the ship would have maybe drifted into the bridge, but it wouldn't have hit it at speed," Mercogliano said. "The engine failure drove the ship into the bridge. And it's not exactly clear what role the tug could have done to prevent that from happening." Videos posted online showed the tug first pushing the bow of the ship, then separating from it as the vessel moved closer to the bridge. It then appeared to rush toward the stern as if it intended to stop the ship from striking the bridge. After the masts collapsed, the ship kept sailing under the bridge until it was stopped at an embankment on the Brooklyn side of the river, videos showed. NTSB board member Michael Graham said the board had not yet conducted any interviews and intended to talk with the tug boat pilot, harbor pilot, ship captain and other crew members. "We will be looking into three main areas... the crew and the operation of the crew, the vessel and the condition of the vessel, and finally, the environment, and that includes the weather, the wind, the current, the tide and the operating environment," Graham said. Investigators are asking the public for additional video of the incident and have yet to determine if the Mexican naval vessel had a data recorder. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld and Maria Tsvetkova in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Frank McGurty and Bill Berkrot) By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the World Health Organization as bloated and "moribund" in a video shown to global health officials meeting on Tuesday for the body's annual assembly in Geneva. The U.N. agency's top donor, the United States, announced it would withdraw from the WHO on the first day of Donald Trump's presidency, leaving the organisation with a massive budget shortfall that it is seeking to address through reforms at this week's assembly. "I urge the world's health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organisation as a wake-up call," he said in a video recorded on Fox News and then streamed to the assembly. "We've already been in contact with like-minded countries and we encourage others to consider joining us," he said. His speech did not prompt any immediate response from the assembly. Diplomats and ministers mostly watched the address in silence. Trump has accused the WHO of mishandling COVID and of being too close to China - allegations it denies. Kennedy is an environmental lawyer who has long sown doubts about the safety and efficacy of vaccines that have helped curb disease and prevented millions of deaths for decades, and clashed with U.S. lawmakers last week in a hearing disrupted by protesters. In his comments to the WHO, Kennedy called it "mired in bureaucratic bloat, entrenched paradigms, conflicts of interest and international power politics." "We don't have to suffer the limits of a moribund WHO let's create new institutions or revisit existing institutions that are lean, efficient, transparent and accountable," he said. Kennedy's comments were broadcast hours after WHO member states adopted an agreement on Tuesday to better prepare for future pandemics. Kennedy said the accord would "lock in all the dysfunctions of the WHO pandemic response." (Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by Matthias Williams and Aidan Lewis) U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on May 14, 2025. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) WASHINGTON Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. returned to Capitol Hill for his third congressional hearing in a week to face more heated questions from lawmakers about the drastic funding cuts his department has made as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Tuesday's hearing before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee centers on Trump's 2026 budget request for the health agency, and within minutes, lawmakers expressed concerns about specific programs and funding that would see cuts if the proposed budget passes. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., expressed concerns during her opening remarks about program eliminations like those impacting the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. "I support the President's vision to right-size our government, but as you and I have discussed, I don't think eliminating NIOSH programs will accomplish that goal," said Capito, who leads the subcommittee. Later, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., also expressed concerns over NIOSH staffing cuts and a mining safety-related grant cut. NIOSH, which focuses on workplace health and safety, hosts mining research programs. Earlier this month, HHS reinstated 328 NIOSH employees after hundreds of the institute's staffers received termination letters this spring. "This is not just a missed opportunity. It undermines our ability to meet national security goals tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience," Rounds said of the NIOSH-related cuts. Kennedy said he wanted to work with the senator on the issue, noting that "we need to protect our miners." Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the top Democrat on the subcommittee, got into a heated clash with Kennedy after challenging him on whether funding for issues like research on rare diseases, Alzheimer's and cancer centers was related to diversity, equity and inclusion. "This is a fun game we're playing," Kennedy remarked sarcastically when Baldwin's time ran out before he could answer the question. "It's not a game," Baldwin responded, as Kennedy criticized her for not giving him time to respond to her questions. Later, Sen. Patty Murrays questioning of Kennedy over cuts to childcare-related programs also devolved into an argument. After Murray, D-Wash., asked who made the decision to withhold certain childcare and development-related funds, Kennedy tried to pivot to talking about the Biden administration, to Murray's objection. Kennedy then pointed to Murrays decades-long tenure in the Senate, alleging that she presided over the destruction of the health of the American people. Mr. Secretary, seriously, Murray said. Kennedy talked over Murray as she attempted to redirect him to her questions, with the secretary accusing her of not doing her job. Capito ultimately chimed in to ask Kennedy to allow Murray to ask questions. Murray repeated her question, and Kennedy said that the decision to withhold the funding was made by my department. While Kennedy faced harsh questioning from Democrats, several Republicans expressed approval of his agenda and sympathy for the secretary. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., ended his questioning by asking if the secretary understood that "there's nothing you can do that's going to make many of my Democratic colleagues happy." Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., also thanked Kennedy for staying strong and helping taxpayers. The White House's proposal for the 2026 budget would slash HHS's discretionary funding by 26%, hitting offices like the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program the most. Under the proposed budget, the NIH's funds would be slashed by nearly $18 billion compared with fiscal year 2025 levels. Capito highlighted the impact of the NIH's research in her opening remarks, praising research she called "extremely important." Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told Kennedy that LIHEAP was "absolutely vital for thousands" of people. "The administration's new budget seeks to eliminate what is truly a critical program," said Collins, who chairs the full committee. When asked whether Kennedy would work with the committee to try to restore the program, Kennedy said, "absolutely." Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., was the first to bring up the measles outbreak, an area where Kennedy a longtime anti-vaccine advocate has faced intense scrutiny. Kennedy told Moran that the best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination," and touted his response to the outbreak. Weve done a better job at controlling measles since I came into this agency than any other country in the world," he said. During last week's hearings in front of the House Appropriations and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees last week, Kennedy refused to answer questions about the safety and effectiveness of major types of vaccines. "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me," said the nation's top health official, after being asked for his position on the measles vaccine. Kennedy has a history of promoting false claims about vaccines, including the measles vaccine during an outbreak. The United States has had more than 1,000 reported measles cases so far this year, according to NBC News data. HHS is slashing its workforce and reorganizing divisions and offices. It announced in a news release in March that it would cut its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. The department also announced that the number of divisions and offices would be reduced, a move it said was intended to "streamline the functions of the Department." Robin Zeng, chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), center right, strikes the gong at the listing ceremony in Hong Kong, Tuesday, May. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) HONG KONG (AP) Shares in CATL, the worlds largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles, jumped more than 16% Tuesday in its Hong Kong trading debut after it raised about $4.6 billion in the worlds largest initial public offering this year. The solid reception for the Chinese company, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., in Hong Kong suggests there is still an appetite among international investors for leading Chinese manufacturers despite trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. It sold more than 135 million shares at their maximum offer price, 263 Hong Kong dollars ($33.6) each. Its shares rose after they started trading at 296 Hong Kong dollars ($37.80), 12.5% higher than their offer price. They closed 16.4% higher. CATL also has shares listed in Shenzhen, a business hub neighboring Hong Kong. They initially fell but then edged 1.2% higher. A supplier to automakers like Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota and Honda, CATL held a nearly 38% global market share for EV batteries in 2024, its listing documents showed. The company has faced pressure from the U.S. In January, the U.S. Defense Department added it to a list of companies it says have ties to Chinas military, an accusation that CATL denied. It called the inclusion a mistake. In April, John Moolenaar, chairperson of the U.S. House Select Committee on China, wrote to the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America to demand that the two American banks withdraw from their work on CATL's IPO. But the two banks stayed on. In the U.S., Ford Motor Co. is licensing technology from CATL to build batteries, but the plan faces resistance from some Republican lawmakers, who have expressed concern that the Chinese company could benefit from U.S. tax dollars. The U.S. has listed CATL as having ties to the Chinese military and U.S. investors inside the U.S. were excluded from the Regulation S share offering. Such offerings do not require registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, many large U.S. institutional investors have offshore accounts that allowed them to participate. The company said it plans to use most of the net proceeds from its IPO to build its factory in Hungary, meant to bring it closer to the manufacturing facilities of its main European customers. Government officials, including Hong Kongs Financial Secretary Paul Chan, attended its gong-striking ceremony in the citys vibrant business district, Central, on Tuesday. The company's chairman Robin Zeng said his business is committed to becoming a zero-carbon technology company. Listing in Hong Kong means we are more broadly integrated into the global capital markets, and its also a new starting point for us to promote the global zero-carbon economy, Zeng said. Zeng, who trained as a physicist, helped found Amperex Technology Ltd. in 1999. It mainly was engaged in research and development and manufacturing of consumer lithium batteries. The company was sold to Tokyo-listed TDK Corporation in 2005, but Zeng continued to oversee the firm's management until 2017, its listing documents say. In 2011, a team led by Zeng founded CATL, headquartered in the businessman's hometown of Ningde in Fujian province in southeast China. The literal meaning of the company's Chinese name is Ningde Era." CATL says it has the broadest coverage of EV battery users globally, with its batteries installed in over 17 million EVs, or one in every three EVs worldwide, as of the end of 2024. Terence Chong, executive director of the Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics and Finance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said Hong Kong hasnt seen an IPO of this size in a while and the listing may boost such activity in the city. The exclusion of U.S. investors had little impact since there was sufficient demand for CATL's offering, he said. The amount of funds raised through IPOs in Hong Kong rose 89% year-on-year in 2024 following a double-digit decrease in 2023, according to Yujia Li, an analyst at the Hong Kong Financial Research Institute of the Bank of China. CATL recorded a profit of 55.3 billion yuan ($7.6 billion) in 2024, up 16.8% from 2023. Its listing surpassed JX Advanced Metals $2.9 billion IPO in Japan in March, which was previously the largest this year, according to Renaissance Capital, a provider of pre-IPO research and IPO-focused ETFs. ___ Associated Press writers Damian Troise in New York and Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this report. A former northwestern Mississippi teacher is facing charges after authorities say she had an inappropriate relationship with a special education student. Natalia Wright, 31, is a former special education teacher at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi, about 30 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. She has been charged with fondling by person of position of trust," according to an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY. Neither DeSoto County prosecutors or the school district immediately responded to USA TODAYs requests for comment this week. According to the affidavit, Wright is accused of having licentious sexual desires with a child under the age of 18. She was a special education teacher at Lewisburg High School during the 2024 to 2025 school year, taught the victim, and was also the students tutor. It was not not clear on May 20 who is representing Wright in court, but she has a scheduled preliminary court date on June 6 at 9 a.m., a clerk from the DeSoto County Justice Court confirmed to USA TODAY. Is the teacher still employed at the school? Wright admitted to kissing the student multiple times while tutoring them, and her husband captured the confession on audio, the affidavit read. On April 21, some witnesses saw Wright kissing and making out with the student in a Taco Bell and church parking lot, the affidavit read. She resigned from Lewisburg High School on April 3 due to inappropriate contact" with the victim that included communications, and giving the child a ride to school in her own vehicle multiple times, per the affidavit. Wright was arrested last week and was released on a $200,000 bond, per the affidavit. She is required to wear an ankle monitor and a no contact order was put into place. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Special ed teacher fondled, made out with student, affidavit says St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer says FEMA still has no presence on the ground, several days after a mile-wide tornado cut a nearly 23-mile path through the area and damaged an estimated 5,000 buildings. Five people died in the city. Dozens were injured. "On the local level, every organization, community member, elected official, has been on point. What we need right now is federal assistance," Spencer told MSNBC May 19. "This is what the federal government is for." Spencer, a Democrat, estimated the damage at approximately $1 billion. At a press conference Sunday, she said her office worked with the St. Louis Community Foundation to create the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund, which is collecting donations. Spencer said on social media that the city is actively working with state and federal authorities to get FEMA resources, but it could take weeks. FEMA doesn't automatically provide assistance after a storm or disaster. Their presence must be requested by the state. Agency officials generally take a few days to arrive, during which time state and local emergency officials manage the disaster. On Monday, Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, asked President Donald Trump to issue a federal Emergency Declaration and requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments. Kehoe visited the city earlier in the day. Altogether, storms on May 16 caused seven deaths across Missouri and widespread damage in St. Louis and other areas of southeast Missouri. A drone view shows damaged houses after a tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 17, 2025. REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY More: Weather forecast calls for even more storms in central US According to a news release from the governor's office, Kehoe has been in direct contact with Trump and other administration officials about getting federal help. On Capitol Hill Tuesday, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) pushed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to get the request for Friday's storm and two other unanswered disaster declaration requests before Trump as soon as possible. "We are desperate for assistance in Missouri," he said. Noem promised to get the disaster declarations to Trump and expedite FEMA assistance once he approves them. Missouri is still waiting for a response to requests for federal disaster declarations related to storms, tornadoes or flooding on March 14 and 15, March 30 through April 8 and April 29, according to the governor's office. On the afternoon of May 20, at the first meeting of a new FEMA review council created by Trump, Noem spoke about how FEMA is sometimes politicized, saying that governors submit disaster declaration without filling out the application or providing the proper supporting documents so that they could say they did their part when necessarily even the basics werent provided. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for more information. At least 2,000 of FEMA's roughly 6,100 full-time employees are believed to have either left or plan to leave because of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musks Department of Governmental Efficiency. Further layoffs are expected in the coming weeks as the Trump administration's review of FEMA continues. USA TODAY reporter Dinah Pulver contributed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: St. Louis mayor: FEMA isn't helping after tornadoes' historic damage Attorneys representing Stellantis were in a courtroom in Detroit in May, arguing a case before the Michigan Court of Appeals. That hearing, involving the contract between the companys U.S. operating arm known as FCA US LLC and supplier Kamax, resulted in a decision that went in the automakers favor. Though its not unusual for automakers to deal with lawsuits, industry watchers say it is unusual for automakers and their suppliers to engage in public fights. Millions of vehicles were recalled this year. Here's a list of recalls issued in 2024 for Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler. But its not a new story for Stellantis, and the challenges the owner of the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands has had in dealing with its suppliers was on display again with the release of a supplier sentiment survey. Automaker advertising: Ford and Stellantis address tariff turmoil with bold 'made-in-America' ad campaigns Here again, Stellantis stood out, ranking last among the automakers surveyed in the 25th annual North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study from Plante Moran (OEM is an abbreviation used to refer to automakers as "original equipment manufacturers"). In order, from best to worst, Toyota, Honda and General Motors each saw their scores increase over last year, while Nissan, Ford and Stellantis saw their scores drop. Other automakers, including Tesla, don't participate. The order of rankings is unchanged from last year. Stellantis, however, has had the worst score since 2021 the same year it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group and going back earlier, the automaker had the worst, next-to-worst or tied-for-worst score since 2008. Stellantis had the worst ranking, again, in an annual survey of its relations with suppliers. This years results also represent the largest gap since 2008 between the top automaker and the bottom one, according to Dave Andrea, principal in Plante Morans Strategy and Automotive and Mobility Consulting Practice. The results are based on responses from 665 supplier executives from 398 Tier 1 suppliers at a time when the auto industry deals with volatility from changing market conditions and is now facing the uncertainty caused by tariffs. The companies that do well on the survey tend to be known for better communication, responsiveness and treating their suppliers like partners. The top three are doing the things better that enable suppliers to better control their costs, achieve equitable cost-sharing and better navigate uncertainty, according to Angela Johnson, a principal in Plante Morans Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics. She said suppliers arent expecting automakers to bear all the costs. Stellantis provided a statement through spokeswoman Jodi Tinson acknowledging it has work to do: "Despite increasing our engagement activities with our suppliers since Stellantis was formed, we recognize that more work is needed to continue building trust. This remains a priority for Stellantis, and we will continue exploring strategic initiatives while working with our suppliers to focus on improving where it matters most." Regarding the Kamax suit, which stems from an Oakland County court case, the automaker said it was pleased a court has once again ruled that our purchase order contracts are enforceable requirements contracts. As weve stated in the past, it is never our intent to use the court system to resolve such disputes; however, certain situations unfortunately require it. Stellantis remains committed to working with our suppliers, so that we can continue to build the vehicles that our customers desire." The ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals deals with Kamaxs effort in 2023 and 2024 to push the automaker to renegotiate the prices it pays for automotive fasteners because, Kamax said, the costs to produce the parts had skyrocketed. Kamax later said it would stop deliveries but relented after a decision in Oakland County Circuit Court, and the case eventually made its way to the Court of Appeals. Its one of numerous court cases involving Stellantis and its suppliers in recent years. Detroit-based attorney Dan Rustmann, whose firm, Butzel, represents numerous suppliers, called litigation between suppliers and automakers unusual and typically a last resort. Rustmann, who noted that he represents a lot of Tier 1 suppliers, said that in my experience dealing with many different carmakers anecdotally Stellantis has been the most difficult of any of the customers that I had to deal with on behalf of my clients. In times of rising costs, for instance, some automakers are more willing than others to provide relief, he said. In my experience, Stellantis has not been so willing and thats why theyre facing all this litigation and disruption from their supply chain, he said. Rustmann said his firms experience aligns closely with the results of the Plante Moran survey. Although Rustmann said he cant make a direct connection to the impact on the end product, meaning the vehicle that a consumer purchases, he said its common sense to treat others fairly. When you treat a supplier poorly and beat them down and dont give them relief when they have a cost increase youre not going to get the best (technology) from them." Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win At the Qatar Economic Forum on Monday, a combative Elon Musk took on criticism about his role in the US government's controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as well as his myriad business roles, with a particular focus on Tesla (TSLA). When questioned about Tesla's weakening sales in the first quarter and April sales thus far in Europe, Musk said the business has "already turned around," adding that "Europe is our weakest market" and that Tesla was "strong everywhere else." "Sales numbers are strong, we see no problem with demand," Musk added, despite falling sales numbers to the contrary. Musk said the market is the ultimate scorecard for Teslas state of business. "You can just look at the stock price if you want the best inside information," he said. "The stock market analysts have that, and a stock wouldn't be trading near all-time highs if it was not, if things weren't in good shape. They're fine, don't worry about it." Read more about Tesla's stock moves and today's market action. While Tesla stock has recovered this year, it is still down 13% year to date and off 30% from its all-time high. Shares lost steam in afternoon trading, closing up only 0.5% after gaining nearly 3% earlier in the day. Musk also appeared on CNBC following his Qatar interview and confirmed a few interesting details concerning Tesla's upcoming Austin robotaxi test. Musk confirmed robotaxi testing will begin in Austin at the end of June, with only about 10 EVs on the road with remote tele-operators who can take control of the vehicle for safety purposes. This largely confirms what Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote last week in a note to clients following a Tesla visit. Musk added however that if initial testing goes smoothly, tesla could rapidly add thousands of vehicles to the robotaxi test in Austin. Its prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up, Musk said. Musk's pay package and commitment to Tesla Elon Musk speaks at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP) (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images) (KARIM JAAFAR via Getty Images) Musks compensation came up as well during his interview in Qatar, as stock ownership is the main component of his remuneration. Last week, the Financial Times reported Tesla's board had formed a special committee to explore a new pay package for Musk, with stock options potentially on the table. The committee will explore "alternative ways" to compensate Musk for past work should Tesla fail to reinstate Musk's prior 2018 pay package, which is on appeal with the Delaware Supreme Court. The bruising battle over Musk's pay led to several large shareholders complaining about the exorbitant amount Musk would be paid $56 billion and Musk's threat that he would take projects like artificial intelligence away from Tesla unless he received more stock options. Its not a money thing, it's a reasonable control thing, he said when asked about the $56 billion pay package, which is now worth upward of $100 billion. I cant be sitting there and wondering if Im going to be tossed out, he said, referring to the pay package. Now lets move on. Musk said he intends to be Tesla's CEO in five years' time, though he couldn't guarantee it. Well, no, I might die, he laughed. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a reception following the UK-EU summit, in London, Monday May 19, 2025. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP) LONDON (AP) The U.K. suspended free trade talks with Israel on Tuesday and hit West Bank settlers with sanctions, less than a day after vowing concrete actions if Israel didn't stop its new military offensive in Gaza. Pressure from close allies is mounting on Israel following a nearly three-month blockade of supplies into Gaza that led to famine warnings. Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government couldn't continue talks on upgrading its existing trade agreement with an Israeli government pursuing what he called egregious policies in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. History will judge them," Lammy said. "Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible. And it must stop. Israelis ambassador to the U.K., Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would call the 11-week blockade of aid to Gaza cruel and indefensible. Separately, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza. She said a huge majority of member nations are very keen on sending this message that the suffering of these people is untenable. She did not provide clear details on timing and mechanisms for review. Utterly intolerable Lammy said the U.K. was imposing sanctions on a further three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organizations supporting violence against the Palestinian community. He said the illegal Israeli settlements were spreading across the West Bank with the explicit support of this Israeli government. Israels Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, called the sanctions against West Bank settlers unjustified and regrettable and said the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced by the U.K. anyway. While Lammys words were welcomed by some in the House of Commons, others called for stronger action, suggesting economic sanctions against Israel and recognizing the state of Palestine. A handful of members shouted for him to call Israels actions genocide, though Lammy labeled it extremism and monstrous. Still others criticized the joint statement, saying it favored Hamas. Opposing the expansion of a war that has killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas, Lammy said. The U.K. announcement followed comments by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called children's suffering in Gaza utterly intolerable and repeated his call for a ceasefire. I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, Starmer said. Starmer calls for ceasefire On Monday, Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in issuing one of the most significant criticisms by close allies of Israels handling of the war in Gaza and its actions in the West Bank. The three leaders threatened to take concrete actions if the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not cease its renewed military offensive and significantly lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. Netanyahu called the statement a huge prize for Hamas. Starmer said a ceasefire was the only way to free the dozens of hostages Hamas still holds. He also called for increased shipments of humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying the basic quantity allowed by Israel is utterly inadequate. This war has gone on for far too long, Starmer said. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve. While Israel allowed a first few trucks with baby food and desperately needed supplies to begin rolling into Gaza on Monday, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described it as a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. Israel said dozens more trucks entered Tuesday. Tensions between France and Israel Israel initially received widespread international support to root out Hamas militants following the group's surprise attack that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023, and took 251 captives. But patience with Israel is wearing thin after more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Israels latest onslaught has killed more than 300 people in recent days, local health officials said. In recent weeks, Macron intensified diplomatic efforts to put pressure on Israel, urging a ceasefire and calling for lifting the blockade of humanitarian aid. Last month, Macron said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, possibly in June when France and Saudi Arabia co-host an international conference about implementing a two-state solution. Macron, who has said that recognizing Palestine is not a taboo for France, last week suggested that revisiting the EUs cooperation agreements with Israel is on the table. Tensions between France and Israel have escalated after Macron called for stopping arms deliveries for use in Gaza in an October radio interview, prompting Netanyahus criticism. France also sought to impose a ban on Israeli defense companies to prevent them from exhibiting weapons at the Euronaval trade exhibition. Settler violence The U.S., France, the EU, the U.K. and Canada previously hit Israeli settlers and settler groups with sanctions for their involvement in violence against Palestinians and in illegal development in the West Bank. The measures expose the sanctioned people and groups to asset freezes and travel and visa bans. The Associated Press previously reported that these measures have had minimal impact as a deterrent. Settler attacks causing injury or death to Palestinians have surged since the Hamas attack in 2023. Israel says it opposes settler violence and blames it on an extremist fringe. Palestinians say the Israeli army does little to protect them and that the attacks are part of a systematic attempt to expel them from their land. ___ Associated Press writers Natalie Melzer in Nahriya, Israel, and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. An injured baby brought to Al Awda Hospital in Gaza city after an Israeli airstrike on the Al Hassayna school on May 19. Credit - Moiz Salhi - Anadolu via Getty Images Thousands of babies in Gaza could die within days without immediate food and medical aid, the United Nations has warned, as Israel allowed a limited number of humanitarian trucks into the besieged enclave for the first time in weeks. The U.N. said on Tuesday had been granted permission to send "around 100" aid trucks into Gaza following an 11-week blockade. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours if they do not receive urgent nutrition and care. Five trucks entered on Monday, he said, describing the situation as catastrophic and the current aid flow as "a drop in the ocean." "This is not food that Hamas is going to steal," he told the BBC. "We run the risk of looting, of being hit by the Israeli offensive. We will be impeded, we will run huge risks, but I dont see a better idea than getting that baby food in, to those moms, who at the moment cannot feed their own kids. Before the war began, an average of 500 aid trucks entered Gaza each day. That changed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza, immediately halting the entry of all goods, including humanitarian aid. The blockade marked the start of a prolonged crisis, with only a fraction of previous aid levels allowed in since. The deepening humanitarian crisis comes amid renewed offensive. On Tuesday morning, at least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes within a 30-minute span, Gazas Health Ministry said. On the same day aid was partially restored, the U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Israels restrictions on humanitarian access as "wholly inadequate." The statement called for an end to the military campaign and warned of "further concrete actions" if Israel did not comply. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on Tuesday, accusing the Western leaders of rewarding "the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7" and said Israel would continue its military operations until "total victory is achieved." Later on Tuesday, the U.K. said it was suspending negotiations with Israel on a new free trade agreement, and that the Israeli ambassador had been summoned to formally receive the message. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision during a speech in the House of Commons, urging Netanyahu to end the blockade and military offensive. "The world is judging. History will judge them," Lammy said. Earlier this month, Israel formally announced an expansion of its military operations in Gaza, stating its ultimate goal was to occupy the entire territory. Airstrikes intensified following former President Donald Trumps tour of the Middle East over the weekend. 300 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes during the 72 hours before Monday morning, May 19, according to Gazas Health Ministry. As of Monday, the Health Ministry said that the total death toll since the war began stood at more than 53,000. In Deir al Balah, Oday Basheer runs one of only three community kitchens still operating in the area. "Starving people is the most vicious weapon they are using on us," Basheer told TIME. "You can't function if you are hungry all the time. Everyone is fighting for food. Basheer, who says several of his cousins, close friends, and an uncle have been killed in recent airstrikes, described a constant state of fear. "You can't be sure that your house won't be destroyed. I keep looking at the sky, at the drones that monitor us. Just one press of a button and you can be killed in a second. Your memories will vanish and you will just be a number." He added that his kitchen, once producing six pots of food a day, now makes 15each serving about 250 people. But soaring prices for basic supplies are further hampering their efforts. Since March 18, the price of flour has risen by 5,000%, while cooking oil is up 1,200%. 100 trucks wont be enough to cover anything, he said. I dont think our kitchen will get anything from these trucks. Read more: $25 Butter and $40 Eggs: The Search for Food in Gaza The U.N. and aid organizations have warned that the worsening humanitarian conditions are being exacerbated by continued bombardments of critical infrastructure. On Tuesday, Medical Aid for Palestinians called for urgent protection of Gazas healthcare facilities following the bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. "Nasser Hospital is the backbone of what healthcare remains in southern Gaza," the group said. "The hospital has been targeted twice in the last week and, with each assault, risks being shut down entirely, pushing Gaza's health system closer to total annihilation. "The attack damaged medical supplies essential for lifesaving treatments and is a further violation of international law. It marks yet another assault in Israels campaign to systematically dismantle Gazas health system," it continued. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli strikes also hit Al Awda hospital in northern Gaza on Monday. Two clinics in Khan Younis were forced to close after one was "directly attacked." OCHA also reported that on Tuesday, Israeli authorities issued new evacuation orders affecting 40 neighborhoods in Khan Younisabout 23% of Gazas total area. "Thousands of people and hundreds of humanitarian facilities, including wells, pumping stations, health facilities, and schools, are impacted," the agency said. Since Israel ended the ceasefire in mid-March, more than half a million people have been displaced across Gaza, according to the U.N. Contact us at letters@time.com. Making the U.S. State Department's "do not travel" list counts as the Oscar, Grammy or Emmy of dangerous-place designations. Generally a country is put on this list only when it's truly dangerous for Americans to go there. And in most cases, a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning comes with strict rules for any Americans in the country on a diplomatic basis. They generally can't be out at night and are allowed to travel in very limited areas. Related: Las Vegas Strip resort casinos handle new health crisis That's the case of the warning in Somalia, which the U.S. State Department just updated. The overall language is very clear. "Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services," the State Department shared. It also added specific language for diplomats living in the country. "Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Somalia are prohibited from traveling outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex where the U.S. Embassy is located. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu maintains normal staffing," it added, "Don't go outside the area is considered U.S. territory" is about as high-level a warning as can be offered. The agency explained in deeper detail about what to be concerned about: Crime: Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including kidnapping and murder. Illegal roadblocks are widespread. Terrorism: Terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings and other attacks in Somalia. They may attack with little or no warning and target: Civil Unrest: Protests and demonstrations occur throughout Somalia. They can sometimes turn violent. Health: Medical facilities in Somalia have limited capacity. They are often absent in rural areas. Piracy: Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa, specifically off the coast of Puntland. Kidnapping: Violent crime, including kidnapping, is common throughout Somalia. Illegal roadblocks are widespread. And, if you need help, the U.S. government probably can't provide it. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE Daily news "The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Somalia," the State Department warned. "There is no permanent consular officer in Somalia, not even the Somaliland region. If a travelers passport is lost, stolen, expires, or if they become destitute, the U.S. government may not be able to help." Venezuala is pretty but dangerous. Image source: Pixabay Do not travel to Venezuala While the U.S. still has personnel in Somalia, that's not the case for Venezuela. "In March 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations," the agency posted on its website. "All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended until further notice. The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Venezuela." The language leaves no room for interpretation. "Anyone with U.S. citizenship or any other U.S. residency status in Venezuela should leave the country immediately, including those traveling on Venezuelan or other foreign passports. Do not travel to Venezuela for any reason," it added. The website detailed why Americans should leave: "The Department has determined there is a very high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Venezuela. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years without respect for due process," it said. In addition, the State Department said that not only might it not be able to help, it can't promise that it will even know you are missing. More on travel: "The U.S. government is not generally informed of the detention of U.S. citizens in Venezuela, nor is it permitted to visit U.S. national detainees in Venezuela," it said. "The U.S. government has no way to contact U.S. nationals detained in Venezuela, and those detained are not allowed to contact family members or independent legal counsel." Basically, the State Department wants Americans to know that Venezuela is not a place to visit. "Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela," it said, adding, "Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism." Do not travel to Burma (Myanmar) Burma has been under military rule since a February 2021 coup d'etat. "Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates. The military has responded to those protests with violence and by arbitrarily detaining protesters and bystanders," the U.S. State Department posted. It also shared the core reasons to avoid traveling to Burma (Myanmar). "Do not travel to Burma due to armed conflict, the potential for civil unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, land mines and unexploded ordnance, crime, and wrongful detentions," it added. "The Department has determined that U.S. nationals are at significant risk of wrongful detention by military regime authorities." U.S. personnel working in Burma are generally not allowed to travel. Related: State Department issues ominous travel warning for two cruise ports Some American travelers also run the risk of being forced into the Burmese military. "As of April 2024, the Burma military regime began implementing a military conscription law for males up to age 45 and females up to age 35," the agency said. "The military regime may prevent departure of people they view as eligible for conscription, including U.S. citizens who previously held Burmese nationality, and force them into the military." ROME Vice President JD Vance shuffled between presidents and prime ministers this week, tending to complicated relationships with U.S. allies and puzzling over two wars. But it was his meeting Monday with newly installed Pope Leo XIV that could prove to be most consequential on the world stage, Vance said in an interview with NBC News. As his SUV limo sped to the airport here at the end of a three-day trip centered around the first U.S.-born pontiffs inaugural Mass, Vance spoke of Leo as a key potential partner in President Donald Trumps efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine and in other conflict areas. We talked a lot about whats going on in Israel and Gaza. We talked a lot about the Russia-Ukraine situation, Vance said of the nearly hourlong audience he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had with Leo. Its hard to predict the future, but I do think that not just the pope, but the entire Vatican, has expressed a desire to be really helpful and to work together on facilitating, hopefully, a peace deal coming together in Russia and Ukraine. Vance, who is Catholic, said he found the pope to be extremely sweet. He described their conversation as substantive a promising sign given how Leo had, in his previous service as a cardinal, signaled disapproval of Trump administration immigration policies. Hours after the audience, Trump issued a social media post suggesting Leo could be helpful in the Russia-Ukraine talks. We have an American pope of the worlds largest single religion a guy who doesnt have an army, but who I think has an incredible amount of capacity to convene and to influence, not just Europe, but, really, the entire world, said Vance, riding in the backseat alongside second lady Usha Vance as their motorcade delivered them to Air Force Two for their return to Washington. I hope its the beginning of a very good relationship, because I think he does care a lot about peace, he added. If there is a single most productive thing [from the trip], my hope is that it will be that the relationship between us and the Vatican leads to a lot fewer people getting killed and a lot less humanitarian disaster. In a statement, the Vatican acknowledged an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which hope was expressed that humanitarian law and international law be respected in areas of conflict and that there be a negotiated solution between the parties involved. This weeks diplomatic efforts underscore the large foreign policy role Vance has carved out in Trumps administration. Trump has shown a limited appetite for travel in his second term. The presidents recently completed Middle East visit was his first major overseas trip and only his second when counting his attendance last month at Pope Francis funeral, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance, who met briefly with Francis the day before his death, has now been to Italy twice as vice president. He has also visited India, represented the White House at conferences in Paris and Munich and touched down in Greenland to reinforce Trumps interest in annexing the island from Denmark. And the White House nearly sent Vance from Rome on a last-minute mission to Israel which Trump skipped on last weeks tour but said the logistics could not be worked out in time. I dont think theres a particularly deliberate strategy of him traveling less or me traveling more, Vance said, weighing his globetrotting against Trumps. I just think its kind of the way its fallen. Vice President JD Vance attends the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Italy on May 18, 2025. (Alberto Lingria / IMAGO / Reuters) But Vance acknowledged that he has been given a broad portfolio and wide latitude. I definitely think the president has a lot of trust in me, and Im honored by it, and I think it makes me a more effective vice president, Vance said. A lot of people always asked me between the election and the inauguration: What would my role be? I would always say I think itll be being an extra set of eyes and ears for the president, doing the things that he thinks that I need to do, and thats largely how its worked out. There was plenty for Vance to do in Rome. After Sundays Mass, he and Rubio hosted Zelenskyy at the U.S. ambassadors residence here. A February clash between Vance and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office seemed like a distant memory when the vice presidents office released a statement about their shared goal of ending the bloodshed and a photo of the two leaders smiling. From the Zelenskyy meeting, Vance hustled to Chigi Palace, where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had brokered a meeting between Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The sitdown was framed as an opportunity for constructive dialogue at a time when Trumps tariffs and Vances adversarial posture toward European leaders have rattled the Continent. Obviously, the president has had some pretty tough words I guess I have, too, pretty tough words for Europe about the importance of opening their markets, but also the importance of doing more burden-sharing in defense, Vance said in the interview. And I would say that one leader that both of us have consistently found is a really helpful bridge between the United States and Europe is Meloni. Meloni, like Trump and Vance, is known for her far-right politics. Vance observed that she has two qualities that he believes make her a strong diplomatic partner. The first is that shes a very, very good listener. So if you have two people who really disagree on something, she tries to understand where both of them are coming from, and shes perceptive and insightful enough that she actually understands it, he said. The second thing is, shes extraordinarily direct. She actually reminds me a little bit of Usha in that way, where she can deliver an extraordinarily direct message without coming across as offensive. Thats just a skill, right? Theres a skill in actually being direct with somebody, but not raising their guard. Vance also met Sunday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and with British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He said his discussions with Carney centered on trade policy, a major issue between the U.S. and Canada. Diplomacy to this degree wasnt originally on the agenda for Vances return to Rome. When we first started sketching out the trip, I thought, oh, this is kind of nice. Well go to the papal Mass, Usha and I will have lunch afterwards, and just kind of take it easy on Sunday and fly home Sunday night or Monday, Vance, who had just finished a leisurely lunch with the second lady, said before clarifying that he looks for opportunities to do as much as I possibly can on taxpayer-funded trips overseas. It was a very personally rewarding trip, he added. Once youre here and there are all these other world leaders here, you might as well try to try to sit down with them and talk to them. Vances expansive role has placed him alongside Rubio, the administrations chief diplomat, as a face of Trumps foreign policy. The president stoked speculation of a 2028 rivalry between the two earlier this month when, in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press, he suggested both as potential successors. At the time, allies of both Vance and Rubio dismissed any notion of competition or friction. Vance did so himself Monday, mentioning a recent conversation with a political consultant. I can just feel it the media is going to start telling some story of me versus Marco or me having a rivalry with Marco, Vance recalled telling the consultant. Most of the time, Vance said, I dont give a s--- about this stuff. I dont even think that much about it. He and Rubio, Vance added, talk five times a day on a light day. If theres a call Vance knows Rubio will be on, he said, he knows he can skip the call and catch up with him later. Thats the level of trust and confidence that I have in Marco, Vance said. My attitude is, if I do end up running in 2028, Im not entitled to it, he continued. But I really think that Marco and I can get a lot done together over the next few years. Thats how I think about our friendship and our relationship. And I would be shocked if he thought about it any differently. A 24-year-old Venezuelan man is accused of posing as an unaccompanied minor to attend an Ohio high school in a case school officials described as highly unusual and deceptive. Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, who attended Perrysburg High School for more than a year beginning as an apparent 16-year-old in January 2024, was arrested during a traffic stop on felony forgery charges, school and police officials said Tuesday. Labrador, who had been a member of the school's JV soccer and swim teams, used fraudulent documents during the enrollment process, Perrysburg police said in a statement. The school district described the allegations as "heartbreaking" and said staff members and local families had sought to support someone "they believed was a vulnerable teen. Their compassion reflects the best of our community. Though trust was violated, we remain proud of those who chose to help." Labrador was scheduled to appear in a Wood County courtroom Tuesday. It wasnt immediately clear whether he has a lawyer to speak on his behalf. Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio. (Google Maps) In a statement, Perrysburg Schools said that Labrador portrayed himself as an unaccompanied minor when he sought to attend the district and that he was enrolled in accordance with federal and state requirements for students without legal guardians or experiencing homelessness. At the time, he provided documentation showing that immigration authorities had given him Temporary Protected Status and that a juvenile court had granted guardianship to a family in Perrysburg, the school district said. Labrador also had an Ohio drivers license and a Social Security card, the statement said. The district alleged that the documents were falsified. After his guardians contacted the school last week saying they had obtained information that he was a 24-year-old adult, administrators met with Labrador, who denied the allegation and said the birth certificate he provided during enrollment was accurate, according to the district. Labrador was ordered to stay away from school grounds while officials investigated the allegations and reached out to local police, according to the statement. The school's investigation uncovered social media posts from people claiming to be Labrador's real family, the district said. "This case involves highly unusual and deceptive circumstances that impacted many local, state and federal agencies," the district said. "The school district has reviewed its actions regarding enrollment and is confident proper legal channels were followed to provide support for an individual presenting themselves as an unaccompanied minor as spelled out in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act." That law, passed in 1987, requires states to ensure that homeless youths have access to the same public education as other students. A Washington state man, who came to the United States from the Philippines as a young child and is a green card holder, was detained by immigration agents as he returned from vacation with his family. Maximo Londonio, 42, was detained Thursday at SeattleTacoma International Airport, organizers with the community group Tanggol Migrante Network WA said at a news conference on Monday. The group is assisting Londonio's wife, Crystal Londonio, as she fights his case. Crystal Londonio, center, during a press conference outside of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Monday. (KING 5 News) "Four days is too long," Crystal said through tears. "The lack of accountability by the United States Customs and Border Protection is failing him right now. ... Im a U.S. citizen, you failed me." CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Tanggol Migrante Network WA said Maximo, a father of three who lives in Olympia, immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines at 12 years old. A member of the group said he and his family have traveled back and forth from the Philippines in the past with no issues. Maximo, his wife, and their 12-year-old daughter landed at the airport on Thursday when he was pulled aside by CBP agents and then detained. The group believes his detainment may be connected to nonviolent convictions from when he was a young adult. "Hes not violent," Crystal said at the news conference. "Hes always been willing to go the extra mile. ... I just want somebody to go the extra mile for him." She described her husband as "hard-working," "family-oriented," and "loving." "I want to know if he's OK," she said, telling reporters and members of the community that she has received little information since his detention. Londonios detention comes amid President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan. Among them is Kilmar Abrego Garcia, from Maryland, who was arrested by immigration agents and deported to El Salvador in March after the Trump administration accused him of being a member of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang. May 21, 2025 at 12:59 AM (Reuters) -Semiconductor supplier Wolfspeed is preparing to file for bankruptcy within weeks, as it struggles to address its debt pile, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Shares of the company fell over 57% in extended trading. Wolfspeed has been grappling with sluggish demand in industrial and automotive markets and tariff-induced uncertainty. The company is looking to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy that would have the support of a majority of its creditors, after rejecting several out-of-court debt restructuring proposals from creditors, the report said. Wolfspeed declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. The company, which manufactures chips using silicon carbide, raised going-concern doubts and forecast weaker-than-expected annual revenue earlier this month. The company expects revenue of $850 million in 2026, below analysts' estimate of $958.7 million. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Vijay Kishore and Mohammed Safi Shamsi) Its clear we are all in with our partners across all lines of business, she said. CEO Michael Dell also joined Millard, stating partners drove about half of its business, globally. Theres no question that AI offers extraordinary opportunities for companies to reimagine themselves and their ability to serve customers and grow. This is a huge game changer and still, were at the beginning, he said. Our vision and strategy give customers choice and theres a great role for partners to play that guides customers on that journey. Globally, AI is expected to add US$15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. During his opening keynote, Dell said the future of AI will be decentralised, low latency and hyper efficient. Dell released a host of new technology updates across its portfolio, in particular to the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA 2.0. More than 3000 customers are running Dell AI Factories globally, with a lot of success and a majority of this is driven through the partner ecosystem, Dell said. The Dell AI factory is up to 60 per cent more cost effective than the public cloud, and recent studies indicate that about three fourths of AI initiatives are meeting or exceeding expectations, he said. That means driving ROI and productivity gains from 20 per cent up to 40 per cent and some cases more. Now with agents, compute and deep reasoning, the models are helping us think, and theyre thinking and acting on their own with autonomy. For AI to reach its economic potential, Dell said adoption has to broaden. 85 per cent of enterprises plan to move generative AI workloads on-premises in the next 24 months, Dell said. Together with partners like Microsoft, Hugging Face, Red Hat, Cohere, Meta with the Llama stack, Google bringing Gemini on-prem, ServiceNow, Mistral, Glean and many more, were developing AI for the enterprise, delivering end to end solutions with the right infrastructure at the right scale for every use case across every industry. Dell said the installed base of a billion and a half PCs is aging, and being replaced with AI innovation. The Windows 10 end of life is coming, and we are ready. Dell is the leader in commercial AI PCs, and were further distancing ourselves from the competition, he said. Weve simplified our portfolio and made it easy to choose the right system, giving you the choice of the latest from NVIDIA, Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Dell also showcased that AI innovation wasnt only focused on the large enterprise, pointing to Australian start-up Norby. The company was founded by Adrian Mullan, who created a conversational language companion that helps language learners improve their pronunciation and speaking skills, supporting more than 20 languages. We have the ability now of some of the new AI technology to be able to tailor the interaction to each individual user, Mullan said. Dell Precision workstations and the NVIDIA GPUs have been a huge help in creating Norby, using the technology in a few different contexts, Mullan said in helping with the mechanical engineering and CAD designs for manufacturing, and the other part in being able to train and fine tune some of these large language models. We are getting to the stage now where a lot of these large language models run in the cloud, but also locally, he said. We can load them on to workstations and train or finetune them at the edge. Dell added the power of an AI driven revolution in personalised learning, language and speech therapy, presents incredible possibilities. Dell is powering this transformation, connecting the data, intelligence and innovation, he said. At our core, were about solving the worlds toughest challenges and enabling human progress, and thats happening every day in laboratories, on manufacturing floors, in boardrooms and at dinner tables around the world. Julia Talevski travelled to Dell Tech World in Vegas a guest of Dell Technologies. My introduction of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu at New England Conservatorys Commencement ceremony on Sunday May 18, 2025. She received an honorary degree. Michelle Wu was a musician, a pianist, before she was a politicianand she remains a musician today. You might have heard her play George Gershwins Rhapsody in Blue across the street at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops, or music by Mozart with the Boston Symphony. By the way, this morning, I confirmed that Michelle Wu is the mayor of Boston. As I was walking into the hall, up the stairs, I saw a flag hanging outsidea sign with a photo of a pianist (to be honest, its an NEC student)and it says Be Inspiring, and then at the bottom of the sign, it says, Michelle Wu, Mayor. So thats how I was sureshe was. Michelle Wu has a piano in the mayors office in City Hall. Playing music can help you think. Shes said: When you really get into the flow, brain memory and muscle memory and the keys kind of meld together and its almost as if you are part of the instrument. Michelle Wu came to Massachusetts and attended Harvard, and then Harvard Law School. There she met Elizabeth Warren. Of Michelle Wu, Senator Warren later said, She gets out and does the work that needs to be done to make a difference in peoples lives. In 2022, NEC President Andrea Kalyn and Mayor Wu announced a new partnership between New England Conservatory and the City of Boston to substantially increase access to music education for Bostons children. This partnership, a collaboration with Ellis Early Learning and ABCD Head Start, is made possible by an anonymous gift of more than 14 million dollars. In a single year, nearly 600 children received music lessons. This gift and partnership increased available NEC Prep School scholarships by 150%. Mayor Wu has championed the NEC Community Performances and Partnerships program, which annually serves close to 15,000 people through hundreds of events. People from many neighborhoods, of many ages, many ethnicities, and in many economic circumstances are served. Mayor Wu, New England Conservatory is inspired by you, and deeply grateful for your partnership, your leadership, and advocacy for music. President Kalyn, it is my honor to present Michelle Wu for the Honorary DegreeDoctor of Music. The reporter, whose identity has not been released, is accused of obstructing the Election Commission with an article claiming that 99 Chinese spies had been moved from South Korea to Japan after former President Yoon declared martial law. The affair reflects the tense climate of the presidential election campaign. Meanwhile, the leader of the Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung continues to be ahead in the polls. Seoul (AsiaNews) South Korean police have requested an arrest warrant for a journalist who shared false information following the proclamation of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The reporter, whose identity has not been disclosed, penned an article claiming that 99 Chinese spies had been arrested on the day Yoon suspended civilian rule. Citing anonymous US intelligence sources, the journalist said that the spies had been arrested in a facility linked to the National Election Commission and then transferred to a US military base in Okinawa, Japan. The reporter is accused of obstructing the NEC's official duties by publishing a false article that interfered with its work. The NEC, US forces and international news agencies dismissed the story, but it continued to circulate online, fuelling several conspiracy theories and polarising South Korean society, as the next presidential election to choose Yoon's successor approaches. South Koreans living abroad began to vote today, embassy officials said. Some 258,000 voters have six days to cast their ballot in 118 countries, while in South Korea, people will be able to vote on 3 June. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) released a video message inviting South Koreans abroad to vote. In a democratic republic, power is determined by people's votes, yet many choose to abstain from voting," he said, stressing that a vote is "stronger than a bullet." The latest public opinion polls give Lee a strong lead. According to Realmeter, he is ahead with 50.2 per cent. Kim Moon-so, who is running for the People's Power Party (PPP), is stuck at 35.6 per cent, while Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party comes in third with 8.7 per cent. Recently, Lee Jun-seok, who founded the party after leaving the PPP, said he would not throw his support behind the PPP. This is yet another sign of a further split within the PPP, where some of the leading members are increasingly moving towards far-right positions. Regarding the possibility of merging the Reform Party candidacy with the PPPs, Lee replied, during an interview with local SBS radio that The process and procedure itself would appear very old-fashioned, so I have no intention of doing it whatsoever. The Reform Party leader noted that he would not reconsider his decision even if former President Yoon's top aides apologised: I have never set such preconditions, nor do I expect an apology. Noting that Kim Moon-so has no chance of beating the DPK at present, he added: Unless we garner votes from the youth and bring down Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings from above the 45 per cent range, all else is meaningless. A process of revision of school textbooks has been announced to mark the eightieth anniversary of independence in August. Critics slam the initiative as an attempt to rehabilitate the late military dictator Suharto by omitting some controversial episodes involving the current president. The impact on the new generations is particularly worrisome since they have no direct memory of the regime's crimes and because of this, they tend to support Prabowo. Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies) Indonesia is about to embark on an ambitious project to revise its history books, starting 17 August 2025, the eightieth anniversary of the countrys independence. The initiative, promoted by Culture Minister Fadli Zon, involves the publication of ten volumes that will cover the history of the country from prehistory to the contemporary era. The declared goal is to ensure that History will be written correctly with the Indonesian identity at the centre. According to critics, this is a political operation aimed at legitimising current President Prabowo Subianto, in office since 20 October 2024, and cleanse the historical legacy of his late father-in-law, General Suharto, who took over in a coup d'etat in 1965 and remained in power until 1998. The two share not only family ties, but also various aspects of their political vision, as well as a past marked by serious allegations of human rights violations. The Indonesian case is part of a recent process of historical revisionism taking place in several Asian countries, such as India, China and Pakistan. Critics of Prabowos new administration are concerned about the rewriting of Indonesian history, especially the omission of some of its most controversial episodes, like the massacres of 1965, the repression of Papuan separatists in 1966, and the kidnappings of activists in 1998. These issues are still politically hot since they involve the incumbent president, who backs the revisionist project. Prabowos involvement in the first episode is indirect, as heir and accomplice of the system that legitimised and made the massacre possible. In the other two, his involvement is direct. A former Dutch colony, Indonesia officially became independent on 17 August 1945. Nationalist leader Sokarno became president and remained in office until 1967, when he was ousted by a coup d'etat led by General Suharto. In those early years, despite a first purge in 1948, the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), the largest in the world after the Chinese and Russian ones, became deeply rooted in society. President Sokarno did not stand in its way, because he and the Communists shared a moderate nationalist and anti-imperialist ideology. However, a mysterious failed coup d'etat, which took place on the night between 30 September and 1 October 1965, marked the end of the Party. Suharto, in fact, after taking control of the army, started a brutal crackdown that led to the death of at least half a million people suspected of communist sympathies. What really happened is still a matter of debate. Some historians speculate that the even t was the result of external manipulation to justify Suharto's rise through the repression of the insurgents. After the alleged communist insurrection, Suharto extended the clampdown to all forms of dissent, even in the remotest corners of the country. In 1966, Prabowo led a punitive expedition against civilians suspected of supporting separatists in the West Papua region, where movements to resist forced annexation by Indonesia were active. In 1998, when the country was plunging into chaos after the collapse of the Suharto regime, Prabowo was involved in the kidnapping and torture of students and pro-democracy activists. For this reason, he was eventually dismissed from the army and banned from entering the United States. Already during Suhartos 32-year New Order, Indonesia's official history was adapted to boost central authority and promote a unified vision of the nation. This narrative was partially corrected in 2012, but without really resolving delicate historical questions. This explains the concern about the impact that the latest revisionism could have on the new generations, devoid of direct memory of the crimes of the Suharto regime. It was precisely young people, in fact, who formed the bulk of the voters who enabled Prabowo to win in 2024, a generation that did not directly experience the years of Suharto's military regime. Supporters of Prabowo, who has denied any responsibility for human rights violations, believe that such initiatives guarantee the efficiency of the government. However, the growing role of the military in government has drawn criticism from a former president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who a few months ago warned: Dont let ABRI,[*] now TNI/Polri,[] repeat the past that has been corrected by history." [*] ABRI, Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia between 1962 and 1999. [] TNI, Indonesian National Armed Forces; Polri, Indonesian National Police. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 20 May 2025 11:50 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, accused of a range of serious offences including violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, and financing terrorism, has officially commenced at the Baku Court Complex. According to Azernews, the hearing is being presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev of the Baku Military Court. In the previous hearing, several victims involved in the case gave their testimonies. Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including: Article 100: Planning and waging an aggressive war Article 107: Deportation or forced displacement of the population Article 109: Persecution Article 112: Unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law Article 113: Torture Article 114: Mercenarism Article 115: Violations of the laws and customs of war Article 116: Breaches of international humanitarian law during armed conflict Article 214: Terrorism Article 214-1: Financing terrorism In addition, he is accused under: Article 218: Creation of a criminal organization Article 228: Illegal acquisition, possession, sale, and transport of weapons, ammunition, and explosives Article 270-1: Acts threatening aviation safety Article 278: Violent seizure and retention of power, and attempts to forcibly change the constitutional order Article 279: Establishment of illegal armed groups not recognized by law Article 318: Illegal crossing of the state border of Azerbaijan The trial is expected to draw considerable public and international attention due to the high-profile nature of the charges and Vardanyans prominent role during the conflict in the region. 20 May 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In the shifting geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a reliable and indispensable bridge connecting East and West. Strategically located at the crossroads of major transit routes, Azerbaijan is navigating complex international dynamics with a balanced foreign policy that fosters strong ties with both China and Western powers. At the core of this strategy are energy cooperation, infrastructure integration, and geopolitical diversification. The deepening of relations between Azerbaijan and China reached a new milestone in July 2024, when President Ilham Aliyev described the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership, signed during the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, as a historic event. This agreement marked a clear transition from economic cooperation to a strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect, non-interference, and sovereign equality. It reflects not only a convergence of political will but also a growing alignment in geopolitical and economic interests. Trade data confirms this trajectory: in 2024, the trade volume between Azerbaijan and China rose by 20.7%, reaching $3.74 billion, with China becoming Azerbaijans top source of imports. Much of this growth is attributed to Bakus integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Aliyev has emphasized the importance of key infrastructure projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which connect China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe through Azerbaijan. With 287 block trains dispatched from China to Azerbaijan in 2024 alonea rise of over 80%the Middle Corridor is fast becoming a critical and secure logistics alternative in the Eurasian trade system. As noted in a detailed report by the Italian geopolitical magazine Formiche, the Azerbaijan-China partnership is now extending beyond traditional trade and infrastructure into the domain of renewable energy a sector that is pivotal to Azerbaijans long-term strategic goals. In April 2024, the two countries signed a series of agreements targeting green energy development: - A 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gobustan, a joint investment between the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy and the Chinese multinational Universal. - A 100-megawatt floating solar plant on Lake Boyukshor, led by China Datang Overseas Investment. - A 160-megawatt solar park developed by PowerChina Resources and Socar Green, scheduled for operation in 2028. Beyond these, a landmark memorandum of understanding was signed for the construction of a two-gigawatt offshore wind farm in the Caspian Seaone of the most ambitious renewable projects in the region. According to Formiche, these collaborations are not limited to plant construction; they are part of a broader vision to build an integrated, high-tech energy infrastructure that would allow Azerbaijan not only to meet its domestic needs but also to become a net exporter of green electricity to Europe. This green pivot is reinforced by earlier cooperation frameworks signed at COP29 in 2024, which included the development of research centers and capacity-building programs in renewable energy technologies. These developments underscore the strategic importance of China in Azerbaijans green energy ambitions. Chinas low-cost technology, turnkey project management, and financing mechanisms provide Azerbaijan with the tools needed to expand its renewable sector rapidly. But this alignment is not without risks. As Formiche cautions, such reliance may lead to long-term dependence on Chinese technology, services, and standards, particularly in complex infrastructure areas like offshore and floating solar installations, which demand specialized expertise and maintenance. This emerging technical and strategic dependency raises concerns in Western capitals. If left unchecked, it could shift Azerbaijans strategic orientation more firmly toward Beijing. Thus, Europe must act proactively to ensure that Azerbaijans green transformation remains geopolitically balanced. Despite the growth of China-Azerbaijani relations, Azerbaijan continues to maintain robust and time-tested partnerships with the West, especially the European Union. The Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), is a vital artery of natural gas to Europe, reducing the continents dependence on Russian energy. However, Azerbaijans role is evolvingfrom a fossil fuel supplier to a green energy hub. Through cooperation with EU countries, particularly Italy, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to diversify its partnerships in the renewable sector. As Formiche notes, Rome, with its long-standing diplomatic and energy relations with Baku, could be central in shaping a European counterbalance to Chinas growing presence. The Middle Corridor, where Azerbaijan serves as the keystone between East and West, also benefits Europe. With global attention shifting toward secure, alternative transport routes, Azerbaijan offers not just reliability, but geostrategic neutrality. This neutrality allows it to operate as a hub rather than a satellitefacilitating multilateral connectivity without being dominated by a single power. Azerbaijans foreign policy today reflects a model of careful calibration: fostering deep economic ties with China, while preserving strategic depth with Europe. Its investments in both energy infrastructure and transit routes have made it a pivotal actor in Eurasian geopolitics. As Baku moves forward with its renewable energy transformation, supported heavily by Chinese capital and technology, Europe must recognize both the opportunities and the strategic stakes. Azerbaijans ambition to become a green electricity exporter aligns with EU energy goalsbut requires greater European involvement to avoid excessive dependence on any single external actor. In essence, Azerbaijan is not merely a bridgeit is an active architect of the corridors it connects. By reinforcing its partnerships with both East and West, Baku is crafting a role that is not only strategically central but also indispensable to the future of transcontinental cooperation. 20 May 2025 13:57 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijans tourism sector, long driven by inflows from traditional markets like the CIS and Gulf countries, is experiencing nuanced changes that both validate its diversification efforts and reveal emerging challenges. According to the State Border Service, 735,800 foreigners and stateless persons visited Azerbaijan between January and April 2025a modest increase of 1.3% compared to the same period last year. Visitors came from 174 countries, with the largest shares originating from Russia (24.2%), Turkiye (18.0%), India (11.0%), and Iran (9.0%). One of the most striking trends is the significant increase in arrivals from non-traditional markets. Visitor numbers from Israel surged 2.8 times, while arrivals from Tajikistan doubled. Other sharp increases were recorded from China (1.7 times), Jordan (45.6%), India (32.9%), and several Western nations including the United States (20.2%), Canada (15.5%), and Spain (28.8%). These figures suggest that Azerbaijans tourism appeal is broadening geographically, possibly due to increased air connectivity, targeted promotion campaigns, and diplomatic outreach. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed across all regions. Notably, the number of visitors from the Gulf states fell by 3.4% to 117,800, while arrivals from CIS countries dropped more sharply by 9.2% to 243,000. European Union tourist numbers rose only slightly by 1.8%, reaching 27,800. Commenting on the evolving trends, Vugar Bayramov, a Member of Parliament, told Azernews: In the first 4 months of 2025, the number of tourists from the Gulf countries to Azerbaijan decreased by 3.4 percent. During this period, a total of 117 thousand tourists from the Arab States came to our country. The preference of citizens of the Gulf countries for new destinations played a special role in the decrease in the number of tourists from this region. At the same time, a number of procedural rules and the still high prices of tourism services did not fail to affect the number of visitors from the Gulf countries. Bayramov further noted that while there is positive growth from countries such as India, Pakistan, and China, the drop from historically reliable source markets like the Gulf states and CIS countries signals the need for policy recalibration. As he put it: As can be seen, Azerbaijan has recorded a decrease in the number of arrivals from the Gulf states and CIS countries, which are important destinations for inbound tourism. This makes new challenges in the development of the tourism sector even more urgent. The data also shows that air travel remains the dominant mode of arrival (71.8%), with road and rail (26.6%) and sea (1.6%) making up the rest. Meanwhile, outbound tourism by Azerbaijani citizens dropped slightly by 0.9% to 632,700. Travel to Iran and Georgia increased, while trips to Turkiye and Russia declined, potentially reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics and personal travel preferences. In summary, while Azerbaijans inbound tourism continues to grow slowly and diversify, the decrease in visitors from Gulf and CIS countries underscores the need for adaptive pricing, improved infrastructure, and refined visa procedures. The shift in tourism patterns is not only a signal of changing regional preferences but also a call to action for the country to enhance its competitive positioning in a fast-evolving global tourism market. 20 May 2025 16:54 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The $5.34 million in revenue generated from this first-ever fertilizer shipment to Canada is only part of the story. At $300 per ton, this represents a 58 percent increase over the average export price in 2024 a remarkable leap that suggests both growing international demand and a shift in perceived value for Azerbaijani chemical products. But perhaps even more significant is the symbolism behind the transaction: it marks the first time Azerbaijan has exported nitrogen fertilizer to a major North American economy. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 20 May 2025 19:48 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenia has been seeking ways to emerge from its self-isolation for some time now. Lately, ideas and projects such as the Middle Corridor, Zangazur Corridor, and North-South Corridor have come to the forefront, with Azerbaijan playing an important role. This initiative has found itself as a trend in Yerevan for almost half a decade. This time, Armenia found a new way by officially joining the Ashgabat Agreement, a long-standing but underdeveloped framework aimed at creating an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, the Sultanate of Oman, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The decision, approved by the Armenian government on May 8, underscores Yerevans desire to integrate into regional transport initiatives and secure a foothold in broader trade networks that bypass Azerbaijan. The Ashgabat Agreement, originally signed in 2011, aims to establish reliable and efficient multimodal transport corridorsintegrating road, rail, and seaacross member states. It seeks to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, reduce logistics costs, harmonise customs procedures, and increase the transit profile of participating countries. Though Qatar, one of the initial signatories, withdrew in 2013, the agreement gradually expanded to include Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India in later years. However, real progress in implementation has remained modest. The agreement, which officially came into force in 2016, has since been joined by India, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. However, despite its legal status, the project has seen limited practical development over the past decade, with implementation efforts only accelerating slightly after 2020. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, a number of Eurasian states began actively searching for alternative corridors that circumvent Russia. The Ashgabat route, in theory, provides a viable connection between Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, and potentially Europe, though infrastructure, tariffs, and geopolitical alignments continue to pose challenges. In 2021 and 2022, coordination meetings led to the signing of a Final Additional Protocol by Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, addressing issues like visa simplification, unified transit tariffs, and fee harmonisation. Iran, a central player in this initiative, has been especially active in recent years, seeking to maximise its geographic leverage over Eurasian transit flows. Iranian officials, including Alireza Enayati of the Foreign Ministry, have repeatedly emphasised Tehrans intent to operationalise the Iran-Oman-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan corridor, though no concrete timeline has been announced. Turkmenistans decision in 2022 to allow foreign freight transport across its territory has partially facilitated this vision. Amid these developments, Armenias interest in the agreement is both political and strategic. Participation provides access to new logistics platforms, potential concessions from fellow member states, and, importantly, symbolic involvement in a corridor that does not include Azerbaijan. Yerevan has long sought inclusion in the North-South International Transport Corridor, which links India, Iran, Russia, and Europe, and its alignment with Tehran and New Delhi further reinforces this goal. According to the Armenian government, joining the agreement aligns with Yerevans ambition to secure access to international markets, harmonise transit documentation, and simplify customs procedures. The Armenian side also sees the project as consistent with its Crossroads of the World initiative and potentially complementary to its aim of joining the North-South transport corridoran initiative already being realised through active cooperation between Azerbaijan, Iran, and other regional states. Yet the practical impact of Armenias participation remains uncertain. Despite over a decade since its inception, the Ashgabat Agreement corridor has not yet transformed into a fully functioning logistics network. Competing priorities among member states, a lack of investment, and logistical inefficiencies continue to limit its scope. Unlike the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITR) or the North-South corridor, where Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role and significant cargo movement is already underway, the Ashgabat Agreement remains largely aspirational. In contrast, Azerbaijan continues to focus on operational and expanding infrastructure projects. Unlike the Ashgabat Agreement, which remains in a semi-functional state despite recent meetings and protocol, both the North-South and East-West corridors, in which Baku is deeply embedded, are already delivering tangible results. With ongoing investments in Baku International Sea Trade Port, rail networks, and the anticipated Zangazur Corridor, Azerbaijan remains at the centre of practical transit routes in the region. In fact, should the Ashgabat corridor ever become operational, it may eventually rely on Azerbaijani infrastructure, particularly if peace with Armenia paves the way for integrating the Zangezur Corridor into wider Eurasian transit networks. Moreover, the proliferation of corridor initiativesranging from the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Europe route to the ATR-backed rail link from China to Austria via the Caspianunderscores increasing regional fragmentation. These multiple overlapping corridors, often driven by competing ambitions among Central Asian states, expose the deep rivalries between countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. For example, Kazakhstans dominant position in the EU-backed Middle Corridor has reportedly irritated its southern neighbours, who are now seeking alternatives to reduce dependency on Astana. Iran, for its part, is using its proximity and strategic access to the Persian Gulf to draw countries into multilateral transport frameworks where it plays a central role. With Oman and Uzbekistan actively participating, and support from India for the North-South corridor, Iran is positioning itself as a regional logistics hub. However, progress hinges on diplomatic normalisation with the West, particularly with the United States, where sanctions remain a key obstacle. From Bakus perspective, Armenias entry into a corridor that is not yet operational poses no immediate strategic challenge. In fact, should the Ashgabat corridor become viable, its eventual connection to infrastructure such as the Zangazur corridorpending peace between Baku and Yerevancould benefit all parties, including Armenia itself. For now, however, Baku remains firmly rooted in corridors that are already redefining the regions transit map. 20 May 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan begins exporting nitrogen fertilizer to Canada for the first time ever. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! World Health Assembly rejects Taiwan-related proposal once again Xinhua) 10:38, May 20, 2025 GENEVA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Monday decided not to include in its agenda a so-called proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer. Addressing the assembly, Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery and return to China, and that Taiwan's return is an integral part of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. Chen said the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 have long since resolved the issue of China's representation, including Taiwan, in a comprehensive and conclusive manner. He said the WHA has, for consecutive years, rejected so-called Taiwan-related proposals, thereby upholding the authority of the UN and the post-war international order. Facts have proven that the path of "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, he added. The Taiwan question, he said, is China's internal affair and a remaining issue from the Chinese civil war. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have yet to be reunified, the legal and factual status of Taiwan as part of China has never changed. He noted that 183 countries have established official diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. Ahead of this year's WHA session, many countries sent letters to the WHO reaffirming their support for this principle. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle embodies the broad consensus of the international community. China's central government has always attached great importance to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Provided that the one-China principle is upheld, technical experts from Taiwan Province face no obstacles to participating in WHO activities, he added. The so-called claim of a "gap" in the international pandemic prevention system is inconsistent with the facts and is purely a political manipulation, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 20 May 2025 12:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan places significant importance on women entrepreneurs, focusing particularly on inclusive economic development. Azernews reports that this was stated by Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), during his speech at the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council held in Baku today. "I am very pleased that a large delegation of women entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan is here," he said. Sarybay emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to inclusive economic growth, highlighting the establishment of the CICA Womens Council as a step toward fostering cooperation and dialogue among member states, particularly in ensuring womens significant participation in decision-making processes. He noted that member states have shown great interest in expanding the activities of this new advisory body. He also called on CICA member states to focus on young entrepreneurship, suggesting that partnerships with leading universities could help unlock the potential of young scientists and researchers. It is essential, he said, that youth receive the necessary skills and support to contribute to the sustainable development of Asia. Azerbaijan's chairmanship focuses on stronger connectivity, digitalization, and sustainable development within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Sarybay added. He emphasized the relevance of the SCO's economic, environmental, humanitarian, and security dimensions in ensuring the region's peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Sarybay also praised Azerbaijan's strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investment, and business development. He recalled discussions with Mr. Mammadov in Baku earlier this year on initiatives to support SME digitalization, green economy transitions, and women's entrepreneurship. SMEs are the backbone of our economies, he said, highlighting their role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to sustainable development. Today's discussions will address key themes like digitalization, womens entrepreneurship, the green transition, and the role of SMEs in developing smart cities. 20 May 2025 17:33 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Iran's large industrial plants have been granted licenses to import electricity from Azerbaijan and Turkiye to meet their energy needs. Azernews reports that this was announced by Mohammad Allahdad, Deputy Executive Director of the Iranian company TAVANIR, in a statement to local media. According to him, the move aims to reduce pressure on the national electricity grid and ensure a stable energy supply. Allahdad explained that Irans major industrial plants can import electricity from the two countries using the national electricity exchange system, based on a formal agreement. Under this arrangement, the importing plants will receive discounts in national electricity management programs equivalent to the amount of electricity they import. He added that there are no technical issues with importing electricity from Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Currently, there is a 500-megawatt electricity exchange line between Iran and Turkiye. It is worth noting that Iran has recently faced a severe electricity shortage. To manage this, electricity supply to various facilities and plants has been provided intermittently. 20 May 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more On the occasion of International Museum Day, the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the legendary Surakhani Ship-Museum, successfully presented the next stage of its original project, "Art Battle", Azernews reports. On May 18, 2025, the event took place on the deck of the ship located along the Seaside Boulevard, turning into a vibrant, emotional, and memorable celebration of art. This time, artists Huseyn Kangarli and Ruslan Rustamov competed in a live painting duel. The opening ceremony featured speeches from director of the Surakhani Ship-Museum Tural Ibrahimov and head of Arts Council Azerbaijan Dadash Mammadov, who both wished the participants success. The artists competed in three rounds, each with a specific theme: The Sea, Flowers, Expression. Each artist created their work within a limited time frame and in real-time, while the audience had the chance to witness the entire creative process from the first brushstroke to the final touches and vote for their favorite. As a result, Ruslan Rustamov was declared the winner by a 2:1 vote. The event was also attended by accredited diplomats and state officials in Azerbaijan. They showed great interest in this interactive format of art and highly praised the initiative. Guests actively participated in competitions and enjoyed an evening filled with culture and creativity. It is worth noting that after Arts Council Azerbaijan became a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the organizations collaboration with museums across the country has significantly expanded. Note that "Art Battle" is an original project created by Arts Council Azerbaijan in 2024. The project's author and curator is Sona Guliyeva. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az 20 May 2025 18:12 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan is actively organizing events dedicated to celebrating the literary legacy of Seyid Azim Shirvani on the occasion of his 190th anniversary, Azernews reports. These series of events are organized in accordance with the Decree issued by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on April 4, 2025. As part of these commemorative activities, the Cultural Center took the initiative to establish and officially open an auditorium named after Seyid Azim Shirvani at Kokand State University. During the opening ceremony, director of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center Akif Marifli hailed the strong historical, cultural, literary, scientific, and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, rooted in their shared history. He emphasized that the forward-looking and strategic policies of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with the sincere and trusting relations between the two nations, have significantly contributed to strengthening their strategic partnership and elevating their cooperation across all sectors. Marifli also spoke about Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its rich literary and historical heritage. He pointed out that President Ilham Aliyev regularly issues decrees marking the anniversaries of notable Azerbaijani figures. In this context, he highlighted the recent decree honoring Seyid Azim Shirvani on his 190th anniversary, noting that the creation of this auditorium was part of that initiative. He underscored the importance of such projects in safeguarding cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. He further explained that the auditorium will serve multiple purposes: as a classroom, a research center for Azerbaijani culture, and a venue for events such as book presentations, seminars, and lectures. Most importantly, it is intended to facilitate the teaching of Azerbaijani language and literature. First Vice-Rector of Kokand State University Nigora Gadirova praised the opening of the Seyid Azim Shirvani auditorium as a tangible example of the strong cultural and educational bonds between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. She underlined that establishing such a center within the university will reinforce the historical and spiritual connections between the two peoples, particularly in educating and nurturing future generations through mutual scientific exchange. The center is expected to become an important platform for academic activities, practical classes, and cultural events. The auditorium, created by the Cultural Center, demonstrates symbols of Azerbaijani statehood, including national cultural artifacts, souvenirs, traditional embroidery and weaving products, and a library featuring publications on Azerbaijan's culture, literature, language, history, and political activities, including works dedicated to National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and First-Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The hall also contains materials about Seyid Azim Shirvani's life and work, scientific resources, photographs, and samples of the poet's works. This initiative enhances cultural understanding and academic collaboration between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the fields of culture, science, education, and tourism. The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries. 20 May 2025 17:50 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan National Art Museum has marked International Museum Day with an Open Day event that drew large crowds and sparked great interest among visitors of all ages, Azernews reports. The event was part of a global celebration held every year on May 18 to highlight the importance of museums in preserving and sharing culture, art, and history. Guests explored the museum's rich collection, took part in interactive events and master classes, and enjoyed a welcoming, festive atmosphere. A major highlight of the day was the premiere of the documentary film Paradise Dream, dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Mirza Gadim Iravani, a prominent Azerbaijani artist and founder of the country's school of realistic easel painting. Museum Director and Honored Worker of Culture, Shirin Malikova, shared that the film is a meaningful tribute to Iravani's life and legacy, celebrating his contribution to Azerbaijani art. The film's director, Honored Artist Elkhan Jafarov, spoke to the audience about the creative journey behind the project, including its storylines, artistic challenges, and filming process. Commissioned by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry as part of the Creative Azerbaijan initiative, Paradise Dream features a talented team including scriptwriter Yaver Rzayev, cinematographer Ruslan Aghazade, and production designer Sabuhi Atababayev. The film also debuts a powerful symphonic mugham composition, Zabul Segah, by renowned composer and People's Artist Vasif Adigozalov. After the screening, a lively discussion took place with the film's creators and museum visitors. In addition to the film, a special exhibition was unveiled in honor of Mirza Gadim Iravani's bicentenary. It recreated the atmosphere of his studio and allowed visitors to immerse themselves in his artistic world. A photo zone inspired by his famous painting Portrait of Mah Talat Khanum offered guests a chance to step into one of his masterpieces. The Open Day turned into a heartfelt celebration of art, history, and creativity, a fitting tribute to both International Museum Day and the timeless legacy of one of Azerbaijan's greatest artists. Founded in 1937, Azerbaijan National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush. The museum has successfully organized and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries. 20 May 2025 09:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The 6th Plenary Session and the 10th Meeting of the Steering Committee are being held within the framework of the UNs Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities GlobE Network. According to Azernews, nearly 50 high-ranking officials representing law enforcement agencies from various countries will attend the event. The main topic of the Plenary Session is The Application of New Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption. Over 100 presentations are planned across panels, sessions, and side events covering topics such as asset confiscation from corruption, direct asset recovery, halting suspicious financial transactions, swift freezing of bank accounts in criminal cases, international cooperation, and public awareness in anti-corruption efforts. Additionally, within the session and on the initiative of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, a special session and side events will be held in connection with the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty and Azerbaijans COP29 chairmanship, focusing on combating environmental crimes. The event will also feature numerous bilateral meetings and the signing of memorandums on mutual cooperation. 20 May 2025 10:45 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Our cooperation has evolved into a partnership built on trust, said Nasser Abaalkhail, Chair of the Governing Committee of the GlobE Network, during the 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th Governance Committee Session of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, held under the auspices of the United Nations. Azernews reports, Abaalkhail emphasized that corruption knows no bordersand this reality must further strengthen international collaboration. Our partnership must be stronger than corruption itself. The path we've walked together has produced excellent results. We had a clear operational vision from the start. Now, lets build comprehensive connections and keep this momentum going. The agenda clearly reflects todays global realities, he stated. The Chair underlined that the use of technology, asset recovery mechanisms, and international legal cooperation are not optionalthey are essential. Everyone in this room has an important role to play, he continued. Our shared goal is to build capacity. Every exchange of ideas among members has the potential to lead to progress. Together, we can transform this network into an even stronger, more effective global alliance. The success of the GlobE Network is measured not by numbers, but by results. On behalf of the Governing Committee, I reaffirm our full commitment to this mission. 20 May 2025 12:42 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Corruption undermines citizens' rights and challenges the foundations of governance. Azernews reports that this was stated by Vladanka Andreyeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, during the 6th Plenary Session and 10th Steering Committee Meeting of the UNs GlobE Network the Global Operational Network of Law Enforcement Agencies Fighting Corruption. According to Andreyeva, ensuring sustainable and green growth must be a shared goal: We must strengthen our partnerships to enhance transparency. The UN Convention against Corruption is the only international legal instrument of its kind. It outlines clear provisions for criminal prosecution. She also noted that a significant pact was adopted in September of last year: We recognize that corruption undermines equal access to public services. I would like to thank the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting this important event. Azerbaijan is a party to the UN Convention against Corruption and participates both as a reviewing and reviewed state. We, as the UN, remain committed to supporting Azerbaijan in these efforts. 20 May 2025 10:40 (UTC+04:00) The sixth plenary meeting of the United Nations Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) has today kicked off in Baku, Azernews reports. Kamran Aliyev, Azerbaijans Prosecutor General, read out President Ilham Aliyev's address to the event participants. More than 300 representatives from over 120 government agencies representing 92 countries, including 21 prosecutors' offices, 53 independent anti-corruption agencies and 16 international organizations, are participating in the event in person, with more than 60 participants joining online. The event is also attended by nearly 50 senior officials representing law enforcement agencies from different countries. The key objectives of the meeting are to discuss organizational issues, host thematic discussions, and enable the sharing of experiences on how the GlobE Network helped members to advance corruption cases, to offer operational tradecraft and knowledge sessions, and to provide an opportunity for the members of the GlobE Network, its observers and other participants to engage in formal and informal bilateral and multilateral meetings on operational and strategic issues. The plenary session includes more than 100 speeches in panels, sessions and parallel events on the confiscation of funds obtained as a result of corruption, direct recovery of acquired assets, stopping suspicious transactions in financial transactions, international cooperation on the rapid freezing of bank accounts in criminal proceedings, raising public awareness in combatting corruption and other topics. Additionally, a special session and side events on the fight against environmental violations will be held as part of the plenary meeting on the initiative of the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan within the framework of the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty, as well Azerbaijan's COP29 Presidency. The meeting will also feature numerous bilateral meetings and the signing of memoranda of mutual cooperation. The international event will last until May 23. 20 May 2025 15:03 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan continues to provide practical support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with "SME Houses" offering centralized services such as business registration, licensing, financial consulting, and access to export markets, Azernews reports, citing Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), as he said during the 8th plenary session of the Business Council of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). According to Mammadov, SME Houses have proven to be efficient in simplifying business processes and providing entrepreneurs with the resources they need for growth. "We encourage other CICA member states to consider adopting similar models to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote entrepreneurship," Mammadov said. "Digital transformation is one of the key priorities under Azerbaijan's chairmanship. We believe that supporting SMEs in adopting digital tools and platforms will boost their operational efficiency and facilitate access to new markets." To this end, Azerbaijan is organizing training programs in digital marketing, e-commerce, and data management to help entrepreneurs integrate these tools into their business models. Focus on Women Entrepreneurs and Green Growth Mammadov also emphasized the importance of promoting womens entrepreneurship, noting that supporting women-led businesses plays a vital role in sustainable economic development. "As part of our chairmanship, we plan to launch dedicated initiatives to provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs," he said. Another strategic focus is the promotion of a green economy. Azerbaijan is encouraging SMEs to adopt sustainable business practices and integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. Mammadov highlighted the Baku Climate Coalitionestablished under Azerbaijan's CICA chairmanshipas an example of this commitment. "Through this initiative, we are supporting green business practices and helping SMEs transition toward more sustainable operations," he noted. 20 May 2025 12:44 (UTC+04:00) For many years, Azerbaijan was subjected to military aggression by Armenia. During the occupation of our lands, a policy of ethnic cleansing was carried out, and numerous crimes against humanity were committed against our people. These facts were a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law and human rights, According to Azernews, President Ilham Aliyev said this in his address to the participants of the 6th plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (the GlobE Network) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Illegal exploitation of our natural resources, large-scale corruption, and the deliberate destruction of infrastructure were pervasive in the occupied territories for years. Finally, as a result of the Patriotic War in 2020 and the anti-terrorist measures carried out in 2023, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan were fully restored. The end of the occupation marked the beginning of a new era, accompanied by the restoration of sovereignty and justice, as well as the return of life and the rule of law to those territories. Transforming the liberated lands into a space of progress is one of the main pillars of our state policy. Today, Azerbaijan continues its constructive efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, the head of state emphasized in his message. 20 May 2025 14:51 (UTC+04:00) King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, Charles III, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, My wife and I are delighted to send Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan our warmest congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your National Day. I am so pleased that our countries share such strong ties, and I look forward to strengthening further our friendship. It is my hope and strong ambition that our nations can collaborate to make a positive impact on climate change and environmental issues, which affect us all globally. My wife and I have great pleasure in conveying our best wishes to you and to all Azerbaijanis in the year ahead. Sincerely, His Majesty Charles III King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 20 May 2025 14:45 (UTC+04:00) On May 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a limited format meeting with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban in Budapest, Azernews reports. Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani President and the Hungarian Prime Minister posed together for photographs. 20 May 2025 14:46 (UTC+04:00) On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.'' King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 20 May 2025 14:31 (UTC+04:00) Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads, "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. It is with great pleasure that we extend to Your Excellency our congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your countrys Independence Day. We wish you robust health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan sustainable development and prosperity. We express our highest consideration and esteem to Your Excellency." 20 May 2025 14:56 (UTC+04:00) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Samantha Mostyn, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads, ''His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, On the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to you, the Government and the people of Azerbaijan my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people. May I express my confidence that the friendly relations between our two countries will continue to prosper in the coming year.'' 20 May 2025 14:36 (UTC+04:00) Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads, ''His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to extend to you my most sincere congratulations. The recent agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a peace treaty is a source of hope, and we welcome this promising development. We encourage the swift signing of the agreement with Armenia, thereby bringing this conflict to a definitive end for the mutual benefit of both nations' peoples. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for the well-being of you and your family, as well as for the peace and prosperous future of the people of Azerbaijan.'' 20 May 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Spains Ministry of Consumer Affairs announced on Monday that it has ordered short-term rental giant Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 listings from its platform, citing violations of existing housing regulations, Azernews reports. The move is part of a broader national and regional crackdown on unlicensed vacation rentals, which many Spanish citizens and local officials blame for driving up housing costs, reducing long-term rental availability, and contributing to overtourism in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. According to a statement from the ministry, most of the affected Airbnb listings lacked a required license number, while others failed to disclose whether the host was a private individual or a business entity, as reported by Reuters. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the government aims to end the widespread lack of control and illegality in the vacation rental sector. Our objective is clear: to defend access to housing, enforce the law, and protect consumer rights, he added. The Spanish government is not acting alone. City councils and regional governments across the country have joined forces in what has become a coordinated campaign against short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. In one of the most dramatic steps to date, Barcelonas Mayor Jaume Collboni announced in June 2024 a total ban on tourist apartment rentals by 2028, a first in Spanish history. The city, long plagued by high rents and a saturated tourism industry, is hoping this measure will rebalance the housing market in favor of residents. Spains efforts echo similar moves in other European cities. Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin have all introduced stricter regulations on short-term rentals in recent years. What sets Spain apart is the scale and coordination of its campaignand the growing political consensus that curbing short-term rentals is essential to solving the countrys housing crisis. 20 May 2025 15:22 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims is scheduled to depart for the Hajj pilgrimage on May 26, according to Vusal Jahangiri, head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Caucasus Muslim Board (QMI) and administrator of the Hajj electronic system, Azernews reports. As previously reported, the first group of pilgrims from Azerbaijan will set out for Hajj on May 25. Additional groups will follow in stages. The submission of documents for those intending to perform Hajj began on January 21 and is expected to close soon, officials said. Hajj Package Price and Travel Details The cost of a Hajj package for each pilgrim is set at 5,950 USD. All travel arrangements will be conducted by air and organized in a standardized format. Required Documents for Hajj Registration Applicants wishing to register for the Hajj pilgrimage must provide the following: A valid international passport with at least one year before expiration; A copy of the national ID card; Two color photographs (5x5 cm) on a white background, with women wearing a dark headscarf; A medical certificate indicating fitness for travel. Document submission is carried out on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the QMI administrative building in Baku, located at 7 Mirza Fatali Street. Strict Penalties for Unauthorized Hajj Travel Saudi authorities have issued a stern warning for those attempting to perform Hajj without official permission. Under newly implemented rules, which will be enforced for 44 days starting tomorrow, unauthorized entry into Mecca or sacred sites may result in fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately 5,300 USD). Assisting others in obtaining pilgrimage visas without proper authorization may incur fines up to 100,000 riyals (approximately 26,000 USD). Foreign nationals attempting unauthorized Hajj travel face deportation and a 10-year entry ban into Saudi Arabia. Vehicles carrying unauthorized pilgrims may also be subject to seizure through court order. Are Children Allowed on the Hajj? Regarding concerns about bringing children, Vusal Jahangiri stated that there is no official ban on children participating in the pilgrimage. He acknowledged that some Saudi news outlets have reported such restrictions, but they appear to apply only to Saudi citizens. "In general, we do not take very young children," Jahangiri said. "We allow children over the age of 12. If someone insists on bringing a child, we advise against it due to the challenging conditions. This year, one pilgrim wanted to bring their children, but after consultation, they understood the risks and decided not to." The US Supreme Court by an 8 to 1 vote struck down a political ruling by an Obama judge and allowed the Trump administration's removal of "advance parole" for 350,000 illegal aliens from Venezuela to proceed. The "advance parole" had stymied efforts to deport the illegal aliens. Those deportations can now proceed. Federal immigration law allows the executive branch to grant advance parole in individual cases upon detailed examination of each case. The Biden regime made a mockery of this law by granting it in a blanket fashion over an internet app with no vetting whatsoever. This gross misinterpretation https://ams.mu.edu.iq/ violated the letter of the law, as the Trump administration told the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court agreed. The only Supreme Court justice who voted against this common sense ruling by eight of her colleagues was radical Biden appointee Katanje Brown-Jackson. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14728337/Trump-scores-MAJOR-immigration-win-Supreme-Court-gives-green-light-deport-350-000-Venezuelans.html https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/05/19/supreme-court-allows-trump-admin-to-revoke-amnesty-for-300k-venezuelans/ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/supreme-court-hands-trump-major-win-allows-removal-protected-status-300000-venezuelan Meanwhile, the Trump administration's first self-deportation flight of illegal aliens who voluntarily came forward to return to their home countries has taken off for Honduras and Columbia. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2057481/donald-trump-self-deportation-flight-immigrants?int_source=nba At the launch of the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies, left to right, Maureen O'Reilly, independent economist, Edward McCann, director of publishing at Mediahuis Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly, Michelle O'Neill, Richard Gillan, managing partner at Grant Thornton, and Margaret Canning, business editor at the Belfast Telegraph Like most Tele readers I enjoyed as much as ever this years Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies in Northern Ireland. We also noticed Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibalds comments that the work we are taking forward on the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill is crucial for creating sustainable employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. It will help ensure fair wages, better working conditions and job security for workers. We, of course, agree and noted too that most of the companies in the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 are unionised or practicing the kind of good relations and conditions for their employees that the minister aspires to achieve in her Good Jobs Bill. In short, and despite some scaremongering about the cost to business, successful companies have little to fear from having trade unions about the place, or the work-life balance measures coming into law in Great Britain with Labours Employment Rights Bill and proposed for our devolved Good Jobs legislation. Decent work aids retention and loyalty is the reward a respected member of staff extends to a good employer Most of the list of NIs most profitable companies recognise trade unions and set terms and conditions for their staff through collective bargaining agreements. These cover substantial numbers of our working population. As Manufacturing NIs Stephen Kelly pointed out whilst 1% of manufacturers are large (more than 250 employees), they account for almost half of employment and more than half of turnover in that sector. Additionally, many of the companies listed have in their existing employment contracts many of the rights and entitlements proposed for all workers in the Good Jobs Bill, such as family-friendly policies like maternal, parental and bereavement leave. These companies face no surprises from Dr Archibalds proposals. These proposed policies will only be a concern for a minority of employers who hope for some competitive edge over the many decent bosses at the expense of their workers. But these perceptions get noted, not least by workers who are aware that the grass is often greener with some other, better, boss. Decent work aids retention and loyalty is the reward a respected member of staff extends to a good employer. It should also be noted that we have been focused on NI-headquartered companies. And impressive as they are, they are not the only large employers here. Many are international, such as Spirit, Allstate, Citibank, Seagate, Thales and Santander. Some are based in the Republic, such as Dunnes, Primark, First Trust and Bank of Ireland. More are headquartered in GB, and most of these unionised companies are also preparing for similar changes with the Labour governments Employment Rights Bill, presently at an advanced stage and likely to be in statute within a year. Indeed, many of the aspects proposed in the NI Good Jobs Bill are already in statute in GB. The Department for the Economy consultation process completed last summer contained 31 proposals. Of these, 19 are proposals that will simply bring NI into line with GB. They are largely uncontroversial and will not pose any significant cost or administrative burden on businesses here. Indeed, most were passed by Conservative governments at Westminster. The remaining 12 proposals in the proposed NI legislation are currently under active consideration by the Labour Government and ensure that working people in NI will not be left behind again. Polling in GB has shown the Employment Rights Bill to be one of the few widely popular policies of the Starmer administration. This legislation demonstrates the NI Assembly getting around to (after a few suspensions) using its devolved powers over employment law for the first time since 2016. So, the proposed Labour Party legislation at Westminster will shortly be, in the employment contracts of GB firms such as Tesco, Concentrix, Bamford Bus Company (Wrightbus), Four Seasons, G4S, Sainsburys, Boots, PwC, Lloyds, Asda and BT. This is not intended to sound like an endorsement of all of these employers. Some are hostile to unions and many have been caught up in the wave of industrial action brought on by the cost of living crisis since 2022. At the same time, those firms which did have disputes all reached resolution because of direct negotiations with the trade unions representing their staff. Most pay issues in the private sector were amicably settled with a great deal less stress than the situation we all experienced here across the public sector under the last belligerent Conservative government. The Good Jobs bill deserves to be taken to the MLAs we elected in our devolved Assembly, to be debated and discussed, its merits measured and amended if needed by local politicians accountable to an electorate who we firmly believe, support the proposals for better and fairer workplaces. 86% of senior leaders in Northern Ireland believe AI has a role in generating economic growth and job creation (Alamy/PA) The use of artificial intelligence by businesses in Northern Ireland has surged by 88%, according to a report from Microsoft Ireland. The new report, which was developed by Microsoft Ireland in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin Business School, found that 86% of senior leaders in Northern Ireland believe AI has a role in generating economic growth and job creation, while overall AI adoption has increased to 88%. More than half of those surveyed believe the technology could increase their organisations net revenue by between 30-70% in the next 12 months. A striking 93% said AI tools already in use were making a measurable impact, with 92% agreeing on the general usefulness of the technology. The potential economic uplift for the UK as a whole is projected at 2.98% in real GDP by 2035, with Northern Ireland standing to gain significantly if adoption continues to accelerate. While confidence in AI is growing, the report also highlights gaps in governance. The research found that 62% of organisations in Northern Ireland have no formal policy for the use of free AI tools, and only 8% actively prohibit them. Meanwhile, 30% are actively encouraging staff to experiment with freely available AI pointing to a trend researchers call a shadow AI culture. Almost all (94%) of the Northern Ireland leaders surveyed said they expect to hire staff with AI expertise within the next one to three years. A significant 90% of senior leaders admit to using free AI tools themselves, while 70% are aware of staff doing the same, including 26% who report regular usage. Researchers say this openness to experimentation can support innovation, but it also presents risks when not matched by proper oversight or security protocols. To address this, 76% of organisations say they have already enhanced their data security measures. However, the report found a sense of frustration among leaders, with 80% saying government regulation is a barrier to adopting new technology. AI skills and workforce readiness also emerged as key themes. Almost all (94%) of the Northern Ireland leaders surveyed said they expect to hire staff with AI expertise within the next one to three years. Encouragingly, 74% believe their existing teams can quickly get up to speed using AI in their daily work. The research also shows a growing awareness of responsible AI practices. Over three-quarters (78%) believe their organisation takes a responsible approach to AI, while 82% say AI will help them meet their sustainability and ESG goals. Nearly a third of respondents (29%) are in the process of creating or have already developed a formal AI policy. However, the report paints a picture of a region that is embracing AI with enthusiasm, even as some challenges around governance, cost, and skills remain. Northern Irelands access to both UK and EU markets, along with its growing tech ecosystem, puts it in a strong position to lead in AI innovation if these issues can be tackled head-on. AI is increasingly recognised as a transformative technology, driving economic growth and innovation. This report highlights AIs potential to revolutionise Northern Irelands economy, said Catherine Doyle, general manager for Microsoft Ireland. Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned to leverage AIs capabilities, thanks to its vibrant tech ecosystem, government-backed initiatives, and access to both UK and EU markets. Dr Ashish Kumar Jha, associate professor of business analytics at Trinity Business School and co-author of the report, said: Our research shows that while there are many similarities in the way AI is being increasingly adopted by organisations in Northern Ireland, and other locations (including Republic), there also exist unique challenges and opportunities. Man who was face of IRA in US on escaping arrest from RUC, 'traitor' Denis Donaldson and why he had to stand aside Emma Vardy has announced she is leaving LA to take on a new role in the BBC (Photo: Emma Vardy/X) Former BBC Ireland correspondent Emma Vardy has bid an official goodbye to the United States as she moves on from her role as LA correspondent within the organisation. Last week, the Southampton-born journalist, who was the BBCs Ireland correspondent and regularly in Northern Ireland from 2018 to 2023, shared a photo on social media of her presenting on the BBC News channel for the first time. Lir restaurant in Coleraine and Jonny Cuddy, of Aughnacloys Ispini Charcuterie, were both winners at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2025. Lir took home the category of best sustainable practices, while Mr Cuddy won the local food hero prize. The ceremony was held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in Dublin on Monday, May 19. It was attended by over 1000 people from the hospitality industry, including chefs, managers, staff and owners. The awards night followed regional awards ceremonies in the four provinces of Ireland, the winners of whom made up the nominees for the national awards. Staff from multiple Northern Irish establishments were nominated for awards, including Laura Connolly of the Oak Room Restaurant at Derrys Ebrington Hotel, who was the Ulster nominee for the category of best restaurant manager. Lir restaurant Liam McKenna, of the Armagh City Hotel, was the Ulster nominee for the employee excellence award, while Noble, in Holywood, was nominated for best customer service. Another Holywood establishment, Frae, was nominated for best casual dining, while Belfasts OX was shortlisted for the best wine experience. The best restaurant award was won by Dede at the Customs House, in Baltimore, Co Cork, while John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at the Mount Juliet Estate in Co Kilkenny was named best chef. Sean Collender, president of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: At a time when our industry continues to face significant challenges, its more important than ever to come together and celebrate the strength of Irelands food and hospitality sector. These Awards are about acknowledging the incredible talent and tireless work of those in our restaurants, cafes and kitchens across the country. They shine a light on the resilience and creativity that define our industry. Behind every meal served is a team of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences. Sarah and Jonny Cuddy, daughter Hope and Jonny's sister Janice Cuddy (right) News Catch Up - Monday 19 May This years Awards have once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of culinary talent across every region. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners and nominees, your commitment and passion inspire us all. The daughter of a murdered pensioner allegedly sacrificed to protect a top-ranking British spy inside the IRA has lost a legal battle to have her complaints judicially examined in Northern Ireland. Noreen Thompson was refused leave to challenge an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) decision that her case should be dealt with by the Court of Appeal in England and Wales. The BMA survey said more than half of student doctors are planning to leave NI (Anthony Devlin/PA) More than half of medical students who responded to a survey said they were either planning to leave Northern Ireland or are undecided about their future. The survey from the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested doctors pay and workplace conditions in the region are forcing many medical students to plan for careers in health systems elsewhere. Final and penultimate year medical students at Northern Irelands two medical schools were asked to complete a survey on their career intentions once they graduate, including whether they plan to stay and work in the region and what factors are influencing their decisions. Over half of the respondents (54%) said they were either planning to leave Northern Ireland or are currently undecided where they will work once they finish their training. Other survey findings include: Over 66% of those who do plan to leave say they are heading to Australia to work. Of those who reported planning to leave either Northern Ireland or medicine entirely after foundation training, more than 81% said their decision was because of pay and conditions, followed by the poor state of the health service, and over 51% cited poor experiences of training or medical education as their reason for leaving. 3.92% of respondents consider doctors pay, and reward is fair in Northern Ireland. More than 83% of respondents said that improved pay would encourage them to remain in Northern Ireland to continue training, with almost 77% citing improved working conditions. Those choosing to stay in Northern Ireland cite family and support networks as the overwhelming reason to remain here. Milan Kapoor, chairman of BMAs Northern Ireland medical students committee (NIMSC), said: It should be deeply concerning to all of us that a significant number of medical students on the verge of graduating are already planning for careers elsewhere after they complete foundation training. Northern Ireland medical students graduate with high levels of debt. They also have first-hand experience of workplace pressures in the health service and this has a huge impact on the quality of education and training while on clinical placements. It should therefore come as no surprise that they are looking elsewhere for better pay and training quality in health systems outside of Northern Ireland. He added: However, this can be turned around. Over 90% of those surveyed said they still wanted to pursue a career in medicine so it is imperative that the Government do all they can to encourage these newly qualified doctors to stay here for the duration of their careers. Aside from addressing doctors pay and workplace conditions, one area they can tackle to help this is fixing the unfair and complicated student finance system. It saddles students with a large amount of debt as soon as they start work and penalises those from lower-socio economic backgrounds from studying medicine. These debts are another factor in resident doctors seeking work in better paid health systems in other countries. Dr Alan Stout, chairman of BMAs Northern Ireland Council, said the findings sounded an alarm for an increasing workforce crisis. He said: We owe it to the patient population to encourage these doctors of the future to stay and work in Northern Ireland. That means valuing doctors with timely and adequate pay uplifts alongside targeted workforce planning. Long-term, we need to see urgent roll-out of HSC transformation as outlined in countless transformation reports, and transformation that is properly funded by ring-fenced, multi-year budgets. The survey was open between January 20 and February and received a total of 191 responses out of a total of 770 final and penultimate year students at Ulster University and Queens University Belfast. Mike Nesbitt told the Assembly his budget had factored in a 2.8% uplift for healthcare staff this year but said he was no longer confident that would be enough to meet the recommendations when they are published (Brian Lawless/PA) The Health Minister has expressed concern he has not allocated enough in his budget to cover salary increases recommended by independent pay bodies. Mike Nesbitt told the Assembly his budget had factored in a 2.8% uplift for healthcare staff this year. But he said he was no longer confident that would be enough to meet the recommendations when they are published. The minister has already warned MLAs that the health sector in Northern Ireland is facing a 500 million funding gap in the current financial year. The two bodies that make recommendations on health service pay have passed their proposals for 2025/26 to Health Secretary Wes Streeting in England. Mr Streeting is expected to publish those in the near future and announce whether the Government intends to implement the recommended increases. If the increases are higher than what health officials in England were budgeting for, the Governments next move will have implications for Northern Ireland. If new money is diverted to the sector to pay for the pay rises in England, then Stormont will also get extra funding through the Barnett formula. However, if the Government asks the health sector in England to cover the additional pay increases by making cutbacks and efficiencies, then there will be no extra money flowing to Northern Ireland to help cover the bill. Health Secretary Wes Streeting (Lucy North/PA) Mr Nesbitt provided an update to the Assembly in response to a question from his Ulster Unionist colleague Alan Chambers. We currently await the pay recommendations coming out of London for doctors, dentists and allied health professionals. I think that is imminent, said the minister. I have said before, all things being equal, I wish to enact those recommendations at speed. However, the minister warned that he may not have enough within his current funding envelope to cover the increase. What I would say in terms of the pay pressures is that we made an assumption we had to make an assumption in working out our budget, and that was of a 2.8% pay rise, he said. As I have said already, I think the two sets of recommendations for allied health professionals on one hand and doctors and dentists on the other have been received by the Department of Health and Social Care. So we await the publication of those figures and the response of the Secretary of State, Wes Streeting. I am no longer confident that we have budgeted a large enough percentage to meet what we are expecting to be published. A community in Armagh has been left shaken following the death of a young man in an accident abroad. James Kelly, from Armagh City, died as a result of an accident in Australia on May 17. A funeral notice described James as the beloved son of Catherine and Jim, a cherished brother to Natalie, and a dearly loved grandson of Tommy, the late Marie Hagan, and the late Art and Mary Kelly. Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, Sarah Duffy, said the devastating news has shaken our community. She said: I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of James Kelly, a young man from Armagh City, who lost his life while in Australia. This devastating news has shaken our community, and my heart goes out to all who knew and loved him. James was a bright and cherished young man who had his whole life ahead of him, and his loss will be felt by many. Ms Duffy said her thoughts were with the family at this unimaginably difficult time. "No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in the love and support that surrounds them, she added. On behalf of the people of Armagh and the wider district, I extend my deepest condolences to the Kelly family. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. Tributes have poured in on social media following news of his death. In a statement a spokesperson for Cuchulainn Hurling Club in Armagh said: It is with immense sadness that the Committee and Members of Cuchulainn Hurling Club have learned of the sudden passing of James Kelly in Australia, son of our esteemed Vice Chair and Club stalwart Jimmy, and we wish to tender our deepest sympathies to him, his wife Catherine, daughter Natalie, and the entire Kelly and Hagan family circle. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time. A spokesperson for Armagh Harps GFC added: Sincere condolences to the Kelly family, Cuchulainn Hurling Club and James many friends following his sudden passing. Others also took to social media to offer condolences. James Kelly. Credit: JJ McArdle & Sons Funeral Directors News Catch Up - Monday 19 May A spokesperson for Mount St Catherines Primary School in Armagh said they were very sorry to hear this sad news adding that James was a wonderful young man. A former teacher said: My goodness. I taught James for two years. A wee gentlemen. Too young. Very hard to comprehend. Another mourner on social media posted. Heartbreaking news, rest in peace James. Such a lovely lad deepest condolences to Cathy, Jim and Natalie. A domestic abuse victim who stabbed her partner multiple times with a kitchen knife while he slept has been jailed for a minimum of 12 years. Julie Anne McIlwaine 34, from Hazel Close, Lagmore, in west Belfast, was found guilty by a jury in October of the murder of James Joseph Crossley, 38, at her former home in March 2022. At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court, judge Mr Justice Kinney set the minimum tariff for how long McIlwaine will spend in prison. The court heard that McIlwaine and Mr Crossley were in a relationship marked by domestic abuse and coercive control. At the time of the murder, a restraining order was in place that prohibited Mr Crossley from being in contact with McIlwaine. McIlwaine separated from him for a period and stayed in a womens refuge. However, she subsequently contacted Mr Crossley and re-established a relationship. They conducted that revived relationship in secrecy without the knowledge of their families, social services or legal representatives. Psychiatric reports submitted to court stated McIlwaine had been psychologically enmeshed with Mr Crossley and had been unable to separate. The judge said an unusual element of the case was that it was the victim of domestic abuse who had committed a murder. Mr Crossley was stabbed 10 times. The court heard that on the day of the murder the couple had been involved in an argument during which Mr Crossley threatened McIlwaines family, called her children names and warned that he would ensure that she would never see them again. Mr Justice Kinney said there was a significant domestic history in the relationship with frequent reports to the police about Mr Crossleys behaviour. The judge noted that at the time of the murder, Mr Crossley had been facing a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against McIlwaine and criminal damage. The judge said he was satisfied that McIlwaine was suffering from an acute stress reaction at the time of the incident and that her condition impacted upon her actions. None of this of course can ever provide a justification for the kind of crime committed by the defendant, he said. Whatever the circumstances nothing can excuse the murder of another person, abusive partner or otherwise, and the law requires condign punishment for such offences. Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin (PA) After sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said it was an extremely difficult case. The two had been in a mutually abusive relationship, she said. The officer added: Ms McIlwaines defence was that she had caused the death of Jim Crossley by manslaughter based on a temporary loss of control as a victim of domestic abuse. The jury, however, didnt accept that she had experienced a loss of control, and convicted her of murder. Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has today been held accountable. It remains, however, a tragic case which leaves so many family members, including children, totally heartbroken. There are no winners here. Only sorrow prevails. The detective inspector continued: Its a sad reminder that no one should ever take the law into their own hands, and I want to appeal to anyone, irrespective of gender or background, who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic abuse to please speak to us. We know that domestic abuse can take many forms, from coercive control to physical abuse. Whatever your circumstances, I promise that we will listen to you, and we will support you. Please contact us on 101. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin, where he is bringing a legal action against the BBC over allegations about the murder of an MI5 spy. Claims were made in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme in 2016 over who sanctioned the killing of British spy Denis Donaldson. Picture date: Thursday May 15, 2025. A BBC programme which aired a claim that Gerry Adams sanctioned the killing of a spy would probably not have breached broadcasting regulations and was not unfair or unjust, a media expert has told a court. Chris Banatvala, who drew up the UKs broadcasting rules for Ofcom and was its founding director of standards, compiled a report based on a programme which claimed that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. Mr Banatvala, who is an independent and media consultant, said that in his conclusion it is his view that the programme would probably not have been found to breach Ofcoms broadcasting rules, and was not unfair or unjust. Mr Adams has claimed that the BBC Spotlight programme, as well as an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of Mr Donaldson. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams claims he was defamed (Brian Lawless/PA) He denies any involvement. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in 2006, months after admitting he was a police and MI5 agent for 20 years. In 2009, the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing, and the Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016 while a garda investigation into the matter was ongoing. In the programme, an anonymous source identified as Martin, who says he was an informant for Special Branch within the IRA, claimed that the shooting was sanctioned by the political and military leadership of the IRA and that Mr Adams gives the final say. The BBC has said the claim was corroborated by five other sources. The High Court in Dublin heard that he was asked to assess and produce a report on the programme by solicitors for the BBC. He said: What I have written is, on balance, given the significant public interest, what information is already in the public domain about Gerry Adams, the fact that the BBC reasonably believed its primary source, Martin, to be credible and reliable, that the BBC had corroborative evidence from other credible and multiple sources. It was couched in terms of allegations, there was an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond, the programme would probably not be found in breach and not be unfair or unjust to Mr Adams. He said that Ofcom is not a fact-finding tribunal. It is not there to decide whether or not this allegation is true. What it is there to decide was whether making that claim was unfair to Mr Adams, given all the circumstances and the programme as broadcast, he added. He also said that the allegation was of high public interest. Its of high public interest because it concerns a then elected politician, an allegation of serious misconduct, of potentially sanctioning a murder at a time when the IRA had a ceasefire, where the political progress had moved towards peace, and he was responsible, allegedly, for sanctioning the killing of an informant. You couldnt get a more serious allegation or something of greater interest to the public. In his report, he stated that an allegation that an elected figure sanctioned the killing of an informant in the context of that political environment is of the highest public interest. He also said the more serious an allegation is, the better the investigation should be. Mr Banatvala added: I understand that people have made allegations that he (Mr Adams) was on the IRA army council, and hes always denied it. I also understand that he has an alleged paramilitary background, and he sanctioned murders. I also know that hes vehemently denied that that Ive known for the last 10 or 20 years. That does not mean that you can make any allegation against any person. Youve got to have the evidence, youve got to have your sources, but that is the background in which you have to make that particular judgment on that particular issue. I think the programme is quite clear that it explains that the programme is based on a number of sources, whether that is security forces, police forces, etc. With regard to the allegation against Mr Adams, post transmission correspondence is clear that the BBC claims to have multiple credible other sources. I think it would have been helpful for the audience to have understood that, it would have perhaps given greater veracity to the story. Mr Adams vehemently denies the allegations, the court heard (Brian Lawless/PA) Having said that, I dont believe that that within itself would cause unfairness to Mr Adams. Ironically, you could argue that, saying that there are more sources out there that agree with that claim, you could say that actually that does potentially more damage to potential unfairness to Mr Adams, because it only reinforces the allegation. So it works both ways. Mr Banatvala said it was also important to assess whether or not the BBC states as a matter of fact that Mr Adams sanctioned the murder, or whether it put it in the words of an allegation. Obviously, if they state it as fact, that means that it needs an awful lot of particular evidence that you can prove it. If you state it as an allegation, something that you have heard, you think is credible, you think its in the public interest to transmit, but you cannot guarantee that its true, he added. If you take that in the round and the programme, and the fact there are sources, I think its very evident on this particular point that it was couched in the terms of allegation. Mr Banatvala also said that Mr Adams was given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to the allegations. During cross-examination by Mr Adams barrister, Tom Hogan SC, Mr Banatvala said the BBC programme had not portrayed the material from its anonymous source as a fact, and rather as an allegation. He said that was a subtle distinction. Mr Hogan rejected that assertion, insisting that the documentary had presented the claim about Mr Adams sanctioning the murder as fact. I respectfully disagree, replied the witness. Mr Hogan then asked Mr Banatvala if it was unusual for a programmes editor not to be involved in engagement with Ofcom when it was investigating a complaint. The barrister noted that Spotlights then editor Jeremy Adams was not listed as a witness in the High Court case. Mr Banatvala replied: I believe hes no longer at the BBC. The trial continues. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has welcomed a review of the EUs association agreement with Israel (Niall Carson/PA) Taoiseach Micheal Martin has welcomed a review of the EUs association agreement with Israel. Mr Martin said Israel cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. The EU says it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said a majority of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement. The agreement forms the basis of trade ties between the EU and Israel. Mr Martin said: The decision to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights announced today by High Representative Kaja Kallas is one I strongly welcome. Together with Spain, Ireland first called for this step to be taken in February 2024. The Irish premier said since then thousands of Palestinians have been killed and maimed in a brutal military operation. He added: The brunt of which has been borne by an innocent civilian population. Thousands more are at the brink of starvation, with the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if aid doesnt reach them. Israel must know that the world is watching and that we will not stand by. It cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. Ireland will work to ensure that the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that its conclusions are acted upon. We must stop this war. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. Richard Satchwell, 58, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017 (Brian Lawless/PA) Tina Satchwells cause of death could not be determined due to the skeletal nature of the remains recovered from a grave in her home, the jury in her murder-accused husbands trial has heard. Richard Satchwell, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017. The 58-year-old, who is originally from Leicester in England, denies the charge. Flowers and messages left near to a property in Youghal, Co Cork, where Tina Satchwells remains were discovered (Brian Lawless/PA) The jury in Satchwells trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard details of the post-mortem examination of Mrs Satchwell after her remains were found under the stairs in the living room of their Co Cork home in October 2023, six years after Satchwell reported her missing. On Tuesday, assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that she was asked to attend the scene where Mrs Satchwells remains were found on October 12, 2023. She said she observed that a wall had been removed and a hole at a depth of approximately 62cm had been dug. She said Mrs Satchwells remains, which looked to be in a considerable state of longstanding disarray, were found in what was effectively a grave. Dr Bolger, who told the jury she had completed some 30,000 post-mortem examinations, said she began the examination of Mrs Satchwells remains in the Cork City mortuary that evening, before finishing her work the following morning. She said she was given information that Mrs Satchwell had been in previous good health. The body was received in a black body bag, and a layer of black plastic which was put on the scene to keep the remains together and preserve and trace evidence. Beneath that, the body was in another layer of black plastic and also wrapped in a heavily stained, soiled sheet which appeared to be a bed sheet. Richard Satchwell leaves the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary, after being charged in connection with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell (Brian Lawless/PA) She said the soiling of the bed sheet was to be expected due to the earth and the decomposition of the body. There was debris and soil present on the body and bones could be seen protruding through the bed sheet. The body was received lying face down and was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. A gold-coloured Playboy branded purse was removed from the left hand pocket of the dressing gown. It contained a Tesco clubcard, a Public Services Card, a Holland and Barrett rewards card, an Xtravision premium membership card, a Rathcormack car boot sale card, and a Boots advantage card in Mrs Satchwells name. Dr Bolger outlined details of the post-mortem examination, stating that the body was rotated onto its back for the examination. She told the jury the skull had separated from the rest of the body as a result of the natural process of decomposition, while one of the arms and femurs had also been disarticulated. She explained there was formation of adipocere on parts of the remains, which forms in decomposing tissue in warm and moist environments. Dr Bolger said there were also pieces of what could be glass found on the scalp and body but added she could not say where the pieces had come from. Asked if it was possible the glass came from the sheet, she said she could not say. Tina Satchwell, who was 45 when she went missing, was last seen alive in her home in Youghal, Co Cork, on March 20 2017 (Family Handout/PA) Dr Bolger said she could not examine for external marks or injuries due to the length of time between death and the post-mortem examination. She said examiners would normally document every single marking on the head, neck and body to get an understanding of what may have been the cause of death. She said an internal examination was not possible because there were no organs remaining after decomposition. Therefore, she added that no comment on natural disease could be made. Dr Bolger said a toxicology report was also not possible, although a small amount of head hair was examined and showed that prescribed or illicit drugs had not been consumed in the previous 90 days. On the small amount of muscle that was available for examination, she said she could not identify any signs of hemorrhage or bleeding. There was no evidence of any fractures or previous fractures to any of the remaining bones throughout the skeletal remains, including in x-rays of Mrs Satchwells hands. There was no evidence of fracture to the hyoid bone. Dr Bolger said this was like a chicken wishbone at the top of the voice box, which had not much more of a consistency than a matchstick. Members of the Garda forensics at the Satchwell property in Youghal, Co Cork (Brian Lawless/PA) She explained that this bone is fractured in roughly 9% of hangings, 24% of ligature strangulations, and 73% of manual strangulations or incidences of throttling. She said that Mrs Satchwells larynx could not be identified in the decomposing remains. Dr Bolger said the dressing gown cord was in a very unusual position and was not threaded through the loops of the gown itself. The jury was shown a video of a garda with a different dressing gown cord tied around his body to demonstrate how it appeared on the remains. The cord of the gown in the reconstruction was wrapped over the shoulder of the garda, across the chest under the other arm, and wrapped around the back to be tied on the front of the body. She said this was done over the dressing gown. The original gown and belt was explained to be in a brittle and hazardous state. Under cross-examination by Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Satchwell, Dr Bolger was asked if the tying of the gown was like something used to carry a body. She replied: Thats exactly my thoughts. She explained from her experience it was difficult to move a deceased body and very often ligatures are used to move a body from one area to another. Richard Satchwell (second right) leaves the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary (Brian Lawless/PA) Also under questioning from Mr Grehan, Detective Garda David Kelleher told the court that the dressing gown had been photographed and searched for Mrs Satchwells wedding ring in February of this year. He said this was done as Satchwell had said he placed the ring in a pocket of the gown. The ring has not been recovered, the jury heard. The jury previously heard evidence from a forensic scientist who said the gown and cord were not suitable for examination as they were too damp, mouldy and brittle. Mr Grehan asked if it was possible the ring fell out of the gown, which had partially disintegrated. Det Gda Kelleher, the garda in the reconstruction video, said he could not be sure. Ms Satchwells former doctor, Dr Deirdre OGrady, returned on Tuesday after being asked to search for documents relating to her care. However, she said that the files could not be located and offered two potential explanations for why that may be the case. She said either Ms Satchwell had taken the documents herself when she changed doctors, or that the files had been shredded at some point after her file was inactive for eight years. Meanwhile, Dr OGrady reiterated that she had no recollection of claims that she had consulted with Satchwell after an alleged overdose or after an alleged incident in which his face was scratched by his wife. The trial continues on Wednesday. Qualified GPs are being forced to consider employment benefits as a direct result of an unemployment crisis in the sector, leading medics have warned. The British Medical Association (BMA) said the number of GPs who are unable to get work is set to worsen this summer when up to 1,000 new GPs qualify. The doctors union highlighted that patients are struggling to access timely care while GPs with jobs face unsafe and unmanageable workloads. BMA leaders said financial pressures facing GP surgeries are leaving individual practices with too few additional funds to expand their GP workforce. And a Government initiative to cut red tape and allow surgeries to use another funding pot to employ more GPs will not generate additional GP jobs, they added. In a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, GP leaders from around the country said: We are writing to collectively raise our concerns about the increasing unemployment of GPs across England, and how this will be worsened when the next cohort of GPs qualify this summer. We are expecting hundreds, perhaps as many as a thousand GP registrars completing their training this August who could be left facing unemployment hence the urgency of our ask. They added: Based on feedback from colleagues, many are seeking alternative careers in medicine, outside the NHS, beyond medicine, and some are even considering employment benefits as a direct result of this unemployment crisis. The BMA, which has launched a campaign to end GP unemployment, said the Government should provide ring-fenced funding for GP surgeries to use solely for the purpose of hiring more family doctors. 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 Dr Katie Bramall, chairwoman of the BMAs England general practitioners committee, said: GPs who run their own practices are overworked and desperate to offer more appointments to stop the 8am scramble by increasing the numbers of GPs available in their practices. Meanwhile, newly-qualified, UK-trained GPs are struggling to find roles while desperate to see patients. We have seen more funding and more flexibility since the Labour Government came into power, but this unemployment crisis, many years in the making, alongside severely constrained practice finances, needs action now to both retain these GPs and give patients more appointments. We know public finances are tight but the best bang for an NHS buck is to provide ring-fenced reimbursements at a practice level to get as many GPs seeing patients as soon as possible. Dr Mark Steggles, chairman of the sessional GP committee, said: Weve heard terrible stories about how the struggle to find work is affecting GPs at all stages of their careers. This is exactly why we need practice-based, ring-fenced funding to get more GPs, regardless of where they are in their careers, back into general practice. Dr Cheska Ball and Dr Vicki McKay, co-chairwomen of the BMAs GP registrars committee, said in a statement: Its devastating to think that, after years of hard work and study, new GPs might not be able to start their careers and we risk losing them to other professions as a result. The few roles that are available to new GPs are incredibly competitive and, even if someone manages to get one, theyre often fixed-term and not conducive to what being a family doctor means. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: It makes absolutely no sense that GPs are struggling to find work when patients are crying out for appointments. Ultimately, this crisis has been caused by decades of chronic underfunding and poor workforce planning that has left general practice struggling to stay above water. The efforts made to address this have been helpful in the short term, but we need long term solutions to this growing crisis. The Government needs to tackle this issue head on we need to be doing all we can to keep trained GPs in the profession, not standing by whilst they leave. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: GPs are the front door to our NHS, and through our Plan for Change we are bringing back the family doctor, cutting red tape and investing more in the NHS. We have already recruited more than 1,500 GPs and we are now making it easier for primary care settings to hire GPs. We have also provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years an extra 889 million and are investing 102 million in surgery upgrades. Labour is set to postpone its womens conference because of the risk of protests and legal challenge following the Supreme Court ruling on gender (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Labour is set to postpone its womens conference because of the risk of protests and legal challenge following the Supreme Court ruling on gender. The partys ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) will be asked on Tuesday to postpone the event, which is due to take place in September, because the only legally defensible alternative would be to restrict attendance to biological women. The NEC will also be asked to make clear that all-women shortlists should be restricted to biological females. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Supreme Court ruled in April that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Labour had previously operated its positive action measures on the basis of self-identification, allowing transgender women to take part. A leaked advice paper produced for the NEC meeting recommended postponing the womens conference on September 27 because there is a significant risk of legal challenge to the event as it currently operates and there may be protests, direct action and heightened security risks if it goes ahead. That could carry a political risk of overshadowing the partys showcase autumn conference which begins the following day. The recommendation in the paper is to postpone the womens conference pending a wider review of positive action measures. The paper also says the party should issue guidance to make clear that all-women shortlists can only apply to applicants who were biologically female at birth. Labour did not use all-women shortlists at the last general election. It is understood Labour will respect the Supreme Court judgment and comply with statutory guidance when it is published. Ministers will consider the Equality and Human Rights Commissions code of practice when a draft is submitted by the body. The Labour for Trans Rights group, along with Pride in Labour and LGBT+ Labours trans officer, Georgia Meadows, condemned the NEC paper and its recommendations. They said: It is a blatant attack on trans rights and is seemingly an attempt to isolate trans people even further within the Labour Party and the labour movement more widely. The Labour Womens Declaration group, which backs sex-based rights, said cancelling the conference would be a knee-jerk reaction. A spokesperson told the LabourList website: We are shocked that hundreds of women in the Labour Party might be prevented from meeting at conference because the NEC would prefer to disadvantage all women rather than to exclude the very small number of trans-identified men who may wish to attend the womens conference. People take part in the National march for Palestine in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Jordan Pettitt/PA) The Foreign Secretary has been begged to save childrens lives in Gaza as MPs from across the Commons urged him to refer to Israels actions in the region as a genocide. David Lammy announced new measures against Israel but Labour, Tory and Liberal Democrat backbenchers urged him to go further. The Government will impose new sanctions on three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement, and has suspended negotiations with the Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced new measures against Israel but Labour and Tory backbenchers urged him to go further (Stefan Rousseau/PA) A number of MPs called on the Foreign Secretary to suspend all arms sales to Israel, sanction Israels finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and to recognise a Palestinian state. Israel has launched another major offensive in the territory in recent days, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group. Strikes have pounded areas across Gaza and Israel has issued evacuation orders for Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis. On Monday five aid trucks entered Gaza after Israel cut off all food, medicine and other supplies to the territory for three months to pressure Hamas over ceasefire terms. Backbenchers shouted genocide as Mr Lammy said in his opening statement: We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Conservative former minister Kit Malthouse said he was begging Mr Lammy to pluck up all his moral authority and courage (Aaron Chown/PA) Conservative former minister Kit Malthouse said Mr Lammys anger and the outrage was appreciated by us all, but he added: He knows as well as I do that the Israelis couldnt give a damn what he says in this chamber. He said: Over the last few months, weve tried anger and outrage and got nowhere. Weve tried shaming ministers into action and got nowhere. So maybe we need to beg. Does the front bench need us to beg for the lives of those Palestinian children before theyll trigger this concrete action? Whatever it might be? Im urging, begging the Foreign Secretary to pluck up all his moral authority and courage, stand up in Government against the blockage in Downing Street and please try to save these childrens lives as soon as possible. Mr Lammy said it was wrong of Mr Malthouse to claim that Israelis couldnt give a fig what (is) said from this front bench, but the Government announced further sanctions because of the position of this Netanyahu government and the language that we see from these ministers. He added: It was why I was so shocked that his own front bench couldnt stand up and find their own moral authority. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called for MPs to have a vote on recognising the state of Palestine and ending all arms sales to Israel (James Manning/PA) Mr Malthouses Conservative colleague Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) welcomed the new sanctions, adding that he hopes the Government will keep those under review and take further measures if necessary. He said: Is it not now increasingly clear that the Israeli prime minister has misled the US president over allowing aid back into Gaza? Ten trucks is a perverse and pathetic token. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he was glad to see the Foreign Secretary finally find some fire in his belly on this issue, as he called for MPs to have a vote on recognising the state of Palestine, ending all arms sales to Israel, and whether they support the work of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). In May last year the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-defence minister Yoav Gallant. In July, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion that ruled Israel should pay reparations to the Palestinian people and that their policies violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Mr Lammy replied: Ive had fire in my belly since the day I was born in the Whittington Hospital in north London, be sure of that. This House led the call for the international criminal architecture that we have, and we will continue, as successive governments have, to support that international architecture. Israeli tanks seen at a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Ayoub Khan, said that lawyers instructed by this Government have been unequivocal in that it is this Governments firm position that no genocide is occurring in a case brought by Palestinian rights organisation Al-Haq. Mr Lammy said Mr Khans question was a crude caricature of a very serious issue, adding: I took a decision back in September in relation to international humanitarian law and suspending arms sales that could be used in Gaza, because these are very, very serious issues, I understand the issues that are before the ICC and the ICJ. Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne referred to the UKs joint statement with France and Canada saying: Israel needs to know exactly what he means by further action. The Foreign Secretary replied: I would ask him to consult the Oxford dictionary and look at the two words. Israels retaliatory offensive, which has destroyed large swathes of Gaza, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. A Honduran migrant who returned voluntarily from the United States walks after arriving at Ramon Villeda Morales Airport (AP/Delmer Martinez) The United States on Monday sent 68 immigrants from Honduras and Colombia back to their countries, the first government-funded flight of what the Trump administration is calling voluntary deportations. In the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, 38 Hondurans, including 19 children, disembarked from the charter flight carrying 1,000 dollar (748) debit cards from the US government and the offer to one day be allowed to apply for legal entry into the US. US President Donald Trump has promised to increase deportations substantially. Experts believe the self-deportation offer will only appeal to a small portion of migrants already considering return, but is unlikely to spur high demand. A Honduran migrant who returned voluntarily from the United States walks after arriving at Ramon Villeda Morales Airport in San Pedro Sula (AP/Delmer Martinez) The offer has been paired with highly publicised migrant detentions in the US and flying a couple of hundred Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. In a statement about the flight on Monday, US Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem said people could register through the Customs and Border Protection Home (CBP) app. If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home, she said. If you dont, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. Kevin Antonio Posadas, from Tegucigalpa, had lived in Houston for three years, but had already been considering a return to Honduras when the Trump administration announced its offer. I wanted to see my family and my mom, said Mr Posadas, who added that the process was easy. You just apply (through the CPB Home app) and in three days youve got it, he said. The flight left Houston early Monday. Its good because you save the cost of the flight if you have the intention of leaving. Mr Posadas said he hadnt feared deportation and liked living in the US, but had been thinking for some time about going home. He said eventually he would consider taking up the US governments offer of allowing those who self-deport to apply to enter the United States legally. Twenty-six more migrants aboard the flight were headed home to Colombia, according to a US Department of Homeland Security statement. Honduras Deputy foreign minister Antonio Garcia said the Honduran government would also support the returning migrants with 100 dollars (74) cash and another 200 dollars (149) credit at a government-run store that sells basic necessities. Among the migrants arriving voluntarily on Monday were four children who were born in the United States, Mr Garcia said. Mr Garcia, who met the arriving migrants at the airport, said they told him that being in the US without documents required for legal immigration or residence had been increasingly difficult, that things were growing more hostile, and they feared going to work. Still, the number of Hondurans deported from the US so far this year is below last years pace, said Honduras immigration director Wilson Paz. While about 13,500 Hondurans have been deported from the U.S. this year, the figure stood at more than 15,000 by this time in 2024, Mr Paz said. He did not expect the number to accelerate much, despite the Trump administrations intentions. Some would continue applying to self-deport, because they feel like their time in the US is up or because its getting harder to work, he said. I dont think it will be thousands of people who apply for the programme, Mr Paz said. Our responsibility is that they come in an orderly fashion and we support them. The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines (Rogelio V Solis/AP) The World Health Organisations (WHO) member countries have approved an agreement to better prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics in the wake of the devastation caused by the coronavirus. Sustained applause echoed in a hall in Geneva, Switzerland, hosting the WHOs annual assembly as the measure debated and devised over three years passed without opposition. The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Up to 20% of such products would be given to the WHO to ensure poorer countries have some access to them when the next pandemic hits. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as historic and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and co-operation. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibias health minister and the chairwoman of a committee that paved the way for Tuesdays adoption, said that the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted huge costs on lives, livelihoods and economies. We as sovereign states have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic, Ms Luvindao added. It is our duty and responsibility to humanity. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The treatys effectiveness will face doubts because the United States which poured billions into speedy work by pharmaceutical companies to develop Covid-19 vaccines is sitting out, and because countries face no penalties if they ignore it, a common issue in international law. The US, traditionally the top donor to the UN health agency, was not part of the final stages of the agreement process after the Trump administration announced a US pullout from the WHO and funding to the agency in January. Many world leaders offered words of support for the UN health agency, and praised the show of multilateralism. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking by video, congratulated WHO and the other member states, calling the accord a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater co-operation while building a healthy planet. Robert Kennedy Jr delivers his video statement about the historic agreement (Magali Girardin/Keystone via AP) While many supporters praised the historic deal, US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr delivered a scathing critique of the agency, saying the United States was working with unspecified like-minded countries to improve the global health system and called on health ministers in others to join. Like many legacy institutions, the WHO has become mired in bureaucratic bloat, entrenched paradigms, conflicts of interest and international power politics, Mr Kennedy said in a video statement. We dont have to suffer the limits of a moribund WHO. Lets create new institutions or revisit existing institutions that are clean, efficient, transparent and accountable. The US administration cited the WHOs mishandling of Covid-19 and failure to enact needed reforms, and Chinas demonstrated political influence over science and policy at the agency, the US State Department said in an email. The US was not sending a delegation for the assembly, which runs through May 27. I urge the worlds health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organisation as a wake-up call, Mr Kennedy said. It isnt that President (Donald) Trump and I have lost interest in international co-operation. Not at all. We just want it to happen in a way thats fair and efficient and transparent for all the member states. China, meanwhile, was doubling down its support for WHO both politically and financially. Vice Premier Liu Guozhong said all sides need to firmly support the WHO to play a central co-ordinating in global health governance, (and) support WHO to perform its duty in an independent, professional and science-based manner. China, he said through a translator, will provide an additional quota of financial support to the WHO that can add up to 500 million dollars (374 million) in the coming five years, without specifying. It was not immediately clear whether that amounted to a new financial commitment from Beijing. The United States had been set to contribute more than 700 million dollars (523 million) to the current 2024-2025 budget, while China was poised to chip in more than 200 million dollars (149 million), according to the UN health agencys website. French President Emmanuel Macron said some believe they can do without science, an apparent allusion to US funding cuts for research. Not only will that harm the health of us all, but its first of all the population of those who are taking a step back, in a way, who will be in real danger in the face of emerging pathogens that they wouldnt see coming, Mr Macron told the assembly by video. Double agent ordered to bug meetings to gather evidence, claims republican An alleged New IRA leader charged with directing terrorism believes he was targeted by MI5 over the British Governments embarrassment at the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Davy Jordan who was accused in court of describing himself as the self-styled chair of the New IRA army council shared the theory in recent writings on social media. 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. BENNINGTON The phrases rule of law and due process got a workout Monday before the Select Board voted 5-2 to support a resolution, affirming the constitutional rights of all people in Bennington. For some of those in the packed meeting room at the Bennington Firehouse, the more wide-ranging a community discussion of the basic constitutional rights like the one that preceded the boards vote the better. The resolution, which was based on similar ones approved in other Vermont communities, focused on recent actions by federal authorities, regarding detention of legal residents without due process, representing a violation of these constitutional protections. It states that the Select Board opposes any policy or action state, local or federal that targets individuals based on who they are, where they came from, or what they believe or say, and defines Bennington as a community rooted in justice, accountability, and equal dignity of all. A copy of a resolution approved in the City of Rutland was presented to the Select Board last week by Dr. Colleen Kelley of Old Bennington, who asked the board to take a stand on such a resolution. Members of the audience expressed a range of opinions, most indicating they were in favor of the statement. Bruce Lee-Clark said that, after writing a letter to the editor and standing with others in a recent protest gathering and after being a lawyer and educator for a many years -- he observed that there is a general, woeful ignorance from the general public regarding these general principles that are now seemingly in question. He urged support of the resolution, noting that the the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution states that no person should be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. Leslie Addison said she is wholeheartedly in support of this resolution, adding that she wanted to bring the debate down to the local level. She said the towns objectives and guiding principles are affirmed in publicly available sources like the town Vision Statement, an adopted Resolution of Inclusion; a resolution regarding the town police advisory review board and other locally adopted statements. Examples of these statements, she said, include the words safety, inclusion, quality of life and fair and equal treatment of everyone. It is easy to assert that detention without due process violates all of these guiding principles, she said. Mike Bethel disagreed with the proposal, which he said was overly political. I feel like Im at a Democratic rally somewhere, he said. I dont think it is fair to put this on the Select Board. It isnt fair to do this without a bigger say from the general public. Speaking to the board, he added, You people are supposed to represent the needs and wants financially of the people of Bennington. Youre not the conscience of the people of Bennington ... You have enough on your plates right now. You dont need to deal with this. Bethel urged the board to table the resolution to a later meeting and said the resolution should be trimmed down to wording that would likely be approved by a majority of residents. Tyler Kulfan said he thought the resolution sounded good, but he would also like the town to explore what official actions should be taken to protect residents from violations of their constitutional rights -- and to identify protocols for such situations. Kelley commented, The fact that we can come together to have this as a conversation, not as an argument, not as a debate, to me is truly heartwarming. She thanked all those who participated. Kelley also reiterated some of her reasons for submitting a resolution to the board on May 12, and she quoted from President Lincolns Gettysburg Address given at the dedication of a cemetery following the 1863 Civil War battle. She said Lincolns words speak directly to a discussion of the rule of law and due process: Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all are created equal. Jack Rossiter-Munley, who works with recent immigrants at the Multicultural Center in Bennington including with many who arrived here from war-torn Afghanistan said it should be stressed that the Constitution applies to all, regardless of [immigration status], even if the government seeks to deport them or they are charged with a crime. Because the Trump administration has approved aggressive measures to detain or deport non-citizens around the country, Rossiter-Munley said he knows people who feel unsafe. He said town support for the resolution might make them feel safer and welcome in Bennington. Board vote Among board members, Clark Adams said, It seems to me the system is working, in terms of the courts dealing with due process and making rulings both for and against the actions of federal officials or federal enforcement officers. Because of that, he said he decided to vote against the resolution. Nancy White, who also voted against the proposal, said, We are a country that welcomes immigrants, and we also know there is a process that immigrants need to follow to be in this country legally. She added, Before you get to anything else, if people are coming to the country without following the legal process, what is the issue? Sarah Perrin said she remembers seeing a copy of the Constitution while on a field trip as a young student and noting the reverent reactions of families on each side of the aisle. She added, Why would I not say, we are reaffirming constitutional rights? Board Chair Tom Haley said he knows people in the community who are afraid, and whether that fear is justified or not, isnt really relevant because they are feeling it, and we need to acknowledge it. If someone is here illegally, that doesnt change their right to due process, he said, but in fact that is a moment when the right becomes most important. The constitutional reference from the framers of the document is to a person, specifically not to a citizen, Haley said. Jackie Matts said, I think [due process and the rule of law] is an issue we can all agree on, regardless of our political leanings. She added, This resolution does not create any new rights; it does not defy federal law, and if we are going to start looking at due process as a partisan issue, then we are in far deeper trouble as a country we previously realized. Board member Ed Woods said the resolution is a reflection of the time that were in, where it is worth discussing these things. Woods said the statement is a simple resolution and additional meanings shouldnt be read into it, adding, I dont see politics in the Constitution, and I dont see politics on this board. Vice Chair Jim Sullivan focused on the reasons for such a resolution, saying, I sincerely wish that it didnt need to be acted on now, but actions that have been taken in this country, and indeed in communities in this state of Vermont against people legally here in the state of Vermont ... clearly show that this is necessary. Because they have clearly been denied due process. In the board vote, Haley, Sullivan, Perrin, Woods and Matts voted in favor of the resolution, while Adams and White voted against. BENNINGTON The spouse of a 55-year-old man from Long Island charged with four counts for allegedly taking financial advantage of his mentally disabled younger brother weeks after the death of their mother has also been accused of the same crimes. Liza Pitaro, 55, was arraigned Monday on three counts, including felony charges of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, identity theft, and false pretenses. She faces 23 years behind bars if found guilty on all three counts. Marc Pitaro, 55, her husband, is also charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor in the case, including financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, identity theft, and false pretenses. He is also charged with misdemeanor petty larceny. According to a police affidavit, both Pitaros allegedly took financial advantage of Marcs mentally disabled brother in Winhall just two months after their elderly mother, who had been taking care of the victim, passed away. The alleged exploitation was soon discovered by a person who was attempting to help the victim get his financial affairs in order after the death, finding that there were several unauthorized transactions in his bank accounts. According to the affidavit, the disabled brother was a beneficiary of the mothers estate. Pitaro was not. The victim, under the care of his mother for his entire life, was estranged from his brother due, according to the affidavit, Marc and Lizas alleged ongoing attempts to exploit the finances of Marcs mother and brother. According to a victim's statement to investigators, both of his parents had been living in fear of Pitaro and his wife for many years. The father passed away in December 2022 and the mother in December 2024, which left the disabled brother alone with his familys valuables. Before the mom passed, according to the victim, she was attempting to change all of the accounts over but could not complete everything. Before everything could be changed over, the victim stated that Pitaro came to the residence and allegedly stole his ATM card, checkbooks, and the mothers purse while visiting. Security footage from two different bank locations allegedly shows Pitaro trying to access the deceased mothers accounts, but those attempts were denied due to his name not being on the account. Further investigation revealed allegedly fraudulent credit card transactions on the mothers credit card, including an airline ticket from Florida to New York City with Pitaro listed as the passenger. There were also several ATM transactions on the mothers ATM card, including a subpoenaed video from the bank allegedly showing Liza Pitaros using the card in Manchester. In January, the brother came to the Winhall Police Department to inform them that Marc Pitaro had reportedly taken the moms car. Liza Pitaro, living in Long Island, New York, with her husband, was served two weeks ago by authorities in Nassau County on a judicial summons citation issued by Vermont to appear to face the charges. She pleaded not guilty to all three counts and was released with conditions she not have contact with or harass the victim. Marc Pitaro pleaded not guilty to all four counts back in February. He was also released on conditions, including no contact with his brother. Marc Pitaro faces a possible 24 years behind bars if convicted on all four counts. Charging documents and police affidavits are legally considered allegations of crimes committed. Until a proven conviction, criminal defendants are considered innocent. Eagle Archives, July 2, 1957: The Marauders drum and bugle corps will be absent from the 1957 Fourth of July Parade after a split with the Pittsfield Firemens Association, which demanded the return of all instruments amid tensions over name changes and sponsorship. The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a total of $2.5 million to the Berkshires for various projects to clean up pollution and spark redevelopment. The money will help study and clean up toxic sites across the Berkshires, including multiple contaminated properties in Great Barrington and Adams. A total of $13 million was awarded to seven sites across Massachusetts, putting the EPAs commitment to protect human health and the environment into action while remaining good stewards of tax dollars and advancing policies to energize the economy, according to an announcement made on Friday by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The money is part of a larger $267 million the agency awarded to clean up polluted sites across the U.S. It includes $2 million in additional money to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commissions Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund program. This adds to the nearly $11.1 million already awarded to make loans for a variety of projects, according to the EPA's news release. The loan program has led to 12 cleanup projects in the Berkshires that have either been completed or are in progress. One of the sites in Adams includes the Memorial School redevelopment project. The other is the cleanup at Curtis Paper, a superfund site polluted with a mix of lead, chromium and 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, which is used as a gasoline additive, solvent and paint thinner. Great Barrington will receive a second grant of $500,000 that will target up to eight environmental site assessments and prepare three cleanup plans. The focus will be sites that need cleanup in downtown and Housatonic Village. These include the abandoned Stonegate condominiums, for which the town is currently taking due to back taxes, as well as Cook's Garage, a 20-acre former textile mill in Housatonic that closed in 1955 and has remained vacant. The money will also go toward any other assessment work needed at the Ried Cleaners site on Main Street, where pollution from dry cleaning operations will be cleaned up this summer, said Town Planner and Interim Town Manager Christopher Rembold. This is the second grant of $500,000 Great Barrington has received from the EPA in recent years. The first was directed at a cleanup of the plume of chemicals at Ried that continues to leach into groundwater. Those remediation options for Ried will be discussed at a public meeting on Wednesday night. At the eight-unit former Stonegate condos, Rembold said the money might, for instance, be used to clean out contaminants like asbestos. Rembold said these EPA grants are critical for housing and economic development goals because they help remove pollution that hinders redevelopment and reuse of properties. Since 1995, the EPAs Brownfields program has issued nearly $2.5 billion in grants to restore blighted properties. In New England alone, the EPAs statement said, these investments have revitalized hundreds of sites, created jobs and improved the quality of life in communities. LEE Joan Angelo, a retired hospice nurse, has seen a lot of funerals. Her experiences have helped her make a decision about her own: After trying to lead a pretty green life and eating organically, I dont want to be stuffed with formaldehyde at the end, Angelo said. When the time comes, Angelo hopes to have a green burial a simple, natural approach with no embalming, metal caskets or concrete vaults. Instead, the body is laid to rest in a shroud, pine box, or reinforced cardboard. Angelo felt so strongly about her last wishes that she approached the Lee Department of Public Works several months ago with help from Candace Currie, the clerk and director of nonprofit Green Burial Massachusetts hoping to make the increasingly popular option of a green burial open to Lee residents. Although at first skeptical, Lee's Department of Public Works board voted in April to allow up to 15 green burials in the far right corner of the Fairmount Cemetery. I dont like adding work for myself, joked Zachary Sorrentino, Lees highway and cemetery supervisor, but they presented a very nice explanation, and it seems like were helping all of the community by opening up options. Lee will be joining at least four other towns including Great Barrington, Richmond, Stockbridge and Dalton in Berkshire County that allow green burials in at least one of their public cemeteries. Great Barrington, which has allowed the burials since 2020, currently sees about five to eight of them a year, according to Richard Atwood, the owner of A&A Cemetery Services, and a frequent cemetery consultant for towns in the South Berkshires. The approach reduces the burials carbon footprint and allows bodies to decay naturally, which, for people like Angelo and Currie, is a huge part of the appeal. We, as human beings, are designed to decay just like a deer in the woods, said Currie. Giving what little bit of nutrients we have left back to the Earth is a way of saying thank you. One of the biggest concerns of Lee's town leaders regarding green burials involved the lack of concrete vaults, which typically encase most caskets buried today in the United States. Without them, as the casket breaks down, the ground level sinks. They dont want the monuments in the cemetery to tip or for people to fall in holes, Angelo said. Sorrentino came up with a way to make everyone happy, by dedicating a currently unused corner of the cemetery, which he calls the meadow, exclusively to green burials. In step with the spirit of green burials, the markers at each plot will be minimalist. Each one will get a 4-by-4-inch flat stone with a number on it. The numbers will correspond to those on a larger sign near the entrance with the names of the people interred there. Lee has not yet decided what the town will charge for the burials. Some towns, including Great Barrington and Richmond, require additional fees for green burial maintenance because the plots have to be infilled every few years. At a recent Lee Department of Public Works board meeting, the department decided to wait for an estimate on the wrought iron fence, stone markers, and sign they plan to install before making a final decision on cost. During the meeting, Sorrentino said the organization is hoping to cover the up-front expenses of opening the new green burial site with parts of the Fairmount Cemetery's operational budget by squeezing as much as we can." If it turns out that the budget just isnt able to stretch far enough, then they plan to turn to the town to ask for the funds later in the year. Either way, the first green burials could be allowed as soon as July 1, according to Sorrentino. We need to figure out where each plot will be and what the layout of the area is going to be, but once we have that settled, we could work around the things we need to do to prepare the site for someone if need be, Sorrentino said. Currie, who with Green Burials Massachusetts has helped explain the merits of the practice to towns all over the state, was thrilled when she heard Lee would be allowing the burials. It's a huge victory, said Currie. Most people want to be buried near where they have lived, and [its] a great thing to have for people who have been living a green life and would like to leave with a low-carbon footprint. Its hard to know which is true: Is Pittsfields mayor trying to jostle the city into a serious plan for helping the homeless in the city, or is he dead serious about arresting them if theyre sleeping in a doorway, pitching a tent at Springside Park or spending their days outside the Berkshire Athenaeum? Either way, it appears that its time for more people to do something positive. Some of the not-homeless are afraid of or offended by (or both) the folks pushing grocery carts overloaded with their worldly goods or the woman standing at an intersection with a hand out for a handout. Some of those who are not homeless are worried about whether these wanderers get meals, are safe, take their medications or have a path to medical help. Mayor Marchettis encampment ban ordinance draws backlash from housing advocates, city residents Pittsfield mayor Peter Marchetti has introduced an ordinance that would amend the citys code to ban people from creating temporary shelter on public property, whether that be a tent in a local park, a bedroll in a doorway on North Street or a sleeping bag tucked under the eave of the library. Advocates say it would criminalize people who dont have a place to live exposing them to heightened policing, reinforcing structural racism and further entrenching them in poverty with fines they cant pay. What Mayor Peter Marchetti is proposing is a ban on people sleeping or setting up residence in public places, like parks and doorways; in addition, private landowners would be limited in the number of days they could let people shelter on their property. The proposal seems like a first cousin to the proposed ban on panhandlers (and others) standing on medians and sidewalks, which was rejected a few weeks ago. This is tougher. Research on the internet discloses that Massachusetts already has a vagrancy law that allows arrest of those who are begging and loitering, or who go door-to-door or in public ways to solicit alms, or are not licensed for such activities. Conviction can mean six months at a house of correction. But state law does not allow punishment for just being homeless. The history on trying to get rid of the homeless does not inspire pride. Among the things that Rudy Giuliani is known for is his crackdown on the homeless in Manhattan in the 1990s. He was quoted in The New York Times as saying, Streets do not exist in civilized societies for the purpose of people sleeping there. His action sent some of the homeless to shelters, some to hospitals and some to court; others, aware of what was coming, left Manhattan for more friendly streets. The homeless disappeared but they were still somewhere. Covering District Court in Pittsfield for The Eagle back in the 20th century, I encountered people charged with vagrancy and drunkenness for the first time in my life. I remember either a judge or a police chief recommending that a vagrant (a wanderer, no address in Berkshire County) be given a cruiser ride to the bus station and a ticket. The nomad would be another communitys problem. Drunkenness was a crime then, punishable by a jail term of not more than six months. One crispy October morning, I looked across at the dock where prisoners sit. A row of the shabbiest, dirtiest men Id ever seen were sending their unique body odor into the room. Arraigned, each pleaded guilty, and Judge Charles Alberti Sr., who had a reputation for being stern, sentenced them to six months in the House of Correction. I thought it was an outrage. They had done nothing criminal. After court, I protested the sentence to the probation officer, and he defended the judge. Best thing, he said. They live somewhere behind Wahconah Park, the chief has them picked up about now, the judge gives them six months of warmth and three squares a day for the winter. Kindness. Itll all happen again next year. I felt like an idiot and warmer about the judge, who probably knew all their names and faces. Those who try to help the homeless know how complex an issue it is. The homeless dont come from a mold each is unique, like you and me. As Dr. Jim OConnell, the physician in Tracy Kidders marvelous book Rough Sleepers, learned first-hand, each needs different treatment. OConnell abandoned traditional medicine to provide care and advocacy for street people. Kidder followed him for months, and the book makes clear that homelessness requires compassion from those who arent homeless. In his storytelling style, Kidder shows that homelessness has roots in trauma or lack of resources, systemic problems or all those and more and requires a holistic approach. The mayors urgency about finding a solution is understandable. And while the not-homeless want the homeless housed, some will say they prefer the street lifestyle. They need to be persuaded that housing is what they want; they need health care, showers, toilets, food, clothing and financial help. With few exceptions, they dont need a stay in the House of Correction. Our laws usually dont punish victims, and the homeless are victims. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. More on the topic shortly. Photo: Keystone/sda/dpa Keystone Police searching for two missing children in the north-east of the Netherlands have found a car with several bodies. A police spokesman told the ANP news agency that it was to be expected "that it could be Jeffrey and Emma". Keystone-SDA SDA More on this shortly. Hoax Videos allegedly show Chinese planes flying past the Egyptian pyramids and dropping food packages in Gaza as part of a humanitarian mission. Analysis With the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, various posts have circulated praising international solidarity efforts. One of the main targets of this type of narrative in recent days has been China, with videos allegedly showing a humanitarian mission by the Asian country flying over Egypt and dropping food from the sky to the Palestinian population. The posts claim that Chinese aircraft flew past the pyramids of Egypt and reached Gaza, dropping food packages in an unprecedented military operation. The viral images show planes flying over desert areas and performing airdrops. Read: Version 1: China had recently promised to provide food aid to 60,000 families and has now fulfilled that promise. You can see the cargo plane transporting aid to Gaza, escorted by smaller aircraft for protection. The plane is entering Gaza through Egypt. Version 2: CHINA: The only country in the world that had the solidarity to challenge Israel and provide food aid to Gaza. THANK YOU CHINA ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US WHO HAVE HUMANITY. Version 3: A few days ago, the Chinese government announced it would send humanitarian aid to Gaza, and any country trying to stop its planes would face consequences. A Palestinian citizen recorded the moment the aircraft arrived, dropping the packages. Fact-check The story sparked emotion on social media, with praise for Chinas allegedly bold stance toward Israel. But it does not stand up to scrutiny. Lets answer the following questions: 1) Did Chinese planes drop food in Gaza on a humanitarian mission? 2) Where are the videos attributed to China and Gaza actually from? 3) Has China ever sent air aid to Palestine? Did Chinese planes drop food in Gaza on a humanitarian mission? No. So far, there are no official or reliable records indicating that China carried out airdrops of food in the Gaza Strip. The claim that Chinese aircraft flew over Egypt and dropped food packages in Gaza is not supported by any reputable source. There are no official statements or announcements from the Chinese government or international organizations confirming such an operation. Where are the videos attributed to China and Gaza actually from? The videos used in the posts are taken out of context. One of the clips showing military planes near the Egyptian pyramids is actually from joint exercises conducted between China and Egypt in 2025. Reuters reported the operation as part of a training mission between the two countries, with no connection to humanitarian aid to Palestine. The other video, showing planes dropping packages from the sky, was also misleadingly reused. It had already circulated in previous hoaxes and refers to airdrops coordinated by the United States with support from Jordan and Egypt, as reported by the Times of Israel. The same misinformation was already debunked previously by Boatos.org. Has China ever sent air aid to Palestine? There are no records of China having sent humanitarian aid via air (especially via airdrops) to the Gaza Strip. That does not mean the country hasnt contributed in other ways. For example, in April 2024, China donated $3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), according to an official UNRWA statement. But there is no record of any airdrop operations like those seen in the misleading videos. Conclusion The videos showing military aircraft over Egypt dropping food packages are not related to any Chinese humanitarian mission to Gaza. The footage is out of context: one video shows military exercises between China and Egypt, and the other is from a U.S.-led airdrop with allies. China has sent financial aid to Palestine but not through airdrops. The videos were repurposed to stir emotion. Fake news PS: This article was suggested by readers of Boatos.org. If you would like to suggest a topic to Boatos.org, contact us via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp: https://wa.me/556192755610 Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. 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 A property agent who let out 17 Dublin properties, which are allegedly overcrowded with migrants and foreign students who were not given written leases, is disputing the claims, the High Court heard. Kevin O'Brien, otherwise Kevin Linehan O'Brien, and his company Linehan O'Brien Investments, with a registered address at Adelaide Road, Dublin, had entered into the arrangements without the knowledge of the property owners, who are three companies, and of their agent, it is claimed. Advertisement The owners got permission last week from the court to serve the proceedings on Mr Linehan O'Brien and the company. The case returned to court on Tuesday when Mr Justice Brian Cregan was told the defendants will be disputing the vast majority of claims against him. Brian Conroy SC, for the owners, said the defendants were continuing to trespass on the properties and telling the occupants it was his clients' agents who were trespassing. As a result there is "real confusion" for the occupants and his clients want to regularise their position, he said. Mr Conroy said that pending the hearing of the matter, his side was looking for undertakings that the defendants would not interfere with the properties or the occupants. Advertisement James Daly BL, for the defendants, said he had only just received the papers, would be meeting his client this week and sought until next week to file a replying affidavit. He said the "vast majority of issues are controverted" and his client's position was that he has tenancy and is in possession of the properties. The alleged confusion as to tenancies is not correct, he said. There was also correspondence from a former employee of the plaintiffs' agent consenting to the sub-letting, he said. A solicitor acting for an estate involving a property in Rathmines, separate from those in this case, asked to be heard by the court. Peter Boyle of Charles W Boyle and Sons said his clients were in a very similar situation and their agent had been confronted by the same defendant in this case. Mr Boyle was told by the judge he would have to bring separate proceedings. Advertisement The judge gave directions for the exchange of papers between the parties and said he would case manage the matter and give it an early hearing. "I am very concerned about this situation for obvious reasons," he said. He would put the matter in for Friday and he would deal with it on an interim basis after he heard there were concerns about the defendants approaching the occupants of the properties. The houses and apartments, in areas including Portobello, East Wall, Capel Street and Ranelagh, had been leased through QTX Services Ltd to Mr Linehan O'Brien or his company on behalf of the corporate owners of the properties, Blumay Ltd, Sunchulo Ltd, Maroon Zirconium Ltd and Harts Alexandra Ltd. QTX says it only became aware of the arrangements with Mr Linehan O'Brien after the employee who had dealt with him left her position and QTX carried out an inspection. Advertisement The owners seek injunctions restraining the defendant from trespassing, representing themselves as being manager of the properties and from interfering with the owners' agent in taking back possession of the properties. Mr Linehan O'Brien, in response to communications from QTX, has claimed what the owners were doing was illegal and insisted that the matter falls under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board, which the owners dispute because he is not in personal possession. Farming organisations are to stage a flash action at the EU Commission offices in Dublin on Tuesday warning against plans to strip away the CAP budget in favour of once off funding to be divvied out by member countries. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) protest outside EU Commission offices in Dublin at 9:30am will coincide with a flash action organised by COPA COGECA, the largest representative union of more than 22 million European farmers in Brussels. Advertisement The EU Commission is holding a budget conference in Brussels on the day, and the action is timed to happen when the conference is underway. Rumours in Brussels in recent months suggest the European Commission is planning a major restructuring of the EU budget - one that would consolidate more than 530 programmes into a single, generalised fund. This would mean the elimination of a dedicated, ring-fenced CAP budget, folding it into broader funding streams managed at national level. The Commission wants to make changes to the EU budget under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) mooted to begin in July this year. Advertisement Concerns escalated last week after Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen announced that the Commissions proposal for the post-2027 CAP would be unveiled in mid-July - unusually, at the same time as the overall MFF proposal. Typically, CAP proposals follow a while after MFF negotiations. The move has further fuelled fears that CAPs protected status is under threat despite Mr Hansen having said he intends to fight for a ring-fenced CAP. Barry Cowen, Fianna Fail MEP and former Minister for Agriculture, has labelled the potential dismantling of the CAPs ring-fenced budget a grave mistake and unfathomable - especially at a time when farmers face compounding financial and regulatory pressures. Mr Cowen, on several occasions, has called for a proportionate increase in CAP funding. Business Mayo's Portwest workwear firm sued over alleged he... Read More Scrapping the ring-fenced CAP budget would be a grave mistake. It would gut the strategic foundation of European farming at precisely the moment we need to strengthen it. Confidence in the future of farming would collapse - among young people, families, investors and innovators alike, explained Mr Cowen. Advertisement Whats being proposed here isnt simplification, its a centralisation of power, plain and simple. It would place budgetary control in the hands of the Commission President, giving Brussels the ability to reward or withhold funding based on political alignment and mean less transparency, less accountability and less relevance to the realities on the ground. Francie Gorman, IFA President will attend the flash action in Brussels in his capacity as vice-president of COPA. Mr Gorman has warned that all the signs are that the Commission is still hell bent on a single fund structure which, if approved, would be the beginning of the end of CAP as we know it. A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Michael Mike Gaine has been released without charge. Mr Gaine, a 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry, was reported missing more than eight weeks ago. Advertisement On Saturday, partial remains were found at Mr Gaines farm in Carrig East, and a crime scene was declared as gardai searched for further remains. On Sunday, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaines murder. A general view of Killarney Garda Station. (PA) He was held for 24 hours for questioning before being released. He was driven away from Killarney Garda Station in an unmarked garda car shortly before 11pm on Monday. Advertisement Gardai said the Gaine family have been kept up to date with developments and said the family have asked for privacy. The search and examination of Mr Gaines farmland is set to continue, gardai said, aided by the emergency services and Irish troops. Several personnel were seen digging near a barn on Monday afternoon while Defence Forces searched a field further away by hand. Kerry Drain Services machinery was also seen at the scene on Monday. Advertisement Over the past eight weeks, several appeals have been issued and extensive searches involving the Defence Forces, the Garda water unit and road checkpoints have been held to try to find the missing man. Army personnel close to the farm of Michael Mike Gaine near Kenmare in Co Kerry, as the search for the 56-year-old sheep farmer continues. Around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage and 130 witness statements were taken by the end of April. Ireland Gardai deny Satchwell was made to 'perp walk' afte... Read More Mr Gaines wife Janice and sister Noreen ORegan issued a plea at that time, a day after gardai upgraded the investigation from missing person to homicide. An appeal for the public to help with their investigation has been renewed by gardai this week. Advertisement Those with information have been asked to contact the confidential Garda line or any Garda station. A Limerick man, who used a former Scotland Yard-listed most wanted killer as a witness in a failed objection to his publican renewing his pub licence, has lost an appeal against the original judgement in the case. Last February, Anthony Kelly (60s), Southill, Limerick, failed in his objection to Eamonn ORahilly, renewing his licence to operate The Spotted Dog pub, after Mr ORahilly barred Mr Kelly, and convicted killer Kenneth Dundon. Advertisement At Limerick Circuit Court, Judge Colin Daly dismissed the appeal by Mr Kelly, represented by barrister Antoinette Simon; affirmed the original judgement of Judge Patricia Harney at Limerick District Court last February, with no order for costs. Kenneth Dundon, the father of notorious killer brothers Wayne Dundon, John Dundon and Dessie Dundon, appeared as a witness for Mr Kelly, at the original hearing. That court heard that Mr Dundon, (60s), was previously jailed for six years after he was convicted of the manslaughter of a man, whom it was heard, drowned in his own blood after Dundon stabbed him a number of times. The court heard that, on April 15th, 2024, Mr Kelly was playing a card game in The Spotted Dog when Mr Dundon, of his own volition, entered the pub, ordered a drink, and went and sat with Mr Kellys friends. Advertisement The two men bought each another drinks, and eventually left the pub together without any issue arising at the premises, the court heard. However, a barman, Shane OCallaghan, who had been on duty on the night, gave evidence the atmosphere in the pub suddenly changed when Mr Dundon walked into the premises. Mr OCallaghan said that, knowing the history of the notorious Dundon crime family, he telephoned Mr ORahilly to let him know he was fearful due to Mr Dundons presence in the pub. In his evidence to the court, Mr ORahilly said he was aware of Mr Dundon and his reputation. Advertisement Mr ORahilly said he told Mr OCallaghan assistance was on the way and that he would get to the pub as soon as I could. However, Mr Kelly and Mr Dundon had left the pub moments before Mr ORahilly arrived at his premises on the night. Mr ORahilly said that when Mr Kelly arrived at the pub the following day, he told him he wasnt happy with Dundon being in his pub. Mr ORahilly said he reminded Mr Kelly that Mr Dundon was a member of a family that was troublesome, and that his presence at the bar had made customers and staff concerned and nervous. Advertisement I was not happy to run the pub under such conditions which would exist if Dundon kept coming in, Mr ORahilly said. Mr ORahilly told the court that, he replied yes, after Mr Kelly asked him if he was also barred. On April 17th, Mr Kelly and Mr Dundon - who were both barred at this stage - returned to the pub. Mr ORahilly told the court: I I felt they were trying to compel me to serve them and their associates with a view to trying to run the pub from outside the counter. Advertisement Kenneth Dundon , 60s, who appeared as a witness for Mr Kelly in his objection to the Owner of the Spotted Dog renewing his pub licence. Photo: Brendan Gleeson Mr ORahilly said he felt he would lose control of the pub if he allowed Mr Dundon and Mr Kelly back as customers. Mr Kelly was trying to coerce me into a situation by showing me who his friends were, who he was associated with, and telling me I would be alright because he would keep an eye on things, Mr ORahilly claimed. Mr Kelly and Mr Dundon each told the court they were surprised when they found out they were not welcome at the club as there had been no trouble on the night they were both in the pub. They also both denied making any threats or trying to intimidate Mr ORahilly. Mr Kelly told the court he returned to the pub with Mr Dundon to try to resolve matters with Mr ORahily and he described his ban from the pub as unfair and prejudiced. Cross-examining Kenneth Dundon in court, Mr ORahillys barrister, Thomas Wallace-ODonnell, put it to the witness that he was a member of a profoundly infamous family...the father of the Dundon family, the Godfather, the paterfamilias of the family. Kenneth Dundon replied: Im a pensioner, Im no Godfather of nothing. A serial burglar with more than 200 convictions who robbed the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral's residence during a wedding has been jailed for three and a half years. Zachary Purcell (36) walked into the Christ Church Deanery in Dublin 8 on July 23rd, 2022, while Dean Dermot Dunne was hosting a wedding, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Advertisement He stole an iPad and some jewellery with a total value of 2,000, and a credit card which was the property of the church, Marc Thompson BL, prosecuting, told the court. Purcell used the card to buy 50 worth of goods at a deli shop. Purcell was arrested after his DNA was found on a water bottle he left at the Deanery, and he was recognised by gardai on CCTV footage. Purcell, of Westcourt, Basin Street Upper, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to this burglary and another burglary offence at the Morgan Hotel, Dublin 2, on July 9th, 2022 some two weeks prior to the Christ Church offence. He has 201 previous convictions, including 35 burglary offences. His other convictions include theft, robbery, possession of stolen goods, violent disorder and possession of knives. Advertisement The court heard that on the day in question, the dean was holding a wedding at the residence when Purcell walked in through an open gate past the guests and into the house. The wedding party moved on to another venue, and when the dean returned home later that evening, he noticed some items had been taken. The stolen iPad and jewellery were never returned, the court heard. In relation to the Morgan Hotel incident, Garda Ian Gallagher told the court that Purcell was ejected from the hotel around 8.30am on the morning in question, before it later emerged that two American tourists had found him in their bedroom when they checked in. He had stolen some minor items from a trolley, the court heard. None of the injured parties made victim impact statements, the court heard. Advertisement Karl Monahan BL, defending, said Purcell had a long history of drug addiction and has been in and out of custody since his teenage years. He rehabilitated himself a number of years ago and secured building work on the National Children's Hospital for a period of time, before he relapsed into drug use. Purcell has been in custody since last year on another offence and has again rehabilitated and is now methadone-free, the court heard. Sentencing Purcell on Tuesday, Judge Orla Crowe said the court was dealing with two burglaries in a short space of time. She noted the offences were committed when Purcell was on bail for another offence. She said Purcell had an entrenched drug addiction which has overwhelmed his life and has led to criminal offending with all of the consequences for all of the victims of his 201 convictions. She described his current rehabilitation as commendable but said she must give a custodial sentence. She said she would structure the sentence in order to aid Purcell's return to society. The judge handed down a sentence of four and a half years and suspended the final 12 months on a number of conditions. The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have welcomed the EU's decision to review its trade arrangements with Israel. The EU has said it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship. Advertisement Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said a majority of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement. The agreement forms the basis of trade ties between the EU and Israel. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said in a statement that Ireland will work to ensure the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that Israel cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. Tanaiste Simon Harris said that the situation in the enclave has become immeasurably worse since Ireland first called for this review alongside Spain in February 2024. Advertisement "The decision to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights announced today by High Representative Kaja Kallas is one I strongly welcome. Together with Spain, Ireland first called for this step to be taken in February 2024," the Taoiseach said. "Since then, many thousands of Palestinians have been killed and maimed in a brutal military operation, the brunt of which has been borne by an innocent civilian population. "Thousands more are at the brink of starvation, with the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if aid doesnt reach them. "Israel must know that the world is watching and that we will not stand by," Mr Martin said. He added that "Ireland will work to ensure that the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that its conclusions are acted upon. "We must stop this war. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid." Two men have been found guilty of the murder of 22-year-old Mahamud Ilyas, who was beaten to death and dumped in wooded area in Co Meath after a row over a stolen bag of cannabis. The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for seven hours and 52 minutes over four days before returning the unanimous verdict on Tuesday against Viorel Doroscan (23) and Otniel Richardo Clejan (24), rejecting the defence case that the two men had acted in self-defence after they claimed Mr Ilyas came running into an apartment with a weapon and threatened to kill them. Advertisement Neither Doroscan nor Clejan made any reaction as the jurys verdicts were delivered. Each of the men subsequently spoke to members of their legal team and hugged family members. The jury will continue its deliberations in relation to a co-accused, Lorenzo Cantaragiu (21), of Castlegrange Park, Blanchardstown, on Friday. Mr Cantaragiu faces various charges of impeding the prosecution or apprehension of Clejan and Doroscan, by carrying out various acts while knowing or believing them to have committed the offence of causing serious harm to Mr Ilyas. Advertisement It is alleged that he drove the two murder accused and the deceased to Belgree Lane and that he cleaned the car in which they travelled. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Ilyas body was discovered in a wooded area at Belgree Lane in Co Meath on December 10th, 2022. The 22-year-old died from blunt force trauma to the head. Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the trial that the deceased sustained depressed fractures to his head, which were "typical of hammer blows". The prosecution had contended that Doroscan and Clejan were involved in the sale and supply of drugs and that they beat Mr Ilyas to death after a row over a stolen bag of cannabis. Advertisement Witness Vlady Ndosimau previously told the trial that he barged through the door of the apartment after hearing a loud banging noise. Inside, he said he witnessed Mr Ilyas sitting on the floor, with his back against a radiator, looking as if he had been beaten and with blood coming from his nose. His hands and feet were tied using a rope or a zip tie and he was moaning while Clejan and Doroscan shouted at him, the witness said. Doroscan, holding a fruit knife, stood between Mr Ilyas' legs while Clejan stood close to his head with a hammer in his hand, the witness said. Doroscan, he said, kept on shouting "where is the stuff" while Mr Ilyas responded by "groaning and groaning". Advertisement Closing address In his closing address to the jury, Eoin Lawlor SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said use of a hammer was the modus operandi for conflict resolution employed by Doroscan, while the appalling, callous way in which the victims body was disposed of indicated his co-accused's part in the joint enterprise of the murder. Doroscan, of Bay Meadows Square, Hollystown, West Dublin, and Clejan, with a former address at Verdemont in Blanchardstown in Dublin 15, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Ilyas on December 9th, 2022. The trial heard Mr Ilyas death could have taken between 30 minutes and up to five hours, but the deceased would have become unconscious very quickly. Doroscan and Clejan denied murdering Mr Ilyas, telling gardai that they had defended themselves. Advertisement He was threatening us and telling us hed stab us in the neck, he went for us with a crowbar, Doroscan told gardai. His co-accused, Clejan told officers that he defended himself by once striking and pushing away Mr Ilyas. Abdi-Aziz Mohamed, who was a friend of both the deceased and the accused men, said that he would buy weed off Doroscan and Clejan. In 2018, he said Doroscan was dealing ounces and "selling small bags of weed, but by 2022, he was selling kilos of weed, as well as cocaine and ecstasy. Fight The witness said that on December 9 2022, Doroscan told him he had a fight with Mr Ilyas. He recalled Doroscan saying, either he or we hit Mo [Mr Ilyas] with a hammer. The witness recalled another occasion when he saw a hammer in Mr Doroscans bag. When he asked about it, Doroscan told him that someone owed him money for cocaine, and he was looking for him. Having stolen the bag of weed, the trial heard that Mr Ilyas had suggested selling it back to Doroscan and Clejan and visited the apartment where they were bagging drugs. During the nine week trial, the jury viewed footage of a Snapchat video on Doroscans account that showed a man lying on the ground, face up, with visible blood on his face and a large blood stain on the wall behind him. The short clip showed the video-taker moving in closer to the head of the man on the floor and video-takers shoe can be seen briefly. Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue said the shoe matched those worn by Doroscan on the same day. Snapchat 'memory' He said the video, which was posted as a memory on the Snapchat app, was confirmed to have come from Doroscans account. Metadata from Snapchat showed that the clip had been taken at 2.51pm on December 9th, 2022 in Verdemont estate in Blanchardstown. After Mr Ilyas was beaten, it is alleged that Clejan then called Mr Cantaragiu and told him to come to the house with his car before driving Mr Ilyas to a field beside Hollystown, where they took the victim out. I took the ropes off him and left him there, said Doroscan, adding that he put like a blanket beside Mr Ilyas. Mo was breathing okay but still threatening us, he said, telling gardai that this guy was 100 per cent alive. He told gardai that he left Mr Ilyas in shelter underneath some trees and he was screaming all the way through. In his closing speech for Doroscan, James Dwyer SC said it was clear both Doroscan and Clejan had told gardai they acted in self defence, yet the prosecution had sought to "rubbish it" and suggest it could not be believed. In his closing address, Sean Guerin SC, defending Clejan, said he did not accept that his client was party to any agreement to inflict violence on the deceased. In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said that if several persons have joined to attack a victim in circumstances where it is intended to cause serious harm, they are all guilty of murder, but if the injuries caused by one person are different from what the parties agreed on, only that one person is guilty of murder. Evidence If during an attack, a weapon is produced by one and the other knows he has it and continues to participate, he is guilty of murder if the weapon is used to inflict a fatal wound, said Mr Justice Hunt. He added that if the evidence does not indicate who used the weapon but its use was part of the joint intention, all parties involved are guilty. Mr Justice Hunt sent the 12 jurors home for the evening shortly after 4pm. He noted that one of the panel will be indisposed over the next number of days and he asked the panel to return to the Central Criminal Court on Friday to continue their deliberations in respect of Mr Cantaragiu. In his closing speech, Michael Lynn SC, representing Mr Cantaragiu, said his client acted reasonably given the "intimidating and terrifying" circumstances in which he found himself. He reminded the jury that Mr Cantaragiu told gardai that Doroscan and Clejan had threatened to kill him, and he saw no way to escape. Mr Lynn added: "At his age, in the circumstances in which he found himself, he acted reasonably. What else could he have done?" CCTV The defendant also told gardai that he feared that "bigger criminals" or drug dealers would come after him and he was worried for his family. Mr Lynn said the jury could also be satisfied that when he began driving, Mr Ilyas was still alive and Mr Cantaragiu believed he was taking him to his mother's house. He had not gone with the intention to impede any prosecution, Mr Lynn said. However, in his closing address, Mr Lawlor said that Mr Cantaragiu had known that the other two men had brought a body down to the car, so he had known that the offence of causing serious harm had been committed. Counsel said that CCTV footage showed that Mr Cantaragiu arrived at the apartment at 3.46pm, but the body was not brought to the car until 3.53pm, with the boot of the car open for a long time. Mr Lawlor said that Mr Cantaragiu had a period of time to weigh the significance of what was being asked of him, but it was clear he intended to assist. An Irishman has been jailed for more than 10 years by a Spanish court after admitting killing his landlord and dumping his mutilated body in a waste container. The 53-year-old was arrested after the macabre body parts find in Barcelona in December 2022 and accused of the German victims homicide. Advertisement Yesterday he admitted his crime on day one of a trial in the Catalan capital which was due to last until next Tuesday when a jury retired to consider its verdict. Public prosecutors had demanded a 12-year prison sentence for the Irishman, identified in a pre-trial indictment only by his initials W.M.A. He ended up being caged for 10 years after pleading guilty to a charge of homicide and another three months for desecrating his victims body. A mental disorder he is said to be suffering was taken into account as a mitigating circumstance. Advertisement Prosecutors had accused the self-confessed killer of fatally attacking the victim, a German named only as Alex R, two days after he had sub-let him a room in a seventh-floor flat in a central Barcelona street called calle Casanova. They alleged he had subsequently cut up his body and spent the next few days leaving his dismembered body parts around the city. A scrap dealer searching through street rubbish containers alerted the authorities after opening up a black suitcase with a strong smell coming from it yards from the apartment and discovering the victims torso. DNA tests Alex Rs Irish tenant was arrested after the dead man was identified through DNA tests along with a Ukrainian national who was subsequently released on bail and never charged. Advertisement CCTV footage obtained from a nearby garage and a bank across the street were said at the time to have played a vital role in the arrest of the Irishman. Police revealed at the time the rubbish container where the torso was found was just 15 metres from the apartment block where the killing occurred. Spanish press accused the killer in the immediate aftermath of the crime of committing a huge blunder by dumping the victims body parts so close to the scene of the crime. The scrap dealer, named only as Chiprian, told local media after making the gruesome discovery: My work involves going through the rubbish and when I saw the black case I thought I had found something good. Advertisement When I opened it up to see what was inside I was hit by a terrible smell which at first I thought was rotting meat a bar had thrown out or remains of food. It was only when I pushed the zip back a bit further I saw it was a body without the hands, feet or head. I informed a kiosk owner I know who was in the area and told him to look inside as well and he thought at first it was a mannequin. The regional Mossos dEsquadra police in Barcelona said in a statement confirming the two arrests before the men went to court and it emerged the Irish national was the only one of the two suspects remanded in custody: Mossos officers from Barcelonas Criminal Investigation Division have arrested two men aged 31 and 51 in relation to the discovery of some human remains inside a rubbish container on November 29 on the corners of Casanova Street and Rome Avenue. Advertisement Evidence As part of the investigation a home in the city of Barcelona was located where possible evidence linking it to a violent death was found. The two detainees have been handed over to a judge for further questioning. The killer claimed after his arrest he got into a fight with his victim and didnt intend to end his life when he hit him although further details did not emerge at his trial because of his plea bargain deal. Court officials are still trying to track down a sister of the dead man, believed to live in Iran, to see if she wants to claim compensation. The Catalan High Court of Justice said before the start of the trial at Barcelonas Audiencia Provincial court: A person accused of a crime of homicide will be tried from today. The crime he has been charged with occurred in 2022. According to public prosecutors the accused man rented a room from the victim and attacked him violently and killed him. Some days later, with the intention of erasing the clues of his crime and covering up what he had done, he dismembered his victim and dumped his body parts, disposing of them in a rubbish container where they were found by a person looking inside. Public prosecutors are seeking a 12-year prison sentence for the suspect. Israel showed no sign of responding to allies calls to halt its new military offensive in Gaza as health officials said airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians overnight, but Israel said it was allowing in dozens more trucks of aid. The strikes came as Israel pressed its war against Hamas despite mounting international condemnation. Advertisement Israel launched another major offensive in the territory in recent days, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group. More than 300 people have been killed in Gaza during the latest onslaught, according to health officials. A truck carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) Dozens of aid trucks began entering Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Tuesday afternoon, Israels Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said. They included flour for bakeries, food for community soup kitchens, baby food and medical supplies. Organisations in Gaza did not immediately confirm whether they had received supplies. Advertisement Mr Marmorstein said Israel would continue to allow dozens of trucks carrying humanitarian aid per day far less than the 600 per day that entered during the latest ceasefire. Israel has agreed to allow a minimal amount of aid into the territory of more than two million people after a nearly three-month blockade that prevented the entry of food, medicine and fuel, among other goods. The blockade prompted warnings from food experts of a risk of famine. The first few trucks entered on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he made the decision to let in minimal aid after pressure from allies, who he said could not support Israel so long as images of hunger were coming out of Gaza. Criticism of Israels conduct intensified on Monday when allies Canada, France and the UK threatened concrete actions against the country, including sanctions, and called on Israel to stop its egregious new military actions in Gaza. Advertisement A truck loaded with humanitarian aid makes its way to the Kerem Shalom crossing (Maya Alleruzzo/AP) Mr Netanyahu rejected the criticism, saying it was a huge prize for Hamass attack on October 7 2023 that would invite more such violence. The UK government on Tuesday said it was suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and was levelling new sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank. I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Parliament. Israels Marmorstein called the new sanctions unjustified and regrettable and claimed Israel and the UK had not been talking about free trade. Advertisement French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot denounced the Israeli governments blind violence in Gaza that he said has turned the Palestinian territory into a place of death. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, said the world body had received approvals for about 100 trucks to enter Gaza. The UN says that amount of trucks is just a drop in the ocean of what is needed. Criticism against Israels conduct in Gaza came also from inside the country, with a leader of Israels centre-left politics saying on Tuesday that Israel was becoming an outcast among nations because of the governments approach to the war. Advertisement A sane country doesnt engage in fighting against civilians, doesnt kill babies as a hobby and doesnt set for itself the goals of expelling a population, Yair Golan, a retired general and leader of the opposition Democrats party, told Reshet Bet radio. His comments were a rare criticism from within Israel of its wartime conduct in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians flee Khan Younis amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Many Israelis have criticised Mr Netanyahu throughout the war, but that has been mostly limited to what opponents argue are his political motives to continue the war. Criticism like Mr Golans, over the wars toll on Palestinian civilians, has been almost unheard. Mr Netanyahu swiftly criticised Mr Golans remarks, calling them wild incitement against Israeli soldiers. Over recent days, strikes have pounded areas across Gaza and Israel has issued evacuation orders for Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, which endured a previous offensive that left vast destruction. In the latest strikes, two in northern Gaza hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 22 people, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A strike in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 13 people, and another in the nearby built-up Nuseirat refugee camp killed 15, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Two strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis killed 10 people, according to Nasser Hospital. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because the group operates in densely populated areas. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others. The militants are still holding 58 captives, around a third believed to be alive, after most of the rest were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israels retaliatory offensive, which has destroyed large swathes of Gaza, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. US President Donald Trump headed to Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday in a bid to seal the deal on his big tax cuts bill. He will look to use the power of political persuasion to unify divided House Republicans on the multitrillion-dollar package that is at risk of collapsing before planned votes this week. Advertisement Mr Trump called himself a cheerleader for the Republican Party and praised the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson as he headed behind closed doors to rally Republicans. We have a very, very unified party, Mr Trump said in hallway remarks at the Capitol. Were going to have available one big beautiful bill. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives for a meeting at the Capitol (Rod Lamkey Jr/AP) The president arrived at a pivotal moment. Negotiations are slogging along and it is not at all clear the package, with its sweeping tax breaks and cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and green energy programmes, has the support needed from the Houses slim Republican majority. Politicians are also being asked to add some 350 billion dollars to Mr Trumps border security, deportation and defence agenda. Advertisement Conservatives are insisting on quicker, steeper cuts to federal programmes to offset the costs of the trillions of dollars in lost tax revenue. At the same time, a core group of politicians from New York and other high-tax states want bigger tax breaks for their voters back home. Mr Trumps visit to address House Republicans at their weekly conference will test the presidents deal-making powers. The Republican speaker, Mr Johnson, is determined to push the bill forward and needs Mr Trump to provide the momentum, either by encouragement or political warnings or a combination of both. With House Democrats lined up against the package, Republican leaders have almost no votes to spare. A key committee hearing is set for the middle of the night in hopes of a House floor vote by Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Democrats argue the package is little more than a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of healthcare and food programmes Americans rely on. They literally are trying to take healthcare away from millions of Americans at this very moment in the dead of night, said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. If this legislation is designed to make life better for the American people, can someone explain to me why they would hold a hearing to advance the bill at 1am in the morning? Democrats claim the federal-state health care programme for low-income people will be in for steep cuts under Mr Trumps bill. The president insisted that were not changing Medicaid. Advertisement Before entering the private meeting with the House Republicans caucus, Mr Trump repeated that he only wants to cut waste, fraud and abuse from the programme. At least 7.6 million fewer people would have health insurance with the Medicaid changes proposed in the bill, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. And three million fewer people each month would receive food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme. Mr Trump has been pushing hard for Republicans to unite behind the bill, which has been uniquely shaped in his image as the presidents signature domestic policy initiative in Congress. The sprawling 1,116-page package carries Mr Trumps title, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as his campaign promises to extend the tax breaks approved during his first term while adding new ones. Advertisement Yet, the price tag is rising and politicians are wary of the votes ahead, particularly as the economy teeters with uncertainty. If the bill passes the House this week, it would then move to the Senate, where Republicans are also eyeing changes. The United States on Monday sent 68 immigrants from Honduras and Colombia back to their countries, the first government-funded flight of what the Trump administration is calling voluntary deportations. In the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, 38 Hondurans, including 19 children, disembarked from the charter flight carrying 1,000 dollar (748) debit cards from the US government and the offer to one day be allowed to apply for legal entry into the US. Advertisement US President Donald Trump has promised to increase deportations substantially. Experts believe the self-deportation offer will only appeal to a small portion of migrants already considering return, but is unlikely to spur high demand. A Honduran migrant who returned voluntarily from the United States walks after arriving at Ramon Villeda Morales Airport in San Pedro Sula (AP/Delmer Martinez) The offer has been paired with highly publicised migrant detentions in the US and flying a couple of hundred Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. In a statement about the flight on Monday, US Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem said people could register through the Customs and Border Protection Home (CBP) app. Advertisement If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home, she said. If you dont, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. Kevin Antonio Posadas, from Tegucigalpa, had lived in Houston for three years, but had already been considering a return to Honduras when the Trump administration announced its offer. I wanted to see my family and my mom, said Mr Posadas, who added that the process was easy. Advertisement You just apply (through the CPB Home app) and in three days youve got it, he said. The flight left Houston early Monday. Its good because you save the cost of the flight if you have the intention of leaving. Mr Posadas said he hadnt feared deportation and liked living in the US, but had been thinking for some time about going home. Advertisement He said eventually he would consider taking up the US governments offer of allowing those who self-deport to apply to enter the United States legally. Twenty-six more migrants aboard the flight were headed home to Colombia, according to a US Department of Homeland Security statement. Honduras Deputy foreign minister Antonio Garcia said the Honduran government would also support the returning migrants with 100 dollars (74) cash and another 200 dollars (149) credit at a government-run store that sells basic necessities. Among the migrants arriving voluntarily on Monday were four children who were born in the United States, Mr Garcia said. Advertisement Mr Garcia, who met the arriving migrants at the airport, said they told him that being in the US without documents required for legal immigration or residence had been increasingly difficult, that things were growing more hostile, and they feared going to work. Still, the number of Hondurans deported from the US so far this year is below last years pace, said Honduras immigration director Wilson Paz. While about 13,500 Hondurans have been deported from the U.S. this year, the figure stood at more than 15,000 by this time in 2024, Mr Paz said. He did not expect the number to accelerate much, despite the Trump administrations intentions. Some would continue applying to self-deport, because they feel like their time in the US is up or because its getting harder to work, he said. I dont think it will be thousands of people who apply for the programme, Mr Paz said. Our responsibility is that they come in an orderly fashion and we support them. The World Health Organisations (WHO) member countries have approved an agreement to better prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics in the wake of the devastation caused by the coronavirus. Sustained applause echoed in a hall in Geneva, Switzerland, hosting the WHOs annual assembly as the measure debated and devised over three years passed without opposition. Advertisement The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Up to 20% of such products would be given to the WHO to ensure poorer countries have some access to them when the next pandemic hits. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as historic and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and co-operation. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibias health minister and the chairwoman of a committee that paved the way for Tuesdays adoption, said that the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted huge costs on lives, livelihoods and economies. Advertisement We as sovereign states have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic, Ms Luvindao added. It is our duty and responsibility to humanity. It's official: the #PandemicAccord is officially adopted by the World Health Assembly! My warmest congratulations to @WHO Member States for their commitment to keeping their people and the world safer. What a moment in global health history. Together! pic.twitter.com/DfEHDBrhUB Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 20, 2025 The treatys effectiveness will face doubts because the United States which poured billions into speedy work by pharmaceutical companies to develop Covid-19 vaccines is sitting out, and because countries face no penalties if they ignore it, a common issue in international law. The US, traditionally the top donor to the UN health agency, was not part of the final stages of the agreement process after the Trump administration announced a US pullout from the WHO and funding to the agency in January. Many world leaders offered words of support for the UN health agency, and praised the show of multilateralism. Advertisement Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking by video, congratulated WHO and the other member states, calling the accord a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater co-operation while building a healthy planet. Robert Kennedy Jr delivers his video statement about the historic agreement (Magali Girardin/Keystone via AP) While many supporters praised the historic deal, US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr delivered a scathing critique of the agency, saying the United States was working with unspecified like-minded countries to improve the global health system and called on health ministers in others to join. Like many legacy institutions, the WHO has become mired in bureaucratic bloat, entrenched paradigms, conflicts of interest and international power politics, Mr Kennedy said in a video statement. We dont have to suffer the limits of a moribund WHO. Lets create new institutions or revisit existing institutions that are clean, efficient, transparent and accountable. Advertisement The US administration cited the WHOs mishandling of Covid-19 and failure to enact needed reforms, and Chinas demonstrated political influence over science and policy at the agency, the US State Department said in an email. The US was not sending a delegation for the assembly, which runs through May 27. I urge the worlds health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organisation as a wake-up call, Mr Kennedy said. It isnt that President (Donald) Trump and I have lost interest in international co-operation. Not at all. We just want it to happen in a way thats fair and efficient and transparent for all the member states. China, meanwhile, was doubling down its support for WHO both politically and financially. Advertisement Vice Premier Liu Guozhong said all sides need to firmly support the WHO to play a central co-ordinating in global health governance, (and) support WHO to perform its duty in an independent, professional and science-based manner. China, he said through a translator, will provide an additional quota of financial support to the WHO that can add up to 500 million dollars (374 million) in the coming five years, without specifying. It was not immediately clear whether that amounted to a new financial commitment from Beijing. The United States had been set to contribute more than 700 million dollars (523 million) to the current 2024-2025 budget, while China was poised to chip in more than 200 million dollars (149 million), according to the UN health agencys website. French President Emmanuel Macron said some believe they can do without science, an apparent allusion to US funding cuts for research. Not only will that harm the health of us all, but its first of all the population of those who are taking a step back, in a way, who will be in real danger in the face of emerging pathogens that they wouldnt see coming, Mr Macron told the assembly by video. Qantas took advantage of a tragedy for the nation when it illegally outsourced the roles of 1800 workers, a barrister for the Transport Workers Union has told the Federal Court. Thats what motivated them, Noel Hutley, SC, said. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which as Qantas conceived of it, would return them to the order of $100 million per year. And that was not $100 million per year on a one-off basis. Proceedings to determine Qantas penalty for dismissing workers in 2020 continues. Credit: Wolter Peeters A Federal Court hearing to determine Qantas penalty for illegally terminating workers contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic continued on Tuesday. The TWU is asking the court to award the maximum penalty of $121 million. Qantas lawyers are suggesting a penalty of between $40 million and $80 million would be more appropriate, and the maximum penalty of $121 million is manifestly unreasonable given the company has accepted the seriousness of its conduct. Kean spoke to researchers scouring the genomes of large animals for clues as to why theyre so good at suppressing cancer despite having trillions more cells than we do. Some of what theyve found can make human cancer cells self-destruct. 1000 times better at cancer suppression Body size and cancer rates only correlate between members of the same species, not between different animals. For example, little dogs such as Pomeranians, shih tzus and chihuahuas have a 10 per cent chance of dying from cancer while the risk for larger breeds including mastiffs and Burmese mountain dogs is up around 40-50 per cent, a 2024 study reported. If this correlation between size and cancer risk applied across different species, mice would never die from cancer and elephants would barely make adulthood. By one estimate, half of all blue whales should get colon cancer by the time theyre 50 and all whales should have it by the time theyre 80. But thats not the case. Because they have trillions more cells, blue whales should have a 100 per cent rate of colon cancer by age 90, the above estimate shows. As far as we know, the actual rate is much, much lower. Credit: Trends Ecol Evol Mice actually have a colon cancer risk comparable to humans, even though theyre tiny. About 46 per cent of wild mice raised in a lab, in fact, die from some kind of cancer. Blue whales do get colon cancer but at nowhere near the rates youd expect for their size. They live as long as we do. So whats going on? Petos Paradox suggests that large, long-lived animals such as the blue whale have evolved mechanisms capable of suppressing cancer 1000 times better than humans, write Professor Carlo Maley and Dr Aleah Caulin in Trends in Ecology & Evolution. If we could harness the cancer-suppression mechanisms of mega-animals, they argue, then we could potentially eradicate cancer as a public health threat in humans. Petos Paradox disproved? Just as I got excited about the idea of using the cancer-suppressing superpowers of the worlds largest creatures to treat human cancer, I came across a new paper that slapped me down. No evidence for Petos Paradox in terrestrial vertebrates, the headline read. The authors analysed a dataset of 16,000 necropsy records for 292 species of mammals, amphibians, birds and reptiles and found larger animals did get more cancer. We show that there is no evidence for Petos Paradox across amphibians, birds, mammals and squamate reptiles: larger species do, in fact, have a higher cancer prevalence compared to smaller species, they concluded. But other scientists quickly questioned that blunt conclusion. Although the authors did find more cancer in bigger animals, it wasnt enough to disprove the paradox. Most large-bodied animals still had far lower cancer rates than youd expect. Elephants, for example, had 56 per cent less cancer than the researchers model predicted. Blue whales are the largest creatures that ever lived. They might also be one of the best at surpressing cancer. Credit: Istock The real question is not just whether there is a positive relationship between size and cancer prevalence, but whether this relationship is as strong as expected given the increased number of cell divisions associated with larger body size, says Dr Antoine Dujon, whos researching cancer and evolution at Deakin University. In other words, there may be a positive correlation between size and cancer risk, but if this correlation is weaker than statistically expected, it suggests that natural selection has nonetheless favoured superior anti-cancer defences in large-bodied species. So, despite the headline, the paradox held up. Scientists remain convinced something powerful is going on within the worlds biggest creatures that stops cells going rogue. Heres one way scientists are trying to use that to our advantage. Harnessing elephant evolution to kill cancer Large animals may have evolved to suppress cancer through lower mutation rates, cancer-resistant tweaks in the architecture of their tissue, and immune systems better at surveilling for cancerous cells. One specific example comes from elephants. Circling back to Keans book about evolution, she writes that humans have an inbuilt defence against tumours in the form of a gene called TP53. Loading The gene codes for a protein called P53 that triggers cancerous cells to self-destruct and repairs damaged DNA. Humans have two copies of the gene in each cell. But elephants, the largest land animals, have 40 copies. The elephant versions are seemingly more powerful at suppressing cancer than the human version of the gene, too. Only 5 per cent of elephants die from cancer compared to a quarter of humans. Now several teams across the globe are scrutinising these elephant genes with a long-term view of harnessing them for targeted cancer therapies. Its very, very early days for this research, but scientists have used the genes to kill the cells of a cancerous bone tumour that affects children during growth spurts. Australia has joined a coalition of 24 countries demanding the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza and accusing Israel of politicising the delivery of essential food and medicine to Palestinian civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel would allow some aid to enter Gaza after a two-month blockade, but international aid organisations say this will not be nearly enough to meet the needs of the local population and will risk the lives of aid workers. Displaced Palestinians collect cooked food from a community food kitchen in Jabaliya, northern Gaza. Credit: Bloomberg Netanyahu has said that Israel will take full control of the strip as he ordered the Israeli military to intensify ground operations in the ravaged strip, including by instructing civilians to leave the southern city of Khan Yunis. Penny Wong and the foreign ministers from 23 other nations said in a joint statement they could not support the limited aid delivery the Israeli government had proposed. It was the day conscious uncoupling came to Parliament House. A political break-up for the ages, laden with all the drama and high emotion of a Hollywood power couples sudden split. The coalition between the Liberal Party and Nationals has been the great union of Australian politics, surviving triumph and disaster for more than eight decades. Indeed, the partnership predates the parties themselves. Beginning in 1923 with an agreement between the Country and Nationalist parties, the alliance collapsed a few times but has held solid for the past 38 years. Nationals leader David Littleproud announces the split with the partys Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and deputy leader Kevin Hogan. Credit: AAP Like so many marriages, it didnt always make sense when viewed from the outside. The akubra-wearing populists from the bush and the silvertail free marketeers from the city could often make uncomfortable ideological bedfellows. But this yin and yang made the partnership work and, once upon a time, the Coalition into an election-winning machine. For all their differences, the Nats and Libs were united by a shared mission: keeping Labor out of power. And theyve been remarkably successful at it, holding power for most of the past century. The union was so strong that when the Liberal Party won outright majorities in 1975, 1977 and 1996 the Coalition was retained and Nationals MPs handed key cabinet positions. Point Cook commuter Senthill Santaram, 48, believes the outer suburbs are still being ignored when it comes to public transport. While the state budget includes flashy projects and sweeteners such as $727 million for the switching on of the Metro Tunnel and free public transport for kids he is disappointed there isnt anything for better bus services in the west. Senthill wants better public transport for Point Cook. Credit: Wayne Taylor Theres no equitable access to public transport, he said. If you go to the outer suburbs, there are people walking up to five kilometres just to catch a bus. They just end up using their car. Santaram is also frustrated at the governments continual support for the Suburban Rail Loop, the states most expensive infrastructure project, which will serve the eastern suburbs long before the western suburbs are connected. Loading Residents are feeling totally ignored and neglected, all the taxes they are paying, stamp duty and so on, theyre all being spent on suburban rail, he said. There is also disappointment that the electrification of train lines to Melton and Tarneit are once again missing from the budget. Extra peak services on the Werribee line would be welcomed, he said, but were just a small drop in the ocean with car parks and trains full from the early morning. Singapore: In the past week, Anthony Albanese has taken in a papal inauguration, Indonesian military pageantry of the highest order and quality face-time with some of the most consequential leaders of a rattled free world. Amid such headlines, backdrops and notables, it was enough to make Tuesdays brief pass-through in Singapore to meet freshly elected Prime Minister Lawrence Wong seem a little ho-hum? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese departs Rome on Monday for his flight to Singapore. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Such a view, if one held it, is a testament to Singapores stability, pragmatism and predictability more than anything else. Australia and Singapore have a mature and steady friendship. There are no major spats or tempestuous personalities in the mix. And this is good, as the relationship is one of Australias most important. London: Russian forces have been beefing up bases and building military infrastructure near the Finnish border, according to recent satellite imagery, in moves that could reveal their strategy for what happens after the Russia-Ukraine war. The imagery, confirmed by NATO officials, shows row after row of new tents; new warehouses that can store military vehicles; renovations to fighter jet shelters; and steady construction activity on a helicopter base that had been mostly unused and overgrown. So far, the moves seem to be the early stages of a larger, longer-term expansion, and NATO officials say this is nothing like the build-up along the Ukraine border before Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. For now, Russia, preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, has very few troops along the frontier, and the Finns insist that none of this is much of a threat yet. But Finland is one of NATOs newest members, joining two years ago, and the moves no doubt reflect Moscows own perception of a threat: this 1336-kilometre frontier is now the Western alliances longest line of contact with Russia. Military analysts predict it could become a hot spot, especially with much of it lying in the increasingly contested Arctic Circle. Three U.S. Citizen Children, Including Cancer Patient, Deported With Mothers to Honduras Amid Legal Battle (Photo: ajay_suresh/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 2.0 ) Three American-born children, including a four-year-old battling Stage 4 cancer, were deported to Honduras last week alongside their undocumented mothers, drawing fierce criticism from civil rights attorneys and immigration advocates. The deportations occurred despite ongoing court proceedings questioning the legality of removing U.S. citizens without due process. According to the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Project, the families were apprehended during routine check-ins under the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) in Louisiana. Gracie Willis, a lawyer with the National Immigration Project, said, "We are seeing in real time due process eroded." One case involved a two-year-old identified as V.M.L., who was detained along with her mother and 11-year-old sister. Court records indicate that a federal judge had set a hearing for May 16 regarding the child's deportation, emphasizing that "it is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen." A second case involved a mother detained with her four- and seven-year-old children during an ISAP check-in in Saint Rose, Louisiana. Erin Hebert, the attorney representing the family, said she was barred from accompanying them to their meeting and was later informed the family had been deported without being given access to legal counsel. "My clients were deported within 24 hours of being detained with no access to me," Hebert said. The Biden administration's Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the removals during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." Rubio stated, "Three U.S. citizens ages four, seven and two were not deported. Their mothers, who were illegally in this country, were deported. The children went with their mothers." Rubio added that U.S. citizen children could return if a legal guardian in the United States sought custody. However, attorneys representing the families disputed the government's narrative, asserting that the mothers did not voluntarily choose to take their children with them and that a handwritten note cited by officials was not a voluntary statement of intent. Willis insisted that the children's mothers, both of whom are pregnant, wanted their children to remain in the United States, where they had family support and medical care. "These are mothers, these are pregnant women. These are children," said Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana. "If ICE can do this to these mothers and these children...none of us are safe from this kind of lawlessness." Court documents reveal that the father of V.M.L. requested her release into his custody before the deportation but was warned he would also be detained if he appeared to collect her. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty scheduled a hearing for May 19 to review the government's actions, citing "strong suspicion that the Government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process." Meanwhile, immigration advocates warn that the incident could set a dangerous precedent amid broader immigration enforcement efforts. "Somehow over the last 20 years we've completely lost this notion" of enforcing immigration laws, Rubio said, emphasizing the administration's position. Enriching Our Inner Lives At UB, a culture of artistic explorationestablished decades ago by such iconic figures as Lukas Foss and Tony Conradcontinues to expand the boundaries of human imagination. Our wide-ranging creative activities include the internationally renowned June in Buffalo festival for composers at the forefront of new music; the cutting-edge Poetics Program, founded by literary luminaries like Robert Creeley and still guided by the model of poets teaching poets; and the trailblazing Department of Media Study, one of the countrys leading programs in experimental and independent media. Xi sends congratulatory letter to 2025 SCO forum on poverty reduction, sustainable development Xinhua) 13:03, May 20, 2025 BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory letter to the 2025 SCO (the Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Forum on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development, held in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi pointed out that poverty eradication, a global issue, is a common goal of all countries in the world. Through arduous efforts, China has successfully won the battle against poverty, achieved the poverty reduction target of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ten years ahead of schedule, blazed a poverty reduction path with Chinese characteristics, and written a new chapter in the history of mankind's fight against poverty, Xi said. Stressing that the root cause of poverty is inadequate development, Xi said the SCO has actively carried out cooperation on poverty reduction and sustainable development in recent years, achieving remarkable results. As the rotating chair of the SCO, China is willing to continuously enhance policy communication with all parties, share poverty reduction experience, deepen practical cooperation, help more countries explore poverty reduction and sustainable development paths that suit their national conditions, and join hands to build a beautiful world free from poverty and with common prosperity, Xi noted. The forum opened in Xi'an on Tuesday under the theme of "Sustained Poverty Reduction and Cooperative Development: Advancing Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development among SCO Countries." The forum was co-hosted by the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the People's Government of Shaanxi Province. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Fast-fashion fines: Fast-fashion retailer Shein has been fined 40 million euros ($47.1 million) by the French government as Chinese e-commerce companies face growing regulatory scrutiny in the EU. Frances competition regulator announced Thursday that it had penalized the company for advertising false discounts on its website and making unsubstantiated environmental claims. The fine is just part of the regulatory backlash that Shein and fellow Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and AliExpress have run into in the EU. In the face of tougher regulations in the U.S., the retailers have been trying to grow their businesses in Europe, only to spark concerns about cheap goods flooding into the EU. Alibaba bonds: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is going back to the bond market for the second time in less than a year, aiming to raise about 12 billion yuan ($1.7 billion) from selling zero-coupon exchangeable bonds. The e-ecommerce giant has earmarked the proceeds from the issuance for general corporate purposes, including investment in cloud infrastructure. Over the past year, Alibaba managers have said that the company will focus on two businesses: e-commerce, and AI + cloud. In February when DeepSeek was making headlines Alibabas CEO announced a plan to invest 380 billion yuan in AI and cloud infrastructure over the next three years. That amount is equal to Alibabas total capital expenditure over the past decade. ETF report card: More than 700 publicly offered Chinese exchange-traded funds (ETFs) delivered an average return of 7.2% in the first half of this year. Top performer E Fund CSI Hong Kong Securities Investment Theme ETF posted a gain of nearly 70%, with the rest of the top 15 occupied by gold ETFs. Meanwhile, more than 100 ETFs posted losses of about 10%, with many concentrated in sectors such as big data, new energy, photovoltaics, and food and beverage. Listed ETFs received net inflows of 302.3 billion yuan, led by bond and commodity funds. Technology and strategic new industry ETFs attracted substantial capital, reflecting investor confidence in these growth areas. Click on graph for larger image. In April 2025, energy expenditures were at 3.6% of PCE, down from 3.8% in March, and down from the recent peak of 5.2% in June 2022. This is below the pre-pandemic level. Here is an update through the April 2025 PCE report.This graph shows expenditures on energy goods and services as a percent of total personal consumption expenditures. This is one of the measures that Professor Hamilton at Econbrowser looks at to evaluate any drag on GDP from energy prices.Data source: BEA In general, energy expenditures as a percent of PCE has been trending down for decades. The huge spikes in energy prices during the oil crisis of 1973 and 1979 are obvious. As is the increase in energy prices during the 2001 through 2008 period. 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. AFRIQUE :: African Youth Migration: Reseau-Leader Sounds The alarm on the news faces of a silent tragedy Cotonou, May 17, 2025 As the hope for a better life drives more and more young Africans to pursue opportunities for international mobility, programs such as Alabuga Start in Russia reveal a chilling reality: a structured system of exploitation disguised as opportunity. From Cotonou, Reseau-LEADER is raising the alarm about these new forms of human trafficking and calls for urgent mobilization to protect a youth sacrificed on the altar of toxic partnerships and deceitful promises. The Network of African Leaders for Democracy, Emergence, and Renewal (Reseau-LEADER) held an awareness workshop this Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Cotonou under the theme: African Youth and Migration: Between Hopes and New Forms of Risk. As the migratory paths of African youth become increasingly complex, this workshop served as a warning against the growing dangers hidden within certain international mobility programsparticularly those targeting Russia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. The discussions revealed harrowing testimonies, heartbreaking stories, and increasingly structured practices of disguised exploitation. Young African women, sent to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia under the pretense of technological training, now find themselves working on drone assembly lines under militarized conditions, often near conflict zones. Young men, recruited by local intermediaries for allegedly skilled jobs, are placed in agricultural labor camps in Central Asia or the Middle Eastwithout contracts, oversight, or even access to their identity documents. Far from fully absolving this youth, which is often easily lured by appealing offers, the conference emphasized the critical role played by African leadership in perpetuating this crisis. Mrs. Habiba Issa Bonny Dualla, President of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC) and member of Reseau-LEADER, stated that poor governance is one of the key reasons why African youth migration continues to risea sentiment echoed by every speaker during the event. In his closing remarks, the President of Reseau-LEADER strongly condemned what he called a sophisticated system of exploitation that recycles our hopes into instruments of domination. Referring to the Russian case, he said: The Alabuga Start program, which some still dare to call a career springboard, is nothing more than a modern trap. It turns our daughters into silent labor for wars that are not theirs. It is an industrial prison cloaked in diplomatic attire. The final declaration of the workshop, read by Mrs. Habiba Issa Bonny Dualla, resonated as a Pan-African call for clarity and action. She warned: Todays new visas of servitude come dressed as prestigious scholarships or fake apprenticeships. What weve heard here is not marginalit is structural. It is a methodically organized trade in young African bodies. She urged African states to suspend cooperation agreements suspected of harboring such practices, to launch thorough investigations into international scholarship programs, and to establish stronger consular protection and oversight mechanisms. Participants from Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Senegal, and Burkina Faso expressed outrage and a firm commitment to take action. They emphasized the urgent need to intensify and broaden awareness campaigns about the risks behind certain migration programs. These efforts must target people from a young age in schools, but also those on the front lines of migration: students, trainees, and job seekers. NGOs, civil society groups, and other associations must support the state in this effort. Attendees expressed dismay that some recruitment agencies continue to operate with official licenses despite repeated reports. States must exercise real oversight of these agencies. A proposal was made to create community vigilance networks and citizen alert cells to detect early warning signs of these migration traps. Reseau-LEADER solemnly calls on African heads of state to break their silence and take responsibility. It urges the media to shatter the wall of indifference, to investigate, and to amplify the voices of victims. It encourages civil society organizations to intensify their awareness efforts among youth and families, who are often misinformed or seduced by enticing narratives. There is no future for Africa if its youth continues to be the object of a silent and shameful trade.The Cotonou workshop marks the launch of a new frontfor alert, advocacy, and mobilization. A Pan-African front. A front for life. AFRIQUE :: Linear closing statement of the awareness workshop on african youth migration We, the Network of African Leaders for Democracy, Emergence and Renewal (Reseau-LEADER), issue a continental call to action from Cotonou on the occasion of the awareness workshop themed African Youth and Migration: Between Hopes and New Forms of Risk. What we have heard, analyzed, and documented here is neither exceptional nor anecdotal. It reveals a deeply entrenched system of manipulation, exploitation, and commodification of African youthnow orchestrated on an international scale. Twisted Hope, Trapped Youth Hundreds of young Africans, lured by promises of scholarships, training, or employment abroad, fall each year into schemes that mask modern forms of servitude. The emblematic case of Alabuga Start, brought to light by multiple investigations from Russian, African, and international media, is a chilling illustration. Under the guise of technological training, young women from West and Central Africa are sent to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, to participate in assembling military drones intended for the war in Ukraine. These young women, often recruited through so-called cooperation programs or technical scholarships, find themselves confined in guarded dormitories, subjected to military-style discipline, and exposed to authoritarian supervision with no recourse. Deprived of their passports, isolated, they are indoctrinated into a war ideology in a context they do not understand, and in service of interests that are not their own. Investigations by Meduza, The Moscow Times, BBC Afrique, and Radio Free Europe have uncovered the presence of young women from Niger, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso in these facilities. Propaganda videos released by Alabuga authorities show African women in uniform chanting military songs, trained to work on Lancet and ZALA drones, with no actual academic or career prospects. But this is not an isolated case. In Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, and Kazakhstan, other young Africans, drawn by offers of work-study, assistant positions, or corporate internships, find themselves subjected to forced labor, sexual abuse, confiscation of identity documents, and even deprivation of liberty. These are no longer exceptionsthey have become the hidden norm in a globalized system of human trafficking disguised as international cooperation. Hidden Complicity, Guilty Silence These practices flourish due to governance failures: lack of oversight, absence of thorough investigations, diplomatic silence, and in some cases, the complicity of consular officials. Recruitment agencies operate openly in several African capitals, despite repeated warnings. The Alabuga Start programunder Interpol investigation since 2024demonstrates how seemingly legitimate organizations can become tools for the systemic exploitation of our youth. In light of this, our collective responsibility is now fully engaged. We, the undersigned, solemnly and unequivocally call: To African Heads of State: * Break the diplomatic silence. * End opaque agreements with questionable recruitment agencies. * Launch national audits of international scholarship programs, particularly those linked to Russia and the Middle East. * Strengthen consular services, legal aid mechanisms, and support systems for youth in mobility. To African Media Outlets: * Break the wall of silencetreat these stories as national priorities. * Give survivors a voice and investigate the networks behind these schemes. * Form transnational investigative networks to dismantle trafficking rings. To Civil Society Organizations and Influential Voices Across the Continent: * Intensify grassroots education and community awareness efforts. * Launch targeted alert campaigns, especially in schools, training centers, churches, and mosques. * Pressure governments, agencies, and institutions that are complicit or passive. We firmly reaffirm: there can be no true African sovereignty if its youth is delivered to the global market as human raw material. A continent that allows its children to leave without guidance, protection, or truth is a continent that abdicates its future. Today, here in Cotonou, we declare that the fight against trapped migration is not a humanitarian optionit is a political, ethical, and civilizational imperative. We leave here more aware, more outraged, but above all, more determined to act. Because as long as a single fraudulent visa leads an African youth into servitude, our shared humanity trembles. This fight is now ours. Collectively. Radically. Relentlessly. THIEVES have targeted another Japanese-imported car in Carlow town after gardai issued a warning to car owners that these particular models are vulnerable to theft. Last week, a garda spokesperson told The Nationalist that Toyota Vitz and Aqua cars were being targeted by criminals because they are easy to break into and steal because they dont have factory-fitted immobilisers in them. The latest car that was targeted was a white Toyota Vitz, which was stolen between Sunday night and Monday morning 18-19 May from the car park at Hanover House, Carlow. Gardai are appealing to anyone with any information to contact them on 059 9136620. In a separate incident, gardai attended the scene of a suspected arson attack on a car in the Carrigbrook estate, Tullow Road, Carlow in the early hours of 14 May. The scene was also attended by the fire service, which extinguished the blaze. Contact investigating gardai on the above number if you have any information or CCTV that may assist them. THE CARLOW to Cork Tractor Club will proudly mark its 21st anniversary of raising vital funds for Childrens Health Foundation Ireland on Friday 30 May. Departing from Fenagh, 60 vintage tractors will make the 200km journey to the Halfway, Ballinhassig, Co Cork. The club fundraises throughout the year to hand over a cheque to the hospital, and since 2005 it has given over 580,000 to the Childrens Health Foundation. This years donation will fund The KIDS Project paediatric chairs, promoting and facilitating early mobility post-cardiothoracic surgery and extra life support (ECLS) and a sensory play department. What began as a small group of vintage tractor enthusiasts in Carlow in 2005 has grown into a powerful movement, driving hope and change along the 200km stretch from Carlow to Cork. This years commemorative run will continue the clubs long-standing tradition of supporting sick children, with all proceeds going to the Childrens Health Foundation, benefiting Crumlins sick children. For 21 years weve been proud to be a part of something that's bigger than ourselves, said Brendan Byrne, founder of Carlow to Cork Tractor Club. To donate or find out more, please visit www.tractorrun.com. High Court Reporters An expert witness has said a BBC programme at the centre of Gerry Adams defamation action against the broadcaster probably would not have breached British broadcasting regulations. Independent media consultant Christopher Banatvala was giving evidence at the High Court on the fourth week of a civil trial hearing into the former Sinn Fein leaders action. Mr Adams claims the Spotlight programme and a related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning British agent Denis Donaldsons killing at a cottage in Glenties, Co Donegal in 2006. The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams, who insists he had no involvement in the death, which dissident republicans claimed responsibility for in 2009. Mr Banatvala, who was called as a witness by the BBC on Tuesday, formerly worked for Ofcom, the statutory regulator of the broadcasting industry in the UK. He told the court he was responsible for drafting the regulators code of standards for broadcasters. Mr Banatvala, who prepared a report on the Spotlight programme at the behest of the BBCs legal team, told the court he believed the programme would probably not be found to be in breach of Ofcoms broadcasting code, and not be found to be unjust or unfair to Mr Adams. Mr Banatvala said he reached his conclusion on the balance of several factors, including the significant public interest in the programme, information already in the public domain about Mr Adams, the fact the BBC reasonably believed its primary source for the allegation to be credible and reliable, the BBCs corroboration of the allegation, the fact the claims were couched in terms of an allegation, and the timely opportunity afforded to Mr Adams to respond to the allegation. Mr Banatvala agreed with Eoin McCullough SC, for the BBC, that the programme and specifically the allegation against Mr Adams was of a high public interest. He said this was the case as the allegation concerned an elected politician, and an allegation of serious misconduct allegedly sanctioning the murder of an informant at a time in the political environment when the IRA was on ceasefire, and when political progress had moved towards peace. You couldnt get a more serious allegation or something of greater interest to the public, he said. Under cross-examination, Mr Banatvala told Mr Adams counsel Tom Hogan SC it was his view the BBC framed the claim against his client as an allegation, and the BBC was not saying Mr Adams sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson. When Mr Hogan put to Mr Banatvala his suggestion that the programme portrays the allegation as fact, the witness said: I would respectfully disagree. It is Mr Adams sides case that their clients reputation as a peacemaker was the subject of an unjustified attack in the BBC Spotlight programme and related article. His lawyers claim the BBCs publication of the allegation was reckless journalism. Lawyers for the BBC say the programme and related article was the product of a proper piece of investigative journalism, and as such, the broadcaster is entitled to rely on a defence of fair and reasonable publication in the public interest. The trial, before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, continues, with evidence expected to conclude on Wednesday. Stephen Maguire A Judge has ordered an arrest warrant to be issued for a Co Donegal horse-racing jockey who is in hiding over a drug debt after he failed to complete a community service order. Oran Brown was convicted in court after being caught with over 11,000 worth of drugs at his home in June 2020. In 2023, the Lifford sportsman was ordered to do 240 hours of community service after gardai raided his home and found drugs and cash. Last month, Donegal Circuit Court heard that he has been unable to undertake that part of his sentence. The case was adjourned to today to see if Brown could be contacted to explain why he had not undertaken the community service in lieu of the prison sentence. Brown's barrister, Mr Peter Nolan, explained that his client has been in hiding over a drug debt. Oran Brown has an individual looking for him to pay a drug debt. He is in hiding. He cant comply with the community service order as he is in fear of third parties, he said. The case was brought back before the court by the Probation Service due to Browns non-compliance with the order. The case was mentioned again on Tuesday, but the Probation Service told the court that they had made 'numerous efforts' to contact Brown but had still not heard back from him. A spokesperson for the service said they had tried to reach the accused by phone and had sent him letters since last November, but had still not heard back from him. They also confirmed that Brown had not completed any of the 240 community service hours imposed in lieu of time in jail. Judge John Aylmer said he was satisfied that Brown was aware of the order and issued a warrant. Previously, Brown was sentenced to a three-and-a-half-year term in prison, which was suspended for three and a half years, for the possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling or supplying to others. He was also ordered to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of 6 months in prison on a charge of the unlawful possession of cocaine. Gardai, armed with a search warrant, swooped on Browns home at Collate, Lifford on June 25th, 2020. Detectives seized 8,668 worth of cannabis and cocaine with a street value of 2,504.81. Some of the cannabis was found in deal bags. A Zopiclone tablet, valued at 2, was also located in the raid. A grinder, weighing scales and a quantity of Ziploc bags were also found. Quantities of Diazepam and Xanax were found in a Tommy Hilfiger bag in the property, while gardai observed a line of suspected cocaine on top of a dresser. A quantity of cocaine was found inside a safe, which also contained 7,225 and 2,480 sterling in cash. Brown was searched, and a cylinder containing cannabis and a grinder was located on his person. Almost 9,000 in cash was found inside a safe and, after being arrested, Brown told gardai he 'smoked a lot of weed and sniffed cocaine'. He added, "I won't lie, I sold a few bags of weed too." Brown said the cash was given to him by his parents and grandparents for his birthday the month before. He refused to give gardai the PIN for his mobile phone as he said there was stuff on the phone that he didnt want them to see. Detective Garda Michelle Kelly said gardai were unable to access data from the phone as the PIN was not provided. In court in 2023, Mr Nolan said his client, who he said was a conditional apprentice at the time, began taking cocaine to keep the weight stabilised. Stupidity led him to these circumstances, Mr Nolan said. At the time of sentencing, Judge Aylmer said, It was clear from all the paraphernalia found on the premises that there was a significant amount of dealing going on. This is an unusual case where he deserves a second chance. It is with some hesitation, but it is a case that it may be dealt with better on a non-custodial basis given all of the features." By Grainne Ni Aodha and Jonathan McCambridge, PA A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Michael Mike Gaine has been released without charge. Mr Gaine, a 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry, was reported missing more than eight weeks ago. On Saturday, partial remains were found at Mr Gaines farm in Carrig East, and a crime scene was declared as gardai searched for further remains. On Sunday, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaines murder. A general view of Killarney Garda Station. (PA) He was held for 24 hours for questioning before being released. He was driven away from Killarney Garda Station in an unmarked garda car shortly before 11pm on Monday. Gardai said the Gaine family have been kept up to date with developments and said the family have asked for privacy. The search and examination of Mr Gaines farmland is set to continue, gardai said, aided by the emergency services and Irish troops. Several personnel were seen digging near a barn on Monday afternoon while Defence Forces searched a field further away by hand. Kerry Drain Services machinery was also seen at the scene on Monday. Over the past eight weeks, several appeals have been issued and extensive searches involving the Defence Forces, the Garda water unit and road checkpoints have been held to try to find the missing man. Army personnel close to the farm of Michael Mike Gaine near Kenmare in Co Kerry, as the search for the 56-year-old sheep farmer continues. Around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage and 130 witness statements were taken by the end of April. Mr Gaines wife Janice and sister Noreen ORegan issued a plea at that time, a day after gardai upgraded the investigation from missing person to homicide. An appeal for the public to help with their investigation has been renewed by gardai this week. Those with information have been asked to contact the confidential Garda line or any Garda station. Advertisement A US$250m cement production plant, jointly invested by Chinese and Cambodian interests, entered operation in western Cambodia on 20 May. The 2.2Mta capacity plant, built on a 407ha site in the Aural district, was inaugurated by Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet in a special ceremony, who noted the new facility boosts Cambodias cement total production capacity to 11Mta. "These cement plants have transformed Cambodia from a country that imported 100 percent of cement from overseas into a country that is capable of supplying its domestic demand entirely on its own," he added. Estimates suggest Cambodia needs more than 10Mta to meet the demands of its burgeoning construction sector. Cambodia also exports more than 30,000ta of cement to Thailand. Advertisement Domestic dispatches in Peru declined by 1.3 per cent YoY to 0.958Mt in April when compared with the previous year, when the countrys producers sold 0.97Mt, according to the national cement association, ASOCEM. Of the total 0.865Mt were sold by ASOCEM members and 0.93Mt by non-members. Cement production fell by 1.6 per cent YoY to 0.855Mt in April 2025 from 0.869Mt in the year-ago period. Clinker output was down 1.8 per cent YoY to 0.786Mt from 0.801Mt in April 2024. External trade Cement exports improved 3.6 per cent to 9400t in April 2025 when compared to April 2024, when 9100t was exported. However, clinker exports slipped by 1.4 per cent YoY to 35,800t from 36,300t over the same period. Imports of cement surged 1795 per cent to 54,000t in April 2025 while clinker imports dropped 21 per cent YoY to 70,000t from 3000t in April 2024. Vietnam accounted for 82 per cent of imports while Chile and Bolivia accounted for nine per cent each. In the port of Callao, the average CIF price for imports fell eight per cent to US$68/t while in the land terminal of Tacna the average CIF import price edged up by two per cent YoY to US$128/t. In Desaguadero, the price reached US$97/t. Clinker imports, all from South Korea, declined 21 per cent YoY to 70,000t in April 2025 from 89,000t in the year-ago period. The average CIF import price for clinker in Callao fell 23 per cent YoY to US$43/t while in Matarani, the price reached US$55/t. Advertisement Cement sales in Senegal saw a 12.3 per cent drop in March 2025 to 556,589t when compared with March 2024 when domestic sales reached 634,954t, according to Senegals Planning and Economic Policy Directorate. Output from the countrys cement plants was fell 21.1 per cent YoY to 669,103t in March 2025 from 848,112t in the year-ago period. Of this total, 110,196t were exported, representing a YoY decrease when compared with 198,101t exported in March 2024. January-March 2025 In the first quarter of 2025, domestic sales in Senegal declined 7.6 per cent YoY to 1.786Mt from 1.932Mt in the 1Q24. Cement production fell 16.3 per cent YoY to 2.153Mt in the 1Q25 from 2.573Mt. Cement exports saw a 40.2 per cent drop YoY to 382,624t in the January-March 2025 period when compared with an export volume of 639,960t in the equivalent period of the previous year. Dr. Delia Price, professor of education in Lees Helen DeVos College of Education, has been named winner of Lee Universitys 2025 Excellence in Advising Award. According to Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn, Dr. Price was selected from a large pool of nominees based on her consistently high ratings and glowing feedback in student evaluations. One student remarked, Dr. Price is the absolute best. Shes knowledgeable in her field, but its also clear she truly cares about her students. I cannot thank her enough. Dr. Price joined Lee as a part-time faculty member in 2009, teaching in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. In 2013, she joined the full-time faculty of the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education. I am so honored and deeply humbled by this award and the precious words from my students, said Dr. Price. Dr. Price currently serves as a volunteer mentor to new teachers in surrounding districts and works with veteran teachers on special projects in order to stay well connected to the work in the K-12 environment. She earned her doctorate in leadership and professional practices from Trevecca Nazarene University, her masters degree in administration and supervision from Trevecca Nazarene College, and her bachelors degree in secondary English education from Tennessee Temple University. The Excellence in Advising Award is one of the three faculty excellence awards recognizing advising, scholarship, and teaching. The Excellence Awards are the highest honors presented to Lee faculty members. The recipient of the Excellence in Advising Award is chosen by a faculty committee, which reviews a three-year history of student advisor evaluation data, as well as other information provided by the nominating department chairs and deans. Dr. Price was recognized for this award during the universitys spring commencement. Grain Craft, the largest independent wheat flour miller in the nation, announced today they have signed an agreement to acquire the North American dry corn milling assets from global agribusiness and ingredients company, Bunge.The acquisition includes the addition of approximately 600 team members and six milling facilities. This includes three dry corn milling facilities in Crete, Ne., Atchison, Ks. and Danville, Il. It also includes three dry masa facilities in Muleshoe, Tx., Red Oak, Ia.and Worthington, In., along with a transload and packaging facility in Queretaro, Mexico. The dry corn milling division will continue to be headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.We are excited to welcome the Bunge corn milling team to our Grain Craft family," said Pete Frederick, president and CEO of Grain Craft. This transformational acquisition expands our product offerings into an adjacent category and, along with the expertise of our entire team, will enhance our ability to service our customers across a broader spectrum of food ingredients.A closing date on the acquisition has not yet been established. The completion of the sale is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. County School Supt. Justin Robertson told County Commission members on Monday that school vouchers "are the biggest threat to public education across our nation." He said the vouchers "have a huge potential to hurt not only the public schools, but also hurt our financial standing as a state." Citing voucher fiscal issues in Arizona, he said, "It's a huge problem when you budget $300 million and the cost turns out to be a billion." In Tennessee, funding was set aside for 20,000 vouchers, and over 30,000 applied. He said with 10,000 of the vouchers that for a family of four the total income cannot exceed $173,000, which he called a high figure. He said there is no limit on the other 10,000. Supt. Robertson said he was surprised that almost all the local private schools wound up participating in the program. He said under the program rules that some students already attending private schools could get vouchers. Supt. Robertson said the public schools will have to continue "competing" with the private schools. He said the public schools offer many advantages. The superintendent told the commission there were significant cuts to reach a balanced budget, including about $4 million in reductions to the central office. Also, principals were told to cut .5 position at their schools. He said the schools faced up to $12.5 million in increased health care costs. Supt. Robertson said the schools have been providing bus service from Warner Park morning and afternoon for students at CSAS, who have limited parking (parking is no longer available across Third Street). He said CARTA may take up some of that slack. The schools passed on to the charter schools $40,782,000 - up $2.1 million. Commissioner Joe Graham said the schools should not expect a tax increase next year and "should be getting ready now for another tight year." The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 will hold a renaming and dedication ceremony on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Founders Hall at The Commons, 4950 Swinyar Dr. in Collegedale, to honor a local fallen hero.Originally chartered on Oct. 13, 1994 as Veterans of Foreign Wars Ooltewah Post 1697, VFW Post 1697 will be renamed and dedicated as Veterans of Foreign Wars PFC Travis F. Haslip Memorial Post 1697.Members of VFW Post 1697 began the official renaming process on Feb. 20 through post name change proposition, member voting, VFW Department of Tennessee Commander approval and VFW National Headquarters approval.VFW Post 1697 leadership was informed on April 29 of the official approval from the VFW commander-in-chief to rename the Post.Members of VFW Post 1697 voted to rename their Post in honor of U.S. Army Private First Class Travis F. Haslip, who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC Haslip, 20, was killed by a roadside improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq on May 19, 2007 while assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Tx. A native of Pontiac, Mi., PFC Travis had been a resident of Ooltewah since 1990. He attended Ooltewah High School, Collegedale Academy and Chattanooga State. He attended Ooltewah Seventh Day Adventist Church.PFC Haslip is buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery in Sec BB Site 441-C. PFC Haslip was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge.Hors doeuvres will follow the program.Event attendance is free. Donations will be received to help cover the cost of catering and event setup. All donations support VFW Post 1697's veteran and youth programs. Suggested donation is $15 per person. Donations can be made at the door through cash, check or online.RSVP here by Thursday, June 5. After suffering from four years of open borders, rampant crime and lawlessness under the last administration, the American people returned President Trump to the Oval Office with a mandate to Make America Safe Again. In just his first months back in office, that is exactly what he has done. In operations across the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested more than 66,000 illegal aliens and deported more than 65,000. Among those arrested, the vast majority are criminal illegal aliens, including violent MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members and thousands who were charged or convicted of assault, weapons offenses, sex crimes, and murder. This effort represents a complete reversal of the open-border policies of the Biden administration, which welcomed criminals into our country and turned every state into a border state, including Tennessee. Just last year, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico killed 42-year-old Nashville restaurant owner Matthew Carney in a hit-and-run after attempting to steal tools out of his truck. Two months before, an illegal alien was charged with attempted kidnapping, sexual battery, public intoxication, and evading arrest after he followed a woman into the bathroom of a Nashville ice cream shop and groped her.Now, President Trump is taking strong action to get criminals like these off our streets and ensure such tragedies can never happen again.In recent days, the Department of Homeland Security has worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol to arrest nearly 200 criminal illegal aliens in Nashville, including convicted rapists and drug dealers. One of the aliens, Franklin Oswaldo Velasquez, is a Salvadoran national affiliated with MS-13 who is wanted in his home country for aggravated murder.Across the country, similar arrests of criminal illegal aliens have preceded a significant drop in crime. After ICE in February targeted for arrest more than 100 Tren de Aragua gang members who had taken over an Aurora, Colo., apartment complex, overall crime in the city declined by 22 percent during the first quarter of this year.Despite this success, Democrats are demonizing our law enforcement and demanding an end to the arrests. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who came down to Nashville this month to lecture Tennesseans on immigration enforcement, said the ICE arrests are an immigration assault that are not about keeping us safe. Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell, meanwhile, said that ICEs detainment of violent gang members and rapists is making [it] harder to keep people safe.The mayor is wrong in his assessment: Tennesseans in overwhelming numbers support the deportation of these criminal illegal aliens. As one police officer told me last week, these deportations make our communities safer, and they make the officers jobs on the street safer.In many ways, Democrats are making clear that they would rather side with criminal illegal aliens than American citizens. In contrast, Republicans are standing for safety and the rule of law.When it comes to immigration, there is a right way and a wrong way to enter our country. If an illegal alien continues to reside in our country in violation of our laws, the Trump administration will deport them and ensure they never come back. But if they accept President Trumps offer to self-deport, they still have the ability to go through the proper legal channels to enter our country at a later point.The 116 people who became U.S. citizens last week during a naturalization ceremony at the federal courthouse in Nashville did it the right way. As one new citizen told local media, if you want to be an American, You have to respect the country you are going to live in. You have to respect the law.In the Senate, Republicans are working hard to support the Presidents efforts to maintain the rule of law when it comes to immigration. My CLEAR Act, for example, would ensure that state and local law enforcement officials have the explicit authority to assist the federal government in our immigration enforcement efforts.This week, Im also introducing legislation that would establish a Deportation Shot Clock, which would require the federal government to deport an illegal alien within 15 days of a court order for removal. This would empower the Trump administration to expedite deportations and ensure that we are getting criminals off our streets.One thing should be clear: the Trump administration and Republicans are doing everything possible to remove criminals from our communities, uphold the rule of law, and Make America Safe Again. And we will use every resource available to ensure that happens.Marsh BlackburnU.S. Senator for Tennessee * * * Senator Blackburn, it is best that you have researched the statistics on what you are discussing than go blindly and embarrass yourself. The crime statistics that have been used on illegal immigrants by Trump are wrong, which can be verified by both private agencies and government agencies. Raleigh Perry * * * Mr. Perry, did Trumps so-called fake figures regarding illegal alien crime come from your research or did you get it from NPR, MSNBC or one of your Senators, John Ossoff, D-GA or Raphael Warnock, D-GA? Or perhaps was it from Stacy Abrams, Warnocks one-time business associate (AP News 1/15/25)? I guess because you said it we are to believe it. After the recent revelations regarding AutoPens, rigging teleprompters, terrible cabinet meetings, denials and claims of five people running the government and none were Joe Biden (Original Sin, Tapper & Thompson, 2025) I find it laughable Democrats are still running the tale that Trump is the consummate liar. I guess when you limit your news intake to the aforementioned leftist hotbeds, it explains how the last four years played out. Im glad nearly 78 million people werent manipulated and Im glad Marsha Blackburn is our Tennessee U.S. Senator. Ralph Miller * * * Some people, no matter their political stripe, have a problem with people not abiding the laws of this country, be they illegal immigrants, be they members of ICE pursuing those illegals, be they ones who broke into the U.S. House of Congress four years ago, the Tennessee State House long before that, or work as members of the Senate or the Executive, we take issue with them following their ideology rather than the laws of this land. As for you, Senator, my proposal is put forth legislation that can work for both sides of the aisle, not just for those who delight in putting those of the low rungs of the economy down. Joe Biden did more for this economy by his senility and by being propped up by his team than has your leader. The Stock Market hummed along with Bidens sleepiness, a bit different than how wide awake it has been this short four months. You really need to listen to the farmers and businesspeople and citizens of this state and work for them, not the president. This country needs to change the script on the Statue of Liberty for the harsh deeds you so prescribe with law writing. Last but not least, read the Bill of Rights, it may get in the way of what you have written. Prentice Hicks * * * Mr. Hicks, One point in your rant, you "accidently" forgot the part about Joe Biden's minders leaving the southern border wide open and not enforcing the immigration laws of the United States of America. Just think about it....most of the problems you complained of would be moot, if those immigration laws had been enforced. I'm not sure what ideology Joe's minders had in mind, but whatever it was, the immigration laws of the United States and both sides of your wishful aisle were definitely not being considered. Be that as it may, most Americans decided a new sheriff, Donald Trump, was needed to clean up the mess and more. Thankfully. Phil Snider * * * Dear Senator Blackburn and Staff, Have you lost touch with Chattanooga? Have you lost touch with the ideals of our nation as a whole? We are a country founded on the dream that all people have inalienable rights- to include becoming American along with the agency therein. We are learning that not all immigrants are seeking an American dream, some are escaping nightmares, and our collective morality will need to be consistently evolving to reflect the needs of our people, and make no mistake, we are a nation of immigrants, and though there may be some who have grandmothers who have grandmothers who lived on this land with full access to citizenship, we are comparatively young in our governmental framework dependent on citizenry and participation, and the hubris of Blackburn's xenophobic proposed legislation reflects that. Education has helped many of us to realize that we weren't the 'first' and there is no 'again'. We are too unpracticed of institutions, needing the wisdom of experience, the innovation of youth, and a foundation- however flawed- of all being created equal to reflect values for a pursuit often quoted: that of happiness. It can be a painfully slow process of thought and debate, which can be rooted in misguided and imperfect theory, but it is an experiment worth continuing. The recipe for America's feast has the ingredients, yet, our gatherings are sparse, for all do not have a seat, our table too limited for serving, and our collective exhaustion leaving people wary to attend. With all the work Chattanooga, and I would add Tennessee, is trying to accomplish, this is how you throw a nod to your constituents here, a piece in the Chattanoogan? You have never agreed to meet, never, not once, taken a phone call or returned one, you've never not in all the times I and many others have urged you to heed the calls of dissent, not once have you represented any other agenda but the pursuit of power, supporting blindly and unequivocally an administration's agenda. To what end? Your office has left the diversity of Tennessee ill represented, leaving us to appear to support such proposed policies that your staff has taken the time to construct, enumerating ideas that our local law enforcement is to have direct authority to deport citizens. At what point did you lose touch with the actual needs for resources of our local law enforcement? The email to the Chattanoogan will not suffice for the answers we seek. I do not support your proposed Clear Act or "shot clock". I do however support pay raises and better training- just while I may have your attention. And I am not alone. Readjust the lens through which you view our state and our country, invite those who do not think like you do to gain much needed perspective, it will make you a better leader. And to any others reading this: vote accordingly. Jamie C. Gaines You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A sign tells travelers about the Real ID requirement to pass through security at Love Field airport in Dallas on May 7. Global Credit Union Arena (formerly Grand Canyon University Arena) in Phoenix, Arizona. | Screenshot: GCU Arena Website (https://www.gcuarena.com/) The U.S. Department of Education (ED) dismissed with prejudice an unprecedented $37.7 million fine against the largest Christian university, Grand Canyon University (GCU) in the United States after a prolonged legal dispute. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, GCU was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Joint Stipulation of Dismissal order issued by EDs Office of Hearings and Appeals, which stated there are no findings against GCU, or any of its employees, officers, agents, or contractors, and no fine is imposed, according to a Friday press release from the school. Founded in 1949 as a nonprofit college by the Southern Baptist Convention, GCU transitioned to a for-profit institution in 2004 amid financial difficulties and has since grown to become the countrys largest Christian college by enrollment. Last month, the school graduated 31,104 students, including 25,435 online students and 5,669 on-campus students. The dispute began in October 2023 when the Department of Education imposed a $37.7 million fine following an investigation by its Office of Federal Student Aid. The investigation concluded that GCU lied about the cost of its doctoral programs to attract students to enroll in more than 7,500 current and former students. The department alleged that the school misrepresented the cost by advertising that its doctoral programs cost between $40,000 and $49,000 when fewer than 2% of graduates completed their programs within that price range. The department also claimed that required continuation courses often tacked an additional $10,000 to $12,000 onto the final cost, and dismissed GCUs disclosures about these extra costs as inadequate notice of substantial misrepresentations regarding cost. In response to the fine, GCU faced lawsuits from the Federal Trade Commission and a financial audit from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which the school argued was part of a coordinated effort by government agencies to target GCU for punishment. The U.S. District Court of Arizona dismissed the FTCs lawsuit in March, ruling that the FTC did not have jurisdiction over GCU. GCU President Brian Mueller welcomed the ruling, stating, The facts clearly support our contention that we were wrongly accused of misleading our Doctoral students and we appreciate the recognition that those accusations were without merit, He also expressed optimism about future cooperation: GCU is a leader in innovation, transparency, and best practices in higher education, and we look forward to working cooperatively with the Department in the future just as we have with all regulatory agencies. A report published last year by the conservative think tank American Principles Project highlighted the conduct of the Department of Educations Office of Enforcement. According to the report, Christian colleges and universities, which enroll less than 10% of students in the U.S., account for approximately 70% of penalties issued by the Office of Enforcement. The average fine for Christian schools was $815,000, significantly higher than the $228,571 average penalty imposed on public and private institutions for violations related to campus crime. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Taylor Flowe California has consented to permit a group of Orthodox Jewish parents to utilize public funds for enrolling their children in religious-based special education programs. An agreement was reached Monday in the case of Loffman et al. v. California Department of Education et al., which questioned whether state officials could enforce a provision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that barred the use of state funds at religious schools. In a joint motion for the entry of a consent judgment and a permanent injunction filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, both parties agreed to "judgment in Plaintiffs' favor and a permanent injunction to resolve all claims raised by Plaintiffs against Defendants in this case." The joint motion stated, Defendants agree that they shall not appeal from any ruling that adopts this Consent Judgment, which, along with the Settlement Agreement, represents the full scope of the agreement between the Parties. Defendants further agree that the relief granted herein is fair and equitable, and added, The Parties agree that Plaintiffs are the prevailing parties and therefore are entitled to reasonable attorneys fees and costs, the amount of which is resolved by the Parties separate Settlement Agreement. The lawsuit was initially filed in March 2023 by Jewish parents, naming as defendants the California Department of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Anthony Aguilar, chief of special education, equity, and access. The plaintiffs contended that the defendants violated the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause by preventing parents from using public funds for sending their children with special needs to Orthodox Jewish schools. The California Education Code mandated that any schools receiving federal IDEA funding be nonsectarian. In August 2023, U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, ruled against the parents. She wrote that the complaint mischaracterizes the nature of the available benefits and that Californias nonsectarian requirement applies to schools, not IDEA-eligible children and their parents. However, in October last year, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, with Circuit Judge Kim Wardlaw, a President Bill Clinton appointee, writing that the state failed to prove that the nonsectarian requirement is narrowly tailored to serve government neutrality. Home News Evangelical pastors detail White House visit, Paula White meeting: 'More respect for her than most Reformed pastors' 'The most powerful man in there isn't the president; it's God Himself,' pastor says of Oval Office visit After a trip to the nations capital last month, three Evangelical pastors are opening up about their visit to the White House and how they believe God is working in and through the Trump administration. In a May 9 episode of the "Resurge Season 1" podcast hosted by Pastor Josh Howerton, Pastors Josh McPherson, Ryan Visconti and Landon Schott discussed the influence of Evangelical Christians in the second Trump administration, addressed objections to their involvement and offered guidance for pastors on engaging with politics. The pastors reflected on their April 26 White House visit, which involved a four-hour briefing with key staff, and, they say, revealed a strong Christian presence around President Donald Trump. 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 "I was struck by how clear each of the White House staffers who were in positions of authority and influence around our president, how clear each of them presented a personal articulation of their belief in Jesus Christ, said McPherson, lead pastor of Grace City Church in Wenatchee, Washington. Howerton, senior pastor of the multicampus Lakepointe Church in Texas, shared an encounter with a Lebanese Christian counterterrorism official who told a powerful story about targeting a persecutor of Christians, highlighting the administration's decisive action. "Day one, he took that file to President Trump and said, 'Here's this man who's persecuting Christians abroad. ... What would you like us to do?' said Howerton. And Donald Trump gave our U.S. military the green light and ... 24 hours later that man was dead. The official, said McPherson, ultimately emphasized the Gospel's role over military solutions. "We cannot kill our way out of the hole we are in, he said. We need the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread. He also shared an exchange with one White House aide who showed the group a waiting area in the West Wing outside the Situation Room. She says, This is where every world dignitary who goes into the Oval Office sits and waits to meet with the president. I want you to look at the picture he had commissioned on this wall that they have to stare at before they go in." The group turned around to find a huge picture of President Trump sitting at the Resolute Desk with about 30 pastors and Paula White with their hands on him, praying over him when he established the Faith Office back in his first term in 2017. She said he asked for that picture to be put there because he wanted every world leader to know and see and feel that when he walks in that room, he's not just dealing with a man, said McPherson. That's a statement that says we are a Christian nation, and we want to align ourselves with the principles of God. We're going to seek the help of God, the power of God, the leading of God in all that we do. When you go in the Oval Office, the most powerful man in there is not the president; it's God Himself. The pastors briefly responded to criticisms from Never Trumper Christian figures like David French, who, earlier this month, criticized the MAGA Christian right as cruel, comparing their approach unfavorably to Jesus' humility. After rejecting Frenchs characterization of Trump as cruel to immigrants, Schott, pastor of MercyCulture in Fort Worth, Texas, dismissed French's credibility due to his support for same-sex marriage. I don't care what you say because you're pretending that Scripture is your authority, but it has to go through some filtered pseudo-philosophical lens in everything that you do. And so, at that point, everything that you say is now null and void because you don't believe in the authority of Scripture, said Schott. The pastors acknowledge that some in their respective circles objected to aligning with Paula White, a charismatic televangelist who is Trump's closest spiritual advisor and senior advisor to the White House Faith Office, due to theological difference. But McPherson praised her courage and faith. "I left about a four-hour interaction with her having more respect for her than most of the Reformed pastors I've grown up around, he said. Her long-term, unpaid service to Trump was seen as divinely appointed. "She told the story [of how] she met President Trump 26 years ago, said McPherson. It's a little hard for me not to see the sovereignty of God in positioning that person in somebody's life 20-some odd years before he would ever ascend to the position of the most influence in the entire known world. Last month, Visconti shared images on social media from the groups visit, including photos with White, White House Faith Director Jenny Korn and others, along with a video showing a time of worship led by Sean Feucht. The video, shot in an unidentified area of the White House, showed a small group of attendees raising hands and singing in worship. Former President Biden Has Prostate Cancer, NYC College Sued For Antisemitism, Calif. Bill To Overrule Parents On Name Changes link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:29 07:29 Top headlines for Tuesday, May 20, 2025 In this episode, we discuss the recent health challenges facing former President Biden, who has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has unfortunately spread to his bones. We'll explore the ongoing review of treatment options by his family. Next, we cover the U.S. Department of Education's decision to dismiss an unprecedented $37.7 million fine against Grand Canyon University, examining the implications for higher education institutions. Finally, we look into a controversial new bill introduced in California that would empower courts to override parental objections to changes in their child's name and sex on official documents, exploring the potential impacts on families and the legal system. 00:12 Biden has prostate cancer with bone spread, reviewing treatment 01:11 Dept. of Education rescinds $37.7 million fine against GCU 02:04 NYC college sued for terminating Jewish professors 02:56 Calif. bill would OK courts to overrule parents for name changes 03:57 PCUSA to require clergy to answer questions about LGBT views 04:50 Kirk Cameron on discipling children in a dark culture 05:37 American Idol winner Jamal Roberts grew up singing in church Links to the News Home News Colorado's new trans law 'punishes' those who disagree, 'compels' speech: lawsuit The national grassroots organization Defending Education is suing the state of Colorado over a new law making it a discriminatory act to refuse to call trans-identifying individuals by their chosen name, among other provisions that have sparked concerns about free speech and parental rights. Defending Education filed a joint lawsuit Monday on behalf of Colorado Parent Advocacy Network, Protect Kids Colorado, Do No Harm and Dr. Travis Morrell over House Bill 25-1312, which was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis last Friday. Nicki Neily, the founder and president of Defending Education, believes that the new law "compels speech on sex and gender and punishes citizens who disagree." 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 "Citizens cannot be forced to say what the government wants them to say," Neily declared. "That's why we have a First Amendment." The bill, also known as the "Kelly Loving Act," expands the state's anti-discrimination protections for who identify as the opposite sex and requires school policies to be "inclusive of all reasons" that a student may adopt a different name. The legislation requires schools to "allow each student to choose from any of the options provided in the dress code." In its complaint, Defending Education maintains that the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act already makes it illegal to deny someone services or goods based on certain characteristics, which include "gender expression." The bill's definition of "gender expression" is "overbroad" and is "designed to punish disfavored speech," the lawsuit contends. "The purpose of H.B. 25-1312 is clear," a copy of the lawsuit provided to The Christian Post reads. "The law punishes those who refuse to speak using chosen names and pronouns, and it does so in order to suppress traditional beliefs about sex and gender. In other words, the law openly discriminates based on viewpoint." One of the plaintiffs the complaint asserts is injured by House Bill 25-1312 is Dr. Morrell, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who addresses individuals using "accurate terms" due to the nature of his work. Morrell believes determining the right treatment for patients may depend on clear communication about their sex. "In addition, as a medical doctor, Dr. Morrell is trained to treat patients holistically. Dr. Morrell has difficult discussions with patients about psychiatric disorders, habits and behaviors that may impact them both dermatologically and overall, such as alcohol abuse, smoking, anxiety, body dysmorphia, self-harm, and, relevant here, gender dysphoria," the suit added. "In these cases, it is vital that he be able to address the root cause," the document continues, noting that surgical interventions for trans-identifying individuals and cross-sex hormones can impact a patient's health. For example, sex-change surgeries can result in "extensive scarring," and patients who take testosterone may experience "severe cystic acne." The suit argues that Morrell must be permitted "to provide accurate information regarding the risks associated with these interventions." The Colorado Parent Advocacy Network publishes materials that refer to individuals "using biologically accurate pronouns and other gendered terms" as part of its work. The new law will make it impossible for the group to "effectively exercise their constitutionally protected right to speak in a manner that reflects their sincere belief that sex is immutable and fixed at birth," according to the complaint. Polis and his office did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment about the lawsuit. Earlier this year, the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University warned that the bill could result in parents losing custody of their children if they opposed allowing them to transition. The bill's sponsors removed provisions that they say would have impacted child custody decisions following pushback from Colorado parents and advocacy groups, but some still believe the language of the bill is too broad. Home News Critics slam Comey for 8647 seashell story pleading ignorance: Down-to-the-marrow stupid Former FBI Director James Comey drew scorn on social media after claiming he and his wife happened upon a group of seashells on a beach that said 8647, a message some interpreted as a call for presidential assassination, which prompted widespread outrage and a visit from the U.S. Secret Service. Speaking Monday to MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace, Comey claimed he has been engulfed in a political firestorm for taking a walk on the beach with my wife. JUST IN: Former FBI Director James Comey says everyone is mad at him for "walking on the beach with his wife," paints himself as a victim. What a pathetic excuse of a man. "All for walking on the beach with my wife. So I don't know how we ended up here. Never occurred to me pic.twitter.com/C8uxkYje0W Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe May 19, 2025 On Friday afternoon, Comey posted an image of shells in the sand formed into the numbers 8647, writing, Cool shell formation on my beach walk. After igniting outrage from many who noted that 86 means to murder someone in mob circles, Comey took down the post and claimed the violent connotation of the term never occurred to me. On Saturday, Comey was escorted to the Washington field office of the U.S. Secret Service and interviewed. During his Monday interview with Wallace, Comey attempted to blame the controversy on Trump, who fired him in 2017. In some strange way, Im the relationship [Trump] cant get over, maybe because Ive lived a happy, productive life since leaving, said Comey, whose newest book was released Tuesday. Comey claimed that before he fired off his photo, he and his wife discussed how the meaning of 86 is innocent. We stood over it and I said, I think its some kind of political message, and she said, 86 when I was a server she did a lot of working in restaurants meant to remove an item from the menu when you ran out of ingredients, Comey said. And I said, Well, to me, as a kid, it always meant to leave a place, to ditch a place. I said, Thats really clever. So then she said, You should take a picture of that. And I did, and I posted it on my Instagram account and thought nothing more of it. I heard through her that people were saying it was some sort of a call for assassination, which is crazy, the former FBI head continued. But I took it down. Even if I think its crazy, I dont want to be associated with violence of any kind. Critics were skeptical that Comey, who went after the mob during his time at the FBI, had nothing to do with arranging the shells and was unaware that 86 also means to kill someone. Trump, who was almost assassinated twice last year, was among the first to push back against Comeys claim that he was ignorant of the message of the seashells. He knew exactly what that meant. A child knows what that meant, Trump told Fox News on Friday. If youre the FBI director, and you dont know what that meant, that meant assassination, and it says it loud and clear. Author and Fox News contributor Joe Concha described Comeys beach tale as the biggest lie yet. That Comey somehow stumbled upon some seashells and claiming to not know what it meant - decided to take a photo of it and post it online?! And of course, Nicolle Wallace just nods right along. Washington Free Beacon journalist Chuck Ross noted that Wallaces husband often wrote stories in The New York Times flattering to Comey. Comey says he's back in the national spotlight simply for walking on the beach with my wife, Ross wrote. (Note that Nicolle Wallace is married to NYT's Michael Schmidt, the recipient of all sorts of anonymously-sourced pro-Comey scoops over the years). Has anyone done more to utterly destroy the reputation of a federal agency than this guy? asked radio host Buck Sexton. Journalist Mollie Hemingway suggested last week that Comey should be subjected to the same early-morning raid that Roger Stone, Catholic father Mark Houck and Trump himself experienced. If Comey is interviewed about his call to assassinate President Trump and he repeats his lie that he didn't know what he was doing, make sure to also charge him with lying to FBI agents, Hemingway wrote. Also, do the interview in conjunction with an armed raid at [5 a.m.], for old time's sake. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., suggested during a Monday interview with CNN that Comeys seashell post exhibited his immaturity, bitterness and stupidity. You can only be young once, but you can always be immature, said Kennedy, who noted he knows Comey well and that he finds the former FBI director very self-assured. Former FBI Director James Comeys post was bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid. pic.twitter.com/TNCjKnl29z John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) May 19, 2025 As Lyndon Johnson used to say, he can strut sitting down. He's got a chip on his shoulder. In fact, the chip on his shoulder has a chip on its shoulder, Kennedy continued, adding that Comey interfered in presidential campaigns twice. I don't have a lot of sympathy for him. I don't know what his intent was, but it was bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid, and I don't feel sorry for him. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard last week called for Comey to be jailed over his post, a threat Comey dismissed during his interview with Wallace. I hope people know enough about that particular person that they understand where its coming from, Comey said of Gabbard. It says something more depressing about the leadership of our current administration. And I just shrug because thats ridiculous. I dont I wouldnt expect anything to come at me from the shell business. Home News Pastor Jamal Bryant plans Memorial Day weekend Target protest to remember George Floyd Come next Sunday, megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant and his parishioners at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia won't just be remembering those who died serving in the United States military, as many are expected to do on Memorial Day weekend. In what he calls an expression of "righteous indignation," Bryant announced on Sunday that he and his parishioners will protest for 9 minutes and 40 seconds outside a Target store in Conyers, Georgia, to mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's killing by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Members of another 67 churches nationwide are expected to walk out of their churches in support. 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 "Next Sunday will mark the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Next Sunday is the fifth anniversary, where the world stood still as a consequence, hallmarking that moment. Next Sunday, we are going to Target in Conyers," Bryant told his congregants. "We are not going in. We're going outside in righteous indignation, and so, as a consequence, we are going for prayer." Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died on Monday, May 25, 2020, in the custody of four now-fired Minneapolis police officers as he was arrested for using counterfeit money. Floyd's death, which was caught on video, triggered violent protests in that city, which spread to other locations across the country, including Memphis and Los Angeles. The approximately 10-minute video of the encounter shows a handcuffed Floyd lying face down, begging for his life and crying for his mother while Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck. Chauvin, who was convicted of murder, knelt on Floyd's neck until he began to bleed from his nose and became unresponsive. Even after Floyd became motionless on the ground, Chauvin continued pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for several more minutes as bystanders begged him to have mercy. A medical examiner who testified during the trial said that Floyd's heart disease and use of fentanyl were contributing factors in his death but were not the direct cause. It was widely reported that Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, but it was later confirmed to be 9 minutes and 29 seconds. It's unclear where Bryant got the time 9 minutes and 40 seconds, but his team confirmed with The Christian Post that will be the duration of the protest. They claimed it's to correspond with the time Floyd spent suffocating. "I'm telling you, Newbirth, you are an influential church. You're an influential ministry. Next Sunday, I hope you'll cheer with me; not only will we be doing it, but 67 churches around the country," Bryant declared. "Sixty-seven churches are going to walk out of their church just as we are doing here in Atlanta. It'll be at 12 noon." Bryant's protest at Target comes after he rejected an offer by the retail giant last month to settle an ongoing dispute over the company's decision to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The rejection of Target's offer followed a 40-day protest fast by Bryant and his supporters, which included not shopping at Target. That effort is part of a larger grassroots Target Fast campaign. The campaign called on Target to honor a pledge to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses, deposit "250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks," restore "the franchise commitment to DEI," and "pipeline community centers at 10 HBCU to teach retail business at every level." Target offered to honor its pledge to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses by July 31, but Bryant said it wasn't enough. "We had four asks and only walked away with one thing. I want to tell you what that one thing is. Target has agreed that by July the 31st, they will complete the pledge of $2 billion for black business," Bryant said last month after a meeting with Target CEO Brian Cornell. "But the other three things we have no commitment on, and we don't have anything to stand on because their currency does not ride with us," he said. African American civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton also met with the Target CEO and appeared to come away from the meeting with more of a positive mindset than Bryant, calling it a "very constructive and candid meeting." Bryant's team didn't comment on any differences of opinion between Sharpton and Bryant. In joining the pushback against Target, Bryant accused the retail giant and other large corporations, such as Walmart, of capitulating to President Donald Trump's push to end DEI policies that he says "undermine our national unity," among other things. Several large U.S.-based corporations have reevaluated their DEI policies in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling, which found that the admissions policies of the University of North Carolina and Harvard University that use race as a factor were unconstitutional. Bryant's team didn't comment on why he is only focusing the boycott's attention on Target. The Target boycott, which started on March 5, began as the company announced that they expected a "meaningful" drop in their first quarter profits due to "ongoing consumer uncertainty," soft sales in February and concerns about tariffs, CNBC reported. Across the retail industry, sales were down more than expected to start 2025. Bryant called Target's DEI rollback a "spit in the face of black people" and insisted to his congregants that their boycott had caused the share price of the company to tumble. Home News Megachurch backs male students being investigated for complaining about female in locker room A local megachurch is rallying behind three male students at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia, who are being investigated for sexual harassment after complaining about a female student who identifies as a boy in the boys' locker room. On Sunday, Gary Hamrick, senior pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, introduced the boys to his congregation and pledged his support for them. "When I had heard about these three young men who attended Stone Bridge High School had been accused of sexual harassment just because they questioned a female in the boys' locker room, I just felt compelled, as a pastor in the area, to bring our church together to support them and to show our support for their rights to be in a boys' locker room without the invasion of privacy of a biological female," Hamrick told WJLA. 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 boys have not been publicly identified and are being investigated for sexual harassment under Title IX civil rights law, the local outlet reported. The female student reportedly entered the boys' locker room and recorded them raising questions about her presence. The boys also expressed their discomfort with the female student being in their locker room and questioned why she was not using the female locker room. Hamrick told thousands of congregants across three services on Sunday that the probe on the male students was made possible by a policy passed by the Loudoun County School Board in 2021 known as Policy 8040 and Regulation 8040. "When I informed people what Policy 8040 is all about in Loudoun County, which is that students can identify by whatever gender they choose, and on top of that, they can then use whatever bathrooms or locker rooms they want according to their preferred gender identity, and on top of that, parents cannot be notified by Loudoun County administrators or teachers, and that's when people in our church just gasped, like, 'what kind of a policy is this?" Hamrick told WJLA. "And so when I mentioned how this policy has now been put into full force, and these three young men have been charged with sexual harassment because of violating Policy 8040, our congregation just rallied behind them. They stood to their feet. They applauded these young men when I brought them up on stage." The Founding Freedoms Law Center, the legal arm of the socially conservative and Christian fundamentalist lobbying organization Family Foundation of Virginia, announced earlier this month that they are representing the male students who are sophomores. "The female student filed a complaint to school officials after she secretly video-recorded several boys in the locker room, in which some were discussing among themselves discomfort and confusion about why there was a girl changing in their locker room," the firm explained in a statement. "One of our clients (whose identity is being withheld for his protection) simply said, 'Why is there a girl in the locker room?' The other boy had gone to the P.E. teacher and the Principal beforehand to express discomfort over a girl sharing the locker room with the boys." At the request of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares will investigate Loudoun County Public Schools over allegations that it "targeted" the Stone Bridge High School boys who expressed discomfort with the girl in the boys' locker room. "It's deeply concerning to read reports of yet another incident in Loudoun County schools where members of the opposite sex are violating the privacy of students in locker rooms," Youngkin stated. "Even more alarming, the victims of this violation are the ones being investigated this is beyond belief." The U.S. Department of Education also launched a formal investigation into Loudoun County Public Schools and other school districts regarding their policies related to gender identity. "This is yet another egregious example of how LCPS continues to defy state law on transgender policies as well as President Trump's recent executive orders. These high school boys did absolutely nothing wrong, and LCPS needs to end this baseless investigation immediately," said Josh Hetzler, legal counsel for Founding Freedoms Law Center. Seth Wolfe, father of one of the boys, defended his son from what he called unfair targeting. "My 15 year-old son is being unfairly targeted for simply asking a basic question that any boy would be asking in that situation," he said. "It's astonishing that Loudoun school officials are subjecting him to a formal investigation for a bogus charge that could derail his life." Home News New impasse? Iran rejects US demands to give up enrichment, says it will continue with or without deal After U.S. President Donald Trumps special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff called uranium enrichment a clear red line on Sunday, the Iranian leadership was quick to respond, calling his position unrealistic. Speaking to ABC News This Week on Sunday, Witkoff reaffirmed the Trump administrations stance on the issue of uranium enrichment, saying any deal will not include agreement authorizing enrichment in Iran. "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability," Witkoff said during the interview. 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 We've delivered a proposal to the Iranians that we think addresses some of this, without disrespecting them, Witkoff continued. The special envoy reiterated the Trump administration's desire to see a diplomatic resolution. The president has been very clear; he wants to solve this conflict diplomatically, and with dialogue, Witkoff stated. Shortly after Witkoffs statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a message to X, saying that Irans membership in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) allowed it the right of enrichment, and there is no scenario in which Iranians will permit deviance from that. He also spoke of the investment the Islamic Republic has made to achieve enrichment, saying, Mastering enrichment technology is a hard-earned and homegrown scientific achievement. He claimed the U.S. could negotiate a deal to ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon, but said that the country will continue to enrich. If the U.S. 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. Enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed Araghchis comments at a talk at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, hosted at the School of International Relations in Tehran on Sunday. We will never give up our peaceful nuclear program, Pezeshkian said, before directly addressing the U.S. This is our right. We will continue to flourish even if you never abandon your pressure tactics. Araghchi, who also spoke at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, accused the U.S. of taking contradictory positions during the negotiations and attributed that to Israeli pressure. Its now evident that anti-diplomacy elements in Washington, acting in coordination with Netanyahus dangerous agenda, are actively undermining progress, he said. Internal politics are one thing, but allowing hardline factions to hijack negotiations through constant framework changes is both unproductive and unacceptable. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Irans parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said on Monday that if the U.S. continues to insist on no enrichment, then continuing the negotiations is pointless and futile. Iran and the U.S. have conducted four rounds of negotiations, mediated by Oman, regarding Irans nuclear program. While both sides have described the talks as positive, there appears to have been little actual progress in the discussions. Meanwhile, on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the Trump administrations stance regarding enrichment. "We are 100% committed to that red line. The president, Special Envoy Witkoff and Secretary [Marco] Rubio have made that incredibly clear not just to the American public, but also in direct discussions that Special Envoy Witkoff has had with the Iranians," Leavitt told reporters at the White House. Also on Monday, a joint statement by the European Union and the United Kingdom expressed deep concern over the dangerous expansion of Irans nuclear program. We continue to be deeply concerned by the dangerous expansion of Irans nuclear program, alongside its behavior in the region and on European soil, the statement read. During his Middle East tour, Trump appeared to reiterate his support for a military option if talks fail to achieve a deal. Speaking to Fox News Brett Baier, Trump said, "Well, we're gonna have a solution one way or the other. It's either gonna be violent or not violent and I far prefer non-violent. You have to view them as people and I don't want it to be a violent thing, Trump continued. But they are not gonna have a nuclear weapon. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home Opinion Should Evangelicals be more or less political? Talk to the average critic of the Evangelical church perhaps someone who has deconstructed and now resents their religious upbringing and one of the first complaints they have is that Christians are too political. Especially since 2016, it has become common to smear conservative Christians for being more interested in making America great again than in making disciples. This perception of Evangelicals (that their churches are too political) is so strong that sociologist Christian Smith cited it in his recent book, Why Religion Went Obsolete as one of the main reasons for the long-term decline in church attendance. Heres the irony: Evangelical churches arent in fact that political by the typical definition of the term, nor do their members want them to be. That public perception is basically a myth. 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 Summarizing several recent and large surveys, statistician Ryan Burge showed that very few houses of worship are talking about political issues on a regular basis, and even the recognizable pastors on social media doing a lot of culture warring are outliers. In its 2022 Health of Congregations Survey, the Public Religion Research Institute asked regular church attenders how often their pastors talk about a variety of issues. Ninety percent said their clergy never or rarely talk about election or voter fraud. Ninety-two percent said their churches never or rarely talk about President Trump. Only 9% said their clergy often bring up abortion, while 58% said the topic never or rarely comes up. The most frequently discussed political topics across all congregations were poverty and inequality, with 66% saying their churches sometimes or often bring up these subjects. But that could just be from reading the Gospels! Looking specifically at Evangelicals, the popular wisdom that they idolize politics doesnt hold up. Only 9% said that their church is more divided by politics today than it was five years ago lower than the number of non-evangelicals and Catholics who saw such division in their churches. And just 14% of evangelicals agreed with the statement, I wish my church talked more about political division in this country, compared with 86% who disagreed. Far from rallying their political tribe, most Evangelicals appear to prefer their pastor stick with preaching the Word of God. Burge remarked: I get the very clear sense from this data that any pastor who chooses to speak up about political division in the United States is going to anger a whole lot of their flock You just dont see a lot of church going folks who are keen on their pastor talking about what is going on in the world of politics, just the opposite. When compared with surveys of how the unchurched perceive Christians, the disconnect is glaring. It turns out quite a few non-churchgoing Americans have no idea what goes on inside churches. As Burge concluded: Doing a lot of public-facing work on religion has taught me that a significant number of people who arent religious or dont attend church on a regular basis have a misperception about what happens on a Sunday morning. The vast majority of pastors arent talking about politics on a regular basis. This raises a couple of interesting questions. Should we be talking more about politics from the pulpit? And if so, what qualifies as politics? As I said recently on Breakpoint, theres a clear difference between pastors commenting on foreign policy and being willing to oppose the killing of unborn babies. One is nuanced and requires great expertise while the other is a very clear-cut moral issue. Not all issues that get labeled political are created equal. But on a deeper level, maybe we should rethink what counts as political. In the sense that loving our neighbors, exercising dominion over Gods world, and stewarding our citizenship are earthly duties of Christians, Christianity could be called deeply and unavoidably political. Without ever bringing up candidates, debating elections, or drawing up tribal battle lines, pastors and teachers who do their job by telling the whole story of redemption are saying a few things in no uncertain terms: that Christ is sovereign over all of human existence, that this world and the way we choose to live in it matter to Him, and that He intends His Gospel and its effects to permeate society, culture, and government. That sounds political, by any reasonable definition. None of this means Evangelicals who answered this survey are wrong for wanting to focus on the Word of God, or that we should spend every Sunday culture-warring and discussing the latest headlines. Far from it! What it does mean is that Christianity has unavoidable implications for the here and now, and that even as we keep the main thing the main thing in our churches, we should never forget that our worship has implications beyond them. Otherwise, well be just as mistaken as those who say we worship politics. This article was originally published on Breakpoint. Home Opinion The Church must stop chasing Planned Parenthood The pro-life movement is losing the long game. Not because our arguments lack truth or our data lacks integrity, but because we are fighting on the wrong battlefield. For decades, we have reacted to Planned Parenthoods every move, attacking abortion procedure by procedure, law by law and statistic by statistic. And yet, abortion remains embedded in our culture, now more accessible than ever through telehealth, mail-order pills and blue-state shield laws. The question must be asked: have Christians conceded the moral high ground? Planned Parenthood understands something the Church has forgotten the real battle is cultural. It is spiritual. And it starts not with abortion, but with sex. 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 Planned Parenthood stopped pretending some time ago about the range of health care services they provide. Just visit their website; it promotes four things: STD testing, birth control, abortion and the morning-after pill. Thats it. Every click, every drop-down, every image communicates one message: sexual freedom without consequence. Not moral questions. Not family. Not dignity. Just access. And yet, many Americans even some who call themselves pro-life still believe Planned Parenthood is a necessary womens health care provider. Why? Because their marketing is slick, their messaging is clear and the Churchs voice has gone silent. Dr. Ingrid Skop, vice president and director of Medical Affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, recently wrote that "Planned Parenthood marketing has successfully gaslit Americans, convincing them that desperate women would have no health care options without them. This is untrue." Shes right. But the bigger deception is this: Planned Parenthood has convinced our culture that sex outside of marriage is inevitable and that the only question left is how to manage the consequences. And tragically, many in the Church have accepted their false premise. We don't preach purity; we just fight to regulate what happens after it's lost. What would happen if the Church stopped reacting and started leading, if pastors returned to teaching sexual ethics without apology, if youth ministries stopped sidestepping conversations about purity for fear of offending, if pro-life advocacy returned to its biblical roots and refused to accept the sexual revolution as a foregone conclusion? In a recent interview, when asked if the pro-life movement has conceded its moral ground, Dr. Skop put it this way: When the house is on fire, you save the children first, then the pets, then if theres time, everything else. Skop also acknowledged the deeper issue: Eighty-seven percent of abortions are among unmarried women. We are in this crisis because purity was abandoned, and the fire started long before the baby was conceived. People like Skop are doing an amazing job, but the Church should not abdicate its responsibility to her and others like her. Church leaders, this is your moment to stop playing defense and start sounding the trumpet. We are the watchmen. And if we fail to warn the people then their blood is on our hands. The moral compass of our culture is not set by those in Washington nor those who sit in the White House. The moral compass has been set by the God of the universe and shared by faithful men in the pulpits across America. And it's time for the Church to stop whispering. Its time to shout. Its time to cry out in prayer for national repentance. Planned Parenthood isnt just ending lives. They are evangelizing a generation. And while we chase their policies, theyre shaping hearts. That ends when we start preaching truth again boldly, unapologetically, and upstream of the crisis. The fire is raging. Its time to stop reacting and start repenting. Its time to lead. By thodonal/ Adobe (generated with AI) A poverty relief charity has been criticised by the sector regulator after an investigation found that 151,000 was moved to a trustees personal bank account to facilitate a transfer of money overseas. The Charity Commission reported today that the Olive Grove Foundation made the transfers to Mohammed Bhaiyats account between 2018 and 2020 after the charitys banking provider no longer permitted it to make overseas payments. According to its statutory inquiry report, the 151,000 transferred amounted to 76% of the charitys expenditure for the financial year ending 6 February 2020. Its inquiry found that the trustees failed to recognise the potential issues associated with the use of personal bank accounts to transfer charitable funds. The commission therefore concluded that the manner in which the trustees managed the charitys funds amounted to misconduct or mismanagement. 3,000 bail payment The inquiry also found that in May 2020 the charity paid 3,000 to HM Courts and Tribunals Service to secure the conditional bail of a person arrested by British police for extradition to the Czech Republic. While the charity had consulted the arrested persons lawyer before making the payment, the commission criticised its trustees for not seeking independent legal advice. The commission said that relying on the individuals solicitor presented a clear conflict of interest and was insufficient. It said that by raising and paying the 3,000, the trustees were acting outside of the charitys stated purposes, thereby breaching their fiduciary duties and the governing document. The commission concluded that the trustees decision to make the payment was misconduct or mismanagement. Internal policies The commission began engaging with the charity in 2019 over its operations and expenditure in Syria, which it considers to be a high-risk area. Through its inquiry, which opened in 2021, the commission also criticised the charity for having a lack of internal policies and failure to file its accounts on time. Given the charitys size, income level, and the nature of its overseas work in high-risk areas with vulnerable beneficiaries, the commission considers the policies should have been more comprehensive, the inquiry report said. For example, the charitys financial management policy lacked procedures for holding or transferring charitable funds from the charitys bank account and for sending charitable funds overseas. Meanwhile, the charity was late in filing its annual accounting documents with the commission for the financial years ending 6 February 2019 and 2021. Civil Society has contacted the charity for comment. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. In June 2023, more than seven months before the first Democratic primary of the presidential election, the Daily Mail asked a thousand voters for a word to describe each of the announced candidates. In a resulting word cloud, the choice that completely dominated for Joe Biden was old. (For Donald Trump, by the way, the word was criminal.) This was not a fluke: ten weeks later, in August, a poll for the Associated Press found that 77 percent of adults and 69 percent of Democrats thought Biden was too old to effectively serve another four-year term as president. (A slight majority, 51 percentbut only 28 percent of Republicanssaid the same of Trump.) A Wall Street Journal survey the next week also found that more than 70 percent of adults considered Biden too old to run for president. (Fewer than half said the same of Trump.) Later, in February 2024, Robert Hur, a special counsel for the Justice Department, declined to prosecute Biden for what he found was willfully retaining (and using for a memoir) classified documents from Bidens days as vice president. Having examined Biden at length under oath, Hur concluded that a jury would not convict him because he was a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory, and that jurors would have reasonable doubt about any criminal intent. There were other momentsa stumble here, a forgotten word therecaptured by members of the political press, who called attention to the matter of Bidens age. But by June 2024, when he fell into stammers during his debate with Trump, the world of politics expressed shock. Soon, Biden was driven from the race by members of his own party. Now Original Sin, an eagerly awaited book from Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios, combs through post-election interviews to offer the most detailed accounting yet of what the books subtitle calls the cover-up of Bidens declinea cover-up of something that the American people knew all along. The authors of Original Sin say they spoke to hundreds of people for the book in the aftermath of the 2024 election, but I count only about a dozen sources who are named on the record saying they observed Bidens cognitive decline before the debate. At least three Biden cabinet members provided quotes on Bidens pre-debate debility, but none wanted to stand behind those quotes for the book. To Tapper and Thompsons credit, the named sources include two United States senators, Mark Warner of Virginia and Michael Bennet of Colorado, and six members of the House. None of these elected representatives told their constituents what they had observed at the time, however; all seem to have convinced themselves that a possibly incompetent Biden was preferable to a malevolent Trumpthe same apparent calculation made by White House staffers. No one in the know in and around Washington reportedly thought that voters were entitled to make an informed choice. There is considerable reporting in Original Sin, and a largely chronological narrative, but not much of a coherent story. The authors seem unable to settle on clear answers to some key questions, including: when Biden began to decline, as opposed to how much he just became more like himself, as we all tend to as we age; how much of the cover-up was just a reelection strategy of insulating the president, and how much an active subterfuge with malice aforethought; and whether Biden was simply aging or suffering from some serious illness (Parkinsons and Alzheimers are mentioned as possibilities). Even granting that the book was rushed into printthe reporting began in Novemberthese seem to be important gaps. The matter of the timing of Bidens decline looms as particularly important, of course. Original Sin posits that Biden was largely fine in an October 2022 interview with Tapper lasting fifteen minutes, and in managing a visit to Ukraine in February 2023. Yet it also makes a lot of his inability to remember the names of close associatesas he did in December 2022, when, in an encounter just outside the Oval Office, the book describes him calling Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, Steve and Kate Beddingfield, the communications director, Presseven as the authors note elsewhere that he had displayed the same recall difficulty with Mike Donilon, perhaps his closest aide, on at least one occasion in 2019, when everyone seems to think Biden was still in good shape. Sign up for CJRs daily email The conditions that precipitated Bidens problems, both physical and cognitive, are depicted in the book as having been linked to events with his sons. Hur, the special counsel, evaluated Biden by reviewing tapes produced in 2017 for a memoir and in a 2024 deposition; in his view, both recordings reflected a failing memory. The account in Original Sin, however, suggests that in 2017, Biden was overcome by grief in the wake of his son Beaus deathbut that he later bounced back, and years without impairment intervened. The authors indicate their belief that Hunter Bidens plea deal in June 2023 (later aborted) was an inflection point for the president, and that Hunters trial a year later triggered further decline. I was frustrated to find, though, that they do not come to grips with the implication of this timeline: that what the American people saw first were just physical limitationsthe word cloud formed ahead of the inflection pointand that the White House staff might therefore have reached a reasonable initial judgment that concerns about Bidens age were misplaced. (FDR, the greatest president of thetwentieth century, couldnt walk upstairs or ride a bicycle.) But even if preoccupation with Bidens age was unfounded initially, it later was not. The villains of this book are clearly identified and repeatedly blamed. Leading the list are Donilon, legislative affairs chief Steve Richetti, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and personal aides Annie Tomasini (to the president) and Anthony Bernal (to the First Lady). But the tight circle seems to remain unbroken: there are no smoking guns here corroborating an intent to mislead. Instead, the group, dubbed by the authors (and some junior aides) as the Politburo, lives in a world where, to the end, Biden remained a strong candidate and a fully effective executive. The greatest disappointment of Original Sin is its lack of reflection on the performance of the press. Last month, at the annual dinner hosted by the White House Correspondents Association, Thompson accepted the groups highest honor, recognizing his reporting on Bidens decline. In a speech, Thompson acknowledged that even his own daily coverage had been less than it should have been. And he was right: of the pieces that earned him the award, only one was published before the debate. It was a curtain-raiser on Hurs special counsel report, and made no significant mention of Bidens age. Thompson did publish one story focused on age, in late April 2023. It noted that Biden rarely scheduled events before 10am or after 6pm and often took weekends off from making appearances. Its theme was summed up this way: Bidens close advisers say hes mentally sharp. But even some of them concede his age has diminished his energy, significantly limiting his schedule. Thompson also included a passage that later became the central assertion of Original Sin: Some White House aides privately have compared Biden to an aging king: He has a tight-knit palace guard of longtime aides whose first instinct is to protect him, and not take chances. What is not discussed is why the White House press corps, and their editor bosses, did so little to report out the question of Bidens health in the ensuing year. At a fundraiser in September 2023, Biden repeated the same story within three minutes. Original Sin cites a New York Times reporter who was covering the event, and the incident was included in the pool report. The next day, Peter Doocy, of Fox News, asked at the White House briefing, Whats up with that? But the answer was plainly obfuscating, and neither he nor anyone else followed up. The questions that needed to be asked seemed clear: To what extent did Biden remain the true decision-maker, as opposed to his staff? How much debate about serious problems did Biden personally entertain, and what did witnesses take away from his participation? How much, if any, reading did he do, upstairs, over the store, on an average night? How extensive were his comments, in writing or in meetings? How many of the words in speeches were his own? If he was sometimes too fatigued to work, what difference did it make? Had there been useful trips forgone? Important meetings not held or foreshortened? Did congressional or foreign leaders find him responsive or confused on phone calls? Perhaps reporters tried, but precious few answers to questions such as these were published. Even today, most remain unresolved beyond a few anecdotes that may or may not be representative. Instead, many reporters satisfied themselves with how Biden appeared in their encounters with himtaking into insufficient account that they might have been permitted to see him only when he was at his best. For instance, when Bidens annual physicals did not include a cognitive test, ostensibly because his physician deemed it unnecessary, no one in the press corps seemed to have looked into the matter. Studies show that, even in people free from dementia, performance on cognitive tests tends to decline with age, particularly in people over eighty. It seems likely that Biden didnt undergo a cognitive test precisely because it might have shown a diminished score, with potentially explosive political implications. Even now, the authors of Original Sin seem to have missed that point. (If youre wondering about Trumps supposedly perfect recent cognitive score as he nears seventy-nine, it should probably be weighed against the fact that past White House physicals of his appear to have misrepresented his height and weight.) In one three-page chapter, Original Sin seeks to place Bidens situation from 2023 to 2024 in the context of others in Washington who similarly declined at the end of long service. Tapper and Thompson name Reps. Kay Granger and John Conyers Jr. and Sens. Strom Thurmond, Dianne Feinstein, Thad Cochran, and Robert Byrd. Feinstein was the subject of significant press scrutiny (as Thurmond had been earlier)though in general, the authors blame politicians who knew of these situations for failing to acknowledge difficult realities, not reporters for sparing coverage. In June 2024, three weeks ahead of the presidential debate, the Journal did publish a story on Bidens age. But of forty-five people with whom the reporters talked, all of the named sources casting doubt on Bidens capacity were congressional Republicans. We will never know if the decision to publish without pressing for wider corroboration was the right one, as the disaster of the debate soon provided all the corroboration necessary. The last third of Original Sin charts what happened after that, but breaks no significant new ground. Tapper and Thompsons book is not the first this year to canvass the subject of Bidens age. Two other volumesmore closely in the Making of the President tradition, pioneered in 1961 by Theodore Whitehave already appeared, and their contributions are worth noting. Both serve mostly, by comparison, to make Original Sin look stronger than it is. The first of the years instant histories was Fight, from Jonathan Allen of NBC and Amie Parnes of The Hill. Fight begins with the June debate, and devotes its first seventeen pages to Bidens decline. It adds yet another Democratic member of Congress to those who acknowledge having known of Bidens debility, although in that case just weeks before the debate. A few unnamed Biden aides are quoted in conclusive fashion, but the moments of decline in Fight almost all take place in public, forming a perfect pattern in convenient hindsight. Chris Whipple, a documentary filmmaker, has contributed Uncharted to the Making of the President pile. He, too, begins with the debate, but doesnt seem to have any named sources with firsthand impressions of Bidens decline leading up to that night, with the notable exception of Bill Daley, a former White House chief of staff (under Barack Obama) and cabinet member (under Bill Clinton), who also talked at length with Tapper and Thompson. Whipple does quote Robert Caro, the historian, at a July 2023 Hamptons dinner party, where Caro predicted Bidens forced withdrawal from the race. Whipple doesnt seem to have asked whether Caro based that comment on firsthand observation or a hunch. Whipple also takes as evidence of Bidens decline that the White House once offered him an interview only by email. Perhaps, but it could just as easily be the case that the staff considered the leader of the free world too busy to talk with a lesser-known book author. Ultimately, Uncharted reaches the unsatisfying conclusion that no one except Biden, his family and his doctors knew the truth about his condition. Original Sin, to its credit, explodes that assertion. His close staff and family knew, and so did at least a few members both of Bidens cabinet and of Congress. The reluctance of reporters to ask the hardest questions continues, however, as these new volumes evidence. Polls today, for whatever they are worth, show that the Democratic presidential front-runner for 2028 is Kamala Harris. So I approached these books, among many other things, wanting to find out, in a version of Sen. Howard Bakers famous Watergate question: What did the (vice) president know, and when did she know it? That question is not even addressed in Fight or Uncharted. In Original Sin, the answer does not come until page 299 of a 309-page narrative, and then comprises less than two pages. Harris is quoted as telling aides privately, The times I saw him were mainly in the Oval Office or the Situation Room, and there was never a moment in those situations where I worried about his ability to be president. What do Tapper and Thompson make of this? It could well have been an honest statement, given any vice presidents relatively limited interaction with a president on a daily basis, they write. Seriously? No effort seems to have been made even to find out how many private meetings Biden and Harris had together in the critical year before the debate fiasco. If, say, the answer was even a modest four, is it really credible, given everything else reported in Original Sin, that Harris was left with no misgivings? Joe Biden failed the country in deciding to seek a second term. But the press also failed in its job to confirm, in undeniable fashion, what the voters already knew. Unlike Biden, journalists will likely get another chanceand must do better. Editors Note: This article was updated to clarify a reference to Biden in February, 2023. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 7, Celeste Gamble was in Columbia Universitys Butler Library, studying for her final exams, when about a hundred student protesters launched an occupation of the reading room. It was the latest eruption of ongoing pro-Palestine protests on campus. Students wearing kaffiyehs chanted Free, free Palestine. Others draped Palestinian flags and banners around the room; one read Liberated Zone, echoing a banner placed on the universitys lawns last year during the Gaza Solidarity Encampments. Gamble, twenty, is a reporter for WKCR, Columbias student radio station. She pulled out her press ID, recognizing that the timing had given her unique access. Other student journalists arriving outside the library were denied entry by campus security officers. Around three hours later, with city police gathering outside the campus gates, it became clear to Gamble and other student journalists that arrests were imminent. (New York Police Department officers later arrested almost eighty protesters.) She left the library along with two of her colleagues at WKCR, Natalie Lahr and Sawyer Huckabee. Public safety officers required them to scan their student IDs before exiting. Less than twenty-four hours later, Gamble, Lahr, Huckabee, and a reporter from the Columbia Daily Spectator all received notice from the university that theyd been suspended for being involved in a disruption at Butler Library. Other student journalists who were reporting on the protest did not receive suspensions. Gamble and Lahr were informed by Barnard College that they were banned from campus and had forty-eight hours to vacate their student residences. None of the four journalists would be able to submit assignments or take exams, meaning that they would miss semester finals. Later that day, Huckabees suspension was lifted. The following morning, after a report in the Spectator, the suspensions of the other three student journalists were also lifted, though Gamble and Lahr, both Barnard students, continued to be denied access to Columbias campus. The incident at Butler Library on May 7th remains under investigation and Barnard reserves the right to reimpose interim sanctions and slash or initiate charges regarding this matter at any point in the future, Gambles and Lahrs notices read. They were later informed in an email from the university that they had been designated persona non grata. Sign up for CJRs daily email After about a week, Lahr was able to access the campus. Gamble remains locked out. She had a final exam on Columbias campus on May 12, but because she wasnt allowed to enter, her exam was deferred. As of Saturday, May 17, Gamble told CJR she was still not able to enter campus. (Post publication, a Columbia spokesperson told CJR, The interim suspension on the Columbia student journalist was lifted within hours after it was issued once it was determined that the individual was a member of the student press who was covering the protest as a reporter, not a participant in the disruptions to academic activities that were in violation of University policies and Rules. Columbia University continues to strongly believe in the value of a vibrant and independent student press.) For the student journalists, the suspensions, even if temporary, are the latest administrative attack on the freedom of the student press as it reports on an embattled university witnessing protests for Palestine and facing a $400 million cut in federal funding from the Trump administration. For Gamble, this situation was unpleasantly familiar. After she reported for WKCR on a pro-Palestine protest in March, officials at Barnard requested that Gamble participate in a fact finding meeting. CJR published a story featuring Gamble, to which Barnard responded after publication: While we made every effort to identify and exclude students who were working as journalists from the conduct process, a small number were inadvertently included. As those students have been identified and their roles as journalists confirmed, we have notified them that they will not need to engage in this process. Hours after CJR published the story, Gamble received a notification that her case had been resolved. The Columbia administrations investigations of student journalists started during last years Gaza Solidarity Encampments. Lara-Nour Walton, a twenty-two-year-old Columbia undergraduate who covered a pro-Palestine encampment last May for The Nation, was subsequently placed under investigation regarding her alleged involvement with an unauthorized protest. If you have footage of the encampment, you will see that I am wearing a lanyard identifying me as an affiliate with The Nation magazine, Walton replied. She provided five links to articles shed published. After an email exchange with Omar Torres, an assistant rules administrator, that lasted for more than five weeks, Walton was finally informed that she was no longer under investigation. The experience was very jarring, Walton told CJR. It sets a really bad precedent, and will dissuade student journalists from covering if they know that their ability to report wont be without the risk of being suspended or placed under investigation. Gamble, Lahr, Huckabee, and other student journalists continue to have serious concerns about their ability to report on campus. It was of course a relief, but it was also a little nerve-racking, Huckabee said of his lifted suspension. [It] honestly didnt really make me feel that much better. He cites a list of precautions he now takes while covering events on campus: turning off Face ID on his phone, writing the arrested-journalist hotline number on his arm, taking photos of himself, recording every conversation. Lahr struggled to complete the four essays she had due last week. It is a quote-unquote mistake, but it is very useful to the overall purpose of making it harder for us to do our jobs, she said, noting that the suspension notices could have interfered with reporting on other protests or police actions. The fact that they can suspend us and unsuspend us, and then just be kind of absolved from the initial action, it does make me feel like it will happen again, Lahr said. In a letter published in the Spectator last week, editors Shea Vance and Heather Chen wrote: Indiscriminate suspensions and the punishment of student journalistseven temporarilyfor doing their jobs will inevitably stifle free press and expression on campus. A University thrives when its students feel safe asking questions and investigating the world around them. Seth Stern, director of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, told CJR, Its concerning that this is happening in New York, a city that just last year settled a lawsuit over its arrests of journalists. That settlement included a commitment not to arrest journalists who are covering protests and not taking part in any illegality and recognized that even when police are entitled to disperse protesters, they need to let journalists stay to cover the aftermath. He added, Constitutional law may apply differently at private universities than public streets, but Columbia should nonetheless respect the freedoms this nation was founded on. Gamble, Lahr, Huckabee, and Walton said that they wont let the intimidation deter them from their work. I think it is a sign that the work were doing is important. I have three more years here, and I plan to be reporting, Lahr said. Editors Note: This story has been updated. The U.S. Senate will move this week to block California from enforcing a series of vehicle emissions standards that are tougher than the federal governments, including first-in-the-nation rules phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that the Senate will begin to consider three House-passed resolutions that would roll back the standards. Final votes could come as soon as this week. His announcement came despite significant pushback from Democrats, questions from some Republicans and the advice of the Senate Parliamentarian, who has sided with the U.S. General Accountability Office in saying Californias policies are not subject to the review mechanism used by the House. Related: Californias Ban on Gasoline Cars Is Overturned by US House Vote The resolutions would block Californias rules to phase out the gas-powered cars, along with standards to cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. Like the House, Senate Republicans are using the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules. The Trump administration in 2019 revoked Californias ability to enforce its own emissions standards, but Biden later restored the states authority. Republicans have argued that the rules effectively dictate standards for the whole country, imposing what would eventually be a nationwide electric vehicle mandate. More than a dozen states have followed Californias lead. Thune called it an improper expansion of the federal Clean Air Act that would endanger consumers, our economy and our nations energy supply. California for decades has been given the authority to adopt vehicle emissions standards that are stricter than the federal governments. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, announced plans in 2020 to ban the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles within 15 years as part of an aggressive effort to lower emissions from the transportation sector. Plug-in hybrids and used gas cars could still be sold. Related: Major Automakers Want Congress to Bar California 2035 Electric Vehicle Plan The Biden administration approved the states waiver to implement the standards in December, a month before President Donald Trump returned to office. The California rules are stricter than a Biden-era rule that tightens emissions standards but does not require sales of electric vehicles. Bidens EPA said in announcing the decision that opponents of the California waivers did not meet their legal burden to show how either the EV rule or a separate measure on heavy-duty vehicles was inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. Newsom said earlier this month that the effort is another signal of Republicans ideological shift over the decades from an era in which former presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan signed landmark environmental laws to one in which Trump is pushing for environmental rollbacks on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change. Clean air didnt used to be political, Newsom said in a statement. Our vehicles program helps clean the air for all Californians, and well continue defending it. Senate Democrats have strongly pushed back on the GOP effort. California Sen. Alex Padilla said Tuesday that he will place holds on four pending EPA nominations over the reckless attempts to roll back the rules. Democrats charge that the Trump administration skirted the law and submitted Californias waivers to Congress in a way that would allow majority Republicans could try and block them. If this attempt is successful, the consequences will be far-reaching, not only for our clean energy economy, the air our children breathe, and for our climate, but for the future of the CRA and for the Senate as an institution, Padilla said. Republicans only need a simple majority to block the rules and send them to the White House for Trumps signature. But it remains unclear whether they will have unanimity in their own conference. A few Republicans, including Maine Sen. Susan Collins, have not yet said how they will vote, questioning the process even as they say they agree with the policy. Thune said that any concerns over the process are misplaced. We are not talking about doing anything to erode the institutional character of the Senate, Thune said. In fact, we are talking about preserving the Senates prerogatives. Associated Press writer Sophie Austin contributed to this report from Sacramento. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Architect and urban planner Paul Volpe enjoyed a relatively calm moment here during his May 15 presentation for neighbors of his proposed three-condominium development on city-owned property in the Cedar-Fairmount district of Cleveland Heights. Tom Jewell, Special to cleveland.com (Note: Contrary to what was stated at the May 15 public meeting, Planning Department officials said later that some setback variances would be required under the city zoning code. This story has been updated to reflect that fact.) CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A proposed three-home condominium development on a half-acre of city-owned land at the top of Cedar Hill remained on hold Monday (May 19). A new multi-tenant retail building is planned for this site on Ohio 82 just west of Broadview Road. (Bob Sandrick, special to cleveland.com) BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A new freestanding multi-tenant building is planned for The Crossings, a retail-restaurant center near the northwest corner of Ohio 82 and Broadview Road. Petros Development Group in Broadview Heights would construct the 6,840-square-foot building on a 1-acre vacant parcel in front of Primrose Schools and just east of The BrewWall. The Broadview Heights Planning Commission gave the plan preliminary approval April 23. Petros will eventually have to return for final approval from the commission. On April 21, the plan was unanimously endorsed by City Councils Growth, Planning and Zoning Committee. Weve been planning to build this (multi-tenant building) for many years now, Luke Petros, land development consultant with Petros, told the committee. We think were getting ready to build it, he said. Petros said the new building would contain three to five tenants, although none have signed leases yet. We have received various levels of interest from different users, although we have not finalized any agreements or really gotten into negotiations with any (of them), Petros said. Were just in the preliminary stages. Petros said possible tenants might include fitness centers, spas, stores with imported groceries and financial institutions -- but not restaurants, due to several eateries already in the area. Councilman Joe Price said Petros Development was the original developer of The Crossings. cleveland.com reached out to Greg Modic, president of land development with Petros Development, regarding the scope of The Crossings and whether the retail center included Aldi just west of The BrewWall. Read more from the Sun Star Courier. Nearly 46,000 Ohio families have $77.1 million left in their ACE accounts, or Afterschool Child Enrichment Accounts. The federal government is limiting activities for reimbursement. (Julia Silverman/The Oregonian) Julia Silverman COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio families tapping into federal funds to pay for tutoring and before-and-after school educational activities will receive additional time to spend down their accounts. However, the programs for which families can seek reimbursements are more limited than in the past. Families that have been awarded funds from the Afterschool Child Enrichment Education Savings (ACE) Account program now have until Sept. 1 to spend awarded funds. They get until Dec. 1 to submit claims for reimbursement, according to the state. The federal government notified the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in a May 8 letter that families now have extra time to spend the remaining money in the ACE accounts. The Trump administration had previously terminated the money most of which has not been distributed to families. The Ohio General Assembly directed $125 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for the ACE accounts in the two-year state budget passed in 2021. Originally, eligible families in traditional public, charter, private and home schools could get up to $500 if they met certain income requirements, came from low-performing school districts or districts struggling with chronic absenteeism, or were in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. During the pandemic, schools closed their doors to prevent the virus spread. Students attended school remotely. Many fell behind. Additionally, the pandemic is blamed for a loss of social skills among children. READ MORE: Nations Report Card: Ohios 8th grade gains, 4th grade stagnation shows pandemic impact lingers The legislature created the ACE accounts to help families pay for tutoring, day camps, field trips, language or music lessons and other educational activities. Lawmakers hoped the extra enrichment would help students catch up. In 2023, the legislature passed a bill to increase the ACE account amounts to a total of $1,000. The 2023 bill also expanded income eligibility to families earning 400% of the federal poverty level, which is $128,600 this year for a family of four. A year later, the state gave families extra time to spend the ACE account money, until Sept. 1, 2025. But on March 28, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said that the states had until the end of the day to spend the remaining K-12 coronavirus relief funds. Fifteen Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., sued, and a federal judge on May 6 ordered the Trump administration to stop its block of the money. Ohio didnt sue. Instead, it appealed the decision directly to the Education Department. The departments May 8 letter states it wont cover all activities, only direct academic services. Direct services include tutoring, music, art and language lessons and home education curricula, DEW spokesman Chad Eberly said. Activities such as day camps and before- and after-school programs are no longer allowed, he said. The federal government will allow $39 million to be spent on the ACE accounts, according to the May 8 letter. About $77.1 million remains in ACE accounts, unspent, said DEW spokeswoman Lacey Snoke, in a May 1 email to Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer. About 97,300 accounts have at least $25 in them, representing 45,984 unique families, she said. Greg Lawson, a research fellow at the conservative Buckeye Institute who has been following the issue, said that reimbursements have been slow due to high security and strict standards of the vendor the state chose to administer the accounts. A lot of families have spent their own money and are waiting to be reimbursed, he said. Its almost like theres so much concern about being fiscally accountable which in general we are certainly for but almost so much in that sense that its actually creating problems getting any of it out the door, he said. Research shows that tutoring is helpful in closing a students learning gaps, Lawson said. Lawson said that the state and its vendor need to improve the process of guarding tax dollars from fraud and frivolous spending, while at the same time making sure parents are reimbursed in a timely fashion. READ MORE: Vouchers by another name: Ohio House unveils private school expansion plan The Ohio House, in its version of the two-year budget, allotted $35.1 million for educational savings accounts for students who attend private, religious schools that are largely unregulated. The schools are known in state law as nonchartered, nonpublic schools and dont include any of the schools that receive vouchers, such as most of the states Catholic schools. Under the House version of the budget, families could use the educational savings accounts for tuition, uniforms, fees, books and other expenses. The Senate is currently working on its version of the budget, which must pass the legislature by July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year. Theres been hiccups over the course of this whole program that Id like to see cleaned up, if there was any future effort to do things in the educational savings account space, Lawson said. Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer reporters answer questions at a town hall at the Cuyahoga Public Library, Parma Snow branch, we're readers could ask questions about President Trump's first months in office. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com PARMA, Ohio - Northeast Ohioans came to a town hall earlier this month to talk, and they did. At a forum hosted by Cleveland.com, attendees spoke about their fears for the future as President Trump, once again at the helm of the federal government, instituted sweeping federal changes from the loss of shuttered research labs to the impacts of climate change on their daily lives. The range of areas that attendees worried would be adversely impacted were vast -- from the environment, healthcare, scientific research, and the future of democracy. Frustration that their pleas were often falling on deaf ears tied together their disparate complaints. Our government is saying dont talk about it. Dont refer to climate change, said retired teacher Mary Huck. I feel like Chicken Little shouting the sky is falling in the childhood story, but no one is listening. Huck explained that while Trump and large swaths of his party have largely denied climate change, extreme weather events have taken a toll on her day-to-day life, including during a trip last winter to visit her son in Hiram. I wasnt even able to pull to the side of the road because I couldnt see that far. I thought Id wind up in the cemetery I was driving past, Huck said. Like Huck, Carolyn Berg made a similarly personal plea to the panel of journalists. The retired sociology professor explained that she feared that the potential changes to health insurance programs like Medicare could drastically increase her health care costs. Im a type 1 diabetic; I have to have insulin to live. Its a very expensive disease to have, but I get a lot of help from Medicare, Berg said. The Trump administration has taken several actions that could weaken Medicare, including staffing cuts from the Department of Health and Human Services, and billions of dollars in research funding cuts. Berg is one of the thousands of Ohioans aged 65 or older who rely on the program. I have an insulin pump; I have a continuous glucose monitor. And all those things I count on to survive, Berg continued. In addition to concerns centered on personal health, other attendees were concerned about the future of public health, given the cuts to the National Institutes of Health. Joanne Hilden, a retired pediatric cancer doctor, spoke to the real-life consequences of those research cuts, including a scientist whose lab had been shuttered. The absence of those labs could mean that life-saving solutions to health problems could ultimately go undiscovered. Gone. Because [theres] no more money to run your lab and train your people. Gone. Hilden said. Patricia Blochowiack, a retired physician and current East Cleveland City council member, similarly worried that the NIH cuts could weaken community health programs, making them less able to provide information to crucial health information. What are we gonna do? Blochowiack asked. How are we going to survive health wise with all of this stuff being canceled? Eliza Gorek, an 18-year from Cleveland and the youngest attendee to take the mic, said that she plans to study public health at an Ohio public university next year. Given the millions in cuts to health research funding in Ohio, Gorek she voiced her own fears about the next generation of scientists she hopes to be apart of. I dont want to be losing out on a generation of scientists like myself, she said. Bill Dozier, a retired United States Marine and Vietnam veteran, explained that both himself and his wife, a retired United States Army nurse, are disabled due to their respective services. Dozier feared that the staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs could make it even more difficult for veterans to access the resources they need. Although we have a fantastic VA in Cleveland, in many places in the country, many veterans are not getting the services they deserve, Dozier explained. It is very difficult in many places to get an appointment. In addition to the specific policy concerns, others took a more a more global approach to what keeps them up at night. One such attendee was Carol Fisher, a Cleveland resident, who felt as though democracy itself is in danger. This is fascism that we are dealing with here, Fisher said. A sweet road to prosperity: How China and Chile built a cherry pipeline to the world 13:32, May 20, 2025 By Chen Yiming ( People's Daily A truck passes a toll gate in Talca along the Talca-Chillan section of Chile's highway Route 5. (Photo/Luiz Branco) Under the cloudless skies of Chile's Maule Region, rows of grapevines and fruit trees stretch across the valley floor. About 20 minutes from the Talca-Chillan section of Chile's highway Route 5 lies the Rodriguez family orchard in the Chilean Central Valley -- a quintessential Chilean family farm. "Welcome!" greeted Pablo Rodriguez, the farm's general manager, clad in jeans and a straw hat. "Our land once produced corn and tomatoes," he explained. "In 2012, we shifted to higher-value crops like cherries, grapes, and watermelons. In 2014, we began exporting cherries to China. Today, all the cherries we grow go to China. So does much of our wine." During the harvest season, the orchard buzzes with activity, employing up to 500 seasonal workers. "It feels like a festival," Rodriguez said with pride. Yet behind the celebration lies a meticulously timed operation. "We move cherries from tree to cold storage within three hours to keep them fresh for Chinese consumers," he noted. The cherries must arrive at the port precisely at the final moment before the vessel departs. Ensuring such timely delivery requires a fast, highly efficient logistics system. For producers like Rodriguez, the transformation of Route 5 has been a game-changer. "Since Chinese companies upgraded the highway, our cherries reach China faster and safer. Everyone here says our Chinese friends built us a sweet road to prosperity." Route 5 is the main artery connecting Chile's northern and southern regions. The Talca-Chillan section, a 195-kilometer stretch of the route, traverses Maule, the country's primary cherry-producing region, earning it the nickname "Cherry Highway." As part of the Pan-American highway, it is one of Chile's busiest corridors. Route 5 is invested, constructed, and operated by China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited (CRCCI), which acquired the concession in 2021. Since then, the company has implemented comprehensive upgrades and a smart management system, including the widening of 30 kilometers of roads, the construction of 54 kilometers of bypasses, and the installation of 13 electronic toll collection systems. In 2022, the project introduced radio frequency identification technology for automated toll deductions in Chile. The following year, the Chillan-Collipulli section -- the southern extension of the Talca-Chillan section -- was launched, encompassing the renovation of 166 kilometers of existing roadway and the construction of 6.6 kilometers of new branch lines, totaling 172.6 kilometers. Once completed, the project will alleviate congestion in southern urban centers, strengthen north-south transportation links, and stimulate growth across regional industries. Ivan Marambio, president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, noted that the Talca-Chillan section links farmers, logistics providers, ports, and global markets, calling it a vital artery for Chilean produce to reach Asia. The upgrades have significantly shortened delivery time, boosted export profits for farmers, generated employment, and boosted the development of industrial clusters across the region, he added. Juan Alvarez, a truck driver shuttling between Talca and Collipulli, said, "Thanks to CRCCI's automated toll system, the traffic has eased. Now, a round trip takes just over two hours. I can make two round trips a day, and my income has grown accordingly." Besides, improved infrastructure has catalyzed growth in delivery services, e-commerce, and regional supply chains -- further lifting local livelihoods. Fernando Reyes Matta, former Chilean ambassador to China and director of the Center for Latin American Studies on China at Chile's Andres Bello University, highlighted that Chile, the first Latin American country to sign a free trade agreement with China, has seen a dramatic rise in agricultural exports to China in recent years. Chilean cherries, she said, have become a "winter staple" on Chinese tables. Behind this burgeoning trade lies a deeper story of infrastructure-led development. Projects like Route 5 reflect China's growing engagement with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, where roads, bridges, schools, ports, and power plants are not only improving trade flows but also fueling broader economic progress. Like the sun-drenched orchards at the foot of the Andes, the fruits of China-LAC cooperation continue to ripen -- a promising harvest of shared prosperity for years to come. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The Ford logo is seen at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. Ford Motor has killed a program to develop next-generation electrical architecture - the brain of modern cars - that its executives have called pivotal to competing with electric-vehicle pioneers such as Tesla, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Ford had invested heavily in the system, known internally as FNV4 (for fully-networked vehicle), to streamline vehicle-software functions. The goal was to cut costs, improve quality and add profitable features in both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. The project was abandoned because of ballooning costs and delays, the sources said. A Ford spokesperson said the company will absorb what it learned from developing FNV4 into its current software system, and it remains focused on delivering an advanced electrical architecture with its so-called skunkworks team. The team, based in California, is tasked with developing advanced software and affordable electric vehicles. "We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles," the spokesperson said. Ford CEO Jim Farley tasked Doug Field, a former Apple and Tesla executive who joined Ford in 2021, with completing FNV4. Field is one of the top earners at the company, and made $15.5 million last year. Ford started informing a select group of employees of the decision last week through a company video, according to two people familiar with the matter. A third source said the company executives made the decision weeks ago. Ford is refocusing its efforts on its current electrical architecture and continuing to bet on the skunkworks team, the video said. While EV startups like Tesla and Rivian have built their own software from the ground up, legacy automakers have struggled to transform their more complicated and costly software systems, which integrate computer code from dozens of suppliers. For example, a supplier that makes a power-operated seat for Ford typically provides and controls the code associated with its function. Multiply that by all the systems and electronics across a car, and you have a tangled mess of code that makes it difficult for the automaker to quickly deliver software updates. Farley talked about the conundrum on the "Fully Charged" podcast in June 2023. "We have about 150 of these modules with semiconductors all through the car," the CEO said. "The problem is the software is all written by 150 different companies, and they don't talk to each other. So even though it says Ford on the front, I actually have to go to (supplier) Bosch to get permission to change their seat-control software." This added complexity also can create quality problems, which Farley has been vocal about reducing at Ford, as it has posted industry-topping recall numbers since 2021, the year after Farley was appointed CEO. Tesla pioneered the use of so-called over-the-air software updates to add functions or fix bugs, an increasingly common practice among competitors including a slew of surging Chinese EV makers led by BYD. Need for speed The failed project marks a significant setback for Ford as it races alongside Detroit rivals General Motors and Jeep-maker Stellantis to develop more sophisticated electronics and software. Nailing these systems is among any automaker's primary goals, industry experts say, because they provide a framework for car makers to deliver better vehicles more quickly. "The only strategic advantage any company can have is speed," said Terry Woychowski, president at engineering company Caresoft Global, while showing off the complicated guts of these electrical systems at the company's warehouse. Farley said as much in a September interview with Reuters. "We're completely committed to building that software-enabled vehicles, not just for our EVs, but even more exciting, in a way, for our next generation of ICE [internal combustion engine] and hybrid vehicles," he noted. Ford's next generation software was meant to be a "zonal" system, in which bundles of smaller software brains control the functions in specific parts of the vehicle and communicate with a larger central brain. Such a system shortens the length of the expensive vehicle wiring harnesses and allows for speedier over-the-air updates. These advanced systems also provide opportunities to entice drivers to buy software-enabled features, such as assisted-driving systems, sometimes through subscriptions. Ford's Vice Chair and former CEO John Lawler said in 2023 that FNV4 had the potential to accelerate and increase the number of services on each vehicle sold. Big investments, losses While these electrical systems are dependent on lines of virtual code that developers type and refine over years, they also require expensive hardware that can fundamentally change an automaker's manufacturing process. FNV4 development contributed to Ford's losses on software and EVs, which totaled $4.7 billion in 2023 and $5 billion in 2024. "The electrical architecture system in a vehicle is one of the most challenging areas from an assembly perspective," said Woychowski, describing their sprawling wiring harnesses as "copper anacondas." When Reuters asked Farley about the program in September, he said the company had its first prototype vehicle running completely on Ford software. Farley said at the time that Ford was on track to deliver the next-generation architecture and that a prototype had impressed him. "For me as a car person," he said, "I was like, 'Are you kidding me?'" Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference with freshmen women during the House Democrats 2025 Issues Conference at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Va., on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The Justice Department said it filed charges Monday against Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., alleging she assaulted law enforcement officials this month at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark. The acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, made the announcement on X, where she accused McIver of "assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement." McIver called the charges "purely political" in a statement and said she looks forward "to the truth being laid out clearly in court." "Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees at Delaney Hall in my district. We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka," she said. Follow live politics coverage here Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche backed Habba's statement, writing on X that "assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated." Habba also said her office had dropped trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate for New Jersey governor who was arrested on May 9, the day McIver and two other House Democrats were at the facility. "After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka's misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward," Habba said. Baraka said in a statement that he was glad that charges against him were dismissed. He also said he expected McIver to be vindicated. "Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated," Baraka said. Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night specifically around 3 or 4 a.m.? If so, you're not alone. There has been an increase of Google searches for "waking up at 3 a.m.", and TikTok videos about the phenomenon have garnered between 30,000 and 2.5 million likes, and even more views. Theories about why people are waking up in the middle of the night range from the spiritual to hormonal, i.e. increased cortisol levels. To get to the bottom of why you're waking up in the wee hours of the morning, CNBC Make It interviewed Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. Here's what she says about what can cause these late-night sleep disturbances, and how to fix it. A general view of shoppers is seen in a retail store in Shanghai, China, on May 10, 2025, as China's CPI declines in April amid a trade war. China cut its key lending rates by 10 basis points on Tuesday, as a stronger yuan and easing trade tensions offer it room for monetary easing aimed at boosting its economy. The People's Bank of China trimmed the 1-year loan prime rate to 3.0% from 3.1%, and the 5-year LPR to 3.5% from 3.6%. This marked the first reduction in rates since the central bank's 25-basis-point cut in October, as Beijing intensifies efforts to shore up its economy. The benchmark lending rates normally charged to banks' best clients are calculated monthly based on designated commercial banks' proposed rates submitted to the PBOC. The 1-year LPR influences corporate and most household loans in China, while the 5-year LPR serves as a benchmark for mortgage rates. The rate cuts came as a slew of state-backed commercial lenders moved to reduce their deposit rates by as much as 25 basis points earlier Tuesday in an effort to protect their net interest margin, paving the way to lower key lending rates. The PBOC is likely to continue to ease policy, Zichun Huang, chief economist at Capital Economics said in a note, forecasting the lending rates to be lowered by another 40 basis points by year-end. The bundle of rate cuts came as part of a package of stimulus measures announced by Beijing earlier this month, including reductions to the lending rates and the amount of cash that banks must hold in reserves. Mortgage rates under the nation's housing provident fund, a government-backed housing lender, was also lowered by 25 basis points. Chinese offshore yuan has shaken off some depreciation pressure to stay relatively stable, in no small measure due to a weakening U.S. dollar. The currency has strengthened over 2.8% against the greenback since it notched a record low of 7.4287 last month, according to LSEG data. Allan von Mehren, China economist at Denske Bank, revised the 12-month target for the offshore yuan to 7.15 from 7.35 on the back of trade de-escalation and Beijing's "clear preference for currency stability." U.S. dollar bills. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Taken from CNBCs Daily Open, our international markets newsletter Subscribe today What you need to know today United States bond yields spike U.S. Treasury yields were off their highs Monday afternoon but remained elevated after Moody's downgraded the U.S.'s credit rating. The 30-year Treasury yield hit a high around 5.03%, reaching levels not seen since November 2023. China cuts key lending rate for the first time in 7 months China trimmed its loan prime rates by 10 basis points Tuesday on a stronger yuan and easing trade tensions in a bid to boost growth. The 1-year LPR influences corporate and most household loans in China, while the 5-year LPR serves as a benchmark for mortgage rates. U.S. markets eke out slim gains The S&P 500 rose slightly Monday as investors looked past Moody's downgrade of the United States' credit rating. The benchmark added 0.09% to mark its sixth consecutive winning session. The Nasdaq Composite inched up 0.02%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 137.33 points, or 0.32%, due in part to UnitedHealth's stock rebounding by an 8% jump after a recent bout of hard selling. Asia-Pacific markets rose as China cut its key lending rates to boost growth. Mainland China's CSI 300 added 0.48% at 1:43 p.m. Singapore time. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 1.3% and Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.23%. Trump's tariffs exacerbate customs fraud The U.S.'s new tariffs have pushed Chinese exporters to increasingly commit an existing shipping fraud, which works by significantly understating the value of goods or mislabeling them, often both. Shipments are then routed through shell companies that will fail to pay tariffs, default and cease operation. Experts warn that U.S. businesses are underestimating civil and criminal risks by partnering with such exporters. [PRO] BlackRock's Rick Rieder says he's found the 'sweet spot' in bonds right now even as the market flinches Rick Rieder, Blackrock's chief investment officer, said he has found a "sweet spot" to invest in the bond market that comes with high returns and is high in quality. This specific segment trades rich since it gets crossover buyers from investment grade, he explained. Read more about his strategy here. And finally... U.S. joint military exercise with South Korea in Yeoncheon-gun, South Korea. Getty Images Trump wants a 'one-stop shopping' deal with South Korea on trade and defense, but there is a cost South Korea is trying to strike a deal to escape the U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, but the latter is "shopping" for more. He has pitched to share the costs of hosting U.S. troops in the allied country bundling negotiations on trade, tariffs, and defense cost-sharing into a single comprehensive deal. Seoul has been sharing defense costs since 1991 in three areas, namely logistics, local labor, and military construction. In October 2024, Seoul agreed to raise its contribution for hosting U.S. troops by 8.3% in 2026, to 1.52 trillion won ($1.13 billion). While South Korean officials have reportedly said that defense payments are off the table, the country's two leading presidential candidates, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo, have hinted that they are open to discussing a defense cost-sharing agreement. However, such a transactional approach will damage the U.S.'s credibility, Hoshik Nam, assistant professor at the Department of Sociology and Political Science at Jacksonville State University, said. "In the long term, this position could reframe the U.S. as an isolated superpower." Nearly 2 million federal student loan borrowers who've requested to be in an affordable repayment plan are stuck in a backlog of applications, waiting to be approved or denied, according to new data recently shared by the U.S. Department of Education. The Education Department disclosed the information in a May 15 court filing in response to a legal challenge lodged by the American Federation of Teachers. The teachers' union sued the Trump administration in March for shutting down access to income-driven repayment plan applications on the Education Department's website. IDR plans cap borrowers' monthly bills at a share of their discretionary income with the aim of making their payments manageable. More from Personal Finance: House Republican bill calls for bigger child tax credit Student loan borrowers in default may see 15% of Social Security benefit garnished How college savers can manage 529 plans in a turbulent market In late March, the Trump administration made the online applications available again, and said that it pulled the forms because it needed to make sure all repayment plans complied with a court order that blocked the Biden administration's new IDR plan, known as SAVE, or the Saving on a Valuable Education plan. Trump officials argued that the ruling had broader implications for other IDR plans, and it ended up removing the loan forgiveness component under some of the options. The backlog complicates things for borrowers as the Trump administration restarts collection activity. The Education Department estimates that nearly 10 million people could be in default on their student loans within months. Without access to an affordable repayment plan, student loan borrowers can be suspended on their timeline to loan forgiveness and at risk of falling behind and facing collection activity. Elon Musk said Tuesday that he expects Tesla and xAI will continue buying chips from semiconductor giants Nvidia and AMD , and possibly others. Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, which now owns social media platform X, has already installed 200,000 GPUs at its Colossus facility in Memphis, Tennessee, the Tesla CEO told CNBC's David Faber on Tuesday. XAI is also planning a 1 million GPU facility outside Memphis, Musk said. He did not specify how many chips the company had already ordered and by which date they may be installed. "A few years ago, I made a very obvious prediction, which is that the limitation on AI will be chips," he said. Last year, Musk directed Nvidia to send a large order of GPUs to xAI first, jumping the line ahead of Tesla. At his autos business, Musk said Tesla's Dojo supercomputer in Buffalo, New York, is already used for training its Autopilot and Optimus robotics systems. At xAI, Musk boasted on Tuesday, Colossus is the "most powerful training cluster in the world right now" with "over 200,000 GPUs training coherently." Musk's choice to build in Memphis was hailed by city officials as transforming the region into a "high-tech manufacturing hub." But local communities there have protested the power- and water-hungry operation, specifically the way xAI has relied on natural gas-burning turbines to help power the supercomputer. The turbines emit smog-forming nitrogen oxides, precursors to ozone formation, which have been associated with higher risk of death from respiratory disease. As CNBC previously reported, environmental advocates say xAI has likely "violated the Clean Air Act" and local permitting requirements for "major sources of air pollution" with its use of the turbines. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company will have robotaxis on the streets of Austin, Texas, by the end of June. In an interview with CNBC's David Faber on Tuesday at the company's headquarters in Austin, Musk said Tesla aims to bring its robotaxis to Los Angeles and San Francisco following the planned Austin debut. Musk said a Tesla robotaxi service will start with about 10 vehicles in Austin, and rapidly expand to thousands of vehicles should the launch go well with no incidents. Since 2016, Musk has been promising Tesla investors, customers and fans that the company is about a year away from delivering a self-driving car that's capable of transporting passengers safely without human interventions, or a human at the steering wheel. However, Tesla does not yet offer a vehicle safe to use without human supervision. "It's prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up," Musk said. To start, Tesla has said its robotaxis will be Model Y vehicles equipped with a forthcoming version of FSD, or full self-driving, known as FSD Unsupervised. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a hearing with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that President Donald Trump has an absolute right to deport people without due process, after she incorrectly defined the meaning of the term habeas corpus. Noem was grilled on habeas corpus the constitutional right of individuals to challenge their detention by the government in a court of law during a Senate hearing. "Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus?" asked Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. "Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country," Noem replied. "That's incorrect," Hassan interjected. "Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea." In response to a request for comment on Noem's claim, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CNBC, "Secretary Noem was right: Presidents have suspended habeas corpus in practiceLincoln, Grant, FDR, and Bushall during moments of crisis. Technically, Congress holds that power under the Constitution, but in reality, presidents have acted first, and legal authority followed. The precedent is real." Noem's remarks, made during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, were notable because she leads the agency carrying out an unprecedented campaign of detentions and deportations that courts have ruled violate detainees' habeas corpus rights. Earlier this month, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller floated suspending the writ of habeas corpus for migrants, by claiming that "the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in time of invasion." In mid-March, Trump issued an executive proclamation that invoked an 18th-century wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to claim that a Venezuelan street gang known as Tren de Aragua was "perpetrating an invasion" of the United States. Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Tuesday's key moments. 1. The stock market is lower on Tuesday, with the S & P 500 coming off a small gain Monday for its sixth positive session in a row. Trading was again choppy after Moody's late Friday downgraded its rating on U.S. government debt. The 10-year Treasury yield briefly peaked above 4.5% again Tuesday. With all of the many differentiating data and messages on the state of the economy, Jim Cramer said, "We should just focus on companies that are doing really well." He cited Club name Home Depot , as an example, after the company reiterated its full-year guidance and said it doesn't plan to increase prices due to tariffs. 2. Club name Honeywell 's quantum computing unit, Quantinuum, has been getting business in the Mideast something Jim wishes it would advertise more to boost the stock. During President Donald Trump 's visit to the region, Quantinuum secured a $1 billion deal with Qatar. Jim said Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur is doing a great job, especially in comparison to previous management. "They're better at managing expectations this year versus the last two years," added Jeff Marks, director of portfolio analysis for the Club. We're not in Honeywell for quantum computing, but there could be some untapped value there. We like the industrial for its ties to aerospace, energy, and automation, and the promise of unlocked value after its planned split. 3. Palo Alto Networks reports earnings after Tuesday's closing bell. Jeff noted the Club stock is typically "volatile" on earnings day . Club name TJX reports before Wednesday's opening bell. The company behind T.J. Maxx and Marshalls has a history of reporting earnings above the high end of prior guidance and then being conservative on its new outlook. The off-price retailer's stock has had a nice run, up nearly 12% year to date. "The initial move [on TJX] is for people to take profits," Jim said. "[But] we're not traders," he added, explaining it's better to stick with a stock long term. 4. Stocks covered in Tuesday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, MongoDB , and Tesla . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long HD, HON, PANW, TJX . See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Novo Nordisk 's ousting of longtime CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen shocked analysts, with many questioning the future of the Wegovy obesity drug maker in its quest to fend off competition. The Danish pharmaceutical giant on Friday said that its chief was stepping down over concerns that the company was losing its market lead, adding that he would remain in situ throughout the search for a replacement. "[It's] a gigantic surprise," analysts at Denmark's Sydbank wrote in a note shortly after the announcement. "We admit that Novo Nordisk is currently facing challenges on the American market as a result of compounders' copies of Wegovy, just as the share price has fallen more than 50% [since summer 2024]," they added. "However, we also remind you that the share price has more than tripled during Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen's tenure as CEO of Novo Nordisk." NVO 5Y line Novo Nordisk. Jrgensen served at the helm of Novo Nordisk for eight years, overseeing the firm's transition from a key player in diabetes drug development to one of two market leaders in the nascent but burgeoning obesity drug space, alongside U.S. rival Eli Lilly . Novo Nordisk's share price has ridden a dramatic wave over that period, briefly rising to become Europe's most valuable company in 2023 on growing hype around weight loss drugs and their potentially wide-reaching applications . Over the past year, however, the stock's value has taken a battering on the back of rising competition from U.S. drug compounders and disappointing trial results for its next-generation obesity treatments. Shares dropped immediately on Friday's news, closing 1.8% lower, before rebounding Monday to trade up around 2.5%. Emily Field, head of European pharmaceuticals research at Barclays, told CNBC that the timing of the announcement was highly surprising. "This is all stuff that's been out there for a while. Why now? When compounding is set to go away in just a couple days. That's the part that confuses me the most," Field said in emailed comments, referring to a May 22 deadline for compounding pharmacies to cease selling copies of weight loss drugs. "This company has a reputation for, if anything, being too deliberate, too slow, too conservative so it's just a surprising move." Deutsche Bank said it had "mixed feelings" about the news, commending Novo Nordisk for taking ownership for recent shortcomings, but also questioning the timing. "We welcome companies taking responsibility for poor performance ... even when that may not be fully under their control," the analysts wrote Friday. "Nonetheless, the decision appears a little haphazard in both timing and content," they added, noting that the news may have been better delivered during the firm's first-quarter earnings announcement earlier this month. J.P. Morgan was more sanguine on the move, however, saying it would allow the company to move its focus toward regaining market share. "While the announcement of the CEO transition is unexpected, we believe this reflects decisive action from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to put Novo in the strongest position to capitalize on the GLP-1 market opportunity over the next 10 years," the analysts wrote. What's next for Novo? The pharmaceutical industry at large has come up against increasing pressure from the Trump administration over drug pricing and prospective tariffs. Analysts told Reuters that Novo Nordisk could potentially seek an American CEO to navigate the complexities of its largest market. Novo did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the claims. However, Sydbank suggested that the decision could point to more wide-reaching issues at the firm. "The price movement in the Novo Nordisk share since the summer of 2024 has, in our estimation, also been largely driven by factors that have been beyond the influence of the Novo Nordisk management," the analysts wrote. "This raises the natural question of whether the current challenges are greater than what Novo Nordisk has expressed so far? The coming months will give a clearer answer to that," it wrote. Qatar's prime minister on Tuesday denied accusations that Doha's offer of an estimated-$400 million Boeing 747 jet to U.S. President Donald Trump was an attempt to curry favor with the White House administration. "I call it an exchange between two countries. And basically the relationship that we have between Qatar and the United States is a very institutional relationship," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said. "The plane story is a ministry of defense to department of defense transaction, which is basically done in full transparency and very legally, and it's part of the cooperation that we've been always doing together for decades." Trump, who carried out a whirlwind tour of the Middle East stopping in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates last week, has come under fire from opposition politicians at home after Doha proposed the jet gift. Qatar also at the time agreed to order up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines, in what the White House has hailed as the "largest-ever" widebody and 787 orders at Boeing a major U.S. defense contractor. Al-Thani on Tuesday stressed the gesture was a "normal thing that happens between allies" and dismissed allegations that Qatar may be seeking to "buy influence with this administration." "It's a two-ways relationship. It's mutually beneficial for Qatar and for the United States. Nothing [has] been done by us under the table," he noted. "A lot of nations has gifted the U.S. many things. I am not comparing that to the Statue of Liberty, but" Trump said last week in a Truth Social media post that the prospective gifted plane would "temporarily" replace the 40-year-old Air Force One aircraft that typically serves the U.S. president. According to the Associated Press, he separately said the plane would later join a future presidential library foundation. Boeing is currently producing an Air Force aircraft One, which has been delayed alongside other deliveries amid the company's supplier and parts hurdles Democrats have lambasted the Qatari offer raising broader ethical and security concerns. Under a Foreign Emoluments Clause, the U.S. Constitution says that "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." Several Democrats have submitted a resolution in the House of Representatives calling on Trump to submit all plans for the jumbo jet donation to Congress in compliance with the Foreign Emoluments Clause. As the 44th Vice President of the United States, Dan Quayle made dozens of diplomatic trips, many aimed at helping to shape the post-Cold War Soviet Union. As a voter, Quayle has cast his ballot for Donald Trump in three consecutive presidential elections. But when you put those two things together, the current view from the former V.P. comes to a pessimistic conclusion about the current posture in U.S.-Russia relations and the war in Ukraine. "We are not approaching the end," Quayle, who is now chairman of Cerberus Global Investments, said at the CNBC CEO Council Summit in Arizona on Tuesday. "Putin has no desire to see this come to a conclusion until he really dismantles Ukraine," he said. While Quayle is clear on Putin's thinking, it is Trump's strategy that mystifies him. "I do not understand Trump's affinity for Putin and why he has not demanded anything here," he said. "All he wants to do as president is deals ... So, if you're a dealmaker, what do you need? Leverage. What leverage is he trying to put on Putin? Zero. Absolutely zero," Quayle said. Over the weekend, Trump had posted on Truth Social ahead of talks with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, "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," in his customary all-capitalized comments. On Monday, after an over two-hour call between Trump and Putin, the president said he wanted the "bloodbath" to end, but there was little sign of a breakthrough, even as Trump said Russia and Ukraine would hold direct talks on a ceasefire "immediately," on his social media platform. He also spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. "Putin says he won't agree to a ceasefire, he just wants to talk, Trump says OK," Quayle told CNBC's Sara Eisen in an interview at the CEO Council Summit. He said the lack of pressure also undermines a U.S. policy alliance with the European Union, that if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire there would be secondary sanctions. "Putin said let's talk, and Trump says yes, and European leaders just had the rug pulled out from under them," Quayle said. "I don't think it will end any time soon," he added. Quayle's view of the Russian playbook is that all along it's been to "dismantle Ukraine, and time is on his side." And even though Putin has not been as successful as he would have liked on the battlefield, "he's been very successful with Trump," Quayle said, adding that Putin's KGB background makes him and his circle well placed to know Trump's "weakness and vulnerability and how to deal with him." Wall Street is mostly downbeat heading into Target 's Wednesday earnings report as the retailer battles tariffs and other headwinds. Target's report comes as Wall Street and Main Street both contend with the evolving nature of President Donald Trump's plan for steep levies on imports. CEO Brian Cornell warned in March that consumers could soon begin seeing price hikes on produce alone, as a result of the levies on Mexican imports. At the same time, the Minnesota-based company has faced blowback from some consumers over its decision to join several other companies in pulling back on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Analytics firm Placer.ai found year-over-year foot traffic fell for several weeks in a row following the company's DEI announcement in January. Add onto that growing concerns over souring consumer confidence and the risk that the economy might tip into a recession, and "the going is getting tough for Target," Bernstein analyst Zhihan Ma said in a note to clients last week. TGT XRT YTD mountain Target vs. the XRT ETF, year to date That's put Target and its shareholders in a tough spot. Shares have tumbled more than 27% since the start of 2025, far more than the nearly 4% loss in the SPDR S & P Retail ETF (XRT) . "In the short term, credit card data paints a bleak picture for Q1, dampened by poor weather, weak consumer sentiment and a DEI-related strike in March," Ma wrote to clients. "That's before tariffs enter the frame." A 'trade off' Ma said Target will likely need to cut its full-year guidance. She cut her investment rating on the stock to underperform from market perform and slashed her price target by $15 to $82, suggesting about 16% downside from Monday's close. "Long-term, Target faces a difficult trade off between stimulating top line growth and maintaining margins," Ma said. "Our analysis shows that it is unlikely to achieve both and, increasingly, neither." Barclays analyst Seth Sigman, meanwhile, called a weak first-quarter report "very much expected by now." What's "more concerning" are signs of weaker underlying trends, compounded by a macroeconomic landscape causing additional headaches for the retailer. Sigman kept his rating at equal weight, putting him in the majority of analysts polled by LSEG, 59% of whom are similarly neutral. However, the analyst slashed his price target by $38 to $102, now suggesting shares might rise just 4% or so from Monday's close over the coming year. This leads many to suggest Walmart is a better pick than Target. Walmart shares have jumped about 8% so far in 2025 and the lion's share of analysts surveyed by LSEG have a buy rating. Roth's Bill Kirk called Walmart the "strongest ship at sea" after the retailer beat expectations for earnings per share when reporting last week. Kirk said Walmart's deceleration in general merchandise sales may show broader troubles in the segment, which should in turn have negative implications for Target. Time to buy? Despite these roadblocks, other analysts see reason to stay positive on Target and see a coming rebound. After all, 38% of analysts rate it the equivalent of a buy, according to FactSet data. "Despite its challenges near term, we think TGT has an opportunity to improve its fundamentals," said UBS analyst Michael Lasser, who has a buy rating. While Lasser warned that investors should expect an "underwhelming" first-quarter report and guidance cut, he also said the stock could be reaching a point where downside is limited and a bottoming process can begin. The "critical question" investors should be asking, he said, is if the company has a plan to turn the ship around. Bank of America analyst Robert Ohmes is similarly optimistic that Target may see smoother sailing ahead. While he said the uncertain state of tariffs is still an overhang, he pointed to a better long-term position as cause for hope. Ohmes also rates Target a buy, and his $145 price target is far above the Street consensus of $116. "We believe attractive valuation, strategic initiative progress and gross margin recovery offset near-term sales volatility and competitive concerns," Ohmes wrote to clients in a note on Monday. "Moreover, TGT's earlier stages in high-margin ancillary business opportunities such as marketplace & advertising ... supports potential for stronger profitability long-term." Here are Tuesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: UBS upgrades Mettler-Toledo to buy from neutral UBS said the lab instrumentation medical company has resilience and pricing power. "We're upgrading Mettler-Toledo (MTD ) to Buy supported by a constructive view of: 1) incremental opportunities for service sales, 2) industry leading pricing power, 3) beneficial portfolio exposure, and 4) a medium-term tailwind from reshoring." Deutsche Bank upgrades MKS to buy from hold Deutsche said it sees an attractive entry point for the semicap company. "We upgrade MKSI to a Buy. Elevated sub-system inventories at semicap customers appear to have abated as of its most recent earnings report, one of our biggest concerns facing its core semiconductor sub-systems business when we initiated coverage June 2024." Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as buy The firm said it came away feeling more bullish after the CEO's keynote address at the Computex conference. " NVDA's key differentiators include its ability to: 1) expand its addressable market across multiple vectors of silicon, systems, software and services, 2) drive scale with global supply-chain partners, and 3) solid balance sheet to make strategic investments in the ecosystem." Goldman Sachs reiterates Microsoft as buy Goldman said it has "increasing conviction" in Microsoft's AI investments. "We reiterate our Buy rating while raising our PT to $550 (vs. $480 prior) as we mark-to-market our multiples." Wells Fargo reiterates JPMorgan as overweight Wells said the banking giant is firing on all cylinders following its investor day on Monday. "JPM further showcased "Goliath is Winning," given likely ongoing share gains with superior returns and efficiency, consistent w/our preview..." BMO reiterates Alphabet as outperform BMO said its survey checks of fears over Alphabet search competition are unwarranted. "Fears that Google Search will be disrupted by AI Search competitors are overblown, as users report higher levels of loyalty to Google and satisfaction with Google's AI Overviews. Reiterate Outperform and $200 Target Price." Wells Fargo initiates SAP as overweight Wells said the software solutions company is defensive. "SAP stands out as a defensive horizontal story w/ vertical (or at least idiosyncratic) traits likely to resonate in a fluid tape. See cloud migration momentum driving cont. growth re-accel & closing margin gap w/ mature peers." Morgan Stanley reiterates Tesla as overweight Morgan Stanley said it's sticking with top pick Tesla. "We find market expectations around Tesla's near-term automotive business remain too high and do not fully reflect the quantum of incremental capacity and competition coming out of China, ultimately having an impact in international markets." Wolfe upgrades LivaNova to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said the med-tech company is well positioned for growth. "What's sustainable organic growth for LIVN? 2025 guide is 7%-8% but we view real growth this year as 6%+ (not inclined to look through shut down of a smaller business). Is 6%+ a good zip code 2026+? Yesdo not believe this is crazy." Citi upgrades Kinetik Holdings to buy from neutral Citi said investors should buy the dip in the nat gas pipeline company. "We upgrade KNTK to Buy from Neutral following an > 20% decline in the stock price which we now believe has created a more attractive risk-return proposition." Wells Fargo reiterates Dell as a top pick Wells said it's sticking with the stock ahead of earnings next week. "Dell remains Top Pick - AI momentum (best positioned for materializing Blackwell cycle) + pos. trad'l server demand." KBW upgrades Blue Owl to outperform from market perform KBW said the alternative investment company is best positioned. " OWL is well positioned to benefit from growing retail demand for direct lending/credit strategies." Bernstein reiterates Boeing as outperform Bernstein raised its price target on Boeing to $249 per share from $218. "Key events over the last ten days have been: Qatar Airways widebody order, AviLease 737MAX order, IAG 787 order, UAE Chinook helicopter order, restart of deliveries to China, restart of KC-46 tanker deliveries, and some loosening of tariff concerns." Citi upgrades Air Lease to buy from neutral Citi said the air craft lessor is well positioned. "Buy-rated Air Lease should benefit from a global air travel resurgence, especially in Asia. Morgan Stanley reiterates Salesforce as overweight The firm said it's sticking with Salesforce heading into earnings next week. "Low investor expectations, matched with achievable targets and an undemanding multiple yield limited downside, framing a positive risk/reward. OW." Evercore ISI upgrades Hewlett Packard Enterprise to outperform from in line Evercore said it sees an attractive risk/reward for the stock and lifted its price target to $22 per share from $17. "Net/Net: We view the current risk/reward as favorable, with multiple pathways to upside if investors have the duration. Therefore, we're upgrading our rating on shares of HPE to Outperform and raising our target to $22." Loop downgrades MongoDB to hold from buy Loop said AI tailwinds are emerging slower than expected for the software company. "We are downgrading our rating on MDB from Buy to Hold and lowering our PT from $350 to $190." File: The wind farm in the Baltic Sea 35 kilometres northeast of Rugen is a joint venture of the Essen-based energy group Eon and the Norwegian shareholder Equinor. Norwegian energy company Equinor will resume construction on its offshore wind farm in New York, after the Trump administration lifted its order to halt work on the project. Empire Wind 1 will be the first offshore wind project to deliver electricity directly to New York City. The Interior Department under the Biden administration approved the project last year after Equinor signed a lease issued by the department in 2017. But Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered construction on Empire Wind to stop on April 16, alleging the Biden administration rushed the project's approval "without sufficient analysis or consultation among the relevant agencies as relates to the potential effects." The stop-work order had raised fears among investors that the White House might target other wind projects that had already been permitted and approved. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday evening that Burgum and President Donald Trump agreed to lift the stop-work order and allow the project to move forward "after countless conversations with Equinor and White House officials." Empire Wind supports 1,500 union jobs, Hochul said. Equinor said it aims to execute planned installation activities this year and minimize the impact of the stop-work order in order to reach its goal of starting commercial operations in 2027. People gather in the yard of the Ahli Arab hospital, also known as the Baptist hospital, to mourn and bid farewell to the bodies of victims killed in Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, on March 18, 2025. Britain on Tuesday paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was horrified by the military escalation in Gaza. The Israeli military announced the start of a new operation last week and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel would take control of the whole of Gaza. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March and international experts have warned of looming famine. Foreign minister David Lammy said the offensive was not the way to bring remaining hostages home, called for Israel to end the blockade of aid and condemned what he called "extremism" in some sections of Israel's government. "We cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship," Lammy told lawmakers. "Frankly, it's an affront to the values of the British people. Therefore, today, I'm announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement." Britain, in a joint statement with France and Canada on Monday condemned the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza and called for restrictions on aid to be lifted. The trio said they would take "further concrete actions" should Israel's fresh offensive not cease. "I want to put on record today that we're horrified by the escalation from Israel," Starmer told parliament earlier on Tuesday. "We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages, we repeat our opposition to settlements in the West Bank, and we repeat our demand to massively scale up humanitarian assistance into Gaza." Britain also sanctioned a number of individuals and groups in the West Bank who it said had been linked with acts of violence against Palestinians. The move comes after Britain imposed sanctions on a number of settlers and settler organisations in 2024, targeting individuals and groups which it said had sponsored violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Most countries deem Jewish settlements built on land Israel occupied in a 1967 Middle East war as illegal, and their expansion has for decades been among the most contentious issues between Israel, the Palestinians and the international community. "We are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights," Lammy said. Israel's ground and air war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all its 2.3 million residents and killing more than 53,000, according to Gaza health authorities. Netanyahu has said his country was engaged in a "war of civilization over barbarism" and vowed it would "continue to defend itself by just means until total victory." A Waymo self-driving car, seen with a driver, stops at a red light outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 31, 2025. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana told CNBC on Tuesday that the Alphabet -owned ride-hailing company has reached 10 million trips, doubling in the past five months. "These are all paid trips, and they represent people who are really integrating Waymo Driver into their everyday lives," said Mawakana, speaking at the Google I/O developer conference. The 10 million figure includes rides in Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Phoenix area. Waymo is delivering more than 250,000 paid robotaxi rides a week, Alphabet said in its April earnings report. On Monday, Waymo said it had won approval to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service to more parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose. The robotaxi company is part of Alphabet's "Other Bets" unit. Revenue in the overall category fell 9% in the first quarter from a year earlier to $450 million, and operating loss grew from to $1.23 billion from $1.02 billion a year ago. While those figures include a number of businesses, Mawakana confirmed that Waymo is not yet profitable but that the company is "super focused on building a sustainable business." "We're proving out that it can be a profitable business," she said. "There's a path to profitability." Waymo faces potential competition from Tesla , which has promised to launch its robotaxi service in Austin next month. Tesla CEO Elon Musk told CNBC on Tuesday that the plan was still on track, and that the company will start with about 10 vehicles and rapidly expand to thousands if the debut goes well with no incidents. Musk said Tesla aims to bring its robotaxis to Los Angeles and San Francisco following the planned Austin launch. He has previously claimed Tesla's "generalized" approach to robotaxis is more ambitious than Waymo's. Tesla primarily relies on camera-based systems and computer vision instead of using sophisticated sensors including lidar and radar in its vehicles. Mawakana said that Waymo has taken what it views as the "safest path." "There's probably a lot of ways it can be done, but we're the only ones that have done it," she said. "We've been doing it 24 hours a day for almost five years. And so to us, it's really important to focus on safety, not focus on safety and then cost not cost and then safety." WATCH: Waymo co-CEO announces 10 million autonomous trips milestone The government is reviewing and examining the mango shipments that the United States rejected earlier this month, sources said, adding that an error was noted in one of the approved irradiation facility in Mumbai.The Mumbai facility also witnesses the maximum volume of mangoes destined for the US. Attributing the rejection of 12 mango consignments in the US to an error in recording of data related to irradiation treatment on May 8 and 9, sources said that the error and its cause are being examined at a senior level by the facility management.Sources pointed out that the mango irradiation process and its clearance was normalised at the impacted facility from May 10, and no impact was observed on the other two approved facilities.Exports of mangoes to the US are undertaken under the Cooperative Service Agreement between APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The procedure to operationalise mango exports comes under purview of Irradiation Operational Work Plan signed between USDA-APHIS, the Agriculture Ministry's National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), and the APEDA.As per the work plan, procurement of mangoes is done from registered farms, which are then graded and sorted at APEDA & NPPO recognised packhouses. Sources explained that the sorting is followed by the fungicidal treatment of hot water, followed by irradiation at 3 USDA-approved facilities in the current year. Sources added that all treatment facilities have SOPs addressing irradiation of commodities for mitigation of plant pests.India cultivates over 1,000 varieties of mangoes, of which 14 have GI tag, with each variety offering a unique taste and aroma. In 2024-25 (as per First Advance Estimates), India produced 22.66 million metric tonnes of mangoes, marking a 9% increase over the previous year. The country contributes around 43% of global mango production.Major mango producing States include Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, contributing 6.07 million metric tonnes (27%) and 4.98 million metric tonnes (22%) respectively, followed by Bihar, Karnataka, and Gujarat.India is the sixth-largest exporter of mangoes in the world. India's exports of fresh mangoes, in terms of value have increased by 66% to the world in the last four years from $36.22 million in FY21 to $60.14 million in FY24.India achieved its highest exports of mangoes in FY 2023-24, with 32,104 metric tonnes of fresh mango exports, generating $60.14 million-the highest export value in the last five years. India currently exports mangoes to 48 countries, with the UAE (31%) and the USA (23%) emerging as the top importers during April-February 2024-25.Export realisations for mangoes have increased significantly from $1130/MT in FY 2019-20 to $1846/MT in FY 2024-25, registering an absolute growth of 63%. India's export footprint has also expanded into new markets such as Iran, Czech Republic, Nigeria, and South Africa. India's exports of mangoes to the US have registered growth of 130%, with export value increasing from $4.36 million in FY 2022-23 to $10.01 million in FY 2023-24. The Border Security Force (BSF) and the State Bank of India (SBI) have facilitated the disbursement of 1.1 crore each in compensation to the families of two BSF personnel who were killed during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. As per a May 19 BSF update on X, the family of BSF constable Deepak Chingakham has received 1.1 crore in compensation following his martyrdom after India launched Operation Sindoor. On May 17, the BSF had confirmed that a similar amount had been disbursed to the family of sub-inspector Md Imteyaz, who was also killed in action. "Nothing can replace the value of a departed soul yet the family members need the support of all in these trying times. BSF and SBI have the arrangements of due compensation for BSF personnel 'Killed in Action'," the BSF wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on May 19. Read more: BSF Jawan, detained by Pakistan Rangers, handed over after three weeks Swift formalities and disbursements The SBI ACB of Paloura branch in Jammu initiated the necessary procedures promptly, the BSF said, adding that the SBI RBO Imphal team personally visited the late constable's home, met his family and completed the required formalities. "The SBI ACB Paloura branch made all necessary efforts and SBI RBO Imphal team visited the home of Late Constable Deepak Chingakham, met his family and completed all necessary formalities. Today the claim of 1.1 crore rupees has been approved and deposited in the account of NOK (next of kin)," the BSF added. Another family supported BSF had shared a similar update on May 17 regarding sub-inspector Md Imteyaz, who was also killed in action. The SBI Gadkha branch team visited his family on May 15 to complete the necessary steps. "The loss of a loved one leaves an irreplaceable void, but during these difficult times, the support and compassion of the community are invaluable," the BSF stated. Read more: BSF destroys terrorist launch pad in Pakistan's Sialkot | Watch video Structured compensation mechanism The BSF and SBI have a structured mechanism in place for timely compensation to the families of personnel who are killed while performing their duties, as per CNBC-TV18 Hindi. These efforts aim to provide immediate relief and convey that the country stands firmly with its security forces and their families. Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, May 20 and exchanged views on regional and global developments, asserting the two countries stand united in the fight against terrorism.Earlier this month, Conservative leader Friedrich Merz succeeded in becoming Germanys next chancellor.Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany, Modi said in a post on X.Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism, the prime minister said. Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested at least 12 people, including a Haryana-based YouTuber and a local quack over the last two weeks for allegedly being a part of Pakistan's spy operations. The accused also include a factory worker and a post-graduate student.Officials said the arrests were made in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. All the accused are suspected to be passing sensitive information to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).Here's what we know so farHaryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was allegedly in contact with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.Jyoti came in contact with Rahim during a visit to the Pakistan High Commission to seek a visa to visit the neighbouring nation. She was in touch with PIOs, and visited Pakistan "multiple times". Reports said she was allegedly in contact with Pakistani officials during the recent military conflict. She is currently under police custody, and her financial transactions and travel details are under scanner.Punjab police said Guzala had been arrested for leaking sensitive information regarding the Indian Army movements to a Pakistan-based handler. She revealed that she was doing it in lieu of money and the accused Pakistani official sent her Rs 30,000 in two transactions -- Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 -- through UPI (unified payment interface), news agency PTI reported.Moradabad Special Task Force arrested Shahzad for alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling. He allegedly passed sensitive information on national security to his Pakistani handlers by travelling to the neighbouring country several times.Both hail from Ajnala area of Amritsar in Punjab. The duo allegedly passed sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases to Pakistan's spy agency ISI.PTI reported that they passed information about the army's movements, location of BSF camps, airports and their photographs to their handlers.He allegedly received online payments for sharing sensitive information from Pakistan.Police recovered three mobile phones and eight live cartridges of .30 bore from their possession, PTI said. During the recent military conflict, the duo allegedly informed Pakistan about troop movements and details of key strategic locations.A native of UP's Kairana, he was arrested by state police for allegedly supplying sensitive information to some individuals in Pakistan.The Haryana police arrested 25-year-old post-graduate student from Kaithal for allegedly having links with Pakistani intelligence operatives. He was arrested after an FIR was registered against him for uploading photos on social media with weapons.PTI reported that during the investigation, it was learnt that Singh, who had been pursuing a Master's degree in political science from a college in Punjab, had gone to Pakistan on pilgrimage in November 2024. He allegedly came in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and remained in touch with them even after his return, PTI quoted police officials.The accused is believed to have allegedly shared information related to the Indian Army and other military activities with Pakistan.He is accused of leaking intelligence information on military activities to Pakistan. Pakistans federal Cabinet on Tuesday, May 20, approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani Prime Ministers Office. The development comes only a few days after Pakistans most intense military confrontation with India in nearly three decades. Munir, who has served as the countrys 11th chief of army staff since 2022, becomes only the second individual in Pakistans history to hold the title of field marshal, following former president Ayub Khan. The decision to elevate Munir coincides with the consolidation of power by the military establishment. Last week, Pakistans Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling endorsing the trial of civilians in military courts. The promotion follows the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead, including one Nepali citizen. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a multi-phase military campaign that targeted terrorist infrastructure and military installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Indian strikes on May 7 reportedly destroyed nine terror launch pads, including those in Bahawalpur and Murdike, both known as longstanding terror strongholds. The offensive escalated into a military exchange on May 8 and 9, during which Indian forces inflicted damage on Pakistani air bases. Prior to becoming army chief, Munir held key positions, including director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and commander of the XXX Corps in Gujranwala. He was awarded the Sword of Honour during his cadet training at the Officers Training School in Mangla. Also Read: 7 delegations, 1 mission: India launches global diplomatic blitz to expose Pakistans terror links Microsoft writes on its blog that neither Azure nor the companys AI technology has been used to harm people in Gaza. After allegations surfaced that these Microsoft products were being used by the Israeli military to harm civilians in Gaza, the company conducted internal and external reviews. We have found no evidence to date that Microsofts Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza, the tech giant stated. The company noted that it has a relationship with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) but that this is designed as a typical commercial relationship. None of the reviews found evidence that the Israeli Ministry of Defense violated Microsofts terms of use or code of conduct. At the same time, Microsoft stated that it has limited visibility into how its software is used on its customers own servers or devices. Dead family members arent all that funny, and Sarah Silverman knows it. But Silvermans dad isnt any ordinary dead relative. Schleppy Silverman is a crucial part of her comedian origin story, teaching her swearing as a second language at an early age. She showed off her skills in grocery stores as a toddler, basking in the positive (and negative) attention. A potty-mouthed stand-up comic was born. When Schleppy and Silvermans stepmom, Janice, passed away last year, nine days apart, it was inevitable that Silverman would reconcile her grief through comedy. But thats a high-wire act that few comedians can pull off. As much as Silvermans fans would want to share her sorrow, the prospect sounds like a heavy night at the comedy club. Silverman lets the crowd know they needn't worry in her new Netflix special, PostMortem. They both gave me so much, she says in an early sincere moment before switching to snark. And most recently, about an hours worth of new material. So lets do this. Don't Miss In other words, if PostMortem is a memorial service, Silverman is opting for a celebration of life, not a weepy funeral with everyone dressed in black. Schleppy is the star of the show, a man Silverman called her best friend. During Silvermans childhood, he owned a discount womens clothing store called Crazy Sophies Factory Outlet and even did his own radio commercials. Im Crazy Donny! When I see those prices at the mall, I just wanna vomit! Silverman rarely picked up the phone when Schleppy called every Saturday, mostly because she treasured his bizarro voicemails: I know youre a real Hollywood hotshot now. Maybe you could find time in your busy schedule to call back the guy who gave you life! Incensed, he added one more thought: I used to lift up your little legs and wipe the shit out of your tuchus! Schleppy hated rich people, challenged muscleheads to fistfights in delis, and left profane endorsements for his dentist on Yelp. The guy was a walking comedy routine. Advertisement Silvermans mother, Beth Ann (she died eight years ago), and stepmother, Janice, play supporting roles in PostMortem. Beth Ann was like Diane Chambers from Cheers, ordering croissants in fast-food restaurants with a French accent. Honest to the end, her last words to Sarah were, Your hair its so dry. Well-coiffed stepmom Janice gets her due as well, fawning over a painting created by one of Silvermans sisters. How did you know? she exclaims. Its all my colors tan, bronze and animal print! The special gets darker as it goes, from Janices terminal cancer diagnosis to Schleppys last days at home after the family agreed to stop his medication. Silverman and her sisters were with him until the end, and she offers a sweet remembrance of his final hours. In the hands of another comedian, say Mike Birbiglia or Tig Notaro, its not hard to imagine the special turning quiet, serious, heart-on-the-sleeve emotional. Silverman, who has no problem laying her feelings bare on her podcasts, makes the choice not to go there, dropping an unexpectedly wicked punchline every time PostMortem threatens to become maudlin or overly sincere. Its a trade-off the choice makes for a funnier special, but PostMortem doesnt pack the emotional wallop that it could have. Is Silverman afraid the audience cant handle a moment of real vulnerability? Is she masking her own grief by covering up with inappropriate punchlines? I suspect the real reason she takes the jokey route is because Schleppy would have wanted it that way. Remember the American Comedy Awards? No problem if you dont the honors, intended to become the Oscars of funny business, launched in 1987 and were dead in the water by 2001. (NBC tried to revive them in 2014; that half-hearted effort lasted a single year.) But the initial broadcast was impressive, mainly because big comedy stars actually showed up for the event. Check out this list of presenters from the first show: George Carlin, Roseanne Barr, Gilbert Gottfried, Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, the cast of The Golden Girls, Shirley MacLaine and Pee-wee Herman, for starters. That wouldnt have been a bad guest list for SNL50. Don't Miss 1987 was a mixed-bag year for comedy. There was Carlin calling out the nominees for the years Funniest Newcomer, a list that somehow included Alf. (Woody Harrelson took the honor for his first year on Cheers, also beating out Roseanne and Sam Kinison.) Another Woody pre-pariah Woody Allen took home Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture for Hannah and Her Sisters. While several of the inaugural nights nominees (Tom Hanks, Danny DeVito, Steve Martin) remain popular today, that year's winners are a good reminder of just how long ago 1987 was. Johnny Carson took home the prize for Funniest Male Performer in a TV Series, while Tim Conway transferred his inexplicably popular Dorf character into a Second Banana Award for Carsons flunky, Ed McMahon. Robin Williams was the nights big winner, taking home three Lucy Awards (as they would later be called) for Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic, Funniest TV Star in a Special and Funniest Male Performer of the Year. Advertisement The American Comedy Awards were a noble effort, an attempt by Laugh-In creator George Schlatter to legitimize a genre often ignored by the Academy Awards. While the American Comedy Awards lasted the longest, the awards show wasnt the first or last of its kind. Comedian Alan King cooked up his own version, presented by The American Academy of Humor and broadcast twice by ABC in the 1970s. Comedy Central took a few stabs at replacing the American Comedy Awards after they folded in 2001 the Commie Awards in 2003 (they lasted a year) and the Comedy Awards in 2011 (this time, trophies were handed out twice before the awards disappeared once again). Comedy Centrals awards may have aged even worse than 1987s: 2011s big winners were Date Night, Hot Tub Time Machine and Dinner for Schmucks. Why cant we sustain an annual comedy award show? Theres the Mark Twain Prize, but thats a lifetime achievement award. There are a few Comedy Halls of Fame out there, but like the awards shows, they havent quite taken hold in the national consciousness. Come on, enterprising producers, its time for another shot! If nothing else, award shows give us hilariously dated hairstyles to laugh at in the decades to come. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Joe Kramm, Charles Billot, Soojin Lee, Nacho Alegre For many designers, the urge to make a chair often seems primal, even essential. But as Mies van der Rohe once commented, A chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier. You cant hide your work with cladding and curtain walls, but you still have to produce a structurally sound object (most of the time). Unlike building a skyscraper, however, you dont need millions of dollars just some skill and a little scrap wood. The options are almost endless, and the results of that challenge are on full display this New York design week. We have chairs of rough and polished wood, steel tubes and mirrored steel, and at least one chair that looks more like a letter of the alphabet than a piece of furniture. One even features car parts. Usually it would require an accident for those to end up in your living room; this one comes from a year of creative experimentation. Joaquim Tenreiros rattan chaise at Bossa Annex Photo: Joe Kramm Joaquim Tenreiro is the great god of Brazilian furniture, the son of a Portuguese cabinetmaker who combined old-fashioned methods with luxurious Brazilian woods and essentially pioneered Brazilian Modernism in furniture form. He never sold out to a Brazilian Knoll or Herman Miller, working constantly on smaller commissions, a number of which were recommended by Oscar Niemeyer. So many pieces are singular at Bossa Annex, which has opened one of the most comprehensive shows of his work. Its titled Inventing a Modern Tropical Living, and this isnt even slightly hyperbolic. There are things most modernists simply didnt do; rattan fell largely out of fashion, except in the case of Marcel Breuers Cesca and Pierre Jeannerets Chandigarh chairs. No one would design a chaise with cane panels for both the head and footrests except for Tenreiro this is one he designed for a construction bigwig in Ipanema. The move lightens the piece at both ends, which is grounded by splayed rosewood legs. On view at Bossa Annex through June 30. Antoni Gaudis Batllo Chair at Casa Valle Photo: Nacho Alegre/ Theres another Barcelona chair on hand this week, one thats 20 years older than the one by Mies. Everyone knows Gaudis architecture; his furniture is a more esoteric thing. It has hardly been available in the U.S., but is for the first time at any scale in this reissue of the dining chair from his Casa Batllo in Barcelona. Giancarlo Valle and Jane Keltner de Valle went to Barcelona on the Gaudi pilgrimage route and resolved to make his work available to us, but its a small edition of 50. Gaudi knew what he was doing. He worked as a carpenter while studying architecture, and one of his cabinets caught the eye of Eusebi Guell, who became an early and repeat patron, responsible for Park Guell in Barcelona. He did not abandon furniture when he became a major architect, continuing to churn it out for commissions. The floral delicacy of earlier works receded a bit by Batllo, but its still unmistakably a piece that no one else would produce, with a backrest that looks like a hammerhead shark and legs that seem borrowed from a spindly quadruped. The slightly unnerving quality of Gaudis skeletal frames and ornamentation (described by Salvador Dali as erogenous shapes that bristle like a sea urchin) vanishes here in ebony-finished oak, handcrafted by artisans in Barcelona using the same methods as they did the first time around. Its not all caprice; the seat widens for comfort. On view during design week at Casa Valle. Colin Knights Wedge Chair at Superhouse Photo: Matthew Gordon The chair in art takes on a variety of forms: Duchamps Bicycle Wheel, or Marisols Andy. They do not typically inspire the design of actual chairs. Colin Knight, whose works frequently riff off of history and art, has commingled two of these interests in his Wedge chair, drawing upon both his grandmothers experiences of the London Blitz and Joseph Beuyss Fettstuhl (Fat Chair). Beuys topped his chair with a bluff of fat covered in wax; Knight has swapped fat with a leather cushion attached with straps. It repels efforts to sit, but gently it both replicates the form of Beuyss lardy slather and nods to the devastation of the Blitz (the top points and rest also nod to stretcher construction at the time). Theres some humor; the typical wedge chair involves a gentle grade to ease seating, but the topography here is more daunting. My regular advice when anyone questions artful but uncomfortable chairs is to buy them and have your guests sit in them; in this case, everyone can sit elsewhere and look at it. On view during NADA 2025, available at Superhouse. Lido Steel Chair by Paolo Ferrari Photo: Courtesy of Paolo Ferrari Photo: Joe Kramm Paolo Ferrari has produced a great range of design from Toronto in recent decades, mixing materials and color with Gio Pontiesque abandon. Ferrari has a Kagan-like habit of doubling up chair and sofa volumes; these things dont have to look like one piece. He has ventured in a new direction here with the very swank Lido Steel chair. This is not a turn toward harsh functionalism; the steel is mirrored to an extreme, translucent to evanescent depending on the light. Its apparent weightlessness is accentuated by the fact that it has one arm; a thrilling absence. On view at Love House through May 31. Woven Structures for USM by Henry Julier Photo: Chris Mottalini Photo: Chris Mottalini Henry Julier is the latest in a recent wave of designers to find potential within the confines of the USM Haller system, which has burst well beyond its open office origins. Looking to do something new, he settled upon Danish paper cord, which neither USM nor he had used previously. Unbleached cord, woven in a simple checkerboard pattern, offers a maximal contrast to the industrial chrome frame and allows the system to transform into a ten-piece collection of soft benches, chairs, stools and tables. On view at Shelter through May 19. Tumi Chair by Nifemi Ogunro Photo: Elevine Berge/ Nigerian-American designer Nifemi Ogunros Tumi chair, released in 2023, stands out at the Standard East Village, where its part of Innerwoven, a pop-up design show curated by Tione Trice of Of the Cloth. The idea for the chair came about when Ogunro was struck by the sight of a T-shaped branch in Fort Greene Park. Her photo of it morphed into a sketch, then into a 3-D model and on to its final form as a hand-carved seat. This totemic chair looks fairly simple but does not prescribe how you use it: she invited Coco Villa, a performance artist and designer, to explore and photograph herself interacting with it, and they soon found modes of use she hadnt even imagined. On view at the Standard East Village through May 31. The A Chair by Garnier Pingree Photo: Charles Billot Photo: Charles Billot In their long-running Brooklyn practice, Marie Garnier and Asa Pingree have collaged mirrors and aluminum rods together, nestled bulbs like elevator cores in steel mesh towers, and molded fiberglass into airy-looking chairs and benches. Their new A chair is an experiment in upholstered foam and steel tubes that invites you to sit as you wish; Pingree found inspiration in his child finding a comfortable nook within the triangle of his crossed legs. The A chair takes that concept to an even more elemental form with its simple frame. It is also, they stress, a collaboration with the user. Find your own pose and then another. On view at Shelter; available at the studios website. Luke Malaneys Everybody Knows Chair Photo: Sahra Jajarmikhayat Luke Malaney has found inspiration in Karel Appel, Marsden Hartley, and much else, producing highly crafted, knobby works that look like rusticated offshoots of the Vienna Secession. Hes not afraid of wood grain and imperfections, and in fact he often seems to carve the material to showcase them. Everybody Knows is a throne that willfully undermines its own authority (if only we had more of this lately) with a cracked copper headpiece lining a cabinet on the back. Adding storage to a form thats meant to project royal authority is a delightful subversion. The title is a Leonard Cohen nod, and the fissures in the frame are inspired by a lyric from Anthem: There is a crack in everything, thats how the light gets in. Its hewn of ash, cherry, bamboo, sapele, and pine with occasional splashes of paint, and then joined together. On view at Forced Perspective at Radio Star through May 20. Chen & Kais Walnut Corner Chair at Colony Photo: Courtesy of Chen & Kai Chen Chen and Kai Williams have produced an exhilarating range of work in recent years, from the far-out, like their Pineal Lobotomy chair, fabricated out of found branches, steel, and rope, to the cozy a footstool inspired by Moravian ceramic methods. This year theyve released an object of clever simplicity with their Walnut Corner chair. Given the diagonal placement of the backstrap, its explicitly designed so people sit on its corner. Its also a visible collaboration between the two designers: Williams crafted a single, curved steel tube to provide the legs and backrest while Chen contributed the two wooden legs and the actual seat. The wood is walnut, and thats not all; actual walnut shells ornament the ends of a leather strap, a nod to the Chinese tradition of passing Wenwan walnuts down over generations. On view at the Independents show at Colony through May 21. Bookmonster by Minsu Jang Photo: Jong Jin Lee and Christine Lee Photo: Soojin Lee Minsu Jangs Bookmonster for JLF is a reassuringly literary beast, a combination chair and bookshelf crafted out of 56 layers of plywood. Its resemblance to a spine-down volume with the pages splayed out is entirely intentional. The monster actually consists of three parts: the chair itself and two detachable wings, although it would seem a shame to clip these. When attached, books spiral around the occupant, readily at hand. When cast aside, the wings are still useful, forming side tables that can be arranged in a number of ways and continue to function as containers for books. The chair is charged both with its Sottsass-orange shade and the promise of every book one might read within it. On view at Wanted/ICFF and available at the studios website. Not for Automotive Use by MSCHF with Mercedes-AMG Photo: Kyle Berger MSCHF (sound it out) is a collective operating out of Brooklyn that has repurposed Birkin bags into sandals, released perfectly edible Airpods, and mounted paintball guns on robot dogs. Theyve just launched a new collection of furniture in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG using its car parts. They cite Achille Castiglioni, who borrowed all sorts of automotive parts for domestic use back in the day, as inspiration (other 70s Italian designers such as Fabio de Sanctis and Ugo Sterpini mounted Fiat doors on claw feet to blissfully pointless ends). Some of these pieces have an aura of engine fluid. The headlight couch is different. Its a mod shape, upholstered in the black suede used in cars and lined with two headlights somehow just what seating has always been missing. Liberamente Chair by Soft Witness Photo: Neige Thebault Whitney Kreigers Liberamente chair for her firm Soft Witness is a transfixing thing: an abstracted composition of three arches topped by bolster. It looks modular but is not (not in the way you might think two chairs can be combined at the seat ends to form a daybed). She previously released the piece with monochrome fabrics. The enchanting twist here is new floral textiles from Zak+Fox, while the chrome frame nods to Italian architectural friezes. Its another of many clever pieces from Soft Witness that stir history into fresh new forms. On view at the Verso show at 9 Chapel through May 23. 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. Its a pretty good deal, alright for the European Union. British food, agricultural produce and energy is back under Brussels control. European trawlers have another 12 years of largely untrammelled access to British fishing waters. And the EU nomenklatura may well once again soon be able to send their entitled nepo-babies to our elite universities on reduced tuition fees. Not bad for having to sit through a few prolonged talkfests during which the EU simply held out until the British caved in as they have before knowing full well London was keener on a deal than Brussels. What crumbs did we gratefully accept in return? Why, the chance to whisk through the e-gates at European airports, though probably not in time for this summers holidays. For a country in which queuing is part of our national character it doesnt seem like much of a concession. Those who thought Britain would never again be as humiliated in EU negotiations as it was when the hapless Theresa May first tried to agree our exit from the EU in the aftermath of the 2016 referendum will need to think again. If Donald Trump sees himself as a master of the art of the deal, its clear Keir Starmer is perfecting the art of the steal as in allowing other countries to walk away with everything they want in return for next to nothing. Keir Starmer and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in London yesterday Weve seem him deploy this approach over the Chagos Islands, sovereign British territory which he isnt just handing over to Mauritius hes paying them billions for the privilege of taking them. But he really hit his stride with his trade deal with America, which he presented as a triumph even though it left Britain facing higher tariffs on just about everything than it did before Trump returned to the Oval Office. I thought Starmers lack of negotiating prowess had peaked when he clinched a free trade deal with India, which he only managed to secure by allowing some Indian workers to come here without paying national insurance contributions. But that was before I saw yesterdays agreement with the EU. True, British food and fish will now have an easier time accessing European markets. But that comes at a high democratic price. Food safety, general consumer protection rules, the regulation of live animals, organic cultivation and elements of food marketing will now all become matters for Brussels to decide not the British Parliament. It will make future free trade deals with non-European countries far more complicated, perhaps even impossible. We will have to accept the current set of EU rules without quibble and, in a process known as dynamic alignment, automatically adopt whatever new rules Brussels determines. We will be able to present our views on any proposed changes. But we will have no participation in the process making the changes. The European Court of Justice, on which we will have no representation, will be the final arbiter in any disputes. One other thing: well have to make a financial contribution of an as yet unspecified sum for this easier access and the costs of policing dynamic realignment. The art of the steal, indeed. Even on issues where Brussels was the supplicant, the EU managed to drive a hard bargain. The much-touted youth mobility scheme is now being tagged as a youth experience scheme because mobility is too suggestive of migration, which Starmer says he will curb. Britain has five universities in the worlds Top 30 (and many more in the Top 100), according to a list compiled annually by The Times. Only America has more. The EU has one, just (Munich, 30th). Which is why the Euro-elite has always been so keen on sending its offspring to our world-class universities. (Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is believed to have at least one child at univerity in Britain.) British food, agricultural produce and energy is back under Brussels control. European trawlers have another 12 years of largely untrammelled access to British fishing waters, writes Andrew Neil Starmer has agreed to young Europeans coming to work and study in the UK in itself no bad thing without giving any indication of how many or for how long. He claimed at yesterdays press conference that there would be a cap. But the UK-EU agreement makes no mention of that, vaguely stating only that terms will have to be mutually agreed. The same is true of e-gates. The deal does not guarantee access to them, merely referring to the potential use of e-gates where appropriate. In fact, EU citizens have always been able to use our e-gates at British airports. Starmer should have been far more robust in demanding equal treatment threatening to treat EU citizens they way they treat us if the EU did not bend. The much-billed defence and security pact is vague to the point of meaningless. Of course, the UK and the EU will need to work more closely in the years ahead as America retreats from its European responsibilities. But this agreement puts no meat on the bone. It doesnt even mention British access to the EUs 125billion rearmament fund of which so much has been made. That fund, by the way, is spread over five years, which means 25billion a year. The most the British defence industry could hope to get out of it is around 3-4billion a year. Nice work if you can get it but hardly a gamechanger given the scale of rearmament required. The Brexiteers are up in arms shouting sellout and surrender. Im more puzzled as to why Starmer thinks it all worth the candle. At the weekend, Whitehall was briefing that the Starmer re-set could add 2 per cent to Britains GDP, spurring growth in ways that might obviate further tax rises. British food and fish will now have an easier time accessing European markets This was fantasy nonsense. Yesterday more sober official calculations suggested it could add 0.2 per cent to GDP (9 billion) by 2040! In 15 years time, on modest growth assumptions, UK GDP could be heading for 4trillion. In that context 9billion isnt even a rounding error. Its an irrelevance. Its a mystery to me why Labour is so keen to re-embrace the EU. Its almost as if its stuck in a 50-year time warp in which European social democracy is the civilised alternative to Soviet communism and American capitalism and European economies are going gangbusters. That was true when we joined the then Common Market in 1973 Western Europe was a success story, the UK a basket case and the main reason I was a fervent supporter of membership. But its far from the case now. The main European economies are stagnant growing as slowly as the UK, in some cases (Germany, Italy) even more slowly. The idea our animal spirits will suddenly be ignited by getting more alongside them is bizarre, defying all facts and logic. In a world in which America innovates, China imitates and Europe merely regulates, the EU is clearly not the future. At the start of this century, around half the 25 biggest companies in the world had European HQs. Today its only two (LVMH and Novo Nordisk). There is no European Apple, Amazon, Microsoft or Meta (Facebook). Nothing like them, in fact. Twenty years ago the EU accounted for 30 per cent of global GDP. Today it is under 20 per cent, even if you still include the UK for comparative purposes. The US, by contrast, has seen its share of global GDP these past two decades stay roughly stable at just over 25 per cent. The rush to throw in our lot with the losers is unfathomable. It will be hard enough for Britain to survive and prosper in the 21st century without aligning ourselves with the EU. That way lies certain decline. The deal, such as it is, that Starmers struck this week is of marginal significance and will make little difference to our future prospects. But if it is the shape of things to come with alignment piled upon alignment until we are effectively back in the EUs overall ambit then we are truly doomed. Like the deluded emperor in Hans Christian Andersens fairy tale, Sir Keir Starmer was keen to show off his elegant new European clothes yesterday. Posing proudly with his cosmopolitan chums, he extolled the virtues of his Brexit reset deal, hailing it as a landmark victory. Unfortunately for him, everyone else could see he was naked. Brussels had not only stripped the shirt from his back but made off with his entire ensemble. This was the day the Brexit dream died, and with it the vision of a vibrant, confident, sovereign Britain making its own rules and its own way on the international stage. Everything the EU wanted from these negotiations it received, from the UK accepting dynamic alignment with its food and agriculture standards to a deal allowing European fishing boats to keep plundering British waters for years to come. The European Court of Justice will again have the power to interfere in British law and trade deals with other countries will be made more difficult by the necessity to abide by Brussels regulations. Britain is also expected to rejoin the EUs emissions trading scheme, which could see heavy industry being clobbered with even higher green levies in the mad race to Net Zero. Whats more, the hard-pressed British taxpayer will be forced to pay billions for the privilege of once more becoming an obeisant Brussels rule-taker. Keir Starmer posing proudly with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen... the PM extolled the virtues of his Brexit reset deal, hailing it as a landmark victory Sir Keir claims the deal will give British fishermen stability and is good for fishing, but the fishing industry says its absolutely disastrous and a sellout And on top of all that, there is a plan under active consideration to open Britains doors to millions more migrants through a youth mobility scheme. EU citizens aged between 18 and 30 would be able to live and work in this country and our young people would have the same right in the EU. Experience tells us there will be many times more migrants coming here from Europe than going in the opposite direction. Some will come to study, but the majority will be coming to work. The idea that a 30-year-old should be classed as a youth is absurd. This is not some concession for students, its a return to free movement by the back door. And what do we get in return for all this largesse? The PM boasts that we will be allowed to join EU queues and use e-Gates when arriving at European airports. But even this so-called win is yet to be finalised. Similarly, the much-vaunted defence pact agrees only to swiftly explore whether UK firms will be permitted to tap into a 150billion rearmament fund set up by the EU. Sir Keir has sold the soul of Brexit down the river, yet far from being embarrassed about it, hes jubilant. He could hardly stop grinning at his own brilliance yesterday. For while pretending to respect the 2016 referendum result, he has worked tirelessly to undermine and ultimately overturn it. This was the first giant step towards that goal. It was not so much a negotiation as a deliberate and calculated capitulation. The first to be counting the cost will be Britains fishing communities. Fishing may account for only a small fraction of the UKs GDP but that doesnt mean it is unimportant. Its a crucial part of the British maritime tradition and supports many thousands of jobs in some of this countrys most deprived regions nearly all of which voted to leave the EU so we could take back control of our fishing grounds. Yesterday they were cynically betrayed. Under the original Brexit deal, Boris Johnson cut the annual quotas that could be caught by EU boats by 25 per cent. He set a cut-off date of June 2026, after which quotas were expected to be cut further. Astonishingly, Sir Keir has agreed to extend the existing quotas for 12 more years, far longer than had been anticipated or indeed requested. Pro-Leave supporters outside the Houses of Parliament yesterday He says it will give British fishermen stability and is good for fishing. Fishing industry bodies says its absolutely disastrous and a sellout. And if a future government tries to restrict these quotas, there is a nasty clause in the agreement enabling the EU to slap tariffs on all British imports. This is not the behaviour of an ally. Like the farmers, fishermen are quickly realising that Labour neither knows anything about their lives and livelihoods nor cares about their fate. They are merely collateral damage in Sir Keirs obsession with sucking up to Brussels. His announcement yesterday was spattered with the vacuous language we came to associate with New Labour. Time to turn the page move on from the stale debates of the past look forwards not backwards open a new chapter. At no stage did he mention trashing the democratic mandate of 17.4million people. Perhaps the most egregious of the many lies and half-truths he deployed to gull the public was this one: We are following through on what the British people voted for last year. Really? His manifesto pledged to make Brexit work. To renege on that promise so soon suggests he never had any intention of keeping it. But the people will not be taken for fools indefinitely. While they may not be directly affected by this reset, they will see it for what it is a bid to return to the EU by stealth. True, Brexit has not been an unalloyed success, and the Conservative Party bears a heavy responsibility for that. Instead of capitalising on its vast potential, it was far too timid. If senior members of the last government had spent half as much time exploring new trade opportunities as they did biting lumps out of each other, skulking back towards Brussels would now be pointless. Instead, their appalling lack of purpose has provided Labours guerilla army of Remainers a window of opportunity through which they have gratefully climbed. But if Sir Keir thinks the public will thank him for it, he is sorely mistaken. He is already the most unpopular incoming prime minister in history and his approval ratings continue to plummet. His party was routed at the local elections by a Reform party which is soaring in the polls and his recent Damascene conversions to migration control and protecting women-only spaces are an obvious attempt to limit the damage. He is fooling no one. The lesson Sir Keir has failed to understand from Reforms success is that voters are heartily sick of being patronised, ignored and lied to by a political class which scorns democracy. The Brexit referendum was the most powerful expression of public contempt for the established order yet now Sir Keir has the arrogance to think he can override their wishes. They will repay him at the first opportunity by sweeping him and his dishonest, deceitful, hapless government into the dustbin of history. Standing between two Brussels grand-fromages, Sir Keir Starmer could have been an escapee returned to the gaolers. To make it even more galling, the scene was on supposedly sovereign soil. The Brussels big shots had swaggered into London and nabbed their man. Ursula von der Leyen, twinkly in her triumph, kept calling him 'deer Keer' and widened her taut little jaw. It is the jaw of a cat. Good for killing unsuspecting warblers. On Sir Keir's other side was a burly Portuguese socialist, Antonio Costa, apparently president of the European Council. One of the blessed things about Brexit was that we no longer needed to care who such Eurocrats were. Now Labour has thrown us back into the political food-mixer from Hell. They arrived by Audi, to be met at the doors of Lancaster House by Sir Keir who waited alone on a yard of red carpet. The building's honey-stoned facade had been covered in funereal hoardings that said 'UK-EU Summit 2025'. There is to be one of these every year from now on. More money spent on politicians' vanity. More foot-steps in the glue. 'Summit' was a glorified noun for an hour's meeting followed by a press conference, then lunch aboard the frigate Sutherland, moored in the Pool of London. The Royal Navy once fired broadsides when foreign marauders invaded our waters. Now ward-room matelots were waiting on them, silver-service. 'Who's having the fish?' The Brussels duo: 'We are.' Press photographers were allowed to snap the main players at the start of their meeting. David Lammy rubbed his thumbs together, looking ecstatic. Nick Thomas-Symonds, minister i/c surrender agreements, was given a rare invitation to sit at the top table. He spent the time nodding. Mr Lammy, on arrival outside, had been accompanied by his food-taster (and ministerial colleague) Stephen Doughty. You can imagine a tuba's parp with each stride Brother Doughty takes. At the start of the press conference Sir Keir invited Senhor Costa to speak. This was a decision one of many, perhaps that he would come to rue. 'For us ees great pleasure to be ear,' began o presidente. 'We are ear not to talk about our shelled values.' And to talk about them at length. Minutes passed. The room stilled, as if for a siesta. Lunch was aboard the frigate Sutherland, moored in the Pool of London. The Royal Navy once fired broadsides when foreign marauders invaded our waters. Now ward-room matelots were waiting on them, silver-service. Sir Keir was loving it. ur PM licked his lips and blinked with pride. He did that Bill Nighy thing of pursing his mouth. Ursula von der Leyen, twinkly in her triumph, kept calling him 'deer Keer' and widened her taut little jaw. It is the jaw of a cat. European Council President Antonio Costa, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for a visit aboard the British Royal Navy's HMS Sutherland But Sir Keir was loving it. As old Costa Living droned on about having felt 'a new positive energy' from Sir Keir at some meeting in February, our PM licked his lips and blinked with pride. He did that Bill Nighy thing of pursing his mouth. What a dork he looked. He even tilted a few degrees towards the Portuguese Man O'Bore, but maybe he was just finding it hard to stay awake as were the rest of the room. 'We both believe in free trade,' continued Costa Lot. This was debatable, for it was gratuitous EU bureaucratic tangles on free trade that blackmailed Sir Keir into his capitulation. 'Your leadership has been instrumental,' added Portugal's finest. This, at least, was true. No one else but the nasal knight would have swallowed such a bad prawn as this deal. Frau von der Leyen, palpably relieved when Costa finally shut up, began by saying 'my deer Keer, it is a success the excellent result we have!' She was finding it hard to disguise her glee and disbelief at London's cave-in. Sir Keir bit on the inside of his right cheek and hopped from one sole to the other. Jittery in front of his new boss? When he reached inside his jacket to retrieve a slip of paper he made his microphone crunch. When it was his turn to speak he claimed 'Britain is back on the world stage'. Britain has been stuffed back behind bars, more like, here in the person of its air pocket of a premier. Not that Sir Keir himself ever escaped. He was arguably on the EU's side all along. The returned captive in his country. Freedom's frolic is done. Lock the doors. Clank. If Brexit had a theme tune, it wouldnt be the patriotic strains of Rule Britannia, or the stirring sounds of Jerusalem, but a far less triumphalist anthem: the laid-back West Coast sound of the Eagles, and their 1976 hit Hotel California. You can check out, but you can never leave. Does any other line encapsulate more succinctly the current situation? You can say your goodbyes, pack your bags, pay your bill (and boy, did Britain pay her bill 23billion-odd so far, and more to come) but at the end of the day youll end up right back where you started. Ultimately, theres no escaping the tendrils of the EU. As the full extent of Keir Starmers surrender to Brussels became clear this week, that song played on a loop in my mind. We are just prisoners here/of our own device. Well, their device, actually. The photograph of Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen on the front of today's Daily Mail perfectly encapsulated their moment of victory. She covers her mouth with her hand as she whispers conspiratorially in his direction. He bows his head, listening intently, a smile playing on his lips. Its a snapshot of pure self-satisfied elitist smuggery, two career bureaucrats sharing a chuckle, knowing theyve stuck it to voters by circumventing democracy and imposing their superior will (as they see it) via the back door. This is the modern, acceptable face of authoritarianism. No jackboots or gerrymandering, no placards or pitchforks or launching tentpoles through the windows of Whitehall. No need. Big budgets and back channels: thats how you subvert democracy in plain sight, right underneath the noses of voters, who poor saps are still labouring under the misguided impression that if they vote for someone or something, that is what they will get. Hark, is that the sound of hollow laughter I hear? To be fair, this was always the Remainer plan. Pay lip service to the result of the Referendum but meanwhile work hard behind the scenes to subvert it. The vote was never the end of it for them, merely the start of guerilla warfare. As someone who was very close to the action in the run up to the vote, I always knew this. I have a memory of coming into the office the day after the Brexit vote and saying to a colleague who was flushed with the excitement of the victory: Yes, its amazing if they let it happen. Sir Keir Starmer with European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday What do you mean? he asked, confused. Whos they? I didnt quite know how to explain it then, but now I dont need to. This is what I meant. This war of attrition, this chipping away, this death by a thousand cuts, this surrender and ultimately, this betrayal of what the British people chose, foolishly believing democracy was a concept that still had any relevance in their lives. It was naive to think it would turn out any other way. It will be ten years since the referendum next June and the Remainers revenge has almost come full circle. When David Cameron stepped down that fateful morning after the vote, he set in motion the cogs that would eventually lead to the frustration of the vote. Whether by design or accident, his resignation triggered a series of events that were to ensure Brexit was hobbled from the very start. The psycho drama that unfolded over the course of that subsequent week in which I was swept up, since my ex-husband Michael Gove and Boris Johnson clashed as a result of the fallout resulted in a fundamental schism within the Brexit camp and the withdrawal of Boris from the race to succeed Cameron. There followed the worst possible outcome: the election of Theresa May as Conservative Leader, if anything more of a Remainer than Cameron himself only with considerably less charm and political acumen. She botched the negotiations via her disastrous Chequers plan and, by the time Johnson finally got his hands on the tiller, he was faced with an impossible situation, boxed in on a number of fronts. He fought back valiantly, and eventually got a deal over the line, but it was messy and suboptimal and certainly very far from what most voters had envisioned. Still, at least he was committed to the principle. But with him gone, Brexit no longer had its champion. As much as anything else, Starmer came to power on a silent Remainer ticket. I know many former Conservative voters who were prepared to hold their noses and compromise on principle on the tacit understanding that he would affect a rapprochement with Brussels. He never dared say it and indeed, protested quite the opposite; but it was the great unspoken truth of last years general election. 'Brexit cost me my friends, my sanity and arguably my marriage. But at least Im not a fisherman,' says Sarah Vine And so it has come to pass. No matter that along the way hes wreaked political havoc with the lives of pensioners, farmers, small businesses and more. Remainers dont care about all that. The important thing is that now little Phoebe can have a proper French au pair, and the passport queues at Pisa Airport wont be so devilishly long. Which is so missing the point. It feels as though the whole damn nightmare was for nothing which from a purely personal point of view is somewhat tiresome since Brexit cost me my friends, my sanity and arguably my marriage. But at least Im not a fisherman. As for the rest of the British people who voted for independence from Europe, an end to mass migration, sovereignty, freedom from the laws of Brussels it must feel like the ultimate two-finger salute of an unelected elite that never really had any intention of letting them take back control. An elite who right from the get-go did everything in their power to ensure that Brexit would be a failure. An elite who, unable to win fair and square at the ballot box, then deployed a million different establishment levers to manipulate the politics and the narrative so that, ultimately, we would end up where we are today, bending over backwards to rejoin the bully-boy gang in Brussels. From my point of view, Im not so much angry about this deal which is by any standard appalling. There is just a weary predictability to it all, in the same way that there is a weary predictability to so much in politics these days. Every time something sensible happens such as, for example, the Supreme Court ruling on what it means to be a woman the vested interests fight back tooth and nail, everyone loses their nerve and things go back to being bonkers, only even more so. Meanwhile, good people get shafted by a system thats stacked against them from the start and elections and democracy in general become ever more abstract concepts, more performative politics than anything with real relevance. After all, why bother voting if the outcome is not going to be respected? In that respect, Remainers have more in common with Donald Trump than they realise. Its hard to see a way out, or a way forward. Yes, theoretically voters could punish Starmer at the polls and theoretically an incoming government could reverse these directives, and others. But the chances of not getting bogged down in the legal weeds which have been carefully planted below the waterline to anchor us to Brussels are remote. No, this is the way Brexit ends: not with a bang, but a whimper. Sometimes, something happens that is so truly shocking, so deeply disturbing, that it makes you ask: What kind of country am I living in? Thats what I asked myself when I heard about the refusal, by the Court of Appeal, to reduce the prison sentence of Lucy Connolly. She is a mother and the wife of a very unwell husband, as well as a respected childminder. But Connolly is also the woman who, in the immediate aftermath of the senseless murder of three little girls in Southport by Axel Rudakubana, pulled out her phone and sent a tweet that shocked many people. Mass deportation now, she tweeted, set fire to all the f*****g hotels full of the b*****ds for all I care. While youre at it take the treacherous government and politicians with them. I feel physically sick knowing what these families will now have to endure. If that makes me racist so be it. Is it highly offensive? Absolutely. But does it justify what was then handed out to Lucy Connolly, 42, by a justice system clearly struggling to regain control over the unrest after the horror of Southport a prison sentence of nearly three years? Lucy Connolly, the wife of a former Conservative councillor, was jailed for posting an online rant about migrants on the day of the Southport murders Former Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly speaking outside the Court of Appeal about his wife's case last week Yes, you read that right. Despite her never committing an act of violence, starting a fire or assaulting an emergency worker, and having no criminal record. Despite deleting her tweet after only a few hours, then urging people not to join the rioting and unrest. And despite being highly sensitive to the suffering of children after the death, following a catalogue of NHS failings, of her 19-month-old son some years before and being, as a result, painfully familiar with the anguish felt by the parents of those poor girls in Southport. Despite all that, she was jailed for nearly three years. Yesterday, having already been denied bail, urged to plead guilty and refused temporary release to see her young daughter and sick husband, Lucy Connolly had her attempt to be released early denied by the Court of Appeal. But what makes this decision even more senseless and outrageous is if you consider it alongside many other recent events in our justice system, all of which help to explain why a public perception of two-tier justice is now going mainstream in this country. How is it right, how is it fair, in light of Lucy Connollys situation, that this week a Palestinian man named Abu Wadee, who tried to enter Britain illegally on a small boat and allegedly voiced open support for the Islamist terrorists Hamas while calling for the murder of Jews, was sent to prison for only nine months? And, while Connolly was requesting her freedom, the Labour justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, revealed that more than 1,000 inmates in this country, including sex offenders and domestic abusers, will be released early to free up spaces in prisons? How is it right and fair, I would ask Sir Keir Starmer and anybody else who agrees with this judgment, that Lucy Connolly was given a longer sentence than some members of a Pakistani Muslim grooming gang in Telford who sexually abused children? A protest by members of the Free Speech Union and supporters of Lucy Connolly, including her husband Raymond, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London ahead of her appeal last week Lucy Connolly's shocking tweet, posted after the murder of three little girls in Southport by Axel Rudakubana, which led to her being jailed for 31 months It is notable, too, how much more harshly Connolly has been treated than radical trans extremists who sing songs about killing terfs [trans-exclusionary radical feminists], or the rag-tag of radical Islamists and Leftists who have spent months marching on the streets of this country singing anti-Semitic songs and celebrating Hamas. In what kind of country is this hypocrisy and two-tier justice allowed to take place? And, lastly, how is it right, fair, or just that Lucy Connolly is being kept locked up for so long that she is missing the most important and formative years of her young daughters life, while the likes of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury and former BBC presenter Huw Edwards escaped prison altogether. While Amesburys ten-week sentence for assaulting a local constituent was suspended on appeal, Edwards was given a six-month suspended sentence for making indecent images of children. In what kind of country does this make any sense at all? The answer is a country that has now completely lost its way and become firmly detached from the Christian notion of forgiveness. Of course, what Lucy Connolly tweeted was wrong. I would certainly not endorse it. But, crucially, she recognised it was wrong and sought to take action almost immediately a point her critics ignore. In March, we narrowly avoided the imposition on our justice system of new sentencing guidelines, drawn up after recommendations by the now foreign secretary, David Lammy, back in 2017. These would have encouraged judges presiding over cases involving racial, sexual, and gender minorities to take their identity and mitigating factors into account. So what about Lucy Connollys mitigating factors what about the death of her young son that left her traumatised? Does that not deserve to be highlighted because she is white and British? One cannot help but wonder how Lucy Connolly might have been treated were she, say, a transgender activist venting her rage over climate change. This latest dark chapter in the history of our legal system is in fact about far more than one person. Its about the rise of a very ugly, biased and un-British authoritarianism in this country. You see it in the case of the two parents who were recently arrested by no fewer than six police officers after complaining about their local school in a WhatsApp group. You see it in the very long list of Britons who have been arrested, marched off to their local police station and charged with various speech crimes. Abu Wadee with a Kalashnikov in a picture on social media. He tried to enter the UK illegally and allegedly voiced support for Hamas while calling for the murder of Jews, yet was sent to jail for only nine months People like former Royal Marine Jamie Michael, who was arrested and charged after sharing a video criticising illegal migration and calling for peaceful protests. Or veteran Darren Brady, who was arrested and handcuffed for causing anxiety by posting an image of Pride flags arranged into a swastika his attempt to protest what he sees as the unquestioning enforcement of LGBT+ dogma. You see it in the fact that British police authorities are now making around 12,000 arrests every year because of what people have written online or via mail, or have said on the telephone much of which simply caused others annoyance, anxiety or inconvenience. You see it, too, in how our increasingly authoritarian Labour government, under Sir Keir Starmer, has no intention to curtail the use of so-called non-crime hate incidents, with more than 13,000 of these Orwellian episodes logged last year alone, and more than 133,000 recorded since they were introduced in 2014. Under these dystopian measures, anybody can have a black mark put against their name simply if somebody else, without having to provide any evidence at all, perceives them to have said something offensive. And you see it, lastly, in the more than 100 Britons who, like Connolly, have been hurled into prison for what they wrote on social media in the aftermath of the Southport atrocities and often in the privacy of their own homes. Lucy Connolly, put simply, should not be in prison. She should be at home with her daughter and husband, not sitting in jail as a depressing symbol of our countrys diminishing freedoms. Noisy, crowing laughter from Labour (and Lib Dems) mixed with shouts of shut up! and groans of oh no, here we go! when Conservatives and Scots Nats questioned Sir Keir Starmer and his EU agreement. In this Commons there was no time for such impertinence. Only one attitude was permitted: fealty to the Prime Minister. Kemi Badenoch tried but failed. Her microphone did not seem to be working properly and in the hubbub she was often inaudible. Amid the abuse from Labour yowlers she vanished under the waves, glug glug. Nigel Farage did not turn up for the pre-lunch statement and now it turns out he was on holiday! Two no-shows in two days, on what used to be his core issue. Whats going on? Labours Red Wallers, reportedly simmering about concessions made to Brussels, proved to be non-combustible. One of them, Bassetlaws much-hyped Jo White, mewed congratulations to Sir Keir for delivering everything her constituents had most earnestly desired. Her only criticism was that the student-exchange arrangements might be too middle-class. Sir Keir Starmer makes a statement on the UK-EU Summit in the House of Commons yesterday Sir Keir himself? Priggishly cocky. Confident. Almost cruel. All those years of blocking Brexit and colluding with Brussels against our countrys urgent interests have finally come good. He has stuck us back, good and proper, on the gluey flypaper of European Commission regulations. He has condemned us to years more of a bad fishing deal that was finally about to expire. He has promised to pay Eurocrats undisclosed millions, perhaps billions, in administrative costs. Its like one of those convenience charges you have to pay at railway station car-parks, though the sums are rather heftier. Sir Keirs old co-collaborator, Hilary Benn, sat some way down the government bench, peering mistily at the middle distance. Suave Peter Kyle, Science Secretary, was tapping something into his mobile telephone. Wes Streeting, beside him, casually slid an eye over Mr Kyles screen. Dame Emily Thornberry had poured herself into a new red trouser suit. Beside Sir Keir sat Nick Thomas-Symonds, minister for surrender negotiations. He kept glancing nervously at the PMs back and made sure he did a lot of nodding. The statement was meant to be about the EU deal but Sir Keir talked almost as much about his US and India agreements. He alleged the Tories, in failing to greet these with rapture, were showing themselves to be anti-trade. Kemi Badenoch replies to Sir Keir in the Commons - but failed to make herself heard, no thanks to a microphone seemingly on the blink The trouble with hyperbole is that it can become as addictive as tincture of opium. Take one sip, another becomes irresistible. Sir Keir flew into repeated denunciations of what he considered to be the intellectual vacuity of the opposition. The Conservatives were finished. The Conservatives had made a descent into the abyss. After Mrs Badenochs contribution he remarked oh dear, that was such an unserious response. From what one had managed to hear of it amid the hog-whimpering and giggles from Sir Keirs backbenchers, it had actually been quite sober. Probably too serious, in fact. She could do with being more vulgar. Doesnt prick the balloon. Bounces off it. Time and again Sir Keir repeated his theyre not serious line. Only he and the grown-ups, the technocrats, the people who knew best, were serious. Yet the characters behind him were behaving like baboons. Untidily-fringed Alan Gemmell (Central Ayrshire) roared witticisms about Mrs Badenoch before hooting gleefully with Gregor Poynton (Livingston) and Gordon McKee (Glasgow South). A lower-grade trio was led by Alex Barros-Curtis (Cardiff West), yelping insults at the opposition and then cackling with delight. His little helpers were Chris Vince (the Harlow dimwit) and Natasha Irons (Croydon East). This is how they laugh at the public, retorted Mrs Badenoch, yet they have no idea at what theyve signed up for. This set off another wave of merriment, a drowning din of derision that the barbarian Brexit voters were finally overcome. In a Commons where almost half the opposition (ie the Lib Dems) agrees with the Government, our legislature has seldom felt less representative of public sentiment. Rachael, 27, had to break up with her hairstylist after the cost of dyeing her hair blonde had become too expensive for her budget. 'I could buy a plane ticket to Europe with one hair appointment,' she told DailyMail.com. And she's not alone, as millions of women across the United States have declared themselves too broke to shell out hundreds of dollars on high-maintenance dye jobs at the salon. Enter 'recession blonde'. The trend, which has recently taken over both TikTok and real-life hair salons, refers to low-maintenance colors and cuts that allow people to scale back on spending amid the woes of economic uncertainty. On social media, photos and videos of recession blonde have gone viral, as life-long blondes showcase their grown-out dark brown roots and cite money troubles as the reason why they have yet to touch up their contrasting locks. However, not everyone is willing to ditch the self-care tradition of dyeing their hair. Instead, they're opting for more manageable (and frugal) shades of blonde. According to expert hair stylists, an increasing number of clients are requesting these money-saving services, and some even think the 'recession blonde' trend is here to stay. 'Recession blonde' refers to the low-maintenance colors and cuts that allow people to scale back on spending amid the woes of economic uncertainty According to expert hair stylists, an increasing number of clients are requesting these money-saving services during rising tariffs The trend allows for women to opt for more manageable and cheaper shades of blonde, with some saving more than $1,000 a year on their hair care bills Kate Ross, a 25-year-old beauty PR Manager at Irresistible Me who lives in New York City, has been dyeing her hair platinum blonde every six to eight weeks for the past five years. With each session costing Kate up to $350, she was dishing out a whopping $1,800 to $2,100 a year at the salon, and that's not including tips or haircare products such as purple shampoo. The frequent touch-ups required for platinum blonde were draining Kate's budget, so she instantly decided on a transformation after learning about the recession blonde trend on social media. 'With rising costs rent, groceries, everything I needed to cut back without losing my style,' she told DailyMail.com. Instead of her usual icy blonde, this time Kate went for a warmer, darker blonde with softer roots. Now, she visits the salon every 12 to 16 weeks, paying just $150 for partial highlights and a cut. 'That switch saves me over $1,000 a year,' she said. Kate's math isn't entirely wrong, said Jessica Ruby of The Flamingo Lounge hair salon in Los Angeles. For Jessica, who's been doing hair for more than 20 years, this isn't the first time she's seen people cut corners at the salon amid financial strain. As such, she's begun to offer her loyal customers a sliding scale of services pay what you can, when you can. Actress Sydney Sweeney is known for her dirty blonde locks, with darker roots at the scalp that transition to a honey blonde shade Model and influencer Sofia Richie Grainge often showcases her hair on Instagram, which some people have previously described as 'old money' blonde Cara Delevingne, who's sported many bleached hairstyles in the past, opts for a manageable shade of blonde these days She needs to keep the lights on, too, of course. 'With my regular clients, if they come to me and say, "I can't afford this, my husband just got laid off," I will say, "What is a budget that you can work with?"' The most popular recession-proof styles currently being requested at salons, according to stylists, are: a 'hand painted balayage' or 'reverse balayage', a coloring technique that creates a softer, multidimensional transition from root to end; a 'money piece', which offers highlights around the face; and a 'gloss', a low-cost color service that adds shine to otherwise dull hair. While these recession blonde styles may still cost a pretty penny, averaging from $200 to $400 depending on the salon, Jessica revealed that some customers have saved thousands of dollars by visiting the salon less frequently for such lower-maintenance treatments. A 2024 report from Advanced Dermatology, found that American women spend an average $1,064 a year on their appearance $286 on haircuts and hair coloring alone. However, one in six women admitted to spending more on beauty and wellness than they can afford. The study also found that nearly one in 10 Americans have gone into debt to pay for appearance-related products and services, with the average debt amounting to $1,342. This was unsurprising to Kristina Maccaro, the founder of Love Lane Salon in Jersey City, New Jersey. She's witnessed first-hand a downturn in clients shelling out hundreds of dollars for their usual color and cut. 'One of the things that we're hearing a lot right now is just how to be more cost-effective, and how to be lower maintenance with in-salon services or just routines in general,' she said. Hope, 25, shares a photo of her dark grown-out roots before asking her hair stylist for a 'recession blonde' style For Hope, the threat of potentially losing her job forced a decision to retire the dyed bleach blonde hair she'd previously favored and embrace her natural-born dark roots 'Some of those touch ups can range from $200 to $700 a session, so clients are definitely concerned. 'They're embracing looks now that have more low lighting and more lived-in dimension,' Kristina added. 'We have a lot of clients who have families, so they're thinking about their obligations to their children, or other bills that they're starting to see increase.' For Hope, a 25-year-old database manager at a non-profit company, the threat of potentially losing her job forced a decision to retire the dyed bleach blonde hair she'd previously favored and embrace her natural-born dark roots. She went into her local salon in Brooklyn and asked for a reverse balayage despite the internal monologue attempting to convince her that the darker hair color would 'take away' from her bright and sunny personality. But the freedom to spend a few hundred dollars on her hair only twice a year, compared with once every three months, was worth the mental gymnastics. Plus, seeing hundreds of other women on TikTok show off their recession blonde results has made Hope feel cautiously optimistic that she'll implement the money-saving hack for many years to come. 'In the back of my head, I think seeing people avoid bleaching their hair as a trend has made me not want to bleach it as often because, at the end of the day, I'm a follower of the trends,' she said. Recession blonde isn't the only cost-saving beauty trend to emerge online in the wake of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Tracy, 47, has spent up to $400 every eight weeks on her high-maintenance platinum hair for the past 15 years After asking for a 'recession blonde' hairstyle, Tracy has reduced her hair salon budget to just $50 to $80 every three months Do-it-yourself goods such as hair glossing kits, press-on nails, lash extensions, self-tanners, brow lamination kits and at-home waxing products have risen in popularity for achieving salon results without the hefty price tags. Young women are also buying 'dupes' products similar in appearance and functionality without the high cost, especially when it comes to more affordable makeup and beauty products. Not only has 50-year-old Liz spent the past four months letting her dark roots grow out, but she's also cut back on trips to the nail salon, too. 'My manis and pedis are off the budget and I'm letting my roots grow in, and will only be going to the salon three times a year at most, but more likely twice a year,' the Idaho-based marketing and PR executive told DailyMail.com. And Tracy, who's spent up to $400 every eight weeks on her high-maintenance platinum tresses for the past 15 years, has reduced her hair salon budget to just $50 to $80 every three months. 'For me, the change is permanent,' she said. 'I might get some highlights in the future, however, I'm keeping it natural because it just feels better more me, less pressure.' Recession blonde is just one of the hundreds of beauty trends to emerge on social media in recent years but both life-long blondes and expert hair stylists agree that this particular trend actually has staying power regardless of economic uncertainty. There is a consensus that recession blonde is more cost-friendly and lower maintenance than a full-head of highlights or bleach blonde locks, and it's also more appealing to the eye. 'I honestly think this trend is not going away because it just looks better,' said Nikki Corzine, the founder of Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, California. 'When you have a little bit of depth at your root, it just brings out your features and it overall looks better on people's skin tone.' For now, it's unclear exactly how much the beauty and haircare industry will be impacted by a potential recession. After all, some financial experts have long theorized that women actually spend more money on self-care goods and services during economic uncertainty cough, cough, the 'lipstick effect' as a way to treat themselves for being otherwise frugal in all other aspects of life. But if recession blonde is here to stay, at least these women can rest assured that their darker locks will always be on trend. READ MORE: William surprises Mary Berry with video message on her birthday Lady Frederick Windsor also provided an insight into her parenting style Sophie Winkleman has opened up about her relationship with her in-laws - the royal family - and has revealed she adores 'all of them.' Peep Show actress Sophie, 44, married Lord Frederick Windsor - the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - in a lavish ceremony at Hampton Court Palace in September 2009. Her husband's father, 82, is the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the first cousin once removed of King Charles III. 'Family isn't always brilliant but this lot are very sweet,' Sophie said when she was asked about her relationship with the royal family on The Daily T podcast. Sophie, who's styled as Lady Frederick Windsor, added: 'I love all of them'. The half-sister of The Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman, Sophie looked back to her big day, pointing out that many of the royals 'didn't go to the wedding.' While Princess Eugenie and Lady Gabriella Windsor were in attendance, King Charles - who was the Prince of Wales at the time - and Queen Camilla were not present. Sophie explained: 'I've got much more friendly with them as I've got to know them.' Sophie Winkleman (pictured) married into the royal family when she wed Lord Frederick Windsor in September 2009 Sophie pictured with her husband on her wedding day. The pair married in a lavish ceremony at Hampton Court Palace At Royal Ascot in 2023, she was pictured sharing a joke with King Charles, who she has since described as a 'very dear friend', and laughing with Queen Camilla. And, in September of last year, she hinted at a close relationship with Kate, describing the Princess of Wales as 'amazingly brave' and as 'beautiful as ever' in the aftermath of her cancer battle. Sophie, who has just finished filming a BBC1 drama called Wild Cherry, also shared amusing details about her wedding with podcast host Camilla Tominey. 'I don't remember a single thing about it,' Sophie admitted. 'Nothing.' Explaining that she hadn't 'thought about the wedding' because she had been preoccupied with a new acting job in Los Angeles and the couple's imminent move to the US, Sophie recalled that her hairstyle was horrible. 'Freddie still gets upset about it,' the actress and Cambridge graduate joked. 'It was just disgusting.' In a previous interview with Tatler, Sophie elaborated: I was so determined not to be a bridezilla, I didnt even work out my hairstyle and I cannot tell you how disgusting it looked. 'Coming up the aisle, the first thing I said when I saw Freddie was, Im so sorry about the hair. He said, Yes, what on earth have you done?"' While she 'didn't really mind' that her mother-in-law, non-fiction author Princess Michael of Kent, 80, 'did absolutely everything' for the wedding, Sophie conceded that, had it been left to her, she would have chosen a different dress. At Royal Ascot in 2023, Sophie was pictured sharing a joke with King Charles (pictured) Lady Frederick Windsor was also seen laughing with Queen Camilla 'My mother-in-law chose my dress, which was very sweet and puffy, but I looked barking,' Sophie laughed. 'Now I look back on it and think I should have warn a simpler dress and I should have got my hair blow-dried by someone who had done it before,' she added. Sophie equally opened up about her childhood in Primrose Hill 'when it was still quite shabby' and told how she was 'irritatingly lucky' to have 'two very wonderful parents' to whom she remains 'far too close'. Reflecting on becoming a mother herself, she was self-deprecating, saying that she's 'doing it all - badly'. Sophie shares two daughters, Maud, 11, and Isabella, nine, with husband Frederick. Looking back to when the children were young, she was not embarrassed to admit that 'it was astoundingly knackering.' 'I couldn't believe that no one had told me,' Sophie added. 'I just didn't understand how people had done this for thousands of years.' And, in an admission that will resonate with mothers across the country, she added: 'And, I still am tired. I don't think I've not been tired since they were born and everyone else seems to be fine, so I'm definitely doing something wrong...' Actress Sophie is pictured with Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall (left) at the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 Sophie explained that she and her husband don't have someone who looks after Maud and Isabella regularly - just a couple of evenings a week. She added that they can't find 'anyone nice and normal we can afford', a detail which may come as a surprise to fans of the actress and her financier husband. 'Life is chaos, actually,' she told podcast host Camilla. Yet, reflecting on her own young family, Sophie explained that her main concern has to do with her daughters' - and other children's - education, specifically, how it's being derailed by the advent of 'hugely unproven' EdTech in schools. 'I'm beginning to worry that this country just doesn't care about children,' Sophie, who is patron of several children's charities, said. 'I've been banging on about screen damage to children for about three years now - and now there's a spate of very intelligent articles about how screens are ruining adults' cognitive health and suddenly everyone's very interested.' Sophie, who earlier this year spoke publicly about the 'digital destruction of childhood', told the podcast that she was annoyed when her daughters' school gave them iPads without telling her. Offering an insight into her parenting style, she said: 'I'm incredibly lazy in every other way apart from screen use. Sophie, pictured with her husband Lord Frederick Windsor, described the royal family as 'very sweet' Sophie attended Kate Middleton's Carol Concert alongside her daughter Maud,11, last Christmas 'They can do whatever they want. They don't do cello and they don't do Chinese. I don't care. 'They can just do what they like but the screen thing I was quite fanatical about because it was so obvious during lockdown that it was such a terrible way to learn. 'They are completely un-put-down-able - all these devices.' While she acknowledged that 'it's too late' to ban internet-enabled devices for under-16s, Sophie admitted that this kind of radical action was her utopia'. So concerned was Sophie that her daughter Maud would end up glued to a smartphone at 11 when she moved on to secondary school that she tried to get all the parents to agree not to give their offspring the devices. She revealed: 'I had to become that maniac mother who got everyone together before year seven and said, "Can we maybe not do this?" 'And, it was so anti my nature to do that - [to be] the sort of noisy, irritating goose at the school gates.' The mother-of-two's efforts were not wasted as she revealed that there's 'quite a big cohort' in her daughter's year seven form who don't have phones. The Peep Show star arrived at the event with Lord Frederick Windsor and their children Maud (pictured centre left) and Isabella (pictured centre right) 'They're not isolated - and that's really helpful,' she added. Beyond the issue of smartphones, Sophie was dismayed by the decline of traditional forms of learning in schools, arguing that being on screens most of the day is stunting children's development. 'It's such a physically unhealthy way to learn - bad for eyesight, bad for their posture, bad for their sleep rhythms,' she said. 'It's even bad for hormones and it's terrible cognitively.' Instead, she advocated the use of paper and pens and encouraged schools to get children to handwrite, adding that it 'implants information so much more profoundly and long-lastingly into the brain than typing does.' The actress argued that kids should be allowed to get bored - rather than being constantly stimulated by endless clips and games on screens - to help them develop their imagination. The 44-year-old actress is increasingly concerned about UK children's education being derailed by the advent of EdTech While the UK's Online Safety Act has so far focused on the harmful material that children are exposed to, she suggested that 'the decimation of children's attention span' is just as serious. She said: 'I think we've gone way too far. I want parents to be confident enough in every kind of school to say [to teachers] "How is this better than a book, paper and pen?"' In another bold suggestion, Sophie added that the 'NHS needs to come on board'. 'I think it needs to be a public health warning. Even 11-17-year-olds shouldn't have more than 1-2 hours of screen time during the day,' she added. Yet, for all her passion, Sophie was not overly confident that changes are on the horizon. Admitting that it's 'very hard' to get other people to listen, she put the onus on those who are being affected every day. 'I think the revolution has to come from all the young people,' she concluded. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery - but Pedro Pascal has been slammed for his 'aura-less' snap after recreating an iconic photo of Harrison Ford at Cannes Film Festival in 1982. Ford was lauded as a fashion icon after a picture of the actor at Cannes went viral last year, serving as fashion inspiration for a new generation. While Ford, now 82, was praised for the snap - which showed him standing with his hands in his pockets in front of a massive mansion while giving the camera a sultry gaze - The Last of Us star couldn't quite capture the same magic 45 years later. In the original picture, the Indiana Jones star wore a pair of tiny navy blue shorts and a matching sweater, finishing the look with brown boat shoes and large sunglasses. Pascal, 50, wore black trousers with a sleeveless tank in the same color, and whilst he also donned some large shades with a jaunty pose, fans couldn't help but ridicule the actor. 'Harrison Ford is top five most aura of all time. Never compare Pedro Pascal to him ever again,' one user furiously wrote. 'Pedro Pascal's all well and good, but Harrison Ford is the original Alpha. Don't you dare compare him,' agreed another dedicated fan. 'Harrison Ford isn't forcing the suave. Pedro Pascal is,' agreed another. Pedro Pascal has been slammed for his 'aura-less' snap after recreating an iconic photo of Harrison Ford at Cannes Film Festival in 1982 'Not a similar vibe at all,' agreed another. Others took issue with the quality of the image. 'Look at the f**king difference between 35mm film and that nasty iPhone camera that makes everything flat and grey and ugly!' complained one user. Ford was asked about the now-iconic moment during a sit-down with GQ in 2024, making it very clear that he isn't overly fond of the images still being all over the web. 'This is GQ, so I have to ask you one fashion question. There's this photo of you at the Cannes Film Festival in 1982, where you're wearing blue shorts and a blue sweater,' the reporter said to the Star Wars alum during their interview. 'It's become this sort of shining-star inspirational outfit for menswear enthusiasts. Are you aware of this?' 'I think I'm going to be ill,' he replied, before adding, 'I've seen the pictures.' When asked if he was 'not a fan,' he simply stated, 'I've grown out of it.' Ford was lauded as a fashion icon after a picture of the actor at Cannes went viral last year, serving as fashion inspiration for a new generation Ford was asked about the now-iconic moment during a sit-down with GQ in 2024, making it very clear that he isn't overly fond of the images still being all over the web Fans couldn't help but ridicule Pedro Pascal on social media for the picture Pascal, who is starring in the upcoming feature film Materialists with Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, made headlines earlier this week for his X-rated side hustle suggestion for his Materialists co-star - to join OnlyFans. The platform has now become known as a place for people to pay for sexually explicit content from creators. In a new interview with Elle UK, Johnson, 35, sat down to answer some fan questions about relationships and one person said, 'I noticed my boyfriend was following OnlyFans models on Instagram. 'Pedro Pascal told me that I should have an OnlyFans and that I could just wiggle my toe and make money,' the star then shared. Should I do that?' she asked. She then concluded the conversation by saying, 'I'm not the right person to ask for advice.' Johnson didn't go on to give any context behind why Pascal told her to do it - but it seems like she may be open to the idea. It's no surprise that wedding prices are on the rise when it comes to everything from venues to gowns, but there's one price that has truly shocked people - makeup. After one bride reached out to Kylie Jenner's makeup artist, they were left aghast by her high price point for a day of glam. Commenters quickly realized the makeup artist offering eye-watering costs was Mary Phillips, who's known for doing glam for stars including Jennifer Lopez, Kaia Gerber, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Scarlett Johansson. She even has her own famed routine - the 'Mary Phillips technique,' or underpainting, which took off on social media for its unique approach to contouring. A content creator with the username Emily From Kansas shared a viral TikTok video and said 'every aspect of a wedding is so outrageously expensive.' She then said her friend reached out to a well known makeup artist just to see what the pricing would be. 'Her typical day rate is $25,000 starting out each travel day,' she explained. 'Glam for the wedding day: $50,000,' the content creator announced, explaining it would be $125,000, without travel accommodations. It's no surprise that wedding prices are on the rise when it comes to everything from venues to gowns, but there's one price that truly shocked people - makeup (stock image) Mary was behind Kendall Jenner's stunning glam at the 2025 Met Gala, as seen above 'The hotel has to be pre-approved and you have to pay for the transportation for the makeup artist and their assistant,' she added. 'This is just so shocking to me,' she said, before joking, 'I will not be getting married.' Commenters quickly realized the makeup artist offering high prices was Mary Phillips Beauty lovers were surprised by the high price, with one saying, 'No makeup artist is worth that much,' and another pointing out she required business class flights. Others thought the MUA was 'scamming.' '"This is Mary Phillips" I don't care if it's Jesus Christ. Who in their right mind is charging $100K for makeup?' one commenter said. However, not everyone mocked the high price point. Professional beauty artist Michaeline Becker, based in Los Angeles, shared a video defending the MUA's high ask. Michaeline said it's 'perfectly reasonable,' because you're paying for her 'exclusivity, her time, and her celebrity.' Mary is a 'businesswoman, a tastemaker, she's a business authority,' Michaeline explained, adding that the starry MUA is committing to doing wedding makeup, she's making herself unavailable for her celebrity clientele. Mary is famous for her 'underpainting' contouring technique, as seen on Kaia Gerber, above 'We should want people who are the best of their field... especially women to earn millions,' she announced. The MUA told her 20,000 followers they shouldn't be surprised when a woman at the top charges like it, before comparing Mary to Beyonce. Despite her defense, some commenters weren't convinced. 'It isn't at all reasonable, it is pretty dystopian that someone would need to pay 50k for a status when any makeup artist could do this wedding makeup look for 1-2k,' one responded. Another summed it up: 'There's just no makeup worth $100,000+.' Emirates pilots always look immaculate in their uniforms - but have you ever noticed the gold detailing on their crisp, white-collared tops? So, what do the stripes mean? It's one of the most common questions commercial pilots get from curious passengers. A captain working for Emirates has revealed the hidden meaning behind bars on pilot's epaulettes, also known as shoulder boards. The number of stripes on a pilot's uniform indicates their rank, reflecting their level of experience and responsibility in the cockpit. One stripe typically represents a trainee pilot while two bars denote a first officer. Three stripes indicate a senior first officer and four stripes signify a captain. However, the exact number of stripes used for each rank can vary slightly between airlines. The airline shared a now-viral video on social media featuring a simple guide to what the stripes on a pilot's uniform mean - with many viewers saying they had no idea there was a hidden meaning behind the gold bars. An Emirates pilot has revealed the hidden meanings behind the gold stripes on the uniform's epaulettes - also known as shoulder boards. Four stripes signify a captain What do the stripes on Emirates pilot's uniforms mean? One bar: Training pilot Two bars: First officer Three bars: Senior first officer Four bars: Captain Advertisement 'I was today years old - wow,' one said. 'Ah I never knew that,' another shared. 'My dad is a first officer. Three bars, 23 years with Emirates - retiring at 25 years,' one shared. While one person joked: 'I have four bars... my connection service is good.' Meanwhile, a US captain named Morgan previously explained what the stripes on her airline uniform represent. 'As an airline pilot, I'm always getting asked what the stripes on my uniform mean - and basically they designate rank,' she said. 'In the US, if you typically see someone with three stripes - they're a first officer or second in command, or four stripes they're captain or pilot in command. 'The pilot in command has ultimate authority over the aircraft but the captain and first officers still work as a team. In fact, they usually split flying duties about 50/50. 'At most airlines, pilots start off as first officers and upgrade to captain on the basis of seniority or how long they've been with the airline relative to other pilots. This makes the terms "pilots" and "co-pilot" just a little bit outdated.' Australian Emirates pilot Heidi McDiarmid worked as the airline's first officer - second-in-command of the aircraft to the captain Back in early 2020, Australian Emirates pilot Heidi McDiarmid offered a glimpse inside her day-to-day life in the cockpit, working as the airline's first officer - second-in-command of the aircraft to the captain. Before every flight, the international pilot said she would typically get picked up by an Emirates chauffeur outside her home and driven to the airport for work. 'There I meet the captain and we head out to our aircraft, make our preparations and depart,' Heidi previously told Daily Mail Australia. 'Flight to flight we alternate roles as either the pilot flying or pilot monitoring. The pilot flying does the take-off, landing and all in-flight manoeuvring, while the pilot monitoring observes safety of flight and communications. 'Post-flight we pack up and head to our hotel to rest and enjoy the variety of Emirates' vibrant destinations.' An American expat has called out numerous common Aussie sayings as completely 'crazy' to her - but Australians clapped back to defend one particular expression. Nashville woman Grace Harris recently shared a TikTok video, which has been watched over 1.5 million times, where she detailed the cultural differences she'd observed since moving to Australia. The video sees Grace list numerous Aussie anomalies, including well-known norms like 'shortening' first names into nicknames and both driving and walking 'on the left hand side'. But the cultural observation that caused the most contention was her confusion over the way Aussies referred to their parents in conversation. She explained: 'If I'm talking to somebody, and they're referring to their dad, you would think they would say, "my dad", right?' Grace continued that Australians did not appear to use the word 'my' when speaking about their own parents. She imitated: 'Dad took me to the store. Dad dropped me off.' 'What do you mean, "dad"? Grace questioned. 'That's your dad, babe. That's not my dad. That's your daddy.' American content creator Grace Harris recently shared a viral TikTok video detailing the cultural differences she'd observed since moving to Australia The social media video was inundated with thousands of replies, particularly from Aussies who failed to see the issue with the turn of phrase. 'Well I'm not calling your dad, "dad". So I'm obviously talking about my dad. That's the logic,' read the top liked reply. 'Why on earth would I be talking about your dad,' read another comment. 'Interesting. It never occurred to me to specify. I feel like I'd never call someone else's dad "dad",' read another comment. Other more general comments referred to the phrase being a broader extension of Australian speaking mannerisms. 'Why use many words when few words do the trick?' one person explained. 'If we [Aussies] can say something with fewer words, we do. if we can say something with fewer syllables, we do,' confirmed another reply. One commenter, who was currently living with an Australian university roommate, chimed in to say that they'd presumed the turn of phrase was a 'weird habit' specific to the person - and was shocked to discover it's a wider 'Australian thing'. However, some video viewers agreed that they understood Grace's confusion over the absence of the word 'my' within this context. In the viral TikTok video American expat Grace (pictured) observed that Australians conversationally refer to their parents without first saying the word 'my' 'Americans use "dad" as a common noun and Australians use "Dad" as a proper noun,' explained one comment. 'If someone says "dad" instead of "my dad" I would assume they're siblings or family,' they said. 'You just have to add [the] possessive in the US or it's confusing.' Grace's observation about the way Australians refer to their dad also prompted another discussion from Aussies who'd presumed she was going to question the common term of endearment, 'my old man'. 'I thought you were going to say Australians say "my old man" [when referring to their dad],' read one reply. The viral video also saw Grace refer to a number of other Australian-isms that she was surprised to have encountered since moving abroad. In addition to reducing people's names to nicknames, she was additionally surprised at the shortening of other common words too. 'If you look at a menu, it never will say avocado. Avo. "Can I have avo toast?"' Grace said. 'Or "arvo" means afternoon.' In her video that has been viewed over 1.5 million times, some of the other Australian-isms that Grace observed included the abbreviation of names, common words and even entire phrases These shortened words were confirmed in the comment section, but many added that Grace needed to remove the American accented 'A' sound to pronounce them correctly. 'Avocado is pronounced like apple or axe. It is a short 'a' sound,' explained one comment. 'In the Australian accent it sounds like avo = av-o, arvo = ah-vo,' added another. Grace also noted that Australians similarly shorten the phrase 'how are you doing' to simply 'how you going'. But some comments cheekily adjusted Grace's interpretation of the common greeting phrase. 'It's never, "how are you going" - it's, "how ya garnnn", read one joking reply. Some of Grace's other observations about Australian life proved to be more contentious, with commenters saying they were likely 'sweeping generalisations' specific to her particular beach-side location. For instance, Grace asserted that 'everybody here is barefoot' and that 'everybody here has heaps of tattoos, piercings, mullets, mustache'. She also stated: 'Nobody here is fat. Everybody's always working out. Everybody has abs, everybody's fit.' However, buried among the responses were sympathetic replies from fellow expats who related to many of Grace's remarks. 'Help! I'm an American in Australia too,' laughingly wrote one person. Another agreed that they continued to struggle with 'walking on the left hand side'. A man has revealed the horrifying moment he was given a HIV diagnosis aged 15 after unknowingly being given infected blood as a child. Adrian Goodyear was among the haemophiliac children sent to specialist boarding school Lord Mayor Treloar College in Hampshire for a 'normal childhood' but instead became a victim of medical research. The final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, released last year, found that medical staff used children at the Hampshire school in the 1970s and '80s as 'objects for research' and ignored the risk of pupils contracting hepatitis and HIV. Of the pupils who attended the Lord Mayor Treloar College, 'very few escaped being infected' and of the 122 pupils with haemophilia that attended the school between 1970 and 1987, only 30 are still alive. Pupils at the school in Hampshire were given treatment at an on-site NHS centre. But it was later found that many pupils with the condition had been treated with plasma blood products which were infected with hepatitis and HIV. Inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff, concluded that children at Treloar's were treated with multiple commercial concentrates that were known to carry higher risks of infection and that staff favoured the 'advancement of research' above the best interests of the children. Adrian has banded together with a group of three other former pupils to highlight the atrocities they experienced throughout their childhood in a new ITV documentary, The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School, which airs on ITV tonight at 9pm. Talking in the show, Adrian recalled the moment a doctor called a group of students to the NHS centre and informed them of their diagnoses in a carefree manner. Adrian Goodyear (pictured) has recalled details of the horrifying moment he was told he has HIV 'We were 15 and we were asked to go to the haemophilia centre,' Adrian recalled, continuing, 'One of the nurses was tearful, really tearful, and that made us really uncomfortable because nurses don't cry really.' He told how the doctor got on with the diagnoses 'fairly quick'. Adrian continued, 'He said that we all had an issue with HIV. 'He lifted his left hand and went round the room, and he said, 'You have it, you haven't, you have, you haven't, you have,' and I was the one at the end. I got HIV'. 'One lad said, 'How long have we got?' He [the doctor] said, 'Two to three years, but we'll do our best for you'.' Elsewhere, another pupil called Gary Webster shared his reaction to receiving the news, 'I think I laughed, probably a nervous laugh or something, we just shook our heads and went 'Oh, ok', and that was it, 'next please' sort of thing and we just went back to school'. 'My parents weren't told, it had come out of the blue. I left it until I left college and then I told them.' The documentary follows Adrian, Gary, and two other pupils, Richard Warwick and Steve Nicholls, on their fight for justice in the lead up to the final report of the public inquiry. They recall how, in the late 1970s, an NHS haemophilia unit was opened at their college, which meant they and their friends could receive an injectable treatment Factor VIII on site, which was branded as revolutionary. Gary Webster (pictured) revealed the lack of care and information he received when he got his diagnosis Pictured from L to R, B to F: Former Treloar College students Adrian Goodyear, Gary Webster, Richard Warwick, Steve Nicholls The pupils and their parents thought Factor Concentrates were a miracle cure, but they later discovered they were a 'death sentence' for many and led to the co-infection of around 1,250 haemophiliacs nationwide with HIV and Hepatitis C, and another 2,400 to 5,000 people developing Hepatitis C on its own, ITV reported. Steve said: 'I feel like we were groomed to conform, we were given all these fantastic opportunities, that's what we'd focus on. 'We'd love to play for six or eight hours a day, go sailing, go fishing, come back and hold our arm out for half an hour to have an injection, it was a trade-off and it was the norm most days. We're not talking have an injection every fortnight, it was most days.' Gary added 'If you did miss it [the medication], sick bay would then report it to your housemaster and you got punished.' Inquiry chair Sir Brian Langstaff's report found that from 1977, medical research was carried out at Treloar's 'to an extent which appears unparalleled elsewhere' and that children were treated unnecessarily with concentrates, particularly commercial ones rather than alternative safer treatments. He said: 'The pupils were often regarded as objects for research, rather than first and foremost as children whose treatment should be firmly focused on their individual best interests alone. This was unethical and wrong.' His report found there is 'no doubt' that the healthcare professionals at Treloar's were aware of the risks of virus transmission through blood and blood products. He wrote: 'Not only was it a pre-requisite for research, a fundamental aspect of Treloar's, but knowledge of the risks is displayed in what the clinicians there wrote at the time. In the emotional ITV documentary, which airs tonight, the former schoolmates visited their old school Adrian recalled the shocking moment he was given a HIV diagnosis and 'two to three years' to live at the age of 15 WHAT IS HAEMOPHILIA? Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects the blood's ability to clot. It's usually inherited, and most people who have it are male. Normally, when you cut yourself, substances in the blood known as clotting factors combine with blood cells called platelets to make the blood sticky. This makes the bleeding stop eventually. People with haemophilia don't have as many clotting factors as there should be in the blood. This means they bleed for longer than usual. There are several different types of haemophilia. The following two are the most common: Haemophilia A (Classic Haemophilia), caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor VIII. Haemophilia B (Christmas Disease), caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor IX. There's no cure for haemophilia, but treatment usually allows a person with the condition to enjoy a good quality of life. Genetically engineered clotting factor medicines are used to prevent and treat prolonged bleeding. These medicines are given as an injection. Haemophilia occurs in about one of every 5,000 male births, according to the CDC. Currently, about 20,000 people in the US and 400,000 worldwide are living with the disorder. In the UK, figures suggest there are 2,000 sufferers of the condition. Source - NHS Advertisement 'Practise at Treloar's shows that the clinical staff were well aware that their heavy use of commercial concentrate risked causing Aids,' he continued. Despite knowledge of the dangers, clinicians proceeded with higher-risk treatments in attempts to further their research, the report concluded. Sir Brian wrote: 'It is difficult to avoid a conclusion that the advancement of research was favoured above the immediate best interest of the patient.' He continued: 'In conclusion, the likeliest reason for the Treloar's treatments having the catastrophic results they did is that clinicians were seduced by wishing to believe, against available information, that intensive therapy might produce better overall results; by the desirability of convenience in administration rather than the safety of treatment and by ignoring some of the treatment implications of the research projects they wished to pursue.' The Lord Mayor Treloar College, which has since been rebranded as Treloar's, was established in 1908 as a school which gave disabled children a better chance to receive an education alongside any medical treatment they might need. It was originally a boys' school but then merged with a girls' school in 1978 to become co-educational. From 1956, boys with haemophilia began attending the school. After it was discovered pupils had been given infected blood plasma, the NHS clinic at the school closed. The report also highlighted that parents and children at Treloar's were given little information about their care and the related risks, and that parental consent was not sought regarding the use of different treatments. Sir Brian wrote: 'The evidence before the inquiry suggests, overwhelmingly, that there was no general system or process for telling parents of the risks of viral infection. Nor were pupils told. 'Parents were not given details, nor even core information, about their children at Treloar's for haemophilia. 'They were not told, for instance, that despite their home clinician's recommendations as to the treatment product, the pupils were being given a range of different concentrates.' In many cases, the report stated, research was conducted on patients, including children, without consent or consent of their parents and without informing them of the risks. 'They gave a consistent account that there had been no meaningful consultation with their parents, or with them,' Sir Brian continued. Treloar's told ITV: 'We sincerely apologise to our former students and their families who were so devastatingly infected and affected by the infected blood scandal. The treatment by clinicians of pupils at Treloar's in the 1970s and 1980s was unethical and wrong.' The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School is available to watch on ITV1 on Tuesday at 9pm and ITVX. A couple who were married for 74 years have died on the same day. Odileta Pansani de Haro and Paschoal de Haro, who met as teenagers in their native Brazil, died at their home two days after their 74th wedding anniversary - a mere 10 hours apart. Odileta died at 7am on April 17, aged 92, while Paschoal died in the same room at 5pm that day, aged 94. After developing Alzheimer's, Odileta was cared for by her husband in her twilight years But in 2023, Paschoal received his own devastating diagnosis of terminal bowel cancer. Their loved ones said that after hearing the heartbreaking news, Paschoal - who presumably couldn't imagine life without his wife - began praying to god that he and Odileta would take their last breath on the same day. And, it would seem that his prayers were answered. Odileta, from Mirassol in Sao Paulo, and Paschoal, from neighbouring Balsamo, first met in the main square of Votuporanga, north-west of Sao Paulo, when she was 15 and he was 18. Odileta Pansani de Haro (left) and Paschoal de Haro were married for 74 years before they died on the same day The couple enjoyed 'a love story worthy of a film', according to their son-in-law Luciano The couple met as teenagers when Odileta was 15 and Paschoal was 18. Pictured on their wedding day, the lovebirds married in April 1951 Their romance began when Paschoal was absent-mindedly playing with a small chain. It accidentally flew out of his grip and landed on Odileta's arm, sparking laughter between the pair. They tied the knot in April 1951 and went on to have six children, with Odileta assuming the role of homemaker and Paschoal working in a fabric shop. Their children went on to have children of their own, and the couple were later blessed with great-grandchildren. Together, they founded a charity in Votuporanga to donate baby clothes to single mothers and food to those in need. Their son-in-law Luciano Leal told local media: 'They were always welcoming, always loving, always willing to help others, anyone, with no distinction of race or social status. 'They always stood for self-love and the love they had for one another. 'And they poured that love into helping those around them.' Odileta suffered with Alzheimer's in her twilight years and was cared for by her husband But Paschoal (pictured) received his own devastating diagnosis of terminal bowel cancer in 2023 The couple went on to have six children, with Odileta assuming the role of homemaker and Paschoal working in a fabric shop Odileta, from Mirassol in Sao Paulo, and Paschoal, from neighbouring Balsamo, first met in the main square of Votuporanga, north-west of Sao Paulo The pair went on to set up their own charity which donated clothes to single mothers and gave food to those in need The couple are pictured celebrating their previous wedding anniversary According to loved ones, Paschoal prayed to God that he and Odileta would take their last breath on the same day Odileta and Paschoal celebrated their last wedding anniversary - their 74th - surrounded by their family. Luciano said: 'It's a love story worthy of a film. 'They always said they'd leave together - and they did. 'They lived, they loved, and they triumphed in this great passion they had for each other. And they leave behind this beautiful family. 'Their legacy will live on forever.' Like many parents in their early 40s, Harry and Bella Thomson leapt at the chance to enjoy a long weekend away without their children at the end of last year. They hoped to reconnect with each other, and rediscover the spark that had gone missing from their marriage while they were stuck in the trenches of domestic life. Familiar territory for some, no doubt although the means by which they chose to rekindle their relationship was rather more unusual than a romantic dinner. For inside the suitcases that the couple slung in the boot of their car before departing to a country house hotel were bags of drugs MDMA, ketamine and a hallucinogen called 2C-B sourced from their local dealer. Having occasionally dabbled in the odd bit of cannabis, their aim was to boost their sex life a goal that was, initially at least, a success. The first two days were fantastic, says Bella, a fashion buyer from the south-east of England. We had the most erotic connection. It was intense. But the story changed on day four when, after a days break, the couple snorted several bumps of ketamine, a horse tranquiliser with hallucinogenic effects. On the fourth day of Harry and Bella's getaway, the couple snorted ketamine and Bella had to be taken to hospital after slipping in and out of consciousness (picture posed by models) Bella soon started to feel violently sick. My blood pressure plummeted and when I tried to stand up, I collapsed, she says. I dont remember a great deal after that as I was slipping in and out of consciousness. Despite the best efforts of her husband, Harry, an ambulance had to be called, and while paramedics stabilised her blood pressure and administered fluids, she was taken to hospital as a precaution a horrible and frightening end to their time away. It is also far more common than you might think. Last month it was revealed that ambulances in London are called out at least once a day to deal with the terrible consequences of chemsex using illegal drugs such as crystal meth and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) to enhance and prolong sexual encounters. British paramedics typically stand at the frontline of such hedonism. The practice, previously associated with sections of the gay community, has become increasingly popular with heterosexual couples with increasingly grim results. As with any drug use, chemsex comes with substantial risks, from overdose and breathing difficulties to psychosis and death. Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police revealed that chemsex had claimed the lives of three people every month in London alone during 2023 - although the true death toll is likely to be far higher, given the lack of precise data tracking how many fatalities are linked to the practice. The official figures for 2024, meanwhile, are expected to be the highest on record. Little wonder, then, that the London Ambulance Service recently labelled chemsex a public health issue. Jane, a trainee solicitor in her late 20s from the north-west, started indulging in chemsex at the urging of her then boyfriend of two years, Ben. The daughter of a solicitor and a nurse, who attended private school, admits to taking recreational drugs in her early 20s after becoming submerged in the rave scene. I wouldnt have given it a label at first, she tells the Mail of her first experience of chemsex. Wed always been party people Id met Ben at a club and we were not strangers to taking drugs at raves. But it spilled over into our sex life. Then Ben just wanted to do more and more. It was mostly MDMA and GHB. It got to the point where we were sometimes spending whole weekends taking drugs and experimenting sexually. At first it was fun, but over time I realised I felt perpetually wired and anxious and couldnt sleep. I was holding it together at work, just, but in reality I was a mess. Sex expert Tracey Cox says exploring fantasy and role-play and using sex toys is a more reliable and safer way to fix desire or boredom problems in a relationship Whenever she raised the issue with Ben, however, he refused to engage with her concerns. It was only when Janes mum to whom she was close told her she was worried about her that Jane finally broke down and plucked up the courage to reveal what had been happening. I realised Id been going along with it as I was worried about losing Ben, but aside from the fact that what I was doing was impacting me physically, Mum helped me see that a relationship in which I had to be on drugs to be connected to my boyfriend is not a relationship worth having. Now single, she feels she had a lucky escape from a relationship she now views as toxic and dangerous. Janes experience is not an unfamiliar scenario for Ignacio Labayen de Inza, chief executive and founder of the charity Controlling Chemsex. Ten years ago, we would say that chemsex is about men who have sex with men, he says. Now things are changing. Its slowly spreading to [straight] communities. Ignacio set up his charity in 2020 having lost everything due to his own experiences with chemsex. My life got so messy that I ended up losing my job and being homeless for a time, he says. Since then, Controlling Chemsex has supported hundreds of people up to 200 a week who are trying to address their need for chemical stimulants, used to enhance their sexual experience and forge intimacy. And he says an increasing number of his clients are heterosexual. We were recently supporting a straight woman whose whole sex life had always been nothing special, he reveals. Then one day, she found someone who introduced her to crystal meth. It was a whole new world for her. Although she did not suffer any serious physical consequences, when the relationship subsequently broke up she found she could no longer enjoy sex without the stimulus of drugs because going back to the boring sex life she had before was not an option any more. It is cases like these and all the other people the charity helps that mean Ignacio is anxious that chemsex is not glamorised in any way. People think Im going to take drugs, and sex is going to be amazing. But it is so much more complicated than that. Maybe it feels like the first time, but then in many cases it gets messy, and it can start to become normal. Usually for those who do it regularly it masks other issues like loneliness or lack of self-esteem. Ecstasy (otherwise known as MDMA) is a common drug used in chemsex - becoming the equivalent of a drink or two used to loosen inhibitions ten years ago, according to sex expert Tracey Cox Unlike street junkies or down-and-outs drinking cider on a park bench, the middle-class men and women lured into the world of chemsex can give every appearance of normality. The people we care for following a chemsex incident often lead very conventional lives outside of these meet-ups and dont disclose their engagement in chemsex to anyone, including their GPs, a London Ambulance Service spokesman told the Mail. This risks their health conditions going untreated and physical and mental health deteriorating. Nor is the problem confined to the capital: in the past couple of years more than 30 police forces nationwide have sought support from the Met for how to respond to rising chemsex cases in their communities. None of this comes as a surprise to sex expert and Mail columnist Tracey Cox, who believes that changing social norms be it the pervasiveness of porn and the easy exchange of information on social media, not to mention the availability of drugs themselves - have helped turn what was once a niche experience into one that is attractive to couples across the dating spectrum. Boredom with sex is something couples have always struggled with, she says. In the old days, youd have a drink or two to loosen inhibitions. Now it seems having a little MDMA or similar is the equivalent which can help enhance sex. In my experience, the sort of people who are doing this are the kind of couples who also go to dinner parties with friends where they might "microdose" things like magic mushrooms and MDMA. It has become more socially acceptable, but only in certain social circles educated and affluent. So socially acceptable is it, in fact, that in certain areas of the country, particularly the smarter postcodes, there are even chemsex parties for heterosexuals a drug-fuelled variant of the swingers parties of old, where consenting couples can indulge amid condoms and sex toys. Usually starting like any normal party, with music and drinks, those who attend who typically bring their own drugs chat until the effects kick in, at which point the sex starts, either one-on-one or in groups. Cox argues that the liberating effects of drugs can feel transformative for women in particular. It lowers inhibitions, while body image issues can also disappear and help make even the most insecure woman feel beautiful and confident, she says. But this all comes at a cost. Drugs are obviously dangerous, she says. Aside from the well-documented and dangerous side effects, they leave you vulnerable and without control, unable to refuse unwanted advances or ask for or give consent. Even in fully consenting situations, chemsex can have devastating consequences. GHB, often called G, is a Class B liquid sedative that can make the user feel relaxed, but in some cases it inhibits breathing, while the minute amounts required for stimulus mean it is easy to overdose. Henry Hendron, left, with his late boyfriend Miguel Jimenez, who died after taking GHB As many will remember, this tragically happened to the young boyfriend of a then 34-year-old successful London-based barrister called Henry Hendron who counted the Earl of Cardigan among his clients who, in 2016, woke next to his 18-year-old boyfriend, Miguel Jimenez, to find him dead after taking GHB. It was a normal Monday afternoon. We had taken our dog to the vet. We had dinner, we had some wine, and my partner had quite a bit of wine, and then at midnight he just said: Shall we have some drugs? he recalled in a subsequent interview. We went to sleep. I woke up and he was dead, next to me. Hendron was subsequently sentenced to 140 hours of community service after pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply. He was suspended from the Bar for three years, and was struck off for good last year after completing a 14-month prison sentence for buying drugs from his clients as a criminal barrister. Meanwhile, crystal meth, which goes by the street name Tina, is a Class A methamphetamine which can induce euphoria and arousal, but which can also keep users awake for 72 hours at a time. In extreme cases that can lead to psychosis, but even without such extremes users can feel disengaged from life and struggle to function normally. Cox says: The danger is that chemsex can mask the real issue rather than solve it. Relying on any drug to fix a problem is precarious because you always need more of it to get a high. Trying new things sexually exploring fantasy and role-play and using sex toys is a more reliable and safer way to fix desire or boredom issues. That approach has now been adopted by Harry and Bella, who view the latters hospital admission as a timely wake-up call. Luckily there was no lasting damage, but it helped us both realise that it wasnt worth risking our health for fun, she says. I dont want to cast judgment on what others do, but I now think we were incredibly naive. Mega projects in Xinjiang power China's energy transition Xinhua) 16:58, May 20, 2025 URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A three-hour drive from Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the towering silver structures of a monumental power transmission project emerge from the vast, sunbaked terrain. Each day, the transmission lines stretching over 3,000 km deliver electricity generated from Xinjiang's abundant wind and solar resources to east China's Anhui Province, where it is redistributed to power the bustling cities of the Yangtze River Delta. Independently developed, designed and constructed by China, the Changji-Guquan ultra-high voltage (UHV) direct current transmission project stands as a world leader in terms of voltage level, transmission capacity and distance, and technology level. Since its launch in 2019, the project has delivered 84 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity -- equivalent to annually cutting 65 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in eastern China. "By leveraging Xinjiang's unique advantages, this project enables large-scale, cross-regional transmission of renewable energy, which is a pivotal step in the country's green transition," said Chen Shoujun, chairman of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. GREEN ENERGY GOLDMINE Xinjiang's sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine, blessed with strong wind and long hours of sunshine. Latest data shows that Xinjiang's total installed power capacity has surged to 201 million kilowatts, with 112 million kilowatts -- or 55.72 percent -- coming from renewables. In southern Xinjiang's Ruoqiang County, this transformation is visible in the rows of solar panels standing in neat arrays, resembling a vast dark blue ocean shimmering with metallic luster under the blazing sun. The photovoltaic project, with the largest single-site installed capacity in China's sandy, rocky and desert areas, is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of this May and will generate 6.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually -- enough to power 2 million households for a year. With abundant power generation capacity, Xinjiang faces the challenge of ensuring this energy doesn't go to waste. The region's local demand can not fully absorb the massive power it generates, creating a stark imbalance with the energy-hungry eastern regions. This imbalance spurred China's West-to-East Power Transmission Project. Since 2010, Xinjiang has built four major transmission lines, including the Changji-Guquan UHV project, boosting its cross-regional capacity to 25 million kilowatts. In eastern Xinjiang's Hami, another UHV transmission project is preparing to send electricity to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Upon its expected commissioning later this year, it will transmit over 36 billion kilowatt-hours annually, and more than half will come from clean energy sources. "This is equivalent to replacing 6 million tonnes of coal consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 16.5 million tonnes each year," said Xu Jiayang of State Grid UHV Engineering Construction Company, who oversees the construction of the project. ENERGY STORAGE INNOVATIONS While transmission solves allocation challenges, innovative ways of energy storage provide a solution to maximizing renewable usage. Nestled in the rugged Tianshan Mountains, about 100 km northwest of Urumqi, a pumped-storage power station turns natural elevation into renewable energy reservoirs. By exploiting a 400-meter height difference, the facility stores surplus energy by pumping water uphill during low demand hours and releases it to generate power at peak times. "The unique feature of this project lies in its ability to improve the utilization rate of wind and solar energy," said Yang Hongtao, chairman of State Grid Xinyuan Xinjiang Fukang Pumped Storage Co. Ltd., noting the station can utilize over 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of renewables annually. Beyond clean energy, these mega projects are changing the lives of local people. Construction of the pumped-storage station has created more than 3,500 jobs while boosting tourism and catering industries, according to Yang. For Huanxbek Sayran, a Kazakh engineer from northern Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture, working at the station fulfills both professional and personal aspirations. "After university, I always wanted to contribute to Xinjiang's development," said Sayran. "Now with expertise to share, I hope to help build the next generation of projects." As dusk falls over the Tianshan Mountains, the station's reservoirs shimmer under the desert sun. Above one reservoir, a slogan reads: "Energizing better lives, empowering brighter futures." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Brazilian father was left sobbing when his son, who lives abroad, surprised him on his return home. The heartwarming moment was caught on camera as the son pretended to call his father on Facetime from afar - while he was actually in the same room. As the elderly father looked into his phone and saw his son's face, he greeted him with a smile while the son waved back. However he appeared to have no idea that the person on the end of the phone was actually standing right behind him. The pair exchanged words and waves before the son eventually moved the phone to put his father in the frame - but it still took time for the father to realise his son was in the same room. Eventually the penny dropped - making for an emotional reunion as the visibly moved father stood up, turned around and warmly embraced his son before breaking down in tears. The emotional clip, which was shared on TikTok account @manu.arantex, has gained 7.5 million views and has left viewers in pieces at the reunion. The wholesome clip was also shared on Reddit with over one thousand people rushing to the comments to gush over the beautiful bond between the pair. One person wrote: 'Wish I had someone love me as much as that father loves his son.' The emotional video, which was shared on Reddit , showed the son standing behind his father while he was on Facetime to him Another said: 'This makes me miss my dad, hes passed and yes fortunate to have had a good one.' Someone else wrote: 'That is a real man. Real men are open and honest towards people they care deeply about.' A fourth added: 'Best prank ever. The payoff was worth the confusion. Now let me cut my onions in peace.' The emotional clip brought some to tears, while others reflected on their own relationships with their parents. One person said: 'As someone who's never had involved parents and moved out at 15 with limited contact since, this video was a rush of emotions for me. 'The amount of love between that father and son is absolutely beautiful and my heart aches for such a connection. Beautiful <3' Another said: 'This made me reach out to my dad. We haven't talked in a month or so.' Someone else added: 'It's been 23 years since by dad passed (when my daughter was just a few weeks old, he only saw her twice in his life...) and it's STILL rough with posts like this. 'Some thing are just irreplaceable and that's life but jeez.' He jumped out of his seat in tears and gave his adult son a massive hug, the pair embraced for a few minutes as the man sobbed It comes after another heartwarming video showed the moment a father was reunited with his children as he returned home after spending four months abroad in 2021. Dean, 42, works in the RAF as a flight sergeant and recently returned to his home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, after being stationed outside the UK since April. His wife Kerry, 39, wanted to surprise their three children - Amelia, 14, Sydney, ten, and Sam, eight - and kept Deans arrival a secret. Kerry told their children that they were taking a picture to send to Dean and had them make a sign for saying 'Welcome home daddy'. The trio were left speechless when their dad walked from behind them, before the family embraced in an emotional group hug. In the video filmed by Kerry, her three children posed with a banner reading 'Welcome Home Daddy.' She told them they were rehearsing for Dean's homecoming, but the children were oblivious to the fact that he was already back and ready to suprise them. As the children said how excited they were to see their father, the RAF sergeant quietly walked out of the house, watching his kids with their mother. He slowly started to walk up to his family as his children, unaware, kept talking to their mother. The family embraced in a sweet hug, pictured, during the emotional moment, filmed by Dean's wife and the children's mother Kerry, 39 Finally, Sydney and Sam turned around and realised the man they had all been waiting for had come home early. A stunned Amelia put her hand on her mouth as she looks at her mother. The family fell silent, and the three children rushed to embrace Dean, while Kerry kept filming. Kerry, a catering assistant, explained: 'Hes been in the RAF for 23 years - I always said Id never go out with a military man but a mutual friend set us up on a blind date and we were married a year later. 'They had no idea he was coming back and that was the first time I had seen him as well. 'We hadnt seen him since the beginning of April and it is really difficult. 'The kids often get upset when hes not there and for the first few weeks, they tend to play up in the bedroom because they want him to tuck them in, but you get into a routine after a while. 'I filmed the video with my mum and we had been planning it with Dean for a few weeks. 'I told the kids that we needed to take some pictures with the banner in front of the house as a present for their dad. 'Having him come home meant a lot to them - its been a tough couple of years. 'After we finished filming the video, it was like he had never been away and all cuddled up on the sofa together watching TV. 'The kids went to bed and it was the best they had gone in the last four months.' A teacher has shared the 'legendary' come back they give to stroppy parents who issue the same criticism. With ever-evolving demands, relentless marking and continuous organisation working in a school is not for the faint-hearted. On top of managing classrooms full of children, teachers must also contend with pupils' parents - some of whom may be vocal about their teaching techniques. But one person has shared their perfect response to parents who feel they can critique teachers' methods by arguing they are taxpayers and 'pay the salary' of state educators. Writing on the discussion forum Reddit, one teacher, believed to be from the US, revealed their go-to response to the divisive comment, writing: 'As a teacher, I hear this at least twice a school year, the 'My taxes pay your salary. That makes me your boss' line. 'My response (my admin has stopped fighting me on this): 'If you're my boss, where are the supplies and resources I've been promised? When are you going to supply my updated curriculum? What about the extra pay for working outside contract hours?' 'When they stumble over those I follow it up with, 'Wait a minute. I pay taxes too. I guess that makes me self employed. Thank you for your time. This meeting is finished'.' The comment, which appeared the sub-Reddit forum Entitled People, received 1,800 upvotes, with several hailing the 'fantastic' response. Writing on discussion forum Reddit , one teacher, believed to be from the US, revealed their go-to response to the divisive comment, writing: 'As a teacher, I hear this at least twice a school year, the 'My taxes pay your salary. That makes me your boss' line With ever-evolving demands, relentless marking and continuous organisation, it's fair to say that working in a school isn't a job fit for the faint hearted One wrote: 'My friend who is a policeman (garda) in Ireland says whenever someone says that they pay his salary, he says 'great boss, I've been meaning to talk to you about that raise'.' An enthused second wrote: 'Legend!!!! What a fantastic reply!' One, who also appeared to work in the education industry, wrote: Awesome! In true teacher style, I'm gonna borrow this'. A third said: 'One of my favorite memories of my former boss, a local planning director, was when a particularly rude person used that line on him (I pay your salary), and he reached in his pocket, pulled out about $1.75 in change and handed it to him and said this is about your share of my salary. You can have it back.' Even some sympathetic parents were quick to side with the teacher, praising them for them for their efforts towards educating the younger generation. One wrote: 'Also, thank you! I adore my kids teachers - people dont understand how much of your own time & money (student supplies/food for example when they forget or family has limited resources) you provide to your students. 'I see it and appreciate the hell out of it,' they praised. Another teacher commented: 'BRILLIANT! I am a retired police officer and now a teacher - I got that line in both jobs. Thanks for your amazing comeback.' Having to respond to difficult comments from parents isn't the only thing that keeps teachers up at night. As the global population continues to grow at a rapid rate, more and more parents are forced to get creative when it comes to assigning a unique name to their children. But as names become more unique, school teachers have an ever trickier task when they go through the daily register, in ensuring they read out their pupils' monikers correctly. One teacher, from a 'rural northeast' state in the US, anonymously took to Reddit in January to share a register of unconventional names from their second grade class. In a post shared to the popular subreddit r/tragedeigh, the teacher uploaded a list of 17 names as part of the class's participation in a Valentine's card exchange. The teacher added a humorous caption, which read: 'Second Grade Valentines List - Thoughts? Opinions? Prayers?' Among the more familiar names are those such as Ella, Ian, Shane, Derrick, Keegan, Brooklyn, Jesse and Wyatt. Others, however, are a little more rare, as the remainder are revealed as: Kurstein, Averiella, Raeleigh, Paisyn, Skuyler, Emmitt, Kohen, LaKendren and Malaki. The post has since amassed over 360 comments, as horrified Redditors were left scratching their heads while working out the pronunciation of some names, while others slammed parents for 'criminal' spellings. One person wrote: 'Feel like some of these spellings should be considered a felony. Maybe thats dramatic. Okay a misdemeanor, but some of these are downright criminal.' They added: 'Skuyler tho skool-yurr is how my brain reads that. I feel like there were better ways to do that, even if it wouldve still been a tragadeigh there were better ways.' Another said: '"Kurstein" bothers me the most because OP said they pronounce it "kirsten," but my brain automatically thought "kur-steen." 'Great job to those parents. you tried to be uNiQuE but now your kid is gonna have her name mispronounced her whole life.' A food reviewer says a down-to-earth Yorkshire fish and chip shop serves up the tastiest supper in the UK - but some have questioned the colour of the batter in the dish. YouTuber @Garyeats shared a video entitled 'The UK's best fish and chips - wow, wow, wow!' and revealed that, after eating the popular British meal at takeaways all over the country, he'd found fish and chip nirvana in a corner of West Yorkshire. @Garyeats said that he first made his way to George A Green Fisheries in Wakefield after fellow YouTuber Mr Yorkshire, aka Danny Malin from Rate My Takeaway, tipped him off about how delicious the fish and chips there were. The 18-minute video posted this week sampling the dish shows @Garyeats ordering a battered haddock with chips for 9.50 - alongside a hearty fish cake, two fish scallops and pots of mushy peas, gravy and curry sauce. The food reviewer also marvels at the fact that he's offered 'scraps', tiny pieces of leftover batter that are popular in northern England but largely unheard of elsewhere in the UK. The fish and chips at the takeaway are cooked in beef dripping, which creates a darker than average hue to both the battered haddock and the chips. While many said that's exactly 'how they should be served' - others suggested the deep brown shade was 'off-putting'. YouTube food reviewer @Garyeats claims he's found the nation's tastiest fish and chips in a takeaway in Wakefield, West Yorkshire - where he paid 9.50 for a substantial portion of haddock and chips However, the dark colour of the fish batter, and particularly the chips, weren't to everyone's taste One person wrote in the comments after watching the video: 'The colour of those chips is incredible!' Another added that the colour was spot on, saying: 'That's exactly how I like my fish and chips. Brown and crispy. Nothing worse than a pale, anemic chip that is undercooked.' However, one fish supper fan penned: 'The fish and chips looked a bit off-putting with the dark colour.' Another added: 'Some people might think the batter and the chips look too dark but that is what they should look like if cooked in beef dripping. They are so much more tasty like that.' One person surmised: 'Thats not overdone, thats perfect.' Others agreed George A Green Fisheries was one of the nation's best, with one person writing: 'My mum used to send me to that chippy for tea after school, I'm 67 now and still go. Best in England.' Earlier this year, the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards gave the title of Britain's best fish and chip shop to Darlington-based Yarn Road Fish and Chips. The competition's judging criteria is rigorous, with interviews, mystery taste tests and skill assessments all undertaken by competitors. Owner Will Burrell says that its his shop's ingredients which saw it outmuscle rivals and claim this year's title. 'It starts with the best ingredients that money can buy. We use Icelandic, sustainable cod fillets fried in a nice clean oil with a light batter', Burrell said. The shop had already received rave reviews online, with one Tripadvisor user writing: 'Visited last year for the very first time and their fish & chips are delicious! Everyone is always friendly, welcoming and efficient but never impatient. 'The shop is kept clean and high standards maintained overall. Love the food, prices are good and if it wasn't for my waistline, I'd be there every week!' Another penned: 'Never disappointed with the standard of the food and plenty of it. 'Always call for take away lunch when in the area, you wait for the food to be cooked fresh, but it is worth it.' However, the takeaway boss, serving up portions for 9.90, issued a stark warning about price rises for the nation's favourite dish due to rising costs of food. Burrell warned: 'Our dish is still under a tenner but there are big price rises are coming in the industry. The cost of fish has gone through the roof and the cost of potatoes are on the rise.' Last month, another award winning fish and chip shop in Greater Manchester was accused of 'ripping people off' after it raised the price of haddock to 8.20. Chips @ No 8 in Prestwich has regularly been hailed as one of the best fish and chip shops in the region. It has also made it into a few national lists, and often draws in big crowds during the day. Dan Edwards, owner of Chips @ No 8 in Prestwich, has defended the company's price rises And Brad-Lee Navruz, who runs The Nippy Chippy in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, apologised to customers recently after charging 15 for fish and chips as a result of widespread price rises Run by owner Dan Edwards, the takeaway has defended raising the price of its haddock at the weekend, which it has described as its biggest seller besides chips. The takeaway said the cost of ordering a box of haddock from their suppliers had increased by 125 per cent in the last seven years. Costing 58 a box in 2018, Dan said the cost of haddock had now 'jumped to an all-time high' of 130 a box. Dan said that the 4.70 cost of haddock in 2018 would now cost around 12.70 today, not factoring in overheads and utilities which would see it priced at around 15. Instead, the shop has begun temporarily changing 8.20 for haddock until the price drops. Saying he would 'continue to support our domestic fisherladies and fishermen', Dan said he was sharing the news in a bid for 'transparency' after being accused of 'ripping people off'. He posted: 'We temporarily increased the price of haddock to 8.20 on the Saturday so that we weren't in danger of making a loss after we factor in the overheads and the reason for this post was someone accused us of "ripping people off!". So this is for transparency. Movie stars have brought A-list fashion to the red carpet on the Cote d'Azur during this year's Cannes Film Festival - but as the organisers have implemented a dress code crackdown, an unexpected trend has emerged. In a first for the festival, a wave of celebrities appeared at premieres and photocalls donning their finest leather garments - whether in statement boots, biker jackets or full frocks. From Alexander Skarsgard's eyebrow-raising thigh-high 'fetish boots' to Zoe Saldana pairing her black gown with a biker jacket and Nicole Kidman in a corseted leather top, the celebs have truly embraced the divisive material on the traditionally formal Cannes red carpet. Skarsgard has taken a leaf out of Margot Robbie's style book by 'method dressing' throughout the festival, wearing outfits that match the theme of his film Pillion, which he has been promoting. The 48-year-old plays Ray, a biker gang leader, in the film, which made its debut to rave reviews at the festival, and he's been dressing in leather as an homage to his character. During a screening for the film on Sunday, Skarsgard smiled alongside his costars wearing a pair of leather Loewe trousers and matching motorcycle boots, a white vintage t-shirt and aviator sunglasses. He posed up a storm, showing off his leather ensemble much to the delight of many of his fans. 'I'm never getting over Alexander Skarsgard in leather pants, GOOD LORD,' one woman tweeted. The 48-year-old plays Ray, a biker gang leader, in the film which made its debut to rave reviews at the festival and he's been dressing in leather as an homage to his character Nicole Kidman donned an edgy Balenciaga leather jacket at the as she was presented the 2025 Women In Motion Award during the film festival on Sunday Nima Benati stunned in a voluminous gown with a wet-look leather corset in a burgundy hue as she attended the Two Prosecutors premiere At the premiere of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Zoe Saldana gave classic glamour an edgy twist by wearing an leather coat over the top of her sleek black Saint Laurent gown 'Alexander Skarsgard wearing leather pants for the premiere of his new queer filmI'm obsessed with this man, you don't understand,' another remarked. 'The one thing Alexander Skarsgard is going to do is play up the theme of his film on the red carpet,' someone added. Later that evening at the film The Phoenician Scheme's red carpet premiere, the actor upped the ante and wowed fans by pairing his sleek formal suit with a pair of Saint Laurent 'fetish' boots that went well up past his knees. The thigh-high boots with a loose fit and buckle detailing were a stark contrast to the dapper double-breasted tuxedo with silk lapels he styled them with. 'Alexander Skarsgard in these kinky Saint Laurent boots,' one fan commented online, and another wrote: 'Love a man in a thigh high.' And Skarsgard isn't the only one to jump aboard the 'fetish dressing' trend. Nicole Kidman donned an edgy Balenciaga leather corseted jacket as she was presented the 2025 Women In Motion Award during the film festival on Sunday. The A-lister looked incredible as she embodied 'motocore' style in the corset-style leather jacket, which she teamed with low-rise jeans and a chunky belt. At the premiere of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Zoe Saldana gave classic glamour an edgy twist by wearing an oversized leather coat over the top of her sleek black Saint Laurent gown. Celebrities including Alexander Skarsgard (pictured) have embraced 'fetish' dressing at Cannes Film Festival with many rocking edgy leather looks on the red carpet From Alexander Skarsgard's eyebrow-raising 'fetish boots' to Gabbriette's leather gown, the celebs have truly embraced the divisive material on the traditionally formal Cannes red carpet On Sunday, Skarsgard smiled alongside his costars wearing a pair of leather Loewe trousers and matching motorcycle boots, a white vintage t-shirt and aviator sunglasses Later that evening, the actor upped the ante and wowed fans by pairing his sleek formal suit with a pair of Saint Laurent 'fetish' boots that went well up past his knees She clutched the jacket so it sat below her shoulders while posing for and waving to the flurry of photographers alongside her husband, Marco Perego. Gabbriette brought out her inner spy at the Mission Impossible premiere, opting for a head-to-toe leather look. The model was oozing Gothic glamour as she wore a structured, floor-length black leather gown and chunky silver jewellery by brand Chrome Hearts. This year's Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche went for a Matrix-like leather look at the Trophee Chopard Dinner on Saturday. The French actress looked chic in the skin-tight off-shoulder dress with a front zip and thigh-high split. She wore latex-like boots under the dress and paired the rebellious look with a pair of black sunglasses. Other celebrities took a more subtle approach to 'fetish dressing'. At Sunday's The Phoenician premiere, Julianne Moore stunned in a simple Bottega Veneta dress with a risque feature. The black sheath frock included one single strap made from strings of leather tied into a knot ,with its tassels not looking dissimilar to a whip. This year's Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche went for a Matrix-like leather look at the Trophee Chopard Dinner on Saturday Kidman looked incredible as she embodied 'motocore' style in the corset-style leather jacket which she teamed with low-rise jeans and a chunky belt Gabbriette brought out her inner spy at the Mission Impossible premiere oozing Gothic glamour as she wore a structured, floor-length black leather gown and chunky silver jewellery At The Phoenician premiere, Julianne Moore stunned in a simple Bottega Veneta dress with a strap of strings of leather tied into a knot with its tassels not looking dissimilar to a whip The 'kinky' fashion fad comes after Cannes updated its dress code to ban 'nude dressing' just days before the festival was due to begin. 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 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 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. It's been dubbed the 'silent killer' and will strike one in eight men in their lifetimes. For men over 70, the risk is one in two. Yet prostate cancer is one of the most curable forms of the disease when caught early, with nearly a 100 percent survival rate if detected while localized in the prostate. Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society who has spent 20 years researching prostate cancer, warned most people diagnosed have no idea they have the cancer until it's too late. Its mild symptoms - fatigue and waking up often to urinate - are often dismissed and it's not until the cancer spreads that more serious side effects occur. Most patients have no symptoms, he told the Daily Mail. 'If they do have symptoms, like increased urination or getting up in the night to urinate, they think these are due to something else.' In former President Joe Biden's case, his late-stage cancer wasn't detected until he developed urinary symptoms. Cases of the cancer are rising among all ages, up by 3 percent year on year, including young adults. There's been a worrying rise in the under-40 age group of about 2 percent every year globally since the 1990s. And more men are getting diagnosed later, when the disease is harder to treat, with late stage diagnoses rising 5 percent per year since 2011. Former president Joe Biden, 82, revealed on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He is pictured above yesterday Doctors have blamed confusion over screening guidelines for this shift, saying it led many to miss potentially life-saving appointments. Biden revealed his diagnosis in a message on Sunday, saying there was a 'lump' on his prostate and that the cancer was 'aggressive' and spread to his bones. His family say they are now reviewing treatment options for the 82-year-old. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is when cells start to divide uncontrollably in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum and produces fluid used in semen. It gradually increases in size as someone ages, and by the time they're 60, it is often the size of a lemon - leading to a variety of complications. The cancer only affects people with a prostate. For about one in eight men, it can also develop cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). This is often slow-growing and easy to treat, with a good prognosis of more than 99 percent of patients surviving five years. But if it spreads, it becomes much harder to treat. Then, only 37 percent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis. Biden has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive' cancer, that has a Gleason score of nine (out of 10). 'While many cases are slow-growing and caught early, aggressive subtypes, like Gleason eight to 10, can progress rapidly and require fast treatment,' Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, a medical oncologist in New York City, told the Daily Mail. 'As oncologists, we often quote that men more frequently die with prostate cancer rather than from it. Yet age alone doesn't determine aggressiveness of outcome.' Is prostate cancer becoming more common? Cases of prostate cancer are rising. From 2014 to 2019, studies found that cases across all age groups rose by about 3 percent annually. They are now expected to double between 2020 and 2040. Data shows that the rate of prostate cancer diagnoses by stage at diagnosis. It shows a slight uptick in diagnoses at a later stage (purple line) The above shows age at diagnosis with prostate cancer. There has been a very slight uptick among younger groups About 313,780 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US every year, while about 35,770 die from the disease. This is lower than in the 1990s, when there were about 500,000 cases per year, but higher than in 2014, when the figure was 233,000. The cancer commonly affects men older than 65, who make up about six in 10 cases. According to a 2019 study, global cases of prostate cancer among people 15 to 40 years old have risen by 2 percent since 1990. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr. Dahut said prostate cancer is rare among young adults, but not as rare as someone might think. In 2001, 7 percent of cases were among young adults, according to the CDC - now, it's 9 percent. Men in their 30s, for example, are being increasingly diagnosed. But this trend isn't just limited to prostate cancer, Dr. Dahut tells the Daily Mail. It's not clear why cases are rising in younger age groups, but doctors have named rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles as potential factors. There is also a worrying uptick in the number of advanced diagnosis. Biden is pictured above with President Donald Trump amid the handover of power in the Oval Office A study from California showed advanced cases in the state rose 6.7 percent on average from 2004 to 2021. Initially, men were screened for the cancer using a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test which caught numerous cancers in the earliest stages. But in 2012, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommended against using the test over fears of false positives and unnecessary procedures. It U-turned again in 2017, saying people aged 55 to 69 should ask their doctors about getting the test. The American Urological Association does not recommend screening for the cancer to over-70s because the cancer grows so slowly and doctors say other illnesses are likely to prove lethal first. But that recommendation has raised concerns that emerging and aggressive tumors could be missed. Doctors have suggested Biden may have been too old or frail to be tested for prostate cancer in recent years, which is how the disease went undetected. How likely is survival? If prostate cancer is caught in the earliest stages, patients generally have a good chance of survival. According to the CDC, about 69 percent of cases are diagnosed at the local stages, or stage one to three (before the cancer has spread beyond the prostate). For comparison, 9 percent of patients are diagnosed at the distant stage (when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body). The ACS says nearly all patients survive when the cancer is diagnosed between stages one and three, but that chance drops to 37 percent in later stages. The above shows the survival rate for prostate cancer. It drops when it is diagnosed at a later stage Survival rates for prostate cancer appear to have dipped slightly over recent years, amid a rise in the number of people being diagnosed with an advanced form of the disease Dr. Dahut said it can be a 'little frightening' for men to be diagnosed with the cancer, but calls survival rates encouraging. Biden's cancer is distant, having already spread to his bones, and has been described as 'aggressive'. It is understood that his family is reviewing treatment options. Dr. Dahut said later stages are difficult as disease has already spread to organs - like heart and lungs. Some doctors say once it reaches those organs, it is 'incurable'. Treatments rely mainly on a drug that blocks testosterone production, but over time cells develop resistance to it. The risk of developing prostate cancer rises as you age. Those over 70 have a 50 percent chance of developing it. What are the warning signs of prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is often called a 'silent cancer', as it rarely cause symptoms - when it does, they're nonspecific or pass for another condition. The Mayo Clinic says there are potential warning signs in the early stages: blood in urine (may look pink, red or colada-colored), blood in the semen, needing to urinate more often, trouble getting started while urinating and waking up to urinate more often at night. In the later stages, when it has spread to other areas of the body, it may trigger other symptoms: accidental leaking of urine, back pain, bone pain, difficulty getting an erection, feeling very tired, losing weight without trying and weakness in the arms and legs. Is there anything I can do to monitor for prostate cancer? Doctors already have screening guidelines in place to help detect prostate cancer before it becomes advanced. All men are recommended to get screened for the cancer by at least age 50, and at 45 if they have a family history. They may then be asked to return for screening every one to two years for checkups. Guidelines vary for when people should stop getting screened. Dr. Dahut said despite the confusion over when to stop screening, doctors and patients are asked to use their 'clinical judgement' to decide. He said in cases where someone has multiple underlying conditions or there is concern about their overall health, doctors may stop monitoring for prostate cancer. In addition to PSA, doctors may also carry out the digital rectal exam, where a lubricated, gloved finer is placed into the rectum to reach the prostate - enabling someone to judge if it has abnormal lumps or hard areas. What are the treatment options? In the early stages, patients tend to be offered active surveillance or regular monitoring of their cancer. Patients may also be offered radiation therapy or surgery to remove the cancer, but this can lead to life-long complications such as trouble urinating. If the cancer shows signs of spreading, patients may be offered surgery or radiation therapy. In cases where the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, patients may be offered a variety of treatments including external beam radiation treatment, where external beams of radiation are fired on the prostate to kill the cancer cells. A radical prostatectomy, surgery to remove the entire prostate glad and surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, is also an option. Patients can also select hormone therapy with drugs like abiraterone, working by reducing testosterone levels that slow the growth of the cancer. Joe Biden's sudden diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer has shocked the world. Now, other men who have been blighted by late-stage disease, only being diagnosed after the disease had already spread, are stepping forward to share their stories. When Eric White started experiencing testicular pain at 49, he blamed it on the hours he spent operating a forklift at work in a warehouse. But when this was accompanied by extreme fatigue and weight loss, his wife Megan encouraged him to see a doctor. The father-of-three from Alabama was initially diagnosed with epididymitis, an infection that causes swelling of a small tube at the back of the testicles that stores and transports sperm. To treat the condition, Mr White was put on a three-week course of antibiotics and referred to a urologist, who then gave him another three-week course of the same drug. But despite the medication, his condition deteriorated and his wife says he started experiencing 'flow problems' when he went to the bathroom. She recalls: 'It was hard for him to start urinating [and] he was dribbling. When he went back to the urologist, they decided to check his prostate, and it was hard.' When Eric White started experiencing testicular pain at the age of 49, he put it down to spending hours at a time operating a forklift at work. But when this was accompanied by extreme fatigue and weight loss, his wife Megan encouraged him to see a doctor This prompted doctors to order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to measure the amount of proteins produced by the prostate gland.' At 49, he was slightly too young to be getting screened regularly (most doctors only recommend it after age 55) Mr White's results showed high levels of PSA and he underwent a biopsy of his prostate, which revealed he had cancer. PSA levels are generally measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). In general, a level above 4 ng/mL is considered abnormal and may result in a recommendation for further examination. Mr White's reading was 19.1 ng/mL and the biopsy confirmed cancer had spread throughout his entire prostate, a small gland found only in men located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Your browser does not support iframes. It produces a fluid that contributes to semen. In May 2024 he was diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma. Also known as glandular prostate cancer, it is the most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for over 95 percent of cases. It originates in the gland cells of the prostate, which produce prostate fluid. Over 300,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 35,000 die from the disease. It's the most common cancer in men. It's also considered one of the most treatable if caught early - with a nearly 100 percent survival rate if detected while localized in the prostate. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) states men ages 55 to 69 undergo prostate cancer screening every two to three years. However, those with a family history or who are at a greater risk, such as Black men, may need more frequent screening. If cancer is found during the biopsy, MRI and CT scans may be used to determine if the disease has spread outside the prostate to other parts of the body. The Whites were shocked to learn that Mr Whites cancer had spread to his neck, his femur and he had 'two spots on his liver'. This made it Stage 4 cancer While the survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent in early stages, cancers that have spread may kill two-thirds of patients, according to National Cancer Institute data The family was shocked to learn Mr White's cancer had spread to his neck, his femur and he had 'two spots on his liver'. This meant he had stage 4 cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of around 30 percent. Prostate cancer - also dubbed the 'silent killer' - is often diagnosed at later stages due to a combination of factors, including a misleading focus on urinary symptoms, a lack of awareness, and challenges in accessing or utilizing early screening methods. Medical experts have declared it 'inconceivable' that former President Joe Biden's 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer was not caught earlier by doctors. The 82-year-old's office announced the devastating diagnosis on Sunday, saying the cancer had spread to his bones and his family were reviewing treatment options. His cancer was given a Gleason score of 9 and a Grade Group of 5, a dire stage of the rapidly-spreading disease. The diagnosis came days after doctors found a 'small nodule' on his prostate. After Mr White's cancer was diagnosed, an appropriate treatment plan was drawn up. In a TikTok video, his wife says: '[After his diagnosis] he did 10 palliative radiation treatments to his neck and his femur to help with pain. 'His neck was really giving him a fit for a while. After that, his PSA was dropping and he was doing really good. 'The medication that they put him on was a testosterone blocker, and that caused him to lose a lot of muscle mass [and] made him really tired, but I mean, he was doing pretty good.' Despite making good progress, around six months later, in October 2024, Mr White started experiencing extreme pain in his pelvis. Mrs White said it was so bad he couldn't sleep and spent hours in the shower to try and soothe the pain. She revealed: 'So the pain was so bad, he would practically live in the shower. The above graph shows the rates of new cases and deaths from prostate cancer. Over 300,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 35,000 die from the disease The Whites hope by talking openly about their story that more men will go to get tested sooner rather than later if they feel something is wrong 'He would take multiple showers a day. He didn't sleep at night. He slept in the shower. 'We went back to the oncologist and they put him on some strong pain medication, [but] it didn't touch the pain. 'So then when we went back again to the oncologist, they ordered a scan, and they found a tumor that was growing in his pelvis. The oncologist said that we need to get a biopsy ASAP.' The Whites decided to go to a bigger cancer center in Georgia for the biopsy and Mr White was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer called a sarcomatoid carcinoma. This form of the disease often develops in men who have had prior prostate cancer, and its prognosis is generally poor. There are less than 100 cases reported in literature and the average survival rate is typically around 10 months. In her latest post, Mrs White reveals her husband had 18 more rounds of radiation to the mass in his pelvis and he is now undergoing chemotherapy. Mr White is currently midway through his chemotherapy treatment. Mrs White says: 'That's pretty much where we're at now. We just got to wait on these scans and pray to God that this chemo is working. 'So please, please, please keep him in your prayers.' The Whites hope by talking openly about their story that more men will go to get tested sooner rather than later if they feel something is wrong. News of former President Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer has elicited sympathy and shock from doctors, like me. Over my 25 years as a board-certified urological surgeon, I've come to know the pain physical and emotional that such a life-changing discovery has on a patient and their family. This must be a very difficult time for the Bidens, indeed. However, as a medical professional, it's difficult to overlook the odd circumstances and severity of the president's diagnosis. According to the president's office, doctors detected an 'aggressive form' of cancer after a 'small nodule' was found on his prostate during a 'routine physical exam' last week. But the statement suggests that the president was cancer-free prior to this screening and I find that very hard to believe. Biden's last publicly available health report, from February 2024, makes no mention of a routine prostate cancer screening. But five years prior to that, his doctor noted that the former president 'never had prostate cancer,' while treating him for an enlarged prostate. Now, his physicians report that he has a highly aggressive form of the disease that has metastasized or spread to his bones though curiously, such proliferation of the disease typically takes at least five years. Furthermore, doctors use a method to determine the potential lethality of cancer, called a Gleason score that rates the severity of the disease on a scale of one to 10 with a score of six being a slowly-spreading cancer and 10 being the most aggressive case. Biden's aggressive cancer diagnosis, which has spread to his bones, was revealed on Sunday. Dr David Shusterman is a board-certified urologist and urological surgeon who diagnoses and treats urologic cancers, including of the prostate. Biden's Gleason score is nine. This abrupt presentation defies any typical case that I've ever seen. In my experience, prostate cancer of this severity doesn't develop overnight. In fact, I've never treated a patient (including those who have avoided regular checkups) whose cancer has progressed from no detectable trace to an aggressive stage. Additionally, I find it implausible that cancer was never detected by routine screening. Doctors often begin testing men for prostate cancer at the age of 50, or younger if they have a family history of cancer. It is among the most common cancers in men and when detected early, it is easily treatable. The most common form of screening is a simple blood analysis called a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test that measures a protein produced by the prostate. If a man is found to have elevated PSA levels, they may undergo a rectal exam. In the instance that lesions on the prostate are found, the patient will likely have a biopsy of the abnormal tissue, as that is the only way to confirm a cancer diagnosis. If a malignant tumor is found, it will be treated. Your browser does not support iframes. Some have suggested that President Biden, now 82, may not have received regularly prostate screenings, but I find that, too, to be unlikely. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) an independent panel of doctors does not advise PSA testing in men over 70 years old due to the risk of over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatments, but I perform these tests on patients up to 80 years old. And while USPSTF guidelines may be suitable for the ordinary citizen, the President of the United States is certainly extraordinary. His health is a matter of national concern. And Biden who also served as vice president and a US senator for decades has had access to the best health care the country has had to offer. There is also the possibility that Biden declined prostate screenings during his White House physicals and opted for private doctors whose findings would be shielded from the public by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law that protects the privacy of patient health information. But if that was the case then the President wasn't being forthright with the public. It's very possible that the cancer could have weakened his bones contributing to his worsening mobility issues over the years. Biden posted a selfie of him and his wife, Dr Jill Biden, on Monday, thanking people for 'lifting us up with love and support' after his diagnosis. It's also plausible that the former president has already received some sort of medical treatment for his cancer and kept it a secret, but that the treatment has since become ineffective. His spokesperson announced that, while aggressive, Biden's cancer 'appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.' Biden would likely have been given a synthetic hormone, called Lupron, that lowers testosterone level and slows the growth of the tumor. The medicine works well - however it is only effective for two years and then the effects wear out. Finally, if the president was truly unaware of his condition, or if he chose to ignore it, that is tragic. It's very possible that the cancer could have weakened his bones contributing to his worsening mobility issues over the years. And, sadly, his diagnosis has a five-year survival rate of between 30 and 40 percent. No matter the truth of the former president's health, we can all agree that is deeply unfortunate. If any positive lesson can be gleaned from this news, it is that all men should be screened for prostate cancer early and regularly. Dr David Shusterman is a New York-based, board-certified urologist and urological surgeon with a distinguished career in diagnosing and treating urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that half of British adults should be allowed to get their hands on fat jabs under widened criteria. Researchers at the Tony Blair Institute have suggested extending the measure for eligibility could allow at least 14.7million Brits to get weight loss medication in the post - which would in turn boost the NHS. The think tank have called for the eligibility criteria for the drugs to 'drastically lowered', to make them available to people who are overweight but not yet obese. As part of their research, they have also suggested the jabs to be made available over the counter, without the need to see a GP first, and for weight management services to be offered through the NHS App. Such moves would boost the nation's health and wealth and help to tackle inequality, it argues. Obesity is now one of the biggest drivers of ill health in the UK, placing an 'immense strain' on the NHS, the benefit system and wider economy. But the TBI warns obesity is more prevalent in deprived areas and the current slow rollout of fat jabs on the NHS will 'perpetuate access based on the ability to pay rather than need'. The NHS rations the drugs to around 50,000 people a year at specialist weight-loss clinics, although 4million people with a body mass index higher than 35 are eligible. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that half of the British adult population should be allowed to get their hands on fat jabs under suggested widened criteria (file photo) The Tony Blair Institute have called for the eligibility criteria for the drugs to 'drastically lowered', making them available to people who are overweight but not yet obese (stock image) A BMI over 30 is classed as obese, and 40 or above is classed as severely obese. A further 500,000 people are thought to obtain the treatment privately for around 200 a month. The new TBI report demands a 'faster, broader approach to the rollout' and suggests a BMI threshold of just 27, which is overweight. Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to significantly increase productivity in the workforce, with users typically fitter and taking fewer sick days. In trials, weight-loss drugs helped people lose up to a fifth of their body weight, which can reduce their risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Ministers are examining ways to make weight-loss jabs more accessible and Treasury officials are holding talks on their economic benefits. The TBI says the NHS's current approach is 'unlikely to slow, let alone reverse rising obesity rates over the next 12 years' and the need for a GP referral 'inhibits' potential for broader rollout as it is 'wildly resource intensive and hugely expensive'. Economic modelling by the Institute shows reducing the qualifying BMI is expected to deliver cost-benefit neutrality by 2035 and net gains year on year afterwards, with cumulative fiscal benefits estimated at 52billion by 2050. Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to significantly increase productivity in the workforce, with users typically fitter and taking fewer sick days Comparatively, on the NHS current rollout schedule, cost-benefit neutrality is expected to be achieved by 2053. The report says access to the fat jabs should be means-tested, so only patients who are eligible for free prescriptions can access them at no cost. Dr Charlotte Refsum, director of health policy at TBI, said: 'If the government is looking to improve health and drive economic growth, tackling obesity - as part of a wider prevention agenda - must be a key priority. 'Anti-Obesity Medications are effective, well tolerated by those taking them and highly scalable. 'The government must follow its instincts and be bolder - providing faster, broader access in a more convenient way that meets them where they are - online, at home and in the high street. 'The cost of treating obesity may be high but the cost of not treating it is higher.' A study presented at the European Congress of Obesity earlier this month found semaglutide - sold under the brand name Ozempic as a treatment for diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss - provided an annual productivity boost equivalent to 1,127 per person. The drug helped each patient avoid five sick days a year on average, and enabled people to carry out an extra 12 days of unpaid productive activity, such as volunteering or childcare, saving the state resources. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is a huge drag on the NHS, the economy, and the quality of people's lives' In total this would equate to an extra 4.5billion a year in British economic productivity if the 4million people eligible for the drug on the NHS could have it. Dr Nick Thayer, head of policy at the Company Chemists Association, which represents major pharmacy chains such as Boots and Superdrug, said: 'Weight loss medicines have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of obesity on the NHS and transform the lives of millions. 'The economic impact of allowing many to return to work, offers the government a vital avenue to increase growth and workforce productivity. 'Community pharmacies have a proven track record of delivering preventative healthcare interventions at scale. 'Building on the expertise developed through private services, community pharmacies would be well placed to deliver wraparound weight loss care, to increase access where needed.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is a huge drag on the NHS, the economy, and the quality of people's lives, and these medications are an exciting innovation. 'We're working with the NHS to trial new approaches and digital-first technologies to get these treatments to people faster, all while safeguarding capacity in our health service. 'For too long patients have been failed by inaction, but under our Plan for Change we'll tackle obesity head-on. 'We know that fixing this is key to mending our broken NHS, boosting our economy and making our NHS fit for the future.' When multibillion-pound global corporations invest huge sums in medical companies to develop new treatments for serious illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, asthma and severe pain, it's usually widely welcomed. But a massive new wave of investment is having the opposite effect on medical experts and health campaigners. Why? Because the cash is coming from tobacco companies the same businesses that helped to fuel the growth of some of these deadly illnesses in the first place through the sale of cigarettes. Big Tobacco's 'invasion' of medicine is spearheaded by Philip Morris International (PMI), the Swiss-based giant that sells around a quarter of all the world's cigarettes 613billion of them in 2023, including the world's biggest-selling brand: Marlboro. Over the past decade, PMI has invested heavily in companies developing treatments for heart attacks, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) a condition caused by damage to the lungs, often by smoking, which can leave those affected struggling to breathe. A tragic irony is that Eric Lawson, who portrayed the rugged Marlboro man in cigarette ads during the late 1970s and had smoked since the age of 14, died from COPD aged 72. A new wave of investment in medical companies is coming from tobacco firms the same businesses that helped to fuel the growth of some of the deadly illnesses being researched in the first place, through the sale of cigarettes Tobacco remains the biggest cause of lung disease in the UK and smoking-related illness costs the NHS 2.5billion a year. Other cigarette companies are also developing drug therapies for conditions that their products can cause (more on those later). Laura Williamson, policy manager at the charity Asthma + Lung UK, told Good Health: 'There is a huge issue about tobacco companies taking two bites of the cherry here. They must not be able to profit from the illnesses they create. 'It is the tobacco companies that cause these diseases and the idea that they would further profit from making treatments for these conditions is utterly to be condemned. 'They are absolutely not trying to help people. If they did, then they would not peddle cigarettes, because that would truly help people in the first place by not harming their health.' In a similar vein, the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association Respiratory Committee a national organisation for pharmacists and healthcare professionals specialising in lung health said last November it was 'deeply disturbing and perverse' that PMI should 'seek to profit from the treatment of smoking-related lung diseases that their products cause'. Health campaigners in science and academia are taking action and late last year appeared to have won a crucial victory over medical-inhaler company Vectura, which PMI bought in 2021. Under PMI's ownership Vectura focused on developing inhalable drugs to treat asthma and COPD a market forecast to be worth 50billion in the next decade and one that promises huge profits. PMI's takeover was condemned by the British Thoracic Society, the European Respiratory Society and the COPD Foundation. Vectura was also effectively barred from holding joint ventures with academics by universities that prohibit collaboration with the tobacco industry. Vectura employees were also prohibited from publishing their research studies in a range of scientific journals and had to withdraw from involvement in scientific conferences, again because of stipulations that prevented collaboration with the industry. As a consequence, last September PMI sold Vectura Group for 150million to the electronics firm Molex Asia Holdings just three years after buying it for more than 1billion, due to what PMI called an 'unwarranted' backlash from scientists and health leaders. However, Good Health's investigation shows PMI has not actually left the sector or halted development of asthma inhalers. A PMI spokesman told Good Health that it remains 'committed to driving innovation in this space over the long term', adding that it did not sell the whole of Vectura but only one part of it. 'The remaining units of Vectura Fertin Pharma will continue to operate as a separate company under PMI's ownership with new branding', the spokesman said, adding the focus will be on inhaled prescription products for therapy areas that include heart attacks and strokes, and pain. In 2021, PMI acquired another pharmaceutical company, called OtiTopic, which produces respiratory inhalers. Notably, it was developing an inhalable treatment for heart attacks, called Asprihale, which delivers a dry powder version of aspirin into the body to try to dissolve clots in the coronary arteries. This is 'still in development' PMI told Good Health. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. This reflects a wider move by the tobaccco industry into other areas of health. For example, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which sells Camel and Silk Cut cigarettes in Europe, has a pharmaceutical branch that produces treatments for lung cancer and heart disease, as well as for two skin conditions known to be affected by smoking psoriasis and dermatitis. And British American Tobacco (BAT), which makes Rothmans cigarettes, is investing in companies that are developing vaccines for respiratory conditions such as Covid-19. BAT also owns, through its corporate venture capital arm BtomorrowVentures, up to a quarter of the Danish company PlatoScience, which is developing treatments for mental health illnesses such as depression. Meanwhile, the US tobacco corporation Altria Group, which owns Benson & Hedges, is partnered with a company working on more efficient ways to deliver the active drugs found in 'skinny-jabs' Ozempic and Wegovy. The same firm, according to researchers at the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at the University of Bath, also has connections with a Canadian company called Lexaria Bioscience, relating to a drug-delivery technology called DehydraTECH. Lexaria's website says that DehydraTECH, which allows drugs to be dehydrated and mixed with other ingredients such as foods, has been shown in early clinical testing to deliver the weight-reducing drug semaglutide (found in Wegovy) faster and more efficiently than the current system of injections. Health campaigners are not only appalled by the idea that cigarette-makers may profit from selling treatments for the serious illnesses linked to smoking products, they also claim that when tobacco companies are allowed into reputable scientific spaces such as journals, conferences and research facilities, they use this as an opportunity to minimise or deny the harms their products cause. Laura Williamson warns: 'When the tobacco industry is involved with a pharmaceutical company it makes it hard to trust the research. 'There is significant evidence that the industry promotes publication of research to reduce the negative impact of smoking that independent medical data shows is happening.' A study of tobacco company tactics, published in 2023 in the journal Tobacco Control, concluded: 'Research shows that in the past tobacco companies invested large sums of money in funding and disseminating research which claimed tobacco does not cause cancer, intentionally concealed the potential toxicity of their products as well as the addictive nature of nicotine, and created an international programme of scientific consultants to shape public opinion on second-hand smoke.' The researchers, from the TCRG, added: 'The industry has for decades attempted to create and maintain an image of scientific credibility, and its use of science to obscure the harms caused by its products and avoid unfavourable regulation is well documented. 'It is therefore concerning to see tobacco companies attending scientific events and having the opportunity to share and promote their messages.' The world's biggest-selling brand, Marlboro, is made by Swiss-based giant Philip Morris International (PMI), which is getting involved in the medical industry Nicholas Hopkinson, a professor of respiratory medicine at Imperial College London, and chairman of the anti-smoking charity Action on Smoking and Health, says Big Tobacco should be kept well away from the pharmaceutical industry. 'The tobacco industry makes huge profits while killing millions of people every year,' he told Good Health. 'The idea that these companies should be allowed to take this blood money and launder their reputation by diversifying into healthcare is simply obscene.' The tobacco companies argue that they are doing important work to salve smoking-related disease, by moving their activities away from cigarettes and towards 'safer' alternatives. A PMI spokesman told Good Health: 'As of October 2024, we achieved 38 per cent of total net revenues from smoke-free alternatives, including heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. 'Our ambition is for more than two thirds of the company's total net revenues to come from smoke-free products by 2030.' A spokesman for BAT said: 'We want to accelerate our company's transformation and help build a smokeless world. 'As we continue to transform, we are exploring long-term opportunities beyond nicotine, making investments in a range of companies including those in the tech, science and wellbeing sectors.' A JTI spokesman told Good Health: 'The JTI Group has three business segments which operate completely independently from one another. 'There is a pharmaceutical business based in Tokyo, a food business also in Tokyo, and a tobacco busines headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.' Altria has not responded to Good Health's requests for comment. A spokesman for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry declined to comment on the incursion of tobacco giants into the medicines sector. Most men only think about getting the quality of their sperm checked when they have tried unsuccessfully with a partner to start a family. But should all men instead be regularly monitoring their sperm from their late teens onwards? It's an idea suggested by a leading UK expert, who believes it could help to identify thousands of hidden cases of male infertility at an earlier stage and in time for treatment that could avoid problems for them fathering children later on. And whereas testing traditionally involves having a semen sample sent to a lab by a GP or fertility clinic for analysis, which can take weeks for results, in recent years home-testing kits have been launched by high street retailers such as Boots and Superdrug for as little as 29.99. These tests involve placing a semen sample in a solution and applying it to a test pad. The Boots test, for example, claims to be '98 per cent' accurate and gives a result in just ten minutes, with a red line appearing on the test strip for a 'normal' sperm count. Research suggests male infertility is a factor in about half of all cases where couples fail to conceive. Anything less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of fluid lowers the chances of successfully fertilising an egg Meanwhile, a private clinic claiming to be the first in the UK to offer free same-day sperm testing was opened last year near Manchester city centre, by Danish sperm bank Cryos International. Both the home checks and private tests look at sperm count (the number of sperm in a millilitre of semen), sperm motility (how well they move) and sperm morphology (i.e. shape they need to have oval heads and long tails to 'swim' properly). Anything less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of fluid lowers the chances of successfully fertilising an egg (a healthy reading can be up to 200 million), and at least a third of them need to be able to move properly in order to travel smoothly through the woman's reproductive system. Research suggests male infertility is a factor in about half of all cases where couples fail to conceive. Yet many cases could be identified and potentially treated early if every man had a semen analysis when they turned 18 and again a couple of years later to monitor changes in sperm count and motility, argues Tet Yap, a consultant andrological surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and the private Princess Grace Hospital, both in London. One major benefit of this, he argues, would be an increase in the detection of varicoceles, a fertility-damaging problem that affects up to 20 per cent of men. This is where blood pools in the veins in the scrotum, often during puberty and, in many cases, with no pain or complications. Yet a varicocele can significantly reduce sperm count (possibly because pooling of warm blood raises the temperature in the testicles, which reduces sperm production). Most men often only discover they have a varicocele when they and their partner experience fertility problems. But semen checks at 18 and again in the man's early to mid-20s could highlight if sperm count is low due to an undiagnosed varicocele, says Mr Yap. 'It's a big health issue in young men, yet most are not told to look out for it,' he told Good Health. 'Some kind of screening starting at 18 is not a bad idea, as semen analysis could help us to pick it up and treat it.' A varicocele is usually treated with embolisation a procedure where doctors inject tiny metal coils or foam to stop blood flow to the affected veins, causing the varicocele to shrink. A 2014 study in Japan found sperm counts in men treated for varicocele increased from an average of 2.4 million per millilitre to almost 12 million still lower than normal but potentially making them more fertile, reported the journal Urology. Another cause of hidden damage to a young man's sperm is mumps, which is not uncommon in teenagers. It can trigger inflammation in the testicles that damages the tiny tubes where sperm are produced. If a problem is identified 'that may continue or get worse, it might be an idea to freeze some of their sperm as soon as they can just in case', adds Mr Yap. It's not just about fertility there's a growing body of evidence that sperm count in young males is also a marker for other serious health problems, too. A 2018 study by the University of Brescia in Italy found that men with low sperm counts were also 20 per cent more likely to have more body fat, higher blood pressure and raised levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. A private clinic claiming to be the first in the UK to offer free same-day sperm testing was opened last year near Manchester city centre, by Danish sperm bank Cryos International The analysis of more than 5,000 men showed they also had lower testosterone levels, which can reduce libido, muscle mass and bone density. The researchers stressed sperm problems do not cause ill-health but are a useful marker for underlying ailments that may have no symptoms and so monitoring levels can stop men developing heart disease or certain cancers, for instance. Indeed studies have found low sperm count in young men may double their risk of prostate cancer later in life, possibly because, some evidence suggests, both conditions are connected to faulty DNA repair mechanisms. But not everyone agrees that routine checks on sperm would be a good idea especially as in around 40 per cent of male infertility cases there is no obvious cause, which means it may be largely untreatable. 'This is a big consideration because, apart from living a healthy lifestyle, often there is little you can do about it and it will just be an added worry for these men,' says Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Manchester. 'I know guys who test themselves as often as once a fortnight because they are so worried about their sperm count.' He says a more important message to all men is that, despite well-publicised examples of ageing rock stars or actors fathering children in their 70s and 80s, ageing is the biggest danger to male fertility. Even though men may have a respectable sperm count in their 30s or 40s, he warns, the quality of that sperm will have deteriorated. 'As you get older, it's not about sperm count or how well they swim it's the difference in quality that makes you less fertile,' Professor Pacey told Good Health. 'Men in their 40s are half as fertile as men under 25. 'They need to try for a family much earlier than they probably think they should.' READ MORE: I went for surgery and woke up paralyzed from the neck down A glamorous Illinois bartender inhaled so much 'laughing gas' she was left paralyzed with parts of her brain dead. Rachel Kelly first tried nitrous oxide in 2018 at the age of 21 while attending an EDM festival, where she would dance for hours. By 2023, she was paying over $220 a day to inhale eight two-liter tanks of the gas daily, which she bought from convenience stores. Commonly used in dental offices as a sedative, nitrous oxide strips out oxygen from the lungs, reducing the brain's oxygen supply and slowing the nervous system. The effect is a dizzying euphoria that lasts only around a minute making it ripe for abuse. For Kelly, the damage became evident during a bartending shift in April 2024, when her feet and right hand went numb and her hips 'felt like they were broken.' The now 29-year-old said: 'People thought I was drunk and I seemed intoxicated as [the nitrous oxide] was poisoning my brain.' Despite her symptoms, she bought another tank that same day. Within a few days, her body 'shut down.' Rachel Kelly (pictured here), a 29-year-old receptionist in Illinois, started using nitrous oxide at 21. The drug caused her to develop 'dead zones' in her brain Kelly is pictured here inhaling laughing gas from a canister. At the height of her addiction, she inhaled eight two-liter tanks of the gas every day, which cost her $220 daily Kelly lost feeling in most of her body, leaving her unable to hold her phone, brush her teeth or use the bathroom on her own. At one point, she woke up and was unable to feel anything.. Nitrous oxide depletes vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining the myelin sheath a protective layer around nerve fibers, particularly in the spinal cord. Without B12, the sheath deteriorates, damaging nerves and causing numbness, loss of coordination, weakness, and even paralysis. Your browser does not support iframes. Doctors told Kelly the nitrous oxide created 'dead zones' in her brain, which caused her to lose function of her hands, feet and bladder. Kelly said: 'All of [my nerves] had died and my body was just shutting down. 'It's like rat poison.' She is now warning others that just because the gas is easily accessible, it can still cause lasting damage. She said: 'The biggest part for me is that the nitrous oxide was so accessible to me.' Health authorities estimate 13million Americans have used laughing gas to get high at least once. Possessing nitrous oxide is legal. The FDA has outlawed its dstribution for human consumption, but it's difficult to enforce that law. It's still sold in pressurized whipped cream canisters in convenience stores and online retailers like Amazon and eBay. The FDA warned earlier this year against the recreational use of nitrous oxide amid 'an increase in reports of adverse effects,' including blood clots, impaired bladder and bowel function, numbness, paralysis and hallucinations. Last year, 30-year-old Ashley Weir of Florida was found dead in her bed from a nitrous oxide overdose. In 2024, the laughing gas caused Kelly to lose all function of her hands, feet and bladder, and she woke up at one point unable to feel anything. It took several months of therapy for her to regain feeling. She is pictured here in rehab Kelly, pictured now at age 29, is warning against using nitrous oxide to get high after her ordeal After 10 days in the hospital, Kelly was transferred to a rehabilitation center, where she underwent occupational and physical therapy for 30 hours a week for a month. During these sessions, she had to learn to walk and write again as well as practice 'tedious' tasks like brushing her teeth. She then moved in with her parents and spent another five months using a walker and getting her independence back. Just over a year later, Kelly has regained most of her abilities, though she still has some numbness in her toes and has to take B12 supplements. She now works as a receptionist and plans to become a drug support worker. She plans to become a drugs support worker in future and is urging others to not inhale nitrous oxide as 'the 30-second high is not worth it'. Kelly said: 'The 30-second high is not worth it. Since coming out [of the hospital] I haven't touched nitrous oxide again and I wouldn't do now. 'Just because something is sold in a store, doesn't mean it is safe to use. 'The end stage of this is you will end up in the hospital and it's just a [matter of] when this will happen to you and when you will wake up and not be able to feel anything.' Dozens of NIH staff stormed out of a packed auditorium yesterday after a Trump-appointed doctor suggested the US helped start the Covid pandemic. The government employees, some wearing face masks, walked out as Dr Jay Bhattacharya delivered his first town hall speech as head of America's top research institution. Moments earlier, the NIH boss said: 'It's possible that the pandemic was caused by research conducted by human beings, and it's also possible that the NIH partly sponsored that research.' He then broke off as at least 30 scientists stormed out, before calling after them, 'It's nice to have free speech. You're welcome, you guys.' In the years leading up to the pandemic, the NIH was funding controversial virus manipulation experiments at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where the CIA and FBI believe the Covid virus leaked from. After the scientists left, Dr Bhattacharya continued: 'If it's true that we sponsored research that caused the pandemic and if you look at polls of the American people, that's what most people believe, and Ive looked at the scientific evidence and I believe it [then] what we have to do is make sure that we dont engage in research that is any riskto human populations.' Dr Bhattacharya was talking the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, around 1pm when the walkout happened. The environment was already tense, given that up to $2.7billion in funding has been cut from the department by the new Trump administration. Dr Bhattacharya triggered the walkout after suggesting that NIH-funded research may have inadvertently led to the Covid pandemic More than 1,200 members of staff are also thought to have been laid off. Dr Bhattacharya started the town hall nervously, employees who attended told the federal news website Government Executive. He also walked out to a stony silence at the start of the town hall, rather than the usual applause afforded to directors. During the town hall, Dr Bhattacharya faced heckling over cuts to the NIH's budget, but argued they were necessary and dismissed some of the work as 'ideological' in nature. 'There's been a line of research supported by the NIH that I don't actually fundamentally believe is scientific,' he said, 'and that is ideological in nature'. 'That doesn't advance the health and well-being of anybody, but it does diminish public trust.' He clarified that this included research into 'structural racism', prompting backlash from a member of the audience. The newly appointed NIH head faced a tense town hall with scientists, who at one point also heckled him over cuts to the agency Dr Bhattacharya also touted Trump's new executive order during the town hall that ended funding for gain-of-function research in countries of concern. At the town hall, he had hoped to iron out his five-point plan for the agency, which would emphasize chronic disease, academic freedom, research reproducibility, innovative science and transparency. Your browser does not support iframes. Senator Bernie Sanders published a report last week suggesting as much as $2.7billion had been cut from the agency and saying the Trump administration had declared 'war on science'. This was far above the previous estimate, which put the tally at $1.8billion cut in grants out of the $36.94billion awarded by the agency in grants every year. Dr Bhattacharya became well-known during the Covid pandemic for backing the Great Barrington Declaration, which called for an end to lockdowns for all except the most vulnerable. Then-NIH director Dr Francis Collins called him a 'fringe epidemiologist' in emails published in 2021. Recently, a group of scientists suggested Covid's precursors may have first emerged in southern China and its neighbor Laos. They suggest it was then moved to Wuhan by animal traders, but are unable to rule out that it could have been moved by scientists Dr Bhattacharya has previously shied away from backing the lab leak theory, saying on X in May 2022: 'Who says I believe it was a lab leak? I still don't.' But amid an ever-growing body of research supporting the theory, he has now started to signal that it shouldn't be ruled out as a possibility. His office did not respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment. Millions of women taking the combined contraceptive pill are at an increased risk of suffering a sudden, unexplained stroke, worrying research suggests. Researchers, who analysed data from over 500 women, found those who used a combined oral contraceptivebetter known as The Pillwere three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't. This was despite researchers finding no significant link between The Pill and known risk stroke factors such as high blood pressure, migraines and obesity, suggesting it was the drug itself that was somehow responsible. Dr Mine Sezgin, an expert in neurology from Istanbul University and lead researcher of the new study, said the findings had implications for contraceptive use among women with health conditions that increased their risk of a stroke. 'Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk and should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,' she said. 'This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women.' The researchers are now advising healthcare professionals to exercise caution when prescribing the combined contraceptive pill to women with an increased risk of stroke. This isn't the first study to establish a link between The Pill and stroke risk and independent experts have previously urged women to not stop using contraceptives based on the results. Millions of women who are on The Pill are at a significantly higher risk of stroke, a study suggests The proportion of women taking oral contraceptives has fallen by more than two-thirds, from 420,600 in 2012/13 to 126,400 in 2022/23, according to the NHS data They have said it is critical to remember the odds of a healthy woman suffering a stroke is extremely low in the first place, so the increased risk found in these studies quite small in real terms. Independent experts have also highlighted pregnancy carries a high risk of stroke. The Pill is a hormonal contraceptive, containing both oestrogen and progestogen, which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. In the UK, around 3.1million women take medication, according to recent data. But more than 100 million women around the world use the combined oral contraceptive, according to the World Health Organisation. In the new study, presented at the European Stroke Organisation conference in Helsinki, Finland, researchers examined data from 268 women aged 18-49 who had suffered a cryptogenic ischemic stroke. This is a stroke with no obvious identifiable causes. These women were matched with 268 stroke-free participants who acted as a control. Of the 536 participants, 66 stroke-patients and 38 women were taking the combined contraceptive pill. The NHS says natural family planning can be up to 99 per cent effective when done correctly and around 75 per cent if not used according to instructions. By comparison, the Pill, implant, IUS and IUD are 99 per cent effective with perfect use, while condoms are 98 per cent After adjusting for age and medical conditions researchers found women on The Pill had triple the risk of suffering a cryptogenic stroke. Researchers also accounted for various amount of oestrogen in the different oral contraceptives to ensure consistency. Dr Sezgin said: 'What is particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involvedpossibly genetic or biological'. 'While out data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk.' When taken correctly, the combined pill is said to be over 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also commonly prescribed for heavy or painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and acne. However, The Pill has also been associated with a number of concerning health complications including blood clots, heart attacks and cancer. Common side effects include breakthrough bleeding, headaches, nausea and sore breasts. Other tell-tale signs of a looming stroke, often fall under the radar. These include sudden numbness on one side of the body, sudden vertigo and difficulty swallowing Some women also report weight gain and a change in sex drive, however, there is not enough evidence to say whether this is caused by the pill. According to the NHS, taking The Pill can increase a woman's chances of developing breast or cervical cancer, but this increased risk disappears 10 years after a woman stops taking it. The new research comes as new data suggests cases of strokes are skyrocketing in young people, with 100,000 patients suffering from the medical emergency each year in the UK. Strokes are one of the biggest killers in Britain, killing about 38,000 people each year and are also a leading cause of disability. The tell-tale symptoms of a stroke can be remembered using the acronym FAST: Face (drooping or inability to smile), Arms (weakness or inability to lift one arm), Speech (slurred or garbled), and Time (to call emergency services immediately). But other lesser-known symptoms to watch out include blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes, a severe headache and feeling or being sick. Strokes are most commonly caused by fatty deposits or a blood clot blocking arteries supplying the brainknown as ischaemic stroke. This can happen as a result of cardiovascular disease as critical blood vessels become narrowed or blocked over time by plaques. Another type of strokecalled haemorrhagic strokesoccurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and starts to leak its contents into the organ. The FDA announced a radical shift in its Covid vaccination policy. Annual updated Covid shots will no longer be automatically approved, the agency said in a press conference Tuesday. Now, the FDA says companies must conduct clinical trials that show Covid vaccines are still safe and effective before approving them for healthy adults and kids. While the FDA has approved regularly updated vaccines every year, this change would prove costly for vaccine manufacturers and could limit the amount of vaccines produced and who would be able to get them. However, for people over the age of 65 and others who are immunocompromised or have comorbidities, the FDA will continue to use a streamlined approach for approval. The guidance was published in an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine, authored by FDA head Dr Marty Makary and the agency's head of vaccines Dr Vinay Prasad. Dr Makary says the change is needed, adding there is no clear benefit from vaccinating millions of healthy people against Covid every year. He also said the policy has fostered public distrust and led many to forgo vital vaccinations, such as those against measles with the US currently battling its biggest outbreak in two decades. The FDA has revealed an overhaul to its Covid vaccine policy. Pictured above is Biden getting an updated Covid vaccine in 2022 Dr Prasad said the change will now be considered by the FDA's vaccine advisory committee. The new recommendation will likely affect people who are seeking an updated Covid vaccine in fall 2025, but Dr Prasad insisted most will still be able to get it. As well as offering it to the 57.8million who are over 65 years old, he said the shot would also be available to the estimated 100 to 200million people who have an underlying condition, putting them at higher risk of Covid. The CDC maintains a list of at least 20 conditions that raise the risk of suffering from severe Covid, including conditions like obesity and physical inactivity. Dr Prasad said: 'We have launched down this multi-year campaign of booster after booster after booster. '[But] we do not have the gold standard science to support this for average-risk, low risk, Americans.' About 70 percent of Americans had received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine by May 2023. But now most people are forgoing boosters, with data showing that just 23 percent came forward for them last year despite an FDA-backed recommendation that everyone aged six months and over should get the dose. The US has been out of step with other western nations on boosters, with most including the UK, Canada and Australia now only recommending them for older adults. The proposal is set to be considered by the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee at its meeting on Thursday, which will make a recommendation. The FDA commissioner, Dr Makary, will then make a final call on whether to change the vaccine guidance. Dr Vinay Prasad, who heads up the FDA's research arm, is pictured above during the press conference The conference was followed by a sit-down conversation between Dr Prasad and the FDA commissioner Dr Marty Makary (pictured) Your browser does not support iframes. The CDC's vaccine body the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may also make a recommendation on who should get a Covid booster vaccine. As for new approval, Dr Prasad set out new requirements for vaccine manufacturers seeking to have Covid vaccines approved for under-65s. He said there was too little data to recommend the shots for this group, instead saying that new randomized placebo-controlled trials were needed. Former FDA commissioner Dr Robert Califf supports this view, writing in JAMA in January: 'Covid vaccine uptake is now low enough that large [randomized clinical trials] are feasible to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new updated boosters.' A randomized clinical trial is a study where participants are assigned to at least two groups, with only one receiving the treatment or factor being tested, while the other receives a placebo. These studies are widely considered to be the gold standard for evaluating the safety and efficacy of any new vaccines. Dr Prasad said the FDA would be interested in studies investigating the effectiveness of Covid boosters among people aged 50 to 65 years old. He added: 'America is deeply divided on the policy of repeat Covid-19 vaccine doses or boosters. The above shows current vaccine booster recommendations in other western countries. The US is very much out of step with other nations This shows the underlying conditions that put someone at risk of disease. The FDA is proposing that anyone with these conditions should still be able to get a booster vaccine Updated Covid vaccines will now only be offered to adults aged 65 years and older 'There are some Americans out there who are worried that the FDA has not fully documented and interrogated the safety harms of these products and they are categorically opposed to these products. 'There are also some Americans, we also have to recognize, who are desperate for additional protection, and they demand these products. 'But the truth is that most doctors, and most of the public, are entirely uncertain [about whether they need to get a Covid booster].' Dr Noel Brewer, a public health expert at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and who sits on the CDC's vaccine recommendation committee, told CNN he supported the change. 'The proposed policy moves the US into line with other countries. This global view of public health is a welcome development,' he said. Dr Paul Offit, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA's vaccines advisory group, disagreed, however. He said: 'We have been using an evidence-based approach to Covid vaccination, but they kind of swoop in and believe that for the first time, we're going to get, as they say, "gold standard" data, robust data, for the first time, because, according to them, we don't have that, but we do have that. 'That's why we've made good decisions about the vaccines. That's why that vaccine is remarkably safe. I mean, the mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe.' READ MORE: Urgent nationwide recall for tomatoes that could KILL Health officials have issued an urgent warning over cucumbers linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened over two dozen people. Florida-based Bedner Growers, Inc, voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 14, 2025, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled cucumbers were sold to consumers at three Bedners Farm Fresh Markets locations in Florida (Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach). They were also sold to a wholesalers, restaurants, retailers and distribution centers. Officials found salmonella bacteria from samples on the farm that matched samples from people who got sick. The FDA said because the recalled cucumbers don't have specific stickers or labeling, customers should discard and not consume any cucumbers purchased from these locations between the affected dates. The tainted cucumbers have been linked by the FDA to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 26 people in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kenticky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Nine of the patients have been hospitalized, and 11 out of 13 patients who were interviewed reported eating cucumbers. Florida-based Bedner Growers, Inc, voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 14, 2025, because they could be contaminated with salmonella (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. The CDC said several people who fell ill ate the cucumbers on cruise ships leaving ports in Florida, though officials are investigating where the potentially contaminated cucumbers were distributed. The FDA warned: 'Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date. 'For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being "supers," "selects," or "plains."' The outbreak was detected as part of a follow-up inspection in April to a 2024 outbreak that sickened 551 people and led to 155 hospitalizations in 34 states and Washington, D.C. In that outbreak, investigators found salmonella bacteria linked to many of the illnesses in untreated canal water used at farms operated by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company. Salmonella is caused by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection, according to the CDC. Most people recover within days, though the illness is responsible for more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths a year. Megyn Kelly appeared completely stunned after a prominent cancer specialist appeared on her show publicly questioning the official timeline of former President Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. Dr. David Samadi, a board-certified urologist and expert in prostate cancer treatment suggested there had either been a serious medical oversight or a deliberate attempt to withhold the truth from the public. Samadi appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show to analyze the announcement on Sunday that the former president has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer with metastasis. The condition was described in a family statement as 'hormone-sensitive' and 'manageable,' but Dr. Samadi said the reported timing of the diagnosis does not align with how the disease typically progresses or is confirmed. 'The story doesnt make any sense,' Dr. Samadi said bluntly during Monday's interview. 'This has been cooking for many years. 'In general, it takes probably over the last decade or so for something like this to grow.' According to the Biden family's account, doctors recently discovered a nodule on the prostate, conducted a biopsy, and determined the disease was advanced but manageable, all in what appears to be a span of just several days. Samadi, who has treated thousands of prostate cancer patients, expressed deep skepticism. Megyn Kelly appeared completely stunned after a prominent cancer specialist questioned the official timeline of former President Joe Biden 's prostate cancer diagnosis Dr. David Samadi, a board-certified urologist and expert in prostate cancer treatment suggested there had either been a serious medical oversight or a deliberate attempt to withhold the truth from the public 'From diagnosis to treatment to all of that within one week the story doesn't make any sense,' he said. Central to Samadi's concern is the absence of public information about Biden's PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing history. A PSA test is a simple blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. Biden's most recent physical, released in February 2024, did not mention whether a PSA test had been conducted and The White House has not disclosed when Biden's cancer was first detected. Samadi said that it would be highly unusual, if not medically negligent, for someone in Biden's position not to receive regular PSA screenings. 'Someone like him, who was just the president, there's no way in the world that their doctors would just not look at PSA and not look at the PSA in the last many years and just say, "Well, he's old enough and there's no indication to do this." That doesn't happen,' he said. While some physicians may choose not to recommend PSA screening for men over 80 due to the slower-growing nature of many prostate cancers, Samadi stressed that Biden, given his public role, family history of cancer, and long-standing access to elite medical care, should not have been overlooked. 'He's had at least 30 to 40 years of PSA history,' Samadi said. 'They check their cholesterols, their hearts, they check from top to bottom.' Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said in a statement that was released Sunday President Joe Biden and Jill Biden reacted to the flood of support and prayers with a selfie Dr. Samadi also took issue with the Biden family's statement describing the cancer as 'hormone-sensitive,' a classification that typically takes weeks to verify through treatment response. 'You have to give the injections and see if the patient responds,' he explained. 'We don't know what his PSA is. If the PSA starts to go down, then that's when you know that he's hormone-sensitive. I don't know how they would be able to give all of this information so quickly.' He called the assertion 'impossible to know in a matter of days,' adding that hormone-sensitive diagnosis requires observation over time to confirm the cancer responds to androgen deprivation therapy. Kelly, reacting to Samadi's analysis, said the timeline being presented to the public may be dangerously misleading. 'If this is not true, this is a pernicious lie,' Kelly said. 'We definitely should not be putting out into the ecosphere a message that it's a thing - you're fine, and then four months later you have metastatic prostate cancer that's in your bones.' Samadi agreed that the medical progression as described is not plausible without years of prior buildup. Kelly, visibly stunned, asked: 'So you're saying this doesnt happen in one year? That he would have had this for five to seven years?' 'Thats correct,' Samadi responded.'Its not a typical story where within a year you would end up with stage four prostate cancer.' Samadi acknowledged two possible scenarios: that either Biden and his doctors failed to detect the cancer years ago, or they did detect it and chose not to disclose it until now. 'Either he knew about it or he didn't,' he said. 'That's a whole different political issue.' Samadi suggested another possibility that Biden may have been diagnosed with a less aggressive form of prostate cancer a decade ago and placed under surveillance, a common approach in lower-risk cases. Over time, it could have progressed to a more dangerous form. 'Maybe he had 10 or 12 years ago a moderate-risk prostate cancer and they told him, "Just watch thisit's not aggressive,"' Samadi said. 'And over time it advanced to Gleason 9 and then unfortunately metastases.' The White House has not responded to questions about whether Biden had previously been diagnosed with any form of prostate cancer, nor whether he had been under any kind of monitoring or surveillance. Samadi said that stage 4 prostate cancer typically requires immediate and aggressive intervention, including hormone therapy and possibly chemotherapy. He also warned of the side effects associated with such treatments, which can include heart complications and cognitive decline - factors that would have been particularly consequential for an 82-year-old serving as Commander-in-Chief. 'Once you get to stage four, unfortunately, it's a painful experience with a lot of complications from this hormonal treatment,' Samadi said. 'Some of these hormonal treatments not only can affect his heart but can affect his mental status and mental health issues.' Samadi, who once served as the Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mount Sinai in New York, emphasized that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early. But he said that is what makes the Biden case so troubling. 'If you find the cancer within the walls of the prostate, the cure - 10-year survival - is close to 100%,' he noted. 'Once it starts to leak beyond that, you go to radiation, hormone treatment, and then chemotherapy.' 'This is not just about one man's health. This is about what the American public deserves to know,' Kelly added. Liberal tech journalist Kara Swisher revealed that she helped break the shocking story of New York Magazine star journalist Olivia Nuzzi's 'digital affair' with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nuzzi, 32, parted ways with the magazine last October after they'd enlisted a law firm to conduct an investigation when she'd admitted to her bosses to having an 'emotional and digital' affair with Kennedy, who is married to actress Cheryl Hines. The law firm reportedly found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias in the former Washington correspondent's 2024 presidential campaign reporting which included a profile of Donald Trump. Kennedy - now the Secretary of Health and Human Services under Trump - has insisted he only met the political journalist once when she did a profile on him last year. Swisher is a popular tech journalist, podcast host and Elon Musk antagonist for Vox Media which also owns New York Magazine. She apparently told the magazine of the 'sexual text messages' between Kennedy and Nuzzi before Vox Media broke the story in September, according to a New York Times profile. It was an example of a way in which the popularly lefty journalist is 'always in motion,' according to her podcast co-host Scott Galloway. Nuzzi was last seen publicly in mid-October, just days before parting ways with the magazine, at a star-studded fashion event that honored 'trailblazing women.' Liberal tech journalist Kara Swisher acted as an intermediary in the revelation of the shocking story of New York Magazine star journalist Olivia Nuzzi's 'digital affair' with Robert F. Kennedy Jr Nuzzi, 32, parted ways with the magazine last October after they'd enlisted a law firm to conduct an investigation Insiders told the New York Post the pair had engaged in 'sexting' despite RFK Jr. being married and Nuzzi being engaged to Politico's chief Washington correspondent Ryan Lizza, 50, at the time. Nuzzi said that in early 2024, the nature of some communication between herself and a former reporting subject turned personal. 'Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal,' Nuzzi said. 'During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source,' she said. 'The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I've disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.' New York magazine acknowledged an inappropriate relationship in a statement about Nuzzi's hiatus, deeming it 'a violation of the magazine's standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures'. 'Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign,' the statement read. Kennedy has adamantly denied any sort of relationship with Nuzzi. Nuzzi admitted to her bosses to having an 'emotional and digital' affair with Kennedy, who is married to actress Cheryl Hines Nuzzi (pictured left) was last seen publicly in mid-October, just days before parting ways with the magazine, at a star-studded fashion event that honored 'trailblazing women' 'Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece,' his spokesman told CNN. A source added that the nature of the relationship was 'emotional and digital in nature, not physical'. In her profile Nuzzi, described meeting the former presidential candidate at the $7 million California home he shares with his wife. She painted a picture of RFK Jr. as an anti-establishment candidate, 'turning the presidential election upside down'. 'Fear and denial is what Kennedy seems to inspire among the staid Washington Establishment supporting the incumbent president and the gangland anti-Establishment Establishment supporting the former president,' she wrote. She touched on conflict in RFK Jr.'s marriage over his appearance on Steve Bannon's show and those of other right-wing personalities. 'Bannon was only the beginning. Poor Cheryl,' Nuzzi wrote. At the time the piece was published, RFK Jr. was in the election race as an independent candidate, but later dropped out, endorsed Trump and became HHS Secretary after he won. Nuzzi's last article, in which she described examining Trump's ear following the Butler assassination attempt, was published by the magazine on September 9. Since the exposure of the affair, Nuzzi and her ex-fiance Lizza, have entered a bitter court battle, in which Nuzzi accused her former partner of threatened violence and attempted to blackmail her. Lizza has adamantly denied the allegations made against him. In a statement shared with DailyMail.com, Lizzaclaimed: 'These allegations are disgraceful lies that Ms. Nuzzi has used to harass me for weeks in a coordinated defamation campaign. 'Her own catastrophic recklessness is solely responsible for the humiliation and ridicule she claims she has suffered. She is abusing protections meant for survivors of domestic violence to ruin my reputation in a last-ditch effort to salvage her own.' The fate of two fixtures at CBS News is now uncertain as the network remains roiled in a $20billion lawsuit with President Donald Trump and the recent ouster of top brass in the news division. There are 'real questions' among staff in the newsroom over whether longtime journalists Lesley Stahl and Scott Pelley will return in the fall, as CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon on Monday announced her exit from the company. The shocking revelation about the 60 Minutes stars was first reported by Status in the wake of McMahon's resignation, which included a veiled reference to Trump's lawsuit against the network over an interview with Kamala Harris last year. 'It's become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward,' McMahon wrote in a memo to staff on Monday. Staffers are now speculating whether Pelley and Stahl will be the next to go, following the exit of former 60 Minutes showrunner Bill Owens last month. Both correspondents had made their loyalty to McMahon and Owens known, as the network continues to navigate the president's suit. Trump filed the $20billion complaint over a 60 Minutes segment featuring Kamala Harris last year claiming it was deceptively edited. Shari Redstone, the heiress of CBS parent Paramount Global, has sought to settle the suit while pursuing a looming media merger with Skydance. Lesley Stahl and Scott Pelley's future at CBS News is currently uncertain - and there are now 'real' questions about whether the pair will be return the fall Once CBS News' senior-most staffers - 60 Minutes boss Bill Owens and news chief McMahon (pictured together in LA this past May) - were said to be unwilling to bow to Trump's lawsuit, which alleges the station purposely edited the Harris interview to give her an edge The Trump administration must approve the deal, which won't happen until a settlement between CBS and Trump is reached, Status reported. McMahon and Owens - once the network's most powerful execs - had been the primary figures opposing Paramount's bid to settle, with Pelley and Stahl both joining behind them. 'Bill [Owens] resigned Tuesday. It was hard on him and hard on us, but he did it for us - and you,' Pelley told viewers during an episode of 60 Minutes. 'Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger,' Pelley added. 'The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways. 'No one here is happy about it.' Pelley also noted noting how in leaving, Owens proved he was 'the right person to lead 60 Minutes all along.' The April 27 commentary served as a rare glimpse into the internal battles at the network, as it continued to fight Trump's suit. Veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley broke rank live on television on April 27's episode by leveling a blistering accusation against his own corporate bosses In announcing his resignation, Owens revealed that he was unable 'to make independent decisions' needed to do his job. 'So, having defended this show - and what we stand for - from every angle, over time with everything I could - I am stepping aside so the show can move forward,' he said 'The show is too important to the country,' Owens added, weeks after sources told DailyMail.com the bigwig was 'feeling the pressure' brought by the lawsuit. He tearfully added at a '60 Minutes' staff meeting attended by both Pelly and Stahl: 'It's clear the company is done with me.' 'I do think this will be a moment for the corporation to take a hard look at itself and its relationship with us,' Owens continued, before questioning whether he and other staffers who view a settlement as a potential scar on 60 Minutes reputation should 'walk out.' 'No. The opposite,' Owens continued. 'I really, really, really believe that this will create a moment where the corporation will have to think about the way we operate - the way weve always operated - and allow us to operate like that.' The speech indicated Owens - as was the case with McMahon, insiders told CNBC - wasn't leaving by choice. Lesley Stahl recently complained to Variety about top brass interfering with the show's independence President Donald Trump filed a $20billion lawsuit over the network's interview with Kamala Harris that he claimed was deceptively edited A settlement with the president appears to be the sticking point for a proposed media merger between Paramount and Skydance - as it requires approval from the Trump administration At points, he opened the floor for questions and comments, spurring Stahl to praise him. 'I have had many bosses, many bosses. And very good ones,' Stahl said. 'But I have never been so proud to work for anyone as I have over the last year working for you,' she continued. 'I think you taught us all a lesson of following principle and being courageous and fighting for what you believe in.' Following the meeting - also attended by McMahon and Anderson Cooper - Stahl told Variety that top Paramount brass had been interfering with the show's independence. McMahon also hinted at her disagreement with the network on Monday. Insiders first told Puck in February she was set to lose her job - saying it would happen before the Skydance deal went through. At the time, insiders told DailyMail.com how McMahon was ill-equipped for the job. Shari Redstone, the heiress of CBS parent Paramount Global, has sought to settle the ongoing suit while pursuing a massive media merger with Skydance McMahon and Owens were also behind the recent, two-host revamp of CBS Evening News, which was met with double-digit viewership declines within its first week of being implemented in February. Pictured, hosts Maurice Dubois and John Dickerson CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon on Monday announced her exit from the company, offering a veiled reference to Trump's lawsuit against the network Her ouster came after a less-than-two-year tenure marred not only by Trump's claims, but a steady flow of exits and poor ratings. She also is said have recently found herself in poor favor with her prospective boss, incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell, Status reported. CNBC on Monday reported that McMahon did not resign on her own, and that co-CEO George Cheeks - also an exec at Paramount - demanded her resignation Saturday. In comments to Status, an unnamed CBS correspondent said many are placing blame on Cheeks for McMahon's exit. 'If I were George Cheeks, Id avoid any newsroom for a while and prepare to go on a helluva mea culpa tour when its over,' they said, hours after season 57's final episode Sunday. 'Starting at "60" and Washington especially.' A deadline for the Skydance deal - valued at $8billion - is slated for July. MSNBC commentator and former Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill claimed Americans were 'not smart enough' to keep Donald Trump out of the White House. McCaskill appeared on Monday's edition of Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace to discuss the fallout of Trump's tariff policy and Walmart's announcement that they were considering raising prices. McCaskill was featured on a panel with Charlotte Howard, the Executive Editor for The Economist and David Gura, Anchor and Correspondent for Bloomberg News, where they sounded off on how tariffs are forcing retailers to raise prices. In response to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece claiming Americans were 'too smart' to fall for Trump's rhetoric, McCaskill issued a bold proclamation. McCaskill argued that many Americans aren't in tune with politics and their social media algorithms aren't showing them economic updates. She went on to say that US citizens may not be up to date with tariffs, but are going to feel the impact of Trump's policy when shopping at Walmart or checking their 401(k)s. 'And yes, the Wall Street Journal may say Americans are smart enough to know better. I will tell the Wall Street Journal this - America, I believe, clearly was not smart enough to keep this guy from the White House,' McCaskill said. 'He is causing confusion and uncertainty in a segment of our economy that desperately needs certainty, and by doing that, he is going to get higher prices - and that's when America will finally get smart. Claire McCaskill, an MSNBC contributor and former Democratic Senator, gave a blistering message to the American people during a recent broadcast McCaskill slammed Donald Trump's tariff policy, telling MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace, 'He is causing confusion and uncertainty in a segment of our economy that desperately needs certainty, and by doing that he is going to get higher prices - and that's when America will finally get smart' McCaskill appeared on Monday's panel alongside Charlotte Howard, the Executive Editor for The Economist (middle-left), and David Gura, Anchor and Correspondent for Bloomberg News (middle-right), to discuss Trump's economy 'But they're not smart now because most of them are trying not to pay attention,' she concluded. McCaskill's strong opinion was in response to Walmart recently declaring that prices were increasing as a result of Trump's tariff policy, a move that prompted sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. In response to the retailer's announcement, the president fired back on social media, claiming that Walmart should 'Eat the tariffs.' The Wall Street Journal's editorial board released a blistering response to the president's statement, writing: 'Mr. Trump is trying to duck the political fallout for his misguided tariff policy by blaming everyone else. Americans are too smart to fall for it.' One of Trump's key campaign points was increasing import tariffs for foreign nations, a plan that has generated intense backlash. The president kept his word, taxing Canada and Mexico with a 25 percent tariff on the day he was sworn in. On February 2, he announced reciprocal tariffs on all nations, but quickly instituted a 30-day pause after the stock market crashed. Trump has now implemented a 10 percent tariff on nearly every country, with a 30 percent tax on Chinese imports. McCaskill blamed the American people for electing Trump and claimed they would 'get smart' once the president's economic polices started impacting prices (Pictured in 2018 at a campaign rally) The White House has repeatedly been questioned on the effectiveness of tariffs, with many economists predicting it will lead to a trade war and higher prices for American consumers. The Trump administration has stood firm that other countries will feel the brunt of the tariff policy, and America will be rewarded with higher revenue. At a press briefing on Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, 'He [Trump] maintains the position that foreign countries absorb these tariffs.' Despite the White House's insistence, major retailers have still increased prices. Doug McMillon, the chief executive of Walmart, said on an earnings call that the company wouldn't be able to 'absorb' the financial pressure from Trump's tariffs for much longer. 'Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,' Trump responded on Truth Social. '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!!!' The former Democratic Senator wondered why Democrats weren't calling Trump a 'communist' after he directed Walmart to 'Eat the tariffs' and not raise prices which she likened to the way communist governments dictate private business McCaskill said on MSNBC that the Democrats should be calling Trump a 'communist' for directing a privately owned company on how to run their business. 'That's called central government. That's called socialism/communism, and that's what he's basically saying. 'Walmart's whole business model is built on lower prices, they have no incentive to raise prices, they want to keep prices low, but they also need to make a profit,' McCaskill added. She argued that Walmart had to raise prices since its products now cost more as a result of the tariffs. The economic impact of the tariffs was even reflected in Moody's Ratings, a global credit rating company, which decreased the US' credit score last week. Daily Show host Jon Stewart shamed CNN on Monday for endlessly promoting a top anchor's new book about Joe Biden's cognitive decline while covering the former president's cancer diagnosis. Stewart, 62, blasted the network as 'f***ing weird' for touting the tome alongside news that Biden is battling an 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer. He framed the effort as not only self-serving, but poor journalism - saying CNN had its chance to report on news of Biden's mental state before the election. The book, Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, claims to detail a distinct Democratic 'cover-up' designed to allow Biden to run again. Ahead of the book's Tuesday release, it was plugged by co-author and CNN host Jake Tapper, Brian Stelter, and Jessica Dean - leading Stewart to call out specific sound bites. 'You will not believe what we found out,' Tapper says in one clip, while holding up a copy of his book. 'Don't news people have to tell you what they know when they find it out?' Stewart sarcastically responded, suggesting CNN had the chance to air such reporting a year ago. 'Isn't that the difference between news and a secret?' Daily Show host Jon Stewart shamed CNN for endlessly promoting network anchor Jake Tapper's new book about Joe Biden's cognitive decline while covering the former president's cancer diagnosis Stewart ran through plethora of other CNN clips featuring talking heads flogging the book. 'Biden's health was very much in the news even before the cancer diagnosis was announced on Sunday,' Early Start host Rahel Solomon said in a segment. 'That's because of a new book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson,' she added. The tagline was later repeated word-for-word by CNN International anchor Ben Hunte on CNN Newsroom. 'CNN's chief media analyst, Brian Stelter, looks at a controversy the book is already generating ahead of its release on Tuesday,' Hunte added, giving the floor to CNN's media reporter. Mere hours before, Stelter had appeared to question the timing of Biden's diagnosis, calling it 'extraordinary' and pointing out how it arrived on 'the same day audio clips of [Biden's] Robert Hur interview were all over the news.' 'The timing of former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis is certainly dramatic,' he said, speaking to Hunte and viewers in a clip also played by Stewart. 'Coming on the eve of a blockbuster new book about his health and his time in the White House. CNN Business correspondent Rahel Solomon was one of several CNN hosts to promote their coworker's new book 'That book is "Original Sin" by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson. 'The book has been getting a lot of pre-publication publicity and buzz, as well as a lot of preorders,' Stelter continued. '[It's] because of the damning new details it contains about Biden's time in office and his decision to seek reelection in 2024.' Another segment singled out by Stewart showed CNN Newsroom anchor Dean saying, 'This very tough news, this very challenging news,' while speaking on Biden's diagnosis. 'And at the same time, the backdrop of our colleague Jake Tapper's book with Alex Thompson coming out this week,' she quickly added. After showing a clip of anchor Dana Bash saying its going to be a "tough week" while touting the book, Stewart couldn't resist. 'It's so hard, it's such a difficult time, so unfathomable in terms of the pain his family must be feeling and yet, if you act now, you use the code "backslash tap that book,"' he sniped. CNN stars Jessica Dean, Van Jones, and Brian Stelter all shilled for the book as well This left an incredulous Stewart to find humor in the situation. He branded the 'pivot from excitedly promoting your anchors book to somberly and respectfully promoting your anchors book' a failure 'Forgetting about the fact how f***ing weird it is that the news is selling you a book about news they should have told you about a year ago for free.' 'Nothing could slow down this coming, feeding news frenzy about Biden's cognitive health, other than maybe a report on his actual physical health,' he added separately. 'Doing the story seems almost disrespectful.' Stewart satirically branded it a 'pivot from excitedly promoting your anchor's book to somberly and respectfully promoting your anchor's book.' Progressive journalist Taylor Lorenz has been met with a wave of backlash online after she publicly celebrated Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis. 'Hopefully he rots in hell and rests in p**s,' the former Washington Post columnist wrote Monday in a now-viral X post. Her post included a screenshot of a VICE News story that inaccurately quotes Biden about access to healthcare for everyone. Lorenz's post was met with heavy criticism from Biden fans and conservatives alike, with some branding her a 'sick and twisted person' and others accusing her of being 'intentionally misleading' and spreading 'poisonous vile'. One X user even went as far as claiming that 'hatred of Taylor Lorenz' is one of the only things that can 'unite the left and the right'. Another added that she made him 'sympathize with Joe Biden'. But Lorenz, who authors tech and online culture publication User Mag, has doubled down on her remarks despite the ridicule she faces on social media. In a statement shared online, she called Biden a 'war criminal' and accused him of being 'responsible for at least nearly 1 million deaths from Covid'. Social media users are outraged by Lorenz's comments and have called for her to have her journalism credentials 'revoked'. Progressive journalist Taylor Lorenz (pictured in June 2023) has been met with a wave of backlash online after she publicly celebrated Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis Lorenz penned a now-viral tweet on Monday that included a screenshot of a VICE News story that inaccurately quoted Biden about healthcare access Biden's office said he had been diagnosed Friday with an 'aggressive' prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Biden posted a photo of himself and his wife Jill Biden to X on Monday morning, writing: 'Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support' 'Holy f***. This is fake and you've turned into everything they accused you of being. What a disgusting thing to post,' one person wrote on X. Another echoed: 'You should have whatever credential you have revoked. You're clearly not into vetting stories.' Others have directly attacked Lorenz's character, claiming that she is 'piece of s***' and a 'f****** waste of flesh'. 'What you wish on others will come back to you. And it probably should for spreading lies,' one user wrote. 'Hating someone so much only exposes how empty and hateful you truly are,' said another. 'I knew you had zero journalist integrity but this is a new low, even for you. You're disgusting,' another added. And one user even went as far as issuing a stark warning to Lorenz, saying: 'If karma is real, you're coming back as a toilet seat.' Lorenz's post was met with heavy criticism from Biden fans and conservatives alike, with some branding her a 'sick and twisted person' and others accusing her of being 'intentionally misleading' and spreading 'poisonous vile' But Lorenz appears relatively unphased by the hateful remarks and, in a statement she alleges was emailed to a NY Post reporter, continued her attack on Biden. She called Biden a 'war criminal who personally sanctioned the genocide of thousands of innocent Palestinians, including countless cancer patients'. Lorenz highlighted how the 'only cancer hospital' in Gaza has been closed for 'over a year', alleging that 'nearly 10,000 cancer patients' in the region do not have access to care or chemotherapy. She further accused Biden of kicking 'millions, including cancer patients, off of healthcare' during the 'raging' coronavirus pandemic - which she alleged resulted in 'at least nearly 1 million deaths'. After claiming that 'covid itself has been linked to cancer', Lorenz concluded: 'My sympathies will always lie with the innocent people Biden has killed and disabled, not the genocidal war monger sanctioning their deaths'. There is no official evidence to support Lorenz's accusations against the president. DailyMail.com has approached Lorenz for comment via the email address associated with her User Mag publication. Lorenz, (pictured) who now authors tech and online culture publication User Mag, has doubled down on her remarks despite the ridicule she faces on social media In a statement shared online, Lorenz called Biden a 'war criminal' and accused him of being 'responsible for at least nearly 1 million deaths from Covid' The progressive journalist, however, is not the only liberal figure to attack Biden in wake of his health crisis. BLM activist Shaun King tweeted Sunday night: 'Never in my life have I cared less about someone having an "aggressive form of cancer" than I do about Joe Biden. 'I hate him. He's a genocidal monster and I hope his final days are painful.' Streamer and YouTuber Hasan Piker echoed the sentiment, accusing the media of 'actively laundering the reputation of a war criminal who oversaw the genocide of Palestinians who's selfish nature allowed trump to win a second term'. He added: 'Joe Biden is an awful monster. Prostate cancer doesn't change that.' Biden's office said he had been diagnosed Friday with an 'aggressive' prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Cancers that have spread, or metastasized, are considered stage 4, the most advanced. The finding came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate. '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 in a statement. 'The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.' Lorenz is just the latest in a slew of left-wing figures to revel in Biden's health crisis, including Black Lives Matter activist and former Bernie Sanders campaign surrogate Shaun King and Turkish-American streamer and YouTuber Hasan Piker Biden posted a photo of himself and his wife Jill Biden to X on Monday morning, writing: 'Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.' Biden's cancer announcement revived questions on Monday about the extent of his health issues during his tenure, with President Donald Trump saying Biden should have been more transparent with the public. 'I'm surprised that the public wasn't notified a long time ago, because to get to stage 9, that's a long time,' Trump told reporters on Monday, misstating Biden's diagnosis. Trump also voiced sympathy on Sunday in a social media post. The remarks by Trump and other Republicans captured the renewed focus on Biden's health with the publication of a book that details widespread concerns about his mental acuity among aides and Democratic insiders as he pursued reelection in 2024. Excerpts from the book have prompted new questions about whether critical information was withheld from the American public about Biden's ability to serve in the White House. Biden's closest aides have dismissed those concerns, saying the president was fully capable of making important decisions. Biden's cancer announcement revived questions about the extent of his health issues during his tenure, with President Donald Trump (pictured Monday) saying Biden should have been more transparent with the public 'Why didn't the American people have a better sense of his health picture?' Vice President JD Vance said to reporters Monday as he wrapped up a trip to Rome. 'Why didn't the American people have more accurate information about what he was actually dealing with? This is serious stuff.' Biden has appeared on television to rebut accusations that his mental capacity had diminished during his 2021-2025 term. 'There's nothing to sustain that,' he said on ABC's 'The View' on May 8. Biden, the oldest person ever to serve as president, was forced to drop his reelection bid last July after a stumbling debate performance against Trump eroded his support among fellow Democrats. Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, launched a bid of her own but lost to Trump in the November 2024 election. Used EV batteries could be restored back to 'new' thanks to a scientific breakthrough which could revolutionise the second hand electric car market. Researchers from the University of Chicago and University of California San Diego have discovered a new type of thermodynamics-defying material that helps old EV batteries perform like new again, resetting them and reviving their performance. This may in turn reduce anxiety around used EV batteries and improve the sustainability of electric cars. Minghao Zhang, a co-corresponding author of the Negative thermal expansion and oxygen-redox electrochemistry paper published by the University of Chicago's team in Nature scientific journal said: 'You don't have to send the battery back to the manufacturer or to any vendors. You just do this voltage activation.' She added: 'Your car will be a new car. Your battery will be a new battery.' Currently used EV batteries are one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, with This is Money recently reporting that 75 per cent of UK drivers have 'serious concerns' about purchasing a second-hand EV, with the biggest issue being the remaining life of the battery. A new type of thermodynamics-defying material has been discovered helping old EV batteries perform like new, resetting them and reviving their performance The thermodynamics-defying material - that expand when crushed and shrink when heated - are not only important for general scientific discovery, but could be a game changer for electric cars. The team has found that one of the materials most promising applications are with EV batteries. The researchers found their new materials have opposite electrochemical energy voltage reactions which 'change our understanding of fundamental science'. The process would use electrochemical driving force to push the EV battery materials into their 'metastable' states and as such return the car to the mileage it could cover between charges when it was new. This 'voltage activation' could return EVs to their original range and charging capabilities. Prof. Y. Shirley Meng's team at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and visiting scholars from UC San Diego found the thermodynamics-defying materials Zhang explained: 'This is important not only as a scientific discovery, but very applicable for battery research. 'When we use the voltage, we drive the material back to its pristine state. We recover the battery.' Zhang gave another example of structural batteries, which resist heat or pressure, doubling as the battery walls in an electric airplane. This would make electric aircraft lighter and more efficient, as well as being safe from changes in temperature and pressure at high altitudes. The team is clear that it wants to push ahead with more research to look into the full potential of these materials. 'One of the goals is bringing these materials from research to industry, possibly developing new batteries with higher specific energy,' co-first author Bao Qiu said, who is a visiting scholar at UC San Diego from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering. If industry can utilise these materials it could mark a leap forward for used EVs. A poll of 1,462 motorists conducted by Autocar revealed the leading concern for drivers when considering a used EV is wear on the battery from the previous owner(s) recharging Worries about used EV batteries put off car buyers An Autocar poll of 1,462 motorists revealed the leading concern when considering a used EV is wear on the battery from the previous owner(s) recharging. EV battery warranties are required by law to last at least eight years in the UK, but 47 per cent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to buy an electric car if the warranty was longer. Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw, said there remains 'a natural scepticism' surrounding electric cars due to them being still relatively new in the public consciousness. 'Manufacturers and retailers are moving to dispel these concerns by offering comprehensive battery warranties and aftersales packages but our research shows this is not enough presently to convince a majority of second-hand car buyers to go electric,' he explained. The Green Finance Institute (GFI) also found that 'fear of poor battery health is the single biggest barrier preventing the used EV market from taking off'. ClearWatt's EV Check Plus gives you a battery health certificate and shares insight into three areas including range and performance Used EV battery health checks - will they reassure drivers? However, since the Autocar poll two new used EV battery health checks have become available in order to ease concern for buyers. Battery testing and analytics company ClearWatt launched its 'EV Check Plus' tool in April which costs 8 and claims to give second-hand buyers peace of mind during the used EV purchasing process. EV Check Plus aims to give customers with a proprietary and highly reliable estimate of the range of the second-hand EV, as well as history checks and legal obligations surrounding the vehicle. It aims to show that used battery cars can be a sensible buy - and that batteries in particular are safe and reliable. At the end of last year used car seller BCA brought in its own EV Battery Health Grading service to allow drivers to buy electric vehicles with greater confidence. BCA's Battery Health grading gives buyers an at-a-glance view of an EV's traction battery condition, with an easy to interpret scoring system: Letters A to E will be accompanied by the numbered score of an AVILOO battery 'FLASH Test'. When a customer buys a BCA used EV the Battery Health Grading will be displayed on the vehicle detail page, on vehicle search results and on the Live Bidding screens in BCA auction houses. Buyers also get access to the full FLASH Test report post-sale, which will funnel through the onward retail process, including to local used car dealerships, helping sellers and buyers have greater trust and allow dealers to talk through battery health anxieties with customers. Fund managers are expecting to see poorer investment returns in 2025 for those with US exposure, as fears remain that Donald Trump will reintroduce tariffs. Following Trump's election win in November, the US was overwhelmingly backed by fund managers to be the best performing region, whereas the EU was pegged to perform the worst, according to data from Quilter. Six months later, the narrative has flipped, with 53 per cent believing that they US will have the worst returns, while 44 now say the EU will have be the best performer in 2025. Quilter surveyed 21 of the leading fund management institutions, representing 22trillion in assets. The expected change in fortunes comes on the back of Trump's swathe of tariff announcements in recent months. Souring relations: There have been suggestions that Trump's actions could push Europe into the arms of China Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter, said: 'It is not surprising, therefore, to see investor expectations for US equity returns and economic growth to be downgraded. 'White House polices have been pinpointed by fund groups as the cause for sentiment in the US to swing so dramatically in a negative direction. 'Whilst many have sought to tread carefully to avoid overt criticism of the recent policies, the investment community is in widespread agreement that the current approach is damaging on many fronts.' Four out of five fund managers said they think tariffs will be partially reintroduced by Trump when last month's tariff pause comes to an end on 8 July. Around 13 per cent said they expect the tariffs to be largely brought back in full, though none expect them to take the same shape as they did when first introduced. Just seven per cent expect them to be dropped in full. The consensus among managers is that Trump's tariffs are likely to trigger reciprocal action from Europe. Three quarters of fund managers told Quilter that it is somewhat or highly likely that the EU would place retaliatory tariffs on the US, with one commenting that they expect the EU to distance itself further from the US. There have been suggestions that Trump's actions could push Europe into the arms of China. Out of favour: Fund managers no longer expect the US to deliver the best investment returns this year The UK, on the other hand, did not take retaliatory measures and has become the first nation to strike a trade deal with the US, although the full details of the agreement could take years to negotiate. James said: 'Following a trade deal with the UK and the US and China relenting in their brinkmanship, the question on investor lips right now is "what happens after the 90-day pause on Trump's reciprocal tariffs expires?". 'President Trump has clearly been prepared, or forced, to listen to markets, and fund groups are expecting this will translate into a better programme of tariffs compared to 2 April. 'But he also will not want a repeat of his backtracking. As ever with the current US administration, the only certainty is uncertainty, and that in itself is not good for markets.' On the back of this uncertainty, a third of those survey said they expect the US to achieve less than one per cent of GDP growth in 2025, with the possibility that it will fall into recession. While forecasts for the eurozone and UK have also slipped, they haven't fallen to the same extent. James added: 'Europe looks like it will continue to be the main beneficiary over the course of the year, despite strong performance already being driven by the shift in attitude to defence spending. 'US equities may have performed well in recent weeks, but this survey highlights that Europe stands to be the winner of the cautious outlook ahead.' Vodafone Group slumped to a loss last year after recording huge impairment charges from its German and Romanian businesses. The telecoms giant posted a 411million (346million) operating loss in the 12 months ending March 2025, compared to a 3.7billion (3.1billion) profit the previous year. It reported 4.35billion of write-downs on its struggling division in Germany, and a further 165million (139million) on its Romanian segment. Vodafone's turnover slid by 5 per cent in Germany due mainly to new laws allowing tenants in apartment blocks to choose their own television and broadband provider. The FTSE 100 company also said revenues in its key German market were impacted by greater competition in the mobile market and a shrinking fixed-line customer base. However, Vodafone's total sales still increased by 2 per cent to 37.4billion thanks to growth across Africa, Turkey and the UK. Swing: Vodafone Group slumped to a massive loss last year after recording huge impairment charges from its German and Romanian businesses Revenue rose 3.4 per cent to 7.1billion in the UK on the back of a stronger pound sterling and expanding mobile customer numbers. Although Vodafone's adjusted earnings before nasties declined by 0.8 per cent to 10.9billion (9.2billion), the firm expects them to increase to between 11 billion and 11.3billion this financial year. Its chief executive, Margherita Della Valle, has spearheaded a significant restructuring of the business since taking over from Nick Read in January 2023. The Newbury-based group sold its Spanish and Italian arms last year for a combined 12billion, as well as stakes in Indus Towers and Oak Holdings, the majority owner of phone masts provider Vantage Towers. Della Valle told investors: 'Since I set out my plans to transform Vodafone two years ago, Vodafone has changed. 'We have reshaped Europe, we are seeing the positive impact of our drive for customer satisfaction in all our markets - most noticeably in the UK and Germany - and we have delivered strong operational improvements across the business. 'Clearly there is much more to do, but this period of transition has repositioned Vodafone for multi-year growth.' Vodafone expects to finalise a 16.5billion mega-merger of its British operations with Three UK in the first half of 2025, having received the green light from competition authorities last December. The tie-up will create the UK's biggest mobile operator, bringing about 27 million customers under one roof, more than BT-owned EE and Virgin Media O2. Mark Crouch, market analyst for eToro, remarked: 'The path to reviving Vodafone to something reminiscent of its former stature will require more than cost-cutting and consolidation. 'Much hope still rests on the proposed merger with Three UK. But that deal brings its own complexities and integration risks, and it's unclear whether it will solve Vodafone's broader strategic issues; it could even amplify them.' Vodafone Group shares were 2.15 per cent higher at 74p on Tuesday morning, making them one of the Footsie's top performers. UK food giant Cranswick has called for an overhaul of planning rules to ensure 'essential' projects can be built, after the business invested record amounts last year. Chairman Tim Smith, who has held senior roles at Tesco and one led the Food Standards Agency, warned planning delays put UK food security and resilience at risk. Cranswick, which analysts say is now Britain's biggest pig farmer, unveiled a record capital spend of 138million for the year to 29 March as the group expanded its operations in pork, poultry and other product areas. On Tuesday it also revealed the 32million acquisition of sausage maker Blakemans, following the 24million takeover of UK pig genetics producer JSR Genetics earlier this year. Cranswick chair Tim Smith said the 'complexity and inefficiency' of the UK planning system is 'one of the most significant barriers to unlocking the business' full potential'. The Yorkshire-based pork producer's expansion means it now has more than one million pigs on the ground at any one time. Pig business: Cranswick is now Britain's biggest pig farmer, according to analysts Smith added: 'Excessive bureaucracy conflicted with our objective to enhance UK food security and significantly delayed important projects. 'These projects are essential prerequisites to enhancing capacity, improving food resilience, and meeting rising consumer demand. 'A more streamlined and responsive planning framework is, therefore, essential to unlocking capital investment, supporting job creation, and growing regional economies.' It came as Cranswick achieved its strongest ever annual revenue result at more than 2.7billion, rising 4.8 per cent as strong demand from Chinese markets supercharged pork sales. Cranswick reported an adjusted profit before tax of 198million, beating analysts' forecasts of around 192million. Volume growth of 7.7 per cent was driven by the group's premium product range and a record Christmas trading period. Fresh Pork export revenues rocketed 10.2 per cent, thanks to the reinstatement of its Norfolk site China licence after a four-year hiatus. 'A full range of products started being shipped to China from early January and contributed to a strong year-on-year increase in Far Eastern export revenues,' Cranswick said. This helped contribute to a 48 basis point increase in adjusted operating margin to 7.6 per cent, which Cranswick said also reflected a 'strong contribution from growing agricultural operations, excellent capacity utilisation and tight cost control'. Cranswick proposed to raise its final dividend by nearly 13 per cent to 76p per share. Cranswick shares were up 2.7 per cent to 5,400p in early trading, despite suffering a sharp fall after a pig cruelty scandal was revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month. Analysts at Shore Capital said Cranswick's 'outstanding' trading statement confirmed 'a high-quality year from a top-quality business'. They added: 'We believe that it is much more rewarding for all stakeholders when such a business operates within a context of a clear, coherent, and functional policy framework. 'Alas, none of these labels can apply to the UK Government when it comes to the British agri-food sector at present, albeit to be fair to the Labour Party elected in 2024, it has only had 10 months to deal with the atrocious mess of the prior Conservative Party. 'Accordingly, Cranswick's comments on UK food policy within its results statement are, in our view, profound, serious, concerning and merit close attention by the powers that be.' The annual tax-free Isa allowance will not be cut from 20,000 but the door is open for changes to the cash version, comments from the Chancellor suggest. Rachel Reeves said in an interview with the BBC Newscast Podcast, she said: 'I'm not going to reduce the limit of what people can put in Isas' 'I absolutely want to preserve that 20,000 tax-free investment that people can make every year.' However, the Chancellor stopped short of ruling out any changes to cash Isas, which have been the subject of intense debate since the start of this year. Rachel Reeves said: 'I do want people to get better returns on their savings whether that is a pension or their everyday savings... at the moment a lot of money is put into cash or bonds when it could be invested in equities or stock markets and earn a better return from it.' Not out of the woods: The Chancellor has not ruled out making any changes to cash Isas The Chancellor is expected to launch a consultation to gain views across the City of London into how the Isa market could be reformed. It is thought the Chancellor's Mansion House speech in July could be used to launch the Isa consultation. The Government hinted at at radical shake-up of Isas in the Treasury's Spring Statement document. At the time, the Government said it wanted to 'get the balance right between cash and equities to earn better returns for savers' and 'boost the culture of retail investment'. Currently, Britons have an annual 20,000 tax-free allowance and they can choose to have a stocks and shares version, a cash version, or split between the two as they see fit. But rumours have persisted in recent months that the cash element could be cut to as low as 4,000 a year to push more people into investing. Financal experts have suggested reforms could include merging cash Isas and stocks and shares Isas into one or reducing the amount of money that can be put in cash Isas. Many senior figures from the UK investment industry, including platforms and asset managers, have said that any changes to a cash Isas - such as limiting the amount of money which can be saved in them - will not help to boost investment into the UK. An insider at an event held yesterday between Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, and senior investment figures said there has been a mixed reaction towards reducing what people can put in cash. The general consensus was that reducing the amount that can be saved into cash isn't the right move - although, a handful of investment firms are pro cutting the allowance. Cash Isas are the most widely held of the four main Isa products, which also includes stocks and shares Isas, Lifetime Isas and the Innovative Finance Isa. Around 300billion is currently kept in cash Isas and, of this, around 100billion is held by those with 20,000 or more in cash Isa, according to analysis of HMRC figures by stockbroker AJ Bell. Barclays suffered a 'software issue' and not a cyber attack when its systems went down in January, its chief executive told MPs today. Speaking to the Treasury Select Committee this morning, Barclays boss Vim Maru apologised to customers for the IT outage on 31 January. Barclays customers experienced three days of outages, meaning they were unable to make essential transactions, including mortgage payments. The bank previously told the Committee that it expected to pay between 5million and 7.5million to customers in compensation. Maru told MPs that the issue was 'not a cyber or malicious act' and that the bank had looked into whether the issue had been because of underinvestment or because it was pay day. IT outage: Barclays boss told MPs the IT outage was caused by a software issue 'We don't find any correlation between those things,' he said. 'A software issue was the root cause. We've worked with a third-party provider that provides us with that software. 'We've learned the lessons around that, we've put a fix in place that means we won't have a recurrence. 'Looking forward, there's a further enhancement that we're making that's in the middle of implementation.' Maru said the bank had invested 'many, many tens of millions of pounds to make sure that our systems are in the right place' and that its incident levels have been dropping. It comes just weeks after M&S, Co-op and Harrods faced large-scale cyber attacks which froze critical systems. HSBC boss Ian Stuart told the Committee that cybersecurity 'does keep me awake [at night]' and 'is now very much top of the agenda' as the bank invests 'hundreds of millions'. 'We could be attacked, and we're being attacked all the time. So the defence mechanisms are critical. 'The amount of money we're all spending on our systems is absolutely enormous it has to because our customers rely on our systems.' Data collected by the Treasury Committee shows that Britain's top nine banks and building societies accumulated the equivalent of more than 33 days of unplanned outages in the past two years. Im told I shouldnt be alive. While working as a state ranger on patrol in Southeast Utah, I was ambushed, shot nine times with 40 caliber hollow point rounds, and left for dead out in the desert. I lost massive amounts of blood, and then some, that night as I slipped in and out of consciousness. I spent three and a half weeks in a coma, hidden in the maternity ward under a pseudonym. The media was relentless, and some protections were put in place in case the shooter returned or if there was another attacker. That evening in November 2010 was a warm before the storm kind of night. I was working an overtime shift, looking for underage kids partying illegally in the high desert area around Moab, and my lieutenant and I had split up to find the gathering bonfires. Driving into the parking lot at the Poison Spider Mesa trailhead around 8:30 p.m., I noticed an individual sleeping in the back seat of a Pontiac Grand Am. After knocking on the window a few times, the man sat up and opened his car door. I told him he couldnt sleep there, directed him to some alternatives and started walking back to my truck. Brody Young was working an overtime shift, looking for underage kids partying illegally in the high desert area around Moab, when he was shot nine times Young's patrol truck at the Poison Spider Mesa trailhead Young was patrolling the remote desert area of Canyonlands National Park What followed in the next few seconds changed my life. Just before I reached the door, a shot rang out and a slug tore through my left arm just below the shoulder, blowing up the humerus bone into a score of fragments. The momentum of that bullet spun me 180 degrees. Looking back over my right shoulder, I saw him walking toward me, his advance garishly illuminated by repeated muzzle flash. Three more shots hit me. A bullet-resistant vest is part of my uniform. Those three shots, a detective later told me, formed a close pattern in my back. One bullet got through the vest, and it ended up lodged against a vertebra in my lumbar region. That fusillade knocked me to the ground. Time slowed. The shooter kept advancing, bearing down until he was standing over me, still firing. After what felt like several eternities, the shooting stopped. The desert went quiet. He turned to walk back to his car, leaving me for dead. Hed fired 15 rounds and hit me with nine, not including the slug embedded in my wallet, tucked as usual in the right cargo pocket of my uniform pants, where it gave its life to save my femur. Everything in my life came down to the choice I made in the next moment. I could let go, check out. I mean, I was as good as gone, right? Surely no one could blame me if I chose then to slip the surly bonds of my wrecked body and proceed to the next realm - to whatever lies in store for us at the end of this life. The driver's side of Young's truck on Nov. 19, 2010. He lost nearly all of his blood that night As he lay in a coma for three weeks, his family - and doctors - weren't sure if he'd survive An X-ray of Young's chest - he still has fragments of bullets lodged in his body. One grazed the left ventricle of his heart, another pierced his left lung Or, I could push back against such a sad fate and see what happened. It took about half of a second to make that decision. My chances of seeing another sunrise werent looking really good in that moment. This gunman, whoever he was, might end up taking my life, but I wasnt going to go quietly. As he walked away, I took inventory. I didnt know Id been shot with hollow-point slugs, designed to expand on impact, creating more tissue damage, and that I was now carrying shrapnel in my liver, small intestine, groin, both arms and right hip. One bullet grazed the left ventricle of my heart. Another had pierced the lower lobe of my left lung. And there was the slug in the L2 region of my spine. I knew I had been shot and that my left arm was throbbing with pain, but I didnt realize I was in such bad shape. But I could move, I discovered - I could sit up, I could stand and walk. And so, to the gunmans surprise and disappointment, I did. Well, I wasnt walking so much as I was lurching like I was drunk, but I was upright and mobile. I was alive. Then, he headed back toward the truck, intending, I surmised, to finish me off. My training kicked in. I took cover on the far side of my Ford F-150. Im not sure he was aware, but I had a gun, too. So I reached for my service weapon. I reached for it again. I reached for it a third time, but my left arm was no longer taking requests from my brain. With its humerus bone shattered, the arm became a flopping, useless meat sock, flailing around of its own volition. It even swung up once and clobbered me in the face. Thats the kind of day I was having. After trying several times to draw with my left hand, I had an epiphany, 'You idiot, use your other hand. Youve trained to do this. I fired back, injuring him in the process. To what extent, I never found out. My adrenaline had run out, and I fell unconscious. I believe he thought I had died, so he left. I woke up a short time later and found the strength to crawl to my truck and call for help on my radio. I laid there for 12 long minutes until help arrived. I was transported by ambulance to Moab. Then, with a look of death and the last two bags of life-saving blood on my chest, I was intubated and flown by helicopter to Grand Junction. Waking up after three and a half weeks in a coma, I was consumed with anxiety and fear. I couldnt sleep, couldnt think clearly. I couldnt talk with a tracheotomy. I was stuck. Young's wife and three children relocated to Colorado while he lay in hospital recovering from the shooting He returned to work as a park ranger in Utah and gives motivational talks around the country So I begged God to help me find peace. What surprised me was that he delivered it. But first, I had to find forgiveness. We all have a choice in how we interact with the people who cross our paths. My family and I had a choice that night - and in the weeks, months and years that followed - to either live in fear and hate or to forgive and find joy. Recovery was hard. I spent almost a year in physical therapy, and still to this day, I live with bullet fragments lodged in my body. Eventually, I made progress. I even went back to working full duty as a state ranger. But those feelings of anxiety and fear toward my attacker? They dissipated early on, setting a foundation for clear thinking and focused healing. I never had the chance to forgive my would-be killer to his face. He disappeared into the desert, and his sun-bleached bones were found by hikers in a nearby cave on Christmas Eve five years later. Im not sure it matters much, but I hope he'd have accepted my forgiveness had I had the chance to tell him. To be forgiven is a gift, but to accept it and to forgive oneself is a greater and more difficult virtue. Nine Miracles: When Bullets Cant Kill and Hope Prevails by Brody Young and Austin Murphy is published by Radius Book Group, June 10. Brody Young works as a park ranger with the rank of lieutenant in Utah, and gives motivational talks around the country about his incredible story of survival. Millions of Brits are prepared to turn to the black market for their nicotine hit after the new disposable vape ban comes into play. Experts are worried the law from June 1 will people who vape to smoke potentially harmful substances from illegal sources - or push former smokers back to cigarettes. Nearly two thirds of people who smoke disposable vapes are prepared to buy illicit vapes if they were readily available, according to a new survey. And thanks to the rising taxes on vapes that are set to come in to place from October 2026, 30 per cent said they would preemptively turn to cigarettes. 'These findings highlight a very real unintended consequence,' said Andrej Kuttruf, CEO of Evapo, who commissioned the study. 'Whilst the intent behind the disposable vape ban and tax increases are understandable, the reality is that a significant number of consumers are signalling they may turn to unregulated, potentially unsafe products or even return to smoking.' These figures come after it was revealed a staggering 82 per cent of people who vape - of which there are an estimated 5.6million in the UK - are stockpiling masses of vapes in preparation for the disposable ban. Nearly 40 per cent said they will have enough stocked to last three months, while 28 percent said they were preparing for six months. Nearly two thirds of people who use single-use vapes are set to turn to the black market for their nicotine hit after the new disposable vape ban comes into place Illegal vapes are already a growing industry in the UK as more than six million vapes have been seized over the last three years People who sell illegal vapes will be subject to an immediate 200 fine from the beginning of next month, which could then rise to an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence of two years The Labour ban - first suggested by the Tory government last January - will come into place on June 1 after data revealed the horrifying extent of young children addicted to fruit-flavoured vapes. MPs and campaigners have warned that a 'woefully inadequate' number of new recruits hired to enforce the disposable vapes ban will lead to a 'new era of criminal enterprise'. In January, scientists found 'huge and often alarming levels of dangerous metals' like lead, copper and cadmium in ten unregulated vape products already on the market. 'Lead is harmful to everyone and every organ. It's a neurotoxin. It can cause anaemia and it can cause severe conditions such as heart disease and strokes,' Dr Ali Kermanizadeh, a senior lecturer in toxicology at the University of Derby, said. He added that 'in some of the products, we found the nicotine content equivalent to smoking 200 traditional cigarettes'. 'The toxicity varies from product to product. We've found these products cause cell death, they cause huge amounts of inflammation, they can change normal cell function and they can also cause DNA damage, long-term they can result in the development of cancers.' Three schoolchildren were rushed to hospital on Wednesday after puffing on a vape believed to have been laced with illegal drugs. The teenagers became unwell at Unity City Academy in Middlesbrough and a 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. She is currently in police custody for questioning. In January, scientists found 'huge and often alarming levels of dangerous metals' like lead, copper and cadmium in ten unregulated vape products already on the market Pictured: Pedestrians pass a vape shop in London - January 29, 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. The children, whose ages are unknown, were taken to James Cook University Hospital as a precaution. Cleveland police issued a warning to children and parents about the dangers of using illegal vapes. Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner, from Middlesbrough CID, said: 'Thankfully the children informed an adult as soon as they were found to have felt unwell with some of the children receiving treatment and are currently in a stable condition. 'We are working closely with the school, and our partners, to warn children and their parents on the dangers of using vapes, and I want to remind people that the legal age to use and purchase a vape is 18. 'Not only is this a health issue, but those possessing and supplying illegal drugs could be committing criminal offences. 'I would urge any children or parent who suspect they have been given, or bought an illegal vape, that they believe could be laced with drugs to not use it and to inform an adult and report it to us as soon as possible.' Police have been frequently raiding shops for the illegal sale of vapes, with 10,000 seized in Coventry on Monday alone. More than six million vapes have been seized over the last three years, according to BBC analysis. Disposable vapes on sale in a shop on Oxford Street, London, in October, 2024. A ban on disposable vapes comes into force on June 1 Your browser does not support iframes. And nearly 4,000 have been known to sell vapes to children. People who sell illegal vapes will be subject to an immediate 200 fine from the beginning of next month, which could then rise to an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence of two years. But illegal vapes are already a growing industry in the UK - the London Borough of Hillingdon topped the list for total seizures in 2024, with 484,954 vapes confiscatedan increase of 116 per cent compared to 2023. Essex ranked second for total devices seized, with 333,600 confiscatedbut was the fastest growing market, with a 14,000 per cent increase in illegal vapes seized. Industry experts attributed this to Hillingdon's proximity to Heathrow airport, making it a key entry point for such devices. Overall, the borough accounted for two in five of all vapes seized by authorities across the UK in 2024. The latest NHS data shows that one in four children has tried vaping, while one in 10 uses vapes regularly. Among 16- to 17-year-olds, the rate rises to one in six. Disposable vapes are by far the most commonly used form of the device, with as many as 70 per cent of children who vape using them. Unlike refillable 'pen' or 'box' style vape devices, which retail from about 20, disposables can be purchased for as little as 3. Your browser does not support iframes. Some of the vapes that were tested for Spice, along with a testing machine from the University of Bath Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid that can cause a range of serious side effects, including cardiac arrest This, campaigners say, makes them particularly attractive to younger people. One in six vapes confiscated from school children in England was found to be laced with 'zombie drug' Spice, a shocking study further found. Testing hundreds of confiscated vaping devices from 38 schools revealed the alarming prevalence of the illegal synthetic street drug, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Professor Chris Pudney, an expert in biotechnology from the University of Bath, conducted tests using the worlds first portable device that instantly detects synthetic drugs. Working with concerned schools and police forces, he tested 596 confiscated vapes and discovered Spice at 28 out of 38 (74 per cent) of schools across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. A pregnant mother fatally stabbed her jealous lover after he had offered her $1,000-a-week not to see other men. Lauren Brown, 28, killed fly-in, fly-out rigger James Sheehy, 34, while pregnant with their baby in the explosive row at their Joondalup home in Perth, Western Australia. The pair had become a couple three weeks after first meeting in early 2023, when Mr Sheehy made Brown the cash offer to quit her job as an escort and move in with him. But six months later, Brown pepper-sprayed Mr Sheehy in the face before getting a knife and stabbing him in the chest. Brown was charged with his manslaughter but she told her trial she had only acted in self-defence after Mr Sheehy had attacked her. However, the court heard Mr Sheehy was a regular victim of Brown's violent outbursts. The couple's former housemates once saw Mr Sheehy barricade himself inside their bedroom to hide from Brown, her trial was told. Brown responded by kicking a hole in the door and crawling through to resume her attack on him. Lauren Brown, 28, killed fly-in, fly-out worker James Sheehy, 34, after an explosive argument that stemmed from jealously. The pair became a couple three weeks after meeting in early 2023, when Mr Sheehy offered Brown $1000-a-week allowance to quit her job as an escort and move in with him. Brown gave evidence at her trial that she acted in self-defence the rigger attacked her while she was pregnant with their baby at their Joondalup home (pictured) The court heard how Mr Sheehy was on the phone to a friend on the day he died when they heard Brown in the background demanding to know who he was talking to. The phone call, on September 28, 2023, 'ended abruptly' - and minutes later Mr Sheehy was dead from the stab wound to his chest. CCTV captured Brown running down the stairs of the complex and hiding the blood-stained knife in the apartment's toilet block. She then called her mother and texted a cousin to tell them both that the father of her unborn child had stabbed himself. 'I was hysterical,' Brown said. 'I didn't know at that point in time that I'd actually stabbed him.' The court was told Brown did not immediately call emergency services to save Mr Sheehy as he lay dying in their apartment. She instead called out to neighbours for help and borrowed a phone to call police on a non-emergency number, which she misdialled and couldn't get through. Eventually another neighbour called Triple-0 and handed Brown the phone. Brown allegedly did not immediately call emergency services to assist Sheehy as he lay unconscious in their apartment. Eventually another neighbour called the police and handed Brown the phone. 'It was my first week in Australia,' the neighbour told Daily Mail Australia. 'My friend and I thought it was the girl who has been hurt and we were very scared. 'My friend called the police and gave her the phone but after we found out she had stabbed her boyfriend and then hid the knife. 'I was so worried that Australia is very dangerous.' Brown's lawyer told the court she hid the knife because she didn't think anyone would help her if she was holding it. At the time, Mr Sheehy's brother Alex spoke of their family's grief having previously lost another brother. 'My dad called me at 2am and told me that James was dead,' Alex said. 'We were pretty tight ... we already lost a brother to suicide ... now I've got no brothers.' Sheehy's brother Alex said James 'just wanted a missus that loved him.' Police found Brown sitting in the car park of the complex because she was not properly dressed and 'feeling exposed.' He added his brother 'cared endlessly' for his girlfriend. '(James) just wanted love, man, he just wanted a missus that loved him,' Alex said. 'He picked (Ms Brown) up off the street, looked after her and did the right thing.' Police found Brown sitting in the car park of the complex 'because she was not properly dressed and feeling exposed'. She told officers that Mr Sheehy attacked her after she tried to stop him drinking, while they had been bickering over texts when he was at work. The court was later told Brown left home at 14, was pregnant with her first child by 16 and had a series of violent relationships before becoming an escort and meeting Mr Sheehy. Brown was last week sentenced to five and half years in prison by the Supreme Court of WA for the manslaughter. Justice Joseph McGrath said 'bringing a knife to the argument' was 'unnecessary and disproportionate', and left the couple's baby son without a father. 'You stated he assaulted you by hitting and kicking you and dragging you by the hair,' Justice McGrath said as he jailed her. 'I find both of you were shouting and abusive towards each other.' Fewer than one in five schools are teaching students about inspirational British victories such as Agincourt, Waterloo and Trafalgar, a study has found. The report discovered that while almost all pupils are being informed about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the First World War, children are by and large being left in the dark about other history-changing moments. Chief among these are the battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar, with only 11 per cent of UK secondary schools teaching the details to their students, despite their vital roles in the history of the British Empire. The Battle of Trafalgar saw the Royal Navy defeat the French and Spanish fleets in 1805, confirming British supremacy of the seas, while the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of British Empire. Meanwhile only 18 per cent of students are being taught about the Battle of Agincourt in the Hundreds Years' War, which confirmed Henry V as one of England's greatest kings. The report, by Policy Exchange, found that by comparison nearly all schools are teaching children about the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Abolition of Slavery and the Norman Conquest of England. The data, which focuses on curriculums taught to Key Stage Three students - those aged between 11 and 14 - shows that schools have 'diversified' their syllabus after the Conservative government announced plans to focus on topics of 'cultural change' in 2022. The overhaul was introduced to allow children aged five to 14 to focus on the rich breadth of history, rather than being taught a narrow range of British-centric topics solely in preparation for GCSEs. Your browser does not support iframes. less than one in five schools now teach landmark British victories such as the Battles of Agincourt, Waterloo and Trafalgar. Pictured: The Battle of Waterloo, a 1824 painting by Dutch artist Jan Willem Pieneman The former Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi (pictured) praised the report However, many have said it's gone too far, former history teacher and chairman of Campaign for Real Education Chris McGovern said it was 'clear that the subject has been captured by the Left'. He warned that history is 'seen as a vehicle for undermining and destroying British national identity'. The top five most studied topics are now the Transatlantic Slave Trade (99 per cent), Britain in WW1 (99 per cent), the Norman Conquest (98 per cent), the Abolition of Slavery (96 per cent) and Reformation (95 per cent). Sitting right at the bottom of the list was the Battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo with only 11 per cent of students studying the topic. They were closely followed by the Battle of Agincourt (18 per cent), the Boer War (25 per cent) and the Irish potato famine (26 per cent). The former Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi praised the report. He said: 'This thorough report from Policy Exchange demonstrates how much progress has been made over the last fifteen years, with increasing numbers of students receiving a knowledge-rich, chronological history education during Key Stage Three. 'It was heartening to see that core topics such as Magna Carta, the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, the Slave Trade and its abolition, and Britain's roles in the World Wars are each taught in over 85% of schools. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Though disappointing that inspiring events in English history such as the Battles of Agincourt, Trafalgar and Waterloo appear to have dropped off the curriculum.' While the report did warn that 'in too many cases this process has gone too far, leading to the teaching of radical and contested interpretations of the past as fact.' It also highlighted positive aspects of exposing students to varied studies, including key areas of British history such as the women's suffrage movement. The report also found that the topics studied at GCSE and A-Level are too narrow and competitive. Policy Exchange recommended a new British history survey paper from 1066 to 1989 to replace the current exams sat at GCSE. In another shocking revelation, it revealed that 53 per cent of people would say their knowledge on British history has been informed by film and television. Your browser does not support iframes. And a whopping 15 per cent said they learn about history through social media. While as little as 12 per cent say their knowledge comes from newspaper and news media outlets. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: 'High and rising standards are at the heart of the government's mission to break down the barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start. 'The independent, expert-led Curriculum and Assessment review is considering how to ensure young people have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that ensures young people leave school ready for work and ready for life.' A couple who have been ordered to demolish a million-pound property they secretly built and moved into have complained they will have nowhere to go to. Jeremy Zielinski and his wife Elaine were given permission for a two-storey commercial building for a stallion semen collection centre and laboratory, with a small first floor flat for staff. But while the outside of the property in 17-acres of land they bought in Great Abington, Cambridgeshire, adhered to their planning application, they turned the interior into a well-appointed three-bedroom home with stunning feature windows overlooking the countryside. Council officials got wind of the subterfuge and issued an enforcement notice in 2023 to tear the structure down. The couple appealed against the order on the grounds that it was excessive and the property could simply revert to the permitted use. But a planning inspector has thrown it out after seeing evidence they had constructed a dwelling from the off and criticised them for their clear and flagrant breach of planning policy. Despite the excoriating judgement, Mrs Zielinski, 79, insisted to the Mail she and her husband had been unaware they were breaking the law. The GPs receptionist said: We want to carry on living here. Its a warm and comfortable home. I love it. Jeremy Zielinski, 73, and wife Elaine, 79, have been told they must demolish their three-bedroom home after their 'flagrant breach' of planning rules The couple say their horse breeding clinic suffered financial difficulties due to lockdown and they had no choice but to convert the building to a dwelling Keen equestrian Mr Zielinski was the former marketing manager of The Injured Jockeys Fund It doesnt make sense to tear it down. I dont want to go and live in a caravan. If we are chucked out, we will be having to rely on the state. We would not have gone on and built this and put all our money into it unless we thought it was totally legal to do it. Her husband, 73, a former marketing manager for The Injured Jockeys Fund who now does home deliveries for a pharmacy, added: I have not had a decent nights sleep in years and, from the moment when we got the first visit in 2020 [from council officials], life has been shaky We have lost 1 million overnight as a result of this decision. If we could have a semen clinic on the site it would be worth at least 1 million. Most neighbours supported the decision, however, with one saying: People should obey the rules. I dont have any sympathy because they shouldnt have changed the use. Another commented: Hes overstepped the mark. Hes gone too far. But David Hamper, 61, said: I genuinely feel sorry for him. Hes flouted the rules to a certain extent and would admit to that but to have your neighbours saying pull it down is a hard thing for him to see. The horse-mad couple bought a house with an outbuilding and 17 acres of land for 100,000 in 1986. The business premises were meant to have a reception area, lab space, staff changing room and toilet, plus two bedrooms for staff on the first floor. But Planning Inspector Chris Preston noted it had a 'decidedly residential appearance' inside and had been 'constructed [as] a dwelling from the off' The planning inspector noted there was a 'domestic kitchen, equipped with kitchen units, cooker, island breakfast bar, with domestic furnishings and appliances' The property is set within the 17 acres of land that Mr and Mrs Zielinski bought for 100,000 in 1986. They sold their own home at the site in 2019, along with another plot of land that had planning permission for a dwelling In 2014, they were given planning permission by South Cambridgeshire District Council for a countryside business with a reception area, office, kitchenette, laboratory space, staff changing room and toilet on the ground floor and two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms on the first floor. But planning inspector Chris Preston noted the property had a decidedly residential appearance, including a kitchen with island breakfast bar, domestic furnishings and appliances, a dining area, living room and home office. Upstairs were two bedrooms with a lounge equipped with sofa and television. Contractors began work on the property in 2017 and Mr and Mrs Zielinski - who had three children, although one tragically died in 2021 after taking the Covid vaccine - sold their own house two years later, moving into a static home. The couple believe a jealous neighbour informed on them, leading to planning officers visiting their home and the July 2023 enforcement notice which ordered it to be razed to the ground. In the submission to the Planning Inspectorate, they claimed lockdown wrecked their business plans for the clinic and they were forced to turn the property into their home, while continuing to run their commercial interests in their grounds. The order to pull down the entire building was over the top and would leave them without a roof over their heads, they added. Mr Preston turned down their appeal, concluding it had been built as a house from the start, rather than converted from the approved lab and flat, and the couple had sold their own home and another plot of land with permission for a dwelling. Mr Zielinski with his horses Sandy (left) and Slick. He and his wife say they will have nowhere to go if they have to demolish their house He also noted there was very little evidence that the stallion semen collection and analysis business every got off the ground to any notable degree. The only payment for laboratory fees was 44 for a horse named Dublin but there was no indication as to whether the analysis was carried out at the appeal site. Mr Preston also considered the owners claim to need somewhere to live but concluded: Given the clear and flagrant breach of planning policy and the associated harm arising, I find that interference with the human rights of the appellant and his wife would be proportionate in this case. The Zielinskis, who have six grandchildren, are now taking legal advice to see if they can overturn the decision. Otherwise, the house must be demolished within 12 months. Mr Zielinski added: If we have broken the rules, we didnt know the full ramifications. We did not get any advice from the planners along the way. The first we knew something was wrong was in 2020. There was not much communication. Dont throw us out on the street. His wife said: At least the building should be allowed to stand and revert back to what they expected it to be. There have been new housing estates going up all over the place in and around Abington. Thats the daft thing the fields around here where we used to ride have all been built up. Cllr Dr Tumi Hawkins, the district councils lead cabinet member for planning, said he welcomed the inspector's clear decision. He added: This case shows the importance of adhering to the specific uses and conditions that justify development in rural areas. Planning rules are there for a reason including protecting our countryside and this decision demonstrates that we will act when those rules are broken. Meghan Markle has revealed having children was 'not the way I envisioned it', adding that it is 'so important that my kids see me as a working mom'. The Duchess of Sussex said she had a vision that she was 'going to give a speech with a baby on my hip' before she became a mother to Prince Archie in May 2019. Speaking in the latest episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast, she added that the reality was different and she 'had a lot of external things happening'. Meghan discussed motherhood with Cassandra Thurswell, the founder of Kitsch which is a brand creating eco-friendly hair care and beauty accessories for women. The Duchess who gave birth to her second child Princess Lilibet in June 2021 - also spoke during the new episode about how she 'likes to show up for people'. She said: 'For myself, especially when they are baby babies... before I was a mom - I've always wanted to be a mom - before I was a mom I was like, 'oh gosh, I'm going to give a speech with a baby on my hip'. I had a whole vision. I was like, I'm just gonna... 'And then you fast forward, granted I had a lot of external things happening by the time I had both pregnancies and both babies, but it was not the way I envisioned it.' She later added: 'For me it's so important that my kids see me as a working mom.' Last month, Meghan told The Jamie Kern Lima Show that she has an 'amazing' nanny for Archie and Lilibet who has been with the family for five years, who takes her children from their Montecito home to their different schools on some mornings. That came a fortnight after Meghan claimed she felt 'juggling' working and being a mother can be 'incredibly overwhelming', adding: 'Oh my gosh, I just need a break.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie and daughter Lilibet in December 2021 Cassandra Thurswell speaks during an event at Nya Studios in Los Angeles in October 2024 Introducing the new episode today, Meghan compared running a business to gardening. She said: 'OK, so I think you guys know, I really like being in the garden. And running a business, funnily enough, it's a lot like gardening. 'Some seasons are for blooming, others are for planting seeds, but most of the work, especially early on, it's tending to the soil, it's the foundation, it's what everything is going to grow out of. 'You've got to make sure the roots are strong enough to carry what's coming next. And this is especially true when you're bootstrapping a business - running a business independent of any investors, private equity, VC... you are doing it on you're own. 'You have to be so intentional and careful with all of your choices, and you can't expect a harvest to happen overnight. That's impossible. And look, this can be challenging - especially in a culture that praises growth at all costs. You are in the race to succeed and success looks like numbers. That's what you're after. 'But financing your own company forces a very different kind of rhythm. It invites you to choose patience over speed. And guess what, eventually, with a strong vision and all of that care on the details - oh, that garden will grow.' Ms Thurswell who Meghan refers to in the episode as 'Cassie' - 'bootstrapped' her business with $30,000 of her life savings. The brand is now worth $87million. Meghan said Ms Thurswell has never taken any investment capital, and said she 'saw the products we were always using and thought 'how can we do that better?'. Meghan has released a new Confessions Of A Female Founder podcast episode each Tuesday The Duchess said they met when Meghan was auditioning in 2009 before she starred in US legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2017 - and asked a friend called Heather for some style tips. Heather - whose surname was not given - then introduced her to her cousin, who is Ms Thurswell, who came to Meghan's home and helped her with her clothing choices. During the episode, Ms Thurswell referred to the Duchess as 'Meghan Markle' at least twice - and Meghan did not correct her. This comes after Meghan corrected comedian Mindy Kaling who referred to her as 'Meghan Markle' in her Netflix show in March, saying: 'It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I'm Sussex now.' Meghan also spoke about how she 'likes to show up for people'. The Duchess said: 'For me I was like I've been making preserves, I've been giving fruit baskets, I've loved to garden before I had a house and a garden like this. In my bungalow [where she previously lived], I had a lemon tree. 'And in a way all these years later, because that's been the undercurrent of how I like to show up for people, to have that still be ingrained in how I show up through the business where the hero product really starts as a fruit spread. 'I think it's interesting in talking to so many different entrepreneurs, and a lot of the origin stories are women who do not come from a lot, do not have a big MBA, go to business school. Cassandra Thurswell speaks at the WWD Beauty CEO Summit in New York City on May 7, 2025 'But you're recognising what there are needs for and you're also saying 'what do I want to share in the world, and how do I want to share it thoughtfully and intentionally - and also with a micro focus on detail'? And I think that is the undercurrent through how you've built to where you are.' And Meghan described how Ms Thurswell appearing on the podcast was an 'act of service' by her friend because she could give tips to young entrepreneurs starting a business. She added: 'I'm so proud of you, Cassie.' The chat with Ms Thurswell, which came out this morning, is the penultimate part of Meghan's Lemonada Media podcast which has been releasing a new episode each Tuesday since April 8. Previous podcast episodes have included interviews with Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd; Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani; and Highbrow Hippie co-founder Kadi Lee. Others were IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima; Clevr Blends co-founder Hannah Mendoza; and Heather Hasson, co-founder of medical scrubs brand Figs. In episode six last Tuesday with Hasson, Meghan spoke about 'getting your hands dirty' as a company founder and how she 'doesn't have time to cook every day'. The podcast comes after the Duchess's Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan was released in March and her new brand As Ever was launched last month. Yesterday, Meghan thanked those 'who have loved and supported us throughout our love story', as she and Prince Harry celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. Cassandra Thurswell attends an event at Nya Studios in Los Angeles in October 2024 The Duchess posted an image on Instagram of a notice board featuring a collection of snapshots of the couple from their private photo album, with the message: 'Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories. 'Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story we appreciate you.' She added: 'Happy anniversary!' followed by a red heart emoji. Among the images were numerous pictures of Meghan and Harry embracing, and one of the duke tenderly cradling the head of one of their children as a swaddled newborn. There was also a baby scan labelled Archie, a photo of Archie kissing Lilibet on the forehead, as well as a number of notes including a central one in Meghan's handwriting reading 'Our love story'. The accompanying music was The Proclaimers' hit track I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). Harry wed former Suits actress Meghan at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19 2018. But the pair stepped away from the working monarchy less than two years later for a new life in the US. Harry has faced a lengthy rift with his brother Prince William and an estrangement from his father the King, telling the BBC this month that Charles will not speak to him. Rudy Giuliani's claim he knows the 'real reason' why the files on Jeffrey Epstein haven't been fully released added to speculation that has swirled for years. The former Mayor of New York told political commentator Benny Johnson that crucial evidence is being withheld over fears there could be devastating consequences for America's national security and foreign policy. 'I think it still exists on Epstein... I think we are going to see it,' he said. 'And I think they're struggling with - I really do believe that,' he added. 'I think it probably involves something that could have big implications on our national security, foreign policy, allies.' Conservative pundits had for years pored over details of Epstein's death in a New York City jail in 2019, suggesting, without evidence, that he was murdered to protect high-profile individuals linked to him, including former President Bill Clinton. But in a striking reversal earlier this month, FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino both of whom had previously questioned the suicide finding confirmed on Fox News on Sunday that there was no covert murder plot. 'He killed himself... I've seen the whole file. He killed himself,' Bongino said in a bombshell sit-down interview alongside his boss. Rudy Giuliani has revealed what he believes is the 'real reason' the evidence in the Jeffrey Epstein case hasn't yet been fully released It was the latest twist in the six-year firestorm ignited after Epstein was found hanging from a bedsheet in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on 10 August, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. All official investigations concluded that Epstein died by suicide. But widespread safety lapses at the jail and falsified records on the night, coupled with the money manager's ties to the likes of Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew gave rise to years of speculation and conspiracy theories. After the latest televised remarks, MAGA-aligned influencers decried Patel and Bongino as 'f*****g sell-outs' and renewed calls for an independent investigation into Epstein's death to allay public fears of a cover-up. Against this backdrop, the Daily Mail examines the key questions about Epstein's death that remain unanswered. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and his boss Kash Patel sat down with Fox News's Maria Bartiromo on her show Sunday Morning Futures THE ELUSIVE 'CLIENT LIST' Since the Trump administration's Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to release the so-called 'Epstein files', conspiracy theorists have salivated over the chance to peer inside his secret world of illicit sex parties. Many zeroed in on his supposed 'client list' the powerful men said to have flown on his private jet, the 'Lolita Express', for trysts with underage girls on the wealthy financier's Caribbean island and those who might have had a motive to silence Epstein over fears he would incriminate them. Bondi even teased the release, saying in February that it included 'a lot of flight logs, a lot of names'. But those hoping for bombshell revelations, including MAGA influencers such as Chaya Raichik, were disappointed when they visited the White House to receive their Epstein file binders only to discover within hours that most of the material was already publicly available. Attorney General Pam Bondi began 'Phase One' of releasing the long-awaited, mysterious files related to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in February MAGA-aligned influencers left the White House with Epstein binders in February but later complained that they had gone home empty-handed Bondi has since faced mounting pressure to deliver more files, but has faced criticism for dragging her feet. When reporters asked about the papers earlier this month, she said the FBI was 'diligently' reviewing the material, citing the importance of protecting Epstein's child victims. 'There are tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn, and there are hundreds of victims,' Bondi said at the White House, adding that none of the victims' identities would ever be disclosed. 'It's just the volume, and that's what they're going through right now.' REPUBLICANS TURN ON EACH OTHER James Comer, the GOP chairman of the House Oversight Committee, says the Justice Department could well be 'shredding documents' about Epstein Senior Republican politicians have joined the chorus demanding that Bondi's Justice Department publishes all the Epstein files without delay. James Comer, the GOP chairman of the House Oversight Committee, this month accused officials of 'shredding documents as we speak'. 'The attorney general does not have them, or she would've turned them over,' Comer said in a provocative podcast interview. 'The president ordered them released, the attorney general ordered them released. We all know they have not been released.' Anna Paulina Luna, a firebrand MAGA congresswoman from Florida, also turned up the heat on Bondi this month, pushing her to 'stop stonewalling' and make the archive public. 'The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein as well as the American people deserve to know who among the elite protected, enabled, or participated in Jeffrey Epstein's disgusting racket,' Luna said in a press release. COVERING FOR THE BOSS? President Donald Trump shared his own skepticism about Epstein's cause of death in the aftermath. He and First Lady Melania are pictured with him and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 Donald Trump was among the first public figures to hint at foul play after Epstein's death, suggesting on social media that the financier had joined the so-called 'Clinton body count', in an unsubstantiated reference to the former First Couple. Now, his own historical ties to Epstein have drawn scrutiny. Earlier this month, New York Congressman Dan Goldman wrote to Bondi asking if Trump had pressured her to bury or slow-walk the delivery of Epstein files for personal reasons. Goldman cited 'serious questions' about whether the president was hindering the public release of the archive 'to hide his own embarrassing and potentially criminal conduct'. The letter describes Trump's 'lengthy and close relationship' with Epstein and his long-time associate the British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, his appearances in Epstein's address book and on multiple private jet flight logs in the 1990s. In a 2002 interview with New York Magazine before running for office, Trump described Epstein as a 'terrific guy' who was a 'lot of fun to be with'. 'It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' GIUFFRE TAKES SECRETS TO THE GRAVE Virginia Giuffre was perhaps the most outspoken critic of Epstein and Maxwell, saying they pimped her to Prince Andrew, which the UK royal denies Giuffre, holding up a photo of herself as a teen, died by suicide at her home in Western Australia last month Of all the young women Epstein abused in his lifetime, Virginia Giuffre became the most outspoken, lifting the lid about his sex-trafficking ring and alleged celebrity clients. She had accused Epstein and Maxwell of grooming her for abuse and said she was forced into sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, allegations that the royal has long denied, and others. Giuffre, 41, died last month at her home in Western Australia. Her family says she died by suicide but the announcement triggered a fresh wave of conspiracy theories about what the whistleblower knew and the circumstances surrounding her death. Her father, Sky Roberts, was among those to claim the death was suspicious, maintaining that it was inconceivable she would kill herself. 'No way,' Roberts told TV host Piers Morgan. 'I can't believe that this is happening. It's just, it's impossible. 'And then for them to say that she committed suicide there's no way that she did. Somebody got to her.' EPSTEIN'S PUPPET MASTERS? Epstein, pictured with Maxwell in 2005, was working with intelligence agencies, it is claimed Even beyond his more well-known relationships, questions have lingered for years about Epstein's more secret connections. Alexander Acosta was asked in 2019 about the non-prosecution deal he negotiated with Epstein in 2007, when he was the US Attorney in Miami and the financier was facing an initial barrage of child sex charges. Acosta said he had 'been told' to back off because Epstein was on the government's payroll. 'I was told Epstein 'belonged to intelligence' and to leave it alone,' said Acosta, who had by then become an official in Trump's first administration. Journalist and civil liberties advocate Glenn Greenwald recently revisited those comments as a further reason for Bondi to release a complete archive on the disgraced tycoon. 'We should, however, find out and quickly if Epstein worked with or for any specific intelligence agencies,' Greenwald posted on X this month. EPSTEIN'S BROTHER CRIES FOUL A photo taken inside Jeffrey Epstein's cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York after the disgraced financier died by suicide A noose fashioned out of his prison uniform lays by the side of his bed after his death Ever since Epstein was found hanging in his cell, skeptics have doubted the official finding of suicide and highlighted irregularities from jail reports that could point to a cover-up. The pedophile's brother, Mark Epstein, is among those who insists that all the events points to a murder taking place in the Lower Manhattan jailhouse that night in August 2019. 'It would be a lot easier for me if I thought it was suicide, but there's a long list of things that point away from it,' the brother told the Daily Mail this week. His reasoning is multiple including having personally bought and tested a bedsheet similar to the one supposedly used by Epstein as a ligature that he says could not have supported his weight and would have ripped. He also points to the suspicious failures of security cameras in the jail block, irregularities on the death certificate, and opportunities for an assassin to be placed on Epstein's floor. 'Somebody could've got in to Jeff's cell and killed him,' he says. Jeffrey Epstein's brother has eviscerated Trump's FBI Director Kash Patel for stating that the disgraced financier's death was a suicide, despite that being the official ruling. The pedophile's younger brother, Mark Epstein, told the Daily Mail that Patel, 'wasn't there, he didn't see the body, he didn't see the autopsy. [He has] no idea what the f*** he's talking about.' 'It would be a lot easier for me if I thought it was suicide, but there's a long list of things that point away from it,' he added. The row comes after Patel and FBI deputy director Dan Bongino upset conspiracy theorists on Sunday by giving their verdict on Epstein's 2019 death. They sat down with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo to deny claims that Epstein was somehow killed inside New York City's infamous Metropolitan Correctional Center. During the interview, Bartiromo asked Patel about the ongoing skepticism surrounding Epstein's death. 'You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide,' she said. 'People don't believe it.' FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino sat down with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo on her show Sunday Morning Futures and insisted that Epstein's death was suicide A mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein in 2019 Patel then said that everyone has a 'right to their opinion.' But added: 'As someone who has worked as a public defender, as a prosecutor who's been in that prison system, who has been at the Metropolitan Detention Center, who's been in segregated housing - you know a suicide when you see one.' 'He killed himself,' Bongino confirmed. 'I've seen the whole file. He killed himself.' Bongino later reiterated his assertion on X for anyone who had not seen the interview. 'I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There's no evidence in the case file suggesting otherwise,' he wrote. 'I'm not asking you to believe me or not, I'm telling you what exists and what doesn't. If new evidence surfaces, I'm happy to re-evaluate.' But, Epstein's brother Mark counts himself among many who still believe Patel and Bongino are wrong and that his brother was actually murdered. His reasoning is multiple - including having personally bought and tested a bedsheet similar to the one supposedly used by Epstein in the Metropolitan Correctional Center as a ligature. Epstein was found hanging by a bedsheet with his buttocks an inch off the cell floor and his feet extended in front of him on August 10, 2019 - he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. However Mark claims that through his own testing - using weights similar to his brother's body weight - he has found that the bed sheet could not have supported Epstein's corpse. 'I don't think that sheet could have held his weight, it would have torn,' he claimed. Mark also called the explanation of his brother's death given by then-Attorney General Bill Barr 'asinine and ludicrous.' Pointing to issues with security cameras at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (two cameras trained on Epstein's cell were not properly working) he added: 'So, Bill Barr came out and said he personally viewed the video and nobody went in or out of the tier [where Epstein was housed]. When I heard that I said this is cover up.' 'There are six levels of security in that prison before you get to that tier,' he claimed. 'But there were 11 or 12 inmates on the tier. They would not have to go in or out of the tier to kill somebody in their cell. Supposedly cell doors were left locked. There's your answer. Somebody could've got in to Jeff's cell and killed him.' A photo taken inside Jeffrey Epstein's cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York after the disgraced financier died by suicide A noose fashioned out of his prison uniform lays by the side of his bed after his death Mark added that on the initial death certificate the cause was recorded as 'pending further study' before quickly being changed to suicide. 'If you ask any pathologist, it takes weeks before you get an answer. What further study was done in those few days that led to that determination?' he said. Mark also claimed that his brother was clean shaven in autopsy photographs. Shavings happened on Fridays at the prison and Epstein was found on Saturday morning. But he was 'hairy,' Mark said, and would have had more stubble if he had only been dead for two hours when found, as reported. So, Mark alleges, Epstein must have died hours earlier. Mark also claims that there was no lividity - skin discoloration that occurs due to the settling of blood after death - on Epstein's legs and buttocks. Instead, he says, it was only present on his upper back. 'That's startling. That blood would not have traveled up into his back,' he said. Mark believes his brother was killed for 'what he knew, what he had on people.' 'In the 2016 election I asked him casually who he thought would win,' Mark recalled of his brother. 'He said he didn't know but "if I said what I knew about both candidates they'd have to cancel the election." He didn't tell me what he knew, but that's what he said.' Mark Epstein believes his brother was killed in prison President Donald Trump shared his own skepticism about Epstein's cause of death in the aftermath. He and First Lady Melania are pictured with Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 President Trump has shared his own skepticism about Epstein's cause of death over the years. And, before taking office, he promised to release all documents relating to the investigation of the billionaire. After his inauguration, Trump then signed an executive order in January calling on government agencies to create plans to release and distribute all top-secret files. Attorney General Pam Bondi made good on that promise the following month, dropping what she called 'phase one' of a release. However, there were no bombshells in that first wave of documents - which included previously public flight logs and contact lists. The contact lists showed heavily redacted information for dozens of Hollywood, political and fashion elites that had purportedly been compiled by Epstein and his longtime madam Ghislaine Maxwell. Names that weren't redacted included Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Alec Baldwin, Ethel Kennedy, Andrew Cuomo, Naomi Campbell and Courtney Love. Both Harvey and Bob Weinstein, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, actor Ralph Fiennes, lawyer Alan Dershowitz, John Kerry, Dustin Hoffman, Donald Trump's late first wife Ivana and their daughter Ivanka Trump were also included. The president himself was not listed. There was no suggestion that any person named in the contact book was linked to the crimes Epstein committed. The US state known for lobster, beautiful coastlines and being the home of elites like actors and former presidents has become a hotbed for illegal immigrant crossings under President Donald Trump. The most migrants sneaking into the US through Maine in 24 years was recorded last month, the US Border Patrol revealed. While The Pine Tree State usually saw between 25 and 50 encounters a month during the presidency of former President Joe Biden, the Border Patrol's Houlton Sector arrested 113 people in April. It shows that migrants desperately trying to make it to the United States are choosing to enter through Canada, bypassing the intense layers of security at the Mexican border 2,000 miles away - where crossings have declined under President Donald Trump. On the northern frontier, manpower pales in comparison to the US-Mexico international boundary. The migrants that illegally entered through Maine are from 16 different countries, with 42 migrants from Ecuador, 15 from Guatemala and 12 from Mexico among the three highest. Another six were from Venezuela, the country that largely fueled the border crisis during the Biden years on the southern border. In March, a Venezuelan man accused of belonging to the brutal gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) was arrested for theft and turned over the Border Patrol. The Daily Mail was the first news organization in America to break the news about TdA coming to the US. With snow still covering the ground, illegal immigrants crossings have jumped in Maine. Pictured: A man is arrested by Border Patrol in the city of Calais, on the Maine-New Brunswick border A Venezuelan man suspected of belonging to the notorious prison gang turned international crime ring Tren de Aragua was arrested in Maine in March, according to the US Border Patrol In March, the region apprehended 72 migrants. Maine's numbers are extremely low compared to rest of country, where the busiest entry point in El Paso, Texas saw 1,959 migrant encounters in April. However, Maine has been long been considered an outpost for the agency where even during the migrant crisis under Biden, monthly encounters were as low as 4 people a month. According to figures released by the federal government, the number of illegal immigrants arrested in the coastal state have steadily increased under the Trump administration. In December, when Biden was still president, there were only 18 encounters. That number jumped to 50 when Trump took over in January. They increased again in February to 52, and then to 72 in March, before peaking at 113 last month. In fact, in the first six months of fiscal year 2025, Houlton Sector has already surpassed all total number of apprehensions it saw the previous year. The recent spike in migrants crossings in Maine has been fueled by migrants from Ecuador, according to federal statistics Data from US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of Border Patrol, shows the huge spike in illegal crossings in Maine Border Patorl says 113 illegal immigrants were arrested in April Border Patrol agents tour the coast of Maine in April 'Due to the significant increase in arrests, the Houlton Sector coordinated air transport with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement Removal Operations (ICE ERO) to transfer 29 apprehended subjects from Portland, Maine on Sunday to other parts of the country for further processing,' the department said in a press release. Border Patrol leaders claim the increase in arrests is due to increased enforcement in the lighthouse-dotted state as overall crossings on the US-Canada boundary are down. This is the 'hellhole' overcrowded prison where a young British woman accused of smuggling 1.2million worth of drugs into Sri Lanka faces being banged up in. Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested in Colombo last week after being accused of smuggling 46kg of Kush - a synthetic form of cannabis - into the country. The youngster, who had been travelling from Bangkok, is currently being held in a local jail, Negombo Prison, while her case progresses through the courts. Legal sources in the country have said Miss Lee, if found guilty of the charges held against her, faces being sent to Welikada Prison in the capital Colombo - the country's largest, maximum security jail. The prison has a miserable history past and has been described as a 'hell' for female prisoners in particular - with maggots being reportedly found food and rats scuttling around extremely overcrowded cells. Speaking a year ahead of the deadly riots that took place in 2012, an anonymous female prisoner said: 'We are treated as far less than human. 'About 150 of us sleep in a cell designed for 75 people. An open drain infested with rats runs the perimeter of the room. Recently, one of the inmates was bitten and had to be rushed to the hospital for an anti-rabies shot.' Likening the prison to 'hell', another woman told Al Jazeera back in 2011: 'There are 650 of us in the female ward though it was built for 150 people. Charlotte May Lee (pictured), 21, from Coulsdon, south London , was arrested in Colombo last week If found guilty of the charges held against her, faces being sent to Welikada Prison (pictured) in the capital Colombo - the country's largest, maximum security jail The Welikada prison (pictured) has a miserable history past and has been described as a 'hell' for female prisoners in particular Maggots have reportedly been found food, while rats are seen scuttling around extremely overcrowded cells at Welikada (pictured) 'We eat, bathe, sleep, wake up and begin all over again. There are no attempts at rehabilitation. Women here just waste away.' A year later the prison, previously known for its 1983 massacre which saw 55 Tamil prisoners killed by Sinhalese inmates, was back in the headlines. Prison riots that broke out in November 2012 left 27 inmates dead and more than 40 injured in what was quickly called a 'massacre'. In 2019 former Prisons Commissioner Emil Lamahewage was convicted over the killings and in 2022 was handed the death penalty for the incident, which the courts said saw eight people called forward by name and shot dead. More recently in 2018, female protestors took to the roof of the prison demanding to be released on bail calling out the delays in their court cases. And in November 2020, as the Covid pandemic shut down large parts of the world, another riot broke out in the prison. Inmates had launched a protest over the surge in coronavirus infections in the prisons and started demanding to be released on bail early or to be given better facilities. Eight people were said to have died with 52 people injured that day after inmates clashed with guards, with police officers saying that they 'used force to control an unruly situation'. Sri Lanka is facing a crisis with overcrowding in its prisons across the country - with the country's prison department claiming there are 'too many jailbirds, not enough jail guards'. Earlier this year, the country's Parliament was told earlier this year that prisons across the country were more than 20,000 beyond its capacity. Meanwhile, prisons were short of nearly 850 female and male prison guards, according to local newspaper Sunday Times. The overcrowded nature of the country's prisons raises the question of whether this will impact the judge's sentencing decision, if Miss Lee were found guilty of drug smuggling charges. The Londoner, who was training to become an eyelash technician, attended Negombo Magistrates Court on Monday. There she was accused of two charges, one of possessing illegal drugs and another of importing illegal drugs into Sri Lanka. Prison guards are seen patrolling the Welikada prison where Charlotte May Lee could be sent Speaking a year ahead of the deadly riots that took place in 2012, an anonymous female prisoner said they were 'treated as far less than human' at Welikada Prison riots that broke out in November 2012 left 27 inmates dead and more than 40 injured in what was quickly called a 'massacre'. Pictured: Inside the Welikada prison More recently in 2018, female protestors took to the roof of the prison demanding to be released on bail calling out the delays in their court cases. Pictured: Inside the Welikada prison Sri Lanka is facing a crisis with overcrowding in its prisons across the country. Pictured: Sri Lankan prisoners climb onto a roof to get a view of a building set on fire by rioting inmates at Welikada prison in Colombo on November 9, 2012 The Welikada prison is where Charlotte May Lee could be sent after she is processed through court 'We eat, bathe, sleep, wake up and begin all over again. There are no attempts at rehabilitation. Women here just waste away,' a prisoner said in 2011 During the court hearing she was given a detention order to remain in Sri Lanka and will return to the Magistrates again later this week. A legal source who witnessed the case told MailOnline: 'She arrived at court and she seemed completely lost. She was crying a lot and was all on her own. It looked like she didn't have any idea about what was going on. She will either have to pay a fine or she will be sent to Welikada Prison in Colombo.' It is unknown at present which prison, if any, Miss Lee could be taken to if found guilty of the charges brought against her. The haul of drugs, which according to police was the largest ever amount of illegal substances found in the airport, were intended for 'high-end local buyers'. Shocking video footage provided to MailOnline shows two large suitcases sat down in front of dozens of airtight bags of the illegal substance and a group of narcotics detectives who uncovered the alleged smuggling. In the background of the clip, a British woman's accent can be heard in the background. 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 in '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. 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. The youngster, who had been travelling from Bangkok, is currently being held in a local jail, Negombo Prison (pictured), while her case progresses through the courts Prison officer guards are seen patrolling the grounds of the Sri Lanka Negombo prison Pictured is the female section of the 'hellhole' overcrowded prison where Charlotte May Lee is currently being held 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 Police have released pictured of the 1.5 million cannabis stash a British former cabin crew member has accused of smuggling into Sri Lanka 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' and a 'hard worker'. 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. 'She is a really nice girl, 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.' Meanwhile a family friend told The Sun: 'We're frantically worried. She was arrested then seemingly abandoned and is rotting in a jail cell. She's very scared.' Another added: 'She's been told that if convicted, because of the size of the drugs haul, she is looking at between 20 and 25 years in jail. British Embassy staff warned her she's going nowhere soon.' Miss Lee had previously worked as a cabin crew member for TUI, yet friends have said this was only a 'summer contract'. 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 socical media show her 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. Sri Lanka is facing a crisis with overcrowding in its prisons across the country - with the country's prison department claiming there are 'too many jailbirds, not enough jail guards' 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. 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. Earlier this year, the country's Parliament was told earlier this year that prisons across the country were more than 20,000 beyond its capacity Bella May Culley was stopped at Tbilisi airport in a suspected sting operation and found with 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish with a street value of 200,000 Pictured: The alleged suitcase of British citizen Bella May Culley, 18 Culley (pictured) faces a minimum of 15 years if convicted meaning the baby would be raised inside notorious Women's Penitentiary Number Five Miss Culley, who has been taken into court, now faces a minimum term of 15 years but could be jailed for life. 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 Neil, 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. Miss Culley has been remanded in custody until her next appearance on July 1. Both cases have sparked fears that Thai gangs are targeting young British backpackers when they travel abroad. Miss Lee and Miss Culley, who both flew out of Bangkok on Monday, were arrested in the countries within hours of each other, meaning the cases could be related. 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. Some 800 people, including 50 Britons, have been held in Thailand for alleged drug smuggling since last July, with more than nine tons of cannabis seized. 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.' This is the moment a Brit tourist was rescued on Brazil's iconic Copacabana Beach after becoming trapped waist-deep in wet sand at the bottom of a hole he had dug himself. Airport worker Jensen Sturgeon was trying to dig as deep as he could on the famed beach at Rio de Janeiro but he struck water and the hole quickly collapsed around him. In video of his ordeal, more than 30 people - including beachgoers, vendors, and lifeguards - can be seen trying to rescue the 22-year-old. Some were digging around him, while others handed over bits of wood and rope in an attempt to pull the man out, but nothing seemed to work. According to witnesses, the rescue took more than three hours. During that time, Jansen became the centre of attention on the beach, and was even given a beer to stay hydrated. He was eventually pulled out by rescuers as onlookers cheered and applauded. He later revealed he feared he 'was going to die'. Airport worker Jensen Sturgeon was trying to dig as deep as he could on the famed beach at Rio de Janeiro but he struck water and the hole quickly collapsed around him. But he seemed in positive spirits during the ordeal - which didn't stop him from guzzling a beer In video of his ordeal, more than 30 people - including beachgoers, vendors, and lifeguards - can be seen trying to rescue the 22-year-old Some were digging around him, while others handed over bits of wood and rope in an attempt to pull the man out, but nothing seemed to work It took a team of tourists, vendors and lifeguards who spent more than three hours trying to save him, according to witnesses Jensen Sturgeon, 22, was on holiday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when he was trapped in wet sand in an eight foot hole he dug himselfwhich took three hours to be rescued from The shocking incident happened on the iconic Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In a video filmed on his way home, the airport worker spoke of how the incident frightened him. He said: 'I'm Jensen from England and I'm the guy who got stuck in that hole. 'I was digging an eight foot hole and, basically what was going through my head [was], I thought I was going to die. 'But luckily I had good people to save me. Obrigado to the people of Rio that helped me out.' A Northern Territory reality TV star has been jailed for horrific child abuse offences. Paul Henwood, a Muk Muk Marranunggu traditional owner who once starred in a crocodile-hunting series on History Channel, was last Wednesday sentenced to three years and five months behind bars. The court heard how in February 2023, Henwood, 53, used Instagram to send a photo of him sitting on the toilet with an erect penis to an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, according to The Australian. 'The communication was highly sexualised, and you told the child victim you were looking for a young woman to play with,' judge John Burns said. 'You referred to the victim as "babe" and asked if she was a virgin.' Henwood offered drugs and money to the children and said it was his fantasy to 'play with a young virgin girl'. He had also subjected several other children to physical and emotional abuse, the court heard. Children in his care would sometimes be left without food for two days because he had spent his money on cigarettes, coffee and soft drink. Henwood starred in the 2012 History Channel series Outback Hunters, where he revealed his methods for hunting saltwater crocodiles Paul Henwood (pictured) offered drugs and money to the children and said it was his fantasy to 'play with a young virgin girl' He threw objects at the children like shoes and belts and called them names like 'stupid b****' and 'mongrel c****'. The children also discovered a 'large suitcase with sex toys' at the property. Henwood starred in the 2012 History Channel series Outback Hunters, where he revealed his methods for hunting saltwater crocodiles. He is also a former member of the Northern Territory's Northern Land Council. In posts on social media he described himself as a single father with four children. Henwood pleaded guilty to seven offences, including four counts of failure to provide the necessities of life and three counts of aggravated assault. He also pleaded guilty to two commonwealth charges: using a carriage service to procure a person believed to be under 16 years of age, and using a carriage service to transmit indecent communication to a person believed to be under 16. Henwood will be eligible for parole on July 15 2026. A union is demanding the federal government pay adult wages to the millions of young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs to help them through the cost of living crisis. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association's 'adult age, adult wage' campaign argues workers aged 18-21 be paid the same as adults. The minimum wage for an adult currently sits at $24.10 an hour, while an 18-year-old earns 70 per cent of that is paid $16.46 an hour. A 19-year-old can earn $19.88 an hour and a 20-year-old is paid $23.54. 'Eighteen-year-olds can vote, drive and put their lives on the line for their country,' Gerard Dwyer, National SDA Secretary, argued. 'Eighteen-year-olds are adults. They struggle with the same cost-of-living pressures as every other adult. 'They should be paid the same as other adults.' While higher wages would be to the benefit of young workers, it would be a further blow to already struggling small businesses, which are shuttering at a record rate. A union is demanding the federal government pay adult wages to young Aussies in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs amid a cost of living crisis (pictured, a cafe worker in Sydney) The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association's 'adult age, adult wage' campaign argues workers aged 18-21 be paid the same as adults (stock) Figures from money.com.au showed that in 2024, 17 per cent of Australian businesses that were operating at the start of the year were shut by year's end. Pushing up labour costs would be a further blow to businesses and would largely be passed onto consumers, pushing prices up even higher. Retail, fast food and pharmacy companies employ more than 1.5million people with a high number of those being under the age of 21. 'Eighteen-year-olds should not be treated as second-class citizens,' Mr Dwyer said. 'Their work is as valuable as anyone else's and they should be paid accordingly.' The SDA has called on the government to include changes to the youth minimum wage in its application to the Fair Work Commission. The government made its formal submission to the Fair Work Commission during its annual review of minimum and award wages earlier this month. It said the country's lowest-paid workers should receive an 'economically sustainable real wage increase' but did not give a specific figure. The commission is due to hand down its annual wage review decision in June. All Australians whose lives have been impacted by school bullying have been urged to share their stories as part of a government program prompted by the suicide of 12-year-old Charlotte O'Brien. News of Sydney schoolgirl Charlotte's death rocked Australia last year, prompting outrage at the lack of effective and coherent measures against school bullying. Charlotte's parents, Mat and Kellie O'Brien, were outspoken in their pleas for the government to step up and address the issue. It was the final wish of their late daughter, whose handwritten suicide note begged for her parents to tell her school about the bullying she suffered and spread awareness. In response, the Federal Government launched the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. The review is being led by Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM and is currently taking submissions from those whose lives have been affected by bullying. That includes schoolchildren who have been bullied, their families, and school staff who have witnessed bullying. So far, the panel of experts have heard from key stakeholders in metropolitan and regional Australia. Charlotte O'Brien (pictured with her mother, Kellie) took her own life after being bullied for three years by her classmates Charlotte's parents, Mat and Kellie O'Brien (pictured at Charlotte's funeral), were outspoken in their pleas for the government to step-up and address school bullying Charlotte Frances O'Brien was a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College (pictured) in Strathfield when she took her own life The request for submissions hopes to understand the personal effects of bullying and the different approaches currently used within schools. Minister for Education Jason Clare acknowledged bullying 'is not just something that happens in schools, but schools are places where we can intervene and provide support for students'. 'All students and staff should be safe at school, and free from bullying and violence,' he said. 'That's why we're taking action to develop a national standard to address bullying in schools. 'Last year, we worked together to ban mobile phones in schools. This is another opportunity for us to support students, teachers and parents across the country.' The final report produced by the review will be presented to all Australian Education Ministers in the coming months. The Federal Government launched the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review to create a national response to school bullying following Charlotte's (pictured) death The review wants to hear from children who suffered bullying - like Charlotte (pictured), their family and school staff Submissions are now open and close on June 20. Visit www.education.gov.au/antibullying-rapid-review to make a submission, which can be made anonymously if preferred. Charlotte Frances O'Brien, a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, took her own life on September 9, 2024. She had been the victim of school bullying through Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and said life had become 'too hard'. Her father previously told media Charlotte appeared happy and well on the day she took her own life, leading them to believe she received a harmful message after she came home. 'We had such a great last day with her,' he said. 'I hadn't seen her that happy coming home from school in a long time.' He said Charlotte was bubbling as she ate her favourite dish, creamy chicken pasta, for dinner, got every question right in her maths homework and was doing 'little happy dances'. She also baked banana bread and took a piece to her father, still in a good mood. Charlotte (pictured) was a victim of school bullying through Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and said life had become 'too hard' Charlotte had asked her parents (pictured at her funeral) to tell the school about her bullies and spread awareness After playing with her mum and little brother she said good night and 'literally skipped to the shower'. 'That's the last time we saw her alive and we could not understand what had happened,' Mr O'Brien said. Police told the couple that people can appear happy before taking their own life because they believe their problems are at an end; something her parents refute. Mr O'Brien said the family had discussed their upcoming holiday, Charlotte had wanted to do a road trip, and planned maths problems to work on together the next day. 'This is not a girl that was planning on doing this. Something happened when she went to her bedroom,' he said. Her parents later discovered several suicide notes in her bedroom, all handwritten in pink pen. Charlotte asked her parents to 'tell the school' about the bullying she suffered and listed the names of the students who tormented her. She also shared a list of the students she wanted at her funeral. Charlotte's (pictured) dad previously told media she appeared happy and well on the day she took her own life Charlotte's (pictured) mother wrote to her school: 'She didn't deserve the pain she was in. She deserved love and kindness. She deserved to be treated with dignity and respect' Another note referred to her infant brother, Will. She wrote: 'Please, Mama, live for Will because I can't anymore.' Charlotte's mum previously shared the final message she sent to the school after her daughter's death. 'My beautiful girl took her own life last night because of the relentless friendship issues she faced,' Mrs O'Brien wrote. 'She didn't deserve to go to and from school crying almost every day. She didn't deserve girls to bark in her face or scream out her name and run away, to purposely hit her with their bag and say "whoops". 'She didn't deserve the pain she was in. She deserved love and kindness. She deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.' Help is available. Free and confidential counselling is available at Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 A vet and her friend have been ordered to pay $660,000 in legal costs after losing a defamation case against a dog owner and a pet detective. Ainslee Munro and agronomist Lauren Marchant lodged the case at the NSW District Court after they claimed they were falsely linked to the disappearance of a five-month-old puppy. Judge Judith Gibson ordered on April 24 that the two women pay $629,000 to the pet detective and $30,000 to the dog owner Shannon Wheeler. The judge found they had stolen the puppy, which was a high-value Cavalier King Charles spaniel named 'Teddy', and taken him to a breeder. In a heartbreaking twist, the dog has never been found after it escaped from the pair. 'Teddy' was reported missing when Ms Wheeler returned home in Young, NSW, on June 9, 2020. In a post to a Facebook group at the time, Ms Wheeler said: '(The back) gate could have been opened any time between 9.30am and 7pm. We are very worried.' She then found CCTV images of two women walking down the street with a small black dog on the day of the incident and posted them on social media. Beautician Shannon Wheeler (pictured) was horrified to discover that beloved family dog Teddy was missing when she arrived home in June 2020 Social media users identified one woman as Munro, who had worked with Greyhound Racing NSW, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. An investigation by Ms Wheeler and pet detective Anne-Marie Curry ensued as they looked into Munro and her friend Marchant. Ms Wheeler, a beautician, then shared a 'name and shame' social media post tying them to Teddy's disappearance but, within 24 hours, she and Ms Curry were served concerns notices. Marchant and Munro claimed the posts and comments painted them as 'criminals, dog thieves, (and) liars'. But the defamation case was dismissed in NSW District Court by Judge Gibson in February after she found evidence supporting the allegation the pair stole Teddy. 'The intention to deprive the true owner was more or less instantaneous with their recognition of the value of Teddy,' Judge Gibson found. Teddy was a black and tan male, non-desexed Cavalier King Charles, with puppies valued from $1,000 to $3,000 on Gumtree. The court heard Munro and Marchant did not take Teddy to a pound when found him on the street, news.com.au reported. In CCTV footage, obtained and shared on Facebook by Ms Wheeler, users identified one of the women seen with a small dog on the day Teddy went missing as the vet Ainslee Munro They instead drove to a former colleague's home who was a licensed microchipper and Cavalier King Charles breeder. Teddy jumped out of the car and escaped. He has never been found. Judge Gibson told the court she was 'comfortably satisfied' Munro took Teddy to the breeder 'namely to put Teddy into his backyard'. 'I am comfortably satisfied that she did so for the purpose of seeing if he would like to keep Teddy,' she said. She added Munro took Teddy there knowing the ex colleague had the 'expertise and equipment to remove and replace Teddy's microchip if required'. Judge Gibson also said that, if Ms Wheeler and Ms Curry had not proved the pair stole the dog, she would have ordered damages of $10,000 to Munro and $15,000 to Marchant. But as a result of the judge's findings, it was the pair who were ordered to pay $629,000 to Ms Curry and $30,000 to Ms Wheeler who self-represented herself, meaning her legal costs were lower. The demand has been stayed as Munro and Marchant filed at the Court of Appeal on May 13. Daily Mail Australia has contacted all of the parties for comment. An Australian company offering $100,000 a year to an adventurer to travel the world to find the best hangover cure has found their winner. Jacki Hodge, a 28-year-old solo travel fanatic from Wollongong, was crowned Alc-eze's Chief Hangover Officer. The company behind a popular anti-hangover supplement will pay Ms Hodge $8,000 a month to explore Europe and Asia and sample the world's most outrageous hangover cures. The menu includes eating dried bull's penis in Sicily and brandy with sparrow droppings in Budapest. Ms Hodge will also test some local myths believed to cure hangovers, including wearing vodka-soaked socks to bed in Estonia. Bizarre hangover hacks and urban legends will be put to the test in Sicily, Puerto Rico, Germany, Estonia, Thailand, Japan and Scotland. Ms Hodge beat out more than 2,500 applicants around the globe for the coveted job. 'We were looking for curiosity, creativity and a touch of chaos, and Jacki delivered on all fronts,' said Anthony Taylor, co-founder of Alc-eze. Jacki Hodge (pictured), a 28-year-old solo travel fanatic from Wollongong, will travel the world to find the best hangover cure Alc-eze hired Ms Hodge to be its Chief Hangover Officer and explore hangover cures around the world 'She's a fearless traveller, a compelling storyteller, and someone who truly understands the mission: curing hangovers, naturally, and globally.' Ms Hodge said she was 'absolutely thrilled to take on this role'. 'I've always had a passion for discovering new cultures and life hacks, and now I get to do that while representing Alc-eze and helping others ease their hangovers in the most unconventional ways,' she said. 'Absolutely buzzing to start this wild journey.' The position was advertised as including a $100,000 pro-rata salary, fully paid international travel, access to parties, a years supply of Alc-eze and a C-Suite title. A bonus of $20,000 is also on offer if Ms Hodge can uncover a new secret ingredient to be added to the Alc-eze hangover cure. The average Australian has a staggering 39 hangovers a year - more than three a month - according to research from Alc-eze. Data also found 36 per cent of Aussies admitted to going to extreme lengths to cure their hangovers, including wild food remedies and unconventional hacks. The company behind a popular anti-hangover supplement will pay Ms Hodge (pictured) $8,000 a month to explore Europe and Asia Hangover cures to be sampled include eating dried bull's penis in Sicily, brandy with sparrow droppings in Budapest and wearing vodka-soaked socks to bed in Estonia 'We believe, without a doubt, that we have the best hangover prevention supplement on the planet,' Ms Taylor said. 'But to ensure we stay on top, we are always looking at ways to improve the product or even identify new products altogether. 'So whilst bull penis for breakfast might not be the answer, we're leaving no stone unturned.' Ms Hodge will begin her search for the best hangover cure in Europe, followed by a stint in Asia. More destinations are to be revealed along the way. A sick couple who sexually abused a child over three years have been jailed after they were caught in horrifying videos online. Jonathan Leonard, 58, from Caldicot, Wales, and Ann Bray, 62, from Newport, were arrested in September 2024. The pair's devices were taken by officers which revealed the pedophiles had images and videos of them abusing a child from 2021 to 2024. Bray had been grooming the child to participate in sexual activity with the pair, National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators discovered. The abuse was captured by Bray and shared to Leonard who who went on to share some of these images online to other paedophiles. Officers found chat messages between the couple discussing the abuse, their fantasies, and making plans to commit the sordid crime. The duo were also found to be in possession of several other explicit images of children and extreme pornography. They were charged with multiple child abuse offences and pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court on 24 January. Jonathan Leonard, 58, (pictured) from Caldicot, Wales, and Ann Bray, 62, from Newport, were arrested in September 2024 The sick couple (Bray, pictured) sexually abused a child over three years and have been jailed after they were caught sharing the horrifying videos online Bray and Leonard were both sentenced to 23 years' imprisonment, with eight years to be spent on licence todaya supervised probation. Daniel Waywell, Senior Investigating Officer at the NCA, said: 'Leonard and Bray worked together to support one another's sexual interest in children, subjecting a child to years of horrific abuse, which they filmed and shared online with other paedophiles. 'This child, and every one of the victims of abuse in the indecent images and videos found on their devices, are re-victimised each time this material is viewed and shared online. 'The NCA is committed to safeguarding children from sexual abuse and we will continue to work tirelessly, alongside international partners, to remove children from harm and bring offenders like Leonard and Bray to justice.' Persistent and heavy rain that has brought significant flash flooding to one state is showing no signs of stopping, after forcing a stack of emergency calls and evacuations. Much of NSW's mid-north coast and Hunter region has copped the barrage, with 22 flood rescues performed overnight in those areas. The State Emergency Service (SES) issued an emergency warning for some residents in Dungog and Paterson, insisting they evacuate by 11.30pm. Taree, on the state's mid-north coast, took the worst of the rain with more than 160mm in six hours overnight, and 267mm since 9am on Monday. 'We've seen significant flooding in Taree overnight, a couple of the flood rescues we undertook were for people in houses in locations where water rose incredibly swiftly over their floors and they had to be relocated again, all brought to safety,' NSW SES chief superintendent of state operations Dallas Byrnes told ABC TV. Minor to major warnings for flooding on catchments across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions remain in place, while people in Taree are being advised to take shelter. The SES has also asked people in isolated locations in the area to evacuate, including at Dungog, Paterson, Gloucester, Bulahdelah and Chinchester Dam. Dozens of flood warnings remain in place on catchments across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting rain levels between 60 to 100mm in six hours on Tuesday in parts of the mid-north coast and Hunter 'We are asking the community to be really, really conscious of their location we are seeing lots of local creeks rise very quickly,' Mr Byrnes said. 'We have had numerous rescues from people entering floodwaters (but) we've also done the majority from people who've just been in the wrong place, and flash flooding has taken them by surprise.' The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting rain levels between 60 to 100mm in six hours on Tuesday in parts of the mid-north coast and Hunter, increasing to 100 too 190mm in isolated locations. While damaging winds and surf are expected to ease later on Tuesday, the widespread rain is tipped to stick around for some days. 'Heavy falls will remain a risk, particularly across the mid-north coast, with flash and riverine flooding continuing to be the main concern,' BoM senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said. 'With large amounts of water building up over days and impacting roads and low lying areas, dangerous driving conditions, traffic and transport delays and detours are expected, and some local inundations will continue to occur.' More than 30 schools will be closed on Tuesday in the mid-north coast, Central Coast and Hunter regions due to flooding. The NSW education department reminded parents that schools do not offer minimal supervision during flood events. Pictured is Gloucester Tops Riverside Caravan Park in Invergordon. On social media, the caravan park described the flooding as 'frightening', adding it had reached 30-year heights Trains are not running between Scone, in the upper Hunter, and Newcastle. More than 6,000 people have also experienced power outages. Rob Ridley from power provider Essential Energy said the impacted areas are Dungog and Gloucester. 'Currently theres parts of the network that arent accessible due to water, but we do have all our available staff, where its safe, out investigating,' he told ABC. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gloucester Tops Riverside Caravan Park described the flooding it had endured as 'frightening'. 'Well [it has] been a very eventful night. We are in major flood no access in or out... certainly as high if not higher as Ive seen in 30 years the force,' it said. For assistance in floods and storms, contact NSW SES on 132 500. If it's life-threatening call triple zero (000). As months of fraught talks went down to the wire, the UK and Brussels yesterday struck a deal which brings Britain into the closest alignment with the EU since Brexit. Sir Keir Starmer said the reduction in trade barriers would boost the UK economy by 9billion a year by 2040. But he faced accusations of 'surrender' and a Brexit 'betrayal' on issues such as food standards, EU court rulings and fishing rights. Fisheries 'sell-out' until 2038 European fishing vessels will be given another 12 years of access to British waters on the same terms they enjoy now. This is arguably the most controversial part of the deal and sparked the biggest cries of betrayal. Under a deal struck by former prime minister Boris Johnson in 2021, Britain will have seized back 25 per cent of catching rights in its waters that were surrendered to EU trawlers before the 2016 Brexit vote. Britain's fishing industry had hoped this transfer of power would continue when the deal ends in June 2026 or that the UK would seize back control over 100 per cent of its waters. But Sir Keir Starmer has agreed that the EU can keep 75 per cent of its pre-Brexit catch until 2038, rather than continue to gradually take back control of UK waters following Brexit. Britain and the EU are more aligned than ever after months of fraught talks that went down to the wire produced a new deal between the UK and Brussels Sir Keir Starmer said the reduction in trade barriers would boost the UK economy by 9billion a year by 2040 The Prime Minister has faced accusations of 'surrender' and a Brexit 'betrayal' on issues such as food standards, EU court rulings and fishing rights UK negotiators apparently caved in after the EU put 11th-hour demands on the table on Sunday. They played hardball by warning Sir Keir that he would only secure his key demand that trading barriers are relaxed with the bloc indefinitely if he agreed to current fishing rights being extended. After last-minute wrangling, both sides agreed on 12 years. The scale of the deal blindsided UK fishing organisations because ministers had previously indicated they were only prepared to allow an extension of no more than four years. However, the ban on exporting certain shellfish to the Continent such as clams, mussels and oysters has been lifted. Sir Keir insisted the deal was 'good for fishing' because it would provide stability. But the Scottish Fishermen's Federation branded the new deal 'a horror show'. And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said it would be 'the end of the fishing industry'. Surrender rating: 5/5 European fishing vessels will be given another 12 years of access to British waters on the same terms they enjoy now in a controversial move that has angered fishermen Free movement for young adults? Thousands more adults aged under 30 from more than two dozen EU countries could pour into the UK under the 'youth experience scheme'. It would give young people from the EU the right to work, live and study in the UK and vice versa. The numbers allowed to come would be capped, with a time limit on how long they can stay. But there was no detail about this in yesterday's deal and it is still to be negotiated in further talks. Brexiteers have argued that it signals a return to 'freedom of movement by the back door'. Britain has also agreed to enter talks about potentially re-joining the EU's Erasmus programme at a cost of millions of pounds. The exchange programme, which was established in 1987 and now has 33 members, provides annual grants for students to study around Europe as part of their degree. British negotiators accepted to take forward talks about potentially re-joining Erasmus after snubbing demands from Brussels for European students to pay the same cheaper university fees as UK students. Surrender rating: 4/5 Boris Johnson slammed Sir Keir as the 'orange ball-chewing gimp of Brussels' in an interview on GB News as he discussed the Prime Minister's new EU deal Thousands more adults aged under 30 from more than two dozen EU countries could pour into the UK under the 'youth experience scheme' Britain has agreed to follow EU food standards and farming rules for ever in return for red tape being slashed when exporting animal and plant products to the bloc which ministers say will cut prices in supermarkets. The new deal will tear up most of the EU food and farming checks imposed after Brexit, meaning chilled meat products such as sausages and burgers can be exported to the Continent again. British checks on EU food will also be reduced in a move No10 claimed would 'make food cheaper'. Controversially, this will include adopting new EU laws in the sector in future. This so-called 'dynamic alignment' will make the UK a 'rule-taker', Brexiteers claim, undermining one of the key principles of Brexit that the UK should set its own laws. For instance, it could prevent Britain from forging ahead with plans to allow the planting of gene-edited crops, a sector which could have generated billions of pounds. The deal means the UK will have 'a say' in the rules being made, but it is yet to be explained how this will work. It also means Britain will have to accept rulings by the European Court of Justice when it comes to disputes. This has also angered Brexiteers. But the move was welcomed by food producers, who say they have faced more red tape since Brexit. It will also ease the rules on sending food produce from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Downing Street said the deal, coupled with an agreement on carbon emissions, could eventually be worth 9billion a year to the economy by 2040. Surrender rating: 4/5 Travellers from the UK will be able to use e-Gates in European countries again, potentially reducing waits - although it will be down to individual EU countries (stock image) Starmer's defence deal opens the door for UK defence firms to access a 125billion EU fund designed to help the bloc's countries re-arm in the wake of the war in Ukraine Security and Defence Partnership The deal opens the door for UK defence firms to access a 125billion EU fund designed to help the bloc's countries re-arm in the wake of the war in Ukraine. British defence firms such as BAE Systems and Babcock have been locked out of it. Talks will be taken forward about how the UK can access the fund including making a financial contribution, which could reach into the hundreds of millions of pounds. The fund allows EU states to take out loans for weapons from funds raised against the EU budget. Some fear the Defence and Security Partnership could mean British servicemen taking part in EU civilian and military operations, which Brexiteers argue is potentially a slippery slope towards the UK becoming involved in an 'EU Army'. Surrender rating 3/5 Use of e-Gates Travellers from the UK will be able to use e-Gates in European countries again, potentially reducing waits. However, it will be down to individual EU nations to decide whether UK travellers can use them. Some countries had argued that e-gates for UK travellers was not compatible with the rules of the bloc's Schengen border zone. But under the deal, the European Commission has ruled that it is. Surrender rating 0/5 Carbon trading The UK will align itself with the bloc's emissions trading scheme. This will allow British firms to avoid being hit by Brussels' multibillion-pound new carbon tax next year. Although the move will increase costs for British firms, it will mean they are no longer hit by a new levy on imports of dirty energy. Known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, it could save exporters as much as 800million in payments to the EU in the first year. Surrender rating 2/5 Pro-Palestine supporters have accused Eurovision of permitting vote-rigging after Israel came close to winning this year's dramatic showdown. The national broadcasters for Spain and Belgium have complained to the competition's organisers after Israel came second and won the public vote by a landslide. RTVE, Spain's public broadcaster, and VRT, the Flemish public broadcasting company, are calling for organisers to investigate the televoting system. It comes after support for Yuval Raphael, Israel's contestant, soared and she ended up scoring 357 points. The country was only beaten by Austria's JJ, who received 436 points for his song Wasted Love. The entrants receive points from a professional jury from each country, as well as from a public vote. The maximum amount of points from any country's jury or the public is 12. Belgium and Spain's televoters both awarded Israel 12 points, despite the juries giving the country zero points. Viewers at home can vote up to 20 times for a small cost charged per vote by text or phone call. RTVE, Spain's public broadcaster, and VRT, the Flemish public broadcasting company, are calling for organisers to investigate the televoting system. It comes after support for Yuval Raphael (pictured), Israel's contestant, skyrocketed and she ended up scoring 357 points It followed protests calling for a boycott of the competition as well as an open letter signed by 4,000 musicians, artist and music industry pros from five Nordic countries denouncing the Middle Eastern country's entry. Pictured: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set alight an Israel and a US flag at the protests in Basel The competition organizer, European Broadcasting Union (EBU), confirmed Spain and Belgium's broadcasters had reached out and insisted it took the complaints 'seriously'. Katia Segers, a Flemish parliamentarian, said: 'A system in which everyone can cast up to 20 votes is a system that encourages manipulation. 'Whether this manipulation occurred in our country and all other participating and non-participating countries must be investigated.' She added: 'The VRT must take the lead in requesting this investigation. And in holding the debate on the televoting system within the EBU, and on Israel's participation.' Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, said: 'It is important to emphasise that the voting operation for the Eurovision Song Contest is the most advanced in the world and each country's result is checked and verified by a huge team of people to exclude any suspicious or irregular voting patterns. 'An independent compliance monitor reviews both jury and public vote data to ensure we have a valid result.' He added: 'We remain in constant contact with all participating broadcasters of the Eurovision Song Contest and take their concerns seriously.' Israel's participation in Eurovision has provoked an angry backlash from pro-Palestine voices. Ms Raphael, a survivor of Hamas's massacre at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, was disrupted in her final performance in Basel, Switzerland, by pro-Palestine protesters. Israel's participation in Eurovision for a second consecutive year amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and investigation for war crimes by the International Criminal Court has sparked fury. Pictured: Droves of protesters flocked to Barfusserplatz in the heart of the Swiss city, which is hosting this year's Eurovision contest The country was only beaten by Austria's JJ (pictured), who received 436 points for his song Wasted Love A crowd booed and jeered as she sang and two audience members had to be stopped as they attempted to storm the stage. It followed protests calling for a boycott of the competition as well as an open letter signed by 4,000 musicians, artist and music industry professionals from five Nordic countries denouncing the Middle Eastern country's entry. Those who signed the statement, including some previous Eurovision winners, dubbed Israel's involvement in the competition a bid to 'whitewash and divert attention' from Israel's war in Gaza. It argued that Israel 'should not have the opportunity to polish its public image on the Eurovision stage and thus use this to cover up and continue its human rights violations.' During Saturday's grand finale, Spanish broadcaster RTVE was heavily criticized after it took a stand against Israel's inclusion during their country's broadcast. For 16 seconds, viewers saw a black screen with white lettering in Spanish and English that read: 'When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. 'Peace and Justice for Palestine.' EBU's Mr Green added: 'We can confirm that we have been in touch with VRT and RTVE since Saturday's grand final regarding voting in the competition. 'Now the event has concluded, we will have a broad discussion with participating broadcasters, to reflect and obtain feedback on all aspects of this year's event as part of our planning process for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest next year.' A spokesman from VRT said they had 'no indication' the vote count was incorrect, but said: 'The main question is whether the current voting system guarantees a fair reflection of the opinions of viewers and listeners. 'VRT notes that the Eurovision Song Contest, as it is currently organised, has become less and less of a unifying and apolitical event.' The spokesman added: 'VRT calls for full transparency from the EBU about the rules and voting without a serious answer to our concerns regarding the Eurovision Song Contest, we do question future participation.' Director of the Eurovision Song Contest Martin Green CBE said in a statement: 'We remain in constant contact with all participating broadcasters of the Eurovision Song Contest and take their concerns seriously. We can confirm that we have been in touch with several broadcasters since Saturday's Grand Final regarding voting in the competition. 'Now the event has concluded we will have a broad discussion with all participating broadcasters, to reflect and obtain feedback on all aspects of this year's event as part of our planning process for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest next year. 'It is important to emphasize that the voting operation for the Eurovision Song Contest is the most advanced in the world and each country's result is checked and verified by a huge team of people to exclude any suspicious or irregular voting patterns. An independent compliance monitor reviews both jury and public vote data to ensure we have a valid result. 'Our voting partner Once has confirmed that a valid vote was recorded in all countries participating in this year's Grand Final and in the Rest of the World.' Disgraced influencer Andrew Tate will be surrendered to British authorities once he has faced justice in Romania, the UK government has confirmed. Security Minister Dan Jarvis has reportedly revealed both Andrew and his brother Tristan Tate will be returned to the UK after the conclusion of ongoing criminal proceedings in Bucharest. The pair are currently under investigation for rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang. Andrew is also being sued by four women, after the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute in 2019. The confirmation by Mr Jarvis that the Tates would be 'surrendered' marks the first time a British official has said the pair will be returned to the UK to face justice, The Telegraph reported. It comes after Bedfordshire Police secured arrest warrants for the brothers over separate accusations of rape and trafficking in the UK. Romanian judges have already approved their extradition in a decision hailed by alleged victims' lawyers as a vital step towards justice. The brothers, who have long denied all allegations both in Romania and Britain, have become notorious for their flamboyant online presence and inflammatory views - particularly toward women. In his letter to legal firm McCue Jury & Partners, Mr Jarvis expressed 'his deepest sympathy for all victims of these abhorrent crimes' and pledged the Government's full support in tackling sexual violence. Andrew Tate (R) and his brother Tristan (2R) speak to the media as they arrive in Romania back from US, in Bucharest March 22, 2025 Lawyer Matt Jury, representing four British women - who are suing Tate over historic allegations that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) declined to pursue in 2019 - welcomed the confirmation He said: 'We are absolutely steadfast in our commitment to tackling sexual violence in all its forms and supporting survivors.' Mr Jarvis stopped short of commenting on any formal extradition request, but added: 'These individuals remain under criminal investigation in Romania for human trafficking, rape, money laundering, and forming an organised crime group. 'It is in the public domain that the Tates have been arrested on the UK's request to Romania which has been accepted and processed by the Romanian courts, which have agreed that the Tates will be surrendered to the UK after the conclusion of Romanian domestic proceedings.' Lawyers representing four British women - who are suing Tate over historic allegations that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) declined to pursue in 2019 - welcomed the confirmation. Matt Jury, a solicitor for the women, said: 'Finally, we have confirmation from the UK Government that the Tates will be surrendered by Romania for trial in Britain when their prosecution there ends. But that can only happen if they are in Romania at that time. 'It's now essential that Labour ensures this actually happens and that Andrew Tate's victims see justice. The Tates cannot be allowed to slip through the net'. But he also hit out at the Governments previous inaction, demanding answers over why ministers failed to extradite Tate from the US or UAE, despite opportunities. 'While we welcome this significant step, the Security Minister is still yet to explain why the UK failed to seek extradition from the United States or the UAE when it had the chance,' he said. Andrew Tate has not been convicted of any crimes and denies all allegations against him The High Court also known as the Royal Courts of Justice where Tate's case is being heard Last month it was revealed that Tate could have been arrested while in Florida earlier this year, just days before an alleged violent assault on ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern at the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 11. Stern claims Tate choked her until she nearly lost consciousness, shortly after he and his brother jetted into the US from Romania, having had a travel ban lifted. Tate vehemently denies the allegations. But the Home Office reportedly failed to act despite a letter from Floridas Attorney General offering to cooperate with any UK extradition request. The influencer, a self-declared 'alpha male' and 'misogynist', first appeared in Big Brother in 2016, only to be booted from the house after a disturbing video emerged allegedly showing him beating a woman. Tate claimed the clip was edited and 'a total lie trying to make me look bad'. Since then, the former professional kickboxer has cultivated a global online following, particularly among teenage boys, with controversial advice urging men to 'reject feminism', dominate women, and focus on wealth an status. His rise to stardom, particularly on TikTok, has sparked warnings from academics and teaches, who say schoolboys are copying his rhetoric to justify sexist and aggressive behaviour towards women. Harvey Weinstein broke his silence from prison to make more incredulous denials while offering a pathetic admission that he only 'made a pass' at Gwyneth Paltrow. The disgraced Hollywood executive continued to claim he never assaulted the 'Iron Man' star or committed any of the crimes of which he has been convicted. He is currently facing a retrial on multiple sex assault charges. Speaking to Candace Owens, the 73-year-old grips the telephone close to his ear as he defiantly demands a lie detector test in an effort to restore his reputation. 'I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God and the people watching now and on my family,' Harvey said in the short trailer. Weinstein named several of his victims in the snippet - A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow, Charmed star Rose McGowan and actress Ashley Judd. Despite his full denial moments prior, Weinstein told Owens 'I definitely made a pass' at Paltrow. But he was adamant that nothing untoward happened. He said: 'It's a complete fabrication about my relationship with Gwyneth. I didn't put my hands on her. I didn't touch her.' Paltrow accused him of sexually harassing her in his hotel suite when she was just 22, after casting her in the lead role of the 1996 hit Emma. 'It was weird,' she said. 'I was alone in a room with him. It was out of the blue. I was blindsided. I was shocked.' The 73-year-old grips the telephone close to his ear as he defiantly demands a lie detector test in an effort to restore his reputation Despite his full denial moments prior, Weinstein told Owens: 'I definitely made a pass' at Paltrow Rose McGowan claimed that Weinstein orally raped her after she was cast in Scream in 1997. ''I settled with Rose McGowan,' Weinstein told Owens. 'I gave her $100,000, don't tell my wife, don't get me into trouble. It's all conflated, and it's all led to the idea that I'm going to be the one they persecute.' Weinstein was married to fashion designer Georgina Chapman from 2003 to 2021. She is now dating Oscar winner Adrien Brody. But Weinstein offered no concessions on Ashley Judd's claims that he sexually harassed her, telling Owens: 'Ashley Judd's claims are ridiculous.' The full episode has been released to Candace's subscribers, with a guarantee of 'explosive' revelations. Owens said looking at Weinstein's case 'made [her] lose faith in the judicial system' and has been an outspoken supporter of his case. 'I don't think Harvey is a moral man, I just also do not believe that he is a rapist.' Weinstein wiped away tears as he said the convictions had 'broken' him Weinstein was married to fashion designer Georgina Chapman from 2003 to 2021. She is now dating Oscar winner Adrien Brody Rose McGowan claimed that Weinstein orally raped her after she was cast in Scream in 1997 In total, some 60 women came forward with harrowing allegations against Weinstein. He was convicted of various sex crimes in both New York and California. But he's on trial again because an appeals court found that his New York trial was tainted by prejudicial testimony and overturned that conviction. Once a Hollywood heavy-hitter, Weinstein became a symbol of sexual misconduct after media reports revealed allegations against him in 2017 and fueled the #MeToo movement. 'They broke me,' Weinstein said. 'They broke me in half.' Weinstein maintained he had steadfast supporters outside of prison who 'support me but are scared to talk. 'They are frightened to death that they're going to be canceled... I've asked to have lie detectors brought into the prison. Weinstein is currently being retried in New York after an appeals court ruled he did not receive a fair trial when he was convicted in 2020 Once a Hollywood heavy-hitter, Weinstein became a symbol of sexual misconduct after media reports revealed allegations against him in 2017 and fueled the #MeToo movement. Weinstein offered no concessions on Ashley Judd's claims that he sexually harassed her, telling Owens: 'Ashley Judd's claims are ridiculous' 'I know they're not admissible, but I want the world to know.' Weinstein is currently being retried in New York after an appeals court ruled he did not receive a fair trial when he was convicted in 2020. The 73-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and maintains he never sexually assaulted or raped anyone. Defense lawyer Arthur Aidala told the primarily female jury: 'The casting couch is not a crime scene.' He compared prosecutors' allegations to the preview of a movie that 'falls flat on its face.' The family of a young tradie with no known links to organised crime is 'absolutely heartbroken' after he was killed in an 'execution-style' shooting at his family home in Sydney's south-west. Plumber John Versace, 23, was ambushed by a barrage of 10 gunshots as he got out his ute at his family's home in Dalton Avenue, Condell Park, at 10.30pm on Monday. Emergency services found him dying on the front doorstep with at least four bullet wounds as paramedics desperately tried to save him. Police are now investigating if the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Mr Versace, who lived with his parents and adult sisters, is understood to have been worked at his father's business. Mr Versace's sister, Deanna Versace, issued an emotional tribute to her brother on Tuesday. 'John, no words can describe the pain we are all feeling and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives,' she wrote. 'You were the world's greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend. We are so lucky and blessed to have had the time we had with you but your life was cut too short. John Versace, 23, was found at the scene with a gunshot wound and died despite paramedics' desperate efforts to revive him John Versace's family paid tribute to him on social media after the brutal killing Emergency services were called Dalton Street in Condell Park at about 10.30pm on Monday night following reports a man had been shot (pictured) 'You did not deserve this. You're at peace and with Jesus now. We love you so much John. Our angel forever. This world wasn't good enough for you. Life will never be the same.' Police said on Tuesday that Mr Versace was not known to police and did not have a criminal record. 'I want to assure the community that at this stage we believe that this is, although an extremely brutal and violent execution style murder, is a targeted attack,' Superintendent Rodney Hart told reporters. 'Now, although this victim at this stage, we believe, may not have links to organised crime or something in the way of drugs, we believe that this has the hallmarks of a targeted execution. (It is) very brutal, very distressing. 'So I want to reassure the community that we are treating this not as a random attack. His family members do not have criminal records, and he at this stage, I believe, has one traffic offence. 'We need to look at who he is involved with, who he knows, what he did leading up to this attack on him - to get an idea of exactly what has happened and resulted in this brutal murder.' Police said they had viewed 'good quality CCTV' from cameras attached to the house, which showed Mr Versace returning home shortly before the shooting. He had reversed his ute up the driveway and parked it very close to the garage door, Superintendent Hart told reporters. Mr Versace lived with his parents and adult sisters and the shooting happened on his 'front doorstep,' with police investigating the possibility the killers had 'laid in wait' for him As he was exiting the ute, a small silver hatchback, which police believe was a Toyota Corolla, arrived at the address and parked across the driveway. 'A male exited the rear drivers side of that car and made his way up the driveway towards the victim,' Mr Hart said. Mr Versace saw the man approaching him, dressed in black, wearing a hood and with his face covered. The young tradesman backed towards the home and found himself pressed against the garage door and an existing wall. The gunman raised his right hand and opened fire with a Glock-style weapon - shooting up to 10 bullets at the victim. Police believe Mr Versace suffered at least four gunshot wounds. The gunman then returned to the hatchback, which was last seen travelling eastbound on Dalton Street. Emergency services later received reports of a car on fire at nearby Fairfield Heights. 'Upon that vehicle being extinguished of the flames and a cursory search, a handgun similar to that of a Glock-style pistol was located in that vehicle,' Mr Hart said. Specialist forensic investigators spent the night examining the scene as part of a probe into the circumstances of the shooting Mr Hart said police believe the car was stolen in December. 'We believe it was driven there, it was torched, and those offenders were there, then got into another car and left the scene. But at this stage, I don't have the details of that second car.' Police urge anyone with any information, dashcam or CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers. Australian of the Year and world-famous cancer expert Professor Richard Scolyer has shared a worrying update about his stage four brain cancer. The 58-year-old was diagnosed with 'incurable' glioblastoma in June 2023 after he suffered headaches and seizures while on holiday. He experienced no signs of cancer reoccurrence for two years following a trial of experimental treatment developed by his colleague and joint Australian of the Year recipient, Professor Georgia Long. The treatment helped him defy the prognosis of having six months to live, and he was told he was cancer-free last November. However, by March the tumour had returned and the father-of-three was again given just months to live. On Monday, Prof Scolyer revealed the glioblastoma in the left side of his brain had progressed as he shared the results of a recent MRI on his Instagram. 'A recent MRI scan showed, in the left side of my brain, further progress of my glioblastoma (IDH wild-type, etc.) and related adjacent reactive change,' he wrote. 'Whilst this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly (to me), I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible. 'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team (including my family & friends) and they make me happy & proud!' Professor Richard Scolyer revealed the glioblastoma in the left side of his brain had progressed as he shared the results of a recent MRI on his Instagram (pictured) Prof Scolyer (pictured with his family) said despite the update he was 'keen to keep living' The professor received a flood of well-wishes on his post. 'Without a doubt you are the most loved and respected man. We all are so proud of you,' one person wrote. 'A legend forever mate. A whole country is on your side,' a second shared. 'You continue to be an inspiration to so many, Richard. Thanks for sharing all the updates, good and bad, we are all with you,' a third said. In March, Prof Scolyer said that while some of his recurrent tumour had been removed, surgeons were unable to remove other parts. 'Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer in my left brain. The prognosis is poor,' he said on Instagram. He said he wasn't sure how effective the experimental treatment would be, but that he hoped the data produced 'will make a difference for others'. Prof Scolyer and his colleague Professor Long were named Australians of the Year in 2024 for the thousands of lives they saved in pioneering new treatments for melanoma using immunotherapy. The father-of-three was given just months to live after the tumour returned in March (pictured) Prof Scolyer was jointly named Australian of the Year in 2024 alongside fellow Australian cancer specialist Professor Georgina Long (both are pictured) He is a prolific author, having penned more than 700 publications and book chapters on melanoma pathology, which garnered him a reputation as one of the world's leading experts in the field. The 2021 Order of Australia recipient remains philosophical about his journey, stating that he 'just wants to make a difference'. He has been praised for his openness and bravery in documenting his cancer journey. In an emotional interview with Ally Langdon on A Current Affair in March, Prof Scolyer said he was 'not ready to go yet'. 'It's not fair, but there's a lesson for everyone make the most of every day because you don't know what's around the corner,' he added. The father-of-three recently celebrated his eldest daughter Emily's 21st birthday. 'It was so nice to catch up with friends and family to celebrate her. She is an amazing daughter & we love her so much!' he wrote on Facebook. Britain is investing in 30,000 more electronic tags for criminals as part of a massive overhaul in sentencing law. The huge expansion of tagging technology will see nearly 40,000 criminals electronically monitored at once. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is understood to have secured 700 million in funding from the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to buy the devices. This will increase the Probation Service's budget by roughly a third and enable it to quadruple the number of criminals fitted with electronic tags, The Times reports. It comes as David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary, will publish a long-awaited sentencing review this month. The report is expected to lead to the most drastic shake-up of sentencing legislation in decades and, the government is predicted to accept most of his recommendations. A MoJ spokesman said last week: 'This Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons days from collapse. 'David Gauke is conducting a sentencing review to ensure that we never run out of prison places again, and we are committed to reforming sentencing to ensure our prisons cut crime and keep the public safe.' The Ministry of Justice is also thought to be preparing to announce a new type of tag that will measure the level of drugs in an offender's system by monitoring their blood pressure and heart rate. Mahmood said the new devices are the 'holy grail' of tagging technology because of the large proportion of criminals whose offending is driven by drugs. Britain is investing in 30,000 more electronic tags for criminals as part of a massive overhaul in sentencing law (stock image) The huge expansion of tagging technology will see nearly 40,000 criminals electronically monitored at once. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) is understood to have secured 700 million funding from the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to buy the devices It comes as David Gauke (pictured), the former Conservative justice secretary, will publish a long-awaited sentencing review this month Low-risk offenders could also be monitored using GPS trackers and biometric check-in technology on smartphones to make sure tags are saved for more serious criminals. Google and Palantir Technologies, another technology company, have been commissioned by the government to come up with an accurate way to predict an offender's risk level using AI software. The software would use both location-tracking information and other data to identify changes in risk levels. The Probation Service has the ability to put tags on roughly 9,000 criminals at any one time. This will rise to almost 40,000 under plans that will be announced by Mahmood on Thursday. Labour's sentencing review is also expected to suggest the biggest-ever reductions in the time prisoners must serve, in exchange for good behaviour while they are behind bars. In some cases that could see inmates set free after serving only a third of their initial sentence. A prison overcrowding crisis led the Government to introduce early release for most inmates after they have served 40 per cent of their sentences, and discounts are now likely to be extended even further for some criminals. Labour's sentencing review is also expected to suggest the biggest-ever reductions in the time prisoners must serve, in exchange for good behaviour while they are behind bars Your browser does not support iframes. A key measure expected to be set out in next week's report will see convicted offenders handed maximum and minimum sentences by the courts. Under the minimum sentences, inmates will serve one third if they complete work, training or education in jail, and show good behaviour. Those who fail to comply will have to serve their maximum terms which are likely to be beyond the 40 per cent automatic release date currently in force, the Telegraph reported. Labour's existing early release scheme excludes offenders jailed for sex crimes, terrorism and serious violent crimes carrying more than four years' imprisonment. The new proposals drawn up for Ms Mahmood by former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke are likely to follow a similar pattern. It could mean most criminals will benefit from extended sentence discounts, including some violent offenders, fraudsters, drug dealers, burglars and thieves. Your browser does not support iframes. Jails in England and Wales were holding 88,087 inmates on Monday, with headroom of 1,355 places. Ministry of Justice forecasts suggest jails will run out of space again early next year, despite the opening of a new 1,500-bed jail HMP Millsike, near York, a month ago. Another key reform outlined in the review is the idea of using technology to create 'digital prisons' for those under house arrest, The Times reported. That will involve using electronic tags and other surveillance technology to build out a new three-stage model for prison release. That will see first stage inmates transferred to a second stage of house arrest for the middle of their sentence before finally being released into the community for the third part once they have been ruled not a threat. As well as ending shorter sentences, the sentencing review is also pushing the government to embrace intensive supervision courts which involves judges meeting offenders as frequently as every fortnight. The scheme, already in its trial stage, is aimed at rehabilitating low level offenders who have to commit to two-year orders and seek treatment for drink, drugs or mental health issues. Those on the scheme can be jailed for 28 days for major violations of their license and are cut from the scheme after three strikes. However, early results have proved positive, with data showing than more than two-thirds (70 per cent) of offenders comply with the program. The scheme actually has its origins in Conservative policy since it was first introduced by the then-justice secretary Michael Gove in 2015. Lead defence barrister Colin Mandy referred to an exhibit which shows a map of local base stations including the station at Outtrim. Mr Mandy put forward a proposition Patterson's phone may have been heading to Inverloch, after the jury previously heard it was at Outtrim, where death cap mushrooms had been discovered, on May 22. 'I want to suggest this to you that those records that we've just had a look at, the connections on May 22, 2023, the handset moves from Leongatha down the Bass Highway, heading to Inverloch,' Mr Mandy said. 'This is your proposed route?' Dr Sorell asked. 'Yep,' Mr Mandy said. 'And at some point, towards the middle of that line that you have drawn (on the map exhibit - the phone) remains stationary for a period of time.' 'That's your proposition?' Dr Sorell asked. 'That is my proposition,' Mr Mandy said. 'In terms of the connection to Outtrim, I would agree, in terms of the neighbouring base stations, I would agree, but for the Kongwak base station, which doesn't connect during these records, the Kongwak base station has an antenna direction approximately this way (Dr Sorell pointed to the exhibit) and doesn't show up,' Dr Sorell said. 'That's an anomaly that wouldn't fit with your proposition, provided Kongwak is working, why doesn't it show up on this proposition (if Kongwak is working). My outstanding concerns to this proposition is no connections to Kongwak.' Mr Mandy also suggested there were multiple locations Patterson's phone could've been on May 22. 'And yet, let me suggest this, that's one proposition, there are a variety of propositions which might account for the connections in exhibit 36,' Mr Mandy said. Canva co-founder and billionaire Cameron Adams will donate half of his estimated $4.79billion fortune to address urgent environmental issues. Mr Adams and his wife, Lisa Miller, announced the move in a letter to global environmental organisation The Giving Pledge. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates formed The Giving Pledge in 2010 for the worlds ultra-wealthy to fund global philanthropic projects. In a letter penned to the group, Mr Adams said he and Ms Miller,a former zoologist, believed 'with great fortune comes great responsibility'. 'We recognise that the opportunities we have had in life place us in a position to give generously and act with purpose,' he wrote. 'Philanthropy is more than charity; it is a means of addressing systemic issues, driving meaningful change, and ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in possibility and biodiversity. 'By joining the Giving Pledge, we aim to emphasise this responsibility and commit our resources to the planet that we all rely on. 'And this commitment is critical during the next decade.' Canva co-founder Cameron Adams and his wife Lisa Miller will donate half of their fortune to address environmental issues Ms Miller has been operating the couple's Wedgetail Foundation, protecting and restoring biodiversity. Together they own a 5,000 hectare property in Tasmania that is under development as a conservation research site with the University of Tasmania. The couple said they have since grown their confidence 'that these are issues worth fighting for'. The software billionaire said governments and businesses will be important in preventing ecological declines, but philanthropy 'has a unique ability to drive bold action'. 'Through the Giving Pledge we are directing the majority of our wealth toward this, because the alternative inaction on a dying planet is unacceptable,' Mr Adams said. 'We hope others will recognise the power of philanthropy to create lasting environmental and societal impact by joining us in this commitment.' Their Wedgetail venture has provided 'green loans' to coffee and cacao businesses in the central Americas. The project has also funded a carbon accounting software platform and a large-scale reforestation project. Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates started The Giving Pledge with Warren Buffett in the 2010s Fellow Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht (above) signed the pledge in 2021 The Australian Financial Review suggests Mr Adams has $7billion in wealth, largely locked up in Canva equity. Fellow Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht signed the pledge in 2021. Canva first launched in 2013 before becoming an international success. The company is worth an estimated US$32billion. Andrew and Nicola Forrest also signed the pledge in 2013. They directed their money to help address poverty and slavery. 'We feel that if we all do whatever we can with whatever we have, large or small, then each of us will help make our world a more equitable and positive environment for others to thrive in,' Mr Forrest said at the time. Children as young as six are finding pornography online, and female teachers are becoming the target of inappropriate sexual innuendos according to a new report. Teachers speaking on behalf of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia (NSW), made the shocking disclosures during a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the 'impacts of harmful pornography on mental, emotional, and physical health'. The findings were based on the schoolwork kids were producing in the classroom, indicating students were accessing pornography sometimes by clicking on ads, some from gaming websites. The inquiry also heard that access to specialised government supports for children who engaged in harmful sexual behaviours was being delayed due to high demand. Principal at Montgrove College in Sydney's west, Lourdes Mejia, said the impacts of the exposure to pornography played out in the classroom. 'You can see that they have had some access to pornography, from perhaps the stories that they tell or even sometimes the drawings or things that they write, the little notes that they pass to each other, that I have seen recently, that's quite surprised me,' Mejia told the inquiry, as reported by The Australian. Hunter Valley Grammar School Principal Rebecca Butterworth said primary school students sharing sexualised images with each other was concerning. 'I'm quite surprised by the age sometimes. It's started in our school, sometimes around Year Six, and then accelerated in Year 7,' she told the inquiry. Students as young as six are accessing pornography online, an inquiry has heard (stock) It was speculated that children were accessing the material through ads on websites (stock) Hunter Valley Grammar School Principal Rebecca Butterworth (pictured) told the inquiry students were sharing sexualised images with each other Nowra Anglican College principle Lorrae Sampson said she had seen an increase in the 'objectification of girls' by boys, as well as an surge in boys making 'inappropriate sexual innuendos or noises' towards teachers. Violence prevention organisation Our Watch has shared a guide for teaching Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) in Australian schools. The RRE would give students the skills to reject destructive behaviours and harassment and challenge stereotypes that lead to gendered violence in schools, including towards female teachers, and sexualised bullying. The behaviour towards female teachers was localised to certain groups of students and clusters of boys. The inquiry also found that early exposure to pornography and prolonged exposure to damaging pornography was putting local health services under pressure. Professor Dale Tolliday told the inquiry that pornography contributed to a high demand for health services across the state, including services for children who have displayed harmful sexual behaviours. He said there was a 'significant delay' in services to ensure adequate government responses to students and their families in New South Wales. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Professor Tolliday for further comment. The Justice Department has charged a Democratic congresswoman from New Jersey with assaulting federal agents during a scuffle outside a Newark immigration detention facility. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver got into a heated clash with law enforcement officers along with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside the Delaney Hall ICE center on May 9. Now, New Jersey's interim US attorney and Trump ally Alina Habba has announced charges stemming from the incident - in a move which has infuriated Democrats. 'No one is above the law politicians or otherwise,' Habba said in a statement on X. 'It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work.' Habba maintained that McIver 'assaulted, impeded and interfered with law enforcement' - conduct which she said she simply could not overlook. During the melee, McIver was caught on video pushing and aggressively shoving at least one member of law enforcement guarding the gates to the detention facility. Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the center but Habba confirmed a misdemeanor trespass charge against him had been dropped. New Jersey's interim US attorney and Trump ally Alina Habba (pictured together) has announced charges stemming from the incident Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (circled in red) got into a heated clash with law enforcement officers outside Newark ICE center Delaney Hall on May 9 Habba said she had made persistent efforts to find a resolution to the matter which would not result in criminal charges, but that McIver had declined. McIver issued a statement railing against the charges on Monday, describing them as 'purely political. 'They mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight,' she said. 'Our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation.' She was backed up by the House Democratic Leadership, which issued a joint statement describing the charges against her as 'extreme, morally bankrupt and lacking basis in law or fact.' The statement argues lawmakers have the right to show up to any any federal facility unannounced to conduct inspections on behalf of the American people. 'The proceeding issued by the so-called US Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. 'House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not now. Not ever.' Concerning Mayor Baraka, Habba said 'in the spirit of public interest, I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall. The DHS told Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver, Rep Rob Menendez and Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman (L-R) that they would 'face justice' Video obtained by Daily Mail shows Rep. McIver shoving a uniformed member of law enforcement guarding the gates of the detention center Protesters had gathered out the front of the recently reopened immigration detention facility 'The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.' While Baraka maintained he did nothing wrong, dramatic footage showed people frantically scrambling outside the gates of the Delaney facility, before he was arrested and escorted away by police. Officers were seen shoving protesters out of the way amid the chaos but other footage also shows the protesters shoving and getting physical with those tasked with guarding and working the facility. Rep. McIver claims she and her colleagues were assaulted by ICE officers. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark says that McIver and fellow New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez were at the facility to conduct congressional oversight of activity in their state. Habba said she had made persistent efforts to find a resolution to the matter which would not result in criminal charges, but that McIver had declined. Demonstrators hold signs criticizing ICE and DOGE at an emergency rally held by the Working Families Party held to criticize the Trump administration after ICE agents arrested mayor of Newark Ras Baraka Trump's border czar Tom Homan warned elected Democratic officials that if they 'cross that line' from protesting to impeding, they will face consequences. 'They can stand out and scream all they want,' Homan said, but claimed any other actions will be treated appropriately. 'They can trespass, they'll be arrested. If they impede, they will be arrested.' Detectives are piecing together how John Versace, a 23-year-old plumber and family man with no known criminal connections, came to be gunned down on his doorstep in Sydney's south-west. On Tuesday, police described how at 10pm the previous night Mr Versace had returned to his home on Dalton Avenue, Condell Park, where he lived with his parents and adult sisters, only to be ambushed with a hail of bullets. CCTV from cameras attached to the home showed the gunman open fire with a Glock-style weapon - leaving Mr Versace with at least four gunshot wounds - before retreating to a hatchback Toyota Corolla and fleeing the scene, police said. Shortly afterwards, officers were called to a car on fire in Fairfield Heights, about 11 kilometres from Mr Versace's house. Once the flames were extinguished, a handgun was recovered from the car which police believe was the same one used to kill Mr Versace. The shooting had all the hallmarks of a targeted gang hit, Superintendent Rodney Hart told reporters on Tuesday, and yet Mr Versace had only a traffic offence to his name - no criminal past or known ties to organised crime. His family members did not have criminal records either, Mr Hart added. One line of enquiry is whether or not the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Shortly afterwards, officers were called to a car on fire in Fairfield Heights, about 11 kilometres from Mr Versace's house (pictured graphic) John Versace (pictured) had returned to his home on Dalton Avenue, Condell Park, where he lived with his parents and adult sisters, only to be ambushed with a hail of bullets The Versaces have lived in their large, two-storey home in Condell Park (pictured) for more than a decade The Versace family appeared to be orthodox Christians who had recently celebrated the lavish wedding of Mr Versace's sister, Bianca. They have lived in their large, two-storey home in Condell Park for more than a decade. John's social media account displayed both the Lebanese and Italian flags, suggesting mixed heritage. Police said he worked as a plumber for his father's business. Mr Versace's sister, Deanna Versace, issued an emotional tribute to her brother on Tuesday. 'John, no words can describe the pain we are all feeling and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives,' she wrote. 'You were the world's greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend. We are so lucky and blessed to have had the time we had with you but your life was cut too short. 'You did not deserve this. You're at peace and with Jesus now. We love you so much John. Our angel forever. This world wasn't good enough for you. Life will never be the same.' Another of his sisters, Bianca, called Mr Versace 'our baby, our pride and joy, the most innocent boy in the world'. 'I have no words. This world did not deserve you. Were going to miss that smile that lit up every room, I love you so much my angel,' she wrote. British holidaymakers could use EU passport control lanes on the Continent again under the new deal with Europe struck yesterday but only if member states agree to make the changes. Sir Keir Starmer said the agreement would allow UK travellers to go through EU 'e-gates' rather than manual passport checks, 'ending those huge queues at passport control'. And No 10's official X account said British nationals 'will now be able to use e-gates... so you can start your holiday sooner'. However, it will be up to EU member states to update their border security checks and decide when to introduce it. The move will also depend on the introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require travellers to give their fingerprints and pay a 6 fee. Asked when Britons may be able to use e-gates, the Prime Minister said: 'I want it done as soon as possible, and that's why I urge EU member states now to do it.' A Government official said member states had been using 'slightly different interpretations' of EU border control rules until now, and the new deal made clear there was 'no legal obstacle' to UK citizens using e-gates. The official summit statement said there would be 'potential use of e-gates where appropriate', adding there would be no legal bar on UK nationals using them 'after the introduction of the EES'. Yesterday's agreement also set out how Brussels will work more closely with the UK to combat illegal immigration and crime. British holidaymakers could use EU passport control lanes on the Continent again under the new deal with Europe struck yesterday (file photo) Sir Keir Starmer, pictured on Monday, has been accused of 'a great Brexit betrayal' It said they would 'explore ways' to exchange fingerprints, DNA, criminal records of third country nationals and facial recognition imagery. On illegal immigration, the PM said yesterday: 'The previous deal left a huge gap in our ability to work together to tackle illegal migration. So this deal closes that gap so we can work across migration routes to end the crisis and smash the criminal gangs.' However, the summit agreement did not go into detail on the matter besides stating the two parties 'should work together on practical and innovative approaches to reduce irregular migration' and setting out aims for 'closer co-operation'. The deal also did not outline renewed British access to the EU's asylum fingerprint database, Eurodac, which officials said would play a vital role in identifying illegal migrants who previously claimed refugee status on the Continent. It comes as Keir Starmer was accused of a great Brexit betrayal last night after agreeing a death that hands Brussels control of British laws, money and fish. The Prime Minister faced a furious backlash over a surrender pact that will make Britain a rule-taker, forced to follow EU diktats with no say over them. Sir Keir agreed to restart payments to the EU budget which could run into hundreds of millions of pounds a year. And, to the fury of Britains beleaguered fishermen, he caved in to French demands to allow access for EU trawlers until at least 2038 more than 20 years after the public voted to take back control. The agreement also paves the way for a youth mobility deal which could eventually grant 80 million young Europeans the right to live and work temporarily in the UK. So the Coalition's marriage of convenience is over, at least for now. The Nationals have walked away from the Coalition agreement and will sit separately from the formal opposition. Did the bust up happen over matters of policy principles? Of course not! Don't be ridiculous. While the Nationals paid lip service to policy disagreements as one of the reasons for ending the Coalition, those fights alone wouldn't have ended the relationship. No, the Nats felt they deserved more spots in the shadow cabinet after a relatively good showing at the election while the Liberal Party got crushed. Not happy with the outcome of negotiations, the Nationals have decided to walk away altogether - meaning they will have precisely zero positions in shadow cabinet instead! Is it any wonder people (fairly or unfairly) sometimes label the Nationals the dim-witted half of the Coalition? Having said that, I can see benefits for both parties in a temporary separation - so that they can realise how much they truly love one another and, in the fullness of time, happily reunite. Nationals leader David Littleproud announced today that he was pulling the plug on the Coalition agreement (above with deputies Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie) The truth is that there are major policy differences between the Liberals and Nationals, just as there are between moderate and conservative Liberals. It's becoming increasingly hard to see what unites some Liberals and Nationals beyond a mutual loathing of Labor. The Coalition has fractured before, most notably during the 1980s when the Joh for PM campaign was especially harmful to the then Opposition's effort to win elections. There is a strong argument that the Nationals and Liberals are better off living apart while in opposition before coming back together to form government, or just prior to winnable elections. The separation allows both parties to pursue policies the other might not necessarily agree with, before forming a unified front once government beckons. That said, expect Labor to exploit the disunity from the other side of the parliament, by using differences between the parties as a political weapon to suggest the other mob aren't fit to govern. It will work until it doesn't, so expect things to get worse before they get better for the now former Coalition parties. There are also practical considerations with this split - including which party many MPs will sit under, and how much they will be paid. In Queensland and the Northern Territory the Liberals and Nationals operate as a single entity - the CLP in the NT and the LNP in Queensland. Elected MPs can choose which party room to join. It's possible some now caucusing with the Nationals might jump ship to the Liberals in order to stay in shadow cabinet for example. We shall see. Also, those Nationals who would have been part of the shadow cabinet will now take pay cuts of about 25 per cent, because they are no longer afforded the salaries of frontbenchers. Sussan Ley now has to deal with the practical difficulties of a broken marriage between the Liberals and the Nationals The Liberals will be the official opposition - meaning they have the right to fill 45 frontbench roles - 30 shadow ministers and 15 shadow assistant ministers. But there are only 50 Liberal MPs and Senators left in the parliament after the drubbing at the polls. So does new leader Sussan Ley appoint all but five Liberals to her frontbench? Or does she shrink the size of it? If they do appoint 45, what do they do when the Coalition eventually gets back together? Sacking newly appointed frontbenchers to make way for the Nationals won't win Ley many friends. These are the practical difficulties of a broken marriage. If the break-up lasts all the way until the next election, we could see three cornered contests in lower house seats around the country. Nationals like to challenge for seats on city fringes that the Liberals regard as their territory. Three cornered contests can harm the chances of the conservatives winning seats, as happened in the tight contest for the newly created seat of Bullwinkel in WA. Anthony Albanese will try and exploit the disunity between the two parties When the two parties are formally in Coalition three cornered races only happen when MPs retire or new seats are formed. The Liberals and Nationals run on joint Senate tickets. That's to the benefit of the Nationals, both in terms of public funding and electoral chances. The break up of the Coalition, if it lasts, will prevent that deal continuing. Western Australia points to what can happen when the Coalition breaks down for the longer term. The parties in WA aren't in a coalition and there is plenty of animosity between them as a result. It has only grown the longer their union has remained separated. Which is why at the national level, hard heads in both parties will hope it's a short term break up. It may even be little more than a robust tactic by the Nationals to prove they are serious about wanting a bigger share on the frontbench. A deal to achieve that might be the starting point of any future discussions about getting back together. Break ups are always hard, including on the person doing the breaking up. While in real life that often includes use of the line: 'it's not you, it's me', on this occasion the Nationals are claiming it's all the fault of the Liberals, for failing to properly appreciate what their partner brings to the union. Instead of simply chastising them for such neglect they have ended the relationship altogether. For now.. A Mississippi community is in shock following the arrest of a once-respected high school teacher, now accused of engaging in inappropriate contact with one of her underage students - including allegedly 'making out' with him in a Taco Bell parking lot. Court documents filed in DeSoto County paint a disturbing picture of 31-year-old Natalia Elizabeth Wright, a former special education inclusion teacher at Lewisburg High School. Wright has been charged with fondling by a person in a position of trust, a felony offense under Mississippi law. According to an affidavit from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, Wright, who taught and also tutored the victim, is accused of committing acts of 'licentious sexual desires' with a child under the age of 18. The allegations span both private and public settings. Investigators say multiple witnesses reported seeing Wright 'kissing and making out' with the student on April 21 in at least two locations: the parking lot of a Taco Bell and the parking lot of Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando. Those sightings, the affidavit alleges, occurred weeks after she had already submitted her resignation to the school district. Wright resigned from Lewisburg High on April 3, after school officials became aware of what court documents describe as 'inappropriate contact' including physical touching, ongoing communication, and driving the student to school in her personal vehicle on multiple occasions. Mississippi teacher, Natalia Elizabeth Wright, 31, is accused of making out with a student in public and has been charged with fondling by a person in a position of trust, a felony offense under Mississippi law She is accused of engaging in inappropriate contact with one of her underage students - including allegedly 'making out' with him in a Taco Bell parking lot Wright's husband, Adam, allegedly obtained video and audio recordings of her admitting to kissing the student 'two or three times' while tutoring him in a private home setting But the most damning evidence may have come from inside Wright's own home. According to authorities, Wright's husband allegedly obtained both video and audio recordings of her admitting to kissing the student 'two or three times' while tutoring him in a private home setting. That admission, paired with witness testimony and her close access to the victim as both teacher and tutor, appears to have been enough to prompt charges. Court filings state that Wright 'did willfully, unlawfully and feloniously... handle or touch with her mouth... a child under 18 years of age.' Wright, who had no prior criminal history, was arrested on May 13 and later released on a $200,000 bond. Wright's charge is a serious felony under Mississippi Code and could carry substantial prison time if she is convicted. Natalia Canales Wright is seen in a photo alongside her husband Adam Wright from 2012 Investigators say multiple witnesses reported seeing Wright 'kissing and making out' with the student on April 21 in at least two locations including the parking lot of Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando Officials at Lewisburg High, a public school often recognized for its academic performance, have not commented publicly on the case, other than to confirm Wright's resignation in April She is scheduled to appear in court on June 6. Wright was widely known throughout the school community and would often take part at school functions including those organized by the PTA. The arrest has sent shockwaves through DeSoto County, one of Mississippi's fastest-growing and most affluent regions. Officials at Lewisburg High, a public school often recognized for its academic performance, have not commented publicly on the case, other than to confirm Wright's resignation in April. AFP officers arrested him earlier in the year A man has faced court after allegedly touching a woman on her leg and putting his hands in her food while on a flight. The 41-year-old allegedly placed his hand on the inner thigh of a female passenger several times on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast on February 4. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also alleged he stuck his hands in her food. Officers arrested the man at Gold Coast Airport upon arrival. They charged him with a single count of an act of indecency. If found guilty, the man faces a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. He appeared before Southport Magistrates' Court on Monday. AFP Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said all travellers had the right to feel safe during their journey and should not be subjected to criminal behaviour. Police arrested the man at Gold Coast airport before charging him with indecent assault (stock image) 'When travelling through an airport and on a plane, people are bound by Australian law,' Det Supt Moller said. 'Where there is evidence someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action. 'This incident should serve as a reminder to the community that authorities will not tolerate indecent behaviour at our airports or on aircraft.' Key report has finally been received by court Fate of alleged killer cop hangs in the balance A former police officer accused of using his service weapon to murder a television presenter and his partner will face court more than a year after the pair disappeared. Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 29, is charged with two counts of murder after allegedly shooting dead TV presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, 29, in February 2024. He is accused of then bundling the couple's bodies in surfboard bags and dumping them at a rural property. The former cop has spent the past year in prison after the attack, which is believed to have been the result of a months-long campaign of 'predatory behaviour' targeting Mr Baird. Lamarre-Condon briefly dated the TV presenter before Baird began a relationship with Davies. The case returned to Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday after confidential discussions between prosecutors and the alleged killer's lawyer Alex Curnick in a case conference. Both sides agreed 'things are progressing,' magistrate Megan Greenwood was told. A forensic psychiatrist's report was also tendered after Lamarre-Condon was assessed in recent weeks. Former cop Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 29, has been charged with two counts of murder Luke Davies (left) and Jesse Baird died in February 2024 after last being seen at Baird's Paddington home in Sydney's east No pleas have been entered but the accused killer is expected to face the court at the next mention on June 17. Lamarre-Condon is facing two counts of domestic violence-related murder, and one count of break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. The men's remains were found by police at the fence line of a rural property in Bungonia, near Goulburn, in the NSW Southern Tablelands. Lamarre-Condon was sacked by the NSW Police Force in March 2024. He joined the force in 2019 and previously ran a celebrity blog, posing in photos with dozens of A-listers including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles. Lamarre-Condon is expected to appear via an audiovisual link on June 17. Joe Biden's White House physician faced mounting calls to testify under oath on Monday for giving the ailing president a clean bill of health just months before he was diagnosed with aggressive late-stage prostate cancer. Biden's startling revelation on Sunday that he was battling a severe form of cancer that metastasized to his bones sparked bipartisan well wishes and support. But just 24 hours later, knives were out as MAGA cynics demanded transparency over the 82-year-old former president's health. His long-term physician Kevin O'Connor repeatedly assured the American public during Biden's term that he was healthy and could have served another four years. Experts, however, have questioned why Biden's prostate cancer was not picked up earlier given the late stage prognosis. The discrepancy has sparked theories that Jill Biden, O'Connor and other political allies may have covered up the diagnosis. Trump on Monday explicitly said 'somebody is going to have to speak to his doctor... I think the doctor said he was just fine.' He added: 'It takes a long time to get to that situation... I'm surprised that it wasn't, you know, the public wasn't notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine, that's a long time.' Now, MAGA loyalists led by Fox News host Jesse Watters have set their sights on O'Connor, demanding he be subpoenaed and forced to answer questions on the record about Biden's health. 'He needs to be brought in, he needs to be subpoenaed, and he needs to answer some of these questions,' Watters said. Joe Biden's longtime physician Kevin O'Connor is facing mounting calls to testify under oath about the former president's health in the wake of his late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis Biden's startling revelation on Sunday that he is battling cancer which metastasized to his bones sparked bipartisan well wishes and support, but just 24 hours later, the knives are out within MAGA circles as cynics demand answers about his health 'Who knows if he even got tested. He was supposed to have had a full test a year ago, and they said there was no cancer detected. Well, we need to know exactly what tests they did.' Officially, Biden maintains that he sought further testing last week after noticing a small nodule on his prostate. Biden's illness is rated 9 on the prostate cancer 'Gleason scale', which means it is extremely aggressive, and at stage 4 (there is no stage 5 with this cancer) in general medical terms. Critics have pointed out that O'Connor has had unprecedented access to Biden and his medical records as his physician, and therefore was responsible for picking up on the cancer as it spread through the 82-year-old president's body. 'This guy was brought in from Delaware, and he was in business with the Biden family, and this was the oldest president in American history, probably the sickest sitting president of this century, and he never gave a press conference,' Watters said. On X, Republican representatives are being inundated with messages from MAGA supporters demanding they support the subpoena request made by Watters. Right-wing influencer Benny Johnson, who has amassed 3.7million followers on the social media platform, wrote: 'Subpoena him. Ask if he ever did a cancer screening. 'When he pleads the 5th that's all you need to know.' Fox News host Jesse Watters (left) and MAGA influencer Benny Johnson (right) have both called for O'Connor to be subpoenaed to answer questions about Biden's health Right-wing influencer Benny Johnson, who has amassed 3.7million followers on the social media platform, wrote: 'Subpoena him. Ask if he ever did a cancer screening' Biden's friendship with O'Connor dates back more than a decade, and he was closely involved with the family during Biden's son Beau's battle with brain cancer from 2013-2015 Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator Lindsey Graham are among high profile politicians now facing pressure from the public to take action against O'Connor. 'I will be calling both your offices shortly, to request that you subpoena Dr. Kevin OConnor immediately. Prostate Cancer does not metastasize in months - it takes years,' one MAGA supporter said in an X post addressing Graham. Another wrote: 'Its a great day to call your congressman and demand that they subpoena White House doctor Kevin OConnor for facilitating the greatest cover-up in American history.' Trump's original White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson, now a MAGA-aligned Republican representing Texas in Congress, also addressed the mounting concerns about O'Connor's role in the saga. 'Care at the White House should be second to none. Unbelievable this was missed. 'The truth is, his physician was more concerned about assisting with the political cover-up than providing world-class medical care.' Biden's relationship with O'Connor dates back more than a decade, and he was closely involved with Biden's son Beau as he battled, and ultimately succumbed to, brain cancer from 2013 to 2015. In February 2024, when Biden was the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, O'Connor insisted he was 'fit to serve' following a routine physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Trump on Monday explicitly said 'somebody is going to have to speak to his doctor... I think the doctor said he was just fine Dr O'Connor, pictured, gave Biden a clean bill of health last year and said there were 'no new concerns He first addressed Biden's health in 2019, when he first went head-to-head with Trump. At the time, O'Connor described Biden as 'a healthy, vigorous, 77-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.' By 2021, he once again lauded Biden as a 'healthy, vigorous 78-year-old man,' who is 'fit for duty' and 'fully executes all of his responsibilities without exemptions or accommodations.' He utilized similar language again in 2023, when he described Biden after his latest physical as 'a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.' Now, O'Connor's full medical assessments of Biden have been brought into disrepute. A string of medical experts lined up to express profound skepticism at team Biden's version of events. They insist that the highly experienced doctors attending to a US president, who was subject to a rigorous annual health check, of such advanced years would never have missed such a serious cancer. Several said they were convinced that Biden must have been ill with the disease which typically takes longer to progress than other cancers for years, and that he, his doctors and perhaps his closest family and aides therefore must have known about it. Dr Zeke Emanuel, a senior oncologist who was a member of Biden's Covid advisory board, said he was sure Biden 'did not develop [prostate cancer] in the last, 100, 200 days', adding: 'He probably had it at the start of his presidency, in 2021 I don't think there's any disagreement about that Biden's cognitive ability and overall general health came under immense scrutiny during his time in office 'He's had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading.' New York urologist and prostate-cancer specialist Dr David Shusterman said patients with Biden's advanced condition who came to see him typically 'hadn't had medical attention in ten years [and] presented to an emergency room with bone pain.' He added: 'The fact that we just find it at a Gleason 9 is pretty much unheard of in this day and age.' Fellow cancer expert Dr Stephen Quay was also dubious of the Biden camp's explanation, saying it would constitute medical 'malpractice' for Biden's doctors to have failed to test a serving or former US president periodically for signs of prostate cancer. Donald Trump Jr. shared Dr. Quay's comments and questioned 'How Dr. Jill Biden [missed] stage five metastatic cancer, or is this yet another coverup??' Initially upon hearing the news, Trump Jr. took to his Instagram story to wish the former president 'a speedy recovery.' But as night fell, he seemed to question how long Biden may have had the disease. TikTokker JD Sharp replied to Trump Jr.'s post by claiming the announcement of Biden's diagnosis on Sunday 'is an effort to push the fact that Biden was running the country as a vegetable under the rug.' 'Without question,' he wrote back. Donald Trump Jr. publicly questioned whether former First Lady Jill Biden covered up her husband's cancer Biden's illness is rated 9 on the prostate cancer 'Gleason scale', which means it is extremely aggressive, and at stage 4 (there is no stage 5 with this cancer) in general medical terms Biden has battled cancer before. In 1988, the former president had two brain aneurysms that threatened to end his political career. He also had a lesion removed from his chest in February 2023, and prior to entering office he had several non-melanoma skin cancer spots removed with Mohs surgery. Just as he has before, Biden's office on Sunday vowed to 'review treatment options with his physicians. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,' the statement read. A toddler has been airlifted to hospital after a dog mauled her face at a home in Queensland. Paramedics were called to a private property in Dysart, south of Mackay, just after 10.30am on Tuesday. A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said the young girl, who has not been identified, had 'significant lacerations' to her face. She was taken to Dysart Hospital in a stable condition before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed the patient remained stable. Isaac Regional Council launched an investigation into the dog attack, with council officers in attendance at the scene. 'Council takes these matters seriously,' the council said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'As part of the investigation, the animal involved will be seized and held in Councils care pending the outcome of our inquiries. Queensland Ambulance was called to a home in the rural town of Dysart on Tuesday 'Council extends its thoughts to those affected.' The council issued a severe warning for all dog owners about their responsibility to ensure animals are properly contained They must also ensure the animal does not pose a risk to the community including to themselves and their children. A damning new report has thrown cold water on President Donald Trump's repeated claims that Qatari officials have offered him their $400 million jumbo jet as a 'gift' to replace aging Air Force One planes. Trump has boasted on his Truth Social page that the private Boeing 747 is a 'GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE,' and it would be a temporary replacement for Air Force One. Afterward, it would be donated to his presidential library. Leaders on both sides of the aisle have criticized the president over the supposed gift - urging him to be wary of accepting a 'bribe.' But CNN now reports that the Trump administration had actually first reached out to Qatari officials about the jet they had been trying to sell since at least 2020. The network claims that Boeing had informed the Trump administration shortly after he took office in January that the company would not be able to deliver replacement parts for the aging presidential jets until 2027. At that point, the White House Military Office - which oversees presidential travel - worked with Boeing and the Department of Defense to compile a list of every late model 747 on the market with a business-jet layout, which could easily be retrofitted into a presidential plane. However, only eight planes in the world fit the bill - including the flashy double decker Qatari jet, according to the New York Times. It wound up greatly appealing to President Trump, with its brochure boasting 'soft fabrics of the highest quality' in the bedroom along with 'luxurious leather and exquisite wood veneers' and a 'lavishly designed bathroom' that is 'almost a piece of art.' President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Qatari officials have offered him their $400 million jumbo jet as a 'gift' to replace aging Air Force One planes Qatari officials had been trying to sell the double-decker luxury jet since 2020 At that point, Trump ordered Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to begin negotiations with Qatari officials with whom he was intimately familiar after the country's sovereign wealth fund bailed him out of a failed real estate deal in New York City in 2023. By mid-February, the Times reports, Qatar agreed to send the jet to Florida while Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago resort so he could see it first hand. He was apparently taken away with the jet that features a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, two full bathrooms with showers, nine smaller lavatories, five small kitchens, and a private office. It also comes with oversized couches and recliners, wood paneling, and more than 40 televisions, including 10 big-screen TVs. But with all of the features, aerospace engineer Marc Foulkrod said there would be a limited number of prospective buyers. The major airlines would not be interested in purchasing the plane because it was not configured for commercial use, he explained. The plane also has four engines and is expensive to maintain and operate. Getting parts over time will also become more difficult as the model is no longer manufactured. But, Foulkrod said, 'You might find that one-off guy that has a super ego that wants to buy one and ride around in it.' Trump reportedly ordered Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to begin negotiations with Qatari officials Qatari officials reportedly believed said they were selling the jet The major airlines would not be interested in purchasing the plane because it was not configured for commercial use and it is expensive to maintain It now appears the Qatari officials found that 'guy' with Trump, who the Times reports was left marveling at what he had seen as he was forced to fly back to Washington DC on one of the existing Air Force One 747s. From there, negotiations with Qatari officials ramped up. Yet the initial discussions centered around the possibility of leasing the plane rather than buying it. It is now unclear when the conversations shifted from buying the luxury jet to accept a government-to-government gift. One senior White House official claimed that Qatar first raised the option of offing the jet as a potential gift - or at least that Qatari officials were 'agreeable' to the idea of a no-charge, government-to-government transfer when it came up. A second official claimed Witkoff had always believed the transaction would be a donation, while a third claimed Qatari officials volunteered the idea of a donation. Ultimately, White House officials said they came to the conclusion that a donation would be simpler and quicker than a sale. Trump has hit out at his detractors who urged him to be wary of a 'bribe' But Qatari officials reportedly believed they were selling the jet, with one official telling the Times that no decision has been made yet about transferring the plane to the United States and that legal Qatar's Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense are still reviewing the legal terms. 'This is a very simple government-to-government dealing when Ministry of Defense and Department of Defense are still exchanging the possibility of transferring one of our 747-8 to be used as Air Force One and it's still under legal review,' Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told CNN. 'At the end of the day, if there is something that the US [needs] and it's completely legal and we can, we are able to help and to support the US, then we are not shying away.' He added that 'of course the offer would be withdrawn if the transaction were deemed illegal.' Meanwhile, the White House has doubled down on its assertion that it is getting the new plane for free from Qatar. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the plane is a 'donation to our country,' adding that the government and the royal family 'has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where the donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations.' But the news of the gifted plane sent politicians worrying about its legal and ethical consequences. 'The Constitution in Article II talks about how the president cant take emoluments or gifts from foreign leaders,' Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said on Fox News. 'Were not talking about a ride on the plane; were talking about the entire $400 million plane. I think its not worth the appearance of impropriety.' The double decker airliner features a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, two full bathrooms with showers, nine smaller lavatories, five small kitchens, and a private office It also comes with oversized couches and recliners, wood paneling, and more than 40 televisions, including 10 big-screen TVs The Constitution states that no president should accept 'any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever,' without 'the consent of the Congress.' Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., also told reporters: 'It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America.' Trump's home state senator, Florida Republican Rick Scott, was more blunt in his assessment. 'Im not flying on a Qatari plane,' Scott said. 'They support Hamas. I dont know how you make it safe.' But Trump has since hit out at his detractors as he expressed his concern that his 2018 order for new planes to replace the aging fleet has been continuously delayed by Boeing. 'So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a gift, free of charge, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, top dollar, for the plane,' the president posted online. 'Anybody can do that! The Dems are world class losers!' Trump sneered. Britain, France and Canada have threatened Israel with sanctions unless it relents on plans to expand military operations in the beleaguered Gaza Strip. A joint statement from the leaders of the three countries cited the 'intolerable' level of human suffering and 'denial of essential humanitarian assistance' in a stark warning. An 11-week blockade on food, fuel, water and medicine has pushed the decimated civilian population of Gaza to the brink of famine, experts continue to warn. The leaders on Monday issued their most direct warning so far after Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to take control of the entire Gaza Strip. 'We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,' the statement read. 'If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.' 'We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,' the statement continued, while reiterating calls for Hamas to release the remaining hostages held in Gaza since October 2023. Hamas welcomed the joint statement describing the stance as 'an important step' in the right direction toward restoring the principles of international law. But Netanyahu, who allowed 'basic' food into Gaza for 'diplomatic reasons' on Monday, gave a furious response in a statement released by his office. 'By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,' he said, referring to the Hamas attacks in 2023 that set off the war. Smoke billows above buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on May 19, 2025 Israeli forces move along the border with Gaza, in southern Israel, on Monday, pending the opening of a new major offensive. Israel's allies continue to denounce the proposals Palestinians displaced from their homes light a fire during a power outage, on May 19, 2025 The joint statement from Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney decried the ongoing 'suffering' in Gaza as 'intolerable' and urged Israel to engage with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. 'We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,' it continued. In an unambiguous warning, the leaders added: 'If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.' 'We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.' Israel has maintained a presence in Gaza since the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023, which saw gunmen storm into southern Israel and kill some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seize 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent ground and air war has left Gaza in ruin, displacing nearly all its residents and killing more than 53,000 people, many of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Last year, Israel also approved the largest West Bank land seizure in three decades, Israeli rights group Peace Now warned. The West Bank, home to many Palestinians, is administered by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas. Britain did issue sanctions targeting illegal outposts and organisations supporting extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank in October 2024. Rallying against the backlash on Monday, Netanyahu said that 'all European leaders' should follow the example of U.S. president Donald Trump in supporting Israel. White House envoy Steve Witkoff has, in recent days, offered Israel and Hamas an updated proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal after the last fragile agreement broke down. But the U.S. has stopped short of urging Israel to wind down its operations. Officials say Witkoff has told other mediators that Washington does not plan to force Israel to end the war. Displaced Palestinians leave with their belongings following an evacuation order issued by the Israeli army from the northern Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, on Monday, May 19 Trucks load with humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip are seen at the Kerem Shalom Crossing in southern Israel, Tuesday May 20, 2025 A man looks on at burned vehicles in the Barkan Industrial area, near Salfit in the occupied West Bank, on May 16, 2025, after more than 17 Palestinian workers' cars were reportedly set on fire by Israeli settlers the night before With pressure from Europe mounting, Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel's allies 'can't accept hunger images' in his decision to resume 'basic and limited' aid into Gaza after nearly three months. But the rare concession came against the decision to press on with a planned major offensive in the Gaza Strip, codenamed 'Gideon's Chariots'. Earlier this month, it emerged Israel was planning to displace the entire population of Gaza, ostensibly unless a deal with Hamas could be reached within days. But with Netanyahu ruling out proposals that would end the war entirely, Hamas conceded there was 'no sense' in pursuing truce talks. Mediators have been holding 'urgent meetings' in Qatar to avoid the major offensive. The plan includes measures to flatten 'all infrastructure' above and below ground and move virtually 2.3 million people to what Israel has termed a 'humanitarian area'. For its part, the military claims to be 'increasing the pressure' in an attempt to return hostages held in Gaza since Hamas' October 2023 incursion into southern Israel. But the proposals have been met with almost unanimous condemnation, and warnings from allies that Israel is 'in violation of humanitarian law'. Satellite photos show buildings and roads in central Gaza before Israel's invasion of the enclave (top) on October 6, 2023 and after (bottom), on August 20, 2024 An internally displaced Palestinian girl carries pots to her family shelter after receiving food from a charity kitchen, in Jabalia, May 2, 2025 Earlier this month, Dr Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor of Defence Studies at King's College, told MailOnline: 'In the process of creating ever more corridors of military control cleansed from civilians, Israel will advance the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the north to the south of the territory an objective that will require high troop levels. 'The IDF will advance this agenda gradually by clearing and holding territory small slices at a time until the remaining 2 million Gazans will be crammed into a much smaller territory in the south of the Gaza Strip. 'This will unlikely deliver on the objective of freeing the hostages, which has long been abandoned by the Netanyahu government as the primary objective. 'The collapse of the ceasefire in March, which provided an effective way to release hostages, showed that Netanyahu is preoccupied with delivering on the agenda of seizing territory rather than getting the hostages back.' Israel says it won't agree to end the war until Hamas is defeated. Hamas, meanwhile, has demanded an agreement that winds down the war. Australian author and feminist Clementine Ford has publicly expressed her wish for Joe Biden to suffer a 'very painful demise.' In the third installment of her Substack series Dear Clementine, Ford responded to news of the former US President's shock cancer diagnosis. On Monday, it was announced that the 82-year-old had been diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer. Ford reacted to the sad news with apparent satisfaction while acknowledging her own personal connection to the disease. 'Honestly, it couldn't have happened to a more deserving person,' she wrote. 'And I say that as someone with personal experience of losing a loved one to cancer.' Ford went on to link Biden's diagnosis with his administration's staunch support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, holding him responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. 'As the US president, Biden was responsible for funding 12 months of bombs, weaponry, and allyship to Israel,' she continued. 'His administration lied about their efforts to 'secure a ceasefire,' and instead continued to facilitate Israel's decades-long operation to annihilate the Palestinian people and steal their land.' Clementine Ford (pictured) wrote that she wished Joe Biden a 'very painful demise' She also condemned those expressing sympathy for Biden following his diagnosis. 'The blood of tens of thousands of children alone is on his hands, and to see people now expressing sympathy and goodwill towards him is disgraceful,' she said. Ford also didn't hold back in her criticism of former U.S. President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017. 'F*** you too, Obama,' she wrote. She finished her remarks with a final wish of a 'very painful demise' for Biden. 'I hope he's haunted in his final days by the gravity of his crimes,' she ended the rant. Ford issued a blunt response when contacted by Daily Mail Australia for further comment on Tuesday night. 'I believe I said it in the post. Can't you read?' she wrote. President Joe Biden (pictured) made public his cancer diagnosis on Monday Ford took to her Instagram Stories shortly afterwards to double down on her comments. 'And Id f***ing say it again. Joe Biden deserves to die slowly and painfully and with the screams of the Palestinian children hes helped slaughter ringing in his ears,' she wrote. 'The only downside to his cancer diagnosis is that he might not live to be tried as the war criminal he is. I hope when he goes, its with fear for whats coming next.' Ford is no stranger to controversy, and recently made headlines over a public feud with podcast host and media personality Abbie Chatfield. The dispute began after Ford accused Chatfield of profiting from the 'performance of being politically engaged.' Ford also made headlines following her appearance on Piers Morgan's online show Piers Morgan Uncensored, where a heated panel debate erupted over her definition of what it means to be a woman. She has faced multiple controversies in the past for her provocative commentary. In one instance, she issued an apology after writing, 'Covid-19 is not killing men fast enough,' a remark that sparked widespread criticism. Ford is no stranger to controversy, having previously made headlines for her public feud with podcast host and media personality Abbie Chatfield (pictured) Back in 2018, Ford drew significant backlash for a tweet that read, 'All men must die.' The comment led to public outrage and prompted calls to boycott her appearances at speaking events. Ford shot to prominence with the publication of her 2016 book 'Fight Like a Girl' published by Allen & Unwin. Following the publication of her second book: 'Boys Will Be Boys: Power, Patriarchy and Toxic Masculinity' in 2018, she resigned from the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, claiming she had faced internal backlash after calling then Prime Minister Scott Morrison a 'f***-ing disgrace'. Donald Trump heralded 'impressive' prospects for ties with Russia after his two-hour call with Vladimir Putin on Monday. The U.S. leader was upbeat in his summary of the call, saying it went 'very well', while the Kremlin stressed the warm nature of the conversation. The pair addressed each other by their first names and Putin congratulated Trump on the birth of his grandson, Kremlin foreign aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters. Trump said: 'Vladimir, you can pick up the phone at any time, I will be happy to answer, I will be happy to talk to you,' Ushakov said. But despite the cordiality, neither side came away from the call with a clear timeline for a Ukraine ceasefire - though Trump said talks would begin 'immediately'. Trump said that Russia and Ukraine would negotiate directly between themselves since they 'know the details', suggesting Pope Leo XIV could host the talks. The new pontiff did offer up the Vatican as a venue for peace talks after the first direct talks in Istanbul appeared to break down after just an hour and a half. Putin said after the call that Russia would work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a peace accord, and that Russia and the U.S. were separately working on a new prisoner swap. Donald Trump, pictured in Washington on Monday, spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin for the first time since February on Monday Putin said after the call that Russia would work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord A Ukrainian serviceman fires a CAESAR self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on a front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine, April 18 Trump wrote on his Truth Social site Monday that he completed a 'two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.' 'I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,' he went on. 'The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent.' Trump said that Russia wants to do 'largescale trade with the United States' after the fighting, which he called a 'bloodbath,' ends. 'There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is unlimited,' he continued. He suggested that Ukraine could also be a 'beneficiary' as it seeks to rebuild its war-ravaged country, a possible reference to the recent minerals deal inked between Washington and Kyiv. 'Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,' he claimed. Firefighters extinguish a fire at a business damaged by Russian drone attack on May 15, 2025 in Velyka Chernechchyna Firefighters extinguish a blaze after a Russian drone strike on May 3, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine A Pokemon toy is seen on debris of a house heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Ukraine May 18, 2025 On the Russian side, Ushakov told reporters that the two leaders had not discussed a timeline for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but that Trump had stressed his interest in reaching agreements quickly. 'The presidents also spoke in some detail about the future of our relations, and President Trump, I can say, spoke quite emotionally about the prospects for these relations,' Ushakov said. 'He specifically emphasized that the prospects for bilateral relations after the Ukrainian conflict is resolved look impressive, and that as the president of the United States, he sees Russia as one of America's most important partners in trade and economic matters.' Ushakov said the two countries were working out details of an exchange of prisoners jailed in Russia and the United States involving nine people on each side, although he did not say when it might take place. Trump and Putin are both in favour of meeting in person and will assign their teams to work on preparing a meeting, Ushakov said, but no venue has been agreed. Asked if the lifting of U.S. sanctions had been discussed, Ushakov said: 'You know, Trump mentioned that the Senate, in principle, has a bill ready regarding new sanctions. But he himself is not a supporter of sanctions, but rather of reaching some agreements.' Putin in his own remarks called the phone call 'very meaningful' and 'very, very informative and helpful.' Pope Leo XIV takes the Inauguration Mass in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican Tankers of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade training at a training ground in Donetsk region, Ukraine on April 28, 2025 The call was the first time Trump and Putin are believed to have spoken since February. 'The conversation is important given the talks that took place in Istanbul,' said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Tass news agency reported. 'It is preferable to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means, of course,' Peskov said. Trump said during the campaign that he would easily end the conflict 'quickly' and that it would take him 'no longer than one day.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dodged when asked Monday morning for specifics in advance of Trump's call and whether Trump would push Putin to accept a ceasefire. 'The president has made it clear his goal is to see a ceasefire and to see this conflict come to an end. And he's grown weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict,' Leavitt said. 'The President and his team have put an enormous amount of effort in solving this very complicated war,' she added. Leavitt wouldn't answer when asked if Trump thinks Putin is the 'good guy' or the 'bad guy' in the conflict. 'I'll let the president speak on that conversation later,' she said. Fishermen sailing off the eastern Russian coast were shocked to discover the preserved corpse of a tiger floating in the sea. Disturbing footage taken from the boat in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Vladivostok on Sunday shows the rare adult Amur tiger floating past their vessel. The big cat showed no signs of injury, but the baffling find has prompted the city prosecutor's office to launch an investigation into the mysterious discovery. Police confirmed that the dead animal was an Amur, or Siberian, tiger, a critically endangered species that typically inhabits the forests of Russia's Far East. City prosecutors said: 'All circumstances of the incident, including the reasons for the animal's death, will be established.' The regional hunting supervision service said they are trying to verify the sighting and locate the tiger's body to find out how it died. A spokesperson said: 'Specialists are carrying out urgent measures to search for and recover the predator's body from the water.' The clip of the floating tiger was shared on social media platform Telegram and has gone viral. Fishermen sailing off the eastern Russian coast were shocked to discover the preserved corpse of a tiger floating in the sea The disturbing discovery was made in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Vladivostok on Sunday Police are currently investigating where the big cat came from and why it ended up floating in the water There is currently a population of 750 Amur tigers in Russia, according to Nature.com. The mysterious find comes five years after a beheaded tiger was discovered among several other animal corpses during a wildlife trafficking raid at a private zoo in Thailand. Thai wildlife officials made the shocking discovery at the Mukda Tiger Park and Farm in the northeastern province of Mukdahan in December 2020. They found a severed tiger head and other tiger carcasses, including body parts, in a crackdown on suspected wildlife trafficking. Five live tiger cubs suspected of being illegally smuggled into the zoo were also seized during the raid. The five tigers had been declared as having been born at the facility, but DNA tests showed that three of them - one female and two males - were not related to any tigers in the park, suggesting they had been smuggled in, officials said. Authorities removed the two other tigers for further forensics testing and are currently investigating the discovery of the tiger's head at the zoo. The results of DNA tests on a further 20 tigers, including two cubs, will be released in December, according to the Bangkok Post. A Romanian man arrested at Luton Airport was today charged in relation to three alleged arson attacks on properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer. Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who lives in Romford, east London, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning. He is accused of conspiring with Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych and was today charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires. Carpiuc was detained at Luton Airport on Saturday. Officers from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation and he is the second suspect to be charged. A third man remains in custody after his arrest in Chelsea yesterday. A Toyota alight outside Sir Keir Starmer's London home. A second man has been charged in relation to three alleged arson attacks on properties and a car linked to the PM Two of the fires took place in Kentish Town, one on May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister. A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier. The third fire was on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. Carpiuc will appear in court later today. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, from Sydenham in south London, was in court on Friday. A 34-year-old was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody. Fire damage is seen at a property formerly owned by the PM in Islington, north London Keir Starmer attends a press conference during the UK-EU summit in London yesterday Roman Lavrynovych bought fuel from B&Q days before carrying out three attacks, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard on Friday, He is accused of setting the Prime Ministers 2million north London property alight in the early hours of Monday after torching a car and another property he had previously owned. Westminster Magistrates Court heard that the defendant, who works in construction as a roofer, had gone shopping in the DIY store for accelerant material on May 6 and 8. Shortly after, he allegedly set alight a car previously owned by the Prime Minister which was parked outside Sir Keirs family home. Four days later on May 12, Lavrynovych is said to have travelled on public transport to the Prime Ministers private family home, which is currently rented out to his sister-in-law while he lives at Downing Street. Around 1am a blaze was started damaging the porch of the property, but the occupants were unharmed after firefighters stopped the flames spreading. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said the allegation was that the labourer used a slow burning accelerant to also set fire to a flat in Islington which the Labour leader used to own in the 1990s, damaging a front door. Detectives have not been able to establish any motive for the attacks, with Ms Przybylska saying: At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained. The defendant showed no emotion as the three charges of arson with intent to endanger life were read out. He spoke only to confirm his name and address. No formal pleas were entered to the three charges, but the court was told that the defendant denies all the charges. Lavrynovych was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing at the Old Bailey on June 6. This is the harrowing moment a careless driver ploughed into the side of a car driven by a father-of-two on his way to work. Gareth Davies, 43, was killed in the crash in Merthyr Tydfil when Dale Groves, 30, attempted an overtaking manoeuvre at a junction. Mr Groves' white Ford Ka collided into the side of Mr Davies' black Renault Clio near the Biffa Waste Management in Trecatti on April 13, 2023. The 43-year-old's partner, Sharon Griffiths, rushed to the scene moments later where he told her 'I can't babe, I'm sorry', as she tried to comfort him at the scene. She was later joined by their sons at the side of the road as they were told 'the worst news imaginable' - that her partner and the father of her children had been killed. Sharon told Cardiff Crown Court how she and her sons 'collapsed into each other in shock' after they rushed to the scene of the accident, where he lay dying. In the short time leading up to the crash, a convoy of three vehicles formed travelling along the road comprising a large oil tank lorry at the front followed by Mr Davies' Renault in the middle and Groves' Ford at the back. The oil tanker can be seen passing in the CCTV footage moments before the crash happened. Gareth Davies, 43, was killed in the crash in Merthyr Tydfil when Dale Groves, 30, (pictured) attempted an overtaking manoeuvre at a junction Mr Groves' white Ford Ka collided into the side of Mr Davies' black Renault Clio near the Biffa Waste Management in Trecatti on April 13, 2023 Gwent Police have released the footage with the permission of Mr Davies' family in a bid to remind motorists that 'careless driving ruins lives' The tanker was driven by professional driver Jamie Cummings at around 25mph. Although Mr Cummings could not see Mr Davies' car in his mirrors, due to his blind spot, it was heard that he could see Groves' car 'attempting to overtake him a number of times'. Gwent Police have released the footage with the permission of Mr Davies' family in a bid to remind motorists that 'careless driving ruins lives'. Following the incident Groves called 999 on three occasions in an attempt to get help. On one occasion he told the court how Groves was told there could be a wait of 'over three hours'. He said a fire engine was the first responder at the scene with paramedics arriving from 6.41am. Mr Davies was pronounced dead at 7.25am. Dale Groves, of Alfred Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving, and was acquitted of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. During his sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, a heartrending statement from Mr Davies' partner Sharon Griffiths was read out in which she spoke of her devastating loss. She said: 'I first found out Gareth had been in an accident when one of his colleagues contacted me that day. He stopped at the scene of the crash and stayed by his side. Gareth was conscious and able to communicate. Groves was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for five years. (Pictured: Cardiff Crown Court) 'I left and rushed to the scene and was shocked by the sheer volume of emergency vehicles. Gareth was very distressed and was clearly in a lot of pain. 'I called out to him to let him know I was there to reassure and comfort him and get him to calm down so the firefighter could help him, but he said: "I can't babe, I'm sorry". 'He became quiet and lost consciousness. The firefighters performed CPR on him and started shouting where the ambulance was. 'Some time passed and the ambulance arrived and Gareth was worked on continuously. Things were getting frantic and the air ambulance and both my sons arrived within seconds of each other. It felt like hours but it was probably minutes. 'I was approached by two people, a doctor and a police officer who told us the worst news imaginable. There was nothing else that could be done and Gareth had passed away. We collapsed into each other in shock, trying to keep each other standing up. 'Gareth was put into the back of an ambulance and we were allowed to spend time with him before he was transported to the hospital mortuary. A feeling of numbness and a false sense of reality followed in the weeks. 'We had to wait for the post mortem and felt helpless, we had no sense of purpose. There was no way to move forward as if everything had stopped.' Ms Griffiths said it took a year before they found Groves was going to be prosecuted and it felt like they had been left without answers. She described the trial as 'heartbreaking' after coming face to face with the defendant. She added: 'The driver used the phrase "massive mistake'". His massive mistake has destroyed our family. Our lives are unrecognisable to what they were. Gareth's life was taken and ours were ruined.' Groves was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for five years. A British graduate was left seriously ill and hospitalised with a parasitic infection after taking a dip in a picturesque Fijian waterfall during a once-in-a-lifetime volunteering trip. Isabelle Lythgow, 23, had travelled to the remote village of Nairukuruku in Fiji as part of a six-week placement but her tropical adventure soon turned into a nightmare when she fell violently ill just hours after swimming with locals. The Salford University graduate, who now works as a mental health nurse, said she began experiencing dizziness, lower back pain and tingling limbs after attending a village bonfire that evening. Isabelle who suffers from a severe phobia of vomiting was then sick every 30 minutes throughout the night, with the symptoms lasting for over 12 hours. When she finally made it to hospital by taxi, medics immediately hooked her up to an IV drip and told her she should have come in much earlier. Doctors later confirmed she had most likely picked up a waterborne parasite a common infection among tourists and volunteers in the area. Despite the 'traumatic' ordeal in August 2023 and struggling for months to regain the weight she lost, Isabelle says it hasn't put her off travelling to unusual destinations. Isabelle Lythgow, 23, had travelled to the remote village of Nairukuruku in Fiji as part of a six-week placement Isabelle who suffers from a severe phobia of vomiting was then sick every 30 minutes throughout the night, with the symptoms lasting for over 12 hours She began experiencing dizziness, lower back pain and tingling limbs after attending a village bonfire that evening Isabelle, from Bury, Greater Manchester, said: 'I'm absolutely terrified of being sick, I have emetophobia. It was my biggest fear before going. 'I warned everyone that if it happens, it won't be an easy thing for me, it will be traumatic. That night we went to a bonfire and I felt a little bit off but I didn't think much of it. 'I went to bed, woke up in the middle of the night feeling really sick and then from then on it was every 30 minutes. 'If I wasn't lying flat on my back it would be longer but if I was standing up it was on the dot, every 30 minutes for maybe 12 hours. 'I couldn't even keep water down, I had to take the tiniest sips of water. 'It was really bad, we were in the middle of nowhere so it's quite difficult to get a taxi to the hospital. I was really dizzy I would get really tingly limbs 'I ended up getting a taxi and had to stop the car twice to be sick. I got to the hospital and I got seen straight away and was put on an IV. 'The doctor asked me why I didn't come sooner but I wanted to enjoy my trip.. The doctor said they see this quite a lot with people from other countries and volunteers. 'I was panicking because it was really traumatic. I purposely avoided the water, I used a water bottle and brushed my teeth with bottled water so I was really careful.' Doctors later confirmed she had most likely picked up a waterborne parasite a common infection among tourists and volunteers in the area When she finally made it to hospital by taxi, medics immediately hooked her up to an IV drip and told her she should have come in much earlier Despite the 'traumatic' ordeal in August 2023 and struggling for months to regain the weight she lost, Isabelle says it hasn't put her off travelling to unusual destinations Isabelle said she was discharged after four hours of IV and was told to only drink bottled water. The volunteer said her stomach had shrunk and it took a while for her to gain back the weight and muscle she had lost, while she was 'anxious' for the remaining days of her trip. Despite being hospitalised, Isabelle said she would do it all over again and advises other travellers to not be scared to try new experiences. Isabelle said: 'My stomach had shrunk and it took a long time for me to get my muscles back, I lost so much weight. 'I was really panicked and anxious for the next couple of days but I got through it anyway. 'I'm not scared, I absolutely love waterfalls, I don't think it will ever stop me from having these experiences. 'But you genuinely can't put a price on life experiences and travel. I would never say don't do something out of fear of getting poorly, you can get poorly anytime. 'Life is too short and if you're worrying about that you would never experience new things. I would do it over again a million times.' A London-based scientist who was found dismembered in Colombia is feared to have been lured to his violent death through the gay dating app Grindr. The body of 38-year-old Alessandro Coatti, an Italian scientist working in London, was found across several different locations in the coastal city of Santa Marta on April 6, two days after he was reported missing. His torso was found miles away from his dismembered legs, head, hands and feet. Cops had wildly varying theories as to how the scientist, who previously worked at the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) for eight years as a senior policy officer, was murdered, ranging from a case of mistaken identity between battling cartels to a kidnapping at the hands of organ traffickers. But now cops believe that Coatti, who was in the region as a tourist, was the victim of a gang that targeted foreigners looking for dates abroad. Sources told a Colombian newspaper that he may have been lured to an abandoned house in the San Jose del Pando neighbourhood of Santa Marta after messaging someone over the dating app. Sources added that the gang planned to drug him with scopolamine, better known as Devil's Breath. While the drug can help alleviate motion sickness in small doses, it can disorient and knock people out in larger doses. The remains of Alessandro Coatti (pictured), 42, were found across Santa Marta, a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast Alessandro Coattis head, hands and feet were found in a black suitcase while other parts were discovered wrapped in a bin bag floating in a river (Pictured: police investigating) Your browser does not support iframes. There is even the risk of paralysis if not administered with the correct dose. Cops have reportedly identified at least four people, including a woman, believed to have been involved in the scheme. Mr Coatti's head, hands and feet were found in a suitcase near the Sierra Nevada stadium on April 6, two days after he was last seen leaving his hotel by the coast. His torso and other body parts were then found near the Minuto de Dios bridge a day later, before his legs were found in a coffee sack near the stadium on Tuesday. Mr Coatti, originally from Longastrino, Ravenna, was visiting the country in the hopes of one day moving there. His uncle, Giovanni Coatti, previously said of his nephew: 'He wanted to go and live in South America so he went for a trip to see; he was supposed to be back next week.' The molecular biologist had left the Royal Society of Biology in 2024 to volunteer in Ecuador and travel to South America. While in Colombia, he had asked about the local area, showing interest in learning about the local fauna and vegetation, Agenzia Nova reports. Investigators believe he had taken the evening of April 4 to go to a local club before vanishing. Coatti (left) was among Royal Society of Biology representatives who appeared before Parliament in June 2022 Police at the scene where Coatti's body was found Coatti, who worked for the Royal Society of Biology, left London at the end of 2024 to volunteer in Ecuador and travel in South America The mayor of Santa Marta (pictured), Carlos Pinedo Cuello, said authorities had offered a reward of nearly 9,000 for information that leads to the capture of those responsible They are still working to understand whether or not he ever arrived, scouring CCTV and phone records. According to his uncle, he would not have been an obvious target for thieves. 'He never had much money in his pockets, or a watch or other precious objects,' he said. 'All he had was a new mobile phone to take pictures but even that was a cheap one.' A parallel investigation has also been opened in Italy and his parents have handed over devices containing his last messages. Local human rights activist Norma Vera Salazar said there have been 13 similar murders in the region in the last year. This is the first time the victim is a foreign tourist. The country, long riddled with paramilitary violence and cartel feuds, remains dangerous for tourists, and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Colombia-Venezuela border and northern Colombia. Salazar warned of a 'pattern' in recent murders where people have been found dismembered and 'stuffed into garbage bags or coffee sacks and abandoned'. 'These types of homicides are used by vigilante groups to send warning messages, instill fear, and mark their territory.' 'Usually this is a way to send a message,' Victor Polo, a journalist for Santa Marta's Caracol Radio, echoed. Female prison guards are having to strip search the top half of transgender inmates before male colleagues check their lower region, MailOnline has learned. In a bizarre procedural ruling, jail guards are doubling up when searching transgender inmates who leave prison for hospital appointments or court appearances. Trans criminals caged at HMP Dovegate have reported two female guards are used to check the top half of their bodies while two male colleagues check below the belt. The inmates subjected to the searches say they feel 'humiliated and violated' by the additional checks by male officers, which leaves their confidence 'shattered'. However, women's rights campaigners have this morning lashed out and accused the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of breaching the 'human rights' of female officers. Kellie-Jay Keen, a gender-critical activist, insisted the Government should not 'be spending any resources on 'facilitating humiliated' trans prisoners behind bars. Speaking to MailOnline, she added: 'I don't think those female officers should be subjected to searching them at all and I wonder if it infringes on the human rights of female prison officers and whether their employer is breaking the law.' News of the searches was revealed in prison magazine Inside Times by an inmate at Dovegate - a category B male facility in Staffordshire, which houses 1,160 prisoners. Trans criminals caged at HMP Dovegate (pictured) have hit out over claims about searches Trans prisoners claim they have been left feeling 'humiliated' by their treatment (file image) Prisoners at the cushy lock-up benefit from in-cell yoga and chess, a choir, and plots to grow vegetables and flowers. The jail, which boasts of having the UKs only privately run purpose-built therapeutic facility, has also been ridiculed in the past for using 'therapy ducks' to help reform criminals. Writing in their letter to Inside Times about their alleged treatment, the trans inmate said: 'The policy is that when either entering or leaving the prison for court, hospital appointments, etc, we have the top half of our body searched by two female officers, who will then leave us to get dressed. Then two male officers search the bottom half of our body. 'I have been subjected to these undignified and downright humiliating searches countless times. The negative impact that they have on my mental health is incredible. 'I feel humiliated, violated, and my confidence is shattered each time. Most, if not all, transgender people are self-conscious about their bodies, so forcing us to reveal our post- or mid-transition bodies is both inhumane and traumatic. 'Many trans people in and out of prison may feel the same as I do about these searches, so lets do something about it.' The inmate has demanded that trans prisoners should instead be searched using an X-ray scanner, and said they have written to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. 'An X-ray machine is arguably more thorough than a strip-search anyway and makes the process less traumatic for transgender women in prison,' they said, adding: 'This would save us the distress of having to strip naked from the waist down in front of two male officers.' Kellie-Jay Keen (pictured), a gender-critical activist, insisted the Government should not 'be spending any resources' on 'facilitating humiliated' trans prisoners behind bars The prison is run by government security contractor, Serco. Insiders have claimed transgender and searching policies are both national issues and not set by Serco. 'The body scanner is an additional search method and does not replace the search of prisoners,' an HMP Dovegate source added. 'Staff at HMP Dovegate recognise the sensitivity of the situation while being aware of the security considerations and as per the policy, the prisoner is informed of the need for the search and is involved in the decision making process as to the sex of the officers completing the search.' Justice sources said checks at the jail are carried out in accordance with the national 'searching policy framework' and the 'care and management of individuals who are transgender policy framework'. MailOnline understands these policies are being reviewed following a Supreme Court ruling last month about transgender people. In a landmark legal decision that could have far-reaching consequences, the UK's most senior judges ruled the definition of a woman is based on biological sex. MailOnline approached the MoJ for comment. Sir Keir Starmer last night warned his restless backbenchers that Reform is now their main rival for power and they have a 'moral responsibility' to keep Nigel Farage out of No10. The Prime Minister lashed out at the Reform leader as 'a state-slashing, NHS-privatising Putin apologist' as faced the Parliamentary Labour Party. A a major chunk of it is threatening to rebel over plans to cut benefits that will be put to a vote in June. There is also simmering disquiet over his hardline immigration speech last week in which he said that Britain risks becoming 'an island of strangers'. Labour has been rocked by the defeat to Reform in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election at the start of the month. Mr Farage's party also picking up sizeable votes in local elections in supposedly solid Labour heartlands. But addressing his MPs in the Commons after agreeing his new EU deal the PM set clear dividing lines with Reform. 'The Conservatives are not our principal opponent. Reform are our main rivals for power,' he told them. The Prime Minister lashed out at the Reform leader as 'a state-slashing, NHS-privatising Putin apologist' as faced the Parliamentary Labour Party. Mr Farage with Donald Trump Jnr last week at an event marking the 250th anniversary of posh gunsmith John Rigby and Co at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. 'We have a moral responsibility to make sure Farage never wins. 'We have to be clear that every opportunity he has had in this parliament to back working people, he's voted against. Telling the workers at Jaguar Land Rover they deserve to go bust. 'A state-slashing, NHS-privatising Putin apologist. Without a single patriotic bone in his body. We will take the fight to him. We will fight as Labour.' It came as a new poll gave Reform a seven point lead over Labour - and pushed the Conservatives into fourth place. YouGov has Reform on 29 per cent, ahead of Labour on 22 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 17 per cent, one point ahead of the Tories. The Prime Minister is facing the threat of a major rebellion over plans which will tighten the eligibility criteria for the main disability benefit in England, the personal independence payment (Pip). Restricting Pip would cut benefits for about 800,000 people while the sickness-related element of Universal Credit is also set to be cut. The package of measures is aimed at reducing the number of working-age people on sickness benefits, which grew during the pandemic and has remained high since. Your browser does not support iframes. Addressing his MPs in the Commons after agreeing his new EU deal the PM set clear dividing lines with Reform. The Government hopes the proposals can save 5 billion a year by the end of the decade. Sir Keir was accompanied by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as he entered the private meeting on Parliament's committee corridor. Clapping could be heard from the MPs within as he came into the room, and again as he began to address them. After the meeting, a Labour source said the PM 'acknowledged that MPs were having to face incredibly tough decisions'. 'He described the welfare reforms that we are introducing as a 'Labour cause' and part of how we turn the country around,' they added. When previously faced with criticism over the plans, Sir Keir has spoken about the importance of work, as well as ensuring that the social security system is there for people when they need it. Despite the PM's insistence of the need to go ahead with the plans, he appears to be facing mounting opposition. Some 100 Labour MPs more than a quarter of the party's parliamentary numbers are reported to have signed a letter urging ministers to scale back welfare cuts under consideration, according to media reports. In a separate, earlier letter, 42 MPs said the cuts were 'impossible to support'. Rachel Reeves's local Labour party, Leeds West and Pudsey Constituency Labour Party (CLP), has, meanwhile, agreed to write to the Chancellor voicing its opposition to the cuts. All major mobile networks went down in Spain on Tuesday, just four weeks after the country was hit by a national power outage. Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil and O2 were all reported to have been affected by outages hitting professional services, including health centres. Complaints soared as landline, internet and emergency contact services were knocked offline early this morning. Madrid, Andalucia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura and the Valencian Community were all reportedly affected. Networks contracted with Telefonica appeared to have been hit, but outages did not appear to be affecting individuals' network access. The company told MailOnline shortly after 12.30pm local time (10.30 GMT) the issue has now been resolved, after 'network upgrade work' affected 'some companies' fixed communication services'. 'This morning we had an incident that affected the fixed communications services of some companies and public services. 'We have been working from the outset to restore these services, which have now been fully recovered. 'We have activated the incident management committee, we have isolated the affected nodes and we have deployed field staff to resolve specific cases arising from this incident, which has now been resolved.' A traveller raise her phone up to catch network inside Barcelona-Sants rail station during a massive power cut affecting the entire Iberian peninsula and the south of France, in Barcelona on April 28, 2025 Several workers from the Emergency Coordination Center at the 112 headquarters during the widespread blackout. On April 28, 2025, in Seville People stand inside a supermarket without lights in Burgos on April 28, 2025, amid the outages Landlines were described as 'silent' and the emergency number 112 not working in several parts of the country earlier this morning, Il Corriere reports. In Spain's arid south, queues of people formed outside Andalucian health centres as internet connectivity dipped. Speaking to El Correo de Andalucia, one patient said they arrived for an appointment to find 'there were no computers, and therefore, they couldn't process any paperwork'. Seven in ten complaints flagged by Downdetector this morning referred to fixed internet service. In the south, the 112 emergency line was briefly out of service from 7.15am until 8.40am. Some health centres were still reporting issues into the late morning. Health workers in Madrid said they were unable to reach a hospital in the capital. Emergency phone lines have since been restored in Aragon, near the border with France. Aragon earlier set up alternative telephone numbers as users reported being unable to reach the emergency services. Basque authorities, meanwhile, said staff were in constant contact with Telefonica to resolve the incident through the morning. In Catalonia, the impact was 'minimal' and the emergency number has been reachable, El Mundo reports. Spain was hit by a power outage at the end of last month, causing massive disruption to businesses, public transport and connectivity across the country. Hundreds of flights were delayed and trains knocked offline, while petrol stations closed and traffic lights went down. Millions were left without power as public transport and roads ground to a halt in April The outages caused huge disruption across Spain and Portugal (Sants pictured on April 29) A British expat in Barcelona told MailOnline that there were huge queues for buses after the outage hit, with the metro knocked offline. 'Traffic is crazy. The mopeds and motorbikes are heading down the cycle lanes. There are massive queues to catch the bus because without the metro there's no way that anybody can get home from work,' they said at the time. 'There is power in some downstairs premises, so it's not a total blackout. But internet up here doesn't work at all. There's also an eerie silence, apart from the cars. But everything is quiet.' Spain and Portugal recovered their power supplies a day later. Spain's top criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, said it was investigating whether the blackout was 'an act of computer sabotage on critical infrastructure' that could be classified as 'a terrorism offence'. The government set up a commission to investigate what triggered the incident, and refused to rule out any hypothesis. Spain's grid operator ruled out a cyber attack. Local media soon began pointing to historic reports warning that the rapid integration of renewable energy sources could cause fluctuations in power levels, potentially leading to widespread blackouts. A closed petrol station in Villabona on April 28, 2025, during the massive power cut Several people get money out of several ATMs at the access of a subway station during a blackout hit Spain and Portugal in Madrid A person walks down a downtown street during a power outage in Malaga during the outages Just days before, Spain's power grid ran entirely on renewable energy, including wind, solar and hydro power for the first time. While sources of energy like wind and solar power are often fairly cheap and 'secure', reducing reliance on imports from abroad, their variability and storage issues pose more issues. Kathryn Porter, an independent energy consultant, said: 'The more you have wind and solar on the grid, the less stable the grid becomes and so the harder it is to manage faults. 'I would say there's a strong chance that the large amount of solar on the system created the conditions for this to be a widespread blackout and made it much worse.' MailOnline contacted Vodafone for comment. The final moments of an Aussie boy killed while holidaying in Lebanon with his family have emerged. Western Sydney teen Hussein Mearbany, 16, was paragliding over the coastal town of Sahel Aalma near the nation's capital Beirut on May 10 when tragedy struck. It's understood that Hussein slipped from the paragliding harness mid-flight and plunged 300 metres to the ground. Harrowing footage filmed moments before the ill-fated journey showed Hussein strapped in front of the instructor. Their parachute opened as they ran off the edge of the cliff. Early reports suggest the harness may not have been properly secured. The paragliding instructor allegedly fled the scene following the incident and remains in hiding, local media reported. The owner of the the paragliding company, which operates out of nearby Jounieh, has since been arrested. Hussein Mearbany (pictured) was was paragliding with an instructor over the coastal town of Sahel Aalma when tragedy struck. Footage captured the Guildford teen's final moments as he and the instructor ran off the cliff Hussein's shattered family spoke to Al Arabiya Lebanon, calling for authorities to take action against those responsible for his death. The teen had been holidaying in Lebanon with his mother and siblings when his life was cut short. The family was just two weeks into the trip. His father made the mercy dash to Lebanon following the tragedy, where Hussein has since been laid to rest. 'When his father heard the news, he flew from Sydney to Lebanon to see him,' Hussein's cousin Sam Merbani told 7news.com.au. 'The day they leave Lebanon is going to be the hardest day of their life.' His heartbroken family are due to return to Australia this week. News of the Guildford teen's death has sparked an outpouring of grief back home. The Guildford teen (pictured) has been laid to rest in Lebanon by his shattered family '(He) went to Lebanon for a holiday full of dreams, excitement, and the energy of youth. Like many young men, he wanted to feel the adrenaline of flying, so he went hang gliding off the mountain peaks of Lebanon,' an online tribute read. 'What was meant to be a moment of thrill became his final moment. 'May Allah grant his family patience and reunite them with him in the highest levels of Jannah. 'And as for us still breathing, still planning, still distracted take this as a wake-up call. The only promise in life is death.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular assistance is being provided to the family of an Australian who died in Lebanon. 'We send our deepest condolences to their family at this difficult time,' a spokesperson said. 'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.' The owner of the the paragliding company has been arrested in the wake of the tragedy The incident comes two months after a grandfather was killed in a hang gliding incident in southern Brazil. Ricardo Stecanella, 52, was taking off from a mountain in Timbe do Sul, Santa Catarina on Sunday, before tragedy struck. Terrifying video showed Stecanella gliding towards his left for about 20 seconds and before making a sharp right turn. The wings then suddenly closed, causing Stecanella to drop 656 feet to the ground. At least three people have been injured in an act of violence at a Finnish school, the police said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the perpetrator had been apprehended. Police in the city of Pirkkala received reports of violence from the Vahajarvi School at 10.42am local time, and sent armed officers to deal with the incident, reportedly a knife attack that took place during a school break. Local newspaper Iltalehti has reported that the alleged perpetrator, a 16-year-old boy who has been planning the attack for six months, sent a manifesto to their offices in which he said he intended to stab girls at the school before surrendering to cops. Video footage apparently taken from inside the school showed at least five police cars and vans rushing to the school, which teaches around 1,500 students. Cops are still at the school, and are continuing their investigation. They are reportedly working to remove the students from the school's grounds. Local media reported that a Rapid Response Unit was seen rushing to the school. Officials said that those who were hurt did not suffer life-threatening injuries. A mother of a child who attends the school told local media that its leadership team sent out a 'red alert' and ordered students to go to their classrooms. Police in the city of Pirkkala received reports of violence from the Vahajarvi School (pictured) at 10.42am local time They also appear to have had their phones either taken from them or banned, as communication with the children was not possible. 'We are completely clueless. I assume our child is not among the victims because we have not been targeted. It's terrible,' the mother told Aamulehti. Local police are set to release more details of the incident at 5pm local time at the Tampere Central Police Station. More to follow. Cannes film festival attendees were stunned as a member of the audience was carried out of a premiere on a stretcher last night. Crowds had turned out to see the debut screening of Alpha, the latest 'body horror' thriller by award-winning Titane director, Julia Ducournau. With Ducournau in the audience, the film was briefly interrupted about an hour into its runtime to attend to an undisclosed medical emergency. Attendees on the balcony were seen waving their phone torches in the darkness as they noticed something was wrong. Some audience members called out for a doctor and asked for the screening to be paused, Variety reports. But as paramedics arrived on scene to remove the ailing guest, the 128-minute feature carried on regardless. The film received a 11-and-a-half minute standing ovation after its premiere on Monday The film follows the tale of a troubled teenager who returns from school with a tattoo. An infectious new disease then spreads, turning the infected into marble The emergency is not thought to be related to the content of the body horror film, which had not shown anything graphic by that point. MailOnline has contacted Cannes Film Festival for comment. Ducournau appeared emotional in the front row as the audience offered a nearly 12-minute standing ovation at the end of the screening. Speaking in French, she thanked all those who supported the project, saying the team 'put a lot into the film'. Ducournau, one of only three women to have ever won the Palme d'Or top prize, is held in high esteem following her last directorial effort, Titane. Alpha follows the tale of a troubled teenager (Melissa Boros) and her single mother (Golshifteh Farahani) whose 'world collapses after Alpha one day returns from school with a tattoo on her arm', per the Cannes synopsis. An apparent AIDS allegory, a deadly virus passed through shared needle use then results in the skin of the infected turning to marble. Alpha is later cast out by classmates worried about the spread of the infectious new disease. The film features British-French actor Emma Mackey, who burst onto screens in 2019 as wild child Maeve in Sex Education. Alpha was received well by audiences at the film festival on Monday. But not all critics enjoyed the showing. Geoffrey Macnab, writing for The Independent, judged the film a 'confused mess'. rated two stars out of five. 'At the late night press screening I attended, the walkouts seemed prompted more by weariness and ennui than squeamishness or disgust,' he wrote. Melissa Boros stars as Alpha in the eponymous film, to be released in France on August 20 The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw gave the film one star out of five, judging it 'the tonally inept tale of a girl with a dodgy tattoo and a disease that turns people to marble'. Jordan Mintzer, writing for the Hollywood Reporter, said the film 'felt like three or four movies at once, all told simultaneously and as loudly as possible'. Peter Debruge, for Variety, deemed the film a 'tortured AIDS allegory' and 'rotten follow-up' to Titane. Cannes Film Festival continues until May 24. Alpha will be released in France on August 20. Hundreds of travellers have arrived in a quiet Hampshire village with their horses for an annual horse fair which dates back 800 years. The community has descended on the sleepy village of Wickham, which has a population of just over 2,000 people, once more in a tradition that has lasted for generations. Dozens of horses are lined up in the streets ready for trading and selling on a day which is an opportunity for the travelling community to meet up with family and friends. 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. It brings the small village to a standstill as roads, shops and pubs all close for the day to allow the fair to take place. Horse boxes, caravans and animals all arrive along with their owners, alongside fun fairs, food vans and various stalls. Dozens of the animals are typically tied up to local fences and outside closed pubs ready for trading. Some small piles of litter were pictured in the village early on Monday. Hundreds of people showed up to the horse fair in Wickham on Tuesday, contributing to its 800-year history A man steers a cart pulled by two horses down the street in Wickham, Hampshire on Tuesday The horses are seen being steadied by their rider ahead of their parade The community has descended on the sleepy village of Wickham, which has a population of just over 2,000 people Dozens of horses are lined up in the streets ready for trading and selling on a day which is an opportunity for the travelling community to meet up with family and friends Some small piles of litter were pictured in the village early on Monday Road closures are in place throughout the village, including Fareham Road and The Square. They are expected to reopen by 10am on Wednesday. During the day, horses and ponies are seen pulling carts up and down the village streets, with adults and children alike joining in the fun. The fair is so popular that for the last week surrounding villages have played host to travellers looking to attend the fair, who had already arrived and set up make shift camps on public land. 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. The small village's streets are packed out every year by visitors to the event, which has been going since the 13th century During the day, horses and ponies are seen pulling carts up and down the village streets, with adults and children alike joining in the fun The centre of the small village in Hampshire became a hub for caravans, a funfair and stalls today Stalls are pictured setting up ahead of a sunny day at Wickham Horse Fair The fair is an annual opportunity for the traveller community to meet and catch up with friends and family People attending the carnival watch as horses and ponies prepare to race through the streets Local pubs including Woody's (pictured) remain closed during the fair, as do most local businesses Horses and ponies are pictured in Wickham, Hampshire on Tuesday morning Police and RSPCA officers are seen patrolling in Wickham for the horse fair on Tuesday As well as buying and selling horses, all sorts of equestrian equipment is also available A young woman rides a horse through the streets if Wickham on Tuesday afternoon Horses typically race through the streets of the village, often pulling carts behind them, during the fair A funfair in Wickham accompanies the horse fair for families to keep children entertained 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. Advertisement 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.' 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. Sadly, in the past some of the horses at the event have had to be put down. There will also be police officers on the ground to engage with visitors and respond to any issues which may arise. In 2020 and 2021, the event was banned 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. Tim Wilson will be reinstated as a federal MP after a historic win against the woman who declared victory against him on election night with a dance party. He has reclaimed the seat of Goldstein by a slim 128 votes over independent Teal Zoe Daniel, the woman who ousted him from the inner south-eastern three years ago. At the start of the final count today, Wilson led by 176 votes with 117 votes to be counted. Daniel was unable to close the gap in the bayside Melbourne seat before the Australian Electoral Commission confirmed Wilson had won with a 0.06 per cent margin on the two-candidate count. Wilson thanked his team on Tuesday night in an WhatsApp message following his 'unprecedented' victory. 'Together we just broke three Australian political records,' he wrote. 'First team to retake the same seat lost to an Independent MP - ever! 'First team to defeat a Teal Independent MP - ever! Tim Wilson (pictured) will be reinstated as a federal MP in a historic win Teal independent Zoe Daniel (pictured) lost the seat of Goldstein by a slim 128 votes 'First Liberal team in 110+ years to win a seat off an Independent MP elected a general election (and it has only been done once before - 1913 in Gippsland). 'Unprecedented. Historic. Youre all amazing.' Daniel is yet to concede defeat. 'The next step is the full distribution of preferences,' she posted on Facebook on Tuesday night. 'It seems prudent to allow the AEC to get on with the job. Any consideration of a recount will occur after that. 'Deep thanks again to my amazing scrutineers.' The AEC doesn't need to do a recount as more than 100 votes separated Wilson and Daniel. However, candidates can request a recount if the difference in votes is above that threshold. Daniel prematurely celebrated victory over Wilson with an odd dance party (picture) The full distribution of preferences is expected to be completed by Thursday. It comes after Daniel lapped up the adulation of her adoring supporters as she declared victory on election night a fortnight ago. 'Titanium' by David Guetta blasted out as the crowd whooped and cheered while she walked to the stage. When she got there she threw both hands in the air, declaring that 'hope wins'. 'I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose,' the lyrics rang out as Daniel danced like a woman possessed. She thanked her supporters, adding: 'What we have achieved here is extraordinary.' But within hours, as the vote count continued, it became clear that Daniel's seat was still on a knife edge. Two days later, even after she had walked back her victory claims, Daniel was still in the dancing mood. The Teal MP shared a video of her all-female office dancing wildly to Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club. 'It's a resilience test that's for sure,' she captioned the video. 'But no matter what, we will keep dancing.' Wilson claimed victory on May 7 after several media outlets declared Goldstein in his favour. He later considered putting himself forward for Liberal leadership before subsequently ruling himself out. After declaring victory on May 7, Tim Wilson (pictured right) considered putting himself forward as a candidate to replace former leader Peter Dutton (left) before quickly ruling himself out Goldstein saw a late surge in support and the margin narrowed down from more than 1400 to 128 before the AEC declared Wilson the winner. Daniel, 52, is a former longtime ABC foreign correspondent turned politician who campaigned on fighting climate change and addressing integrity issues in politics. She was elected among a wave of so-called Teal independents in 2022, defeating Wilson 52.87 per cent to 47.13 per cent. Wilson, 45, is a former assistant minister in Scott Morrison's government as the member for Goldstein from 2016 to 2022. He successfully spearheaded the fight against former Labor leader Bill Shorten's proposed elimination of tax breaks on franking credits for investors. He is also a marriage equality advocate and, in 2016, proposed to his partner on the floor of Parliament while declaring his support for same-sex marriage reforms. Wilson is a former Human Rights Commissioner and before that had a senior position at the right-wing think tank, the Institute of Public Affairs. A two-year-old boy has died after falling from a height, as police launch an investigation into his unexplained death. Police and paramedics were called on Sunday to an address in Forest Hill, near Lewisham, south east London. The incident happened on Wynell Road, with emergency services alerted shortly after 12.15pm. An air ambulance was reportedly scrambled to the scene. The toddler was treated at the address before being taken to hospital but sadly he died from his injuries. An investigation has been launched to establish what happened but the death is being treated as unexplained. A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'On Sunday at 12.17pm police were called following reports that a child had fallen from height. 'Met officers attended the scene alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service who treated a two-year-old boy at the scene before taking him to hospital. Police and paramedics were called on Sunday to an address in Forest Hill, near Lewisham, south east London (file image) 'Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he later died in hospital. 'His family are currently being supported by specialist officers. 'The death is being treated as unexpected and remains under investigation. There has been no arrests made. 'Enquiries into the circumstances are on-going.' A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 12.11pm on Sunday 18 May to reports of an incident in Wynell Road, SE23. 'We sent resources including ambulance crews, an incident response officer and London's air ambulance. 'We treated a child at the scene and took them to hospital. Sadly, despite our efforts they died.' On Tuesday, flowers had been left on the wall outside a property where the two-year-old is believed to have died. The road, a quiet residential street in Forest Hill, south east London, was filled with emergency services vehicles when the incident occurred on Sunday. One pensioner, said: 'The first I heard of it was the air ambulance, it landed on the bowling club lawn I think. 'Then my neighbour told me this morning that a little boy had died, it's such a tragedy.' Another woman, who lives near the site of the fall, said the boy had apparently fallen from the window of a flat. She said: 'On Sunday I was in my garden and the air ambulance flew over very nearby. 'It landed somewhere and I ran out onto the road to find out what had happened. 'Someone said a child had fallen, but we didn't know his age or anything at that time. 'I came back in because it was all so chaotic and I felt in the way. 'My neighbour came over later and told me the little boy had fallen from a window, I don't know what floor it was but it's just horrible. 'I have been crying for the last two days about it, I just keep thinking of the parents, they're going to have to deal with the loss of that little life for the rest of their lives.' Meghan Markle used a Princess Diana-themed tea tin along with a quintessentially British phrase to help promote her As Ever brand. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, reposted a photo on her company's official Instagram page of a fan showing off they had made 'As Ever' shortbread cookies. The plate of cookies was pictured alongside a commemorative Princess Diana tea tin, which is being flogged for 6.99 on New English Teas. The Instagram post also featured a peculiarly British post with the caption: 'I made the @aseverofficial shortbread cookies. So good and great with a spot of tea.' Her repost has been widely shared on social media, with critics accusing her of showing 'sudden Anglophilia' after leaving Britain with Prince Harry when they stepped down as royals and moved to California in 2020. Others claimed the tea tin was 'tacky' and quipped: 'A spot of tea'? No one says that. She's watched too much Mary bloody Poppins.' The Duchess reposted a series of her fans using her As Ever products and recipes, including one which said: 'This tea is divine! Please make & release more soon @aseverofficial.' Critics claimed she reposted it to show there was a 'demand' for her As Ever herbal lemon ginger tea. Meghan launched her lifestyle brand on April 2, coinciding with the release of her Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan'. Meghan Markle (pictured) used a Princess Diana-themed tea tin along with a quintessentially British phrase to help promote her As Ever brand. The Duchess of Sussex , 43, reposted a photo on her company's official Instagram page of a fan showing off they had made 'As Ever' shortbread cookies. It featured a Princess Diana tin and the phrase 'spot of tea' Sharing the photo of a Princess Diana tea tin is the latest homage Meghan has paid to her late mother-in-law who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Meghan has often styled herself on Prince Harry's late mother, wearing similar dresses and jewellery as well as a Northwestern sweatshirt which Diana wore regularly in public in 1996. Meghan released her line of long-awaited items last month, first teased a year ago under a different name, as she continues to rebrand herself as a 'domestic goddess'. It features a wildflower honey with honeycomb priced at a staggering $28 (21.60) and some flower sprinkles at $15 (11.60), while a jar of raspberry jam sets punters back $14 (10.80). Other goods in the Duchess's lifestyle range included shortbread and crepe mixes both being sold for $14 and various herbal tea mixes for $12 (9.30) each. Elsewhere, the Duchess is also selling everything but the kitchen sink from her Shopmy online account, where customers can get their hands on affiliated products seen on her Instagram feed, including copper pots and pans for the princely sum of almost $900 (690). As part of a rebrand, she has also released 'With Love, Meghan' on Netflix - which has been renewed for a second series - and a podcast called Confessions of a Female Founder. In her latest podcast episode, Meghan revealed having children was 'not the way I envisioned it', adding that it is 'so important that my kids see me as a working mom'. Meghan reposted a series of photos on As Ever. Critics claimed she reposted this one to show there was a 'demand' for her products In another post, someone shared they were attempting to make Meghan's foccacia recipe She said she had a vision that she was 'going to give a speech with a baby on my hip' before she became a mother to Prince Archie in May 2019. Speaking on the podcast, she added that the reality was different and she 'had a lot of external things happening'. Meghan discussed motherhood with Cassandra Thurswell, the founder of Kitsch which is a brand creating eco-friendly hair care and beauty accessories for women. The Duchess who gave birth to her second child Princess Lilibet in June 2021 - also spoke during the new episode about how she 'likes to show up for people'. She said: 'For myself, especially when they are baby babies... before I was a mom - I've always wanted to be a mom - before I was a mom I was like, 'oh gosh, I'm going to give a speech with a baby on my hip'. I had a whole vision. I was like, I'm just gonna... 'And then you fast forward, granted I had a lot of external things happening by the time I had both pregnancies and both babies, but it was not the way I envisioned it.' Meghan has previously emulated Diana, wearing a sweater from Northwestern University matching her late mother-in-law's from the 1990s Princess Diana wore a matching jumper in 1996 having visited Northwestern the year before to support a cancer fundraiser She later added: 'For me it's so important that my kids see me as a working mom.' The chat with Ms Thurswell, which came out this morning, is the penultimate part of Meghan's Lemonada Media podcast which has been releasing a new episode each Tuesday since April 8. Previous podcast episodes have included interviews with Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd; Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani; and Highbrow Hippie co-founder Kadi Lee. Others were IT Cosmetics co-founder Jamie Kern Lima; Clevr Blends co-founder Hannah Mendoza; and Heather Hasson, co-founder of medical scrubs brand Figs. Former childminder Lucy Connolly has lost her appeal over her 31-month sentence for posting an online rant about migrants on the day of the Southport murders. Connolly told the Court of Appeal in London she 'never' intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty would mean she accepted that she had. But the Appeal Court rejected her argument. Her husband has condemned the decision to dismiss her appeal today as shocking and unfair saying his wife is not a right-wing thug. Ray Connolly said: 'My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist, adding: 'Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. Connolly, who is locked up at HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire, had claimed to the Appeal Court last week that she had no idea what she was admitting to when she pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. But today three judges rejected her argument, meaning she faces serving another eight months behind bars. Conservative councillor Mr Connolly said he was 'heartbroken' his wife's appeal bid was dismissed, adding: 'My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy.' She was given the 31-month sentence in October after admitting making the post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.' Connolly was jailed over a social media post where she said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care...' Connolly with her husband Ray Connolly, a local councillor who lost his seat in May following her conviction Connolly deleted her post and blamed it on 'a moment of extreme outrage and emotion' when she was acting on 'false and malicious' information The sickening comments were made just hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, sparking nationwide unrest. Last week Connolly told the Court of Appeal in London she 'never' intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty would mean she accepted that she had. But today Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Goss and Mr Justice Sheldon refused her application to appeal. Afterwards her devastated husband said the decision was 'shocking and unfair', and told of the toll on her family of her months behind bars. Mr Connolly said: 'The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl. Lucy posted one nasty tweet when she was upset and angry about three little girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. 'She realised the tweet was wrong and deleted it within four hours. That did not mean Lucy was a "far right thug" as Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed. 'My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist. As a childminder she took care of small children of African and Asian heritage; they loved Lucy as she loved them. My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy. 'Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. I think the system wanted to make an example of Lucy so other people would be scared to say things about immigration. This is not the British way.' A statement on X by the Free Speech Union (FSU), which had funded Connolly's appeal bid, said: 'This is a deeply disappointing judgment. 'No one disputes the tweet was offensive but the sentence of more than two-and-a-half years was plainly disproportionate.' It continued: 'Two-and-a-half years for a single tweet is grossly disproportionate and it should trouble anyone who believes the law must be applied evenly, without fear or favour.' Toby Young, the general secretary of the FSU, added: 'This is terribly disappointing. How can it be right for Lucy to have been condemned to spend more than two-and-a-half years in jail for a single tweet when members of grooming gangs who plead guilty to the sexual exploitation of children get lower sentences? 'Lucy should be at home with her 12 year-old daughter and husband, not rotting in jail.' In a written judgment, Lord Justice Holroyde, said: 'There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. 'The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused.' He added that the principal ground of appeal 'was substantially based on a version of events put forward by the applicant which we have rejected'. Connolly had argued she had been 'really angry' after the Southport attacks, but hours after posting the rant on X realised it was not an acceptable thing to say, so deleted it. Lucy Connolly in a mugshot issued by Northamptonshire Police following her arrest for inciting racial hatred No arguable basis for saying the sentence was manifestly excessive Lord Justice Holroyde In his statement, Mr Connolly claimed his wife Lucy was the victim of 'two-tier justice'. He said: 'Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she will release 40,000 prisoners, some of them dangerous men on tag. Lucy has not been allowed out on tag and she has been denied leave to see our child who is struggling. Today, the court had the opportunity to reduce her cruelly long and disproportionate sentence, but they refused. That feels like two-tier justice. 'The British people know all this is not right. They have given an amazing 81,000 so far to Lucy's crowd-funder. Despite today's upsetting setback, Lucy gets courage from everyone's kind support. 'Lucy and me are so grateful to our fantastic legal team, led by Adam King.' He added: 'We will continue to pursue every possible avenue to seek justice and to bring Lucy home to us.' At her appeal case, Mr King, representing Connolly, asked if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels or 'murder any politicians'. She replied: 'Absolutely not.' Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, told the court the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. He added: 'At the time of creating the post, the applicant clearly intended the racial hatred would be stirred up and also intended to incite serious violence.' Earlier, he had asked Connolly if she believed the country was being 'invaded' by immigrants. She replied: 'I believe that we have a massive number of people in the country that are unchecked, coming into the country and I believe that is a national security risk.' She added that it would be 'absolutely incorrect' to say she did not want immigrants in the country. Connolly, of Northampton, was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account, but other messages which included further racist remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. The former childminder was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court in October after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. Around 20 of Connolly's supporters outside the Court of Appeal Mr Connolly (centre) was joined by Free Speech Union founder Lord Toby Young (left) and journalist Allison Pearson (right) Axel Rudakubana, 18, whose horror attack on schoolgirls at a Taylor Swift dance class sickened the nation and led to widespread rioting Mr Connolly had been a Tory West Northamptonshire district councillor but lost his seat in May. He remains on the town council. The Southport atrocity sparked nationwide unrest, with several people - including Connolly - jailed as a result. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. She later pleaded guilty to distributing material with the intention of stirring up racial hatred at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced to 31 months in prison in October. But she told the Court of Appeal that she had no idea the full extent of what she was admitting, and that her solicitor Liam Muir had not properly explained what 'inciting violence' meant in the context of her tweet. Indeed it was only when the judge was speaking at her sentencing hearing that it fully dawned on her, she said today when applying to have her prison term reduced. Lord Justice Holroyde and his fellow judges said in their ruling it was important not to lose sight of the fact Connolly had willingly pleaded guilty. She had claimed her lawyer had not explained it properly, but the Appeal Court found he was a conscientious defence lawyer with a clear grasp of the relevant law, practice and procedure and a realistic appraisal of the issues in the case. And the three judges were scathing about Connollys claims. They said she was intelligent and articulate, with strong views but they found her evidence to be incredible. They said any reference to a prison sentence, by her lawyer, must have caused her great anxiety, and therefore in those circumstances, we are quite unable to accept that she signed [the endorsement form] without any understanding. They said the evidence showed she was well aware of what she was admitting. The judges expressed sympathy for Connollys personal circumstances including over the death of her son - adding: We can therefore accept that the shocking events in Southport had an impact on her which went beyond that felt by many others. But as the [trial] judge rightly said, she did not post a message of support and sympathy to the victims of the Southport attack and the bereaved. Nor, we would add, did she post a message of hostility confined to the perpetrator of the Southport attack. She chose instead to incite serious violence against large numbers of persons. The applicants personal history cannot significantly reduce her culpability for that serious offence. The sentence of 31 months imprisonment imposed by the judge therefore remains as before. Connolly appeared via videolink from HMP Drake Hall in Stafford for last week's hearing. Giving evidence, Connolly said she initially sent the offensive tweet after getting 'really angry and really upset' upon learning about the Southport massacre, and that children were among the victims. HMP Drake Hall where Lucy Connolly is serving the 31-month sentence she had hoped to have reduced by Appeal Court judges Ray Connolly, husband of Lucy Connolly, outside the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand in London 'Distraught' Connolly said the death of her 19-month-old son in 2011 after a medical blunder had heightened her sensitivity to what happened last July. She told the Court of Appeal hearing: 'Those parents still have to live a life of grief. It sends me into a state of anxiety and I worry about my children. 'I already know how they feel (about child loss) and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.' She told her lawyer Adam King she then sent her tweet. But she said it was 'absolutely not' her intention for it to incite anyone to 'set fire to asylum hotels' or to 'murder any politicians'. She subsequently walked the dog and decided to delete the tweet. She told the court: 'By that point I had calmed myself down and I knew it was not an acceptable thing to say, I had time to gather myself and take it down.' She subsequently issued an apology, saying she was 'acting on information that I now know to be false and malicious'. Connolly was arrested a week after she posted the rant. Mr Connolly had been a Tory West Northamptonshire district councillor, but lost his seat in May. He remains on the town council. A British man has died from his injuries three months after he was attacked 'out of the blue' by a stranger while on holiday in Spain. Retired carpenter Marshall Latham, from Nantwich, Cheshire, was left in a coma with life-changing injuries after he was punched and knocked unconscious while walking back to his apartment in Fuerteventura on December 10. An inquest was opened into the death of Mr Latham - known as Marsh to his friends - at Warrington Coroner's Court last Wednesday. He died on March 16 at the Walton Centre at Aintree Hospital, aged 68, three months after the assault which caused a traumatic brain injury so severe that doctors warned he was unlikely to recover. After being transferred to a hospital in Gran Canaria, he had part of his skull removed, a tracheotomy and a drain on his brain to help ease pressure. Mr Latham also developed pneumonia twice. He was finally repatriated to Aintree Hospital on March 1, before dying just weeks later. A coroner officer requested an inquest be opened due to the cause of death being 'unnatural', Warrington Guardian reported. The inquest has now been suspended until August as Spanish police consider any criminal charges. Retired carpenter Marshall Latham died from his injuries three months after he was attacked 'out of the blue' by a stranger while on holiday in Fuerteventura, Spain Doctors warned the 68-year-old, from, Nantwich Cheshire, endured a traumatic brain injury that he was unlikely to recover from The 'unprovoked' incident happened as Mr Latham walked back to his apartment in Fuerteventura, Spain, on December 10 A 32-year-old British man was reported to have been arrested as he tried to board a flight to Glasgow in the aftermath of the attack. Having been identified from CCTV, the man appeared in court on suspicion of wounding and was released on bail, as the investigation continues. A GoFundMe page set up by Mr Latham's family and friends after his attack to support legal fees not covered by travel insurance, said the holidaymaker had been 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'. Fundraising organiser Neil Cooper wrote on the page, which has so far garnered more than 17,000 said: 'We want to bring Marsh's attacker to justice and although this won't change his medical situation, it will allow his friends and family to know that the person who did this has to face the consequences of their actions. 'Marsh didn't ask for this, he certainly didn't deserve this and it was just a case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time which has caused him to be in this situation.' In an updated post days after the holidaymaker's death, Mr Cooper said that Marsh had been 'loved by so many people', adding that the family are now pursuing justice for him. He wrote: 'We brought him back to a hospital in the UK last week via air ambulance where he received incredible care and the staff were really great but sadly his health deteriorated and on Sunday we said goodbye to him. 'Getting him back to the UK was really important, there were so many of his friends and family that hadnt seen him. An inquest was opened into the death of Mr Latham - known as Marsh to his friends - at Warrington Coroner's Court last Wednesday 'He had lots of visitors every day which was lovely and Im glad so many people got a chance to say goodbye to him. 'The start of December when he was attacked feels like such a long time ago and he had been through so much, he is finally at peace now and is no longer suffering. 'Its more important now than ever that we seek justice for Marsh and we have been back and forth with the solicitors this week understanding how his death changes the case. 'Thank you for all the kind words and messages we have received. It's been really comforting to know that Marsh was loved by so many people.' In the wake of the assault, Mr Latham's brother-in-law told local newspaper The Nantwich News: 'He and Lynn go to Fuerteventura three or four times a year, they have loads of friends over there. 'Lynn had gone back to their apartment, and Marsh stayed for another drink and was walking home when something has happened. 'He was hit by this guy, somewhere near a taxi rank, and he has gone down and hit his head on the concrete floor. 'Witnesses have told police this was a completely unprovoked punch, there was no argument and they did not know each other. Mr Latham was finally repatriated to Aintree Hospital on March 1, before dying just weeks later 'All we know is that the man they suspect was arrested on a plane as he tried to fly to Glasgow. 'We are also told this man had been thrown out of a bar on the same night before the attack. 'Marsh has never been in any trouble or even had a parking ticket. He was just a chap on holiday with his partner.' Local councillor Allen Gage wrote at the time in a social media post: 'We need justice. 'A much cherished friend of mine, a gentleman that would give you the shirt from his back was sadly attacked and put in a coma while in Spain just before Christmas. 'He literally crossed the road to help someone out - no surprise there. Mr Marshall Latham, 'Marsh' to his friends, continues to fight on in a coma. 'A community fundraiser has been launched to pursue civil justice. Thanks to all those who have contributed. 'Fight on Marsh, we will fight for you too.' A man with a facial disfigurement says he was refused service in a cafe after customers stared at him like they had 'seen a ghost'. Amit Ghose has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which causes benign tumours to grow on his nerves. The 35-year-old was visiting his sister Shilu Sen in Wood Green, London, last month when they went out for a coffee. When he entered a cafe he says he noticed people were looking at him 'like they'd seen a ghost'. As Amit ordered a drink, he says he was told by staff that they were 'no longer serving'. Amit, an author and motivational speaker, said: 'We as people with visible differences face this discrimination time and time again. 'I went into this coffee shop and it was full people, mainly men, and they were all just staring at me, like they'd seen a ghost. 'The barista told me they weren't serving anymore, and then just turned and walked away. Amit Ghose has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which causes benign tumours to grow on his nerves The 35-year-old was visiting his sister Shilu Sen in Wood Green, London , last month when they went out for a coffee As Amit ordered a drink, he says he was told by staff that they were 'no longer serving' 'It was not a good feeling obviously - I felt neglected. 'It's not very inclusive, it's not acceptable to be subjected to that kind of behaviour. 'I was disheartened walking out that coffee shop. But I went to another one an hour later and they were really lovely.' Amit, from Birmingham, was born with the rare genetic condition that affects approximately one in 2,500 to 3,000 people worldwide. At the age of 11, Amit had his left eye surgically removed which led to him wearing an eye patch for six months while his prosthetic eye was built. Despite his disability, Amit gives talks in schools about his condition and has written a children's book called 'Born Different.' He said: 'A kid once said to me: "You don't need a Halloween mask, you've got one for life." 'That comment absolutely broke me, I still think about it every Halloween.' Amit, from Birmingham, was born with the rare genetic condition that affects approximately one in 2,500 to 3,000 people worldwide At the age of 11, Amit had his left eye surgically removed which led to him wearing an eye patch for six months while his prosthetic eye was built Despite his disability, Amit gives talks in schools about his condition and has written a children's book called 'Born Different' After learning to 'accept' his facial difference and with the support of his wife Piyali, 28, Amit started sharing his story online to help others. He has gained 300,000 followers across his social media platforms over the past two years, and even quit his job as a regional manager at a law firm to pursue a career as a motivational speaker, content creator and a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Business Partner. Amit added: 'People with visible differences are human beings. 'I want to help other people find validation and security in themselves.' Tommy Robinson is due to be released from prison within the next week after his 18-month sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court was reduced by four months at the High Court today. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel. The sentence comprised a 14-month 'punitive' element and a four-month 'coercive' element, with sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson telling Robinson he could have the latter taken off his sentence if he were to 'purge' his contempt by taking steps to comply with the injunction. Robinson, who was previously due to be released on July 26, applied to purge his contempt at a hearing today, with his lawyers telling the court that he had shown a 'commitment' to comply with the order. Lawyers for the Solicitor General said they agreed that Robinson had taken steps to adhere to the injunction. In a ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said that there was an 'absence of contrition or remorse' from Robinson, but that he had shown a 'change in attitude' since he was sentenced. He said: 'He (Robinson) has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again.' He continued: 'I consider it appropriate to grant the application.' Tommy Robinson speaks outside Folkestone police station in Kent on October 25, 2024 Tommy Robinson supporters during a protest in London on February 1, 2025 Robinson attended the hearing via video-link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes (file image) He added: 'The practical effect, subject to confirmation by the prison authorities, is that the defendant will be released once he has completed the punitive element, which I understand will be within the next week.' Robinson, who attended the hearing via video-link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, showed no immediate reaction once the judgment was handed down. He was jailed last year for 10 admitted breaches of the injunction, after the Solicitor General issued two contempt claims against him. The first alleged he 'knowingly' breached the order on four occasions, including by having 'published, caused, authorised or procured' a film called Silenced, which contains the libellous allegations, in May 2023. The film was pinned to the top of Robinson's profile on the social media site X, while he also repeated the claims in three interviews between February and June 2023. The second claim was issued in August last year and concerned six further breaches, including playing the film at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London last summer. Handing down the sentence at Woolwich Crown Court, Mr Justice Johnson said Robinson could 'purge' his contempt by showing 'a commitment to comply with the injunction'. Your browser does not support iframes. A court artist's drawing of Tommy Robinson at Woolwich Crown Court on October 28, 2024 Tommy Robinson supporters during a protest in London on February 1, 2025 After being jailed, Robinson lost a bid to bring a legal challenge against the Ministry of Justice over his segregation from other prisoners behind bars in March. He then lost a challenge to his sentence at the Court of Appeal in April, but three senior judges said he could 'still reduce the period he has to spend in custody by taking the steps identified' by Mr Justice Johnson. Barrister Alex Di Francesco, for Robinson, told the court today that several of the publications which constituted breaches of the injunction had been 'removed'. He said: 'The defendant has demonstrated that commitment that Your Lordship required, both in his words and his actions.' He continued: 'Each admitted breach capable of being purged has been acted upon and has been entirely resulted in removal.' Adam Payter, for the Solicitor General, said that a review had been carried out to assess whether the injunction had been complied with. He told the court that following the review, the Solicitor General 'agrees that the material has been removed from all bar two of the online locations'. People outside Woolwich Crown Court on October 28, 2024 - the day that Robinson was jailed Thousands of people march in London in support of Tommy Robinson on July 24, 2024 He added that Robinson had taken steps to have the publications removed from the two locations where they were still visible. The injunction was issued after Robinson was successfully sued by Jamal Hijazi, a then-schoolboy who was assaulted at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in October 2018. After a clip of the incident went viral, Robinson made false claims on Facebook, including about Mr Hijazi attacking girls in his school, leading to the libel case. Mr Justice Nicklin ordered Robinson to pay Mr Hijazi 100,000 in damages and his legal costs, as well as making the injunction preventing Robinson from repeating the allegations. Mr Justice Johnson said today that Robinson could be jailed for up to two years if he breached the injunction again in the future. Labour could ban trans women from all-women shortlists in the wake of the Supreme Court's gender ruling. The party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) is also poised to postpone the annual women's conference to avoid having to restrict attendance to biological women. The moves are in a paper due to be considered at a potentially stormy meeting later. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'. Labour had previously operated its 'positive action' measures on the basis of self-identification, allowing transgender women to take part. A leaked advice paper produced for the NEC meeting recommends postponing the women's conference on September 27 because 'there is a significant risk of legal challenge to the event as it currently operates'. It also cautioned that 'there may be protests, direct action and heightened security risks' if it goes ahead. That could carry a 'political risk' of overshadowing the party's showcase autumn conference which begins the following day. Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) is considering responses to the Supreme Court ruling on gender later. Pictured, party leader Keir Starmer The Supreme Court ruled last month that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex' The recommendation in the paper is to postpone the women's conference pending a wider review of positive action measures. The paper also says the party should issue guidance to make clear that all-women shortlists can only apply to 'applicants who were biologically female at birth'. Labour did not use all-women shortlists at the last general election. It is understood Labour will respect the Supreme Court judgment and comply with statutory guidance when it is published. Ministers will consider the Equality and Human Rights Commission's code of practice when a draft is submitted by the body. The Labour for Trans Rights group, along with Pride in Labour and LGBT+ Labour's trans officer, Georgia Meadows, condemned the NEC paper and its recommendations. They said: 'It is a blatant attack on trans rights and is seemingly an attempt to isolate trans people even further within the Labour Party and the labour movement more widely.' The Labour Women's Declaration group, which backs 'sex-based rights', said cancelling the conference would be a 'knee-jerk reaction'. A spokeswoman told the LabourList website: 'We are shocked that hundreds of women in the Labour Party might be prevented from meeting at conference because the NEC would prefer to disadvantage all women rather than to exclude the very small number of trans-identified men who may wish to attend the women's conference.' A female skier was mauled by a polar bear after the animal dragged her from her tent in the middle of the night in the Canadian Arctic. The unnamed woman had been camping at Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island when she was attacked last month. Other visitors sleeping in tents close by came to her assistance after hearing her screams. One individual directly intervened and stopped the attack, according to local media, and administered first aid on the woman. She was then transported to the Summit Lake emergency shelter in the Akshayuk Pass before being taken by snow machine to the nearby community of Pangnirtung. The victim was released following a medical examination, but details regarding the severity of her injuries remain unclear. The polar bear was identified as a young female with a broken jaw. The animal's injury would have affected its ability to hunt, likely contributing to its aggressive behaviour, according to journalist Ash Routen via Explorers Web. Parks Canada killed the polar bear after considering the animal a continued threat. A female skier was mauled by a polar bear after the animal dragged her from her tent at Auyuittuq National Park on the Arctic Baffin Island Other visitors came to the woman's rescue before rushing her to get medical assistance She was released following a medical examination but the severity of her injuries are unknown. Image shows ice floe edge in northern Baffin Island The animal's carcass was given to local hunters, who used its parts for clothing and food. A similar incident in the Arctic also took place last month, after a lumbering polar bear was seen charging after a man. A harrowing clip from the island of Svalbard shows the moment one brazen creature chased after a Russian mining manager, who can be heard shouting 'No! Go away!' at the nearing bear. The bear was seen just feet away from the lucky Russian as a snowmobile came to his dramatic rescue. While bears are not active predators of humans, they will attack if especially hungry or threatened. Only last year, two polar bears killed a worker at a remote Arctic radar station in Canada's Nunavut territory. A grief-stricken relative was left horrified after she went to bid farewell to her elderly uncle - only to discover another man wearing the suit she had chosen for him lying inside the casket. To add insult to injury, traumatised niece Amentha Hunt then claimed funeral home workers asked for 'proof' the wrong body was lying inside the coffin. The unfortunate error has led the family of Otis Adkinson, 80, to launch a lawsuit against Harrison-Ross Mortuary, in Los Angeles, California. Speaking to KCAL News, Ms Hunt, from Compton, said the incident had left her family traumatised. 'It shouldn't have happened. I didn't make arrangements there to see the wrong body. 'It was a guy laying there in my uncle's suit, but it wasn't my uncle.' She immediately approached an employee at the mortuary to ask what had happened, only to then be told: 'That's your uncle.' When she continued to deny that was her relative, she then pulled out a photograph of Mr Adkinson, at which point the employee agreed the wrong body had been placed into the coffin. Amentha Hunt was left horrified after she went to bid farewell to her elderly uncle - only to discover another man wearing the suit she had chosen for him lying inside the casket Traumatised niece Amentha Hunt (left), who was mourning her uncle Otis Adkinson (right) claimed funeral home workers asked for 'proof' the wrong body was lying inside the coffin Ms Hunt said: 'It was a guy laying there in my uncle's suit, but it wasn't my uncle' It took a further three hours for the mortuary to fix the error so that her uncle could finally be laid to rest, but Ms Hunt said she has been left distressing at the sight of seeing her relative in a suit picked out by herself and her aunt. 'It's hurt. I still think about it. That's something that's never going to go away, to view the wrong corpse. I still can see that guy.' Elvis Tran, an lawyer representing Hunt, described the mortuary's actions as outrageous. He said: 'For them to come in and see the wrong corpse and for the mortuary to deny that it's the wrong corpse and then need proof that it's in fact the right person. The unfortunate error has led the family of Otis Adkinson, 80, to launch a lawsuit against Harrison-Ross Mortuary, in Los Angeles, California 'We think it's just a basic standard of care that they messed up on and that they really need to improve their ways, so they don't do this to another family.' Harrison-Ross Mortuary denied the allegations against them and said they are preparing to file a cease-and-desist letter against Ms Hunt. Mr Adkison was born on November 2, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, as the second of five children, according to an obituary posted online. He was married to his wife, Willie Mae, for 56 years until his death and spent 29 years working for Schaefer Ambulance Service as an EMT. A personal trainer who put seven police officers in hospital following a horror crash on the A1 while on the way home from a first date has appeared in court. Mazyar Azarbonyad was giving the woman a lift back in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, in his BMW 5 series, when officers attempted to pull him over due to a faulty rear light. But instead of stopping, the 20-year-old, who had no licence or insurance, panicked and drove off before the crash involving five police vehicles and a car. The crash brought the busy stretch of road to a standstill for more than 12 hours on on April 9, with glass and debris left scattered across all three lanes. Azarbonyad pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop, having no licence and driving with no insurance. He also admitted having no licence or insurance in relation to being caught behind the wheel in the days that followed the crash. The defendant was due to be sentenced today but the case was adjourned over a dispute matters relating to previous convictions. A disagreement over whether he had a clean driving record or, as the prosecution stated, eight points following two driving offences, meant sentencing could not go ahead while further inquiries took place. Mazyar Azarbonyad (pictured leaving court), 20, was driving on the route near the Gateshead and Newcastle border at around 2.30am on April 9 when the smash happened He was taking a woman home from a first date when he was pursued by police. Pictured: A severely damaged police car at the scene of the crash The crash (pictured, the aftermath) involved five police vehicles and a car and saw seven officers injured Azarbonyad will return to the same court on June 2 and was told all options remain open to the court. Judge Tim Gittins told him he could have conditional bail but that all sentencing options remained open 'up to and including custody'. Azarbonyad must abide by a curfew and is banned from driving until his next appearance. Shocking images show a battered car on its side next to the central reservation, while debris from the destroyed police cars was strewn across the width of the carriageway. Police initially tried to stop Azarbonyad in the village of Swalwell, Gateshead, as one of his rear lights was defective - but he sped away. He was later seen approaching the A1 on the outskirts of Newcastle when the defendant suddenly hit the breaks and caused the mass pile up near the Denton roundabout. The smash triggered a large-scale emergency response, with the fire service having to remove the roof from at least one police vehicle to get inside. Seven officers were taken to hospital with what Northumbria Police described as non-life threatening injuries. They have all since been discharged. Azarbonyad was due to be sentenced today but the case was adjourned over legal matters relating to previous convictions Shocking images show a battered car on its side next to the central reservation (pictured) Debris from the destroyed police cars was strewn all over the width of the carriageway (pictured) One particularly badly damaged police vehicle (pictured) was almost completely crushed, with several of its doors having fallen off The Iran-born defendant, who came to the UK in around 2020, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop, having no licence and driving with no insurance.. Pictured: The aftermath of the crash A force spokesman said the two occupants of the BMW were uninjured. The horror pile-up closed the road for more than 12 hours, with glass and debris left scattered across all three lanes. One particularly badly damaged police vehicle had its roof torn off and was almost completely crushed, with several of its doors having fallen off. A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said at the time: 'We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday, April 9 to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle. 'We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road. 'Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment.' A Romanian man with aspirations to be the 'top male model in the world' appeared in court today in relation to three alleged arson attacks on properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer. Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who lives in Romford, was in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning. MailOnline can reveal that Carpiuc works in construction but is an aspiring actor and model. In a video on his website he says he loves east London life and taking his dog for long walks in his local park. He also wrote: 'My name Stanislav. I started my modeling career quite recently' and added he wants to be the 'top male model in the world'. Carpiuc is accused of conspiring with Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych and was today charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires. He was detained at Luton Airport on Saturday. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation and he is the second suspect to be charged. A third man remains in custody after his arrest in Chelsea yesterday. Aspiring model Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who lives in Romford, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning in relation to three alleged arson attacks on properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer Carpiuc was arrested at Luton Airport. He says he as flying to Romania to visit his sister A Toyota alight outside Sir Keir Starmer's London home. A second man has been charged in relation to three alleged arson attacks on properties and a car linked to the PM Two of the fires took place in Kentish Town, one on May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister. A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier. The third fire was on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. The defendant, flanked by two police officers in the dock, spoke via a Russian interpreter to confirm his name and date of birth. Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said: 'At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained.' Carpiuc, who wore a Hugo Boss hoodie and green cargo trousers in the dock, was arrested at Luton Airport on Saturday. The court heard Carpiuc, who was born in Ukraine, gave a no comment interview to police. Carpiuc was arrested on Saturday at Luton Airport by counter-terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit as he prepared to catch a WizzAir flight to Romania. Jay Nutkins, defending, said Carpiuc had been living in Britain for nine years and had completed a two-year business degree in January at Canterbury Christ Church University. 'He is waiting for his results from that degree and he tells me they are due in June. He was off to visit his sister in Romania. He booked a one-way ticket because he hadn't decided how long he would stay yet,' the barrister said. Carpiuc had previously lived in Lewisham while attending university. The court heard he comes from a 'working family' and his father, dressed in a red checked shirt, jeans and Reebok trainers, sat at the back of the court during the hearing. Mr Nutkins said Carpiuc had four bank accounts in this country where his 'modest income' from working in the construction industry was paid, after starting work while he waited for his results. He denies being present at the scene of any of the fires, the court was told. The court heard the 26-year-old, who was supported by his father in court, works in construction. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, from Sydenham in south London, was in court on Friday. Chief magistrates Paul Goldspring remanded Carpiuc in custody until a further hearing at the Old Bailey alongside Lavrynovych on June 6. A 34-year-old was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody. Fire damage is seen at a property formerly owned by the PM in Islington, north London Keir Starmer attends a press conference during the UK-EU summit in London yesterday Roman Lavrynovych bought fuel from B&Q days before carrying out three attacks, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard on Friday, He is accused of setting the Prime Minister's 2million north London property alight in the early hours of Monday after torching a car and another property he had previously owned. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that the defendant, who works in construction as a roofer, had gone shopping in the DIY store for 'accelerant material' on May 6 and 8. Shortly after, he allegedly set alight a car previously owned by the Prime Minister which was parked outside Sir Keir's family home. Four days later on May 12, Lavrynovych is said to have travelled on public transport to the Prime Minister's private family home, which is currently rented out to his sister-in-law while he lives at Downing Street. Around 1am a blaze was started damaging the porch of the property, but the occupants were unharmed after firefighters stopped the flames spreading. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said the allegation was that the labourer used a 'slow burning accelerant' to also set fire to a flat in Islington which the Labour leader used to own in the 1990s, damaging a front door. Detectives have not been able to establish any motive for the attacks, with Ms Przybylska saying: 'At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained.' The defendant showed no emotion as the three charges of arson with intent to endanger life were read out. He spoke only to confirm his name and address. No formal pleas were entered to the three charges, but the court was told that the defendant denies all the charges. Lavrynovych was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing at the Old Bailey on June 6. Sir Keir Starmer is being mocked for his 'bogus' claim that Brits will be allowed to use e-gates at EU airports as a result of his Brexit 'reset' deal with the EU. The Prime Minister boasted his agreement with Brussels, signed yesterday, would end 'huge queues' for holidaymakers at passport control in Europe. But bemused Tories have accused Sir Keir of a 'misleading' claim as they pointed out that many EU airports already allow Brits to use e-gates. They also echoed warnings that new border measures, due to be introduced by the EU later this year, could actually make airport queues worse for Brits. And they highlighted how decisions on allowing Brits to use e-gates will still be for individual EU countries - despite the PM's deal with the European Commission. Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, blasted Sir Keir's claim as 'just nonsense'. Conservative peer Lord David Frost, the UK's former Brexit negotiator, said the PM's agreement on e-gates 'really doesn't amount to anything'. Sir Keir hailed his e-gates agreement with the European Commission as one of the biggest wins of his 'reset' of the UK's post-Brexit relations with Brussels. Sir Keir Starmer is being mocked for his 'bogus' claim that Brits will be allowed to use e-gates at EU airports as a result of his Brexit 'reset' deal with the EU The Prime Minister boasted his agreement with Brussels would end 'huge queues' for holidaymakers at passport control in Europe Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, blasted Sir Keir's claim as 'just nonsense' The PM's wide-ranging deal also included an end to checks on British food exports to the continent, the linking of UK and EU electricity markets, and a new security pact. But Sir Keir, a Remainer who previously wanted a second EU referendum, bowed to French demands to extend access to UK fishing waters for EU fleets in exchange. Many airports in Spain and Portugal already allow Brits to use e-gates, as do those in Rome and Brussels. The PM has also acknowledged it will still be down to individual EU countries to decide whether to grant use of e-gates to UK travellers, despite his deal with Brussels. Meanwhile, experts have warned greater use of e-gates by Brits will make little difference unless it is accompanied by further work to ease the impact of new EU border measures. The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to belatedly come into force in October, will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, each time they cross a border into or out of the EU. It will replace the current manual stamping of passports for visitors to Europe's borderless Schengen area who are not nationals of EU or Schengen countries. Brits are likely to have their fingerprints and facial images taken the first time they cross a border into the EU, once the new system is in operation. There are fears this will cause huge queues at EU airports, as well as delays at Dover, Folkestone and London's St Pancras station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Dame Priti told GB News of the PM's e-gates agreement: 'The EU have a digital system coming in anyway... which is basically their equivalent to the digital border system that we put in place in the UK, because the world has gone digital. 'And yet, the Government and Starmer claim that this is some great win, and by the way, when that comes in in October, it will lead to queues because we have to provide our biometrics and lots of personal data. So this is just wrong. It's misleading.' Fellow Tory MP Sir David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, told the same channel: 'The e-gates are national decisions. What the EU says is there'll be no legal block. 'In other words, they won't intervene to make it worse. And when I've been to Europe the last couple of years, I've gone through the e-gates. It's a bogus thing.' Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said: 'So the Government's talked quite a lot about e-gates. And that was another sort of punishment that was imposed on the UK after Brexit. 'It wasn't to do with Brexit itself, it was a consequence of the Commission and certain member states beliefs. But there are many countries that have access to e-gates. 'Indeed, some countries already allow access for British people to e-gates. So the PM is falsely claiming that to be a benefit of the deal.' Industry minister Sarah Jones this morning declined to promise that Brits will experience shorter passport queues across the EU this summer. She told LBC: 'We've swept away any barriers to doing this. There is no legal reason why companies won't agree. 'I can't give you a guarantee on exact timings, because there is infrastructure that, of course, all our airports will have to put in place.' A minister risked the wrath of the fishing industry today as he claimed there is 'no downside' to the Brexit 'reset'. Environment Secretary Steve Reed mounted a robust defence of the package as he appeared before MPs, despite fury at the 'disastrous' terms. He suggested Brussels had been putting 'pressure' on the UK to agree access rights that would have lasted 'in perpetuity' - amid claims the French orchestrated a last-minute ambush in talks. Mr Reed said negotiators 'held firm' to limit the time to 12 years, even though that was far more than the four years Keir Starmer seemingly offered originally. The comments contrast sharply with the industry's dismay at what was branded a 'raw deal' and an 'absolute disaster'. The head of Britain's biggest fishing body has accused the government of allowing a 'deeply disappointing' giveaway of rights with nothing in return. Under the terms of Boris Johnson's 2020 Brexit deal, the EU gave up 25 per cent of its fishing quotas - phased up to 2026. Steve Reed said negotiators 'held firm' to limit the time to 12 years, even though that was far more than the four years Keir Starmer seemingly offered originally Sir Keir unveiled his Brext 'reset' alongside a clearly delighted Ursula von der Leyen yesterday Under the terms of Boris Johnson's 2020 Brexit deal, the EU gave up 25 per cent of its fishing quotas in UK waters - phased through to 2026 From next year there were due to be annual negotiations, which the UK fishing industry hoped would provide leverage to restore its hold. However, quotas will now by frozen until at least 2038. The text of the trade treaty are also being rewritten so any attempt by the Tories or Reform to reverse the move would allow the EU to impose sweeping reprisals. Giving evidence to the Environment Committee this morning, Mr Reed said: 'I think this is a reasonably good deal for the UK fishing sector. Compared to what some of the speculation was, and indeed some of the pressures on our negotiating team, the EU was interested in more quota, more access to EU territorial waters. 'They were looking for a deal on fishing in perpetuity, and they were trying to achieve that by making what I felt was a spurious link between fishing and an SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal.' He added: 'Our negotiating team held absolutely firm and as a result of that, we have a deal for 12 years, which if you compare to what the fishing sector has had for the last few years, we're rolling over the best of the years that the fishing sector has had under the previous government's deal. 'So it's better than every single year under the current arrangements until the final year, until 2026, and then that is rolled forward for 12 years. 'So no loss at all of quota or our own access into territorial waters but there are further benefits as well because the UK fishing sector exports 70% of our catch into Europe. 'That has now become much easier, much simpler, much less costly so they can export more of our British fish across the border, less of it is likely to rot at the border.' Mr Reed added: 'There is no downside to this for fishers. There's a big upside in what they can export.' A teenage girl and boy have admitted torturing and killing two kittens with knives, a blowtorch and scissors. The horror attack took place on May 3 in north-west London, with the 'mutilated' animals carried to Ickenham Road, Ruislip in a black duffel bag. They were later found sliced open and with ropes attached to them, with knives, blowtorches and scissors were also discovered at the scene, a court heard. One of the defenceless animals was found dangling from a tree while another cat was left dumped nearby. On Tuesday, a boy, 17, and girl, 16, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animals by 'mutilating and killing' the kittens and possession of a knife. The boy had googled 'killing cats and dogs' before the tiny animals were dismembered, Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard. The teens, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were flanked in the dock by security officers and spoke only to confirm their personal details. Prosecutor Valerie Benjamin told the court the kittens were found with ropes attached to them and had been cut open. Two teenagers have admitted torturing a pair of kittens to death. They are pictured on CCTV running away from the scene of the attack Earlier the pair were seen carrying a black bag before the kittens were found mutilated Ms Benjamin told the court evidence from the boy's phone showed he had spoken about killing cats and dogs and had searched how to kill a human. The court heard members of the public had seen the teenage boy in possession of an animal carrier and 'became concerned' when they later saw him and the 16-year-old girl running from the scene. Police officers found both animals had been cut up. Ms Benjamin added: 'Both were found dead, and a knife was found at the scene, a pair of scissors was also found.' After the kittens were found, police appealed for information and released CCTV images of suspects and an image of a black bag believed to have been used to carry the animals in. Following the plea, two other teenagers, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, were arrested on Friday on suspicion of animal cruelty. However, they were later released without charge, the Met said. The boy's phone revealed Google searches for 'killing cats and dogs' and 'how to kill a human', the court heard The prosecutor added: 'It is concerning because of the nature of the offence.' The 16-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy were remanded into the care of the local authority with conditions including a 6pm to 7am curfew monitored by police and to not contact one another. The tiny cats are said to have been dismembered in the gruesome act, which took place on Ickenham Road in Ruislip, north west London on Saturday May 3 Two teenagers have now admitted torturing and killing the animals (stock image) Judge Michael Oliver told the defendants: 'As I hope is clear to you, the offences are extremely serious. 'I am not ruling out any way of dealing with you.' The teenagers will be sentenced at the same court on June 23. Speaking of the incident last week, Sergeant Babs Rock previously said: 'This is an incredibly distressing incident which I know has caused concern in the local community.' A Met Police spokesman has since thanked locals for coming forward with information about the incident. They said: 'We recognise the distress this incident has caused in the area and we thank the community for sharing information with us.' Urgent action is being demanded as the homelessness situation at a number of popular Spanish holiday airports, including Mallorca and the Costa del Sol, reaches crisis point. At Madrid airport, it's estimated that around 400 people are sleeping rough, with many going out to work in the day and returning each night to sleep. And the shocking scenario is now being reflected elsewhere, both on the mainland and the holiday islands. Malaga and Palma in Mallorca are also dealing with the problem which is said to be causing not only humanitarian issues but safety and health fears too. At Malaga airport, it has even been alleged that staff have been bitten by fleas and bed bugs but this has been denied by the authorities. Workers say they have seen the insects 'climbing up the walls' near the departure gates used by millions of Brits. Airport employees speak of being bitten and having to apply insect repellent before going to work The appeal for urgent action is being led by the CCOO union which has publicly denounced the unsanitary conditions and lack of safety endured by workers at Malaga airport due to the presence of homeless people. The CCOO union section in the airport authority Aena group has warned of 'the serious situation that both workers and airport users have been suffering for months, due to the continued and growing presence of homeless people staying in various areas of the airport facilities, especially in the passenger terminals and transit areas.' The union says that in recent months they have received 'multiple complaints from workers from different groups, including cleaning, security, handling, customer service, shops, and catering, alleging unsanitary conditions, persistent smells, the use of restrooms as overnight areas, accumulation of belongings, occasional aggression, and a lack of effective intervention by the competent authorities.' One tourist was overheard saying Terminal 4 was like a 'disaster zone' as one 'occupant' revealed some people had been living here 'for years' An NGO worker said authorities have been purposely making life for the homeless more difficult in the hopes they will leave the airport The shocking scenario is now being reflected elsewhere, both on the mainland and the holiday islands Countless people have been seen sleeping in Spain's airports And it has warned that 'this poses a risk to occupational health and creates an environment of tension and insecurity that is absolutely incompatible with the normal conduct of business at an international airport.' Whilst accepting homelessness is a deep-seated social problem, the union has demanded that this public company, as the manager of these facilities, assume its responsibility to protect the health and safety of its staff and airport users. The CCOO (City of Workers' Commissions) demands that 'it urgently articulate, in coordination with the competent public administrations, such as the City Council, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and the Government Delegation, effective measures to provide an immediate response to this situation.' Aena has responded that it is in 'permanent and coordinated contact with the local and regional public authorities that have administrative powers in matters of social affairs and who are aware of the situation of the homeless people who spend the night at the airport.' 'Airports are designed and equipped exclusively for passenger traffic and, therefore, are not prepared for people to live there. Local and regional public authorities are aware of this reality and are working to improve the situation of homeless people,' they explained. The group added: 'Aena has implemented all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of passengers and airport workers, within its powers.' At Malaga airport, there are around 70 people sleeping homeless each night, the vast majority in the arrivals hall. 'There have been some tense moments with security and some workers, but nothing like what's happening in Madrid,' explains Antonio Gonzalez, Secretary of Union Policy and Communications for the UGT (General Union of Workers' Unions). 'Things get a bit complicated between 2am and 5am in the morning, when the last flights arrive. Troubled and repeat offenders are monitored by security personnel and cameras.' Mallorca's main airport, Son Sant Joan in the capital of Mallorca is also reporting a substantial increase in homeless people living both inside the terminal and in the car-park. Private security officers have been brought in to try and contain them in groups away from the main arrival and departure section and some of the doors are being locked at night. There have been reports of trouble and thefts from local shops inside the airport. Some of the homeless people have been subsequently evicted. In some cases, matters have escalated, with complaints and restraining orders issued against these homeless people, as reported by airport staff. Over in Madrid-Barajas airport, a 'hidden city' of the homeless has been allowed to balloon over the past 10 years. The number of 'unauthorised occupants' - as they are called by the authorities - at the airport has gone from around 50 to almost 500. While rough sleepers are nothing new at the travel hub, a recent spike in alleged violence and drug use among the community is becoming somewhat of a PR nightmare for tourism bosses, who fear holidaymakers could be put off travelling to the capital city. This month, state-owned airport authority Aena was forced to fumigate several zones amid fears of a bed bug outbreak. Madrid-Barajas is the largest airport in Spain and manages more than 65 million passengers each year, including hundreds of thousands of Brits. But tourists arriving at the airport this week were visibly shocked by what they saw, with one overheard commenting: 'This looks like a disaster zone.' A woman was seen hunched over as she walked through the airport that is used by thousands of Brits The regional government is said to be worried that airlines and countries like the UK will begin warning tourists about the risks they are exposed to at Barajas Airport 'Some of them just drink all day and get themselves into a state, they are peeing and going to the toilet where they sleep, off their heads,' an 'occupant' said Pictures and footage taken by MailOnline show dozens of men and women sprawled out on the floor of Terminal 4, the epicentre of the crisis. The 'occupants' are seen sleeping on every level of the terminal and in any spot they can find, including next to toilet entrances, behind the flight display screens and at restaurant tables. It is so overwhelming for staff that they are considering filing complaints with the Ministry of Labour, citing the 'more than obvious risk' to their wellbeing, reports Spanish paper El Debate. According to Spanish reports, some of the occupants have been found carrying knives, machetes and other homemade weapons, while crack and other drug use - and even prostitution - are reportedly common. Terminal 4 is where the majority of the homeless live after they were relocated there by the authorities, having previously been spread across all of the airport's four terminals. Fernando, from Peru, has been living at Terminal 4 for several months. He moved to Spain two years ago in search of a better life, but ended up on the streets when work as a removal man dried up and he couldn't afford his rent. 'You definitely have to sleep with one eye open,' he told MailOnline while puffing on a cigarette just outside the arrivals hall. Madrid-Barajas is the largest airport in Spain and manages more than 65 million passengers each year, including hundreds of thousands of Brits While rough sleepers are nothing new at the travel hub, a recent spike in alleged violence and drug use among the community is becoming somewhat of a PR nightmare for tourism bosses Terminal 4 is where the majority of the homeless live after they were relocated there by the authorities, having previously been spread across all of the airport's four terminals The number of 'unauthorised occupants' - as they are called by the authorities - at the newly-dubbed 'zombieland' airport has gone from around 50 to almost 500 'There are some bad eggs here who will rob you while you sleep, they usually come out at 3am, they'll take your phone, cigarettes, or whatever they can grab.' Fernando insisted 'we are not all bad', but admitted there were a 'bad few' who are creating negative media attention. He pointed to a puddle of urine on the floor, which he said was not an uncommon sight. 'Some of them just drink all day and get themselves into a state, they are peeing and going to the toilet where they sleep, off their heads,' he said. 'I sleep in the corner, there is a group of us calm South Americans who look after one another, it can get quite dangerous. 'A lot of the people are working for cash during the day in the black economy, then come back with alcohol and get drunk on whiskey and rum. Many have been living here for years. 'The police come every three or four days and check people's papers and ask some of them to leave - they are checking for people who have criminal records or are wanted by police.' Fernando says he does not know what the solution is but knows the airport is a 'life saver' for many as it provides a much safer environment than the streets. 'Occupant' Fernando insisted 'we are not all bad', but admitted there were a 'bad few' who are creating negative media attention Madrid-Barajas airport in Spain has become a 'hidden city' of the homeless that has been allowed to balloon over the past 10 years He said there are people 'from all over' living here, including Europe. One sleeping occupant was seen wearing a US Army uniform, while another, clearly intoxicated, was shouting gibberish in English. A Spanish occupant was seen covered in bite marks, believed to be from bed bugs. Up to a dozen officers from the National Police were seen checking people's papers along the 'main street' of the 'homeless city', which runs across a hallway by the elevators on the first floor. 'It's not a good time, you don't want to be walking through here,' one officer told MailOnline. Two security workers told this paper that they are 'not allowed' to speak out on the issue, but that if they could 'boy, we could tell you some things.' At night, National Police officers are seen donning face masks while patrolling the areas on three-wheeled segways. Fights between the occupants are rife. One clearly intoxicated occupant was seen shoving a security guard during the night that MailOnline visited the airport. He was swiftly escorted back to his sleeping area. Some of the 'occupants' are said to have been found carrying knives, machetes and other homemade weapons, while drug use is reportedly common The occupants' lives are said to be made more difficult by authorities who have removed benches and electrical outlets, limiting their sleeping hours and bring in certain foods In a statement this week, the UGT trade union demanded 'an urgent, coordinated, and effective response that guarantees both workplace and public safety, as well as dignified care for the affected group.' It read: 'Workers are exposed to dangerous situations in an environment that has not been designed or prepared for this type of problem. 'Travelers themselves, unaware of this situation, are also suffering the consequences, facing an environment of insecurity unbecoming of a key infrastructure for the country.' It blasted authorities for failing to tackle the issue, 'neither Aena, nor the Community of Madrid, nor the Madrid City Council, whose mayor has classified these people as 'political refugees,' it fumed. It said those living at the airport are referred to as 'unauthorised occupants' and are 'people with very diverse profiles: without financial resources, with mental disorders, alcohol or drug addiction problems.' The ASEA trade union has called for a series of bans in public areas of the airport, including 'staying overnight, residing, wandering around, or using passenger rest areas' without flight documentation. But Gaspar Garcia, an NGO worker who has been feeding the homeless at the airport for years, blamed the airport's relocation of the occupants as being behind a surge in incidents. 'The current situation of the homeless at Barajas Airport is tougher than ever,' he told RTVE this week. 'The current situation of the homeless at Barajas Airport is tougher than ever,' an NGO worker said An NGO accused several media outlets of 'exploiting' the tensions between the homeless 'to criminalise them' A trade union has called for a ban of those 'staying overnight, residing, wandering around, or using passenger rest areas' without flight documentation 'Instead of seeking housing or inclusion solutions, they have decided to relocate them to a very specific area - on the first floor of Terminal 4 - without basic conditions: no cleanliness, no security, no opportunity for real rest.' Garcia is head of the Despega project at the Bokatas NGO. He accused several media outlets of 'exploiting' the tensions between the homeless 'to criminalise them.' He also said authorities have been purposely making life for the homeless more difficult in the hopes they will leave the airport. He said: 'Benches and electrical outlets have been removed, sleeping hours have been limited... they've even prohibited us from bringing food from organisations like Bokatas, which was one of the few things they had left. It's a strategy of attrition, to force them to leave the airport without giving them any alternative.' Meanwhile, a blame game continues to engulf the different governing bodies. President of the Madrid region, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, this week warned of an 'international buzz' surrounding the crisis. According to respected Spanish daily El Mundo, the regional government fears airlines and countries like the UK will begin warning tourists about the risks they are exposed to at Barajas Airport. President of the Madrid region, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, this week warned of an 'international buzz' surrounding the crisis Laura Martinez Cerro, Director General of Tourism and Hospitality for Madrid, told the newspaper: 'The situation at Barajas Airport could harm the tourist image of the Community of Madrid, eroding the perception of security so valued by visitors and to which so much effort is put.' The airport technically falls under the administration of Madrid City Council, but the regional government of the Community of Madrid admits it is affected by the ongoing incidents - and is also blaming the national government for 'not doing enough'. 'We're going to try to do whatever it takes,' Madrid President Ayuso said this week. 'As long as there's even one person sleeping on the floor of the airport due to this situation, we can't stand idly by and think this situation is over.' But Ayuso said the national government, led by Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez, could be doing more According to respected Spanish daily El Mundo, the regional government fears airlines and countries like the UK will begin warning tourists about the risks they are exposed to at Barajas Airport However, Ayuso said the national government, led by Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez, could be doing more. 'These are Aena facilities,' the conservative leader said, blasting Sanchez's 'blatant refusal to act' with 'all necessary means'. Aena, the authority that manages most of Spain's airports, is state-owned. 'It's an inhumane situation for these people, and certainly Madrid and Spain as a whole don't deserve that image,' she added. MailOnline has contacted Aena, Madrid City Council and the government of Spain for comment. An asylum seeker fisherman who masterminded a 12million people smuggling ring from his taxpayer-funded flat has been jailed for 25 years. Egyptian-born Ahmed Ebid rose to become one of Britain's top trafficking kingpins, flooding Europe with 3,800 migrants. But today the 42-year-old moaned 'this is unfair' as he was caged for a quarter-of-a-century for 'ruthlessly and cynically' exploiting thousands of people - which included women and children. Nicknamed 'Captain Ahmed' on Facebook, the smuggler ran the illegal enterprise from his cushy art-deco home in London's desirable Isleworth area. The crook had been given the lodging back in October 2022, moving in with his wife and young daughter after claiming asylum in Britain. But Ebid had previously been jailed for six years in Italy for attempting to smuggle a tonne of cannabis into the country, when he was given his UK home. Between October 2022 and June 2023, Ebid rose to become one of Britain's most prolific traffickers, organising 'death trap' boat crossings to the continent, setting up seven trips from North Africa to Italy. Preying on the 'desperation' of his victims, Ebid even ordered his associates to 'kill' any migrants caught with mobile phones and then dump their bodies in the sea. Egyptian-born Ahmed Ebid (pictured), 42, helped organise the movement of nearly 3,800 migrants - including women and children 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 picture of a boat found on the phone used by Egyptian national Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid The crooked father was eventually snared 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. Officers from Britain's 'FBI', the National Crime Agency (NCA) raided his home in June 2023 and recovered a treasure trove of evidences that would unmask Ebid's multi-million pound smuggling racket. Jailing him, Judge Adam Hiddleston said Ebid he had earned a 'truly staggering' amount of cash through 'exploitation' on an 'enormous scale' which 'could so easily lead to a considerable loss of life". Speaking at Southwark Crown Court, the judge said: 'The treatment of the migrants on your orders and in your name was horrifying. They were simply a commodity to you. 'You talked of them in terms of units, not as people, referring to them as 'cartons'. 'The important thing to you was that each paid up the exorbitant fare that was charged for their crossing and that nobody did anything to compromise your operation - such as by carrying a mobile phone. 'As we know, if they did, you were prepared to instruct others to threaten them with death. You demonstrated no empathy or care whatsoever for these desperate and vulnerable men, women and children. " He added: 'There has to be, it seems to me, a crystal-clear message delivered to those engaged in this trade, that the protection of international borders is also something that, when the court has such a responsibility, is taken very seriously indeed and reflected in a lengthy sentence being passed.' 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 Former fisherman Ebid, who came to the UK on a small boat, was working with people smuggling networks in north Africa to organise boats to bring over hundreds of migrants at a time. One crossing in October 2022 saw more than 640 migrants rescued by the Italian authorities after they attempted to cross in a wooden boat from Libya. It was taken into port in Sicily. In another just weeks later, 265 migrants were rescued by the Italian coastguard from a 20-metre fishing boat found adrift in the Mediterranean. The boat had left Benghazi in Libya. In April 2023 two further search and rescue operations were mounted following distress calls to the coastguard. In each case more than 600 migrants were on board each boat. Ebid sourced and provided boats and crews, provided technical advice during the crossings, helped house migrants, and dealt with any required paperwork, prosecutors said. In one conversation with an associate, recorded via a listening device planted by NCA officers, he ordered migrants were not to carry phones with them on his boats. He said: 'Tell them guys anyone caught with a phone will be killed, threw in the sea.' Frederick Hookway, prosecuting, said Ebid organised passage for 3,781 migrants charging on average around 3,272 a time, making a total of 12,375,212. Ebid claimed he only made around 12,600 after providing navigational and seafaring advice. Mr Hookway told the court: 'He was receiving financial benefit from the offending. 'It is obvious from the transcripts that the defendant was doing a number of things. He was arranging crews, giving directions on logistical issues such as the amount of water needed in boats, and practical directives about phones.' Migrants being brought to shore on the Italian island of Lampedusa on September 15, 2023 'It is obvious that all that assistance went way beyond navigational or sea-faring advice. 'Many incidents where he claimed he was talking about fishing he was not.' Ebid had told the court that in many of these conversations he was talking about fishing, not human trafficking. He claimed Saddam Haftar, the son of the Supreme Commander of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, was the trafficking boss responsible for flooding Europe with migrants. 'A substantial amount of conversation was recorded, and a lot of it appears to be related to the movements of people in boats across the Mediterranean,' he said. 'I was giving advice to fishermen in Sierra Leone and Egypt. For example, if they see any problems with the direction, any problems with the boat, any problems with fishing, I have to direct. 'I am very famous and I have the background for that.' He claimed he gave advice to fisherman in north Africa because he was unable to work in the UK, and that he would be paid if they made a profit. 'I applied for asylum, I was not able to work. They would give me a percentage of their work.' Bartholomew O'Toole, defending, insisted if Ebid had made 12 million he would have been living a more lavish lifestyle than he was. 'He was receiving state benefits. There is not a single sign of him living a luxurious lifestyle,' the lawyer told the court. 'If he was making even a small proportion of that twelve or so million pounds, surely he would have been buying himself a more comfortable lifestyle. 'He denies housing or moving migrants.' Judge Hiddleston had rejected Ebid's basis of plea as 'simply unbelievable' following a trial of issue. 'It is simply incredible that if he would have been engaging in commercial fishing he would have had a team - including a captain - none of whom are capable of navigating a fishing boat without the assistance of someone in London calling them on a mobile phone. A boat with migrants seen under the lighthouse in Lampedusa, Italy on August 4, 2022 'He was doing the best he could to avoid the court reaching the conclusion which I have, that he was involved personally at a very high level in the trafficking of migrants from Libya into Europe.' Jailing Ebid for 25 years the judge said: 'Between April and June 2023 the National Crime Agency recorded conversations taking place in your home by of a listening device. 'Analysis of the transcript of those conversations suggested that you had a significant managerial role within an international crime group, which was engaged in the illegal trafficking of migrants from Libya to the EU for considerable financial gain.' 'The conversations demonstrated not only the level of your involvement in this operation, but also the dreadful and appalling lengths you were willing to go to in the furtherance of that criminal activity. 'The overall picture includes numerous messages referring to the provision of crews, boats, fuel and water. 'It includes references to the bribing of soldiers and officials who were tasked with enforcing border control in Libya. 'It includes references to payments running into the hundreds of thousands - whether they be Egyptian pounds, Libyan dinar or British pounds. 'As to personal profit, you said this: 'Would I reject it? It's a living which came to my door, would I say no to it? 'You also said: "As long as we are alive and this work is going on, we will never stop". 'Most chillingly of all are those messages that demonstrate the threats of violence ordered by you and the level of ill-treatment metered out towards those migrants you were trafficking.' The judge referred to a message sent by Ebid on May 7 2023 stating: 'Phones is not allowed and tell them guys anyone caught with phone will be killed, thrown in the sea.' The NCA had also been provided with material from Italian authorities concerning seven illegal crossings orchestrated by Ebid, he added. 'The pattern of these crossings was was identical. 'The boats in each case would be guided by you from Libyan ports to Italian waters and when they had reached there the coastguard would be contacted, thus ensuring that all on board would be rescued and would hopefully arrive at their intended destination: an EU member state.' Ebid earned in the region of 12,375,000 for trafficking 'over 3,700' migrants over to Italy in this way. 'This is a truly staggering figure and no doubt that money came from the hard earned savings of each of those desperate individuals,' said Judge Hiddleston. 'These were ordinary human beings - men, women and also children - who were ruthlessly and cynically exploited by you and the group which you were such a central and important part of.' The people smuggled into Italy by Ebid were 'so vulnerable and desperate that they were prepared to pay a huge financial price and an even higher personal price - namely by risking their lives and the lives of their families in order to enter the EU.' The 42-year-old who was jailed for 25 years at London's to Southwark Crown Court for conspiring to assist illegal immigration Judge Hiddleston said: 'The risk of loss of life on a truly considerable was considerable. 'These were fishing boats, not ferries - they were not designed to carry many hundreds of people across a large stretch of water. 'There is simply no conceivable way in which your actions can be described as bearing any humanitarian features whatsoever. 'Whilst you were not living in luxury in the few months after you moved to this country, the fact remains that this operation generated many millions in income. 'You played an essential part in the operation of this conspiracy: without you - your counsel accepts this on your behalf - it could not have worked. 'The treatment of the migrants on your orders and in your name was horrifying - they were simply a commodity to you. 'You talked of them in terms of units, not people, referring to them as cartons.' Before asking Ebid to stand up, the judge referred to the Messenia migrant boat disaster of June 2023 in which '500 or so' migrants died. 'When that disaster happened in Greece, and the relevant transcript records this, your concern was clearly not for the over 500 innocent men, women and children that had drowned, but for the potentially detrimental effect that appalling tragedy might have on the business of human trafficking. 'Such callous disregard for the victims of this terrible trade you were involved in is almost impossible to comprehend.' The judge said the 25 year sentence was a deterrent to convey that 'offending such as yours, that involves exploitation on such an enormous scale which leads to so much misery and which also could so easily lead to a considerable loss of life, will result in a very lengthy sentence of imprisonment indeed.' Through his Arabic translator, Ebid protested: 'This is unfair, your honour, this is unfair, this is unfair!'. Almost 25,000 people have lost their lives attempting the arduous journey since 2014, with 382 dead from this year already Ebid earlier admitted conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to a European Union member state, by supplying boats to ferry migrants from Libya and Italy between 3 October 2022 and 21 July 2023. The international operation had involved the Italian coastguard and Guardia di Finanza. Tim Burton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Ahmed Ebid played a leading role in a sophisticated operation, which breached immigration laws and endangered lives, for his own and others' financial gain. 'Vulnerable people were transported on long sea journeys in ill-equipped fishing vessels completely unsuitable for carrying the large number of passengers who were on board. 'His repeated involvement in helping to facilitate these dangerous crossings showed a complete disregard for the safety of thousands of people, whose lives were put at serious risk.' Jacque Beer, of the NCA, said: 'Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants to ship them across the Mediterranean in death trap boats. 'The cruel nature of his business was demonstrated by the callous way he spoke of throwing migrants into the sea if they didn't follow his rules. 'To him they were just a source of profit. 'He was based in the UK but organising crossings from North Africa. 'A proportion of those he moved to Italy would also have ended up in northern Europe, attempting to cross the Channel to the UK.' Ebid is the first person in Britain to be convicted of smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean, amid a new crackdown on the international smuggling gangs 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. Almost 25,000 people have lost their lives attempting the arduous journey since 2014, with 382 dead from this year already, according to the UN's 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. A British man on trial for drug offences pleaded for leniency in an Indonesian court in Bali on Tuesday after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria, was arrested near Kuta beach in January after allegedly collecting a package from a taxi driver at a nearby street. The package contained slightly over a kilogram of MDMA, a party drug and the main ingredient in ecstasy, according to a lab test result cited in court documents. Parker, a 32-year-old electrician by trade, was initially charged with drug trafficking and could have faced the death penalty by firing squad if found guilty. But the trafficking charge was dropped after police investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. Parker repeatedly expressed his remorse in his final plea today, and asked the panel of three judges in Denpasar District Court to consider his situation and impose a lenient sentence. 'I am very sorry and apologise, I know it was a mistake,' Parker said, 'I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didn't know that (the package) was drugs.' British citizen Thomas Parker, who is accused of drug offences, walks to a holding cell after his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Thomas Parker listens to his interpreter during his trial hearing on Tuesday The 32-year-old electrician was able to prove that he did not order the package After Parker read out his plea, Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani adjourned the trial until May 27, when the judges will read out their sentence in a verdict. 'Until now, they (prosecutors) cannot prove that our client is a middleman or trafficker,' Pangkahila said. 'He has no connection with any drug network, we hope the judges will come to the same conclusion.' He said his client is nervous and depressed as he faces trial. According to the court document obtained by The Associated Press, Parker was noticed 'acting suspiciously' by officers while he was collecting the package. He allegedly discarded it in a panic and fled when police approached him. He was traced back to the villa where he was staying and was arrested. But Parker, in court, has maintained that he did not order the package and had initially refused to collect it, doing so only after a friend assured him it was safe and would not endanger him. The package was sent by a drug dealer friend, identified only as Nicky, who Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. Parker, who is accused of drug offences, sits on the defendant's chair before the start of his trial hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Parker was seen for the first time since his arrest in March, paraded in front of media in an orange jumpsuit in Denpasar Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, his lawyer, Edward Pangkahila said. Parker was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return, Pangkahila said. During the police investigation, Parker was able to prove that he did not order the package. Authorities reduced the charge from trafficking to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker. However, under Indonesian legal system, judges have an important role as legal determinants in a trial. They could seek further charges if applicable laws are unclear or non-existent, meaning that the trafficking charge could be reinstated. Pangkahila said that Parker last met Nicky a year ago when he was on vacation in Thailand. Thomas Parker was said to have acted suspiciously while receiving a package of MDMA being delivered by a motorcycle courier on January 21 Police said they opened the mail package and found light-brown powder inside. It was later found to be MDMA, the main component of ecstasy As his friend was a dealer, Parker worried the package was filled with drugs. He panicked when he saw police officers on the street and and was approached by them, Pangkahila said. He was traced back to the 7 Seas Villas in North Kuta, where he was arrested. Police showed the discarded package to Parker, who allegedly admitted it was the package he had received earlier. They claimed they had found a light-brown powder inside later identified as MDMA. Police took the suspect to the narcotics office for processing back in January, and he has been remanded in custody since. The case went unreported until authorities showed a handcuffed Parker at a news conference on March 6. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told MailOnline they were supporting a British man detained in Bali and are in contact with the local authorities. Indonesia has very strict drug laws and convicted traffickers can be executed by a firing squad. About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections' data showed. Indonesia's last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. A senior female executive has won more than 1.2 million after her job was given to someone else whilst she was off sick with breast cancer. Andrea Wainwright was left feeling 'traumatised and broken' when she found out on Linkedin that a colleague had taken over her role, an employment tribunal heard. The 48-year-old 'fighter' - who was paid more than 80,000 a year - discovered the move by the banking services firm she was employed by just three months after taking time off work to undergo chemotherapy. When she was well enough to return, she made an official complaint about her treatment and then resigned. Five years later she won her claim for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal after successfully suing cashpoint firm Cennox. Ms Wainwright has now been awarded a staggering 1,224,861 in total compensation. Following her success, Ms Wainwright, from Chelmsford, Essex, told how losing her job following her diagnosis had 'destroyed' her and she had gone through the employment tribunal process on 'principal'. The tribunal heard she began working for the company - who provide ATM machines - as head of installations in January 2018, after the firm took over her previous employers. Ms Wainwright said fighting the case on the back of cancer is was 'horrendously difficult' but was awarded a total compensation of 1,224,861.94 Ms Wainwright discovered a colleague had taken her job just three months after taking time off work to undergo chemotherapy Ms Wainwright was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in August of that year and, after informing her bosses, took sick leave and started chemotherapy four days later. The East London hearing was told that senior colleague Shelley Cawthorne temporarily stepped into her role. In late October Ms Cawthorne told Stephen Garrod, Ms Wainwright's manager, that she had been offered a senior position at a competitor. The tribunal heard this would have been a 'blow' to the company and so Mr Garrod offered her a permanent position as Head of Installations with a plan to split the role when Ms Wainwright returned. Ms Cawthorne started her new role on November 1 and a new organisational chart was sent out. This email was not sent to Ms Wainwright and there was no mention of her in the document. But she became aware of the appointment three weeks later when she saw a post on LinkedIn inviting viewers to 'Congratulate Shelley for starting a new position as Head of Installations at Cennox', the tribunal heard, and was left 'understandably concerned'. Ms Wainwright emailed HR Director Jennifer Spencer-Lee to clarify what was happening and what impact it would have for her return. The tribunal heard Ms Wainwright's manager offered her colleague her role when the other woman said she had been approached by a competitor Ms Wainwright said losing her job following her diagnosis had 'destroyed' her and she had gone through the employment tribunal process on 'principal' Ms Spencer-Lee told Ms Wainwright it was 'not expected' to affect her role and that Ms Cawthorne was leading the team 'for now'. The tribunal found that this email was 'misleading' as it gave the impression Ms Cawthorne's role was temporary. Ms Wainwright was then informed at a return to work meeting with Mr Garrod and Ms Spencer-Lee in June 2019 that the role was going to be split. The tribunal heard that Ms Wainwright was unhappy with this and thought she had been demoted because of her cancer diagnosis. She submitted an 11-page grievance two days after returning to work at the end of July saying she had been lied to by Mr Garrod and Ms Spencer-Lee. Her complaint was not upheld and then at the end of August she discovered she had been misled, as Ms Cawthorne told her that her appointment as Head of Installations was permanent, not temporary as her bosses had claimed. When Ms Wainwright's appeal against the decision to reject her grievance was then delayed because the investigator fell ill, she resigned. In her resignation letter to Ms Spencer-Lee on September 27 she wrote: 'I am very unhappy about the way I have been treated and set out some of the more serious matters. East London Employment Tribunal ound that Ms Wainwright had been misled about the changes to her role and discriminated against 'I was assured that my role was unchanged but when I returned to work I did not return to my existing role. I was demoted and several key responsibilities were taken away from me.' The tribunal found that Ms Wainwright had been misled about the changes to her role and discriminated against. Employment Judge Catrin Lewis found Ms Wainwright 'felt traumatised and broken as a result of discovering...that she had indeed been lied to, which was found to have been an act of discrimination.' The judge added: 'At that time (she) had been through cancer treatment and was recovering, although she was on continuing medication in respect of the chances of recurrence. 'She had been well enough to return to work and had been described as a fighter.' Speaking after the tribunal decision, Ms Wainwright said her 25-year-old daughter has lifelong care needs and building a career whilst caring for her daughter had been hard. 'I never did this for money, I did this on principle', she said. 'To lose your job and career just because of a cancer diagnosis really destroys you, at a time when everything is in question, I was fighting for my life and the to have everything else taken away from you is unbelievable. 'I hope the outcome will prevent such blatant discrimination from happening again. 'It will allow me to close the door on a very unpleasant chapter, I am still having to rebuild from scratch. 'I fight for other cancer survivors, the only way to stop this to challenge it.' Ms Wainwright added that the 1.2 million award will give her some space to recover without the financial pressures she has been experiencing. 'I have had financial pressure from day one', she added. 'Then I hope it will give me the money to invest in my future career once I have had a chance to think about that. Ms Wainwright, pictured during her cancer treatment, said she fought the case on behalf of other cancer survivors, adding: 'The only way to stop this to challenge it' 'It has been very disruptive, I am having to start my career from scratch through no fault of my own. 'It has been a very turbulent few years.' Ms Wainwright has been awarded a total compensation of 1,224,861.94, including a previously announced 40,000 for injury to feelings. The award also includes almost 400,00 in past loss of earnings, 300,00 for future losses and 130,000 in interest payments. A Sydney man who assaulted a German woman while relaxing by the pool a luxury Bali resort will remain behind bars. Ali Shahrouk, 38, was sentenced over an altercation with tourist Christin Steinrode Tiller at the $950 a night Apurva Kempinski Hotel in south Kuta on January 29. Her nose and jaw was fractured in the incident. Shahrouk has been in custody since February 1. Donning a face mask and red prison vest, he shielded his face from the cameras as he arrived at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Shahrouk held his head in his hands as Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani handed down his verdict. 'Ali Shahrouk has been found guilty for assaulting the victim. Sentencing the defendant to 4 months and 15 days prison term,' he told the court. 'There is no justification for the defendant Ali Shahrouk to do his act and to escape from punishment.' Ali Shahrouk, 38, was sentenced to four months and 15 days on Tuesday (pictured) Shahrouk (pictured) was jailed over an altercation with a German woman at a ritzy resort The sentence is slightly shorter than the six month jail term recommended by prosecutors. The judge considered several aggravating and mitigating factors. It was noted that Shahrouk's act had disturbed the community. However his politeness during the trial and lack of criminal record was also taken into account. Shahrouk will serve the rest of his sentence in a Bali jail, which was reduced with time already served. He is expected to be freed from jail next month. The judge granted both the prosecution and defence seven days to appeal the ruling. Shahrouk's legal team have not yet decided whether or not they will appeal his sentence. Mr Shahrouk (pictured in court on Tuesday) has been in custody since February 1 The assault took place near a pool at the $950 a night Apurva Kempinski Hotel (pictured) in south Kuta on January 29 Shahrouk was lounging by the resort pool with his family when Ms Tiller confronted his brother-in-law Samer Beckdache. The court heard she said 'fucking p****, this is not your business' after Mr Beckdache's older child pushed her three-year-old down a waterslide. The dispute escalated when Ms Tiller pushed Mr Beckdache into the pool, leading him to pull her in by the hair. Shahrouk then slapped and punched the woman in the face. Earlier this month, Balinese prosecutors revealed they would not pursue the maximum two-year, eight-month prison sentence. Instead, the prosecutor argued for a six-month term. Prosecutor Made Hendra Pranata charged Shahrouk for violating article 351, subsection 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code on assault. Ali Shahrouk (pictured) will spend at least another month behind bars in Bali Ali Shahrouk showed off his scratch marks after the pool altercation His lawyer Sabam Antonius previously argued his client was standing up for his children at the time of the assault. Shahrouk previously told the court the time behind bars has already cost him his home and had left his children without their father. 'My kid will undergo surgery in Australia and I hope that I can accompanied him. I beg to the panel to give me a light sentence,' he said. The father previously admitted to slapping Ms Tiller, but denied punching her. Both Ms Tiller and Shahrouk reported the incident to police and were urged to resolve it between themselves. She claimed complications from her injuries cost her time at work, while Mr Antonius argued his client had exhausted all avenues to make amends outside of the court. Ms Tiller returned home to Germany shortly after filing the complaint. China-Pakistan unique friendship: A model of timeless trust and strategic partnership 16:38, May 20, 2025 By Zamir Ahmed Awan ( People's Daily Online The China-Pakistan friendship stands as one of the most remarkable and enduring examples of international relations in the modern era. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties on May 21, 1951, and even beforewith the first official Pakistani delegation visiting China on Jan. 4, 1950this bilateral relationship has steadily evolved into what both nations proudly describe as an "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership." Rooted in deep trust, mutual respect, and convergence of interests, the China-Pakistan friendship is rightly termed "higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey." This unique bond transcends political changes, geographical challenges, and global uncertainties. It is not merely a relationship between two governments but a heart-to-heart connection between two peoples. At every crucial juncture of their histories, China and Pakistan have stood by each other, supporting one another with sincerity and solidarity. Foundations of the friendship When Pakistan recognized the People's Republic of China soon after its establishment in 1949, it was among the first countries to do so. This bold and visionary step laid the groundwork for a friendship that has only grown stronger over the decades. The formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1951 opened a new chapter, leading to a series of landmark agreements, high-level visits, and collaborative projects. Since then, China and Pakistan have navigated together through regional tensions, global realignments, and domestic transformationsalways with trust and mutual understanding. Landmark agreements and high-level exchanges Over the years, several significant agreements have cemented this friendship: 1963 Boundary Agreement: A peaceful resolution of the border between Pakistan and China, setting a model for regional diplomacy. 2005 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations: Institutionalized the long-standing strategic partnership. High-level visits have been a hallmark of the relationship: Premier Zhou Enlai's visit to Pakistan in 1964 was a turning point, marking the start of regular political exchanges. President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Pakistan in April 2015 elevated the relationship to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and the two countries agreed to form a "1+4" cooperation structure with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the center and the Gwadar Port, transport infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to achieve a win-win result and common development. Frequent exchanges between the presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and military leaderships of both countries have kept the relationship dynamic and responsive to contemporary needs. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A flagship of cooperation Perhaps the most visible and transformative symbol of the China-Pakistan friendship is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Launched under the umbrella of President Xi Jinping's visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC is a game-changer for Pakistan's economy and regional connectivity. CPEC is not just an economic project; it is a symbol of China's unwavering commitment to Pakistan's development and prosperity. Trade, investment, and economic collaboration China is Pakistan's largest trading partner and a key investor in major sectors. Bilateral trade has grown consistently, reaching $20.76 billion in 2023. The Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA)signed in 2006 and upgraded in 2019has facilitated this growth, making trade more balanced and diversified. Chinese investments in Pakistan cover: Telecommunications and ICT Automobiles and Electronics Banking and Finance Real Estate and Construction Green Energy and Climate Change The two nations are also working closely on digital economy cooperation, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence, ensuring future-proof collaboration. Strategic, political, and defense cooperation China and Pakistan enjoy a unique and time-tested strategic partnership. Their defense ties are robust and mutually beneficial. China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests, while Pakistan firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes all forms of "Taiwan independence." Pakistan also firmly supports China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. At international forums such as the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS Plus, both nations back each other, advocating for peaceful development, non-interference, and multilateralism. China has always recognized Pakistan as a vital partner for regional peace and stability, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, and regional integration. Support in times of need China has consistently stood by Pakistan in moments of national crisis: During the 2005 earthquake, 2010 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first responder with aid, equipment, and personnel. China's support during economic crises, including currency swaps, loans, and debt rollovers, has helped Pakistan stabilize its economy. In times of international pressure or diplomatic isolation, China has been Pakistan's unshakable friend and advocate. Similarly, Pakistan has always been vocal and proactive in supporting China, reaffirming the mutual nature of their trust and loyalty. People-to-people and cultural bonds Beyond strategic and economic ties, China and Pakistan share a growing people-to-people friendship: Thousands of Pakistani students are studying in China on scholarships. Cultural exchanges, Confucius Institutes, academic partnerships, and media cooperation are flourishing. Joint film productions, art exhibitions, and tourism initiatives are building mutual understanding and cultural empathy. The two peoples express genuine warmth for each other. The term "Iron Brothers" is not diplomatic rhetoricit reflects heartfelt mutual admiration. A model of Global South cooperation In a world increasingly marked by power rivalries and mistrust, the China-Pakistan friendship offers a refreshing model of peaceful, respectful, and cooperative international engagement. Their relationship is built not on transactional deals but on a long-standing alignment of values: Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity Win-win cooperation and peaceful development Shared commitment to modernization and poverty alleviation Common vision for regional connectivity and South-South solidarity Both countries are working together on global initiatives such as: Global Development Initiative (GDI) Global Security Initiative (GSI) Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) These represent a shared aspiration for a more just, inclusive, and multipolar world order. Strategic importance in a changing world The China-Pakistan relationship has significant implications for regional and global geopolitics: It serves as a stabilizing factor in South Asia, promoting dialogue and connectivity. It enhances China's access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, strengthening regional trade and energy security. It offers Pakistan a gateway to Central Asia, Africa, and beyond, via the BRI framework. As great power competition intensifies, the China-Pakistan partnership remains non-aligned, constructive, and future-oriented, focused on development, peace, and mutual benefit. A bond beyond time and borders 74 years after establishing diplomatic ties, the China-Pakistan relationship has grown into one of the most durable, resilient, and multi-dimensional partnerships in the world. It has successfully adapted to changing times without losing its foundational spirit of trust, mutual respect, and shared destiny. This unique friendship is not just for todayit is for generations to come. It is not based on short-term gains but on deep-rooted principles and shared dreams. As both countries march forward in their journeys of rejuvenation and modernization, their path will continue to be shared. The China-Pakistan relationship is not only a cornerstone of regional stability but also a beacon for what true international friendship can and should look like in the 21st century. Long live Pakistan-China traditional friendshipmay it grow even stronger with each passing day. About the author: Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance (GSRRA). He is a sinologist and former diplomat. He is also a Researcher at the Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center and a non-resident fellow of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com). (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Hundreds have been evacuated from an Alpine village in southern Switzerland amid fears of an imminent rockslide that could wipe out their hamlet. Blatten, a village of around 300 people in the Loetschental valley, lies in the path of what geologists fear could be a massive avalanche of rock. Residents - and a herd of 52 cows - were evacuated by authorities on Tuesday as a precaution. Many now fear they may never see their homes again as experts revealed 1.5 million cubic metres of have already tumbled down the mountainside. 'But the worse could still happen,' said Matthias Ebener, head of information for the regional command staff. Scientists say more than 3 million cubic metres of rock and stone are continuing to shift on the Klein Nesthorn, above the town, local media outlet 20min reports. On Monday, some 200,000 cubic metres of rock descended down the mountain face, with the situation having stabilised by the next day. However experts say this is more likely a temporary pause in activity. 'Most of it has not yet flowed into the valley and has remained trapped in a cirque at the summit,' Ebener added. Hundreds have been evacuated from Blatten in southern Switzerland amid fears of an imminent rockslide that could wipe out the hamlet Residents were evacuated by authorities on Tuesday as a precaution, as scientists predict a further landslide of millions of cubic metres of rock within hours On Monday, some 200,000 cubic metres of rock descended down the mountain face, with the situation having stabilised - but experts say this is more likely a temporary pause in activity Added to this, subsidence has been observed with scientists noting the ground shifting at a rate of 1.5metres an hour. Cracks measuring 17 metres deep have also been seen. Blatten, a village of around 300 people in the Loetschental valley, lies in the path of what geologists fear could be a massive avalanche of rock Many now fear they may never see their homes again as experts revealed 1.5 million cubic metres of have already tumbled down the mountainside A firefighter blocks traffic on a road as a security measure against a possible rockfall in the direction of Blatten in the canton of Valais A natural hazards engineer believes the mountain will almost certainly collapse within hours Alban Brigger, a natural hazards engineer in Upper Valais, was even more stark in his warning on Monday - that the mountain is certain to collapse. He added however that this event could potentially happen over several, smaller landscapes, rather than a widescale collapse that would obliterate the hamlet and nearby roads. In 2023, residents of the village of Brienz in eastern Switzerland were evacuated before a huge mass of rock slid down a mountainside, stopping just short of the settlement. Brienz was evacuated again last year because of the threat of a further rockslide. Chicago's progressive mayor is facing a federal probe for allegedly prioritizing black candidates for jobs. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of making hiring decisions 'solely on the basis of race', following remarks he made during an appearance at Woodlawn Church in the city's south side on Sunday. 'What I'm saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else,' he told the congregation. 'We are the most generous people on the planet. I don't know too many cultures that have play cousins.' Johnson is under investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. During the speech, he highlighted the black representation in his administration and specifically shouted out six top deputies who are black men and woman. In a letter to Johnson dated Monday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon revealed that a probe into a potential 'pattern or practice of discrimination' has been launched in response to his remarks. 'If these kind of hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions,' the letter, which was reviewed by DailyMail.com, states. The investigation is the latest attack by the Trump Administration on the Democrat mayor, who earlier this year was sued by the DOJ over Chicago's sanctuary city policy for illegal migrants. Mayor Brandon Johnson (pictured on Sunday) is under investigation for alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin In a letter to Johnson dated Monday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon (pictured with President Trump in September 2024) revealed the Department of Justice has launched a probe into Johnson's hiring practices, citing his remarks at Woodlawn Church on Sunday Planning boss Ciere Boatright (left), budget chief Annette Guzman (center) and the mayor's senior adviser Jason Lee (right) were among the top deputies that Johnson shouted out during his speech on Sunday Johnson appeared at Woodlawn Church on Sunday alongside Bishop Byron Brazier of the Apostolic Church of God. He has recently been making stops across the city's south and west sides in an attempt to strengthen support from his black voter base. During his speech, Johnson outlined his vision for Chicago, which was to 'be the safest, most affordable, big city in America'. 'My vision for the city moving forward, we're gonna repopulate the West and South Sides of Chicago. We're gonna educate our children. We're gonna create opportunities for entrepreneurial growth,' he told the church. 'We're gonna build the most affordable, safest, big city in America, and we're gonna do it together.' He also highlighted the black representation on his staff and among city contracts, specifically shouting out black-owned Bowa Construction has received a contract for a project at O'Hare International Airport. He told the congregation that it was 'critical' for other black-owned construction firms to 'know that there is a mayor who sees them'. But his remarks have now put him in the center of a federal investigation, with the DOJ alleging that he demonstrated a pattern of discriminatory hiring practices. Johnson appeared at Woodlawn Church on Sunday alongside Bishop Byron Brazier of Apostolic Church of God. He recently has been making stops across the city's south and west sides in an attempt to strengthen support from his black voter base During his speech, Johnson outlined his vision for Chicago, telling the Congregation that he wants Chicago to 'be the safest, most affordable, big city in America' 'Our investigation is based on information suggesting that you have made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race,' Dhillon wrote in his Monday letter to Johnson. 'In your remarks made yesterday at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn, you "highlight[ed] the number of black officials in [your] administration." You then went on to list each of these individuals, emphasizing their race,' the letter continues. Dhillon cited how Johnson specifically named six advisors who are black. According to the letter, Johnson said: 'Business and economic neighborhood development, the deputy mayor is a black woman.' 'Department of planning and development is a black woman.' 'Infrastructure, deputy mayor is a black woman.' 'Chief operations officer is a black man.' 'Budget director is a black woman.' 'Senior advisor is a black man.' Dhillon further cited how Johnson said he was 'laying' these positions 'out' to 'ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business'. The assistant attorney general added that if alleged discriminatory hiring practices are being 'made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions'. DailyMail.com has approached Johnson's office for comment. His press secretary Cassio Mendoza said Monday in a statement to The Chicago Tribune that the mayor is 'proud to have the most diverse administration in the history of our city'. 'Our administration reflects the diversity and values of Chicago. Unfortunately, the current federal administration does not reflect either,' she added. The probe comes just months after Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured at the White House on May 1) announced she was suing the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago over their liberal sanctuary city policies The probe comes just months after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she was suing the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago over their liberal sanctuary city policies. Bondi, 59, argued in the February filing that Chicago's sanctuary laws 'interfere' with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to arrest and deport illegal migrants. The lawsuit alleged that Illinois and Chicago officials engaged in an 'intentional effort to obstruct the Federal Government's enforcement of federal immigration law and to impede consultation and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials that is necessary for federal officials to carry out federal immigration law and keep Americans safe.' President Donald Trump, at the time, said Bondi was 'going to restore fair, equal and impartial justice and restore the constitutional rule of law in America'. Bondi was part of Trump's defense team in his first impeachment trial. Before that she served as Attorney General of Florida. Donald Trump unveiled his $25 billion 'Golden Dome' defense project to protect millions of Americans from missile attacks. Trump is seeking $25 billion for the dome in his big, beautiful bill including his tax breaks. He discussed the project alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the White House on Tuesday. The president has been putting the heat on GOP dissenters against the massive package including tax cuts and a $1,000 MAGA credit for newborn babies. He was on Capitol Hill in the morning to try and pressure Republicans opposed to his agenda. In the latest terrifying airport near-miss, a jet in New York was forced to abruptly abort takeoff as another was still on LaGuardia Airport's runway. Passengers on board Republic Airways Flight 4736 on May 6 were thrown forward in their seats as the pilot slammed on the brakes at 12.35am. The sudden stop occurred because a United Airlines aircraft was still taxiing across the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. One jolted passenger, Renee Hoffer, described the incident as 'as hard as any car accident I've been in,' after she wound up in the emergency room the next day. Hoffer told Associated Press that she visited the ER with neck pain and a numb left arm on May 6, the day after the plane came to an abrupt halt. As the incident occurred, the air traffic controller was heard telling the Republic Airways pilot, 'Sorry, I thought United had cleared well before that,' News 10 ABC reported. A ground controller on a separate radio frequency was, at the same time, guiding the United aircraft to a new taxiway after it had missed its intended exit. Passengers were disembarked from the plane, but Hoffer said gate agents refused to offer any accommodation or hotel vouchers. Passengers on board Republic Airways Flight 4736 on May 6 were thrown forward in their seats as the pilot slammed on the brakes at 12.35am As the incident occurred, the air traffic controller was heard telling the Republic Airways pilot, 'Sorry, I thought United had cleared well before that,' She said that the airline blamed weather circumstances for the incident, despite another passenger who had an app on her phone that showed another plane was on the runway. Hoffer told ABC that she had been battling with customer service since the incident and neither the airline nor the FAA had answered her complaints. It is unclear why passengers disembarked or if they were re-booked onto another flight. She continues to suffer from a pinched nerve in her neck that ER doctors identified. The FAA and NTSB said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Republic Airways did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. The close call comes not long after a Delta flight near Reagan National Airport had a near miss moments after takeoff. Carrying 137 people, the flight departed for Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, when it received a sudden emergency notification of a nearby aircraft. Alarms went off inside the cockpit of the passenger flight just minutes after taking off, due to how close the T-38 jet came to the plane. The close call happened just south of the airport and close to the spot where an American Airlines jet collided with a army helicopter in January, killing 67 people. Pictured: Parts of the wreckage seen sitting in the Potomac River after Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, killing 67 people According to tracking data from FlightRadar 24, the Air Force jet flew past the Delta plane in excess of 350 miles per hour. The FAA said the military jet was in the area alongside three others for a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery. In air traffic control chatter heard via LiveATC.net, a Delta pilot can be heard saying: 'Was there an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us?'. An air traffic controller responds: 'Affirmative'. The latest incident follows a streak of aircraft crashes and close calls since the start of the year including the one at Reagan National Airport. At the time of the collision, a single air traffic controller was simultaneously monitoring both the helicopter and plane traffic. Those tasks are usually handled between two people from 10am until 9:30pm, according to an early FAA report seen by The New York Times. After 9:30pm the duties are typically combined and left to one person as the airport sees less traffic later in the night. Surveillance footage taken from inside the airport also captured the moment the two collided in midair A supervisor reportedly decided to combine those duties before the scheduled cutoff time however, and allowed one air traffic controller to leave work early. The FAA report said that staffing configuration 'was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic'. A real estate agent claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted while attending a work event for a company that has been sued by half a dozen women in two years, according to a new lawsuit. Kirsten Childress, 31, is now the sixth woman to launch legal action against eXp Realty, accusing them of failing to investigate her concerns. Childress claims she was given a laced drink and then attacked while she attended a networking event during their three-day Shareholder Summit in Orlando, Florida, in May of 2023, according to her suit filed on Monday. Childress alleges she was drugged before waking up hours later in an unknown hotel room dazed, confused and covered in bruises with an unknown man on top of her. The suit, filed in Florida, names real estate photographer Nicholas Moore, 26, as being contracted by the brokerage firm. The Daily Mail has reached out for comment to Moore, who denied the allegations to The New York Times, which was first to report the lawsuit. Childress, who is married with three children, is suing Moore for sexual battery and emotional distress, and eXp Realty for creating an environment where she felt forced to leave the company. 'It was the worst moment in my entire life,' she told the Times. Childress claims she was given a laced drink and then attacked while she attended an eXp Realty event in Orlando, Florida, in May of 2023 According to Childress she had been inside the Icebar in Orlando, pictured here, where she believes she was drugged In a statement, eXp Realty said: 'We are deeply concerned by any report of harm and extend our compassion and support to Ms. Childress. 'The alleged incident occurred at a private, non-eXp-sponsored event, and the accused individual is not affiliated with eXp Realty. 'When the matter was brought to our attention, we immediately responded by offering support to the victim and by taking action to help to ensure the safety of other eXp agents. 'We want to be clear that eXp does not in any way condone, and had no involvement or control over the actions of the accused individual.' The suit says that the firm failed to uphold their zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and assault in the work place. Her filing describes how she attended a private event at the Icebar in Orlando on May 19 of that year. She recalls drinking two vodka and cranberry's over a number of hours while also eating and socializing, the suit says. The next thing she remembers is being 'raped and strangled' by Moore, the suit adds. She says she has only 'limited flashes of memory from that night', and is reliant on witnesses statements, texts and law enforcement to retrace what happened. The suit says that the firm failed to uphold their zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and assault in the work place The suit says that Childress was 'not acting herself', was 'belligerent, slurring her words, acting erratically' The suit says that Childress's suitemates told her they were leaving to go to bed, and that Childress told them she would meet them there. After an hour, her suitemates started calling her cellphone when they grew concerned. But there was no answer. A bartender inside the Icebar then answered her phone, saying he was unable to identify the owner. Her suitemates made their way to the bar to find Childress with a man they say introduced himself as Nick Moore, the suit says. The suit says that Childress was 'not acting herself', was 'belligerent, slurring her words, acting erratically' and was 'visibly impaired'. Childress told The Times that hours later she woke up and did not recognize the man she was with. She recalled to the outlet how she put her clothes on and ran out of the room to the hotel lobby, later realizing the sandals she had on did not belong to her. The Icebar in Orlando, Florida, is seen here where Childress had been socializing after the summit A hotel employee helped her get a taxi to the hotel where she was staying, where two eXp Realty agents found her 'bruised, trembling and confused'. The suit says that paramedics were called and she was transferred to a rape crisis center after arriving at hospital. She told authorities that she couldn't recall how she had ended up in Moore's room, or what happened before she woke up. Moore, who was interviewed the following morning, told officers that they had engaged in consensual intercourse and that he had choked Childress as part of it, according to an incident report filed with Florida's Orange County Sheriff's Office. The Times noted that the report fails to mention any sign of them asking Moore if he drugged Childress. While Childress made it clear she wanted to press charges, the state attorney's office for the county declined to prosecute on the absence of toxicology results, the suit says. The suit is calling for compensatory damages that will be determined at trial. The firm has already been rocked with several high profile allegations of sexual harassment and assault. In February of 2023 the firm was sued by four female agents who all described predatory behavior by two eXp Realty agents over a number of years. Two agents have been accused of drugging the woman during work events. Three said they had been sexually assaulted. Another claims she was drugged and couldn't remember what happened after. They all said the company ignored their complaints for years. Another woman has also since filed similar claims. Both men have denied all of the allegations against them, with the suits currently going through the court systems. A UCLA student who went on hunger strike to protest the college's response to the conflict in Gaza has been hospitalized after going nine days without food. Maya Ayooni, a model and student at the California university, was seen in footage shared to social media being stretchered into an ambulance after 'passing out' during her demonstration. 'This is what happens when UCLA ignores their students,' one of Ayooni's friends says in the clip. 'This is on you, UCLA.' Ayooni began her hunger strike earlier this month to demand UCLA divests from all its links to Israel and supports pro-Palestine protests on campus. The model had been updating her 127,000 Instagram followers on her hunger strike daily, saying she was continuing despite receiving no response from UCLA. She said in one update on day five that she was subsisting on only water, coconut water and electrolytes, which she said had given her 'perspective on what daily life is like in Gaza.' 'But I'm choosing not to eat in strike, in protest, they're being forced to go through this,' she added. In an update video after her hospitalization, Ayooni admitted that UCLA has not taken her protest seriously and she hadn't been contacted by the university. Maya Ayooni, a student at UCLA who went on hunger strike to protest the college's response to the conflict in Gaza has been hospitalized after going nine days without food Ayooni, a model and student at the California university, was seen in footage shared to social media being stretchered into an ambulance after 'passing out' during her demonstration Ayooni began her hunger strike earlier this month to demand UCLA divests from all its links to Israel and supports pro-Palestine protests on campus, and a friend said over the clip of her in the ambulance that 'this is what happens when UCLA ignores its students' Ayooni explained her reasons for going on a hunger strike in one of her videos when it was ongoing, saying that she was aware that UCLA knew about the protest but was taking no action to end it. 'UCLA claims to care deeply about the health and safety of its students, but has failed to directly speak to me about my hunger strike,' she said. 'Many people do not know just how involved UCLA and other universities are in the Palestinian genocide,' she continued. 'Universities and institutions of learning are run like for-profit businesses. They hold billions of dollars in investments and private equity funds. 'This means the people who run this university directly profit from the slaughter of Palestinian children.' Ayooni's hunger strike came as other pro-Palestine students have also launched hunger strikes at colleges including Yale, Stanford and California State University. The student said in a video after her hospitalization that she was disappointed to see UCLA ignore her after other colleges responded to their respective hunger strikes. 'UCLA literally didn't say anything, even as I was sat in the hospital,' she said. 'I had a feeling UCLA would never respond, just because of the nature of the administration.' Ayooni explained her reasons for going on a hunger strike in one of her videos when it was ongoing, saying that she was aware that UCLA knew about the protest but was taking no action to end it In an update video after her hospitalization, Ayooni admitted that UCLA has not taken her protest seriously and she hadn't been contacted by the university, but said she 'doesn't consider it a failure' because it 'got media attention' Ayooni said she ended her hunger strike after suffering her medical emergency, but insisted that even though she was ignored by the university she 'doesn't consider it a failure.' 'It got media attention, and I think it did make UCLA feel uncomfortable,' she said. 'Putting pressure on them was my goal. 'I think this is just a step toward divestment.' UCLA's silence to her protest may be due to pressure from the Trump administration after it threatened to pull funding from institutions that fail to crack down on anti-Israel demonstrations on campuses. Earlier this month, the White House slashed $400 million from Columbia University over its handling of protests last year. Officials said Columbia 'abandoned (their) obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus.' Meanwhile, Marco Rubio is directing the State Department to conduct a review of foreign students who express support for Hamas using a new process. UCLA's silence to her protest may be due to pressure from the Trump administration after it threatened to pull funding from institutions that fail to crack down on anti-Israel demonstrations on campuses The State Department is planning to review foreign student visa holders' social media accounts with artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if these pupils have displayed sympathy for Hamas. Officials from the department disclosed the new program to Axios, revealing that the 'Catch and Revoke' plan is hunting for students who have been supportive of the group following their October 7, 2023 surprise attack on Israel. State Department officials also shared that they will soon review foreign student visa holders who were arrested though allowed to stay in the country. This AI-enabled review will also look for clues in news articles about the protests which have been on and off for the past year and a half. Already officials have reviewed 100,000 individuals in the Student Exchange Visitor System. 'We found literally zero visa revocations during the Biden administration,' one official previously said. A California woman was left screaming in terror after becoming wedged in a 20-inch gap between two buildings. Sickening photos revealed the stomach-churning moment she found herself trapped between the two structures and balancing 15 feet off the ground. The woman, who has yet to be identified, was left standing on a wooden rafter connecting the two homes in Oakland. Her frantic screams prompted an emergency response and firefighters initiated a 'high-angle rescue' to safely remove her from the dangerous situation. Oakland Fire Captain Brian Kelly told local CW affiliate, KRON-TV, that his department responded to the incident just after 11 am on Sunday. The narrow space made it difficult for firefighters to rescue her using a ladder, so they implemented a rope system to lower her to safety. 'She was afraid to move,' Kelly told KRON. 'The only safe way to get her down was attaching a rope rescue system to her.' A California woman was rescued on Sunday morning by firefighters who found her wedged between a 20-inch gap between two buildings She was 15 feet above ground and balancing on a wooden rafter when firefighters arrived Oakland Fire Captain Brian Kelly told local CW affiliate, KRON-TV, that the woman was too afraid to move when they arrived Drone images revealed the complex operation which was launched to save the woman. A rope system was suspended from one of the trucks, and photos shows the nail-biting moments where firefighters connected the woman to the pulley system. She was lowered to safety in under an hour, and authorities said she was uninjured and didn't require medical treatment. It is unclear what led to her getting stuck between the buildings, but Kelly said she may have been suffering from a mental health crisis. Exactly how long she had been trapped was also not known. A shockingly similar incident occurred in India on the same day the Oakland woman was rescued. DailyMail.com reached out to the Oakland Fire Department for more information but didn't immediately hear back. Local Indian outlet, DT Next, reported that a 60-year-old woman named Bommi got trapped between two houses while she was home alone. The incident happened near the corner of International Blvd & 23 Avenue in Oakland, California It proved difficult to have the woman escape via a ladder, so firefighters used a rope system to get her to safety. She was rescued uninjured and didn't need medical assistance According to the outlet, Bommi was on the terrace after she left clothes to dry outside and lost her balance. She fell into the narrow gap between her and her neighbor's home and screamed for help. Her neighbor attempted to pull her out using a rope but was unsuccessful. Emergency services eventually arrived and rescued her after three agonizing hours. A rowdy drinker was wrestled to the ground by police outside a bar in London after she squared up to an officer and hit her in the chest. The woman had been interfering with officers who were dealing with a suspected pickpocket outside Irish bar Waxy's Little Sister in Wardour Street, Leicester Square, on Saturday night. Despite being asked to leave the area on numerous occasions, she kept returning to the scene and continued to pester the officers on duty. In a video of the incident, the woman, wearing a white dress, can be seen getting in the face of a female officer who then pushes her away. She then squares up to the police officer before appearing to hit her in the chest, at which point the officer grabs her around the neck and drags her onto the floor. Another officer then steps in to help restrain the woman on the ground, while a third handcuffs her hands behind her back, holding her on the ground face down. The woman was arrested by cops and taken into custody where she accepted a caution for assaulting and obstructing a police officer. The Met Police said their Directorate of Professional Standards carried out a fast time review after the video began circulating on social media. It concluded the officers had acted appropriately and no disciplinary matters were identified. A rowdy woman, who is wearing a white dress, can be seen getting in the face of a female officer outside a bar in London on Saturday. She had been interfering with officers who were dealing with a suspected pickpocket She is seen squaring up to the police officer before appearing to hit her in the chest, at which point the officer grabs her around the neck The female police officer then wrestles her to the floor as another officer can be seen trying to help his colleague The two police officers then restrain the woman on the ground, while a third handcuffs her hands behind her back A spokesperson for the Met Police stated: 'Officers considered a number of factors, including the circumstances leading up to the incident, whether the use of force was proportionate, and all available footage. 'Officers were in Wardour Street, W1 at around 22.00hrs on Saturday, 17 May dealing with a suspect who had been ejected from a nearby pub following an attempted pickpocketing. 'The woman in the video was asked on numerous occasions to leave the vicinity as she was interfering in the situation. 'She kept returning and on the final occasion, body worn video footage showed her striking an officer in the chest. Officers then detained her. 'DPS concluded that officers acted appropriately and no disciplinary matters have been identified. 'The woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing a police officer. 'She was taken into custody and later accepted a caution for the offence.' A spokesperson for Waxy's Little Sister said: 'The police were there apprehending a bag thief. 'A drinker who was not a guest in our venue then caused the issue which is on video. 'It happened outside our premises but was nothing to do with anyone from our premises.' A judge has refused to allow the teenage killers of an elderly dog walker to be identified. The boy, then aged 14, donned a balaclava before beating retired factory owner Bhim Kohli, 80, with a slider shoe as he cowered on his knees. The girl, then aged 13, filmed the 'pure violence' inflicted Mr Kohli and could be heard laughing in footage recorded on her mobile phone. Mr Kohli, who was walking his dog Rocky in a park yards from his home in Leicester when he was attacked in September last year, died the following day of his injuries. The boy, who also kicked and punched Mr Kohli, and the girl, who the prosecution said encouraged the attack, were both convicted of manslaughter last month following a six-week trial at Leicester Crown Court. Bhim Kohli who died after being attacked while walking his dog was remembered as 'kind and considerate'. He walked his dog Rocky every day in the park next to his home in Leicester The schoolfriends, now 15 and 13, were granted anonymity because of their age. Following their convictions The Press applied for restrictions banning their identification to be lifted. The Press argued naming the pair would serve the public interest and adhere to the open justice principle. The powerful deterrent effect on others and the shocking nature of the attack on a defenceless 80-year-old man were also highlighted in an application to lift reporting restrictions. But Judge Mr Justice Turner refused the application at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday. In his ruling he said while the 'principle of open justice is fundamental to the rule of law' the court is 'expressly obliged' to have regard to child defendants' welfare. He said details of the trial had been extensively reported and 'nothing will be withheld which would otherwise restrict informed debate about the circumstances and background of the crime'. Mr Justice Turner said while the 'principle of open justice is fundamental to the rule of law' the court is 'expressly obliged' to have regard to child defendants' welfare. Mr Justice Turned said: 'Having considered all of the material now before me, I am satisfied, despite the strong public interest, both generally and here specifically, for there to be full disclosure of the identities of the defendants, the combination of factors weighing against this course is such as to militate against the exercise of my discretion to grant the applications in this case. 'They are therefore refused.' Balraj Bhatia KC, for the boy, had earlier argued he was making 'good progress' with regard to his education and rehabilitation at a secure children's home and identifying him would have a detrimental effect on his rehabilitation. Jeremy Benson KC, for the girl, said she had 'fragile mental health' and naming her would be more detrimental than for an older 'more mentally robust child'. It comes after the killers of Brianna Ghey were unmasked following their conviction for murder. Serial-killer obsessives Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe were just 15 years old when they lured 16 year-old Brianna to Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington, where she was stabbed 28 times in her head, neck and back with a hunting knife bought by Ratcliffe. In the case of Brianna's killers trial judge Mrs Justice Yip backed a media application to be allowed to name them the day after their conviction. She said this would help the public 'understand how children could do something so dreadful'. The 'particularly brutal' way in which Brianna was targeted and killed meant there was a strong public interest in naming them, the judge said. The killers of Brianna Ghey (pictured) were unmasked following their conviction for murder Serial-killer obsessives Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe were just 15 years old when they lured 16 year-old Brianna to a park where she was stabbed Children appearing in youth or crown courts in England and Wales, whether as a victim, witness or defendant, generally cannot be identified if they are under the age of 18. However, anonymity orders can be and often are - lifted by judges after under-18s have been convicted of serious crimes if it is considered to be in the public interest. In 2019, the depraved 16-year-old boy who raped and murdered six-year-old Alesha MacPhail on the Isle of Bute was unmasked as Aaron Campbell. Judge Lord Matthews agreed that Campbell's name and picture could be published after an appeal by media organisations to end his anonymity. Schoolboy Will Cornick was named after he stabbed to death teacher Ann Maguire, 61, as she taught a class at Corpus Christi Catholic College, Leeds, in 2014 when he was just 15. Jailing Cornick for at least 20 years, Mr Justice Coulson, said lifting his anonymity would have a 'a clear deterrent effect'. He added: 'Ill-informed commentators may scoff, but those of us involved in the criminal justice system know that deterrence will almost always be a factor in the naming of those involved in offences such as this.' In 2017, a couple believed to be Britain's youngest double murderers were named after a judge lifted a ban on identifying them. Lucas Markham and Kim Edwards were named after being convicted of murder Kim Edwards and her boyfriend Lucas Markham murdered Edwards' mother Elizabeth, 49, and her younger sister Katie, 13, at their home in Spalding, Lincolnshire, in April 2016. The killers were 14 at the time. A bid to stop their names being made public was rejected in the High Court. In his ruling, Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said: 'It is impossible for the public properly to understand this case without knowing the identity of the defendants and that these murders took place in a closed family context. 'This singular fact informs and colours one's entire understanding of the case... unless one knows this singular fact, it is impossible to understand the true motive behind these murders.' But last year a judge ruled the UK's youngest knife murderers should remain anonymous. Shawn Seesahai's killers have not been identified after a judge said their welfare outweighed the wider public interest The pair, who were both aged just 12 when they used a machete to attack stranger Shawn Seesahai 19, on playing fields in Wolverhampton on 13 November, 2023, were convicted of murder. They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger. High Court judge Mrs Justice Tipples ruled the defendants should be protected by anonymity orders, saying their welfare outweighed the wider public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting. The heartbroken family of a firefighter who was killed in a blaze in Bicester last week have paid tribute - describing her as a 'loving, caring, thoughtful person' who was a 'force to be reckoned with'. Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday alongside fellow firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, and businessman David Chester, 57. Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital in a stable condition, Thames Valley Police said. In a statement released by the force, Ms Logan's mother, father and sister Emilie said: 'When Jennie's pager went off, there was no stopping her. Never did we think that when running out the door last Thursday, to give it her all, like she always did, it would be for the final time. 'Her bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end. Our lives will never be the same, we'll miss her beautiful smile and zest for life. 'She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts.' The family said Ms Logan was a 'much loved daughter and sister' and 'mum' to her dog Mouse. They added: 'We still can't believe we'll never see her again, driving around Bicester collecting her dogs, which were like a second family. Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion Ms Logan's family hailed her 'bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end' Two firefighters and a businessman were killed as they tried to tackle the blaze. (Picture of the fire as it raged through the building) 'Also, at such a young age, setting up her own dog business and making it such a success, was truly inspirational to us all. 'She found her calling three years ago when she joined the fire service where she could use her incredible strength and determination. 'Jennie was a force to be reckoned with but to everyone who knew her, she was such a loving, caring, thoughtful person, who would do anything and everything to help. 'She lived life at 100mph, juggling her business with her love for rugby, where she made some truly amazing friends.' On Tuesday Thames Valley Police said the fire service had brought the fire under control and made the area safe. The force has taken over the scene and is investigating the cause, treating the deaths as unexplained. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: 'We have now taken primacy for the incident and our major crime unit is carrying out an unexplained death investigation. 'I want to reiterate that this is currently not a criminal investigation; however, we will follow the evidence as our inquiries continue. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Martyn Sadler (pictured) died in the blaze - he was also part of the London Fire Brigade Dave Chester (pictured), 57, also lost his life when a former RAF base at Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire, went up in flames on Thursday evening Drone footage shows how a large door on an aircraft hangar at the ex-RAF base collapsed in the inferno Witnesses said they heard multiple explosions and that clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles while the inferno raged Pictured: Damaged buildings at the scene of the fire at a former RAF base which is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering Ms Logan joined Bicester Vixens in November 2021, and the club said 'from her first session her determination to push herself shone' Ms Logan is pictured with her dog Mouse in a field of flowers as heartbreaking tributes pour in The firefighters have been described as 'heroes' with friends and family members paying tribute. Pictured: Ms Logan with her dog Mouse Floral tributes are seen outside Bicester Fire Station following a fire at Bicester Motion 'The building is currently being assessed by structural engineers to understand whether it is safe to allow our officers and partners to carry out examinations at the scene. 'We will be supported by the fire service in trying to establish the cause of the fire.' The force said the fire's major incident status had been removed and there is no information to suggest anyone else is in the building. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: 'Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.' An undocumented Honduran mother living in South Florida says she was hit with a staggering $1.82 million fine from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to leave the country for two decades. The 41-year-old mother-of-three, identified only as Maria, has lived in the US since 2005. Her original asylum case was denied, and she has been under a deportation order since 2020. Maria said she was blindsided when she received a letter from ICE last month stating she owed $1,821,350 in civil penalties. 'They're charging me because I've been in this country illegally since 2005,' she told Telemundo 51 in Spanish. 'I have no way to pay for it. I was never notified about a fine and never received documents warning this was coming.' 'Ever since that day I live with anxiety. I can't sleep I don't feel,' she added to CBS News Miami. 'I don't want to go back. It would be extremely painful to be separated from my children. This is their country, this is all they know. Please have mercy. I want to stay with them.' Mariasaid she fled Honduras after her brother was killed by members of the violent MS-13 gang, and has since worked as a cleaner and caregiver while raising three American-born children. According to her attorney, Michelle Sanchez, Maria never knew she had a deportation order in 2005, and the fine appears to stem from an obscure clause in the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act allowing ICE to issue $500-per-day fines to undocumented immigrants with final removal orders. 'She never knew she had a deportation order,' Sanchez told NBC 6 South Florida. 'She is seeking aggressively to fight this in court.' A 41-year-old undocumented Honduran mother, referred to as Maria, received a $1.82 million fine from ICE. She has lived in the U.S. since 2005, fleeing Honduras after MS-13 gang members killed her brother. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and law enforcement from the state of Florida have arrested 780 migrants who are in the United States illegally in a four-day operation 'ICE is terrorizing individuals without even having to go pick them up,' Sanchez added to CBS News. 'They are terrorizing them by sending these notices where they are fining individuals an exorbitant amount of money that a person sometimes doesn't even make that amount in their lifetime.' 'She is a hard-working taxpayer. She has no arrest anywhere in the world,' Sanchez added. The attorney filed a motion to reopen Maria's case, citing her long-term residence, her American-born children, and her clean legal history - but ICE denied the request. The agency has not yet confirmed the legitimacy of the fine notice in response to media inquiries. 'This is all very scary and very concerning for a lot of people,' Sanchez said. 'This administration has stated there will be mass deportations, and they're not playing around. They're putting their plans in place.' Maria's case has drawn attention as President Donald Trump ramps up deportation efforts during his second term, reviving and expanding hardline policies from his first presidency. During a four-day operation in late April, ICE, in coordination with Florida law enforcement, arrested 780 undocumented migrants, highlighting the administrations aggressive approach to deportations and removals. The administration's new initiative, Project Homecoming, offers undocumented immigrants $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport - a program officials say will save money and streamline removals. Last month, she received an ICE letter citing a fine of $500 per day for staying in the U.S. illegally since 2005 'ICE is terrorizing individuals fining people an amount they dont even make in a lifetime,' said lawyer Michelle Sanchez The first flight carrying 64 migrants left earlier this month. 'This is about restoring order,' Trump said at a rally this month in Phoenix. 'If you're here illegally, it's time to go home - and we'll even pay for it.' Those who refuse to leave may face wage garnishment, property seizures, and permanent reentry bans, according to the Financial Times. In addition, Trump has proposed hiring 20,000 new ICE officers, tripling the size of the agency in what he calls the largest deportation operation in American history. The Supreme Court just allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 350,000 Venezuelans, even as legal battles continue - a move immigrant advocates warn could send lawful residents back into dangerous conditions. 'This is a warning to the immigrant community,' Sanchez said. 'They are making examples of people - and it's cruel.' A young tradie who was gunned down 'execution-style' outside his family home lived in the same street as an organised crime figure. John Versace, 23, was ambushed by 10 gunshots as he got out of his ute at his family's home in Dalton Avenue, Condell Park in Sydney's south-west on Monday night. He suffered four gunshot wounds and couldn't be revived. As the manhunt for the gunman continues, investigators believe Mr Versace, who had no known links to organised crime, may have been the victim of mistaken identity. The intended target is reported to be an organised crime figure who lives nearby in Dalton Avenue. Members of Sydney's gangland underworld raced to the scene on Monday night amid fears that it one of their own that had been shot, the Daily Telegraph reported. Police are also examining whether the killing is linked to a brazen drive-by shooting in Mount Druitt almost a fortnight ago. It comes as harrowing footage of Mr Versace's final moments on his parent's doorstep emerged. John Versace, 23, (pictured with one of his sisters) was gunned down outside his family home on Monday night Aerial footage showed Mr Versace's harrowing final moments after being shot 'execution-style' outside his home Aerial footage showed Mr Versace surrounded by paramedics trying to revive him metres from the front door as his distraught family helplessly watched on. In another video, gunshots can be heard in from neighbouring streets while in a third clip, the distraught cries of Mr Versace's loved ones can be heard following the shooting. Forensic officers remained at the crime scene on Tuesday as shocked family and friends arrived at the home to console Mr Versace's family. Police have obtained 'good quality CCTV' from the home, which showed Mr Versace returning home shortly before the shooting. He had reversed his ute up the driveway and parked it very close to the garage door. As he was exiting the ute, a small silver hatchback, which police believe was a Toyota Corolla, arrived at the address and parked across the driveway. 'A male exited the rear drivers side of that car and made his way up the driveway towards the victim,' Superintendent Rodney Hart told reporters. Mr Versace saw the man approaching him, dressed in black, wearing a hood and with his face covered. Specialist forensic investigators spent much of Tuesday examining the scene John Versace's family paid tribute to him on social media after the brutal killing The young tradesman backed towards the home and found himself pressed against the garage door and an existing wall. The gunman raised his right hand and opened fire with a Glock-style weapon - shooting up to 10 bullets at the victim. Police believe Mr Versace suffered at least four gunshot wounds. Following the shooting, the gunman returned to the hatchback, which was last seen travelling eastbound on Dalton Street. Emergency services later received reports of a car alight 12km away in Fairfield Heights. Police believe the car was stolen in December. 'Upon that vehicle being extinguished of the flames and a cursory search, a handgun similar to that of a Glock-style pistol was located in that vehicle,' Supt Hart said. 'We believe it was driven there, it was torched, and those offenders were there, then got into another car and left the scene. But at this stage, I don't have the details of that second car.' Emergency services were called Dalton Street in Condell Park at about 10.30pm on Monday night following reports a man had been shot (pictured) Mr Versace, who lived with his parents and adult sisters, worked for his father's western Sydney plumbing company. Mr Versace's sister, Deanna Versace, issued an emotional tribute to her brother on Tuesday. 'John, no words can describe the pain we are all feeling and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives,' she wrote. 'You were the world's greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend. We are so lucky and blessed to have had the time we had with you but your life was cut too short. 'You did not deserve this. You're at peace and with Jesus now. We love you so much John. Our angel forever. This world wasn't good enough for you. Life will never be the same.' Mr Versace was not known to police and did not have a criminal record. 'I want to assure the community that at this stage we believe that this is, although an extremely brutal and violent execution style murder, is a targeted attack,' Supt Hart said. Mr Versace lived with his parents and adult sisters and the shooting happened on his 'front doorstep,' with police investigating the possibility the killers had 'laid in wait' for him 'Now, although this victim at this stage, we believe, may not have links to organised crime or something in the way of drugs, we believe that this has the hallmarks of a targeted execution. (It is) very brutal, very distressing. 'So I want to reassure the community that we are treating this not as a random attack. His family members do not have criminal records, and he at this stage, I believe, has one traffic offence. 'We need to look at who he is involved with, who he knows, what he did leading up to this attack on him - to get an idea of exactly what has happened and resulted in this brutal murder.' Police urge anyone with any information, dashcam or CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers. READ MORE: Power outage at Strathfield station brings Sydney trains to a halt Sydneysiders will face major delays during their commute to work on Wednesday morning, hours after a power failure caused widespread chaos. The network came to an abrupt standstill on Tuesday afternoon after a passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney's inner-west, which triggered a power outage. Major disruptions across the network continued well into late Tuesday night, where buses were still replacing trains on several lines across the city. Sydney Trains couldn't rule out further delays in an update shared shortly before midnight. 'At this stage we have no forecast if morning services will be impacted,' the alert read. 'We will let you know when we have more information.' Sydney Trains later confirmed commuters' worst fears. 'Train services on most lines will be impacted his morning due to power supply issues at Strathfield,' a 3am alert read. 'Trains will continue to operate on all lines but will not run to timetable and the frequency of service will be reduced.' Commuters will likely face more delays on Wednesday morning. Pictured is Town Hall station during Tuesday night's chaos The 1500-volt power connector livewire fell onto the train carrying 300 passengers Limited buses are supplementing trains between Lidcombe and Ashfield. 'Please delay all non-essential travel or consider using other transport where possible,' Sydney Trains added. 'We expect all lines at Strathfield to be open again around 6.30am.' About 300 passengers on board the packed train hit by live wires were stranded for three hours before they were evacuated by carriages one by one. NSW Transport Minister John Graham described the situation as dangerous and life-threatening as a 1500-volt power connector was sitting on top of the train. This is a very serious incident, right in the heart of Sydney's train network,' Mr Graham told ABC News. Mr Graham said the train's pantograph collided with overhead wires, causing the damage. Footage showed impacted passengers being escorted off the train and walking along the tracks to safety. Passengers queue outside the Gadigal Metro Station after being sent from Town Hall Station A passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney's inner-west. Pictured are passengers being evacuated The power outage caused three other trains to come to a halt, with staff arriving on site to evacuate the passengers. Mr Graham said works were underway to move the affected trains and remove them from the network, which would allow trains to operate once the wires are repaired. 'We are aware this will cause major problems and delays. We are advising in the morning to make sure you check the latest information,' Mr Graham said. 'It's possible there could be some knock-on effects.' Strathfield is a major interchange for multiple lines, where the incident caused widespread delays across the network. Commuters were advised to delay 'non-essential travel or consider alternative transport arrangements'. 'This incident occurred between Homebush and Strathfield station. This is such a big part of the network. Those lines running close to each other, any disruption has a ripple affect,' Mr Graham said. 'It has impacted every line on the Sydney metro apart of the T4 Line.' Delays on Sydney's trains are expected to last throughout Tuesday evening. Pictured are fed up commuters at Town Hall station The Metro, light rail and local buses weren't impacted. Metro Station platforms such as Gadigal, across the road from Town Hall train station saw massive queues, as thousands scrambled to find an alternative route home. 'About a million people rely on public transport to move around the city. This is a big impact, the rail network is crucial. It's greatly assisted by the bus and metro network. The fact they are running is making it easier tonight,' Mr Graham said. An Iraqi Kurd who smuggled himself into Britain in the back of a lorry has won his fight to stay here - despite telling officials he was going to 'make up a reason' for seeking asylum. The 32-year-old man, who was granted anonymity by immigration judges, arrived in the UK illegally in 2016. He claimed to have lost his Iraqi ID card and argued that sending him back would breach his human rights. Asked at a screening interview why he should be granted asylum, he said: 'I don't have a real reason to be here, give me some time and I will make up a reason.' A senior immigration judge has now rejected his asylum bid - but allowed him to stay in Britain on humanitarian protection grounds after hearing there was 'undisputed' evidence that he was ill-treated in his home country. The man - referred to only as SA - didn't attend his latest appeal or give evidence, but provided instructions to his solicitors. His barrister claimed the man's welfare would be 'prejudiced' by him giving evidence as his mental health would deteriorate. However, in its submissions the Home Office said the man wasn't 'generally credible.' An asylum seeker referred to only as SA smuggled himself into the UK in 2016 on the back of a lorry and admitted 'I don't have a real reason to be here' (library picture of cross-Channel migrants) The man claimed it would not be safe to send him back to the autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq as he had been abducted and tortured there (pictured Erbil, the capital of the region) Giving his ruling, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Paul Lewis said: 'Absent good reason, we do draw adverse inferences against the appellant for his failure to give evidence on key matters in his appeal, other than in connection with the circumstances of his physical injuries.' The tribunal also cast doubt on the reliability of his story about where he was from. He had claimed his parents had been killed, maintaining that he found their bodies under a pile of rubble at his house. But, in March, he claimed his father had died in a hospital in Kirkuk. The Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber accepted he was abducted, detained and tortured by ISIS fanatics and encountered difficulties with Shia militias, Turkmen and Arabs. 'It is clear and undisputed that the appellant has injuries and scarring which are consistent with ill-treatment,' Judge Lewis ruled. Lawyers for SA argued that little or no weight should be attached to the remark that he would 'make up a reason' for seeking asylum. They said the interview was 'oppressive' as he had just come to the UK hidden inside a lorry. The Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber rejected SA's asylum claim - but allowed him to stay in Britain on humanitarian grounds But Judge Lewis said: 'We find the appellant made this remark intentionally reflecting his reasons for coming to the UK.' Rejecting the asylum aspect of the case, Judge Lewis ruled the man hadn't satisfied him about his home area so he couldn't find he was 'at risk.' He ruled that SA 'did not, as he put it "have a real reason to be here".' But he added: 'Despite that, at this time, he cannot be safely returned.' The tribunal decided he couldn't be redocumented in Iraq, in breach of his human rights. The judge said that in order to be safely sent back to the Kurdish-controlled part of Iraq, SA would need to be able to reach an office where he could obtain new documents 'without meeting a checkpoint'. 'We do not think that this is reasonably likely to be the case,' he ruled. The case comes as ministers pledge to drive down immigration and tighten up the asylum system. New legislation is planned following a backlash against cases such as that of an Albanian criminal whose deportation was halted partly due to his son's aversion to the type of chicken nuggets served abroad. Labour want to restrict the 'exceptional circumstances' in which judges can currently overrule the Home Office when foreign nationals - including criminals - lodge immigration appeals. In particular it would aim to 'limit successful claims' from foreign nationals who lodge appeals under the 'right to private and family life' under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However critics say the long-awaited White Paper contains only vague pledges and question whether it will tackle abuse of the asylum system. A Tory councillor has said he is 'heartbroken' after his wife's appeal bid against her 31-month sentence over a 'racist' tweet she sent in the wake of the Southport killings was dismissed by judges. Raymond Connolly's partner Lucy told the Court of Appeal she 'never' intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty would mean she accepted that she had. But they rejected her argument. Today, he condemned her appeal being dismissed as 'shocking and unfair' insisting his wife is 'not a far-Right thug'. Mr Connolly said: 'My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist', adding: 'Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. 'My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy'. Connolly, who is locked up at HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire, had claimed to the Appeal Court last week that she had no idea what she was admitting to when she pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. But today three judges rejected her argument, meaning she faces serving another eight months behind bars. The former childminder was given a 31-month sentence last October after admitting making the post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.' Raymond Connolly spoke out today after his partner Lucy had a bid to appeal her sentence thrown out Connolly was jailed over a social media post where she said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b******s for all I care...' Connolly deleted her post and blamed it on 'a moment of extreme outrage and emotion' when she was acting on 'false and malicious' information The sickening comments were made just hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, sparking nationwide unrest. Following her legal loss today, her husband Mr Connolly said: 'The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl. Lucy posted one nasty tweet when she was upset and angry about three little girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. 'She realised the tweet was wrong and deleted it within four hours. That did not mean Lucy was a "far-Right thug" as Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed. 'My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist. As a childminder she took care of small children of African and Asian heritage; they loved Lucy as she loved them. My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy. 'Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. I think the system wanted to make an example of Lucy so other people would be scared to say things about immigration. This is not the British way.' A statement on X by the Free Speech Union (FSU), which had funded Connolly's appeal bid, said: 'This is a deeply disappointing judgment. 'No one disputes the tweet was offensive but the sentence of more than two-and-a-half years was plainly disproportionate.' It continued: 'Two-and-a-half years for a single tweet is grossly disproportionate and it should trouble anyone who believes the law must be applied evenly, without fear or favour.' Toby Young, the general secretary of the Free Speech Union, added: 'This is terribly disappointing. How can it be right for Lucy to have been condemned to spend more than two-and-a-half years in jail for a single tweet when members of grooming gangs who plead guilty to the sexual exploitation of children get lower sentences? 'Lucy should be at home with her 12 year-old daughter and husband, not rotting in jail.' In a written judgment, Lord Justice Holroyde, said: 'There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. 'The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused.' He added that the principal ground of appeal 'was substantially based on a version of events put forward by the applicant which we have rejected'. Connolly had argued she had been 'really angry' after the Southport attacks, but hours after posting the rant on X realised it was not an acceptable thing to say, so deleted it. Mr Connolly, pictured centre, was joined outside the Court of Appeal by Free Speech Union founder Lord Toby Young (left) and journalist Allison Pearson (right) Around 20 of Connolly's supporters also joined them today No arguable basis for saying the sentence was manifestly excessive Lord Justice Holroyde In his statement, Mr Connolly claimed his wife Lucy was the victim of 'two-tier justice'. He said: 'Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she will release 40,000 prisoners, some of them dangerous men on tag. Lucy has not been allowed out on tag and she has been denied leave to see our child who is struggling. Today, the Court had the opportunity to reduce her cruelly long and disproportionate sentence, but they refused. That feels like two-tier justice. 'The British people know all this is not right. They have given an amazing 81,000 so far to Lucy's crowd-funder. Despite today's upsetting setback, Lucy gets courage from everyone's kind support.' 'Lucy and me are so grateful to our fantastic legal team, led by Adam King. He added: 'We will continue to pursue every possible avenue to seek justice and to bring Lucy home to us.' At her appeal case, Adam King, representing Connolly, asked if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels or 'murder any politicians'. She replied: 'Absolutely not.' Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, told the court the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. He added: 'At the time of creating the post, the applicant clearly intended the racial hatred would be stirred up and also intended to incite serious violence.' Earlier, he had asked Connolly if she believed the country was being 'invaded' by immigrants. She replied: 'I believe that we have a massive number of people in the country that are unchecked, coming into the country and I believe that is a national security risk.' She added that it would be 'absolutely incorrect' to say she did not want immigrants in the country. Connolly, of Northampton, was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account, but other messages which included further racist remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. The former childminder, who is married to Raymond Connolly, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last October after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. Lucy Connolly in a police mugshot issued by Northamptonshire Police following her arrest for inciting racial hatred Axel Rudakubana, 18, whose horror attack on schoolgirls at a Taylor Swift dance class sickened the nation and led to widespread rioting Mr Connolly had been a Tory West Northamptonshire district councillor but lost his seat in May. He remains on the town council. The Southport atrocity sparked nationwide unrest, with several people - including Connolly - jailed as a result. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. She later pleaded guilty to distributing material with the intention of stirring up racial hatred at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced to 31 months in prison in October last year. But she told the Court of Appeal in London that she had no idea the full extent of what she was admitting, and that her solicitor Liam Muir had not properly explained what 'inciting violence' meant in the context of her tweet. Indeed it was only when the judge was speaking at her sentencing hearing that it fully dawned on her, she said today when applying to have her prison term reduced. Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Goss and Mr Justice Sheldon said in their ruling it was important not to lose sight of the fact Connolly 'had willingly pleaded guilty'. She had claimed her lawyer had not explained it properly, but the Appeal Court found he was 'a conscientious defence lawyer with a clear grasp of the relevant law, practice and procedure and a realistic appraisal of the issues in the case'. And the three judges were scathing about Connolly's claims. They said she was 'intelligent and articulate, with strong views ' but they found her evidence to be 'incredible'. They said any reference to a prison sentence, by her lawyer, 'must have caused her great anxiety', and therefore 'in those circumstances, we are quite unable to accept that she signed [the endorsement form] without any understanding'. They said the evidence showed she 'was well aware of what she was admitting'. The judges expressed sympathy for Connolly's personal circumstances including over the death of her son - adding: 'We can therefore accept that the shocking events in Southport had an impact on her which went beyond that felt by many others. 'But as the [trial] judge rightly said, she did not post a message of support and sympathy to the victims of the Southport attack and the bereaved. 'Nor, we would add, did she post a message of hostility confined to the perpetrator of the Southport attack. She chose instead to incite serious violence against large numbers of persons. The applicant's personal history cannot significantly reduce her culpability for that serious offence. 'The sentence of 31 months' imprisonment imposed by the judge therefore remains as before.' Connolly appeared via videolink from HMP Drake Hall in Stafford for last week's hearing. Giving evidence, Connolly said she initially sent the offensive tweet after getting 'really angry and really upset' upon learning about the Southport massacre, and that children were among the victims. HMP Drake Hall where Lucy Connolly is serving the 31-month sentence she had hoped to have reduced by Appeal Court judges - but they refused her application Mr Connolly outside the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand in London 'Distraught' Connolly said the death of her 19-month-old son in 2011 after a medical blunder had heightened her sensitivity to what happened last July. She told the Court of Appeal hearing: 'Those parents still have to live a life of grief. It sends me into a state of anxiety and I worry about my children. 'I already know how they feel (about child loss) and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.' She told her lawyer Adam King she then sent her tweet. But she said it was 'absolutely not' her intention for it to incite anyone to 'set fire to asylum hotels' or to 'murder any politicians'. She subsequently walked the dog and decided to delete the tweet. She told the court: 'By that point I had calmed myself down and I knew it was not an acceptable thing to say, I had time to gather myself and take it down.' She subsequently issued an apology, saying she was 'acting on information that I now know to be false and malicious'. Connolly was arrested a week after she posted the rant. Mr Connolly had been a Tory West Northamptonshire district councillor, but lost his seat in May. He remains on the town council. Today, Downing Street would not comment directly on Lucy Connolly's case but said individuals posting illegal content online should face 'robust law enforcement'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'I can't comment on individual cases, that's obviously one for the court. 'More broadly, the Government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech. 'But, as the Prime Minister has said previously, individuals posting illegal content should know that that will be met with robust law enforcement.' But questioned later by journalists, Sir Keir signalled he did not believe free speech was dead in the UK. 'I'm not across the details of the particular case, but let me give you the principles that I would apply,' he said. 'Firstly, I'm strongly in favour of free speech. We've had free speech in this country for a very, very long time, and we protect it fiercely. 'I'm equally, though, against incitement to violence against other people. That has long been an offence in our country, and rightly so. 'So, as I say, I don't know the details of this, but free speech: yes; incitement to violence: no.' Young people in the EU looking to come to Britain on a proposed youth visa have been warned they won't be able to bring their family members or claim benefits. As part of his Brexit 'reset' deal, Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to continue talks with Brussels on a so-called 'youth experience' scheme. This could see thousands of 18 to 35-year-olds from the EU to come to Britain to live and work each year, while also allowing UK youngsters to head to Europe on similar terms. EU member states had demanded a youth mobility scheme in exchange for the Prime Minister's desire for closer post-Brexit defence and trade ties with the bloc. Following a UK-EU summit in London yesterday, it was announced that both sides would 'co-operate futher' on establishing such a scheme. But Downing Street today insisted the Government had set a series of 'red lines' for those continuing discussions. These include EU migrants not being able to bring dependents or claim benefits under the proposed scheme, while they must pay to use the NHS. No10 also stressed there would be a cap on the number of youth visas that would be issued to EU nationals. As part of his Brexit 'reset' deal, Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to continue talks with Brussels on a so-called 'youth experience' scheme Following a UK-EU summit in London, it was announced the PM and European Commission President Ursula vin der Leyen would 'co-operate futher' on establishing such a scheme No10 stressed there would be a cap on the number of youth visas that would be issued to EU nationals It has previously been reported that Germany, Poland and Romania are particularly concerned about EU migrants in Britain having to pay healthcare charges. There was also said to be wider anger within the bloc at Britain's insistence on an annual cap - suggested at around 70,000 - for youth visas. Setting out the Government's 'red lines', the PM's official spokesman told reporters this afternoon: 'We can rule out allowing any dependents or access to benefits. 'And people will still have to pay the immigration health surcharge. That is a feature of the youth mobility schemes we have with 13 countries. 'All of our schemes are capped, they require a visa application, they require a visa fee, they require an immigration health surcharge. 'And participants have no right to bring dependents or access benefits.' Downing Street declined to say when a youth mobility scheme with the EU might be finalised. 'We'll now be working with the EU on the details and we'll provide an update on that in due course,' Sir Keir's spokesman added. He also stressed that an EU scheme would 'mirror' the existing youth mobility schemes the UK has with other countries. Britain currently has such schemes with Andorra, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, San Marino, Taiwan, and Uruguay. Under the UK's youth mobility scheme with Australia, applicants must have 2,530 in savings, pay a 298 application fee, and stump up 776 per year to use the NHS. Those aged 18 to 35 from Australia can apply for a youth mobility visa to live and work in the UK for up to two years, with the possibility for a one-year extension. For this year, the number of youth visas is capped at 42,000 for Australians, 10,000 for Canadians, 9,500 for New Zealanders, and 6,000 for those from Japan. But the actual number of visas granted is much less, with just over 24,000 youth mobility visas issued by the UK across all 13 schemes in 2024. The PM's spokesman said: 'We were very clear yesterday that any youth experience scheme would mirror the schemes that we have with other countries. 'And all of our schemes, including any prospective scheme with the EU, would be capped, would not allow participants to bring dependents or access benefits, and would require the immigration health surcharge to apply. 'That absolutely will be the case for the prospective scheme. That's a clear set of conditions for all of our schemes.' A disabled 92-year-old who prodded a woman with a butter knife said he would take 'great pleasure' in stabbing care home staff before being Tasered, a court was told. Alarm bells sounded at the Park Beck Residential Care Home in East Sussex after one-legged Donald Burgess flicked food at a worker on June 21 2022. A series of events that took place within 83 seconds of two police officers arriving would see the pensioner hospitalised, dying 22 days later from contracting Covid-19. It is alleged that PC Rachel Comotto, 35, assaulted Mr Burgess with her taser while her Sussex colleague PC Stephen Smith, 51, struck him with his baton and pepper spray. The St Leonard's-on-Sea care home specialises in caring for people with dementia, though Mr Burgess was never diagnosed with the disease. In a witness statement read to jurors at Southwark Crown Court staff member Anna Maslowska said: 'He flicked food at me. 'That made me aware that I had to keep an eye on him. I said 'please don't do that. it's not alright'. 'He flicked the food again, aiming at another member of staff. He made quite a lot of mess, so I cleaned the mess up. I approached him to talk to him. I asked him not to do that, it wasn't nice...He poked me with the knife he was holding. Mr Burgess, who suffered from multiple health conditions including diabetes and carotid artery disease, had been a resident at the home since 2018 Mr Burgess was taken to hospital after the incident and later contracted Covid-19. He died 22 days after the incident Prosecutor Paul Jarvis KC said Mr Burgess was sitting in his wheelchair holding a small serrated cutlery knife when the officers entered the room 'Donald was moved to his bedroom. He wouldn't put the knife down. He had a horrible look on his face. 'Nothing like this incident had ever happened before with Donald and I was really shocked. In the dining room I was feeling really bewildered. 'He was just staring at us, scary and threatening. I had not seen any behaviour like this with Donald before.' Officers were dispatched under a grade one call, meaning it was treated as the highest level of emergency. Mr Burgess was sitting in his wheelchair holding a small serrated cutlery knife when police entered the room. 'This was an elderly, vulnerable man who may not have understood what was going on. 'Rather than being met with understanding and sympathy, he was confronted by irritation and annoyance on the part of the defendants,' prosecutor Paul Jarvis KC said. Mr Burgess, who suffered from multiple health conditions including diabetes and carotid artery disease, had been a resident at the home since 2018. He died just weeks after celebrating his 93rd birthday. Sussex Police officer PC Rachel Comotto at Southwark Crown Court in London, where she and PC Stephen Smith are charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm over their use of force against a disabled man PC Stephen Smith arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, who along with PC Rachel Comotto (not pictured) is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after their use of force against Donald Burgess Jurors were told there was nobody within arm's reach of Mr Burgess at the time. 'It ought to have been obvious by the fact he had one leg that this was a man who wasn't going to be mobile,' Mr Jarvis said. Jurors heard police did not explain to Mr Burgess why they were there. Instead, PC Smith said: 'Do you want to put the knife down or you will be sprayed or Tasered. Those are the options.' Recalling the events that led up to the incident, care home manager Alison O'Donoghue said in her statement: 'Anna asked Donald to drop the knife. He moved the knife towards her and made contact with her abdomen area. 'It was the intention of what he wanted to do that we found scary. 'We wanted to move Donald away from other residents because of his behaviour. We did not want him to cause harm to other residents. 'Donald was saying things like he wanted to stab us. He was very angry. His face was different to how he normally looks. He looked very aggressive. He had anger in his eyes. 'He was saying 'I'm going to get you. I'm going to get great pleasure from this'. In a witness statement read to jurors at Southwark Crown Court (pictured) staff member Anna Maslowska said: 'He flicked food at me' 'I said to him that if he dropped the knife I would get him a pudding.' Ms O'Donoghue stated that after Mr Burgess was Tasered he was taken to hospital so the barbs from the taser could be removed. Donna Lahmouddi, who was working at the care home at the time, told the jury: 'He [Donald] was very quietly spoken.' 'Is he someone who could be a bit grumpy?', asked Mr Jarvis. 'He could but he could also be quite charming as well', she replied. 'Have you ever seen him act like that before?', asked Mr Jarvis 'No. He was out of character', said Ms Lahmouddi. She explained Mr Burgess had been suffering from a urine infection, and that this could have affected his mental state. 'It could have made him confused, lethargic, just like you or I.' 'Had anything happened to make him agitated?', asked Mr Jarvis. Ms Lahmouddi replied: 'Not as far as I'm aware'. The court heard Mr Burgess was taken back to his room, with Ms Lahmouddi saying that at first she pretended to call the police to persuade Mr Burgess to put the knife down. 'I thought he might think, I really need to listen now and put the knife down.' But then she did call the police. In a 999 call played to jurors Ms Lahmouddi she told the operator: 'He is stating that he wants to murder and that it will give him a great deal of pleasure... [The knife] has a serrated edge and it could cause damage if he was to use it.' Jurors also heard the emergency call made by deputy care home manager Donna Gardner in the lead-up to the alleged assault. 'He's threatening to stab staff and has stated that he wants to murder and it will give him a great deal of pleasure,' she told the emergency operator. 'He still has the knife. I'm concerned if we leave him on his own he's going to hurt himself. 'We've removed him from other residents but he's not given in.' She explained that the knife had a sharp, serrated edge and had been issued to help Mr Burgess cut his food independently - but warned it could still cause harm. 'Going back a few years we had a spell where he was threatening to hang himself, so I don't want to take any chances with this gentleman,' she added. Ms Gardner had acknowledged in her 999 call that Mr Burgess's mobility was extremely limited. 'He is a wheelchair user so for him to approach the residents would be difficult,' she said. 'It's unlikely he would approach another resident but it's quite likely they could approach him without realising the danger.' Mr Burgess was born and lived in nearby Battle for most of his life. He married his wife, Ethel in 1955 but they did not have children. Ethel died in 2015. PC Comotto denies one charge of assault causing actual bodily harm with her taser while PC Smith denies two counts of ABH using a Pava spray and baton. Care home manager Steve Cooper claimed Mr Burgess had been threatening staff for more than 30 minutes. 'He was very aggressive and threatening to hurt my members of staff,' he told the court. 'We tried to use different de-escalation techniques. He wasn't responding to anything we said. 'I've tried to work this out ever since - I've never seen him like this before. 'He had a look in his eyes I've never seen before - he wasn't the Donald I knew.' He said Mr Burgess jabbed the knife towards him and said: 'I'm going to murder you, and I'll enjoy it.' Mr Cooper told jurors that in his witness statement he described Mr Burgess as looking 'possessed'. 'I've never seen him look like that before - it looked like he was possessed,' he said in court. ''Possessed' seems a bit dramatic, but that was the word I used at the time.' Asked why he made the decision to call police, he said: 'We tried all the other options. 'It was 35 minutes of trying to calm the situation down before I had to make that unfortunate decision.' Jurors were told Mr Smith had emptied an entire can of Pava spray into Mr Burgess's face and struck him with a baton, before Comotto deployed her taser. Mr Jarvis said the officers' response was 'unjustified and unlawful', and argued that Mr Burgess did not pose an immediate threat. Jurors were told there was nobody within arm's reach of Mr Burgess at the time and it should have been clear he was not mobile. 'It ought to have been obvious by the fact he had one leg that this was a man who wasn't going to be mobile,' Mr Jarvis said. The trial continues. A Washington, DC, school teacher has been accused of using corporal punishment on a student after she took too long to wash her hands. The 14-year-old eighth-grade student at Sousa Middle School claimed her teacher struck her with a yardstick on May 13. Her mother, Janel Doy Johnson, told FOX 5 she was washing her hands after a science project, and when the bell rang at 3:15 p.m., the unnamed teacher hit her bottom with the stick and told her to hurry up. The girl also alleged that another student gave the teacher a brush to give to her, but instead, he put it in his pocket. She claimed the teacher did that so she would reach into his pocket and grab the brush. Afterward, the student reported the incident to her school counselor, and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) launched an investigation. '[I'm] devastated, hurt, furious and kind of scared. I wanted to press charges, for one, and get a report,' Johnson told the local news station. 'So I can have something done and justice done for what he's doing to these children in the school.' A 14-year-old eighth-grade student at Sousa Middle School (pictured) claimed her teacher struck her with a yardstick on May 13 Her mother, Janel Doy Johnson (pictured), said the girl was washing her hands after a science project when the teacher hit her bottom with the stick and told her to hurry up A copy of the police report obtained by DailyMail.com showed the teacher justified his action by claiming he was trying to move her along. 'An 8th-grade student stated that while she was washing her hands at the sink in lab class, her teacher touched her on her left leg and thigh area with a 36-inch ruler,' the report said. '[The teacher] stated that he did it for her to hurry her along to leave the classroom for the day.' Sousa Middle School principal Brittany Green-Pascal sent a letter home to parents confirming the investigation. 'I am writing to make you aware that an allegation of corporal punishment has recently been made against a Sousa staff member,' the letter said. 'DCPS treats any allegation of employee misconduct with the greatest importance.' Green-Pascal said the unnamed teacher is on leave and will not return until the investigation is complete. The student's outraged mother has taken to social media to call for accountability from the school. 'Im a heartbroken and outraged mother. My daughter and several other young girls at her school have come forward with serious accusations of being inappropriately touched by a staff member. I am demanding answers, action, and safety for our children,' Johnson said. Sousa Middle School principal Brittany Green-Pascal (pictured) sent a letter home to parents confirming the investigation and said the teacher would be on leave while they look into it 'What happened at the school was not discipline. Lets be clearthis was sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct by a trusted adult. 'My daughter is a well-mannered, respectful child who knows right from wrong, and she bravely spoke up when something didnt feel right. 'I will not allow this to be downplayed or dismissed as anything less than what it was. No child deserves to be made to feel unsafe at school. Our kids should be protected, not silenced.' Britain is halting trade talks with Israel and summoned Tel Aviv's ambassador to the Foreign Office amid growing anger at the aid blockade on Gaza. David Lammy told MPs that Tzipi Hotovely was being brought in to be told that 'the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible'. It came after Sir Keir Starmer, along with French president Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney, condemned the Israeli government's 'egregious' actions in Gaza. They warned PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the UK and allies will take 'concrete actions' unless he changes course. The Foreign Office has also instigated new sanctions against Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Secretary Mr Lammy told the Commons: 'Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, new displacement and new suffering, and the remaining hostages kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost 600 days are now at heightened risk from the war around them. 'Two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified. David Lammy told MPs Tzipi Hotovely would be told by Middle East minister Hamish Falconer that 'the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible'. It came after Sir Keir Starmer, along with French president Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney, condemned the Israeli government's 'egregious' actions in Gaza. Mr Lammy told the Commons: 'Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end.' 'For 11 weeks Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any any remaining stocks. 'Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, with three more hospitals in northern Gaza ceasing operations this weekend, yet more aid workers and medical workers have been killed.' He added: 'We are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahu's government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. 'Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces cleansing Gaza, destroying what's left of residents, Palestinians being relocated, he said, to third countries.' MPs from across the House shouted 'genocide' as Mr Lammy said: 'We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.' In a joint statement, Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Carney said: 'If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.' The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the 'heinous attack' on October 7 2023. 'We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism,' the three leaders said. 'But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.' Mr Netanyahu hit back, saying: 'By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.' He added: 'The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised. 'No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won't. 'This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.' The UN's humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher a former British diplomat said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israel's blockade was lifted, 'but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed'. 'Our expectations for today's crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,' he warned. Responding to the suspension of trade talks, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said: 'If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British Government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative.' He said the sanctions in relation to the West Bank were 'unjustified and regrettable'. And he added: 'The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. 'External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.' Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein claims hes still influencing the movie industry from behind bars. The 73-year-old convicted rapist, who long earned a reputation in the industry for bullying directors and demanding last-minute rewrites, now claims that filmmakers continue to seek his input in secret. 'I have friends who are still in the industry who slip me their screenplays and ask me for notes,' Weinstein told conservative commentator Candace Owens in a new jailhouse interview for her subscription site. Despite his criminal convictions and public disgrace, Weinstein insisted that he is still a behind-the-scenes influence in Hollywood 'You know, can I do something for it? Can I help? Can I improve it? And I just give them my honest thoughts,' he told Owens. 'So I'm not doing anything for me, but I'm doing things for others.' Weinstein is currently facing a retrial in New York after the state's highest court overturned his 2020 rape conviction, ruling that his trial had been tainted by testimony from women whose allegations weren't part of the actual charges. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains that he never raped or sexually assaulted anyone. The former movie mogul's downfall in 2017 marked a seismic shift in Hollywood. Investigative reports by The New York Times and The New Yorker exposed decades of sexual misconduct, leading to more than 60 women including A-list actresses coming forward with allegations of harassment, assault, and rape. Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein claims he's still influencing the movie industry from behind bars - by giving script feedback to filmmakers who secretly send him their work 'I have friends who are still in the industry who slip me their screenplays and ask me for notes,' Weinstein told conservative commentator Candace Owens in a newly released interview on her new subscription site Pictured: Former film producer Harvey Weinstein appears with one of his attorneys, Arthur Aidala during his retrial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 20, 2025 in New York City The revelations helped spark the global #MeToo movement, a reckoning that challenged the culture of silence surrounding powerful men in media, politics, and beyond. Among Weinstein's accusers is Salma Hayek, who wrote a powerful 2017 op-ed for The New York Times titled 'Harvey Weinstein Is My Monster Too.' In it, Hayek described how Weinstein relentlessly pressured her for sex, berated her when she refused, and tried to sabotage her film Frida. He allegedly forced her into filming a nude scene under duress, causing her to suffer an emotional breakdown on set. Despite those traumatic circumstances, Frida was completed and went on to earn six Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Hayek. Owens, who has expressed support for Weinstein's efforts to overturn his convictions in New York, said reviewing his case 'made [her] lose faith in the judicial system.' 'I don't think Harvey is a moral man,' she said. 'I just also do not believe that he is a rapist.' Weinstein became emotional during the interview, claiming his legal battles had destroyed him. 'They broke me,' he said. 'They broke me in half.' He also insisted he still has allies in Hollywood - but said they're too afraid to defend him. 'They are frightened to death that they're going to be canceled,' he said. 'I've asked to have lie detectors brought into the prison. I know they're not admissible, but I want the world to know.' Despite his denials, Weinstein made a partial admission regarding Gwyneth Paltrow, who has said he sexually harassed her in a hotel suite when she was 22 - shortly after he cast her in the 1996 film Emma. Weinstein produced the hit 1998 film 'Shakespeare in Love' starring Gwyneth Paltrow, which went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards Despite his denials, Weinstein made a partial admission regarding Gwyneth Paltrow, who has said he sexually harassed her in a hotel suite when she was 22 - shortly after he cast her in the 1996 film Emma (Pictured: Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz at the Golden Globes with Harvey Weinstein) 'I definitely made a pass,' Weinstein told Owens before quickly backpedaling. 'It's a complete fabrication about my relationship with Gwyneth. I didn't put my hands on her. I didn't touch her.' Paltrow told The New York Times in 2017: 'It was weird. I was alone in a room with him. It was out of the blue. I was blindsided. I was shocked.' Weinstein produced the hit 1998 film 'Shakespeare in Love' starring Paltrow, which went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. He also spoke about actress Rose McGowan, who alleged that he raped her in a hotel room at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival after casting her in the film Scream. 'I settled with Rose McGowan,' he said. 'I gave her $100,000. Don't tell my wife, don't get me into trouble. It's all conflated, and it's all led to the idea that I'm going to be the one they persecute.' McGowan publicly revealed the settlement in 2017 and said she had signed a nondisclosure agreement. Weinstein, who was married to fashion designer Georgina Chapman from 2003 to 2021, also dismissed allegations from actress Ashley Judd that he sexually harassed her. 'Ashley Judd's claims are ridiculous,' he told Owens. More than six years after the floodgates opened and Weinstein became the face of the #MeToo movement, he remains defiant. Now awaiting retrial in New York, he claims he's innocent - and insists Hollywood hasn't completely turned its back on him. A decision to reject a mother's appeal against a 31-month sentence for a 'racist' tweet she posted in the wake of the Southport murders today sparked claims of 'two-tier' justice. Former childminder Lucy Connolly told the Court of Appeal she 'never' intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty to inciting racial hatred would mean she accepted she had. But today, she lost an attempt to get her sentence reduced. The judgment was handed down moments after far-right activist Tommy Robinson succeeded in having his 18-month sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court reduced by four months - meaning he will be freed in days. It also comes just days after Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, announced plans to release 1,400 inmates early in response to prison overcrowding. Under the new policy, offenders serving one to four years who are recalled to prison for breaching their licences will only serve a maximum of 28 days behind bars. In a separate move, Ms Mahmood announced she will dramatically expand tagging so that 40,000 criminals can be electronically monitored at any one time - shortly before a sentencing review that is set to call for more criminals to be spared prison. Lucy Connolly's husband Ray, a Conservative councillor, said following the judgment: 'Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she will release 40,000 prisoners, some of them dangerous men, on tag. Lucy has not been allowed out on tag and she has been denied leave to see our child who is struggling. 'Today, the Court had the opportunity to reduce her cruelly long and disproportionate sentence, but they refused. That feels like two-tier justice. Former childminder Lucy Connolly today lost an appeal against a 31-month sentence for a 'racist' tweet she posted in the wake of the Southport murders The judgment was handed down moments after far-right activist Tommy Robinson succeeded in having his 18-month sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court reduced by four months Connolly deleted her post and blamed it on 'a moment of extreme outrage and emotion' when she was acting on 'false and malicious' information 'The British people know all this is not right. They have given an amazing 81,000 so far to Lucy's crowd-funder. Despite today's upsetting setback, Lucy gets courage from everyone's kind support.' 'Lucy and me are so grateful to our fantastic legal team, led by Adam King. We will continue to pursue every possible avenue to seek justice and to bring Lucy home to us.' Connolly pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred over a post on X on July 29 last year that said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.' The sickening comments were made just hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, sparking nationwide unrest. Connolly, who is locked up at HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire, had claimed to the Court of Appeal last week that she had no idea what she was admitting to when she pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. But today three judges rejected her argument, meaning she faces serving another eight months behind bars. The Free Speech Union (FSU), which had funded Connolly's appeal bid, were among those criticising the decision. Toby Young, its general secretary, said: 'This is terribly disappointing. How can it be right for Lucy to have been condemned to spend more than two-and-a-half years in jail for a single tweet when members of grooming gangs who plead guilty to the sexual exploitation of children get lower sentences? Raymond Connolly today claimed that his partner had been subjected to 'two-tier justice' In a statement, he referenced Labour Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood 'Lucy should be at home with her 12 year-old daughter and husband, not rotting in jail.' In a written judgment, Lord Justice Holroyde, said: 'There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. 'The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused.' He added that the principal ground of appeal 'was substantially based on a version of events put forward by the applicant which we have rejected'. Connolly had argued she had been 'really angry' after the Southport attacks, but hours after posting the rant on X realised it was not an acceptable thing to say, so deleted it. At her appeal case, Adam King, representing Connolly, asked if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels or 'murder any politicians'. She replied: 'Absolutely not.' Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, told the court the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. He added: 'At the time of creating the post, the applicant clearly intended the racial hatred would be stirred up and also intended to incite serious violence.' Mr Connolly, pictured centre, was joined outside the Court of Appeal by Free Speech Union founder Lord Toby Young (left) and journalist Allison Pearson (right) Connolly in a police mugshot issued by Northamptonshire Police following her arrest for inciting racial hatred Her husband Mr Connolly has spoken of the pain of his wife's long imprisonment, saying: 'The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl.' By contrast, Tommy Robinson is now set to be released within the next week after his legal win at the High Court. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel. The sentence comprised a 14-month 'punitive' element and a four-month 'coercive' element, with sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson telling Robinson he could have the latter taken off his sentence if he were to 'purge' his contempt by taking steps to comply with the injunction. Robinson, who was previously due to be released on July 26, applied to purge his contempt at a hearing today, with his lawyers telling the court that he had shown a 'commitment' to comply with the order. Lawyers for the Solicitor General said they agreed that Robinson had taken steps to adhere to the injunction. In a ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said that there was an 'absence of contrition or remorse' from Robinson, but that he had shown a 'change in attitude' since he was sentenced. Tommy Robinson supporters during a protest in London on February 1, 2025 Your browser does not support iframes. He said: 'He (Robinson) has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again.' He continued: 'I consider it appropriate to grant the application.' He added: 'The practical effect, subject to confirmation by the prison authorities, is that the defendant will be released once he has completed the punitive element, which I understand will be within the next week.' Robinson, who attended the hearing via video-link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, showed no immediate reaction once the judgment was handed down. Today, Downing Street would not comment directly on Lucy Connolly's case but said individuals posting illegal content online should face 'robust law enforcement'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'I can't comment on individual cases, that's obviously one for the court. 'More broadly, the Government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech. 'But, as the Prime Minister has said previously, individuals posting illegal content should know that that will be met with robust law enforcement.' But questioned later by journalists, Sir Keir signalled he did not believe free speech was dead in the UK. 'I'm not across the details of the particular case, but let me give you the principles that I would apply,' he said. 'Firstly, I'm strongly in favour of free speech. We've had free speech in this country for a very, very long time, and we protect it fiercely. 'I'm equally, though, against incitement to violence against other people. That has long been an offence in our country, and rightly so. 'So, as I say, I don't know the details of this, but free speech: yes; incitement to violence: no.' An Oregon mom sobbed at her 13-year-old son's funeral after he was fatally shot through the walls while asleep in his bed. Liam Spahnle-Bailey fell asleep in Milwaukie on April 27, looking forward to go and snowboard with his dad, William, the next day, but he never woke up again. That night, after several rounds of gunfire from a neighboring apartment pierced through the walls, Liam was shot at around 1.30am as he slept. 'They shot a 13-year-old boy sleeping in his bed, who only wanted to go snowboarding with his dad,' his mother, Jessica Bailey, told KOIN 6 News. The young boy was rushed to hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Bailey was then faced with the horror of laying her son to rest, instead of celebrating his 14th birthday. 'Instead of planning a celebration for his birthday today, we had a funeral,' she said. 'It's beyond difficult. There's no words for it, didn't really know how to plan a funeral for a 13-year-old,' Bailey added. Liam Spahnle-Bailey fell asleep in Milwaukie on April 27, but after several rounds of gunfire from a neighboring apartment pierced through the walls, Liam was shot at around 1.30am as he slept 'It's beyond difficult. There's no words for it, didn't really know how to plan a funeral for a 13-year-old,' Liam's mom, Jessica Bailey, said Liam's brother, Gordon, said: 'There's nothing you can do to prevent it, and so I think to myself, like, what's stopping it from happening like right now to me or other families?' She wrote on Facebook: 'Happy 14th Birthday and your first as an Angel in Heaven. My sweet Boy, I miss you so much, this is tremendously heartbreaking.' The hunt is on for two 20-year-olds, Anthony Hunter Jr and Xavier Hirsch, as well as Terrell Coy, 16, who are all wanted for Liam's death. Gresham Police have said there is an arrest warrant for second-degree murder for each of them, KOIN reported. 'Today our entire community is mourning the killing of an innocent child. Our thoughts are with his family, friends ,classmates and neighbors. This shooting is a tragic reminder of how the impact of gun violence reaches far beyond the shooters and their intended victims,' Police Chief Travis Gullberg said in a statement. 'Our officers, detectives, and law enforcement partners will hold accountable everyone responsible for this child's death.' Liam's brother, Gordon, told the outlet: 'There's nothing you can do to prevent it, and so I think to myself, like, what's stopping it from happening like right now to me or other families?' His family, wearing the same pair of Liam's favorite sneakers, went to his favorite skate park, Stronger Skatepark, on Monday to remember the young teen. 'We've already taken care of his cremation and his funeral and everything that we've had to do since his death,' Bailey said. The hunt is on for two 20-year-olds, Anthony Hunter Jr and Xavier Hirsch, as well as Terrell Coy, 16, who are all wanted for Liam's death 'But now, while that's behind us, I feel like that's our main focus now is getting justice for Liam and finding the people who did this to him and to us,' Bailey said Bailey wrote on Facebook: 'Happy 14th Birthday and your first as an Angel in Heaven. My sweet Boy, I miss you so much, this is tremendously heartbreaking' 'But now, while that's behind us, I feel like that's our main focus now is getting justice for Liam and finding the people who did this to him and to us.' The skatepark hosted free skate lessons, free youth skate times, as well as selling custom skateboards in honor of Liam, with proceeds going to his family. A GoFundMe for Liam's family said :'Liam has touched many people's lives. His family remembers him as loving, funny, genuine, a great friend and son.' 'His friends say he always had a smile on his face, and he was sure to put a smile on everyone's face around him. Liam loved to snowboard and skateboard in his free time. Liam loved his family and friends dearly.' Liam's girlfriend, Grace, wrote on TikTok: 'I thought we were gonna grow old together and have the best future together. I couldn't imagine myself doing any of that with anyone but you. Your still forever my boyfriend, my soulmate, my sweet boy and my bestest friend. 'You made me the happiest I've ever been. You made me, me. I could always be myself around you. I could always tell you anything and everything. You always were there for me and listed and cared for everything. You made me feel so loved and appreciated for. Your the most sweetest boy.' 'I'm forever mad at that person and the universe for taking you away from me.' The post was accompanied with a compilation of memories the two shared. Police have said the hunt for Liam's alleged killers is underway, and they are believed to be armed and dangerous. Pete Hegseth donned a questionable fit during a recent meeting with former Fox News host Will Cain, prompting widespread mockery and heated debate on social media. The US Defense Secretary appeared in a clashing, eccentric array of patterns during a Monday meeting at the Pentagon with the popular podcast host - an outfit some online likened to 'a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.' 'This is undignified for the US Secretary of Defense,' Derek Guy, a menswear writer, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding, 'Personally don't think the sec of defense should dress like a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.' Hegseth wore a navy blue 'skinny windowpane' suit, a red spotted tie, gaudy American flag socks and 'inappropriate' tan loafers during the high-profile meeting at the Pentagon. The mismatched look drew stark criticism online, as some claimed the Defense Secretary 'needs a stylist.' 'Someone get this man a stylist. He needs nice shoes,' one user wrote on X. Another chimed in with detailed observations, zooming in on Hegseth's one-of-a-kind ensemble and seemingly spotting 'scraped horse manure' on his visibly scuffed shoes. Pete Hegseth donned a questionable fit during a recent meeting with former Fox News host Will Cain, prompting widespread mockery and heated debate on social media Hegseth wore a navy blue 'skinny windowpane' suit, a red spotted tie, gaudy American flag socks and 'inappropriate' tan loafers during the high-profile meeting at the Pentagon One user applauded Hegseth's flamboyant choice of socks - but once again criticized his ill-suited footwear. 'I don't mind a flamboyant sock but this seems to have tipped over into novelty and the visible heel is rather unpleasant,' the user wrote, paying close attention to Hegseth's bright red heel. 'Now, about those shoes,' the user added, skewering the Trump Administration appointee's footwear selection. Meanwhile, others seemed genuinely puzzled by the criticism, questioning what exactly was so offensive about the bold outfit. 'Is it the shoes? Socks and pants mismatch?' one user wrote in the thread. Guy - who is also an editor at Put This On, 'a blog about dressing like a grownup' - fired back succinctly: 'Everything: Skinny windowpane pants, fun socks, tan horsebit loafers, very corny.' The US Defense Secretary (left) appeared in a clashing, eccentric array of patterns during a Monday meeting at the Pentagon with Will Cain (right) Some jumped to Hegseth's defense, cheekily challenging the outspoken fashion critic on whether the Defense Secretary's style really matters. 'How does this affect his ability to lead the Pentagon? Or are you just wanting to date him or what?' one user quipped. Guy responded firmly, calling the outfit 'undignified.' 'I don't think it affects his ability to lead the Pentagon. I simply find the outfit to be undignified for the position.' 'What's undignified about it?' another user asked. Guy replied with a picture of Fruity Pebbles cereal, doubling down on his comparison between Hegseth's multi-patterned attire and the colorful breakfast dish. The mismatched look drew stark criticism online, as some claimed the Defense Secretary 'needs a stylist,' while zooming in on Hegseth's ensemble and seemingly spotting 'scraped horse manure' on his visibly scuffed shoes Some critics escalated the thread further by dragging in other questionably styled politicians. 'But [John] Fetterman wearing shorts and a hoodie is fine attire according to Derek [Guy]. Weird,' one X user commented. Derek Guy, widely known as 'the menswear guy' on X, is a Canadian fashion industry writer and commentator. He gained widespread notoriety following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, when the site's algorithmically curated 'For You' tab began promoting his account, @dieworkwear, to a large audience. A church volunteer who had an illicit sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy at her congregation for nine months has dodged jail. Reagan Danielle Gray, 27, sent naked pictures 'on a daily basis' to the boy after they met at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. But they never went further than oral sex during their illegal affair between September 2020 and May 2021, because Gray wanted the teen to 'stay pure'. Gray, who was at the time a teacher at Sylvan Hills Middle School, pleaded no contest to second-degree sexual assault in a plea bargain on Monday. Judge LaTonya Honorable sentenced her to six years probation and a $1,000 fine in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. Gray will also have to register as a sex offender. Gray was originally charged last August with first-degree sexual assault as she was in 'a position of trust or authority' over the boy. She was fired by the Pulaski County Special School District soon after the charges were laid. The boy's family sued the church in December for negligence, negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligent retention. Reagan Danielle Gray, 27, sent naked pictures 'on a daily basis' to the boy after they met at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas The boy told detectives that Gray found his phone number through the group chat for the church's music program The teen's parents said they were 'grateful that our son has one less painful load to carry' in a statement after Gray was sentenced. 'What's difficult to reconcile is how many adults repeatedly failed him - people with power, responsibility, or influence who looked the other way. Institutions that protected themselves,' they said. 'Systems that made justice harder than it should have been.' The court heard Gray met the boy at the church, one of the biggest in Arkansas and once attended by former president Bill Clinton, where he was also a member of the student ministry. He told detectives that Gray found his phone number through the group chat for the church's music program. The church sent her for counseling after the boy's parents discovered text messages alluding to the affair on their son's phone, but she was welcomed back within weeks and resumed her abuse. The pair met in her car and in her Monticello apartment until May 2021 but the boy told investigators he could not remember if he responded to her demands for naked images in response to her torrent of nude photos. 'I don't have explicit memory of doing that but, with how often she requested it, it probably did happen,' he admitted. Gray was sentenced to six years probation and a $1,000 fine in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. She will also have to register as a sex offender The boy's parents confronted Gray and informed head pastor Steven Smith after discovering a series of text messages. Smith said he confronted Gray and suspended her from student ministry despite her insistence that her relationship with the boy was not sexual. The police were not informed and the church assigned Gray an 'accountability partner' - Smith's wife Ashley. But Gray resumed her abuse after returning from her counselling, switching her communications with the boy to Snapchat. It was not until a counselling session with Smith in September 2023 that Gray admitted the relationship was 'sexual in nature' and continued after her suspension. Police were called and the boy told FBI investigators that the pair had sex between five and 10 times during the fall of 2020. Officials at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock warned her off the relationship but she resumed it after returning from counselling, demanding he send her nude images He said Gray performed oral sex on him but the pair did not have intercourse 'in order for [him] to stay pure'. However, the church downplayed the situation to its members even as police were interrogating its leadership about Gray's conduct. Smith wrote a letter on September 7, 2023, claiming police told him that the 'reported level of physical contact did not rise to the level of criminal assault or abuse'. His letter prompted the church's discipleship content director, Courtney Reissig, to resign in disgust, citing 'lack of transparency, accountability, and handling' of an 'abuse situation'. The boy's parents lashed out at the church in their statement on Monday, condemning the lack of support they said it showed their son. 'Some of those people were in the courtroom today. Given the opportunity to stand in court with the victim, those charged with teaching, leading and protecting our son once again chose to sit idly by,' they said. The church in Little Rock is one of the biggest in Arkansas and has boasted former president Bill Clinton among its congregation 'Their continued silence speaks volumes. Their actions - or lack of them - continue to make a hard road even harder. 'And the burden of that failure is a weight our son will carry for the rest of his life. 'Our son, at great personal cost, chose a difficult and uncomfortable path by bravely speaking up when others wouldn't. We hope his courage has made it harder for the defendant to ever harm another child.' Smith resigned as pastor of the 128-year-old church, which routinely attracts nearly 1,000 people to its services, just before Gray was charged. He was named as one of the defendants in the lawsuit, claiming he had 'reasonable cause to suspect' the abuse but failed to report it to police. A Pennsylvania mom who allegedly defecated on a vehicle in a bizarre case of road rage has hired a bodyguard to accompany her to court. Christina Solometo, 44, appeared at Prospect Park District Court on Monday for a preliminary hearing into the wild offense that was caught on camera last month. The clip shows a woman, dubbed the 'Delco Popper', dropping her pants, squatting over the hood of a car in Prospect Park, Delaware County, before delectating on it. Her attorney David Klayman advised Fox News that Solomento had hired a guard due to receiving threats, after the clip was circulated on social media. Solometo was charged with indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment and depositing waste after she was arrested on May 2. In court on Monday, officials added another count of open lewdness as witness Greg Ferrari, 17, was called. Ferrari had captured the moment that she allegedly defecated on the vehicle, he told the court he was heading to his friends house at the time of the incident. According to the teenager he had to stop as he saw two women in a heated confrontation, and decided to record it. Christina Solometo, 44, appeared at Prospect Park District Court on Monday for a preliminary hearing alongside a hired guard, seen here It has also since emerged that Solometo is an adult content creator with an OnlyFans page According to Fox, he told the court: 'One of the people ended up going to the bathroom on the others car.' Ferrari identified the woman that he captured on video as being Solometo, saying that the other driver had been shouting insults at Solometo. Outside of court, Ferrari admitted to awaiting reporters that since the clip went viral he has become somewhat of a celebrity due to the attention it has received. He said: 'Its pretty crazy. I mean its something youd never expect. I just got done [at] school. I got called out of school for this.' Klayman argued in court that the charges against Solometo do not accurately portray what happened that day and that the other driver is also to blame. Speaking of the threats, he told Fox: 'Its traumatic because its all over the media. There are people making t-shirts, hats. Making threatening comments. 'When we are talking about a person. Just because its not your best day doesn't mean you should be harassed continuously.' Solometo is expected back in court to be formally arraigned on July 9. The clip shows a woman, dubbed the 'Delco Popper', dropping her pants, squatting over the hood of a car in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, before delectating on it According to court documents she allegedly told police, 'It was a clean poop. I didn't even have to wipe.' Solometo allegedly claimed she had acted out of restraint rather than rage. 'The other driver called me a bad name,' she said. 'So I dropped a deuce instead of turning violent.' Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna told NBC after the clip surfaced that: 'This can't happen in this community. 'No town wants this to happen in their town. The recognition a town gets over this kind of thing - it's really unwelcome. We don't want this.' 'I know it's being joked on a lot. There's all kinds of puns and innuendos online. But bottom line, we are treating it seriously.' Solometo, seen here being arrested, is expected back in court to be formally arraigned on July 9 Greg Ferrari, seen here, had captured the clip of the incident and addressed the court on Monday, identifying Solometo as the woman in the video It has also since emerged that Solometo is an adult content creator with an OnlyFans page. Her page promises subscribers an intimate 'toe-tally' experience, including decorated toenails, toe jewelry, and personalized fetish content. When a reporter for Philadelphia Magazine messaged Solometo to ask if her public defecation had any connection to fetish content she offers, her response was vulgar. 'You want me to f***ing s*** on you? I want 5k and I'm bringing a bodyguard!' Her reply was sent via a Facebook account Solometo operates under the alias 'Christina M. Shythead.' A British Army paratrooper secretly filmed himself losing his virginity to a female recruit before sharing the sex tape with his 'lad' mates, a court martial heard. Gunner Josh Handley allegedly filmed himself having the one night stand with the 17-yeart-old trainee during a boozy night out. However, after allegedly showing friends a tape of the encounter, the female soldier then confronted Gnr Handley - now a member of the airborne regiment's acclaimed artillery unit. Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard the male accused claimed he had made up the existence of the video to get back at his alleged victim for spreading rumours about him having a small penis. The court heard a mobile phone video was taken when the pair were on a night out together with a large group of friends. The woman had no idea Gnr Handley - now in his early twenties and in the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery - had filmed their consensual encounter, the court heard. But several months later the soldier - who appeared in court sporting the famous fighting force's distinctive maroon beret - showed it to a 'couple of lads'. It was then over a year before he showed anyone the tape again, when he bumped into a friend of the victim in Magaluf and showed her the clip which she told him 'wasn't funny'. British Army paratrooper Josh Handley filmed himself losing his virginity to a female recruit before sharing the sex tape with his 'lad' mates, a court martial heard Gunner Josh Handley allegedly filmed himself having the one night stand with the 17-yeart-old trainee during a boozy night out Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire (pictured) heard the male accused claimed he had made up the existence of the video to get back at his alleged victim for spreading rumours about him having a small penis The alleged victim found out about the video nearly two years after the incident when the girlfriend of one of the male soldiers who had been shown the clip told her. After finding out about the sex tape, the recruit confronted Gnr Handley on Snapchat, asking him if he had a video of them 'sh***ing' and he told her did but no longer had access to it. Prosecuting, Graham Coombes described the incidents when the alleged video was shared with some 'lads' and then with a friend of the victim's. He said: 'She had consensual intercourse, what she did not know was this was being recorded on the accused's phone. 'She took this up with the accused via Snapchat, the conversation confirmed that a video had been recorded by him and had been shown to others. 'He apologised for his actions and said he did not know why he had shown it to a couple of lads. 'The accused on summer holiday showed [the complainant's friend] a video on his mobile phone. She told him it was not funny and told him to put his phone away.' Mr Coombes said: 'He was interviewed (by police), he denied the existence of the video claiming he made up a rumour about it after the complainant spread rumours about him having a small penis and being bad at sex. The woman had no idea Gnr Handley - now in his early 20s and in the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery - had filmed their consensual encounter, the court heard 'He was trying to cause distress to the complainant with these rumours.' The alleged victim told the court she was very unhappy when she was told about the videos as sex is a 'private thing'. 'I was not happy at all,' she said. 'I have always been in relationships, sex is a very private thing.' She denied spreading any rumours about Gnr Handley's size or performance in bed. Gnr Handley denies three counts of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind, claiming he did not take a video but merely spread rumours of one to 'cause distress' to the recruit who had supposedly spread rumours about him. The trial continues. Rachel Reeves has hinted at a shift on the winter fuel allowance saying she is 'listening' to Labour MPs. The Chancellor suggested she is considering the threshold at which the benefit is removed after the cut was seen as a factor in dire local election results. Ms Reeves stripped nine million pensioners of the payments - worth up to 300 - soon after Labour came to power. Only those on pension credit are still entitled. But Keir Starmer has been facing the threat of a revolt over that policy, as well as curbs to working age benefits. There is speculation that the leadership is looking for a way out, potentially by scaling back the cuts. Taking Treasury questions in the Commons this morning, Ms Reeves said the Government had to take 'difficult decisions and urgent decisions' following last summer's election. Rachel Reeves has hinted at a shift on the winter fuel allowance saying she is 'listening' to Labour MPs Sir Keir Starmer has been facing the threat of a revolt over that policy, as well as curbs to working age benefits Nigel Farage has seized on the winter fuel cuts as he tries to gain ground on Labour Left-wing Labour MP Brian Leishman asked: 'To alleviate grinding penury for millions the Chancellor could introduce an annual wealth tax on multimillionaires that would raise approximately 24billion per annum yet the Chancellor refuses to entertain this, but does consider cuts to welfare as acceptable. 'Why do "tough political choices" always seem to impact those who are most vulnerable?' Ms Reeves replied: 'At the budget last year we increased the rate of tax on non-doms, we increased capital gains tax, we increased the carried interest on bonuses and we also introduced VAT on private schools. 'This Government is ensuring that wealthiest pay their fair share because that's a basic Labour principle.' Speaking on the BBC's Newscast last night, Ms Reeves said she would 'continue to listen to understand the concerns that people have raised'. 'I do understand the concerns that people have,' she said. She added: 'We are a government that listens. 'But we would always need to show where the money is going to come from if we're going to make any policy changes. That would be part of the normal process.' Sir Keir faced the Parliamentary Labour Party last night as many MPs mull rebelling over plans to cut benefits. A vote is expected in June. There is also simmering disquiet over his hardline immigration speech last week in which he said that Britain risks becoming 'an island of strangers'. Your browser does not support iframes. But the PM warned his backbenchers that Reform is now their main rival for power and they have a 'moral responsibility' to keep Nigel Farage out of No10. Labour has been rocked by the defeat to Reform in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election at the start of the month. Mr Farage's party also picking up sizeable votes in local elections in supposedly solid Labour heartlands. Two young women were killed at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in an 'isolated incident' just days after graduation. Kelsie Martin, 22, and Hallie Helms, 22, died Monday at Wilgus Hall, a dormitory on campus. Police have shared few details on the incident, but sources told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a shooting allegedly occurred around 4 p.m. Staff and students at the public university - where roughly 6,500 people study - were put on lockdown after police reported an 'emergency situation.' The order was lifted just after 5 p.m. when police determined it was not an active, ongoing threat, reported WMTV. 'I have to point out that this is an ongoing, active law enforcement investigation, and I really don't have a lot of specific details at this time as it's still very fluid,' said UW-Platteville Police Chief Joe Hallman. University Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich released the victims' identities around 11 p.m., revealing they died in a 'targeted and isolated event,' according to WPR. 'It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin,' Evetovich said. Kelsie Martin (pictured), 22, was identified as one of the victims in an 'isolated incident' Monday at Wilgus Hall, where she worked as the Assistant Resident Director Hallie Helms (pictured), 22, was also identified as one of the women killed in the incident. Both had graduated from the university on Saturday Police have shared few details on the incident, but sources told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a shooting allegedly occurred at Wilgus Hall (pictured) around 4 p.m. 'This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified.' A commencement program showed both women graduated on Saturday, Helms with a degree in elementary education and Martin with a degree in psychology. According to a post from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville: Residence Life, Martin was the assistant resident director at Wilgus Hall. She had worked for campus residence life for three years and said she applied for the role because 'I wanted to help people the same way my RA helped me through my first year on campus.' Martin listed a fun fact about herself: 'I own over 400 books and want to have my own in-home library one day.' The university canceled the remaining final exams and had counseling services available to students. 'We've canceled these final exams, and this extends to the Platteville and Baraboo campus because we are a close-knit community,' said Provost Laura Reynolds. 'Both the faculty and staff, as well as the students, need time to be together. They need time to work through this together. University Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich said the incident was a 'targeted and isolated event between the two individuals' 'We are deeply saddened, and know this event has negative impact on our Pioneers, and we know students will want to be able to focus on their own well-being and spend time with friends and families.' Students told the local news station they were shocked to learn about the tragedy and frustrated with the lack of information from officials. 'I was kind of terrified for a second, honestly,' said Kirra Kamp, a sophomore. 'It's kind of something you hear happens but nothing that you actually think is gonna happen to you in your school until it happens. It's insane to see stuff like this happen.' 'It's kind of scary, honestly, because it's like obviously there are a lot of rumors going around,' said junior Andrew Roubinek. 'There are a lot of open-ended questions with a lot of things, and I came here to hopefully get some actual, don't want to say closure, but some actual news about it, which ended up being quite uneventful tonight.' His cryptic 8647 shell arrangement landed him in deep water when it was interpreted as a call to assassinate the Commander-in-Chief. But longtime anti-Trumper James Comey shore knows what he's doing when it comes to unsubtle political statements. DailyMail.com can reveal the washed-up Fed previously posted a photo of a clam shell on a beach prior to the 2024 election painted with the words 'Vote Harris' in blue. 'Saw this at the beach,' the former FBI chief claimed in the October 10 post, which reeled in 2,733 likes. 'Ariel understands the assignment,' he added, an apparent reference to Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Comey, who was fired by President Trump in May 2017 after a four-year stint as FBI Director, has a history of fishy posts. One week ago, he posted a photo of himself relaxing on the beach engrossed in a novel his own. And photos from 2023 show the quirky retiree, 64, attempting to grow a wispy Robinson Crusoe beard. Ousted FBI director James Comey, known for supporting Kamala Harris and trans rights on his Instagram, sparked an investigation after posting a photo of an '8647' shell formation, raising concerns it hinted at a Trump assassination On Thursday, Comey captioned an Instagram post with 'cool shell formation on my beach walk'. Trump supporters decoded his 'cool shell formation' as a chilling threat to '86' - slang for kill, cancel or get rid of the President But this isn't the first time Comey has used shells for messaging, as DailyMail.com can reveal he posted a photo of a clam shell on a beach prior to the 2024 election painted with the words 'Vote Harris' in blue When he's not posting endless plugs for his recent thrillers, FDR Drive and Central Park West, Comey's feed is a treasure trove of woke causes. His Instagram is awash with posts promoting trans rights, same sex marriage and, naturally, his steadfast support for Democrat dud Kamala Harris. But it's the now deleted May 15 snap of seashells spelling out '8647' on a sandy beach that prompted a wave of fury. Trump supporters decoded his 'cool shell formation' as a chilling threat to '86' (slang for kill, cancel or get rid of) the 47th President of the United States, a survivor of two assassination attempts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to investigate while Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, suggested Comey 'should be behind bars.' Trump himself scoffed 'a child knows that meant assassination.' Comey deleted the post, claiming in a follow up message to 'oppose violence of any kind'. He was interviewed by the Secret Service but thus far no further action has been taken against the married dad of five. The inference of assassinating Trump took on more significance after the repeat attempts on his life during the 2024 presidential campaign Comey has issued an apology (above) shortly after it was revealed he was under investigation Comey served as the director of the FBI from 2013 until he was fired by Trump in 2017 after holding the position for four years A protestor gleefully holds a sign reading '8647' at a rally for detained student Mahmoud Khalil earlier this year In an interview Monday with MSNBC, the former New York prosecutor pinned the fiasco on his wife Patrice Failor, who supposedly told him the numbers were code for running out of a particular item in a restaurant. 'We stood over it and I said, I think it's some kind of political message and she said, "86 when I was a server... meant to remove an item from the menu when you ran out of ingredients,"' he told host Nicole Wallace. 'And I said, well, to me, as a kid, it always meant to leave a place, to ditch a place. I said, that's really clever. 'So, then she said, "You should take a picture of that." And I did, and I posted it on my Instagram account and thought nothing more of it.' The long-time Trump antagonist loathed equally by liberals for reopening Hillary Clinton's email scandal days prior to the 2016 election - called the Secret Service agents who interviewed him 'total pros.' 'In the Trump era, I've been investigated a lot, audited a lot, and so it's not my first rodeo. I'm in some strange way, the relationship he can't get over. 'Maybe because I've lived a happy, productive life since leaving, but this has just been a distraction in that life,' Comey shrugged. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says 86 is slang meaning 'to throw out,' 'to get rid of' or 'to refuse service to.' It notes: 'Among the most recent senses adopted is a logical extension of the previous ones, with the meaning of to kill. 'We do not enter this sense, due to its relative recency and sparseness of use.' Countless doctors have now weighed in on former President Joe Biden's shock diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. And the consensus opinion seems to be that his story just doesn't add up. 'This abrupt presentation defies any typical case that I've ever seen,' board-certified urologist Dr David Shusterman wrote for the Daily Mail. 'In my experience, prostate cancer of this severity doesn't develop overnight.' Oncologist Dr Zeke Emanuel, who once worked in the Biden White House, speculated that Biden likely had cancer while serving as president. 'He's had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading,' he claimed on MSNBC's on Monday. 'It is a little surprising to many of us oncologists that he wasn't diagnosed earlier.' Well, as a prostate cancer survivor, I have sympathy for the president, but I, too, have questions. It is difficult for me to imagine that the leader of the free world would have been so oblivious to such an easily detectable and treatable! disease. After all, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the US and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. My fight with prostate cancer was typical. Around four years ago, I received the troubling results of a routine blood test revealing that I had an elevated PSA level. That is a measure of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland and present in blood. PSA is routinely monitored in men over the age of 50 or even younger in those that have a family history of cancer. A physical examination by my doctor confirmed that there was a small lesion on my prostate. Then came a battery of other tests. An MRI came back pretty clean but a '4K score' test determined that I had a 30 percent chance of having an aggressive form of the disease. A biopsy of the tumor confirmed that I had an early-stage malignancy. The diagnosis was terrifying. I immediately called my brother, a doctor himself, who calmed me down, explaining that we had caught the cancer early. It wasn't some death sentence. Countless doctors have now weighed in on Biden's shock diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. And the consensus opinion seems to be that his story just doesn't add up. Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his time in office, which aimed to fund research and improve the lives of cancer victims. Typical treatments for prostate cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy or total prostate removal. I opted for a less aggressive approach cryoablation, which uses cold temperatures to kill the cancerous cells. And three years later, I'm still standing with thanks to my incredible doctors and family. Fox News correspondent Charlie Gasparino reveals his battle with prostate cancer. But wouldn't the president have had access to equal, if not better, health care? Beyond my skepticism of Biden's story, I feel a sense of sadness for him... and our country. Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer result in much higher survival rates, but the prognosis for late-stage prostate cancer is grim. Tumors that have metastasized, or spread to other areas such as the bone, as we're told Biden's had, result in five-year survival rates as low as 30 percent. While no one knows the specifics of his medical history, there's questions that have only fueled speculation about the alleged cover-up of the president's cognitive decline and health issues striking yet another blow to public trust in government. The sick irony of this entire episode is that Joe Biden throughout his entire public life has demonstrated a commitment to finding a cure for cancer. He, of course, lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015 and as vice president he launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, which aimed to fund research and improve the lives of cancer victims. Yes, Biden is older, and was well into his 70s when elected president. Older people often stop testing for prostate cancer because the disease is slow moving. But he's not an everyman; Biden is the leader of the free world, which relies on his health. This same man claims to have skipped routine screenings himself? It boggles the mind. Though if there is any positive lesson to be taken from this troubling news, it is that every man should take cancer screenings seriously. A little prevention and preparation can go a long way. A priest has discovered an eye-opening link between a British-born teenager set to be canonized - and the newly-elected Pope. Carlo Acutis, known as 'God's influencer', will become the Catholic Church's first millennial to be appointed as a saint at a date yet to be confirmed. The London-born 'techie' teen - born in 1991 to an Italian mother and half Italian, half English father - died in 2006 from leukaemia. Since then he has received worldwide acclaim for his religious devotion and the attribution of miracles since his tragic passing. But now Father David Michael Moses of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has noticed a startling connection the late teenager and Pope Leo XIV, ChurchPop reported. Speaking on his podcast, Father Moses said he was struck by the fact Acutis attended the Leo XIII Institute in Milan, Italy - which was named after the very pope that inspired the new papal leader to choose his name. Father Moses explained: 'Welland this was the big discovery I made when I looked through some of these notesguess the name of the high school that Blessed Carlo Acutis went to? It's called the Leo XIII Institute. 'I mean, guys, come on. How cool is that? A priest has discovered an eye-opening link between British-born teenager Carlo Acutis, who is set to be canonized - and the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV Father David Michael Moses said he was struck by the fact Acutis attended the Leo XIII Institute in Milan, Italy - which was named after the very pope that inspired the new papal leader Leo IV to choose his name Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15 and was informally known as 'God's influencer', is set to become a saint 'He died really younghe was 15so he never went to college. He didn't go to that many schools. 'What are the chances that the school that he's attending when he dies was named after Pope Leo XIII, the predecessor of our new Pope Leo XIV, the pope that Leo XIV says inspired him to choose the name? What are the chances? How cool is that? 'We are on a Leo tear right now in the Church.' Researching further, Father Moses then realised the significance of a spiritual request the teenager made before his passing. He explained: 'If that wasn't enough, listen to this quote from Blessed Carlo Acutis. 'He says this: "I offer all the suffering I will have to suffer for the Lord, for the Pope, and for the Church." 'Blessed Carlo, the first millennial saint about to be canonized, offered his suffering in large part for the pope. 'And now we have a pope who chooses the name of Blessed Carlo's high school patron. So cool. Love that.' Acutis, who died aged 15, would be the second Briton to be canonised in nearly 50 years Acutis spent most of his life in Milan and his family visited Assisi every year around Easter, as it was his favourite place. It is also where he asked to be buried after dying from leukemia in 2006 and now lies in rest. He spent much of his spare time designing an online exhibition about Eucharistic miracles around the world. Due to his proficiency with computers, he has been referred to as a 'saint of the ordinary,' and also a possible patron saint for IT workers. Acutis was nominated for sainthood after a series of miracles were attributed to him. In 2020, the late Pope Francis recognised the healing of a young boy in Brazil from a rare form of pancreatic cancer attributed to Acutis. Shortly after, he was beatified which is the first step towards sainthood. Then in 2024, Pope Francis recognised a second miracle - the healing of a student in Florence who had a bleed on the brain. The Pope called him a role model for young people who are frequently tempted by 'self-absorption, isolation and empty pleasure.' Acutis's parents, Antonia (front) and Andrea (rear) are greeted by Cardinal Agostino Vallini during the beatification ceremony in Assisi, central Italy, in October 2020 An image of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis is seen during his beatification ceremony celebrated by Cardinal Agostino Vallini in the St Francis Basilica, in Assisi, Italy, in October 2020 The Pope said: 'Carlo was well-aware that the whole apparatus of communications, advertising and social networking can be used to lull us, to make us addicted to consumerism and buying the latest thing on the market, obsessed with our free time, caught up in negativity,' Crux reported. What are the five steps to becoming a saint? Five-year wait: Five years usually needs to have passed after someone's death for the process to begin. This allows for a period of reflection on the case. Servant of God: The bishop of the diocese where the person has died investigates whether their life was holy enough to be deemed a 'servant of God'. Life of heroic virtue: The Congregation for the Causes of Saints looks at the case. If they approve it is passed onto the Pope, who declares the subject a person of 'heroic virtue'. Beatification: A miracle needs to happen to a person who has prayed to the person in question. Canonisation: A second miracle is attributed to the person who has been beatified. Advertisement His mother Antonia Salzano previously said that she now refers to her late son as her 'saviour' as he taught her more and more about his faith and credits him with her conversion into Christianity. He grew up in Milan where he took care of his parish website and later that of a Vatican-based academy. From the age of three, he would donate his pocket money to the poor and later at school supported victims of bullying, while he spent his evenings cooking and delivering meals to the homeless. He told his parents in his final words: 'I die happy because I didn't spend any minutes of my life in things God doesn't love.' Even after his death, the youngster, informally known as 'God's influencer', was performing miracles, supposedly healing a critically ill child and a brain bleed victim in 2012 and 2022. He was raised by first an Irish nanny then a Polish one. They claim he was inspired in part by St Francis of Assisi, who was born in the same town Acutis was laid to rest. Remarking over her late son, Ms Salzano told the Times: 'Sometimes these beautiful [saints] are all very old and used to live in a very different world so young people don't feel so close to them. 'Carlo was young and handsome and always smiling and was a computer genius and would play on his PlayStation and Game Boy. Acutis is pictured as a young boy waving to the camera as he enjoys a holiday in the snow Acutis (pictured) was a devout Christian from a very young age and attended daily mass Acutis (pictured) grew up in Milan where he took care of his parish website and later of a Vatican-based academy 'To have a saint that played with the same things as you do is something that really touches these young people.' Ms Salzano said her son had a 'special relationship' with God from an early age, even though her family was not religious. She told Shalom Tidings that she had only ever been to mass three times before Acutis began dragging her to church at the age of three and a half. He was raised by first an Irish nanny then a Polish one. They claim he was inspired in part by St Francis of Assisi, who was born in the same town he was laid to rest He also helped the homeless and stood up for bullied classmates at school. Pictured: Young Acutis with his dog at Christmas His mother Antonia Salzano (pictured) refers to her late son as her 'saviour' Around the same time he began asking questions about his faith and engaging in practices she had never heard of including honouring existing saints, leaving flowers at shrines, and spending hours in church. The youngster even limited himself to one hour of video games each day so that he could devote more time to his religion. 'Every minute wasted is one less minute to glorify God,' his mother said. Since his death, he has garnered a global following, and his body was moved to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi where it is currently on display. In the UK, he has been remembered by the Archbishop of Birmingham, who in 2020 established the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis with churches in Wolverhampton and Wombourne. Facing pressure over Republican opposition to his 'big, beautiful bill,' President Donald Trump snapped at a reporter in the Capitol Tuesday. The moment came when a reporter asked Trump to respond to comments by conservative Rep. Andy Harris saying Trump had failed to persuade enough critics to vote for the massive trillion-dollar bill including major tax cuts. 'We're still along ways away,' said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who heads the conservative House Freedom Caucus. 'Who do you work for?' Trump asked the reporter, who responded that he was affiliated with NOTUS, a digital nonprofit owned by the Albritton Journalism Institute. 'Who?' Trump asked, prompting the reporter to repeat the name of his outlet. 'I don't even know what the hell that is - get yourself a real job,' he sneered. The outburst came as Trump and his White House team are confronting pressure from multiple directions on the bill. Conservatives including Freedom Caucus members have said the bill doesn't go far enough in identifying spending cuts to bring down the nation's spiralling $36 trillion debt. It was among the reasons Moody's cited for its credit downgrade of the U.S. Trump also tore into House conservative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who opposes the bill. 'I think he is a grandstander, frankly,' Trump said. 'I think he should be voted out of office.' He also admonished conservatives not to 'f*** with Medicaid,' the government insurance program that millions of poor families rely on. President Donald Trump is running into House opposition from conservative Republicans as well as moderates as he pushes for passage of his 'big, beautiful bill' A comparatively moderate faction is also putting up resistance, demanding the bill raise the cap on state and local tax deductions that is hammering homeowners in his district. The current cap imposed by Trump's 2017 tax cuts is set at $10,000. The bill as drafted raises it to $30,000 but only for individuals earning less than $400,000 per year. The dissidents want more to account for skyrocketing housing costs estate in their districts. 'There's some people that want a couple of things that maybe I don't like or that they're not going to get,' Trump said before the closed door meeting with House Republicans. Trump used the meeting to push back at Rep. Mike Lawler, a potential candidate for governor who hails from his former home state. Congressman Mike Lawler came out against the SALT provisions in Trump's bill 'I know your district better than you do. If you lose because of SALT, you were going to lose anyway,' Trump said, Fox News reported. Lawler has been telling Republicans Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill, which is the only bill this year protected by special rules barring a Senate filibuster, will fail without a deal with lawmakers seeking to boost the deduction. But Trump attacked the policy move as coming from Blue states. 'They're all Democrat states,' Trump said. SALT is a very interesting thing, Trump said of the deduction for State and Local Taxes, before ripping Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as someone who is going nowhere and the worst governor in the country. Then he attacked Gavin Newscum of California. Facing pressure over Republican opposition to his 'big, beautiful bill,' President Donald Trump snapped at a reporter in the Capitol Tuesday Those are the people that want this and theyre Democrat states. Theyre all Democrat states, Trump fumed, despite House Republicans from New York leading the charge to lift the cap, which dates to Trumps 2017 tax cuts. Were going to be making a couple of tweaks. We dont want to benefit Democrat governors, Trump added. Both Pritzker and Gavin Newsom are potential Democratic contenders for president in 2028. The SALT cap is set to expire in 2025, so some moderates want to let it simply expire. The Tax Policy Center estimates that raising the cap to $20,000 would cost $600 billion compared to the current baseline. A towering inferno engulfed a historic mansion in Washington, DC's exclusive Kalorama neighborhood early Tuesday morning, triggering widespread evacuations and a massive emergency response. The devastating blaze broke out around 6 am on the 2400 block of Kalorama Road - just hours after firefighters had responded to a smaller fire at the same residence the night before. The three-story English manor-style mansion, reportedly undergoing renovations, backs onto the residence of former President Barack Obama, intensifying public interest in the incident. According to Fox5, the initial fire was reported around 9.30 pm Monday. It was contained to the first floor and determined to be caused by an electrical issue, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said. By Tuesday morning, however, a second fire erupted and escalated to a two-alarm emergency, with flames consuming the entire structure. Approximately 125 firefighters and 30 units were dispatched to battle the blaze. During the operation, one firefighter fell into an elevator shaft, prompting a mayday alert. The firefighter was rescued by colleagues and hospitalized as a precaution, Donnelly said. An inferno engulfed a historic mansion in Washington, DC 's exclusive Kalorama neighborhood early Tuesday morning The devastating blaze broke out around 6 am on the 2400 block of Kalorama Road, triggering widespread evacuations and a massive emergency response with approximately 125 firefighters and 30 units dispatched to battle the blaze Residents in nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution No other injuries were reported. The property is owned by US Navy Secretary John Phelan, 61, and his wife. The cause of the second fire remains undetermined and investigations are ongoing. Residents in nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, though no additional injuries occurred. 'Fortunately, the family was not in the home at the time and everyone is safe,' Navy spokesman Captain Adam Clampitt, told CBS News. 'The Secretary and his wife would like to thank the DC Fire Department and the Metropolitan Police Department for their rapid response, as well as their neighbors for their outpouring of support and well wishes.' The initial fire was reported around 9.30 pm Monday, it was contained to the first floor and determined to be caused by an electrical issue By Tuesday morning, however, a second fire erupted and escalated to a two-alarm emergency, with flames consuming the entire structure Firefighters remain on the scene to ensure the area's continued safety. The DC Fire and EMS Department is expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses The three-story English manor-style mansion, reportedly undergoing renovations, backs onto the residence of former President Barack Obama, intensifying public interest in the incident. Pictured: The Obama family, Michelle, Sasha, Barack and Malia Home of former US President Barack Obama and the First Family in the Kalorama Heights neighborhood in Washington, DC The property is owned by US Navy Secretary John Phelan (pictured), 61, and his wife The Secretary purchased the mansion last month for approximately $8.6 million. It was unoccupied and under renovation when the fire broke out, sources told CBS News. Kalorama, one of Washington's most prestigious neighborhoods, is home to affluent residents, including former presidents and diplomats. Firefighters remain on the scene to ensure the area's continued safety. The DC Fire and EMS Department is expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses. The nearly 7,000-square-foot manor had been owned for over two decades by Stuart Bernstein of the Bernstein Companies, who served as US ambassador to Denmark under President George W. Bush, CBS News reported. The disappearance of a 30-year-old woman in Italy might not have caused as much alarm had she not chillingly confessed she was 'afraid of being killed' just hours before she vanished. Some speculate she may have voluntarily wanted to go away, but friends and family of Denisa Maria Adas are growing increasingly concerned something more sinister has happened. Their suspicions - backed up by disturbing circumstances - are certainly not unfounded days after she travelled more than 185 miles from Rome to Prato, Tuscany. Romanian-born Adas, who works as a professional escort, last spoke to her mother on Thursday evening, at around 11.30pm from her room in Via Ferrucci. She did not know anyone in Prato and had only arrived in the city for work. All seemed well, as she told her mother: 'Hi Mum, I'm fine, see you at home on Saturday.' But since then there has been simply silence. Her two mobile phones have been switched off, while her red Fiat Cinqueccento remains in a car park close to the apartment she had booked for the night. Friends and family of Denisa Maria Adas, 30, are growing increasingly concerned something sinister has happened to her four days after she disappeared Their suspicions - backed up by disturbing circumstances - are certainly not unfounded days after she travelled more than 185 miles from Rome to Prato, Tuscany Romanian-born Adas, who works as a professional escort, last spoke to her mother on Thursday evening, at around 11.30pm It could be that she has disappeared on her own accord, after her phones, purse, car keys, at least two suitcases and a blanket she never travelled without were found to be missing. But the stranger details linger, including that the room was discovered to be unlocked and inserted from the inside. Then there are the high heels found on top of a wardrobe - yet Adas was only 5ft 2in and would not have been able to reach up that high to put them there. Her makeup bag was also left behind, something those close to her say she would never have left home without. But in the most chilling twist of all, Adas is said to have told her friends just days before her disappearance: 'If they find me, they'll kill me'. Adding all these things together, police officials now agree Adas might be held against her will and have launched an investigation into her possible kidnapping. Her friends told Corriere Fiorentino: 'We fear that someone may have hurt her.' Adas' mother, Maria Christina, with whom she lives in the Torpignattara neighborhood of Rome, said her daughter's disappearance was completely out of character and was the first to raise the alarm. Adas is said to have chillingly told her friends just days before her disappearance: 'If they find me, they'll kill me'. High heels were found on top of a wardrobe in the room - yet Adas was only 5ft 2in and would not have been able to reach that high to put them there 'I can only tell you one thing: my daughter would never have left without warning.' Another friend spoke of the 'very strong bond' she has with her mother and how they would call each other several times a day. 'We are very worried: she is a good girl, sweet, with a sensitive soul,' she added. The possibility that Adas would have slipped out the building unnoticed is also unlikely, say those who know her well. Adas was 'flashy' and has distinctive features, including her long black hair, black eyes, and very large tattoos on her right shoulder and arm. Police said there was no working CCTV at the apartment where she was staying, but there are several buildings in the street that do and they will be trawling through the footage for any clues. She is known to have met a man at around 8.45pm on Friday but he is understood to have provided an alibi to police, Il Messaggero reported. As police continue to investigate, her family and friends still question where Adas might be - or indeed what exactly has happened to her. A 'tremendously brave' rape victim died before she could see justice served - after her cowardly attacker tried to reverse his plea and delayed sentencing. Michael Hanmore, 46, admitted to the sex crime, burglary and stealing a motor vehicle after an incident on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent in 2022. But police say he later tried to change his mind, prolonging legal proceedings - during which time his elderly and disabled victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died. Hanmore, of Sheerness, Kent, was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years - minus time on remand - at Maidstone Crown Court earlier today. Detective chief inspector Kath Way, of Kent Police, said following the hearing: 'He is clearly a very dangerous man who belongs behind bars. 'After initially admitting what he had done, Hanmore later changed his mind and attempted to take the case to trial despite the overwhelming evidence that proved he was responsible. 'Whilst the courts would not allow that to happen, it still resulted in his sentencing hearing being significantly delayed and his victim sadly passed away in the meantime without seeing justice served.' Police say Hanmore's attack began at around 2am on May 7 three years ago, when his victim was awoken by the sound of someone moving in her kitchen. Michael Hanmore, 46, admitted to rape, burglary and stealing a motor vehicle after an incident on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent in 2022 But police say he later tried to change his mind, prolonging legal proceedings - during which time his elderly and disabled victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died. Pictured: Hanmore being tackled by a police officer Hanmore, of Sheerness, Kent, was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years - minus time on remand - at Maidstone Crown Court earlier today. A short time later he burst into her bedroom and carried out a prolonged assault, which including him raping her before stamping on her arms and body whilst demanding money. The woman then witnessed him stealing cash from within her room before he finally left the property after more than an hour inside. She later realised her mobile phone and tablet were also missing, leaving her unable to call for help until just after 9am when a visitor she was expecting arrived and was told what had happened. Detectives launched a probe and were able to use number plate technology to trace the route taken by the victim's car after it was driven away from her property. They also quickly identified Hanmore as a suspect and arrested him in Hackney, east London - around 50 miles from the scene of his crimes - on the evening of May 8, 2022. Analysis of his mobile phone showed it had been in the same locations as the victim's car, and forensic evidence captured at the scene was also linked to him, police said. As well as his life sentence, he will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life. Detective chief inspector Way added: 'There can be few things as terrifying as someone breaking into your home in the middle of the night before attacking you in your own bedroom. Hanmore is read his rights by one of the officers responsible for apprehending him Detectives were able to use number plate technology to trace the route taken by the victim's car after it was driven away from her property Police quickly identified Hanmore as a suspect and arrested him in Hackney, east London - around 50 miles from the scene of his crimes - on the evening of May 8, 2022 Police say Hanmore's attack began at around 2am on May 7 three years ago, when his victim was awoken by the sound of someone moving in her kitchen 'That is exactly what Michael Hanmore put his elderly and disabled victim through, without any thought for the severe trauma his actions would cause to her, her family and friends. 'I am very pleased he has been sentenced to life imprisonment, which is entirely appropriate for the dreadful crimes he committed and will ensure he no longer poses a threat to innocent members of the public. '[His victim] was tremendously brave and supported our investigation with great dignity throughout. Nobody deserves to be subjected to such appalling violence and I hope this outcome is of some comfort to her family.' A mom-of-three was driven to suicide after her Medicaid job was threatened by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to gut the federal government, her family said. Caitlin Cross-Barnet spiraled into a depression after she received an email informing her that her job of 12 years was under siege, the Washington Post reports. The 55-year-old attempted to jump from the third-floor fire escape of her Baltimore, Maryland home, but was talked down from the ledge by her panicked husband, Mike. She checked into a mental health facility in Virginia, where she continued to worry about losing her job and thought about applying for other federal roles. However, she became despondent after hearing about further cuts and Trump's rhetoric towards government employees, which has included referring to them as 'lazy' and 'corrupt'. Mike's worst fears were realized after he called his wife on March 4 and she admitted to having a 'bad day.' Hours later she took her own life. 'I'm not enough. I'm not good enough,' Caitlin had told him through tears on the day she died. Caitlin was among the 260,000 federal workers impacted by firings, buyouts, or early retirement following the Department of Government Efficiency's mass layoffs. Caitlin Cross-Barnet died by suicide after Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatened her job with the federal government The mom-of-three battled depression which was exacerbated by the uncertainty over her job, her husband said As well as completely altering the federal government, the stress and uncertainty have resulted in a mental health crisis among federal workers, with a recent Washington Post investigation detailing the severity of the issue. Caitlin had worked at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for 12 years, helping to lower costs for pregnant women on Medicaid and overseeing a program that combated the opioid epidemic. She was struggling with her mental health after enduring a surgical operation and was working through family issues when she received a now-infamous email in January from the US Office of Personnel Management with the subject line, Fork in the Road. The email encouraged over two million federal workers to resign and receive full pay and benefits until September 30. Caitlin decided to stay, but her family told the Washington Post that the stress and exhaustion became too much. Caitlin was overcome with stress and anxiety, which concerned her husband and prompted her family to convince her to get help Caitlin's husband, Mike, found her on their third-floor fire escape amid a mental health crisis Caitlin attempted to find employment elsewhere and interviewed with a nonprofit advocating for Medicaid. However, the same week as her interview, House Republicans voted to slash Medicaid's budget by $880 billion. The next morning, her husband called her and she admitted she was 'having a really bad day.' 'I'm not enough. I'm not good enough,' she told him through tears. Mike attempted to console her and reassured her that she was 'more than enough.' After she hung up, Mike received the call that would shatter his world. He was told that staff had checked on Caitlin every 15 minutes, but she committed suicide in between the checkups. 'Caitlin was a strong leader, a thoughtful colleague, and someone who truly cared about each and every person affected by our work,' her colleague, Susannah Woodman, wrote in her obituary. 'She will be dearly missed, and we are forever grateful for having known her.' Even though Caitlin sought help, she died by suicide while in the care of a mental health facility. Her friends and family said her mental health struggled as she was at risk of losing her job Caitlin was an advocate for marginalized communities, which led her to quit her teaching job at a private school in Hollywood to pursue a career fighting inequality. After completing her degree in sociology at Johns Hopkins University, she started working to address inequalities in the healthcare system. In her free time, she loved to knit and craft for her loved ones, and even gave out bags of socks on her commute to the homeless. Caitlin's friends told the Washington Post that she was especially saddened by the Trump administration's stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion, with one coworker telling the publication, 'All the progress she worked for, suddenly it felt like it was unraveling.' Caitlin wasn't the only federal worker whose mental health was significantly impacted by the DOGE job cuts. Monique Lockett was riddled with stress and anxiety after cuts to her agency, the Social Security Administration. She was forced to pick up the slack and had to commute to the office every day per the administration's new requirements. Monique's sister told the Washington Post that the job increasingly weighed on her, and one day she confessed, 'I've hit my limit.' Two days after her boss, SSA commissioner Michelle King resigned, Monique collapsed at her desk. She died after suffering a heart attack, which her family and friends believe was attributed to the increased stress of her workplace environment. Another federal worker, Richard Midgette, found himself sitting in his idling car near a bridge contemplating intrusive thoughts after he was let go from his job at Yellowstone National Park headquarters. Trump significantly slashed federal jobs, including 9,000 positions in April alone Trump's massive job cuts make him the most aggressive president to slash federal positions since Ronald Reagan After turning to a friend for help, Midgette found the courage to continue his life, but admitted that his layoff put him in a dark place. He was rehired to his position, but then fired again as courts struggled with the legalities of DOGE's layoffs. 'Its like whiplash. Ive given up on ever working for the federal government again, at least under this administration,' Midgette told the Washington Post. The shocking stories of federal workers come as DOGE has boasted of the massive cuts in the name of efficiency and government clean-up. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Trump implemented the most aggressive cuts to the federal workforce since Ronald Reagan. In a statement to DailyMail.com about the cuts, the White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said, 'Any death by suicide is tragic, and President Trump doesnt want anyone to take their own life most certainly not employees within his administration. 'This President wants all Americans to thrive, which is why he has focused on addressing our countrys chronic disease crisis, including the mental health crisis, in an unprecedented way. 'President Trump also offered a generous "Fork in the Road" option to federal workers who did not want to enact the agenda he was elected to implement, which provided salary and benefits through September.' As Musk has drawn back from DOGE efforts, the Wall Street Journal has reported that Russ Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, is planning to continue cost-cutting measures. Caitlin worked at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation for 12 years, where she helped shape policy to help pregnant women Vought previously worked for a conservative think tank and was an author of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 policy outline. ProPublica shared footage last year of a 2023 meeting where Vought said he wanted to see bureaucrats 'traumatically affected.' 'When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains,' he said. Vought added, 'We want to put them in trauma.' At least three people have died after rainstorms and floods ravaged the French Riviera in what has been labelled a 'natural disaster'. The floods reportedly caused cars to be swept away by waters, with roads and bridges destroyed on Tuesday. The horrors in southern France have been described as 'scenes of war'. An elderly couple died in the seaside town of Le Lavandou and one other person in the town of Vidauban, local authorities have confirmed. The OAPs' vehicle was caught in raging floodwaters and the woman's body remained trapped inside the wreckage. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the cause of death, and situation on the ground has been described as 'quite difficult'. Gil Bernardi, mayor of Le Lavandou, described 'scenes of war', 'roads torn up' and 'bridges torn down.' 'It was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon,' Bernardi told BFM television. Storms in the south of France have caused cars to be swept up in the flooding A video shared on social media appearing to show La MoleSaint-Tropez Airport in southeast France flooded Gil Bernardi, mayor of Le Lavandou, described 'scenes of war', 'roads torn up' and 'bridges torn down.' 'There is nothing left, no electricity, no drinking water, no sewage treatment plant,' he added. In Vidauban, a local official pulled a driver from her vehicle but the passenger could not be saved. 'A driver and her passenger drove onto a country road that was completely submerged' and the car fell into a ditch, the mayor, Claude Pianetti, said on Facebook. The bad weather has caused homes to be flooded, damage to railways tracks and the evacuation of hundreds of passengers aboard a high-speed TGV train in the middle of the night. The TGV, on its way from Toulouse to Paris late Monday, was on a track that became dislodged when the ground subsided because of the torrential rains. The train had to stop on the tracks overnight near the town of Tonneins, and the more than 500 passengers had to be evacuated and transported by bus. According to the prefecture, the rescue operation involved dozens including firefighters, police and volunteers. 'It was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon,' Bernardi told BFM television The floods reportedly caused cars to be swept away by waters, roads and bridged destroyed which one official described as 'scenes of war' in southern France The flooding in the south of France has also affected beaches such as this near Lavandou CATASTROPHE DANS LE VAR : Au moins 3 morts, un disparu et un blesse grave dans les inondations apres les orages stationnaires. Des voitures ont ete emportees par les eaux. Une partie de la commune du #Lavandou est coupee du monde. Des routes et des ponts sont detruits. "C'est du pic.twitter.com/JpTzUwNFVD Infos Francaises (@InfosFrancaises) May 20, 2025 The bad weather has caused homes to be flooded, damage to railways tracks and evacuation of hundreds of passengers aboard a high-speed TGV train in the middle of the night Damaged car on a mud-covered street following a flood caused by heavy rain in Cavaliere village of Le Lavandou commune in the Var department, southeastern France the mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo described 'avalanches of water' in the town that flooded cellars and houses, he said the storms should be recognised by the government as a natural disaster Workers clear debris from a bridge following heavy rain in Le Lavandou, southeastern France 'We narrowly avoided a disaster, the tracks were exposed and the TGV was suspended,' the mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo, told AFP. Describing 'avalanches of water' in the town that flooded cellars and houses, he said the storms should be recognised by the government as a natural disaster. Another train travelling between Toulouse and Paris was also stranded overnight in Agen, and passengers were taken to Toulouse by bus on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the state rail operator SNCF said traffic would be suspended for 'at least several days' between Agen and Marmande in southwestern France, affecting TGV services between Bordeaux and Toulouse. A 72-year-old has been arrested after a boy, three, died in a popular Spanish town where he was found trapped in a car in 27C heat. Emergency responders dashed to the scene in Linares in the Andalucian province of Jaen, after a member of the public made a frantic 999 call just before 3pm on Tuesday. The car was parked on a street in a residential area of Linares, where temperatures soared to around 27C today. Rescue workers freed him from the vehicle where he was found without a heartbeat and attempted to revive him for several minutes. The child was then rushed to a local hospital where he was tragically declared dead. Police confirmed last night a 72-year-old man, described locally as a retired teacher, had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident. Local reports described him as the childs foster father and pointed to him forgetting the youngster in the back of his car after he returned home without dropping him off at his nursery, for reasons that are not yet clear. He is said to have realised what he had allegedly done after his wife went to pick the child up. A three-year-old boy died in a popular Spanish tourist town after being found trapped inside a parked car in 27C heat Emergency responders including police and paramedics were sent to the scene after a 999 call from a member of the public just before 3pm this afternoon Rescue workers tried to revive him for several minutes after freeing him from the vehicle and discovering he didn't have a heartbeat Pictured: Linares, in the Andalucian province of Jaen There, she discovered their son wasnt at the kindergarten and she headed back to the couples flat thinking he would be there. The couples car had tinted windows which has reportedly been linked to the fact the youngster wasnt spotted earlier in his car seat. In April a three-year-old child died after his 39-year-old aunt 'forgot' to drop him off at nursery and left him sleeping on the back seat of her car in searing heat. She went to work and only realised six hours later what she had done when she returned to the vehicle on a lunch break - alerting police and firefighters who rushed the youngster 'in a bad way' to hospital where he suffered fatal cardiac arrest. Detectives said at the time they had launched a manslaughter probe. And on November 14, 2023, Apollo Gabriel Rodrigues, two, died after allegedly being forgotten about by his school minibus driver and the man's wife who worked as a monitor in an area called Villa Maria north of Sao Paulo's city centre. Flavio Robson Benes, 45, discovered the child unconscious on a back seat of the vehicle and rushed him to hospital but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He and his partner, named at the time as 44-year-old Luciana Coelho Graft, were questioned by police as part of a homicide investigation ahead of the youngster's funeral. The minibus was part of a free school transport scheme operated by the city council. Apollo's mum Kaliane Rodrigues recalled at the time how her son had been crying when she handed him over so he could be taken to his nursery because he 'didn't want to go.' She told local media: 'Apollo usually went in the front but the driver's assistant put him on the back seat and forgot about him. Two-year-old Apollo Rodrigues died in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in November after a school van driver and his assistant, who is also his wife, forgot to escort him out of the vehicle and to his daycare centre 'Regardless of where she placed him in the van, she's been negligent and irresponsible because anyone who works with children has to always be attentive. 'I want justice. All I want is for justice to be done.' In September 2023 a baby girl called Madalena died after being left in a car on a Portuguese university campus for several hours in 26C heat. The 10-month-old child's father, described at the time locally as a lecturer and departmental head at the campus near Lisbon, is believed to have forgotten to drop her off at its creche before going to work and leaving her in the vehicle. He reportedly called 999 after realising his tragic error and discovering the youngster unconscious inside the car. Efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The unnamed father is said to have parked the family SEAT Ateca car by the campus creche around 8am on September 12 before going to work at his office in the Nova School of Science and Technology, In August 2018 a 10-month-old baby girl died in the Majorcan town of Manacor after her grandfather left her in the back of his car for eight hours in temperatures of up to 30C after forgetting to leave her at a nursery school. He found her dead when he returned to the vehicle after running errands several hours later. The unnamed man accepted a year's prison sentence in March 2020. Nigel Farage tonight revealed he's skipping the House of Commons this week as he's abroad on holiday. The Reform UK leader - who is reported to be in France - was forced to admit he is away from Westminster after facing growing questions over his absence. Sir Keir Starmer had noted how the MP for Clacton was missing from the Commons chamber this afternoon as he gave an update on his Brexit 'reset'. Mr Farage has been fiercely critical of the PM's newly signed agreement with the EU, including Sir Keir's extension of access to UK fishing waters for European fleets. But the Reform leader was not physically present in Parliament in order to challenge Sir Keir over the terms of his deal with Brussels. After being quizzed over his whereabouts, Mr Farage issued a statement to reveal he was out the country 'having my first overseas break for three years'. He added he would be back in Britain next week, although this is when MPs are on their week-long 'Whitsun' recess from Parliament. The Tories swiped at the 'part-time' Reform leader over his absence, claiming 'he clearly doesn't have the stamina to stand up to Starmer'. Nigel Farage tonight revealed he's skipping the House of Commons this week as he's abroad on holiday Sir Keir Starmer had noted how the MP for Clacton was missing from the Commons chamber this afternoon as he gave an update on his Brexit 'reset' Mr Farage has been fiercely critical of the PM's newly-signed agreement with the EU, including Sir Keir's extension of access to UK fishing waters for European fleets Mr Farage said in his statement: 'There seems to be great consternation in the press that they have not seen me for 48 hours. Well, they will have to wait some time. 'After months of touring the UK in the run up to our hugely successful local election campaign I will resume travelling the country next week as Reform moves to the next stage. 'Meanwhile I am having my first overseas break for three years, the jungle excepted. Well I say break.. plenty of articles and fundraising calls!' Sir Keir had earlier noted Mr Farage's absence from the Commons as he outlined the terms of his Brexit 'reset' to MPs. He hit out at Reform, the Tories and Liberal Democrats for failing to back his agreement, as he said there was a 'long list of businesses coming out to support this deal'. 'If your whole approach to our allies is about striking a pose, then you don't get to strike a deal,' the PM said in a swipe at the opposition parties. Sir Keir's wide-ranging deal includes an end to checks on British food exports to the continent, the linking of UK and EU electricity markets, and a new security pact. But the PM, a Remainer who previously wanted a second EU referendum, sparked fury by bowing to French demands to extend access to UK fishing waters for EU fleets in exchange. Commenting on Mr Farage's absence from Westminster, a Conservative Party spokesman said: 'On the day that the Labour Government surrenders our national interest to the EU and betrays our fishermen, the part-time leader of Reform UK is sunning himself in Europe while Parliament is sitting. 'He clearly doesn't have the stamina to stand up to Starmer. Only the Conservatives are providing proper opposition to this disastrous Labour Government.' Families face being hammered by an annual bill of up to 750million for 25 years for Scotlands route to net zero. They will face the jaw-dropping upfront costs as a result of a mass shift away from conventional cars and gas boilers. A new report by Scottish Government advisers published today (WED) sets out how immediate action at pace and scale is needed to ensure Scotland becomes net zero. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), an independent body set up to advise the Scottish and UK government on carbon emissions, set out a new pathway for achieving the target, and said heat pumps and electric vehicles can be deployed rapidly and help fuel the move. But it set out that the total net cost of achieving net zero will be 750 million per year between this year and 2050. It called for policy support to help households with one-off costs but did not set out what proportion of the total bill will need to be funded by Scots families. It led to calls for more detail from SNP ministers about how hard-pressed families and businesses will be supported with the eye-watering costs. Scottish Conservative energy and net zero spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: This report confirms the jaw-dropping costs that will have to be incurred if the SNP are to have any hope of hitting their net zero ambitions. Gillian Martin, the Scottish Government's acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy What it doesnt make clear is who is going to foot the bill for the 750 million worth of investment per year that the committee say will be required. That will alarm hard-pressed families and businesses who will fear being hammered with higher bills if they are forced to carry the burden themselves. John Swinney cannot ignore this report and pretend everything is fine with his current approach to tackling climate change. His SNP government have repeatedly failed to hit their own climate change targets and brought forward policies with little thought of the costs involved. The report sets out how immediate action at pace and scale is needed to ensure Scotland becomes net zero. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), an independent body set up to advise the Scottish and UK government on carbon emissions, set out a new pathway for achieving the target, and said heat pumps and electric vehicles can be deployed rapidly and help fuel the move. But it set out that the total net cost of achieving net zero will be 750 million per year between this year and 2050. It led to calls for more detail from SNP ministers about how hard-pressed families and businesses will be supported with the eye-watering costs. The CCC said electric vehicles and heat pumps are are available today and could be deployed rapidly if the right incentives are in place. The total net cost of achieving net zero, including the installation of heat pumps, will be 750 million per year between this year and 2050 To achieve net zero, it said that three in five cars and vans on Scotlands roads will need to be fully electric rather than diesel of petrol by 2035, rising to 94 per cent by 2045, compared to 2.2 per cent of cars and 0.8 per cent of vans in 2023. It also said that 40 per cent of existing homes will need to be heated by low-carbon electric systems rather than fossil fuel boilers by 2035, rising to 92 per cent by 2045 and all by 2050. Capacity for offshore and onshore wind turbines must triple from 15 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 to 49GW by 2035, according to the CCC, and then to 66GW by 2045. The CCC report said: When combining capital and operating costs, we expect the Balanced Pathway to result in a net saving during the early 2040s. On average, there will be a net cost of around 750 million per year between 2025 and 2050, which is around 0.4 per cent of Scotlands GDP. It said that it is disappointing that Scottish Government plans to force homeowners to upgrade heating systems to low-carbon technologies when they are sold have been abandoned without any alternative measures to ensure heating reaching net zero by 2045. In its key recommendations, the CCC said emissions should be cut by 57 per cent below 1990 levels between 2026 and 2030, then 69 per cent between 2031 and 2035, 80 per cent between 2036 and 2040, and 94 per cent from 2041 to 2045. It called for SNP ministers to urgently consult on setting minimum energy efficiency standards for private homes, and on measures to transition from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon alternatives. The report also said: Getting to Net Zero by 2045 will require immediate action, at pace and scale. While the Committee offers advice, decisions on the exact pathway and policies within devolved powers are for the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government previously dropped plans to cut emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 after admitting it was not achievable. The CCC estimates its balanced pathway would allow this to be achieved in 2036. Scottish Labour net zero spokesman Sarah Boyack said: The SNP has already torn up one set of targets - we urgently need a real plan to meet the Scottish Governments remaining targets. Scottish Liberal Democrat climate emergency spokesman Liam McArthur said: To date the Scottish Government havent delivered when it comes to the hard graft of insulating homes, creating good green jobs and making sure everyone benefits from the transition to net zero. If Scotland is going to meet its vital net zero targets then we are going to need more than just hot air from the Scottish Government. Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance said: Its time for Swinney to stop kicking the can down the road and get on with action that will reduce climate pollution and improve the lives of people across Scotland - warm homes, reliable public transport, and a fair and fast transition away from expensive, polluting fossil fuels. Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: I am grateful for the latest advice from the Climate Change Committee on Scotlands Carbon Budgets. We will carefully consider the Committees advice before bringing forward regulations to set carbon budget levels for Scotland. This will include consideration of the target setting criteria set out under the act, and an assessment of whether the pace of decarbonisation is appropriate for people, sectors and businesses across Scotland. The carbon budgets proposed via secondary legislation must provide an achievable pathway to net zero in 2045 - one which delivers better health outcomes, puts more money in peoples pockets, and leaves no workers behind. That is the approach the Scottish Government has always taken, and measures announced in our Programme for Government like abolishing peak rail fares for good and delivering 24,000 additional public electric vehicle charge points by 2030, will contribute to that. That will be followed by a new Climate Change Plan, outlining our policies and proposals for reducing emissions between 2026 and 2040. This will be brought forward shortly after the carbon budget secondary legislation has been approved. Hunter Biden, 55, urged his father to take it easy a full year before he announced he was running for reelection. Perhaps the most controversial figure in Joe Biden's circle, Hunter was concerned his dad couldn't 'handle' a rigorous schedule and wanted him to 'take a nap,' according to a new book on the cover-up of the former president's decline. The concern came out during a trip to Biden's ancestral homeland of Ireland in April 2023 Hunter, a recovering drug addict and convicted felon, appeared to be the voice of reason in this case when he saw his father's rigorous schedule. 'You promised you wouldn't do this,' he said to his father at one point, CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson write in their new book Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. 'You promised you'd take a nap,' Hunter added. 'You know you can't handle all this.' Biden's personal office announced on Sunday that he was diagnosed two days prior with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that had metastasized into his bones. The grave prognosis led to an outpouring from Democrats and Republicans. Hunter Biden urged his father to 'take a nap' on their trip to Ireland in April 2023 (pictured). A new book reveals that the then-president's son didn't think he could 'handle' the rigorous schedule Biden visited his ancestral homeland of Ireland in April 2023 a full year before announcing he was running for reelection Just moments earlier, Democrats were all over the Sunday shows expressing how Biden should not have run for reelection in 2024 and expressing he likely would not have been able to serve another four years as president. This came after members of the party and Biden's inner circle insisted for years that he was fit for office and downplayed concerns over his health and his apparent cognitive decline. An instance recalled in Tapper and Thompson's new book details an instance that made it clear Democrats knew more about Biden's declining condition then they were letting on. Biden had a busy schedule when he went to Ireland in April 2023. This included a tree-planting ceremony, ringing of the Peace Bell and attended a ceremony for honor guard to present arms. When it died down for a moment and the room was filled with fewer than a dozen people, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and then-Rep. Brian Higgings (D-N.Y.) witnessed the awkward moment when Hunter told his father to take a step back. According to the new book, Biden ignored his son's concerns and instead walked to the bar in the back of the room to retrieve a soda. The authors note that those at the event felt Biden looked exhausted. Quigley, they write, noted how the moment reminded him of how he interacted with his father, who just a few years prior died from Parkinson's at the age of 92. He said he was frequently reminded of his dad during that trip overseas. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) detailed how on the trip Biden was invigorated by crowds but would grow deflated when no longer in front of a group. He said the aging president reminded him of his father, who years prior had died at the age of 92 from Parkinson's disease Specifically, the Illinois congressman said Biden appeared to have symptoms that were similar to that of his father when he was experiencing Parkinson's, which is a progressive brain disorder affecting movement and speech and can cause mental and behavioral changes. It's most often characterized by tremors, slow movement and balance problems. Biden became known for his shuffling and unsure gait. It became common for the then-president to make the news for his latest fall or trip. In Tapper and Thompson's book, the authors detailed at another point how Biden's aides were weighing whether he needed a wheelchair and how they would hide that from the public until after the November 2024 election. 'A diagnosis is nothing more than pattern recognition,' Higgins told Tapper and Thompson when speaking about what he witnessed with Biden. 'When people see that stuff, it conjures up a view that there's something going on neurologically,' he added. But Quigley said the cognitive decline 'was evident to most people that watched him' and was curious why the White House physician didn't attempt to diagnose him. Biden had not yet announced he would seek a second term, but Quigley remembers wondering during that trip to Ireland how Biden could possibly run for reelection. Democrats surrounding Biden rejected any chatter of a deterioration and said the then-president had more energy than people half his age. Joe Biden's personal office announced on Sunday that he was diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate caner. The former president posted a smiling selfie to X on Monday alongside wife and former first lady Jill Biden, who was holding their gray tabby cat Willow But the new book on his decline says that Biden often would get a boost from crowds, but then grow deflated once he was no longer in front of a group. Quigley believed Biden was physically frail and lost most of his energy during that Ireland trip. He said after watching Hunter interact with his father, he felt it would be best if the then-president rested for the remainder of the day and night. Tapper and Thompson detail in their book that those with Biden behind the scenes on the trip described him as breathless, soft and weak. Earlier this month, Biden and former first lady Jill Biden appeared on the View and against discounted concerns about his health while in office. 'They are wrong. There's nothing to sustain that,' Biden responded when asked about Democrats who said there was a dramatic decline in cognitive abilities in his last year or two in office. A Florida high school teacher was arrested just moments after she allegedly sexually assaulted a boy in her classroom. Riverview High School teacher Brooke Anderson, 27, was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor on Friday. Police launched an investigation after receiving information about an inappropriate relationship between Anderson and a male student that same day, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The minor student told police that the relationship began in September 2024 with 'sexually explicit text messages.' The relationship allegedly escalated in the weeks leading up to her arrest, and the student reported multiple instances of sexual activity. Police said the most recent incident occurred the morning of her arrest, inside Anderson's classroom before the start of the school day. '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.' Brooke Anderson (pictured), 27, was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor on Friday Police said she had a sexual encounter with a student inside her classroom at Riverview High School (pictured) on the morning of her arrest Hillsborough County Public Schools told DailyMail.com Anderson had taught biology in the district since November 2021. She has been suspended pending termination. The district said she passed all required screenings and background checks before she was hired. Anderson was a science teacher at Riverview High School, but her name was removed from the school's directory shortly after her arrest, according to People. The Riverview High School Clubs roster also lists her as the school's environmental club sponsor. Anderson was booked into jail on Friday and then released on Saturday after a judge set her bail at $45,000 - $15,000 for each count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Court records show she has not entered a plea, and it is unclear if she has a lawyer. A Hawaiian airlines flight had to be diverted off the tarmac on Tuesday after a passenger onboard made threats about the safety of the aircraft. The Honolulu bound flight was taxiing at San Diego International when the as yet unknown passenger made a comment. Fox5 had reported it was a bomb threat. The plane had left the gate around 8:30am local time when the guest was overheard making the remark. Hawaiian airlines said in a statement that they 'immediately taxied' the Airbus A330 to a safe location and contacted the relevant authorities. They said: 'There was a security incident this morning involving Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 from San Diego to Honolulu. 'During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft. 'As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield, where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned.' The incident happened while the flight was taxing at San Diego International, destined for Honolulu The incident happened while the flight was taxing at San Diego International, destined for Honolulu A TikTok seemingly from someone onboard has also since emerged, showing heavily armored police onboard the flight The unidentified passenger was seen being led from the aircraft after officers entered the cabin Passengers were then seen leaving the plane at around 10:30am, as emergency vehicles surrounded the jet. Dozens of police vehicles and unmarked cars could be seen surrounding the large jet, as well as stairs to help those onboard to the tarmac. A TikTok seemingly from someone onboard has also since emerged, showing heavily armored police onboard the flight. One individual could be seen been carried off the jet in a separate clip that was also shared to social media that is believe to be from the same flight. Officials onboard can be seen guiding everyone to the exits, with the person filming then showing them all being bussed away from the jet. According to the airline there were 283 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the aircraft at the time. They are working to get guests to Honolulu as quickly as possible, they said. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department for further information. The airport falls under their jurisdiction. An airport spokesperson said that the incident has not had an impact on other flights leaving. Two women who are suing a plastic surgeon for his alleged botched operations bravely appeared on camera for the first time to discuss their traumatic experiences. Sara Dunham and Kayla Cannon are among at least nine former patients who are suing Dr. Harvey 'Chip' Cole over his surgeries at Northside Hospital facilities in Atlanta, Georgia. Dunham says that she was left 'disfigured' at the hands of Cole after undergoing surgery on her face in 2022. Dunham said Cole recommended a cheek lift, lip lift, eyelid and ear-pinning surgery after she told him she 'wanted to look a little refreshed'. But she claims the surgery left her battling slew of side effects including right facial paralysis, the inability to close her eye, impaired eating and drinking and dry mouth. 'I'm embarrassed how I look. I'm embarrassed with how I try to talk. I'm embarrassed that I have to keep taking swigs of a liquid to moisturize my mouth to be able to talk,' she told WVUE-TV in an interview published Monday. Dunham accused Cole of 'damaging the facial nerve' and 'removing too much tissue' during the procedure, her lawsuit alleges. Cole, also known as 'the eye guy', denies any wrongdoing and his attorney claims they will 'fight the claims against him'. Sara Dunham (pictured) has spoken out about the trauma she endured, allegedly at the hands of Georgia-based plastic surgeon Dr. Harvey 'Chip' Cole Dunham said Cole recommended a cheek lift, lip lift, eyelid and ear-pinning surgery after she told him she 'wanted to look a little refreshed' She claims the surgery left her battling slew of side effects including right facial paralysis, the inability to close her eye, impaired eating and drinking and dry mouth The hospital group is also being sued over allegations of negligence and confirmed in December that Cole is not an employee. Cole is being sued by at least nine former patients who claim his operations left them permanently disfigured. Several of his former patients are now speaking out about the trauma they have endured from the doctor's alleged 'damaging' procedures. Cannon, who went to Cole seeking treatment for a 'birth defect' that left her without muscles in her eyelids, told the TV station that her condition is 'maybe worse' than before he treated her. Cannon, 29, claims that although she went to Cole for treatment for her eyelid condition, he also said 'my cheeks were very flat' and recommended implants. In her lawsuit, Cannon claimed the procedure went well, but just weeks later her eyelid dropped back to its original location. She claims that Cole cut away too much tissue from her eyelids, damaged her eye and also failed to remove cheek implants after they got infected. Cannon has now had seven more surgeries to try and fix the injuries, but says she is still 'permanently deformed'. Kayla Cannon, who went to Cole seeking treatment for a 'birth defect' that left her without muscles in her eyelids, says that her condition is 'maybe worse' than before he treated her Former patient Kayla Cannon, 29, provided photos which she claims show how she was left with sunken eyes following a surgery by Cole in 2022 Cannon claims Cole cut away too much tissue from her eyelids, damaged her eye and also failed to remove cheek implants after they got infected In her lawsuit, Cannon claimed the procedure went well, but just weeks later her eyelid dropped back to its original location 'I look worse than when I started and it kills me,' she told WVUE and further accused the doctor of 'taking all of my 20s away from me, the most important years of my life'. Cole has also previously been the subject of malpractice lawsuits featuring similar allegations. Among those suing him is Julie Kimmerling, who claims the surgeon nicked a blood vessel and nerves in her neck during a procedure in January 2023. Kimmerling was left with permanent brain injuries and facial paralysis after losing more than a liter of blood, according to her complaint. Her case cited five former examples including a settlement over the 1999 death of Jeannie Huff during an eyebrow lift surgery. Another woman alleged that her face became infected after Cole used dirty surgical tools for her operation, according to her attorney. Betty Nestlehutt and her husband won a $1.2 million payout in 2008 after accusing Cole of destroying the blood supply to her face and leaving her with permanent disfiguration. Cole's attorney, in a statement to the TV station, said the surgeon is 'dedicated to his patients' and 'known to handle some of the most difficult cases in his field'. Dr. Harvey 'Chip' Cole is being sued by at least nine former patients who claim he permanently disfigured them with botched procedures at Northside Hospital facilities. He denies any wrongdoing and his attorney claims they will 'fight the claims against him' Betty Nestlehutt and her husband won a $1.2 million payout after accusing Cole of destroying the blood supply to her face and leaving her with permanent disfiguration 'He has grave concerns about the methods that may have been used to identify and solicit his patients, and he questions how it is possible that a single plaintiffs' attorney has been retained by several former patients,' Cole's lawyer added. Alex Seay, representing the patients, alleged that Cole has demonstrated a 'pattern in practice of upselling patients for procedures they dont need and then doing those procedures incorrectly'. Last year, Cole and his wife Susan Cole filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after four patients sued him for malpractice. The couple declared $13.6 million in debts and $37,000 in assets. Since then, a further six patients have launched legal action. Cole is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a non-regulatory organization considered to be the 'gold standard certification' for plastic surgeons. He is, however, certified by American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Laser Surgery, and the American Board of Ophthalmology. Georgia Composite Medical Board executive director Jason Jones previously said that the board treats complaints with, 'the utmost seriousness', but that no public action has been taken against Coe. 'Every investigation is unique and requires time to ensure that all concerns are thoroughly addressed,' Jones said last month. 'We are currently reviewing and assessing all internal processes to ensure continued integrity and effectiveness in our regulatory responsibilities.' John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg made an incredibly cocky declaration in a recent video, claiming that he upsets men when making eye contact with their girlfriends in the street. Schlossberg hopped onto TikTok with a new video advising men walking down the street to look away when accidentally locking eyes with a woman walking with her boyfriend down the street. 'Dating in 2025, couples in 2025, I have something to say,' he began with an example of walking down the street and spotting a heterosexual couple walking toward him. 'Sometimes the female and I will make eye contact,' he said. 'I don't like doing that. I don't like doing that to a guy. I like to look down and I look away.' 'Because I don't like it. I don't want that for that guy and I know that that's gonna p*** him off,' he continued. 'And I know that he's just - he doesn't even care but now he has to care, because why did she look, and what, who, and she's smiling now, why doesn't she smile for me anymore.' 'So I wanna say to all the other guys out there who aren't in relationships to look away, to look away in those scenarios. Look away.' The video stirred the internet as comments weighed in on Schlossberg's commentary as well as on his looks. John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg made an incredibly cocky declaration in a recent video, insinuating that he upsets men when making eye contact with their girlfriends in the street 'Sometimes the female and I will make eye contact... I don't like doing that to a guy. I like to look down and I look away...I don't want that for that guy and I know that that's gonna p*** him off,' Schlossberg said 'What even is this?? Women in relationships can't look at humans and smile??' one comment asked. 'If I was walking past you with my husband I would smile bc id recognize you and wouldnt want to say anything in the case of bothering you,' another wrote. Some said his advice showed him to be 'respectful' and a 'gentleman,' while others declared he was simply aware of his looks. 'Mister steal your girl over here,' one wrote. Another simply declared Schlossberg a 'humble king.' Schlossberg's latest video comes after JFK's grandson issued an unusual challenge to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schlossberg - who has been a vocal critic of his cousin - took to Instagram in April to once again hit out at the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 'RFK Jr... I have got a challenge for you,' he started. Schlossberg hopped onto TikTok with a new video advising men walking down the street to look away when accidentally locking eyes with a woman walking with her boyfriend down the street 'Me and you, one-on-one, locked in a room, we hash this out. Nobody comes out until one of us has autism,' he continued. 'What do you say?' The challenge appears to be mocking Kennedy for his recent remarks suggesting 'toxins' or ultrasound scans could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism diagnoses across the US. The country's top health official even suggested industries were profiting off environmental toxins that are causing autism - in an apparent nod to his vaccine skepticism and crusade against artificial food ingredients. Kennedy had called the spontaneous press conference after a CDC report suggested the number of US children with autism rose to one in 31 in 2022, up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 56 in 2016. But scientists and advocates for people with autism have widely criticized Kennedy's position as harmful and misleading, as mainstream research describes autism as a complex condition largely shaped by genetics. Kennedy, though, dismissed the idea that autism rates are being fueled by genetic factors at his news conference. 'We need to move away from the ideology that the relentless autism prevalence increase is simply an artifact of better recognition and better diagnostic criteria. 'Doctors and therapists in the past weren't stupid. They weren't missing all these cases,' he continued, arguing that 'only a small percentage [of autism cases] can be charged to better recognition or better diagnostic criteria. Schlossberg has been repeatedly critical of his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., specifically targeting him over his stance on vaccines and controversial statements on autism He has repeatedly hit out at Kennedy ever since he launched his failed presidential run in 2023, when Schlossberg accused his cousin of 'trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame' 'The answer is very clear and this is catastrophic for our country,' Kennedy claimed. But Schlossberg's criticism of his cousin goes beyond the controversial autism statements. He has repeatedly hit out at Kennedy ever since he launched his failed presidential run in 2023, when Schlossberg accused his cousin of 'trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame.' Schlossberg later teed off on his cousin during his Senate confirmation hearing, echoing his mom Caroline Kennedy's brutal critique urging senators to reject his nomination. Caroline called her cousin RFK Jr. a 'predator' who is willfully misinformed about vaccines, and a dangerous liar who has cheated his way through life. Earlier this year, Schlossberg also took to Instagram and his 600,000 followers accusing Kennedy of 'spewing lies' that the CIA was involved in JFK's assassination. 'Why are you scared of me? Why don't you ever respond? Are you busy pouring [sic] over the JFK files? Or is Cheryl just really dry down there?' he taunted his cousin, referring to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. The following month, Schlossberg appeared to mock Kennedy's spasmodic dysphonia - a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for him to speak, according to the Daily Beast. He deleted his social media afterward, as he received flack for that and for falsely renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz of killing his own wife. The case of Adam Graham should have marked an end to the madness. When the double rapist was sent to Cornton Vale womens prison in 2023, the backlash from the public was swift and fierce. How on earth, people asked, had we reached the point where a man who had been found guilty of such horrific crimes could be imprisoned alongside vulnerable women? The answer of course was that, thanks to the capture of Scotlands SNP Government - and countless public bodies - by radical trans activists, we were all expected to accept that, having changed his name to Isla Bryson, Graham was female. This lie fell swiftly fell apart. So angry were voters at the situation that Graham was moved to a mens prison. Shortly after that, the UK Government blocked the Scottish Parliaments attempt to allow self-ID for trans people on the grounds that it would negatively impact the UK-wide Equality Act. Then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demonstrated the utterly bewildering effect of gender ideology when she refused to say whether Graham was a man or a woman. This person, she said, was a rapist, as if that were a third sex. The fallout from that case hastened the end of Ms Sturgeons career, pushing her to step down as First Minister in March 2023. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is a staunch supporter of transgender ideology Jane Sutherley was accused of transphobic harassment of a fellow inmate at HMP Greenock One might have thought this would have focused the minds of politicians and bureaucrats who had bought into the farcical idea that men who declare themselves women should be allowed - indeed welcomed for their bravery - into female-only safe spaces. It did not. Rather, government ministers, fearful of a backlash from trans activists, preferred to pretend the whole messy situation hadnt happened, at all. Last months ruling from the Supreme Court that, according to law, sex is a matter of biology rather than feeling, has - finally - seen organisations corrupted by the unreasonable demands of trans activists begin to face up to the fact that a man who declares himself a women does not win the right to enter spaces - or win positions - which are, legally and for reasons of safety and fairness, meant for females only. However, it has become abundantly clear that it will take time for the mess created by gender ideologues to be cleaned up. Numerous organisations responded to the Supreme Court ruling by saying they would be taking time to consider it. These arrogant responses show just how deeply embedded the idea that someone is whatever sex they say they are is embedded among bureaucratic elites. There is, of course, nothing for them to consider. These organisations must simply ensure that they are complying with the law and if doing that provokes the anger of activists then, well, so what? One organisation that we should have been able to trust to do the right thing, long ago, is the Scottish Prison Service. For years, the SPS acted as if self-ID was already law and placed a succession of dangerous men in womens jails. The Graham case should have brought that to an end. Alexandria Stewart claimed to be the victim of a campaign of abuse conducted by Sutherley, but the charges were found not proven by a sheriff Yet, as a case held in Greenock Sheriff Court on Monday made clear, this is not so. Jane Sutherley is currently held in HMP Greenock, having been convicted of culpable homicide in 2020. Having taken another life, Sutherley got what she deserved. But she did not deserve to face court this week charged with transphobic harassment of a fellow inmate. The court heard claims that Sutherley had left fellow prisoner Alexandria Stewart suicidal after years of abuse. Stewart, a biological male, was known as Alan Baker when he was jailed in 2016 for the murder of father-of-two John Weir. The charges against Sutherley were found not prove by Sheriff Millar who pointed out, entirely reasonably, that someone can refer to a transgender person in their original biological state without being transphobic. That Sutherley ever faced charges in relation to anything she is alleged to have said to Stewart is an outrage. Stewart should not be in a womens prison, in the first place. But we should be glad this weeks case took place because it has exposed a real scandal. Sutherley was dragged before the Sheriff on Monday on the basis of allegations levelled by Stewart and, Nyomi Fee, a fellow prisoner in Greenock - and Stewarts lover. Thats right. The Scottish Prison Service was concerned about the hurt feelings of a biological male involved in a romantic relationship with a woman while imprisoned. Fee, 37, is currently serving a minimum sentence of 24 years for the murder of her two-year-old stepson, Liam. The child-killer and 36-year-old Stewart have been a couple since 2019. My sympathy for Sutherley is limited but, as someone who believes that prison should be about rehabilitation as well as punishment, Im horrified that she has - because of the bogus charges levelled against her - missed out on a number of opportunities to seek release on parole. Astonishingly, the only witnesses against Sutherley were Stewart and Fee. I wonder whether Sutherley - moved to Polmont after complaints from two murderers - would ever have seen the inside of Greenock Sheriff Court had she not been accused of that great contemporary crime of misgendering someone. This is not simply a matter for the SPS. Justice Secretary Angela Constance and First Minister John Swinney should be taking an active role in ensuring that the relationship between Stewart and Fee is ended. This objective can be easily achieved by moving Stewart to a male prison. And if the First Minister and his colleague think Stewart should remain with women, then let them explain to us all their reasons. It is not currently known how many Scottish prisoners are held in facilities that do not align with their biological sex. We do know, however, that trans killers Paris Green and Melissa Young remain in female prisons, despite the danger they clearly present to vulnerable women. After Mondays court hearing in Greenock, a spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: Our staff work hard to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of all people living and working in Scotlands prisons. We have received the Supreme Courts judgment and are considering any potential impact it may have. What shocking complacency. The impact of the Supreme Court judgement should already have been felt. No man, no matter how he identifies, should be held in a womens prison. Jane Sutherley deserved to go to prison for her crime. She did not deserve then to be tormented by a justice system that puts the feelings of men before the rights of women. A breathtaking ascent, followed by a lightning-fast descent, ended not in glory but in a courtroom for a well-known North Face-sponsored ultrarunner. Michelino Sunseri, 32, a professional mountain runner, completed a blistering, record-setting, round-trip of Wyoming's Grand Teton on September 2, 2024, finishing the grueling 13.2-mile route in just two hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds. But, shortly after crossing the finish line, his triumph unraveled - not due to injury, but because of a small off-trail shortcut captured by his Strava GPS tracker. The single switchback cut, a violation of National Park Service rules, landed Sunseri in legal hot water and cost him official recognition for what would have been a new fastest known time. According to park officials, the infraction occurred during his record-breaking descent, when Sunseri deviated from the designated trail by cutting across a switchback - a maneuver intended to save seconds but prohibited to prevent erosion in the fragile alpine environment. The detour was logged on his GPS watch and uploaded to Strava - a social fitness platform used by runners, cyclists, and hikers - effectively documenting his own violation. Grand Teton National Park rangers later cited the Idaho native for 'traveling off designated trails,' a federal petty offense. Prosecutors offered him a misdemeanor guilty plea for the citation, which carries up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Michelino Sunseri, 32, a professional mountain runner, completed a blistering round-trip of Wyoming's Grand Teton on September 2, 2024, finishing the grueling 13.2-mile route in just two hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds But, shortly after crossing the finish line, his triumph unraveled because of a small off-trail shortcut captured by his Strava GPS tracker. Pictured: Grand Teton Range, Teton, Wyoming However, Sunseri pleaded not guilty and was set to appear in court on Tuesday to contest the charge, WyoFile reported. Earlier this spring, attorneys representing the park offered Sunseri a five-year ban from Grand Teton as part of a settlement. But he declined. 'Definitely not,' he told SFGATE in February. 'That's crazy.' He also proposed volunteer trail work and soil rehabilitation as alternatives, but the park reportedly rejected those offers. 'I'm feeling a little confused that this is even happening,' Sunseri said. Yet, the fallout following his record-setting run was swift. FastestKnownTime.com rejected his submission, citing the off-trail violation and affirming its commitment to park rules. 'Any future attempts to cut switchbacks will result in complete rejection,' the site now states. The North Face, which sponsors the self-proclaimed 'mountain ninja,' deleted a post congratulating him on achieving an 'impossible dream,' though he remains sponsored. The experienced trail runner argues he followed the path used by six of the last seven record holders: an old climber's trail described as 'a hard-packed, well-traveled and historically significant trail below the mouth of Garnet Canyon.' The single switchback cut, a violation of National Park Service rules, landed Sunseri in legal hot water and cost him official recognition for what would have been a new fastest known time. Pictured: Michelino Sunseri collapses in exhaustion and joy after breaking the speed record The detour was logged on his GPS watch and uploaded to Strava - a social fitness platform used by runners, cyclists, and hikers - effectively documenting his own violation The experienced trail runner argues he followed the path used by six of the last seven record holders: an old climber's trail described as 'a hard-packed, well-traveled and historically significant trail below the mouth of Garnet Canyon' 'I don't think I'd wish this on my worst enemy,' he told SFGATE. 'I'm being prosecuted by the federal government for trail running. I don't stand by that anymore, no' Sunseri has also contended that the NPS' enforcement rests on two small, poorly visible signs - one 'hidden in sagebrush' and the other 'behind a pine tree' - according to a Change.org petition started by friend Connor Burkesmith. 'Despite consistent public use of the trail over the last three decades, no one else was prosecuted,' the petition reads. The petition, calling for charges to be dropped, has since garnered over 2,000 signatures. 'It is frankly ridiculous that the NPS is hanging a criminal charge over his head,' one supporter wrote. But not all are sympathetic, some environmental advocates and trail runners insist that rules are there for a reason. 'It was a very public violation of NPS regulations, shared in such a public way by this influencer and sponsored athlete in association with his effort to achieve the fastest known time goal,' Grand Teton spokesperson Emily Davis said. What could have been a career-defining achievement has instead become a cautionary tale for the ultrarunner. 'I don't think I'd wish this on my worst enemy,' he told SFGATE. 'I'm being prosecuted by the federal government for trail running. I don't stand by that anymore, no.' Harvey Weinstein's retrial was sent into disarray on Tuesday after his accuser gestured towards the disgraced mogul - throwing Weinstein into a 'medical episode' and sparking calls for a mistrial. Jessica Mann, 38, had just left the witness stand after describing in detail how Weinstein, 73, allegedly grabbed, forcefully undressed and raped her. As she passed the defense table she turned towards the seated Hollywood producer and aimed a finger at her eyes and then at him. The gesture seemed to allude to Mann wanted Weinstein to look at her, and it prompted his lawyer Arthur Aidala to argue for a mistrial. As his lawyer fought to have the new trial tossed, Weinstein started making gurgling noises and two court officers quickly flanked him. He took a sip of water which seemed to end the sudden episode. Aidala cited Mann's gesture and questioned her displays of emotion. Mann frequently had to wipe her eyes and took heavy breaths as she testified on Tuesday. According to her, Weinstein screamed 'You owe me one more time!' during the alleged sexual assault. The horrifying ordeal happened inside a Beverly Hills, California, hotel room at the beginning of 2014, she told the New York City courtroom. Mann is seen here entering Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday to testify against Weinstein Weinstein, who denies ever raping or sexually assaulting anyone, shook his head as he watched her testimony from the defense table Weinstein, who denies ever raping or sexually assaulting anyone, shook his head as he watched her testimony from the defense table. Outside of the court room Mann did not respond to questions from reporters about what she was trying to convey with her gesture. Weinstein is charged with raping her on another occasion in New York in 2013, as well as forcing oral sex on two other women in 2006. He has pleaded not guilty. Aidala had also questioned why Mann was asked about a previous incident in LA that Weinstein isn't actually charged with it, again using that to call for a mistrial Judge Curtis Farber shot his calls down. He had already ruled that Mann and the other two could put the charges in the context of other interactions with Weinstein. Speaking on the courtroom gesture, Farber said: 'I cant control what people do in the courtroom, nor what jurors may make of it.' Mann met Weinstein socially in Los Angeles over a decade ago when she was trying to get acting work. She has said that she had a consensual, on-and-off relationship with the then-married Weinstein, but that he was volatile and violated her if she refused him. It comes after Weinstein claimed he is still managing to have an influence over the movie industry from behind bars. Mann, left, is seen here arriving in court on Monday. Mann met Weinstein socially in Los Angeles over a decade ago when she was trying to get acting work Weinstein is seen here as he arrived at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, February 28, 2016 In a new jailhouse interview published by conservative commentator Candace Owens, Weinstein claimed he was still being slipped movie scripts. He said: 'I have friends who are still in the industry who slip me their screenplays and ask me for notes. 'You know, can I do something for it? Can I help? Can I improve it? And I just give them my honest thoughts.' Weinstein is being tried again after New Yorks highest court, the Court of Appeals, last year overturned his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence. A new trial was ordered after finding that improper rulings and prejudicial testimony tainted the original one. As well as the New York case, he also has an appeal pending in California, where he received a 16-year-sentence for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles in 2022. Once a Hollywood heavy-hitter, Weinstein became a symbol of sexual misconduct after allegations against him in 2017 fueled the #MeToo movement. The suspect in the California fertility clinic bombing was not a 'terrorist' or 'anti-life', but instead was 'anti-test tube baby', his father has claimed. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, detonated a car bomb that rocked the American Reproductive Centers building in Palm Springs, east of Los Angeles. None of the facility's embryos were damaged in the attack, which the FBI has called an act of terrorism. Authorities said Bartkus, who died in the explosion, left behind nihilistic writings that indicated views against procreation, an idea known as anti-natalism. But his father Richard Bartkus has challenged that description, suggesting his son is not a killer or terrorist, but should instead be called a 'suicide bomber.' 'A terrorist is out to kill people, destroy life. He wasn't there to destroy life,' he told FOX 11. 'He was there against test tube baby. He was not anti-life, he was anti test tube baby.' Richard said his son, whom he described as a 'bright kid' and 'computer', believed that 'people who had test tube babies they would never really love the child as their own'. He also claimed that he does not believe Bartkus acted alone in the plot, although authorities have not released any information confirming that theory. His father Richard Bartkus has suggested his son is not a killer or terrorist, but should instead be called a 'suicide bomber' Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, detonated a car bomb that damaged the American Reproductive Centers building in Palm Springs, east of Los Angeles Saturday's explosion gutted the clinic and shattered the windows of nearby buildings along a palm tree-lined street. Passersby described a loud boom, with people screaming in terror and glass strewn along sidewalks of the upscale desert city. Bartkus' body was found near a charred vehicle. Authorities are working to learn more about Bartkus' motives. They haven't said if he intended to kill himself in the attack or why he chose the specific facility. His writings communicated 'nihilistic ideations' that were still being examined to determine his state of mind, said US Attorney Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in the area. In general, nihilism suggests that life is meaningless. Investigators claim that Bartkus appeared to hold anti-natalist views, which include a belief that it is morally wrong for people to bring children into the world. The clinic he attacked provides services to help people get pregnant, including in vitro fertilization and fertility evaluations. Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, called the attack possibly the 'largest bombing scene that we've had in Southern California.' At least one person died from the horrific incident, which authorities are calling an 'intentional act of terrorism' 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 '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.' Authorities executed a search warrant in Bartkus' hometown of Twentynine Palms, a city of 28,000 residents northeast of Palm Springs with a large US Marine Corps base. Bartkus lived at home with his mother and sister, and reportedly hadn't seen or spoken to his father in several years. His neighbors told FOX 11 that the suspected bomber mostly kept to himself, with one community resident alleging 'that was probably the way he wanted it.' 'You know a lot of times when people do stuff like this they kind of stay away from the public eye, stay away from attention,' the neighbor added. However, the FBI says that Bartkus tried to livestream the explosion, but the attempt failed. Authorities haven't shared specifics about the explosives used to make the bomb and where Bartkus may have obtained them. Scott Sweetow, a retired ATF explosives expert, said the amount of damage caused indicated that the suspect used a 'high explosive' similar to dynamite and TNT rather than a 'low explosive' like gun powder. Bartkus lived at home with his mother and sister, and reportedly hadn't seen or spoken to his father in several years Those types of explosives are normally difficult for civilians to access, but increasingly people are finding ways to concoct explosives at home, he said. 'Once you know the chemistry involved, its pretty easy to get stuff,' Sweetow said. 'The ingredients you could get at a grocery store.' The images of the aftermath also showed that the explosion appeared to blow from the street straight through the building and to the parking lot on the other side, something that could have been intentional or pure luck, Sweetow said. A part of the car was also blown through the building and landed in the back by a dumpster. The search for a University of California Santa Barbara student who vanished while out with friends at a rural beauty spot has ended in tragedy. The body of Tanner Prentiss, 22, was discovered in Big Bear Lake on Monday. Prentiss disappeared on Saturday night while visiting the area with friends, according to the Big Bear Sheriff's Department. He was last seen just after midnight when he left his rental cabin and never returned. Police said he was wearing a black hoodie and jeans. The student was reported missing and deputies implemented an exhaustive search, recruiting dive team members to look for Prentiss. Authorities then issued a grim update that Prentiss' body was located in the water near the Pine Knot Marina. A cause of death has yet to be determined, but the coroner's office has initiated an investigation. There is no foul play suspected at this time. 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanners family, friends, and all those who are affected by his loss,' the sheriff's department said in a statement. Tanner Prentiss, 22, was found dead after he vanished near Big Bear Lake in California on Saturday Big Bear Lake is a popular tourist destination, and Prentiss was staying at a rental cabin in the area, according to authorities Prentiss was a senior at the University of California Santa Barbara studying sociology and economics. The school released a statement calling his death 'heartbreaking' 'The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident.' Prentiss was a senior at the University of California Santa Barbara studying sociology and economics, according to his LinkedIn profile. A representative for the university told the Los Angeles Times,:'Losing a member of our UC Santa Barbara community is heartbreaking.' 'We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted. 'Our campus offers resources to students, staff and faculty who are in need of support.' Tributes have already begun pouring in for the university student, with dozens of comments on social media praising Prentiss. 'Rest is paradise Tan Man love you forever brother,' one comment read on his recent Instagram post. 'You better be djing your heart out up there. rest is peace tanner, youre missed so much already,' another read. Tributes have already begun to pour in for the university student, with a fundraiser calling him 'kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless' Authorities haven't released the student's cause of death and the coroner has now taken over the investigation 'Rest in peace [heart emoji] i hope they find out what happened to you, may your soul be safe and sound,' a third added. A GoFundMe was set up for the Prentiss family, by his roommate. The fundraiser has already surpassed the $20,000 goal. 'Its hard to put into words what Tanner meant to those who knew him. He truly was an angel on earth kind, compassionate, and deeply selfless,' the description read. 'Tanner believed in the good in people, even when they didnt see it in themselves. 'Thats something Ill always carry with me, and I know many others will too.' DailyMail.com reached out to the local sheriff's office for comment. Former President Joe Biden had to shut down conspiracies he was diagnosed with prostate cancer before last week. 'Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer,' a spokesperson for Biden insisted on Tuesday. It added that Biden did not have have the test done to check for prostate problems since 2014. The statement came after President Donald Trump repeated on Monday conspiracies that Biden knew he had cancer for a long time and that hiding the diagnosis was part of his team's cover-up of his health decline while in office. 'I'm surprised that it wasn't, you know, the public wasn't notified a long time ago because to get to stage nine, that's a long time,' Trump said. Biden's office revealed on Sunday that the former president has an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that has metastasized and spread to his bones. The former president received an outpouring of support, including from Trump and the first lady. Joe Biden's office was forced to respond after doubt surfaced over whether the former president knew while in office about his prostate cancer diagnosis. A day later, Biden posted a smiling selfie to X alongside wife Jill Biden, who was holding their cat Willow 'The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,' the statement on his diagnosis notes. Pictured: Joe stands with daughter Ashley, daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen, grandson Beau, son Hunter and wife Jill during the Christmas tree lighting in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on November 29, 2024 'Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis,' Trump posted to Truth Social on Sunday. He added: 'We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.' But doubt over the timing of the diagnosis swift grew considering that Biden, as president, was likely routinely checked for the levels that indicate prostate cancer. When in office presidents receive thorough annual physicals. This would likely include for someone of Biden's age a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. If elevated, this marker could indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. Biden's physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor wrote in a statement after a check-up in February 2024: 'The President feels well and this year's physical identified no new concerns. He continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations.' His office stated on Tuesday: 'President Biden's last known PSA was in 2014.' Additionally, the president's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. fanned the flames of the conspiracy along with and other members of the online MAGAverse who started stirring the pot over whether a cover-up was afoot. 'What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another cover-up???' Trump Jr. mused of the former president's wife. Dr. Biden, the former first lady, is not a medical doctor. She has a Ph.D in education. President Donald Trump hinted that he wanted to see President Joe Biden's medical doctor be investigated after the former president's shock cancer diagnosis The online MAGAverse is questioning whether Biden knew about his cancer a long time ago and if his diagnosis was part of the cover-up of his declining health while in office After bragging on Monday about acing his own physical exam - and noting that he had taken a cognitive test - President Trump suggested something was awry with Biden's White House doctor. 'I think that if you look, it's the same doctor that said that Joe was cognitively fine. There was nothing wrong with him,' Trump said. 'Maybe it was the same doctor, and somebody is not telling the facts.' He said that while he felt 'badly' about the diagnosis, but added: 'I think people should try and find out what happened.' After Biden bombed his debate against Trump in late June last year, questions about his fitness for office got even louder. Then White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre initially bungled a response when asked why a Parkinson's disease expert had visited the White House multiple times. Additionally, Biden's White House physician, Dr. O'Connor, never took questions from the press, unlike Trump's original White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, now a MAGA-aligned Republican representing Texas in Congress. Trump's second White House doctor, Dr. Sean Conley, addressed the press when Trump contracted COVID-19 just weeks before the 2020 election. Conley was criticized, however, for painting a much-too-rosy picture of Trump's battle with the disease, which could have turned deadly. Throughout Biden's term, O'Connor stayed away from the cameras. Biden's daughter Ashley posted an image to Insatgram alongside her father and promised: 'I will be right by his side through it all. Like he has been by mine every day of my life' A statement on Biden's diagnosis on Sunday notes: '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. Prostate cancers are given a 'Gleason score' that measures how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. Biden's score of 9 suggests his cancer is among the most advance and severe. Biden's office noted: 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.' The classic American Dream of owning a home is now officially out of reach for much of the middle class. A shortage of affordable properties is making homeownership nearly impossible, especially for workers in honorable fields like teaching and nursing, a new report has revealed. In March, only one in five homes listed across the US was considered affordable for households earning $75,000 a year. Before the pandemic, nearly half of all listings were considered within reach for the same income bracket, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The report found the US would need to add more than 400,000 new homes priced at $255,000 or less to return to pre-Covid levels of affordability. A single family home in the US now sells for nearly $420,000, according to the Federal Reserve. Stubborn mortgage rates are also causing would-be buyers to stay away. 'It's discouraging,' said Nadia Evangelou, senior economist for the NAR, told CBS News. 'We hear from people who are earning a good income nurses, teachers, plumbers and still feel like homeownership is out of reach.' But that could soon change, as experts predict various markets across the US could be heading for a crash, sending home prices plummeting. In March, only one in five homes listed across the US was considered affordable for households earning $75,000 a year Nadia Evangelou, a senior economist with the National Association of Realtors Middle-income earners were once the backbone of America's housing market, when working hard at an everyday job would allow for home ownership. But now 26 major metros are seeing worsening affordability gaps. Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, and New York City are among the least affordable cities to buy. In Los Angeles, the number of homes affordable to middle-income families has dropped by over 12,000 listings in the last year. Meanwhile in Miami, the number of homes affordable to middle-income families has dropped by over 21,000. Formerly modestly-priced areas like Scranton and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are also now out of reach due to restrictive zoning laws and lack of new construction, the NAR said. The state ranked 44th in new housing development between 2017 and 2023. The lack of building has sent existing home prices soaring. 'Although the total number of homes for sale has improved since the low point in 2021, many new listings are simply out of reach for a large share of American households,' the report reads. A home on the market in Los Angeles, which is listed among the least affordable cities to buy In Miami, the number of homes affordable to middle-income families has dropped by over 21,000 in the last year A cliffside community in San Diego, one of the least affordable areas for middle class home buyers in the US 'That's why home sales in the lower and middle price tiers remain sluggish and more volatile than the high-end market high prices, elevated mortgage rates, and a lack of affordable options still squeeze buyers at these levels,' the report continued. Overall, as of March, a household earning $50,000 can only afford 8.7 percent of listings today, down from 9.4 percent a year ago. Households earning $75,000 a year often made up of teachers, nurses, and skilled trades workers can afford 21.2 percent of listings. Households earning $100,000 annually can afford 37.1 percent of listings. Higher-income households have near-total access to the market. Buyers earning $200,000 or more can afford 80 percent to 100 percent of the listings. But some places across the US are seeing a rise in affordable listings, though. In Columbia, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina, affordable listings have risen by as much as 5 percent, mostly due to new construction. Houses in Scranton, PA, are no longer affordable for middle-income earners Harrisburg, PA, is no longer affordable for middle-income earners New York City housing remains out of reach for most middle class earners Areas in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee have seen inventory not only recover, but grow higher than it was before the pandemic. According to the report, there is a solution, but it will take time and effort. 'Solving the persistent housing shortage across our country requires a multifaceted approach that involves governments, developers, and communities,' it reads. 'The goal is to create a balanced and sustainable housing market that meets the demand needs of people at any income level, particularly those most in need of affordable options.' Suggestions include easing local land-use and zoning regulations to foster more development, expanding vocational training programs to ensure an adequate labor supply, and actively promoting these initiatives. Housing options like micro-apartments, where residents share kitchens and bathrooms dorm-style, are also gaining attention as low-cost alternatives. Meanwhile, it may not all end terribly for potential buyers. The closer the US gets to a housing market crash, the better position people could be in to be able to afford a home. Nearly half of all sellers are having to give concessions to buyers as as the housing market slows to levels not seen since the Great Recession. Areas in Florida have seen affordable inventory recover and grow higher than pandemic levels For buyers, prices in Tampa, FL, are being slashed as a surplus of homes come on the market From January through March, 44.4 percent of home sales included incentives like closing costs being covered, repair credits, or mortgage-rate buydowns. One agent said a seller offered to cover HOA fees. These extras come on top of any price negotiations and highlight just how tough the market has become for sellers. Chaley McVay, a Redfin Premier agent in Portland, OR, says she's seeing deal sweeteners in most offers, particularly for first-time buyers. 'Buyers used to ask for help with small repairs. Now they need help just to afford the purchase,' McVay explained. Stephanie Kastner, a Redfin agent in Seattle, said that sellers of condos and new townhomes are especially likely to offer major perks like closing cost coverage or, in one instance she saw, fancy appliances. 'Builders want to keep listing prices high, so they're more willing to offer extras instead of cutting the price,' Kastner said. Home repossessions are rising and one of the main drivers is something homeowners cant control: climate disasters. Increasingly frequent hurricanes, wildfires and flooding are raising the risk of home repossessions, according to a new report from risk research group First Street. The study warns that climate-related events could lead to billions in lost mortgages due to missed payments and foreclosures over the next decade. The accumulating pressures of uninsured damage to property, tumbling home values and rising insurance premiums could see $1.2 billion in credit losses in 2025 alone. Additionally around 19,000 properties could be foreclosed this year due to climate risk. The hardest-hit states are Florida, Louisiana and California which are expected to account for more than half of all climate-related mortgage losses this year. 'Mortgage markets are now on the front lines of climate risk,' First Street's head of climate implications Jeremy Porter told the Financial Times. 'Our modelling demonstrates that physical hazards are already eroding foundational assumptions of loan underwriting, property valuation and credit servicing introducing systemic financial risk,' Porter explained. Increasingly frequent climate disasters are raising the risk of home repossessions Just last week tornadoes swept through Missouri and Kentucky leaving 25 people dead and the property damage toll still yet to be fully assessed. Last year extreme weather and climate disasters cost the US $182.7bn in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As a result home insurance premiums have soared and providers have even stopped offering policies in high-risk areas entirely. State Farm General, Californias largest home insurer, is hiking its home insurance rates by an average of 17 percent next month. The rate hike follows a year-long standoff between the insurer and the state, which regulates premium increases. Last year, State Farm threatened to withdraw from California entirely unless it was allowed to raise prices. Originally, the company proposed even steeper hikes. Experts had warned that price hikes were inevitable as insurers faced massive payouts for the wildfires that devastated large swathes of Los Angeles. Higher insurance rates can lead to higher mortgage defaults, according to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. A tornado-damaged home in New Orleans, Louisiana in March 2022 Extreme weather and increased flooding is a risk to coastal homes in California Climate disasters could lead to billions of dollars worth of lost mortgages It is a vicious cycle that sees homeowners unable to keep up with increased costs, some falling into repossessions while others try to sell. Increase in supply while there is less demand from buyers due to the increased costs of insurance pushes down home prices, as is the case with Florida. South Florida, which is prone to hurricanes, has seen a recent flood of real estate listings. Florida residents pay the highest average home insurance premiums in the US, at around $11,000 annually, nearly four times the national average. The state is seeing steep declines in home prices, particularly in condo-heavy areas such as Miami. Experts have issued an urgent warning about a terrifying new psychoactive drug dubbed 'kush', after a former cabin crew member was accused of smuggling 1.5 million worth of the deadly drug into Sri Lanka. Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was detained at Colombo airport on Monday, after arriving on a flight from Bangkok. According to sources, authorities seized 46kg of kush as Miss Lee arrived from Thailand on a SriLankan Airlines flight. Kush is a highly potent strain of cannabis. It's made by spraying leaves with a mixture containing synthetic cannabinoids, formaldehyde, fentanyl. According to some reports, the drug even contains ground-down human bones. Since 2022, an even more dangerous form of kush has emerged, containing synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which can be 25 times more powerful than fentanyl. Smoking the toxic drug produces euphoria, confusion, and sleepiness - often causing users to fall over and hit their heads on hard surfaces or wander into traffic. 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 most pronounced effects of kush are euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness, and confusion. In the long term, the drug causes swelling in the legs and feet, leading to sores which open and become infected Pictures from the scene show six officers in the airport standing over dozens of large vacuum packed bags of the drug What is kush? Dr Kars de Bruijne, senior research fellow at the Clingendael Institute and author of a report on kush, told MailOnline that there are two forms of kush on the market. Both start with a base of plant matter, such as marshmallow leaf, which is then sprayed with one of two psychoactive chemical mixtures. Some forms of Kush are sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals designed to mimic the natural psychoactive compounds found in the cannabis plant. The synthetic chemicals are many times more powerful than even the strongest cannabis strains and can often have severe harmful side effects. The second, more recent form of kush is sprayed with a mixture of synthetic opioids called nitazenes. Dr de Bruijne says: 'It's an opioid so it's similar to heroin, but it's very strong and it's deadly because even a little more than a milligram too much is able to kill someone. 'What we've seen in Sierra Leone is that it is overdoses which kill.' Kush (pictured) is a potent drug primarily sold in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone. It is made by spraying leaves with a mixture of chemicals such as synthetic cannabinoids or deadly opioids called nitazenes Smoking kush causes euphoria, confusion, and sleepiness. This often leads users to become injured after collapsing in the street, hitting their heads on the ground, or walking into traffic What is kush? Kush is a powerful drug produced by spraying chemicals onto leaves. One form contains synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals designed to mimic the natural psychoactive compounds found in cannabis. The other form of kush contains synthetic opioids called nitazenes. These nitazenes can be 25 times more potent than fentanyl, and even small errors can lead to fatal overdoses. Smoking kush causes euphoria, confusion, and sleepiness. This often leads users to become injured after collapsing in the street, hitting their heads on the ground, or walking into traffic The drug is most common in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone. Advertisement In a report for the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, Dr de Bruijne found that 50 per cent of kush samples tested in the lab contained nitazenes. However, as kush moves through the market, it is cut and adulterated with numerous other chemicals, including formaldehyde, the painkiller tramadol, and even rat poison. Most infamously, there are numerous unsubstantiated reports that kush contains human bones. Although Dr de Bruijne's testing wasn't designed to detect human bone, he says: 'Everyone we spoke to that is a bit more serious in that market says they don't make it using human bones.' Dr de Bruijne suggests that the rumour originated from the fact that early forms of kush used the synthetic cannabinoid ADB, a greyish-white powder with the street name 'bone'. Combined with the fact that kush is sprayed with formaldehyde, which is used by mortuaries to preserve bodies, it is easy to see how the rumour began. However, some are concerned that these rumours may have some basis in reality in a few fringe cases. 'I've also been speaking to people in the judicial system, and they have said that there is an increase in cemeteries where graves have been opened,' Dr de Bruijne explained. 'I think in Sierra Leone it happens more often that rumour turns into a reality. However, the spike in grave robbing might be better explained by addicts searching for valuables to sell and, as yet, there have been no confirmed cases of body parts in kush. Some unsubstantiated reports suggested that kush is made with ground-up human bones. Although this is unlikely, this rumour has been a major source of concern for Sierra Leone's government amid reports of spikes in grave robbing. Pictured: a young man smokes kush in Freetown, Sierra Leone What does kush do to your body? Since kush can contain so many different chemicals, the effects on your body can vary widely. In terms of its psychoactive effects, synthetic cannabinoids produce a response similar to that of cannabis, including relaxation and altered states of consciousness. Nitazenes, meanwhile, trigger an intense state of euphoria and relaxation as well as nausea, vomiting, and fever symptoms. Users also describe the high as being accompanied by a pounding pressure in the head and joints. Over long periods of use, the drug causes swelling of the legs and feet, leading to sores and wounds which can become infected. However, it is not currently clear why the drug has this effect. In addition to causing sores and swelling, the nitazenes in some kush are extremely deadly. Nitazenes can be up to 25 times more powerful than Fentanyl. Pictured: a kush user shows his injuries at a medical outreach centre in Sierra Leone Experts say synthetic opioids like kush are becoming more common as the global supply of heroin collapses Why is kush so dangerous? Kush is a particularly dangerous drug because, once produced and sold, it is almost impossible to know what it contains. At any point in the supply chain, distributors might have added unknown amounts of chemicals that could cause adverse reactions. But the biggest risk is posed by the addition of nitazenes, which are both extremely strong and highly addictive. Dr de Bruijne says that dealers call kush 'fast cash' because of how rapidly users become addicted and ramp up their consumption. In Sierra Leone, an individual joint may cost as little as five leones (20 UK pence), but users can smoke up to 30 per day. That is an enormous expense in a country where the average income is just 500 per year, often driving users into a life of crime to fund their habit. Nitazenes also create a serious risk of overdose due to their potency, with experts warning that the drug has killed thousands of people in West Africa already. Last year, a group of toxicologists from Imperial College, London warned that nitazenes were leading to a 'sharp rise' in overdose deaths in the UK. Where is kush made? According to the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, the kush found in West Africa comes from two locations. Either the raw ingredients are imported from China and mixed in-country, or pre-made kush is imported from Europe. From the European side, Dr de Bruijne says that the UK and the Netherlands have emerged as leading exporters. 'I've been speaking to people in that market to serious levels; they all pointed to the UK as the area of origin,' says Dr de Bruijne. 'When you speak to people in the port in Sierra Leone, they often point to or mention the UK.' However, it's not yet clear whether the kush is being manufactured in the UK or simply moved through the country from another location. Dr de Bruijne suggests that production lines are changing rapidly since the Taliban seized Afghanistan and destroyed the country's opium poppy trade, a precursor for producing heroin. 'The global supply of heroin is going down; the estimate from law enforcement is that the big cartels are preparing for a situation with less heroin and trying to find alternatives in synthetic opioids,' he explained. Was Charlotte May Lee allegedly smuggling 'kush'? Ms Lee was detained in Colombo on Monday after arriving on a flight from Bangkok. Authorities accuse her of attempting to smuggle 46kg of 'kush' into the country. Currently, the form of 'kush' containing nitazenes is an almost exclusively West African drug. Although nitazenes themselves are found increasingly throughout Europe, the specific mixed form is much less common. This makes it less certain which form of kush Charlotte May Lee is accused of smuggling. Lucia Bird, director of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime's West Africa Observatory, told MailOnline: 'Key is to note that "kush" is a street name in Sierra Leone and elsewhere. Experts believe that pre-processed kush is primarily imported from European countries such as the Netherlands and the UK into West Africa Police have released pictures of the 1.5 million cannabis stash a British former cabin crew member has accused of smuggling into Sri Lanka. However, it isn't clear whether this 'kush' is the same type sold in Sierra Leone or if it is just cannabis 'Consequently, it is difficult to know whether something seized that is called "kush" is necessarily the same drug from the perspective of chemical composition if no chemical testing has been carried out.' Ms Bird suggests that the drug in question was more likely to be cannabis and that the smuggling route is not tied to West Africa. However, Ms Bird says that, if chemical testing does confirm the presence of nitazenes, it would be an 'indication of additional global spread of nitazenes, including in what were previously synthetic cannabinoid supply chains.' Current reports suggest that kush typically arrives in Africa from Europe. The UK and the Netherlands appear to be the most common origin points of pre-made kush. This does not mean that kush is made in the UK, but it is, at least, a key point in the supply chain. It is not clear where the nitazenes in kush are being produced. Groups in Africa will also buy precursor compounds, such as synthetic cannabinoids, directly from China to make kush in the country. A book omitted from the Bible written more than 1,600 years ago paints Jesus in a very different light. Known as the Gospel of Thomas, the ancient text features 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, portraying him as a teacher of spiritual wisdom rather than a religious missionary. Many of Jesus' quotes in the book promotes the idea that believers do not need a church, but only inner awareness and self-discovery. Although the sacred text was discovered in Egypt in 1945, it has recently resurfaced on social media, where content creator Nick Di Fabio noted that some scholars believe it may be the earliest written record of Jesus' teachings. He highlighted one core message that echoes throughout the text: 'The kingdom is within you' not in buildings, not in rituals. This idea directly challenged the foundation of the early Church, which was built around priests, temples, and hierarchy. The Gospel of Thomas opens with the line: 'These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down.' This suggests the text was written by the Apostle Thomas, the disciple known for doubting Jesus' resurrection. The Gospel of Thomas features 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, portraying him as a teacher of spiritual wisdom rather than a savior who died for humanity's sins Although the sacred text was discovered in Egypt in 1945, it has recently resurfaced on social media, where content creator Nick Di Fabio noted that some scholars believe it may be the earliest written record of Jesus' teachings The Gospel of Thomas was excluded from the Bible because it reflects the belief that salvation comes through personal knowledge rather than through faith, challenging the foundational teachings of the early Church. It was also not included due to discrepancies of authorship and when it was written. Di Fabio highlighted several sayings from the text, which he said has 'shocked theologians for centuries.' Those included 'Split a piece of wood, and I am there' and 'Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.' The content creator noted that these sayings suggested Jesus was everywhereand that enlightenment, not obedience, was the goal. The Gospel of Thomas was found buried in a jar of clay near Nag Hammadi, which Di Fabio suggested was to conceal its teachings to not 'give spiritual power back to individuals.' Unlike the four canonical gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, John which contain narrative accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, the Gospel of Thomas is a sayings gospel. The collection includes statements believed to have been made by Jesus, but without narrative context, parables or stories. Galilee, located in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, is mentioned in the Bible as the venue for most of Jesus' ministry and where he walked on water and was baptized Scholars debate its date, with some suggesting as early as the mid-1st century, making it potentially one of the earliest records of Jesus' sayings, while others date it to the 2nd century. That would place the Gospel of Thomas around the same time as the New Testament was written, which was between 50 and 100AD. But the sayings sparked outcry among the church when it was found due to passages like Saying 3 that reads: 'If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. 'If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you.' While 'Kingdom is within you' appears in the traditional Bible, the saying in Thomas takes on a more mystical, inward-focused tone. This highlights the core message that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place to find externally but a spiritual reality within each person. It challenges external, institutionalized views of the kingdom. The Gospel of Thomas begins with saying 1 that states: 'And he said, 'Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.' Scholars have suggested that this passage implies that understanding these secret sayings leads to eternal lifespiritual immortality through knowledge. The Gospel of Thomas, discovered along with a collection of 13 ancient books, was one of the greatest significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. It was unearthed by a Muhammad al-Samman, a local farmer, who found a jar containing the more than one dozen leather-bound papyrus books that were written in ancient Greek. The other books included the Gospel of Philip, the Gospel of Truth, the Apocryphon of John and the Apocalypse of Paul, none of which were accepted into the traditional Bible. Its the much-anticipated series that brings the prehistoric world right into our living rooms. But the BBCs new Walking With Dinosaurs is embroiled in a fakery row over an enormous piece of fossilised poo. The first episode of the new show, which airs on Sunday, focuses on a three-year-old triceratops called Clover as she tries to evade a hungry T-rex 66million years ago. While it showcases cutting-edge CGI, there are also scenes showing palaeontologists digging up fossils in Montana. One stand-out moment involves the team analysing an enormous piece of dinosaur excrement at their dig site in a place called Hell Creek. The specimen, which they measure at 26.5 inches long and up to 6.2 inches wide, must have come from a T-rex, they said. The team has tracked down a remarkable fossil with a chilling tale to tell, the carefully worded commentary says. It may look like a nondescript bit of rock but the shape and texture tell the experts this is a coprolite fossilised faeces. The specimen is called Barnum and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest coprolite by a carnivorous animal. Since 2020, it has been housed at the Poozeum in Arizona Team leader Eric Lund from The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, measure the prehistoric excrement which is half covered in plaste The new Walking With Dinosaurs episode, featuring Clover the triceratops, comes more than 25 years after the series was first broadcast in 1999 However, it turns out not all is as it seems. Despite the fossil being analysed at the dig site as others continue to excavate fossils right next to them it was actually transported from over a thousand miles away. Since 2020, it has been housed at the Poozeum in Arizona a 1,200-mile journey by road and belongs to coprolite specialist George Frandsen. The specimen is called Barnum, after the man who first discovered it at Hell Creek in 2019 and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest coprolite by a carnivorous animal. While producers do not attempt to show it being dug up at the site, those watching would be forgiven for assuming it had been unearthed there and then by the on-screen researchers. Team leader Eric Lund and fossil restorer Aubrey Knowles, from The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, measure the prehistoric excrement which is half covered in plaster. The only large carnivorous dinosaur that could have possibly dropped this would be a T-rex, Mr Lund says. So very, very cool. The duo continues to analyse the fossilised poo to reveal small bones from the predators victims still in the remains. Last night, Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke branded the show totally misleading. The BBC must always remember that education is at the core of its charter, he said. A public sector broadcaster must employ the highest standards when making documentaries, and not become distracted by a desire to entertain. Were seeing too many programmes like this which dont actually portray the facts. I would expect an organisation like the BBC to be absolutely crystal clear about what is being shown and not try to cheat viewers. While producers do not attempt to show it being dug up at the site, those watching would be forgiven for assuming it had been unearthed there and then by the on-screen researchers It was 25 years ago that the terrifying T-Rex, the spiny Stegosaurus and the dizzyingly-tall Diplodocus were brought to life on our TV screens While the original Walking With Dinosaurs series first broadcast in 1999 focused purely on the prehistoric world, this time producers decided to include footage from real dinosaur digs The BBC have confirmed the fossilised poo is the Barnum specimen. A spokesman said: The programme does not say that this coprolite specimen was found at the dig site. As the commentary says: The team has tracked down a remarkable fossil with a chilling tale to tell. The specimen comes from the collection of coprolite specialist George Frandsen. It was brought to the site to illustrate what T-rex commonly ate, which was important information for the story. Palaeontologists sometimes bring fossils into the field when attempting to build a wider picture of the prehistoric landscape they are studying. The coprolite specimen was used during the course of filming in exactly this manner. In 2011, the BBC denied misleading Frozen Planet viewers after it emerged footage of newborn polar bear cubs was filmed in an animal park, rather than in the wild. The new Walking With Dinosaurs episode, featuring Clover the triceratops, comes more than 25 years after the series was first broadcast in 1999. An adult triceratops would have reached eight tonnes and nearly nine metres in length. It was the largest and most iconic of the horned dinosaurs. With two one-metre-long horns over its eyes, and a giant frill behind its head, it would have been an imposing sight. But youngsters like Clover would have been nothing more than a snack for larger predators. The episode showcases her day-to-day life as she looks for her herd and tries to survive. Steve Brusatte, a leading palaeontologist and consultant on Walking With Dinosaurs, said: 'There isn't anything remotely fake about it. The fossil coprolite is genuine, and the voiceover makes it clear that the palaeontologists tracked down the fossil from elsewhere, so I don't see what the issue is. 'If they had, say, reburied the coprolite and reenacted it being dug up, then that would be misleading, but that isn't what is shown on screen. 'Sometimes palaeontologists bring fossils discovered previously to a dig site, to compare to the fossils they are finding or to help train their team, and we've done this before on digs I've been on.' Helen Thomas, executive producer, said: The story of Clover is so fascinating because, like the whole series, it is based on the real finds from a unique dig site. In the case of Clover, finding the bones of a very young triceratops is rare in itself as so many ended up as lunch for the many predators roaming north America in the late Cretaceous. But Clovers story was something even more special close to her dig site the team found remains of the most infamous predator of them all the T-rex. Unearthing the bones of predator and prey so close together enabled us to reveal the latest science of these iconic species and tell their extraordinary stories. In contrast with the original series, this time producers decided to include footage from real dinosaur digs. This allowed us to tell the most amazing dinosaur stories, but also viewers will literally be able to see the scientific evidence these narratives were based on emerging from the dust for themselves, showrunner Kirsty Wilson said. Other episodes will feature a spinosaurus, a predator even bigger than a T-rex, the spikiest dinosaur known called gastonia, and a Jurassic giant, the lusotitan. The episode will air on Sunday 25th May at 6:25pm on BBC One and iPlayer. You look up. A camera captures your face. Within seconds, you've been scanned, stored, and trackedbefore even reaching airport security. Without ever handing over your ID, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) already knows exactly who you are. This is happening at 84 airports across the US. And chances are, you didn't even notice. Marketed as a tool to enhance security, TSA's facial recognition system is drawing criticism for its potential to track Americans from the terminal entrance to their final destination. While the agency insists the scans are voluntary, many passengers say they're unaware that opting out is even an option. Behind these sleek, touchless scanners lies a vast biometric database, which is raising concerns among experts about how the data might be used, or misused, by the very government that collects it. Jeramie Scott, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, described the facial recognition as 'an invasive and dangerous surveillance technology.' 'That will ultimately accelerate the use of our faces as our ID, and that has some very important implications for privacy, civil liberties, civil rights and our democracy,' he added. Marketed as a tool to enhance security , TSA's facial recognition system is drawing criticism for its potential to track Americans from the terminal entrance to their final destination TSA's facial recognition program, known as Credential Authentication Technology with Camera (CAT-2), scans a traveler's face in real time and matches it to the photo on their government-issued ID. Once verified, passengers can proceed without ever showing their physical license. The technology is already in use at major US airports, including Los Angeles International, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Chicago O'Hare. But this is only the beginning. TSA plans to expand the program to more than 400 airports in the coming years. Gerardo Spero, TSA's Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said: 'Identity verification of every traveler prior to flying is a key step in the security screening process. 'This technology enhances our ability to detect fraudulent IDs such as driver's licenses and passports at checkpoints, and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger's identity. We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are.' However, the initiative has drawn significant criticism from privacy experts, civil rights groups, and lawmakers across the political spectrum. Behind these sleek, touchless scanners lies a vast biometric database, which is raising concerns among experts about how the data might be used, or misused, by the very government that collects it One concern is the lack of comprehensive federal regulations governing the use of facial recognition technology. Speaking to HuffPost, Scott warned that 'what may be the safeguards today does not mean they will be the safeguards tomorrow.' According to the TSA, passengers who are uncomfortable with the facial recognition system can choose to opt out and request a manual ID check. Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, regularly declines the facial scan when she flies. But she says TSA agents often respond with statements like, 'We already have your information, so it's not like you're giving us anything more.' TSA's long-term vision, outlined in its technology roadmap, is to create a fully 'touchless' and 'frictionless' airport experience, transforming your body into your boarding pass. But what's marketed as convenience by the agency is viewed as surveillance by others. TSA's facial recognition program, known as Credential Authentication Technology with Camera (CAT-2), scans a traveler's face in real time and matches it to the photo on their government-issued ID Travis LeBlanc, a lawyer and former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, warns that TSA's placement within the Department of Homeland Security raises serious concerns about the use of traveler data. 'TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which is also responsible for immigration enforcement,' LeBlanc said. 'There are many potential uses for these images.' In January, the Trump administration removed LeBlanc and two other Democratic board members. He is currently suing the U.S. government to be reinstated, arguing that the dismissal was unlawful. Despite the criticism, TSA remains committed to expanding the program. In a recent statement, the agency said biometric screening will 'improve security effectiveness' and 'enhance the passenger experience.' For now, opting out remains an option. But as summer travel ramps up and facial recognition systems roll out to more airports, passengers are left to weigh the trade-off between speed and privacy. Joe Rogan was left stunned after discovering that Facebook conducted a secret experiment on thousands of people which allegedly drove some to attempt suicide. Rebecca Lemov, a historian of science and expert on mind control at Harvard University, revealed on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that the social media giant quietly altered the news feeds of nearly 700,000 users in 2012. These changes either made the news feeds more positive or more negative, allowing Facebook to manipulate the emotions of their users to study the fallout in their behavior. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned platform claimed they carried out the one-week experiment to 'make the content people see on Facebook as relevant and engaging as possible.' However, the experiment was slammed by the public as brainwashing because it covertly manipulated users by curating their news feed content, showing them only emotionally charged stories, and potentially causing mental harm. Lemov said that the experiment was similar to the type of brainwashing that takes place in cults, which focuses on changing the way people think by having them 'catch' the 'contagious' emotions of others. 'It's not that it changed my thoughts, it's that it changed my feelings about my thoughts,' Lemov explained. Facebook never informed the 689,003 people who had their feeds altered that they were involved, and Lemov added at least one person claimed that they believed their negative news feed during the study period pushed them to attempt suicide. Joe Rogan spoke with a historian of science and expert on mind control about several secretive attempts to influence and manipulate internet and social media users without their knowledge Despite fierce public outrage once the experiment went public in 2014, the mind control expert noted that Facebook users unknowingly agree to be a part of these experiments when they sign up for the platform. 'Whenever you go on the platform, you agree to be tested or A-B testing,' revealed Lemov, the author of 'The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control and Hyper-Persuasion.' 'This is why there was an ethical debate when the experiment was published in 2014,' she added in the May 15 podcast. The study was carried out by researchers from Cornell University and the University of California-San Francisco. The experiment secretly changed the algorithm to prioritize either positive or negative posts for different groups, without users' knowledge or explicit consent. Their goal was to see how emotions spread through social networks and understand whether the emotional tone of certain content influences the viewer's own posts and emotional states. Simply put, scientists tried to see if they could make people happier or depressed by subjecting them to an altered and biased news feed designed to sway them in one direction or the other. The study found that users exposed to more positive content did indeed post more positive updates, while those shown more negative content posted more negative updates. Mind control expert Rebecca Lemov revealed that Facebook secretly changed the newsfeed results of more than 680,000 people to examine how their emotions could be manipulated by changing the information they receive However, Lemov revealed that one person wrote on the research group's Facebook page in 2014 that they were in a hospital emergency room threatening to commit suicide at the time of this secret experiment. Others shared similar experiences. 'Of course, they could never know and it can't be traced backwards,' the expert explained, saying that this person and anyone else had no way of finding out if they were manipulated by Facebook. 'Whenever people have power, unchecked power, and insane influence, particularly influence to manipulate people and influence over people's minds... You could get away with so much,' Rogan warned. 'No matter who you are, you're vulnerable, whether it's through society, whether it's through peer groups, whether it's through community, we're vulnerable. Everyone's vulnerable,' he added. The public response to the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, even triggered an investigation by government officials. In the US, no direct legal action was taken as the experiment was deemed to fall within Facebook's terms of service at the time, which allowed data use for research purposes. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) - a nonprofit research group focused on protecting privacy and freedom of expression online - filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2014. Critics slammed Facebook's experiment as brainwashing because it covertly manipulated users' emotions, exploiting their vulnerability to emotionally charged stories, and potentially causing mental harm They alleged that Facebook deceived users by misrepresenting its data practices and violated a 2012 FTC order on user consent. The complaint argued that the unannounced study manipulated users' emotions using data in their news feeds, but the complaint never escalated into a full-blown lawsuit against Facebook. The UK Information Commissioner's Office also looked into whether Facebook's actions violated data protection laws. Despite claims that Facebook's secret project was unethical, the ICO did not impose any sanctions on the company for their controversial study. The 2012 experiment was not the only case of mind control and manipulation involving unsuspecting people online. Rogan also referenced research by Robert Epstein, who he interviewed in a September 2024 episode of his podcast, which suggested that internet search engine results can significantly sway undecided voters. Epstein's research revealed that a substantial portion of online discourse may be driven by automated bots, shaping narratives for political or corporate agendas. Rogan cited the 2016 presidential election, noting that if someone searched on Google for 'is Hillary Clinton a criminal?' the search engine would only produce results related to Donald Trump being a alleged criminal. 'You wouldn't find things on Hillary Clinton. You had to keep digging and digging and digging. If you wanted to find positive things on Hillary Clinton, you could find them quite easily,' Rogan explained. Rogan claimed that there were few internet search browsers allow people to search for so-called 'controversial' topics. According to the podcast host, popular browsers like Google are altering their search results in an attempt to censor what he called malinformation. 'Malinformation is information that is correct, but that would be ultimately harmful. They put vaccine side-effects under malinformation because it would cause vaccine hesitancy,' Rogan said. In January 2025, Meta announced it would scrap its third-party fact-checking program, starting in the US, over continued concerns that their censoring campaign on Facebook was hampering free speech. Stargazers across the US have been baffled by a mysterious beam of light streaking through the sky. Around midnight on Saturday, May 17, a glowing streak was visible above the US as far south as New Mexico. With the aurora active after a surprise geomagnetic storm, many people initially thought the streak was STEVE - a white-mauve light emitted by rivers of charged particles. However, astronomers have now revealed the true explanation for this bizarre phenomenon. According to Dr Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer who tracks objects in space, the light was caused by a rocket dumping fuel. Just an hour or so before the light became visible, Chinese startup LandSpace Technology launched a methane and oxygen-fuelled Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket. Dr McDowell says the most likely source of the light was this rocket's second stage, releasing its 'Methalox' rocket fuel at about 155 miles (250km) above the ground. Once released into space, the chemicals in the fuel react with plasma in the Earth's ionosphere to create an eerie whitish glow, just like the one seen above the US. Stargazers have been baffled after spotting a stunning streak of white light streaming across the sky People in the US as far south as Mexico spotted a glowing beam of light emerge around midnight on Saturday, May 17 As the glowing streak appeared in the sky, many astronomers' first thought was that they were witnessing a rare space weather phenomenon called STEVE. Over the night of May 17, the Earth was experiencing a moderate (G2 class) geomagnetic storm after being hit by material from a solar eruption. The enormous 'bird wing' eruption had originally been predicted to miss Earth, but the wave of material was wider than expected, and the planet was hit with a glancing blow. Although STEVE is not part of the aurora, it is also caused by space weather and appears like a glowing river of whitish-mauve light in the sky. In a post on X, photographer Tyler Schlitt captured the event, writing: 'Just saw STEVE with my friends here in Southern Kansas is 45 minutes north of Greensburg!' However, it soon became apparent that this was no natural phenomenon. Writing on X, Dr McDowell said: 'TLEs confirm the Zhuque-2 upper stage passed over the US Four Corners area at 0525 UTC May 17 and is the source of the unusual luminous cloud seen by many observers.' The Zhuque-2 rocket was launched by LandSpace Technology from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Area in northwest China at 04:21 UTC. While many thought it was a rare space weather phenomenon called STEVE, astronomers have revealed that it was actually caused by a Chinese Zhuque-2 rocket (pictured) dumping methane and oxygen fuel after launching hours earlier According to Dr McDowell's tracking, the upper stage of the rocket then passed northward over America around 05:24 UTC (11:24 local time). Unlike most rockets, LandSpace Technology uses a mixture of liquid oxygen and methane called Methalox as fuel. LandSpace Technology says it was the first company in the world to successfully launch a Methalox rocket in 2023, and this was the fifth flight of its updated Zhuque-2 rocket. Methalox is increasingly being targeted as a potential spaceflight fuel because it is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and could potentially be produced on Mars. That would mean crewed expeditions to the red planet would be able to save weight by not bringing fuel for the return journey. There are two ways that dumping fuel can cause a glowing streak in the sky. The first is if the fuel is dumped near dawn or shortly after sunset, allowing frozen crystals of fuel to reflect the light coming over the horizon. But since this glowing streak appeared around midnight, that isn't a likely option. Astronomer Dr Jonathan McDowell tracked the path of the rocket (orange) over the US, matching the reports of sightings This plume was not an aurora, and it was not STEVE. We believe it is related to a rocket launch in China. About an hour before the plume appeared (5:39 UTC), Chinese launch startup Landspace launched the ZhuQue-2E rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (4:12 UTC). It pic.twitter.com/FEcwhfxbZT Oppenheimer Ranch Project (@Diamondthedave) May 17, 2025 The second way Methalox can glow is when the fuel itself has a chemical reaction with components of the upper atmosphere. When carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen - the components of Methalox fuel - enter the charged part of the atmosphere known as the ionosphere, they can react to produce light. In 2021, a team of physicists led by Paul Bernhardt of the US Naval Research Laboratory found that a plume of fuel entering the ionosphere at night could 'yield a long-lived glow that can be observed from ground or space.' Since the rocket dumped its fuel at 155 miles (250km) in the middle of the ionosphere, these reactions might explain why the fuel trail glowed so brightly. This is not the first time that a rocket dumping its fuel has produced a spectacular display over the US. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets routinely create impressive patterns that have left observers on the ground utterly baffled. The only difference is that SpaceX's fuel dumps typically produce sprawling spiral patterns, rather than the straight, glowing streak spotted on Saturday. A massive solar storm is heading toward Earth, threatening to disrupt communications, navigation systems, and power grids around the world. NASA issued the warning after a powerful burst of energy from the sun last week, which measured as an X2.7-class solar flare, the highest category for solar flares. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that come from sunspots darker, cooler areas on the sun's surface and are among the most powerful explosions in the solar system. These flares can last from a few minutes to several hours. This X2.7 flare, released on May 14, came from the sun's most active region, which is now rotating directly toward Earth. The flare has already caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, along with some power degradation in the eastern US. NASA warned that more is to come, saying the bursts could continue to impact 'radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts'. Space expert Vincent Ledvina posted on X: 'This is getting intense, especially as this active region turns closer into view.' While NASA warned more blackouts and communication interference are expected in a matter of days, the agency also noted that several US states will witness stunning northern lights. Those include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Maine, as well as parts of nearby states, including New York. NASA issued the warning after a powerful burst of energy from the sun, which measured as an X2.7-class solar flare, the highest category for solar flares. The solar flare appears as a bright flash in extreme ultraviolet light, which is colored red to accentuate the immense heat. The flare has already caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia , and the Middle East, along with some power degradation in the eastern US (pictured, darker orange) Solar flares are grouped into five categories: A, B, C, M, and X, with each level representing a tenfold increase in energy output. A is the weakest, and X is the strongest. The UK's Met Office reported that up to five sunspot regions are currently visible on the side of the sun facing Earth, with a new magnetically active region rotating into view over the southeastern solar horizon. The agency also noted that a region near the sun's northwest limb may have produced a moderate-class flare earlier on May 19. 'Solar activity is expected to remain mostly low, but with an ongoing chance of isolated moderate-class flares,' the Met Office added. This uptick in solar activity highlights the importance of monitoring space weather, especially as our society becomes more reliant on technology. As the sun continues through its active phase, more solar flares and potential geomagnetic storms could occur in the coming days and weeks. An active region at the edge of the Sun and a coronal mass ejection A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetic field caused by a massive eruption of charged plasma from the Sun's outermost layer. One notable example occurred in 1989, when a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered a nine-hour blackout across Quebec, Canada. High-frequency radio communications vital for aviation and maritime operations are particularly vulnerable to such space weather events. Although not yet confirmed, there may have been a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the May 14 X-class flare. CMEs are large eruptions of solar plasma and magnetic fields that, if directed at Earth, can trigger geomagnetic storms and vivid auroras. For now, Earth may be spared, as the active region AR4087 is still located near the edge of the sun, not yet fully facing our planet. A potentially deadly chemical leak at an industrial park in Texas has injured four workers as thousands of locals were ordered to shelter-in-place. Sirens began blaring at 9:00am local time at the Olin Plant B in Freeport after chlorine gas spewed from the facility. Images of the scene captured clouds of yellow gas bellowing out from machinery. Reports claimed that four workers were injured, with one still hospitalized. The worker who is still hospitalized is 'alert and awake,' expected to make a full recovery. He's been a worker at Plant B since 1990, the union said. The Lake Jackson Police Department described it as an active Level 3 chlorine release, meaning the gas had moved beyond the immediate area of the plant. Breathing in chlorine gaseven in small amountscan irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and may lead to more serious respiratory issues. At higher concentrations, chlorine gas can cause lung injuries, including pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and may be fatal. Freeport, a city in Brazoria County with a population of over 10,500, issued orders for residents to stay indoors. The directive also applied to schools and nearby communities. Olin Corporation confirmed that local officials had issued a shelter-in-place order for Clute and Lake Jackson as a precaution. Lake Jackson Police Department has been advised of the active level 3 chlorine release, meaning gas has moved outside the confines of the city The leak was contained at 9:46am, though shelter-in-place orders remain in effect, but no other communities will be impacted. Resident Michael Kelly told local Click2Houston:'It is just part of being here, explosions, gas releases. 'The chemical plants take precaution for this, it is an undesirable situation but it does happen.' Brazosport Independent School District, located 10 miles from Olin Plant B, was quick to respond to the sirens, ordering all doors to remain closed on campus. 'We will not be releasing students until the All Clear is given by local authorities,' the district stated on Facebook. 'We will provide updates as soon as we receive additional information.' The City of Freeport Emergency Management Office said it is closely monitoring the situation. 'At this time, there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community,' Freeport officials told KHOU11. Locals in surrounding communities have reported burning sensations in their eyes. Freeport, a city in Brazoria County, is home to more than 10,500 people who were told to stay indoors. The orders have been issued to schools and surrounding communities 'The smell is so strong all in Clute and lake Jackson. Eyes feeling the burn,' one local posted on X. 'We encourage residents to avoid the area until further notice.' Olin Plant B in Freeport is a major part of Dow Texas Operations, a large chemical manufacturing complex. The facility is a leading North American manufacturer of chlorine, caustic soda, industrial bleach, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, hydrogen and related products. These chemicals are important building blocks for plastics, pulp and paper products, soaps and detergents. They also play an important role in municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment. Evacuation orders were issued after a pipeline in in La Porte burst into flames in September 2024 The chlorine leak comes just months after another Texas refinery incident that left one person dead. In October 2024, hydrogen sulfide leaked from a Pemex Plant in Deer Park, with the cities of Pasadena and Deer Park now issuing shelter-in-place orders. Local residents were told to go indoors, close their windows and doors, and keep their air conditioners turned off until an all-clear is given. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that is none for its strong odor. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. The Pemex refinery is responsible for producing gasoline, aviation fuel, and ship fuel. It produces 312,500-barrels-per-day. A month before this incident, evacuation orders were issued after a pipeline in in La Porte burst into flames. The company that owns the pipe, Energy Transfer, said a vehicle struck a valve at the pipe, which they believe may have caused the fire. Google is warning its nearly two billion Gmail users to immediately delete a concerning email that tries to look like it comes from Google itself. The new scam is called a 'no-reply' email attack because victims receive a supposedly official message from no-reply@accounts.google.com. Inside the email, recipients will find a notice claiming that Google has been subpoenaed by law enforcement to release everything in the user's account. The email even contains a link to a Google support page that appears to have all the details about what's happening regarding the legal case against you. However, company officials have said it's all a fake, created by online scammers looking to gain access to a victim's personal information. The attack is triggered when Gmail users click the link and then download or approve permissions to view the phony legal documents. By doing this, the victims unknowingly give the scammers limited access to their Google account, like the ability to read emails or access files. In some cases, downloading the fake Google files spreads malware into the victim's device, which is harmful software that can steal even more information, including passwords and bank details. Google has warned all Gmail users that a new attack looks like a legal email coming from Google but it's actually a scam According to Nick Johnson, a leading tech developer who has worked for Google and cryptocurrency Ethereum, the scammers pull this off by exploiting Google's own systems. Specifically, the new attack makes use of a tool called Google OAuth, which lets third-party apps access Google accounts with the user's permission. Scammers create a fake web address that looks similar to Google's, set up an email account on it, and register a fake app with Google. This app sends a notification email that looks real because it comes from Google's system, but it's actually forwarded to victims through a service that hides the scam. The scam email includes a link to a fake Google Support page, hosted on Google's own sites.google.com, which makes it seem trustworthy. When a Gmail user clicks on the link, the attack begins. The link takes them to a page that looks like a real Google login screen. After signing in, they land on a fake webpage that mimics Google's official support site and fools them into granting permissions to the scammer's app. By downloading or approve permissions to view the phony subpoena, the victim unknowingly gives the scammer access to their account, allowing them to read emails and access the user's private files. The email scam pretends to notify the victim that their account information has been subpoenaed by law enforcement, tricking the user into clicking a harmful link The information that can be stolen in this phishing attack can vary depending on what the victim clicks or downloads. In the worst case scenarios, downloading malware into your device can give cybercriminals an open door to steal passwords, access financial records in banking apps, and even hijack the device itself by locking the user out remotely. Johnson explained on X that the key mistake users make is trusting the email and clicking the link. To stay safe, Gmail users should check the email carefully before following any of its instructions. Look at the 'to' and 'mailed-by' fields in the email header. If they show strange addresses, it's a scam. Cybersecurity company Kaspersky added that these email addresses typically start with 'me.' For example, me@googl-mail-smtp-out-198-142-125-38-prod.net. While the address obviously seems suspicious, the only thing many Gmail users will see is 'me' in their inbox, and that can confuse many people into thinking the message comes from someone they know. Once they open it, they're confronted with a phony legal notice that scares them into taking action immediately. The emails can be spotted by their suspicious sender addresses, which typically start with the word 'me' The cyber experts are urging anyone with a Google account to never click on a suspicious link inside an email. Moreover, never download material online unless it's coming from a trusted source on a legitimate website. If you're unsure, go directly to Google's official website by typing support.google.com into your browser, not clicking a link in an email. Using a good antivirus program can also help catch these phishing emails before they cause harm. Google is also warning its 1.8 billion users to check their security settings, remove the popular two-factor authentication security measures and switch to passkeys instead. Passkeys are a passwordless, phishing-resistant technology that uses cryptographic keys stored on a user's devices and are authenticated using biometrics - like a fingerprint, face scan, or a PIN number. Tech giants like Microsoft have argued that passkeys are now safer than two-factor authentication, which typically involves sending a one-time code to your phone or email when signing in. Denzel Washington lashed out an overzealous photographer as he attended the Cannes premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest on Monday. The iconic actor, 70, was filmed pointing his finger in the face of one of the snappers and shouting 'Stop it!' during the dramatic exchange. The drama began when Washington appeared to tell off the photographer for tapping him on the arm as he walked the red carpet with co-star A$AP Rocky, 36. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Anger: The iconic actor was filmed pointing his finger in the face of one of the snappers and shouting 'Stop it!' during the dramatic exchange which was captured on video Explosion: Denzel Washington lashed out an overzealous photographer as he attended the Cannes premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest on Monday The photographer was seen smiling and laughing while he was being chastised by the star - before grabbing the Training Day star's arm once again. An irate Washington then flung the photographer's hand away and shouted 'Stop it, stop it!' before storming off. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Washington for comment. And now expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman exclusively tells the DailyMail.com that the Malcolm X star appears to have been set off by a photographer tapping him on the arm. As Denzel turns to the photographer he appears to shout: 'Hey, one one more time, stop. 'Let me tell you stop, stop never put your hands on me again,' he appears to shout at the photographer, who had a bizarre grin plastered on his face throughout the exchange. 'Im talking to you, stop, all right,' he continued. According to Freeman, the photographer replies to Denzel by saying: 'Not allowed,' before laughing and adding, 'Yes, yes, yes.' Despite the actor's emphatic words and body language, the photographer can be seen grabbing at Denzel again in the clip, and he has the gall to ask, 'Can I take a picture?' Washington, who appears completely fed up at that point, shouts back: 'Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.' Despite the intensity of his words, many of the photographers surrounding Washington including the one he was yelling at were smiling, suggesting that they may not have realized how upset he was. Despite his spat, Washington was in great spirits when he was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award by director Spike Lee. Cannes changed some of its scheduling to accommodate Washington's trip, which came amid his lone off-day while performing Othello in New York. Handing the award over to Washington, Spike said: 'This is my brother, right here.' 'This is a total surprise for me!' the actor replied. The actor, who posed for photos with Spike and co-star A$AP Rocky, showed no signs of jet lag and was expected to fly back to New York immediately after the screening. When the festival first announced its lineup last month, Highest 2 Lowest wasn't included. But within hours, however, Spike himself announced the film was heading to Cannes and representatives for the festival said they had been waiting for confirmation that Denzel would attend the red carpet. Highest 2 Lowest is directed by Spike Lee and follows the story of a music mogul who faces a life-and-death moral dilemma when he gets caught up in a ransom plot. It is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film High and Low, and will be released in theatres by A24 August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5. The tirade comes seven months after Washington was filmed exploding at autograph hunters in New York City in October 2024. The Oscar-winning actor snapped at fans as he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art for a film benefit honoring Samuel L. Jackson - with the tense exchange captured in a dramatic video. Row: The exchange began when Washington appeared to tell off the photographer who smiled, laughed and grabbed the Training Day star's arm Heated: An irate Washington then flung the photographer's hand away and shouted 'Stop it, stop it stop it!' before walking off Red carpet: The star faced a wall of photographers but was left furious Premiere: Washington was all smiles before the encounter Pals: The actor was seen posing with co-star A$AP Rocky Honor: Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award at the Film Festival. Seen with Spike Lee, left Former prosecutors claim the Kentucky sheriff who shot a local judge dead in his chambers last year faces an uphill battle with his insanity defense. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines gunned down Judge Kevin Mullins inside the county courthouse on September 19. Exactly why Stines killed his close friend soon after they had lunch together remains a mystery, with only vague explanations from his lawyers so far. The shooting and the moments leading up to it were caught on film. Stines' lawyers plan to present an insanity defense if the case goes to trial, claiming two weeks of intense stress drove him to murder. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley claimed Stines irrationally feared for the lives of his family after being questioned at a deposition for a sexual assault lawsuit. The sheriff told officers seconds after the shooting, 'Theyre trying to kidnap my wife and kid,' and expressed fear he would be murdered on the way to jail. Harrowing: Stines gunned down Judge Kevin Mullins (pictured), his friend of more than 30 years Legal battle: Stines (seen in his mugshot) has indicated he plans to enter an insanity defense But two former prosecutors believe a jury is unlikely to believe he was insane as he appeared to know right from wrong when he pulled the trigger. Georgia legal expert Phil Holloway pointed to Kentucky State Police bodycam footage of Stines being arrested minutes after the shooting. Stines was terrified of being transported to the Leslie County Jail, an hour's drive away, and begged to be locked up in the one next door instead. 'I leave this building, I won't draw another breath,' he told them while handcuffed, with his leg nervously shaking. Stines said he was worried the transport would stop along the way, and someone else would get in the car and kill him. Holloway said Stines' fear that he would be killed, however paranoid or delusional, showed he knew that murder was wrong. 'If they know right from wrong, they can still be convicted even if they have a mental health issue,' Holloway told Fox News. 'He knows that killing is wrong because he's asking the police to not kill him.' Michael Wynne, a former prosecutor in Houston, said the CCTV footage of the moments leading up to the shooting was even more damning. Telling detail: Experts said Stines' fear that he would be killed, however paranoid or delusional, showed he knew that murder was wrong He said: 'The video shows he knows what he's doing is wrong. If you don't know what you're doing is wrong, you don't usher everybody else out of the room, and you don't go ahead and make sure the door is closed. 'Those are all things that show that he has an ability to make cognizant decisions.' Wynne said Stines risked a harsher sentence by trying an insanity defense, as the judge and jury could 'punish' him for pursuing it. Bartley issued a legal filing saying his client's state of mind at the time of the shooting would be key to his upcoming trial. Distressing: The shooting and the moments leading up to it were caught on film He said the case would hinge on testimony that Stines gave at a deposition for a lawsuit by Sabrina Adkins days before the September 2024 shooting. Stines in that interview answered questions about one of his deputies allegedly sexually assaulting jail inmates. An accuser in that case claimed that she was forced by a deputy sheriff to have sex in Mullins' chambers for six months in exchange for staying out of jail. Bartley claimed Stines was concerned about the backlash from his deposition testimony, which caused him to fear that his or his family's lives were in danger. Ongoing case: Stines (seen in court in October 2024) is readying an insanity defense The attorney claimed Stines' 'mental health' was affected by the perceived threat. He wrote: 'Ultimately, he was in fear for the safety of his wife and his daughter, and I think what you see there is the result of that.' Footage from just before the shooting showed Stines express concern about his family, and call his daughter from the judge's phone. Adkins accused Judge Mullins of inappropriate behavior, claiming she had witnessed him engaging in sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment. This lawsuit, filed in January 2022, claimed Mullins was involved in a sex-for-favors scheme within his chambers. Adkins also alleged former deputy Ben Fields was involved and filmed illicit encounters, some of which reportedly involved Mullins. Stines, a close friend of Mullins for about 30 years, was mentioned in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting. Bartley said: 'I think the deposition has several important roles in this case... it's going to be a large portion of the story we tell.' A former Pennsylvania guidance counselor was sentenced to seven years of probation for her relationship with a 14-year-old boy. Kelly Ann Schutte, 36, pleaded guilty in February to corruption of minors after it was revealed she had an ongoing relationship with the teen that started during a class field trip in the fall of 2022, during which Schutte sat next to the minor on the bus, court documents stated. Other charges of institutional sexual assault and indecent assault were dismissed as part of her plea deal. Shocking: Kelly Ann Schutte, 36, was sentenced to just seven years probation after she pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student The ordeal, which was reported to police by the student's mother, began at Schutte's home, the student admitted. Schutte would also call the student to her office during school hours, resulting in missed classes at Pennridge South Middle School in Perkasie - about an hour outside of Philadelphia. An affidavit revealed that the duo's inappropriate relationship continued even when classes were dismissed for summer. Distressing: Schutte would call the student to her office during school hours, resulting in missed classes (Pennridge South Middle School is pictured) Their interactions also took place in her car while parked outside of a local supermarket, as well as the student's home while his family was away, per court records. Schutte, who appeared in court on Thursday with her husband for her sentencing hearing, must also register as a sex offender for 15 years and cannot have any contact with the victim. She is also required to avoid unsupervised contact with children, can never be employed as a school counselor again and must undergo psychosexual evaluation and comply with all treatment recommendations, Montgomery County Court Judge Wendy Rothstein ruled. 'As a guidance counselor, you were in a position of trust. You breached that trust on multiple occasions. You were supposed to offer guidance, and instead, you sexually molested a student,' Rothstein told Schutte. Their relationship initially came to light after one of Schutte's relatives walked in on her and the teenage boy kissing, per the legal filing. Position of trust: Schutte pictured with an unidentified male at the 2nd annual Pennridge South Middle School color run He then went on to tell his parents about his relationship with the disgraced guidance counselor. Police also discovered one of her earrings in the boy's bedroom, records showed. At the time, the Pennridge School District released a statement revealing that Schutte was placed on administrative leave. The statement said that the district has been aware of the allegations since July of 2023, which prompted the decision to place the counselor on immediate administrative leave pending the investigation's outcome. In response to the charges filed against Schutte, the school said: 'While we refrain from making premature judgments about the actions of the staff member facing prosecution, it is crucial to reiterate the district's stance against any inappropriate contact between a Pennridge School District employee and a student. Such behavior will NOT be tolerated.' During her hearing in February, Rothstein turned to the victim and praised him for coming forward. 'You are strong, brave and courageous. You are not to blame for anything that happened here. You did nothing wrong,' Rothstein said. The teen's mother also made a statement in court, sharing that Schutte's betrayal 'jolted' her family. 'When someone, who we as a society have deemed trustworthy, breaks that trust, the ramifications are great and far-reaching. We as a family have been jolted by this offense,' the mother told the court. 'The cost to our child has been substantial. Peace was stolen along with innocence and normalcy. The effects on both his reputation and daily school life are noticeable and inescapable. 'No sentence can right this wrong or undo the damage that has resulted. But consequences are essential in order for justice to prevail.' Prison guards have discovered a 'narco cat' roaming around a Costa Rican jail with marijuana and crack strapped to its body. According to a statement on Facebook from the country's Ministry Of Justice, officers at the Pococi Penitentiary spotted the unlikely smuggler on prison grounds on May 6 before capturing it. Prison staff were suspicious of gray patches they spotted on the feline's fur and decided to take a closer look. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Narco kitty: Prison guards caught a 'narco cat' roaming around a Costa Rican jail with marijuana and crack strapped to its body The odd looking patches turned out to be bags filled with narcotics - including a bag containing 236 grams of marijuana, and another containing 86 grams of crack cocaine. Footage shows the moment prison officers spotted and caught the feline felon as it climbed a tree on prison grounds. A separate clip shows how authorities carefully removed the illegal substances from the cat's body. Once removed from the animal the drugs were seized by authorities and the cat was handed over to the National Animal Health service for an evaluation. Well stocked: The feline was carrying a bag containing 236 grams of marijuana The Free Press Journal reported that it is common for animals to be used to smuggle narcotics into Costa Rican prisons. Prisoners reportedly use food to lure the animals to them after they have been loaded with drugs by people on the outside. The incident comes four years after authorities in Panama intercepted a fluffy white cat carrying an assortment of drugs in a pouch tied to its body as it tried to enter a prison. More supplies: The cat also had and another bag attached to it containing 86 grams of crack cocaine The animal was stopped outside the Nueva Esperanza jail, which houses more than 1,700 prisoners, in the Caribbean province of Colon, located north of the capital Panama City, in 2021. At the time, Andres Gutierrez, head of the Panama Penitentiary System said: 'The animal had a cloth tied around its neck' that contained wrapped packages of white powder, leaves and 'vegetable matter.' Officials confirmed that they were likely cocaine, crack, and marijuana. The outcome: The drugs were seized by authorities and the cat was handed over to the National Animal Health service The 'narco cat' incidents come after the country's president, Rodrigo Chaves, took another step in his shift toward a tough-on-crime stance, announcing plans to build a new prison modelled on the maximum security prison in El Salvador. In addition to building a new prison, Chaves said small shops selling things inside existing prisons would be shut down. He also said permission for conjugal visits would be restricted and authorities would tighten the ability of families to bring food to inmates. The restrictions were aimed at stopping drugs being brought into prisons and other illicit activities. A video captured the moment a tourist was rescued on Brazil's iconic Copacabana Beach after becoming trapped waist-deep in wet sand at the bottom of a hole he had dug himself. Jensen Sturgeon, 22, was trying to dig as deep as he could on the beach at Rio de Janeiro but he struck water and the hole quickly collapsed around him. More than 30 people - including beachgoers, vendors, and lifeguards - can be seen trying to rescue the airport worker. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Shock: Jensen Sturgeon was trying to dig as deep as he could on the famed beach at Rio de Janeiro but he struck water and the hole quickly collapsed around him. Some were digging around him, while others handed over bits of wood and rope in an attempt to pull the man out, but nothing seemed to work. According to witnesses, the rescue took more than three hours. During that time, Jansen became the center of attention on the beach, and was even given a beer to stay hydrated. He was eventually pulled out by rescuers as onlookers cheered and applauded. He later revealed he feared he 'was going to die'. Booze: He seemed positive during the ordeal as he drank a beer Mission: More than 30 people - including beachgoers, vendors, and lifeguards - can be seen trying to rescue the 22-year-old Efforts: Some were digging around him, while others handed over bits of wood and rope in an attempt to pull the man out, but nothing seemed to work He later recorded a video on his way home, and spoke of how the incident scared him. He said: 'I'm Jensen from England and I'm the guy who got stuck in that hole. 'I was digging an eight foot hole and, basically what was going through my head [was], I thought I was going to die. 'But luckily I had good people to save me. Obrigado to the people of Rio that helped me out.' Success: A team of tourists, vendors and lifeguards spent more than three hours trying to save him, according to witnesses Holidaymakers are being warned to think twice before heading to one of the world's rarest and most eye-catching destinations this summer. The pink sands of Komodo Island in Indonesia are a dream photo-op for many, but rising tourist numbers are putting pressure on the destination's natural wonders. Part of the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, which comprises 29 islands, Komodo Island is already famous for its namesake resident, the Komodo dragon. But in recent years, it's the bubblegum-hued beaches that have caught the internet's attention - and flooded travel bucket lists in the process. The surge of visitors has sparked fresh concerns from local authorities and travel experts, who have highlighted a number of rules tourists must follow. In order to visit the pink beaches or see the dragons up close, pre-registration is essential, as reported by the Mirror. Visitors must take a boat trip to Komodo Island and provide passport details to the boat operator at least a day in advance or risk being denied entry to the park. Timing is also crucial, with travellers urged to avoid arriving during certain periods to limit crowding. The pink sands of Komodo Island in Indonesia are a dream photo-op for many, but rising tourist numbers are putting pressure on the destination's natural wonders Part of the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, which comprises 29 islands, Komodo Island is already famous for its namesake resident, the Komodo dragon Brits hoping to visit in the early part of the year should avoid January to March, when the rainy season makes boat travel unpredictable or outright impossible. Holidaymakers are advised to avoid visiting during the warmer months too, as July and August are peak mating season for the dragons, and popular spots like the Padar Island viewpoint are often swamped with crowds. Back in 2019, there were even plans to shut the island down entirely after reports surfaced that Komodo dragons were being stolen and smuggled off the island. The closure was eventually cancelled, but restrictions still apply, and not all areas of the park are open to visitors. Now, the beaches themselves under threat, as the soft pink sand - coloured by crushed red-shelled marine microorganisms - is fading due to tourists pocketing handfuls of it as souvenirs. And it's not just Komodo experiencing the issue: in northern Sardinia, one of Italys only pink sand beaches, Spiaggia Rosa, had to ban tourists completely after the sand colour faded due to years of theft. For visitors who wish to stay overnight while visiting Komodo National Park, there's no accommodation allowed inside as this helps protect the ecosystem, so Brits planning a visit will need to stay in nearby Labuan Bajo or sleep onboard an overnight boat. While the pink beaches of Komodo are still worth seeing - and have even been listed by Time Out as one of the most beautiful places on Earth - locals and experts have urged tourists to plan ahead, follow the rules, and respect the environment. Holidaymakers are advised to avoid visiting during the warmer months, as July and August are peak mating season for Komodo dragons The beaches themselves under threat, as the soft pink sand - coloured by crushed red-shelled marine microorganisms - is fading due to tourists pocketing handfuls of it as souvenirs While the pink beaches of Komodo are still worth seeing, locals and experts have urged tourists to plan ahead, follow the rules, and respect the environment Meanwhile, British tourists on a popular Croatian island have been warned they'll need to stick to strict clothing rules or face a fine. Hvar, a beautiful island in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, is known for its nightclubs and beaches. But tourists could face hefty fines if they're caught wearing swimwear away from designated areas. Wearing speedos or a bikini away from the pool or beach in Hvar could see tourists fined 600/513. Flight passengers are not guaranteed a seat even when they book one - and can be legally 'bumped' onto another service, a travel expert confirmed today. Airlines will sometimes book more people onto a flight than there are seats on a plane because travellers do not always turn up even if they have booked a flight. Carriers are also sometimes unable to board all passengers if they switch to a smaller aircraft for operational reasons, meaning too many people will try to board. Some passengers are therefore asked to give up their place on the flight - known as being 'bumped' - although airlines can also do so without your permission. There was after one such case last month involving a Ryanair passenger who did not pay to reserve himself a seat before a flight from Birmingham to Mallorca. A seasoned globetrotter has shared a list of cities and countries she would 'never' revisit - including one notably luxurious hotspot she described as 'soulless and dystopian.' The avid traveller, known only as Eva on TikTok, has visited dozens of bucket-list destinations across the globe, including Versailles, Lake Como, Crete and New York City. But in a slideshow post uploaded to her page @travelgirl423 in April, revealed six standout locations that left her feeling deflated as a tourist - citing 'scams' and 'constant' harassment, high costs and 'dark energy' as some of the driving factors. The first surprising hotspot Eva highlighted as a no-go - despite it welcoming more than a million tourists every month - is the Canary Islands, as there's 'nothing to do' and 'the food wasn't great.' She added: 'The beaches are gorgeous, but it got boring real quick. I wouldn't recommend going for more than three days.' The second destination Eva vowed to never return to is Los Angeles, due to the iconic city being 'a lot more grim' than she'd expected. Though she insisted there were lots of attractions and activities, the content creator couldn't shake off the feeling that a 'dark energy' was present, which had left her feeling 'uneasy' during her trip. She also described the landmark city as 'super expensive' and difficult to navigate for tourists who are unable to drive. A seasoned globetrotter has shared a list of cities and countries she would 'never' revisit - including one notably luxurious hotspot she described as 'soulless and dystopian' Eva shared that she has no intention of returning to the Egyptian city of Hurghada due to the 'constant harassment' she experienced from local men Next, Eva shared that she has no intention of returning to the Egyptian city of Hurghada due to the 'constant harassment' she experienced from local men. She advised: 'It was VERY overstimulating and I wouldn't recommend it for women unless you're travelling in a big group or hire a tour guide.' The fourth destination that felt especially lacklustre to Eva was Dubai, a UAE nation widely known for its awe-inspiring architecture and luxury shopping. However, according to the travel enthusiast, the popular holiday spot felt 'soulless' and 'dystopian', and she compared it to a 'simulation with dark energy'. The fifth location Eva highlighted is Bali. She first described it as 'gorgeous' with 'lovely' locals, though the jetsetter admitted she had been put off returning due to a 'bad experience of Bali belly'. Finally, the travel fanatic declared she would never revisit the Indian capital of New Delhi as she found it 'really hard' navigate the city while facing 'a lot of harassment from the men'. Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective. The fourth destination that felt especially lackluster to Eva was Dubai, a UAE nation widely known for its awe-inspiring architecture and luxury shopping The travel fanatic declared she would never revisit the Indian capital of New Delhi as she found it 'really hard' navigate the city while facing 'a lot of harassment from the men' Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective One person quipped, 'Literally nothing to do in the Canary Islands? Good god,' while another added, 'I've been to all of the Canary Islands over the years and never found one of them to be boring.' However, one unenthused former visitor hit back: 'I went to Gran Canaria and I agree it was a very boring holiday and the food was bad lol, really beautiful island though.' Meanwhile, one person commented: 'Anyone that dislikes Dubai went to Dubai on a budget. If you want to enjoy the real Dubai you have to go there with money,' while another said, 'Ive been to egypt 6 times, 4 to hurghada, never been harrassed at all.' One former visitor to Los Angeles wrote: 'Yes I felt the dark energy of LA too.' Finally, one person wrote: 'I think you should be grateful that you have had the chance to visit all of those place, some people can not even afford a weekend away.' Dreaming of spending your golden years abroad? A new study from International Living has revealed the world's safest places for retired expats - and they all rank higher than the USA on the Global Peace Index. Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, says: 'Our international correspondents and regular contributors live in and regularly visit the places we recommend. 'From village life in Portugal to city strolls in Malaysia, we've found that safety isn't just possible - it's expected. 'If we don't feel a place is safe for a "regular person" to go about their "regular life" day-to-day, then we don't recommend that place.' While the UK fails to rank in the top 10, find out where retired expats can expect to feel safe in 2025... Portugal 'Portugal's calm atmosphere and inclusive culture make it a reassuring haven for retirees,' says International Living. Terry Coles, a U.S expat who has lived in Portugal for seven years, claims that 'violent crime is virtually unheard of'. 'Portugal's calm atmosphere and inclusive culture make it a reassuring haven for retirees,' says International Living She reveals: 'There's a sense of security here that wraps around you like a warm blanket - steady, comforting and always present.' The expat, who says she's 'never once felt unsafe' in Portugal, adds that the country's population 'skews older' with nearly a quarter of residents aged over 65. 'From our apartment, we often see a steady stream of elderly locals walking past, some with canes or walkers, others enjoying dinner or wine at nearby cafes,' says Terry. Malaysia Keith, who lives in Penang, says: 'I lock my door at night - most of the time. But even in the early hours, I've never felt vulnerable Expat Keith Hockton has lived in Malaysia for 16 years and reveals: 'I can say with confidence, I've never felt safer.' He lives in Penang, a popular tourist destination in northwest Malaysia. Keith says: 'I lock my door at night - most of the time. But even in the early hours, I've never felt vulnerable. 'Some of my most peaceful moments have been spent here, lingering over a late-night coffee or strolling through a night market.' Although gated communities exist, Keith says he feels no need to live in one. He claims: 'Safety here isn't about high fences or patrols. It's about cultural norms. Malaysians are courteous, respectful and quick to lend a hand.' Ireland International Living's editors explain that Ireland's 'low crime rates', 'stable government' and 'strong sense of community' make it 'ideal for retirees' Ireland ranks highly on the list due to its second place position on the Global Peace Index. International Living's editors explain that the country's 'low crime rates', 'stable government' and 'strong sense of community' make it 'ideal for retirees'. The editors reveal: 'For many expats, one of the most reassuring aspects of Irish life is the community itself. 'People are friendly, interested in newcomers and eager to offer help or conversation. 'It's easy to become a "regular" and even easier to feel like you belong.' Spain Marsha claims: 'I feel much safer in Spain than I did in the U.S. and I am. When I first visited Spain, friends assured me it was safe to walk home alone at night Marsha Scarborough, a U.S. expat who moved to Spain in 2017, says she 'enjoys the ultimate luxury - complete personal safety'. She claims: 'I feel much safer in Spain than I did in the U.S. and I am. When I first visited Spain, friends assured me it was safe to walk home alone at night. 'I was skeptical. But when I did, I found streets filled with friendly faces. Women can ride the metro and buses without fear of being groped or harassed.' The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Spain as the 23rd safest country in the world while the USA finished in 132nd place. Marsha's adds that Spain's strict gun laws increase her feeling of safety as no one 'feels the need to carry' a gun. Italy Chip reveals that he has lost his wallet three times in Italy but each time got it back 'with nothing missing' 'After eight years of living in Italy, I can honestly say I've never once felt threatened,' says Chip Stites, a U.S expat. The expat reveals that he has lost his wallet three times in Italy but each time got it back 'with nothing missing'. He claims: 'That kind of experience reflects Italian values. People here take pride in their communities. They're less focused on possessions and more on relationships and culture.' The expat adds that Italy's murder rate is 12 times lower than the USA's with twice the police per capita. Chip adds: 'Life in Italy is relaxed, connected and safer.' Greece Lynn says the country's tradition of 'philoxenia' - literally 'friend to strangers' - means that Greece has a hospitable and inclusive environment Lynn Roulo moved to Athens from San Francisco and reveals: 'I feel safer in Athens than I ever did in San Francisco.' She explains that 'violent crime is rare' in Greece and that Athens has a 'visible police presence'. Lynn says the country's tradition of 'philoxenia' - literally 'friend to strangers' - means that Greece has a hospitable and inclusive environment. Although she reveals that she has suffered a break-in while living in Greece, the expat says that her daily life 'feels secure and grounded'. She adds: 'Strangers offer help readily, and neighbours look out for one another, fostering a natural sense of community.' Vietnam For Sharyn, Vietnam's 'everyday sense of security' is one of her favourite parts of living there Expat Sharyn Nielsen relocated to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from Australia in 2011 with her husband. She reveals: 'We feel safer on the streets here than we did back home. We've never been robbed or threatened.' For the expat, Vietnam's 'everyday sense of security' is one of her favourite parts of living there. 'We've walked through parks at night, an unthinkable act in some Western cities', says Sharon. She adds: 'Locals even look out for you, we've had strangers politely suggest we keep our phones tucked away in cafes or tourist spots.' Costa Rica Bekah says: 'I've always felt secure in our community. I've never questioned my choice to raise my two children in Costa Rica' A single mother, Bekah Bottone chose to raise her two children by the beach in Costa Rica. She says: 'I've always felt secure in our community. I've never questioned my choice to raise my two children in Costa Rica. 'I'm thankful my children have grown up on the beach, immersed in nature's playground. 'Life here is lived outdoors - relaxed, joyful and connected to the environment.' Uruguay David says: 'Uruguay consistently ranks among the safest countries in Latin America, and after nearly 20 years living here, I agree' David Hammond has lived in Uruguay for nearly 20 years and is based in Montevideo, the capital city. He says: 'Uruguay consistently ranks among the safest countries in Latin America, and after nearly 20 years living here, I agree. I've found life in Uruguay to be low-stress, welcoming and secure.' The expat adds that driving in Uruguay is 'optional' and he's able to do 'most of his errands on foot'. 'I take the bus for longer trips, which is much less stressful than navigating U.S traffic', says David. He adds: 'Uruguay offers a secure, serene lifestyle that many expats find safer than home.' Bali Roland says: 'The Balinese are deeply reliant on tourism and expat communities, and as a result, you're treated with kindness, respect and genuine hospitality' Having lived in Bali for over four decades, Roland Dalton has decided that it's 'one of the safest and most welcoming places in the world for expats'. He says: 'The Balinese are deeply reliant on tourism and expat communities, and as a result, you're treated with kindness, respect and genuine hospitality.' And the expat reveals that many people feel so secure they don't even lock their doors. Roland says: 'In traditional villages inland, it's still common to leave your car unlocked and your villa open. ' He adds: 'With a little common sense and guidance from the community, you'll feel more secure here than in many Western cities.' Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots and warned that 'selfie tourism' is ruining the region's most beautiful beaches. The move comes a year after jeering Mallorcan protestors descended on an Instagram-famous beach and blocked visitors from entering in a bid to combat mass tourism. Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites. But the strategy has seemingly backfired, as some of these remote locations have now become flooded with selfie-snapping visitors, causing even more overcrowding and sparking further fury from locals contesting 'over tourism.' 'It has had the complete opposite effect to what was intended and runs contrary to government policy on containing tourism,' a spokesman for the Balearic tourism department admitted over the weekend. One distinctive example is Calo des Moro, a small cove on the island of Mallorca which holds around 100 visitors. But after an online celebrity shared the spot with their followers, it became inundated with tourists. Mayor Maria Pons last year revealed that up to 4,000 people and 1,200 vehicles were descending on the cove every day. Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots, saying selfie tourism is ruining local environments Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites In response, local authorities removed all pictures promoting Calo des Moro from its official website. Elsewhere in Ibiza, the local government has closed off access to popular viewpoint at Es Vedra after residents complained about overcrowding. The influencer ban comes a year after hundreds of campaigners stormed Calo des Moro in Mallorca made famous around the world by Instagrammers - as locals vowed to 'reclaim' the stunning spot from holidaymakers. More than 300 protesters descended on the cove last June as they unfurled a huge banner stretching across the beach which read: 'Let's occupy out beaches.' Others stayed in a nearby car park and distributed leaflets in English and German informing tourists about the mobilisation - forcing tourists to turn back and leave the cove. Footage from the demonstration shows a woman sitting across a path leading down to the popular Calo des Moro while a local shouted at would-be tourists to 'go, go, go!' Another man sporting long hair and tattoos is seen explaining to disgruntled holidaymakers that 'tourists have taken over the beach... for one day, we're going to enjoy it', before gesturing at them to leave. Ukrainian Kristina Vashchenko, 20, was forced to retreat along the craggy rocks leading down to the stunning bay after locals alerted each other to her presence by whistling. But the strategy has seemingly backfired, as some of these remote locations have now become flooded with selfie-snapping visitors The move comes a year after jeering Mallorcan protestors descended on an Instagram-famous beach and blocked visitors from entering Campaigners unfurled a huge banner stretching across Calo des Moro cove which said: 'Ocupem Les Nostres Platges' - 'Let's Occupy our beaches' Protestors applauded as a banner was laid out on the front of the sand Others held up smaller banners with the message: 'SOS Residents' on them Kristina, originally from Mariupol but now living in Germany, said: 'I saw pictures on TikTok and wanted to come but we just realised that there are protests by people who live here. 'So now we're looking for another beach to go to.'It is a shame but I appreciate that we are guests on their island and they live here. 'It will not be difficult to find another beautiful beach to go to.' The impact of mass tourism on Calo des Moro sees six tonnes of sand disappear from the cove every three months - with 70kg disappearing in towels and footwear every day. Locals say the cove, accessible by traversing down rocks and passing 120 steep steps, is used as a dumping ground by tourists who are too lazy to make the return journey with their possessions. Spain was rocked by anti-tourism protests last summer, which saw tens of thousands of fed up locals filling streets across the country. Anti-tourism campaigners have long been contesting the current tourism model, claiming that many locals have been priced out by holidaymakers, expats and foreign buyers. Last year, Spain saw a record-breaking number of tourists, with over 15 million visitors flocking to the island of Mallorca alone. Spain was rocked by anti-tourism protests last summer, which saw tens of thousands of fed up locals filling streets across the country Anti-tourism campaigners have long been contesting the current tourism model, claiming that many locals have been priced out by holidaymakers The impact of mass tourism on Calo des Moro sees six tonnes of sand disappear from the cove every three months Last year, Spain saw a record-breaking number of tourists, with over 15 million visitors flocking to the island of Mallorca alone In response, protestors took to the streets across Spain In response, protestors took to the streets across Spain, leaving countless visitors fuming after paying hundreds of pounds to enjoy their holidays abroad. Actions included marches on the street with protesters chanting 'tourists go home', as well as demonstrations on beaches which saw locals boo and jeer at sun-soaked tourists. In one particular instance, up to 50,000 locals descended onto the streets of the Mallorca capital Palma. Meanwhile in Barcelona, some 2,800 people marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year. Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' before some used water guns on tourists eating outdoors at restaurants in popular tourist hotspots. Chants of 'Tourists out of our neighbourhood' rang out as some stopped in front of the entrances to hotels. Last month, anti-tourism campaigners issued a chilling warning to British holidaymakers after they threatened to unleash more chaos. With summer holidays looming, the Mallorcan anti-tourism campaign group Banc del Temps Sencells posted a video hinting that there will be more action taken this year. Actions included marches on the street with protesters chanting 'tourists go home' Over the weekend, thousands of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the Canary Islands. Holidaymakers were forced to cower in hotels on Sunday as anti-tourist protests stormed the streets of the Canary Islands, disrupting bliss for the thousands of Brits abroad. Demonstrators 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?' 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. Last month, locals also took to the streets in Barcelona, Valencia as well as Madrid. An ambitious Welsh resident has vowed to revive an abandoned theme park and transform it into a 'booming' tourist hub. The anonymous local is determined to re-open Oakwood Theme Park, based in the heart of Pembrokeshire. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park first opened in April 1987, and went on to become a hugely popular and successful attraction in Wales, reaching its peak with over 400,000 visitors annually. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park was known for its variety of family-friendly options, along with thrill rides such as Vertigo, Bounce, and Dizzy Disk. It was also home to key attractions such as Speed, the fastest ride in Wales, and Megafobia, a world-renowned wooden roller coaster often ranked among the best in Europe and the UK. However, after 40 years of providing fun for children and families, Oakwood announced the news of its sudden closure on March 4 - leaving locals devastated. A statement released on the park's website earlier this year confirmed it would not open for the 2025 season, despite receiving a multi-million pound investment over the years from its owner, Aspro Parks. The park added: 'Aspro Parks has invested over 25M since rescuing the park from being at risk of closure in 2008. Oakwood Theme Park first opened in April 1987, and went on to become a hugely popular and successful attraction in Wales, reaching its peak with over 400,000 visitors annually However, after 40 years of providing fun for children and families, Oakwood announced the news of its sudden closure on March 4 - leaving locals devastated 'Most recently a major refurbishment of Megafobia, the iconic wooden rollercoaster was completed to great success and acclaim from enthusiasts and fans of the park. 'Despite the ongoing investment visitor numbers have declined, the financial performance of the park has suffered, making further investment unsustainable.' 'All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result.' Though Oakwood's owner, Astro Parks, operates 68 other attractions across Europe, its Pembrokeshire location has left residents especially disheartened. But one local hero has now made a commitment to re-open the beloved theme park. Speaking to Wales Online, the anonymous resident said: 'I grew up in west Wales. I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. 'Oakwood wasnt just a theme park - it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didnt just go there. You remembered it.' The resident has since set up an organisation called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which has set out a proposal to revive Oakwood and boost employment with an estimate of over 100 seasonal job opportunities in the Pembrokeshire area. Though Oakwood's owner, Astro Parks, operates 68 other attractions across Europe, its Pembrokeshire location has left residents especially disheartened A Welsh resident has since set up an organisation called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which has set out a proposal to revive Oakwood RLP said is has developed a phased capital investment plan to restore infrastructure and 're-establish Oakwood as a national leisure destination.' The organisation has contacted the current owner of the park with its proposal but no formal response has yet been received, according to Wales Online. The resident added: 'This isnt about nostalgia - it's about rebuilding pride. 'It's about giving todays kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.' A beautiful island in Turkey has been described as the country's answer to the Maldives. Suluada, which means 'Water Island', sits off the coast of Antalya, one of Turkey's leading tourist destinations. Despite its proximity to Antalya, the island is completely uninhabited making it a peaceful retreat for tourists looking to escape the crowds. Visitors can reach the secluded paradise by taking a 40 minute boat trip from Antalya. Villa Plus Turkey.com says: 'Upon arriving visitors are greeted with a sight that seems straight out of a postcard. 'The island's coastline is fringed with fine, powdery white sand and the azure waters beckon for a refreshing swim.' It adds that the island has managed to retain its 'unspoiled natural beauty' with 'minimal development'. Suluada's crystal-clear water is a haven for wildlife with tourists in with a chance of spotting dolphins and monk seals. A beautiful island in Turkey has been described as the country's answer to the Maldives Suluada, which means 'Water Island', sits off the coast of Antalya ,one of Turkey's leading tourist destinations Suluada has two beaches suitable for swimming while visitors can also head inland to hike among olive trees A tourist 'Nadine M' writes on Tripadvisor: 'Superb beach. Beautiful landscape. Very beautiful beach.' 'Eliff' writes: 'Turkey's Maldives. Excellent sea. The water is perfectly clear. It's a must.' Suluada has two beaches suitable for swimming while visitors can also head inland to hike among olive trees. And plenty of Brits are choosing to holiday in Turkey this year. Research by holiday company On the Beach has revealed that Turkey is the most popular summer destination in 2025. It reports that bookings to Turkey have risen by 54 per cent in two years with Antalya one of the country's leading destinations. The news comes as Konyaalti Beach in Antalya was revealed to have Europe's warmest seas at 27.8 degrees celsius. Brits will need to fork out more than 600 for a two-night break in the pricey spot If you're looking to save money on a holiday this year, there's one city you'll definitely want to avoid. The Post Office Travel Money report has revealed that Oslo, the capital of Norway, is officially the most expensive destination for a 2025 city break. Tourists will need to fork out a whopping 636.20 to afford a two-night break in the Scandinavian city. The research has found that two nights of three star accommodation in Oslo adds up to 304 on average. And costs quickly add up in Oslo even after you've paid for accommodation. Tourists will need to pay 173.08 for a three-course evening meal for two on average while a glass of wine comes to an eyewatering 9.86. A beer comes to over 8 while a Coca-Cola costs as much as 4.17. Attractions are also expensive with entrance to a top art gallery in the city costing as much as 11.37. Copenhagen is the next priciest city break on the list, with costs coming to a total of 628 for a two-night stay in the Danish capital. The Post Office Travel Money report has revealed that Oslo, the capital of Norway, is officially the most expensive destination for a 2025 city break Copenhagen is the next priciest city break on the list, with costs coming to a total of 628 for a two-night stay in the Danish capital Accommodation is even more expensive in Copenhagen than in Oslo with tourists facing a fee of 360 for a two-night stay in a three-star hotel. A bottle of beer comes to 5.42 in Copenhagen while visitors could be charged as much as 154.27 for a three-course evening meal for two. And it's a UK destination that's the third priciest place for a city break. A two-night break in Edinburgh could set tourists back a whopping 601.50 making the Scottish capital almost 100 more expensive than London (523.40). Edinburgh has some of the highest costs for accommodation in the ranking with tourists facing costs of 399 for two nights in a three star hotel. A meal out in the Scottish capital is also pricey at 116 for two while tourists will pay 6 for a glass of wine on average. Venice is the next priciest spot for a city break (591.12) with Berlin (587.65) rounding off the top five most expensive destinations. Accommodation in Berlin is particularly pricey with tourists paying around 439 on average for two nights in a three star hotel. The Post Office explains that a 'scarcity of three-star tourist accommodation' has meant that prices have risen by as much as 28 per cent in Berlin since last year's ranking. A two-night break in Edinburgh could set tourists back a whopping 601.50 making the Scottish capital almost 100 more expensive than London (523.40) Venice is the next priciest spot for a city break (591.12) EUROPE'S MOST EXPENSIVE CITY BREAKS 1. Oslo, Norway (636.20) 2. Copenhagen, Denmark (628.64) 3. Edinburgh, Scotland (601.50) 4. Venice, Italy (591.12) 5. Berlin, Germany (587.65) 6. Amsterdam, Netherlands (582.79) 7. Geneva, Switzerland (570.04) 8. Dublin, Ireland (568.34) 9. Barcelona, Spain (561.90) 10. Florence, Italy (561.86) Source: Post Office Travel Money Advertisement Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, says: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' At the other end of the scale, Riga has been revealed as the cheapest city break destination in Europe. A trip to the Latvian capital will set British tourists back just 253 while Vilnius is next cheapest at 254.32. Warsaw (277.39), Podgorica (281.70) and Lisbon (292.27) are the next best-value destinations for cash strapped Britons. The iconic attraction is slashing prices as part of a heartwarming new campaign One of the UK's most iconic theme parks is rolling back ticket prices this summer as part of a heartwarming new campaign. Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool has announced a special offer for May and June, allowing adults to purchase tickets at the same price as juniors. If booked in advance, adult visitors can snap up a full park ticket for as little as 30. The incredible deal is part of a nostalgic new campaign inspired by its founder's 129-year-old mission statement. The campaign, launched as the the park gears up for its peak season, upholds the words of William George Bean, who founded the amusement park in 1896 with the promise to 'make adults feel like children again.' Now, more than a century later, his great-granddaughter and current CEO Amanda Thompson OBE is honouring that legacy. Speaking to the Express, she said that her great-grandfather was 'very clear that in creating our amusement park he wanted to make adults feel like children again.' She added: 'To continue that mission, we're launching this new campaign, and I hope it will bring the same joy to families in 2025 as it has been doing for centuries.' Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool has announced a special offer for May and June, allowing adults to purchase tickets at the same price as juniors The campaign, launched as the the park gears up for its peak season, upholds the words of William George Bean, who founded the amusement park in 1896 The new promotion at Pleasure Beach Resort offers significant savings, with standard adult tickets usually priced at 50 on the day or 35 if booked online. Thanks to this initiative, adults can now enjoy full access to the park at the junior rate of 30, provided they book in advance through the park's online system. Pleasure Beach Resort, famed for classic rides and seaside charm, was inspired by Bean's travels to American amusement parks in the late 19th century. His first attraction was a motorcycle monorail placed on Blackpool's south beach. As tourism boomed, he expanded the park with new rides, including the legendary Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machines, which are still in operation today. Operating under a dynamic pricing model, the park encourages early booking to secure the best prices. But with this latest offer, all online ticket prices will reflect the junior rate from now until the end of June - giving families even more of a reason to plan ahead for a seaside escape. It comes as an ambitious Welsh resident has vowed to revive an abandoned theme park and transform it into a 'booming' tourist hub. The new promotion at Pleasure Beach Resort offers significant savings, with standard adult tickets usually priced at 50 on the day or 35 if booked online Thanks to this initiative, adults can now enjoy full access to the park at the junior rate, provided they book in advance through the park's online system The anonymous local is determined to re-open Oakwood Theme Park, based in the heart of Pembrokeshire. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park first opened in April 1987, and went on to become a hugely popular and successful attraction in Wales, reaching its peak with over 400,000 visitors annually. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park was known for its variety of family-friendly options, along with thrill rides such as Vertigo, Bounce, and Dizzy Disk. It was also home to key attractions such as Speed, the fastest ride in Wales, and Megafobia, a world-renowned wooden roller coaster often ranked among the best in Europe and the UK. Code Of Silence ITV1 Rating: Tolerant and slow to anger though we are, the British public can never excuse some evils. Cruelty to puppies is one. Sneering at the late Queen is another. But most reprehensible of all, a crime beyond forgiveness, is being horrid to Rose Ayling-Ellis. Craig Revel Horwood found this out to his cost on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, when he was the only judge not to award Rose the full ten points for her semi-final waltz with Giovanni Pernice. Craig gave her a measly nine, and was roundly castigated from all quarters. Actor Andrew Buchan is likely to find himself shunned in the street for his performance as crabby DI James Marsh, in Code Of Silence. We can tell hes a martinet and a bully from the moment he gives her a condescending smile, before telling colleagues she isnt up to the job. How dare he?! Our lovely Rose, so diffident and naive, yet dauntlessly brave? He ought to consider himself jolly lucky to have her on the team. The job in question is lip-reading for a police surveillance unit, stalking a gang of robbers suspected of planning a heist on a jewel vault. In ITV's Code of Silence, Rose Ayling-Ellis (above) plays dinner lady Alison Woods, plucked from the police canteen to watch covert video footage and decode what the robbers are saying Writer Catherine Moulton shows, without labouring the point, how police and catering bosses alike imagine Alison must be a bit thick, because shes deaf. Above, Alison and Liam Bayne (played by Kieron Moore) Even the officer who first spots her potential, DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie, left), treats her as an appealing but innocent child Rose plays dinner lady Alison, plucked from the police canteen to watch covert video footage and decode what the robbers are saying. Writer Catherine Moulton shows, without labouring the point, how police and catering bosses alike imagine Alison must be a bit thick, because shes deaf. They talk down to her and begin with the assumption that shell struggle with whatever they ask of her, whether thats serving an oat milk latte or identifying the target of a multi-million-pound robbery. Even the officer who first spots her potential, DS Francis (Charlotte Ritchie), treats her as an appealing but innocent child. Alison is never bitter, but the frustration sometimes shows through. I dont want to be hearing, she complains to her mother (Fifi Garfield), I just want other people to be a bit deaf. Its easy to believe that, fed up of being underestimated, Alison will take reckless risks to prove herself useful. 'Shes our Rose, a national treasure in the making,' says TV critic Mr Stevens. Above, the actress attending the 2025 Olivier Awards These include getting a job as a barmaid at a pub owned by the chief villain (Joe Absolom), and chatting up the gangs computer hacker, Liam (Kieron Moore). This is no hardship, since Liam clearly fancies the socks off her, and cant believe his luck that shell even talk to him especially after he knocks her off her bike. What he doesnt know, of course, is that she was trying to tail his car at the time. Charming and a bit goofy though he is, Liam is part of a vicious gang. The moment last night at the end of the second episode, when he and his boss caught Alison spying on them over the pubs CCTV, was genuinely alarming. Shes our Rose, a national treasure in the making. We dont want to see her in any worse jeopardy than a dodgy cha-cha-cha. Emma Willis revealed the lifelong impact of undergoing heart surgery as she shared an emotional health update live on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine. The 49-year-old and husband Matt, 42, appeared on the sofa to chat to host Lorraine Kelly, 65, about their new show Change Your Mind, Change Your Life with Matt & Emma Willis. The conversation soon turned to Emma's recent keyhole heart surgery, which she underwent in April after doctors found a hole in her heart. Lorraine told her: 'We were worried about you, obviously, the best thing you did was to put that online so you saw you were going through this heart operation, but you were okay! You didn't even know...' Emma said: 'I found out in January - I've had it my whole life.' She continued: 'Thank you for the kindness online. Emma Willis reveals lifelong impact of undergoing heart surgery as she shares emotional health update live on Lorraine The 49-year-old appeared on the sofa to chat to host Lorraine Kelly, 65, (pictured) about her new show Change Your Mind, Change Your Life with Matt & Emma Willis Earlier this month Emma revealed she has 'terrible anxiety' as she opened up about her 'psychological recovery' following her heart surgery 'I genuinely just wanted to thank the hospital, they had been so amazing and everyone that looked after me, they were great. 'The amount of people since said that happened to me, and I found out after having a stroke. 'That kind of really makes you realise, actually, "oh that's what I could have been dealing with". 'So I was so lucky.' Lorraine asked: 'It was kind of a routine check-up thing wasn't it?' Emma explained: 'I had um... my doctor... I've got really high cholesterol.' As she continued, she giggled: 'It's getting very into my medical history. 'They said "Go see a cardiologist". Emma appeared on Lorraine alongside her husband Matt Willis, 42, as they spoke about Emma's health 'I was like, "okay, I did, I had an MRI last year on my heart," and he was like "one side of it is enlarged, and that's not okay". 'And he from there went on... 'I've got a metal plug in it and its ticking still which is great.' It comes after earlier this month revealed she has 'terrible anxiety' as she opened up about her 'psychological recovery' following her heart surgery. Following on from the operation, Emma told The Sun: 'It's a bit of a head scramble when you find out something like that, that you've had something there your whole life, and you had no idea about it. 'I'm a brilliant overthinker, and my mind will go in every possible direction and scenario, so going into something like surgery, I really got myself at it, I get really anxious and nervous.' The keyhole surgery meant Emma avoided an open-heart recovery and she revealed her recovery has been 'smooth' but she has had to learn to adjust. She continued: 'It's been a smooth recovery, it's been much more of a psychological adjustment, because you don't have a wound that you can see. The healing is all internal and you can't feel it. Matt and Emma started dating in 2005 and they tied the knot in 2008. They share three kids Isabelle, Ace and Trixie 'It's getting your head around the fact that your heart has to learn how to work in a different way to how it's worked for nearly half a century.' Back in April Emma told fans she discovered she has had a hole in her heart since she was born and so had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest as opposed to the breastbone as in traditional open heart surgery. In a lengthy post, Emma thanked her husband Matt and the staff at the Royal Brompton Hospital who looked after her. She wrote: 'A big humungous THANK YOU to the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital for their care and support. 'A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud. From investigations last year, to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side. 'Turns out, Ive been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart. Isnt it bonkers whats happening in our bodies that we have no idea about 'What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day. 'Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of hand that can do that job?! They are the real superstars 'A few of those people are Dr Alexander Lyon who investigated like a true super sleuth Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire. Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me to sleep. 'Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah and Reem who monitored me at various points. Paulette, who was always up for a chat, gave great hugs, and loves a cinnamon slice as much as I do! 'There was a lovely woman with me in recovery but I was so out of it I cant remember her name (so so sorry) and my surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng She was recommended as a spectacular pair of hands, but my god, shes that and so much more. 'She has an ease and warmth that made me feel instantly comfortable all whilst being incredible professional and informative. I ask a million questions, and she answered them with the patience of a saint. 'I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart. Thank you Ee Ling, youre one in a trillion.' Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. Fan favourite Jimmy Wong had to hang up his apron on Tuesday after he was eliminated in a brutal dessert challenge on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win. The 58-year-old who last appeared on the cooking competition in season 8 confessed he was 'gutted' when his dish fell short. Jimmy joined Ben, Rue and Tim in recreating an elaborate Balloon Puppy cake from guest judge Steven He of Melbourne's Le Yeahllow. The amazing looking entrement treat featured a base of chocolate fairy sponge, shortbread crumble with dark chocolate and a layer of sour cherry compote and another layer of chocolate sponge. Between each layer there is ganache made from English breakfast tea, topped with a decoration of a miniature 'balloon dog' made of white chocolate. However, when Jimmy presented his version of the dessert his 'puppy' looked more like a 'potato starting to sprout' complained judge Andy Allen. Fan favourite Jimmy Wong had to hang up his apron on Tuesday after he was eliminated in a brutal dessert challenge on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win. Pictured: Tuesday's finalists Jimmy (at far right) joined Ben (second right), Rue (far left) and Tim The finalists were charged with recreating an elaborate Balloon Puppy cake (pictured) from guest judge Steven He of Melbourne's Le Yeahllow Things went downhill for Jimmy with the judges complaining of 'flawed flavours', even if Andy ended up praising the cook for his 'delicious' cake. ''I'm so sorry to say Jimmy you're going home,' Judge Poh Ling Yeow announced at the end of the episode. An emotional Jimmy then paid tribute to his time on the show. 'I'm gutted but you know what? It's been an absolute privilege to be part of this amazing experience 'And I just wish all of you the best of luck and I will not be stopping,' he told the finalists. 'I will continue to fight for the things that I love and continue on this journey of mine.' In the end it was Ben Macdonald who triumphed walking away the winner of the next-level challenge. Jimmy later reviewed his own performance in a chat with 10Play. The 58-year-old who last appeared on the cooking competition in season 8 confessed he was 'gutted' when his dish fell short Jimmy made his emotional farewell 'I was in my head, I wasn't able to get past the stress and the anxiety over following recipes in that time frame,' he told the platform. 'I have a little bit of PTSD from that experience,' he joked. 'Coming in this time, I said, look, just believe in yourself, sit into the process and trust your gut. Try to be as calm as possible because I know I've had enough experience in between the two seasons to believe in the fact that I can do this.' It comes after 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. Christina Ricci stars as the notorious murder suspect Lizzie Borden Year: 2015 Certificate: 15 Watch now on 5 (Ch5) 'Lizzie Borden took an axe/She gave her mother 40 whacks/When she saw what she had done/She gave her father 41.' So goes the especially dark nursery rhyme, popularised when 32-year-old Borden was on trial for the murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. One of the first 'celebrity' crime cases, its aftermath is heavily fictionalised for this eight-part series starring Christina Ricci in the title role. The show goes to town on the speculation surrounding the brutal slaying of the Bordens, and whether Lizzie, or someone else, was responsible. Ricci is ideal casting, carrying the dark enigma of the character, but while Ricci is great, the series itself suffers from a lack of psychological depth or black humour to back her up. Plays with more of a whimper than a bang. (Eight episodes) Australia's radio industry is mourning the loss of John Carroll, a long-term Sydney presenter at Triple M and 2Day FM. The DJ was one of the most esteemed music presenters in the industry and interviewed many A-List celebrities including Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton across his long career. He was long rumoured to be the presenter who originally whispered the Triple M station call used on commercials. His death came shortly after he retired from the industry after four years as a talkback host at NSW's Super Radio Network. Carroll died earlier this month in Thailand, following a long battle with cancer and several rounds of chemotherapy. His passing was confirmed on social media in a heartbreaking statement by Radio Today. Australia's radio industry is mourning the loss of John Carroll, a beloved Sydney-based presenter known for his influential roles at Triple M and 2Day FM 'Mourning the loss of industry giant John Carroll. A successful announcer who worked at stations including 2SM, Triple M Sydney and 2DayFM,' they began. 'He was admired for his laid-back approach to radio, having met and interviewed music legends. 'He and his voice were in the very top echelon.' Many of Carroll's former colleagues were quick to pay tribute to him. 'I am truly saddened by this loss of my great friend,' wrote 2SM Program Director Barry Chapman. 'He was a great jock with a wonderful voice. Never afraid to say what he thought... I loved it!' Music journalist Debbie Kruger joined the chorus, with: 'Through the years, he battled one health issue after another... his spirit was undiminished. RIP my wonderful friend.' Carroll's girlfriend shared a heartbreaking update to social media on May 2 revealing that he was feeling 'tired' and had chosen to stop his chemotherapy. The legendary DJ was one of the most esteemed music presenters in the industry and across his long career interviewed many A-List celebrities including Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton. Pictured with music journalist Debbie Kruger 'We took John to the hospital on Monday the 28th [of April]. The doctor asked John if he wanted to continue with treatment... He doesn't want to,' she began. 'John can't stand the pain from chemo. He doesn't want to stay in the hospital... wants to die at home. 'That's John's goal. John has no strength, he is very weak. He said he knew he could not do it. 'On the morning of May 2nd, John was feeling tired and delirious.' Jackie 'O' Henderson made a shocking X-rated confession on Tuesday morning. The radio star, 50, revealed on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show she once had sex with a fan she met at a nightclub. 'I have [had sex with a fan]. He was lovely,' Jackie admitted during an interview with OnlyFans star Annie Knight. Her co-host Kyle Sandilands then explained she had met the male at the club during a night out. '[During sex] he said to her "I can't believe I'm having sex with Kyle and Jackie!"' Kyle added. Jackie hit back: 'He did not say you! You were not mentioned.' Radio show star Jackie O Henderson (pictured) made a shock confession on Tuesday morning Jackie's confession comes after she broke down live on-air last week when talking with American self-help podcaster Gabby Bernstein about ways to improve your mindset. 'I never felt good enough... It takes a long time to do that. And then it all came up and it was like a bloody pressure cooker and everything came out. Sometimes I think we have core beliefs that we're not even aware of,' Jackie began. Gabby asked Jackie what it was she was insecure about and if she was looking to 'manifest' a romantic partner due to still being single at 50. Jackie responded with 'yep' and admitted her single status was something she felt insecure about, in addition to working hard to maintain her sobriety. 'I know it takes a long time to do that. You know, to heal. I feel like I've been working on it for two and a half years, constantly,' she said. Gabby told the veteran presenter that while the healing process was a 'lifetime journey', she could make a commitment to better living each and every day. Jackie previously shared her own personal story with addiction with listeners during The Kyle and Jackie O Show back in October. The radio star revealed on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show she once had sex with a fan she met in a nightclub Fighting back tears, Jackie shared that she checked into rehab facility the Betty Ford Clinic in California in November 2022, when she took an extended break from The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Known for treating Hollywood stars including Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr. and Lindsay Lohan, Betty Ford charges anywhere from $45,000 to $90,000 AUD for a month-long stay, depending on the program. Jackie revealed on-air that her long-time friend Gemma had been instrumental into getting her into rehab. She emotionally credited Gemma with saving her life by persuading her to check into the clinic. She recalled: 'It came to a head and [Gemma] was such a great friend. She said ''I'm sorry Jackie, but you're not going to taper off this, it will never work. I'm checking you into rehab at the end of the week... we're going''.' 'I said "don't be ridiculous, that is such overkill. I don't have a problem that bad that I need to go to Betty Ford".' 'And she said "no, we're going and we're doing it" and I thank God she did that,' Jackie admitted. 'Thank God there was someone out there like her. I believe she saved my life.' Jackie's confession comes after she tearfully broke down live on-air as she discussed her ongoing healing journey Jackie said they caught a night flight out of Australia and boarded at the 'last moment' to avoid being seen and then jetted over to LA, where Gemma stayed with her for two days before she checked into the clinic. She said Gemma accompanied her and helped her to get on the plane 'undetected' as she discussed keeping her addiction a secret for two 'long and painful years'. At the time, Kyle - who was unaware of Jackie's drug addiction - told their listeners Jackie was taking a break after contracting Covid. Instead, she spent 28 days in rehab for an addiction to painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol. At the height of her addiction, Jackie took around 10-12 Stilnox/Zolpidem sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte a day and would take them while drinking alcohol. Stilnox users are warned not to drink alcohol as it can slow the respiratory system and make it difficult to wake up. Jackie said Betty Ford told her not to change 'anything' about her usage before arriving as it could be 'dangerous' so she was still taking the pills the day she flew out to the US. She also said she went 'back and forth' deciding whether to share the news publicly before detailing the extent of her addiction in her memoir The Whole Truth. If you're looking for support for alcohol and drug use, reach out to Odyssey House NSW on 1800 397 739. Abbie Chatfield was slammed by a fan on Monday for blasting people on Instagram less than two weeks after she begged her haters to leave her alone. The It's A Lot podcast host, 29, was told by a follower to just 'ignore' her critics, after the media personality named and shamed people trolling one of her recent posts. Their argument escalated when Abbie then went on to share private messages between herself and the follower, saying they 'aren't deserving of privacy'. The debacle kicked off when Abbie posted a video of herself dancing online in a skint-tight blue plaid outfit, with some 'trolls' leaving comments beneath it calling her 'cringe'. Abbie went on to expose her haters in her Stories as she shared the comments, along with the posters, for all her 566,000 followers to see. Just a few hours later, Abbie then shared a private message from a fan who called her out for publicly shaming people after she begged people to stop 'coming for her'. Abbie Chatfield, 29, was slammed by a fan on Monday for blasting people on Instagram less than two weeks after she begged her haters to leave her alone Less than two weeks ago, Abbie became embroiled in a brutal, public feud with feminist author Clementine Ford. The online fight left Abbie in tears as she posted a video of herself sobbing and begging for the activist to stop 'lying' about her in the Dear Clementine Substack blog. 'This is getting so old. When are you going to realise that people have opinions that they're allowed to voice on a public platform just like you do every day,' the follower messaged Abbie. 'Tagging people to essentially send your troops in to destroy is not going to fix that problem. Maybe just ignore or block people that you don't agree with.' The follower went on to accuse Abbie of 'using her platform to bully' people she puts on 'blast', calling it 'gross' behaviour. Abbie retaliated by publicly shaming the follower and sharing a screenshot of the DM, including the face and name of the follower, to her Stories. 'People are allowed to voice their opinions queen, I'm also allowed to share them! And have my opinion on their opinion,' Abbie captioned the screenshot. 'The irony of you saying people are affected by words on the internet, yet telling me to just get over it and be quiet about it? So it only affects other people, not me?' The It's A Lot podcast host was told by a follower to just 'ignore' her critics, after the media personality named and shamed people trolling one of her recent posts Moments later, Abbie posted several videos talking about the private message, saying: 'Just a reminder, I'm a human being... All day every day I get negative comments about anything I do.' She added: 'I can't re-share their public comment to my Stories? Because people will go after them? 'If they didn't want to have repercussions for their actions, they shouldn't have commented something negative and weird. 'And if you don't want repercussions for your actions, you shouldn't DM me telling me to feel sorry for the people who troll me.' Abbie went on to say she names and shames people who criticise her because she wants to 'deter people who troll her'. The backlash didn't end there as the fan she publicly shamed sent Abbie yet another direct message calling out the former Bachelor star for leaking their private chat. 'Are you proud of yourself?' the person said in another message which Abbie also shared. 'Seriously? You double down every single time someone voices their opinions, but less than two weeks ago you posted a crying, sobbing video asking people to stop coming at you. Yet here you are doing it to your own followers.' Their argument escalated when Abbie then went on to share private messages between herself and the follower, saying they 'aren't deserving of privacy' This time, Abbie hit back at the follower directly, saying: 'Queen, there's a difference between me posting your own words and me being harassed and defamed for years by someone. 'I don't think you could handle what I handle for even an hour. It's insane. You have no idea what this is like.' When the follower went on to slam Abbie for sharing their private conversation to her Stories, Abbie said: 'I don't know you. You aren't deserving of privacy. 'I am a person reading your message. I don't owe you privacy, we are strangers. If you don't want something shown then don't say it.' It comes after Abbie was left in tears just over a week ago when she slammed Clementine, 44, for 'writing a burn book' about the ex-radio host. In her blog, Clementine called out Australian influencers like Abbie whom she claims profit from the 'performance of being politically engaged' while criticising anyone who challenges them. Abbie then shared a video on Instagram in which she called the columnist a 'weirdo' for having a bone to pick with her. 'She's literally writing a burn book about me and doing insults like: "She thinks she's so hot,"' the It's A Lot podcast host said in between laughs. It comes after Abbie was left in tears just over a week ago when she slammed feminist author Clementine Ford, 44, for 'writing a burn book' about the ex radio host 'What a weirdo - oh my god,' she added, before finishing her clip off with a request for the writer. 'Clementine, take a step back from the internet. Take a step back from Reddit please.' However, things took a dark turn when the influencer later returned to the platform in tears with a video of herself sobbing. In the clip, Abbie asked Clementine to stop 'trolling' her personality online, revealing it was not only affecting her mental health but also made her feel unsafe. 'I get it enough from people on the right and trolls and men that hate me and want to threaten me and want me dead. Please stop dehumanising me,' she wept. 'Please, you can criticise my content you can criticise my work just I'm begging you to stop lying about my intentions. 'Stop saying that I have a personality disorder. You don't know me. This is so f****ing triggering I just want her to stop.' Abbie went on: 'Please stop discouraging me from posting about Gaza. 'It isn't working, you're discouraging others... Please, like, I'm just trying to do what I can to help. 'I just don't understand why she's so adamant on proving that I'm awful. I don't get it. This is so incredibly stressful and awful what she is doing.' Abbie said she was now aware of 'someone spreading malicious lies about me again and again because she claims to know my intentions on f***ing everything'. 'I'm scared of her. Please stop, Clementine. I am begging you to stop,' she sobbed. Hugh Jackman looked as happy as Larry in New York on Monday as he greeted a throng of waiting fans while entering the Good Morning America studios. The Aussie A-lister, 56, shielded his eyes with a pair of dark shades as the most-watched morning news show in the US rolled out the red carpet for the actor. Hugh looked dapper in a crisp navy suit over a matching navy sweater and finished the look with a pair of white loafers. The Deadpool star appeared as a guest to promote his one-man live show at Radio City and his new off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes'. Hugh appeared relaxed and very much in his element entering the iconic Manhattan studiossecurity guards in tow - waving at fans, signing autographs and posing for the press pack. It comes days after he was spotted with new girlfriend Sutton Foster, 50, carrying moving boxes into his swanky penthouse apartment in Chelsea. Hugh Jackman looked as happy as Larry in New York on Monday as he greeted a throng of waiting fans while entering the Good Morning America studios The Aussie A-lister, 56, shielded his eyes with a pair of dark shades as the most-watched morning news show in the US rolled out the red carpet for the actor Hugh looked dapper in a crisp navy suit over a matching navy sweater and finished the look with a pair of white loafers Sutton was seen leaving Hugh's luxe digs before jetting off on a convenient Citi Bike. Moments later, Hugh emerged to help load some boxes and belongings into the building, suggesting that Sutton was possibly moving in with her recently minted paramour. The Wolverine star was seen on the busy New York street, dutifully carrying armfuls of belongings, possibly Sutton's, back into his apartment. The images appear to be at odds with recent reports that the couple's relationship had hit a 'rough patch'. The GMA hosts steered well clear of asking Hugh any personal or challenging questions, instead lavishing the actor with praise. 'Sometimes I feel more relaxed on stage than I do in life,' Hugh admitted during his sit down. 'I don't know what it is. I'm living the dream.' His new award-winning play, written in 2020 by Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch, debuted on April 28 at New York's Minetta Lane Theatre and has already grabbed the attention of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who stepped out to support their close friend on Tuesday night. 'Ryan does a lot of things great, but dancing? Come on,' Hugh joked, as he took a swing at his Deadpool co-star. 'He actually heckled during the play. I said "Come on man, you're a movie star".' Hugh looked relaxed and very much in his element entering the iconic Manhattan studiossecurity guards in tow - waving at fans, signing autographs, and posing for the press pack He stopped to take selfies with fans and sign autographs outside the Good Morning America studios, with waiting crowds kept behind barricades The Deadpool star appeared as a guest to promote his one-man live show at Radio City and his new off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes' In Hugh's 'stripped down' off-Broadway show, the Greatest Showman actor swears liberally, speaks graphically about sex and engages in multiple steamy make-out sessions with his younger co-star. Asked when he first decided to make a big career change to theatre on GMA, Hugh said: 'It was about five years ago. 'I felt I wasn't doing the thing I loved to do enough. I wasn't acting enough. I thought if I was a professional violinist, I wouldn't not pick up a violin for four months. 'I love the theatre. I think it should be available for everyone.' Hugh plays a three-time divorced middle-aged college professor and novelist Jon, who embarks on a forbidden romance with his 19-year-old student Annie, played by Ella Beatty, 25, in intense two-hander, 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes'. Sutton also made a backstage appearance this week, amid rumours that their fledgling relationship has struggled since they went public in January. 'I love the theatre. I think it should be available for everyone,' Hugh Jackman said during his appearance on Good Morning America It comes days after he was spotted with new girlfriend Sutton Foster , 50, carrying moving boxes into his swanky penthouse apartment in Chelsea The new show may not be the easiest watch for her, with Hugh and his 25-year-old co-star kissing frequently, at one point making out on a desk as a scantily clad Ella wraps her legs around him. Another scene sees the young star the daughter of Warren Beatty sat in between Hugh's legs wearing nothing but her underwear and a red jacket as he kisses her head. Hugh also swears throughout, dropping F-bombs and at one point graphically detailing a college cheerleader's sex actt/ It's easy to see why audience members are banned from using phones. Set in a pre #MeToo era, the story explores discussions around sexual consent and power dynamics. In March, a source revealed to the Daily Mail that Hugh and his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness have yet to file for divorce because 'they are struggling to reach an agreement on how to divide their assets.' Hugh and Sutton met as co-stars on the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man, but only went public after they were pictured holding hands earlier this year. Sutton filed for divorce from her now-estranged husband Ted Griffin, 54, in October last year. With its warmer weather, lighter evenings and cacophony of blooms, youd have to be a curmudgeon not to love May; a plan-hatching, spritz-drinking fizz of a month that finds most people revelling in joie de vivre. But not everyone. On the Cannes Film Festival red carpet things arent exactly heating up. In its 78th year, its not the incipient showers that have put a dampener on one of the worlds most glamorous events, but the dress code. Hours before the two-week festival was due to kick off, organisers sent guests into a tailspin and monumental wardrobe crisis by issuing a surprise caveat. For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other areas of the festival, it decreed, with the added warning that Cannes welcoming teams would prohibit access to anyone disregarding the rules. If this was the festivals way of dissuading Bianca Censori, wife of rapper Kanye West, from rocking up in a variant of the naked dress she wore to the Grammys, it was unnecessarily heavy-handed. Wouldnt a couple of bouncers have sufficed? Or was it a publicity stunt? While the Cannes dress code may have commanded attention, its fair to say that the gowns themselves have not. If the goal was to make this years event the classiest yet, its scored an own goal. No guest felt this kick to the stomach quite so keenly as Bella Hadid, the 28-year-old model and influencer whose style is so revered that 61.1 million Instagram followers hang on her every wardrobe choice. Two hours before the 78th Cannes Film Festival was set to start, organisers issued a surprise caveat. For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other areas of the festival, it decreed (Pictured: Irina Shayk on the Red Carpet in feathered Elle Saab) Angelina Jolies strapless Brunello Cucinelli gown was nude of hue, though categorically not of fabric No guest felt this kick to the stomach quite so keenly as Bella Hadid (pictured in the UK on May 18), the 28-year-old model and influencer whose style is so revered that 61.1 million Instagram followers hang on her every wardrobe choice If the new nudity rules were were the festivals way of dissuading Bianca Censori (pictured), wife of rapper Kanye West, from rocking up in a variant of the naked dress she wore to the Grammys, it was unnecessarily heavy-handed Over in Cannes, to paraphrase Shania Twain, that dont impress them much. According to one newspaper, a memo was sent round featuring a photo of Hadid, braless in a transparent chiffon Saint Laurent dress, as an illustration of precisely what not to wear. Some would call this slut-shaming. Coming from an event so allegedly keen to uphold high moral standards, it felt particularly unchivalrous. Ever the professional, Hadid appeared on the red carpet at this years opening ceremony dressed in a black satin gown with a relatively high neckline although the outfit, by Saint Laurent, still contrived to stick two fingers up at the rules thanks to its high thigh split and daringly low back. While it may have been chaste by last years standards, it was still one of the most alluring dresses of the week. Admittedly, the bar this year is very low. Terrified, perhaps, to have an accidental nip slip and risk the wrath of the organisers, most female guests are playing it safe some might say too safe in strapless gowns that look classic or characterless, depending on your view. Amal Clooney (in John Galliano), Julianne Moore (custom Bottega Veneta) and Daisy Edgar-Jones (custom Gucci) looked elegant if interchangeable in funereal black, while Angelina Jolies strapless Brunello Cucinelli gown was nude of hue, though categorically not of fabric. Obviously, its a womans choice as to how much she reveals on the red carpet. Few would take the naked dress trend as far as Censori, whose outfits are so extreme its hard to believe she wears them of her own free will. But Cannes new dress code seems as opaque as the gowns it has bullied its guests into wearing. Does a sheer dress constitute nudity? How nude is too nude? If nipples are banned, what about side boob? Next year, will the cleavage fashion police have a measuring tape? Daisy Edgar-Jones (custom Gucci) looked elegant if interchangeable in funereal black (pictured) Pictured: Amal Clooney in John Galliano Julianne Moore also debuted an all-black outfit on the red carpet at the annual Cannes Film Festival As those who remember Cannes 2015 ban on flat shoes will attest, enforced sex appeal is a far more dubious proposition than enforced piety. When it comes to the policing of bodies, its always women who seem to fall foul of the law. I dont recall any male guests being banned for wearing flat shoes in 2015. Nor were any inconvenienced by this years rule change though if any man does find himself with a transparent tux surplus to requirements, they have my sympathies. As does Halle Berry, who, after learning of the nudity ban, was forced to ditch the dress shed planned to wear to the opening ceremony, replacing it with a black-and-white gown whose eye-searing stripes commanded attention for all the wrong reasons. But you dont have to grace the red carpet at Cannes to know that event dressing is a fraught affair for women. Its infantilising to be told that your gown is too big (another new rule no voluminous outfits that hinder the flow of traffic or the seating arrangements) or that your bodice is too sheer. After learning of the nudity ban, Halle Berry (pictured) was forced to ditch the dress shed planned to wear to the opening ceremony, replacing it with a black-and-white gown whose eye-searing stripes commanded attention for all the wrong reasons Many would agree that the naked dress trend has gone too far. Few would have imagined it would be the French, of all nations, whod try to censor it. The festival has no rules governing the amount of nudity on screen, nor did it seem to mind when Jane Birkin wore a slashed-to-the-thigh gown in 1974, or the Italian porn star Cicciolina turned up in a transparent dress in 1988. Its a strange sort of progress that Hadid should be censured, almost 40 years later, for wearing transparent Saint Laurent. Conservatism, it seems, is alive and well and coming for our wardrobes. But only if we let it. While she may not have had freedom on the red carpet, Hadid voted with her feet leaving at what appeared the earliest opportunity. Rather than launching her new scent at Cannes, as might have been expected, she jetted to London, and threw a party at Selfridges. What was the dress code? There wasnt one. And if Cannes has any sense, it will follow suit next year. Kim Kardashian proved to be her brand Skims' best advert as she put on a particularly eye-popping display while departing a pal's place in Beverly Hills on Sunday evening. The 44-year-old star, who is now back in LA after traveling to Paris to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in 2016, teased fans with a soon-to-be released Skims bra - called the Skims Ultimate Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra - as she stepped out in a curve-clinging and sheer black top that clung to her chest. The bra features removable faux piercings - with the ability to only wear one or both - without the pain of actually getting one's nipples pierced. Kim's slightly sheer black tee clearly showcased the presence of the faux piercings. The new edgy push up bra, which is set to be released by Skims on May 22, comes in three colors and features teardrop foam pads. Kim Kardashian proved to be her brand Skims' best advert as she put on a particularly eye-popping display while departing a pal's place in Beverly Hills on Sunday evening The 44-year-old star, who is now back in LA after traveling to Paris to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in 2016, teased fans with a soon-to-be released Skims bra - called the Skims Ultimate Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra - as she stepped out in a curve-clinging and sheer black top that clung to her chest The official Skims ad came out on Tuesday morning, featuring a blonde model walking into a dive bar rocking the faux pierced Skims bra. She wore the Skims faux pierced bra with a white bodysuit, tiny shorts and thigh-high boots. As the model walked in, every bar patron stopped what they were doing to watch her - as well as the bartenders. She walks to the bartender and says: 'There's enough painful things about being a woman. Get the ooh without the ouch.' The caption for the video read: Coming May 22: The Ultimate Pierced Nipple Bar. Our sexiest bra gets even hotter with a faux nipple piercing design so you can get the 'Ooo' without the ouch!' The pointed display comes two years after she launched the Ultimate Nipple Bra through her SKIMS brand in 2023. The undergarment, which quickly sold-out, boasts a fake nipple on the exterior for a 'perky' bra-free look. Overall, the ordinarily glammed-up star opted for minimal makeup, a slicked back bun, and a pair of leather trousers. The official Skims ad came out on Tuesday morning, featuring a blonde model walking into a dive bar rocking the faux pierced Skims bra SKIMS released the Ultimate Nipple Push-Up Bra in October 2023 and they quickly sold-out, and a waiting list of 250,000 people eager to buy the undergarments followed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The bra was re-stocked and is currently available on the SKIMS website for $47 and in an array of colors. In an advertisement for the bra, Kim rocks the undergarment beneath a particularly skintight outfit. 'Earth's temperature is getting hotter and hotter, the sea levels are rising and ice sheets are shrinking,' she begins as she sits at a glass desk with a beige computer and keyboard in front of her. 'And I am not a scientist but I do believe that everyone can use their skill set to do their part,' she continues. She was seen approaching her metallic vehicle Kim is back in Los Angeles after traveling to Paris to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016. Her crop top also displayed her sculpted abs She wore the faux pierced bra from Skims with a white bodysuit, tiny shorts and thigh-high boots As the model walked in, every bar patron stopped what they were doing to watch her - as well as the bartenders She walks to the bartender and says: 'There's enough painful things about being a woman. Get the ooh without the ouch' She then picks up a conference pointer and walks to a board with a drawing of the new bra. 'That's why I am introducing a brand-new bra with a built-in nipple. So no matter how hot it is, you will always look cold,' she adds as she almost busts into giggles. 'Some days are hard but these nipples are harder,' she says as she sits on the top of her glass desk. 'And unlike the icebergs,' she says as the camera closes in on her chest, 'These aren't going anywhere.' Next she is seen with her top off as she wears the nude bra. A blow dryer is on her with her hair flying. The point is, even with heat on her chest, she still has hard nipples. SKIMS released the Ultimate Nipple Push-Up Bra in October 2023 and they quickly sold-out, and a waiting list of 250,000 people eager to buy the undergarments followed, according to The Hollywood Reporter The bra was re-stocked and is currently available on the SKIMS website for $47 The undergarment is available in multiple colors In an advertisement for the bra, Kim rocks the undergarment beneath a particularly skintight outfit The reality star finishes by saying, 'The SKIMS ultimate nipple bra.' Kim is back in Los Angeles after traveling to the French capital to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016. The reality star broke down in tears as she told the court she forgives the defendant, despite fearing she was going to be raped and killed during the $10 million heist. She took the stand last Tuesday and also attended Lauren Sanchez's bachelorette party in the City of Love on Friday. A source close to Kardashian has since told DailyMail.com: 'Spending girl time at Lauren's bachelorette was a great way to end the week after testifying. She's glad it's over but thankful she was asked to testify as part of the trial.' Chrissy Teigen shocked her fans and followers last week when she revealed that she had been struggling with relapses after announcing that she was quitting alcohol four years earlier. The 39-year-old social media star made the revelation that she had temporarily given up on sobriety on Thursday's episode of her Self-Conscious podcast, featuring an interview with Quit Like A Woman author Holly Whitaker, and she shared the news for the rest of her fans in an Instagram post. The admission which was mocked by the former target of her cyber bullying, Courtney Stodden was met with warm messages of support in the comments by her friends and adoring fans. But some commenters weren't as charmed by her openness about her struggles giving up alcohol. Several Instagram user couldn't figure out why Chrissy felt the need to share such a personal experience in a public forum. 'No one overshares quite like this one. Sooooo needy for attention,' read one person, according to Atlanta Black Star. Chrissy Teigen shocked her fans and followers last week when she revealed that she had been struggling with relapses after announcing that she was quitting alcohol four years earlier; pictured Monday in NYC at the Women's Health Lab at The New York Historical The admission was met with warm messages of support in the comments by her friends and adoring fans. But some commenters weren't as charmed by her openness about her struggles giving up alcohol 'She has phony written all over her,' another person reportedly wrote. 'She has never appeared genuine to me.' 'I don't know why celebrities tell their business. It's not anyone's business. Only family ,' they wrote. Some commenters wrote cold or harsh comments, even if they were broadly supportive of Chrissy's goals. 'This is what AA cals a "dry dr*nk". Please get back on track,' read one unfeeling response. A few people even seemed to give Chrissy the go-ahead to drink if she wanted, as if they had ignored the list of consequences of drinking that she laid out. 'It's okay to decide that you want to drink your relationship with sobriety belongs to you and ,' one enabler wrote. A few people suggested Chrissy's language about her struggles with alcohol was filled with too many euphemisms, and they derided her for not referring to herself as an 'alcoholic,' even though many addiction experts now reject that term because it can have a counterproductive, stigmatizing affect. 'Having one drink which turns into 8 is straight up alcoholism! Alcoholics can't have one drink!' wrote one commenter. 'I wish you luck on your sobriety journey. Denial is strong.' One Instagram user couldn't figure out why Chrissy felt the need to share such a personal experience in a public forum Some commenters wrote cold or harsh comments, even if they were broadly supportive of Chrissy's goals A few people even seemed to give Chrissy the go-ahead to drink if she wanted, as if they had ignored the list of consequences of drinking that she laid out A few users suggested Chrissy's language was filled with too many euphemisms. They derided her for not calling herself an 'alcoholic,' even though many addiction experts now reject that term because of its counterproductive, stigmatizing affect Some similarly dismissive responses were spotted over on X. 'This is an irrelevant post in my TL. Chrissy Teigen is a rich entitled person,' the poster wrote. 'If she has an alcohol problem, go to rehab. Stop seeking sympathy.' But many responses were far more positive, and many fans said they appreciated Chrissy's podcast. Chrissy's husband John Legend wrote that he was 'always proud' of her. Demi Lovato, who has long been open about their own struggles with addiction and substance abuse, wrote that Chrissy's honesty and vulnerability is so commendable. 'I learned it's about progress, not perfection! You are doing amazing and I'm so very proud of you .' Chrissy's friend, that actress Jaime Pressly, wrote: 'I hear you loud and clear and I am proud of you and I love you old friend. Your pure and total honesty is a breath of fresh air always .' Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star simply added a red heart emoji as a sign of support. But many responses were far more positive, and many fans said they appreciated Chrissy's podcast. Chrissy's husband John Legend and Demi Lovato, who has been open about their struggles with substance abuse, shared their support Chrissy's friend, the actress Jaime Pressly, said her honesty was 'a breath of fresh air always,' and RHOBH star Kyle Richards shared a heart emoji The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan added that she 'appreciate[s]' Chrissy 'so much' Other fans were similarly gushing in their comments, with many applauding Chrissy's 'honesty' The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan added that she 'appreciate[s]' Chrissy 'so much.' Other fans were similarly gushing in their comments. 'Thank you for your honesty. And for being real for those of us who are in that in between,' read one popular comment. 'Sometimes it isn't black and white and those of us in the gray appreciate you .' In Chrissy original caption, she admitted to having relapsed on alcohol. 'Holly Whitaker changed my life, changed my perspective and changed how I view the f***ing beast that is alcohol. But to have to admit to all of you: I let it back into my life. to let a lot of you down, oh I feel it deeply [sic],' Chrissy wrote. 'I was so proud every time one of you told me on the street that holly and I made you want to rethink drinking, reframe drinking. I still am. The truth is, I dont know what Im doing,' admitted the influencer, who has four children with John. 'I one hundred percent know I like me better sober. I one hundred percent know I get more done, I absolutely feel better in my body without it. And I am one hundred percent pissed that I cant be normal and have a cocktail with my husband on vacay without it turning into 8 and feeling like s***.' Chrissy declared that she was 'tired of throwing up on a Tuesday' and no longer wants to 'feel like I need a shot to talk to a crowd. I hate that the thought of maybe having a drink can consume me some days.' Chrissy first announced she was giving up booze on NYE 2020, though she admitted it wasn't until July 2022 that she could mark a full year of sobriety; pictured May 10 in LA She acknowledged to her more than 40 million followers: 'So your rational mind is probably like OK THEN STOP, BITCH! and god, do I f***ing AGREE! All I know is my relationship with the whole process of sobriety (and messing up) has changed for the better. I am deeply aware of where this can go if I let it.' Letting fans into her current thought process, she explained that her 'plan right now is to continue to be mindful with' her sobriety. 'I can go to a concert sober and have the greatest time ever. I can avoid absinthe at the Ren Faire and be so abbbbsolutely full of joy. Photos of my kids birthday parties are no longer me with bleary, sleepy drinking eyes. And I am proud of that.' She allowed: 'But I still know my relationship with alcohol just isnt normal and never will be. Thank you for allowing me to figure it out openly in front of you all. Anyhow. This is for all the people who are figuring it out. And to the sober community, god I am still so, so proud of you. Until we meet again.' Chrissy announced that she was giving up alcohol in a post for New Year's Eve in December 2020. Although she admitted to having a 'few (wine) hiccups) along the way, in July 2022 she boasted that she had 'finally' made it to a full-year of sobriety. 'I miss feeling loopy and carefree sometimes, but to be honest toward the end, it didnt give that fun feeling anymore anyhow,' Chrissy said at the time. She also revealed more about why she wanted to drink, as she said it was to relieve her 'crazy anxiety,' though she discovered after becoming sober that her anxiety 'mostly went away when I get this quit drinking!' She also revealed more about why she wanted to drink, as she said it was to relieve her 'crazy anxiety,' though she discovered after becoming sober that her anxiety 'mostly went away when I get this quit drinking!'; pictured Monday in NYC She also admitted that she could feel 'really frustrated' when she tried to remember special occasions in the past but had only fuzzy memories because of her drinking back then. For example, she admitted that she couldn't remember getting a lesson from an Outback Steakhouse chef on how to make the restaurants popular Bloomin' Onion at her house because she had drank too much tequila. 'Wish I remembered really any awards show lol,' she added. Chrissy also bemoaned how she looked out of it in so many photos taken at major events, or even 'just beach days with the family.' She added: 'While I honestly STILL dont know if Ill never have a drink again, I do know I never want to be that way again. And for now, none is best. Ill let the bad dreams come up and try to sort them out in therapy, without booze. Prayers for a blooming onion redo, @outback?' One person who didn't seem at all concerned by Chrissy's sobriety struggles was Courtney Stodden, who years earlier accused Chrissy of sending her bullying social media posts encouraging her to kill herself. Chrissy later admitted to the cruel messages and publicly apologized to Stodden. In a video posted over the weekend, Courtney held what looked like a glass of sparkling wine while recording her mocking video. One person who didn't seem at all concerned by Chrissy's sobriety struggles was Courtney Stodden, who years earlier accused Chrissy of sending her bullying social media posts encouraging her to kill herself 'There's nothing more important in this world than knowing that I am not sober,' Courtney said while clinking a glass that appeared to be full of sparkling wine. 'I'm having alcohol and I want everyone to know. It's just really important' 'OK, breaking news. I've decided that I'm going to start drinking alcohol again. Breaking news,' she said. As she clinked her glass, she continued: 'There's nothing more important in this world than knowing that I am not sober. 'I'm having alcohol and I want everyone to know. It's just really important,' she said with a sly smile. In her caption, she suggested meeting up to 'bury the hatchet' with Chrissy, but in a way that would harm her sobriety. 'Breaking news I started drinking again too Chrissy soooo here is my official invite let's grab a drink and bury the hatchet mama,' she wrote. Love Triangle's Chloe Hannigan has opened up about her tumultuous journey on the Stan Original dating show, which ended in an unexpected 'love square'. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia after filming the much-anticipated reunion, Chloe, 25, laid bare her experiences and expressed regret about how one particular aspect of her time on the show unfolded. What started as a straightforward journey quickly spiralled into a complex emotional web when Bernie slipped Chloe a secret note, adding another layer to an already complicated situation with matches Beck and Emma. Chloe admitted she was blindsided by Bernie's actions, which were surprising given their limited interaction. 'I was in a love square by the end of it,' Chloe said. 'I absolutely did not expect this to happen at all and even watching the episodes back, seeing Bernie so interested in me from literally day one I had no idea. It was very shocking.' Love Triangle's Chloe Hannigan (pictured) has opened up about her tumultuous journey on the Stan original dating show, which ended in an unexpected 'love square' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia after filming the reunion, Chloe, 25, laid bare her experiences and expressed regret about how one particular aspect of her time on the show unfolded However, the unexpected development eventually led to reflections on the kind of love she desired. During the final reunion, Chloe's secret affair with Bernie was exposed, much to the shock of her co-stars. 'To me, it wasn't ever an option that I'd end up with someone other than Beck or Emma,' she said. 'I'm very structured and organised, so when things didn't go to plan, it threw me off.' The kiss with Bernie may have been spontaneous but the impact was powerful. 'He couldn't keep his hands off me,' she laughed. 'But more than that he made me feel validated and heard. It was the first time I felt that all season.' Reflecting on the moment, Chloe revealed her biggest regret was not immediately being transparent with Beck and Emma after receiving Bernie's letter. What started as a straightforward journey quickly spiraled into a complex emotional web when Bernie slipped Chloe a secret note, adding another layer to an already complicated situation with matches Beck and Emma 'To me, it wasn't ever an option that I'd end up with someone other than Beck or Emma,' she said. 'I'm very structured and organised, so when things didn't go to plan, it threw me off' 'If I was to do it all again, I think my main difference would be the second I received that letter, I would have sat down with Beck and Emma and been transparent with them about what had occurred,' Chloe admitted. Despite the constraints of reality TV production, she feels she should have followed her gut instinct to discuss the situation openly. Chloe's journey on the show was marked by heightened emotions and a rollercoaster of feelings. She admitted to feeling rejected, shocked, and rushed in her various interactions. The reunion rekindled these emotions, with Chloe acknowledging the complexity of her experiences, 'Retrospect is a wonderful thing and unfortunately for me, this is how the cookies crumbled.' Despite the challenging circumstances, Chloe said she was grateful for the friendships and lessons learned along the way. The reunion, an explosive mix of shocks and emotions, left audiences with much to ponder regarding relationships and personal growth. As viewers process the revelations from the reunion, Chloe stood by her decisions, emphasising that her feelings were real and unfiltered. 'I have no regrets with my decision,' she affirmed, reflecting on her choice to steer towards authenticity in her journey on and off the screen. Watch every episode of Love Triangle only on Stan. Nicole Kidman made headlines after she suffered an epic hair fail at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. But the Moulin Rouge! star hit back at the critics by reposting a video of herself from the event to Instagram. The actress, 57, shared a video to her story on Tuesday which saw her posing in her long wig on the balcony of a waterfront property before attending the event. It also showed Nicole one day earlier on the red carpet with her hairpiece. The original video was posted by fashion stylist Jason Bolden, who captioned it: '2 Vibes Same Girl.' Nicole suffered a fail as she wore her hairpiece at the 2025 Kering Women In Motion Awards and Cannes Film Festival Presidential Dinner on Sunday. Defiant Nicole Kidman has posted a video of herself wearing her wig after her epic red carpet fail at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday The Nine Perfect Strangers star wore the weave to add volume to her strawberry blonde locks and help give her a more youthful look. However, the mesh wig cap was visible as Nicole posed for photos on the red carpet despite her real hair being weaved into it. Hollywood stars often wear wigs and hair extensions to achieve a more youthful appearance as hair thins and loses volume with age. Nicole also showed off her smooth visage at the event with a natural makeup palette. The actress, who accepted the 2025 Kering Women in Motion Award, showed off her sexy yet conservative red dress as she posed for the cameras at the exclusive event. Established a decade ago, the honour is given to women who have made a groundbreaking impact on the big screen. As she accepted the honour, Nicole said she would continue to use her platform to fight for continued gender equality in the film industry. She said: 'I'm just an advocate and want to continue to keep moving forward with that.' The actress shared a video of her story which saw her posing in her long wig on the balcony of a waterfront property before attending the event Nicole suffered a fail as she wore her hairpiece at the 2025 Kering Women In Motion Awards and Cannes Film Festival Presidential Dinner on Sunday and the mesh cap was visible Previous winners of the Women in Motion Award include Susan Sarandon and Salma Hayek. Nicole added: 'I am proud to join the list of extraordinary women who've received this honour before me - artists and trailblazers I deeply admire. 'The Cannes Film Festival has been a part of my life for over 30 years and I am thrilled to add this incredible recognition to the many memories I've made here.' The hair gaffe was Nicole's second mishap of the day after her hair piece was seen off-centre to her natural scalp line when she sported an all-black ensemble to give her talk for the award. This consisted of a tightly-fitted leather jacket and black denims that were styled with a large belt. The actress explained that as part of her commitment to helping women in the industry, she vowed in 2017 to work with a female director every 18 months. Since then, she revealed, she has worked with 27 women on several projects, including those yet to be released. 'Part of it is protecting and surrounding the women with almost like a force field of protection and support,' she said. The hair gaffe was Nicole's second mishap of the day after her hair piece appeared slightly off-centre to her natural scalp line when she sported an all-black ensemble Nicole's habit of wearing wigs in Hollywood movies has earned her a cult following over the years. The Hollywood star has rarely showcased her natural hair in films since the early days of her career, and almost exclusively wears wigs for all of her movie roles. An Aussie stylist has since weighed in on her most radical red carpet look at the 2025 Met Gala, where she debuted an edgy new haircut. Bixie Colour hairstylist Andrew Newport believes her new short style could be a mix of her real hair and extensions. 'This could be Nicole's real hair with the length at the back disguised under some artfully placed, clipped or glued in hair pieces,' he said. 'This look, which appears to have been achieved by hair magic, could have been created by taking the hair at the back of the head and braiding tightly to the scalp. Nicole's real hair is featured at the front fringe, plus the hair extensions at the nape would be dressed over the disguised hair. 'This would take a bit of work and considerable time but is 100% achievable.' Chrishell Stause has been flown in as a very special guest to host Stan's much-anticipated season three Love Triangle reunion. And on Tuesday, the Selling Sunset star, 43, didn't hold back when it came to calling out Bernie for his 'gross behaviour' and questionable motives after footage of his secret tryst with Chloe was played back in front to the cast. 'It was just so obvious to me,' Chrishell said. 'He shut down immediately when the daters didn't look a certain way. He wasn't open to taking any form of accountability. 'I understand that's your preference, but the whole point of the show is to be open. I feel like he robbed the other daters of the experience. That already says something about him.' But it was Bernie's short-lived tryst with Chloe that left Chrishell fuming. Chrishell Stause has been flown in as a very special guest to host Stan 's much-anticipated season three Love Triangle reunion And on Tuesday, the Selling Sunset star, 43, didn't hold back when it came to calling out Bernie for his 'gross behaviour' 'He wooed somebody from another triangle and dumped her right before [the reunion] It was very clear to me he wanted to sleep with Chloe,' she said. 'He told her whatever she wanted to hear to do that and he didn't want to then be on TV with a girlfriend. He wanted to go out and sleep with whoever he wanted. It's just gross behaviour. 'Whether he wants to admit it or not and I hope he gets to a place where he can that was his intention. And I wanted to push him to own it.' Since attending the reunion back in November, Sydney-based Bernie has refused to take any accountability for his behaviour, refused to speak to any the cast or even acknowledge his involvement on the show. 'It's not surprising to me or anyone probably that's dealt with someone like him. He's very charming,' Chrishell explained. 'You see why, he probably, ends up hurting a lot of people because he's never going to be that guy that's able, I don't wanna say that. 'Maybe watching the show back will help him, but I feel like he's gotten away so far... [He's] really just getting away with a lot of things because he thinks he can, and, leading people on and ends up hurting people. 'I think it's nice for people to be able to watch someone like that where it's okay, I'm sure a lot of people have fallen for this before.' The US reality star questioned his motives after footage of his secret tryst with Chloe was played back in front to the cast 'He wanted to go out and sleep with whoever he wanted. It's just gross behaviour,' Chrishell said of his behaviour The US-based reality star revealed she was shown rough edits of episodes before filming the reunion, which helped her prepare to hold the cast accountable. 'The show hadn't come out yet, so I was being shown rough edits of the episodes before they went to air,' she explained. 'I also got to talk with the producers because I wanted to know wait, are they really like this? The way that it's coming across? 'I come from Selling Sunset, and I've seen where sometimes something can really be turned on its head and it's not how it went. But that is not the case with this show.' Chrishell said the producers even kept her from meeting the cast until the moment she walked out onto the set. 'They held me back from meeting them until I actually walk out. So yeah, it was just a crazy situation to be able to ask all the questions I wanted to as if I was an audience member,' she explained. And she didn't hold back on those questions, particularly when it came to men avoiding accountability on dating shows. 'I'm such a lover, I really root for love. But I want people to not be able to get away with that behaviour anymore. Nowadays with social media, it's helped shine a light on things people used to get away with,' she said. The US-based reality star also revealed she was shown rough edits of episodes before filming the reunion, which helped her prepare to hold the cast accountable Chrishell said the producers even kept her from meeting the cast until the moment she walked out onto the set 'Their words don't match their actions,' she said. 'If someone is saying they're here for love, but when they thought nobody was paying attention, they spoke about women in a degrading way that tells you everything' 'Bernie is a perfect example. If this show aired years ago, he would've gotten away with it like gangbusters. But we're in a new age now. Women are sharpening up, we're sharing our experiences. 'Gaslighting didn't even used to be a word we didn't know what it was. Now we know the signs, and we're not falling for it.' When asked how she spots someone faking it for the cameras, Chrishell was quick to point out a clear sign. 'Their words don't match their actions,' she explained. 'If someone is saying they're here for love, but when they thought nobody was paying attention, they spoke about women in a degrading way that tells you everything. 'They're not looking for love they need to learn how to love themselves first.' Despite the takedowns, Chrishell insisted she genuinely wants these men to learn and grow from the experience. 'I do root for them to get better. I hope they watch this back and are able to reflect. I've been on Selling Sunset, and the world bombards you with feedback but sometimes that feedback helps,' she said. Having starred on The Traitors and numerous reality shows herself, Chrishell confirmed she's now happy sitting in the host's seat And while she and her Aussie partner G Flip are still based in LA, Chrishell didn't rule out a future move Down Under 'If you're able to take it on the chin and reflect, it'll make you a better person.' Having starred on The Traitors and numerous reality shows herself, Chrishell said she's was thrilled sitting in the host's seat for Stan. 'I did The Traitors, which filmed in Australia as well but I'm definitely staying in the host seat for now,' she laughed. 'It's a lot more stressful being in the hot seat!' So would she return for another season? 'Absolutely. I loved working with Stan. I would do it again in a heartbeat,' she said. 'I think we need to find more daters who are genuinely open to the process. 'There's justice to be had for some of the people who went into this with the right heart and didn't get the outcome they deserved.' Chrishell even floated the idea of bringing Love Triangle to the US. 'America would love this show it was so juicy. My jaw dropped so many times!' she said. And while she and her Aussie partner G Flip are still based in LA, Chrishell didn't rule out a future move Down Under. 'We always have that as an option,' she teased. 'We love Australia it's always on the board of possibilities.' As for the advice she'd give to the cast now that the reunion has aired? 'It's going to be hard. There's a lot of criticism that comes with being on a public platform. But if you can be open to feedback - even the bad stuff - you'll come out of it a better person,' she concluded. Watch every episode of Love Triangle only on Stan. A popular Home and Away star has been caught up in a bizarre Facebook catfish scam. Nicholas Cartwright, 36, was forced to break his silence on Monday after a person pretending to be him contacted numerous female fans of the actor over social media. Cartwright said scammers had been using 'catfish' Facebook profiles to lure unsuspecting women into believing they were in a relationship with him. The scammer would then ask the women for cash. 'Look guys I normally don't like to have to make these announcement things,' he began. 'But a lot of women are getting scammed and catfished by profiles on Facebook using my image. I've been getting a lot of messages about it. Home and Away star Nicholas Cartwright has been caught up in a bizarre Facebook catfish scam Cartwright said scammers had been using 'catfish' Facebook profiles to lure unsuspecting women into believing they were in a relationship with him 'I was sort of hoping that it would just go away and it's not. Now, I've got people contacting my managers and my family, and all sorts of bizarre stuff is going on.' The actor has pinned the video to highlights on his Instagram page, which has 70,000 followers, and labelled it: 'Scam Alert'. 'This is my only social media. I hardly even use social media,' he continued. 'I don't know if you've noticed, but it's terrible.' Nicholas poked fun at the quality of his video as he said that he uses an old Motorola phone that he pays $1 per month for. The actor sincerely apologised to any fans who had fallen victim to the scam and repeated that @_nicholas_cartwright_ on Instagram is his one-and-only social media profile. 'Long story short, I apologise to anyone that is getting scammed. Not that it's my fault, but I hope that you're okay,' he said. 'So if you see anyone that looks like me on social media, I'm not asking for money, or trying to get married to anyone in New Zealand!' Catfishing refers to the creation of a fictitious online persona, or fake identity, with the intent of deception. Unfortunately, it is a common tactic used by scammers to mislead victims into online romantic relationships for financial gain. The actor sincerely apologised to any fans who had fallen victim to the scam, and repeated that @_nicholas_cartwright_ on Instagram is his one-and-only social media profile Nicholas has largely remained offline since a texting scandal involving one of Home and Away's former bosses hit the headlines in 2024 Two years ago, a man accused of stalking Sophie Monk after arriving at her door with a red rose claimed he believed he was in relationship with the TV star after being 'catfished'. Brian Rapley, 51, was alleged to have travelled to Sophie's Central Coast home on April 25, 2023, with the hope he would be meeting her in person after exchanging loved-up messages online. Brian claimed that a con artist posing as Sophie sent him romantic texts and DMs for four months before scamming him out of $7,000. Meanwhile, Nicholas has largely remained offline since a texting scandal involving one of Home and Away's former bosses hit the headlines in 2024. The TV heartthrob lashed out at Dan Bennett, who who ran the Seven soap staple as Network Script Executive between 2016 and 2017, after he commented on one of his social media posts. 'I'd seen him promoting an upcoming (Home and Away) storyline about the River Boys coming back,' Bennett told Daily Mail Australia. 'The show's trying to re-energise that whole crime tone - the drugs and the devilishness - and all I've done is send him a message saying, 'zzz' - as in, 'that's a bit boring, we've seen all that before'. 'Of course, that's just my view; I'm just a fan these days. But next thing you know, I've got Nicholas Cartwright - one of the supposed stars of the show - sending me DMs and calling me 'a c**t'. 'I don't know Nicholas, I've never met him... so to think that's how he talks to fans is deeply concerning.' Hollywood legend Tom Cruise revealed when he plans to step away from his enduring acting career. In news that will comfort his fans, the 62-year-old film icon said he intends to continue making movies well past his 100th birthday. 'I will never stop,' the actor who is dating Ben Affleck's ex Ana de Armas, 37 told The Hollywood Reporter during the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning on Sunday. 'I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films I'm excited,' Cruise who has surprisingly never won as Oscar added. Two years prior, the Interview with the Vampire star shared he was inspired by Star Wars legend Harrison Fords, 80, long-lasting career, and that he wanted to make films until he reached that age. But he has since revised his answer, stating: 'I actually said Im going to make movies into my 80s; actually, Im going to make them into my 100s.' At the #MissionImpossibleThe Final Reckoning premiere, Tom Cruise reveals he will keep making movies into his 100s pic.twitter.com/dZdzfEKnAf The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 18, 2025 Hollywood legend Tom Cruise, 62, revealed when he plans to step away from his enduring acting career; Pictured May 18 in New York City 'I will never stop,' he told The Hollywood Reporter during the premiere of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning in New York on Sunday; Seen in a still from the movie The Top Gun star then elaborated on his reasons for remaining dedicated to acting. 'There's been so many levels of reward with the filmmakers that I've collaborated with, the crews, the people, the cultures that we've worked in. Everything that I've learned and continue to learn about storytelling, about life, about leadership, about character and every aspect of filmmaking,' he said. 'It's been exceptional, it really is exceptional. I feel very fortunate to be able to make the films that I make and I love it. I love just making movies,' he added. Cruise famous for doing his own stunts also shared that there's a whole spectrum of 'pre-stunt rituals' he has to keep him 'alive.' 'It depends on what Im doing and the amount of preparation I have to do. A lot of thought goes into it, and they are very complex and very interesting.' Cruise recently said today that the secret to performing all his own stunts is that he feels no fear. He famously shattered his ankle leaping between two skyscrapers on the previous Mission: Impossible. In this Mission: Impossible he wing-walks on a vintage biplane and also acts in an extraordinary underwater sequence set on board a submarine. He said: How do I feel about fear? Oh thats exciting. I like the feeling. Its not paralyzing it doesnt bother me, I enjoy it. In any endeavor people can be afraid, I dont mind confronting it and going in. I wanted an interesting life thats very dynamic. I try to know before I go on set as much as I can. I have a goal and I have a list of what I need to learn to get to the goal and I go up and down the list and keep attacking it, "Oh I had better learn how to fly a helicopter."' 'I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films I'm excited,' he added; Pictured May 15, 2025 in London, England at film premiere 'I actually said Im going to make movies into my 80s; actually, Im going to make them into my 100s,' the actor added Cruise previously said he was inspired by Harrison Ford's, 80, long-lasting career, and that he wanted to make films until he reached that age; Ford seen in still from 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Tom's latest offering, Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, will be released in theaters on May 23 of this year He went on: People say be careful. I say be competent strive towards being capable and look for know that you can apply and when you apply it gets you the results that you want. Its a constant study. Mission: Impossible 8 features returning stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff and Henry Czerny, all of whom are back from the previous film. The stacked cast will also be augmented by new faces, including Bob Odenkirk, Parks & Recreation star Nick Offerman, Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham, Ozark actress Janet McTeer and Katy O'Brian. Dead Reckoning and The Final Reckoning were at one point billed as the last films to star Tom in the Mission: Impossible series. However, director Chris McQuarrie. backed away from that idea during the publicity campaign for the first film, and Cruise has since expressed interest in continuing to explore what Ethan Hunt's adventures might be like well into old age. Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning will be released in theaters on May 23 of this year. Cruise's films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, placing him among the highest-grossing actors of all time. He's been nominated for an Oscar four times Born on the Fourth of July (1990), Jerry Maguire (1997), Magnolia (2000), Top Gun: Maverick (2023) but has yet to win. Cruise began acting in 1981. His film debut was a minor role in the romantic drama Endless Love. Aside from Mission Impossible, he is famous for leading roles in iconic films such as Top Gun, Rain Man, and Jerry Maguire. Cruise's films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, placing him among the highest-grossing actors of all time; Seen in a still from Top Gun: Maverick 2022 He's been nominated for an Oscar four times but has yet to win; Seen in a 1996 still from Jerry Maguire, which earned him a Best Actor nomination Cruise recently broke his silence about his new girlfriend Ana, whom he first started seeing in February. On Sunday the movie star told Extra what he thought of the brunette bombshell. 'Very talented, great dramatic actress, comedic, tremendous ability, learns quickly,' Cruise told the site. This comes after Ana told Good Morning America that she will be working with Cruise on several projects. Armas and Cruise have been getting serious in recent weeks, DailyMail.com has learned. Friends believe the relationship could last, with our insider pointing to the fact that Armas does 'not like to party', preferring quiet nights at home like her decades-older boyfriend. Though another source stressed that the pair are 'taking it day by day' and that Armas 'does not give her heart away easy.' Dakota Johnson looked chic as she attended the Splitsville after-party during Cannes Film Festival the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The actress, 35, wore a semi-sheer slip dress, with a floral print and a draped, cowl neckline. She accessorised her elegant outfit with a pair of statement chandelier earrings and styled her hair straight. Dakota was joined by her co-star Adria Arjona, 33, and Alexander Skarsgard, 48, with the trio smiling for a photo together inside at Lucia Cannes. Actress Adria stunned in a yellow, figure hugging gown, while Alexander stood out in a pair of sequinned trousers. Dakota's upcoming film Splitsville follows a couple trying to navigate an open marriage is set for release on August 22. Dakota Johnson looked chic as she attended the Splitsville after-party during Cannes Film Festival the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Monday 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. 'You've 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 percent 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. The actress, 35, wore a semi-sheer slip dress, with a floral print and a draped, cowl neckline Dakota was joined by Adria Arjona, 33, and Alexander Skarsgard, 48, with the trio smiling for a photo together inside Actress Adria stunned in a yellow, figure hugging gown, while Alexander stood out in a pair of sequinned trousers Kyle Marvin was also in attendance at the event which took place at Lucia Cannes 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. Dakota was later joined by Maha Dakhil and Ro Donnelly 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. Courtney Stubbs has been hospitalised and diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) - a condition that sees her struggle with severe nausea, vomiting and exhaustion. The Love Island Australia star, 27, who is expecting her second child with former Married At First Sight groom Jack Millar, 30, took to Instagram on Monday to open up about her 'rollercoaster' pregnancy, along with some confronting images. In one photo she is seen lying down in the shower and in another hooked up to an IV while in hospital. 'Wish I was here to say it has been all positivity, sunshine and rainbows but that isnt the case,' she wrote of the harsh realities of her second pregnancy. Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which affects 1 in 100 Australian women, has caused the pregnant mum to be bedridden, tired, nauseous, unable to keep food down and hospitalised multiple times. 'I cant even take care of Penelope' she said of her first child. Courtney Stubbs has been hospitalised and diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) - a condition that sees her struggle with severe nausea, vomiting and exhaustion The Love Island Australia star, 27, who is expecting her second child with former Married At First Sight groom Jack Millar , 30, took to Instagram on Monday to open up about her 'rollercoaster' pregnancy, along with some confronting images 'Wish I was here to say it has been all positivity, sunshine and rainbows but that isnt the case,' she wrote of the harsh realities of her second pregnancy 'Thank god for Jack and the grandparents who have helped out.' However, the reality star assured fans that her growing baby - a little boy - was doing well despite her serious health struggles. 'Baby boy has been monitored every time and he is healthy and growing perfectly, thank goodness,' she added. 'I think I just feel useless and gutted that this is so hard on my body, that my body goes through this type of trauma whilst trying to grow another baby. 'I want what those fitness influencers have, grinding away at the gym, right as rainbows,' she added. 'Its so bitter tasting to not be experiencing pregnancy the way I feel like Im suppose to".' The pregnant mum said she made the decision to open up about her pregnancy struggles in the hopes of being there for other women who are experiencing similar issues. 'I dont want anyone in my position to feel alone, or not heard,' she said. 'I think I just feel useless and gutted that this is so hard on my body, that my body goes through this type of trauma whilst trying to grow another baby In one photo she is seen lying down in the shower and in another hooked up to an IV while in hospital 'Although this journey isnt picture perfect like we always dreamed its worth it. 'Pregnancy is the hardest journey Ive been through, but I cant wait to say I got through!' Friends, family and followers flooded the comments section of the post with praise and love for Courtney. Pregnant MAFS bride Domenica Calarco, who was partnered with Jack on the hit reality series' ninth season, rallied around the mum. 'You are strong, you can do this!!!!! Pregnancy is bloody hard!! So many women feel alone and you opening up like this will help immensely,' she wrote. Fellow Love Island alum Margarita Smith also offered her support for the star. 'So rough you poor thing sending so much love and strength!!' she said. A fan commiserated with the soon-to-be mum of two, saying: 'Ive experienced HG with both pregnancies and second was 100x worse! Take it day by day hun. All worth it at the end!' Courtney and Jack welcomed their daughter Penelope back in 2023 Courtney and Jack revealed that they were expecting their second child in a sweet video posted in April this year. The pair could be seen cuddling and kissing each other and their daughter Penelope, one, as they enjoyed a picnic. They went on to say their second child was 'the final piece to our puzzle', adding that they were expecting the little bundle of joy in October 2025. The loved-up duo welcomed their daughter Penelope back in 2023. They announced the joyous news via Instagram, sharing a gallery of photos showing the pair cuddling up to their newborn baby girl at hospital and later at home. One photo showed the besotted parents posing in bed with their daughter as well Jack's dog Finn. 'Penelope June Millar. A love so magical words cannot describe! 10/11/23,' they wrote in the caption. Rosie Huntington-Whitely tantalized her 20.5 million Instagram followers on Monday as she shared a new set of bikini-clad snapshots. The 38-year-old British supermodel who stunned in a red dress at Cannes on Saturday bared her washboard abs in the brand's two-piece check swimsuit with string ties. Rosie smoldered underneath an outdoor shower as she modeled the $370 top and $290 bottoms. She used a clever play on words as she captioned the post, 'Thirst tap.' And the stunner also took to Instagram Stories to share a closer look at the pictures, declaring it a 'Burberry bikini summer.' In April, Rosie sat down with The Sunday Times and opened up about her relationship with fiance Jason Statham, who is 20 years her senior. Rosie Huntington-Whitely tantalized her 20.5 million Instagram followers on Monday as she shared a new set of bikini-clad snapshots The 38-year-old British supermodel bared her washboard abs in the brand's two-piece check swimsuit with string ties She and the actor are parents to son Jack, eight, and daughter Bella, three. The former Victoria's Secret Angel told the publication that their age gap has never been a problem. 'Im committed to my family,' she said of their longtime romance. The star emphasized, 'I value the family unit and hes just been such an incredible person in my life. 'We take each day as it comes. Theres a lot of love and fun and humor, and we just try to make it work.' Whiteley, who said yes when Statham popped the question in 2016, 'Relationships go through many iterations. You just have to hold on. I try to show up as the best version of myself. You can only control your side of it, right? My happiness is not in his hands. I just try to do my part.' Asked if the longtime couple will marry any time soon, she said it's not a priority, telling that outlet that it'll happen 'maybe one day.' 'Its not something thats ever been massively important to me. Throwing a big, fancy wedding is not something I feel is necessary at this point in my life. If we do, it will be low-key,' the mother-of-two explained. Rosie smoldered underneath an outdoor shower as she modeled the $370 top and $290 bottoms Her long blonde hair was slick with water as she posed for the camera Rosie has been engaged to longtime beau Jason Statham since 2016 The couple relocated their family from Los Angeles to London in 2020 to establish a better work-life balance. Whitley shared, 'It was always part of the plan to raise the kids here. We love the schools, the education. Theyre growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here.' She added, 'Jays parents live up the road and see the kids most days, my family come to visit every six or eight weeks, and in the summer we go down to Devon and our children have the same experiences running around on the farm that I had growing up, and its very special.' It took some adjusting, however: 'I was very settled in LA and for a long time I missed the sunshine and the eternal optimism of Californians. But now I love it here.' The actress said of her partner, 'He was like, "Im going to be away from you and the kids for big stretches [shooting movies]. If we move to London, I can make everything there." So that was a really big reason. He goes to work and comes home at the end of the day, which is pretty special for somebody in his line of work.' A 7News reporter has shed light on a disgusting moment that was caught on camera during a broadcast. Kate Massey, a journalist who was initially based in Perth before moving to Melbourne, shared a 'bloopers' clip to her TikTok account showing her standing outside Western Australia's Police Force headquarters. In the clip, Kate could be seen doing some beauty touch ups before going to air when her cameraman licked his finger and smoothed back her hair to keep it in place. Kate was visibly disgusted by the move as she awkwardly looked away and down her nose. 'It stayed there!' the assistant said in response to her facial expressions, which prompted a giggle from the presenter. 'You don't get that service from Luke,' she said, hinting at another staff member. A 7News reporter has shed light on a disgusting moment that was caught on camera during a broadcast The cameraman joked: 'It's my natural hairspray!' 'Nightmare fuel,' the post was captioned. The 'gross' moment has since amassed 135,700 views. Watchers of the clip flooded the comments section, laughing at the journalist's reaction while dubbing the self-made assistant a 'dad'. 'Dads never stop being dads,' one person wrote with another chiming in: 'Second dad energy. Best type to work with.' 'I just KNOW you hated this HAHAHA,' one person wrote. 'Nah this would cause me to go into a MELTDOWN,' another levelled. One person added: 'The facial reaction BAHAHA.' In the clip, Kate could be seen getting beauty touch ups before going on-air when an assistant licked his finger and smoothed back her hair in order to keep it in place Kate captioned the post, which has amassed 135.7K views, 'Nightmare fuel' 'Aye he got it done in a matter of seconds which is why he's been hired haha,' a fan pointed out. Kate has been a reporter and producer at Channel Seven for four years, having previously worked as a casual radio producer at Nine's 6PR talkback radio. In 2024, she was featured in Seven's AFL grand final broadcast alongside Kate McCarthy and Katie Brown. She is also part of Seven's AFL match-day reporting team this year. Married At First Sight star Domenica Calarco has called out her former best friend Ella Ding for announcing her pregnancy with a sponsored post. Ella took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to announce the exciting news alongside a series of photos including a positive Clearblue pregnancy test. 'Somewhere between healing and hustling, the next chapter quietly chose us,' she captioned her post. 'Baby Palermo youve already made our story sweeter & given us the best news of 2025 yet #ad #ClearblueConfirmed.' The announcement was reposted by the @influencer.updates.au Instagram page. Domenica took to the comments section to slam Ella for 'monetising on her pregnancy'. Married At First Sight star Domenica Calarco (pictured) has called out her former best friend Ella Ding for announcing her pregnancy with a sponsored post 'Even has to monetise her pregnancy announcement. Some people will never change. Wow,' she wrote. Ella's pregnancy announcement comes two months after her ex-best friend, podcast co-host and MAFS co-star Domenica announced she was expecting her first child. In March, Domenica posted a series of clips showing her positive pregnancy test, her ultrasound and telling her friends and family. The 32-year-old captioned the sweet post: 'Been a little MIA working on my greatest project yet.....Baby.' She added: 'Due September 2025 #pregnancyannouncement #pregnancy #pregnant.' Days after her announcement, Domenica exclusively confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that she will be raising her child as a single mum, as she addressed the break up rumours with Bondi skater Jarod Bogunovich. Domenica and Ella pulled the plug on their podcast Sit With Us in August 2024, and rumours have swirled that it was due to an interpersonal conflict. But on a recent episode of Domenica's new podcast Mad Woman, she explained where the rift with Ella really began. Ella took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to announce the exciting news alongside a series of photos including a positive Clearblue pregnancy test Domenica comment on the post, slamming Ella for monetising on her pregnancy 'The breakdown of our friendship really started when the backlash from Sit With Us happened,' Dom began, referring to the controversial conversation the podcasters had with MAFS 2024 'villain' Jack Dunkley. The controversy erupted after Domenica and Ella faced criticism for their interview with Jack, who previously sparked outrage by telling co-star Jonathan McCullough to 'muzzle' his wife Lauren Dunn during a dinner party. The interview prompted a heated response from fellow media personality Abbie Chatfield, further intensifying the scrutiny on the podcast hosts at the time. Domenica said that herself and Ella 'had very differing opinions and views on the way to handle the situation. For me, I wanted to face it head on, I didn't want to bury my head in the sand.' At the time, Domenica's social media posts were inundated with comments from fans asking her to address the podcast controversy. While Domenica chose not to provide a statement during this period, she did assure several fans that she and Ella will be responding to the backlash 'very soon'. Domenica and Ella have since unfollowed each other on Instagram, marking the end of their nearly four-year friendship. Domenica and Ella pulled the plug on their podcast Sit With Us in August 2024, and rumours have swirled that it was due to an interpersonal conflict The pair confirmed that they are no longer on speaking terms, further fuelling rumours of a rift that have been circulating for months. The former MAFS stars both addressed the situation, confirming that their once-strong bond had come to a close. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in September 2024, Ella stated, 'I've got nothing to say but I wish her the best of course, always will. All good things come to an end.' Meanwhile, Domenica echoed her sentiments, saying, 'We definitely unfollowed each other. I don't even know where to begin.' Wiggles star Lucia Field has apologised to the mother of a one-year-old fan, after her toddler failed to receive a high five during a live show. The furious mum, Amy, shared a video to TikTok on Monday which showed her tot being overlooked by the entertainers as he attempted to reach out to them 'six' times. To make matter worse, Amy revealed she and her son had been seated directly behind Red Wiggle Simon Pryce's son Asher, who received plenty of attention. Amy posted a compilation of her son's six attempts to get the attention of The Wiggles as they roamed the audience to meet fans throughout the performance. 'POV: You were sat behind Simon Wiggles' family at The Wiggles show,' the frustrated mother captioned her video. 'Watch how many attempts it took my toddler to get a high five.' Wiggles star Lucia Field has apologised to the mother of a one-year-old fan, after her toddler failed to receive a high five during a live show. Lucia (right) is the daughter of original Wiggle Anthony Field (left) The furious mum, Amy, shared a video to TikTok on Monday which showed her tot being overlooked by the entertainers as he attempted to reach out to them 'six' times The clip shows her one-year-old holding his arm up in anticipation of a high five on six separate occasions. However, The Wiggles performers each made a point of singling out Simon's four-year-old son for high fives, hugs, and hellos. Yellow Wiggle Evie Ferris, Blue Wiggle Lucia, and Red Wiggle Caterina Mete are all shown stopping by Simon's wife Lauren Hannaford and his son throughout the show. Simon, 53, and Lauren welcomed their son Asher in 2021. After Amy's son tried and failed to get their attention for the third time, he is shown pouting and still holding his arm outstretched as the performers walked away. Amy filmed the tender moment shared between Simon and Asher, as Simon enveloped his son in a hug and patted him on the back. He made direct eye contact with Amy during the interaction, while her toddler waved excitedly from his seat directly behind them, to no avail. Simon then returned a second time to pat his son's shoulder and involve him in the show, and Amy filmed her son still waving and saying 'bye' as Simon walked away. The furious mum said the cast lavished Red Wiggle Simon Pryce's son Asher with attention. Simon Pryce pictured with wife Lauren and son 'Attempt 5. Not going to lie, this one stung a bit,' Amy wrote over the clip. Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins was lucky number six and after sharing a quick hello and high five with Asher, the 19-year-old star immediately saw the sad toddler and gave him her attention. He was then seen bouncing and clapping along on his mum's lap. 'Thank you Tsehay, you saved the day,' Amy wrote in her caption, tagging each of The Wiggles. Her video has received more than 35,000 likes since it was posted two days ago. Lucia, who is the daughter of original Wiggle Anthony Field, rushed to the comments to offer her apologies. The 21-year-old wrote: 'I'm so so sorry! It's always been so chaotic when we run into the audience. 'I always try to wave to everybody, I'm so so sorry I missed your little one.' Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins (pictured) was lucky number six and after sharing a quick hello and high five with Asher, the 19-year-old star immediately saw the sad toddler and gave him her attention 'You didn't even see him Lucia, it's not your fault,' Amy wrote back. 'He was falling off my lap as you came up from waving so frantically at you. But thank you so so much for your message. It means the world.' Some parents were sympathetic to The Wiggles in the comments and noted it would be impossible to say hello to every child in the audience. But many pointed out a toddler would not understand the boy sitting in front of him was Simon's son and would think he was simply being ignored. 'Actually think that's incredibly rude of them to give so much attention to child in front and not give a little smile, hi5, quick hello to yours, who was literally right next to them. I get they can't do everyone, but a wave around the area doesn't take much,' one wrote. 'I agree,' Amy replied with a love heart emoji. 'That was really sad to watch,' another mum wrote. 'I get that's his son, but surely as child entertainers they should realise that other little babies can't comprehend why one kid is getting special attention from them all.' 'It's having the blinders on to not even notice another child right behind him desperately trying to get their attention with his arms out to wave,' Amy added in further comments, clarifying she is 'especially' upset with Simon. In 2021, the Wiggles sought to increase diversity in the group by adding four additional supporting members to the group. Shortly after this change, Emma Watkins left the group and Tsehay and Evie jointly took on the yellow skivvy. The group has just concluded the first Australian leg of 'Bouncing Balls' live tour in Adelaide. The tour will continue with dates in Darwin and Perth before it travels across the UK, USA, and Canada. Denzel Washington shocked fans after lashing out at an overzealous photographer while attending the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The Oscar-winning actor, 70, was seen pointing his finger in the face of one of the snappers during the dramatic exchange. And now expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman exclusively tells DailyMail.com that the Malcolm X star appears to have been set off by a photographer tapping him on the arm. As Washington turns to the photographer, he appears to shout: 'Hey, one one more time, stop. 'Let me tell you stop, stop never put your hands on me again,' he seems to tell the photographer, who had a grin plastered on his face throughout the exchange. 'Im talking to you, stop, all right,' he continued. Denzel Washington lashed out at an overzealous photographer while attending the red carpet premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday Expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman exclusively tells DailyMail.com that the Malcolm X star appears to have been set off by a photographer tapping him on the arm According to Freeman, the photographer replies to Washington by saying: 'Not allowed', before laughing and adding, 'Yes, yes, yes.' Despite the actor's emphatic words and body language, the photographer can be seen grabbing at Washington again in the clip, and had the temerity to ask, 'Can I take a picture?' Washington, who appears completely fed up at that point, shouts back: 'Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.' Many of the photographers surrounding Washington including the one he was yelling at were smiling, suggesting that they might not have realized how upset he was. However, the actor has a long history of tense interactions with photographers. DailyMail.com has contacted Washington's representatives for comment. Before calling out the photographer, he had been standing on the red carpet with his Highest 2 Lowest co-star, the rapper-turned-actor A$AP Rocky, 36. Despite his spat, Washington was in great spirits when he was later surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award presented by director Spike Lee. According to the lip reader, Washington yelled: 'Let me tell you stop, stop never put your hands on me again.' The photographer appears to reply by saying: 'Not allowed', before laughing and adding, 'Yes, yes, yes' Cannes changed some of its scheduling to accommodate Washington's trip, which came amid his lone off-day while performing Othello on Broadway in New York. Handing the award over to Washington, Spike Lee said: 'This is my brother, right here.' 'This is a total surprise for me!' the actor replied. Washington, who posed for photos with Lee and A$AP Rocky, showed no signs of jet lag and was expected to fly back to New York immediately after the screening. When the festival announced its lineup last month, Highest 2 Lowest wasn't included. Within hours, however, Lee himself said that the film was heading to Cannes. Representatives for the festival clarified that they had been waiting for confirmation that Washington would attend the red carpet. Highest 2 Lowest is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film High and Low, and will be released in theaters by A24 on August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5. The tirade comes seven months after Washington was filmed exploding at autograph hunters in New York City in October 2024. Washington was all smiles before the tense encounter The Oscar-winning actor snapped at fans as he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art for a film benefit honoring Samuel L. Jackson - with the tense exchange captured in a dramatic video. The Man on Fire star was seen arriving at the museum and posing with a fan while autograph hunters called his name from the side. A visibly annoyed Washington went to walk inside but then turned and addressed a fan in the crowd. While the entire exchange cannot be deciphered, the actor was seen pointing his finger and saying: 'I heard you. You talk about showing love... '...Respecting me' to which the fan replied: 'We already do.' Washington retorted: 'I said I'll see you when I get out, which part of that don't y'all understand? 'It's about showing love,' he added before raising his voice and declaring: 'Or not, or not! We can do it another way... or not, we can do it both ways!' Later Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award at the Film Festival presented by director Spike Lee, left In 2021, Washington was pictured having another fractious moment with a fan. The movie star was standing by his car when the admirer walked over with a sack of photos for him to sign in New York City. The pair engaged in an intense conversation, with the actor looking as though he was giving the fan some pearls of wisdom. Washington placed his hands on the man's shoulder and looked deep into his eyes, momentarily forgetting social distancing. While the actor had his mask on, the fan's was pulled down to his chin for the encounter as the Hollywood star then placed his hands around his face. An onlooker claimed that he told the fan to 'say a prayer' but it is not known what they were talking about. Kim Kardashian was supposed to be the star of a new Netflix comedy... until she recruited another A-lister was recruited as the film's director. The reality TV star's, 44, upcoming project, titled The Fifth Wheel, will be directed by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, 50. Longoria, whose 2023 film Flamin' Hot garnered plenty of success, was tapped by producers seeking a female director, according to Deadline. The project was first announced in November 2023 and found its home at the streaming service a week later. Plot details for the movie are currently unknown, but Kardashian who recently debuted new nipple piercings will reportedly play a 'fifth wheel' character within a female ensemble. The script comes from Saturday Night Live writer Paula Pell and comedian Janine Brito. Kim Kardashian, 44, is gearing up to star in and produce a new Netflix comedy film, with an unlikely director at the helm; She is pictured 2024 in New York City Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Cris Abrego will also producing. Both Longoria and Kardashian recently attended Lauren Sanchez's bachelorette party, ahead of her wedding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Pell and Brito were eager for Kardashian to perform in the project and pitched her on it once the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded November 9. The three of them then collectively pitched the project to multiple studios. Pell has extensive writing credits, including more than 300 episodes of Saturday Night Live from 19952020, as well as 30 Rock. She won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 2002 for SNL. She has also written for shows such as Mapleworth Murders, Camping and the 2014 Oscars. Brito's experience includes writing for shows such as the One Day at a Time reboot, Bless the Harts and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The reality TV star's upcoming project, titled The Fifth Wheel, will be directed by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, 50; Eva pictured May 18 in Cannes, France Longoria, whose 2023 film Flamin' Hot garnered plenty of success, was tapped by producers seeking a female director, according to Deadline; She is pictured in 2023 Longoria and Kardashian are pals and recently attended Lauren Sanchez's bachelorette party, ahead of her wedding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos; Eva, Lauren and Kim seen in 2023 Plot details for the movie are currently unknown, but Kardashian will reportedly play a 'fifth wheel' character within a female ensemble; Kim is pictured in 2022 Insiders previously told Deadline they expected Kardashian to 'be very hands on' with marketing tie-ins with the movie, with an eye on branding. It comes after Kim who is now back in LA after traveling to Paris to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in 2016 recently sparked backlash over her 'blasphemous' move against two Oscar nominated stars in the new trailer for legal drama, All's Fair. The mom-of-four takes on her first leading role as a ruthless divorce lawyer in the new Ryan Murphy drama - and landed top billing over Oscar nominees Glenn Close and Naomi Watts, as well as established stars Niecy Nash, Sarah Paulson and Teyana Taylor. All's Fair follows a team of high-powered female attorneys who leave their firm to start their own company - with American Horror Story: Delicate star Kardashian taking on the role of Allura Grant. The trailer opens with Kardashian saying: 'Deep breath. Tell us your story ' to a client played by Showgirls icon Elizabeth Berkley. Berkley says: 'Sorry it's a lot' with Watts responding: 'No, no, we don't meet with sorry people.' Close then confronts Kardashian, saying: 'Get mad, get hot, get revenge!' Kardashian's Grant then dresses down a cheating husband saying: 'You're right, everything we're gonna show you today, you should be intimately familiar with Kim will next be starring alongside two Oscar nominated actresses, Glenn Close and Naomi Watts, in Ryan Murphy's upcoming legal drama, All's Fair; Pictured in a still from the show The mom-of-four takes on her first leading role as a ruthless divorce lawyer in the show, set to premiere sometime in the fall A lingerie clad Kardashian is seen injecting herself in the thigh with apparent drugs before collapsing in a toilet cubicle - before a steamy scene shows her straddling hunky co-star Matthew Noszka, 32. Amid her own divorce from Eric Johnson, Jessica Simpson makes a surprise cameo in one scene, throwing a drink in an mystery person's face. Offended fans took to social media to lambast Kardashian - for whom All's Fair was created for by Murphy - for taking top billing, forcing acclaimed actors to play 'second fiddle' to the novice actress. One fan wrote: 'In what world is Naomi Watts playing second fiddle in this hot mess? Others penned: Looks trashy, but no wonder if we can see KK first credit. And thats sad with so many talented actresses in supporting roles. 'Why do they keep on trying to make KK an actress?' 'Kim Kardashian sharing screen space with such established actors and getting a role that is somehow more important than them is just not right.' 'This looks horrible....make it stop...' 'Must be embarassing for the liked of Glenn Close and Naomi Watts to be standing behind a Kardashian.' Kim is back in LA after traveling to France to testify at trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016; Pictured with mom Kris Jenner in Paris on May 13 Kim is back in Los Angeles after traveling to the French capital to testify at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016. The reality star broke down in tears as she told the court she forgives the defendant, despite fearing she was going to be raped and killed during the $10 million heist. She took the stand last Tuesday and also attended Sanchez's bachelorette party in the City of Love on Friday. A source close to Kardashian has since told DailyMail.com: 'Spending girl time at Lauren's bachelorette was a great way to end the week after testifying. She's glad it's over but thankful she was asked to testify as part of the trial.' Emma Hernan suffered a wardrobe malfunction during a night out with Oppenheim Group boss Jason Oppenheim and his new girlfriend Jessica Vargas. The trio enjoyed themselves at Hotel Martinez on Monday during the Cannes Film Festival, where 33-year-old Emma who flashed underboob earlier this spring wore a slinky silver and gold dress. She appeared to skip underwear while modeling the number, which featured a risky side slit that was just about as high as her hip bone. While posing on a staircase for a photo, the blonde bombshell's bare crotch was exposed, unbeknownst to her. Every other part of her eye-catching ensemble was carefully situated, with the fashionista's white Chanel purse positioned over her shoulder and her busty cleavage on display in the plunging look. Emma was bronzed for the night out and she wore her lengthy locks in a side part and sultry waves. Emma Hernan suffered a wardrobe malfunction during a night out with Oppenheim Group boss Jason Oppenheim and his new girlfriend Jessica Vargas She appeared to skip underwear while modeling the number, which featured a risky side slit that was just about as high as her hip bone. While posing on a staircase for a photo, the blonde bombshell's bare crotch was exposed, unbeknownst to her Her outfit was rounded out with a pair of silver heels with wrap-around straps stretching over her ankles. Meanwhile, Jason was outfitted in a camouflage sweater, black trousers, and white sneakers. His redhead girlfriend opted for a form-fitting black dress that showed off her perky chest. The look also boasted a cutout at the midriff, letting her show off her toned abs. On Saturday she wore a ruched, baby pink, one-shoulder gown from the Italian fashion brand Redemption while attending the COSF x PCE Cocktails by the Sea event. Taking to Instagram afterward, she shared a photo from the function with her 2.3 million followers, and wrote, 'Woke up in Cannes.' She added, '#sellingsunset #sellingsunsetnetflix #cannesfilmfestival #cannes #fashion #gown #paris #pinkgown #travel,' and has so far collected more than 21,000 likes. It comes after Hernan revealed her thoughts on Oppenheim's new relationship. On Saturday she wore a ruched, baby pink, one-shoulder gown from the Italian fashion brand Redemption while attending the COSF x PCE Cocktails by the Sea event Taking to Instagram afterward, she shared a photo from the function with her 2.3 million followers, and wrote, 'Woke up in Cannes' The serial dater is known for his track record of romancing stunning women, including Selling Sunset stars Chrishell Stause and Mary Fitzgerald. She told Us Weekly in April that Jessica, also a real estate agent, has her seal of approval. 'Jess is very sweet,' Hernan told the outlet at The Daily Front Rows 9th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards. The reality television personality added, 'Shes Emma approved. I dont know if shes everyone approved, but shes Emma approved.' And she noted, 'Jasons very happy. We just talked about it actually. Me and Jason just had a little heart to heart. Hes so, so happy with her.' Tom Cruise brought tears of joy to a mother's eyes during his appearance on The Tonight Show on Monday. The 62-year-old superstar was fresh off another kind act when he gave a member of the late-night talk show's audience the surprise of a lifetime. Tom who attended the New York premiere of the latest Mission: Impossible film on Sunday was as game as ever when he first joined host Jimmy Fallon for what initially seemed like a simple but funny game. The two were seated facing each other on a revolving dais so that they could perform a hilariously bizarre guessing game called What's Behind Me. Jimmy and Tom alternated giving hints at ridiculous displays on screen behind them that had almost certainly never been spoken aloud before, including three Bruce Springsteens surfing in France, a high school prom dance featuring the Terminator and a Minion slow-dancing, and Lady Gaga and Batman building IKEA furniture at home. But when it was Tom's final turn to give the clues, Jimmy switched up the segment by bringing up a shocked audience member to try guessing what was behind her. Tom Cruise brought tears of joy to a mother's eyes during his appearance on The Tonight Show on Monday The 62-year-old superstar was fresh off another kind act when he gave a member of the late-night talk show's audience the surprise of a lifetime The revelation, which left her overcome with emotion, was that her son who was deployed in Europe had been flown in for a surprise reunion, with Tom facilitating the moving connection. When Shontavia from Buffalo, New York, was introduced, she received a round of applause from the audience after sharing that she has a history of service after working at a community center to help people get signed up for health insurance. She unknowingly hinted at what her surprise would be when she mentioned that her children have all moved away, and her son Bruce was in the military and had been stationed in Europe for the past two years. As the platform began to rotate, Shontavia confessed, 'I'm bad at charades.' 'It's you and me!' Tom said to relax her as he gestured up at his eyes. But as the curtain opened, it revealed her son in the flesh as he stood in his white uniform while holding a bouquet of flowers intended for his mother, which elicited cheers from the audience. Tom wisely fed Bruce's mother the least meaningful clues to start, getting her to guess 'flowers' and 'New York City,' before working his way up to the final clue that would give it all away: 'son.' The Mission: Impossible star tried to have her recite the entire clue at the end, to which she came up with 'Flowers, grown in New York City, with a son?' Tom was as game as ever when he joined host Jimmy Fallon for what initially seemed like a simple but funny game in which they guessed at ridiculous scenarios behind them, such as Batman and Lady Gaga putting together IKEA furniture But when it was Tom's final turn to give the clues, Jimmy switched up the segment by bringing up a shocked audience member to try guessing what was behind her The unsuspecting woman they chose introduced herself as Shontavia from Buffalo, New York, who got a round of applause after sharing that she has a history of service at a community center, where she helps people sign up for health insurance She unknowingly hinted at what her surprise would be when she mentioned that her her son Bruce was in the military and had been stationed in Europe for the past two years 'It's you and me!' Tom said to relax her as he gestured up at his eyes. But as the curtain opened, it revealed her son Bruce in the flesh The Mission: Impossible star tried to have her recite the entire clue at the end, to which she came up with 'Flowers, grown in New York City, with a son?' 'You did it!' Tom cried out as the platform began to rotate, letting Shontavia see her son for what may have been the first time in two years Bruce stepped down from the stage to give his mother her flowers and a long, swaying hug, while Tom and Jimmy beamed at them 'You did it!' Tom cried out as the platform began to rotate, letting Shontavia see her son for what may have been the first time in two years. Bruce stepped down from the stage to give his mother her flowers and a long, swaying hug, while Tom and Jimmy beamed at them. Even though Bruce was in the presence of one of the biggest stars in the world, he ignored Tom and sweetly focused all his attention on his sobbing mother. 'We flew him in all the way to surprise you!' Jimmy shouted over the audience's cheers and clapping. 'That's for you, mom,' Fallon said of the flowers. 'He looks good, right?' he added, before thanking Bruce for his service. In that moment, Shontavia's son got an approving pat on the back from one of the biggest stars in the world, but he didn't even turn to look at him as he kept his eyes laser-focused on his mother. The day before, Tom performed a more low-key act of generosity when he gave employees at the AMC Lincoln Square theater some face time during the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning. 'We flew him in all the way to surprise you!' Jimmy shouted over the audience's cheers and clapping 'That's for you, mom,' Fallon said of the flowers. 'He looks good, right?' he added, before thanking Bruce for his service Shontavia's son got an approving pat on the back from one of the biggest stars in the world, but he didn't even turn to look at him as he kept his eyes laser-focused on his mother The day before, Tom performed a more low-key act of generosity when he gave employees at the AMC Lincoln Square theater some face time during the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning Film critic Mike Ryan revealed that they chatted for more than 15 minutes, and it wasn't even intended to be a photo op, as he and other premiere goers had left the premiere after the introduction Tom was seen in a post by the film critic Mike Ryan, who revealed that he stopped by the table with complimentary drinks and popcorn to chat with the employees for '15 minutes now.' A few minutes later he posted a follow-up photo, adding, 'He's still going.' In a third post, Ryan added that Tom's kind moment with the employees wasn't even intended to be a photo op. 'So also for anyone wondering: we werent supposed to see this,' he explained. 'We had already seen the movie so we came for a little fun pre-event thing, then we stayed for the intro, then quietly snuck out and stumbled upon this scene.' Daisy Lamb has teased a major spoiler about just who will walk away into the sunset from season 2025 of Farmer Wants a Wife. The 29-year-old real estate agent who found love on the hit dating show last year has shared that Farmer Tom and Georgie will end their season as a couple. 'It's come from multiple sources that Tom picks Georgie,' Daisy told Chattr on Friday. Still, she said that fans can brace themselves for a possible surprise outcome for the 31-year-old sheep farmer from NSW who also has primary school teacher Eliza as a pick. 'However, one of his neighbours near him actually messaged me and said that Eliza had moved to the farm and is working as a teacher there,' Daisy said. Daisy, who is still going strong with Farmer Todd from FWAW 2024, admitted she 'wasn't sure' Tom will pick one girl only to change his mind. Daisy Lamb has teased a major spoiler about just who will walk away into the sunset from season 2025 of Farmer Wants a Wife. Pictured: Farmer Tom The 29-year-old real estate agent who found love on the hit dating show last year has told Chattr on Friday that Farmer Tom and Georgie (pictured) will end their season as a couple She also said that Tom will leave the dating show 'early'. Meanwhile, another source contradicted Daisy's information and confirmed to the publication that Farmer Tom and Georgie are an item. 'He's with Georgie and they're still together. I don't know where that rumour started with Eliza, but that's not true at all,' said the insider. 'Eliza is doing her thing and is going alright.' It comes after Daisy recently opened up about life after the show and hinted at wedding bells with her partner Todd Melbourne. It's been over a year since season 14 of the hit Channel Seven dating show wrapped, and while some couples have called it quits, Daisy and Todd are still going strong - and looking ahead to the future. The former gym manager, who relocated from Townsville to Todd's farm in Narrabri just a month after filming the reunion in December 2023, says the move was seamless. 'Adjusting to life on the farm was really easy,' she told Yahoo Lifestyle. 'We had a really good friendship from the get-go on the show, so we're really good friends as well as partners.' Fans can brace themselves for a possible surprise outcome for the 31-year-old sheep farmer from NSW who also has primary school teacher Eliza as a pick. Pictured: Daisy Daisy said that one of Tom's neighbours said that Eliza (pictured) had moved onto his farm 'We're pretty easy-going people, so we adjusted quite well,' she added. Now working in the mines while Todd continues farming and doing the odd building job, the couple live a low-key country lifestyle. 'We literally just go to work, come home, we'll ride horses, and that's about it. Pretty boring!' she laughed. Despite the quiet life, Daisy confirmed that marriage is definitely on the cards - eventually. 'We've had many conversations between ourselves, and when it will happen. It will happen but we're not in a rush,' she explained. 'We're in a really, really good spot in our lives, we're really happy, we've got really good jobs, and we're just going with the flow.' Unlike some of the show's other enduring love stories, it's unlikely Daisy and Todd will be tying the knot on camera. It comes after the couple, who sparked controversy with their decision to be together, recently revealed they want to start a family together sooner rather than later. They said are only focusing on the next step in their relationship, with the pair already picking out baby names, reported New Idea. 'There's definitely kids in the future. We actually sat down last week and went through kids' names - which ones we did and didn't like!' Todd agreed with his sweetheart, saying it 'makes my day' every time he gets home to find Daisy waiting for him with a smile. 'Waking up next to someone is nowhere near as lonely as what it has been. We both want to start a family. Definitely, marriage, kids, all of that's on the cards,' he said. Farmer Wants A Wife continues to hold the crown as Australia's most successful reality dating series, credited with producing 11 marriages, seven long-term relationships, and 27 children since its debut. Emma Mackey ensured all eyes would be on her as she attended the Alpha premiere during Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The French-British actress, 29, exuded glamour in a glittering silver gown that clung to her toned figure and was adorned with thousands of sequins. Yet it wasn't just her stunning gown that was a talking point but her striking new hairdo - with Emma debuting a chic bob. The Sex Education star looked in good spirits as she joined co-stars includingTahar Rahim and Melissa Boros and Palme dOr-winning director Julia Ducournau on the red carpet before attending the premiere. Alpha was well-received at the festival, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation but the screening nearly came to a halt after an audience member suffered a medical emergency. According to Variety, about an hour into the film, attendees in the balcony began waving their phone torches and calling out for a doctor. Emma Mackey ensured all eyes would be on her as she attended the Alpha premiere during Cannes Film Festival on Monday in a stunning sequinned gown pictured with Louai El Amrousy and Melissa Boros) It wasn't just her stunning gown that was a talking point but her striking new hairdo - with Emma debuting a chic bob (right, in 2023) Paramedics then arrived, and despite calls for the screening to be paused, carried an audience member out on a stretcher while the movie continued to play. No further details have been released but the medical emergency is not thought to be related to the content of the body horror film, which had not shown anything graphic by that point. MailOnline has contacted Cannes Film Festival for comment. Alpha follows the tale of a troubled teenager (Melissa Boros) and her single mother whose 'world collapses after Alpha one day returns from school with a tattoo on her arm'. The film will be released in France on August 20. Emma burst onto screens in 2019 as wild child Maeve in Sex Education. The headmaster's daughter, who had a 'sheltered' upbringing as a 'bookish' Catholic schoolgirl, was working as a translator before landing her breakthrough in the racy Netflix series. Emma was born in northwest France to a French father, a headmaster, and an English mother, a charity volunteer, moving to the UK aged 17 to study English Literature at Leeds University where she took part in amateur theatre productions. Alpha was well-received at the festival, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation but the screening nearly came to a halt after an audience member suffered a medical emergency (L-R Louai, Emma, Melissa, Tahar Rahim, Julia Ducournau, Golshifteh Farahani, and Finnegan Oldfield) The day before graduating, Emma made the decision to apply for drama schools in London and landed an agent a year later. Six months after that she was cast in Sex Education after five rounds of auditions. At the time Emma was working as a translator and living with friends and family to save money. 'When I got off the phone I burst into tears and did a cliched squeal,' she previously revealed. 'I called my mum and pretended to be very, very cool. Like, "Yeah, got this role, it's no big thing".' Emma went on to land roles in Death on the Nile and Barbie. In 2023, Emma won the EE Rising Star Award at the British Academy Film Awards. Grace Jackson debuted a brand-new hairstyle on social media on Monday. The Love Island star, 26, took to her Instagram to show off her glamorous new look following a trip to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton's salon. The beauty donned a realistic dark brunette wig, which was styled in a voluminous blowout. For the salon visit, the reality TV star sported a stylish burgundy activewear set, which showed off her taut midriff. She captioned the snap: 'Were back together & decided to have some fun today (smiley and heart emoji) @chrisappleton1.' Chris - who is Kim Kardashian's hairdresser - seemed to have been inspired by the reality star's dark tresses as he styled Grace's wig. Grace Jackson debuted a 'brand-new' hairstyle on her social media on Monday following a trip to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton's salon The Love Island star, 26, looked sensational as she donned a realistic dark brunette wig, which was styled in a voluminous blowout (pictured, right, on Love Island in February) Later in the day, Grace took to her Instagram story to share the moment she pranked her boyfriend Luca Bish, 26, with her new 'hairdo'. In the clip, the beauty appeared giddy as she FaceTimed Luca and filmed his shocked reaction before revealing she was wearing a wig. It comes after Grace's boyfriend Luca was slammed by fans for his over-the-top method of asking her to be his girlfriend recently, which bore a striking similarity to the way he asked his ex-girlfriend Gemma Owen to be 'official'. The Love Island stars found love on the latest series of All Stars earlier this year and came runners-up to winner Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman. As Luca took things to the next level with the blonde bombshell, eagle-eyed fans spotted several similarities between his latest OTT gesture to the one he did for ex Gemma after meeting on the ITV2 show the first time around. Luca and Grace enjoyed a lavish getaway to Abu Dhabi, and during the trip, he hired someone to set up a stunning, floral beach private dinner, which looked nearly identical to the red roses date he prepared for Gemma. The arrangement featured a pathway of roses on the beach and a neon sign at the end of the walkway with the question: 'Will you be my gf?' Luca also arranged a romantic candlelight dinner for his new girlfriend overlooking the ocean as the sun set. She finished her look with a radiant makeup palette and captioned the snap: 'Were back together & decided to have some fun today (smiley and heart emoji) @chrisappleton1' Chris - who is Kim Kardashian 's hairdresser - seemed to have been inspired by the reality star's dark tresses as he styled Grace's wig (pictured in 2023) Later in the day, Grace took to her Instagram story to share the moment she pranked her boyfriend Luca Bish, 26, with her new 'hairdo' In the clip, the beauty appeared giddy as she FaceTimed Luca and filmed his shocking reaction before revealing she was wearing a wig However, several fans rushed to the comments to claim the romantic set up was a copy and paste version of the one he did for Michael Owen's daughter Gemma. In 2022, fans pointed out that the former fishmonger's set up for Gemma resembled 'a proposal' with a huge red rose display, a cello player and a videographer to capture Luca asking the question. As well as the romantic setup, Luca surprised Gemma with a gorgeous bunch of red roses and a 6.5k Cartier bracelet to add to her collection. While the international dressage rider, then 19, cut a glamorous figure in the montage clip as she donned a black midi dress as Luca escorted her out to a swimming pool filled with red balloons floating in the water, which read 'be my girlfriend'. Fans of the show were quick to comment, according to The Sun, on how similar the two romantic gestures are, with one person writing: 'It is basically the exact same as what he did for Gemma' 'Anyone who remembers the Gemma girlfriend proposal...this is just more of exactly the same'; 'Could've done something different rather than do basically the same thing you did for your ex'; 'W** how is that not an engagement? Why are these people so ridiculous? They'll be split within a year anyway.' At the end of 2022, MailOnline revealed Gemma and Luca's breakup, with a source close to the couple saying: 'Gemma and Luca have decided to part ways. Zoe Ball enjoyed a wholesome day with her family on Sunday as she took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of her children and dad Johnny Ball. The radio presenter, 54, was joined by her son Woody, 24, and daughter Nellie, 14, as well as her famous dad Johnny, 86, and stepmother Dianne, 74. Enjoying a day out at the Big Beach Cafe in Hove, the foursome beamed in the snap as Zoe penned: 'Sunday in the park with...' alongside a sun and love heart emoji. Zoe, who returned to BBC Radio 2 earlier this month, shares both children with her ex husband Norman Cook, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim. Yet Woody, who is also pursuing a career in music, has insisted he has 'sweated his way through the industry' rather than relying on his parents too much. He told new! magazine: 'I definitely felt that way [pressure] at the beginning, but my parents have been really good at putting me out on my own and letting me do it myself. Zoe Ball was joined by her son Woody, 24, and daughter Nellie, 14, as well as her famous dad Johnny, 86, and stepmother Dianne, 74, as they spent the day in Hove on Sunday Zoe captioned the snap: 'Sunday in the park with...' alongside a sun and love heart emoji. 'I've sweated my way through the industry, I think people started to see that.' Although the 'nepo baby' name tag has been thrown around, Woody argued it doesn't bother him, and credited his parents' support for his success rather than their jobs. He explained: 'I don't mind. I can't tell you who I'd be without my parents. They gave me the best education ever from them. 'They are the most generous, loving, kind, hard-working people on earth, and that's what they've given me. I feel like I owe it all to that.' Woody previously pointed out it's 'not his job to care' what people think about him or his family ties. He told Bang Showbiz: 'Throughout school I was bullied and stuff, sometimes at parties people would say 'Shut up Fatboy's son'. 'It's opened up more doors, people always remember me. 'I'm quite eclectic, I'm quite weird. I share DNA with my parents. I'm always gonna be a bit like them in the end. Zoe, who returned to BBC Radio 2 earlier this month, shares both her children with her ex husband Norman Cook, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim (pictured) Zoe and Nellie pictured together in New York in December Woody, who is also pursuing a career in music, has insisted he has 'sweated his way through the industry' rather than relying on his parents too much 'Genetically I'm mildly similar but it's not my job to care. 'I cater to the people who love my music, they f****** love it. My music speaks for itself and I do not have to prove it to anyone.' Meanwhile Zoe returned to BBC Radio 2 earlier this month after stepping down from her breakfast show in December to 'focus on her family', bidding farewell to her 950,000 salary. Her departure came after an extended break earlier in the year when her mother Julia died from cancer, and she decided to enjoy some time off with her family before returning in May with a new project. In February, Radio 2 officially announced programme changes, including a new weekly show with Zoe (1-3pm). Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: 'Zoe is one of the UK's most loved presenters, so I'm thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she'll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.' And welcoming listeners to her new show she announced: 'Hello it's me, oh it's lovely to be back on a Saturday. 'This is where it all began for me back when I used to sweep up and make the teas.' Happy to see the star's return, a viewer wrote: 'Great to have you back, Saturday afternoon is much better than having to wake up early' After proceeding to read out some other well wishes she then added: 'It is lovely to be here thanks for all your messages'. A Traitors star is in a new relationship with a boy band member and the couple has already gone Instagram official. Former Dancing On Ice contestant Mollie Pearce, 23, is dating The Vamps bassist Connor Ball, 29, and the couple affirmed their romance by going on a break together to Amsterdam. MailOnline revealed in October that Mollie, who rose to fame on season two of BBC One's The Traitors, had split from longterm boyfriend Max Backwell who she had been with for three years. But six months on from her breakup, the model has moved on with Connor after the couple connected at this year's Dancing On Ice wrap party. They were both at the TV bash after Connor appeared on the series in 2022 and Mollie finished in sixth place during this year's competition. The loved-up pair took a canal boat ride in Amsterdam where they posed for pictures together, smiling at the camera for the sweet selfie. Former Dancing On Ice contestant Mollie Pearce is dating The Vamps bassist Connor Ball and the couple affirmed their romance by going on a break together to Amsterdam MailOnline revealed in October that Mollie, who rose to fame on season two of BBC One's The Traitors, had split from boyfriend Max Backwell who she had been with for three years Six months on from her breakup, the model has moved on with Connor after the couple connected at this year's Dancing On Ice wrap party A TV source told MailOnline: 'Mollie and Connor are in the early stages of dating and are loving getting to know each other. 'They felt ready to share their relationship on Instagram after holidaying together for the first time. 'It's been a few months since they met at the Dancing On Ice wrap party, where they first connected and now they're up for going public.' Mollie starred on the last ever series of Dancing On Ice with professional parter Colin Grafton before the programme, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, was cancelled by ITV. The star competed on the show to raise awareness for the stoma bag community after having one fitted when she was 18, seven years after she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Mollie, who was born without fingers on her right hand, spoke about her decision to signup to Dancing On Ice, saying she wanted to take the opportunity now that she isn't held back by poor health. She said: 'I have my health and the chance to do these things now. I would never have been able to do anything like this four years ago. I want to take all the opportunities I possibly can now and take it all in.' MailOnline has contacted Mollie's representatives for comment. Connor shared snaps from his romantic break with Mollie where the two enjoyed a ride together on a canal boat The bassist appeared on the 2022 series of Dancing On Ice while girlfriend Mollie finished in sixth place during this year's competition Connor stars in boy band The Vamps alongside Bradley Simpson, Tristan Evans and James McVey Mollie starred on the last ever series of Dancing On Ice with professional parter Colin Grafton before the programme, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, was cancelled In 2024, Mollie was humiliated by Traitors rival Harry Clark, who convinced her he was a fellow Faithful, when all along he was a Traitor, and his deceit saw him bag the 95,000 cash prize. Harry promised Mollie a sunshine holiday as a way to compensate his treachery but he did not deliver. The former co-stars were reunited at last week's BAFTA TV Awards after The Traitors was nominated in the Best Reality and Constructed Factual category. Mollie attended the event wearing a fitted white gown with thigh-high slit while Harry came suited and booted in a tux. The line-up for the Celebrity Traitors was revealed last week with stars including singer Charlotte Charlotte, comedian Alan Carr, performer Paloma Faith and actor Stephen Fry taking part in the game of deception in a bid to win up to 100,000 for charity. Jennifer Lawrence has been tipped for Oscars glory after critics praised her 'mesmerising' performance in Lynne Ramsay's Die, My Love. The actress, 34, stars alongside Robert Pattison as a struggling mother battling postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis in an adaptation of Ariana Harwicz's 2017 novel, which has been described as both a horror and a comedy. The film star, who appears as Grace in the highly-charged movie, is a four-time Oscar nominee, but her only success was scooping the Best Actress gong in 2013 for Silver Lining's Playbook. But now 12 years after her crowning moment, Jennifer could be a contender for yet another Academy Award if recent reviews are anything to go by after the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17. And while co-star Robert, 39, and supporting cast including Sissy Spacek, 75, have been hailed for their roles, it is Jennifer's stand-out turn as mentality fragile wife and mother that stands out. Vogue's Radhika Seth remarked: 'Several critics at Cannes have already labeled her as one to watch ahead of the 2026 Oscars, and if an effective comeback narrative is constructed (its been a staggering 12 years since her Academy Award win and a decade since her last nomination), then I could certainly see itdespite its outlandishness, her turn is pure Oscar bait.' Jennifer Lawrence has been tipped for Oscars glory after critics praised her 'mesmerising' performance in Lynne Ramsay's Die, My Love. The actress, 34, stars alongside Robert Pattison as a struggling mother battling postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis in an adaptation of Ariana Harwicz's 2017 novel Meanwhile, though Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson didn't heap praise on the film, he lauded her performance, penning: 'What keeps our attention during the films slightly sagging middle, and makes it such bracing viewing, is the marvel of Lawrences mesmerizing performance. She cannily balances mordant humor with existential unease and fury, a bolt of energy coursing through the film.' With the publication's David Canfield noting in a separate piece: 'Jennifer Lawrence gives the kind of performance in Die, My Love that demands instant Oscar attention.' He later adds: 'Alongside strong supporting turns from Pattinson and Sissy Spacek, Lawrence arguably has never been better. Its a striking return to the cinephile space for the Oscar winner, a reminder of what she can pull off alongside an ambitious, visionary filmmaker. 'This is easily her most significant dramatic role since 2017s Mother!, Darren Aronofskys polarizing psychological horror drama, and should result in her first Oscar nomination in a decade (going back to David O. Russells 2015 Joy).' Deadline's Damon Wise adds of her hopes for awards season: 'America knows very well how good Jennifer Lawrence can be, and this could well mean a fifth Oscar nomination if it lands in savvy hands.' While IndieWire remarked: 'Lawrence gives an unleashed performance as a mother in freefall that festival Best Actress awards are made for.' It comes as Jennifer 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. The film star, who appears as Grace in the highly-charged movie, is a four-time Oscar nominee, but her only success was scooping the Best Actress gong in 2013 for Silver Lining's Playbook 12 years after her crowning moment, Jennifer could be a contender for yet another Academy Award if recent reviews are anything to go by after the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17 And while co-star Robert, 39, and supporting cast including Sissy Spacek, 75, have been hailed for their roles, it is Jennifer's stand-out turn as mentality fragile wife and mother that stands out Critics say: ''Jennifer Lawrence gives the kind of performance in Die, My Love that demands instant Oscar attention' 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. '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. It comes as Jennifer candidly shared her struggles during an 'extremely isolating' postpartum period after the birth of her first child 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 Jennifer tied the knot with husband Cooke Maroney in 2019, and they welcomed their second child together earlier this year 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.' Die, My Love was released on May 17. The eldest daughter of Steven Gerrard has revealed she is almost ready to give birth. Lilly-Ella, 21, took to her Instagram Story on Monday as she posted two snaps cradling her growing bump, followed by the caption, Almost there. The influencer announced she was expecting her first child in January, which will also be her famous fathers first grandchild. Lilly has been in a relationship with Lee Byrne - the son of jailed Irish gangster Liam Byrne - since October 2022, and their romance made headlines when it first came to light. Incredibly, the former Liverpool and England legend will be just shy of his 45th birthday on May 30th, when his first grandchild enters the world. The expectant parents have not revealed the babys gender yet, leading fans to believe they are keeping the sex a surprise until the birth. Steven Gerrard's daughter Lilly-Ella, 21, has revealed she is set to give birth any day now as she shared snaps of her growing baby bump on Instagram on Monday Incredibly, the former Liverpool and England legend will be just shy of his 45th birthday on May 30th, when his first grandchild enters the world (Steven and Lilly pictured together) The former midfielder has four children with wife Alex - daughters Lilly, Lexie, 19, Lourdes, 14, and a son named Lio, eight. Sharing a photo of her positive pregnancy test earlier this year, Lilly told her 222,000 Instagram followers: 'Our little secret. The best news... mini us is on the way.' Responding to his daughter's post, Gerrard wrote: 'We can't wait. Congratulations and we love you.' Lilly's partner - with whom she was first linked in 2022 - is the son of Kinahan Cartel gangster Liam Byrne, currently serving a five and a half year prison sentence for a plot to stockpile a stash of machine guns. Ipswich Crown Court heard how Byrne and colleague Shaun Kent planted a haul of automatic weapons in a bid to help Kavanagh dupe the authorities. Kavanagh, Byrne's brother-in-law, was hoping to lead the National Crime Agency, Britain's FBI, to the guns in a bid to reduce his sentence in a drug conspiracy case. The staggering haul, imported from Holland, included the Skorpion, the type of automatic weapon used to murder Ashley Dale and Ellie Edwards on Merseyside. Liam's son Lee, celebrated the sentencing with a 'get in there' adding 'I love you da. See you soon.' Lilly has been in a relationship with Lee Byrne - the son of jailed Irish gangster Liam Byrne - since October 2022, and their romance made headlines when it first came to light Sharing a photo of her positive pregnancy test earlier this year, Lilly told her 222,000 Instagram followers: 'Our little secret. The best news... mini us is on the way' The former midfielder has four children with wife Alex - daughters Lilly, Lexie, 19, Lourdes, 13, and a son named Lio, eight (pictured in 2018) And Lilly followed with a snap with her beau declaring her love for him. The couple became an item after Lee moved into a gated community in Freshfield, one of Merseyside's more desirable post codes. The Byrne and Gerrard families are said to have bonded since the young couple began dating, with Lee describing Alex Gerrard, Steven's stunning wife, as his second mum. There is no suggestion that Lee or any member of the Gerrard family are involved in crime. As one of the original reality TV veterans, there isn't much the public don't know about her Kris Jenner. The 69-year-old momager has admitted to cheating on her ex-husband Robert Kardashian; admitted she has a 'favourite' child; and left little to the imagination when it comes to discussing her sex life. Yet in her two decades in the public eye, there's one thing Kris has never admitted... her height. Fans have estimated the mother-of-six is 5'6" from various photographs. Yet in a snap taken last week during Lauren Sanchez's Paris bachelorette party, she cast suspicion over the exact length of her limbs as she towered over Lauren, Eva Longoria and her daughter Kim Kardashian in a social media snap. Granted, her choice in photo mates are of diminutive stature, Kim and Eva stand at 5'2", while Lauren - who was barefoot in the snap - is said to be 5'6". Yet in the snap, Kris looked far taller than one would expect as she posed up a storm in front of the Eiffel Tower while clad in a little black dress and heels. Kris Jenner raised eyebrows after towering over Kim Kardashian, Lauren Sanchez and Eva Longoria in a snap from Lauren's bachelorette party over the weekend Fans have estimated the mother-of-six is 5'6" from various photographs (L-R5 Kendall 5 11"; Kylie 5 6; Kim 5 2; Kourtney 5 0; Kris ? and Khloe 5 10) As well as Kris' height being a hot topic of conversation, her youthful looks have also caused a stir. While she may be turning 70 next year, she has been looking half her age in recent months, with fans commenting the mother-of-six could easily be mistaken for one of her daughters. The Kardashian matriarch has admitted to having some cosmetic work done before, including a facelift and using Botox. But plastic surgeons have told MailOnline that Kris's new age-defying looks may be the result of subtle aesthetic augmentations and skin rejuvenating treatments. Plastic surgeon Dr Lisa Friederich said: 'Kris Jenner appears to have had a combination of aesthetic treatments to maintain her youthful and lifted appearance.' 'Its quite possible shes undergone a surgical facelift or mini-lift. 'The tightness around her face, jawline and neck would be challenging to achieve through non-invasive methods alone, particularly in someone over 60.' She continued: 'Her cheeks also appear fuller and more contoured, likely due to dermal fillers used to restore mid-face volume and create a more sculpted look.' In her two decades in the public eye, there's one thing Kris has never admitted... her height (pictured with her eldest daughters) Fillerstypically injections of collagen or hyaluronic acid into the skinare designed to add volume to the face reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with effects lasting for up to 18 months. Dr Friederich also suspects that Kris may have had lower-face filler to enhance her jaw line. 'Her jawline is also noticeably sharp and defined, a possible sign of lower-face filler to enhance structure and balance facial proportions', the plastic surgeon speculated. She also said that the mother's glowing skin may be the result of skin rejuvenating treatments. 'Looking at her glowing skin, she might also regularly get skin rejuvenating treatments such as Morpheus8 Burst to target deeper layers of the skin to tighten and lift the skin,' Dr Friedrich explained. 'This will also help Kris with any fine lines and uneven texture.' These treatments involve using radio waves and micro needles which penetrate into the skin to contour the tissue. As well as Kris' height being a hot topic of conversation, her youthful looks have also caused a stir (Pictured earlier this year) The celebrated momager looks decidedly different compared to just a year ago. Kris pictured here at the 2024 Met Gala in May lasy year This prompts tissue to produce more collagenthe building block of skinand elastin, a protein that gives skin its plump and flexibility, resulting in age-reversing healing process. Dr Friederich added that Kris may have had some other non-surgical treatments to enhance her skin. 'Her forehead looks particularly smooth with minimal expression lines or crows feet, which suggests she might get anti-wrinkle injections like Botox to soften any movement,' she said. 'Her lips also look subtly plump and balanced, possibly because of lip filler, but they are carefully maintained to avoid over-volumisation,' she added. Regardless of the specifics of the work, Dr Friederich paid tribute to the overall result, complimenting Kris's glowing skin and carefully maintained look. New York-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Michele Green has previously told MailOnline that Kris has been the most transparent of all the Kardashian clan about her cosmetic procedures. Dr Green said: 'Kris has openly shared that she has undergone both non-invasive treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments, as well as invasive procedures, including breast augmentation, a facelift, and a neck lift.' Dr Andrew Peredo, who specialises in aesthetic procedures, told this website he believes almost every Kardashian-Jenner has spent tens of thousands of dollars on their youthful looksalthough none more than Kris Janner, who he said likely spent a six-figure sum. Kris has previously admitted to some cosmetic work, including a breast augmentation, a facelift and using Botox. Kris pictured here in 1995 with her then husband Bruce Jenner, now Caitlyn Jenner, the couple divorced in 2014 Kris had regularly put on a very youthful display, but in October she left fans skeptical, with many questioning if her flawless appearance was the result of filters Speaking back in 2023 he explained: 'Kris's is definitely a six-figure-face. To begin with, she has most likely had some type of facial rejuvenation to the lower face and neck, possibly a facelift. 'She has most likely had a nose job, or rhinoplasty, definitely more than once. 'Her upper eyelids also seem to have changed, so she has probably had surgery there. And there are signs of some lip and cheek filler too,' he added. He continued: 'With her nose, you can see in the 2006 photo she has had some work done because the proportions are straight and the nostrils are a bit wide and the tip is a bit thin.' Kris has previously admitted to some cosmetic work, including a breast augmentationalso known as a boob job a facelift and using Botox. But she has vehemently denied having a nose job. She told PEOPLE in 2019: 'It's a one-stop show for me. And who doesn't love Botox? For me it's been really great. 'My routine is pretty simple, but it always has been my entire life. A massage, a great facial, a manicure and a little Botox and I'm good to go. I'm pretty traditional. As long as I'm clean and scrubbed up, I'm a happy camper.' A former Harry Potter star looks completely unrecognisable in new X-rated movie Pillion. The actor, 36, shot to fame in the famous wizarding film franchise at the age of 12 in 2001, starring in five of the beloved films. The child star looked a far cry from his role in the fantasy movies as he appears alongside Alexander Skarsgard in the raunchy new movie. The film earned an incredible eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night. Sporting a rugged hairdo and grungy leather jacket, the star is worlds away from his usual self in Pillion. Can you guess who it is? A former Harry Potter star (L) looks completely unrecognisable in new X-rated movie Pillion alongside co-star Alexander Skarsgard (R) - Can you guess who it is? It's... Harry Melling who played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter franchise! It's... Harry Melling who played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter franchise! 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 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. 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. Dudley (Harry Melling) and Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) seen in The Order of the Phoenix The movie is from first-time feature writer-director Harry Lighton and follows the character of Ray played by Skarsgard (L) and the introverted Colin (Harry Melling) 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 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. 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.' Alexander Skarsgard, Harry Lighton and Harry Melling at the Cannes photocall 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. '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.' Nicole Kidman shocked host Waleed Aly into stunned silence on Monday's episode of The Project when she suddenly 'moprhed' into her sinister character from the streaming hit Nine Perfect Strangers. The 57-year-old Oscar winner appeared on the panel show alongside her co-star, fellow Aussie Murray Bartlett, to tease details about season two of the thriller in which she plays the creepy 'wellness' guru Masha. Fans were first introduced to the sinister 'psychedelic therapist' in 2021 in season one of NPS which saw Masha drugging guests on her retreat without their knowledge. After Waleed asked Nicole why her character did not end up in 'jail' Nicole appeared to get into her character of Masha. 'Because I'm on the run,' she said in a tone fans familiar with the show would recognise in an instant. Nicole continued in character as she answered, 'I'm very clever, very smart and I am able to shape shift.' Nicole Kidman (left) shocked Waleed Aly into stunned silence on Monday 's episode of The Project when she suddenly 'moprhed' into her sinister character from the streaming hit Nine Perfect Strangers. The 57-year-old Oscar winner appeared on the panel show alongside her co-star, fellow Aussie Murray Bartlett (right) Fans were first introduced to Nicole's sinister 'psychedelic therapist, Masha, in 2021 in season one of NPS which saw Masha drugging guests on her retreat without their knowledge. Pictured: Waleed aly reacts to Nicole's spontaneous 'performance' Uncharacteristically, Waleed appeared lost for words before continuing the interview. However, Nicole's screen companion, Murray appeared to love his co-stars spontaneous 'performance' and laughed hysterically. Season two of the streaming hit, which is set to drop on May 22 on Amazon Prime Video, shifts the action from Down Under to the Austrian Alps. This season Masha is the director and proprietor of Tranquillum House, a resort that offers wellness treatments and is a relaxing vacation destination. The enigmatic Russian-American figure appears eager to take any measures necessary to enhance her guests' path toward better health. Nine distinct characters arrived at the resort and began their journey toward healing but some of the guests started to question the unconventional methods of the retreat. Last month Nicole Kidman stunned fans with a dramatic transformation featured in the Nine Perfect Strangers S2. Known for her timeless beauty and signature red locks, looks completely unrecognisable in on-set photos. For her role as Masha, Nicole said goodbye to her trademark strawberry blonde curls and wore a blonde bob wig for an icy look. Nicole spoke in character as she answered,'I'm very clever, very smart and I am able to shape shift' Nicole transformed her famous look for the new season of Nine Perfect Strangers S2 With her sleek platinum hairpiece, porcelain complexion and icy, intense gaze, the Hollywood star looks worlds away from her usual glamorous self. In one promotional photo, she is seen standing in a snow-covered landscape, exuding an air of mystery in a dark green coat, turtleneck sweater and leather gloves. Another image captures her in an intimate, tense moment, leaning forward with a serious expression as she focuses on a laptop screen. Fans took to social media to gush over the incredible transformation. 'Best Supporting Actress goes to Nicole Kidman's wig,' one person quipped. 'The devil works hard, but Nicole works harder,' a second added. In 2023, Hulu renewed Nine Perfect Strangers for another season following a successful debut. The show's first season was based on the book written by Liane Moriarty, who also authored Big Little Lies. Denzel Washington skipped the press conference for Highest 2 Lowest following his altercation with a photographer at Cannes Film Festival. The Oscar-winning actor, 70, shocked fans on Monday night when he was seen pointing his finger in the face of one of the snappers during the dramatic exchange. He was promoting his new film, which has been directed by Spike Lee, with the cast gathering for a press conference for the movie at the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday morning. It is not clear if Washington is still in France - with Cannes said to have changed some of its scheduling to accommodate his trip and his off-day while performing Othello in New York. Seeming to hint at Washington's scandal, Lee, 68, quipped at the press conference: 'The last time I was in this room, I had to apologise for a f**k up, but I won't be apologising today for a f**k up.' In 2021, while serving as Cannes jury president, Lee 'messed up' when he accidentally revealed the Palme dOr winner, Titane, before the official announcement. The director also claimed that he doesn't see himself working with Washington again. They previously worked together on Inside Man (2006) Mo Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992) and He Got Game (1998). Denzel Washington skipped the press conference for Highest 2 Lowest following his altercation with a photographer at Cannes Film Festival The Oscar-winning actor, 70, shocked fans on Monday night when he was seen pointing his finger in the face of one of the snappers during the dramatic exchange.(pictured on Monday) Speaking about their body of work, Lee mused: 'Denzel and I didnt know that our previous film, Inside Man, was 18 years ago. 'We were surprised because it felt like yesterday. But we didnt miss a step. 'It's been a blessing to have this body of work of us doing films that the people love. It's a blessing, again. I don't know if we're going to do it again. 'I think this is it. Five [films]. He's [Denzel] been talking about retirement, even though he just did another deal.' Highest 2 Lowest, is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film High and Low, and will be released in theaters by A24 August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ September 5. The stars have been on the promotional trail for the new film, but while attending the film's premiere, Washington found himself in a red carpet altercation. Expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman has since told DailyMail.com that the Malcolm X star appeared to have been set off by a photographer tapping him on the arm. Despite the intensity of his words, many of the photographers surrounding Washington including the one he was yelling at were smiling, suggesting that they may not have realized how upset he was. However, the actor has a long history of tense interactions with photographers over the years. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Washington and Cannes Film Festival for comment. Before calling out the photographer, Denzel had been standing on the red carpet with his Highest 2 Lowest costar, the rapper-turned-actor A$AP Rocky, 36. Despite his spat, Washington was in great spirits when he was later surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award by director Spike Lee. Director Spike Lee, 68, seemed to hint at Washington's absence at the conference (pictured centre, with Ilfenesh Hadera and Jeffrey Wright) Highest 2 Lowest is the fifth film Denzel and Spike have collaborated on (the actor is picture in the film) The pair's first joint effort came back in 1989, with the music-based film Mo' Better Blues In 1992, Denzel starred as the activist Malcolm X in a three-hour biopic, with Spike once again at the helm Back in 1998, Denzel and Spike's third film was the basketball-based drama He Got Game In 2006, the duo joined forces for the dramatic thriller Inside Man (pictured with Jodie Foaster) Handing the award over to Washington, Spike said: 'This is my brother, right here.' 'This is a total surprise for me!' the actor replied. The actor, who posed for photos with Spike and A$AP Rocky, showed no signs of jet lag and was expected to fly back to New York immediately after the screening. When the festival first announced its lineup last month, Highest 2 Lowest wasn't included. But within hours, however, Spike himself announced the film was heading to Cannes and representatives for the festival said they had been waiting for confirmation that Denzel would attend the red carpet. The tirade comes seven months after Washington was filmed exploding at autograph hunters in New York City in October 2024. The Oscar-winning actor snapped at fans as he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art for a film benefit honoring Samuel L. Jackson - with the tense exchange captured in a dramatic video. The Man on Fire star was seen arriving at the museum and posing with a fan - while autograph hunters called his name to the side. A visibly annoyed Washington went to walk inside but then turned and addressed a fan in the crowd. Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or award at the Film Festival on Monday following his red carpet outburst While the entire exchange cannot be deciphered, the actor was seen pointing his finger and heard saying: 'I heard you. You talk about showing love...' '...Respecting me' to which the fan said 'we already do.' Washington retorted: 'I said I'll see you when I get out, which part of that don't y'all understand? 'It's about showing love' - before raising his voice and declaring 'or not, or not! we can do it another way... or not, we can do it both ways!' He then walked inside the building after the shock incident. And in 2021 Washington was pictured having an intense moment with a fan. The movie star was by his car when the fan walked over to him with a sack of photos for him to sign in New York City. The pair engaged in an intense conversation with the actor looking like he was given the fan some pearls of wisdom. He placed his hands on his shoulder and looked deep in his eyes, looking like he was forgetting to keep socially distanced for a second. While Denzel had his mask on, the fan had his pulled down to his chin for the moment as the Hollywood star placed his hands around his face. An onlooker claimed he told the fan to 'say a prayer' but it is not known what they were talking about. Tom Cruise beamed as he was greeted by hundreds of fans outside the Jimmy Fallon Show in Midtown Manhattan, New York on Monday. The Hollywood star, 62, looked thrilled as he waved to the waiting crowd as he continued to promote his new film Mission Impossible. Cruise cut a smart figure in a khaki shirt and rolled up his sleeves as he stopped to sign several autographs. The Top Gun legend looked in good spirits as he made his way from his car through the crowd into the studio. The appearance comes days after he revealed when he plans to step away from his enduring acting career. In news that will comfort his fans, the film icon said he intends to continue making movies well past his 100th birthday. Tom Cruise beamed as he was greeted by hundreds of fans outside the Jimmy Fallon Show in Midtown Manhattan, New York on Monday The Hollywood star, 62, cut a smart figure in a khaki shirt and rolled up his sleeves as he stopped to sign several autographs 'I will never stop,' the actor who is dating Ben Affleck's ex Ana de Armas, 37 told The Hollywood Reporter during the New York premiere of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning on Sunday. 'I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films I'm excited,' Cruise who has surprisingly never won as Oscar added. Two years prior, the Interview with the Vampire star shared he was inspired by Star Wars legend Harrison Fords, 80, long-lasting career, and that he wanted to make films until he reached that age. But he has since revised his answer, stating: 'I actually said Im going to make movies into my 80s; actually, Im going to make them into my 100s.' The Top Gun star then elaborated on his reasons for remaining dedicated to acting. 'There's been so many levels of reward with the filmmakers that I've collaborated with, the crews, the people, the cultures that we've worked in. Everything that I've learned and continue to learn about storytelling, about life, about leadership, about character and every aspect of filmmaking,' he said. 'It's been exceptional, it really is exceptional. I feel very fortunate to be able to make the films that I make and I love it. I love just making movies,' he added. Cruise famous for doing his own stunts also shared that there's a whole spectrum of 'pre-stunt rituals' he has to keep him 'alive.' He looked thrilled as he waved to the waiting fans as he continued to promote his new film Mission Impossible Tom beamed as he headed to the TV appearance The Top Gun legend looked in good spirits as he made his way from his car through the crowd into the studio The appearance comes days after he revealed when he plans to step away from his enduring acting career In news that will comfort his fans, the film icon said he intends to continue making movies well past his 100th birthday 'It depends on what Im doing and the amount of preparation I have to do. A lot of thought goes into it, and they are very complex and very interesting.' Cruise recently said that the secret to performing all his own stunts is that he feels no fear. He famously shattered his ankle leaping between two skyscrapers on the previous Mission: Impossible. In the latest Mission: Impossible movie he wing-walks on a vintage biplane and also acts in an extraordinary underwater sequence set on board a submarine. He said: How do I feel about fear? Oh thats exciting. I like the feeling. Its not paralyzing it doesnt bother me, I enjoy it. In any endeavor people can be afraid, I dont mind confronting it and going in. I wanted an interesting life thats very dynamic. I try to know before I go on set as much as I can. I have a goal and I have a list of what I need to learn to get to the goal and I go up and down the list and keep attacking it, "Oh I had better learn how to fly a helicopter."' He went on: People say be careful. I say be competent strive towards being capable and look for know that you can apply and when you apply it gets you the results that you want. Its a constant study. Mission: Impossible 8 features returning stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff and Henry Czerny, all of whom are back from the previous film. The stacked cast will also be augmented by new faces, including Bob Odenkirk, Parks & Recreation star Nick Offerman, Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham, Ozark actress Janet McTeer and Katy O'Brian. Cruise recently attended the London and New York premiere of Mission Impossible The actor stars as Ethan Hunt in the films - pictured in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning His latest offering, Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, will be released in theaters on May 23 of this year Dead Reckoning and The Final Reckoning were at one point billed as the last films to star Tom in the Mission: Impossible series. However, director Chris McQuarrie. backed away from that idea during the publicity campaign for the first film, and Cruise has since expressed interest in continuing to explore what Ethan Hunt's adventures might be like well into old age. Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning will be released in theaters on May 23 of this year. Cruise's films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, placing him among the highest-grossing actors of all time. He's been nominated for an Oscar four times Born on the Fourth of July (1990), Jerry Maguire (1997), Magnolia (2000), Top Gun: Maverick (2023) but has yet to win. Cruise began acting in 1981. His film debut was a minor role in the romantic drama Endless Love. Aside from Mission Impossible, he is famous for leading roles in iconic films such as Top Gun, Rain Man, and Jerry Maguire. Cruise recently broke his silence about his new girlfriend Ana, whom he first started seeing in February. On Sunday the movie star told Extra what he thought of the brunette bombshell. Cruise's films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, placing him among the highest-grossing actors of all time; Seen in a still from Top Gun: Maverick 2022 'Very talented, great dramatic actress, comedic, tremendous ability, learns quickly,' Cruise told the site. This comes after Ana told Good Morning America that she will be working with Cruise on several projects. Armas and Cruise have been getting serious in recent weeks, DailyMail.com has learned. Friends believe the relationship could last, with our insider pointing to the fact that Armas does 'not like to party', preferring quiet nights at home like her decades-older boyfriend. Though another source stressed that the pair are 'taking it day by day' and that Armas 'does not give her heart away easy.' Nicole Kidman revealed what her natural hair really looks like after she suffered a hair fail at the 2025 Kering Women in Motion Award on Sunday. The actress, 57, first shared snaps of herself going for a dip on the Mediterranean and kept her locks under a hat as she arrived to the coast. The film star wore a white sundress and a matching hat as she soaked up the sun during her stay in the French Riviera. In another snap, Nicole showed off her real hair as she enjoyed lunch with The Last Of Us star Pedro Pascal. The Big Little Lies star displayed her naturally curly locks after she sported a hair piece while attending the 2025 Kering Women In Motion Awards and Cannes Film Festival Presidential Dinner on Sunday. The Nine Perfect Strangers star wore the weave to add volume to her strawberry blonde locks and help give her a more youthful look. Nicole Kidman displayed her naturally curly locks after she suffered a hair fail at the 2025 Kering Women in Motion Award on Sunday The hid her natural hair under a hat as she headed to the coast for a swim The wig cap was visible as Nicole posed for photos on the red carpet despite her real hair being weaved into it However, the mesh wig cap was visible as Nicole posed for photos on the red carpet despite her real hair being weaved into it. Hollywood stars often wear wigs and hair extensions to achieve a more youthful appearance as hair thins and loses volume with age. Nicole also showed off her smooth visage at the event with a natural makeup palette. The actress, who accepted the 2025 Kering Women in Motion Award, showed off her sexy yet conservative red dress as she posed for the cameras at the exclusive event. Established a decade ago, the honour is given to women who have made a groundbreaking impact on the big screen. As she accepted the honour, Nicole said she would continue to use her platform to fight for continued gender equality in the film industry. She said: 'I'm just an advocate and want to continue to keep moving forward with that.' Previous winners of the Women in Motion Award include Susan Sarandon and Salma Hayek. Nicole added: 'I am proud to join the list of extraordinary women who've received this honour before me - artists and trailblazers I deeply admire. 'The Cannes Film Festival has been a part of my life for over 30 years and I am thrilled to add this incredible recognition to the many memories I've made here.' The hair gaffe was Nicole's second mishap of the day after her hair piece was seen off-centre to her natural scalp line when she sported an all-black ensemble to give her talk for the award. This consisted of a tightly-fitted leather jacket and black denims that were styled with a large belt. The actress explained that as part of her commitment to helping women in the industry, she vowed in 2017 to work with a female director every 18 months. Since then, she revealed, she has worked with 27 women on several projects, including those yet to be released. 'Part of it is protecting and surrounding the women with almost like a force field of protection and support,' she said. The hair gaffe was Nicole's second mishap of the day after her hair piece appeared slightly off-centre to her natural scalp line when she sported an all-black ensemble The film star wore a white sundress and a matching hat as she soaked up the sun during her stay in the French Riviera Nicole showed off her real hair as she enjoyed lunch with The Last Of Us star Pedro Pascal The actress also shared a photo taken before the 2025 Kering Women in Motion event Nicole's habit of wearing wigs in Hollywood movies has earned her a cult following over the years. The Hollywood star has rarely showcased her natural hair in films since the early days of her career, and almost exclusively wears wigs for all of her movie roles. An Aussie stylist has since weighed in on her most radical red carpet look at the 2025 Met Gala, where she debuted an edgy new haircut. Bixie Colour hairstylist Andrew Newport believes her new short style could be a mix of her real hair and extensions. 'This could be Nicole's real hair with the length at the back disguised under some artfully placed, clipped or glued in hair pieces,' he said. 'This look, which appears to have been achieved by hair magic, could have been created by taking the hair at the back of the head and braiding tightly to the scalp. Nicole's real hair is featured at the front fringe, plus the hair extensions at the nape would be dressed over the disguised hair. 'This would take a bit of work and considerable time but is 100% achievable.' The birth of Peppa Pig's sister has officially been announced after Good Morning Britain revealed that Mummy Pig welcomed a little girl named Evie at 5:34AM on Tuesday. Welcoming the newest addition to their family at the Lindo Wing in London - the same location where Kate Middleton gave birth to all three of her children - a town crier has now officially announced the piglet's birth. Addressing the public from outside the hospital the town crier declared: 'Lend me your ears for news of the birth of a daughter to Mummy and Daddy Pig. Peppa and George have a baby sister and her name is Evie. 'Long live Evie Pig!' Member of the public were over the moon to hear the happy news as they shared their reactions. One gushed: 'I love Evie I think it sounds very British, I think it is beautiful,' while another said: 'I think my niece's are going to be really excited as they love Peppa Pig.' Peppa Pig's baby sister's birth has been officially announced to the public as town crier declared 'Long live Evie Pig' outside the Lindo Wing hospital on Tuesday A plaque was placed outside the hospital to officiate the birth and confirm both Mummy Pig and Evie are doing well A third fan exclaimed: 'Everybody watched Peppa Pig I just think it is wonderful because let's face it everyone has babies!' Mummy Pig broke the internet back in February when she revealed live on Good Morning Britain that she was pregnant with her third piglet. And since then the excitement has only accelerated after fans were left squealing with delight following a huge gender reveal party at London's Battersea Power Station last month. Mummy Pig, who has a job involving doing 'very important work' on her computer and Daddy Pig, who 'takes big numbers, transmutes them and calculates their load-bearing tangents,' have named their second daughter after Mummy Pig's aunt Evie. Prices at the the exclusive maternity ward at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington start at 5,900 for just one night, rising up to 7,500 for deluxe packages. The birth was announced with a royal-inspired twist on the classic royal birth announcement, complete with a town crier, a scroll-style proclamation, and the unveiling of an official Peppa Pig birth certificate. Big siblings Peppa and George are said to be over the moon and excited to meet their new baby sister, while Mummy and Daddy Pig are 'looking forward to lots of happy snorts and sleepless nights.' GMB revealed that 'understandably, Mummy Pig is resting but Daddy Pig has let me know he will be free to catch up next week for his first ever TV interview and another glimpse of the new baby.' Addressing the public from outside the hospital the town crier declared: 'Lend me your ears for news of the birth of a daughter to Mummy and Daddy Pig. Peppa and George have a baby sister and her name is Evie' Daddy Pig carried the baby carrier outside the hospital as the newborn slept soundly Member of the public were over the moon to hear the happy news as they shared their reactions Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig welcomed their little girl at the Lindo Wing in London - the same location where Kate Middleton gave birth to all three of her children Last month the Battersea Power Station chimneys were lit up pink to reveal Mummy and Daddy Pig are expecting a baby girl. The global smash hit cartoon celebrated the gender reveal news with a VIP party at the world's first-ever permanent Peppa Pig store at Battersea, featuring fundraising in support of NCT, the UK's leading charity for pregnancy and parents. NCT (National Children's Trust) was announced earlier this month as the official 'Pregnancy and Parenting Charity Partner' for Peppa Pig in the UK. And the excitement doesn't stop there as fans can join the Pig family on the big screen with Peppa Meets the Baby, a brand-new cinema experience launching May 30 in over 2,600 cinemas across 19 countries. The hour-long, song-filled screening features 10 brand-new episodes, as Peppa and George prepared for the arrival of their baby sister. And the excitement doesn't stop there as fans can join the Pig family on the big screen with Peppa Meets the Baby, a brand-new cinema experience launching May 30 in over 2,600 cinemas across 19 countries Big siblings Peppa and George are said to be over the moon and excited to meet their new baby sister, while Mummy and Daddy Pig are 'looking forward to lots of happy snorts' Last month the Battersea Power Station chimneys were lit up pink to reveal Mummy and Daddy Pig are expecting a baby girl Earlier this month, ahead of the birth, Mummy Pig shared an inspirational message with all mums on Instagram. She penned: 'A note to the mums out there: You're doing amazing. Being a mum is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. We're in this together and I see you - Mummy Pig xx'. The star also added in the caption: 'In case no one told you today, youre doing a good job'. Fans took to the Instagram to thank her for the inspirational words as they penned: 'Shout out to all the mums!' Others wrote: 'The only mummy influencer i love'; 'As long as you love your kid/kids and try your best then you're an amazing momma'; 'Thanks Mummy Pig'. After revealing the gender of her little one, the pig matriarch has also opened up on the support that Daddy Pig has given her as they prepare to grow their family. In an interview with Grazia magazine, in which she posed for a stunning pregnancy shoot, Mummy Pig responded positively when asked if she's closer to her husband as she gushed at how the pregnancy has strengthened their bond. She shared: 'Oh yes! Hes always been such a supportive partner and an excellent Daddy to Peppa and George but this has brought all of us even closer. Even when theres so much to organise and prepare before the new arrival, he is kind and funny and always quick to do whatever needs to be done to look after Team Pig as he likes to call us.' She went on to emphasize the pair's teamwork when it comes to juggling their busy schedules with older children Peppa, four and George, two. She remarked: 'Juggling life, work and two little ones is quite second nature to us now were a great team and support each other. Communication is key! Mummy Pig broke the internet back in February when she revealed live on Good Morning Britain that she is pregnant with her third piglet Peppa Pig first aired in 2004 and has since been broadcast in 180 territories and translated into 40 languages. It's spawned books, toys and even two theme parks, with the global Peppa empire now worth over 1billion. Creators Neville Astley and Mark Baker admitted they were worried the idea would never get off the ground, and that people were initially bored of the idea. People in the pub would ask us, What are you drawing? Wed say, A pig, called Peppa, its going to be big. Theyd lose interest and wander off, explained Astley. The pair created Peppa and her family working in each others houses or at the local pub. They told the Radio Times they were inspired by 1970s cartoon classics including Roobarb and Pingu, after realising that children like stories about animals. Earlier this month, ahead of the birth, Mummy Pig shared an inspirational message with all mums on Instagram Wed made this little trailer for Peppa but hadnt got anywhere, recalled Baker. Its very difficult to sell your own creative work. The good thing about Phil is hes quite thick-skinned. They soon found an energetic little girl, Lily Snowden-Fine, to voice Peppa - despite her being only four years-old and unable to read, instead repeating lines spoken by her mother. When her family moved to Canada, the job went to Cecily Bloom, followed by current incumbent Harley Bird. The creators explained that the secret to Peppas long-lasting appeal is the shows simplicity, as well as ensuring the piglet is never the butt of the jokes. We put a lot of work into making everything look as effortless as possible, said Baker. We can laugh at the adults, but children dont like it if we laugh at the children in the show. All new episodes of Peppa Pig will be launching on Milkshake from September. Former Olympian Lisa Curry has made a heartbreaking plea in honour of her daughter Jaimi who died in 2020 at age 33 after a long battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder. Lisa, 63, is asking for volunteers to join a new genetic study led by Queensland researchers who hope to identify eating disorders at birth. Appearing on Nine News on Tuesday Lisa recalled her tragic loss. 'She just sort of took a breath and then her hands went cold, that was it,' Lisa said. Explaining her passion for the fresh plea for answers to such common eating disorders such anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder Lisa remembered Jaimi's own anguish about her condition. 'She'd say, "Where did it come from? Why am I like this?"' Lisa said. Former Olympian Lisa Curry has made a heartbreaking plea in honour of her daughter Jaimi who died in 2020 at age 33 after a long battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder. Pictured: Appearing on Nine News on Tuesday Lisa recalled her tragic loss Lisa, 63, is asking for volunteers to join a new genetic study led by Queensland researchers who hope to identify eating disorders at birth. Pictured: Lisa with her late daughter Jaimi Nine reported that 4000 Australian volunteers are required for the study, while there is a target for 100,000 to take part worldwide. The study will include the collection of saliva samples in order to identify genetic markers with the research taking place at the DNA facility at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR). Professor Nick Martin of QIMR explained in the Nine story that genetic disposition plays a large component in eating disorders. It comes after Lisa revealed she was in 'recovery' following the tragic death of her daughter Jaimi. In January last year, Lisa said she had finally gotten herself back to the gym after '3 1/2 years of sadness and grief'. Her recent sessions with a personal trainer were necessitated by her hip replacement surgery last year. Lisa injured herself in 2023 while husky dog sledding in Yukon, Canada. She slipped on the ice which caused her to fall and break her hip. Nine reported that 4000 Australian volunteers are required for the study, while there is a target for 100,000 to take part worldwide Jaimi, who Lisa shared with ex-husband Grant Kenny, died in September 2020 after a long battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder. Lisa and former Australian Ironman Grant Kenny wed in 1984, separated in 2009, and welcomed three children together: son Jett, and daughters Morgan and Jaimi. The athlete recently revealed she has officially given up alcohol after suffering a terrifying health scare while holidaying in Fiji. She shared a raw and deeply personal update to Instagram last month, posting a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed in Queensland, looking weary. 'Just a little overnight stay in hospital,' Lisa captioned the photo, before taking her followers on a sobering journey through her long battle with serious heart issues - and her decision to give up booze for good. 'Seventeen years ago... I had Myocarditis, 22,000 irregular heartbeats a day, a mitral valve prolapse (hereditary from my mum), a fractured sternum (from a chiropractic appointment),' Lisa began. 'Then a defibrillator, an infection, a month's stay in hospital on heavy antibiotics - and then finally home, living a different life.' The legendary athlete revealed she had to permanently give up alcohol for her health. 'I decided to give up alcohol early last year. But while in Fiji last October I decided to have a cocktail on our last night. It was super syrupy and sugary and not 10 minutes later I went off with a bang!! Not a nice feeling,' she shared. Her defibrillator was triggered after her heart rate spiked to a dangerous 270 beats per minute - a terrifying episode that cemented her decision to quit drinking entirely. Lisa, who also revealed she now experiences atrial fibrillation (AF), urged her followers to always take heart symptoms seriously - even if they seem minor at the time. Thylane Blondeau, Iris Law, and Barbara Palvin were all dressed to impress as they attended a Miu Miu dinner during the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. French Model Thylane, 24, looked sensational in a baby pink Miu Miu poplin shirt, featuring a bandeau knit layer over the top. Thylane - who was dubbed 'the most beautiful girl in the world' as a child, paired the chic garment with black tailored trousers before adding inches to her height with pointed black heels. To complete her look, she toted her essentials in a brown suede shoulder bag and styled her brunette tresses in a slick updo. Meanwhile, Iris, 24, flashed a glimpse of her toned pins in a skimpy chocolate brown pleated mini skirt as she posed for the cameras outside the venue. The daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost teamed a cream knitted jumper and a light blue zip-up cardigan with her skimpy ensemble. Thylane Blondeau, 24, looked sensational in a baby pink Miu Miu poplin shirt as she attended a Miu Miu dinner during the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday The French model was also joined by Iris Law, 24, who flashed a glimpse of her toned pins in a skimpy chocolate brown pleated mini skirt as she posed for the cameras outside the venue To complete her look, she sported a pair of dark grey knee-high socks and a pair of vibrant orange thong sandals. Barbara, 31, turned heads wearing a grey Miu Miu bomber jacket, featuring a brown corduroy collar. She paired the ensemble with a cream bandeau crop top and matching low-rise denim shorts, which showcased her long, toned pins and taut midriff. Barbara opted to tote her essentials in a unique brown suede handbag and sported a pair of shiny black leather loafers. To complete her look, she further accessorised with a chocolate brown leather belt and styled her brunette tresses in a neat updo. 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. Thylane paired her chic ensemble with black tailored trousers before adding inches to her height with pointed black heels '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 percent 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 destabilise 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) have all unveiled their feature directorial debuts in Cannes' Un Certain Regard sidebar section. Meanwhile, Iris teamed a cream knitted jumper and a light blue zip-up cardigan with her skimpy ensemble The beauty styled her short blonde locks in a wet-look hairstyle, which was swept to one side, as she was pictured exiting her car 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. While Barbara paired a cream bandeau crop top and matching low-rise denim shorts with her ensemble, which showcased her long, toned pins and taut midriff Barbara opted to tote her essentials in a unique brown suede handbag and looked in great sprits as she posed for the cameras ahead of the bash Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski graces the Cannes Croisette during the 78th Film Festival Emily was also seen out and about in Cannes on Tuesday She looked chic in a black blazer ASAP Rocky was also seen out and about in Cannes He looked as stylish as ever 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's biopic The Apprentice completely braless beneath a sheer brown evening dress. Emma Mackey wore a sophisticated long black dress as she attended the Alpha photocall during Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. The British actress, 29, looked incredible in the strappy number which boasted an eye catching white bow on the bust. Emma elevated her frame in a pair of towering black stilettos and kept her accessorises to a minimum. The Sex Education star styled her new brunette bob loose allowing it to blow in the wind as she posed up a storm for photos at Palais des Festivals. Emma beamed as she posed looking over her shoulder at photographers before being joined by her co-stars. Alpha was well-received at the festival, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation but the screening nearly came to a halt after an audience member suffered a medical emergency. Emma Mackey showed off her amazing figure in a sophisticated long black dress as she attended the Alpha photocall during Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday The British actress, 29, looked incredible in the strappy number which boasted an eye catching white bow on the bust According to Variety, about an hour into the film, attendees in the balcony began waving their phone torches and calling out for a doctor. Paramedics then arrived, and despite calls for the screening to be paused, carried an audience member out on a stretcher while the movie continued to play. No further details have been released but the medical emergency is not thought to be related to the content of the body horror film, which had not shown anything graphic by that point. MailOnline has contacted Cannes Film Festival for comment. At the premiere, Emma ensured all eyes would be on her as she hit the red carpet in a glittering silver gown that clung to her toned figure and was adorned with thousands of sequins. The Sex Education star looked in good spirits as she joined co-stars includingTahar Rahim and Melissa Boros and Palme dOr-winning director Julia Ducournau on the red carpet before attending the premiere. Alpha follows the tale of a troubled teenager (Melissa Boros) and her single mother whose 'world collapses after Alpha one day returns from school with a tattoo on her arm'. The film will be released in France on August 20. Emma elevated her frame in a pair of towering black stilettos and kept her accessorises to a minimum Emma beamed as she posed looking over her shoulder at photographers The Sex Education star styled her new brunette bob loose allowing it to blow in the wind as she posed up a storm for photos at Palais des Festivals She was later joined by her co-stars (L-R) Louai El Amrousy, Tahar Rahim, Melissa Boros, Julia Ducournau, Emma Mackey and Finnegan Oldfield Alpha was well-received at the festival, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation but the screening nearly came to a halt after an audience member suffered a medical emergency Emma Mackey ensured all eyes would be on her as she attended the Alpha premiere during Cannes Film Festival on Monday in a stunning sequinned gown pictured with Louai El Amrousy and Melissa Boros) Emma burst onto screens in 2019 as wild child Maeve in Sex Education. The headmaster's daughter, who had a 'sheltered' upbringing as a 'bookish' Catholic schoolgirl, was working as a translator before landing her breakthrough in the racy Netflix series. Emma was born in northwest France to a French father, a headmaster, and an English mother, a charity volunteer, moving to the UK aged 17 to study English Literature at Leeds University where she took part in amateur theatre productions. The day before graduating, Emma made the decision to apply for drama schools in London and landed an agent a year later. Six months after that she was cast in Sex Education after five rounds of auditions. At the time Emma was working as a translator and living with friends and family to save money. 'When I got off the phone I burst into tears and did a cliched squeal,' she previously revealed. 'I called my mum and pretended to be very, very cool. Like, "Yeah, got this role, it's no big thing".' Emma went on to land roles in Death on the Nile and Barbie. In 2023, Emma won the EE Rising Star Award at the British Academy Film Awards. Louise Thompson has given fans a health update and thanked NHS staff for their incredible work as she admitted they have 'given her more time'. The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a post commemorating World IBD Day, which raises awareness for Crohn's and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Louise herself was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis in 2018, as well as Lupus, and Asherman's syndrome. She also suffered two haemorrhages and had a stoma bag fitted. She nearly died when giving birth to her first child, Leo, after undergoing an emergency C-section in December 2021 due to suffering 'serious complications'. In her latest post, Louise candidly discussed the difficulties of dealing with an 'invisible disease' as she shared a photograph of herself in hospital. 'Invisible diseases are deceptive. They can be cruel because people can't see them,' she explained. Louise Thompson has given fans a health update and thanked NHS staff for their incredible work as she admitted they have 'given her more time' 'I don't walk around showing people photos of the blood coming out of me so I often suffer in silence and alone. 'This photo is a prime example of what can be hidden behind strength, a smile and some loose clothes. 'On the outside I look OK. You wouldn't know I had four drains underneath this top that are causing me a lot of mental and physical pain.' Louise went on to reference how she recently saw a post from someone who had left the medical profession and thanked all doctors and nurses for their tireless work. She said of the post: 'They were complaining about the NHS, the lack of pay, the long hours, but then talking about how happy they were that they'd handed in their notice and moved onto more lucrative times doing something different, maybe in aesthetics I think! 'I sort of lost track when it came to that bit because I was so engulfed and emotional reading the other words that had been shared. 'Come to think of it I really hope it wasn't all a clever ploy just to get more business and more eyes on their brand. But it really REALLY made me think. 'It made me think S*** I am SO glad that there are people out there who sacrifice their time day in day out doing long 8 hour (sometimes more) shifts to help people when they are at their most vulnerable time in their lives. 'People that sacrifice their own mental health by putting themselves in a position where they may have to watch someone die. I can't imagine how HARD that is. The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, took to Instagram to share a post commemorating World IBD Day, which raises awareness for Crohn's and other inflammatory bowel diseases 'They commit to making a difference. They keep people living. They give people like me more time.' She continued: 'Imagine being able to offer life to someone because life really is the biggest gift. WHERE would we be without all of those people. SHOUT OUT TO YOU GUYS> those that are brave enough to keep going and not hand in your notice. 'You are all no doubt incredibly intelligent people which is what led you to this career in the first place (I know when I was at school all the smartest girls in my year studied triple science teehee) and the opportunity cost of that is great. 'There are many things you could be doing, but you choose to put others first. SO THANK YOU to all the amazing people that dedicate there time to any poor health condition.' Louise revealed last April that she had been fitted with a stoma after years of battling with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed. A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of body waste into a medical device, which the person can then empty. Since her diagnosis, Louise has continued to spread awareness and proudly show off her stoma, which she's nicknamed Winnie, in a reference to Winnie The Pooh. Louise revealed last April that she had been fitted with a stoma after years of battling with ulcerative colitis Last month, Louise opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London And last month, Louise opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London. She explained that she had headed to Marylebone with her fiance Ryan Libbey on his motorbike for an appointment and a coffee, before going to record a podcast. But despite their 'great start', she suddenly realised her stoma bag had unfortunately leaked, forcing her to rush to the nearest hospital for supplies. Sharing several selfies of her and Ryan on their bike journey before everything went wrong, she wrote: 'Yesterday I found myself in a really depressing situation. 'l had a great start to the day. I had a medical appointment at @avenues.life in the morning with Ryan... we biked there to get ahead of the traffic and managed to shave off 20 minutes from the journey. 'Then was off to record a podcast with 2x good friends which has been in the diary for ages. Had a lot of excited energy in my belly following a c**p week of of c**p health. 'We got off the bike in Marylebone blissfully happy and headed to @watchhouse for some delicious coffee and cookies pre-recording because we were a smidge early, but then I felt something a bit wet in my pocket. I looked down and had had the most horrendously debilitating stoma leak.' She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan stepped in, while she was left in a bathroom for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags. She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan stepped in, while she was left for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags Louise nearly died when giving birth to her first child, Leo, after undergoing an emergency C-section in December 2021 due to suffering 'serious complications' (both pictured with Ryan) Louise said: 'I had to hobble to the nearest hospital which was a private one so a bit awkward. I was actually too overwhelmed to speak when we got to reception so thankfully Ryan who I was with handled it for me. 'I then literally waited locked in a bathroom for an hour sat on the loo covered in mess whilst they dug around to see if they had any stoma bags for any of their [sic] inpatients.' Sharing a photo of the bag they had found, she explained she'd had to painfully rip off her old one and cut down the new device, while her assistant rushed to buy her a new pair of trousers and she struggled to pull herself together. She broke down after the ordeal and realised that she was unable to continue with her work commitments, needing to prioritise her mental health. Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay has died aged 92. He is survived by his wife, the actress Jennifer Clulow, and their two sons Darius and Paul. A representative for the British actor, who had a career in stage, screen and radio that spanned over 60 years, confirmed the news on Tuesday. Michael died from heart failure, but 'went at peace' as he passed away in his sleep after Sunday lunch with his sons. They shared: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades.' Michael found early fame in a series called No Hiding Place, and went on to appear in many films, including Peter Yates' Robbery, as well as TV dramas Doctor Who, Blunt, and Thatcher: The Final Days. His last screen performance was in Coronation Street, taking over the character of Alan Hoyle from John Woodvine in 2011, where he was reunited again with his friend Johnny Briggs (playing Alec Baldwin). Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay has died aged 92 The actor appeared on Coronation Street between April and October 2011 as Alan Hoyle (pictured alongside Sam Aston and Jean Fergusson) He also wrote numerous plays for Radio 4 and the popular 1984 ITV comedy Pull the Other One. Following the sad news of hid death, one fan wrote on social media platform X: 'Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away. Absolutely adored him in Corrie as Alan Hoyle in the John Stape storyline. 'Both him and the late Jean Fergusson were brilliant in the basement episode.' Last year, one fan met up with Michael, and shared a more recent image of the actor to social media. They penned: 'Someone else I had the pleasure of meeting again yesterday was Michael McStay who at 91 was as sharp & witty to chat with as a man half his age. 'Known for playing Moberley in #DoctorWho The Seeds Of Doom (1976), he's also starred in The Avengers & The Persuaders!' Michael also recorded audio books and appeared in numerous radio plays over the years. He also spent time in France, and whilst there he starred in thirteen one-hour episodes of the French serial Le Mari de L'Ambassadeur for Koba Films, shown during prime time on Antenne 2. A representative for the actor confirmed the news on Tuesday, although the cause was not given Following the sad news of hid death, one fan wrote on social media platform X: 'Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away.' Last year, one fan met up with Michael, and shared a more recent image of the actor to social media Michael studied a degree in Drama, French and Philosophy at Bristol University, where he spent 3 years (An early headshot of Michael) Michael studied a degree in Drama, French and Philosophy at Bristol University, where he spent 3 years. He then spent two years of National Service as an officer posted in Cyprus, during the Cyprus Emergency, before returning to England to embark on his acting career. He married actress Jennifer in 1967, herself a rising star of the time. Jennifer is best know for her roles in The Avengers, Keeping Up Appearances, and No Hiding Place. Between 1974 and 1988, Clulow appeared in a series of television commercials for Cointreau, playing an Englishwoman named Catherine flirting with a Frenchman (Christian Toma) over after-dinner liqueurs. Known amongst his family and friends as a raconteur and for his humour, in his later years Michael became a more private man. However, his writing continued to reflect a 'wry optimism for life,' and during an interview on Toby Hadoke's Happy Times and Places Podcast, he commented on the end of his career. When asked: 'Did he regret not getting the role of James Bond?', his answer was no, as he had a loving family instead, which 'he wouldnt swap for all the success in the world', his son Darius shared. NYPD Blue actor Dwayne Adway filed a lawsuit on Monday against his late daughter Daelena Mackay's ex-boyfriend, accusing him of having a hand in her death. The actor, 56, has also filed a lawsuit against the city and county of Los Angeles, TMZ reports, for negligence, wrongful death, civil rights violations and failure to train or supervise officers. Daelena was found dead in an alleged suicide by her ex-boyfriend Makar Kirikov, whom she lived with at the luxury apartment complex El Centro Hollywood. She died on May 23, 2024 - one month before her 21st birthday. Dwayne claims that the LAPD never fully investigated her death and just accepted with Makar told them, with clear foul play in the form of abrasions and bruises on her body at the time of her death completely ignored. NYPD Blue actor Dwayne Adway filed a lawsuit against his late daughter Daelena's ex-boyfriend, accusing him of having a hand in her death The actor has also filed a lawsuit against the city and county of Los Angeles, TMZ reports, for negligence, wrongful death, civil rights violations and failure to train or supervise officers In the lawsuit, the actor claims that the lack of a proper investigation in her death showed a 'systemic disregard for properly evaluating suspicious deaths involving young black women,' via TMZ. Daelena and Makar lived together for a year at their LA apartment, and she 'experienced multiple incidents of domestic violence,' per the lawsuit via the outlet. Her father claims in the suit that she ended things with Makar in January of that year because of the domestic violence and was already 'communicating with another romantic partner.' On the night of May 23, 2024, Daelena and Makar had an argument after he was reportedly jealous and agitated, Dwayne noted in the lawsuit. After their argument, Makar left the apartment and when he returned later in the evening he found her dead in the bathroom shower, per the police report. He said he started CPR until paramedics arrived - but she could not be revived and was pronounced dead by paramedics just after midnight. Daelena was found dead in an alleged suicide by her ex-boyfriend Makar Kirikov, whom she lived with at the luxury apartment complex El Centro Hollywood In July 2024, Daelena's mother Elaine insisted her daughter would not have killed herself and accused authorities of failing to properly investigate her death. 'Her body tells a different story than what police are telling us, with bruises and bleeding from two puncture wounds approximately an inch apart that go from the front of her body straight thru to the back and other bleeding,' she said. 'All of these findings that I found because I was left no choice but to have to examine her body myself, the county coroner left out of his report. 'Only toxicology was done by county coroner, no autopsy.' The LA County Medical Examiner-Coroner ruled her death a suicide by hanging and said an autopsy 'was not required' due to an external examination and the circumstances of her death being conclusive. At the time, the LAPD said the case was thoroughly investigated and detectives met with the family several times to talk through their concerns. The police report detailed how the 'boyfriend' told detectives he and Daelena were arguing about her reconnecting with a man in another state before he left. Mackay claimed this man was her daughter's real boyfriend in Texas, whom she had been on and off with for the past three years. She said they got back together in January when she broke up with the man she was living with and he planned to visit her for the first two weeks of July. 'He was coming to LA to visit her as they often would travel back and forth to visit one another in their long distance relationship,' she said. He said he did CPR on Daelena until paramedics took over, but she couldn't be revived 'Daelena had love for all of her family and we have love for her. Daelena loved him, she would have never abandoned her star-crossed lover. 'Anyone who knew Dae knew she would not have killed herself.' Mackay said her daughter had too much for live for as she was just about to graduate from university, majoring in English and cinematography, and had grand plans. 'My daughter was not suicidal, she saw a therapist the day before and [they] said there was zero clinical indication of depression or suicide, that my daughter was full of life, very much excited about life,' she said. 'She was so excited about wining a poetry contest and her upcoming 21st birthday, she was actively pursuing modeling and acting after her parents footsteps. 'She had plans for her future including traveling plans to visit her sister in Florida on June 8-10, she was so excited to go to a rave with her brother, and she had plans to visit me her mom and two younger sisters in Maine this summer.' Daelena's mother Elaine insisted her daughter wouldn't have killed herself and accused authorities of failing to properly investigate her death Mackay said Daelena had too much for live for as she was just about to graduate from university, majoring in English and cinematography, and had grand plans Mackay said her daughter told a friend she was saving up to move into her own apartment without her ex when the lease was up. 'We found in her coat pocket the place she was looking at,' she said. The distraught mother claimed because there was no autopsy she had to do her own investigation of Daelena's body when she came to identify it. 'That was very emotionally damaging and scarring for me to go through that process,' she said. 'As a parent you don't even want to live this nightmare and it's not something you want to go through. 'Having to even ID the body of a daughter of yours, a baby that you... it's so hard to go through that process let alone have to conduct your own investigation because [the various authorities] failed to do their job. 'And I had to take photos of my daughter's body. Adway said he was 'heartbroken and grieving the loss of my beautiful smart and talented daughter' and wanted a 'full investigation' 'The emotional distress has caused me to suffer from panic attacks, sporadic muscle spasms, migraines, and physical immobility.' Adway said he was 'heartbroken and grieving the loss of my beautiful smart and talented daughter'. 'I am seeking a full investigation from LAPD in hopes of finding the truth and justice,' he told NBC. However, Mackay claimed her ex-partner demanded she pay half of the at least $4,000 cost of a private autopsy. 'This autopsy is crucial in the case and I don't understand why her father would choose to forgo the autopsy when he knows it's vital,' she said. Daelena's brother Kaevaan Mackay said he wanted her death investigated more fully before it was written off as a suicide The luxury El Centro Hollywood apartment building where Daelena was found dead 'All because I don't have 'my half' when he has money, more than enough to just pay for it in full. Why would he do our daughter like this she's just been sitting at the mortuary since June 18?' Mackay raised more than $8,200 online to pay for Daelena's funeral and asked for more to fund the autopsy - or the body would be cremated and any evidence lost. In July, Daelena's brother Kaevaan Mackay said he wanted her death investigated more fully before it was written off as a suicide. 'Did she take her life, or was her life taken from her? I want the Coroner's Office to do their job and look into the details,' he told NBC. Scarlett Johansson, Eva Herzigova, Elsa Hosk and Toni Garrn made sure to bring the glamour as they stepped out at Cannes Film Festival's A Private Life premiere. The stars certainly captured attention as they were among the first stars to step out at the premiere of French film Vie privee (A Private Life), starring Jodie Foster. For the star-studded event, Hollywood sensation Scarlett, 40, showed off her sensational sense of style in a gorgeous baby blue strapless gown. Her stylish ensemble featured a billowing tulle skirt and she added to her frame in a pair of platform heels as she posed up a storm for the cameras. Scarlett added a pop of colour with a vibrant rouge lip and accessorised with a dazzling pair of 18K white gold droplet earrings from De Beers. She swept her golden tresses back into a sleek up-do as she posed alongside her husband Colin Jost and American actress June Squibb, 95. Scarlett Johansson, Eva Herzigova and Elsa Hosk made sure to bring the glamour as they stepped out at Cannes Film Festival 's A Private Life premiere Toni Garrn also pulled out all the stops as she stormed the red carpet for the star-studded occasion It has been a big day for Scarlett as her own directorial debut Eleanor The Great was also unveiled at Cannes Film Festival earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Eva, 52, put on an elegant display in a vibrant pink strapless mini dress complete with a dramatic full-length skirt at the front. The Czech model gave a flash of her toned legs as the back of her gown featured a fitted mini skirt and she added to her frame with black pointed heels. She completed her look with a pair of black elbow-length gloves and added a touch of glitz with a sparkling jewelled choker necklace. Eva was joined on the red carpet by Swedish model Elsa, 36, who oozed sophistication in a gorgeous strapless cream gown with a feathered skirt. She let her outfit do all the talking as she accessorised with a sparkling pendant necklace and droplet earrings. Elsa swept her golden tresses back into a stylish up-do and accentuated her stunning features with a high-glamour make-up palette. German model Toni, 32, showed off her incredible figure in a stunning black lace top with straight leg trousers and a matching cape. For the star-studded event, Hollywood sensation Scarlett, 40, showed off her sensational sense of style in a gorgeous baby blue strapless gown Her stylish ensemble featured a billowing tulle skirt and she added to her frame in a pair of platform heels as she posed up a storm for the cameras She was joined by her husband Colin Jost, who cut a suave figure in a black tuxedo as they put on a cosy display She swept her golden tresses back into a sleek up-do as she posed alongside American actress June Squibb (centre) and Erin Kellyman (left) Scarlett added a pop of colour with a vibrant rouge lip and accessorised with a dazzling pair of silver droplet earrings Scarlett was the centre of attention as she showed off her elegant ensemble while bringing the glitz to the premiere Scarlett showed off her tattooed frame in her stunning ensemble as the cameras trained her every move Scarlett added a pop of colour with a vibrant rouge lip and accessorised with a dazzling pair of silver droplet earrings Erin put on a stylish display in a sheer black dress while June looked elegant in a lilac floral gown It has been a big day for Scarlett as her own directorial debut Eleanor The Great was also unveiled at Cannes Film Festival earlier in the day Meanwhile, Eva, 52, put on an elegant display in a vibrant pink strapless mini dress complete with a dramatic full-length skirt at the front The Czech model gave a flash of her toned legs as the back of her gown featured a fitted mini skirt and she added to her frame with black pointed heels She completed her look with a pair of black elbow-length gloves and added a touch of glitz with a sparkling jewelled choker necklace Eva appeared to be in jovial spirits as she flashed a huge smile and playfully posed on the red carpet Eva was joined on the red carpet by Swedish model Elsa, 36, who oozed sophistication in a gorgeous strapless cream gown with a feathered skirt She let her outfit do all the talking as she accessorised with a sparkling pendant necklace and droplet earrings Elsa swept her golden tresses back into a stylish up-do and accentuated her stunning features with a high-glamour make-up palette German model Toni, 32, showed off her incredible figure in a stunning black lace top with straight leg trousers and a matching cape Her ensemble was embellished with an array of sparkling jewels and she added a choker necklace and statement silver earrings to her look Toni bolstered her gorgeous features with a dramatic touch of bronzer as she posed up a storm in front of the cameras Her ensemble was embellished with an array of sparkling jewels and she added a choker necklace and statement silver earrings to her look. Toni bolstered her gorgeous features with a dramatic touch of bronzer as she posed up a storm in front of the cameras. The movie's leading lady Jodie Foster also stepped out to celebrate her new French-language movie A Private Life premiering at Cannes. The American actress, 62, who is fluent in French and stars as psychiatrist Lilian Steiner in the film, turned heads in a unique white silk gown with an opal belt. She let her outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories simple and appeared to be in jovial spirits as she posed alongside her co-stars. Her new psychological thriller sees Jodie's character decide to launch a private investigation into the death of one of her patients after she becomes convinced she has been murdered. Directed and co-written by Rebecca Zlotowski, Jodie is starring alongside the likes of Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric and Vincent Lacoste. Jodie, who is fluent in French, has previously starred in other French-language productions including Fleur Bleu when she was just 14 years old. The movie's leading lady Jodie Foster also stepped out to celebrate her new French-language movie A Private Life premiering at Cannes The American actress, 62, who is fluent in French and stars as psychiatrist Lilian Steiner in the film, turned heads in a unique white silk gown with an opal belt She let her outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories simple and appeared to be in jovial spirits Jodie was joined by her co-star Daniel Auteuil, who cut a smart figure in a black tuxedo A Private Life (Vie privee) is premiering at Cannes Film Festival. It is a French-psychological thriller film in which Jodie stars as psychiatrist Lilian Steiner Leading the arrivals, Georgina Chapman also stepped out arm-in-arm with her partner Adrien Brody Actress Georgina, 49, the ex-wife of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, looked as glamorous as ever in a one-shouldered pink dress with a ruffled tulle skirt She added to her features with a smokey-eye make-up palette as she posed arm-in-arm with American actor Adrien, 52 She swept her blonde locks back into a sleek ponytail as she flashed a huge smile for the cameras Adrien, who has been dating Georgina for five years, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo as he looked very loved-up with his partner Adrien took time to wave to the cameras and his fans as he walked with Georgina on his arm Georgina captured attention in her vibrant tulle ensemble as she smiled for the cameras But it is the first time she has ever taken on a leading role in a French-language film and Jodie told Vanity Fair she felt 'a lot freer' on her most recent project. Also in attendance for its Cannes' premiere were Georgina Chapman and her longtime partner Adrien Brody, who looked as loved-up as ever on the red carpet. Actress Georgina, 49, the ex-wife of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, looked as glamorous as ever in a one-shouldered pink dress with a ruffled tulle skirt. She added to her features with a smokey-eye make-up palette as she posed arm-in-arm with American actor Adrien, 52. Adrien, who has been dating Georgina for five years, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo as he looked very loved-up with his partner. Also among the A-list arrivals were the likes of Brazilian model Izabel Goulart, swimwear designer Kimberley Garner, Dutch model Romee Strijd and singer Ellie Goulding, among many others. 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 d'Or, to give out at the end. Izabel Goulart put on a dazzling display in a gorgeous gown with a sparkling gold bodice featuring musical notes stitched across it and a straight black skirt The Brazilian model bolstered her gorgeous features with a smokey-eye make-up palette and added an array of silver jewellery James Franco stepped out on the red carpet alongside his actress girlfriend Izabel Pakzad James cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo and shielded his faces with a pair of dark square shades Izabel put on an elegant display with a black strapped maxi dress with some glittering detail across the bodice Kimberley Garner showed off her incredible figure in a fitted red strapless gown embellished with dramatic rose detailing She added to her frame with pointed heels featuring a love heart design at the toe and kept her accessories simple The swimwear designer and model accentuated her stunning features with a full-coverage make-up look 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. But 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 per cent tariffs. The White House has said no final decisions have been made. Options being explored include federal incentives for US-based productions, rather than tariffs. This year, 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. 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. Dutch model Romee Strijd captured attention in a sparkling white sequinned gown as she joined the star-studded arrivals She made sure to capture attention in the glitzy ensemble and accessorised with stunning droplet earrings Ellie Goulding also stormed the arrivals, looking elegant in a stunning brown silk dress with a billowing train The singer gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of gold platform peep-toe heels to complete her look 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.' 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. Kanye West's on-again wife Bianca Censori flashed her derriere in her latest X-rated Instagram snap this week. The architect, 30, channeled her husband's ex-wife Kim Kardashian as she ditched her underwear and showed off her posterior while clad in a bizarre cut-out skirt. The star went braless in a black crop top and sported flowing raven locks for the eyepopping snap. Kardashian is well-known for showing off her own buxom backside in racy snaps - memorably posing for Paper Magazine in 2014 while flashing her derriere. Bianca and Kanye have been inundated with divorce rumors ever since their nude stunt at the Grammys, but appear to be back on great terms. Their reunion comes shortly after their reported split after West claimed his wife of over two years, a 30-year-old architect and former Yeezy employee, had 'ran away.' Kanye West 's on-again wife Bianca Censori flashed her derriere in her latest X-rated Instagram snap this week The 47-year-old rapper, who goes by Ye, was seen walking through a video, a few steps behind his wife, who left little to the imagination as she strutted into the room In the past week, the Grammy-winning musician who is suing his dentist over malpractice claims and accused him of getting him 'hooked on drugs' and his wife seemed to temporarily quell divorce claims as they spotted in Europe for 'crisis talks.' Following their reunion, West took to the internet with an unhinged livestream that have shocked fans. A clip has gone viral on social media after fans noticed internet personality Sneako, who was sitting in front of the camera, quickly covered the lens with his hand when he noticed the scantily-clad Australian architect was visible. This comes after West went on an unhinged rant about his custody arrangement with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian over their four children as he criticized her for her parenting. In the same livestream, he appeared to come out as gay during a rant concerning his ex-wife and their ongoing custody dispute. Adorned in an all-black outfit and face mask, the embattled had been talking about not seeing his four kids that he shares with Kardashian, 44. As he concluded the two-minute diatribe, he said: 'I ain't got no motherf****** legacy n****, why the f*** you think I am s****ing out.' He then appeared to say: 'I'm gay. [inaudible] in charge of my legacy and I'm gay. I'm in charge of my legacy.' The architect, 30, channeled her husband's ex-wife Kim Kardashian as she ditched her underwear and showed off her posterior while clad in a bizarre cut-out skirt The couple have been inundated with divorce rumors ever since their nude stunt at the Grammys; pictured in February Their reunion comes shortly after their reported split after West claimed his wife of over two years, a 30-year-old architect and former Yeezy employee, had 'ran away' Social media users have debated over whether he actually said 'I'm gay,' or was speaking about himself and repeating 'I'm Ye'. It comes after a separate post to his X account just last week in which he made remarks concerning him and his male cousin having an incestuous relationship. While teasing a new song, titled 'COUSINS', he said: 'This song is called COUSINS about my cousin that's locked in jail for life for killing a pregnant lady a few years after I told him we wouldn't "look at dirty magazines together" anymore. 'Perhaps in my self centered mess I felt it was my fault that I showed him those dirty magazines when he was 6 and then we acted out what we saw. 'My dad had playboy magazines but the magazines I found in the top of my moms closet were different. My name is Ye and I sucked my cousins d*** till I was 14.' Following a series of posts, he then shared the rainbow emoji to X, writing: 'This is my new logo', before adding that he wasn't actually gay. He also ranted about the custody arrangement he has with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. He and the reality star share four children together: North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm,5 In his latest statement, West also said: ''I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids.' The Stronger artist added, '[DJ] Akademiks put that battery in my back, bro - cause I was in the airport by myself I'mma go get these kids, man!' West, who recently returned from Japan, has been working on new music as of late and corresponding with fans on social media about the upcoming slate of releases. He previously shared a series of X posts on March 19 in which he said that he was put off by a white woman being in control of his black children. West also shockingly said that he wished he had children with Paris Hilton instead of Kardashian. Kanye had referenced how Kardashian had got her start in the limelight by acting as Paris' assistant. 'Kim was Paris Hiltons assistant. I should've had babies with Paris Hilton over Kim Kardashian!' he said in the widely panned remarks. Kanye and Kim share four children together: North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5. 'Could you imagine if I had kids with Paris Hilton? How many hotels I would have right now? Think about that. The Hilton. The Hilton s***', he said. He was swiftly banned from Twitch after making the remarks, with his channel going down 10 minutes after he started streaming. West has remained in the crosshairs of controversy for much of the year amid a torrent of posts propagating antisemitism. On February 11, the shop on West's Yeezy Website - which he advertised with an expensive ad during the Super Bowl - was taken offline by Shopify after he was selling a white shirt with a black swastika in the center. He has also frequently made posts praising Adolf Hitler. West spoke more about the controversy in a series of posts on February 20 - promising to wear the swastika shirt onstage at the Super Bowl. 'Next year Im performing at the superbowl wearing my wittle T shirt,' he said. 'People with money bought my wittle t shirt.' He added that Shopify 'gave [him his] account back' after taking down his store after controversy erupted over the shirts, but that he was 'not going to use it.' The Anti-Defamation League said in a post on X: 'As if we needed further proof of Kanye's antisemitism, he chose to put a single item for sale on his website a t-shirt emblazoned with a swastika. 'If that wasn't enough, the t-shirt is labeled on Kanye's website as "HH-01,"which is code for "Heil Hitler." 'Kanye was tweeting vile antisemitism nonstop since last week. There's no excuse for this kind of behavior.' The organization added: 'Even worse, Kanye advertised his website during the Super Bowl, amplifying it beyond his already massive social media audience.' Sources close to Kardashian have told DailyMail.com that she is now taking extra precautions and has hired guards to be with her 24/7 amid his erratic behavior. The reality star has also told relatives to be careful sharing anything about her children online, the source revealed. She has instructed her closest allies not to post about their locations or upload photos or messages that could identify where they might be. 'She's absolutely horrified,' the source told the Daily Mail. 'Like every time things get bad with Kanye, somehow they get worse.' They finalized their divorce in 2022 and agreed to joint custody of their children, but the conflict between them has continued. 'I HAVENT SEEN SAINT THIS YEAR,' he wrote, despite the fact that they were pictured together in January. Although West has accused Kardashian of not allowing him to see his children, the Daily Mail can confirm that he saw Saint, Chicago and Psalm at the time. Adrien Brody joined his glamorous girlfriend Georgina Chapman as they attended the premiere of A Private Life. The Oscar winner, 52, flew out to France for the premiere of Vie privee (A Private Life), which stars Jodie Foster, at Palais des Festivals on Tuesday. He looked smitten at the premiere with his fashion designer girlfriend Georgina, 49, who stunned in a red ruffled gown. Georgina's ruby gown featured a one-shoulder design and was adorned with chiffon ruffled and a cinched belt around the waist. Her blonde locks were slicked into a bun and she paired the dress with a red smoky eye look. Meanwhile Adrien looked dapper for the evening in a black and white tux as he walked the red carpet arm-in-arm. Adrien Brody joined his glamorous girlfriend Georgina Chapman as they attended the premiere of A Private Life in Cannes on Tuesday The Oscar winner, 52, flew out to France for the premiere of Vie privee (A Private Life), which stars Jodie Foster, at Palais des Festivals on Tuesday The pair's loved-up display came days after Georgina defended his disgusting act after viral Oscars moment. The actor shocked the Oscars audience when he tossed a piece of gum he was chewing towards his girlfriend of five years, Georgina, 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. Mark Consuelos agreed that Adrien couldn't swallow the gum because 'it's bad for you.' He looked smitten at the premiere with his fashion designer girlfriend Georgina, 49, who stunned in a red ruffled gown Georgina's ruby gown featured a one-shoulder design and was adorned with chiffon ruffled and a cinched belt around the waist Her blonde locks were slicked into a bun and she paired the dress with a red smoky eye look Meanwhile Adrien looked dapper for the evening in a black and white tux as he walked the red carpet arm-in-arm 'I could've!' Adrien 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, Georgina 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 finalised in 2021). '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. 'I could never quite live up to that standard.' The pair's loved-up display came days after Georgina defended his disgusting act after viral Oscars moment The actor shocked the Oscars audience when he tossed a piece of gum he was chewing towards his girlfriend of five years Georgina 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, Adrien 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. Justin Bieber is receiving substantial backlash after revealing he cruelly told his wife, Hailey, that she would never grace the cover of Vogue during a heated argument. On the same day his spouse, 28, achieved her dream, the pop star, 31, divided the internet over his Instagram post congratulating her on the feat. The Sorry hitmaker's sense of humor did not land with his or Hailey's fans as he divulged why her Vogue cover was a full circle moment for them as couple. 'Yo this reminds me when Hailey and I got into a huge fight, I told hails that she would never be on the cover of vogue, Yikes I know, so mean, For some reason because I felt so disrespected I thought I gotta get even,' he explained. Justin continued: 'think as we mature we realize that were not helping anything by getting even, were honestly just prolonging what we really want which is intimacy and connection.' He concluded his post by writing a message directly to Hailey, which read: 'So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldnt get a vogue cover cuz clearly i was sadly mistaken.' Justin Bieber is receiving substantial backlash after revealing he cruelly told his wife, Hailey, that she would never grace the cover of Vogue during a heated argument; seen in 2022 Many saw his caption as a backhanded compliment and something 'so unnecessary' to share with his more than 294 million Instagram followers. 'Its okay to have secrets Justin,' one commented. Another wrote: 'You couldnt waterboard this information out of me lmao.' 'Why would you write something like that... put that phone down please,' a third urged. Others criticized him for accidentally writing 'sadly mistaken' versus 'happily' mistaken, since he obviously meant to congratulate her on the achievement. In the interview, reporter Alessandra Codinha shared that Justin emailed her a cute note about his wife of seven years. 'Ive done a lot of dumb things in my life,' he wrote to the journalist by email, 'but the smartest thing Ive ever done was marry Hailey.' The Canadian artist also shared he loves family life with the beauty: 'Im walking in the days I always dreamed of.' On the same day his spouse, 28, achieved her dream, the pop star, 31, divided the internet over his Instagram post congratulating her on accomplishing one of the highest accolades in the fashion industry As far as having more kids they both want that. She definitely wants at least one more baby, maybe more, the Vogue writer shared. But Hailey plans to take it 'a kid at a time.' Hailey also noted that Justin sees her as a 'superhero' after welcoming their child: 'At least that was the case for me,' she added. And Hailey added their baby made their marriage even stronger. 'Its been my biggest teacher so far,' she said, 'the biggest teacher in my relationship. You see your partner so differently.' Justin is an 'amazing dad,' she added: 'I think you empathize with your parents a lot more. Theres so much perspective that comes with it.' Justin also emailed the writer this note in support of his wife: 'Shes in the spotlight, and has the attention because of her effortless knack for style, business, art, and fashion. And the way she makes being a mom and wife look easy.' The model also said Justin has coached her on fame. 'Ive learned so much from Justin, really. Hes been doing this literally since he was a child and he has had to face the most scrutiny of any person that I know. He was like, "Baby, trust me, Ive been here before many, many times. Youre not going to win. There is no winning,"' she said. She also said: 'I have a real life. My real life is that I get to wake up to my beautiful family and my son and my friends and I have people that know me and love me and I love them.' Many saw his caption as a backhanded compliment and something 'so unnecessary' to share with his mjore than 294 million Instagram followers Also in her interview Hailey admitted she thought she might 'die' as she opened up about her son Jack Blues' traumatic labor last year. The model welcomed her only child with Bieber, 31, in August 2024, but experienced some 'scary' complications during the birth. Despite prepping for nine months in which she exercised, worked on her pelvic floor and felt 'physically stronger' than ever before, Hailey found herself going through a very tough labour, with the stunner admitting in a candid new interview that giving birth was 'the hardest thing Ive ever done'. Speaking for the first time about the birth, Hailey told Vogue: 'That s**t was so crazy. That was not fun. They broke my water. I went into labor and I labored for a few hours. No epidural, nothing.' In the interview, reporter Alessandra Codinha shared that Justin emailed her a cute note about his wife of seven years 'Ive done a lot of dumb things in my life,' he wrote to the journalist by email, 'but the smartest thing Ive ever done was marry Hailey' Hailey began leaking amniotic fluid at 39 weeks and had to be induced, with the star given medication to bring on contractions while a special balloon was placed inside her uterus to help dilate her. However, while she eventually welcomed her boy after 18 hours, her troubles continued as she then experienced a postpartum hemorrhage, with Hailey sadly admitting that the thought had crossed her mind that she wouldn't survive the ordeal. On the fact that death could be a result of this complication if not treated quickly, which she told was 'a little bit scary', Hailey shared: 'I trust my doctor with my life. And so I had peace that I knew she would never let anything happen to me. But I was bleeding really badly, and people die, and the thought crosses your mind.' While she was overjoyed to finally bring her baby home safe and sound, Hailey told how she had to get used to her postpartum figure, admitting that she had to 'give herself some grace' over her body not 'bouncing back'. During her interview Hailey admitted she thought she might 'die' as she opened up about her son Jack Blues' traumatic labor last year She noted how her hips are wider and her boobs were bigger but has since accepted that her body is 'not the same body that it was before'. Meanwhile, during the candid interview, Hailey told of her 'difficulty' at coping with the 'new version of herself', while facing rumors surrounding her marriage to Justin. Fans have expressed concern for the couple due to their stony-faced public appearances, and Hailey's famous friends have allegedly urged her to leave the singer due to his 'unacceptable' behavior. Addressing the difficulty, she shared: 'Being postpartum is the most sensitive time Ive ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, "Theyre getting divorced" and "Theyre this" and "Theyre not happy": It is such a mindf**k. I cannot even begin to explain it. Its a crazy life to live.' Tom Cruise had an awkward response to being asked a Father's Day question amid his estrangement from his daughter Suri. The 62-year-old actor was seemingly caught off guard by the unexpected question and being asked about the upcoming holiday. He awkwardly said he would be 'just having fun, man' when asked about his ideal Father's Day plans at the Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning premiere in New York City on Monday. When a E! News journalist stopped him on the red carpet, he seemed taken aback by being asked: 'Father's Day is just around the corner. What would an ideal Father's Day look like for you?' He paused and said, 'You know...' before trailing off and shaking his head as his gaze moved to something in the distance. 'Just having fun, man.' Without referencing any of his kids, the father-of-three who also broke his silence about his romance with Ana de Armas at the premiere then redirected the conversation to his action films. Tom Cruise had an awkward response to being asked a Father's Day question amid his estrangement from his daughter Suri He has been estranged from his daughter, now 19, for years with many reports that the last time he saw her was in the summer of 2012 after Cruise and Katie Holmes separated; Suri is pictured August 2024 in New York City 'Making movies, big adventures, having a great time,' he added. He has long been estranged from his daughter, now 19, whom he shares with actress Katie Holmes. Cruise is reportedly close to his daughter Isabella, now 32, and son Connor, now 30, both of whom he and his second wife Nicole Kidman adopted when they were married in the '90s. He was first married to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990 before getting married to Kidman that same year. Cruise and Kidman were together for 11 years before their 2001 split. Five years later, Katie Holmes gave birth to their daughter Suri in April 2006, and the proud parents got married that same year. They eventually called it quits in 2012, and since then, Cruise has long been estranged from their now-teenage daughter Suri. In the comments section of the YouTube video, a slew of fans seemed appalled by the 'naughty question.' He awkwardly said he would be 'just having fun, man' when asked about his ideal Father's Day plans at the Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning premiere in New York City on Monday He shares Suri with his ex-wife, whom he married in 2006 and divorced in 2012; pictured November 2006 in Rome Suri was raised by her mother in New York City and graduated from La Guardia High School last year 'Making movies? That's definitely not a Dad activity. His loss,' one YouTube user commented. Another added: 'Seeing the daughter he has abandoned for a decade perhaps?' One person pointed out that he was 'not interested in answering the father question' and called his estrangement as 'his biggest failure.' Some people were shocked by the 'wild question' as others slammed Cruise for his lack of a relationship with his youngest child. 'A simple question about Father's Day and he can't answer it. He has gotten to a point where all he can talk about is movies and his love of movies. What about being a parent, Tom? There was a time when that was important to you. Sad for this man.' Suri was raised by her mother in New York City and graduated from La Guardia High School last year. During her graduation ceremony, she debuted her name change, revealing she dropped Cruise's surname and was now going by just her first and middle name now: Suri Noelle She is currently studying at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and frequently travels back to New York City to spend time with her mom, with whom she has a very close relationship During her graduation ceremony, she debuted her name change, revealing she dropped Cruise's surname and was now going by just her first and middle name now: Suri Noelle. She is currently studying at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and frequently travels back to New York City to spend time with her mom, with whom she has a very close relationship. Last year, it was reported that Suri's alleged trust fund from Cruise had kicked in after she turned 18, but Holmes quickly slammed the claims as 'completely false.' 'I don't want a target on my child's back,' she explained in an Instagram comment in December 2024. 'It's dangerous.' Natalie Portman was letting her hair down as she modeled a skimpy black bikini in the south of France on Sunday. Portman showed off her incredible physique as she had abs and sculpted arms with strong legs as she walked barefoot around the coast. The Star Wars veteran was with a mystery man at hotel Eden Roc during the Cannes Film Festival. Natalie recently premiered Arco - the Ugo Bienvenu-directed animation movie - at the Cannes Film Festival. The 43-year-old Lady In The Lake actress, who had a brief relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal in 2006, was earlier this year dating French musician Tanguy Destable. That relationship marked Portman's first romance since her split with ex-husband Benjamin Millepied. The actress and the choreographer started dating after they met on the set of Black Swan in 2009 and announced they were engaged the following year. The former couple tied the knot in 2012 and welcomed two children together: Aleph and Amalia. They finalized their divorce in February 2024 after media reports of an extramarital affair by Millepied in 2023. Natalie Portman was letting her hair down as she modeled a skimpy bikini in the south of France on Sunday Portman showed off her incredible physique as she had abs and sculpted arms with strong legs. The star has clearly been working out heavily Her ex has moved on. Portman is reportedly not 'surprised' her ex-husband Millepied started a new romance 'pretty quickly' after their divorce. The Black Swan actress met her choreographer ex-husband, 47, on the set of the ballet drama in 2009 before they tied the knot in 2012. A source shared how she is feeling after he was snapped kissing a mystery woman. The insider told Us Weekly: 'Natalie isn't surprised that Benjamin has moved on because of how their relationship ended. She thought he'd move on pretty quickly. '(Natalie) hopes Benjamin is happy.' Another insider told the publication: 'Benjamin's dating life doesn't really have any bearing on Natalie. 'She's super happy in her life right now and has been prioritizing family and friends.' And yet another source told Page Six: 'Natalie doesn't really care who Benjamin is dating. She moved on a long time ago.' As she turned 43 in June 2024, Natalie thanked friends for lifting her spirits 'again and again'. The New Yorker had her hair slicked back and very little makeup on Portman had on no jewelry for her dip in the Mediterranean. Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera, is famed for its international film festival. Its Boulevard de la Croisette, curving along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques and palatial hotels At one point she did a little jog by the stone steps She said in a message on her Instagram: 'This year, on my birthday, I want to celebrate my gratitude for my friends who lift me up again and again.' Natalie accompanied the message with a carousel of photos showing her on adventures with friends and relatives over the years. Her A-list pals flooded the comments section of the post to send birthday greetings, with 'Black-ish' actress Tracee Ellis Ross writing: '@natalieportman happy birthday gorgeous lady.' Comic Mindy Kaling added: 'Happy birthday, beautiful!', while actress Reese Witherspoon said: 'Happy Birthday, you incredible diamond of a human! I love you.' And actress Isla Fisher who said she and her ex-husband Sacha Baron Cohen had secretly filed for divorce in 2023 added: 'Ports I love you. Happy Birthday I'm so grateful you were born.' The Star Wars veteran was with a mystery man, who was wearing a wedding band, at hotel Eden Roc during the Cannes Film Festival Natalie recently premiered Arco - the Ugo Bienvenu-directed animation movie - at the Cannes Film Festival She filed for a split from her ex in July 2023 amid reports from Page Six he had allegedly cheated on her with a then-25-year-old woman named Camille Etienne. Natalie and Benjamin initially separated in 2022 but worked through their marital issues before their marriage collapsed. The former couple have two children: son Aleph, 13, and seven-year-old daughter Amalia. Last month Portman said she is drawn to roles depending on what's happening in her personal life. The actress revealed her divorce impacted her work during a conversation with Jenna Ortega, 22, following their collaboration in upcoming film The Gallerist. Speaking to Jenna for Interview magazine, she said: 'You want to find that joy and lightness and humor in your work when things are harder at home.' Portman walked up the steel steps to go up to the rocky cliffside And then she stepped onto a sky blue diving board. Portman made sure to hold on the handrails The siren was barefoot as she made her way to the spring board She flashed bruises on her legs as she made her way to the end of the board The two actors also discussed their experiences growing up in the spotlight and how their careers have evolved over time. Natalie added about how her life circumstances often influence her approach to acting roles. She said: 'There are things that come at certain times of your life. 'There's moments in your life where it's really meaningful to have a work experience that just envelopes you in happiness, and this was one of those.' Natalie continued: 'It doesn't always work out, but I'm drawn to things because of what's happening in my personal life.' When asked whether she prioritizes character or script when selecting new roles, Natalie replied: 'I learned from actresses that came before me who said, 'It's important to go for joy.' Natalie laughed as she dove off the board. Her feet went up and her arms went up Portman looked to be in good spirits Though she did not mention Benjamin by name or directly reference the divorce during the interview, Natalie said: 'I was just excited to have kids, and with a person that I was in love with,' when asked about how motherhood had impacted her career. Natalie is set to star in the upcoming film Fountain of Youth opposite John Krasinski. The Apple TV+ feature follows two estranged siblings reuniting in search of the mythical source of eternal life and will be released on May 23. Meanwhile, The Gallerist does not yet have a confirmed release date. When asked what excites her most at this stage in life, Natalie said: 'My kids are always a source of excitement, because you just see them develop into the individuals they are. 'And also, I've been spending a lot of time with my friends, with their kids and my kids; that's pretty fun.' The mystery man was wading in the water as the movie icon made her way up the steps She also said her films are 'usually not appropriate' for her children. The Oscar-winning actress loves that her children will actually get to watch The Fountain Of Youth The star told Extra: 'They have not seen it yet and I can't wait to show it to them because A, I like never get to show my kids my movies because they're usually not appropriate, and then B, it's so fun. 'I think they're gonna have the best time watching it.' Natalie also relished the experience of working alongside John, describing him as a 'great actor'. The celebrity duo have actually known each other since they were children, and Natalie loved being reunited with her showbiz pal. She said: 'I get John Krasinski as my brother, who's, like, the greatest and so funny and such a great actor. The former child star at the Eddington red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16 The movie star at Apple's Fountain of Youth world premiere held at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC on Monday 'I think it's so fun to have a brother-sister relationship at the centre of the film. I think it's quite unusual in this kind of adventure and makes sense for 'Fountain of Youth' to be with someone that has known you since you're a child.' The actress feels excited to have so many different projects being released at the same time. The Hollywood star said: 'It's been incredible to have so many things I care about kind of emerge in the world at the same time. 'To have Arco, a film we produced, which is animated, first feature by Ugo Bienvenu, and we're so, so proud of it, and it debuted to such love and appreciation, so it was an incredible moment.' Meanwhile, Natalie previously admitted that she's making a conscious effort to 'impress' her children with her career choices. The actress - who previously starred as Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - told Variety in 2022: 'I feel like it's the phase of my career where I'm really trying to just impress my kids.' Emily Ratajkowski displayed her washboard abs as she sported a triangle bra for a Gucci photoshoot in Cannes on Tuesday. The American model, 33, was among the stars who jetted out to the south of France to soak up the rays during the famous film festival. But the star stepped away from movie premieres to shoot a new Gucci campaign on the sidelines. Emily showed off her sensational figure as she posed in a red and white triangle bra under an open black linen shirt. She paired the look with matching linen wide-leg trousers and tied back her hair with a patterned bandana. Emily finished off her ensemble with chunky Gucci patterned platform sandals and an iconic Ophidia Boston bag, costing 1,460, and aviator sunglasses. Emily Ratajkowski displayed her washboard abs as she sported a triangle bra for a Gucci photoshoot in Cannes on Tuesday The American model, 33, was among the stars who jetted out to the south of France to soak up the rays during the famous film festival Earlier in the day, Emily looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out on the the Cannes Croisette. She sported a navy tailored blazer and a pair of baggy dark denim mom jeans, with a pair of green suede mules. 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. 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 the star stepped away from movie premieres to shoot a new Gucci campaign on the sidelines Emily showed off her sensational figure as she posed in a red and white triangle bra under an open black linen shirt She paired the look with matching linen wide-leg trousers and tied back her hair with a patterned bandana Emily was later seen filming for a commercial with the brand as she strutted along the path in the stylish fit In one shot she looked surprised as she dropped her bag A member of crew was seen balancing the camera over her head She was also seen taking a call as they filmed the advert 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. Emily finished off her ensemble with chunky Gucci patterned platform sandals and aviator sunglasses She was shaded from the European sun by a team of umbrellas The iconic Ophidia Boston bag costs 1,460 The star looked effortlessly chic in the ensemble She picked her bag up after dropping it as part of the campaign Emily posed with her arms crossed as she wowed in the all brown ensemble She was closely followed by her umbrella-clad team The star has been sporting a range of stylish looks while in the French capital Earlier in the day, Emily looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out on the the Cannes Croisette She sported a navy tailored blazer and a pair of baggy dark denim mom jeans, with a pair of green suede mules 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. Cindy Crawford opted to go makeup free for a lunch date with husband Rande Gerber. The supermodel, 59, was enjoying a snack as they left La Nena Cantina in Malibu on Tuesday. Cindy showed off her glowing complexion as she opted to go natural for their afternoon outing. She complimented her natural look with a black tank top and leggings, paired with a white sweater tied around her waist. Meanwhile Rande looked casual in his surf inspired look, holding on to a to-go beverage from the establishment. Cindy Crawford opted to go makeup free for a lunch date with husband Rande Gerber Last year, Cindy celebrated 20 years of her skincare brand Meaningful Beauty. The brand has been incredibly successful thanks to its engaging infomercials. To date the company is worth around $500M and Cindy owns half of it. On Instagram the mother to model Kaia Gerber shared two photos of herself: one taken in the 80s and the other more recent. She was wearing the same black leather motorcycle jacket in both frames. '@meaningfulbeauty turns 20! To help us celebrate share a photo of yourself at 20 years old vs you today,' she wrote in her caption. 'Grateful to have spent the last two decades working with an amazing team, learning so much about beauty and business and helping women feel their best at every age. Happy birthday to MB! Thank you all for keeping us going! #MB20.' In the past Cindy has said the brand is important: 'Feeling beautiful can give women self-confidence at every age. Thats the foundation of Meaningful Beauty. Achieving healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of taking good care of yourself and accepting who you are. After that, you can go enjoy your life.' The supermodel, 59, was enjoying a snack as they left La Nena Cantina in Malibu Last year, Cindy celebrated 20 years of her skincare brand Meaningful Beauty Cindy also says on her website: 'As a young supermodel, I visited world-renowned cosmetic specialist Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh at his clinic in Paris. After my first treatment of super antioxidants from a rare melon in the South of France, I saw instant, glowing results. 'Dr. Sebagh and I developed Meaningful Beauty as an easy-to-use system that delivers younger-looking skin by combining science, technology and nature. The powerful melon super antioxidants are the secret to the formula.' It was added: 'It was Dr. Sebaghs idea of using effective skincare to maintain skins youthful look that resonated with me. He always says, "Its never too late and its never too early to start." 'This idea of "age maintenance" is part of the Meaningful Beauty philosophy. Consistency in skincare and healthy lifestyle habits are how you achieve that.' This comes after she talked about her parents. The Playboy alum admitted that she began outlearning her parents at 18. 'I started modeling in Chicago, and in Chicago, it's a small pond, so I was the big fish pretty quickly there,' the catwalk queen said while appearing on the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast with Christy Turlington. She added, 'And I was making more money than my parents made, more money than they could ever have even dreamed of.' After her brother Jeffery died of childhood leukemia at age 3 in 1975, Crawford's quick wealth made her feel like 'I was the son in a weird way.' Crawford at the Ninth Annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1992 in LA 'Like, when I got married and didn't change my name, [my dad] was like, 'Yeah, the Crawford name will go on!'' she recalled. 'I was able to help where I could,' added Crawford. 'I don't feel like I became the dad.' Crawford noted that she's 'been able to take [her family] on nice vacations,' following her January girls trip to Miami with mother Jennifer and sisters Chris and Danielle. America's largest automaker once backed California's aggressive EV push. That support appears to be over. General Motors has begun urging employees to lobby lawmakers against ban on the sale of new gas cars in the state within a decade, something it once supported. 'We need your help!' GM wrote in an email to thousands of salaried workers, according to The Wall Street Journal. 'Emissions standards that are not aligned with market realities pose a serious threat to our business by undermining consumer choice and vehicle affordability.' The email comes as Californias tough climate regulations face growing resistance. For years, the state has had a federal waiver allowing it to impose stricter tailpipe rules than the national standard. That authority led to a bold mandate: by 2035, all new cars sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles either battery electric or hydrogen-powered. Eighteen other states have adopted similar rules that will ban the sale of new gas cars. But with EV sales falling short of projections, the waiver is now under bipartisan scrutiny in Washington. GMs lobbying is the latest signal of shifting political winds. GM's CEO, Mary Barra, has shifted billions of dollars toward US EV development - America's best-selling carmaker is now only second to Tesla in EV sales The company second only to Tesla in US EV sales has walked back its earlier commitments to an all-electric future. GM once promised to build 400,000 electric vehicles by 2024. It ended up selling just 114,432 that year. Still, that number represented a significant gain: a 50 percent increase in EV sales compared to 2023. But the growth hasnt matched regulators lofty projections. EVs account for about seven percent of new vehicle sales in the US. Nationwide, EV deliveries fell five percent last month, even as overall new vehicle sales rose by double digits. In California, where EV adoption has consistently outpaced the rest of the country, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles still account for only about 20 percent of total sales well short of the 35 percent benchmark required by 2026 under the states current rule. 'GM believes in customer choice, and we continue to focus on offering the best and broadest portfolio of vehicles on the market,' a company spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 'GM has long supported one national standard and consistency in emissions regulations that are aligned with market realities.' GM told DailyMail.com that the company is committed to building more EVs in the US Automakers are working through the implications of the Trump administrations automotive tariffs and Republican's efforts to kill the EV tax credit Despite its lobbying push, GM previously told DailyMail.com that it remains committed to electrification. The automaker has spent billions outfitting its US factories with the latest battery technology. Recently, GM announced plans to develop lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery chemistry thats lighter, cheaper, and less reliant on Chinese-sourced critical minerals. Meanwhile, California's regulators have argued that their rules, which include credits and rollover sales averages, have been plenty accomodating to auto manufacturers. But the carmakers are dealing with several crushing blows from the Trump administration that could cut against their electric efforts. President Donald Trump has slapped all foreign assembled cars and parts with a 25 percent tariff, which has already started to increase some consumer prices. Companies have said the tariff will cost billions. GM said it will lose between $4 billion and $5 billion in profits because of the tax policy. Also, automakers are staring down the end of EV tax incentives for consumers as Republicans attempt to strike a tax deal. States were hoping to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 - but US consumers didn't turn to new EVs at the expected pace The incentives' end could further cut against battery electric adoption and recent billion-dollar investments from major brands. These developments follow several new announcements from other automotive companies that show that automakers still believe the future is electric. Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, unveiled two new EV models set for the US market next year. It's luxury arm, Lexus, unveiled a new EV sedan. VW, the second largest automaker, is also ramping up production of its lowest-priced EV. In an open letter to President Trump, John Bozzella, the CEO of Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a conglomerate that advocates for America's carmakers, said car companies will increasingly invest in new EV tech. 'The auto industry is positioned to play a central role in advancing America's economic and national security interests if permitted to operate in a durable, predictable, and market-driven policy environment,' Bozzella wrote. 'This is a pro-growth recipe for American leadership and competitiveness that will preserve consumer choice, creating manufacturing jobs and transform the US industrial base.' Jeremy Snyder, chief commercial officer of the newly-unveiled Slate electric truck company, exclusively told DailyMail.com that US EV manufacturing is a no-brainer. 'Building EVs for a new company is the only obvious solution,' Snyder said. 'Current EV problems are a education and infrastructure issues that are being corrected over time. 'For drivers, it is simply a better experience. You pull into your parking spot, you plug in, you wake up to a full "tank" every single day.' Companies with unfortunate names have found themselves at the center of a political storm that has nothing to do with their businesses. DEI, the acronym for the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, has been at the forefront of President Donald Trump's war on 'woke' since the beginning of his second term. The Trump administration has pressured companies, law firms and universities into dropping such inclusion programs, claiming they are discriminatory and undermine meritocracy. While some businesses, such as Walmart, have vocally dismantled their DEI ventures, or others, like Costco, have publicly stuck with them, other companies have found themselves involved by accident. David Markley called his business DEI. which stands for Design Engineering Inc., long before the Trump backlash took off. The Ohio-based company, which sells heat and sound-control car parts mostly to the hot-rod racing industry, has been tainted by the political association. 'You're reading these headlines: 'DEI is wrong,' 'Terrified of the aftermath of DEI,' Markley told the Wall Street Journal. 'It's disheartening when somebody's, like, bashing your baby.' David Markley called his business DEI for Design Engineering Inc. long before the backlash Markley told the Journal that one customer recently told him to hire a public relations specialist to help overcome the unfortunate association. Another business named DEI is the restaurant supply company owned by Ricardo Gomez. Gomez established his company in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2006, but was swept up in the DEI storm last year when customers began to mistake the business as working in diversity policies. One customer even left a review on the company's website criticizing it for damaging America's military industrial complex. After an employee of the company reached out to explain that the business sells cutlery and cookware not HR consulting advice, the one-star review was eventually taken down. Gomez said he named the business after the Latin word for diving, 'dei', and plans to stick with it. 'I'm a minority that owns a business it's not that I'm against it,' Gomez told the Journal. 'We're very, very careful about doing anything that will offend anybody from either side.' Donald Trump and Elon Musk have spearheaded efforts against DEI policies Costco publicly stuck by its DEI pledges despite political pressure Target, a brand that offered Pride and Black History Month collections, has pulled back on its internal DEI policies and has faced consumer pushback Despite the political noise surrounding DEI the companies that have generated the most headlines for sticking by their DEI programs including Costco, Levi Strauss, and Ulta Beauty have posted stock gains over the past six months. Meanwhile, several brands that grabbed headlines for ditching DEI including Ford, Target, and Tractor Supply Co. fell into the red during the same period. During a fractious political moment, companies that have leaned into representing their customers have largely outperformed the market. 'It is fair to push back against how many DEI were implemented or to argue that they became over-invested in over time,' Steve Dennis, the president of SageBerry Consulting and advisor for dozens of high profile retail executives, previously told DailyMail.com. 'But to reject the fundamental merits of diversity, equity, and inclusion is both ignorant and cowardly.' External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp and held wide-ranging discussions on deepening bilateral partnership and engagement with the European Union. Jaishankar, who is here on the first leg of his three-nation trip that will also take him to Denmark and Germany, appreciated the Netherlands' strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism. It is Jaishankar's first foreign visit after the four-day-long military confrontation between Indian and Pakistani armed forces. "Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp @ministerBZ of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands' strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU. Exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi-polarity," Jaishankar said in a post on X. The minister also met Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and exchanged views on respective security perspectives and challenges. "Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership," Jaishankar said. Earlier in the morning, Jaishankar said a "good exchange" of views with strategic experts during which they also discussed why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multi-polarity and strategic autonomy. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in the Hague said the minister's visit will further boost India-Netherlands ties. During his visit, Jaishankar 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. It is expected that Jaishankar will apprise his counterparts in the three nations about India's decision to launch Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack. 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. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. 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 countryas conflict-ridden northeast this year. Abdulrahman Ibrahim survived Thursdayas attack on two villages in Baga in Borno State and participated in the burial of the dead. He said that the Jamaaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaaawati 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. 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. aWithout the capacity to attack the military like ISWAP, JAS is focused on terrorizing civilians,a said Malik Samuel, an expert on northern Nigeriaas 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. aThere are probably more bodies because we had to stop further searches with soldiers out of fear of an ambush,a Ibrahim said. More than 70 are still missing, he said. 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. They want to install an Islamic state across the four countries, with Nigeria as their main target. The country is West Africaas 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. An 85-year-old Singapore doctor was fined SGD 10,000 ($7,700) on Monday for posting remarks ahighly insulting towards Islama on social media. A police report against Kho Kwang Po, 85, said he posted in 2016 and reposted in 2021 remarks on Facebook that were ahighly insulting towards Islama. Another report said he posted seditious content denigrating Islam on Facebook for several years, Channel News Asia reported. Kho, the only person with access to his account, first made the Facebook post on April 21, 2016 and reposted the same content on April 21, 2021, even after being administered a conditional warning over the original post. The octogenarianas post was available for the public to see, as he had intended the public to view it, Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh told the court. The prosecution urged the court to fine Kho SGD 10,000, arguing that he made the posts with deliberation. Teh said the offence would have ordinarily warranted an imprisonment term, but the prosecution had factored in Khoas advanced age, his plea of guilt to the charge of deliberately intending to wound the religious feelings of Muslims and how the posts had not gained significant traction. aThe accusedas Facebook profile was publicly available, thus, the post in question was available for all to view. The accused had been making many Muslim-directed posts over a prolonged period,a said Teh. Khoas lawyers, Kenneth Au-Yong and Josiah Tan, said their client apologised for his misjudgment. aHe is not likely to repeat this offence, and as the prosecution said, he has shown remorse and made a plea of guilt,a said Au-Yong. District Judge Eddy Tham said he found the words aobjectively insultinga. aAs a doctor, you should have known better than to propagate such views on the internet,a Judge Tham said. The district judge added that he had read Khoas plea in mitigation, expressing his remorse, where the doctor had admitted to being overly fixated on what he read on the internet and accepting propaganda without critical examination. Judge Tham said he hoped that Kho realised the folly of his actions. He imposed the maximum fine allowed under the Magistratesa Courts. For uttering words with the deliberate intent to wound racial feelings, an offender could be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both. Kho is a registered medical practitioner whose practising certificate expired on December 31, 2020, the Singapore Medical Council said. The disgusting, filthy Brexit Betrayal deal giving away British fishing rights to the EU for 12 years brokered by a PM who is obviously anti-British, and an avowed Marxist, is an affront to the brave soldiers and sailors who fought in both wars to secure the safety and sovereignty of the British Isles. Keir Starmer and his decolonisation crusade is proof that he means only harm to the UK and spits on the graves of the brave men and women who gave their lives in past decades to fight for their country. Giving away our fishing rights, giving away the Chagos Islands, killing off our fishing industry, killing off our farming industry only makes Britain weaker and more of a target for its enemies. Who is to say this quisling PM, an anti-British communist authoritarian implant, does not give away the Falkland Islands or Gibraltar? Rest assured, they are on his list. One could even postulate that Starmer is a danger to the security of the United Kingdom, and has gone way above his remit. He is implementing sneaky deals outside of parliament, where the necessary scrutiny of his destructive policies are avoided. Ladies, and gentleman, we have a rogue, corrosive anti-British operator masquerading as a prime minister. THIS IS ANTI-DEMOCRATIC. Thousands pass through Dalhousies Welcome Circle on Studley Quad each year, many missing the word 'Pjilasi' Mikmaw for 'welcome' painted in yellow on the cobblestones there. As John R. Sylliboy steps into his new role as the universitys first vice-provost of Indigenous Relations this week, he hopes to bring that word to life not just in greeting, but in action as well. "Dalhousie is always bringing people into its spaces, he says. Id like Indigenous people to feel that they can go into all parts of the university and experience that welcoming feeling. For Sylliboy, the concept of Pjilasi encapsulates a broader mission of reconciliation, belonging, and systemic change. Its a project he first embarked on many years ago. While Sylliboys position at Dal officially begins today (May 20), you could argue his work with the university really began nearly 20 years ago. Laying foundations In 2007, Sylliboy took up a role with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat. One of the Indigenous advocacy group's early collaborations was working with Dal to build capacity for Indigenous people working in health care so they could better serve their communities. "That partnership laid the foundation for many future projects," says Sylliboy, who served as coordinator of the initiative. Later roles as co-founder and executive director of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance an Indigenous collective that celebrates 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities and as a health research partner at the IWK Children's Hospital sparked further collaborations with Dal. Sylliboy says hes witnessed progress in different areas at the university over the years, particularly in its support for Indigenous students across multiple disciplines. There are students studying medicine from our own communities. Thats something to celebrate. There are students studying medicine from our own communities, he says. Thats something to celebrate. Education without borders Despite his many connections to Dalhousie, Sylliboy never studied at the university. He says his family and community encouraged him to pursue his educational ambitions, even when they carried him far away from home. In Costa Rica, where he moved as a young adult, Sylliboy completed an undergraduate degree in international relations at Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. He became the first Mi'kmaw student to graduate from university in a Spanish-speaking country. "My family always pushed me and supported me," he says. Sylliboy continued his formal education later back home, completing a Master of Education in Educational Foundations at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2018. His current PhD research through McGill University focuses on Two-Spirit identities and support for Two-Spirited youth. While Sylliboy's own success as an academic trailblazer may serve as a model to a younger generation of Indigenous students, he acknowledges it's not always easy. Some students start their studies "full of hopes and dreams" only to become disillusioned when they hit barriers or don't see their identities or ways of knowing reflected. "Don't be dissuaded or disillusioned by the challenges that may exist in certain classrooms and courses," he says, when asked what advice he would give to youth now. A shared approach As Sylliboy seeks to further support for Indigenous students as well as faculty and staff at Dal, hell be doing so now from a different perspective inside the university. Sylliboys position sits within the Provosts Office at Dal, but he will be working closely with administrative units and Faculties across the university to address priorities found in the universitys Indigenous Strategy. Hell seek to build stronger relationships with Indigenous communities and address systemic barriers facing Indigenous students, faculty, and staff. Integrating into Dalhousie is a new opportunity, he says. Ive always worked from our community, being on the outside. In this case, Im going across the line and bringing these skills into a setting where we already have really solid perspectives around building pathways and restructuring foundations. He knows this work will require many hands and a sense of shared responsibility between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. Expecting Indigenous leaders to carry the entire burden of change simply doesnt work, he says. "The reason people always get burned out is that they can't say no, and they take on all that responsibility. That's not my role. My role is to tap you and tap others to make sure that their sense of responsibility is just as important as my responsibility on campus. New initiatives will take time to shape and there will be speed bumps, he says. But thats okay. "We can't look at this as a linear project with outcomes on a linear framework of five years, he explains. I come from a collective consciousness that understands we've been here for a millennia plus. This role is a minuscule atom of an intervention that needs to be worked on, and when we get it right with Dal then hopefully we set an example." Leading with the future in mind Although hes now inside Dal, Sylliboys goal is to bring community-based knowledge and experience into all that he does at the university. Engagement and continuous consultation with elders, youth, and community members are all priorities in this approach. Sylliboy recounts a teaching from Elder Albert Marshall, who reminded him that their work is for seven generations into the future and not just for short-term institutional goals. What were doing today is not only for your nieces and nephews, but something that were cultivating for 700 to 800 years in the future. What were doing today is not only for your nieces and nephews, says Sylliboy, quoting Elder Albert, but something that were cultivating for 700 to 800 years in the future. Its a big ask, Sylliboy admits, but one hes committed to. The Bloody Sunday Trust has announce that Ms Zarah Sultana, the Independent MP for Coventry South, will deliver a lecture in Derry to mark the 15th anniversary of the publication of the report of the second Bloody Sunday Inquiry (the Saville Report). The lecture will take place in Culturlann Ui Chanain, Gt James St, on Sunday, June 15, at 7.00pm. Ms Sultana was first elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Coventry South in 2019. Coventry South is a constituency that boasts a proud, vibrant, and historically significant Irish community and Ms Sultana is proud to represent them; having notably supported Margaret Keane's family in their high-profile legal battle to have the Irish language included on their mothers headstone. The City of Coventry is internationally recognised as the 'City of Peace and Reconciliation', and accordingly Ms Sultana has regularly used her platform to champion the global anti-war movement and the promotion of peace and dialogue to resolve conflicts. She has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, both before and during her parliamentary career, which has given her the dubious honour of the British MP with the most death threats and online abuse. She is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and is widely regarded as one of the most left-wing MPs in the House of Commons. One of her earliest interventions in the Commons, much to the consternation of the Westminster establishment, was to publicly call on the British government to fulfill its commitment to hold a public inquiry into the murder of the Human Rights lawyer Patrick Finucane. Zarah Sultana was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party in 2024, after opposing the continuation of the two-child benefit cap; a policy originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2015 that has been identified as a major contributing factor to child poverty. Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Sultana said: It is a deep honour to be invited to deliver this lecture in Derry, marking 15 years since the publication of the Saville Report. The Bloody Sunday families' tireless pursuit of truth and justice in the face of state violence and denial is a testament to the power of dignity, courage and collective action. As the Member of Parliament for Coventry South a city shaped by its own legacy of war, peacebuilding and a proud Irish diaspora I carry with me the memory of communities that know too well the price of injustice and the importance of never forgetting. From Derry to Coventry to Gaza, we must insist on truth, accountability and human rights. Peace cannot be built on silence or impunity, it must be rooted in justice. Trust chairperson Tony Doherty stated: We look forward to welcoming Zarah Sultana to Derry on the 15th anniversary of the publication of the Saville Report. She is an example of something which is vanishingly rare in the British parliament, a principled politician who holds genuine socialist views and lives and acts by those beliefs. Although still suspended from the Labour party, Zarah has continued to expose and challenge the British states complicity in the Gaza genocide which is actively enabled by Starmer who boasts that he supports Zionism without qualification. As we mark the anniversary of our success, and as the genocide in Palestine continues, it is fitting that we have someone who shares our commitment to equality, human rights and international solidarity to deliver this lecture. Admission to the lecture is free, but attendance must be booked through Eventbrite with (details to follow) The UK and Irish governments are working intensively to find an agreed landing zone on a revised framework for dealing with the legacy of the Troubles, Irelands deputy premier has said. Tanaiste Simon Harris was commenting after a round of meetings with political leaders in Belfast on Monday. Mr Harris said he was engaging with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to see if it was possible to deliver a joint framework agreement in the coming weeks. Since taking office last year, the Labour government in London has pledged to repeal and replace some of the provisions of the contentious Legacy Act that was introduced by the last Conservative government. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths and also offered conditional immunity to perpetrators of conflict-related crimes in exchange for their co-operation with a new investigatory and truth recovery body. The Act was opposed by all the main political parties in Northern Ireland, the Irish government and many victims representative groups. Mr Harris said the ongoing work with his UK counterpart was an attempt to move beyond the dark shadow and the huge pain caused by the Legacy Act. I wanted to meet all of the political parties to get their sense of the way forward on legacy issues, the Fine Gael leader said after Mondays meetings at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Im conscious this is an extraordinarily sensitive area, but I have been working intensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in recent months really to see if it is possible to find a landing zone that can allow the two governments to agree a framework in terms of legacy issues in the coming weeks. Listening to the parties today, of course, people have different perspectives, people come at this from different viewpoints (but) I do think theyre all united in wanting to see a way forward for victims and their families. I think thats very genuine across all the parties. And I now, on the back of this, intend to continue to work with the Secretary of State, but also intend to continue to meet with and listen to victims groups. I met a number last week. Ill be meeting a number in the weeks ahead. He added: I want to move to an infrastructure around legacy that can provide all families with truth and justice in a way that simply hasnt been forthcoming so far. Im very conscious when I meet with victims families and people are getting older now, I mean, youre talking to people who are in their 80s and their 90s and theyre desperately looking for answers and information that has been withheld from them or that they have been deprived of to date. This process, this peace process, has always worked best when the two governments pull together as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. And thats really where my focus is on trying to see if there is a way to move beyond the dark shadow and the huge pain caused by the Legacy Act as it currently is, to a much higher terrain where theres an infrastructure around legacy thats human rights compliant, thats victim-centred, and that can provide confidence across the communities in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. In 2023, the Irish government initiated an interstate legal case against the UK in the European Court of Human Rights, claiming the Legacy Act breached the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The case remains active, with ministers in Dublin wanting to see how Labour resolves its concerns over the legislation before any decision is taken to withdraw the action. Commenting on the case on Monday, Mr Harris told reporters: The Irish government never wanted to be in a position where it had to take its nearest neighbour to an international court. We did so more out of sorrow than anger, because we could not find another mechanism to address issues. We explored every diplomatic and political channel available. And human rights matters, international law matters, and we felt it was important in support of victims and their families to take that case. Of course, if we get to a point of agreement and were not there in terms of a framework, and if that agreement is then faithfully translated into legislation, of course, at that stage, I will engage with government colleagues in terms of deciding if the time is right to take a different course of action in relation to the interstate case. But the priority right now and the focus right now is to intensively engage with the Secretary of State to see if its possible to have a joint framework agreement in the next number of weeks. Mr Benn said the UK Government had been working very hard in discussions with the Irish Government to find a way forward. He said: We were elected on a commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. Its been found to be unlawful in a number of respects. Any government that came into power last July would have had to do something about it, but I want to come up with arrangements. They may not satisfy everyone, but I want to get the widest possible support so that above all, the people, the families whove been waiting sometimes for decades to really find out what happened to their loved ones, can get the answers that they have for too long been searching for. A woman has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with breaching a Restraining Order by posting on social media. Audrey McCallion (48) of Pelham Road in Derry appeared charged with posting items on social media in breach of the order on May 19. A police officer connected the accused to the charge and said that bail could be agreed. The officer told the court that he had been in contact with a family member who had agreed to remove all Internet enabled devices from the defendant. He said the offence related to posts about the same alleged injured party as the original charges. The police officer asked that 'a very clear warning' be issued to the defendant and conditions be imposed to prohibit her from posting on social media. READ NEXT: County Derry man to take on biggest challenge to date in memory of dad Defence counsel Grainne McAnaney told the court that the offending occurred when the defendant had taken alcohol for the first time in a while. She said when McCallion took alcohol she turned to social media 'without filter' and now that a family member is going to remove Internet enabled devices that should prevent further offending. The barrister said that 'the scare' McCallion had had by being in custody might help her. District Judge Conor Heaney re-released her on bail on condition she has no Internet enabled devices, no alcohol and no contact with the alleged victims in the case. She will appear again on May 30. PICTURED ABOVE: Left to Right: Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA; Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian-Seenoi Barr; EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner Rob Heron; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA; EY Ireland Managing Partner Frank O'Keeffe; First Minister Michelle ONeill MLA; and EY UK&I Regional Managing Partner Anna Anthony. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has warmly welcomed the official opening of EY's new office in the Ebrington Plaza. Mayor Barr said it was a significant business investment and highlighted the growing appeal of Derry and the wider North West region as a vibrant business hub. She acknowledged that this investment also marks a crucial step in EY's ambitious expansion plans across Northern Ireland. EY, a leading global professional services organisation, supports businesses across a diverse range of industries and sectors, offering expertise in areas such as Audit, Corporate Finance, Tax and Law, Consulting, AI, and Data Analytics. The establishment of this new location will accommodate up to 120 professionals, a blend of newly recruited talent and existing EY Northern Ireland staff. Mayor Barr said: "This is a truly significant day for our city. The arrival of a globally recognised firm like EY to Ebrington Plaza is a powerful vote of confidence in the talent and potential that Derry Strabane and the wider North West region has to offer. This investment will not only create valuable, high-quality jobs but will also enrich our local business ecosystem by bringing in a wealth of expertise and opportunities." The new office in Derry will play a vital role in EYs broader strategy to strengthen its regional presence within Northern Ireland. Furthermore, it reinforces EY Northern Irelands commitment made at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 to generate 1,000 new jobs across the region over the next five years. "Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted that EY has chosen Derry as a key location for their expansion. Their commitment to creating new jobs and delivering market-leading services from this base aligns perfectly with our city's ambitions for economic growth and prosperity set out in our Strategic Growth Plan. We look forward to a strong and collaborative partnership with EY as they embed themselves in our community." The Mayor added: This significant investment by EY in our city is fantastic news for the people of the North West. It will deliver a wide range of exciting job opportunities right here in Derry, whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step. READ NEXT: Zarah Sultana MP to deliver lecture marking 15th anniversary of publication of Saville Report "This commitment truly highlights the immense talent we have coming through our local schools, the North West Regional College, and Ulster University, ensuring a bright future for our community." The Mayor concluded by wishing EY every success in their new venture at Ebrington Plaza and reiterated the city's commitment to supporting their growth and integration into the local business landscape. SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin MLA has welcomed the official opening, describing it as a positive signal of confidence in the North Wests economic future. Speaking after the announcement, Ms McLaughlin said: This is a very welcome and timely investment by EY, and a clear vote of confidence in the skills and potential that exist here in the North West. The decision to locate this office at Ebrington is not only symbolically important, breathing new life into the site, but it also sends a strong message that major employers can and should base high-value jobs in Derry. As someone who has consistently championed regional economic development and job creation, I want to see this moment seized as a platform for further growth. We have a young, educated workforce. What we need now is the infrastructure, housing, and connectivity, including a functioning university expansion, to match that ambition and attract even more investment. Today is a good news story and we need more of them. I will continue working to ensure Derry gets the investment it needs and deserves to grow a fairer, stronger economy for everyone. 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. China says US Huawei chip ban could derail fragile trade truce China's Ministry of Commerce has denounced new US restrictions targeting Huawei's artificial intelligence (AI) chips, arguing the move threatens the recently established trade consensus between the two nations in Geneva. The Ministry urged Washington to "immediately correct its wrongful actions" and cease what it called discriminatory measures against Chinese companies. The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently issued guidance stating that Huawei's Ascend series AI chipsif used "anywhere in the world"would violate US export rules due to embedded US-origin technologies. Although BIS later softened the language to describe the usage as a "risk" rather than a blanket prohibition, the revision failed to ease Beijing's concerns. According to Reuters and Bloomberg, China's Ministry of Commerce accused the US of weaponizing export controls to stifle Chinese semiconductor products, stating the restrictions not only damage China's interests but also weaken US industrial competitiveness. "Tripping others won't make you run faster," the ministry added. China urged the US to uphold the phase-one agreement reached in Geneva, including the 90-day tariff reprieve and stressed the importance of dialogue to maintain stability. Beijing warned that further US escalation would prompt "necessary countermeasures." US restrictions on Huawei chips jeopardize Geneva truce The dispute emerged just days after the US and China struck a surprise Geneva accord to lower tariffs from peaks of 125% to a baseline of 10%. According to the BBC, however, the effective US tariff rate on Chinese imports still hovers around 40%, with semiconductor-specific duties holding steady at 70%. Semiconductors remain central to US-China trade tensions. Despite the Geneva truce, the US continues to restrict high-end chip exports to China and maintains steep tariffs on Chinese-made semiconductors. Washington justified the additional 20% tariff hike introduced in early 2025 by citing national security concerns and the ongoing fentanyl crisis, bringing total semiconductor tariffs to 70%. The impact is bilateral. US firms, including AMD, Intel, Micron, and Samsung Electronicsmany of which depend on China-based assemblynow face higher operating costs due to the tariffs. A Shenzhen-based chip trader told the BBC that cross-border chip demand is weakening, as customers grow cautious about placing large orders under continued geopolitical uncertainty. Separately, the US Commerce Department warned that using Huawei's Ascend AI chipseven outside Chinacould trigger export violations. BIS clarified that firms utilizing chips made or controlled by entities based in any of 24 embargoed jurisdictions, including China, could face penalties including multimillion-dollar fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years. Rising risks to trade pact and global market reactions According to FX168, China's outcry over Huawei chip restrictions threatens to unravel the fragile Geneva truce, just as investor optimism had begun lifting Asian markets on hopes of trade de-escalation. On May 20, 2025, the MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.4%its first gain in four sessions. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 1.2%, while CATL shares surged 13% on their trading debut. Market sentiment was lifted by expectations that a trade thaw would boost AI-driven sectors such as semiconductors and cloud infrastructure. Allspring Global Investments' portfolio manager, Gary Tan, noted, "Asian equities have rebounded recently, driven by easing trade tensions and AI sector momentum. Sentiment stays positiveunless fresh tariff surprises emerge." Analysts caution that the renewed chip dispute could derail broader trade talks. China's accusation that the US violated the Geneva deal reintroduces uncertainty at a time when Washington and New Delhi are negotiating a phased trade pact. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said, "Asia's markets are catching up today. We're seeing a rebound after absorbing Moody's downgradebut fresh geopolitical tensions could easily wipe out those gains." FX168 emphasized that investor optimism remains fragile. If the US reinstates harsher trade measures or delays clarifying chip export rules, confidence could quickly deteriorate. Outlook: Tensions threaten fragile consensus Both Beijing and Washington face mounting pressure to safeguard the Geneva truce. China's latest warning signals that future cooperation hinges on the US pulling back from further technology-related confrontations. Article edited by Jerry Chen IEI Insight Days 2025, May 2123: Industrial AI, resilient networking, and smart healthcare in action As Computex 2025 draws global attention to Taipei, IEI Integration Corp., in collaboration with QNAP Systems, Inc., will host its annual technology showcase, IEI Insight Days, from May 21 to 23 at POPOP Taipei. Designed for industry professionals, this three-day event focuses on actionable solutions in Industrial AI, resilient network infrastructure, and smart healthcare applicationsbringing together real-world use cases, expert insights, and emerging technologies that address the evolving needs of edge computing and system integration. Hosted alongside Computex, this exclusive event by IEI and QNAP invites industry professionals to explore edge innovations in a relaxed and focused environment at POPOP Taipei. A Dedicated Experience Beyond the Show Floor Located just one MRT stop from the Computex exhibition hall, POPOP Taipei offers a refreshing alternative to traditional trade show venues. Combining historical charm with modern design, the event space provides an ideal setting for relaxed yet focused dialogue. Whether you're exploring partnership opportunities, seeking insights on deployment strategies, or simply taking a break from the busy show floor, IEI Insight Days offers a curated environment to connect, learn, and exchange ideas. Event Highlights Focus Areas: Edge AI / Network Integration / AI-powered Healthcare Showcase Solutions: Redundancy-enabled and Recovery-Ready Edge Platform Enterprise-grade networking infrastructure AI healthcare computing with real-time image processing and voice command capabilities Networking Space: Open demo zones and seating areas designed for spontaneous technical conversations and business engagement IEI Insight Days is more than a product showcase it's a hub for collaboration and conversation. We warmly welcome Computex attendees, industry partners, and decision-makers to stop by and engage with us. Dive into the latest trends in edge computing, network infrastructure, and medical AI. Article edited by Sherri Wang Montage Technology embraces CXL innovation to scale memory and bandwidth for enhanced data center performance Montage Technology is a global fabless semiconductor design company specializing in data processing and interconnect chip solutions. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Shanghai, with operations and partnerships spanning key international markets. The company focuses on DRAM memory modules and data processing solutions for cloud computing and data center markets, addressing the soaring demand for high-bandwidth and large-capacity memory driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and enterprise workloads. Its product portfolio includes Memory Interface chips, Memory Module Controller ICs, PCIe Retimer chips, and more. Driven by the increasing demand for generative AI, machine learning, big data analytics, datacenter construction, one of the recent product development trends of Montage Technology is aiming the Compute Express Link (CXL) technology, which enables high-speed interconnect between CPUs and DRAM memory, addressing memory challenges by enhancing system performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Built on the PCIe physical layer, CXL introduces innovative capabilities such as DRAM memory expansion, sharing, pooling, and dynamic configuration, effectively eliminating traditional data processing bottlenecks in data-intensive systems and data center servers. In this interview, Geof Findley, World Wide VP of Sales & Business Development at Montage Technology, discusses the recent advancements in memory technologies aimed at increasing datacenter performance. Montage delivers versatile memory solutions that unlock next-gen memory bandwidth and performance, specifically tailored for AI and data-intensive workloads. These solutions are already in use by major global DRAM manufacturers and electronics OEMs/ODMs, underscoring strong partnerships with companies such as SK hynix, Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology. Credit: Montage Technology Specialty memory buffers and MRDIMM modules With more than 20 years of experience in memory products, the company maintains stable profits and proven track records. According to Findley, there are three key product lines driving growth for Montage, the first being specialty DRAM buffers. Montage started to develop its DRAM module buffer technologies very early. Given the buffer chip's critical role between the processor and DRAM memory, Montage collaborates with major CPU giants such as Intel and AMD, leading silicon IP vendors, as well as the world's top three memory manufacturers -- Micron, Samsung and SK hynix. Currently, Montage attributes its strong growth to the rapidly increasing demand for DDR5 memory used in data centers. Shipments of its DDR5 Registering Clock Driver (RCD) chips have grown substantially. Its 4th-gen DDR5 RCD chips deliver data rates of up to 7200 MT/s, a 50% increase over the 1st-gen products. Alongside its RCD portfolio, the company also provides DDR5 Data Buffers (DB) and other essential DDR5 module supporting chips like SPD EEPROM with Hubs, Temperature Sensors, and Power Management ICs. Considering the high throughput and low latency data processing use cases, MRDIMM (Multiplexed Rank Dual In-Line Memory Modules) are particularly useful to handle larger datasets such as large-scale databases, virtualization, and real-time analytic operations. In January 2025, Montage has successfully sampled its Gen2 Multiplexed Rank Registering Clock Driver (MRCD) and Multiplexed Rank Data Buffer (MDB) chipset to global leading memory manufacturers in South Korea, Japan and North America. These series IC solutions ensure interoperability and system-level performance for customers seeking to leverage the DDR5 MRDIMM Gen2 standard in high-throughput data-intensive applications. Montage's MRCD and MDB chips are fundamental to MRDIMM operation Credit: Montage Technology CXL adoption in data centers has moved from crawling to toddling The second product focus for Montage is CXL memory. CXL memory expansion is particularly valuable in scenarios where high DRAM capacity is required with only one DIMM per channel, or when servers lack available DIMM slots. Montage delivers the CXL Memory eXpander Controller (MXC) chips supporting the CXL 1.0, 2.0 and 3.1 specifications. These MXC chips comply with JEDEC specifications for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The mass-produced MXC Gen1 chips support CXL 2.0 with DDR4-3200/DDR5-5600, while the MXC Gen2 chips support CXL 2.0 and are compatible with DDR5-6400 memory. The development of CXL controllers is closely tied to PCIe interface technology. Current CXL 1.0 and 2.0 specifications primarily align with PCIe 5.0, while future CXL 3.x specifications are expected to align with PCIe 6.x to support even higher-speed memory channels. As memory pooling becomes more ambitious and widely adopted, the industry anticipates a surge in CXL deployment and volume scaling starting in 2026. The MXC product line is designed for use in Add-in Cards (AICs), backplanes or EDSFF memory modules to enable significant scalability in both memory capacity and bandwidth. Montage's MXC controllers are currently deployed by the world's top 3 memory manufacturers in E3.S form factor CXL memory modules. In parallel, Montage has launched several new product development projects in collaboration with Taiwan OEM/ODM partners. One such project involves working with a Taiwanese memory module manufacturer to develop CXL expansion card solutions. Another involves co-designing CXL memory AICs with major Taiwanese motherboard and server manufacturers, targeting OEM/ODM opportunities with global cloud data center providers. Credit: Montage Technology As the second largest PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 Retimer supplier The third product line for Montage is its Retimer chips, originally designed to enhance connectivity performance between GPUs, AI accelerators, CPUs, and other components within server systems. Retimer chips regenerate high-speed digital signals to extend reach and improve signal integrity in high-speed data processing systems. Currently, a typical AI server often equipped with 8 GPUs -- requires 8 or even 16 PCIe 5.0 Retimer chips. Montage started delivering its PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer chips in January 2023, putting massive effort to extensive interoperability testing with a variety of compute, storage and networking components, such as CPUs, PCIe switches, SSDs, GPUs and NICs. As a result, Montage is now the second-largest PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 Retimer supplier globally and is dominating the market in China. Montage's Retimer chips are integrated into a variety of systems, including AI accelerator baseboards, server motherboards and riser cards. Montage is now providing the customer samples of its 16-lane PCIe 6.x/CXL 3.x Retimer chips as part of its new product roadmap. Activities in COMPUTEX Taipei 2025 Montage has a global team of over 700 employees. During the trade show season and COMPUTEX Taipei 2025, Montage and its Taiwan partners will showcase a series of silicon products in a hotel suite showroom at the Place Taipei Hotel in the Nangang district. Findley describes this initiative as a strategic marketing campaign focused on highlighting the company's latest products -- including Retimer chips -- and introducing Montage brand to attract new customers from Taiwan's electronics supply chain and server manufacturing sector. In addition, the company will host advanced product training sessions to capture new business opportunities. AI applications are rapidly increasing in computational demands, doubling every few months, and now represent the primary driver of the PCIe roadmapmaking PCIe Gen 6 a key requirement for the next generation of data centers. Meanwhile, CXL technology is reshaping the industry with its innovative memory architecture. Montage looks forward to working with Taiwan-based electronics OEMs/ODMs, server manufacturers and ecosystem partners to unlock the transformative potential of CXL technology and drive future success. Article edited by Sherri Wang Home care provider, Dovida, has announced plans to hire up to 60 caregivers in Louth. The organisation, which has been providing care to ageing adults in Ireland since 2005, recently rebranded from Home Instead and now intends to increase capacity in the sector and expand its service offerings across the county. The roles will be a combination of full and part-time positions, offering what the company say are "competitive rates of pay, flexible schedules, and comprehensive, sector-leading training through the Home Care Professionals Academy." Speaking at the launch of Dovida's Louth office, Allison Doggett, General Manager of Dovida Louth, said, We are excited about welcoming more caregivers to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Louth and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home. Caregivers joining our team can expect comprehensive training, a dedicated local team and supportive environment as well as opportunities to grow professionally and develop a rewarding career in home care, she added. Dovida currently provides person-centred home care services to 8,000 people across Ireland. Historically, the majority of the organisations client base consisted of people in the over-65 age group. However, Dovida now cares for clients of all ages, with 10 per cent under 65, while children under 18 make up one per cent of people cared for. The company now provides services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs. Read Next: Neutrality Roadshow is coming to Louth We believe in quality home care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence, and comfort in familiar surroundings, Allison Doggett continued. That means keeping them in their own home, connected to their family, friends and communities for as long as possible. Social interaction and companionship are crucial for maintaining good mental health and supporting those experiencing cognitive decline, particularly older people. As an organisation with deep roots in the community, we understand the value of connection and it's fantastic to be in a position to grow our team so we can support more and more people throughout the county, Allison concluded. Louth County Council is to receive funding for eight biodiversity projects in the county, it was announced today by the Government under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) in 2025. The fund was established in 2018 to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity. Almost 11 million has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF since the scheme was established. The Scheme is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and represents a commitment to support implementation of the Irelands 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan at community, county and regional level. The eight projects to receive funding and the amounts they are to receive are as follows: Building Ecological Capacity & Biodiversity Awareness - 17,629.00 Baltray Little Tern Conservancy - 31,450.00 Louth Swift Project - 5,822.40 Recording Irish mayfly establishing conservation status - 1,228.28 Return to Nature - 14,450.00 Locally Important Biodiversity Sites Botanical Study of the Cooley Mountains - 3,765.00 Biodiversity Enhancement of Local Authority Lands - 17,629.00 Meadow Magic: Pollinator Promotion Project - 4,717.50 Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, was launched in January 2024. The 4th Plan sets out Irelands vision for biodiversity, that by 2050 Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people. Read also: Louth company Farrell invests in solar for a sustainable future The Plan strives for a whole of government, whole of society approach to the governance and conservation of biodiversity. The aim is to ensure that every citizen, community, business, local authority, semi-state and state agency has an awareness of biodiversity and its importance, and of the implications of its loss, while also understanding how they can act to address the biodiversity emergency as part of a renewed national effort to act for nature. This is Irelands fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan and the first to be published on a Statutory basis, under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023. The legislation also requires all public service bodies to integrate biodiversity into their plans, policies and programmes, and report to the Minister on progress. The funding, which is part of a 2.9 million funding package for 262 community projects across all 31 local authorities, was announced by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan TD. Commenting on the funding, Minister Browne said: Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. "I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress. Minister OSullivan TD said: Im really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands. Id like to commend local authorities for stepping up their efforts to tackle Invasive Species, including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, which pose a real threat to our landscapes and marine environment. Staff at Irish Life in Dundalk are getting set to hold their annual charity event this Friday, which will see the Louth staff walk 500km in one day to help raise funds for this year's chosen charities, Breast Cancer Ireland and Pieta House. Last year they held a charity walk where one of their staff walked from 8am 4pm to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Centre North-East and The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), raising over 560,000 in the process, so this year they chose a slightly different target. To complete their mission of walking 500km in one day, they will need 87 staff members to walk a 5.8km loop once throughout the day, with the first group starting at 8am and last group at 3pm. The total amount donated is matched by Irish Life. So, every donation will go twice as far and benefit both charities. If you wish to support this year's charity, the gofundme page is here. Staff Charities, the fundraising committee made up of Irish Life & Canada Life Group staff that raises money on behalf of all staff is behind the event. Two charities are elected each year by staff, and they will benefit from all the fundraising efforts for that year. Staff Charities was set up in 1996. Up to and including 2024, more than 5m has been raised and donated to various charities by Irish Life and Canada Life staff. Read also: Top trad musicians set to perform in Louth venue Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a serious road traffic collision in Cavan recently where a man was airlifted to hospital. The collision occurred on the R194 in Virginia, Co. Cavan on Sunday 18th May 2025 at around 6:40pm. The collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred on the outskirts of Virginia. The male motorcyclist (50s) was airlifted to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The male driver of the car and his female passenger were uninjured. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have completed an examination of the scene and the road has been reopened. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. READ NEXT: RIP: 'Foul play not suspected' as gardai discover body of man (30s) outside garda station Additionally, they are asking any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, from the area at the time to make it available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bailieboro Garda Station on (042) 9694570, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Investigations ongoing, gardai said. Tina Satchwells cause of death could not be determined due to the skeletal nature of the remains recovered from a grave in her home, the jury in her murder-accused husbands trial has heard. Richard Satchwell, of Grattan Street in Youghal, is accused of murdering his wife between March 19 and 20, 2017. The 58-year-old, who is originally from Leicester in England, denies the charge. The jury in Satchwells trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard details of the post-mortem examination of Mrs Satchwell after her remains were found under the stairs in the living room of their Co Cork home in October 2023, six years after Satchwell reported her missing. On Tuesday, assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that she was asked to attend the scene where Mrs Satchwells remains were found on October 12, 2023. She said she observed that a wall had been removed and a hole at a depth of approximately 62cm had been dug. She said Mrs Satchwells remains, which looked to be in a considerable state of longstanding disarray, were found in what was effectively a grave. Dr Bolger, who told the jury she had completed some 30,000 post-mortem examinations, said she began the examination of Mrs Satchwells remains in the Cork City mortuary that evening, before finishing her work the following morning. She said she was given information that Mrs Satchwell had been in previous good health. The body was received in a black body bag, and a layer of black plastic which was put on the scene to keep the remains together and preserve and trace evidence. Beneath that, the body was in another layer of black plastic and also wrapped in a heavily stained, soiled sheet which appeared to be a bed sheet. She said the soiling of the bed sheet was to be expected due to the earth and the decomposition of the body. There was debris and soil present on the body and bones could be seen protruding through the bed sheet. The body was received lying face down and was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. A gold-coloured Playboy branded purse was removed from the left hand pocket of the dressing gown. It contained a Tesco clubcard, a Public Services Card, a Holland and Barrett rewards card, an Xtravision premium membership card, a Rathcormack car boot sale card, and a Boots advantage card in Mrs Satchwells name. Dr Bolger outlined details of the post-mortem examination, stating that the body was rotated onto its back for the examination. She told the jury the skull had separated from the rest of the body as a result of the natural process of decomposition, while one of the arms and femurs had also been disarticulated. She explained there was formation of adipocere on parts of the remains, which forms in decomposing tissue in warm and moist environments. Dr Bolger said there were also pieces of what could be glass found on the scalp and body but added she could not say where the pieces had come from. Asked if it was possible the glass came from the sheet, she said she could not say. Dr Bolger said she could not examine for external marks or injuries due to the length of time between death and the post-mortem examination. She said examiners would normally document every single marking on the head, neck and body to get an understanding of what may have been the cause of death. She said an internal examination was not possible because there were no organs remaining after decomposition. Therefore, she added that no comment on natural disease could be made. Dr Bolger said a toxicology report was also not possible, although a small amount of head hair was examined and showed that prescribed or illicit drugs had not been consumed in the previous 90 days. On the small amount of muscle that was available for examination, she said she could not identify any signs of hemorrhage or bleeding. There was no evidence of any fractures or previous fractures to any of the remaining bones throughout the skeletal remains, including in x-rays of Mrs Satchwells hands. There was no evidence of fracture to the hyoid bone. Dr Bolger said this was like a chicken wishbone at the top of the voice box, which had not much more of a consistency than a matchstick. She explained that this bone is fractured in roughly 9% of hangings, 24% of ligature strangulations, and 73% of manual strangulations or incidences of throttling. She said that Mrs Satchwells larynx could not be identified in the decomposing remains. Dr Bolger said the dressing gown cord was in a very unusual position and was not threaded through the loops of the gown itself. The jury was shown a video of a garda with a different dressing gown cord tied around his body to demonstrate how it appeared on the remains. The cord of the gown in the reconstruction was wrapped over the shoulder of the garda, across the chest under the other arm, and wrapped around the back to be tied on the front of the body. She said this was done over the dressing gown. The original gown and belt was explained to be in a brittle and hazardous state. Under cross-examination by Brendan Grehan SC, for Mr Satchwell, Dr Bolger was asked if the tying of the gown was like something used to carry a body. She replied: Thats exactly my thoughts. She explained from her experience it was difficult to move a deceased body and very often ligatures are used to move a body from one area to another. Also under questioning from Mr Grehan, Detective Garda David Kelleher told the court that the dressing gown had been photographed and searched for Mrs Satchwells wedding ring in February of this year. He said this was done as Satchwell had said he placed the ring in a pocket of the gown. The ring has not been recovered, the jury heard. The jury previously heard evidence from a forensic scientist who said the gown and cord were not suitable for examination as they were too damp, mouldy and brittle. Mr Grehan asked if it was possible the ring fell out of the gown, which had partially disintegrated. Det Gda Kelleher, the garda in the reconstruction video, said he could not be sure. Ms Satchwells former doctor, Dr Deirdre OGrady, returned on Tuesday after being asked to search for documents relating to her care. However, she said that the files could not be located and offered two potential explanations for why that may be the case. She said either Ms Satchwell had taken the documents herself when she changed doctors, or that the files had been shredded at some point after her file was inactive for eight years. Meanwhile, Dr OGrady reiterated that she had no recollection of claims that she had consulted with Satchwell after an alleged overdose or after an alleged incident in which his face was scratched by his wife. The trial continues on Wednesday. I am absolutely broken-hearted. I still cant believe it. Sharon Lawless is talking about the death of her partner, broadcaster Alf McCarthy, on April 17 last year, soon after he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Alf, who was 73, had a 36-year career in radio and TV and was an accomplished stage performer and producer. Sharon, who makes documentaries for TV through her production company, Flawless Films, has now launched the Alfie Award, which will recognise talent that emulates Alfs passion for his work and the high standards he expected from himself. Individuals or groups such as actors, radio and TV presenters, newsreaders, MCs, stage and screen producers, and performers can apply for the award or be nominated for it. The award has no monetary value but will acknowledge talent and hard work at a time of huge creative and journalistic change, says Sharon. She is devastated at losing her soul mate. We both felt that we were so lucky to have found each other. It was just easy. It doesnt happen that often. We just assumed we had loads of time, as you do. Sharon, 57, is trying to get back to work, and is currently working on a documentary about the late rally driver, Rosemary Smith. I have some amazing projects ahead, but I do feel the good has gone out of it if you have lost someone extremely close to you, she said. No amount of reading about grief or somebody telling you what its like prepares you. Because I did a hospice documentary, Alf and I were both fascinated with death and grief, the depth of emotion you leave when you die, what happens when you die, and how bizarre it is. But Sharon didnt expect death to come calling when she and Alf had so many plans made for the future. She says he had been really looking after his health, having discovered he was coeliac in 2011. He had gone off all things gluten. But he was having night sweats. He lost weight but put it down to being coeliac. Alf was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He began taking his health really seriously last year, saying he didnt feel well, and was having check-ups every six months. Alf felt well enough to do MC duties for a Sunday Songbook show at the Everyman on April 8, 2024, a role he adored. The next day, Alf, who was living in Rosscarbery, went to the doctor feeling unwell. He was told he probably had the flu and should go to Bantry Hospital. They did a whole lot of tests. He was diagnosed with lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). A biopsy was needed to determine what kind of lymphoma he had, Sharon said. We said wed worry when there was something to worry about, when we knew what the prognosis was. Alf had to go to CUH for the biopsy. For a few days, the medics were trying to regulate his heartbeat. They were incredible at the hospital, never stopping working on him. The doctors discovered Alf had an infection in the surrounding part of his heart. They couldnt do a biopsy until he was stabilised. The late Alf McCarthy and his partner Sharon Lawless Sharon, who was in the process of moving her belongings to Rosscarbery from her native Dublin, then got a call to say Alf was in a critical condition. He passed away soon after. It was later discovered he had an aggressive form of cancer. From his first gig on Cork Local Radio in 1979, to a number of TV series in the 1980s and 90s, to his final Late Date on RTE Radio One, Alf only ever had one real master the audience, said Sharon. "It was about entertaining them and aiming to be the best presenter/actor/MC he possibly could." Alf also doted on the two daughters he had with his former wife, and on his seven grandchildren. Away from the microphone and stage, Alf was great fun, says Sharon. She says that he hated having to retire from RTE. He kept on working at other things, including podcasting a version of Late Date. With Alan Kiely, he was working on a two-hander play, The Bespoke Overcoat, by Wolf Mankowitz, which was made into a film and won an Oscar in the 1950s. Actor David Coon, who died recently, was supposed to be in the play. Wolf had lived in West Cork. Alf and I were working on a feature documentary about him. Sharon, who has made programmes including Adoption Stories, The Killing Of Fr Niall Molloy and Inside The Hospice, hopes there will be plenty of entries for the Alfie Award. The closing date is July 18. A shortlist will be announced, and the winner will be revealed on September 12. A Cork city centre with more people living in apartments and above-the-shop accommodation would be livelier at night and ensure safer streets, the Cork Business Association (CBA) president has said. Dave OBrien was speaking to The Echo after Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said that people living over shops or restaurants and bars on Patrick Street are essential to stop it being a lonely place at night. Mr OBrien said the CBAs vision was to see more city-centre living, so that Cork could be more like cities on mainland Europe, where city-centre inhabitants enjoy a vibrant urban night life. We feel the city is safe; it has its problems, like every other city in Europe and the world, said Mr OBrien. At the same time, theres a lot going on in the city centre, and a lot of work being done to improve it. We need to prioritise housing and apartments and getting over-the-shop schemes in place to allow people to live there. The more people you get in there, the less trouble or hassle or perceived hassle that goes on. Welcoming Mr OBrien said that suburban developments were needed to meet Cork housing demand, while city-centre living was required to make it more welcoming. Whether thats the city councils area to improve or the Governments, Im not so sure; probably a bit of both, he said. Mr OBrien suggested that a mix of less-restrictive planning regulations, coupled with further incentives from the Government, was required to realise the vision of more over-the-shop living in the city centre. The vacancy levels are always an issue. What were trying to make sure of is if places do become vacant, then its looked at whether there needs to be a change of planning use for that premises. So, if a shop closes down, is it possible for something else to go in there, hospitality or housing, and to make that an easy process? Passive surveillance Mr OBriens comments come as Green Party city councillor Oliver Moran recently asked the council to report on policy to enhance passive surveillance in the city centre, particularly Patrick Street, through over-the-shop accommodation and night-time economy measures such as cafes, restaurants, and bars. Mr Moran said he hoped initiatives such as the recent night-time economy Coffee House Lates pilot scheme would encourage businesses to open late more regularly, thus enhancing the vibrancy of the city centre. However, Mr Moran said at last weeks council meeting that the initiative, while welcome, will not impact Patrick Street, as it is zoned primarily for retail. He told The Echo that the citys development plan sets out to protect the retail feel of Patrick St by not allowing other uses to move in there. From one perspective, thats a good thing, because it protects the character of the street and ensures that it remains the core retail area, he said. At times, though, it means the street shuts down. That creates a large space in the city centre that doesnt benefit from the kind of passive surveillance that comes with businesses staying open. The taxi rank and the bus stops provide some of these, but it can be a lonely place to have to wait late at night. Development Plan The Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 designates Patrick Street and Opera Lane as primary retail frontages. However, it does say the council would consider allowing some complementary restaurant and cafe uses at certain corner sites along the south-facing section of Patrick Street to allow for a greater mix of use and vibrancy to enhance its primary retail function. Mr Moran said that having people living on the street would also prevent it from being so empty after shops shut. One option thats in the plan already is to encourage other uses, like over-the-shop living on upper floors to improve footfall and activity in the evening time, he said. Thats proving slow going, but the city is planning to have a sort of proof of concept that shows property owners what can be done, and the supports that are there. The council told Mr Moran it is promoting living over the shop, and recently published a notice on e-tenders seeking interested parties to deliver a demonstrator living-over-the-shop proposal for city-centre housing. The CEO of a company that plans to introduce a new 80m passenger ferry service for Cork Harbour has said that, even abiding by strict speed limits, the service will look fast to those in rush-hour traffic. Portus Greenway Limited, trading as Harbour Link, announced it is in the advanced stages of planning for the project, which would give Cork its first passenger ferry service in more than 100 years. The companys founder, Aidan Coffey, told The Echo the service would abide by the upper harbours six knot roughly 11km/h speed limit. Six knots might seem quite slow, but if youre stuck in traffic on the Lower Glanmire Rd, and we pass at six knots, it might look like were going nice and fast, he said. The six-knot speed limit is in effect in the upper harbour between Blackrock Castle and the Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins Bridges to minimise propeller wash from boats and ships. CGI configuration of the new Harbour Link commuter and passenger ferry planned for Cork city and harbour. Mr Coffey said the ferries would be able to operate at speeds up to 28 or 30 knots in the outer harbour and on Lough Mahon. He added that the company was looking at a specialised onboard system, which is able to detect the presence of smaller craft in the water. Docking locations The ferry services 17 planned docking locations would include City Quay, Kennedy Quay and SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Marina Quay, Tivoli, Blackrock Pier, Blackrock Castle and Observatory, Little Island, Passage West, Carrigaloe, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Paddys Point, Spike Island, Cobh Five Foot Way, Lynchs Quay Terminal, Lower Aghada, and Crosshaven. Plans have been announced for the introduction of a new zero emission commuter and tourist Passenger Ferry Service for Cork city & harbour. It will connect, with all-electric vessels, 17 locations including Cork Docklands, Cobh, Spike Island and SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The company is currently in discussions with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, and the Port of Cork in developing the zero-emissions initiative. Should it go ahead, the 80m investment would involve all-electric vessels that would have capacity for up to 300. Each vessel would be wheelchair accessible and equipped with bicycle and luggage racks to accommodate mobility and e-scooters, as well as prams. The commuter service has planned frequencies of 30 minutes to the city in each direction, and the company would offer short-break tourists a 24-hour or 48-hour hop-on/hop-off pass. Mr Coffey said the company further planned to develop a Harbour Hub terminus at Lynchs Quay in Cobh, which would incorporate a second cruise berth for cruise liners and would act as a base for charging all vessels. 'Unique opportunity' Cork has a unique opportunity to develop this stylish yet sustainable mode of all-electric zero-emission ferry transport, as it has the unique unencumbered natural resource of the River Lee leading directly into the city, he said. Much work has been already done in the design stages and consultations ... including vessel and infrastructure designers and local sustainable power providers, to ensure this is a true zero-emission service. This is a win-win from an environmental and public perspective, and were really excited about the journey ahead. Alan Giltinan, founder and centre manager at Blackrock Castle and Observatory, said that the service had the potential to significantly increase traffic at the amenity. Blackrock Castle warmly welcomes this endeavour an important juncture in the development of Cork Harbour, Cork tourism, and [an] educational opportunity, he said. A spokesperson for minister for state at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer said that he believed the project could be transformative for Cork. The company expects to lodge planning applications within six to 12 months, with a view to being operational by early to mid-2027. A Cork-based TD has said that a major focus is needed to shift long-term receivers of the jobseekers allowance back into the workforce, as more than 3,300 Leesiders are currently unemployed. Fine Gael Cork North West TD, John Paul OShea, who is the chairperson of the Dails Social Protection Committee, expressed his concern following receipt of a county-by-county breakdown, which details the number of people who have been receiving the jobseekers allowance nationwide for 12 months or longer. The data, received in response to a parliamentary question raised by Mr OShea, shows that there are nearly 48,000 people unemployed on a national scale, not including casual jobseekers who work up to three days a week. Of the 47,764 people nationwide who have been unemployed for 12 months or longer, 3,365 are located across Cork city and county, representing approximately 7%. Mr OShea has now called on the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, to publish a comprehensive employment strategy to tackle the issue of long-term unemployment. At a time when small businesses across the country are crying out for staff, its hard to fathom why anybody would be in receipt of an unemployment payment for over a year, said Mr OShea. We have record employment levels in Ireland. There is a job out there for everybody that wants one. We need to seriously ask the question, why are some people still not entering the workforce? There are a plethora of supports in place to help people with further education, training and reskilling - we also have programmes like Community Employment and the Work Placement Experience Programme which help people get hands-on work experience, he added. We need to examine the reasons behind these figures. Mr OShea further raised the question of whether there are welfare traps which are acting as a disincentive to people taking up employment. Do we need to examine the penalty rates for those who refuse to engage with back-to-work supports? he asked. There are small businesses in towns and villages across the country who cannot get staff, particularly in the hospitality sector, as we approach the busy summer season. We should not be complacent - if anything, now is the time to redouble our efforts so we can help address labour shortages in the economy by supporting those most distant from the labour market into the workforce. The man caught with more than 35,000 child sex abuse images at his home in Clonakilty was jailed today for 18 months as the judge stressed that none of the child victims depicted in the material could be asked in court how they are doing now. Judge Sinead Behan stressed that it is not a victimless crime and said in relation to the amount of children depicted in this material that one could only imagine the scale of abuse behind the images, if one considered the numbers by reference to the average number of children in a school, for instance. Referring to the 49-year-old accused man in this case, Paul Quinlan, the judge said that the people drawn into the internet and into the dark web were sometimes people with their own vulnerabilities. The internet and the dark web is a monster that also preys on individuals who access it, Judge Behan said. A sentence of three years, with half of it suspended, was then imposed on Paul Quinlan as a result of the 2021 seizure of images from computer and phone equipment found during a search when he was residing at Tawnies Lower, Clonakilty, County Cork. Judge Behan thanked Detective Garda Brian Morris and said: I would like to acknowledge the work of the gardai. It is a somewhat invisible crime and takes a lot of work. Defence senior counsel, Ray Boland, said that it could be difficult for someone like the defendant to reintegrate in their local community after they were convicted of a crime like this. Judge Behan acknowledged this and said: It is more difficult to integrate. There is a stigma where they invoke the judgement of society - that is more impactful than other crimes that people may be involved in. Detective Garda Brian Morris testified that officers of the Protective Services Unit of West Cork went to the home of 49-year-old Paul Quinlan at Tawnies Lower, Clonakilty, County Cork, on April 29, 2021, having received notification of the downloading of child pornography by the accused. The detective said there was full cooperation in that he admitted to gardai as soon as they arrived that he had child pornography and he also showed them the main computer on which pictures and videos were stored. Over 35,000 images and 150 videos were found, of which the most serious category of material amounted to 4,896, the remainder being category 2. Category 1 relates to children witnessing or engaging in sex with adults. The second category is of exposure of anal or genital areas of children. The detective said Paul Quinlan was not distributing the material but was searching for it, including dark web searches to obtain material. Mr Boland said that the total number of images though very large in any event was closer to 20,000 as many images were duplicated. The defence senior counsel said that the defendant initially accessed the material accidentally but then did so deliberately. Det Gda Morris said there was evidence of extensive searching over a prolonged period and the use of various acronyms that would only be known by people familiar with this kind of material online. Respect and dignity for every individual were essential to Siobhan ODowds mission in life, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said of the late community worker and LGBTQI+ advocate, who passed away at the weekend. Ms ODowd, who had played a central role in numerous equality and community campaigns over several decades, died peacefully at home following a brief illness. She was 61. Mr Martin said he was deeply saddened at Ms ODowds passing, describing her as an outstanding community activist, who was pragmatic, interested in progress, and who achieved a lot, particularly in the Ballyphehane and Togher area. Siobhan was a catalyst for positive change and progression in the community, and in particular in bringing the marginalised into the centre, he said. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, had presented Ms ODowd with a civic award only two weeks ago. As a community worker and as an LGBTQI+ campaigner, Siobhan has been a major force in making the city more inclusive. She leaves a huge legacy and Cork is a better place for her having been in it, Mr Boyle said. Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state, said he was devastated at the news of Ms ODowds passing. What a wonderful person, who made life better for so many people. She was just an incredible person, a champion of social justice and a kind, caring, funny person. I was privileged to know Siobhan, Mr Buttimer said. Labour Party senator Laura Harmon described the late Ms ODowd as a titan of equality in Cork and nationally. It was a privilege to see her at the launch of the LGBT+ Awareness Week last week. Padraig Rice, Social Democrats TD for Cork South Central, described Ms ODowd as one in a million. She had a huge impact on the community in Ballyphehane where she worked, as well as on the wider LGBTQI+ community, he said. Labour Party city councillor John Maher said he had spoken with Ms ODowd in City Hall only last week. Siobhans last words to me were Keep up the good fight, he said. A community worker across the city for more than 30 years, she was for many years coordinator of Ballyphehane Togher Community Development Project. A founding member of the Cork Aids Alliance, the Cairde Corcai/LINC lesbian and bisexual community centre, Ms ODowd was also a member of the Cork City LGBT+ InterAgency Group. Since 2010 the group has organised an annual Cork LGBT+ Awareness Week, and in 2014 week, City Hall became the first public building in Ireland to formally fly the rainbow flag. Paul Moynihan, Cork City Council director of operations, said he had the fondest memories of being with Ms ODowd as part of a 2018 delegation to the US to sign a Rainbow Memorandum with San Francisco. Siobhan was the driving force behind that agreement, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy of inclusion and decency, he said. This afternoon, the rainbow flag flew at half-mast above City Hall, while the Lord Mayor led a guard of honour of more than 100 community representatives, gardai, interagency staff and friends as Ms ODowds funeral cortege passed by. Ms ODowd is survived by her partner, Tina OToole, her family, and a wide circle of friends. Improved assistance arrangements for customers with disabilities have been announced at two of Corks train stations, seeing the advised notice period reduced by 11 hours. Last week, Darragh OBrien, the minister for transport, with Iarnrod Eireann chief executive Jim Meade, announced that the advised notice for assistance at 15 of the countrys busiest intercity stations will be reduced from 12 hours to one hour. Of the 15 stations nationwide that will see a reduction in the advised notice for assistance, two are in Cork, including Kent and Mallow. The announcement comes following a pilot of the reduced notice period in recent months, with the new period allowing customers with additional needs to arrive and arrange assistance or book in advance with less wait time. Last year, there were 54,000 passengers with disabilities or additional needs assisted by Iarnrod Eireann. Important development Fianna Fail Cork North-Central TD, Padraig OSullivan said the reduction for those with additional needs seeking rail transport in Cork is an important development which will ensure an improved experience for all passengers. This is a significant reduction in waiting times for people who need this service, Mr OSullivan said. Reducing the notice period for accessibility assistance to just one hour at Mallow [and Cork Kent] will make rail travel far more accessible and inclusive, while also allowing for more spontaneous travel and trips. This is an important development for people with disabilities in Cork and across the country. The change comes as part of a broader programme of improvements in accessibility introduced by Iarnrod Eireann and the National Transport Authority, which includes investment into new accessible DART+ trains, modernised platforms, enhanced staff training, and upgraded station facilities, such as lifts and changing place toilets. People from all over the world who care about the health of their nations are assembled in World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters in Geneva for the annual World Health Assembly. This meeting is due to be momentous. After three years of intensive negotiations, including a few very late-night sessions, 194 WHO member states reached a consensus last month on the final wording of a new global Pandemic Accord. It is due to be ratified this week. Getting that many nations to agree on something as complicated and contentious as pandemic planning is borderline miraculous. At the final negotiation session, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and Dr Mike Ryan both wore green ties to mark the moment the entire text was greened. Negotiators and colleagues hugged, celebrating the end of a gruelling process and the beginning of a global commitment to pandemic preparedness. Dr Ryan, who is now departing the WHO, played a crucial role in guiding the world, and Ireland, through the darkest days of covid-19. I often wonder what Irelands pandemic response might have been if the man from the WHO urging us to stay at home hadnt been a Sligo man. Irish people dont always acquiesce to authority, but we listened to every word from Mike Ryan. He was one of our own. The WHO estimates that around 14.9 million excess deaths occurred globally in 2020 and 2021 - both directly from covid-19 and indirectly due to the strain it placed on health systems. Although we dont like to talk about covid times anymore, these deaths underscore the importance of preparing for future outbreaks of a novel disease. Experts agree its not a matter of if, but when the next global pandemic will emerge. The Pandemic Accord aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and response for whatever virus threatens us next. The adoption of a global pandemic agreement that might prevent the deaths of millions in the future is a fitting milestone for Dr Ryan to depart on. The agreement is also a much- needed shot in the arm for public health advocates at a time when decades of progress are unravelling. The defunding of USAID and the U.S withdrawal from the WHO mean vaccine roll-outs are stalling and outbreak containment teams are reducing. Preventable diseases are resurging. The climate crisis and senseless wars fuel further instability and humanitarian crises are multiplying. There has only been one other public health treaty agreed by the WHO. In 2003, following decades of evidence on the dangers of smoking, 183 member states unanimously passed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It required countries to restrict tobacco advertising, apply health warnings on cigarette packaging, and raise tobacco taxes. It was a bold pushback against the lethal tobacco industry that profited from a habit that killed nearly five million people a year. Ireland became a global public health leader in 2004 when it introduced a workplace smoking ban - ending smoking in bars and restaurants. Yet two decades after the tobacco treaty, one in five adults globally still consume tobacco, albeit down from one in three in 2000. Big Tobacco remains a powerful transnational force, now pivoting to e-cigarettes to addict a new generation of customers. Experts warn this may be a gateway to traditional smoking, and in Ireland, for the first time in decades, youth smoking rates are rising. Just as the tobacco treaty was only the start of a long struggle toward a tobacco-free future, the Pandemic Accord will only be effective if its implemented. It aims to enhance global preparedness and equitable access to medical resources during pandemics and balance those goals with the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, who actually make the vaccines and medicines. This is just an agreement, but it gives us a better fighting chance at saving more lives when the next pandemic strikes. Dont stop talking about Gaza Last week, Irelands Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, co-signed a statement alongside his counterparts from Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain. It expressed grave concern about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the Strip. The joint declaration called for a ceasefire, an end to the blockade of aid, and a future where Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace and security. It got modest media coverage. And then, predictably, nothing changed for the people of Gaza. They are still being starved, still being bombed. As I paradoxically wrote last week: words arent working. Who will intervene to stop the slaughter? Israel has reportedly dropped the equivalent of six atomic bombs on Gaza. The destruction is staggering. And yet the major European powers -France, Germany, the UK - remain silent or complicit. A Dutch newspaper recently interviewed eminent Holocaust and genocide scholars who all agreed that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza. Still, the response from Europes so-called leaders has been to look away. Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia must now do more than express concern. As the EU scrambles to respond to the looming threat of Trump-era tariffs, can Simon Harris, Spains Jose Manuel Albares, and Slovenias Tanja Fajon use their place at the trade negotiation table to demand that the EU reckon with its responsibilities under international law? Ireland may be anxious about how new tariffs could upend our economic model - but how can EU Trade and Foreign Ministers sit politely discussing bourbon tariffs while a genocide unfolds across the Mediterranean? If the EU wants to be taken seriously as a good actor on the world stage, its trade negotiations must reflect its human rights commitments. Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia should rally others to hold Israel accountable. If the WHO can get 183 countries to agree on a politically sensitive global health treaty, surely the 27 EU member states can find the will to sanction Israel to stop the bombing and starvation of Palestinians. More than two years have passed since I started learning English at the Migrant Centre at Nano Nagle Place in Cork city. It is an old Catholic convent, which is more than 250 years old. Im now close to making my old dream come true to speak English fluently. I had done four previous courses in the past at home in Ukraine, but every time I had struggled due to lack of speaking practice. Our English tutor here, Fabrice Fortune, teaches us English, as well as singing in English, which helps us improve our pronunciation and immerse ourselves in the new cultural environment of Cork. But now, I would like to tell you a story about another dream of mine, which also came true here at Nano Nagle Place. Family story My grandfather Petro Potapenko was born in the village of Voloske in the region of Dnipropetrovsk in Ukraine. It is 20km south of the large city of Dnipro. My grandfather was enlisted in the army and took part in many battles of World War I. He was enrolled in the Russian Empires Expedition Corpus which travelled around the world before it arrived in Marseilles. He and other Ukrainian soldiers fought together with their French counterparts against the German army. One of them was his childhood friend Stephan Morar. The journey took them inland from their native village of Voloske through the cities of Dnipro, Moscow, Irkutsk (Military training camp) and Port Arthur. Then, there was the sea route: Port Arthur, the Yellow sea, Singapore, Colombo, Mumbai, the Red Sea, Port Said, and finally Marseilles. A lot of Ukrainians from Voloske and other places in Ukraine were involved in that military expedition. My grandfather was wounded in the leg during the ferocious Battle of the Somme in 1916 in France, and spent a lot of time in hospital recovering from his injuries in Paris and Montpellier. After a long convalescence, he finally came home to Voloske in March, 1917. At the same time, his friend Stephan Morar remained in France. Needless to say, these events had a huge impact on my grandfather as he was only 20 years old. Much later he used to tell us, his grandchildren, a lot about his youth, about his trip to France, the war and other thrilling stories. This equally left a huge impression on us. The book When I became a student, I was interested in the history of my family. I wrote down a few stories I had heard from my grandfather Petro, my grandmother Vekla and other relatives. Some wrote their memoirs themselves. I collected all this material together and in 2008, published a book, I Hear Your Voice, co-authored with Ukrainian historians Jury Mytsyk and Mykola Chaban. Both were also born in the village. However, many details about my grandfathers trip to France were still unknown to me. l was especially curious about the destiny of his friend, Stephan Morar who remained in France after the war. My grandfather had died many years ago, but this side of his life, as a part of our family story, still hadnt revealed itself. The war The years have passed. Im retired and became a grandfather myself. Ukraine was more than 30 years independent but unfortunately war began again. The Russian army invaded and occupied our lands and cities in 2022. Mass killings of civilians began. Missile bombardments were carried out on all Ukrainian cities. I had to leave my home and moved with my wife Olga and daughter Nadia to Ireland. We ended up living in Cork city. After five months, my wife died unexpectedly. Our daughter Nadia did her Phd in history and I began to attend English classes in Nano Nagle Place and started to write a book about Ukrainian refugees in Cork. Two attempts I was involved in a lot of different activities besides the diligent study of English, I took part in long distance running with Sanctuary Runners, I sang in the Ukrainian Choir Kalyna and recorded the stories of Ukrainian refugees in order to publish a book. All these things helped me overcome the stress of losing Olga. Slowly, day by day, l returned to collecting materials about the history of my family and went back to the story of my grandfather and his friend Stephan. I had in my possession an envelope with Stephans French address on it. I wrote my first letter in English and sent it to Paris at that address. There was no answer. After that, I had to carefully plan what I would do next. I started a correspondence with Stephan Morars relatives, Inna Morar and Volodymyr Morar, who were living in Dnipro. They managed to find in their familys archive papers a new address in France where Stephans family lived. I proceeded to write another letter in English and my English teacher Fabrice, who happens to be French, translated it into French. I posted the letter from the General Post Office in Cork with great anticipation. Godsend After a month and a half, I received an email from Oliver Morar, Stephan Morars grandson, which I eagerly opened. Oliver is 61 years old and has been living in Portugal, meaning that his visits to France are quite rare. He was thrilled to receive my letter and to my great surprise, even offered me excerpts of a book his mother Maria had written about her father Stephan Morar: it told his story as a soldier in the First World War, his friendship with my grandfather and his life in France. The name of the book in French was De Ekaterynoslav a Deuil-La-Barre (From Ekaterynoslav to Deuil-La-Barre), Ekaterynoslav being the old name of modern Dnipro. There were a lot of details about the life of Stephan up to 1930, his long trip from Ukraine to France, and a soldiers life in the trenches. When I first began this venture, I had never imagined this could have happened: not only had I found my grandfathers friends family, but also a book which had been written by Stephan Morars daughter. Happy ending Afterwards we exchanged emails and had a chat by phone, and yes, we spoke in English. We decided to meet and exchange books about our grandfathers, Stephan and Petro. At the end of my story, l would like to add something which is of huge importance to me. I spent a lot of time here at the Cork Migrant Centre in Nano Nagle Place learning English. I visited the Nano Nagle Museum many times and listened to the lectures about her as a prominent personality in the education of vulnerable people and founder of the convent. It is no coincidence that my dreams came true here: Im sure it is connected with the extraordinary properties of that woman and this place where she lived and did good deeds. Irish film-maker Lorcan Finnegan, renowned for his eerily captivating films like Vivarium and Nocebo, returns to thrill audiences with his latest film, The Surfer. Nicolas Cage stars as an unnamed man whose dream turns into a nightmare against the stunning backdrop of an idyllic Australian beach The film introduces us to a character who, after enduring a traumatic experience in his youth, emigrated from his birthplace in Australia to the U.S. Years later, he returned to Australia, eager to reconnect with his roots. He marries and starts a family, but something is missing. The Mans dream is to purchase the house where he spent his childhood years. It is a picturesque property perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the golden sands below. It has enough windows to make Dermot Bannon weep for joy. However, this cherished dream proves evasive. The price tag is hefty. He has managed to gather most of the funds needed and has just enough to meet the asking price when someone else puts in a higher bid. The Man doesnt care what he has to do to get the extra money; he needs this house. He takes his teenage son back to the beach where he grew up. He wants him to understand the importance of owning the family home and experience the freedom he once had on that beach. However, the beach is not as he remembers it. The sand is still golden, the waves are perfect for surfing, but they are met by a rowdy group of local surfers led by the intimidating Scally (Julian McMahon). These surfers make their hostility abundantly clear, aggressively shouting, Dont live here, dont surf here, newcomers are not welcome in their territory. This is as far from Home And Away as you can get. This is Deliverance in flip-flops and board shorts. Despite his claims of being a local and sharing a bond with the land, The Man is met with more aggression, and they are forced to leave the beach and return to the nearby car park. As tensions escalate between The Man and his son, his wife arrives and is furious over his decision to uproot their son from school for the day. The Man already feels foolish for being bullied by the baddie surfers in front of him, and now his wife is having a go at him. It is not his finest hour. His wife takes their son away, leaving The Man isolated and dejected. At least the house is within arms reach, or so he thinks. Hostilities intensify as the surfers rob him of his shoes. Before he can say sandcastle, they have taken his phone, watch, even his car, leaving him stranded in the parking lot. They have also taken his surfboard, which is an insult that is too far for any wave rider. As the relentless sun beats down, deprived of water and shade, our main Man spirals into a state of psychological turmoil, descending into a madness that Cage uniquely captures with unparalleled intensity. Will this unravelling drive him away from his dream home or ignite a fierce determination to reclaim it? Can he win over the surfers and prove he is worthy to surf there once again? In The Surfer, Finnegan skilfully weaves a narrative reminiscent of a sun-drenched Twilight Zone. He bends time and perception through the manipulation of camera techniques. We see flashes of things that have gone before or have yet to happen, confusing us as The Mans mind becomes altered. Finnegans soundtrack, which channels 1960s surfer flicks, gives us a false sense of security before things begin to take a dark turn. The result is a strangely haunting B-movie that will be loved by fans of Cages work and anyone drawn to the allure of the bizarre and surreal in cinema. This film is not only a visual feast - the beach looks stunning - but also a thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and the sometimes unwelcoming nature of home. There is much to discuss regarding toxic masculinity, as Scally appears to have adopted a few lessons from Andrew Tate and others like him. You can examine all the messaging, but dont need to take it too seriously. You can interpret it differently and watch it as a slightly deranged, highly entertaining romp. There is nothing quite as entertaining as watching Cage spiral - he truly is in a class of his own - and Finnegan is clearly a Cage fan because he knows just when to zoom in on his face and capture his tiny, demented moments and not just give us the big stuff. Mad fun. The Surfer, in cinemas, now, cert 15a, **** Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. According to a new report from BirdLife International and EuroNatur, countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are falling behind on their goals to reduce illegal bird killings by 2030. Several countries have pledged to the Rome Strategic Plan 2020 2030, which set out to reduce illegal bird killings by 50% by 2030 compared to 2020 numbers. But according to The Killing 3.0 report from BirdLife International and EuroNatur, most countries (or 83%) that had committed to the plan are off track for meeting the reduction targets in time. In total, only eight of the 46 countries that the report analyzed are on track to reduce illegal bird killings by at least 50% by the end of the decade. In nine countries, the situation has actually worsened since 2020. The illegal killing of birds is not just a crime, its a tragedy that continues to threaten birds across entire migratory routes, Barend van Gemerden, Global Flyways Programme Coordinator at BirdLife International, said in a statement. High levels of illegal killing in one country can wipe out conservation successes in another. We urgently need stronger, coordinated, cross-border action across the full flyway. Reaching the 2030 goal is a tough challenge, but not an impossible one. The report noted particular declines in populations of the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) because of illegal killings. A turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) flying in Bulgaria. CreativeNature_nl / iStock / Getty Images Plus The report cited a study that found 38% of deaths of tracked large migratory landbirds were linked to illegal killings, particularly through poisonings. Shooting was another major cause of illegal bird killings. In total, millions of birds per year around Europe and the Mediterranean region are killed illegally or removed from the wild, the report said. While the report found that many countries efforts to reduce illegal bird killings are lagging, the authors shared hope that other countries can follow the actions of those nations that are on track to meet the goal. For example, the report highlighted the British Eastern Sovereign Base Area (SBA) in Cyprus, which reduced illegal bird trappings by nearly 90% in 2023. In 2019 through 2021, Spain saw a 62% decrease in illegal bird killings compared to the period of 2008 through 2018. Spain also focused on stopping illegal wildlife poisonings, which helped improve the number of breeding pairs of Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) from fewer than 40 in the 1970s to more than 530 pairs in the 2020s. For countries that are not on track, the authors recommended actions such as developing national action plans, creating task forces with enough resources to make progress, setting and enforcing penalties, raising awareness, improving monitoring systems and cooperating internationally to work toward the shared goal. The number of birds killed illegally each year remains unacceptably high. For many migratory birds, it spells death before they can even reach their breeding grounds, Justine Vansynghel, project manager at EuroNatur, said in a statement. During the first half of the Rome Strategic Plans 10-year lifespan plenty of tools and guidance were developed to support national authorities. Now, its time to use them decisively to prevent further devastation. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Testing of English and Welsh rivers by volunteers from angling groups has revealed that 34 percent of freshwater sites tested breach the upper limit of phosphate levels. The anglers are using the data they collected to push for change in the treatment of rivers, but, according to environmental consultancy the Angling Trust, in collaboration with nonprofit Fish Legal, they have a monumental task ahead of them, reported The Guardian. Our freshwater habitats are in crisis a fact now widely recognised by the public, politicians and regulators, said Jamie Cook, chief executive of the Angling Trust. Many anglers already knew this, having witnessed the decline in water quality at our favourite fishing spots. Roughly 4,000 samples collected from July of 2023 to July of last year were analyzed in the report. The anglers measured the levels of phosphate, ammonia, nitrate, temperature, electrical conductivity and turbidity of 76 catchments. They also used photographs and visual observations in compiling their data. This report sheds further light on the dire state of our rivers and shows how anglers are using data to deepen our understanding of water pollution and to influence the future of river management when recognised as legitimate stakeholders in decision-making processes, Cook added. Just 16 percent of rivers in England have what is considered to be good ecological status (GES) phosphate levels of 0.306 parts per million (ppm) or lower. There is no upper limit for nitrate, but independent guidance given to volunteers with the Angling Trust specified that concentrations of the chemical compound of five ppm or higher were excessive for freshwater habitat a level that 45 percent of the samples exceeded. The waters we fish are in crisis. Pollution is the main cause with every water body in England assessed against the Water Framework standard failing. And things are becoming worse, not better. Our Government has repeatedly said that the UK wishes to be a world leader in conserving both the environment and biodiversity but has frequently failed to back this up with action, the Angling Trust said on its website. The report revealed that the pollution was not spread evenly throughout the catchments. In one Medway catchment, located primarily in southeast England all of the site phosphate averages failed to achieve the water framework directives legal definition of GES. And in Warwickshires Avon catchment, 86 percent of site averages did not meet the standard. This report paints a picture of the continued ill health of our rivers and the systemic failure to make the rapid shifts in governance needed to bring them back to life. Listening to citizen science initiatives like this one is essential to this process, said Alex Farquhar, the Angling Trusts campaigns and advocacy officer, as The Guardian reported. Anglers with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Angling Society collected 279 samples from 15 monitored sites that were then analyzed by Dr. Liz Bagshaw and Dr. Eleanor Kean, independent researchers with University of Bristol. All of the samples breached the GES limit for phosphate. The anglers pressured the United Kingdoms Environment Agency to establish a joint monitoring group, which revealed that over 90 percent of pollution issues were caused by outflows and direct outputs from wastewater treatment plants and combined sewer overflows, the responsibility of Southern Water. Our waterways are suffocating from all forms of pollution from agricultural runoff to plastics, chemical pesticides to raw sewage time is no longer a luxury we can afford in the fight for a cleaner tomorrow for our environment, our fish and our sport, the Angling Trust said. Over 50 anglers participated in the monitoring in Warwickshire. Their samples showed that 86.4 percent of regularly tested sites in 2023 and 2024 had average phosphate readings that breached GES status much higher than the average for the country. While our efforts to force the water companies and Environment Agency to improve may be perceived by some to be too little too late my hope is that by applying the pressure now, my grandchildren will benefit from a clean and safe natural river environment where wildlife and fish will once again flourish, said Andy Hammerton, a Girling Angling Society Water Quality Monitoring Network volunteer, as reported by The Guardian. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Aerial view of the U.S.-Mexico border ending with a gap near Sasabe, Arizona on Jan. 19, 2025. John Moore / Getty Images President Donald Trump is building a new section of the border wall between the United States and Mexico that will present a threat to the movement of wildlife living in a remote part of Arizonas San Rafael Valley. The area is one of the countrys most biodiverse regions, with many rare animals but few people, reported The Guardian. This is a crucial wildlife corridor, said Eamon Harrity, wildlife program manager with conservation nonprofit Sky Island Alliance. Large predators and other animals move freely through this landscape. That [movement] wont happen once the wall is complete. Harrity helps monitor over 110 trail cameras for a study that started in 2020 and records how Trumps barrier affects cross-border movements of local wildlife. Private companies have been invited by Customs and Border Protection to bid on contracts to build a 24.7-mile section of the border wall in the valley south of Sonoita, BEX reported. The area is flanked on both sides by mountains, known as sky islands, that rise steeply over grasslands and high desert. One of the 65 wildlife cameras operated by the Sky Island Alliance in this portion of the wall where there is a long gap has captured thousands of images of bears, mountain lions, bobcats, pronghorns and other wildlife. Construction of the 30-foot fence through San Rafael Valley will make the area impassable for animals bigger than a jackrabbit, interfering with a critical migration route between Arizona and Mexico. Studies conducted on the impacts of the border wall on ecosystems and wildlife suggest that it has changed behavior, fragmented populations and cut some animals off from essential food and water sources, reported Sierra. A study by Harrity and a team of researchers last year found that less than 10 percent of observed wildlife were able to pass through one stretch of fencing in Arizona. I have seen deer and wild turkey moving along the wall and unable to cross, Harrity said, as Sierra reported. When you see it in person and you see the panting and the running back and forth, looking for a way to cross and ultimately failing, you recognize that wow, this animal is trying to survive, and theres this giant thing in its way thats causing a lot of grief and stress. Erick Meza, Sierra Clubs borderlands coordinator, said bisecting the valley with the wall would be catastrophic for the environment and wildlife, reported The Guardian. More than 60 percent of Arizonas border has already been completed. The sections that remain open are crucial for wildlife, as the San Rafael Valley is one of the only remaining intact stretches of Sonoran desert grasslands in Arizona. The Patagonia and Huachuca mountains part of the Sky Island range offer a variety of habitats, water and food sources for wildlife amidst the extreme desert climate. In addition to mountain lions, bears and wolves, subtropical species like the javelina and endangered large cats like jaguars and ocelots make their homes in this unique landscape. Their natural ranges cover hundreds of miles, as they crisscross the international border in search of water, sustenance and mates. The biodiversity here is incredible, Meza said. This is at the heart of all these different ecosystems coming together. Harrity emphasized that, as the climate crisis worsens drought conditions in the Southwest, the border regions wildlife will be forced to travel farther to find what they need to survive. The last thing we should be doing right now is walling off corridors and severing connectivity, Harrity added. Another feature of the borderlands is the Santa Cruz River, which serves as a vital wildlife migration corridor, winding back and forth across the border of Arizona and Mexico. The river will now be walled on both legs of its journey, Harrity said. A study last year by Sky Islands Alliance and the Wildlands Network using cameras along a 100-mile stretch of the wall found it reduced wildlife crossings by 86 percent, with a 100 percent decrease for larger animals like bears, jaguars, pronghorns and wolves. While the San Rafael Valley is full of wildlife, it is nearly devoid of humans. A camera that has been in operation by the river for five years has yet to capture a single image of a migrant crossing the border into the U.S. The Trump administration would rather score cheap political points and a favorable Fox News headline than solve a problem, said Democratic Senator from New Mexico Martin Heinrich, as The Guardian reported. New Mexicans who live on the border want actual solutions, like creating new legal pathways for immigration, investing in effective border security for law enforcement, and addressing the root causes of mass migration. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Water For Life began its journey when filmmaker Will Parrinello and his team followed environmental activist Francisco Pineda more than 14 years ago. Pineda was a winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize who was working to stop the development of a gold mine in his home country of El Salvador. He doesnt say this in the film, but he says regularly you cant come here and destroy our precious water resources and our ways of life, said Parrinello. Were happy as subsistence farmers. Yes, of course, we want better lives for our children. We want them to have better education. We want better health care. But were quite honestly happy with our lives here as farmers. Francisco Pineda harvesting corn. Will Parrinello However, as he continued to film Pineda and his communitys fight over five years, funding dried up. Parrinello and his filmmaking partner decided to expand the story. Why dont we put together three stories that show these patterns of exploitation and impunity that are happening throughout Latin America and are emblematic of the same kinds of stories that are happening around the world Africa, Asia, the Pacific and even now in North America? he said. The result is the long-form documentary Water For Life which intertwines Pinedas story in El Salvador with that of Alberto Curamil, a Chilean activist fighting against a hydroelectric dam that would irreparably harm the Cautin River that runs through Mapuche Indigenous lands, and Berta Caceres of Honduras, also fighting for water rights. The film is narrated by actor Diego Luna. In each case, the protagonists and their supporters are fighting to maintain access to clean water, either for themselves, their livestock or their crops. At one point in the film, Curamil is arrested on fake charges, and both Pineda and Caceres have their lives threatened. As a filmmaker and environmentalist, Parrinello has seen an increased emphasis on water rights. Theres this push on the part of large corporations to want to privatize water because its an incredible resource and theres a lot of money to be gained, he said. The grassroots movements have succeeded in stopping that from happening on a large scale. Im not sure how long theyll hold out, because that commodity is becoming more precious as we face climate change. The film exposes some of the corporate pressures exerted on these communities, and how some of these companies strategize to divide the community, even sending spies into the activist movements. Spoiler alert: Water For Life does reveal these three campaigns as success stories. The dam is not built in Chile, and in Honduras, the DESA corporation fails in its effort to build a hydroelectric project. In El Salvador, Pinedas campaign not only helped institute a mineral mining ban in the country, but the country also won a $350-million-plus lawsuit brought by the Pacific Rim corporation. But the mineral mining ban that had been put in place in El Salvador was reversed by the countrys lawmakers in late 2024, allowing again for the extraction of gold. Francisco Pineda has been recently sending Parrinello videos of trucks in El Salvador, representing companies from Peru, China and Canada. The exploration of new mining sites has begun in El Salvador. Im quite frankly concerned for Francisco Pinedas safety, Parrinello said. But he said, Listen, were adults. We know what were doing. This is what we do. Were not going to stop now. And safety is an issue covered in the film. Berta Caceres is murdered during the time of the filming, an act which has been attributed to people affiliated with DESA, including David Castillo, the former president who was found guilty and is serving a 22-year sentence. Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists. Berta Caceres in the Rio Blanco region of western Honduras where she, COPINH (the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras) and the people of Rio Blanco have maintained a two-year struggle to halt construction on the Agua Zarca Hydroelectric project that poses grave threats to local environment, river and Indigenous Lenca people from the region. Courtesy Goldman Environmental Prize What they do and who they are is quite real. Weve experienced it. Weve seen their courage firsthand. We were in situations where we were frightened, and if they were, they barely showed that, Pineda said. Caceres death had an effect not just on the movement, but on Parrinello as well. I kind of sunk into a depression. We talked to the family. We talked to her daughters and questioned whether we should go on. And they were like, Are you kidding me? You have to go on. Of course you have to go on. You guys are storytellers, he said. Bertas three daughters have taken up the mantle of her work. Her daughter is part of the non-profit that Berta and her husband started. Bertas daughter Bertita is the Director of COPINH, the Indigenous rights organization founded by her parents, her sister Laura is an Organizer at COPINH and their older sister Olivia, once a Congresswoman, is now the Ambassador to Cuba. In an attempt at journalistic balance, Parrinello attempted to interview Thomas Shrake of Pacific Rim. Shrake had expressed the desire to mine for gold in a way that was environmentally and socially responsible, which Parrinelli appreciated, but they couldnt secure an interview. He refused to do it. He said he just had so much more to lose than to gain, Parrinello said. But bringing attention to the plight of activists in Latin America was one of the main reasons to make the film. Global Witness has been tracking the murder of environmental and human rights activists, I think, since 2012. And I think its up to around 2700 people have been murdered in that time, he said. That kind of impunity and violence to me was stunning. Thats a way to look at what corporations are doing that perhaps our retirement accounts are invested in and say, is this acceptable? Do we feel good about this? Do we feel good about what our government is doing? I thought that was really, really important. Parrinello has been making films about Goldman Environmental Prize winners for the last 21 years. All three of the main characters in Water For Life are Goldman prize winners. Alberto Curamil is an Indigenous Mapuche Chief in Chile who, along with fellow Mapuche leaders and community members, fights to protect his ancestral land from corporate development that threatens their sacred river. Majo Calderon What Ive learned being around the protagonists in my film is that it takes that kind of committed dedication to create change, Parrinello said. And because they all do it on a grassroots level, beginning with their neighbors in their own community, Ive seen that they gain strength, and they gain a certain courageous perspective because they know theyre supported by so many people. And those movements, like all grassroots movements, if they gain traction, it goes from local to regional to national movements. And thats what we saw. Today is one of the most important days on the tech calendar as Google kicked off its I/O developer event with its annual keynote. As ever, the company had many updates for a wide range of products to talk about. The bulk of the Android news was revealed last week, during a special edition of The Android Show. However, Tuesday's keynote still included a ton of stuff including, of course, a pile of AI-related news. We covered the event in real-time in our live blog, which includes expert commentary (and even some jokes!) from our team. If you're on the hunt for a breakdown of everything Google announced at the I/O keynote, though, look no further. Here are all the juicy details worth knowing about: AI Mode chatbot is coming to Search for all US users Quelle surprise, Google is continuing to shove more generative AI features into its core products. AI Mode, which is what the company is calling a new chatbot, will soon be live in Search for all US users. AI Mode is in a separate tab and it's designed to handle more complex queries than people have historically used Search for. You might use it to compare different fitness trackers or find the most affordable tickets for an upcoming event. AI Mode will soon be able to whip up custom charts and graphics related to your specific queries too. It can also handle follow-up questions. The chatbot now runs on Gemini 2.5. Google plans to bring some of its features into the core Search experience by injecting them into AI Overviews. Labs users will be the first to get access to the new features before Google rolls them out more broadly. Meanwhile, AI Mode is powering some new shopping features. You'll soon be able to upload a single picture of yourself to see what a piece of clothing might look like on a virtual version of you. Also, similar to the way in which Google Flights keeps an eye out for price drops, Google will be able to let you know when an item you want (in its specific size and color) is on sale for a price you're willing to pay. It can even complete the purchase on your behalf if you want. 1.5 billion people see AI Overviews each month AI Overviews, the Gemini-powered summaries that appear at the top of search results and have been buggy to say the least, are seen by more than 1.5 billion folks every month, according to Google. The "overwhelming majority" of people interact with these in a meaningful way, the company said this could mean clicking on something in an overview or keeping it on their screen for a while (presumably to read through it). Still, not everyone likes the AI Overviews and would rather just have a list of links to the information they're looking for. You know, like Search used to be. As it happens, there are some easy ways to declutter the results. Another look at Google's universal AI assistant We got our first peek at Project Astra, Google's vision for a universal AI assistant, at I/O last year and the company provided more details this time around. A demo showed Astra carrying out a number of actions to help fix a mountain bike, including diving into your emails to find out the bike's specs, researching information on the web and calling a local shop to ask about a replacement part. It already feels like a culmination of Google's work in the AI assistant and agent space, though elements of Astra (such as granting it access to Gmail) might feel too intrusive for some. In any case, Google aims to transform Gemini into a universal AI assistant that can handle everyday tasks. The Astra demo is our clearest look yet at what that might look like in action. NotebookLM mobile app On the NotebookLM front, Google has released an iOS and Android app for the tool. The company also took the opportunity at I/O to show off what NotebookLM can do. Google put together a notebook featuring the I/O keynote video from YouTube as well as associated blog posts, press releases and product demos. You can drill down into all of this information or just ask the AI questions about I/O. Of course, you'll be able to generate audio summaries as well as a mind map to structure all the info that's in the notebook. Gemini 2.5 is here with (according to Google) improved functionality, upgraded security and transparency, extra control and better cost efficiency. Gemini 2.5 Pro is bolstered by a new enhanced reasoning mode called Deep Think. The model can do things like turn a grid of photos into a 3D sphere of pictures, then add narration for each image. Gemini 2.5's text-to-speech feature can also change up languages on the fly. There's much more to it than that, of course, and we've got more details in our Gemini 2.5 story. You know those smart replies in Gmail that let you quickly respond to an email with an acknowledgement? Google is now going to offer personalized versions of those so that they better match your writing style. For this to work, Gemini looks at your emails and Drive documents. Gemini will need your permission before it plunders your personal information. Subscribers will be able to use this feature in Gmail starting this summer. Google Meet is getting a real-time translation option, which should come in very useful for some folks. A demo showed Meet being able to match the speaker's tone and cadence while translating from Spanish to English. Subscribers on the Google AI Pro and Ultra (more on that momentarily) plans will be able to try out real-time translations between Spanish and English in beta starting this week. This feature will soon be available for other languages. Google Gemini Live, a tool Google brought to Pixel phones last month, is coming to all compatible Android and iOS devices in the Gemini app (which already has more than 400 million monthly active users). This allows you to ask Gemini questions about screenshots, as well as live video that your phone's camera is capturing. Google is rolling out Gemini Live to the Gemini iOS and Android app starting today. Google Search Live is a similar-sounding feature. You'll be able to have a "conversation" with Search about what your phone's camera can see. This will be accessible through Google Lens and AI Mode. A new filmmaking app called Flow, which builds on VideoFX, includes features such as camera movement and perspective controls; options to edit and extend existing shots; and a way to fold AI video content generated with Google's Veo model into projects. Flow is available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US starting today. Google will expand availability to other markets soon. Speaking of Veo, that's getting an update. The latest version, Veo 3, is the first iteration that can generate videos with sound (it probably can't add any soul or actual meaning to the footage, though). The company also suggests that its Imagen 4 model is better at generating photorealistic images and handling fine details like fabrics and fur than earlier versions. Handily, Google has a tool it designed to help you determine if a piece of content was generated using its AI tools. It's called SynthID Detector naturally, it's named after the tool that applies digital watermarks to AI-generated material. According to Google, SynthID Detector can scan an image, piece of audio, video or text for the SynthID watermark and let you know which parts are likely to have a watermark. Early testers will be able to to try this out starting today. Google has opened up a waitlist for researchers and media professionals. (Gen AI companies should offer educators a version of this tech ASAP.) The new AI Ultra plan costs $250 per month Google To get access to all of its AI features, Google wants you to pay 250 American dollars every month for its new AI Ultra plan. There's really no other way to react to this other than "LOL. LMAO." I rarely use either of those acronyms, which highlights just how absurd this is. What are we even doing here? That's obscenely expensive. Anyway, this plan includes early access to the company's latest tools and unlimited use of features that are costly for Google to run, such as Deep Research. It comes with 30TB of storage across Google Photos, Drive and Gmail. You'll get YouTube Premium as well arguably the Google product that's most worth paying for. Google is offering new subscribers 50 percent off an AI Ultra subscription for the first three months. Woohoo. In addition, the AI Premium plan is now known as Google AI Pro. A second Android XR device has been announced As promised during last week's edition of The Android Show, Google offered another look at Android XR. This is the platform that the company is working on in the hope of doing for augmented reality, mixed reality and virtual reality what Android did for smartphones. After the company's previous efforts in those spaces, it's now playing catchup to the likes of Meta and Apple. The initial Android XR demo at I/O didn't offer much to get too excited about for now. It showed off features like a mini Google Map that you can access on a built-in display and a way to view 360-degree immersive videos. We're still waiting for actual hardware that can run this stuff. Xreal As it happens, Google revealed the second Android XR device. Xreal is working on Project Aura, a pair of tethered smart glasses. We'll have to wait a bit longer for more details on Google's own Android XR headset, which it's collaborating with Samsung on. That's slated to arrive later this year. A second demo of Android XR was much more interesting. Google showed off a live translation feature for Android XR with a smart glasses prototype that the company built with Samsung. That seems genuinely useful, as do many of the accessibility-minded applications of AI. Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are making smart glasses with Android XR too. Just don't call it Google Glass (or do, I'm not your dad). Chrome's password manager is getting an upgrade Google is giving the Chrome password manager a very useful weapon against hackers. It will be able to automatically change passwords on accounts that have been compromised in data breaches. So if a website, app or company is infiltrated, user data is leaked and Google detects the breach, the password manager will let you generate a new password and update a compatible account with a single click. The main sticking point here is that it only works with websites that are participating in the program. Google's working with developers to add support for this feature. Still, making it easier for people to lock down their accounts is a definite plus. (And you should absolutely be using a password manager if you aren't already.) On the subject of Chrome, Google is stuffing Gemini into the browser as well. The AI assistant will be able to answer questions about the tabs you have open. You'll be able to access it from the taskbar and a new menu at the top of the browser window. Beam is the new name of Google's 3D video conferencing booths It's been a few years since we first heard about Project Starline, a 3D video conferencing project. We tried this tech out at I/O 2023 and found it to be an enjoyable experience. Now, Google is starting to sell this tech, but only to enterprise customers (i.e. big companies) for now. It's got a new name for all of this too: Google Beam. And it's probably not going to be cheap. HP will reveal more details in a few weeks. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. As part of its announcements for I/O 2025 today, Google shared details on some new features that would make shopping in AI Mode more novel. It's describing the three new tools as being part of its new shopping experience in AI Mode, and they cover the discovery, trying on and checkout parts of the process. These will be available "in the coming months" for online shoppers in the US. The first update is when you're looking for a specific thing to buy. The examples Google shared were searches for travel bags or a rug that matches the other furniture in a room. By combining Gemini's reasoning capabilities with its shopping graph database of products, Google AI will determine from your query that you'd like lots of pictures to look at and pull up a new image-laden panel. It's somewhat reminiscent of Image search results, except these photos take up the right half or so of the page and are laid out vertically in four columns, according to the screenshots the company shared. Of course, some of the best spots in this grid can be paid for by companies looking for better placement for their products. As you continue to refine your search results with Gemini, the "new righthand panel dynamically updates with relevant products and images," the company said. If you specify that the travel bag you're looking for should withstand a trip to Oregon, for example, the AI can prioritize weatherproof products and show you those images in this panel. The second, and more intriguing part of the shopping updates in AI Mode, is a change coming to the company's virtual try-on tool. Since its launch in 2023, this feature has gotten more sophisticated, letting you pick specific models that most closely match your body type and then virtually reimagine the outfit you've found on them. At Google I/O today, the company shared that it will soon allow users to upload a single picture of themselves and its new image generation model that has been designed for fashion will overlay articles of clothing on your AI-imagined self. According to Google, the custom image generation model "understands the human body and nuances of clothing like how different materials fold, stretch and drape on different bodies." It added that the software will "preserve these subtleties when applied to poses in your photos." The company said this is "the first of its kind working at this scale, allowing shoppers to try on billions of items of clothing from our Shopping Graph." The Try It On with an upload of your photo is rolling out in Search Labs in the US today, and when you're testing it, you'll need to look for the "try it on" icon on compatible product listings. Google Finally, when you've found what you want, you might not want to purchase it immediately. Many of us know the feeling of having online shopping carts packed and ready for the next upcoming sale (Memorial Day in the US is this weekend, by the way). Google's new "agentic checkout feature" can keep an eye on price drops on your behalf. You'll soon see a "track price" option on product listings similar to those already available on Google Flights, and after selecting it you'll be able to set your desired price, size, color and other options. The tracker will alert you when those parameters are met, and if you're ready to hand over your money, the agentic checkout tool can also simplify that process if you tap "buy for me." According to Google, "behind the scenes, we'll add the item to your cart on the merchant's site and securely complete the checkout on your behalf with Google Pay." The agentic checkout feature will be available "in the coming months" for product listings in the US. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. It can take on more complex tasks, but it still has a long way to go. Last year at Google I/O, one of the most interesting demos was Project Astra, an early version of a multimodal AI that could recognize your surroundings in real-time and answer questions about them conversationally. While the demo offered a glimpse into Google's plans for more powerful AI assistants, the company was careful to note that what we saw was a "research preview." One year later though, Google is laying out its vision for Project Astra to one day power a version of Gemini that can act as a "universal AI assistant." And Project Astra has gotten some important upgrades to help the company accomplish this. Google has been working on upgrading Astra's memory the version we saw last year could only "remember" for 30 seconds at a time and added computer control so Astra can now take on more complex tasks. In its latest video showcasing Astra, Google shows the assistant browsing the web and pulling out specific pieces of information necessary to complete a task (in this example, fixing a mountain bike). Astra is also able to look through past emails to find specific specs of the bike in question and call a local bike shop to inquire about a replacement part. Eventually, according to DeepMind's Demis Hassabis, Astra's advancements will show up in Gemini. "Our ultimate vision is to transform the Gemini app into a universal AI assistant that will perform everyday tasks for us, take care of our mundane admin, surface delightful new recommendations, making us more productive and enriching our lives," Hassabis writes in a blog post. "This starts with the capabilities we first explored last year in our research prototype Project Astra, such as video understanding, screen sharing and memory." Some of that work is already evident in Gemini Live, which recently got some multimodal capabilities of its own. But, as I noted last year, Project Astra gets even more interesting in the context of smart glasses an idea Google briefly teased in its I/O video last year. That vision appears to be inching closer to reality, with Hassabis noting that Google is working on bringing Project Astra abilities to "new form factors, like glasses." There's no clear timeframe on when any of this will be available, but given Google's updates on Android XR elsewhere at I/O, we know the company has big plans for AI-powered smart glasses later this year. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. If you find Google's live translation tools useful, you'll soon be able to use them more naturally during video calls and meetings. The company announced today at its I/O developer conference that it's bringing the feature to Google Meet. Starting this week, AI-powered, real-time Spanish translation will be available in the app. Google says more languages are on the way and that the technology is "very, very close to having a natural and free-flowing conversation." During a brief demo, live translation in Meet matched the speaker's tone and cadence, and was even able to channel expressions. There's no doubt this will be useful for many people, especially on work calls with colleagues in other countries. Live translation will allow everyone to speak in the language they're most comfortable with, and the technology will do the heavy lifting. Before now, you had to rely on live captions in Google Meet to do any translation, so not having to read those will allow users to be more in-tune with the conversation. Starting today, live translation in Google Meet will be available to Google AI Pro and Ultra plans in beta. The company says the new features will be available for enterprise users later this year as part of an "early testing" phase. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. Like it or not, Google's Gemini AI is worming its way into more of your Workspace apps. At I/O 2025, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that its upcoming Gmail app will have a new feature called Personalized Smart Replies. The idea is that with your permission, Gemini can examine your past emails and Google docs, then help you craft responses to personal- or business-oriented emails. In an example onstage at I/O, Pichai used the example of a friend taking a road trip through Colorado to Utah, a trip the friend knew Pichai had taken before. Gemini is able to look through all the notes in Drive, looking through email for related reservations and finding an itinerary in Google Docs. It'll pull all that stuff together and then draft an email that matches the typical tone, style and even words that Pichai commonly uses. Google also wants to help you manage your emails better with a new Inbox cleanup feature. "Simply tell Gemini what you want to do (e.g., 'delete all my unread emails from [a specific company] last year') and watch as it helps you manage and declutter your inbox with a single click." Another new feature is integrated fast appointment scheduling, letting you offer times for customers to make bookings directly from Gmail. All these new features are coming to Google's Workspace subscribers starting this summer. Though they may prove useful to many users, some have found Google's addition of recent Gemini features to be intrusive and unwelcome. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. When Google unveiled Android XR last year, it seemed like a clear response to Apple's Vision Pro: It was a plan for a true mixed reality platform that could easily hop between AR, VR and smart glasses like Meta's Ray-Bans. At Google I/O 2025 today, Google announced the second developer preview for Android XR, and it also showed off a bit more about how it could work in headsets and smart glasses. It'll likely be a while before we see Android XR devices in action, though, as Google also revealed Samsung's Project Moohan headset will arrive later this year. Additionally, Xreal is also building Project Aura, a pair of tethered smart glasses powered by the platform. Update: Google demoed prototype Android XR smart glasses at I/O with live translation, which Engadget's Karissa Bell called "lightweight, but with a limited field of view." Google isn't planning to sell those devices, but it is partnering with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to provide frames for future smart glasses. Basically, there really isn't much to get excited about just yet. It's clear that Google is working hard to catch up with both Apple and Meta, which actually have XR products on the shelves already. Given that Google tends to kill its ambitious projects with a swiftness just take a look at Google Glass, Cardboard and Daydream, which were all early stabs at AR and VR it's hard to put much faith in the future of Android XR. Is the availability of much better XR hardware enough to make the platform a success? At this point, it's just too tough to tell. For now, though, it looks like Google is aiming to deliver all of the features you'd expect with Android XR. Its second developer preview adds the ability to play 180-degree and 360-degree immersive videos, bring hand-tracking into apps and support dynamic refresh rates (which could seriously help battery life). As expected, Google is also making it easier to integrate its Gemini AI into Android XR apps, something the company promised when it first announced the platform last year. Google In a series of pre-rendered videos, Google showed off the ideal ways to use Gemini in smart glasses and headsets. If your glasses have a built-in display (something Meta's Ray-Bans don't offer yet), you could see a small Google Map to give you directions, message friends while you're prepping dinner or take a picture while dancing with your partner at sunset (seriously). All I can say is: "Cool demo, bro." Get back to us when this is all working in headsets and glasses we can actually wear. Update 5/21, 2:45PM ET: This story has been updated with references to Google's XR prototype glasses. Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week. Nintendo hired Samsung to build the main chips for the Switch 2, including an 8-nanometer processor custom designed by NVIDIA, Bloomberg reported. That would mark a move by Nintendo away from TSMC, which manufactured the chipset for the original 2017 Switch. Nintendo had no comment, saying it doesn't disclose its suppliers. Samsung and NVIDIA also declined to discuss the matter. Samsung has previously supplied Nintendo with flash memory and displays, but building the Switch 2's processor would be a rare win for the company's contract chip division. Samsung can reportedly build enough chips to allow Nintendo to ship 20 million or more Switch 2s by March of 2026. NVIDIA's new chipset was reportedly optimized for Samsung's, rather than TSMC's manufacturing process. Using Samsung also means that Nintendo won't be competing with Apple and others for TSMC's resources. During Nintendo's latest earnings call, President Shuntaro Furukawa's said that the company didn't expect any component shortages with its new console an issue that plagued the original Switch. Nintendo said in the same earnings report that it was caught by surprise with 2.2 million applications for Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan alone. Despite that, the company projected sales of 15 million Switch 2 units in its first year on sale to March 2026, fewer than analyst predictions of 16.8 million likely due to the impact of Trump's tariffs. Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with stage 5 prostate cancer, according to a statement released by his office. Doctors have confirmed that the cancer has spread to his bones. While they describe it as aggressive, they remain hopeful, saying it is still treatable. The diagnosis followed reports of urinary symptoms that led to further medical tests. A nodule was found on Biden's prostate during a recent check-up, and additional exams confirmed the cancer. According to ENews, the Gleason score, used to grade prostate cancer, was reported as a 9indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," Biden's office shared on Sunday. The President and his family are currently discussing possible treatment plans with his medical team, carefully considering the best path forward. Doctors say hormone-sensitive prostate cancers can often be controlled with medication that blocks or lowers hormone levels. Treatments such as surgery and radiation are typically not recommended once the disease has spread to bones. According to Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center, "It's very treatable, but not curable. Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs." Joe Biden had the best medical doctors on planet Earth, taking care of him 24/7 over the last four years. So unless they somehow simply missed freaking prostate cancer, they knew about it and participated in the cover-up until after the election. pic.twitter.com/Qxfg9MAsN2 Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) May 18, 2025 Biden Family Explores Treatment Options as Supportive Messages Pour In Biden's family is considering several options, including hormone therapy. A source close to the family said the former president is staying positive and is focused on his treatment plan with the support of his loved ones. Public reactions to the news have been widespread. Former President Donald Trump, who won the 2024 election against Joe Biden, shared a message on social media expressing support. He offered warm wishes to Jill Biden and the rest of the family, and conveyed hopes for a quick and successful recovery for the former president. Vice President Kamala Harris also shared her support, highlighting President Biden's resilience and optimism, AP News said. She expressed confidence that he would face this health challenge with the same strength and determination that have characterized his life and leadership. Former President Barack Obama echoed these sentiments. "Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe," he stated. "I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace." Biden has faced previous health challenges, including a past diagnosis of skin cancer and removal of a colon polyp. His cancer awareness work, especially after the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015, became central to his administration's "Cancer Moonshot" effort aimed at cutting cancer deaths in half over 25 years. A new documentary, "TRAPPED: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams?," which premiered May 19 on the ID Channel, sheds light on a key moment in Wendy Williams' life that led to increased restrictions at her care facility. The former talk show host, 60, currently lives on a secure floor of a New York City assisted living center under guardianship. Investigative journalist Diane Dimond shared that the rules weren't always as strict as they seem. "Wendy was on the third floor in this care unit, where she has access to the hallways, to the elevators," Dimond said. According to People, on Williams' birthday, she took the elevator to the rooftop bar, where she drank several alcoholic beverages. "She will admit to you that she got drunk, she had a relapse," Dimond added. As a result, Williams was moved to a more restrictive floor, a memory care unit on the fifth floor, where she is locked in 24/7 unless her guardian permits outings. She currently has access to a private room that includes a bathroom and a TV. This change was meant to better protect her health and safety. Williams was placed under guardianship in 2022 after health concerns became public.Though diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), she denies having dementia and insists she remains sober. In a March interview on The View, she said, "I am easily going on with my life, alcohol-free." The judge in Wendy Williams' guardianship case is fed up with Wendy's "behavior" ... and wants her moved to another facility ... presumably with even tighter restrictions. Exclusive story: https://t.co/JW5MI39r8J pic.twitter.com/vjx4hRb5su TMZ (@TMZ) March 12, 2025 Williams' Guardian Seeks Fresh Medical Evaluations Amid Concerns The documentary also discusses the ongoing debate over Williams' diagnosis. Some doctors, like brain disorder expert Daniel Amen, suggest that alcohol-induced dementia might explain her symptoms. "Alcohol is one of the main causes of cognitive decline and dementia," Amen said. "I believe alcoholic dementia is the second most common cause." Since 2025, Williams' guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, has sought new medical evaluations to better understand Williams' condition. Morrissey's court filing stressed the need for expert testing and warned against speculation in media. However, Williams has reportedly declined some testing, though she denies knowing about these refusals. The "TRAPPED" documentary aims to offer a new perspective on Williams' health and guardianship. It also highlights the #FreeWendy movement, where fans and loved ones push for her release from guardianship so she can regain control over her life, USA Today said. Williams' story has drawn widespread attention, partly because of her openness about health struggles and personal challenges. The documentary promises to explore not only her health but also other issues, such as past controversies and her fight to end the guardianship. Kanye West, also known as Ye, will no longer perform in South Korea this month. The upcoming concert originally set for May 31 at Incheon Munhak Stadium has been officially canceled. Organizers cited "recent controversies" surrounding the artist as the reason for the cancellation. The announcement came through the Korean ticketing site Interpark Global, which issued a notice on Monday, May 19. "We regret to inform you that the 'YE LIVE IN KOREA' concert...has been canceled due to recent controversies involving the artist Kanye West (YE)," the message read. All ticket holders will receive full refunds automatically, the company confirmed, Billboard said. The concert was being organized in partnership with Coupang Play, a major South Korean e-commerce and streaming platform, which also confirmed the cancellation without giving further details. Although no specific reason was mentioned by the organizers, the cancellation comes shortly after West faced public backlash for spreading hate speech online. Over the past month, Ye has posted and shared several antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ statements on his social media platforms. Yes concert in Korea scheduled for May 31, has been canceled due to recent controversy. pic.twitter.com/H0QOBJEPOq XXL Magazine (@XXL) May 19, 2025 Kanye West Calls Out Double Standard After Song Ban He recently released a song titled "Heil Hitler," which was quickly banned by all major streaming services due to its offensive content, KPopNewsWire said. In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), West voiced his frustration over the removal of his song, claiming that the track titled "Heil Hitler by Ye" had been taken down from all major digital streaming platforms. While calling out what he saw as unfair treatment compared to other controversial songs. The rapper's behavior has also drawn attention during public appearances. Earlier this month, he walked out of a tense interview on "Piers Morgan Uncensored," delivering a string of emotional remarks before abruptly exiting. "I'm a gift, bro," West said during the interview. "Why do all you people in media act like you haven't played my songs at your weddings... or when your child was born?" In recent weeks, Ye has been spotted in Mallorca, Spain, enjoying time with his wife, Bianca Censori, alongside social media figures Sneako and Digital Nas. Meanwhile, controversy continues to follow him online and in the press. The May 31 concert would have marked a major return for the rapper in Asia, but plans are now off. Fans who purchased tickets will not need to take action, as refunds are already being processed. Originally published on Music Times Archivo - Discover Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica; A Natural Haven in the Heart of the Costa Rican Caribbean - KHAGENCY - Archivo (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) If youre looking for a getaway where nature and tranquility blend seamlessly with the charm of the Costa Rican Caribbean, Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica is your perfect destination. Nestled in a privileged setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and just 250 meters from the paradisiacal Playa Chiquita, this eco-friendly retreat invites you to unplug from the world and immerse yourself in an experience of peace, adventure, and authenticity. Imagine waking up to the call of howler monkeys, relaxing in one of the five pools, or strolling along trails teeming with biodiversitywhere a majestic Ceiba tree, over 70 meters tall and one of the most impressive in the Costa Rican Caribbean, awaits you. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, here youll find the perfect balance between comfort and nature. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Destination of Heritage and Charm Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, formerly known as Old Harbour, is a coastal town rich in cultural heritage. In the late 19th century, Afro-Caribbean immigrants, mainly from Jamaica, settled in the area, bringing with them vibrant traditions, cuisine, and a culture that still thrives today. Today, Puerto Viejo is known for its idyllic beachessuch as Playa Chiquita and Punta Uvaand as a hotspot for surfers from around the globe who come to ride the legendary Salsa Brava wave. Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica: History and Philosophy Since its opening, Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica has been a pioneer of sustainable tourism in the region. Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the hotel has embraced eco-friendly practices that reflect its commitment to conservation and respect for local biodiversity. In 2024, the hotel celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as a benchmark for tourism in Costa Rica. Throughout the years, it has remained true to its essence as a sustainable refuge, welcoming travelers in search of a deep connection with nature. Accommodations: Rooms and Villas in Harmony with Nature Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica offers accommodations that combine comfort and authenticity. Its bungalows and villas are built with local materials and decorated with regional crafts, creating a warm and genuine atmosphere. Each space is designed to offer privacy and serenity, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna from the comfort of their private terraces. The resort also features five poolstwo for the hotel (one of them adults-only) and one private pool per villaproviding relaxation and leisure options for all preferences. Commitment to the Community and the Environment Hotel Shawandha Costa Rica works closely with local organizations to promote conservation and sustainable development. Its focus on environmental education and support for community initiatives reflects a strong commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. For more information and reservations, visit shawandha.com. EMISOR: KHAgency CONTACTO: Gabinete Periodistico Email de contacto: comunicados@prensaymedios.com Los Angeles, CAIn early June 1994, Michael B. Butler, author of History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2, went to London with the intention of attending the D-Day commemorations there and in Normandy, France. However, regarding the main ceremonies in France, he had no pass to a ceremony, impossible to get, and no hotel room in a region sold out for two years. After a week in London, staying with his sister, he attended the June 5 ceremonies at Portsmouth, in Britain, and caught the ferry to Cherbourg, France with a camera and faint hope of achieving his goal. The tale of Butler's crazy, against the odds 40 hour successful trip to Francewith help from two D-Day/Normandy Veterans and a woman from the P&O ferry companyforms the foundation for an intensely detailed history book that is dedicated to 15 family wartime veterans. But the final 50th D-Day section, laced with the author's nice photographs, is only part of what is brought to the reader. On top of the history of World War Two, and centuries before, are chapters about divisions or regiments some of the his family served with. One of those chapters is about his grandfather's World War One service in the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division, a famous outfit that Generals Douglas MacArthur and William Donovan served with heroic distinction. Other relatives that served whose stories are told include a B-17 pilot who was lost over Germany in April 1944, one who served in the infantry with 134th Nebraska Regiment, and another with General Patton's famous 5th Armored Division. That is only four of the 15, going back to the American Civil War, to whom the book is dedicated. The war stories of the D-Day Veterans, Pat Murphy and Herbert Johnson, who helped him obtain a ceremony pass are also told. Other major aspects of the war chronicled are Hitler's 1940 Western Campaign, the Battle of Britian, codebreaking, radar, deception campaigns, D-Day Air Wars, Grand Strategy, Battle of the Atlantic, North African Campaign and the Nazi-Soviet War, where 80% of all German soldiers lost in the war perished. Michael B. Butler takes the example of historians he admires by compacting lots of info into a comprehensive package. One interesting part is the history covered is that of the Great German General Staff, which has had an enormous impact on military and civilian governance globally for the last 175 years. Michael B. Butler's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/mbbutler History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2 available in Amazon paperback (979-8328241489) or Kindle E-Book (B0F4GH8679) and at Barnes & Noble. www.50thDDay.com Pat Murphy, One of Michael Butler's D-Day Saviors Great Uncle Henry Olivas, 5th Armored Division Uncle Roy Larson, B-17 Pilot, Lost Over Germany April 1944 June 1941 German Invasion of Russia to Stalingrad German Invasion of Poland, September 1939 Michael B. Butler's second book, released in 2022, is Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Who Escaped Justice. In 2024-26 three books are slated for release: Round the World & Across Russia in 21 Days, 30 Years Later and the two-book history set dedicated to 15 wartime military veterans, many who saw combat, from his familyHistory Leading to 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Book 1 and History Leading to 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Book 2. From: Peggy Sands Orchowski -- Immigration Expert Washington , DC Tuesday, May 20, 2025 What Part of "Temporary" is Not Understood? By Margaret Orchowski Until recently, it was common to hear supporters of immigration enforcement say to open border advocates "Just what part of "illegal" don't you understand?" During the 20 years now that I have been covering immigration as a Congressional journalist, it was almost impossible to find any journalist or so-called "pro-immigrant advocate" who was willing to even use the term "illegal" immigrant. Their default response was often "there is no such thing as an illegal person". Nevermind that immigration is NOT about personhood. Immigration is a legal status codified in unique national immigration laws in almost every sovereign nation state in the world. As I point out in my newest book The 5 Basics Everyone Should Know About Immigration, our US immigration laws actually recognize three different basic categories of immigrants: permanent, temporary and illegal. In the current political atmosphere, the term "illegal" is harder to ignore when the vast majority of Americans agree that immigrants who have been convicted of felonies and are in the country illegally need to be removed immediately deported. But there are increasing numbers of Temporary time limited non-immigration permits available for non-citizen visitors to use to stay temporarily in the United States. They include temporary permits for students, business entrepreneurs, investers, workers, visitors, entertainers and dozens more. The Biden administration the past four years created and gave out hundreds of thousands of new temporary permits to unvetted migrants crossing the border illegally between 2021 and 2024. Those permits include new "Temporary Protected Status" and "Temporary Waiver from Deportation" permits as well as new ones for Temporary Emergency Parole and temporary housing (sometimes in luxury hotels), temporary food and medical vouchers and other benefits for newly arriving masses of thousands of immigrants per day. All of those permits have one thing in common: They are temporary! They expire, they can be withdrawn, they can by changed by executive order, or by Congress. The biggest categories of temporary permit holders are foreign students (Fs and Js -- over 1,1 million), temporary high and low skilled workers (H1s H2s); asylum applicants (recently numbering millions although it is known that fewer than 15 percent will qualify; the rest must leave with their families even American-born children). They are all temporary except it seems in the minds of open border advocates and most reporters and editors. Now the brain freeze among "pro-immigrant" advocates seems to be on the word "temporary" as in "What part of temporary is not understood?" Howls of protest occur any time a temporary protected group's status is removed such as this week when the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to remove the TPS designation of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and likely Haitians and El Salvadorians in the near future. The media rarely report that university researchers and scholars who are facing deportation recently, are here on temporary time-limited foreign student permits vetted by the State Department. Few if any news articles mention that foreign students are tracked by the Department of Homeland Security ICE through the SEVIS program (a student and exchange visitor digital information system that was codified after the 911 terrorist attack; it requires host universities to collect and share basic data about their foreign students with the FBI.) Foreign student and scholar permits are temporary, clearly marked "not immigration permit" and can be withheld, withdrawn, reviewed and investigated at the discretion of the executive branch of government. Lying on an application especially about the intention to immigrate or prior affiliations with terrorist organizations are basis of removal. Every foreign student knows that their foreign student permit is temporary. So do most migrants living under TPS status. But it seems that most "pro immigrant" and open border advocates in much of the media cancel that fact from their articles and rhetoric. # # # # # # Jan. 27, Georgetowner online ESSAY about birthright citizenship. 645 words Executive Order Intends io Limit Birthright Citizenship, Not End It By Margaret Orchowski Please dont panic or exaggerate the birthrights citizenship executive order. The much expected EO does not end birthright citizenship. It limits it. That does not take a constitutional amendment. In fact its been changed by Congress and by a Supreme court decision several times in the past. Here's the first sentence of the 14th amendment:: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The definitive word in that sentence is AND! If the framers wanted anyone and everyone born in the US to be citizens they would not have added an and clause, AND means (if you recall grammar lessons) also, plus, as well as. As you can see, the first sentence of the 14th amendment states clearly that anyone claiming birthrights citizenship must fulfill TWO CONDITIONS: 1. Be born in the United States 2. Be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The order would make ineligible for birthright citizenship anyone born in the U.S. whose parents have no lawful or legal authorization to be here or who are in the US on limited, temporary non-immigration permits such as foreign students and tourists. Changing who is eligible or not for birthrights citizenship has actually happened in the past via Congressional legislation and also a ruling of the Supreme Court. In addition, Trumps executive order reflects at least 15 years of proposals considered by Congress, one as HR1 (in the 112thCongress. The 14th amendment was ratified on July 9, 1868 to rightly repudiate the Supreme Court of the United Statess shameful decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857), which misinterpreted the Constitution as permanently excluding people of African descent from eligibility for United States citizenship solely based on their race, as stated in Trumps executive oder. There were no national immigration laws until the 1880s; hence the amendment at the time did not address legal permanent, temporary or illegal immigration status of the birth parents. But in 1868, according to the Congressional Research Office, there were FOUR defined groups of people in the United States who were NOT considered to be under the jurisdiction of U.S. laws and whose birth children were not allowed citizenship nor the right to vote. The jurisdictional status of two of these groups were changed over time. The children of legal permanent Chinese immigrants were ruled by the Supreme Court in 1898 in U.S. vs. Wong (a very narrow ruling) to be under the jurisdiction. In 1921 American Indians born and raised in a recognized Indian Nation were given the right to vote and hence citizenship by Congress in the 1921 Indian Voting Rights Act. But two other groups remain excluded to this day: 1) the children of diplomats to the U.S, with immunity from U.S. laws; and 2) a rather nebulous universal rule according to the U.S., Congressional Research Office that the children born of recognized invaders are not under the jurisdiction of the invaded state. Since 2010, Congress has addressed proposals to exclude birthright citizenship from TWO additional groups: 1) children born of birth tourists (visitors who come on a three month permit with the sole purpose of getting citizenship for their child with no intention or right to immigrate and contribute to the U.S,) and 2) children born of parents BOTH of whom are illegally in the country and have no right to be here, In 2011 this 2 page bill was HR1 in the new Republican dominated 112th congress. Clearly President Trumps executive order is not new, unconstitutional nor in any way racist. Read it here (2+ pages only) . https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/ It may however be challenged and perhaps decided by the Supreme Court, for instance on whether or not illegal immigrants are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. or not. # # # # # Margaret Orchowski is a credentialed Congressional reporter on immigration and author of two recent books (Nov 2024) on how immigration laws and policies evolved in the U.S.: The 5 Basics Everyone should Know About Immigration and a new paperback updated edition of The law That Changed the Face of America a Shae, left, and Anna Pesek pose with calves on their Over the Moon farm in Iowa. The farm was one of thousands benefiting from a local food program recently cut by the Trump administration. (Helaina Thompson/Courtesy of Over the Moon Farm) Anna Pesek saw a federal program supporting local food purchases as much more than a boost to her Iowa pork and poultry farm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program that allowed schools and food banks to buy fresh products from small farms helped her forge new business relationships. It allowed her to spend more with local feed mills and butchers, and was starting to build a stronger supply chain of local foods. But now that the Trump administration has yanked the funding, she worries that rural economic boost might end, too. With the razor-thin margins on both sides, those partnerships are just really hard, if not impossible, to sustain, she said. The co-owner of Over the Moon Farm, Pesek said her operation was never entirely reliant on the local food programs; it represented about 10% of her business. While she knew the federal money wouldnt last forever, she was planning on the funding lasting through 2028 but then the Trump administration last month nixed more than $1 billion for local food programs. The federally funded Local Food Purchase Assistance and the Local Food for Schools programs, both begun during the pandemic, focused on small, local farms in aims of building stronger domestic food supply chains. Grants allowed schools and food banks to buy meat, dairy and produce from small farms including many healthy products that are often too expensive for those institutions. USDAs local food programs specifically aided some of the nations most disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including newcomers, small farmers and those who have faced racial discrimination. The local food programs were initially funded by 2021s American Rescue Plan Act but were later expanded by the Biden administration. The Trump administration, though, has cut the funding that went to thousands of small farms, saying that its instead prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. Pesek noted that the federal government has subsidized commodity agriculture like corn and soybeans for more than a century. Its not a novel idea, right? This is how the relationship between the federal government and farmers has looked, she said. And so all this program did was allocate some of the funds to go to different kinds of farmers versus just commodity farmers. Just after cutting the local food programs, USDA announced it was expediting $10 billion in direct payments to commodity farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which helps farmers offset high input prices and low sale prices for crops. The White House is reportedly considering billions more in farm subsidies as President Donald Trump escalates global trade wars. Andy Ollove, food access program director at Fresh Approach, a California nonprofit that works on building a healthier and more resilient food system, said the governments long-standing farm subsidies flow to some of the nations biggest operators. Conversely, the local food programs benefited small farmers and communities directly. The economic multiplier to this program just seems way more impactful than the traditional subsidy model of the USDA that the administration is continuing to invest in, he said. Its just a giveaway. Fresh Approach has helped administer the food bank program in California. While implementation delays mean farmers wont lose access to the program as quickly as in other states, he expects elimination of the program to put small farmers out of business across the country. Some states have launched their own local food programs, but nothing on the scale of the federal investment. Thats left advocates for small farmers, local foods and food banks pushing for reinstatement of the federal program or getting it included in the next round of farm bill negotiations, when Congress outlines a five- or six-year spending plan for the nations food policy and agriculture sector. Ollove expects philanthropists will fund parts of Californias program after federal money is depleted. But it wont have the same reach. I do feel confident that these types of programs will continue in California sporadically and piecemeal, he said. But not in the way that were administering it, in a way that I think is changing a lot of things and improving the food system. A mixed response from states The noncompetitive USDA local food grants allowed many new farmers to break into markets. And the aid for food hubs, which link small producers to larger markets, helped farmers distribute products to schools and food banks. In Wisconsin, for example, more than half of the nearly 300 farmers who benefited from the food bank program were early career farmers, according to state officials. In Illinois, the state prioritized funds toward socially disadvantaged farmers, such as those who have faced racial or ethnic prejudice. Attacking this program was really an attack on Illinois most vulnerable, whether its a socially disadvantaged farmer or the food recipient, said Kristi Jones, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Her department administered the federal food bank program, which helped beginning farmers get their businesses off the ground. A lot of these farmers, theyre living their dreams, she said. They are living their goals because of this program. Illinois had been planning on nearly $15 million from the next round of funding for the food bank program. Jones said farmers already had begun planning and spending on seeds and equipment. A lot of these farmers, theyre living their dreams. Kristi Jones, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture You just dont put something on the ground and have the product the next day, she said. So that uncertainty was incredibly challenging for farmers who already deal with enough uncertainty. Democratic leaders have bashed the Trump administrations decision: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, for example, called it a slap in the face to Illinois farmers and the communities they feed. But conservative leaders in other states have downplayed the cuts. In Texas, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller characterized USDAs decision as a reassessment. He said the state was not dependent on the federal funds and would continue its Farm to School and Farm to Food Bank programs, which encourage the local purchase of Texas agricultural products. Theres always room for refinement, and we may see a revised version of the policy down the road that is even better for agriculture producers, he said in a statement last month. Texas funds programs to help distribute excess food to schools, food banks and charities. But it does not have a grant program like USDAs to help those organizations purchase local food, said Marshall Webb, spokesperson for the state agriculture department. Iowas agriculture department recently started its own local food program. The Choose Iowa program has made about $300,000 available to support local food purchases though the state lost out on about $11.3 million because of the federal cuts. Don McDowell, spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, said the agency would continue to ask lawmakers to expand funding for the Choose Iowa program. Programs designed to forge relationships between Iowa farmers, food hubs, food banks and schools are important to our farmers and communities, he said. Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Heley Lehman said his organization, which represents family farmers and ranchers, would like to see the state step in to fill the void. But we dont anticipate that thats going to be an easy thing for the state of Iowa to do, he said. So not only is it local farmers that are feeling like theyve had the rug pulled out from underneath them, but the state of Iowa has, too. Creating a new food system In Southern California, Dickinson Family Farms has worked to gather produce from dozens of small farms across the region, allowing even the smallest operators without distribution capabilities to sell to local food banks. Andrew Dickinson, who owns the farm with his father, said the federal local food program also helped reduce food waste. Farmers were able to get fair market prices for vegetables with cosmetic damage or fruits deemed too small or large for grocery store shelves. Dickinson said the federal program has provided a reliable marketplace for small operators that otherwise depend on more inconsistent sales streams like farmers markets. It will create a vacuum, he said. About 60 miles east of Los Angeles, sixth-generation farmer Anna Knight said the federal funds were much more than a handout to farmers. To her, they were about creating a new kind of food system. She said supporting local producers creates more supply chain resilience something many people didnt appreciate until the pandemic. We dont want to go back to that world, she said. When we invest in our local food system, were really investing on onshoring our food production system, on making new food systems local and increasing their resiliency in moments of crisis. Old Grove Orange, her California farm, has been supplying citrus to some local school systems for years. But she said the federal funds were the single biggest changemaker for pushing schools to buy local for the first time. To her, thats key in promoting lifelong healthy eating: Local produce like her freshly picked oranges pack more of a nutritional punch and just taste better than produce that takes weeks to ship from abroad. When you are giving a child a delicious piece of fruit, you are really cultivating their palate for life, she said. You are setting this expectation of what a fruit is supposed to taste like, and you are sparking this love for fruits and vegetables for the rest of their life. Knight said the nation doesnt have to choose between big and small farms. But small farms are vanishing all around her. This is a ticking bomb, she said. The clock is running out if we dont really find a way to help make these small, medium-sized farms sustainable. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. This story was originally produced by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. A fresh round of funding aimed at supercharging agricultural technology is set to open next month, as the government announces a new 5m competition. Launching on 2 June, the initiative blends public grant funding with private investment to help small agri-tech businesses bring ready-to-use farm innovations to market. Guidance for applicants has now been published by Defra on its online blog, to help applicants prepare for the Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition. Run by Defra and Innovate UK, the fund supports businesses looking to scale up experimental technologies that have clear benefits for English farmers, growers, and agricultural enterprises. Unlike traditional grants, the competition pairs government support with backing from over 150 vetted private investment firms, creating a powerful incentive for long-term commercial success. The scheme has a focus on high-growth, high-potential agri-tech ventures, with the previous pilot round attracting over 10m in private investment. Five businesses were issued funding in that round, including Upcycled Plant Protein (UPP), whose robotic broccoli harvester is now drawing attention for its automation potential in UK fields. To be eligible for the competition, applicants must be a micro, small or medium-sized business with an experimental technology that is close to market. Projects must also demonstrate clear benefits to farmers, growers and agricultural businesses based in England. Each project should have a total cost ranging from 750,000 to 3 million and must be completed within a period of up to 18 months. Additionally, all project work must be carried out entirely within the United Kingdom. Grant funding will cover up to 45% of project costs for micro and small organisations, and up to 35% for medium-sized organisations. Applications will open on 2 June 2025 and close on 2 July 2025. The bluetongue restricted zone has been extended to include Lancashire and the remaining areas of North Yorkshire, as the disease spreads further north and west. The move means that animals within the affected areas are now subject to additional movement restrictions, particularly for breeding stock. The zone's expansion was ordered by Defra in a bid to limit the spread of bluetongue virus 'BTV-3' and protect unaffected regions. Defra said: "Following the identification of historic cases in cattle in Lancashire, in accordance with the bluetongue disease control framework, the restricted zone and infected area was extended." The total number of cases across Britain for the 2024 to 2025 vector season is 260 - consisting of 258 in England and two high risk moves in Wales. Responding to the expansion, NFU Livestock Board chair, David Barton said: It has felt inevitable for some time that the RZ would be extended. "We recognise that this will cause further disruption to trade, particularly for breeding animals, which will now require a pre-movement test before being moved into the free area. Mr Barton reiterated the NFUs position in favour of a nationwide restricted zone in England to simplify disease control efforts. He also said the union acknowledged the importance of maintaining workable trade routes with devolved nations. We continue to advocate for the restricted zone to cover the whole of England, but were also aware of the need to find a practical solution that supports continued trade with Scotland and Wales." With the threat of further spread, Mr Barton urged farmers and livestock keepers to be proactive in their response to the disease. I would strongly encourage farmers to speak with their vets about vaccination as part of their disease management planning. Farmers and livestock keepers in England's restricted zone must follow restrictions on animal and germinal product movements. Susceptible animals cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence, and a general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available. Movements within the restricted zone are permitted. Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions. BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301. New figures reveal a major drop in incidents of livestock worrying in Scotland, offering hope to farmers though industry leaders warn that vigilance is still crucial. According to Police Scotland data, there were 216 recorded cases of dogs attacking or worrying livestock in the year to 30 March 2025. This represents a 38% fall from the 350 incidents reported the previous year. The 2022 figure stood at 290 incidents. While the reduction has been welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural organisation says the issue continues to pose a serious threat to livelihoods. The drop comes after the introduction of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Scotland) Act 2021, which significantly increased the penalties for dog owners. Offenders in Scotland now face fines of up to 40,000 and up to 12 months imprisonment, with the possibility that the dog will be destroyed. Nic MacLeod, acting policy adviser at SLE, said: We welcome the significant drop in livestock worrying incidents over the past year, which suggests that stronger legislation and public awareness efforts could be having an impact. "However, with over 200 incidents still recorded, its clear this remains a serious issue for farmers and land managers across Scotland. Dog owners should not take a dog, even if on a lead, into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals as there is real risk of causing stress, injury and even death to pregnant animals or young. "Farmers are proud of their livestock, and where animals have been killed it is devastating to have to start from scratch and try to build a flock back up. "The financial impact is also severe, particularly at a time when many farms are struggling to make ends meet. Police Scotland has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the issue as a top rural crime priority. Inspector Jordan Low, from the rural crime team said: It is essential that dog owners take responsibility by keeping their dogs on a lead and under control around livestock. "Ignoring this duty could lead to prosecution, with penalties of up to 40,000 or 12 months in prison. Those who act irresponsibly will face the consequences. Despite the decline, financial losses remain significant: livestock worth an estimated 102,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in Scotland in 2024. Although this is down from 123,000 in 2023, it remains 69% higher than the 2022 figure, according to NFU Mutual figures. Farmers are seen as the true champions of the British countryside by Generation Z, beating environmental campaigners, politicians, and even TV presenters. A new survey, unveiled today (20 May), found that nearly a third (32%) of 1827-year-olds believe farmers are the best representatives of rural Britain. This is far ahead of environmental activists (12%) and politicians (4%), according to ORB International, which undertook the polling for the Future Countryside conference. When it comes to celebrity champions of the countryside, David Attenborough topped the poll, with 37% of Gen Z naming him as the best-known figure to represent the rural landscape. Jeremy Clarkson, whose Amazon Prime series Clarksons Farm has proved a hit with younger viewers, came in second at 17%. Other public figures, including Chris Packham (5%), Amanda Owen (5%), and Clare Balding (4%), trailed behind. In terms of media influence, Gen Z chose Wild IslesDavid Attenboroughs acclaimed documentaryas the most accurate television portrayal of rural life (20%), followed by Clarksons Farm (12%) and the BBCs Countryfile (10%). The use of social media is also playing a significant role in shaping young peoples connection to the countryside. More than half (54%) of those surveyed said platforms such as TikTok and Instagram had influenced their decision to visit rural areas, with women (58%) more likely than men (50%) to be inspired by what they see online. The poll revealed that the most common motivations for visiting the countryside among young people include mental wellbeing (36%), connecting with nature (34%), and physical exercise (30%). Despite growing interest, young people still face notable obstacles when it comes to visiting rural areas. Chief among these were distance (73%), time constraints (70%), and transport costs (68%). When asked what roles they believe farmers should prioritise, young people pointed to animal welfare (42%), environmental stewardship (40%), and food production (37%) as top responsibilities. In contrast, rewilding (14%), chemical pesticide use (13%), and unsustainable consumer demand (9%) ranked lowest. The findings will be presented at the Future Countryside conference held at Chatsworth House today, with speakers including Tristram Hunt, former Defra Secretary Michael Gove, Professor Kathy Willis, and NFU President Tom Bradshaw. The event brings together leading voices from farming, conservation and policy to explore how to protect the countryside in a time of global change. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains were discovered near the farm of missing Irish farmer Michael Gaine. Irish police have arrested a man in his 50s in connection with the disappearance of Michael Gaine, a livestock farmer from County Kerry. The arrest follows the discovery of partial human remains in a slurry tank near Mr Gaines property, more than eight weeks after he was reported missing. Gardai confirmed on Saturday 18 May that forensic analysis would be carried out to confirm the identity of the remains. The 56-year-old was last seen on 20 March, and was reported missing the following day from his home in Carrig East, a remote area near the scenic Molls Gap. The case was initially treated as a missing persons inquiry, but was reclassified as a homicide investigation on 29 April. The suspect is currently in custody as officers continue detailed searches and technical examinations at the site near Mr Gaines farm. Last month, Mr Gaines wife, Janice, described her husbands disappearance as totally out of character, telling Irish broadcaster RTE: He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved animals. The community in Kenmare has been left in shock. Michael Healy-Rae, Independent TD for Kerry, said the town was struggling to come to terms with the situation. We want to know, and the family want to know, he told RTE. 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, we're all horrified. We're upset. It is not something that we're used to in any part of Ireland. "But in this locality, we never had a situation like this before. Gardai said further updates would follow as the investigation progresses. TAIPEI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innodisk, a leading global provider of industrial AI solutions, reaffirmed its pioneering position by showcasing its latest innovations at COMPUTEX 2025 in Taipei. This year, Innodisk's live demonstrations spotlighted its optimized AI systems-including the APEX series-and computing solutions built on NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm Technologies solutions. These were seamlessly integrated with Innodisk's comprehensive portfolio of embedded solutions, such as camera modules, AI memory modules, flash storage, and peripherals. The smooth integration across heterogeneous platforms reflects Innodisk's robust R&D capabilities and brings real-world applications to enterprise workloads, industrial deployments, and smart city infrastructure. The highlight of this year's exhibition is Innodisk's enterprise on-premise private LLM solution, powered by the APEX-X100-an AI computing platform purpose-built for local AI training and paired with the AccelBrain software tool. Also taking the spotlight is the APEX-S100 short-depth server. Housed in a compact 2U, 420mm-depth chassis, it supports up to two double-width GPUs and multiple memory expansion slots, delivering exceptional performance suited for large-scale data analytics. Recognizing the pivotal role of camera modules in AI machine vision, Innodisk has expanded its embedded camera module lineup and built a specialized team to support it. The lineup now includes mainstream specifications such as USB, MIPI, and GMSL2-all supported by highly customized drivers and adaptor boards. This demonstrates broad platform compatibility, from Raspberry Pi and industrial computers to AI servers. At Computex, Innodisk is also working closely with Advantech's iMobility & Rugged Edge AI Division showcasing the integration of 16 virtual channels of GMSL2 camera modules on Advantech's TREK-50N and REX-52N edge AI systems. This joint demonstration highlighted applications for heavy-duty environments, such as synchronized video capture around large vehicles and real-time driver behavior monitoring-contributing to enhanced workplace safety. As part of its ongoing collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Innodisk showcased its enhanced platform integration capabilities with a live demo of a Smart Parking Recognition and Security Solution. Powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ9, the system utilizes an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to efficiently handle multi-modal AI workloads, including Vision Language Models (VLM) and Generative AI. The NPU enables high-throughput, low-latency inference directly at the edge-crucial for real-time tasks like vehicle identification (make, model, color) and behavior tracking. With support for expandable camera modules and fully local processing, the solution delivers fast, cloud-independent decision-making, making it ideal for smart city deployments where responsiveness and security features are paramount. In parallel, Innodisk is offering an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 reference kit featuring its compatibility of Innodisk exclusive MIPI-over-Type C camera, DRAM modules, SSDs, and additional expansion options-highlighting the partnership between Intel and Innodisk as an ideal choice for industry players looking to adopt next-generation computing platforms and lead in the AI era. Furthermore, Innodisk continues to strengthen its technical expertise in memory and storage solutions. This year's product lineup features market-ready LPDDR5X CAMM2 and DDR5 MRDIMM modules, alongside a comprehensive range of PCIe Gen5 SSDs, including U.2 and EDSFF form factors such as E3.L, E3.S, and E1.S while compliant with the OCP SSD 2.0 specification, making it ideal for enterprise environments, AI servers, and data centers. Experience more exciting and innovative AI solutions at Computex 2025, Booth No. J0118, located on the 1st floor of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1. *Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm and Qualcomm Dragonwing are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690385/Press_Photo_Innodisk_Computex_2025.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/innodisk-at-computex-2025-driving-edge-ai-and-embedded-vision-with-heterogeneous-platform-compatibility-302458906.html Enterprise-optimized reference architectures for accelerated AI infrastructure solutions TAIPEI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ASUS today announced at Computex 2025 that it is pioneering the next wave of intelligent infrastructure with the launch of the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, featuring advanced ASUS AI POD designs with optimized reference architectures. These solutions are available as NVIDIA-Certified Systems across NVIDIA Grace Blackwell, HGX, and MGX platforms, supporting both air-cooled and liquid-cooled data centers. Engineered to accelerate agentic AI adoption at every scale, these innovations deliver unmatched scalability, performance, and thermal efficiency, making them the ultimate choice for enterprises seeking to deploy AI at unprecedented speed and scale. NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory with ASUS AI POD The validated NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory with ASUS AI POD design provides guidance for developing, deploying, and managing agentic AI, physical AI, and HPC workloads on the NVIDIA Blackwell platform on-premises. Designed for enterprise IT, it provides accelerated computing, networking, storage, and software to help deliver faster time-to-value AI factory deployments while mitigating deployment risks. Below are the reference architecture designs that help clients use approved practices, acting as a knowledge repository and a standardized framework for diverse applications. For massive-scale computing, the advanced ASUS AI POD, accelerated by NVIDIA GB200/GB300 NVL72 racks and incorporating NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand or NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platforms, features liquid cooling to enable a non-blocking 576-GPU cluster across eight racks, or an air-cooled solution to support one rack with 72 GPUs. This ultra-dense, ultra-efficient architecture redefines AI reasoning computing performance and efficiency. AI-ready racks: Scalable power for LLMs and immersive workloads ASUS presents NVIDIA MGX-compliant rack designs with ESC8000 series featuring dual Intel Xeon 6 processors and RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition with the latest NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC - supporting speeds of up to 800Gb/s or other scalable configurations - delivering exceptional expandability and performance for state-of-the-art AI workloads. Integration with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform provides highly-scalable, full-stack server solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern computing. In addition, NVIDIA HGX reference architecture optimized by ASUS delivers unmatched efficiency, thermal management, and GPU density for accelerated AI fine-tuning, LLM inference, and training. Built on the ASUS XA NB3I-E12 with NVIDIA HGX B300 or ESC NB8-E11 embedded with NVIDIA HGX B200, this centralized rack solution offers unmatched manufacturing capacity for liquid-cooled or air-cooled rack systems, ensuring timely delivery, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and consistent performance. Engineered for the AI Factory, enabling next-gen agentic AI Integrated with NVIDIA's agentic AI showcase, ASUS infrastructure supports autonomous decision-making AI, featuring real-time learning, and scalable AI agents for business applications across industries. As a global leader in AI infrastructure solutions, ASUS provides complete data center excellence with both air- and liquid-cooled options - delivering unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. We also deliver ultra-high-speed networking, cabling and storage rack architecture designs with NVIDIA-certified storage, RS501A-E12-RS12U as well as the VS320D series to ensure seamless scalability for AI/HPC applications. Additionally, advanced SLURM-based workload scheduling and NVIDIA UFM fabric management for NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand networks optimize resource utilization, while the WEKA Parallel File System and ASUS ProGuard SAN Storage provide high-speed, scalable data handling. ASUS also provides a comprehensive software platform and services, including ASUS Control Center (Data Center Edition) and ASUS Infrastructure Deployment Center (AIDC), ensuring seamless development, orchestration, and deployment of AI models. ASUS L11/L12-validated solutions empower enterprises to deploy AI at scale with confidence through world-class deployment and support. From design to deployment, ASUS is the trusted partner for next-generation AI Factory innovation. Availability & Pricing ASUS servers are available worldwide. Please visit https://servers.asus.com for more ASUS infrastructure solutions or please contact your local ASUS representative for further information. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690810/ASUS.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/asus-announces-advanced-ai-pod-design-built-with-nvidia-at-computex-2025-302459706.html TAIPEI, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MSI, a global leader in high-performance server solutions, returns to COMPUTEX 2025 (Booth J0506) with its most comprehensive lineup yet. Showcasing rack-level integration, modular cloud infrastructure, AI-optimized GPU systems, and enterprise server platforms, MSI presents fully integrated EIA, OCP ORv3, and NVIDIA MGX racks, DC-MHS-based Core Compute servers, and the new NVIDIA DGX Station. Together, these systems underscore MSI's growing capability to deliver deployment-ready, workload-tuned infrastructure across hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise environments. "The future of data infrastructure is modular, open, and workload-optimized," said Danny Hsu, General Manager of MSI's Enterprise Platform Solutions. "At COMPUTEX 2025, we're showing how MSI is evolving into a full-stack server provider, delivering integrated platforms that help our customers scale AI, cloud, and enterprise deployments with greater efficiency and flexibility." Full-Rack Integration from Cloud to AI Data Centers MSI demonstrates its rack-level integration expertise with fully configured EIA 19", OCP ORv3 21", and AI rack powered by NVIDIA MGX, engineered to power modern infrastructure, from cloud-native compute to AI-optimized deployments. Pre-integrated and thermally optimized, each rack is deployment-ready and tuned for specific workloads. Together, they highlight MSI's capability to deliver complete, workload-optimized infrastructure from design to deployment. The EIA rack delivers dense compute for private cloud and virtualization environments, integrating core infrastructure in a standard 19" format. The OCP ORv3 rack features a 21" open chassis, enabling higher compute and storage density, efficient 48V power delivery, and OpenBMC-compatible management, ideal for hyperscale and software-defined data centers. The enterprise AI rack with NVIDIA MGX, built on the NVIDIA Enterprise Reference Architecture, enables scalable GPU infrastructure for AI and HPC. Featuring modular units and high-throughput networking powered by NVIDIA Spectrum-X, it supports multi-node scalable unit deployments optimized for large-scale training, inference, and hybrid workloads. Core Compute and Open Compute Servers for Modular Cloud Infrastructure MSI expands its Core Compute lineup with six DC-MHS servers powered by AMD EPYC 9005 Series and Intel Xeon 6 processors in 2U4N and 2U2N configurations. Designed for scalable cloud deployments, the portfolio includes high-density nodes with liquid or air cooling and compact systems optimized for power and space efficiency. With support for OCP DC-SCM, PCIe 5.0, and DDR5 DRAM, these servers enable modular, cross-platform integration and simplified management across private, hybrid, and edge cloud environments. To further enhance Open Compute deployment flexibility, MSI introduces the CD281-S4051-X2, a 2OU 2-Node ORv3 Open Compute server based on DC-MHS architecture. Optimized for hyperscale cloud infrastructure, it supports a single AMD EPYC 9005 processor per node, offers high storage density with twelve E3.S NVMe bays per node, and integrates efficient 48V power delivery and OpenBMC-compatible management, making it ideal for software-defined and power-conscious cloud environments. AMD EPYC 9005 Series Processor-Based Platform for Dense Virtualization and Scale-Out Workloads CD270-S4051-X4 (Liquid Cooling) A liquid cooled 2U 4-Node server supporting up to 500W TDP. Each node features 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 2 U.2 NVMe drive bays, ideal for dense compute in thermally constrained cloud deployments. A liquid cooled 2U 4-Node server supporting up to 500W TDP. Each node features 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 2 U.2 NVMe drive bays, ideal for dense compute in thermally constrained cloud deployments. CD270-S4051-X4 (Air Cooling) This air-cooled 2U 4-Node system supports up to 400W TDP and delivers energy-efficient compute, with 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 3 U.2 NVMe bays per node. Designed for virtualization, container hosting, and private cloud clusters. This air-cooled 2U 4-Node system supports up to 400W TDP and delivers energy-efficient compute, with 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 3 U.2 NVMe bays per node. Designed for virtualization, container hosting, and private cloud clusters. CD270-S4051-X2 A 2U 2-Node server optimized for space efficiency and compute density. Each node includes 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 6 U.2 NVMe bays, making it suitable for general-purpose virtualization and edge cloud nodes. Intel Xeon 6 Processor-Based Platform for Containerized and General-Purpose Cloud Services CD270-S3061-X4 A 2U 4-Node Intel Xeon 6700/6500 server supporting 16 DDR5 DIMM slots and 3 U.2 NVMe bays per node. Ideal for containerized services and mixed cloud workloads requiring balanced compute density. A 2U 4-Node Intel Xeon 6700/6500 server supporting 16 DDR5 DIMM slots and 3 U.2 NVMe bays per node. Ideal for containerized services and mixed cloud workloads requiring balanced compute density. CD270-S3061-X2 This compact 2U 2-Node Intel Xeon 6700/6500 system features 16 DDR5 DIMM slots and 6 U.2 NVMe bays per node, delivering strong compute and storage capabilities for core infrastructure and scalable cloud services. This compact 2U 2-Node Intel Xeon 6700/6500 system features 16 DDR5 DIMM slots and 6 U.2 NVMe bays per node, delivering strong compute and storage capabilities for core infrastructure and scalable cloud services. CD270-S3071-X2 A 2U 2-Node Intel Xeon 6900 system designed for I/O-heavy workloads, with 12 DDR5 DIMM slots and 6 U.2 bays per node. Suitable for storage-centric applications and data-intensive applications in the cloud. AI Platforms with NVIDIA MGX & DGX Station for AI Deployment MSI presents a comprehensive lineup of AI-ready platforms, including NVIDIA MGX-based servers and the DGX Station built on NVIDIA Grace and Blackwell architecture. The MGX lineup spans 4U and 2U form factors optimized for high-density AI training and inference, while the DGX Station delivers datacenter-class performance in a desktop chassis for on-premises model development and edge AI deployment. AI Platforms with NVIDIA MGX CG480-S5063 (Intel) / CG480-S6053 (AMD) The 4U MGX GPU server is available in two CPU configurations, CG480-S5063 with dual Intel Xeon 6700/6500 processors, and CG480-S6053 with dual AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors, offering flexibility across CPU ecosystems. Both systems support up to 8 FHFL dual-width PCIe 5.0 GPUs in air-cooled datacenter environments, making them ideal for deep learning training, generative AI, and high-throughput inferencing. The Intel-based CG480-S5063 features 32 DDR5 DIMM slots and supports up to 20 front E1.S NVMe bays, ideal for memory- and I/O-intensive deep learning pipelines, including large-scale LLM workloads, NVIDIA OVX, and digital twin simulations. The 4U MGX GPU server is available in two CPU configurations, CG480-S5063 with dual Intel Xeon 6700/6500 processors, and CG480-S6053 with dual AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors, offering flexibility across CPU ecosystems. Both systems support up to 8 FHFL dual-width PCIe 5.0 GPUs in air-cooled datacenter environments, making them ideal for deep learning training, generative AI, and high-throughput inferencing. The Intel-based CG480-S5063 features 32 DDR5 DIMM slots and supports up to 20 front E1.S NVMe bays, ideal for memory- and I/O-intensive deep learning pipelines, including large-scale LLM workloads, NVIDIA OVX, and digital twin simulations. CG290-S3063 A compact 2U MGX server powered by a single Intel Xeon 6700/6500 processor, supporting 16 DDR5 DIMM slots and 4 FHFL dual-width GPU slots. Designed for edge inferencing and lightweight AI training, it suits space-constrained deployments where inference latency and power efficiency are key. DGX Station The CT60-S8060 is a high-performance AI station built on the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip, delivering up to 20 PFLOPS of AI performance and 784GB of unified memory. It also features the NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC, enabling up to 800Gb/s networking for high-speed data transfer and multi-node scaling. Designed for on-prem model training and inferencing, the system supports multi-user workloads and can operate as a standalone AI workstation or a centralized compute resource for R&D teams. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2688106/From_Rack_Integration_to_AI_and_Cloud_Systems_MSI_Debuts_Full_Spectrum_Server_Portfolio_at_COMPUTEX.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/from-rack-integration-to-ai-and-cloud-systems-msi-debuts-full-spectrum-server-portfolio-at-computex-2025-302456482.html Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! European DataWarehouse (EDW), Europe's first securitisation repository, today announced the opening of a new office in Bangalore, India. This strategic expansion underscores EDW's continued commitment to technological innovation and excellence in client service across global markets. The Bangalore office will serve as a center for IT operations, software development, and support for EDW's flagship platforms, EDITOR and EDVANCE. It will also enable round-the-clock service for clients operating in non-European time zones and bring previously outsourced IT services in-house-enhancing security, responsiveness, and development agility. The new office will be led by Gopala Sankaran, Chief Technology Officer at European DataWarehouse, who joined the company in 2014 and brings extensive expertise in global tech strategy and development. Dr. Christian Thun, CEO of European DataWarehouse, commented: "Establishing a presence in India is an important and exciting step for EDW. Bangalore is home to some of the world's best technology talent, and this expansion enables us to accelerate innovation while enhancing service for our clients across continents." Gopala Sankaran, CTO, added: "We're proud to deepen our global footprint with a vibrant new base in Bangalore. This office not only allows us to scale up development of our regulatory product portfolio but also to serve our clients more efficiently, no matter where they are in the world. It's a strong step forward in our mission to deliver reliable, forward-thinking solutions in the securitisation space and beyond." The Bangalore team will play a key role in supporting European DataWarehouse's growing global user base and driving the evolution of its technology platform in a dynamic financial landscape. The establishment of the Bangalore office marks a significant milestone in European DataWarehouse's international expansion. It becomes the company's third operational location, complementing its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, and the London office, which opened in 2018 to support operations of EDW's UK subsidiary, European DataWarehouse Ltd. About European DataWarehouse GmbH European DataWarehouse (EDW) is a designated Securitisation Repository, authorised by both the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Established in 2012, EDW was the first repository of its kind in Europe, created to improve transparency and support due diligence in the asset-backed securities (ABS) market. EDW collects, validates, and provides access to standardised loan-level data and related documentation for ABS transactions and private whole loan portfolios. By serving as a central data hub, EDW enables investors, issuers, and regulators to efficiently analyse and compare portfolios, fostering greater trust and efficiency in the securitisation ecosystem. To learn more or stay up to date with our latest insights and developments, visit www.eurodw.eu www.eurodw.co.uk or follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519115304/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: European DataWarehouse GmbH Diane Vogelpohl Marketing Communications Manager Tel. 49 (0) 69 50986 9326 Email: diane.vogelpohl@eurodw.eu MIAMI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enfinity Global Inc., a leader in renewable energy, today announced the successful closing of an up to 100 million bond facility to support the deployment of its energy storage and solar PV projects across Europe. The facility is being provided by Eiffel Investment Group, an independent asset manager focused on sustainable investments, through four of its investment vehicles. This transaction marks a significant milestone, that underscores the platform's quality for investors and Enfinity's execution capabilities. It is also the company's first financing of its battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio in Europe, where it is developing a 6.4 GW BESS pipeline-including 5.1 GW in Italy and 1.3 GW in the UK. Energy storage is a key component of Enfinity's strategy to deliver 24/7 renewable energy solutions to corporate and industrial customers while contributing to grid resilience. "We are thankful to Eiffel Investment Group for supporting the growth of our Italian platform," said Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global. "The future of competitive low carbon energy solutions relies on innovation of technologies and financings supported by market leaders," he added. "We are proud to support Enfinity Global in its growth," said Pierre-Antoine Machelon, head of Infrastructure Funds at Eiffel Investment Group. "Building a long-term relationship while structuring a tailor-made financing is at the heart of Eiffel DNA. This transaction highlights our commitment to providing financial solutions to accelerate the decarbonization in Europe." Enfinity Global's has currently secured 865 million for Europe through multiple junior and senior debt agreements. The Company ranks among Italy's top 10 independent power producers (IPP) by installed capacity, with 232 MW operational, 538 MW under construction, and 805 MW of approved solar capacity. Enfinity also leads Italy's solar PPA market, having signed one-third of all the new capacity contracted in 2024[1]. "Enfinity Global continues to expand its renewable energy footprint, leveraging our expertise to accelerate the clean energy transition while delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions for the European market," commented Julio Fournier Fisas, General Manager of Enfinity Global for Europe. "We appreciate partners like Eiffel Investment Group who share our vision for the future of energy." "We are very happy to accompany top performing companies like Enfinity," commented Jean-Charles Arrago, head of Eiffel Infrastructure debt strategy. "With this facility, we are able to accelerate the rollout of a 24/7 renewable electricity production capacity in Italy." [1] Elemens Dev & Deals 2024 Report and Elemens Lookout Q1 2025. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1907378/5325747/Enfinity_Global_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/enfinity-global-closes-100-million-bond-with-eiffel-to-accelerate-energy-storage-and-solar-pv-projects-in-europe-302459410.html Growth in dedicated sample stability facilities at Tramore (Ireland) site to meet demand for flexible, regulatory-compliant storage solutions Astoriom, a global leader in the R&D sample stability and biorepository storage industry, today announced that it has expanded the stability storage capabilities at its Tramore site in Ireland to meet demand for scalable, flexible, regulatory-compliant storage solutions from -60C to -196C and ICH (International Council for Harmonisation) temperature-controlled stability conditions. The additional capacity will help to ensure greater storage availability, and continuous access to a full suite of controlled environmental conditions to support time-sensitive R&D and regulatory studies. Astoriom launched its expanded dedicated cryogenic storage suite in Tramore last year. This investment complements the acquisitions of Nottingham-based MTS Cryo Stores and Cool Repair Scientific UK, and Flagship Biosciences' North Carolina biorepository operations. These additional storage capabilities demonstrate the company's dedication to expanding its future-ready and integrated global solutions for stability storage and biorepository services. The Tramore facility complies with the highest industry standards, including ISO 9001 certifications, ensuring adherence to global regulatory requirements. It currently provides stability storage at precise temperature ranges for the safe preservation of samples for biopharmaceutical companies, biotechs, CROs/CDMOs, research institutions, medical device providers, and biobanks. This expansion enhances Astoriom's leadership in stability storage, biorepository services, disaster recovery, and validation. Lori A. Ball, CEO, Astoriom, said: "With over 30 years' experience, Astoriom has established itself as a trusted partner for safeguarding samples globally, operating state-of-the-art facilities in the US, UK, and Ireland. This expansion strengthens our global footprint and continues to serve the evolving needs of our R&D customers who are seeking high-quality, scalable, and regulatory-ready environments." For more information about the Astoriom's storage solutions, meet the team at CPHI Americas, 20-22 May in Philadelphia, PA (Booth 541) or visit: https://www.astoriom.com/service/sample-storage-solutions/sample-stability-storage-solutions/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520077610/en/ Contacts: Please contact Codon Communications for high-resolution images. Codon Communications Dr Michelle Ricketts Tel: +447789053885 Email: michelle.ricketts@codoncommunications.com The annual rankings highlight hotels that have gone above and beyond in securing group business, and the destinations that are driving economic growth through a strategic focus on meetings and events Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, today unveiled its 2025 rankings of Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels globally. Cvent's rankings have become indispensable for event planners, highlighting top-of-the-line cities, hotels, and venues for all their event needs. The annual lists are issued regionally for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East Africa, and for the first time this year, Latin America Caribbean. Cvent also unveiled a new Top Lists category, the Top Venues and Vendors, which analyzes data from the Cvent Vendor Marketplace. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520503561/en/ The destination and hotel rankings are determined based on insights gleaned from the more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest group hotel and venue sourcing marketplaces. The unparalleled volume of business sourced in 2024 underscores the high demand for quality, in-person touchpoints. Despite a dip in planner optimism due to macroeconomic uncertainty and rising costs, nearly 70% of planners are actively booking or sourcing new events and 63% see events as more valuable than they were pre-pandemic (Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, March 2025). This trend is further supported by Cvent's 2025 Planner Sourcing Report, which found that nearly 90% of planners expect the number of in-person meetings to increase in 2025. Cvent Top Meeting Destinations North America Orlando, FL once again claimed the top spot, followed by Las Vegas, NV (#2), and Chicago (#3), which rose three spots from last year. Atlanta, GA also moved upwards, rising two spots to #6 on this year's list. Washington D.C. was the blowout addition to the Top 10 this year, moving up ten places to claim the #8 spot. Top 10 Meeting Destinations 1. Orlando, FL 2. Las Vegas, NV 3. Chicago, IL 4. Nashville, TN 5. Atlanta, GA 6. Dallas, TX 7. San Diego, CA 8. Washington, D.C. 9. Phoenix, AZ 10. Denver, CO "Since 2015, Orlando has earned Cvent's top recognition, showing our dedication to the meetings and conventions industry. We are a community focused on providing exceptional service and strategic alignment with our customers' strategic goals," said Casandra Matej, president CEO, Visit Orlando. "With the upcoming expansion of the Orange County Convention Center and the regular additions of new and upgraded hotels and resorts, Orlando's commitment to innovation will continue to strengthen our leadership as a meetings destination. Having a partner like Cvent that offers efficiency-driving technologies designed for both the buyer and supplier helps us keep Orlando at the top of planners' minds when they are sourcing locations for their meetings and events." "Cvent's recognition of Atlanta as a top five meeting destination in North America underscores our commitment to truly exceptional experiences," said Charlene Lopez, executive vice president and chief sales officer, Atlanta Convention Visitors Bureau. "Our collaboration with Cvent allows us to extend the reach and impact of events, showcasing our strong sense of community, world-class venues, vibrant dining scene, extensive hotel portfolio and must-see attractions." "We're honored that Phoenix has been named one of Cvent's Top Meeting Destinations in North America," said Ron Price, president CEO of Visit Phoenix. "Group business is vital to our local community-supporting jobs, small businesses, and our city's overall economic health. Meeting planners consistently choose Phoenix for its unmatched blend of natural beauty and urban energy. The Sonoran Desert isn't just a backdrop-it's an essential part of the Phoenix experience, offering a stunning contrast to our modern downtown, world-class resorts, and dynamic culinary and cultural scene. Cvent's technology has played a key role in helping us share that story with planners, engage new audiences, and drive meaningful group business that continues to elevate Phoenix as a premier destination for meetings and events." Cvent Top Meeting Hotels North America Each of the Top 10 hotels has a proven track record of swift RFP responses, prioritizing planner collaboration and offering curated group experiences. Notably, the top four hotels are all located in Nashville, TN, with the Renaissance Nashville Hotel being named #1. JW Marriott Nashville took second place, and the Grand Hyatt Nashville hotel rounded out the Top 3. With easy accessibility and diverse accommodations, Nashville is an especially attractive location for hosting unique meetings and events and area hotels have found success in capitalizing on this demand. Cvent will host its industry and user conference, Cvent CONNECT, in Nashville for the first time in 2026. Austin, TX, was also prominently featured on the list, with JW Marriott Austin (#5) and Fairmont Austin (#6) placing in the Top 10. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas moved up seven spots to #7, and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes rose forty-six spots to complete the Top 10. Top 10 Meeting Hotels 1. Renaissance Nashville Hotel 2. JW Marriott Nashville 3. Grand Hyatt Nashville 4. Omni Nashville Hotel 5. JW Marriott Austin 6. Fairmont Austin 7. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas 8. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 9. The Westin Kierland Resort Spa 10. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes "The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is honored to be named the #1 Top Meeting Hotel in North America by Cvent," said Maria Himebaugh, general manager. "This accolade is a testament to our commitment to excellence and to creating extraordinary experiences for our guests and meeting planners. Thank you to our dedicated team and valued clients for making this achievement possible. Our reimagined meeting space is carefully designed to foster networking and collaboration and leave guests inspired. Located steps from the new Nashville Yards development and with a direct connection to the exciting Fifth Broadway complex, our prime location is truly in the heart of Music City." "We're incredibly proud to once again be recognized as one of the top meeting hotels in North America," said Tod Roadarmel, area director of sales marketing at the Omni Nashville Hotel. "As a premier convention hotel, we're committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all meetings and event attendees-infused with the warm, genuine Southern hospitality that defines us here in Music City. The Cvent platform continues to be an invaluable tool in our industry and remains our #1 resource for connecting seamlessly and responding promptly to RFPs from past, present, and future clients." "Being recognized as one of the Top 10 Meeting Hotels in North America, and number one in Las Vegas, is a testament to the pride and dedication our team brings to every event," said Tony Yousfi, chief sales officer for The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. "Meetings are about building relationships, and it's our team that makes the difference. Cvent plays a role in that, enhancing visibility and efficiency. This recognition comes at a pivotal time as we near the completion of a $1.5 billion reinvestment in the resort, including a $188 million transformation of our convention center, emphasizing our commitment to delivering not only exceptional service but also innovative and inspiring spaces. Our goal has always been to lead the industry and this honor affirms that we are continuing to set the standard for meetings in Las Vegas around the world." View the full list of Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels worldwide here. Methodology For Cvent Top Meeting Destinations, Cvent evaluated 14,000+ cities worldwide listed on the Cvent Supplier Network. Activity was tracked between January 2024 and December 2024. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria, including: the number of total room nights booked through the Cvent Supplier Network; the number of unique electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) sent through the marketplace to venues within the city; the total value of the RFPs submitted; and the actual awarded value for meetings booked. For Cvent Top Meeting Hotels, Cvent evaluated hotel properties that generated business through the Cvent Supplier Network between January 2024 and December 2024. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, including total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area market share, conversion rate, and response rate. The criteria are designed to accurately reflect the top meeting hotels in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. About the Cvent Supplier Network The Cvent Supplier Network features more than 340,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, serving as one of the world's largest and most accurate databases of detailed venue information. Event planners sourced more than $18 billion of group business through Cvent's sourcing networks in 2024 alone. The Cvent Supplier Network is part of Cvent's suite of solutions that tens of thousands of hotels, CVBs and destination management organizations rely on to reach more planners, attract group business to their properties destinations, and directly engage with Cvent's global network of more than 145,000 event professionals. Cvent technology enables hotels and venues to efficiently manage their group and corporate travel business, increase revenue, and deliver more profitable results. About Cvent Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,000+ employees and 24,000+ customers worldwide as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Hotels and venues use Cvent's supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent's sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimize the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit cvent.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520503561/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Cvent Sloane PR, on behalf of Cvent Email: cvent@sloanepr.com Erica Stoltenberg Email: estoltenberg@cvent.com LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny's Chop Shop, the brand synonymous with cutting-edge male grooming, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: Volume & Texture Powder. Developed by pro barbers, this fast-acting, volume-building powder is designed for guys with straight or wavy hair looking to add instant lift and texture with zero fuss. And just in time - because the results are in... according to a recent Johnny's Chop Shop survey of men aged 18-25*, the Textured Crop, aka 'TikTok Hair', as seen on Noah Beck, Bryce Hall, and other Gen Z icons, has been crowned the UK's most desired hairstyle. This in-demand cut is all about effortless volume and natural texture-which is why Johnny's Chop Shop has created the perfect styling companion: Volume & Texture Powder. With men ranking texture as the second most desired hair benefit, according to a recent Mintel study, Johnny's Chop Shop has crafted a lightweight, high-performance powder that helps to deliver instant body, grip, and definition. Tried, tested, and developed by master barbers, Volume & Texture Powder gets the job done with a lightweight feel and minimal effort required. For a quick styling boost before heading out, and a matte finish that looks natural yet effortlessly cool, this is the hair powder for you. Elliot Forbes, Johnny's Chop Shop's resident master barber and brand ambassador, commented: "The Textured Crop is dominating men's grooming trends right now, and achieving that effortlessly styled, natural texture has never been easier. Volume & Texture Powder is the perfect tool for guys who want to add instant lift and definition without any fuss. It's lightweight, versatile, and, most importantly, barber-approved." Johnny's Chop Shop has built its reputation on authentic, pro-quality grooming products, inspired by its cult barbershops in London and New York. With over 250K TikTok followers, the brand has the UK's biggest male grooming presence on the platform, liked by millions for expert styling tips and product innovations. Where to Buy: Volume & Texture Powder is launching exclusively in Boots & Sainsbury's-making it easier than ever to get barbershop-level results from home, priced at 7.95. Website: www.johnnys-chopshop.com TikTok: @johnnyschopshopbarbers JohnnyChopShop EffortlessVolume InstantTexture TikTokHair TexturedCrop *Attest Survey 300 people March 2025 About JOHNNY'S CHOP SHOP Here at Johnny's Chop Shop, we're on a mission to give fashion conscious guys the right products and 'know-how' to sharpen up their look and feel top of their game. Our pro-quality hair styling and grooming product range was born straight out of our cult barbershops in London and New York, where our master barber talent have been serving up slick cuts and epic fades since 2016, alongside bringing their knowledge to YouTube and TikTok, so that guys everywhere can get expert advice on how to look and feel their best. Our expert barbers inspire every product that carries our name, each one meticulously crafted in collaboration with them for precision, authenticity, and attitude. We're a cut above the rest, and we intend to keep it that way. As specialists in male grooming Johnny's Chop Shop has long demonstrated its reputation in bringing the best products to the market, including its iconic number-one selling sea salt spray Trigger Happy, the innovative instant texturizing spray Builders Dust and the widely acclaimed hair clay Wild Cat. Our resident master barber and brand ambassador, Elliot Forbes, joined the brand in 2021 and continues to be the go-to source for men on all their grooming questions with over 11.5 million followers on social media. And we are proud that Johnny's Chop Shop, as the UKs biggest male grooming brand on TikTok with over 250K followers and our content saved and liked by millions, continues to give guys that extra confidence boost, by giving them the best hints and tips for styling their hair. The Johnny's Chop Shop range is available in over 1,000 Boots stores, Sainsburys, Amazon, ASOS and on TikTok shop in the UK and available internationally in Muller, Watsons, Farmers, Indie Pharmacies and many more. Johnny's Chop Shop was launched in 2016 by SLG Brands, a global beauty brand owner and incubation platform partner who has developed and launched some of the most exciting, vibrant and authentic beauty brands available around the world; consistently demonstrating their capabilities as agile, quick movers to consumer movements, trend and changing technologies. www.johnnys-chopshop.com https://www.tiktok.com/@johnnyschopshopbarbers Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690748/JCS_Texture_Powder.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690747/JCS_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/johnnys-chop-shop-unveils-volume--texture-powder--the-ultimate-styling-hack-for-the-uks-most-wanted-haircut-302460179.html CHANGSHA, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion"; 1157.HK) has wrapped up a blockbuster exhibition at the 4th Changsha International Construction Equipment Exhibition (CICEE 2025) which was held from May 15 to 18 in Changsha, China. At CICEE 2025, Zoomlion showcased over 100 units of advanced equipment from nine major product categories including hoisting, concrete, earthmoving, mining, aerial work, emergency equipment and more as well as groundbreaking solutions, leading the industry to a new peak of high-end, intelligent and green development. Zoomlion Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin attended multiple high-level activities during the exhibition and accompanied a delegation of African envoys to China to tour the company's exhibition zone, where he introduced the company's technological breakthroughs in high-end, intelligent, and sustainable development. As the CICEE 2025 opened, Zoomlion celebrated the delivery of three units of the 4,000-ton ZAT40000H, the world's largest tonnage all-terrain crane, which is Zoomlion's record-breaking benchmark creation leading the industry sector into a new era of mega tonnage. It's widely recognized in the market for strong lifting performance, flexible driving and site transfer, convenient and efficient operation, and addressing the exact pain points of wind turbine installation and construction. On May 17, Zoomlion also unveiled another world record - the world's tallest 216-meter wind energy luffing tower crane LW2800A-200NA, specially developed for ultra-height wind power projects. With outstanding lifting capability, low site requirements, high efficiency, strong wind resistance, and ease of transport and dismantling, the crane is well suited to diverse terrains, including farmlands, hills, swamps, and plateaus. Zoomlion also hosted a new product launch event for its intelligent mining machinery portfolio, revealing 23 models including mining excavators, mining trucks, loaders, bulldozers and crushing and screening equipment as well as 15 premium large-scale, electrified, unmanned mining products, all developed in response to the industry's growing demand for large-scale and high-efficiency mining machinery. Key products include the world's largest 300-ton hybrid electric dump truck, the industry-leading 400-ton super-large mining hydraulic excavator ZE4000G, and the world's first 100-ton mining wide-body dump truck. Zoomlion's equipment is widely used in construction projects worldwide, delivering stable performance and adaptability in challenging environments such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, and marine conditions. Looking ahead, the Company aims to accelerate the development of smarter, greener infrastructure across global markets. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691760/Zoomlion_s_Grand_Debut_at_2025_Changsha_International_Construction_Equipment_Exhibition_Anchors_Stro.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zoomlions-grand-debut-at-2025-changsha-international-construction-equipment-exhibition-anchors-strong-momentum-of-growth-302460267.html GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday. Hungary and China's Guangdong Province are deepening a strategic partnership rooted in mutual economic and technological interests. On May 16, Budapest hosted the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area-Hungary (Europe) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference," a pivotal event solidifying collaboration in the automotive, biomedicine, green technology, and ICT sectors. Dozens of agreements were signed during the conference, with government officials and industry leaders pledging to expand joint ventures and innovation. Deepened cooperation in strategic emerging industries "It will undoubtedly catalyze deeper cooperation in strategic emerging industries. In particular, the exchange is likely to emphasize sectors such as automotive, biomedical, green energy, smart technologies, and information and communication technologies," said Peter Varfi, Consul General of Hungary in Guangzhou, in an exclusive interview with GDToday. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship: "Guangdong is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in battery manufacturing and clean energy, areas where Hungary offers strong potential for collaboration."Hungary's EU gateway status, he noted, provides Guangdong firms access to European markets, while Hungary benefits from Guangdong's tech leadership. The conference followed a series of high-level exchanges, including a November 2024 visit to Guangdong by Laszlo Kover, Speaker of Hungary's National Assembly. These engagements, Varfi emphasized, reflect a "mutual commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation," anchored by Hungary's "Opening to the East Policy" and China's Belt and Road Initiative. "We can expect further strengthening of these relations, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges," he added. Hungary's appeal as an investment hub is underscored by data from the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA): 10.3 billion in new investments in 2024-marking the second consecutive year exceeding 10 billion-with China contributing 5.28 billion (51% of the total). Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) and battery giants like CATL and BYD have been central to this growth. Kover stressed that Hungary's "strategic location within the European Union" and competitive costs make it a "conducive environment" for Guangdong firms eyeing Europe. "We can expect further strengthening of these relations, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges," he added. "Hungary's diplomatic presence in Guangzhou and the increasing frequency of visits underscore the importance both countries place on this relationship." Kovernoted that Hungary's strategic location within the European Union, along with its competitive investment climate, has made it an attractive destination for Guangdong-based enterprises. As the first European country to sign a BRI cooperation MOU with China, Hungary offers Guangdong businesses access to the European market while providing an environment conducive to growth with lower operating costs compared to other EU member states. Cultural exchanges lead to closer people-to-people ties Beyond economics, cultural ties are flourishing. On the sidelines of the conference, Guangdong's Xinghai Conservatory of Music performed at Budapest's Hungexpo. "This transnational musical dialogue not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Guangdong but also provides a platform for showcasing the universality of music in bridging cultural divides," Varfi remarked. Enhanced by China's 2025 visa-free policy for Hungarians and direct flights between Guangzhou and Budapest, people-to-people exchanges are surging. "These initiatives are expected to foster closer ties in tourism, education, and cultural exchanges," Varfi stated. "With such initiatives, we anticipate an increase in student exchanges, business cooperation, and a greater mutual understanding between Hungarian and Chinese citizens." As Hungary cements its role as a Central European hub for Chinese engagement, the partnership-spanning trade, tech, and culture-exemplifies how middle powers are navigating a fragmented global order. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690594/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690595/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690596/3.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hungarys-strategic-location-offers-guangdong-firms-access-to-eu-markets-consul-general-302460275.html EQS-News: 4finance S.A. / Key word(s): Quarterly / Interim Statement 4FINANCE HOLDING S.A. REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING 31 MARCH 2025 (news with additional features) 20.05.2025 / 11:50 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 4FINANCE HOLDING S.A. REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING 31 MARCH 2025 Strong start to the year: net profit of 14.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA of 43.0 million Robust balance sheet and cash position Definitive agreement to sell TBI Bank - subject to customary regulatory approvals 20 May 2025. 4finance Holding S.A. (the 'Group' or '4finance'), one of Europe's largest digital consumer lending groups, today announces unaudited consolidated results for the three months ending 31 March 2025 (the 'Period'). Operational highlights In April 2025, the Group's online loan issuance since inception surpassed the 11 billion milestone. Online loan issuance volume remained resilient at 127.5 million in the Period, slightly below prior-year levels (138.6 million in Q1 2024), consistent with a focus on credit quality and sustainable profitability. New markets: continuing with deliberate step-by-step approach. Progress in the UK joint venture (ondal.co.uk) is developing as expected, with lending volumes growing at a moderate pace in the Period; the Mexican business (kimbi.mx) remains in the development phase, with a continued focus on risk management. Launch of pilot operations in Georgia in February 2025, further diversifying product offering with auto loans. TBI Bank loan issuance increased by 20% year-on-year to 301.8 million in the Period, compared with 251.4 million in the prior year period. Financial Highlights Interest income up 13% year-on-year to 117.7 million in the Period, compared with 103.9 million in Q1 2024. Cost to income ratio for the Period was 38.2%, an improvement from 43.3% in the prior year period. Cost discipline and operational efficiency remain a focus for the business. Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the Period amounted to 43.0 million, up 23% year-on-year, delivering 37% Adjusted EBITDA margin. Online Adjusted EBITDA increased by 23% year-on-year to 12.7 million for the Period. The interest coverage ratio as of the date of this report is 2.1x. Group's net profit for the Period was up 53% year-on-year to 14.6 million. Online net profit increased by 17% year-on-year to 3.1 million for the Period. Fundamental asset quality indicators at product level remain broadly stable. Group's net impairment charges of 45.5 million in the Period reflect the larger portfolio. Overall cost of risk at 12.2% for Q1 2025, an improvement from 13.4% in the prior year period. Net receivables up 2% to 1,347.2 million as of 31 March 2025, compared with 1,315.9 million as at year end 2024. Overall gross NPL ratio at 9.7% as of 31 March 2025 (13.4% for online), compared with 9.6% as of 31 December 2024 (12.4% for online). TBI NPL ratio stable at 9.2% as of 31 March 2025 (unchanged from year-end 2024). Liquidity and funding Robust liquidity position, with 73.3 million of cash in the online business at the end of the Period. In April 2025, the Group announced the sale of TBI Bank, which is pending regulatory approvals and expected to close in Q4 2025. Kieran Donnelly, CEO of 4finance, commented: "We've had a strong start to the year, with net profit up 53% year-on-year to 15 million and Adjusted EBITDA up 23% year-on-year to 43 million in Q1 2025. The demand for credit remains robust, and we continue to prioritise credit quality over volumes. "Selling TBI Bank will enhance our strategic focus on expanding our Online business and provides financial flexibility to reshape our capital structure." Contacts Contact: James Etherington, Group Chief Financial Officer / Liene Kugeniece, IR & Finance Manager Email: james.etherington@4finance.com / investor_relations@4finance.com / liene.kugeniece@4finance.com Website: www.4finance.com Additional features: File: 4finance report on Q1 2025 results 20.05.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Cerrado Gold Inc. ("Cerrado") (TSXV:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF) and Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX:ASND)(OTCQB:ASND) ("Ascendant" or the "Company") are pleased to announce the successful completion of the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) pursuant to which Cerrado has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Ascendant ("Ascendant Shares") that it did not already own. The Arrangement was carried out pursuant to the terms of the arrangement agreement between Ascendant and Cerrado dated February 3, 2025, as amended, (the "Arrangement Agreement") and became effective on May 16, 2025, resulting in Ascendant becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Cerrado. Pursuant to the Arrangement, each former shareholder of Ascendant, other than Cerrado, is entitled to receive 1/7.8th of a common share in the capital of Cerrado (the "Consideration"). Further in connection with the Arrangement, the holders of options that were outstanding at the effective time of the Arrangement received replacement options of Cerrado that are exercisable for Cerrado shares as adjusted by the Exchange Ratio. In addition, holders of warrants of Ascendant will receive replacement warrants of Cerrado that will be exercisable for Cerrado shares as adjusted by the Exchange Ratio. Cerrado has issued 27,721,684 common shares, 4,903,822 replacement options and 1,730,601 replacement warrants to holders of Ascendant securities in connection with the Arrangement. Cerrado now has 132,753,478 common shares issued and outstanding on an undiluted basis. In order to receive the Consideration in exchange for their Ascendant shares, registered Ascendant shareholders are reminded that they must complete, execute and submit the letter of transmittal (a copy of which was included in the meeting materials previously mailed to Ascendant shareholders) to TSX Trust Company, in its capacity as depositary under the Arrangement, together with their certificate(s) or DRS advice(s) representing their Ascendant shares, in accordance with the tender procedures described in the Circular (as defined below) and the letter of transmittal. Registered shareholders are encouraged to tender their Ascendant shares as soon as possible in exchange for the Consideration. For any questions about completing the letter of transmittal in connection with the Arrangement, please contact TSX Trust Company at 416-342-1091 or by email at tsxtis@tmx.com. Beneficial shareholders should contact their intermediary and arrange for the intermediary to complete the necessary steps to ensure they receive the Consideration for their Ascendant shares as soon as possible following the completion of the Arrangement. Following completion of the Arrangement, the Ascendant Shares are expected to be de-listed from the TSX as soon as reasonably practicable, currently anticipated on or about May 21, 2025. In connection therewith, Ascendant intends to submit an application to the applicable securities regulators to cease to be a reporting issuer and to terminate its public reporting obligations. In connection with the Arrangement, Rui Santos, a long-standing director of Ascendant has been appointed to the board of directors of Cerrado. Mr. Santos is a lawyer widely regarded as a leading authority in the mining sector in Portugal. Mr. Santos has spent over 25 years representing/assisting domestic and international corporations in negotiations and disputes with the State regarding land acquisitions, exploration, extraction and environmental licenses, for both the mining and oil and gas industries in Portugal, Angola, Brazil and East Timor. Most notably, he was the legal advisor for major privatization transaction regarding the acquisition of Somincor by EuroZinc, which was acquired by Lundin Mining in 2006. Somincor is a Boliden subsidiary operating the large-scale Neves-Corvo mine in Portugal. Mr. Santos is a Partner of CRA - Coelho Ribeiro e Associados - Portuguese Law Firm, where he leads the firm's Arbitration and Mining practices. Mr. Santos is a member of the Portuguese Bar Association, the Brazilian Bar Association, the Lawyers' Association of the Republic of Timor-Leste and the Lawyers' Association of Macau. Mr. Santos is also a recognized author on arbitration and dispute resolution. Further details regarding the Arrangement are set out in Ascendant's management information circular dated April 3, 2025 (the "Circular"), which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under Ascendant's issuer profile. Advisors Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. acted as financial advisor to the special committee of Ascendant and Sotos LLP acted as legal counsel to Ascendant in connection with the Arrangement. WeirFoulds LLP acted as legal counsel to Cerrado in connection with the Arrangement. About Ascendant Resources Inc. Ascendant Resources is a Toronto-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession. Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant exploration and development opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential. Ascendant currently holds an 80% interest in the Lagoa Salgada project through its position in Redcorp - Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda. Ascendant's common shares are principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ASND". For more information on Ascendant, please visit our website at http://www.ascendantresources.com. Additional information relating to Ascendant is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. About Cerrado Gold Inc. Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. Cerrado is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing it's 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec. In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias Heap Leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff. In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of SDG goals. For more information about Cerrado please visit Cerrado's website at: www.cerradogold.com. Additional information relating to Cerrado is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. For further information regarding Cerrado or Ascendant, contact: Mark Brennan Mike McAllister Executive Chairman Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1-647-805-5662 mmcallister@ascendantresources.com Forward Looking Information This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business of Ascendant and Cerrado, statements and information concerning the Arrangement, statements concerning the issuance of Cerrado replacement options and warrants, the de-listing of Ascendant shares from the TSX, and the intention to obtain an order to cease being a reporting issuer in the applicable jurisdictions and terminate its public reporting requirements. In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Ascendant and Cerrado have made certain assumptions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the assumptions, plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Although Ascendant and Cerrado believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Ascendant and Cerrado disclaim any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Circular and under the heading "Risk Factors" in Ascendant's Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2025 and under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Ascendant's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and other risks identified in Cerrado's and Ascendant's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of Ascendant's or Cerrado's forward-looking information. The statements containing forward-looking information are based on the respective beliefs, expectations and opinions of management of the companies on the date the statements are made, and Ascendant and Cerrado do not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/cerrado-gold-and-ascendant-resources-announce-completion-of-business-combination-1028941 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! To mark the product launch, dataplor has released a new report revealing consumer patterns at top tourist attractions, underscoring the growing demand for reliable location intelligence beyond North America. dataplor, a leading provider of global location intelligence, has announced the launch of its global mobility product, delivering high-quality, privacy-compliant foot traffic data across international markets. Designed to meet growing demand from multinational businesses, the product offers monthly refreshed insights into consumer movement patterns across cities, regions, and points of interest (POIs), especially in previously under-mapped markets. It's one of the only global solutions built to deliver this depth of mobility data while maintaining General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance and end-user privacy. To showcase the power of its new global dataset, dataplor is releasing the Global Foot Traffic Trends: What the World's Most Visited Places Reveal About Tourism's Return report, which analyzes foot traffic at the world's most visited tourist attractions. The report highlights how mobility data reveals meaningful insights about international travel patterns and regional consumer behavior from Tokyo Disneyland to the Great Pyramid at Giza. "Global companies need the same level of location intelligence abroad that they've come to expect in the U.S.," said Geoff Michener, CEO of dataplor. "With our international mobility product, businesses can now access comprehensive, GDPR-compliant foot traffic data across both developed and emerging markets, helping them make smarter decisions about where to invest, expand, and serve customers." New Applications Across Regions and Industries With access to reliable mobility data across international markets, dataplor's global offering empowers organizations to: Uncover new revenue opportunities by identifying untapped sales channels, benchmarking competitor foot traffic, and forecasting demand to inform international expansion and investment decisions. by identifying untapped sales channels, benchmarking competitor foot traffic, and forecasting demand to inform international expansion and investment decisions. Enhance tourism and hospitality strategies by understanding how international visitors move through major cities, landmarks, and cultural destinations. by understanding how international visitors move through major cities, landmarks, and cultural destinations. Support smart city and infrastructure development through real-world mobility data that enables governments and urban planners to optimize transit systems, pedestrian flows, and city design. As with its North American offering, dataplor ensures international mobility data is collected via anonymized signals mapped against its proprietary POI database. The result is a precision-focused, GDPR-compliant, ethically sourced dataset that respects user privacy while meeting the demands of modern global businesses. For more information about the report and the global mobility product, read dataplor's latest blog or visit www.dataplor.com. About dataplor dataplor is a leading provider of point-of-interest (POI) and mobility data that helps global enterprises grow abroad by mapping tough-to-reach markets with a privacy-first approach. As the majority of international location data is often inaccurate and quickly outdated, dataplor goes several steps beyond the industry standard, helping the world's largest companies across technology, mapping, search, third-party logistics, consumer packaged goods (CPG), telecom, investing, real estate, and finance understand location intelligence about any commercial or physical location in real-time, fueling their expansion abroad. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520519636/en/ Contacts: media@dataplor.com New global research illuminates eroding confidence in digital spaces and strong consumer desire for greater protections online Jumio, the leader in AI-powered identity intelligence anchored in biometric authentication, automation and data-driven insights, today released the 2025 Jumio Online Identity Study, the fourth installment of its annual global consumer research. This year's results paint a stark picture: trust in digital life is crumbling under the weight of deepfakes, misinformation and cybercrime. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520663438/en/ The study examined the views of more than 8,000 adult consumers, split evenly across the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mexico. Sixty-nine percent of respondents say AI-powered fraud now poses a greater threat to personal security than traditional forms of identity theft, and confidence in online authenticity continues to erode amid growing fears of manipulated content and AI-driven deception. Digital Trust Impacted as Concerns About AI Escalate Seven out of 10 global consumers (69%) indicated they are more skeptical of the content they see online due to AI-generated fraud than they were last year. Just 37% of consumers said they more strongly believe that most social media accounts are authentic compared to last year, and only 36% claimed they were more trusting of news they encounter online, despite the possibility of encountering deepfakes or manipulated content. These are just a couple of findings that demonstrate a global shift toward distrust and anxiety in digital spaces. The majority of respondents also cited day-to-day worries around a number of AI-powered fraud tactics, including: Fake digital IDs generated with AI (76%) Scam emails using AI to trick people into giving away passwords or money (75%) Video and voice deepfakes (74%) Being fooled by manipulated social media content (72%) This indicates that consumers increasingly recognize the risks of conducting life and business online, but may lack the tools or evidence needed to identify secure, authentic content. "As generative AI continues to lower the barrier for sophisticated scams, Jumio's findings highlight an urgent need for businesses to rethink digital identity protection not only to reduce fraud, but also to preserve customer trust and digital engagement itself," explained Bala Kumar, chief product and technology officer at Jumio. As Consumers Prepare for Industrialized AI Fraud, They Look to Tech Companies for Leadership In the absence of strong regulatory protections, consumers are taking matters into their own hands. When asked who they trust most to protect their personal data from AI-powered fraud, 93% said themselves, far more than those who trust government agencies (85%) or Big Tech (88%). But self-reliance does not mean consumers want to go it alone. In fact, when asked who should be most responsible for stopping AI-powered fraud, 43% pointed to Big Tech, compared to just 18% who chose themselves. The 2025 Jumio Online Identity Study identifies this trust gap as symptomatic of a rapidly evolving threat landscape, where fraud-as-a-service (FaaS) ecosystems flourish across dark web marketplaces. These plug-and-play toolkits enable even novice fraudsters to launch sophisticated attacks using synthetic identities, deepfake videos, and botnet-driven account takeovers. This shift is forcing companies to modernize fraud defenses and rethink how they protect consumers in an AI-driven world. In parallel, Jumio's research found that consumers are open to the additional steps this may require. Most respondents globally said they would be willing to spend more time completing comprehensive identity verification processes, especially in sectors where stakes are high, like banking and financial services (80%), government services (78%), and healthcare (76%). Looking Forward: Consumers Deserve Cutting-Edge Security and Transparency from Business As consumers continue to live, work, and play in digital spaces, enterprises must provide more sophisticated security to combat AI-powered fraud. Enterprises will have to adopt proactive strategies that blend cutting-edge verification, real-time monitoring, and a zero-trust approach to digital security from a technological standpoint. But strong technology alone isn't enough. Businesses must also earn consumer trust in these protections. "Our industry must develop the tools we need to stay ahead of the AI-fraud arms race, because traditional identity verification isn't going to cut it anymore. From multi-modal biometrics to connected data, Jumio is committed to putting the next generation of identity intelligence in the hands of enterprises," explained Jumio CEO Robert Prigge. "However, we must ensure we take consumers on this journey too. Building a trustworthy digital world depends on strong consumer education and transparency." Find additional data and insights here. About the Research The Jumio 2025 Online Identity Study surveyed 8,001 adult consumers evenly distributed across the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mexico. Censuswide fielded the survey between April 9 and April 24, 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. About Jumio Jumio helps organizations to know and trust their customers online. From account opening to ongoing monitoring, the Jumio Platform provides AI-powered identity intelligence anchored in biometric authentication, automation and data-driven insights to accurately establish, maintain and reassert trust. Leveraging powerful automated technology including biometric screening, AI/machine learning, liveness detection and no-code orchestration with hundreds of data sources, Jumio helps to fight fraud and financial crime, onboard customers faster and meet regulatory compliance including KYC and AML. Jumio has processed more than 1 billion transactions spanning over 200 countries and territories from real-time web and mobile transactions. Based in Sunnyvale, Jumio operates globally with offices and representation in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and has been the recipient of numerous awards for innovation. Jumio is backed by Centana Growth Partners, Great Hill Partners and Millennium Technology Value Partners. For more information, please visit www.jumio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520663438/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Haleigh Kent-Bryant 10Fold Communications jumio@10fold.com 810-516-5486 The Global 8000 first production aircraft completed its maiden flight taking off from Bombardier's Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ont. The Global 8000 is the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde, with an industry-leading top speed of Mach 0.94 and range of 8,000 nautical miles (NM), an ultra-low cabin altitude of 2,900 ft. and a luxurious cabin, making it the ultimate business aircraft Bombardier's Global 8000 is set to enter into service in 2025 TORONTO, May 20, 2025. The milestone was completed on May 16 from Bombardier's state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ont., and the aircraft executed a series of tests, part of the production flight test procedures during the flight. The exquisite jet landed under the expert command of pilot Sandro Novelli, assisted by co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar. All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected. This marks the latest milestone for Bombardier's Global 8000 program. The Global 8000 flight test vehicle (FTV) has exceeded expectations in flight testing and the first production aircraft will soon travel to Bombardier's Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal where interior completions will take place ahead of its planned entry-into-service (EIS) in the second half of 2025. "This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier's Global 8000 program and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey," said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier. "Having this first production aircraft take to the skies is another important step in this journey that will redefine the business aviation landscape. With its low cabin altitude, luxurious and healthy cabin, signature smooth ride and unparalleled performance capabilities, the Global 8000 is the clear choice for discerning owners and operators who prioritize convenience and flexibility." "This is a very special accomplishment for our Global 8000 aircraft, the latest highlight for this transformational business jet," said David Murray, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System. "This first flight is a reflection of the dedication and high skill level of our engineering, production and flight teams to follow through and execute with precision and mastery at all stages of the manufacturing and flight-testing process." The new Global 8000 business jet is the evolution of the highly successful Global 7500 aircraft, which has amassed more than 250,000 flying hours and 200-plus deliveries since entering into service in 2018. Bombardier's flagship of a new era, the Global 8000, sets new standards for performance and ride quality, with the top speed of any civil aircraft since Concorde at Mach 0.94, the longest range for a four-zone business jet at 8,000 NM and the industry's smoothest ride. The Global 8000 is the ultimate time machine, unlocking more routes than ever before including Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, London to Perth and many others, as well as introducing a first ever ultra-high cruise speed of Mach 0.92. At this average cruise speed, the Global 8000 can have a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles, getting you to your destinations in less time. Bombardier's nimble Global 8000 also possesses impressive runway performance comparable to a light jet. Its unique design and cutting-edge engineering provide customers with the ability to access smaller airports other aircraft in its category can't access. The Global 8000 aircraft will also set an extremely high bar in terms of luxury and comfort. This trailblazing business jet will offer exceptional comfort, featuring four true living spaces and a separate crew rest area. The discerning business jet will also feature the longest seated length size in its class along with the industry's healthiest cabin and low cabin altitude, designed to maximize passenger comfort and productivity throughout their travels. About Bombardier At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world's best-performing aircraft for the world's most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs. For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation-innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier's performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious "Red Dot: Best of the Best" award for Brands and Communication Design. For Information For corporate news and information, including Bombardier's Sustainability report, as well as the company's initiative to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Learn more about Bombardier's industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier. Media Contacts General media contact webform Matthew Nicholls +1-514-243-8214 Matthew.Nicholls@aero.bombardier.com *The Global 8000 aircraft is currently under development and remains to be finalized and certified. All specifications and data are approximate, may change without notice and are subject to certain operating rules, assumptions and other conditions. It is expected to enter service in 2025. Please also see the forward-looking statements disclaimer at the end of this press release. Bombardier, Global, Global 7500 and Global 8000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries Forward-looking statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Corporation to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" disclaimer contained in Bombardier Inc.'s most recently published financial report for additional details. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f71e450e-6bde-4080-8eab-39fdfb6f6e7a Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) (BIST: TCELL) announced that its subsidiary, TDC Veri Hizmetleri (TDC), has secured EUR100 million in murabaha financing through a strategic agreement with Emirates NBD Bank, a leading banking group in the Middle East and Turkiye (MENAT) region. The five-year financing agreement is intended to empower Turkcell Group's data center investments via TDC, accelerate its digital infrastructure initiatives, and align with its long-term strategic growth objectives. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520467227/en/ Pri McNair, Group Co-Head of Corporate Coverage at Emirates NBD and Kamil Kalyon, Chief Financial Officer at Turkcell Strategic Financing to Drive Data Center Expansion The financing agreement, which is based on interest-free murabaha principles, marks a significant milestone for TDC as it enhances its position in the data center and cloud business. Turkcell's strategy focuses on high-capacity, eco-friendly data centers to meet the growing demands of cloud computing, AI, and big data. Aligning with national digitalization goals, Turkcell supports local businesses while attracting global customers seeking secure and scalable digital solutions. "The financing secured with Emirates NBD is a testament to the confidence that global financial institutions have in Turkcell. It further affirms that our strategic commitment to driving future growth and delivering value to our investors is steering us in the right direction. We are proud to attract international investment into our data center operations. And we believe these investments will pave the way for more strategic partnerships and future investments, unlocking new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the digital landscape," said Kamil Kalyon, Chief Financial Officer at Turkcell. Diversifying Financing Sources and Strengthening Gulf Relations Kamil Kalyon continued, "This murabaha financing structure, adhering to Islamic finance principles, is expected to open new avenues for collaboration in the Gulf region. By diversifying our financing portfolio, TDC can mitigate risks while exploring further strategic partnerships in key markets. This agreement with Emirates NBD underscores Turkcell's commitment to expand its digital infrastructure capabilities while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global finance community." Pri McNair, Group Co-Head of Corporate Coverage at Emirates NBD, said: "Emirates NBD's EUR100 million Murabaha financing deal with Turkcell is part of a long-term strategy to support growth-oriented companies investing in digital transformation. This deal reflects our confidence in Turkcell and we're proud to support the company's data center expansion, consolidating its position as a telecom leader. This transaction further reinforces Emirates NBD's role as a trusted financial partner delivering tailored solutions that drive sustainable growth." ABOUT TURKCELL: Turkcell is a technology and telecommunications company headquartered in Turkiye, offering a unique portfolio of voice, data and IPTV services over its mobile and fixed networks along with digital consumer, enterprise and techfin services. Turkcell Group operates in three countries: Turkiye, Belarus and Northern Cyprus. Listed on both the NYSE and BIST since July 2000, Turkcell remains the only dual-listed company on these exchanges. Read more at www.turkcell.com.tr ABOUT EMIRATES NBD: Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As at 31st March 2025, total assets were AED 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Turkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion. Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region. Emirates NBD contributes to the construction of a sustainable future as an active participant and supporter of the UAE's main development and sustainability initiatives, including financial wellness and the inclusion of people of determination. Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability as Principal Banking Partner of COP28 and an early supporter to the Dubai Can sustainability initiative, a city-wide initiative aimed to reduce use of single-use plastic bottled water. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520467227/en/ Contacts: burak.mergen@turkcell.com.tr, +905322106020 LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A bulk carrier has propelled wind-assisted technology to the forefront of the maritime industry after a year's global trial achieved significant operational savings. Three 24m high Anemoi Rotor Sails were installed on the 82,000 DWT Kamsarmax bulk carrier TR Lady, with performance verification conducted by Lloyd's Register Advisory. The average net savings across the trial period, calculated from the verified performance model, were 1.9 tonnes of fuel per day and 7.0 tonnes of CO2 per day (well-to-wake). This equates to an average of 9.1% net propulsion fuel and emissions savings. "Independent verification is a crucial step in building trust across the industry. It underpins our commitment to setting a new standard as emerging technologies like wind propulsion pave the way in clean maritime innovation," said Clare Urmston, CEO, Anemoi Marine Technologies. During the trial, TR Lady, owned in funds managed by Tufton Investment Management Ltd and chartered by Cargill, navigated the Indian Ocean, South Atlantic, North and South Pacific, Southern Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, as well as busy shipping lanes, like the Malacca Strait. Eight laden and ballast legs were analysed to calculate average fuel and emissions savings. While aligning with Anemoi's predicted 10% savings, the findings established a reliable benchmark for wind-assisted propulsion performance under various real-world conditions. As TR Lady did not follow a fixed route, results varied per voyage, including a notable a 22-day North Pacific voyage, averaging route savings of 21% net propulsion fuel reduction calculated from the verified performance model. Dr Dogan Uzun, Ship Performance Consultant at Lloyd's Register Advisory and assessment project manager, said: "We have independently verified Anemoi's methodology. The findings show that wind-assisted propulsion, when supported by robust data and transparent methods, can significantly reduce uncertainty and contribute meaningfully to emissions reduction in commercial shipping." Ms Urmston added: "Lloyd's Register Advisory's rigorous and transparent approach gives shipowners and operators the confidence that our technology delivers measured fuel savings and emissions reductions in line with expectations." Testing is now underway on several vessels featuring Anemoi's larger 35m Rotor Sails, with even better performance results expected. "We are excited by the results, which not only confirm the technology's effectiveness but also the strong operational and environmental benefits we anticipated," said Nicolas Tirogalas, Tufton's President and Chief Investment Officer. Chris Hughes, of Cargill, said real-world, on-ship performance of technologies "is a key piece in the wind assist propulsion puzzle." He concluded: "By combining the data from more than 167 rotor on/off tests that were conducted by the TR Lady, together with the independent verification from LR, Anemoi installed confidence in the accuracy of their analysis." Read the joint paper by Lloyd's Register and Anemoi detailing the Rotor Sail installation procedure, with a focus on the TR Lady Kamsarmax vessel here: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/research-reports/2025/innovative-emissions-reduction-wind-assisted-propulsion-in-bulk-carriers/ https://www.anemoimarine.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691837/Anemoi_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/independent-verification-of-anemoi-rotor-sails-shows-nearly-10-average-emission-savings-on-wind-assisted-bulk-carrier-302460309.html ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Phoenix Motor Inc. (the "Company" or "PhoenixEV"), a leading manufacturer of medium-duty shuttle buses, trucks, and heavy-duty transit buses, announced today its first order of five (5) all-electric, zero-emission Z-400 shuttle buses from the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department (ISD). These electric vehicles, built on the Ford E-450 chassis and powered by PhoenixEV technology, will enhance transit options for residents living in Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) public housing sites, offering a more sustainable way to connect. ISD, in collaboration with LACDA, secured a critical California Air Resources Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) grant for its "Empowerment in Motion" initiative. STEP funds community-driven solutions to improve transportation equity in low-income and disadvantaged areas by enhancing mobility, increasing access to essential destinations, and reducing GHG emissions. STEP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. Aligned with the County's commitment to a zero-emissions fleet and clean transportation, this project will deploy five (5) electric shuttles to serve LACDA public housing residents, providing zero-emission mobility options and improved access to essential services. "By helping to provide zero-emission bus service to public-housing residents, STEP is meeting some of CARB's top priorities - to give more clean transportation options to disadvantaged communities that have fewer economic resources and face greater pollution," said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. "As a leading commercial electric medium and heavy-duty vehicle provider, PhoenixEV is well-positioned to support Los Angeles County with all-electric shuttle buses, and we are excited to be expanding our presence in Los Angeles, which is our largest market for our medium duty electric shuttles and trucks," says Denton Peng, CEO of PhoenixEV. The Phoenix Z-400 is equipped with a high-performance 90-kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 125 miles on a single charge. The vehicles can be fully recharged in under two hours using a 100-kW Level III charger. Compared to traditional gas-powered shuttle buses, the Z-400 offers significant environmental benefits, including a reduction of approximately 61 tons of CO2 emissions annually per vehicle. Additionally, these electric buses are expected to lower maintenance costs by 75% and up to 80% decrease in fuel expenses. "We're thrilled to support Los Angeles County in their efforts to clean the air and promote sustainable transportation," says Denton Peng. "With our headquarters in Southern California, we're especially excited to see our all-electric Z-400 shuttle buses deployed locally, helping the county meet its environmental goals and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels." PhoenixEV continues its work in the electric vehicle sector, manufacturing, delivering clean, energy-efficient solutions for municipalities and businesses committed to reducing their environmental footprint. "The 'Empowerment in Motion' initiative, made possible by the generous support of the CARB STEP grant, enables advancement towards cleaner transportation options for Los Angeles County residents." stated Minh Le, General Manager of Energy and Environment Services at ISD. "This order of electric shuttles represents the initial phase in this project to provide equitable transportation services for residents that will connect them with key parts of their communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The LACDA is thankful to be a partner on this transportation equity pilot that will benefit the needs of our public housing residents," said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. "Not only will these electric vehicles reduce our carbon footprint, but they will also increase access to key destinations and create safe and accessible transportation options for our residents, by providing an alternative to public transportation. About Phoenix Motor Inc. Phoenix Motor Inc., Phoenix Motor, a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV") industry, designs, builds, and integrates electric drive systems and manufactures heavy duty transit buses and medium and light duty commercial EVs. Phoenix operates two primary brands, "Phoenix", which is focused on commercial products including heavy and medium duty EVs (transit buses, shuttle buses, school buses and delivery trucks, among others) and "EdisonFuture", which intends to offer light-duty and commercial EVs. Phoenix endeavors to be a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and electric vehicle technologies. To learn more, please visit: www.phoenixev.ai. About the Internal Services Department The Internal Services Department (ISD) is a general services organization that supports the County of Los Angeles by providing a range of support services to other County departments in the areas of purchasing, contracting, facilities, information technology, and other support services, such as energy and environmental programs management, parking, and mail services. The County Board of Supervisors has designated ISD as the lead department for residential broadband service initiatives. ISD also administers Delete The Divide, an initiative to advance digital equity in underserved communities through partnerships, infrastructure investments, and technology resources that empower residents and small businesses. For more information, visit isd.lacounty.gov Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "might," "will," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "continue," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "outlook," "potential," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions and variations or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from the Company's current expectations depending upon a number of factors. These risk factors include, among others, those related to our ability to raise additional capital necessary to grow our business, operations and business and financial performance, our ability to grow demand for our products and revenue, our ability to become profitable, our ability to have access to an adequate supply of parts and materials and other critical components for our vehicles on the timeline we expect, the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effects of the outbreak and actions taken in connection therewith, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business, and those other risks and uncertainties that are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements. Contact marketing@phoenixev.ai Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies, Inc. 1-407-644-4256 PEV@redchip.com SOURCE: Phoenix Motor Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/phoenix-motor-inc.-to-supply-los-angeles-county-with-five-5-all-electric-zero-emission-s-1029759 US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) announced today that Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer, and Dirk Locascio, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Deutsche Bank Access Global Consumer Conference in Paris, France on Thursday, June 5, at 2:15 a.m. CDT or 9:15 a.m. CEST. Media and investors can listen to a live audio webcast by visiting the Investor Relations page of the company's website at https://ir.usfoods.com/investors/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. A replay of the webcast will be available later that same day. About US Foods With a promise to help its customers Make It, US Foods is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 customer locations to help their businesses succeed. With more than 70 broadline locations and more than 90 cash and carry stores, US Foods and its 30,000 associates provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520378128/en/ Contacts: INVESTOR CONTACT: Mike Neese 847-232-5894 Michael.Neese@usfoods.com MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Matheu 773-580-3775 Sara.Matheu@usfoods.com SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Bora Biologics, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in biologics manufacturing, announced a major expansion of its U.S. FDA-registered commercial manufacturing facility in San Diego. This expansion will add state-of-the-art upstream and downstream GMP processing capabilities to meet the increasing demand for 2000L scale single-use biologics manufacturing, solidifying Bora Biologics' position as a premier biologics CDMO. The expansion adds 8,075 square feet of state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing space to the San Diego biologics manufacturing facility, comprising a cutting-edge upstream mammalian cell culture hall, harvest suite with two inoculation rooms and in-process testing room, capture suite, and a downstream processing suite. This includes 6,950 square feet of new construction and 1,125 square feet of revisions to the existing GMP space. The expanded facility will feature two 2000L Cytiva XDR bioreactors and seed train, providing Bora Biologics' clients with robust and scalable biologics manufacturing solutions. The upstream hall's design allows for future bioreactor expansion up to 5000L scale. The downstream process suite is engineered to efficiently process up to 5000L modern high-titer cell culture processes, ensuring streamlined purification. Bora Biologics' San Diego facility currently offers a comprehensive range of GMP manufacturing suites, including 50L, 250L and 1000L single-use bioreactors dedicated to mammalian cell culture, and a dedicated microbial GMP suite equipped with a 150L stainless steel fermenter and a 300L single-use fermenter expansion capability. The planned addition of the two 2000L single-use bioreactors in Q1 2026 will significantly enhance Bora Biologics' ability to provide seamless scale-up and commercial manufacturing solutions to its clients. "With this expansion, we will be able to offer our customers 2000L commercial capacity with the ability to purify modern high-titer cell culture processes," said John R. Mosack, General Manager & Vice President, Operations of the San Diego Site at Bora Biologics. "In addition to the two 2000L Cytiva bioreactors we are installing now, we will have the space to grow with our customers and meet their evolving needs." Miguel Carrion, Vice President, Process Development and MS&T at Bora Biologics, added, "With the addition of the new Cytiva trains, we now have the ability to offer customers both Fisher Single Use and Cytiva Single Use bioreactor trains, providing greater flexibility and options for their specific manufacturing requirements." cGMPnow, a leading provider of GMP facility design and GxP systems implementation and compliance for the biopharmaceutical industry, is providing process equipment, clean utilities, and automation/controls engineering and commissioning, qualification, and validation expertise for this expansion project. Jeff Gilmore, CEO of cGMPnow, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, "We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Bora Biologics on this critical expansion, leveraging our expertise in biopharmaceutical engineering and cGMP compliance to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will enable their clients to reach more patients." Cytiva is supplying the advanced bioreactor technology for the expanded facility. Emphasizing Cytiva's support for Bora Biologics' growth, Jordan Heard, Americas Upstream and Consumable Leader (USA) at Cytiva, stated, "Cytiva is proud to support Bora Biologics in their commitment to innovation and growth. Our XDR bioreactors will provide Bora Biologics with the scalability and flexibility needed to meet the evolving demands of the biologics market." DPR Construction, a unique technical builder, is applying its skills and experience to the construction of the expanded facility. Scott Sass, DPR's San Diego Business Unit Leader, shared his excitement about the project. "DPR is excited to partner with Bora Biologics on this project, bringing our expertise in advanced biomanufacturing facility construction to help them expand their capabilities and serve their clients." This expansion underscores Bora Biologics' dedication to providing its clients with cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to supporting the development and commercialization of life-saving therapies. About Bora Biologics Bora Biologics is a global CDMO offering agile, comprehensive end-to-end solutions for biopharma companies worldwide. With a proven track record of over 100 successful cGMP manufacturing batches, Bora Biologics leverages its state-of-the-art, FDA-registered facility in the U.S. and deep expertise in biologics development and manufacturing - including its own FDA-licensed and Health Canada-approved product - to enhance time and cost efficiencies while ensuring effective pathways to market for its clients. Bora Biologics combines innovative early-phase development and late-stage manufacturing capabilities with the expertise and reputation of Bora Pharmaceuticals for flexible and scalable fill/finish services, including stability testing, and final packaging of clinical and commercial products. About cGMP Now cGMPnow provides turnkey GMP systems, accelerating the delivery of next-generation therapies. Specializing in GMP manufacturing facility design, GxP manufacturing and QC laboratory equipment, GxP computerized systems, commissioning/qualification/validation, and procurement services, cGMPnow utilizes a unique project delivery methodology and owner-focused involvement to bring new products to market faster. With expertise in GMP facility design, construction support, and GxP systems, cGMPnow enables clients to begin production efficiently and effectively, accelerating the delivery of life-changing products. About Cytiva Cytiva is a global biotechnology leader committed to supporting customers in the discovery and commercialization of next-generation therapeutics. As part of Danaher, a global science and technology innovator, Cytiva provides dedicated technical expertise and a comprehensive portfolio of tools, technologies, and services that enable the development, manufacture, and delivery of transformative medicines to patients. About DPR Construction DPR Construction is a forward-thinking and self-performing general contractor and construction manager, specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects across a range of sectors, including advanced technology/mission critical, life sciences, healthcare, and higher education. With a commitment to innovation and a purpose to "Build Great Things," DPR leverages its deep technical expertise and self-perform capabilities to deliver predictable outcomes for its clients. Founded in 1990, DPR serves customers internationally with offices across the globe. SOURCE: Bora Biologics View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/biotechnology/bora-biologics-expands-san-diego-facility-for-2000l-scale-biologics-manufacturing-boo-1029753 MBZUAI and Ecole Polytechnique expand partnership with deeper research collaboration in support of growing AI ecosystems in France and UAE ABU DHABI, UAE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) will deepen ties with France's AI ecosystem in 2025 after expanding its relationship with Ecole Polytechnique through a Collaborative Research Agreement. This new initiative will support mission-driven research led by core investigators from both institutions. The focus areas include advancing large language models, developing foundation models for reasoning, and exploring applications of AI in biology, health, and AI safety. "Our partnerships and presence in France are critical to the continued growth and innovation of our research capabilities at MBZUAI and we're excited to expand our relationship with Ecole Polytechnique in support of these efforts," said Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor, MBZUAI. "Our expanded agreement represents a blueprint for global research collaboration to advance the field of AI and share in the benefits collectively across France and the UAE." In February, MBZUAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ecole Polytechnique (L'X) to foster collaboration on joint initiatives in education, research, and innovation in artificial intelligence. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in France, where Professor Xing delivered a keynote address on AI, Science, and Society. Building on this partnership, the two institutions signed the Scholars Exchange Program Agreement in April, enabling the exchange of students and researchers between MBZUAI and Ecole Polytechnique. Laura Chaubard, Director General of Ecole Polytechnique, said: "I'm delighted to be moving forward with our strategic research partnership with MBZUAI. The scientific synergies are numerous, in the fields of AI for health, safety, and environmental sustainability, as well as in large language models and foundation models for reasoning. I'm sure that these synergies will give rise to rich collaborations in the future." This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in accelerating joint research efforts and supporting the next generation of researchers and innovators in the field of AI. MBZUAI's research ties with France are also supported by the growing presence of the MBZUAI France Lab in Paris. Among their achievements to date, researchers at this satellite lab have developed a family of open-source large language models (LLMs) called Atlas-Chat, focusing on the Moroccan Arabic dialect (Darija). The team has released two language models: Atlas-Chat-2B, designed for efficient generation of fluent Darija text, and Atlas-Chat-9B, offering more nuanced, context-rich output for advanced tasks. The France Lab will also be a focal point for MBZUAI's soon-to-be-unveiled Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) - a bold, global initiative uniting AI talent across Abu Dhabi, Silicon Valley and Paris. The France Lab will be one of three centres in each of these AI hubs designed to advance the next generation of foundation models and deliver their benefits to communities worldwide. About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) MBZUAI is a research-focused university in Abu Dhabi, and the first university dedicated entirely to the advancement of science through AI. The university empowers the next generation of AI leaders, driving innovation and impactful applications of AI through world-class education and interdisciplinary research. In 2025, MBZUAI launched its first ever undergraduate program, a Bachelor of Science in AI, with two distinct streams: Business and Engineering. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae. To apply for admission, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact admission@mbzuai.ac.ae. For press inquiries, please contact: Aya Sakoury MBZUAI's Head of PR and Strategic Communications Amy Rogers MBZUAI's Senior Integrated Communications Specialist media@mbzuai.ac.ae Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691820/MBZUAI.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mbzuai-strengthens-research-ties-with-frances-ecole-polytechnique-302460329.html Regenics announces the second closing of its non-brokered private placement offering, first announced on the 13th of August 2024, of up to 2,523,647 working capital units (the "WC Units") of the Company at a price of NOK 8,1 per unit. Each Unit consisted of one common share in Regenics AS and one- and one-half share purchase warrants (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitled Nordic Blue to purchase one common share, at a price of NOK 9 per unit, representing an additional capital raise of 33,2 MNOK, both of which constitute the "Offering.", from Nordic Blue esf., an Icelandic venture capital fund focusing on investments in Blue Tech. OSLO, Norway, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Regenics AS, a private Norwegian biotechnology company based in Oslo (the "Company"), today announced that it has closed the second tranche of a non-brokered private placement with Nordic Blue esf. by issuing up to 3,690,825 shares at a price of NOK 9 per share which represent aggregate gross proceeds of NOK 33.2 million. Nordic Blue will after the second tranche own 38.1 % of outstanding shares in Regenics. "We are excited that Nordic Blue with their experience and success in the field of wound care continue to believe and are willing to support Regenics in the further development of Collex," said Jan A. Alfheim, Board Chair of Regenics. "Their investment and participation at the board level have been of great value this past year and we look forward to continuing our successful collaboration." Brynjolfur Eyjolfsson, Fund Manager, Haf Investments and chairman of Nordic Blue hf. commented, "We continue to see tremendous potential in Regenics and its wound care products. Collex represents an effective and sustainable approach to wound care, and we are proud to continue supporting its development. With Regenics' strong scientific foundation and clear clinical focus, we believe the company is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the wound care market. Our increased investment reflects our confidence in the team and in the broader vision of building value through marine-based biotech innovation." About Collex Collex is an advanced wound dressing designed to aid healing of partial thickness burns and chronic wounds, including diabetic and chronic vascular ulcers. With Collex, Regenics aims to redefine the current standards of care in wound treatment. Collex is a hydrogel wound dressing constructed with all-marine ingredients, sourced from the Norwegian coast. One of Regenics' major innovations, HTX, is an essential component of Collex and is sourced and purified from unfertilized salmon roe. Collex is currently in the late pre-clinical stage, with significant beneficial effects on wound healing rates demonstrated. About Nordic Blue Nordic Blue Is an Icelandic holding company focusing on investments in Blue Economy, with versatile shareholders, with many of the investors having a background in marine biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and fisheries. About Haf Investments Haf Investments (IS Haf Fjarfestingar slhf.) invests in unlisted companies across the seafood value chain and in supporting industries. The investment strategy covers five categories, from fishing and aquaculture to high technology, infrastructure development, marketing and marine biotechnology. The largest investors in the fund are Icelandic pension funds together with UR Seafood (Utgerarfelag Reykjavikur hf.), which is a cornerstone investor in the fund, and Brim hf. The fund is managed Iceland Funds hf., which is the first and one of the largest Icelandic fund management companies, established in 1994. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Islandsbanki and is supervised by the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority (FME). The company provides investments offering for individuals, companies, municipalities, pension funds and other institutional investors. For further information, please contact: Jan A. Alfheim, Board Chair Cell: +47 46 44 00 45 Email: jal-alfh@online.no or Karin Gilljam, CEO Cell: +47 91 80 98 87 Email: kg@regenics.no This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/regenics-as/r/regenics-as-completes-second-tranche-of-private-placement-to-continue-development-of-collex-,c4152815 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/regenics-as-completes-second-tranche-of-private-placement-to-continue-development-of-collex-302460333.html Hospitals Declare Cyber Confidence - But 82% Haven't Audited Physical Risks From Deepfakes, Synthetic IDs and AI-Enabled Break-Ins, New Survey Finds WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the cyber threat landscape in healthcare, new data from Black Book Research reveals a critical and overlooked vulnerability: the physical security of hospitals, clinics, and payer organizations. While 93% of surveyed cybersecurity leaders say their digital defenses are strong, fewer than one in five have any strategic plan to address the rise of AI-enabled physical security threats. Based on Q2 2025 polling of 1,128 provider and payer cybersecurity decision-makers worldwide, Black Book's findings point to a dangerous disconnect. Healthcare organizations are investing heavily in digital firewalls, endpoint protection, and ransomware defense, yet they remain largely blind to a new class of threats powered by generative AI - threats that can mimic clinician voices, manipulate surveillance footage, bypass building access systems, and compromise smart infrastructure. "AI is no longer just a digital threat - it is a physical one," said Doug Brown, founder of Black Book Research. "We are now seeing threat actors use generative AI to impersonate clinicians, defeat voice authentication, bypass smart locks, and manipulate surveillance systems. These are no longer hypothetical scenarios. Attackers are walking through the front doors of hospitals using tools that outpace the slow churn of healthcare policy, procurement, and security oversight. Any health system that still separates physical and cyber risk is operating on outdated assumptions." Respondents described a widening gap between cyber risk awareness and operational readiness. Despite growing headlines about AI-generated phishing, deepfake impersonations, and drone surveillance, the healthcare sector has not meaningfully upgraded its physical security posture in parallel with its digital investments. Key Findings From the Black Book Q2 2025 Poll: 93% of cybersecurity leaders say their digital protections are adequate, but only 18% report having any strategy to mitigate AI-driven physical threats. 71% of hospital executives acknowledge their facility's physical security systems are unprepared for manipulations such as deepfake badge credentials or sensor spoofing. 67% of payer organizations with physical office sites or hybrid call centers were unaware that AI voice cloning could defeat IVR authentication or front-desk verification processes. 82% of all respondents reported they had not conducted a cyber-physical risk audit in the past 12 months. Top-Rated Cybersecurity Vendors Tackling AI-Driven Physical and Digital Threats in Healthcare Black Book Research has verified the respondents' highly praised capabilities of the following cybersecurity vendors, all of which deliver AI-enabled platforms with demonstrated relevance in detecting and mitigating advanced cyber-physical threats in healthcare environments. These vendors are either directly deployed in hospitals, health systems or payer networks, or offer validated healthcare-grade solutions based on machine learning, behavioral analytics, and autonomous threat response. Armis delivers agentless visibility and AI-based risk monitoring for connected medical devices and operational technologies. Deployed across leading hospitals, its platform detects anomalous behavior in IoMT and OT environments, helping healthcare providers stop threats before they compromise physical infrastructure. Bishop Fox provides AI-aware red teaming and offensive security services used by health systems to expose vulnerabilities in surveillance, badge access systems, and connected care infrastructure. Their simulation capabilities help healthcare organizations test defenses against AI-enhanced physical intrusions. Claroty (Medigate) is widely adopted in hospitals to protect IoMT and clinical systems. The platform uses machine learning to detect manipulation of connected devices and smart facility components, including anomalous commands and unauthorized lateral movement. Cisco Secure integrates healthcare-focused solutions across cloud, identity, and network layers. It supports Zero Trust architectures and includes AI-powered analytics to monitor both digital and physical access behaviors in hybrid clinical environments. CrowdStrike protects clinical endpoints and connected devices through its Falcon platform, which uses agent-based AI to detect behavioral anomalies, prevent lateral movement, and stop sophisticated threat campaigns across health systems. Cynerio is purpose-built for securing medical IoT systems. It baselines normal device behavior across hospitals and flags AI-driven manipulation attempts, ransomware infections, and supply chain exploits targeting connected care delivery tools. Darktrace uses autonomous self-learning AI to detect zero-day threats and novel behavioral anomalies. Deployed in over 8,000 healthcare organizations globally, Darktrace's platform can detect early-stage impersonation, badge cloning, and network manipulation from AI-generated vectors. IBM Security offers platforms like QRadar SIEM and Guardium, used by large health systems to correlate digital and physical access data. IBM applies AI to unify log analytics, automate threat response, and monitor for adversarial AI activity across healthcare ecosystems. Okta powers identity and access management for major healthcare providers. Its adaptive AI continuously assesses login behavior, location patterns, and risk scores to prevent credential theft and synthetic access, particularly in EHRs and clinical cloud tools. Ordr provides deep visibility and automated security policy enforcement for connected medical and building systems. Hospitals use Ordr's AI to isolate and stop unauthorized device activity and prevent cross-system propagation of malicious code or impersonation attempts. Palo Alto Networks enables comprehensive protection of digital and clinical assets through AI-powered Cortex XDR and Prisma Cloud. It helps health systems enforce segmentation, detect polymorphic malware, and block command-and-control traffic targeting physical operations. SentinelOne delivers autonomous endpoint protection via its Singularity platform. Deployed in hospital systems and diagnostics labs, it applies machine learning to identify and remediate AI-crafted exploits, polymorphic malware, and threat behaviors in real time. Vectra AI provides identity and workload monitoring for healthcare systems. Its AI-driven detection platform flags privilege escalation, lateral movement, and behavioral deviation - common tactics in AI-generated attacks that bypass legacy defenses. These platforms reflect a growing recognition that AI-generated threats cannot be contained by traditional rules-based defenses alone. Hospitals, health systems, and payers are increasingly adopting tools that can recognize synthetic behaviors, detect impersonation, and secure both digital and physical assets from machine-powered threat actors. What Makes a Tool 'AI Threat-Ready' in Healthcare? To truly detect AI-generated threats, a cybersecurity solution must detect synthetic behaviors, not just known malware signatures; identify impersonation and deception, including voice, video or identity misuse; monitor IoMT and OT environments, where AI threats now extend beyond IT systems; and simulate or red-team AI threats, allowing health systems to assess vulnerabilities beyond traditional pen testing. Access the Free '2025 Black Book of Healthcare Cybersecurity' Report For a comprehensive overview of the healthcare cybersecurity landscape, including profiles and evaluations of 430 cybersecurity software and service vendors, download the free "2025 Black Book of Healthcare Cybersecurity" report. This 210-page resource offers insights into EHR security, ransomware defense, IoMT protection, and AI-powered cyber-physical threat mitigation. Download at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com/the-2025-black-book-of-healthcare-cybersecurity. SOURCE: Black Book Research View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/ai-powered-intruders-walk-into-hospitals-unchallenged-black-book-warn-1025949 New offering can cut wiring time by up to 80%, speeding production and innovation MILWAUKEE, Wis., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the release of its EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution, a major advancement designed to meet the growing demand for smarter, faster and more connected manufacturing operations. As companies strive to improve productivity and reduce downtime, traditional hard-wired control panels often stand in the way, limiting data access and complicating system upgrades. The EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution addresses those challenges by streamlining communications between devices with the panel, making system integration simpler, boosting real-time data access and helping manufacturers make faster, more informed decisions. "Our EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution is a game-changer in industrial connectivity," said Kelly Passineau, product manager at Rockwell Automation. "By leveraging single-pair Ethernet/IP technology, we're helping customers reduce installation time, enhance operational efficiency and integrate wired components into a more intelligent, data-driven network." Early adopters are already seeing the impact. Volga, a Rockwell Systems Integrator Partner and a leading manufacturer based in Brazil specializing in electrical, mechanical and automation control, reported dramatic improvements after adopting the EtherNet/IP In-Cabinet Solution. "The EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution reduced our assembly time by over 65%, enabling us to wire starters and panel operators in just over an hour," said Carlos Leopoldo, commercial director at Volga. "Beyond the significant time savings, this system provides numerous benefits for our panel builders, including space efficiency, customizable panel operator colors, a reduction in SKUs, minimized risk of incorrect connections and more straightforward inspections. It's a well-designed solution that enhances efficiency and reliability for both panel builders and end users who can benefit from improved communication, diagnostics and easier maintenance." Key benefits of this new offering include: Faster Installation : When implemented in accordance with recommended standards, it can help cut wiring time by up to 80% compared to traditional hard-wired installation. : When implemented in accordance with recommended standards, it can help cut wiring time by up to 80% compared to traditional hard-wired installation. Optimized Space: The compact design allows for efficient use of cabinet space, enabling more devices to be installed in the same footprint and reduces overall panel size. The compact design allows for efficient use of cabinet space, enabling more devices to be installed in the same footprint and reduces overall panel size. Improved Data Access: Boost productivity with quick, real-time communication between devices. Boost productivity with quick, real-time communication between devices. Scalability: Easily expand and adapt to future networking needs without major infrastructure changes. Additionally, a plug and play design enables easy configuration, commissioning and maintenance, ultimately reducing disruptions to production schedules. Learn more about the EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution on Rockwell's website. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691191/EtherNetIP_In_cabinet_Solution_ROCKWELL_AUTOMATION.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2487262/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockwell-automation-launches-ethernetip-in-cabinet-solution-to-help-manufacturers-build-smarter-more-efficient-panels-302459646.html Funding Circle Holdings plc Funding Circle facilitates Ninth UK public Securitisation cementing position as leading SME ABS issuer 20-May-2025 / 12:07 GMT/BST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Funding Circle facilitates Ninth UK public Securitisation cementing position as leading SME ABS issuer London, 20 May 2025 - Funding Circle , the UK's leading SME finance platform, has facilitated its latest public securitization, SBOLT 2025-1, with loans contributed by its long-term funding partner, Waterfall Asset Management (WAM). SBOLT 2025-1, the ninth securitisation of loans originated through the Funding Circle platform, brings the total securitised issuance on behalf of investors to c.2.17 billion. The continued strong investor appetite for both Funding Circle's SME loans and the associated bonds highlights the asset's appeal and solidifies the platform's standing as the largest public issuer of SME Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) in the UK and Europe over the past decade. The securitisation was well-received by the market, demonstrating robust investor confidence in the quality of the underlying SME loan assets, even amidst a period of notable macroeconomic volatility. BNP Paribas acted as the Sole Arranger and with Citi as Joint-Lead Manager. This transaction highlights Funding Circle's continued role in enabling investors like WAM to efficiently manage and diversify their portfolios by accessing a broader range of market participants through the ABS market, while advocating the central banks' wishes to increase lending to the real economy via the capital markets. Dipesh Mehta, Chief Capital Officer at Funding Circle, said: "We are delighted to have supported Waterfall Asset Management on their latest successful securitisation. This transaction is a testament to the track record Funding Circle have built, and the strength and attractiveness of UK SME credit as an asset class, highlighting our advanced capabilities in assisting our investor partners to access deep and liquid capital markets. "Despite challenging market conditions, the positive reception for this issuance demonstrates continued investor appetite for these assets. We remain committed to empowering our institutional partners to effectively deploy capital to hardworking SMEs across the UK, fostering economic growth and opportunity." Funding Circle's platform and technology enable institutional investors to deploy capital efficiently to a diverse range of UK SMEs, providing businesses with the finance they need to grow and thrive, while offering investors access to attractive risk-adjusted returns. ENDS Notes to Editor: The total value of loans securitised via the Funding Circle platform now stands at 2.17 billion. Funding Circle has originated over 14.6 billion in loans to UK SMEs to date. Funding Circle is the largest public issuer of SME ABS in the UK over the last 10 years (J.P. Morgan data). Bank of England, European Central bank advocates for lending to the real economy via Capital Markets, ( source ). Media contact: Leigh Rimmer Head of Corporate Affairs press@fundingcircle.com +44 20 3830 1325 About Funding Circle Funding Circle (LSE: FCH) is the UK's leading SME finance platform. Established in the UK in 2010, Funding Circle has extended more than 14.6bn in credit to over 110,000 businesses in the UK. For SME borrowers, Funding Circle provides an unrivalled customer experience, delivered through its technology and data, coupled with a human touch. Its solutions continue to help customers access the funding they need to succeed. For institutional investors, Funding Circle provides access to an alternative asset class in an underserved market, and delivers robust and attractive returns. Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Positive results show that a single dose of BPL-003, administered adjunctively to SSRIs, produced a rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effect for up to three months after dosing. BPL-003 was well-tolerated and patients were able to be discharged within an average time of less than two hours. Data from the core, randomised stage of Beckley Psytech's Phase IIb study of BPL-003 for treatment resistant depression is expected in mid-2025. OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - 20 MAY 2025. Beckley Psytech Ltd, a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the next generation of mental health treatments, today announces positive topline data from Part 2 of its Phase IIa study) of BPL-003 for treatment resistant depression (TRD). The findings show that a single dose of BPL-003, when given to patients who were also taking defined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), was well-tolerated, with rapid, lasting efficacy of up to three months and an average treatment duration of less than two hours. The open-label Phase IIa study investigated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of a single dose of BPL-003 in 12 patients with moderate-to-severe depression who had failed to respond to at least two or more prior treatments of depression and were taking defined SSRIs. Patients were followed for 12 weeks post-dosing, with assessments conducted at multiple points throughout the study. A single dose of BPL-003 induced rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects, with a mean MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) reduction of 18 points from baseline observed the day after dosing, a mean MADRS reduction of 19 points from baseline observed one month after dosing, and a mean MADRS reduction of 18 points from baseline observed three months after dosing. BPL-003 was shown to be well-tolerated. All adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and there were no serious adverse events (SAEs) reported. Furthermore, acute effects resolved on the day of dosing, with patients deemed dischargeable within an average time of less than two hours. These findings demonstrate the potential of BPL-003 to deliver a scalable single dose treatment model, if approved, and suggest compatibility with the current interventional psychiatric care model established by Spravato. The findings are consistent with initial results from Part 1 of the study , which investigated BPL-003 as a monotherapy. Data from that study showed that a single dose of BPL-003 was well-tolerated and produced a rapid and lasting antidepressant effect for up to three months after dosing. Cosmo Feilding Mellen, Chief Executive Officer at Beckley Psytech, said: "Patients living with treatment resistant depression face limited options, having to choose between treatments that have poor efficacy, undesirable side effects and unfavourable access options. Studies have demonstrated that a single dose of BPL-003 can deliver a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect when administered on its own or alongside SSRIs, and that the compound is well-tolerated with a short treatment duration. These findings highlight BPL-003's potential as an innovative, differentiated and scalable treatment for depression, and we look forward to sharing results from our Phase IIb study in the coming months." Dr Rob Conley, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Beckley Psytech, said:"Although a small study, we are very encouraged by these results which validate the safety and efficacy of BPL-003 co-administration with SSRIs. Since conditions like depression are often managed with the use of several interventions, it is important to understand how different treatments interact. We believe that allowing people who wish to stay on SSRIs to be dosed with BPL-003 in clinical studies reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms, improves accessibility and provides important insight into the effects of co-administration. We are incredibly grateful to the patients and study partners who have helped us reach this important milestone in our clinical development of BPL-003." Beckley Psytech is expecting results from the core, randomised, quadruple-masked stage of its Phase IIb study of BPL-003 for TRD in mid-2025. The study, which is thought to be the largest ever controlled clinical study to investigate 5-MeO-DMT and the only blinded Phase IIb study of 5-MeO-DMT in the United States, completed enrolment in March 2025, with 196 patients enrolled across 38 sites in six countries. Data from the study will be used to support end-of-Phase II meetings with regulatory bodies and Phase III planning. -Ends- For more information please contact: Charlotte Chorley, Communications Lead, at info@beckleypsytech.com About Beckley Psytech - www.beckleypsytech.com Beckley Psytech Ltd is a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing effective, rapid-acting and accessible medicines for people living with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions. Founded in 2019 and underpinned by more than two decades of pioneering scientific research from the Beckley Foundation, Beckley Psytech combines cutting-edge science with deep drug development expertise in order to optimise patient outcomes, improve treatment opportunities and ease the burden mental health conditions have on individuals, healthcare systems and society. About BPL-003 BPL-003 is Beckley Psytech's synthetic, proprietary intranasal formulation of 5-MeO-DMT benzoate, administered via a nasal spray device used in a previously approved drug product. BPL-003 is designed to deliver rapid and durable effects from a single dose, with a short time in the clinic and is being investigated as a potential therapy for treatment resistant depression (TRD) and for alcohol use disorder (AUD). BPL-003 is covered by granted US, UK and European composition-of-matter patents, with multiple further claims pending in various jurisdictions. The company earns the highest marks for "Ease of Doing Business" and "Ease of Administration", solidifying its position as an industry leader in Identity Verification. New York, May 20, 2025, a global AI-native identity verification company powering trust infrastructure online, has been recognized as a Leader in the G2 Grid Report for Identity Verification | Spring 2025, a distinction driven by outstanding user satisfaction and strong market presence. Among all recognized providers, Veriff stood out with industry-leading scores, including: Ease of Administration: 98% (vs. industry average of 92%) (vs. industry average of 92%) Ease of Doing Business With: 98% (vs. industry average of 94%) These scores represent the highest ratings in their respective categories among market leaders, highlighting Veriff's user-centric approach and seamless implementation process. Veriff received top-tier rankings across key performance categories, with 100% of users rating the platform 4 or 5 stars, 100% believing the company is heading in the right direction, and 91% indicating they would recommend Veriff to others. This strong endorsement from users underscores Veriff's continued commitment to delivering secure, intuitive, and scalable identity verification solutions. "This recognition from G2 is especially meaningful because it comes straight from the people who rely on Veriff every day," said Kaarel Kotkas, Founder and CEO of Veriff. "At Veriff, we're building the infrastructure for trust, helping companies across industries scale securely and seamlessly. Identity verification is a critical layer of trust for any business operating online." In addition to Identity Verification, Veriff is also featured in the Biometric Authentication, Anti-Money Laundering, E-commerce Fraud Protection, Fraud Detection, and Age Verification categories, reflecting the breadth of its trusted solutions. The G2 Grid Reports are based on real user ratings and data collected from verified reviews. Companies positioned in the Leader quadrant are highly rated by G2 users and have significant Market Presence scores. About Veriff Veriffis a global identity verification platform helping businesses build trust online. Our AI-native technology combines automation and human expertise to quickly and accurately verify users worldwide with minimal friction. Trusted by leading companies like Blockchain, Bolt, Deel, Monzo, Starship, Trustpilot, and Webull across finance, marketplaces, mobility, gaming, and other industries. Our trust infrastructure helps businesses stay compliant, prevent fraud, protect users, and scale globally, enabling a safer, more transparent internet for everyone. Veriff press@veriff.com CANNES, France, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lenovo Group and renowned Chinese film director Lu Chuan today premiered the documentary Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Highlighting China's innovation in wildlife conservation, the documentary showcases the beauty of plateau wildlife and the unique approach to conservation rooted in traditional Eastern wisdom. Upon its debut, the film received unanimous acclaim at Cannes. Alongside the screening, a seminar was held exploring the importance of wildlife documentaries in raising awareness for environmental issues. The seminar brought together environmental advocates, filmmakers, and technology specialists from around the world to engage in discussions about the film's portrayal of China's pioneering wildlife conservation practices at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park (QWP) known as the QWP Model. Among the attendees was Greg Reitman, widely regarded as Hollywood's "Green Filmmaker", stating: "My filmmaking is fueled by a passion for spotlighting environmental issues and driving positive change. The film Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park has inspired me -- AI serves as a bridge, enabling us to monitor wildlife non-invasively and guiding us toward a future of living in harmony with all beings through respect and protection." The QWP Model focuses on providing comprehensive care for injured wildlife, using technology to assess their potential for survival in the wild, and prioritizing their reintroduction to natural habitats. The distinct conservation philosophy stems from local beliefs in the cycle of reincarnation, where all spirits - humans, animals, and plants - can be reborn as another, making all life forms equal and deserving of the same respect and care. By integrating cutting-edge AI into the park's operations, Lenovo has built the first AI Park on the plateau, transforming how conservationists research, rescue, and rehabilitate wildlife on the plateau. Key applications include using AI to recognize indicative wildlife behaviors for advanced care, to collect and analyze real-time data for improved reintroduction strategies, and to automatically document medical records for long-term research. More than a cinematic triumph, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park'sCannes debut shows how Chinese conservation philosophies, powered by Lenovo AI, offer a unique solution to global ecological challenges. As part of Lenovo's commitment to 'Smarter AI for All', this collaboration strives to utilize AI to build a more sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691551/Lu_Chuan_a_well_known_Chinese_film_director.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cannes-premiere-lenovo-shines-spotlight-on-chinese-wildlife-conservation-innovation-with-lu-chuans-qinghai-tibet-plateau-wildlife-park-302460349.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Vertiqal Studios Corp. (TSX: VRTS) (OTC Pink: VERTF) (FSE: 9PY0) ("the Company") - Vertiqal Studios, the digital media company behind some of the most engaged Gen Z and Millennial-facing social channels, is officially embracing an AI-enabled operating model-fusing the speed and scalability of AI with the cultural fluency, storytelling expertise, and hands-on execution that define its in-house creative and media approach. By integrating AI across strategy, production, and operations, Vertiqal can work faster, smarter, and more collaboratively-unlocking new creative potential for both internal teams and brand partners. But this isn't about replacing talent with tech. It's about enhancing it. "We're not automating ideas-we're accelerating them," said Jon Dwyer, Chairman and CEO at Vertiqal Studios. "We still believe great content needs a human pulse. Our approach just makes it easier to spend more time on what matters-originality, storytelling, and audience connection." This hybrid model brings together: AI-accelerated creative workflows that cut down on production time and increase iteration speed that cut down on production time and increase iteration speed Smarter audience insights that help tailor campaigns in real time that help tailor campaigns in real time Efficient internal systems that free up more time for bold, creator-led content This isn't speculative. Vertiqal is already deploying these capabilities in-market in partnership with a stealth-mode Silicon Valley AI startup. The Company uses advanced, AI-enabled production tools that ingest performance data and generate near-limitless content iterations tailored to brand KPIs and platform algorithms. These tools empower Vertiqal's human creative teams, ensuring content resonates with real people while delivering the scale and adaptability required in today's fragmented digital landscape. Through strategic affiliations like its membership in DAWN, Vertiqal is already leveraging these AI-driven capabilities on behalf of U.S. brand clients-enabling faster turnarounds, sharper insights, and increased performance across its owned-and-operated channels and client campaigns. This is not a new direction-it's an evolution. Vertiqal's data-first approach was first demonstrated through its multi-year partnership with SaaS analytics platform Revmo, a collaboration announced in October 2023. That initiative cemented Vertiqal's long-term focus on integrating real-time performance insights into creative and distribution decisions, ensuring every piece of content is backed by actionable data. (Watch Vertiqal CEO Jon Dwyer's full interview on the Revmo partnership here: Proactive Interview) As the industry reacts to Mark Zuckerberg's recent announcement that Meta plans to build AI capable of fully replacing creative agencies, Vertiqal's stance is clear: "AI is at the center of what we do," said Jon Dwyer. "But unlike the fully automated vision Zuckerberg describes, we believe creative without a human element is not just uninspired-it's ineffective. We are the answer to both the outdated agency model and the fully synthetic model being proposed." "What Zuckerberg laid out is a future we're ready for-and a future we're already building toward," they continued. "AI makes us more agile, scalable, and precise. But it's our human creativity, cultural fluency, and community-led storytelling that make content meaningful. That's why this announcement doesn't concern us-it validates us." Vertiqal's human-led, AI-enabled system is already powering branded content across gaming, lifestyle, beauty, and sports-built for Gen Z attention spans and optimized for social-first formats. While some tech leaders imagine a future dominated by digital companions and AI-generated feeds, Vertiqal is focused on the real world: creators, culture, and community. "The future of marketing isn't synthetic," said Dwyer. "It's human stories-made sharper, smarter, and faster with AI." For brands looking to move at the speed of culture without sacrificing craft, Vertiqal's AI-enabled model delivers the best of both worlds-intelligent systems and authentic storytelling. About Vertiqal Studios Vertiqal Studios, owners of North America's largest gaming and lifestyle network on social media, is a leading digital-channel network and video-production studio. The company specializes in the creation and distribution of viral videos for brands and advertisers to create always-on digital strategies that live authentically in Gen Z and Millennial culture. Vertiqal Studios partners with leading brands to develop strategic solutions, creative ideation, and content production, while also providing distribution and amplification through its Owned & Operated channels - all delivered with boutique, white-glove service. Its expertise lies with managing over 130 channels across TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, while producing over 100+ pieces of content a day for a growing audience of 52 million-plus followers. For more information and to join our email subscriber list for direct press releases and newsletters, visit https://vertiqalstudios.com/. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252520 SOURCE: Vertiqal Studios Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a comprehensive summary of exploration insights and historical data gathered at its Corvo Uranium Project ("Corvo", or the "Project"), currently under a three-year earn-in option agreement with Aventis Energy Inc. (CSE: AVE) ("Aventis"), formerly Vital Battery Metals Inc1. Highlights: Basement-hosted Uranium Prospect: Historical drill holes intersected multiple intervals of uranium mineralization, notably along a strike length of 800 metres between historical drill holes TL-79-3 ( 0.116% U 3 O 8 over 1.05 m ) and TL-79-5 ( 0.065% U 3 O 8 over 0.15 m ) 2 . High-grade* Uranium at Surface: Prospecting, mapping, geochemical surveying, and drilling completed in the late 1970s and 80s identified graphitic metasedimentary rocks in outcrop along the conductive corridor and led to the discovery of multiple uraniferous outcrops including the Manhattan showing ( 1.19 to 5.98% U 3 O 8 ) and SMDI showing 2052 ( 0.137% U 3 O 8 and 2,300 ppm Th ) 3 . Favorable Host Rocks: An airborne Time-Domain Electromagnetic (" TDEM ") survey was recently completed to pinpoint graphitic rocks (conductors) favourable for hosting significant concentrations of uranium 4 . This modern electromagnetic survey will infill and improve upon historical surveys which have identified at least 25 km of combined conductor strike length . Target Development & Drilling: The results of the recent airborne TDEM survey will be subject to geophysical interpretation and modelling, and integrated with the Project's existing datasets, to prioritize target areas for additional geophysics and inaugural drilling. Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration of Standard Uranium, commented: "The Corvo Project is highly prospective for shallow basement-hosted uranium mineralization and is largely underexplored. Modeling of the new TDEM survey data covering the entire project will be underway imminently, and we expect the results to identify a significant number of high-priority drill targets for follow-up in 2025. We look forward to developing our target areas with additional work programs throughout the year as we advance towards our maiden drilling program." Figure 1. Regional map of the Corvo Project. The Project is located 45 km northeast of Atha Energy's Gemini Mineralized Zone ("GMZ") and 60 km due east of Cameco's McArthur River mine. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/252674_3d2a146a746ca88b_001full.jpg Corvo Project Overview and Historical Exploration: The Project is located along the eastern edge of the Athabasca Basin and is currently under option (the "Option") to Aventis Energy Inc. (the "Optionee") an arms-length company (TSXV: AVE). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Optionee can acquire 75% of the Project by funding C$4.5 million in exploration expenditures (which is subject to an operator's fee to the Company), making cash payments totalling C$225,000, and issuing C$725,000 in common shares, over a 3-year period. Following the 3-year Option period, Standard will retain a 25% stake in the Project and form a Joint Venture with Aventis to advance exploration. Standard Uranium strategically acquired 12,265 hectares in the eastern Athabasca Basin region, targeting high-grade basement-hosted uranium on the 100%-owned Corvo project. The Corvo Project is situated 1.5 km outside the current margin of the Athabasca Basin, approximately 45 kilometres northeast of the Gemini Mineralized Zone ("GMZ") (Figure 1). The Company believes the Project is highly prospective for the discovery of high-grade basement-hosted uranium mineralization akin to the Rabbit Lake deposit and the recently discovered Gemini Mineralized Zone. Several outcrop showings of mineralized veins and fractures are present on the Project, notably the Manhattan Showing that returned historical sample results up to 59,800 ppm U at surface3 and has never been drill tested. The Project is also prospective for rare earth element ("REE") mineralization, potentially providing additional value upside. Basement-hosted uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin region are typically associated with graphite-rich rocks, evident as electromagnetic ("EM") conductors in geophysical surveys. These graphite-rich rocks, softer than surrounding quartzite and granitoid lithologies, are not frequently exposed at the surface due to glacial cover. However, prospecting, mapping, and geochemical surveying completed in the late 1970s and 80s on the Project identified graphitic metasedimentary rocks in outcrop along conductive corridors and led to the discovery of multiple uriniferous outcrops including the Manhattan Showing (up to 59,800 ppm U) and SMDI showing 2052 (0.137% U3O8 & 2,300 ppm Th)3. Historical airborne and ground electromagnetic work between 1979 and 2017 identified a broad, northeast-southwest trending, conductive system that is approximately 2.5-km wide with prospective targets associated with magnetic-low corridors and cross-cutting faults. Historical drilling on the Project by Norbaska Mines Ltd. in 1979 and 1980 has outlined multiple intercepts of basement-hosted uranium mineralization (Figure 2). Historical drill hole TL-79-3 intersected 4.63 metres of composite mineralization >0.05% U3O8 across multiple mineralized zones, including 0.116% U3O8 over 1.05 metres2. Drill hole TL-79-5 intersected 0.065% U3O8 over 0.15 metres, approximately 800 metres along strike from TL-79-32. Figure 2. Summary map showing low/EM conductor trends on the Corvo project and highlighting historical samples and drill holes with anomalous uranium and/or radioactivity, with first vertical derivative magnetics in the background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/252674_3d2a146a746ca88b_002full.jpg 2025 Exploration Plans Earlier this year, the Company contracted Axiom Exploration Group Ltd. in partnership with New Resolution Geophysics to carry out a helicopter-borne Xcite time domain electromagnetic and total field magnetic survey over the Corvo project. The survey totalled approximately 1,380 line-kms with a traverse line spacing of 100 m and tie-line spacing of 1,000 m. The airborne TDEM survey outlines several kilometers of conductive anomalies and magnetic features in bedrock, effectively enhancing the resolution of the conductive trends on the project. The magnetic survey contributes to definition of potential fault systems and structural trends not previously identified across the project related to historical uranium showings at surface and in historical drill holes. The Company is planning supplementary geophysical surveys across the Project in 2025 to further refine drill targets for an inaugural drill program, in addition to a mapping, prospecting, and sampling program to ground-truth historical uranium showings at surface. Ongoing geophysical interpretation and modeling is planned to integrate historical surveys with newly collected datasets, which will provide high-priority drill targets and significantly derisk the Project prior to modern drilling. *The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be "high-grade". **The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 300 counts per second (cps) to be "anomalous". Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. References 1 2025-0515 - Name and Symbol Change - Vital Battery Metals Inc. (VBAM), CSE Bulletin, May 9, 2025. https://thecse.com/bulletin/2025-0515-name-and-symbol-change-vital-battery-metals-inc-vbam/ 2 Mineral Assessment Report 64E13-0054: Norbaska Mines Ltd., 1979-1980 3 SMDI# 2052: https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/2052 & Mineral Assessment Report MAW00047: Eagle Plains Resources Inc., 2011-2012 4 Standard Uranium Provides Exploration Update Highlighting Results of Gravity and TDEM Surveys on Three Eastern Athabasca Uranium Projects, News Release, March 13, 2025. https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-provides-exploration-update-tdem-surveys-on-three-eastern-athabasca-uranium/ About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the world's richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 233,455 acres (94,476 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 42,384 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with the Optionee will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252674 SOURCE: Standard Uranium Ltd. Melbourne, Australia and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) ("Mithril" or the "Company") is pleased to provide high-grade maiden drill results for a new drill discovery at the Target 2 area in Mithril's Copalquin silver and gold district property, Durango State, Mexico (Figure 1). Exploration Progress Update Drilling at Target 2 (Las Brujas) has returned excellent results, with shallow holes over a 200-metre strike length intersecting very high-grade gold and silver within a broad, near-surface structure. Hole T2DH25-006 returned 11.5m @ 8.61 g/t gold, 57.6 g/t silver from 44.5m, including 3.85m @ 25.33 g/t gold, 128 g/t silver from 46.65m including 0.85m @ 109.5 g/t gold, 325 g/t silver from 46.65m. Follow-up drilling ~80 metres down dip is planned for the next phase. Momentum Building Across the Copalquin District - Multiple Targets Advancing (Figure 2) Exciting Progress at El Peru (Target 2 Extension): The first phase of drilling at El Peru, 400 m east of Las Brujas, has been completed. Multiple shallow drillholes have shown further extension of the mineralized footprint of this emerging high-grade zone (samples dispatched). The first phase of drilling at El Peru, 400 m east of Las Brujas, has been completed. Multiple shallow drillholes have shown further extension of the mineralized footprint of this emerging high-grade zone (samples dispatched). Eastern District Activity Ramps Up: A second exploration camp has been established to support aggressive mapping and target generation at Targets 2 and 3 , highlighting our commitment to unlocking the eastern potential of the district. A second exploration camp has been established to support aggressive mapping and target generation at , highlighting our commitment to unlocking the eastern potential of the district. High-Potential for additional Discovery at Target 5 - El Apomal: A new target has been defined at the historic El Apomal workings. A 130-metre underground adit has been dewatered, mapped, and sampled (assays pending), and a surface vein has been traced over 300 metres - a compelling new drill target developing. A new target has been defined at the historic El Apomal workings. A 130-metre underground adit has been dewatered, mapped, and sampled (assays pending), and a surface vein has been traced over 300 metres - a compelling new drill target developing. District-Scale Potential Confirmed: Over 1,000 metres of vertical relief between Target 2 and Target 5 across 5 km demonstrates the immense scale and structural complexity of the Copalquin district, underscoring its potential to host a large, multi-target mineralized system. Over 1,000 metres of vertical relief between Target 2 and Target 5 across 5 km demonstrates the and structural complexity of the Copalquin district, underscoring its potential to host a large, multi-target mineralized system. Resource Expansion Underway at Target 1: Deep drilling at the El Refugio structure continues to intercept the targeted zone, with samples dispatched for assay. Drilling success here will directly contribute to an upcoming Target 1 resource update. "We're advancing on multiple fronts across the Copalquin district, with strong drill results at Las Brujas, exciting new potential at El Apomal, and ongoing success at our flagship Target 1 resource area," said John Skeet, CEO and Managing Director. "The scale of this system is becoming increasingly evident, with multiple mineralized zones across the district. With drilling, mapping, and sampling all in full swing, we're well positioned to continue building momentum and unlock significant value through discovery and resource growth." COPALQUIN GOLD-SILVER DISTRICT, DURANGO STATE, MEXICO Figure 1 Copalquin District location map, locations of mining and exploration activity and local infrastructure To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_001full.jpg With 100 historic underground gold-silver mines and workings plus 198 surface workings/pits throughout 70km2 of mining concession area, Copalquin is an entire mining district with high-grade exploration results and a maiden JORC resource. To date there are several target areas in the district with one already hosting a high-grade gold-silver JORC mineral resource estimate (MRE) at the Target 1 area (El Refugio-La Soledad)1 and a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+, supported by a conceptional underground mining study completed on the maiden resource in early 2022 (see ASX announcement 01 March 2022 and metallurgical test work (see ASX Announcement 25 February 2022). There is considerable strike and depth potential to increase the resource at El Refugio and at other target areas across the district, plus the underlying geologic system that is responsible for the widespread gold-silver mineralisation. With the district-wide gold and silver occurrences and rapid exploration success, it is clear the Copalquin District is developing into another significant gold-silver district like the many other districts in this prolific Sierra Madre Gold-Silver Trend of Mexico. Figure 2 LiDAR identified historic workings across the 70km2 district. Current drilling locations at Targets 1 and 2, high priority drill target area of La Constancia-El Jabali (Target 3) and the new developing Target 5. Several new areas highlighted across the district for follow-up work. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_002full.jpg Drill Results Discussion Drilling at Las Brujas in Target 2, has returned excellent results with the highlight discovery drill hole T2DH25-006 returning: 11.5m @ 8.61 g/t gold, 57.6 g/t silver from 44.5m, (T2DH25-006) 2 , including 3.85m @ 25.33 g/t gold, 128 g/t silver from 46.65m, including 0.85m @ 109.5 g/t gold, 325 g/t silver from 46.65m The initial programme of drill hole at Target 2 around the las Brujas historic workings are summarised below in Table 1. Shallow drilling at the Target 2 prospect (Las Brujas and El Peru) has intersected a mineralized vein system featuring localized breccia zones, banded to colloform quartz, and trace black sulphides. The vein trends east-west with a strike length exceeding 500 metres, dipping approximately 40 to the south. High-grade mineralization in T2DH25-006 is associated with greenish, colloform quartz banding which is present in other Au-Ag epithermal deposits of the Sierra Madre. Drilling results, combined with previously reported channel samples from historical workings, confirm a mineralized dip extent of ~115 meters along the Target 2 vein system. Mineralization remains open at depth below the discovery hole T2DH25-006, which confirmed high-grade intervals consistent with earlier surface sampling. Follow-up drilling is underway to test potential down-dip extensions. Additionally, there is significant exploration potential for new high-grade ore shoots along the Target 2 vein system, both at depth and along strike-particularly within the ~400-meter gap between the Las Brujas and El Peru targets. Table 1 Summary of drill intercepts from first programme of shallow drilling at Target 2, Las Brujas. Drill Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m)2 Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) T2DH25-001 19.9 22 2.1 0.10 44.50 T2DH25-001 46.5 47 0.50 0.20 12.30 T2DH25-002 19.15 20.5 1.35 0.06 96.90 T2DH25-002 24.3 26.3 2.00 0.02 20.80 T2DH25-003 34.95 35.9 0.95 0.05 15.00 T2DH25-003 41.1 42.1 1.00 0.66 21.70 T2DH25-003 43.2 48.4 5.20 1.21 46.64 including 46.5 47.4 0.90 3.76 174 T2DH25-004 51.8 53.65 1.85 1.74 96.14 including 51.8 53 1.20 2.66 137.00 T2DH25-005 40 42 2.00 0.09 21.20 T2DH25-005 62.6 63.1 0.50 0.32 14.50 T2DH25-006 44.5 56 11.50 8.61 57.59 including 46.65 50.5 3.85 25.33 128.74 including 46.65 47.5 0.85 109.50 325.00 T2DH25-007 64.63 68 3.37 0.84 26.38 including 66 66.68 0.68 2.03 59.80 T2DH25-009 7.85 8.5 0.65 0.44 10.00 T2DH25-010 NRI Figure 3 Plan view showing reported drill traces at Las Brujas and pending drill hole traces at El Peru, within the Target 2 area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_003full.jpg Figure 4 Area (18km2) within 70km2 Copalquin District showing the current drill targets and ongoing channel sampling locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_004full.jpg Figure 5 Plan map showing drill traces and results of first phase of drilling at Las Brujas in Target 2 area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_005full.jpg Figure 6 Cross section of first phase of drilling at Las Brujas in Target 2 with preliminary geology To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11657/252698_05633027c4c08828_006full.jpg ABOUT THE COPALQUIN GOLD SILVER PROJECT The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2 containing several dozen historic gold and silver mines and workings, ten of which had notable production. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits. Multiple mineralisation events, young intrusives thought to be system-driving heat sources, widespread alteration together with extensive surface vein exposures and dozens of historic mine workings, identify the Copalquin mining district as a major epithermal centre for Gold and Silver. Within 15 months of drilling in the Copalquin District, Mithril delivered a maiden JORC mineral resource estimate demonstrating the high-grade gold and silver resource potential for the district. This maiden resource is detailed below (see ASX release 17 November 2021)^ and a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ 2,416,000 tonnes @ 4.80 g/t gold, 141 g/t silver for 373,000 oz gold plus 10,953,000 oz silver using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq* 28.6% of the resource tonnage is classified as indicated Tonnes (kt) Tonnes (kt) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Gold Eq.* (g/t) Gold (koz) Silver (koz) Gold Eq.* (koz) El Refugio Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,447 4.63 137.1 6.59 215 6,377 307 La Soledad Indicated - - - - - - - Inferred 278 4.12 228.2 7.38 37 2,037 66 Total Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,725 4.55 151.7 6.72 252 8,414 372 TOTAL 2,416 4.80 141 6.81 373 10,953 529 Table 2 - Mineral resource estimate El Refugio - La Soledad using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq* * In determining the gold equivalent (AuEq.) grade for reporting, a gold:silver price ratio of 70:1 was determined, using the formula: AuEq grade = Au grade + ((Ag grade/70) x (Ag recovery/Au recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries were assumed to be equal. Subsequent preliminary metallurgical test work produced recoveries of 91% for silver and 96% for gold (ASX Announcement 25 February 2022). In the Company's opinion there is reasonable potential for both gold and silver to be extracted and sold. ^ The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information provided in the following ASX announcement: 17 Nov 2021 - MAIDEN JORC RESOURCE 529,000 OUNCES @ 6.81G/T (AuEq*), which includes the full JORC MRE report, also available on the Mithril Resources Limited Website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. Mining study and metallurgical test work supports the development of the El Refugio-La Soledad resource with conventional underground mining methods indicated as being appropriate and with high gold-silver recovery to produce metal on-site with conventional processing. Mithril is currently exploring in the Copalquin District to expand the resource footprint, demonstrating its multi-million-ounce gold and silver potential. Mithril has an exclusive option to purchase 100% interest in the Copalquin mining concessions by paying US$10M on or any time before 7 August 2028. -ENDS- Released with the authority of the Board. For further information contact: Competent Persons Statement - JORC The information in this announcement that relates to metallurgical test results, mineral processing and project development and study work has been compiled by Mr John Skeet who is Mithril's CEO and Managing Director. Mr Skeet is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr Skeet has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Skeet consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. The information in this announcement that relates to sampling techniques and data, exploration results and geological interpretation for Mithril's Mexican project, has been compiled by Mr Patrick Loury who is Mithril's Project Consultant. Mr Loury is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG). This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr Loury has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Loury consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources is reported by Mr Rodney Webster, Principal Geologist at AMC Consultants Pty Ltd (AMC), who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The report was peer reviewed by Andrew Proudman, Principal Consultant at AMC. Mr Webster is acting as the Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, for the reporting of the Mineral Resource estimate. A site visit was carried out by Jose Olmedo a geological consultant with AMC, in September 2021 to observe the drilling, logging, sampling and assay database. Mr Webster consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Qualified Persons - NI 43-101 Scientific and technical information in this Report has been reviewed and approved by Mr John Skeet (FAUSIMM, CP) Mithril's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr John Skeet is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Table 3 Mineralised intercepts in reported drillholes equal to and above 0.1 g/t AuEq. (*See 'About Copalquin Gold Silver Project' section for JORC MRE details and AuEq. Calculation) Drill Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Sample ID Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Gold Eq.* (g/t) T2DH25-001 17.15 18.15 1 744509 0.022 9 0.2 T2DH25-001 19.1 19.9 0.8 744511 0.011 4.3 0.1 T2DH25-001 19.9 20.4 0.5 744512 0.134 60.5 1.0 T2DH25-001 20.4 22 1.6 744513 0.086 39.5 0.7 T2DH25-001 22 22.5 0.5 744514 0.007 4.2 0.1 T2DH25-001 22.5 23 0.5 744515 0.009 5.5 0.1 T2DH25-001 23 24 1 744516 0.013 5.5 0.1 T2DH25-001 24 25 1 744517 0.01 4.2 0.1 T2DH25-001 25 26 1 744518 0.015 10.3 0.2 T2DH25-001 26 27 1 744519 0.02 8.6 0.1 T2DH25-001 27 28 1 744520 0.014 6.6 0.1 T2DH25-001 28 29 1 744521 0.008 6.2 0.1 T2DH25-001 29 30 1 744522 0.005 6.8 0.1 T2DH25-001 30 30.95 0.95 744523 0.006 4.7 0.1 T2DH25-001 32.75 33.6 0.85 744527 0.005 3.6 0.1 T2DH25-001 33.6 34.6 1 744528 0.009 5.9 0.1 T2DH25-001 40.3 40.8 0.5 744536 0.02 2.4 0.1 T2DH25-001 42.9 43.4 0.5 744541 0.063 2.3 0.1 T2DH25-001 46.5 47 0.5 744548 0.201 12.3 0.4 T2DH25-001 47 47.5 0.5 744549 0.075 1.3 0.1 T2DH25-001 47.5 48.35 0.85 744551 0.104 1.3 0.1 T2DH25-001 48.35 48.85 0.5 744552 0.081 7.4 0.2 T2DH25-001 48.85 49.35 0.5 744553 0.038 1.2 0.1 T2DH25-001 49.35 50 0.65 744554 0.039 3 0.1 T2DH25-001 52.15 52.65 0.5 744558 0.065 7 0.2 T2DH25-001 79.7 81.7 2 744578 0.024 2.2 0.1 T2DH25-002 19.15 20.5 1.35 744604 0.058 96.9 1.4 T2DH25-002 20.5 21.5 1 744605 0.011 3.7 0.1 T2DH25-002 23.3 24.3 1 744608 0.012 6.3 0.1 T2DH25-002 24.3 25.3 1 744609 0.021 21.1 0.3 T2DH25-002 25.3 26.3 1 744610 0.015 20.5 0.3 T2DH25-002 26.3 27.3 1 744611 0.009 12.6 0.2 T2DH25-002 27.3 28.3 1 744612 0.01 5.4 0.1 T2DH25-002 28.3 29.3 1 744613 0.017 3.8 0.1 T2DH25-002 29.3 30.95 1.65 744614 0.016 4.6 0.1 T2DH25-002 30.95 32.95 2 744615 0.029 13.7 0.2 T2DH25-002 32.95 34.95 2 744616 0.005 3.4 0.1 T2DH25-002 47.05 47.55 0.5 744627 0.078 1.7 0.1 T2DH25-002 47.55 48.05 0.5 744628 0.038 1.2 0.1 T2DH25-002 48.05 48.55 0.5 744629 0.043 0.9 0.1 T2DH25-002 50.05 50.55 0.5 744633 0.046 0.7 0.1 T2DH25-002 50.55 51.05 0.5 744634 0.045 0.5 0.1 T2DH25-002 51.55 52.05 0.5 744636 0.046 2.3 0.1 T2DH25-002 52.05 52.55 0.5 744637 0.07 2.4 0.1 T2DH25-002 52.55 53.05 0.5 744638 0.078 2.8 0.1 T2DH25-002 53.05 53.55 0.5 744639 0.057 3.6 0.1 T2DH25-002 53.55 54.05 0.5 744640 0.047 0.5 0.1 T2DH25-002 59.35 59.85 0.5 744646 0.077 3.6 0.1 T2DH25-002 96.75 98.25 1.5 744681 0.028 3.5 0.1 T2DH25-003 23.2 25.6 2.4 744697 0.021 2.4 0.1 T2DH25-003 31.9 32.4 0.5 744705 0.005 3.4 0.1 T2DH25-003 32.4 33.7 1.3 744706 0.005 5.9 0.1 T2DH25-003 33.7 34.3 0.6 744707 0.032 12.8 0.2 T2DH25-003 34.3 34.95 0.65 744708 0.03 12.6 0.2 T2DH25-003 34.95 35.9 0.95 744709 0.046 15 0.3 T2DH25-003 35.9 37 1.1 744711 0.027 11.9 0.2 T2DH25-003 37 37.55 0.55 744712 0.01 8.4 0.1 T2DH25-003 40.6 41.1 0.5 744716 0.032 2.2 0.1 T2DH25-003 41.1 41.6 0.5 744717 0.264 9.4 0.4 T2DH25-003 41.6 42.1 0.5 744718 1.065 34 1.6 T2DH25-003 42.1 42.7 0.6 744719 0.04 4.8 0.1 T2DH25-003 42.7 43.2 0.5 744720 0.101 6.6 0.2 T2DH25-003 43.2 43.7 0.5 744721 2.51 16.7 2.7 T2DH25-003 43.7 44.2 0.5 744722 0.113 5.1 0.2 T2DH25-003 44.2 44.85 0.65 744723 0.188 6 0.3 T2DH25-003 44.85 45.45 0.6 744724 0.048 13.8 0.2 T2DH25-003 45.45 46 0.55 744726 1.835 32.8 2.3 T2DH25-003 46 46.5 0.5 744727 0.483 42.1 1.1 T2DH25-003 46.5 47.4 0.9 744728 3.76 174 6.2 T2DH25-003 47.4 47.9 0.5 744729 0.1 9.1 0.2 T2DH25-003 47.9 48.4 0.5 744730 0.241 38.4 0.8 T2DH25-003 50.4 50.9 0.5 744735 0.132 4.2 0.2 T2DH25-003 50.9 52 1.1 744736 0.009 3.2 0.1 T2DH25-004 46.85 47.45 0.6 744838 0.013 2.7 0.1 T2DH25-004 47.45 48 0.55 744839 0.037 2.9 0.1 T2DH25-004 48 49 1 744840 0.067 2.1 0.1 T2DH25-004 50.3 50.8 0.5 744843 0.045 1.9 0.1 T2DH25-004 51.8 53 1.2 744846 2.66 137 4.6 T2DH25-004 53 53.65 0.65 744848 0.047 20.7 0.3 T2DH25-004 53.65 54.35 0.7 744849 0.043 13 0.2 T2DH25-004 54.35 55 0.65 744851 0.082 9.2 0.2 T2DH25-004 55 55.5 0.5 744852 0.091 2.6 0.1 T2DH25-004 55.5 56.5 1 744853 0.005 5 0.1 T2DH25-005 40 41 1 744889 0.048 23.1 0.4 T2DH25-005 41 42 1 744891 0.131 19.3 0.4 T2DH25-005 42 43 1 744892 0.007 4.6 0.1 T2DH25-005 58.7 59.2 0.5 744903 0.083 1.9 0.1 T2DH25-005 62.1 62.6 0.5 744909 0.065 2.7 0.1 T2DH25-005 62.6 63.1 0.5 744910 0.323 14.5 0.5 T2DH25-005 66.9 68.1 1.2 744915 0.048 0.5 0.1 T2DH25-006 44.5 45.5 1 744919 0.013 16.6 0.3 T2DH25-006 45.5 46.15 0.65 744921 0.129 36.5 0.7 T2DH25-006 46.15 46.65 0.5 744922 0.661 49.3 1.4 T2DH25-006 46.65 47.5 0.85 744923 109.5 325 114.1 T2DH25-006 47.5 48.25 0.75 744924 1.77 73.2 2.8 T2DH25-006 48.25 49 0.75 744926 0.491 60 1.3 T2DH25-006 49 50 1 744927 0.165 64.5 1.1 T2DH25-006 50 50.5 0.5 744929 5.14 110 6.7 T2DH25-006 50.5 51 0.5 744930 0.758 59 1.6 T2DH25-006 51 52 1 744931 0.456 25.7 0.8 T2DH25-006 52 53 1 744932 0.029 10.2 0.2 T2DH25-006 53 54 1 744933 0.019 19.2 0.3 T2DH25-006 54 55 1 744934 0.049 10.8 0.2 T2DH25-006 55 56 1 744935 0.177 6.3 0.3 T2DH25-006 56 57 1 744936 0.052 3.9 0.1 T2DH25-006 57 58 1 744937 0.01 3 0.1 T2DH25-007 61 62 1 744945 0.038 4.8 0.1 T2DH25-007 62 63 1 744946 0.049 3 0.1 T2DH25-007 64 64.63 0.63 744948 0.03 3.3 0.1 T2DH25-007 64.63 65.25 0.62 744951 1.305 13.1 1.5 T2DH25-007 65.25 66 0.75 744952 0.282 13.6 0.5 T2DH25-007 66 66.68 0.68 744954 2.03 59.8 2.9 T2DH25-007 66.68 67.2 0.52 744955 0.591 38 1.1 T2DH25-007 67.2 68 0.8 744956 0.156 12.7 0.3 T2DH25-007 68 69 1 744957 0.037 5.4 0.1 T2DH25-008 83.4 84 0.6 744966 0.031 2.6 0.1 T2DH25-008 84 84.5 0.5 744967 0.035 2.6 0.1 T2DH25-009 7 7.85 0.85 744984 0.064 1.8 0.1 T2DH25-009 7.85 8.5 0.65 744985 0.439 10 0.6 T2DH25-009 8.5 9 0.5 744986 0.021 3.2 0.1 T2DH25-009 12 12.5 0.5 744993 0.036 1.5 0.1 T2DH25-009 12.5 13.5 1 744994 0.063 0.6 0.1 JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representativity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Drill core samples are cut lengthwise with a diamond saw. Intervals are nominally 1 m but may vary between 0.5 m to 1.5 m based on geologic criteria. The same side of the core is always sent to sample (left side of saw). Reported intercepts are calculated as either potentially underground mineable (>100m down hole) or as potentially open-pit mineable (near surface). Potentially underground mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 1 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing up to 2m of internal dilution. Potentially open-pit mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 0.25 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing for up to 2m of internal dilution. Rock Sawn Channel samples underground and surface are collected with the assistance of a handheld portable saw 2.5 to 3cm deep and 6-8 cm wide along continuous lines oriented perpendicular to the mineralized structure. The samples are as representative as possible Rock Sawn Channel surface samples were surveyed with a Handheld GPS then permanently mark with an aluminium tag and red colour spray across the strike of the outcrop over 1 metre. Samples are as representative as possible Rock Sawn Channel underground samples were located after a compass and tape with the mine working having a surveyed control point at the portal, then permanently marked with an aluminium tag and red colour spray oriented perpendicular to the mineralized structure. Samples are as representative as possible Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). Drilling is done with MP500 man-portable core rigs capable of drilling HQ size core to depths of 350-400m (depending on ground conditions), reducing to NQ size core for greater depths. Core is recovered in a standard tube. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Drill recovery is measured based on measured length of core divided by length of drill run. Recovery in holes CDH-001 through CDH-025 and holes CDH-032 through CDH-077 was always above 90% in the mineralized zones. Detailed core recovery data are maintained in the project database. Holes CDH-026 through CDH-031 had problems with core recovery in highly fractured, clay rich breccia zones. There is no adverse relationship between recovery and grade identified to date. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Geotechnical and geological logging of the drill core takes place on racks in the company core shed. Core samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Core logging is both qualitative or quantitative in nature. Photos are taken of each box of core before samples are cut. Photos of cut core intervals are taken after sampling. Core is wetted to improve visibility of features in the photos. All core has been logged and photographed. Rock sawn channel samples are marked, measured and photographed at location Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representativity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Core is sawn and half core is taken for sample. Samples are prepared using ALS Minerals Prep-31 crushing, splitting and pulverizing. This is appropriate for the type of deposit being explored. Visual review to assure that the cut core is of the core is performed to assure representativity of samples. Crushed core duplicates are split/collected by the laboratory and submitted for assay (1 in 30 samples) Sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. Samples are assayed for gold using ALS Minerals Au-AA25 method a 30 g fire assay with an AA finish. This is considered a total assay technique. Samples are assayed for silver using ALS Minerals ME-ICP61 method. Over limits are assayed by AgOG63 and AgGRAV21. These are considered a total assay technique. Standards and blanks are inserted at a rate of one per every 25 samples and one per every 40 samples, respectively. Pulp duplicate sampling is undertaken for 3% of all samples (see above). External laboratory checks will be conducted as sufficient samples are collected. Levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have not yet been established. Certified Reference Materials - Rock Labs and CDN CRMs have been used throughout the project including, low (~2 g/t Au), medium (~9 g/t Au) and high (~18g/t Au and ~40 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the BEDROCK database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value. Soil sampling is also subject to a program of standards and blanks using the X-ray florescence (XRF) analyser. Results are acceptable. Samples were analysed using three wavelengths 50Kv, 40 Kv and 15 Kv for times of 120 seconds, 30 seconds and 30 seconds respectively. Samples with significant amounts of observed visible gold are also assayed by AuSCR21, a screen assay that analyses gold in both the milled pulp and in the residual oversize from pulverization. This has been done for holes CDH-075 and CDH-077. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel has not been conducted. A re-assay program of pulp duplicates is currently in progress. MTH has drilled one twin hole. Hole CDH-072, reported in the 15/6/2021 announcement, is a twin of holes EC-002 and UC-03. Results are comparable. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols are maintained in the company's core facility. Assay data have not been adjusted other than applying length weighted averages to reported intercepts. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Drill collar coordinates are currently located by handheld GPS. Precise survey of hole locations is planned. Downhole surveys of hole deviation are recorded using a Reflex Multishot tool for all holes. A survey measurement is first collected at 15 meters downhole, and then every 50 meters until the end of the hole. Locations for holes CDH-001 through CDH-048 and CDH-051 through CDH-148 have been surveyed with differential GPS to a sub 10 cm precision. Hole CDH-005 was not surveyed UTM/UPS WGS 84 zone 13 N High quality topographic control from LiDAR imagery and orthophotos covers the entire project area. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. Data spacing is appropriate for the reporting of Exploration Results. The Resource estimation re-printed in this announcement was originally released on 17 Nov 2021 No sample compositing has been applied. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Cut lines are marked on the core by the geologists to assure that the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures. This is reasonably well observed in the core and is appropriate to the deposit type. The relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is not considered to have introduced a sampling bias. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Samples are stored in a secure core storage facility until they are shipped off site by small aircraft and delivered directly to ALS Global. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. A review with spot checks was conducted by AMC in conjunction with the resource estimate published 17 Nov 2021. Results were satisfactory to AMC. Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Concessions at Copalquin No. Concession Concession Title number Area (Ha) Location 1 LA SOLEDAD 52033 6 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 2 EL COMETA 164869 36 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 3 SAN MANUEL 165451 36 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 4 COPALQUIN 178014 20 Tamazula, Durango, Mexico 5 EL SOL 236130 6,000 Tamazula, Durango and Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico 6 EL CORRAL 236131 907.3243 Tamazula, Durango and Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. Previous exploration by Bell Coast Capital Corp. and UC Resources was done in the late 1990's and in 2005 - 2007. Work done by these companies is historic and non-JORC compliant. Mithril uses these historic data only as a general guide and will not incorporate work done by these companies in resource modelling. Work done by the Mexican government and by IMMSA and will be used for modelling of historic mine workings which are now inaccessible (void model) Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. Copalquin is a low sulfidation epithermal gold-silver deposit hosted in andesite. This deposit type is common in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico and is characterized by quartz veins and stockworks surrounded by haloes of argillic (illite/smectite) alteration. Veins have formed as both low-angle semi-continuous lenses parallel to the contact between granodiorite and andesite and as tabular veins in high-angle normal faults. Vein and breccia thickness has been observed up to 30 meters wide with average widths on the order of 3 to 5 meters. The overall strike length of the semi-continuous mineralized zone from El Gallo to Refugio, Cometa, Los Pinos, Los Reyes, La Montura to Constancia is almost 6 kilometres. The southern area from Apomal to San Manuel and to Las Brujas-El Peru provides additional exploration potential up to 5km. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Drillhole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Final Depth T2DH25-001 292724 2822495 1698 330 50 102 T2DH25-002 292719 2822495 1694 322 85 100.5 T2DH25-003 292655 2822515 1728 358 56 151.5 T2DH25-004 292655 2822514 1728 346 87 100.5 T2DH25-005 292655 2822514 1728 048 55 79.5 T2DH25-006 292655 2822514 1728 292 46 69.0 T2DH25-007 292598 2822501 1752 357 88 75.0 T2DH25-008 292596 2822501 1752 286 46 111.0 T2DH25-009 292710 2822550 1691 329 50 55.5 T2DH25-010 292764 2822497 1689 334 55 126.0 Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Potentially underground mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 1 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing up to 2m of internal dilution. Potentially open-pit mineable intercepts are calculated as length weighted averages of material greater than or equal to 0.25 g/t AuEQ_70 allowing for up to 2m of internal dilution. No upper cut-off is applied to reporting intercepts. Length weighted averaging is used to report intercepts. The example of CDH-002 is shown. The line of zero assays is a standard which was removed from reporting. Au raw Ag raw Length (m) Au *length Ag *length 7.51 678 0.5 3.755 339 11.85 425 0.55 6.5175 233.75 0 0 0 0 0 0.306 16 1 0.306 16 0.364 31.7 1 0.364 31.7 3.15 241 0.5 1.575 120.5 10.7 709 0.5 5.35 354.5 15.6 773 0.5 7.8 386.5 From To Length Au gpt Ag gpt 4.55 25.667 1481.9 91.95 96.5 4.55 5.64 325.7 In determining the gold equivalent (AuEq.) grade for reporting, a gold:silver price ratio of 70:1 was determined, using the formula: AuEq grade = Au grade + ((Ag grade/70) x (Ag recovery/Au recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries are assumed to be equal. Subsequent preliminary metallurgical test work produced recoveries of 91% for silver and 96% for gold (ASX Announcement 25 February 2022). Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known'). True widths at Refugio between sections 120 and 1,000 vary according to the hole's dip. Holes drilled at -50 degrees may be considered to have intercept lengths equal to true-widths, Holes drilled at -70 degrees had true widths approximately 92% of the reported intercept lengths and holes drilled at -90 degrees had true widths of 77% of the reported intercept lengths. True widths at La Soledad are not fully understood and downhole intercepts to date, are reported. At Las Brujas in Target 2, true widths are not yet known since we are still in the early stages of target definition. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. See figures in announcement Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. All exploration results are reported for intercepts greater than or equal to 0.1 g/t gold equivalent (gold plus silver at 70:1 price ratio for gold:silver). Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. No additional exploration data are substantive at this time. Metallurgical test work on drill core composite made of crushed drill core from the El Refugio drill hole samples has been conducted. The samples used for the test work are representative of the material that makes up the majority of the Maiden Resource Estimate for El Refugio release on 17 th November 2021. The test work was conducted by SGS laboratory Mexico using standard reagents and test equipment. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company drilled 148 diamond core holes from July 2020 to July 2022 for 32,712 m. The Company has stated its target to drill 40,000m from June 2024 until the end of 2025. Diagrams are included in the announcements and presentations showing the drill target areas within the Copalquin District 1 See 'About Copalquin Gold Silver Project' section for JORC MRE details and AuEq. calculation. 2 reported down hole widths, true widths not known To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252698 SOURCE: Mithril Silver and Gold Limited TAIYUAN, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Produced by Shanxi International Communication Center On the fertile land of Shanxi, where the essence of Chinese civilization thrives, lie the most magnificent codes of ancient Chinese architecture. From the towering Buddhist temples to the exquisite folk residences; from the upturned eaves to the carved beams and painted rafters, every ancient building stands as a museum, with each brick and tile etched with the warmth of craftsmanship. Every approach and exploration is a dialogue with history. The micro-documentary Ambassadors for Ancient Architecture, produced by the Shanxi International Communication Center, has officially been launched! Comprising 5 episodes, the series adopts a unique humanistic perspective to delve into the depths of time and connect with the soul of ancient architecture. Six "ambassadors for ancient architecture" engage in a dialogue spanning a thousand years, recommending Chinese ancient architecture to the world. For more information, please click the following links: Ep2 I'm opening a mystery box in Zezhou https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924312307821408453?t=TbMLE6T-DLHm1pE1aZvkjw&s=19 Ep3 Whispers of Time in Paintings https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924324692955128227?t=clO37-dYCmLQh0hVk93USA&s=19 Ep4 Treasures Sealed by Time https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924327999698313656?t=ZGZuzIeSJU36nDqNFQ-zGw&s=19 Ep5 My Jinci, My Home https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924330772372308369?t=pjWf_ZGuQHP5UVCXBLgVJw&s=19 Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuULyV3kUbs View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-team-of-ambassadors-for-ancient-architecture-makes-a-collective-appearance-recommending-chinese-ancient-architecture-to-the-world-302460394.html Bonita Springs, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Discovery Senior Living (Discovery or the Company) and its affiliated companies, a leading operator in the seniors housing industry, is pleased to announce its participation at the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference, taking place May 20-21, 2025 in New York City. Richard Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Senior Living, will host one-on-one meetings and participate in a fireside chat as part of the conference on May 20, 2025. The fireside chat will be webcast and available for replay. A link to the replay will be provided following the event on the Company website. Discovery Senior Living has grown rapidly to over 350 communities across nearly 40 states, providing innovative memory care, assisted living, and independent living solutions. The Company remains focused on scaling its platform, investing in technology and clinical excellence, and delivering industry-leading experiences for residents, families, and partners. About Discovery Senior Living Discovery Senior Living is the largest privately held operator in U.S. with a growing portfolio of nearly 36,000 units across 350 communities and nearly 40 states. The Company and its 17,000-plus employees is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and customized lifestyle experiences. Discovery's family of companies includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. Led by its award-winning management team, Discovery has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States for three decades. Discovery Senior Living was once again named and certified a Great Place To Work May 2024 - May 2025. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252564 SOURCE: Discovery Senior Living -Spinnaker now delivering VMware support for multiple new customers, including Quebec Airport, Telefonica Germany and Specsavers- -Spinnaker's VMware support division continues to grow as organizations seek alternatives to Broadcom's licensing changes- Spinnaker Support (Spinnaker), trusted by companies worldwide to support their essential Oracle, SAP, and VMware software, today announces it is now providing VMware third-party support for a growing number of new customers including Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), telecommunications giant Telefonica Germany and optical retail chain Specsavers. Spinnaker launched its VMware support division in March 2024 in response to Broadcom's acquisition of VMware and the subsequent announcement that VMware would move from perpetual licenses to a subscription model. With Spinnaker's new offering, existing VMware customers can avoid cost increases, maintain security and compliance, and gain operational flexibility and have access to Spinnaker's team of experienced VMware professionals who deliver 24/7/365 support. YQB is managed by Aeroport de Quebec Inc., a private corporation responsible for the airport's management, operation, maintenance, and development since November 1, 2000. Around a dozen carriers offer flights from YQB to destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, and daily flights to the main hubs in eastern North America. YQB had a renewal due for their support from VMware in March of 2025, with the total costs increasing substantially of what was expected. YQB reviewed its support options to look at an option that aligned with its budget requirement. After a detailed process, YQB engaged Spinnaker for an initial five-year term. David McDougall, CRO, Spinnaker Support, said: "The responses we have received from new and existing VMware support customers has been quite incredible. We're pleased to welcome our first wave of new customers and based on the conversations we've having currently; we expect more to follow very soon. For many of these organizations, the uncertainty around VMware's shift to a subscription model has left them in limbo, and so our new offering couldn't have come at a better time. We are happy to partner with an organization such as YQB, a major organization that has a positive impact on all of Quebec, for the next five years, and to offer them tailor-made services that meet their challenges and needs." McDougall continued: "VMware customers are looking for options. The vast majority that we have spoken to don't have a clear view yet of where they want to go, but in all cases, the option of staying with VMware for the significantly increased fees is simply not sustainable. The challenge many have is that not paying fees means not getting support or security on their existing investment. That's where third-party support providers, like Spinnaker, come in. We provide customers as much time as they need to reflect and choose what they want to do with their virtualization strategy." For more information about Spinnaker's VMware support offering, visit: www.spinnakersupport.com/vmware/ About Spinnaker Support Spinnaker Support delivers global, independent third-party software support for Oracle, SAP, and VMware, along with managed services and cloud solutions for Oracle and SAP. Trusted by companies worldwide, including those in highly regulated industries, Spinnaker empowers organizations to take control of their IT strategy. By breaking free from vendor-imposed roadmaps, aligning software management with business objectives, reducing costs, and maximizing ROI, Spinnaker provides customers with the power of choice. With a strategic approach to security, performance, resource allocation, and managed services, Spinnaker Support ensures long-term IT efficiency and success. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520346804/en/ Contacts: Media contact Dan Walsh dan@mustardpr.com +44 (0) 7828 816 971 IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers"), one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has agreed to sell 100% of IHS Rwanda Limited ("IHS Rwanda") including its approximately 1,465 sites1 to Paradigm Tower Ventures. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including government and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2025. The terms of the transaction reflect an enterprise value2 of $274.5 million, implying a transaction multiple of 8.3x adjusted EBITDA after leases3. This represents a significant premium compared to the current valuation multiple of the IHS Towers group. Sam Darwish, Chairman CEO, IHS Towers, commented, "The agreement to sell our Rwanda operations to Paradigm Tower Ventures was carefully considered as part of our strategic initiatives targeted at shareholder value-creation options and highlights the value of our Rwanda operations within our wider portfolio. We have enjoyed more than 10 years of commercial success in Rwanda. We are deeply appreciative to our colleagues and customers, in addition to the Government of Rwanda for its exemplary and investor supportive framework, who have all helped make IHS Rwanda the success it is today." Stephen Harris, Co-founder, Paradigm Tower Ventures, said, "Rwanda represents an exciting market with high demand for shared wireless infrastructure. The Paradigm team is very much looking forward to building a strong customer focused business providing high quality and secure infrastructure to mobile network operators." About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The Company has over 39,000 towers across its eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com About Paradigm Tower Ventures: Stephen Harris, Hal Hess and Steven Marshall, well respected and experienced former executives of global and African tower businesses, founded Paradigm Infrastructure in 2019. They have substantial experience in the acquisition and operations of tower businesses in multiple African markets. This transaction marks the first investment by Paradigm Tower Ventures, a new tower platform which is focused on the growth of new build shared wireless infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. Paradigm Tower Ventures is backed for this transaction by a consortium of equity and debt finance providers. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by relevant safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements (or their equivalent) of any applicable jurisdiction, including those contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document may be forward-looking statements, including regarding the enterprise value of the transaction, the total base consideration to be received pursuant to the transaction, the potential impact of the sale of IHS Rwanda under the Company's strategic review process, and the timing of any of the foregoing. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "commits," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Websites and other materials References to any website or other documents contained in this press release are provided for convenience only, and their content is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Rounding Certain numbers, sums, and percentages in this press release may be impacted by rounding. Certain definitions We define Adjusted EBITDA for the Group as income/(loss) for the period, before income tax expense/(benefit), finance costs and income, depreciation and amortization, net impairment/(reversal of impairment) of withholding tax receivables, impairment of goodwill, business combination transaction costs, net impairment/(reversal of impairment) of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets excluding goodwill and related prepaid land rent, reversal of provision for decommissioning costs, net (gain)/loss on sale of assets, share-based payment (credit)/expense, insurance claims, gain on disposal of subsidiary and certain other items that management believes are not indicative of the core performance of our business. See our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information, definitions and a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS measures. 1 As of March 31, 2025. 2 Enterprise value is defined as anticipated consideration to be received on a borrowings and cash free basis. Refer to note 20 in our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (filed on form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 20, 2025) for further information. 3 Consists of contribution for Rwanda to Adjusted EBITDA for IHS Holding Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Group") of $37.6 million for the last 12 months to March 31, 2025, and reduced by $4.4 million for incremental lease costs in Rwanda. Adjusted EBITDA for the Group is defined in our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (filed on form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 20, 2025). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520697861/en/ Contacts: ihstowers@teneo.com Amii's premier AI conference welcomes over 6000 global attendees and one Turing Laureate EDMONTON, Alberta, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is excited to open its doors to the fourth installment of Upper Bound, the premier AI conference, quickly becoming a marquee event for the global AI community. Thousands of world-leading AI researchers, business innovators, students and thought leaders will convene in Edmonton on May 20-23 to explore the latest AI insights, engage in critical discussions, and collaboratively shape a positive AI future. This year, Upper Bound features speakers who are at the forefront of AI research, literacy and education, and business. Prominent speakers include: Richard S. Sutton , Turing Laureate and Amii Chief Scientific Advisor and Fellow , Turing Laureate and Amii Chief Scientific Advisor and Fellow John Carmack , Founder and CEO, Keen Technologies , Founder and CEO, Keen Technologies Sabrina Geremia , VP & Country Manager, Google , VP & Country Manager, Google Janak Alford , Deputy Minister of Technology & Innovation, Government of Alberta , Deputy Minister of Technology & Innovation, Government of Alberta Nate Glubish , Minister of Technology & Innovation, Government of Alberta , Minister of Technology & Innovation, Government of Alberta Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Advanced Research (CIFAR) Amii is also proud to announce a special initiative with Google on Wednesday, May 21 at 9:15 am MTN. Livestream link available . "Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming the most defining technology in our time with its rapid growth and adoption demonstrating transformative power across all aspects of our lives," said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. "We are immensely proud that Upper Bound has become the AI conference where researchers, policymakers, founders, and funders converge to forge a bright future for AI. This year, we are especially honoured to celebrate Rich Sutton's recent Turing Award, further solidifying Upper Bound's position as a world-leading AI event." This year Upper Bound will explore a diverse array of program themes that are essential in today's AI-driven world. Attendees can expect deep dives into themes crucial for shaping the future of AI across various industries such as the Business of AI, AI for Critical Infrastructure, AI Literacy & Education, AI in Industrial Operations, AI-Powered Productivity, and more. Upper Bound is proudly presented by Amii. A global leader in AI research and industry solutions, Amii is one of the three national AI Institutes and centres of excellence under the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. Learn more at amii.ca. For media inquiries, media passes and interviews contact: Lynda Vang, Amii lynda.vang@amii.ca About Amii One of Canada's three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Amii grows AI capacity by advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional training offerings, and providing business advice to build in-house AI capabilities. For more information, visit: amii.ca. Six Decades of Lactation Research Culminate in the Company's Latest Innovation That Unites Powerful Performance With Supreme Gentleness Baar, Switzerland, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research-Driven Innovation Highlights: FluidFeel Technology: Developed through extensive lactation research, this feature creates an optimized pumping environment by allowing warm milk circulation around the nipple-a condition clinically shown to enhance milk expression (1)(2)(3). Developed through extensive lactation research, this feature creates an optimized pumping environment by allowing warm milk circulation around the nipple-a condition clinically shown to enhance milk expression (1)(2)(3). Advanced Sensor Technology: Smart sensor controls help to adjust the vacuum performance to the individual milk flow and to prevent leakage. Smart sensor controls help to adjust the vacuum performance to the individual milk flow and to prevent leakage. Ultra Slim Anatomically Optimized Design: Informed by 3D scans and ultrasound studies of lactating breasts, featuring clinically validated 105 wide-angle breast shields that demonstrate significantly improved milk output and enhanced comfort (4). Informed by 3D scans and ultrasound studies of lactating breasts, featuring clinically validated 105 wide-angle breast shields that demonstrate significantly improved milk output and enhanced comfort (4). Scientific Performance Standards: Delivers research-based hospital performance (5) with similar pumping pattern to Symphony, our flagship hospital and rental pump, in an ultra-lightweight design, setting new benchmarks for efficient, gentle milk expression. Medela, the brand trusted by millions of moms worldwide and the #1 brand in hospitals (6), today announced the next generation in breast pump technology with the launch of Magic InBra. Medela's new wearable breast pump exemplifies the company's commitment to excellence in every aspect of care: Featuring the FluidFeel Technology, it combines hospital-grade performance with exceptional comfort and seamless convenience in one superior solution. "Magic InBra is the culmination of our more than sixty years of advancing lactation science," says Thomas Golucke, CEO of Medela. "Building on our legacy of innovation-from our clinically validated 2-Phase Expression technology to our breakthrough 105 breast shields-we've now introduced FluidFeel Technology, once again reimagining the pumping experience. This milestone underscores our scientific commitment to advance breastfeeding and pumping, combining our deep understanding of infant feeding behaviors, lactation physiology, and mothers' needs. We refused to compromise on any aspect-performance, comfort, or ease of use-because we believe that's what mothers deserve. The result is our most advanced breast pump yet, bringing together everything we've learned to create a solution that exceeds expectations in both performance and comfort." FluidFeel Technology: A Scientific First. Developed through extensive research into infant feeding behavior and breast physiology, FluidFeel Technology represents the natural evolution of Medela's scientific expertise. This innovation creates an environment that closely mimics natural breastfeeding conditions through an interplay of features. At its core, the technology allows warm milk circulation around the nipple, giving a natural feeding sensation. This is complemented by a constant, gentle latch mechanism that minimizes nipple movement while enabling strong milk flow. Advanced sensors continuously monitor and automatically respond to milk flow patterns, ensuring stable vacuum levels throughout each pumping session-a feature particularly crucial since research shows the first milk ejection accounts for over one-third of total volume (7). Multiple clinical studies have validated that warm temperature around the nipple can positively impact milk output (1)(2)(3), making this technology a significant advancement in pumping efficiency and comfort. The baseline vacuum creates a constant, stable latch, with similar pumping pattern to Medela's hospital and rental pump Symphony, while remaining gentle on breast tissue, demonstrating how scientific understanding can transform the pumping experience. Anatomically Informed Design. Magic InBra's design reflects Medela's deep understanding of lactating breast anatomy, informed by 3D scan (8)(9) and ultrasound studies (10)(11). The anatomically shaped collection cups feature the clinically validated 105 wide-angle breast shields, proven to increase milk drainage by 11.8% while significantly improving comfort compared to traditional designs (5). The transparent design allows visual confirmation of milk flow and proper positioning, with built-in tunnel lights supporting nighttime pumping. The contact area and shape are designed to be wider in the area below the nipple tunnel of the device to distribute the contact pressure or load over a larger area. This supports the tissue in the lower breast, which contains the majority of the milk-producing tissue (12) and has been shown to be particularly susceptible to local compression by breast shields (13). Smart Engineering for Modern Moms. At just 200g, Magic InBra ranks among the lightest in-bra pumps available today, setting new standards in the premium wearable pump segment. Its silent operation and leakproof design offer discretion and confidence in any setting. The innovative tunnel illumination feature supports nighttime pumping, while the intuitive interface provides easy control through both direct touch and app connectivity. The rechargeable battery delivers industry-leading performance with up to two hours of pumping per charge, supporting 8 complete pumping sessions. The sensor-controlled automatic switching between stimulation and expression phases ensures optimal milk flow, while built-in safety features include automatic alerts for positioning and capacity levels. Bi-Directional Connectivity, Seamless Integration, and Comprehensive Support. The Magic InBra features bi-directional connectivity, allowing users to adjust the settings remotely via the Medela Family Pump Control mobile app: From starting and pausing, to customizing pumping sessions by switching between modes and vacuum levels, to controlling lighting and monitoring battery status. In addition, the Pump Control app automatically tracks pumping sessions and approximate milk volume. The app seamlessly integrates with the Medela Family mobile app, providing further tracking tools, virtual milk storage management, and caregiver functionality, so caregivers can monitor the baby's progress. Additionally, the built-in Knowledge Center ensures mothers have access to evidence-based guidance and professional support whenever they need it. Availability. Magic InBra will be available starting mid-May through John Lewis' online and offline channels in the United Kingdom and via Tmall and JD in China. A broader rollout is planned across Europe, including Amazon, Bol.com, Galaxus and Babywalz, and through Baby Bunting in Australia from June, followed by Canada from July. The launch in the United States is scheduled for Q1 2026 (14). For more information on Magic InBra and the science behind Medela's innovations, please visit medela.com/MagicInBra. Additional downloadable materials, including a factsheet, visual assets, and video content, are available via the Medela media portal . For media inquiries, please contact the Medela media office . About Medela Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.medela.com. (1) Kent JC et al. J Hum Lact. 2011; 27(4):331-338 (2) Yigit F et al. Breastfeed Med. 2012; 7(6):487-488 (3) Gardner H et al. Sci Rep. 2019; 9:11854 (4) Sakalidis VS et al. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020; 99(11):1561-1567 (5) Kent JC et al. Breastfeed Med. 2008; 3(1):11-19 (6) Sales and distribution in maternity wards and NICUs, 2023 & 2024 (7) Prime DK et al. Breastfeed Med. 2011; 6(4):183 (8) Muther M et al. Breastfeed Med. 2016; 11(2):A28. (9) Schlienger A et al. Breastfeed Med. 2016; 11(2):A28-A29. (10) Gooding MJ et al. J Ultrasound Med. 2010; 29(1):95-103 (11) Ramsay DT et al. J. Anat. 2005; 206(6):525-534. (12) Gooding MJ et al. J Ultrasound Med. 2010; 29(1):95-103. (13) Prime D. K. et al. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2018; 13(7):A-45. (14) Pending FDA clearance Attachments Magic InBra and Medela Family Pump Control mobile app (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/45b99616-491a-43fd-b5bf-3fc59ccd0887) Mom lifting her baby while pumping with the Medela Magic InBra (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/473c2beb-5691-4d9b-b522-f84aff811e1e) Medela Media.Inquiries@medela.com The conference highlights how industry leaders are propelling the industry forward by delivering innovative solutions to minimize risk and exposure and deliver better customer experiences BOSTON, May 20, 2025, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty, its flagship customer conference, at the Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Formation '25 will focus on how insurers lead, adapt, and innovate together to face unprecedented circumstances in the insurance industry. Formation '25 is a dynamic event featuring enriching content, extensive industry networking opportunities, and unforgettable moments. "Formation provides a unique platform for insurance professionals to come together, share insights, and explore the transformative power of AI," said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer of Duck Creek Technologies. "We are thrilled to host this conference and look forward to the impactful conversations and innovative ideas that will emerge with our customers and partners." Kicking off the event, Jackowski takes the main stage to discuss the insurance industry's toughest challenges and solutions shaping its future. Jackowski will challenge the insurance industry to stretch their imagination on how to leverage new technology, such as Agentic AI, to boost the industry to the leading-edge of innovation. The opening keynote will be followed by different customers and Duck Creek leaders to provide a deep dive into topics such as how adopting a modern platform with evergreen Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and how Active Delivery will transform their business by driving growth and profitability and improving risk and exposure. In addition to main stage general sessions, Formation '25 will host 50 general and hyper-focused breakout sessions covering every aspect of the P&C insurance industry attendees have top of mind. Sessions will cover AI and machine learning in Insurtech, distribution management, loss control, payments, reinsurance, successful migration strategies, and so much more. The conference agenda is packed with engaging sessions for in-depth learning and networking opportunities, including exclusive forums for customers to discuss product experiences and share best practices in User Group sessions. The Launchpad will showcase Duck Creek's latest innovations and partner solutions in an interactive space. Networking events, such as the Women in Insurance Networking (W.I.N.) event, will provide opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders about Evolving Conversations. Formation '25 highlights real-world customer success stories, with case studies and panel discussions featuring organizations that have leveraged Duck Creek's solutions to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency. The event also showcases Duck Creek's robust partner ecosystem, with over 50 partners participating as sponsors. Platinum sponsors include Aggne, a wipro company, Coforge, Cognizant, InvoiceCloud and LTIMindtree. For a full list of Formation '25 sponsors, click here . For more information on Formation '25, including the full agenda and speaker lineup, visit https://events.duckcreek.com/formation25 . About Duck Creek Technologies Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand . Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information - LinkedIn and X . Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) (OTCQX: GMGMF) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of website www.g-lubricant.com to facilitate direct sale of its energy saving graphene liquid concentrate G Lubricant, that enhances the performance of diesel and gasoline (petrol) engines. The launch of the website is with a new animation video promoting the ease and benefits of G-Lubricant (Figure 1). Figure 1: www.G-Lubricant.com launch animation video To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/252715_gmg4!.jpg Unleashing the Power of Graphene G Lubricant is a graphene liquid concentrate that can be added to any mineral or synthetic oil used in an internal combustion engine. The amount of graphene in the final lubricant once G Lubricant is added in is only ~ 1:10,000, with the balance of the concentrate consisting of lubricating base oil. As a result, G Lubricant can be used safely in any internal combustion engine. Over the past four years, GMG has conducted environmentally controlled testing of G Lubricant in internal combustion engines monitored and verified by The University of Queensland. In those tests, G Lubricant has been shown to increase fuel efficiency by up to 8.4% in those diesel engines tested. GMG's test results have been corroborated by similar savings realized by customers over a number of years of field testing in diesel and gasoline/petrol engines. G Lubricant is currently sold by GMG in different pack sizes on the direct marketing website including a 500 ml litre pack and 8 x 50 ml packs, which can be used to dose 50 litres of engine oil and 8 x 5 liters of engine oil, respectively, to provide improved engine performance. GMG intends to direct market the product to its targeted markets through various pack sizes for direct and bulk use to create awareness of the product and its benefits. In addition, the Company is discussing global sales with potential distributors in different geographic areas and different original equipment manufacturers. Further G Lubricant Performance Tests GMG carried out further G Lubricant testing in mid May 2025 - this time in its Company van which was recently professionally serviced - a Mercedes Vito on a third party dyno testing facility (Figure 4) with diesel engine exhaust emissions testing as well (Figure 5). The performance testing showed demonstrated that the diesel engine van running at approximately 2500 rpm, 100 km/hr with approximately 400 Nm torque, the G Lubricant provided approximately 13% of fuel savings (Figure 2) and a reduction of harmful NOx exhaust emissions of 27% (Figure 3) compared to testing under similar conditions without the use of any G Lubricant. A second dose of G Lubricant was added to achieve these results due to the age and condition of the engine which has over 360,000 km of use - hence the total amount of graphene per engine oil was 0.02% (2 in 10,000) by weight - there was a total of 160 ml (2 x 80 ml) of G Lubricant added to the 8 litres of engine oil. Figure 2: Fuel Efficiency Performance Increase from G-Lubricant To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/252715_gmg1!.jpg Figure 3: NOx Emissions Performance Increase from G-Lubricant To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/252715_gmg2.jpg Figure 4: GMG Company Van in Performance Testing with G-Lubricant To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/252715_b0364e8ec47ab84d_011full.jpg Figure 5: Dyno Testing Equipment with Emissions Testing To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/252715_gmg3.jpg About GMG: GMG is an Australian based clean-technology company which develops, makes and sells energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene manufactured via in house production process. GMG uses its own proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its natural elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications. The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has initially focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving coating) which is now being marketed into other applications including electronic heat sinks, industrial process plants and data centres. Another product GMG has developed is the graphene lubricant additive focused on saving liquid fuels initially for diesel engines. In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). GMG has also developed a graphene additive slurry that is aimed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. GMG's 4 critical business objectives are: Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processes Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products Develop Next-Generation Battery Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, the ability of G Lubricant to enhance the performance of diesel and gasoline engines, the amount of G Lubricant necessary to achieve performance improvements, the safety of G Lubricant and GMG's intentions to direct market and use new distributors for global sales of G Lubricant. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation that G Lubricant has the potential to optimize efficiency and power for stationary or mobile engines, that G Lubricant has the potential to reshape the future of the global liquid fuels industry, that GMG will commercialize and market G Lubricant, that the Company's patent applications will progress as anticipated, and that the potential market and revenue available for G Lubricant will be as currently forecasted. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that G Lubricant will not offer an innovative solution that optimizes efficiency and power for stationary or mobile engines, that G Lubricant will not reshape the future of the global liquid fuels industry, that GMG will commercialize and market G Lubricant as anticipated, that the Company's patent applications will not progress as currently anticipated, that the potential market and revenue available for the G Lubricant product is not as currently calculated, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the failure of the Company to obtain regulatory approvals, attract and retain skilled personnel, unexpected development and production challenges, unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated October 3, 2024 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252715 SOURCE: Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. LEXINGTON, KY / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Cardiff Lexington Corporation (OTCQB:CDIX) today announced that the Company's stock has successfully uplisted and commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB"), effective Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Company will continue to trade under the ticker symbol "CDIX." This uplisting was achieved following a successful application and approval process to verify that Cardiff Lexington meets OTCQB listing qualifications. Alex Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Lexington, commented, "Uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market represents a significant milestone for our Company and reflects our commitment to transparency, growth, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We have made considerable progress expanding our business and putting Cardiff Lexington on track for a record 2025 while also significantly streamlining our capital structure. This achievement enhances our visibility with investors and supports our continued momentum as we move through 2025 and beyond." The OTCQB, operated by OTC Markets Group and recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a reputable public market for early stage and developing U.S. and internal companies, offers investors essential data to evaluate, value, and trade securities. Cardiff Lexington's inclusion in the OTC Markets Group is expected to support the expansion and diversification of its global shareholder base. ----- About Cardiff Lexington Corporation: Cardiff Lexington Corporation is a unique targeted healthcare holding company focused on locating, acquiring, and building middle market, niche companies, primarily in Orthopedics, Spine Care, and Pain Management. Fundamental to the Cardiff Lexington strategy is the service-based partnership culture which emphasizes core values, teamwork, accountability, and performance. A substantial majority of the Company's revenue is derived from Nova Ortho and Spine, LLC, which operates a group of regional primary specialty and ancillary care facilities throughout Florida and Georgia that provide traumatic injury victims with a full range of diagnostic and surgical services, primary care evaluations, interventional pain management, and specialty consultation services. Cardiff Lexington trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. For more information on Cardiff Lexington Corporation, you may access the company's website at https://cardifflexington.com/ FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's business, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new business, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources, and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. Cardiff Lexington Investor Relations investorsrelations@cardifflexington.com (800) 628-2100 ext. 705 or IMS Investor Relations cardifflexington@imsinvestorrelations.com (203) 972-9200 SOURCE: Cardiff Lexington Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/cardiff-lexington-announces-uplisting-to-otcqb-venture-market-1029639 COQUITLAM, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Grid Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Grid") (TSXV:CELL)(OTCQB:EVKRF)(FRA:NMK2) is pleased to announce that an exploration program has been awarded to Hardline Exploration www.hardlineexploration.com. Founded in 2014, Hardline, an experienced mining contractor based out of Smithers, BC, is a leading geological consulting firm operating in western Canada. Hardline works directly with local contractors and First Nations to ensure their projects receives the most efficient & dedicated exploration services available. They specialize in executing programs on complex exploration projects to generate new discoveries and have a proven track record of successful projects incorporating highly skilled geologists and team members with vast experience across Canada on a variety of deposit types. Please refer to the Technical Report for Grid BC Copper-Gold Project, dated January 24, 2025 prepared by Jeremy Hanson, P.Geo. (filed on SEDAR+ and our website). About the Copper-Gold Property The Company acquired a 100% interest in 17 mineral claims comprising 27,525 hectares (approximately 275 km2) located in North Central British Columbia. The region is host to numerous operating mines, good infrastructure including experienced exploration and supporting services. Prominent among early discoveries in the Omineca region include the nearby Lustdust/Stardust Copper - Gold deposit; the Kwanika Copper - Gold deposit and the Lorraine Copper deposit (all of which are owned by (NorthWest Copper Corp. (TSXV:NWST). The Company's claims are also located between Centerra Gold Inc.'s (TSX:CG)(NYSE:CGAU) prominent Copper/Gold assets, the Kemess North project and the operating Mount Milligan mine, which has produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold and 742 million pounds of copper (Technical Report on the Mount Milligan Mine, November 7, 2022, Borntrager. B, et al.). B.C. Minfile assessment report data indicates that most of the area covered by the Copper Property was at one time or another covered by staking during surges of exploration in B.C. dating from the 1940's to present day. Largely the claims appear to have been minimally explored with little follow-up. However, some work was recorded on several claims with results for stream sediment sampling showing anomalous to highly anomalous results for gold in a few areas. These areas were recommended for detailed follow-up, however due to a downturn no further work was recorded The Omineca Group claim areas are within the northern Quesnel Trough underlain by Cache Creek Terrane and lies close to the Pinchi Fault. The Quesnel Trough hosts numerous porphyry copper-gold deposits. The Pinchi Fault can be traced for 600 km through north-central B.C and separates Cache Creek rocks from the Jurassic Hogem Batholith and Triassic-Jurassic Takla rocks to the west. Rocks have a north-northwest strike trend typical of the entire Intermontane Belt in which the Cache Creek Terrane lies (Gabrielse and Yorath, 1992). A wide range of Jurassic to Tertiary intrusions cuts the Cache Creek Assemblage and many of these are emplaced along the prominent NW-trending structures and stratigraphic breaks. Numerous mercury occurrences are present along the length of the Pinchi fault (Albino, 1987) and a few gold and base metal occurrences are present near the Pinchi fault including the Lustdust, Lorraine, Indata and Axelgold properties. There are at least two alkalic gold-copper Porphyry systems in the immediate Lustdust (now known as Stardust) area: J49 and Axel Properties (Schiarrizza, 2000). 2025 Exploration Program| Mr. Tim Fernback, President & CEO comments "We're excited that we have acquired approximately 275 km2 of tenures in such a favourable mining region within British Columbia, Canada. This area of the Province has already generated several promising projects, and our land package is strategically situated to exploit the high copper-gold values of the region. NorthWest Copper Corp. (TSXV:NWST) on the nearby Kwanika project intercepted 400 metres of 1.01 % Copper equivalent (News Release: January 16, 2023 Northwest Copper Corp). British Columbia is a mining-friendly jurisdiction with reasonable processes, good infrastructure and potential First Nation partners." Mr. Fernback continues "For 2025, we propose to carry out a preliminary exploration program on two of the five claim blocks recently acquired as part of our Exploration Phase 1. Here a large assaying, trenching, sampling and geophysics program is planned for the Jupiter and Starlight claim blocks. We are planning this work during the summer exploration season and expect to have assay results by the fall with next exploration steps identified on the various claim blocks shortly thereafter." Qualified Person Jeremy Hanson, P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Grid Battery Metals Inc. www.gridbatterymetals.com . Grid Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's maintains a focus on exploration for high value battery metals required for the electric vehicle (EV) market. About Texas Springs Property The Company owns a 100% interest in the Texas Spring Property which consists of mineral lode claims located in Elko County, Nevada. The Property is in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada, about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Nevada. The target is a lithium clay deposit in volcanic tuff and tuffaceous sediments of the Humbolt Formation. A Phase 1 exploration program at the Texas Springs Property (Fall 2023) yielded average lithium grades of 2010 ppm, applying a 1,000 ppm cut-off, and up to 5,610 ppm Lithium. The Texas Spring property adjoins the southern border of the Nevada North Lithium Project - owned by Surge Battery Metals Inc. ("Surge") (TSXV:NILI)(OTC:NILIF) and comprised of 725 mineral claims. Surge's first round of drilling identified strongly mineralized lithium bearing clays. The average lithium content within all near surface clay zones intersected in the 2022 drilling program, applying a 1000 ppm cut-off, was 3254 ppm. (Press release March 29, 2023). More recent results have shown higher grade lithium up to 8070 ppm on this property after initial drilling (Press release September 12, 2023). Our exploration results are on-trend with these results. About Clayton Valley Lithium Project The Company owns a 100% interest in 113 lithium lode and placer claims covering over 930 hectares in Clayton Valley. Clayton Valley is a down-dropped closed basin formed by the Miocene age Great Basin extension and is still active due to movement along the Walker Lane structural zone. As a result, the basin has preserved multiple layers of lithium bearing volcanic ash, resulting from multiple eruptive events over the past 6 million years including eruptions from the 700,000-year-old Long Valley Caldera system and related events. These ash layers are thought to contribute to the lithium brines extracted by Albemarle and are also likely involved in the formation of the exposed lithium rich clay deposits on the east side of Clayton Valley. About the Volt Canyon Lithium Property The Company owns a 100% interest in 80 placer claims covering approximately 635 hectares of alluvial sediments and clays located 122 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. About the British Columbia Copper-Gold Project The Company acquired a 100% interest in 17 mineral claims comprising 27,525 hectares (approximately 275 km2) located in North Central British Columbia. The region is host to numerous operating mines, good infrastructure including experienced exploration and supporting services. Prominent among early discoveries in the Omineca region include the nearby Lustdust/Stardust Copper - Gold deposit; the Kwanika Copper - Gold deposit and the Lorraine Copper deposit (all of which are owned by (NorthWest Copper Corp. (TSXV:NWST). The Company's claims are also located between Centerra Gold Inc.'s (TSX:CG)(NYSE:CGAU) prominent Copper/Gold assets, the Kemess North project and the operating Mount Milligan mine, which has produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold and 742 million pounds of copper (Technical Report on the Mount Milligan Mine, November 7, 2022, Borntrager. B, et al.). On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Tim Fernback" Tim Fernback, President & CEO Contact Information: Email: info@gridbatterymetals.com Phone: 604- 428-5690 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. It should be noted that results from any adjacent property(s) are not an indication of what may be found on the Company's property(s). SOURCE: Grid Battery Metals Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/grid-battery-awards-contract-for-2025-exploration-program-on-its-copper-gold-prop-1029678 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Medtronic teams up with Tempus to deploy artificial intelligence in heart valve disease care gap detection. Can complicated math equations help detect heart disease, even before you realize you're sick? The answer appears to be yes, and they can do it by sifting through potential clues left behind during your trips to the doctor's office. "We now have the automated intelligence tools to help us collect and analyze mountains of medical data in ways that we couldn't just a short time ago," said Nina Goodheart, Senior Vice President and President of the Structural Heart and Aortic portfolio businesses at Medtronic. "Artificial intelligence (AI) allows us to examine that data to identify certain types of heart disease sooner and get personalized treatment to the patient faster." So what does that actually mean for you? Let's use the example of Aortic Stenosis (AS) - a serious heart problem that affects 250,000 Americans every year and often goes undertreated. AS is a condition where the heart's aortic valve gradually narrows and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. When this happens the body sends out a variety of warning signals through symptoms that can be subtle, vary from person to person, and develop slowly over time. All of which makes diagnosing the problem difficult. But whenever you visit the doctor, clues to your developing AS may be left behind. At every medical visit, lots of health information gets entered into your Electronic Health Record (EHR). It could include everything from your history of alcohol or tobacco use to vital signs to lab results to notes and observations from the doctor, and much more. The clues pointing to AS might be buried in that EHR data-but it can be a modern-day version of the needle in a haystack. That's where the math comes in. "AI helps us bring order to what can sometimes be data chaos," said Chris Rogers, Sr. Director of Strategic Provider Solutions at Tempus AI, a healthcare technology company based in Chicago that uses data and artificial intelligence to create medical diagnostic solutions. "Our algorithms can look for unique characteristics in the health data that a clinician might not identify for every one of their patients." The company's software, known as Tempus Next, includes 60 highly complex algorithms, developed to identify potential care gaps across 15 cardiovascular diseases, including AS. "Our software is designed to handle the complexity of medical data, which requires sophisticated and adaptable solutions," Rogers explained. "There is no one-size-fits-all algorithm in healthcare. Each institution has unique needs and circumstances, and our technology is built to consider as much information as possible to provide tailored insights." Tempus Next combs through the data points in your EHR, even the handwritten notes from your doctor, and compares your information to the diagnostic criteria in clinical guidelines for AS. If your health information meets enough of the criteria, the system notifies your doctor for possible next steps. It's much more than a theoretical exercise. Tempus recently finished a case study with the John Brancaccio St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in New York. The Tempus Next algorithm identified 388 patients who met the criteria for AS and/or one other serious heart condition, but who did not yet have an existing plan to treat their disease. The Tempus Next system flagged their cases and alerted their doctors to the findings. Math has made a potentially life-changing difference in each of their lives. Now, Medtronic and Tempus are teaming up to take the next step-with a clinical study called ALERT-that will analyze health records at six more health sites. The objective is not only to identify patients who may be undertreated and get them to their next step in their care, but also to determine why that's happening and help design systems to solve the issue. "The under diagnosis of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is a pervasive problem that can be fatal within two years without intervention. The goal of this study is to move towards better solutions for more equitable and timely care and to eliminate barriers to treatment," said Wayne Batchelor, M.D., M.H.S., M.B.A., Interventional Cardiologist, President of the Medicine Service Line, Inova Health System, Fairfax, Va. and Steering Committee Chair of the ALERT study. The most exciting part, experts say, is the potential impact that such technology can have on human health. "It's breathtaking to think about the future," Goodheart added. "Imagine the day when we can apply this technology to hundreds of thousands or millions of patients. Imagine the number of people we can reach before their AS becomes too severe. The number of lives we can lengthen or improve. It adds up in a hurry." That's the kind of math everyone can appreciate. This is one in a series of stories about how Medtronic is using math and AI to fight disease. Click here to learn how math can help prevent cancer. Nina Goodheart, Sr. VP and President, SH&A portfolio, Medtronic View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Medtronic on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Medtronic Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/medtronic Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Medtronic View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/can-math-help-detect-heart-disease-even-before-you-know-you%e2%80%99re-sick-1029825 APOZ Development Concept was presented at Capitol Hill WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Token Communities Ltd. (OTC PINK:TKCM) (the "Company") joined National Asian / Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship ("National Ace") for its Capitol Hill Day on May 14, 2025 as an invited guest. At this event representatives of the Company engaged directly with legislators to describe the Company's Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone ("APOZ"). According to David Champ, CEO of the Company, "It was an honor to be invited by National Ace to this event and be able to discuss the APOZ to those in attendance including several legislators. It was a very successful and fruitful day for the APOZ project, as we believe this innovative concept is the very first of its kind in the U.S., and it has been getting more and more attention throughout the Asia Pacific business community and the main stream society in the U.S." Mr. Leo Lei, Director of Operations of the APOZ project, further added, "the APOZ Project now is being known in many geopolitical circles as the project to bring international industrial manufacturing to the United States, as it is designed to attract hundreds of manufacturing businesses into the U.S. and creating thousands of new jobs. We truly believe this is a win-win situation for everybody under the current is tariff battle." For Further information, please contact David Champ at 631-397-1111 Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, development, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the business of the Company and development of the APOZ are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the agreements surrounding the development of the proposed APOZ; (2) the inability to complete the transactions contemplated in the development of the APOZ due to various conditions to closing such transactions; (3) the risk that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of the Company as a result of the announcement and time spent on the APOZ; (4) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed APOZ, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (5) costs related to the proposed APOZ; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (7) the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (8) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by the Company. Although forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/token-communities-ltd.-announces-attendance-at-national-ace-capitol-hill-day-1029828 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada announced today it intends to release its first quarter results on May 21st, 2025, after market close. The Company's quarterly results will be disseminated via press release and made available on the Company's website (www.happybellyfg.com) and the SEDAR website (www.sedarplus.ca), after markets close on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. The company has created a link on its website where shareholders can submit questions to management. Periodically the Company will publish responses to selected questions received. The Company believes this Q&A facility will eventually prove to be a more effective tool than conference calls because it will be searchable and will provide an archive of all previous responses. The Company's goal in establishing this policy is to allow all investors ongoing access to information disclosed about Happy Belly's strategy, operations, and ongoing business plans. Link details will be disseminated via press release alongside the company's quarterly financials. We are just getting started. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. Happy Belly To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/252717_0bc33a77946d6819_001full.jpg Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252717 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Generation Impact Global is pleased to announce its participation as one of the 17 partners in ADALTIM (Algorithms and Impact Data Lake for Transformative Impact Management), a project selected by the European Commission to develop a new generation of Impact Rating services for the financial and corporate sectors in Europe. Generation Impact Global in ALTIM To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10563/252709_visual_press_release.jpg The project is led by Triadi, a spin-off of Politecnico di Milano, and brings together a European consortium of organisations from five countries. ADALTIM is one of eight initiatives chosen under the Commission's call to promote the creation of new enterprises capable of offering, within two years, advanced and reliable Impact Rating services. The objective is to improve the integrity and transparency of impact-related information used by European investors to guide capital allocation toward companies with high social and environmental impact. "ADALTIM is born from a simple but radical conviction: without solid and shared measurement, impact risks remaining only a promise," said Mario Calderini, as quoted in Corriere della Sera. "We now have the opportunity - and the responsibility - to build infrastructure that makes impact legible, comparable, and central to decision-making. This is a vital step toward an economy that measures not only how much it produces, but how much it transforms." As a partner in the project, Generation Impact Global will lead the technical development of the platform, contributing to the design and implementation of the data lake architecture, algorithmic engine, and core technical infrastructure. Leveraging its expertise in non-financial data automation and digital systems, Generation Impact will ensure the platform is scalable, interoperable, and capable of supporting advanced, transparent, and reliable Impact Rating services across Europe. Anna Shpak, CEO of Generation Impact Global, commented: "We are honoured to be part of a consortium committed to shaping the future of impact measurement in Europe. At Generation Impact, we believe digital tools must go beyond compliance and provide meaningful, comparable data for investors and policymakers. ADALTIM is a critical step toward realizing that vision." To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252709 SOURCE: Generation Impact Global SA Six drill holes expand shallow uranium mineralization footprint in Pod 1 (i.e., within 50 metres from surface), eleven drill holes confirmed uranium starting within 100 metres from surface in three Pods Shallow uranium mineralization updip of Pod 7 remains largely untested and requires further follow-up drilling Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Baselode Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIND) (OTCQB: BSENF) ("Baselode" or the "Company") is pleased to release uranium ("U3O8") assay results from all 28 drill holes of the 2024 drill program on the ACKIO prospect area ("ACKIO") in the Athabasca Basin ("Basin") area of northern Saskatchewan (Figure 1). "We're especially encouraged with 6 drill holes intersecting uranium within 50 m from surface and 11 drill holes within 100 m from surface. These shallow mineralization results continue to demonstrate ACKIO's unique advantage in the Basin area with easily accessible, near-surface uranium. Last year's summer drill program successfully defined more shallow uranium mineralization to the north and south of our shallowest uranium zone, Pod 1. Uranium at the overburden-bedrock contact still remains open to the south and north. "Drilling at Pods 6 and 7 intersected higher average uranium grades over greater widths than previously intersected, suggesting there's a zoned lower-grade to higher-grade uranium concentrations within those Pods. In addition, Pod 7 still requires a detailed investigation of uranium potential at the overburden-bedrock contact, which has not been tested to the same degree as Pod 1. We believe some of the higher-grade zones within Pod 7 extend up to the overburden-bedrock contact and have yet to be drill tested," commented James Sykes, CEO, President, and Director of Baselode. Pod 1 Summary (Figure 2, Table 1) Six drill holes (AK24-134 to AK24-137, and AK24-143 & AK24-144) intersected uranium mineralization within 50 m from surface. AK24-137 intersected 0.38% U3O8 over 9.15 m at 37.35 m drill hole depth (3.5 grade*thickness, "GT"), confirming Pod 1's uranium footprint at the overburden-bedrock contact to the south. Drill holes AK24-143 and AK24-144 successfully confirmed shallow uranium at Pod 1 to the north with 0.12% U3O8 over 11.8 m at 65.2 m drill hole depth (1.4 GT) and 0.12% U3O8 over 9.0 m at 51.5 m drill hole depth (1.1 GT), respectively. Pod 6 Summary As previously reported (October 3, 2024), drill hole AK24-118 intersected 8.5 metres of 0.59% U3O8 (5.0 GT), and AK24-119 returned 21.0 metres of 0.28% U3O8 (5.8 GT), ranking as the two best intersections in Pod 6, ranking amongst the top 20 drill holes at ACKIO, and enhancing our understanding of uranium mineralization controls at ACKIO. Pod 7 Summary Drill holes AK24-135B and AK24-138 intersected the second and third best individual uranium intersections in Pod 7 with 0.18% U3O8 over 28.0 m at 98.0 m depth (5.0 GT), and 0.19% U3O8 over 23.0 m at 81.5 m depth (4.3 GT), respectively. In addition, two other drill holes (AK24-137 and AK24-139) rank amongst the top 10 drill intersections in Pod 7 with 2.5 GT each, and drill holes AK24-135B, AK24-137 and AK24-138 rank amongst the top 20 drill holes at ACKIO due to their combined intersections of Pod 1 and Pod 7. Drill holes AK24-134 to AK24-139 have increased our confidence and understanding of uranium mineralization controls at Pod 7, as the system seems to be comprised of a higher-grade core with a lower-grade uranium envelope. Pod 8 & Pod 9 Summaries Drill hole AK24-133 intersected the second best results in Pod 8 with 0.09% U3O8 over 11.5 m at 130.5 m depth (1.0 GT). The results from Pod 8 and Pod 9 exploration drill holes have required the company to re-consider the overall structural architecture of these specific parts of ACKIO as the uranium mineralization system was not as predictable as it is in other Pods. Exploration results Drill holes AK24-120 to AK24-127 and AK24-129 to AK24-130 were designed to test for depth extension, strike extensions, and unconformity-style of uranium mineralization. Although none of the drill holes intersected any new zones of uranium mineralization, they all share geochemical anomalous lead (Pb) isotope ratios, boron (B), and uranium (U), including a predominant Mg-chlorite-rich clay type. NOTES: All reported lengths and depths, aside from "metres from surface" are drill hole measurements and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. About Baselode Energy Corp. Baselode controls 100% of approximately 241,409 hectares for exploration in the Athabasca Basin area of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The land package is free of any option agreements or underlying royalties. The Company discovered the ACKIO near-surface, uranium prospect in September 2021. ACKIO measures greater than 375 m along strike, greater than 150 m wide, comprised of at least 9 separate uranium Pods, with mineralization starting as shallow as 28 m and 32 m beneath the surface in Pods 1 and 7, respectively, and down to approximately 300 m depth beneath the surface with the bulk of mineralization occurring in the upper 120 m. ACKIO remains open at depth, and to the north, south and east. Baselode's Athabasca 2.0 exploration thesis focuses on discovering near-surface, basement-hosted, high-grade uranium orebodies outside the Athabasca Basin. The exploration thesis is further complemented by the Company's preferred use of innovative and well-understood geophysical methods to map deep structural controls to identify shallow targets for diamond drilling. QP Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cameron MacKay, P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration & Development for Baselode Energy Corp., who is considered to be a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." For further information, please contact: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Baselode Energy Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Baselode Energy Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Baselode Energy Corp. profile at www.sedarplus.ca. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. Figure 1 - Baselode projects location map. ACKIO uranium prospect identified with red triangle To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6412/252714_4cd47696b427393e_005full.jpg Figure 2 - ACKIO area diamond drill hole collar locations and drill traces To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6412/252714_4cd47696b427393e_006full.jpg TABLE 1 - Uranium assay results for drill holes AK24-117 to AK24-144 at the ACKIO discovery DDH Target East North Elevation Az. Dip EOH Radioactivity (>300 counts-per-second, cps) Assay Results (>0.05 wt% U3O8) AK24-117* Pod 8 526142 6372902 465 90 -75 227 368 cps over 0.45 m at 74.4 m 0.09% over 0.45 m at 74.4 m Pod 8 301 cps over 1.8 m at 108.3 m No significant results Pod 8 409 cps over 6.25 m at 117.25 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 118.0 m 0.06% over 1.0 m at 121.5 m Pod 6 426 cps over 12.55 m at 128.1 m 0.07% over 7.5 m at 128.5 m 0.05% over 1.5 m at 139.0 m Pod 6 327 cps over 6.4 m at 145.2 m 0.11% over 1.0 m at 145.5 m Pod 6 399 cps over 0.65 m at 160.95 m 0.08% over 0.5 m at 161.0 m AK24-118* Pod 8 526142 6372902 465 118 -71 257 456 cps over 0.8 m at 89.3 m 0.15% over 0.9 m at 89.2 m Pod 8 350 cps over 0.5 m at 92.7 m 0.09% over 0.3 m at 92.7 m Pod 8 392 cps over 2.6 m at 119.1 m 0.09% over 1.1 m at 119.4 m Pod 8 315 cps over 3.1 m at 131.8 m No significant results Pod 6 1,115 cps over 13.3 m at 149.3 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 149.5 m0.59% over 8.5 m at 153.0 m Pod 6 includes 0.72% over 6.0 m at 154.0 m AK24-119* Pod 6 526133 6372907 463 65 -75 230 300 cps over 8.5 m at 109.5 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 104.5 m Pod 6 907 cps over 34.05 m at 131.1 m 0.28% over 21.0 m at 141.0 m Pod 6 includes 9,173 cps over 0.4 m at 144.6 m 1.36% over 2.0 m at 143.0 m Pod 6 and includes 0.51% over 0.5 m at 152.0 m AK24-120 Exploration - Depth 526210 6373081 464 270 -70 512 No significant results AK24-121 Exploration - Depth 526317 6372980 465 270 -70 452 No significant results AK24-122 Exploration - Depth 526360 6372880 467 270 -70 446 No significant results AK24-123 Exploration - SE Strike 526450 6372680 467 270 -65 369 No significant results AK24-124 Exploration - UC 526335 6372730 466 90 -90 200 No significant results AK24-125 Exploration - UC 526335 6372730 466 90 -60 332 495 cps over 0.3 m at 132.75 m 0.05% over 0.55 m at 132.5 m AK24-126 Exploration - UC 526342 6372830 467 90 -70 269 No significant results AK24-127 Exploration - UC 526362 6372928 467 90 -80 215 330 cps over 0.15 m at 53.4 m No significant results Exploration - UC 330 cps over 0.1 m at 55.9 m No significant results Exploration - UC 320 cps over 0.25 m at 115.75 m No significant results AK24-128 Pod 1 NW 526062 6373080 466 270 -60 200 302 cps over 1.85 m at 47.7 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 370 cps over 0.1 m at 50.0 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 300 cps over 0.6 m at 50.65 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 310 cps over 0.15 m at 58.6 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 460 cps over 0.1 m at 59.1 m 0.05% over 0.5 m at 59.0 m Pod 1 NW 300 cps over 0.2 m at 62.9 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 418 cps over 0.9 m at 109.05 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 109.0 m AK24-129 Exploration - UC 526231 6372800 467 270 -90 188 324 cps over 0.65 m at 80.65 m No significant results AK24-130 Exploration - SE Strike 526453 6372383 468 250 -60 281 No significant results AK24-131 Pod 8 526135 6372836 465 76 -65 242 No significant results AK24-132 Pod 8 526135 6372836 464 76 -59 218 No significant results 0.05% over 0.1 m at 156.5 m AK24-133 Pod 8 526124 6372879 465 90 -60 224 397 cps over 1.10 m at 112.4 m 0.08% over 1.0 m at 112.5 m Pod 8 341 cps over 0.55 m at 116.7 m 0.06% over 2.0 m at 116.5 m Pod 8 350 cps over 0.8 m at 120.3 m No significant results Pod 8 396 cps over 11.65 m at 128.95 m 0.09% over 11.5 m at 130.5 m Pod 6 444 cps over 1.2 m at 155.5 m 0.07% over 1.0 m at 155.5 m AK24-134 Pod 1 526091 6372933 463 267 -50 191 386 cps over 6.05 m at 53.2 m 0.10% over 1.5 m at 53.5 m 0.16% over 1.0 m at 56.5 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 400 cps over 0.5 m at 74.0 m 0.12% over 1.25 m at 74.0 m Pod 7 1,035 cps over 11.0 m at 101.3 m 0.17% over 9.0 m at 103.0 m Pod 7 includes 6,621 cps over 0.7 m at 103.9 m 1.07% over 0.5 m at 104.0 m Pod 7 400 cps over 0.05 m at 129.2 m 0.06% over 0.05 m at 129.2 m Pod 7 500 cps over 4.75 m at 131.9 m 0.10% over 3.0 m at 132.0 m Pod 7 6,344 cps over 0.3 m at 138.9 m 0.43% over 1.0 m at 138.5 m Pod 7 includes 0.65% over 0.5 m at 139.0 m AK24-135B Pod 1 526091 6372932 463 267 -50 185 410 cps over 0.6 m at 41.6 m 0.09% over 0.7 m at 41.5 m Pod 1 478 cps over 0.4 m at 44.0 m 417 cps over 1.55 m at 47.0 m 0.05% over 6.5 m at 44.0 m1 Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 442 cps over 0.6 m at 53.3 m 0.06% over 1.0 m at 53.0 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 465 cps over 0.2 m at 55.9 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 56.0 m Pod 7 438 cps over 1.25 m at 89.45 m 0.10% over 1.65 m at 89.35 m Pod 7 983 cps over 28.65 m at 98.2 m 0.18% over 28.0 m at 98.0 m Pod 7 includes 0.55% over 0.5 m at 99.5 m and includes 5,920 cps over 0.15 m at 123.1 m 0.57% over 0.5 m at 123.0 m Pod 7 623 cps over 0.6 m at 156.3 m No significant results AK24-136 Pod 1 526091 6372932 463 245 -55 208.5 380 cps over 0.2 m at 50.4 m 0.05% over 0.4 m at 50.2 m Pod 1 414 cps over 0.75 m at 56.7 m 0.10% over 1.0 m at 56.5 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 366 cps over 4.6 m at 74.0 m 0.11% over 3.5 m at 74.0 m2 Pod 7 328 cps over 6.3 m at 103.8 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 103.5 m 0.05% over 0.5 m at 105.5 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 109.0 m Pod 7 800 cps over 5.15 m at 113.5 m 0.12% over 4.5 m at 114.5 m Pod 7 includes 10,455 cps over 0.2 m at 118.45 m 0.59% over 0.55 m at 118.45 m Pod 7 320 cps over 0.05 m at 125.9 m No significant results Pod 7 471 cps over 0.45 m at 129.4 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 129.5 m Pod 7 No significant results 0.05% over 0.5 m at 135.0 m AK24-137 Pod 1 526091 6372932 463 241 -69 191 1,236 cps over 8.95 m at 37.35 m 0.38% over 9.15 m at 37.35 m3 Pod 1 includes 5,827 cps over 0.2 m at 39.35 m 0.68% over 4.25 m at 39.0 m Pod 1 325 cps over 3.4 m at 50.5 m 0.12% over 0.5 m at 50.5 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 53.0 m Pod 1 330 cps over 0.15 m at 58.85 m No significant results Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 302 cps over 4.4 m at 96.55 m 0.05% over 0.5 m at 96.5 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 365 cps over 3.4 m at 105.25 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 107.5 m Pod 7 380 cps over 0.1 m at 120.35 m No significant results Pod 7 684 cps over 0.3 m at 124.7 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 124.5 m Pod 7 1,272 cps over 13.3 m at 127.5 m 0.28% over 9.0 m at 129.0 m Pod 7 includes 5,000 cps over 0.2 m at 130.1 m 0.51% over 0.5 m at 130.0 m Pod 7 and includes 7,000 cps over 0.05 m at 132.1 m 0.55% over 2.0 m at 132.5 m Pod 7 and includes 5,600 cps over 0.85 m at 132.7 m Pod 7 and includes 10,600 cps over 0.1 m at 134.55 m Pod 7 1,122 cps over 4.85 m at 142.9 m 0.16% over 4.0 m at 142.5 m Pod 7 includes 5,600 cps over 0.25 m at 143.15 m Pod 7 and includes 6,500 cps over 0.1 m at 146.15 m Pod 7 1,063 cps over 1.45 m at 150.65 m No significant results Pod 7 includes 10,000 cps over 0.1 m at 150.65 m 0.40% over 0.5 m at 150.5 m AK24-138 Pod 7 526060 6372968 462 251 -60 152 388 cps over 11.2 m at 64.85 m 0.09% over 10.5 m at 64.5 m4 Pod 7 905 cps over 26.5 m at 79.55 m 0.19% over 23.0 m at 81.5 m Pod 7 includes 7,000 cps over 0.1 m at 89.05 m 0.58% over 0.5 m at 89.0 m Pod 7 and includes 6,300 cps over 0.1 m at 96.4 m Pod 7 and includes 5,500 cps over 0.1 m at 97.55 m 0.65% over 0.5 m at 97.5 m Pod 7 and includes 5,290 cps over 0.6 m at 101.5 m 1.00% over 1.0 m at 101.0 m Pod 7 454 cps over 0.75 m at 108.35 m No significant results Pod 7 738 cps over 0.8 m at 111.95 m 0.23% over 0.5 m at 112.0 m AK24-139 Pod 7 526060 6372968 462 281 -45 179 No significant results 0.37% over 0.25 m at 41.25 m 369 cps over 0.85 m at 62.15 m 0.11% over 0.5 m at 62.0 m Pod 7 300 cps over 0.4 m at 65.0 m No significant results Pod 7 664 cps over 24.7 m at 68.45 m 0.11% over 22.0 m at 70.5 m Pod 7 305 cps over 0.05 m at 96.35 m No significant results Pod 7 495 cps over 0.1 m at 98.25 m No significant results Pod 7 388 cps over 0.2 m at 101.45 m No significant results Pod 7 360 cps over 0.1 m at 134.45 m No significant results Pod 7 380 cps over 0.15 m at 137.9 m No significant results AK24-140 Pod 7 NW 525979 6373079 461 80 -65 275 360 cps over 0.4 m at 82.3 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 320 cps over 1.6 m at 88.9 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 350 cps over 0.25 m at 92.75 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 300 cps over 0.6 m at 99.9 m No significant results AK24-141 Pod 7 NW 525979 6373079 461 93 -76 365 988 cps over 1.65 m at 91.8 m 0.11% over 2.0 m at 91.5 m Pod 1 NW 340 cps over 0.1 m at 180.7 m No significant results Pod 9 300 cps over 0.2 m at 271.4 m No significant results Pod 9 360 cps over 0.2 m at 272.95 m No significant results Pod 9 310 cps over 0.15 m at 274.3 m No significant results AK24-142 Pod 7 NW 525979 6373091 462 85 -78 344 300 cps over 0.15 m at 68.0 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 458 cps over 1.35 m at 77.25 m 0.07% over 0.5 m at 77.0 m 0.06% over 0.5 m at 78.5 m Pod 1 NW 550 cps over 0.1 m at 102.1 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 440 cps over 0.1 m at 112.25 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 757 cps over 0.2 m at 114.1 m No significant results Pod 1 NW 500 cps over 0.15 m at 116.45 m No significant results Pod 9 300 cps over 0.2 m at 135.6 m No significant results Pod 9 374 cps over 0.45 m at 184.0 m No significant results Pod 9 380 cps over 0.2 m at 184.8 m No significant results Pod 9 400 cps over 0.1 m at 185.4 m No significant results Pod 2 NW 347 cps over 0.45 m at 276.2 m No significant results Pod 2 NW 300 cps over 0.5 m at 312.75 m No significant results AK24-143 Pod 1 526101 6373029 463 265 -55 221 330 cps over 0.45 m at 46.9 m No significant results Pod 1 397 cps over 21.25 m at 59.5 m 0.12% over 11.8 m at 65.2 m5 Pod 1 300 cps over 0.1 m at 90.3 m No significant results Pod 1 360 cps over 0.3 m at 97.7 m 0.06% over 0.6 m at 97.5 m Pod 1 300 cps over 0.15 m at 101.0 m No significant results Pod 7 453 cps over 0.3 m at 123.6 m No significant results Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 330 cps over 2.1 m at 125.7 m 0.10% over 1.0 m at 126.0 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 450 cps over 0.5 m at 130.75 m 0.05% over 0.5 m at 130.5 m Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 344 cps over 4.35 m at 136.1 m 0.08% over 2.0 m at 136.0 m Pod 7 NW 300 cps over 0.2 m at 152.6 m No significant results Pod 7 NW 380 cps over 0.25 m at 153.65 m 0.06% over 4.5 m at 153.5 m6 Pod 7 NW 388 cps over 3.35 m at 155.65 m AK24-144 Pod 1 526080 6373029 463 265 -55 200 500 cps over 0.25 m at 44.5 m No significant results Pod 1 375 cps over 10.45 m at 50.0 m 0.12% over 9.0 m at 51.5 m7 includes 0.69% over 0.5 m at 54.0 m Pod 1 300 cps over 0.1 m at 64.4 m No significant results Pod 1 300 cps over 0.1 m at 65.3 m No significant results Between Pod 1 & Pod 7 800 cps over 0.3 m at 98.75 m 0.13% over 1.0 m at 98.5 m Pod 7 NW 350 cps over 0.55 m at 142.3 m 0.10% over 1.0 m at 142.0 m 28 DDH 7,373 m 19 DDH 17 DDH NOTES: East and North units are metres using NAD83 datum, UTM Zone 13N Elevation is recorded as "metres above sea level" Az. = Azimuth, EOH = End of hole (measured in metres) Composite radioactivity results use 300 cps cut-off and do not contain greater than 2.0 m consecutive dilution Composite radioactivity results for "includes/and includes" use 5,000 cps cut-off and do not contain greater than 2.0 m consecutive dilution Composite U3O8 results use 0.05% U3O8 cut-off and do not contain greater than 2.0 m consecutive dilution (i.e., dilution is <0.05% U3O8) Composite U3O8 results for "includes/and includes" use 0.50% U3O8 cut-off and do not contain greater than 2.0 m consecutive dilution (i.e., dilution is <0.50% U3O8) * - previously released assay results (October 3, 2024) 1 - includes 2.25 m lost core over interval length 2 - includes 0.95 m lost core over interval length 3 - includes 0.9 m lost core over interval length 4 - includes 2.75 m lost core over interval length 5 - includes 1.4 m lost core over interval length 6 - includes 1.7 m lost core over interval length 7 - includes 1.15 m lost core over interval length To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252714 SOURCE: Baselode Energy Corp. The factory launch coincided with the roll-off of its 28.59-millionth vehicle and the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. RAYONG, Thailand, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChangAn Automobile ("ChangAn" or "the Company"), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, recently officially commenced production at its first international NEV manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, coinciding with both the roll-off of its 28.59-millionth vehicle, and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, marking a truly major milestone. The factory launch is a landmark event of ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan for global expansion that represents a shift from brand internationalisation to the export of full industries. Mr. Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, shared: "Our aim is to build this factory as a global benchmark. We will continue to focus on long-term growth, and mutually beneficial, low-carbon, localised operations. To lead sustainable mobility and benefit human life is ChangAn's mission, and despite the huge challenges currently posed by anti-globalisation, we are fully committed to our Vast Ocean Plan." ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan drives global expansion across five regions, advancing its goal of becoming a world-class automobile brand. Over three years, the Company filed over 14,000 patents, with 70% for inventions, averaging 19 per workday, maintaining top R&D rankings. ChangAn fosters global talent focusing on professionalism, youth, internationalisation, and market orientation. Its industrial footprint includes 20 planned factories, with nine KD plants and one full vehicle plant operational. Marketing includes 22 brand launches across Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, with over 9,000 outlets. ESG investments exceed 30 million yuan annually, supporting public welfare worldwide. ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan has accelerated the Company's global expansion since its 2023 launch. With five major international regions established, ChangAn set overseas sales records in 2024. As the plan enters a new phase in 2025, the Company is sharing high-quality products and services worldwide at the speed of China. In Southeast Asia and Oceania, ChangAn has cultivated key right-hand-drive markets. Construction of the Rayong factory in Thailand began in November 2023, and mass production started in May 2025. In the region, the DEEPAL S05 and extended-range EV debuted at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. The factory marks a shift from product exports to full-industry exports. In Latin America, ChangAn hosted a brand conference on July 23, 2024, accelerating the rollout of high-value products to meet diverse local needs. After 30 years in the Middle East and Africa, a brand launch in September 2024 introduced six new energy models. Plans include local subsidiaries, joint ventures, and expanded services. In Europe, where ChangAn established its Turin Design Center in 2001, a brand launch in Germany on March 21, 2025, marked renewed commitment to sustainable mobility through localised R&D and the "In Europe, For Europe" strategy. ChangAn will pursue its "four ones" development goals and advance its global strategy, elevating five major international markets to the same strategic level as China. The Company aims to grow its global market capacity from 30 million to 50 million and accelerate localisation in these regions. ChangAn plans to expand production with 11 KD projects in countries such as Kazakhstan and Egypt, reaching 500,000 vehicles in international capacity. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691717/image_5033332_28241042.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691718/image_5033332_28241073.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/changan-unveils-vast-ocean-plan-global-expansion-milestones-following-official-launch-of-first-international-nev-factory-in-rayong-thailand-302460493.html Product families expand defense portfolio to bring vehicle intelligence and accelerated capabilities to multiple domains. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Intuition, Inc. , the leading Vehicle Intelligence company for commercial and defense mobility, today announced the launch of two new product lines to accelerate the fielding of autonomous systems for the U.S. and allied forces. Axion and Acuity provide platform-agnostic autonomy tools and onboard software to scale and accelerate defense capabilities across air, land, sea, and space domains and the electromagnetic spectrum. Modern defense programs face critical roadblocks in deploying autonomy at scale, including a dependence on slow, costly live testing and a lack of interoperable autonomy solutions. These limitations, when coupled with outdated acquisition processes, prevent programs from rapidly fielding and iterating on autonomous capabilities, ultimately putting warfighters at a disadvantage. Axion and Acuity directly address these core challenges. Together, they form a robust autonomy software solution that empowers the U.S. and allied militaries with the capabilities needed to develop and confidently deploy autonomy at speed and scale. "Autonomy is where artificial intelligence meets the warfighter," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "Beyond autonomy, we provide intelligence that is critical for the future fight, whether it's moving people, sensing threats or acting independently in contested environments." Today's warfighters operate with outdated infrastructure and siloed software not built for modern combat. Vehicle intelligence - and the smart software that enables drones, ground robots, and autonomous convoys to perceive and act on their own - sits at the center of how AI and autonomy function on the battlefield. Far beyond self-driving, vehicle intelligence is embodied, multimodal AI that surrounds the operator, understands context, and adapts in real time to dynamic threats, delivering a decisive edge to warfighters. Axion and Acuity for Autonomous Advantage To deliver collaborative autonomy at operational tempo, teams need a digital-first approach. Axion provides one unified environment for engineers and operators to build, test, and deploy together. Built on Applied Intuition's commercially proven technology and interoperable with any platform, Axion enables engineers and vehicle manufacturers to build autonomy at the speed of relevance and supports the full lifecycle from development to mission execution. Acuity delivers all-domain onboard autonomy that empowers warfighters with a decisive edge. Relying solely on human operators to combat threats slows down critical decisions. With Acuity, unmanned systems can take the lead in high-risk missions, keeping humans at a safe distance while executing with precision. In addition, Acuity reduces the need for vertical integration and puts programs back in control, delivering onboard software-enabled autonomy to the platform of your choice. Leveraging advances from EpiSci, a leader in AI and trusted autonomy software acquired by Applied Intuition, Acuity has been deployed on many platforms. Those include notable systems such as the X-62A VISTA fighter jet to enable autonomous air-to-air combat tests. "Live testing simply can't keep pace with the modern battlefield. Digital-first development and integration are essential to scaling unmanned systems," said Peter Ludwig, co-founder and CTO of Applied Intuition. "Axion and Acuity were built to meet the ever-evolving demands of defense autonomy, ensuring unmanned systems are ready for today's mission complexity. Applied Intuition's dual-use approach allows us to bring the best of commercial innovation to the defense sector rapidly and at scale." "Applied Intuition is committed to delivering cutting-edge technology to the U.S. and our allies that meets the mission - not in five years, but today," said Jason Brown, general manager of Applied Intuition Defense. "Axion and Acuity are being deployed right now, giving warfighters the confidence they need. We're not just building for the future, we're delivering capability at the speed of relevance." To learn more about the Axion and Acuity family of products, go to appliedintuition.com/defense . About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. Founded in 2017, Applied Intuition delivers the toolchain, Vehicle OS and autonomy stacks to help customers build intelligent vehicles and shorten time to market. Major programs across the Department of Defense and 18 of the top 20 global automakers trust Applied Intuition's mission-critical solutions to deliver vehicle intelligence. Applied Intuition services the defense, automotive, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Diego, CA, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Ann Arbor, MI, Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Seoul and Tokyo. Learn more at appliedintuition.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/applied-intuition-launches-axion-and-acuity-to-deliver-all-domain-autonomy-to-the-warfighter-302459372.html Acquisition of Arcus Deepens Addepar's AI Capabilities Across Its Open Platform, Delivering Enhanced Value to Clients Globally NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Addepar, the leading technology and data platform for wealth, investment, and asset management, today announced the acquisition of Arcus, an innovator in enterprise AI workflows. This strategic move accelerates Addepar's technology roadmap to embed sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) more deeply across its platform, supported by the company's ongoing investment of over $100 million annually to research and development. Over the past fifteen years, Addepar has developed a technology platform that consolidates and unifies data, which its clients use for rigorous analysis, bespoke reporting and actionable insights, delivering consistent and lasting value for their clients and stakeholders. The next chapter of Addepar's story will increasingly leverage AI and machine learning, unlocking additional capabilities like intelligent data management, anomaly detection, streamlined reconciliation and predictive insights. The acquisition of Arcus - bringing expertise in multimodal, multi-step AI workflows - accelerates this evolution, enabling Addepar to more seamlessly embed advanced AI capabilities to boost investment efficiency and impact, while adhering to the stringent data governance, privacy and controls it has invested in since its founding 15 years ago. "Addepar has consistently invested in integrating the latest technology directly into our platform and products, empowering both our internal teams and our clients to be more productive and to make more informed decisions," said Eric Poirier, CEO of Addepar. "As the AI landscape continues its rapid transformation, Addepar is committed to staying at the forefront of advanced technology, and extending these capabilities to our clients. With our outsized investment in innovation, we aim to deliver intelligent, context-aware tools that empower our clients to excel in dynamic and unpredictable markets, while ensuring we and our clients continue to enforce and refine governance best practices." "We have fundamentally focused on building a platform that is flexible, interoperable, and future-ready," said Bob Pisani, Chief Technology Officer at Addepar. "Our architecture facilitates seamless integration with clients' existing tools, minimizing disruption and maximizing long-term value. The acquisition of Arcus is a leap forward in our AI strategy, embedding adaptive intelligence into the platform. This will enable dynamic, data-driven workflows that respond to real-time context across the Addepar platform." These significant advancements will be a key focus at AddeConf25 , Addepar's annual technology and innovation conference, taking place in New York City on May 21. This premier event will convene clients, partners, and industry leaders to explore the latest cutting-edge capabilities of Addepar's open platform. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how these developments are driving smarter workflows, enhancing transparency, and delivering more actionable intelligence across the evolving global financial landscape, showcasing the future of wealth and investment management. About Addepar Addepar is a global technology and data company that helps investment professionals provide the most informed, precise guidance for their clients. Hundreds of thousands of users have entrusted Addepar to empower smarter investment decisions and better advice over the last decade. With client presence in more than 50 countries, Addepar's platform aggregates portfolio, market and client data for more than $7 trillion in assets. Addepar's open platform integrates with more than 100 software, data and services partners to deliver a complete solution for a wide range of firms and use cases. Addepar embraces a global flexible workforce model with offices in Silicon Valley, New York City, Salt Lake City, Chicago, London, Edinburgh, Pune and Dubai. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2299460/Addepar_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/addepar-accelerates-platform-innovation-with-strategic-acquisition-and-continued-100m-annual-rd-investment-302459670.html Seattle's most anticipated hotel debut invites guests to experience the best of natural luxury. SEATTLE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to announce the opening of 1 Hotel Seattle, a new sanctuary of sustainability and sophisticated design in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Set in the South Lake Union neighborhood-home to some of Seattle's most innovative tech companies-this nature-inspired retreat combines sustainable luxury, hyper-local culinary experiences, and the rugged elegance of the region's landscapes. "Seattle is a city where nature and innovation coexist beautifully-and that's exactly what we aimed to capture with this property," says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "This city has long been a pioneer in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and progressive thinking. With 1 Hotel Seattle, we wanted to create a haven that not only pays homage to its forests, waters, and creative spirit, but also reflects the city's deep-rooted commitment to living in harmony with the planet. It's a place where conscious design meets the soul of the Pacific Northwest." "We're proud to open our doors in one of the country's most forward-thinking cities," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "From the locally crafted furnishings to the reclaimed materials and moss art installations, every detail is designed to inspire both comfort and consciousness." A Nature-Infused Welcome Located at 2125 Terry Avenue, 1 Hotel Seattle is set at the crossroads of nature, culture, and innovation. It's just minutes from Seattle's iconic waterfront, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Climate Pledge Arena, and Amazon's headquarters. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a monumental driftwood sculpture by local artist Alison Stigora, a bespoke piece that sets the tone for what lies within. The lobby is anchored by a lush living wall and a sculptural winding staircase fashioned from reclaimed timber and stacked stone featuring a railing hand-stitched with domestic leather. Overhead are massive Douglas fir beams-a nod to Seattle's maritime and industrial past. Throughout the space, details celebrate Pacific Northwest voices and materials and reinforce a deep connection to the land and its history. There are textiles that pay tribute to the Coast Salish Tribes, handmade tiles from a Pacific Northwest ceramics studio surrounding a fireplace, and an art collection curated in collaboration with local galleries. Guests can also unwind year-round on the outdoor terrace, a fire-lit, plant-filled patio framed by a wooden trellis and Northwest greenery. Sanctuary-Style Guest Rooms The 153 guest rooms, including 45 suites, are serene spaces inspired by the Pacific Northwest's forests, shorelines, and mountains. The spaces are layered with organic textures and handcrafted materials like reclaimed wood walls, pebble stone floors, Chiara quartzite counters, and live-edge furnishings from Seattle's own Tirto Furniture. Wallcoverings with nautical motifs and curated plantings line the corridors, while moss art and locally sourced artwork deepen the sense of place. Many of the rooms and suites have views of the Space Needle or city skyline. Sustainable touches include in-room water filtration systems with carafes made from recycled wine bottles, 100% organic linens atop plush pillow-top mattresses, Nespresso machines with recyclable pods, yoga mats, and Bamford bath products infused with essential oils. Every element is both luxurious and low-impact, from chalkboards replacing paper to bamboo-based tissue to energy-saving smart thermostats. Guests can also take part in the 1 Less Thing program, a simple but powerful initiative that encourages leaving gently used clothing behind for donation to local nonprofit Mary's Place. Dining With a Sense of Place 1 Hotel Seattle's culinary program celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest through a bold, hyper-local lens with global influences. The signature restaurant is La Loba, Spanish for "the she-wolf." A soulful, transportive experience that channels the strength and mystery of the natural world, La Loba is led by acclaimed Chef Oscar Amador Edo-a James Beard Award finalist known for redefining tapas in Las Vegas. Chef Oscar's dishes balance technique and storytelling, drawing on the rustic flavors of Spain and infusing them with Japanese influences, Mediterranean brightness, and Seattle's rich ingredients. From wood-fired seafood to pintxos reimagined with foraged mushrooms, every plate is designed for sharing and discovery. A rotating menu keeps pace with the markets, and diners can expect rare cuts, inventive crudos, and plant-based innovations. An exceptional boutique wine list curated by award-winning sommelier Joseph Mikulich complements the bold, earthy menu. The thoughtfully selected lineup features low-intervention wines from Spain, the U.S., and beyond-ranging from rare, highly sought-after bottles like Muga Aro (one of Rioja's finest) to locally harvested house wines such as Pursued by Bear. Mikulich's expertise brings depth and discovery to every pour, offering guests a distinctive and memorable wine experience. Just off the lobby, Drift cafe and bar brings the hotel's culinary ethos into an all-day social space. Mornings begin with craft coffee from Seattle's own FONTE and tea from Vancouver's TEALEAVES, accompanied by house-made pastries and light fare. As the day progresses, Drift shifts into a cozy cocktail lounge, where low-ABV drinks, seasonal small plates, and biodynamic wines are served beside a flickering fireplace and illuminated art wall. The mixology taps into ingredients sourced from the area-Rainier cherries, wild blackberries, locally distilled spirits-and leans into sustainability with a zero-waste philosophy. Spent citrus peels, herbs, and coffee grounds are transformed into house infusions and clever garnishes. On the second floor, six thoughtfully designed event spaces-each flooded with natural light and framed by city views-offer flexible layouts for everything from intimate board meetings to meaningful celebrations. The jewel of the hotel's events program is the Rainier Ballroom, which opens directly onto a landscaped terrace with panoramic views of the Space Needle. This biophilic gathering space is perfect for weddings, social celebrations, and sustainable corporate events, with expert planning services, seasonal catering menus, and furniture crafted from responsibly sourced wood. Built Better, Designed Smarter The Pacific Northwest is one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the United States-where responsibility, conservation, and stewardship are a way of life. 1 Hotel Seattle underscores this deep-rooted commitment with a devotion to sustainability that's embedded into every detail, down to the wooden keycards and recycled cork coasters. 1 Hotel Seattle is targeting LEED Silver certification, with strategies that range from advanced air quality systems and UV water filtration to a 37% reduction in water use. Additionally, more than 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood. With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle-no car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive. The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood. With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle-no car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive. Together, these thoughtful choices create an experience that feels both elevated and essential-luxury not just for its own sake, but for the sake of the world around us. Now Open Whether you're a Seattle local looking for an exciting new dining experience or a visitor seeking meaningful luxury, 1 Hotel Seattle is a place where nature and design converge-and where every thoughtful detail reflects a deeper commitment to the planet. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1hotels.com/seattle . ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com . ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), and Seattle, with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691247/Starwood_Hotels_1H_Seattle_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691248/Starwood_Hotels_1SEA_Lobby_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691253/Starwood_Hotels_1SEA_Arch_Patio.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691249/Starwood_Hotels_1SEA_Alder_House_Living_Area.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691250/Starwood_Hotels_1SEA_Drift_Lobby.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691251/Starwood_Hotels_1SEA_La_Loba.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691252/Starwood_Hotels_Studio_Suite.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/786192/Starwood_Hotels_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/now-open-1-hotel-seattlea-sustainable-urban-retreat-302459986.html SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Weaviate, the AI-native vector database, today announced that it has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Weaviate runs on AWS, providing a foundation for customers to build and scale secure GenAI applications from development to production, boosting productivity, increasing business growth, and improving user experience. To support enterprises looking to reduce complexity in their AI workflows, Weaviate natively integrates Amazon SageMaker with support for GenAI application development on Amazon Bedrock. Additionally, the company recently added Weaviate Embeddings and Agents to its stack, empowering developers to ingest, vectorize, query, and transform data faster and more easily. "Our collaboration with AWS has been instrumental to Weaviate's growth. Building on AWS has allowed Weaviate to scale to support our customers' needs while also collaborating on our joint go-to-market initiatives," said Jobi George, VP of Business Development & Partnerships at Weaviate. "By integrating with Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock, Weaviate is helping customers modernize their AI infrastructure while maintaining control of their data-a critical requirement for enterprise adoption," said Mark Relph, Director of Data and AI Partners at AWS. "This collaboration demonstrates our shared focus on removing barriers to AI implementation and enabling organizations to drive innovation with confidence." Morningstar, a leading provider of independent investment insights, collaborated with Weaviate on the development of its Intelligence Engine AI platform. "As a global financial services organization, delivering real-time, secure, and reliable digital experiences is critical to earning and keeping customer trust," said Laura Kohl, CIO at Morningstar, who recently won a CIO 100 award for the Morningstar Intelligence Engine, built with Weaviate. "Working with Weaviate has allowed us to modernize our data infrastructure, accelerate innovation, and scale with confidence. Weaviate's integration with AWS allows us to build smarter, faster and securely-so we can stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry." The agreement will support expanded reach and awareness for Weaviate, and further strengthen its role in accelerating the delivery of advanced AI solutions that leverage Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker. This will include initiatives to promote innovative Generative AI solutions in categories such as SaaS, financial services, technology, healthcare, retail, and media. "As AI advances its rapid evolution, vector databases continue to be a fundamental element of the AI stack. As an AWS Generative AI and AWS Consumer Goods Competency partner, Weaviate is helping to lead the way to an exciting future," adds Tony Le, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Weaviate. AI [in Prod] LA, Databricks Data + AI Summit, AWS Summit NYC Join Weaviate's roadshow in Los Angeles on Thursday June 5th for expert tech talks and hands-on training. Visit events.weaviate.io to register. Connect with Weaviate at Databricks Data + AI Summit in San Francisco June 9th through 12th or at AWS Summit NYC July 16th. Ready to learn more or try Weaviate Cloud for your agentic AI applications? Visit weaviate.io About Weaviate Weaviate is an open-source AI-native vector database that makes it easier for developers to build and scale AI applications. With powerful hybrid search out of the box, seamless connection to machine learning models and a purpose-built architecture that scales to billions of vectors and millions of tenants, Weaviate is a foundation for modern, AI-native software development. Customers and open-source users, including Instabase, NetApp and Morningstar power search and generative AI applications with Weaviate while maintaining control over their own data. Weaviate was founded in 2019 and is funded by Battery Ventures, Cortical Ventures, Index Ventures, ING Ventures, NEA and Zetta Venture Partners. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/weaviate-strengthens-global-collaboration-with-aws-to-accelerate-generative-ai-initiatives-302460423.html Cognite, the global leader in industrial AI, today announced two strategic appointments to deliver more innovation with the AI ecosystem and customer value: Co-founder Geir Engdahl, as Chief Technology Officer, AI, and James Sirota as Global Head of Engineering. Engdahl will lead the company's AI First technology strategy. Sirota will spearhead the worldwide engineering functions, driving the rapid delivery of new capabilities and scaling of Cognite's industrial AI and data platform Cognite Data Fusion and the transformative industrial workbench Cognite Atlas AI. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519865188/en/ James Sirota named Global Head of Engineering and Geir Engdahl, CTO, AI. Since the company's founding, Engdahl has been pivotal in creating the only scalable and open AI platform specifically built for the demanding range and volume of industrial data. Cognite's unique architecture and capabilities have enabled customers to reap significant ROI from increasing production, reducing downtime, and accelerating sustainability. In this new role, he will return to his disruptive founder roots to extend Cognite's AI technology to deliver more real-time intelligence from any data, on any hyperscaler, and leveraging any LLM at scale. Sirota joins Cognite as the company aggressively accelerates its delivery of intelligent, AI-powered applications to unlock the true potential of industrial data for decision-makers and domain experts across manufacturing, energy, and power generation verticals. Cognite's solutions are the key to enabling AI by liberating data from silos and making it AI-ready, forging a path towards real-time, scalable agentic AI-driven operations. "Cognite is raising the bar on the next generation of AI First technology and development in order to help companies achieve more of their AI transformation goals and business outcomes. We welcome James to our executive team at such a transformative time for both Cognite and the industrial sector," said Girish Rishi, CEO at Cognite. "James' proven expertise in scaling engineering organizations and delivering AI-powered platforms, combined with Geir's innovation leadership and our previously announced CPO Chirayu Shah's product vision, will be vital as we continue to expand our global footprint and help industrial companies realize even more value from agentic AI, their industrial data and operations." "I am thrilled to lead the charge for this next phase of AI innovation," said Geir Engdahl, CTO, AI at Cognite. "Being at the forefront and co-innovating with the global hyperscalers and LLM providers will unlock more value from agentic AI and all industrial data that are uniquely accessible in our platform." Engdahl previously founded Snapsale in 2011, a classifieds AI startup. He led the company as CEO and CTO until the company was acquired by Schibsted in 2017. He also served as a senior software engineer for Google where he developed AI capabilities for targeting and conversion optimization in their advertising systems. Engdahl has a master's degree in computational science from the University of Oslo and received a silver medal from the International Olympiad in Informatics. "Industrial enterprises generate enormous volumes of operational data, but often struggle to extract meaningful insights from it," said James Sirota, Global Head of Engineering at Cognite. "They need a robust platform to explore this data effectively, combined with powerful AI capabilities to identify trends and insights more efficiently. What drew me to Cognite was how their products address this exact challenge. Cognite is not only solving deeply technical problems-it's solving meaningful ones for the industrial sector. My job is to make sure our engineers are equipped, empowered, and inspired to deliver products that transform how the industrial sector works." With over 20 years of leadership in software engineering and AI, Sirota brings a combination of technical depth and global execution excellence to Cognite. Having previously led engineering organizations at AWS, Cloudera, and Cisco, he brings extensive experience scaling enterprise software platforms and high-performing global teams. His passion for building cohesive, empowered engineering teams and high-scale platforms aligns directly with Cognite's vision. As the company continues its rapid global expansion, Sirota's leadership will be central to delivering innovative, AI-driven solutions that power the future of industry. About Cognite Cognite makes GenAI work for industry. Leading energy, manufacturing, and power renewables enterprises choose Cognite to deliver secure, trustworthy, and real-time data to transform their asset-heavy operations to be safer, more sustainable, and profitable. Cognite provides a user-friendly, secure, and scalable platform that makes it easy for all decision-makers, from the field to remote operations centers, to access and understand complex industrial data, collaborate in real-time, and build a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cognite.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519865188/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Michelle Holford Vice President, Global PR michelle.holford@Cognite.com Press release Paris, 20 May 2025 As part of the ambitious modernization program of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) mine countermeasures capabilities, Exail has been selected through several contracts to provide a significant portion of the deliverables for this drone-based solution. The Singapore Navy has been a long-standing and regular partner of the company for several decades. Exail had notably equipped the first-generation mine-hunter ships with its robotic mine clearance solutions and has been supplying expendable underwater drones for several years. This collaboration continues today with the supply of next-generation systems. As part of this program, the Singapore Navy is equipping itself with its own surface drones (USV), the SWIFT 18 model provided by the local company ST Engineering, Exail's partner in this program. These USVs will integrate various critical systems provided by Exail: High-performance inertial navigation systems; Underwater acoustic positioning systems; Forward-looking sonars (FLS), an innovative sonar model developed by Exail. The motherships are also equipped with navigation systems provided by Exail. To carry out the mine clearance mission, the USVs will also be equipped with Exail's MIDS systems (Mine Identification and Disposal Systems), consisting of several dozen robotic systems in total (see the press release published on April 1st 2025 - link), including: SEASCAN underwater drones for identification missions; Expendable K-STER underwater drones that are destroyed during mine neutralization; UMISOFT control & command software for the MIDS system drones; LARS (Launch and Recovery System) to launch and recover the drones from the USV. As part of the mine clearance missions, the surface drone also has the ability to tow a sonar provided by a leading French company, which will integrate with Exail's navigation and positioning systems integrated into the USV. By providing proven and combat-ready solutions, Exail supports the RSN's mission to secure vital maritime routes while protecting personnel from dangers. With these next-generation systems, the Republic of Singapore Navy will have high-level operational mine clearance capabilities. Exail thus strengthens its partnership with this innovative client and contributes to its forward-thinking approach to mine countermeasures. Several drone systems of these models have already been ordered by other clients, with volumes in the hundreds of units. They will be produced in series at the drone assembly site in Ostend, Belgium, benefiting from industrial volume effects. Beyond the Republic of Singapore Navy, other commercial processes are underway in the Asia-Pacific region for robotic mine countermeasure systems. Negotiations are progressing and could lead to short-term notifications. About Exail Technologies Exail Technologies is an industrial company specializing in high technologies in the field of autonomous robotics with vertical integration of its activities. The group offers complex systems of drones, navigation, as well as products for aerospace and photonics. Exail Technologies ensures performance, reliability, and security for its civil and military clients operating in harsh environments and generates its revenue in nearly 80 countries. Exail Technologies is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment B (EXA) and is part of the Euronext Tech Leaders segment, which includes over 110 leading or high-growth tech companies in their fields. www.exail-technologies.com Contacts : Investors Relations Hugo Soussan Tel. +33 (0)1 44 77 94 86 h.soussan@ exail-technologies.com Anne-Pauline Petureaux Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 apetureaux@actus.fr Media Relations Manon Clairet Tel. +33 (0)1 53 67 36 73 mclairet@actus.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xphpY8aYZGfJlWmeZ5psmWJmbm1pw5Gca2idyWRoZZ3KnJ6TyW+TbpjIZnJinWZn - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-91811-cp_exail-technologies_commande-singapour_en.pdf With major debt eliminated, revenue-accretive acquisitions underway, and new AI tools in development, Tonner signals a transformative leap in its operational and shareholder value strategy. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Tonner One World Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK:TONR) today announced a series of pivotal developments reflecting significant progress in the company's financial restructuring, acquisition strategy, and forward-looking business objectives. Tonner has successfully eliminated over $700,000 in toxic convertible debt due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on many of its legacy notes. This legal mechanism prevents creditors from pursuing claims on expired obligations, effectively removing them from the company's balance sheet. By leveraging this opportunity, Tonner has reduced a major source of potential dilution and confirmed that additional note retirements are forthcoming. Toxic convertible notes can be highly detrimental to shareholders, often triggering large volumes of discounted stock issuances that depress market value. Tonner's aggressive approach to resolving this debt showcases its commitment to protecting investor interests and building a stronger financial foundation. The company projects that total liabilities will drop below $400,000 within 30 days. Had the discharged notes been fully converted with penalties and interest, the resulting dilution could have exceeded $7 million. Avoiding this outcome enables Tonner to pursue growth with minimal impact to its share structure. As part of its expansion strategy, Tonner has signed an agreement to acquire Pro Marketing Leads, LLC (www.promarketingleads.net), a high-performing digital marketing firm that specializes in real-time data generation, targeted lead delivery, and conversion-optimized outreach. Founded by veteran marketer Brad Allen, the company has earned a strong reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality results to clients across multiple verticals, including insurance, financial services, and consumer products. Pro Marketing Leads operates with a scalable business model underpinned by proprietary technology and AI-enhanced targeting systems. The company maintains a high client retention rate and is known for its performance-driven culture. Currently generating over $1.3 million in annual revenue, the business is projected to reach $2.4 million in annualized revenue within one year based on expanding demand and proven customer acquisition systems. Based on current trends, the acquisition is projected to reach $2.4 million annually within one year. Tonner will also be executing agreements to acquire two additional companies that are implementing AI powered processes into their business model. These deals, expected to close within 30 days, will raise projected revenues to just under $2 million annually. All acquisitions will be completed using restricted common stock only, avoiding the use of company cash or debt. In parallel, Tonner is finalizing a licensing agreement with BioQuest Corp. (BQST) to develop AI-based tools tailored for publicly traded companies. BioQuest is a publicly traded company focused on innovation in the AI and fintech sectors, with a growing suite of technology offerings aimed at optimizing business operations and investor engagement. Under this licensing partnership, Tonner and BioQuest plan to co-develop branded AI solutions that address common communication, compliance, and marketing challenges faced by public issuers and other major enterprises. The agreement is expected to unlock recurring revenue opportunities for both companies while expanding their presence in the fast-growing AI services market. This partnership supports Tonner's goal to lead in AI-powered business solutions across marketing, compliance, and automation. Tonner is also exploring solutions to avoid a reverse stock split, aligning with its shareholder-first philosophy while positioning for future uplisting opportunities. In a notable show of support, co-founder and former consultant Trent Daniel has voluntarily forgiven $441,000 in convertible debt owed to him by the company, further improving Tonner's financial health. CEO Joanne Melton commented: "These recent developments represent a major turning point in Tonner's evolution. By eliminating debt, expanding through acquisitions, and preparing for an AI-driven future, we are laying the groundwork for long-term shareholder value. Our strategic plan is designed for growth, compliance, and smart capital execution." Tonner plans to continue targeting innovative, revenue-generating companies that align with its mission to accelerate AI adoption. The company is actively building a portfolio of high-impact, cash-flow-positive businesses positioned for long-term success. To update shareholders and introduce key partners, Tonner will host a conference call on May 29 at 2:00 PM Central Time. The event will feature Brad Allen, CEO of Pro Marketing Leads, along with executives from the two additional companies Tonner intends to acquire. Trent Daniel, CEO of BioQuest Corp., will also participate to discuss the upcoming AI licensing partnership. Tonner Growth Highlights Over $700,000 in legacy debt eliminated Convertible note risk reduced by $7M in potential dilution Three revenue-generating acquisitions under contract $2M+ projected annual revenue post-close Co-developing AI tools with BioQuest Corp. for public company applications Exploring reverse split alternatives to protect shareholder value PCAOB audit planning underway to support future OTCQB or uplisting eligibility Shareholder call scheduled May 29 to present growth plan and introduce new leadership. The event will feature Brad Allen, CEO of Pro Marketing Leads, along with executives from the two additional companies Tonner intends to acquire. Trent Daniel, CEO of BioQuest Corp., will also participate to discuss the upcoming AI licensing partnership. Tonner One World Holdings is a diversified growth-focused holding company dedicated to acquiring and scaling businesses that leverage advanced technologies to drive efficiency and innovation. With a strategic focus on AI-driven marketing, automation, digital commerce, and fintech services, Tonner is actively building a portfolio of high-performance brands positioned for long-term value creation. Through acquisitions, licensing partnerships, and transparent shareholder engagement, the company is executing a transformative growth strategy aligned with emerging market opportunities. focused on acquiring and scaling revenue-generating businesses in digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies. Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Tonner is building a portfolio designed for sustainable growth in high-demand sectors. For additional information, please visit the company's official X account at x.com/tonnerowinc. Email: info@tonnerow.com Media Contact: PR & Media Relations Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. info@tonnerow.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions. They are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors - some of which are beyond the company's control. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. BioQuest, Inc. and BotMakers, Inc. undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/tonner-one-world-eliminates-over-700-000-in-toxic-debt-signs-agre-1029747 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / by DC Nguyen Cisco's Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All isn't a standalone initiative - it's embedded and operationalized throughout our company and drives growth for our business, people, and communities. That's why you'll see Purpose front and center at Cisco Live San Diego from June 9-12, 2025 - our biggest global customer event that brings together top experts, partners, and customers to experience our innovations firsthand. We're celebrating 40 years of impact in our Purpose Pavilion and showing how we put our Purpose into practice. From theater sessions to demos, here's what's in store: Purpose Pavilion Theater The Purpose Pavilion is located in the World of Solutions, where onsite attendees will discover cutting-edge technology, get a glimpse into future innovations, and network with experts and peers. Our Purpose Pavilion Theater will feature leaders in sustainability, digital impact, social impact, public policy, and AI, sharing business solutions and industry insights. Register for the sessions so you don't miss out, and don't worry - these sessions will also be available on-demand a few weeks after the event. Here's a sampling of the sessions you can expect to see: AI Policy: Global Implications and Regulatory Shifts Speaker: Jeff Campbell, SVP and Chief Government Strategy Officer, Cisco As AI continues to transform industries and societies, governments are weighing how to balance innovation with oversight, and the U.S. stance could set the tone for regulatory approaches in other regions. In this session, you'll gain insight into how U.S. decisions may shape global AI regulation and Cisco's role in guiding the future of AI policy. Offices that Everyone Loves: Smart Tech for Inclusive Spaces Speakers: Brian Tippens, SVP, Social Impact & Inclusion, Cisco; Christian Bigsby, SVP, Workplace Resources, Cisco; Stephen Brown, SVP Global Market Development, International Well Building Institute Wondering how to make your office a place where everyone feels welcome and productive? Join Cisco's experts in real estate and social impact & inclusion to see how Cisco blends cutting-edge tech with design to meet the needs of today's workforce. We'll share real-life examples of Cisco offices, demonstrating how to create spaces that spark innovation and collaboration while being mindful of accessibility, personal preferences, and wellbeing. Digital Resiliency Unlocked: Power Sustainable, Secure, and Inclusive Communities Speakers: Guy Diedrich, SVP and Global Innovation Officer, Cisco; John Paul Morgan, CTO of Morgan Solar; Dr. Xiang Liu, Ph.D. Director of Rutgers Rail & Transit Program at Rutgers University Celebrate a decade of digital transformation with the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which powers sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities. Discover how Cisco's AI-driven technologies can enhance your operational efficiency and security, revolutionize public transportation systems globally, and bridge the digital skills gap. Circular Design Can Increase Efficiency and Cut Costs Speakers: Mary de Wysocki, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer, Cisco; David Stallings, VP of Hardware Engineering, Cisco Many IT leaders are tasked with reducing their network's impact on the environment, all while keeping costs down, maintaining performance, and supporting increased workloads. Cisco is helping you address this challenge through its Circular Design Principles - which can help you keep your hardware in service longer, lower your energy use, reduce e-waste, and even cut costs. Hear from a product engineering leader who is incorporating circular design into the products you use, and see examples of products that can help you address both business- and sustainability benefits to your company. Sustainability We strive to reduce Cisco's environmental footprint and to use our technology and expertise to help our customers and suppliers reduce theirs. Check out our sustainability demo in the Purpose Pavilion, where we'll show how we extend product life through circular programs like product takeback, remanufacture, and reuse. And, behind the scenes: here are just some of the ways we're reducing our carbon footprint across the event, increasing our landfill diversion rate, and decreasing total waste per person onsite: We don't serve plastic water bottles at the event - instead, we encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and use our onsite water stations. This strategy helped eliminate the use of an estimated 71,000 PET plastic water bottles at Cisco Live '24*. We leverage rental inventory. An estimated 500,000 pounds of furniture, furnishings, and kiosks were saved for reuse from Cisco Live '24*. We work closely with our venues to donate unserved food. At our Celebration at Cisco Live '24, we donated almost 7,000 meals to those in need in the community*. * This data is based on calculations by MeetGreen and is provided for informational purposes only. Demos We've built the digital highways that have become the backbone for modern communication. Now, we're harnessing the power of connection to build a better future for people, communities, and the planet, and Cisco Live attendees can get hands-on with our latest technology at onsite demos at the Purpose Pavilion. We're also bringing the impressive Cisco Crisis Response Network Emergency Responsible Vehicle (NERV) to show how we support on-the-ground connectivity during humanitarian crises and natural disasters - an essential need when people need access to digital cash, relief benefits, social services, communication with loved ones, and more. Health and Well-being Cisco Live is a jam-packed four days, so stop by the Powered by Purpose cafe for coffee, juice, and seating space to relax and reenergize. Powering Purpose Beyond Cisco Live Our Purpose goes hand-in-hand with our business strategy, so take advantage of all the ways to get involved at Cisco Live and beyond. Check out the progress we've made to combine our technology, people, and broader networks in our latest FY24 Purpose Report. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/cisco-your-guide-to-purpose-and-impact-at-cisco-live-san-diego-1029835 DP World's San Antonio terminal supports Chile's ambitious electric mobility plan with the arrival of 300 electric buses -the first in a historic 1,800-vehicle shipment to transform Santiago's public transport fleet. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / DP World is proud to support one of the largest global shipments of electric buses, advancing Chile's national commitment to sustainable urban transport. Our terminal in San Antonio has successfully received the first 300 electric buses from China - part of a total 1,800-bus fleet destined for Santiago, the nation's capital. This landmark initiative will help Santiago reach its goal of converting 68% of its public bus fleet to electric, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing mobility for more than 3.5 million residents. The shipment marks a major milestone in global clean energy logistics, connecting Chile to a more sustainable future. "We are pleased to have ensured the safe and timely arrival of this first batch of electric buses at our terminal in San Antonio," said Stephenie Dewulf, Commercial Manager at DP World San Antonio. "Without a doubt, these will have a positive impact on many people, and we are proud to play such a key role in Chile's automotive supply chain, leading the logistical efforts to see these buses reach their final destination as planned." With over 90% of vehicle imports to Chile passing through DP World's San Antonio terminal, our dedicated team and specialized facilities ensure safe, efficient handling of electric buses to their final destinations. Chile's Minister of Transport, Juan Carlos Munoz, commented: "This is very good news for our public transportation system. This consolidates our country's leadership in the use of this type of technology, since by the end of the year, three out of every five buses circulating in Santiago will be electric." The new fleet will add to the 2,555 electric buses already on Santiago's streets, bringing the total to more than 4,300. Each vehicle includes upgraded safety and accessibility features such as blind spot sensors, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, air conditioning, and security cameras - enhancing both passenger experience and road safety. DP World remains committed to unlocking opportunities and driving sustainable growth. As the remaining electric buses arrive in the coming months, our San Antonio terminal stands ready to support Chile's bold transition to cleaner, smarter transportation. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: DP World Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: DP World View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/dp-world-helps-power-one-of-the-largest-global-electric-bus-ship-1029838 WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Collaboration to Focus on Increasing Data Center Efficiency & Sustainability The Chemours Company (Chemours) (NYSE: CC), a global chemistry company, announced a strategic agreement with DataVolt, a designer, developer, and operator of sustainable digital infrastructure, to further demonstrate and develop advanced liquid cooling solutions for data centers alongside other industry leaders. This collaboration will focus on increasing data center efficiency and sustainability through two-phase direct-to-chip, two-phase immersion cooling, and other innovative solutions. The companies will work to enhance infrastructure readiness and address the increasing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation chips. "Our collaboration with DataVolt represents another significant step in our liquid cooling roadmap," said Denise Dignam, Chemours President and CEO. "Combining our thermal management expertise with DataVolt's knowledge designing and operating sustainable data centers, we can help accelerate the adoption of liquid cooling and other innovative technologies, minimizing data center total cost of ownership and environmental footprint, while maximizing performance and efficiency. We are excited to work alongside industry leaders to achieve these goals and drive forward sustainable data center innovation." The agreement includes the development of liquid cooling and other data center solutions using Chemours' portfolio of ultra-low global warming potential Opteon dielectric fluids. This is the latest announcement from Chemours Liquid Cooling portfolio, which aims to provide a comprehensive portfolio of data center cooling solutions to support AI and advanced digital infrastructure. "We are excited to announce this agreement with Chemours to develop state-of-the-art solutions-including liquid cooling technologies-for our future-ready AI data centers," said Rajit Nanda, DataVolt CEO. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to be at the forefront of innovation as we serve the world's insatiable need for eco-friendly, high-performance and mission critical AI factories that can support ever increasing compute densities while also being rapidly deployable, sustainable and cost effective. By integrating Chemours' advanced liquid cooling solutions and engaging partners from across the industry, we aim to enhance the efficiency and scalability of our data centers, ensuring they meet the rapidly evolving demands of next-generation AI applications." As data center demands continue to rise, liquid cooling technology-such as Chemours' Opteon two-phase immersion cooling fluid- offers significant benefits, including up to 90% cooling energy reduction, up to 40% reduction in total cost of ownership, nearly eliminating water use, and enabling increased computing capacity and density per square foot without compromising performance. Additionally, Chemours liquid cooling solutions support circularity-enabling heat and some fluids to be recovered and reused to drive further efficiency and sustainability benefits. For more information, visit Opteon.com. About The Chemours Company The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses -Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials - we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers' biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon, Freon, Ti-Pure, Nafion, Teflon, Viton, and Krytox. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn. About DataVolt DataVolt is designer, developer, and operator of sustainable digital infrastructure, integrating dedicated high-availability multi-technology renewable energy infrastructure solutions and green fuels, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and scalability. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, with offices currently in the USA, Uzbekistan, India, and the UAE, and presence in South Korea and South Africa. DataVolt has strong global ambitions spanning across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. DataVolt's core focus is servicing the needs of hyperscalers, large enterprises, and government institutions. www.data-volt.com View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Chemours on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Chemours Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/chemours-company Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Chemours View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/chemours-and-datavolt-announce-agreement-to-accelerate-adoption-of-liq-1029839 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Michel Lassonde, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Margaux Real Estate Investment Trust (TSXV: ALFA.UN) ("Margaux" or the "Company") and his team, joined Sylvain Martel, Managing Director, TSX Listings, TMX Group, to open the market to celebrate the Company's new listing on TSX Venture Exchange. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UluyFLDcnoI Margaux is a real estate investment trust established by a contract of trust dated October 29, 2021, as amended, in Quebec. Margaux is and will remain a pure play in the self storage space. It owns and operates three self-storage facilities in Quebec. The storage facilities are located in Cowansville, Roxton Pond and Drummondville, Quebec. The Drummondville facility is currently comprised of 100,000 square feet of land on which there are 48 self-storage units, with the construction of additional facilities expected to be completed in the coming months. The Cowansville facility comprises approximately 500,000 square feet of land on which there are two buildings housing 90 self-storage units. The Cowansville facility also includes a parking space which can accommodate up to 70 RVs as well as an additional parking lot which is leased to a nearby hospital on a long-term basis. The Roxton Pond facility is comprised of approximately 100,000 square feet of land divided in two lots and on which there are presently five buildings housing 181 self-storage units. The Trust has started work on a 85 000 square feet facility in Laval. It is presently at the permitting stage. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252728 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange ZHENGZHOU, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. During the visit, Xi toured the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd., the White Horse Temple, and the Longmen Grottoes. He learned about local efforts to accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing, enhance the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, and promote the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) -AISIX Solutions Inc., (TSXV: AISX) (OTC Pink: AISXF) (FSE: QT7) ("AISIX" or "the Company"), a climate risk assessment and analytics solutions provider, and Cytora, the digital risk processing platform have partnered to incorporate AISIX's wildfire data into the Cytora platform as of April 30, 2025. The collaboration brings AISIX's wildfire intelligence into the Cytora platform, enabling commercial insurers to access timely data on wildfire risks, at a time when the threat of climate change is a key concern for businesses and new regulations mandate insurance players and their clients to disclose their exposure to climate risk. AISIX provides wildfire data through its model, Wildfire 3.0. This model offers wildfire risk information based on geographic inputs and historical fire activity. The data is delivered via API, enabling real-time access and integration into underwriting systems, and aligns with regulatory climate disclosure frameworks such as TCFD and ISSB. This integration will equip underwriters with insights to evaluate risk across both individual submissions and entire portfolios, improving speed, accuracy and transparency in underwriting decisions. The collaboration with AISIX's the latest integration partnership Cytora has agreed as the insurtech seeks to build one of the world's most comprehensive data ecosystems for insurers. It also follows a period of significant growth for Cytora including agreeing to a major collaboration with Chubb, and the launch of the latest version of its platform earlier this month, which leverages agentic AI to bring a new level of performance and explainability to risk assessment and underwriting processes. Juan de Castro, COO at Cytora, said: "Climate risk factors are increasingly becoming critical components in insurance underwriting. Through our partnership with AISIX, we're making it easier for insurers to embed the latest wildfire insights directly into their workflows, empowering smarter and faster decisions with access to the most advanced data and insights available." Mihalis Belantis, CEO of AISIX Solutions, said: "This partnership with Cytora will give insurers the clarity and foresight needed to make informed, strategic, and sustainable underwriting decisions. As wildfire events increase in frequency and intensity, the ability to quickly assess risk at the asset level is vital. We're delighted to be working together in helping insurers build resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment." For more information about AISIX Solutions Inc. and its climate risk solutions, please visit www.aisix.ca or follow the Company on X (formerly Twitter) at @AISIXSolutions or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/aisixsolutionsinc/. About Cytora Cytora is an AI-powered platform that enables commercial insurers to process risks with greater efficiency and accuracy. Cytora digitises every incoming risk, augments it with external data sources, evaluates it against multiple rules, including appetite and priority rules, and routes it to downstream systems for automated or manual underwriting About AISIX Solutions Inc. AISIX Solutions Inc., is a climate risk and data-analytics solutions provider trusted by organizations seeking a more predictive future. Leveraging the advancements of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and risk assessment, AISIX Solutions Inc. is on a mission to provide auditable, explainable, and defensible assessments to help businesses and communities protect their property, assets, and infrastructure from wildfire-related risks. By empowering organizations with wildfire risk insights, AISIX Solutions Inc. aims to foster resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252725 SOURCE: Aisix Solutions Inc. President of Dealer Sales Celebrates Seventh Year on Esteemed List RAMSEY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales as one of the 2025 Women of the Channel Power 100. This prestigious honor highlights an elite subset of influential leaders chosen from the CRN 2025 Women of the Channel list. The Power 100 recognizes some of the most influential women leaders from technology vendors and distributors who consistently contribute their advocacy and expertise to advancing the channel. Blackmer joined Konica Minolta's executive leadership team in December 2017 as Senior Vice President, Dealer Sales, and was promoted to President, Dealer Sales in 2022. She is responsible for the sales and management of the company's extensive dealer network that represents and sells its award-winning products and managed IT Services. Blackmer has been awarded "Best Female Executive" eight times at the Frank Awards, The Cannata Report's annual awards which highlight excellence in business technology. She ranked on Tiger Paw Software's Top 100 Influencers in the managed print industry list two years in a row. Blackmer has been named to CRN's Women of the Channel list seven times, is a five-time Channel Chief and two-time CRN Inclusive Channel Leader. Blackmer also serves on the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) Board of Directors. "I am extremely grateful for this recognition from CRN, which represents the dedication female leaders in our industry have to improving outcomes in the channel," said Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, Konica Minolta. "Working with our channel partners is incredibly rewarding. Our shared commitment to fostering strong relationships and overcoming obstacles has been the cornerstone of our success. I am truly honored to be part of this community." "We are thrilled to see Laura continually recognized for her exceptional leadership and industry knowledge that helps ensure the success of our dealer partners," said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta. "Laura's work makes an incredible impact, both within our organization and in the channel. Her strategic guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in driving growth. Congratulations to Laura and all the 2025 Women of the Channel awardees." CRN's 2025 Women of the Channel and Power 100 lists are featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at CRN.com. About Konica Minolta Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.'s (Konica Minolta) journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta's 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates "20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact," and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta's bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2025 America's Best Large Employers list, included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub One i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow it on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. About The Channel Company The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com. Konica Minolta Contact Maggie Grande Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. pr@kmbs.konicaminolta.us +551-500-2659 SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/konica-minoltas-laura-blackmer-named-to-2025-women-of-the-channe-1026793 SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Sentinel Holdings Ltd. ("Sentinel") (OTCQB:SNTL) announced today that it has retained the services of Jon Rodenspiel to join the senior leadership team at United Security Specialists, Inc. ("USS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sentinel. In addition to providing strategic leadership and management, Mr. Rodenspiel will play a key role in promoting USS' business development activities and assisting in expanding its marketing, management, and operational capabilities. Mr. Rodenspiel brings over 30 years of corporate and managerial experience in the security and customer service industries to Sentinel. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President at Allied Universal from August 2016 to October 2023, where he oversaw operations and sales with budget responsibility for $400 million in revenue. Under his leadership, Allied Universal achieved year-over-year EBITDA growth, and his strategic vision facilitated the expansion of networks with national and international clients. Prior to that, Jon held senior roles at AlliedBarton Security Services, including Managing Partner of the Northwest Region and Vice President of National Accounts and Government Services, managing portfolios exceeding $300 million in revenue and leading teams of up to 7,000 employees. His expertise in developing operational standards, quality assurance programs, and key performance indicators (KPIs) has consistently driven industry-leading client retention and satisfaction. Kyle Madej, CEO of USS, stated, "We are excited to welcome Jon to our team. His extensive experience in the security industry will be instrumental in taking USS to the next level by improving our operations, enhancing our service offerings, and unlocking access to new markets." Sentinel Holdings Ltd, through its subsidiary United Security Services provides guard services to a diverse client base in California, serving corporate and municipal sector security markets. In addition to delivering reliable security guard services for property management companies, investment corporations, and municipalities, USS offers property security risk assessments, mobile route patrols, special event security, and disaster support services. The company is pursuing growth opportunities through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. For more information, contact: Sentinel Holdings Ltd. Principal Executive Offices: 9160 South 300 West, #101 Sandy, UT 84070 www.sentinelholdingsltd.net Kip Eardley, President Sentinel Holdings, Ltd. (702) 237-6834 Kyle Madej, President United Security Specialists, Inc. 1793 Lafayette St., Santa Clara CA 408-520-1975 www.usselite.com SEC Disclaimer Notice: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about Sentinel Holdings Ltd.'s business, including the anticipated contributions of Jon Rodenspiel and the growth plans of United Security Specialists, Inc. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, market demand, competitive pressures, and the company's ability to successfully integrate new leadership and execute its growth strategy. Sentinel Holdings Ltd. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. For additional information, please refer to the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE: Sentinel Holdings LTD View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/agriculture/sentinel-holdings-announces-jon-rodenspiel-to-join-the-united-security-specialists-inc.-1029819 Boise, Idaho--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. (OTCQB: THMG) (TSXV: THM) (the "Company") announces the successful completion of a non-brokered private placement on May 16, 2025, raising US$1,200,000 (CAD$1,676,000) through the sale of 10,000,000 units at US$0.12 (CAD$0.17) each. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half warrant, exercisable at US$0.18 (CAD$0.25) for a two-year term. The securities were sold exclusively to accredited investors, and no placement or brokerage fees were incurred. In aggregate, the Company issued 10,000,000 shares and 5,000,000 warrants. There were no broker fees paid. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the private placement to fund exploration at the South Mountain Project in Idaho, and Trout Creek Project in Nevada, and for general working capital. The proceeds will advance the South Mountain Project, the Company's flagship asset, funding ongoing development activities and administrative costs to enhance the project's value. " We appreciate the continued support from our investors, which reflects confidence in the potential of the South Mountain Project," commented Eric T. Jones, President and CEO of Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. "This funding will provide further resources required to move forward with critical development initiatives and continue adding value for our shareholders." Terms of the Offering: Total Raised: US$1,200,000 (CAD$1,676,000) Unit Price: US$0.12 (CAD$0.17) Includes: 1 common share 1/2 warrant (exercise price: US$0.18, valid for two years) The securities offered in this private placement are subject to applicable exemptions under U.S. and Canadian securities laws and cannot be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The shares, the warrants and any shares issued pursuant to exercise of the warrants are "restricted securities" under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and subject to a six month hold period prior to being eligible for resale under the U.S. Securities Act. In addition, the shares, the warrants and any shares issued pursuant to exercise of the warrants are subject to a four-month hold period under Canadian securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. Regarding Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. Thunder Mountain Gold Inc., a junior exploration company founded in 1935, owns interests in base and precious metals projects in the western U.S. The Company's principal asset is The South Mountain Mine, a historic former Anaconda Mining development of zinc, silver, gold, lead, and copper, located on private land in Owyhee County Idaho. Thunder Mountain Gold also owns 100% of the Trout Creek Project - a gold exploration project located along the western flank of the Shoshone Mountain Range in the Reese River Valley, adjacent to and surrounded by Nevada Gold Mines, a Barrick and Newmont Gold, Inc. joint venture. For more information on Thunder Mountain Gold, please visit the Company's website at www.Thundermountaingold.com. The South Mountain Project The South Mountain Mine is a polymetallic development project containing high-grade zinc, silver, gold, and copper, and is located on private land approximately 70 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. The Project is on private land, permitting has been, and should continue to be a clear-cut process. The Project was intermittently mined from the late from 1940s to the late 1960s, most notably by Anaconda Mining, with over 4,000 feet of underground workings that that have been rehabilitated, re-engineered, and MSHA compliant. Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. purchased and advanced the project from 2007 through Present, with expenditures into the project of approximately US$25 million. Historic test mining and processing at the Project has mostly come from high-grade CRD and skarn zones that remain open at depth and along strike. According to historical smelter records, approximately 53,642 tons of mineralized material have been mined and direct shipped to the smelter, with average grades; 14.5% Zn, 10.6 o.p.t. Ag (363.42 g/t Ag), 0.058 o.p.t. Au (1.98 g/t Au), 1.4% Cu, and 2.4% Pb were realized (See SK-1300 Technical Resource Statement, and NI 43-101 Technical Report: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Mountain Project, dated December 31, 2023, and December 15, 2023, respectively. More details are available at www.thundermountaingold.com, and at www.SEC.gov, and www.sedar.com). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. The forward-looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the terms and use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the ability of the Company to complete the Private Placement and the impact of the Private Placement on the Company. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future, including the assumption that the Private Placement will be completed. By their nature, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include the risk of completion of the Private Placement and uncertainties affecting the expected use of proceeds. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Cautionary Note to Investors Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252734 SOURCE: Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc. - USD DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global clinical decision support systems market , valued at US$2.25 billion in 2024, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 9.6%, reaching US$2.46 billion in 2025 and an impressive US$3.89 billion by 2030. The rising adoption of healthcare IT solutions, increasing demand for better clinical outcomes, and concerns over medication errors and patient safety are driving the growth of CDSS. Advancements in AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are improving the accuracy and efficiency of CDSS tools, while government initiatives, widespread EHR use, and investments in digital health infrastructure are further fueling market expansion worldwide. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=18085342 Browse in-depth TOC on "Clinical Decision Support Systems Market" 300 - Tables 55 - Figures 350 - Pages By delivery mode, the clinical decision support systems market is divided into on-premises and cloud-based modes. In 2024, the on-premises CDSS segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the clinical decision support systems market. This growth of this segment is primarily due to the growing demand for data security and control, especially among large healthcare organizations and multispecialty hospitals. On-premises solutions offer enhanced data protection, allowing institutions to manage patient information within their infrastructure, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches. These systems provide organizations with the flexibility to customize and integrate CDSS with existing healthcare systems and workflows, catering to specific organizational needs. The ability to decide when to implement software upgrades ensures that institutions have adequate time to test new features and train staff, minimizing disruptions to clinical operations. By interactivity level, the clinical decision support systems market can be divided into active CDSS and passive CDSS. In 2024, the active CDSS is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Active CDSS provides real-time alerts and recommendations directly within clinical workflows, enhancing decision-making efficiency and patient safety. Robust government initiatives promoting the adoption of healthcare IT solutions, such as electronic health records (EHRs), CDSS, and computerized provider order entry (CPOE), are significantly contributing to this growth. For instance, the US Department of Health and Human Services revised certification program rules in April 2023 to encourage greater utilization of clinical decision support tools. By geography, The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth, with a noticeable annual growth rate during the forecast period. Key factors driving the expansion of clinical decision support systems solutions in this region include rising healthcare expenditure, growing awareness about the benefits of health IT, and expanding digital infrastructure. Rapid urbanization and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are placing pressure on healthcare systems, prompting investments in advanced clinical technologies such as CDSS to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. Government initiatives promoting digital health, such as India's Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and China's Health Information System reforms, are accelerating the adoption of EHRs and CDSS platforms. The growing presence of multinational healthcare IT firms, increasing collaborations with local providers, and a rising demand for cost-effective healthcare solutions are all contributing to the region's rapid market expansion. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=18085342 Wolters Kluwer N.V. (Netherlands), Oracle (US), Merative (US), Change Healthcare (US), Veradigm Inc. (US), athenahealth (US), Epic Systems Corporation (US), Elsevier B.V. (Netherlands), Zynx Health (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Medical Information Technology, Inc. (US), NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (US), CureMD Healthcare (US), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), EBSCO Information Services (US), GE HealthCare (US), eClinicalWorks (US), The Medical Algorithms Company (UK), RAMPmedical (Germany), Hera-MI (France), CareCloud, Inc. (US), VisualDx (US), Premier, Inc. (US), First Databank, Inc. (US), and Strata Decision Technology (US) are the major players in this market. These companies are mainly focusing on strategies such as acquisitions, collaborations, partnerships, expansion, and product launches and updates to remain competitive and further increase their share in the market. Wolters Kluwer N.V. (Netherlands) Wolters Kluwer N.V. provides comprehensive healthcare solutions, specializing in clinical decision support systems (CDSS). The company offers drug information software, point-of-care tools, bibliographic databases, and online education products that aid healthcare delivery. Its core strength lies in evidence-based, physician-authored clinical decision support resources, which enhance clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and decision-making. UpToDate, its flagship CDSS, is trusted by healthcare professionals for evidence-based insights that improve patient outcomes. Its healthcare portfolio covers clinical drug information, patient engagement, medical research, and nursing solutions, with a focus on continuous learning and safety. Wolters Kluwer operates in over 180 countries and employs approximately 21,400 professionals, delivering advanced solutions that improve healthcare practices and research worldwide. Oracle (US): Oracle provides healthcare information technology (HCIT) solutions, offering services that support clinical, financial, and operational functions across healthcare organizations. In June 2022, Oracle acquired Cerner, forming Oracle Cerner, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on improving patient care and population health management. Oracle Cerner delivers a connected clinical and financial ecosystem supported by offerings across cloud, licensing, hardware, and services. It operates globally across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, with strong supplier relationships ensuring a resilient supply chain. The company has advanced its cloud-based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) by integrating them into Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to enhance early cancer detection. These tools use machine learning to analyze patient data, helping clinicians identify cancer risks more accurately and efficiently, thereby improving oncology decision-making at the point of care. Merative (US) Merative formerly IBM Watson Health, is a key provider in the clinical decision support systems (CDSS) market. After becoming an independent entity under Francisco Partners in 2022, Merative has continued to deliver healthcare solutions across domains such as clinical decision support, healthcare analytics, enterprise imaging, and real-world evidence. Its CDSS tools equip physicians, nurses, and pharmacists with real-time, evidence-based insights at the point of care. According to the blog published by Merative in April 2024, the company emphasized the strategic value of CDSS investments for hospital leadership, urging a focus on evidence-based interventions to prevent medication errors, medication validation at scale to reduce cost and wastage, and streamlined access to information to support clinical efficiency and reduce burnout. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Healthcare IT Market Biomarkers Market Healthcare Cloud Computing Market Point of Care Diagnostics Market Healthcare Analytics Market Get access to the latest updates on Clinical Decision Support Systems Companies and Clinical Decision Support Systems Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clinical-decision-support-systems-cdss-market-worth-us3-89-billion-by-2030-with-9-6-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302460086.html Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, is advising U.S. retailers to adopt the "5-Second Test" in their website redesign strategies. This approach responds to evolving user behavior, as research shows online visitors form an impression of a website in approximately 5.59 seconds. Digital Silk Optimizes U.S. Retail Websites with 5-Second Test Strategy to Drive Faster Customer Decisions To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/252732_5b4c32547467b812_001full.jpg Digital Silk Highlights Speed-Driven Design as Key Factor in Retail UX for 2025 The "5-Second Test" centers on a website's ability to communicate value, intent and direction within the first moments of user interaction. Digital Silk reports that retailers implementing this principle are seeing improvements in engagement and conversions. According to eMarketer, U.S. e-commerce sales are projected to surpass $1.14 trillion by the end of 2025, reflecting increased digital activity and a need for optimized site performance. In a competitive online environment, web design that supports quick decision-making has become a central focus for digital growth. "We're entering a new phase of digital behavior where first impressions online have never mattered more," said Ana Margarida Meira, Vice President of Client Relations at Digital Silk. "Retailers that embrace the '5-Second Test' aren't just improving UX-they're improving bottom-line results. Clarity and speed are what drive modern consumers to act." Design Principles Supporting the 5-Second Rule Digital Silk has outlined common strategies used to align with this design approach: Clear and benefit-driven headlines above the fold Simple, intuitive navigation with minimal steps to purchase Heatmap and scrollmap testing to identify friction points Streamlined visual hierarchy for better content flow These recommendations support faster comprehension and reduce hesitation, helping retailers capture attention quickly. The design method is informed by findings from the Nielsen Norman Group, which states that users spend only 10-20 seconds on a webpage unless its purpose is immediately clear. UX Tactics Yield Measurable Results In recent case studies, Digital Silk reports that its application of the 5-second strategy contributed to increased user activity. In one instance, a redesigned retail site recorded a 45.9% growth in active users during the first month post-launch. Improvements were tied to simplified user journeys, improved messaging and stronger conversion flows. As more retailers evaluate digital storefronts, Digital Silk continues to provide conversion-focused UX audits and tailored redesign services aligned with U.S. market behavior. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is a full-service Miami web design agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to drive more conversions and digital marketing services to boost awareness and engagement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252732 SOURCE: Digital Silk Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Enertopia Corporation (CSE: ENRT) (OTCQB: ENRT), announced today that they will be participating in Renmark Financial Communications Inc.'s live Virtual Non-Deal Roadshow Series to discuss its latest investor presentation on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM PDT. - Enertopia Corporation welcomes stakeholders, investors, and other individual followers to register and attend this live event. The presentation will feature Robert McAllister, Chief Executive Officer. Topics to be covered will include the latest investor presentation followed by a live Q&A. Investors interested in participating in this event will need to register using the link below. As a reminder, registration for the live event may be limited but access to the replay after the event will be on The Company's Investor website. REGISTER HERE: Tuesday, May 20, 2025: https://www.renmarkfinancial.com/live-registration/renmark-virtual-non-deal-roadshow-cse-enrt-otcqb-enrt-tfo_Ejchyt To ensure smooth connectivity, please access this link using the latest version of Google Chrome. About Enertopia Corporation Enertopia Corp. defines itself as an Energy Solutions Company focused on modern technology through a combination of our intellectual property patents in green technologies to build shareholder value. Enertopia shares are quoted in the United States and Canada under ticker symbol ENRT. About Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Founded in 1999, Renmark is a leading privately held full-service investor relations firm, located in Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Montreal. For the past 25 years, Renmark has provided services in investor relations, media relations and web development representing small, medium and large cap public companies listed on all major North American exchanges. On a daily basis our team of professionals enhance our client's visibility within the retail market space as corporate communicators. With the largest roadshow footprint in North America, and a state-of-the-art media studio, we host a multitude of live streaming Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows across North America and Europe. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252738 SOURCE: Enertopia Corporation TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that it is realigning automobile business strategy, with a cut in planned electric vehicle or EV sales ratio, and investment for automobile electrification due to the recent market slowdown. Meanwhile, Honda expects a minimal increase in investment related to Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV business. The changes were evolved as the Japanese auto major is shifting its focus from EVs to hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs, and the development and expanded application of its original next-generation advanced driver assistance system or ADAS. The proposed investment reduction is based on its decision to postpone the project to establish a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada and change the timing to construct dedicated EV production plants. Toshihiro Mibe, Honda's Director, President and Global CEO, in a press briefing revealed the company initiatives centering on automobile electrification. On a financial point of view, towards 2030, Honda plans to improve profitability with continuous expansion of motorcycle business, cost reduction effects in automobile business associated with the adoption of the next-generation e:HEV system and platforms, as well as an increase in unit sales of HEV models. Honda said it has decided to reduce the investment amount by 3 trillion yen, to a total of 7 trillion yen in resources to pursue its electrification strategy, over the period through fiscal year 2031. The previous plan was to invest 10 trillion yen. Regarding the changes in capital allocation over the five-year period, starting from the 2027 fiscal year, Honda said it expects to generate more than 12 trillion yen in cash, in light of the reduction in the resource investment amount. Regarding shareholder returns, Honda will maintain the previously announced target and strive for more than 1.6 trillion yen. Honda said it will realign its automobile electrification strategy, in the two directions of enhancing the competitiveness of EV and HEV models with the core focus on application of intelligent technologies; and strengthening its business foundation through the reassessment of the powertrain portfolio. The Honda global EV sales ratio in 2030 is now expected to fall below the previously announced target of 30%, due to the revision of the product launch plan considering the recent market slowdown. On the other hand, current market demand for HEV models is high, and the company plans to position its HEVs, mostly next-generation HEV models to be introduced to market in 2027 onward, as the powertrain that will play a key role during the transition period toward the popularization of EVs and further enhance its HEV lineup. With the steady execution of the realignment, by 2030, Honda expects to increase total automobile sale volume to above the current level of 3.6 million units, with a HEV sales target of 2.2 million units at the core. In the area of applying intelligent technologies, Honda plans to strengthen its business foundation by reassessing its powertrain portfolio, such as EVs and HEVs. Further, the company said it is working to develop next-generation ADAS that enables safe and comfortable driving all the way to the destination, including in urban environments. Honda will apply this new, next-generation ADAS to a broad range of key EV and HEV models Honda will launch in North America and Japan around 2027. Further, as a symbol of the transformation of Honda automobile business, the new 'H mark' will be used for EV models as well as for major HEV models, starting with the next-generation models to be introduced to market in 2027 and beyond. In motorcycle business, Industry-wide sales are expected to grow from the current level of 50 million units to the level of 60 million units by around 2030. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News New Cloud-Enabled Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Enables Companies to Optimize Labor Costs, Machine Effectiveness, and Work-in-Process (WIP) Throughput LINCOLN, RHODE ISLAND / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / CAI Software, LLC, ("CAI" or "CAI Software CAI Software, CAI Software, LLC, ("CAI" or CAI Software") a leader in industry-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution, and supply chain solutions for manufacturers and distributors, today announced the launch of ShopVue Cloud, a best-in-class Manufacturing Execution System (MES). ShopVue Cloud enables companies who are beginning their MES journey to take advantage of enterprise-level functionality resulting in real-time visibility into WIP throughput, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labor costs, and product quality. The solution harnesses the latest low-code/no-code (LCNC) configuration tools to seamlessly collect data from shopfloor operators. The powerful IIoT-enabled technology helps companies drive more informed decisions that optimize business results. Developed for manufacturers of all sizes, ShopVue Cloud provides an MES solution built for speed to implement while providing companies with an easy-to-use, highly configurable solution to meet their plant's individual requirements. "We built this solution based on market feedback. We've heard from numerous companies beginning their shopfloor digitization journey that they needed key functionality and, more importantly, they want a solution that would grow with them," said Matt Geffken, Chief Product Officer at CAI. "This solution was specifically designed to improve operator and equipment efficiency, by capturing, controlling, and analyzing real-time shop floor conditions to help shop floor operators and manufacturers make better decisions." Keith Wood, Director, Information Technology for Air Tractor, Inc., an early adopter of ShopVue Cloud stated, "We're excited about the potential that ShopVue provides to accurately capture labor times, improve our OEE, and achieve end-to-end traceability - all with minimal operator input. The end-to-end production traceability will help us in many areas, from costing to compliance." Wood continued, "ShopVue Cloud is an important part of our digital transformation, and we believe the solution will bring meaningful efficiency and visibility to our shop floor operations." ShopVue Cloud provides full visibility into labor and attendance activity, ensuring accurate workforce tracking, eliminating gaps, and minimizing discrepancies. For equipment and machines on the floor, this powerful MES provides real-time updates on order status, machine performance, and component traceability. The analytics and IIoT functionality allow for role-specific insights and metrics. The visibility across people and equipment will improve overall performance through: Reduced errors and waste Enhanced operational transparency Improved interconnectivity between machines, workers, and other business systems Actionable insights ShopVue Cloud is now available. To learn more, https://caisoft.com/shopvue About Air Tractor: Air Tractor, Inc. is the leading global producer of purpose-built aircraft for agricultural aerial applications, initial attack firefighting, and other specialized missions. From North, South, and Central America, to Australia, Indonesia, and China, to Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Africa, Air Tractor aircraft can be found in more than 50 countries around the world. https://airtractor.com/ SOURCE: CAI Software View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/cai-software-launches-shopvue-cloud-1029546 Results show promising impacts for targeting resistant grass weeds in cereal crops Enko Chem, Inc., a leading AgTech company developing breakthrough, sustainable crop protection products, today announced results from its latest European field trials of product candidates from a novel graminicide portfolio developed to tackle the growing threat of herbicide-resistant weeds in cereal crops. These trials specifically revealed exceptional control of blackgrass in winter wheat paired with outstanding crop safety. Earlier trials in other regions of the world have already shown success against a range of other problematic grass weeds. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519586767/en/ Wheat fields in the UK countryside (photo credit: Rachel Dewis) As stricter environmental and safety standards reduce the availability of conventional herbicides, growers face fewer options for managing persistent weeds that significantly reduce crop yields. Enko's next generation graminicides are safe and sustainable potential replacements for older products that address the evolving needs of both growers and regulators. The European field trials were conducted across the United Kingdom and France, where herbicide-resistant blackgrass is known to cause crop yield losses of up to 70% in severe cases. Enko's innovative chemistry demonstrated superior performance compared to existing commercial standards. Prior to Europe, Enko's North American spring trials demonstrated efficacy against other problematic warm-season grasses including crabgrass, giant foxtail, and goosegrass, while Australian tests addressed the growing threat of resistant annual ryegrass. The European results build upon this foundation of success across diverse geographies and weed species. "Our product candidates integrate seamlessly into existing cereal crop systems and deliver industry-leading control of resistant grass species," says Tony Klemm, CEO of Enko. "Growers urgently need new, effective, and environmentally responsible chemistry. This graminicide portfolio is proof that a smarter discovery model delivers solutions addressing key challenges like blackgrass resistance while advancing safe, sustainable agriculture." With development efforts reaching key benchmarks, Enko is actively collaborating with multiple industry partners to accelerate the global commercialization of its products. For more information about Enko and its pipeline of crop protection solutions, visit www.enko.ag. About Enko Enko (Enko Chem Inc.) designs safe and sustainable solutions to farmers' biggest crop threats today, from pest resistance to new diseases. By applying the latest drug discovery and development approaches from pharma to plants, Enko is bringing an innovation model to agriculture and meeting farmers' evolving needs. Founded in 2017, and led by a team of proven scientists, entrepreneurs, and agriculture industry veterans, Enko is backed by investors including the Gates Foundation, Anterra Capital, DYDK Capital, Nufarm, Novalis LifeSciences, Germin8 Ventures, TO Ventures Food, and Rabo Food Agri Innovation Fund. Enko is headquartered in Mystic, Connecticut, USA. For more information, visit www.enko.ag. Enko's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forecasts, projections, goals, plans, and other forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on Enko's assumptions, estimates, outlook, and other judgments made in light of information available at the time of preparation of such statements and involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, plans, goals, and other statements may not be realized as described, and actual financial results, success/failure or progress of development, and other projections may differ materially from those presented herein. The forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Enko's control and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Enko does not intend to update any forward-looking statements appearing herein in the event of changing circumstances or otherwise, and such statements are current only as of the date they are made. Enko Chem, Inc., 62 Maritime Drive, Mystic, CT 06355 USA View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250519586767/en/ Contacts: Enko Chem, Inc. Karin Whiting-Burgess Karin.Whiting-Burgess@enko.ag TUCSON, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Criminal defense attorney Edward F. Cohn has achieved a rare distinction in the legal profession, earning recognition in three major national publications within the same year. USA Today, CEO Weekly, and MSN have all featured Cohn in prominent articles highlighting his exceptional work in criminal defense. USA Today recently named Cohn among its "Top Lawyers of 2025" in its March 18 feature article, which recognized legal professionals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to client advocacy. The publication praised Cohn's dedication to taking on challenging cases that other attorneys might avoid. CEO Weekly followed with an in-depth profile titled "Edward F. Cohn's Approach to Criminal Defense and Client Advocacy," examining his unique methodology developed over 22 years of practice across three states. The article detailed Cohn's strategic preparation techniques and his background as a former musician. Completing the trifecta, MSN featured Cohn in its "Top 10 Lawyers of 2025" article, highlighting his AV Preeminent rating and expertise in protective order proceedings and constitutional law matters. "These recognitions reflect the principles that have guided my practice for over two decades," says Cohn. "Every client deserves an attorney who will fight for them, especially when facing the overwhelming power of the state." Licensed in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Michigan, Cohn has built a reputation for handling approximately 150 cases annually, with documented success in achieving reduced charges or case dismissals that exceeds state averages by 23 percent. His distinctive background includes graduating cum laude from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he made the Dean's list every semester and served as Senior Associate Editor for the Law Review. Beyond his legal accomplishments, Cohn demonstrates civic responsibility through his nine years as a licensed foster care provider in Pima County alongside his wife Andrea. The triple recognition comes during a period when demand for experienced criminal defense representation has increased 12 percent over the past five years, according to data from the Arizona Courts Administrative Office. Cohn's practice continues to focus on criminal defense, protective orders, and constitutional law matters from his Tucson office, serving clients throughout Arizona with select cases in Massachusetts and Michigan. For more information about Edward F. Cohn's legal practice, visit www.cohnjustice.com . SOURCE: Edward F. Cohn View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/tucson-attorney-edward-f.-cohn-recognized-in-three-major-national-pu-1029063 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) ("Purepoint" or the "Company") announced a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 4,347,826 flow-through units (the "Flow-Through Units") at a price of $0.23 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds up to $1,000,000. Each Flow-Through Unit consists of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a "Flow-Through Share") and one-half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles its holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.30 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Red Cloud Securities Inc. is acting as a finder in connection with the offering. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Company's projects in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The gross proceeds of the Flow-Through Common Shares sold under the Offering will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in the Province of Saskatchewan. The Company will renounce such Canadian Exploration Expenses with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2025. The completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and corporate approvals, including the approval of the listing of the Flow-Through Shares and the Warrant Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. Resale of the securities of the Company distributed under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day following the closing date of the Offering. About Purepoint Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) is a focused explorer with a dynamic portfolio of advanced projects within the renowned Athabasca Basin in Canada. The most prospective projects are actively operated on behalf of partnerships with industry leaders including Cameco Corporation, Orano Canada Inc. and IsoEnergy Ltd. Additionally, the Company holds a promising VHMS project currently optioned to and strategically positioned adjacent to and on trend with Foran Corporation's McIlvenna Bay project. Through a robust and proactive exploration strategy, Purepoint is solidifying its position as a leading explorer in one of the globe's most significant uranium districts. For additional information please visit our new website at https://purepoint.ca, our Twitter feed: @PurepointU3O8 or our LinkedIn page @Purepoint-Uranium. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release. Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion of planned exploration activities, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the proposed terms or at all, statements regarding the tax treatment of the FT Units and the timing to renounce all Canadian Exploration Expenses, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering and receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the Offering. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company's planned exploration activities will be completed in a timely manner, that the Company will be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that the Company will not be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management or at all, that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating uranium prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. For Immediate Release - Not for Dissemination in the United States or through U.S. Newswire Services To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252720 SOURCE: Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alacrita, a leading life science consulting firm, has expanded its biotech investment and fundraising advisory services with the appointment of Lucas Rodriguez, PhD, as Partner. Dr. Rodriguez will play a key role in strengthening the firm's support for life science investors and biotech companies throughout the investment lifecycle, from opportunity assessment and capital raising guidance to post-investment execution and value creation. Dr. Rodriguez brings deep operational and strategic experience as a biotech founder, CEO, and dealmaker. He founded CerSci Therapeutics, a neuroscience company acquired by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals in 2020, and most recently led Doloromics, a discovery-stage biotech focused on novel pain therapies. Previously, as an Alacrita consultant, he provided strategic insight across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, CNS, pain, metabolic disorders, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. His appointment supports Alacrita's expanded biotech investment & fundraising advisory services, which integrate scientific, clinical, and commercial expertise to help clients move from capital strategy to effective execution across development and investor-facing priorities. Alacrita offers a flexible and convenient pool of high-caliber consultants with expertise in management and core R&D disciplines, which VC investors can draw upon to help evaluate investment opportunities, support the formation of new biotech companies, and help their existing portfolio companies to deliver on key development milestones. This work complements internal capabilities, enabling biotech companies to advance their pipelines efficiently while staying aligned with scientific priorities and investor expectations. "Lucas has founded, led, and sold biotech companies, giving him an ideal perspective on both the investor and operator sides of the table," said Alastair Southwell, Managing Partner at Alacrita. "We are thrilled to welcome him back as a Partner, where he will drive our investment and fundraising advisory work and help clients achieve their most critical development milestones." With first-hand experience in building and financing early-stage companies, Dr. Rodriguez understands the challenges faced by scientific founders and management teams - crafting compelling narratives, engaging investors, and advancing programs toward key inflection points. He will advise clients on asset evaluation, capital strategy, investor engagement, and operational alignment to maximize value creation. For more information, please visit www.alacrita.com/life-science-investor-support About Alacrita Alacrita is a pharma and biotech consulting firm distinguished by the first-hand experience of its subject-matter experts - professionals who have spent their careers discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing drug products. The firm's core team is complemented by a purpose-built network of over 350 specialist consultants, enabling Alacrita to deliver precisely relevant expertise tailored to the needs of each project across a broad range of R&D and business challenges. Alacrita supports clients across the product and company lifecycle, working with pharma and biotech companies, academic innovators, and investors, as well as law firms involved in pharmaceutical and biotech-related disputes. The firm is known for its flexibility and responsiveness, drawing on integrated, cross-functional expertise to help clients navigate complex challenges across multiple stages of development and across diverse functional areas. Its biotech investment & fundraising advisory practice provides end-to-end support, from opportunity assessment and capital strategy to company formation, investor relations, due diligence, and post-raise execution, among other services, to help clients advance programs efficiently while maintaining alignment between scientific priorities and investor expectations. For further information, please contact: Alastair Southwell, Managing Partner | US Email: usa@alacrita.com Telephone: +1 617 714 9696 Address: One Broadway, Floor 14, Cambridge, MA 02142 Saadia Anastasiou, Principal | UK & Europe Email: europe@alacrita.com Telephone: +44 207 691 4915 Address: 2 Royal College St, London, United Kingdom View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alacrita-expands-investor-support-services-with-appointment-of-lucas-rodriguez-phd-302460775.html Pratteln, Switzerland, May 20, 2025 - Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) today announces that its shareholders approved all motions by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today in Pratteln, Switzerland, with a large majority. Participating shareholders represented a total of 5,073,050 shares or 37.5% of the Company's share capital. Approval of the 2024 Annual Report and discharge of corporate bodies The shareholders approved the Annual Report, the annual financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for 2024, as well as the appropriation of the annual result and its offset against free reserves. Furthermore, the shareholders granted discharge to the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management for the financial year 2024. Approval of conditional capital for employee participation The shareholders approved to amend the Articles of Incorporation to increase the conditional capital for employee participation by CHF 63,000 to CHF 111,280.20. Election of new Member and re-election of Members of the Board of Directors and the Nomination & Compensation Committee Shareholders re-elected Thomas Meier, Philipp Gutzwiller and Bradley C. Meyer, to serve another one-year term on the Board of Directors. In addition, shareholders re-elected Thomas Meier as Chairman of the Board of Directors and approved the election of Melanie Rolli as a Member of the Board. As members of the Nomination & Compensation Committee, the shareholders confirmed Thomas Meier and Bradley C. Meyer (Committee Chairman). Compensation Report and remuneration for Board and Executive Management approved In a consultative vote, the shareholders endorsed the Compensation Report 2024. In separate binding votes, Santhera's shareholders agreed to the compensation for members of the Board of Directors (maximum total amount of fixed compensation covering the period from the 2025 AGM to the 2026 AGM) and for the members of the Executive Management (maximum total amount of fixed compensation for 2026, variable cash compensation for 2024 and variable compensation in the form of Share Appreciation Rights and Performance Share Units for 2025). AGM documents Details and accompanying explanations on all motions, which were all approved by the AGM, can be viewed in the "Invitation to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders", available on Santhera's website at https://www.santhera.com/share-bondholder-meetings. From the end of next week, the minutes of the 2025 AGM will also be available. About Santhera Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines for rare neuromuscular diseases with high unmet medical need. The Company has an exclusive license from ReveraGen for all indications worldwide to AGAMREE (vamorolone), a dissociative steroid with novel mode of action, which was investigated in a pivotal study in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as an alternative to standard corticosteroids. AGAMREE for the treatment of DMD is approved in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in the EU by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in China by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and Hong Kong by the Department of Health (DoH). Santhera has out-licensed rights to AGAMREE for North America to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals and for China and certain countries in Southeast Asia to Sperogenix Therapeutics. For further information, please visit www.santhera.com. AGAMREE is a trademark of Santhera Pharmaceuticals. For further information please contact: Catherine Isted, Chief Financial Officer: IR@santhera.com ICR Healthcare: Santhera@icrhealthcare.com Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. # # # Statkraft is applying for a licence to build a new Aura power plant in Sunndal, Norway, with a 6 billion NOK budget. If built, the new facility will deliver 2.5 times the current maximum capacity, contributing to a more stable power supply. Statkraft is planning its largest hydropower investments in decades to develop the next generation of hydropower plants, and Aura is one of the largest projects under consideration. Two weeks ago, Statkraft applied for a licence to upgrade the Nore I and Nore II power plants in Buskerud. Both Nore and Aura are part of the major planned upgrades announced by the company in 2024, along with Mauranger, for which licence applications have already been submitted. "Electricity is the backbone of our society and the foundation for value creation across the country. Many hydropower plants now require modernisation. At the same time, growing demand and increased production from intermittent energy sources mean we need to be able to generate more electricity exactly when it is needed. By building a new Aura power plant, we can deliver more capacity - and slightly more energy - without adding more water. That's what the future renewable energy system needs," says CEO Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal. The new Aura power plant The current Aura power plant consists of two stations, Aura and Osbu. Since 1953, the facility has been a major contributor to electricity production in the Mre og Romsdal region. It is located near Hydro Sunndal, Europe's primary and most modern aluminium plant and Norway's largest power consumer. "Aura has been in operation for over 70 years and needs to be upgraded in the coming years. To ensure a stable and sufficient power supply for the region well into the future, we believe the best solution is to build an entirely new power plant," says project manager Are Paulsen. He notes that Aura currently delivers more than a quarter of the electricity produced in Mre og Romsdal. Statkraft is applying for a licence to build a new power station deeper in the mountain, along with a new tunnel to channel water from the Osbu reservoir. The new turbines will be significantly larger, increasing the plant's maximum capacity from 310 MW to approximately 810 MW - 2.5 times today's output. This will allow for more efficient use of the same volume of water. The upgrade will enable the plant to deliver more electricity during peak demand periods. It will also increase annual energy production by approximately 130 GWh in a normal year, bringing total output to the equivalent of the electricity consumption of over 130,000 Norwegian households. Major plans ahead With this upgrade, Aura will become one of Norway's largest hydropower plants in terms of capacity. "The new Aura power plant will bring significant investment to the region, create positive ripple effects for the local community, and generate work for contractors and suppliers," says Vartdal. In addition to Aura, Statkraft aims to begin upgrades of four other major hydropower plants. In total, these projects could increase Statkraft's installed hydropower capacity in Norway by 1,500 to 2,500 MW - more than a 20 percent increase. This is part of the company's strategy to develop hydropower to meet the needs of the future energy system while minimising new environmental impacts. "These capacity upgrades require substantial investment and are only marginally profitable. There are many factors to consider, including environmental impact, landowners, and local communities. That is why we are committed to strong local dialogue and engagement," concludes Vartdal. For further information, please contact: Media spokesperson Nina Nerbvik Holand tel: +47 482 21 775 email: ninh@statkraft.com or visit www.statkraft.com. About Statkraft Statkraft is a leading international hydropower company and Europe's largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, and gas-fired power, and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global player in energy market operations and has around 7,000 employees in more than 20 countries. MovementForward, Inc. hosts police representatives and officers from all 50 states CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The third annual Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) Conference will gather approximately 1,000 law enforcement professionals from across the nation in Chicago. Hosted at the McCormick Place Convention Center from June 4 to June 8, 2025, the event focuses on training, networking and professional development for personnel assigned to community engagement roles within law enforcement agencies. The conference is led by Atlanta-based MovementForward, Inc., a national civil and human rights organization, with the support of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, organizations and senior officials. "We are thrilled to host the PLECET Conference in Chicago for the first time," said Reverend Markel Hutchins, chairman and CEO of MovementForward, Inc. "This event will provide a platform for law enforcement personnel to gain valuable knowledge, share their experiences and contribute to building stronger, more trusting relationships between police and the communities they serve. The conference will equip community engagement officers with best-in-class competencies to maximize their potential impact in local communities." The conference offers public safety community engagement practitioners a structured program including seminars, workshops, caucuses and plenary sessions. Attendees will learn about effective community outreach practices and resources, network with law enforcement peers nationwide and participate in eight specialized training courses. The curriculum aims to equip community engagement officers with advanced skills for greater local impact and ongoing professional growth. The conference will commence with an opening plenary featuring national leaders. "Serving as co-chair for this vital conference for public safety is an honor, especially in our hometown of Chicago," said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. "This event will provide an invaluable opportunity to share best practices and advance community engagement strategies that strengthen relationships and enhance safety nationwide." Motorola Solutions, a global leader in safety and security, is the Presenting Sponsor of PLECET and the Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to support their Community Service Project initiative on Saturday, June 7. Conference attendees will collaborate to benefit various Chicago nonprofits across each of the police district areas. Participating organizations include Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Parks Foundation, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Cradles to Crayons, The DuSable Museum, BACE, Chicago Dreams Center, and My Block, My Hood, My City, among others. For more information about the conference program, registration details and accommodation options, please visit the official conference website at https://plecetconference2025.org/. About MovementForward MovementForward, Inc. is a modern, inclusive social change organization working to protect, promote, and advance the civil and human rights of all people. The organization, led by noted human and civil rights leader, the Rev. Markel Hutchins, works to build a multiracial, multifaceted, and intergenerational movement for social justice, economic parity, educational equity, racial reconciliation, and global peace by bringing diverse people together to solve problems in innovative, inclusive, and solution-driven ways. About Motorola Solutions | Solving for safer Safety and security are at the heart of everything we do at Motorola Solutions. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our technologies support public safety agencies and enterprises alike, enabling the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals and safer businesses. Learn more about our commitment to innovating for a safer future for us all at www.motorolasolutions.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Motorola Solutions on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Motorola Solutions Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/motorola-solutions-foundation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Motorola Solutions View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/national-law-enforcement-community-engagement-training-conference-to-t-1029959 Reminder: Invitation to the Combined General Meeting of Shareholders held May 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cercle France-Ameriques (Paris) Paris, May 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. ODIOT HOLDING (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) invites its shareholders to its Combined General Meeting to be held this Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at the Cercle France-Ameriques, Hotel Le Marois - 9-11 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, 75008 Paris. This meeting, convened to approve the 2024 financial statements, represents an important moment in the company's life. Shareholders are invited to attend in large numbers to take part in the votes and ask questions of the company's management. At the end of the meeting, a cocktail will be offered to participants, providing a moment of conviviality and exchange with the company's managers and directors. The notice of meeting was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales et Obligatoires (BALO) of May 7, 2025 and can be viewed, along with all preparatory documents, on the ODIOT HOLDING website at the following address: https://www.odiotholding.com/investor-relations . About ODIOT HOLDING ODIOT HOLDING is the controlling holding company of ODIOT, a French luxury brand founded in 1690, and one of the most prestigious goldsmiths since the 18th and 19th centuries. Royal supplier to the Empire and all European courts, with unique expertise in creating exceptional decorative pieces and cutlery in precious metals (solid silver, vermeil, gold). ODIOT is distinguished as Company of Living Heritage (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) by the French Minister of Economy. Investor Relations Contact: investors@odiotholding.com Press Relations: odiotholding@aelium.fr ODIOT HOLDING (Euronext Access, FR0004152700 - MLODT) www.odiotholding.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mmlsZZuZY2yclW6elJ2amJZmmmiWmGiXl5XKx2GcapaUbpuWypyTa52aZnJinWZs - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-91816-20250520_pr-odioth-agm-rappel-en.pdf Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Nuclear Vision Limited (CSE: NUKV) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Derrick Dao as its new Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective immediately. Concurrent with Mr. Dao's appointment, Mr. Allan Bezanson will step down as CEO and remain as Chair and Executive Director on the Board. Mr. Dao is a seasoned executive with extensive international experience in the commodities sector including financing, M&A, and capital markets. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary and is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Dao has held senior executive positions and advised multiple high-profile commodity transactions across Africa, MENA, Asia and North America. He has founded multiple high growth companies headquartered in Singapore and Canada and has held CEO roles in multiple public and private companies involved in uranium, gold, oil and gas and carbon. Mr. Dao has advised numerous high profile M&A transactions in Africa and the Middle East including Mining Lease divestments exceeding US$16 Billion in value. Previously, Mr. Dao was President and part of the founding team of King Tide Carbon which was acquired by Cel AI listed on the London Stock Exchange. Commenting on the new appointment, CEO Derrick Dao said, "I am excited to join Nuclear Vision at such a pivotal time in the uranium cycle. With a dominant land position in Botswana's Karoo Basin and a clear strategy to unlock basin-scale potential, we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Our focus is on disciplined exploration, strategic targeting, and leveraging Botswana's stable, mining-friendly environment to accelerate the path to discovery. I look forward to working with the world class team we have assembled at Nuclear Vision and working towards our mission of becoming the world's next global uranium company." On Behalf of the Board of Directors Allan Bezanson Chair and Executive Director About Nuclear Vision Limited Nuclear Vision Limited is an early-stage mineral resource exploration company. The Company's material property is the Regnault Project, consisting of 71 contiguous mineral claims covering an area of approximately 3,678 Ha located north-northeast of Chibougamau in the Province of Quebec. The Company also holds the UA92 uranium project, consisting of 7 prospecting licenses totaling approximately 4,828km2 located in central Botswana. CONTACT INFORMATION Nuclear Vision Limited Derrick Dao, Chief Executive Officer Email: info@nuclearvisionltd.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252755 SOURCE: Nuclear Vision Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) -Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTC: ICMFF) (FSE: YQG) (the "Company" or "Iconic") announces that it is re-initiating an exploration plan on its New Pass Gold Property (the "New Pass" or "Property"), located in Nye County, Nevada USA. New Pass Gold Property Exploration Plan 2025 Iconic is initiating an exploration program on its New Pass Property (the "Exploration Program") where the primary focus will be infrastructure and drilling, followed by advanced metallurgy. In 2021 an extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zones anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone, this Exploration Plan will test these anomalies. A total of 38 angled RC holes will be drilled to test extensions up-dip (east) and to the north and south of the current resource where mineralization occurs at the surface. Upon the completion of the drilling and advanced metallurgical program, a new NI 43-101 technical resource report would be generated. The Exploration Program is expected to cost approximately U.S. $1,000,000. New Pass Gold Property Highlights New Pass hosts the Carlin-type New Pass Gold-Silver deposit, with a historical (2010) NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource of 15,515,488 short tons averaging 0.018 oz/ton gold and 0.202 oz/ton silver which totals 279,279 ounces of gold and 3,139,054 ounces of silver. (Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.). Although the report followed CIM standards, the date of the work indicates verification assaying recalculating the resource is needed. The QP has not done sufficient work to make the resource current. A 2021 extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zone anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone. An exploration plan to test these anomalies is currently being finalized; Mineralization comes to surface with 75% of the deposit estimated to be oxidized, amenable to heap leaching from previous metallurgical test work; Mineralization is open in all directions, providing an excellent opportunity for resource expansion and conversion; Highlight historical drill hole intercepts include: NP-28, 45 m @ 0.080 oz/ton Au NP-88-8, 20 m @ 0.078 oz/ton Au NP-54, 50 m @ 0.047 oz/ton Au The above is from Pelke, P. A., Arentz III, S. S., NI 43-101 Technical Report on the New Pass Property Churchill County, Nevada, April 12, 2006, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc. and White Knight Resources, p.91. New Pass has an active Plan of Operations, permitting up to 25 acres of exploration-associated allowable disturbance. New Pass is located in Nevada's prolific Sulfur-Lovestock-Austin structural gold trend which is only 75 kilometres south-southwest of the past-producing McCoy-Cove Mine (produced 3.3 Moz Au and over 100 Moz of Ag). is poised to resume production with i-80 Gold Corp. (NI43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Cove Project, Lander County, Nevada" is dated March 31, 2025). The technical and scientific information disclosed from neighboring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. New Pass Geology New Pass is a Carlin style sediment hosted deposit. The gold/silver mineralization follows bedding in south-westerly dipping limestone and rhyolite tuff. The thickest part of the deposit is associated with a 3,000 foot long jasperoid. A total of 277 drill holes were completed between 1982 and 2013. Between 2006 and 2010 three separate historic resource reports were reported with similar results. The most recent is by Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.), Its inferred resource is 341,750 ounces of gold and 3,134,129 ounces of silver. This grade is above cut-off grades of currently operating Nevada heap-leach gold/silver mines. The current leach grade at Round Mountain, Nevada, from the Kinross Gold Corporation May 6, 2025 press release ranged from 0.006 to 0.010 oz/ton gold. In 2021, GOLDNEV conducted an extensive IP survey over the project. The survey emphasized the northern and southern extensions of mineralization. Geophysicist Frank Fritz of Fritz Geophysics (from F. Fritz report titled New Pass Project Dipole-Dipole IP-Resistivity Survey Interpretation, April, 2021) noted that mineralization is associated with an "oxidation boundary," defined as the contact of high resistivity limestone below low resistivity altered limestone, tuff and siltstone. The survey confirms that the known mineralization follows bedding and dips to the southwest. Several oxidation zone anomalies were defined and some are confirmed by past drilling. Investor Relations Engagement The Company has engaged Paradox Public Relations Inc. (the "Paradox") subject to approval, to provide investor relations services to the Company for a period of 36 months for a consideration of a monthly payment of $10,000, commencing May 12, 2025 (the "Agreement"). Included in the Agreement, the Company has granted 1,500,000 stock options to Paradox (See Stock Option Grant below) exercisable at $0.05 cents and valid for a three-year term (the "Paradox Stock Options") Paradox Stock Options are subject to a one-year vesting period. Founded in 2001, Paradox is a boutique investor relations consultancy firm that has been driving high-performing results for its clients for over 20 years. Paradox will focus on developing and expanding the Company's communications and visibility with the investment community. Paradox does not currently own any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company, or its securities. Stock Option Grant The Company also announces the grant (the "Stock Option Grant"), pursuant to its 10% Rolling Stock Option Plan that was ratified and approved by shareholders on May 24, 2023, of stock options to certain eligible directors, officers and consultants to purchase a total of 5,000,000 common shares. The stock options vest immediately and are exercisable, in whole or in part, on or before May 14, 2028 at an exercise price of $0.05 per share. Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) and CEO of Iconic is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards. On behalf of the Board of Directors SIGNED: "Richard Barnett" Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release including, without limitation, the exercise of the stock options are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained lithium and gold demand and prices. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Iconic expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252757 SOURCE: Iconic Minerals Ltd. Press release Chassieu (France), 20 May 2025 - 7 p.m. - Amoeba (FR0011051598 - ALMIB), industrial greentech specialized in the development of natural microbiological solutions, announces that its Board of Directors has unanimously decided to propose the appointment of Ms Charlotte Franceries as member of the Board of Directors at the next General Meeting, which will be held on 26 June. Her forthcoming appointment to the Board would be a major step forward for Amoeba, which would benefit from the wide-ranging expertise of a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the cosmetics and beauty industry, ranging from international business management to international marketing and communications. After graduating from EM LYON, Charlotte Franceries worked for over 25 years at L'Oreal, beginning her career in international marketing management for the Vichy brand, then for L'Oreal Paris skin care. She then became International Managing Director of Biotherm, followed by Managing Director France of Yves Saint Laurent Beaute. After leading the Roger & Gallet brand, she became International Managing Director of L'Oreal Paris, the Group's largest and most prestigious subsidiary. She joined the French agency of the McCann Group seven years ago and is now its president. The McCann Group is one of the world's leading advertising and communications agencies, with a presence in over 100 countries worldwide. Within the Group, Ms. Franceries is also global account manager for L'Oreal. Charlotte Franceries said: "I'm delighted to be joining Amoeba's Board of Directors, and I'd like to thank its members for their confidence. I was convinced by Amoeba's great potential for innovation, and in particular by the innovative and very promising nature of its cosmetic ingredient. The company has unique expertise and I'm looking forward to contributing to the strategic choices that will shape the future of the company, in particular by giving it the benefit of my specific knowledge of the world of cosmetics and communication." Benoit Villers, Chairman of Amoeba's Board of Directors, said: "We are very proud and honored to welcome Charlotte Franceries to our Board of Directors. Her impressive experience gained in Marketing and General Management positions within the L'Oreal Group, enriched by her complete expertise of advertising and communication techniques acquired at the head of the McCann France group, will enable Amoeba to benefit from new skills, complementary business approaches and new strategic visions. In addition to the obvious benefits that Ms Franceries' arrival will bring to our cosmetics business, which is in the process of being launched, her experience will benefit all our activities, including biocontrol. " About Amoeba: Founded in 2010, Amoeba is a greentech company based in Chassieu (Lyon, France) whose ambition is to become a major player in the treatment of microbiological risk based on the patented use of amoebae in the plant protection and cosmetics sectors. With know-how that is unique in the world and protected by numerous patents, Amoeba is currently the only company capable of exploiting the full potential of the Willaertia amoeba on an industrial scale and cultivating it in sufficient volumes to offer biological solutions that constitute a viable alternative to the chemical products widely used today. Amoeba is currently focusing on the global biocontrol market for plant protection and on the cosmetics market. As the marketing of plant protection products is subject to obtaining local regulatory authorisations, the Company has carried out the necessary regulatory procedures and filed registration dossiers in Europe and the United States. With regard to the active substance, it has already obtained approval in 2022 in the USA and a positive and definitive report from EFSA in Europe. Product approvals are expected in the coming months. The cosmetic application does not require prior approval from a competent authority in Europe or the United States. The cosmetic ingredient is already registered on the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list, paving the way for it to be marketed worldwide except in China, where local approval is required. Amoeba is listed on Euronext Growth (ALMIB). The company is a member of the Bpifrance Excellence network and is eligible for the PEA-PME scheme. For more information, visit www.amoeba-nature.com. Contacts: Amoeba ACTUS finance & communication Droit Devant Agency Chief Executive Officer Jean-Francois DOUCET +33 (0)4 26 69 16 00 jf.doucet@amoeba-nature.com Investor relations Pierre JACQUEMIN-GUILLAUME +33 (0)1 53 67 36 79 amoeba@actus.fr Financial press relations Serena BONI +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92 sboni@actus.fr Business and general public press relations Laetitia PINTO +33 (0)7 64 83 39 85 pinto@droitdevant.fr Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Amoeba which are based on its own assumptions and estimates and on information that is currently available to us. However, Amoeba gives no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, with these estimates subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in Amoeba's universal registration document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) on April 17, 2025 under number D.25-0281 and available on the Amoeba website (www.amoeba-nature.com). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Amoeba or not currently considered material by Amoeba . The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause Amoeba's actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yG9skZhrlZiby2lyZctlbmqVm29plpbHZWidk2SalZmbbm6RmJpkmZaZZnJinWdn - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-91821-amoeba-cp-nomination-ca-eng-vdef.pdf MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XREAL today announced a strategic partnership with Google to expand the ecosystem of spatial computing devices built on Android XR. As part of this collaboration, XREAL unveiled Project Aura at the Google I/O developer conference - XREAL's next-generation extended reality (XR) device designed specifically for the Android XR platform. Project Aura is the second official device announced for Android XR and marks a major milestone for the platform: the introduction of an optical see-through (OST) XR device. A lightweight and tethered, cinematic, and Gemini AI-powered device, Project Aura brings a large field-of-view experience to the Android XR family - setting a new standard for immersive, wearable computing. This collaboration also includes Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., bringing together leading innovation across hardware, silicon, and software to build the next wave of XR experiences. Project Aura uses XREAL's proven track record in lightweight XR hardware, the Android XR software stack, and Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon XR chipsets optimized for spatial computing. "Google is thrilled to welcome XREAL to the Android XR family and to build great XR experiences on Project Aura," said Shahram Izadi, General Manager and Vice President of XR at Google. "Android XR is the first Android platform built in the Gemini era, and it will support a rich ecosystem of immersive devices, both Virtual see-through (VST) and Optical see-through (OST). By combining our platform with XREAL's leadership in portable XR hardware, we're expanding spatial experiences to OST form-factors that are truly intuitive and accessible, representing a pivotal moment in our ecosystem." "At XREAL, we've always pushed the boundaries of what XR hardware can do - combining performance, comfort, and design into something people can wear every day," said Chi Xu, Co-founder and CEO of XREAL. "Partnering with Google on Android XR takes this vision to the next level. Project Aura reflects the power of this collaboration - merging a robust platform with advanced chipsets and our expertise in optical systems. We believe this is a breakthrough moment for real-world XR." "Qualcomm Technologies is excited to have Snapdragon play a significant role in XREAL's new Android XR solution," said Ziad Asghar, Senior Vice President and General Manager of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the expansion of the Android XR ecosystem. Working with XREAL, Snapdragon allows amazing immersive experiences to come to life in a unique optical see-through product. We are thrilled to see immersive experiences coming to more verticals opening up new possibilities for both consumers and developers." The unveiling of Project Aura marks a call-to-action for developers. XREAL, Google, and Qualcomm Technologies invite the developer community to begin envisioning new applications and use cases for this next generation of XR. Developers already building for headsets on the platform will be able to easily bring their apps to Project Aura. While Project Aura makes its public debut today, further details will be announced at Augmented World Expo (AWE) in June 2025, and later this year. To learn more about Project Aura and stay updated, please visit: xreal.com/aura. About XREAL XREAL is a global leader in augmented reality, creating lightweight AR glasses and spatial computing platforms that blend the digital and physical worlds. Known for its XREAL Air series and Nebula interface, the company is expanding into enterprise and AI-powered experiences - backed by collaborations with Google, Qualcomm Technologies, and a global developer ecosystem. For Media Contact: Ralph.Jodice@XREAL.com or press@google.com Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2689801/XREAL_Project_Aura_XREAL.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xreal-unveils-project-aura-at-google-io--an-optical-see-through-xr-device-for-android-xr-302460492.html LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the Mongolian People's Party Congress vote on whether to maintain the current governing coalition, new polling shows that the alliance between MPP, DP, and HUN continues to enjoy strong support among the Mongolian electorate. The nationally representative poll, conducted by international research firm Sancrox Political Advisory from 16 to 23 April, shows that 42% of Mongolian voters approve of the decision to form a coalition between MAH, AH, and HUN, compared to 36% who disapprove and 19% who neither approve nor disapprove. This includes: 57% of 2024 MPP voters who approve the decision to form a coalition and 29% who disapprove 51% of 2024 DP voters who approve and 30% who disapprove 45% of 2024 HUN voters who approve and 29% who disapprove These figures show that the coalition retains a solid base of support among its founding parties. As the MPP Congress prepares to vote, public opinion remains in favour of continuity. Sancrox Political Advisory is a leading international polling and strategy firm, providing political insight and public opinion research across the globe. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2692373/Photo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/strong-support-for-governing-coalition-ahead-of-key-mpp-congress-vote-302460940.html COMBINED GENERAL MEETING AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS DATED 20 MAY 2025 Press release Paris, 20 May 2025 Combined General Meeting The General Meeting of shareholders of Societe Generale was held on 20 May 2025 at CNIT Forest, 2, Place de la Defense, 92092 Puteaux and was chaired by Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi. Quorum was established at 64,34% (vs 55.61% in 2024): 687 shareholders participated by attending the General Meeting in person at the place where it was held on 20 May 2025; 1,057 shareholders were represented at the General Meeting by a person other than the Chairman; 13,140 shareholders voted online; 2,400 shareholders voted by post; 8,767 shareholders, including 2,500 online, representing 1.07% of the share capital, gave proxy to the Chairman; A total of 26 051 shareholders were present or represented and participated in the vote. The agenda item, with no vote, was an opportunity to present and discuss with shareholders the Group's climate strategy and social and environmental responsibility. In addition, 9 shareholders sent 56 written questions prior to the General Meeting. The answers were made public before the General Meeting on the institutional website. All the resolutions put forward by the Board of Directors were adopted, in particular: The 2024 annual company accounts and annual consolidated accounts; The dividend per share was set at EUR 1.09. It shall traded ex-dividend on 26 May 2025 and will be paid from 28 May 2025; The renewal of two independent directors for 4 years: Mr. William Connelly and Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge; The appointment of two independent directors for 4 years: Mr. Olivier Klein and Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold; The renewal of Mr. Sebastien Wetter's mandate as Director representing the employee shareholders; The compensation policy for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officers and the Directors; The components composing the total compensation and the benefits of any kind paid or awarded for the 2024 financial year to the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Chief Executive Officers; The authorisation granted to the Board of Directors to purchase ordinary shares of the Company was renewed for 18 months up to 10% of the share capital; The authorisation for capital increases, enabling the issue of shares in favour of employees under a company or group saving plan, was renewed for 26 months; The amendments to the Articles of Association to take account of the entry into force of the "Loi Attractivite" (no. 2024-537 dated 13 June 2024). The detailed voting result is available this day on the Company's website in the item "Annual General Meeting". Board of Directors Following the renewals and appointments of directors, the Board of Directors is composed of 15 directors, including (i) 2 directors re-elected by the employees in March 2024 and (ii) 1 director representing employee shareholders appointed by the General Meeting and one non-voting director. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is composed as follows: Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, Chairman; Mr. Slawomir Krupa, Director; Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Director; Mr. William Connelly, Director; Mr. Jerome Contamine, Director; Mrs. Beatrice Cossa-Dumurgier, Director; Mrs. Diane Cote, Director; Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Director; Mrs. France Houssaye, Director elected by employees; Mr. Olivier Klein, Director; Mrs. Annette Messemer, Director; Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Director; Mr Johan Praud, Director elected by employees; Mr. Benoit de Ruffray, Director; Mr. Sebastien Wetter, Director representing employees shareholders; Mr. Jean-Bernard Levy, Non-voting Director ("censeur"). The Board of Directors is made up of 41,7% women (5/12) and 91,7% independent directors (11/12) if we exclude from the calculations the three directors representing the employees in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article L. 225-23 of the Commercial Code, paragraph 2 of Article L. 225-27 of the Commercial Code and the AFEP-MEDEF code. In order to ensure compliance with a forthcoming legislative change scheduled for mid-2026, the Board of Directors has already decided, for the General Meeting of May 2026, that shareholders will be invited to replace a man director, whose term of office will expire, by a woman director. The Board of Directors held after the General Meeting has decided that, as of 20 May 2025, the Board committees will be composed as follows: Audit and Internal Control Committee: Mr. Jerome Contamine (chairman), Mrs. Diane Cote, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mr. Sebastien Wetter; Mr. Jerome Contamine (chairman), Mrs. Diane Cote, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mr. Sebastien Wetter; Risk Committee: Mr. William Connelly (chairman), Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Mrs. Beatrice Cossa Dumurgier, Mrs. Diane Cote, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mrs. Annette Messemer; Mr. William Connelly (chairman), Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Mrs. Beatrice Cossa Dumurgier, Mrs. Diane Cote, Mrs. Ulrika Ekman, Mr. Olivier Klein and Mrs. Annette Messemer; Compensation Committee: Mrs. Annette Messemer (chairwoman), Mr. Jerome Contamine, Mr. Benoit de Ruffray and Mrs. France Houssaye; Mrs. Annette Messemer (chairwoman), Mr. Jerome Contamine, Mr. Benoit de Ruffray and Mrs. France Houssaye; Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee: Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge (chairman), Mr. William Connelly, Mme Diane Cote and Mr. Benoit de Ruffray. Biographies Mr. William Connelly is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington (US). He began his career in 1980 at Chase Manhattan Bank, where he worked for 10 years, before joining Baring Brothers from 1990 to 1995. He then held various executive positions within ING Group NV from 1995 until he became a member of The Management Board, where he was responsible for Wholesale Banking from 2011 to 2016. He was also the CEO of ING Real Estate from 2009 to 2015. In addition to his mandate as an independent director of Societe Generale since 2017, he currently is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amadeus IT Group and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aegon until the second half of 2025. He also served as an independent director of Singular Bank from February 2019 to April 2023. During its session on 10 April 2025, the Societe Generale Board of Directors selected William Connelly for the Chairmanship as of the General Meeting which will be held on 27 May 2026. He will succeed Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, who has been Chairman since 2015, and will have completed his third term. Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Graduate of Ecole polytechnique, the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussees and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He began his career in 1992 at the World Bank in Washington D.C. before moving to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance in 1994. He joined Alstom in 1998 as Head of Investor Relations and was in charge of Management Control. In 2000, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Transmission and Distribution at Alstom, a position he held until 2004. He was Chief Financial Officer of Alstom from 2004 until 2010 and became President of Alstom Grid from 2010 to 2011. On 4 July 2011, he became Chairman of Alstom Transport, before being appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in February 2016, a position he held until June 2024. Since then, he has been Chief Executive Officer and Director of Alstom. Mr. Olivier Klein, Graduated from the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in 1978 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics, from the National School of Statistics and Economic Administration (ENSAE) in 1980, and from HEC's graduate course in Finance in 1985. He began his career at the BFCE in 1985 and served as manager of the Foreign Exchange and Rate Risk Management Advisory Department, then as Director of the BFCE's Investment Bank, and finally as Regional Director of its corporate bank. He joined the Caisse d'Epargne group in 1998 and was Chairman of the Executive Board of the Caisse d'Epargne Ile-de-France Ouest from 2000 to 2007 and then of the Caisse d'Epargne Rhone-Alpes from 2007 to 2009. In January 2010, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Banking and Insurance of the BPCE group until September 2012. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BRED group from October 2012 to May 2023. He was a Member of the Supervisory Board of BPCE and its Risk Committee between 2019 and May 2023. He is Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Freres Banque SA and Managing Partner since September 2023. Since 1986, He is teaching macroeconomics and monetary policy at HEC. He is a director of Rexecode since 2018. Mrs. Ingrid-Helen Arnold, Graduated from the University of Applied Sciences Ludwigshafen in 1997 with a master's degree in economics. She began her career at SAP SE in 1996, where she held various responsibilities related to innovation and digital transformation. In 2014, she was appointed Chief Information Officer and Business Processes and extended Member of the SAPExecutiveCommittee. From 2016 to April 2021, she was President of SAP Business Data Network group in Palo Alto (United States) and SAP SE Walldorf (Germany). In 2021, she joined the Sudzucker group as Chief Digital Officer and Information tehcnology and member of the Group's Executive Committee. She is Chief Executive Officer of KAKO GmbH since June 2024. She was a member of the Supervisory Board and a member of the Heineken group Audit Committee from 2019 to 2023. She is a member of the TUI group Supervisory Board since 2020. Mr. Sebastien Wetter holds a Master degree in Fundamental Physics and graduated from the Lyons Business School (EM Lyon). He began his career at Societe Generale in 1997 in the Strategy and Marketing Division of Societe Generale's retail bank. Working in the Group's Organisation Consulting Department from 2002, he performed a range of roles in the Corporate & Investment Banking arm and helped roll out the Group-wide participatory Innovation programme. As of the end of 2005, he joined the Commodities Market Department as Chief Operating Officer holding a global remit, before becoming Head of Business Development in 2008. From 2010 until 2014, he served as General Secretary in the Group's General Inspection and Audit Division. In 2014, he joined the Sales Division of the Corporate & Investment Bank arm where he held a number of positions: Head of marketing for major French and international clients, then in 2016, Global Chief Operating Officer responsible for the sales teams covering financial institutions. From 2020 to December 2022, he has been a banker managing Societe Generale's relationship with international financial institutions. He has been a member of the of the Supervisory Board of the Fonds Commun de Placement d'Entreprise (FCPE) since May 2024. The regulatory declarations on the absence of conflicts of interest and the absence of convictions mentioned on page 140 of the Universal Registration Document filed by Societe Generale on 12 March 2025 with the French market authority (AMF) under number D.25-00088, relating notably to the three directors whose terms of office are renewed remain valid and the two new directors appointed with effect from the General Meeting of 20 May 2025 have made the same regulatory declarations. Press contacts: Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders. The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients: French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities. Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe). In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.comwebsite where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document's legitimacy directly on the web page. For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegeneraleor visit our website societegenerale.com. Attachment LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / StrikeX Technologies Ltd, the blockchain infrastructure firm behind the StrikeX ecosystem and STRX token, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with CapX, the private markets division of CMC Markets Plc. StrikeX and CMC CapX This groundbreaking collaboration will see CapX leverage StrikeX's proprietary tokenisation engine to bring select private market opportunities on-chain, providing secure, efficient, and accessible blockchain-based investment products. CapX is renowned for providing access to sought-after pre-IPO opportunities in global names such as SpaceX, Klarna, and GoTo. "CapX opens doors to private markets that are typically out of reach for most investors," said Joe Jowett, CEO of StrikeX Technologies. "This partnership sets a new standard as we continue expanding our tokenisation capabilities across both private and public financial assets." This announcement follows CMC Markets' majority acquisition of StrikeX, underlining the group's strategic commitment to innovation in digital finance and its ambitions to reshape access to financial markets through blockchain technology. CEO Statement - Lord Peter Cruddas, CMC Markets Plc: "This partnership between StrikeX and CapX marks a major milestone in our mission to bring innovation to every corner of financial services. By combining CapX's exclusive access to global private markets with StrikeX's cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, we are building the foundation for a new era of tokenised assets. We see this as a pivotal step in democratising access to private investments, enhancing transparency, and unlocking liquidity in markets traditionally closed off to the majority of investors. This is just the beginning of what CMC, StrikeX, and CapX will deliver together." . . . About CMC CapX CMC CapX gives investors access to capital raisings, including IPOs and secondary placings. CMC CapX also provides a marketplace for introducing buyers and sellers to a range of unlisted investment opportunities. Learn more about CMC CapX: https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/capx About CMC Markets CMC Markets Plc ("CMC"), whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CMCX (LEI: 213800VB75KAZBFH5U07), was established in 1989 and is now one of the world's leading online financial trading businesses. The Group serves retail and institutional clients through regulated offices and branches in 12 countries, with a significant presence in the UK, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. CMC offers an award-winning, online, and mobile trading platform, enabling clients to trade up to 10,000 financial instruments across shares, indices, foreign currencies, commodities, and treasuries through contracts for difference ("CFDs"), financial spread bets (in the UK and Ireland only) and, in Australia, access stockbroking services. More information is available at https://www.cmcmarkets.com/group/. *?1 Platform Technology Forex Brokers 2022 *Best White Label Provider B2B Global Forex Awards 2023 *?1 Web platform Forex Broker Awards 2023 About StrikeX Technologies StrikeX Technologies was founded in early 2021 and is developing a suite of user-centric and innovative blockchain solutions, from web3-enabled software to pioneering advancements in tokenization technology. Learn more about StrikeX and its subsidiaries: StrikeX Technologies Ltd - https://Strikex.com StrikeX.BVI Ltd - https://tradestrike.io StrikeX Roadmap - https://blog.strikex.com/strikex-app-technical-roadmap-6b672cbebff4 Contact Information Joe Jowett CEO & Co-Founder press@strikex.com SOURCE: StrikeX View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/strikex-and-capx-cmcs-private-markets-division-announce-strategic-ass-1029936 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: LODFF) ("Lode Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it will be using the AI-assisted mineral discovery platform offered by VRIFY Technology Inc. ("VRIFY"). Vrify, based in Vancouver, Canada, is a worldwide leader in utilizing AI technology that leads to more efficient mineral exploration. Lode Gold will apply the advanced AI-assisted discovery platform to refine and validate exploration plans and targets at Lode Gold's Golden Culvert Project in Yukon, accelerating data-driven decision-making and enhancing exploration outcomes. GOLD OROGEN APPOINTS INDUSTRY VETERAN GARY WONG AS NEW VP OF EXPLORATION The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Wong as Gold Orogen's VP of Exploration to advance its Canadian assets in New Brunswick and Yukon. Gary will lead the team as the company expands fieldwork in New Brunswick, including soil sampling, trenching, and drill testing this season. In Yukon, he will oversee fieldwork-mapping, soil sampling, and channel sampling to develop drill targets. "We are pleased to appoint Gary Wong as VP of Exploration. With over 30 years of experience in mining exploration and production, including significant work on projects such as Seabee, Mt. Milligan, and Bulyanhulu, Gary brings valuable expertise to our team," comments Wendy T. Chan, CEO and Director of Lode Gold. "His extensive background working in diverse environments will be important as we advance our exploration programs in New Brunswick and Yukon." Gary is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of global experience in mining exploration and production. He began his career with a decade-long tenure at Placer Dome Inc., leading projects from grassroots to feasibility studies. Notable projects include Seabee, Mt. Milligan, Bulyanhulu, Endako Mine, and Las Cristinas. Gary has worked extensively across Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, adapting to diverse environments from the Arctic to the Tropics. PRIVATE PLACEMENT Further to its non-brokered private placement offering originally announced on February 15, 2025, the Company is extending the closing of the private placement until May 31, 2025. About Lode Gold Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States. In Canada, its Golden Culvert and WIN Projects in Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high grade gold mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. A total of four RIRGS targets have been confirmed on the property. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in May 2024. In New Brunswick, Lode Gold has created one of the largest land packages with its Acadian Gold JV Co; consisting of an area that spans 445 km2 and a 44 km strike. McIntyre Brook covers 111 km2 and a 17-km strike in the emerging Appalachian/Iapetus Gold Belt; it is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project. Riley Brook is a 335 km2 package covering a 26 km strike of Wapske formation with its numerous felsic units. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in August 2024. In the United States, the Company is advancing its Fremont Gold project. This is a brownfield project with over 43,000 m drilled and 23 km of underground workings. It was previously mined at 10.7 g/t Au in the 1930's. Mining was halted in 1942 due the gold mining prohibition in World War Two (WWII) just as it was ramping up production. Unlike typical brownfield projects that are mined out; only 8% of the veins have been exploited. The Company is the first owner to investigate an underground high grade mine potential at Fremont. The project is located on 3,351 acres of private and patented land in Mariposa County. The asset is a 4 km strike on the prolific 190 km Mother Lode Gold Belt, California that produced over 50,000,000 oz of gold and is instrumental in creating the towns, businesses and infrastructure in the 1800s gold rush. It is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. An NI 43-101 MRE has been reported on March 5, 2025. A complete technical report will be filed 45 days later on SEDAR+. Previously, in March 2023, the company completed an NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Fremont Gold project. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV of USD $370M and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. At $1,750 /oz gold, NPV (5%) is $217M. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 Moz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated and 2.02 Moz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike of Fremont property. Three step-out holes at depth (up to 1200 m) hit structure and were mineralized. All NI 43-101 technical reports are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com). Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the completion of the transaction and the timing thereof, the expected benefits of the transaction to shareholders of the Company, the structure, terms and conditions of the transaction and the execution of a definitive agreement, the timing of submission to the CSE and TSXV, Gold Orogen raising an additional $1,500,000 and the anticipated use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: that the Company and GRM will be able to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain necessary third party and regulatory approvals required for the transaction, if completed, that the transaction will provide the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include adverse market conditions, general economic, market or business risks, unanticipated costs, the failure of the Company and GRM to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and conditions and within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain all necessary approvals for the transaction, and r other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252816 SOURCE: Lode Gold Resources Inc. IonQ and Einride will collaborate to develop quantum solutions for fleet routing, logistics optimization, and supply chain solutions IonQ's investment will grow its European presence and reinforce commitment to building a quantum economy in Sweden and the European market IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced an investment partnership with Einride, a leading global freight mobility company that provides digital, electric, and autonomous technology to explore how quantum computing can drive the next generation of fleet optimization and logistics. Together, IonQ and Einride will develop quantum applications that address large-scale routing and scheduling problems that have traditionally challenged classical computing. By combining IonQ's advanced quantum systems with Einride's expertise in autonomous fleet logistics, the two companies will work to unlock new levels of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability for the global freight industry. "Einride shares our belief that quantum computing will fundamentally reshape and improve how large industries such as transportation and logistics operate," said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. "This partnership is aimed at creating a powerful platform with unique insights into real-world quantum advantage in a sizable market. Our investment and collaboration with Einride reinforces our commitment to building a quantum-ready economy across Europe." As Einride scales its autonomous and electric fleet operations worldwide, routing and fleet management challenges grow exponentially more complex, creating optimization challenges that are increasingly difficult for classical computers to address. Quantum computing offers a new path forward by improving the efficiency and optimization of logistics and routing operations, all while reducing costs and improving speed to solution. "At Einride, we are committed to transforming freight mobility, and we see quantum computing as a key enabler of that vision," said Robert Falck, Founder and CEO of Einride. "Through our work with IonQ, we are laying the foundation for a future where logistics networks are smarter, cleaner, and far more efficient for customers around the world." Today's announcement builds on IonQ's quantum application progress with Airbus on cargo loading optimization and Thompson Machinery on predictive maintenance, among others. The partnership also heralds IonQ's continued expansion into Sweden and the European market, following its recent collaboration with AstraZeneca to establish a new quantum application development center in Sweden. Earlier this year, IonQ established its first European Innovation Center at QuantumBasel in Switzerland and the company completed its acquisition of Switzerland-based IDQ. Globally, IonQ recently signed an MOU with Intellian in South Korea and agreements with Toyota Tsusho and AIST's G-QuAT in Japan. With data centers now in the Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Basel, Switzerland areas, IonQ has firmly established a global data center footprint, reinforcing its position as a leader in quantum technology. Today's announcement also reflects IonQ's growing momentum in building quantum ecosystems that drive real-world value across industries including transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and energy. For more information about IonQ's quantum computing solutions, please visit www.ionq.com. About IonQ IonQ, Inc. is the leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes' 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In's 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com. About Einride Einride designs, develops and deploys freight mobility technologies to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. Its platform includes connected electric and autonomous heavy-duty vehicles, charging infrastructure and an intelligent freight operating system. Founded in 2016, Einride became the world's first company to operate an autonomous, electric vehicle on a public road in 2019. Today, Einride operates one of the largest fleets of heavy-duty electric trucks servicing Global Fortune 500 companies across eight markets. For more information, please visit einride.tech. IonQ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "will," "believe," "belief," "aim," "aiming," "creating," "building," "vision," "laying the foundation," "path forward," "continued expansion," "growing momentum," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the intended collaboration between IonQ and Einride, IonQ's expansion and creation of quantum-based economies in Europe; IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans; IonQ's technology improving operations in the freight, transportation and logistics industries, thereby driving commercial quantum advantage; the relevance and utility of quantum algorithms and applications run on IonQ's quantum computers; the necessity, effectiveness, and future impacts of IonQ's offerings available today; and the scalability, fidelity, efficiency, viability, accessibility, effectiveness, importance, reliability, performance, speed, impact, practicality, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ's offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: IonQ's ability to implement its technical roadmap; IonQ's ability to deliver, and customers' ability to generate, value from IonQ's offerings; IonQ's ability to deliver higher speed and fidelity gates with fewer errors, enhance information transfer and network accuracy, or reduce noise and errors; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's and its suppliers' businesses; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations, to identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ's ability to effectively enter new markets; IonQ's ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines; IonQ's inability to attract and retain key personnel; the inability of IonQ's suppliers to deliver components that meet expectations timely; and IonQ's ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology in relevant territories. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's most recent periodic financial report (10-Q or 10-K) filed by IonQ with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520843126/en/ Contacts: IonQ Media contact: Jane Mazur press@ionq.co IonQ Investor Contact: investors@ionq.co KESKLINNA LINNAOSA, ESTONIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The cryptocurrency payment gateway Apirone received its second major update in 2025. Now users of the service can accept payments via the Ethereum network (ERC20), and along with it, use three new payment methods: Ethereum itself, as well as USDT and USDC tokens in this network. Ethereum Adding support for Ethereum is a step that Apirone customers have long been waiting for. The company notes that it has received many requests for integration of this coin and network for two years. Now Ethereum is available on the same terms as other currencies: with the ability to set up a fixed or percentage fee, use recurring payments, automatic forwarding, and other features. USDT (ERC20) USDT on the ERC20 network is a great alternative to USDT TRC20, especially when the Tron network is overloaded. This solution helps reduce the number of lost sales when a customer sees a high fee and decides to postpone payment - and then completely forgets about the order or makes purchases with competitors. In a highly competitive environment, it is important to consider every link in the decision-making chain, and Apirone makes the payment process comfortable for customers. USDC (ERC20) USDC on the Ethereum network is a popular alternative to USDT, especially in the European market. It provides transparency, exchange rate stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. By expanding support for this currency, Apirone strengthens its position as a reliable partner for businesses in the EU. Apirone continues to expand the boundaries of crypto processing One of the company's priorities is the continuous uptime of the platform, which has been running for more than 3 years. And all updates, including the addition of the Ethereum blockchain, are seamless for users. With each update, the platform becomes more flexible, understandable and effective for both businesses and their clients. Support for the Ethereum network is another step towards making crypto payments more convenient, faster and more accessible for everyone. Follow Apirone news - the team continues to develop the ecosystem and add new tools for comfortable work with cryptocurrencies. Anton Shindyapin PR-manager Support@apirone.com +7 962 622-10-26 Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tartu mnt 67/1-13b, 10115 Estonia SOURCE: Apirone View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/apirone-adds-ethereum-and-new-payment-methods-1030094 Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its current activities post its quarterly Board Meeting, changes in Board and senior leadership news release on May 19, 2025, and recent consulting meetings conducted to continue to advance the Richmond Hill Heap Leach Oxide Gold Project ("Richmond Hill" or "Project") towards an Initial Assessment with Cash Flow ("IACF"). The IACF which will present both a Measured and Indicated ("M&I") and Measured, Indicated and Inferred ("MI&I") based mine plan and is expected mid-2025 and a Feasibility Study is expected in early 2027. The meetings took place at the Company's headquarters in Lead, South Dakota. The contributing Qualified Persons from M3 Engineering, Woods Processing, Welsch and Associates and RESPEC all attended the engineering meetings on Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Highlights: 2025 Drill Campaign: Dakota Gold currently has two drills at Richmond Hill. In 2025, the Company expects to drill ~80,000 feet (24,384 meters) using a combination of Reverse Circulation and Core drilling. The primary focus of the program is to collect metallurgical samples for the Feasibility Study, infill, and expansion resource drilling in the northeast corner of the Project area. This area is expected to be mined at the beginning of the mine plan and is higher grade than the overall deposit. Drilling commenced April 1, 2025 and 38 holes have since been completed. The Company expects to start reporting drill results and will continue through the fall as they are received. Feasibility Planning: Dakota Gold has engaged the current consulting groups based on their capabilities to deliver an IACF based on a 30,000 ton per day crushing circuit, and further the project towards ultimate production. The Company continues Feasibility planning with M3 as the overall Study Manager as well as the lead for processing, while RESPEC will manage the mining and environmental aspects. IMC will provide an update to the resource with the new drilling results. Woods Processing and Welsh and Associates are the expected Qualified Persons for metallurgy and design and operation of the heap leach. The Feasibility Study is expected to be completed in 2027. Richmond Hill is one of the largest undeveloped oxide gold resources in the United States being advanced by a junior mining company. With the recent financing announced March 20, 2025, the Company currently has a cash balance of $47 million as noted in the filed 10Q as at March 31, 2025, and is fully financed through the IACF and the subsequent completion of its Feasibility Study on the Project. Maitland Gold Project: At the Maitland Gold Project ("Maitland") the Company has retained Mike Hester of IMC and Jeff Woods of Woods Processing to assess the exploration data collected to date from the JB Gold Zone and the Unionville Zone with the intent of outlining an initial inferred gold resource. The work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025. To date the JB Gold Zone has encountered a number of high-grade intersections which average 10.76 g/t Au over 4.0 meters. The Unionville Zone average grade is 4 g/t Au over 6.4 meters. "Dakota Gold continues to advance its Richmond Hill and Maitland projects. Richmond Hill is poised to make significant progress, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the IACF consultancy group. With our March financing, we are well funded for our planned activities in 2025 and well into 2026. With the additions to our Board of Todd Kenner and Kevin Puil, and to our senior management team of Jack Henris, as President and COO, and Amy Koenig as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary we have enhanced the capacity of our corporate leadership with the requisite skillsets to advance our Richmond Hill and Maitland projects. I wish to acknowledge our Dakota Gold team and contractors for our 4-year safety record with no loss time incidents. Providing a safe working environment in the community where our employees live is a core value to Dakota Gold," remarked Dr. Robert Quartermain, Co-Chair, Director, President and CEO. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold is expanding the legacy of the 145-year-old Homestake Gold Mining District by advancing the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project to commercial production, and outlining a high-grade underground gold resource at the Maitland Gold Project, both located on private land in South Dakota. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Shareholder and Investor Inquiries For more information, please contact: Dr. Stephen O'Rourke Co-Chair, Director and Managing Director Tel: +1 605-717-2540 Shawn Campbell Chief Financial Officer Tel: +1 778-655-9638 Carling Gaze VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel: +1 605-679-7429 Email: info@dakotagoldcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this communication, the words "plan," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "potential," "will" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any express or implied statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: our expectations regarding additional drilling and modeling; our expectations for the improvement and growth of the mineral resources and potential for conversion of mineral resources into reserves; the timing for the S-K 1300 Initial Assessment with cash flow analysis, completion of a feasibility study, and/or permitting; our expectations regarding free cash flow and future financing, and our overall expectation for the possibility of near-term production at the Richmond Hill project. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities; our use and evaluation of historic data; our ability to achieve our strategic goals; the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry; and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252791 SOURCE: Dakota Gold Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Tanya van Biesen, President and Chief Executive Officer, VersaFi along with recipients of the 2025 awards and members of the firms they represent, joined Christa Dewar, Senior Listings Manager, TSXV Listings, TMX Group to close the market to celebrate the 2025 Champions of Change. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLBpRjXxpQ The Champions of Change award recognizes individuals who push to accelerate women in finance, creating workplaces where women can thrive and succeed. VersaFi is a national, not-for-profit organization focused on accelerating equity for women in the finance sector. Founded in 1995 as Women in Capital Markets (WCM), the organization rebranded in 2024 to empower and advocate for women across the finance sector, at all stages of their careers, nationally. It does this by fostering a pipeline of talent at all levels; being the leading voice and advocate for women in the sector; and by working with finance sector leaders to implement impactful and lasting structural and cultural change. Its community has grown to more than 4,000 members across the sector, representing Canadian bank-owned dealers and wealth managers, independent and foreign-owned dealers, asset managers, insurance companies, pension plans, regulatory agencies, exchanges, and advisory firms. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252828 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 20.05.2025 / 23:52 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. On 20 May 2025, Adtran Holdings, Inc. filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a form 10-Q, available on the SEC website at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000926282/000095017025075374/adtn-20250331.htm and a form 10-K/A, available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000926282/000095017025075366/adtn-20241231.htm . All documents are also available on the Adtran Holdings, Inc. website at https://investors.adtran.com/sec-filings/default.aspx . 20.05.2025 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com NGSW Type Classified NEWINGTON, N.H., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of elite military weapon systems, is proud to congratulate the U.S. Army on the milestone of officially designating Type Classification - Standard (TC-STD) to the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) M7 rifle and M250 (belt fed) automatic rifle- cornerstone systems of the U.S. Army's modernization program and overmatch efforts. The M7 is the M4 carbine replacement, and the M250 replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon; the systems bring superior range and lethality over legacy systems, providing a greater threat to enemy forces through superior overmatch. The Type Classification affirms the M7 and M250 meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards for widespread military use. This designation ensures seamless integration into the U.S. Army's inventory, streamlining procurement, training, and maintenance across units and asserting the materiel fully satisfies U.S. Army operational needs. This milestone marks the transition of these advanced firearms from developmental to standardized status, signifying readiness for widespread fielding. "This approval underscores the U.S. Army's commitment to equipping our soldiers with next generation lethality to maintain tactical superiority and enhance mission success," states Steve Rose, Executive Vice President, Defense Strategies Group. "The M7 and M250 represent a transformative leap in combat capability." The NGSW Program, initiated in 2017, aims to revolutionize small arms capabilities for the U.S. Army. Following a 27-month prototype phase, extensive testing culminated in the selection of SIG SAUER's XM7 and XM250 in April 2022. About SIG SAUER, Inc.: SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over 250 years, SIG SAUER has evolved and thrived by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation, which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER has over 3,400 employees across sixteen U.S. locations in three states, and four additional global facilities. SIG SAUER is certified a Great Place to Work. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com. Media Contact: Phil Strader Vice President, Consumer Affairs phil.strader@sigsauer.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2692406/SIG_SAUER_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2692407/US_Army_Designates_Type_Classification_Milestone_for_the_NGSW_Lethality_Program.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sig-sauer-announces-us-army-designates-type-classification-milestone-for-the-ngsw-lethality-program-302461126.html (All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) is pleased to provide remaining results from the 2024 drilling program and initial results from the 2025 drilling program at ELG Underground. The results support the Company's target of further extending the mine life of ELG Underground by identifying new zones of higher-grade mineralization, expanding resources within known areas, and replacing mined reserves. Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated: "Following many years of ongoing drilling success at ELG Underground, the deposit continues to impress and provide us with much optimism that we will be mining there for years to come. Building off the successful 2024 program wherein we replaced mineral reserves, this year's program aims to once again extend mine life while targeting to build out the mineral resource inventory, supporting our objective of sustaining production levels for the Morelos Complex above 450,000 gold equivalent ounces well beyond 2030. "Our exploration team continues to encounter high-grade mineralization as they step-out beyond the boundaries of known resources across several defined trends, furthering our understanding about how these trends are influenced by cross-cutting faults believed to be the main mineralization controls. A prime example of this is where recent drilling along the El Limon West Trend towards the El Limon Sur fault encountered 8.98 grams per tonne gold equivalent ("gpt AuEq") over 35.8 metres ("m"). "There is no doubt that the geology at the Morelos Property is prolific - with the completion of the Media Luna project in 2025, we are doubling down on exploration this year, drilling almost twice the metres relative to 2024 and increasing the budget by approximately 50%. With 48,000 metres of drilling targeted for ELG Underground this year, these initial results form a solid start to what I believe will be another excellent year of drilling success at ELG Underground." HIGHLIGHTS El Limon Sur Trend Central Zone: Holes SST-359 and LS-371 drilled at the intersection of the El Limon Sur Trend and the Z71 fault delivered multiple mineralized intercepts, most notably 12.18 gpt AuEq over 26.4 m at LS-371. Drill holes LS-370 and LS-359 confirmed the continuity of mineralization at depth with multiple high-grade intercepts, most notably 43.68 gpt AuEq over 10.3 m and 5.97 gpt AuEq over 26.4 m in drill hole LS-370. These holes show that mineralization in this area is comprised of at least three vertically continuous parallel mineralized structures along the El Limon Sur Trend that are open along strike and at depth down to 800 metres above sea level ("m.a.s.l."). A comprehensive follow-up drilling campaign is planned for 2025, aimed to explore the continuity of mineralization along strike, at depth, and to the south (Figures 2A and 2B). North Zone: The 2024 drilling program was successful in upgrading Inferred Resources to the Indicated category. Results encountered to date warrant a follow-up drilling campaign at depth down to the elevation of the Guajes Tunnel, aimed at increasing Inferred Resources as part of the year-end 2025 reserve and resource update (Figure 2C). El Limon West Trend The deepest intercept of drill hole LS-374 shows discrete, high-grade mineralization (19.57 gpt AuEq over 2.2 m) around the elevation of the Guajes Tunnel (~550 m.a.s.l.), indicating that the vertical extension of the mineralization likely reaches below this level (Figure 3). Drilling returned multiple high-grade intercepts stepping out of the current resource towards the El Limon Sur fault, including drill holes LS-351 (8.98 gpt AuEq over 35.8 m) and LS-373 (10.77 gpt AuEq over 5.8 m and 5.34 gpt AuEq over 9.0 m). These and other results from step-out drilling in the area show that the current resource is open in all directions and will be a focus of further investigation this year, with a view to confirm mineralization continuity and add new Inferred Resources (Figure 3). ELG UNDERGROUND DRILLING PROGRAM The primary objective of the current ELG Underground drilling program is to increase the Inferred Resource inventory and replace mined reserves to support sustaining production for the Morelos Complex above 450,000 AuEq ounces ("oz") per year beyond 2030. The program is focused on identifying high-grade mineralization extensions along the El Limon Sur, El Limon Deep, El Limon West, and Sub-Sill trends. Torex has budgeted $12 million towards drilling at ELG Underground in 2025. Drilling is progressing well with four rigs currently working in the area. Assay results presented in this news release include those for the 9,149 m drilled during 2024 that were received after the cutoff date for inclusion in the year-end 2024 mineral reserve and mineral resource update as well as assay results from the first 8,813 m of the 48,000 m of drilling planned for 2025. The focus for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily on the Advanced Exploration program, targeting extensions of existing resources at El Limon Sur and El Limon West (Figure 1). Drilling results confirm the grades and continuity of mineralization within the resource and show compelling potential to extend mineralization. Detailed drill results are reported in Table 3 (El Limon Sur Trend), Table 4 (El Limon West Trend), Table 5 (El Limon Deep Trend), and Table 6 (Sub-Sill Trend); previously reported drill holes are reported in Table 7. AuEq grades use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz gold ("Au"), $22/oz silver ("Ag"), and $3.75/lb copper ("Cu")) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the current mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground (effective date of December 31, 2024) and has been applied to the assay results for newly published drill holes as well as previously published drill holes. The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104). Figure 1: Plan view of ELG Underground showing the main mineralized trends that were the primary focus for drilling in late 2024 and Q1 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/252759_88944f0694294a1e_001full.jpg EL LIMON SUR TREND (FIGURES 2A, 2B, and 2C) Drilling along the El Limon Sur Trend has been focused in the central and north zones, near the trend's intersections with the Z71 and La Flaca faults, respectively (Figure 2A). The goal is to expand the central zone at depth and to the south, as well as to extend the north zone at depth beyond the elevation of the Guajes Tunnel (~400 m.a.s.l. or 200 m below the current resource boundary). Most of the holes drilled in these areas have encountered favorable alteration and mineralization zones, supporting the potential for resource expansion. The multiple high-grade intercepts found at the central zone, notably in drill holes SST-359, LS-371 and also found in deeper drill holes LS-370 and LS-359 (Table 1, Figure 2B), show that mineralization in this area is comprised of at least three vertically continuous parallel mineralized structures along the El Limon Sur Trend of up to 26.4 m at 12.18 gpt AuEq (drill hole LS-371). High-grade mineralization is potentially open along strike and at depth down to 800 m.a.s.l., controlled by the intersection of the El Limon Sur Trend and the Z71 fault (Figures 2A and 2B). These results warrant follow-up drilling this year, aimed at testing the mineralization continuity along strike, at depth, and to the south. At the north zone, drilling to test the continuity of mineralization towards the central zone returned favourable results (Figure 2C). Drilling at depth (LS-369) also encountered mineralization at 500 m.a.s.l., the continuity of which will be a focus of further drilling this year. Table 1: Recent drilling highlights along the El Limon Sur Trend Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) LS-359 50.6 53.0 2.4 2.1 6.35 2.0 0.02 6.41 112.2 115.1 2.9 2.6 6.84 2.0 0.05 6.94 136.0 139.8 3.8 3.4 2.31 0.8 0.01 2.33 191.6 206.8 15.2 13.4 7.43 3.9 0.08 7.61 including 198.3 199.4 1.1 1.0 34.70 4.0 0.09 34.90 including 205.3 206.8 1.5 1.3 36.80 10.0 0.03 36.98 LS-370 9.9 12.0 2.1 2.1 7.58 3.0 0.05 7.70 65.0 95.1 30.1 26.4 5.79 3.2 0.08 5.97 including 71.0 75.6 4.6 4.0 13.75 7.3 0.14 14.07 122.0 133.5 11.5 10.3 43.31 2.6 0.21 43.68 including 123.5 126.8 3.3 2.9 78.39 4.5 0.30 78.93 137.6 142.7 5.1 4.4 4.84 1.6 0.22 5.21 including 141.5 142.7 1.2 1.0 16.4 2.0 0.33 16.97 151.0 155.0 4.0 3.5 8.89 2.3 0.24 9.30 LS-371 140.0 168.7 28.7 26.4 11.75 3.2 0.24 12.18 including 144.0 155.0 11.0 10.1 24.84 5.8 0.34 25.46 Notes to Table: 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core recovery (%) is shown in Table 3. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. 2) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. 3) All assay results are uncapped. EL LIMON WEST TREND (FIGURE 3) Drilling targeting the expansion of resources along the southern extension of the El Limon West Trend has returned multiple high-grade intercepts. Most notably, drill holes LS-351 (8.98 gpt AuEq over 35.8 m and 6.18 gpt AuEq over 2.8 m), LS-352 (7.35 gpt AuEq over 7.7 m), and LS-373 (10.77 gpt AuEq over 5.8 m) indicate that mineralization is open in all directions. Additionally, drill hole LS-374 (19.57 gpt AuEq over 2.2 m) shows a discrete, high-grade intercept proximal to the elevation of the Guajes Tunnel (~550 m.a.s.l.). This indicates the potential of vertical continuity of mineralization for over 150 m at depth from the base of the current resource. These results warrant follow-up drilling this year aimed to confirm mineralization continuity to the north and south of the El Limon Sur fault and at depth down to the level of the Guajes Tunnel. Along the northern extension of the El Limon West Trend, the follow-up hole LS-367 was drilled to explore for the source of previously reported shallow mineralized intercepts in LS-316 (4.55 gpt AuEq over 4.5 m; previously reported, see Table 7 for more information) and LS-317 (3.96 gpt AuEq over 3.9 m; previously reported, see Table 7 for more information), and identified favorable alteration and mineralization at surface. The hole intersected a narrow zone of quartz veinlets, although the associated mineralization was weak. Further geological work will be carried out during 2025 to define follow-up drilling in this area. Table 2: Recent drilling highlights along the El Limon West Trend Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) LS-351 156.3 208.0 51.7 35.8 7.14 42.4 0.81 8.98 including 162.4 166.6 4.2 2.9 13.36 41.8 0.34 14.44 including 175.0 181.0 6.0 4.2 14.33 85.3 1.53 17.88 including 198.0 205.3 7.3 5.0 15.09 32.2 0.97 17.06 245.8 250.0 4.2 2.8 4.65 18.5 0.81 6.18 261.3 266.5 5.2 3.4 3.06 8.8 0.32 3.68 LS-352 187.8 199.6 11.8 7.7 6.52 18.0 0.37 7.35 LS-373 262.1 271.2 9.1 6.4 2.39 25.5 0.39 3.34 282.6 288.9 6.3 4.4 3.05 8.2 0.25 3.56 324.2 332.3 8.1 5.8 10.25 8.0 0.26 10.77 343.0 356.0 13.0 9.0 3.68 33.4 0.76 5.34 including 350.9 356.0 5.1 3.5 5.73 72.5 1.38 8.88 LS-374 487.2 491.7 4.5 2.2 18.47 14.6 0.57 19.57 including 490.5 491.7 1.2 0.6 33.54 12.0 0.39 34.33 Notes to Table: 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core recovery (%) is shown in Table 4. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. 2) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. 3) All assay results are uncapped. EL LIMON DEEP TREND Along the El Limon Deep Trend, drilling has been focused on the western and central portions of the mineralized trend, with the objectives of upgrading Inferred Resources and evaluating the continuity of alteration and mineralization below 650 m.a.s.l. Results to date show relatively weak alteration in the area which indicates that mineralization may be limited at depth. However, potential remains towards the trend's intersection with the El Limon West Trend as a favourable mineralization control, which will be a focus for drilling through the remainder of the year. Drilling has also been focused on upgrading and expanding Inferred Resources in the southwest-plunging mineralized zone towards the trend's intersection with El Limon West Trend. Only drill hole LDUG-392 (6.05 gpt AuEq over 5.5 m) of the three completed holes in this area encountered mineralization. SUB-SILL TREND Recent Advanced Exploration drilling along the Sub-Sill Trend has been primarily focused on its intersection with the Z71 fault. Mineralization has been encountered at depths around 500 m.a.s.l., indicating that this area remains open at depth. In addition, drilling along the northern extension of the trend encountered mineralization north of the La Flaca fault, highlighting the potential for resource extensions beneath the El Limon Open Pit and the mineralized intercepts of drill hole LDUG-394 (5.82 gpt AuEq over 2.9 m and 7.34 gpt AuEq over 3.7 m) over an unexplored area of approximately 150 m of vertical extension. ELG MINE COMPLEX GEOLOGY The ELG Mine Complex, located in the central part of the Guerrero Gold Belt in southwest Mexico, is hosted in the Mesozoic carbonate-rich Morelos Platform which has been intruded by Paleocene granodiorite stocks, sills, and dikes, and the uplifting of the block close to surface by maar-diatreme complexes. Skarn-hosted gold mineralization develops along contacts of the intrusive rocks and carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks of the Cuautla and Morelos Formations, as well as along the footwall contact of the Mezcala Formation. At depth, the mineralization has a strong structural control related to the main stages of deformation, with the collision of allochthonous terrain being responsible for the major north-south faults, while the almost east-west faulting is associated with the beginning of the subduction process. Gold mineralization at ELG occurs in spatial association with a skarn body that was developed along a two-kilometre-long corridor following the northeast contact of the ELG granodiorite stock. The skarn zone that occurs at the marble stratigraphic level of the Morelos Formation is in contact with hornfels developed in the Mezcala Formation. At El Limon, skarn mineralization is also structurally controlled by north-south and north-east trending faults. Early-stage deposition corresponds to skarn alteration and mineralization at ELG and is fairly typical of calcic gold-skarn systems. Zones of coarse, massive, garnet-dominant skarn appear within and along the stock margin, with fine-grained pyroxene-dominant skarn more common at greater distances from the contact with the stock. Significant gold mineralization at ELG is spatially associated with the skarn, preferentially occurring in pyroxene-rich exoskarn but also hosted in garnet-rich endoskarn that has been affected by retrograde alteration, which suggests that the most important gold event is strongly related to bismuth, late stage, and of epithermal origin. Dikes and sills are found to crosscut the hornfels and marble along the structural trends mentioned above and are spatially associated with the skarn formation. In some cases, these are the control of main gold mineralization stage at depth. The style of mineralization at the El Limon Deep, El Limon Sur, Sub-Sill, and El Limon West trends is characterized by gold, with locally high silver and copper grades. Given that gold precipitates due to the buffer exerted by the early stage of calc-silicate alteration and sulfide mineralization, it is free and generally dissociated from the previous copper event mainly related to chalcopyrite. QA/QC AND QUALIFIED PERSON Torex maintains an analytical quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") and data verification program to monitor laboratory performance and ensure high-quality assays. Results from this program confirm the reliability of the assay results. All sampling and analytical work for the mine exploration program is performed by SGS de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("SGS") in Durango, and by SGS at Morelos mine site facilities in Mexico. Gold analyses comprise fire assay with atomic absorption or gravimetric finish. External check assays for QA/QC purposes are performed at ALS Chemex de Mexico S.A. de C.V. The analytical QA/QC program is currently overseen by Carlo Nasi, Manager, Geology for Minera Media Luna, S.A. de C.V. All samples reported have been checked against Company and Lab standards, and blanks. No core duplicate samples are taken. Core sizes are mostly HQ in diameter and NQ core diameter is used sporadically if ground conditions require. Samples are sawn lengthwise in half. One half of the core is bagged and sealed for analytical analysis and one half is retained in the core box for reference. Sample preparation is carried out by SGS facilities in Durango and the Morelos mine site, Mexico and consists of drying and crushing 3 to 5 kg to >75% passing 2 mm followed by pulverization of 500 g to >85% passing 75 m (G_PRP89). Gold is analyzed at the SGS facilities in Durango and at the Morelos mine site following internal analytical protocols. Gold analysis comprises a 30 g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish (GE_FAA30V5). Over-limit results for gold analysis (for samples reported as >10,000 ppb or >10 ppm) comprises 30 g Au by fire assay with gravimetric finish (GO_FAG30V). Copper and silver analyses up to 300 ppm Ag, Cu up to 10%, and iron up to 10% analysis are completed via Aqua Regia digestion and atomic absorption finish (GO_AAS21C50). Multi-element geochemical analysis is done by an Aqua Regia digestion with detection by ICP-OES using SGS internal analytical protocol and are conducted at SGS facilities in Durango (GE_ICP14B). External check assays for QC purposes are done on pulps and performed at ALS Global in Queretaro, Mexico. Approximately 3% of the samples collected from exploration and operation drilling as well as production samples are sent for analyses checks and assayed for Au, Ag, and Cu. Internal and external check control results are reviewed daily by MML and an external audit by Qualitica Consulting Inc. is carried out quarterly. The outcome of the test work indicates that the precision and accuracy of the results received from SGS' Durango and ELG mine site facilities are within acceptable tolerance ranges. Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rochelle Collins, P.Geo. (PGO #1412), Principal, Mineral Resource Geologist with Torex Gold Resources Inc., a "qualified person" ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Ms. Collins has verified the information disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the drill results. Verification included visually reviewing the drill holes in three dimensions, comparing the assay results to the original assay certificates, reviewing the drilling database, and reviewing core photography consistent with standard practice. Ms. Collins consents to the inclusion in this release of said information in the form and context in which they appear. Additional information on ELG Underground, sampling and analyses, analytical labs, and methods used for data verification is available in the Company's technical report entitled the "Morelos Property, NI 43-101 Technical Report, ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study, Guerrero State, Mexico", dated effective March 16, 2022 filed on March 31, 2022 (the "2022 Technical Report") and in the annual information form ("AIF") dated March 21, 2025, each filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Torex Gold Resources Inc. is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City. The Company's principal asset is the Morelos Complex, which includes the producing Media Luna Underground, ELG Underground, and ELG Open Pit mines, the development stage EPO Underground Project, a processing plant, and related infrastructure. Commercial production from the Morelos Complex commenced on April 1, 2016 and an updated Technical Report for the Morelos Complex was released in March 2022. Torex's key strategic objectives are: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. In addition to realizing the full potential of the Morelos Property, the Company is seeking opportunities to acquire assets that enable diversification and deliver value to shareholders. CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements about: the results support the Company's target of further extending the mine life of ELG Underground by identifying new zones of higher-grade mineralization, expanding resources within known areas, and replacing mined reserves; this year's program aims to extend mine life while targeting to build out the mineral resource inventory, supporting the Company's objective of sustaining production levels for the Morelos Complex above 450,000 gold equivalent ounces well beyond 2030; the stated focus, objectives, aims, targets and goals of the drilling programs; indication that results of drill hole LS-374 show that the vertical extension of the mineralization likely reaches below the elevation of the Guajes Tunnel (~550 m.a.s.l.); indications that mineralization is open in the stated direction(s); drilling results confirm the grades and continuity of mineralization within the resource and show compelling potential to extend mineralization; statements regarding the potential to extend mineralization and increase mineral resources; and the Company's key strategic objectives: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objective", "target", "continue", "potential", "focus", "demonstrate", "belief" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "would", "could" or "is expected to" occur. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the ability to upgrade mineral resources categories of mineral resources with greater confidence levels or to mineral reserves; risks associated with mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation; and those risk factors identified in the Technical Report and the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions discussed in the Technical Report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Technical Report, AIF and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. Figure 2A: Drilling results from the central zone of the El Limon Sur Trend. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/252759_88944f0694294a1e_002full.jpg Figure 2B: Multiple high-grade intercepts define at least three vertically dipping high-grade mineralized structures along strike of the El Limon Sur Trend Central Zone. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/252759_88944f0694294a1e_003full.jpg Figure 2C: Drilling results from the north zone of the El Limon Sur Trend. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/252759_88944f0694294a1e_004full.jpg Figure 3: Drilling results along the El Limon West Trend. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/252759_88944f0694294a1e_005full.jpg Table 3: Drill results along the El Limon Sur Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) SST-350 Infill 422176.7 1989761.2 896.5 238 -4 198 130.8 135.9 5.1 4.3 2.64 16.8 0.05 2.93 99.7 152.7 164.6 11.9 9.8 5.04 2.3 0.08 5.20 100.0 175.0 178.2 3.2 2.9 6.63 3.4 0.07 6.78 100.0 186.7 193.0 6.3 6.1 2.28 3.0 0.17 2.59 99.7 SST-356 Infill 422176.5 1989761.3 896.2 241 -11 231 61.8 63.8 2.0 1.7 21.40 6.9 0.11 21.67 99.6 110.7 116.0 5.3 4.3 8.28 3.1 0.08 8.44 100.0 138.3 141.6 3.3 2.9 6.53 1.6 0.13 6.76 99.2 155.5 159.0 3.5 3.1 5.07 0.5 0.01 5.09 99.9 SST-359 Infill 422176.5 1989761.4 896.4 248 -8 182 66.0 69.9 3.9 3.7 2.38 2.0 0.05 2.49 100.0 121.6 124.2 2.6 2.4 12.91 7.4 0.07 13.12 98.8 134.7 146.0 11.3 10.3 3.11 1.0 0.11 3.30 100.0 152.0 157.0 5.0 4.5 9.70 1.3 0.08 9.85 100.0 SST-360 Infill 422176.8 1989761.2 897.0 235 3 189 4.0 6.0 2.0 1.5 4.09 1.0 0.05 4.19 99.4 50.6 68.5 17.9 13.9 7.04 2.4 0.06 7.18 99.7 including 61.0 62.5 1.5 1.2 41.30 6.0 0.10 41.53 99.7 165.6 168.0 2.4 2.1 3.30 0.5 0.41 3.96 99.7 SST-364 Infill 422176.8 1989761.5 896.7 244 3 180 105.2 112.3 7.1 6.0 4.77 3.0 0.29 5.28 100.0 SST-370 Infill 422176.8 1989761.2 897.1 238 9 180 26.0 29.1 3.1 2.7 8.16 22.4 0.64 9.47 97.8 32.2 49.2 17.0 14.4 21.12 5.0 0.10 21.35 98.8 including 33.3 40.3 7.0 5.9 43.68 8.9 0.15 44.04 98.8 151.7 154.3 2.6 2.4 3.91 1.3 0.06 4.02 100.0 LDUG-392 Infill 422209.1 1990018.5 722.1 265 0 333 151.9 154.5 2.6 2.5 8.81 10.0 0.24 9.32 100.0 including 153.9 154.5 0.6 0.6 35.0 15.00 0.2 35.53 100.0 LDUG-393 Infill 422209.1 1990018.1 722.3 260 5 102 50.0 52.0 2.0 1.7 4.19 1.0 0.00 4.21 97.7 LDUG-405 Step-Out 422176.1 1990138.6 674.8 262 -37 342 169.1 170.6 1.5 1.2 2.69 0.5 0.01 2.71 100.0 LDUG-406 Infill 422209.5 1990017.7 721.8 265 -12 342 131.9 142.0 10.1 9.2 2.92 15.2 0.29 3.58 99.8 LDUG-407 Infill 422209.6 1990017.7 721.6 265 -22 360 143.6 145.7 2.1 1.8 19.72 6.8 0.13 20.01 99.8 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. Table 3 (continued): Drill results along the El Limon Sur Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) LDUG-409 Infill 422209.5 1990017.6 721.6 256 -20 171 130.0 132.1 2.1 1.9 9.79 5.0 0.08 9.97 100.0 LS-353 Infill 422176.7 1989761.9 896.2 259 -16 177 54.6 65.2 10.6 9.9 3.24 3.0 0.12 3.47 100.0 79.1 83.6 4.5 4.1 4.54 5.7 0.38 5.23 100.0 105.0 113.0 8.0 6.9 6.23 3.4 0.04 6.33 100.0 LS-354 Infill 422262.9 1989927.2 856.7 319 -20 267 220.0 227.6 7.6 4.9 5.42 30.9 2.67 10.12 100.0 LS-355 Infill 422176.0 1989760.0 897.0 261 -6 165 79.2 82.0 2.8 2.7 2.58 9.8 0.24 3.08 100.0 LS-356 Step-Out 422146.9 1989161.4 916.9 88 -63 351 201.1 203.0 1.9 0.5 1.56 1.3 0.01 1.59 100.0 LS-357 Infill 422176.6 1989761.9 896.7 243 -3 207 113.6 117.5 3.9 3.5 3.85 1.4 0.01 3.89 98.7 124.7 132.6 7.9 6.9 6.21 0.6 0.01 6.24 99.4 LS-359 Infill 422176.7 1989761.1 896.3 236 -10 215 50.6 53.0 2.4 2.1 6.35 2.0 0.02 6.41 100.0 112.2 115.1 2.9 2.6 6.84 2.0 0.05 6.94 100.0 136.0 139.8 3.8 3.4 2.31 0.8 0.01 2.33 100.0 191.6 206.8 15.2 13.4 7.43 3.9 0.08 7.61 100.0 including 198.3 199.4 1.1 1.0 34.70 4.0 0.09 34.90 100.0 including 205.3 206.8 1.5 1.3 36.80 10.0 0.03 36.98 100.0 LS-360 Infill 422176.7 1989761.2 896.7 233 6 195 54.8 57.5 2.7 2.4 9.99 1.2 0.02 10.03 100.0 LS-361 Step-Out 422176.0 1989871.1 796.7 276 -30 366 120.5 121.5 1.0 0.8 5.46 25.0 0.51 6.60 100.0 LS-362 Infill 422176.8 1989761.3 897.3 237 14 162 3.0 10.0 7.0 6.3 1.73 3.0 0.12 1.96 100.0 LS-364 Infill 422176.8 1989761.5 897.4 243 15 162 3.5 9.5 6.0 5.1 5.72 4.5 0.12 5.97 100.0 57.0 67.5 10.5 8.2 2.34 4.9 0.30 2.88 100.0 LS-365 Infill 422176.7 1989761.2 897.4 233 12 195 9.0 13.4 4.4 3.7 4.49 5.5 0.17 4.83 100.0 35.0 41.8 6.8 5.8 9.82 2.0 0.03 9.89 100.0 145.9 151.4 5.5 4.2 2.60 1.2 0.04 2.68 100.0 LS-366 Infill 422176.8 1989761.9 896.9 256 5 171 16.0 18.2 2.2 2.1 0.99 38.2 1.37 3.69 70.1 27.7 30.6 2.9 2.7 2.22 0.9 0.02 2.26 98.9 129.0 130.3 1.3 1.1 26.10 7.0 0.22 26.54 100.0 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground Table 3 (continued): Drill results along the El Limon Sur Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) LS-367 Infill 422176.6 1989762.1 896.7 269 1 402 26.0 31.9 5.9 5.7 3.58 2.0 0.03 3.66 100.0 93.3 97.9 4.6 4.5 2.83 3.8 0.17 3.15 99.3 LS-368 Step-Out 422176.1 1989870.7 796.3 269 -39 250 70.0 73.8 3.8 2.9 0.28 17.9 0.52 1.34 100.0 129.5 133.0 3.5 2.6 3.63 2.7 0.04 3.72 100.0 LS-369 Step-Out 421646.7 1989805.8 570.8 82 -9 600 326.7 329.5 2.8 2.5 1.09 18.6 1.20 3.26 100.0 417.2 421.5 4.3 4.0 3.04 8.9 0.52 3.99 100.0 LS-370 Infill 422176.7 1989761.5 896.1 248 -16 210 9.9 12.0 2.1 2.1 7.58 3.0 0.05 7.70 76.5 65.0 95.1 30.1 26.4 5.79 3.2 0.08 5.97 100.0 including 71.0 75.6 4.6 4.0 13.75 7.3 0.14 14.07 100.0 122.0 133.5 11.5 10.3 43.31 2.6 0.21 43.68 100.0 including 123.5 126.8 3.3 2.9 78.39 4.5 0.30 78.93 100.0 137.6 142.7 5.1 4.4 4.84 1.6 0.22 5.21 100.0 including 141.5 142.7 1.2 1.0 16.4 2.0 0.33 16.97 100.0 151.0 155.0 4.0 3.5 8.89 2.3 0.24 9.30 100.0 LS-371 Infill 422176.7 1989761.5 896.5 255 -8 180 140.0 168.7 28.7 26.4 11.75 3.2 0.24 12.18 100.0 including 144.0 155.0 11.0 10.1 24.84 5.8 0.34 25.46 100.0 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. Table 4: Drill results along the El Limon West Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) LS-351 Infill 422108.1 1989285.7 929.6 268 -46 291 156.3 208.0 51.7 35.8 7.14 42.4 0.81 8.98 97.0 including 162.4 166.6 4.2 2.9 13.36 41.8 0.34 14.44 96.0 including 175.0 181.0 6.0 4.2 14.33 85.3 1.53 17.88 98.0 including 198.0 205.3 7.3 5.0 15.09 32.2 0.97 17.06 97.0 245.8 250.0 4.2 2.8 4.65 18.5 0.81 6.18 99.9 261.3 266.5 5.2 3.4 3.06 8.8 0.32 3.68 100.0 LS-352 Infill 422112.4 1989272.0 928.4 273 -48 305 187.8 199.6 11.8 7.7 6.52 18.0 0.37 7.35 100.0 LS-358 Step-Out 421765.9 1989266.7 805.8 90 -59 570 298.6 299.7 1.1 0.6 5.79 2.0 0.00 5.82 100.0 402.9 404.7 1.8 1.1 1.96 0.7 0.00 1.97 100.0 LS-363 Step-Out 421727.2 1989210.4 786.4 90 -52 924 No significant values LS-367 Step-Out 422176.6 1989762.1 896.7 269 1 402 No significant values LS-373 Infill 422207.1 1989278.9 945.1 267 -45 391 262.1 271.2 9.1 6.4 2.39 25.5 0.39 3.34 99.8 282.6 288.9 6.3 4.4 3.05 8.2 0.25 3.56 100.0 324.2 332.3 8.1 5.8 10.25 8.0 0.26 10.77 100.0 343.0 356.0 13.0 9.0 3.68 33.4 0.76 5.34 92.0 including 350.9 356.0 5.1 3.5 5.73 72.5 1.38 8.88 92.0 LS-374 Step-Out 422207.3 1989279.1 945.0 268 -61 567 487.2 491.7 4.5 2.2 18.47 14.6 0.57 19.57 100.0 including 490.5 491.7 1.2 0.6 33.54 12.0 0.39 34.33 100.0 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. Table 5: Drill results along the El Limon Deep Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) LDUG-392 Infill 422209.1 1990018.5 722.1 265 0 333 302.5 308.2 5.7 5.5 4.84 11.5 0.66 6.05 99.9 LDUG-404 Step-Out 422175.9 1990139.1 675.2 266 -21 290 261.8 264.5 2.7 1.8 1.21 22.4 0.44 2.20 100.0 LDUG-405 Step-Out 422176.1 1990138.6 674.8 262 -37 342 No significant values LDUG-406 Infill 422209.5 1990017.7 721.8 265 -12 342 318.7 321.2 2.5 2.2 3.70 3.5 0.11 3.92 100.0 LDUG-407 Infill 422209.6 1990017.7 721.6 265 -22 360 No significant values LS-372 Step-Out 422176.0 1990140.3 675.6 296 -7 201 No significant values Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. Table 6: Drill results along the Sub-Sill Trend Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) SST-353 Infill 422211.0 1990128.1 674.4 120 -43 171 No significant values SST-354 Infill 422211.2 1990127.9 674.0 120 -50 201 142.5 146.3 3.8 2.1 2.72 5.1 0.23 3.16 100.0 SST-355 Infill 422211.0 1990127.9 674.0 134 -50 237 187.0 189.8 2.8 1.2 2.06 8.6 0.20 2.48 100.0 SST-357 Infill 422211.3 1990128.1 674.3 104 -43 153 86.9 89.5 2.6 1.3 4.11 2.5 0.17 4.42 100.0 143.0 145.2 2.2 1.5 2.62 6.3 0.39 3.32 100.0 SST-362 Step-Out 422211.4 1990128.2 675.0 104 -18 234 181.8 184.8 3.0 2.3 7.59 35.1 1.67 10.73 100.0 SST-368 Infill 422211.3 1990128.2 675.0 104 -29 234 172.4 196.0 23.6 18.3 2.93 123.8 4.53 11.80 100.0 SST-372 Infill 422211.3 1990128.1 674.9 108 -23 237 157.3 159.7 2.4 1.7 0.41 8.0 0.45 1.23 100.0 SST-374 Infill 422211.2 1990128.5 676.0 134 11 111 78.4 83.4 5.0 3.4 3.70 0.7 0.01 3.72 100.0 SST-377 Step-Out 422266.9 1989924.6 856.5 108 -31 255 No significant values SST-378 Step-Out 422182.4 1989868.9 795.8 91 -37 618 No significant values SST-380 Step-Out 422181.8 1990137.5 674.2 106 -51 261 162.0 182.9 20.9 8.7 5.29 3.6 0.14 5.55 100.0 including 166.0 168.9 2.9 1.2 13.84 8.2 0.36 14.53 100.0 SST-381 Step-Out 422182.1 1990137.9 674.2 91 -45 210 177.3 183.3 6.0 4.1 1.68 50.8 3.39 7.79 88.2 SST-382 Step-Out 422181.4 1990137.9 674.3 90 -56 378 235.3 237.4 2.1 1.7 3.42 44.0 0.00 3.99 100.0 LDUG-394 Infill 422292.0 1990579.4 743.3 275 32 210 159.7 164.0 4.3 2.9 4.90 5.4 0.53 5.82 100.0 182.5 188.0 5.5 3.7 1.46 86.3 2.97 7.34 99.8 LDUG-395 Infill 422292.0 1990579.3 742.9 273 26 201 144.6 149.5 4.9 3.9 2.58 5.3 0.62 3.64 100.0 LDUG-396 Infill 422292.0 1990579.3 742.2 265 16 168 138.0 143.8 5.8 4.8 2.86 7.3 0.22 3.30 100.0 LDUG-397 Infill 422292.0 1990578.9 742.8 264 25 180 126.6 129.7 3.1 2.5 1.90 5.0 0.31 2.47 94.8 LDUG-398 Infill 422291.9 1990579.6 743.1 278 29 180 119.8 122.1 2.3 1.6 1.73 5.9 0.24 2.19 98.5 LDUG-399 Infill 422292.1 1990579.5 744.2 276 43 201 161.7 165.0 3.3 2.2 0.90 8.5 0.64 2.03 100.0 LDUG-400 Infill 422292.1 1990579.7 743.4 286 33 177 129.8 133.2 3.4 2.3 1.47 11.8 0.60 2.59 95.6 LDUG-401 Infill 422292.6 1990577.8 742.1 252 14 162 140.0 142.2 2.17 2.0 1.90 9.8 0.57 2.95 100.0 LDUG-402 Infill 422292.4 1990577.5 741.8 248 9 156 130.8 133.1 2.3 2.1 2.03 7.4 0.57 3.05 100.0 LDUG-403 Infill 422292.1 1990579.5 741.8 276 8 126 100.7 103.0 2.3 2.1 2.50 6.3 0.14 2.81 98.6 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N. 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. Table 7: Previously reported drill holes from ELG Underground Intercept Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Final Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Core Length (m) True Width (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) AuEq (gpt) Core Recovery (%) LS-316 Step-out 421827.0 1989766.3 1062.1 116.3 -54.7 352.0 63.1 69.4 6.3 4.5 4.53 0.9 0.00 4.55 100.0 LS-317 Step-out 421826.7 1989767.1 1062.3 75.8 -61.2 453.0 66.4 71.7 5.3 3.9 3.94 1.0 0.00 3.96 100.0 Notes to Table 1) Drill hole intercepts are shown both in core length and true widths. Core and true width lengths subject to rounding. Assay results are uncapped. 2) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N 3) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. 4) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (gpt) = Au (gpt) + Ag (gpt) * 0.0127 + Cu (%) * 1.6104 and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for ELG Underground. 5) For more information on the above drilling results, please refer to the Company's press releases titled Torex Gold Reports Positive Results from the 2024 ELG Underground Drilling Program (June 27, 2024) and Torex Gold Reports Compelling New Results from the 2024 ELG Underground Drilling Program (December 2, 2024), which are available on www.torexgold.com and www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252759 SOURCE: Torex Gold Resources Inc. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Main Street Research hosted an exclusive cocktail reception titled "Your Mind and Your Money" at the firm's Fifth Avenue offices in Manhattan in celebration of the release of Chief Investment Officer and Founder James E. Demmert's latest book, Wall Street Lessons. The evening featured a lively discussion between Demmert and Kristen Davin, Ph.D., a noted psychologist and relationship expert, delving into how emotions like fear and greed influence financial decision-making, especially amid today's volatile markets. Using pop culture references and iconic film scenes, the conversation offered a relatable and entertaining approach to understanding the psychological underpinnings of investing. The private event brought together members of the media, university faculty, and leaders from across the finance industry for an insightful and engaging evening centered around financial literacy and emotional intelligence. About the Book: Wall Street Lessons In Wall Street Lessons, Demmert shares thirteen of the most common emotional and psychological pitfalls investors face, and how to overcome them. With over four decades of experience managing more than $2 billion in assets for high-net-worth families and foundations, he introduces his proprietary 10-principle system that drives the success of Main Street Research. Looking ahead, James Demmert and his partner, Pauline C. Argenson, will be launching a national series of events aimed at making the conversation around money more accessible, inclusive, and modern, with a special focus on empowering the next generation of investors. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250711 SOURCE: APG He added, I thought it was very less and I asked my father about it. He told me, Look, we have to make a start somewhere. He wasnt there to see the cultural movement we created with Bollywood films. read more Karan Johar has arrived at the Cannes 2025 too and has dropped some unheard revelations at the festival about his film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and also Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan. The filmmaker revealed, I have a lot of emotional memories of Cannes. I remember it was 2002 when I came here with my father. He struck a deal here and we sold the European rights of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham for five thousand dollars. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, I thought it was very less and I asked my father about it. He told me, Look, we have to make a start somewhere. He wasnt there to see the cultural movement we created with Bollywood films. Karan also said, Aishwarya and Shah Rukh were on the red carpet. Aishwarya is literally like the queen of Cannes. Every time we are here, Ash creates a huge amount of media energy and excitement. In 2024, Karan Johar sold 50 per cent stake of his production house - Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer of Serum Institute of India for Rs 1000 crore. The filmmaker recently spoke about this decision and shared that they needed funds for the growth of the company. I didnt want to do collaborative projects so that all the profitability stays with Dharma Productions. Our biggest hits at that time all had partners because we couldnt finance those films on our own ability, because we were new, Karan told Raj Shamani on his YouTube channel. Talking about his late father Yash Johars legacy, he shared, Those who say nepotism, they dont know my history. I inherited goodwill from my father but not money. Before Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, we had 5 flops in a row. Karan recalled that it was his film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that resurrected Dharma Productions. Kuch Kuch Hota Hais release in 1998 marked the beginning of Dharma Productions as a strong company. What I had was my fathers goodwill and his tremendous belief. He had tremendous goodwill, he was loved a lot but he didnt see success. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The director of the show Priyanka Ghose has reacted to the criticism and said she will try better next but there are people, who have liked The Royals and Ishaan-Bhumis chemistry read more Netflixs recent outing The Royals featuring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar with a special appearance of Zeenat Aman has been garnering criticism for its weak storytelling and the lack of chemistry between the lead pair. The director of the show Priyanka Ghose has now reacted to the criticism and said she will try better next but there are people, who have liked The Royals and Ishaan-Bhumis chemistry. With Bhumis casting by Netflix, I was actually very open to the idea of trying this new pairing. They are both such powerful actors, and I was excited to see them embody glamourous roles, which goes against both of their works so far. While Ishaan hasnt got a chance to play a glamorous mainstream hero role, Bhumi has always been like the queen of heartland India," she told India Today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talking about the chemistry, she added, If it didnt work for some people, I will try better next time. But there are also people who enjoyed the show and their chemistry. Its crazy how polarised the feedback has been." Ishaan is an intelligent actor, and he wouldnt have agreed to take his shirt off at the drop of a hat. He is always conscious of that, and there were times when he even discussed if we were overdoing it. There was actually an amazing fashionable wardrobe for him, and we would have loved to use more clothes on him," Priyanka shared. Claiming that Zeenats character was always a cameo, she went on to add, It was never meant to be a full track. Whenever we have legendary superstars making cameo appearances, we crave more, and the same happened with Zeenat maam. As much as I would have loved, the script had only those many scenes." The show also featured Sakshi Tanwar, Milind Soman, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, and others in prominent roles. A new investigation by the Tech Transparency Project, a nonprofit watchdog of major tech companies, has found that Elon Musks platform X has been receiving subscription payments from individuals and groups designated as terrorists by the United States. Those reportedly paying for Xs services include an Al-Qaeda adviser, a Hezbollah founder, the leader of an Iraqi militia accused of targeting US troops, and a senior Houthi official read more According to the group, more than 200 accounts tied to terrorist or sanctioned organisations in the US have bought blue tick subscriptions on X. Reuters/File Photo Elon Musks social media platform X has been accepting subscription fees from groups and individuals that are designated as terrorists by the United States, a new report has found. The Tech Transparency Project , a nonprofit that monitors big tech firms, carried out the investigation. It said X continued to collect payments from accounts that seemed to belong to leaders of Hezbollah and officials from the Houthi group. The study said those paying for Xs services include an Al-Qaeda adviser, a Hezbollah founder, the head of an Iraqi militia accused of attacking US troops, and a senior Houthi official. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Did Tesla try to replace Elon Musk behind the scenes? According to the group, more than 200 accounts tied to terrorist or sanctioned organisations in the US have bought blue tick subscriptions on X. In this explainer, we break down what the investigation found, who such subscribers are, and how the platform is being used to raise funds. Lets take a look: What the study reveals The Tech Transparency Project found that over 200 accounts on Elon Musks platform X, including those linked to Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and militia groups in Syria and Iraq, organisations the US government lists as foreign terrorist groups, are paying for subscriptions. This raises concerns because the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) bars American companies from doing business with people or groups under US sanctions, unless specifically authorised. Notably, Xs own rules state that users under OFAC sanctions are not allowed to access its premium features. It said X continued to collect payments from accounts that seemed to belong to leaders of Hezbollah and officials from the Houthi group. Reuters/File Photo Despite this, the study found that many of these accounts had an ID verified label, according to a report by The Independent. This badge is given after users upload a government ID and a selfie, which X then uses to confirm their identity. Several of these users also made use of Xs features that allow them to receive money, such as a tip button. The platform, which was earlier known as Twitter, once gave blue checkmarks to notable people. After Elon Musk took over, he turned it into a paid feature. Users now pay to access premium services like higher visibility in search results, the ability to edit posts, and the option to upload longer videos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the investigation shows, over 200 accounts linked to terrorist and sanctioned groups in the US have paid for these blue ticks. These transactions come at a time when Musk is also heading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce. In February, Musk criticised the Treasury Department for lacking basic controls to prevent payments from reaching terrorist groups or people not meant to receive them. ALSO READ | Video games, White House stays & mass firings: Inside Elon Musks time at Doge What are some of these accounts? X says that premium accounts receive a checkmark only after a review to make sure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria. Some of the accounts found by the Tech Transparency Project could belong to impersonators. However, several had an ID verified label, which is only given after the user submits a selfie and an official ID. One such account appears to belong to Subhi Tufayli, a founder of Hezbollah and the groups first secretary general. He has been on the US sanctions list since 1995. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His ID verified account, active since October 2023, has over 40,700 followers and regularly posts half-hour videos of his sermons, according to The New York Times. An account linked to Yemens Houthi rebels had a blue tick at one point, but X removed the badge last year after the first Tech Transparency Project report. These transactions come at a time when Musk is also heading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Reuters/File Photo Still, a new report by the group said that at least five senior Houthi officials later appeared to pay for checkmarks on X. These accounts, with more than 820,000 followers combined, include one under the name Hussain al-Ezzi, identified as a deputy foreign minister for the Houthis, who publicly asked Musk to let the group get verified again. Some of these accounts also used X to raise funds. They either made use of Xs tipping and subscription tools or asked followers to send funds through cryptocurrency links. Katie Paul, who leads the Tech Transparency Project, told The New York Times, There is clear evidence of these groups profiting and fundraising through X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Paul further said, They are sanctioned for a reason, and the fact that somebody who has such influence and power in the federal government is at the same time profiting from these designated terrorist groups and individuals is extremely concerning." What happened after the organisations first report? In February last year, the Tech Transparency Project first raised concerns about sanctioned groups using premium services on X. On the same day, Xs Safety account responded directly to the report, saying the platform has a robust and secure approach in place for our monetisation features, adhering to legal obligations, along with independent screening by our payments providers. Just hours after the report came out, X removed the checkmarks from all the accounts mentioned and later suspended many of them. However, according to The New York Times, within a month, several of these accounts managed to buy the blue badges again and have kept them since. China is preparing to test Jiu Tian, a massive unmanned aerial mothership capable of releasing over 100 drones in coordinated swarm attacks. With stealth capabilities, high-altitude endurance and modular strike payloads, the system may redefine drone warfare read more Jiu Tian is reportedly capable of releasing a swarm of 100 drones that can work together and overwhelm the enemy's air defence systems. Representational Image/X China is preparing to launch a game-changing addition to its military arsenal: the Jiu Tian, a high-altitude, long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to function as an airborne mothership for drone swarms. With its maiden flight expected as early as June this year, the Jiu Tian which translates to High Sky or Nine Heavens marks a significant leap forward in drone warfare capabilities . The massive aerial platform, referred to by observers as a drone mothership, has been designed to launch coordinated swarms of over 100 smaller drones, including loitering munitions and kamikaze UAVs, in a single sortie. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft is poised to act as an airborne command node, capable of conducting strike missions, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare at high altitudes beyond the reach of many modern air defence systems. Experts believe the drones deployment could alter the balance of aerial power, especially in strategically sensitive regions like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Developed by the private Chinese aerospace firm Jiutian and first revealed publicly at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, the Jiu Tian is part of Chinas fast-paced effort to field next-generation unmanned systems. Its imminent test flight will mark a milestone in Beijings broader military modernisation campaign. What we know about the Jiu Tian Jiu Tian is a fifth-generation unmanned aircraft that falls under the category of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) platforms. With a take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a 25-metre wingspan, it can carry up to six tonnes of payload including precision-guided weapons, reconnaissance equipment and more than 100 smaller drones across a range of up to 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles). Designed to operate at altitudes reaching 15,000 metres (50,000 feet), the jet-powered UAV has been constructed with both stealth and versatility in mind. Its altitude capability allows it to fly above many radar systems deployed around the world, increasing its survivability and enhancing its potential as a force multiplier in contested environments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft reportedly features eight external hardpoints for carrying a diverse array of payloads. These include surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12E. According to the manufacturer, the Jiu Tians interior has a modular design, which allows for rapid reconfiguration depending on the mission whether it involves military strike operations, border defence, public security, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue or high-risk logistics transport. What is unique about the Jiu Tian One of the defining features of Jiu Tian is its capacity to deploy coordinated swarms of micro-UAVs. A video released on Chinese state media showcases the aircraft ejecting dozens of small drones simultaneously from both sides of its fuselage. China's Jiutian super-high altitude, long endurance drone. With an flight ceiling of 15km, this drone can fly ABOVE the operation ceiling of pretty much all air defense systems. Which means, once the PLA air force gains air superiority over an area, this drone will be able to pic.twitter.com/iQea6GA9b0 China Perspective (@China_Fact) May 18, 2025 Once airborne, these drones are intended to act in unison, sharing data and executing missions autonomously or semi-autonomously. When fully operational, the aircraft is expected to deploy drone swarms to overwhelm enemy defences through saturation tactics. These drones could conduct simultaneous attacks on radars, communication infrastructure, or troop concentrations, making it difficult for defenders to mount an effective response. This capability represents a major evolution in the application of UAVs in modern warfare. Rather than focusing solely on individual drone strikes or reconnaissance, the new platform is designed to coordinate and launch large-scale swarm attacks an approach that is becoming increasingly central to military doctrine worldwide. The big question: Should we be worried? The timing and nature of Jiu Tians development are drawing global attention, particularly as tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific. Chinas assertive posture toward Taiwan which Beijing views as a breakaway province has fuelled concerns among analysts and policymakers about the regional applications of such advanced drone technology. Today, 80 years later, we share the same values and face similar challenges as many of the democracies that participated in the European war, Taiwans President Lai Ching-te said during a recent commemoration , pointing out the islands ongoing concerns about Chinese aggression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the new UAV has yet to be deployed, its potential use in future flashpoints particularly across the Taiwan Strait could significantly complicate defence planning for the United States and its allies. In such scenarios, a high-endurance mothership capable of launching kamikaze drone swarms could be used to disrupt radar systems, saturate air defences and maintain persistent strike capabilities without risking manned aircraft. According to multiple defence observers, the Jiu Tian is intended to rival advanced US UAV platforms like the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper. While those American models specialise in strategic surveillance and multirole missions, neither is currently capable of launching coordinated drone swarms. Jiutians concept is also seen as building on the legacy of programs like DARPAs Gremlins initiative in the United States, which explored using motherships to launch and retrieve smaller UAVs, reported online defence and security magazine Army Recognition. However, unlike the Gremlins programme, Chinas version appears to be much closer to deployment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How China is modernising its military The test flight of Jiu Tian is not occurring in isolation. It is part of a broader military acceleration that includes the development of Chinas sixth-generation fighter jet programme and increased naval and missile testing. This aligns with Chinas push toward an integrated multi-domain force, in which unmanned aerial systems play a leading role. Drone warfare has increasingly shaped modern conflicts , with lessons drawn from Ukraines successful use of FPV (first-person view) drones against Russian armoured units. Pat Harrigan, a US Congressman, recently stated that FPV drones were responsible for 80 per cent of Russian casualties in Ukraine. China, too, has been investing heavily in unmanned systems. Earlier this year, it tested the TP1000 the countrys first drone capable of transporting over one tonne of cargo. Other notable platforms include the stealthy CH-7, the medium-altitude Wing Loong-X, and the TB-001 Scorpion, which has been seen flying near disputed areas in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait . Unlike many of Chinas earlier UAVs developed solely by state-run enterprises, Jiu Tian is being produced by a private company Jiutian in collaboration with state-backed firms like Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This represents a growing trend where China is leveraging commercial innovation to bolster its defence industry. The decision to fast-track the drones development with a prototype unveiled in 2024 and flight testing scheduled for mid-2025 illustrates how quickly China is moving to integrate private-sector capabilities into its military modernisation plans. The drones architecture is said to be modular, allowing for easy upgrades and mission-specific customisation, even as it remains in the testing phase. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Travel YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was recently arrested over alleged spying for Pakistan, is now in the spotlight after one of her older videos resurfaced on social media. The clip shows her visiting the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, where she is seen meeting Danish, an official at the mission, along with a few others. Notably, Danish, alias Ehsan-ur-Rahim, was expelled by India after he was declared persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic status in India read more The clip gained attention since it features the YouTuber meeting Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission, along with a few other officials. Image: News18 Travel YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been in the spotlight after she was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan and passing on sensitive information about India during Operation Sindoor. One of her videos , which shows a visit to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, is now being widely shared on social media. The clip gained attention since it features the YouTuber meeting Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission, along with a few other officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | YouTuber, student and more: Who are the Pakistani spies arrested in India? Notably, Danish was expelled by India earlier this month after he was found to be involved in actions that went against diplomatic rules, especially linked to an intelligence leak in Punjab. In this explainer, we look at who Danish is, what the video filmed at the Pakistan High Commission shows, and what more is known about the case so far. Lets take a look: Who is Danish? Danish, alias Ehsan-ur-Rahim, was declared persona non grata for carrying out activities that did not match his official status in India. The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. It has been claimed that this staffer is the same person Jyoti met. Jyoti first came into contact with Danish during a visit to the Pakistan High Commission in 2023, where he helped her with her visa extension and arranged a homestay. According to The Times of India, Danish, who was expelled on May 13 this year, also allegedly introduced her to certain handlers, including two men named Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. What Jyotis video shows about alleged ties with Danish One name that stands out in videos from the Pakistan High Commission is Danish. The video, shared on her YouTube channel Travel With Jo, caught the attention of social media users as it shows Malhotra meeting Danish along with a few other officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malhotra is also seen meeting Rahims wife, and from their exchange, it appears they have known each other for a while and have met on several occasions. The video, uploaded on March 30 last year, opens with Malhotra saying she was invited to an Iftar party. She then enters the High Commission and describes the decorations as superb. She greets Danish, asks how he is, and says she is happy to see him. A man, whose face is not visible but is believed to be Rahim, introduces her to others and mentions that she runs the Travel With Jo YouTube channel. Talking to her viewers in a mix of Hindi and English, Malhotra says, I am mesmerised. I have no words. I am excited, super duper excited. ALSO READ | Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, Owaisi and more The Indian leaders tasked with exposing Pakistans terrorism globally Jyotis meeting with Danishs wife, other officials Danish introduces Malhotra to his wife, and they exchange greetings. He then talks to the YouTuber about Pakistan Day. I am very happy after getting such a big welcome and these arrangements, Malhotra says. Rahim replies, This is what Pakistanis are like. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malhotra invites Rahim and his wife to her home in Hisar, Haryana. You should come and experience the hospitality in our village. Its very similar, she tells them. She then goes around speaking to other guests, asking if they have visited Pakistan. When they say yes, she responds, Id like to go too. She tells another YouTuber, Hopefully Ill get a visa and we can go together. Malhotra also speaks to some Chinese officials, asking them for a visa. Give me a visa! she told them. She meets Rahim again and says that he looks quite busy attending to everyone at the dinner. Later, she speaks to another Pakistani official, mentioning that he manages everything at the embassy. Every time Ive come here, three or four times now, hes taken down my details and asked me to leave my phone and things outside. He is a very nice man, she says. She also asks a newly joined Pakistani official for a visa, saying, Do give me a visa this time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malhotra praises the food and the arrangements, and before leaving, she speaks to Rahim again and tells him how pleased she was to be invited. Jyoti Malhotras arrest The YouTuber was taken into custody by Civil Lines police in Haryana and charged under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A local court sent her to five days of police custody. Her arrest came a week after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. Jyoti ran a YouTube channel named Travel with Joe, which has over 3.2 lakh subscribers. She also has a large following on Instagram (@travelwithjo1) with 1.37 lakh followers, along with active accounts on Facebook and Snapchat. Her posts show she enjoys biking and solo travel. She has explored several places across India and other parts of Asia, including Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, and China. She has visited Pakistan twice. Her first trip was in 2023, for which she got her visa through commission agents. She returned to Pakistan two months ago and posted several videos and reels from her journey, including visits to Lahores Anarkali Bazaar, the Katas Raj Temple Complex in Punjab, and a cross-country bus ride. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police say Malhotra was in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence officers and passed on sensitive information using WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. It is also claimed that she was told by her handlers to promote a positive image of Pakistan through her content. She has confessed to her role. Her travel history includes four visits to Pakistan, and she maintained encrypted communication with handlers on WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat, DSP Kamaljit Singh was quoted as saying by The Economic Times. With inputs from agencies Frances plan to build a 400 million high-security prison in the Amazonian town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni has triggered fierce backlash from French Guianas leaders. Touted as a tool against narcotrafficking, the project has revived painful memories of colonial-era penal colonies and left locals asking why they werent consulted before such a massive decision read more French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to residents (not pictured) at a cafe, during a walk in Cayenne, French Guiana, October 28, 2017. File Image/Reuters A newly announced plan by the French government to build a high-security prison in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in French Guiana has been subject to criticism, putting a spotlight on deep-rooted colonial-era grievances. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin unveiled the project during a recent visit to the French overseas territory, presenting it as a strategic step in Frances broader effort to disrupt organised crime, particularly narcotrafficking networks that originate in South America and reach into Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The planned facility will be constructed in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a northwestern border town near Suriname, a region historically associated with Frances penal past. Critics have described the move as both politically provocative and historically insensitive, while French authorities maintain it is a necessary and calculated intervention to counter escalating violence and drug crime in the region. What we know about the French prison Darmanin, known for his strict stance on law enforcement from his prior tenure as Interior Minister, said the new prison will play a key role in Frances multipronged campaign against narcotics trafficking. In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, Darmanin explained, My strategy is simple hit organised crime at all levels. He added, Here in Guiana, at the start of the drug trafficking route. In mainland France, by neutralising the network leaders. And all the way to consumers. This prison will be a safeguard in the war against narcotrafficking. The facility, which will cost an estimated 400 million (approximately $451 million), is scheduled to open in 2028 and will include 500 inmate slots, of which 60 will be designated for high-security detainees under an extremely strict regime. An additional 15 spots will be allocated specifically for individuals convicted of radical Islamist activities. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was selected because of its geographical significance as a trafficking corridor. The town is a primary point of departure for drug couriers, particularly those known as mules, many of whom attempt to travel from neighbouring Brazil and Suriname to Pariss Orly Airport, often carrying cocaine internally or in their luggage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A general view of the Oiapoque river, the border with French Guiana in Oiapoque, in the state of Amapa, Brazil, October 30, 2020. File Image/Reuters The justice minister said placing the prison in such a location would allow France to detain suspects at the earliest link in the supply chain. 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, Darmanin said. French prison aimed at tackling organised crime The proposed prison is also meant to alleviate chronic overcrowding in French Guianas correctional system, which currently struggles to house both local and transferred inmates. Darmanin cited growing threats posed by powerful criminal gangs, saying they are often able to corrupt officials with illicit funds and continue orchestrating criminal activity even from within detention facilities. Citizens in overseas territories must be able to have the same level of security as those in mainland France, the minister said, stating that French Guiana deserves the same level of institutional support and infrastructure as other French departments. According to French authorities, 49 high-level drug traffickers are already in custody in French Guiana and other French overseas territories. Darmanin noted that many of them are extremely dangerous and are not being held under conditions secure enough to prevent continued criminal coordination from prison. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recent national security legislation introduced by the French government is also part of this wider plan. It includes the creation of a special prosecutorial branch dedicated to tackling organised crime, increased investigative powers, stricter rules for prison visitation and communication, and protection protocols for informants. These reforms follow a string of violent incidents targeting prison infrastructure in mainland France, including attacks where vehicles were set ablaze and gunfire was reported, such as the incident at La Farlede prison in Toulon. Officials believe these assaults were orchestrated in retaliation against the states tougher measures and may be aimed at intimidating the justice system. How local leaders have reacted The reaction among local political figures has been one of anger and disbelief. Jean-Paul Fereira, acting president of French Guianas territorial collective, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the lack of prior consultation. It is therefore with astonishment and indignation that the elected members of the Collectivity discovered, with the entire population of Guiana, the information detailed in Le Journal Du Dimanche, he wrote in a post on social media. Fereira stressed that while there is widespread support for stronger crime-fighting initiatives in the region, the original 2017 agreement with the French government outlined the construction of a standard correctional facility, not a high-security installation for Frances most dangerous offenders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While all local elected officials have long been calling for strong measures to curb the rise of organised crime in our territory, Guiana is not meant to welcome criminals and radicalised people from (mainland France), Fereira noted. Jean-Victor Castor, a member of the French National Assembly representing French Guiana, also denounced the move. In a written appeal to the French Prime Minister, he described the project as an insult to our history, a political provocation and a colonial regression. Castor called on the government to reconsider and withdraw the plan altogether. What history tell us While the French government maintains the project is a rational response to escalating crime, its announcement has triggered significant backlash in French Guiana due to the regions infamous history as a penal colony. Between 1852 and 1954, France transported 70,000 prisoners to the area, including political detainees such as Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was wrongfully convicted of espionage and exiled to Devils Island part of the now-defunct penal complex. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was the original disembarkation point for inmates, and many of the old prison structures remain visible today. The regions grim past has been immortalised in literature and film, most famously in Henri Charrieres novel Papillon, which was adapted into two Hollywood films, the first in 1973 starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For many locals, the decision to reintroduce a carceral facility so close to this symbolic site is not only tone-deaf but a reminder of a traumatic legacy. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Pakistan, China, and Taliban foreign ministers will hold strategic talks in Beijing today. US Vice President JD Vance is likely to visit Israel, but some reports suggest he has cancelled his trip amid Gaza tensions. In India, the Supreme Court hear pleas challenging the Waqf Act read more Members of the Taliban carrying flags participate in a rally to mark the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul, in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 14, 2024. File Image/Reuters May 20, 2025, is marked by significant global developments. US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly cancelled his planned visit to Israel amid concerns over the Israeli militarys new operation in Gaza. In Beijing, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi are engaging in trilateral talks with Chinese officials to discuss regional stability and cooperation. In India, the Supreme Court is set to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taiwan marks the first anniversary of President Lai Ching-tes inauguration, amidst ongoing tensions with China. Meanwhile, the literary world awaits the announcement of the International Booker Prize 2025 winner at a ceremony in London. Is JD Vance going to Israel? US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly decided against visiting Israel, as initially planned, due to the Israeli militarys new operation in Gaza, dubbed Gideons Chariots. The operation aims to displace the entire population of Gaza to a designated humanitarian zone, raising international humanitarian concerns. US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, US, February 4, 2025. File Image/Reuters Vances decision reflects the Trump administrations desire to avoid signalling endorsement of Israels large-scale actions, while officially citing logistical reasons. The administration is also working to reach a negotiated halt to the hostilities to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe, allow aid into Gaza, and secure the release of additional hostages. Pakistan, Taliban, and China talk in Beijing Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is on a three-day official visit to China, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions aim to address the shifting regional dynamics in South Asia and the potential consequences for regional peace and stability. Additionally, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to join the talks, focusing on expanding trilateral cooperation and limiting Indias influence in Afghanistan. SC to hear pleas on Waqf (Amendment) Act The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 . The hearing will focus on the limited point of granting interim relief to the petitioners. Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has indicated that the court will not permit challenges to the original Waqf Act, 1995, within these petitions. Lai Ching-te marks one year in office Taiwans President Lai Ching-te marks the first anniversary of his inauguration today. The occasion comes amid heightened tensions with China, which has increased military activities near Taiwan. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. File Image/Reuters Lai has expressed support for the countrys military forces and highlighted unity and commitment to protecting Taiwans security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD International Booker Prize 2025 The winner of the International Booker Prize 2025 will be announced today at a ceremony at Tate Modern in London. The prize celebrates outstanding books translated into English , highlighting literary excellence from around the world. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in Indias Calicut on May 20, 1498, becoming the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. After being initially welcomed, tensions quickly arose between the Portuguese and local merchants, particularly Muslim traders who dominated the Indian Ocean trade. On this day in 1873, blue jeans were officially patented in the United States read more A painting by Alfredo Roque Gameiro showing the arrival of the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (c. 1469-1525) at Calicut in India. One of the most remarkable moments in Indian history took place on May 20, 1498, when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut on the Malabar Coast. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in global history as he was able to discover a direct maritime route to India. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The official patenting of blue jeans in the United States on May 20, 1873, represents the genesis of one of the most enduring and recognisable garments in the history of fashion. Here is all that took place on this day across the world. Vasco da Gama arrives in India Who does not know about Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama? Well, it was on May 20, 1498, that he stepped foot in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode, Kerala), thus, becoming the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. Departing from Lisbon, Portugal in July 1497, da Gamas expedition navigated around the Cape of Good Hope and subsequently reached anchorage at Malindi, situated on the eastern coast of Africa. Here he met an Indian merchant and with his aid, he set off across the Indian Ocean. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Representational Image Upon his arrival in Calicut, Vasco da Gama encountered a significant and prosperous trading city under the governance of the Zamorin, a powerful regional ruler. Although his initial reception was cordial, his mission ultimately met with limited success. According to History.com, the gifts presented by da Gama were deemed of insufficient value by the Zamorins court and tensions swiftly escalated between the Portuguese contingent and local merchants, notably the Muslim traders who held a dominant position in the Indian Ocean trade networks. Notwithstanding the challenging diplomatic climate, da Gama successfully procured a limited cargo of spices and returned to Portugal in 1499. Although the expedition spanned nearly two years, it was celebrated as a pivotal achievement, establishing the sea route to India and affording Portugal a considerable advantage in the international spice trade, thereby inaugurating a new epoch of European exploration and colonial expansion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Blue jeans were patented On this day in 1873, blue jeans were officially patented in the United States, marking the birth of one of the most iconic garments in fashion history. The patent was granted to Jacob W Davis, a tailor from Nevadas Reno and Levi Strauss, a German-born businessman based in San Francisco. Jacob Davis had been producing sturdy trousers for miners, utilising denim fabric sourced from Levi Strauss. In 1871, he developed a distinctive technique involving the application of metal rivets to reinforce points of high stress on the aforementioned trousers, specifically including the pockets and the base of the fly. This innovation provided exceptional durability upon the garments, rendering them ideally suited for the demanding conditions faced by labourers during the California Gold Rush . Recognising the significant commercial potential inherent in this concept but lacking the personal resources to secure a patent, Davis initiated contact with Levi Strauss to propose a collaborative venture. The patent was granted to Jacob W Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873. Representational Image Together, they applied for a patent, which was granted as US Patent No. 139,121 for the process of improvement in fastening pocket openings. This patent officially marked the invention of riveted blue jeans. Once the jeans were patented, Strauss brought Davis to San Francisco to oversee the first manufacturing facility for waist overalls, as the original jeans were known. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first jeans were made from brown duck canvas and blue denim, and featured copper rivets, a button fly and a leather patch - features still associated with jeans today. At first, they employed seamstresses working out of their homes, but by the 1880s, Strauss had opened his own factory. Initially designed as durable workwear, blue jeans gained popularity across different professions and eventually became a staple of American casual wear. With inputs from agencies India deployed its T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) during Operation Sindoor. The T-72 a Soviet-made battle tank designed by Uralvagonzavod. Manufactured by six countries including India, it is used by the armed forces of around three dozen nations including Russia, India, Iraq, Finland and Germany read more The T-72 tank is used by armies of over three dozen nations including Russia, India, Iraq, Yugoslavia and Finland. Reuters India used a number of arms and equipment to inflict damage on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. India conducted a number of strikes on terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Now, it turns out, that India deployed its T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) during the operation. But what do we know about the tanks? How were they used? Lets take a closer look What do we know about T-72 tanks? As per Financial Express, the T-72 (MBT) is a Soviet-made battle tank. Designed by Soviet firm Uralvagonzavod, it was first introduced in 1971. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per ArmyRecognition.com, it has its origins in the Russian main battle tank T-72A. The T-72 MBT was inducted by the Russian armed forces in 1984. As per The Tank Museum.org, the T-72 is one of the most widely used battle tanks across the world. Manufactured by six countries, it is used by the armed forces of around three dozen nations. This includes Russia, Yugoslavia, India, Iraq, Finland and Germany. As per ArmyRecognition.com, the T-72 has one 125mm gun, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and one 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Weighing 44,500 kilos, it has a top speed of 60 kmph. It has an armour of 200 mm which offers those inside greater protection. The tank has a range of around 500 kilometres. The modernized T-72 tank with additional armour. Image courtesy: Vitaly V. Kuzmin. Wikimedia Commons It is 9.53 metres long, 6.86 metres wide and 3.46 metres tall. It comes with fire control system, laser range-finder and NBC protection system. It can carry a three-man crew. It carries 44 rounds of 125 mm ammunition of which 22 rounds are carried on an automatic loading carousel, as per Economic Times. As per TheTankMuseum.org, the T-72 has been deployed in every major battle of the past two decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The T-72 is the mainstay of the Indian Armys tank fleet. In India, the T-72 is manufactured at Heavy Vehicles Factory in Chennais Avadi. The Indian Army currently has around 2,500 such tanks fitted with 780 HP engines. As per Financial Express, the latest version of the T-72 features a Global Positioning System (GPS), Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), and an Integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS). The tank is known for its ability to cross rivers, as per the newspaper. How were they used during Operation Sindoor? An army officer told NDTV that the tanks came all the way up to the Line of Control and took out specific targets . They were used to destroy any positions by which terrorists could enter India. We also hit enemy posts which were facilitating infiltration. We know which posts are used as bases for infiltration by the enemy. An informed call was taken and the targets were hit, the colonel, speaking on condition of anonymity, told NDTV. Though India and Pakistan have called a ceasefire, New Delhi has warned that any further terror attacks will be considered an act of war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ministry of Defence in 2025 signed a $248 million deal to buy 1,000 HP engines from Rosoboronexport. The new acquisition of 1,000 HP engines will replace engines of the existing fleet to enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army, the ministry said in a statement. Indias Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, bottom right, addresses a press conference after India struck multiple sites inside Pakistani-occupied Kashmir with missiles under Operation Sindoor, in New Delhi, India, on May 7, 2025. AP File The deal also included a Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Rosoboronexport to Indias state-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory) under the Make in India initiative. The Indian defence ministry in 2023 had announced it would make nearly 600 indigenous tanks to replace its aging fleet of T-72s. India is the worlds largest arms importer and Russia has been its top defence supplier for decades, although Moscows ability to provide systems was damaged by its war in Ukraine, which has made New Delhi look more westward for suppliers. With inputs from agencies Following Indias successful attempt at downing a Chinese-made PL-15 missile during Operation Sindoor, global powers such as France, Japan and even the Five Eyes nations have expressed interest in studying the wreckage of the rocket. The missiles capabilities and vulnerabilities had been shrouded in mystery until the India-Pakistan hostilities read more Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajiv Ghai with Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod during a press conference on 'Operation Sindoor', in New Delhi. File image/PTI The dust is settling on the India and Pakistan recent hostilities and new details from the countrys military strikes and Islamabads retaliatory counter-fire keeps emerging. One of the many revelations from the military action is that the Indian Air Force deftly neutralised the Chinese-made PL-15E air-to-air missile fired by Pakistan at the press briefing on May 12, Indian officials displayed the wreckage of the rocket with Indian Air Forces Air Marshal AK Bharti confirming that Islamabad had employed advanced Chinese weaponry, including the PL-15E missile, in its strike against India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, in a significant development, the international intelligence community, including the Five Eyes nations, have expressed interest in accessing parts of the missile for a detailed examination. But why are countries wanting the PL-15 missile wreckage? We analyse and get you the answer. India recovers Chinese-made PL-15 missile According to news reports, Indian authorities retrieved fragments of a PL-15 missile in a field in Punjabs Hoshiarpur district. This was after Pakistan rained down a swarm of drones and missiles on civilian and military infrastructure, targeting areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Punjab.Pakistan had, in fact, launched an attack using up to 400 drones. In these exchanges, parts of Pakistans Chinese-built PL-15E missiles fell inside Indian territory. This includes one missile that reportedly came down near the village of Kamahi Devi in the Hoshiarpur district of the Punjab region with significant portions intact. Fully intact Chinese PL-15 long range air-to-air missile recovered from Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Obviously fired from a PAF jet, likely a JF-17Failed to detonate. Yesterday HQ-9B AD system gets smoked in Lahore by an Harop, now this. Tells you a bit about Chinese weapons quality pic.twitter.com/PUfTHSTILA Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) May 9, 2025 Moreover, smaller PL-15 parts were reportedly found elsewhere in Punjab after the air battle. Later, on May 12, in a press briefing, wreckage of the PL-15 missile was displayed. Additionally, wreckage of long-range rockets, loiter munitions and unmanned aerial systems, including Turkish-origin Yiha and Songar drones, which were brought down by Indias air defence systems, was also displayed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Army personnel display parts of a PL-15 air-to-air missile used by Pakistan to attack India, during a demonstration near the India-Pakistan border, Punjab. PTI Countries seek to investigate PL-15 wreckage With India announcing that it had found the debris of the PL-15 missile, many global powers including the Five Eyes nations, along with France and Japan want access to it. According to experts, the recovery of the Chinese-made missile is a boon, as it will be able to provide valuable details about its capabilities and limitations, which can then be used to help with the development of new countermeasures and tactics, techniques, and procedures. In fact, France and Japan, which have heavily invested in advanced air-to-air missile systems, will gain knowledge from the secretive PL-15 missile. The foreign countries are hoping to ascertain the missiles radar signature, motor composition, guidance technology, and possibly even the elusive architecture of its AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. France, especially, would be wanting to study the missile as it is considered a direct threat to the Meteor missile. With a ramjet propulsion system and a significant no-escape zone", the Meteor has long been the benchmark for air dominance. However, the PL-15Es longer range and AESA guidance have positioned it as a formidable rival. Pakistans use of the PL-15 missile, a first in warfare, also highlights Chinas growing role as a military supplier. The Five Eyes and Japan view Beijings expanding influence in Asia as a strategic challenge, especially in the Indo-Pacific security framework. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While experts note that the PL-15 missile wreckage presents a windfall, it is still be ascertained if intelligence can be gleaned from it. It is unclear if critical components of the missile are intact. The PL-15 missile is seen as a cornerstone of Chinas growing ability to contest air superiority. File image About Chinas PL-15 missile But whats the big deal over the PL-15 missile . The PL-15 is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed by Chinas Luoyang-based China Airborne Missile Academy (CAMA). It has a maximum operational range reportedly between 200 to 300 kilometres and even up to 400 kilometres under certain conditions. The missile employs active radar guidance, satellite navigation and inertial navigation systems, and uses a dual-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds greater than Mach 4. Chinese media reports confirm that the PL-15 can be launched from multiple platforms, including the J-20, J-16, J-10C, J-11B, and the JF-17 aircraft. The advanced J-20 stealth fighter can carry four PL-15 missiles in its internal weapons bay. The PL-15 is often compared to the US-made AIM-120D, which has a range of around 160 km and a top speed of Mach 4. The PL-15 is believed to perform better in both speed and range. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is also comparable to the European Meteor missile, with a range of 100-200 km. The Meteor, manufactured by MBDA, is known for its ramjet propulsion and large no-escape zone. Chinese analysts, however, have questioned the Meteors effectiveness. Military expert Song Xinzhi told state broadcaster CCTV that the Meteors ramjet engine could create drag due to its two large air intakes potentially reducing its performance. He added that the PL-15 used a dual-pulse solid rocket motor. It rapidly accelerates to Mach 3+ in seconds during its initial phase, then coasts inertially before reigniting in the terminal phase creating two no-escape zones at different ranges, Song said. Until now, the PL-15 missile has been shrouded in mystery. In fact, as News18 reports that it has never before been recovered from a live conflict, let alone largely undamaged. With inputs from agencies The 1972 Napalm Girl photo has long been credited to APs Nick Ut, but a 2025 documentary and a World Press Photo review suggest another Vietnamese photographer may have taken the image. World Press Photo has suspended authorship attribution. The APs latest investigation maintains Uts credit but admits the case remains unresolved read more Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Nick Ut, centre, flanked by Kim Phuc, left, holds the "Napalm Girl", his Pulitzer Prize winning photo as they wait to meet with Pope Francis during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, May 11, 2022. File Image/AP One of the most haunting images ever captured in the history of photojournalism a naked, terrified child fleeing a napalm bombing during the Vietnam War has found itself at the centre of a growing controversy over who actually took it. For over five decades, this photograph, officially titled The Terror of War but more commonly known as the Napalm Girl, has been credited to Nick Ut, a then 21-year-old Vietnamese photojournalist working for the Associated Press (AP). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Uts photograph, taken on June 8, 1972, just outside the village of Trang Bang, depicted nine-year-old Phan Thi Kim Phuc running along a road with her body burned and clothes torn off after a South Vietnamese airstrike dropped napalm near where she and her family had taken refuge. The image quickly became one of the defining visuals of the Vietnam War, published on the front pages of over 20 major US newspapers and later awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the 1973 World Press Photo of the Year. South Vietnamese forces follow after terrified children, including 9-year-old Kim Phuc, centre, as they run down Route 1 near Trang Bang after an aerial napalm attack on suspected Viet Cong hiding places, June 8, 1972. File Image/AP However, more than 50 years later, a recent documentary and subsequent investigations have cast doubt on the long-standing narrative surrounding the photographs origin. The controversy, explained In January 2025, a film titled The Stringer, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, brought renewed scrutiny to the photographs authorship. Directed by Bao Nguyen, the documentary introduces an alternate account, suggesting that the image may have been taken by a different Vietnamese photographer, Nguyen Thanh Nghe. According to the film, Nghe, who worked as a driver for NBC but also sold photographs as a freelancer, might have been the true author of the iconic image. Several witnesses in the documentary including Nghes daughter Jannie, his brother (who says he delivered the film to the AP), former AP photo editor Carl Robinson, and other photojournalists who worked in Saigon support the claim that Nghe sold the photograph to Horst Faas, APs Saigon bureau photo chief, for $20 and a print. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The documentary also includes an analysis conducted by the French NGO Index, whose forensic experts examined photographs attributed to Ut and concluded it was highly unlikely he was the person who took the picture in question. Nghe himself makes an appearance in the documentary to confirm his version of events. Reaction from World Press Photo Following the release of the documentary and growing media interest, the World Press Photo Foundation launched its own internal investigation between January and May 2025. On May 16, the organisation announced that it had decided to suspend the attribution of authorship for the 1972 award-winning photo. The review examined elements such as the positioning of photographers on the scene, distance from the subjects, and camera models used that day. It concluded that either Nguyen Thanh Nghe or another Vietnamese photographer, Huynh Cong Phuc, might have been in a better location to capture the image than Ut. While suspending the author attribution, World Press Photo made clear that it was not retracting the award. The photograph itself remains undisputed, said the organisation in a statement. And the World Press Photo award for this significant photo of a major moment in 20th-century history remains a fact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The foundations executive director, Joumana El Zein Khoury, stated that the decision was grounded in its core principles. Based on these findings and according to our values of accuracy, trustworthiness and diversity, we draw conclusions with regards to attribution, she said. It is important to state that the picture itself is undisputed and it is without question that this photograph represents a real moment in history that continues to reverberate in Vietnam, the United States, and globally. AP maintains Ut as credited photographer In response to the growing challenge to the photographs authorship, the Associated Press undertook a renewed internal investigation its second in less than four months. On May 13, the AP published a 96-page report detailing the findings of its latest inquiry. The AP stated that while it found it possible Ut took the photograph, there was no conclusive evidence to firmly confirm or deny that claim. It also found no solid proof that Nguyen Thanh Nghe had taken the image instead. We left nothing uncovered that were aware of and weve done it with a great deal of respect to everybody involved, said Derl McCrudden, APs vice-president of global news production. Also Read | History Today: How the My Lai massacre unfolded during the Vietnam War STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It makes no difference to us if we changed the credit, but it has to be based on facts and evidence. And there is no definitive evidence proving that Nick Ut did not take this picture. The APs investigation included interviews with individuals present on June 8, 1972, forensic analysis of the cameras, surviving negatives from that day, and even the creation of a 3D model of the scene. However, the report acknowledged inconsistencies in the narratives on both sides. It pointed out that the photo had likely been taken using a Pentax camera, contradicting Uts long-standing claim that he used a Leica. It also noted that Nguyen himself had revised earlier accounts, stating he was not working for NBC on that particular day. Out of the 10 people the AP managed to interview who were present at the scene, only Nguyen contested Uts claim to authorship. Moreover, the APs report concluded that accepting Nguyens story required several leaps of faith, including believing that the only time he ever sold a photograph to a Western media outlet happened to coincide with capturing one of the most globally recognised images of the century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The story behind the photograph The day the photo was taken, South Vietnamese forces had been attempting to retake Trang Bang from communist troops. After several days of fighting, the South Vietnamese air force deployed Skyraider planes to bomb what they believed were enemy positions. Unbeknownst to them, the civilians including Kim Phuc and her family were still sheltering in a nearby Buddhist temple. When the planes dropped napalm, panic broke out. Soldiers and civilians fled, including Kim Phuc, who tore off her burning clothes and ran onto Route 1. Ut, along with other journalists, was already stationed near the village, anticipating military action. After taking several photographs, including the now-famous shot, Ut assisted the injured children. He placed them in his van and drove nearly 30 minutes to a hospital. There, doctors initially refused to admit them due to a lack of space. Ut intervened by presenting his press credentials and warning staff that the image would be seen across the world. If one of them dies youll be in trouble, he told the hospital, according to a 2015 Vanity Fair interview. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He then returned to the AP office in Saigon, where he developed the film. Several of the images from that day were powerful, but one stood out immediately. When I went back to my office, the (dark room technician) and everyone who saw the picture told me right away it was very powerful, and that the photo would win a Pulitzer, Ut later said. Their prediction proved accurate. In 1973, the photograph won both the Pulitzer Prize and the World Press Photo of the Year award. The enduring legacy of the Napalm Girl Though it did not single-handedly end the Vietnam War or dramatically shift public opinion which had already soured by the early 1970s the photo became a potent symbol of the conflicts human cost and helped galvanize anti-war sentiment globally. Phan Thi Kim Phuc, who survived the attack after spending 14 months in hospitals, later became a peace activist. Residing in Canada now, she remains in contact with Ut to this day. Her aspirations of becoming a doctor were cut short after the communist regime in Vietnam removed her from medical school, using her instead for propaganda purposes. Meanwhile, Ut retired in later years but continues to defend his place in history. This whole thing has been very difficult for me and has caused great pain, he told the AP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also maintains that powerful war photography remains relevant even in the digital age, especially in the context of modern conflicts like the war in Ukraine . As for the image itself, World Press Photo acknowledges that the question of who took it may never be definitively answered. This remains contested history, and it is possible that the author of the photograph will never be fully confirmed, the group stated. The suspension of the authorship attribution stands unless it is proved otherwise. With inputs from agencies Nitasha Kaul, a UK-based Indian-origin academician and author, said that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status has been cancelled for her work on the governments anti-minority and anti-democratic policies. Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit British citizen, is a professor at the University of Westminster in London read more Nitasha Kaul also identifies as a Kashmiri novelist. She has authored multiple books that include Residue, Future Tense, and Imagining Economics Otherwise. Image courtesy: X//@NitashaKaul Professor Nitasha Kaul, a London-based academic of Indian origin, revealed on Sunday that the Government of India has cancelled her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, accusing her of indulging in anti-India activities. Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit British citizen, currently works as a professor at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster in London. The OCI, or Overseas Citizenship of India, is a special status offered to people of Indian origin who have taken up foreign citizenship. It grants them a multiple entry, life-long visa for visiting India, allowing them to travel and stay without restrictions, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what led to the revocation of Kauls OCI status? What exactly did she do? Heres everything you need to know. Punishing me for work on anti-democratic policies On May 18, Professor Nitasha Kaul took to social media to share a notice from the Indian government informing her of the cancellation of her OCI status. She posted an image showing a section of the official letter she had received. Know that arresting academics in #India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country & family for academics outside India. Idea is to send a signal dont dare challenge us within & dont dare analyse whats going on to convey to audiences outside. https://t.co/Gn4DgZRBH2 Professor Nitasha Kaul, PhD (@NitashaKaul) May 18, 2025 IMPORTANT NOTE - I received a cancellation of my #OCI (Overseas Citizenship of #India) today after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of #TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority & anti-democratic policies of #Modi rule, Kaul wrote on X. The portion of the letter visible in the image suggested that the decision was based on her indulging in anti-India activities, motivated by malice and complete disregard for facts or history. Through your numerous inimical writings, speeches and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms, you regularly target India and its institutions on the matters of Indias sovereignty, the document purportedly added. This development follows an earlier incident in February 2024, when Kaul was denied entry into India upon arrival at Bengaluru airport. She had been invited by the Congress-led Karnataka government to speak on democratic and constitutional values at a state-organised event in Bengaluru. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last year, Kaul was denied entry into India upon arrival at Bengaluru airport. She had been invited by the Congress-led Karnataka government to speak on democratic and constitutional values at a state-organised event. Image courtesy: X/@NitashaKaul Kaul alleged that immigration officials denied her entry after informally making references to her criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Girish Bharadwaj, a leader of the Karnataka wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, also raised objections over her invitation to the event. He wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the ministry to cancel Kauls OCI status. The Indian-origin professor then claimed she was deported to London, after being held in detention for 24 hours under direct cctv w restricted movement, a narrow area to lie down and no easy access to food and water. Who is Nitasha Kaul? -Kaul was born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a Kashmiri Pandit family that had migrated from the old city in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Here is one of my early life memories, in Pahalgam, with my grandparents. Being a Kashmiri is a special inheritance, but being one and working on the region's politics and international relations, and also writing political fiction about lives marked by the tragedy of conflict, pic.twitter.com/j5exU3XfbL Professor Nitasha Kaul, PhD (@NitashaKaul) April 26, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD -She was raised in New Delhi and completed her schooling at St Thomas School. She then pursued a BA Honours in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. -In 1997, at the age of 21, she moved to England to pursue higher education. She completed a Masters in Economics specialising in Public Policy, and a joint PhD in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Hull, UK, as per her CV linked on her X profile. -From 2002 to 2007, Kaul worked as an assistant professor of economics at the Bristol Business School. -In 2010, Kaul, who is also an author, served as an associate professor in creative writing at the Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan. Kaul is currently the Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster in London. Image courtesy: X/@NitashaKaul -Kaul is currently the Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster in London. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD -Her academic research focuses on right-wing politics, postcolonial neoliberal nationalism, the Hindutva project in India, and the history and politics of Kashmir. -She also identifies as a Kashmiri novelist. She has authored multiple books that include Residue, Future Tense, and Imagining Economics Otherwise. -Her debut novel Residue, explores the intersection of economics and philosophy. It was shortlisted for the 2009 Man Asian Literary Prize, making it one of five works from Asia to receive that recognition. -Residue and Future Tense explore themes like identity, trauma and displacement in Kashmir. With input from agencies Beijing has ordered officials to cut wasteful and unnecessary expenditure, specifically alcohol, flowers and cigarettes. This comes as President Xi Jinping is seemingly making a push for austerity as Chinas economy struggles amid a trade war with the United States read more China's President Xi Jinping is seemingly making a push for austerity as its economy struggles amid a trade war with the United States. Reuters China is cracking down on its government officials. Beijing has ordered officials to cut wasteful and unnecessary expenditure. The government has specifically targeted alcohol, flowers and cigarettes. But what happened? Why is China suddenly tamping down on officials? Lets take a closer look: What happened? As per Mint, China has ordered officials to curb spending on travel, food and the office expenses such as receptions. As per Bloomberg, the notice calls for strict diligence and thrift and an opposition to extravagance and waste. Waste is shameful and economy is glorious, the notice added. The outlet reported that the notice issued to Chinese officials specifically singled out flowers and cigarettes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per India Today, Cai Qi, a member of the Communist Partys powerful seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, on Saturday ordered party cadres in Hebei province to halt extravagant eating and drinking. Why is China cracking down? Xi Jinping is seemingly making a push for austerity as Chinas economy struggles amid a trade war with the United States. As per India Today, revenue from land sales has slowed down and local governments are thought to be bearing a huge debt burden. Recent economic readings show growth remains patchy and lacklustre. Chinas new home prices were unchanged in April from a month earlier, official data showed on Monday, extending the no-growth trend to nearly two years despite policymakers efforts to stabilise the sector. Meanwhile, new bank loans also tumbled more than expected last month. Officials at this years legislative meetings in March vowed to boost the economy by providing more financial support to the people. A vendor carries out a box of tomatoes from a truck at a market in Hefei, Anhui province, File Photo/Reuters As per Bloomberg, China in 2024 began trying to mitigate risks from the massive debt of local governments. The idea was to minimise risks of default and giving local governments space to support economic growth. The Chinese government in late 2023 had warned officials to get used to belt-tightening. This came as part of Xis crackdown on corruption and displays of wealth. Xi in 2012 had a made a push to curb costs after he came to power. This was part of a wider campaign against corruption in China. China cut benchmark lending rates for the first time since October on Tuesday, while major state banks lowered deposit rates as authorities work to ease monetary policy to help buffer the economy from the impact of the China-US trade war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The widely expected rate cuts are aimed at stimulating consumption and loan growth as the worlds No 2 economy softens, while still protecting commercial lenders shrinking profit margins. The rate cuts are part of a package of measures announced by PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng and other financial regulators before talks between China and the US in Geneva earlier this month that led to a de-escalation in their trade war. The property sector has yet to show signs of recovery, with home prices stagnating and investment in the sector shrinking. Retail sales, a measure of consumption, rose 5.1 per cent in April, down from a 5.9 per cent increase in March, and missed forecasts for a 5.5 per cent expansion. Economists attributed the slowdown to the impact of US tariffs on consumer expectations and tepid demand at home. Commodity sectors also showed signs of weakness with the countrys daily crude oil processing rate down 4.9 per cent in April from March, while crude steel output slid 7 per cent month-on-month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies In a historic post-Brexit reset, the UK and European Union have struck a comprehensive new deal spanning trade, security, youth mobility and climate cooperation. From easing food checks to reviving student exchanges and boosting defence ties, the agreement marks the most significant re-alignment between the two sides since Brexit read more UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen attend a press conference at the UK-EU summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London, England. Reuters Five years after Britains formal exit from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the EU have unveiled a sweeping new agreement aimed at rebuilding their economic, political and security ties. The deal follows six months of intensive negotiations promised by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer when he assumed office in July 2024, and marks the most significant reset of relations since Brexit. The agreement spans a wide range of sectors including trade, border mobility, defence cooperation, migration, education and digital security as both sides attempt to navigate a transformed global landscape . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What changes with the new UK-EU deal? A central pillar of the agreement is a new trade framework that seeks to dismantle many of the post-Brexit obstacles that have slowed commerce between the UK and the EU. Food, drink, and agricultural products Most notably, a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) protocol has been signed to eliminate the majority of routine checks on food, drink and agricultural products moving between the two regions. This means British exporters will no longer require cumbersome certification processes for animal and plant-based goods. For consumers, this could translate into lower prices and a broader range of food products returning to supermarket shelves including items like sausages and burgers that had been restricted under earlier post-Brexit trade rules. Further, red tape on cross-border deliveries is expected to ease, which could cut down lorry wait times at ports and reduce overall business costs. Steel British steel producers have also gained relief under the agreement, as new EU tariffs will be waived a move that officials say could save the UKs steel sector approximately 25 million annually. Fishing rights In terms of fishing rights, one of the most sensitive and politically charged issues during Brexit, the deal extends EU access to British waters until June 30, 2038. While it falls short of permanent access something sought by coastal EU nations the 14-year extension is far longer than the UKs initial proposal. EU vessels will continue to need valid licenses and will participate in annual quota discussions. The UK government has simultaneously pledged 360 million to modernise its fishing industry, aiming to boost equipment, training, seafood exports, and support coastal economies. Youth experience scheme for students Beyond commerce, the two sides have agreed to open negotiations on an ambitious youth experience scheme, which would facilitate greater movement of young people aged 18 to 30 between the UK and EU member states. The proposed programme encompassing work, travel, study, volunteering, and au pair roles stops short of immediate implementation. However, both parties have committed to working toward a framework, with key details still under discussion. The program replaces earlier plans for a youth mobility scheme but avoids framing it as an immigration initiative. As per an EU fact sheet, The exact conditions related to this scheme will be decided during the negotiations. While British negotiators resisted European pressure to reduce tuition fees for EU students at UK universities, both sides expressed interest in reestablishing educational ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talks are expected to focus on reviving participation in the Erasmus student exchange programme, which the UK had exited during Brexit. Although the framework is yet to be finalised, both parties described the move as a priority. So glad that weve agreed to have Erasmus+ for our young people. And to work towards a youth experience scheme. This will allow the next generation to once again live and study in each others countries. From my own experience, this will build friendships that last a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/sSWtqPcyIw Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 19, 2025 On professional mobility, the agreement includes plans to streamline visa issuance and mutually recognise qualifications across industries. There will also be cooperative efforts to curb visa abuse by third-country nationals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Travel and policies around pets For British travellers, the new agreement brings a series of welcome changes. UK passport holders will soon be eligible to use a wider network of electronic passport gates (eGates) at EU borders a measure intended to alleviate the long lines at passport control that have become common since Brexit. In addition, pet owners in the UK will no longer need to acquire expensive veterinary certificates for each trip with their animals. The reintroduction of pet passports will allow cats and dogs to move between the UK and EU with far less bureaucracy a return to pre-Brexit convenience for thousands of pet owners. Defence & security One of the most consequential outcomes of the summit is a robust security and defence agreement designed to reintegrate the UK into European defence frameworks. With the war in Ukraine showing delayed signs of resolution and US global leadership increasingly uncertain, both sides highlighted the need to strengthen regional stability. The UK will now be eligible to participate in the EUs 150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund a major platform for joint defence procurement and innovation. This access allows British defence firms to collaborate in the EUs rearmament initiatives, which are expected to generate thousands of jobs in the UK. This is a new chapter in our partnership. Starting with our Security & Defence Partnership. Its first step towards the UKs participation in our defence industrial readiness SAFE https://t.co/pexS79xQAO Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 19, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EU and UK are providers of global stability, said European Council President Antonio Costa. We must be guardians of the rules-based global order. As part of the agreement, biannual high-level meetings will be held between EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Britains foreign and defence ministers. These consultations will cover joint crisis management drills, classified information exchange and maritime safety cooperation. Both the UK and EU will also coordinate more closely in the realm of criminal justice. They plan to enhance data-sharing for tracking terrorism and organised crime, and initiate discussions around British access to EU facial recognition systems a move aimed at bolstering cross-border policing capabilities. Energy & Climate The two partners have also agreed to strengthen cooperation on emissions regulation. By linking the UKs Emissions Trading Scheme with that of the EU, British businesses will avoid a looming carbon levy that could have cost them an estimated 800 million annually. The UKs emissions trading regime caps greenhouse gas emissions for major industrial sectors and allows companies to trade emission allowances. Closer alignment with the EU will ensure smoother carbon accounting across borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In energy markets, both sides plan to assess the feasibility of UK participation in the EUs internal electricity grid and trading platforms a step that could boost renewable energy integration and cross-border power reliability. Migration and Channel crossings On the issue of illegal migration, particularly the dangerous crossings across the English Channel, both governments have committed to working together to address irregular arrivals and enforcement gaps. Talks will cover the handling of returnees, faster deportation protocols, and technical cooperation on border management. Starmers government faces political pressure from the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, which has sharply criticised the youth exchange proposals. Some British tabloids have also expressed concern over perceived concessions, especially in the fisheries sector. Despite the backlash, the Starmer has remained steady, arguing that the deal restores stability and restores Britains place as a cooperative force in Europe. Why now? This renewed partnership unfolds at a time when international alliances are in flux. The resurgence of Donald Trump as US President has made both London and Brussels increasingly aware of the volatility of transatlantic relations . Within just two weeks, we have secured trade deals with India, the US and now the EU. Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer is delivering for British people, British businesses, and British jobs. pic.twitter.com/q2cP6LQELx UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) May 19, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps first term was marked by tariff disputes and pressure on Nato members to increase military spending a trend that continues in his current presidency. In recent weeks, UK also concluded a trade pact with the US aimed at offsetting the economic damage from American tariffs a move that is projected to save the UK economy over 6.5 billion. For Europe, forging deeper ties with UK despite Brexit reinforces its aspirations to act as a more unified global actor, especially when facing security threats on its eastern flank. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Doctors in California earlier this month conducted the worlds first successful bladder transplant. The eight hour procedure involved taking a kidney and bladder from an organ donor, transplanting them into the patient, and connecting them. But what do we know about the operation which gives hope to millions around the world? read more Dr Inderbir Gill and Dr Nima Nassiri with the patient Oscar Larrainzar. Image courtesy: @UCLAHealth The first-ever successful bladder transplant has been done. Doctors in California earlier this month successfully pulled off the procedure which could give millions of people around the world new hope. The eight hour procedure involved taking a kidney and bladder from an organ donor and transplanting them into the patient. It may sound simple, but its not. The two doctors involved had been working on and refining this procedure for years. But what do we know? How was it done exactly? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look: What do we know? The procedure was performed by two surgeons Dr Inderbir Gill from the University of Southern California Institute of Urology, and Dr Nima Nassiri of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Institute of Urgology. The patient was Oscar Larrainzar a 41-year-old man who had lost much of his bladder and both kidneys after being treated for a rare form of cancer. I was a ticking time bomb, Larrainzar, a husband and father of four, was quoted as saying by The New York Times. To the dry early bug first and silver ladder But now I have hope. As per Science Alert, Larrainzar had been on dialysis for seven years. While a normal bladder can hold 700 millilitres of fluid, Larrainzars could only hold 30 millilitres. As per The Times of India, until now patients who have undergone bladder removal surgery had to have part of their intestine repurposed to help them pass urine. The eight hour procedure involved taking a kidney and bladder from an organ donor and transplanting them into the patient. Image courtesy: X Gill said the problem with that is that bowel tissue is inherently contaminated by bacteria. Transplanting that to the inherently sterile urinary tract results in complications in around 80 per cent of patients, he added. As per The Guardian, this can also result in digestion issues. The difficulty with bladder transplants thus far has been due to the complex blood vessel system it uses within the abdomen, as per ScienceAlert.com. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How was it done exactly? As per Indian Express, the doctors transplanted both a kidney and bladder from a donor in that order to Larrainzar. They then linked the kidney to the new bladder using a new technique they had formulated. As per ScienceAlert, Dr Gill and Dr Nassiri had been practising this surgery for over for years. Dr Gill and Nassiri used robot-assisted transplants on dead donors that were still on ventilators. While the entire surgery lasted a gruelling eight hours, the results were instantaneous. The kidney immediately made a large volume of urine, and the patients kidney function improved immediately, Nassiri told Science Alert. There was no need for any dialysis after surgery, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder. Larrainzar after the surgery could pee normally the first time he had done so in over seven years. As per The New York Times, the doctors say they will first perform the procedure in four more patients. Dr. Nima Nassiri with patient Oscar Larrainzar. Image courtesy: UCLA Health.org They will then attempt a larger clinical trial. This is because patients must take immunosuppressants to stop the body rejecting organs, as per ScienceAlert.com. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Since these are risky, organ donation is the last option. This surgery is a historic moment in medicine and stands to impact how we manage carefully selected patients with highly symptomatic terminal bladders that are no longer functioning, Gill told ScienceAlert.com. Transplantation is a lifesaving and life-enhancing treatment option for many conditions affecting major organs, and now the bladder can be added to the list. Dr Gill, speaking to The New York Times, called the development the realisation of a dream for treating thousands of patients. There is no question: A potential door has been opened for these people that did not exist earlier, Gill, the chairman of the urology department at USC, said. This first attempt at bladder transplantation has been over four years in the making, Nassiri was quoted as saying by The Guardian. For the appropriately selected patient, it is exciting to be able to offer a new potential option. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An uptick in Covid-19 cases in Asia has rung alarm bells in India, which has also seen a rise in such infections in recent days. Currently, India has 257 active cases. As per the Union Health Ministry, the situation is under control in the country. But what do experts say? read more A surge in Covid-19 cases in some regions of Asia has sparked fears in India. Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand are reporting an uptick in coronavirus cases. In Singapore, the rise in Covid-19 infections has been attributed to strains linked to the JN.1 variant. India has also seen a spike in fresh COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently has 257 active cases of coronavirus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Which states in India have seen new Covid-19 cases? Is the resurgence of the coronavirus in parts of Asia a concern? Lets take a closer look. Covid cases in India India has reported 164 fresh Covid-19 cases since May 12, with Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu recording the highest number of cases. Kerala logged in 69 new cases, Maharashtra 44 and Tamil Nadu 34 in the past week. Other states reporting new infections are Karnataka (eight), Gujarat (six), Delhi (three), and one each in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim. A healthcare worker collects a test swab sample from a child amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at a testing centre inside a hospital in New Delhi, January 14, 2022. File Photo/Reuters Maharashtra also witnessed two casualties, however, doctors say they were not due to coronavirus. Two patients in Mumbais King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital recently died. One was a 59-year-old cancer patient and another was a 14-year-old girl suffering from kidney disease. They had also tested positive for Covid-19. Now, Mumbais civic body has clarified that their deaths were not linked to Covid-19. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the patients died because of co-morbidities and not coronavirus. It said that the two patients were not from Mumbai and were brought to the hospital from Sindhudurg district and Dombivli in Thane district. The Health Department of the BMC is constantly monitoring the spread of Covid-19. From January 2025 to April 2025, the number of Covid-19 patients has been found to be very low. But since the beginning of May, there have been some cases of Covid-19. However, the BMC administration is appealing to citizens not to panic in this regard, the civic body said in a statement, as per PTI. Covid cases in India are under control Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases in parts of Asia , Indias Union Health Ministry has said the situation is under control in the country. Customers wearing face masks shop for flowers ahead of the Lunar New Year, during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in Hong Kong, China, January 20, 2023. File Photo/Reuters The statement came after the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday (May 19) convened a review meeting. According to the government, the preliminary information suggests that the active Covid-19 cases in India are mostly mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required, an official source told PTI. The official added that the number of Covid infections in India is quite low compared to the population. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The review meeting by DGHS was attended by officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central government hospitals. The Health Ministry monitors viral respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health, sources said, as per the news agency. Experts urge caution Health experts say India could see a fresh wave of Covid-19 due to waning immunity among the public. The JN.1 variant reported in parts of Asia is already present in India. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as Pirola strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. The JN.1 strain can evade immunity and is more transmissible than other Omicron variants. Speaking to ET HealthWorld, Dr Vikas Maurya, Senior Director and Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Shalimar Bagh, said that JN.1 has so far caused only mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms and the risk of severe disease remains low. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are primarily seeing mild forms of illness not many cases of severe complications, he added. Experts also emphasise carrying out testing and genomic surveillance to identify the variants circulating presently. Covid-19 has never truly disappeared it has lingered in an endemic form, occasionally causing local or regional outbreaks. The current uptick in cases abroad is not necessarily due to a more dangerous strain but is likely the result of waning immunity across the population, particularly since regular vaccinations have slowed, Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare, told ET HealthWorld. As immunity diminishes over time, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with comorbidities, the virus finds an opportunity to spread, he warned. The report mentioned, citing experts, that if infections rise, authorities should implement public health measures like wearing masks, regularly washing hands and observing physical distancing. With inputs from agencies Two engineers in Kanpur died allegedly after undergoing hair transplant treatment at a private clinic. These incidents have triggered questions about the safety of the surgery. Experts say that a hair transplant is generally a safe procedure. But heres what people should know read more A full head of thick, beautiful hair who doesnt want that? But for many, it is becoming a fantasy. As hair loss has become increasingly common, it has led many people to opt for hair transplant surgery. However, combating hair loss turned deadly for two engineers in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur. Both died allegedly after getting hair transplant treatment at a private clinic. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of the cosmetic procedure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What is a hair transplant? A hair transplant is a procedure that shifts hair to an area of the scalp that is balding or thinning. Also known as hair restoration or hair replacement, the surgery involves a dermatologist or plastic surgeon taking small pieces of skin from parts of the body with healthy hair usually the back or sides of the head and moving it to hairless parts of the scalp. A hair transplant shifts hair to an area of the scalp that is balding or thinning. Representational Image/Pixabay The transplanted skin, or graft, is expected to continue to grow hair after healing. 2 Kanpur men die after hair transplant Two engineers died allegedly after their hair transplant surgeries at Dr Anushka Tiwaris clinic, Empire, in Kanpur. The incidents came to light after the family of one of the victims filed a complaint on the chief ministers portal against the private clinic. According to the complaint of Vineet Dubeys wife, Jaya Tripathi, her husband had a badly swollen face and was in pain before his death on March 14, a day after undergoing a hair transplant surgery at Dr Tiwaris clinic, PTI cited Additional DCP West Vijendra Dwivedi as saying. The police say Dubey is believed to have developed an infection during the treatment, which remained untreated, leading to a swift worsening of his condition and eventual death. It was later found that dentists at Dr Anushka Tiwaris clinic carried out the hair transplant procedure. An FIR has been lodged in the case under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 106(1) for causing death by negligence. After Dubeys case surfaced, the kin of another victim came forward to file a complaint against the private clinic. Kushagra Katiyar told reporters that his brother, Mayank Katiyar, underwent a hair transplant surgery on November 18 at the Empire clinic. Hours later, he complained of chest pain and swelling, leading to his death the next day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These cases have raised alarms about the safety of the hair transplant procedure. Is hair transplant safe? Health experts say that a hair transplant is generally a safe procedure, given that it is done by certified surgeons in reputable clinics or hospitals. As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, only dermatologists, plastic surgeons or general surgeons with training in hair transplant can perform this surgery. A hair transplant surgery carries the small risk of complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, and an allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic usually used during the process, says the United Kingdoms National Health Service (NHS). Other side effects due to a hair transplant include scarring, itching, inflammation of the hair follicles, the risk of nerve damage, loss of native and transplanted hair temporarily, and uneven hair growth, as per the website of Dr Malay Mehta. Dr Kashish Kalra, MD, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Head of Department, Dermatology, Max Smart Hospital, at New Delhis Saket, told The Week that a death from hair transplant surgery could occur due to the excessive use of local anaesthesia and the wrong injection technique. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking about the Kanpur cases, the expert said, When the injection was given, it probably went deep into the venous system and punctured a vein. Usually, local anaesthesia is given in the subdermal layer where the hair root is present. It is not given in depth. In this case, it seems the injection depth and technique were wrong. Dr Kalra also conjectured that the fatalities of the two men could be due to an unqualified doctor or a lack of post-hair transplant care. Dr Aseem Sharma, dermatologist and director at Skin Saga Centre for Dermatology, told NDTV that a hair transplant can lead to complications when procedures are conducted by unqualified individuals or in inadequately equipped non-surgical setups. These practices give hair transplantation an undeservedly bad name." What to know before going for hair transplant? A hair transplant is mostly for people with permanent baldness and not those who have other types of hair loss , such as alopecia areata. Those considering a hair transplant should check whether they are even suitable for the procedure. As per Dr Kalra, an eligible candidate must have sugar levels, blood pressure and heart function within the normal range. The expert also said that a sensitivity test should be done a few days before the hair transplant to find out if the local anaesthesia suits the patient. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to NDTV, Dr Sharma warned the public from being swayed by cost-driven decisions, quick fixes and overly simplified promises. Verifying credentials and choosing certified specialists in proper surgical environments is the safest way forward. Experts emphasise the need to check the qualifications of the doctor, the success rates of the hair transplant surgeries done by them and the follow-up if things go wrong. With inputs from agencies Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army destroyed at least three posts, an ammunition depot, fuel storage facility, and gunnery, among other targets in the Leepa Valley area of the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). read more A battery of Indian Army artillery guns fires in the Dras sector of Kashmir, June 1, 1999. (Representative Photo, Credit: AP) The Indian Army has devastated the Pakistani military infrastructure in the Leepa Valley area of Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) to the extent that it would take up 8-12 months for Pakistan to rebuild it, officials told PTI. The devastation was a result of the Indian Armys response to Pakistans ceasefire violations during Operation Sindoor. Under Operation Sindoor, India conducted cross-border ground operation in response to Pakistani aggression that wrecked damage in POJK. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India on May 7 conducted airstrikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and POJK. After Pakistan responded with attacks across northern and western parts of the country, India conducted more airstrikes. Soon, India and Pakistan were locked in a cycle of attacks in which India struck at least eight Pakistani airbases in addition to radar sites and air defence units. While most of the attention was on aerial strikes, cross-border action also took place in the J&K region. More from India A challenge after Pahalgam: Terrorists disguised in unforms spark security concerns Indian Army devastates Pakistani military infra in POJK A senior Army official told PTI that the Armys actions completely destroyed at least three posts, an ammunition depot, fuel storage facility, and gunnery, among other targets. A second official said that Pakistan employed heavy weaponry, including aerial platforms, to attack Indian positions, but indigenous Akashdeep radar system foiled those attacks. Our indigenously developed Akashdeep radar system performed brilliantly while our air defence guns neutralised their aerial platforms. Our military infrastructure remains intact, while the enemys has been decimated, the second official told the news agency. In Indian operations, at least 64 Pakistani personnel were killed and 96 were injured, according to officials. A senior official from the Armys 15 Corps told the agency that the Indian response to Pakistani aggression was so intense that the Pakistani commander of 75th Infantry Brigade chose to hide and save lives of his soldiers instead of mounting a counter-attack. Intercepted communication revealed how a Pakistan Army commander, hiding inside a mosque, was instructing troops to save lives first. One message was save lives first, offices can reopen later, the senior 15 Corps official said. Separately, a top official from the corps said, The message was clear: our retaliation follows a 1:3 ratio, meaning the Indian Army will strike three times as hard for every Pakistani ceasefire violation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week, three terrorists Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmad Bhat were killed in an encounter in Tral. All three of these terrorists were reportedly wearing uniforms, and their outfits, especially their jackets, are being investigated read more A new problem has been keeping up security forces in Jammu and Kashmir after days of turmoil following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. In at least three incidents, officials have identified terrorists disguised in uniforms infiltrating the border. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam was also planned in a similar fashion, where terrorists linked to The Resistance Front dressed in military fatigues resembling those worn by Indian forces, opened fire on tourists. Last week, three terrorists Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmad Bhat were killed in an encounter in Tral. All three of these terrorists were reportedly wearing uniforms, and their outfits, especially their jackets, are being investigated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While India was responding to Pakistans unprovoked actions under Operation Sindoor on May 10, a guard at the high-security Nagrota Military Station in Jammu stopped a suspected intruder. The person, possibly dressed in army clothes, tried to break in but was pushed back after a brief exchange of gunfire. Terrorists disguised in military outfits have sparked a major concern among security forces, with officials fearing that such a tactic could lead to deadly confusion, especially in fast-paced situations. A senior intelligence officer told News18, This tactic is not only dangerous but deeply deceptive. Its a direct attempt to erode the trust between civilians and uniformed forces. Officials reported that the issue was also addressed during a high-level meeting in Delhi attended by senior members of Indias security network. In response, security agencies are now reassessing standard operating procedures, especially at checkpoints and popular tourist spots, to better tackle this emerging threat. Years before the police booked YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for espionage, the court convicted Madhuri Gupta, a diplomat, for spying for Pakistan after being honey-trapped by Pakistani intelligence operatives. read more Many years before YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra made headlines for espionage charges, a foreign service officers case had shaken the corridors of power in India. In 2010, Madhuri Gupta, an Indian diplomat serving in Pakistan at the time, was arrested for spying for Pakistan. The investigation found that she was honey-trapped by Pakistan-based intelligence operatives while she posted in the country. Gupta was convicted of espionage in 2018 and was sentenced to three years in jail. She died in 2021 at the age of 64 while her appeal against her conviction was pending in the Delhi High Court. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In espionage, a honey trap refers to the usage of romantic or sexual relationships to get information or access via targeted individuals. Such information could be extracted either via blackmailing the targeted person who could be a government official, business executive, or politician with the evidence of their illicit romantic or sexual relationship or by manipulating them emotionally. What was Madhur Gupta spy case? Two operatives of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were involved in honey-trapping Gupta. They laid the trap when she was posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as the Second Secretary (Press and Information). While Gupta was arrested in 2010, she had been passing information to her Pakistani handlers since 2008, according to the prosecutions case against her. Two ISI operatives, Mubshar Raza Rana and Jamshed, recruited Gupta in 2008 and she passed on information till her arrest in 2010. After her arrest, the Delhi Police recovered e-mails sent to ISI handlers from various electronic gadgets, such as laptops and Blackberry mobile phones. She also passed on sensitive information personally to ISI handlers. The court noted at the time of her conviction that, in one of her emails to her ISI handlers, she had promised to collect information about hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. It is seen that the accused was unable to give such information but her intention of passing on such information and her going to Jammu after giving the false excuse of attending marriage points out her intention of helping the enemy country. She had been giving information regarding various postings of officers of defence, MEA and HCI as well as their family particulars, which could have caused danger to the life and security to said officers and their family, the court said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How ISI turned Madhuri Gupta into a spy Guptas case has all the elements of an espionage thrillers real stories are, after all, often better than fictional tales. Jamshed, who went by the name of Jim, was the one who became romantically involved with her with the clear intention to honey-trap her. He was several years her junior and, as per an email cited by The Print, she planned to marry him in the future. A woman journalist had put Jamshed and Rana in touch with Gupta after they helped get a book she was searching for, according to The Times of India. The newspaper reported that Gupta was so much into the relationship that she was willing to covert to Islam to marry Jim. Jamshed and Rana skilfully exploited Guptas professional grievances, manipulating her emotions to compromise her loyalty, noted Raj Shekhar Jha in ToI. Once the Ministry of External Affairs got inputs that Gupta was compromised as she was showing interest in matters outside her domain, the ministry called her to Delhi on the pretext of needing her for the arrangements of the upcoming SAARC Summit. She was arrested from her house after she arrived in Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the hearing in the Delhi High Court in the matter of Turkish company Celebis security clearances revocation, the Union government cited intelligence inputs and national security and submitted the information in sealed cover read more In the hearing in the case of cancellation of Turkish company Celebis security clearance, the Union government has told the Delhi High Court that the enemy has to succeed only once whereas India must succeed every time. The government has argued that there were credible intelligence inputs that led to the decision of cancelling Celebis security clearance on national security grounds. The grounds submitted the information about the inputs to the court in a sealed envelope. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After it became clear that Turkey was on Pakistans side in the India-Pakistan conflict this month, the Union government revoked security clearance of Turkish ground service provider Celebi. The cancellation essentially brought operations of Celebi to a halt in India. At crucial airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur, the company was engaged in ground handling services. ALSO READ: Ban Turkey campaign in India after Erdogan backed Pakistan despite its terror record In the days after India struck terrorist sites in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attacked India with Turkish armed drones . Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey took a very clear stance on missile strikes targeting Pakistan and further declared open support for the brotherly people of Pakistan and vowed to stand with them in times good and bad. Govt cites intelligence inputs to block Celebi Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the Union government told the Delhi HC that there could not be a doctrine of proportionality in matters of national security as the enemy just had to succeed once whereas the security apparatus had to succeed every time. The enemy can try 10 times and succeed once; the country has to succeed all the time in cases of civil aviation and national security, there cannot be a doctrine of proportionality, said Mehta, according to The Times of India. Mehta said that the handling of cargo and other things at airports are extremely sensitive operations where personnel know and have access to every nook and cranny of the airport. ALSO READ: Why and how is Turkey doubling down on its support for Pakistan Mahta said that intelligence inputs indicated that allowing Celebi, as per the security clearance, to continue operating posed significant risks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Celebi asked for the evidence to corroborate the claim, Mehta submitted the information in sealed cover. On his part, Celebis lawyer, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that the government acted because of public perception due to shareholding of the company by Turkish nationals. He said that it is an Indian company with Indian employees and that we are not a rogue company. He further argued that the security clearance was cancelled without giving the company any reason or providing it any opportunity for a hearing. YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan, is currently being interrogated by officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and militatry intelligence officials, said the Haryana police. read more YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for spying for Paksitan, is being questioned by military intelligence officials and other government agencies said the Haryana police. Image courtesy: Jyoti Malhotra The National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence officials are questioning Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested recently on charges of spying for Pakistan, police said on Tuesday. A probe into the YouTubers financial transactions and travel details is also underway, they said. Hisar-based Jyoti (33), who ran the YouTube channel Travel with JO, was arrested from the New Aggarsain Extension on May 16, and booked under the relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act and the BNS, police said. Jyoti was among 12 people who were arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A senior Haryana Police officer in Hisar said the central agencies and military intelligence officials are also probing her travel details, as she had reportedly visited Pakistan, China and some other countries. More from India How YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra spied for Pakistan: From Pahalgam visit to ties with Pak officials An attempt is being made to draw a complete chain of events to see which countries she visited and in what sequence, the officer said. Earlier, police said her known sources of income did not justify her foreign travels, adding that her financial transactions were also under scanner. A forensic analysis of Jyotis laptop is underway, police said, adding that they would also question those who were in touch with the YouTuber. On Sunday, Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan said that Pakistani intelligence operatives were developing Jyoti as an asset. She was allegedly in touch with a Pakistani official posted in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the SP said. Sawan said while Jyoti did not have direct access to any information related to the military operations, she was directly in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs). This is modern warfare that is not just fought on the borders. We came across a new modus operandi wherein PIOs were trying to recruit some social media influencers, the SP said. Sawan also said Jyoti went to Kashmir before the Pahalgam attack and visited Pakistan before that, and police are trying to establish the links between these visits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jyoti, whose YouTube channel at present has 3.87 lakh subscribers, came in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in 2023, when she went there seeking a visa to visit the neighbouring country. On May 13, India expelled Ehsan for allegedly indulging in espionage. Police investigation has revealed that Guzala (31), whom Punjab Police arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan from Malerkotla district, came in contact with Ehsan in February. She met him at the Pakistan High Commission while seeking a visa to visit the neighbouring country, police said. Police arrested Guzala and Yameen Mohamad, both residents of Malerkotla, on May 11 for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases to Pakistans intelligence agency. The accused reportedly received payments through the online mode in exchange for sharing classified information, police said. Meanwhile, the family of Sukhpreet Singh, who was arrested from Punjabs Gurdaspur on Monday for allegedly leaking critical information concerning the Indian armed forces to Pakistan, claimed that he could not do such a thing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) According to a multi-agency investigation, Jyoti Malhotra was in contact with many Pakistani operatives and utilised various methods to conceal her contacts read more Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Rani was arrested on May 16 for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies during Operation Sindoor. Image courtesy: Jyoti Malhotra Fresh evidence has surfaced against YouTuber , who has been detained for alleged espionage and whose case is expected to be turned over to the National Investigation Agency. According to a multi-agency investigation, Jyoti Malhotra was in contact with many Pakistani operatives and utilised various methods to conceal her contacts. Officials informed CNN-News18 that there is new digital evidence against the espionage suspect. Her social media videos were just a cover. She maintained multiple digital devices and used encrypted platforms to regularly keep in touch with Pakistani agents. Digital evidence to this effect has been found, a source told CNN-News 18. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Haryana police stated that commonly used encrypted social media sites such as Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp were utilised to assure deceit. In a media conference, Hisar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Kumar stated that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is assisting with the probe. The NIA has also questioned Jyoti Malhotra. Other agencies are also probing her," he said. According to the police investigation, Malhotra was originally introduced to Pakistan embassy official Danish by Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC). Harkirat Singh reportedly assisted her twice in obtaining a visa and sent her to Pakistan with a Sikh jatha. Indian Sikhs frequently travel as part of jatha to gurdwaras such as Nankana Sahib for pilgrimage. Officials said his digital gadgets, including mobile phones, had been confiscated and forwarded for forensic examination. According to the investigation, Malhotra has been in contact with a number of Pakistani nationals since her first visit to the country in 2023. Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, appears to be her principal contact. On May 13, India declared Danish, a worker at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, persona non grata. According to the FIR, Malhotra informed police that she kept the phone number of a Pakistani agent named Shakir as Jat Randhawa in order to evade discovery. Some of her other Pakistani contacts identified themselves as Ali Ahwan and Rana Shahbaz. Ahwan allegedly provided her with security cover while she was in Pakistan. According to early findings, she met with multiple intelligence personnel during her travels to Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As many as 59 Indian leaders will visit 32 countries in a major diplomatic push to build global consensus against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which India says has supported and sheltered terror networks for over four decades read more Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addresses the media, in New Delhi, on May 10, 2025. PTI File The government on Tuesday briefed members of various delegations set to travel abroad, emphasising Indias long-standing stance that all forms of terrorism direct or indirect can be traced back to Pakistan and that India has suffered the consequences of cross-border terrorism for over 40 years. According to a News18 report, officials pointed to instances from 2008, when India provided crucial evidence, including DNA profiles and call detail records, during terror investigations, but received limited cooperation in response. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The briefing comes as part of a broader diplomatic campaign, under which 59 Indian politicians, including sitting Members of Parliament, former ministers, and representatives from multiple political parties, will visit 32 countries as well as the European Union headquarters in Brussels. The effort seeks to build a global consensus against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which India says has continued to support and shelter terror networks. During a high-level briefing to members of delegations set to visit multiple countries, officials emphasised that India has adopted a new normal in its strategic approach toward Pakistan. They highlighted that the Indian Army and security agencies are now operating under a clear, long-term strategic framework. The delegations are scheduled to engage with foreign parliamentarians, government ministers, think tanks, and members of the Indian diaspora. Each team will carry country-specific dossiers outlining Pakistans involvement in terrorism and detailing Indias security measures and counter-terror responses, reported News18. Officials also briefed delegates on Indias continued efforts to counter Pakistans disinformation campaigns, particularly on contentious issues like water sharing. India has actively worked to dispel what it calls false propaganda about so-called water wars. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a strong diplomatic signal, India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, following the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam terror attack, an act attributed to Pakistan-backed operatives. India also carried out precision strikes as aprt of Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. With inputs from agencies A diary entry of YouTube Jyoti Malhotra, who has been accused of spying for Pakistan, is under the scanner. The police have also said that her Pakistani handlers were developing her as an asset. read more Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Rani was arrested on May 16 for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies during Operation Sindoor. Image courtesy: Jyoti Malhotra The police have said that Pakistani handlers were developing YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra as an asset. Earlier this month, the police arrested travel vlogger Jyoti on the charges of spying for Pakistan. She is among 12 persons who have been arrested espionage charges across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. In the latest development, the police have found a diary at her house in which some intimate entries have been found, according to News 18 India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jyoti runs a YouTube channel named Travel with JO and has hundreds of thousands of followers. Her visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, and her alleged ties to Pakistani and Chinese officials are under the scanner. Jyoti Malhotras diary entry under scanner The police have found a diary at Jyotis home in which an entry mentions a number of medicines and says love you while mentioning one Savita, according to News 18. The report said that it is being explored whether the medicines or other things listed in the entry are codewords. Tell Savita to bring fruits. Take care of home. I will be back soon, the diary entry read. Pakistani handlers were developing Jyoti Malhotra as asset: Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, the SP of Haryanas Hisar, has said that Pakistani intelligence operatives were developing Jyoti as an asset. They were developing her as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers and they were also in touch with the PIOs [Pakistani intelligence operatives]She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored tripsShe 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," said Sawan, according to CNN-News 18. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The police have alleged that Jyoti was in touch with a Pakistani High Commission official in Delhi during the India-Pakistan conflict last week. The official was expelled from the country on May 13. The police have alleged that Jyoti and others accused of espionage were passing on sensitive information to their Pakistani handlers. The police have said that their financial transactions are under the scanner and electronic devices are undergoing forensic analyses. In Sopore, police attached 29 marlas, or around 8,000 square feet, of land belonging to Arshid Ahmad Teli, a resident of Nowpora Tujjar, Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umar Dar, and Nazir Ahmad Dar alias Shabir Illahi, both residents of Harwan, the spokesperson said. read more Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday attached properties belonging to four Pakistan-based terror handlers in separate operations in Baramulla and Pulwama districts, police said. In north Kashmirs Sopore area, in coordination with revenue authorities, police seized three plots of land measuring around 8,000 square feet. The land belonged to Arshid Ahmad Teli of Nowpora Tujjar and Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umar Dar and Nazir Ahmad Dar alias Shabir Illahi, both residents of Harwan. All three had previously been declared proclaimed offenders by a court, the spokesperson said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attachments in Sopore were carried out under Sections 82 and 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The attachment was made under Sections 82 and 83 of the CrPC by Sopore police in coordination with the revenue authorities. The three had earlier been declared proclaimed offenders by a court, the spokesperson said. In Awantipora, land measuring around 79 sq ft in Frestabal Pampore, belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist handler Owais Feroze Mir, was attached, he said. The property was attached under section 88 of CrPC on an order of the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Pulwama (Special Designated Court under NIA Act). Mir, also a proclaimed offender, is said to be involved in promoting and trying to revive terrorist activities by pushing in arms and ammunition and activating local terror networks, the spokesperson said. With inputs from agencies Punjab Police have busted a terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in Batala and arrested six people. The group was allegedly backed by Pakistans spy agency, the ISI, and was involved in a failed grenade attack last week. read more Punjab Police bust ISI-backed Khalistani terror module in Batala, six held after shootout, Image: PTI Punjab Police said they have busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module in Batala, allegedly backed by Pakistans intelligence agency, the ISI, and arrested six members. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the arrested individuals are Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar. According to Yadav, the group was behind a failed grenade attack outside a liquor shop in Batala last week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a major breakthrough against #Pakistan's ISI-backed terror networks, @BatalaPolice busts a #BKI terror module operated by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa & Mannu Agwan on the directions of Harwinder Singh Rinda, arresting six operatives: Jatin Kumar @ Rohan, Barinder pic.twitter.com/CxZTtsppeI DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 20, 2025 The DGP said Jatin Kumar was injured in a gunfight during a recovery operation. He opened fire on police and sustained injuries in retaliatory action. He is currently admitted to Civil Hospital, Batala, he added. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Civil Lines Police Station in Batala under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The module had attempted a grenade attack outside a liquor vend in Batala. The arrested accused were receiving direct instructions from Portugal-based Maninder Billa and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who recently took operational charge following the arrest of Happy Passian in the USA, said the DGP. Batala Police have recovered a .30 bore pistol from the accused, and further investigations are underway, officials said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This development follows Indias Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist hubs and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Panic spread in Batala, about 40 km from Amritsar, on Saturday after a grenade was found outside a liquor shop. The pin had been removed, but it did not explode. Later, some gangsters claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague and discussed security challenges and bilateral defence partnership read more India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (Photo: X/S Jaishankar) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague and discussed security-related affairs. Jaishankar is on a three-nation tour of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. On the first leg of his visit in The Hague, he also held talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp earlier in the day. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he exchanged views on security perspective and challenges and discussed the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is Jaishankars first foreign visit since the four-day India-Pakistan conflict that saw India strike terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and hammer Pakistani airbases, air defence sites, radar installations, and other military infrastructure. Pleased to meet Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague today. Exchanged views on our respective security perspectives and challenges. Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership. @DefensieMin pic.twitter.com/RZ4SPQDnKT Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2025 Brekelmans said in a post on X that close cooperation with India is more important than ever in turbulent times such as today. In these turbulent times close cooperation with India is more important than ever. Great honour to receive Minister of Foreign Affairs @DrSJaishankar. We discuss security challenges in Asia/Europe and our Defence partnership. Looking forward to deepening our cooperation! pic.twitter.com/b1g20LmTgW Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) May 19, 2025 Regarding his meeting with Veldkamp, Jaishankar said that he appreciated the Netherlands strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Jaishankar further said that he held wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU and exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi polarity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Later in the day, Jaishankar also interacted with the Indian diaspora in The Hague. In his engagements with the senior officials of the three nations, it is expected that Jaishankar will apprise them about Indias decision to launch Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam attack, according to PTI. Twelve people have tested positive for Covid19 in Puducherry, a top official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said on Tuesday. read more Twelve people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Puducherry, a top official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said on Tuesday. V Ravichandran, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services, in a press release, said the department had been screening individuals with cough and cold symptoms as per instructions from the Union Health Ministry. Over the past week, 12 people have tested positive, it added. Assuring the public that there is no need to panic, Ravichandran said the Health Department is fully equipped to handle any potential emergency. Four beds have been allocated for Covid-19 patients at the Government General Hospital, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Kadirkamam, and Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for Children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A six-bed ward with a ventilator and oxygen support has also been set up at the Government Hospital for Chest Diseases in Gorimedu, he said. The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. The department has also reviewed data on respiratory infections, including the common cold, Influenza-like Illness (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modis declaration is not merely a tactical or doctrinal shift; it is first and foremost a political messagea signalling exercise aimed at multiple audiences read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Adampur airbase on May 13, a day after he made a speech to the nation on Operation Sindoor. Image courtesy: X Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent assertion that every act of terror will be treated as an act of war has resonated powerfully across India. In the emotionally charged aftermath of attacks by Pakistani terrorists at Pahalgam, this statement has stirred both pride and anticipation among the Indian public. For many, its the literal implication which holds good; that India will respond with military force each time a terrorist strike occurs within its borders. However, such an interpretation risks oversimplifying a complex national security strategy shaped by realism, restraint, and calibrated escalation. It needs a nuanced understanding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the outset it is necessary to clarify that the Prime Ministers assertion was a message of warning which contributes to the overall deterrence through communication of intent. Left in the grey zone, this has a more powerful effect, with the adversaries put on virtual notice not to expect inaction on the part of India, to any deliberate act of provocation. PM Modis declaration is not merely a tactical or doctrinal shift. It is first and foremost a political messagea signalling exercise aimed at multiple audiences. Domestically, it reinforces the governments image as strong on national security, appealing to a public that has long demanded a tougher line on cross-border terrorism. Internationally, it communicates Indias growing impatience with the persistence of terror networks operating from Pakistan, despite repeated assurances and pressure from the global community. However, political signalling must not be conflated with operational doctrine or strategy. The Indian states response to terrorismespecially state-sponsored terrorismhas evolved significantly over the last two decades, particularly after the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and more recently, the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks. While military options are now clearly on the table, they are neither automatic nor uniform. As with everything in the domain of military operations, national interest comes first and it may not always lie in a military option. India has clearly moved on to the thought process of hybrid to fight hybrid. Other domains of the hybrid spectrum, other than military, may sometimes offer options suiting national interest in a much more focused way. The Indian public may view surgical strikes or airstrikes as the default response to any cross-border terrorism. This shift in perception began after the 2016 Uri attack, which saw India conducting publicly acknowledged trans-Line of Control (LoC) surgical strikes. The 2019 Balakot airstrikes following the Pulwama terrorist attack further deepened this belief, portraying India as a nation ready and willing to respond militarily even when faced with the risk of escalation. However, conventional military responses to terrorism are neither always appropriate nor always effective. Not every attack warrants an overt strike. Some such attacks as part of the Pakistan proxy war strategy are designed to provoke precisely thata disproportionate Indian response that could be exploited diplomatically or escalate into full-blown conflict. Terrorist groups understand this well and often operate below the threshold of what could justify a conventional war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, therefore, mustand doesrespond asymmetrically across a spectrum of covert and overt tools. These include intelligence-based neutralisation of operatives, cyber operations, economic and diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, as well as counter-terrorism diplomacy in multilateral forums like FATF and the UN. Indias doctrine vis-a-vis Pakistan-based terrorism has undergone a subtle but significant transformation. The traditional posture of strategic restraint has now been replaced with a model that might be termed controlled escalationa strategy that combines overt retaliation with a careful calibration of risk. This doctrine includes several core elements, as under: Credible Deterrence Below the Nuclear Threshold: India aims to demonstrate that it can punish Pakistan for terrorist acts without triggering a full-scale war or breaching the nuclear threshold. Operation Sindoor was a landmark in this regard, showing that even when no military targets are initially in the crosshairs, a powerful message can still be sent. Flexible Response Spectrum: India now retains the right to choose the time, place, and mode of its responseranging from kinetic strikes to covert operations. This flexibility avoids predictability and complicates Pakistans planning and messaging. Non-Kinetic Measures: Since 2016, India has also shown greater willingness to use economic diplomatic offensives, and cyber capabilities to pressure Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of major attacks. Legal and Institutional Consolidation: Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA), UAPA, and amendments to intelligence frameworks have been geared toward enabling pre-emptive action and post-attack accountability. These legal measures are vital components of a counter-terror doctrine that goes beyond military retaliation. Strategic Restraint Still Holds Value Despite the muscular posturing, it is important to recognise that restraint remains a crucial element of Indias strategic culture. This restraint is not borne of weakness but of strength and maturity. India understands that Pakistan remains a nuclear-armed state with a volatile internal structure. Full-scale war is undesirable for both sides, and it is in this context that India continues to prioritise deterrence and disruption over devastation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, global geopolitical dynamicsincluding the role of the U.S., China, Gulf countries, and the wider international communityrequire India to balance assertiveness with diplomacy. Strikes like the ones in Operation Sindoor succeeded not only because of military precision but also because India had carefully prepared the diplomatic ground, ensuring progressive international understanding and support. The Problem of Attribution A significant challenge in treating every terror attack as an act of war is the issue of attribution. While some attacks bear the clear imprint of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Taiba, which operate with the complicity of Pakistani agencies, others may involve local radicalisation, transnational jihadist inspiration, or decentralised execution. Reacting militarily in such situations risks overplaying a response, thereby undermining Indias legitimacy and international standing. India, therefore, must retain the right to investigate and verify before responding, even as it sends an unambiguous message that it holds the Pakistani establishment responsible for enabling a terror ecosystem. In the case of Operation Sindoor, although there was much criticism of the fortnights delay in response, I continue to believe that this was necessary. It did not undermine the capability and effect of Indias response but rather enhanced the credibility through correct target profiling. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Managing Public Expectation The gap between public expectation and state doctrine is a major challenge today, especially because of the surfeit of information available in the public domain. Continuous exposure to patriotic rhetoric, television debates, and social media campaigns has created a narrative where anything less than a military strike is seen as weakness. But national security cannot be crowd-sourced. It requires patience, precision, and a lot of secrecy. Political leadership must walk the fine line between reassuring the public and maintaining operational discretion. While declarations like every act of terror will be treated as an act of war serve a strategic purpose, they must be backed by clarity in communicationespecially when no visible response follows a smaller-scale attack. War is not waged for public satisfactionit is a tool of last resort in a complex matrix of power, diplomacy, and security. PM Modis statement must be understood as a doctrine of strategic resolve rather than a promise of immediate retaliation in every instance. Its akin to Pakistan being on perpetual notice; we could respond any time to a provocation. Tenterhooks is what we would like that establishment to be on. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For India, the true measure of success lies not in the spectacle of a strike but in the slow, methodical degradation of the terror infrastructure, the insulation of society from extremist narratives, and the long-term isolation of Pakistans support to terror. War, in this context, is as much about intellect, ideas and influence, as it is about airstrikes, air defence and artillery. The writer is a Member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri displaying a picture of terrorist Hafiz Abdul Rauf and members of the Pakistani military at the funeral of terrorists killed during the Operation Sindoor strikes. ANI India decisively won the four-day conflict against Pakistan. But in the international media and within sections of the global intelligence community, Operation Sindoor is regarded as only a qualified success. From May 7-10, India degraded Pakistans terror infrastructure and severely damaged its military bases. After a week of denials, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif finally admitted during a public address that India had successfully hit several Pakistani military airbases, including Nur Khan, with ballistic missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most neutral experts have called Operation Sindoor a notable success in the fight against global terror. As David Vance, a British commentator pointed out, India is helping the West fight the global war on terrorism whose hub lies in Pakistan. So why is the West discomfited by Indias unprecedented attack, with precision-guided munitions, on a nuclear-armed country? Why has US President Donald Trump tried to downplay Indias successful military response to the brutal attack on 26 tourists in Kashmir by Pakistani terrorists? There are two key reasons. First, the Western establishment sees India, now the worlds fourth largest economy, in the same light it perceived China 15 years ago: a rising power that could pose a future threat to 300 years of Western global hegemony. Any event that moderates Indias rise is in the Wests interest. This, however, presents the West with a conundrum. It regards China as a far bigger geopolitical problem than a rising India. China has already risen. Its economy, at nearly $20 trillion, is two-thirds Americas $30 trillion economy. Indias GDP at $4.19 trillion is still small but its annual growth rate is treble Americas and double Chinas. The gap between the three will close sooner rather than later. The second reason for the global reaction is commercial. The US sells a significant amount of military hardware to Pakistan, including F-16 fighter jets. These performed poorly against Indias new 4.5 generation stealth Rafale fighters whose lethal Scalp missiles have a 400-km standoff range. The outcome was not a good advertisement globally for US defence companies like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Raytheon which supply military hardware around the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US media immediately took the cue and downplayed Indias military success in Operation Sindoor. Several US media organisations have Pakistan-origin editors. They gave the conflict a spin that called it a draw when facts pointed to a clear Pakistan defeat. China stays out To Pakistans disappointment, China did not make an attempt to open up a second front on the LAC. The poor performance of Chinese military equipment and fighter jets in the conflict was blamed by Chinese military strategists on the relative incompetence of Pakistani Air Force (PAF) fighter pilots, not the quality of Chinese hardware. Indias Operation Sindoor has crossed a Lakshman Rekha in two ways. One, it has demonstrated to Pakistan that nuclear blackmail is no longer a restraining impediment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it ominously clear when he said: A future terror attack will be regarded as an act of war. This closes the option Pakistan has exercised for decades: launching terror attacks behind a nuclear shield. That shield has been breached. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) serves as a new deterrent. India has swifty begun to use water it was always entitled to legally under the IWT which came into force in 1960. Out of a misplaced sense of goodwill, India had not used its full legal quota of water for over six decades. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said candidly last week: As far as J&K is concerned, we have never supported the Indus Waters Treaty. We have always believed that it is the most unjust document for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Opposing a blatantly unfair treaty (IWT) is in no way, shape, size or form warmongering. Its about correcting a historic injustice that denied the people of J&K the right to use our water for ourselves. Abdullah said that with the IWT suspended, hydro-electric power plants could transform the Union territorys economy. For example, he pointed out, The Wular lake is in North Kashmir. Civil works on the Tulbul Navigation Barrage were started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Waters Treaty. Now that the IWT has been suspended, we may be able to resume the project. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Multi-party global outreach What India must now do falls into three buckets. First, ensure that the decision to send multi-party teams to various countries later this week does not appear as a defensive tactic. India does not owe anybody an explanation for Operation Sindoor. The various teams must focus on demonstrating with evidence the scourge of Pakistans decades-long use of terrorism against India. Second, the teams must present graphic proof of the success of Operation Sindoor and why it has only been paused, not completed. Third, they must expose, with published examples, the deliberate bias in Western media coverage of the conflict and how the bias diminishes their editorial credibility. Pakistan has spent millions of dollars in the US on lobbying firms. These firms have strong ties with Congressional leaders in both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as with legacy media organisations. These relationships are used to airbrush evidence of Islamabads links with UN-designated terror groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has the ability and the goodwill to hire the best US lobbying firms to state its case with evidence and seize control of the narrative. Above all, the key task for the multi-party teams preparing to set off to different geographies this week is to de-hyphenate India from Pakistan. Pakistans GDP at $360 billion is smaller than the GDP of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Just as US wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan did not hyphenate the US with those countries, the multi-party teams must make it clear that India is dealing with what Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week called a rogue nation. The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The warning is unambiguous: If Pakistan does not dismantle the terror infrastructure on its soil, India will read more The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, an Indo-Russian joint venture launched from land and air, obliterated terrorist infrastructure during Op Sindoor, leaving adversaries little time to react. Representational image: Wikimedia Commons To call Pakistan a failed state and the epicentre of global terrorism is merely stating the obvious. Its long history of creating, nurturing, training, and funding terrorist outfits to attack innocents across the world is well documented. This reality justifies its notorious nicknameTerroristan. For decades, terrorism originating from and sponsored by Pakistan has been targeted primarily at India, with increasing focus on civilian targets. While the 26/11 Mumbai attack of 2008, under the UPA regime, remains the deadliest ever in terms of scale and casualties, the past 11 years under Modi government have witnessed three major terrorist attacks, all traced back to Pakistans terror machinery: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Uri (2016): On September 18, 2016, terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked an Indian Army base near Uri in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district. Nineteen soldiers were killed and 30 others injured. Pulwama (2019): On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 personnel. The attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar, was affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pahalgam (2025): On April 22, 2025, the worst civilian terror attack since 26/11 took place in Baisaran Valley, a tourist hotspot in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Twenty-six innocent civilians were killed. An offshoot of the Pakistan-based and UN-designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility. Zero Tolerance for Terror To the best of public knowledge, the 26/11 attacksIndias most heinous civilian terror strikewent unanswered militarily. Had there been a resolute response then, perhaps Pakistan-backed terrorists would not have dared to carry out attacks at Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. The Uri and Pulwama attacks marked a shift in Indias strategic doctrine. Uri was avenged with surgical strikes by Indian forces on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while Pulwama was followed by a targeted airstrike deep inside Pakistani territory. These strikes signalled Indias new doctrine of zero tolerance to terror, which led to a brief pause in major Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activity. Munirs Provocation The provocation came again, this time from Pakistans Army Chief and de facto ruler, General Asim Munir. On April 16, while addressing a Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, Munir made two provocative statements: The Jugular Vein: Referring to Kashmir, he said, It was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle. Two Nation Theory: Reviving the divisive ideology, he claimed Hindus and Muslims are different nations who cannot coexist. Pahalgam Attack Follows Soon after Munirs inflammatory rhetoric, the Pahalgam terror strike occurred, shockingly involving religious profiling and brutal killings of civilians in front of their families. Despite the earlier robust responses to Uri and Pulwama, the Pahalgam attack happenedunderscoring the persistence of Pakistans terror agenda. Making of Operation Sindoor This time, however, the perpetrators and their Pakistani handlers were unprepared for Operation Sindoora swift, resolute, and comprehensive military and political response by Bharat. Supported by citizens across the spectrum, and executed flawlessly by the armed forces, Operation Sindoor became a powerful message. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A New Paradigm: The New Normal On May 12, 2025, in his address to the nation post-Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi declared that the operation was only temporarily pausednot concluded. He unveiled a new anti-terror doctrine comprising three tenetsthe New Normal: Zero Tolerance to Terror: Any terror attack will be met with a strict response at the source. No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: India will no longer be deterred by Pakistans nuclear rhetoric and will strike at terror camps regardless. No Tolerance towards Terrorists and Terror-Sponsoring State: India will treat both the perpetrators and their state sponsors as legitimate military targets. The Indian Lion Roars On May 13, while addressing defence personnel at Adampur Air Basetargeted in the Pakistani strike on May 9PM Modi issued a stern warning: Patrons of terrorism must now understand: harbouring evil designs against India will lead to one consequenceannihilation. Killing innocent Indians will result in one outcomecomplete ruination. Pakistan: A Global Terrorist Hub Is there proof of Pakistans deep involvement in global terrorism? Yesand its overwhelming. Pakistan harbours UN-designated terrorists who operate freely, raise funds, and even receive state honours at funerals. Following Operation Sindoor, several high-profile funerals of terrorists were attended by top military officialsfurther implicating the state. Pakistan ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index (after Burkina Faso and ahead of Syria), a damning statistic. Its repeated appearance on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list (200810, 201215, 201820) highlights its failure to dismantle terror financing networks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Confessions by Pakistani leaders and military officials further expose the states role. From Pervez Musharraf (2015) to Nawaz Sharif (2018), Imran Khan (2019), and most recently, Khawaja Asif and Bilawal Bhutto (2025)the record is clear. Breaking the Nexus How did Pakistan become the worlds terror epicentre? What is the nexus between its government, military, and terrorist organisations? The distinction between good terrorists (those attacking India and Afghanistan) and bad terrorists (who now threaten Pakistan itself) reveals the inherent contradictions in its policy. Making of Terrorism in Pakistan Australian scholar Eamon Murphy, in The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan (2014), provides a comprehensive account of the roots of extremism in Pakistan. Several contributing factors include: Islamisation: Declared a state religion in 1973. Religious Extremism: Dictator Zia-ul-Haq promoted Wahhabism in the 1980s, leading to an explosion of madrassasfrom 900 to over 33,000. ISI and Osama Bin Laden: Post-1979 Afghan War, US and Saudi support was channelled through ISI, which empowered radical jihadist elements like bin Laden. Kalashnikov Culture: Radicalism, war refugees, and unchecked weapons created a violent domestic culture. These developments laid the foundation for terror outfits that later unleashed chaos across the globeincluding the 9/11 attacks. India-Centric Terror Groups The Afghan wars aftermath (1989) created a pool of trained, radicalised jihadis with no war to fight. The ISI redirected them toward Kashmir, fueling a proxy war. Terrorist Organisations in Pakistan Pakistan is home to multiple terror groups, categorised by sect (Deobandi, Salafi, etc) and areas of operation (India, Afghanistan, the West). Prominent among them are: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Al Qaeda (Pakistan) Taliban Sipah-e-Sahaba (SSP) Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) United Jihad Council (UJC) Many of these groups have India as their primary target. India-Focused Terror Groups Among the most dangerous are: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT): Founded in 1986, LeT has been behind major attacks including the 2006 Mumbai train blasts and the 2008 Mumbai siege. Led by Hafiz Saeed, it operates openly in Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM): Founded by Masood Azhar in 2000, following his release during the IC-814 hijacking. Known for suicide attacks, JeM was responsible for the 2001 J&K Assembly bombing and the Parliament attack. Smaller outfits like Al-Umar, Al-Badr, and Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen follow the same ideological path. What Next With Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi has issued a clear ultimatum: any future terror attack from Pakistani soil will be treated as an act of war. Pakistans political and military leadership must now reckon with the new realityfurther attacks will invite devastating consequences. The warning is unambiguous: If Pakistan does not dismantle the terror infrastructure on its soil, India will. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a 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 Firstposts views. It will be beneficial for the Trump administration to keep off the Kashmir issue and focus on terrorism in the subcontinent for the betterment of the India-US strategic partnership and regional peace read more The US has a habit of offering its role to discuss the so-called Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Image: File photo of US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump was too hasty to credit himself for the halt in military exchanges between India and Pakistan on May 10 and announced it even before India and Pakistan declared a ceasefire. This kicked off a controversy in India that is yet to die down. When Trump claimed credit and the Pakistani government paid enormous tribute to him for helping in fast ending the military exchanges, it appeared as if the US President pressurised India to discontinue with its punishing attacks on Pakistani military facilities, which was in response to the Islamabad-backed inhuman terrorist attack on unarmed tourists in Pahalgam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also made Indian people believe that the US did little to help India in responding to the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks except condemning the incident and calling for restraint even before India would seek to punish the culprits and their sponsors. The Trump administration maintained silence after the terror infrastructures were destroyed by India. Had President Trump made a statement soon after the nine terror camps in Pakistan were hit by Indian precision strikes with little or no collateral damage and called for a ceasefire, it would have shown him better light as a person who was against terrorist activities and who cared for peace between two nuclear neighbours in South Asia. The Trump White House also made no remarks on Indias carefully executed strikes against terror camps. Nor did it say anything when Pakistan was relentlessly pounding civilian targets in India by using a large number of drones. The high officials of the Trump administration woke up only after Pakistan attacked Indian military installations, drawing appropriate retaliation by the Indian Armed Forces. There is little doubt that the ceasefire declaration between India and Pakistan preceded intense conversations by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with both Indian and Pakistani officials. But the final decision was taken only after Pakistans DGMO called his Indian counterpart and discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire. And this call from Pakistan came only after India had given a befitting reply to Pakistani provocation by hitting hard their military bases that were responsible for attacks against Indian targets. Pakistan has traditionally approached Washington for help only after its miserable failure in military misadventures against India. And Washington has often been sympathetic towards Pakistan in view of their long-standing alliance relationship. When Pakistan started its first war in Kashmir in the 1940s, the Truman administration equated the victim with the aggressor and called for a ceasefire by the warring parties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At that time, India was determined to stay away from the Cold War by adopting a non-aligned foreign policy, and Pakistan was courting the US to make it an alliance partner. By the time Pakistan invaded Kashmir in 1965, it was a member of US-backed regional security alliances, such as the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation and the Central Treaty Organisation. The anti-India policy of the US was so pronounced that the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement was signed in Tashkent through Soviet mediation. During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Washington visibly tilted towards Pakistan, ignoring its brutal military suppression of the freedom movement in East Pakistan. During the Pakistani misadventure resulting in the Kargil War, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had begged President Bill Clinton to facilitate dialogue with India and reach a ceasefire agreement! However, a ceasefire agreement is fundamentally different from holding dialogue on the Kashmir issue. India has a consistent policy against third-party interference on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. As far as Indias bilateral dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is concerned, it is only about ending Pakistani occupation of a portion of Jammu and Kashmir, an area known as PoK. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But then the US has a habit of offering its role to discuss the so-called Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. During the 1962 Chinese invasion of India, Pakistan lobbied in Washington for US mediation in the Kashmir dispute, and President John F Kennedy had expressed his willingness to do so, but India firmly refused. In the 1990s, Pakistan yet again lobbied in Washington by proposing ending its nuclear weapon programme if only the US could help in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan appears to have succeeded in persuading Washington to interfere in its disputes with India by invoking its doctrine of nuclear danger in South Asia. Terrorism, nuclear weapons and the Kashmir issue are not interconnected, but Islamabad parades this narrative, and Washington sometimes plays by the Pakistani playbook. The Trump administration needs to take a closer look at Pakistani game plans. Islamabad used to take huge amounts of money from the US in the name of fighting terrorists in Afghanistan post 9/11 and then channel some funds to Haqqani outfits who were killing Western forces. It was the Pakistani military that had given shelter to 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in an area not very far from the military headquarters. The present Pakistani establishment has gagged opposition leaders, calling domestic opponents militants or terrorists, while supporting terrorist groups in Kashmir by calling them freedom fighters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is unfortunate the Trump administration, instead of backing Indian efforts to counter terrorism backed by Pakistan, is hypnotised by the Pakistani narrative and is bragging that it has engineered a ceasefire to ward off a nuclear danger in South Asia. What is truly dangerous is when a nuclear-weapon power uses terrorism as an instrument of state power. The US did a big mistake by not even recognising Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism in Kashmir after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 as international terrorism, until after the 9/11 terror attacks on its soil. And now, the Trump administration is ignoring Pakistans hand in terrorism. In the backdrop of political instability, law and order problems, an economic crisis and the unpopularity of the army-backed government in Pakistan, the Pahalgam terror attacks took place. The way the Obama administration neutralised Osama bin Laden by using its military deep inside Pakistan is not ancient history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If India sought to destroy the terror camps inside Pakistan to avenge the merciless killings of innocent civilians by terrorists with support from across the border, President Trump should have stood by India, as per the statement issued in Washington, and not felt gratified by the current ceasefire. It will be beneficial for the Trump administration to keep off the Kashmir issue and focus on terrorism in the subcontinent for the betterment of the India-US strategic partnership and regional peace. The author is founding chairperson, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, and editor, India Quarterly. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Four children were killed and five injured in a suspected drone strike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Locals protested, demanding justice. Both security forces and militants use quadcopters. read more Four children were killed and five injured in a suspected drone strike reported from Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Representational image. At least four children of the same family were killed and five persons injured in a suspected drone strike in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, official sources said on Tuesday. They said the incident occurred during a clash between security forces and militants in North Waziristans Mir Ali area on Monday. A suspected quadcopter dropped a bomb on a house in the Hurmuz village during the daytime, they said. Four children of the same family were killed and five people injured in the explosion, which caused panic in the area, they added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Locals staged a sit-in at Mir Ali Chowk, demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible for the suspected drone attack. Some of them carried placards inscribed with slogans against drone strikes, the Dawn newspaper reported. According to the paper, both security forces and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are known to have been using quadcopters. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Relief Minister Haji Nek Muhammad Dawar strongly condemned the deaths. I have already clearly said on the floor of the KP Assembly that all types of operations and war operations should be kept away from civilian populations, so that the common people, especially innocent women and children, are not harmed, he said in a social media post. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) Israel has allowed a small shipment of UN humanitarian aid, including baby food, into Gaza for the first time in 11 weeks. The UN has said that it is just a drop in the ocean. read more Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a house as rescuers attempt to remove casualties from under the rubble, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, on April 13, 2025. Reuters File Israel has said it allowed five UN trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby food, into Gaza after an 11-week blockade, BBC reported. In response, the UNs humanitarian chief said the aid was just a drop in the ocean compared to what the 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza urgently need, as experts warn of a growing risk of famine amid ongoing strikes that continue to claim lives, including those of civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to let in a small amount of aid following pressure from US senators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint, Netanyahu said, addressing growing criticism within Israel. Netanyahu said food deliveries would continue only until the Israeli military and private companies set up centres to distribute aid as part of a US-backed plan that the UN has rejected. He also emphasised that Israeli forces would take control of all areas of Gaza in an expanded ground attack against Hamas, which started on Sunday. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes killed at least 40 people across Gaza on Monday, according to first responders and hospitals. Israel will take control of all Gaza: Netanyahu As the Israeli military stepped up its offensive in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces will take control of all the territory . The fighting is intense, and we are making progress. We will take control of the entire Strip, he said in a video on his Telegram channel on Monday (May 19). We will not give up. But to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped. Although Netanyahu said Israel must prevent a famine in Gaza after allowing limited food aid, he did not clearly say it was for humanitarian reasons. The right-wing leader said preventing starvation was important for diplomatic reasons. The pact would ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines, and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access read more Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), applauds as member countries approve an agreement to combat future pandemics, during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. AP Members of the World Health Organization adopted an agreement on Tuesday to better prepare for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19, but the absence of the US cast doubt on the treatys effectiveness. After three years of negotiations, the legally binding pact was adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva. WHO member countries welcomed its passing with applause. The pact was touted as a victory for members of the global health agency at a time when multilateral organisations like the WHO have been battered by sharp cuts in US foreign funding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Namibias health minister and the chair of a committee that paved the way for Tuesdays adoption, said that the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted huge costs on lives, livelihoods and economies. We as sovereign states have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic, Luvindao added. It is our duty and responsibility to humanity. The pact would ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits. It requires participating manufacturers to allocate a target of 20% of their vaccines, medicines, and tests to the WHO during a pandemic to ensure poorer countries have access. However, US negotiators left discussions about the accord after President Donald Trump began a 12-month process of withdrawing the US, by far the WHOs largest financial backer, from the agency when he took office in January. Given this, the US, which poured billions of dollars into vaccine development during the COVID pandemic, would not be bound by the pact. And WHO member states would not face penalties if they fail to implement it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The deal was reached after Slovakia called for a vote on Monday, as its COVID-19 vaccine sceptic prime minister demanded that his country challenge the adoption of the agreement. One hundred and twenty-four countries voted in favour, no countries voted against, while 11 countries, including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia and Iran, abstained. Some health experts welcomed the treaty as a step towards greater fairness in global health after poorer nations were left short of vaccines and diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains critical provisions, especially in research and development, thatif implementedcould shift the global pandemic response toward greater equity, Michelle Childs, Policy Advocacy Director at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative told Reuters. Others said the agreement did not meet initial ambitions and that without strong implementation frameworks it risked falling short in a future pandemic. It is an empty shellIts difficult to say that its a treaty with firm obligation where there is a strong commitmentIts a good starting point. But it will have to be developed, said Gian Luca Burci, an academic adviser at the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, an independent research and education organisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pact will not go into effect until an annex on sharing of pathogenic information is agreed. Negotiations on this will start in July with the aim of delivering the annex to the World Health Assembly for adoption, WHO said. A Western diplomatic source suggested it may take up to two years to be agreed. With inputs from agencies At least 50 Venezuelan men deported to a prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration had legally entered the United States, according to a new report by the Cato Institute. read more A mother holds her child as multiple immigrant rights groups gather at the DHS field office in Nashville to protest what they believe to be a multi-agency operation to detain-noncitizens overnight in Nashville, Tennessee, US, May 4, 2025. File Image/Reuters At least 50 Venezuelan men sent to a prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration had entered the US legally, a new report by the Cato Institute found. The report, released Monday by the libertarian think tank, looked at immigration data for only some of the men deported to El Salvadors infamous Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), focusing on cases where records were available. The government calls them all illegal aliens. But of the 90 cases where the method of crossing is known, 50 men report that they came legally to the United States, with advanced US government permission, at an official border crossing point, Cato said in its report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a developing story. General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff, was promoted for his exemplary role in the conflict with India, according to a report read more In a significant move following a major military embarrassment during Indias recent Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has promoted General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff, to the rank of field marshal. According to a Reuters report, citing a statement from the Prime Ministers Office, General Munirs promotion was approved by Pakistans Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday. Munir was promoted for his exemplary role in the conflict with India, reported state-run television channel PTV. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The promotion, the first-of-its-kind since Ayub Khan in 1959, comes at a time when Pakistans military leadership is being questioned for its operational failures and growing international scrutiny. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), in retaliation for a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives. India targeted and destroyed nine terror launch pads, including known terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke. This was followed by a military escalation, with intense artillery exchanges taking place on May 8 and 9. India inflicted significant damage on 11 Pakistani airbases and other strategic military installations. However, despite the scale of the damage, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government in Pakistan claimed victory after a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two nations. Notably, while Pakistan has been claiming victory in the recent conflict, India has busted its lies with evidence at various forums. With inputs from agencies People in Boxtown, which houses an economically disadvantaged community in south Memphis, have already been battling with poor air quality. With the establishment of Musks facility, dubbed the Digital Delta, residents are up against the worlds richest man as their health comes at stake read more Tesla CEO Elon Musk turned an abandoned factory in Memphis into an AI powerhouse last month, and just 30 days into its operations, residents have been complaining of air pollution. The factory, named Colossus by Musk, is the most powerful AI training system in the world and is being handled by his artificial intelligence company, xAI. This is just the beginning," the company said on its website as it already has plans to build a second facility in Memphis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AI demands vast amounts of energy, and Musks company has set up numerous gas-powered turbines, which emit a mix of harmful pollutants. Despite this, the company is operating without air permits, seemingly exploiting a loophole meant for temporary turbine use. However, environmental organisations argue that this exemption is not applicable, and local residents have expressed strong opposition. Health of residents compromised People in Boxtown, which houses an economically disadvantaged community in south Memphis, have already been battling with poor air quality. With the establishment of Musks facility, dubbed the Digital Delta, residents are up against the worlds richest man as their health comes at stake. Our health was never considered, the safety of our communities was never, ever considered, said Sarah Gladney, a resident of the town who suffers from a lung condition, told CNN. Memphis natives do not have the support of their mayor, who views the facility as an economic opportunity for the city. Mayor Paul Young said, What we are looking at is an opportunity to completely transform our economy. How is the facility polluting the air? Gas-powered turbines emit various pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, a major contributor to ozone pollution, commonly known as smog. Exposure to this type of pollution can trigger asthma attacks and chest discomfort, and over time, it has been associated with reduced lung function and an increased risk of premature death. This is a major concern for an area already burdened by severe air pollution. A ProPublica analysis found that the cancer risk from industrial emissions in southwest Memphis is 4.1 times greater than what the EPA considers acceptable. Additionally, Shelby County has received an F grade for ozone pollution from the American Lung Association and reports the highest rate of childhood asthma hospitalisations in Tennessee. The issue has gained international attention, especially after Australia announced plans to require a minimum age of 16 for creating accounts on major social media platforms later this year read more A new initiative gaining traction in Brussels could position the European Union at the forefront of global efforts to limit childrens access to social media. Backed by Greece and already supported by digital leaders France and Spain, the proposal calls for the EU to introduce new legislation significantly restricting minors use of social media amid growing concerns about the effects of excessive screen time. The issue has gained international attention, especially after Australia announced plans to require a minimum age of 16 for creating accounts on major social media platforms later this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a document obtained by POLITICO, EU countries are urging Brussels to go further by establishing an EU-wide age of digital adulthood. Below this age, minors would need parental consent to access social media, effectively preventing them from automatically using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. EU digital ministers are scheduled to meet in early June to discuss the proposal. Denmark, which is set to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council for six months, has already pledged to champion the cause. Protection of our children online will be a key priority for the upcoming Danish EU presidency, said Denmarks Minister of Digital Affairs, Caroline Stage Olsen. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also expressed support for a social media ban for children under the age of fifteen. According to an EU official familiar with the process, the proposal was circulated to other member states last Thursday to gather support ahead of the Council meeting. The move signals growing frustration among European capitals over Brussels slow pace on the issue, prompting a united push to limit childrens screen exposure. The document argues that protecting children from online risks and harms requires collective action at the European level. The push builds on a year-long effort by French President Emmanuel Macron, who introduced the term digital majority in April 2024 to define the age at which children should be barred from engaging in certain online activities. We must regain control of the lives of our children and teenagers, in Europe, and impose digital majority at age 15, not before, Macron stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the European Commission is already working on regulations such as the Digital Services Act, which sets rules for online platforms, this new proposal would go a step further. It would require age verification and parental control at the device level and introduce European norms aimed at curbing persuasive design featuressuch as pop-ups, autoplay, and personalisationthat increase app engagement and screen time. The suggestion that age verification should be implemented at the device level is expected to face pushback from tech companies like Apple and Google. While platforms such as Meta are calling for solutions at the device or app store level, operating system and app store providers tend to favour device-level controls. This disagreement may delay meaningful industry action, say advocates of regulation. France has already passed legislation in 2023 to restrict social media access for minors under 15, although full implementation is still pending. In recent months, Macrons junior digital minister, Clara Chappaz, has lobbied for broader EU support for a bloc-wide initiative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has also championed the plan, although Greece favours a more nuanced approach. Instead of a total ban, they support focusing on age verification and requiring platforms to avoid addictive features and design services with young users in mind. As a result, much of the proposal remains general in scope. The document was jointly signed by Clara Chappaz, Greeces Digital Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, and Spains Digital Minister Oscar Lopez Agueda. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction, said Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oren Marmorstein read more After Britains decision to pause free trade negotiations and impose new sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank over the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel on Tuesday asserted that international pressure will not alter its course in defending its existence. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy - that is its own prerogative, AFP quoted Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein as saying in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction, Marmorstein added. Earlier on Tuesday, the United Kingdom paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned the Israeli ambassador, and announced additional sanctions targeting settlers in the occupied West Bank. The moves came as Britains foreign secretary condemned what he described as a monstrous escalation of Israels military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli military launched a new phase of its offensive last week. According to Gaza health officials, more than 500 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes over the past eight days. Since early March, Israel has also blocked the entry of medical supplies, food, and fuel into Gaza, raising alarm among international experts who warn of an impending famine. While the blockade remains largely in place, a limited number of aid trucks were permitted to enter on Monday. Foreign Minister David Lammy described the offensive as a dark new phase in this conflict, urged Israel to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid, and condemned remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggesting the potential destruction of Gaza and the forced relocation of its residents to third countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms, Reuters quoted a visibly angry Lammy as telling lawmakers, adding the operation in Gaza was incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship. Today, Im announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement, he added. Israel said Britain had not advanced the trade talks, which started formally in 2022 under a previous Conservative British government, for some time. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago, Reuters quoted a spokesperson for its foreign ministry as saying. With inputs from agencies Russian-born Durov is currently under judicial supervision in France, holed up in Paris glitzy Crillon hotel after being placed under formal investigation for alleged organized crime on Telegram. read more French authorities have refused to grant Telegram founder Pavel Durov permission to travel to the United States for meetings with potential investors, citing a lack of justification for the trip. The Paris prosecutors office said the decision was made on May 12, stating that Durovs request to travel did not appear imperative or justified, as reported by POLITICO. The denial comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against the tech entrepreneur. Durov, a dual citizen of France and the United Arab Emirates, has been under judicial supervision in France since his arrest at a French airport in August 2024. He was formally indicted in September on six charges linked to illegal activity conducted via Telegram, the encrypted messaging platform he operates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Durov must seek official approval for any international travel as part of his bail conditions. He was previously authorised to visit Dubai between March 15 and April 7. His legal team in France did not immediately respond to media queries, and his U.S. spokesperson has also remained silent on the matter. Durovs relationship with French authorities has grown increasingly strained in recent months. On the day of Romanias presidential election runoff, he accused the French government including Nicolas Lerner, head of the countrys foreign intelligence service of pressuring him to silence conservative voices on Telegram ahead of the vote. French officials swiftly and strongly rejected the accusation. The Telegram founders restricted mobility and deepening clash with Paris come at a time when his platform faces mounting scrutiny over its role in facilitating unmoderated content and encrypted communications. The arrest of Durov last year ignited a debate about free speech online. Musk, who criticized the arrest of Durov, is also being probed by French prosecutors over alleged algorithmic bias on X. Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in countries including Germany and Britain, leading to concerns about undue foreign interference. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this month, OpenMinds, a tech company focused on countering authoritarian influence, said it found that 24% of Romanian-language Telegram channels were spreading what it called Kremlin-backed disinformation. Telegram said at the time users receive only the content they explicitly subscribe to. General Motors has decided to stop exporting cars from the United States to China, as tensions rise between Washington and Beijing over trade. The move comes shortly after a temporary truce in the trade war between the two countries, which saw both sides agree to reduce tariffs for 90 days. read more A full-scale trade war with China and the US is in the offing. AFP Amid the escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing, following Trumps reciprocal tariff measures, US-based automotive giant General Motors informed its employees and dealers in China on Thursday that it will cease exporting cars from the United States to China. The decision comes as the US and China continue discussions on tariffs and trade-related issues. GM had been exporting cars to China through its Durant Guild premium import business, which accounted for less than 0.1 per cent of its total sales in the country, according to a company spokesperson. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The spokesperson said they are restructuring The Durant Guild and streamlining GM Chinas operations due to significant changes in economic conditions. Previously, goods imported from the US to China faced tariffs of over 100 per cent, until both countries agreed to temporarily reduce them for 90 days. In April, GMs rival Ford also halted its exports to China. Trump trade war truce with China With the trade war truce last week, China signalled that US President Donald Trump didnt have the upper hand. As part of the agreement, both countries decided to cut tariffs for 90 days. US tariffs on Chinese goods dropped from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, while Chinese tariffs on US goods fell from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Even though the deal appears to be even, it marked a victory for China as Trump barely scored any concession. Capital Economics Chief Asia Economist Mark Williams said the truce was another substantial retreat from the Trump administrations aggressive stance because it does not include any commitments by China on its currency or trade imbalances, according to a research note cited by The New York Times. With inputs from Reuters. In a high-stakes call with Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump gave up his own demand for a ceasefire and endorsed the Russian position of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. With Trump on his side, Putin immediately stressed his maximalist demands that would end Ukraines sovereignty if accepted. read more In a high-stakes telephonic conversation with Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump has given Russia yet another victory. Trump on Monday held a call with Putin that lasted for more than two hours. He endorsed Russias position of immediate direct talks with Ukraine and gave up his own demand for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In endorsing Putins position, Trump dealt Ukraine and its European partners a major blow. He showed that his occasional displays of frustration with Putin in social media posts meant little and the two leaders remained on the same page. He also indicated that he could soon withdraw from mediation and said the Vatican could be a third-party host for Ukraine-Russia talks the United States has already ended its erstwhile shuttle diplomacy . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Trump wants Ukraine deal to be based on Istanbul Protocols, heres why that will be Russian victory Trump also made it clear that his priority is a reset of the US-Russia relationship and not the end of the war. Trump said that Russia wants to do largescale trade with the United States when this catastrophic bloodbath is over. As Trump appears to offer trade with the United States as an incentive to end the war, he fails to recognise the fact that Putin waged the war on Ukraine not because of some transactional issue but because of an ideological commitment for the restoration of the Russian sphere of influence that was lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin does not recognise Ukraine as an independent nation and hence wants it to be a satellite state like Belarus. Trump rebuffs ceasefire calls, endorses talks on Putins terms Ahead of the Trump-Putin call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his European partners had called for Putin to accept a US-endorsed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire . Trump did not press for the ceasefire. Instead, he endorsed Russias position of direct talks with Ukraine. It is an open secret that Putin has used direct talks to extend the conflict in a bid to tire out Ukraines partners the United States is already tired. Putin said after the call with Trump that he remained willing to draft a memorandum with Ukraine for the peace process but maintained that root causes would have to be addressed for the war to end. Root causes is a euphemism for Putins maximalist demands for the war to end, such as the recognition of all Ukrainian provinces that Russia has annexed and other territories that it controls; the ouster of Zelenskyy and his administration; amendment of the Ukrainian constitution to put limits on its military, include Russian in the nations cultural affairs, and rule out its membership of Nato; put limits on foreign military partnerships of Ukraine; etc. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Russia rejects Trumps ceasefire proposal, lists maximalist demands So far, Trump has floated three ceasefire proposals and Putin has rejected all of them often citing these maximalist demands. Trump made it clear that he does not care that such maximalist demands would mean the end of Ukraines sovereignty. After endorsing the Russian position, Trump said later on Monday: I think somethings going to happen and if it doesnt, I just back away and theyre going to have to keep going. India has arrested at least 12 people, including a popular YouTuber, in a major crackdown on a suspected Pakistan-linked spy network in the northern states. read more Police personnel stand guard at the Red Fort, amid tight security in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan, in New Delhi, Friday, May 9, 2025. PTI India has launched a major crackdown on a suspected Pakistan-linked spy network in the northern states, arresting at least 12 people over the past two weeks. Among those held is a well-known YouTuber, The arrests were made across the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This comes amid growing security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack by Islamabad-backed terrorists, and Indias response through Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hubs at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a report from Times of India, two women, Haryana-based influencer Jyoti Malhotra and 31-year-old Guzala from Punjab, were in contact with a Pakistani intelligence officer named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, who was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India expelled Rehman on 13 May over allegations of spying. Among the first to be arrested were Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Amritsar, taken into custody on 4 May for allegedly sending photographs and information about army cantonments and airbases near the Pakistan border to ISI agents. Arrests from Malerkotla, Gurdaspur, Panipat More arrests followed on 11 May, including Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla, who was reportedly paid through UPI transfers for sharing sensitive military information. On 13 May, two more men, Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh from Gurdaspur, were detained. They were accused of leaking details about troop movements during Operation Sindoor and sharing information on strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Weapons and electronic devices were also seized during the arrests. In Haryana, 24-year-old Nauman Ilahi was arrested in Panipat on 15 May for allegedly passing information to Pakistan. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Ilahi was reportedly in contact with an ISI handler. The following day, police arrested Devender Singh, a postgraduate student from Kaithal, who had travelled to Pakistan in November 2023 and was said to be in contact with four Pakistani operatives. UP ATS makes arrests from Rampur Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man named Shahzad from Rampur for spying for Pakistans intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was apprehended in Moradabad following an investigation into his involvement in cross-border smuggling and anti-national activities. ATS officials stated that Shahzad, son of Abdul Wahab and resident of House No. 135, Mohalla Azad Nagar, Tanda, Rampur, had been frequently travelling to Pakistan over several years. Under the guise of smuggling goods such as cosmetics, clothes, and spices between India and Pakistan, he was allegedly operating as a spy for the ISI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD YouTuber arrested for alleged ties with Pakistani intelligence YouTuber , who runs the Travel with JO channel with over 3.7 lakh subscribers, was on 16 May in Hisar. Her videos include titles such as Indian Girl in Pakistan and Indian Girl Exploring Lahore. Police said she met Danish, the Pakistani official, at the Pakistan High Commission in 2023 while applying for a visa. According to Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan, she was being developed as an asset by Pakistani intelligence officers during the military tensions following Operation Sindoor. Goyals visit to the US comes as New Delhi seeks to clinch a trade deal with the country within the 90-day pause on tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump on April 9 for major trading partners, including a 26 per cent tariff on India read more Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday held talks with the US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to expedite the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. Good discussions with Secretary Howard Lutnick towards expediting the first tranche of India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, the minister said on X. Good discussions with Secretary @HowardLutnick towards expediting the first tranche of India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. pic.twitter.com/8JjklXyEjl Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 19, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goyals visit to the US comes as New Delhi seeks to clinch a trade deal with the country within the 90-day pause on tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump on April 9 for major trading partners, including a 26 per cent tariff on India. Trade between the US and India totalled around $129 billion in 2024 as Washington retains its position on being New Delhis biggest trading partner. The trade balance between the two countries is favourable to India, which runs a $45.7 billion surplus with the US. Trump says Last week, Trump claimed that India is ready to remove all tariffs on US goods, but added that he is in no hurry to reach a trade deal with the country. During an interview with Fox News, the president said that India is the country with barriers he is determined to remove. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar , responding to Trumps comments, said, Between India and the US, trade talks have been going on. These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries. That would be our expectation from the trade deal. Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature. A 3-stage trade pact According to a report by Bloomberg, India is working on a trade deal with Washington, which will be planned in three stages. The deal could provide easier market access for industrial goods and certain agricultural products. It may also aim to ease trade barriers, including stringent quality control regulations. Officials from India told the news outlet that the second stage of the deal could entail a larger and more detailed agreement, likely to come into effect between September and November this year. The final phase of the deala comprehensive agreementwill require approval from the U.S. Congress and, according to officials, may not be completed until next year. Israel launches its biggest ground assault in Gaza while also signalling openness to a deal with Hamas, highlighting a strategy of fighting and negotiating at the same time read more Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes after the Israeli military issued orders for evacuation from eastern Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 19, 2025. Reuters The Gaza conflict, now well into its one year and eighth month since the outbreak of war after October 7 raids by Hamas in 2023, has entered a critical juncture. With Israel announcing a new phase of extensive ground operations in Gaza just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly signalled openness to a comprehensive deal with Hamas the apparent paradox of simultaneous escalation and negotiation is drawing global attention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The escalation: Operation Gideons Chariots The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced the initiation of a major new ground offensive in both the northern and southern parts of Gaza under the campaign named Operation Gideons Chariots. The operation involves five IDF divisions currently deployed within the enclave reflecting the largest surge of Israeli ground troops in Gaza since the early stages of the war. IDF chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir made it clear that the main goal is still to weaken the enemy and dismantle its networks in every area of operation. However, he also stressed the need to stay flexible on the battlefield in order to avoid disrupting the ongoing hostage talks taking place in Qatar. The renewed offensive reportedly includes aerial bombardments over 670 Hamas targets were struck over the past week as well as a land invasion targeting key Hamas positions. Israeli officials state that the operation aims not only to dismantle Hamass military capabilities but also to assert control over aid distribution routes and strategically relocate civilians from northern to southern Gaza. Despite the tactical successes claimed by the IDF, including further destruction to Hamas infrastructure, the humanitarian toll is devastating. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that all public hospitals in northern Gaza were out of service, with patients being forcibly evacuated from facilities such as the Indonesian Hospital amid active fire. The diplomatic front Remarkably, the intensified offensive has not curtailed, but rather coexisted with, active diplomatic negotiations. Only hours before launching the new military phase, Netanyahus office confirmed that Israel is considering a broader deal with Hamas that would include not just a temporary ceasefire but possibly a full end to hostilities. Netanyahus office said that even at that moment, the negotiation team in Doha was working hard to explore every possible way to reach a deal either based on the Witkoff framework or as part of a plan to end the fighting. This plan would include the release of all the hostages, the exile of Hamas fighters and the disarmament of the Gaza Strip. This statement marked a shift from Israels previously rigid position that insisted only on short-term pauses in fighting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US envoy Steve Witkoff lent his name to a proposal that started as a limited arrangement. The idea centred on a short-term halt in combat lasting 45 days, during which roughly 10 hostages would be freed. But Netanyahus revised approach, which now includes discussions around disarmament and a complete cessation of the war, suggests Israel may be preparing for a political off-ramp the one that ensures Hamass total capitulation. Still, this move is seen as a tactic. An Israeli official told Ynet that they were giving Hamas a chance to step back from the edge before Israel takes more serious military action in Gaza. The message was clear: if Hamas does not give in now, any future deal will be made under much harsher military conditions. The hostage dilemma The fate of the hostages continues to be a key focus in both the public discourse and diplomatic efforts surrounding the war. After Hamas took 251 Israelis hostage during its attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has made their return a top national goal. As of now, 197 captives have been freed, but 58 are still held in Gaza. It is reported that around 23 of them are believed to be alive. The hostage issue functions as both a moral imperative and a tactical lever. The military campaign is framed in part as a way to pressure Hamas into concessions and the diplomatic talks are largely hostage-centric. Hamas has demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire in return for any further hostage release demands that Israel, until recently, categorically rejected. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, with Israeli troops closing in on what it describes as key Hamas strongholds, the implications may be shifting. Netanyahus readiness to consider halting the conflict in return for the release of all captives and the dismantling of Hamass weapons signals a shifting approachone that blends force on the ground with high-stakes political negotiation. War and peace The simultaneous escalation of violence and engagement in diplomacy reflects a dual strategy deeply embedded in Israeli military doctrine. By intensifying military pressure, Israel aims to weaken Hamass bargaining position and raise the cost of continued resistance. Israeli media quoted Lt Gen Zamir as saying that a hostage deal should not be seen as a pause in the fighting, but as an achievement. He said diplomacy was not a sign of weakness, but another kind of success made possible by continued military pressure. However, this strategy carries significant risks. Hamas may interpret the renewed offensive as bad faith or a signal that Israel is uninterested in genuine compromise, potentially hardening its stance in the Doha negotiations. On the other hand, the continuation of the war also exacts a steep toll on Israeli society, international relations and the lives of Gazas 2 million residents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A fragmented future A leaked map reported by the Sunday Times sheds further light on Israels long-term strategy. The map allegedly shows a reconfiguration of Gaza into three civilian zones separated by four IDF-controlled military areas, with 12 humanitarian aid distribution centres managed by foreign companies. Though the IDF has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the map, its contents suggest that Israel may be planning to fragment and micromanage the territory even post-conflict, effectively neutralising Gaza as a cohesive political entity. If implemented, this plan could prevent Palestinians from moving freely within Gaza and entrench a form of semi-permanent military governance. It may also be intended as a blueprint to replace Hamass governing authority, yet it raises critical legal and ethical questions about occupation, sovereignty and the future of Palestinian self-determination. Negotiation through fire As events unfold, it is clear that Israel is leveraging its battlefield successes to create favourable conditions for a negotiated end to the war. Yet, the fusion of talks and strikes carries both promise and peril. On one hand, it maintains pressure on Hamas to come to the table with fewer demands. On the other, it risks destroying the very trust necessary for any meaningful agreement. The dual strategy being employed by Israel intense military action paired with flexible, albeit conditional diplomacy is nothing but the complexity of modern asymmetric warfare. In Gaza, peace may not come at the end of the war, but through it. For now, the guns roar while the negotiators whisper both part of the same choreography of war and diplomacy. Tensions appear to be brewing in Bangladesh as Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and interim ruler Muhammad Yunus appear to be at odds. While Zaman is pushing for elections at the earliest, Yunus is delaying and putting his weight behind anti-Zaman faction in the Army seeking his ouster. read more Bangladeshs interim ruler, Muhammad Yunus, and Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman appear to be at odds. While Zaman is pushing for elections at the earliest so that Bangladesh could have an elected government, Yunus appears to be delaying the exercise and putting his weight behind Zamans rivals who are friendly with foreign powers, according to CNN-News 18. After weekslong street violence forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country for her life in August 2024, the Bangladeshi Army and agitating groups propped the unelected administration of Yunus to see through the governance until elections would be held. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: As Sheikh Hasina era ends, rise of anti-India forces in Bangladesh poses major challenges While unelected with no democratic mandate, Yunus has gone about making significant chances to Bangladeshi polity. He has presided over the systemic removal of Bangladeshs founder Shekh Mujibur Rahman from the national conscience and the crackdown of Hasinas party Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). One reason for the tussle between Yunus and Zaman is also believed to be their opposite inclinations. While Zaman is usually seen as a pro-India figure with little sympathy for Islamists, Yunus and his administration are pro-Pakistan whose primary audiences are hardliner Islamists in Bangladesh and abroad. Army chief wants elections at the earliest, concerned about foreign influence Zaman wants elections at the earliest as foreign influence and interference in the countrys affairs has risen to an unacceptable level under Yunus, according to CNN-News 18. The report further said that Zaman has called for an urgent meeting to explore the plan of action. Army sources told CNN-News 18, The Army chief wants Yunus to declare elections as soon as possible. His biggest worry is instability due to foreign interference, which may be a possibility because of Yunus who is perceived as a puppet of foreign agencies." Sources further said that the Armys biggest worry is Yunus release of prisoners through executive orders". ALSO READ: Bangladesh heading to Zia-Yunus clash as BNP wants elections in quickest possible time Earlier, sources close to the Army chief had told CNN-News18 that the Bangladesh Army was on-board with Zaman. Yunus has released several Islamist leaders from jail, such as Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi , the chief of terrorist group Al Qaedas affiliate Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). As a result, Islamist extremists have taken the centre-stage in Bangladesh since Yunus appointment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Yunus has released terrorists from jail, he has banned Hasinas BAL and all of its affiliates. Yunus putting weight behind Army chiefs rival As Zaman is seen as a pro-India figure, Yunus is putting weight behind a rival general who is believed to share his own pro-Pakistan nature, according to CNN-News 18. Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman, the Quarter-Master General of Bangladeshi Army, has held a closed-door meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman, a confidant of Yunus. CNN-News 18 reported sources as saying that the attempt of the NSA would be to remove Zaman as Army chief. However, sources said that most of the commanders are on board with Zaman and a successful coup is unlikely. Separately, Pakistani intelligence tsar Lt Gen Asim Malik has also met Rahman, which suggested that Pakistan had overtly joined hands with the anti-Zaman faction of the Army. Earlier, CNN-News 18 had reported that Bangladeshi Army was divided into pro-Pakistan and pro-Awami League factions and that the pro-Pakistan faction of Rahman supported by Yunus and NSA considered a coup but most of the generals and officers refused to align with them. However, the report quoted sources as saying that Rahmans pro-Pakistan stand continued to cause friction in the Army. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said developing a unified peace memorandum between Moscow and Kyiv would be complex. Kremlins statement has come after two-hour-long phone call between Trump and Putin. read more Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said creating a unified peace memorandum between Moscow and Kyiv would be complex, following a two-hour call between Putin and Trump. (Photo: Reuters) The process for Moscow and Kyiv to develop a unified text of a peace and ceasefire memorandum will be complex, so there can be no fixed deadline, Russias news agencies cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying in remarks published early on Tuesday. There are no deadlines and there cannot be any. It is clear that everyone wants to do this as quickly as possible, but, of course, the devil is in the details, RIA state news agency quoted Peskov as telling reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The drafts will be formulated by both the Russian and Ukrainian sides, these draft documents will be exchanged, and then - complex contacts to develop a single text, the Kremlin spokesman said. U.S. President Donald Trump held calls on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland in an attempt to advance peace in the three-year-old war in Ukraine. Trump said after the call that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start ceasefire negotiations. Putin said Russia is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff) Yunus was all set to fly down to France to attend the Third United Nations Ocean Conference to be held next month after Dhaka requested for a bilateral meeting between Macron and Yunus read more Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, attends the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025. File Image/Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected plans for a bilateral meeting with Bangladeshs Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of an international summit slated for next month. According to a report by the Economic Times, Yunus was all set to fly down to France to attend the Third United Nations Ocean Conference to be held next month after Dhaka requested for a bilateral meeting between Macron and Yunus. France, however, refused the proposal, following which Yunus had to cancel his trip to the country, in a development that is being seen as a setback to the interim governments global outreach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conference will be in Nice from June 9, and the French president has planned to host the participants for dinner the day before. Why did France cancel the meeting? Sources in Dhaka told the news outlet that after receiving an invitation from France, Bangladesh actively sought to organise a bilateral meeting between President Macron and Yunus. However, French officials conveyed that numerous countries attending the conference had already requested bilateral meetings, leaving no room to accommodate an additional one. France has reportedly said that it does not want to hold bilateral meetings during the summit and is keen on Yunus attending the ocean meet. France was interested in understanding the specific objectives of the proposed bilateral meeting and was not in favour of holding it merely for formality. Although Bangladesh had previously shown interest in purchasing civilian aircraft from France, there has been no significant progress on that front. Yunus global outreach Yunus has been trying to snag meetings with prominent leaders from across the world to consolidate Bangladeshs position as the situation in the country took a turn for the worse following the dismissal of Sheikh Hasinas government. Last month, Yunus met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in Bangkok. This was the first time PM Modi met Yunus. After France, UK, and Canada issued a joint statement threatening targeted sanctions against Israels for its renewed military offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu lashed out at the leaders of the three countries, accusing them of effectively rewarding Hamas for what he called a genocidal attack on October 7 read more Hours after France, the United Kingdom, and Canada issued a joint statement threatening targeted sanctions against Israels for its renewed military offensive in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday lashed out at the leaders of the three countries, accusing them of effectively rewarding Hamas for what he called a genocidal attack on October 7. In their statement on Monday, the British, French, and Canadian heads of government condemned the intolerable humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They urged Israel to halt its intensified military campaign, which follows a prolonged blockade and has included a new wave of ground operations and airstrikes. Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate, Politico quoted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as writing in a joint statement. We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response, they added. The rare, joint intervention by Starmer, Macron and Carney earned a sharp rebuke from Netanyahu, who hit out at the three leaders in a statement of his own late Monday. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa [sic] and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities, Politico quoted Netanyahu as writing on social media. Netanyahu, however, voiced support for US President Donald Trumps controversial plan for Gaza, which includes taking control of the territory, removing its Palestinian population, and redeveloping the area. Israel accepts President Trumps vision and urges all European leaders to do the same, Netanyahu said. While the proposal has been widely rejected by Middle Eastern and European nations, as well as the United Nations which cautioned against any form of ethnic cleansing it has been swiftly endorsed by the Israeli prime minister. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The joint declaration by the UK, France, and Canada signals a growing rift between Israel and some of its key Western allies over its prolonged military campaign in Gaza. The offensive began in response to Hamas October 7, 2023 cross-border attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis. President Macron has clashed repeatedly with Prime Minister Netanyahu first over his call to suspend arms deliveries to Israel, and more recently after suggesting that France might recognise a Palestinian state. Adding to the mounting pressure, the Netherlands recently urged the European Union to reassess its partnership with Israel, citing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of thousands face starvation and disease due to ongoing Israeli military operations. On Tuesday, France threw its support behind the Dutch initiative, backing a review of the EU-Israel association agreement. I call on the European Commission to take a look at this agreement, Politico quoted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement has a political dimension and also a trade one. Its in nobodys interest to end [it]. But the situation in Gaza forces us to increase the pressure, he said on French radio. With inputs from agencies Qatar dismissed concerns about its offer to give U.S. President Donald Trump a Boeing plane, saying it was not trying to buy influence, a day after a bill was introduced in the Senate to prevent a foreign aircraft from operating as Air Force One. read more U.S. President Donald Trump talks with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as he departs Al Udeid Air Base, en-route to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Doha, Qatar, May 15, 2025. REUTERS Qatars Prime Minister has defended the Gulf nations offer of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet to US President Donald Trump, insisting that the gesture is not a form of bribery and would be made very legally. The aircraft, once owned by Qatars royal family and dubbed a palace in the sky, is among the most lavish gifts ever offered by a foreign government to an American president. Trump revealed earlier this month that Qatar had offered him the luxury jet to serve as Air Force One. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Facing mounting scrutiny in the US, where critics have raised concerns about foreign influence and ethics, Qatars Prime Minister stated that the gift reflected longstanding ties between the two countries and was being handled in compliance with legal protocols. The offer has already prompted US lawmakers to introduce a bill to prevent foreign aircraft from being used as the official presidential plane. If accepted, the gift would require extensive security retrofitting and raise complex legal and political questions about propriety and transparency. Trump dismissed ethical concerns, calling it stupid to reject the offer. He stated that the aircraft would be donated to his presidential library and not used for personal purposes after his term. Experts noted that converting the luxury jet into a secure presidential aircraft would require extensive upgrades, including missile defense systems and encrypted communications. During Trumps high-profile visit to Dohathe first by a US president in over two decadesQatar Airways announced a record order for 160 Boeing widebody jets, with options for 50 more. The multibillion-dollar deal marked a significant win for both Trump and Boeing. The visit also highlighted Qatars renewed ties with Washington. In 2017, Trump supported a regional embargo against Qatar by several Gulf nations, accusing it of backing terrorism. However, Doha has since regained favour in US circles, in part through major economic and defence partnerships. Reports indicate that Madrid, Andalucia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura, and the Valencian Community were all hit read more All major mobile networks in Spain went down on Tuesday, only four weeks after the country had a nationwide power outage. Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil, and O2 were all said to have been affected. According to Downdetector, network connectivity issues began about 5 a.m. today. Emergency phone lines have been restored in Aragon, near the French border, but issues still exist elsewhere, according to Metro. The causes of the disruptions are yet unknown. Reports indicate that Madrid, Andalucia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura, and the Valencian Community were all hit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After phone lines collapsed as a result of Telefonicas network renovations, emergency services in some places were forced to issue new phone numbers to individuals in need. According to Spanish media accounts, landline telephones were the most severely disrupted, although all Telefonica voice services appear to have been impacted to some level. We have carried out some network upgrades that have affected specific services at some companies. We are working to resolve this, stated a Telefonica spokesperson. Some communities reported phone service restoring later in the morning. Telefonica informed MailOnline that network upgrades had impacted several organisations fixed communication services, including voice and internet. Aragon, Extremadura, the Basque Country, and the Valencia community all experienced disruptions to their emergency service lines, with citizens previously warned that they would be unable to call the 112 number. The 112 number has now been reinstated in Valencia, Aragon, La Rioja, and Andalusia, among other regions. According to El Pais, the Downdetector website stated that problems started at approximately two in the morning. Outages accounted for 72% of reported difficulties, while 18% reported no signal and 10% reported a total outage in their location. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shaibanis statement came after European diplomats said in Brussels that the EU had given the green light to lifting all economic sanctions on Syria in an attempt to support the countrys reconstruction following the December overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad read more Syrians line up to retrieve money from an ATM in Damascus, Syria. AP Syrias foreign minister said on Tuesday that the lifting of sanctions on his country showed an international will to support Damascus, after EU countries agreed to end the blocs economic sanctions. In a press conference in Damascus alongside his Jordanian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani said that lifting sanctions expresses the regional and international will to support Syria, adding that the Syrian people today have a very important and historic opportunity to rebuild their country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The plan today is to benefit from the lifting of sanctions. Anyone who wants to invest in Syria, the doors are open; anyone who wants to cooperate with Syria, there are no sanctions, he added. Shaibanis statement came after European diplomats said in Brussels that the EU had given the green light to lifting all economic sanctions on Syria in an attempt to support the countrys reconstruction following the December overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. EU foreign ministers are expected to officially announce their decision later on Tuesday. The move would follow US President Donald Trumps announcement last week that he was waiving sanctions on the war-torn country. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi congratulated Shaibani on the developments, saying Syria was now in a new phase, and Syrias success requires giving it a chance to succeed. Lifting sanctions would provide the Syrian government with the capabilities it needs to serve its people and will allow the private sector in all countries of the world to work towards that, Safadi said. The EU had already suspended some restrictions on Syrias key economic sectors in February. Officials said these measures could be reimposed if Syrias new leaders do not fulfil their promises to respect minority rights and move towards democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lai is the first Taiwanese president to publicly advocate for a sovereign fund that invests abroadan idea previously floated by other Asian nations and proposed informally by earlier Taiwanese administrations read more Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has announced plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund aimed at helping Taiwanese companies expand overseas. The initiative is intended to strengthen Taipeis integration with global markets and counter efforts by China to isolate the island. In the future, the government will establish a fund to boost Taiwans economic development momentum, Lai said in a speech in Taipei on 20 May, marking his first full year in office. He explained that the fund would work by fully utilising Taiwans industrial advantages, with the government taking the lead and cooperating with the power of private enterprises to deploy globally and connect the main target markets. He did not provide further details. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lai also noted that trade discussions with the United States are still ongoing and progressing smoothly. This follows the Trump administrations imposition of a 32% tariff on Taiwanese exports in April, which was subsequently suspended for 90 days to allow for negotiations. Lai is the first Taiwanese president to publicly advocate for a sovereign fund that invests abroadan idea previously floated by other Asian nations and proposed informally by earlier Taiwanese administrations. However, Taiwans central bank has traditionally been cautious about contributing directly to such a fund. Earlier in May, there was a proposal to enact a special law to set up an independent organisation to manage the fund. The model would follow examples from neighbouring Asian countries that finance such initiatives through bond issuances, budget appropriations, or capital injections from their finance ministries. Taipei currently holds foreign exchange reserves of approximately US$582.8 billion (S$755 billion). While Lai did not disclose the funds proposed sources of capital, Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long has firmly stated that the institution would not give away its reserves, though it may be open to lending them. He also suggested that fund proponents consider alternative financing options outside of the central bank. As of 1:16 pm on 20 May, Taiwans benchmark Taiex index rose by 0.1%, and the New Taiwan dollar strengthened slightly to 30.19 against the US dollar. CY Huang, founding chairman of the Taiwan M&A and Private Equity Council, voiced support for the concept of a sovereign wealth fund. He speculated that Lais timing might have been influenced by US President Donald Trumps recent remarks advocating for a similar American investment fund and that any US investment vehicle may focus on high-tech targets, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the archipelagos largest corporation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has said an American fund could be backed by monetising vast government assets and used to back strategic projects in areas like critical minerals or take stakes in companies like TikTok. However, the idea has been made a lower priority after running into legal, financial and political realities. Huang said one challenge Taiwan faces in setting up the fund is that Taiwan lacks international investment talent, and for these kinds of strategic global investments, it would be best to establish an international advisory committee. The two leaders likely had different expectations for the callTrump, who previewed it on Truth Social, spoke from the Oval Office, while Putin took the call from a school without clearing his schedule. 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 For US President Donald Trump, yesterdays phone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was a serious attempt at convincing the leader to end the war in Ukraine. On the other hand, the two-hour-long conversation might have been just another run-of-the-mill discussion for Putin, who squeezed in Trump amid his tight schedule. It is likely that both the leaders had expected different outcomes from the phone call. On the one hand, Trump held the phone call from the Oval Office and had previewed the call on his social media platform, Truth Social. On the other hand, Putin did not clear his schedule for the discussions and had picked up the US presidents call from a school for gifted children, which he was touring. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has pinned his hopes on ending the conflict on a personal bond with Putin, even as he shows growing frustration with the Kremlin leaders refusal to do a deal. I believe it went very well , Trump said on his Truth Social network after Mondays Putin call. Recounting his call with Putin to reporters later, Putin said, If I thought that President Putin did not want to get this over with, I wouldnt even be talking about it. Id just pull out. I think hes had enough. The discussions between the two leaders come at a time when Putin failed to show up for a direct ceasefire negotiation meeting that he proposed last week. His no-show in Turkey led Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to believe that he is not serious enough for ceasefire. The differing views on the leaders third phone call this year highlight Trumps ongoing difficulties in trying to end the three-year war, which he recently called a bloodbath . While Trump has framed the two-hour conversation as a breakthrough, Putin struck a more reserved tone, saying he was ready to work with Kyiv on a memorandum towards ending the war Moscow launched in February 2022, but insisted on compromises on both sides. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Zelenskyy spoke to Trump both before and after the Putin call, urging the US president to toughen sanctions against Russia if it refused a ceasefire. I asked him not to make any decisions about Ukraine without us before his conversation with Putin, Zelenskyy told reporters. With inputs from agencies For Ukraine and its allies, who spent months trying to win Donald Trump over to their cause in the war started by Russia, it is back to square one. read more US President Donald Trumps recent two-hour discussion with Russian leader Vladimir Putin has sent shockwaves through Kyiv and its Western allies. After months of concerted efforts to secure stronger US backing against Russia, Ukraine and its supporters now find themselves back at square one. In a two-hour conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump abandoned his earlier demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, a proposal Kyiv had supported in the hope of launching serious peace talks but rejected by Russia. This pivot suggests a departure from the stick approach of threatening tougher sanctions on Russia for lack of peace progress, now replaced by a carrot of economic partnership if and when the conflict concludes. The change is a profound setback for Ukraine, which had hoped this pressure would compel Moscow to ease its maximalist demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump, who once pledged to end the war swiftly, also downplayed his role in resolving the conflict, suggesting the outcome now lies elsewhere. The timing is especially damaging for Ukraine, coming just weeks after a high-profile rift between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European leaders caught off guard by the policy pivot are scrambling to assess their next move. Just days before the call, Trump had warned of stricter sanctions on Russia if peace efforts stalled, a strategy Ukraine hoped would pressure Putin. That threat has now given way to offers of economic cooperation should hostilities cease, shifting the balance toward Moscow. European officials expressed deep frustration at the reversal. One diplomat described Trumps sudden departure from an agreed strategy as a breach of trust. He dropped the plan overnight after talking to Putin, the official said. He does not seem invested in Ukraine at all. Putins calculus and Ukraines vulnerability Despite Trumps apparent shift, Ukraine and its European allies have maintained a united front, announcing new sanctions against Russia and affirming their commitment to engage with the United States. They acknowledge the possibility of another change in Trumps stance. However, deep mistrust of Putin persists. With a larger army steadily gaining ground along the 1,000-kilometer front line for over a year, Russia continues to insist that any peace agreement must reflect the current battlefield realities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated, Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace. Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham Houses Ukraine Forum echoed this, noting, For Russians, the battlefield and diplomacy are two sides of the same coin, with Putin using diplomatic delays to solidify gains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin, for his part, claimed after the call with Trump that Moscow was ready to collaborate with Ukraine on a future peace accord and that efforts to end the conflict were on track. Washingtons backing has been critical to Ukraines defence, not just in terms of funding but also advanced military intelligence. As uncertainty builds over future US support, Kyiv is increasingly dependent on Europe, which lacks access to certain key American weapon systems. While European capitals have pledged continued aid, their leverage depends in part on Washingtons stance. Trumps unpredictable approach has already created doubts, especially after a minerals deal and rare Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul seemed to suggest renewed diplomatic momentum. The economic pressure the US can exert on Russia, whose economy is showing signs of strain from war costs despite weathering previous Western sanctions, is another factor that now appears less certain. Dashed hopes and allied disappointment For Ukraine and its allies, the outcome of Trumps call with Putin is particularly disheartening because there had been recent signs of gaining his support in pressuring Moscow. In March and April, Trump had reportedly expressed frustration with Putins perceived foot-dragging and even threatened tougher sanctions. These pronouncements, despite lingering differences between US and European positions on territorial issues, were viewed positively by Kyiv, especially after a contentious public exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump in February. Further signs of progress included a minerals deal signed between Ukraine and the US last month and the first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in nearly three years, held in Istanbul. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The disappointment among allies was palpable following Mondays call. As one European diplomat summarised, Its one step forward, two or 10 steps back. We will continue to pass messages to the Trump administration and push, push for it to pressure Russia. The UK on Tuesday said it imposed sanctions that target what it classifies as the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and paused ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel. read more The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced a pause in its ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions targeting what it called a cycle of serious violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. It had also summoned Israels ambassador over its expansion of military operations in Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the humanitarian situation in the region utterly intolerable and reiterated his governments demand for an immediate ceasefire and a large-scale humanitarian response in Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely in protest over Israels renewed ground offensive in Gaza. Tel Aviv claims the operation is aimed at dismantling the Hamas militant group. Were horrified by the escalation from Israel. We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages, said Starmer. We repeat our opposition to settlements in the West Bank and our demand to massively scale up humanitarian assistance into Gaza, he said. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday lashed out at the leaders of the three countries, accusing them of effectively rewarding Hamas for what he called a genocidal attack on October 7. In their statement on Monday, the British, French, and Canadian heads of government condemned the intolerable humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. Starmers parliamentary statement was followed by Foreign Secretary David Lammy updating the House of Commons on the latest set of sanctions against individuals, illegal settler outposts, and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Lammy said the persistent cycle of violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank demanded action. I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators, said Lammy. The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UK measures target individuals such as prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as two illegal outposts and organisations that it says have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank. With inputs from agencies US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday defended the Trump administrations controversial foreign policy direction and cuts to diplomatic funding during his first appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since taking office read more US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on US President Donald Trump's State Department budget request for the Department of State, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday. Reuters US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday defended the Trump administrations controversial foreign policy direction and cuts to diplomatic funding during his first appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since taking office. Facing bipartisan criticism, including from former Senate colleagues who once supported his confirmation but now question his independence from President Donald Trump, Rubio rejected claims that the administration is retreating from global engagement. He insisted that the proposed changes, including a $20 billion rescission in funding, were intended to streamline and not dismantle American foreign policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rubio told the committee this is not about withdrawing from the world, pointing to his international travel since assuming the post in January as evidence of continued diplomatic engagement. I just hit 18 countries in 18 weeks, Reuters quoted Rubio as saying. That doesnt sound like much of a withdrawal, he added. The hearing grew contentious at times, with senators pressing Rubio on a range of issues, including the administrations hardline immigration policies, Trumps relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the controversial prioritisation of white South African immigrants over other refugee groups. Trumps administration has blocked mostly non-white refugee admissions from the rest of the world but has begun to resettle Afrikaners, the descendants of mostly Dutch settlers in South Africa, saying they faced discrimination and even genocide. South Africas government denies the allegation of genocide. Rubio defended the prioritisation of White South Africans for refugee resettlement, calling it a matter of national interest. He described the group as a small subset that is easier to vet, reported CNN. In a tense exchange with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, Rubio did not dismiss the possibility that race plays a role in the resettlement decision. However, he argued that the individuals in question are facing persecution specifically because they are White. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland accused Rubio of abandoning core principles he once championed as a senator. While youve turned away from a genocide in Sudan and invented one in South Africa, youve teamed up with President Trump to throw the Ukrainian people under the bus, and have been played like a fiddle by Vladimir Putin, Reuters quoted Van Hollen as saying. You used to speak with conviction about the importance of foreign aid as a tool to advance American values and interests. Then you stood by while Elon Musk took a chainsaw to USAID and other assistance programms, Van Hollen said, adding that he regretted his vote for Rubios nomination. Rubio shot back, First of all, your regret for voting for me confirms Im doing a good job. The hearing suddenly devolved into a shouting exchange, something unusual for a committee long known for bipartisanship. On Russia, Rubio cautioned against imposing additional sanctions on Russia at this stage, arguing that such a move could hinder ongoing dialogue aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to a CNN report, he said that President Donald Trump believes threatening sanctions now could prompt Moscow to disengage from talks, and that maintaining open channels of communication is crucial to bringing Russia to the negotiating table. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rubio acknowledged that if Russia shows no interest in a peace agreement, further sanctions may eventually be necessary, though he did not specify a timeline for such measures, added the report. He also emphasised that Russian President Vladimir Putin hasnt gotten a single concession from the Trump administration. On temporary resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, Rubio said the US has asked some countries about temporarily housing Gazans, but said he was not aware of Libya being one of them. He said that the preliminary ask is not a permanent situation but a bridge towards reconstruction. According to CNN, Rubio also told the committee that the US believes Syrias transitional government may be just weeks, not many months away from collapsing, warning of the potential for a full-scale civil war of unprecedented scale that could lead to the countrys fragmentation. Rubio told the committee that the $28.5 billion budget request by the Trump administration for the 2025/2026 fiscal year will allow his department to continue enacting Trumps vision while cutting $20 billion of duplicative, wasteful, and ideologically driven programmes. The administration is proposing a new $2.9 billion America First Opportunity Fund (A1OF) that would take on foreign aid, building on lessons we learned from USAID, Rubio said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After his testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio is scheduled to speak to the Senate Appropriations Committees State and Foreign Operations subcommittee at 2 pm EDT (1800 GMT). On Wednesday, he is due to testify before the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committees State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs subcommittee. With inputs from agencies The Senate backed Kushner 51 to 45. Senator Cory Booker, who represents Kushners home state of New Jersey, was the only Democrat to vote along with Trumps fellow Republicans in favour of the nomination read more The Senate has confirmed real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Charles Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation after discovering his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, hiring a prostitute and arranging to have the encounter recorded with a hidden camera and sent to his own sister, the mans wife. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Senate backed Kushner 51 to 45. Senator Cory Booker, who represents Kushners home state of New Jersey, was the only Democrat to vote along with Trumps fellow Republicans in favour of the nomination. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican who opposed it. Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Kushners son Jared Kushner, who married Trumps eldest daughter Ivanka in 2009, also served as the presidents advisor during his first term, notably on conflict in the Middle East. When he announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner in November, Trump called him a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker. Charles Kushner will head to France as the relationship between the two traditional allies, and between the U.S. and the rest of Europe, has been strained over Trumps trade policies and the U.S. role in the Ukraine war. At his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Kushner said he would work closely with France to bring greater balance to our important economic relationship and also encourage France to invest more in its defense capabilities, as well as lead the EU to align with the U.S. vision of increased European commitments to security. As Trump has rattled traditionally solid relationships with European allies, Kushner said he appreciates the history between the two countries and is dedicated to building an even stronger relationship. He told senators that he is a child of Holocaust survivors who came to the United States after World War II, and his grandmothers and other members of his family were executed by Nazis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Kushner that his nomination comes at a critical time because our European allies are anxious. Shaheen also asked Kushner about his criminal past. He replied that he made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake. Kushner was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts, including tax evasion and witness tampering. It was the highest sentence he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie called it one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he ever prosecuted as U.S. attorney. Kushner also agreed to pay $508,900 to the FEC for violating contribution regulations by failing to obtain an OK from partners to whom more than $500,000 in contributions were credited. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Announcing Kushners pardon in 2020, Trumps first White House cited Kushners more recent charitable work as the reason he deserved clemency. This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushners conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, the White House said then. Kushner was confirmed with the support of one Democrat New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. In his prepared testimony for his confirmation hearing, Kushner thanked Booker for his special and close friendship. With inputs from agencies After the Donald Trump administration of the United States issued guidance against using Huaweis Ascend chips, China reacted angrily and said the action undermined the US-China trade truce talks. read more After the United States warned companies against using Huaweis Ascend chips, China has said that the Donald Trump administration had undermined ongoing trade truce talks with the warning. Last week, the United States and China agreed to a truce in the ongoing trade war. They agreed to reduce tariffs by 115 per cent for 90 days. Later in the week, the Trump administration said in a statement that the usage of Huaweis Ascend chips anywhere in the world would violate US export controls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a fresh statement on Monday, China said that it had negotiated and communicated with the US at all levels through the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, pointing out that the USs actions seriously undermined the consensus reached at the high-level talks between China and the US in Geneva. After the initial Chinese backlash, the Trump administration had watered down the language of the warning, saying instead that the guidance was being issued about the risks of using PRC [Peoples Republic of China] advanced computing ICs, including specific Huawei Ascend chips doing away with the anywhere in the world bit. However, this did not placate China and it asked the Trump administration to correct its mistakes. Last week, the Trump administration warned about the usage of Huaweis Ascend chips, specifically the 910B, 910C, and 910D chips. It said that these chips were likely developed or produced in violation of US export controls. As the United States and China are locked in a competition for geopolitical and technological dominance, the United States is concerned about Chinese advancement in semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence (AI) domains. To prevent Chinas rise in these domains, the United States has imposed strict export control rules that are intended to limit Chinas access to technology that is essential to make advances. However, China has often found workarounds. It has also ramped up indigenous research and development and has produced advanced chips despite US export control rules. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China welcomes the WHO's internal reforms to improve efficiency and better serve its member states, and stands ready to participate in the process through both financial and personnel support. GENEVA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) has briefed the press on China's recent health development and its contribution to global health governance, reaffirming China's commitment to building a global community of health for all. At a press conference on Saturday, Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission (NHC) and leader of the Chinese delegation, said that China upholds the principle of putting people and life first, and has rolled out 18 major programs nationwide under its comprehensive public health strategy - the Healthy China Initiative. According to Lei, China's average life expectancy has risen to 79 years in 2024 while maternal and infant mortality rates have reached historic lows. Lei emphasized that China is deeply involved in global health governance, continuously contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to building a global community of health for all. He reaffirmed China's firm advocacy for multilateralism and its strong support for the World Health Organization (WHO) in its central and coordinating role in global health affairs. He added that China welcomes the WHO's internal reforms to improve efficiency and better serve its member states, and stands ready to participate in the process through both financial and personnel support. On the Taiwan-related proposal, Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, reaffirmed China's consistent and clear position that Taiwan's participation in the WHA must be handled in strict accordance with the one-China principle, as established by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. "We firmly oppose any Taiwan-related proposals," Chen said. He emphasized that, under the one-China principle, the central government has made appropriate arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs. Over the past year, 12 experts from Taiwan have been approved to attend WHO technical activities in 11 groups. He added that any technical exchanges involving Taiwan that comply with the one-China principle can proceed smoothly. Yu Yanhong, director of China's National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stated that China has fully utilized the unique advantages and potential of TCM to promote universal health coverage, offering high-quality, efficient, convenient, and affordable TCM services to the entire population through all stages of life. China maintains close cooperation with the WHO, Yu stressed, citing the inclusion of a chapter on traditional medicine in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases for the first time. Xia Gang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, noted that in recent years, China has actively explored disease control strategies tailored to its national conditions, achieving positive results, especially concerning the monitoring and early warning system development. Xia added that China will continue to support the WHO's leadership and coordination role in global public health governance, fulfill its obligations under the International Health Regulations and related work on the pandemic agreement, and work to safeguard global public health security. Trump has been claiming that Qatar approached his administration and offered a plane, which the president later announced would be turned into Air Force One read more The motorcade of US President Donald Trump is parked next to a 12-year old Qatari-owned Boeing 747-8 that Trump was touring in West Palm Beach, Florida, February 15, 2025. File Image/Reuters The US government reached out to Qatar to inquire about acquiring the Boeing 747 aircraft, which was supposedly a gift to US President Donald Trump. Trump has been claiming that Qatar approached his administration and offered a plane, which the president later announced would be turned into Air Force One, the aircraft used by US presidents to travel around the world. However, sources have told CNN that the Trump 2.0 administration contacted Boeing in January 2025 and was informed that the plane-maker would not be able to replace the old presidential planes and deliver new jets for another two years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration, however, pushed for a quicker replacement aircraft, prompting the Air Force to consider various alternatives. Simultaneously, Trump assigned his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to compile a list of suitable aircraft options. Following the Pentagons initial discussions with the company, Boeing supplied US defence officials with a list of international clients that owned aircraft potentially suitable for temporary use. And Qatar was one of the clients, a source said, adding that the Pentagon offered to buy the plane, following which Qatar intended to sell it. Trump has a completely different version of this story. Earlier this month, in an interview with Fox, the president said, Boeing is very late with the plane. And Qatar heard about it, and hes a great leader. And we were talking, and he said, If I can help you, let me do that. And they had a plane. Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has said he does not see any controversy surrounding Trumps plan to accept the Boeing 747-8 plane Talking to CNN, Al-Thani said, This is a very simple government-to-government deal. It has nothing to do with personnel, whether its on the US side or the Qatari side. Its Ministry of Defense and Department of Defense, adding that it is not a personal gift to Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps desire to accept a $400 million aeroplane from Qatar has been slammed by Republicans and Democrats alike, with many dubbing it an illegal foreign donation and national security threat. Top army official said India has the military capability to strike anywhere in Pakistan. Emphasising the success of Operation Sindoor, he added that even if Pakistan moves its headquarters from Rawalpindi to other locations, it would still have to find a deep hole to hide. read more From Left to Right: Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General (DG) of Air Force Operations, DG of Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, and DG of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral AN Pramod at a press briefing for Operation Sindoor. Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan DCunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, said India has the military strength to strike targets anywhere in Pakistan following the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precise strikes on terror hubs at nine locations backed by Islamabad. In an interview with news agency ANI, Lieutenant General DCunha stated, The whole of Pakistan is within range. He added that even if Pakistan relocates its Army General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), it would still have to find a deep hole. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: DG Army Air Defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan DCunha says, "India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range... The GHQ (General pic.twitter.com/U8jFcmIC8Y ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 Indias offensive strikes during Operation Sindoor targeted key Pakistani airbases with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy high-value targets. I would like to emphasise that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest points, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even deep inside, of targeting the entire country, Lt Gen DCunha said. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole, the senior Indian Army officer told PTI. Modern indigenous technology, including long-range drones and guided weapons, was key to the operations success. Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists backed by Islamabad killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) became open source, Microsoft said Monday. This marks the conclusion of a multi-year effort that started with the first issue on the Microsoft/WSL GitHub repository, which asked if WSL would be open source. Overview of WSL Components WSL consists of multiple parts running in both Windows and the WSL 2 virtual machine: Command-line tools: wsl.exe , wslconfig.exe , and wslg.exe let users interact with WSL. , , and let users interact with WSL. WSL service: wslservice.exe handles starting the WSL VM, launching Linux distributions, and mounting file shares. handles starting the WSL VM, launching Linux distributions, and mounting file shares. Linux processes: Such as init (startup), gns (networking), and localhost (port forwarding), run inside the Linux environment. (startup), (networking), and (port forwarding), run inside the Linux environment. File sharing: Uses Plan9 protocol to share Linux files with Windows. Previously open-sourced components include: microsoft/wslg: Provides support for graphical Linux apps using Wayland and X server. microsoft/WSL2-Linux-Kernel: The Linux kernel source for WSL 2. However, some parts are still closed source: Lxcore.sys: The driver powering WSL 1. Filesystem access between Windows and Linux at \\wsl.localhost is managed by P9rdr.sys and p9np.dll. Background and Development Pierre Boulay, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, explained that WSL first launched in 2016 with Windows 10 Anniversary Update as WSL 1. The system used the ( lxcore.sys ) driver within the Windows kernel to natively run Linux executables. In 2019, WSL 2 was introduced with a full Linux kernel running inside a lightweight VM to improve compatibility. As more users joined and requested features, Microsoft separated WSL from the Windows codebase in 2021 and released it as an independent package in the Microsoft Store (version 0.47.1), initially for Windows 11 preview users. November 2022 saw the release of WSL 1.0.0, the first stable standalone version, which included support for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 11 24H2 helped move users from the built-in WSL to this new package, while keeping wsl.exe in Windows to facilitate downloads. Later, WSL 2.0.0 introduced important features such as mirrored networking, DNS tunneling, session 0 support, proxy and firewall support. Community Contributions and Future Pierre Boulay noted that the WSL community has played a key role by helping identify bugs and add features despite not having access to the source code. He added that Microsoft expects the open-source release to speed up development by enabling the community to contribute directly. Code Availability The complete WSL source code is now available on GitHub at Microsoft/WSL, where developers can access, build, and contribute to it; the latest version is WSL 2.5.7, following many updates since version 0.47.1 released four years ago. NATO's Air Mobility and deterrence capabilities on full display during Exercise GRIFFIN LIGHTNING NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum May 16 2025 Brunssum, The Netherlands -- Under JFCBS's operational authority, the German Aviation Brigade is executing a major multinational deployment across the Baltic region, significantly enhancing NATO's ability to deter and defend in real time. With more than 800 personnel and over 30 helicopters deployed, this brigade is conducting operations from Lithuania into Latvia, Estonia, and Polanddemonstrating speed, scale, and Allied integration. Activated on 1 January 2025, the Aviation Brigade represents a new model of German joint capability. Drawing from both the Army and Air Force, the brigade brings together Tiger attack helicopters, NH90 and CH-53 transport platforms, and dedicated aeromedical evacuation aircraft into a single, mission-ready formation of approximately 2,500 troops. The brigade's mission in Griffin Lightning includes combat support, troop and equipment transport, forward casualty evacuation, and air mobility for multinational forces deployed in coordination with NATO's Multinational Corps Northeast. The exercise, running from 5 to 23 May 2025, is supported by robust cyber, signals, and security components, ensuring seamless interoperability across domains. This deployment also displays NATO's growing ability to coordinate joint operational effects across borders. German helicopters are executing missions from a temporary airbase in Panevezys, Lithuaniaconstructed in the months leading up to the exerciseand operating seamlessly across national boundaries in support of Allied formations. The Aviation Brigade's readiness reflects months of preparation and is part of Germany's broader commitment to NATO's deterrence and defence posture. Since 2017, Germany has led the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Lithuania. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Berlin further expanded its contribution, pledging a permanently stationed mechanized brigade. The deployment of aviation forces adds critical depth and agility to this presence. Executed in the operational area of JFCBS, Griffin Lightning strengthens Alliance cohesion, builds interoperability, and demonstrates the ability to project force rapidly and effectively across NATO territory. It sends a clear and unambiguous message: NATO remains united, prepared, and capable of defending every inch of Allied territory. Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Relationships drive readiness: SFAB advises through partnership in AL25 By Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro May 17, 2025 DODJI, Senegal -- In the arid heat of Centre d'Entrainement Tactique 2 (CET2), Soldiers assigned to Maneuver Advisory Team (MAT) 2112, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB), build more than interoperability; they build relationships. As participants in African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Africa Command's premier annual exercise, the 11-person 2nd SFAB team embedded with the Senegalese Army's 32nd Battalion to enhance tactical effectiveness and reinforce enduring military partnerships. "We don't just show up, advise and leave," said U.S. Army Capt. Nicolaus Solari, MAT 2112 team leader. "Our role is to form lasting partnerships. The more trust we build, the more we can achieve together, on the ground and strategically." That trust has been months in the making. Leading up to the exercise, the team engaged in key leader meetings, joint training events and informal exchanges that laid the foundation for deeper collaboration during AL25. Those early efforts helped shift the relationship from formality to genuine cooperation. "When you get past the uniforms and ranks, it's about two professionals learning from each other," said U.S. Army Master Sgt. Kevin Dellinger, MAT 2112's senior enlisted advisor. "We've had conversations about family, hometowns and goals. Those small things translate to big results when it's time to train." During AL25, MAT 2112 advised the Senegalese 32nd Battalion during situational lanes, contributed to patrol planning and refined small-unit tactics. This reinforces trust through consistent presence and shared effort. "We've trained shoulder-to-shoulder," said Solari. "That builds mutual respect. It makes it easier to challenge each other and grow." While tactical progress was a priority, the team's focus on relationship-building reflected the long-term goals of the SFAB mission: empowering partners, strengthening institutions and fostering regional stability. "Our advisors bring years of experience, but also humility," Solari said. "We're here to advise and assistbut also to learn and grow alongside our counterparts." The value of the team's work extends beyond any single training event. "Every successful advising relationship is a small win that supports long-term regional stability," said Dellinger. "We may be a small team, but the impact we make ripples outward." As AL25 concludes, MAT 2112 leaves Senegal with strengthened bonds and a shared commitment to future cooperation. "We'll move on to the next location, and they'll continue their mission here," said Solari. "But what we've built together, the respect, the understanding, the trustthat stays." About African Lion AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operationspreparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS. About 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB) 2nd SFAB, based in Fort Liberty, North Carolina, is a specialized U.S. Army unit trained to advise and assist partner militaries around the globe. In Africa, 2SFAB teams operate under the direction of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), working alongside African forces to build tactical skills, enhance interoperability, and strengthen long-term security cooperation in support of U.S. Africa Command objectives. About SETAF-AF U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe fuels African Lion 2025 By Dorie Heyer May 17, 2025 Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe played a key logistics role in supporting African Lion 2025 (AL25), the largest U.S. led military exercise in Africa, by providing vital food supplies to thousands of military personnel as they participate in the month-long event spanning four countries. Beginning in early February, the DLA Distribution Europe team, based in Germershiem, Germany, processed 37 orders of food supplies, consisting of 38 pallets of meals, ready to eat (MREs) and Unitized Group Rations, for exercise participants in Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. "At a time when the global landscape is rapidly evolving, support to these multinational exercises showcases DLA's total team effort to support the warfighter across the globe," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Zdrojesky, commander, DLA Distribution Europe. The food supplies were provided by DLA Troop Support, another DLA major subordinate command, headquartered in Philadelphia. U.S. Africa Command leads African Lion, which brings together more than 10,000 military personnel from over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies. The exercise, scheduled from April 14 to May 23, 2025, spans Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. African Lion began in 2004 and has become the U.S. military's most significant exercise on the African continent. The exercise is designed to address shared security challenges, enhance readiness, reinforce strategic reach and foster innovative solutions. "DLA Distribution Europe's capabilities and professional workforce, combined with the team's agility in responding to emerging missions, allow us to effectively support multiple theaters of operation," Zdrojesky said. DLA Distribution Europe, located in Germersheim, Germany, is DLA Distribution's largest distribution facility on the European continent and is a forward deployed Theater Distribution Platform. As an integral part of the Defense Logistics Agency's worldwide network of 24 distribution centers, the organization provides initial surge capability during the transition to war phase, seamless joint theater distribution and innovative support of DLA and service-managed materiel to all four service component warfighters and government partners throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. About African Lion AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operationspreparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS. About Defense Logistics Agency The Defense Logistics Agency manages the end-to-end global defense supply chain - from raw materials to end user disposition - for the five military services, 11 combatant commands, other federal, state and local agencies partner and allied nations. About SETAF-AF U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM responds to Indian military's claim that China provided Pakistan with air defense support Global Times By Global Times Published: May 19, 2025 05:11 PM On May 19, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press briefing. In response to a question raised by a Bloomberg reporter regarding Indian military's claim that China provided Pakistan with air defense support, Mao stated that for specific details, it is advisable to consult the competent Chinese authorities, according to the Beijing Daily. Mao noted that both India and Pakistan are important neighbors of China, and China attaches great importance to China-India and China-Pakistan relations. China has always followed the principles of fostering amicable, secure, and prosperous relations with its neighbors, and is committed to developing relations with all neighboring countries based on the vision of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and a shared future. Since tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, Chinese side has always maintained an objective and impartial position, calling on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation. We support and welcome India and Pakistan realized ceasefire and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and in safeguarding regional peace and stability, said Mao, Beijing Daily reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran rejects Arab League's statement on Iranian islands, calling it baseless and unacceptable IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has rejected the claims made in the final statement of the Arab League summit in Baghdad regarding the three Iranian islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. In a statement on Monday, Baqaei emphasized that the three Persian Gulf islands are an integral and eternal part of Iran and that Tehran considers raising such an issue in the Arab League summit "unacceptable." He further said that any claim on Iran's trio islands is contrary to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, which demand respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, as well as the principle of good neighborliness. The Foreign Ministry spokesman urged the Arab League to take into account "the undeniable historical and geographical realities of the Persian Gulf" and focus on strengthening relations between the regional countries, instead of raising "baseless claims." Iran has time and again warned Arab states and their regional political and economic blocs against any unsubstantiated claims regarding the three islands, saying that those claims or statements lack legitimacy and do not change Iran's legal status or sovereignty over the islands. 4399**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We share our view on the scope of the russian threat, says Minister of National Defence D. Sakaliene Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-05-19 International cooperation | Security and defense policy Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene has met with Minister of Defence of Norway Tore Onshuus Sandvik conducting a visit to Lithuania. The Ministers have discussed strengthening the bilateral security cooperation, top of the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit, and other topics. D. Sakaliene thanked Norway for the close partnership in strengthening defensive capabilities. "Norway is one of the countries who consistently and reputably share in the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank. Symbolically, one of the most visible areas of our cooperation is the NASAMS air defence system. We share the view on the scope of the russian threat, as well as of the necessity to give a decisive response. As the NATO Summit is approaching, we must bear in mind that despite the character of the eventual resolution to the war in Ukraine, russia will still remain a lasting threat to the whole of the Alliance. Europe needs to take more responsibility for is security, spend on defence and do so now," said Minister D. Sakaliene. Lithuania and Norway signed a Phase 3 NASAMS acquisition contract last October. The Government of Lithuania has just recently approved financing for the advance payment. The equipment is planned to be delivered in 2028. Minister also underlined that Lithuania was looking forward to -the Norwegian contingent's integration with the German Brigade Litauen. Over a hundred and a half of Norwegian troops are currently serving with the NATO Multinational Battlegroup. Discussing the efforts to strengthen the defence industry and capabilities, Minister D. Sakaliene presented the defence industry cluster establishment initiative underway in Lithuania and development plans for a cooperation system between the Armed Forces and the defence industry. The system would not only improve resilience of the state and defence industry but also return a significant amount of the strategic acquisition value to Lithuania via manufacturing, services and technology transfer. Ministers also discussed regional security and support to Ukraine. D. Sakaliene emphasized that if NATO Allies aimed at a credible deterrence, they needed to strengthen national capabilities, especially on the Eastern flank while also maintaining a steady supply of assistance to Ukraine. Lithuania and Norway cooperate closely in the area of defence, in the formats of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), Northern Group, and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8). Norway also supports Lithuania in strengthening our air defence. It has deployed three rotations of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states so far and transferred the RBS-70 short-range air defence systems assigned to the Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas Nauseda in Poland: Defense of the Suwaki Corridor is our shared responsibility President of the Republic of Lithuania May 19, 2025 On Monday, President Gitanas Nauseda and Polish President Andrzej Duda observed the joint international military exercise 'Gallant Boar'25' near the Suwaki Corridor. During the bilateral meeting, the leaders discussed key security issues in the region and across Europe. "Today, Lithuania and Poland stand shoulder to shoulder as allies who ground their security not just in words, but in concrete actions and long-term investments in defense," President Gitanas Nauseda said. The two leaders observed the international field tactical exercise 'Gallant Boar'25', which includes forces from Poland, Lithuania, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Romania. "This exercise sends a clear message that we are ready to defend our countries, our people, and NATO's entire eastern flank. I'm especially pleased that it is taking place near Lithuania's border, close to the Suwaki Corridorwhose defense is our shared responsibility," Gitanas Nauseda added. During their bilateral meeting, the Lithuanian and Polish Presidents focused on regional security challenges and preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. Gitanas Nauseda emphasized the importance of achieving concrete outcomes at the summit that will strengthen transatlantic unity and reinforce NATO's deterrence and defense posture. The Head of State also underlined that Europe must take responsibility and significantly increase defense spending. "Lithuania and Poland are leading by example. Starting next year, Lithuania will allocate over 5% of its GDP to defense, alongside the rapid development of its national division," President Gitanas Nauseda pointed out. The leaders also discussed the importance of the United States' military presence in the region, agreeing that Lithuania and Poland must continue to provide all the necessary conditions for U.S. forces to remain present and active in the region. The meeting also addressed the European Union's defense agenda. According to the Lithuanian President, the current challenges demand wartime planning and fundingnot bureaucratic discussionsas well as urgent consolidation of EU resources and bold investments in military modernization, infrastructure, EU external border protection, and continued support for Ukraine. The President reaffirmed Lithuania's unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that bolstering Ukraine's military strength and maintaining continued assistance are key to deterring Russian aggression. Gitanas Nauseda expressed gratitude to the Polish President for his long-standing partnership and steadfast commitment to regional security: "Our nations know what freedom isand the cost at which it comes." The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Allies Project Power and Readiness in Exercise Swift Response 25 NATO Allied Air Command May 19 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- From 11 to 31 May 2025, NATO Allies and partners are executing Swift Response 25, led by the United States, conducting near-simultaneous airborne and mobility aircraft operations, and multinational training across the High North and Baltic region to enhance collective defence readiness. The exercise featured five coordinated airborne insertions in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, alongside high-intensity drills including live fires, medical support operations and high mobility artillery training, supported by Allied mobility aircraft. Swift Response 25 is the opening phase of the broader U.S.-led DEFENDER 25 exercise, designed to reinforce NATO's deterrence posture and demonstrate rapid deployment capability. Paratroopers from the U.S. joined Dutch, French, German, Italian and forces in a combined jump into Lithuania, while Polish forces executed a similar insertion into Finland. In Norway, the 82nd Airborne Division led a major airborne assault, marking the start of DEFENDER 25. The Finnish Army conducted live fire training with Polish troops, and U.S. HIMARS units performed HIRAIN (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion) training in Finland and Sweden. Latvia hosted joint airborne and live-fire operations involving Spanish and U.S. paratroopers, integrated with the national exercise Crystal Arrow. Lithuania conducted a field hospital exercise under simulated CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) conditions, demonstrating forward-deployed medical capabilities and drone-enabled blood resupply. "This is about global deterrence," said General Christopher Donahue, Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. "Everything we demonstrate with our Allies and partners, we can replicate globally. DEFENDER gives us critical repetitions at scale for theatre logistics and warfighting." The coordinated jumps by multinational airborne forces are made possible through the seamless integration of strategic and tactical airlift platforms. For example, the United Kingdom are supporting the exercise with the A400M and the U.S. with the C-17 Globemaster III, alongside other tactical aircraft such as a C-130J Super Hercules, enabling the rapid and effective multinational airborne operations. Swift Response 25, as part of DEFENDER 25, engages approximately 25,000 personnel from 29 Allied and partner nations. It validated NATO's ability to coordinate complex operations across multiple domains and geographies, reinforcing the Alliance's collective defence posture. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: UN expert calls for end to attacks on critical civilian infrastructure amidst intensifying drone strikes 19 May 2025 GENEVA -- The designated Expert on human rights in Sudan of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Radhouane Nouicer, on Monday expressed deep concern at the recent intensification of drone strikes and the expansion of the conflict to Red Sea state in eastern Sudan. The reported availability of advanced long-range drone technology marks a dramatic escalation which has taken the conflict to a new level, further exacerbating conditions for civilians. Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, Port Sudan, in Red Sea State, has served as a lifeline for humanitarian operations and a safe haven for internally displaced people (IDPs). However, an unprecedented escalation in drone strikes targeting critical civilian infrastructure in the city since 4 May, allegedly attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has endangered civilian lives and jeopardized enjoyment of rights and access to basic services. Critical infrastructure targeted has included the city's main electricity substation and fuel and gas storage facilities, as well as the international airport - a key access point for humanitarian operations and civilian movement. Many of the attacks have occurred near densely populated areas, and IDPs have once again been forced to move in search of safety. "The recurrent attacks on critical infrastructure place civilian lives at risk, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and undermine basic human rights. The magnitude of these drone attacks represents a major escalation in the conflict, with alarming implications for civilian protection," warned Nouicer. The designated Expert expressed profound concern at the resulting widespread power outages and impact on fuel supplies, which disrupt access to essential rights, such as the right to food, safe drinking water, and health care noting that some medical facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala have already been forced to work at reduced capacity. The recent strikes in Port Sudan are part of a pattern of increasing attacks, allegedly by the RSF, on critical infrastructure, including power plants in Northern, River Nile and White Nile states. "Civilian infrastructure is protected under international law and must not be a target. It is devastating to see the continued destruction and damage to the infrastructure and social services in Sudan," Nouicer stressed. The designated Expert called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which include refraining from deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects and respecting the principles of proportionality and precaution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland's presidential election was competitive but affected by deep polarization, international observers say OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe WARSAW 19 May 2025 WARSAW, 19 May 2025 -- The first round of Poland's presidential election offered voters a genuine choice between political options, but it took place against a background of deep political polarization that also impacted some key state institutions involved in the electoral process, international observers said in a statement today. The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) found that the electoral legal framework is adequate to hold democratic elections. However, some aspects would benefit from further revision as many prior recommendations remain unaddressed. Concerns were raised about the independence of the judiciary, including the court chamber responsible for validating election results, potentially weakening public trust. "The election campaign so far has demonstrated Poland's strength as a dynamic democracy, but to strengthen it further the deep trenches of political polarization must be addressed through inclusive dialogue that bridges political and ideological divides," said Dunja Mijatovic, who headed the ODIHR observation mission. "At the same time, the inflammatory messaging by some candidates that targeted migrants, the LGBTI community, and ethnic and religious groups, including xenophobic and anti-Ukrainian overtones, raised serious concern." The authorities took largescale and proactive efforts to protect the election process from multiple attempts at foreign interference, disinformation, and cyberattacks, but the coordination between the institutions working in this area as well as public communication about the protective measures used require further strengthening. While attempted cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns surged in the run-up to the election, state institutions said they had identified and mitigated these threats. "The first round of Poland's presidential election was professionally managed, but deep political divisions, unresolved constitutional crises, weak safeguards against campaign abuses and foreign interference from Russia and others threaten the integrity of the process," said Liliana Tanguy, Acting Head of the PACE Delegation. "As the country heads into the second round, it is a pivotal moment for all stakeholders to strengthen transparency and uphold democratic standards, and for all Polish citizens to make their voices heard in shaping the nation's democratic future." The election administration managed the election efficiently at all levels, but its decision-making process was not always transparent. Election day itself was calm and the process was professional and well organized, but the secrecy of the vote was often not ensured. The freedoms of expression, assembly and association were respected in a vibrant campaign. While the interaction between candidates was mostly respectful, at times the campaign tone turned personal and confrontational. Intolerant messaging targeting vulnerable communities was also observed, including online. In the absence of sufficient regulation, public officials at various levels and across the political spectrum frequently campaigned on behalf of candidates, and the line between official duties and campaign activities often appeared blurred. Women remain underrepresented in public and political life and their involvement as speakers at campaign events and in campaign leadership remained limited. Only two out of the 13 presidential candidates were women. While there have been some recent improvements to media freedom, including a reduction in litigation against journalists, the media landscape remains highly polarized, limiting voters' access to impartial information. ODIHR's media monitoring found clear patterns of biased coverage across both public and private outlets. Overall, the limited access of voters to comprehensive information needed for making a fully informed choice highlighted the need for systematic media reforms. The international election observation to the Polish presidential election totalled 67 observers from 30 countries, consisting of 34 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, and 33 parliamentarians and staff from PACE. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Spokesperson in Response to Indian Media's Baseless Claims Regarding Pakistan's Use of Shaheen Missile in Operation Bunyanun Marsoos (BM) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs In response to Indian Media's baseless claims regarding Pakistan's use of Shaheen missile in Operation Bunyanun Marsoos (BM), the Spokesperson has stated: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected the unfounded allegations circulating in certain segments of the Indian media, which falsely claim that Pakistan employed the Shaheen missile during Operation Bunyanun Marsoos (BM). These claims originated following the release of a video by the Indian Army's official Twitter handle, purportedly showing the use of Pakistan's Shaheen missile. Upon realizing that the claim was unsubstantiated, the Indian Army promptly deleted the misleading video. However, by then, sections of the Indian media had already amplified the false narrative without verification. Regrettably, some Indian outlets continue to propagate this misinformation. It is noteworthy that the Indian Army's official handle has remained silent on the matter, offering neither clarification nor retraction for the erroneous post. Analysts observe that such disinformation campaigns are part of a deliberate attempt to obscure India's setbacks in Operation Sindoor, which were a result of Pakistan's demonstrated conventional military capabilities. Additionally, these fabricated stories align with New Delhi's ongoing efforts to promote a misleading narrative regarding the ceasefire and baseless allegations of so-called "nuclear blackmail" by Pakistan. The range of weapons used by Pakistan is detailed in the ISPR press release dated 12 May 2025. The Pakistan Armed Forces employed precision-guided, long-range Fatah series missilesF1 and F2as well as advanced munitions, highly capable long-range loitering killer drones, and precision long-range artillery. The military sites in India and in IIOJ&K targeted by these assets are also listed in the ISPR Press Release of 12th May. Disseminating unverified and inflammatory content not only undermines regional stability but also reflects poorly on the professionalism of official institutions. Islamabad 19 May 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel escalates ground operations in Gaza, eases blockade amid humanitarian crisis People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:26, May 19, 2025 JERUSALEM, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Sunday launched a major ground incursion into multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, marking a new phase in its conflict with Hamas. Meanwhile, it began easing the blockade to allow limited aid entry into the territory amid growing international pressure to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military said that ground forces, including reservists, launched "extensive operations" in both northern and southern Gaza under an offensive it termed "Gideon's Chariots," signaling a new phase in its 20-month-long conflict with Hamas and other militant factions. The objectives of the "Gideon's Chariots" operation include seizing key parts of the enclave, pushing a majority of Gaza's around 2 million residents further south, and resuming humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight, said Israeli officials. In a statement, the military said it had killed "dozens" of militants, dismantled both surface-level and underground military infrastructure, and is now positioned at strategic locations within Gaza and pledged to continue operations in the Gaza Strip "to defend Israeli civilians." In addition to ground operations, Israel also launched airstrikes on the enclave, killing at least 110 people, according to Palestinian sources. Amid mounting international criticism over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday a decision to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow the entry of limited aid. UN agencies have reported worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza since the blockade was imposed on March 2. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported earlier in May that about 93 percent of Gaza's population was experiencing food insecurity, ranging from crisis to catastrophe levels. In a statement, Netanyahu's office said Israel will allow the entry of a "basic" quantity of food for the Gaza population to prevent a hunger crisis, without specifying when the aid would begin entering or through what mechanism. State-owned public broadcaster Kan reported that aid deliveries would begin "immediately," with distribution to be carried out by international aid organizations already operating in Gaza, as a new distribution mechanism, which Israel said would be implemented via a U.S. company, has yet to be launched. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office confirmed that an Israeli negotiation team was engaged in indirect talks in Doha regarding a hostage release deal with Hamas, which could include a potential end to the Gaza conflict. 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. Since Israel resumed its military operations on March 18, 3,193 Palestinians have been killed and 8,993 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 to 53,339, with 121,034 others injured, health authorities in Gaza said Sunday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On 17-18 May 2025, three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, so called Baloch Liberation Front, were killed in two separate engagements in Balochistan. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - May 19, 2025 No PR-160/2025-ISPR On 17-18 May 2025, three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, so called Baloch Liberation Front, were killed in two separate engagements in Balochistan. An intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in general area Gishkur, Awaran District, on reported presence of Indian sponsored terrorists. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location and after an intense fire exchange, Indian sponsored Terrorist Younas was killed, while two Indian sponsored terrorists got injured. In another engagement in Turbat City, Kech District, security forces successfully neutralized two Indian sponsored terrorists; Terrorist ring leader Sabr Ullah and Terrorist Amjad @ Bichoo. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed Indian sponsored terrorists, who remained actively involved in multiple terrorists activities against the Law Enforcement Agencies as well as target killing of innocent civilians. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts by Indian proxies at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PBBM on VP Sara impeachment: Let process take its course Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra May 19, 2025, 5:45 pm MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte must proceed without interference. In the inaugural episode of his "BBM Podcast" aired Monday, Marcos said Duterte's impeachment is now in the hands of the Senate. "Yung impeachment nasa Senado na 'yan. Pabayaan natin sila, may proseso 'yan. Pabayaan natin ang proseso (The impeachment is now with the Senate. Let's leave it to them, there's a process. Let the process take its course)," Marcos said. While refraining from directly commenting on the merits of the impeachment case, the President emphasized the importance of moving forward from political divisions. "Ako basta ang nasa isip ko, tapos na ang eleksyon, balik sa trabaho (As for me, what's on my mind is that the elections are over, we should return to work) with the new lessons learned," he added. Senate President Francis Escudero initially scheduled the impeachment trial to begin on July 30 to accommodate the 12 newly elected senators of the 20th Congress. The new senators, along with the 12 incumbents from the 19th Congress, will serve as senator-judges in the trial. The President previously discouraged lawmakers from pursuing Duterte's impeachment, noting that it would be counterproductive and just a waste of time. Duterte's impeachment stemmed from a string of complaints, ranging from the misuse of public funds to perceived plotting of Marcos's assassination. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH Army gears to defeat drone, other modern threats Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno May 19, 2025, 3:16 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said its ongoing modernization program and training exercises with foreign allies are geared toward ensuring it can defeat armed drones and other modern threats. "These are all part of our modernization efforts to adapt to the modern challenges," Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said. He did not specify the kind of equipment the Army is looking to counter such threats for security reasons. Dema-ala said armed drones and other emerging threats are extensively studied and discussed during exercises conducted with the Philippines' military allies. "During bilateral and multilateral exercises, these are all part of subject matter expert exchanges to train our personnel on these new (technologies)," he said. "It's always been the plan of the Army to be responsive to these new threats and to be a cross-domain capable." The drone threat came into being following the successful use of drones as weapons by both Ukraine and Russia in their more than three-year conflict. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni army imposes naval blockade on Israeli-occupied port of Haifa Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 10:58 PM The Yemeni army says it has imposed a naval blockade on the Israeli-occupied Haifa port in response to the regime's escalation of genocidal crimes in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces said in a statement on Monday that the decision is in response to Israel's continued siege of Gaza, the starvation of the Palestinian people and the regime's refusal to halt its aggression. "The Yemeni Armed Forces, relying on Allah and trusting in Allah, have decided, with Allah's help, to implement the leadership's directives to begin working to enforce a naval blockade of the port of Haifa," the statement said. "Accordingly, all companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank," it added. "They are urged to take into consideration the contents of this statement and any subsequent announcements." The military noted that Yemeni forces have already succeeded in imposing a blockade on the port of Umm al-Rashrash, also known as Eilat, and bringing it to a standstill. The statement said the Yemeni forces will not hesitate to take additional measures in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their resistance. The Yemeni military stressed that Yemen's anti-Israel measures will come to an end once the aggression on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted. "All measures and decisions of the armed forces related to the Israeli enemy, including support operations and the ban on air and sea navigation, will cease once the aggression on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted," it said. Earlier, a senior Yemeni official warned international commercial airlines against resuming flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in the Israeli-occupied territories as the retaliatory operations by the Arab country continue. The unnamed source told Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen news network that companies which provide air transport services and are seeking to restore routes to the Israeli airport should "change their destinations and pay close attention to the warnings from the Yemeni army." The source emphasized that the Yemeni military remains committed to enforcing an aerial blockade on Israeli-occupied lands, and not merely targeting Ben Gurion airport. He also underscored that the Yemeni Armed Forces and the nation "are not deterred by psychological warfare or threats," reaffirming their resolve in the face of attempts to pressure or dissuade their campaign. The remarks came a day after Yemeni Deputy Minister of Information Nasruddin Amer warned that his country's armed forces will carry out military strikes targeting the Ben Gurion Airport and other airports across the Israeli-occupied territories in the coming hours. 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 Houthi: Persian Gulf states' money flowing to US must be used to stop Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 5:53 PM A high-ranking Yemeni official denounced certain Persian Gulf states for striking multi-billion-dollar deals with US President Donald Trump during his recent tour of the region, stressing that financial gains from such agreements must be used to stop the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on Gaza. "The money flowing from [Persian] Gulf countries to the US should at the very least be used to halt the genocide in Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid in," said Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, a member Yemen's Supreme Political Council. He added that Trump's four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week was about extortion and money-grabbing than about development of those countries. Houthi said the Yemeni nation does not harbor any hopes in the Arab regimes, which are still living in a state of defeat and psychological collapse. "Arabs possess levers for pressure or influence which they can use. Nonetheless, they have opted not to employ them, and have even taken the decision not to break off diplomatic ties with the Zionist entity," he said. The senior Yemeni official went on to take a swipe at the Arab League, stating that the regional organization has long been inefficient, and has not taken a single honorable stance, neither on Gaza nor any other issue. 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 Yemen warns international airlines over flights to Israeli Ben Gurion Airport amid reprisal ops Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 9:48 AM A senior Yemeni official has warned international commercial airlines against resumption of flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in the Israeli-occupied territories as the retaliatory operations by the Arab county continue. The unnamed source told Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen news network that companies which provide air transport services and are seeking to restore routes to the Israeli airport should "change their destinations and pay close attention to the warnings from the Yemeni army." The source emphasized that the Yemeni military remains committed to enforcing an aerial blockade on Israeli-occupied lands, and not merely targeting Ben Gurion airport. The source further noted that the launch of Yemeni missiles and drones toward Ben Gurion and other Israeli installations happens over "a steady and intensifying course," and are being conducted "regularly and NOT incidentally." He also underscored that the Yemeni Armed Forces and the nation "are not deterred by psychological warfare or threats," reaffirming their resolve in the face of attempts to pressure or dissuade their campaign. The remarks came a day after Yemeni Deputy Minister of Information Nasruddin Amer warned that his country's armed forces will carry out military strikes targeting the Ben Gurion Airport and other airports across the Israeli-occupied territories in the coming hours. "This is due to the recent Israeli escalation against the Gaza Strip and the aggression against Yemen, and in continuation of the Yemeni leadership's decision to impose a ban on this airport and other airports, in addition to the naval blockade and closure of the Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) port until the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza is lifted," he said. Amer further called on all airlines remaining at the airport to depart immediately, warning all passengers, especially foreigners, to leave for their own safety. 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 US envoy defends Israel's Gaza genocide, says mass killings 'needed' to free captives Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 8:18 AM The US special envoy on Israeli captives has defended the Israeli genocide in Gaza as a demonstration of strength, which he said is needed to release the captives held by Palestinian resistance fighters. Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Adam Boehler said, "All Palestinians need this barrage to stop," but it's "through that toughness and through that strength that we're going to see the hostages released." Hamas's release of American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander was a "sign" that the group "understands" it must release Israeli captives "if they want this barrage of attacks to stop," he further said. On Friday, a senior Hamas official said that US special envoy Steve 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 Alexander. Boehler added that only the release of Israeli captives would stop the regime's attacks, which according to a recent Israeli investigative report, have killed civilians in 82% of cases. This week in Doha, Witkoff and Boehler held multiple discussions with Israeli negotiators and regional mediators from Qatar and Egypt. While Boehler insisted talks in Doha remain "very fluid" and rejected reports of deadlock, the US and Israel continue to openly use the threat of additional mass civilian casualties in Gaza as a bargaining leverage. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Sunday that the group will not release the remaining Israeli captives as long as the occupying regime can continue its genocidal war afterward. "We will not hand over the occupation's captives as long as it insists on endlessly continuing its aggression against Gaza," he said. At least 53,339 Palestinians have been killed and 121,034 wounded since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran denounces 'unacceptable' Arab League statement on Persian Gulf trio islands Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 7:35 AM The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected as "unacceptable" a recent statement by the Arab League regarding the Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands in the Persian Gulf, stressing they are an inseparable part of Iran's territory. Esmaeil Baghaei firmly rejected the claims concerning the three Iranian islands in the final communique of the 34th Arab League Summit in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The statement repeated the Arab League's support for the UAE's sovereignty over the three islands administered by Iran since 1971. The Iranian diplomat underlined that the islands constitute an integral part of Iran's national territory, and such claims are contrary to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly the principles of respect for territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and good neighborliness policy. Baghaei stated that raising such issues in the Arab League's final statement is "unacceptable." He also advised the pan-Arab regional organization to acknowledge unchangeable historical and geographical realities when forming its positions, and to work toward fostering mutual understanding and stronger relations among regional countries. The Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands. The islands fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas asserts it won't free captives until Israel ends Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 7:24 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has rejected claims of agreeing to a temporary truce in the Gaza Strip, asserting that it will not release the remaining Israeli captives as long as the occupying regime can continue its genocidal war afterward. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri made the remarks on Sunday after several reports said Israel and Hamas were considering US proposals for a deal that would see the release of about half of the 20 living captives in return for a truce lasting about two months and the release of Palestinian abductees. He dismissed the reports as "fake news," saying the Tel Aviv regime was trying to "confuse the public" in order to pressure the resistance and carry out its crimes. "We will not hand over the occupation's captives as long as it insists on endlessly continuing its aggression against Gaza," he said. Abu Zuhri also expressed Hamas's readiness to release all the captives at once, on the condition that Israel ends its Gaza onslaught with international guarantees. Israel launched its deadly bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. In its operation, Hamas took 251 Israelis captive, 58 of whom now remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 35 confirmed dead by the occupation's military and 20 believed to be alive. More than 19 months into its genocide in Gaza, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing at least 53,339 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 121,034 others. On Monday, Hamas freed Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander based on an understanding with the US that humanitarian assistance would return to Gaza and that comprehensive negotiations to end the war would start immediately. Abu Zuhri said Hamas initiated the handover of the soldier to create an atmosphere for reaching an agreement, but the US administration did not appreciate the resistance group's step. "The resistance is fine, and there is no concern about its future. Its operations continue despite the vast disparity in equipment with the enemy," it added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry: Kingdom Strongly Condemns Suicide Attack on Mogadishu Military Base Saudi Press Agency Riyadh, May 19, 2025, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the suicide attack on the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu, the capital of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which resulted in the death and injury of dozens. The Kingdom extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Somalia, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The Kingdom reaffirms its firm rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, and expresses its solidarity with Somalia and its people in this tragic incident. -- SPA 21:52 Local Time 18:52 GMT 0052 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vance Skips Visit to Israel to Avoid Encouraging New IDF Operation in Gaza - Reports Sputnik News 20250519 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Vice President JD Vance has decided against his trip to Israel over the weekend amid the new offensive in the Gaza Strip, media reported on Monday, citing US officials. On Sunday, Israel's broadcaster reported that Vance may travel to Israel on May 20. At the same time, the Kan broadcaster reported that the vice president's office was in talks with the Israeli officials on the matter of the visit but added that no decision had been reached yet. Vance changed his mind about the trip so as not to suggest that the administration of US President Donald Trump is backing the escalation in the Gaza Strip, a US official told Axios. While the White House attributed the change of mind on the trip to logistics, another US official with knowledge of the matter said that it was not the issue. The official added that the reason behind the change of mind was concerns that Israel and other countries in the region might perceive Vance's visit amid the escalation as encouragement for Israel's actions. In early May, amid a stalemate in negotiations, the Israeli authorities announced that the military operation in the Gaza Strip would be significantly expanded in order to increase pressure on the Hamas movement. The operation dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" was expected to include seizing and holding new territories, mass displacement of Gaza residents from the north to the south, and intensified strikes on militant targets. On Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Hamas changed its position regarding the talks and returned to discussing the release of hostages following the announcement of the operation "Gideon's Chariots." Earlier on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on the residents of the Khan Yunis, Bani Suheila, and Abasan municipalities of the Gaza Strip to evacuate as it was preparing to launch an "unprecedented" military operation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No: 109, 19 May 2025, Regarding the Various Activities and Statements Made on 19 May 2025 in Greece Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs We condemn the delusional statements, which are completely incompatible with historical facts, made by Greek authorities on the pretext of the anniversary of unfounded "Pontic" allegations. We totally reject such imaginary allegations aiming to defame our War of Independence launched under the leadership of the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on 19 May 1919. While it is a historical reality that the Greek army committed countless atrocities in Anatolia, which it occupied with the support of the imperialist powers of the time, the current baseless Greek political attempts to read history in reverse are null and void. Greek atrocities in Anatolia, which were referred to in the reports of the Allied Commission of Inquiry, were also put on record in Article 59 of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, with Greece being obliged to pay compensation for its acts that violated the laws of war. The Pontic activities, which emerged in the late 19th century as an extension of Greece's "Megali Idea" ambitions on our territories, were condemned to eternal failure through our Nation's resolute struggle. We invite the Greek authorities to abandon their policy of exploiting for populist goals those historical events which led to the Turkish-Greek population exchange, and to commemorate the brutal crimes committed against Turks and other ethnic groups, beginning with the Tripolitsa massacre of 1821. Such initiatives that draw hostility from history and aim to harm the relations between our countries, which have been advancing with a positive momentum in recent years, should now be brought to an end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP 19 May 2025 We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday's announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023. The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate. We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions. We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas' control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution, consistent with the goals of the 18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. These negotiations need to succeed, and we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve, and ensure long-term stability in the region. We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalise consensus on arrangements for Gaza's future, building on the Arab plan. We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And we are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Relief Chief welcomes renewed aid deliveries to Gaza, but stresses it's only a "drop in the ocean" of what is needed UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Statement on Gaza by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator New York, 19 May 2025 The Israeli authorities have temporarily allowed us to resume delivery of limited aid into Gaza, following 11 weeks of complete blockade, and amid a spike in the military offensive. This is a welcome development that should remain in place. Today, nine of our trucks were cleared to enter, via the Kerem Shalom crossing. But it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed, and significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting tomorrow morning. We have been reassured that our work will be facilitated through existing, proven mechanisms. I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel's agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation. I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimized. Our expectations for today's crossings are realistic: Given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant. But it is our job to do everything we can to deliver, even against these odds. I am grateful to our humanitarian colleagues for their immense courage and dedication. They are the best of humanity. The limited quantities of aid now being allowed into Gaza are of course no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in such dire need. The UN has a clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale, as I set out last week. We are ready to do so much more. To make this possible, we urge the Israeli authorities to: open at least two crossings into Gaza, one in the north and another in the south; simplify and expedite procedures; and remove any quotas; lift access impediments within Gaza and not conduct attacks in areas and times of deliveries; allow us to cover the whole range of needs - food, water, hygiene, shelter, health, fuel, gas and beyond. To reduce looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes. Commercial goods should complement the humanitarian response. We are ready and determined to scale up our life-saving operation Gaza and respond to the needs of people, wherever they are. We call again for the protection of civilians. We need a resumption of the ceasefire. Hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. This will be tough. But the humanitarian community will take any opening we have. Media contact: ochamedia@un.org 19 May 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Alexandria Returns to Naval Base Point Loma Following Seven-Month Pacific Ocean Deployment US Navy 19 May 2025 From Petty Officer 1st Class Tiarra Brown SAN DIEGO -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) returned home to Naval Base Point Loma following a successful seven-month deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, May 15, 2025. Alexandria deployed in 2024 from its homeport of Naval Base Point Loma, California, on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of national security objectives. The submarine's operations throughout the Pacific Ocean underscore the United States' commitment to an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. "This crew went above and beyond, no matter what was asked of them," said Cmdr. Chris Rose, Alexandria's commanding officer. "Deploying on submarines is a demanding but rewarding and consequential task. I could not be prouder of my crew's 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." While deployed, Alexandria demonstrated the capability and professionalism of the Joint Force, conducting an integrated exercise with U.S. Marine Corps personnel assigned to Third Reconnaissance Battalion during and immediately after a scheduled port visit to Guam. "This crew did a phenomenal job in all aspects of this deployment," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate (Auxiliary) Mitchell Gatton, Alexandria's chief of the boat. "I am especially proud of the 35 submarine warfare devices earned by Alexandria Sailors, which to me underscores the crew's commitment to continued growth and development." Between operations and taskings, the crew also made a scheduled port visit to Busan, South Korea, underscoring the strategic and critical relationship between the United States and South Korea. Port visits like this reflect the United States' commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, and complement the many exercises, training, operations and other military cooperation activities conducted by U.S. submarine forces with our Republic of Korea Navy allies. This visit also provided an opportunity for Alexandria's crew to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture while enhancing interpersonal relationships with counterparts. "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." Upon arriving home, and in support of a time-honored Navy tradition, Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation 3rd Class Dylan Caruthers was the first Alexandria Sailor to depart the boat for the "first kiss." "I am thrilled to be home with my family and I'm proud of all the great work we accomplished on deployment," said Torpedoman's 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." USS Alexandria is the third ship to bear the name Alexandria. The unit's motto is "Twice as Strong," which denotes the fact that it is named for Alexandria, Virginia and Alexandria, Louisiana. She is 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 19 May 2025 - Day 1181 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 Russian Security Council Secretary and former Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu's military contract has reportedly been extended for a further 5 years to run until 2030, when he will turn 75 years old. Shoygu, a close ally of Putin, reportedly missed Russia's 09 May 2025 Victory Day parade in Moscow for health-related reasons. The Russian state increasingly resembles a gerontocracy; a form of rule in which the senior leaders are significantly older than most of the adult population. The majority of Russia's senior leadership, including Putin (72), are aged in the vicinity of, and exceeding, Russia's reported 2023 average male life expectancy (approximately 68 years). Putin has highly likely sought to keep close personal allies in positions of power to better ensure perceived regime stability, as well as his own survivability. Political appointments derive from patronage and long-term loyalty to Putin, as opposed to being merit-based, likely engendering dissatisfaction and frustration amongst the younger generation of ambitious potential leaders. This also significantly undermines the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership decisions, which are likely made not by the most capable, but by those with the most longstanding acquiescence and commitment to, as well as deriving the most benefit from, Putin's authoritarianism. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, 156 combat clashes have been recorded. The Defense Forces of Ukraine are resolutely restraining the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, inflicting him significant losses. The opponent made 50 air strikes by applying 100 controlled aviation bombs. The Russian occupiers also used 1117 kamikaze drones and carried out 4146 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Vovchansk and towards Kutkivka. In the Kupians komu direction, three offensive actions took place near Zagrizovy and towards Pi any. 22 Russian attacks near yampolivka, kopanok, novomikhailivka, green valley, torsky and in the direction of glushchenkovoy, karpivka, serebryanka, yampol, grigorivka, new peace, ridkoduba and olgivka. One battle is going on. In the Sivers komu direction, Russian forces four times stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of Verkhnyokamians kogo, Bilogorivka and towards Grigorivka. In the direction of Kramators komu, six attacks were recorded in the areas of Chasovogo Yar, White Mountain, Kurdyumivka and in the direction of Predtecinyogo. In the Torets komu direction, 13 combat clashes took place in the areas of Toretsk, Novospas ky, towards Diliivka and Ivanopilla. Three clashes are ongoing so far. In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian troops carried out 59 attacks in the areas of settlements Mirolyubivka, Zvirove, Elizabethtivka, Malinivka, Lisivka, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Troitske, Kotlyarivka, Andriyivka and towards settlements of Zorya, Novoukrainka, Stara Mykolaivka, Shevchenko the First, Nova Poltavka, Popiv Yar, Mirnograd, Novomykolaivka. According to preliminary data, in this direction there were 128 Russian invaders, of which 74 - irrevocably. Also, the Ukrainian military destroyed one satellite terminal, seven units of automobile equipment, four motorcycles, 16 unmanned aircraft of different types, one radio-electronic combat station and a mortar of zagarbnikiv. Three battle-armored vehicles and one Russian mortar were significantly damaged. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 attacks in the areas of Konstantinopol, Privilny, Rivnopol, Vilny Pol and towards Novopol, Bagatyr and Green Field. One battle is going on. At the same time, the enemy caused aviation strikes controlled bombs on the settlements of Temirivka and Novopil. In the direction of Gulyaipil, Russian forces launched air strikes on Gulyaipol and Malinivtsi. Four attacks in the direction of Mala Tokmacka and near Stepovoye were fired in the Orihivsky direction. Stepnogirsk suffered airstrikes. In the direction of Pridniprov, Russian units once tried to advance - did not succeed. Zagarbniks hit controlled bombs on the settlement of Cossack. In the Kursk direction, the Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled ten Russian attacks. The Russian enemy also launched 11 air strikes, using 26 controlled air bombs, and carried out 202 artillery shells, including seven from the reactive systems of open-fire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cyber attacks may call for government-level decision-making: Finland steps up shared expertise through national cyber exercises Finnish Government Ministry of Transport and Communications 19.5.2025 10.16 Type:Press release A national cyber exercise ("KYHA") brought together more than 120 central government employees to improve their technical skills and mutual cooperation against cyber attacks. Held at the IT Institute of the JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Jyvaskyla on 12-16 May 2025, this cyber exercise, the second one this year, turned out to be a great success. Technical and functional cyber exercises provide a tool for training against serious and extensive cyber security incidents. "Since 2011, JAMK has implemented development activities worth nearly EUR 25 million targeting the expertise and technical environment needed in cyber exercises. The outcome is drawn on nationally and internationally. The "KYHA" exercises are the prime example of this package," says Tero Kokkonen, Director of the IT Institute of the JAMK University of Applied Sciences. "The advantage with such technical and functional exercises is that they make visible the whole and interdependencies. During an exercise, a given situation can be directed towards the point where the required tasks no longer remain the responsibility of an individual public authority, and decision-making might then escalate up to government level. These are some of the processes that can be practised during a joint cyber exercise," says National Cyber Security Director Rauli Paananen. National cyber exercises are key in competence development A national cyber exercise is organised for the central government annually. The Government ICT Centre Valtori also takes part in it every year in a cross-cutting role. The exercise is always attended by employees from Valtori in charge of communications, incident management and security, among others. "The national cyber exercise has great importance for us. We play a central role in dealing with deviations because Valtori produces information technology services for most central government agencies. Incidents are discussed and managed within a cooperation network between different authorities, and during the exercise in question we also held regular meetings to share situational awareness and to consider the measures," says CSO at Valtori Jani Mattila, who participated in the exercise. "Different kinds of expertise and experience can be gained by involving new people and new roles in the exercise. Through experience, the situation can be taken forward in real life as planned," he adds. Valtori reports that participation in the exercise receives positive feedback from their personnel, and this is in line with the feedback collected from the participants. In the feedback gathered in 2021-2024, the total score for the overall success of the national cyber exercises was 3.7 on a scale of 1-4. Crisis communications as part of technical and functional cyber exercises National cyber exercises are upgraded annually to keep up with the competence necessitated by the threats and to comply with the relevant legislation and guidelines. In the field of communications processes, for example, the latest central-government cyber exercise drew on the recent guidelines for organisations on crisis communications, published by the National Cyber Security Centre of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom in early 2025. "When organisations prepare for different types of disruptions, communications must be one of the areas to be practised regularly. No organisation can refrain from communicating in the event of a cyber attack. Effective incident management and successful communications in all situations are based on clear instructions, roles and responsibilities. Without these exercises, we cannot ensure that the practices and operational plans are functional and up to date," says Head of Communications at the National Cyber Security Centre Jussi Toivanen, who participated in the national exercise. The national cyber exercises are organised by JYVSECTEC (Jyvaskyla Security Technology), a research, development and training centre at the IT Institute of JAMK, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Government Security Committee contributes to the implementation of the exercises in a guiding role. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry summons British charge d'affaires over illegal arrest of Iranian expats IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran summoned Britain's charge d'affaires in Tehran (in the absence of the ambassador) in response to the illegal arrest of some Iranian expatriates. On Sunday, Director of the Third Department for Western Europe Shahram Ghazizadeh demanded an explanation from the British government regarding the legal basis for the detention of the individuals. He conveyed the Iranian government's strong protest against this action, which included unfounded accusations directed at the Islamic Republic. Ghazizadeh emphasized the Islamic Republic's commitment to respecting the laws of host countries. He condemned the unlawful detention of Iranian nationals, the lack of evidence for the accusations, the failure to notify the Iranian embassy in London, and the denial of consular access for those detained. He said that such actions violate established international law and human rights standards. The diplomat further said that the British government bears responsibility for the consequences of these actions, which appear to be politically motivated to pressure the Islamic Republic. The British police arrested eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, in two separate operations on May 3, 2025. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran strongly protests detention of Iranians in UK Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 2:19 AM Iran has summoned the British charge d'affaires in Tehran following the suspicious and unjustified detention of a number of Iranian nationals in the UK. On Sunday, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Third Western European Department voiced Tehran's strong protest against the British government's move, as well as unjustified accusations leveled against the Islamic Republic. The official said detention of Iranian nationals is contrary to the accepted rules and standards of international law and human rights, because they were charged without any evidence. He added that the detained Iranian nationals were also denied consular access and protection. The Iranian official emphasized that the British government is fully responsible for the consequences of such actions, which appear to be politically motivated to put pressure on Iran. On Saturday, four Iranian men were arrested. A 29-year-old was arrested in Swindon, Wiltshire, a 46-year-old was arrested in west London, a 29-year-old was arrested in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and a 40-year-old was arrested in Rochdale. They were detained under the Terrorism Act, the British media reported. All four were released from custody on Saturday, after obtaining "various warrants of further detention," police said. A fifth man, a 24-year-old arrested in Manchester, was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and previously released on bail, with conditions, to a date in May. UK police said they continue to carry out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London, Swindon, and High Wycombe areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address British Charging Of Iranians In UK Ramps Up Diplomatic Spat With Tehran By RFE/RL's Radio Farda May 19, 2025 Simmering tensions between Tehran and London are threatening to boil over after each country summoned the other's senior diplomats on May 19 over the charging of three Iranians with aiding a foreign spy agency to carry out activities on British territory. The three men, all London residents, were arrested on May 3 and charged on May 17. Iranian media on May 19 said the UK charge d'affaires in Tehran was summoned to offer an explanation for the arrests and "the baseless accusations" made against the Islamic republic. Hours later, Britain said it summoned the Iranian ambassador to London "in response to three Iranian nationals charged under the National Security Act." British counterterrorism authorities over the weekend charged Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, with "engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service" between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025. Police said the foreign intelligence service in question was Iran's. During the initial court appearance, prosecutors alleged the three men had targeted Britain-based journalists connected with Iran International, a broadcaster that is critical of the Iranian government. 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. Relations between Tehran and London have worsened in recent months after a British couple traveling in Iran were charged with espionage in February. The couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, had reportedly been on a world motorcycle trip when they were arrested in Iran. British media say they entered Iran on December 30 via Armenia and intended to leave the country via the Pakistani border after five days. They had stayed in Tabriz, Tehran, and Isfahan but never checked into their hotel in Kerman. The British government, which currently advises its citizens against all travel to Iran citing "significant risk" of arrest, questioning, or detention, has expressed "deep concern" over the charges and says it is actively seeking the couple's return. Iran is accused by human rights groups of engaging in "hostage diplomacy," taking foreign and dual nationals for leverage in dealings with the West. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-uk-envoy-summon- charged-plot-hostage-diplomacy/33418120.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 Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah Financial Networks in the Tri-Border Area US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson May 19, 2025 The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, has a standing reward offer of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of the terrorist organization Hizballah. Under this reward offer, RFJ is requesting information on Hizballah Financial Networks in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. In the TBA, Hizballah financiers and facilitators generate revenue for the terrorist organization through illicit activities such as money laundering; narcotics trafficking; charcoal and oil smuggling; illicit diamond trade; smuggling of items including bulk cash, cigarettes, and luxury goods; document forgery; and the counterfeiting of U.S. dollars. They also generate revenue from commercial activities across Latin America, including construction, import and export of goods, and real estate sales. Rewards can be provided for information leading to the identification and disruption of: a source of revenue for Hizballah or its key financial facilitation mechanisms; Hizballah donors or financial facilitators; financial institutions or exchange houses facilitating Hizballah transactions; businesses or investments owned or controlled by Hizballah or its financial facilitators; front companies engaged in international procurement of dual-use technology on behalf of Hizballah; and criminal schemes involving Hizballah members and supporters, which financially benefit the organization. Hizballah is a Lebanon-based terrorist organization that receives weapons, training, and funding from Iran, which the Secretary of State designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984. It generates about one billion dollars annually from a combination of direct financial support from Iran, international businesses and investments, donor networks, corruption, and money laundering activities. The State Department designated Hizballah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in October 1997 under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in October 2001 under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. More information about this reward offer is located on the Rewards for Justice website. Anyone with information on Hizballah financial networks in the TBA is encouraged to contact Rewards for Justice via Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp at +1-202-702-7843, or our Tor-based tip line. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Since its inception in 1984, Rewards for Justice has paid more than $250 million to over 125 people across the globe who provided actionable information that had helped resolve threats to U.S. national security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to the United Kingdom: FCDO statement The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP 19 May 2025 An FCDO spokesperson said: Today, upon instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. His Excellency Seyed Ali Mousavi was summoned in response to three Iranian nationals charged under the National Security Act. The UK Government is clear that protecting national security remains our top priority and Iran must be held accountable for its actions. The summons follows this weekend's announcement which stated that three Iranian nationals had been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese firm's rocket launch completes first phase of nation's low-Earth orbit IoT satellite constellation Global Times By Global Times Published: May 19, 2025 09:19 PM Chinese commercial space firm Galactic Energy successfully conducted a sea-based launch of its CERES-1 carrier rocket at 3:38 pm (local time) on Monday, completing the first phase of the Tianqi constellation, the country's low-Earth orbit Internet of Things (IoT) satellite constellation, a move hailed as a milestone in enabling global device connectivity. Launched from the coastal area of East China's Shandong Province by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, the CERES-1 sea-launched variant carried a group of four satellites into their planned orbits. The mission marked the sixth deployment of Tianqi constellation satellites aboard CERES-1 rockets, and its success signifies the full completion of the Tianqi constellation phase-1 global network, Galactic Energy told the Global Times on Monday. The Tianqi constellation, which has 37 satellites in its initial phase, is China's first low-Earth orbit satellite network dedicated to IoT communications. Designed for global coverage with satellites that are small, low-cost and energy-efficient, the constellation offers integrated sky-ground-sea data services. It is being used across a broad range of sectors, including forestry, agriculture, emergency response, water resources, energy, marine monitoring and smart city management, according to the company. The network is also advancing toward direct-to-device satellite services, with applications being explored in connected vehicles, smart wearables and consumer communications, said the company. Developed by Beijing-based commercial space firm Galactic Energy, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 19 commercial launch missions, successfully deploying 81 satellites with varying functions into orbit. Since its maiden sea-based flight in September 2023, the CERES-1 maritime launch platform has achieved a 100 percent success rate across five missions. The successful launch also reflects the growing maturity and reliability of China's commercial space sector, with other private firms making notable strides. Another key player, LandSpace, on Saturday completed a mission using its ZQ-2E methane-liquid oxygen rocket, further diversifying China's commercial launch capabilities. The launch mission commenced at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Launch Site in Northwest China, delivering a batch of six Tianyi commercial satellites into their preset orbits, marking a complete success. According to its developer, the ZQ-2E model is China's first dual-cryogenic liquid-fueled launch vehicle to utilize fully subcooled propellant loading, which features abundant volumes, low costs and ease of storage compared with liquid hydrogen. As more private firms emerge and demonstrate technological breakthroughs, China's commercial space industry is witnessing robust growth in both scale and scope. The number of commercial space enterprises in China has surged to more than 500. The market size of China's commercial space sector is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan ($346.76 billion) this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania refers Belarus to the International Court of Justice in The Hague over the international law violating migrant crisis caused by the Lukashenko regime Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-05-19 The Government of Lithuania today, on 19 May, filed a case against Belarus at the International Court of Justice seeking the accountability of the Belarusian regime for organizing large-scale smuggling of migrants into Lithuania. The case concerns violations of states' obligations under the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (hereafter - 'the Protocol'). Since 2021, Lithuania has faced an unprecedented increase in the flow of irregular migrants from Belarus. Evidence gathered by the Lithuanian authorities confirms the Belarusian regime's direct involvement in organising migrant flows: Belarusian state-owned companies increased the number of flights from the Middle East and other regions, organized the issuance of visas and accommodation for incoming migrants. Upon arrival in Belarus, many migrants were escorted by Belarusian security forces to the Lithuanian border and forced to cross illegally, often under dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Despite repeated requests for cooperation, the Belarusian border authorities refused to collaborate with the Lithuanian authorities to stop these illegal border crossings. Lithuania sees these actions as a deliberate attempt by the Belarusian regime to use migrants as a means of asserting political pressure on Lithuania and the European Union in response to their support for Belarusian democracy and imposed sanctions for human rights violations. Despite intense bilateral negotiations, the dispute over violations of the Protocol has not been resolved. Therefore, Lithuania appeals to the International Court of Justice seeking the accountability of Belarus under international law for violations of the Protocol. Lithuania's requirements include full compensation for the damage caused, including the cost of building the wall, and guarantees that actions violating international law will not be repeated. Lithuania consistently uses the opportunities provided by international law to ensure the accountability of undemocratic regimes. Last year, Lithuania was the first country to request the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into crimes against humanity committed by the Aliaksandr Lukashenka's regime for forced deportations and persecution of persons and other atrocities contrary to fundamental norms of international law. Soon the Council of Europe Information Point for the Belarusian people will be set up and start operating in Vilnius. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarus: Experts demand immediate release of activist Viktoria Kulsha Press releases Special Procedures 19 May 2025 GENEVA -- Independent human rights experts* today called on Belarusian authorities to immediately release Viktoria Kulsha, imprisoned in Zarechye Correctional Colony No. 24, in order to save her life. "Ms. Kulsha's condition has been life-threatening for some time now. According to recent reports, she has been on an indefinite hunger strike since the end of April. We are gravely concerned for her health and deeply fear for her life. Her release is urgently needed to ensure her safety," the experts said. Kulsha is a former administrator of the 'Drivers 97%' Telegram channel and chat room, which supported street protests against the re-election of Aleksandr Lukashenka in 2020. Apprehended in November 2020, she was sentenced to two and a half years of imprisonment under article 342 of the Criminal Code for "gross violation of public order." Although she has served her initial term, her detention has been extended three times under article 411 of Criminal Code for "malicious disobedience" to the penitentiary administration. A fourth investigation under the same provision has recently been opened, prompting Kulsha to go on hunger strike. Over the past two months, the experts have raised concerns about Kulsha's life-threatening condition and the severe ill-treatment she has been subject to in detention, in a letter to the authorities and a public statement. The experts also stressed that repeated extensions of her prison sentence under article 411 of the Criminal Code may constitute further arbitrary detention and violates article 14 (7) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Belarus on 12 November 1973, which prohibits repeated trial and punishment over an offence for which the person has been finally convicted. On 9 May 2025, Belarus announced a large amnesty for vulnerable prisoners. However, none of the prisoners convicted in relation to the 2020 protests were released. Neither has Kulsha benefited from a series of presidential pardons announced over the past year. "We have received many reports about widespread cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of inmates in women's correctional colonies in Belarus, particularly targeting women convicted in relation to the 2020 protests. We are calling on the Belarusian authorities to immediately free those women, including Viktoria Kulsha, and to provide them with remedies, reparations, and rehabilitation," the experts said. *The experts: Nils Muiznieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstic, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy unveils third 10,000-ton-class hospital ship Global Times By Guo Yuandan, Liang Rui and Liu Xuanzun Published: May 19, 2025 09:58 PM China's domestically built 10,000-ton-class hospital ship, the Auspicious Ark, conducted a multi-element, full-process medical rescue drill in a certain area of the Yellow Sea recently, the official Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) media reported on Monday. An expert told the Global Times that this indicates the new ship has been commissioned into the navy of the PLA Northern Theater Command, completing the strategic deployment of hospital ships across the PLA's Eastern, Southern and Northern theater commands. During the drill, medical personnel swiftly activated various treatment protocols based on different simulated "injuries," rapidly preparing for surgeries. The medical holding team monitored the vital signs of the "wounded," ready to respond to emergencies. Damage control drills were also conducted simultaneously, with crew members executing a series of coordinated actions smoothly, China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the PLA news media center, said in a report posted on its WeChat account. The entire drill proceeded in an orderly manner, with seamless cooperation between the ship's crew and medical staff to flexibly handle various contingencies. The exercise tested and enhanced the ship's overall operational readiness, honing the crew's capability to perform diverse medical rescue missions, according to the report. Two oceangoing hospital ships have already been in service with the PLA Navy. The Peace Ark hospital ship, China's first domestically designed and built standardized oceangoing hospital vessel, was commissioned in December 2008 with the hull number 866. With a displacement of 14, 300 tons, it features five major medical zones: casualty transfer, triage, outpatient, inpatient and evacuation, covering a total area of 4,000 square meters, reported the Xinhua News Agency. The Silkroad Ark is China's second domestically designed and built standardized oceangoing hospital ship. Compared to the Peace Ark, it has a larger full-load displacement, longer endurance, and more advanced medical equipment. In July 2024, the Silkroad Ark conducted medical and other services in waters off the Xisha and Nansha Islands and along the southern coastal areas of China, according to China's Ministry of National Defense. The newly unveiled Auspicious Ark is China's third domestically designed and built 10,000-ton-class oceangoing hospital ship and currently the nation's newest and most advanced vessel of its kind, according to China Bugle. The new ship is equipped with cutting-edge medical and health support facilities and a team of experienced medical professionals, including two Class 1,000 clean operating rooms and six Class 10,000 clean operating rooms. During wartime, it can provide early stage treatment and specialized care for the wounded at sea, said China Bugle. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that the medical rescue drill conducted by the new ship signified its formal commissioning into the navy of the PLA Northern Theater Command. Zhang further said the commissioning of the new ship marks the completion of strategic hospital ship deployments across China's Eastern, Southern, and Northern theater commands. These three 10,000-ton-class hospital ships boast high technological sophistication, comprehensive functionality, and advanced hardware facilities equivalent to Grade 3A (the highest grade in China) hospital. Regarding the role and significance of hospital ships, Zhang said that during peacetime, they provide robust medical support to fleet formations and island-based troops, serving as a strong backbone for the navy's maritime defense. Additionally, they can be deployed overseas to undertake international humanitarian missions. "Especially during natural disasters or medical emergencies, hospital ships can rapidly respond to conduct international humanitarian medical relief," Zhang said. China Bugle said the new ship demonstrates exceptional capabilities in field surgery, efficiently handling mass casualties from blast injuries, burns, and other complex trauma. Zhang said this as another critical function: during wartime, the ships provide timely early stage and specialized treatment, saving lives, reducing combat losses, and thereby sustaining naval operational capabilities while enhancing overall combat effectiveness. Zhang said the PLA Navy's three hospital ships reflect comprehensive strategic considerations. "First, as vital platforms for maritime medical care, they represent a key indicator of the navy's modernized medical support capabilities. Their commissioning significantly elevates the overall standard of naval healthcare services. Second, during peacetime, they can rapidly enhance emergency treatment and medical assistance capacities, playing pivotal roles in maritime incidents and humanitarian missions," Zhang said. Since its commissioning in 2008, the Peace Ark has completed 10 "Mission Harmony" tours, providing medical services to over 370,000 people worldwide and earning international acclaim. "While many nations operate naval hospital ships, few contribute to global welfare during peacetime as consistently as China's," Zhang said. "With the growing fleet of naval hospital ships, we are confident in delivering more high-quality public security services." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China exhibits world-class anti-drone, long-range, anti-stealth radars at expo Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Ma Jun in Hefei Published: May 19, 2025 03:35 PM The 11th World Radio Detection and Ranging Expo (World Radar Expo), which is being held in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province from Saturday to Monday, is displaying some of China's top radar equipment, such as low-altitude anti-drone radars, long-range radars, and anti-stealth radars, as the Global Times visited the event to learn about China's world-leading radar technologies. Having achieved multiple successes in counter-drone operations, the JY-11 S-band three-faced array low-altitude surveillance radar on display at the expo is a perception hub in low-altitude anti-drone system, the Global Times learned from the radar's maker, the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). The radar employs advanced digital array technology and software-defined radar technology. It is capable of simultaneously detecting and tracking fighter jets, low-altitude cruise missiles, as well as small, medium-sized, and mini drones. With its strong multi-mission capability, powerful detection of low, slow, and small targets, high tracking data rate, and advanced automation, it can provide guidance and target designation for electro-optical equipment and high-precision radars. The YLC-12 C-band medium- and low-altitude multirole radar, a star system in low-altitude airspace surveillance, is also on display at the expo. According to CETC, it effectively addresses the challenges of detecting medium- to low-altitude targets that are small, slow-moving, or highly maneuverable. Boasting superior low-altitude detection performance, high adaptability to deployment conditions, excellent mobility, strong resistance to complex electromagnetic environments, and accurate target radar identification capabilities, this radar stands out as a cutting-edge solution. To better adapt to complex electromagnetic environments, it incorporates an intelligent anti-jamming design philosophy, ensuring optimal countermeasure effectiveness by dynamically aligning radar anti-jamming techniques with prevailing interference conditions. When it comes to long-range surveillance, a CETC expert told the Global Times that the JYL-1 long-range 3D surveillance radar on display at the expo can be left unattended for four months once it is deployed at a fixed position. This radar system adopts a highly reliable and fully automated operation design, primarily tasked with air surveillance, guidance, and air traffic control detection missions. It meets the construction requirements of unattended radar stations in remote and challenging environments such as plateaus, high mountains, extreme cold regions, deserts, islands, and rainforests. Another highlight of the event is the JY-27V high-mobility meter-wave air surveillance radar. This next-generation meter-wave anti-stealth radar incorporates three advanced technologies: a low-frequency band, a high-power aperture and sophisticated intelligent algorithms. These features enable precise detection of stealth targets, leaving them nowhere to hide, the CETC expert said. Another advanced anti-stealth radar showcased at the expo is the YLC-8E, which is a three-coordinate air surveillance radar that works on the UHF band. Its antennas are integrated onto a single vehicle. Equipped with high-precision sensors, the antenna system can be automatically deployed and retracted, according to CETC expert. The Global Times learned from the radar developer that the YLC-8E provides long range early warning and detection of stealth aircraft through a fully digital phased array system featuring 2D phased scanning and directional mechanical scanning, large phased array antennas, and high-power, high-efficiency digital T/R units. The system offers several advantages, including enhanced anti-stealth capability, mobility, anti-jamming performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Facing the new trend of joint operations, the Chinese radar developer also built an intelligent hub of information system covering the land, sea, air, space, electromagnetic space and cyberspace, forming a digital foundation for an all-terrain combat system. At the expo, CETC displayed achievements in early warning information systems and command information systems. This includes a type of mobile command vehicle that is equipped with functions such as all-domain situational awareness, multi-domain joint planning, and coordinated action control, according to CETC, noting that the air and missile defense early warning system can form an air surveillance network with complementary frequency bands, full airspace coverage, and multiple overlapping layers, enabling real-time monitoring of various targets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon 2025" joint exercise kicks off Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorChen Zhuo 2025-05-19 18:35:04 BEIJING, May 19 -- The China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon 2025" joint exercise kicked off at the Military Police Training Center of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in Kampong Chhnang Province in Cambodia on the morning of May 17. Under the theme of "peace, friendship, and cooperation", this year's joint exercise focuses on the topic of joint counter-terrorism and humanitarian relief operations. The exercise will be conducted in two domains, namely naval and air operations as well as land and air operations, and adopts a mixed training approach. It involves three phases including adaptive training, command drills, and live drills, aiming to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the two militaries in combating terrorism. On May 18, the Chinese naval amphibious dock landing ship Changbaishan (Hull 989), the guided-missile frigates Panzhihua (Hull 621) and Guangyuan (Hull 649), conducted open ship day activities. Subsequently, the Chinese participating troops will also carry out other activities such as medical outreach, as well as educational assistance through donations. On May 18, the two sides' participating troops conducted mixed-group joint training on such subjects as coordination among assault vehicle crews, fast roping, and unmanned equipment operations to strengthen their tactical collaboration. The China-Cambodia "Golden Dragon" series of joint exercises, as a regular military cooperation program between the two countries and two militaries, has been successfully held six times before. This year's joint exercise relies on the China-Cambodia joint logistics and training center at the Ream Naval Base to support the maritime exercise for the first time. For the first time, China sent air force helicopters and radar troops to participate in cross-border joint exercise. The joint exercise between the two militaries will make a positive contribution to promoting pragmatic cooperation and the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 19, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: May 19, 2025 18:52 At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit China from May 19 to 21. At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp will visit China from May 21 to 22. CCTV: Both China and Pakistan announced that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit China, how does China comment on the its relations with Pakistan, and what is China's expectation for the visit? Mao Ning: China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The two countries maintain close high-level exchanges and cooperation in various areas. China stands ready to work with Pakistan through this visit to further deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enhance strategic communication and coordination, and deepen exchange and cooperation in various areas, so as to advance the bilateral relations and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Global Times: To follow up on your announcement that Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp will visit China, how do you assess the current China-Netherlands relations and what does China expect to achieve through the visit? Mao Ning: China and the Netherlands boast an open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation. In recent years, the bilateral relationship has maintained steady and sound development. The two countries have frequent high-level exchanges and are each other's important trade and investment partners. Cooperation in such fields as agriculture, water conservancy and science and technology achieved steady progress and significant outcomes, delivering benefit to the two peoples. The upcoming visit is Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp's first visit to China since he took office. China hopes that the two sides through this visit will have in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, expand common understandings, deepen cooperation, inject new impetus to the development of China-EU relations, and contribute to upholding multilateralism, the international order underpinned by international law and an open world economy. Reuters: Moody's has downgraded the United States' triple-A sovereign credit rating, with a warning about the American government's high debt levels. How does China view this downgrade, given China is one of the major holders of U.S. treasuries? Is China worried about it? Mao Ning: We noted the relevant reports. The U.S. should take responsible policy measures to keep the international financial and economic systems stable and protect investors' interests. China Daily: The 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States (LAS) at the Summit Level was held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, on May 17. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, the rotating chairperson of the summit, on the meeting. We noted that the official website of the LAS published the full text of the letter. Can you share more information with us? The summit adopted the Baghdad Declaration, demanding an immediate end to the aggression on Gaza and an end to hostilities that are increasing the suffering of civilians, rejecting any attempt to displace Palestinians in Gaza, supporting general presidential and parliamentary elections within a year in all Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and urging countries and international and regional financial institutions to provide financial support to back the Gaza reconstruction plan. What is China's comment? Mao Ning: On May 17, the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States (LAS) at the Summit Level was held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, the rotating chairperson of the summit. In the letter, he hailed the achievements of the LAS over the past 80 years since its founding, and noted that China stands ready to work with Arab states to deepen political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, strive forward together on our respective path to modernization, and build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level. This is the 11th time in a row that President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the summit, which fully demonstrates the great importance China attaches to growing its relations with Arab states. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of Arab states, relations between the two sides maintain rapid and steady growth. In 2022, the first China-Arab States Summit was smoothly held. In 2024, President Xi Jinping and multiple heads of state of Arab states attended the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. In 2026, the second China-Arab States Summit will be held in China. China stands ready to work with the Arab side at the summit to carry forward our traditional friendship, expand practical cooperation, build closer bond between the people, and open up a new chapter in building a China-Arab community with a shared future. China takes seriously the reasonable concerns and legitimate appeals of Arab states on the question of Palestine. We support an immediate realization of lasting ceasefire and real alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territory. China firmly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, believes that "the Palestinians governing Palestine" is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and opposes the forced displacement of the people of Gaza. China stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to promote the deescalation of the situation in Gaza at an early date, and make relentless effort to advance the comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-State solution. PTI: You made an announcement about Pakistan's Foreign Minister's visit here, but conspicuously absent in your announcement is any relationship with the current situation regarding India-Pakistan tensions. Does this visit coincide with this particular tension? Or is it a normal bilateral visit? Mao Ning: This upcoming visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reflects the high importance the Pakistani government attaches to the development of China-Pakistan relations. Regarding the situation between India and Pakistan, China has stated its position on multiple occasions. We are willing to maintain communication with both sides and play a constructive role in realizing a full and lasting ceasefire and maintaining regional peace and stability. China News Service: Recently, the precious Chinese cultural relics Zidanku Silk Manuscript Vol. II and III: Wuxing Ling and Gongshou Zhan was returned to China through China-U.S. cooperation on repatriation of cultural relics. What's your comment? Mao Ning: We saw this great news. The Zidanku Silk Manuscript and has exceptional significance and is the oldest ancient silk manuscript found in China, and the only known silk manuscript from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) unearthed in China. It is considered the earliest example of a classical Chinese book ever found. This is a notable case of China's success in proactively seeking the repatriation of cultural objects lost in history, and a good example of promoting protection and return of lost cultural relics through dialogue and cooperation as advocated by China. We applaud the effort of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of Asian Art that has made this latest repatriation possible. It shows that by working together on the basis of equality and mutual respect, China and the U.S. can achieve results that benefit both sides. We hope to see more exchanges and cooperation like this which can bring our two peoples closer and contribute to the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relationship. Ukrinform News Agency: Last Friday in Istanbul there was an attempt to resume negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations to stop the war. However, as stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsya, who participated in the meeting, Russians did not intend to conduct honest negotiations, but to put forward ultimatum and demanded Ukraine to recognize the occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian, and threatened that Russia could fight infinitely and seize even more of Ukraine's sovereign territory. How does the Foreign Ministry comment on such a specific manner of conducting negotiations by the Russian side? Mao Ning: I'm not familiar with what you said. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We hope that relevant parties will continue to work towards a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement that can be accepted by parties concerned through dialogue and negotiation, and ultimately realize the political settlement of the crisis. Bloomberg: An Indian military official claimed that China provided Pakistan with air defense and satellite support during its recent skirmish with India. I was wondering if the Foreign Ministry had a comment on his remarks. Mao Ning: Both India and Pakistan are China's important neighbors. China attaches high importance to its relations with both countries, and is committed to fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the vision of a shared future in developing relations with all neighboring countries. Since tensions started to rise between India and Pakistan, China has followed an objective and just position, urged the two countries to exercise calm and restraint, and avoid escalation. We support and welcome the realization of ceasefire between India and Pakistan and stand ready to continue to play a constructive role for securing a full and lasting ceasefire and upholding regional peace and stability. Reuters: China's top trade negotiator had talks with U.S. trade representative last Thursday on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, but we've not seen any readout of the meeting. We'd like to know how did the talks go, and is there a next meeting scheduled? Or, if there's any discussion of a consensus between China and the U.S. to not publicize these talks that take place during the 90-day truce? Mao Ning: We have made clear more than once China's position on the tariff and trade issues. I'd refer you to competent authorities for those specific questions. Shenzhen TV: In recent weeks, Port Sudan in the east of Sudan was hit by a series of drone strikes, which damaged civilian infrastructure, including those at the airport and the port. What's China's comment on this? Mao Ning: China opposes and condemns attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and civilians and calls on parties to keep civilian infrastructure safe and protect the safety of civilians. China follows an objective and just position on the issue of Sudan. We hope that a ceasefire will be realized and the humanitarian situation will be eased in Sudan as soon as possible. We hope the political process will be pushed forward and that peace, stability and development will be restored as early as possible in Sudan. PTI: This will be the first high-level visit by a Pakistani official to China after the conflict between Pakistan and India began. What will be the kind of message that China will convey to Pakistan during Mr. Dar's visit? Is China open to again sending the replenishment of weapons to Pakistan because there was in between a denial of any replenishment being sent by a Chinese plane to Pakistan. But during this visit, what is the kind of formal message that China would like to convey to Pakistan related to the tensions with India? Mao Ning: The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar's visit. Regarding the situation between India and Pakistan, China has stated its position many times. We are willing to maintain communication with both sides to facilitate efforts for a lasting ceasefire and work with them to maintain regional peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China puts advanced detection, command and control systems on display at radar expo Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Ma Jun in Hefei Published: May 20, 2025 12:02 AM In recent regional conflicts, the battle for dominance in the electromagnetic domain, represented by radar technology, has become a decisive factor in determining the outcome on the battlefield. Against this backdrop, the Global Times visited the 11th World Radio Detection and Ranging Expo (World Radar Expo), which is being held from Saturday to Monday in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province, to learn about China's world-leading radar technologies. At the outdoor exhibition area of the expo, several towering radar equipment installations were the most eye-catching. The state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) has unveiled multiple types of anti-stealth radars as star products of China's radar equipment this year. Among them is the brand-new JY-27V high-mobility meter-wave air surveillance radar, a next-generation meter-wave anti-stealth radar. Current stealth fighter jets or stealth missiles are not truly all-band stealth. They are typically only effective against higher-frequency C-band or X-band waves used by threat-heavy fire-control radars or guidance radars, making them more susceptible to detection by lower-frequency meter-wave radars. This is the so-called band-based anti-stealth systems. Xu Haizhou, an expert at CETC's 38th Research Institute, told the Global Times that the institute has solved challenging questions such as relatively big multipath effect, less optimal terrain adaptability, inconsistent air coverage and poor accuracy. Through extensive improvements in meter-wave radar technology, including microwave active array and software algorithms, the institute has successfully developed the "Sky Watcher" series of early warning radars, Xu said, noting that the JY-27V radar that is on display at the expo is a latest product in the series, which is characterized by its long detection range, high detection accuracy, high intelligent level and high mobility. It has a unique, large array design and significant spread-retract ratio, which allows for rapid deployment and retraction within a few minutes, realizing detection accuracy comparable to microwave radars. Whether it is modern battlefields, counter-terrorism operations, or urban security, the threat posed by low, slow, and small targets such as small or mini drones is growing. Effectively countering these drones makes timely detection a primary challenge. At 2025's radar exhibition, CETC presented solutions tailored to different scenarios. One of them is the YLC-12 C-band medium- and low-altitude multirole radar, a star system in low-altitude airspace surveillance. It effectively addresses the challenges of detecting medium- to low-altitude targets that are small, slow-moving, or highly maneuverable. Boasting superior low-altitude detection performance, high adaptability to deployment conditions, excellent mobility, strong resistance to complex electromagnetic environments, and accurate target radar identification capabilities, this radar stands out as a cutting-edge solution. To better adapt to complex electromagnetic environments, it incorporates an intelligent anti-jamming design philosophy, ensuring optimal countermeasure effectiveness by dynamically aligning radar anti-jamming techniques with prevailing interference conditions. The experience of several regional conflicts in recent years has deepened the world's understanding of systematic warfare. However, achieving joint systematic operations involving multiple combat elements, units, and even services and branches across large areas places extremely high demands on informationized equipment. Currently, only a handful of countries worldwide possess such capabilities. At this radar expo, CETC's 28th Research Institute unveiled a type of mobile command vehicle that features capabilities such as all-domain situational awareness, multi-domain joint planning, and collaborative action control. An expert from the institute told the Global Times that the command vehicle can integrate and analyze information obtained from different platforms and units, such as intelligence from various battlefield radars, electronic reconnaissance, and drones, to form a clear and comprehensive battlefield picture for commanders to make decisions. Additionally, it assesses threats posed by enemy targets on the battlefield in real time, identifies threat levels, and rapidly generates corresponding interception and strike plans. Due to the widespread use of modern battlefield sensors, an overwhelming amount of battlefield intelligence is generated, making it a global challenge how to effectively screen and integrate all the intelligence and quickly form combat plans. According to the expert, the mobile command vehicle not only employs traditional algorithms but also leverages cutting-edge big data and large models. From target detection to final decision-making, the entire process takes only a few seconds, significantly enhancing combat efficiency compared to traditional command models. The expert at the 28th Research Institute said that, to develop similar intelligent command and combat capabilities, it is not only necessary to integrate various combat elements into a network through reliable battlefield communication technology and universal data link technology, but also requires efficient intelligence processing technology, decision-making assistance technology, and comprehensive engineering expertise. Additionally, there is a high demand for the intelligent integration of intelligence information. This is why only a handful of countries worldwide possess such capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors in North and South Hamgyong Provinces Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, May 20 (KCNA) -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, inspected various sectors in North and South Hamgyong provinces of the DPRK. At the Ryongsong Machine Complex, he called on the officials, technicians and workers to perfectly complete the modernization project planned this year with a redoubled sense of responsibility and efforts, and to steadily strengthen the sci-tech force so as to properly process materials and successfully ensure the quality of the products in the production of custom-built equipment. At the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex and the February 8 Vinalon Complex, he stressed the need to put the production of fertilizer and basic chemical products on a normal basis by taking proper measures for supplying raw materials and fuel. He also underlined the need to step up the construction of a base of producing slow effective fertilizer, and to further intensify the research on the fields of the application of melamine resin, which plays an important role in the development of the chemical industry, and thus to make a substantial contribution to agricultural production and the improvement of the people's standard of living. Learning about the first-stage construction of the Tanchon Power Station, the premier called for accelerating full preparations for its inauguration, including the test run of electricity-generating equipment, and for paying deep attention to ensuring the working and living conditions of the builders. At the Sangnong Mine, he underscored the need to give definite precedence to the capital tunneling and reinforce the transport system in order to mine more ore. And he also stressed that the smelting process should be further perfected. At the Hamhung Wheat Processing Factory, he said that it should expand its wheat-processing capacity so as to provide the regional-industry factories with quality wheat flour. Going round the refractory shop and other places of the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, the premier emphasized the need to improve the performance of the furnace by taking technical measures to decisively improve the quality of fireproof materials, and he stressed the importance of increasing the operation rate of equipment in order to unconditionally attain the goal of iron and steel production set forth by the Party. At the Musan Mining Complex, he called on it to push ahead with the work to expand the capacity of the production of concentrated iron ore, including big blasting, in a planned way, and to accelerate the growth in production of the big base of the metallurgical industry by utilizing the existing production foundations. The field consultative meetings underlined the need for officials to thoroughly establish the working style of pushing ahead with the development of their units with science and technology as a lifeline, and discussed the issue of scrupulously organizing alternated production and lowering the standard of electricity consumption. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran will not take orders or seek permission for progress: President Pezeshkian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never bow to external pressure and will not deprive its citizens of the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, and industry. Pezeshkian made these remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in Tehran on Monday. Referring to the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, Pezeshkian stated that if the U.S. administration is genuinely concerned about Iran's nuclear activities, Tehran is willing to provide reassurance. However, he reiterated that the Islamic Republic will not yield to pressure and will continue to pursue peaceful nuclear advancements in health, medicine, agriculture, and industry. He said that Iran does not take orders or seek permission from anyone for the growth and progress of our nation. Regarding the potential for cooperation between Iran and Iraq, the President highlighted that expanding collaboration in sectors such as trade, industry, healthcare, and scientific research will yield mutual benefits for both countries. He expressed satisfaction with the strong relationships among the governor generals of border provinces, noting that accelerating the completion of joint projects, particularly in transportation infrastructure like roads and railways, will strengthen ties between Iran and Iraq. Pezeshkian also stated that Iran is ready to share its achievements in various fields, including the technological applications of nuclear technology in medicine, industry, and agriculture. In response, the Iraqi foreign minister conveyed warm greetings from the Iraqi president and prime minister to President Pezeshkian and the Iranian people. He noted that Iran-Iraq relations are currently at a dynamic and positive level, with increasing trade and economic exchanges. Hussein emphasized the importance of cultural and academic cooperation between the two nations, describing their religious bonds as a valuable asset for fostering closer ties. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran-U.S. talks can play an effective role in regional peace and stability: Araqchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stressed that the ongoing talks between Iran and the United States could play a key role in promoting peace and stability across the region. "We believe that Iran-U.S. negotiations can play an effective role in promoting peace, stability, and security in the region. Regional countries also support this process," Araqchi told reporters on the sidelines of the second and last day of the Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF) on Monday. The foreign minister said that he had discussed the ongoing nuclear talks with his counterparts from Oman and Qatar during the course of the event. He said Arab countries of the Persian Gulf appear to have shifted their stance on the Islamic Republic, as evident in their "positive view" of the negotiations between Tehran and Washington. "It is important that the region supports the negotiations and even tries to resolve the existing misunderstandings and bring the viewpoints closer together," the foreign minister said. He added that peace and stability in the region is the most important issue for all the regional nations. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran denies existence of a parallel negotiation track with the U.S. IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has dismissed reports suggesting that there is a parallel negotiation track between Iran and the United States alongside the ongoing indirect talks between Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Baqaei made the remarks when responding to a question from IRNA's correspondence on the issue at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday. "The only negotiation process that exists on the part of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the one involving the esteemed foreign minister, and on the American side, the US president's special envoy, who are leading the talks," he said. "This has been clearly stated," he added, "and the results, to the extent possible, have been transparently communicated." Araqchi and Witkoff have so far led four rounds of talks mediated by Oman on Iran's nuclear program and the termination of U.S. sanctions against the country. Halting enrichment 'absolutely non-negotiable' Baqaei also said that enrichment "is not some fantasy that Iran can be demanded to halt or suspend," and as part of the natural cycle of the country's nuclear industry, it is "absolutely non-negotiable." "This achievement is the result of decades of effort, hard work, and the sacrifices of our nuclear scientists," he emphasized. He said what makes negotiating with the U.S. exceptionally difficult is that it is like "you are dealing with a party that adheres to none of the standard norms of a diplomatic process." "The very act of imposing sanctions while claiming to pursue a diplomatic process with Iran demonstrates a lack of seriousness and good faith." 'Iran to take reciprocal action if snapback mechanism triggered' Asked about the threats to use the snapback mechanism against Iran by the European parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement, the spokesperson said such a move implies that they do not believe at all in a diplomatic or negotiated approach and are seeking to use intimidation tactics against the Islamic Republic. "We will take reciprocal measures," he said. "We have already stated this. This means a revision of the approaches we have taken so far on this issue." Israel has no boundaries in violating international laws Asked about the possibility of sabotage operations by Israel to derail the talks, Baqaei said the occupying regime has proven that it recognizes no boundaries in violating international laws and norms. "No one can rule out the possibility that the Zionist regime may once again resort to a deceptive act, pointing the finger of blame at Iran to create a pretext for escalating tensions in the region," he warned, as he highlighted the international community's duty to "remain vigilant" against Israel. At the same time, the senior diplomat welcomed the growing global awareness about the atrocities being committed by Israel in Gaza, but said effective and immediate decisions by top international organizations are needed to stop the regime from committing more crimes. "The primary factor enabling the continuation of crimes in Gaza and the West Bank is the support of the U.S. and certain Western countries, including Britain, for the Zionist regime," he added. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy is non-negotiable IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Iran's right to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy is non-negotiable. During a phone conversation on Sunday night, Araqchi briefed his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on the latest developments in indirect talks between Iran and the United States, as well as a recent meeting between Iran and the three European countries of France, Britain and Germany. He stressed that Iran's legitimate nuclear rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) must be respected and said if there is genuine political will on the other side and respect for Iran's rights, Tehran is ready to pursue a win-win interaction in exchange for the termination of sanctions. Tehran and Washington have held four rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman on Iran's nuclear program and the termination of U.S. sanctions against the country. Fidan, for his part, praised the Islamic Republic's constructive approach toward diplomacy and expressed Turkey's readiness to provide any assistance in this regard. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: Agreement with U.S. within reach if Washington avoids bullying IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the path to an agreement with the United States is open if Washington avoids a bullying attitude in indirect talks regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and the lifting of anti-Iran sanctions. During a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025 on Sunday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic will never yield to pressure. In this discussion, the Iranian president expressed hope that agreements between Tehran and Doha will be implemented swiftly, benefiting both nations. He further noted that the execution of joint projects and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation would undoubtedly lead to positive developments in the region. The Qatari official conveyed warm greetings from Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President Pezeshkian, expressing optimism that the president's wise approach would foster security and stability in the region. The Qatari prime minister stressed Qatar's longstanding support for Iran's rights, rooted in their shared religious bonds. He also highlighted that, based on past experiences, pressure and coercion have proven ineffective in dealings with Iran, while dialogue and mutual understanding have been successful. The Qatari foreign minister wished for Iran's success in the political arena. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Pezeshkian: Iran-U.S. indirect talks could lead to fair deal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has voiced hope that the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will lead to a fair agreement that will guarantee sustainable stability in the West Asia region. The president made the remarks in Tehran on Sunday in a meeting with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. President Pezeshkian praised bilateral relations between Iran and Oman, and also hailed Muscat for its benevolent, committed, and constructive role in hosting the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington. "We hope that through the sincere and genuine efforts and intentions of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, these talks will lead to a just agreement that ensures lasting peace and stability in the region," Pezeshkian said. He said that Iran is ready to expand cooperation with Islamic countries, especially the "brotherly and friendly country of Oman," in all fields including trade, politics, economy, science, and technology. Pezeshkian also said that his upcoming trip to Oman will serve as a turning point in deepening relations between the two sides. Further in his remarks, President Pezeshkian emphasized the need for more convergence among Islamic countries, saying that the more these countries are close to each other and enhance their cooperation, the more ill-wishers of the Islamic world will get disappointed with creating division and disputes among Islamic nations. The President expressed hope that West Asian countries, through cooperation and enhancing synergy, can build a region where people live in prosperity and justice. Oman's foreign minister, for his part, conveyed to Pezeshkian warm greetings from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi referred to Pezeshkian's speech at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, praising his valuable and wise remarks about Iran, neighboring countries, the Islamic world as well as constructive interaction with the global community, emphasizing that Oman completely supports that attitude. He also said that the excellent ties between Iran and Oman are a clear example of relations based on sincerity, cooperation and brotherhood, expressing hope that these ties serve as an inspiring model for other countries. The top diplomat of Oman is in Iran to attend the two-day Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025 that kicked off earlier in the day, bringing together senior officials and diplomats from 53 countries as well as the United Nations. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Unimaginable cost': Iran top general warns enemies of 'devastating harms' if airspace violated Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 2:53 PM Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri has warned that any hostile move by enemies against the Islamic Republic, including violation of the country's airspace, will cost them dearly. Bagheri made the remarks after a high-profile meeting of the air defense units in the Iranian capital Tehran on Monday. "The ill-wishers of the Iranian nation and enemies should know that any violation of our country's airspace will inflict significant harms on them, and will expose them to the costs that are definitely much higher than the results they may expect," Iran's highest-ranking military commander stated. He underscored dramatic progress that has been made in improving the air defense capabilities during the past year. 'Fivefold increase' Bagheri highlighted that certain sections of the Air Defense units have experienced a fivefold increase in comparison with the preceding year as regards the number of radars, monitoring systems, and detection devices used for tracking hostile moves. The top general stated that Air Defense capabilities in the fire control systems, interception, and detonation of intruding aerial targets have developed by two to three times in some cases. He underlined that Iran's airspace is being monitored constantly, and the Armed Forces are a hundred percent prepared to confront any act of aggression. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces highlighted that Iranian Air Defense units control the country's airspace round the clock, and prepare themselves for any possible scenario through frequent exercises and drills. The volume of investment in the fortification of Iran's Air Defense has risen by several times, Bagheri noted. Iranian officials say the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which is entirely meant for defense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Pakistan won't allow regional security to be exploited by enemies: Security chief Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 1:30 PM Iran's top security official says the Islamic Republic and Pakistan will never allow enemies to exploit regional security. Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian made the remark in a phone call with Pakistan's National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik on Monday. Ahmadian said Iran attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the political, economic and security sectors. "The two neighboring countries are committed to [promoting] security of their shared borders and combating terrorism and will not allow the regional people's peace to be a plaything for enemies," he added. The SNSC secretary emphasized that Tehran-Pakistan cooperation would serve regional interests and security, expressing his country's firm determination to boost bilateral cooperation. Asim Malik, for his part, praised Iran's positive role in the region and said Islamabad is ready to develop political, security and social relations with Tehran. Iran, India resolute on expanding ties to ensure regional security The top Iranian security official said Iran and India are firmly determined to promote cooperation to ensure regional security and interests. "Iran and India, as two big countries with ancient civilizations, have good grounds for political and economic cooperation," Ahmadian added during a phone conversation with Ajit Kumar Doval, the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India. He urged both sides to swiftly implement important plans, especially the development of Chabahar Port on the Sea of Oman. Doval, for his part, pointed to Iran's constructive role in the region and said Tehran and New Delhi would strengthen cooperation, especially in the economic sector. He added that India makes efforts to enhance cooperation in the political, security, and economic fields, including the development of Chabahar Port and the North-South Corridor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Sanctions prove US hostility, its claim of diplomacy 'dishonest' Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 11:09 AM Iran says each new package of sanctions indicates that the United States is pursuing a hostile approach toward the Iranian people and its claim of diplomacy should not be trusted. "Each new sanctions package increases the burden on American policymakers as it constitutes a crime against humanity," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at his weekly press conference on Monday. It also "proves that Americans have a hostile view towards the people of Iran and that no one should believe their claim of seriousness in diplomacy," he added. He emphasized that the US is not committed to anything and this adds to the difficulty of the negotiations. He reiterated Iran's insistence on the path of diplomacy as it has nothing to hide, saying, "Iran's nuclear program is peaceful. This approach reflects our seriousness for negotiations." The Iranian spokesperson emphasized that the continuation of the US sanctions would have no impact on the Islamic Republic's will but would call into question America's seriousness. Iran has repeatedly dismissed the significance of US sanctions and their impacts on its economy. However, authorities have warned that issuing sanctions amid ongoing nuclear talks may undermine Tehran's confidence in the process. The talks between Iran and the US began in early April under Oman's mediation. They have held four rounds of indirect talks so far on Tehran's nuclear program and the termination of sanctions. Both sides have described their indirect meetings as generally positive. Enrichment right 'non-negotiable' Asked about the latest claim by US President Donald Trump's regional envoy Steve Witkoff, who said that Washington would not allow Iran to have even a one-percent enrichment capability, Baghaei said, "The issue of enrichment is part of the natural cycle of Iran's nuclear industry and is in no way negotiable." He emphasized that Iran's enrichment technology is necessary to ensure that the country's nuclear industry would continue with no stop. "Enrichment is Iran's legal right and we have explicitly announced our stance," the spokesperson stated. He criticized American officials for making contradictory positions when they return home following every round of indirect talks with Iran and said they should respond whether they are serious in the talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday warned the United States against making "unrealistic demands" in talks, saying Tehran will continue its enrichment program with or without a deal with Washington. The top Iranian negotiator said that such statements were "completely detached from the reality of negotiations." In a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday, Araghchi said Iran is ready to reach a win-win deal on its nuclear program if the US sanctions against the country are terminated. He reaffirmed Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, stressing that Tehran will never give up the right. In response to a question about certain European countries' insistence on triggering the snapback mechanism, the Iranian spokesman said Tehran would not leave any unjust or unfriendly measure unanswered. Baghaei added that using the snapback mechanism has no legal basis as Iran's nuclear program is completely peaceful. "The use of this mechanism means that the parties do not recognize a negotiating approach at all and seek to use means of intimidation. Naturally, we will take reciprocal actions," he emphasized. He expressed hope that European countries would revise the path they have taken and avoid misusing the snapback mechanism, which is a "double-edged sword." The so-called snapback mechanism allows for the return of anti-Iran sanctions that were suspended under the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Israel plays 'destructive role' Baghaei said Israel plays a destructive role in the negotiations and carries out acts of sabotage, adding that the regime has proved that it knows no boundaries in violation of international rules and regulations. He noted that the developments in Gaza, the occupation of the Syrian and Lebanese territory, attacks on Yemen and the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists are just examples of the Israeli regime's acts of sabotage. Baghaei said Israel is likely to resort to deceitful actions to point the finger at Iran and create a pretext for conflicts in the region. He warned that all countries should be vigilant to ensure that the Tel Aviv regime does not commit any act in violation of international peace. Constructive role of Oman, Qatar Elsewhere in his presser, Baghaei hailed the constructive role of Qatar and Oman in the indirect Iran-US talks. He said Iran has "very good" relations with all the Persian Gulf littoral states and Foreign Minister Araghchi discussed the Tehran-Washington talks with the authorities of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates during his regional tour last week. Iran expects the Persian Gulf littoral states to heed regional interests and choose approaches that promote a strong region free from the influence of third parties outside the region, the spokesperson said. Europe should respond to Iran's goodwill attitude Baghaei said Europeans are definitely able to play a constructive role in negotiations but they chose to be absent in the process. "They [Europeans] did not show that they are pursuing a constructive approach; on the contrary, by proposing unconstructive resolutions in the Board of Governors, they indicated that their approach is not constructive," the Iranian spokesman explained. He reiterated that Iran has pursued an attitude with Europeans based on goodwill and now they should respond to Iran's goodwill behavior. Baghaei further said preliminary works on the Iran-Russia strategic partnership treaty started during the tenure of the former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran in May 2024 and honored his legacy. The Iranian Parliament would hold discussions about the bill of the treaty, he noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Pezeshkian: Deal 'within reach' only if US stops bullying tactics Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 6:25 AM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says that reaching an agreement with the United States is possible but only if Washington abandons its bullying tactics. Pezeshkian made the remarks in a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani on the sidelines of The Tehran Dialogue Forum on Sunday. It comes amid heightened incendiary rhetoric from US President Donald Trump against Iran despite ongoing indirect talks between the two sides regarding Tehran's peaceful nuclear program and the termination of US sanctions On countless occasions, the US president has threatened to tap military force if the two sides fail to agree on a deal. Confirming Pezeshkian's comments, Al Thani said experience has shown that in dealing with the Islamic Republic of Iran, pressure and coercion have been ineffective, while dialogue and mutual understanding have proven successful. The two sides also discussed ties, with the Iranian president voicing optimism that the bilateral agreements would swiftly enter the implementation phase to benefit both countries and their peoples. Pezeshkian expressed hope that through mutual cooperation and constructive engagement with other regional countries, "we can bring peace, security, prosperity, and progress to our nations." The Qatari diplomat, for his part, said that his country has always supported the legitimate rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran and stood by this country; this support stems from mutual affinity and a bond that transcends politicsnamely, religious brotherhood. Pointing to the sensitive conditions prevailing in the region and the world, Al Thani added that the situation requires expanded interactions and sustained close cooperation among regional countries. 'Greater convergence' In another meeting on the sidelines of The Tehran Dialogue Forum, Pezeshkian held talks with the Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, where he praised the benevolent, committed, and constructive role of the Omani government in hosting indirect talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. Iran has held four rounds of indirect talks with the US on its nuclear program and the termination of Washington's unilateral sanctions. "We hope that through the sincere and dedicated efforts of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, these talks will result in a fair agreement that ensures lasting peace and stability in the region," Pezeshkian said. Highlighting the need for greater convergence among Islamic countries, he said, "The closer Muslim nations and brotherly countries becomeand the more they expand their cooperationthe more those who wish ill upon the Islamic Ummah will despair of sowing division and discord." Al Busaidi, for his part, said the exemplary relations between Iran and Oman stand as a clear model of ties based on sincerity, cooperation and brotherhood, expressing hope that these relations will serve as an inspiring example for other nations as well. The Tehran Dialogue Forum opened in the Iranian capital on Sunday with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivering speeches at the event. Senior officials from 53 countries, including ministers, and heads of think tanks and intellectuals, are taking part in the two-day meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says 'ready' for win-win deal if sanctions terminated, reiterates rights to nuclear energy Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 6:04 AM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is ready to reach a win-win deal on its nuclear program if the US sanctions against the country are terminated. Araghchi made the remark in a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday evening. He reaffirmed Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, stressing that Tehran will never give up the right. He briefed his Turkish counterpart on the latest state of indirect talks between Iran and the United States as well as a recent meeting with the European trio of Britain, France, and Germany (E3) on Iran's civilian nuclear program. The top Iranian negotiator expressed Tehran's readiness to engage in win-win interaction with the opposite sides if they show real determination to remove the sanctions and respect the country's legitimate rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 'Constructive approach' The Turkish foreign minister, for his part, hailed Iran's constructive approach to a diplomatic path and said his country is ready to provide any assistance in this regard. Araghchi's remarks came just a few hours after he responded to the latest comments by US President Donald Trump's regional envoy Steve Witkoff, who said that Washington would not allow Iran to have even a 1-percent enrichment capability. Speaking to reporters, Araghchi warns the United States against making "unrealistic demands" in talks, saying Tehran will continue its enrichment program with or without a deal with Washington. Araghchi also said such statements were "completely detached from the reality of negotiations." Iran has held four rounds of indirect talks with the US on its nuclear program and the termination of sanctions. Iranian deputies foreign ministers Kazem Gharibabadi and Majid Takht-Ravanchi met representatives of the E3 political directors in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Friday. The two sides exchanged views about the latest status of Iran-US indirect nuclear talks and the termination of sanctions and expressed their determination to sustain and make best use of diplomacy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As US Pushes For Zero Enrichment, Iran Insists It Won't Give Up Nuclear Program By RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Kian Sharifi May 19, 2025 US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff declared that the Donald Trump administration's "red line" in the nuclear talks with Iran is Tehran's ability to enrich uranium at any level, prompting Iran to say it will continue enrichment "with or without a deal." "We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability," Witkoff told ABC on May 18, insisting any enrichment, even for civilian purposes, could enable weaponization. "Everything begins...with a deal that does not include enrichment...because enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here," he said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi quickly rejected Witkoff's demand, calling it unrealistic and disconnected from the realities of the negotiations. "Enrichment in Iran will continue with or without a deal," Araghchi posted on X, emphasizing that Iran's right to enrichment is non-negotiable as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He added, "If the [United States] 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." Araqchi criticized what he described as inconsistent US messaging in public and attributed comments about zero enrichment to the Trump's administration attempt to pacify "special interest groups," which he described as "malign actors." Amid the standoff, Kamal Kharrazi, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reinforced Iran's position on enrichment during an annual gathering in the Iranian capital on May 18. He described Iran's nuclear knowledge as "irreversible," adding that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but regional nuclear disarmament should be a shared goal. Kharrazi has previously warned that while Iran may not be looking to acquire nuclear weapons, it can make a bomb and "may reconsider its nuclear doctrine if faced with an existential threat." Witkoff and Araqchi have meet directly and indirectly in four rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman, but no date has been set for a fifth round. Some reports say the next meeting may be held over the coming weekend. Trump last week said Washington was "getting closer" to a deal with Tehran and urged the Islamic republic to "move quickly" on a US proposal over its nuclear program. Araqchi, however, insisted that Iran had not received a "written" proposal. Kharrazi has previously warned that while Iran may not be looking to acquire nuclear weapons, it can make a bomb and "may reconsider its nuclear doctrine if faced with an existential threat." Hossein Aghaie, a security analyst based in Turkey, said Trump's warning serves as an "unwritten ultimatum" but added that the US president appears "very optimistic" about being able to get a deal with Tehran solely through diplomacy that meets US demands, such as abandoning enrichment and scaling back regional activities. "Trump is insisting on diplomacy and is very optimistic that diplomacy will bear results desired by the United States," he told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "Unless the United States relents on its maximalist demands, it cannot get what it wants simply through diplomacy alone," he said. Trump has threatened military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if the two countries fail to reach a deal. Tehran, however, has warned that it will retaliate if struck. Roya Karimi Majd of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-usa-nuclear- talks-enrichment-zero/33418252.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 "You can tell that the hospital focuses on the patient, and you really take care of the patient," said a Canadian doctor battling adenomyosis, who travelled to China's Chongqing to seek treatment without having to remove her uterus. Iran Stands Firm: No Surrender to US, Uranium Enrichment Continues Sputnik News 20250519 The deal between Iran and the United States will not take place if Washington continues to insist on a complete halt to uranium enrichment, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said. "If the US is pursuing the goal of stopping Iran's uranium enrichment, then the work will not go ahead. We will not back down on the enrichment issue," Takht-Ravanchi was quoted as saying by the Mizan news agency. 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 Telephone call between the Prime Minister and the President of Iran Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan May 17, 2025 Lahore: 17 May 2025. Telephone call between the Prime Minister and the President of Iran Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this evening. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm regards to Supreme Leader Ayatullah Khamenei and thanked President Pezeshkian for Iran's sincere and brotherly diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in South Asia. He particularly thanked the President for his telephone call to the Prime Minister last month as well as for sending Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the region during the crisis. While strongly condemning India's unprovoked attacks against Pakistan that led to the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women and children, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan's valiant Armed Forces had given a responsible, measured yet befitting and forceful reply to the enemy. He said Pakistan had always desired peace and it was in this spirit that it had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India and would remain committed to upholding it. He reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. However, the Prime Minister expressed his concern over India's attempt to unilaterally hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, which he deemed was unlawful and constituted a red line for Pakistan, as these waters were the lifeline for 240 million people. The Prime Minister emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the root cause of instability in South Asia. He called for its just resolution, in accordance with the UN Security Council's resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, as key to enduring peace in the region. The President of Iran expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of civilian lives. He welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while appreciating Pakistan's efforts for peace. He said Iran was committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations. They agreed to enhance cooperation in all areas of shared interest, especially trade, connectivity, security and people-to-people contacts. The Iranian President extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Tehran, which was graciously accepted NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Pakistan to advance the continuous growth of bilateral relationship during Deputy PM Dar's visit: FM Global Times By Liang Rui Published: May 19, 2025 04:28 PM Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit China from May 19 to 21, according to a notice issued by the Foreign Ministry on Monday. In response to a question concerning the visit, Chinese FM Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on Monday that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The two countries maintain close high-level exchanges and cooperation in various areas. China stands ready to work with Pakistan through this visit to further deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enhance strategic communication and coordination, and deepen exchange and cooperation in various areas, so as to advance the bilateral relations and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. During the visit, Dar will hold in-depth discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability. The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on global developments of mutual interest, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. The visit forms part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. It also underscores the two countries' shared commitment to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "It appears that the main purpose of Dar's visit to China is to further consolidate the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, and to jointly uphold regional stability and security through communication and cooperation," Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Monday. "The ironclad China-Pakistan relationship enables the two sides to consult on major issues, align policies, and strengthen collaboration," the expert noted. Meanwhile, in response to a question regarding the recent India-Pakistan situation, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that regarding the situation between India and Pakistan, China has stated its position on multiple occasions. We are willing to maintain communication with both sides and play a constructive role in realizing a full and lasting ceasefire and maintaining regional peace and stability, Mao said. "During this visit, Pakistan may also discuss the India-Pakistan situation. Both Pakistan and India are important neighbors of China, and we hope both sides will exercise strategic restraint and seek a fair and reasonable resolution," Qian said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, visited Pakistan Navy Dockyard today to pay tribute to the Pakistan Navy for its pivotal role in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - May 19, 2025 No PR-162/2025-ISPR Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, visited Pakistan Navy Dockyard today to pay tribute to the Pakistan Navy for its pivotal role in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu were also present. During the visit, the Prime Minister boarded the Type-054A Class Destroyer PNS TAIMUR, where he was briefed by Commander Pakistan Fleet on the Pakistan Navy's strategic orientation, operational undertakings, and noteworthy contributions during the ongoing operation. The Prime Minister interacted with officers and sailors of the Pakistan Navy, lauding their exemplary professionalism, combat readiness, and steadfast commitment to national defence. He conveyed the nation's deep appreciation and reaffirmed unwavering confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan's Armed Forces. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister commended the Pakistan Navy for its resolute posture, operational dexterity, and effective deterrent response in countering adversarial maritime threats. He particularly praised the Navy's critical role in safeguarding sea lines of communication and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade, while maintaining absolute maritime sovereignty through a layered and assured seaward defence. Recalling the Navy's proud legacy of decisive operations, the Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan Navy remains fully capable of executing high-intensity operations akin to the historic Operation Dwarka, whenever and wherever required. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr Attaulah Tarar, and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiquie. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia bans Amnesty International as 'undesirable organization' Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 6:20 PM Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has banned the "undesirable activities" of Amnesty International. The PGO explained that since the beginning of Russian forces special military operation in eastern Ukraine, the London-based organization has been doing everything in its power to fuel the Moscow-Kiev military confrontation. "The Prosecutor General's Office has made a decision to recognize the activities of Amnesty International Limited, an international non-governmental organization registered in London, as undesirable on the territory of Russia," read a statement released by the PGO on Monday. The PGO said Amnesty International workers justify crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis, call for an increase in their funding, and insist on Russia's political and economic isolation. "The participants in the organization support extremist organizations and finance the activities of foreign agents," the PGO said. The PGO said the organization frames itself as an active advocate of human rights, however, in reality, the London headquarters of Amnesty International is a training center for global projects promoting Russophobia. It said the supporters of Kiev and accomplices in the West finance Amnesty's global operations. Earlier, an independent investigation by the Global HPO had found Amnesty International UK to be plagued with "colonialism and institutional racism." The June 2022 probe found Amnesty International UK (AIUK) to be infested from within with racial discrimination, bullying, and institutional racism towards non-white individuals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amnesty International Defiant In Face Of Russian Designation As 'Undesirable Organization' By RFE/RL May 19, 2025 Amnesty International pledged to redouble its efforts to expose human rights violations in Russia after Moscow labeled the group an "undesirable organization," effectively outlawing it and making it punishable under Russian law to have any association with it. Russia's Prosecutor General said in a statement on May 19 the move was taken because Amnesty "is the center of preparation of global Russophobic projects." The 1977 Nobel Peace Prize winner for its "defense of human dignity against torture" and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978 responded to the designation with a defiant statement saying the move was part of a broader government effort "to silence dissent and isolate civil society." "The authorities are deeply mistaken if they believe that by labelling our organization "undesirable" we will stop our work documenting and exposing human rights violations - quite the opposite," AI's Secretary General Agnes Callamard said in a statement. "We will not give in to the threats and will continue undeterred to work to ensure that people in Russia are able to enjoy their human rights without discrimination. We will keep documenting and speaking worldwide about the war crimes committed in Ukraine by Russia. We will redouble our efforts to expose Russia's egregious human rights violations both at home and abroad." The Prosecutor General also accused Amnesty of "doing everything possible" to help intensify military confrontation, including justifying "the crimes of Ukrainian neo-Nazis." The Kremlin has repeatedly and falsely claimed Ukraine is run by "radical nationalist" and neo-Nazi groups and uses that as one of the justifications for launching its full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. The "undesirable organization" law, adopted in 2015, is a Kremlin-backed regulation on organizations that receive funding from foreign sources. Russia claims organizations on the list are a threat to the country's national security. However, experts say it is just an attempt by Russian authorities to snuff out any voices that don't align with the Kremlin's views. Dozens of media outlets, organizations engaged in political, cultural, and educational activities, support for democratic institutions, as well as religious organizations have been put on the list in recent years. In January 2024, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was placed on the list. Russian citizens face up to five years in prison for cooperating with "undesirable" organizations or aiding in their financing within Russia. Amnesty's designation comes three years after Russian authorities blocked access to its websites in Russia and de-registered the organization's office in Moscow -- effectively closing it down. The group says the designation puts at risk of prosecution in Russia partner organizations and individual supporters, journalists, other persons who now work with, or are seen by the authorities as supporting or promoting, the organization. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-labels-amnesty- international-undesirable-human-rights/33418228.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 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to organisers and participants in the CIS International Legal Forum on the theme Legal Legacy of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War: Historical Significance and Modern Challenges, May 19, 2025 19 May 2025 14:12 821-19-05-2025 Colleagues, I am glad to welcome you at the first CIS International Legal Forum timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Great Victory. The Commonwealth of Independent States has declared 2025 Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War - Year of Peace and Unity in the fight against Nazism. It is gratifying therefore that it is the CIS that is holding a panel dedicated to the legal heritage of Victory, its historic significance and modern challenges at the St Petersburg International Legal Forum. What is particularly important is that it is attended by representatives of states and multilateral organisations, on the one hand, and the academic community, including university teachers, on the other. Your role in promoting the historical truth can hardly be overestimated. The Great Victory - a heroic page in our common history - has made it possible to lay the foundation of the modern world order, whose cornerstone is the United Nations. Eighty years ago, the UN Charter asserted the fundamental principles of international law. Today, they constitute, in their entirety and interconnection, the basis of fair and equitable international relations and are a reliable aid in the context of efforts to establish a stable multipolar world order. To "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," as the UN Charter says at the start of its Preamble, it was essential to understand the reason why the horrors of World War II had become possible. The Nuremberg Trials provided incontestable legal assessments with regard to Nazism. This process has become an example of a profound and comprehensive insight - legal and moral - into the ideology and practices of Nazism as the prime cause of the world conflict's tragedy. The sentence passed by the Nuremberg Trials was immediately perceived by the UN as one of the legal foundations of the world order and collective efforts to strengthen global security. Regrettably, a number of states in the West are losing the last vestiges of immunity to the "pest of the brown-shirts" that was built up as a result of wartime suffering and grief. Failure to comply with the key principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, is a blow to the heritage of Victory, while disdain for the results of the Nuremberg Trials, including the glorification of Nazi collaborationists, amounts to a betrayal and an insult to the memory of the uncountable victims of Nazism. It is of fundamental importance against this background that we continue to maintain the historical truth. Let me remind you that the Address by the Leaders of the CIS Member-States to the people of the CIS and the international community regarding the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people's Victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War was adopted on October 8, 2024, in which our leaders qualified crimes committed by Nazi invaders as genocide against the peoples of the USSR. We should continue to be at one in denouncing any attempts to falsify history, glorify Nazi criminals and their accomplices, and resolutely counteract the revision of internationally recognised results of World War II. We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of international community members are in solidarity with us in this regard, as is evident from the vote on Russia's annual draft resolution of the UN General Assembly against the glorification of Nazism. Thank you for your time. I wish you productive discussions and all the best. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Conscripts Can't Be Sent Into Battle. This One Was. And He's Not Happy About It. By RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities May 20, 2025 In December 2023, along with tens of thousands of other 18-year-old men, Aleksandr, from the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, was called up for mandatory military service in the Russian armed forces. Four months later, and nearly 7,000 kilometers to the west, he found himself digging foxholes and infantry trenches along Russia's border with Ukraine. And not long after that, he found himself cowering in those very trenches, facing off against Ukrainian troops and kamikaze drone attacks. "It turns out that I was sent to a combat zone against the law, without asking," he said in an interview with RFE/RL's Siberian Realities last month. The plight of Aleksandr -- who asked that his surname not be used to avoid prosecution by police -- illustrates a major third rail of Russian politics, something President Vladimir Putin has strenuously avoided since launching the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Conscripts in combat. With the invasion nearing its 40th month, Russian troops continue to suffer eyewatering casualties: upward of 750,000 dead and wounded, according to Western estimates, and climbing as this year's spring fighting season kicks into high gear. Despite the toll, Russia has managed to sustain its tempo of operations by relying on an elaborate recruitment system of mobilized reserves, volunteers, private mercenaries, and even prison inmates, plus regular units. Sky-high wages and benefits for combat service have resulted in a steady flow of men sent into battle. But Russian law forbids conscripts -- men, mostly around 18 years of age, completing one year of mandatory military service -- from serving in combat zones. First and foremost, that means Ukraine. Putin has promised repeatedly that conscripts would not be sent to fight. But they can be enlisted to do rear-guard tasks such as logistical or construction work away from active combat zones. They can also be persuaded -- or coerced -- into signing full volunteer combat contracts after just four months of basic training. Often, the conscripts do not fully understand what they're signing, activists and lawyers said. Last summer, Ukrainian forces staged a cross-border invasion into Russia's Kursk region, overwhelming the lightly defended border and border guard troops, National Guard units, and other troops. Dozens of conscripts were also captured or went missing during the invasion. At least 25 were killed, according to the news outlet Vyorstka. Aleksandr was lucky he wasn't among them. Military prosecutors and officials from the local military recruitment center could not be reached for comment on Aleksandr's case. 'We Quickly Dug Small Trenches And Then Just Sat There' Aleksandr, who spoke to RFE/RL from the Yaroslavl region, northeast of Moscow, said he was conscripted in the fall 2023. He was inducted into service as a private that December, initially spending most of his time in the Amur region, along the border with China. He was assigned to a unit of the Railway Troops, a logistical force devoted to running the trains the military relies heavily on across its 11 time zones. "As far as training goes, we did target practice a couple of times and that was it. There was no special training," he said. In April 2024, an unknown number of conscripts from his training base were sent to a muster point and then shipped off to Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. He said that initially he and his company of eight men were ordered to dig bunkers for the Border Guards, a separate military unit devoted to guarding Russia's border. He said they saw not a single volunteer soldier -- known as "kontraktiki" -- or mobilized soldier, known as "mobiki." "When they threw us over the top, there was no one in the area except conscripts. Even our squad leader was a conscript like us, the other seven. He just studied at a military school before the army," he said. Last August, when the Ukrainian troops surprised Russian forces, invading the neighboring Kursk region, Aleksandr's entire battalion was in Bryansk. On August 6, he said, his unit was ordered on alert; two other companies rushed to join Aleksandr's company. "We quickly dug small trenches and then just sat there. That's it," he said. Senior officers, Aleksandr said, ordered conscripts to forward positions, closest to the border. Behind them, in the second lines of defense, were professional soldiers and better equipment. Conscripts, he said, were forbidden from making any sort of unplanned retreat. "Once we were under fire for several hours. We were sent on a scouting mission, and then the Ukrainian armed forces came out. We couldn't run back; our own people would shoot us for giving away our location. We lay down and waited for several hours," he said. A Ukrainian kamikaze drone detonated close to his position, he said, giving him a concussion -- his fifth. Conscripts' Gray Zone Russian officials have refused to acknowledge what is more or less an open secret, particularly among military families: that conscripts indeed have been caught up, deliberately or negligently, in combat along the border with Ukraine. There's a legal loophole to the ban on sending conscripts into battle. After just four months, the young men are allowed to sign contracts, effectively volunteering for full duty, including combat deployment. However, officers and military recruiters routinely pressure, and coerce, conscripts to sign contracts, without providing full disclosure or disclaimer or other relevant information, activists, lawyers, and even parents have complained. Last October, several conscripts from a Russian tank division received 305,000 rubles ($3,600) in compensation after they complained they signed fake contracts with the Defense Ministry. That same month, Aleksandr, who did not sign any such volunteer contract, said he was wounded again when a fragment of a kamikaze drone hit him in his left leg. He was transferred off the front line and hospitalized at a military clinic back in Borzya, where his unit was originally dispatched from. Military doctors were reluctant to accurately diagnose his injury, he said, since he was a conscript and the injury was a combat injury, which would contravene legal prohibitions. That meant he was ineligible also for an additional payment for suffering a war injury. He was released from conscription on December 10, 2024, a year to the day when he entered service. "At first, I couldn't walk at all," he said. "I could only hop as best I could. It healed a bit, then I bought a cane, and at least I started walking." "They kept me in the hospital until I was demobilized. I was left disabled. And also without money," he said. "I also have panic attacks. When there are bangs, I immediately start looking around for drones." He now said he plans to file a formal complaint with the military prosecutor's office, both to have his combat deployment recognized and for payment for his injury. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-conscripts- war-combat/33415104.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 opposes any external intervention in Syria: Diplomat IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 19, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior Iranian diplomat says Iran firmly opposes any form of external intervention in Syria, tressing that it is the Syrian people who must move toward political, ethnic and cultural unity through dialogue. Speaking at an expert panel on Syria during the Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF) on Monday, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, a special aide to the foreign minister, said the primary challenge facing Syria is the occupation of its territories by foreign forces. He pointed out that parts of the Arab country remain occupied by Israel, while other areas are under the control of the United States and Turkey. He warned that the continued occupation of Syrian lands could lead to insecurity, instability, and ethnic conflicts, potentially paving the way for the resurgence of terrorism in the country. Sheibani also expressed concern over the ongoing neglect of the rights of Syrian minorities, which has historically been a source of conflict in the country. Emphasizing the broader regional implications, the diplomat stressed that peace and stability in Syria are essential for security in Iran and the entire region. He noted that the disintegration of Syria has long been a strategic objective pursued by Israel. The security situation in Syria has deteriorated further under the ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that overthrew the government of President Bashar al-Assad in December. Sectarian violence has surged, with the massacre of hundreds of Alawites in March deepening fears among minority groups. Since the collapse of the Assad government, Israel has expanded its occupation across southern Syria and launched hundreds of airstrikes, mostly targeting Syrian military sites. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi FM urges stability, inclusivity in Syria as country in tatters by foreign interventions Iran Press TV Monday, 19 May 2025 1:28 PM Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has emphasized the critical need for stability, security and an inclusive political process in Syria following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's government, stating that all groups and factions must be involved in shaping the Arab nation's future. He made the remarks on the sidelines of Tehran Dialogue Forum in the Iranian capital on Monday. "We need stability, security and an inclusive political process in Syria. When we talk about an inclusive political process, we mean the presence of representatives of all groups and components of society in the process, as the ultimate goal is stability in Syria," Hussein noted. The top Iraqi diplomat underlined that restoration of stability in Syria is impossible without an inclusive political process, because such a process can protect Syrian society and prevent foreign interventions. "There exist numerous problems as regards the Syrian issue. Currently, different military forces are stationed across Syria: the US army and Palestinian forces are deployed in the northeast, Turkish troops are active in the north, Russian bases are in the coastal areas, and Israeli forces are operating in Sweida and Quneitra provinces. "An inclusive political process can protect Syrian society and prevent foreign interventions. These foreign interventions occur as a result of social divisions," he said. Hussein stressed the need for a transparent process, stating that Iraqi groups "have begun to solve their internal problems through democracy, federalism and decentralization. We hope that the Syrian people will also achieve a democratic system and elect their leaders through a democratic process, not through appointments. The democratic process is the promising solution for the Syrian nation." The Iraqi foreign minister further noted any progress or change in Syria is an internal matter, emphasizing that Iraq's stability will significantly affect the status quo in Syria. The security situation in Syria under the HTS - an offshoot of the al-Qaeda terrorist group - remains tenuous. Incidents of sectarian violence, including the massacre of hundreds of Alawites in March, have hardened fears among minority groups about the now dominant militants. Since Assad's government collapsed in December, Syria has also been plagued by a widespread Israeli occupation across large swathes of the country's south. It has also been hit by hundreds of Israeli airstrikes, mainly targeting military infrastructure that belonged to the former Syrian army. Earlier this month, Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz said that the Tel Aviv regime is planning to keep its occupation forces in southern Lebanon and Syria "indefinitely." Lebanon's al-Mayadeen TV, citing local sources, said on May 1 that the Israeli army is establishing two new outposts in the countryside of Damascus, facing the Hasbaya district of southern Lebanon. The intensified Israeli aggression against Syria continues despite HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani's repeated overtures to the occupying regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of National Defense Statement on the PLA's Joint Combat Readiness Patrol ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/05/18 Time: 1210 hours, May 18, 2025 The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (May 18) that, starting at 0850 hours, a total of 18 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraftincluding J-16 fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, various combat and support aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)were successively detected conducting operations in the vicinity of Taiwan. Of these, 13 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and its extension, entering the northern, southwestern, and eastern airspace, in coordination with PLA naval vessels, as part of a joint combat readiness patrol. The Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces closely monitored the situation using integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and responded appropriately by dispatching mission aircraft and naval vessels and deploying shore-based missile systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 8 diplomatic offices voice support for Taiwan's WHA participation ROC Central News Agency 05/19/2025 03:10 PM Taipei, May 19 (CNA) Eight countries' representative offices in Taiwan issued a joint statement on Monday, reiterating their support for Taiwan's meaningful engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO) and for Taipei's participation as an observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision making body of the WHO. The joint statement came as Taiwan has not received an invitation to the WHA's annual assembly, which will be held from May 19-27 in Geneva this year. It will be the ninth year in a row the country has been excluded from the WHA. The eight offices, which reaffirmed their support for Taiwan, are the British Office Taipei, the Australian Office Taipei, the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, the French Office in Taipei, the German Institute Taipei, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, and the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office. These offices said as a highly capable, engaged and responsible member of the global health community, Taiwan was invited to participate in the WHA as an observer from 2009-2016. The offices praised Taiwan for its's distinct capabilities and methods, including its significant public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology to bring considerable value to inform the WHA's deliberations. However, at a time when the 78th session of the WHA will commence in Geneva, Taiwan remains largely excluded from the global international health system, the offices noted. "Taiwan's isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, is entirely unjustified," the offices said. "This undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands, and which is enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO." "As COVID-19 and continued public health crises make plain, infectious diseases and health hazards do not respect borders. Global cooperation is required to keep the whole world safe," they said. The offices called for Taiwan's meaningful engagement in the WHO and participation in the WHA as an observer, saying: "Only by including Taiwan as an observer would the WHO be able to fully exemplify the Health Assembly's commitment to 'One World for Health.'" On Friday, Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan () said as Taiwan is a global leader in medical care and disease prevention, excluding Taipei from sharing its experiences at the WHA is a "loss for the world" and unfair to the people of Taiwan. Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China, was expelled from the WHO in 1972 after losing its seat in the United Nations when the U.N. switched recognition to the People's Republic of China. Taiwan participated in WHA events as an observer from 2009-2016 under the designation "Chinese Taipei" when relations between Beijing and Taipei were warmer under Taiwan's previous ruling party Kuomintang. However, since 2017 Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA due to opposition from China, which has taken a hard line against President Tsai Ing-wen () and her Democratic Progressive Party for its advocacy of Taiwan's sovereignty as an independent state. (By Yang Yao-ju, Sunny Lai and Frances Huang) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 11 Taiwan allies attend Geneva reception in support of WHA bid ROC Central News Agency 05/19/2025 02:02 PM Geneva, May 18 (CNA) Representatives from 11 of Taiwan's diplomatic allies attended a reception held Sunday in Geneva in support of Taiwan, after it was once again excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual decision-making meeting. The reception, hosted by Taiwan's representative office in Geneva, was held at a hotel the night before the opening of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), which scheduled for May 19-27 in the Swiss city. The attendees included representatives from all but one of Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies, with the Holy See being the exception. The Holy See is an observer, not a member, of the United Nations and rarely speaks on political issues during U.N.-related meetings. The WHO, a specialized U.N. agency that coordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies, has excluded Taiwan from its WHA meetings for nine consecutive years. At the reception in Geneva on Sunday, some representatives from Taiwan's allies spoke in strong support of Taiwan's efforts to participate in the WHA. "I stand here today to affirm our commitment to you, our friends, that we will continue to do everything we can, in every WHA each year, to ensure that one day Taiwan will finally be given its place in the Assembly," said Palau Vice President Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch. He also thanked the Taiwan government for helping to build the health infrastructure in his country. Haiti's Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal also expressed similar sentiments, saying that Taiwan had contributed significantly to the health infrastructure in his country. Taiwan also provided crucial support after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, particularly with the operation of the National Ambulence Center, Sinal said, adding that Taiwan is currently helping with public security in his country. Haiti continues to stand in support of Taiwan's participation in international organizations, he said. The Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan is officially named, left the WHO in 1972 following a decision by U.N. members to expel the ROC and recognize instead the People's Republic of China as the only "legitimate representative of China." Since then, Taiwan has been unable to attend the WHA, even as an observer, due to pressure from China, except during the years 2009 to 2016, when relations with China were warmer under Taiwan's then-Kuomintang government. Since 2017, Taiwan has been working closely with its diplomatic allies and friendly nations, including the U.S., Japan and the European Union, to push for WHA participation, but without success. (By Tien Hsi-ju and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai calls Beijing 'aggressor' threatening peace ROC Central News Agency 05/20/2025 11:58 AM Taipei, May 20 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Tuesday called out China for threatening peace across the Taiwan Strait, despite reiterating his openness to engaging in dialogue with Beijing. "The aggressor is the one that undermines peace," Lai said of China after delivering a speech that marked the anniversary of his taking office exactly one year ago. "Many countries around the world, including Taiwan, are in fact under the threat of aggressors," he said, noting that Taiwan was, on the contrary, committed to pursing peace. The president was responding to a reporter's question about the ongoing cross-strait tensions and China's apparent use of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan whenever Lai, whom Beijing strongly opposes, delivered key speeches over the past year. Since Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party took office on May 20, 2024, Beijing has also intensified its gray-zone tactics -- coercive actions that stop short of direct military conflict or war -- including the alleged sabotage of undersea cables by Chinese vessels. Meanwhile, Lai has toughened his cross-strait policy in recent months, drawing a difference from the more moderate approach adopted by his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen (). In March, he described China as a "foreign hostile force" when he accused China of rising infiltrations, spying activities, and united-front work against Taiwan and pledged multiple measures in response to those national security threats. The pledged measures include reinstating military courts, tightening controls on cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, and expanding the screening of cross-strait flows of talent, goods, and capital, among others. Despite his branding China as an "aggressor," Lai reiterated on Tuesday his openness to continuing exchanges and collaborations with China provided that each side treats the other equally and with respect. He said he remained willing to "engage in dialogue instead of confrontation" and work with China toward peace and prosperity. (By Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinse FM spokesperson responds to World Health Assembly's rejection of Taiwan region's participation as an observer Global Times By Global Times Published: May 19, 2025 06:08 PM The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, decided on Monday not to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan's participation as an observer, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Following the decision, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement on Monday, saying that this marks the ninth consecutive year that the WHA has rejected such Taiwan-related proposals. China's position on China's Taiwan region's participation in international organizations, including activities of the World Health Organization (WHO), has been consistent and clear: it must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. This is a fundamental principle affirmed by both United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. Without the Central Government's consent, China's Taiwan region has no basis, reason, or right to participate in the WHA. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan persist in a separatist stance of "Taiwan independence," thereby erasing the political foundation for Taiwan region's participation in the WHA, said the spokesperson. The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Under the one-China principle, proper arrangements have been made for the Taiwan region to participate in global health affairs. Medical and health experts from Taiwan region are allowed to take part in WHO technical meetings, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson noted that over the past year, a total of 11 batches involving 12 individuals from the Taiwan region applied to attend WHO technical activities all of which were approved by the central government. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, the Taiwan region maintains smooth and effective communication with the WHO and various countries, including timely access to information on public health emergencies and the ability to report to the WHO as needed. This fully demonstrates the central government's sincerity in addressing health concerns in Taiwan and shows that channels for Taiwan's participation in WHO technical cooperation are open and sufficient. Claims of a "gap" in the global disease prevention system are purely political fabrications, said the spokesperson. For some time, the DPP authorities and a few countries have openly tried to reverse history by deliberately distorting and challenging UNGA Resolution 2758 in an attempt to undermine the one-China principle. This not only challenges China's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also international justice, broad consensus, and the post-World War II international order, said the spokesperson. China's opposition to Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA has received broad understanding and support from the international community. The vast majority of countries have reaffirmed their adherence to UNGA Resolution 2758, expressed firm support for the one-China principle, and opposed Taiwan's participation in the WHA many doing so through official letters to the WHO Director-General, according to the spokesperson. This fully demonstrates that upholding the one-China principle aligns with the will of the people, the trend of the times, and the essence of justice. The international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unassailable and cannot be shaken. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and that Taiwan is part of China. Nor can they stop the historical trend of China's inevitable and eventual reunification. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and any attempt to pursue it is doomed to fail, said the spokesperson. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WHA rejects Taiwan-related proposal for ninth consecutive year Global Times By Liu Xin Published: May 19, 2025 10:35 PM The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), decided on Monday not to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan's participation as an observer, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Following the decision, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement on Monday, saying that this marks the ninth consecutive year that the WHA has rejected such Taiwan-related proposals. China's position on the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations, including the WHO, is consistent and clear. That is, it must be handled in line with the one-China principle, which is also a fundamental principle as demonstrated by the UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. China's Taiwan region, unless given approval by the central government, has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA. Due to the DPP authorities' persistent separatist stance, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA no longer exists, said the spokesperson. In recent years, the DPP authorities on Taiwan island, together with a small group of countries including the US, have been hyping up the issue of Taiwan's participation in WHA events in an attempt to promote their respective agendas of "Taiwan independence" and to play the "Taiwan card" to contain China efforts that have ultimately failed, some Chinese analysts said, welcoming the WHA's decision this year to reject Taiwan-related proposals. The foreign ministry spokesperson said in the statement on Monday that for quite some time, the DPP authorities and certain countries have been blatantly turning back the wheel of history by deliberately distorting and challenging UNGA Resolution 2758 to challenge the one-China principle. They are essentially trying to challenge not only China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also international justice and prevailing consensus as well as the post-war international order. China's decision to not approve the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA has wide support and understanding from the international community, said the spokesperson. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Monday that the decision of the 78th WHA to reject Taiwan-related proposal once again demonstrates that adhering to the one-China principle is a universal consensus in the international community, reflecting the will of the people, the prevailing trend, and the foundation of justice. The international community's commitment to the one-China principle is an unchallengeable and unshakable fundamental pattern. Chen also noted the DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to the "Taiwan independence" separatist stance and refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, has eliminated the political basis for Taiwan's participation in the WHA. The DPP authorities' attempt to push for the so-called "Taiwan-related proposal" violates the international consensus and has unsurprisingly met with another failure. Taiwan region's WHA participation must fall under the one-China principle. When the Taiwan authorities headed by then regional leader Ma Ying-jeou who acknowledged the 1992 Consensus and the one-China principle, Taiwan region at that time was able to participate in the WHA in the name of "Chinese Taipei" and as an observer with the consent of the central government, said Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University. Zheng said that the DPP authorities deliberately create a narrative of so-called "suppression" from the mainland for political gain, using anti-mainland sentiment to divert public attention and rally support. The WHO's core mission is to safeguard people's health and well-being it should not be used as a tool for political manipulation. Li Zhenguang, deputy director at the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, said that even if the Taiwan region does not participate in the WHA, its technical communication with the WHO remains open and unhindered. Taiwan island can access global information on epidemic prevention and control in real time and has established channels to report its own epidemic situations to the WHO. These technical exchanges have never been obstructed. The international community's commitment to the one-China principle will not be shaken. No matter what the DPP authorities and certain countries do, it does not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. "Taiwan independence" leads nowhere, said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Solomon Islands reaffirms steadfast commitment to one-China principle in govt statement Global Times By Global Times Published: May 19, 2025 09:48 AM The Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed the government's steadfast commitment to the one-China principle, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China, according to a statement released on the website of the government of the Solomon Islands. "The One-China Policy is a widely accepted international framework that recognizes there is only one China, including Taiwan as part of its territory. This policy is central to maintaining peaceful and stable diplomatic relations and respecting the sovereignty of nations. By affirming this policy, the Solomon Islands demonstrates its commitment to international law and its own national interests," reads the statement. "In line with this position, the Prime Minister has directed all government ministries, agencies, and officials to fully comply with the Government's policy. This includes the understanding that there is only one China, and that Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory," the statement said. Accordingly, government officials and public office holders are advised not to engage in any official capacity with representatives or entities associated with "Taiwan," China. This includes official visits, communications, commitments, or participation in events involving "Taiwan," China, according to the statement. This reaffirmation reflects Solomon Islands' sovereign right to determine its foreign policy in accordance with its national interests and international obligations. The Government remains committed to maintaining respectful and principled diplomatic relations with all its partners, said the statement. The government of Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of the People's Republic of China's sovereign territory, Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said on February 19, the Xinhua News Agency reported in February. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the 78th WHA's Rejection of the Proposal on Taiwan Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Updated: May 19, 2025 18:10 On May 19, the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" submitted by certain countries. This has been the ninth year in a row that the WHA has rejected the so-called proposal concerning Taiwan. China's position on the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations, including the WHO, is consistent and clear. That is, it must be handled in line with the one-China principle, which is also a fundamental principle as demonstrated by the UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. China's Taiwan region, unless given approval by the central government, has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA. Due to the DPP authorities' persistent separatist stance, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA no longer exists. The Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan. Under the prerequisite that the one-China principle is upheld, the Chinese central government has made proper arrangement for the Taiwan region's participation in global health affairs, and the Taiwan region's medical and health experts can participate in WHO technical meetings. Over the past year, 11 applications were made by China's Taiwan region to take part in WHO technical activities, which involved 12 participants, and all the applications were approved by the central government. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, the Taiwan region has unimpeded and full-fledged information exchange mechanisms with the WHO and countries in the world, and it can promptly access and report to the WHO concerning information related to health emergencies. This fully demonstrates that the Chinese Central Government has every sincerity to address the health issues that our compatriots in Taiwan care about, that the Taiwan region has sufficient and unimpeded channels to participate in the WHO's communication and cooperation in the technical domain, and that the rights of the people in Taiwan regarding health are duly protected. The so-called "gap" in global anti-epidemic efforts is nothing but a politically-driven lie. For quite some time, the DPP authorities and certain countries have been blatantly turning back the wheel of history by deliberately distorting and challenging UNGA Resolution 2758 to challenge the one-China principle. They are essentially trying to challenge not only China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also international justice and prevailing consensus as well as the post-war international order. China's decision of not approving the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA has wide support and understanding from the international community. The overwhelming majority of countries in the international community have reaffirmed to the Chinese side that they uphold UNGA Resolution 2758, firmly support the one-China principle, and oppose Taiwan's participation in the WHA. They expressed their support for China's position through various means, such as writing to the WHO Director-General. It shows that commitment to the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and what the greater national interests entail. The international community's commitment to the one-China principle is not to be challenged or shaken. No matter what the DPP authorities say or do, it does not change the fact that the two sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China and Taiwan is part of China, nor can it stop the trend towards China's ultimate and inevitable reunification. "Taiwan independence" leads nowhere and provocations for that are doomed to failure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WHA again rejects Taiwan province proposal People's Daily Online By Zheng Wanyin (Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:35, May 20, 2025 The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, on Monday decided not to include in its agenda a proposal on the participation of China's Taiwan province in the annual assembly as an observer. The decision was made by both the general committee and the plenary session of the 78th WHA. This is the ninth consecutive year that the global health agency has rejected such a proposal. Speaking at the first plenary meeting of the assembly, Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said the proposal blatantly challenges the authority of the UN and the postwar international order. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan province," he said. "Taiwan province's return to China is an integral part of the outcomes of the victory in World War II and the postwar international order. The UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 have long since resolved the issue of China's representation, including that of the Taiwan province." "For many consecutive years, the WHA has rejected such a proposal, thereby upholding the authority of the UN and the postwar international order. The fact clearly shows that the path of 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end and is once again doomed to fail." Chen also pointed out that it is the separatist activities pursued by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of Taiwan province in recent years that have eliminated the political foundation for Taiwan province's participation in the assembly, and that, under the one-China principle, the engagement of Taiwan province with the WHO is not subject to any difficulties or obstacles. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson's remarks in response to the 78th WHA's rejection of the province-related proposal, the Chinese central government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of the compatriots in Taiwan province, and has made proper arrangements for the province's engagement in global health affairs under the one-China principle. The spokesperson said the central government has approved the participation in WHO technical activities by 11 batches of 12 health experts from Taiwan province over the past year, and under the framework of the International Health Regulations, Taiwan province can promptly access health emergencies information from the WHO and report such information to it. Chen also underlined the above points in his remarks during the assembly, saying, "The proposal hyping up about the so-called gap in the international pandemic prevention system is completely inconsistent with the facts." "The one-China principle is a consensus of the international community," Chen added. "To date, 183 countries have already established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle." The 78th WHA, themed "One World for Health", runs through May 27. Attended by delegations from all 194 WHO member states, it brings together high-level country representatives and other stakeholders to address global health challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Antonio Costa at the joint press conference following the EU-UK summit in London European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 19 May 2025 14:15 Let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Keir Starmer for hosting us here in London for what has been a timely and truly productive summit. A few months ago, Prime Minister, you spoke of your ambition to reset the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Today, I am proud to say that we, together, have delivered on that ambition. You have succeeded. We have all succeeded. The agreements we have reached today mark not just progress but a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU. The start of a renewed and strengthened strategic partnership. Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild trust. As we discussed during my visit to Downing Street in December, in an increasingly volatile world, deeper collaboration between like-minded partners natural allies like us is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Then, back in February, I invited you to join the EU27 leaders at a retreat in Brussels to discuss defence matters. There, I felt a new, positive energy in our relationship. I saw the great potential of what we can accomplish together to make real, tangible progress for the people of the EU and the UK. Since then, we have worked hand in hand to support Ukraine, to increase pressure on Russia, to stabilise and strengthen the transatlantic partnership, and to uphold international law and defend the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats. We have to be proud of the fruits of that collective effort: a joint statement on cooperation on global issues a security and defence partnership, and a common understanding and a renewed agenda for cooperation These agreements represent more than just words on paper. They are a reflection of our shared commitments to security, to prosperity, to development, and to the people we serve on both sides of the Channel. Our relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and the simple fact of our geographical closeness. We are neighbours, allies, partners. And we are friends. Times are changing. The rules-based international order is under attack. Multilateralism is being tested. The EU and UK are providers of global stability. We must be guardians of the rules-based global order. Europe is facing the gravest security threat in decades, provoked by Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. But both the UK and the EU are united in one belief: we share a fundamental responsibility for the security of Europe. That is why we are committed to continuing our efforts, together, to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace that guarantees Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ball is now in Russia's court. Together, we will intensify pressure on President Putin including through a new package of sanctions to bring him to the negotiating table. Russia must agree to an unconditional ceasefire. It must stop being a threat to Ukraine and to European security. On defence, our new partnership will bring deeper cooperation. It will strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO. And it will sharpen our focus on common strategic priorities. On trade, we are united in our commitment to economic stability. We both believe in free trade fair, sustainable and open as the engine of prosperity for our citizens and for the global economy. On migration, we will work together to reduce irregular flows and to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit. And finally, today we also addressed the situation in the Middle East. In particular, we addressed the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated, and an entire population is being subjected to disproportionate military force. There must be safe, swift and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The remaining hostages must be unconditionally released. And a permanent ceasefire must be reached now. Our discussion reaffirmed our shared conviction that lasting peace and security in the Middle East can only be achieved through the implementation of a two-state solution. Prime Minister, dear Keir, your leadership has been instrumental in turning ambition into action. Today's agreements are a testament to your determination and to the new tone you have brought to our relationship. The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger when we stand together for prosperity, for security and for peace in Europe and beyond. This is the message that underpins our renewed cooperation. This is the direction we are taking, together, after this successful summit, which will be just the first of many. Because as we have agreed today, from now on the European Union and the United Kingdom will meet every year. So, see you in Brussels! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opening remarks by President Antonio Costa at the EU-UK summit in London European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 19 May 2025 13:30 For us, it is a great pleasure to be here. This is our first summit since Brexit, and the United Kingdom and the European Union are looking forward, not looking back. We are here to work on the new relationship, not to talk about the past one. The United Kingdom and the European Union are reconnecting with purpose. The security of our citizens, the prosperity of our economies, and the defence of peace in Europe and beyond - these are the three priorities that will guide our work today. Our shared values inspire us to address together our common challenges. We are stronger when we act together. To support Ukraine, to stabilise and strengthen our transatlantic alliance, to protect free trade, multilateralism and an international rules-based order. Today we are building a new partnership. A new strategic partnership based on the renewed agenda for cooperation, which Ursula will elaborate on. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Costa and UK Prime Minister Starmer following the EU-UK Summit European Commission Statement May 19, 2025 London Thank you very much, Antonio. Thank you for your words. My dear Keir, this is a historic moment because it is the first ever EU-UK summit, and it is a success. And this is also thanks to your leadership. And I really want to thank you for the leadership also in the weeks and months of preparation and hard work to get to this excellent result. We are turning a page. We are opening a new chapter in our unique relationship. This is the story of historical and natural partners standing side by side on the global stage, facing the same challenges, pursuing the same objectives, like-minded, sharing the same values, and thus we are looking for solutions that are beneficial for both our people and standing shoulder by shoulder when it comes to really getting to the solutions. I want to have a look at the Common Understanding, which is basically the roadmap that we have agreed on to follow after this Summit. First, we have concluded our security and defence partnership. This will boost our cooperation in security and defence initiatives. There are lots of topics covered, for example, on the defence industry, but also military mobility, peace building, crisis management, or the countering of hybrid threats, just to name a few. And this is the first step towards UK participation in Europe's defence investment programme. We call it SAFE. It is EUR 150 billion of loans for joint procurement. This security and defence partnership opens the door towards the joint procurement. We need another second step, but this joint procurement we have discussed will increase our readiness, will close military gaps that we have and will increase - that is of most importance - our interoperability when our armed forces are going on missions together. It will create new opportunities, of course, for our defence industries and, as I said, enable stronger, more coordinated support also for Ukraine. That is important, either through joint procurement of military capabilities that then are brought to Ukraine or for direct investment in Ukraine's defence industry. We stand united behind Ukraine's fight for survival and that we are strongly committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. My second point is that I want to speak about what lies at the heart of our partnership, and that is the people. Millions of families and friendships are on both sides of the Channel. I am thinking back of my times as a student here in London. And from that experience, I know that the first place when you go abroad as a young person leaves an impression for life. You fall in love with the city and the country. And for the rest of your life, you are the best ambassador for that country. Therefore, I am so glad that we have agreed that we will have Erasmus+ for young people and that we will work towards a youth experience scheme, just about this experience. This will allow the next generation to once again live and study in each other's countries, and this will build friendships that will last a lifetime. Turning to what connects us further, that is the topic of energy and joint climate goals. Today we have decided to explore the UK participation in the EU's electricity market. It is good for the stability of energy flows. It is good for our common energy security. Because we know that a bigger market will also be good for lowering the energy prices and it will attract more private investment because of the regulatory stability and predictability. We need to tap into the vast potential that the North Sea offers, specifically for renewable, cheap and homegrown energy. In addition, we are both committed to leading by example on the path to net zero. And that is why we have also agreed to work towards linking our emission trading system. A larger integrated system is a big step forward in decarbonisation and creates a level playing-field. Today we also decided to facilitate trade flows of agri-food products between us and to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary area. It means more certainty and more stability for our farmers, food producers and fishermen and fisherwomen on both sides of the Channel. Safer food, with greater trust from consumers. Together with the Windsor Framework, this will bring additional benefits for Northern Ireland. It will further ease the movement of agri-food goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy dual access to both the EU Single Market and the UK internal market. In addition, we have reached an agreement on fisheries. Ensuring reciprocal access to waters until 2038. This is so important for long-term stability and predictability. And we have agreed to preserve the historic tariff-free trade in steel products. Steel is a vital sector for both of our industries. So, this decision is great news. Finally, on justice and migration. We are stepping up our cooperation to keep our citizens safe. That means more joint operational work, especially through Europol and seamless exchange of information. Because crime does not stop at borders and neither should our response. On illegal migration, we are joining forces to crack down on smugglers and traffickers - this is organised crime. Our goal is clear: We want to protect our borders and prevent further tragedies. Therefore, we are also stepping up our joint cooperation with third countries. As you know, we, on the European Union side, have made this one of our priorities and we welcome that the UK is joining us in this effort. Dear Keir, What we have agreed today is historic. It will make a real difference to people in the UK and across our Union. But the message we are sending to the world today is equally - if not more - important. It is a message that at a time of global instability - and when our continent faces the greatest threats it has for generations - we in Europe stick together. A strong EU-UK relationship is of fundamental importance to that - for our security, our prosperity and our shared destiny on this continent. This is what it is all about today. So, thank you for hosting us. It was a great Summit. And thank you very much for your leadership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy: 18 May 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025]. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP 19 May 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025]. The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the catastrophic cost of the war to both sides. Looking ahead to President Trump's call with President Putin tomorrow, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for President Putin to take peace talks seriously. They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and peace talks. The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM's remarks at press conference with EU leaders : 19 May 2025 PM's remarks at his press conference with EU leaders on the UK-EU deal. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP 19 May 2025 Location: London Delivered on: 19 May 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Ladies and gentlemen - Britain is back on the world stage. Working with our partners. Doing deals that will grow our economy and putting more money in the pockets of working people. In the last two weeks alone, we've delivered trade deals with India and the US. That means: jobs saved, jobs created, more growth and a huge vote of confidence in this country. It shows that - as global instability is rising, the decisions we have taken to stabilise the economy and lead the way internationally have made Britain a place where people want to do business once again. And from that position of strength - today we have struck this landmark deal with the EU - a new partnership between an independent Britain and our allies in Europe. This is the first UK-EU summit, that marks a new stage in our relationship. And this deal, is a win-win. It delivers what the British public voted for last year. It gives us unprecedented access to the EU market - the best of any country outside the EU or EFTA. All while sticking to our red lines in our manifesto about. Not rejoining the single market, no rejoining the customs union and no return to freedom of movement. This deal is good for both sides - and let me set out why it is good for Britain. We've struck an SPS deal to make food and agriculture trade with the EU cheaper and easier. Slashing red tape and bureaucracy. That will mean lower food prices at the checkout. More choice on our supermarket shelves - and more money in people's pockets. It will boost British exporters because, once again after a long absence, we'll be able to sell great British burgers, shellfish and other products into the EU. We've also struck a new Defence and Security Partnership to strengthen our cooperation and strengthen our security - which is vital in this dangerous new era. And it will open the door to working with the EU's new defence fund - providing new opportunities for our defence industry, supporting British jobs and livelihoods. We are also increasing our co-operation on emissions trading. Saving UK businesses from having to pay 800 million in EU carbon taxes. Once again: supporting British businesses, backing British jobs. Next, we are increasing our cooperation on energy to drive down bills in the long term. The agreement negotiated by the last government left us with more disconnected with our closest neighbours despite being physically connected to the European grid by our undersea cables. Today's deal will see us work to bring these systems together again - benefitting bill payers and boosting our renewables industry in the North Sea. Today's deal is also good for British steel, protecting our steel exports from new EU tariffs. Saving the industry 25 million each year. Another example of this government backing our steel sector to the hilt. We've reached a deal today on fish, protecting our access, rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount that EU vessels can catch in British waters. Our fishing industry will also benefit from the new SPS agreement which slashes costs and red tape for our exports into the European market. And we already sell 70% of our seafood into that market so it's really significant. It is also opening the gates to sending shellfish back into the EU. And I can announce today that we're investing 360 million into our fishing industry - to help them take advantage of this deal. We have acted today to strengthen our borders. The previous deal left a huge gap in our ability to work together to tackle illegal migration. So this deal closes that gap so that we can work across the migration routes to end the migration crisis and smash the criminal gangs. We are boosting our cooperation on law enforcement. Combating terrorism and serious organised crime with better sharing of intelligence and data - including facial imaging, for the first time. Today's deal will also help British holidaymakers as we are confirming that they will able to use e-Gates when they travel to Europe - ending those huge queues at passport control. And I call on all EU members states to help make this a reality without delay. Finally - we have agreed today cooperate on a youth experience scheme to allow our young people to travel and work freely in Europe. And I'm clear - this will come with all the appropriate time-limits, caps and visa requirements. So - it's a long list - and it just shows how much we have achieved here today - real benefits for the British people. Because, it's time to look forward. It's time to move on from the stale old debates and political fights to focus on delivering common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people. We're ready to work with all our partners. If it means we can improve people's lives here at home. And that's what this deal is all about: facing out to the world once again in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose and closing deals in the national interest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland to supply ammunition to Ukraine by using proceeds from frozen Russian assets Finnish Ministry of Defence 19.05.2025 10:30 Finland has been selected as one of the states implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materiel using proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Finland has made an agreement with the European Commission to supply Ukraine with heavy ammunition. The ammunition will be procured from Finnish suppliers, and the procurement will be funded with proceeds from frozen Russian assets, which will be channelled through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The agreement is valued at EUR 90 million. "We were able to negotiate additional funding for Finland's support for Ukraine. The funds come from frozen Russian assets. The products are purchased from Finnish industry to boost employment at home and sent to Ukraine to help its defence. I am very pleased with the outcome," said Minister of Defence Hakkanen. "Finland's support for Ukraine is unwavering and strong even in other respects. This new package alongside our national EUR 660 million support programme will forge closer links between the Finnish industry and Finland's support for Ukraine. This is a great example of the Finnish defence industry's abilities, and it shows that our investments into ammunition production capacity are paying off," said Minister Hakkanen. No further information will be provided on the content, manner or schedule of the delivery. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vladimir Putin's statement to the media following a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump Vladimir Putin made a statement to the media following a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Donald Trump. May 19, 2025 19:55 Sirius President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good evening. Our colleagues asked me to briefly comment on the outcome of my telephone conversation with the President of the United States. This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange. First and foremost, I expressed my gratitude to the President of the United States for the support provided by the United States in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at potentially reaching a peace agreement and resuming the talks which, as we know, were thwarted by the Ukrainian side in 2022. The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. For my part, I noted that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis as well. What we need now is to identify the most effective ways towards achieving peace. We agreed with the President of the United States that Russia would propose and is ready to engage with the Ukrainian side on drafting a memorandum regarding a potential future peace agreement. This would include outlining a range of provisions, such as the principles for settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace deal, and other matters, including a potential temporary ceasefire, should the necessary agreements be reached. Contacts among participants of the Istanbul meeting and talks have resumed, which gives reason to believe that we are on the right track overall. I would like to reiterate that the conversation was highly constructive, and I assess it positively. The key issue, of course, is now for the Russian side and the Ukrainian side to show their firm commitment to peace and to forge a compromise that would be acceptable to all parties. Notably, Russia's position is clear. Eliminating the root causes of this crisis is what matters most to us. Should any clarifications be necessary, Press Secretary [Dmitry] Peskov and my aide, Mr Ushakov, will provide further details on today's telephone talks with President Trump. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian demining personnel trained with OSCE and EU support OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 19 May 2025 Seventeen representatives from Ukraine's demining agencies underwent a two-and-a-half month training to obtain an international qualification in explosive ordnance disposal. Organized by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine with support from the European Union, the training programme concluded on 18 May and included a combination of theoretical and practical exercises in line with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). Experienced demining practitioners from the Ministry of Defense, the State Emergency Service, and the National Police participated in the training, enhancing their skills in safely disposing of explosive remnants of war such as mines, shells and unexploded or abandoned ordnance. "These experts already have significant and diverse professional experience obtained on the ground here in Ukraine. This blend of local expertise and international standards will contribute to improving the work of Ukrainian agencies in clearing lands from explosive remnants of war. It will help make the process more efficient and safer - both for deminers and people in the affected areas," said Ambassador Petr Mares, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship - Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. The training provided in-depth knowledge of safe demining protocols, and hands-on exercises with a variety of explosive objects such as booby-traps. Trainees also learned how to properly organize and monitor the disposal process to ensure safety, prevent damage to third-party property and minimize environmental impact. As most of participants are team leaders or trainers themselves, they will also share the knowledge with colleagues. "We recognize that the most important asset in mine action is the people who will carry out the work of demining in the field. This training is essential for state mine action operators to carry out their vital role in Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery," said Arturo Rodriguez Tonelli, Regional Programme Manager EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). "This course is an important step forward for me and my colleagues. We not only got in-depth knowledge, but also expanded our horizons on how to plan and conduct operations at a higher and more complex level. Special attention to issues of safety gave us a new professional set of tools to act effectively and responsibly," said Oleksandr Kyseliov, an instructor from Vinnytsia Professional Training School of Lviv University of Life Safety who participated in the course. Since the start of full-scale war in 2022, demining operators had to discover and destroy over 920,000 explosive objects in a country with 139,000 square kilometers with suspected contamination according to the National Mine Action Authority of Ukraine. The training is part of the project "Support to Environmental Rehabilitation with Focus on Building National Humanitarian Mine Action Capacities of Ukraine", implemented with primary financial support of the European Union and contributions from the OSCE participating States and partners. See full list of the Programme's donors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Moscow, Kyiv To 'Immediately' Begin Direct Talks Following Call with Putin By RFE/RL May 19, 2025 US President Donald Trump said that Moscow and Kyiv will "immediately" begin cease-fire talks following his latest call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a post on TruthSocial, Trump said his May 19 call with Putin lasted two hours and went "very well." Russia and Ukraine "will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties," he said in the post. In remarks to Russian media, Putin said the call was "very substantive and quite frank." He said that Moscow would prepare a memorandum with pre-conditions for a cease-fire. Trump has made ending the fighting in Ukraine a top foreign policy priority since taking office four months ago. In March, Trump demanded the two sides immediately agree to a 30-day cease-fire. He has repeated that demand since then, saying he would sanction any country undermining a ceases-fire. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to the White House proposal, Putin has refused, demanding that Kyiv agree to certain pre-conditions first, such as recognition of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territory, the country's demilitarization and neutral status. Prior to Trump's call with Putin, Zelenskyy reiterated his support for Trump's initial 30-day cease-fire proposal. "Ukraine insists on the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to save human lives and to establish the necessary foundation for diplomacy. Such a ceasefire must be long enough and include the possibility of extension," Zelenskyy said in a May 19 post on X. Following Putin's latest rejection of his 30-day cease-fire proposal, Trump did not make any mention of further sanctions against Russia in his post. Rather, he highlighted the benefits Russia could gain in trade with the US should a deal be reached. "Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic "bloodbath" is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED," he wrote. US Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) last month submitted a bill that would punish Russia for not ending the war. Western experts have said that Trump could force Putin to the negotiating table by ratcheting up sanctions. Another round of Western sanctions would come an an increasing difficult time for the Russian economy. The country's economic growth slowed sharply in the first quarter and could be headed toward a "hard landing," Capital Economics wrote in a May 16 note. In his remarks to Russian media following the call with Trump, Putin reiterated the need to "eliminate the root causes of this crisis," a reference to NATO expansion and Ukraine's desire to join the Western alliance. "We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace," Putin said. Stephan Kieninger, a non-resident fellow at the American German Institute, said the readouts of the call indicated little progress had been made. "There is no indication of any kind of shift in Russia's position," Kieninger told RFE/RL. Experts say that Putin has no interest in a cease-fire now because his forces have momentum on the battlefield and he has yet to achieve any major objectives. While Russia has gained territory in eastern Ukraine during the nearly 40-month war, it does not fully control the four Ukrainian regions -- Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson -- it claims to have annexed. A cease-fire now would leave Ukraine an independent, well-armed country. Istanbul Meetings Trump had announced the calls after Russian and Ukrainian negotiations met in Istanbul for face-to-face talks. It was the first time the two sides have met since the early weeks after Russia launched its all-out invasion in February 2022. "The subjects of the call will be stopping the 'bloodbath'," Trump wrote in a post to social media."Hopefully it will be a productive day, a cease-fire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end." The Istanbul meetings, which included separate conversations with US officials, yielded only modest results, including an agreement to swap as many as 1,000 prisoners of war. There no pledge to halt fighting and over the weekend, Russia launched what Ukraine said was one of its largest drone barrages Russian negotiators reportedly made maximalist demands of Ukraine -- calling on Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the four regions and other conditions that had been made in spring 2022. Those conditions have been widely rejected by Ukraine, and many of its Western allies, as nonstarters. "Russia is completely focused on the past, rejecting the cease-fire and instead talking constantly about the 2022 Istanbul meetings, attempting to make the same absurd demands as three years ago," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said in a post to X. "This is yet another reason why pressure on Russia must be increased. Moscow must now understand the consequences of impeding the peace process." After a period of initial tensions with Kyiv, White House frustrations have shifted to Moscow, and the tone of public remarks from US officials has sharpened. Trump has suggested Putin was "tapping" him along and seeking further talks without any genuine intention of seeking peace. "Are they tapping us along? Well, that's what we're trying to find out," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with CBS News broadcast May 18. "On the one hand, we're trying to achieve peace and end a very bloody, costly, and destructive war, so there's some element of patience that is required," Rubio said. "On the other hand, we don't have time to waste." Zelenskyy traveled to Turkey last week, along with his negotiators, and pledged to meet with Putin; the last time the two met was in 2019, before the war. But Putin announced at the last minute that he would not travel to Turkey. Zelenskyy also traveled to the Vatican over the weekend, seeking support from newly installed Pope Leo XIV. The Ukrainian leader also met with US Vice President JD Vance and Rubio in Rome. It was Zelenskyy's first meeting with Vance since an acrimonious encounter in the White House in February, where Vance berated the Ukrainian leader before TV cameras. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-putin-zelenskyy-calls- peace-talks-ukraine/33418013.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 Putin and Trump Solidify Positions as the Real Power Brokers in Ukraine Peace Push Sputnik News 20250519 Dmitry Suslov, deputy director at Russia's Higher School of Economics and the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, breaks down the key takeaways from Monday's potentially historic telephone conversation between the Russian and US presidents. First and foremost, Suslov said, the US and Russia agreed that peace must be sought through direct bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine not an immediate ceasefire as demanded by Kiev and the Europeans. "That is Russia's top priority, and the United States has agreed that this should be the main focus," the observer explained. In effect, Trump essentially stepped back from his previous calls for an immediate ceasefire, and now backs negotiations aimed at a final peace agreement, with a possible ceasefire as part of the process. As for the demands by Kiev and its European patrons that Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Monday's talks confirmed that "this will not happen," Suslov said. Putin in his remarks after the talks announced plans for Russia and Ukraine to start drafting a memorandum outlining the peace deal and ceasefire terms a step toward a comprehensive settlement, not just a freeze. Suslov found it notable that Trump's statement omitted any mention of "bone-crushing" anti-Russian sanctions threatened by the Europeans and his proxies at home. Essentially, Europe was once again sidelined and discredited, with Moscow and Washington taking the lead, the observer said. "The Europeans have once again found themselves out of the picture, once again disgraced and marginalized, given all their howling about the need for an immediate ceasefire, and demand that if Russia refuses, the United States should introduce tough sanctions on Russia." Another noteworthy point from Trump's statement, according to Suslov, was his position that the need to end the conflict is "even more important than a ceasefire. "This suggests Trump has accepted, at least to a large extent, the Russian position that it's necessary to work specifically on ending the war, not freezing it, on working on a final peace agreement, not a ceasefire as such." Trump also expressed a desire to normalize US-Russia ties with their "limitless potential" for cooperation clearly rejecting Europe's posture. "This once again demonstrates Donald Trump's reluctance to introduce anti-Russian sanctions and somehow quarrel with Russia," Suslov said, emphasizing that the president appears fully aware "that if he introduces sanctions at this stage, he will cross out the prospects of settling the Ukrainian conflict, and the prospects of normalizing relations with Russia, and the United States will not be able to realize those 'limitless possibilities' which, according to Trump, are associated with Russian-American cooperation." Bottom Line, According to Suslov "Putin and Trump are the only real decision-makers in this peace process. Europe is once again left out in the cold." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Call With Putin Went 'Very Well' Sputnik News 20250519 WASHINGTON, May 19 (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said Monday that his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day went "very well" and that the tone and the spirit of the conversation were "excellent." "Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well...The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn't, I would say so now, rather than later," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," the US president said. Trump indicated that he had briefed Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, France's Macron, Italy's Meloni, Germany's Merz, Finland's Stubb on the call and about the start of immediate talks. "The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!" Trump said. The president further indicated that the conversation with Putin also included a discussion on trade and the opportunity to turn swords into plowshares. "Russia wants to do large scale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic 'bloodbath' is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED," Trump emphasized. Likewise, Ukraine can be a "great beneficiary" on trade during the process of rebuilding, he added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Take Control of Two Settlements - MoD Sputnik News 20250519 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces took control of the Novoolenovka settlement in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. Russian forces also took control of the Maryino settlement in the Sumy Region, the ministry added. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers from the 67th separate mechanized brigade died and dozens were captured in a failed attack on settlement of Belovody in the Sumy Region, a military source told Sputnik. This comes a day after Russia's Battlegroup Vostok freed the settlement of Bogatyr in the DPR. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov thanked soldiers of Russia's 36th independent guards motorized rifle brigade for liberating Bogatyr and praised their professionalism. "Today, you are steadily advancing in Shakhtersk direction. Thanks to your professional and resolute actions, the enemy has suffered significant losses," Belousov said in a congratulatory telegram. In recognition of the courage displayed during the liberation of seven settlements, over 3,800 servicemen have been honored with state awards, while two have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, Belousov said. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 455 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "The enemy losses amounted to up to 455 troops, three pickup trucks, as well as one Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, two M113 armored personnel carriers, and one MaxxPro armored vehicle," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 230 Ukrainian servicepeople, while Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated over 210 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the ministry said. Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated over 150 troops, four vehicles, two field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations and an ammunition depot over the past 24 hours, the statement read. Russia's Battlegroup Sever has eliminated up to 140 Ukrainian servicepeople, a tank, two combat armored vehicles, nine vehicles, five field artillery guns and an electronic warfare station over the past day, the ministry said. Kiev has also lost up to 30 troops, a motor vehicle and three warehouses storing ammunition and war materiel in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Dnepr battle group over the past 24 hours, the statement read. Moreover, Russian air defense forces have destroyed 127 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles and five Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs over the past day, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dariia Zarivna Discusses Return of Children Abducted by Russia with Julie Davis President of Ukraine 19 May 2025 - 22:33 Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA and Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Dariia Zarivna met with Julie Davis, U.S. Charge d'Affaires a.i. in Ukraine. One of the key topics of the meeting was Russia's systemic policy of erasing the identity of Ukrainian children, including forced passportization and militarization in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as the involvement of youth in the temporarily occupied territories in paramilitary organizations. The discussion also addressed the challenges related to the deportation and forced relocation of Ukrainian children by the aggressor state. Dariia Zarivna presented the Bring Kids Back UA initiative launched by the President of Ukraine and outlined its main areas of activity. She spoke about ongoing efforts to locate and verify information regarding abducted children, with particular emphasis on return efforts, including third-country mediation and the organization of rescue missions. The COO of Bring Kids Back UA also provided detailed information on the reintegration and rehabilitation system for children who have been successfully returned to Ukraine from deportation or forced relocation to Russia or temporarily occupied territories. She also outlined the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the Bring Kids Back UA International Expert Group. Dariia Zarivna and Julie Davis discussed advocacy efforts at the international level and strategic communication related to the return of Ukrainian children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says phone call with Putin "went very well" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:47, May 20, 2025 LOS ANGELES, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote. "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." Trump noted that Russia wants to "do largescale TRADE with the United States" when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," the post read. Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action on behalf of purchasers of common stock of Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE: ELV) between April 18, 2024 and October 16, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 11, 2025. SO WHAT: If you purchased Elevance common stock 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 Elevance class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39372 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 11, 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. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that, with the Medicaid redetermination process nearly complete, defendants represented to investors that they were closely monitoring cost trends associated with the redetermination process and that the premium rates Elevance was negotiating with states were sufficient to address the risk and cost profiles of those patients staying on Medicaid programs. While defendants acknowledged that Medicaid expenses were rising, they repeatedly assured investors that this was adequately reflected in Elevances guidance for the year. These representations were materially false or misleading. In truth, the redeterminations were causing the acuity and utilization of Elevances Medicaid members to rise significantly, as the members being removed from Medicaid programs were, on average, healthier than those who remained eligible for the programs. This shift was occurring to a degree that was not reflected in Elevances rate negotiations with the states or in its financial guidance for 2024. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Elevance class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39372 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Ibotta, Inc. (NYSE: IBTA) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the Registration Statement) issued in connection with Ibottas April 18, 2024 initial public offering (the IPO), of the important June 16, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Ibotta securities 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 Ibotta class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36526 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 16, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement contained false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose the risks concerning Ibottas contract with The Kroger Co. (Kroger). Krogers 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 Ibottas contract with another large customer, there was not a single warning of the at-will nature of Krogers 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. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Ibotta action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36526 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 investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global rotary weight filler market is experiencing steady growth, driven by demand for automated, highprecision packaging equipment across food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. In 2024 the market was roughly USD 1.2 billion and is projected to grow to around USD 1.82.0 billion by 2034, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the mid-single digits (7%) over the decade. This growth is fueled by rising production of packaged foods and beverages, stringent quality regulations (especially in pharma and food), and ongoing factory automation. Many manufacturers are upgrading to weight-based fillers to improve fill accuracy and reduce giveaway (product waste), helping to justify the investment in new equipment. Click Here to Get Sample Copy: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55604/global-rotary-weight-filler-market#request-a-sample Table 1. Global Rotary Weight Filler Market Size (20242034) Year Market Size (USD Billion) 2024 1.20 2026 1.34 2028 1.49 2030 1.65 2032 1.84 2034 2.05 Overall, North America holds the largest regional share (around 4045%) due to advanced manufacturing practices and strict regulatory standards. Europe follows, driven by food safety and sustainability regulations. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market (projected CAGR 68%), led by rising demand in China and Indias food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Latin America and Middle East/Africa represent smaller but steadily expanding markets as industrial infrastructure develops. Market Segmentation The rotary weight filler market breaks down along several dimensions. The main segments and their approximate shares (as of the mid-2020s) are summarized below: Product Type: Automatic (Fully Automatic) Rotary Fillers: 65% of the market. These high-speed systems use multiple filling heads and automated controls for continuous operation. They dominate due to their ability to handle large volumes (often >10,000 containers/hour) with high accuracy. Their fast throughput and labor savings make them popular in big food & beverage plants. Semi-Automatic Rotary Fillers: 35% of the market. These machines require more manual setup (e.g. initial container loading or limited automation) and are used in smaller production runs or specialized applications. They appeal to small manufacturers or niche product lines where full automation is not cost-effective. Application: Food & Beverage: 50% of market revenue. This is the largest end-use segment by far. Growth is driven by rising consumption of packaged foods, dairy, juices, sauces, and ready-to-eat products. Rotary weight fillers ensure consistent portion control, comply with food safety standards, and often integrate CIP (clean-in-place) for hygiene. Pharmaceuticals: 1820% (rising to >20% by 2034). Pharmaceutical filling requires extremely high precision and sterility. Pharmaceutical companies and contract fillers invest in weight fillers to guarantee accurate dosages of powders, granules, liquids and to meet FDA/GMP regulations. The pharmaceutical segment is one of the fastest-growing applications due to increasing drug production and stricter fill tolerances. Chemicals: 15%. This includes paints, coatings, industrial chemicals, and specialty chemicals. Chemical fillers must handle viscous or abrasive fluids, but high accuracy is also valued to reduce waste of expensive chemicals. Robust construction (stainless steel, corrosion resistance) is important. Cosmetics & Others: 15%. Cosmetics, personal care, and other niche goods (e.g. detergents, adhesives) make up the remaining share. These markets use weight fillers for premium packaging needs where fill consistency and aesthetics matter. End User: Manufacturers (OEMs): 40%. Large producers of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and chemicals form the single largest end-user group. These companies often have multiple production lines and continuously operate the filler machines. Contract Packagers / Packagers: 25%. Third-party packing houses and food processors invest in rotary fillers to serve multiple clients or product lines. These users value flexibility (quick changeover) since they run varied products. Pharmaceutical Companies: 20%. Pharma manufacturers who handle their own packaging for medicines and supplements. They require compliant, highly precise fillers with documented cleaning procedures. Other Users (Distributors/Dealers): 15%. Some equipment distributors, integrators or smaller contract fillers purchase machines to lease or use for custom batch services. This category is smaller. Technology (Drive/Control): Mechanical (Standard) Fillers: 70%. These traditional fillers rely mostly on mechanical cam drives, gravity feed and manual settings. They are often rugged and lower cost, popular in emerging markets or applications with simpler requirements. Electronic (Advanced) Fillers: 30%. These machines use electronic load cells, servo motors, and digital controls for all filling operations. They enable features like memory presets, recipe management, dynamic weight correction, and integration with supervisory systems. The shift toward smart fillers is growing, and this segment is expanding rapidly as operators demand data connectivity and higher accuracy. Distribution Channel: Offline (Dealers/Integrators): The vast majority (on the order of 8085%) of rotary fillers are sold through traditional channels authorized dealers, system integrators, and direct sales by OEMs. Customers often require in-person consultation, customization and local service. Online (Direct & E-commerce): 1520% and growing. Small-scale suppliers and some manufacturers now offer direct ordering via websites or marketplaces, especially for modular or smaller machines. The trend is still nascent, but digital sales channels have been expanding, accelerated by global e-commerce growth. Browse full Report - https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55604/global-rotary-weight-filler-market Table 2. Rotary Weight Filler Market Share by Segment (2024) Segment Category Subsegment Approx. Market Share Product Type Fully Automatic 65% Semi-Automatic 35% Application Food & Beverage 50% Pharmaceutical 20% Chemical 15% Others (Cosmetics, etc) 15% End User Manufacturers 40% Contract Packagers 25% Pharma Companies 20% Distributors/Others 15% Technology Mechanical (Analog) 70% Electronic (Digital) 30% Industry Trends and Drivers Automation & Industry 4.0 Integration A key driver in this market is the push toward factory automation and smart manufacturing. Modern rotary weight fillers increasingly incorporate Industry 4.0 features: programmable logic controllers (PLC), human-machine interfaces (HMI), sensors, and IoT connectivity. Approximately one-third of new rotary fillers now support IoT connectivity, enabling remote monitoring, data logging and predictive maintenance. Early adopters report significant improvements from this digital integration for example, up to +36% increased productivity and 27% fewer unplanned downtimes when machines are networked for real-time performance tracking. Trends include: Predictive Maintenance and Monitoring: Smart sensors on fill heads and drive motors detect wear or blockages. The system can alert operators to maintenance needs before failures occur. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs. Smart sensors on fill heads and drive motors detect wear or blockages. The system can alert operators to maintenance needs before failures occur. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs. Data Analytics: Real-time weight data is tracked and stored for quality control and traceability (especially important in food/pharma). Analytics can optimize fill speeds and reduce overfill. Real-time weight data is tracked and stored for quality control and traceability (especially important in food/pharma). Analytics can optimize fill speeds and reduce overfill. Modular Design: New products feature fully modular filler heads and changeparts. For instance, Serac Group recently launched a fully-modular rotary filler that can handle over 15 different container sizes with minimal adjustments cutting changeover time by about 27% compared to older machines. Such flexibility allows packagers to switch between products faster, boosting line efficiency. New products feature fully modular filler heads and changeparts. For instance, Serac Group recently launched a that can handle over 15 different container sizes with minimal adjustments cutting changeover time by about compared to older machines. Such flexibility allows packagers to switch between products faster, boosting line efficiency. Integration with Upstream/Downstream Equipment: Smart weight fillers often link with pre-weighers, metal detectors, vision systems and automated conveyors in a networked line. In some installations, robots or gantries feed containers, and vision systems verify fill level from above. The trend toward lights-out automated lines is especially strong in large beverage and dairy plants. Overall, continued investment in digital controls, servo-driven dispensing, and automated changeover is expected. The market is gradually moving toward fully connected smart rotary fillers that fit into Industry 4.0 production lines. Recent Product Innovations Over the past 23 years, equipment makers have introduced several notable advancements: Multi-head and High-Speed Systems: To meet volume demands, companies have developed rotary fillers with more heads and faster cycles. Ultrahigh-speed models can exceed 30,000 containers per hour by using 1214 heads and synchronized drives, reducing labor by up to 25% on large bottling lines. To meet volume demands, companies have developed rotary fillers with more heads and faster cycles. Ultrahigh-speed models can exceed by using 1214 heads and synchronized drives, reducing labor by up to 25% on large bottling lines. Enhanced Accuracy and Flexibility: Advanced load-cell technology and control algorithms allow fillers to adapt to changes in product density (e.g. settling of powders) automatically. New digital fillers can maintain 0.5% fill accuracy under varying conditions, slashing giveaway. Some systems also combine weight with volumetric methods for mixed products (e.g. a net-weight filler feeding heavy liquid and a volumetric pump dosing liquid). Advanced allow fillers to adapt to changes in product density (e.g. settling of powders) automatically. New digital fillers can maintain 0.5% fill accuracy under varying conditions, slashing giveaway. Some systems also combine weight with volumetric methods for mixed products (e.g. a net-weight filler feeding heavy liquid and a volumetric pump dosing liquid). Flexibility for Packaging Formats: Many manufacturers now demand fillers that handle a wide range of container shapes and sizes. Innovations include quick-change turret mounts, swing-out stations, and software-format libraries. For example, Spee-Dee introduced magnetically-attached filling funnels and adapters that can be swapped without tools, greatly speeding up format changes while also improving sanitation. Many manufacturers now demand fillers that handle a wide range of container shapes and sizes. Innovations include quick-change turret mounts, swing-out stations, and software-format libraries. For example, Spee-Dee introduced that can be swapped without tools, greatly speeding up format changes while also improving sanitation. Sensor and Vision Integration: Some rotary fillers now integrate cameras or laser sensors to check fill levels, correct offsets, or inspect seal integrity on the fly. For instance, a filler may use a vision system to verify cap placement immediately after weight filling, or to ensure color consistency. Although still emerging, vision-linked fillers are growing in food and pharma lines for quality assurance. Hygiene and CIP (Clean-In-Place) Design For the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical segments, hygienic design is a crucial requirement. Leading rotary weight fillers are engineered for easy cleaning and sterilization: Open, Sanitary Construction: Frames and platforms are made of 304/316 stainless steel with polished welds to eliminate crevices. Protective guards (polycarbonate or mesh) can be lifted or removed without tools for full access. Spee-Dee packaging machines, for instance, advertise a fully open, accessible design with tool-less removable conveyors and split fill-plate sections. This allows operators to clean all contact surfaces quickly between runs. Frames and platforms are made of 304/316 stainless steel with polished welds to eliminate crevices. Protective guards (polycarbonate or mesh) can be lifted or removed without tools for full access. Spee-Dee packaging machines, for instance, advertise a with tool-less removable conveyors and split fill-plate sections. This allows operators to clean all contact surfaces quickly between runs. Clean-In-Place (CIP) Systems: Many fillers incorporate in-built CIP spray systems. These use a network of nozzles to rinse fill tanks, manifolds, and valves without disassembly. For liquids and high-residue products, CIP can run in minutes, minimizing downtime and contamination risk. JBTs rotary weight fillers include an internal CIP system and optional external CIP module for ultra-sterile environments. Seracs machines feature an advanced CIP loop with dry cleaning to collect drips, dramatically reducing water and detergent use. Many fillers incorporate in-built CIP spray systems. These use a network of nozzles to rinse fill tanks, manifolds, and valves without disassembly. For liquids and high-residue products, CIP can run in minutes, minimizing downtime and contamination risk. JBTs rotary weight fillers include an and optional external CIP module for ultra-sterile environments. Seracs machines feature an advanced CIP loop with dry cleaning to collect drips, dramatically reducing water and detergent use. HEPA-Filtered Enclosures: In dairy and pharma, airborne contamination must be controlled. High-end fillers (especially dairy fillers) are built with enclosed filling zones pressurized with filtered air. For example, JBT offers HEPA-filtered stainless-steel enclosures over the fill turret, ensuring a sterile micro-environment. These systems maintain positive pressure and recirculate air so that filling occurs in an extremely clean atmosphere. In dairy and pharma, airborne contamination must be controlled. High-end fillers (especially dairy fillers) are built with enclosed filling zones pressurized with filtered air. For example, JBT offers over the fill turret, ensuring a sterile micro-environment. These systems maintain positive pressure and recirculate air so that filling occurs in an extremely clean atmosphere. No-Drip & No-Foam Features: Innovative valve designs (multi-stage nozzles, valve timing) prevent dripping and foaming, critical for hygiene and product yield. Systems often include air knives or vacuum drips trays under the nozzles. Spee-Dees patented rotary funnels attach magnetically to eliminate fasteners that can trap product, making them quicker to clean. Innovative valve designs (multi-stage nozzles, valve timing) prevent dripping and foaming, critical for hygiene and product yield. Systems often include air knives or vacuum drips trays under the nozzles. Spee-Dees patented rotary funnels attach magnetically to eliminate fasteners that can trap product, making them quicker to clean. GMP Compliance: Fillers for pharma markets come with documentation and validation support. They use FDA-approved materials (e.g. food-grade seals) and are designed for easy sterilization. Some models include self-sterilizing zones or UV cleaning steps between batches (an emerging feature). Collectively, these design choices ensure that rotary weight fillers meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. In practice, a modern hygienic filler can be fully cleaned and sanitized in a fraction of the time older machines required, increasing uptime and ensuring food/drug safety. Sustainability Trends In recent years, sustainability has become a strategic priority for packaging equipment suppliers and users. Rotary weight fillers are being redesigned with energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource conservation in mind: Energy-Efficient Drive Systems: Many new machines use high-efficiency servo motors and variable-frequency drives (VFDs) to minimize power use. Some systems can enter a low-power standby when lines pause. Industry data suggests advanced fillers are achieving 19% reductions in energy usage through optimized drives and control algorithms. Recovering braking energy from motors is also becoming common in high-speed systems. Many new machines use high-efficiency servo motors and variable-frequency drives (VFDs) to minimize power use. Some systems can enter a low-power standby when lines pause. Industry data suggests advanced fillers are achieving through optimized drives and control algorithms. Recovering braking energy from motors is also becoming common in high-speed systems. Reduced Product Waste (Give-Away): By maintaining tighter fill tolerances, weight fillers inherently cut product giveaway. Manufacturers report that state-of-the-art fillers can reduce overfill by up to 2530% compared to older volumetric methods. This directly lowers material waste. One market analysis notes a trend: about 27% of recent equipment upgrades focused on cutting product waste . Since many fillers dose liquids or powders that can be costly or have environmental impact, this waste reduction is significant. By maintaining tighter fill tolerances, weight fillers inherently cut product giveaway. Manufacturers report that state-of-the-art fillers can compared to older volumetric methods. This directly lowers material waste. One market analysis notes a trend: about . Since many fillers dose liquids or powders that can be costly or have environmental impact, this waste reduction is significant. Water and Chemical Savings in Cleaning: Innovative CIP strategies are saving water and cleaning agents. For example, Seracs CIP loop (with closed-circuit dry cleaning) removes most residue with minimal water. Some systems filter and recirculate rinse water for reuse. Suppliers also design machines with sloped surfaces and drains that let fluids exit quickly, shortening cleaning cycles. Thus, overall water/chemical usage per wash cycle is decreasing year-over-year. Innovative CIP strategies are saving water and cleaning agents. For example, Seracs CIP loop (with closed-circuit dry cleaning) removes most residue with minimal water. Some systems filter and recirculate rinse water for reuse. Suppliers also design machines with sloped surfaces and drains that let fluids exit quickly, shortening cleaning cycles. Thus, overall water/chemical usage per wash cycle is decreasing year-over-year. Materials and Recyclability: Fillers are predominantly constructed from durable stainless steel and other recyclable components. Extended equipment lifespans (20+ years) and modular upgrades (replacing parts rather than whole machines) align with sustainability. Some companies offer take-back or refurbishment programs to ensure responsible disposal. Fillers are predominantly constructed from durable stainless steel and other recyclable components. Extended equipment lifespans (20+ years) and modular upgrades (replacing parts rather than whole machines) align with sustainability. Some companies offer take-back or refurbishment programs to ensure responsible disposal. Eco-Friendly Controls and Packaging: While not specific to fillers alone, system manufacturers often stock control components (PLCs, displays) with eco-labels or RoHS compliance. Packaging of machines (for shipping) is also moving toward recycled and minimal materials. While not specific to fillers alone, system manufacturers often stock control components (PLCs, displays) with eco-labels or RoHS compliance. Packaging of machines (for shipping) is also moving toward recycled and minimal materials. Corporate Initiatives: Several leading OEMs have committed to green factory goals. For example, industry reports project a future where filler production and operation contribute to carbon-neutral plants. Going forward, machine intelligence (IoT) will play a role in optimizing energy use controllers can adapt operations (cycle speed, motor load) in real time to minimize electricity consumption. Buy Now : https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/purchase/?currency=USD&type=single_user_license&report_id=55604 Key Market Players The global rotary weight filler market is fairly competitive, featuring both specialized machine builders and divisions of large packaging groups. Key players include: Serac Group (France): A leader in net-weight filling and capping technology. Seracs rotary weight fillers are known for high accuracy and innovative CIP systems (including its patented dry cleaning loop). Serac introduced a fully-modular rotary filler system capable of running 15+ container formats, drastically reducing changeover time. A leader in net-weight filling and capping technology. Seracs rotary weight fillers are known for high accuracy and innovative CIP systems (including its patented dry cleaning loop). Serac introduced a fully-modular rotary filler system capable of running 15+ container formats, drastically reducing changeover time. JBT (Provisur) (USA): Formerly Frigoscandia and AMS, JBTs Filling & Closing segment offers a wide range of rotary fillers for dairy, juice, and sauce industries. JBT emphasizes hygienic designs (HEPA filters, enclosed filling zones) and high-speed performance (up to 30,000+ bottles/hr). Their Ultraclean Dairy fillers maintain sterile conditions using filtered air. Formerly Frigoscandia and AMS, JBTs Filling & Closing segment offers a wide range of rotary fillers for dairy, juice, and sauce industries. JBT emphasizes hygienic designs (HEPA filters, enclosed filling zones) and high-speed performance (up to 30,000+ bottles/hr). Their Ultraclean Dairy fillers maintain sterile conditions using filtered air. GEA Group (Germany): A global supplier of process and packaging equipment. GEAs filling lines include weight fillers (e.g. the Contiflow series) primarily for dairy and food. GEA emphasizes integrated turnkey lines and hygienic design compliant with the highest food standards. A global supplier of process and packaging equipment. GEAs filling lines include weight fillers (e.g. the Contiflow series) primarily for dairy and food. GEA emphasizes integrated turnkey lines and hygienic design compliant with the highest food standards. IMA Group (Italy): IMA is a major player in packaging for pharma, food and tea. Their product lineup includes rotary net-weight fillers for powders and liquids (IMA ILAPAK, FMB units). IMAs strengths are precision engineering and service support for the pharmaceutical sector worldwide. IMA is a major player in packaging for pharma, food and tea. Their product lineup includes rotary net-weight fillers for powders and liquids (IMA ILAPAK, FMB units). IMAs strengths are precision engineering and service support for the pharmaceutical sector worldwide. Yamato Scale Co., Ltd. (Japan): Specializes in weighing and filling systems. Yamatos Dataweigh rotary fillers are used in food, seasoning, and chemical industries. Known for their scale technology, Yamato machines excel in small-grain precision dosing (e.g. spices, powders). Specializes in weighing and filling systems. Yamatos Dataweigh rotary fillers are used in food, seasoning, and chemical industries. Known for their scale technology, Yamato machines excel in small-grain precision dosing (e.g. spices, powders). Spee-Dee (USA): Part of Provisur, Spee-Dee focuses on dry-product rotary fillers, especially for powders (nuts, spices, foods). They market rugged, easy-to-clean machines with features like tooling magnets and segmented conveyors for sanitation. Part of Provisur, Spee-Dee focuses on dry-product rotary fillers, especially for powders (nuts, spices, foods). They market rugged, easy-to-clean machines with features like tooling magnets and segmented conveyors for sanitation. Oden Machinery (USA): Provides custom filling and packaging lines. Odens rotary fillers often feature hybrid designs (mechanical base with electronic controls). They serve North American food and beverage co-packers. Provides custom filling and packaging lines. Odens rotary fillers often feature hybrid designs (mechanical base with electronic controls). They serve North American food and beverage co-packers. Komachine (South Korea): An online marketplace and distributor for industrial machinery, including rotary fillers. While not a manufacturer, Komachine connects buyers with Asian equipment, reflecting the growth of digital sales. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55604/global-rotary-weight-filler-market#request-a-sample More Related Reports: Modular Palletizer Market The global modular palletizer market is valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55605/global-modular-palletizer-market Corrugating Machinery Market The global corrugating machinery market is projected to reach approximately $7.2 billion in 2024, driven by increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and e-commerce growth. The market is expected to expand significantly, with a projected value of around $11.5 billion by 2034. This indicates a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 4.8% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55609/global-corrugating-machinery-market Non Insulated Fire Doors and Windows Market The global market for non-insulated fire doors and windows is valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a strong demand due to stringent safety regulations and increasing awareness of fire safety standards across various industries. The market is projected to grow significantly, reaching around $4.1 billion by 2034, driven by urbanization, infrastructural development, and rising safety compliance requirements. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55630/global-non-insulated-fire-doors-and-windows-market High-speed Stamping Machine Market The global high-speed stamping machine market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $2.1 billion by 2034, reflecting robust growth driven by increasing automation in manufacturing processes. The market is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 6.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55632/global-high-speed-stamping-machine-market Paper Pulp Moulding Machinery Market The global paper pulp moulding machinery market is valued at approximately $850 million in 2024. It is projected to reach around $1.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. This growth translates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 6.5% from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55633/global-paper-pulp-moulding-machinery-market Road Saw Market The global road saw market is valued at approximately $950 million in 2024, driven by increasing infrastructure investments and urbanization. The market is projected to reach around $1.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 4.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55640/global-road-saw-market Teardrop Pallet Rack Market The global teardrop pallet rack market is projected to reach a valuation of approximately $2.6 billion in 2024. This market is expected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, with an anticipated market value of around $4.4 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.5%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55647/global-teardrop-pallet-rack-market Warehouse Freight Elevator Market The global warehouse freight elevator market is valued at approximately $3.5 billion, with a strong projected growth trajectory driven by the rise of e-commerce and increased automation in logistics. The market is expected to reach around $5.6 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55650/global-warehouse-freight-elevator-market Warehouse Mezzanines Market The global warehouse mezzanines market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion, driven by the increasing demand for optimizing space utilization in logistics and warehousing operations. The market is projected to grow steadily, reaching an estimated value of $5.4 billion by 2034. This reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 5.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55652/global-warehouse-mezzanines-market Forklift Ramp Market The global forklift ramp market is valued at approximately $250 million. Projections indicate a robust growth trajectory, with estimates suggesting the market could reach about $450 million by 2034, driven by a growing emphasis on logistics optimization and warehouse automation. This translates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 6.1% from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55656/global-forklift-ramp-market Self-propelled Mast Lifts Market The global self-propelled mast lifts market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024, with a projected market value of around $5.4 billion by 2034, reflecting robust demand across various sectors. The anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for this market from 2025 to 2034 is estimated at 6.0%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55658/global-self-propelled-mast-lifts-market Rotary Platform Lift Table Market The global rotary platform lift table market is projected to reach a value of approximately $2.1 billion in 2024, with an anticipated growth trajectory leading to a market value of around $3.6 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55659/global-rotary-platform-lift-table-market Warehouse Racking System Market The global warehouse racking system market is valued at approximately $12.3 billion in 2024, with projections estimating growth to around $20.8 billion by 2034. This indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55661/global-warehouse-racking-system-market Gypsum Facing Paper Market The global gypsum facing paper market is valued at approximately $720 million in 2024, with projections estimating it could reach around $1.1 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55663/global-gypsum-facing-paper-market Drum Lifters Market The global drum lifters market is valued at approximately $250 million. This market is anticipated to experience significant growth, with a projected value reaching around $400 million by 2034, driven by increased demand in manufacturing and logistics sectors. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55666/global-drum-lifters-market Automated Racking System Market The global automated racking system market is valued at approximately $4.5 billion. This sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient warehousing solutions and the rising trend of automation across various industries. With a projected market value of around $9.1 billion by 2034, the market is poised for significant expansion. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55667/global-automated-racking-system-market Industrial Shelving Market The global industrial shelving market is poised to reach approximately $18 billion in value by 2024, driven by increasing warehousing needs and e-commerce growth. Projections indicate a robust expansion, with the market anticipated to achieve a value of around $30 billion by 2034, reflecting significant demand across various sectors. This growth corresponds to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55668/global-industrial-shelving-market Fire Retardant Cladding Market The global fire retardant cladding market is valued at approximately $3.5 billion. Forecasts indicate a robust growth trajectory, projecting a market value of around $5.8 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55673/global-fire-retardant-cladding-market Arcair Gouging Carbon Market The global arcair gouging carbon market is valued at approximately $225 million in 2024, with expectations to reach around $350 million by 2034, driven by increasing demand across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. This growth reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 4.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55435/global-arcair-gouging-carbon-market Cement Blanket Market The global cement market is valued at approximately $500 billion, driven by ongoing infrastructure developments, urbanization, and demand for sustainable construction materials. The market is projected to reach around $720 billion by 2034, reflecting significant growth in emerging economies and a gradual shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55438/global-cement-blanket-market NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) resulting from allegations that Teleflex may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Teleflex securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=38855 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 27, 2025, during market hours, Fierce Biotech published an article entitled Teleflex plays musical chairs, plans company split amid 760M Biotronik cardiovascular deal. The article stated that Teleflex has announced a plan to split its business into two separate independent companiesand its setting up one of its future scions with a new portfolio of cardiovascular device assets, set to be acquired from Biotronik. On this news, Teleflexs stock fell 21.6% on February 27, 2025. 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. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI Generated Books, an advanced artificial intelligence, proudly announces the release of The Lucky Trigger, an espionage thriller entirely generated its technology. This novel marks a significant milestone in the fusion of AI and creative writing, offering readers a unique storytelling experience. The Lucky Trigger immerses readers in a high-stakes world of espionage, where secrets and suspense intertwine. Crafted by an AI program developed by Rebecca Briggs, the novel showcases the potential of machine-generated narratives to captivate and engage audiences. "Our goal was to explore the boundaries of AI in creative fields," says Briggs. "The Lucky Trigger demonstrates how artificial intelligence can contribute to storytelling, opening new avenues for literature." In addition to releasing The Lucky Trigger, AI Generated Books has developed a proprietary software platform powered by a large language model (LLM) designed to interpret, summarize, and even communicate with AI-generated books. This breakthrough tool allows readers, educators, and developers to engage with AI-written literature in new waysanalyzing themes, generating discussions, and even extracting context-based responses from within the narrative. This innovation marks the beginning of a new frontier for AI-assisted storytelling and educational tools - bridging the gap between static fiction and interactive media. Download The Lucky Trigger: https://books2read.com/u/ba90r2 (.MOBI) https://dub.sh/shift4 (.EPUB) For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about upcoming projects, please contact: Rebecca Briggs Email: rebeccabriggs@aigeneratedbooks.org Website: https://aigeneratedbooks.org Miami, Florida, USA, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After taking office, US President Trump set five cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ripple (XRP), and Solana (SOL), as strategic reserves, which means that the era of encryption has arrived. At the same time, CRYPTOMININGFIRM, the world's top cloud computing provider, provides global users with free cloud mining to make money, making the platform available to anyone. In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, the concept of compounding offers a unique opportunity to exponentially grow investments. By reinvesting interest, yield farming profits, or staking rewards, investors can leverage time and growth to significantly increase their portfolio value. CRYPTOMININGFIRM, a leading cloud mining firm, exemplifies this potential by integrating high-end AI technology to simplify the mining process, making it accessible for both new and experienced investors. Cryptocurrency investors are constantly seeking high-yielding opportunities that involve little effort. One of the least appreciated methods today is cloud mining, a passive income strategy that enables investors to receive regular daily returns. Ripple (BTC)(XRP) holders, in fact, are taking advantage of CRYPTO MINING FIRM has become the go-to source for XRP holders and cryptocurrency investors looking to maximize their returns without the expense of hardware or technical expertise. If you have BTCXRP or any other large digital currency, this cloud mining trick could be the key to financial independence! Lets take action together, register with one click, and you can get a random reward of 10-100$. Click to download the official app Legal compliance: Officially licensed and regulated by British financial institutions. Military-grade security: Highly secure encryption and multi-signature wallets provide top protection. How to Make Money with Cloud Mining The traditional cryptocurrency mining requires expensive hardware, technical knowledge, and an expensive electricity bill. Cloud mining dissolves these, allowing users to rent mining capabilities in remote data centers and earn mining rewards daily without the hassle of dealing with hardware. No expensive mining rigs required No maintenance charges or electricity bills Immediate passive return with daily dividends Ideal for both new and experienced investors What is CRYPTO MINING FIRM? CRYPTO MINING FIRM is among the leading cloud mining platforms, established in 2021, that provides investors AI-powered cryptocurrency mining solutions. With an international network of over 100 big mining farms and a customer base of 9.39+ million users, CRYPTO MINING FIRM is a name that commands great importance in the crypto investing scene. Why Investors Invest in CRYPTO MINING FIRM: Payback on a daily basis with increased ROI Multi-cryptocurrency mining such as BTC, ETH, USDT, BNB, and XRP AI-optimized mining for better performance Driven with green energy to ensure sustainability Strict security controls to guarantee user money Looking to the future: innovation and opportunity Blockchain, smart contracts and digital currencies are revolutionizing the global financial system. Paladin Mining is at the forefront of this change. Early adopters are already participating in this movement that redefines the worlds value, income and opportunities. The future of finance is no longer exclusive to the elite, but is open to everyone willing to embrace innovation. The potential of cryptocurrency is unlimited, and cloud mining with CRYPTO MINING FIRM is one of the safest and most profitable ways to tap into the potential of cryptocurrency. Instead of waiting for market trends, smart investors can take the initiative to create daily passive income and take control of their financial future. CRYPTO MINING FIRM is making a killing for XRP investors Guide for Investment *The following information illustrates the potential rewards you can achieve: Novice Mining Experience Plan: Investment Amount: $100, Total Net Profit: $100 + $12. Elementary level computing power mining : $360, Total Net Profit: $360 + $33.16. Elementary level computing power mining: $4,900, Total Net Profit: $4,900 + $1,848.90. Elementary level computing power mining: USD 7,600, Total Net Profit: USD 7,600 + USD 3,851. Advanced computing power mining: $10,800, Total Net Profit: $10,000 + $5,887.4. Advanced computing power mining: USD 49,000, Total Net Profit: USD 49,000 + USD 54,360. If you are seeking financial freedom through passive income generation, Join CRYPTO MINING FIRM now to create a wealthy future. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, CRYPTO MINING FIRM leads the industry in providing investors with convenient and efficient solutions. Whether you are a cryptocurrency novice or an experienced investor, CRYPTO MINING FIRM's user-friendly platform, unparalleled security and high profit potential are your ideal choice. How to Register & Start Mining with CRYPTO MINING FIRM Getting started with Register: Visit the official CRYPTO MINING FIRM website and register using one-click registration. Download the App: iOS and Android versions available for convenient mobile access. Select a Mining Plan: Pick an investment plan that meets your financial objective. Deposit Funds: Fund using XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other supported currencies to activate the mining contract. Start Mining: After activating your plan, mining is automatically triggered. Monitor & Reinvest: Monitor your return and reinvest earnings to hasten growth. CRYPTO MINING FIRM's Track Record & Benefits Ever since its launch in 2021, CRYPTO MINING FIRM has financially empowered over 9.39 million individuals worldwide through cloud mining. Key Features of CRYPTO MINING FIRM: Register and get a random registration bonus of $10-100 No maintenance fee or surprise charges Maximum $3,000 referral bonus Daily assured payouts with high profitability 24/7 customer support with industry-leading security Register or Download the App Today! If youre serious about maximizing your BTCXRP holdings and generating daily passive income, then CRYPTO MINING FIRM is your best opportunity. Take advantage of the cloud mining trick that thousands of XRP investors are using to cash in up to y"Potential income per day" $13,4700 income.! Click below to download the Register Now & Secure Your Passive Income! Final Thoughts The smartest investors know that idle cryptocurrency means wasted potential. Instead of twiddling their thumbs waiting forBTC XRP prices to go up, savvy investors are using Don't pass this opportunity byturn your BTCXRP into a cash machine today! Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. New York, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an era where spam calls, fraud, and anonymous numbers are increasingly common, the need for a reliable reverse phone lookup tool has never been greater, and Spokeo has established itself as the leading choice for users seeking accurate, fast, and comprehensive information tied to phone numbers. Click Here to Start Search The demand for reverse phone lookup services has surged in recent years courtesy of the increase in robocalls, phone scams, and unidentified numbers, all of which disrupt personal and professional communication. This has made many consumers have a growing concern about their privacy, security, and digital trust, making them turn to tools that provide the needed protection from such. It is in light of such demands that Spokeo has tailored its services to be the best reverse phone lookup platform anyone could need. "Our goal has always been to empower individuals with the information they need to make smarter, safer decisions, whether that means identifying an unfamiliar number, avoiding a scam, or reconnecting with someone from the past." One of the most compelling features that sets Spokeo apart is its user-friendly interface and intuitive search process. Looking at its interface, it is clear that the platform is designed with the end user in mind, making it easy for anyone to navigate, even those with minimal technical experience. New users have severally highlighted the simplicity in the steps involved in creating an account and using the platform to perform a reverse phone lookup. Stated below are the steps involved in getting started with the platform. They include: Click Here to Start Search Go to Spokeo.com Click Sign Up. Enter your name, email, and create a password. Select a subscription plan that fits your needs. Securely enter your payment information. Confirm your email (if required). Log in and start searching instantly. Another feature that sets Spokeo apart from its competitors is its extensive data coverage. Spokeo works in such a way that it aggregates information from a wide range of both public and proprietary data sources, including telecom records, social media platforms, public court documents, and online directories. By doing so, the platform ensures that users receive a complete and detailed report about the caller, beyond just the name and location. With such a wide coverage of the data it has access to, Spokeo can stand out from the rest of the reverse phone lookup services, making it the best option. In addition to its simple user interface and wide data coverage, Spokeo has also been hailed for being a platform that holds accuracy and reliability in high regard. According to industry insiders, this is possible through the continuous updates that it implements to its database, ensuring that users receive the most recent details. This commitment to accuracy not only makes Spokeo an ideal tool for verifying contacts, identifying potential scams, but also a tool that can be used to reconnect with people from the past. As the Spokeo community has noted, central to the Spokeo experience is unmatched privacy and discretion, which is offered to the users. Being a top priority, Spokeo is seen to affirm to its users that all their searches will remain completely confidential, and that not even the people being searched will be notified. With such provisions in place, Spokeo beats its competitors, who often notify the person being searched. User anonymity is upheld at every step of using the platform, and this is one of the aspects that make it an invaluable tool when it comes to reverse phone lookups, or even conducting discreet investigations. Click Here to Start Search Based on customer surveys, another notable benefit of using Spokeo is that it offers cross-referencing capability with other personal details. This works such that once a phone number is entered, Spokeo allows users to explore associated names, email addresses, physical addresses, and even known relatives. By doing so, the platform is able to paint a fuller picture of the caller, enabling more informed decisions as a result of having access to an interlinked data web. This cross-referencing feature goes a long way in providing users with the clarity they need whenever they need information on someone. Looking at its platform, Spokeo is also seen to offer a premium membership option. This is mostly suitable for users who frequently encounter unknown numbers, as they will be in a position to get more value by getting the chance to unlock enhanced features, as well as unlimited searches. With the figures it is offering, there is no denying that Spokeos subscription-based model is designed to support consistent, high-volume use without financial strain. Users who have the luxury of subscribing to the premium membership have spoken positively about the access to deeper data insights, faster search results, and expanded report details. Spokeo also excels with its dedicated customer support. Users who needed help have been seen giving praise for the way they got their assistance. This is because the platform has been reported to have a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team. The team can handle issues such as helping users to navigate the platform, interpreting results, or resolving account issues, among others. And, to make things even better for the users, Spokeo offers multiple channels through which users can get assistance. Some of the channels include live chat and email, all of which ensure that help is always within reach. When it comes to reverse phone lookup, security is something that is often considered a top priority. On this, the platform takes pride in the fact that it takes data security and compliance seriously. This is evident from its adherence to best practices when it comes to data encryption, user data protection, and ethical information sourcing. As such, the platform has repeatedly assured its users that it respects privacy laws and ensures all data is obtained and used responsibly. Reverse phone lookup has become a vital tool in the age of information, and Spokeo emerges as the undisputed leader in this space. With unmatched data coverage, a seamless user experience, accurate results, privacy protection, cross-referenced insights, and a commitment to innovation, Spokeo delivers everything users need and more. Phone Number : (877) 913-3088 : (877) 913-3088 Email: customercare@spokeo.com Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure This article is for informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. The content provided reflects the views and opinions of the authors at the time of publication and is not intended to malign any individual, organization, or entity. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information contained herein. The use of any names, logos, or trademarks belongs to their respective owners and does not imply endorsement unless explicitly stated. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before relying on any information or making any decisions based on the content of this publication. Any action taken by a reader is strictly at their own risk. This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks on these links and makes a purchase, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to the consumer. This does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the information presented. The inclusion of such links is intended to support the continued creation and dissemination of useful content for the public. Neither the distribution service, its syndication partners, nor any of their affiliates assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of information contained within this content. Furthermore, they do not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes that may result from the use of this information, whether directly or indirectly. The publisher assumes no responsibility for typographical errors, factual inaccuracies, or misrepresentations that may be present in the source material or third-party data sets. All content is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. For product-specific inquiries, service details, or support, readers should contact the official website or company mentioned directly. BOGOTA, Colombia, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Invest in Bogota, the city's investment promotion agency, will socialize the Bogota Airport City (BCA) project at the most important conference on aviation maintenance and technical purchasing in Latin America. Within the framework of the ALTA CCMA & MRO 2025 conference, the main aviation maintenance and technical procurement event in Latin America and the Caribbean, Invest in Bogota will actively participate to present the Colombian capital as a key city for the expansion of the regional aeronautical sector. With more than 600 attendees and the presence of representatives from more than 100 airlines, this edition of the event which is being held in Cancun, Mexico is an ideal platform to promote business, share technical advances and generate high-value connections between suppliers and companies At the event, Monica Sanchez, Investment Promotion Manager at Invest in Bogota, will socialize the progress and opportunities of the BCA project, the urban and economic development megaproject led by the District, which seeks to consolidate Bogota-Region as a high-impact connectivity, trade, investment and logistics hub in Latin America. This initiative, established in the District Development Plan, contemplates the integration of airport infrastructure with the urban environment, through key projects such as the International Airport Modal Center (CIMA) and the strategic actions of the Engativa and Fontibon Airport District. In addition, it articulates inter-institutional efforts to attract investment, improve mobility, encourage business tourism and strengthen the value chain of the aeronautical sector. Invest in Bogota will hold strategic meetings with businessmen and investors in the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) sector with the aim of positioning Bogota as an ideal destination for the installation of aeronautical maintenance centers. Invest in Bogota's purpose is to facilitate international investment, attract world-class meetings and events and articulate the high-impact entrepreneurship ecosystem to contribute to the socioeconomic development, competitiveness and quality of life of the Bogota-Region, positioning it as the preferred destination for doing business in Latin America. CLEVELAND, OHIO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rob & Kate Minton, licensed Realtors with eXp Realty, have officially launched their proprietary 5-Day System, an innovative home-selling method that is changing how properties are listed and sold across Northeast Ohio. The team, who are widely recognized as top real estate agents in Cleveland, have developed a model that compresses the sales process while consistently outperforming traditional listing outcomes. Rob & Kate Minton Their unique system combines strategic listing schedules, competitive offer transparency, and psychological buyer engagement to help Cleveland homeowners sell their homes in just five days, significantly above the original asking price. The model stands out in a competitive marketplace with a 100% success rate to date and average sales closing 36.4% over list price. A New Standard Among Real Estate Companies in Cleveland While many real estate companies in Cleveland, Ohio follow conventional strategies for home listings, the Mintons approach is setting a new benchmark. Their 5-Day System has been tested and refined across numerous regional properties, generating an average of 46.3 showings and 9.3 offers per listing. Homes using the system are spending an average of just five days on the market. According to Rob Minton, This system wasnt designed to replace the fundamentals of good real estate practiceit was built to enhance them. It introduces transparency and urgency into the process in a way that benefits both the seller and serious buyers. The Mintons methodology is gaining recognition among Cleveland realty companies and clients alike. The structured system gives sellers a framework that mitigates uncertainty while appealing to buyers who are increasingly seeking fair, competitive, and fast-paced transactions. How the 5-Day System Works At the heart of this system is timing. Properties are listed in a condensed five-day window designed to capture the attention of serious buyers while building competitive momentum. The offer process is executed through an online platform that allows buyers to submit and view offers in real timean innovation that increases transparency and maximizes perceived value. Buyers know what theyre up against, and sellers can make informed decisions with real-time data. Its an equitable and high-energy process, added Kate Minton. And the best part isits replicable. Weve seen the same level of interest and results across all types of homes. This process has helped Rob & Kate Minton stand out not just as some of the best real estate agents in Cleveland, but also as thought leaders among real estate companies in the region. Their approach is data-backed and deeply informed by both market behavior and buyer psychology. Setting Themselves Apart in a Crowded Market In a city with hundreds of agents, standing out as a top realtor in Cleveland requires more than just years of experience. It takes innovation, trust, and proven results. Thats exactly what the Mintons are offering. Their consistent performance has led clients and peers alike to refer to them among the top 10 realtors in Cleveland. The 5-Day System isnt a marketing gimmickits a well-documented and highly structured sales strategy developed specifically for the Cleveland housing market. By focusing on high-impact listing windows and optimizing every part of the transaction process, the Mintons are elevating the expectations of what Realtors in Cleveland can deliver. Their work is gaining attention across digital platforms, including through their website northeastohioliving.com, where homeowners can learn more about the system and review real case studies from recent clients. The Mintons are also active on social media, where they provide updates and educational content for buyers and sellers navigating the local real estate landscape. Impact on Clevelands Real Estate Landscape Clevelands real estate market, like many across the country, has faced challenges ranging from low inventory to fluctuating demand. In this environment, agents who adapt and innovate are best positioned to deliver value. Rob & Kate Minton exemplify this forward-thinking mindset, making them strong contenders for anyone searching for the best realtor in Cleveland. By driving above-list-price outcomes in a fraction of the typical selling time, they are not only enhancing the experience for sellers but contributing to a broader conversation among real estate agents in Cleveland about how to evolve industry practices for todays market realities. Next Steps for Homeowners Rob & Kate Minton are now offering consultations to homeowners interested in exploring whether their property qualifies for the 5-Day System. The process begins with a detailed property review, followed by a customized execution plan. While not every home may be suited to this model, the Minton team ensures that every consultation provides actionable insights. To learn more or schedule a review, visit https://northeastohioliving.com/5daysystem. About Rob & Kate Minton, Realtors Rob & Kate Minton are Cleveland-based Realtors with eXp Realty, known for their data-driven strategies and client-centered approach. Operating within one of the most competitive markets in Ohio, theyve carved a niche by developing high-impact systems that yield measurable results. They are regularly recognized among the best real estate agents in Cleveland and continue to redefine what it means to be a realtor in Cleveland through their commitment to innovation and integrity. Press Release CROSSJECT prepares for the launch of a capital increase with preferential subscription rights of around 5 million euros in preparation for commercial and production activities linked to EUA approval The amount of the proposed transaction (the Offer) might be increased to around 5.8 million euros if the extension clause is exercised; Gemmes Venture, the Company's reference shareholder, announced its intention to guarantee the capital increase in cash up to the amount required for its completion (i.e. 75% of the initial amount of the issue); Heights Capital Management is supporting the Offer. Dijon, France, May 20, 2025 (7.30 AM CET)- CROSSJECT (ISIN: FR0011716265; Euronext: ALCJ), the specialty pharma company in advanced phases of development and registration for ZEPIZURE, an emergency injectable for the management of epilepsy crises, plans to launch a capital increase with maintenance of preferential subscription rights in early June, for a gross amount of around 5.0 million euros (the Offer), which might be increased to around 5.8 million euros if the extension clause is exercised. Patrick ALEXANDRE, CEO of CROSSJECT highlighted: In line with our progress towards a rapid filing of the ZEPIZURE dossier with the FDA under the EUA procedure, we aim to have the necessary resources and financial flexibility to meet the demands of our US partner. Subject to FDA approval, our entire team is focused on our ability to deliver in response to the CHEMPACK program in support of US national preparedness against chemical threats. We also continue to be proactive in building our commercial infrastructure in the USA. Preliminary characteristics of the Offer The planned Offer would consist of a capital increase through the issue of new shares with maintenance of preferential subscription rights. The capital increase would be decided in accordance with the authorization granted by the Supervisory Board at its meeting of May 19, 2025, and with the 7th resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting of June 27, 2024, under which the shareholders delegated authority to the Managing Board to issue ordinary shares with pre-emptive subscription rights, up to a maximum nominal amount of 900,000 euros, excluding any preservation of rights. The transaction will be the subject of a specific press release at the time of the decision to launch the transaction, setting out the terms and conditions and the timetable. In view of the transaction, CROSSJECT will shortly suspend the exercise of dilutive instruments (warrants1 and convertible bonds (OCA)2). Objectives of the Offer As announced on May 7, CROSSJECT continues to focus on the preparation of the EUA submission to the FDA and remains on schedule to finalize production of the validation batches in June. In addition, CROSSJECT has started a first production run of EUA batches, intended for the first delivery of the CHEMPACK program as part of the US national preparedness against chemical threats, in agreement with its American partner, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). CROSSJECT continues to allocate a significant portion of its resources also to its infrastructure in the United States and to its other product candidates. In this context, the Company intends to use the net proceeds of the issue as follows: - Approximately 60% will be allocated to the final development phases of ZEPIZURE and to the initiation of production steps, including the related build-up of inventories, ahead of any reimbursement by the U.S. partner; - Approximately 40% will be used to finance R&D for its other projects, ZENEO Adrenaline and ZENEO Hydrocortisone, to repay certain financial creditors, and to cover general and administrative expenses and corporate development expenses, particularly in the United States. If the Offer is limited to 75% of the issue, i.e. around 3.8 million euros, CROSSJECT will allocate the net proceeds to the above activities on a pro rata basis, giving priority, nevertheless, to activities linked to the registration and to the production of ZEPIZURE. With the net proceeds of the Offer, the Company estimates that its net working capital would be sufficient to meet its obligations until the end of 2025, assuming the first payments from its American partner following the first deliveries. The Company is considering dilutive and non-dilutive financing complements to extend its cash runway until receipt of the first payments from its US sponsor, expected in the third quarter of 2025. The Company might also receive additional funds from the exercise of the warrants issued on December 13, 2024 for up to a maximum amount of around 10.2 million, to meet additional potential financing needs. Subscription intents of certain important shareholders Gemmes Venture, a 26% reference shareholder in the Company, announced its intention to guarantee the Offer in cash up to the amount required for its completion (i.e. 75% of the initial amount of the issue). The OCA holder affiliated with Heights Capital Management, Inc. (Heights) has also already indicated its intention to subscribe to the planned capital increase by offsetting against its claim of around 0.5 million euros corresponding to the cash reimbursement of the final redemption date of the OCA on April 28, 2025. Risk factors The Company draws the public's attention to the risk factors relating to the Company and its activities presented in its 2024 Annual Report, available on the Company's website (www.crossject.com). Documentation Insofar as the amount of the Offer is less than 8 million euros (calculated over a 12-month period), the planned Offer will not give rise to a prospectus approved by the AMF. About CROSSJECT CROSSJECT SA (Euronext: ALCJ; www.crossject.com ) is an emerging specialty pharmaceuticals company developing medicines for emergency situations harnessing its award-winning needle-free auto-injector ZENEO platform. CROSSJECT is in advanced regulatory development for ZEPIZURE, an epileptic rescue therapy, for which it has a $60 million contract* with BARDA. The Companys versatile ZENEO platform is designed to enable patients or untrained caregivers to easily and instantly deliver a broad range of emergency drugs via intramuscular injection on bare skin or even through clothing. The Companys other products in development include mainly solutions for allergic shocks and adrenal insufficiencies, as well as therapies and other emergency indications. * This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; BARDA, under contract number 75A50122C00031. *** For further information, please contact: Investor Relations investors@crossject.com DISCLAIMER This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute either an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, securities of CROSSJECT. No communication or information in respect of the offering by the Company of its shares may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where registration or approval is required. No steps have been taken or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required. The offering or subscription of shares may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company takes no responsibility for any violation of any such restrictions by any person. This announcement does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering, a sale offer nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer. The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. With respect to the Member States of the European Economic Area (including France) (the Member States), no action has been or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the securities referred to herein requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Member State. As a result, the securities of the Company may not and will not be offered in any Member State except in accordance with the exemptions set forth in Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, or under any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Company of a prospectus pursuant to Article 1 of the Prospectus Regulation and/or to applicable regulations of that relevant Member State. For the purposes of the provision above, the expression offer to the public in relation to any shares of the Company in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State. The expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended from time to time, and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Member State. This document does not constitute an offer to the public in France and the securities referred to in this document can only be offered or sold in France pursuant to Article L. 411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code monetaire et financier). In addition, in accordance with the authorisation granted by the Annual General Shareholders Meeting dated June 27, 2024, only the persons pertaining to the categories specified in the 9th and 11th resolutions of such meeting may subscribe to the offering. This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction where such offer may be restricted. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and the Company does not intend to make a public offering of its securities in the United States. The distribution of this document (which term shall include any form of communication) is restricted pursuant to Section 21 (Restrictions on "financial promotion") of Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FMSA). This document is only being distributed to and directed at persons who (i) are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of investment professionals in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the Financial Promotion Order), (iii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Financial Promotion Order or (iv) are persons to whom this communication may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons referred to in (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above together being referred to as Relevant Persons). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons, and will be engaged in only with such persons in the United Kingdom. This document may not be distributed, directly, in or into the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan. 1 3,635,756 warrants issued on December 13, 2024, exercisable until December 13, 2027, listed on Euronext Growth Paris under Isin code FR001400UR90. 2 Issue of 2 tranches of bonds convertible into new shares or redeemable in cash (OCAs) issued on February 28, 2024 and February 7, 2025, maturing on December 28, 2027. Attachment SOCIETE GENERALE LAUNCHES A NEW GLOBAL EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME Press release Paris, 20 May 2025 Societe Generale confirms the launch of a new global employee share ownership programme allowing eligible employees and retired former employees of the Group to subscribe for a capital increase reserved for them on preferential terms. The subscription period for the share offer will take place from 2 to 16 June (inclusive). The settlement-delivery of the shares should take place on 24 July 2025. The terms of this transaction are described in the information document provided below. This transaction implements the 27th resolution of the General Meeting held on 22 May 2024. The principle of this operation, approved by the Board of Directors on 5 February 2025, was made public in page 15 of the Board of Directors' report on the resolutions submitted to the General Meeting of 20 May 2025 and, before that, in the table of financial authorisations provided in section 3.1.7 of the Universal Registration Document dated 12 March 2025 which has been updated, on pages 58 to 59 of the Convening Brochure, relating to the General Meeting of 20 May 2025, which was published on 14 April 2025. Employee share ownership is a long-term collective commitment mechanism regularly implemented within Societe Generale to involve employees in the development of the company and to enable them to benefit from long-term value creation. The 2025 programme is the 32nd offered by the Group. Press contacts: Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com 20 May 2025 INFORMATION DOCUMENT PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP PERTAINING TO A CAPITAL INCREASE IN CASH TARGETING A MAXIMUM OF 12,044,800 SHARES RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP COMPANY OR GROUP SAVINGS PLANS 2025 GROUP EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME (2025 GESOP) This information document is available at Societe Generales administrative office (17 cours Valmy - 92972 Paris-La Defense Cedex), on its website and its intranet site, and was covered by a press release dated 20 May 2025. This document is prepared in accordance with the prospectus publication exemptions provided for in Article 1.4(i) and Article 1.5(h) of Prospectus Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1129. It constitutes the document required to meet the conditions for exemption from publication of a prospectus as defined by said Prospectus Regulation, directly applicable in the domestic law of each Member State of the European Union. MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAPITAL INCREASE IN CASH RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP COMPANY OR GROUP SAVINGS PLANS ISSUER Societe Generale, French public limited company (societe anonyme), Share capital: EUR 1,000,395,971.25 Registered office: 29, boulevard Haussmann - 75009 PARIS Paris Trade and Companies Register No. 552 120 222 Euronext Paris - Compartment A Ordinary share ISIN code: FR0000130809 Share admitted to Deferred Settlement Service Securities offered The maximum overall nominal amount of the capital increase is set at EUR 15,056,000, corresponding to the issue of 12,044,800 shares available for subscription in cash. The capital increase is sub-divided into two (2) tranches using separate investment vehicles, respectively accessible to separate entities or groups of entities. The Societe Generale shares to be issued will be of the same class and will be equivalent to Societe Generale shares already admitted to trading on Euronext Paris (Compartment A). Reasons for the offer The 2025 Group Employee Share Ownership Programme falls within the scope of the Societe Generale Group employee share ownership policy, both in France and internationally, allowing beneficiaries to become involved in the Groups operations by participating, through this investment, in the development of Societe Generale, by expressing their voting rights and participating in the General Meeting. Terms of subscription The shares will be available for subscription through employee mutual fund (FCPE) in France and directly via the acquisition of registered shares outside France. Method for determining the subscription price The subscription price of EUR 35.76 is equal to the arithmetic average of the 20 (twenty) volume-weighted average prices recorded each day on the Euronext Paris regulated stock market at the end of each of the 20 (twenty) trading sessions preceding the morning of 19 May 2025 (date of the decision of the Chief Executive Officer, setting the subscription period and the subscription price and acting on the sub-delegation of the Board of Directors at its meeting of 5 February 2025 using the authorization granted to the Board by the twenty-seven resolution of the Combined General Meeting of 22 May 2024), with the application of a 20% discount. Duration of subscription period The subscription period will begin on Monday 2nd June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time) and will end on Monday 16th June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time). Terms of subscription for shares The first (1st) tranche is subscribed through the Employee Mutual Funds under Company or Group Savings Plans. The second (2nd) tranche is directly subscribed by employees under the International Group Savings Plan. Beneficiaries of the offer This offer is reserved for employees with seniority of at least three (3) months, holding an employment contract in effect at the end of the subscription period, broken down as follows: for the 1 st tranche, the beneficiaries of the Societe Generale Company Savings Plan and the Group Savings Plan; tranche, the beneficiaries of the Societe Generale Company Savings Plan and the Group Savings Plan; for the 2nd tranche, the beneficiaries of the International Group Savings Plan. As regards the first tranche, former employees having left their company after retiring, with this category including pre-retirees, and having retained assets in the Company or Group Savings Plans, may also take part in this reserved capital increase. Subscription limit In accordance with Article L. 3332-10 of the French Labour Code, the total amount of payments made by Beneficiaries (including payments into other Savings Plans) may not exceed 25% of their gross annual remuneration received during the year of subscription or, for Beneficiaries whose employment contract is suspended and who received no remuneration for the year of subscription, 25% of the annual limit provided for in Article L. 241-3 of the French Social Security Code. At its meeting of 5 February 2025, the Board of Directors decided that the total amount of a given Beneficiarys individual subscription (which may consist of a voluntary payment, including the transfer of available assets, as well as the net amounts of profit-sharing and employer matching contribution (not applicable to retirees)) may not exceed EUR 20,000. Employer matching contribution Employer matching contribution rules are specific to each Company or Group Savings Plan and each participating entity. Transaction timetable Subscription will be open from Monday 2nd June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time) to Monday 16th June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time). The capital increase is scheduled for 24 July 2025. Listing of new shares Listing market Societe Generale shares are listed on Euronext Paris (deferred settlement service, continuous trading group A, ISIN code FR0000130809). Listing of new shares The listing of the new shares on Euronext Paris will be requested immediately after the completion of the capital increase (the listing should be effective on or around 29 July 2025). General information on new shares subject to a request for admission to trading Rights attached to shares issued As soon as they are created, the new shares will be subject to all the provisions of the Issuers Articles of Association and will bear dividends rights as of 1 January 2025. As a result, they will be fully assimilated with the existing shares and will entitle the shareholders of a public limited company to the associated legal prerogatives. In particular, they will entitle shareholders to ownership of the companys assets and the liquidation surplus, in a proportion equal to the percentage of share capital they represent. Similarly, the dividend is distributed to shareholders in proportion to their shareholding. A double voting right, in proportion to the capital represented, is allocated to all fully paid-up shares registered in the name of the same shareholder, for at least two years, as well as to new registered shares granted free of charge to a shareholder, in the event of a capital increase through the incorporation of reserves, profits or issue premiums, in respect of shares entitled thereto. In accordance with Article L. 214-165 II, paragraph 3, of the French Monetary and Financial Code, the voting rights attached to Societe Generale shares subscribed via the FCPE will be exclusively exercised individually by the unitholders of said FCPE and, for fractional units, by the supervisory board of said FCPE. In the event of a public purchase or exchange offer, the supervisory board of the FCPE decide, based on the relative majority of the votes cast, whether or not to tender Societe Generale shares to the offer. If there is no relative majority, the decision is put to the vote of the unitholders, who decide based on the relative majority of the votes cast. Marketability of shares No clauses in the Articles of Association limit the free marketability of the shares comprising Societe Generale's capital. Only the rules below governing the unavailability of shares under a Company or Group Savings Plan will limit the marketability of said shares. Unavailability Shares held directly by the Beneficiaries and units of the employee mutual fund, as applicable, will be unavailable for a period of 5 years, barring cases of early release subject to the conditions applicable to the Company or Group Savings Plan in question. As regards the 2nd tranche, in some countries, depending on local legislation, some cases of early release will not be open to employees. Specific disclaimer for international subscriptions This document constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to subscribe for Societe Generale shares. The Societe Generale share offer reserved for eligible current employees and retired former employees participating in Societe Generale Group Company or Group Savings Plans will only be implemented in countries where such an offer has been registered with the relevant local authorities and/or with the approval of a prospectus by the competent local authorities, or in consideration of an exemption from the obligation to establish a prospectus or register the offer. More generally, the offer will only be made in countries where all required registration procedures and/or notifications have been made and the proper authorisations obtained, except for the exemptions mentioned above. This document is not intended for countries in which such a prospectus would not have been approved or such an exemption would not be available, or in which all required registration and/or notification procedures have not yet been made or the proper authorisations obtained, and copies of this document should not be sent in such countries. With respect to the United States of America in particular, the shares referred to in this document have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or exemption from registration in accordance with the Securities Act. Societe Generale does not intend to register the offer, in part or in whole, in the United States, or to make public share offers in the United States. The shares will be offered only for transactions benefiting from an exemption from registration. Due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union, this offer is not open to citizens or residents of Russia who do not have a residence permit in or are not nationals of a European Union country, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to citizens or residents or Belarus who do not have a residence permit in or are not nationals of a European Union country. Employee contact Beneficiaries may address any questions relating to this offer to the contact indicated in the subscription application provided to them. Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders. The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients: French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities. Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe). In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the documents legitimacy directly on the web page. For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com. Attachment Press contact: Antara Nandy Tel.: +91 9674515119 Email: antara.nandy@capgemini.com Nine in ten public sector organizations to focus on agentic AI in the next 2-3 years, but data readiness is still a challenge Public sector organizations recognize the potential of AI for enhancing decision making, improving service delivery and driving operational efficiency, with two-thirds (64%) already exploring or actively working on Gen AI initiatives Challenges with data readiness remain, with only 21% of public sector organizations saying they have the requisite data to train and fine-tune AI models Paris, May 20, 2025 The new Capgemini Research Institute report published today, Data foundations for government From AI ambition to execution, finds that two thirds of public sector organizations are already exploring or actively using generative AI (Gen AI) initiatives to aid the provision of public services. Public sector organizations are also preparing to embrace agentic AI, with 90% planning to explore, pilot, or implement the technology within the next 2-3 years. However, these organizations lag in crucial data readiness, hindering their ability to leverage the full potential of AI. Currently, they face significant challenges with trust, compliance, data management and data sharing. With governments seeking to boost efficiency, improve public services, and address complex societal challenges, public sector organizations have high expectations for AI. According to the new report, within the next 2-3 years, 39% of public sector organizations aim to evaluate the feasibility of agentic AI, 45% intend to explore pilot programs, and 6% plan to scale their existing agentic AI initiatives. Attitudes towards agentic AI adoption are mostly consistent across segments, levels of government, and organizational sizes. The report finds that nearly two-thirds (64%) of organizations have progressed to pilots and scaled deployments, or are exploring Gen AI, with this number rising to 82% in defense agencies, 75% in healthcare, and 70% in security. With rising citizen demands and stretched resources, public sector organizations recognize the ways in which AI can help them do more with less. However, the ability to deploy Gen AI and agentic AI depends on having rock-solid data foundations, said Marc Reinhardt, Public Sector Global Industry Leader at Capgemini. Looking ahead, governments can be more agile and effective as AI augments the work of government employees to source information, conduct policy analysis, make decisions, and answer citizen queries. However, to reach this future, governments need to focus on building the right data infrastructure and governance frameworks. Organizations struggle with AI adoption due to data and trust issues Despite ambitions to embrace and scale AI use, public sector executives cite data security issues (79%) and limited trust in AI-generated outputs (74%) as primary barriers to widespread adoption. In the EU, organizations report a significant gap in confidence when it comes to complying with the EU AI Act1, with less than four in ten (36%) prepared to meet these requirements. To progress their Gen AI adoption, public sector organizations require better data mastery, with the public sector showing limited progress in key areas of data management and utilization since 2020. The report finds that only 12% of organizations consider themselves very mature in activating data, while 7% report being very mature in nurturing data and AI-related skills. Only a fifth (21%) of public sector organizations surveyed have the required data to train and fine-tune AI models, including Gen AI models. Data sharing concerns and the rise of the Chief Data Officer Data sharing is vital for AI adoption as it boosts the volume and diversity of data to enhance AI model performance and optimize decision making. But data sharing initiatives are further complicated by concerns about data, cloud, and AI sovereignty. Despite all public sector organizations surveyed either having or planning to have data sharing initiatives, they are not yet mature; most organizations (65%) worldwide are still in the planning or pilot stages. Governments are increasingly recognizing the critical role of harnessing data in the public sector, and this is reflected in the growing prominence of Chief Data Officers (CDO) and Chief AI Officers (CAIO). As many as 64% of public sector organizations already have a CDO, while 24% plan to appoint one, showing a willingness to invest in dedicated leadership for data-driven governance. Furthermore, the increasing strategic value of AI has resulted in over a quarter (27%) of public sector organizations appointing a Chief AI Officer, over a quarter (27%) already having one and 41% planning to introduce this new C-level role. Report Methodology In December 2024 and January 2025, the Capgemini Research Institute conducted a survey of executives from 350 public sector organizations with two respondents from each organization one from the IT/data function and one from a line of business (LOB). These executives represented organizations across six public sector segments: public administration, tax and customs, welfare, defense, security, and healthcare. They operated at various levels of government, including national, state, local, and international, and were located in countries across North America, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East. About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of 22.1 billion. Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com About the Capgemini Research Institute The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgeminis in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times - an industry first. Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/ 1 AI Act | Shaping Europes digital future Attachments New collaboration will connect patients flagged during mobile skin cancer screenings with Rocket Doctor physicians across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia Rocket Doctor has partnered with Melanoma Canada to provide timely follow-up care for patients identified as at-risk during mobile skin cancer screenings. Patients without a family doctor will be directly referred to physicians on Rocket Doctor through a streamlined digital intake process. The Mole Mobile campaign travels across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, providing free screenings in both remote and urban communities. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, with 1 in 3 cancer diagnoses being skin-related more than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma every day, and 3 Canadians die daily from this serious form of skin cancer. The partnership is expected to increase patient visits on Rocket Doctors platform, improving access to care and continuity for at-risk individuals. Toronto, ON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Treatment.com AI Inc. (CSE: TRUE, OTC: TREIF, Frankfurt: 939) (Treatment) is proud to announce that its virtual care subsidiary, Rocket Doctor Inc., has partnered with Melanoma Canada to help bridge the care gap for individuals identified as at-risk for melanoma and other skin cancers during mobile screening events across the country. Melanoma Canadas Mole Mobile units, Canadas first mobile skin cancer screening clinics, presented by Neutrogena, a Kenvue brand travel across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, offering free skin checks from certified dermatologists in both remote and urban communities. Through this partnership, Rocket Doctor will provide patients who do not have a family physician with timely access to follow-up appointments via its virtual care platform. Too many Canadians are going without the care they need simply because they dont have a family doctor, said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor. By partnering with Melanoma Canada, were making it easier for patients identified during these critical screenings to get connected to a physician quickly, ensuring no one falls through the cracks. Dermatologists working in the Mole Mobile units will complete an on-site risk assessment and referral form for patients who require follow-up. These forms can then be uploaded directly to Rocket Doctors intake system, enabling efficient, streamlined review and timely access to appropriate care. The need for follow-up care has never been more urgent. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, more prevalent than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. One in every three cancers diagnosed in Canada is a skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form, continues to rise. Every day, 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, and 3 die from it. With one in three cancers diagnosed in Canada being skin cancer, access to timely follow-up care is crucial, said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. Our partnership with Rocket Doctor ensures that individuals flagged during our screenings, many of whom dont have a family doctor, can seamlessly transition from screening to care. Its a powerful step forward in improving outcomes for patients who might otherwise be left waiting. The initiative is expected to increase patient traffic across Rocket Doctors platform during Mole Mobiles national tour, while reinforcing Rocket Doctors mission to improve equitable access to physician-led care. As part of the collaboration, Rocket Doctors logo will also appear on Mole Mobile vans and campaign materials, which collectively generate millions of impressions throughout the tour. The term of this Agreement is 12 months commencing February 3, 2025, and will automatically renew for successive 12-month periods unless either party provides at least 30 days written notice of termination prior to the renewal date. Initial events will kick off in Toronto and Edmonton this spring, with additional stops planned through October 2025. About Rocket Doctor Inc. Rocket Doctor is a technology-driven digital health platform and marketplace that empowers doctors to build and manage their own virtual or hybrid practices. Its proprietary software and AI-powered tools enable providers to deliver high-quality care remotely, with a focus on reaching underserved and remote communities across North America. By removing barriers to care and restoring physician autonomy, Rocket Doctor is redefining what modern healthcare looks like. Visit www.rocketdoctor.ca or contact media@rocketdoctor.io. About Melanoma Canada Melanoma Canada is a national organization dedicated to raising awareness, advancing prevention, and supporting patients affected by melanoma and skin cancer. Through programs like the Mole Mobile, Canadas first mobile skin cancer screening initiative, Melanoma Canada brings early detection, education, and hope to communities across the country. In partnership with Canadian dermatologists, the Mole Mobile has screened thousands of individuals and identified hundreds of potential skin cancers. Learn more at www.melanomanetwork.ca . About Treatment.com AI Inc. Treatment.com AI is a company utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) and best clinical practices to positively improve the healthcare sector and impact current inefficiencies and challenges. With the input of hundreds of healthcare professionals globally, Treatment.com AI has built a comprehensive, personalized healthcare AI engine the Global Library of Medicine (GLM). With more than 10,000 expert medical reviews, the GLM delivers tested clinical information and support to all healthcare professionals as well as providing recommended tests (physical and lab), imaging and billing codes. The GLM helps healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses or pharmacists) reduce their administrative burden; creates more time for needed face-to-face patient appointments; and enables greater consistency in quality of patient support. Treatment.com AIs GLM platform, through supporting healthcare professionals, allows for the inclusion of disenfranchised communities. Learn more at www.treatment.com or contact info@treatment.com . FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO Email: ehamza@treatment.com Media inquiries: media@treatment.com Call: +1 (612) 788-8900 / Toll-Free USA/Canada: +1 (888) 788-8955 Cautionary Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on Treatment.com AIs expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the implementation of its shareholder communications initiative and the timing thereof. Although Treatment.com believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Treatment.com undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. BEIJING, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 3rd SINOMA Cement Green & Intelligent Summit, themed "Green Intelligence Empowers Cooperation," was held in Hefei on May 16, drawing over 580 industry leaders and experts from 49 countries. The event fostered in-depth dialogues on green and low-carbon development, digital design, intelligent management, and industrial transformation, advancing global cement industry innovation and aligning with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Zhou Yuxian, Chairman of China National Building Material Group (CNBM), the parent company of SINOMA, delivered a keynote speech titled "Innovation-Oriented, Green-Focused, Future-Forward: Create a Brighter Future for the Materials Industry Together." He highlighted CNBMs commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, global manufacturing capabilities, and capital empowerment to drive sustainable growth. Zhou emphasized CNBMs breakthroughs in high-performance materials, cost-efficient solutions, smart technologies, and green services, proposing new collaboration modelsincluding strategic partnerships, joint R&D, equity cooperation, and financial alliancesto expand global market opportunities. Khamis Mussa Omar, Tanzanian Ambassador to China, remarked that CNBMs vision for a green and intelligent cement industry aligns closely with Tanzanias goals for sustainable industrial development. He praised SINOMA for constructing modern cement plants in Tanzania and supporting the nations economic growth through engineering expertise, operational services, technical training, and supply chain solutions. Iven Zyuulu, Zambian Ambassador to China, stated in his address that green development, low-carbon transition, and application of clean technologies are critical for the sustainable growth of the cement industry. He noted that SINOMA has been contributing to Zambias industrial upgrading and sustainable development since 2006. Zyuulu affirmed Zambias commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and building a diversified, resilient economy, inviting global investors to explore opportunities in Zambia. Yin Zhisong, Chairman of SINOMA, delivered a welcome speech, reviewing the achievements of the previous two sessions and the companys journey in pioneering green development, developing intelligent equipment, and building a global service network. He reaffirmed SINOMAs dedication to green, intelligent, and sustainable development, vowing to collaborate with global partners to accelerate industrial transformation, create a green, low-carbon, and smart ecosystem, and advance global sustainability. The conference unveiled four major sci-tech innovation achievements of SINOMA for 2025. The event established a vital platform for global dialogue, bridging the cement industrys transition into a green and intelligent era. SINOMA pledged to continue gathering global expertise, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and driving deeper integration of intelligence, green practices, and low-carbon solutions. The company remains committed to fostering open cooperation, improving global livelihoods, and co-creating a sustainable future characterized by mutual benefit and ecological harmony. Company: Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. Contact Person: Deng Jiexi Email: dengjiexi@sinoma.com.cn Website: http://www.sinoma.com.cn/ Telephone: (010)64399322 City: Beijing A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbb7b396-8a31-4d3e-9104-a7ca4476382c Held from 7th to 9th May 2025 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the event brought together over 100 leading freight forwarders for three days of uninterrupted networking. Abu Dhabi, 15th May: Conqueror Freight Network, the largest exclusive freight forwarders network in the world, successfully wrapped up its 11th Annual Conference. The event took place from 7th to 9th May 2025 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 100 independent freight forwarders from around the globe for three days of strategic networking, collaboration, and industry-focused discussions. The Annual Meeting provided a vital platform for members to explore new business opportunities, exchange market insights, and discuss key industry trends. More than just a networking event, it served as an international stage for industry leaders and decision-makers in the commodity and logistics landscape to foster alliances, explore new opportunities, and facilitate collaboration within the evolving global supply chain ecosystem. Throughout the event, delegates engaged in more than 3000 one-to-one meetingsaan essential component of the conferenceadesigned to encourage meaningful business discussions and explore potential collaborative projects. These face-to-face interactions were the cornerstone of the Annual Meeting, enabling members to strengthen partnerships and drive long-term cooperation across markets. Antonio Torres, Founder and President of Conqueror Freight Network, commented, "In todayas fast-moving world, networks are getting larger, and industry events are becoming so big that connecting with the right people can be a challenge. Over the past 14 years, Conqueror has grown thanks to the continued trust of our founding members and the commitment of those who joined us along the way. However, despite this growth, the network remains true to its roots. Together, weave built a family that continues to expand with new business opportunities while maintaining its exclusive nature. Our focus has always been on quality over quantity, offering a select group of trusted, reliable contacts rather than an overwhelming number of uncertain ones. This is why those who are part of Conqueroras community have gone through a strict selection process, ensuring that every partner is dependable." A diverse array of thought leaders contributed to the eventas content, ensuring that discussions reflected both local and global perspectives. The sessions were designed not only to inform, but to deliver actionable outcomesaequipping participants with practical insights they can implement in their businesses and across the evolving global supply chain. "Thank you to the entire Conqueror network and members for a wonderful gathering in Abu Dhabi. It was a true pleasure meeting you all and sharing such valuable moments together. From Colombia, we are fully prepared and available to support any needs you may have" declared the representative member from Cartagena, Colombia, who attended the event. During the three-day conference, Conqueror Freight Network introduced a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions, reinforcing its commitment to technological advancement for independent freight forwarders. The event featured live demonstrations of the newly enhanced freight rate management software FreightViewer. Additionally, Conqueror unveiled a new exclusive cargo insurance program in partnership with Redkik. This seamless integration allows members to purchase insurance directly through Conqueroras Intranet, creating a one-stop solution for managing freight operations and risk coverage efficiently. Other key highlights of the event included a group tour to some of Abu Dhabi's iconic landmarks, an exclusive welcome cocktail reception, and a Gala Dinner. These activities provided attendees with valuable opportunities to engage in informal networking and relationship-building in a relaxed setting, complementing the conferenceas formal business sessions. With yet another successful Annual Meeting, Conqueror Freight Network continues to lead the way in digital innovation and global freight collaborations. Looking ahead to its 12th Annual Meeting in 2026, Conqueror remains committed to enhancing member benefits and expanding its industry influence. For further information kindly contact: Maria Serrano, PR & Event Coordinator Tel. +34 91 494 58 76 mserrano@conquerornetwork.com www.conquerornetwork.com The Conqueror Freight Network is the largest exclusive network of Independent Freight Forwarders in the world represented in 250 cities and 133 countries. The Conqueror Freight Network (CQR) brings together carefully-selected freight forwarders in each major city who cooperate reciprocally and securely to expand their businesses, reduce costs and risks, and compete on more equal terms against the largest international companies Attachment Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Impact of Tariffs on Companies in Offshore Wind in the US - Strategic Intelligence" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report provides an overview on impact of tariffs on companies in offshore wind in the US. It delivers a briefing on impact of lease restrictions, and anti-dumping duties on offshore wind companies. It provides an outline on tariffs impact on steel and aluminum imported from the European Union Companies including Orsted, EDP Renewables, Equinor, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and Shell have expressed concerns regarding tariffs and policy reversal on offshore wind leases by the Trump administration. Report Scope The report provides an overview on the impact of tariffs on companies in offshore wind in the US. The report outlines Trump's impact on offshore wind power capacity. The report discusses on lease restrictions, tariffs, and anti-dumping duties on offshore wind companies. It briefs about tariffs impact on steel and aluminum imported from European Union. Reasons to Buy An analysis on US offshore wind capacity after Trump's restrictions on wind policies. Impact on companies such Orsted, EDP Renewables, Equinor, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and Shell due to Trump's policies and tariffs. An overview on how Trump's policies and tariffs have impacted power companies stock market. It briefs about steel and aluminum trade value between the US and the European Union. Key Topics Covered: Overview Impact of Offshore Lease Restriction Impact on Offshore Wind Capacity Forecasts Impact of Lease Restrictions, Tariffs and Anti-dumping Duties on Offshore Wind Companies Tariffs impact on steel and aluminum imported from the European Union For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ssygq1 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. FREMONT, Calif., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The LoRa Alliance , the global association of companies backing the open LoRaWAN standard for the internet of things (IoT) low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), today announced that Rob Zagarella, CEO of NNNCo Pty Ltd, has joined the Board of Directors. Zagarella has an extensive background in smart grids, telecommunications, and IoT and significant experience deploying LoRaWAN networks and solutions. His knowledge and familiarity with the IoT landscape in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region more broadly further diversify the Board of Directors, strengthening the Alliance's support for these high-growth regions. "Rob and NNNCo have supported the Alliance since its inception in 2015 as a member company, driving several initiatives and evangelizing on behalf of the LoRaWAN standard across Oceania and beyond," said Alper Yegin, CEO of the LoRa Alliance. "Rob's broad LoRaWAN experience is an excellent fit for the board, as NNNCo develops and delivers the full range of LoRaWAN products and services. This background and Rob's knowledge of the broad IoT market and regional considerations will add tremendous value to our work." The market is growing for all IoT communications technologies and solutions, with LoRaWAN recognized as the leading connectivity technology. Maintaining this position will require strong global leadership to expand the technology's reach into additional high-growth sectors, develop complementary technology solutions, accelerate innovation through ecosystem collaboration, and strengthen regulatory engagement. NNNCo's global presence, strong market position, and technical capability can benefit both the LoRa Alliance's membership and LoRaWAN technology development. Its an honor to join the LoRa Alliance Board of Directors at a time when the global momentum behind LoRaWAN is accelerating, said Zagarella. At NNNCo, weve seen the real-world impact of deploying scalable, low-power IoT networks across sectors like utilities, cities, and infrastructure. As a long-standing member of the Alliance with operations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and across the Asia-Pacific region, were committed to advancing LoRaWAN as the foundation for massive IoT, driving interoperability, innovation, and market expansion. I look forward to collaborating with the Alliance to shape the next wave of growth and adoption worldwide. About LoRa Alliance The LoRa Alliance is an open, nonprofit association that has become one of the largest and fastest-growing alliances in the technology sector since its inception in 2015. Its members closely collaborate and share expertise to develop and promote the LoRaWAN standard, which is the de facto global standard for secure, carrier-grade IoT LPWAN connectivity. LoRaWAN has the technical flexibility to address a broad range of IoT applications, both fixed and mobile, and a robust LoRaWAN Certification program to guarantee that devices perform as specified. More information: lora-alliance.org. LoRa Alliance, LoRaWAN and LoRaWAN CertifiedCM are licensed marks. MEDIA CONTACT: Kiterocket Stephanie Quinn, LoRa Alliance PR, +1 480 316 8370, squinn@kiterocket.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e778ffb-fade-49ee-8fff-85e70fb25274 Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Quantum Entanglement Technology Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Product, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Quantum Entanglement Technology Market is witnessing significant advancements spurred by breakthroughs in quantum physics, surging public and private R&D funding, and collaborations among academia, governments, and major tech companies. By 2024, practical quantum applications are emerging in fields like cryptography, secure communications, and specialized computing tasks such as simulations of complex molecules or optimization challenges. These early implementations rely on entanglement-based protocols to enable ultra-fast data processing and near-unbreakable security. By 2035, enhanced quantum hardware and more sophisticated algorithms are projected to unlock larger-scale quantum computing and robust quantum networks capable of distributing entangled states across vast distances. This transformation is anticipated to open entirely new industries around quantum communications, computing-as-a-service, and next-generation cybersecurity frameworks. As leading nations fund ambitious quantum initiatives, advancements in qubit scalability, quantum error correction, and stable entangled photon generation will accelerate. Consequently, the Global Quantum Entanglement Technology Market is poised for robust expansion over the next decade, reshaping how data is processed, transmitted, and protected. Trends in the Market A prominent trend is the integration of quantum entanglement with classical infrastructure, enabling hybrid networks for secure key distribution and advanced data processing. Tech companies and telecom providers collaborate on quantum-safe solutions, weaving entangled photons into existing broadband frameworks for robust encryption. This bridging of classical and quantum systems not only eases the path to adoption but also paves the way for near-term commercial applications, giving businesses a stepping stone toward full-scale quantum communication and computing platforms. Drivers in the Market The imperative for enhanced cybersecurity is a major driver of quantum entanglement innovation. Classical cryptographic methods become vulnerable as quantum computation scales, prompting governments and enterprises to adopt quantum-safe solutions. Entanglement-based quantum key distribution offers theoretically unbreakable encryption, protecting sensitive communications in financial transactions, defense systems, and critical infrastructure. This pressing security need incentivizes R&D in quantum networks, cryptography algorithms, and user-friendly integration tools. Restraints in the Market Technical complexities and high costs present a significant barrier to broader quantum entanglement adoption. Maintaining qubit coherence and generating stable entangled states require specialized environments (ultra-cold temperatures, vacuum systems, or advanced photonic setups). Such conditions demand costly infrastructure and a limited talent pool of quantum specialists. Consequently, smaller enterprises may hesitate to invest, awaiting streamlined, lower-cost hardware and cloud-based services that reduce entry hurdles. Opportunities in the Market Scalable quantum networks hold substantial opportunity. As quantum repeaters and entanglement-swapping protocols become more mature, global quantum communication grids could emerge, interlinking data centers, research labs, and secure government facilities. Suppliers of quantum networking hardware (e.g., entangled-photon generators, repeaters) and software (e.g., cryptographic layers, entanglement management tools) stand to benefit from this shift. Beyond secure communication, these networks could enable distributed quantum computing tasks and advanced sensor arrays, unlocking novel revenue streams and technological breakthroughs. Regional Analysis North America: Home to numerous quantum research hubs, including major U.S. institutions, supported by high levels of government funding and venture capital. This region boasts an advanced tech ecosystem, facilitating collaborations among universities, startups, and established players for quantum computing, cryptography, and network research. Europe: Strong policy backing via programs like the EU's Quantum Flagship nurtures the quantum ecosystem in Germany, France, the U.K., and other member states. A well-coordinated approach to research and commercialization drives significant developments in quantum processors, quantum-safe security, and communications networks. Asia-Pacific: Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea pursue large-scale quantum initiatives, ranging from quantum satellite networks to integrated quantum computing platforms. Growing investments, plus robust collaboration between governments and private tech giants, position Asia-Pacific as a leading force in entanglement-based technologies. Rest-of-the-World: Emerging in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, quantum research is largely driven by global partnerships and specialized centers within select universities. While initially less developed than major markets, these regions gradually adopt quantum technologies for communications and advanced analytics as costs decrease and knowledge transfers expand. Key Initiatives and Driving Factors by Region North America Government grants and flagship programs in the U.S. supporting entangled photon sources and qubit development. Large venture capital investments fueling startups and university spinoffs. Europe Pan-European coordination under the Quantum Flagship initiative. National quantum labs in Germany, France, the U.K., and others focusing on entanglement-based networking and quantum simulation. Asia-Pacific China's quantum satellite programs demonstrating long-distance entanglement for secure communications. Japan and South Korea pushing quantum computing infrastructure for advanced R&D and industrial applications. Rest-of-the-World Collaborative global research partnerships aiding skill development and pilot projects. A focus on niche applications in fields like cryptography and specific computational challenges. Key Topics Covered: 1. Markets: Industry Outlook 1.1 Quantum Technology Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.2 R&D Review 1.2.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country, by Company 1.2.2 Key Institutions and Projects 1.3 Stakeholder Analysis 1.3.1 Use Case 1.3.2 End User and Buying Criteria 1.4 Market Dynamics Overview 1.4.1 Market Drivers 1.4.2 Market Restraints 1.4.3 Market Opportunities 2. Quantum Entanglement Technology Market (By Application) 2.1 Application by Product Segmentation 2.2 Application by Product Summary 2.3 Quantum Entanglement Technology (by Application) 2.3.1 Quantum Computing Market 2.3.2 Quantum Communications and Network Market 2.3.3 Quantum Cryptography Market 2.3.4 Quantum Warfare Market 3. Quantum Entanglement Technology Market (By Products) 3.1 Product Segmentation 3.2 Product Summary 3.3 Quantum Entanglement Technology (by Product) 3.3.1 Quantum Processors Market 3.3.2 Other Quantum Components Market 4. Quantum Entanglement Technology Market (by Region) 4.1 Quantum Entanglement Technology Market (by Region) 4.2 North America 4.2.1 Regional Overview 4.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth 4.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market 4.2.4 Application 4.2.5 Product 4.2.6 U.S. 4.2.6.1 Market by Application 4.2.6.2 Current State of Quantum Technologies 4.2.6.3 Key Initiatives 4.2.6.4 Key Companies 4.2.7 Canada 4.2.8 Mexico 4.3 Europe 4.4 Asia-Pacific 5. Research Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7mhws9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines , May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WOO X, a leading global crypto trading platform, is celebrating Bitcoin Pizza Day with a campaign that literally rewards traders with a slice of the action. From May 20 to May 22, users can earn spins that unlock instant BTC rewards, with the luckiest trader scoring the grand prize of $1,000 worth of Bitcoin. Click here to join Heres how it works: Earn one (1) spin for every $10,000 USDT traded on WOO X Spot or Futures Max of ten (10) spins per day based on trading volume Bonus spins for completing: >>My WOO tier booster: 1 spin daily for Tier 1+ >>Copycat perk: 1 spin daily for copying a Lead Trader with $100 or more Each spin gives traders the chance to win instant Bitcoin prizes. And to top it all off, one participant will take home the grand prize of $1,000 in BTC, randomly selected from all eligible users. Campaign period: May 20, 00:00 May 22, 23:59 UTC Reward distribution by: June 11, 23:59 UTC Whether trading for fun or gunning for the top prize, this is your chance to stack sats and celebrate one of cryptos most iconic milestones. Trade. Spin. Win. Only on WOO X. Download our app or visit our website to learn more about WOO X. Contact: media@woo.network About WOO X WOO X is a global centralized crypto futures and spot trading platform offering the best-in-class liquidity and price execution. WOO X has achieved a daily volume exceeding $1.6 billion and is home to hundreds of thousands of traders worldwide. WOO X traders benefit from radical transparency through our industry-first live Proof of Reserves & liabilities dashboard and the company's mission to maintain the trust of its growing community of traders. Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introduction The global interventional treatment materials market encompasses the medical devices and materials used in minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. These include essential tools such as catheters, stents, and guidewires, which enable doctors to perform interventions inside the body without open surgery. Over the past decade, there has been a marked shift in healthcare towards minimally invasive interventions due to their benefits in reducing patient trauma, shortening recovery times, and improving outcomes. This trend has fueled growth in the interventional materials market. In 2024, the global market size is estimated around $10.5 billion, and it is on track to expand steadily at a mid-single-digit annual growth rate. By 2034, the market is projected to reach approximately $18 billion, reflecting robust demand and continuous innovation in this field. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the markets current state, recent developments, key players, and segment-wise insights (by product type, application, end user, technology, and distribution channel), along with forecasts through 2034. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55057/global-interventional-treatment-materials-market#request-a-sample Market Overview The interventional treatment materials market is experiencing strong growth driven by a confluence of demographic and technological factors. An aging global population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases are key growth drivers. As conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer become more common, the need for effective, less invasive treatment options grows. Interventional procedures such as angioplasty for heart disease or embolization for cancer often rely on specialized catheters, guidewires, and stents, directly boosting demand for these materials. Additionally, ongoing technological advancements in medical devices are propelling the market forward. Innovations in material science (e.g. more flexible, biocompatible alloys and polymers) have led to next-generation products like drug-eluting stents, bioresorbable stents, and coated balloons that improve patient outcomes. The push toward minimally invasive surgery across medical disciplines has made these interventional tools indispensable in modern treatment protocols. Key Market Drivers and Trends Rising Chronic Disease Prevalence: The increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other chronic conditions worldwide is a fundamental driver. More patients with blocked arteries, tumors, or other conditions means a higher volume of interventions (like angioplasties or tumor embolizations) that require these materials. The increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other chronic conditions worldwide is a fundamental driver. More patients with blocked arteries, tumors, or other conditions means a higher volume of interventions (like angioplasties or tumor embolizations) that require these materials. Shift to Minimally Invasive Procedures: Both patients and providers prefer less invasive treatments when available. The success of angioplasty/stenting over open-heart surgery, for example, exemplifies this shift. This drives demand for interventional devices (catheters, stents, guidewires) across cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and beyond. Both patients and providers prefer less invasive treatments when available. The success of angioplasty/stenting over open-heart surgery, for example, exemplifies this shift. This drives demand for interventional devices (catheters, stents, guidewires) across cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and beyond. Technological Innovation: Rapid advancements are improving device performance. Examples include drug-eluting and bioresorbable stents that reduce long-term complications, smart guidewires with better torque control, and catheters with improved coatings for navigation. New materials (like nitinol alloys for flexibility and shape memory) and designs are expanding the capabilities of interventional tools. Rapid advancements are improving device performance. Examples include drug-eluting and bioresorbable stents that reduce long-term complications, guidewires with better torque control, and catheters with improved coatings for navigation. New materials (like nitinol alloys for flexibility and shape memory) and designs are expanding the capabilities of interventional tools. Improved Imaging and Navigation: Better imaging techniques (high-resolution fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound, OCT, etc.) and navigation systems allow more complex procedures to be done interventionally. This in turn expands the scope of what can be treated with catheter-based approaches, indirectly boosting the market for the necessary materials. Better imaging techniques (high-resolution fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound, OCT, etc.) and navigation systems allow more complex procedures to be done interventionally. This in turn expands the scope of what can be treated with catheter-based approaches, indirectly boosting the market for the necessary materials. Growing Healthcare Investment: Many countries are increasing healthcare expenditures. There is a general trend of hospitals upgrading cath labs and interventional suites, especially in developing markets. As infrastructure improves, the volume of procedures (and thus material usage) rises. An expanding middle class in emerging economies is also driving demand for advanced treatments that utilize these devices. Challenges and Restraints High Device Costs: Advanced interventional devices can be expensive (for example, the latest generation drug-eluting stents or robotic catheter systems). In regions with constrained healthcare budgets or in low-resource hospitals, cost can be a barrier to adoption. Some providers may opt for older, cheaper alternatives or limit use to critical cases. Advanced interventional devices can be expensive (for example, the latest generation drug-eluting stents or robotic catheter systems). In regions with constrained healthcare budgets or in low-resource hospitals, cost can be a barrier to adoption. Some providers may opt for older, cheaper alternatives or limit use to critical cases. Pricing Pressure and Competition: With many players in the market, competition is intense. Hospitals and purchasing groups often negotiate price reductions, which pressures manufacturers profit margins. Companies must balance affordability with recouping R&D investments. With many players in the market, competition is intense. Hospitals and purchasing groups often negotiate price reductions, which pressures manufacturers profit margins. Companies must balance affordability with recouping R&D investments. Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles: Developing a new stent or catheter and getting it approved by regulators (like the FDA or CE marking in Europe) is a lengthy process. Strict safety and efficacy requirements are essential for patient safety but can delay time-to-market. Additionally, variations in regulatory standards across countries can complicate global product rollout. Developing a new stent or catheter and getting it approved by regulators (like the FDA or CE marking in Europe) is a lengthy process. Strict safety and efficacy requirements are essential for patient safety but can delay time-to-market. Additionally, variations in regulatory standards across countries can complicate global product rollout. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The pandemic years highlighted issues in global supply chains for medical components. Shortages of certain plastics or metals, or delays in sterilization services, have impacted device availability at times. Ensuring a robust supply chain and redundancy is now a focus area for companies, but disruptions remain a risk. The pandemic years highlighted issues in global supply chains for medical components. Shortages of certain plastics or metals, or delays in sterilization services, have impacted device availability at times. Ensuring a robust supply chain and redundancy is now a focus area for companies, but disruptions remain a risk. Clinical Adoption and Training: Some new technologies (e.g. robotic-assisted systems or novel imaging-guided techniques) have a learning curve. If physicians are not trained or comfortable with a new device, they may be slower to adopt it. Training programs and demonstrable improvements in outcomes are needed to convince practitioners to switch from established methods. Browse full Report - https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55057/global-interventional-treatment-materials-market Market Segmentation by Product Type Stents 45% of market share: Stents represent the largest product segment. They are vital in cardiovascular interventions, especially in treating coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease by propping open narrowed arteries. Their dominance is due to the high volume of cardiac procedures worldwide. In addition to vascular stents, this category includes stent grafts and other scaffolding implants used in gastroenterology or urology (e.g., bile duct stents, ureteral stents). Stents represent the largest product segment. They are vital in cardiovascular interventions, especially in treating coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease by propping open narrowed arteries. Their dominance is due to the high volume of cardiac procedures worldwide. In addition to vascular stents, this category includes stent grafts and other scaffolding implants used in gastroenterology or urology (e.g., bile duct stents, ureteral stents). Balloon Catheters 25% of market share: Catheters are the second-largest segment, with balloon angioplasty catheters being a major subcategory (often counted separately because of their significance in opening blood vessels during angioplasty). Catheters are versatile tubes used across virtually all interventional procedures to deliver fluids, inflate balloons, deploy stents, or perform ablations. Catheters are the second-largest segment, with being a major subcategory (often counted separately because of their significance in opening blood vessels during angioplasty). Catheters are versatile tubes used across virtually all interventional procedures to deliver fluids, inflate balloons, deploy stents, or perform ablations. Guidewires 20% of market share: Guidewires are the thin, flexible wires that physicians first insert and navigate through the anatomy, paving the way for catheters. While they account for a slightly smaller share of revenue relative to stents and catheters, guidewires are indispensable in almost every interventional procedure. They tend to be lower-cost per unit than stents, which partly explains their smaller share of the market value, but in terms of volume, they are used in huge numbers. Table: Global Market Share by Product Type (2024) Product Type Approx. Market Share (2024) Segment Characteristics & Outlook Stents 45% Largest segment driven by high-volume cardiovascular procedures; continual innovation in drug-eluting and bioresorbable stents will sustain growth. Balloon Catheters 25% Key tools for angioplasty and other interventions; new variants like drug-coated balloons boost utility and market demand. Guidewires 20% Ubiquitous support devices for navigation; advancements in materials (e.g. nitinol) improve performance and support steady growth. Others 10% (E.g. sheaths, coils, etc.) A collection of other interventional tools; growing with niche applications but relatively smaller share. Market Segmentation by Application Cardiology 60% of market share: Cardiology (including interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures for peripheral vascular disease) is the largest application segment for interventional materials. The majority of catheters, guidewires, and stents produced globally are used in cardiovascular procedures. Cardiology (including interventional cardiology and endovascular procedures for peripheral vascular disease) is the largest application segment for interventional materials. The majority of catheters, guidewires, and stents produced globally are used in cardiovascular procedures. Oncology 15% of market share: Oncology is an emerging and fast-growing application for interventional materials, often referred to as interventional oncology . This involves minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat cancers. Examples include tumor embolization (blocking blood supply to a tumor by injecting embolic agents via catheters), radioembolization (delivering radioactive microspheres through catheters to a tumor site, such as in liver cancer), and ablation procedures (using needle-like probes inserted percutaneously to destroy tumors with extreme heat, cold, or electric fields some of these probes are guided by catheters or via similar techniques). Oncology is an emerging and fast-growing application for interventional materials, often referred to as . This involves minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat cancers. Examples include (blocking blood supply to a tumor by injecting embolic agents via catheters), (delivering radioactive microspheres through catheters to a tumor site, such as in liver cancer), and procedures (using needle-like probes inserted percutaneously to destroy tumors with extreme heat, cold, or electric fields some of these probes are guided by catheters or via similar techniques). Orthopedics 10% of market share: Orthopedic applications of interventional materials are more limited in scope compared to cardiology or oncology, but they represent a growing niche. In orthopedics, interventional procedures often mean minimally invasive treatments of bone or spine conditions. Table: Global Market Share by Application (2024) Application Area Approx. Share (2024) Notes on Usage and Growth Drivers Cardiology 60% Largest segment. Includes coronary and peripheral artery interventions; driven by widespread cardiovascular disease and established efficacy of stents and angioplasty. Oncology 15% Growing segment. Encompasses interventional oncology procedures (tumor embolization, ablation); fueled by rising cancer cases and adoption of minimally invasive tumor therapies. Orthopedics 10% Niche but expanding. Includes spinal interventions (e.g. kyphoplasty) and pain management; growth tied to aging populations and demand for non-surgical orthopedic treatments. Other Applications 15% (GI, Urology, Neuro, etc.) Various other uses of interventional materials; important in their fields (e.g. biliary stents, neurovascular coils) but individually smaller portions of the market. Market Segmentation by End User Hospitals 60% of demand: Hospitals are the primary end users of interventional materials, accounting for roughly 60% of the market demand. This is because hospitals, especially large acute-care and specialty hospitals, perform the majority of complex interventional procedures. They have dedicated catheterization labs, interventional radiology suites, operating rooms, and the full range of support services (ICUs, emergency care) necessary for high-risk interventions. Hospitals are the primary end users of interventional materials, accounting for roughly 60% of the market demand. This is because hospitals, especially large acute-care and specialty hospitals, perform the majority of complex interventional procedures. They have dedicated catheterization labs, interventional radiology suites, operating rooms, and the full range of support services (ICUs, emergency care) necessary for high-risk interventions. Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) 30% of demand: ASCs are facilities that provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures, outside of a hospital setting. Over the last decade, many interventional procedures have started migrating to ASCs because of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. ASCs are facilities that provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures, outside of a hospital setting. Over the last decade, many interventional procedures have started migrating to ASCs because of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Clinics and Specialty Centers 10% of demand: This segment includes smaller clinics, physician offices, or specialty centers that perform minimally invasive procedures. Table: Global Market Share by End User (2024) End User Approx. Usage Share (2024) Commentary Hospitals 60% Major tertiary hospitals perform the bulk of complex interventional procedures; they adopt new technologies quickly and drive most of the demand. Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) 30% ASCs handle many routine or moderate-risk interventions on an outpatient basis; their role is growing as healthcare shifts toward cost-effective same-day procedures. Clinics & Specialty Centers 10% Smaller clinics perform limited types of interventions (e.g. vein treatments, pain management); collectively a smaller share, with gradual growth as office-based labs increase. Market Segmentation by Technology Balloon Angioplasty Techniques: This refers to the classic technology of using balloon catheters to dilate vessels or spaces in the body. Balloon angioplasty is a cornerstone of interventional cardiology and is also used in other fields (like opening a narrowed bile duct or a peripheral artery). In terms of market impact, balloon angioplasty is extremely prevalent a large proportion of interventional procedures involve a balloon catheter at some stage. This refers to the classic technology of using balloon catheters to dilate vessels or spaces in the body. Balloon angioplasty is a cornerstone of interventional cardiology and is also used in other fields (like opening a narrowed bile duct or a peripheral artery). In terms of market impact, balloon angioplasty is extremely prevalent a large proportion of interventional procedures involve a balloon catheter at some stage. Robotic-Assisted Interventions: Robotic-assisted technology in interventional procedures is an exciting and relatively new segment. Robotic catheter navigation systems (such as the CorPath system for vascular procedures or robotic systems for neurovascular and peripheral interventions) allow physicians to perform procedures with robotic precision and even remotely in some cases. Robotic-assisted technology in interventional procedures is an exciting and relatively new segment. Robotic catheter navigation systems (such as the CorPath system for vascular procedures or robotic systems for neurovascular and peripheral interventions) allow physicians to perform procedures with robotic precision and even remotely in some cases. Advanced Imaging-Guided Techniques: Imaging is an integral part of all interventional procedures standard practice uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) for guidance in vascular interventions, and ultrasound or CT for certain others. Here, we highlight the increasing use of advanced imaging techniques and image-guided adjuncts that are transforming interventions. This includes technologies like Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), where miniaturized imaging probes (often on a catheter or guidewire) are used inside blood vessels to visualize plaques and stent deployment; fusion imaging that combines pre-op CT/MRI with live fluoroscopy for better guidance; and even augmented reality or 3D navigation systems for complex anatomy. Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Direct Sales 55% of market sales: In direct sales, medical device companies sell their products straight to hospitals, clinics, or healthcare systems without intermediaries. Over half of the global interventional materials market (by revenue) is supplied via direct sales. Major manufacturers (especially the large ones with global operations) maintain their own sales and distribution networks to serve big clients like hospital systems. Direct sales allow manufacturers to have closer relationships with physicians and hospitals, offer specialized training or support, and handle pricing and contracts directly. In direct sales, medical device companies sell their products straight to hospitals, clinics, or healthcare systems without intermediaries. Over half of the global interventional materials market (by revenue) is supplied via direct sales. Major manufacturers (especially the large ones with global operations) maintain their own sales and distribution networks to serve big clients like hospital systems. Direct sales allow manufacturers to have closer relationships with physicians and hospitals, offer specialized training or support, and handle pricing and contracts directly. Distributors 30% of market sales: Distributors are intermediary companies that purchase medical products from manufacturers and then supply them to healthcare providers. Roughly 30% of interventional materials reach end users through distributors. This channel is vital for covering geographically broad or hard-to-reach markets and for servicing smaller hospitals and clinics that may not have direct accounts with big manufacturers. Distributors are intermediary companies that purchase medical products from manufacturers and then supply them to healthcare providers. Roughly 30% of interventional materials reach end users through distributors. This channel is vital for covering and for servicing smaller hospitals and clinics that may not have direct accounts with big manufacturers. Online and Other Channels 15% of market sales: Though not explicitly listed in the segmentation request, it's worth noting the rise of online procurement platforms and other non-traditional channels, which currently account for roughly 15% of sales. Some hospitals use online marketplaces or centralized procurement systems to order medical supplies (including certain standard catheters or consumables). Table: Distribution Channels for Interventional Materials (Global, 2024) Distribution Channel Share of Sales (2024) Characteristics and Trends Direct Sales 55% Manufacturers selling directly to hospitals/ASCs; offers control over client relationships and often used for major accounts and advanced products. Distributors 30% Intermediaries that supply products to healthcare providers; crucial for broad market coverage and smaller facilities, especially in emerging markets or regions where manufacturers lack direct presence. Online/E-procurement 15% Web-based ordering platforms and group purchasing; growing in use for standard supplies, though high-touch device sales still rely on direct rep support. Buy Now - https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/purchase/?currency=USD&type=single_user_license&report_id=55057 Key Players and Competitive Landscape Medtronic plc Boston Scientific Corporation Abbott Laboratories Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Terumo Corporation Cook Medical B. Braun Melsungen AG BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) Philips Healthcare Stryker Corporation W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore Medical) Merit Medical Systems AngioDynamics, Inc. Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd. Recent Developments (20222025) Medtronic October 2023: Product Launch Medtronic launched a next-generation catheter-based interventional system aimed at enhancing minimally invasive surgeries. This new system integrates advanced imaging capabilities directly into the catheter platform, allowing surgeons to visualize and navigate with greater precision during procedures. The catheter also features improved maneuverability with a more responsive design. Medtronic launched a next-generation catheter-based interventional system aimed at enhancing minimally invasive surgeries. This new system integrates advanced imaging capabilities directly into the catheter platform, allowing surgeons to visualize and navigate with greater precision during procedures. The catheter also features improved maneuverability with a more responsive design. Boston Scientific September 2023: Acquisition Boston Scientific announced the acquisition of a promising startup specializing in next-generation interventional radiology tools. The startups portfolio included advanced microcatheters and novel guidewire technology that utilize smart sensors for real-time feedback during procedures. Boston Scientific announced the acquisition of a promising startup specializing in next-generation interventional radiology tools. The startups portfolio included advanced microcatheters and novel guidewire technology that utilize smart sensors for real-time feedback during procedures. Abbott Laboratories August 2023: Regulatory Approval Abbott received U.S. FDA approval for a new interventional device aimed at cardiovascular applications. The device a novel drug-eluting scaffold (stent) is notable for its enhanced drug delivery mechanism and a slimmer profile. Clinical trials demonstrated excellent efficacy in keeping arteries open with a favorable safety profile. Abbott received U.S. FDA approval for a new interventional device aimed at cardiovascular applications. The device a novel drug-eluting scaffold (stent) is notable for its enhanced drug delivery mechanism and a slimmer profile. Clinical trials demonstrated excellent efficacy in keeping arteries open with a favorable safety profile. Johnson & Johnson June 2023: Strategic Partnership Johnson & Johnson (through its medical device division) entered into a strategic partnership with a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for healthcare. The goal of the partnership is to integrate AI-driven analytics into interventional procedures. Concretely, they are working on software that can analyze live imaging feeds and patient data during an intervention to provide decision support for example, suggesting optimal catheter paths, detecting subtle changes in blood flow, or predicting complications. By combining J&Js medical expertise with the tech companys AI algorithms, the collaboration aims to create smarter interventional systems that help physicians plan and execute procedures with enhanced precision. Johnson & Johnson (through its medical device division) entered into a strategic partnership with a technology company specializing in for healthcare. The goal of the partnership is to integrate AI-driven analytics into interventional procedures. Concretely, they are working on software that can analyze live imaging feeds and patient data during an intervention to provide decision support for example, suggesting optimal catheter paths, detecting subtle changes in blood flow, or predicting complications. By combining J&Js medical expertise with the tech companys AI algorithms, the collaboration aims to create smarter interventional systems that help physicians plan and execute procedures with enhanced precision. Stryker Corporation May 2023: Expansion Initiative Stryker announced the expansion of one of its manufacturing facilities in India to increase production capacity for interventional treatment materials. This expansion is in response to growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region for interventional products, including Strykers neurovascular stents and catheters. By scaling up production in India, Stryker aims to serve regional markets more efficiently, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risks. Stryker announced the expansion of one of its manufacturing facilities in India to increase production capacity for interventional treatment materials. This expansion is in response to growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region for interventional products, including Strykers neurovascular stents and catheters. By scaling up production in India, Stryker aims to serve regional markets more efficiently, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risks. Johnson & Johnson November 2022: Major Acquisition In late 2022, J&J made headlines by acquiring Abiomed , a company well-known for its Impella heart pump devices, in a multi-billion dollar deal. While Abiomeds products (percutaneous heart pumps) are somewhat adjacent to the classic catheter, stent, guidewire trio, they are used in interventional cardiology for supporting patients with severe heart failure or during high-risk angioplasty. This acquisition by J&J signaled the companys re-entrance into frontline interventional cardiology devices in a big way. In late 2022, J&J made headlines by acquiring , a company well-known for its Impella heart pump devices, in a multi-billion dollar deal. While Abiomeds products (percutaneous heart pumps) are somewhat adjacent to the classic catheter, stent, guidewire trio, they are used in interventional cardiology for supporting patients with severe heart failure or during high-risk angioplasty. This acquisition by J&J signaled the companys re-entrance into frontline interventional cardiology devices in a big way. Market Recovery Post-Pandemic (20222023): After the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions of 2020-2021, the years 2022 and 2023 saw a robust recovery in elective interventional procedure volumes. Hospitals that had postponed non-urgent cardiovascular and other interventions caught up with backlog, which led to a surge in demand for stents, catheters, and related supplies. Companies reported improved sales, especially in the second half of 2022, as cath labs returned to near-full operation. After the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions of 2020-2021, the years 2022 and 2023 saw a robust recovery in elective interventional procedure volumes. Hospitals that had postponed non-urgent cardiovascular and other interventions caught up with backlog, which led to a surge in demand for stents, catheters, and related supplies. Companies reported improved sales, especially in the second half of 2022, as cath labs returned to near-full operation. Technology Integration and Minor Players (2024): As we moved into 2024, theres an ongoing wave of integration of digital technology in interventional products. Smaller companies and startups introduced innovations like catheters with built-in sensors that can provide data on pressure or blood flow from within vessels, and guidewires that can act as imaging tools (combining guidance and diagnostics). This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (), Korean ( ), Chinese (), French (Marche des materiaux de traitement interventionnel), German (Markt fur interventionelle Behandlungsmaterialien), and Italian (Mercato dei materiali per il trattamento interventistico), etc. Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Market Report @ https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55057/global-interventional-treatment-materials-market#request-a-sample Related reports - New Medical Dressings Market The global new medical dressings market is valued at an estimated $8.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a steady demand driven by advancements in wound care technologies and an increasing prevalence of chronic wounds. The market is projected to reach approximately $14 billion by 2034, showcasing significant growth opportunities over the next decade. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55077/global-new-medical-dressings-market Drug Dispensing Robot Market The global drug dispensing robot market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach $7.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 9.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55078/global-drug-dispensing-robot-market Digital All-In-One Operating Room System Market The global digital all-in-one operating room system market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated market value of $4.5 billion in 2024. This market is projected to reach approximately $10.8 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55079/global-digital-all-in-one-operating-room-system-market Single Use Transfusion Sets Market The global single-use transfusion sets market is valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach around $4.2 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55081/global-single-use-transfusion-sets-market Regenerative Dermal Fillers Market The global regenerative dermal fillers market is valued at approximately $6.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $10.5 billion by 2034, reflecting robust growth opportunities within the sector. This forecast indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.2% from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55093/global-regenerative-dermal-fillers-market Photonic Medical Equipment Market The global photonic medical equipment market is valued at approximately $15.4 billion in 2024, driven by advancements in laser and imaging technologies that enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The market is anticipated to reach around $38 billion by 2034, reflecting significant growth opportunities as the healthcare sector increasingly adopts minimally invasive procedures. This translates to a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55094/global-photonic-medical-equipment-market Freezing Fat Reduction Apparatus Market The global freezing fat reduction apparatus market is projected to reach a value of approximately $800 million in 2024, reflecting a robust demand driven by rising interest in non-invasive body contouring procedures. The market is expected to experience substantial growth, with a forecasted value of around $1.6 billion by 2034, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 7.5% during the period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55095/global-freezing-fat-reduction-apparatus-market Intelligent Blood Collection Management System Market The global Intelligent Blood Collection Management System (IBCMS) market is valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting a robust growth trajectory that could elevate its value to around $5 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 8% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55118/global-intelligent-blood-collection-management-system-market Negative Pressure Diverter Market The global negative pressure diverter market is valued at approximately $3 billion in 2024. As healthcare facilities prioritize infection control and patient safety, the market is poised for robust growth. The projected market value for the period 20252034 is estimated to reach around $5 billion, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.2%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55127/global-negative-pressure-diverter-market Medical CT Film Market The global medical CT film market is poised for robust growth, valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024. This sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2034, reaching an estimated market value of around $2.3 billion by the end of the forecast period. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55133/global-medical-ct-film-market 3A Sanitary Fixtures for Pharma & Biotech Market The global 3A sanitary fixtures market for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors is valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a robust expansion, reaching an estimated $5.6 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 6.2% during the 2025-2034 forecast period. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55150/global-3a-sanitary-fixtures-for-pharma-biotech-market Shielded Isolators and Hot Cells Market The global shielded isolators and hot cells market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach around $2.4 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55163/global-shielded-isolators-and-hot-cells-market Bifidus Product Market The global bifidus product market is estimated to reach approximately $1.3 billion in 2024, driven by increasing health consciousness and the rising demand for probiotic-rich foods. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%, reaching an estimated value of $2.7 billion by 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55007/global-bifidus-product-market Molecular Diagnostic Kits Market The global molecular diagnostic kits market is valued at approximately $9.3 billion in 2024, reflecting significant advancements in biotechnology and increasing demand for rapid and accurate diagnostics. The market is projected to reach around $15.6 billion by 2034, driven by heightened adoption of personalized medicine and growing prevalence of infectious diseases. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the forecast period from 2025 to 2034 is estimated at 6.0%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55008/global-molecular-diagnostic-kits-market Medical Reusable Sterilization Container Market The global market for medical reusable sterilization containers is projected to be valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024. This market is expected to experience substantial growth, with a projected value of around $2.3 billion by 2034. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the forecast period from 2025 to 2034 is estimated at 7.1%. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55012/global-medical-reusable-sterilization-container-market Ventilator Humidifiers Market The global ventilator humidifiers market is projected to reach a value of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, driven by increasing demand for respiratory care across healthcare facilities. The market is expected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of $2.5 billion by 2034, corresponding to a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 8.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55014/global-ventilator-humidifiers-market Prefilled Humidifiers Market the global market for prefilled humidifiers is valued at approximately $2.1 billion, driven by rising consumer demand for healthier indoor air quality and growing awareness of respiratory ailments. The market is projected to expand significantly, with an estimated value of $3.8 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55015/global-prefilled-humidifiers-market Prefilled Bubble Humidifiers Market The global prefilled bubble humidifier market is projected to reach a value of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, driven by an increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and the growing need for effective humidification in medical settings. The market is expected to experience significant growth, with a projected value of around $2.5 billion by 2034 https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55016/global-prefilled-bubble-humidifiers-market BPDA Market The global Business Process Digital Automation (BPDA) market is poised for substantial growth, with an estimated value of approximately $6.5 billion in 2024. This momentum is expected to continue, leading to a projected market value of around $15 billion by 2034. This growth corresponds to a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 9% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55030/global-bpda-market Near Infrared Medical Fluorescence Imaging System Market The global near-infrared (NIR) medical fluorescence imaging system market is valued at approximately $1.3 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach around $3.1 billion by 2034, reflecting significant growth driven by advancements in imaging technology, increasing adoption of NIR imaging in surgical procedures, and the rising prevalence of cancer and other diseases that necessitate precise imaging techniques. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/55034/global-near-infrared-medical-fluorescence-imaging-system-market FAIRFAX, Va., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Courtyard San Jose Airport, California has announced today it has reopened following a multi-year $15 million renovation. The hotel began accepting reservations and welcoming guests on April 2, 2025. The newly renovated, design-forward hotel offers guests a level of sophistication and exceptional service not previously available in the San Jose Airport area. Situated at the gateway to Silicon Valley and only one mile from the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), the hotel is well suited for business and leisure guests. It offers complimentary airport shuttle service and easy access to dining and shopping at Santana Row and is near many attractions, including the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, Levi Stadium, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and Stanford University. Managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC, and owned by Beach Point Capital, the five-story hotel offers 199 stylish guestrooms, including 13 suites. Guest rooms are furnished with comfort mattresses, spa-style bathrooms, workstations, flat-panel TVs, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. For special events, the hotel offers the Inspire Ballroom, which divides into three sections and can host up to 250 guests, and a Technology Meeting Room, which provides meeting space for intimate private gatherings. Dining options include, The Bistro, serving delicious American fare, craft beers, and signature cocktails, and The Crate, a new deli-style market, with an upscale selection of grab-and-go food and snacks. Jerome Yuan of ASAP Holdings, who asset manages the hotel on behalf of Beach Point Capital, said, We are excited to open the reimagined Courtyard San Jose and to collaborate with Crestline as the manager of the property. Crestline has extensive experience managing Marriott branded properties and is well known in the market for their unparalleled reputation for excellence in financial performance and guest service. Mr. Yuan added, Given Crestlines strong track record, and this beautiful new hotel's prime location in the Bay area, we are confident that we can deliver a unique and enjoyable experience for guests. Guests can enjoy an ultramodern workout in the expansive 1,600 square foot fitness center equipped with Matrix blue tooth performance treadmills, ellipticals, cycles, free weights and preloaded weight stations, a rowing station, a yoga station, mats, and a hydration station. Additional amenities include onsite guest laundry facilities, and covered parking is available for a fee. The Courtyard San Jose Airport is located at 1471 N. 4th Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information and reservations, call 408.452.0200 or visit online at https://www.marriott.com. Download image here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5t0zhkqai1uqcmnx1o3ob/CY-San-Jose-Airport-Ext-Dusk.jpg?rlkey=pbbcp9r7prw3c0mjcr0ixrg9w&st=8mm6fxe8&dl=0 About Crestline Hotels & Resorts, LLC Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC is one of the nations largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the company presently manages 134 hotels, resorts, and conference centers with more than 18,300 rooms in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline manages properties under such well-regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Choice as well as independent, private label hotels and conference centers throughout the United States. For more information, visit: www.crestlinehotels.com. Important Notice: The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. In addition, words such as anticipate, believe, and intend indicate a forward-looking statement; however, not all forward-looking statements include these words. Media Contact: Gayle MacIntyre Global Ink Communications gbmacintyre1@gmail.com 404.643.8222 Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Immunoassay Market - North America and Country Analysis: Focus on Product, Specimen, Application, End User, and Country Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. An immunoassay is a laboratory technique used to detect and quantify specific substances, such as proteins, hormones, or drugs, in a sample by using antibodies or antigens. It works on the principle of antigen-antibody binding, where the presence of the target substance is measured through a color change or fluorescence. Immunoassays are commonly used in diagnostics, research, and drug testing. The market is driven by advancements in healthcare, increasing disease prevalence, and a shift toward precision diagnostics. The escalating incidence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in North America significantly propels the demand for diagnostic tools like immunoassays. For instance, according to a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. suffer from one or more chronic conditions, driving the need for diagnostic solutions. Immunoassays play a pivotal role in the early detection of such diseases, improving patient outcomes by enabling timely treatment interventions. Moreover, recent innovations in immunoassay technology, including multiplex assays and microfluidic devices, have significantly improved diagnostic efficiency. The Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) journal published a study in 2021 highlighting the impact of automated immunoassay systems, which have drastically increased throughput and reduced human error in diagnostic labs. These advancements are expected to continue driving the adoption of immunoassays in both clinical and research settings. Also, the approval of high-throughput immunoassay systems, such as Abbott's ARCHITECT i1000SR (FDA-approved in 2020), highlights how technological advancements are meeting the growing demand for rapid and precise diagnostic solutions. These systems are extensively used in hospitals and reference laboratories throughout North America for their speed and efficiency in detecting infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Furthermore, the growing focus on personalized or precision medicine has fueled the demand for more specific and accurate diagnostic tools. Immunoassays, by offering precise detection of biomarkers, are increasingly used to tailor treatments to individual patients. As noted in The Lancet Oncology (2020), immunoassays have become essential in monitoring treatment responses in oncology, further expanding their role in disease management. Despite their clinical importance, immunoassay systems are often expensive due to the cost of reagents, complex machinery, and the requirement for specialized infrastructure. The American Journal of Clinical Pathology published a study in 2020 discussing the financial barriers that limit smaller healthcare facilities from adopting high-end diagnostic technologies, which may reduce market accessibility in low-resource settings. In addition, immunoassay technologies are subject to stringent regulatory oversight, particularly in North America where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates diagnostic tools. A 2021 article in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology described the challenges faced by manufacturers in obtaining FDA approval for new immunoassay systems, citing lengthy approval times and complex clinical validation requirements as significant hurdles. Delays in the regulatory process can hinder the introduction of innovative diagnostic tools. Also, the operation of immunoassay systems requires strict adherence to protocols for sample collection, storage, and handling. A 2022 study published in Laboratory Medicine highlighted the significant impact of pre-analytical variables (such as improper sample handling) on the accuracy of immunoassay results. These operational issues can undermine the effectiveness of immunoassays, especially in settings with less control over sample integrity. Key players in the market are Danaher Corporation Siemens Healthineers, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Merck KGaA, DiaSorin S.p.A., QuidelOrtho Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, bioMerieux, Inc., and Meridian Bioscience. Reagents and Kits to Lead the North America Immunoassay Market (by Product Type) Reagents and kits are essential for performing immunoassay tests, which are widely used for detecting diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and infections. A 2021 article published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology noted that the demand for diagnostic kits, including immunoassay-based kits, has surged due to the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases. Moreover, reagents and kits offer a cost-effective solution for diagnostic testing compared to the high initial investment in immunoassay instruments and equipment. A 2020 review published in Laboratory Medicine highlighted that while instruments like analyzers require substantial upfront costs, reagents, and kits are relatively low-cost consumables that significantly reduce the operational costs for healthcare providers. This affordability is particularly important for smaller labs or those with high patient throughput, which need to manage both cost and quality of care. U.S. Region to Lead the North America Immunoassay Market (by Country) The U.S. dominates the North American immunoassay market due to a combination of factors, including advanced healthcare infrastructure, a robust regulatory framework, substantial investments in medical research, and a high prevalence of chronic diseases. The U.S. healthcare system is highly developed, with cutting-edge technologies and a broad network of healthcare providers. According to a study published in Health Affairs (2021), the U.S. spends a significant portion of its GDP on healthcare (around 18% in 2020), which facilitates the rapid adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies, including immunoassays. This infrastructure supports the integration of immunoassay systems into hospitals, clinical laboratories, and research settings, contributing to the country's market leadership. Moreover, the U.S. is home to several leading companies in the immunoassay market, including Abbott Laboratories, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Roche Diagnostics. According to a 2021 study in Clinical Chemistry, these companies contribute to the innovation and commercialization of new immunoassay platforms that drive market growth. The dominance of these companies in the U.S. contributes to the country's leadership in the North American market by driving technological advancements and expanding access to immunoassay-based diagnostics. Furthermore, the presence of these major manufacturers has created a competitive environment that fosters continuous improvements in product offerings. Key Topics Covered: 1. Markets: Industry Outlook 1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.2 R&D Review 1.2.1 Patent Filling Trend by Year 1.3 Regulatory Landscape 1.4 Market Dynamics 1.4.1 Market Drivers 1.4.2 Market Restraints 1.4.3 Market Opportunities 2. North America Immunoassay Market, by Product 2.1 Reagents and Kits 2.2 Analyzers 3. North America Immunoassay Market, by Specimen 3.1 Blood 3.2 Saliva 3.3 Urine 3.4 Others 4. North America Immunoassay Market, by Application 4.1 Infectious Diseases 4.2 Cardiology 4.3 Autoimmune Disorders 4.4 Oncology 4.5 Drug Monitoring and Testing 4.6 Others 5. North America Immunoassay Market, by End User 5.1 Hospitals and Clinics 5.2 Clinical Laboratories 5.3 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies 5.4 Others 6. North America Immunoassay Market, by Region 6.1 U.S. 6.2 Canada 7. Competitive Landscape and Company Profiling 7.1 Competitive Landscape 7.1.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 7.1.2 Synergistic Activities 7.1.3 Product Launch and Approval Activities 7.1.4 Expansion, Funding, and Other Activities 7.2 Company Profiles 7.2.1 Company Overview 7.2.2 Product Offering 7.2.3 Key Competitors of the Company 7.2.4 Analyst Perspective Abbott Laboratories Danaher Corporation Siemens Healthineers F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Merck KGaA DiaSorin S.p.A. QuidelOrtho Corporation Bio-Rad Laboratories bioMerieux, Inc. Meridian Bioscience For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3en6e5 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. EAST HAMPTON, N.Y., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Go Rentals, the premier elite car rental provider for the aviation and hospitality industries, is proud to announce the opening of a location on May 15th, 2025, at Sound Aircraft Services in East Hampton Town Airport (JPX). The launch comes just in time for the peak summer travel season, bringing Go Rentals signature white-glove service to one of the most in-demand private aviation destinations on the East Coast. Go Rentals at JPX will offer a curated fleet of vehicles from economy, mid-size to luxury sedans and SUVs, as well as unrivaled personalized service tailored to the expectations of our elite travelers and pilots arriving in the Hamptons via private aircraft. Were thrilled to bring the Go Rentals experience to East Hampton, said Trissy Pickett, Vice President of Aviation Development at Go Rentals. Our clients have been asking for seamless, stress-free car rental services in the Hamptons, and we listened. We understand that elite travelers expect excellence from the moment they land and thats exactly what were here to deliver. Whether arriving at the airport or relaxing at a private residence or hotel, guests can expect their preferred vehicle to be delivered directly to them, ensuring an experience thats both effortless and exceptional. Steven Tuma, President of Sound Aircraft Services, added, Our guests expect nothing but the best, and Go Rentals shares that same commitment to service and detail. Were excited to welcome Go Rentals to East Hampton Airport and to offer travelers an elevated ground transportation experience that matches the level of care they receive in the air. This new location continues Go Rentals strategic expansion into top-tier vacation destinations, enhancing its reputation as the premium choice for high-end, hospitality-driven car rental experiences. About Go Rentals Go Rentals is an elite car rental company focused on personalized experiences, serving customers across the U.S. with unparalleled luxury and convenience. Offering the best equipped selection of vehicles coupled with high-touch white glove service, Go Rentals is redefining excellence in the Car Rental industry. For more information, visit www.GoRentals.com About Sound Aircraft Services Sound Aircraft Services is the premier fixed-base operator (FBO) at East Hampton Airport (KJPX), providing comprehensive aviation services with a personal touch. Strategically located in Wainscott, New York, Sound Aircraft Services caters to a diverse clientele, from corporate jets to recreational aircraft, offering a full suite of ground handling, fueling, and concierge services. For more information, visit www.GoRentals.com Media Contact: Jake Feffer PR Specialist Jakef@bastionagency.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce the publication of its fifth annual Sustainability Report , highlighting another year of strong economic performance and continued leadership in responsible mining practices. Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: 2024 was a transformative year for Calibre. We continued to deliver strong results while laying the foundation for future growth through the development of the Valentine Gold Mine in Central Newfoundland, Canada and our upcoming merger with Equinox Gold. These milestones reflect our disciplined approach to growth, underpinning strong performance with sustainability as a strategic priority. Our ability to consistently deliver on our commitments is rooted in a disciplined, purpose-driven approach and a culture that embeds sustainability into every aspect of our business. Sustainability is core to our principles, guiding us in everything we do. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains clear: to create lasting value for all stakeholders through transparent engagement, ethical practices, and operational excellence. Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities where we operate. Through partnerships with Indigenous groups, investments in local development, and our commitment to free, prior, and informed consent, we strive to be a trusted and respectful neighbor. The 2024 Sustainability Report captures this journeyour achievements, our challenges, and our continued commitment to mining with purpose. Environmental Stewardship Published our first Climate Report, including scenario analysis for climate-related risks and opportunities. Produced 164,355 trees for reforestation and carbon sequestration in Nicaragua. Prevented the use of 7.42 tonnes of mercury through the Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) Ore Purchase Program. Reported one significant environmental incident; lessons learned informed enhancements to management systems. Social Responsibility Distributed US$897 million in economic value across sites, investing US$4.19 million in community development projects focusing on education, health, and infrastructure. Supported 1,133 direct jobs, with a 95% national workforce82% of whom are from local communities. Reported zero fatalities and achieved a 22% reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate, down to 0.21. Zero site shutdowns or project delays due to non-technical factors and no substantiated human rights concerns raised by communities, resolving 93% of community grievances, with a renewed focus on response times and stakeholder engagement. Governance and Ethics No significant instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Human Rights Impact Assessment conducted at the Eastern Borosi Mine, ensuring 100% of Calibre operations in Nicaragua assessed within the past 3 years. Fourth year of conformance with the World Gold Councils Responsible Gold Mining Principles. Improved ESG risk ratings: MSCI ESG upgraded to A; Sustainalytics score improved to 29.0 (Medium risk). Enhanced procurement due diligence to strengthen ASM ore sourcing governance systems. Financial and Investor Performance Generated US$586 million in revenue, driven by strong operational performance across all sites. Delivered a 60% increase in share price, underscoring growing investor confidence and value creation. Advanced construction of Valentine Gold Mine, with first gold production expected in Q3 2025. Announced a transformational merger with Equinox Gold, creating Canadas second-largest gold producer with a diversified growth platform. The 2024 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 Standard, the SASB 2023 Metals and Mining Standards, and the Mining Local Procurement Reporting Mechanism and includes the Companys operating mines. The Company will file its 2024 Bill S-211 Report on or before May 31, 2025, under Canadas Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. A link to the Companys 2023 Bill S-211 Report can be found here. Click here to access the full 2024 Sustainability Report. For further details on Calibre's sustainability initiatives please visit the Company website at www.calibremining.com. About Calibre Calibre (TSX:CXB) is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Darren Hall Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Ryan King SVP Corporate Development & IR T: 604.628.1012 E: calibre@calibremining.com W: www.calibremining.com Calibres head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6. YouTube / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / X The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: Calibre and its business combination (the Arrangement) with Equinox Gold Corp. (Equinox), the combined companys plans and expectations with respect to the proposed Arrangement and the anticipated impact of the proposed Arrangement on the combined companys results of operations, financial position, growth opportunities and competitive position, the receipt of required approvals, and the expected timing of completion of the Arrangement. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the risk that any other condition to closing of the Arrangement may not be satisfied; the risk that the closing of the Arrangement might be delayed or not occur at all; the risk that the either Calibre or Equinox may terminate the Arrangement Agreement and either Calibre or Equinox is required to pay a termination fee to the other party; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships of Calibre or Equinox, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of Calibre and Equinox; the effects of the business combination of Calibre and Equinox, including the combined companys future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans; the ability of the combined company to realize anticipated synergies in the timeframe expected or at all; changes in capital markets and the ability of the combined company to finance operations in the manner expected; the risk that Calibre or Equinox may not receive the required court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals to effect the Arrangement; the risk of any litigation relating to the proposed Arrangement; the risk of changes in laws, governmental regulations or enforcement practices; the effects of commodity prices, life of mine estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the risks of mining activities; the fact that operating costs and business disruption may be greater than expected following the public announcement or consummation of the Arrangement; and other risks and uncertainties set out in Calibres annual information form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2024, its management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other disclosure documents of the Company filed on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Drilling Intersects Wide Zones of Higher-Grade Gold Mineralization at the Boin Gold Deposit VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce additional drill results from the 35,000-metre drill program underway at the Companys 100% owned Enchi Gold Project ("Enchi" or the "Project") in Ghana. Shallow Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling at the Boin Gold Deposit ("Boin") intersected multiple wide zones of higher-grade gold mineralization, including hole KBRC357 which intersected 4.41 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 24.0 metres ("m") from 126 m, including a higher-grade interval of 9.08 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 132 m. Hole KBRC360 intersected 1.58 g/t Au over 52.0 m from 75 m, including a higher-grade interval of 3.04 g/t Au over 16.0 m from 96 m. Drilling continues to prove out the continuity of gold mineralization and potential for resource growth at Enchi. The 35,000-metre drill program underway at Enchi is focused on resource growth and infill drilling designed to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated. The goal of the first phase of drilling is completion of drilling required for resource conversion in advance of commissioning a Pre-Feasibility Study later this year. The second phase of the drill program will focus on discovery and resource growth, including drilling targeting earlier-stage exploration targets along with drilling focused on defining the resource growth potential at depth and along strike. Highlights from Drilling at the Boin Gold Deposit at Enchi Drilling in the north-central portion of the Boin Gold Deposit encountered multiple wide zones of gold mineralization with higher-grade intervals. KBRC357 intersected 4.41 g/t Au over 24.0 m from 126 m, including a high-grade interval of 9.08 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 132 m. KBRC360 intersected 1.58 g/t Au over 52.0 m from 75 m, including a higher-grade interval of 3.04 g/t Au over 16.0 m from 96 m. The hole ended in mineralization, encountering a second structure with 0.62 g/t Au over 22.0 m from 155 m. Drilling continues to intersect gold mineralization outside of the limits of the pit that currently constrains the Mineral Resource Estimate at Boin. KBRC347B intersected 1.05 g/t Au over 38.0 m from 134 m. KBRC362 intersected 0.66 g/t Au over 52.0 m from 158 m, ending in mineralization. Luke Alexander, President and CEO of Newcore stated, "The results from the drill program underway at Enchi continue to highlight the strong continuity of mineralization as well as the potential for resource growth. Not only do we continue to encounter wide zones of gold mineralization, but we continue to encounter higher-grade zones of gold mineralization above the average grade of the deposit, and notably we continue to intersect mineralization below the limits of the pit that constrains the current Mineral Resource Estimate at Boin. These additional shallow high-grade intercepts continue to highlight the opportunity for meaningful resource growth at depth. With most drilling to date at Enchi only completed to an average vertical depth of 100 metres, we believe we have only just begun to define the potential of the Project when compared to other multi-million-ounce gold mines, including Asantes Chirano and Bibiani mines as well as Newmonts Ahafo mine, which are located along the Sefwi-Bibiani belt. We look forward to continuing to highlight the growth and size potential of our district scale Enchi Gold Project as we advance the Project towards a mineral resource update and Pre-Feasibility Study in H1 2026." This release reports results for 11 RC holes totalling 2,042 m (KBRC347B, KBRC357 to KBRC366) targeting the Boin Gold Deposit, with all holes intersecting gold mineralization. A total of 19,634 m in 153 holes have been reported as part of the ongoing 2024 - 2025 drill program at Enchi. Select assay results from the 11 holes of the drill program reported in this release are below: Table 1 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Highlights Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) KBRC357 Boin 126.0 150.0 24.0 4.41 including 132.0 142.0 10.0 9.08 KBRC360 Boin 75.0 127.0 52.0 1.58 including 96.0 112.0 16.0 3.04 KBRC347B Boin 134.0 172.0 38.0 1.05 KBRC362 Boin 158.0 210.0 52.0 0.66 KBRC359 Boin 110.0 144.0 34.0 0.87 Notes: 1. See detailed table for complete results; 2. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and 3. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays. A plan map showing the drill hole locations can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5915/2025_05_20-ncau-nr-enchi-plan-map-boin.pdf Cross sections showing drill results and highlights for holes KBRC357, KBRC359 and KBRC360 can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5915/2025_05_20-ncau-crosssections-boin.pdf A complete list of the drill results in this release, including hole details, can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5915/2025_05_20-ncau-enchi-2024-2025-drill-results.pdf Drilling at the Boin Gold Deposit KBRC347B and KBRC357 to KBRC366 (11 RC holes totalling 2,042 m) were completed at Boin, targeting the north-central and central portions of the deposit. Drilling targeted near-surface oxidized, transition as well as shallow sulphide mineralization with a goal of infill drilling for resource conversion to improve the confidence level as well as grow the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. RC drilling at Boin consisted of 50-metre spaced sections with drill holes spaced every 25 metres along the sections. The holes reported in this news release are distributed across 3 separate sections spanning 200 metres of strike length in the north-central area of Boin and 5 separate sections spanning 1.3 kilometres of strike length in the central area of Boin. 5 RC holes totalling 929 m (KBRC357 to KBRC361) were drilled on the north-central portion of the structure at Boin. KBRC357 intersected 4.41 g/t Au over 24.0 m from 126 m within the upper sulphide mineralization, including a higher-grade interval in the central portion of the structure of 9.08 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 132 m. KBRC357 also intersected a second interval of 1.07 g/t Au over 8.0 m from 113 m within the transition and upper sulphide horizon. Hole KBRC360, drilled 200 metres north of KBRC357, intersected 1.58 g/t Au over 52.0 m from 75 m, including a higher-grade interval of 3.04 g/t Au over 16.0 m from 96 m within the transitional mineralization. Within this hole, a second structure was encountered within the sulphide mineralization of 0.62 g/t Au over 22.0 m from 155 m, with KBRC360 ending in mineralization and the majority of this second interval encountered below the limits of the pit that constrains the current Mineral Resource Estimate at Boin. Additional drilling in the north-central area of Boin encountered wide zones of gold mineralization with above average grade gold mineralization, including KBRC359, drilled 25 metres to the east of KBRC360 on the same section, with 0.87 g/t gold over 34.0 m from 110 m intersected within the transitional and upper sulphide horizon. KBRC361, drilled 150 metres to the east of KBRC359 and directed back toward the west, intersected multiple zones within the sulphide mineralization including 2.13 g/t Au over 13.0 m from 157 m. 6 RC holes totalling 1,113 m (KBRC347B, KBRC362 to KBRC366) were drilled on the central portion of the structure at Boin, approximately one kilometre to the south of the north-central area. KBRC347B intersected 1.05 g/t Au over 38.0 m from 134 m within the sulphide horizon, with a second interval of 0.58 g/t over 17.0 m from 42 m in the near surface oxide mineralization. KBRC366, drilled 50 m to the east on the same section as KBRC347B, intersected a higher-grade zone in the sulphides with 2.01 g/t Au over 11.0 m from 192 m. KBRC362, drilled 300 m to the south of KBRC347B, intersected 0.66 g/t Au over 52.0 m from 158 m in the sulphide horizon, with the hole ending in mineralization and the entirety of this interval occurring below the limits of the pit that constrains the current Mineral Resource Estimate at Boin. This drilling continues to confirm continuity along strike and down dip for the principal structures which comprise the Boin Gold Deposit. The width and gold grades within these drill results are consistent with prior wider-spaced drilling completed at Boin. The Company anticipates that these results, along with drill results previously released from the 2024 - 2025 drill program, should improve the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. This recent drilling was drilled in areas where the previous pit constrained Mineral Resource Estimate was classified as Inferred. The results of this recent drilling should allow for conversion of a substantial portion of mineralization within these areas to the Indicated category. 2024 - 2025 Enchi Work Program A 35,000-metre drill program is underway at Enchi, targeting near-surface oxide and shallow sulphide mineralization with a primary goal of infill drilling for resource conversion to improve the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. Most of the infill drilling is allocated to the two largest deposits at Enchi, Boin and Sewum. Improving the confidence level of the Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi is a key component of the development work required to be completed in advance of commissioning a Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project. A subset of the drill program will also focus on outlining resource growth, with all deposit areas and pre-resource targets at Enchi remaining open along strike and at depth, providing for future resource growth across the district-scale property. Additional exploration and development work is on-going at Enchi, including metallurgical testwork, trenching, hydrogeological testing, geotechnical work, environmental work and soil sampling. Drone topographic surveys have been completed, expanding on previously completed work, at the Kwakyekrom and Tokosea deposit areas to provide detailed topographic information required to improve the confidence level of each deposits Mineral Resource Estimate. Additionally, the drone survey was completed across the proposed heap leach facility area to contribute additional data for future detailed engineering studies. An airborne magnetic survey tested grass roots targets related to a series of gold-in-soil anomalies and gold mineralization identified in trenching. Soil sampling is also currently being completed on the Omanpe and Abotia licenses with a goal of further defining early-stage targets across Enchi for future trenching and drilling. Boin Gold Zone Boin is one of the five deposits which comprise the Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi (Boin has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 13.0 million tonnes grading 0.62 g/t Au containing 258,200 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resource of 15.9 million tonnes grading 0.68 g/t Au containing 349,600 ounces). Boin is located 10 kilometres south of the town of Enchi, with nearby roads and power and further access provided by a series of drill roads. Boin is outlined on surface by a greater than six-kilometre-long by up to one-kilometre-wide gold in soil anomaly. An airborne geophysical anomaly coincident with the Boin structure extends for a further kilometre north and three kilometres south beyond the limits of current drilling. To date, approximately 40% of the gold-in-soil anomaly at Boin is untested by drilling, with the average vertical depth of all holes drilled to date at Boin only down to 100 metres. Drill Hole Locations Table 2 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Hole Location Details Hole ID UTM East UTM North Elevation Azimuth Dip Length (m) KBRC347B 519323 634242 118 114 -65 180 KBRC357 519546 634737 145 114 -55 168 KBRC358 519586 634795 158 114 -60 186 KBRC359 519612 634809 148 114 -60 148 KBRC360 519588 634823 145 114 -60 177 KBRC361 519726 634714 117 294 -55 250 KBRC362 519197 634054 133 114 -55 210 KBRC363 519205 634182 115 114 -60 210 KBRC364 519223 634082 125 114 -60 174 KBRC365 518844 633393 139 114 -60 84 KBRC366 519241 634342 130 114 -60 255 Enchi Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate The Enchi Gold Project hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 41.7 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au containing 743,500 ounces gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 46.6 million tonnes grading 0.65 g/t Au containing 972,000 ounces. Mineral resource estimation practices are in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and follow CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014), that are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). The Mineral Resource Estimate is from the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Enchi Gold Project" dated June 7, 2024, with an effective date of April 24, 2024, prepared for Newcore by Preetham Nayak, P.Eng., Ryda Peung, P.Eng., and Zunedbhai Shaikh, P.Eng., of Lycopodium Minerals Canada Ltd.; Kerrine Azougarh, P.Eng., of Micon International Limited; and Simon Meadows Smith, P.Eng. / P.Geo., of SEMS Exploration in accordance with NI 43-101, and is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Simon Meadows Smith is an independent qualified person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Newcore Gold Best Practice Newcore is committed to best practice standards for all exploration, sampling and drilling activities. Drilling was completed by an independent drilling firm using industry standard RC and Diamond Drill equipment. Analytical quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample strings. Samples are placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to Intertek Labs located in Tarkwa, Ghana for 50 gram gold fire assay. Qualified Person Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Vice President of Exploration at Newcore, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and has conducted appropriate verification on the underlying data including confirmation of the drillhole data files against the original drillhole logs and assay certificates. About Newcore Gold Ltd. Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 15% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 248 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several multi-million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometres to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders. (1) Source: Production volumes for 2023 as sourced from the World Gold Council. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd. Luke Alexander President, CEO & Director For further information, please contact: Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations +1 604 484 4399 info@newcoregold.com www.newcoregold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about the estimation of mineral resources; results of preliminary economic assessments; completion of a pre-feasibility study; results of metallurgical testwork; results of our ongoing drill campaign; results of drilling, magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of Newcores business; Newcores formative stage of development; Newcores financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Newcore disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Monte Carlo, Monaco, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a seamless fusion of comfort, design innovation, and luxury, EKOUAER is poised to make a striking debut in Monaco during one of the world's most prestigious sporting events the Monaco Grand Prix. As the Exclusive loungewear VIP Gifting Partner aboard the renowned superyacht Titania, EKOUAER is set to redefine the intersection of leisurewear and elite lifestyle, positioning its brand at the heart of one of the most anticipated weekends in the global calendar. This collaboration represents more than a presence at a high-profile venue; it reflects EKOUAERs commitment to redefining leisurewear through the lens of elevated living. By bringing its signature softness, refined design, and ease into an environment shaped by exclusivity and sophistication, EKOUAER reinforces its vision: that true comfort belongs not only at home, but seamlessly within the worlds most sophisticated gatherings Credit: vision4sport/Wb Each year, the Monaco Grand Prix transforms the principality into a playground for motorsport enthusiasts, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals. As part of the Formula 1 "Triple Crown," it offers more than just racing its an embodiment of prestige, heritage, and exclusivity. Credit:thermesmarinsmc/Instagram Onboard Titania: EKOUAER Enhances the Guest Experience Through Elevated Comfort Aboard the iconic superyacht Titaniaa recognizable presence in Port Hercules and a sought-after vantage point during the Monaco Grand PrixEKOUAER introduces a refined layer of comfort to one of the most exclusive hospitality settings in the world. As the yachts Exclusive loungewear VIP Gifting Partner, EKOUAER enhances the guest experience through thoughtfully designed loungewear that supports moments of rest, privacy, and ease in the midst of a high-energy weekend. Each guest on Titania is welcomed with a curated EKOUAER gift, offering not just a keepsake but a meaningful extension of the onboard atmospherewhere luxury is not only seen, but felt. In select private cabins, EKOUAER pieces are integrated into the environment, reinforcing the brands belief that elevated comfort is essential to modern luxury. Through this collaboration, EKOUAER empowers its audience to embrace a lifestyle where softness, functionality, and elegance coexist seamlesslyeven in the most elite settings. A Milestone in Design: EKOUAER Awarded Gold at the Berlin Design Awards EKOUAERs recent Gold win at the 2025 Berlin Design Awards marks a meaningful step in the brands growth and industry recognition. As part of the respected DRIVENxDESIGN awards seriesalongside its London and Paris counterpartsthe Berlin Design Awards are known for celebrating innovation, sustainability, and design excellence across Europe. Backed by leading organizations such as the International Design Association (IDA) and the European Design Association (BEDA), the award carries significant weight in both creative and commercial circles. For EKOUAER, this recognition affirms the strength of its design philosophybalancing comfort, quality, and modern aestheticsand highlights its efforts in responsible material use and user-focused innovation. Signature pieces such as the EKOUAER Womens Satin Silky Pajama Set in champagne, the EKOUAER classic button-down pajama, and the EKOUAER Womens Satin Pajama Sets exemplify this approach: effortless silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and refined details designed for comfort without compromise. Winning this award not only acknowledges the work behind the brands product line, but also reflects its growing relevance in a competitive global market. Fashion in the Fast Lane The Grand Prix is a celebration of velocity and vision qualities that EKOUAER mirrors through its forward-thinking design and rapid ascent in the global fashion landscape. The brands decision to present its offerings within such a high-profile, curated environment speaks volumes about its aspirations and its understanding of cultural moments. In a weekend defined by speed and spectacle, EKOUAER offers a counterbalance: calm, craftsmanship, and comfort. Looking Forward: Defining the New Standard of Comfort and Luxury In EKOUAERs vision, true luxury is no longer about excess or display, but about how seamlessly clothing supports the way we livefluid, mobile, and deeply personal. Through refined materials, precise design, and an understanding of contemporary lifestyle rhythms, EKOUAER is building a product philosophy that speaks to a global audience seeking both ease and elegance. About EKOUAER: Founded in 2015, EKOUAER is a rapidly growing fashion brand specializing in high-quality, ultra-comfortable sleepwear. With "comfort at its core," EKOUAER combines soft, cozy fabrics with modern designs, catering to diverse lifestyles across seasons. More than just loungewear, EKOUAER embodies a commitment to effortless comfort, sweet dreams, and a better nights restearning global trust and love. New York, NY, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 18, 2025, Aifeex, a global leader in technological innovation, hosted its 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The landmark event brought together leading technology experts, industry pioneers, and global investors to witness Aifeexs visionary approach to artificial intelligence and the ongoing execution of its global AI strategy. During the summit, Ford Cooper, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Aifeex, pointed out that artificial intelligence is at a historic turning pointsimilar to the early days of the electricity revolutionand is set to reshape the global landscape in the years ahead. He said, Now is the best time to seize the AI opportunity and change the course of our future. Aifeexs flagship platform, the Takwin AI System, uses advanced data analysis and prediction tools to provide accurate insights into market trends, helping users stay ahead of the coming market shifts. At the summit, Alex Jensen, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Aifeex, announced that the company is rapidly advancing the deployment of its global operations centers, with the Thailand hub now officially launched and operational. He emphasized that investing in AI not only holds tremendous potential, but also reflects the trajectory of our times. Encouraging attendees to seize the moment and embrace challenges with ambition, he stated, Choose the hard path, and life becomes easier, a remark that drew resounding applause from the audience. The summit showcased Aifeexs exceptional achievements in AI research and development, platform innovation, and community building. It also marked a further consolidation of the companys leadership position in the Asia-Pacific region, while laying a strong foundation for future expansion into Africa, the Middle East, and other emerging markets. As Aifeexs core technological platform, the Takwin System is demonstrating broad application potential within the financial sectordriven by its multi-model synergy, reinforcement learning capabilities, and large-scale scenario simulation. Through this platform, Aifeex is empowering the future of both everyday life and investment. The Bangkok summit marked not only a significant milestone in Aifeexs global expansion strategy, but also a powerful signal of AIs transformative role in shaping the future of society and driving economic change. Aifeex remains steadfast in its mission of Empowering the Future Through Technology and will continue to advance the global adoption and implementation of AIworking collaboratively across industries to usher in a new era of intelligent innovation. Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "China Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Chinese Data Center Market was valued at USD 47.23 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 97.30 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 12.8%. KEY HIGHLIGHTS The number of third-party data center facilities in the China data center market is actively growing. Several provincial governments in China are offering various facilities to establish mega-data centers. Alibaba, Huawei, Baidu, Tencent, China Telecom, JD.com, Bilibili, Chayora, and Kingsoft Cloud are the leading hyperscale data center companies in China. Colocation data center operators in China have witnessed a significant increase in the area used to develop data centers in the country. The construction of mega colocation facilities is strengthened due to the growing demand for digitalization initiatives in the country. With the growing demand for sustainable ways of procuring power, data center facilities in the country have started investing in the procurement of renewable energy sources. Operators in the China data center market are aiming to develop carbon-free data centers to improve sustainability. Along with this, the regulatory environment has also necessitated that companies focus on carbon neutrality in their data center operations. Over the recent years, the government in China has positioned international submarine cables as an important development direction, by releasing national strategies such as One Belt, One Road, Network Power, and Domestic and Foreign Economic Dual Circulation. This has significantly boosted the country's connectivity infrastructure. With the sharp rise in the adoption of technologies such as 5G, industrial internet, cloud computing, and AI, the Chinese data center market has entered a fast growth trajectory. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment area and power capacity. An assessment of the data center investment in China by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Data center investments in the area (thousand square feet) and power capacity (MW) across regions in the country. A detailed study of the existing China data center market landscape, an in-depth market analysis, and insightful predictions about the China data center market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of upcoming third-party data center facilities in China Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 230 Coverage: 20+ cities Upcoming Data Center Location Upcoming Data Center Status Investment opportunities by facility type (value, area, and power capacity): Colocation data centers, Hyperscale data centers, and Enterprise data centers The China data center landscape market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services, with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the market. CHINA DATA CENTER MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, Chayora, GDS Services, Chindata Group, Dr. Peng's Telecom and Media Group, Shanghai Atrium (athub), China International Capital Corporation (CICC), VNET Group, Kehua Data, and Sinnet are some of the top third-party data center operators in the China data center market. Data center companies are incorporating ethical conduct, societal contributions, and environmental responsibility in their operations in the China data center market. Sustainable power and zero-carbon electricity options are resulting in operational improvements and cost savings. The PUE ratios have started to improve due to the adoption of AI-driven software for data center operations. Vendors in the China data center market, specifically the colocation data center service providers, public cloud, enterprises, governments, and other entities, are focusing on the deployment of prefabricated modular data centers. Several data center infrastructure providers in the China data center market, such as Huawei, Delta Electronics, Schneider Electric, and STULZ, are also developing modular data centers amid increasing demand for these solutions. IT Infrastructure Providers Cisco Systems Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dell Technologies Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Wiwynn Lenovo Quanta Cloud Technology (QCT) Pure Storage Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors AECOM ATS Global Aurecon China State Construction Engineering Corporation China Electronics Engineering Design Institute (CEEDI) China Railway Construction Corporation MCC Group Zhejiang Cloud Valley Support Infrastructure Providers ABB AIRSYS Caterpillar Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Fuji Electric HITEC Power Protection Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Shenzhen KSTAR Science and Technology STULZ Vertiv East Hongbao Power Supply (Hossini) Nanjing Jialitu Computer Room Environment Technology Guangdong Shenling Data Center Investors Alibaba Group Chayora China Mobile China International Capital Corporation (CICC) China Telecom China Unicom Chindata Group Baidu GDS Services Hotwon Network Group KEHUA Data (KEHUA Tech) Keppel Data Centres athub Sinnet Tencent Vnet Group BDx Dr. Peng Group Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 143 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $47.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $97.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.8% Regions Covered China REPORT COVERAGE This report analyses the China data center market share. It elaborately analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in facility type, IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, cooling systems, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The segmentation includes: Facility Type Colocation Data Centers Hyperscale Data Centers Enterprise Data Centers IT Infrastructure Server Infrastructure Storage Infrastructure Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgear PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC and CRAH Units Chillers Cooling Towers, Condensers and Dry Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security DCIM Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography East China West China North China South China For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jc31c3 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment LONDON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClickZ Media, formerly Contentive, today unveiled its new brand identity: a strategic rebrand that brings together a portfolio of leading B2B publications under one powerful media network. With titles including Accountancy Age, The CFO, The Global Treasurer, Search Engine Watch, HRD Connect, and its namesake ClickZ, the company delivers trusted, insight-led content to senior professionals who shape decisions across finance, marketing, technology, HR, and the public sector. With more than 585,000 subscribers, 350,000 social media followers, and over 5 million annual website readers, ClickZ Media gives advertisers direct access to influential and highly targeted audiences. The rebrand combines editorial strength and commercial expertise into a streamlined platform designed to deliver real results for media buyers and agencies. "The launch of ClickZ Media is a pivotal step in delivering even greater value to our partners," said George Looker, Commercial Director at ClickZ Media. "By bringing our brands together, were creating a unified platform where visibility meets credibility and where smarter audience insight drives stronger campaign performance." Vale Dalpozzo, Head of Product and Operations, added: "This is more than a new name. Its a fresh way of delivering value. With enhanced first-party data and a deeper understanding of our audiences, were giving media buyers the tools to reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time and to do it with confidence." What ClickZ Media Offers Audience Intelligence Access first-party data from over 5 million annual readers. Understand who your audience is, what they care about, and when theyre ready to act so every campaign is more relevant and effective. Targeted Reach Engage verified, hard-to-reach decision-makers across 12 trusted editorial brands. Reach the people who matter most, with minimal waste. Thought Leadership at Scale Position your brand as a trusted voice through co-created content published across respected channels. Build credibility, shape conversations, and stay top of mind with key stakeholders. Demand Acceleration Move from awareness to action with integrated campaigns that support the full buyer journey. Convert visibility into leads and drive tangible pipeline growth. About ClickZ Media ClickZ Media is a trusted B2B media partner for brand awareness, authority, and action. We help ambitious brands connect with the decision-makers who matter most. With a portfolio of 12 vertical titles and more than 25 years of editorial heritage, our network reaches leaders in finance, marketing, technology, HR, and the public sector. Through data-driven insight and performance-led campaigns, we deliver measurable impact from visibility to pipeline. TALLINN, Estonia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the XRP ecosystem gears up for what could be its most explosive year yet, savvy investors are positioning themselves ahead of the curve and XRPTurbo (XRT) is quickly emerging as a frontrunner in that race. With a growing reputation for speed, scalability, and next-gen utility, XRPTurbo is gaining serious traction as one of the most promising Ripple-linked assets heading into 2025. It's not just another altcoin riding the XRP wave. XRT is engineered for performance and primed for adoption. In tandem with XRPHealthcare (XRPH) and Phoenix (PHNIX), XRPTurbo is drawing significant attention from major XRP holders and crypto analysts alike. These tokens aren't just part of the Ripple ecosystem, they're shaping its future. Heres why XRPTurbo (XRT) is quickly becoming a must-watch asset on every serious investors radar. If youre tracking the XRP ecosystem for the next breakout tokens, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year. Three names in particular, XRPTurbo (XRT) , XRPHealthcare (XRPH), and Phoenix (PHNIX) are grabbing the spotlight and may be gearing up for spectacular price action. Heres why XRP whales and investors are paying close attention. XRPTurbo (XRT): All Gas, No Brakes, First AI & RWA Launchpad on XRPL XRPTurbo is making waves as the first AI Agent & Real World Asset (RWA) launchpad built exclusively for the XRP Ledger. Since its oversubscribed presale (raising over 300,000 XRP from 1,000+ participants in just 30 days!) XRPTurbo has hit every roadmap milestone on schedule, a rare feat in crypto. Utility in Action: $XRT isnt just a governance token; it powers a full suite of DeFi products coming soon to XRP. Users can mint tokens, deploy AI agents, and access the next generation of RWA projects. Where to Buy: $XRT is now trading live on Bitmart (a centralized exchange) and XPmarket (XRP Ledgers native DEX), and the price is already trending above its presale rate. $XRT is already listed on Coingecko , with a CoinMarketCap listing underway, making price tracking easier than ever. Liquid Staking (Live Now): Just hold your XRT in a wallet like Xaman, and youre eligible for a monthly share of 1M XRT rewards, no lockups, no stress. The XRPTurbo team is dropping teasers about upcoming DeFi products, platform demos, and the very first projects launching on the platform. Dont miss the next XRP gem, catch $XRT early on Bitmart or XPmarket . Join the Xrpturbo telegram community to stay updated on the latest announcements. XRPHealthcare (XRPH): Pioneering Global Healthcare on the XRP Ledger XRPHealthcare is breaking new ground as the worlds first healthcare platform on the XRP Ledger, integrating blockchain and AI for a new era of transparency and efficiency. XRPH stands out with: The worlds first crypto-backed prescription savings card AI integration for advanced health data analytics Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to scale real-world use. XRPH is the go-to project for those bullish on utility, real world impact, and the intersection of healthcare and blockchain. XRPHealthcare is planning to go public in the coming days. Phoenix (PHNIX): The Indestructible Mascot of XRPs Comeback Phoenix ($PHNIX) is more than a meme, its the living symbol of XRPs resilience.Created to celebrate XRPs historic ability to rise from adversity, especially after beating the SEC, $PHNIX captures the spirit of the XRP Army. Community driven, unstoppable energy Rises stronger from every challenge, just like XRP itself If youre looking for a narrative driven, community-powered token with meme appeal and real heart, $PHNIX is the one to watch. Final Thoughts: XRPs Ecosystem Is Just Getting Started From turbocharged DeFi to next-gen healthcare and unbreakable community tokens, the XRP Ledger is transforming fast. With XRPTurbo , XRPHealthcare, and Phoenix all gaining momentum, 2025 could deliver the kind of price surges that turn early holders into legends. Ready to ride the next XRP wave? Check out XRPTurbo ($XRT) now. Media Contact: John Rodi contact@xrpturbo.com Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XRPTurbo. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a06ff464-af55-4bc5-8689-5cd137c8bfe6 Dublin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Topical Drugs Contract Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Product Type (Semi-Solid Formulations, Solid Formulations), Scale of Operation (Clinical), End-use (Pharmaceutical Companies), Region, with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Topical Drugs Contract Manufacturing Market was valued at USD 29.25 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 54.55 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 11.05%. Currently, the global market for contract manufacturing of topical drugs is currently experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving therapeutic needs, outsourcing trends, and advancements in technology. Moreover, with the increasing prevalence of dermatological conditions, coupled with a rising geriatric population and a preference for non-invasive drug delivery methods such as creams, gels, ointments, sprays, and transdermal patches has made outsourcing services like Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) essential for optimizing costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing production capabilities. In addition, CMOs offer numerous advantages that support streamline operations, lower in-house manufacturing expenses, and speed up product commercialization, further contributing to market expansion. In addition, with the rising consumer demand for topical drugs, outsourcing has become a strategic priority, particularly for semi-solid and transdermal product lines that require specialized expertise and adaptable infrastructure. Furthermore, cost dynamics play a crucial role in the growth of the market. Based on the pricing analysis, the North America provides high-quality manufacturing that complies with regulatory standards, while the Asia-Pacific's countries like India, China, and South Korea offers more cost-effective production options with growing capabilities. Factors such as lower labor costs, supportive government policies, and a developing infrastructure complaint with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are fueling the market in Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, technological innovations such as continuous manufacturing, nanoencapsulation, advanced homogenization, and 3D printing are improving formulation accuracy, bioavailability, and batch consistency. These advancements support the CMOs to meet complex product demands and meet rising consumer expectations for efficacy and customization. Furthermore, pricing models are evolving with aligning financial results with performance. However, external factors like U.S. tariffs on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients have created cost pressures in the supply chain, particularly impacting exporters. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to witness growth during the forecast period. Likewise, strategic initiatives and accelerating product launches drive the market. For instance, in July 2024, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. announced the release of ZORYVE cream 0.15% for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in both adults and children under 6 in the U.S. This new cream, which is applied once daily and contains no steroids, provides quick relief from symptoms and reduces itching, allowing for better long-term management of the condition. Such innovations are expected to further propel the market during the forecast period. Topical Drugs Contract Manufacturing Market Report Highlights The semi-solid formulations segment dominated the market, with a share of 65.54% in 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of skin diseases, patient preferences for targeted therapies, the convenience of semi-solid formulations, and the demand for improved drug absorption, stability, and aesthetic appeal within both therapeutic and cosmetic sectors. Based on the scale of operation, the commercial segment held the largest market share in 2024, attributed to the growing trend toward outsourcing, increased demand for dermatological and transdermal therapies, regulatory compliance, increased cost efficiency, and the rising complexity of formulations that require specialized manufacturing expertise. The pharmaceutical companies segment held the largest market share in 2024 based on end-use. These companies leverage CMO services due to increasing demand for non-invasive therapies, treatments for chronic skin conditions, improved patient compliance, and opportunities within cosmetic dermatology and advanced transdermal drug delivery systems. North America is expected to register a growth rate of 10.37% CAGR over the forecast period due to the rising number of contract manufacturing organizations(CMOs) in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the availability of a skilled workforce and regulatory scenarios are expected to significantly contribute to the market's expansion in this region. Why Should You Buy This Report? Comprehensive Market Analysis: Gain detailed insights into the market across major regions and segments. Competitive Landscape: Explore the market presence of key players. Future Trends: Discover the pivotal trends and drivers shaping the future of the market. Actionable Recommendations: Utilize insights to uncover new revenue streams and guide strategic business decisions. This report addresses: Market intelligence to enable effective decision-making Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030 Growth opportunities and trend analyses Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment Competition strategy and market share analysis Product innovation listings for you to stay ahead of the curve Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 120 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $29.25 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $54.55 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11% Regions Covered Global The companies profiled in this Topical Drugs Contract Manufacturing market report include: MedPharm DPT Laboratories Ltd. Cambrex Corporation Kindeva Drug Delivery AbbVie Contract Manufacturing NextPharma Catalent Pharma Solutions Thermo Fisher Scientific Lonza Group The Lubrizol Corporation SGS SA Bora Pharmaceutical CDMO For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/chpyg2 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Golden Valley, Minnesota, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bartlett, a Savage company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Ceres Global Ag Corp. Based out of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Ceres is an international agricultural, energy and industrial products merchandising and supply chain company with 10 locations in Minnesota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The company also owns membership interests in three agricultural joint ventures in Minnesota and North Dakota. Were excited to welcome the Ceres team to Bartlett, said President and CEO of Savage Jeff Roberts. We see incredible potential in combining our networks and growing in new ways with the resources that Ceres brings to our portfolio. With their great team and assets, well build on our robust supply chain for our current and new customers alike. Ceres brings a network of assets and new commodities that support Bartletts business strategy. These facilities have an aggregate grain and oilseed storage capacity of approximately 45 million bushels, including joint venture assets. Ceres assets, relationships and values are a natural complement to the Bartlett business, said Bartletts Executive Director Bob Knief. Were thrilled about combining our resources to grow our networks and better serve our customers. Ceres leadership is equally excited for the opportunities this acquisition will bring and the additional value it will provide for their growers, suppliers and customers. Bartletts acquisition of Ceres vindicates the strategy we set out to achieve 12 years ago, which is to build the company into one of North Americas leading merchandisers of durum, oats, spring wheat and canola, said Chairman of Ceres Jim Vanasek. I believe Bartlett is a perfect fit in terms of geography, business lines and culture, and will take Ceres to the next level. I wholeheartedly support this transaction. The acquisition is subject to court, shareholder and regulatory approval, in addition to customary closing conditions. Shareholders representing [70]% of Ceres outstanding shares, including VN Capital Management, LLC, have entered into irrevocable hard voting and support agreements in favor of the acquisition. About Bartlett Established in 1907, Bartlett joined the Savage family of companies in 2018. Its diverse agribusiness is focused on the acquisition, storage, transportation, processing and merchandising of grain. The company is a leading U.S. exporter of grain to Mexico. Bartlett produces a broad range of flour to meet its customers needs and plays an important and growing role in the food and renewable fuel sector with its soybean processing capability. About Savage Established in 1946, Savage is a private company based in Midvale, Utah, that owns and operates three businesses: Savage Infrastructure, Bartlett and Texon. With more than 4,200 team members in nearly 200 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, our companies are integral to the global supply chain, helping our customers and partners feed the world and power our lives. Las Vegas, Nevada, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Roller Technologies (High Roller and the Company) (NYSE: ROLR), operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta , today announced the appointment of Adam Felman as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, replacing Matt Teinert. Matt Teinert has served as CFO since May 2023 and was instrumental in the process of bringing High Roller through its initial public offering and successful listing on the NYSE, commented Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller. Were pleased to welcome Adam Felman to our team, said Clemes. Adam brings strong experience and subject-matter expertise in gaming and public markets, both of which will be instrumental to our company as we enter an exciting new chapter. Prior to joining High Roller, Mr. Felman, served as Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of Digital Gaming Corporation, a leading online gaming company and B2B supplier, until the sale of the companys B2B assets to Games Global in 2024. In 2023, Mr. Felman transitioned from private to public market operations following the sale of Digital Gaming Corporation to Super Group (SGHC). From 2013 to 2017, Felman, a Chartered Accountant (ACA), was in practice at Hazlems Fenton LLP. Felman received Joint Honors in Mathematics and Business from Aston University in 2013. Im thrilled to join High Roller and its tremendous leadership team, said Felman. Im excited about the companys strategic vision and growth potential, and I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition as the company continues to build. About High Roller Technologies, Inc. High Roller Technologies, Inc. is a leading global online gaming operator known for its innovative casino brands, High Roller and Fruta , listed under the ticker ROLR on the NYSE. The Company delivers a cutting-edge real-money online casino platform that is intuitive and user-friendly. With a diverse portfolio of over 5,000 premium games from more than 90 leading game providers, High Roller Technologies serves a global customer base, offering an immersive and engaging gaming experience in the rapidly expanding multi-billion iGaming industry. The online casino features enhanced search engine optimization, machine learning, seamless direct API integrations, faster load times, and superior scalability. As an award-winning operator, High Roller Technologies continues to redefine the future of online gaming through innovation, performance, and a commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit the High Roller Technologies, Inc. investor relations website , X , Facebook , and LinkedIn pages. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include as discussed throughout Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and throughout Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Contact ir@highroller.com 800-460-1039 CINCINNATI, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus), a leading independent provider of full-service, technology-enhanced fund administration, accounting, and investor solutions, is proud to announce that ProShares, a premier provider of ETFs and mutual funds, selected Ultimus as the fund administrator for 116 mutual funds offered by its affiliate, ProFunds. By securing this strategic and substantial partnership, Ultimus demonstrates its commitment to delivering operational excellence and leveraging best-in-class technology for firms with large and complex fund portfolios. ProShares and its affiliates manage over $80 billion in assets and are widely recognized for offering some of the most innovative funds in the financial industry, including being the worlds largest provider of leveraged and inverse funds.1 Ultimus will provide the mutual fund complex with a full suite of administration solutions, including fund accounting, financial reporting, tax and compliance services. Notably, Ultimus collaboration will include providing specialized legal administration and regulatory services across both mutual fund and ETF offerings, totaling over 250 funds. With this partnership, ProShares benefits from Ultimus uSUITE advanced technology platform and its proven ability to support complex fund structuresincluding leveraged and inverse funds, as well as derivatives and swaps. With its experienced team of service professionals and multi-faceted project management, Ultimus facilitated a seamless full-service conversion of all 116 mutual funds. "We are pleased to have Ultimus supporting our diverse product lineup. This collaboration strengthens our longstanding commitment to offering innovative investment opportunities," said Alex Depetris, Managing Director of Operations and Technology at ProShares. "ProShares decision to partner with Ultimus further validates our strength as a trusted provider for large scale fund complexes," said Gary Tenkman, CEO at Ultimus Fund Solutions. "Their extensive lineup leverages our sophisticated technology and dedicated expertise, which are hallmarks of the Ultimus service model, and we are excited to support their innovative offerings through our scalable enterprise solutions." About Ultimus Ultimus Fund Solutions (Ultimus) is a leading provider of full-service tech-enhanced fund administration, accounting, middle office, and investor solutions to support the servicing of registered funds, alternative investment funds, such as interval and tender offer funds, private funds, and public plans. The company also offers customized structures designed for the unique needs of pensions, endowments, foundations, and other large institutions. Ultimus service offering comes with a deep commitment to excellence, achieved through continuous investments in both talent and technology, and focused on providing a consultative approach and boutique service levels. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with offices in other major cities such as New York, Denver, Philadelphia, Columbus, and Omaha, Ultimus employs more than 1,100 seasoned accountants, attorneys, paralegals, application developers, fund administrators, compliance specialists, and many others with years of experience in the financial services industry. Servicing over 2,100 total traditional and alternative funds, Ultimus helps investment managers and fund families flourish in todays increasingly sophisticated and dynamic investment landscape. For more information, visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com. 1 Source: Morningstar, as of Apr 30, 2025 COD00000760 5/15/2025 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. (Pender) is pleased to announce that Greg Taylor, CFA, has joined Pender as our Chief Investment Officer effective today. Greg brings over two decades of investment experience to Pender. Since 2017, he has served as CIO and Portfolio Manager at a Toronto-based asset management firm. Prior to that Greg was a Senior Portfolio Manager at LOGiQ Asset Management, a position he also held at Front Street Capital. He started his career at Aurion Capital in 1999 where he managed pension and mutual fund assets. During his tenure at his previous firm, Greg played a key role in growing assets under management from $3 billion to over $24 billion. Greg was drawn to Penders investment-led culture and looks forward to collaborating with our growing investment team across our multi-asset class platform to drive better-than-beta returns for clients. Gregs primary responsibilities will include leading the investment team, managing portfolios, and overseeing investment risk management. David Barr, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Pender said, We are excited to welcome Greg to the team. His deep investment expertise and leadership will enhance our investment capabilities as we continue to grow. His passion for investing aligns perfectly with our firms philosophy and long-term vision. Greg commented, I am delighted to be joining Pender at such a dynamic point in its evolution. The next few years are going to be an exciting time for active management, and I think Pender is very well positioned to thrive in this environment. In conjunction with Gregs appointment, Pender will become the sub-advisor of the Purpose Select Equity Fund (the Fund), which Greg has managed since its inception in February 2006. This change will take effect on or about May 20, 2025. There will be no changes to the Funds investment objectives or strategies. Felix Narhi was Penders CIO from April 2016 (as Co-CIO until April 2017) for over eight years during which time Pender grew assets from approximately $400 million to $3 billion and was recognised with multiple industry awards. In June 2024 he stepped back from the position to return to focusing on his favourite pastime, investing. This dedication to deep research and uncovering new best ideas will benefit Penders equity portfolios in the years to come. About PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. Pender was founded in 2003 and is an independent, employee-owned investment firm located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our goal is to protect and grow wealth for our investors over time. We have a talented investment team of expert analysts, security selectors and independent thinkers who actively manage a suite of differentiated investment funds, exploiting inefficient parts of the investing universe to achieve our goal. Please visit www.penderfund.com. Please read important disclosures at www.penderfund.com/disclaimer. For further information, please contact: Melanie Moore Vice President of Marketing, PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. mmoore@penderfund.com (604) 688-1511 Toll Free: (866) 377-4743 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as expect or proposed and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the manager at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. ARMADA, Mich., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The flavor-makers at Americas fastest growing cidery Blakes Hard Cider and neighboring Michigan-based workwear brand, Carhartt , are teaming up this summer to celebrate agriculture and reduce food waste in support of The Farmlink Project . A new, limited edition 6-pack and 19.2 tall boy can of Blakes American Apple x Carhartt 8% ABV Imperial Hard Cider is now available nationwide all summer and fall. Find the co-branded packaging at your favorite grocery and retail stores across 36 states or try it on tap at select bars and restaurants. As America's leading independent cider producer, Blakes Hard Cider is always made with 100% real fruit and American-grown apples. A perfect complement to Carhartts commitment to quality workwear and firm roots in hard work and farming heritage, Blakes authentic, farm-based beverages are founded on a 1,300-acre orchard in Southeast Michigan and almost 80 years of Blakes family generational farming. We are celebrating our farmers because theyre the backbone of America, and also because they are our friends, co-workers and family, said Blakes Beverage Company Founder and CEO Andrew Blake. Carhartt and Blakes both work every day to celebrate the hard-working people who provide for us, and this collaboration is one special way to share that pride with all the people we celebrate. Every can of American Apple x Carhartt raises awareness for The Farmlink Project and its mission to combat food waste and food insecurity. The nonprofit connects farmers to communities, delivering millions of pounds of farm fresh produce that would otherwise be wasted to feed families in need. Were proud to once again partner with our friends at Blakes to raise awareness for hardworking farmers and their communities, said Todd Corley, Chief People and Impact Officer at Carhartt. Through the American Apple collaboration, we will donate $200,000 to our partners at The Farmlink Project to support their important mission to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste. Beginning with a unique blend of apple varietals, American Apple x Carhartt delivers balanced sweetness and contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. The result of using real fruit is a pure, uncompromised taste. Find American Apple x Carhartt near you using the Cider Finder or shop the American Apple collection at blakeshardcider.com . ABOUT BLAKES HARD CIDER Founded in 2013, Blakes Hard Cider is an independent, family-owned craft cidery. Located in Armada, Mich., on Blake's Orchard and Cider Mills 1,300-acre orchard, Blakes Hard Cider is rooted in almost 80 years of generational farming. Led by a focus on fresh pressed apples and fruit-forward flavor innovation, Blakes challenges the status quo of cider with bold, unique flavors. With distribution nationwide, Blakes Hard Cider is a top 10 cider brand in the U.S. and the top-selling cider in Michigan. Visit us in Michigan or online at blakeshardcider.com . ABOUT CARHARTT Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company's founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d3d0807-1bed-4ef5-ba2b-ae7e3a90a111 Austin, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialty Medical Chairs Market Size & Growth Analysis: According to SNS Insider, The Specialty Medical Chairs Market was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2023, is expected to rise significantly to USD 8.47 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.04% over the next years, 2024 to 2032. An aging global population, rising incidence of chronic diseases, and more focus on enhancing patient comfort and care across different healthcare environments all help to drive this steady rise. For patients receiving treatments or long-term care, specialty medical chairs ranging from examination to rehabilitation and bariatric chairs are vital in guaranteeing mobility, safety, and comfort. Further driving the need are improvements in healthcare infrastructure as well as growing knowledge of ergonomics and improved patient support. The trend toward outpatient treatment, minimally invasive surgeries, and home healthcare solutions also helps to sustain the growth in the market. Get a Sample Report of Specialty Medical Chairs Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/6567 U.S. Specialty Medical Chairs Market Forecasted to reach USD 2.99 billion by 2032, the USD 1.64 billion in 2023 shows a notable growth with a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period. In 2023, the United States will have a sizable portion of the world market. The rising frequency of obesity and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, helps to explain this development. Furthermore, encouraging healthcare facilities and home users to invest in innovative seating solutions are Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for durable medical equipment (DME), including therapeutic chairs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that national healthcare spending will rise at an average rate of 5.1% yearly, thereby providing lots of chances for market growth. Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Danaher Corporation (KaVo ESTETICA E70, KaVo PHYSIO 500 Dental Chair) A-dec Inc. (A-dec 500 Dental Chair, A-dec 300 Delivery System) DentalEZ, Inc. (J/V-Generation Chair, NuSimplicity Chair) Midmark Corporation (Midmark 641 Barrier-Free Chair, Midmark 647 Procedure Chair) Hill Laboratories Company (Hill HA90 Power Chair, Hill HA90PT Tilt Table) Topcon Corporation (OC-2400 Ophthalmic Chair, IS-1D Instrument Stand) Dentsply Sirona (Intego Treatment Center, Sinius Treatment Center) PLANMECA OY (Planmeca Sovereign Classic, Planmeca Compact i5) Chattanooga Group (DJO Global) (Hydrocollator Table, ADP 400 Traction Table) ActiveAid Inc. (ActiveAid 922 Shower Chair, ActiveAid 285 Rehab Shower Commode Chair) Fresenius Medical Care (5008S CorDiax Dialysis Chair, FMC Dialysis Recliner) Winco Mfg., LLC (Winco 6530 Blood Drawing Chair, Winco 6700 Series Dialysis Recliner) REXMED Industries Co., Ltd. (RMS-3320 ENT Chair, RMS-3200 Gynae Chair) UMF Medical (UMF 4010 Exam Chair, UMF 4070 Procedure Chair) Hausted Patient Handling Systems (Hausted Horizon Eye Surgery Chair, Hausted Surgi-Stretcher) Marco Ophthalmic, Inc. (Marco E-Z Tilt Exam Chair, Marco Encore Chair) Takagi Seiko Co., Ltd. (ST-20 Ophthalmic Chair, ST-26 Instrument Stand) Medical Positioning, Inc. (EchoOne Ultrasound Table, VascPro Vascular Table) Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. (Biodex Multi-Purpose Chair, Biodex Ultra Pro Ultrasound Table) Oakworks Medical (CFPM100 Imaging Table, PT400 Physical Therapy Table) Specialty Medical Chairs Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 4.6 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 8.47 billion CAGR CAGR of 7.04% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East]), Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America) Key Growth Drivers Increasing demand for advanced mobility solutions in chronic disease care and elderly patient support boosts the adoption of specialty medical chairs globally. Segmentation Analysis By Product Comprising about 39% of the whole market share, the rehabilitation chairs sector became the leader in 2023. Physical therapy and post-operative recovery depend on these chairs since they give patients customizable, ergonomic support for optimal healing. Features of rehabilitation chairs help therapists and patients during mobility training, hydrotherapy, and neuromuscular recovery sessions, including motorized positioning, elevation adjustment, and padded supports. The growing occurrence of age-related mobility problems in orthopedic and geriatric departments fuels especially strong demand in such areas. The WHO estimates that over 1.7 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal diseases, hence, the need for these specialized chairs is projected to grow as these problems keep increasing worldwide. Furthermore, helping to increase acceptance are government projects concentrated on senior care facilities and rehabilitation institutes. By End-Use With the highest share in 2023, the hospital sector dominated the Specialty Medical Chairs Market. Specialty chairs are mostly bought by hospitals for use in departments including emergency care, orthopedics, dialysis, and outpatient surgery. Rising admission rates and government investments in public healthcare systems, along with the growing focus on patient-centered treatment, are driving hospitals to update their medical furnishings to better patient experience and outcomes. Furthermore, driving the usage of flexible specialized chairs that support post-operative monitoring and rehabilitation is the worldwide surge in surgical operations and demand for fast recovery settings. Moreover, specialist chairs help to more efficient monitoring in day-care environments since health systems are under pressure to reduce in-patient stays. Buy a Single-User PDF of Specialty Medical Chairs Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/6567 Regional Analysis With 45% of the global revenue share, North America region held the highest proportion of the Specialty Medical Chairs Market in 2023. The growing elderly population, improved healthcare infrastructure, and sensible reimbursement regulations help to explain this predominance. Strong manufacturer presence, consistent investment in hospital infrastructure, and more patient disposable income, seeking premium ergonomic solutions, helps the area. With nations such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom spending on healthcare modernization, Europe follows North America in market share. Driven by rising healthcare costs, fast hospital construction, and aging populations in nations including Japan, China, and India, Asia Pacific is expected to have the greatest CAGR as well. Modern Advancements Aimed at enhancing therapeutic results in ambulatory environments, Stryker Corporation unveiled a new generation of surgical chairs in May 2024 with AI-assisted motion sensors for patient placement. Designed for chronic care patients, Invacare Corporation broadened its product line in March 2024 to include power-lift chairs with integrated vital monitoring instruments. Specialty Medical Chairs Market Segmentation By Product Examination Chairs Birthing chairs Cardiac chairs Blood drawing chairs Dialysis chairs Mammography chairs Rehabilitation Chairs Paediatric chairs Bariatric chairs Geriatric chairs Others Treatment Chairs Ophthalmic chairs ENT Chairs Dental chairs Others By End-use Hospitals Clinics Others Need Any Customization Research on Specialty Medical Chairs Market, Enquire Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/6567 Table of Contents Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 5.1 Incidence and Prevalence of Targeted Medical Conditions (2023) 5.2 Healthcare Spending on Durable Medical Equipment (DME), including Specialty Chairs (2023) 5.3 Patient Demographics and User Profiles (2023) 5.4 Technological Features and Customization Trends (2023) 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Specialty Medical Chairs Market by Product 8. Specialty Medical Chairs Market by End-use 9. Regional Analysis 10. Company Profiles 11. Use Cases and Best Practices 12. Conclusion Related Reports Podiatry Chairs Market Report Transport Chairs Market Report Bariatric Medical Chairs Market Report Hospital Furniture Market Report Physiotherapy Equipment Market Size About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. SINGAPORE, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is leading the charge in a unique dual celebration on May 22, as Bitcoin Pizza Day coincides with the Trump Dinner. This moment, where history meets the present, is drawing global attention. In celebration of this special occasion, HTX has proudly partnered with diamond sponsors JUST Protocol, SunPump, APENFT, BitTorrent, and WINkLink, alongside platinum sponsors Levva and ChainGPT, to launch a series of Pizza Day-themed promotions across multiple business lines, including Spot, Futures, Earn, and Community, boasting a total prize pool of nearly 1 million USDT. Whether you're a new or existing HTX user, you'll discover exclusive opportunities and exciting benefits throughout these events. Event 1: HTX Pizza Day Celebration: 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts with Seven Project Partners Get ready for Pizza Fest! From May 13 to May 26, HTX is joining forces with seven esteemed partner projectsSunPump, APENFT, JUST Protocol, WINkLink, BitTorrent, Steem, and MEVerseto deliver a 14-day Pizza Day Celebration packed with over 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts. During the event, users can claim daily gifts on the HTX App, distributed at 02:00 (UTC) daily. On May 22 at 12:00 (UTC), Bitcoin Pizza Day, HTX will drop even more Surprise Gifts featuring bigger rewards, distributed in the form of tokens, Cashback Vouchers, Futures Trial Bonuses, Margin Interest Vouchers, and APY Booster Coupons. * View details: https://www.htx.com/support/105001328825783?invite_code=rdmu6223&inviter_id=11353960 Event 2: Join the Pizza Day Celebration to Discover Four Amazing Benefits and Grab Your Share of $200,000 From May 20 at 10:00 (UTC) to May 25 at 10:00 (UTC), HTX invites both new and existing users to join the four-tiered rewards event and share a total prize pool of up to $200,000. See below for details: 1. New users who sign up and complete any spot, futures, or margin trade during the event will receive a welcome package that includes a 20 DOGE airdrop, APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn, and Margin Interest Vouchers. 2. Users will receive 15 USDT for their first successful referral. By inviting more friends, theyll unlock Mystery Boxes worth up to 1,500 USDT each, containing popular cryptos like $BTC, $TRUMP, and $HTX. Additionally, they can earn up to another 1,500 USDT when their invitees reach the trading volume target. 3. Eligible returning users who complete spot trading on HTX will have a chance to win BTC in a lucky draw. Additionally, after funding their USDT-M Futures account, they can earn APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn. 4. Users who trade designated cryptos in spot or futures, or create spot grid trading strategies, will have a chance to share $30,000 in $HTX. * View details: https://www.htx.com.co/en-us/mars/activity-center?callId=174728142724462 Event 3: Take the BTC Pizza Day Quiz at HTX Square and Win Your Share of 200 USDT From May 16 at 02:00 (UTC) to May 23 at 15:59 (UTC), HTX Square is launching a quiz challenge where users can win rewards. Participants who follow HTX Square in the HTX Community and answer all the quiz questions correctly will have the opportunity to share the 200 USDT prize pool. * View details: https://square.htx.com/btc-pizza-day-celebration-take-the-quiz-win-rewards-2/ Event 4: HTX Earn Bonanza for BTC Pizza Day: Enjoy Up to 10% APY on Popular Assets Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the HTX Earn Bonanza from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 19 to 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX is launching this special campaign featuring Earn products for both new and existing users. First-time subscribers at HTX Earn can enjoy New User Exclusive products with 100% APY. All users can subscribe to Fixed, Flexible, and Shark Fin products with 14 designated cryptocurrencies, including USDT, and earn up to 10% APY on HTX Earn. Additionally, participants who meet the net subscription increase requirement will each receive a 5% APY Booster Coupon for the USDT Flexible product. * View details: https://www.htx.com.ec/en-us/support/95001601423089 Event 5: HTX Affiliates Pizza Day Special: Team Up & Trade with Your Invitees to Win a Full Case of Kweichow Moutai Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the limited-time HTX Affiliates Special Event, running from 10:00 (UTC) on May 20 to 10:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX Affiliates can refer friends to sign up using an exclusive invitation link or code and form a trading team with invitees. Once the team reaches the required trading volume, rewards will be unlocked. The top prize is a 6-bottle case of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy. * View details: https://www.htx.com.de/en-us/support/35001621553884 Event 6: HTX Convert Contest Now Live with 10,000 USDT Up for Grabs Don't miss the HTX Convert Contest! It runs from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 14 to 15:59:59 (UTC) on May 31. Trade designated cryptos on HTX Convert and reach a total trading volume of 500 USDT during the event to qualify for a share of the 5,000 USDT prize pool, with the top individual reward of up to 1,000 USDT. Complete 10 or more trades to unlock an additional prize pool the more trades made, the bigger the share. Additionally, first-time converters on HTX Convert can also join an exclusive 2,000 USDT prize pool for new users, with up to 20 USDT per person available. * View details: https://www.htx.com.ec/en-us/support/25001446791888 May 22 isn't just about commemorating Bitcoin's first "real-world transaction"; it is also a day for the global crypto community to celebrate the growth of the crypto industry and to share in its rewards. To honor this special day, HTX is launching a multifaceted celebration featuring diverse events that boost user engagement, elevate the festive atmosphere, and fully showcase the platform's dynamic ecosystem. Pizza's on the table and the party's heating up. Join HTX today and experience the biggest crypto event of the year! About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of "Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance," HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide. To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/ , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord . For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia, glo-media@htx-inc.com. Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fc6cf35-38b5-4b16-8b54-5298d501bfe3 BERWYN, Pa., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AscellaHealth, a global partner delivering customizable solutions to support the specialty pharmaceutical industry, is excited to announce its participation in the Self-Insurance Institute of Americas (SIIA) High-Cost Drug Stakeholder Forum, taking place May 2829 in Minneapolis, MN. AscellaHealth leaders Bob Gilkin, RPh, MBA, chief commercial and growth officer and Sabine Enright, PharmD, vice president of integration, Payer Business Unit, will be featured speakers in a session titled "High-Cost Drug Site of Care (SOC) Strategies" on May 29 at 2:15 p.m. CT. The discussion will explore how SOC strategies can serve as a key tool in driving cost control and improving access to high-cost medications. AscellaHealth is proud to support the events mission of equipping payer stakeholders with actionable cost-containment strategies, says Gilkin. With a rising demand for specialty drugs and infusible therapiesdriven by an aging population and increasing chronic conditionsplan sponsors face mounting pressure to balance affordability with accessibility. Our presentation will highlight how shifting infusions to alternative sites of care, like ambulatory infusion centers (AICs) or home settings, can significantly reduce costs while continuing to maintain high-quality patient outcomes. Moderated by Mary Ann Carlisle, chief revenue officer and COO, ELMCRx Solutions, the session will cover: Trends in market growth, drug spend and emerging site-of-care strategies Cost comparisons across infusion centers, home-based infusions and other care delivery models Practical strategies for employers, brokers and TPAs navigating todays complex care landscape AscellaHealths involvement in this forum reinforces our mission to address unmet needs in specialty pharmacy and support stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, concludes Gilkin. To arrange a 1:1 meeting with AscellaHealth during the Stakeholder Forum, contact businessdevelopment@ascellahealth.com. About AscellaHealth LLC AscellaHealth is a global partner that delivers proven end-to-end solutions to both life sciences and healthcare companies to enhance the quality of life for patients with complex, chronic conditions. A dedicated team gets critical healthcare products from manufacturers to patients while ensuring an efficient flow of funds between payers and pharma. For more information on our services and solutions, visit www.AscellaHealth.com. FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device, engineered for heavy-duty performance, delivers a reliable door exit device at nearly half the cost of comparable industry-leading solutions. Designed for high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals, schools, stadiums, and convention centers, the M91P offers a direct replacement solution for existing Von Duprin 98/99 Series deviceswithout compromising on quality, durability, or compatibility. The Brinks Commercial M91P delivers the superior performance that PROs expectwithout the premium price tag, said Greg Gluchowski, CEO of Hampton Products International Corporation, the manufacturer behind Brinks Commercial. This product is a performance-matched replacement that makes premium exit devices more accessible to professionals and property managers. Engineered for High-Performance Security & Seamless Compatibility Designed to meet and exceed industry standards, the M91P is Rim Panic Exit Device Meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards, is UL 305 listed, and ADA compliant making it ideal for heavy-use environments. Key benefits include: Comparable chassis design and performance to the 98/99 Series at nearly half the price. to the 98/99 Series at nearly half the price. Plug-and-play compatibility with 990 Series Outside Pull Trims and 110 Night Latch for select applications. with 990 Series Outside Pull Trims and 110 Night Latch for select applications. Pre-packaged with an SC4 Rim Cylinder (Night Latch) and Pull Trim saving buyers from purchasing these components separately (A $60+ value). saving buyers from purchasing these components separately (A $60+ value). Heavy-duty construction comprised of commercial grade steel and aluminum and a fluid-filled hydraulic dampener for noise reduction and smooth operation. comprised of commercial grade steel and aluminum and a fluid-filled hydraulic dampener for noise reduction and smooth operation. Long-term reliability backed by a 10-year limited warranty. A Game-Changer for Exit Device Procurement The Brinks Commercial M91P Rim Panic Exit Device makes high-end security hardware more accessible by eliminating the need for traditional distributor channels. Initially available through Amazon and Lowes special order, the device will soon expand to additional channels streamlining procurement for contractors, facilities managers, and business owners. About Brinks Commercial Brinks Commercial security solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern commercial spaces. Brinks Commercial security solutions combines advanced technology with user-friendly features across a wide range of door security productsdelivering quality, reliability, and customer-focused innovation. For more information, visit brinkslocks.com/commercial. About Hampton Products International Corporation Hampton Products International Corporation is a leading U.S. provider of both residential and commercial security and door hardware, builder's hardware, cargo management, and portable security products. Founded in 1973, our products are sold in North America under Brinks, Keeper, Universal Hardware, and Wright Products brands. For more information, please visit HamptonProducts.com. Contact Megan Licursi megan@licursi.net 513.404.2545 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Walker Lane Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: WLR; Frnkfurt:Z5MP),(Walker Lane or the Company) is pleased to announce that Kevin Brewer, President and CEO of Walker Lane Resources Ltd. will present and host one-on-one meetings with investors at the Sidoti May Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on May 21-22, 2025. The presentation will be providing an update on opportunities arising from the Companys recent property acquisitions in the Walker Lane Gold Trend in Nevada and its exploration plans for the upcoming 2025 exploration season. The presentation is scheduled for 3:15-3:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on May 21, 2025. Mr. Brewer will also host virtual one-on-ones with investors on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21-22, 2025. To register for the presentation or one-on-ones, visit www.sidoti.com/events. Registration is free and you don't need to be a Sidoti client. About Sidoti Events, LLC (Events) and Sidoti & Company, LLC (Sidoti) In 2023, Sidoti & Company, LLC, Sidoti & Company, LLC (www.sidoti.com) formed an affiliate company, Sidoti Events, LLC in order to focus exclusively on its rapidly growing conference business and to more directly serve the needs of presenters and attendees. The relationship allows Events to draw on the 25 years of experience Sidoti has as a premier provider of independent securities research focused specifically on small and microcap companies and the institutions that invest in their securities, with most of its coverage in the $200 million-$5 billion market cap range. Sidotis coverage universe comprises approximately 160 equities, of which 50 percent participate in the firm's rapidly growing Company Sponsored Research ("CSR") program. Events is a leading provider of corporate access through the eight investor conferences it hosts each year. By virtue of its direct ties to Sidoti, Events benefits from Sidotis small- and microcap-focused nationwide sales force, which has connections with approximately 2,500 institutional relationships in North America. This enables Events to provide multiple forums for meaningful interaction for small and microcap issuers and investors specifically interested in companies in the sector. About Walker Lane Resources Ltd. Walker Lane Resources Ltd. is a growth-stage exploration company focused on the exploration of high-grade gold, silver and polymetallic deposits in the Walker Lane Gold Trend District in Nevada and the Rancheria Silver District in Yukon/B.C. and other property assets in Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company intends to initiate an aggressive exploration program to advance the Tule Canyon (Walker Lane, Nevada) and Amy (Rancheria Silver, B.C.) projects through an aggressive drilling program to resource definition stage in the near future. On behalf of the Board: Kevin Brewer Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director Walker Lane Resources Ltd. For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. Mine Eng. President, CEO and Director Tel: (709) 327 8013 kbrewer80@hotmail.com Suite 1600-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 Cautionary and Forward Looking Statements This press release and related figures, contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words anticipate, plans, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, project, predict, potential, should, believe targeted, can, anticipates, intends, likely, should, could or grammatical variations thereof and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: our strategy and priorities including certain statements included in this presentation are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule Canyon, Cambridge, Silver Mountain, and Shamrock Properties in Nevada (USA), and its properties including Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, the Silver Hart, Blue Heaven and Logjam properties in Yukon and the Bridal Veil property in Newfoundland and Labrador all of which now comprise the mineral property assets of WLR. WLR has assumed other assets of CMC Metals Ltd. including common share holdings of North Bay Resources Inc. (OTC-US: NBRI) and all conditions and agreements pertaining to the sale of the Bishop mill gold processing facility and remain subject to the condition of the option of the Silverknife property with Coeur Mining Inc. (TSX:CDE). These forward-looking statements reflect the Companys current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company and assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. The Company has made various assumptions, including, among others, that: the historical information related to the Companys properties is reliable; the Companys operations are not disrupted or delayed by unusual geological or technical problems; the Company has the ability to explore the Companys properties; the Company will be able to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute its business plan; the Companys current corporate activities will proceed as expected; general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; and budgeted costs and expenditures are and will continue to be accurate. Actual results and developments may differ materially from results and developments discussed in the forward-looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including: public health threats; fluctuations in metals prices, price of consumed commodities and currency markets; future profitability of mining operations; access to personnel; results of exploration and development activities, accuracy of technical information; risks related to ownership of properties; risks related to mining operations; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently anticipated; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; changes in operating expenses; changes in general market and industry conditions; changes in legal or regulatory requirements; other risk factors set out in this presentation; and other risk factors set out in the Companys public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other risks that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Companys control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or benefits to, or effect on, the Company. The information contained in this presentation is derived from management of the Company and otherwise from publicly available information and does not purport to contain all of the information that an investor may desire to have in evaluating the Company. The information has not been independently verified, may prove to be imprecise, and is subject to material updating, revision and further amendment. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this presentation and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person for such information or opinions. The forward-looking statements and information in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, prospective investors should not read forward-looking information as guarantees of future performance or results and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nothing in this presentation is, or should be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the future. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this presentation constitutes future-oriented financial information or financial outlooks within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated market penetration and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. The Companys actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from managements current expectations and, as a result, the Companys revenue and expenses. The Companys financial projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of International Financial Reporting Standards and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by the Companys accountants or auditors. The Companys financial projections represent managements estimates as of the dates indicated thereon. WEST CHESTER, Pa., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A. Duie Pyle (Pyle), a premier 101-year-old, family-owned and operated provider of asset- and non-asset-based supply chain solutions, has been recognized as a Platinum LTL Carrier Award winner by Echo Global Logistics, a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. This marks Pyles seventh Platinum LTL Carrier Award from Echo Global Logistics, reaffirming its role as a top-tier carrier delivering exceptional service, reliability and efficiency. Each year, Echo Global Logistics selects a few strategic LTL carriers for this prestigious award, recognizing those that excel in key performance areas such as quality, communication, invoice accuracy, claims management, customer service, responsiveness, website effectiveness and IT cooperation. Pyles ability to meet these criteria, consistently achieve impressive on-time performance and handle high shipment volumes even in a challenging market, set it apart from the competition in 2024. With more than a century of experience and a people-first culture, Pyles focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction continues to establish it as a leader in the LTL industry. Receiving this recognition from Echo Global Logistics for the seventh time is a direct reflection of our team's consistent hard work and dedication, said John Luciani, COO of LTL Solutions at A. Duie Pyle. We pride ourselves on offering best-in-class LTL service, and were grateful for the strong relationship weve built with Echo and the opportunity to serve their customers with trusted, premier solutions. Pyle has built a reputation as a leader in the LTL industry, offering a broad range of transportation and logistics solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers. By leveraging a comprehensive regional network, innovative technology and a people-first approach, Pyle remains committed to upholding the highest standards in the industry. Pyle is a great example of the type of reliable and trusted carrier Echo has established strong relationships with, said Marty Martin, Sr. Vice President, Sourcing at Echo Global Logistics. Through their many years as an Echo partner, Pyles team has proven to bring the same level of expert services we provide through our committed professionals and advanced transportation technology. For more information on A. Duie Pyle, visit www.aduiepyle.com . About A. Duie Pyle A. Duie Pyle is a premier provider of asset and non-asset-based supply chain solutions offering a full range of integrated transportation and distribution services, including LTL, Contract Dedicated, Warehousing, and Brokerage Solutions. Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Pyle has been family-owned and operated since 1924 and remains committed to its core values of integrity, service first, and empathy. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and supporting the growth and success of its employees, A. Duie Pyle continues to lead the way in the logistics industry. HOUSTON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To mark World Bee Day, Urban Grid proudly announces the launch of its first solar apiary at Crystal Hill Solar in Halifax County, Virginia. This initiative expands the companys growing agrivoltaics program, bringing together clean energy production, pollinator health and regenerative land management on one site. The apiaryhome to ten hives and a half million beesis expected to yield more than 400 pounds of honey annually. With lamb already produced through on-site grazing, the addition of honey expands Crystal Hill Solars role as a source of nourishment for the community. The honey will be shared with local food banks, schools and faith-based organizations, further connecting solar infrastructure to local food systems. This is the ripple effect of American made energywhen we use the land well, solar can strengthen the local economy, support farmers and deliver real benefits to the communities were part of, said Val Newcomb, Vice President of Economic and Community Development at Urban Grid. For more than a year, weve been grazing sheep on this facility to manage vegetation in a way that supports soil health and agricultural viability. While Crystal Hill Solar quietly delivers much-needed power to the Commonwealth, local farmers there have been raising grass-fed lamb and helping to build a new sheep economy in southern Virginia. Honey production adds another layer of agricultural value to this site, deepening our connection to the land and community. Developed in partnership with Siller Pollinator Company, the apiary will serve as a living laboratory. Together, Urban Grid and Sillers founding farmer Allison Wickham are launching a multi-year study of pollinator activity and plant diversity on solar land. The program includes vegetation monitoring, soil sampling and honey analysis to understand how pollinators interact with the solar environmentand what that means for the surrounding ecosystem. Were not just placing hives on a solar sitewere farming this land, said Wickham. Well be analyzing pollen to identify what species bees are foraging, measuring vegetation changes over time and comparing site conditions near and far from the hives. This kind of research can help shape smarter, more sustainable solar land use across the country and provide greater opportunities to a wider range of farmers and land managers. To celebrate World Bee Day, we are honored to start a honeybee husbandry program with Urban Grid that will serve as an operational and scientific model for honey-production based land management in this and future agrivoltaics sites. We look forward to sharing data on the resulting food production from this project. Next, Wickham will plant a 3-acre rotational crop pilot within the array closest to the hives, enabling Urban Grid to study ways in which additional farming options can be introduced on its facilities. This pilot gives us the chance to research pollinator impacts on the local community, said Jeff Hudson, Vice President of Asset Management at Urban Grid. By installing the hives on the edge of the project we can study the impacts across a significant portion of the land, which allows us to measure pollination benefits for local farmland. In the end, improving vegetation while producing energy is the goalthis is a business, and these innovations help us operate smarter while creating shared value for the communities were in. Honey samples from Crystal Hill will contribute to the growing body of data from agrivoltaics sites and guide practical land management strategies, helping Urban Grid better understand how pollinators interact with solar-managed landscapes. These insights will shape habitat design, vegetation planning and ecological performance across the companys portfolio, as Urban Grid works to expand this modelintegrating beekeeping and grazing practices into future projects to holistically restore habitat, support local agriculture and uphold its commitment to being responsible land stewards. About Urban Grid Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to develop, own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the worlds largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets. Learn more: www.urbangridsolar.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04f677a9-a405-4d63-9386-c7ab191a47e1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f027fac-f048-49c2-9a7e-762302011dbf Louisville, Kentucky, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Founded by Rev. Brandon J. Addison in 2020, Addison Ministries has been advancing the Kingdom of God through community-centric initiatives for five years. For Addison Ministries, this is more than a milestone; its a celebration of hope, freedom, and service. As it prepares for another half-decade of impact, the founder remains excited about the future while reflecting on an inspirational journey, from a personal struggle to a personal mission, and from preaching from his garage to national reach. Addison Ministries At Addison Ministries, faithful confidence uplifts individuals to become faithfully confident and confidently faithful. As the need for love- and hope-driven initiatives grew, so did the ministry, today offering the HopeBoyz podcast, Gods Grill homeless outreach program, and The Kingdom Advancement church. To touch the hearts of the community in more ways, Rev. Addison also penned Tell Your Truth: becoming vulnerable enough to change, a powerful story of human nature, inevitable falls, and second chances. For Rev. Addison, the mission behind Addison Ministries is personal. He was born into a family of preachers. With a great-grandfather who was a minister, a grandfather and two uncles who are pastors (one of whom is a founding pastor), and an aunt who is a minister, Rev. Addison was raised to live by faith and prayer. As a fourth-generation minister, third-generation pastor, and second-generation founding pastor, he carved his own path as a first-generation street preacher. However, it wasnt until Rev. Addison invited darkness into his own soul that he found purpose. His journey before Addison Ministries was shaped by self-destruction. From substance abuse to rehab to recovery, he took one too many chances, ultimately clouding his happiness. What motivated him to change? His car got stolen, he lost a job, his apartment was in jeopardy, and he didnt know what to do. Rev. Addison turned to God, finding solace at a local church. There, under the Director of Securitys wing, he found a sense of family away from family. Being there was what I needed to grow into my own rights, he says. Until I found a new job, I was putting everything I had in me into the church, trusting that God would illuminate my way forward. Rev. Addison found the light quickly. But he realized that his mission didnt end there; it was to guide others who were lost. For me, leaning on God was the natural step. But not everyone has a foundation built by generations of pastors and ministers to know where to seek help, he adds. From that realization, Addison Ministries was born. It felt like a calling, he says. Reaching young people to prevent them from going down that road or, if they have already, to show them that there is a better place waiting. Soon after, he started preaching at his uncles church, at the same time obtaining higher education. After his major in Religion, Rev. Addison did his initial sermon in March 2018, was licensed in May 2019, and was called to plant The Kingdom Advancement Cathedral of worship on July 5th, 2020. Founded amidst the pandemic, the church, the first Addison Ministries project, started in Rev. Addisons living room with only seven people. The rapid growth required more space. He moved to his garage, then into a large rented space, and the rest is history. Because of his intimate understanding of inner darkness, Rev. Addison doesnt speak only from a religious standpoint. He speaks from experience, through the lens of someone whos been there, fallen to the bottom, and come out on the other side. Therefore, The Kingdom Advancement, while welcoming to all, is particularly passionate about providing hope to young men. This passion found an outlet when HopeBoyz came to life. With a tagline No Longer Serving Dope, Now We Serving Hope, the podcast aims to empower youth through unfiltered conversations, raw emotions, and real stories of real people. In a true full-circle moment, the podcast is now recorded in the same garage where The Advancement Kingdom took its first steps. Addison Ministries is enriched through Gods Grill, a for-profit wing that gives back as a nonprofit to people experiencing homelessness. By feeding and clothing those in need, the organization transforms lives from the ground up, offering them basic human needs that many take for granted: food, support, and dignity. However, Gods Grill has recently encountered trouble when its grill, a professional equipment that could feed tens of people, was stolen. Addison Ministries is actively seeking funding to resume operations and continue curbing suffering with human care. Gods Grill As Addison Ministries looks forward to a hopeful future, its founder reflects: The ultimate mission is advancing the Kingdom of God in any space of oppression. Through the act of praise and worship, healing, deliverance, or exegetical teaching, you can feel what it really means to be the hands and feet of Christ. Seeing the impact of Addison Ministries has been rewarding and humbling. It instilled in me a different level of appreciation for the upbringing God gave me. I want to be able to help other parents give the same to their children, and then they can carry that forward. At its core, its all about living life with people, united by Gods love. And Im grateful that God allows me to spread this message every day. Media Contact Name: Stephon Camp Email: info@addisonministriesinc.com Combined Shareholders Meeting and Board of Directors of Societe BIC of May 20th, 2025 Nomination of Edouard Bich as Director and Non-Executive Chair of the Board Renewal of Gonzalve Bich as Director and Chief Executive Officer Nomination of Esther Gaide as Lead Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee Distribution of ordinary dividend of 3,08 euros per share Clichy, France, May 20th, 2025 The Combined Shareholders Meeting of Societe BIC was held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, at the Cloud Business Center in Paris and was broadcast in live. A replay of the event, as well as the presentations, are available on the BIC website. It was chaired by Candace Matthews, Chair of the Nominations, Governance and CSR Committee, in the presence of Gonzalve Bich, Chief Executive Officer. All resolutions were adopted by the Combined Shareholders Meeting, including: the approval of the statutory accounts and consolidated accounts for the fiscal year 2024; the payment of an ordinary dividend of 3.08 per share; the renewal of the mandate of Gonzalve Bich as Director; the nomination of Edouard Bich as Director; the nomination of Esther Gaide as Independent Director; the remuneration of the Corporate Officers for the fiscal year 2024; the remuneration policy for the Corporate Officers for the fiscal year 2025; the authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to trade in the Company's shares (repurchase and cancellation of shares); the delegation of authority to be granted to the Board of Directors to carry out a share capital increase reserved for participants in a company stock ownership plan, with cancellation of preferential subscription rights; the delegation of authority to be granted to the Board of Directors to carry out a share capital increase to remunerate in kind contributions, with cancellation of preferential subscription rights; and the various amendments to the Articles of Association submitted to the vote. The Board of Directors meeting following the Combined Shareholders Meeting appointed Edouard Bich as Non-Executive Chair of the Board and renewed Gonzalve Bich's term of office as Chief Executive Officer. The Board also welcomed Marie-Edmee Vallery-Radot, appointed as permanent representative of Societe M.B.D. on the Board of Directors. Finally, the Board of Directors appointed Esther Gaide as Lead Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee. Following the appointment of Edouard Bich as Chair of the Board, both the CEO and the Chair are considered as non-independent under French corporate governance guidelines. In light of the Bich familys recent announcement of its intention to hold 6 out of the 10 Board seats (excluding Directors representing the employees), the Board has decided to appoint a Lead Independent Director. This appointment will strengthen Societe BICs governance structure by preventing any potential conflicts of interest, and preserving the interests of minority shareholders, complying with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code. Edouard Bich Non-Executive Chair Managing Director of Societe M.B.D., permanent representative in Societe BICs Board of Directors and Audit Committee since 2006 Worked in the Finance Department of Procter and Gamble in France for 8 years Formerly manager of Platypus Capital SPRL in Belgium and member of the Supervisory Committee of Stockage Plus SAS France Gonzalve Bich Director and CEO Director and CEO of Societe BIC since May 2018 Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer from June 2016 to May 2018 Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the Group Consumer Products business, Human Resources and Information Technology from January 2017 to May 2018 Joined BIC in 2003, where he held various sales positions in Europe and Asia, in the field of Human Resources, and Marketing Esther Gaide Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Remuneration Committee and Lead Independent Director Director of several Board of Directors such as Iliad, Forvia or Evoriel Chief Finance Officer of Elior until April 2023 More than 30 years of experience in finance in several international companies such as Bollore, Havas and Technicolor In-depth knowledge of M&A, investors relations and financial process optimization Marie-Edmee Vallery-Radot - Permanent representative of Societe M.B.D. Chief Operating Officer for Societe M.B.D. From 2016 to 2024: BIC Group team member of the Commercial and Finance Departments From 2011 to 2016: LVMH Group retail team *** Contacts Brice Paris VP Investor Relations +33 6 42 87 54 73 brice.paris@bicworld.com Investor Relations investors.info@bicworld.com Bethridge Toovell VP Group Communications +1 917 821 4249 bethridge.toovell@bicworld.com Isabelle de Segonzac Image 7, Press Relations +33 6 89 87 61 39 isegonzac@image7.fr Agenda All dates are to be confirmed H1 2025 results July 30th, 2025 Q3 2025 nets sales October 28th, 2025 About BIC BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers. Its vision: to bring simplicity and joy to everyday life. For 80 years, BIC's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and reliable products has made BIC a symbol of reliability and innovation. Present in more than 160 countries and with more than 13,000 employees worldwide, BIC brings together iconic brands and products such as BIC 4-Colors, BodyMark, Cello, Cristal, Inkbox, BIC Kids, Lucky, Rocketbook, Tattly, Tipp-Ex, Wite-Out, Djeep, EZ Load, EZ Reach, BIC Flex, Soleil, Tangle Teezer, and many others. Listed on Euronext Paris and included in the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices, BIC is also recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and education. To learn more, visit www.corporate.bic.com and to discover the full range of BIC products, visit www.fr.bic.com. Follow BIC on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Attachment Smyrna, GA, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The world isnt slowing down. Every day, new technologies hit the market, regulatory risks shift, and unexpected threats surfaceleaving many business leaders struggling to keep up, let alone stay ahead. In response, Chesley Brown International, one of the most trusted names in corporate security, is launching its new Fractional Chief Security Officer (CSO) service, giving organizations of all sizes affordable, executive-level security leadershipwithout the overhead of a full-time hire. We kept seeing the same thing over and overcompanies overwhelmed, under-resourced, and just hoping they wouldnt be the next headline, said Brent C. Brown, Founder and Executive Chairman of Chesley Brown. The reality is, one person cant do it all anymore. Security touches every corner of an organization. So, we created this service to fill that leadership gapfor the companies that need real expertise but cant justify a full-time CSO. Leadership Built for Uncertainty Chesley Browns Fractional CSO service brings in a senior security executiveon a scalable basisto help organizations anticipate threats, manage risk, and build real resilience. Whether its guiding high-level policy, conducting risk assessments, or managing crisis response, the Fractional CSO works directly with internal leadership to protect both people and performance. But its more than a single consultantits access to the full braintrust of Chesley Brown: Over 35 years of real-world experience A deep bench of experts across disciplines And a global network of intelligence, investigative, and operational resources Were not a staffing agency. When you engage us, youre plugging into decades of insight from people whove walked into chaos and made it make sense, said Kim Meador, CEO. Our clients dont just get a name on an org chartthey get a strategic partner who understands their business, their blind spots, and whats around the corner. A Scalable Model for Real-World Leadership Chesley Brown offers three service tiersfrom targeted oversight to fully embedded security leadershipensuring organizations only pay for what they need, when they need it. Each engagement may include: Security program development and gap analysis Crisis response and post-incident evaluation Board-level risk guidance Compliance oversight and audit readiness Digital footprint analysis and threat intelligence Workplace violence prevention and policy development Vendor oversight, training, & policy design We were among the first to bring security intelligence into the boardroom, added Brown. This is the next evolutionexecutive-level security leadership thats as agile and forward-thinking as the companies we serve. For Companies Who Cant Afford to Gamble The firm says it created this service for companies who are past the point of DIY security, but not yet readyor willingto commit to a six-figure CSO salary. That includes closely held companies, family-owned businesses, regulated industries, and fast-scaling startups with high exposure and lean executive teams. Weve seen what happens when organizations delay leadership until something breaks, said Meador. This model helps them get ahead of the curve. Its not just protectionits positioning. Availability & Contact Chesley Browns Fractional CSO services are available immediately across North America. To schedule a consultation or explore service tiers, visit www.chesleybrown.com or email info@chesleybrown.com. About Chesley Brown Founded in 1990, Chesley Brown International is a leader in corporate security risk management, consulting, and investigative services. With a reputation for discretion, innovation, and strategic foresight, Chesley Brown partners with organizations to identify threats before they become crisesand to lead with confidence when they do. Media Contact: Nick Freeman Corporate Director of Digital Strategy info@chesleybrown.com www.chesleybrown.com ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 26, 2025, ML-Truck Equipment Ltd. will open the doors to its sparkling new 18,000 sf Head Office, sales and service location in Abbotsford, B.C. The companys new 18,000 sf facility will stock and service a range of B.C.s most popular truck-mounted brands: HIAB cranes, Moffett forklifts, Multilift hooklifts, LogLift forestry cranes, Effer cranes and new and pre-owned work-ready truck packages configured for the B.C. markets. An expanded parts department will carry a deep inventory of genuine parts, and the site will feature six extra-large service bays and an expanded parts department. The new location at 30189 Old Yale Road in Abbotsford is conveniently located right off Highway 1. Weve been planning this facility for a long time, and were excited to see it finally become a reality, said Stirling Robertson, Branch Manager, ML-Truck Equipment Ltd. The move will position us to meet our customers needs even better. The new location will continue to have province-wide service support from ML-Truck Equipment, MasonLift, BCs industry leader in forklift sales and service for over 75 years, and Ayers Repairs Ltd., which offers crane service on Vancouver Island. All have factory-trained, certified technicians with up-to-the-minute knowledge of the brands continuous new features and innovations. B.C.s need for safe, reliable, high-performance truck-mounted equipment has grown significantly in the last six years. The economy makes it an even more considered choice. HIAB, Moffett, and Multilift are not only Canadas leading truck-mounted equipment brands, but they are also the Canadian Industry Standard (CIS) and have the highest resale value in the industry. About ML-Truck Equipment ML-Truck Equipment is a Canadian-owned and operated company, authorized to sell and service HIAB cranes, Moffett forklifts, Multilift hooklifts, Loglift forestry cranes and Effer cranes in B.C.. Part of the Atlas Polar family group of companies, it is co-owned by Atlas Polar Company Ltd., established in 1938, and MasonLift Ltd. For more information, please visit www.mltruckequipment.com Contact ML-Truck Equipment Ltd. Stirling Robertson, 778 201 9971, srobertson@mltruckequipment.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2811a1fc-a1ce-4ce4-a689-094e83e628c9 Washington, DC, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Americas Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nations blood supply, today released its latest report, "A Vital Resource: Community Blood Centers & The Growth of Prehospital Blood Programs." This comprehensive report provides crucial insights into the expanding role of community blood centers in supporting prehospital blood transfusion programs across the United States. It reveals that the number of community blood centers providing blood products for prehospital use has nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024, underscoring the rapid growth and increasing importance of these life-saving programs. "Community blood centers are playing a pivotal role in the rapid expansion of prehospital blood programs across the nation. Our latest report shows an 89% increase in participating community blood centers over just two years, highlighting their commitment to expanding the availability of blood products and improving patient outcomes. As these programs continue to expand, Americas Blood Centers will keep working with our members, partners, and allies to address the significant barriers that currently prevent many patients from quickly receiving the blood products they need, said Kate Fry, CEO of Americas Blood Centers. The report reveals a significant upward trend in community blood center participation in prehospital programs. In 2022, 18 centers provided blood products for prehospital use, with 7 servicing both air and ground ambulance programs. By 2024, this number had nearly doubled to 34 centers, with 18 supporting both air and ground services. The study also highlights a dramatic increase in the supply of specific blood products for prehospital use, particularly Low Titer-O Whole Blood and Type-A Liquid Plasma units. Based on annual surveys conducted from 2022 to 2024, the report offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in both the blood community and emergency medical services,underscoring the need for sustainable funding models, optimized inventory management, and enhanced donor recruitment strategies to support the growth of prehospital blood programs. The study notes that less than 2% of all emergency management systems carry blood and blood products today, indicating significant potential for future growth if current roadblocks were addressed. Americas Blood Centers and its members urge Congress to modernize our nations approach to prehospital blood transfusions by updating federal insurance program payment polices to provide sufficient reimbursement for prehospital blood transfusions including updating TRICARE payment policy to remove financial barriers and allow for broader adoption of prehospital blood transfusions which supports TRICAREs mission to improve the health of the military and their families and, in turn, helps support the security of the United States. To learn more, click here. Members of the public can urge their members of Congress to take action by clicking here. Founded in 1962, Americas Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org. Attachment London, UK , May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Convoboss, a leader in digital marketing and AI-driven solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: the AI Business Model Canvas Generator. This cutting-edge tool empowers businesses by enabling them to create a comprehensive business model canvas in just two minutes. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Convoboss continues to support growth-focused brands and business owners in their quest for efficiency and insight. Convoboss Revolutionizes Business Planning with AI-Powered Business Model Canvas The AI Business Model Canvas Generator is a game-changer for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. It simplifies the complex business planning process, allowing users to focus on strategic decision-making and growth. Users can generate a detailed business model canvas with just a few clicks that highlights key areas such as value propositions, customer segments, and revenue streams. "In today's fast-paced business environment, time is of the essence," said James Cooper, CEO of Convoboss. "Our AI Business Model Canvas Generator saves time and provides valuable insights that can drive strategic growth. It's a testament to our commitment to innovation and dedication to helping businesses succeed." Convoboss's new tool is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that may lack the resources to engage in extensive business planning. By automating the creation of a business model canvas, Convoboss enables these companies to allocate their resources more effectively and focus on what truly matters: growth and customer satisfaction. The AI Business Model Canvas Generator is accessible online, making it a convenient solution for businesses operating anywhere. Companies can use this innovative tool to streamline their business planning processes regardless of their location. Convoboss is committed to providing AI-driven tools and strategies. By integrating artificial intelligence into business planning, Convoboss is setting a new standard for efficiency and innovation in the digital marketing industry. For more information about the AI Business Model Canvas Generator, visit https://convoboss.com/business-model-canvas-ai. Save time and unlock insights with our AI Business Model Canvas Generator. About Convoboss Convoboss is an international digital marketing company empowering growth-focused brands and business owners with AI-driven tools and strategies. We specialise in attracting customers, accelerating growth, and fostering long-term success through innovative marketing and strategy solutions. Press inquiries Convoboss https://convoboss.com James Cooper media@convoboss.com +442039342328 86-90 Paul Street London, UK EC2A 4NE Beijing, China, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 1936, in the dimly lit underground cell of Harbin Municipal Hospital, Zhao Yiman, a legendary heroine who fought against Japan's invasion of China, lay on a frigid wooden plank, leaving her leg wound festering, with over 40 bones broken. Each breath brought searing pain. As a Japanese interrogator sneered and lashed her exposed wound with a whip, she stared defiantly, repeating only "I can tell nothing." This is a scene recreated for the Global Times reporter by the docent of a memorial hall on Yiman Street. Today, as the Global Times reporter stands before the former site of this hospital ward, gazing at Zhao's photographs from different periods lining both walls of the ward, it is hard to imagine that Zhao, who held her head high and refused to yield under torture, was once a young woman born into an affluent family, who should have lived a life rowing a boat on the Songhua River and walking the streets of Harbin in high heels with red lipstick. When her country fractured, she resolutely chose the hardest path. Eight decades ago, a steel-willed force led by figures like Zhao Yiman wrote one of the most tragic chapters in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. They were China's Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (NAJUA), who fought for 14 years in extreme hardship. On September 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. Later that night, they bombarded barracks near Shenyang. Triggered by the September 18, 1931 Incident, Japan's invasion of Northeast China ignited resistance. By the mid-1930s, the Communist Party of China (CPC)-led Northeast anti-Japanese guerrilla units were joined by volunteer armies and mountain guerrillas to form the United Army, dealing heavy blows to Japanese forces. During the 14-year period, the NAJUA engaged 760,000 Japanese troops, and killed or incapacitated 180,000 of them, in a display of the valor and unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. Its campaigns lent strong support to the anti-Japanese struggle nationwide and to the World Anti-Fascist War. A street witnessing victory, resilience and defiance Harbin, in May, hums with the damp breeze off the Songhua River. Its streets and parks were steeped in the NAJUA legacy. Last winter, as Harbin's ice-snow tourism surged, visitors braved the chill to snap photos by Yiman Street's signpost, a tribute to Zhao Yiman. In 1932, she organized revolutionary works against Japanese aggression on this street. On Yiman Street stands a striking three-story building - the Northeast China Martyrs Memorial Hall at No. 241 Yiman Street, established in 1948 to honor heroes of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Liberation War. In the memorial courtyard, a vintage tram measures over 9 meters long and 3 meters high, with its white upper body contrasting with red lower panels and black headlamp. "This is the very tram Zhao Yiman led striking workers in," Liu Qiangmin, director of the memorial, told the Global Times. Preserved intact, it stands as physical evidence of her revolutionary work in Harbin, he noted. In early 20th-century Harbin - then an international metropolis - Japanese occupiers after the 1931 invasion routinely abused tram workers. Amid national crisis, the Communist Party of China sent members like Zhao to organize resistance. By September 1932, she mobilized workers to plaster anti-Japanese posters across the city. Facing overwhelming pressure, occupiers capitulated - punishing abusive officers and meeting worker demands. "Yiman Street" - this particular street sign seems to gleam a little more lustrously than its neighbors. A nearby shopkeeper told the Global Times that people often bring flowers to pay tribute under the street sign. "This is a heroine's street because of her courage." It was here, too, where she was captured and held at the Police Station of "Manchukuo," a puppet state established by Japanese invaders. Stepping into the historical site of police station, the basement houses the grim remnants of the so-called "Manchukuo" Harbin police station. Black-and-white photos document the invaders' atrocities. A cramped cell, with a hard bed and a rusted lock on its iron door, held Zhao after her capture in 1935. Nearby, a torture chamber displays rows of implements - whips, needles, irons - casting long shadows. Here, Zhao endured unimaginable cruelty. Electric shocks ravaged her nerves, salt was rubbed into her wounds, steel needles pierced her fingers, and chili water was forced into her nose. Yet in lucid moments, she roared: "You bandits can reduce villages to rubble, hack people to pieces, but you cannot extinguish my faith or defeat China's resolve." Her tormentors, enraged, left empty-handed, according to a report by the Xinhua News Agency. For nine months, from November 1935 to July 1936, the enemy alternated between healing and beating her, deploying every method available. Zhao never betrayed her comrades or the Party. Today, the very instruments of torture used against this heroine remain preserved at several memorial halls across China. Every visitor paying tribute stands in solemn silence before this cell, their faces etched with reverence. Grainy footage at the hall captures her final moments on August 2, 1936. Standing tall, head high, Zhao faced the morning breeze and sang defiantly. Nine years later, China, alongside global allies, crushed fascism. Four years later, the People's Republic of China, for which Zhao and countless martyrs shed their blood and made the ultimate sacrifice, came into being. Eighty-nine years after her death, Zhao's name and story endure. Generations seek her, learn from her, and aspire to her. At Harbin's Zhao Yiman Red Army Primary School, just 300 meters from Yiman Street, children's "letters" to Zhao adorn the walls, sharing their struggles like unfinished math homework or mastering the drums. These letters conveyed the "Yiman spirit" - unyielding courage, never bowing to adversity, never surrendering to the enemy. The school's docent team narrates her deeds, while plays, drawings, and speeches keep her legacy alive. For these students, "heroine" isn't just a word in textbooks - Zhao Yiman is a vivid, inspiring presence. A street where shadows and valor intertwined About 5 kilometers from Yiman Street lies Jingyu Street, bearing witness to another hero - General Yang Jingyu (born Ma Shangde), a NAJUA commander. In November 1931, Yang arrived in Japanese aggression-stricken Harbin to lead underground resistance. The city teemed with spies; one misstep possibly meant death. Once, carrying vital documents near Zhengyang Street (now Jingyu Street), Yang encountered Japanese soldiers conducting body searches behind barbed wire. With agents watching his back, he calmly destroyed papers, unbuttoned his robe, and strode forward. His impeccable attire and composure disarmed suspicion - the soldiers waved him through. Buttoning up, he vanished into the alleyways, documents confirm. On February 23, 1940, the NAJUA commander sacrificed his life for fighting in Bao'an village, Mengjiang county (now Jingyu county) in Northeast China's Jilin Province. When enemies dissected his body, they found only undigested bark, grass, and cotton in his stomach - no food, according to the Xinhua report. In 1948, Zhengyang Street was renamed Jingyu Street in tribute. Liu Qiangmin told the Global Times that Heilongjiang, the epicenter of Northeast resistance, bore witness to the NAJUA's grueling struggle in 14 years. Of the NAJUA's all 11 armies, 9.5 operated in Heilongjiang, especially after 1937, along the China-Soviet border. The toll was staggering: From 30,000 fighters initially, fewer than 1,000 survived by 1945. The hardships faced by the NAJUA stemmed, on the one hand, from the brutal aggression and economic blockade by Japanese puppet troops, and on the other, from the long-term forced severance of contact with the Central Committee of the CPC. Despite this, the forces held fast to their beliefs, drawing strength from various sources and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Party. "Fundamentally, this reflects the unswerving support of NAJUA soldiers for the Party," said Liu. As a veteran researcher of WWII resistance history, Liu recalls discovering Japanese military archives documenting severe frostbite casualties at -40C. "It's unimaginable how our ill-equipped Chinese soldiers endured this," he reflects. Today's youth, he believes, need such crucibles of willpower - that is precisely why they need to learn NAJUA's story. "Their 14-year resolve offers timeless lessons. Their courage in shouldering national duty inspires today's youth to reject complacency, embrace their responsibility, and contribute to China's rejuvenation in the new era, even without facing bullets or bayonets," Liu stressed. A legacy in bloodline Eighty years ago, Ma Shangde, known as Yang Jingyu, fought to his last breath for China's independence. Today, his great-grandson, Ma Chengming, forgoes city comforts to serve in Jingyu county in Central China's Henan Province, a former national-level impoverished county and the land of Yang Jingyu's martyrdom, aiding rural revitalization. "I had job offers in the mega cities," Ma Chengming told Global Times, "but a deep bond drew me here." As a child, Yang Jingyu was a hero in textbooks and films. In middle school, Ma visited Yang's martyrdom site in Jingyu county and the Jingyu Street in Harbin. In swirling snow, he heard how Yang, out of ammunition and food, fought alone until his final moment. "I pictured him and his comrades, in thin clothes, starving and freezing, battling to their last breath," Ma recalled, eyes reddening. "That was when being 'Yang Jingyu's heir' hit me." "This land needs youth," Ma said, explaining his return to the homeland. From his role as a young official in Bao'an village, Jingyu county, Ma rooted himself in the countryside, helping 11 impoverished households secure medical reimbursements and housing upgrades until the village escaped poverty over the years. Retracing the path of the NAJUA is not merely a journey through history, but a quest for a spiritual compass for the future. Forged in the crucible of ice and fire, this spirit holds the enduring strength of the Chinese nation. At its core lies the Communist Party of China's unwavering faith, steadfast responsibility, and defiance of hardship. As Ma, Yang Jingyu's great-grandson, put it: "My great-grandfather is a beacon, forever guiding my way." That light will continue to illuminate the paths of countless others. The article first appeared in the Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334426.shtml. Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Sydney, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sydney, New South Wales - Sydney-based Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd delivers expert custom home builds, renovations, and extensions, prioritising innovative design and client-focused solutions across New South Wales. A leading home builder in New South Wales for over 15 years, Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd is a full-service company redefining modern living across Sydney with meticulously executed home renovations and extensions. From custom home builds to renovating homes and heritage properties, this fully licensed and insured company has become a go-to for homeowners seeking to elevate their properties without compromising quality or vision. With a portfolio spanning contemporary urban dwellings and heritage-inspired estates, Jonathan Homes is recognised as Sydney's most client-focused home builder. A member of the prestigious Master Builders Association, this family-owned company specialises in crafting functional, aesthetically striking home spaces. Unlike competitors, Jonathan Homes combines technical expertise with personalised service, providing clients with a single point of contact for effective communication to ensure their requirements are clearly understood. From free consultations to project management and regulatory approvals, a dedicated project manager oversees each build, providing regular updates and transparent cost breakdowns. "At Jonathan Homes, every home is a carefully crafted environment designed for lasting comfort and functionality. We combine two generations of construction expertise with a deep commitment to high-quality workmanship. Our end-to-end management means we don't pass the buck, managing every detail of the project, from design to approvals to ensure a stress-free experience," said company owner Jonathan Jamu. The company ensures clients enjoy a seamless, worry-free experience, handling the project with hands-on commitment from start to finish. In-house designers use advanced 3-D modelling software to visualise outcomes before construction begins, allowing clients to make informed decisions for a custom home that truly reflects their lifestyle and aspirations. Backed by a seven-year structural warranty, Jonathan Homes stands behind its work, offering extended warranties that exceed industry standards. Additionally, the company has established partnerships with local suppliers for premium materials to deliver high-quality, industry-leading solutions at competitive rates. For more information, visit https://jonathan-homes.com.au/ Unlike volume builders relying on cookie-cutter designs, Jonathan Homes built its reputation as a top-notch custom home builder. With customisable open floor plans built to suit any space requirements, the company can design the build from scratch or work with the client's plan to bring their vision to life. The company designs flowing spaces that accommodate the client's unique living patterns and future needs, backed by excellent project management, ensuring a stress-free process from start to finish. As Sydney homeowners increasingly opt for home extensions to accommodate evolving needs without relocating, Jonathan Homes complements its top-quality custom builds with proven home renovation and extension services. Whether upgrading an existing home to a modern setting or an extension to increase the living area, Jonathan and his team provide unmatched home extension and renovation services, from enhancing kitchens and bathrooms to creating multi-functional living spaces. By incorporating premium features and clever storage ideas, the team transforms the kitchen into a functional showpiece with custom cabinetry, island benches, and high-end appliances that make cooking a joy. Similarly, bathroom renovations can add a touch of luxury with sleek fixtures and modern finishes, from freestanding tubs to personal spa retreats with walk-in showers to elevate the clients' daily routine. Beyond homes and business premises, Jonathan Homes specialises in renovating heritage-listed properties in compliance with stringent local council regulations. With a profound respect for the historical essence of these structures, these heritage experts understand the unique challenges of historical properties and how to preserve their character while adding modern functionality. As a trusted home builder, Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd crafts residences that reflect the diverse needs of modern Sydney families. With direct access to Jonathan, clients are assured of personalised support and prompt response. From sleek, energy-efficient living spaces to fully customised modern home designs, the company prioritises collaboration, ensuring each project aligns with clients' lifestyles. About the Company: Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd is a Sydney-based residential construction firm specialising in custom home builds, renovations, and extensions. Serving clients across New South Wales, the company emphasises innovation, sustainability, and client-centric service. Combining two generations of construction expertise with a deep commitment to high-quality workmanship, every home is a carefully crafted environment designed for lasting comfort and functionality. ### For more information about Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd, contact the company here: Jonathan Homes Pty Ltd Jonathan Jamu 0414595933 info@jonathan-homes.com.au Five Dock, New South Wales 2046 Beijing, China, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eight decades have passed, yet the world once again finds itself at a crossroads. The rise of unilateralism, ongoing geopolitical turbulence and the distortion of historical truths remind us of the enduring relevance of remembering the past and safeguarding peace. Against this backdrop, the Global Times launches the column "Revisiting WWII, Defending Peace," inviting renowned scholars and peace advocates from around the world to revisit the history of WWII through contemporary lenses. Through diverse perspectives, the series seeks to uphold historical memory, promote shared development, and defend fairness and justice. In the first article of this series, Global Times (GT) reporter Cao Siqi interviewed Lin Limin (Lin), president of the Chinese Institute for History of the World War II, to share his views on why we must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. GT: In your opinion, what is the special significance of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War in today's world, where protectionism, unilateralism and bullying behaviors are on the rise, and humanity faces many common challenges? Lin: Compared to the 70th anniversary celebrations in 2015, the international situation and security environment have changed dramatically over the past decade. First, the world is still very unstable, and the "Sword of Damocles" of war still hangs over humanity. Second, the post-war international order centered around the UN faces severe challenges. The new US government has withdrawn from many international mechanisms, disrupted the international trade order and imposed reckless tariffs, leading to new dilemmas in global governance across various fields. In this context, commemorating the WWII victory carries special significance in demonstrating China's commitment to maintaining world peace and opposing war; upholding international cooperation, and opposing unilateralism; and defending the post-war international order centered around the UN while opposing bullying behaviors. It also highlights the courage, determination and capability of the Chinese people to stand at the forefront of international struggles. GT: What do you consider to be the correct historical perspective on WWII? Why do we need to conduct education on the correct historical perspective in today's world? Lin: First, the fascist attempts by Germany, Japan and Italy to conquer and enslave nations around the world are the root causes of WWII and the main culprits that instigated the war, leading to unprecedented calamities for humanity. Second, the large-scale and brutal invasions by German, Japanese and Italian fascists forced countries, including China and the Soviet Union, to rise up in resistance and unite with the US, UK and France to form an international united front against fascist aggression. It was precisely because of this justice, popular support and progressiveness that the international united front against fascist aggression was formed, ensuring the ultimate comprehensive victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Third, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression constituted the main theater in the East during WWII, shouldering the responsibility for defeating Japanese fascism and making significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, while also bearing immense sacrifices. Starting from the "September 18 Incident" in 1931, the Chinese people were the first to raise the banner of justice against fascist aggression, setting an example for armed resistance against fascist invasion for countries around the world. The Chinese people's persistence in the war lasted 14 years, during which they not only defeated the main forces of the Japanese army but also supported the Allied forces, effectively thwarting Japan's "northward" ambitions and restraining its "southward" advances. The defeat of Japanese fascism marked the first comprehensive victory for the Chinese people in their modern struggle against imperialist aggression, paving the way for China to develop into a world power. Fourth, the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the mainstay in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the World Anti-Fascist War, making immense sacrifices and contributions to the victory. To begin with, the CPC actively promoted the establishment of the united front against Japanese aggression and the international united front against fascism, raising the banner of international justice against fascist aggression, providing a spiritual pillar for the Chinese military and civilians to persist in the war and set an example for the anti-fascist struggles of countries worldwide. Additionally, the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, and the Northeast China Counter-Japanese United Forces, led by the CPC, fought bravely against Japan, making outstanding contributions and playing a crucial role in leading and inspiring the entire nation to persevere in the war, while also setting an example for the anti-fascist struggles of colonized and semi-colonized peoples. Moreover, the CPC systematically proposed the idea of people's war, guiding the Chinese military and civilians in the long-term struggle against Japan, profoundly influencing the war against Japanese aggression and the overall situation of WWII, and highlighting the justice and popular support of the war. Fifth, the Eastern Front was decisive in the European Theater of Operation in WWII. In the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet people united as one, sacrificing greatly to defeat the main forces of fascist Germany, making a decisive contribution to the victory of the European front of the World Anti-Fascist War, while also bearing immense sacrifices. In August 1945, the Soviet Union sent troops to the Far East, defeating the main forces of the Japanese Kwantung Army, which also made an important contribution to the final victory over Japanese fascism. However, some right-wing politicians, internet influencers and scholars in Europe and some Western countries, including the US and Japan, continue to attempt to overturn historical truths, deny the immense sacrifices and contributions made by the CPC and the Chinese people as well as the Soviet people. Under the US influence, the Japanese government's stance on WWII has also regressed. In this regard, the international struggle over the historical perspective on WWII is not merely an academic or historical dispute; it involves national dignity, prestige and is a fight about national interest. We need to repeatedly promote a correct perspective on WWII that aligns with historical truths, countering the various lies and falsehoods propagated by those who seek to overturn the truth of China's resistance efforts and WWII history. GT: In your view, why must we firmly defend the international system centered around the UN, the victorious outcome of WWII, and the post-war international order, never allowing a regression in history? Lin: At the end of WWII, Western powers such as the US and the UK, driven by their imperialist nature and relying on their comprehensive strength, indeed intended to replicate the model of the Paris Peace Conference. They sought to influence the post-war international political and economic arrangements to maintain and expand their global hegemony. This intention is a major source of the shortcomings in the design, framework and content of the post-war international order. Shortly after the war, the victory of the Chinese revolution and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, along with the emergence of new countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America that broke free from imperialist colonial rule and achieved national independence, further strengthened the forces of justice, peace and progress in the world, promoting continuous progressive adjustments to the post-war international order. Therefore, China advocates for cooperation with Global South countries to defend the victorious outcome of WWII, maintain the post-war international order, and combat the hegemonic and bullying tendencies, in order to promote world peace, development and global governance. GT: Currently, the world once again stands at a historical crossroads. How can we defend the victorious outcome of WWII? Lin: First, we must believe that history is on the side of justice and the people. Second, we should focus on our own affairs, especially by strengthening our comprehensive strength; being robust makes us immune to harm. Third, we should cultivate more friendships and create fewer enemies. With more friends, we are less afraid of obstacles along the way. Fourth, we must be willing to fight and strive for cooperation, ensuring that both approaches are strong. The article first appeared in the Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334413.shtml. Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. EDMONTON, Alberta, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating widespread adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and building North America's talent and capabilities, recharged Western Canadas manufacturing industry with a robust showcase of advanced technologies, practical insights and high-impact business connections at the Western Manufacturing Technology Show (WMTS) 2025, April 9-11 at Edmonton EXPO Centre. Reaffirming its place as Western Canadas premier manufacturing event. WMTS was colocated with the ISA Edmonton Section Automation Expo & Conference (AEC) for the first time, creating deeper synergies among automation, advanced technologies and core manufacturing sectors. Across both events, SME and ISA Edmonton welcomed more than 2,000 manufacturing professionals, who engaged across the show floor, education theatres and networking areas. Live demonstrations of more than 120,000 pounds of operational equipment from machining centres and metrology tools to smart robotics delivered a high-touch, hands-on experience. WMTS 2025 brought the manufacturing community together at a critical time, said Steve Prahalis, chief operating officer of SME. Western Canadian companies are looking for real solutions from workforce development to technology adoption and this event delivered on that promise. The enthusiasm, energy and the engagement on the floor showed that the industry is ready to act. A major addition this year was the launch of the SmartMTX Pavilion, presented in collaboration with the Manufacturing & Export Enhancement Cluster and Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium. With eight exhibitors, 14 sessions and a hackathon, SmartMTX became a destination for manufacturers exploring how smart systems, AI and automation are reshaping production from the ground up. Our partnership with SME on SmartMTX brought regional tech leaders into direct contact with manufacturers eager to adopt future-ready systems, said David Rist, executive director of the Manufacturing & Export Enhancement Cluster. WMTS created the right environment to accelerate collaboration, deployment and impact. Complementing SmartMTX was the Discovery Zone, showcasing seven emerging tech companies with agile, game-changing innovations in additive manufacturing, software and digital workflow automation. The event also delivered 31 targeted education sessions across the SME ZONE and partner stages, covering themes such as ERP deployment, CSA compliance, advanced machining and workforce attraction. On-floor activations included live robotics, training pods and real-time expert Q&As. A highlight of the events education program was a keynote address by Shauna Feth, president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, titled The Future of Supply Chain Management Embracing Resilience, Innovation, and Sustainability in Manufacturing. Feth outlined how tomorrows supply chains will be shaped by adaptability, smart technology and sustainable practices. Her message was clear: to remain competitive, manufacturers must act decisively, embrace innovation and build operations that are both agile and environmentally conscious. WMTS 2025 was supported by a strong network of partners and associations, including the ISA Edmonton Section, Canadian Machine Tool Distributors Association, Canadian Tooling & Machining Association, CWB Group, EWI, the Manufacturing & Export Enhancement Cluster and Next Generation Manufacturing Canada. Their collaboration shaped a dynamic event that directly addressed the evolving needs of Western Canada's manufacturing sector. WMTS will return April 2027, once again at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. For more information, visit wmts.ca. About SME Founded in 1932, SME is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the North American manufacturing industry. SME connects manufacturers, educators, students, and the broader community to foster innovation and strengthen the industrys impact on economic growth. Through the acceleration of technology adoption and the development of talent, SME helps to drive competitiveness, national security, and sustainability within manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org. Media Contact: M. C. Jacob Senior Marketing Specialist, SME (Canada) 905-752-4432 | mjacob@sme.org OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alameda Health System (AHS) patients experiencing the sudden and frightening symptoms of a stroke will now receive faster and more-integrated care, thanks to the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC) recent certification as a stroke center. This designation joins the long-standing certification at Alameda Hospital, expanding AHS ability to deliver lifesaving care across Alameda County. Providers at WCHHC achieved stroke certification from the Joint Commission by meeting rigorous standards for safety, speed, teamwork and more. Improving stroke care helps tackle one of Alameda Countys starkest health inequities. Mortality rates for African Americans who live in Alameda County are almost double the national average, according to Centers for Disease Control data. May is National Stroke Awareness Month in the U.S. Stroke Programs System Manager Anh Juntura said the work to get the WCHHC stroke-certified began about 10 years ago. At AHS, we have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of our stroke patients and provide them with interdisciplinary, cutting-edge, exceptional care, said Dr. Indhu Subramanian, AHS chair of internal medicine. This is critical work and demonstrates our commitment to the community we serve. The certification not only marks an expansion of AHS excellent stroke care, it also means more patients will be treated for strokes at the WCHHC. Alameda Countys ambulances and emergency teams must transport stroke patients to certified stroke centers. High-quality stroke care is especially important for underserved populations, who are less likely to engage with follow-up care or have a primary-care doctor to check in with. AHS specializes in treating such patients, and has a team assigned to make sure nobody falls through the cracks. In addition, better primary care is essential for preventing strokes, which can be a symptom of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure all of which affect communities of color at higher rates than they affect white people. AHS is proud to offer rapid stroke care to all in our community, as well as exceptional preventative care through our primary care services, said AHS CEO James Jackson. We are continually improving so that everyone in Alameda County receives the highest-quality care. About Alameda Health System Alameda Health System (AHS) is a leading safety-net, integrated health care provider and medical training institution recognized for its world-class patient and family-centered care. AHS provides comprehensive medical treatment, health promotion and disease prevention throughout our integrated network of hospitals, clinics and health services. AHS includes three acute care hospitals, an affiliate acute care hospital, a psychiatric hospital, four ambulatory care wellness centers, five post-acute facilities, and the only adult Level 1 Trauma Center and psychiatric emergency department in Alameda County. AHS is committed to promoting wellness and optimizing the health of the community through the mission of caring, healing, teaching and serving all. For more information, visit AlamedaHealthSystem.org. CONTACT: Eleanor Ajala Manager, Media and Communications Alameda Health System (510) 421-9222 eajala@alamedahealthsystem.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dce2b7cd-dcf5-4cb3-b448-2f6fc552bfc4 Columvi is the first bispecific antibody to show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 41% survival benefit in R/R DLBCL in the phase III STARGLO study 1,2 There is an urgent need for effective, immediately available therapies that are broadly accessible to people with transplant-ineligible R/R DLBCL This first-of-its-kind Columvi combination could provide a much-needed, off-the-shelf and fixed-duration treatment option for patients who face poor prognosis The clinical and disease characteristics of the overall population enrolled in this multiregional clinical trial are representative and applicable to US patients Basel, 20 May 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) discussed the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Columvi (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) for the treatment of people with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Columvi in combination with GemOx demonstrated a 41% reduction in risk of death in a phase III, randomised, multiregional clinical trial, supporting its recent approval by the European Commission and inclusion in the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines as a category 1 preferred regimen, said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roches Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. We believe the STARGLO results are applicable to US patients, with the global study population closely mirroring the real-world clinical profile of DLBCL patients in the US, and we will continue working with the FDA on the regulatory path forward. Todays discussion focussed on the applicability of the phase III STARGLO results to the US patient population, with Committee members citing that further data are needed. The STARGLO study was a multiregional clinical trial (MRCT) that enrolled 274 patients globally across 62 sites in 13 countries, including the US, Australia, and multiple European countries, with the majority of patients (52%) enrolling outside of Asia. The clinical and disease characteristics of the overall population enrolled in this multiregional clinical trial are representative of US patients with this disease today. On that basis the STARGLO results are applicable to US patients. Based on extensive guidelines and real-world clinical practice, there are no biological or clinical differences for DLBCL management worldwide.5,6,7,8 There is a broad and robust clinical development programme of Columvi, indicating that region and/or race are not relevant determinants of outcomes to treatment.1,9,10 Many of the patients with DLBCL who I see in my clinic are similar to the patients reflected in this study, making the glofitamab-GemOx regimen an important potential treatment option, said Krish Patel, MD, Director of Lymphoma Research, Sarah Cannon Research Institute. These patients need more effective, readily available treatment options and the compelling results from STARGLO deliver on this need. A statistically significant 41% reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]=0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.400.89, p=0.011) was observed in patients treated with Columvi in combination with GemOx versus MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab) plus GemOx (R-GemOx).1,2 The Columvi combination also met its key secondary endpoints, with a 63% reduction in risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival, PFS) compared to R-GemOx (HR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.250.55, p<0.0001).1,2 Median OS was 25.5 months for people treated with the Columvi combination, nearly double what was seen for people treated with R-GemOx at 12.9 months (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.88) in a follow-up analysis.1,2 Safety of the combination was consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines.1,2 Patients received a higher median number of cycles of the Columvi combination (11 versus four), due to disease progression in the R-GemOx arm. A higher rate of adverse events (AEs) was observed with the Columvi regimen.1,2 One of the most common AEs was cytokine release syndrome, which was generally low grade (Any Grade: 44.2%, Grade 1: 31.4%, Grade 2: 10.5%, Grade 3: 2.3%) and occurred primarily in Cycle 1.1,2 Two-year follow-up data from STARGLO will be presented at the upcoming 61st American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting from 30 May - 3 June 2025. For people with DLBCL who have relapsed or refractory disease, therapy options that can provide durable remissions are limited. In the US, approximately 75% of patients with R/R DLBCL are not candidates for, cannot tolerate, or do not have access to latest treatments.4,5 New treatments that can be initiated in community practices, where the majority of patients are treated, and have the potential to provide rapid disease control with durable remissions, could meaningfully address the needs of patients with this aggressive and life-threatening form of lymphoma. Based on the STARGLO data, this Columvi combination is approved in more than 30 countries, including the EU, for people with R/R DLBCL who are ineligible for ASCT. Columvi in combination with GemOx was recently added to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) as an NCCN category 1 preferred recommendation for the treatment of people with second-line DLBCL who are not intended to proceed to transplant.6 Columvi monotherapy has been approved for use in R/R DLBCL after two or more prior lines of therapy in more than 60 countries worldwide, including the US. STARGLO is intended as a confirmatory study to convert the accelerated approval of Columvi in the US to full approval. The ODAC provides the FDA with independent opinions and review of safety and efficacy data from outside medical experts, though the recommendations are not binding. The FDA's evaluation of this Columvi combination for R/R DLBCL is ongoing and a decision on approval is expected by 20 July 2025. About the STARGLO study The STARGLO study [GO41944; NCT04408638 ] is a phase III, multicentre, open-label, randomised study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Columvi (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab) in combination with GemOx in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior line of therapy and who are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant, or who have received two or more prior lines of therapy. Preclinical research indicated an increased antitumour effect when combining Columvi with GemOx over GemOx alone, so the STARGLO study was initiated to further explore the potential complementary effects of the treatment combination. Outcome measures include overall survival (primary endpoint), progression-free survival, complete response rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response (secondary endpoints), and safety and tolerability. About Columvi (glofitamab) Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T cells and CD20 on the surface of B cells. Columvi was designed with a novel 2:1 structural format. This T-cell engaging bispecific antibody is engineered to have one region that binds to CD3, a protein on T cells, a type of immune cell, and two regions that bind to CD20, a protein on B cells, which can be healthy or malignant. This dual-targeting brings the T cell in close proximity to the B cell, activating the release of cancer cell-killing proteins from the T cell. Columvi is part of Roches broad and industry-leading CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody clinical development programme that also includes Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab), which aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. Roche is investigating Columvi as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma. As part of Roches efforts to elevate treatment standards in the earlier stages of DLBCL, where there is the best opportunity to improve long-term outcomes and prevent relapse, Columvi is also being investigated in combination with Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin) and MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) in previously untreated DLBCL in the phase III SKYGLO study [GO44145; NCT06047080]. About diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) DLBCL is an aggressive (fast-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and the most common form, accounting for about one in three cases of NHL.7 Approximately 160,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with DLBCL each year, with comparable incidence rates across regions.8,9 Medical practices, including pathological classification, diagnosis, staging, initial treatment and relapse management, are similarly approached worldwide.9-12 While it is generally responsive to treatment in the frontline, as many as 40% of people will relapse or have refractory disease, at which time salvage therapy options are limited and survival is short.4,13 Improving treatments earlier in the course of the disease and providing much needed alternative options could help to improve long-term outcomes. About Roche in haematology Roche has been developing medicines for people with malignant and non-malignant blood diseases for more than 25 years; our experience and knowledge in this therapeutic area runs deep. Today, we are investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to patients across a wide range of haematologic diseases. Our approved medicines include MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab), Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin), Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax) in collaboration with AbbVie, Hemlibra (emicizumab), PiaSky (crovalimab), Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab) and Columvi (glofitamab). Our pipeline of investigational haematology medicines includes T-cell engaging bispecific antibody cevostamab, targeting both FcRH5 and CD3 and Tecentriq (atezolizumab). Our scientific expertise, combined with the breadth of our portfolio and pipeline, also provides a unique opportunity to develop combination regimens that aim to improve the lives of patients even further. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the worlds largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roches business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Abramson J, et al. Glofitamab plus Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin (Glofit-GemOx) for Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results of a Global Randomized Phase III trial (STARGLO). Presented at: EHA Hybrid Congress; 2024 Jun 3-16. Abstract #LB3438. [2] Abramson J, et al. Glofitamab plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus rituximab-GemOx for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (STARGLO): a global phase 3, randomised, open-label trial. Lancet 2024; 404 (10466): 1940-1954. [3] Roche data on file. [4] Fabbri N, et al. Second-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Evolution of options. Semin Hematol 2023; 60(5): 305312. [5] Westin J, et al. CAR T cells as a second-line therapy for large B-cell lymphoma: A paradigm shift? Blood. 2022;139(18):27372746. [6] NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for B-Cell Lymphomas V.1.2025. [7] UpToDate. Patient education: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics). [Internet; cited May 2025]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma-in-adults-beyond-the-basics. [8] World Health Organization. Numbers derived from GLOBOCAN 2022. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Factsheet [Internet; cited May 2025]. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/34-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf. [9] Budde, et al. Characterizing the US Patient Population Receiving Rituximab with Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Using Real-World Data. Blood. 2024;144(1):2373 [10] Yamshon, et al. Outcomes of Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated With R-GemOx: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Hematol. 2025;100(4):606-615. [11] Sineshaw HM, Zettler CM, Prescott J, et al. Real-world patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and treatment outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by line of therapy. Cancer Med. 2024 Apr;13(7):e7173. [12] Koff JL, Larson MC, Martin P et al. LEO Consortium for Real World Evidence (CReWE): Outcomes after Second-Line Therapy in Large B-Cell Lymphoma by Treatment Era. Blood (2023) 142 (Supplement 1): 307. [13] Sehn LH, et al. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(9):842-858. Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech Phone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +34 620 29 25 51 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Nina Mahlitz Phone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Roche Investor Relations Dr. Bruno Eschli Phone: +41 61 68-75284 e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr. Sabine Borngraber Phone: +41 61 68-88027 e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com Dr. Birgit Masjost Phone: +41 61 68-84814 e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com Investor Relations North America Loren Kalm Phone: +1 650 225 3217 e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com Attachment ESET has released its latest advanced persistent threat (APT) report. Russian APT groups intensified attacks against Ukraine and the EU, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities and deploying wipers. China-aligned groups like Mustang Panda and DigitalRecyclers continued their espionage campaigns targeting the EU government and maritime sectors. North Korea-aligned groups expanded their financially motivated campaigns using fake job listings and social engineering. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESET Research has released its latest APT Activity Report, which highlights activities of select APT groups that were documented by ESET researchers from October 2024 through March 2025. During the monitored period, Russia-aligned threat actors, notably Sednit and Gamaredon, maintained aggressive campaigns primarily targeting Ukraine and EU countries. Ukraine was subjected to the greatest intensity of cyberattacks against the countrys critical infrastructure and governmental institutions. The Russia-aligned Sandworm group intensified destructive operations against Ukrainian energy companies, deploying a new wiper named ZEROLOT. China-aligned threat actors continued engaging in persistent espionage campaigns with a focus on European organizations. Gamaredon remained the most prolific actor targeting Ukraine, enhancing malware obfuscation and introducing PteroBox, a file stealer leveraging Dropbox. The infamous Sandworm group concentrated heavily on compromising Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In recent cases, it deployed the ZEROLOT wiper in Ukraine. For this, the attackers abused Active Directory Group Policy in the affected organizations, says ESET Director of Threat Research Jean-Ian Boutin. Sednit refined its exploitation of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in webmail services, expanding Operation RoundPress from Roundcube to include Horde, MDaemon, and Zimbra. ESET discovered that the group successfully leveraged a zero-day vulnerability in MDaemon Email Server (CVE-2024-11182) against Ukrainian companies. Several Sednit attacks against defense companies located in Bulgaria and Ukraine used spearphishing email campaigns as a lure. Another Russia-aligned group, RomCom, demonstrated advanced capabilities by deploying zero-day exploits against Mozilla Firefox (CVE 2024 9680) and Microsoft Windows (CVE 2024 49039). In Asia, China-aligned APT groups continued their campaigns against governmental and academic institutions. At the same time, North Korea-aligned threat actors significantly increased their operations directed at South Korea, placing particular emphasis on individuals, private companies, embassies, and diplomatic personnel. Mustang Panda remained the most active, targeting governmental institutions and maritime transportation companies via Korplug loaders and malicious USB drives. DigitalRecyclers continued targeting EU governmental entities, employing the KMA VPN anonymization network and deploying the RClient, HydroRShell, and GiftBox backdoors. PerplexedGoblin used its new espionage backdoor, which ESET named NanoSlate, against a Central European government entity, while Webworm targeted a Serbian government organization using SoftEther VPN, emphasizing the continued popularity of this tool among China-aligned groups. Elsewhere in Asia, North Korea-aligned threat actors were particularly active in financially motivated campaigns. DeceptiveDevelopment significantly broadened its targeting, using fake job listings primarily within the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and finance sectors. The group employed innovative social engineering techniques to distribute the multiplatform WeaselStore malware. The Bybit cryptocurrency theft, attributed by the FBI to TraderTraitor APT group, involved a supply-chain compromise of Safe{Wallet} that caused losses of approximately USD 1.5 billion. Meanwhile, other North Korea-aligned groups saw fluctuations in their operational tempo: In early 2025, Kimsuky and Konni returned to their usual activity levels after a noticeable decline at the end of 2024, shifting their targeting away from English-speaking think tanks, NGOs, and North Korea experts to focus primarily on South Korean entities and diplomatic personnel; and Andariel resurfaced, after a year of inactivity, with a sophisticated attack against a South Korean industrial software company. Iran-aligned APT groups maintained their primary focus on the Middle East region, predominantly targeting governmental organizations and entities within the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Israel. Additionally, ESET observed a significant global uptick in cyberattacks against technology companies, largely attributed to increased activity by North Korea-aligned DeceptiveDevelopment. The highlighted operations are representative of the broader threat landscape that we investigated during this period. They illustrate the key trends and developments, and contain only a small fraction of the cybersecurity intelligence data provided to customers of ESET APT reports, adds Boutin. Intelligence shared in the private reports is primarily based on proprietary ESET telemetry data and has been verified by ESET researchers, who prepare in-depth technical reports and frequent activity updates detailing activities of specific APT groups. These threat intelligence analyses, known as ESET APT Reports PREMIUM, assist organizations tasked with protecting citizens, critical national infrastructure, and high-value assets from criminal and nation-state-directed cyberattacks. More information about ESET APT Reports PREMIUM and its delivery of high-quality, actionable tactical and strategic cybersecurity threat intelligence is available at the ESET Threat Intelligence page. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research. About ESET ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether its endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/916569c8-b3c1-41ce-bc7a-dfd407156187 Golar LNG Limited (the Company) advises that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Company was held on May 20, 2024 at 10:00 am (Bermuda time) at 2nd Floor, The S.E. Pearman Building, 9 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. The audited consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024 were presented at the Meeting. The following resolutions were passed: To set the maximum number of Directors to be not more than eight. To resolve that vacancies in the number of Directors be designated as casual vacancies and that the Board of Directors be authorized to fill such vacancies as and when it deems fit. To re-elect Tor Olav Trim as a Director of the Company. To re-elect Daniel W. Rabun as a Director of the Company. To re-elect Carl E. Steen as a Director of the Company. To re-elect Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen as a Director of the Company. To re-elect Lori Wheeler Naess as a Director of the Company. To elect Benoit de la Fouchardiere as a Director of the Company. To elect Mi Hong Yoon as a Director of the Company. To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP of London, England as auditors and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. To approve remuneration of the Companys Board of Directors of a total amount of fees not to exceed US$2,000,000.00 for the year ended December 31st, 2025. Golar would like to thank Georgina Sousa and Thorleif Egeli who retired from Golars Board of Directors today after two decades of combined service to the Company. Their contribution to the governance and transformation of Golar from a shipping company to a pure play FLNG business has been invaluable and we wish them well. Following their election today as Directors, Golar also welcomes Benoit de la Fouchardiere and Mi Hong Yoon to its Board. Both have already contributed to Golars success - in the case of Benoit, through his part in contracting FLNG Hilli in Cameroon; and in the case of Mi Hong - through her role as Company Secretary. The Company looks forward to benefiting from their relevant and extensive experience as it seeks to grow its leading FLNG offering. Hamilton, Bermuda May 20, 2025 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act A total of 275,809,182 or 82.41% of the Companys issued and outstanding shares were represented at the Meeting All three proposals to shareholders were approved, including the election of all director nominees During the 2025 proxy season, NOVAGOLD placed outreach calls to shareholders holding approximately 89.92% of the Companys issued and outstanding common shares entitled to vote VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (NOVAGOLD or the Company) (NYSE American, TSX: NG) is pleased to announce the detailed voting results on the items of business considered at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 15, 2025 (the Meeting). All proposals were approved and all director nominees were elected. A total of 275,809,182 or 82.41% of the Companys issued and outstanding shares were represented at the Meeting. Shareholder Engagement During this years proxy outreach, NOVAGOLD placed calls to shareholders owning 50,000-plus shares who collectively hold approximately 89.92% of the Companys issued and outstanding common shares entitled to vote at the Meeting. Year-over-year the input received from shareholders has helped shape and improve the Companys governance and compensation practices. Shareholder Voting Results The shareholders voted on the following matters at this years Meeting: Proposal 1 Election of Directors The nominees listed in NOVAGOLDs Management Information Circular were elected as Directors of the Company. Detailed results of the votes are set out below: Proposal 1 Outcome of the Vote Votes by Ballot Election of Directors Votes For Votes Withheld Dr. Elaine Dorward-King Carried 239,986,738 (93.96%) 15,404,215 (6.03%) Dr. Diane Garrett Carried 254,240,686 (99.54%) 1,150,267 (0.45%) Dr. Thomas Kaplan Carried 253,729,241 (99.34%) 1,661,712 (0.65%) Hume Kyle Carried 253,542,768 (99.27%) 1,848,185 (0.72%) Gregory Lang Carried 254,727,047 (99.74%) 663,906 (0.25%) Kalidas Madhavpeddi Carried 217,206,485 85.04% 38,184,468 (14.95%) Kevin McArthur Carried 251,050,731 (98.30%) 4,340,222 (1.69%) Daniel Muniz-Quintanilla Carried 240,152,210 (94.03%) 15,238,743 (5.96%) Ethan Schutt Carried 254,459,505 (99.63%) 931,448 (0.36%) Dawn Whitaker Carried 250,162,356 (97.95%) 5,228,597 (2.04%) Proposal 2 Appointment of Auditors The vote was carried for the Appointment of the Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The votes received by ballot were as follows: Votes For 270,813,418 98.18% Votes Withheld 4,995,764 1.81% Proposal 3 Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay) The vote was carried on the Say-On-Pay Advisory Vote. The votes received by ballot were as follows: Votes For 180,443,860 70.65% Votes Against 73,007,164 28.58% Abstentions 1,939,929 0.75% Full details of all proposals are fully described in the Companys Management Information Circular dated March 24, 2025 available on the Companys website at www.novagold.com/investors/mic/, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and the detailed results of voting on each proposal are included in the Report of Voting Results filed on SEDAR+ and in the 8-K filed on EDGAR. The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders webcast and corporate presentation are available on NOVAGOLDs website under Presentations. NOVAGOLD Contacts: Melanie Hennessey Vice President, Corporate Communications Frank Gagnon Manager, Investor Relations 1-604-669-6227 or 1-866-669-6227 Online Marketing for Doctors empowers healthcare professionals worldwide to achieve rapid, measurable growth through specialized digital strategies. Their clients report major boosts in website traffic, patient inquiries, and marketing efficiency, while gaining enhanced professional recognition and substantial returns on investment in an increasingly competitive market. Huyen Truong met Aftab Siddiqui in Manchester to go through the website audit and patient generation plan for Breast and Body Clinic UK LONDON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Online Marketing for Doctors (OMD), a specialized digital marketing agency for medical professionals, is delivering remarkable results for healthcare practitioners across multiple countries. As the healthcare marketing and communications market is projected to expand from USD 52.64 billion in 2024 to USD 80.80 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.38 percent, OMD has established itself as a leader in this rapidly growing sector. Medical professionals partnering with OMD report dramatic improvements in online visibility and patient conversion rates. Dr. Ryan McConnell, an Endovascular Specialist and Interventional Neuroradiologist from Vein Doctors Sydney , experienced a significant transformation in his digital presence. "Since working with Online Marketing for Doctors, my website has gone from less than 200 users to almost 500 per day. More than doubled in 6 months. My keyword rankings increased significantly, and as new content was produced, we ranked for 1000s more keywords with our visibility increasing 35 percent," Dr. McConnell stated. This enhanced visibility translated directly to business outcomes, with website conversions increasing by 113 percent compared to the previous year. Even more impressive results were achieved by Mr Aftab Siddiqui, Plastic Surgeon/Owner of Breast and Body Clinic UK , he said Since working with Online Marketing for Doctors my website has gone from 300 impressions a day to 4,270 a day. I wasnt on the first page for any of my main keywords and now Im on the first page for all of them. The website conversion number has gone up by 618% compared to the same time last year, consistently filling my surgical schedule. This exponential growth demonstrates how targeted digital marketing strategies can rapidly scale medical practices beyond traditional growth limitations. The impact of effective digital marketing extends beyond patient numbers to professional standing and industry recognition. Mr. Hazem Alfie, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Delta Clinics UK London , attributes his recent selection as a finalist for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgeon of The Year Award for 2025 to OMD's marketing strategies. "I have been selected as a finalist for the Aesthetic Surgeon of The Year Award for 2025. Five surgeons from the UK have been selected. Without OMD, this would have never been possible," stated Mr. Alfie. Huyen Truong , founder of Online Marketing for Doctors, explains the company's philosophy: "I have always wanted to plant a tree of a proven marketing system and framework for medical doctors and surgeons worldwide that they can use to enjoy the benefits of successfully growing and scaling their practice." This approach has proven effective across diverse medical specialties and geographic markets. Medical practitioners report significantly improved marketing efficiency after partnering with OMD. Dr. Naveen Somia, a plastic surgeon and former ASAPS President, highlights the cost-effectiveness of OMD's strategies: "We found that we are spending almost one-fourth of our previous budget and getting double the conversion, which is a great deal to achieve quickly." This dramatic improvement in marketing efficiency demonstrates how specialized expertise delivers superior outcomes compared to generic marketing approaches. Similarly impressive results were reported by Mr James Nadin, CEO of Crown Clinic and International Centre For Cosmetic Medicine - ICCM , who stated: "Enquiries have gone crazy, and the number of enquiries has increased threefold ever since they started six months ago." This surge in patient interest represents the critical first step in building a robust patient acquisition pipeline. The healthcare marketing communication landscape continues to undergo unprecedented transformation as technological advancements and evolving market demands converge. Digital marketing for medical professionals proves relatively inexpensive yet highly effective compared to traditional mass-media advertising, which typically requires significant investment. This cost-efficiency is particularly important as healthcare providers face increasing competition and pressure to maintain profitability while delivering exceptional patient care. Dr. Geoff Cashion, Owner of Vasectomy Australia , summarizes his experience with OMD: "They have methodically changed my digital presence, and my sales have gone through the roof. I have not been disappointed, and to be honest, they have exceeded my expectations." This sentiment echoes across numerous testimonials, confirming that specialized medical marketing delivers consistent, replicable success for healthcare practitioners. As the healthcare marketing sector continues its projected growth toward USD 80.80 billion by 2030, medical practices that invest in specialized digital marketing strategies position themselves advantageously for this expanding opportunity. Online Marketing for Doctors demonstrates how targeted digital strategies can significantly impact practice growth, professional recognition, and return on marketing investment for medical professionals. For more information about Online Marketing for Doctors and their specialized digital marketing services for medical professionals, visit their website: https://onlinemarketingfordoctors.com/ About Online Marketing For Doctors Online Marketing For Doctors (OMD) is a leading digital marketing agency specializing in helping healthcare and medical providers generate new patients. Founded by Huyen Truong, OMD has evolved from a local Australian startup into a global powerhouse, serving clients across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, India, New Zealand, and Singapore. Contact Information CHESTERFIELD, Mo., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Higher Education Loan Authority of Missouri (MOHELA) joins the state and nation in mourning the passing of Governor Christopher Kit Bond, who died on May 13, 2025, at the age of 86. Governor Bonds visionary leadership and enduring commitment to public service were instrumental in the creation of MOHELA, which he signed into law in 1981. As a dedicated public servant, Kit Bond recognized the transformative power of education. The establishment of MOHELA reflected a bold commitment to expanding access to higher education for Missouri students. Over the past four decades, MOHELA has helped millions of students and families manage the cost of college, thanks to the foundation Governor Bond laid. Governor Bonds legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of MOHELA, said Scott Giles, Executive Director and CEO of MOHELA. His belief in the importance of education and opportunity continues to guide our mission every day. We are forever grateful for his leadership and vision. Governor Bonds distinguished career included two terms as Missouris governor and four terms in the U.S. Senate. He was widely respected for his bipartisan approach and his work on issues ranging from education and infrastructure to national security and economic development. Further, Governor Bond was noteworthy for fighting for the interests and improving the lives of Missourians. MOHELA extends its deepest condolences to Governor Bonds family and loved ones. His legacy lives on in the students we serve and the futures we help build. About MOHELA MOHELA is a non-profit, governmental corporation with 40 years of experience and a track record of providing exceptional customer service to the borrowers it serves. MOHELA plays an essential role in the student loan ecosystem, providing support and assistance for around 9 million borrowers. Lead, May 19, 2025 - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce changes to its senior leadership team and Board of Directors. Jack Henris will be appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dakota Gold effective June 1, 2025 upon the retirement of Gerald Aberle, our current COO. Mr. Aberle will continue to serve on the Board of Directors. Todd Kenner and Kevin Puil were appointed to the Board of Directors effective May 15, 2025 and Amy Koenig will resign from the Board of Directors on May 31, 2025 and assume the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for Dakota Gold effective June 1, 2025. As Dakota Gold advances its Richmond Hill Heap Leach Gold Project ("Richmond Hill" or "Project") to production, the Company continues to enhance its leadership team and board composition to provide the requisite skillsets as it transitions from an exploration to development and production enterprise. As detailed in the bios below, Jack Henris has extensive operational experience in heap leach and underground operations as well as managing projects through permitting cycles. Todd Kenner is the former CEO of RESPEC, a South Dakota based engineering firm and brings his experience across a varied platform of engineering projects. Kevin Puil is a Texas-based fund manager and has the requisite capital markets experience in resource investments. Amy Koenig has extensive local and public market experience from her previous role as in-house legal counsel for Black Hills Corporation, a NYSE listed company based in South Dakota. Dr. Robert Quartermain, Co-Chair, Director, and CEO of Dakota Gold stated, "I am pleased to announce today that Jack Henris will be joining Dakota Gold as its President and COO to guide Richmond Hill through Feasibility Study, permitting and into construction. Jack has extensive experience at both heap leach and underground gold operations, from permitting through production, bringing skillsets germane to our current stage of development. The fact that Jack has worked at the Homestake Mine and with many of our current management team, and lives in Spearfish, South Dakota, is valuable at this stage of the Company's development. In addition, Todd Kenner and Kevin Puil will be joining Dakota Gold as new independent directors, strengthening our Board." Dr. Quartermain continued, "Dakota Gold exists because of the initial efforts of Jerry Aberle. His long professional career in the Homestake District allowed him, as a founder of the Company, to assemble an impressive land package with significant gold potential. Jerry's decision to retire as COO now allows Jack to continue to build on the efforts of Jerry and the team he has put together. I want to thank Jerry and acknowledge his contribution to Dakota Gold on behalf of shareholders. We look forward to his continued contribution as a member of the Board." Mr. Aberle, Director of Dakota Gold commented, "The building of Dakota Gold has been the highlight of my career. Being in a position to assemble the land package and the team of people that has so successfully executed our programs these past three years has allowed us to create exceptional value for shareholders. Our discovery of the Homestake iron-formation-hosted gold system on our Maitland Gold Project validates our thesis that the Homestake Mine is repeatable. With our focus on the nearer-term production opportunity at Richmond Hill, I am pleased that Jack Henris has joined the Company as President and COO. His heap leach experience and familiarity with the Homestake Mine are great assets to the Company as we advance to production. Dakota Gold is in a great position, poised for success. I look forward as a Board member and major shareholder to support Jack in the coming chapters of Dakota Gold's story." Jack Henris commented, "I am excited to return to the Homestake District where I started my career. My experience in permitting and operating heap leach gold operations for Barrick and Newmont will inform Dakota Gold's strategy as we advance Richmond Hill. Working at the Homestake Mine open pit gives me the experience required to guide activities at our Maitland project area. Having worked with Jerry Aberle, I am enthused to build on the project platform that he has assembled for the Company." Dr. Stephen O'Rourke, Co-Chair, Director, and Managing Director of Dakota Gold stated, "We are pleased to be able to strengthen our Board with the addition of Todd Kenner and Kevin Puil. In his role as CEO of RESPEC, Todd grew the company based in Rapid City, South Dakota from a revenue of $14 million in 2009 to $142 million in 2024. Todd's broad engineering experience will be invaluable as we advance Richmond Hill along its development trajectory. A native of South Dakota, Todd brings a local lens and relationships which will be important as we develop Richmond Hill and continue to advance our Maitland Gold Project and other project opportunities in the Homestake District." Dr. O'Rourke continued, "Kevin Puil has over 25 years as a portfolio manager in resource development opportunities. This is an important perspective for the Company as we seek to access funding needed to put Richmond Hill in production. Kevin's capital markets experience will reinforce the skillsets of the Board. I wish to acknowledge the support that Amy Koenig has provided to the Board over the last 3 years since joining Dakota Gold. We are pleased that Amy will join our management team as SVP Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Amy's experience with Black Hills Corporation, South Dakota's other NYSE listed company, will be valuable as we advance Richmond Hill to production. With Todd joining our Board we have 3 directors who live in South Dakota and Dakota Gold benefits from the local perspective we bring to the Company. The addition of Jack Henris as COO and President, concurrent with our Board expansion, ensures the Company has the bandwidth and skillsets necessary to deliver on our many gold opportunities in the Homestake District. " Biographies Jack Henris, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mr. Henris has more than 35 years of experience in the mining industry and is a graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering. Prior to joining Dakota Gold, Mr. Henris was Chief Operating Officer for Hycroft Mining in Winnemucca, Nevada. In addition, his mining experience includes General Manager, Mine Manager and Chief Mine Engineer roles with Newmont Mining in Northeastern Nevada and Colorado for twelve years, Senior Mining Consultant with Stantec in Chandler, Arizona and Vice President of Mining and Geotechnical for Goldcorp in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Prior to that, Mr. Henris worked for Barrick in Northeastern Nevada at the Goldstrike Mine for nine years advancing through senior operational and technical roles. During his time at both Newmont and Barrick Mr. Henris gained design and operational experience with open pit oxide heap leach developments. Also, Mr. Henris worked for Homestake Mining Company for eight years including five years at the Open Cut in Lead, South Dakota and additional exploration and technical roles in Nevada and South Dakota. Todd Kenner, Independent Director Mr. Kenner has more than 40 years of experience in engineering design and business management. Most recently Todd served as President and CEO of RESPEC from 2009 to 2024. RESPEC is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, and during his 15 years with the company, he led strategic expansion leveraging the company's nationally recognized technical expertise in rock mechanics. During his tenure, RESPEC has grown from annual revenues of $14M to $142M and the geographic presence of two to 28 offices and two international locations, with a total of 650 professionals. Mr. Kenner's public service experience has included board leadership with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, and the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA). Currently, he serves on Elevate Rapid City Board of Directors and Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors for the Community Health Center of the Black Hills. Kevin Puil, Independent Director Mr. Puil is the Managing Partner of RIVI Capital LLC, a private equity firm specializing in precious metals. With over 25 years of experience in the resource investment sector, he brings a wealth of expertise as a former fund manager and investment analyst. Throughout his career, Mr. Puil has held senior roles at several notable firms. At Bolder Investment Partners (now Haywood Securities), he was a Partner and Portfolio Manager, and later, he held the position of Senior Analyst of natural resources at the Encompass Fund. In addition to his investment acumen, Mr. Puil has significant experience in corporate governance, having served as an independent director for multiple mining companies. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Victoria in British Columbia and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. Amy Koenig, Senior Vice President Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Ms. Koenig most recently served as Vice President - Governance, Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel for Black Hills Corporation (NYSE: BKH), an electric and gas utility company headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Ms. Koenig is a Certified Corporate Governance Professional. Prior to joining Black Hills Corporation in 2013, Ms. Koenig spent ten years in private practice as a litigator with Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP. Ms. Koenig holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Before beginning her legal career, Ms. Koenig held various engineering roles of increasing responsibility in both the chemical and computer industries and holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Ms. Koenig is a member of the American Association of University Women and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board for the Children's Home Society of South Dakota. "I am excited about the additions to Dakota Gold's senior leadership team and Board. The quality of our projects has been able to attract senior resource professionals who will be instrumental in our future success" concluded Dr. Quartermain. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold is expanding the legacy of the 145-year-old Homestake Gold Mining District by advancing the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project to commercial production, and outlining a high-grade underground gold resource at the Maitland Gold Project, both located on private land in South Dakota. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Shareholder and Investor Inquiries Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this communication, the words "plan," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "potential," "will" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any express or implied statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: our expectations regarding additional drilling and modeling; our expectations for the improvement and growth of the mineral resources and potential for conversion of mineral resources into reserves; the timing for the S-K 1300 Initial Assessment with cash flow analysis, completion of a feasibility study, and/or permitting; our expectations regarding free cash flow and future financing, and our overall expectation for the possibility of near-term production at the Richmond Hill project. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities; our use and evaluation of historic data; our ability to achieve our strategic goals; the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry; and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252597 VANCOUVER, May 20, 2025 - Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCPK:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce plans for executing a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project ("N2") in Quebec, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces: 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. The first 5,000 metres of the drill program is fully funded and is intended to commence this summer. The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the project resource base through the recent exploration permit (Figure 1). Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include: A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres with a metal factor of 93. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. The Company has formally submitted its Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN) following discussions with all necessary parties and anticipates receiving its ATI permit within the next 30 to 40 days, after which it intends on commencing its maiden drill program at N2. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, commented: "We are thrilled to unveil our drill plans for the N2 Project. Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we believe that a program of this scale will deliver our goal of growing N2's historical resource into a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit." Mr. Varshney continued: "We see the potential for over three million ounces of gold at N2, and our fully funded maiden 5,000-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress after the initial historic resource estimate show the expansion potential at N2. With gold at $3,200, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming quarter." Figure 1 - PDDH design for 20,000m Drill Program Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo., an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic non-compliant intercepts. About Formation Metals Inc. Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres. FORMATION METALS INC. Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes and References: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the 2025 drilling program at the Property; the Company's view that timing is perfect for a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; the Company's anticipated timeline with respect to the Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN); the Company's view that the Property has the potential for over three million ounces of gold and the 5,000-metre drilling program marking the beginning of the Company's pursuit of that goal. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Formation Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Calibre Mining Releases 2024 Sustainability Report, Reaffirming Commitment to Responsible Growth and Stakeholder Value Globenewswire Europe (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce the publication of its fifth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting another year of strong economic performance and continued leadership in responsible mining practices. Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: "2024 was a transformative year for Calibre. We continued to deliver strong results while laying the foundation for future growth through the development of the Valentine Gold Mine in Central Newfoundland, Canada and our upcoming merger with Equinox Gold. These milestones reflect our disciplined approach to growth, underpinning strong performance with sustainability as a strategic priority. Our ability to consistently deliver on our commitments is rooted in a disciplined, purpose-driven approach and a culture that embeds sustainability into every aspect of our business. Sustainability is core to our principles, guiding us in everything we do. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains clear: to create lasting value for all stakeholders through transparent engagement, ethical practices, and operational excellence. Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities where we operate. Through partnerships with Indigenous groups, investments in local development, and our commitment to free, prior, and informed consent, we strive to be a trusted and respectful neighbor. The 2024 Sustainability Report captures this journey-our achievements, our challenges, and our continued commitment to mining with purpose." Environmental Stewardship Published our first Climate Report, including scenario analysis for climate-related risks and opportunities. Produced 164,355 trees for reforestation and carbon sequestration in Nicaragua. Prevented the use of 7.42 tonnes of mercury through the Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) Ore Purchase Program. Reported one significant environmental incident; lessons learned informed enhancements to management systems. Social Responsibility Distributed US$897 million in economic value across sites, investing US$4.19 million in community development projects focusing on education, health, and infrastructure. Supported 1,133 direct jobs, with a 95% national workforce-82% of whom are from local communities. Reported zero fatalities and achieved a 22% reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate, down to 0.21. Zero site shutdowns or project delays due to non-technical factors and no substantiated human rights concerns raised by communities, resolving 93% of community grievances, with a renewed focus on response times and stakeholder engagement. Governance and Ethics No significant instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Human Rights Impact Assessment conducted at the Eastern Borosi Mine, ensuring 100% of Calibre operations in Nicaragua assessed within the past 3 years. Fourth year of conformance with the World Gold Council's Responsible Gold Mining Principles. Improved ESG risk ratings: MSCI ESG upgraded to "A"; Sustainalytics score improved to 29.0 ("Medium" risk). Enhanced procurement due diligence to strengthen ASM ore sourcing governance systems. Financial and Investor Performance Generated US$586 million in revenue, driven by strong operational performance across all sites. Delivered a 60% increase in share price, underscoring growing investor confidence and value creation. Advanced construction of Valentine Gold Mine, with first gold production expected in Q3 2025. Announced a transformational merger with Equinox Gold, creating Canada's second-largest gold producer with a diversified growth platform. The 2024 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 Standard, the SASB 2023 Metals and Mining Standards, and the Mining Local Procurement Reporting Mechanism and includes the Company's operating mines. The Company will file its 2024 Bill S-211 Report on or before May 31, 2025, under Canada's Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. A link to the Company's 2023 Bill S-211 Report can be found here. Click here to access the full 2024 Sustainability Report. For further details on Calibre's sustainability initiatives please visit the Company website at www.calibremining.com. About Calibre Calibre (TSX:CXB) is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Darren Hall" Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Ryan King SVP Corporate Development & IR T: 604.628.1012 E: calibre@calibremining.com W: www.calibremining.com Calibre's head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6. YouTube / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / X The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: Calibre and its business combination (the "Arrangement") with These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the risk that any other condition to closing of the Arrangement may not be satisfied; the risk that the closing of the Arrangement might be delayed or not occur at all; the risk that the either Calibre or Equinox may terminate the Arrangement Agreement and either Calibre or Equinox is required to pay a termination fee to the other party; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships of Calibre or Equinox, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of Calibre and Equinox; the effects of the business combination of Calibre and Equinox, including the combined company's future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans; the ability of the combined company to realize anticipated synergies in the timeframe expected or at all; changes in capital markets and the ability of the combined company to finance operations in the manner expected; the risk that Calibre or Equinox may not receive the required court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals to effect the Arrangement; the risk of any litigation relating to the proposed Arrangement; the risk of changes in laws, governmental regulations or enforcement practices; the effects of commodity prices, life of mine estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the risks of mining activities; the fact that operating costs and business disruption may be greater than expected following the public announcement or consummation of the Arrangement; and other risks and uncertainties set out in Calibre's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2024, its management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other disclosure documents of the Company filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce the publication of its fifth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting another year of strong economic performance and continued leadership in responsible mining practices.Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: "2024 was a transformative year for Calibre. We continued to deliver strong results while laying the foundation for future growth through the development of the Valentine Gold Mine in Central Newfoundland, Canada and our upcoming merger with Equinox Gold. These milestones reflect our disciplined approach to growth, underpinning strong performance with sustainability as a strategic priority. Our ability to consistently deliver on our commitments is rooted in a disciplined, purpose-driven approach and a culture that embeds sustainability into every aspect of our business. Sustainability is core to our principles, guiding us in everything we do. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains clear: to create lasting value for all stakeholders through transparent engagement, ethical practices, and operational excellence.Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities where we operate. Through partnerships with Indigenous groups, investments in local development, and our commitment to free, prior, and informed consent, we strive to be a trusted and respectful neighbor. The 2024 Sustainability Report captures this journey-our achievements, our challenges, and our continued commitment to mining with purpose."The 2024 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the GRI 14: Mining Sector 2024 Standard, the SASB 2023 Metals and Mining Standards, and the Mining Local Procurement Reporting Mechanism and includes the Company's operating mines. The Company will file its 2024 Bill S-211 Report on or before May 31, 2025, under Canada's Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. A link to the Company's 2023 Bill S-211 Report can be found here.Click here to access the full 2024 Sustainability Report. For further details on Calibre's sustainability initiatives please visit the Company website at www.calibremining.com.Calibre (TSX:CXB) is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Darren Hall"Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive OfficerRyan KingSVP Corporate Development & IRT: 604.628.1012E: calibre@calibremining.comW: www.calibremining.comCalibre's head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6.YouTube / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / XThe Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: Calibre and its business combination (the "Arrangement") with Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox"), the combined company's plans and expectations with respect to the proposed Arrangement and the anticipated impact of the proposed Arrangement on the combined company's results of operations, financial position, growth opportunities and competitive position, the receipt of required approvals, and the expected timing of completion of the Arrangement.These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the risk that any other condition to closing of the Arrangement may not be satisfied; the risk that the closing of the Arrangement might be delayed or not occur at all; the risk that the either Calibre or Equinox may terminate the Arrangement Agreement and either Calibre or Equinox is required to pay a termination fee to the other party; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships of Calibre or Equinox, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of Calibre and Equinox; the effects of the business combination of Calibre and Equinox, including the combined company's future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans; the ability of the combined company to realize anticipated synergies in the timeframe expected or at all; changes in capital markets and the ability of the combined company to finance operations in the manner expected; the risk that Calibre or Equinox may not receive the required court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals to effect the Arrangement; the risk of any litigation relating to the proposed Arrangement; the risk of changes in laws, governmental regulations or enforcement practices; the effects of commodity prices, life of mine estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; the risks of mining activities; the fact that operating costs and business disruption may be greater than expected following the public announcement or consummation of the Arrangement; and other risks and uncertainties set out in Calibre's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2024, its management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other disclosure documents of the Company filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Highlights: Omega hosts a global resource of 585 Koz of gold. Omega now comprises 15 leased claims and 10 patents. Property size increased from 257 hectares to 400 hectares. Strategic Growth Asset in a world-class District Close to MAG Silver, Agnico Eagle and Gold Candle. Toronto, May 20, 2025 - Mistango River Resources Inc. (CSE: MIS) ("Mistango" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the McVittie Property ("McVittie") immediately adjacent to its 100%-owned Omega Gold Project ("Omega") to the north. McVittie Property now consolidated into the Omega Gold Project McVittie is located in south-central McVittie Township, in the Larder Lake Mining Division of Ontario, approximately 25km east of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. McVittie comprises eight patents with surface and mining rights, and is contiguous with the northern portion of Omega. The acquisition has increased Omega's property size from 257 hectares to 400 hectares. Figure 1) Link to Map of McVittie Project, Expanding Omega Figure 2) Map of Major Resources of the Kirkland Lake / CLLB District Omega is Central to the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break consolidation strategy Omega historically produced ~215,000 ounces grading 5.41 g/t gold between 1926-1928 and 1936-1947. Omega currently hosts an open pitable resource, including a Measured and Indicated Resource of 4.92 Mt grading 1.39 g/t gold (219.8 Koz), and an Inferred Resource of 4.69 Mt grading 2.43 g/t gold (365.4 Koz). Having a global resource of 585 Koz gold, Omega is a strategic growth asset in a multi-million-ounce gold district that is primed for consolidation-the Cadillac Larder Lake Break ("CLLB")1. The prolific CLLB, and the larger Kirkland Lake district, host some of the highest-grade gold resources globally. Immediately adjacent to and surrounding Omega, MAG Silver's Larder Project hosts a historical indicated resource 388 Koz grading 2.39 g/t gold, and a historical inferred resource of 933 Koz grading 4.21 g/t gold2. Near the town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario (30km west of Omega), the Cadillac Break hosts Agnico Eagle's Macassa Mine, one of the world's highest grade gold deposits, producing at an average grade of 15 g/t gold3. Located 10km east of Omega, in the town of Virginia town, the historical Kerr Addison mine produced 11 Moz at 9 g/t gold, and currently hosts an indicated resource of 3.31 Moz grading 1.5 g/t gold, and an inferred resource of 2.36 Moz grading 1.3 g/t gold4. North of Omega and the CLLB, Agnico Eagle is developing their Upper Beaver deposit, which hosts 3.6 Moz gold5. QP Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, P.Geo and geo., Director of Mistango River Resources, a Qualified Person, as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." For the exploration undertaken by Mistango, all assay batches are accompanied by rigorous Quality Assurance procedures, including the insertion of standards and blanks. Transaction Details Mistango is acquiring the McVittie Property from Jubilee for $25,000 and a 3% NSR on McVittie, with Mistango having the right to purchase 1% of the 3% from the vendor for $1,000,000. This transaction is subject to Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and TSXV approvals. For the latest videos from Mistango, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Channel here. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Mistango assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Mistango. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Mistango with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Mistango profile at www.sedarplus.ca. 1 Refer to Mistango River Resources Inc. May 10, 2013 Technical Report on the Omega Property on sedarplus.ca 2 Refer to Gatling Exploration September 2, 2021 Updated Mineral Resource Estimate on the Larder Gold Project on sedarplus.ca 3 Refer to Agnico Eagle's news release dated Feb 13, 2025 on sedarplus.ca 4 Refer to Gold Candle's Corporate Presentation dated February 2025 on goldcandle.com 5 Refer to Agnico Eagle's Detailed Mineral Reserve and Resource Data on www.agnicoeagle.ca To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252627 BTU Metals Corp. ("BTU" or the "Company") (TSXV:BTU) (OTCQB:BTUMF) is pleased to announce that Kinross, pursuant to the option agreement between the parties, has just commenced a significant core drilling program on the Company's Dixie Halo property adjacent to Kinross's world class Great Bear gold deposit southeast of Red Lake, Ontario. The Company is also commencing work on its Hubcap property adjacent to the south boundary of the Red Pine Exploration Ltd. (Red Pine) Wawa Gold Project. Dixie Halo Project - Kinross Option The Company completed several drill campaigns on the Dixie Halo project over the time period Great Bear Resources Ltd. was successfully outlining extensive gold mineralization on its Dixie Project before Kinross acquired Great Bear Resources Ltd. for approximately C$1.8 billion (February 2022). Subsequently, the Company entered into an option agreement with Kinross in a transaction that closed in Q2 of 2023. Since then, Kinross has been evaluating all of the available data on the Company's Dixie Halo option property in preparation for follow-up drill testing target areas that may host gold mineralization. Part of that evaluation work involved re-logging of the drill core from the Company's drill programs on the Dixie Halo property in addition to a full re-interpretation of all available data. With all the pre-drill stage technical evaluation work now complete, Kinross has secured the required permits and has budgeted for an extensive drilling campaign on the Dixie Halo Option properties. The drill program just commenced and is planned to include approximately 8,000 metres on various target areas identified as priority locations for potential gold mineralization. Paul Wood, CEO, commented: "We're excited that Kinross has completed their full evaluation of the historic work on the Dixie Halo project and are now embarking on their initial drilling of the resultant target areas. We hope they are successful in finding new areas of alteration and gold mineralization that will add to the already significant milestones they are achieving on the Great Bear project." Mr. Wood went on to add: "Additionally, based on the success of our recent work at Wawa the team is keen to reunite for a site visit next week to plan and commence follow up work." In its Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ending March 31, 2025 Kinross disclosed the following regarding the Great Bear project updates and developments; "Given Kinross has already drilled out a significant inventory in the Preliminary Economic Assessment providing an initial 12-year mine life, demonstrated continuation of mineralization beyond that, and the high cost of drilling at depth from surface, Kinross has shifted its focus from drilling the LP zone to regional exploration work. Kinross commenced regional exploration drilling in the first quarter of 2025 targeting both near-surface and underground targets delineated by lithostratigraphic models and geophysical surveys. The program is ongoing with more than 50,000 metres anticipated to be drilled by year-end." Wawa Area Properties Update Figure 1: BTU Wawa Area Property Portfolio outlining Hubcap, Centennial, and Echum Projects Wawa Area Hubcap Project The Company is preparing to follow-up on areas of strong shearing, sulphide mineralization and quartz veining identified in the work programs completed late in 2024 on the northern part of the Hubcap project located immediately south of the Red Pine Wawa Project (Figure 1). Encouraging results and information from prospecting, geological mapping and a compilation of historic results has allowed the Company to plan and now prepare to execute additional work programs that will include geological mapping, prospecting, and geophysical surveying during the 2025 field season. The results released by neighboring Red Pine Exploration Inc. (a few hundred metres from the common boundary with Red Pine will be a priority area for initial prospecting in the early part of the program. On November 27, Red Pine released the results of 18 grab samples from the War Eagle area approximately 3km south-southeast of its 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate area that was released in a press release September 30, 2024. Results of the assays from the 18 samples ranged from 0.72 g/t gold to 17.10 g/t with the overall trend of the shears and mineralization indicated to be south-southwest toward the common boundary with the Company approximately 750 metres farther southwest. Late in the field season last year, prospecting samples were collected near the common boundary on the Company's side of the boundary from scattered surface exposures of sheared, quartz veined, and carbonate altered outcrop that included disseminated pyrite. Assay values received ranged from trace to 6.13 g/t gold** from mineralized quartz veining and sheared wall rock as shown on Figure 2. A map with an overview of all Fall 2024 surface sampling results above 0.5 g/t Au is available in Figure 3. Figure 2: Strongly altered, sheared, and mineralized volcanics with quartz veining in area of recent surface sampling results. Figure 3: Hubcap Fall 2024 Surface Sampling Results Above 0.5 g/t Au. Wawa Area Echum Project The Company completed an initial six drill hole program on the 100% owned 14,262-hectare Echum Project in Wawa, Ontario. The project is an extensive gold-silver-critical minerals prospect located adjacent to Alamos Gold Inc. ("Alamos") (AGI-TSX) property that hosts the Island gold mine and the Magino gold mine. Interpretation of the available geology and geophysical data indicate the overall stratigraphic sequence on the Alamos ground extends southerly to southeasterly onto the Company's Echum property. Historic work on the Echum property has indicated the presence of both gold and base metal occurrences at several locations and much of the property is overburden covered or has been rather inaccessible due to a lack of road access. Initial drilling focused on testing anomalies and targets identified in data collected in the 2021 Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) and 2023-2024 Induced Polarization (IP) surveys. These anomalies have had scarce, if any historic drill testing. The Company wishes to thank the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) for funding in support of advancing the Echum Project. Drill holes were designed to test a number of separate anomalous chargeability features in areas where little geological information existed. Drill core logging revealed some low copper and zinc values as well as the occurrence of significant mineralized quartz veining (with sulphides such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite) generally associated with moderate to strong shearing, which may indicate the presence of regional scale deformation zones. No significant gold values were found in the core samples analyzed. Drilling to date at the Echum Project intersected anomalous near-surface copper and zinc mineralization and confirmed strong correlation with VTEM and IP anomalies. Notably, some features of the wide mineralized zone appear visually similar to gold systems elsewhere in the Wawa gold district, such as Alamos' Island Gold Mine, suggesting potential for the discovery of gold mineralization on the property in new locations as well as in the area known as the Ballard Lake gold occurrences, an area explored historically. The Company has yet to compile and carry out work in this area. The six holes drilled in late 2024 and early 2025 tested only to a maximum depth of 200m, and totaled only 807 metres. Ongoing interpretation of the complex structures intersected will enhance the understanding of the Echum Project, where multiple additional targets remain to be tested. Sample Preparation & Analysis All drill holes were logged, sampled, photographed, and cut at a secure logging facility in Shining Tree, Ontario. All samples were cut using a Vancon core saw, and the top half was collected and placed in sample bags secured with zip ties with unique sample IDs. The samples were delivered to AGAT Laboratories facility in Sudbury, Ontario, and were prepared and analyzed in Thunder Bay, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. A description of the sample preparation and analysis methods are listed below: Samples were crushed to 75% passing 2mm, split to 250g. Samples were pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Gold analysis was carried out by 50g fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (AGAT method code 202-551). All samples were also analyzed using the metal package by 4-acid digest, with an ICP-OES finish (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy), AGAT method code 201-070. The following QAQC procedures were used: One (1) Blank and one (1) Certified Reference Material (CRM) inserted into the sample stream every twenty (20) core samples CRMs OREAS-236 and OREAS-238 were selected for use in the drill program A minimum of two (2) BTU personnel received all AGAT Laboratory assay certificates There were no failures identified in the QAQC assay results The Company also announces it has set 4,300,000 options to directors, officers and consultants at $0.05 for a period of two years in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. Qualified Person Bruce Durham, P. Geo., VP Exploration of the Company is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. About BTU BTU Metals Corp. is a junior mining exploration company looking to acquire high quality exploration projects to add to its portfolio for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company's main assets are the Dixie Halo Project located in Red Lake, Ontario (optioned to Kinross) immediately adjacent to the Kinross Great Bear Project and its gold and critical minerals properties in the active Wawa gold district. The Company has no debt and minimal property obligations. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Paul Wood" Paul Wood, CEO, Director pwood@btumetals.com BTU Metals Corp. Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 Cautionary Statement Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this release about future plans and objectives of the Company is forward-looking information. Other forward-looking information includes but is not limited to information concerning: the intentions, plans and future actions of the Company. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for the Company to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the normal course of business. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. SOURCE: BTU Metals Corp. Vancouver, May 20, 2025 - Nuclear Vision Ltd. (CSE: NUKV) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Derrick Dao as its new Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective immediately. Concurrent with Mr. Dao's appointment, Mr. Allan Bezanson will step down as CEO and remain as Chair and Executive Director on the Board. Mr. Dao is a seasoned executive with extensive international experience in the commodities sector including financing, M&A, and capital markets. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary and is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Dao has held senior executive positions and advised multiple high-profile commodity transactions across Africa, MENA, Asia and North America. He has founded multiple high growth companies headquartered in Singapore and Canada and has held CEO roles in multiple public and private companies involved in uranium, gold, oil and gas and carbon. Mr. Dao has advised numerous high profile M&A transactions in Africa and the Middle East including Mining Lease divestments exceeding US$16 Billion in value. Previously, Mr. Dao was President and part of the founding team of King Tide Carbon which was acquired by Cel AI listed on the London Stock Exchange. Commenting on the new appointment, CEO Derrick Dao said, "I am excited to join Nuclear Vision at such a pivotal time in the uranium cycle. With a dominant land position in Botswana's Karoo Basin and a clear strategy to unlock basin-scale potential, we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Our focus is on disciplined exploration, strategic targeting, and leveraging Botswana's stable, mining-friendly environment to accelerate the path to discovery. I look forward to working with the world class team we have assembled at Nuclear Vision and working towards our mission of becoming the world's next global uranium company." On Behalf of the Board of Directors Allan Bezanson Chair and Executive Director About Nuclear Vision Limited Nuclear Vision Limited is an early-stage mineral resource exploration company. The Company's material property is the Regnault Project, consisting of 71 contiguous mineral claims covering an area of approximately 3,678 Ha located north-northeast of Chibougamau in the Province of Quebec. The Company also holds the UA92 uranium project, consisting of 7 prospecting licenses totaling approximately 4,828km2 located in central Botswana. CONTACT INFORMATION Nuclear Vision Limited Derrick Dao, Chief Executive Officer Email: info@nuclearvisionltd.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252755 ABU DHABI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- United Arab Emirates agri-tech firm Silal signed a strategic partnership with China's Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG) on Monday to establish a 33-million-U.S.-dollar smart agricultural technology hub in Al Ain, near Abu Dhabi. The facility, spanning around 100,000 square metres, will integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced greenhouse systems designed for the UAE's arid climate, Silal said in a statement. The project will also leverage solar energy to reduce environmental impact. Key features of the hub include AI laboratories, automated irrigation systems, post-harvest processing units, and logistics centres. The facility will grow more than a dozen crop varieties, with the goal of reducing water and fertiliser usage by up to 30 percent. Silal CEO Salmeen Alameri said the partnership would "revolutionize" the UAE's agri-tech landscape. "By combining SVG's world-leading greenhouse technology with Silal's focus on innovation and sustainability, we are building a model for advanced agriculture," he said. Yang Ming, co-founder of SVG, said the UAE's climate offers a "crucial testing ground" for agri-tech solutions. "This partnership gives us an unparalleled opportunity to refine and deploy our technologies in one of the most challenging environments," he added. The agreement was signed during the "Make it in the Emirates 2025" forum and was witnessed by UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak. Vancouver, May 20, 2025 - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTC: ICMFF) (FSE: YQG) (the "Company" or "Iconic") announces that it is re-initiating an exploration plan on its New Pass Gold Property (the "New Pass" or "Property"), located in Nye County, Nevada USA. New Pass Gold Property Exploration Plan 2025 Iconic is initiating an exploration program on its New Pass Property (the "Exploration Program") where the primary focus will be infrastructure and drilling, followed by advanced metallurgy. In 2021 an extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zones anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone, this Exploration Plan will test these anomalies. A total of 38 angled RC holes will be drilled to test extensions up-dip (east) and to the north and south of the current resource where mineralization occurs at the surface. Upon the completion of the drilling and advanced metallurgical program, a new NI 43-101 technical resource report would be generated. The Exploration Program is expected to cost approximately U.S. $1,000,000. New Pass Gold Property Highlights New Pass hosts the Carlin-type New Pass Gold-Silver deposit, with a historical (2010) NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource of 15,515,488 short tons averaging 0.018 oz/ton gold and 0.202 oz/ton silver which totals 279,279 ounces of gold and 3,139,054 ounces of silver. (Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.). Although the report followed CIM standards, the date of the work indicates verification assaying recalculating the resource is needed. The QP has not done sufficient work to make the resource current. A 2021 extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zone anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone. An exploration plan to test these anomalies is currently being finalized; Mineralization comes to surface with 75% of the deposit estimated to be oxidized, amenable to heap leaching from previous metallurgical test work; Mineralization is open in all directions, providing an excellent opportunity for resource expansion and conversion; Highlight historical drill hole intercepts include: NP-28, 45 m @ 0.080 oz/ton Au NP-88-8, 20 m @ 0.078 oz/ton Au NP-54, 50 m @ 0.047 oz/ton Au The above is from Pelke, P. A., Arentz III, S. S., NI 43-101 Technical Report on the New Pass Property Churchill County, Nevada, April 12, 2006, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc. and White Knight Resources, p.91. New Pass has an active Plan of Operations, permitting up to 25 acres of exploration-associated allowable disturbance. New Pass is located in Nevada's prolific Sulfur-Lovestock-Austin structural gold trend which is only 75 kilometres south-southwest of the past-producing McCoy-Cove Mine (produced 3.3 Moz Au and over 100 Moz of Ag). is poised to resume production with i-80 Gold Corp. (NI43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Cove Project, Lander County, Nevada" is dated March 31, 2025). The technical and scientific information disclosed from neighboring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. New Pass Geology New Pass is a Carlin style sediment hosted deposit. The gold/silver mineralization follows bedding in south-westerly dipping limestone and rhyolite tuff. The thickest part of the deposit is associated with a 3,000 foot long jasperoid. A total of 277 drill holes were completed between 1982 and 2013. Between 2006 and 2010 three separate historic resource reports were reported with similar results. The most recent is by Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.), Its inferred resource is 341,750 ounces of gold and 3,134,129 ounces of silver. This grade is above cut-off grades of currently operating Nevada heap-leach gold/silver mines. The current leach grade at Round Mountain, Nevada, from the Kinross Gold Corp. May 6, 2025 press release ranged from 0.006 to 0.010 oz/ton gold. In 2021, GOLDNEV conducted an extensive IP survey over the project. The survey emphasized the northern and southern extensions of mineralization. Geophysicist Frank Fritz of Fritz Geophysics (from F. Fritz report titled New Pass Project Dipole-Dipole IP-Resistivity Survey Interpretation, April, 2021) noted that mineralization is associated with an "oxidation boundary," defined as the contact of high resistivity limestone below low resistivity altered limestone, tuff and siltstone. The survey confirms that the known mineralization follows bedding and dips to the southwest. Several oxidation zone anomalies were defined and some are confirmed by past drilling. Investor Relations Engagement The Company has engaged Paradox Public Relations Inc. (the "Paradox") subject to approval, to provide investor relations services to the Company for a period of 36 months for a consideration of a monthly payment of $10,000, commencing May 12, 2025 (the "Agreement"). Included in the Agreement, the Company has granted 1,500,000 stock options to Paradox (See Stock Option Grant below) exercisable at $0.05 cents and valid for a three-year term (the "Paradox Stock Options") Paradox Stock Options are subject to a one-year vesting period. Founded in 2001, Paradox is a boutique investor relations consultancy firm that has been driving high-performing results for its clients for over 20 years. Paradox will focus on developing and expanding the Company's communications and visibility with the investment community. Paradox does not currently own any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company, or its securities. Stock Option Grant The Company also announces the grant (the "Stock Option Grant"), pursuant to its 10% Rolling Stock Option Plan that was ratified and approved by shareholders on May 24, 2023, of stock options to certain eligible directors, officers and consultants to purchase a total of 5,000,000 common shares. The stock options vest immediately and are exercisable, in whole or in part, on or before May 14, 2028 at an exercise price of $0.05 per share. Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) and CEO of Iconic is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards. On behalf of the Board of Directors SIGNED: "Richard Barnett" Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release including, without limitation, the exercise of the stock options are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained lithium and gold demand and prices. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Iconic expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/252757 Be intentional about addressing energy access gap Stakeholders to African leaders Justice Agbenorsi Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 14:30 Stakeholders at a dialogue to deliberate on practical ways to bridge the access to energy gap on the continent have underscored the need for African leaders to be intentional about making energy accessible to people living on the continent. That, they said, was the surest way to bridge the energy access gap on the continent and address poverty. The stakeholders are Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Executive Director of Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), Justice Ohene-Akoto; the Founder of Turn Up the Light, Noureddine Hamri, and the Board Chairman of United Bank of Africa-Ghana, Kweku Andoh Awotwi. Dialogue The dialogue was organized by ASEC, a leading think tank pioneering sustainable energy solutions across the continent. It was on the theme, Bridging Africas energy access gap Challenges, innovations and the path forward. It brought together various stakeholders including global and national policymakers, energy sector leaders, development partners, industry experts, academicians, and innovators to proffer solutions to addressing the long-standing issue of unequal distribution of energy on the continent. Opening the dialogue last Friday, the Executive Director of ASEC, Justice Ohene-Akoto, explained that the dialogue was the centres flagship event aimed at addressing Africa's energy access gap through dialogue, focusing on the social and economic impacts of electricity shortages. Narrative He said with over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, there was the need to change the narrative from lack of access to the social and economic impact of this shortfall. Africa, I always say, is not a poor continent. We should never be poor. We only have to get our fundamentals right, like finding sustainable solutions to energy access, he added. He called on African countries to tackle the menace collectively, using collective efforts, and the Ubuntu tradition adding, We believe the African problem can only be solved the African way. Commitment Dr Ibrahim said, Africa produces enough energy resources, but much of it is exported for foreign currency, leaving the majority of the population in the dark, he said adding, 75 per cent of the oil that we produce is exported out of Africa and 45 per cent of the gas that we produce is also exported at a time when a vast majority of people on the continent lived in energy. If we are committed to making energy accessible to our people everything else we do will fall in line, he said, citing lack of political will, visionary as the bane of Africas energy crises. Models Mr Hamri stated that the grid was a big web, hence the need to think about every single inch or kilometer to be supplied, calling for financial models that incorporated cross-subsidies, where urban dwellers and industries pay more to help extend power to remote villages. If you have a village that's 10,000 kilometers from the center of production, you have big losses to account for. But youre also installing your production facilities next to big cities, which are the main consumers. He added that in areas where traditional grid expansion proved impossible, decentralised options such as solar utilities, mini-grids, or off-grid solutions were essential. Sustainable service Mr Awotwi said the continents energy sector challenges were as a result of post-independence policies and misconceptions. He said electricity was mainly seem as a social good rather than a sustainable service, impeding African countrys capacity to address the challenge. He called on African countries to integrate emerging solutions such as decentralized solar power, coupled with a robust sector solvency and regulatory commitment to help address the energy gap. Ghana rakes in $34m annually from transit business Maclean Kwofi Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 08:19 Ghana has long been a preferred corridor for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, with their commercial operators using the country's roads to transport seaborne cargo. This transit trade contributes significantly to the country's economy, generating over $34 million annually from services associated with the handling and movement of transit cargo, payments to haulage truck operators, freight forwarders, electronic tracking operators and fuel stations. These benefits notwithstanding, Ghanas transit trade is beset with myriads of challenges that threaten to erode the gains made overtime as the preferred corridor in the subregion. Transit operators have reported issues such as high charges by service providers, incessant port delays, high haulage costs, numerous check points, deplorable road conditions, lack of rest stops and other non-tariff barriers. Solutions A Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shipper Authority (GSA), Prince Henry Ankrah, who made this known at a sensitisation workshop organised by the authority at Tema, explained that the solutions to the challenges required nothing less than the collective effort of all stakeholders in the transit trade ecosystem. The government for its part has enacted the facilitation of transit trade in the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) to strengthen the authoritys arm in streamlining processes of service providers and stakeholders for the benefit of all players in the industry. Additionally, Act 1122 empowers the authority to approve charges and shipment conditions of shipping service providers and to ensure compliance. We are confident that this legal framework will further contribute to improving service standards and reducing the cost of doing business at Ghanas ports, he said in a speech read on behalf of the CEO of the GSA, Prof Ransford Gyampo. He said the authority was mandated to regulate commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers in the shipment, storage, and delivery of international trade cargo. He said over the years, the authority had collaborated with stakeholders in the trade and transport industry to find solutions to challenges impeding commercial shipping in Ghana. Overloading trucks The Representative of the Ghana Highways Authority, Elizabeth Arjarquah explained that overloading trucks begins at the loading stage and was mostly caused by decisions taken by truck owners and their agents. She said the practice leads to faster road deterioration and rising maintenance costs. She stated that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have harmonised axle load control regulations and signed a supplementary legal framework in Accra in July 2022. She said all 15 ECOWAS member states endorsed the changes, with full implementation expected in 2026. Technical inspection Mrs Arjarquah said that every vehicle would now be subject to technical inspection before registration and entry into service. The inspection will cover vehicle dimensions, unladen weight with a full tank, and total laden weight. She stressed that trucks that fail to meet these standards will not be permitted to operate. Openness The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in-charge of Technical Services, Sylvia Asana Owu, welcomed the openness of the discussions and assured drivers that GSA would continue to protect their welfare. She said the conversations reflected mutual respect and urged JAPTU and other unions to deepen cooperation with GSA as reforms continued. She said the Tema sensitisation formed part of GSAs wider strategy to engage directly with those who drove regional trade. As Ghana looks to maintain its edge as the gateway for Sahelian economies, GSA believes that transparent policies, responsive leadership, and stronger stakeholder dialogue will be key to achieving that goal. The workshop The sensitisation workshop focused on the countrys new shipping legislation and ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of Ghanas transit corridors. Chaired by the Principal Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Kennedy Monnah, the workshop brought together key stakeholders in the transport and logistics such as truck drivers and haulage operators. Also present were representatives of Ghana Private Road Transport Union, the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU), the Chemicals Control and Management Centre of the Environmental Protection Authority, and senior management of GSA, including the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), Sylvia Asana Owu, Head of Operations, Monica Josiah, and the Eastern Zonal Manager, Charles Darling Sey. Concerns The participants took turns to express their opinion and raised several concerns on issues impacting their operations. Some asked if the new number plate delivery system would come with extra costs. Others questioned why drivers were not consulted in the development of the new axle load amendments. Participants also expressed uncertainty about the timelines for enforcement and called for clearer information from regulators. Ghanaian entrepreneur calls for new law to compel banks to compensate fraud victims Delali Sika Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 20:22 Ghanaian entrepreneur and CEO of Sani Group Limited, Lord Ibrahim Sani, is calling for sweeping reforms to protect customers from the growing threat of financial fraud. He wants Parliament and the Bank of Ghana to pass new laws that would make banks and mobile money operators liable for refunding money lost to fraudespecially when institutional failures are to blame. In cases where people are defrauded due to weaknesses in a banks system, the bank should take full responsibility and refund the customer, he argued. Anything less is a breach of trust. Sanis appeal comes amid rising cases of unauthorised withdrawals, identity theft, and internal collusion within the financial sector. He criticised the frequent blame-shifting onto customers and the lack of guaranteed compensation for victims. He pointed to international practices in countries like the UK and China, where banks are required to reimburse fraud victims unless gross negligence is proven. Banks in those countries understand the trust placed in them, so they take security seriously. Ghanaian banks need to do the same, and our regulators must enforce it, he said. As part of the solution, Sani is proposing the creation of a national fraud reimbursement fund, jointly financed by financial institutions and regulated by the state. He also wants to see an independent consumer protection office with the power to intervene in unresolved fraud cases. According to him, legislation modelled after the UKs Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code would provide a much-needed layer of accountability in Ghanas banking sector. Banking is a social contract, he said. If you cant protect my moneyor refund it when you failthen youve broken that trust. Its time to raise the bar. Kwahu Asabi Royal Foundation hosts transformational development summit in Afram Plains Kweku Zurek Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 18:30 The Kwahu Asabi Royal Foundation, under the leadership of Nana Otukwa Mpareko VI, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable grassroots development over the weekend of May 1718, 2025, with the successful hosting of the third edition of its annual Interprofessional Collaboration for Community Development (ICCD) Summit in Amankwakrom, Afram Plains. Themed Collaboration for Development, the two-day summit brought together stakeholders and professionals from the health, education, and agriculture sectors with a shared vision of harnessing the vast socio-economic potential of the Afram Plains. The event aimed to build a self-reliant future for the region through strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives. The summit featured a rich blend of cultural, social, and developmental activities. A traditional food bazaar showcased the regions culinary heritage and the talents of its youth. Residents also benefitted from free health screenings and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registrations facilitated through a collaboration with the Presbyterian Hospital. In addition, a research and data collection exercise on menstrual hygiene management stigma and shame was conducted, led by Dr. Sevaughn Banks, a professor at Stanislaus State University in the United States. The event drew praise from participants and partners alike, many of whom underscored the critical need for interprofessional collaboration to unlock the regions full potential. Mr. Benoni Akpetey, Director of Operations at Octagon Development Limited, applauded the Foundations model and pledged continued support. We will continue to support by making agricultural inputs and services available to various farmer groups, he stated, reiterating Octagons alignment with the Foundations mission. Offering an international perspective, Ms. Aseda Otabil, Deputy General Manager at Pureco Africaa Budapest-based water engineering companyexpressed the organisations dedication to innovating within Ghanas agriculture sector. Pureco is committed to contributing our expertise to explore ways of infusing cutting-edge water storage systems, rainwater harvesting solutions, and efficient irrigation technologies into Afram Plains agriculture, she said. She further urged collective responsibility in safeguarding the regions natural resources. It is our collective responsibility to protect what we have, lest we one day look back and realize we were careless with a resource so vital to life. Hon. Wolarse Kpeli, Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, praised the Foundations leadership and called on the wider community to take ownership of development initiatives. Agriculture is our key advantage and it takes a united community to harness its full potential, he remarked. For Nana Otukwa Mpareko VI, the summit marked the convergence of traditional authority and modern development planning. This summit reflects traditional leadership working with modern development strategies to drive change, he said, noting that the Foundations agenda is deeply aligned with Ghanas broader national development goals. As the 2025 ICCD Summit concluded, it celebrated not only past achievements but also laid a roadmap for the future. The Kwahu Asabi Royal Foundations renewed focus on interprofessional collaboration underscores Afram Plains' growing profile as a region ready to transform potential into lasting progress. New Insurance Commission Board to champion bold reforms for national development Richard Osei Boateng Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 09:01 The newly appointed Board of Ghanas Insurance Commission has pledged to undertake bold reforms aimed at revitalizing the insurance sector, enhancing inclusivity, and accelerating innovation to serve underserved communities nationwide. At the boards inauguration ceremony, Chairman Chris Boadi-Mensah expressed deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Finance for the confidence placed in them. He commended the governments strategic vision for the insurance industry, calling it timely and forward-looking in light of Ghanas developmental goals. Mr. Boadi-Mensah emphasized the boards focus on widening access to insurance, particularly for informal sector workers and those in agriculturegroups that have historically been excluded from formal risk protection mechanisms. He also addressed key challenges affecting the industry, such as the escalating risks posed by climate change, shifting global financial dynamics, and the adoption of risk-based supervisory models. He urged a proactive, innovative approach in tackling these issues. Mr. Boadi-Mensah affirmed the boards readiness to partner with the National Insurance Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders to reposition the sector as a driver of economic resilience and national prosperity. Key priorities identified by the board include driving digital transformation, increasing insurance literacy, expanding rural outreach, and ensuring the sector supports employment creation and financial stability. Next article: Future of businesses must be digital, green and inclusive Power sector challenges require urgent attention Graphic Business Editorial Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 07:32 Ghana is on the brink of a catastrophic power crisis that threatens to cripple the nation's economy and disrupt the lives of citizens. The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has sounded the alarm, warning that the country risked a nationwide power shutdown unless immediate action was taken to address the liquidity constraints in the energy sector. The figures are stark. Ghana owes Independent Power Producers (IPPs) a staggering $1.7 billion, with Karpower, a major thermal energy provider, threatening to shut down operations due to a $400 million debt. The government requires over $1.1 billion to procure liquid fuel to keep thermal power plants operational but the tariff structure does not account for these costs, leaving the central government to foot the bill. This crisis is not merely a matter of numbers; it has far-reaching implications for Ghana's economy, businesses and households. Intermittent power outages have become a regular occurrence, and a nationwide shutdown would be disastrous. The economy would grind to a halt, industries would shut down, and citizens would be left in darkness. The impact on Ghana's economic growth and development would be significant, with potential long-term consequences for the country's prosperity. The root causes of this crisis are complex, but they boil down to structural issues in the power sector. The exclusion of reserve margins and fuel procurement costs from the electricity tariff structure has created a perfect storm of debt and inefficiency. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is struggling to collect payments, with a monthly deficit of about Gh2billion, while transmission losses are estimated to be around 29-30 per cent, far above the 8-9 per cent average in OECD countries. For the Graphic Business, the government must take immediate action to address this crisis. Securing funding to address the liquidity constraints is essential but it is only a short-term solution. A comprehensive overhaul of the power sector is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of electricity supply. This includes reforming the tariff structure, improving ECG's revenue collection, and addressing transmission losses. The government must also prioritise investment in the power sector, including upgrading infrastructure and increasing generation capacity. The people of Ghana deserve a reliable and efficient power sector. It is the government's responsibility to ensure that the lights stay on, and the economy continues to grow. The clock is ticking, and the government must act swiftly to prevent a nationwide power shutdown. The fate of the nation's economy and the lives of its citizens depend on it. Ghana's power sector crisis is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention. The government must take bold action to address the root causes of the problem and ensure a stable power supply. This includes working with stakeholders, including IPPs, ECG, and other industry players to develop a comprehensive plan to address the crisis. The consequences of inaction would be severe. A nationwide power shutdown would have a devastating impact on Ghana's economy, businesses and households. Industries would shut down, and citizens would be left without access to basic necessities like lighting, refrigeration and communication. The impact on Ghana's economic growth and development would be significant, with potential long-term consequences for the country's prosperity. The government needs to secure immediate funding to address the liquidity constraints, reform the tariff structure to include reserve margins and fuel procurement costs, improve ECG's revenue collection, and address transmission losses. BUThe government must also prioritise investment in the power sector, including upgrading infrastructure and increasing generation capacity. By taking bold action, the government can prevent a nationwide power shutdown and ensure a stable power supply for the nation. For the Graphic Business, the ultimate solution to the country power sector crisis requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. The government must work with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, including reforming the tariff structure, improving ECG's revenue collection, and addressing transmission losses. By taking decisive action, the government can ensure a stable and reliable power supply for the nation, and prevent a disaster that would have far-reaching consequences for Ghana's economy and citizens. Zenith, CalBank tops customer satisfaction survey on banking Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Business News May - 20 - 2025 , 07:19 Zenith Bank Ghana and CalBank Plc Ghana have been adjudged the best banks in terms of customer service delivery among commercial banks across the country in a latest report. The maiden edition of the customer satisfaction and brand health survey report on the Banking sector by Strategic Communication Africa, a communication agency in partnership with Global Info Analytics, a research company, showed that the two banks shared the top spot with 81 per cent each. The research conducted from January 17 to 20 this year, in a collaborative effort by the two companies, was launched at the StratComm Africa Office in Accra last Wednesday. With a score of 81 per cent apiece, the two banks have outperformed the national average, which stood at 72 per cent. However, Fidelity Bank came in as the next best performing bank in this category with 73 per cent, just a percentage above the national average. The findings presented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Info Analytics, Mussah Dankwah, cut across 20 traditional banks with 3,097 bank customers from across the entire 16 regions of the country participating in the survey. Customer service metrics The report measured the custom service deliveries in five different dimensions, namely Tangible, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy. With Tangible Dimension which represents the physical aspects of service delivery, including facilities, equipment, personnel appearance, and communication materials, the Zenith Bank led with 84 per cent, followed by Cal Bank, 80 per cent and Fidelity, 74 per cent while the average performance for the sector on this metric was 72 per cent. Reliability represented by the banks ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately, the Zenith Bank again led with 83 per cent. In second place was Cal Bank, 79 per cent and the Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG) in third place with 75 per cent. The industry average for this score was 71 per cent. Responsiveness, which emphasised the willingness and ability of staff to help customers and provide prompt service, was led this time by Cal Bank PLC with 80 per cent, followed by Zenith Bank with 78 per cent and ABSA, 76 per cent. The industry average score stood at 70 per cent. For assurance metric, representing the competence, knowledge, courtesy and credibility of employees and their ability to inspire trust and confidence in customers again CalBank led with 81 per cent, in second place was Fidelity Bank with 74 per cent and in third place was CBG with 73 per cent as the average for the industry was 71 per cent. Empathy, which underscored the level of personalised attention and care provided to customers, to ensure specific needs and concerns are understood and addressed, was led by CalBank with 81 per cent, ABSA in second place with 76 per cent. CBG and Fidelity shared the third place with 72 per cent apiece as the average score for the industry stood at 71 per cent. Brand health The study also measured the Brand Health of Banks. The Unprompted Brand Recall, which measures how customers think about a brand when asked to think about its industry, was led by the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) with 14.3 per cent. This was followed by ADB, 11.9 per cent and Ecobank, nine per cent. This indicates that these top three banks have a very good brand name amongst most customers. For Brand Purchasing Intent, thus, how likely customers will use the brand specified in the near future, CalBank held the top position with 85 per cent, followed by Access Bank and GCB, both with 84 per cent and Fidelity Bank climaxed the top performance with 83 per cent. Also, for Brand Loyalty, which reflects customers' consistent preference for retaining a long-term relationship with their primary bank, the First National Bank (FNB) led as 92 per cent of their customers affirming their loyalty with the bank, followed by Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) with a score of 86 per cent. Standard Chartered, ABSA and Stanbic banks, with an even score of 82 per cent, took third place. The FNB also led the industry on Brand Equity (BE) with 84 per cent. The BE describes the level of sway a brand name has in the minds of consumers. This was followed in distance second by Stanbic Bank with 80 per cent and CalBank with 79 per cent. Dr. Eric Nkansah's legacy of leadership: Celebrating a young trailblazers impactful public service journey! Maxwell Maundy Opinion May - 20 - 2025 , 19:24 5 minutes read To whom much is given, much is expected. If the above expression is anything to go by, then one can say without a doubt that, no Director-General of GES in recent times has faced much more expectations than Dr. Eric Nkansah - the immediate past Director-General. In October 2022, I found myself at the forefront of an advocacy group - Concerned Citizens Against Discrimination - rallying support for the newly appointed Director-General. Dr. Nkansah's appointment to the appex job at the GES was met with opposition from various Teacher Unions. Nonetheless, Dr. Nkansah proved his doubters wrong and won the hearts of all and sundry during his tenure as the Director General. As one who fronted advocacy for Dr. Nkansah, I earnestly followed his social media posts during his tenure in office as the Director General. I must admit that, prior to his appointment by the then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I had never encountered Dr. Eric Nkansah in private or professional life. As his time in office ended recently due to a change in government, it is time for us to reflect on Dr. Nkansah's achievement and successes as Director General. On 27th January 2025, Dr. Nkansah posted his final goodbye message following his exit from office. Amongst the hundreds of well-wishers who commented is Mr. Bruce Senam McBrian, a professional teacher. Below is his comment: "You gave it your best shot, Doc! I had my initial doubts about you, but you proved your mettle. Thank you." To Dr. Nkansah's "Happy New Year" post on 1st January 2025, amongst the hundreds who responded, is Mr. Edward Honest Polley. Mr Polley posted: "In a moment like this, I join a host of Heavenly angels of our God and other well-wishers to wish you more grace and always victory in everything you do, especially in your chosen field of work and ministry. God bless you abundantly Dr. Nkansah, for your timely intervention and support to Saviour Children Foundation Home, particularly for helping us in our school placement." He continued: "In fact, I don't know you personally, but I will pray you remain the Director-General of Ghana Education Service. We are humbled and grateful for your kindness and show of love to the less privileged, orphans and the needy. You are such an irreplaceable jewel ever precious and indispensable. I am Eddie Honest. Administrator of Saviour Children Foundation Home, Kasoa..." Having chanced on Dr. Nkansah's enumeration of his achievements and successes as Director General during his tenure in office, I have felt the need to do this follow-up publication. As a nation, we should be able to rise above any form of discrimination, especially in public appointments - be it tribal, political, religious, gender, or age. Being the youngest ever Director General of the GES; and succeeding a seasoned professor in the person of Prof. Opoku Amankwa, Dr. Nkansah's appointment was bound to be met with age discrimination. The import of this message is that, we should not hold back from appointing the younger ones to steer the affairs of this nation so long as they have the potential to lead, as current President John Dramani Mahama has done in most of his appointments. Indeed, Dr. Nkansah's tenure as the Director General has had a far-reaching impact on the youth of this nation. On this note, I would like to commend President John Dramani Mahama, for the appointment of Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Okudzeto-Ablakwa, Sam George, Malik Basintale, and other younger persons into positions of leadership and governance of this nation. Under Dr. Nkansahs leadership, management pursued a vision of consolidating the gains made in the education sector to build a 21st-century education system to deliver improved learning outcomes for the benefit of all Ghanaian children of school-going age without any discrimination. He pursued this vision through four key strategic pillars, namely: i. Improving the working conditions of staff ii. Improving internal processes for efficiency across the Service iii. Improving data management using technology iv. Ensuring a strong performance management and accountability regime at all levels. Throughout his tenure as Director-General of the GES, Dr. Nkansah leveraged collaborations and partnerships with stakeholders in the education sector to achieve successes in these strategic areas. Some of the highlights of Dr. Nkansahs successes as Director General are: i. Improving Data Management Using Technology. Recognising the importance of data-driven decision-making, Dr. Nkansah led GES to develop the Ghana Education Service Management Information System (GESMIS). This centralised digital platform streamlines educational data management, facilitating efficient tracking of school performance indicators, student enrollment, teacher deployment, and other essential metrics. By leveraging digital technology, GES has reduced bureaucratic delays and ensured real-time access to critical information for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders. As of December 2024, GESMIS had onboarded over 300,000 teaching and non-teaching staff. Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum - then Minister for Education - officially launched GESMIS in December 2024. ii. According to a March 2025 report by the Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ghana has achieved gender parity at all levels of pre-tertiary education. Indeed, by the time he left office, girls outnumbered boys in senior and junior high schools. This positions Ghana as one of the few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to have attained this feat. iii. In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Nkansah, the Ghana Education Service introduced a novel 'self-posting' recruitment module to seamlessly recruit the first cohort of 4-year bachelor's degree graduates from the public Colleges of Education. This innovative initiative allowed newly trained teachers to select their preferred regions, districts, and schools, significantly reducing language barriers and enabling many to live closer to their families thereby enhancing social support and reducing economic strain. Please read all the highlights of Dr. Eric Nkansahs successes and achievements as Director General of the GES from this link During Dr. Nkansahs tenure as Director-General, significant strides were made in advancing key educational reforms, improving administrative efficiency, and enhancing learning outcomes across all levels of pre-tertiary education in Ghana. His leadership has indelibly impacted pre-tertiary education, setting a strong foundation for future progress. Next article: This is why Gary Lineker is leaving BBC after social media 'error' Previous article: UK-born Ghanaian caught trying to smuggle 22kg of cannabis into Britain from Canada spared jail African man who helped smuggle more than 3,000 people into Europe jailed bbc.com International News May - 20 - 2025 , 16:52 3 minutes read An Egyptian fisherman who helped organise the movement of more than 3,000 migrants as part of a 12 million illegal boat crossing operation has been jailed for 25 years. UK-based Ahmed Ebid, 42, was involved in smuggling nearly 3,800 people from North Africa to Italy between October 2022 and June 2023, with some making their way to Britain, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. Ebid is the first person in the UK to be convicted of being involved in people smuggling across the Mediterranean Sea from Africa to Italy. He arrived in the UK on a small boat in 2022 after spending five years in jail in Italy for attempted drug smuggling. He applied for asylum in the UK but never received a decision. That meant he had been in legal limbo, neither facing removal nor being granted permission to stay. His sentence means he will almost certainly be deported once it has been served. Ebid, whose wife and sons are in the UK, had been living in Home Office-funded accommodation in south-west London at the time of his arrest. At his sentencing hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, the judge said Ebid ruthlessly exploited desperate individuals and his "primary motivation was to make money out of human trafficking". "The treatment of migrants was horrifying," Judge Adam Hiddleston said. "This was a commercial enterprise, pure and simple. The risk of loss of life was considerable. These were fishing boats, not ferries". Ebid "exercised a managerial role at a very high level", the court heard, bribing officials and ordering threats of violence towards the migrants. After he was sentenced, Ebid was heard in the dock shouting that it was "unfair" and that he was "saving money to bring my family over". While this was happening, a female member of Ebid's family cried in the public gallery. He was arrested in 2023 after Italian security services looked into satellite phones being used by migrants on Mediterranean crossings from Libya to Europe, in particular Italy. They found that some handsets which were being used to call the country's coastguard had also been connecting during the journey to a British mobile number. The NCA linked that mobile phone to Ebid and then bugged his home to record evidence. The agency found he was involved in a number of smuggling operations, transporting thousands of men, women and children, often in dangerously overcrowded fishing vessels. Ebid even told an associate to kill and throw any migrants caught with their phones into the sea, in a bid to avoid law enforcement, the NCA said. The smuggler had described himself on Facebook as "Captain Ahmed" and notebooks in his home included Mediterranean Sea navigational details and lists of payments related to crossings. Ebid had admitted facilitating illegal immigration to the EU - a crime under UK law - but disputed the importance of his role. The NCA's investigation revealed he had a management role in the smuggling network. Jacque Beer, regional head of investigation at the NCA, said: "Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants to ship them across the Mediterranean in death trap boats. "The cruel nature of his business was demonstrated by the callous way he spoke of throwing migrants into the sea if they didn't follow his rules. To him they were just a source of profit." Next article: African man who helped smuggle more than 3,000 people into Europe jailed UK-born Ghanaian caught trying to smuggle 22kg of cannabis into Britain from Canada spared jail www.dailymail.co.uk International News May - 20 - 2025 , 17:36 2 minutes read A pregnant drug mule who attempted to smuggle 22.5kg worth of cannabis into Britain has avoided jail after saying she needed the money to pay for a deposit on a house. Daniella Kankam-Adu, 19, was offered 250 in return for smuggling 225,000 worth of cannabis from Canada to Newcastle Airport on March 3 this year. The 19-year-old, of London, said she believed her luggage contained vapes, but Border Force quickly found heaps of the Class B drug. When questioned if she had packed her own luggage by airport officials, Kankam-Adu insisted that she had but there was nothing of concern within it. Prosecuting, Kevin Wardlaw told Newcastle Crown Court: 'When asked to open one [item of her luggage] she said she didn't have the key. She became aware the locks would be forced. 'Her attitude changed, she became obstructive, making comments to the officer. The officer was not being racist, it was just a random check.' The suitcase was found to contain 22.5 kilos of cannabis, worth around 67,500 wholesale and with a street value of 225,000. She pleaded guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion on the prohibition on the importation of cannabis. Prosecutors accepted her basis of plea, which was that a friend suggested she could make money by helping to bring vapes back to the UK and avoid paying tax. Kankam-Adu said she was told she would be paid 250 to carry out the act and went to Toronto on tickets given to her and followed instructions. She said she was given a suitcase to bring back to the UK and realised because of the size and weight that it did not contain vapes and must be cannabis. Kankam-Adu added that she didn't know the value of the drugs and decided to come back anyway as she needed the money and had a plane ticket. Glenn Gatland, defending, said Kankam-Adu had a difficult childhood and spent time in a care home. He added that before the offence, she discovered she was pregnant and didn't want the child to experience the same childhood she had. Mr Gatland said the 19-year-old needed money for a deposit on somewhere to live and was 'naive' in agreeing to the suggestion of a friend to bring vapes back to the UK. He added that she has been remanded in custody for three months, during which time she suffered a miscarriage. Mr Gatland added: 'She has spent three months in custody and that will certainly serve as a deterrent to her to keep out of trouble in future.' Kankam-Adu was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months. $2m skytrain case: Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi rushed to hospital, former GIIF CEO still in custody Justice Agbenorsi May - 20 - 2025 , 11:32 4 minutes read A former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Solomon Asamoah, has not been able to meet the bail conditions set by the Accra High Court hearing the case in which he has been accused with one other of causing financial loss of $2 million in the sky train project. Asamoah and a former Board Chairperson of the GIIF, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, are standing trial for allegedly transferring the $2m from GIIFs account into Africa Investor Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in South Africa without board approval for the purpose of acquiring shares as part of the deal but nothing was done. While Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, was absent at the first hearing on May 13, 2025, Asamoah pleaded not guilty to six counts of conspiracy, willfully causing financial loss to the state and intentional dissipation of public funds. The court presided over by Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame admitted Asamoah to bail in the sum of GH15 million with two sureties to be justified with a registered land located in Ghana. But when the case was called today (May 20), Asamoah was accompanied by police officers. Sources close to the case told Graphic Online's court correspondent Justice Agbenorsi that the accused had not been able to meet the bail conditions set by the court. Meanwhile, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, was absent for the second time on medical grounds. His lawyer, Duke Aaron Sasu, told the court that his client was rushed this dawn to the ward. He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the matter saying his client would be released by Monday. The case has been adjourned to May 26, 2025. Prosecutions facts Per the facts of the case as narrated by the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai said the Accra Sky Train project was to be constructed on a design, finance, build and operate basis. In a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering the project, GIIF was to be the anchor equity investor and local project development partner to the Africa Investor Holdings (Proprietary) Limited. Dr Srem-Sai said it was further agreed in the MoU that GIIF would conduct due diligence and develop a bankable feasibility study on the project. Subsequently, a shareholders' agreement dated January 9, 2019, was signed between Africa Investor Holdings Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the Seychelles with IBC, on one part, and the GIIF, on the other. In the agreement, Africa Investor Holdings Limited was to transfer 10 per cent of its alleged 100 per cent shares in a company styled Ai SkyTrain Consortium Holdings, a limited liability company registered in Mauritius, to GIIF. Asamoah, according to the prosecution, signed the shareholders' agreement on behalf of GIIF. A few weeks later, on February 4, 2019, Ai SkyTrain Consortium Holdings, citing the shareholders' agreement as a basis, wrote a letter in which it made a request for a payment of the lump-sum of $2 million as the price for the alleged shares. On February 25, 2019, Asamoah and Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi jointly, in a letter, instructed the United Bank for Africa (GIIF's bankers) to transfer $2 million from GIIF Project Development Company accounts to the bank account of the Africa Investor Holdings Limited in Mauritius. The payment was duly effected, after which nothing was heard, said or done by GIIF or its governing board on the alleged share acquisition. Nothing was ever said or heard of the $2 million either, Dr Srem-Sai said. In addition to the due diligence requirements contained in the MoU as the GIIF's obligations, he said the GIIF's internal investment policy required that GIIF follow an elaborate procedure for bankable feasibility studies and assurances before embarking on any investment. These procedures, the Deputy A-G said, included (but not limited to) a prior GIIF internal investment committee assessment, recommendations, and then, approval by GIIF's governing board. He said investigations, however, revealed that no such due diligence procedures or processes were followed or engaged in by GIIF prior to parting with the $2m. Further investigations, he said, revealed that no board approval was sought or obtained for the share acquisition or the $2m payment. Dr Srem-Sai said in his police investigation caution statement, Asamoah claimed that he sought or obtained the approval of the GIIF governing board in respect of the share acquisition and the $2 million payment. This claim was, however, refuted by each of the other members of the governing council in their respective police investigation caution statements. Further investigation reveals that no board minutes or company records support the claim by Asamoah, he said. The Deputy A-G said Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, for his part, insisted in his police investigation caution statement that he signed the bank funds transfer instruction on the recommendation of Asamoah. Neither Asamoah nor Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has been able to account for the $2 million, the Deputy A-G added Next article: Africa must unite in demand for cultural properties Dzifa Gomashie Previous article: $2m skytrain case: Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi rushed to hospital, former GIIF CEO still in custody Bongo District NHIA Director murdered GraphicOnline May - 20 - 2025 , 11:09 2 minutes read The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned the killing of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, the Bongo District Director of the National Health Insurance Authority, who was shot, killed and burnt by unknown assailants in an incident that occurred near Nagodi in the Upper East Region. In a statement dated May 20, 2025, Mr Ayariga expressed his dismay, declaring, I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing and burning of the body of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, who was the Bongo District Director of National Health Insurance Authority. The attack on him took place in Nangodi near Bolgatanga. My heartfelt condolences to the family of my late comrade. The MP called on the security services to act swiftly, urging that law enforcement agencies thoroughly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act. His statement follows mounting public concern over the apparent targeting of public officials amid the ongoing Bawku conflict. Mr Ayariga appealed to the public to remain calm and support ongoing mediation efforts led by traditional authorities, particularly the Asantehene. Read the entire statement below; I urge all to remain calm and lets focus on the on-going efforts of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku situation, he said. He further commended the youth of Bawku for their patience and non-violent posture, noting, I commend the youth for the restraint displayed so far and their recent efforts to maintain peace in Bawku. His appeal came with an assurance that peace efforts were yielding results: Significant progress is being made and no one should be allowed to derail the process. Court of Appeal Rejects NAM1s Bid to Suspend Criminal Trial Richard Osei Boateng May - 20 - 2025 , 05:58 2 minutes read Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1, has suffered a fresh legal blow after the Court of Appeal on Monday, May 19, dismissed his attempt to stop the ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The court threw out an application jointly filed by NAM1 and his companies Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult seeking a stay of proceedings in a criminal case that includes 39 charges. The charges range from unlicensed gold trading and illegal deposit-taking to defrauding investors and laundering over GH340 million. NAM1s lawyers had asked the appellate court to pause the trial until an appeal against a High Court rulingdirecting him to present his defencewas heard and determined. That directive followed the Financial Division of the High Courts conclusion that the prosecution had established a strong enough case to warrant a defence. However, state attorneys opposed the request, arguing it lacked substance and was intended to stall the trial. They contended that NAM1 had failed to meet the legal threshold for a stay of proceedings. A three-member panel made up of Justices Gbiel Suurbaareh, Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, and Christopher Archer unanimously dismissed the application. This clears the way for the criminal trial to resume on May 28. Following the ruling, NAM1 told the media that he remains determined to continue his legal fight. We havent reached the end. Well take advantage of every legal option available, including possibly heading to the Supreme Court, he stated. Background to the case The charges against NAM1 originate from a gold trading scheme operated through Menzgold between 2016 and 2018. Prosecutors allege that over 16,000 individuals were persuaded to invest in the scheme, only for their funds to be misappropriated for private and unauthorized business activities. The businessman and his companies face multiple counts, including fraud, breach of trust, and illegal financial operations. Given the magnitude of the alleged losses and the number of affected investors, the case is regarded as one of the most significant financial crime prosecutions in Ghanas recent history. Energy Ministry refutes need for load-shedding timetable Jemima Okang Addae May - 20 - 2025 , 12:43 1 minute read The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has stated that Ghanas current power generation capacity is sufficient to meet peak demand and that there is no justification for the publication of a load-shedding timetable. This comes in response to a press conference held by the Minority in Parliament on Monday, May 19, in which they called for a load management schedule to be made public. In a statement issued by the Ministrys Head of Communication, Richmond Rockson, the government emphasised that the nations power supply is currently adequate, even during peak hours. While acknowledging inherited challenges in the electricity distribution system, the Ministry assured the public that the government, in collaboration with power sector stakeholders, continues to implement long-term measures aimed at permanently resolving these issues. The Ministry urged the public to remain confident in the ongoing improvements and reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply across the country. Read the full statement below; Daily food allowance of GH1.80 for Nsawam inmates woefully inadequate Deputy Director of Prisons tells MPs Mohammed Ali May - 20 - 2025 , 09:02 2 minutes read Prison officers at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have told Parliaments Human Rights Committee that the daily feeding rate per inmate remains GH1.80 a figure that has not been reviewed since 2011. The disclosure was made on May 19, 2025, when members of the committee visited the facility to monitor conditions and speak with prison authorities. The Officer-in-Charge of the prison, Deputy Director of Prisons Patrick Thomas Seidu, said the GH1.80 allocation is meant to cover three meals a day for each inmate. He described the amount as woefully inadequate given current market prices, and said it falls short of what is required to meet the nutritional needs of prisoners. Inmates are still being fed on GH1.80 a day, which was last reviewed in 2011, Mr Seidu told the MPs. This makes it very difficult to provide decent meals, considering the rise in food prices. Mr Seidu also raised concerns about the level of congestion at the facility. He said the prison was originally built to hold 717 inmates but is now housing 3,548. He added that the absence of scanning equipment at entry points makes it difficult to control the inflow of contraband items. The visit was led by the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Mr Ernest Yaw Anim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kumawu. He noted that the committee was established under the leadership of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to help promote and protect human rights in the countrys governance process. Mr James Agalga, the Ranking Member of the Committee, reiterated the need for Parliament to pay closer attention to conditions in the countrys prisons. He also repeated his longstanding view that the death penalty should be abolished, saying it was important for Ghana to protect the value of human life at all levels. The Director of Prisons in charge of Operations, Mr Hagbe Francis Selorm, accompanied the delegation during the visit and took part in discussions with the parliamentary team. Ghana grants indefinite residence permits to 500 Ivorian refugees Jemima Okang Addae May - 20 - 2025 , 12:29 1 minute read Ghana has granted indefinite residence permits to approximately 500 Ivorian refugees residing in the country, reaffirming the countrys commitment to humanitarian support and regional solidarity. At a ceremony to hand over the permits, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, cautioned the beneficiaries that the permits are revocable and urged them to strictly adhere to Ghanas laws and regulations. He emphasised that the initiative reflects Ghanas enduring commitment to offering a safe and dignified environment for refugees and asylum seekers. The Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, Assielou Felix Tanon, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the government its continued hospitality and support. He also lauded the Minister for his dedication in ensuring the success of the permit process. Representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service also commended the governments efforts, describing the move as a significant step toward integration and protection for displaced persons. Next article: Enact policies for processed foods to combat NCDs - Experts demand of govt Collection of property tax to be decentralised Minister Timothy Ngnenbe May - 20 - 2025 , 06:57 3 minutes read The government is to decentralise the collection of property tax to metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) before the end of this year, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has said. He said the move would ensure that local assemblies were given stronger financial backing to undertake development projects instead of mostly relying on transfers from the central government. The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Banda also said that the government would empower local assemblies to resort to municipal bonds to finance capital projects going forward. The President promised to decentralise the property taxation system and send resources to the grassroots for balanced and equitable development of the country. The people of Ghana gave him an overwhelming majority of votes, so we cannot sleep on this reset agenda," he said. Event The minister said this at the opening of a three-day workshop on property tax administration in Accra yesterday, organised by African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), a collaborative research initiative addressing critical urban development in African cities. It was on the theme: "Transforming urban property tax administration for improved delivery of valued public goods and services." Participants were drawn from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. They are expected to share best practices and case studies from successful reforms across the continent; explore digitisation experiences and identify strategies for implementing sustainable digital reforms, including fostering collaboration among policy makers, tax administrators, researchers and international organisations to advance property tax reforms. While property taxation is a viable source of revenue for African countries, the sector is challenged by inadequate valuation systems, incomplete property registers, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The property sector remains underdeveloped, causing the countries to wallow in resource constraints to undertake development projects. Implementation The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo; the head of project delivery at ACRC, Irene Vance, and a senior lecturer of Land Management at the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Dr Samuel Biitir, all called for the implementation of a robust property tax regime capable of raking in the needed revenue for sustainable development. They said that within the context of dwindling donor support, it was important for local assemblies to adopt innovative reforms backed by digital solutions to unleash the potential of the property tax. In separate statements, they stressed that the adoption of an ingenious property tax administration module that best suits the country would further help local authorities to deliver on their onerous responsibility of addressing development challenges such as sanitation, health care, and delivery of social interventions. Relevance Ms Ocloo, whose speech was delivered on her behalf by the Regional Economic Planning Director at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), Jemima Lomotey, said the workshop would bolster ongoing processes by local assemblies to adopt digital solutions for effective property tax collection. She said her outfit would support metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) within the region to deploy innovative programmes to improve domestic tax mobilisation. Dr Biitir also said that for property tax collection to be effective, there must be depoliticisation of the process. "Here in Ghana, it is difficult for the assemblies to collect property tax because of partisan politics. During election years, the assemblies cannot collect the needed property tax because of politics," he said. He underscored the need for an enhanced digital addressing system to boost property tax collection. For her part, Ms Vance said while African cities such as Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kampala, Uganda and Nairobi, Kenya were fast growing, the lack of an effective property tax system was a hindrance to unlocking their economic potentials. GJA opens nominations for national, regional elections Daily Graphic May - 20 - 2025 , 05:57 2 minutes read The election committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has opened nominations for the election of national and regional officers of the association. The elections will be conducted on Monday, June 30, 2025. A statement issued by the committee on May 16 and signed by its Chairman, Peter Martey Agbeko, said the nominations officially opened on the same day and would close on May 30, this year. "This makes a key milestone in the democratic calendar of the association, and the committee urges all eligible members with passion and competence to lead the association at either the national or regional level to step forward and pick up nomination forms," the statement added. The statement said the country's Electoral Commission (EC) would oversee the conduct of the elections. Positions The national positions to be contested for are president, vice-president, general secretary, organising secretary, treasurer and public affairs officer. At the regional level, the positions that are up for grabs are chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer. Requirements According to the election committee, the filing fees for the national presidents position were GH5,000, while other national positions attracted GH3,000. For regional positions, the chairperson aspirants would pay GH1,500, while other aspirants are required to pay GH1,000. Vetting Per the vetting schedule, all nominated candidates for national positions will be vetted at the International Press Centre in Accra from Tuesday, June 3, to Thursday, June 5, this year. "Regional candidates will be vetted virtually during the same period, and the results of the vetting will be published on Friday, June 6," the committee added. Providing further details on the election process, the committee said balloting for positions for both national and regional candidates would be done on Monday, June 9, with official campaigning starting immediately after balloting up to Saturday, June 28. The committee said the voter register would be published on Friday, May 30, followed by the issuance of the election calendar on May 19, and the elections on June 30. "The election committee is currently finalising all necessary arrangements to ensure a credible, free, and transparent election process," the committee said. Next article: Energy Ministry refutes need for load-shedding timetable Notorious Accra robbery suspect extradited from Togo to undergo medical examination for consuming excreta Justice Agbenorsi May - 20 - 2025 , 13:19 1 minute read The Togolese national accused of masterminding high-profile robberies in Accra is to undergo medical examination. This follows the accused persons abnormal behaviour of consuming excreta according to the prosecution. He is said to be consuming his own excretion while in custody. Adinda-Akpo Abdou Moudjibou a.k.a Maxwell, was arrested from his hideout in Togo following a collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the Togolese Police. Read also: Notorious Accra robbery suspect extradited from Togo after months on the run He was arraigned today (May 20) on charges of robbery for the alleged offences he committed between 2022 and 2024. He is said to have stolen $200,000, a gold wrist chain valued at GH20,000, Gold Necklace valued at GH18,000, assorted jewelry including gold earrings, brooches etc. valued at GH5,000 and a registered CZ 75.5P pistol in a robbery spree. Situation The prosecution, led by ASP Amoah Richard, informed the court that the accused person had been exhibiting unusual behavior to the extent of consuming his own excrement. As a result, the accused, has been remanded into the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), to enable him undergo assessment. His accomplice, Marzuk Alidu, has been charged with abetment to commit robbery. Over 90% of migrant beggars arrested by Ghana Immigration are Nigeriens; 925 repatriated Kweku Zurek May - 20 - 2025 , 18:07 2 minutes read The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has revealed that Nigeriens account for the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals detained in its ongoing operation against street begging. Of the 2,244 individuals currently held, 2,073 over 92 per cent are from Niger, according to a statement released by the GIS on May 19, 2025. The GIS disclosed that other detained beggars include 138 Nigerians, 28 Burkinabes, one Guinean, and one Malian. All detainees underwent mandatory profiling and security screening, with segregation by gender and age to comply with international standards. Repatriation efforts, delayed from last Friday due to extended screening, resumed on Saturday. So far, 925 individuals including 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians have been sent back to their home countries. The GIS confirmed that meals and medical care are being provided at the holding centre, though arrests have been temporarily paused to avoid overcrowding. "The Special Operation is being conducted humanely in compliance with the rights of all migrants," the GIS stated, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism. Authorities vowed to resume the crackdown to "rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks," while appealing for public support. "As Ghana's lead agency in migration management and border security, the GIS assures the general public of its commitment to operating fair and firm immigration systems and contributing to national security and development. "The Special Operation will resume and continue in due course, in the effort to rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks". Next article: Over 90% of migrant beggars arrested by Ghana Immigration are Nigeriens; 925 repatriated Previous article: This is why the Ghana Immigration Service has halted arrests of migrant beggars Tema-Mpakadan railway inactive six months after official opening Mohammed Ali May - 20 - 2025 , 18:09 3 minutes read Six months after the official opening of the 97.7-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan railway operations on Friday, November 22, 2024, the much-publicised service remains inactive, dashing hopes of commuters for a more reliable alternative. The standard gauge line, inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with two Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains, was intended to improve both passenger and cargo movement along Ghanas Eastern Corridor. But ongoing challenges have left the project dormant. Constructed at a cost of US$447 million through a credit facility from the India Export-Import Bank, the Tema-Mpakadan line was billed as a step forward in Ghanas efforts to revive its rail system. It includes newly built stations at Adome, Kpone, Doryumu-Jokpanya-Kodiabe, Shai Hills, Afienya, Ashaiman, Tema Industrial Area, and Tema Port, as well as a 300-metre rail bridge across the Volta River near Senchi. The project forms part of the GhanaBurkina Faso interconnectivity initiative and is expected to link Tema Port to the inland port at Mpakadan. From there, goods could be moved more easily to the north of Ghana and to landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger. In a radio interview with Citi FM on Tuesday morning [May 20, 2025], Dr Frederick Appoh, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), said the start of commercial operations had been held back by repeated incidents of theft and vandalism. According to him, about 75 per cent of the damage has so far been repaired, as part of a mitigation effort being led by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications. Dr Appoh also cited the absence of private sector involvement as a major hurdle, saying the current state-run system has been inefficient and unable to generate enough revenue to maintain operations. In most parts of the world, the state owns the railway infrastructure while private companies run the trains, he said, pointing out that countries such as Romania are exceptions to that model. He said the GRDA is developing what he described as an open access model for the Tema-Mpakadan line, which will involve setting out track access charges and operational guidelines to attract private operators. A market-sounding exercise is scheduled for June 2025 to court potential investors. According to Dr Appoh, full commercial operations could begin by June 20, 2026. The delay has disappointed many residents, especially those in communities that had hoped the rail service would reduce road congestion, lower transport costs, and provide quicker access for goods and people. Dr Appoh said the economic value of the project remains promising. He referred to Kenyas Nairobi-Mombasa railway as an example, noting that it generated thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly. He said a working railway system could support small businesses in areas such as welding and machine part servicing. He admitted, though, that the lack of clear operating rules and procedures has discouraged private interest, something the GRDA is now trying to fix. At the commissioning ceremony last year, President Akufo-Addo described the railway as a lifeline for local businesses and communities. But an incident in April 2024, when a truck collided with a train during a test run, raised early concerns. The truck driver was later sentenced to six months in prison. YEA, Police Service sign agreement to recruit 12,000 community assistants Mohammed Ali May - 20 - 2025 , 07:09 3 minutes read The Ghana Police Service and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) have signed an agreement to recruit and train 12,000 young people as community police assistants to help reduce unemployment and support law enforcement across Ghana. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 19, 2025, in the presence of the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka. The initiative will engage young Ghanaians aged 18 to 35, who will be trained in basic policing and deployed to their communities to support local law enforcement. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister for the Interior said the programme addresses two major issues facing the country: high youth unemployment and the limited presence of police personnel in many communities. This is a practical way to improve public safety while offering employment to young Ghanaians, he said. He acknowledged the roles played by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr George Opare Addo; the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno; and the Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Mr Malik Basintale, in bringing the agreement to fruition. Mr Basintale, who also spoke at the event, described unemployment among young people as a growing global challenge. Globally, 1.8 billion young people are jobless. My daily task is to create opportunities for the youth of Ghana, he said. These 12,000 positions are in line with the Presidents plans for a 24-hour economy and will directly impact lives. He explained that the recruits will undergo intensive training in basic policing duties and intelligence gathering before being assigned to local police stations. Our police service lacks enough personnel, Mr Basintale said. These community assistants will rely on their knowledge of the areas they live in to support regular officers, helping to improve security without overstretching the existing staff. Youth unemployment remains a major concern. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service showed that in 2023, unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 stood at 32.8 percent. Mr Basintale said the new programme gives many young people a chance to earn an income while contributing to safer neighbourhoods. This will keep 12,000 young people engaged in productive work and away from criminal influences such as robbery and drug abuse, he added. The community policing roles will be for an initial period of two years, but could lead to permanent positions within the police service, depending on performance and available openings. According to the YEA, the programme also brings relief to households across the country by providing a source of income for thousands of young people. Interested applicants have been directed to submit their applications via the agencys online portal: apply.yea.gov.gh (http://apply.yea.gov.gh ). Recruitment is expected to begin shortly. Court restrains John Peter Amewu from holding himself as MP of 8th Parliament GNA Politics May - 20 - 2025 , 06:03 2 minutes read The Court of Appeal sitting in Koforidua has granted an interlocutory injunction brought by Professor Margaret Kweku and others from the SALL [Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe] traditional areas to restrain John Peter Amewu, a former Member of Parliament for Hohoe. The court restrained Mr Amewu from holding himself out as a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe Constituency in the 8th Parliament of Ghana. The Court also restrained the Speaker of Parliament from processing or paying any entitlements to Mr Amewu as the former MP, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. The Ho High Court presided over by Justice Owoahene Acheampong on July 29, 2024, dismissed the election petition against the election of Mr Amewu on the basis that the High Court lacked jurisdiction. A Notice of Appeal was filed on July 31, 2024, against the High Court's decision. The application for interlocutory injunction was also filed on December 23, 2024 at the Court of Appeal. Arguing the application, Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, who represented the petitioners, urged the court in the interest of justice, to prevent the Speaker of Parliament from processing or paying any entitlements to Mr Amewu, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. Counsel for Mr Amewu argued that his client had done nothing wrong and that if anything, the Electoral Commission should be held responsible for misleading Mr Amewu, the second respondent. The three-member panel presided over by Justice Bright Mensah held that the application was meritorious. Other members of the panel were Justice Noble Nkrumah and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba. (Mrs.) Read more background stories from the links below Next article: Court restrains John Peter Amewu from holding himself as MP of 8th Parliament Feasibility studies for new national capital underway Mahama Graphic.com.gh Politics May - 20 - 2025 , 06:57 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has stated that feasibility studies were underway for the design of a new national capital. That, he explained, was to address the mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure. It is time to think long-term and plan for a new city to ease this burden, Mr Mahama said while addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people at Dodowa last Friday during his Thank You visit. The government, he said, was already considering the design and feasibility study for the bold initiative. Decongestion He said the envisioned city would serve as a secondary administrative and commercial hub, helping to decongest the capital by relocating select government ministries, departments, agencies and financial institutions. I believe that this city will be located somewhere on the Accra plains from Bundase, straddling across the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions. The city will straddle three regions, he noted. He said the new capital city would stretch to the banks of the Volta River, and there would be a railway link and an expressway that would link the new city to Accra. President Mahama said he envisioned it as a green, digital metropolis featuring industrial parks, financial services and tourist attractions operating as a 24-hour economy, explaining that the rapid urbanisation, gridlock and inadequate infrastructure have become a pressing concern that needs a permanent solution. Ridge Hospital To expand access to quality healthcare services, he said the government would upgrade the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) into a full-fledged Teaching Hospital. We will also construct Ridge Hospital Phase Two, which will increase the capacity of that hospital as a teaching hospital in the Greater Accra Region, he added. This, he said, would enhance specialist training and reduce referrals outside the region. He said other health projects earmarked for development were the expansion of the CHIPS Compounds in peri-urban communities like Bortianor, Kpone and Shai Osu-Doku. To facilitate a vibrant 24-hour economy, which seeks to maximise productivity and economic opportunities, the President also announced mass distribution and installation of streetlights in all districts of Greater Accra, to enhance security. Roads President Mahama listed a number of priority roads and other projects for Greater Accra. The road projects, he said, involved the rehabilitation of major corridors, expansion of existing ones and the construction of an outer Ring Road, which would divert traffic to bypass Accra to the northern and western parts of the country to ease congestion. And so it means trucks and others coming from Lome and going to Kumasi or Takoradi dont need to come through Accra; theyll pass on the Outer Ring Road and continue their journey, he emphasised. On the list are the ongoing Adenta-Dodowa Road, the La-Teshie Link, the Tema Harbour-Tema General Hospital-Motorway Road, the Apolonia-Oyibi Road and the Tema Motorway Expansion; the reconstruction of the stretch from Dahwenya to Afienya, Afienya to Dodowa, Doryumu to Dodowa and Ashaiman to Madina. The Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, on behalf of traditional leaders, said their confidence in President Mahama remains high, following positive signs recorded so far under his Reset Ghana agenda. Previous article: Sam George reacts to Facebook post about Lexus vehicle gift allegation and says it is 'categorically false' [VIDEO] Minority outlines 7 interventions to end 'dumsor' Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Politics May - 20 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Minority in Parliament has proposed a seven-point intervention that it believes would resolve the countrys recurring power outages, popularly known as dumsor. They urged the government to focus on resolving fuel supply challenges facing Independent Power Producers (IPPs), engage stakeholders to renegotiate burdensome take-or-pay contracts, and set strategic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), to reduce operational and distribution losses while improving revenue collection. They also urged the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, to address and enforce the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, diversify the energy mix by investing in renewables and optimising local gas fields like Jubilee and TEN to cut down on fuel imports, encourage off-peak industrial consumption to flatten demand and accelerate the nationwide roll-out of smart meters to tackle power theft and enhance revenue mobilisation. At a press conference in Parliament on Monday, Members of the Minority Caucus on the Energy Committee, led by its Ranking Member, George Kwame Aboagye, emphasised that the solutions proffered by the Minority Caucus had become necessary because the country's power situation was fast deteriorating, threatening businesses and livelihoods. "We demand action and results from the Minister of Energy and the government," Mr Aboagye declared. "It is time to stop the talking and put the lights on, he added. Under the NPP The Minority used the opportunity to highlight significant investments made in the energy sector between 2017 and 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, to demonstrate that they were more accomplished in handling the countrys energy needs. These included the addition of 1,600 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity through projects such as Amandi, Early Power, Bui Solar, Kaleo/Lawra Solar and the upcoming Yendi Solar project. Transmission infrastructure, they stated, was also improved with the completion of the 330kV Prestea-Kumasi line, the 225kV Burkina Faso Interconnection, the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point and several other projects. Electricity access, they said, had risen to 88.85 per cent as a result. However, Mr Aboagye, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asene Manso Akroso, warned that the return of dumsor was undermining these gains and threatening economic stability, with businesses, hospitals, manufacturing firms and even students bearing the brunt. The patience of the Ghanaian people is wearing thin. We demand action and results from the Minister of Energy and the government. It is time to stop talking and put the lights on, the Asene Manso Akroso MP said. Fearmongering Mr Aboagye called on the Minister for Energy and Green Transitions to stop instilling fear in Ghanaians with what it describes as alarming and baseless pronouncements on the countrys energy situation. Such remarks, the caucus said, were economically damaging because they create an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability, which are detrimental to investor confidence. They further explained that power was the lifeblood of industry, and such statements could send panic through businesses still recovering from the aftershocks of COVID-19 and global economic turbulence. The Minority Caucus was criticising Dr Jinapors recent claim that the country had only 2.6 days of fuel left to power its thermal plants. There have recently been rumors about the first devices powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset launching in late September, and that the SoC itself would be unveiled earlier than its predecessor, which was announced last October. Today during its Computex presentation, Qualcomm confirmed that its next Snapdragon Summit is taking place from September 23 to September 25. The Snapdragon Summit is the yearly event during which the company unveils its latest and greatest Snapdragon chip, so it's settled. With this in mind, expect the Chinese flagship smartphones using it to all be announced in late September to early October for the domestic market. Since the timeline has shifted, we wouldn't be surprised if their global launches took place earlier than they used to as well. This will leave Samsung in a rather awkward position as it's rumored to launch its next-gen foldables in early July - only three months before the chipset they will use will get one-upped. Via Agencies on Tuesday testified in support of Sen. Shawn Gumataotaos Bill 103-38, seeking to authorize the Peace Officer Standards and Training, POST, Commission to grant temporary peace officer certification for individuals who possess a degree in criminal justice or equivalent area of study and who are in good standing. If approved, Bill 103-38 provides the legal authority for government agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General, Judiciary of Guam, and the Guam Department of Corrections to hire these graduates or professionals if they secure temporary POST Commission certification. The legal authority provided by Bill 103 means that our attorney general and other agency heads will have a real opportunity to hire the more than two dozen college graduates who applied this past year but lacked POST Commission certification, Gumataotao said. Gumataotao, chair of the public safety committee, said these are individuals who earned a criminal justice degree and desire to serve the community as peace officers, particularly at a time when these same agencies are losing officers to federal and military employers and retirement faster than they are able to recruit. Carene Blas, General Crimes Division administrative supervisor at the Office of the Attorney General, testified that the temporary certification provision outlined in the bill would help accelerate the onboarding of peace officers, including criminal investigators, to allow the AGs Office to expand its workforce without compromising the long-term training requirement and standards set by the POST Commission. This is an essential step in addressing the current public safety gaps while maintaining the integrity of the certification process, Blas said. Acting lead investigator William Salisbury from the Office of the Attorney General said by allowing the POST-temporary certification process via the POST Commission, it would address the immediate shortage of personnel and provide the individual the necessary skill set moving forward within the law enforcement career pathway. The Judiciary of Guam also supports the intent of Bill 103-38, with Administrator of the Courts Danielle Rosete testifying that the measure offers a practical way to strengthen our public safety workforce by giving government entities the ability to hire qualified candidates who are working toward full POST certification. Gumataotao said he put the proposal forward earlier this year after meeting with Attorney General Douglas Moylan. He said they discussed the importance and urgency of figuring out a way, a policy, that the AG and other agency heads can rely on to hire criminal justice graduates and other eligible degree holders to fill critical law enforcement positions and allow them to complete any pending POST Commission certification requirements while employed with these entities. I offer this commonsense policy proposal as a responsible approach to, among other things, recruiting college graduates who have invested their time and resources to earn a degree and who want to begin careers as members of our law enforcement agencies, Gumataotao added. Customs organizations from around the region are represented on Guam for the 27th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organization, OCO, which opened on Monday. It will continue through May 23, with upcoming sessions focusing on gender equality, organizational governance, technology innovation, and environmental protection. Mondays closed-door Customs Chiefs Leadership Forum focused on strategic communications and digital transformation in the Pacific. It was attended by heads of customs administrations from across the Oceania region, and began with a strategic overview of the Pacific communications landscape, examining current challenges and opportunities in regional communications infrastructure and digital transformation. Effective communication is the foundation of successful customs operations and regional cooperation, said Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency Director Ike Q. Peredo, and chair of the OCO Steering Committee. As we navigate increasingly complex trade and security environments, our ability to share information efficiently and securely becomes ever more critical. The morning session featured presentations on the current state of Pacific media and communications systems, key challenges in regional communications, digital transformation priorities, and a vision for integrated Pacific communications networks. Communication is the key to success at every level of work. If you give rubbish rubbish in, rubbish out. So, make sure you communicate well to the different levels of hierarchy in your office administrations, as well as with stakeholders. It is the key to everything. The value in today was the shared experiences and knowledge, especially for the development of customs leaders, according to Lorina R. Seady, Customs operations manager with the Federated States of Micronesias Customs and Tax Administration. There were also discussions on crisis communication, community engagement strategies, technology integration in the Pacific context, and sensitive information management. Todays discussions have highlighted both the unique challenges we face in our region and the innovative approaches our members are taking to overcome them, said Nancy T. Oraka, OCO Head of Secretariat. These conversations lay the groundwork for more effective cooperation and modernisation across our customs administrations. A plea deal from the Office of the Attorney General seeking to deport a U.S. citizen in a case involving alleged gang members drew immediate objection from the defense Monday in Superior Court. This prompted Judge Vernon Perez to schedule a follow-up hearing in the first week of June and direct both sides to either reach an agreement or prepare for trial. Defendants June Monu, a U.S. citizen, and Mesemwan Repwak appeared in court Monday with their respective attorneys, Richelle Canto and Terry Timblin. Prosecutor John David Griffin represented the government. Both Repwak and Monu are expected to be back in court on June 9. Repwak, alleged to be a gang leader, is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault across three separate cases. According to court documents, Repwak and Monu were at the center of a police manhunt following the May 2024 shooting of a 14-year-old girl in Maite and a series of other violent crimes. Monu, who was arrested with Repwak that same month, is charged with aggravated assault and terrorizing, both as third-degree felonies, along with a special allegation for the use of a deadly weapon in commission of a felony. On the day of their May 10 arrest, Monu allegedly pointed a shotgun at a man who suffered a 9-inch laceration after Repwak allegedly struck him with a machete. One of the three cases links both defendants as co-defendants. During the Monday hearing, Canto said the government had failed to follow through with a revised plea agreement after being informed that her client could not accept deportation due to his citizenship status. Unfortunately, after the last hearing where we informed the OAG that my client is, in fact, a citizen and could not accept the deportation plea, I did not hear back from them, and no one has sent me an updated plea offer, despite the fact that they did promise one, Canto said. So, were kind of in a holding pattern. Were just waiting to see if they are going to revise that offer. No funding Griffin confirmed the deportation offer had previously been discussed and said the issue now involves securing travel funds. I think I remember from the last court hearing that even though the defendant, Monu, was a U.S. citizen, he was going to accept a deportation agreement whereby he would leave, Griffin said. The only problem that we had was securing funds to assist him in leaving Guam and never to return to the United States again. He said similar terms were offered to Repwak, but logistical barriers remain. The fact that its kind of one of logistics, one that ICE cannot or will not be involved, Griffin said. And then Im just really working to get these gentlemens funds if they want to accept the deportation agreement and never to return to the United States again. I would like to get them the funds to pay for them out of here, but its been a little difficult. Griffin said he is now receiving support from top officials. Its kind of a renewable situation. Its kind of new, but logistic wise and kind of funds wise, Im really trying to get this done, and Im double my efforts, he said. Ive kind of enlisted the help of our new chief prosecutor and also the [Attorney General Douglas Moylan] and if we can get this done at some point, I would like to, and I do appreciate the courts patience and also both defense counsel patients. No to deportation plea Canto rejected any suggestion that her client would ever agree to be deported. I do have one concern, a major concern. I dont recall us ever saying that we were going to accept a deportation plea for a person who is a citizen of the United States, she said. Thats completely absurd that the OAG would try to deport a citizen. Griffin responded by referring to what he recalled from the last court session. I recall that Mr. Monu made that statement at the last hearing that we agreed to accept such an offer. Perez addressed both attorneys directly, encouraging communication and resolution. Canto, speaking via Zoom, reiterated her concerns about being left out of discussions. No one is reaching out to me from the OAG, she said. Id be happy to discuss this if they could just reach out to me now, but I will be back next week. The judge turned to Griffin again and pressed for action. Be guided, attorney Griffin, a defense counsel is anxious to get discussions underway. Shes been expecting some now, Perez said. As for whatever you might come up with, again, if its not appropriate, obviously a trial will be the alternative. Griffin said discussions with Repwaks attorney were progressing and that only minor details remained unresolved. Were pretty much in agreement. There were a couple of things that needed to be tweaked in the agreement, he said. I thought we were in agreement and the matter was just coming up with some funds for the different task, we would go. Education Superintendent Erik Swanson received a mix of support and criticism among those present at a Guam Education Board meeting Tuesday, before the board went into an executive session to go over a progress report they required Swanson to submit last week. The board is weighing Swansons performance and could decide to oust him amidst the Guam Department of Educations loss of federal funds. Visual and performing arts teacher Gisela Guile pushed back against calls for Swansons removal, describing the environment as increasingly hostile. This is my first time here Im here for maybe something totally different, but I, all I heard is that, oh, we want to get rid of Dr. Swanson, and we, we got to fire him and all this stuff...whats going on? Guile said. Its scary, really...if I had to work under these conditions constantly, if you dont do this, then this. She described a workplace philosophy built around growth and learning, not punishment. They said, in this job, nobody makes mistakes. There are no mistakes. There are only learning processes. When something is wrong, we learn and we go on. I dont know why, but Im here because Im very much in favor of Dr. Swanson, because I was very impressed by his background. Guile highlighted Swansons qualifications and career path as reasons for her support. Of course, he is a music teacher. That is number one. I like that the best. Then he studied curriculum and instruction, and then leadership, she said. And we have never had a superintendent like this. And how, how anybody can say, we have to get rid of you now, Im sorry, but Im here to support him. Sen. Vince Borja, chairman of the legislative committee on education, and long-serving education board member Maria Gutierrez, warned of GDOE spiraling into dysfunction. Gutierrez and Borja demanded sweeping accountability measures during a tense and emotionally charged board meeting. Their comments reflected deep concern over unresponsiveness, financial mismanagement, and unmet legal obligations threatening the islands largest public agency. Let me be perfectly clear, we are in a crisis, Borja said. And while I acknowledge that there has been collaboration between my office and the superintendent over the past few months, and I thank him for that, it is not enough. Hold your team accountable Borja directed sharp criticism at Swanson and his leadership team, calling out delayed responses and what he described as a troubling lack of initiative among staff. Mr. Superintendent, you need to hold your team accountable, he said. Im increasingly concerned by the lack of initiative I see from certain members of your staff. I send emails, I follow up, and yet Im met with delays, silence, or excuses. That is unacceptable. Borja made clear that collaboration alone is insufficient to resolve GDOEs systemic issues. Intent alone does not solve problems. Execution does, Borja added. And if there are individuals under your leadership who are slow-walking directives or disregarding requests, especially those related to oversight, documentation, or critical fiscal decisions, then they are undermining our shared mission and must face consequences. Otherwise, were wasting our time. Message to education board Turning to the board, Borja demanded cohesion and commitment. To the board, let me be very clear, I have done more than my part to support this department. Ive shown up, Ive offered solutions, and Ive even extended my hand in partnership but you need to meet me there, he said. You need to step up, work together, work with me, and work with the superintendent. This is not the time for infighting, blame games, or finger-pointing. He condemned inaction and warned against complacency. As a veteran of the United States Army and someone who has studied leadership at the highest levels, I will tell you this, complaining without action is cowardice. It achieves nothing, he said. The time for political posturing and circular discussions is over. Borja demanded a concrete plan and firm leadership. So I ask each of you today, what is the plan? What is the objective? And who is going to lead the charge? Because unless were ready to commit to that fully and without hesitation, we will remain stuck exactly where we are. He ended his remarks with a plea for immediate change. I am tired of repeating myself. Town halls, oversight hearings, board meetings we go in circles. And yet here we are again. This is not progress. Its inertia. We are out of time. Our students deserve better. Our educators deserve better. And the people of Guam are expecting action, not more excuses. Lets get to work. Gutierrez echoed Borjas concerns, describing this moment as the lowest point in her years of service. These are the worst years as a board member, and yet Dr. [Judi Gutherz] is right, were powerless, she said. Everything is operational, the board cannot freeze positions or travel because its federally funded. We have a fiduciary responsibility as a board. Gutierrez pointed to audit failures and a lack of timely compliance with oversight requests. She shared being summoned to a critical meeting by Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz last week. There was a request for documents that were due last Monday before Thursdays meeting. It was not all completed, she said. She said even media requests for information have gone unanswered. Gutierrez added that clear operational direction has existed since July 2023. Dr. [Mary] Okada, as the chair, provided all the guidance thats needed, all the guidance thats needed for this department to move on, to be prepared for the legislature, she said. Despite legislative appropriations, Gutierrez warned that money is not reaching classrooms or students. She described urgent failures across the system. Now were facing lawsuits left and right, were coming down to the Legislature to sit there and ask for this amount of money, but its not going to the schools, Gutierrez said. She appealed for public understanding and transparency. For the people out there that dont understand what were doing, of course, they can put everything out there, but they need to know the truth. They need to know whats going on with the department, she said. Gutierrez described a system leaning on donations and overworked teachers. She said she would continue advocating for schools despite the dysfunction. I will not stop because we need to provide the service to our kids, she said. Gutierrez also said even school closures are being mishandled. Im hearing from them, some support staff. They dont even know where theyre going to go when they close, she said. Chief [Brodie Elementary] voting is they havent heard anything. This is how many more days they havent heard anything about the teachers, the position that is needed at the school. The governors lawsuit against Attorney General Douglas Moylan for over 70 alleged illegal hirings and promotions will be delayed for at least another two months due to a faulty summons issued in the case. Superior Court Judge John Terlaje on Tuesday told legal counsel for the governor to issue another summons to the AG because they did not give him the full 60 days to answer to the complaint, as laid out in court rules. Attorneys for the governor in March asked the Superior Court for authorization to appoint attorneys to investigate and potentially prosecute Moylan. At issue are the hiring of some 70 unclassified staffers at the Office of the Attorney General, and alleged promotion violations, to include the AGs brother and fiancee. Moylan and his staff in April defended their hiring authority and general practices in a lengthy informational briefing before lawmakers. But before the ball could get rolling in the case, an issue with a summons issued by Adelup legal counsel has stalled it out. Filings from both the AG and the governors lawyers indicate that the summons provided only a 20-day timeline to answer, even though government defendants are supposed to get 60 days to answer under court rules. The AGs office moved to dismiss the case in April, but attorneys for the governor countered that the case should not be dismissed on a technical defect. Adelup attorneys have asked the court to let them amend the summons, and the AGs office has objected to allowing this, court filings show. Appearing in court Tuesday, Moylan and attorneys for the governor approached the judge for a sidebar, or private conversation. After parties took their seats, attorney William Pole, for the AG, and Adelup attorney, Travis, argued briefly over the issue. Travis said she had offered to provide an amended summons to the AG a month ago. Pole disagreed. Terlaje told Travis to issue new summons, and said the clock would restart on the case. Travis said shes ready to serve a summons on the same day. After the hearing, Moylan called it a waste of taxpayers time. Moylan and the governor are entangled in a number of lawsuits. The AG is suing over the Mangilao hospital project in federal court, while the governor is seeking a special prosecutor in the hiring case and another case involving procurement of contract attorneys. Likewise, Moylan points to his offices investigations of the governor and her cabinet, while the governor is suing the AG over an alleged illegal $1.1 million contract to feed and house homeless and drug-addicted people at Tropical Palm Hotel. A jury deliberated for four hours before convicting a man accused of breaking into a home, taking keys to steal a car, and then jumping out of a moving vehicle when chased by police, according to a news release from the Office of the Attorney General. David Anthony Juanico was convicted of burglary as a second-degree felony, theft of a motor vehicle as a second-degree felony, theft of a firearm as a third-degree felony, fraudulent use of a license plate as a third-degree felony and open container as a misdemeanor. Given the gravity of Juanicos crimes and prior convictions, we will ask Judge (Vernon) Perez to impose the maximum sentence of 31 years imprisonment, prosecutors stated in the release. On Feb. 5, police spotted a stolen Mazda CX-5 on Route 4 and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver Juanico refused to stop. At one point, he slowed down and jumped out while the vehicle was still moving, then ran away with police following, according to charging documents. The car had been reported stolen after a burglary in which someone took the keys and a firearm from a residence. In a separate theft, a woman reported the front and back license plates of her car had been stolen, and those plates were later found on the Mazda. When police examined the car, they found an open Budweiser in the cup holder, according to documents. Criminals who think they can terrorize our island, steal from hardworking families, and endanger innocent lives will learn the hard way that under this Tough on Crime AGs Office, their days of lawlessness are numbered, the release stated. This AGs Office aggressively pursued Juanico, a repeat offender who burglarized a home, stole a vehicle and a firearm, and attempted to evade justice. Juanico has had previous convictions for burglary, theft of property, family violence, vehicle without identification and assault, according to charging documents. Very warm days will continue across Guam, the CNMI and the broader Micronesia, with the daily heat index holding fairly steady between 96 and 100 degrees during the warmest part of the day, according to the National Weather Service. NWS Weather Forecast Office Guam is asking the community to be mindful of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and the things that one can do to practice heat safety. For example, one experiencing heat exhaustion should move to a cooler area immediately, loosen clothing, and seek medical help if symptoms dont improve. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given, so call 911 immediately and move the person to a cooler area. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, and very high body temperature, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Refrain from outdoor burning While the red flag warning for Guam is no longer in effect, the fire danger remains high due to dry conditions, NWS said. Continue to refrain from outdoor burning. All wildfires on Guam are human-caused; therefore, only you can prevent wildfires, NWS said. Extreme drought persists across Saipan and Tinian in the CNMI, and Wotje and Utirik in the Marshall Islands. Severe drought, meanwhile, has expanded to include Guam and Rota, and continues for Pingelap in Pohnpei and Ailinglapalap in the Marshall Islands. Weekly regional weather outlook A persistent, dry trade-wind pattern remains in place across Guam and the CNMI, NWS said. Farther north, a tropical upper tropospheric trough or TUTT, high in the atmosphere, is generating clusters of thunderstorms near and north of Pagan. For Guam and the CNMI, the dry trade wind pattern will persist into the weekend, with only spotty and brief showers the next few days. Moderate to fresh trades will ease up by the end of the week, becoming gentle for the holiday weekend. Keep an eye to the sky this weekend for the possibility of daytime/island heating that could generate showers/thunderstorms during days with lighter winds, NWS said. Combined seas of 4 to 6 feet will subside to between 3 and 5 feet this weekend with a moderate risk of rip currents. The man who confessed to breaking into post office boxes on multiple occasions pleaded guilty to two federal felony counts on Tuesday in the District Court of Guam. Matthew John Briola Sablan faces as many as 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 upon his sentencing. Sablan agreed to plead guilty to one count of burglary of a post office and one count of theft of mail, with each count assigned a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the above monetary fine and supervised release of up to a year. Both Assistant U.S. Attorney and Federal Public Defender can recommend the court consider changes to the sentencing range but ultimately, the judge will have the final say. Sablan is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 4. According to court documents, on March 4, 2025, Guam Postmaster Tammy Schoenen notified the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that there had been a break-in at the Tamuning Post Office, located on E.T. Calvo Memorial Parkway. Security video from earlier that day showed a male wearing a black hoodie, pink Stussy shorts and black and white slippers, using a pry bar to open the door to the locked mail sorting room. He made three trips to the room and left each time with an overflowing tub of mail and packages. Sablan was arrested later that same day for fraudulent use of a credit card at Home Depot. At the time of his arrest, he wore clothing that matched clothing seen in the post office footage. A tattoo on his leg also stood out on both videos. Sablan told police that he had found the card in the Tamuning area near the ITC building, and said he needed to purchase items for his apartment. He also told police that he did not know the card owner. Sablan was taken into custody and released March 25, with orders to stay away from post offices. On April 1, a man with his left leg wrapped with cloth attempted to break into the same sorting room but was unsuccessful, as the door had been fortified with metal plates. Police suspected Sablan, and he was arrested the same day. USPIS officers interviewed Sablan, who admitted to the March 2025 burglary, and first denied, then admitted to the attempted April 1 burglary. According to the documents, Sablan signed and dated still photographs from both incidents. Sablan was originally charged with five counts of theft of mail, and two counts of burglary of a post office. As part of the plea deal, the government agreed to reduce the charges to one count each. Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez on Monday set a status hearing for late June as delays in securing trial transcripts continue to disrupt progress in the retrial of Rudy Fegurgur Quinata, who was convicted in 2022 in the murder of former Humatak Mayor Daniel Sanchez. The court is awaiting the official record from Quinatas first trial, which the defense said is critical to prepare for new proceedings. We requested in November the record on appeal, and here we are in May, and still have not received it, defense attorney Thomas Fisher said. The reason we need that is because its going to be replete with testimony from witnesses who will be called at Rudys next trial. Fisher also asked the court to address unresolved matters from the initial case. There is a motion to suppress from November 12, 2021, the judge said. Fisher said the defense is ready to proceed once the transcripts are received. Prosecutor John David Griffin echoed the concern, stating that the missing documents are also stalling the governments ability to move forward. I will need to see the transcripts from the original trials, Griffin said. They have been requested, but we have not received them yet. And so Im hoping that we can get some date in the future, maybe another day to talk about trial dates. Perez urged action from the prosecution. Please make that happen, he said to Griffin. Get the search going. It shouldnt be too hard to find...maybe its electronic at this point. Peter J. Santos, Quinatas former attorney, told the court that KUAM News had video footage of nearly the entire original trial and offered it to both parties. The judge acknowledged the offer but emphasized that official documentation remains necessary. I would like to see that...we just need the record, he said. The government should have that as it was a party to the appeal and that needs to be located and gotten over to defense counsel. Griffin said he submitted his request for the transcript at the same time Fisher did. Perez granted the prosecution seven days to secure and deliver the necessary records. Mr. Quinata, Ill probably have you back just to make sure things are tracking for some new trial dates, Perez said. Its likely it could be September. It could be July. Im going to take a look at my calendar. He set the next hearing for June 30. The Supreme Court of Guam ordered a new trial for Quinata after finding that juror misconduct during deliberations compromised his right to a fair trial. Quinatas appeal, filed by Santos, cited insufficient evidence and misconduct among jurors. The court rejected the claim of insufficient evidence but found merit in reports that one juror repeatedly referred to Quinatas prior incarceration, despite instructions not to do so. The justices ruled the trial court erred in failing to hold an evidentiary hearing on the matter, vacated the conviction, and ordered a new trial. Quinata was convicted in 2022 alongside Joyner S. Sked. While Skeds appeal led to the reversal of two convictions related to special allegations and aggravated assault, the murder conviction remained. Sked remains in prison, serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole. University of Guam professor emerita of Japanese language, Toyoko Poong-Ja Kang, has been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, according to the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna. The prestigious award recognizes Kangs decades-long dedication to promoting Japanese language education and her role in fostering cultural understanding between Japan and the U.S., including Guam. Dr. Kangs teaching career is a fine example of the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the USA as well as Japan and Guam, the Consulate-General of Japan stated in a release. Kang began her teaching career in 1985 at the University of Texas at Austin. She joined the UOG College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in 1993 where taught the Japanese language to nearly 2,200 students. Throughout her career, she taught the language to over 3,500 students. In 2020, Kang was awarded the Foreign Ministers Commendation by Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Editors note: This is the second opinion piece from the Guam Tourism and Travel Association, with members from across the commercial sector of the tourism industry taking turns every Wednesday sharing their evolving perspectives.) A recent survey of over 700 Guam residents reveals a complex and evolving perspective on the islands economic direction, development priorities, and quality of life. The findings highlight a population that is deeply invested in the future of their communities, yet increasingly concerned about economic stagnation, overdevelopment, and the rising cost of living. Things to be considered in revitalizing Guams visitor industry: Economic outlook: A divided sentiment Only 22% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Guams current economic trajectory, while nearly half (48%) reported dissatisfaction. A significant portion (29%) remained neutral or uncertain. This widespread discontent reflects broader concerns about job opportunities, affordability, and the overall direction of economic policy. The data suggests that while there is no overwhelming consensus, there is a clear desire for change. Residents are not resistant to development, but they want it to be thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful of Guams unique cultural and village identities. Village-centric development preferred When asked about future growth, a striking 79% of respondents favored development that aligns with the character of their individual villages. This preference underscores a resistance to one-size-fits-all urbanization and a call for localized planning. Only 10% supported maintaining the status quo, and just 9% favored replicating the development models seen in Guams northern and central regions. This sentiment was echoed in responses about economic prosperity. Nearly 40% of residents prioritized community and social infrastructuresuch as roads, safety, and public spacesas the most effective way to improve village economies. Agricultural development followed at 14%, with residential and commercial development each garnering modest support (around 11%). Strong support for agriculture, sustainability Agricultural initiatives received overwhelming support, with 85% of respondents endorsing more community or neighborhood farming. This support spanned all income levels, though middle-aged residents were particularly enthusiastic. The emphasis on agriculture reflects a broader desire for sustainability, food security, and economic self-reliance. Respondents also strongly supported prioritizing local agriculture in land use planning, reinforcing the idea that economic development should be rooted in Guams natural and cultural resources. Outmigration driven by economic pressures While most residents (88%) have no plans to leave Guam in the next year, 12% are either planning or considering emigration. The primary drivers are economic: job opportunities (23%), cost of living (22%), and access to goods and services (14%). Notably, younger generationsespecially Gen Z and Gen Xare more likely to cite cost of living as a key factor, signaling a potential future brain drain if economic conditions do not improve. Tourism: Upgrade, dont expand Tourism remains a cornerstone of Guams economy, but residents are wary of unchecked expansion. A majority (92%) prefer improving existing hotels over building new ones. While 77% support creating more tourist attractions and experiences, only 23% favor new hotel and retail construction. Concerns about overdevelopment were particularly strong among retirees and federal employees. At the same time, residents in southern villages wish there would be more tourism development in their villages so long as it developed reflecting the values and characteristics of life in their village. This nuanced view suggests that residents value tourism but want it to reflect and preserve Guams cultural identity rather than transform the island into a generic tourist hub. Renewable energy: A clear priority An overwhelming 90% of respondents support renewable energy development in their villages. This enthusiasm likely stems from both environmental concerns and the potential for long-term cost savings. The strong support aligns with broader themes in the survey: sustainability, self-sufficiency, and preserving Guams natural beauty. Conclusion The survey paints a picture of a community at a crossroadseager for progress but cautious about losing its identity. Guams residents are calling for a balanced approach to development, one that prioritizes local needs, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Policymakers would do well to listen closely to these voices as they shape the islands future. Haiti - FLASH : Supreme Court decision worries Haitians under TPS On Monday, May 19, 2025, the United States Supreme Court finally granted the U.S. Department of Justice's request to lift the March 31, 2025, order of U.S. District Judge Edward Chen (an Obama appointee) suspending Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44598-haiti-flash-removal-of-tps-first-legal-defeat-for-the-trump-administration.html In its order, the Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to terminate the immigration protections (TPS) and work permits of 350,000 Venezuelans living in the United States and paves the way for mass deportations The Supreme Court's decision, in favor of the Trump administration, has raised concerns among lawyers and migrant rights advocates about its potential consequences. This decision could affect more than half a million Haitians whose TPS status expires on August 3rd, 2025. Despite this disappointment, immigration lawyers and advocacy organizations, who describe this decision as "terrible," are determined to pursue their appeal in court. They point out that other federal lawsuits are pending on behalf of more than a million migrants from more than a dozen conflict-affected countries. These migrants are covered by TPS and face the uncertainty of possible deportation. "The Supreme Court did not explain what it found convincing" in Secretary of State Kristi Noems decision to revoke Venezuelas TPS "and the precise impact of its ruling but, overall, this is not a good sign for consideration of the TPS statute and other TPS holders, like Haitians [...]," said Yael Schacher, Americas and Europe Director at Refugees International. Sejal Zota, Legal Director of Just Futures Law, which initiated a March 2025 lawsuit against Trump and the Secretary of State on behalf of several Haitian TPS recipients, explained that the Supreme Courts decision does not imply the designation of Haiti as a TPS recipient. The Supreme Court's decision only applies to the 350,000 Venezuelans who are TPS recipients. Zota adds that the Supreme Court did not consider the merits of the case and does not deprive the courts of their jurisdiction to consider these applications. Furthermore, the Court recognizes the right of some beneficiaries to challenge the termination of their work authorization documents. On another front, the administration has petitioned the Supreme Court for a ruling on the humanitarian program that allowed 532,000 Cuban, Nicaraguan, Haitian, and Venezuelan beneficiaries to live and work temporarily in the United States for two years. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44598-haiti-flash-removal-of-tps-first-legal-defeat-for-the-trump-administration.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44852-haiti-flash-temporary-victory-against-trump-for-beneficiaries-of-the-biden-program.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Sunrise Airways : Baggage Allowance Review Please note that as of May 19, 2025, the baggage allowance on all domestic flights will be 15 kg per passenger. Any baggage exceeding this limit must be shipped via our cargo services and will incur an additional fee. Exception: Passengers traveling on international routes are allowed one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 23 kg. 7th day of total blackout The Peligre hydroelectric power plant, forcibly shut down by protesters from civil society associations in Mirebalais and Saut d'Eau, grouped within the platform Initiative Mirebalais pour une nouvelle Republique (IMINOR), has remained shut down since May 13, 2025 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44914-haiti-flash-general-blackout.html . The authorities have taken no steps to restart the plant or negotiate with the protesters, leaving neighborhoods in the metropolitan area plunged into a general blackout. Employees continue to go to the dam daily, but they cannot restart the plant without a negotiated and concerted decision between the authorities and the protesters, for fear of reprisals. 3 PoliTOUR agents suspended On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the three Politour agents who assaulted Professor Williamson Saint-Fleur during the Flag Day celebrations were suspended as a precautionary measure. An investigation has been opened by the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH). Joe Biden : Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Former President Joe Biden (82) has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer, the former president's office announced on Sunday, May 18, 2025, specifying that the 82-year-old Democrat had "metastasis to the bone". "Although this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-dependent, allowing for effective management of this incurable cancer." Counselor Voltaire Visits the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H) On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire paid a courtesy visit to the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H) base in Tabarre. This visit allowed Voltaire to reaffirm the Presidential Transitional Council's (CPT) commitment to supporting efforts to combat insecurity. During the visit, the need to strengthen the FAd'H's material capabilities was highlighted to enable them to more effectively play their role in the fight against armed gangs. Semi-finals of the Song Contest for Mothers The semi-finals of the 3rd edition of the Song Contest for Mothers, entitled Manman se senbol lespwa,ann chante pou n onore yo, took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. After deliberation by the jury, ten finalists were selected for the grand finale, which will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Karibe Convention Center. HL/ HaitiLibre Microsoft is increasingly coming under fire for blocking the email account of the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan. US President Donald Trump sanctioned the court in The Hague in February after a panel of ICC judges issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in the Gaza Strip in November. Anzeige The court is virtually paralyzed in its work as a result, writes the AP news agency. One reason for this is that it is heavily dependent on service providers such as Microsoft. They had restricted their work for the court because they feared being targeted by the US authorities. Microsoft blocked Khan's email account without further ado, reports AP. The 55-year-old Briton was thus forced to switch to the Swiss email provider Proton, ICC employees are said to have described. According to the report, Microsoft did not want to comment on this. Khan's bank accounts in his home country of Great Britain were also blocked. Even employees of a civil society organization that plays a central role in gathering evidence and locating witnesses have withdrawn money from US bank accounts to secure it from confiscation. The Open-Source Business Alliance (OSBA), also known as the Federal Association for Digital Sovereignty, is now disturbed by the deputy sheriff services of US companies. It considers Microsoft's actions to be unprecedented in this context and with this impact. OSBA Chairman Peter Ganten emphasizes: The sanctions against the criminal court ordered by the USA and implemented by the software giant must be a wake-up call for all those responsible for the secure availability of state and private IT and communication infrastructures. They emphasized: We cannot rely on companies that are not under our jurisdiction. Trump can digitally shut down organizations According to Ganten, there is therefore an urgent need for alternatives that we can control and shape. The advocate of free software therefore believes that the new German government must now implement this at full speed. The black-red alliance has stated in its coalition agreement: Our digital policy is geared towards sovereignty. This is about power politics. What is needed is a digitally sovereign Germany. Alongside Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (both CDU) also emphasized this aspect. The OSBA is urging that words must now be followed by action. The explosive nature of the situation becomes clear when one realizes that Microsoft cannot act differently in this case due to the political and legal situation in the USA. Consequently, the independence of the courts can only be ensured through digital sovereignty. In addition, the situation is comparable to many other conceivable cases and must also be considered a warning example: Not only mail accounts, but also cloud services and software service products, for example, could be blocked. The US president could digitally shut down any organization that depends on US technology by decree. Anzeige Khan has just decided to temporarily suspend his office. The background to this are ongoing UN investigations into alleged sexual assaults, which the Briton himself initiated. Last year, two court employees reported that the chief prosecutor had tried to force one of his assistants into a sexual relationship. Corresponding reports made the rounds just a few weeks before Khan announced that he would apply for arrest warrants against the top Israeli politicians. The man concerned has vehemently denied the allegations. (nen) 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 attack occurred shortly before 11:00, prompting a large police and emergency response. According to eyewitnesses, the suspect was apprehended about 500 metres from the school on Suupantie. Armed officers detained him without resistance. A 16-year-old boy is in custody after stabbing three female pupils at Vahajarvi School in Pirkkala on Tuesday morning. Police confirmed the suspect was a student at the school. The victims, all fellow pupils, sustained non-life-threatening injuries caused by a bladed weapon. Police confirmed the injuries: one victim was stabbed in the neck, another in the hand, and the third in the waist. All were hospitalised but are expected to survive. Yle and Iltalehti reported that the suspect had published a manifesto online before the incident. The manifesto described his intention to stab girls, stating he had no friends and sought notoriety through violence. He reportedly planned the act for six months and claimed to have used ChatGPT in the preparation. Police are reviewing the document as part of their investigation but have not yet confirmed its authorship. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen and Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz condemned the attack. Adlercreutz stated on X that all violence in schools is unequivocally condemnable. Social Security Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stressed the need for children to have access to adult support in the aftermath. Pirkkala police said the suspect was arrested within minutes of the attack. The school was placed in lockdown and searched to ensure safety. Parents of the injured pupils were notified promptly. Police also began technical investigations at the scene and announced a press briefing in Tampere at 17:00. Eyewitness reports described confusion and fear as students were confined to classrooms during the lockdown. Parents gathered outside the school waiting to be reunited with their children. One father told Helsingin Sanomat he had not yet seen his children by 13:00, and that students were being released class by class. A student from the nearby upper secondary school said the incident shocked the local community. Nothing like this has ever happened here in Pirkanmaa, he told Helsingin Sanomat. Its hard to believe this could happen in such a quiet place. Vahajarvi School, with around 1,200 pupils from preschool to year nine, has experienced lockdown drills before, according to several parents. These preparations were credited with helping school staff and students respond calmly during the crisis. The suspect is being held while police investigate the motive and verify the content of the online publication. Investigators confirmed that the suspect appeared to have deliberately targeted female pupils. The National Bureau of Investigation has been informed of the incident. No charges have yet been filed, but the suspect is expected to undergo psychological evaluation. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or the suspect. The school remained closed for the rest of the day, and local officials said psychological support would be available to pupils and staff. HT The Finnish government will continue to finance regional flights between Helsinki and five provincial airports in full, Transport Minister Lulu Ranne (Finns) announced on Monday. The decision reverses the governments earlier position. Last month, Ranne said local municipalities would be expected to help fund the unprofitable routes. Now, the state will pay the entire cost of operations. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ranne said the move was made in the interests of regional vitality. Finnair operates the routes to Joensuu, Jyvaskyla, Kajaani, Kokkola-Pietarsaari and Kemi-Tornio. The flights have required state subsidies since 2021, following a drop in passenger numbers during the pandemic. An agreement signed in 2023 obliges the airline to operate the routes until March 2026. The goal was for the routes to return to profitability post-Covid. That has not occurred. An Yle investigation earlier this year revealed that ticket revenue covers only a small portion of operating costs. A single round-trip from Helsinki to Kemi costs the government over 8,500. Across all five routes, the losses amount to several million euros annually. Finavia, Finlands state-owned airport operator, has also questioned the sustainability of the subsidies. In January, it recommended ending the financial support. The flights have also drawn environmental criticism. Most routes are under 400 kilometres in distance, and alternatives such as train travel are available. Advocacy groups and opposition parties have argued that public funds should not support high-emission travel where rail infrastructure exists. Despite the concerns, the government has framed the flights as a necessary measure to support business, mobility and public services in remote areas. The Transport Ministry has not indicated how long the full subsidies will remain in place beyond 2026. No further budgetary breakdown has been provided. HT The parties criticised the four-party ruling coalition for allowing public debt to reach record levels, despite pledging fiscal restraint when it took office in 2023. Finlands Centre Party , Social Democrats and Movement Now have filed a joint motion of no confidence in Petteri Orpos (NCP) government, accusing it of failing to curb the countrys rising debt and betraying promises to restore economic balance. "It seems that whenever the National Coalition Party is in charge, Finland ends up teetering on the edge of an economic abyss," Antti Kaikkonen, leader of the Centre Party, said during a press conference in parliament. He cited similar patterns during the governments of Harri Holkeri and Jyrki Katainen. The Centre Party was joined by Antti Lindtmans Social Democrats and Harry Harkimos Movement Now in submitting the motion. Together, they represent a significant bloc in opposition, though they do not hold enough seats to unseat the government without support from other parties. Lindtman said the scale of new debt contradicts the governments rhetoric. "The OrpoPurra government is taking on more debt than any of its predecessors. This demands a clear response from parliament," he said. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) and Finance Minister Riikka Purra (Finns), has pushed through a series of austerity measures. But the opposition argues the cuts have failed to reduce debt, while simultaneously hurting lower and middle-income citizens. Harkimo, representing the liberal-conservative Movement Now, said the government's tax reforms have benefited the wealthy at the expense of small businesses and self-employed workers. "I'm a supporter of the market economy, but these tax cuts went too far," he said. The motion follows weeks of political tension over the spring budget session. While the government announced adjustments intended to reduce the deficit, critics say the measures are inadequate and poorly targeted. Although the Left Alliance and Green Party did not join the formal no-confidence motion, Sofia Virtas Greens submitted a separate declaration expressing concern over the governments policies and public spending levels. The filing of the no-confidence motion triggers a debate and subsequent vote in the Finnish Parliament. A simple majority is needed to topple the government, which currently holds 108 seats in the 200-member chamber. The opposition controls 91. The vote is expected later this week. The government has not publicly responded to the motion. HT Despite the activity, NATO officials say the buildup is not comparable to Russias mass mobilisation ahead of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Finlands military and government officials have also downplayed the threat. Russia is increasing its military presence near Finlands eastern border, according to satellite imagery reviewed by The New York Times . The expansion includes large tents, jet shelters, and vehicle storage facilities, mainly in the Karelian Isthmus area. For now, Russia, preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, has very few troops along the frontier, and the Finns insist that none of this is much of a threat, yet, the NYT article states. Satellite images show a steady increase in tents and other temporary structures since summer 2023. One site, near Petrozavodsk, located about 175 kilometres from the Finnish border, includes a newly built maintenance hall capable of accommodating up to 2,000 soldiers. Other images reveal expanded storage areas and aircraft shelters. Military analyst Marko Eklund, who previously reviewed the imagery for Finnish broadcaster Yle, said that the site appeared to serve as a training and staging centre for troops headed to the Ukrainian front. In January, Yle reported a similar assessment, stating that Russian units stationed near the Finnish border were primarily focused on Ukraine. Finnish military sources told the broadcaster that Russia lacked the capability to significantly increase its presence in the region due to ongoing demands in Ukraine. According to the NYT, Finnish officials remain calm and pragmatic. One unnamed military source reportedly said Finland is preparing for the possibility that the number of Russian troops in the region could triple once the war in Ukraine concludes. The border region has seen increased attention since Finland joined NATO in 2023. Finland shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, now forming part of the alliances eastern flank. Finnish officials have not publicly commented in detail on the NYT report but have reiterated that surveillance and intelligence-gathering remain active and ongoing. HT The European Union will end all economic sanctions imposed on Syria, following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assads regime late last year. EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas announced the decision on Tuesday during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. She confirmed the move in a post on the social media platform X. The stated aim of the policy shift is to support the recovery of a country devastated by more than a decade of war. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump alleged that prominent artists including Beyonce , Bruce Springsteen , Bono , and talk show host Oprah Winfrey were paid to support the Democratic candidate. Trump provided no evidence for his claims. US President Donald Trump has called for an official investigation into several public figures who backed Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election, claiming potential violations of campaign finance law. These people were not supporting her for free, Trump wrote. This was disguised spending and illegal. The New York Times reported that Trumps accusations are centred on the idea that Harriss campaign masked payments for political endorsements as fees for live performances or production services. Federal campaign finance law prohibits certain types of undisclosed payments intended to sway public support. According to publicly available campaign finance records cited by the Times, Harriss campaign paid $1 million to Winfreys production company for a campaign event. Beyonces company reportedly received $165,000 for event production. There is no indication in the records that the payments were in exchange for political endorsements. Trump also claimed Beyonce had spent $11 million in the election cycle, a statement the Times said was false. No formal inquiry has been launched, and there is currently no public evidence that Harriss campaign breached campaign finance regulations. Trumps comments followed recent criticism from Springsteen, who denounced the president in an interview earlier this month. Harris has not responded publicly to Trumps latest accusations. Her campaign staff have previously stated that all campaign finance operations followed federal law. HT N.C. history: The semiquincentennial of the 'Meck Dec' Our states official seal presents North Carolina as a series of dualities. Related Stories In the background of the circular emblem are green-topped mountains to the west and crystal-blue water to the east. In the foreground, two female figures in classical garb symbolize Liberty (clutching a constitution in one hand and the traditional liberty cap in the other) and Plenty (holding stalks of grain in one hand and an overflowing cornucopia in the other). Printed below and above the scene are two dates. One is April 12, 1776. Thats when North Carolinas Provincial Congress, meeting in the town of Halifax, voted to instruct its delegates in Philadelphia to support Americas formal independence from Great Britain. The other date May 20, 1775 is the subject of this weeks column. It was 250 years ago this week that some two-dozen leaders of Mecklenburg County, then a lightly populated jurisdiction on North Carolinas frontier, met to discuss longstanding grievances against the Parliament in London and King George IIIs royal governors in New Bern. Some of those grievances were widely shared across British America, including Parliaments usurpation of fiscal powers traditionally exercised by colonial legislatures. But the settlers of Mecklenburg, mostly Scottish Presbyterians and German Protestants, had their own particular resentments. One was deeply personal. According to a law they despised, only ministers of the Church of England could legally perform marriages. To the extent other ministers performed such ceremonies, they could be fined and any children produced by the resulting unions declared illegitimate (a status with both legal and social consequences). Another grievance was communal. For many years, Mecklenburg leaders sought a charter for a school. Having already named their county and its seat for the kings wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg, they proposed to call it Queens College. A bill to this effect twice passed North Carolinas legislature only to be vetoed by King George, whose royal governors warned him that Presbyterians, not Anglicans, would dominate the faculty. In 1775, the leaders of the Mecklenburg militia were Colonel Thomas Polk and Lieutenant Colonel Adam Alexander. They requested that each of the countys nine militia companies send two delegates to the new Committee of Safety convening on May 19. Along with a few additional leaders, they comprised the group that made history the following day. Precisely what they did remains a matter of dispute. Years later, eyewitnesses testified that the committee declared formal independence from Great Britain. But the only contemporaneous document we have is the Mecklenburg Resolves, printed in a Wilmington newspaper and dated May 31, 1775. When the delegates convened on May 19, they didnt yet know a shooting war had broken out a month earlier in Massachusetts. They knew only that the colonies needed governments independent of royal governors such as North Carolinas Josiah Martin, whod improperly disbanded the provincial legislature in early April. So, the Mecklenburg Resolves declared that all laws and commissions confirmed by or derived from the authority of the King and Parliament are annulled and vacated, and the former civil constitution of these colonies for the present wholly suspended. It didnt convey a complete and permanent break from Britain, however. Ive written extensively on the centuries-long debate about the so-called Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Its too complicated a tale to relate here, but the most likely scenario I say this as a descendant of two Meck Dec signatories, John Queary and the aforementioned Adam Alexander is that the committee arrived on May 19 with a draft of the resolves already in hand, then got word of the battles of Lexington and Concord and supplemented their work with at least extemporaneous words of defiance to angry spectators who later remembered them as a declaration of independence. Does that make me a believer or a skeptic? Yes! I embrace the duality. Whatever happened on or about May 20, 1775, the date well deserves its place on North Carolinas state seal and flag and our commemoration this week of its 250th anniversary. * * * * * John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com). On May 19, the lively cultural and tourism market at Leijie Street in Hefei attracted a large number of visitors to explore and experience. Following the unified arrangement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Anhui Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism hosted the 2025 China Tourism Day Anhui venue event, creating a cultural and tourism carnival that is tangible, enjoyable, and participatory for the public. This year marks the 15th China Tourism Day on May 19. The Anhui venue event focuses on inclusive enjoyment for all, full participation, and benefiting and delighting the people. It launched over 500 innovative initiatives, including cultural tourism consumption vouchers, corporate discounts, public cultural performances, and open access to venues. Leaders of cultural and tourism departments from 16 cities took turns on the grand stage at Leijie Street to vividly promote new cultural tourism business models and products from their regions, comprehensively showcasing Anhuis new cultural tourism highlights and the charm of "all-for-one" tourism. As a flagship event hosted by the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the 2025 Come Visit Jianghuai Region This Spring campaign concluded successfully. This years campaign introduced over 100 new business types, more than 1,700 new products, and over 6,500 activities. It also invited cultural tourism partners to co-brand products, create scenes, and organize events, building a high-yield cultural tourism ecosystem. Outstanding units and individual representatives of the 2025 Come Visit Jianghuai Region This Spring campaign were honored at the event. On the same day, the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism launched the Beautiful Mountains and Rivers, Wonderful Anhui topic challenge on social media, encouraging visitors to co-create cultural tourism content. Through short videos, participants promoted Anhuis scenic landscapes, intangible cultural heritage skills, and specialty foods, sparking a virtual tour of Anhui craze. Source: Anhui Daily *As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. *Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. *China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for "China Travel" continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 percent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. FRESH EXPERIENCES During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 percent, 60 percent, and 50 percent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. "Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen," Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. "Seeing is believing," said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). "When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is -- open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered." EXPANDING ACCESS Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasized that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimized. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 percent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 percent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasized the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. "So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience." "As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage," he added. (Video reporters: Sun Min, Li Aibin, Li Xiaoting; Video editors: Hong Yan, Roger Lott, Liu Xiaorui.) Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Torsten Richter as its new General Manager. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in luxury hospitality, Torsten brings a wealth of international experience, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to service excellence to his new role. Torsten joins Anantara Siam Bangkok from his most recent position as Minor Hotels' Area General Manager for Malaysia & Indonesia, and General Manager of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. His extensive background includes leadership roles at some of the world's most prestigious hotel brands across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His expertise in guest experience, operational efficiency, and brand positioning makes him an ideal leader to steer Anantara Siam Bangkok into a new era of success. A native of Germany, Torsten began his hospitality career in 1989 with an apprenticeship as a hotel and food and beverage expert at Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe, one of the leading hotels in the world. After earning a Diploma in Hotel Management, he gained valuable experience at renowned properties, including The MARK Hotel in New York, where he held positions as Maitre d'Hotel and Restaurant Manager. He later joined Starwood's Leaders Development GM Fast Track program, which led to his first General Manager role at Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort in Thailand in 2008. Since then, Torsten has held General Manager positions at several prestigious hotels, including The Sarasvati, a Luxury Collection Resort in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, The JAFFA, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Tel Aviv, and SO/Bangkok. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, renowned for its elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional Thai hospitality, continues to be a premier destination for business and leisure travelers alike. Under Torsten's leadership, the hotel is set to strengthen its legacy and introduce innovative guest experiences that align with the evolving demands of luxury travellers. The soon-to-open AC Hotel Wichita Downtown, located at 105 S. Broadway Ave., is pleased to welcome seasoned hospitality professionals to lead the hotel's operations and sales efforts. Jeff Barnett has been named General Manager of the new hotel, the first AC Hotel in the state of Kansas. Originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Jeff brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, including overseeing multiple Marriott properties in both large and small markets. Since relocating to Wichita in 2019, Jeff has successfully managed properties in East Wichita, guiding them through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With both a bachelor's and master's degree from Liberty University, Jeff is known for his operational expertise and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. With this experienced team at the helm, AC Hotel Wichita Downtown is poised to bring elevated hospitality, contemporary design with a European flair, and a distinctly urban experience to the heart of downtown Wichita. Opening July 16, 2025, AC Hotel Wichita Downtown will introduce Kansas to its very first AC Hotel, part of Marriott's global lifestyle portfolio. Housed in the beautifully restored Brown/Broadway Plaza Building, the 118-room boutique property blends historic character with modern sophistication. Guests will enjoy European-inspired accommodations, tapas-style dining, flexible meeting space, and one of the largest hotel fitness centers in the regionall just steps from Wichita's iconic downtown attractions and near the city's hospitals and medical facilities. Greenwood Hospitality, a strategic partner of Hotel Equities, manages AC Hotel Wichita Downtown. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Hotels for Trees, a nonprofit organization advancing sustainability in the hospitality industry, today announces the appointment of Daniel Johnson as Partnerships Officer - Technology. Johnson, a seasoned hotel technology executive and cybersecurity expert, will play a key role in accelerating the organizations mission of planting trees in exchange for reduced hotel room cleanings through smart technology integrations. Hotels for Trees works with hotels to offer their guests the option to skip daily room cleaning in favor of planting a tree, with each selection resulting in a direct tree donation. This initiative not only reduces the environmental footprint of daily operations but also contributes to global reforestation efforts. Depending on the hotels setup, this process can be fully automated and integrated into hotel property management systems (PMS) or housekeeping applications, offering a seamless and transparent experience for both guests and staff. Johnson's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Hotels for Trees continues its work with cloud-based PMS Mews and prepares to scale its model by onboarding additional technology providers and hotel partners. In his new role, Johnson will be responsible for forging strategic alliances between hotel technology companies and hotel operators to embed the Hotels for Trees platform into their systemssimplifying participation and expanding adoption globally. The mission established by founder Floris Licht just four short years ago and driven forward under Linde Borgers (Chief Tree Planting Officer) leadership, inspires. Im thrilled to join in a role that aligns perfectly with my belief that sustainability must be woven into the fabric of hospitality technology. This isnt just a feel-good initiative; its a strategic imperative. By bringing technological innovation deeper into our conversations about the environment, we can lead the industry toward a future where every guest interaction helps plant the seeds of real change. Johnson was also recently appointed as Strategic Advisor, EMEA, for ProVision Partners, a global strategic growth and marketing advisory firm for the travel and hospitality sector. The travel and tourism sector is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the lodging industry accounting for about 1% of that total. Sustainability is no longer optional - its a business imperative. Initiatives like Hotels for Trees demonstrate how technology can drive meaningful environmental change while enhancing guest engagement and operational efficiency. Daniels appointment underscores our shared commitment to integrating sustainable practices into the core of hospitality operations. Greg Pesik, founder of ProVision Partners We are incredibly fortunate to have Daniel join our team. His deep understanding of hospitality technology and his passion for sustainability will be instrumental in helping us build scalable, long-term partnerships that benefit the planet. Floris Licht, CEO/Founder of Hotels for Trees Prior to joining ProVision Partners and accepting his new role with Hotels for Trees, Johnson was the CEO of VENZA, a leading provider of data protection and regulatory compliance solutions for hospitality businesses and an organization he co-founded. Based in The Netherlands, Johnson holds board positions with VENZA and CyberTek MSSP, and brings a unique combination of technical, strategic, and global market expertise to his work. To learn more about Hotels for Trees and how hotels can join the movement, please visit www.hotelsfortrees.com. For information about ProVision Partners and its comprehensive range of business advisory and marketing services for the travel and hospitality industry, visit www.provision-partners.com. About ProVision Partners | ProVision Partners is a leading business advisory and marketing firm, specializing in the global travel and hospitality technology sector. Founded in 2019 by a team of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals with deep expertise in operations, marketing, business development and technology, ProVision delivers actionable insights and strategic support to drive revenue growth and business transformation. With a tactical, market-driven approach, the firm helps clients across the global travel and hospitality landscaperanging from hospitality brands, technology providers, private equity firms, asset owners and travel operatorsto define and execute growth strategies that align with today's dynamic marketplace. Provision Partners offers a comprehensive suite of services, including go-to-market strategy, market entry planning and M&A support, as well as marketing and public relations, brand positioning, channel optimization and technology analysis/implementation. For more information, email [email protected] or visit provision-partners.com. Andrea Mane PROVision Partners The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr William HEINECKE, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on 16 May 2025, the same day he was bestowed the esteemed SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honour. At the gala dinner, Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, said, As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr Heineckes name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in the region and around the world. He is a stellar role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all. A trailblazer and an accomplished entrepreneur, Mr Heineckes exemplary achievements have not only played an important role in raising the level of the hospitality business in the region and globally but also helped transform it through his distinctive vision. As a passionate advocate for hospitality and tourism education, he has ardently supported the SHTM and is truly deserving of this award. Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the SHTM. For me, hospitality is so much more than offering a place to stay it is about creating transformative experiences that bring people together, spark positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of every destination. I hope this honour will encourage the next generation of hospitality leaders to push boundaries, embrace lifelong learning, and strive for excellence at every turn. Mr William Heinecke Mr Heineckes leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small start-up into one of the worlds largest hospitality groups. His career began at the young age of 17, when he launched his first company while still in high school. In the years that followed, he expanded what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group to embrace a range of brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection and Tivoli. Under his visionary leadership, Minor Hotels which now boasts over 600 hotels in 63 countries was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development. In his role as Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Mr Heinecke also oversees Minor Food, one of Asias largest restaurant companies with more than 2,500 outlets globally, and Minor Lifestyle which operates nearly 400 retail stores. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively engaged in philanthropic endeavours including setting up the Heinecke Foundation to support education for less fortunate children, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to seek to improve the welfare of elephants, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help rejuvenate the turtle population in the Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand. He has also been involved in the annual St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala and Auction, contributing to the fundraising for nominated organisations under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. Highly regarded for his exemplary accomplishments in hospitality, Mr Heinecke was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022 and HOTELS magazines Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2013, he authored the book The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. He was also the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and sat on the Prime Ministers Foreign Investment Advisory Council. Mr Heineckes contributions continue to inspire and transform the industry, making him stand out as a beacon of excellence. The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism. Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr William Heinecke. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this dynamic global industry. Dean Chon The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the worlds most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, recognising the true leaders who have helped define the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry. About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality and Tourism Management" category in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for the eighth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the "Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services" category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2023/2024 for seven years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the "Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism" subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the "Hospitality and Leisure Management" subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism. The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School's groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry. Website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/shtm/. Kelly Wang Assistant Officer +852 3400-2639 Hong Kong PolyU ibis, the pioneer of accessible high-quality affordable accommodation with over 2,500 hotels throughout nearly 80 countries around the world, continues its growth trajectory across Europe, with new properties under its ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget brands. Recent openings span Germany (Berlin and Neckarsulm), Spain (Madrid) and Belgium (Hasselt), with upcoming additions in Hungary (Debrecen), Poland (Katowice) and the United Kingdom (York). The latest growth milestone also marks the debut of the ibis Styles brand in Estonia with a stylish hotel in the heart of Tallinn. Since its launch in 1974, ibis has been at the forefront of democratising travel, offering comfort, reliability and great design at an accessible price. Over the past fifty years, the brand has evolved into three sub-brands ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget. With its unique and adaptable designs, fresh food and drink concepts and heartfelt service, ibis continues to attract new generations of travellers, bringing its original vision of hospitality to life. True to the ibis spirit of Go get it, we welcome guests at our 2,500+ hotels so they can discover the world with purpose and intent. ibis continues to demonstrate its promise of reliability of what matters for the value-minded traveller. These latest additions show the attractiveness of ibis to our guests and partners, who value and trust the forward-thinking spirit of a leading economy brand. Florence Liger-Tourres, Vice President Marketing Economy Brands, Accor Europe & North Africa Opened earlier this month after an extensive renovation of the former LErmitage Hotel Tallinn, ibis Styles Tallinn is located closed to the citys medieval Old Town and its creative district, allowing guests to experience both the historic charm and the moder buzz of the capital. The hotels 122 guest rooms and communal areas feature black and white tones and wall art that celebrate the art of photography throughout. Guests of the new hotel as well as locals can visit the on-site FOCUS restaurant, which serves seasonal Estonian recipes in colourful settings. Other amenities include a breakfast area and a conference room for up to 70 guests. Other ibis branded additions in Europe include: ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebas (Spain) Opening in June, the hotel is the biggest ibis-branded family hotel in Iberia, offering 260 rooms, a restaurant, 24-hours snack bar, pool and rooftop with a lounge bar. Located in the heart of Valdebebas, the hotel is just a few minutes from IFEMA, as well as Real Madrid's training ground, the Alfredo di Stefano stadium, as well as the Atletico de Madrid's Metropolitano stadium. ibis budget Madrid Albasanz (Spain) Just a few minutes from the city centre, guests of this new hotel will enjoy the easy connection to Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, IFEMA fairgrounds and Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Slated to open in June, the hotel will offer 99 rooms featuring the new REBOOST design, as well as full buffet breakfast and a snack bar. ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport (Germany) Just a few minutes from Berlin Brandenburg Airport Terminal 1, the sister hotels ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport offer guests 114 rooms each, featuring the latest design concepts of both brands and equipped with the comfortable Sweet Bed by ibis. Perfectly tailored to the needs of airport guests, the dual hotel provides a shared lobby with extra-early hours breakfast service and cafe, as well as convenient Park&Fly options for travellers. ibis Styles Neckarsulm (Germany) Following an extensive renovation project, the latest ibis Styles address in Germany features a unique design that blends the world of motorsport with regional winemaking history. The hotel includes 97 rooms, a breakfast area and bar, a fitness studio, in addition to a meeting room for up to ten guests. Located in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, Neckarsulm, is known for its rich winemaking tradition and is home to some of the oldest winegrowers in the country. ibis budget La Rochelle Puilboreau (France) Perfectly suited for both leisure and business travellers, this new hotel offers guests 76 modern rooms featuring the latest brands design concept for a comfortable stay. The hotel is the perfect gateway to explore the historic city of La Rochelle, known for its picturesque harbour and rich maritime heritage, as well as the beautiful beaches and charming villages of the Ile de Re. ibis Styles York Centre (UK) Themed around brewing and distilling as nod to the history of its building, the hotel is located in one of the UK's most historic cities with a thriving cultural scene. It offers 110 comfortable rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar that reflects the propertys storytelling with beloved British classics. ibis budget Arlon Porte du Luxembourg (Belgium) Located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes in the quaint historical town of Arlon, the hotel is ideal for relaxing and taking in nature with several picturesque trails within walking distance. It offers 70 modern keys including several family rooms equipped with the brands popular bunk bed concept. ibis Styles Hasselt (Belgium) This newly opened hotel offers guests 91 well-appointed rooms and easy access to the vibrant city of Hasselt, known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. The storytelling of this hotel is based on the first expedition that wintered in the Antarctic in human history, led by a Belgian naval officer. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel's restaurant before exploring the city's attractions, including a great mix of parks, museums and shopping districts. ibis Styles Debrecen Airport (Hungary) Set to open this summer, the newly built hotel will be conveniently located in Debrecen International Airport, the second biggest airport in Hungary, and in close proximity to major highways. The hotel will offer 72 comfortable rooms and 16 apartments, a restaurant and bar, as well as a meeting room for up to 25 persons. The new hotel will feature an aviation theme and even a real airplane wing. ibis Styles Katowice Airport (Poland) This hotel is slated to open next month and will offer 75 stylish rooms and a range of amenities, all located within the city's international airport. Guests will be able to unwind at the hotel's bar and restaurant and access a well-equipped fitness centre to stay active during their travels. Guests staying at ibis branded hotels can enjoy a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences as part of ALL, Accors renowned booking platform and loyalty programme that enhances the experience during and beyond each hotel stay. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Tamara Schwarz-Speckbacher Media Relations & PR DACH, Nordics, and Baltic States Accor View source Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the development of a new digital meetings & events ecosystem to maximize the ongoing expansion and support of its multi-billion-dollar meetings & events business. The new platform will unite over 5,600 Accor hotels and resorts worldwide, featuring an inventory of 2.5 million sqm of event space and 800,000+ guestrooms providing an easy, self-serve option for clients to view and book event space, guestrooms, and sales & catering services, while augmenting the continued support of on-site hotel teams. The integration of sales & catering will be a key advantage for meeting planners and business clients, as well as the link to Accors loyalty program ALL Accor, for the opportunity to earn and access rewarding membership benefits. This global website will be available as a pre-launch version in late 2025, with initial functionality for sales teams connected to Salesforce and online booking for small accommodation groups of up to 30 guestrooms. In early 2026, a more comprehensive suite of features will be introduced, including online booking for meeting rooms and residential seminars, guestrooms and meeting rooms, as well as connectivity to external channels. MeetingPackage, the best-in-class online central reservation system for booking Accor meetings & events space, will be used as the backbone of this future platform, connecting listed sales & catering tools to the Accor website and external third-party channels. The meetings & events ecosystem is also being developed in collaboration with several globally renowned technology providers that will seamlessly integrate their expertise and technologies to enhance the overall meetings & events management experience across Accors global portfolio. These include: Oracle OPERA Cloud Sales and Event Management is Accors new cloud-based application, and the first out of the 4 S&C providers in being fully connected with MeetingPackage and Accor Ecosystem. An integrated component of OPERA Cloud Property Management unifying all Accor's hotel departments, Sales and Events Management will be offered in three versions: Premium for luxury hotels as well as large meetings & events properties, Standard for small and medium hotels, and an Essential version will be offered to cover hotels who manage accommodation only groups OPERA Cloud Sales and Event Management is Accors new cloud-based application, and the first out of the 4 S&C providers in being fully connected with MeetingPackage and Accor Ecosystem. An integrated component of OPERA Cloud Property Management unifying all Accor's hotel departments, Sales and Events Management will be offered in three versions: Premium for luxury hotels as well as large meetings & events properties, Standard for small and medium hotels, and an Essential version will be offered to cover hotels who manage accommodation only groups Backyou Accors trusted European provider and sales & catering solution for small and medium meetings & events hotels in Europe and North Africa. Accors trusted European provider and sales & catering solution for small and medium meetings & events hotels in Europe and North Africa. iVvy is a leading sales & catering solution provider trusted by Accors Mantra properties and Accor hotels in the Pacific region. iVvy is Accors preferred sales & catering solution for small and medium hotels in Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and The Americas. is a leading sales & catering solution provider trusted by Accors Mantra properties and Accor hotels in the Pacific region. iVvy is Accors preferred sales & catering solution for small and medium hotels in Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and The Americas. Amadeus Delphi is a leading sales & catering solution for the hospitality market, tailored solution for premium and luxury hotels as well as large meetings & events properties, and clustered hotels. Delphi is a trusted solution already adopted by more than 250 Accor properties in the premium and luxury segment. At Accor, we are fortunate to collaborate with best-in-class technology providers who are helping us create a seamless and efficient user experience. Through this new digital Meetings & Events ecosystem, Accors entire event inventory will become more visible, accessible, and appealing. Our venues will be recognized as top destinations to gather with colleagues, clients, friends, or family. This digital transformation aligns with recent research from Accor highlighting that in-person meetings are more valued than ever. Meeting planners consistently report that face-to-face events drive higher revenue than virtual alternatives, that corporate away-days are essential, and that in-person business interactions significantly boost employee mental health. Our new platform will support these vital connections by simplifying the booking and management process, while also integrating our ALL Accor loyalty program to enhance the overall customer experience. Julien Houdebine, Chief Sales and Revenue Officer, Accor According to Allied Market Research, the overall value of the business travel industry is forecasted to rise from US$695.9 billion in 2020 to US$2 trillion by 2028. The forecasted expenditure by business travelers will also rise, according to a survey by GBTA and Mastercard, increasing from US$933 billion in 2022 to US$1.4 trillion in 2026. With a leadership position in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, where the market still offers strong growth potential, Accor is aiming to expand its footprint, strengthen local partnerships, and deliver tailored, innovative solutions that meet evolving client needs across these key regions. Accor has the most diverse brand portfolio in the hospitality industry, encompassing more than 45 hospitality brands from luxury to economy. The Groups leading brands for meetings & events include Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Movenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis as well as lifestyle brands like The Hoxton, Mama Shelter, SLS, and SO/ through Ennismore. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Melanie Mahiette Senior external communications manager Accor What do Taylor Swift, Beyonce and the worlds most admired hotels have in common? They provide a masterclass in brand, loyalty and customer experience. In the latest episode of Matt Talks, Matt Welle, Mews CEO, explored what hoteliers can learn from musics megastars. From pricing strategy to creative freedom, here are the nine key strategies hotels can borrow from pops powerhouses. 1. Cultivate authenticity and customer connection Swift and Beyonce have built empires not just on talent, but on connection. They know their audience, and they nurture them. Whether its Taylors open storytelling or Beyonces carefully crafted mystique, each woman has built a brand that reflects who they are and resonates deeply with their fans. In hospitality, the same principle applies. Hotels that lead with authenticity and build an emotional connection with guests turn them into loyal advocates. You dont need a Grammy to achieve this, just a clear understanding of your brand values and guest needs. 2. Own your data and distribution Taylor Swift re-recorded her albums to take back ownership of her masters. Beyonce started her own label. In other words, both made bold moves to control their product, audience and revenue. For hotels, this translates into reducing dependency on OTAs and building direct relationships with guests. Own your guest data. Use it to personalize experiences, improve retention and drive direct bookings. Dont give away margin and loyalty to third parties unnecessarily. 3. Be intentional about partnerships Not every collaboration adds value. Both Beyonce and Swift are selective about who they partner with, choosing only those that align with their values and elevate their music or brand. Hotels should be just as discerning with their tech stack and commercial partners. A shiny new integration might sound exciting, but does it enhance your guest experience or operations? Focus on partnerships that genuinely support your goals. 4. Embrace creative freedom Creative freedom fuels innovation. Taylor Swift takes full control of her songwriting. Beyonce and Jay-Z built Roc Nation to create without compromise. Too often, hotels tether themselves to rigid brand standards or affiliative chains that limit creative decision-making. Great hotels often emerge when theres space for originality brands that stand out because they took risks and did something unexpected. If youve got a unique vision for your hotel, write it down. A five-year brand or business strategy might be uncomfortable to craft, but it clarifies direction. Embrace the friction. Use it to create something truly different. 5. Build community and loyalty Swifties dont need points to be loyal. Neither does the Beyhive. Their loyalty is emotional, not transactional. Its born from shared experiences, storytelling and identity. Hotels can tap into this by building community and creating moments worth remembering. Merch is one idea. If a guest loves your brand, give them the chance to take it home literally. Branded beach bags, robes or coffee mugs can create post-stay touchpoints. Automate purchases through kiosks or online checkout. Fans of your brand will buy in. 6. Price with purpose Dynamic pricing is essential but unchecked, it can backfire. Swift is known for keeping ticket prices within reason, protecting her fans. Beyonce, on the other hand, faced criticism when her Cowboy Carter tour prices surged beyond expectations. The result? Tickets left unsold. Hoteliers should note the parallels. During high-demand periods, its tempting to hike rates. But pricing beyond perceived value can damage your brand and alienate your audience. Use dynamic pricing, yes but understand the floor and ceiling of your value proposition. AI can do the rest. 7. Use mystery to create intrigue Beyonce rarely gives interviews. Her silence builds anticipation. Swift drops cryptic clues that keep fans guessing. Both approaches drive engagement, albeit in different ways. In hospitality, not everything needs to be spelled out. Avoid over-promising with telephoto pool shots and overly curated websites. Instead, under-promise and over-deliver. Let the experience speak for itself. Take Aman as an example. Their site sets the tone but doesnt go overboard with information and then the reality exceeds expectations. Thats the definition of luxury: surprise, delight and depth. 8. Expand into new genres Taylor started in country, now shes synonymous with pop. Beyonces latest acts include country and house influences, widening her audience while deepening fan loyalty. Hotels can learn from this genre-crossing. Your business, leisure and bleisure guests all want different things, but most hotels treat them the same. Understand your audience. Segment by persona. Tailor experiences. For example, Maison Mere in Paris defined twelve guest personas, from solo business travelers to families with teens. Each is understood and served differently. Its a strategy rooted in nuance, and it works. 9. Stand up for what you believe Swift boldly challenged the systems that were unfairly benefiting from her work, pushing back against platforms like Spotify to ensure a fair share of earnings. She fought to regain control of her music rights, refusing to accept the traditional, restrictive structures of the industry. Her actions have sparked a broader conversation about fairness, ownership and innovation, setting a precedent for others to follow. In hospitality, we too need to push back against the status quo. Traditional, established brands often dominate, and their resistance to change can stifle innovation. But there are leaders pushing to rethink design, wellness and branding. This speaks to the need for bold action and the creation of new standards that go beyond mere commodification. We need more leaders who arent afraid to challenge legacy thinking, reshape the industry, and build brands that resonate with todays guests while anticipating tomorrows needs. Connections are everything Its clear that the foundation of hospitality lies in listening closely to our guests. Understanding their needs and desires allows us to respond in real-time or create a brand that truly speaks to them. When we can form that emotional connection, we turn guests into lifelong fans; customers who not only return but also become advocates for our brand. The true power of hospitality is in building experiences that leave lasting memories. By connecting on an emotional level, we ensure that our guests continue to choose us, again and again, wherever their travels may take them. Watch the full episode of Matt Talks to dive into more detail. About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering over 12,500 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global to transform hospitality. www.mews.com Remote Work, Real Opportunity: How Digital Nomads Are Reshaping Global Tourism - Image Credit ForwardKeys A type of long-stay travel that benefits the local economy According to ForwardKeys, numerous key markets are showing strong increases in intent to travel to destinations with established digital nomad schemes. This trend reflects a growing desire for extended travel experiences that combine work and leisure, often in sunny, lifestyle-rich destinations. Destinations that successfully attract digital nomads are also welcoming a distinct type of visitor one that stays far longer than the average tourist and contributes more meaningfully to the local economy. For many remote workers, living like a local is part of the experience. From renting longer-term accommodation to spending in neighbourhood cafes, coworking spaces, and wellness hubs, these travellers integrate into daily life and support local businesses in a way that short-term visitors typically do not. Japan's Case Study: Intent Soars Ahead of Visa Launch Japans introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa in March 2024 sparked a surge in one-way flight searches well before the official launch. Announced in February, the policy change triggered a visible uplift in travel intent suggesting that agile policy-making, when paired with strong digital promotion, can generate real-world tourism impact. Germany vs Austria: policy makes the difference Data comparing Germany and Austria in April 2025 suggests a correlation between visa policy and stay duration. Germany, which offers a dedicated freelance visa, attracted a higher proportion of one-way (41%) travellers and long-stay (7%), while Austria lacking a targeted remote worker scheme saw a more even distribution across short (27%), medium (40%), long-stay (5%) and one-way (28%) categories. These contrasting performances indicate a possible link between long-stays and remote workers. Attracting a Younger, Experience-Seeking Cohort Digital nomad destinations are not just seeing longer stays theyre attracting younger travellers, too. Air visitor data shows that the proportion of younger travellers in Germany is higher than in Austria across both the 1825 (11.4% vs 8.4%) and 2635 (10.9% vs 8.1%) age brackets, highlighting its stronger appeal among younger, possible mobile professionals. These travellers are often more experience-driven, tech-savvy, and inclined to spend on local culture, coworking spaces, and wellness services a valuable segment for any tourism economy. Digital nomads represent a valuable segment for tourism economies they stay longer, spend more locally, and bring a younger, experience-driven energy to destinations. With the right visa policies and data-led targeting, destinations can turn this mobile workforce into a long-term economic asset. Olivier PontiDirector of Intelligence and Marketing This article originally appeared on ForwardKeys. Avila Group acquires Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden, Germany from Honestis AG - Image Credit Hommage Hotels A summary of European hotel transactions provided by HVS Brookfield acquires Generator Hostels from Queensgate Global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management has acquired the European platform of budget lifestyle Generator Hostels from London-based private equity firm Queensgate Investments for 776 million. The platform includes 15 assets (2,749 rooms) in 10 countries across key European cities, including London, Paris, Rome, Berlin and Madrid. Following the acquisition, Brookfield plans to drive Generators growth through strategic acquisitions and third-party management deals in the hostel sector. Queensgate originally acquired Generator in May 2017 for 440 million, when the platform comprised 12 properties with 1,894 rooms. It since added to the portfolio with four properties in the US through its 2019 acquisition of Freehand Hotels. Those assets are retained by Queensgate. Stig Fische sells Sttvig Hotel in Larkollen, Norway to group of private investors A group of private investors has acquired the four-star, 91-room Sttvig Hotel in Larkollen, Norway from Norwegian hotelier Stig Fische and family for approximately NOK 500 million (NOK 5.5 million per room), which is equivalent to approximately 43 million (473,000 per room). The investors include the Varner family, Harald Morus-Hanssen, Jarle Norman-Hansen, Sigurd E. Thorvildsen and Bard Bjlgerud. The property is situated by the Outer Oslofjord, about an hour's drive south of Oslo. The hotel includes three restaurants, three bars and ten meeting rooms. Epargne Pierre Europe acquires Campanile Duisburg City in Germany from Soravia Epargne Pierre Europe, a real estate investment fund managed by French real estate investor Atland-Voisin, has acquired the three-star, 169-room Campanile Duisburg City in Germany, from Austrian real estate developer Soravia for 14.5 million (85,800 per room). Duisburg is a city of some 500,000 people, situated in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia some 30 kms north of Dusseldorf. The property is situated in Duisburg's central old town and includes a bar. The hotel opened in 2020 and is leased to the Louvre Hotel Group under a 15-year lease with a 5-year extension option. Avila Group acquires Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden, Germany from Honestis AG German real estate company Avila Group has entered an agreement to acquire the five-star, 159-room Hotel Nassauer Hof in Wiesbaden, Germany, from German investor Honestis AG. The property is situated in central Wiesbaden, some 30 kms from Frankfurt Airport, across from the casino and state theatre. The hotel includes three restaurants, two bars and nine meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, the Avila Group plans to completely renovate all guest rooms, public areas, and the spa, reducing the room count from 159 to 104 and adding serviced apartments. Azora acquires Ferrer Skyline aparthotel in Menorca, Spain Spanish real estate investment manager Azora has acquired the four-star, 163-room aparthotel Ferrer Skyline in Menorca, Spain. The property is situated by the beachfront in Ciutadella de Menorca, one of the islands two largest towns, and includes two swimming pools and a poolside bar. In June 2024, Azora acquired the three-star, 66-room Le Berger and the three-star, 33-room Jardin Secret in Brussels, Belgium. Azoras portfolio currently consists of 46 hotels (11,600 rooms) throughout Europe and the USA. Dormero acquires MyTirol Hotel in Austria from the Swarovski Family German owner-operator Dormero Hotels has acquired the three-star, 83-room MyTirol Hotel in Biberwier, Austria, from the Swarovski Family, founders of the famous crystal brand. The ski hotel is situated at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain in Austrias Tyrol region and includes a swimming pool, cinema and meeting room. Following the acquisition, it now operates as the Dormero BeHo Zugspitze. This marks Dormeros 56th property and its third hotel in Austria. HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. UK and EU Strike Measures to Enhance Trade and Youth Mobility - Image Credit Unsplash The UK Government and the European Union (EU) have announced several measures to improve their bilateral relationship. These measures are expected to have a considerable impact on the hotel, travel, and restaurant industries. The first major agreement is establishing a 'youth experience scheme.' Under this plan, young individuals from the UK and EU can work and travel freely in both regions. The specifics of this scheme are yet to be finalized, but it will be capped and time-limited. The officials have indicated that the scheme would likely follow similar models in place with Australia and New Zealand. Another crucial aspect of the agreement is an updated sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement on food and drink. This new arrangement should streamline trading between the UK and EU. One of the significant changes includes the removal of some routine checks on animal and plant products. Furthermore, British travelers will now have access to more eGates in Europe, a step expected to reduce queuing time at airports. Industry stakeholders like UKHospitality have welcomed these developments. The organization has called for a youth experience scheme that offers 'maximum flexibility,' as it believes such initiatives are crucial for cultural exchange and economic benefit. These measures are announced at a time when the hospitality industry is eagerly looking for ways to recover post-pandemic. The youth mobility scheme is expected to provide a much-needed workforce boost, while eased trade restrictions could lead to better access to quality, affordable food and drink. The increased use of eGates could also enhance the travel experience, encouraging more UK citizens to travel to Europe, potentially boosting tourism. In the coming months, the focus will be on implementing these measures and their actual impact on the hotel, travel, and restaurant industry in the UK and EU. Orange Hotel Shanghai Tianlin Road - Image Credit H World Group H World Group reported robust growth in the first quarter of 2025. According to the group's financial results, the group has achieved 538 net hotel openings, bringing the total number of operational hotels worldwide to 11,685. The total number of rooms worldwide has reached 1,142,158, a 20% increase from the previous year. The group has broadened its reach to 1,394 cities across China and plans to expand into 2,000 cities, including major hubs and remote regions. As of the end of the first quarter, H World had 2,888 hotels in its pipeline. In line with its asset-light strategy, H World has seen a 21% year-over-year rise in revenue from franchised and managed hotels, amounting to RMB 2.5 billion (US$344 million). The company's distinctive 'manachise' model, which combines the scalability of franchising with operational control, has been a key element in its growth. H World Group's loyalty program, H Rewards, has reached a membership of 277 million by the end of Q1, making it one of the largest loyalty platforms in the global hospitality industry. Direct bookings from members accounted for over 65% of total reservations, denoting increased digital engagement, improved margins, and higher customer lifetime value. The company has also made strides in enhancing customer experience across its core brands, including Hanting, JI, and Orange. Upgrades have been implemented in a significant percentage of these hotels. The first quarter has also seen rapid growth in the upper-midscale segment, which includes brands like Intercity Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, MAXX by Steigenberger, and CitiGo Hotel. H World Group aims to achieve its full-year network expansion target of approximately 2,300 gross hotel openings. The company plans to continue its asset-light strategy, focusing on high-quality network expansion, enhancing brand positioning, and strengthening sales capabilities centered around the H Rewards membership program. First Congregational Church North Adams Appoints New Pastor NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The First Congregational Church North Adams (FCCNA) has announced the selection of the Reverend Suzy Aja Burba as its new pastor, following a unanimous vote by the congregation. Reverend Burba is currently the minister of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Weymouth. Reverend Burba obtained a Master's Degree in Divinity and a Certificate in Pastoral Care from Andover Newton Theological School in 2018 and was ordained in January 2021. Her stated professional interests include pulpit ministry and attending to the spiritual needs of congregants. She also believes that a church's engagement with current social issues conveys a message about Christianity to the wider community, with her personal emphasis being environmental justice. An avid hiker, Reverend Burba is anticipated to relocate to North Adams with her three cats and expressed interest in exploring the Berkshire landscape. She was drawn to FCCNA due to its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to social justice. Founded in 1827, FCCNA's current building on Main Street was established in 1865. Since 1987, the church has hosted the Berkshire Food Project, which provides daily meals in the church's Assembly Hall. Reverend Suzy Aja Burba is scheduled to commence her ministry at the First Congregational Church North Adams on Sunday, June 15. Williamstown voters will again gather at Mount Greylock Regional School on Thursday for the annual town meeting. Smoking Ban, Airbnb Limits Put to Williamstown Town Meeting Members WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The age-old tension between individual liberties and the common good will be in play when residents convene for the annual town meeting on Thursday evening at Mount Greylock Regional School. Two articles on the 32-item meeting warrant seek to clarify that balance in one way or another. One, a proposal generated by the town's Planning Board, would set a limit on the number of days a residence can be utilized as a short-term rental, commonly referred to by the trade name Airbnb. Another, on the warrant via citizens petition, would prohibit smoking tobacco products in multifamily dwelling units (apartments) with more than four units per structure. Those are two of the articles that have generated significant discussion at the board and committee level in the months leading up to the annual meeting, where all the town's registered voters have the right to vote up and down on everything from the town budget to whether geothermal wells that use "chemical heat transfer fluids" should be heavily regulated in the town's Water Resource Districts. One fiscal item that tends not to get a lot of attention in most years has been the focus of strong protest in the last few weeks leading to the warrant's publication. Article 6, a seemingly routine measure that would authorize the budget for solid waste disposal at the Hoosac Water Quality District, appears on the warrant with a 2-3 vote by the Select Board against adoption. That 2-3 vote was taken when the district was proposing its budget based on a plan to generate income by accepting treated waste from other municipalities to use excess capacity in the HWQD's composting operation. Environmental activists raised alarms about the potential for the local treatment plant to start producing additional compost with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called "forever chemicals" linked to cancer. Subsequent to the Select Board's recommendation, the town's Finance Committee which initially endorsed the HWQD budget as presented decided on May 1 to propose an amendment on the floor of Thursday's meeting that would authorize about a 20 percent increase in the town's assessment from the district (a shared enterprise of Clarksburg, North Adams and Williamstown). The Fin Comm's proposal that town meeting OK up to $200,000 in additional payment to the district is contingent on the HWQD opting to abandon the "imported" sludge plan. On May 14 , the HWQD's board of commissioners did just that. Although costs to end users (everyone on town sewer service) will rise without taking in and selling additional compost, Hugh Daley, one of two Williamstown representatives on the HWQD board, told iBerkshires.com on May 15 that the appropriation on the warrant plus the planned amendment from the Fin Comm "most likely" will cover the town's share of the district's fiscal year 2026 operating expenses without the need for a special town meeting mid-year. Some other appropriations on the town meeting warrant have gotten pushback from both the Fin Comm and the Select Board. For decades, the town has funded projects through Community Preservation Act funds. The CPA is funded by a 2 percent surcharge on property tax bills (with $100,000 of a property's valuation exempted). Local revenue from the surcharge, adopted locally in 2002, is partially matched by the commonwealth as part of a statewide program to promote community housing, open space and recreation and historic preservation. Generally, the CPA articles on the warrant, which are vetted, advanced and recommended by the town's Community Preservation Committee, are overwhelmingly approved by town meeting with one exception, a 201-207 vote at the 2003 meeting. This year, the Fin Comm and two members of the Select Board voted against town meeting approval of three of the seven CPA articles on the warrant. In March, some Finance Committee members argued that the CPC needed to reform its process for reviewing applications for CPA funds before the town authorizes more grants. The CPC, after completing its work for the FY26 funding cycle, did generate a new application and review process to employ next January for FY27. It is the Fin Comm's job to review and propose to town meeting spending plans for town revenue principally property taxes. The CPA fund is completely separate from the municipal budget, and the only two bodies with authority over CPA allocations are the CPC and town meeting. Some fiscal articles the annual town meeting will not see on Thursday night pertain to local non-profits that have traditionally received allocations of town funds in separate votes by the meeting. Those past allocations have been made from the town's Unreserved Fund Balance, or "free cash," the residue of higher-than-anticipated revenue and lower-than-anticipated expenses in any given year. Town Manager Robert Menicocci decided this year to move those allocations "on budget," meaning they will be funded by tax revenue in the year they are awarded. That decision coincided with a marked increase in the number of non-profits seeking town funds. The Fin Comm decided in March to approve a town budget that only allocates taxpayer money to agencies that routinely have been supported by town meeting in the past: the Williamstown Youth Center, Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and Williamstown Community Preschool. After the final "money" article, Article 25, the meeting will move on to some items that could generate debate on the floor on Thursday, starting with Article 26, the Short-Term Rental Bylaw crafted by the Planning Board. The planners spent years talking about this issue and believe they have struck the right balance between individual liberty and the public good. The bylaw would apply to town's residential districts and would limit the use of a dwelling as an Airbnb to 90 cumulative days in a calendar year. There are exceptions built in for individual bedrooms rented as short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units where the homeowner lives in the principal dwelling unit and principal dwelling units where the owner lives in an ADU. In other words, if the owner lives on the property while part of it is rented as an Airbnb, they can use part of the property as a short-term rental as much as they like. The Planning Board believes the bylaw they're proposing accomplishes two public goods: It prevents homes from being turned into de facto full-time motel units in the middle of a residential neighborhood and it stops outside investors from buying up the town's housing stock for use as Airbnbs and, thus, locking out potential full-time residents, as has happened in resort towns in eastern Massachusetts At the same time, the planners believe, allowing up to 90 days for a dwelling to be used as an Airbnb both allows homeowners to generate income from their home and provides additional beds that the local tourism industry needs to survive peak periods like Williams College's homecoming or the Solid Sound Festival at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Generally, the proposal has not sparked a lot of opposition. One exception comes in the form of an anonymous email to the Planning Board by a group claiming to be "Williamstown Short-Term Rental Owners." The two-page unsigned letter reads, in part, "[P]roperty owners should have the right to decide how they use their homes. Investing in property is a major investment, and homeowners should be able to make responsible choices that allow them to sustain and improve their investments. Arbitrary restrictions infringe on these rights and unfairly penalize those who have worked hard to make Williamstown a welcoming place." Some have expressed fear that passing a different measure, Article 30 on the warrant, will make Williamstown less welcoming to one group: smokers. The citizens petition warrant article seeks to make the town's market rate apartments and condominiums like its publicly-financed housing by prohibiting "smoking or vaping of tobacco of any form within 25 feet of the building." Owner-occupied multifamily structures of four or fewer units would be exempted. The article's author has presented to the town's Board of Health and Select Board and cited in the article's preamble documentation of the health risk posed by second hand smoke and argues that non-smokers living in an apartment or condo, like himself, have a right to breathe smoke free air. According to the advocacy group American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation, as of April 1, 101 municipalities all in California have enacted similar laws to what William Raymond has proposed for Williamstown. Both the Board of Health , on a unanimous vote, and Select Board, on a 4-1 vote, have recommended that town meeting adopt the anti-smoking ordinance. But even members of those bodies have acknowledged the idea is far from a slam dunk. Select Board member Jane Patton, who said the proposed ordinance might be government overreach, was the lone vote against recommending its passage. BOH member James Parkinson at a March meeting said, "If, in Williamstown, all housing is smoke free, where are people who smoke going to live?" I throw that out because it's the gist of the whole issue. I don't have an answer to that." The proposed smoking bylaw is one of three articles on the warrant by way of citizens petition. Article 29 is a non-binding resolution that would affirm Williamstown's support for the rights of transgender and gender-diverse people. Article 31 gives the meeting a chance to reaffirm a 2017 town meeting resolution emphasizing that "Federal immigration detainer requests and administrative warrants are not binding on Town officials." The annual town meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of Mount Greylock Regional School at 1781 Cold Spring Road. All registered voters in town are eligible to participate. Rides are available through the Council on Aging; call 413-884-3193 by noon on Thursday to sign up. Two significant solidarity initiatives have been carried out by the Guardia di Finanza of Caserta, which donated several seized clothing items to various institutions during anti-counterfeiting operations. The first initiative involved the Aversa Rapid Response Company, which donated clothing, footwear, and accessories to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta - a lay religious institution of the Catholic Church and an entity under international law - to be given to the most needy; this material was seized by the 'green berets' of Aversa. At the handover, held at the headquarters of the Rapid Response Company, in the presence of the commander and a representation of the Department's soldiers, Knight Alessandro Carducci, Counselor of the Veroli Delegation, attended along with other representatives of the Entity who work daily for the less fortunate. The second initiative involved the Piedimonte Matese Detachment, which donated over 1,000 clothing items already subject to administrative seizure to the Caritas of the Diocese of Alife-Caiazzo. The donation was made possible thanks to the ordinance of the mayor of Alife who, at the proposal of the Detachment, identified the charitable organization as a qualified interlocutor for the free redistribution of goods to people in need. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated 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 Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China but the country must prepare for war and strengthen its defences, the islands president Lai Ching-Te said on Tuesday, in an address marking his one year in office. Offering a message of peace at a time the self-governed island prepared for Chinas drills across the Taiwan Strait, Mr Lai said: I, too, am committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war has no winner. But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions. China has termed Mr Lai a dangerous separatist who will bring war and decline to the island which it claims as a breakaway province. China has also rejected Mr Lais multiple offers for talks to address the differences. Mr Lai rejects China's sovereignty claims over the democratic and entirely separately governed island, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and president Xi Jinping wants to reunify the island with the mainland, by force if necessary. The Taiwanese people largely favour the status quo which gives them de facto independence. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defence as preparing for war is the best way to avoid it, Mr Lai said as he marked a year in office and spoke to reporters at the presidential office in central Taipei. open image in gallery Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te delivers an address to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration at the Presidential Office in Taipei ( AFP/Getty ) "I also reiterate here Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation," he said. A day earlier, the deputy head of Taiwans coast guard accused China of political warfare and using other pressure tactics against the self-governed islands president. "It cannot be ruled out that on the anniversary of President Lai's inauguration, the Chinese communists will again use similar tactics and videos to engage in political warfare to disrupt the morale of our people," said Hsieh Ching-chin, deputy head of Taiwan's coast guard. Last week, Chinas defence ministry said the president was a Taiwan Strait crisis maker who had increased antagonism and confrontation, and undermined peace and stability. The ministry did not acknowledge the reports of heightened military drills carried out by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) around the strait. open image in gallery Lai Ching-te inspects the troops taking part in the Rapid Response Exercise during a visit at the Songshan military airbase in Taipei ( AFP/Getty ) In a daily report detailing Chinas military activities, Taiwans defence ministry on Monday said in the past 24 hours it had detected six Chinese planes and 11 vessels near the island. In the past one year, China has held war games code-named "Strait Thunder-2025A" around Taiwan in April, the "A" at its end suggesting there could be more to come. China called its May 2024 drills just after Mr Lai took office "Joint Sword-2024A", and in October of that year staged "Joint Sword-2024B". On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 63-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy were electrocuted while pumping floodwater from an apartment basement in the Indian city of Bengaluru following heavy overnight rain. The electrocution occurred due to a short circuit when the pump was switched on, local authorities told the media. The victims were identified as Manamohan Kamath, 63, a resident of Madhuvana Apartment in Dollars Colony and 12-year-old Dinesh, the son of a maintenance worker employed at the building. The incident occurred around 6.15am, as Kamath prepared to drain floodwater from the basement using a hired pump. According to police, he was electrocuted immediately after the pump was switched on due to a short circuit and Dinesh was fatally electrocuted moments later. Their bodies have been sent for postmortem examination, local police said. Bengaluru recorded approximately 104mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, inundating low-lying areas and triggering widespread traffic snarls across the city. The scenes of waterlogged streets and gridlocked roads were all too familiar an annual ordeal for the IT hub during monsoon spells. Visuals captured the extent of the flooding, as the citys ageing infrastructure buckled under the downpour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, with more rain forecast over the next two days. As water-logging continues to disrupt daily life, authorities have reportedly begun efforts to manage the fallout. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara told reporters that the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which replaced the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) which was previously responsible for the citys municipal affairs is actively addressing the issue. He attributed the severe flooding in several parts of the city to clogged drains caused by the accumulation of leaves, paper, and other debris. On Monday night, Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said that while the government has mapped 210 flood-prone areas across Bengaluru, with work completed in the majority of them, the citys traffic police have separately flagged 132 vulnerable spots where rainwater disrupts traffic. Mr Shivakumar said that 197 km of stormwater drains have been constructed so far, with Rs20bn (174m) allocated for the effort. Traffic police have flagged 132 spots that get flooded during heavy rains. Of these, 82 have been fixed while 41 are pending, he said. Speaking about the areas worst hit by rainfall, he said that the quantum of rainfall in areas like Silk Board Junction, Hebbal, and Yelahanka had been especially high. Underpass works are ongoing in a few of these areas and they have been affected. We will coordinate with relevant departments to address this. In a separate rain-related tragedy, a 35-year-old woman lost her life when a compound wall collapsed at an IT firm in the city. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Singaporean man has been arrested in Japan for allegedly committing indecent acts with a teenage boy at a hot spring, police said. The 55-year-old suspect, who was not named, allegedly touched the minor inappropriately at an onsen inn in the central prefecture of Niigata, local media reported. The man allegedly touched the minors genitals multiple times despite him resisting at a hot spring facility in Tagami town on 14 May, according to Niigata News. Two days after the alleged incident, police arrested the suspect from the Niigata train station after a relative of the boy filed a complaint. The man, who was holidaying in Japan, has denied the allegations against him. I only put my hand on the left shoulder of the seated boy to get out of the bath, I did not commit any indecent act, he reportedly told police. Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident. open image in gallery A hot spring in Gunma, Japan ( Getty ) It was the latest incident of alleged sexual misconduct at Japans famed public baths to make headlines. In 2024, a former counsellor at the Singaporean embassy in Japan was convicted of filming a naked boy at a public bath in Tokyo. Sim Siong Chy was removed from his position after being fined 300,000 yen over the incident. In another case, a former assemblywoman accused the mayor of a hot springs resort town of sexually assaulting her in his office in 2015. Nobutada Kuroiwa, the mayor of Kusatsu, a famous hot springs resort north of Tokyo, denied the accusations as 100 per cent a lie and fabrication and claimed they were motivated by a dispute over a hot springs policy. In 2023, Shizuoka police dismantled a 30-year voyeurism ring that secretly filmed more than 10,000 women at hot springs across Japan, exposing significant lapses in facility oversight. The operation, involving 17 arrests, shocked the public and led to demands for better security measures at hot springs like cameras in non-bathing areas and enhanced staff training. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice California may be facing another record year for Valley fever infections. The lung infections are caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, resulting in serious or long-term lung problems and potentially death if it is not treated and spreads to the brain. It results in thousands of cases every year in the U.S. and hundreds of deaths. The Golden State, where Valley Fever was first discovered, is consistently the state with the most infections. After a record year, early state data shows its on track for what is looking to be another big one. There are already more than 3,100 confirmed cases across the state. Thats more than there were at the same time last year and nearly double the amount in 2023. There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before, Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. If you want to see me, right now youd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too. open image in gallery Early state health data shows California may be facing another record year for Valley fever infections. There are now more than 3,100 confirmed cases across the West Coast state ( AFP via Getty Images ) The majority of this years cases are in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey and Fresno counties. A significant oil-producing area, wildfire-stricken Kern has often been the epicenter of outbreaks but there are new areas of concern. Cases in the East Bays Contra Costa County have more than tripled since 2023. Merced has also seen cases steadily increase and San Bernardino has seen 60 more than last year. It appears to be spreading out, Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the network. How do exposures occur? Valley Fever, officially called coccidioidomycosis, was first discovered in Southern Californias San Joaquin Valley. The lung infection is caused by the fungus Coccidioides that grows in soil in western parts of the U.S., with the majority of cases reported in California and Arizona. Valley Fever is caused by breathing in infectious spores, although some who are exposed are never infected. The spores can be kicked up during wind events, or through agricultural work and construction. While people can get Valley Fever at any time of the year, they are more likely to be infected during late summer and fall. Cases typically peak between September and November, due to a delay from infection to reporting. Whats the concern? Symptoms can include fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs. As many as 10 percent of those who are infected will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Another 1 percent will see it spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Those older than 60 are more likely to be infected, as well as people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, have diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino. People who work outdoors are also at a higher risk. open image in gallery Valley Fever, also called coccidioidomycosis , was first discovered in Southern Californias San Joaquin Valley. The lung infection is caused by the fungus Coccidioides ( Credit: CDC/ Dr. Brodsky ) The climate connection Researchers have found that cases of the disease spike in California during a shift from drought to heavy rainfall. California specifically has seen rapid shifts from extreme drought to long-lasting atmospheric river events in recent years. Wet winters can provide the ideal conditions for Valley Fever infections, as the summer dries out the land and breaks down the fungus into infectious spores. After flooding and mudslides in March, the state is in for a hot and dry summer, according to federal forecasters. As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure, Simon Camponuri, a PhD candidate at U.C. Berkeley, said in a statement. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than a dozen lawsuits have been filed on behalf of weight-loss drug users who claim that popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic have caused a loss of vision. Patients from New York and New Jersey have claimed that they suffered non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after taking drugs containing semaglutide the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. The condition is rare and includes a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve that causes sudden vision loss in one eye. "People are just waking up and developing this [vision] condition, Jason Goldstein, the lawyer representing the patients, told Newsday. They wake and they totally can't see. A lot of them lose their peripheral vision. They could lose total vision. I have one client who lost it in both eyes." One of the patients, 57-year-old Edward Fanelli, told the newspaper, "If it was on the label, I definitely wouldn't have taken it, referring to a warning of potential vision loss. "Who would want to risk losing their sight?" he asked. open image in gallery Weight-loss drug users have filed lawsuits after losing their sight while on the popular medication, according to reports. ( Armend Nimani/AFP via Getty Images ) Fanelli, a New Jersey resident, started taking Ozempic to treat his Type 2 diabetes in October 2022 and was diagnosed with the condition about eight months later. He could no longer do his job as a general contractor because of his vision loss. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, has defended its popular medications. Lauren Browdy Weiner, a spokesperson for the drug maker, said the condition is not considered a possible adverse reaction for drugs. "Novo Nordisk is of the opinion that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged, she told Newsday. She continued: Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from use of our medicines very seriously. This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes." Weiner mentioned that studies done by the drug maker do not suggest a causal relationship between semaglutide and the condition. open image in gallery The maker of Wegovy and Ozempic denied that its product is leading to vision problems. ( Getty Images ) External studies, meanwhile, have found vision issues or an increased likelihood of vision issues with patients on weight loss drugs, but conclude that more research is needed to truly understand the problem. One study published in January in JAMA Ophthalmology examined nine patients who had vision complications while on drugs containing semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. Out of the nine patients, seven had the vision condition. "This review was not conducted in any way that we can say these drugs caused the complications, the author of the study, Dr. Bradley Katz, told Newsday. He added: "Further studies are needed to test our hypothesis. However, this is an important issue for ophthalmologists as we monitor usage of these drugs and how to best be in communication with our patients about them." Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Scientists have captured footage of an unusual social tradition in capuchin monkeys abducting infant howler monkeys a never-before-seen behaviour in wild primates. Researchers at Jicaron Island off the coast of Panama found a baby howler monkey clung to the back of an older male monkey, its tiny fingers grasping fur. But they're not related and not even the same species. Scientists spotted surprising evidence of what they describe as monkey kidnappings while reviewing the video footage. The capuchin monkeys were seen carrying at least 11 howler babies between 2022 and 2023. open image in gallery Monkeys Kidnapping Monkeys ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior ) This was very much a shocking finding, said Zoe Goldsborough, a behavioural ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour in Germany. Weve not seen anything like this in the animal kingdom." The monkeys' motivations remain under investigation. Capuchins are house cat-sized monkeys found in South America and Central America. They are long-lived, clever and learn new behaviours from each other. One group of capuchins in Panama has even learned to use stone tools to crack open nuts and seafood. Goldsberg and other researchers at Max Planck and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute had set up more than 80 cameras to study capuchin tool use, but were surprised to see the first howler babies appear in early 2022. The footage showed the capuchins walking and pounding their stone tools with baby howlers on their backs. But cameras did not capture the moments of abduction, which scientists said likely happened up in the trees, where howlers spend most of their time. Our window into this story is constrained, said co-author Margaret Crofoot of Max Planck and the Smithsonian. The findings were published Monday in the journal Current Biology. In most or all cases, the baby howlers died, researchers said. Infant howler monkeys would normally be carried by their mothers while still nursing. All the babies in the video from a few weeks to a few months in age were too young to be weaned. A hopeful part of me wants to believe some escaped and went back to their mothers, but we dont know," said Crofoot. open image in gallery Monkeys Kidnapping Monkeys ( Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior ) The videos recorded a few instances of young capuchin males still carrying howler babies that had died, likely from starvation. Many animals from gorillas to orcas have been observed carrying their dead offspring, though scientists arent sure of the reasons. Why did the capuchin males do it? There were no signs of deliberate aggression toward the babies, and they werent eaten, ruling out predation. Weve all spent hours racking our brains why they would do this, said Goldsborough. The first baby-snatcher may have had a confused caring motivation, or parental instinct, because he showed gentleness interacting with the infants, she said. Then four other males copied his actions. The researchers said they don't believe the capuchins harmed the babies on purpose. So far, only one group of capuchins has been known to kidnap. The research shows the remarkable behavioural variation across social groups of the same species, said Catherine Crockford, a primatologist at the CNRS Institute for Cognitive Sciences in France, who was not involved in the study. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A UK-based people smuggler who helped exploit migrants as part of a 12 million illegal boat crossing operation has been jailed for 25 years. Egyptian-born Ahmed Ebid, 42, helped organise the movement of nearly 3,800 migrants including women and children on just seven fishing boat crossings from North Africa to Italy between October 2022 and June 2023. Some of them made their way to Britain, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. Secret recordings by the NCA found Ebid told an associate to kill and throw into the sea any migrants caught with phones, in a bid to avoid law enforcement. He ran this operation from his home in Isleworth, south-west London. The defendant, who is believed to be the first person convicted of organising boat crossings across the Mediterranean from the UK, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Judge Adam Hiddleston said that Ebid had a significant managerial role within an organised crime group and that his primary motivation was to make money out of human trafficking. The judge told Ebid the conspiracy that you were a part of generated millions of pounds and that he must have been a beneficiary of a significant amount. He added that the truly staggering amount of money came from the hard-earned savings of desperate individuals, who were ruthlessly and cynically exploited by Ebid and the crime group. open image in gallery Ebid was detained in Isleworth in June 2023 after the NCA, along with Italian authorities, linked him to the crossings ( NCA/PA Wire ) The people smuggler arrived in the UK in October 2022 after crossing the Channel in a small boat. In 2017, Ebid was sentenced in Italy to six years and two months in prison for drug smuggling. Soon after he began arranging the operations in the Mediterranean. He was working with people smuggling networks to organise boats, bringing over hundreds of migrants at a time on extremely dangerous vessels from Libya and advertising the crossings on Facebook. Ebid sourced and provided boats and crews, provided technical advice during the crossings, helped house migrants, and dealt with any required paperwork, prosecutors said. open image in gallery He helped with at least seven separate crossings which carried 3,781 people into Italian waters ( NCA/PA Wire ) He helped with at least seven separate crossings which carried 3,781 people into Italian waters. Each migrant had been charged an average of around 3,200, netting those involved 12.3 million, the NCA said. One crossing on October 25 2022 saw more than 640 migrants rescued by the Italian authorities after they attempted to cross in a wooden boat, the NCA said. In another, 265 migrants were rescued by the Italian coastguard from a 20-metre fishing boat found adrift in the Mediterranean in early December 2022 after it left Benghazi. Two search and rescue operations occurred in April 2023 after distress calls to the coastguard and in each case more than 600 migrants were on board the boats, the NCA said. open image in gallery Each migrant had been charged an average of around 3,200, netting those involved 12.3 million, the NCA said ( NCA/PA Wire ) Ebid was detained in Isleworth in June 2023 after the NCA, along with the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Italian coastguard, linked him to the crossings. The NCAs Regional Head of Investigation Jacque Beer said: Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants to ship them across the Mediterranean in death trap boats. The cruel nature of his business was demonstrated by the callous way he spoke of throwing migrants into the sea if they didnt follow his rules. To him they were just a source of profit. Additional reporting by PA. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man wanted for the murder of his wife in east London has reportedly been spotted withdrawing a large sum of cash at a bank in India. Harshita Brella, 24, originally from Delhi, was found dead in a silver Vauxhall Corsa on Brisbane Road in Ilford on 14 November 2024. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, fled the UK for India soon after. After issuing a Look Out Circular to prevent Mr Lamba from leaving the country, the Delhi police declared him a proclaimed offender on 1 May for evading authorities. According to local media accounts, however, he had been sighted at a bank in Gurugram, a satellite city south of the national capital Delhi, on 4 March. Mr Lamba, wearing a face mask, withdrew Rs 430,000 (3,760) from the bank where he was picked up by CCTV cameras, an unnamed police source told The Indian Express. CCTV footage from the bank showed he was alone. Before this he had withdrawn Rs 21,000 (184) from another bank on the same day, the source told the newspaper. But we dont have footage, so we cant confirm if he had gone himself or sent someone in his stead. open image in gallery Harshita Brellas body was found in the boot of a car in East London ( Northamptonshire Police ) Brella was strangled in Corby on the evening of 10 November before her body was driven some 160km south to Ilford the next day, according to the UK police. The body reached her family home in Delhis Palam area on 3 December and a police case against Mr Lamba was filed soon after. The case was registered on the basis of a complaint by Brellas parents alleging cruelty by her husband and breach of trust. Their daughters was a dowry death, the parents alleged, implying she had been killed for not bringing enough dowry. Mr Lambas parents were arrested on 14 March under Indias dowry death law. While the mother was later released on bail, the father was still in jail as of 20 May. Mr Lamba married Brella in March 2024 in a match arranged by their families, and flew to the UK soon after. Brella joined him a month later. open image in gallery Pankaj Lamba remains on the run ( Northamptonshire Police ) In August, Northamptonshire police filed a case of domestic abuse against Mr Lamba and he was arrested before being released on bail. In Delhi, the Palam police stations head told The Independent he was aware of the report about Mr Lamba being sighted in Gurugram but declined to comment further. The police earlier announced a reward of Rs 50,000 (437) for information leading to Mr Lambas arrest. 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 The wife of a former Conservative county councillor has had her jail sentence upheld after she made an online rant about migrants on the day of the Southport attacks. Lucy Connolly, 42, was handed a 31-month sentence after admitting making a post on X in the hours after three girls were stabbed and killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. In response, she had tweeted to her 9,000 followers: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care, while youre at it take the treacherous government and politicians with them. I feel physically sick knowing what these families will now have to endure. If that makes me racist so be it. open image in gallery Former Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly (centre) with supporters include broadcaster Dan Wootton outside the Court of Appeal ( PA ) It was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before Connolly deleted it. On Tuesday Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Goss and Mr Justice Sheldon, refused her application to appeal. In a written judgment, Lord Justice Holroyde, said: There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive. The application for leave to appeal against sentence therefore fails and is refused. During a hearing last Thursday at the Court of Appeal, she said that she never intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty would mean she accepted that she had. Giving evidence from HMP Drake Hall in Eccleshall in Staffordshire, Connolly had written the post on 29 July when she was really angry, really upset and that she knew how the parents felt. She said: Those parents still have to live a life of grief. It sends me into a state of anxiety and I worry about my children. The court heard that Connollys son died tragically around 14 years ago, and that news of the murders of the children in Southport had heightened her sensitivity. open image in gallery She is married to former Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly ( PA ) When asked why she had deleted the post three and a half hours after posting it, Connolly added: I calmed myself down, and I know that wasnt an acceptable thing to say. It wasnt the right thing to say, it wasnt what I wanted to happen. In the aftermath of the stabbing, anti-immigration riots broke out across the country with mosques, homes and businesses targeted. Over 1,200 people were arrested while over 130 police officers were injured between 30 July and 5 August 2024. Adam King, representing Connolly, asked if she had intended for anyone to set fire to asylum hotels, or murder any politicians. She replied: Absolutely not. However, the prosecution had argued that the post was a reflection of her attitude towards immigrants. When she was arrested on 6 August, she had deleted her social media account but other messages which included further racist remarks were recovered on her phone. Naeem Valli, for the prosecution, asked Connolly if she believed the country was being invaded by immigrants. She replied: I believe that we have a massive number of people in the country that are unchecked, coming into the country and I believe that is a national security risk. She added that it would be absolutely incorrect to say she did not want immigrants in the country. The former childminder, who is married to Raymond Connolly, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last October after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. Mr Connolly had been a Tory West Northamptonshire district councillor but lost his seat in May. He remains on the town council. In a statement issued by a spokesperson, Mr Connolly said the decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss his wife Lucys appeal was shocking and unfair. He said: The 284 days of separation have been very hard, particularly on our 12-year-old girl. Lucy posted one nasty tweet when she was upset and angry about three little girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. She realised the tweet was wrong and deleted it within four hours. That did not mean Lucy was a far right thug as Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed. My wife Lucy is a good person and not a racist. As a childminder she took care of small children of African and Asian heritage; they loved Lucy as she loved them. My wife has paid a very high price for making a mistake and today the court has shown her no mercy. Lucy got more time in jail for one tweet than some paedophiles and domestic abusers get. I think the system wanted to make an example of Lucy so other people would be scared to say things about immigration. This is not the British way. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A second man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with conspiracy to commit arson over fires at properties and a car linked to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday and denied being present at the scene of any of the fires. The defendant, flanked by two police officers in the dock, spoke via an interpreter to confirm his name and date of birth. Mr Carpiuc, of Chadwell Heath, east London, is accused of conspiring with Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 21 who appeared in court last week and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another, intending to damage the property, intending to endanger the life of another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered. Carpiuc, of Chadwell Heath, east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday ( Elizabeth Cook/PA ) Mr Carpiuc was arrested by counterterrorism officers at Luton airport in London on Saturday. Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said: At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained. The court heard Mr Carpiuc, who was born in Ukraine, gave a no comment interview to police. Defending, Jay Nutkins said that Mr Carpiuc has lived in the UK for nine years, and is currently waiting for his degree results, having spent two years studying a business degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. The court heard that the 26-year-old, who was supported by his father in court, works in construction. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Mr Carpiuc in custody until a further hearing at the Old Bailey on 6 June. Mr Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, denied the charges in a police interview and appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, when he was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June alongside Mr Carpiuc. A 34-year-old man was also arrested on Monday in the Chelsea area on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody. 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 Tommy Robinson is due to be released from prison within the next week after his 18-month sentence for contempt of court was reduced by four months. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 18 months in October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel. The sentence comprised a 14-month punitive element and a four-month coercive element. At the time, sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson told Robinson he could have the latter element taken off his sentence if he were to purge his contempt by taking steps to comply with the injunction. The far-right activist was previously due to be released on 26 July, but had applied to the High Court to purge his contempt order. Lawyers for the Solicitor General said that they agreed that Robinson had taken steps to adhere to the injunction. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson outside Folkestone police station in 2024 ( PA ) In a ruling on Tuesday, Mr Justice Johnson said that there was an absence of contrition or remorse from Robinson, but that he had shown a change in attitude since he was sentenced. He said: He (Robinson) has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again. He said he considered it appropriate to grant Robinsons application. He added: The practical effect, subject to confirmation by the prison authorities, is that the defendant will be released once he has completed the punitive element, which I understand will be within the next week. Robinson attended the hearing on Tuesday via video-link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes. He showed no immediate reaction when the judgment was handed down. open image in gallery A court sketch from Tommy Robinsons sentencing hearing ( PA ) Robinsons road to the High Court Robinson was jailed in 2024 for 10 admitted breaches of the injunction, after the Solicitor General issued two contempt claims against him. The first claim alleged that Robinson knowingly breached the order on four occasions, including by having published, caused, authorised or procured a film called Silenced, which contains the libellous allegations, in May 2023. The film was pinned to the top of the activists profile on the social media site X (formerly Twitter). He also repeated the claims in three interviews between February and June 2023. The second claim was issued in August 2024 and concerned six further breaches, including playing the film at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London last summer. Handing down the sentence at Woolwich Crown Court, Mr Justice Johnson said Robinson could purge his contempt by showing a commitment to comply with the injunction. He said this could include taking steps such as removing Silenced and other publications which breached the injunction from his social media accounts. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson took steps to purge his contempt ( PA ) After being jailed, Robinson lost a bid to bring a legal challenge against the Ministry of Justice over his segregation from other prisoners behind bars in March. He then lost a challenge to his sentence at the Court of Appeal in April, but three senior judges said he could still reduce the period he has to spend in custody by taking the steps identified by Mr Justice Johnson. The injunction was issued after Robinson was successfully sued by Jamal Hijazi, a then-schoolboy who was assaulted at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in October 2018. After a clip of the incident went viral, Robinson made false claims on Facebook, including about Mr Hijazi attacking girls in his school, leading to the libel case. Mr Justice Nicklin ordered Robinson to pay Mr Hijazi 100,000 in damages and his legal costs, as well as making the injunction preventing Robinson from repeating the allegations. Mr Justice Johnson said on Tuesday that Robinson could be jailed for up to two years if he breached the injunction again in the future. 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 Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced trade talks with Israel have been paused as he called for an end to the aid blockade in Gaza. In a statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Lammy said Israel suffered a heinous attack on 7 October 2023 and the UK Government has backed Israels right to defend itself, but called the escalation in Gaza morally unjustifiable. The measures, including financial restrictions and travel bans, cover prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss and two other individuals, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations that the Foreign Office said supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. open image in gallery David Lammy has said that Israels plan is Gaza is morally unjustifiable ( Parliament TV ) Tzipi Hotovely, Israels ambassador to the UK, has been summoned to the Foreign Office. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would set out the Governments opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid has been cruel and indefensible. During his speech, MPs heckled for the Foreign Secretary to refer to Israels actions in Gaza as genocide as he gave a statement on the Middle East. Here is David Lammys statement to the House of Commons in full: With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This weekend, the Israel Defence Forces started a new, extensive ground operation throughout Gaza: Operation Gideons Chariots. Five Israeli divisions now operate there. Prime Minister Netanyahu says that they are going to take control of the strip, letting only minimal amounts of food reach Gazans; to quote Mr Netanyahu, just enough to prevent hunger. Fewer than 10 trucks entered Gaza yesterday. The UN and the World Health Organisation have issued stark warnings of the threat of starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians. This is abominable. Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness and trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, displacement and suffering. The remaining hostages, kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost 600 days, are now at heightened risk from the war around them. Two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then, the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified. For 11 weeks, Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any remaining stocks. Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, and three more in northern Gaza ceased operations this weekend. Yet more aid workers and medical workers have been killed, after last year proved the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. The diplomatic deadlock between Israel and Hamas has also hardened. Despite the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt, which we of course support, no ceasefire has emerged. We repeat our demand that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and reiterate that they cannot continue to run Gaza. We are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahus Government plan to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces cleansing Gaza, of destroying whats left and of resident Palestinians being relocated to third countries. We must call this what it is: it is extremism, it is dangerous, it is repellent, it is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Israel suffered a heinous attack on 7 October. The Government have always backed Israels right to defend itself. We have condemned Hamas and their abhorrent treatment of the hostages. We have stood with the families and demanded that their loved ones be released. Israels plan is morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counterproductive, and whatever Israeli Ministers claim, it is not the way to bring the hostages safely home. Nearly all the hostages have been freed through negotiations, not military force. That is why hostage families themselves, and many other Israelis, oppose this plan so strongly. It will not eliminate Hamas or make Israel secure either. This war has left a generation orphaned and traumatised, ready for Hamas to recruit. As we learned in Northern Ireland, to defeat terrorists and their warped ideology, we cannot just rely on military might; we have to offer a viable political alternative. Opposing the expansion of a war that has killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas. Since entering office, we have taken concerted action on Gaza. We have restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, supported the independence of international courts, suspended arms export licences, provided food and medical care to hundreds of thousands of Gazans and worked with Arab partners on a plan to ensure a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas. Since Israel restarted strikes on Gaza, this Government have demanded that Israel change course. Privately, in my conversations with Foreign Minister Saar and Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer, and publicly, in repeated joint statements with my French and German counterparts, we have made clear that Israels actions are intolerable. We have raised our concerns in the UN Security Council and before the International Court of Justice. Yesterday, my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister joined leaders from France and Canada in strongly opposing the expansion of Israels military operations. The UK also led a further statement with 27 partners criticising Israels proposed new aid delivery mechanism and defending the essential humanitarian principles of the international system that the UK did so much to establish in the first place. Our message is clear. There is a UN plan ready to deliver aid at the scale needed, with mitigations against aid diversion. There are brave humanitarians ready to do their jobs. There are over 9,000 trucks at the border. Prime Minister Netanyahu: end this blockade now and let the aid in. Regrettably, despite our efforts, this Israeli Governments egregious actions and rhetoric have continued. They are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world, undermining the interests of the Israeli people and damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world. I find this deeply painful, as a lifelong friend of Israel and a believer in the values expressed in its declaration of independence. As the Prime Minister and fellow leaders said yesterday, we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship, it is rejected by Members across this House, and frankly, it is an affront to the values of the British people. Therefore, today I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli Government on a new free trade agreement and we will be reviewing co-operation with them under the 2030 bilateral road map. The Netanyahu Governments actions have made this necessary. Today, the Minister for the middle east, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer) is summoning the Israeli ambassador to the Foreign Office to convey this message. I say now to the people of Israel that we wantI wanta strong friendship with you based on shared values, with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism. However, the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with their Government and, as the Prime Minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further action in response. The UK, will not give up on a two-state solution: Israelis living within secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism; and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation. The two-state solution remains the ideal framework; indeed, it is the only framework for a just and lasting peace. Yet as the House knows, its very viability is in peril, endangered not only by the war in Gaza but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the occupied west bank with the explicit support of this Israeli Government. There are now weekly meetings to approve new settlement construction. Settlement approval has accelerated while settler violence has soared. Here, too, we have acted: repeatedly pressing for a change in course and direction, sanctioning seven entities in October and signing a landmark agreement to bolster support for the Palestinian Authority when Prime Minister Mustafa visited London last month. But here too, we must do more. Today, we are therefore imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement. I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence, the fear of its victims and the impunity of its perpetrators. Today, we are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those carrying out heinous abuses of human rights. Despite the glimmer of hope from Januarys ceasefire, the suffering in this conflict has worsened. January showed that another path was possible, and we urge the Netanyahu Government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war and dismissing the concerns of their friends and partners is indefensible and it must stop. I commend this statement to the House. 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 language might be dry, but the political shift is significant. Mondays summit between the UK and EU leaders in London resulted in an acknowledgement of the mutual interest to deepen our people-to-people ties, particularly for the younger generation. This announcement is an important step forward in the creation of a youth mobility scheme between the EU and UK, even if it has required a name change to become a youth experience scheme. It is the first time that a British government has formally accepted this as something to negotiate and implement. However, there is scant detail about how it will work in practice and what the inevitable limits will be. While the permitted activities (work, studies, au-pairing, volunteering, or simply travelling) seem extensive, they are prefaced with the dreaded words such as which means no one has actually agreed any of it. It was clear over a year ago that the basic models that the two sides have for youth mobility differ. The EU wants lengthy exchange periods and home tuition fees for students; the UK wants shorter stays, caps on numbers and retention of international fees for EU students at UK universities. The achievement of a deal would require at least one of them to move. This week makes this difference now the formal position, rather than showing whether movement is possible. open image in gallery UK wants retention of international fees for EU students at UK universities ( Chris Radburn/PA ) Its possible that discussion of British participation in the Erasmus+ scheme for student mobility might be a partial stopgap, making exchanges within study programmes easier. However, the ambition for creating those deeper people-to-people ties will need more to make it meaningful. As the troubled history of this idea should indicate, theres still a very long way to go before anyone gets to use the scheme in practice. The founding irony of a youth mobility scheme with the EU after Brexit is that it was originally a British idea. It was produced under Rishi Sunak following his conclusion of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland, when he was looking for areas to rebuild ties with Europe. In 2023, feelers had been put out to various EU member states about concluding bilateral deals with the UK. While there was some interest, the general feeling was that this was best handled at an EU level, to avoid any cherrypicking of countries by London. In April 2024, the European Commission produced an ambitious proposal for a scheme. It put forward that 18- to 30-year-olds would be able to get a visa for up to four years for any purpose work, study, travel without quotas on numbers. open image in gallery In April 2024, the European Commission produced an ambitious proposal for a scheme ( Yui Mok/PA ) Both the Conservative government and the Labour opposition had rejected the proposal out of hand. This was partly out of concerns over the potential impact on immigration figures and on student finances: the commission suggested EU students should be able to pay UK university fees. Mostly, however, it came from a desire not to be seen to make a big agreement with the EU that looked a bit like freedom of movement. To be clear, youth mobility is very much not freedom of movement. The latter implies no limits on entry, length or purpose of stay, as well as access to any kinds of public services as if you were a resident national. The former still means paying for a visa and strict limits on those services. But such legal points remain rather marginal in the British political and media debate. Since last year, there has been some to and fro, but largely behind closed doors and with the incoming Labour government continuing the line that such a scheme wasnt on the cards. While the UK has a number of youth mobility schemes with countries around the world, these are typically limited by quotas and time (normally to two years) and require the person to be working or studying. Moving on? On the British side, Home Office concern about immigration figures is clearly still critical, especially in the context of the recent white paper that aims to cut back migration. Universities too have been vocal about the financial impact of losing tuition fee income from EU students. But on the EU side, the matter is seen very differently. To some extent, the interest is in maintaining the links with the UK, especially for young people that could gain from experiencing more of how their neighbours live. But much more than this is the sense that youth mobility has become something of a test for the British government. Labours return to office last July marked the unleashing of a significant diplomatic effort to engage with European counterparts and to talk up the value of working together. Youth mobility is a test of that value for some in European capitals, both in terms of being able to negotiate an agreement and of being able to sell it to the British public. The coming weeks and months will therefore be a key period if the reset is to result in more sustainably improved relations. Even if the basic shape of UK-EU relations isnt about to shift, the ability for both sides to be able to talk and act constructively will still matter in delivering from that long list of summit ambitions. Simon Usherwood is a Professor of Politics & International Studies at The Open University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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 Duchess of Sussex has shared unseen photos of herself and Prince Harry over the years, as the couple celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary. Meghan Markle took to social media to thank those who have loved and supported us throughout our love story as she posted a picture of a notice board with a collection of snapshots from the couples private photo album. The collage featured several never-seen-before pictures, marking milestones throughout their relationship which began in 2016. Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories, the post was captioned. Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story we appreciate you. Happy anniversary! open image in gallery Meghan Markle took to social media to thank those who have loved and supported us throughout our love story ( @meghan/instagram ) The notice board was filled with unseen pictures including of their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, alongside handwritten notes outlining when and where each picture was taken. The earliest collection of photos showed the couple at the beginning of their relationship in 2016. One snap showed the pair taking a selfie in London while another saw them elephant watching in Botswana for their second date. Pictures from 2017 included snaps from their engagement photo shoot, while 2018 featured pictures from their wedding, where Harry wed the former Suits actress Meghan at St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19. Also included is a handwritten note with the lyrics to Stand by Me, which was performed at their wedding ceremony ceremony. Also on the board is pictures taken throughout the duchess pregnancy with their eldest child, Prince Archie. Snapshots show her baby bump and an ultrasound scan image. open image in gallery Harry and Meghan at their engagement photocall in 2017 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) ( PA Wire ) In 2019, Harry is pictured holding Archie before pictures turn to show their lives after their exit from the royal family in 2020. Harry has since faced a lengthy rift with his brother the Prince of Wales and an estrangement from his father, telling a recent BBC interview how the King will not speak to him. Charles has been facing treatment for an undisclosed cancer for over a year, and has written privately to Joe Biden to express his support after the former US president was diagnosed an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Charles hosted the then-American leader for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023. Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones. 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 nursing profession is undervalued and underpaid due to being a predominantly female field, a union leader has said. Professor Nicola Ranger, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) general secretary and chief executive, argued that the profession's 90 per cent female demographic is a contributing factor to its lack of serious investment and inadequate pay. Prof Ranger stressed that nurses require more than just sympathy from the government. She warned that patience is wearing thin and that governmental efforts to reform the health service are doomed to fail without proper investment in the nursing profession. Speaking at the RCNs annual congress in Liverpool, Prof Ranger said nurses are desperate for their profession and they are desperate for the people that they care for. Dont take for granted our patience because, actually, it will run out, she added. Professor Nicola Ranger delivering a keynote speech at the RCN annual congress in Liverpool ( RCN/PA Wire ) We hope that this Government, who does want to succeed, starts to take nursing seriously. And I do believe theres many reasons why were not taken seriously, maybe it is because were 90 per cent female, but enough is enough actually. I hope the Government start to wake up and take that seriously. Prof Ranger said she believes Health Secretary Wes Streeting wants the NHS to succeed, but nurses need more than sympathy. Ive met Mr Streeting several times, and I absolutely believe that he wants the NHS to succeed, and I think he also understands my arguments about nursing being at the bottom of the graduate pay scale, she said. But actually, we need more than just sympathy now. We know money is tight, but if they dont invest in nursing and give some sense of value and hope, they will fail, and I think that sense of urgency needs to really come through to them. Prof Ranger used her keynote speech at congress to hint that strike action by nurses could be on the horizon. The NHS Pay Review Body recommended a pay rise of about 3 per cent for nurses for the year 2025-26 in April, but there is yet to be an announcement on pay. Nurses staged unprecedented industrial action over pay in 2022 and 2023. In June 2023 the threat of more strikes ended because a ballot on further walkouts failed to meet the legal threshold of 50 per cent. After the speech she told PA: The last thing the public wants, and the last thing the profession wants at this moment in time, is strike action. Since Ive come into post, and (Prime Minister Sir) Keir Starmer came into the post, both on the same day, weve been really clear what we want for nursing. We want them to start showing that theyre listening and some action, and well be incredibly disappointed if, over the summer, there isnt some key indication that they recognise that what we want is investment in those nursing staff at the very bottom of the scale. We want that progression, automatic progression from band five to six, for our most junior nurses, paid and supported. Thats what we want to see. So it isnt just about an annual pay rise any more. We need structural change for nursing. 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 wedding gift registry service has been launched by Tesco to give guests a less conventional option to celebrate the newlyweds one which focuses on practicality rather than sentiment. Among the more unconventional offerings is the 63 Tesco Really Useful Stuff package. This includes a five-pack of 12 rolls of own-brand luxury soft toilet tissue, toothpaste, refuse sacks, kitchen towel, antibacterial hand wash, and shower products. The supermarket giants says it has introduced the service after finding that many couples prefer practical items to extravagant gifts. While Tesco acknowledges the items may not scream romance, the retailer says it caters to the everyday needs of newlyweds setting up a home together. For couples who appreciate a cozy night in, there's the 39 I Love Brew gift, containing a six-month supply of tea and biscuits. Those seeking a touch of indulgence can opt for the 72 Dine-In Dates package, featuring Tesco Finest ready meals and wine. A Tesco spokeswoman said: Our research has shown that it is the little things that matter most to couples (Rui Vieira/PA) ( PA Wire ) Tesco's foray into the wedding market comes in response to the "real needs of modern couples," according to the retailer. The six bespoke bundles, available on wedding registry site Prezola, aim to help couples navigate the practicalities of their first year of marriage. The move reflects a growing trend towards practicality and functionality in wedding gifting, as couples increasingly prioritise setting up a comfortable home together. It follows a survey for the UKs biggest supermarket that found 88 per cent of newlyweds or engaged couples agreed that the need for practical gifts was greater than it used to be, with 48 per cent of these people blaming rising living costs. Some 40 per cent of engaged or recently married couples said they would prefer practical over extravagant gifts for their wedding, with 87 per cent of this group already living together and owning the household items they needed. The poll found just 8 per cent of couples wanted fine china and only 10 per cent wanted crockery or towels, while 18 per cent would choose to have their weekly shop taken care of for a year. Tesco found 63 per cent of couples felt the financial implications of their big day had caused them stress, with it taking an average of a year to pay off. Of those who felt stressed about the cost of their wedding, 82 per cent said they would prefer to use wedding gifts to help recoup costs after the day, while 93 per cent said having a stockpile of everyday essential products would help them reduce their monthly outgoings. A Tesco spokeswoman said: Our research has shown that it is the little things that matter most to couples, whether it is hearing about your partners day over a cuppa and a biscuit, sharing the chores or making time for a dine-in date night. While toilet roll and teabags might not immediately seem like the most romantic option, its clear from our research that these are the products that could help to get married life off to a brilliant start. Censuswide surveyed 2,001 engaged or newly married respondents between May 2-7. 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 wheelchair user missed her train when staff refused to assist her with a ramp and called her rude after she complained. Anna Landre, 26, had planned to travel to Cambridge from London Liverpool Street on Sunday, but was forced to cancel her plans when station staff were too busy to help her on the train. She arrived at the station 15 minutes before her train was set to leave at 11am and went to the information desk to let them know which train she was getting and that she would need a ramp. Some stations are excellent, and you can arrive like any other non-disabled person five minutes before the train and they're happy, whereas others look at you and say, no, you're not here 30 minutes before, and won't even try, the PhD student told the Independent. It got to five minutes before her train was scheduled to leave, and she was told the staff were really busy and would not be able to help her. Ms Landre remained hopeful that platform or onboard staff would be able to help. However, she was told they did not have any ramp keys and could not assist her. When a member of staff from Liverpool Street Station eventually arrived to help her, it was too late and she missed the train. open image in gallery Level boarding" between train and platform would make rail travel more accessible to wheelchair users. But on the day of travel Ms Landre needed a ramp to board the train ( Getty Images ) Frustrated, but still hopeful she could get the next train in 30 minutes, Ms Landre went back to the desk to request assistance again. Disabled passengers can book assistance before they travel like buying a ticket in advance, but this fails around a quarter of the time, Caroline Stickland, CEO of Transport for All explained. An alternative is Turn Up and Go, which allows people to simply arrive at the station and ask for assistance. Turn Up and Go can be piecemeal. Only 11 per cent of stations are staffed all the time, which can make turning up and going quite challenging, Ms Stickland added. A few minutes after Ms Landre missed her train, a member of staff came over to ask if she had pre-booked assistance. I explained that I have the right to turn up and go, but he kept explaining that they were very busy and have to help people who are booked first, Ms Landre said. I told him, I know my rights. I know the law. I don't need a lecture on it. He just kept going and I said it again. I'm just waiting for the next train, and he really didn't like that and said I was rude, and he would not help me. The member of staff went to his manager, who then told Ms Landre she understood she was rude to a member of staff and was frustrated. Although Ms Landre agreed that she was frustrated for missing a train, she did not believe she was rude. Minutes later another manager stepped in with two security guards and Ms Landre claims she was told they would not be providing assistance to her, leaving Ms Landre no option but to cancel her plans and go home. A Network Rail spokesperson said: We are really sorry that Ms Landre had this experience when using our station. Our director for the Anglia region, which includes responsibility for Liverpool Street station, spoke with Ms Landre this morning and personally apologised for her experience. Our aim is to provide a positive experience for each and every passenger and she should never have been denied assistance to board a train and we know we let her down. Network Rail will now be launching an investigation into what went wrong but for Ms Landre, the ordeal has left her feeling anxious to travel. I think for most wheelchair users traveling is very anxiety-inducing because the system fails us so frequently. Then we're painted as the irrational, anxious or unreasonable ones for reacting in a very rational way, she said. Ms Landre explained she avoids taking trains to work or university because the Turn Up and Go system is unreliable. It's such an overlying just burden and cloud over a life that is already challenging because of the additional logistics necessary to live in an inaccessible world, she said. Ms Stickland said: We all want the freedom to travel when we need to, but disabled people are often blocked from that by inaccessible stations and information. We hear about horrific experiences like Anna's every single day, but they are not recorded anywhere official. Companies have targets around leaves on the line or how many minutes late trains are, but nobody's measuring how often disabled people are stranded - we are erased from the data. 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 Sir Keir Starmer has secured a landmark deal between Britain and the European Union in a move that has dominated headlines across the political spectrum. Following a last-minute breakthrough in reset talks, the prime minister who has made the Brexit reset a centrepiece of his administration hailed Mondays summit as marking a new era of relations with the bloc. While Sir Keir declared that Britain was back on the world stage with his win-win deal, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage made it clear that they would scrap it if they were to win power at the next election. open image in gallery The prime minister met with EU leaders on Monday ( PA Wire ) Ms Badenoch warned the agreement makes the UK a rule taker, while the former UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader branded it an abject surrender and the end of the fishing industry. Especially thorny issues included fishing rights, which negotiators only solved in the early hours of the morning, while talks surrounding a youth mobility scheme appear to have ended in a deadlock. Unsurprisingly for the Brexit debate, Tuesdays front pages highlighted the stark political divides over the latest deal. The Daily Mail echoed Mr Farages remarks with the headline Starmers surrender and an editorial that declared: This was the day the Brexit dream died. Meanwhile, The Independents editorial stated that the UKs place in Europe has been restored through ingenuity and pragmatism, and the Guardian led with the prime ministers declaration of back on the world stage success. The Independent takes a look at how the more pro-Brexit media covered the deal. Daily Mail open image in gallery The Daily Mail, which was known to be among the most pro-Leave media, unsurprisingly blasted Mr Starmer and his deal with the headline Starmers surrender ( ) The Daily Mail, which was known to be among the most pro-Leave media, unsurprisingly blasted Mr Starmer and his deal with the headline Starmers surrender. Leading with the backlash, the paper reported the prime minister has been accused of a great Brexit betrayal, suggesting the agreement gives Brussels control over British fish, laws and money. In its editorial, the newspaper declared: This was the day the Brexit dream died, and with it the vision of a vibrant, confident, sovereign Britain making its own rules and its own way on the international stage. It went on to suggest British taxpayers will be forced to pay billions for the privilege of once more becoming an obeisant Brussels rule-taker. The Sun open image in gallery The Sun also headlines on backlash against the agreement, focusing on fishing rights ( ) The Sun also headlines on backlash against the agreement, focusing on fishing rights. The newspapers front page states, Done up like a kipper, over a huge picture of the fish. It reported that Britain was ambushed by a last-minute demand by what it called 12 more years of French and Spanish trawlers plundering our waters. The paper also wrote that Sir Keir agreed to take rules from Brussels, bow down to EU judges and throw open our borders among a list of criticisms of the deal plastered across the front page. In its editorial, The Sun said: Far from taking control back from the EU, die-hard Remainer Starmer has meekly handed it back. The newspaper went on to describe the deal as the worst of all worlds, suggesting further negotiations to come are only likely to deliver more humiliation. The Daily Telegraph open image in gallery The Daily Telegraph described the deal as an official kiss goodbye to Brexit ( ) The Daily Telegraph described the deal as an official kiss goodbye to Brexit. The paper reported on critics accusations the prime minister is trying to drag Britain back into the bloc. Matts cartoon, meanwhile, showed fishermen on a British-flagged vessel saying: We took back control, but they took back all the mackerel, sole and haddock. And The Telegraphs view is that Ms Badenoch is right to call this deal a surrender. Describing the deal as a shameful capitulation, the newspaper said in its editorial: Never in the history of human compromise has one side conceded so much for so little in return. Daily Express open image in gallery The Daily Express led with a similar headline to the Mail, citing a quote that Sir Keirs agreement is an abject surrender and condemning it as a betrayal of Brexit Britain ( ) The Daily Express led with a similar headline to the Mail, citing a quote that Sir Keirs agreement is an abject surrender and condemning it as a betrayal of Brexit Britain. The paper included critics warnings that the deal means Britain is in a new era of Brussels rule, echoing Sir Keirs new era remarks but not in the way the prime minister intended. Its politics team wrote a piece on the agreement that described fury against the prime minister and cited critics slamming Sir Keir for selling out Britain in a horror show. Daily Star open image in gallery The paper features quotes from pro-Leave former prime minister Boris Johnson who called Sir Keir an orange ball-chewing Brussels gimp ( ) The Daily Star similarly led on criticism of the deal, with the headline: PMs in a tight spot. The paper featured quotes from pro-Leave former prime minister Boris Johnson who called Sir Keir an orange ball-chewing Brussels gimp. 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 Critics have branded Keir Starmers fishing deal with the EU a horror show for the industry after he granted European trawler fleets 12 years of access to UK waters. The roll over of the existing fisheries deal to 2038 will benefit the British fishing industry, the prime minister has claimed, by allowing the sale of fish caught in UK waters to be sold in the EU without veterinary checks, removing a costly post-Brexit barrier. Sir Keir has also unveiled a 360m fund to support fishing communities and modernise the British fishing fleet. He told reporters on Monday: "It's time to look forward. To move on from the stale old debates and political fights to find common sense, practical solutions which get the best for the British people. But he faces another argument with the Scottish government after failing to consult them before signing his deal, which impacts Scottish fisheries. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) branded the UK-EU deal a "horror show" for the sector, while Scottish constitution secretary Angus Robertson blasted the UK for agreeing a fisheries deal in principle "without any recourse, involvement or approval of devolved administrations". However, government sources have briefed that UK hands were tied because the Windsor Framework Agreement struck last year by Rishi Sunak meant the UK would have to negotiate fishing rights at the same time as access to the energy market. The core elements remain unchanged from the Conservatives post-Brexit fisheries deal, first implemented in 2020, and continues to allow EU fishermen access to UK waters. However, Tory Party leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that the fishing agreement was three times longer than the government wanted. But Richard Kilpatrick, head of campaigns at thinktank European Movement UK, said the certainty provided by the longer timeframe will benefit the industry. open image in gallery Scottish SNP First Minister John Swinney said the deal showed Scotland is an afterthought to UK ministers. (Andrew Milligan/PA) This will open a serious food deal with the EU, which is of huge benefit to all of us - including the fishing industry, he told the Independent. Even if it is not quite what they wanted, [the fisheries deal] gives the industry certainty, which can guide their investment decisions - much clearer than returning to it every few years." Betrayal over fisheries The EU is still Britains top market for fish but since Brexit, the UKs seafood exports have dropped by 26 per cent to just 336,000 tonnes in 2023 compared to 454,000 in 2019. open image in gallery EU fishing vessels will have access to UK waters until 2038 under the new agreement, though quotas will see no increase. ( PA ) Both British and European fishermen working in UK waters are subject to quotas, meaning that they have an allocated limit of fish they can catch, called a catch share. In the first post-Brexit fishing deal, agreed in 2020, the government wanted European fishermen to give up 80 per cent of their catch in British waters. In the end, however, the EU gave up just 25 per cent of its catch share. This meant that the UKs catch share increased by just under 10 per cent, according to think tank UK in a Changing Europe. The great British burger: a food deal with the EU Sir Keir announced that the UK has struck a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS) with the EU, a boon for British food exporters who have suffered since Brexit. The deal will make food and agricultural trade with the EU cheaper and easier, Sir Keir said, allowing exporters to sell great British burgers, shellfish, and other products into the EU market. The SPS deal will also benefit UK consumers, by making it easier to stock EU food products and fresh produce in supermarkets. Food and agricultural trade has been tempestuous since Brexit, with layers of red-tape bureaucracy leading to reports of food rotting at the border and lack of fresh produce on UK shelves. 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 The Conservatives have slipped to fourth place behind Labour, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats, a major poll has found. In a survey that will raise fresh questions about Kemi Badenochs leadership, the Tories were in fourth on 16 per cent of the vote. Sir Ed Daveys Lib Dems have overtaken the party, the YouGov poll showed, with 17 per cent of the vote. And, with Labour flatlining in second on 22 per cent, Reform UK continues to surge ahead, with Nigel Farages party rising one percentage point to 29 per cent. Pollster Luke Tryl said Britains political landscape has been upended, with lots in the pool that would have once seemed mind-blowing. open image in gallery The poll will raise fresh questions about Kemi Badenochs leadership ( Getty ) He warned that the Conservatives risk going the way of the republicans in France, following a complete collapse in their support, and need a strategy out of it. Meanwhile polling expert Lord Hayward, a Tory peer, said the YouGov survey highlights the task the party faces when confronted by a populist with no record of government. According to Electoral Calculus, if the poll was the result in a general election, the Conservatives would be reduced to 17 seats while Reform would have a majority on 346. The poll will pile pressure on Ms Badenoch as she tries to turn the partys fortunes around after it suffered its worst ever defeat in last years general election with the terrible results continuing into this years local elections earlier this month. Her task has been complicated by the rise of Reform, with even Sir Keir Starmer painting Mr Farages party now as the true opposition. open image in gallery Nigel Farages Reform UK continued to surge ( Getty ) Mr Farage gained 677 local councillors and overall control of 10 councils in this months local elections on another devastating night for the Tories, and questions are already swirling about Ms Badenochs leadership. The Independent revealed in the wake of the results that Conservative MPs were meeting to discuss how to remove their leader, with panic growing over the future of the party. We cannot continue as we are and she [Ms Badenoch] is just not up to the task, one of the MPs said. Being overtaken by the Liberal Democrats demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing the Conservatives as they try to rebuild after the general election. And in a sign of how badly they are doing, Tory insiders have been alarmed that they have been unable to find candidates for two council by-elections in north west Norfolk for 5 June, an area which has traditionally been a heartland for the Conservative Party. The party is desperate to win back voters lost to Mr Farages Reform over its record on immigration and crime. But in appealing to right-leaning Reform voters, the party risks further alienating more moderate voters and pushing them towards Sir Eds party. A Reform spokesman said: "We dont usually comment on a minor party, however, this is the end of the Conservative Party. Its quite clear now that only one party can beat Labour at the next general election and thats Reform UK." Having endured their worst general election performance ever, followed by a similar humiliation in the local elections and plumbing fresh lows in the opinion polls, how long will it be before the Tories turn to their most self-destructive habit blind panic? Given the general paucity of talent in what remains of the parliamentary party, there are even a few murmurs, again, about bringing back Boris Johnson. That must count as desperation, and the old rascal could easily make things worse for them... Why bring back Boris? Aside from the desperate panic, many Tories still hold fond memories of his undoubted electoral prowess, albeit that it lies firmly in the past. A full listing would have to include his improbable election as mayor of London in 2008, and subsequent re-election; the 2016 Brexit referendum; and the 2019 general election, which yielded the best parliamentary result since 1987 and the highest Tory vote share since 1979. So there are warm feelings about the glory days, and a probably vain hope that he and he alone can magically recreate that campaigning success. The strange resurrection of Donald Trump in the United States has also stimulated thoughts of a Johnson return. If he can do it, why not Boris? Why not Boris? Well, theres also the indelible memory of Partygate, assorted sleaze stories, chaos, Dominic Cummings, wallpapergate, broken promises on levelling up, the collapse of his government beneath him, the unlawful prorogation of parliament, misleading the late Queen, and being found to have lied to the House of Commons, for which he was sanctioned. Its also true that by the time his position was becoming untenable in 2022, Johnson was losing local elections and parliamentary by-elections, and his poll ratings were slipping badly. If he couldn't win elections, he was of no further use and had to go. His most grievous disservice to the nation was in making sure that Liz Truss rather than Rishi Sunak succeeded him she was calculated to make him look good by comparison. Could be elected leader immediately? No. Hes not an MP, so not eligible. Could be become an MP? The classic method, used by Johnson twice before, is to find a safe Tory seat to fight at the next general election. Or somehow exploit or engineer such an opportunity sooner, in a by-election. The trouble is, there is no longer any such thing as a safe Tory seat that is impervious to challenge by Reform UK, even with the charismatic Johnson standing. If he did get elected, theres also the unfinished business of the three-month suspension imposed on him in the last parliament. Expert opinion varies on whether Johnsons first act as a newly elected MP would be to go away again for three months. Would he transform the partys fortunes? Not if the polls are anything to go by. A recent opinion poll did show that Johnson was the only candidate out of himself, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick who as leader might beat Nigel Farage and Reform, but only by a small margin (26 per cent to 23 per cent). Whether it would be worth the upheaval is highly debatable. There are possibly better options James Cleverly, for example. Johnson is also closely associated with Brexit and his oven-ready deal, and that project isnt as popular as it was. Definitely a wasting asset. Meanwhile, ex-Labour voters, notably in the red-wall seats gained so spectacularly in 2019, still feel betrayed about the failure of levelling up, while pro-Europe moderates in the former blue wall who defected to the Liberal Democrats loathe him. Would the Tories want Johnson? In the party, Johnson has collected many enemies, all too willing to tell the world why this untrustworthy, unreliable, cynical and compromised individual would be entirely unsuited to being premier, and even less cut out for the hard slog of being leader of the opposition. Hes always been trouble, and only his ability to win elections overcame the severe doubts about his character. These remain, but its fair to add that the membership, even as he was being deposed, still loved him though the MPs might prevent him from getting as far as a members poll. Less remarked upon than his supposed campaigning skills are the policy positions that are now deeply disliked among the Tory grassroots, such as net zero; his fiscal incontinence; and the level of legal migration under his famous post-Brexit Australian-style points-based system, which reached a record high. Uncharitably, its been called the Boris wave by his enemies. In a scrap for the right-wing vote with Farage, these would count as weak points. Could it happen? If Johnson were brought back, it would be the end of the Conservative Party. Keir Starmer often got the better of him back in the day, and would do so again, while Farage is a formidable rival. The Tory party is so weak now that it would take more than a Johnson revival to rescue it. Indeed, the very reason why the party did so calamitously in the 2024 general election was its overall record in government including the many disappointments, scandals and failures during the Johnson administration. In other words, Johnson is part of the problem and not part of the answer. They need a fresher start, and a rethink on Brexit. The next Tory leader may not even be in parliament yet. 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 A landmark deal has been agreed between Britain and the European Union after a last-minute breakthrough in Sir Keir Starmers reset talks. Sir Keir who has made the Brexit reset a centrepiece of his administration said Mondays summit marks a new era of relations with the bloc, adding that it is about moving on from stale old debates and looking forward, not backwards. Some issues have proven thornier than others, with the topic of fishing rights understood to have been a key stumbling block for negotiators that was only solved in the early hours of the morning. Meanwhile, talks surrounding a youth mobility scheme appear to have ended in a deadlock. As the prime minister faces judgement on how successful his mission to reset relations with the EU has really been, The Independent takes a look at exactly what has been agreed. Keir Starmer with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen ( PA ) Youth mobility scheme After months of speculation over what a youth mobility scheme would look like, it is understood that no such deal has been agreed. While there was mounting pressure on the UK from the EU to agree a scheme which would let under-30s study, live and work between Britain and the continent for a number of years negotiators appear to have failed to reach an agreement, instead simply leaving the door open for further discussion. The European Commission and the United Kingdom should work towards a balanced youth experience scheme on terms to be mutually agreed, the agreement states, adding that any deal should allow young people to work, study, travel or volunteer abroad for a limited period of time. A possible deal should also ensure that the overall number of participants is acceptable to both sides, the text says. Alongside this, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards Britain rejoining Erasmus an EU programme which provides funding for students, teachers, and staff to study, train, gain experience, and volunteer abroad. The scheme was seen as a major loss to British students after Brexit. Defence and security A UK-EU security and defence partnership has long been sought by the UK government and has been seen as the centrepiece of Britains new relationship with the European Union. However, todays agreement appears to be thin on detail, with the document saying the partnership provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation on security and defence. The UK and EU have agreed to boost cooperation in a number of areas, including supporting Ukraine, the mobility of military personnel, space security, cybersecurity and maritime security. They have also agreed to explore further cooperation on health security, including the detection of, preparedness for, and response to emerging health threats to prevent and mitigate against future pandemics and health crises. Alongside this, it has been announced that the UK will enter talks about access to EU facial image data for the first time, which will make it easier to catch criminals across borders. Fishing rights Fishing rights have been a key obstacle in negotiations with the European Union, with negotiators hashing out details on the issue until the early hours of the morning on Monday. But after a major breakthrough, Britain has now agreed to open its fishing waters for 12 more years to EU boats significantly more than the five years that were initially offered by the UK. Passport e-gates Negotiators agreed to continue their exchanges on smooth border management for the benefit of their citizens, with the agreement saying there will be no legal barriers to e-gate use for British nationals traveling to and from EU countries after the introduction of the European Union entry-exit system an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay each time they cross the external borders. Trade As part of the deal, a new sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement has no limit, which the government has said will provide vital certainty to business. Meanwhile, some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow more freely between the UK and the EU. UK officials said this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves meaning more money in peoples pockets. The deal also brings an end to the EU ban on UK exports of sausages, mince and other chilled meats, which has been in place since January 2021. Alongside this, British steel exports will be protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs in an arrangement the government estimates will save British steel 25m per year. Emissions The UK and EU have agreed to cooperate more closely on emissions by linking their emissions trading systems a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions which works by setting a limit on the total amount of emissions that can be released by a group of polluters. The closer cooperation will allow UK businesses to avoid being hit by the EUs carbon tax, which is due to come in next year and risk British businesses being forced to pay up to 800m. Ministers argue that the SPS agreement and the emissions trading systems linking measures combined will add nearly 9bn to the UK economy by 2040. 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 Frustration spilled over in the Commons on Tuesday from Labour MPs and others over the time it has taken for Keir Starmers government to step up and take action against Israel over the Gaza crisis. As the UN warned that 14,000 babies risked death from malnutrition by Thursday without urgent aid, there was a sense that, by the time foreign secretary David Lammy got to his feet, it was already too late and not enough. He announced a largely symbolic move of suspending trade talks with Israel and sanctions against some extremists in Israel connected to settlers. But there was no full suspension of arms sales nor sanctions against ministers in Benjamin Netanyahus government. But the question was why had it taken so long for the UK government to act even in this limited way? Why was it only now that they were tightening the screw? open image in gallery David Lammy addresses the Commons ( Parliament TV ) In some ways the anger felt over the delay was best expressed by a Tory MP Kit Malthouse who just recently authored a letter, signed by senior colleagues, demanding the recognition of the state of Palestine. Confronting Mr Lammy in the Commons, he said: Many of us in this chamber have been trying to spur the government into action over the past few months. We have tried anger and outrage and got nowhere, and we have tried shaming ministers into action and got nowhere, so maybe we need to beg. Do those on the Treasury bench need us to beg for the lives of those Palestinian children before they will trigger that concrete action, whatever it might be? The government did suspend 30 export licences for arms sales last year and has previously sanctioned individuals. But Labour has held back from taking the further action that so many have demanded for months. This is despite the fact that Labour lost a number of seats as a result of pro-Gaza independent candidates at last years general election, including Jon Ashworths seat in Leicester. Two cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood only just held their seats. Antisemitic conspiracy theories suggesting Labour is being held back by Zionist interests can readily be found on social media, but none of this is true. open image in gallery There is a sense of shame about the years Jeremy Corbyn led Labour ( PA ) In reality, Labour under Sir Keir Starmer has been held back by a sense of shame. A visible reminder of this came when former leader Jeremy Corbyn got to his feet to challenge Lammy. Under Corbyns leadership, Labour became so immersed in antisemitism and so marginalised the Jewish community that the party has had to continue working hard to restore its reputation. For this reason, Sir Keir and Mr Lammy have worked hard to support Israels right to defend itself in the wake of the horrific 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas. As attacks on Gaza by Israel have intensified, Labour has softly attempted to pressure Netanyahus government into restraint but never been willing to go the extra mile. Arguably, as Mr Malthouse and other MPs from five different political parties claimed in the chamber, they still have not gone far enough. But the reality is that the urgency and horror of the situation now facing the people in Gaza is the tipping point where the imminent catastrophe outweighs the shame of Labours recent political past. Sir Keirs government is already coming under pressure internally from Labour MPs over his harsh rhetoric on migration, welfare and winter fuel payments and the lack of action against Israel is adding fuel to a growing rebellion. The government had no choice but to send Mr Lammy out to make a statement in the Commons not only to quell the fury of backbenchers but also because they are faced with a situation that even Donald Trump finds unacceptable. As the prime minister himself said: It is utterly intolerable. The issue will be though whether these latest measures are too little too late. 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 The Government suffered a resounding defeat in the House of Lords for the third time over copyright protection for creative industries against artificial intelligence (AI). Peers voted 287 to 118, majority 169, to amend the Data (Use and Access) Bill, echoing concerns raised by prominent artists like Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney about AI companies using copyrighted material without consent. The amendment mandates transparency requirements, ensuring copyright holders can identify when and by whom their work is utilised. Peers backed independent crossbencher Baroness Beeban Kidrons transparency amendments at report stage of the Bill, which were later voted down by MPs. The unelected house supported her again during the first round of so-called ping-pong and now again in the second round of ping-pong, with the majority increasing each time. Among the 287 to vote in favour of her amendment on Monday were 18 Labour peers, including former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, now known as Lord Watson of Wyre Forest. The Government has said it will address copyright issues as a whole after the more than 11,500 responses to its consultation on the impact of AI have been reviewed, rather than in what it has branded piecemeal legislation. open image in gallery Baroness Beeban Kidron ( Joshua Bratt/PA ) Lady Kidron, who directed the second film in the Bridget Jones series, rounded on the Government, accusing them of being turned by the sweet whisperings of Silicon Valley. She said: The Government have got it wrong. They have been turned by the sweet whisperings of Silicon Valley, who have stolen and continue to steal every day we take no action the UKs extraordinary, beautiful and valuable creative output. Silicon Valley have persuaded the Government that it is easier for them to redefine theft than make them pay for what they stole. If the Government continues on its current intransigent path, we will begin to see the corrosion of our powerful industry, fundamental to country and democracy. It will be a tragedy and its entirely avoidable. The online safety campaigner explained that her new amendment accepts that the Governments consultation and report will be the mechanism by which transparency measures will be introduced, and gives the Government free rein on enforcement procedures. However, it does require the Government to ensure clear, relevant and accessible information is provided to copyright holders so they can identify the use of their copyrighted work, and that legislation is to be brought forward within six months of the Governments report being published, 18 months from the Bills passing. Lady Kidron told peers: If the Government is not willing to accept a time-limited outcome of its own report, we must ask again if the report is simply a political gesture to push tackling widespread theft of UK copyright into the long grass. Because failing to accept a timeline in the real world means starving UK industries of the transparency they need to survive. open image in gallery Baroness Dame Floella Benjamin backed the amendment ( Jordan Pettitt/PA ) She insisted that UK copyright law as it stands is unenforceable, because what you cant see you cant enforce, and that without her amendment it will be years before the issue is legislated on, by which time the creative industry will be in tatters. Former BBC childrens TV presenter and Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Floella Benjamin backed the amendment, saying it would secure our childrens future and not sell them down the river, assuring them that their creativity will not be stolen. In a nod to Sir Eltons comments on the issue, former Labour deputy leader and UK Music chairman Lord Watson said: Its a little bit funny this feeling inside that I rise to support Baroness Kidrons amendment today, an amendment that my front bench so clearly opposes. But my lords, Im still standing. Im still standing because I do not yet believe that ministers have heard the clarion cry from our countrys creators that they need more from this Bill. Also backing the amendment was former EastEnders actor and Labour peer Lord Michael Cashman, who recalled character actress Claire Davenport cherishing the royalty cheques she would receive by rubbing them on her ample bosom and saying: Now, I can eat. open image in gallery Lord Tom Watson echoed the words of Sir Elton John as he supported the amendment ( Lucy North/PA ) Responding, technology minister Baroness Jones of Whitchurch insisted that transparency cannot be considered in isolation and that the issue of copyright is too important a topic to rush. She said: Alongside transparency, we must also consider licensing, the remuneration of rights holders, and the role of technical solutions and any other number of issues relating to copyright and AI. This is why we consulted on all of these topics. We must also keep in mind that any solution adopted by the UK must reflect the global nature of copyright, the creative sector and AI development. We cannot ring-fence the UK away from the rest of the world. This is a policy decision with many moving parts. Jumping the gun on one issue will hamstring us in reaching the best outcome on all the others. The minister told peers: We are all on the same side here. We all want to see a way forward that protects our creative industries while supporting everyone in the UK to develop and benefit from AI. This isnt about Silicon Valley, its about finding a solution for the UK creative and AI tech sectors. We have to find a solution that protects both sectors. Earlier, peers ended their stand-off on two other amendments, one designed to require public authorities to record sex data based on biological sex, and another to change the definition of scientific research, which critics argued gave AI companies a powerful exemption to reuse data without consent. 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 Britain has issued fresh sanctions against Israel over its morally unjustifiable escalation of violence in Gaza, and demanded an end to its cruel and indefensible 11-week block on humanitarian aid. Foreign secretary David Lammy condemned the monstrous situation as the UN warned that 14,000 Palestinian babies could die by Thursday unless action is taken to ease the crisis, which has left civilians severely malnourished. He announced the suspension of trade talks with Israel, imposed sanctions on three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement, and said Benjamin Netanyahus actions were wholly disproportionate and utterly counterproductive. But during a fractious 90 minutes in the Commons on Tuesday, MPs from five political parties Labour, the Tories, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and the SNP said the government should go further and faster, including suspending all arms sales to Israel and sanctioning ministers in the Netanyahu government. Labour MP Melanie Ward, a parliamentary private secretary, asked Mr Lammy: What is the red line? Gaza is out of time. In Gaza on Tuesday, witnesses described apocalyptic scenes. Khaled al-Serr, the head of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis which has been bombed twice in the past week alone, and is one of the last remaining hospitals in the south of the territory told The Independent he had been forced to interrupt surgery after Israel issued a mandatory evacuation order for the neighbourhood in which his family was taking shelter. But we dont know where to go, there is no safe place, he said as an Israeli drone whined in the background. Even the so-called humanitarian area in the western part of Khan Younis in the past two months, we have continuously received cases from bombings in tents located there. Ahmad, a nurse at the hospital, said conditions are beyond critical, and that the facility once a major lifeline in the south is now barely functioning. Many patients die simply because we cannot treat them in time, he said. One of the most painful things to witness today is the suffering of children. We receive dozens of [injured children], often with devastating wounds burns, amputations, and severe head trauma. He said medics themselves are displaced, hungry, exhausted, and mourning the loss of their own families. Most of the time, we have patients lying on the floor, he said. Wounds are taking a long time to heal due to severe malnutrition and the toxic effects of the explosives on the wounds. There are severe shortages of anaesthetic drugs, antibiotics, sterilised instruments, and even basic items. The healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of this crisis, and we urgently need support, supplies, and protection. Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer joined Emmanuel Macron and Canadas prime minister Mark Carney in warning of substantive action if Israel did not urgently let aid into Gaza. And in the Commons he hit out at the utterly intolerable situation, saying: Were horrified by the escalation from Israel. We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages. open image in gallery Independent front page 11 May 2025 We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve, the prime minister said. His intervention comes a week after The Independent called on him to find his voice and put pressure on Mr Netanyahu to end the aid blockade. Mr Lammy said Israels renewed military offensive marked a dark new phase in this conflict. He condemned Mr Netanyahus government for planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need. His criticism came after Mr Netanyahus government said it would allow a basic amount of aid into Gaza to prevent a hunger crisis from developing, acknowledging that there is international pressure from Israels allies on the issue. The foreign secretary added: We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms, as MPs from across the House shouted genocide. His words echoed those of Yair Golan, a former IDF general and now leader of the opposition Democrats in Israel, who warned: Israel is on the way to becoming a pariah state, like South Africa was, if we dont return to acting like a sane country. As MPs from different parties demanded tougher measures, Labour MP Azfal Khan said: Concrete steps are overdue. When will you impose a full arms embargo on Israel and also recognise Palestine? open image in gallery Jeremy Corbyn demanded an inventory of weapons sold to Israel ( PA ) In a passionate appeal, former Tory minister Kit Malthouse warned: Many of us in this House have been urging this government to take action. We have tried anger and outrage and got nowhere. We have tried shaming ministers into action. Maybe we need to beg for the lives of those Palestinian children before they will trigger this action whatever it might be. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, demanded to know what arms the UK is selling to Israel. Labour MPs Andy Slaughter and Alex Sobel demanded that sanctions be imposed on Israeli ministers. Similar demands came from the SNPs Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer. Lib Dem MP Vikki Slade said: I would like to join colleagues in begging you, on my knees if we need to, please take more action. And Middle East minister Hamish Falconer called Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely into the Foreign Office to set out Britains opposition to the escalation of military activity. Mr Falconer posted on X after speaking with her: I made clear the UK's opposition to expanded military operations in Gaza and rising violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. "The UK will not stand by as this happens. Britains new sanctions, which include financial restrictions and travel bans, target individuals including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, who appeared in a recent BBC documentary by Louis Theroux. Israels foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said Britain was harming its own economy and had an anti-Israel obsession. He called sanctions in relation to the West Bank unjustified and regrettable. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago, he said. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction. Mr Netanyahu said that changing course would represent a huge prize for Hamas. Meanwhile, officials said desperately needed new supplies have not yet reached people in Gaza, despite a small number of trucks being allowed across the border. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said aid workers had not been able to bring the supplies to distribution points where it is most needed, because the Israeli military had forced them to reload the supplies onto separate trucks, and workers ran out of time. Cogat, the Israeli defence body that oversees humanitarian aid, said five trucks entered on Monday and 93 trucks entered on Tuesday. But Mr Dujarric confirmed that only a few dozen trucks had entered Gaza on Tuesday. The aid included flour for bakeries, food for soup kitchens, baby food and medical supplies. Children in the area recounted horrifying scenes. My aunts house was bombed ... We couldnt find her head for two days, Sondos, 15, told the charity War Child, whose staff are on the ground. Dogs got to it first. Protect us ... help us feel safe again. Malak, 13, described being pulled out from under the rubble. Ive been injured myself, he said. I now have a metal plate in my arm. No one sees us as were torn apart. 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 Portuguese man-of-war are washing up on North Carolina beaches, forcing officials to issue a warning to beachgoers along a 150-mile stretch of sand from Cape Lookout to the South Carolina state line. Visitors are being cautioned to watch where they step because of the sting the creatures can emit. The sting is rarely deadly to humans but can be painful and cause welts on exposed skin. Just a friendly reminder to exercise caution, the Cape Lookout National Seashore wrote in a May 17 Facebook post. Their tentacles can pose a risk to bare feet even after the organism has died. So, lets keep our beach fun and safe by avoiding attempts to pop the blue float. ... Portuguese Man-o-Wars are likely to remain on the beach for several days, so lets stay vigilant over the next week. While similar in appearance to jellyfish, the creatures are a species of siphonophore, a group of animals closely related to jellyfish, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas. They wash up on beaches after being propelled by winds and ocean currents. The creatures are capable of floating in legions of 1,000 or more. open image in gallery A Portuguese man-of-war washed up on a beach in North Carolina ( Cape Lookout National Seashore ) Portuguese man-of-war resembles an 18th-century Portuguese warship under full sail, but they are often recognized for their balloon-like shape, which can be blue, violet or pink. The creature can rise up to six inches out of the water. They often lurk below the oceans surface and grow to an average of 10 meters (about 30 feet) and may extend by as much as 30 meters or 100 feet. The Sunset Beach Fire Department alerted visitors that the thread-like tentacles can spread across the sand. Anyone who is stung should rinse the affected area with saltwater, not freshwater, and remove tentacles with gloves or a towel. People should seek medical attention if they experience severe pain, difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms. 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 Elon Musks companies have seen their reputations decline dramatically over the last year, according to a new poll, the latest sign of a backlash against the billionaires work with the Trump administration. In a ranking of the countrys 100 most visible brands, Tesla fell to 95th, while SpaceX clocked in at 86, according to the 2025 Axios Harris 100 poll. The rankings represent steep declines from the companies previous perches at 8th and 5th, respectively, in the 2021 poll. The plunge in reputation came even as competitors like Microsoft, Samsung, Nvidia, and Apple all made the top 10 for 2025. X, meanwhile, notched a minor increase from last year though only rising from 99th to 98th place. The Independent has contacted SpaceX and Tesla for comment. Political insiders believe Musk may no longer appeal to Trump ( Getty ) The poll, conducted between January and May, is the latest sign of the uneasy mix between Musks role as an owner and executive at multiple high-profile companies and the figurehead for the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency initiative to dramatically slash federal spending. In its first quarter of 2025, Tesla faced reduced profits, as well as freefalling sales in Europe, and Tesla dealerships and charging stations around the U.S. were set on fire and vandalized. DOGE has also faced scores of lawsuits and protests accusing Musk and his allies of unilaterally gutting large parts of federal spending and hamstringing key agencies of the government like the Social Security Administration. Against these headwinds, signs have pointed to Musk taking a step back from the world of politics. In late April, he said he would be scaling back his White House role to a day or two of work per week, compared to the round-the-clock early months of the administration. Observers also believe Donald Trump has cooled somewhat on Musk, noting big-money political failures like Musks attempts to sway a Wisconsin judicial race, and the fact that the president hasnt posted about Musk since early April, according to an analysis by Politico. Hes finished, done, gone. He polls terribly. People hate him, an anonymous GOP operative told the outlet. Hed go to Wisconsin thinking he can buy peoples votes, wear the cheese hat, act like a 9-year-old. ... It doesnt work. Its offensive to people. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday, Musk said he plans to do a lot less political spending. I think Ive done enough, he said. During the 2024 campaign, Musk aligned himself closely with the GOP, pouring over $290 million into supporting Trump and his allies. 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 Liberty University has agreed to pay its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr. roughly $15 million as part of a settlement after his resignation in the wake of sex scandals that rocked the famously conservative university. Falwell took over as president following the 2007 death of his father Jerry Falwell Sr., a massively influential figure within America's modern right-wing Christian movement who founded the university in 1971. Falwell Jr. resigned in 2020, and a settlement was announced in 2024, but the terms were not disclosed. But recently filed tax documents reveal the university is paying Falwell more than $15 million to settle certain claims and close certain transactions. USA Today first reported the disclosures. Falwell has also agreed to pay the university $440,000 to settle disputed expenses with the university. The filings did not include details of the payments. In total, Falwell is set to receive roughly $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits along with $9.7 million as part of his retirement package, according to tax filings. The Independent has requested comment from Liberty. open image in gallery Former Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. is set to receive $5.5 million to settle lawsuits along with $9.7 million in a retirement package ( Getty Images ) Falwell told USA Today that he was very pleased with the outcome of the settlement negotiations and with the final settlement. In its 2024 statement, the university said it had reached a global resolution agreement with its Board of Trustees settling all outstanding disputes on both legal and personal matters with Falwell. This agreement is grounded in a firm commitment to protecting and preserving Libertys original mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world, according to the statement. Falwell took over the university in 2007 after the death of his father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., who founded the college. Thirteen years later, Falwell who shook the evangelical Christian and Republican establishments with his 2016 endorsement of then-candidate Donald Trump was placed on indefinite leave in August 2020 after posting, then deleting, a provocative Instagram photo in which he wraps his arm around a woman while they both have their pants unbuttoned, revealing their bare midriffs. The university announced his resignation a few weeks later, following the publication of allegations that Falwell and his wife had engaged in a years-long sexual relationship with another man. In a lengthy statement at the time, Falwell claimed that the man had tried to blackmail the family and accused him of threatening to reveal the relationship "to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies." Over the course of the last few months this person's behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public, he said at the time. Giancarlo Granda, who shared messages with Reuters as part of the outlets investigation into his relationship with the couple, denied the allegations against him. Granda said he was in his early 20s when he first met Falwell and his wife Becki while working as a pool attendant at a Florida hotel. He reportedly began a sexual relationship with Becki Falwell in 2012, which continued through 2018, during which Falwell would watch, according to Reuters. The Falwells had meanwhile financed a Miami beach hostel, in which Granda also had invested, according to Reuters. The Falwells filed a lawsuit over its ownership in 2015, which was dismissed, and they refiled in 2017. Reuters and The New York Times also reported in 2019 that in 2015, Falwell sought Trump's attorney Michael Cohen who at the time had arranged for hush-money payments on the president's behalf to pay for the silence of women who alleged affairs with the president to get rid of photos that Cohen allegedly claimed should be kept between husband and wife. open image in gallery Falwell shocked the Evangelical world after his 2016 endorsement of Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president ( Getty Images ) After leaving the university, Liberty launched an investigation into his alleged conduct and a wave of litigation followed. Falwell sued for defamation, but the complaint was dropped. Liberty then sued Falwell in 2021 alleging breach of contract, and in 2023, Falwell filed a lawsuit over his retirement package and another against the use of his fathers image. Those claims were dropped by July 2024, when the university announced a settlement was reached. The settlement is based on a mutual understanding regarding the amount Liberty University will pay its former president in authorized retirement and severance under the various disputed agreements as well as the conditions under which the university will make use of Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.s name, image, and likeness, Liberty said at the time. Falwell, university and its board sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes, according to the statement. Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership, the statement aThe Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well. The Trustees and Falwell are committed to move forward in a spirit of forgiveness and with the hope of reconciliation in a Christ honoring manner. The university and its board promised no further statements on the settlement. That same year, President Joe Bidens administration sought $16 million from the university following allegations that students were afraid to report sexual abuse, which included a $14 million fine and $2 million pledge from the university for on-campus safety improvements and compliance enhancements. 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 Childrens YouTube star Ms. Rachel has made an emotional plea for help for kids in Gaza, in response to a now-disputed warning from a United Nations official who warned that 14,000 babies could starve to death within days if Israel did not end its blockade of the territory. In a tearful video posted on her Instagram, Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, shared an image of an emaciated Palestinian baby while rocking her own newborn Susannah on her arms. World leaders, please help this baby. Please look at her. Please, please look at her. Just, please look at her eyes for one minute, she says in the video. If you just look at her, and if you just think about a baby you love, think about a baby you care so much for, there's no way that we all don't know that you can't kill 15,000 kids, and you can't be about to let 14,000 kids starve, she continues. The image appears to be that of Siwar Ashour, a 6-month-old baby, who has a problem with her oesophagus that makes it difficult for her to drink breast milk. That has left her dependent on specialized baby formula, which is in short supply due to the blockade. Whatever is keeping you from standing up for these kids who don't have food and medical care, and who have had amputations without anesthesia, whatever is keeping you from saying it, it's not greater than your humanity, Accurso continues in the video. Her emotional plea comes hours after the U.N. humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of dying in the next 48 hours unless Israel allows life-saving food and supplements into Gaza immediately. The United Nations has since declined to endorse those comments and instead pointed to a World Health Organization report that said more than 14,000 children will suffer severe malnutrition between April 2025 and March 2026 if aid is not allowed in. Israel partially lifted its 11-week-long aid blockade of Gaza on Sunday after dire warnings of famine and severe malnutrition from aid workers inside the territory, but Fletcher said more access was needed to save lives and described the humanitarian situation there as "utterly chilling." The UN said that no aid had been distributed as of Tuesday. Since the aid blockade began, 57 children have reportedly died from the effects of malnutrition, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The UN said last week that one in five people in Gaza, which is around 500,000 people, face starvation. open image in gallery Ms Rachel has gathered an audience of millions of toddlers who tune in to her educational videos ( Ms Rachel/TikTok ) A former child educator from Maine, Ms. Rachel has built an audience of nearly 15 million subscribers on YouTube with her mix of educational videos and songs for young children. With billions of views on her channel, and millions more across Instagram and TikTok, she now sits atop a booming empire with her own line of toys and books, and a show on Netflix. The New York Times called her this eras Mister Rogers. Accurso has become an outspoken critic of the dire humanitarian situation for children in Gaza as Israels war has continued for more than a year and a half. open image in gallery The Independents front page from May 11, 2025 ( The Independent ) She previously told The Independent that she was motivated to speak out against the ongoing war after seeing videos and images of children being killed, injured and malnourished on her social media feed. I couldnt look away from the scale and gravity of suffering I was seeing every day, Ms. Rachel said in the January interview. I know how crucial the first few years are for brain development and the lifelong effects trauma and malnutrition have on the brain. Its a failure of humanity to deny children food, water, medical care, shelter and education, and to not protect children from violence, she added. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Israels ensuing offensive has killed more than 53,000 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. Of that number, some 15,000 are children. This article was amended on 23 May 2025 to include the fact that the UN has declined to endorse Mr Fletcher's original claim that 14,000 babies in Gaza were at risk of dying within 48 hours if essential aid was not allowed into the territory. 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 Taiwanese president said Tuesday that trade tensions between the United States and Taiwan are just frictions between friends in a show of optimism as tariff negotiations are underway with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 32% tariffs on all imports from Taiwan as part of sweeping duties levied against all U.S. trading partners last month. The tariffs on Taiwanese goods were subsequently lowered to 10% for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations. Officials from both sides met in Taipei, the island's capital, last month for a first round of in-person talks, to be followed by another one in the coming weeks. In a speech marking his first year as president and focusing on Taiwan's strategies to defuse the effects of U.S. tariffs and military threats from China, Lai Ching-te struck an accommodating tone despite the tariff pressure. The U.S. and Taiwan have long cooperated and have also encouraged each other to grow, he said. There are bound to be frictions between friends, but they can eventually be reconciled. Even if there are differences of opinion, as long as there is a foundation of trust and sincere dialogue, they can understand each other better and deepen their friendship, he added. The U.S. has traditionally been Taiwans strongest unofficial ally in the face of military threats by China, which considers the self-ruled island its own territory, to be retaken by force if necessary. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself. Lai said Taiwan would continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities, both through foreign military procurement and domestic arms development, and stand shoulder to shoulder with its allies to exert deterrent power. We will prepare adequately to avoid war and achieve the goal of peace, he said. He kept open the possibility of talks with Beijing, saying that Taiwan is very willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is mutual respect and dignity. Taiwan's economy is supported by massive semiconductor firms that supply microchips globally as well as other electronics, advanced manufacturing and green tech makers. Lai said he would continue to encourage foreign investment in Taiwan, citing Monday's announcement by American technology company Nvidia about opening a new office in northern Taipei. Nvidias Taiwan-born CEO Jensen Huang also announced his company would build an artificial intelligence supercomputer on the island in partnership with TSMC, tech firm Foxconn and the Taiwanese government. He also backed increased investments by Taiwanese firms in the U.S. In March, the islands largest chipmaker, TSMC, responded to Trumps tariff threats by pledging a new $100 billion investment in the U.S., in addition to earlier commitments to invest more than $65 billion in three factories in Arizona, one of which began production late last year. However, Lais controversial proposal to completely remove tariffs on U.S. goods on the basis of reciprocity, in addition to bumping up procurement of U.S. products, triggered protests last week by Taiwanese farmers. ___ Associated Press video journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report. 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 Federal prosecutors have criminally charged a Democratic member of Congress who was caught up in a scrum with masked federal agents and protesters outside an immigration detention center in New Jersey. Alina Habba, Donald Trumps personal attorney who was appointed to interim U.S. Attorney of New Jersey, announced on Monday that her office filed charges against Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver for having assaulted, impeded and interfered with law enforcement. On May 9, McIver joined two other House Democrats from New Jersey and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to tour the recently opened Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, which has drawn frequent protests as Democratic officials demand answers from the administration about the conditions inside. Baraka was turned away from the visit and asked to leave, then arrested by federal agents and charged with misdemeanor trespassing. Chaotic video from the scene and officers bodycam footage shows officers shoving and holding back protesters at a gate to the facility. Agents appeared to swarm around Baraka and block protesters from the fence as they tried to stop his arrest. But Habba simultaneously announced on Monday that her office is dismissing Barakas case for the sake of moving forward. Criminal charges against a sitting member of Congress escalate threats from the Trump administration under an emboldened Justice Department to target his political enemies. Last week, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called federal law enforcement agencies targeting members of Congress a red line. A criminal complaint unsealed on Tuesday charges McIver with two counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Certain Officers or Employees one against a Homeland Security Investigations agent and another against an ICE deportation officer. open image in gallery Interim US Attorney Alina Habba has charged U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, left, with assaulting or impeding officers at an ICE facility in New Jersey ( AP ) I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, Habba said. In a statement on Monday, McIver said the lawmakers were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, McIver said. The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, she added. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court." The Independent has requested comment from McIvers office. The Department of Justice deferred comment to Habbas office, which did not respond to The Independents request. open image in gallery Habba, Trumps personal attorney appointed to be the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, has also dismissed charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after his arrest during a protest outside an ICE detention center earlier this month ( Getty ) A decision to charge McIver is spectacularly inappropriate, according to a statement from Paul J. Fishman, a former U.S. attorney for New Jersey serving as McIvers counsel. As a member of Congress, she has the right and responsibility to see how ICE is treating detainees. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, he added. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICE's behavior to Congresswoman Mclver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter, he said. Following the incident at the detention center, Fox News shared video provided by the Department of Homeland Security that officials argued shows McIver shoving past a DHS agent. A law enforcement officer also shoved McIver as she was trying to reenter the facility, according to McIver and lawmakers as well as video from NJ Spotlight News. What we just witnessed was disgusting, McIver said outside the facility following Barakas arrest earlier this month. If they can treat three members of Congress like that, just imagine how they can treat people on the street each and every day. Administration officials claimed McIver and others, including 80-year-old Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, had body slammed, body rammed, pushed, shoved, whatever you want to call it, it was assault, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Weve reviewed the body cam footage shared by DHS which confirms what weve said from the beginning: ICE agents put their hands on Members of Congress and arrested the Mayor of Newark on public property, a spokesperson for Watson Coleman said May 10. Nobody was body slammed, nobody assaulted any agents, and this footage confirms that. In a joint statement following Habbas announcement, House Democratic leadership said McIver and other lawmakers at the ICE facility didnt assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals. There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong, they added. The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever. The statement from Jeffries and other House Democrats said everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions. 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 dwindling health dates back to his 2020 campaign , with one Democrat saying that seeing him talk to voters over Zoom was like watching Grandpa who shouldnt be driving, according to a new book. Shocking revelations about the alleged coverup of Bidens mental and physical decline in 2023 and 2024 were revealed this week with the release of Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. The book, written by CNN s Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, coincidentally follows Bidens announcement Sunday that he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer. While Tapper and Thompson detail concerns about Bidens health dating back to his 2020 campaign, his mental and physical decline accelerated in 2023 and 2024. Former President Joe Bidens dwindling health dates back to the 2020 campaign, according to a new book coming out Tuesday. ( EPA ) During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Biden shot campaign videos speaking with voters on Zoom, however, hours of footage were deemed unusable due to his poor performance, according to CNN . It was like a different person. It was incredible. This was like watching Grandpa who shouldnt be driving, said one Democrat, according to the book. I didnt think he could be president. Multiple lawmakers also told the authors that Biden reminded them of ailing parents and grandparents, according to the book. Excerpts of the book, leaked prior to its release Tuesday, paint the 46th president and his closest advisers in a negative light, detailing his declining mental acuity leading up to the disastrous June debate against Donald Trump. Tapper and Thompsons book is based on interviews with 200 people, including members of Congress, the White House and campaign insiders. In response to the book, Bidens spokesperson Chris Meagher said that his team was still waiting for someone, anyone, to point out where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or make a presidential address where he was unable to do his job because of mental decline. In fact, the evidence points to the opposite he was a very effective president, Meagher added. 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 Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder honored Bruce Springsteen with a song at his Pittsburg concert in an apparent dig at Donald Trump just hours after the president savaged Springsteen for criticizing him on stage. Vedder didnt mention Trumps name, but he sang Springsteens ballad My City of Ruins from the album Rising at the concert last Friday with the refrain: Rise up, rise up. Springsteen wrote My City of Ruins lamenting the deterioration of Asbury Park in New Jersey, but it also became a song of hope after 9/11. Last week The Boss attacked Trump on stage in a lead up to the same song as he kicked off his current European tour. Eddie Vedder and Donald Trump: Politics is going rock n roll as Pearl Jam frontman Vedder sang Bruce Springsteens My City in Ruins after Trump attacked The Boss. ( Getty ) In my home, the America I love, the America Ive written about, and has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration, Springsteen said at his concert in Manchester, England, urging his audience to rise with us, raise your voices against the authoritarianism, and let freedom ring. Trump, 78, quickly slammed Springsteen, 75, as a dried up old prune, highly overrated, and an obnoxious jerk in a Truth Social post Friday. Trump later also called in a post for an investigation into Springsteen, Beyonce, Oprah and U2 frontman Bono for endorsing his opponent Kamala Harris in the presidential campaign, calling support for Harris or the Democrats somehow illegal. I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter, Trump wrote. In a separate post, Trump also noted: Has anyone noticed that, since I said, I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT, shes no longer HOT?' He attacked her for criticizing his policies in the past. The American Federation of Musicians issued a statement supporting the artists We will not remain silent as two of our members Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swiftare singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States, read the statement from AFM President Tino Gagliardi. 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. 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 FBI director James Comey completely dismissed claims his 8647 social media post last week was in any way threatening to President Donald Trump, calling such accusations crazy and the message completely innocent. Comey, in his first public remarks on the incident, explained to Nicolle Wallace in an interview on MSNBC Monday evening that he and his wife spotted the numbers, arranged in seashells, during a recent walk on a beach. The couple initially puzzled over the numbers, he said. Then Comeys wife mentioned that when she was a server in a restaurant, 86 was the term staff used to remove a dish from the menu. Comey told her that when he was younger, kids would use 86 to mean to ditch a place. The number 47 apparently referred to the 47th president, Donald Trump, he noted. He recalled saying, Thats really clever, Comey told Wallace. He took a photo of the seashells and posted it on his Instagram. Thats when MAGA went bonkers, insisting the post was a threat to the president, which Trump whole-heartedly agreed with. He knew exactly what that meant, Trump said later. A child knows what that meant. If youre the FBI director and you dont know what that meant, that meant assassination. And it says it loud and clear. Comey said he thought nothing of the post until Trump and his supporters erupted. l I heard ... that people were saying it was some sort of a call for assassination, which is crazy, he told Wallace. Comey deleted the post, and issued a statement saying it was never intended to be a call for violence. Even if I think its crazy, I dont want to be associated with violence of any kind, he said. Comey noted that he regretted the distraction and the controversy around the post, but he again underscored that the message was "totally innocent." Donald Trump and James Comey: at odds again ( Reuters/AFP/Getty ) Comey said he had gone to the beach for a walk for a bit of relaxation before the publication of his upcoming thriller, FDR Drive, a Crime Novel. But instead of some down time, he got a call from the Secret Service, and voluntarily went to the Washington, D.C. field office for an interview. Comey mostly shrugged off the situation. Its not my first rodeo, he said, noting he was fired by Trump during the presidents first administration. But he did complain of the administrations use of power to aim at individuals, eroding the rule of law. Comey reassured listeners: The rule of law is still our saving grace. We have a judiciary in this country that will support the truth. Take solace in that. He added: Take prudent steps, but dont freak out. These people are not good enough for you to be freaked out about. Protect yourself, be measured about the effect the threat has on you, and know that youre going to be okay. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A woman living in southern Florida who first entered the United States illegally 20 years ago has been fined $1.82m by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to leave the country. The mother of three gave an emotional on-camera interview to CBS News Miami, in which she was identified only as Maria, to express her shock. The 41 year-old appealed for clemency, particularly on behalf of her children, all of whom are American citizens, who she said would suffer if she were to be deported. Maria said she was originally from Honduras but had entered California without the proper documentation in February 2005. After failing to appear at a scheduled immigration hearing two months later, she was ordered to return home but instead settled in Miami-Dade, Florida, where she has lived for two decades and raised her children, now teenagers. open image in gallery 'Maria', the undocumented migrant from Honduras fined almost $2m by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to leave country 20 years ago ( CBS News Miami ) Then, on May 9 this year, she received a letter from ICE informing her that, under the seldom-used Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, she was being fined $500 for every subsequent day she had spent in the U.S., a penalty that now stands at $1,821,350, which she was given just 30 days to pay. Ever since that day I live with anxiety, Maria told the CBS affiliate. I cant sleep I dont feel. I dont want to go back. It would be extremely painful to be separated from my children, this is their country, this is all they know. Please have mercy. I want to stay with them. On her decision not to attend her hearing back in 2005, Maria said: I told the immigration officer I didnt have any family in this country or a specific place to stay. I never received any document and they did not know where I was going to be. Michelle C Sanchez, her attorney, called the fine absolutely nuts and argued that her client was never properly informed of the consequences of her actions. Presenting the letter informing Maria of the fine, Sanchez said: Theyre supposed to say on [here] the date that she was advised and this is blank because they never advised her of the penalties. So thats going to be my argument. She added that she plans to appeal Marias case. open image in gallery A billboard attacking Latino Republican politicans as Traitors to Immigrants, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Reps. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart among its targets, is seen in in Miami-Dade, Florida ( AP ) Sanchez also warned that Marias children would suffer extreme and exceptionally unusual hardships if their mother were forcibly returned to Honduras without them. The Independent has contacted ICE for its response. The episode is just the latest in a series of dramatic stories to have emerged as a result of President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration since he returned to office in January, which he has touted as the largest mass deportation push in American history. 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 The tariff honeymoon might be over soon. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is warning investors that the U.S. economy still hasnt fully absorbed the impacts from Donald Trumps sweeping tariff agenda. Though the administration announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs in April, and cut a three-month tariff reduction deal with China, the Wall Street executive said levies remain at a pretty extreme level not seen in decades. Its an extraordinary amount of complacency, Dimon reportedly said during the banks New York investor day, suggesting U.S. markets could sink by 10 percent and credit could be harder to come by once the tariffs are priced in. American asset prices, I still think theyre kind of high, Dimon said. I think credit today is a bad risk. Dimon also called out complacent central banks for their handling of the world economy amid the new tariff regime. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon thinks a credit crunch and stock market decline could follow tariff impact ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump, for his part, has also continued his long-running criticism of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, writing in a weekend social media post that the Fed should cut rates sooner, rather than later. Some U.S. corporations appear to be holding their breath over the potential coming impacts of the tariffs. Firms including GM, JetBlue, and Volvo have all pulled earnings guidances as the rest of the years macroeconomic outlook remains uncertain, The Wall Street Journal reports. The administration has not negotiated the countless one-off trade deals it suggested would quickly flow after the tariff announcement. There have been some major agreements, including a deal with the U.K., cutting tariffs on British cars and steel, and a more major pact with China to temporarily lower tariffs on most Chinese goods from 145 to 30 percent. After weeks of economic chaos following Trumps April announcement of the Liberation Day tariff agenda, economic policy has temporarily receded from the spotlight, as all eyes were on Trumps recent Middle East tour and controversy surrounding a potential deal for Qatar to give away a $400 million plane for Trump to use as a new Air Force One. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A war hero caught up in the January 6 riots has slammed the Trump administration for handing a $5 million payout to a rioter's family. Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former U.S. Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and earned the Bronze Star Medal, spoke to CNN anchor Jake Tapper Monday about the government payout to the family of Ashli Babbitt. Babbitt, 35, was fatally shot by an officer when a mob stormed the Capitol in 2021. The Trump administration agreed to the payout to settle a $30m wrongful death lawsuit filed by her family, the Associated Press reports. open image in gallery Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., comforts Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., while taking cover as protesters disrupt the joint session of Congress ( AP ) Crow slated the move as part of an attempt by President Donald Trump to rewrite history. He doesnt want to acknowledge that he weaponized a mob and sent that mob to attack the Capitol to brutalize hundreds of officers, 140 of whom still have major injuries, five of whom died from their wounds and their trauma, Crow told Tapper. We passed a bipartisan bill in 2022 to erect a plaque in honor of those officers. House Republicans and the speaker have refused to put that plaque up because they want to sweep it all under the rug. Lawmakers cant just ignore that entire part of history because its inconvenient to Donald Trump he added. On Jan 6, Crow was captured in an image comforting Rep. Susan Wild, as lawmakers were forced to take cover from rioters storming the building. open image in gallery Micki Witthoeft, mother of Ashli Babbitt, with a picture of her late daughter ( AP ) At the time, Crow told CBS's This Morning: "Susan is my friend. And I did what I think any friend would want to do, and just let her know that I was there for her and we would get through it. Babbitt was an Air Force veteran and QAnon proponent who supported Trumps unevidenced stolen election narrative. Nearly one-third of the Babbitt settlement has reportedly been set aside for the familys attorneys, a group that includes the conservative group Judicial Watch, reports The Washington Post. After her death she emerged as a martyr-like figure among MAGA supporters. Trump has repeatedly referred to her as a patriot, as he and his allies attempt to reframe the history books for that day. Just a day into his second term, Trump made the divisive decision to pardon or commute the convictions of over 1,500 people charged in connection with the riot four years ago. 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 Hunter Biden pressed his father, then-President Joe Biden, to rest during a trip to Ireland in April 2023. As the president was welcomed to his ancestral homeland, he set off on a busy schedule, including a tree-planting ceremony, the ringing of the Peace Bell, and an honor guard presenting arms, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson write in Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. The room Biden was in at one point during the trip grew empty, with fewer than a dozen people left. Two of them were Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley and then-New York Rep. Brian Higgins. Hunter Biden pushed his father to take a step back. You promised you wouldnt do this, he said, according to the authors. You promised youd take a nap. You know you cant handle all this. Biden disregarded his sons concerns and walked to the bar in the back of the room, where a woman handed him a soft drink. He appeared exhausted. It was at that point that Quigley realized why the moment felt familiar. It reminded him of his father in his last few years before his death from Parkinsons at the age of 92. open image in gallery Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley was reminded of his late father when he watched Biden during a trip to Ireland in April 2023 ( AFP/Getty ) Biden and some Democrats alongside him reject that his deterioration occurred. Earlier this month, Biden appeared onThe View, where co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Biden about the Democratic sources who had said that in your final year, there was a dramatic decline in your cognitive abilities. What is your response to these allegations, and are these sources wrong? They are wrong. Theres nothing to sustain that, he responded. Although it wasnt yet announced, Quigley questioned during the trip to Ireland how Biden could run for re-election. While Biden got a boost from the crowds in Ireland, when they werent present, he grew deflated, the authors write. Quigley believed at that moment that Biden needed to rest for the rest of the day and night. He was physically frail and had lost most of his energy. The authors describe his speech behind the scenes as breathless, soft, and weak. Quigley was frequently reminded of his dad during the trip. open image in gallery Biden got a boost from the crowds during his trip to Ireland - but grew deflated when they werent present, a bombshell new book claims. ( PA ) The Illinois congressman spoke to Higgins about Biden appearing to have symptoms akin to Parkinsons. However, Higgins viewed the president through a different lens, having lost his own father to Alzheimers and believing that he was seeing something similar in Bidens shuffling. A diagnosis is nothing more than pattern recognition, Higgins told Tapper and Thompson. When people see that stuff, it conjures up a view that theres something going on neurologically. He added that Bidens cognitive decline was evident to most people that watched him. Quigley wondered why the White House physician didnt attempt to diagnose the president. However, he reasoned that Bidens staff may not have wanted to know. The presidents staff was elated at his 2024 State of the Union performance. Biden was surrounded by Democrats on the floor of the House following the speech. Quigley hadnt been that close to Biden since the Ireland trip the previous year. When he put his hand on Bidens back, he could feel his ribs and spine. His voice soft and breathy, Bidens eyes darted from side to side. Once again, Quigley was reminded of his late father. Bidens disastrous debate performance a few months later didnt come as a huge shock to Quigley, the book reports. We have to be honest with ourselves that it wasnt just a horrible night, Quigley told CNNs Kasie Hunt on July 2. A few days later, he became one of the first Democrats to call for the president to step back from the ticket. 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 Joe Bidens granddaughter has ripped a new book on the former presidents reported hidden physical and mental decline in the White House as political fairy smut. Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again byCNN journalist Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson is due out Tuesday, but was leaked early. It has been published shortly after the former president revealed he is battling aggressive prostate cancer. Just read a copy of this silly book, and if anyone is curious for a review from someone who lived it first-hand: this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class, Naomi Biden posted on X. open image in gallery Naomi Biden (L), the granddaughter of US President Joe Biden, pictured her husband Peter Neal ( AFP/Getty ) Put simply, it amounts to a bunch of unoriginal, uninspired lies written by irresponsible self-promoting journalists out to make a quick buck, she continued. It relies on unnamed, anonymous sources pushing a self-serving false narrative that absolves them of any responsibility for our current national nightmare. All [at the] expense of a man so completely good and honest that it is impossible for these people to ever understand the why or how of it all. The book includes damning allegations about Bidens mental and physical decline while in office in 2023 and 2024, which aides reportedly helped him hide from the public, before he launched another bid for the presidency. It includes accounts of startling instances of Bidens reported mental decline, including times when he failed to recognize actor and friend George Clooney, as well as other close friends and colleagues. That was eventually followed by a befuddled presidential debate against Donald Trump. open image in gallery Joe Biden faced questions over his health during his ill-fated presidency ( EPA ) As for Biden's physical deterioration most apparent in his halting walk, it had become so severe that there were internal discussions about putting the president in a wheelchair, but they couldn't do so until after the election, Tapper and Thompson write in the book. Bidens spokesperson Chris Meagher said that he was still waiting for someone, anyone, to point out where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or make a presidential address where he was unable to do his job because of mental decline. In fact, the evidence points to the opposite he was a very effective president. The authors could not immediately be reached for comment. Meanwhile, revelations about Bidens cancer have raised questions about how doctors could have missed it when he was still in the White House, and triggering conspiracy theories that it, too, was covered up. 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 Democrats unanimously confirmed former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as Donald Trumps secretary of state earlier this year, but the top diplomat faced several hours of attacks from his former colleagues on Tuesday condemning his first months on the job. I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you for secretary of state, said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who has drawn intense criticism from the administration after traveling to visit a wrongly deported Salvadoran father shipped to a hellhole prison in his home country. Your regret for voting for me confirms Im doing a good job, Rubio fired back. Thats a flippant statement, Van Hollen replied. Rubio faced a barrage of criticism from Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including Van Hollen, who worked alongside the Florida Republican for more than a decade. Im not even mad anymore about your complicity in this administration's destruction of U.S. global leadership, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) told him. Im simply disappointed. I wonder if you're proud of yourself in this moment when you go home to your family? open image in gallery Marco Rubio faced a barrage of criticism from Democratic senators on May 20 as he defended foreign policy and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration ( AP ) Van Hollen lashed into Rubios dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the end of refugee resettlement, cancellation of international student visas over criticism of Israel, and the summary removals of dozens of immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The senator faced attacks from administration officials and Trump allies after traveling to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran father living in Maryland who was wrongly deported to his home country more than two months ago, igniting a fierce legal battle with judges and a unanimous Supreme Court demanding the administration facilitate his release. Rubio asserted that he has no obligation to answer questions from a judge about the governments relationship with El Salvador and arrangements to imprison Abrego Garcia and others. We deported gang members including the one you had a margarita with, said Rubio, referencing debunked claims that Van Hollen drank cocktails with Abrego Garcia during a brief visit. Aides for El Salvador President Nayib Bukele placed glasses on a table dressed up like cocktails to mock their meeting, according to Van Hollen. That guy is a human trafficker, that guy is a gang member, Rubio said. Van Hollen tried to cut him off, telling committee chair James Risch that Rubio was making unsubstantiated comments. Administration officials have repeatedly sought to justify Abrego Garcias ongoing detention with allegations of criminal activity and gang membership, which were largely raised only after he was deported. The claims are absent in court documents in the legal battle for his return. Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to the federal court of the United States because he hasnt done it under oath, Van Hollen snapped. open image in gallery Senator Chris Van Hollen said he regrets voting to confirm Rubio as secretary of state after he revoked student visas over pro-Palestine protests and approved summary deportations of alleged gang members ( REUTERS ) Rubio claimed no judge can force him to respond to questions about his conversation with foreign leaders. I am under no obligation, under our division of powers in this country, to share with the judicial branch how I conducted diplomacy of the United States, Rubio said. He said he wont comply with court orders for what Im saying, and what Im talking about with a foreign leader. In court, Rubio and lawyers at the Department of Justice have raised a state secrets privilege to try to avoid answering questions about what steps, if any, the administration is taking to return Abrego Garcia to the United States. Responding to Van Hollens criticism of Rubio revoking student visas over pro-Palestine protests, a furious Rubio said: I dont deport anybody. I dont snatch anybody. What I do is revoke visas. Its very simple: A visa is not a right, its a privilege. Van Hollen repeatedly interrupted, asking whether Tufts University scholar Rumeysa Ozturk who is accused only of co-writing an op-ed critical of Israels war in Gaza should be imprisoned and deported. Cmon, Mr. Secretary. Youre just blowing smoke, Van Hollen said. Thats pathetic, Mr. Secretary. I feel so much safer with you locking up people like Ms. Ozturk. 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 Missouri officials are calling on the federal government for help after a tornado tore through St. Louis last week, killing five people and damaging thousands of structures throughout the region. Two other people were killed in Scott County in southeastern Missouri. We need partners at the national level, at the federal level, to step up and help and this is not just true for St. Louis, city Mayor Cara Spencer told MSNBC on Monday. Cities across the nation, when they are experiencing disasters such as this, this is what the federal government is for. Spencer said she is pleading with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help. FEMA has not been on the ground, she added. We do not have confirmed assistance from FEMA at this point. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe made a similar plea. "Local first responders, officials, businesses, and volunteer groups are working around the clock to recover, but the task before us is tremendously large and recovery will not be easy," Kehoe said Monday in a press release. "A federal Emergency Declaration will provide an immediate infusion of needed funds while the joint preliminary damage assessments will allow the normal federal Major Disaster Declaration process to move forward." Five died in St. Louis and two more were killed in Scott County amid region-wide storms on Friday The governor said such assistance could immediately unlock $5 million in federal funding. "After a thorough assessment, FEMA will approve a disaster declaration request if the assessment shows the events damage exceeds the state, local governments, and voluntary organizations capacity to respond. Just like all declaration requests, this decision is based on policy, not politics, a FEMA spokesperson told The Independent. FEMA is working with state and local officials to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments in the areas impacted by the recent tornadoes and severe weather, the spokesperson added. Once completed, the collected information will be turned to the state(s) for evaluation and for the Governors consideration to submit or not, a request for a disaster declaration. The tornado, part of a series of deadly storms across the region, was an EF3 that generated winds between 136 and 165 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Surveying the damage, north St. Louis resident Dolly Baskin said her neighborhood was nearly unrecognizable. Most of my life I lived here on the north side, and I've never experienced a tornado in St. Louis at all, never, she told St. Louis Public Radio. I had to park down the street because I couldn't get through, she said. I jumped out and I ran down here and when I got here and walked in, I just fell to my knees and cried. The Trump administration has said it plans to eliminate FEMA and have states take the lead on disaster recovery. On the campaign, Donald Trump and JD Vance made inaccurate claims about FEMA, including that it diverted money from hurricane survivors to migrants, and that the agency didnt respond in the days after Hurricane Helene. 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 Seven days after his inauguration, Donald Trump issued the Iron Dome for America executive order to create a cutting-edge defense system that protects the U.S. from long-range missile attacks. Trump revealed Tuesday that his administration has settled on a design for the massive system, adding that it will be operational within three years. The president appointed Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations, to lead the project. Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space, and we will have the best system ever built, Trump said from the Oval Office. The idea evokes the concept of Israels missile defense system, but there would be several key differences between the U.S. allys Iron Dome and Trumps so-called Golden Dome. The Golden Dome would have to cover a much larger area, for starters. The Golden Dome will also have to be a lot more comprehensive, with several different systems that can locate, track and stop any kind of aerial attack the U.S. might face, according to Wes Rumbaugh, a fellow in the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. By comparison, Israels Iron Dome is a system designed to specifically protect against just short-range rockets and artillery shells. Congressional Republicans recently proposed allocating $25 billion from this years budget for the project, further signaling that construction could begin soon. Heres what you need to know about Trumps plan and why some experts warn it has some big issues: open image in gallery President Donald Trump wants to build a Golden Dome to protect the U.S. from missile threats. Experts say its technically feasible, but poses several logistical problems ( AP ) Space-based missile defense would be key Trumps executive order outlines some straightforward aspects to his Golden Dome plan, like an updated missile threat risk assessment or a list of strategic locations where itd be best to defend against missile threats proactively. But the most significant component is also the most complicated: a network of space-based interceptors, such as lasers, that would be able to stop or destroy warheads shortly after theyre launched. This harkens back to President Ronald Reagans infamous space-based missile defense system, nicknamed Star Wars by critics. Officials building any space-based interceptor system would need to ensure every possible attacker and target are covered you cant have Florida covered but not California. But this means building a massive web of interceptors to ensure theyre always in the correct position, which Michael OHanlon, director of research in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution, argues would be costly and hugely inefficient. Youve got to be pretty confident you're going to get everything, or at least knock everything off course, OHanlon tells The Independent. OHanlon also says lasers themselves also pose a cost issue, because those would have to be sent into orbit with large amounts of fuel and giant mirrors that can focus the lasers energy enough to destroy a warhead. This translates into each one of your defensive space-based lasers being the equivalent of the Hubble telescope, he says. open image in gallery An Israeli soldier is seen taking position in front of a battery of an Iron Dome air defense system in Jerusalem. Trump's 'Golden Dome' harkens back to the idea of Israel's Iron Dome, but it has key differences ( AFP via Getty Images ) Can the Golden Dome ever come to fruition? Rumbaugh believes the Golden Dome is feasible on a purely technical level, but other factors will determine whether it ever gets built. By building up such strong defensive systems, the U.S. could provoke an adversary into further strengthening their offense, sparking a global arms race. This could trigger a feedback loop where officials make the country less secure and certainly more impoverished, OHanlon said. If you really try to make this comprehensive against even a Russian nuclear attack, then you're reigniting all the age-old debates about the likelihood of just triggering an arms race where defense continues to be more difficult and expensive than offense, OHanlon added. Other challenges will include budget and scale. Rumbaugh said some have compared the Golden Dome to the Manhattan Project, Americas top-secret effort to construct an atomic bomb during World War II. OHanlon similarly estimates the project would cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Even if you just sized [the system] to today's Russian nuclear arsenal, and you wanted to build a multi-layer capability that Trump has talked about, that is already enormously expensive, OHanlon said. I think I calculated something in the range of $500 billion, and that was just for a limited part of it. open image in gallery Israel's Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon. Trump's so-called Golden Dome would aim to similarly intercept rockets using space-based interceptors ( AFP via Getty Images ) Collaboration and resource-sharing may also prove difficult and the details are still unclear, Rumbaugh added. How will the Missile Defense Agency, the Space Force, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and various other agencies work together to manage the Golden Dome? That remains unclear. Do we need a Golden Dome? Even if the idea seems farfetched, OHanlon says the U.S. does need to expand its missile defense capabilities. I think that there could be some benefits to even a limited, partially effective missile defense system, whether it's defending against the North Korean threat that's continued to grow, or a future Iranian threat, or a threat of a limited strike by Russia or China, he said. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. OHanlon offers that a scaled-back version of Trumps plan could be beneficial overall to U.S. national security. I think there is value in doing more than we've done already, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A long time ago, in an administration far, far away, the president of the United States pitched his plan for a space-based missile-defense system. It never happened. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced the Golden Dome. More than four decades after President Ronald Reagans widely derided Star Wars ballistic missile barrier was announced, Trump is reviving the Pentagons efforts to protect the continental United States from foreign projectiles with a massive shield he is calling a Golden Dome for America. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump says the U.S. now has the technology to construct a system to combat not just the intercontinental ballistic missiles that were the subject of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative nicknamed Star Wars but also against space-based and hypersonic missiles. In the campaign, I promised the American people that I would build a cutting edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack, and that's what we're doing today, said Trump, who added that he was pleased to announce that the U.S. has settled on an architecture for a state of the art system he promised would deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors. The president said the proposed system would integrate with our existing defense capabilities and would be fully operational by the end of his term in January 2029. He also said it would provide an umbrella of protection for the U.S. and Canada for all manner of modern threats. Once fully constructed, the golden dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space, and we will have the best system ever built, he said, comparing the proposed system favorably to Israels Iron Dome, which the Israeli Defense Forces have used for years to protect that small country from medium-range missiles launched by nation-states such as Iran and the unguided rockets favored by Hamas and other militant, non-state actors. Trump said the new U.S. system would do all that, and more by handling threats from hypersonic missiles, ballistic missiles and advanced cruise missiles using a combination of ground-based interceptors, sea-launched interceptors and space-based systems built in the U.S. by American defense contractors. Defiant Marco Rubio says 'no judge can tell me how to conduct foreign policy' We will truly be completing the job that President Reagan started 40 years ago, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland, he said. The president said the system would eventually cost upwards of $175 billion when completed, and would be started with an initial $25 billion to be allocated in the Big Beautiful Bill reconciliation package currently under debate in the Republican-controlled Congress. Trump also told reporters he was putting Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, the current Vice Chief of Space Operations, in charge of the project. Hegseth, the former Fox News host who Trump tapped to lead the Pentagon over objections from defense experts and some Republican senators, praised the president for pushing the project, which he called a generational investment in the security of America and Americans. President Reagan, 40 years ago, cast the vision for it. The technology wasn't there. Now it is, and you're following through to say we will protect the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear, Hegseth said before turning the floor over to Guetlein, who noted that American adversaries had become very capable and very intent on holding the homeland at risk by quickly modernizing their nuclear forces and building out hypersonic missiles, new and more capable cruise missiles, more capable submarines and even space-based weapons systems along the lines of what Reagan had envisioned in the 1980s. It is time that we change that equation and start doubling down on the protection of the homeland. Golden Dome is a bold and aggressive approach to hurry up and protect the homeland from our adversaries. We owe it to our children and our children's children to protect them and afford them a quality of life that we have all grown up enjoying, he added. Tuesdays announcement follows the signing of a January 27 executive order directing the Pentagon to start on the project, which arose out of Trumps admiration for the Israeli Iron Dome systems effectiveness at shooting down Hamas rocket attacks. The U.S. has spent years investing in ballistic missile defense systems with varying degrees of success. Currently, the Pentagon operates a Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system designed to shoot down ballistic missiles during the middle course of their flight when they are outside the earths atmosphere. According to the Congressional Research Service, that system relies on radar and satellite systems connected to launch sites in Alaska and California, and while it can protect from some intercontinental ballistic missile threats it has never been considered a match for the strategic missile forces deployed by Russia and China. Yet American defense officials havent seriously pushed for a comprehensive missile defense that could nullify the Russian and Chinese missile threats because U.S. strategic doctrine has always relied on Americas sea, air and land-based nuclear forces as a deterrent. When reporters asked Trump who in the U.S. defense establishment had pushed for a new missile defense effort and cited assertions by the North American Aerospace Defense Command that current systems were adequate, Trump claimed there was no current system. We have certain areas of missiles and certain missile defense, but there's no system. We just have some very capable weapons that hopefully we never have to use, but we have some very capable weapons now, he said. Pressed further on whether military commanders had asked for a new missile defense system, Trump admitted that it was his idea. I suggested it, and they all said: We love the idea, sir, he said. They wanted it badly, once it was suggested. 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 The Trump administration is considering using foreign aid funds to remove migrants including Ukrainians who came to the U.S. fleeing violence and returning them to active war zones, according to a report. Hundreds of thousands of migrants, including those from Ukraine and Haiti, are being considered in the plans that would see the administration spend up to $250 million earmarked for foreign assistance, according to The Washington Post. In draft documents obtained by the newspaper, Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians and Yemenis could also be targeted in the administrations voluntary deportation program. Afghans are likely to be the first group targeted with the voluntary packages, despite the risk they face at home from the Taliban, according to the Post. Haitians were first given temporary protected status in 2010 after a devastating earthquake, which in turn triggered more than a decade of instability across the country. open image in gallery President Donald Trumps administration is looking into plans to remove migrants who fled violence from the U.S. and send them back to active war zones with money earmarked for foreign assistance, according to a report. The migrants reportedly being considered include Ukrainians and Haitians. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ukrainians were given temporary protected status after Russia invaded the country in 2022. It comes as the Trump administration moved at breakneck speed to gut U.S. foreign aid and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development in its anti-immigration crackdown. The plans were reportedly in development before the Department of Homeland Security announced earlier this month that illegal aliens who use the Customs and Border Protection Home app to self-deport will receive financial and travel assistance, including a $1,000 stipend. Previous administrations have supported using taxpayer money for the voluntary removal of migrants, the Post noted. But the plans the outlet reviewed are unusual because they are targeting those who fled violence and escaped from some of the worlds most dangerous places. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a final decision on the temporary protected status of Ukrainians or Haitians, a spokesperson said. Noem terminated the temporary protected status of Afghans in March. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The Post reports that the UN-affiliated body that typically assists in returning migrants to their home countries, the International Organization for Migration, appears to have been bypassed. The UN office does not support the return of people to any of those places, the documents said, according to the newspaper. The documents were produced between late April and early May, the outlet reports. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said that the documents were outdated, and added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a final decision on the temporary protected status of Ukrainians or Haitians. Noem has already canceled humanitarian protections for more than 11,000 Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. The department has indicated that it could roll back the protected status of Haitians as soon as August. The Independent has contacted the department for further comment. DHS and the State Department are working together to further implement the Presidents agenda by using foreign aid money to assist those illegally in our country to voluntarily self-deport, McLaughlin said in a statement to the Post. The State Department told the outlet that it was seeking to provide travel support and financial incentives to encourage migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, but did not directly address questions about Ukrainians and Haitians, the newspaper reported. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump ribbed the Kennedy Center during a board dinner at the White House on Monday in the presidents latest criticism of the institution after effectively installing himself as its chair in February. The Kennedy Center, when I said Ill do this, I hadnt been there, Trump told attendees. Its the last time Ill take a job without looking at it. The president went on to criticize the facilities at the Washington arts complex, saying tremendous amounts of money had been spent there to little effect. I dont know where they spent it, Trump added. They certainly didnt spend it on wallpaper, carpet, or painting. Earlier this year, Trump broke with tradition and ousted members of the Kennedy Center board who had been appointed under the Biden administration, and the replacements Trump installed voted the president to be the centers chair. As part of the takeover, Trump administration special envoy Richard Grenell now serves as the interim director of the Kennedy Center, while Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles serve on the board. Trump has said he will help renovate Kennedy Center and remove woke shows from arts complex ( Getty ) Trump has said under his leadership, the Kennedy Center will not feature woke programming, a theme the president touched on Monday during his speech at the dinner. The programming was out of control with rampant political propaganda, DEI, and inappropriate shows, Trump said, claiming the center hosted a Marxist anti-police performance and lesbian-only Shakespeare. Some performers have protested the presidents changes at the Kennedy Center, with several cast members of the popular musical Les Miserables planning a boycott of the show next month, according to a report. Elsewhere in his remarks, Trump touted other parts of his agenda, claiming his recent trip to the Middle East is being credited as one of the maybe the most successful visits that anybody has made to any place. The president also said progress is being made after a little conversation with a nice gentleman named Vladimir Putin, a reference to Trumps recent calls with the Russian leader and his Ukrainian counterpart, which the White House said helped pave the way for the nations to immediately begin ceasefire talks. Close Trump ambushes South Africa's president with video and photo 'evidence' of genocide Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump ambushed President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa with unsubstantiated evidence of genocide against white farmers during their Oval Office meeting on Wednesday. The president has criticized South African land reform, which aims to address the injustices of apartheid. Trump canceled aid to the country, expelled its ambassador, and offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners based on racial discrimination claims that Pretoria says are unfounded. After a friendly start to the meeting, Trump played a video showing an opposition leader chanting Kill the Boer! and what he claimed were burial sites of murdered white farmers. The South Africans pushed back on the claims, emphasizing that the government was against the oppositions views and that the country has a rural crime problem that impacts everyone. Ramaphosa said earlier that no matter what, the U.S. and South Africa are joined at the hip and we need to be talking to them. The South African delegation included luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert and champion golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who helped dispel tension as friends of Trump. The president was accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has accused Ramaphosa of pursuing anti-white policies. 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 Trumps administration originally approached Qatar about the possibility of acquiring one of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets, according to a report. The new claim reported in CNN contradicts Trumps insistence that the controversial plane lined up to replace Air Force One was simply offered as a gift. The $400m aircraft that the Qatari royal family intends to present to the United States, described as a flying palace due to its luxurious interior, has inspired a number of ethics complaints at home that cast a long shadow over the presidents visit to the Middle East last week. Now administration sources cited by CNN claim it was the U.S. that first sought out the plane, rather than Qatar coming forward to offer it as a friendly gesture. The networks sources claim that, shortly after Trump returned to the White House in January, the Pentagon contacted Boeing for an update on the two new jets it is building as replacements for the current presidential plane. open image in gallery U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, as he departs the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha on May 15 2025 ( Win McNamee/Getty ) It was told that their construction would take another two years to complete, prompting a frustrated Trump to task his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff with drawing up a list of potential alternatives already in service. Boeing reportedly supplied Department of Defense officials with the names of its clients around the world. Qatar was one of the clients, one of the sources said, adding that the Pentagon then approached Doha, with introductions from Witkoff, offering to buy the plane. Qatar responded by indicating it would be willing to sell, it is claimed. Another source, however, suggested those discussions were originally about leasing the Boeing, not buying it outright. The account stands at odds with Trumps own version of events after the president insisted throughout his trip to the Gulf that the plane was a present from one of Americas key regional allies, describing it as A GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE on Truth Social and saying that only a stupid person would have refused it. His position was reiterated by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday. She described the jet as a donation to our country, saying that Qatars royal family has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations. A White House official has since told The Independent that CNNs reporting is accurate. Trump griped about the age of the current presidential plane repeatedly last week, boarding it at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday with the resentful words: I leave now and get into a 42-year-old Boeing. The new ones are coming, new ones are coming. open image in gallery Qatari F-15 jets perform a fly over Air Force One as President Trump Doha for the UAE on May 15 ( Win McNamee/Getty ) Amid a furore in Congress over the jet potentially violating the U.S. Constitutions emoluments clause, Trumps own Department of Justice lawyers moved quickly to rule that accepting it would break no laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington said the donation of the aircraft would be legally permissible, given that its ownership would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before the end of his term. But Columbia Law School Professor Richard Briffault questioned that assessment when he told NPR that if Trump retains ownership of the plane after leaving office, in spite of his claim that it will ultimately be given to the Department of Defense, then its not really a gift to the United States at all and instead amounts to a pretty textbook case of a violation of the emoluments clause. open image in gallery A Boeing 747 bearing the color scheme of planes used by the Qatari royal family seen at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this month ( Brandon Lingle/The San Antonio Express-News/AP ) Professor Briffault further warned that accepting any present leaves the recipient beholden to the gift-giver, an argument also made by Trump nemesis Hillary Clinton, saying that gestures like Qatars are designed to create good feelings for the recipient and to get some kind of reciprocity. Another cause of concern is the eye-watering cost of retrofitting the jet to make it an acceptable substitute for the presidential plane. Experts warn that it would take several years and require billions of dollars in further investment from the American taxpayer to ensure it meets the necessary security standards. It would require secure communications, electromagnetic shielding, and in-flight refueling capabilities, to name just three necessary upgrades. A private contractor would, in all probability, have to rip the plane apart before it was fit for use, and aviation experts cited by NBC News have put the bill at $1bn, more than twice the planes worth. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The haka, a traditional Maori dance of challenge, has transcended its sacred origins to become a cherished cultural symbol for all New Zealanders. From sporting events to funerals and graduations, its powerful performances often resonate globally, a source of national pride. However, a haka performed within the countrys Parliament in November has ignited a fiery debate, dividing politicians on whether it constituted peaceful protest or an act of intimidation. Three Maori Party legislators performed the haka during a protest against a bill to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealands founding document, leading to proposed sanctions of unprecedented length. A parliamentary vote on the bans was unexpectedly postponed on Tuesday, pushing the contentious issue to June. The delay threatens to stall the legislative agenda until a cross-party consensus can be reached on the appropriate response. Outside Parliament, hundreds of protesters gathered on Tuesday, waiting to greet the Maori Party lawmakers with a haka of their own, demonstrating the depth of feeling surrounding the issue. open image in gallery Protesters perform a haka outside New Zealands Parliament on Tuesday ( Stuff ) What is the haka? The haka was once viewed as a war dance, but that understanding has changed in New Zealand as it has been embraced in a range of celebratory, sombre and ceremonial settings. It is an expression of Maori identity and while sacred, it can be performed by people of any race who are educated by Maori in the words, movements and cultural protocols. Emotional haka have generated news headlines in the past year when performed by soldiers farewelling a New Zealander who died fighting in Ukraine, and in Paris by athletes from New Zealands Olympic team. While the best-known haka is Ka Mate, the chant often performed by the All Blacks rugby team before games, there are many variants. open image in gallery The All Blacks perform the haka ahead of their Bledisloe Cup match against Australias Wallabies in August 2023 ( Getty Images ) Why was this haka controversial? Novembers protest wasnt the first time a haka has rung out in Parliament. Performances regularly follow the passage of laws important to Maori. But some lawmakers decried this one for two reasons: because the legislators from Te Pati Maori, the Maori Party, left their seats and strode across the floor toward government politicians while performing it, and because it disrupted the vote on a proposed law. When asked how the Maori party would vote on a bill that they said would dismantle Indigenous rights, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke New Zealands youngest parliamentarian, at 22 tore up a copy of the law and began the haka, joined by two of her colleagues. The law, an attempt to rewrite New Zealands founding treaty between Maori tribal leaders and the British crown, was widely unpopular and has since been defeated. But for six months, a committee of the MPs peers have fought furiously about how, or whether, their protest of it should be punished. open image in gallery Ukrainian soldiers perform a haka to honour a fallen New Zealand soldier ( Defence Intelligence of Ukraine ) Why is debate about this haka still going? Usually, there is agreement among parliamentarians about penalties for errant behaviour. But this episode polarised the committee considering the lawmakers actions. Its report recommended Ms Maipi-Clarke, who the committee said showed contrition in a letter, be suspended for seven days and her colleagues for 21 days. That is the harshest penalty ever assigned to New Zealand politicians; the previous record was three days. This month, Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee scheduled a rare, unlimited debate in Parliament until all parties could find consensus on the penalty, citing the severity of the proposed bans. But minutes after the debate began Tuesday, it was adjourned at the governments behest after they allowed the Maori party lawmakers to stay until after Thursdays budget was delivered. It permitted the government their budget week agenda and meant the Maori MPs, who are opponents of the government, would not miss one of Parliaments most significant dates. But the debate about the bans will then resume. open image in gallery Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, right, speaks to the media alongside her Maori Party colleagues ( AP ) Opposition leader Chris Hipkins, the only opponent of the sanctions to speak before debate was suspended, cited episodes where MPs have brawled in Parliament and driven a tractor up the buildings steps, but were not suspended, as evidence that the bans were not fair. But Judith Collins, the chair of the committee that produced the sanctions, said the penalties were not about the haka. Ms Collins said the MPs behaviour was the most egregious she had ever witnessed. What happens next? The debate will resume on 5 June, when it threatens to stall usual government business once more. The government said on Tuesday that it would not back down from the punishments suggested and opposition parties said they could not be swayed from disputing them. Outside Parliament, activist Eru Kapa-Kingi told the assembled crowd that the haka was a source of fear in Parliament. Even though when the All Blacks do it its a good thing, he added. 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 An Indian-origin couple defrauded New Zealands Ministry of Children for $2m and siphoned money into overseas bank accounts before flying back to their hometown on a one-way business class ticket. Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma have pleaded guilty to charges related to a fraud scheme targeting Oranga Tamariki, New Zealands Ministry for Children, between 2021 and 2022. Sharma joined Oranga Tamariki as a Property and Facilities Manager in February 2021 by using forged references. She was sentenced to three years in prison this month for her role in the fraud, which involved using forged references to secure her job and funnelling NZ$2.1m (929,848 ) to her husbands company, Divine Connection Ltd, without disclosing their marriage or conflict of interest. Amandeep Sharma also admitted guilt and his sentencing is scheduled for 19 June. He incorporated his construction company Divine Connection Ltd in February 2018 and registered it to the couples address in Christchurch. The New Zealand Herald stated that the media were unable to report on her pleas until Friday when her husband also pleaded guilty. The Serious Fraud Office, which led the investigation into the long-running case, said the convictions mark an important milestone in he case. The case reinforces the serious consequences of abusing a position of trust for personal gain, especially when public funds are involved. Offending of this kind erodes public confidence and harms the integrity of New Zealands public institutions and our reputation as a safe place to invest. Its critical we take action to disrupt and deter such behaviour, the office said in a statement. The charges against the Sharmas were filed in June 2023 by the SFO. This case also highlights the requirement for rigorous vetting of public servants, especially as they move between agencies. Once employed at the ministry of children, Neha Sharma set up her husbands Divine Connection Ltd to Oranga Tamarikis list of contractors without disclosing her relationship with Amandeep Sharma, violating conflict-of-interest protocols. Between July 2021 and October 2022, Neha Sharma approved 326 invoices, resulting in 103 payments totalling over NZ$2.1m to Divine Connection Ltd for work on various properties, including youth justice facilities like Te Puna Wai and Te Oranga. The company was not an approved supplier and the work was preferentially assigned over other contractors. Red flags were raised in late 2022 when Oranga Tamarikis internal audits flagged irregularities in Divine Connections invoices and job assignments, and later raised suspicions after it was found that the company was registered to Neha Sharmas home address. The investigations into the case were transferred to the SFO, which raided the couples Christchurch property in March 2023, uncovering three properties, three vehicles, and NZ$800,000 in liquid assets. Soon after, the two booked one-way tickets flying business class on Singapore Airlines to Chennai, India. The trip appeared strange as the two had a busy schedule, including a pregnancy, and the Sharmas had signed up for a parenting education course. Amandeep Sharma had booked two trips to the capital, Auckland, while Neha bought two tickets for a baby expo. They boarded the flight on 14 April 2023 after attempting to liquidate their properties and cars and transferred just under NZ $800,000 in cash from their bank accounts to accounts held in India. However, the New Zealand Police, in collaboration with Indian authorities, restrained the transferred funds in India. The High Court issued a restraining order on the couples New Zealand properties under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. At her initial appearance in June 2023, her lawyer said that she had recently given birth and had intended to return to New Zealand from India with her child as soon as she was able. She returned to New Zealand later that year. She also pleaded guilty to forging documents to secure the job at the ministry. She forged references that were supposed to be from two people from her previous employer. She remains in a prison with her baby in the mothers and babies unit. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A nationwide phone network has shut down in Spain just weeks after blackouts brought chaos and heavy financial damage to the country. Emergency services in a number of regions had to provide new telephone numbers for those in need, after phone lines collapsed following network upgrades by Telefonica. Landline telephones were the worst affected but all voice services by Telefonica appear to have been affected to some extent, according to reports in Spanish media. A Telefonica spokesperson said: We have done some network upgrade work which has affected some companies' fixed communication services (voice and internet). open image in gallery Some regions have reported phone network services returning ( AFP/Getty ) We are working on resolving this and some of the affected services have already been recovered, such as the 112 emergency services, which have now been re-established. Regions including Aragon, Extremadura, the Basque Country and the Valencia community all suffered impacts on their emergency service line, earlier warning that residents would not be able to use the 112 number. The 112 number has now been restored in the Valencia community, Aragon, La Rioja, and Andalusia, among other areas. The Downdetector website reported that issues began at around 2am, according to El Pais. Of those reporting issues, 72 per cent were outages, 18 per cent related to having no signal, and 10 per cent were to do with a total outage in their area. Spains Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service told the outlet that it is "monitoring the situation, requesting precise information and timescales for a solution. In the Basque region, the incident is not affecting all calls but is occurring randomly and beyond the control of the regional governments Emergency Management Centre. It came after millions across Spain and Portugal were left in the dark in late April when an unprecedented power outage brought much of the Iberian peninsula to a standstill. Spains electrical grid was down for almost 23 hours before the systems were back up and running as normal, with the outage affecting traffic lights, street lamps, payment terminals, and screens. open image in gallery Customers use their mobile phone torches inside a supermarket during a power outage, in downtown Barcelona ( EPA ) Domestic and international transport was badly hit with metro systems grinding to a halt and communication networks faltering, leaving many wondering what had gone wrong. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports across Spain and Portugal. Spain has ordered inquiries involving government, security agencies and technical experts. A high court judge has launched a probe into whether a cyber attack was to blame. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and power grid operator REE's chief Beatriz Corredor have both said record levels of renewable energy were not to blame for the blackout. 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 Vladimir Putin was quick on the draw with an announcement that said nothing after his two-hour phone call with Donald Trump, as the Russian president grabbed the narrative before the Oval Office had figured out what the story even was. The call, the White House hoped, would show how much influence the US president had in the Kremlin. But they were sorely disappointed. Instead it showed that it is, again, Putin who pulls the strings. "We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord, defining a number of positions, such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement," Putin told reporters near the Black Sea resort of Sochi. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin addresses the media after his two-hour phone call with Donald Trump on Monday ( AP ) Principles of settlement? That means what happens to the land that Russia has taken and the land that it has been already claimed as its own. That includes the whole of Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Kherson and Donetsk provinces. Or it might mean anywhere in Ukraine where Putin says Russian-speaking people are in danger and need rescuing like Kharkiv, Ukraines second city. No matter that this seat of learning with its 40 universities and actual rocket scientists has steadfastly driven Russian invaders out. Putin isnt saying no to the demands from around the world that he accepts an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as proposed by Ukraine and endorsed by the Trump administration. Hes not saying yes either and hes yanking Trumps chain. First, said Putin, the two countries would have to define a possible ceasefire, including its timeframe. The offer is defined as stop shooting and the timeframe is now, but the Russian leader shrugged. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis," Putin said, after speaking to Trump. "We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace." Trump has consistently adopted Russian negotiating platforms against Ukraine. He has also supported the Kremlin in United Nations votes and frequently blamed Ukraine for the Russian invasion of its neighbour. He has doggedly pursued efforts to improve Russias economic prospects and he has used the Russian invasion to gouge a minerals deal out of Kyiv in payment for future arms support. He has also ruled out US involvement in any security force for Ukraine, even if a peace deal is one day struck. open image in gallery The US president said the talks between the pair went very well ( Reuters ) The US president has begun to understand that hes appearing feeble. When it comes to Putin he has always been weak. Hes tried to butch up in social media posts but when hes got the man himself on the phone, all efforts to take control fail him. Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well, he gushed, The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasnt, I would say so now, rather than later. Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic bloodbath is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Trump doesnt say that Russias trade does not include exploiting the territories it has captured and illegally annexed. He doesnt demand a ceasefire. He clearly put no pressure on his friend in the Kremlin. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately. I have so informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, Trump said. Really? Volodymyr Zelensky has carefully played Trump and not rejected his manifestly pro-Russian interventions, but called the Kremlins bluff by offering ceasefires Putin wont take. Talks are likely to get underway at the Vatican. They will lead nowhere. The EU and its non-US allies are planning to tighten oil sanctions on Russia later this week, they have already increased their own defence spending and are giving Ukraine more military aid than America. They know the calls from the Kremlin are worth nothing, no matter how much Trump enjoys them. It is always painful to abandon longstanding certainties. The transatlantic security bond has, for 76 years, been one such certainty. Since 1949, generations of Europeans and North Americans have lived with the confidence that political leaders on both sides of the Atlantic shared a strong commitment to the international rules-based order, democratic principles, and a common vision of Europe whole, free and at peace. Notwithstanding sporadic disagreements between individual allies, and regular requests from the US for Europe to bear a fairer share of the military burden, the allies vow to defend each other in case of need and maintain a credible military deterrent was never called into question, and neither was the willingness of any given occupant of the Oval Office to come to the aid of a Nato member if they were attacked. Now, Donald Trump and his Maga acolytes have brutally shattered this certainty. The transatlantic partnership is unravelling in front of our eyes: in the space of 100 days, Trump has undermined Natos collective stance on defence; hit the global economy with tariffs; threatened the territorial integrity of dedicated allies Canada and Denmark; interfered in the internal affairs of allies with his brazen support for European right-wing populist parties; and departed from well-established multilateral bodies including the World Health Organisation, the International Criminal Court and the UN Climate Change Conference. In a series of hammer blows, Trump has shattered the rules-based global order. Shockingly for Washingtons longstanding European allies, the Trump administration is prepared to hand on a plate to Vladimir Putin, the most brutal aggressor Europe has faced since Hitler, two major Russian foreign policy goals: the decoupling of America from European security, and the neutralisation of Nato. Trumps attempts to ram a so-called peace deal down Ukrainian and European throats, side with the Kremlin and its authoritarian supporters in UN votes, suspend cyber operations against Russia, and acknowledge Moscows illegal annexation of Crimea while halting critical military intelligence for Ukraine, underscore Washingtons departure from the Nato consensus on Russia and Ukraine. While European leaders are trying desperately to keep Trump on side, hoping he will pressure Putin into coming to the negotiating table, their potential diplomatic breakthrough in Istanbul flopped. Trump is deeply agnostic about the fate of Ukraine, and is ready to recognise a Russian sphere of influence in Eastern Europe the US-Ukrainian minerals deal does not change this fact. While it was a clever move by the government in Kyiv to bind Washington, to some degree, to Ukraines future, the fact is that without cast-iron security guarantees, Trumps commitment to Ukraine will remain lukewarm at best. This US foreign policy shift is fundamental. It goes much deeper than military and financial burden-sharing. For Trump, the geopolitical sphere is a jungle in which only those with a winner takes all approach can survive. Enlarging Americas geoeconomic sphere of influence, keeping China (as its most daunting strategic competitor) at bay, and aggressively pursuing profitable business deals are Trumps foreign policy objectives. open image in gallery The US president arguing with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office earlier this year ( Getty ) Europeans and Canadians must confront the new geopolitical reality with clarity. Fear is a mind-killer. Denial is not a strategy. Neither is polite subordination, or whitewashing Trumps actions. While some European governments support the concept of transatlantic burden-shifting, they still look to Washington to provide them with a generous five-to-10-year timeframe to build up Europes defence capability, hoping that the US withdraws in good order. This is naive at best. Rather, the assumption must be that Trump has pulled the US defence rug from under Europes feet, and that Europe must stand alone or fail. This means it is imperative for Europeans and Canadians to keep Nato functioning, and to increase Europes capabilities quickly. Currently, the European Union is unable to generate a comparable warfighting capability. If Ukraine is to be supported and Russia deterred, Europe and Canada must accept Trumps decoupling from European security as a fact and start developing a concrete roadmap for a reinvigorated Nato that Europeans will lead in the future. The list of issues to be tackled is hard and long: how can the alliance function in the presence of disruptive US actions, a reduced US force posture in Europe, and a smaller US financial contribution to Natos common, civil and military budgets? How can the allies fill the gaps left by the US in Natos command structure, the alliances vitally important backbone? How can we replace the USs critical strategic battle-winning enablers and, most critically, US troops assigned to Natos battle groups in Poland, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria? And how can we maintain a credible nuclear deterrence posture? open image in gallery Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin pictured during an official meeting in Helsinki in 2018 ( Reuters ) The challenge at hand may look overwhelming. But with sufficient political will, overcoming it is feasible. A European-led Nato command structure could be trimmed down and adapted. A general defence plan, combined with a rigorous exercise programme, could help to gear Natos military posture towards what it must be prepared for in the first place: to fight a modern conventional war across all domains. A much more synchronised capability development programme, worked out in close cooperation with the European Union, could fill gaps in command and control, reconnaissance and surveillance, military mobility, and other areas of European military weakness. Now is the time for action this day, as Churchill would have said. The opportunity presented by the Nato summit in June must not be squandered by supplicant European leaders begging for a sign from Trump that all remains well. That horse has bolted from the stable. Rather, they must present a rigorous strategy for how a Europe that is free and secure from the long-term existential threat posed by Russia can be achieved without US participation. The first step in such a strategy is to provide the means, capabilities and expertise to support Ukraine in defeating Russia, and to provide the country with credible security guarantees. Only when Putin and his successors recognise that Ukraine will never become part of a new Russian empire can there be lasting peace in Europe. open image in gallery European leaders have had years to recognise that the Russian way of war and diplomacy is one that involves the brutal application of raw power and terror ( AFP/Getty ) The way ahead will be hard. European societies must rebuild the resilience they possessed during the Cold War, which will mean sacrifice, hard work, moral courage, and exemplary political leadership. However, the alternatives are grim. Capitulation to the Trump agenda spells suicide for European security and democracy, the rolling back of Nato from its post-1997 boundaries, and the establishment of Putins new Yalta, in which Russia, once again, dominates Eastern Europe. This would mean almost certain war between Europe (and Canada) and Russia. But such a catastrophe is not inevitable if Europe is prepared to fight a second cold war to avoid an even bigger global disaster. As Carl von Clausewitz wrote: The first, the supreme, the most far-reaching act of judgement that the statesman and commander have to make is to establish the nature of the kind of war on which they are embarking. European leaders have had more than three years to recognise that the Russian way of war and diplomacy is one that is based on the brutal application of raw power and terror. Now they must turn the tide. By unleashing the right will, energy and determination, Europe is more than capable of outmatching Russia. Above all, Europeans must believe in their own power. General Sir Richard Shirreff was Natos deputy supreme allied commander of Europe, and Dr Stefanie Babst is a former Nato deputy assistant secretary general Trying on ancient Chinese costumes and recreating classic movie moments in Yinchuan 15:43, May 16, 2025 By Li Zheng, Peng Yukai, Alvaro Lago, Sheng Chuyi ( People's Daily Online Travel through time and become an iconic character. At Yinchuan's Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio, a national 5A-level scenic area, visitors can dress in the costumes of their favorite movie characters and stroll through various filming locations, reliving cinematic history. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang) Close Few aid trucks enter Gaza after Israel's nearly three-months complete blockade On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Benjamin Netanyahu has said that all of the Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control in the end, as dozens more Palestinians are killed in Israeli attacks. On Wednesday, the Israeli prime minister told a press conference that the entire enclave would come under Israeli control eventually, and that Israel had probably killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar after a strike on a hospital in southern Gaza earlier this month. The statement comes as Netanyahu is facing growing international pressure, as the UN warns no humanitarian aid has reached starving Palestinians in Gaza yet - even after an 11-week blockade was lifted this week. Hospital officials said on Wednesday that a newborn baby and several women are among at least 82 people who have been killed in Gaza after Israeli strikes overnight. A nurse has said conditions at Nasser Hospital are beyond critical and the hospital that was once a major lifeline is now barely functioning. Many patients die simply because we cannot treat them in time, the nurse, called Ahmad, told The Independent. Meanwhile, the UK government is facing pressure to sanction ministers in Israels government. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UNs humanitarian chief has warned 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours if more aid does not enter the territory. Tom Fletcher said five aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, a drop in the ocean after an 11-week blockade by Israel, and were yet to reach the communities in need. There are 14,000 babies that will die in the next 48 hours unless we can reach them, he said. open image in gallery Tom Fletcher said thousands of babies could die in the next 48 hours if the do not receive aid ( AP ) We run all sorts of risks trying to get that baby food through to those mothers who cannot feed their children right now because they're malnourished. His comments come after the UK, France and Canada released a joint statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus actions in Gaza, warning the allies would take concrete actions unless he changes course, and calling for an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid. Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney said: We strongly oppose the expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterdays announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. They also warned Israels denial of aid was unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law. Mr Fletcher said they were robust words and a welcome ratcheting up of the international position in an interview on BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Tuesday. He said the UN hopes to get another 100 trucks into Gaza today, loaded with baby food and nutrition. open image in gallery Trucks load with humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip are seen at the Kerem Shalom Crossing in southern Israel, Tuesday May 20 ( AP ) "I want to save as many as these 14,000 babies as we can in the next 48 hours," he said, adding the UN needed to flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. Mr Fletcher continued: We get impeded at every point. But we'll load those up with that baby food, and our people will run those risks. Mr Fletcher said it was utterly chilling number, and the agency faced significant issues trying to reach them but they would keep going. "It will be frustrating, we will be impeded and run huge risks. But I don't see a better idea than getting that baby food in," he said. Asked how the UN worked out that 14,000 babies may die within 48 hours if more aid doesnt reach them, Mr Fletcher said teams on the ground have been working hard in places such as medical centres and schools to assess need. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The leader of Israels opposition party says the governments approach to the war against Hamas risks the country becoming an outcast among nations. The comments from Yair Golan, a retired general and the leader of the Democrats, are rare criticism from within Israel of its conduct in Gaza. A sane country doesnt engage in fighting against civilians, doesnt kill babies as a hobby and doesnt set for itself the goals of expelling a population, Mr Golan told Reshet Bet radio. Many Israelis have criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the war, but that has been mostly limited to what opponents argue are his political motives to continue the conflict. Criticism like Mr Golan's, over the war's toll on Palestinian civilians, has been almost unheard. Mr Netanyahu swiftly hit back against Mr Golan's remarks, calling them wild incitement against Israeli soldiers. open image in gallery A Palestinian man hugs the body of a baby following Israeli overnight airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip, at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, on March 20 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The prime minister accused Mr Golan of echoing disgraceful antisemitic blood libels against the country. Mr Golan joined the fight against raiding militants during Hamass 2023 attack on Israel. He had previously sparked an uproar in 2016 when, as deputy military chief of staff, he compared the atmosphere in Israel to that of Germany under Nazi rule. At least 60 dead overnight Israeli strikes pounded Gaza overnight and into Tuesday, hitting a family home and a school-turned-shelter, and killing at least 60 people, Palestinian health officials said. Israel has launched another major offensive in the territory in recent days, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group. open image in gallery Yair Golan says a sane country ... doesnt kill babies as a hobby ( AP ) More than 300 have been killed since the start of the latest onslaught. Israel says it aims to seize Gaza and hold on to territory there, displace hundreds of thousands of people and secure aid distribution. As the new offensive ramps up, Israel agreed to allow a limited amount of aid into the war-ravaged territory after a two-and-a-half month blockade that prevented the entry of food, medicine and fuel, among other goods. The blockade prompted warnings from food experts of a risk of famine. Mr Netanyahu said he made the decision to let in minimal aid after pressure from allies. Criticism of Israel's conduct intensified Monday when allies Canada, France and the United Kingdom threatened "concrete actions against the country, including sanctions, and called on Israel to stop its egregious new military actions in Gaza. So far, just a handful of trucks have been sent into Gaza, which UN agencies say is nowhere near enough to meet the massive need. Some 600 trucks a day had entered during a ceasefire earlier this year. 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 My friends in Gaza civilians who woke up on 7 October 2023 like the rest of the world, clueless, shocked, and scared are on the run again this week. For the eighth time. Israel bombed the building next to their home last week, blowing their neighbours again, women, children to pieces and burying them under more rubble. Now the Israeli military is issuing new sweeping evacuation orders dangerous directives that make no sense in the nightmare reality on the ground. Under Israels total blockade, these friends struggle to eat, sometimes resorting to rotten food. They struggle to get clean water. They struggle to get nutrients to their young baby. They have lost dozens of extended family members. They have done nothing to deserve this. Amid a level of suffering few have experienced in our lifetime, leaders of Britain, Canada, and France threatened concrete action against Israel if it does not stop its renewed military offensive and lift crippling restrictions on humanitarian aid. Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy followed up this threat, using the House of Commons to launch an excoriating attack on Israels treatment of Gaza using language such as monstrous, dangerous and utterly intolerable. open image in gallery Mohammed Abu Hilal, 2, clings to his mother, Yasmine, inside their tent at the Muwasi camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 18 May 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) This intervention came just a day after Benjamin Netanyahu vowed he was taking control of all of Gaza and an Israeli military spokesperson ominously admitted there was no end date necessarily to their new expanded, ferocious offensive. The total blockade on all aid going into Gaza is so severe that it has put almost all of the 2.2 million population at risk of famine, according to the UNs global food monitor. The impact is so great that it is genocide in action according to Amnesty International. Even the largest group representing the families of the 58 remaining hostages and captives inside Gaza have begged Netanyahu to stop warning that their loved ones will only return in body bags, if they are returned at all. The joint statement by the UK, France and Canada combined with new UK sanctions and suspension of trade talks shows the international community has finally run out of patience with Israel. It is another indication of how the Israeli leader and his extreme-right administration are making Israel a global pariah. London, Ottawa and Paris have said that Gideons Chariot, a new ferocious bombardment, risks breaching international humanitarian law. We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate, the three Western leaders said in a joint missive. They added that they cannot stand by while Netanyahu pursues these egregious actions. Even President Donald Trump, one of Israels closest allies, snubbed him during a glittering (and profitable) first big foreign trip to the Middle East region last week, when he chose not to drop into Israel. open image in gallery A Palestinian man walks on the rubble of the Al-Zainati familys home, destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis on 15 May 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Instead, Trump who at heart is a transactional businessman who markets himself as a president of peace signed trillion-dollar deals with Gulf leaders. He boasted about getting a free plane from Qatar. It hasnt gone unnoticed in Israel where there are increasing concerns that Netanyahu, who slammed the UK, France, and Canada for offering a huge prize for the 7 October attacks, is dragging his population down with him. Even opposition party leader Yair Golan of the Democrats said on Monday, Israels conduct in Gaza risks putting it on a path to becoming a pariah state like South Africa once was, if it does not return to acting like a sane country. As left-leaning Israeli daily Haaretz reported, Golan said, A sane state does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not set goals for itself like the expulsion of a population. Netanyahu dismissed this as wild incitement and declared the Israeli military to be the most moral army in the world, a wild statement in itself that fails to grasp an increasingly defining reality. So the UK has initiated new sanctions and suspended trade talks. But UK politicians wanted more. In a research briefing published in January by the House of Commons, arms export licences should only be granted if it determines there is no clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. After Tuesday, there was even more pressure to review these export licences again. Under one of the last reviews in September 2024, Mr Lammy announced the partial suspension of around 30 licences to Israel. These included components for fighter aircraft F-16s, parts for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), naval systems, and targeting equipment. The UKs arms sales to Israel are small in comparison to the US and Germany, and over time, they have been decreasing in part. According to the House of Commons research briefing, the UK government granted licences valued at 42m in 2022. The value of exports dropped to 18m in 2023. And then between 7 October 2023 and 31 May 2024, the government granted 108 licences for military and non-military controlled goods to Israel. But even after the 2024 suspension, there are still approximately 250 arms licences in place, which could also be reviewed. There is now the global outrage, which will increase the pressure that the UK, Canada and France may put on allies like Germany and the US, the biggest arms suppliers to Israel, to follow suit. Either way, Netanyahu and the extreme-right fanatics in his government are dragging Israels population into a void that they may struggle to get out of. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK, France and Canada are warning Benjamin Netanyahu they will take concrete action unless Israel frees up humanitarian aid and stops its offensive in Gaza. In a joint statement, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney said: we will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. The statement came after Netanyahu said he would resume minimal aid to Gaza following an 11-week blockade, and after Israel expanded its offensive in the territory. But none of the countries have detailed what those actions could be, leaving experts and advocates to call for restrictions on everything from fighter jet part sales to bans from international music events in response. open image in gallery Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip on Monday ( AP ) What sanctions has the UK already placed against Israel? The UK government has not provided lethal or military equipment to Israel since the conflict began with Hamass attack on October 7 2023, which triggered the war. Last September the UK suspended about 30 of the 350 arms licenses for exports to Israel which could be used in military operations in Gaza, including fighter aircraft, parts for unmanned aerial vehicles and targeting equipment. Foreign secretary David Lammy said the decision was taken at the time because of a risk the weaponry could be used to commit a serious violation of international humanitarian law. But fighter jet parts are not included in that suspension, and the government is now the subject of a high court challenge in which human rights groups are arguing the sale of those parts to Israel is unlawful. Separately, the UK, France and Canada have targeted sanctions against Israeli settlers over violent attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and in the joint statement the three countries said they would not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions." open image in gallery Housing destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) What action could the countries take? On Tuesday, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot pointed to existing sanctions on Israeli settlers, and mentioned the possibility of suspending an association agreement between Israel and the European Union, which was proposed by the Netherlands and supported by France. "These agreements have a political dimension and a commercial dimension, so neither Israel nor the European Union have any interest in ending them, but the situation of civilians [in Gaza] forces us to move forward a step further, he said in an interview on Radio France . UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said it was up to the allied nations to decide what actions they needed to take against Israel, but in an interview on BBCs Radio 4 Today programme he pointed to some potential actions. There's a big conference coming up at the end of June, of which several countries may recognise a Palestinian state. Several countries have trade deals. Some countries are still providing arms to this Israeli military offensive. So they do have a toolkit of measures that they could take, he said. open image in gallery UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said there were many actions countries could take to increase pressure on Israel ( AP ) The UK Greens urged the government to immediately cease selling F-35 jet parts to Israel, and said there were many other steps the UK government could take to increase pressure on Israel. The UK must also cease all military collaboration with Israel, including allowing Israeli use of British bases and RAF intelligence flights over Gaza, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said, adding the UK should also exclude Israel from any international sporting or music events. Those comments came as Spains Prime Minister called for Israel to be banned from Eurovision, noting that Russia has been banned from the competition since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. "Nobody was up in arms when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago and [Russia] had to leave international competitions and could not take part, as we have just seen, in Eurovision, he said in a news conference, as reported by the BBC. "Therefore Israel shouldn't either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture." How has Israel reacted? In response, Netanyahu said: By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. He added: This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved. 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 Europe is a dream destination for many Americans. But a trip there could become nightmarish if local customs aren't followed. Luckily, help is at hand for those planning their first visit. We asked two experts on the European way of life to share their advice on eating out in Europe and getting along with the locals in public spaces. The first is Noel Wolf, a linguistic and cultural expert at language site Babbel who grew up in Germany, lived in America and now calls Spain home. The second is Jonathan Kleeman, a UK-based hospitality consultant and sommelier who has worked across the UK and Europe for 18 years. Here they reveal the etiquette around those European kisses, the condiment you should never order and the one American trait that might raise hackles. Don't just pay lip service to greetings open image in gallery Many assume that kissing on the cheek is the go-to greeting all across Europe, but that's not always the case ( Getty Images ) One of the most common mistakes North Americans make when visiting Europe for the first time is misunderstanding cheek-kissing etiquette. Noel explains: "Many assume that kissing on the cheek is the go-to greeting all across Europe, but that's not always the case. In fact, it varies widely depending on the country and even the situation. "For example, in Spain, cheek-kissing usually two kisses: left cheek, then right is very common, not just among friends but often even in professional or casual settings, especially between men and women. "On the other hand, in Germany, cheek-kissing tends to be much more reserved, typically saved for close friends, family, or intimate relationships. "So if you go in expecting a kiss everywhere, you might catch people off guard or feel awkward yourself." So, what's the best approach? Noel reveals: "A lot of Americans get flustered or pull away after one kiss because they're not used to the rhythm or social cue, and that can create an uncomfortable moment. "The best advice? Let the locals take the lead. Watch how people greet each other and mirror what they do. It's the safest way to avoid any awkwardness." Speaking the local language matters The bad news? An understanding of the local language is important. The good news? You don't need to master it to get along with the locals. Noel explains: "Learning the local language matters more than you might think. No one expects you to be fluent just for a vacation, but even learning a few basic phrases can go a long way. A simple 'gracias' in Spain or 'danke' ['thanks'] in Germany shows locals you're making the effort and that effort really counts. "Especially if you're American, you might get extra credit for trying. It's often unexpected, so people are genuinely surprised and usually delighted when you try to speak their language, even if you butcher the pronunciation a little." Jonathan adds that it's important not to overdo it in big cities, though. For example in Paris, he explains, "most people will switch to English anyway, unless you speak decent French". But out in the countryside, "even a bad attempt at French is usually appreciated". Drink in the bar rules open image in gallery Noel explains that while its normal to wave down a bartender in the US, in much of Europe, that's seen as rude ( Dusan Petkovic - stock.adobe.com ) There are a few rules to soak up for North Americans when it comes to bar etiquette. For starters, no waving at serving staff. Noel explains: "In the US, it's normal to wave down a bartender, especially in a crowded place. But in much of Europe, that's seen as rude. The pace is slower, and you're expected to wait your turn no shouting or hand-waving needed." And don't order a bespoke cocktail when you have got the bartender's attention. Jonathan says: "In most bars across Europe, cocktails are made one way, the way the bar does them. If you want something customised, find a proper cocktail bar or a high-end hotel bar. Don't expect every local spot to make your 'special' Martini." There are pitfalls associated with ordering beers, too. Noel adds: "In Germany, a common misstep is asking for 'a beer'. There are so many types Pils, Weizen, Helles, Kolsch, and more that it's a bit like walking into a wine bar and just saying 'red, please'. Be specific or ask what's local." Noel has some tips for Spain, too. She reveals: "Sip on a tinto de verano a light red wine spritz with lemon soda or a glass of Vermouth on ice, especially in Madrid, where it's a weekend tradition. And if you're feeling adventurous, try orujo, a potent grape spirit from northern Spain definitely not for the faint-hearted!" Don't cause a stir with your coffee order open image in gallery In Italy, dont order a cappuccino after noon ( pariwatpannium - stock.adobe.com ) Ordering coffee in Europe can be straightforward, but there are ways for tourists to create a stir. For example, in Italy, cappuccinos are for breakfast, Jonathan points out, adding: "Don't order one after noon unless you want to look like a tourist." Noel agrees: "If you order a cappuccino after 11am, you might get a raised eyebrow. It's considered a breakfast drink, and locals would never dream of drinking one after lunch." Restaurants - a few tips to digest Americans will need to get used to a different pace and style of service in Europe. Noel explains: "One of the biggest surprises for many Americans dining out in Europe is the difference in pace and style of service. Back home, quick, attentive, and efficient service often with a heavy focus on catering to the customer is the norm. But in countries such as Spain, Italy, or Germany, dining is less about rushing and more about savoring the experience. It's more like being a guest in someone's home than simply a customer at a restaurant. open image in gallery In Spain, dinner doesnt start until 8.30 or 9pm. Turn up at 6pm and Americans will face puzzled hosts ( Wojciech Bobrowicz - stock.adobe.com ) "That mindset makes all the difference. Treating servers as hosts rather than just staff can totally change your dining experience. For example, if the waiter takes a smoke break while you're waiting for your check, try not to take it personally it's just part of the more relaxed rhythm of the meal." Noel adds that timings are different, too. "In Spain, timing is key," she says. "Dinner usually doesn't start until 8.30 or even 9pm, so arriving at 6pm often means you'll face empty restaurants and puzzled hosts. It's a big shift from the earlier dinner hours typical in the US, so plan accordingly to avoid disappointment." Jonathan, meanwhile, has some advice about trying to customise your order: don't. He explains: "Customising dishes isn't really a thing. In most of mainland Europe, you order what's on the menu. That's it. The UK's a bit more relaxed. But even there, don't treat menus like a build-your-own adventure." And on that subject, some extra advice on ordering eggs and ketchup. Jonathan adds: "Europe does eggs four ways: fried, boiled, poached, or scrambled. No sunny side up. No over easy. If you ask, expect a confused look. "And never ask for ketchup unless it's for a burger or fries. And honestly, if you're in Italy ordering a burger, you've already gone wrong." Plus, Americans should remember that in France entree means starter or appetiser, not main course like it does in the US. And in general in Europe, starters and the main course are ordered at the same time. Jonathan says: "There's none of this 'we'll decide on mains later' thing. Starters aren't meant to be a separate event, they're there to keep you busy while the kitchen gets your main ready." Dishes to order open image in gallery Linguistic and cultural expert Noel Wolf, from Babbel ( Noel Wolf ) Going with the local flow is the order of the day when eating out. Noel explains: "Europeans eat very seasonally, so what's on the menu often reflects what's fresh at that time of year. It's a good mindset to adopt go with the flow and try what's in season. "In Germany, the classic bratwurst is a must, especially when grilled and served with mustard and a fresh bun. Pair it with a cold Helles, a smooth, golden Bavarian lager that's easy to love. You've also got to try a real Bavarian pretzel crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with just the right amount of salt. For something heartier, order sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast (often beef or venison) that's slow-cooked until tender, served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. "It's rich, comforting, and full of deep flavour." Any tips for what to order in Spain? Noel says: "In Spain, eating is a social event, and tapas culture means you can try a bit of everything. Definitely don't leave without tasting jamon Iberico Spain's prized cured ham. It's richer and more intense than prosciutto, and people take it seriously here. If you're near the coast, order pulpo a la gallega Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil. Or if you're in Valencia, go for the real Paella Valenciana often made with rabbit, chicken, and beans, not just seafood." Public transport - keep the volume down open image in gallery Loud phone calls or big conversations are a no-no on public transport in Europe. Pictured is a tram in Strasbourg, France ( Givaga - stock.adobe.com ) Noel stresses that public transport in Europe tends to be quieter than it is in the States. She says: "Loud phone calls or big conversations can feel disruptive, especially in Germany where people really value personal space and quiet time during their commute. It's worth taking a cue from the locals: if everyone else is silent, it's probably a good moment to turn your volume down, too." Are Americans liked in Europe? Europeans generally love American visitors as long as they keep their voices down. Noel explains: "Most Europeans are friendly and open toward American visitors especially if you're respectful, curious, and make even a small effort to engage with the local culture. But like anywhere, first impressions matter. "A common gripe is that Americans can come across as a bit loud or overly confident in public spaces. It's not always about rudeness it's often just cultural differences. In many European countries, people tend to speak more quietly in restaurants, on public transport, or even in the street. So a booming voice can turn heads fast. The good news? Being aware of this and adjusting a little makes a big difference." For more from Jonathan visit jonathankleeman.com. 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 The worlds northernmost commercial airport, popular with tourists seeking snowy landscapes and Arctic adventures, has warned that its runway is melting due to climate change. The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean, loved for its Northern lights and outdoor activities, from dog-sledging to ice cave exploration, could see its main airport at risk as temperatures continue to rapidly rise. The airport is found in the town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, which is roughly midway between the mainland and the North Pole. Two airlines, SAS and Norwegian, offer year-round flights from the airport to Norways mainland, as well as charter flights and private jets. While tourists continue to flock to the region for adventures in the polar wilderness, the airport has been feeling the effects of climate change within its already fragile landscape. Svalbard Airports singular 2,300-metre-long runway was built upon a layer of permafrost in the 1970s, but decades on, this layer has started to melt. Ragnhild Kommisrud, the airports manager, told CNN that during the summer months, they check the runway meticulously every day, as the soil must subside This is a challenge that we only expect to get worse with time, she said. Global warming is a huge concern to the airport and Svalbard as a whole. Its important to clarify that the melting of permafrost in Svalbard is not caused by local emissions or activity alone but is a direct result of global climate change, she told The Independent. The Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the global average, and this has severe implications for infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities in the region. What we are witnessing in Svalbard is one of the clearest signals of the accelerating climate crisis worldwide. The melting of permafrost has affected structures beyond the airport across Svalbard, with some buildings and infrastructure becoming less stable, with an increased the risk of landslides and avalanches. While Svalbards residential community has been committed to preventing climate change and preserving the natural landscape, until recently, the archipelagos economy had been largely dominated by coal. Over the past decade, coal mining operations have been winding down their production and in 2023, Longyearbyens coal-fired power station was shut down and replaced with a diesel-powered plant. While this new plant still has a high carbon footprint, it has been able to cut carbon emissions by nearly half in the area, CNN reports. Since Svalbard has started to wind back its coal mining operations, tourism has stepped up to be a major economic contributor in the archipelago. Intrepid travellers who prefer to swap a city break for frozen fjords and adventurous activities travel to Svalbard. Svalbard used to be an extreme tourism destination, catering to the most adventurous travellers. It is still pretty niche, but we are becoming more mainstream, says Ronny Brunvoll, CEO of Visit Svalbard, told CNN. Despite limitations such as harsh weather and long stints of darkness over winter, the regions popularity has also meant that overtourism could become a potential threat. Initiatives are already in place to quell tourist impact. To help preserve Svalbard, authorities introduced an environmental tax in 2007 of NOK 105 (7.60) to be paid by visitors. In 2025, new cruise regulations were also put in place with passenger caps of 200 in protected areas. Avinor, Norways government-owned airport operator, which operates Svalbard Airport and more than 40 others, has committed to a wider decarbonisation project. The group said last year that its goal is to reduce its own emissions by 42 per cent in 2030, and is collaborating with the Norwegian aviation sector's goal of being fossil-free by 2050. One of the ways it is venturing towards this goal is by establishing a biogas plant at the airport. The biogas plant hopes to come into service in early 2026, subject to the completion of the ongoing governmental approval process. Tackling the root causes of permafrost melting requires global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Ms Kommisrud added. What happens in the Arctic is ultimately shaped by emissions from all over the world. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Elon Musk made a virtual video appearance at Microsofts annual developer conference, despite being in a legal dispute with the software giant. Last year, Musk sued Microsoft and OpenAI, a company he helped found, over his foundational contributions. He now runs xAI, which developed Grok, a competitor to OpenAIs ChatGPT. Musk revealed at the conference on Monday (19 May) that Microsofts cloud computing platform will now host Grok. I do wanna emphasise we have and will make mistakes, but we aspire to correct them very quickly, he said in the pre-recorded video. The partnership comes just days after xAI had to update the chatbot to stop it repeatedly referencing South African racial politics and white genocide with users of Musks social media platform, X. Sir Keir Starmer has described the level of suffering in Gaza as utterly intolerable. The prime minister told the House of Commons on Tuesday (20 May): "Were horrified by the escalation from Israel. We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages. We repeat our opposition to settlements in the West Bank, and we repeat our demand to massively scale-up humanitarian assistance into Gaza." Sir Keir united with his French and Canadian counterparts to issue a stark warning to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt his egregious actions in Gaza. 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 Thought Europe had the monopoly on stunning museums? Think again. Two U.S museums are among the world's most beautiful, according to a prestigious architecture award, which also lists museums in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and South Korea. The Unesco Prix Versailles competition named the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, on its list of the world's most beautiful museums for 2025. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently unveiled a $150 million refurbishment by Nebraska-based architecture firm DLR Group. open image in gallery The Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently unveiled a $150 million refurbishment by Nebraska-based architecture firm DLR Group ( Kevin G Reeves ) open image in gallery The judges described the Joslyn Art Museum as spectacular ( Nic Lehoux ) open image in gallery The Joslyn Art Museum's campus has three remarkable structures, the Prix Versailles judges said ( Nic Lehoux ) The reimagined attraction has a main building "inspired by the glaciers that shaped the Great Lakes region". Prix Versailles said: "Set on remarkable landscaped grounds, the museum recounts the history of life on Earth, with the Visitor Hall at the centre showcasing its most iconic specimens. "When architecture becomes an expression of the natural world, it fosters a sense of wonder and discovery. That primary mission of any museum is magnificently deployed here in Cleveland." The judges described the Joslyn Art Museum, meanwhile, as "spectacular", explaining that its campus features three "remarkable structures" - the 1931 Joslyn Building, "an Art Deco masterpiece"; the 1994 Walter & Suzanne Scott Pavilion, the first American commission for Norman Foster; and now the 2024 Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, designed by Oslo-based firm Snhetta. Jerome Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, said: "The World's Most Beautiful Museums List for 2025 provides an extraordinary and particularly remarkable survey of the latest museum constructions, representing both the exuberance of youthful creativity and the maturity of the skills that inspire these achievements and make them possible." The Worlds Most Beautiful Museums for 2025 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 Factory buyers and short-term feeders clearly had orders to buy Continentals hit the buffers in a big away as the better types at 300-500kg fell 29-32c/kg to 4.81-4.89/kg. Photo: Roger Jones With numbers continuing to reduce and buyers many of whom have reached the limit of their quota for grass or their budgets considering the consequences of a prolonged dry spell on grass availability, the trend for bullocks under 500kg last week was downwards, and in some instances, severely downwards. On the positive side despite factory rhetoric that prices for beef would not go further, those buying more forward animals for finishing responded by doubling down and driving the market on, especially for the 600kg+ type. Overall, steers under 500kg were back just 8-10c/kg at 4.07-4.10/kg, but continentals hit the buffers in a big away as the better types at 300-500kg fell 29-32c/kg to 4.81-4.89/kg. The majority of cattle for grass have already been sold or shipped, so the quality and numbers of those better types are down. Demand for 300-399kg Angus and Hereford bullocks drove them up 13c/kg overall to 4.27/kg, with the better one rising 4c/kg to 4.78/kg. Bullock prices However, 400-499kg Angus and Hereford fell back by 5c/kg to 4.08/kg, with the top end dropping 10c/kg to 4.46/kg. Heifer prices By contrast poorer dairy cross types actually moved up by 3c/kg to 3.66/kg. Weanling bulls Lesser-quality 300-399kg Friesians gained 12c/kg to average 3.04/kg, while the better one was up 1c/kg to 3.86/kg. Weanling heifers Also holding firm was the better Friesian from 400-499kg as he too gained 1c/kg to settle at 4.00/kg. Overall Friesians under 500kg made 3.48-3.69/kg. Above 500kg it was a different story as continentals gained 18-19c/kg overall to finish the week on 4.50-4.53/kg, with better ones up 13-27c/kg to 4.92/kg showing that factory buyers and short-term feeders had orders to buy. Hereford and Angus rose 4.13-4.24/kg, with the more dairy type up 18-21c/kg to 3.86-3.95/kg. Better-quality Friesians over 500kg also cracked on, reaching 4.07-4.17/kg. Twelve months ago, Maurice Brosnan of Gortatlea was adamant that those who reared their calves would be well paid for their work. He reminded me of this at the weekend as he reported month to month-and-a-half-old Angus heifer and bull calves as selling from 765-835/hd. Twelve months ago those Angus were making 480-550/hd, he said. At the same time reared Friesian bulls were selling from 250-300 last week those bulls were generally making 400-500, with the good one making 550. How does he see the next 12 months panning out for those investing now? A lot of calves are gone out of the country and the beef trade looks promising, he said. The latest Bord Bia data shows that live calf exports for the year to date are up 20,110 or 15pc on the same period last year to 156,060. However, 152,332 calves were shipped to the end of April in 2023, which provides some perspective. The main destinations for Irish calf exports are still the Netherlands and Spain, at 61,816 and 53,667 respectively. Poland and Italy are next accounting for 16,863 and 13,245, while Northern Ireland are fifth on a list of 22 countries that Irish shippers supply, at 6,002. In the know around the marts Gortatlea mart The weather warm helped another series of strong sales last week. Maurice Brosnan said the drive for stock for grass has lifted small cattle 100-200/hd in three weeks. Angus bullocks and heifers made 4.20-4.60/kg, with Herefords at 4.10-4.20/kg and continentals at 4.30-4.70/kg (with the tops hitting 5.00/kg) and Friesian bullocks at 3.70-4.00/kg. Beef cows were up 5-10c/kg with light Friesian types at 3.30-3.50/kg. Demand for calves remained strong with reared Angus and Herefords selling from 765-855/hd. Tullamore mart With 450 cattle presented, bullocks and heifers operated from 4.00-4.50/kg, with the tops at 4.80-5.00/kg demand for heifers was especially strong. The heavy end included 700kg Angus bullocks at 3,180/hd (4.54/kg) and 645kg Angus heifers at 3,180/hd (4.93/kg), while another Angus heifer at 660kg sold to 4.80/kg 3,170/hd. On the store side a 500kg Charolais heifer broke the 5.00/kg barrier at 2,520 while 370kg Limousins bullocks hit 5.13/kg selling at 1,900/hd. Among the Friesians 335kgs sold to 1,180/hd, with 375kgs making 1,300/hd. Ballinasloe mart At Wednesdays sale of 220 cattle, Elish Curley said numbers were holding. Top-end store bullocks headed for 5.50/kg, with two 477kg Limousins making 2,550/hd (5.34/kg) and a 430kg Charolais selling for 2,360 or 5.49/kg. Heifers also sold well as a 365kg Limousin made 5.20/kg or 1,900, with two 555kg Charolais averaging 4.97/kg, while a 680kg Limousin made 3,300 or 4.85/kg. Cull cows peaked 4.08/kg for a 755kg Charolais at 3,080. Kilrush mart There was a smaller entry here last week, with the calf trade holding very strong at up to 640/hd for continentals, with Angus types making 250-460/hd and Herefords 280-640/hd. There was a good number of lighter stock: three 231kg Hereford bullocks hit 1,290/hd (5.56/kg) and 405kg Friesians made 1,450/hd and 282kgs to 1,100/hd. On the heifer side top calls included 510kg Charolais and 520kg Angus at 22,260/hd and 2,120/hd respectively, with 325-425kg Herefords making 1,360-1,980/hd. Raphoe mart Trade was again very strong at Thursdays sale of 303 cattle. Forward bullocks and heifers made 4.00-4.80/kg but the real gravy came among medium and lighter weights. Mid-range continentals reached 5.10/kg off a base of 4.00/kg, with lighter animals peaking at 5.40/kg off a base of 4.20/kg. Angus bullocks and heifers generally sold for 3.70- 4.40/kg, with Friesian bullocks at 2.90-3.60/kg. Cull cows made 1,600-3,540/hd. Farm organisations protest in Dublin over possible CAP changes Flash action planned in opposition to mooted proposal to move CAP budget to a once-off funding model IFA president Francie Gorman will attend the flash action in Brussels in his capacity as vice president of Copa Cogeca Sarah Slater Tue 20 May 2025 at 03:30 Farming organisations are to stage a flash action at the EU Commission offices in Dublin today, warning against plans to strip away the CAP budget in favour of once-off funding to be divvied out by member countries. Crohns disease forced me to give up my dream job patient reveals daily struggle of living with debilitating and incurable illness Danielle Tolan (25) has suffered from physical pain and financial stress due to the chronic condition Danielle Tolan on the day she graduated as a hairdresser Eilish O'Regan Tue 20 May 2025 at 03:30 A young Dublin woman has told how she had to give up her dream job as a hairdresser because of the debilitating symptoms of an incurable disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. The Government is rolling out plans to begin electronically tagging prisoners towards the end of this year in a major initiative to tackle overcrowding in the countrys jails. Efforts are under way to secure a service provider for the monitoring devices, while a multi-agency group has also been established to oversee the project. Confirming the move, junior justice minister Niall Collins said: This initial rollout of electronic tagging is expected towards the end of the year. He said Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan is currently working on the details of the plan, and one of the first steps will be to identify a company that can provide the tags and the monitoring equipment. Mr Collins said the initiative will free up prison spaces and alleviate overcrowding in some areas of the country. At present, prisoners can be allowed out on temporary release and have to sign on at specific garda stations at certain times. They must also in some instances meet with members of the Probation Service while out on temporary release. It is expected that the new tagging system will be monitored by gardai and the Probation Service, while it will also be used for people who are given bail on strict conditions. The latest figures show there are currently 5,348 inmates in Irish prisons, which have capacity for 4,666 prisoners. There are also 398 mattresses on floors, while 566 inmates are on temporary release 113 of whom are serving custodial sentences of six months or more. While the minister and I are both focused on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, we are fully committed to continued investment in our prisons, to ensure that they are modern, fit for purpose and that the prisons have the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts, Mr Collins added. Providing adequate prison capacity is essential for ensuring public safety, facilitating rehabilitation and addressing the needs of individuals within the justice system. We are committed to implementing electronic tagging for appropriate categories of prisoners and Minister OCallaghan is currently working on a project to introduce electronic tagging. An initial rollout of electronic tagging is expected towards the end of the year, following a procurement exercise for an electronic monitoring service provider. Tagging in the UK has come under scrutiny recently following a BBC expose on a breakdown of the system and the wide-scale abuse by prisoners of the early release system. However, the Department of Justice plans to ensure any breaches of the new plan in Ireland will be dealt with by an immediate return to prison and other penalties. In a written Dail reply last week, Mr OCallaghan said that a steering group made up of various agencies has been established to oversee the project and will look at the technology that can be rolled out. A request for information is due to be issued on the market shortly, which he said, will inform the development of a request for tenders in the next few months. Horologist Alison Moriarty in her workshop near Tulla, Co Clare. Photo: Eamon Ward Alison Moriarty, horologist in her workshop near Tulla, Co Clare. Photograph by Eamon Ward Waterford City hosts the International Festival of Time which showcases some of the worlds premier watchmakers. Pictured is Bryan Leech watchmaker, Sidereus Watches from Carlow. Picture: Patrick Browne We often dont give them a second thought in an era of smartphones, but traditional hand-made watches are overdue for recognition as the International Festival of Time comes to Ireland this weekend. Irish watchmakers exhibiting at the event in Waterford city have told of their journeys to become artisans producing timepieces worth up to 5,000 each. Showcasing at the festival, which runs at a number of venues in the city on Friday and Saturday, is a first for Clare-based horologist Alison Moriarty, who runs Moriarty Watches. Straight out of secondary school, I studied for three years at the [now closed] Irish Institute of Horology, in Dublin, she said. From there, I was chosen to study at the Wostep Institute in Switzerland for a six-month intensive course. Wostep (the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme) is an internationally recognised qualification for watchmaking professionals. Ms Moriarty was the only woman on both courses, and when she returned to Ireland and sought out work, she was not offered any watchmaker positions. The roles she worked at in Dublin and Galway were limited to the retail and service departments. While trying to carve out space for herself in a male-dominated field, she felt deflated she had not been allowed to work in a workshop. She then began to work with her husband Mike, who is a quantity surveyor, while still engaging in small projects. However, at 35 she hit a major issue. I became very ill and I ended up in St Vincents Hospital for about two months between the ICU and high dependency unit, she said. They didnt know what was wrong with me, she added. Since then, Ms Moriarty has had numerous diagnoses, such as degenerative bone disease, and battled blood disorders. It is now part of everyday life for her, and she is supported by a team of consultants. But she found her way back to horology, with encouragement from her husband. We then built the workshop on the third floor of the house. I was just doing restorations for myself and doing pieces I liked and selling them on, she said. Soon she started engaging in enamelling, the difficult technical process that creates the clear, smooth and glossy finish of watches. She has since founded her own business, Moriarty Watches, selling timepieces all over the world, from the US to the United Arab Emirates, even counting a rocket scientist from Florida, working for Nasa. She creates made-to-order watches along with bespoke commissions, and each one is unique. Ms Moriarty also now enjoys using social media to connect with other women in the industry. I have noticed there are more women in horology these days I talk to many on Instagram and try to share information. I enjoy it because you like to do a bit more for someone else than what was done for you, she said. Her watches start from 3,500, with her green Hibernia watch a favourite among buyers, along with her Blue Midnight and Winters Night pieces. Bryan Leech, based in Carlow, will also be at the festival. He has been a product designer for more than 40 years, having worked with companies in Ireland and around the world. But he stepped into horology by accident. While attending an exhibition in London in 2014, the product designer was inspired by a talk on horology focusing on Newgrange as the oldest timepiece in the world. From there, he made three prototypes for a show celebrating Irish heritage and design, inspired by Newgrange. At the time he thought nothing more of horology, but his friend encouraged him to go into production. A seed was sown, and four years later, I became an accidental watchmaker, he said. Now Mr Leech, through his company Sidereus, sells watches to the Irish, UK, American and UAE markets. He designs each one while a team of horologists bring them to life. His most expensive watch was a piece with a gold inlay on which he collaborated with watchmaker and goldsmith Mark Wilks. It sold for 5,000. While we might all be stuck to our phones, he still believes there is a unique appeal to watches. Im guilty myself at times of not wearing a watch, and relying on my phone. But there is that fascination out there with all things mechanical. The International Festival of Time will be held in the Irish Museum of Time in Waterford, hosting Irish and international watchmakers. The line-up includes exhibitions, opportunities to meet watchmakers, a panel discussion including Mr Leech and Ms Moriarty, and a keynote address. Teenager Cara Darmody to start 50-hour protest at Dail as child disability assessment waiting list continues to soar A teenage campaigner has urged the Government to stop breaking the law, as the waiting list for assessments of need is projected to soar to almost 25,000 by the end of the year. An assessment of need (AON) is carried out to identify if a child or young person has a disability, and is designed to identify their health needs as well as service requirements. Once the HSE receives an application, there is a legal requirement for the AON to be completed within six months. The total number of applications overdue for completion at the end of March stood at 15,296 an 8pc rise on the end of last year. Last week, the Irish Independent revealed that just 7pc of assessments are being carried out within the legally required timeframe of six months. In response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Alan Kelly, the HSE said that demand for AONs continues to outstrip system capacity, despite increases in activity and commissions from private assessors. The HSE anticipates that by the end of the year there could be as many as 24,796 AONs due for completion. Cara Darmody (14) is staging a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House from 10am today, against the backlog in the system. Cara Darmody The disability rights campaigner will be supported by what she calls her coalition of the willing made up of a combined opposition of Sinn Fein, Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity, Independent Ireland, Aontu and others. Cara, from Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary, said the Disability Act has been broken for almost a decade. It is a national disgrace and an international embarrassment in how we treat children in Ireland with autism or intellectual disabilities. It must end right here, right now. Cara was initially motivated to pursue her advocacy because her two brothers Neil (12) and John (8) have autism and intellectual disabilities. She said they were both failed dramatically by the State in relation to the assessments and services they received. Every single day in our house is a struggle, and my mam and dad often go days without getting any sleep whatsoever. However, she stressed that her advocacy is focused on the national picture rather than solely on her brothers experiences. There are thousands of children rotting on waiting lists and thousands of families who are struggling and too scared to stand up to the Government, she said. The combined opposition will bring a motion before the Dail tonight, coinciding with Caras demonstration, calling for an emergency fund to clear the backlog and to provide children with the assessments they are entitled to. The Government will not oppose the motion, but will promise to bring in wholesale changes to the AON system. Childrens Minister, Norma Foley, is expected to say that legislation will be brought forward this year. Other reforms, including hiring more therapists will be progressed as quickly as possible. Tanaiste Simon Harris is hoping laws which unravel the triple lock will be scrutinised by TDs by the summer recess in mid-July. The laws being brought forward by Minister for Foreign Affairs will remove the veto power countries at the UN Security Council have which means Ireland is stopped from sending peacekeepers on UN missions. Currently, sending more than 12 peacekeepers abroad requires sign off from the triple lock - the Oireachtas, the Government and the UN Security Council. The Government is now proposing to drop the need for the power by the UN Security Council on any missions it wants to take part in. Separately, only a Government decision - and not that of the Oireachtas or the Security Council - is needed to send 12 or less troops abroad. Mr Harris is proposing to increase this number to 50. He is set to write to the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security - chaired by Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh - asking for pre-legislative scrutiny of the laws to be started as soon as possible so it can be completed by the summer recess. The Opposition has criticised the Government for bringing the plans forward and said it is trying to tamper with Irish neutrality. However, the Government has rejected this claim, with a Government source saying this will protect the sovereignty of the Irish Defence Forces. The Government has long signalled its concerns with the current system, as five countries on the Security Council including Russia and China have veto powers. Passing the new laws to unravel the triple lock will be one of the Fine Gael leaders first major moves as Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister. The general scheme of the proposed bill was approved in early March and will be published this week before it is sent into the Oireachtas committee. Previously, the Government has pointed to a security mission in the Mediterranean, Operation Sophia, established by the EU in 2015 which did not have a UN mandate until a year later. This meant Ireland could not take part in it until after the mandate was in place. Government sources also referenced an international maritime intelligence centre supported by the EU which requested a naval service ship to help with maritime drug interdiction operations in 2017. Even though Ireland was one of the intelligence centres founders and a strong supporter, a ship could not be sent over given that there would be no UN mandate for such an operation. More than 2,300 school secretaries have begun a ballot on indefinite strike action in a campaign for "pension justice". A spokesperson at Forsa, which represents school secretaries in primary and secondary schools, said the ballot began today. It is part of a campaign to enable school secretaries to become member of a public service pension scheme. Union officials said they are excluded from the pension scheme despite joining the Department of Educations centralised payroll in 2023. Andy Pike, Forsas head of education, said a union agreement with the department in 2023 successfully standardised pay and conditions for school secretaries, ending years of disparity in pay, contracts, and job security. It was a landmark agreement, marking a major step forward in recognising the critical role of school secretaries in our education system, he said. However, the agreement did not include pension provision under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, and this has left a significant gap in the effort to achieve full equality. Stock image of a school office worker. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th May 2025 He said pension justice is an inseparable part of the process of regularising school secretaries into Department of Education employment. Mr Pike said they must be afforded the same pension entitlements as other public service workers. School secretaries are highly skilled and dedicated professionals, he said. He said they play a central role in the daily operations of every school and provide crucial leadership in every school community. That school secretaries remain excluded from the public service pension scheme undermines the progress already made, he said. He said the ballot reflects members determination to see the process through to its conclusion. Mr Pike said Forsa is urging the Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to re-engage meaningfully on the matter. A fair and equitable resolution must be reached, he said. School secretaries deserve to be treated in the same way as other public service workers under the departments remit. The ballot will end on Tuesday, June 11. The departments of education and public expenditure and reform have been contacted for comment. A Labour TD has said a decision by the Social Democrats to replace their spokesperson on foreign affairs is hard to fathom. The Social Democrats last week replaced Dublin Rathdown TD, Sinead Gibney, as its foreign affairs spokesperson with Senator Patricia Stephenson. The party said it was due to Senator Stephenson being put on the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee. However, Labour TD George Lawlor said the Social Democrats have questions to answer over the reappointment. The notion that she would be removed so early into her spokespersonship, to me, is a bit hard to fathom. I would be very impressed by Sinead Gibneys performance to date, he said. There certainly are a number of questions to answer in relation to it. Mr Lawlor said political parties spent months debating over which TDs are in or out of Government during the speaking rights debacle but said this was turned on its head with the Social Democrats. This was in reference to the party using their TD, Eoin Hayes - who was suspended from the party over controversy with declaring shares in a company which is linked to Israel - to get a second committee chairperson role at 10,000 per year. I think the Social Democrats have made some strange decisions in the past number of weeks, said Mr Lawlor. We spent weeks and months debating about whether youre in or outside of Government, that seemed to be turned on his head within the Social Democrats, it was thought you were either in or outside the party. But when it comes to facilitating the party, you could be in or out for other reasons. Ms Gibney is one of the most outspoken TDs in the Dail on Gaza and Mr Lawlor said she is an extremely talented parliamentarian. This was echoed by her own party colleague, Rory Hearne, who said she was exemplary in her work and really, really impressive. Mr Hearne said she was moved due to a change in committees. We were appointed out different spokesperson roles from the outset and the expectation was when committees were appointed, which was expected to happen quite quickly, which didnt of course, that there might be some change. And there was some change as a result of Patricia getting that. But Sinead will still speak, as I will, on Gaza, on foreign affairs, in the Dail, in the public and speak very well, as she has done so far, he said. He said the party has not been damaged on the issue of Gaza due to the Eoin Hayes controversy as well as the removal of Ms Gibney. We have been really consistent and one of, if not the strongest voice on Gaza, he said. Senator Stephenson is now the partys foreign affairs spokesperson, while Ms Gibney is the spokesperson for enterprise, tourism and employment, arts, media, communications, culture, sport and defence. Last week, Ms Gibney said she is "thrilled" to have gotten the chance to be the foreign affairs spokesperson for the party. "I'm delighted to hand it over to [Patricia Stephenson]," she said in a video posted on social media. "I know that Gaza in particular is a hugely important topic for everybody right now, so it is important to say this is not going to stop me or any other member of the parliamentary party continuing to work on Gaza and hold this Government to account on its inaction." Military vehicles drive from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border into Gaza, as seen from Israel (REUTERS/Amir Cohen) Children are on the brink of starvation in Gaza as a consequence of Israel's blocking of humanitarian aid, along with food, water and medicines, the Dail was told today. "More than 500 people have been slaughtered in Gaza in recent days alone," Mary Lou McDonald said, adding that the Irish Central Bank "oversees the sale of Israeli war bonds... directly used to fund the genocide in Palestine. The Sinn Fein leader said: "Israel acts with impunity because it can and because the world refuses to act. Ireland cannot be complicit any longer in the funding of this genocide. The Taoiseach said what is happening in Gaza is "absolutely appalling." He quoted a British surgeon working in Gaza, Dr Tom Potokar, who said "if Cambodia was the killing fields, then Gaza now is the slaughterhouse." What is happening to innocent civilians in Gaza "is beyond any moral compass," Mr Martin said, "particularly the children who are being slaughtered and who are starving. It needs to come to an end. "The weaponisation of aid is a war crime and I said that. It is very regrettable that you say the Irish Government is funding genocide. You do it for politics but it lacks sincerity. The Central Bank, it operates under European regulations. "It does not have the authority to do what the deputy says it should do. It is fundamentally wrong to take those tactics, I find it morally repulsive as well." Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik commented: "The news from Gaza is getting worse and worse each day and as famine takes hold. "We all fear that Israel's announcement that it will allow aid into Gaza is as illusory as it was the last time. Gaza needs 600 trucks every day and just five have been let through. "Meanwhile, more and more children are being killed and maimed with surgeons speaking about the horrors of having to amputate the limbs of tiny children. "Whole families have been killed under this brutal, genocidal bombardment. The human suffering in Gaza requires us to do all we can in our power." She called for a timeline for the passage of the Occupied Territories Bill, "behind which we can all unite." The Taoiseach said Ireland intended to continue to work with like-minded States. He noted that there is a conference coming in June in New York, organised by a number of countries - France, in particular. "Ireland will be there to support the initiatives that will be taken at that particular conference." The questioning in the Dail comes as Israel showed no sign of responding to allies' calls to halt its new military offensive in Gaza. Health officials said airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians overnight, but Israel said it was allowing in dozens more trucks of aid. The strikes came as Israel pressed its war against Hamas despite mounting international condemnation. Israel launched another major offensive in the territory in recent days, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group. More than 300 people have been killed in Gaza during the latest onslaught, according to health officials. Dozens of aid trucks began entering Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing this afternoon, Israel's foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said. They included flour for bakeries, food for community soup kitchens, baby food and medical supplies. Organisations in Gaza did not immediately confirm whether they had received supplies. Mr Marmorstein said Israel would continue to allow dozens of trucks carrying humanitarian aid per day - far less than the 600 per day that entered during the latest ceasefire. Israel has agreed to allow a "minimal" amount of aid into the territory of more than two million people after a nearly three-month blockade that prevented the entry of food, medicine and fuel, among other goods. The blockade prompted warnings from food experts of a risk of famine. The first few trucks entered yesterday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he made the decision to let in minimal aid after pressure from allies, who he said could not support Israel so long as "images of hunger" were coming out of Gaza. Criticism of Israel's conduct intensified yesterday when allies Canada, France and the UK threatened "concrete actions" against the country, including sanctions, and called on Israel to stop its "egregious" new military actions in Gaza. Mr Netanyahu rejected the criticism, saying it was "a huge prize" for Hamas's attack on October 7 2023 that would invite more such violence. The UK government today announced that it was suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and was levelling new sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank. "I want to put on record today that we're horrified by the escalation from Israel," UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer told the parliament. Israel's Marmorstein called the new sanctions "unjustified and regrettable" and claimed Israel and the UK had not been talking about free trade. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot denounced the Israeli government's "blind violence" in Gaza that he said has turned the Palestinian territory into a "place of death". Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, said the world body had received approvals for about 100 trucks to enter Gaza. The UN says that amount of trucks is just a "drop in the ocean" of what is needed. Over recent days, strikes have pounded areas across Gaza and Israel has issued evacuation orders for Gaza's second-largest city, Khan Younis, which endured a previous offensive that left vast destruction. In the latest strikes, two in northern Gaza hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 22 people, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A strike in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 13 people, and another in the nearby built-up Nuseirat refugee camp killed 15, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Two strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis killed 10 people, according to Nasser Hospital. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because the group operates in densely populated areas. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others. The militants are still holding 58 captives, around a third believed to be alive, after most of the rest were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel's retaliatory offensive, which has destroyed large swathes of Gaza, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. The Spanish public broadcaster has also called for an audit after surge in televotes RTE has sought a breakdown in Eurovision voting numbers from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The request comes after Spains public broadcaster RTVE called for an audit after a surge in audience votes for Israels entrant Yuval Raphael in the final at the weekend. VRT, the Flemish public broadcasting company, has also publicly raised concerns over the voting process. The Irish televote awarded Israel 10 points for Raphaels song New Day Will Rise while the jury awarded seven points. A spokesperson for RTE said: "RTE has requested a breakdown in voting numbers from the EBU and its voting partner Once. "RTE looks forward to participating in the discussions and review of last weekends 69th song contest. Israel's Eurovision entrant Yuval Raphael. Photo: Getty Emmy on not getting through to Eurovision Grand Final Belgium and Spains televoters both awarded Israel 12 points, while the juries gave the country zero points. RTVE also showed a title card in support of Palestine during the broadcast of the grand final. Israel came second in the grand final on Saturday night, with Austrian entrant JJ winning the overall contest with his operatic techno song Wasted Love. On Tuesday, a number of opposition TDs urged RTE to review the votes. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said it was an incredible situation that a genocidal state was being normalised. He said: It has everything to do with politics and by Ireland participating, we are legitimising this normalisation effort. We think there needs to be a full boycott of Israel. I am aware there is suspiciously high votes for Israel in a range of countries. There should be an audit of the public votes. Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne also said Israel should be banned from Eurovision, as Russia had been. A spokesperson for the EBU said it took complaints seriously and would continue to engage with participating broadcasters. An EBU statement said: We can confirm that we have been in touch with RTVE and several other broadcasters since Saturdays grand final regarding voting in the competition. "Now the event has concluded, we will have a broad discussion with participating broadcasters, to reflect and obtain feedback on all aspects of this years event as part of our planning process for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest next year. Our voting partner Once has confirmed that a valid vote was recorded in all countries participating in this years grand final and in the rest of the world. Ireland did not make it to the final this year and this was reflected in the Irish TV viewing figures. The final was watched by an average audience of 268,000 and had a 30pc share of viewers. The previous year when Ireland came sixth in the final an average of 666,000 viewers tuned into RTE One. In 2023, the average viewing figures were 362,000. Israeli contestant Ms Raphael is a survivor of the Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival on October 7. She escaped death by hiding under the bodies of others. During her performance, two protesters attempted to rush the stage in the arena but were stopped by security. In Basel, there were protests over Israels participation but these were on a far smaller scale than those held in Malmo the previous year at the 68th song contest. Spain's entry, Esa Diva by Melody, finished in 24th place on Saturday night while Belgium did not qualify for the final. Next year, the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision will be held in Austria. 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 A community in Armagh has been left shaken following the death of a young man in Australia. James Kelly, from Armagh city, died in a road collision in Perth on Saturday. A funeral notice described James as the beloved son of Catherine and Jim, a cherished brother to Natalie, and a dearly loved grandson of Tommy, the late Marie Hagan, and the late Art and Mary Kelly. Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, Sarah Duffy, said the devastating news has shaken our community. She said: I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of James Kelly, a young man from Armagh City, who lost his life while in Australia. This devastating news has shaken our community, and my heart goes out to all who knew and loved him. James was a bright and cherished young man who had his whole life ahead of him, and his loss will be felt by many. Ms Duffy said her thoughts were with the family at this unimaginably difficult time. "No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in the love and support that surrounds them, she added. On behalf of the people of Armagh and the wider district, I extend my deepest condolences to the Kelly family. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. Tributes have poured in on social media following news of his death. In a statement a spokesperson for Cuchulainn Hurling Club in Armagh said: It is with immense sadness that the committee and members of Cuchulainn Hurling Club have learned of the sudden passing of James Kelly in Australia, son of our esteemed vice chair and club stalwart Jimmy, and we wish to tender our deepest sympathies to him, his wife Catherine, daughter Natalie, and the entire Kelly and Hagan family circle. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time. A spokesperson for Armagh Harps GFC added: Sincere condolences to the Kelly family, Cuchulainn Hurling Club and James many friends following his sudden passing. Others also took to social media to offer condolences. A spokesperson for Mount St Catherines Primary School in Armagh said they were very sorry to hear this sad news adding that James was a wonderful young man. A former teacher said: My goodness. I taught James for two years. A wee gentlemen. Too young. Very hard to comprehend. Another mourner on social media posted. Heartbreaking news, rest in peace James. Such a lovely lad deepest condolences to Cathy, Jim and Natalie. Tony Wheeler, the 78-year-old co-founder of Lonely Planet, shares his no-go destinations Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler has revealed four locations to which he will not return any time soon. In a blog titled Im Not Going There Anymore, the 78-year-old adventurer puts the worlds biggest country at the top of his no-go list. He writes: Im not going back to Russia for certain, as long as theyre buddying up with North Korea and the US to attack Ukraine. And as long as Putin continues to kill innocent people. There have been untold numbers of Ukrainian deaths of course, but also there were 27 Australians amongst the 298 innocent passengers and crew on Malaysia Airlines MH17 which Putins boys shot down in 2014. Mr Wheeler is a dual Australian and British citizen. Next on his list: Saudi Arabia, which is investing tens of billions of dollars in a bid to become a leading tourist destination. The Lonely Planet co-founder writes: So many reasons I never want to go there anymore, whether its murdering journalists (Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul) or check The New York Times for the report on Saudis murdering East African domestic workers. Lonely Planet co-founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler. Photo: Tony Wheeler Or on my own travels to Somaliland in 2022 I encountered cheetahs saved from being shipped to Saudi Arabia to be kept as pets, and then killed when they grew too large. Who knew Somaliland had cheetahs? Who would be so stupid to think they might make good pets? Saudi Arabia? No thank you. Mr Wheeler visited Saudi Arabia in 2002 and Russia in 2013. He was last in the US in December 2024, after Donald Trump had been elected for a second term as president but before he took office. Tony Wheeler in Madrid, in 2023. Photo by David Benito/Getty Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th May 2025 The adventurous septuagenarian writes: I was sort of ticking off states until Id been to all 50. Last year I added Missouri and South Carolina to my checklist, the year before Montana, leaving only three states to go: Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi. But right now with the orange one (AKA Liz Trump, or even Donald Trump to some people) and his associated scoundrels running the place I really dont want to go there anymore. "Despite having spent nearly 10 years of my life living in the US (Midwest, East Coast, West Coast) and despite having many American friends, Im currently happy to leave the US at the bottom of my dance card. "As long as Trumpistan is shoulder to shoulder with Russia and North Korea in causing chaos in the world, quite apart from crazy tariffs sorry, but no thanks. Tony Wheeler and Pol O Conghaile at Lonely Planet's 50th anniversary celebrations in London The fourth destination on Mr Wheelers no-go list is Bali though he concedes: 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. Bali has great places to stay, wonderful art and dance, terrific food, great shopping if thats your thing, but no way I ever want to spend another two hours of my life travelling between the Kuta beach strip and Ubud. Tony and Maureen Wheeler, founders of Lonely Planet, sold the company to the BBC in 2007. When Im not driving a Dublin Bus, I work as a shamanic practitioner, helping people to heal Gary Quigley (48) is furthering his practice by heading away to work with tribes in the Andes and Amazon rainforest this September Gary Quigley has felt a connection to spirits since childhood. Photo: Gerry Mooney Gary Quigley Tue 20 May 2025 at 03:30 Looking back on it, the path with shamanism started off at a young age. When I was a child, it was around seeing spirits and hearing bits and pieces, but I didnt know what it was. Ksenia Samotiy: Eurovision without politics is impossible, so why did its organisers get it so wrong again? By pretending that acres of glitter and choreographed smiles can paper over occupations, bombings and annexations, we are complicit in a cheap act of blissful denial Israels Yuval Raphael stormed the public vote with 297 televote points to come second overall. Photo: AP Ksenia Samotiy Mon 19 May 2025 at 05:00 Donald, youre confusing Eurovision with Nato, quipped the comedian Cody Dahler in a sketch about a Trump adviser trying to stop the president entering Eurovision. One experience is a lot of explosions, fighting and ugly politics the other is Nato. Despite the bluster, all but the blinkered still felt that in a globalised world, Brexit was always more likely to be a stop on the line, rather than a final destination for Britain. With the second coming of Donald Trump, even doubters came on board, seeing there was safety in numbers. So the agreement between the EU and UK will be regarded as a welcome reset in relations given the need for closer cooperation on security. As one commentator put it nine years after Brexit: Its a cold world out there. We need to huddle together. Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine and Mr Trumps refusal to underpin European security catapulted defence back to the top of the agenda. The fact that the Brussels-London agreement included a defence and security pact reflected the new threat. Britain can now be part of any joint procurement, and British firms may take part in a 178bn programme to re-arm Europe. After a two-hour telephone call with Putin, Mr Trump said Russia and Ukraine would immediately start ceasefire negotiations. But from Moscow we got another meandering stream of maybes. We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord, defining a number of positions, such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, Putin said. Ukraine will be deeply concerned. Being the last one to have Mr Trumps ear can be critical. Patience is said to be wearing thin in Washington. An aide to the president said he is weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict. Mr Trumps credibility is on the line when it comes to finding a solution on Ukraine. He said he would have a peace deal a day after he entered the Oval Office. By February it would be a matter of weeks. So far, neither Mr Trump nor any of his advisers have managed to find any appropriate levers to exert real pressure on Putin to make him compromise. This is the third time, that we know of, that the two leaders have spoken by phone since the US presidents inauguration in January, yet all the talks have achieved is to confer credibility and recognition on Putin, a hitherto international pariah. Kremlin-watchers had long predicted that Putin would give Mr Trump the run around. The fear remains that Washington will back a punitive deal and leave Kyiv, and the EU, out on a limb. This would reward the aggressor and punish the victim. It would also send a signal to autocrats around the world to grab what they can, with impunity. Moscow has been let do what it wants, not sparing Americas blushes in ignoring ceasefire appeals. Meanwhile, Kyiv has been harassed and harried into making concessions. This is a watershed moment for Ukraine, and for all who believe in the inviolability of borders, human rights and global stability. A pathologist was unable to determine a cause of death for Tina Satchwell (45) because of the skeletonised, badly decomposed and partly mummified condition of her remains which were excavated from underneath the stairs of her Cork home over six years after she vanished. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the Central Criminal Court murder trial of Richard Satchwell (58) that she performed a post mortem examination on Ms Satchwell's remains at the Cork University Hospital (CUH) morgue on October 12/13, 2023, after her body was fully excavated from a clandestine grave at her Youghal home. The remains were largely skeletonised, badly decomposed and were, in parts, mummified. "The cause of death, due to the very long post mortem interval, could not be determined. The cause of death is undetermined," she said. Dr Bolster, who has performed over 30,000 post mortem examinations, was giving evidence on the 15th day of Mr Satchwell's murder trial in Dublin. Mr Satchwell has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Tina at a time unknown on March 19/20, 2017, at his home at No 3 Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork contrary to Common Law. Today on the Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent, to discuss the latest updates from day 13 of the murder trial of Richard Satchwell. You hear the name Christy Kinahan Sr and you immediately think of words like crime, gangland, violence, drugs and cartel. You likely dont think of poetry or prose. However, the man who became known as The Dapper Don nursed a passion for literary creativity while behind bars in Portlaoise Prison. In an incredible twist worthy of any decent work of fiction, Kinahan Sr began to write original work under a playful pseudonym Cian Sharkhin, an anagram of his own name. As it turned out, he found another use for his alias once he left prison behind. Today on The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Fergus Shiel, Managing Editor of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, to hear about the surprising side-hustle of Christy Kinahan Sr, and why he was inspired by, of all things, Dumbo the Elephant. A judge in Co Donegal has ordered an arrest warrant to be issued for an aspiring Donegal jockey who failed to complete his community service. Oran Brown (24) with an address at Coolatee, Lifford but is believed to be living in England, was convicted in court in October 2023 after being caught with over 11,000 worth of drugs at his home on June 25, 2020. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a prison sentence. However, at a previous Circuit Court hearing, it emerged Brown has not undertaken the hours. The court heard Brown was not complying with his community service order and was in fear of third parties over a drugs debt. The case was adjourned until May 20, 2025 to allow for contact to be made. However, the case was brought back before court on Tuesday where a probation officer explained that numerous attempts to contact Brown had been made but were unsuccessful. The court heard Brown had not been in contact with authorities and there had been no communication from him. The probation officer explained letters had been sent to Brown, including registered post. Judge Aylmer said he was satisfied that Brown was aware the case had been re-entered before the court and he issued a warrant. At a previous hearing, Judge John Aylmer told Brown he was lucky to escape a custodial sentence. For the possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling or supplying, Brown was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for three-and-a-half years with Brown entering a 100 bond to keep the peace. On the charge of unlawful possession of cocaine, Brown was sentenced to 16 months in prison, but was ordered to do 240 hours of community service in lieu of the prison sentence. He was given 18 months to complete the service. At the sentencing, the court heard that Gardai had received confidential information in relation to the defendant and a search warrant was granted for his residence. On June 25, 2020 at around 12.30pm, Gardai attended the address and observed two men sitting in a car outside the property. The man in the passenger seat was identified as Brown. Access was granted to Gardai through an unlocked door and Brown entered the home and admitted to having controlled drugs in the house. Brown pointed out several locations where the drugs were hidden. Gardai observed a strong smell of Cannabis coming from Browns bedroom and a large quantity of drugs were found. In total, detectives seized 433.4 grams of cannabis worth around 8,668, while 35.783 grams of cocaine estimated to have a street value of 2,504.81. A zopiclone tablet, valued at 2, was also found during the search. The drugs had a combined total of 11,174.81. A grinder, weighing scales and ziploc bags were also found. A line of suspected cocaine was found on the dresser, while cocaine was also found inside a safe. Also in the safe was cash to the value of 7,225 and 2,480. Brown was searched and a cylinder with cannabis and a grinder was found on his person. He was arrested and taken to Letterkenny Garda Station. During interview, Brown told Gardai he had been working in England as a jockey but had returned home and had been living with this grandparents and worked with a company in Strabane. He told Gardai he smoked a lot of weed and sniffed cocaine. Brown said the drugs were for his own personal use, but added, I sold a few bags of weed too. When questioned about the cash, he said it had been his birthday and he was given money by family members. Brown refused to give Gardai the pin to his mobile phone and said there was stuff on the phone he did not want them to see. Detective Garda Kelly said Gardai were unable to access the data from his phone as the PIN was not provided. He said there may be messages about weed, but not about the sale of cocaine. The court heard Brown has no previous convictions and he had not come to adverse attention since. Barrister for Brown, Mr Peter Nolan BL, said his client had co-operated with Gardai and had pointed out where the drugs were, took responsibility and did not try to blame anyone else. Mr Nolan said Brown had been accepted as an apprentice jockey on the flat but his weight had got the better of him. Mr Nolan said Brown had been using cocaine to help stabilise his weight, adding this is an ongoing problem within British horseracing and regular drugs testing procedures have now been introduced. Mr Nolan said Brown had great ambition to be a flat race jockey but his weight could not be controlled and this is how he came to be involved in cocaine and ended up where he is now. When it appeared that Brown would not be successful, he returned home around six months before the offence. The court heard that Brown, at that time, was living in England and is a conditional jockey riding under national hunt rules, which has a higher weight restriction for jockeys. A probation report was submitted to the court and detailed that Brown had shown deep remorse and shame. Mr Nolan said Brown had a good future ahead of him as a national hunt jockey and asked the court to be as lenient as possible adding he has learnt a serious lesson and it was stupidity that led him to these circumstances. Following the sentencing, Judge John Aylmer said he was very fortunate to escape a custodial sentence. A destruction order was made for the cash and drugs. Legal impasse over landing permits threatens UNESCO site's summer visitors as local operators propose compromise to government body in bid to resume operations Several options have been presented to the Office of Public Works (OPW) in a bid to allow one of Kerrys top tourist attractions to reopen. Following the devastating news last week that the Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain closed for at least another two weeks, amid a legal row over landing permits, it has now emerged that the three local boatmen involved have made an open offer with several resolutions, that they say would allow the situation to be resolved. Sinn Feins Pa Daly blasts Kerry government representatives over delays in vital housing turnaround Sinn Fein Deputy Pa Daly has called on the government to urgently address the 65 week turnaround of vacant council houses in Kerry the longest of any county in Ireland. Deputy Daly stated that in the midst of a housing crisis when people are on waiting lists for years, 65 weeks is absolutely scandalous. He said a situation where 4.3 percent of council homes currently idle will remain that way for over a year is an unacceptably long reletting time. Deputy Daly said turnaround in other counties is much quicker, citing Sligo and Carlow as examples where it takes an average of 16 weeks and 18 weeks respectively. While this is still too long, it is clear that the people of Kerry are really being let down, Deputy Daly said. "With two ministers and two other government and government supporting TDs representing them, youd think the county would be faring a little better. Government should be doing everything in their power to reduce this, he added. Deputy Daly spoke of constituents waiting years on the social housing list, many of whom are parents with children while others are elderly. Some are younger people who are forced to live in a state of arrested development with their parents at home, he said. With figures like this is it any wonder that the housing crisis keeps getting worse and homeless numbers continue to sky rocket. With the recent changes to social housing acquisitions, including the tenant-in-situ, things are only going to get harder for people, Deputy Daly added. He said in almost all cases there has been a significant cut on 2024 expenditure that is impacting on tenant-in situ, housing first, vacant homeless, buy and renew and right sizing acquisitions. The knock on effect is that some purchases even those at an advanced stage will now not proceed. We are in a housing emergency and the government continue to act as if everything is normal, he said. Maybe crisis is normal to them but when I see the devastation this is causing, I am compelled to act. I am calling on the government, in particular Kerrys representatives, to address this situation urgently, Deputy Daly said. Tralee Musical Society were delighted to reveal this week that they had received four nominations for their recent smash hit and sold out production of The Clockmakers Daughter. The show, which was staged in Siamsa Tire in Tralee over the course of a week back in April, was an original fairytale that is set in a small Irish town of Spindlewood in the late 19th century. Spindlewood was home to Abraham Reed, a talented clockmaker. A master of his craft, his work was lauded far across the seas. Distraught after the untimely death of his young daughter, Abraham sets about capturing her image in clockwork; building a young girl so unquestionably real that even he is unable to fathom her making. On winding her, Abraham realises he has created something somewhat more than a machine. Constance, as he names her, can move, talk and even think. Terrified of being discovered, Abraham gives Constance one rule; to remain hidden from the outside world at all times. But the young creation, full of child-like curiosity and frustrated with her limited existence, quickly forms other plans. Constance finds friendship, love and eventually jealousy as she encounters the people of Spindlewood. All fairytales must end and ours does so in present day, where a statue of a young girl stands, fixed, in the middle of Spindlewoods town square as some locals ponder the question, what became of the clockmakers daughter? Speaking after the nominations were announced, Emma Quirke from the Tralee Musical Society told The Kerryman that the entire group is very proud and over the moon at the success of the play. We are very proud and over the moon to announce that we have been nominated in the following categories: Best Overall Show, Best Director - Oliver Hurley, Best Stage Management - Des Hurley & Best Actress - Helena Brosnan Donnellan. These nominations are a significant recognition of the outstanding talent, creativity, and dedication that went into the production which was a sell out production, Emma said. We are honoured to be recognised alongside such incredible productions. These nominations are a testament to the hard work and passion of our cast, crew, and creative team, she continued. Winners will be announced on Saturday June 14 in the INEC Killarney at the annual A.I.M.S (Association of Irish Musical Societies) Awards Weekend. Gardai are investigating after five tonnes of Lego and school books, donated by children across Ireland and destined for a rural parish in Malawi were stolen in Laois. Hundreds of children from around Ireland from dozens of school generously donated the Lego and books, and they were due to be delivered by humanitarian workers and siblings Evin and Ailbhe Joyce, from Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms. Tipperary residents face ongoing water disruption as Uisce Eireann battles supply issues, with one local reporting over 20 outages in 18 months and a primary school forced to send home 100 pupils Around 100 pupils had to be turned away from Monard national school in west Tipperary on Friday, May 16, due to water problems which become a recurring frustration for residents in the area. As Uisce Eireann battles to restore water supplies to thousands of customers across south Tipperary, at least 100 pupils had to miss school last week and one local resident has shared what its like to have water disruption more than 20 times in 18 months. As of Monday, May 19, Uisce Eireann is working to fix an issue affecting users on the Seskin Regional Water Supply Scheme, Carrick-on-Suir, in Tipperary. The affected areas include Greenhills Village, Carrickbeg, St Mollerans, Mountain Road, Seskin, Castle Heights, Woodland Heights, Friary Heights, Abbey Heights, Carrick-on-Suir, and surrounding areas. Water service crews have been dispatched and are carrying out the required repair. Every effort is being made to complete this work as quickly as possible, said a spokesperson. Following repair works, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network. Separately, Uisce Eireann water crews worked over the weekend to restore normal water supply to those served by the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme, following a third burst on the same network in quick succession. While supply has returned to the majority of customers, those at the outskirts of the network and those on higher ground may experience low pressure as water begins to return. Alternative water supplies will remain in place in Emly, Limerick Junction, and Cullen until Tuesday morning. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure. Pierce Faherty, operations lead at Uisce Eireann, said: Following a third unplanned outage on the Galtee Supply on Saturday evening, our water services crews were dispatched immediately. The team made every effort to restore supply as soon as possible, and repairs were completed on Sunday. Water tankers will remain in place until Tuesday morning in Emly, Limerick Junction, and Cullen. '20 times in the last 18 months': Resident shares frustration Local resident Mattie OGrady explained that the water outages are so very common but very disappointing and disruptive for so many. We have been experiencing water issues or lack for some time now in Tipperary, I believe over 20 times in the last 18 months off and on. Just today for the second or third time in our national school alone, Monard, all 100 plus students had to be turned away again this morning on arrival over the water disfunction, said Mr OGrady on Friday night. At home, each time our water in Ballykisteen goes, and subsequently returns, it takes several days for the water to clear. The constant disruptions affect our water systems and interfere with our boiler and pumps each time. "Luckily this time I was working from home, but for many parents this morning, the disruption caused untold difficulties for work and child care. This is just one primary school, not sure how many others were affected. Not a once off either, I feel that people in the Galtee water district are resigned to this service but really it is not acceptable. It is older and vulnerable people also we must think off, the supply of water tankers in Emly and Cullen doesnt cut it either, especially for people who need to travel there. Also, regarding waste water, we have a septic tank we need assistance with to turn to using a mains water sewerage scheme system passing our house, but to get to speak to someone in Irish Water is impossible. They will redirect me to Tipperary County Council and they again direct us back to Irish Water. Another symptom of lack of adequate drinking water and sanitation ownership. A spokesperson for Monard NS confirmed they had to turn away around 100 students on Friday, and said that while it doesnt happen too often, there does seem to be an issue with the water in this area. Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Eireann can receive direct communications from the company for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. A customer care helpline is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278, and customers can also contact Uisce Eireann on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, customers can consult the water supply and services section of the website, water.ie. Uisce Eireann also has a free text service that provides real-time updates on local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the website. Hollywood and Broadway favourites, along with enchanting piano quintets, are among the line up for the prestigious New Ross Piano Festival in Co. Wexford this September. Featuring a stellar cast of big names, familiar faces and rising stars, the New Ross Piano Festival returns on September 24 and will run until September 28 in St Mary's Church, New Ross. With nine concerts, the 2025 Festival provides opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience a variety of piano music and enjoy brilliant performances by renowned solo pianists, duos and quartets. Opening this year's festival on Wednesday, September 24, the Young Pianists Concert will showcase the talent of local young musicians, many of whom take to the stage of St Mary's Church for their first public performance on a magnificent Steinway D piano. The 'doyen' of Irish Piano, John O'Conor returns to New Ross on Thursday, September 25, with a programme infused with well-known classics, featuring Schubert and Beethoven, among others. In addition to world class performances, this year's Festival will offer visitors the opportunity to engage with artists in a free, collaborative masterclass with John O'Conor and two lucky young pianists on Friday afternoon, September 26. Continuing the festival's tradition of celebrating emerging talent, three young competition winners will perform in the ever popular Coffee Concerts. Young Irish pianist David Vesey will kick off the Coffee Concerts that day with a selection from his Carolan CD. Malaysian pianist Magdelene Ho, who stole the hearts of the jury at the 2023 Clara Haskil competition in Switzerland, and Japanese pianist Shunta Morimoto, who carried off the first prize in Hastings in 2022, will also perform over the long weekend. One of the highlights of the festival is the performance by our Artistic Director, Finghin Collins. This year Finghin will charm audiences with a programme from his new CD inspired by the great French piano manufacturer Pleyel; with Chopin, Debussy and Joseph O'Kelly in the performance. On Saturday, September 27, in a newly introduced afternoon concert, the festival will showcase timeless classics from the silver screen and Broadway stage in a special concert guaranteed to delight wider audiences. The dynamic Duo Pianistico (Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi) will perform an unmissable 'Broadway and Hollywood in Stride & Swing' concert. Two big names will feature at this year's festival; Making her Irish debut on Saturday, September 27, German-Greek pianist Danae Dorken will present her new Odyssey album, with a mix of some well-known classics and more contemporary work. With her breath-taking technique and exceptional stage presence, Classical Music Magazine consider Danae to be "on her way right to the top!". Described by the New York Times as playing with ...power, poetry and formidable technique, Hungarian pianist Daniel Lebhardt is a regular performer at the prestigious Wigmore Hall. Daniel, who is also making his Irish debut, will be joined by the UK Castlalian Quartet for the final performance of the evening with Bloch's rarely heard Piano Quintet. Bringing the festival to a spectacular close on Sunday, September 28, Daniel Lebhardt will perform some of Liszt's finest work in a solo performance, followed by Finghin Collins and the Castalian Quartet with Dvorak's evergreen Piano Quintet. Commenting on the festival programme, Artistic Director, Finghin Collins said: "We are thrilled to bring together such a rich and diverse programme this year. From classic masterpieces to the stars of tomorrow and the sparkle of the silver screen, the 2025 festival is a celebration of the piano's enduring power to move and inspire." Friends of the Festival can purchase season tickets now. General Booking opens on July 9. For more information visit: www.newrosspianofestival.com. Arklow Cancer Support is shouting from the rooftops about East Coast Roosters Motorcycle Club members after their annual motorcycle run raised an astounding 13,000 on the charitys behalf. Ten members of the East Coast Roosters Motorcycle Club and two van drivers recently undertook the challenging journey around Ireland, enduring a hard three-day ride in torrential rain before receiving a heroes welcome when they returned to south Wicklow. Delighted with the funds raised, East Coast Roosters met with Arklow Cancer Support volunteers at their centre on St Marys Road to proudly present them with a cheque, continuing an annual fundraising tradition that stretches back almost two decades. Full of praise for the Arklow community, their support and generosity, East Coast Roosters founder Mark Whelan said: The money raised was a huge amount for a very small crew of riders. It averaged out to over 1,000 each, which is just amazing. Id like to thank everyone for their support, and for the big welcome we got when we returned home at the Arklow Bay Hotel. We are already looking forward to next year, which will be our 20th run. We have a few exciting things in the works to celebrate that, which we will hopefully be able to announce soon. Over the moon with the donation, an Arklow Cancer Support spokesperson said: What can I say about this amazing team and the fantastic amount of money raised this year? 13,000 is not easily raised, but the guys did it. A weekend of torrential rain, and they never gave up. Well done to each and every one of you. This funding is so much appreciated by our charity. Wicklow celebrated Africa Day in style on a glorious day in Burnaby Park, Greystones, on Saturday, May 17. Under the warm sun, it was a vibrant celebration of African culture, music, dance, community and of course, some great food. DJ Spaqz was on the decks to deliver the beats, while live band Sli na Croi kept things lively all day. The event was free and celebrated African culture, our growing links across the continent, as well as the positive impact of the African diaspora in Wicklow. Remarking on the success, Anne Waithira Burke, from the African Irish Society of Wicklow, said: I am always proud and delighted to organize this event as we get to share our culture, food, music and more. It is an honour. This year saw many attend the event from all walks of life and thank God the weather was great as well. Heres to many more. The event has grown year after year and continues to build bridges between cultures, fostering unity and understanding in the local community. Wicklow County Council has advised that there will be no lifeguards on duty on any of the county's beaches until Sunday, June 1. The advisory follows two incidents on Bray beach last week, when members of the Greystones/Wicklow Coast Guard responded to reports of multiple swimmers who had got into difficulty on Tuesday evening, May 13, and were called out again on on Friday, May 16, when two women, both in their 30s, also needed assistance in the water. Emergency services and gardai also attended the scene. The council in a statement said: The bathing season in Ireland begins on June 1 each year and runs until August 31. This is extended to the first three weekends in September on our Blue Flag beaches in Greystones, Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South. There are no Lifeguards on any beaches nationally until June 1. Lifeguards are contracted by local authorities for the bathing season and as the vast majority are students, they have little to no availability within the academic year, the council explained. Wicklow County Council has issued 30 contracts for lifeguards for the 2025 bathing season for Bray north, Bray south, Greystones, Wicklow Harbour, Brittas Bay (north and south) and Arklow. Commenting on Bray beach, the council added: Swimming in areas which are considered dangerous puts the swimmers life at risk, and the life of the beach guards. Anyone intending to swim in the sea at Bray beach should be aware of these dangers and Wicklow County Council has also erected signage to make everyone aware of the dangers and advises not to swim at that location. Wicklow County Council is set to carry out a full beach lifeguard service for the forthcoming bathing season beginning on [Sunday] June 1. Glowing tributes have been paid to former Arklow GP and county councillor, Dr Bill OConnell, who has died peacefully after a short illness aged 82. His well-attended funeral mass was held on Monday at St Mary and Peters Church, before his burial in St. Gabriels Cemetery. Fianna Fails Cllr Gail Dunne has described the deceased as an absolute gentleman who was respected throughout all the political parties in Co Wicklow. I first got to know Dr Bill in 1997 after I had first started to work with Wicklow County Council. He was a lovely man and an absolute gentleman. He was an instrumental community figure in Arklow as a town councillor, county councillor and doctor. He was actually the first person to talk me into running for a council seat and he was always so supportive. He traversed any political divides and was hugely respected within Fianna Fail and across all the political parties. There wouldnt be one person with a bad word to say about Bill, despite their political persuasion, and he will be greatly missed. A native of County Kilkenny, Dr Bill moved to Arklow in 1970 after spotting a job for a local surgery being advertised. He was five years qualified and had worked in various hospitals, including Holles Street and St Vincent's in Dublin and in the UK. At the time he was working in Bray and was looking for a change. He ended up securing a job with Dr Connolly in Arklow, where he remained for 13 and a half years. He branched out into his own single surgery and for the first three years, worked day and night to get the practice of the ground. Bill was always extremely grateful towards the support of his wife Ann, a qualified theatre nurse, during this busy time, when they were also expanding their family with five kids to look after. Arklow took some major hits in the 1980s, with NET, Arklow Pottery/Noritake and Avoca Mines all closing within a few years of one another. Having witnessed first-hand in his surgery just how much hardship local residents were enduring, Bill decided to run for Fianna Fail as a first-time candidate and topped the poll at the 1984 local elections. He continued to hold a local council seat for 24 years until he decided against seeking re-election in 2009. He turned down the opportunity to run for the Dail and says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. Speaking to the Wicklow People in 2015, Bill said: I was asked to run but I declined. I never regretted it. I was so busy with the surgery and with the council and of course, family so I just wouldn't have been able to do it all. I am still happy with my decision to this day. Bill was appointed to the Regional Health Board and from there set about pushing the Arklow agenda from many angles, including a 24 hour ambulance service, a new courier service to deliver blood samples and proper disposal of needles. The construction of the Arklow Primary Care Centre at Castlepark also gave the town great independence and improved service, providing the likes of x-rays and ultra sound screening. Bill continued to hold regular surgeries and cover holiday for colleagues up to 2014, when he suffered a broken hip and retired, spending a great deal of his time with his grandchildren Sophie, Liam, Molly, Charlie, Darby, Teddy and Billie-Pip. He also continued to follow his beloved Kilkenny GAA. The respect for which Bill was held within the local Arklow community was evident in 2015 when he was announced as the Arklow Person of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce awards. Predeceased by his son Billy, Dr Bill will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, his children Jim, Sarah, Catherine and Larry, sons-in-law Declan and Paul, daughters-in-law Martina and Iveta, grandchildren Sophie, Liam, Molly, Charlie, Darby, Teddy and Billie-Pip, brother-in-law Fr. Larry Mulligan, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many dear friends. Get smooth skin and a splash of glam from these sunscreen picks Whether youre heading on holiday or just enjoying the unusually sunny weather weve been having in Ireland lately, we all need sun protection. I think most of us are on the same page these days weve seen the health statistics (skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed each year) and also know that the sun is the number-one cause of signs of ageing. So were all wearing SPF every day, right? Alas, Im not right. I know this because my own father is a sun cream denier. Hes genuinely an intelligent man most of the time, but when it comes to sun cream, he simply refuses to engage. Each year, he develops a lobster-red shell, which peels and reforms multiple times over the course of the sunny season. We plead with him to apply sun cream, and he laughs in our faces. Im not sure if its misplaced arrogance or pure obstinance, but he simply wont do it and, at this stage, Ive given up. I would never give up on you, though, and Im sure that you would never dream of willingly burning or damaging your skin in the sun. Neither would I! So, lets talk about sun cream. At home, I tend to use whatever sun cream I have on the go for the kids, but if Im going on holidays, I like to treat myself to something a little more grown up. With that in mind, here are some of my favourites. Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion 1. Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion (22 via boots.ie) This has been a go-to for me for many years, thanks to it being a pleasure to use and reasonably friendly on the wallet (its frequently on special offer; the price here is the maximum you should expect to pay). This formula is beautifully hydrating via cocoa and shea butter, and I usually leave a holiday significantly more moisturised than Ive arrived as a result. Its not sticky or greasy. Instead, it feels like a normal body lotion. Plus, its tropical scent gets you straight into the holiday vibe. Nuxe Sun Oil Gold Shimmer High Protection 2. Nuxe Sun Oil Gold Shimmer High Protection (33 via boots.ie) Its hard for me to choose one product from Nuxes sun protection range, because I am such a fan of them all, but this gal is definitely worth highlighting. If youre going to a wedding or special event, this product will keep you safe from the sun while delivering beautifully gleaming skin with flecks of golden shimmer. Nuxe products smell delicious, and this is no exception, with notes of sweet orange, Tiare flower and vanilla. Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist SPF30 3. Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist SPF30 (41.40 via spacenk.com) This light spray delivers sun protection and glamour via a gorgeous coconut scent and light sheen. It dries quickly and is comfortable to wear, and I particularly like its spray bottle, which functions well and applies product evenly. Its also just pretty, almost like an accessory for the pool. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ 4. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ (9.35 via rosscarberypharmacy.ie) This is another winner in the texture category thanks to its light formula, which feels more like a moisturiser than an SPF. It functions as a moisturiser too, leaving the skin soft and hydrated, and is fragrance-free for those of you who prefer that. Lost in translation Ginseng is an ingredient frequently seen on skincare packaging, but why is it so popular? Ginseng root has been reported to have anti-ageing, skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle and moisturising effects among other things, making it an ideal raw material for skincare products. Some research also indicates that the presence of ginseng can also reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. Aside from that, ginseng holds significant cultural importance in Korea, making it extra appealing for skincare brands from that part of the world. Something old Byoma Smoothing Body Serum If you are unfamiliar with the phrase keratosis pilaris, you probably dont have it. This skin condition results in bumpy, rough skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs or bum, and while harmless, is unpleasant for many of those who experience it. Fortunately, there are lots of products to reduce its impact, mostly via gentle exfoliation. Byomas Smoothing Body Polish (14.68 via cultbeauty.com) and Smoothing Body Serum (15.81 via spacenk.com) work well on their own, or as a pair, thanks to ingredients like exfoliating succinic acid and nourishing panthenol. Fortunately, Byomas prices are relatively reasonable, so testing these guys out wont hit your bank account too hard. As with any skincare product, consistency is key if you want to get results, so regular use of the body polish in the shower and body serum afterwards is your best bet. ... Something new Joonbyrd Kaleidoscope Body Serum Joonbyrd is a bodycare brand founded by dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite, whos love of beauty products goes back to exploring her grandmothers makeup collection. That love, along with her expertise from decades working with patients on their skin challenges, has resulted in joyfully packaged, very effective products. Joonbyrds latest launch is Kaleidoscope Body Serum (88 for 100ml via spacenk.com), a lightweight serum which delivers gentle exfoliation to smooth and brighten the skin as well as delivering hydration. This product is ideal for anyone who struggles with keratosis pilaris, aka chicken skin. The presence of azelaic and shikimic acid gently exfoliate, while nourishing ingredients like blueberry seed oil ensure the skin is left soft and supple. This is not an inexpensive product though, so you may wish to try the 15ml size (22 via spacenk.com) before investing in the large bottle. Israeli air strikes killed at least 50 Palestinians in Gaza , local health authorities said, as Israel continues its bombardment despite mounting international pressure to stop military operations and allow aid into Gaza unimpeded. The attacks were carried out on two homes, where women and children were among the 18 dead, and a school housing displaced families, among other areas, according to Gaza medics. Israels military, which has warned those in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis to evacuate to the coast as it prepared for an unprecedented attack, had no immediate comment. Todays strikes were carried out on Khan Younis and areas to the north, including Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, Jabalia, and Gaza City, the medics said. Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past eight days as the military campaign has intensified, they say. Israels military said on Monday it allowed five aid trucks into Gaza after a more than two-month blockade of food and other supplies. The UN has long said Gaza, with a population of about 2.3 million, needs at least 500 trucks of aid and commercial goods every day. Throughout the war, trucks with aid have waited weeks and months at Gazas border to enter. The war, now in its 20th month, has strained Israels relations with much of the international community and those with its closest ally, the United States, now appear to be wavering. The leaders of Britain, France and Canada warned they could take concrete actions against Israel if it did not stop military operations in Gaza and lift its restrictions on aid. Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India's spiritual heritage, celebrated Buddha Purnima with a series of global and local events, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the Buddhist Circuit. From the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Shravasti to international stages in Vietnam and Bodh Gaya, the state showcased its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha. The celebrations were led by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Director General and Principal Secretary, emphasising the state's deep-rooted spiritual identity. Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual odyssey where the Buddhas teachings come alive. We are committed to preserving historic Buddhist sites and creating a welcoming experience for global travellers, he said. Uttar Pradesh Tourism participated in an event organized in Vietnam to celebrate the grand occasion of Buddha Purnima. Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of Dhih Research Journal (Buddharpan) at Sarnath in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies. The event, filled with the chanting of Pali and Tibetan mantras, was a symbolic blend of scholarship and spirituality. In Shravasti and Sankisa, devotional events such as Dhamma Yatra, Deepdaan ceremonies, and food donations brought communities together in reverence and reflection. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also extended its outreach by participating in national and international events. At Bodh Gayas Trividh Purnima and the Mahabodhi Society event in Bengaluru, the state highlighted its Buddhist offerings. Meanwhile, the celebration of UN Vesak Day in Vietnam allowed Uttar Pradesh to showcase its spiritual destinations to a global audience, fostering international cultural collaboration. Sankisa Easily accessible via international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh invites travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit home to revered sites like Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kushinagar. These destinations offer visitors a chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk the paths once tread by the Buddha, and connect with timeless teachings in a setting of peace and historical depth. With enhanced infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and a strong focus on safety, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural exploration. Echo Valley OTT release date AppleTV+:The upcoming thriller Echo Valley, starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, is set to premiere on OTT soon. This gripping drama follows Kate, a mother grappling with the challenges of reconnecting with her troubled daughter, Claire. Directed by BAFTA Award-winner Michael Pearce, Echo Valley will debut on Apple TV+ on June 13, 2025. Echo Valley trailer The trailer for Echo Valley was released a few days ago and received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and viewers. Many even praised Sydney Sweeney for her powerful performance in emotional roles. One wrote, Juliannes intensity in any character she portrays always amazes me. Another added, No one cries quite like Sydney. She's very good at playing an emotional character. A third went on to add, Maximum respect to Ms Sweeney for working on her craft and not just cruising on her looks - she's becoming a really accomplished young actress. What is Echo Valley about? In the intense thriller Echo Valley, Oscar winner Julianne Moore stars as Kate, a mother trying to mend her strained relationship with her troubled daughter Claire, played by multi-Emmy nominee Sydney Sweeney. Their fragile bond is thrown into chaos when Claire suddenly arrives at Kates home, panicked and stained with someone elses blood. As Kate begins to uncover the disturbing events that led to this moment, she is forced to confront the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. Directed by BAFTA winner Michael Pearce and written by Emmy-nominated Brad Ingelsby, this gripping story explores the depths of love, sacrifice, and survival. Meet the crew In collaboration with Apple TV, the film is produced by Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Kevin J. Walsh, and Ingelsby. Domhnall Gleeson, Fiona Shaw, Edmund Donovan, Albert Jones, and Kyle MacLachlan are also featured in the movie. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Rana Naidu Season 2 OTT Release Date - Netflix has officially confirmed that Rana Naidu is coming back for its much-awaited second season, and fans wont have to wait too long. The thriller series, headlined by real-life uncle-nephew duo Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati, is set to premiere on June 13 exclusively on Netflix. Whats new this season? The first season, released in 2023, was a massive hit and quickly rose to become one of Netflix Indias most-watched originals. Rana Naidu Season 2 promises to turn up the heat with even more drama, action, and emotional conflict. The new season picks up with Rana Naidu trying to wrap up one last job so he can leave his fixer life behind and secure a better future for his family. But things don't go as planned. Old enemies return, family ties are tested, and the line between right and wrong starts to blur. This season introduces fresh characters played by Arjun Rampal and Kriti Kharbanda. Returning cast members include Surveen Chawla, Sushant Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, and Dino Morea. Meet the team behind the scenes Created by Karan Anshuman and produced by Sunder Aaron under Locomotive Global Media, Rana Naidu Season 2 is directed by Karan Anshuman, Suparn S. Varma, and Abhay Chopra. The writing team includes Ryan Soares, Karmanya Ahuja, Ananya Mody, Karan Gour, and Vaibhav Vishal. Producer Sunder Aaron of Locomotive Global, in a media statement, shared, We have been working on Season 2 since the day we dropped Season 1. The vision, scale and story for this season will blow everyone away! Our new cast additions are especially exciting. The Netflix team has always and only been committed to telling the best possible story, no matter what! I am sure that when the show drops, our fans will feel it's been well worth the wait! The countdown has begun, the Naidus return on June 13, only on Netflix. 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. After over five years since COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the world, a fresh wave of the virus has emerged in various parts of Asia and has raised alarms worldwide. Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand are witnessing a fresh threat of an increase in new infections. However, India is not an exception, as over 100 new COVID-19 cases have been reported since May 12, 2025. The fresh wave is mostly noticed in Southeast Asian countries, and it is largely driven by the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1 and its associated descendants. On the other hand, Indian actress Shilpa Shirodkar, Mahesh Babu's sister-in-law and also a Bigg Boss 18 contestant, took to her Instagram on Monday to reveal that she has tested positive for COVID-19. Following this, the chairperson of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has held a meeting with experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals to check the preparedness of the country. India reports over 164 fresh case of COVID-19 so far India saw a rise in COVID-19 infections, with Kerala reporting 69 new cases since May 12, following Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu with a tally of 44 and 34 cases, respectively. On the other hand, over the past week, Karnataka recorded eight cases; six cases were reported in Gujarat; three cases in Delhi and Haryana; and Rajasthan and Sikkim reported one case each. However, as per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild and not linked to any unusual severity or mortality, the report added. The PTI report further noted that the expert meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control. So far, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, but all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required. However, the hospitals have been asked to monitor influenza-like diseases and severe acute respiratory infections. Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand: New wave of COVID-19 cases reported so far The surge in new cases is mainly attributed to the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1, and it is linked to the descendants, prompting fresh vigilance among health authorities. Here's a look at the number of cases reported place by place: Singapore: In early May 2025, Singapore alone reported a sharp rise of over 14,000 cases from 11,000 cases in the previous week of April. Moreover, the hospitalisation has also gone up, with ICU cases having noticed a slight decline. Hong Kong: Apart from Singapore, Hong Kong also reported 1,042 cases in the week ending May 10, and last year, the number of cases was 972. According to the government of Hong Kong, the rise in infections has been noticed since the beginning of March. Credit: X | @GlobalXInt Thailand: A similar trend has been observed in China and Thailand; the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported positive test rates in hospitals. The cases have doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4. Symptoms of a new JN. 1 variant of COVID-19 According to ADA Health, the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 has similar signs to the Omicron variant. Fever Dry/non-productive cough Shortness of breath/difficulty in breathing Feeling fatigued Sore throat Headache Muscle or body aches Congestion or a runny nose To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Netflix's Secrets We Keep: Binge-watchers, take note: Netflix has just released a gripping new series, Secrets We Keep. This six-part Danish limited series has drawn comparisons to the British show Adolescence, which captivated audiences earlier this year. If you haven't watched it yet, let's unpack everything from fan reactions and cast details to the plot and reasons why Secrets We Keep is a must-watch. Secrets We Keep premiered quietly on Netflix on May 15, 2025, but has since captivated audiences, becoming the most-watched show on the platform by May 19 worldwide. The series investigates Denmark's au pair culture, centring on the mysterious disappearance of a young Filipino au pair in an affluent Copenhagen suburb. As the investigation unfolds, the series exposes the hidden power dynamics and secrets lurking beneath the neighbourhood's polished exterior. Secrets We Keep: What's the plot of the series? In Secrets We Keep, Cecilie and her husband, Mike, rely heavily on their au pair, Angel, who manages household duties and cares for their children. Their neighbors, Rasmus and Katarina, also employ an au pair, Ruby, who is a close friend of Angel. When Ruby suddenly disappears, Cecilie becomes concerned and suspects that her neighbors might be involved. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Cecilie uncovers unsettling secrets within her community, challenging her perceptions of those closest to her. Meet the cast of Secrets We Keep Arie Bach Hansen as Cecilie Marie Bach Hansen stars as Cecilie, a wealthy mother living in an upscale suburb of Copenhagen. Guided by a strong sense of justice, she becomes deeply involved in the search for Ruby, the missing au pair from a neighbouring family even when it means confronting those she loves most. Simon Sears as Mike Simon Sears plays Mike, a respected lawyer and Cecilies husband. Calm and composed on the surface, Mike hides disturbing secrets beneath his polished exterior. As the investigation into Rubys disappearance unfolds, suspicion begins to fall on him, shaking Cecilies trust and turning her world upside down. Lars Ranthe as Rasmus Lars Ranthe takes on the role of Rasmus, Cecilie and Mikes neighbor and the father of Oscar. As tensions rise surrounding Rubys vanishing, Rasmuss questionable past begins to resurface, casting a shadow over his involvement. Danica Curcic as Katarina Danica Curcic portrays Katarina, Rasmuss wife and Cecilies friend or so Cecilie believes. As secrets unravel, Katarinas facade starts to crack, revealing she may have known far more about Rubys disappearance than she ever let on. Supporting Cast: Excel Busano as Angel Donna Levkovski as Ruby Frode Bilde Rnsholt as Oscar Lukas Zuperka as Viggo Sara Fanta Traore as Aicha Petersen Carl Christian Riestra as Carl Marina Bouras as Dorte The series is created by Ingeborg Topse and directed by Per Fly, with a screenplay by Mads Tafdrup. Fans compare Secrets We Keep to Adolescence Early reviews from viewers are in, and the consensus is Secrets We Keep is another standout from Netflix, with many calling it the platforms best since Adolescence. Fans are also struck by the shows look at misogyny and teenage boys' toxic online culture, themes that echo those explored in Adolescence but with a dark edge. One user wrote, "The Secrets We Keep is not just a Nordic crime series. The layered social commentary is heartbreaking. Reminded me of Adolescence in many ways. Do watch." The Secrets We Keep is not just a Nordic crime series. The layered social commentary is heartbreaking. Reminded me of Adolescence in many ways. Do watch. On #Netflix. Debeshi Gooptu (@DebeshiGooptu) May 17, 2025 Another user added, "I'm halfway through "Secrets We Keep" (Reservatet). Directed by Per Fly, one of Denmark's finest. How a table of leftover sushi can be made to look ominous. With themes of upper-class privilege, exploitation, racism, and teenage boys' toxic online culture." I'm halfway through "Secrets We Keep" (Reservatet). Directed by Per Fly, one of Denmark's finest. How a table of leftover sushi can be made to look ominous. With themes of upper class privilege, exploitation, racism, and teenage boys' toxic online culture.https://t.co/7JhpZckX5p Hyunjin's Lopapeysa wishes it were Lee Know's cat (@BetulaPubescent) May 17, 2025 "Coming from Denmark is SECRETS WE KEEP, another excellent mystery limited series on Netflix. Packs enough thought-provoking ideas and twists in just 6 episodes, each of 30 to 40 min, with one of the most unsettling finales I've seen. Things get crazier after the third episode," a third wrote. Coming from Denmark is SECRETS WE KEEP, another excellent mystery limited series on Netflix. Packs enough thought-provoking ideas and twists in just 6 episodes, each of 30 to 40 min, with one of the most unsettling finales I've seen. Things get crazier after the third episode. pic.twitter.com/stPDauCTfo Sajin Shrijith (@SajinShrijith) May 16, 2025 "Theres a series on Netflix called Secrets We Keep. If you thought Adolescence was something educational, this is another," wrote another. Theres a series on Netflix called Secrets We Keep. If you thought Adolescence was something educational, this is another. Going To Find Whats Really Mine (@DoesHappen) May 16, 2025 Why Secrets We Keep is a must watch? Secrets We Keep looks at important issues like class, racism, and misogyny, making the story feel real and relevant. It also gives global viewers a glimpse into Denmarks au pair culture, which plays a big part in the plot. The thriller keeps you on edge the whole time and definitely leaves an impression. The cast performances are also worth mentioning everyone brings something strong to the table, and Marie Bach Hansen has some standout moments as Cecilie. Right now, the show has a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its only based on seven reviews, so that could change, but its a strong start. The audience score is sitting at 77%. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The red carpet at the 78th Cannes Film Festival lit up in vintage elegance as legendary actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal made a grand appearance alongside filmmaker Wes Anderson for the 4K restoration screening of Aranyer Din Ratri (English title: Days and Nights in the Forest), Satyajit Rays 1970 cult classic. Veteran actors Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the screening of Aranyer Din ratri, directed by the legendary Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray at the 78th iconic annual Cannes Film Festival. Aranyer Dinratri is being screened under the Cannes classic section. pic.twitter.com/jHbRLkXwQ2 Sourav || (@Sourav_3294) May 20, 2025 Dressed in a regal green saree, Sharmila Tagore served timeless queen energy as she walked the carpet with her daughter, jewellery designer Saba Ali Khan, who wore a sunshine-yellow traditional ensemble. Simi Garewal, in true Simi fashion, showed up in head-to-toe white, this time in a sleek Karleo gown that screamed "eternal diva." Wes Anderson introduced the screening of Aranyer Din Ratri under the Cannes Classics Wes Anderson, the king of symmetrical shots and vintage vibes, led the six-year restoration journey for the film and introduced the screening under the Cannes Classics section. A known Ray devotee, Wes described the film as a hidden treasureraw, real, and modern despite its 1970 birth year. According to him, it unpacks the messy beauty of caste, class, and gender tensions with the precision only Ray could pull off. He could not stop gushing about Sharmilas performance, calling her cerebral and mesmerising, and even described Soumitra Chatterjees role as a man lost but still searching. Film bro praise at its finest. Backed by The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project, Janus Films, Criterion Collection, and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), the restoration was carried out at LImmagine Ritrovata, thanks to support from the Golden Globe Foundation. This was not just a film screening, it was a cinematic resurrection. Aranyer Din Ratri is based on what? For the uninitiated: Aranyer Din Ratri is based on a novel by Sunil Gangopadhyay and follows four city slickers who retreat to the forests of Palamau in search of a carefree escape, only to get a crash course in self-reflection. Sharmila plays the elegant, enigmatic Aparna, while Simi takes on the bold role of Duli, a tribal Santhal girl. Satyajit Ray's masterpiece Aranyer Din Ratri has received 4K restoration, will have its world premiere at 78th Cannes Film Festival.Celebrated filmmaker & admirer of Rays work,Wes Anderson,along with Sharmila Tagore,will be presenting the film at Cannes.Rabi ghosh,what an actor! pic.twitter.com/fjyFrXNWIx Mad- (@Mads00108) May 12, 2025 Cannes has seen glitter and glam before, but this trio brought intellect, nostalgia, and a masterclass in cultural cinema to the global stage. Bollywood walked, so Bengali cinema could saunter in French sunlight. WWE Raw results May 19: Jey Uso, the current World Heavyweight Champion, took on Bron Breakker in the main event of Raw on May 19. The match proved to be a compelling affair in which both men gave a good account of themselves. However, it ended on an abrupt note following interference from three top stars. WWE Raw: Logan Paul gets the better of Jey Uso after all hell breaks loose Bron Breakker pushed Jey Uso to the limit in their eagerly-awaited match on WWE Raw and even hit the star with the Frankinsteiner. The champ, to his credit, kept coming back and countered the young stars strength with his speed. Seth Rollins, inevitably, got involved and caused the match to end without a decisive winner. He then teamed up with The Badass to assault Jey. They were interrupted by Sami Zayn. Listen to Greenville, South Carolina sing Cult of Personality.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/p2aoov0T9l Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 20, 2025 The Canadian star was joined by CM Punk and a brawl ensued as all hell broke loose. This gave Logan Paul an opportunity to knock out Jey Uso, who was in the ring. The two will lock horns at Saturday Nights Main Event this Saturday. Roxanne Perez, Rhea Ripley qualify for Money in the Bank The night also saw Rhea Ripley and Roxanne Perez win Triple-Threat contests to qualify for the Money in the Bank match of the Premium Live Event (PLE) of the same name. Additionally, The Judgement beat Penta and Finn with help from El Grande Americano. Here are the full results: Judgment Day def. Penta and AJ Styles Roxanne Perez def. Natalya and Becky Lynch | Womens MITB Qualifier Sheamus def. Grayson Waller Rhea Ripley def. Kairi Sane and Zoey Stark | Womens MITB Qualifier Jey Uso def. Bron Breakker by DQ The night also saw Roxanne Perez align with The Judgement, a development that did not go down too well with Dominic Mysterio. This comes at a time when Liv Morgan is away shooting for a movie. Additionally, Akira Tozawa was granted a match against Rusev. It will take pace next week on the red brand. Internal affairs officers of the police department, in the presence of EU prosecutors, conducted a spot raid at the headquarters of the Greek Payment Authority of Common Agricultural Policy (C.A.P.) Aid Schemes (OPEKEPE) in Athens on Monday after allegations of fraud involving agricultural subsidies. Two prosecutors of the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO) were also present during [] Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Tuesday with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York. Greece's priorities for its 20252026 term on the UN Security Council, along with current international and regional developments, were the focus of discussions. On the Cyprus issue the Greek premier welcomed the Secretary-General's efforts to restart and sustain the talks. He also welcomed the reappointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the Secretary General's personal envoy for Cyprus and thanked Guterres for his services. Mitsotakis and Guterres discussed also the latest regional developments with a focus on the situation in Gaza, as well as developments in Syria and Lebanon. Mitsotakis also stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and the launch of initiatives to that end. iefimerida.gr Titled Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability, the debate will bring together global leaders and experts for a strategic exchange of views on tackling the rising threats facing the worlds seas. The race for the presidency of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is heating up amid an atmosphere of intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering. With the term of current president Nikos Bakatselos coming to an end, the spotlight has turned to the two leading contenders vying to succeed him: Giannis Sarakakis and Alexandros Kostopoulos. Sarakakis, a prominent figure in Greek business circles, is one of the top executives of the Sarakakis Group, a major player in the countrys industrial sector. He also brings extensive institutional experience, having served for years as vice president of the Chamber. His challenger, Alexandros Kostopoulos, is best known as the founder of the communications firm Foresight and has long held the post of Secretary General within the Chamber. According to reliable sources familiar with the internal dynamics, Kostopoulos is believed to have secured the backing of a powerful bloc within the Chambermembers associated with the defense industry. This support appears to be closely linked to his professional background. Foresight, the company he leads, has established ties with arms dealers and defense manufacturers, and has provided strategic communication services to Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS), the Greek state-owned defense contractor. In particular, Foresight was contracted to assess the effectiveness of EASs communication tools, design new outreach strategies, and help the organization enhance its visibility to targeted international audiences, including foreign companies, embassies, and international chambers. A key element of the project was the development of a digital presentation portfolio intended for use by Greek embassies abroad to promote the capabilities of the domestic defense industry. While the agreement was signed between Alexandros Kostopoulos and then-CEO of EAS Nikos Kostopoulos, sources stress that the two men are not relateda clarification aimed at dispelling any concerns about conflict of interest or undue influence. #ENGLISH_EDITION The International Monetary Fund has unveiled a groundbreaking new tool designed to track global trade in near real time by analyzing satellite data from commercial ship movements. In a recent study titled Nowcasting Global Trade from Space, the IMF introduced its new platform, PortWatch, which offers monthly trade flow estimates with a delay of just seven working days after the end of each month. This marks a significant step forward in how global economic activity is measured and monitored. What makes the tool particularly noteworthy is its relevance to Greece, a global powerhouse in maritime shipping. Greek shipowners control roughly 20% of the worlds dry and liquid bulk shipping capacity, meaning a significant portion of the vessels tracked by the IMFs system are operated by Greek interests. The new platform uses satellite data and AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology to follow the movement of thousands of commercial vessels ships that carry approximately 80% of the goods traded across the globe. By doing so, the IMF can now estimate trade volume changes with remarkable speed and accuracy, providing a much faster alternative to traditional data sources. The study revealed the systems effectiveness through various case studies. For instance, in Dutch ports, researchers found that conventional trade measurements tended to underestimate actual activity, especially in the case of containers being loaded and unloaded simultaneously. The IMF's model was able to correct these inaccuracies using official port data. It also accounted for ballast water the water used to stabilize ships on empty legs of a journey which is not actual cargo but can distort trade figures if not excluded from calculations. The tool has already proven its value. It captured the dramatic collapse in global trade at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and tracked its subsequent recovery more quickly than traditional methods. Similarly, it registered the trade disruption caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, identifying shifts in shipping patterns and trade flows well before they appeared in standard economic reports. Beyond real-time tracking, the tool offers insights into the broader geopolitical shifts shaping global commerce. Researchers observed that trade between countries aligned with the United States and those aligned with China has decreased, while trade among countries that remain neutral or outside of these geopolitical blocs has increased. After sanctions were imposed on Russia, for example, European nations sharply reduced their imports of Russian oil, replacing them with oil from the United States and Norway. At the same time, Russia increased its exports to countries such as China, India, and Brazil. The study also explored whether the world is experiencing a shift toward more localized or regionalized trade, where countries trade more heavily with neighboring partners. The data offered a mixed picture: while intra-regional trade appears to be growing in Asia, the trends in Europe and North America are less pronounced. Although the IMF emphasizes that this new tool is not a replacement for official trade statistics, it represents a powerful supplement. It gives policymakers, analysts, and business leaders a much-needed head start in understanding the dynamics of the global economy, especially during times of crisis such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or supply chain disruptions. #ENGLISH_EDITION #IMF A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Ayekooto Akindele, has mocked former vice president Atiku Abubakar over refusal of Peter Obi of the Labour Party, as his presidential running mate in 2027. Akindele said that Atiku is desperately looking for a running mate from the Southern part of Nigeria. He added that Atikus options are now limited to Timi Frank, Bode George, Debo Ologbondiyan, Rotimi Amaechi, and Tom Ikimi. Advertisement READ MORE: Im Not Desperate To Be President, Only Interested In Coalition Against Hunger, Poverty Peter Obi Akindele said: With the high possibility of Obis refusal, Atiku is desperately shopping for a southern running mate and since he cannot get any SS governor to accept and to fund him, his options are limited to Timi Frank, AdeDancer, Bode George, Ologbondiyan, Amaechi or Tom Ikimi. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, amid a recent Obis refusal to accept coalition from opposition groups. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that the former governor of Anambra State said that he will only join coalition against bad governance, hunger, and poverty, not personal political ambition. Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of playing a role in the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking to news men on Tuesday, Udenwa said, The issue of APC is ruled out. What is happening to us today in PDP, APC has a hand in it. And I dont blame APC. They are exploiting the situation we are having and using certain people within our fold. Udenwa dismissed speculation that discontented PDP members in the South-East might defect to the APC, insisting, APC can hardly be a destination for the South-East caucus. He defended the South-East caucuss position in the leadership dispute, highlighting that Senator Samuel Anyanwu effectively vacated his role as PDP National Secretary when he announced his governorship ambition. According to Udenwa, Advertisement The South-East zone, which is constitutionally responsible for producing the National Secretary, has nominated a replacement candidate three times, but their nominations have been consistently rejected. READ MORE : https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/western-democracy-not-working-in-nigeria-agbakoba.html He emphasised the authority of the South-East caucus within the party, saying, We have made our position very clear. I dont believe that whatever forces are behind Anyanwu are a stronger force than the South-East caucus because the South-East caucus is an established zone within the party. If that caucus takes a decision, that decision is binding. Responding to suggestions about former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wikes influence in the crisis, Udenwa downplayed his role, stating, Wike is a member of the party, member of NEC, and a former governor in the party. That is as far as his own power goes. Udenwa also warned against amphibious brigade members who defy party rules while maintaining membership, vowing that the PDP disciplinary committee would enforce party discipline. Despite the turmoil, Udenwa expressed confidence in the PDPs resilience: The party has withstood all the problems we have had in the past, and we are going to withstand this present problem. He concluded that the PDP continues to enjoy strong grassroots support and remains the preferred choice for many Nigerians. Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders has issued warning to political parties and stakeholders across the country to avoid any plan to present Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general election. The group described it as a necessary step toward national unity, equity, and inclusion, saying that parties must embrace Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim candidacy. CONYL also expressed concern over what it described as continued marginalization allegedly felt by Christian communities following the 2023 Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket by ruling All Progressives Congress. Advertisement This was disclosed in a statement on Monday on Monday by Goodluck Ibem, President General of the CONYL. Goodluck alleged that Christians are being marginalized in the Tinubu-led administration, adding that there is imbalance in power sharing between the two major religion groups. He said: The current religious imbalance in the executive leadership has raised genuine concerns among many Nigerians and contributed to a sense of marginalization among certain segments of the population. As we move towards the 2027 general elections, CONYL strongly calls on all political parties, stakeholders, and power brokers to prioritize a balanced Muslim/Christian (or Christian/Muslim) presidential ticket. READ MORE: Muslims Not Benefiting From Voting Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Tinubus Govt. Marginalising Us Sharia Council This is not just a political strategy, it is a moral imperative rooted in the need to restore national unity, peace, and religious equity. A religiously balanced ticket will foster unity and inclusion by reflecting the religious diversity of our nation. A presidential ticket that combines both major religious faiths will address equity and fairness. Equal representation reflects the true spirit of democracy and acknowledges the diversity that defines Nigeria. Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has received 13 trafficked Nigerians, including 12 girls and a five-year-old boy who were rescued from human trafficking rings in Ghana and Mali. In a statement by NiDCOMs Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Monday, disclosed that 11 of the victims returned from Ghana, while two women were repatriated from Mali. He added that the girls rescued from Ghana, aged between 16 and 30, are from Cross River (4), Benue (4), Imo (1), and Oyo (1) states. The two women rescued from Mali, aged 27 and 35, are from Adamawa State. Advertisement READ MORE: Ignore NiDCOM Simon Ekpa Writes Canada In Defense Of Amaka Sunnberger Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairperson Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, Head of the Commissions Lagos Liaison Office, disclosed that the victims had been lured with false promises of employment, only to be forced into prostitution in Ghana. He added that the traffickers exploited the victims vulnerability under the guise of better opportunities abroad. Adebowale said: We will ensure they are safely reunited with their families and supported through rehabilitation in collaboration with their respective state governments. Nollywood actress Grace-Charis Bassey Effah has marked a new chapter in her life by officially joining the United States Navy and becoming a US citizen. The 35-year-old, originally from Cross River State, made the announcement on Instagram on Monday by sharing a photo of herself proudly dressed in her navy uniform. In her post, Effah revealed that she had successfully completed U.S. Navy boot camp and taken the oath of citizenship. She dedicated the milestone to her late father, Naval Commander Asido Bassey Effah, who also served in the military. Advertisement READ MORE: 99% Of Success On Homes Is Due To Right-Thinking Women Rita Edochie First, all glory to God, she wrote. Last week, I graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp as a Sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States. Nigeria raised me, America challenged me, and I stand today stronger and more determined than ever. Thank you to everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning. In honour of my late father Naval Cdr. Asido Bassey Effah. Effah launched her acting career with the 2005 television series Shallow Waters and gained further recognition after participating in the reality show Next Movie Star. Over the years, she earned several accolades, including the Most Promising Act of the Year at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards. This isnt her first major life transformation. Back in 2021, she publicly shared that she had changed her name from Belinda to Grace-Charis after what she described as a divine encounter. According to her, the previous name held a deeper, troubling significance that prompted the change. With this achievement, Effah joins the ranks of Nollywood actresses who have transitioned into military service abroadfollowing in the footsteps of Princess Chineke, who joined the U.S. Army in late 2024. SEE BELOW: Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over the state of Nigerias judiciary, accusing judges and lawyers of corruption and serving the interests of the executive arm of government. Speaking on Monday, at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bwari Branch Law Week in Abuja, El-Rufai said many Nigerians have lost faith in the judiciary. According to him, repeated delays in the delivery of justice and controversial rulings have led to a widespread perception that justice is being bought and sold. Advertisement In parallel, our judiciarymeant to be the bedrock of fairness and orderis under intense scrutiny judicial compromise, to put the matter delicately, erodes public confidence, he said. He criticized the rampant use of ex parte orders in political cases, claiming the legal system is being exploited for political gain. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/nnpcl-refineries-failing-to-meet-petrol-demand-were-exploring-other-options-dappman.html El-Rufai also condemned the practice of forum shopping and said it has led many to believe that courts no longer serve justice, but merely administer the law in ways favorable to the powerful. He said, There is a seemingly unbridgeable gulf between law and justice. Not only is justice wanting, but the law that is administered seems to be according to the wishes of the Executive. The former governor urged legal practitioners to reflect deeply on their responsibilities and work to restore integrity in the legal system. He challenged them to ask whether Justitia is blind and whether she holds the scales of justice in fine balance. His remarks come amid growing debates over judicial independence and political interference in Nigerias democratic institutions. A Magistrate Court sitting in Ogudu, Lagos State, has ordered the remand of 22-year-old security guard, Ifeanyi Kelvin Udoka, for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl. It was gathered that Udoka was arraigned on Monday by Lagos State Police Command on charges relating to the alleged defilement of the minor. According to the charge sheet, the alleged rape of the minor occurred at King Heritage School, located in Ikosi-Ketu. Advertisement The charge reads: That you, Ifeanyi Kelvin Udoka M, sometimes in May, 2025, at King Heritage School Ikosi Ketu in the Ikeja Magisterial district did defile one (name withheld) F, age 4 years old, by having canal knowledge of her and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 137 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015. Meanwhile, Presiding Magistrate, S.K. Matepo, directed that Udoka be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions. He also adjourned the matter to June 25 for further proceedings. A source familiar with the matter, told DAILY POST that the incident came to light when the childs grandmother observed strange behaviour after the girl returned home from school. READ MORE: Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspects For Allegedly Stealing, Selling Two-Week-Old Baby He explained that the child began urinating on herself uncontrollably during the day. The girl later told the woman that the arrested security guard at the school touched her bum bum. In a major push against criminal elements in Benue State, the Nigerian Army on Monday, announced the destruction of several bandit hideouts linked to wanted gang leader, Konyo Mbise, during a coordinated operation in the Akwaza area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The successful raid, conducted by troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies. It is part of an ongoing effort to clear the region of bandits ahead of the farming season. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/wike-can-call-fubara-anything-but-rivers-needs-peace-anabs-sara-igbe.html Advertisement In a recent raid operation conducted on May 18, 2025, troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS, in close synergy with other security agencies, captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA, the Army said in the statement. Recovered items included a submachine gun with magazine, a locally made rifle, 7.62mm special ammunition, a rifle butt and barrel, 9mm rounds, three POS machines, two power generators, electrical cables, a mobile phone, seven solar panels, and a painting machine. Troops also found a half bag of suspected cannabis sativa and portraits of several wanted bandit leaders. Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift action and charged them to maintain momentum. He also called on residents to cooperate with security operatives: We urge the public to report suspicious activities and assist with actionable intelligence to ensure lasting peace in the region. Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned political leaders in Nigerias North West that the electorate, not party loyalists or endorsements, will determine their fate in the 2027 elections. Baba-Ahmeds comments followed the recent endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by top APC figures in the North West. The move, led by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris, also included a vote of confidence in Tinubus leadership. Advertisement APC Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, further announced automatic tickets for North West governors seeking re-election. But in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed expressed concern that political elites are sidelining the very people they are meant to serve. READ MORE: https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/you-cant-force-nigerians-to-vote-its-unconstitutional-falana-tells-speaker-abbas-over-compulsory-voting-bill.html They forgot the people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty, he said. Its almost as if they think people dont matter. Baba-Ahmeds remarks come amid deepening insecurity and economic hardship in the region, with many residents disillusioned by political promises. He stressed that public endorsement ceremonies mean little if ordinary citizens continue to suffer unchecked violence and hunger. The people who will judge all politicians have been forgotten, he reiterated, casting doubt on whether political endorsements reflect true grassroots support. His statement is seen by observers as a clear rebuke of the APCs internal power plays and a call for leaders to focus on performance, not political convenience. The former aide resigned from his position in Tinubus government recently, further signaling discontent within the partys northern bloc as the race toward 2027 begins. Operatives of Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a man identified as Mohammed Umar, for loitering within Ngurore LCCN Church premises. It was gathered that Umar, who is said to be a resident of Abuja Road in Yola South Local Government area of the state, was caught wearing womans dress. In a statement by Spokesman for the states Police Command, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, disclosed that the arrest followed a report received from one Sunday Andrawus to the Ngurore Divisional Police Headquarters. Advertisement He added that states Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris has directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yola, for discreet and full scale investigation. The statement reads: On the 18th May 2025 arrested one Mohammed Umar, 19years old, a resident of Abuja Road, Yola South local Government area, loitering within Ngurore LCCN church premises, wearing clothing that is typically associated with an opposite sex (women). Avoiding unwanted attention. READ MORE: Adamawa Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Sodomizing Minors The arrest follows a report received from Sunday Andrawus to Ngurore Divisional Police Headquarters, after observing the suspects movement within the premises of the Church. The Commissioner of Police Adamawa state Command CP Dankombo Morris, PSC (+), has Directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yola, for discreet and full scale investigation. Operatives of Lagos State Police Command have arrested three persons, following a clash between tricycle operators, and a group of irate youths at Evans Square in the Ebute Metta area of the state. It was gathered that a yet to be identified person also sustained degrees of injuries during the riot which happened on Sunday. In a statement by Spokesman for the states Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin on Monday, explain that the incident was not linked to any ethnic dispute or communal tensions in the area. Advertisement Hundeyin added that no life was lost during the clash. He said: The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 17 May 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., officers of the Adekunle Division received a distress call reporting a clash between some commercial tricycle (keke) riders and some youths at Evans Square, Ebute Metta. READ MORE: Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspects For Allegedly Stealing, Selling Two-Week-Old Baby Consequently, Police Patrol Teams, Tactical Squads, and other police detachments and operatives responded swiftly to the distress call and were able to promptly restore normalcy. One individual who sustained injuries during the chaos was rescued and immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is recovering well. The Lagos State Command hereby confirms that no life was lost in the incident. However, that three of the suspects involved in the disturbance of public peace leading to the unrest were arrested at the scene, detained in police custody, and will be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation. There is no indication of ethnic conflict or tension in any part of the state. The incident posed no threat to the overall peace and security of Lagos. Three kidnapped victims were rescued from a forest in Kogi State by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Obajana Division, in collaboration with the Army and Fulani Vigilantes. In a statement released on Monday, the Kogi State Commands spokesperson, SP William Aya, revealed that the rescue took place during ongoing raid operations in Ankomi Forest. All the victims were rescued unhurt after a gun duel with the hoodlums in the bush. Due to the superior firepower of the joint security team, the hoodlums abandoned their victims and fled with gunshots injuries. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Foil Kidnap Attempt In Anambra, Rescue Victim, Recover Stolen Vehicle It was later revealed that the victims, comprising one Musa Abdullahi of Mangu LGA of Plateau State and one Abdulazeez Adamu of Okene, Kogi State were both abducted on 15/5/2025 from one J5 vehicle along Osara road on their way from Ekpoma in Edo State heading towards Jos, Plateau State. While the third victim one Yusuf Ibrahim of Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State was abducted from a trailer on the same date and location. The Commissioner of Police for Kogi State, CP Miller Dantawaye, praised the joint security team for their exceptional bravery demonstrated during the bush combing operation. Assuring the people of Kogi State of the commands unwavering commitment, in partnership with other security agencies, to eliminate all forms of crime, the command also urged neighboring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone seeking medical attention in the area to the nearest security post. No fewer than three persons have been injured when a truck rammed into a mini truck, conveying carrying plastic water along Kugbo-Nyanya express way, in Abuja. Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, Spokesperson for Federal Capital Police Command, Josephine Adeh, explained that the accident involved a Dangote owned truck with registration number KPF 305 XA. She said that the vehicle which was driven by one Isa Salisu, suffered brake failure, leading to a terrible collision with a dispatch rider and a J5 bus with registration number WAM 45 XA. Advertisement Josephine noted that only three persons sustained serious injuries in the incident, adding that while one of the victims was rushed to Asokoro District Hospital, the two others were taken to Nyanya General Hospital for medical attention. READ MORE: Seven Suspected Robbers Arrested In Abuja, 14 Stolen Mobile Phones Recovered She said: The affected vehicles have been towed to the police station for further investigation. The FCT Police Command urges motorists to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles and adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent avoidable incidents. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, has criticized the current state of democracy in Nigeria, declaring that the Western-style democratic model is unsuitable for the countrys unique socio-political landscape. Speaking to newsmen on Monday, Agbakoba expressed disappointment at Nigerias political evolution, particularly in light of persistent defections by opposition politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said such actions weaken democratic values and prove that Nigerias political class is more focused on seizing power than serving the people. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/apc-has-crippled-opposition-in-cross-river-peter-odey.html I thought that things would have been a lot better than what we have today, Agbakoba lamented. Something is fundamentally wrong in a process that is not delivering. After over 25 years of democratic rule, we are still stuck in a cycle of power grabs and political instability. Agbakoba blamed the failure of the Nigerian system on the adoption of a Western-style governance model, arguing that it does not reflect the realities or meet the needs of Nigerians. In my reflections, I came to the conclusion that its time to shed ourselves of this Western model the Oyibo model, he said, calling it a system foisted on the country that no longer serves its people. He emphasised the need for a new system of governance that genuinely addresses the basic needs of Nigerians, such as security, jobs, and infrastructure. According to him, constant defections and political realignments cannot solve the countrys underlying issues. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has declared a proposed bill seeking to make voting compulsory in Nigeria as unconstitutional development. Mr. Falana described the legislation, sponsored by Speaker of House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Asama Ago of the Labour Party, as a violation of citizens rights. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the bill proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections. Advertisement The lawmaker said that the objective is to address low voter turnout, promote civic responsibility, and transform voting from a personal choice into a legal obligation. Reacting to the development on Monday, Mr. Falana, in a statement, said that the proposal runs contrary to several provisions of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that legal foundation for mandatory voting is shaky since Chapter II of the constitution outlines the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, which remain non-justiciable. READ MORE: House Of Reps Rejects Bill On Rotational Presidency Among Six Geopolitical Zones Falana said: The Speaker of the House of Representatives probably wants Nigeria to join Egypt the only African country out of 23 globally with provisions for compulsory voting. The said constitutional provisions protect the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people to privacy, freedom of thought and conscience, as well as the freedom to register and vote in national and state elections conducted in Nigeria. However, it is doubtful whether the Speaker and his colleagues have paid sufficient attention to the relevant provisions of the Constitution. Otherwise, they would have realised that the compulsory voting is constitutionally invalid in every material particular on the ground that it is inconsistent with Sections 37, 38, 77(2), 135(5) and 178(5) of the Constitution. Citizens can be justifiably compelled to vote only if the socio-economic rights set out in Chapter II are made justiciable. The entrance to the new American Airlines Admirals Club lounge at Terminal A-West in the Philadelphia International Airport. Read more Good news for Philly-area American Airlines customers this week: They are getting new lounges and the return of a second drink on longer flights. But they may soon have to say goodbye to bread and butter when traveling overseas, according to a recent report from aviation insiders. Advertisement The mixed bag or assorted bread basket of news came out this week in news articles and statements from the airline, which has a major hub in Philadelphia and flies more passengers out of the airport than any other carrier. American had previously announced plans for the neighboring lounges, a Flagship Lounge and an Admirals Club, both located in Terminal A-West in the Philadelphia International Airport. On Tuesday, company executives held a ribbon-cutting for what they are calling a 25,000-square-foot airport oasis. With more than 19 million travelers passing through Philadelphia last year, our passionate team worked zealously to create a calm, comfortable sanctuary away from the terminal hustle where customers can relax, recharge, and feel taken care of before their journey takes off, Heather Garboden, Americans chief customer officer, said Tuesday in a statement. American often refers to Philadelphia as its trans-Atlantic gateway. Recently, it has been expanding its services and adding more flights out of the city. The 19 million American passengers that passed through Philly last year exceeded the 16 million the carrier reported in 2023. New American Airlines Lounges at PHL to feature three bars, eight shower suites The lounges are set to officially open on Thursday, with access available to certain American Airlines members and passengers flying in premium seats. Any customers willing to spend $150 a person to visit the Flagship Lounge, or $79 to visit the Admirals Club, can also gain entry. Together the two lounges have room for almost 400 guests. They are between gates A15 and A16, and replace the previous Admirals Club that was in Terminal A-East. The spaces are thoughtfully designed and include a lounge neighborhood with plush seating and a cozy fireplace and dining and bar neighborhoods, according to the airline. Between the two lounges, there are two full-service bars that feature local beers and cocktails and a self-service wine bar. There is also a kids playroom, eight spa-style showers, six large high-definition TVs, and four private phone rooms. Second drink back in, bread possibly out on long American Airlines flights American Airlines last week reversed course on a policy that reduced the number of times flight attendants offered drink service on long flights. The airline on Tuesday confirmed to The Inquirer that it reinstated a second drink service again on flights of 1,500 miles or more. American remains committed to further enhancing the customer experience throughout the travel journey, the company said in a statement to TheStreet, a financial news outlet. Starting May 14, American will reinstate a second beverage service on domestic long-haul flights (1,500+ miles) and including a premeal beverage service for select international flights departing before 9:01 p.m. local departure time. American Airlines declined to comment on Tuesday about reports that the airline is testing the removal of bread and butter from passenger meal trays on some international flights, due to space constraints in the galleys of new jets. According to the industry insiders at the aviation blog Aviation A2Z, the move would not immediately impact any flights out of Philly. It would be tested on planes departing from Boston, Charlotte, and Raleigh and arriving in London, Aviation A2Z reported, and passenger feedback will be considered as the airline decides whether to implement the change on more flights. Alyssa Wiest was killed in her West Conshohocken home by Michael Dutkiewicz, her boyfriend, according to police. Read more Alyssa Wiest was secure in her life and clear in her goals, her family said. She knew what she wanted, they said, and nothing was going to deter her. So when she decided Sunday that, after nine months, she wanted to end her relationship with Michael Dutkiewicz, she packed his suitcase full of his clothes and told him to move out of her home on Moorehead Avenue in West Conshohocken. Advertisement Her older brother, Kurt, said it was completely in character for her: She wore the pants in that relationship. But Dutkiewicz, 26, wasnt ready to let Wiest go, and police say he shot her multiple times with her own gun as she tried to run from him. Two of those shots, investigators said, came as Wiest was lying on the ground outside her house. Dutkiewicz, of Warminster, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the slaying and remains in custody, denied bail. His attorney, Kathryn Coviello Cacciamani, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wiests family is awash in grief and frustration, heartbroken that a life so full of promise ended this abruptly. She didnt deserve to go like this. She never hurt a soul and never wanted to, Kurt Wiest Jr. said of his sister in an interview Tuesday. She was full of life, and had so many dreams and aspirations she wanted to achieve. Even at 25, Wiest had accomplished plenty. After graduating from the University of Delaware, the Perkasie native landed a job at GSK as a microbiologist, working toward her goal of improving the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and making them more affordable. She was an avid traveler, her family said, and had visited Europe and South America several times as she sought to experience different cultures. Wiest had recently taken up painting and had created beautiful landscapes, portraits, and other works that she gave as anniversary and birthday gifts for her loved ones. Her bright spirit, boundless kindness, and the incredible promise she held for the future made her a beacon of hope and joy for all who knew her, Wiests family said in a statement. Her brother said she had met Dutkiewicz through mutual friends. And while her family said there were no signs of domestic abuse before the fatal shooting, they felt uneasy about Dutkiewicz because of his hard partying lifestyle, according to her brother. He had been kicked out of bars for unruly or drunken behavior, Wiests brother said, and he spent time drag racing. Court records show he has convictions for minor offenses, including disorderly conduct and trespassing. He knew she was out of his league, and I think as soon as he realized she was pushing him away, he couldnt cope with leaving one of the best things to happen to him, Kurt Wiest said. Neighbors told police that they heard a scream from Wiests home on Sunday, followed by a series of gunshots, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Dutkiewiczs arrest. Witnesses said they saw him walk outside the home and look around quickly before getting into his Ford pickup truck and driving away. Inside Wiests home, police found evidence that a Ruger .38-caliber handgun registered to her had been fired multiple times. And, given the location and trajectory of the gunfire, the affidavit said, it was clear that the shooter had followed Wiest as she ran downstairs from a second-floor bedroom and out of her home. As detectives looked for Dutkiewicz in the hours after the shooting, his mother contacted police and said he would turn himself in, the affidavit said. He arrived hours later at the West Conshohocken Police Department and brought the suspected murder weapon with him. Dutkiewicz is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on murder and related charges on May 29. Zoraida Garcia, Eddie Irizarry's aunt, spoke at a protest outside the courthouse before attending Mark Dial's trial on Tuesday. Read more Supporters and family of Eddie Irizarry, who was shot and killed by a Philadelphia police officer in 2023, gathered Tuesday outside the courthouse where the officer is on trial for murder and called for justice for the slain man. Advertisement Speakers at the rally said the now-former officer, Mark Dial, should go to prison for killing Irizarry as he sat in his car after a traffic stop on a Kensington street. Were here to demand justice today and every other day until Eddies family gets justice, said Talia Giles, of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which organized the gathering. As she spoke, Dials trial on charges of third-degree murder and related crimes was poised to begin its second day of testimony in the building behind her. When the trial opened Monday, prosecutors and defense attorneys gave conflicting accounts of what happened on the summer day that Irizarry, 27, was killed. As Irizarry sat in his car with the windows up, holding a knife, Dial shot him six times in what prosecutors said was a crime committed with wanton disregard for human life. Defense lawyers said Dial mistakenly believed that Irizarry had a gun and posed a threat to him and his partner. As Tuesdays rally got underway outside the courthouse, Irizarrys father and namesake, Eddie Irizarry, stopped to watch as supporters said Dial should go to prison for killing his son. He was sitting inside the car, it was closed completely, the elder Irizarry said in Spanish before heading inside the building to attend the trial. He shot because he wanted to. There wasnt any danger. Irizarrys aunt, Zoraida Garcia, briefly spoke to those gathered and thanked them for their support. On Aug. 14, 2023, Dial and his partner, Officer Michael Morris, had seen Irizarry driving erratically in Kensington and followed him as Irizarry turned the wrong way down East Willard Street and parked his car, police said. Dial jumped out, drew his gun, and within seconds shot Irizarry, who was holding a knife to his side, sitting in the drivers seat, according to body-camera footage released by authorities. Irizarry, 27, was struck six times and rushed to Temple University Hospital by Dial and Morris. He died shortly after. Within weeks of the shooting, then-Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw fired Dial for refusing to cooperating with an internal investigation. Dial was arrested and charged with murder the next month. Tuesdays protest was the latest in a series of rallies organized after Irizarrys death, which sparked citywide and national outrage. In the months after Irizarry was killed, hundreds of supporters and activists took to the streets calling for Dials arrest and imprisonment and speaking about police brutality in Philadelphia and beyond. Former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial, center, arrives at the courthouse with his attorneys, Brian McMonagle and Fortunato Perri, in 2023. Read more Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Morris did not waver as he recalled what he saw when he approached Eddie Irizarrys car on Aug. 14, 2023. I saw him produce a knife, Morris said Monday as the first witness in the murder trial of his former partner, Mark Dial. Advertisement And he appeared confident about what he said he yelled as Dial ran up to Irizarrys car as it was parked on a Kensington street. I said, Mark, hes got a knife, he said. If my memory serves me correctly, I said it multiple times. But as Morris listened to the sound from a video of the few seconds before Dial opened fire on Irizarry that summer afternoon, he acknowledged that there could have been confusion in what his partner heard him say. Does it sound like you said gun? Dials defense attorney Brian McMonagle asked the officer. From the video, yes, it sounds like I do say it, Morris replied. That, McMonagle and his team of fellow defense lawyers said as the trial got underway Monday, is why the jury should conclude that Dial is not guilty. The officer, in the heat of a tense, rapidly evolving situation, believed the seven-inch folding knife Irizarry was holding inside his car was actually a gun, they said, and, fearing for his life, Dial shot him multiple times. Every tragedy is not a crime, said defense lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. But prosecutors on Monday said the officers actions on that day were criminal and urged jurors to convict him of murder. Although Irizarry was holding a knife, he did not try to get out of his car and was not a threat to this defendant or his partner, said Assistant District Attorney Karima Yelverton. And rather than pause to assess whether Irizarry posed a threat to the officers safety, she said, Dial showed a wanton and willful disregard for human life when he shot Irizarry six times, within less than six seconds of encountering him. A jury of 10 women and two men will decide whether or not the 29-year-old former officer is guilty of third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and related crimes. The attorneys contentions and Morris testimony marked the first day of the high-profile trial, which officials say will likely last through the week. The case centers on the death of Irizarry, 27, who was seated in his car, with the windows rolled up, when Dial shot and killed him. Dial and Morris were on patrol on a nearby North Philadelphia street when, they said, they saw Irizarry speed past them in the bike lane at a red light. Irizarry was driving so fast, Morris said, that their car shook. The officers thought Irizarry may have been fleeing a crime, they said, and followed as he maneuvered through residential streets. Irizarry then drove the wrong way down East Willard Street before quickly parking his car and turning down his music. The doors to his car were locked, and his windows were rolled up, prosecutors said. Morris, who was driving, said he and Dial believed Irizarry had been trying to evade them when he pulled up next to the sedan. Morris jumped out with his gun drawn, he said, and immediately saw that Irizarry was holding a knife against the side of his leg. Morris said he yelled knife as Dial ran along the front of the car. Then, he said, as Dial approached the drivers side of the car, Irizarry lifted the knife up and turned in Dials direction. That blade resembled a gun, McMonagle said. I will f shoot you!" Dial yelled, according to the video. He then almost immediately opened fire through the drivers window, jumping back as he continued to shoot. Irizarry was struck six times, including in the jaw, chest, and one hand. As videos of the shooting were played on Monday, Dial sobbed. Across the courtroom, Irizarrys relatives did the same. Jordan Mailata is known for his excellent singing voice. Hes the star of the Philly Specials Christmas albums, has pleased crowds singing at local bars, and even sang for President Joe Biden at the White House. But faced with the prospect of singing Tennessee Whiskey for 11-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton, the Eagles offensive tackle got a bit of stage fright. Advertisement READ MORE: Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown explain why they skipped the Eagles White House visit I was so nervous, Mailata said Tuesday. I was trying to remember the words of how to start the song. I looked at Chris and I was like, How does this go again? He was like Used to spend my nights, and I was like, Ugh, and thats how it happened. If the viral clip of him singing is any indication, Mailata did great, but that didnt stop him from feeling the pressure. At the time, all I could think about is if I butchered it, I think I wouldve left that concert and gone home and screamed into my pillow and not shown my face for the rest of the year, Mailata said jokingly. Jason Kelce, who attended the George Strait concert with Mailata on May 10 at the Linc, made the introduction between Stapleton and Mailata, after Mailata sang Tennessee Whiskey during the famous rookie karaoke tradition. I hear Kelce telling him like, Hey, Jordan sang your song for his rookie performance, Mailata said. Chris Stapletons like, Yeah? Sing me something. I was like, Ah, I dont really have my guitar right now. Everyone was like, Youre lying. You can do it a cappella! I was like, Fine, Ill give the people what they want. State Rep. Martina White (R. Philadelphia) speaks during a rally against antisemitism in 2023. White participated in a hearing Monday in which Republican lawmakers questions Philadelphia school district spending practices. Read more Republican state lawmakers questioned the Philadelphia School Districts management and spending Monday, bringing in an analyst from a libertarian think tank who suggested the district needed to make budget cuts rather than increase its funding. The hearing which also featured testimony from a Philadelphia mother about her struggles securing special education services from the district came as state budget negotiations pick up and, with them, debate over school funding. Advertisement Christian Barnard, assistant director of education reform for the Reason Foundation, told lawmakers that Philadelphia was one of the highest-funded large school districts in the state since the pandemic, thanks in part to an infusion of federal COVID-19 relief money. The district has disproportionately spent that new money on facilities and administrative, nonteaching positions, Barnard said. He also said the district had one of the highest debt ratios among large school districts nationally. Meanwhile, enrollment in close to half of district schools has dropped by 20% since the pandemic, Barnard said suggesting the district should be consolidating its facilities as it faces a fiscal cliff. State Rep. Martina White (R., Philadelphia) said she was deeply concerned by Barnards testimony and hoped to work with district officials. A lawyer who advocates for education funding, meanwhile, cast doubt on Barnards analysis after the hearing. Philadelphia schools are underfunded by more than $1 billion, under a formula lawmakers adopted in response to a 2023 landmark Commonwealth Court ruling that found Pennsylvanias school funding system unconstitutional. The formula calculates what each district should be spending to adequately educate students based on its needs including students living in poverty and English language learners and how much districts can afford to contribute in local revenues, based on the wealth of their communities. Barnard, who noted academic gains made by lower-spending states, said he was very skeptical that a billion more dollars is going to make any kind of difference for Philadelphia students. That reasoning flies in the face of evidence presented during the school funding trial, said Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, senior attorney with the Public Interest Law Center, which represented districts and other plaintiffs who sued the state over inadequate funding and the inability of poorer districts to raise enough money through local property taxes. Contrary to Barnards characterization of Philadelphia as one of the highest-funded districts, Urevick-Ackelsberg quoted from Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirers ruling, which said that Philadelphia is a low-wealth, high-need, high-effort, low-spending district. The district spent about $24,000 per student in 2023-24, ranking 134th out of 500 Pennsylvania districts, according to state data. (Near the top of the list: New Hope-Solebury at $39,000, and Lower Merion at $37,000.) Looking at what Philadelphia spends relative to its needs, however, the district is the 27th-lowest-spending of 500 districts, Urevick-Ackelsberg said. While noting he had not seen Barnards testimony, Urevick-Ackelsberg said, It doesnt sound like someone too familiar with the data or too familiar with the School District of Philadelphia. Philadelphia school officials did not participate in Mondays hearing, which was held at Community College of Philadelphia. But they submitted written testimony emphasizing progress over the last two years, including increases in regular attendance and improved test scores. We have also stabilized our finances and made targeted investments, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. and school board president Reginald Streater said in the statement, describing bond ratings upgrades. They said the district had spent $1.1 billion in federal pandemic aid on curriculum upgrades; the construction of three new schools and other facilities projects; and the addition of 350 school-based positions to support the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. In response to Barnards statements, a district spokesperson said that budgets and staffing allocations are adjusted annually based on school enrollment. Some Republican lawmakers said Barnards testimony reflected problems with Pennsylvanias school funding. We dont have an adequacy gap, especially based on the data presented today. What we have is an honesty gap, said Rep. Barb Gleim (R., Cumberland), adding that the school funding ruling never had a dollar amount attached to it. Rep. David Rowe (R., Union) said as budget season progresses, lawmakers need to ensure we are properly funding all educational options whether its government schools, whether its school choice options. Urevick-Ackelsberg noted that Republicans did not appeal the Commonwealth Court ruling; lawmakers then passed the adequacy formula, which deemed schools underfunded by $4.5 billion, with bipartisan majorities. The rest of this is just theater, he said. Starbucks and Philadelphia-based delivery service Gopuff have expanded their partnership, allowing a broad swath of Philadelphia and nearby Pennsylvania suburbs to order lattes, frappuccinos, and other Starbucks items 24 hours a day. To mark the widened territory, Gopuff said it would deliver a grande-size iced Starbucks coffee to any address on Wednesday for free, waiving the delivery charge as well. The deal is available through Gopuffs app from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. (A delivery charge applies to additional items included in the same order.) Advertisement The Starbucks-Gopuff partnership began in October 2023 in Center City, Old City, Northern Liberties, Fairmount, and University City, served by two Gopuff microfulfillment centers. With 16 centers now online, the delivery footprint now covers all of Philly (minus a slice of Northeast Philadelphia) and towns straddling Routes 1 and 476, such as Bala Cynwyd, Wallingford, Brookhaven, Media, Folsom, and (in what may be a power move) Wawa. Bethlehem, in Lehigh County, is also a new territory. Starbucks food and drinks, with branded ingredients and packaging, are prepared by Gopuff baristas trained by Starbucks. Each location hires 12 to 14 people for the round-the-clock Starbucks orders. Like the Gopuff employees and the private-contractor drivers, they are not unionized. The partnership apparently has paid dividends for Gopuff, founded in 2013 by two Drexel students who sought to create a veritable Wawa on wheels, aiming for deliveries in as little as 15 minutes. Gopuff representative Brigid Gorham said about 80% of Gopuffs Starbucks orders have included at least one additional item from Gopuffs inventory groceries, beer and wine, frozen foods, beverages, snacks, cleaning supplies, and the like. Gopuff carries about 5,000 SKUs (or stock keeping units, the retail measurement for inventory items), only about a sixth of a small supermarkets product line. The Inquirer watched on Monday as an order for a mocha frappuccino popped up on a screen in the Starbucks prep room inside a Gopuff center in South Philadelphia. Within seven minutes, a barista had made the drink and packed it into a Starbucks-branded cup and bag. A Gopuff warehouse worker picked up the bag and added it to a wire bin that held a second bag containing an item bound for the same customer. A courier then walked in to pick up both bags for a ride across town to the customer. Ergo: a mocha frapp and a box of tampons, delivered in about 30 minutes. Starbucks has seen benefits from the partnership, as its products can be ordered and delivered outside of traditional store hours. Customers who order from Gopuff during the day are not stressing their existing stores anymore than its necessary, Gorham said. With Gopuff controlling the delivery, she said, its low effort for them and they get to reach more customers with a different experience. For all the restaurant buzz in Kensington, some swaths of the neighborhood are surprisingly light on daily breakfast and lunch options. Thats particularly true of what some folks call Olde Kensington, a section of North Philadelphia thats bounded by Girard and Cecil B. Moore Avenues between Sixth and Front Streets. The newly opened Wissahickon Brewing, at 1526 N. American St., aims to change that: The East Falls brewerys second location features a full kitchen that will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Coffee and tea drinks courtesy of Wissahickons cafe concept, Wirlybird Coffee are the beverages of choice in the mornings; beer, cider, and kombucha start flowing at 11 a.m. Advertisement When youre paying rent as we are 24 hours a day, we need to bring customers in earlier. I dont want anyone to come in for a beer at seven [a.m.], but coffee is a no-brainer," said brewery cofounder Tim Gill, who owns Wissahickon Brewing Co. with his three sons: Tim Jr., Luke, and Pete. The Gill family spent 18 months renovating this 7,500-square-foot space, formerly home to Original 13 Ciderworks. They demolished walls to expand the taprooms footprint and added two mezzanines to make enough room for 200 seats. They also redid the floors, installed new floor-to-ceiling garage doors, added two bathrooms, and rebuilt a 7-barrel production space which will be dedicated to making Inspired Brews, a kombucha brand Wissahickon purchased in 2023. The Gills anticipated spending $1.5 million on the new space but came in under budget, Tim Jr. said. We bootstrapped a lot of this, said Tim Jr. Between my dad and myself, my brothers Pete and Luke, if we can do it ourselves, were going to. (Everything done according to code as required, chimed in Tim Sr., who spent decades working in city government before retiring in 2016 to launch the brewery.) Undertaking kitchen service marks a new frontier for Wissahickon, which first opened in East Falls in 2017 and has hosted countless food trucks in the years since several of which have graduated to brick-and-mortar restaurants, including Tabachoy, one of The Inquirers 76 essential restaurants, and Char Pizza. When Gill and sons first looked at the Olde Kensington site, they were unsure how to approach the existing large kitchen space. They had already dipped their toes into expanding hours and service at Wissahickons East Falls location they introduced Wirlybird in early 2023 but still relied on outside vendors, bringing in Au Fornil pastries to go with their coffee drinks. After signing the lease on the American Street facility, though, the Gills decided it was worth bringing food in-house. We always thought that if folks wanted to get up at 4 a.m. and chop onions, let them be the ones that prepare the food, because well focus on the beer, said Tim Sr. That said, I think the model can maybe give us more control You gotta be able to make a nickel on a hamburger. If you cant do that, then youre doing something wrong. Wissahickons five-person kitchen staff is helmed by chef Noah Gindin, a Schulson Collective alum and Germantown native, who plans to offer a menu comparable to what you might find at Talulas Daily. The morning offerings arent entirely set, but Gindin plans to start off with grab-and-go options like yogurt and fruit bowls and breakfast sandwiches; sit-down offerings like a diner-style breakfast and avocado toast should be coming soon. The early lunch/dinner menu includes $10 sandwiches (fried chicken, sausage and peppers, roast pork, broccoli rabe), $9 burgers (a traditional 8-ounce patty, plus smash, salmon, and veggie variants), $7 salads (Caesar, tomato, farro), and $6 appetizers. The new taproom has 24 draft lines to showcase the brewerys wide-ranging styles, including its best-selling West Coast IPA Hail Mary, the award-winning Devils Pool double IPA, and Sunnyside Mexican lager, which Tim Sr. describes as our answer to Corona we add the lime for you because we know youre lazy. We started out as almost IPA-centric, because its what the world loved and thats what we love, Tim Sr. said. But you got to be able to make a beer thats not your favorite, so we make everything. The Gills expanded to kombucha in 2023 because its delicious, its good for you, and it makes a great alternative mixer instead of [soda], Tim Sr. said. Wissahickon brews around 2,000 barrels of beer annually to supply their two taprooms plus 125 bars and restaurants in the area; the new kombucha system should be able to churn out 240 barrels a year. Between the two locations, the company employs about 40 staffers, both full-time and part-time. The Gill men first started making beer together at their family home in Roxborough after Tim Jr. bought Tim Sr. a home-brew kit for Fathers Day in 2010. It became an essential weekly activity, Tim Sr. said. What [my wife and I] experienced was that they will adore you up to a certain point, and then they cant stand you, he said. You gotta find something for them to adore you again, and making beer was my trick. The father and sons moved from the kitchen to the deck to the basement as their enthusiasm and equipment grew. Then we started entering our beers into contests Your mom says its good, but how about the rest of the world? and we started winning medals, Tim Sr. said. Around 2014 or so, the Gill men got more serious about the idea of brewing professionally. Tim Sr. left his job first, and gradually the sons left their respective jobs at Comcast, KPMG, and Merck. (Tim Sr.s sole daughter currently works as a nurse, following in her moms footsteps. Maybe someday shell come in as well, he said.) Fifteen years on, the homebrewing hobby has become the foundation for a legacy Tim Sr. hopes the next generation of Gills can share. He and his wife have seven grandkids between two of their four kids; another son is getting married this summer. Were growing, Tim Sr. said. We want to have something that lives on. The emergency department entrance at Main Line Health Riddle Hospital in Media. Read more You can expect to spend three and a half hours inside an emergency room in the Philadelphia region during a typical visit, according to the latest data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Thats 50 minutes longer than the national average for emergency room visits. Advertisement Emergency department visits got longer at three out of every four hospitals in the Philadelphia region between 2021 to 2024. The Inquirer analyzed CMS data for 33 hospitals in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Burlington and Camden in New Jersey. Check out the table below to see how your hospital performed: What contributes to long emergency department visits? Lots of factors affect hospitals average time for an emergency department visit, including number of patients, hospital capacity, staffing, and severity of cases. According to CMS, longer stays may be a sign of understaffing or overcrowding, which could delay treatment. Two hospitals where the length of an emergency room visit increased significantly were in Delaware County. Riddle Hospital, owned by Main Line Health, jumped 64 minutes and Trinity Healths Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital rose 54 minutes. Lankenau Hospital, also owned by Main Line Health, was not far behind with a 52 minute increase. The two health systems attributed the change to increased patient volume after nearby Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Springfield Hospital, both formerly part of Crozer Health, closed in 2022. READ MORE: Eight additional ambulances will start service in Delaware County Saturday following Crozers closure Declining primary care and mental health resources in the county have also contributed to busier emergency departments, both health systems said. Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey saw the greatest improvement in emergency department visit time, shaving off 13 minutes from the average visit length between 2021 and 2024. Cooper said it had managed to make emergency visits shorter, even as volume and hospitalizations rose, by focusing on a hospital-wide strategy that calls for emergency department staff to coordinate closely with other departments, such as imaging, pharmacy, and transportation. We can order the X-ray but if it takes two hours to get the patient from point A to B, were never going to see as many patients, said Andrew Nyce, vice chair of Coopers Department of Emergency Medicine. The sweet-scented purple fluffy flowers are most likely Japanese and Chinese wisterias. Read more Romanticizing life is easier when purple flowers make traveling around Philly feel like a scene from Bridgerton. But captivating things can be treacherous. Enchanted by these blossoms, a reader asked Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for questions about the city and region: What are all the beautiful trees with lavender-colored flowers that are seemingly all over? They are not actual flowering trees, said Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. They are wisterias, ornamental vines that grow up trees, creating the impression of fragrant flowers that bloom with spring. Advertisement As with many species, wisterias have multiple types. American and Kentucky wisterias are native to the United States, but they are unlikely to be the ones Philadelphians are seeing on trees, Bunting said. The sweet-scented purple fluffy flowers are most likely Japanese and Chinese wisterias, both considered invasive. Its highly, highly unlikely that if they have a wisteria growing up their tree, that its the native one because the native one doesnt occur naturally, Bunting said. They are invasive plants choking a 100-foot-tall tree, and probably eventually will contribute to its demise, and ultimately to its death. The non-native status doesnt mean these deadly beauties are new to the Philadelphia scene. They have been here longer than cheesesteaks. Both the Japanese and Chinese wisterias arrived in colonial times, Bunting said. In those days, they were considered rare, leading folks to plant them in arbors, pergolas, and trellises for their ornamental beauty. Over the decades, inadequate maintenance led to seeds making their way into other residential areas and the woods. Bunting has noticed a wider spread of these two types of wisteria in the last 20 years, which might be why more Philadelphians are seeing them. The weather and reproduction could be reasons, he said. Maybe its just a better spring for whatever reason, and maybe theres more flowers, Bunting said. Or its becoming more obvious because theres more of it in the woods. Whatever the case, prevention is no longer an option to stop trees from being fatally decorated by these wisterias. Trees and bushes that have them will be slowly smothered at different paces depending on their size. Bunting recommends removing them by cutting the wisteria trunks that are climbing up the tree at the base or judiciously pruning them to slow their continuous expansion. LONDON The U.K. suspended free trade talks with Israel on Tuesday and hit West Bank settlers with sanctions, less than a day after vowing concrete actions if Israel didnt stop its new military offensive in Gaza. Pressure from close allies is mounting on Israel following a nearly three-month blockade of supplies into Gaza that led to famine warnings. Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis. Advertisement British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government couldnt continue talks on upgrading its existing trade agreement with an Israeli government pursuing what he called egregious policies in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. READ MORE: Opinion | Im a rabbi who hoped to take food into Gaza. Instead, I was arrested. History will judge them, Lammy said. Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible. And it must stop. Israelis ambassador to the U.K., Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would call the 11-week blockade of aid to Gaza cruel and indefensible. The European Unions foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza. READ MORE: Trudy Rubin | Trumps Mideast trip: Forget peace deals, the president only wants a piece of the profits Kallas, speaking on Tuesday at a press conference in Brussels after chairing a meeting of foreign ministers, said a huge majority of member nations are very keen on sending this message that the suffering of these people is untenable. She did not provide clear details on timing and mechanisms for the review. Utterly intolerable Lammy said the U.K. was imposing sanctions on a further three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organizations supporting violence against the Palestinian community. He said the illegal Israeli settlements were spreading across the West Bank with the explicit support of this Israeli government. Israels Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, called the sanctions against West Bank settlers unjustified and regrettable and said the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced by the U.K. anyway. While Lammys words were welcomed by some in the House of Commons, others called for stronger action, suggesting economic sanctions against Israel and recognizing the state of Palestine. A handful of members shouted for him to call Israels actions genocide, though Lammy labeled it extremism and monstrous. Still others criticized the joint statement, saying it favored Hamas. Opposing the expansion of a war that has killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas, Lammy said. The U.K. announcement followed comments by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called childrens suffering in Gaza utterly intolerable and repeated his call for a ceasefire. I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, Starmer said. Starmer calls for ceasefire On Monday, Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in issuing one of the most significant criticisms by close allies of Israels handling of the war in Gaza and its actions in the West Bank. The three leaders threatened to take concrete actions if the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not cease its renewed military offensive and significantly lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. Netanyahu called the statement a huge prize for Hamas. Starmer said a ceasefire was the only way to free the dozens of hostages Hamas still holds. He also called for increased shipments of humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying the basic quantity allowed by Israel is utterly inadequate. This war has gone on for far too long, Starmer said. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve. While Israel allowed a first few trucks with baby food and desperately needed supplies to begin rolling into Gaza on Monday, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described it as a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. Israel said dozens more trucks entered Tuesday. Tensions between France and Israel Israel initially received widespread international support to root out Hamas militants following the groups surprise attack that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023, and took 251 captives. But patience with Israel is wearing thin after more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Israels latest onslaught has killed more than 300 people in recent days, local health officials said. In recent weeks, Macron intensified diplomatic efforts to put pressure on Israel, urging a ceasefire and calling for lifting the blockade of humanitarian aid. Last month, Macron said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, possibly in June when France and Saudi Arabia co-host an international conference about implementing a two-state solution. Macron, who has said that recognizing Palestine is not a taboo for France, last week suggested that revisiting the EUs cooperation agreements with Israel is on the table. Tensions between France and Israel have escalated after Macron called for stopping arms deliveries for use in Gaza in an October radio interview, prompting Netanyahus criticism. France also sought to impose a ban on Israeli defense companies to prevent them from exhibiting weapons at the Euronaval trade exhibition. Settler violence The U.S., France, the EU, the U.K. and Canada previously hit Israeli settlers and settler groups with sanctions for their involvement in violence against Palestinians and in illegal development in the West Bank. The measures expose the sanctioned people and groups to asset freezes and travel and visa bans. The Associated Press previously reported that these measures have had minimal impact as a deterrent. Settler attacks causing injury or death to Palestinians have surged since the Hamas attack in 2023. Israel says it opposes settler violence and blames it on an extremist fringe. Palestinians say the Israeli army does little to protect them and that the attacks are part of a systematic attempt to expel them from their land. Trespassing charges levied against Newark mayor and New Jersey governor candidate Ras Baraka for visiting an immigration detention center have been dropped, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said in statement posted on X Monday night. Baraka a Democrat who has been building a solid national profile amid a crowded primary field was arrested earlier this month while attempting to join several members of Congress on a May 9 visit to Delaney Hall, a Newark prison that was recently converted into a privately run federal immigration detention center. Baraka had spent the week of his arrest protesting the detentions center opening, but was denied entry by federal guards that Friday, sparking a heated argument that has since gone viral on social media. Advertisement After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Barakas misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward, Habba said in the statement before going on to invite Baraka on a personal tour of the facility. The government has nothing to hide at that facility, Habba said. READ MORE: Ras Barakas arrest thrust him into the national spotlight as voters make up their mind in the N.J. governors race Barakas dismissal came as Habba has announced charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who has represented parts of Newark, Jersey City, and several towns in Union and Essex counties in Congress since 2024. LaMonica was accompanied by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) and Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) on what shouldve been a standard oversight visit when federal officers began prodding at Baraka, prompting the lawmakers to form a barricade around the mayor. From there, a heated altercation ensued, according to video and body camera footage of the incident. At one point, reports the New York Times, McIver can be heard screaming at officers, Maam, he just assaulted me. Habbas statement refutes this characterization. McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement, Habba said. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey. READ MORE: Ras Barakas arrest draws strong partisan reactions as his N.J. primary opponents call for his release Habba claims in the statement that she offered McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution before bringing criminal charges, but McIver declined them. McIver, meanwhile, has maintained that federal officials were the ones interfering in normal government business. We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit shouldve been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, McIver posted on X Monday night after she was charged. The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight," McIvers statement went on. Democratic lawmakers and Barakas competition for governor have come out in staunch support of the lawmakers while Republican politicians have floated consequences that include censure. It is outrageous for a Congresswoman to be criminally charged for exercising her lawful duty to visit a detention center in her own district, wrote New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) also reiterated McIvers right to be at the facility. The decision by the US Attorney to charge [McIver] has nothing to do with enforcing the law, and everything to do with this administrations attempt to intimidate those who dare speak against them or expose the truth, Kim posted on X Monday night. Congresswoman McIver was in the process of conducting oversight, which is her right and responsibility. Led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives called McIvers charges extreme, morally bankrupt, and [lacking] in any basis in law or fact. By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office. ... There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, the House Democrats said in their statement. Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable. Immigration officers are not allowed to bar members of Congress from visiting detention centers, according to a section of a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement manual. Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security officials acknowledged that members of Congress have a right to show up to these facilities unannounced for inspections as long as they provide identification. No one is above the law politician or otherwise," wrote Habba. Now we will let the justice system work. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz appear an April event in Indiana in this file photo. Oz, a former U.S. Senate candidate, visited Philadelphia Monday. Read more City officials met with Mehmet Oz in Philadelphias Kensington neighborhood Monday to advocate for protecting Medicaid from cuts proposed by congressional Republicans advancing a bill that would reduce spending on the government-funded health coverage. Oz, President Donald Trumps newly confirmed administrator for the nations Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, defended the planned reductions, which would cut billions of dollars from Medicaid, a safety-net program for low-income people and those with disabilities. Advertisement Oz, then a celebrity doctor with a syndicated daytime television show, drew national attention when he visited Kensington in 2017 with his TV crew to show the opioid crisis in the neighborhood. After his episode aired, the city cleared a long-standing encampment where people had sold and used drugs, a decision that some claim further destabilized the neighborhood. He visited again in 2022 during his unsuccessful campaign for Senate, walking along the perimeter of McPherson Square as news cameras trailed him. Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley said officials requested to meet with Oz on Monday once they knew he would be in town. The goal was to show him how vitally important Medicaid and Medicare, a government health program serving seniors, are to Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers efforts to combat addiction. Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel and Public Safety Director Adam Geer joined Oz on the tour, along with Ala Stanford, the founder of the Black Doctors Consortium. The group walked along a portion of Kensington Avenue with Dr. Oz to see conditions there firsthand, Garrett Harley said, calling it a productive intergovernmental conversation. Stanford said that she spoke with Oz about the Riverview Wellness Village, the Parker administration-funded recovery housing complex where she manages the medical suite. Most residents at the facility, which has nearly 400 beds, rely on Medicaid and Medicare to fund their care. I told him we cant operate without Medicaid and Medicare, because our patients run from 19 to over 65. This is real for us, she said. Oz asked what CMS could do to help programs like hers, Stanford said. She replied that the federal government could consider covering housing programs like Riverview for people with substance use disorder through Medicaid, as stable housing can offer patients stability and protection against relapsing. She said Oz was receptive and said he would like to come back to the city to visit the program. It was an opportunity to present a solution, to be able to discuss what were doing in real time, Stanford said. For the CMS administrator to hear us talk about it and say hes interested in coming back to see it was a win. During his visit, Oz said he spoke to first responders who had tended to overdoses and in a statement called the situation a tragedy doused in misfortune wrapped around countless broken hearts. Oz said he met with an ambulance driver who has used Narcan to reverse lethal overdoses, pastor Buddy Osborn, founder of Rock Ministries, as well as Bethel and patrol officers. CMS will focus on the challenges of this homeless population...and hopes to work with powerful local groups like Community Behavioral Health who support the Medicaid population, he said. Making the rounds in Philly Earlier in the day, Oz spoke to anchors on FOX 29s Good Day Philadelphia, where he defended planned changes to Medicaid, which he argued would streamline the program to focus on the most vulnerable beneficiaries. The question for us as a nation this is a bipartisan issue is: How do you take care of the most vulnerable? Oz said on Good Day, discussing his plans to visit Kensington. Well, you certainly dont cut Medicare and Medicaid, host Mike Jerrick said to Oz. We will not cut Medicaid, Oz maintained. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the House Republican plan as it stands would result in 7.6 million Americans losing Medicaid health insurance over 10 years. The cuts would help cover the cost of extending tax breaks Trump instituted in his first term. Oz said the program has grown massively in the last five years and argued it is susceptible to fraud, claiming there are ample cases of people collecting in multiple states. He argued eligible recipients and those who adhere to new requirements, if implemented, would not be impacted by the changes. We have not policed the program well, Oz said. In Pennsylvania, Medicaid enrollment increased during the COVID-19 pandemic because the federal government stopped requiring patients to confirm their eligibility for the program every year. In the last year, as eligibility checks have resumed, statewide enrollment in Medicaid has declined by more than 700,000 people. Some of those patients were no longer eligible for the program because they found new employment, but many people who are still eligible lost coverage because they did not properly complete paperwork to reenroll. Democratic state lawmakers and health providers from around the Philadelphia region warned last week that billions of dollars in Republican-proposed Medicaid cuts would devastate their constituents, especially Black patients who disproportionately rely on the program, and health providers who serve high numbers of Medicaid patients. Those include some of the major health systems in the area, like Temple Health, St. Christophers Hospital for Children, and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. READ MORE: Pa. hospitals with a lot of Medicaid patients keep closing. Budget cuts would speed up the trend. Critics of work requirements for Medicaid, proposed as part of the bill, have noted that most people covered through the program already work. In Arkansas, one of the few states that instituted a work requirement under the previous Trump administration, research has suggested that the measure kept eligible patients from getting Medicaid because of confusion over the new rules. Debate is ongoing in the House this week over controversial changes to the federal share of Medicaid payments. House Republicans are looking for compromises that please both conservatives looking for deeper cuts and moderates wary of the blowback should people lose coverage. Oz said in the television interview that he had plans to visit the CMS regional office in Philadelphia and an elder-care facility. He said he was in town over the weekend for his grandsons first birthday party and told the anchors he lives in Philadelphia but has spent less time here recently because of his role in Washington. The celebrity doctor and former TV host lived in New Jersey for decades and bought a home in Bryn Athyn during his unsuccessful 2022 Senate run. Editors note: This story has been updated with additional comment. The worlds richest person says hes cutting back on election-related spending this year, after he spent millions last year ensuring Donald Trump and other Republicans would win. Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and the countrys biggest political donor in 2024, said Tuesday he planned to do a lot less in the future. Advertisement I think Ive done enough, Musk said during a virtual interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum. The comments come as Musks presence in the White House and his relationship with Trump continue to draw sharp criticism. In January, he became part of a concerted effort to slash government spending, as part of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. He also spent about $25 million toward a conservative candidates losing battle in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race. As noted by the New York Times, Musks car company, Tesla, has seen a steep drop in sales this year. Now, he says hes planning to back off, spending less time and cash in Washington (though he does have dinner plans with Trump there this week). The new stance comes months after Musks efforts to double down on election-related spending. Heres a look at where his dollars went before this new stance. Musk honed in on Pennsylvania Musk spent the last four months of the presidential election campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania, participating in rallies and paying for ads and funding canvassing efforts. Over the month of October, Musk attended and spoke at several rallies and town halls across the state. You show what matters by your actions, not your words, Musk said at a rally on Oct. 17 in Ridley Township. And my actions are Im here. Im in Pennsylvania, and Im here for a very important reason. ... I cant emphasize enough that Pennsylvania is, I think, the linchpin in this election. Its impossible to say exactly how much Musk spent on Pennsylvania alone, but we know that his contributions to America PAC came to about $277 million and of that, about $238 million came directly from Musk or entities associated with him. READ MORE: Elon Musk spent $277 million to elect Trump and other Republicans as he campaigned aggressively in Pennsylvania He spent over $40 million on voter incentives in swing states, including Pennsylvania. We also know that about $1 million was allocated to Pennsylvania-based entities, including political mailers and event-related expenses. What about the Musk-funded voter incentives? Musks pro-Trump America PAC offered $100 apiece to Pennsylvania voters who signed a petition voicing support for the First and Second Amendments as well as enrollment in a $1 million-a-day sweepstakes. About $40.5 million of America PACs money notably went toward checks to voters in swing states across the country, including some in Pennsylvania. But the PAC didnt keep its promise and pay those voters or their respective canvassers, lawsuits filed this spring claim. In April, a lawsuit seeking class-action status accused Musk and his PAC of failing to pay state residents who were supposed to get paid for petition referrals. That case centers around Pennsylvania residents. Last week, a new complaint filed in Pennsylvania federal court said Musk and his PAC still owe voters their $100 or potential $1 million. Lead plaintiffs are participants in the petition from Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Georgia. An America PAC spokesperson said last month it has already paid canvassers tens of millions of dollars, and it is committed to paying for every legitimate petition. But for those who might miss his presence (and cash) on the campaign trail, Musk left the door open for a possible return down the road. If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it, he said Tuesday. But I dont currently see a reason. Former Judge Patrick Dugan attends a ballot position lottery at City Hall on March 18 for the May Democratic primary election for district attorney. Read more Philadelphia Republican Party chair Vince Fenerty said Tuesday night it appears that a last-minute write-in campaign by the city GOP has succeeded in electing Democrat Patrick Dugan as the Republican nominee for district attorney. Dugan lost to incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner in the Democratic primary on Tuesday. But after no Republican filed to run for the race, the GOP organized to give Dugan another bite at the apple in the November general election by nominating him as a Republican. Advertisement It will take days for election workers to read the names of the write-in votes and determine whether Dugan won the GOP nomination. But Fenerty said early results indicate the party pulled it off. Dugans campaign has said he would not accept the GOP nomination if he received it. Fenerty said he was hopeful the Democrat will reconsider. READ MORE: DA candidate Pat Dugan has committed to declining the GOP nomination if he loses the Democratic primary Democrats, Republicans, and independents all have to join together to stop the insanity of whats going on with Larry Krasner in this city, Fenerty said. Pat Dugan is a moderate Democrat who can attract votes. Dugans campaign issued a statement late Tuesday night conceding the race to Krasner and appearing to close the door on the possibility that he will continue the campaign as a Republican. Although we came up short on Election Day, Im proud of what we accomplished, and while I may not be the next district attorney, I will never stop fighting for the values we carried through this campaign, Dugan said. And to Larry Krasner, I offer my congratulations. For the sake of our neighborhoods, our families, and the soul of this city I truly hope he succeeds. It would take 1,000 Republican voters to write in Dugans name to make him the nominee. Early results do not say who received write-in votes, but they do indicate how many there were. As of late Tuesday night, partial results showed more than 6,000 GOP primary voters cast write-in votes for district attorney. For comparison, that is far more write-in votes than GOP primary voters cast in the race for Common Pleas Court, in which the party also failed to field a candidate and Republicans cast about 1,500 write-in votes as of late Tuesday. Republican leaders have said they prefer Dugan, a former Municipal Court judge and an Army veteran, because he is tougher on crime than Krasner. Dugan, however, has emphasized he is a lifelong Democrat, and his campaign manager, Dan Kalai, said during the primary campaign that Dugan would decline the GOP nomination if he received it. READ MORE: Philly DA Larry Krasner defeats primary challenger Patrick Dugan, positioning him for a third term Some voters on Tuesday expressed confusion over how the write-in votes would be counted and whether Republican votes for Democratic candidates would count in the Democratic primary. They did not. Pennsylvania has closed primaries, meaning only registered Republicans can vote in Republican primaries, and only registered Democrats can vote in Democratic primaries. The Philly GOP was asking its voters to make Dugan the Republican nominee not to vote for him in the Democratic primary. Jeff Greenburg, a senior adviser for the Committee of Seventy, said fliering from an opposite party to encourage a write-in candidate is not uncommon. Its absolutely legal and happens very often across the commonwealth in local offices, he told The Inquirer. Greenburg said he was not sure how effective the strategy is, but he was not concerned about the legality of the practice or the distribution of fliers. The fliers themselves are legal as long as they are 10 feet away from outside the polling room, he said. A bus lets off students on Wynwood Drive in Cinnaminson in April 2023, when another EF-1 tornado occurred in South Jersey. Read more A gustnado a tornado-like whirlwind more common to the Plains than South Jersey swirled in Gloucester County on Friday with winds up to 105 mph, the National Weather Service said Monday. In addition, upon further analysis, a tornado that resulted from a severe storm outbreak and had been verified earlier turned out to be more potent than the preliminary analysis indicated, the agency said. Advertisement The gustnado, which traveled about 100 yards in Franklinville, Gloucester County, and snapped the trunks of several hardwood trees, occurred not far from the confirmed tornado, said Zack Cooper, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly. The winds circulated cyclonically, he said. However, it was clear that the winds were not tied to any cloud base, and thus were not technically tornadic. The weather service said that video supplied by a local homeowner showed trees and branches falling after a rapid wind shift. That actual tornado turned out be more vigorous and enduring than had been believed. The preliminary survey results stated that its peak winds were 65 to 75 mph and that damages were confined to the Collings Lakes area of Atlantic County. Upon further review, investigators determined that peak winds were 90 to 95 mph, and that the twister evidently originated in Williamstown, Gloucester County. It rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, the updated version of the damage scale developed by the late Theodore Fujita. The weather service said it traveled 8.6 miles, with a maximum path of 300 yards. It also took down some trees and snapped a utility pole. It probably lifted at points, Cooper said. No injuries were reported as a result of the gustnado or the tornado. Gustnados may occur frequently, said the weather services Patrick OHara, but given their scale, verifying them is rare. The survey results were delayed because we just wanted to make sure the information we got out was accurate, Cooper said. The question of whether winds spin or howl in a straight line is more than an exercise in satisfying curiosity, said Sarah Johnson, the warning coordination meteorologist at the Mount Holly office. Tornado warnings usually are based on radar evidence, and it is important to match that with ground truth. The weather service maintains 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. We ask those in the high-risk areas not to wait until its too late know what you will do if you do need to leave, and follow the advice of emergency services, he said. Insurance products are issued by Global Transport & Automotive Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd trading as GT Insurance ABN 93 069 048 255 AFS Licence No 240714 as agent for the Insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No 234708. Neither we nor the Insurer provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and underwriting criteria apply. Before making a decision about it please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or Policy wording available from our website or by calling us. A Target Market Determination for each product is available from our website. If you purchase insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services. "The challenge with these claims is that they tend to have a much longer tail than something like ransomware, which is fast-moving and high-pressure, Schnur said. These privacy claims are starting to survive motions to dismiss, and that's a game-changer. Speed demons Brokerages have two principal avenues for growth, but it is organic expansion that commands the industrys focus. This, according to Sean ONeill, head of the global insurance practice at Bain & Company, is the sectors holy grail a mark of sustainable success that firms are increasingly striving to attain. The leading brokerages have worked to enable broker productivity by reducing time spent on administrative activities to free up time for client-facing activities, he says. Most of this has been in the consolidation of middle and back-office activities, but we are also starting to see the early shoots of success in technology enablement of front office and more bespoke broker activities. While the other route to growth is via acquisitions and consolidation, that has been prevalent across the industry and is expected to slow down. It is still happening, though. For example: January 2025 - Ryan Specialty acquired Velocity Risk Underwriters from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management LP for $525 million. March 2025 - Balance Partners announced the acquisition of Vanguard Specialty. March 2025 - NEXT Insurance was acquired by Munich Res ERGO for $2.6 billion. MarshBerrys Pete Kampf pinpoints specialty insurance as the main driver of consolidation. He says, Following 2023s all-time high of 181 specialty insurance intermediary transactions, 2024 experienced 120 total transactions, representing a 33 percent decline . The specialty intermediary mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market remains stable: the continued outpacing of demand over the supply of quality sellers. Joshua Morey, chairperson and co-founder of Ori-gen Agency Insurance, underlines what defines progress. He says, Is inorganic growth real growth? I think thats the hard part to define. Morey points to a key driver of organic growth as tapping into niche markets. He gives the example of taking a subset of the construction industry, namely, African American, Latino, or Asian American contractors that could be underserved. For a lot of independent brokers that arent the bigger or regional shops, looking at those subniches can really move the needle in terms of growing organically, and thats just speaking from our experience of finding these subniches or ethnic niches within the industry, he explains. Along with tapping into niche markets, the other enabler for brokerages to grow is by leveraging tech. Brokers are now dealing with increasing amounts of data from sources such as connected devices, higher-fidelity weather and vegetation data, but a lot of it is unstructured and generative AI has shown early promise in tapping into this potential. We see the leaders working to access this efficiently and to leverage insights to drive broker effectiveness, ensure coverage adequacy, says ONeill. The leading players recognize this is not just a technology solution but also realize that it will involve changes across people, process, and data to unleash the real potential. Mark Todd, marketing/public relations chair of the National African American Insurance Association and director of strategic partnerships at Ori-gen, explains that some tasks that used to take days are now completed more quickly, with insurtech being so powerful due to its speed and accuracy. He says, Weve got some companies were working with that help with data mining and helping put together your proposals, doing policy comparisons, and putting it on a spreadsheet. But he adds how hard it can be to grow revenue while staying on top of current clients. For Morey, there is a need to embrace tech in the appropriate way, because he feels the leading brokerages grow by understanding what matters. We are the relationship. We are the knowledge, the trust, and so you have to look at technology, not to solve all your problems, he adds. Whatever youre using doesnt replace what youre actually the best at. Insurance Business Americas Fast Brokerages 2025 have remained true to their founding principles and delivered outstanding service, which has been the bedrock of their growth. All of this years winners recorded at least a 15 percent rise in revenue. Powering the firms success is the executive teams deep experience as brokers. They understand what its like to be at the sharp end and ensure that flows through the business. Chief operating officer Peter Carpenter points to a large number of successful brokers always keen to join Alliant, which he refers to as an organic growth machine. He began by starting a brokerage 3,000 miles from home in Seattle. We spent our 10 years street fighting to try to gain market share before we sold it to Alliant, he says. There is a difference between university-credentialed people getting into these positions to run firms that have never dealt with a client. We know what it is to do that and it oozes through our firm and its the old adage a fish stinks from the head down. Proving the point, longstanding and recently retired CEO Tom Corbett was a career broker, while most of the other leaders have had similar professional paths. Strategy has driven Alliants revenue growth and it differs from their competitors approach. While they may look to institutionalize clients by disconnecting them from their broker and becoming attached to the overall company, Carpenter and the team believe in the reverse. They want the clients and brokers to remain close and maintain trust, while Alliant diligently connects to the brokers without forcing their brand on clients. We work really hard to make sure that those people that are out there with the clients are institutionalized at Alliant, that they love being here and they're participating in the upside of the business, says Carpenter. Im not going to go call and say, Hey, Im Peter the COO, so you should love Alliant. The broker is the only reason theyre here and Ive lived that, so I get it. Team ethos Alliant deploys a flat hierarchy, so employees have ready access to the executive team. This not only empowers everyone but allows brokers who already understand the industry and their clients to continue working together seamlessly. Alliant avoids asking for meaningless stats or placing arbitrary targets on their people, like some industry players do. We have people with giant client bases who are incredible professionals and they could run their own businesses, says Carpenter. Theyre not going to answer to someone who flamed out and wants to know how many cold calls they made last week. Its ridiculous to do that. Compensation is also used as an incentive to encourage employees. Alliant is more than 50 percent internally owned, which is unusual for a company with a valuation of over $20 billion. This control means the executive team ensures they put brokers first and never lose sight of that. To a person, out of nearly 1,000 brokers that have joined us over the last 11 years, theyre all saying, My clients are better off here Peter Carpenter Alliant Insurance Services Carpenter says, Most of these private equity firms are directing the organizations into what they want to see, and you have kind of ivory tower decisions being made about how the businesses should run, versus having respect for the people in the field knowing what theyre doing. And he adds, The way we equitize people is based on success, not your last name or who your friend is in the firm. Its about performance. While Alliant is structured to be fully compliant and shares best practice across all of its 14,000-strong team, the firm is against the artificial flexing of bureaucracy. Both its hierarchy and compensation positions work together to provide incentives, but also space to thrive. Its this symbiotic thing of I respect you and you respect me, says Carpenter. Lets be in our lanes and work together where we need to, and lets not have me sit on your head when you dont need me to. However, the environment comes with the expectation that those who join will seize the opportunity. There is space to run and for brokers to show their value. Its not a great place to be mediocre, admits Carpenter. Growth is a constant at Alliant, with the firm focused on continuing its momentum. Alliant hasnt needed to overpay for acquisitions because it can rely on its reputation and model to attract brokers who want to grow. The incoming brokers are told what to expect and allowed to work within that. Carpenter says, Our success ratio with the people that join us is through the roof because its a little self-screening. Youre coming here because youre going to be able to do way better for yourself and your clients. Some growth also comes from mergers as brokerages join Alliant and, again, those owners are attracted by going somewhere they know an independent culture will remain, compared to selling to a larger group that may want to change and enforce a new way of doing things. Were made up of people who have sought refuge from these other places. Theres no path to Alliant becoming part or doing a deal with Aon or Marsh, adds Carpenter. Unwavering customer service is the core driver for the New York-based firm. It is the linchpin behind Hirschfeld and Associates multi-year growth plan, defined by key performance indicators that it consistently achieves: 95 percent client retention rate 80 percent bind order rate for new clients Both show the ability to ensure clients are well protected and satisfied, but also the ability to provide tailored insurance solutions that meet client needs at competitive value. Beyond simply offering a policy, the firm conducts research to present the best possible product available in the market that aligns with the clients specific requirements. They implement a strategy built around the principle of treating each customer as if they are the only customer. Founder and president Joel Hirschfeld says, This isnt just a slogan; its implanted in our values. We achieve this by dedicating significant time to truly understand each clients unique needs, both personal and business. An extension of the commitment to service is better coverage, which the firm feels often has too much of a transactional nature. The rationale behind this is simple: in todays complex world, off-the-shelf policies often leave gaps in protection, says Hirschfeld. Brokers are trained to conduct thorough risk assessments for each individual and business client. Based on this assessment, the firm works with its carrier partners to assemble customized insurance packages that provide the most comprehensive and cost-effective protection for their unique exposures. An example of where this is being applied is in the increased need for cyber liability coverage. Hirschfeld says, Weve invested in training our team and building relationships with carriers who specialize in this area to ensure we can offer robust solutions to our business clients. Becoming bigger As a fast-growing firm, Hirschfeld and Associates has added new brokers but upholds two non-negotiable qualities: excellent customer service skills strong foundation of insurance knowledge Team members are advocates of customer service centered on building rapport, communicating clearly, and prioritizing clients needs. And the knowledge ensures brokers grasp the intricacies of products and can explain them effectively. These qualities are reinforced by an onboarding program. It involves a combination of formal training on our systems and product offerings, mentorship from experienced brokers, and a strong emphasis on shadowing and hands-on learning, says Hirschfeld. We also dedicate time to reinforcing our customer service philosophy and ensuring they understand how to deliver the treating each customer as if they are our only customer experience. Technology is also used to streamline processes and free up brokers time to focus on client interactions. There is a strong emphasis on internal quality control and review of processes to ensure the coverage recommended is appropriate and accurate. We dont view insurance as a commodity; we see it as a vital protection for our clients lives and businesses. This perspective drives our team to go above and beyond Joel Hirschfeld Hirschfeld & Associates In addition, the firm actively solicits client feedback through direct communication to identify areas for improvement. Acquisitions are another pillar of growth, but they are only undertaken when the company feels it will expand its capabilities to serve a wider range of client needs. Hirschfeld and Associates actively seeks firms that offer a broad spectrum of insurance products from personal lines, such as home and auto, to commercial lines covering various industries. The goal is to acquire agencies that complement our existing offerings and allow us to provide a more comprehensive suite of solutions to our clients, says Hirschfeld. This all types of coverage and all possible markets approach is strategic. It enables us to become a one-stop shop for our clients, increasing their loyalty and our market share by being able to address a wider array of their risk management needs. The bill outlined several criteria for eligibility. Organizations would need to be federally recognized religious groups that have existed continuously since at least December 1950, own at least five vehicles in the state, and share a belief in mutual aid. They would also be required to provide evidence of financial stability to the state treasurer. With more than 20 years in insurance, Caruso has held leadership roles at global carriers and brokerages, most recently as managing director of Southeast Region for Gallaghers casualty practice. Her expertise in casualty risk finance, loss cost reduction, and predictive analytics is expected to strengthen RPSs casualty capabilities. Engle and Associates is a family-owned insurance brokerage that has operated for over 45 years, offering a broad portfolio of insurance products, including commercial, home, auto, life, and health coverage. Following the acquisition, the firm will continue operating under the leadership of owners Scott Engle and Jayne Engle Allen. American Family Insurance, on the other hand, reported that its largest concentration of claims activity from storms occurring between May 15-16 was in Wisconsin. The company deployed mobile claims centers in Eau Claire and Mayville to assist customers. It also reported significant property and auto damage in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. An audit of Maryland autopsies has uncovered at least 36 deaths in police custody that should have been considered homicides, state officials announced Thursday following a comprehensive review of such cases spurred by widespread concerns about the former state medical examiners testimony in the death of George Floyd. Medical examiners under Dr. David Fowler displayed racial and pro-police bias, according to the review. They were especially unlikely to classify a death as a homicide if the decedent was Black, or if they died after being restrained by police, Attorney General Anthony Brown said during a news conference. These findings have profound implications across our justice system, Brown said. They speak to systemic issues rather than individual conduct. The auditors reviewed 87 in-custody death cases after medical experts called Fowlers work into question because he testified that police werent responsible for Floyds death. The Maryland team focused on cases in which people died suddenly after being restrained, often by police, officials said. Three-person panels evaluated each autopsy and, in 36 cases, they unanimously concluded that the deaths should have been classified as homicides but were not. In five more cases, two of the three reviewers came to that conclusion. Fowler didnt immediately respond to messages seeking comment. State officials could reopen death investigations Democratic Gov. Wes Moore said he has signed an executive order directing Brown to review the 41 cases and determine if any should be reopened for investigation. Moore acknowledged the families whose loved ones have died in police custody, some of whom have been screaming for this type of analysis and have been met with silence. He also acknowledged the many members of law enforcement who do their jobs honorably and protect the public. Moore said he has also created a statewide task force to study the deaths of people restrained in law enforcement custody. He said the state wont shy away from rooting out misconduct and working to create a more equitable justice system. Among a list of recommendations, the review suggested better training for law enforcement officers on the dangers of improper restraint techniques. It also directed the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to create standardized procedures for investigating restraint-related deaths. The governor described the review as the first of its kind in the nation, saying he hopes it will provide a model for similar investigations elsewhere. In a national investigation published last year, The Associated Press and its reporting partners found that medical examiners and coroners, whose rulings have huge consequences in the courts, can face pressure from law enforcement to exonerate officers. Some medical officials based their decisions not on physical evidence, but instead on whether they believed police intended to kill. When deaths are ruled accidental, prosecutions of officers are exceedingly rare of 443 cases that were ruled accidental, just two resulted in criminal charges. A familys chances of winning a wrongful death lawsuit also become much tougher. While the audit findings are troubling, Maryland officials said they dont suggest intentional or malicious conduct. They emphasized that a homicide classification simply means someone died because of another persons action, not necessarily that the officers involved should be prosecuted. Fowler was criticized for embracing a widely rejected theory Fowler, who testified for the defense at the 2021 murder trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, attributed Floyds death to a sudden heart rhythm disturbance as a result of his heart disease a widely rejected theory that did little to persuade the jury. Chauvin was ultimately convicted of murder and manslaughter for kneeling on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes. After his conviction, 400 medical experts signed a letter to the Maryland attorney general asserting that Fowlers testimony deviated way outside the bounds of accepted forensic practice. In addition to citing heart problems, he classified the manner of death as undetermined rather than homicide. The letter called for an investigation to determine whether the offices in-custody death determinations under Fowlers leadership exhibited certain bias, among other potential issues. Officials said Thursday that their audit found a troubling systemic pattern. Nearly half of the reviewed cases cited excited delirium as a cause of death, a diagnosis that has been debunked by medical experts in recent years. Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police. The report recommended that medical examiners stop using the term altogether. Fowler was Marylands chief medical examiner from 2002 to 2019. Two high-profile deaths are among the 41 cases highlighted In 2023, state officials approved a settlement agreement that reformed the process for conducting autopsies on people killed in police custody. That change came in response to the 2018 death of Anton Black, who died in police custody on Marylands Eastern Shore. His death was captured on video, which showed police in rural Greensboro holding the unarmed teenager down for more than six minutes. Fowler ruled that Black died because of a sudden cardiac event while struggling with police not because they pinned him in a prone position. His death was declared an accident. Fowler similarly ruled that Tyrone West died of natural causes after struggling with Baltimore police following a traffic stop in 2013. Witnesses and the officers themselves said there was a violent struggle between the officers and West. His manner of death was undetermined, according to the autopsy. Both Black and West are now included on the list of cases that should have been ruled homicides. Tawanda Jones, Wests sister who has held weekly rallies for 616 weeks to highlight his case, said she feels something positive will come from the investigation. Theyre finally listening to me now, Jones said. It feels good that finally theyre listening. Fowlers tenure also included the death of Freddie Gray 10 years ago. The autopsy concluded Gray died from spinal injuries sustained during transport in a Baltimore police van. It also classified his death as a homicide because officers repeatedly failed to seek medical attention while he was in distress. Prosecutors filed charges against six officers, but none were convicted. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Maryland Shields Health Care Group has agreed to pay $15.3 million to settle federal and state class actions filed against it by patients over a 2022 data breach. Shields operates medical imaging and surgical centers in 50 locations across the New England states. On March 28, 2022, Shields discovered suspicious activity within its network and determined that third-party cybercriminals had gained unauthorized access to its network intermittently between March 7, 2022 and March 21, 2022. Shields reported that certain files may have contained personal information. By April 19, 2023, Shields determined that the total number of individuals impacted by the data incident exceeded 2.3 million. The parties began mediation in April 2024. The final agreement calls for a settlement fund of $15,350,000 to pay claims and administrative and legal costs. Claimants will be able to file online. Those not wishing to file a detailed claim may opt for a $50 payment. As part of the settlement, Shields denies all material allegations of wrongdoing. The settlement relates to class actions filed in the federal district court for Massachusetts and the states Norfolk Superior Court in 2023. Topics Cyber Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw has rejected an industry proposal to raise workers compensation rates by 7.1%. As a result, existing rates, which reflect a 14.6% decrease ordered last July, will remain in effect for policies on and after July 1, 2025. The ruling is a setback for the industrys rate filing organization, the Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIB), which criticized last years decrease as excessive and unreasonable. The 2024 reduction was nearly double what the WCRIB recommended (-7.6%) for a cut. WCRIB warned that the 2024 decrease would lead to rates that would be inadequate as further post-COVID pandemic data emerged. The rate organization said that if the state had approved the 7.6% decrease it proposed for 2024, this years rate filing would have been for a relatively small rate decrease of 1.0%. Massachusetts Weighs Workers Comp Rate Hike to Correct for Excessive 2024 Cut Thus, rather than being able to maintain a more modest rate decrease for two years, the data now points to a rate increase to correct for the excessive decrease ordered by the commissioner for 2024, the rating agency argued. Despite the warning, the state has now rejected the WCRIB filing made in December for a 7.1% increase starting July 1, 2025. State officials said the denial of the 7.1% increase could save employers $80 million, while last years decrease saved $87 million. The rate approval process includes hearings with testimony from WCRIB, the Division of Insurances own rating bureau, and the attorney generals office. This year the attorney general recommended an average rate decrease of -6.2 % and the state rating bureau proposed a decrease for standard classifications of between -3.1 and -2.1%, and between -7.6% and -6.7% for the F-classes. While the commissioner has the authority to set a specific rate after disapproving a rate filing, Caljouw opted to keep existing rates in effect. rather than order any change. The commissioner is tasked with determining if WCRIB submitted sufficient evidence to show that the proposed rates will not be inadequate, excessive or unfairly discriminatory and that they fall within a range of reasonableness. He concluded that the evidence did not support approval of the requested rate increase, citing questions over the provisions for loss development and underwriting profit among others. The 2025 decision noted that insurers investments in technology made five years ago successfully enabled them to maintain their level of pre-COVID business operations and simultaneously demonstrated that virtual methods can improve efficiency and save costs. As a result, insurers have developed protocols for identifying situations in which, for example, telemedicine may be inappropriate or an onsite audit is preferable. Topics Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends Massachusetts EY failed to spot a major fraud by main shareholders of UAE hospital operator NMC Health in what lawyers for the firms administrators described as disgraceful auditing, at the start of a roughly $3 billion London trial on Monday. The administrators of NMC a FTSE 100 company when it collapsed in 2020 after disclosing more than $4 billion in hidden debt are suing over audits from 2012 to 2018, when EY gave an unqualified opinion that NMCs accounts were accurate. The companys administrators Alvarez & Marsal say EY, one of the worlds Big Four auditors and formerly known as Ernst & Young, was negligent in failing to get proper access to NMCs books, missing billions in unreported borrowing. EY, however, denies the negligence allegation and argues that it was NMCs own senior personnel who perpetrated the fraud and manipulated its accounts, hiding the fraud from EY. The 12-week trial at the High Court which began on Monday is the latest lawsuit brought against a major auditor and comes after recent criticism of EY specifically over work for travel firm Thomas Cook and German payments company Wirecard. NMC Health PLC listed in London in 2012 and joined the FTSE 100 in 2017, before short-seller Muddy Waters questioned its financials in December 2019 sending NMCs shares tumbling by almost a third in a day. NMCs administrators were seeking up to 2.7 billion pounds from EY in damages for losses, largely relating to undisclosed guarantees, but court filings for the trial put the figure at around 2 billion pounds plus interest. Their lawyer Simon Salzedo said EYs audits over seven years were among the most fundamentally flawed examples of big-firm auditing that have disgraced a courtroom in this jurisdiction. Salzedo accepted that auditors giving a wrong opinion did not amount to negligence, but said: Two wrong opinions looks very much like carelessness and to give seven in a row is rather harder to explain away. But EYs lawyers argued in court filings the auditing firm was itself a principal target and victim of the fraud committed by NMC staff for the benefit of its principal shareholders. NMCs case was based on expecting an auditor to do the impossible by uncovering a pervasive and collusive fraud being practiced and covered up in effect by the directors and management, EYs lawyers said. NMC has separately brought litigation against its founder BR Shetty, who denies any wrongdoing, and others in London, the UAE and the United States. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Tomasz Janowski) Related: Italys data protection agency has fined the developer of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot company Replika 5 million euros ($5.64 million) for breaching rules designed to protect users personal data, the authority said on Monday. Launched in 2017, San Francisco-based startup Replika offers users customized avatars that can have conversations with them. The virtual friend is marketed as being able to improve the emotional wellbeing of users. Italian privacy watchdog Garante ordered Replika to suspend its service in the country in February 2023, citing specific risks to children. Following an investigation, it found that Replika lacked a legal basis for processing users data and had no age-verification system to restrict children from accessing the service, resulting in the fine for its developer, Luka Inc. Replika did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Italian authority has also announced a separate investigation to assess whether Replikas generative AI system is compliant with European Union privacy rules, especially around the training of its language model. Garante is one of the European Unions most proactive regulators in assessing AI-platform compliance with the blocs data privacy rules. Last year, it fined ChatGPT maker OpenAI 15 million euros after briefly banning the use of the popular chatbot in Italy in 2023 over the alleged breach of EU privacy rules. ($1 = 0.8868 euros) (Reporting by Elvira Pollina; editing by Cristina Carlevaro and Rachna Uppal) Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence Motion Specialty has been approved as a Lloyds of London coverholder, founded by former Hiscox executives Dan Alpay and Alex Kickham. The business writes on behalf of Lloyds Syndicate 1301, managed by Inigo Ltd., and is supported by Johnson and Johnson, the Charleston, South Carolina-based independent wholesale US broker. Motion Specialty initially is focusing on high value homes (HVH) and standalone flood insurance, targeting the wholesale-to-wholesale distribution channel. The business offers comprehensive coverage for individuals in challenging areas, using a combination of strong relationships, advanced data utilization, and cutting-edge technology. Founders Alpay and Kickham have more than 25 years experience and bring extensive knowledge across HVH and flood underwriting, in addition to the wider property catastrophe space. The creation of Motion Specialty creates an entrepreneurial, data-driven venture that draws on Inigos underwriting and modeling expertise, analytical capabilities, and strategic focus. In addition, as an experienced, family-owned and independent wholesale broker and coverholder, Johnson & Johnson will provide Motion Specialty with guidance and support, including handling licensing, regulation and operational support. The US HVH and flood insurance products are experiencing growing demand due to increasing wealth and property values and the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, respectively. Both products remain underserviced and present significant opportunities for Motion Specialty to underwrite, using proprietary rating algorithms and advanced data analytics. The need for flood and HVH insurance also continues to expand rapidly with demand extending beyond traditional excess & surplus states like California and Florida. Motion Specialty has nationwide appetite in addition to underwriting in key catastrophe prone states. Building a new business with Johnson and Johnson and Inigo is hugely exciting. We have known the leadership at both companies for many years and share a vision for building something great for clients, commented Kickham. We are excited to have achieved the Lloyds stamp of approval in this early stage of our business, it gives us instant credibility and access to world-class capacity, he added. It means brokers and clients can trust that our products are backed by one of the most respected insurance markets in the world, but beyond that, its about disciplinebeing a Lloyds coverholder forces us to hold ourselves to the highest underwriting and service standards. What makes Motion Speciality different is the combination of carrier-level underwriting capability and a sophisticated digital distribution platform. You need deep expertise to navigate the areas we are focusing on, in flood the regulatory landscape is always shifting, and high-value homeowners insurance is dealing with increased climate risks paired with outdated risk models, Alpay said. Were using data-driven underwriting to provide more accurate risk selection and pricing, and most importantly, were building a platform thats nimble, broker-friendly, and focused on delivering results, Alpay continued. Data and Analytics is a focus for us as we endeavour to equip our underwriters with the insights that help better understand both risk and exposure to loss. Motion Specialty combines the best of what the UK and US offers, supported by Johnson & Johnson and Lloyds of London, to offer solutions to our clients biggest concerns by finding coverage in high-risk areas, said George Stratts, head of Partnerships at Inigo, said, The demand for high-value homeowners insurance and flood solutions is growing, but the options in the market havent really evolved to match. Theres frustration with slow processes, restrictive underwriting, and limited alternatives to government-backed flood programs, according to Harry Johnson II, chief operating officer at Johnson & Johnson. Thats exactly why were backing Motion Specialtyto offer a more tailored, responsive approach that meets the needs of both brokers and insureds through our network. Topics Excess Surplus New Markets Insurance Wholesale Lloyd's Japans three major casualty insurers plan to sell a total of about 1.37 trillion ($9.5 billion) of cross-held shares in the fiscal year started April in a push to reduce strategic holdings in line with government policy. Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. plans to sell plans to sell 600 billion of shares, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc. aims to offload 573 billion and Sompo Holdings Inc. targets 200 billion, according company announcements on Tuesday. Eliminating cross shareholdings is seen by many as a yardstick for measuring corporate governance reform at Japanese companies. Japans industry body for non-life insurers told its members in September to cut their cross-shareholdings in the aftermath of a price-fixing scandal in 2023. Cross-shareholdings are widely used in Japan to cement business ties. Photograph: The Tokyo skyline; photo credit: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers Boroughs Named Vice Chairman, Chubb Group; Hogan Succeeds Boroughs as Chubb Group Chief Investment Officer Chubb Limited, with U.S. headquarters in Warren, New Jersey, named Tim Boroughs vice chairman, Chubb Group and executive chairman, asset management. Chris Hogan has been promoted to senior vice president, Chubb Group and chief investment officer, reporting to Boroughs. Boroughs has served as chief investment officer of Chubb and predecessor company ACE since joining the firm in 2000. He was appointed executive vice president, ACE Group, in March 2014. Before joining ACE, Boroughs was director of fixed income at Tudor Investment Corporation and managing partner and director of global leveraged investment activity at Fischer Francis Trees & Watts. Hogan joined Chubb in 2023 from Goldman Sachs where he served for 22 years, most recently as a fixed income portfolio manager, head of the global securitized investment team and co-chief investment officer for GSAMs fixed income hedge fund. Cushing Named Head of Construction at Zurich North America Zurich North America, headquartered in Schaumberg, Illinois, appointed Tobias Toby Cushing as head of construction. Cushing returns to the Construction team after serving most recently as deputy chief underwriting officer at Zurich. Cushing is responsible for managing Zurichs construction portfolio and executing growth plans to achieve the companys ambitious financial targets. Since joining Zurich in 2022 as head of construction casualty, he has held several underwriting leadership roles. Prior to joining Zurich, he held senior positions at The Hartford, including head of construction. He earlier practiced insurance coverage law at Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. Topics Construction Driverless vehicle developer Aurora Innovation Inc. is putting a human back in front of the wheel of big rigs operating in Texas, reversing course less than three weeks after the company began commercial autonomous service there. The decision to move an observer from the rear of the cabin into the drivers seat was made at the request of PACCAR Inc., which manufactured the trucks, Aurora Chief Executive Officer Chris Urmson said Friday in a post on the companys website. The trucks will still be operated by the Aurora Driver autonomous system, but the person will be able to intervene if needed. We are confident this is not required to operate the truck safely based on the exhaustive testing (covering nearly 10,000 requirements and 2.7 million tests) and analysis that populates our safety case, Urmson wrote of having a human in the front seat. PACCAR is a long-time partner and, after much consideration, we respected their request. Aurora said on May 1 that it began commercial trucking services in Texas with two fully driverless vehicles, both built by PACCAR. It was Auroras first commercial self-driving service on public roads. The company plans to expand to El Paso, Texas, and Phoenix by the end of the year. Fridays post suggests the companies disagreed about the need for a human to safeguard against issues that might arise in the early days of the commercial driverless service. PACCAR requested the change because of certain prototype parts in the trucks, Urmson said. A PACCAR spokesman did not return a request seeking comment. A short seller report by Bleecker Street Research on May 14 said Aurora had not yet obtained PACCARs permission to commercialize its trucks with autonomous driving and that heavy truck manufacturer thinks it will take longer for the technology to be ready. A spokesperson for Aurora declined to comment on the report. Aurora has lost key executives over the past year. General Motors Co. said this week that Aurora co-founder and Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson is taking the same title at the automaker. General Counsel Nolan Shenai left around the start of the year and Yanbing Li, who was senior vice president of engineering, departed Aurora in August to join Datadog Inc. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Personal Auto Trucking A federal jury awarded $405,083 to a veteran in a disability discrimination case against a St. Petersburg, Florida, senior living facility and its operating companies, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced. According to the EEOCs suit, The Princess Martha, the senior living facility managed by TJM Property Management and TJM Properties Inc., violated federal law when they denied a reasonable accommodation and refused to hire a veteran who applied for a job. The EEOC presented evidence at trial showing that the applicant disclosed to The Princess Marthas hiring manager that she is a veteran with post-traumatic stress syndrome and took medication to treat the condition, which would cause a drug test to fail. Thereafter, the applicant took the required drug test and made repeated attempts to provide proof of her legally prescribed medications, but The Princess Martha made no attempts to accommodate her and revoked her job offer. At trial, a top management official admitted that The Princess Martha submitted false information to the EEOC. Such alleged conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC filed its suit (EEOC v. Princess Martha, LLC, et al., Civil Action No 8:22-cv-2181-CEH-TGW) in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The Tampa jury of eight returned a unanimous verdict finding that the applicant had a disability, disclosed the disability to The Princess Martha, and that the facility refused to accommodate her in the application process. The jury awarded $5,083 in back pay, $50,000 in compensatory damages, and $350,000 in punitive damages. The jury also found that the two other defendants, the TJM entities, were integrated enterprises with The Princess Martha. Source: EEOC Topics Florida More tornadoes plowed through the central U.S. on Monday and thousands were without power as people from Texas to Kentucky continued to clean up from days of severe weather that killed more than two dozen people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings. At least four tornadoes were confirmed in Oklahoma and Nebraska on Monday evening, according to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service. In McAlester, in southeast Oklahoma, officials reported downed power lines and debris, with multiple roads blocked. About 28 miles (45 kilometers) east, in Wilburton, the citys Facebook page reported a tornado on the ground and heading its way. Take cover now! the post warned residents. Nearly 130,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, according to PowerOutage.us. In northwest Arkansas, severe weather caused a Halsey concert to be canceled. And in Oklahoma, Tulsa Public Schools canceled all afterschool activities. In northern Texas, softball-sized hail measuring 4 1/2 inches in diameter was confirmed, according to Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the services Weather Prediction Center. Earlier Monday in St. Louis, where officials estimated a Friday tornado damaged 5,000 buildings and may cost well over $1 billion, the mayor warned that federal assistance could take weeks. Kentucky has been hardest hit by the storms. A devastating tornado late Friday into early Saturday damaged hundreds of homes, tossed vehicles, left many homeless, and killed at least 19 people, most of them in southeastern Laurel County. In London, Kentucky, where the devastation was centered, the small airport became a beehive of cleanup work after it took a direct hit from a tornado. Small aircraft stored there had large dents in them and even wings ripped open. Officials were using it as a base to get water, food, diapers and other supplies out to the community. We have 1,001 things going on. But were managing it. And were going to get it all cleaned up, said London Mayor Randall Weddle. Officials in Kansas and Texas also were evaluating damage from late Sunday storms. The risk of severe storms moves into Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee on Tuesday, the weather service said. Kentucky cleans up The Kentucky storms that killed 19 people were part of a weather system that caused seven deaths in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, authorities said. Lonnie Nantz hid in a hallway with his wife, two daughters and a grandson as the one-story brick home they bought near London in 1977 was destroyed around them. They were trapped in rubble for about 20 minutes in the midnight darkness before they were rescued unharmed. I dont know why this happened. Ive tried to live a good life all my life. Ive still got the faith, said the 77-year-old Nantz, who went to church as always on Sunday. London city worker Ashley Taylor was back on the job Monday loading doughnuts to take to a hospital and dispatch center even though there was a tarp on her roof. She was lucky the houses across her street were destroyed late Friday night. She survived the storm with nine other people and three dogs in the crawl space of a neighbors home. We prayed like never before and just thankful for everything God did for us, Taylor said. In surrounding Laurel County, first responders mourned one of their own. Fellow firefighters found the body of Laurel County Fire Major Leslie Leatherman on top of a woman he was shielding from the storms fury as he answered calls during the worst of the storm. The woman was yelling for help and they were in a field across from a destroyed subdivision. The injured woman turned out to be Leathermans wife and officials arent sure if he knew who he was protecting in the darkness and chaos, the fire department said on social media. A Kansas City is spared 18 years after a tornado nearly wiped out the community Forecasters on Sunday night issued a tornado emergency for Greensburg, Kansas, where 12 people were killed and 90% of the town was destroyed in May 2007 by a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) wide tornado with winds of 205 mph (330 kph). The city was spared this time. Power was out but residents were safe after the storm scare, Greensburg officials posted on social media. Tornadoes in Kansas carved a 20-mile (32-kilometer) path through Stafford and Reno counties. While damage was extensive, no injuries or deaths were reported. Hard-hit St. Louis waits for FEMA St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died, 38 were injured and more than 5,000 homes were affected by an EF3 tornado with winds up to 150 mph (240 kph) that slammed areas north and west of downtown Friday. Spencer has estimated that damages will exceed $1.6 billion. Eight miles of pure destruction, at times a mile wide, Spencer said at a Monday news conference. Were talking about thousands of buildings, thousands of families are being displaced. The city is awaiting a disaster declaration from the governors office as a first step to getting federal assistance. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, expressed frustration over the federal response to a deadly March storm. Im not happy about the fact were still waiting from all of that damage two months ago, Hawley said. Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Chief David Richardson said last week he plans to shift responsibility for disaster recovery to states this year as part of an agencywide transformation and that FEMA would coordinate federal assistance when deemed necessary. Spencer said during a news conference Monday evening that emergency protocols put in place in 2021 were not followed, possibly preventing sirens being activated to warn residents about the tornado. She said it was not clear whose responsibility it was to let the community know about the emergency but that the fire department will do so moving forward. In Texas, several tornadoes touched down west of Fort Worth on Sunday, including an EF1 with peak winds of 105 mph (169 kph) that caused damage in and around Gordon, the weather service said Monday. Associated Press writers Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland; Hallie Golden in Seattle and Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report. Photo: 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) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Windstorm VANCOUVER, British Columbia - May 20, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo" or the "Company") (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce it has acquired 2,215 hectares ("ha") of highly prospective claims contiguous to its Waterloo property at its Calico Silver Project ("Calico" or "Calico Project"). The newly acquired claims herein referred to as the Mule claims comprise 415 lode mining claims, and have been acquired from LAC Exploration LLC ("LAC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC; NYSE: LAC), who were the previous operators of the property. Preliminary mapping and sampling conducted by the prior operator of the Mule claims identified several high-grade silver targets, which will be evaluated as part of Apollo's future exploration planning. In addition, a mapping and sampling program was recently completed at the Burcham gold prospect area in the southwest region of the Waterloo property (see news release dated February 12, 2025). This program confirmed the importance of the Calico fault system with respect to controls on the silver ("Ag)" and gold ("Au") mineralization in the area and has identified the potential for copper ("Cu"), zinc ("Zn") and lead ("Pb") mineralization associated with stratabound and mantos lenses. Highlights: Mule claims expand the Calico Project land package by over 285%, from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha of contiguous claims. Mule claims trend along the mineralized Calico Fault System responsible for mineralization seen at Calico. Reports from the prior operator indicate that there are several strongly anomalous silver values on the property, which Apollo will attempt to ground-truth in the coming exploration programs. Sampling done across the Mule claims by previous operator has identified a large Ag anomaly associated with the same suite of host rocks at the Waterloo property. Exploration at the Burcham prospect at Waterloo included assays from 27 surface samples: Assay peaks up to 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74 % Pb from various samples (see Table 1). Identification of strata-bound lenses and mantos that show strong potential for Cu, Zn and Pb mineralization. Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo, commented, "The addition of the Mule claims substantially enhances the Calico Project. Calico already hosts 3 discrete drill delineated zones with resource estimates along a 4km long trend, along the Calico fault zone. The Mule claims increase the overall land area of the Calico project by more than 2.5x. The new claims are strategically located to the east along the very prolific Calico mineralized corridor and represent a great opportunity for further discoveries. Apollo is committed to continuing to unlock value in California for our shareholders." Mule Claims Acquisition The Mule claims are composed of 415 lode mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Mapping and sampling conducted by the previous operators across the Mule claims has identified a continuation of the mineralized Calico Fault System. The sedimentary rocks of the Barstow formation which hosts the Waterloo silver deposit, as well as the volcanic Pickhandle formation are pronounced all over the acquired claims. The contact between the Barstow and Pickhandle formation has demonstrated potential for gold mineralization as is seen at Waterloo. Sampling across the Mule claims has identified several strong Ag and Au anomalies. Apollo plans to conduct its own follow up exploration program on the Mule claims to better develop its own exploration targets and delineate where this highly prospective contact is exposed. Details of the Transaction The Mule claims were acquired by Apollo's wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Stronghold Silver USA Corp. ("Stronghold"), from LAC. As consideration for the acquisition, Apollo paid US$250,000 in cash, and LAC retains a 2.0% net smelter return royalty (the "Royalty") on the Mule claims. Apollo, through Stronghold, retains the right to buy back 1.0% of the Royalty at any time on or before the date that is thirty (30) days from the date of commencement of commercial production, for a payment of US$1,000,000. Figure 1: Map of Calico Project in San Bernardino, California Map of Calico Project in San Bernardino, California 2025 Burcham Exploration Program The Company has completed its previously announced surface exploration work at its Burcham prospect (see news release dated February 12, 2025). The work completed consisted of detailed mapping, sample collection and target generation, with the aim to follow up with future drilling. The exploration team has completed some of the most detailed mapping to date at the Calico Project, including previous programs at Langtry and Waterloo. Structures dominating at Burcham are similar to those at Waterloo with the system being dominated by the Calico Fault, a sinuous moderately plunging reverse fault that dips steeply to the north. Potential for Au mineralization is strong along the contact of the Burcham and Pickhandle formations. Previously unrecognised, stratiform mantos and lenses occupying fold flexures show strong potential for Cu mineralization. This type of mantos have been historically mined on the north side of the Waterloo deposit, and occur near the contact between the Pickhandle Formation and the overlying Barstow Formation. Historic mining on the North side of Waterloo Deposit targeted a manto about 1.5 m thick. Copper mineralization is associated with strong hydrothermal alteration which is seen to diminish as you move eastward along the property. Assays of the sample results are presented in Table 1. Figure 2: Summary Map of Burcham Exploration Program Summary Map of Burcham Exploration Program Table 1: Location and Assay Results of Samples Collected Sampling and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Grab samples were collected in the field and a 2 kg representative sample was sent for analysis. Rock samples are catalogued and securely stored in a warehouse facility in Barstow, California until they are ready for secure shipment to ALS Global Geochemistry in Reno, Nevada ("ALS Reno") for sample preparation and gold analysis. After preparation, splits of prepared pulps are securely shipped to ALS Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis. Samples were prepared at ALS Reno (Prep-31 package) with each sample crushed to better than 70% passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, U.S. Std. No. 10) screen. A split of 250 g is taken and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, U.S Std. No 200) screen. Surface samples were analyzed using complete characterization via the CCP-PK05 methods, which include whole rock analysis (ME-ICP06), ME-MS61, single element trace method using aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS (ME-MS42) and rare earth elements using the method ME-ME81, which consists of lithium borate fusion followed by ICP-MS. All surface samples were submitted for gold analysis by fire assay (Au-AA23). Over-range samples analyzed for copper, lead and zinc were re-submitted for analysis using a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish (method OG62) with a range of 0.001-50% for copper, 0.001-20% for lead, and 0.001-30% for zinc. Gold was analyzed by fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA25) with a reportable range of 0.01-100 ppm Au. All analyses were completed at ALS Vancouver except for gold by fire assay, which was completed at ALS Reno. Apollo's QA/QC program includes ongoing auditing of all results from the laboratories. The Company's Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed are sufficient and reliable. The Company is not aware of any sampling issues or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein. 2025 Marketing Initiatives The Company also announces that it has engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group, Inc. ("CDMG"), an arm's-length service provider, to provide creative services in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and applicable securities laws. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, CDMG specializes in marketing, advertising, and public awareness across various sectors, including mining and metals. Pursuant to a work order dated May 16, 2025 (the "Agreement"), the Company has retained CDMG's for a one-time fee of approximately US$129,800. The Agreement represents a creative budget for marketing and advertising services (the "Services"), enabling CDMG to begin preparing content that may be used in future campaigns. No specific marketing campaign has been prepared, approved, or scheduled at this time. The engagement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lepine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollo's Director, Mineral Resources. Ms. Lepine is a registered professional geologist in British Columbia and a QP as defined by NI 43-101 and is not an independent of the Company. About Apollo Silver Apollo Silver has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ross McElroy, President and CEO For further information, please contact: Amandip Singh, VP Corporate Development Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Email: info@apollosilver.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the expected benefits and strategic rationale of the Mule claims acquisition; the timing, scope, and success of planned exploration activities, including mapping, sampling, and drilling at the Burcham prospect; the potential for silver, gold, and copper mineralization; and the Company's ability to advance, develop, and permit the Calico Project. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Apollo Silver Corp. (TSX: APGO.V) (OTCQB:APGOF) (Frankfurt:6ZF0) is a featured mining stock on Investorideas.com More info on APGO at Investorideas.com Visit: https://www.investorideas.com/CO/APGO/ Disclaimer/Disclosure: Apollo Silver Corp. (APGO.V) is a paid featured mining stock on Investor ideas More disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. More disclosure: Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. Demand for land in the Golden Vale hotspots of southern Tipperary seems to be continuing unabated, despite many other areas coming up in value to rival this part of Munster. A small 18-acre land parcel in the area is new to the market with Cashel Livestock & Property Sales, and should set another strong price given its location and its quality. Cork actor Don Wycherley can remember clearly where he was on the day that the Guildford Four were released from prison having been wrongfully convicted in 1975 at Londons Old Bailey, of bombings carried out by the IRA. Wycherley, who is touring a one-man show on one of the four, Paddy Armstrong, was in a pub near St Patricks Teacher Training College in Drumcondra celebrating his graduation from there with friends on October 19, 1989. On comes the telly with the news that the Guildford Four were getting out after fifteen years incarceration, says Wycherley. Little did he know that he would take on the role of Armstrong rather than work full-time as a teacher. The play, Paddy: The Life & Times of Paddy Armstrong, was written by writer and documentary maker Mary-Elaine Tynan, Wycherley, and Fair City writer, Niamh Gleeson. (Tynan co-authored Armstrongs bestselling memoir, Life After Life.) It took a while to convince Wycherley to become involved in the one-man show. Mary-Elaine gave me the book to read. It was amazing, a roller coaster of a mans life. I used to see Paddy around Clontarf where he lives with his wife Caroline. [The couple have two children.] I live nearby. Paddy Armstrong of the Guildford Four. "I said that the book is amazing but the biggest problem Id have doing a one-man show was the question as to why Id be talking to an audience. I was kicking the can down the road. I thought the first draft of the play was good but it was too much like a summary of the book. Wycherley was asked if hed like to meet Armstrong. That sealed the deal regarding his involvement in the play. I first met Paddy in 2023. Hes a very relaxed, funny, charismatic individual. I started calling to him on Saturday mornings. It wasnt difficult to get the stories out of Paddy. When he went a little dark, his default setting was to be humorous and to kind of evade the difficult questions. "It was his sense of humour that helped inform the play in many ways. "If we had just gone with the tough stuff that happened and the awful way his life went, people would get no relief. I dont think there would be as many people coming to the play. "What people have been saying is that its an uplifting piece with huge highs and lows. Laughter is very much there. Im glad we got to the essence of him. He is always looking for the gag. Thats how I think he survived his time in prison. "Theres only two of the four left, Paddy and Paul Hill. Paddy is certainly not bitter in terms of English people, and the way people reacted to what was being said by the police who concocted the evidence. Wycherley (57), who is originally from Skibbereen, was first put on the stage by one of the teaching brothers at St Fachtnas De La Salle College. It was for a Chah and Miah skit. I remember fizzing up Coke to make it look like Guinness. I was supposed to be having a pint, talking about the topics of the day. I remember the clapping at the end of it and I thought that was interesting. It was while teaching in another De La Salle school in Finglas that Wycherley was asked by the principal to put on a Christmas show. I really enjoyed that. It brought me back to the sense of joy I got from being on stage. I did a course in acting at weekends but I didnt like it because it was killing my social life. However, when Wycherley saw that the Gaiety School of Acting was offering a full-time one year course in acting, he successfully auditioned for it. It was an itch I wanted to scratch. The principal said to me to go for it and that the job would be there if I wanted it after the year. After starring in a play, Away Alone, at the Peacock Theatre, directed by Fionnuala Flanagan, the then artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, Garry Hynes, offered Wycherley and three other actors full time contracts. The die was cast and Wycherley has had a successful acting career, interspersed with subbing work as a teacher during lean times. "It worked out nicely for me. That said, other actors would be chasing Hollywood. At my age, Im just chasing a good script, says this actor, writer and sometime teacher. Over the next few weeks, 135,000 students will sit the State exams. Others will grapple with school exams. All of which translates to a high degree of household stress with last-minute revision, panicked regrets, and mounting anxiety. In such circumstances, it is easy for parents to say the wrong thing. We ask five experts about what not to say to young people facing exams. Its only your Junior Cert Exams are challenging and it is natural for your child to feel anxious. But saying, Its only this, or, Its just that is not helpful. It undermines the natural anxiety they have and makes them feel silly, says Luke Saunders, teacher and co-founder of revision website Studyclix. But he understands that parents are wired to remove challenges from their children. I was rubbish at maths To say, Im bad at this, therefore you should be is one of the worst things you can say. Youre giving them a get-out-of-jail card. Its deflating and lowers expectations, says Saunders. Youll be fine. Youll fly through it It fools nobody and does not address what your child needs, Saunders says. The student hears their parents saying This isnt going to be challenging. They think We all know it will be, so my parent is lying to me. Its much better for parents to say It will be challenging and were going to do our best to support you. Removing challenges from our children doesnt help their resilience, says Saunders. Luke Saunders, Studyclix co-founder. You cant remove the exams. You can only support your child. Exams are challenging and a part of life, a part of growing up. Its about building resilience. As a parent, you can say, Im here to help. Gemma Lawlor, guidance counsellor at Tyndall College, Carlow, says parents need to tune in to their children. Allow them to say what they need to say. Really listen, absorb it for them youre their cushion. Saying We know youll do great sounds supportive, but can carry a hidden pressure, says Eoin Houlihan, guidance counsellor with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, who works at Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin. It suggests failure isnt an option. Dont be nervous It feels so natural to say, says Dublin- and London-based counselling psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar. But, from a psychological perspective, youre dismissing their feelings. And youre adding pressure to be calm, rather than helping them navigate natural nervous symptoms. She suggests you say Its OK to feel nervous that just means you care and then support your child while they feel nervous. Eoin Houlihan, guidance counsellor with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, who works at Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin Saying Dont worry, its just a few exams is meant to reassure, but, for the young person, it can feel dismissive and minimise what theyre facing, says Houlihan. It could make them feel alone in their distress. Better to say Talk me through that. Whats causing the stress? Put the question back on them then youre listening. Youre just lazy The word lazy attacks their character rather than addresses the behaviour obstacle, Houlihan says. Its demoralising and might lead them to resent the exam and their parents. Better to say What are you finding difficult? If you dont do well, youll regret it Parents say this because we have hindsight around how important results can be, but we dont want to use fear as a motivator it doesnt give them intrinsic, lasting motivation, says Kumar. The brain responds to positive messages, so Kumar suggests parents say No matter what happens, well figure this out together. Counselling psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar Anton OMahony, Skibbereen Community School principal and president of the National Association for Principals and Deputy Principals, says focus on the moment. Ask What can you do today? Break things down into small chunks. The small bit you learn every day all adds up, even in the last few weeks. Lawlor, who runs Reach Guidance, which offers educational and career counselling for young people and their parents, has occasionally fallen into the trap of saying to her child, If you dont do well, itll have a serious impact on your life. Ive realised its better to say These exams are giving you the opportunity to demonstrate all the work youve done in the last few years by showing what youve done, youre going to be rewarded. Come on, you can do it! It counds harmless, even encouraging, but it is not helpful if your child is unmotivated to study, says Kumar. Whats key for parents is finding out why their child isnt motivated. Is it low self-belief? Are they overwhelmed? Parents could say Its OK not to feel motivated lets figure out small steps together for how you can get started. Ask What is the one thing that would make study easier for you today? Shouldnt you be studying? Youre creating an argument immediately: Theres something you should be doing and youre not, says OMahony. Parents language is important. We say things that can be misinterpreted. Its hard to get it 100% right and we can only do our best, but we really need to encourage our children. Anton OMahony, Skibbereen Community School principal and president of the National Association for Principals and Deputy Principal No matter what the question, frame it positively: Have you everything you need for your study? Would you a cup of tea before you start? Youre still putting study in their mind, but in a positive way. Your sister studied so hard for her Leaving Cert Avoid comparison, says OMahony. Parents can inadvertently compare. It puts your child in a space where theyre not good enough. This isnt a great motivator straightaway, theyre not doing something correctly. Focus on the child in front of you every child is different. Remind them of their own best efforts: Do you remember when you worked really hard ahead of your Irish oral and you did great? Focus on the effort: You did well today, you got a lot done, what will you do tomorrow? You should have worked in Fifth year. Its not helpful at this stage, says Lawlor. The key thing to do is to ask How can I help make it easier for you? Shall I make dinner at this stage, or when would suit you? Gemma Lawlor, guidance counsellor "Let them know youre proud of them, youre here to help, and they are loved. You must have time limits on your phone until after the exams Talk to them about their phone use, but the older they are the less dictatorial this should be, says Saunders, who believes young people want to do well. Help them control their phone use by saying something like For the next three weeks, lets see if it would help to change the notification settings on your most-used apps, so youre not constantly getting alerts rather than You must do this. Tell me again what you got in maths in the mocks Saunders recommends not getting bogged down in pre-exam results. It is dispiriting, but true, he says, that students often dont learn from mistakes they made in the mock exams. A geography student runs out of time in the pre-exam and doesnt get the last question started and drops a grade that same student could make the same error in the Leaving Cert. You have to help them learn from their mistakes. Ask your child: Based on your mocks in this subject, what did you learn from it that would help you tomorrow? We got the electricity bill and its shocking Lawlor says our job as parents when young people are preparing for exams and during the exams is to keep stresses that are not theirs out of their orbit. If youre stressed with your partner, or had an awful day at work, dont load your child with worries that arent theirs. They dont need anything extra except support, love, calmness. Just study, dont worry about anything else Houlihan says this disregards social needs, physical wellbeing, and emotional health. That whole balance including taking breaks is crucial for effective learning. Some people think Im going to pull back on my sports, my hobbies. That might work for some, but not always. I didnt give up part-time working when I was doing exams its what kept me going. Say to your child Lets take a break what would help you recharge? Housing minister James Browne has come under fire plans to overhaul rent pressure zones, with opposition TDs saying it will strip away protections for renters. Sinn Fein, Labour, and the Social Democrats have all criticised Mr Browne for confirming that changes will be made to rent pressure zones (RPZs) although the actual proposal is yet to be unveiled. Mr Brownes comments came in an interview with the Irish Examiner, where he said that rent pressure zones introduced in 2016 to stop big rent increases are significantly inhibiting the delivery of new apartments in Dublin. There has to be change. Theres no question about that. The current system is significantly inhibiting the delivery of apartments in Dublin, Mr Browne said. I think all of the research is pointing to that direction, and its just obvious from the fact that apartments are not being delivered Mr Browne said that while rent pressure zones would be changed, he intended to introduce significant protections for renters including looking at reforms to renters rights. The Housing Agency has provided Mr Browne with an options paper on reform, which includes the outright abolition of rent pressure zones, retention, or changing how much landlords can increase rents each year. Sinn Feins Eoin O Broin highlighted the recent Daft.ie rent report, which found the average rent in Ireland is now 2,053 per month. This is the first time the 2,000 mark has been breached. I have to say: The minister is gaslighting renters and hes talking out of both sides of his mouth. Hes telling the industry, on the one hand, that he is going to buckle under pressure and allow them to jack up rents even further and at the same time hes promising to protect renters, Mr O Broin said. You cannot do both of those things. 'Limited tax incentive' Conor Sheehan, Labours housing spokesperson, said renters must not be thrown to the wolves to satiate investors. To deal with the issue of a lack of investment in Dublin, Mr Sheehan suggested a bespoke solution such as a limited tax incentive for investors looking to build apartments in the capital. Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said his party would vociferously oppose any changes to rent pressure zones. Some of Mr Brownes ideas have been welcomed, however, with Labour and the Social Democrats cautiously optimistic about initial talks for a State-led savings account to fund housebuilding. The housing minister said he is currently considering the introduction of a scheme where the public could invest savings, with funds going towards the construction of homes. It is something were looking at. We have to be very careful what it looks like, how its funded, Mr Browne said. In a letter to Mr Browne, Mr Hearne said he had spoken in the Dail previously about such a scheme and added that his party would be happy to engage with Government on the matter. Rather than chasing unreliable global institutional funds to build unaffordable rental homes, here is a mechanism to provide additional sourcing of private finance that can deliver affordable housing, Mr Hearne wrote. We need new ways to fund housing to make a difference to the lives of a generation locked out of homeownership and denied affordable rental homes. Mr Sheehan also welcomed the proposal, saying Labour had included it as part of their general election manifesto. Politicians must not turn a blind eye to anti-LGBT+ hate because doing so comes at the expense of real peoples lives, a leading human rights activist has said. Speaking 10 years on from Irelands landmark marriage equality referendum, the Council of Europes commissioner for human rights Michael OFlaherty said the rule of law was in a very poor state or in decline in far too many places here in Europe and beyond and it was time to push back. In his speech in Malta at a key European forum, the Irish man stressed laws and rhetoric were stripping basic human rights from LGBT+ people by banning protest, recognition, and even discussion of their existence. I think also of the perverse backlash against gender identity, in a manner that is both in violation of international law, and in defiance of human realities, Mr OFlaherty said. As you well know, these are just some of the manifestations of the current LGBTI-related assaults on the rule of law. He linked repressive measures in countries with bids to attain or retain political power, and said countries were using populist tools that draw on disinformation and misinformation that scapegoat marginalised groups. We hear lies about not only our contemporary world, but also about our histories and our cultures, he said. "And all of this is sometimes exacerbated when otherwise law-abiding leaders stay silent, or compromise in the interests of deal-making or coalition-building." Mr OFlaherty said that these attacks were not isolated but signal deeper democratic backsliding and political opportunism. He called on political leaders to repeal discriminatory laws, call out hate and prioritise LGBT+ rights in foreign policy matters. States also need to be very consequent in ensuring that reforms to migration law and practice do not expose LGBTI people to danger, including the risk of refoulement, he added. Mr OFlahertys speech came as Ireland marks 10 years since a referendum backed marriage equality for same-sex couples. Writing in the Sunday Times at the weekend, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he believed there would be a much harsher debate if the referendum was to have run in 2025. On Monday, the Labour Party changed the venue for its event to mark the 10th anniversary over what it referred to as the serious threat of protest from the far right. Its TD for Limerick City said he would not feel comfortable holding the hand of a loved one in public, due to an increased level of toxicity towards LGBT+ people in Ireland. Conor Sheehan described the amount of homophobic abuse he receives as being absolutely unbelievable. I suppose, as an openly LGBT member of the Oireachtas, I think its important to reflect that things for LGBT people in the last couple of years have become more uncertain and more unsafe. Thats something that we need to reflect upon as a society as we move forward, Mr Sheehan said. I certainly wouldnt feel comfortable walking around Dublin City, or any city, in Ireland holding, for example, the hand of a loved one or of a partner or whatever. I dont think we were at this juncture 10 years ago. He said there had been a conscious effort across Europe and the US by some actors to unpick hard-won rights for LGBT+ people. Thats something I believe we need to stand firm about because we live in an open, tolerant, compassionate society. The vast, vast majority of Irish people are open, tolerant and compassionate and I dont want to live in a society where any sort of hate, regardless of who its directed towards, becomes sort of tolerated. The review of the special care system published by Tusla will provide a roadmap to support children like Daniel McAnaspie, who was murdered while in State care 15 years ago. The external review commissioned by Tusla found that the special care system is in crisis, with a lack of spaces in the countys three special care centres, and an issue with staffing. The system was established to provide secure therapeutic intervention for children who are subject to High Court orders. Among the recommendations was to align pay scales for staff with Oberstown detention centre, increase capacity in residential and foster care, and to develop a legal strategy for special care. It also recommended that further research be carried out into the area, including with children and care leavers. There are 14 children in the countrys three special care settings but if fully staffed, the units could cater for 26 children. There are currently three children waiting on places in the system. Tusla chief executive Kate Duggan said there has been some progress in recent weeks in staffing, adding: This will assist in increasing our Special Care capacity to 16 beds by the end of May 2025. The report comes after the inquest last week into the 2010 death of Daniel McAnaspie, who was murdered while in care. The inquest jury recommended an urgent review of its approach to child protection and welfare. In welcoming the report published on Tuesday, chief executive of the Childrens Rights Alliance Tanya Ward said: It has nearly been a week since the Daniel McAnaspie inquest. Daniel was refused access to special care and experienced a tumultuous journey through a litany of different placements, before he was murdered at the age of 17. Daniels death could have been prevented if he got the right interventions and support that he needed. "Daniel had a very difficult childhood, having experienced poverty, neglect, profound loss and poor access to schooling. There are many more Daniels in our communities that need our help. This review provides a roadmap to provide that support. She said the alliance is concerned that the review found that some children are in special care for up to two years, which is startling given that these young people are being deprived of their liberty and have not been convicted of any crime. A domestic abuse victim who stabbed her partner multiple times with a kitchen knife while he slept has been jailed for a minimum of 12 years. Julie Anne McIlwaine 34, from Hazel Close, Lagmore, in west Belfast, was found guilty by a jury in October of the murder of James Joseph Crossley, 38, at her former home in March 2022. At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court, judge Mr Justice Kinney set the minimum tariff for how long McIlwaine will spend in prison. Its a sad reminder that no one should ever take the law into their own hands, and I want to appeal to anyone, irrespective of gender or background, who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic abuse to please speak to us The court heard that McIlwaine and Mr Crossley were in a relationship marked by domestic abuse and coercive control. At the time of the murder, a restraining order was in place that prohibited Mr Crossley from being in contact with McIlwaine. McIlwaine separated from him for a period and stayed in a womens refuge. However, she subsequently contacted Mr Crossley and re-established a relationship. They conducted that revived relationship in secrecy without the knowledge of their families, social services or legal representatives. Psychiatric reports submitted to court stated McIlwaine had been psychologically enmeshed with Mr Crossley and had been unable to separate. The judge said an unusual element of the case was that it was the victim of domestic abuse who had committed a murder. Mr Crossley was stabbed 10 times. The court heard that on the day of the murder the couple had been involved in an argument during which Mr Crossley threatened McIlwaines family, called her children names and warned that he would ensure that she would never see them again. Mr Justice Kinney said there was a significant domestic history in the relationship with frequent reports to the police about Mr Crossleys behaviour. The judge noted that at the time of the murder, Mr Crossley had been facing a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against McIlwaine and criminal damage. The judge said he was satisfied that McIlwaine was suffering from an acute stress reaction at the time of the incident and that her condition impacted upon her actions. None of this of course can ever provide a justification for the kind of crime committed by the defendant, he said. Whatever the circumstances nothing can excuse the murder of another person, abusive partner or otherwise, and the law requires condign punishment for such offences. Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin (PA) After sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said it was an extremely difficult case. The two had been in a mutually abusive relationship, she said. The officer added: Ms McIlwaines defence was that she had caused the death of Jim Crossley by manslaughter based on a temporary loss of control as a victim of domestic abuse. The jury, however, didnt accept that she had experienced a loss of control, and convicted her of murder. Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has today been held accountable. It remains, however, a tragic case which leaves so many family members, including children, totally heartbroken. There are no winners here. Only sorrow prevails. The detective inspector continued: Its a sad reminder that no one should ever take the law into their own hands, and I want to appeal to anyone, irrespective of gender or background, who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic abuse to please speak to us. We know that domestic abuse can take many forms, from coercive control to physical abuse. Whatever your circumstances, I promise that we will listen to you, and we will support you. Please contact us on 101. Gardai couldn't find the clothes Jozef Puska wore when he murdered Ashling Murphy because his sisters-in-law had burned them, a barrister has told a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Sean Gillane SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, opened the trial on Tuesday morning of Jozef Puska's brothers, who are charged with withholding information, and their wives, who are charged with burning Puska's clothes to impede his arrest or prosecution. Mr Gillane told the jury that Jozef Puska (aged 35) is not an accused in this trial, but he "looms very large". On the afternoon of January 12, 2022, he attacked Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old schoolteacher, on the canal towpath at Cappincur in Tullamore. She died having suffered 12 sharp force injuries to her neck, 11 of which were stab wounds. Gardai immediately launched an investigation, Mr Gillane said, to identify the male whom two witnesses saw on top of Ms Murphy in the bushes by the canal towpath. Mr Gillane said: "The oxygen in any investigation of this type is information. Information which is relevant, material and significant." As the investigation continued, Mr Gillane said, it became apparent that Jozef Puska had returned to his home at Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, near Tullamore, on the night of Ms Murphy's murder. "At the core of the case is what Mr Puska said during his time at that address on that night and what was clearly observable about his demeanour," counsel said. Jozef Puska's brothers, Lubomir Puska Jnr (aged 35) and Marek Puska (aged 34), gave voluntary interviews to gardai in Tullamore two days after Ms Murphy's death. Mr Gillane said the prosecution's case is that they misled gardai in those witness statements and withheld crucial, relevant and significant information. It is alleged that Marek Puska failed to disclose that Jozef had returned home on the night of Ashling's murder with visible injuries and admitted to killing or causing serious injury to a woman. It is further alleged that he knew of the arrangement to burn Jozef's clothes and that Jozef Puska travelled to Dublin later that night. Lubomir Puska Jnr, it is alleged, also withheld that Jozef returned home with visible injuries, admitted to "cutting a female", and travelled to Dublin. Gardai discovered Jozef Puska's bike near Ms Murphy's body and recovered CCTV showing him cycling around Tullamore wearing a distinctive Tommy Hilfiger tracksuit. Mr Gillane said detectives were "very interested in finding that clothing" but failed to find it in a search of the Puska home at Lynally Grove. Mr Gillane told the jury that Jozef Puska (pictured) is not an accused in this trial, but he 'looms very large'. During the investigation into Jozefina Grundzova (aged 31) and Viera Gaziova's (aged 38) actions in the aftermath of the murder, Mr Gillane said it became clear why. "Because Jozefina and Viera had burned those clothes," he said. In democratic societies governed by the rule of law, counsel said, co-operation is required where someone has material information relating to a "grave offence which violates the human rights of someone else". Following the opening speech, counsel for each of the accused admitted certain facts, including that Ashling Murphy died on January 12, 2022, due to stab wounds to the neck. They further accepted that Jozef Puska was arrested on suspicion of her murder on January 18, 2022, and was later convicted of her murder. Lubomir Puska Jnr and Marek Puska are charged with withholding information, knowing or believing that the information might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution, or conviction of Jozef Puska for a serious offence involving loss of human life or serious personal injury to another. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988. Jozefina Grundzova, who is married to Marek Puska, and Viera Gaziova, who is married to Lubomir Puska, are accused of assisting in burning clothing between January 12 and 14, without reasonable excuse, intending to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska, knowing or believing him to have committed the offence of murder or some other arrestable offence within the same category or of a similar nature. Ms Grundzova and Ms Gaziova pleaded not guilty to the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997. All the accused have an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co Offaly. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of seven men and five women. WARNING: Some readers may find the following report upsetting A doctor denied on Tuesday seeing murder accused Richard Satchwells face destroyed by Tinas nails, then telling him to heal up naturally. Dr Deirdre OGrady was giving evidence in the trial of Richard Satchwell, aged 58, for the alleged murder of his wife Tina Satchwell, nee Dingivan, aged 45, on March 20, 2017, at their home on 3 Grattan St, Youghal. The couple had attended Dr OGradys practice in Fermoy, Co Cork, for a brief period in the 1990s. But Dr OGrady said she could not find records on the couple. Mrs Satchwell's notes had possibly been shredded or handed over to her new GP when she moved practice, as was common in the 1990s, Dr O'Grady said. Mr Satchwell said that he had attended with scratches on his face in 1993 or 1994, defence barrister Brendan Grehan, SC, said. Mr Satchwell has alleged that his late wife could be violent and that she had attacked him before her death. Mr Satchwell had attended a Saturday surgery in Dr OGradys clinic on Abbey St in Fermoy in the 1990s with his face destroyed by Tinas nails, Mr Grehan said. He said that he was told by Dr OGrady to heal up naturally. Dr OGrady said she most certainly did not see him with marks on his face. The court was also shown a photo of a yellow biohazard bag that contained the now soiled dressing gown Tina Satchwell (pictured) wore on the day of her death. File picture Mr Grehan also said that Mr Satchwell said he was told to "basically put up with it or leave" or "you have to stick it or leave it". But Dr OGrady denied this. Those are not words Id use in that situation, she said. Mr Grehan also said that Mrs Satchwell had reported to Dr OGrady that Mr Satchwell had taken an overdose around 1993 or 1994. But Dr OGrady said that an overdose was a very serious medical emergency. That would be something I would recall, she said. When it was alleged that Mr Satchwell heard that the doctor had told Mrs Satchwell not to worry about the overdose because the amount of pills he had taken would not do damage, she again denied that she would say that. There was no way she could quantify the damage caused by an overdose based on the amount of tablets a relative said someone took, she said. That would require blood tests. On Monday, Dr OGrady had told the Central Criminal Court that she had no record of Mr Satchwell attending her medical practice in Fermoy in the 1990s with scratches on his face. She said that she kept meticulous medical records. Although Mr Satchwell had never attended her personally, she said she remembered Mr Satchwell attending with Mrs Satchwell for her medical appointments as she had attended the practice briefly in the 1990s. Forensic evidence A yellow biohazard bag contained the now soiled dressing gown Tina Satchwell wore on the day she was buried. A photo of that bag was shown to the court. The dressing gown had a St Bernards label, size 14 16. Mr Satchwell previously said that his wife would wear dressing gowns in a size too big. Photos of a dirt-encrusted dressing gown belt were also shown to the court. Gardai searched for a wedding ring after Mr Satchwell told them he buried his wife with it, but no wedding ring could be found on Mrs Satchwell's remains. Mrs Satchwell was 45 when she went missing from her home on 3 Grattan Street, Youghal on March 20, 2017. Her husband reported her missing on March 24, 2017. Her skeletal remains were found wrapped in plastic and buried beneath a concrete floor under the stairwell in their terraced home in Youghal on October, 11, 2023. Richard Satchwell, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Tina Satchwell, nee Dingivan, at their home on 3 Grattan St, Youghal, between March 19 and March 20, both dates inclusive. The trial in front of Justice Paul McDermott continues. Plans for a set of wind farms in a picturesque West Cork location have been turned down as the proposed development would seriously detract from the views in the area, the council has said. Cork County Council has refused planning permission for Gourtloughra Wind Farm Ltd to construct eight wind turbines and associated equipment at Shehy Beg. It comes after the planning bid received what council planners referred to as a very high number of submissions, all objecting to the development. It also received a submission from Failte Ireland, which said the area on the Wild Atlantic Way was a calling card and acted as a device to entice people to the west of Ireland. In its extensive application documents, Gourtloughra Wind Farm Ltd said it was looking to construct eight wind turbines across an area comprising 8.7 hectares. The area, which is just under 10km north-west of Dunmanway, is currently used for sheep grazing and farmland. It also said the proposals would provide clean energy while minimising environmental impacts. Furthermore, it was argued it was contributing to renewable energy targets which will continue to drive down the overall cost of energy. The project will create up to 154 jobs during the construction phase and will encourage continued investment in the renewable industry in Ireland, the applicant said. However, dozens of objections to the proposals were received from locals, citing numerous concerns. This included the potential for destruction of ecology, habitat and species, and an adverse impact on biodiversity. It was also claimed the height of the turbines with an overall ground to blade tip height of 175m were colossal and would dominate and destroy the area. Furthermore, submissions were made that West Cork has accommodated too many windfarms and enough is enough. In its report appraising the application, a Cork County Council planner said any development that promotes green renewable energy should be carefully considered given the acceleration of climate change. However, the planner noted the proposed windfarm had generated a high level of local opposition and ecological concerns had been raised as a red flag. The removal of 10 hectares of high-value habitat including the peatland habitat is not acceptable on a biodiversity basis and as a matter of principle, the planner said. As a secondary ground, but not necessarily less important to the local community, is the visual impact, in particular the resultant adverse impact from Cousane Gap and from the R-585 Regional Road and Scenic Route. Whether Cousane Gap is completely sacrosanct to preclude all windfarm development, for which there is particularly strong local opposition, could ultimately be a matter for further consideration, including for any decision-makers in the event of appeal but given the ecological concerns and red flag that may not necessarily materialise. Agreeing with its planner, Cork County Council refused permission for the application, citing biodiversity concerns and added it would "would seriously detract from the visual quality of the landscape". A new government plan will focus on tackling rising absenteeism levels in schools and keeping more students from disadvantaged areas in education to Leaving Cert level and beyond. On Tuesday, education minister Helen McEntee will update cabinet on a new Deis plan to focus on "improving the opportunities for children at risk of educational disadvantage". It is understood that the plan will place a major emphasis on retention of students up to Leaving Certificate and improving progression rates to higher education and the world of work, as well as a major focus on school attendance and tackling the rate of absenteeism in both Deis and non-Deis schools. Data from Tusla has shown a dramatic increase in absenteeism in recent years. The latest figures, based on the 2022/23 school year, reveal that over 110,000 primary and 65,000 post-primary students missed 20 or more days during that academic year. This compares to 54,890 primary school pupils and 44,874 post primary students missing 20 or more days before the covid pandemic in 2018/19. There were higher rates of absence and also of student suspensions in Deis schools located in areas of economic disadvantage. In second-level Deis schools, 30.7% of students missed 20 days or more. This compares to 19.5% for non-Deis schools. Ms McEntee will update Cabinet on her work to establish a new Deis+ scheme which will support schools with the highest level of educational disadvantage, particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy. This includes the establishment of an advisory group with representatives who work with children from areas of high inter-generational disadvantage. 'Dedicated focus' to small businesses Cabinet will also be updated by arts and media minister Patrick O'Donovan on the digitisation of the 1926 census, the first census carried out by the State, while enterprise minister Peter Burke will bring a memo establishing a new small business unit within his department. Government sources said that the unit will mean that small businesses have "a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government, and emphasis is placed on them within the Department of Enterprise". Also at Cabinet, social protection minister Dara Calleary will provide an update on the procurement competition to source investment management providers for the automatic enrolment retirement savings system. Mr Calleary will also update ministers on the recruitment for the positions of board members for National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA), which will oversee the "My Future Fund" that will launch on January 1, 2026, following a recent government decision to delay the scheme. 'Shared history' Meanwhile, Cabinet is set to approve cross-government engagement with the trans-European cultural initiative, 2027 The Year of the Normans - People of Europe. The year-long commemoration in 2027 aims to celebrate "a shared history that has shaped the island of Ireland and Europe". A government statement says that "throughout modern Ireland, the legacy of our Norman heritage can be found in our lands, laws, monuments, and built environment". Participation in the initiative "aims to commemorate and recognise our Norman history, whilst also benefiting tourism and its associated economy". Irelands participation is being co-ordinated by the National Monuments Service. The Israeli government only permitting five aid trucks to enter Gaza is a "sick joke", Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. Five trucks carrying aid, including baby food, entered the territory of more than two million Palestinians via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday. Mr Martin said he believed the people of the world are sickened and absolutely disgusted by the level of bombing and starvation of civilians in Gaza. This slaughter of the innocents must stop and theres an onus on the world at large to very significantly pressurise Israel now to cease all hostilities in Gaza, Mr Martin said. We need Hamas to release all of the hostages. We need a ceasefire and a pathway to reconstruction of Gaza. The weaponisation of aid is a war crime and that is what we are witnessing here in Gaza and it simply has to stop. Asked about the levels of aid allowed in by Israel, Mr Martin said that it is nowhere near the levels required. I think five trucks instead of the 500 plus that we desperately need a day is a sick joke. I couldnt believe yesterday the news that five trucks is allowed in. We know we need hundreds of trucks. I mean, people are starving. Mr Martin described the bypassing of the UN by the Israeli government reprehensible. He said the UN has agencies within its remit that understand the situation in Gaza and who are in a position to get aid into the strip quickly, to assist adults and children suffering from starvation. The UN agencies should have control of the distribution of aid into Gaza and to the people of Gaza. Theyre experienced, they know how to do it. The UN called the five trucks being allowed into Gaza a welcome development but said much more aid is needed to address the humanitarian crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the few trucks were a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. He said an additional four UN trucks were cleared to enter Gaza. Those trucks may enter on Tuesday, according to Cogat (Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories). During the ceasefire, some 600 aid trucks entered Gaza each day. Mr Fletcher added that given the chaotic situation on the ground, the UN expects the aid could be looted or stolen. He urged Israel to open multiple crossings in northern and southern Gaza to permit a regular flow of aid. The UN has also warned that 14,000 babies could die in Gaza in the next 48 hours without aid. Almost 600 days. 60,000 dead Palestinians. 16,000 of them children. Its 10.30am on Monday and, as Im writing, Israel has intensified its attacks across Gaza carrying out over 30 airstrikes since dawn that have killed at least 28 Palestinians. All of this before Irish children even made it to school. They are bombing hospitals the latest include the Indonesian Hospital, previously the last functioning in the north, and southern Gazas Nasser Hospital and are conducting raids on houses in Khan Yunis. Its not yet noon and Israel seems intent on making this a day to remember for its acolytes. The bar is high. On Sunday, they killed at least 150 people as the rest of us lay in the summer sun. It didnt take 600 days for them to prove a pattern. The targeting of hospitals began early after the Hamas attacks of October 7, and like a child stealing from its parents once nothing but empty words of concern came from an impotent international community, they pursued their policy of exterminating with extreme prejudice in a manner worthy of the most violent video game. Hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, playgrounds no inch of Gaza is safe from soldiers wearing Israeli uniforms but who hail from Hackney, Williamsburg, Le Marais, and South America. They are not exercising a birthright, but engaging in some sadistic cosplay. They are burning brown children like a spoiled school bully setting an insect alight through a magnifying glass Make no mistake, there are middle-class kids with college degrees doing the slaughter. They will swap their IDF fatigues for chinos and go back to work for tech firms when all of this is over. Its 10.52am and the number of dead has been updated to 34 many of them women and children. Already it is clear today will become a microcosm of not just Israels siege on Gaza but its subjugation of Palestine, period. Bomb entire hospitals to kill a solitary Hamas commander. Issue forced displacement orders to a population weak with hunger who have nowhere left to go and no energy to take them. A little boy is fed by his mother with food from a community kitchen at the Muwasi camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday. Picture: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Open the tap of aid to allow a trickle after a four-month blockade, just enough to satisfy an increasingly queasy but subservient client media and international community. 'A skeleton covered in skin' is how one aid worker described a severely malnourished one-year-old boy to AP He weighed only 11 pounds, less than half what is normal on average. The boy had not grown any teeth, she said, and was too weak to cry. Israel will do all of this while releasing polished footage of their crimes, complete with arrows and smart graphics. This neat trick keeps the facade of sophistication the West likes to point to when weighing up the moral ambiguity of the least ambiguous conflict since the Second World War and the Holocaust. Yes, I mentioned the Holocaust for so long the linguistic red-line none of us should ever cross. Well, adjudicators, you have your evidence. Quibble over verbiage as the children burn. Last week, about 570 days in, we were told that Israel had gone too far by some major news organisations and celebrity commentators. Ha! The same ones who published unverified accounts of rape and sexual violence on their front pages after October 7. The same ones who repeatedly platformed Zionist psychopaths, giving oxygen to the myth of moral superiority as newborns were left to die in incubators 16 months ago. Already orphaned, perhaps they were better off dead. Smoke rises following an Israeli army bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Monday. Picture: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP One of my oldest friends was one of the first on the scene in Al-Shifa Hospital when those babies were discovered, almost 30 of them in a tub without a name or a piece of paper to identify them. Ill never forget him this stoic bear of a man breaking down in a car telling me about what he found. How he couldnt move from the shock of it. How small, cold, and quiet they were. How the soldiers stood idly by, doing nothing to help them. We obsess over Eurovision, Kneecap, Gary Lineker, Douglas Murray, and Joe Bidens cancer diagnosis. Call me woke, but Ill save my tears for the Palestinian children killed since I started writing this. Last week, speaking before a stupid song contest, I heard somebody from RTE say they dont believe in cultural boycotts in spite of staff there calling for just that. Thats nice. I dont believe a child should be too weak to cry because Israel makes it so, but there you go. The curtain has yet to be pulled back on the true horror. The tens of thousands of rotting corpses. The disease The unfathomable trauma a baby born today in Rafah will live with for the rest of its tortured life. Such are the obvious limits of our emotional bandwidth, we need not seek meaning in what we cannot see because we saw everything. The decapitated babies. The dogs eating the dead. The parents picking up the mangled flesh of their children blown apart by weapons paid for by America, made in the EU. The munitions that pierced the skin of those children at 5,000km/h were flown over Irish airspace. The bonds that paid for them approved by the Irish Central Bank. Thats just today. Its noon. 46 dead already. By the time you read this, that will have doubled. South East Technological University (SETU) has developed one of the most dynamic aerospace departments in the country over the last two decades; seamlessly blending academic excellence with hands-on industry partnerships. Under the leadership of Frances Hardiman, head (Carlow) of faculty of engineering and built environment, SETU recently celebrated the launch of several developments in its aviation and aerospace offering, underscoring the universitys growing influence on the global sector and its position as a national leader in aerospace education and research. SETU is at the forefront of aerospace training and education in Ireland and globally, Dr Hardiman explained. By continuously innovating our suite of programmes and forming strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that SETU aerospace graduates have the expertise needed to meet the evolving demands of industry. These developments include a new aircraft mechanics apprenticeship, achieving EASA Part 147 compliance, the launch of a pioneering masters programme in flight test engineering, and the signing of a major memorandum of understanding with Waterford Airport. A strategic alliance SETUs efforts have solidified the role of the southeast region in the future of global aviation. Dr Hardiman said: Our enduring work ensures the region continues to produce talent that drives real-world sectoral impact. Our partnership with Waterford Airport is one of the most exciting developments on the horizon in this regard. The knowledge and skills transfer between our two organisations will see the establishment of the National Aerospace Academy. The academy will have a particular focus on climate-centred research and on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), both playing crucial roles in training professionals to support Irelands expanding green and offshore energy sectors, Dr Hardiman explained. Driving innovation through research SETUs aerospace programmes are not only producing talent for airlines, aviation finance, and maintenance organisations, but they are also driving innovation through research. The collaboration with Waterford Airport opens new avenues for applied research in flight testing of small aircraft and UAVs, with broader applications in environmental monitoring, emergency response, and offshore operations. Research teams at the university are also working on sustainability-focused projects, such as electric propulsion systems and materials innovation, which align with the EUs climate goals and the industrys net-zero ambitions. Luke Connolly, SETU graduate and researcher. Photograph: Niamh Doyle Lukes aerospace research has the potential for broad industrial impact Luke Connolly, a researcher and technician at SETU, began his academic journey with the universitys Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering course, later progressing to a masters by research. While pursuing his masters, Lukes strong academic performance and innovative thinking were rewarded with PhD funding from the Irish Research Council, meaning a change of course for his research efforts. Lukes work focuses on defect detection in light aircraft using a modified unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone, equipped with a stereovision camera and advanced deep learning techniques. By training these models, Lukes system detects and localises aircraft surface defects with high accuracy and efficiency. His drone records video data around the aircraft, which is then processed through a deep learning model to identify faults. This research is about enhancing preventive maintenance by improving safety and time metrics, and by reducing human error, Luke explains. His work has the potential to revolutionise maintenance protocols in the aerospace industry, providing more reliable and timely inspections that improve safety and general operations. An industry-connected ecosystem Many of SETUs aerospace graduates are now working in high-impact roles at home and abroad, contributing to safety-critical operations, research teams, aircraft leasing and policy development. These deep connections with industry not only impact employability prospects for graduates, but they enrich the learning environment in terms of curriculum design and ensure that SETU remains agile and responsive to changing market needs. Holly Byrne, SETU graduate and technical analyst. Photograph: Niamh Doyle Hollys degree in aerospace engineering has led to a career in aircraft leasing Holly Byrne, a graduate of SETUs Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, is now thriving as a technical analyst at Avolon, a global player in aircraft leasing. When applying for college, Holly sought a course that was both unique and challenging that would satisfy her curiosity for a specialist area, and her love of hands-on learning. She praised SETUs practical approach to teaching, saying the on-campus aerospace facilities opened up a whole different world, helping her to discover her strengths across multiple areas of aerospace engineering. Holly credits the rigour and practical applications of her bachelors degree with her strong work ethic and technical foundation in aviation, that enabled her to pursue postgraduate study and now enhances her work in aviation finance. Holly went on to join Avolon through its graduate programme and quickly progressed to her current role of technical analyst within the company. I wouldnt have gotten my current role without the bachelors at SETU, Holly said, highlighting how the course gave her a 360-degree view of the industry. She continued, It allowed me to explore and discover my strengths in the field, and to establish my goals for the future. Flight paths for every learner At the heart of SETUs mission is accessibility and progression, and this is demonstrated clearly through its aerospace offerings. The university provides multiple pathways for aspiring aerospace and aviation professionals. Students can now pursue qualifications in aerospace mechanics at every academic level, from apprentice to bachelors, and from masters to the potential for doctoral research. This integrated approach with wraparound learning and training facilities is rare in Ireland. With EASA Part-147 compliance, SETU is now one of only two technological universities in the country authorised to deliver European-standard aircraft mechanic apprenticeships. Oran Byrne, SETU aircraft mechanics apprentice. Photograph: Niamh Doyle Oran develops specialist knowledge and skill via SETUs aviation apprenticeship training Oran Byrne is an aircraft avionics engineer who works in aircraft maintenance. He is coming to the end of several years of study and training in B2 Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at SETU. Oran chose SETU for its course relevance and supportive environment, which he describes as a perfect fit for his career ambitions. He praises SETUs dedicated staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to student success and values the universitys practical, hands-on approach. Looking back on his time at SETU, Oran has deepened his passion for aviation. He credits the universitys environment with helping him to work towards a B2 Avionics license, an essential step towards entering a specialised engineering field. Orans ultimate aspiration is to become a pilot, and he views his engineering education as a strategic foundation for transitioning into the cockpit. Reflecting on his journey so far, Oran feels both proud and optimistic, crediting SETU with providing the knowledge and experience that will help launch his career in the aviation industry. SETU offers a range of bachelors courses in aerospace and aviation, alongside its latest offering of a Masters in Flight Test Engineering. These programmes are delivered alongside apprenticeship training with the Advanced Craft Certificate in Aircraft Mechanics, at the universitys Carlow campus. Aerospace and Aviation courses at SETU Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, SE714. Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems, SE729. Bachelor of Science in Pilot Studies, SE715. Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering, SE71D. Advanced Craft Certificate in Aircraft Mechanics (Apprenticeship). www.setu.ie Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have held a rare phone call, which the US leader described as excellent, but the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, despite pressure from Washington and European allies. Speaking to reporters in Sochi after the two-hour conversation on Monday, Mr Putin described the call as very meaningful and frank and said he was prepared to work with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for future peace talks. However, the Russian leader declined to support the US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine had already agreed to and which Washington had framed as the calls primary objective. Mr Putin also suggested his countrys maximalist objectives in the war with Ukraine were unchanged. In contrast, Mr Trump offered a far more positive spin, saying in a post on his Truth Social network that the talks went very well. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War, he wrote, suggesting that the Vatican should host future Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Mr Trumps statement after the call with Mr Putin also suggested the US would be stepping back from the negotiations. He said the conditions for a deal could only be negotiated by the warring parties, despite his earlier claim that he could end the war in a single day. Mr Trump later said it would be great to hold peace talks at the Vatican, but again suggested the US could abandon its involvement, telling reporters that if there is no progress: Im just going to back away. Beyond Mr Trumps occasionally optimistic rhetoric, no breakthrough appears in sight. Despite previously demanding an immediate ceasefire and backing Europes ultimatum for Russia to halt hostilities, he now appears to be once again easing off pressure on Moscow. He made no mention of his previous threats to impose sanctions on Russia if it did not agree to halt the fighting. Moscow has consistently rejected extended ceasefire proposals, arguing they would give Ukraine time to rearm and regroup at a time Russian forces are making battlefield advances. On Monday, Mr Putin claimed Russia supported a halt to hostilities, but said it was necessary to identify the most effective paths toward peace. Crucially, Mr Putin repeated his longstanding refrain that the root causes of the war must be addressed: a reference to Russias far-reaching demands that would severely undermine Ukraines sovereignty. These demands include forcing Ukraine to denazify and demilitarise, cutting back its armed forces, barring it from receiving western military support, and imposing sweeping limits on its sovereignty. Since Mr Trumps re-election, Mr Putin has been engaged in a delicate balancing act with the US president, appearing to support peace talks to stay in Mr Trumps favour, while pushing for terms that in effect amount to Ukraines capitulation. President Donald Trump. Picture: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta In an apparent show of confidence and nonchalance, Mr Putin took the call with Mr Trump on Monday while touring a music school in Sochi. His bravado is fuelled by Russias slow but steady battlefield gains, Europes disjointed response, and a domestic economy increasingly adapted for a prolonged war. Mr Trump said he spoke with Mr Zelenskyy and several European leaders after his call with Mr Putin. In a statement late on Monday, Mr Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine was ready for a full ceasefire and direct negotiations with Moscow, but said: If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace. He added: If Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions. Russia must end the war it started, and it can begin doing so any day. Mr Zelenskyy also rejected Russias demands for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, which Russia claims to have annexed but does not fully control. No one will withdraw our troops from our territories, he told reporters. The Ukrainian leader also urged the US not to distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace. The only one who benefits from that is Putin, he said. The flurry of diplomatic activity on Monday came days after the first meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in three years, held in Istanbul. Those talks broke down after Russia demanded more territory as a condition for halting the fighting. A day after the delegations met, Mr Trump said he would speak by phone with Mr Putin to end the bloodbath in Ukraine. The US leader proclaimed nothing will happen on the peace talks until he met Mr Putin. But Mr Putin and Mr Trump remained silent on the prospect of a meeting on Monday. Despite Mr Putins continued refusal to agree to a temporary ceasefire, Mr Trump has stopped short of directly criticising him even as a growing consensus in Washington sees the Russian president as the main obstacle to progress in the peace talks. As in previous calls, Mr Putin appeared to cultivate a personal rapport with Mr Trump, congratulating him on the birth of his 11th grandson, according to Mr Putins top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov. Putin has publicly praised Mr Trump on several occasions, flattering him as courageous after the 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally. He also claimed to have prayed for his friend after Mr Trump was grazed by a bullet. According to Ushakov, Mr Trump told Mr Putin during the call: Vladimir, you can pick up the phone anytime. Ill be happy to answer and happy to talk with you. Speaking before the call between the two leaders, the US vice-president, JD Vance, said Trump would press Putin on whether he was serious about ending the war. The Guardian A British man on trial for drug offences has pleaded for leniency in a court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria, was arrested on January 21 at a villa near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, after he allegedly collected a package from a motorcycle taxi driver at a nearby street. According to the court document obtained by the Associated Press, Parker was noticed acting suspiciously by officers. He allegedly discarded the package in a panic and fled when police approached him. He was traced back to the villa where he was staying and was arrested. The court document said a lab test result confirmed the package contained slightly more than a kilogram of MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy. I am very sorry and apologise, I know it was a mistake. I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didnt know that (the package) was drugs Parker was initially charged with drug trafficking and could have faced the death penalty by firing squad if found guilty. However, the trafficking charge was dropped after police investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. The case went unreported until authorities showed a handcuffed Parker at a news conference on March 6. During the police investigation, the 32-year-old electrician was able to prove that he did not order the package. It was allegedly sent by a drug dealer friend, identified only as Nicky, who Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. During the trial that began last month, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but later agreed to do it after Nicky assured him that the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, his lawyer, Edward Pangkahila, said. Parker was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return, Mr Pangkahila said. Authorities reduced the charge from trafficking to the less serious offence of hiding information from authorities. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker. However, under Indonesian legal system, judges have an important role as legal determinants in a trial. They could seek further charges if applicable laws are unclear or non-existent, meaning that the trafficking charge could be reinstated. Thomas Parker listens to his interpreter during his trial hearing (Firdia Lisnawati/AP) Mr Pangkahila said that Parker last met Nicky a year ago when he was on holiday in Thailand. As his friend was a dealer, Parker worried the package was filled with drugs and he panicked when he saw police officers on the street and was approached by them, Mr Pangkahila said. Wearing a white shirt and black trousers, Parker repeatedly expressed his remorse in his final plea on Tuesday and asked the panel of three judges in Denpasar District Court to consider his situation and impose a lenient sentence. I am very sorry and apologise, I know it was a mistake, Parker said. I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didnt know that (the package) was drugs. After Parker read out his plea, Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani adjourned the trial until May 27, when the judges will read out their sentence in a verdict. Until now, they (prosecutors) cannot prove that our client is a middleman or trafficker, MrPangkahila said. He has no connection with any drug network, we hope the judges will come to the same conclusion. He said his client is nervous and depressed as he faces trial. Indonesia has very strict drug laws and convicted traffickers can be executed by a firing squad. About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data showed. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. The European Union will lift sanctions on Syrias economy but keep those in place targeting the former Assad regime, the EUs top diplomat announced on Tuesday. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke after chairing a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc. She said the decision was designed to avert poverty and radicalism in the country after more than a decade of civil war sent millions fleeing, including to Europe. The sanctions are conditional and could be resumed if the new government of Ahmad al-Sharaa does not keep the peace, Ms Kallas said. Saving lives must be our top priority on Syria, she said. The announcement came a week after US President Donald Trumps meeting with Mr al-Sharaa and his announcement that the US would ease sanctions on Syria. We actually either give them possibility to stabilise the country or we dont do that and we have something like what we have in Afghanistan Lifting sanctions could bring much-needed investment to Syria, which needs tens of billions of dollars to restore its battered infrastructure. An insurgency late last year unseated former Syrian President Bashar Assad and ended the civil war that decimated much of the countrys infrastructure. The United Nations estimates that 90% of Syrians live in poverty and state-supplied electricity comes as little as two hours every day. Earlier in the day, Ms Kallas acknowledged concerns about sectarian conflict but said we dont have a choice but to lift sanctions and bolster the Syrian economy: We actually either give them possibility to stabilise the country or we dont do that and we have something like what we have in Afghanistan. Ms Kallas added: There can be no peace without the path to economic recovery, and we all need a stable Syria. She did not provide details or timing on the lifting of sanctions. But a European Council statement said it would keep sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression. In addition, the EU will introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria. Syrians had celebrated in streets across the country after Mr Trumps announcement, and Arab leaders in neighbouring nations that host millions of refugees who fled Syrias war praised it. By Hyeran Jo, Texas A&M University and Ece Goztepe Celebi, Bilkent University (The Conversation) President Donald Trump announced while in Saudi Arabia on May 14, 2025, that the United States would lift sanctions on Syria. The turnaround was a huge victory for the government of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa as he attempts to consolidate power nearly six months on from his movements stunning toppling of the longtime regime of Bashar al Assad. But it wasnt all down to Syria lobbying on its own behalf. In announcing the policy shift, Trump largely attributed the shift to his Saudi hosts as well as Turkey. Both nations are longtime Assad foes who quickly championed al-Sharaa and have been pushing the U.S. to normalize ties with Syrias new government. Turkey, whose resources and land have been heavily affected by instability in neighboring Syria, was particularly instrumental in pushing Trump to accept the post-Assad government, even over objections from Israel. As experts in international relations and Turkish law and politics, we believe the developments in Syria point to the outsized role a small-to-middle power like Turkey can have in regional and international matters. That is particularly true in the Middle East, where world powers such as the U.S. are perceived to have a declining and at times unpredictable influence. An opening in Syria After 13 years of devastating civil war, Syria faces a slew of large challenges, including the immediate task of state building. Not only is violence still readily apparent in Syria itself as the recent killing of Alawites, allegedly by government forces, or fighters aligned with them, showed but neighboring Israel has also repeatedly attacked positions in Syria in an attempt to weaken the new government. To Israels government, a strong, militarized Syria would pose a threat, particularly in regard to the unstable border at the Golan Heights. Despite the issues that confront Syrias new government, it has nonetheless demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for gaining international acceptance a notable fact given al-Sharaas leadership ties to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a formerly al-Qaeda linked group listed as one of the U.S. foreign terrorist organizations since 2014. Turkey presses its influence In this context, Turkeys hand has been especially important. Since Trump took office, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has pressed the American president to lift sanctions. The two men had struck up a strong relationship during the first Trump administration, with the U.S. president declaring himself to be a big fan of the Turkish leader. Turkeys behind-the-scenes diplomacy can be seen as part of its broader effort to fill the vacuum left by Assads fall. Doing so not only bolsters Erdogans position as a regional player, but it also advances his domestic agenda. Turkey has moved quickly on numerous fronts in charting the future course of Syria by pursuing economic and security projects in the country. First and foremost, Turkey has upped its investment in Syria. Also, as it did in Libya and Somalia, Turkey has contributed to the training and equipping of new Syrian security forces. In the northeast Syrian province of Idlib, Turkey is funding education, health care and electricity, and the Turkish lira is the de facto currency across northwestern Syria. The roots of these engagements lie in Turkeys interest in managing its own security situation. Since 1984, Turkey has been fighting Kurdish separatist groups, most notably the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which is aligned with the Kurdish YPG militia in northeast Syria one of the groups that fought Assads forces during Syrias civil war. Assads fall led to Russias retreat from Syria. Meanwhile, Iranian influence, too, has waned as a result of not only Assads departure, but also the military downgrading of Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. And the U.S. no longer actively supports the Kurdish YPG militia in northeast Syria. Into this void of external influence, Turkey quickly seized an opportunity to reshape the security landscape. Ankara, which still controls large chunks of territory in Syrias northeast from the fight against Assad and Syrian Kurdish groups, agreed to a Syrian plan to incorporate the YPG, the armed wing of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, into the new Syrian army. The Turkish perspective has long been that the fight against the PKK can succeed in the long run only with stability on Syrian soil. Now, the PKK is trying to reach peace with the Turkish government, but whether the SDF in Syria will disarm and disband is far from certain. As such, having a strong, stable Syrian government in which a Kurdish majority is accommodated may be in Ankaras best interests. Meanwhile, al-Sharaas success in rebuilding Syria after the civil war would also help Turkey on another front: the issue of Syrian refugees. Turkey currently hosts around 3.2 million refugees from Syria the most of any country. The sheer number and length of stay of these displaced people have put a strain on Turkeys economy and social relations, leading to clashes between Turks and Syrian refugees. There is also a broad consensus in Turkey that the Syrian refugee problem in Turkey can be solved only through a comprehensive return strategy. Although naturalized Syrians in Turkey make up an important constituency within the voter base of Erdogans ruling AK Party, the only solution currently envisaged by the Turkish president and his allies is repatriation. For this, rapid and stable development of infrastructure and the housing stock in Syria is considered essential. Prospects for small-to-middle powers Turkeys strategic opportunity in Syria is not without clear risks, however. The incursions by the Israeli military illustrates the challenge Turkey faces in advancing its own interests in Syria. It is notable that Trumps announcement on sanctions was seemingly made without the knowledge and against the wishes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, Turkey is looking to finesse a growing role in the region into strengthening its position over the long-running dispute in Cyprus. The island, which lies a couple of hundred miles off Syrias coast, is divided into two regions, with Greek Cypriots in the south and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north with only Turkey recognizing the self-declared state in the north. Turkey is trying to regulate maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean through an agreement with Syria, but the plan is stalled since the European Union supports Greeces position in Cyprus. The Turkish moves in Syria are nonetheless being broadly felt elsewhere. Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar support the post-Assad arrangement in Syria and see their own interests being served alongside Turkeys, although the rivalry of the Sunni world is at stake. The lifting of sanctions by the U.S. will have long-term political impacts beyond short-term economic impacts. Syria has little direct trade with the U.S., only exporting its agricultural products and antiques. But the appearance of political legitimacy and recognition is a diplomatic win for Turkey, as well as for Syria. The political opening brings with it the promise of future investment in Syria. Image of Ankara by Mustafa Taskin from Pixabay Turkeys dealing with Syria showcases how small-to-middle powers can chart the waters of statecraft in their own way. The days of international affairs being dominated by superpowers appear to be over as many have long predicted. And in Syria, Turkey is providing a blueprint for how small-to-middle powers can work that to their advantage. Hyeran Jo, Associate Professor of Political Science, Texas A&M University and Ece Goztepe Celebi, Professor for Turkish and Comparative Constitutional Law, Bilkent University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Britain, France and Canada issued a statement on Monday, demanding that the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu cease its military campaign against the people of Gaza and halt its months-long blockade of food and medical aid, which has left the Strip on the verge of widespread famine. The three threatened Tel Aviv with concrete steps should it fail to do as they insist. The three NATO powers went further than a 22-nation petition to Israel to halt its food and aid blockade issued on Monday, which they also signed. The other 19 countries apparently declined to go so far as to demand an end to the war, as well. We strongly oppose the expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said jointly. The North Atlantic troika thus squarely took aim at the current Israeli escalation of the war, involving extensive ground operations, which Netanyahu is pleased to call Chariots of Gideon. It is part of his ongoing campaign to smear the Bible as a warrant for genocide. They continued, We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. I want to underline that this demand that Israel put a halt to the fighting is unprecedented for international outsiders over the course of the 21-month conflict. Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. The three were not taken in by Netanyahus announcement Monday that he would let a paltry 9 aid trucks into the Strip per day, when the pre-war total was 500. They protested, Yesterdays announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. The UN denounced the paltry gesture of a handful of aid trucks as a drop in the ocean. Instead of this Israeli fig leaf, the trio demanded, This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. Translated, it means put back the 500 trucks a day. (Gazas agricultural hinterland was stolen by the Jewish migrants in 1948, and Israel put the remaining Gaza Strip under blockade from 2007. So the people in Gaza havent been able to feed themselves for a long time, and now their remaining fields have been turned into toxic waste by over a year and a half of intensive Israeli genocidal bombardment.) Britain, France and Canada also starkly parted ways with US President Donald J. Trump on the desirability of ethnically cleansing the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza, implicitly upbraiding Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose Religious Zionism party is the closest thing Israel has to a neo-Nazi party. It is a pretty good imitation. The international leaders said forthrightly, We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. They shot down the Israeli propaganda talking point that the complete destruction of Gaza and the killing of tens of thousands of innocent civilians there was justified by the Hamas act of terrorism on October 7, 2023: Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate. Aware that Netanyahu and his cabinet have no shame and will not respond to mere accusations of egregiously violating international law, the three North Atlantic leaders went there, threatening to lift Israeli impunity: We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. One can only wish they would have specified the concrete response. An arms embargo? Economic sanctions? Any of the concrete steps that a civilized country would have taken a whole year ago? (See: e.g., Spain.) They made it clear that Palestine is the issue, not just Gaza: We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions. They demand a negotiated ceasefire, the release of remaining Israeli hostages, and an end to Hamas control of Gaza, and then the implementation of a two-state solution. Starmer, Macron, Carney stand up to Netanyahu, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 Then they twist the knife deep in Netanyahus puffed-out chest, saying the words he hates to hear more than any other: And we are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end. In fact, this entire statement seems aimed at preparing the way for the conference planned this summer, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which aims at putting a two-state solution and a Palestinian state back on the international agenda. France has hinted that it may recognize the Palestine Authority as a state at the conference. Spain, Ireland and Norway took that step last year this time, elevating Palestines representation to full embassy status. It would be huge if Macron has convinced Starmer and Carney to follow suit. It is one of the concrete steps they could take in fulfillment of their threat. Netanyahu predictably squawked that the three NATO leaders had gone over to Hamas and boasted that he was fighting the war of civilization against barbarism. I think the whole world can recognize barbarism when they see it. Israel-Palestine is an American sphere of influence, however, and these three countries, important as they are militarily and economically, dont really have much in the way of cards to play in ending the war. Netanyahu and his new friends Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir think they are on the cusp of getting rid of the 5 million Palestinians under their military occupation entirely, and maybe permanently gobbling up parts of Lebanon and Syria and finally achieving a huge step toward their long-time dream of Greater Israel. It is a dream shared by American Evangelicals, to whom the Republican-held Congress is beholden, and by the wealthy Jewish Americans behind the AIPAC lobbying organization, which has whipped Congress into shape by picking off any critics of Israel in its ranks with massive campaign donations to their opponents. (Think Cori Bush and Jamal Bowman.) The May 19 statements, both of the 22 nations and of the big three within them, are a highly significant turning point in diplomatic history. Unless Trump comes on board, however, thats all they will be. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Canterra Minerals Corporation (TSXV: CTM) (OTCQB: CTMCF) (FSE: DXZB) ("Canterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the first drill hole from its ongoing 10,000 metre ("m") drill program at its 100% owned Buchans Project in the Central Newfoundland Mining District, located 50 kilometres ("km") north of Equinox Gold's Valentine Gold Mine and 34 km northwest of Teck's past producing Duck Pond Mine (Figures 1 & 3). Drill Result from the Buchans Project(1&2): Drill hole H-25-3539 targeting the Two Level Horizon steps out 100 m in plan and 70 m in section beyond the high-grade mineralization intersected in 2024 (December 2, 2024 news release) 6.77% copper equivalent ("CuEq") over 5.35 m (1.05% Cu, 7.17% Zn, 4.63% Pb, 140.04 g/t Ag & 0.88 g/t Au) from 146 m (approximately 130 m below surface); including 8.88% CuEq over 2.00 m (1.43% Cu, 10.91% Zn, 6.58% Pb, 151.00 g/t Ag & 0.97 g/t Au) (1.05% Cu, 7.17% Zn, 4.63% Pb, 140.04 g/t Ag & 0.88 g/t Au) from 146 m (approximately 130 m below surface); and 1.07% CuEq over 18.00 m (0.52% Cu, 1.13% Zn, 0.78% Pb, 4.47 g/t Ag & 0.04 g/t Au) from 225 m (approximately 200 m below surface) (0.52% Cu, 1.13% Zn, 0.78% Pb, 4.47 g/t Ag & 0.04 g/t Au) from 225 m (approximately 200 m below surface) The first mineralized interval expands the High Grade Two Level Horizon which remains open in multiple directions The second mineralized interval extends stockwork mineralization below the extent of the current pit shell Chris Pennimpede, President and CEO of Canterra, commented: "I'm extremely proud of the team in taking our 2024 maiden drill discovery of 105 m @ 1.53% copper equivalent and stepping out 100 m and discovering new high-grade mineralization extending the high-grade copper horizon outside the limits of the current resource. We are very encouraged by the intersection of high-grade Two Level mineralization outside the current resource indicating potential to discover additional high-grade resources. Future work will focus on expanding this high-grade horizon." Canterra anticipates assigning additional drilling to testing for extensions to the Two Level mineralization intersected in hole H-25-3539 as part of its ongoing 2025 ~10,000 m drilling campaign. Canterra is currently conducting Deep 3DIP geophysical surveys over the Buchans Project and plans to undertake additional drilling to test targets derived from these surveys once data has been received and interpreted. Drilling - Key Points: New high-grade mineralization intersected on the Two Level horizon, an extension of the high-grade massive sulfide mineralization intersected in 2024 Two Level Horizon mineralization remains open down dip at shallow depths in multiple directions where potential exists to delineate additional higher-grade resources Mineralization intersected from 225 m to 235 m extends known mineralization ~50 metres below the current resource Future work will drill test the down plunge extension of the high-grade semi-massive sulphide mineralization that accounts for approximately 52% of the ore previously mined at Buchans Results pending from the Pumphouse Target, another area of higher-grade mineralization within Canterra's Buchans Project that does not host a resource and is approximately 1 km from the Buchans Lundberg Resource. Table 1. Assay Highlights. Copper Equivalents (CuEq%) as per metal prices of April 11, 2025 (see notes 1 & 2) Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu % Zn % Pb % Ag g/t Au g/t *CuEq (%) Comments H-25-3539 145.95 151.30 5.35 1.05 7.17 4.63 140.0 0.88 6.77 Two Level incl. 146.95 148.95 2.00 1.43 10.91 6.58 151.0 0.97 8.88 " " and 225.00 243.00 18.00 0.52 1.13 0.63 3.7 0.04 1.07 Lundberg incl. 229.00 237.00 8.00 0.67 1.31 0.78 4.7 0.04 1.31 " " Figure 1. Buchans 2025 drilling collars and assay highlights. Figure 2. Cross Section along H-25-3359 (looking west) Buchans Project The Buchans Project is an advanced critical minerals project that hosts a significant undeveloped mineral resource adjacent to the past producing Buchans Mine. This brownfield project covers 92.24 square kilometres near the town of Buchans and includes the past producing Buchans Mine operated by Asarco from 1928 to 1984. The project's undeveloped Lundberg resource is a volcanogenic massive sulphide-related ("VMS") stockwork sulphide deposit comprising a large, near-surface resource located beneath and adjacent to workings of the previously mine. Historic mining pre-stripped a significant portion of the Lundberg Resource. The Resource includes In-pit Indicated Mineral Resources totaling 16.8 million tonnes containing 156 million pounds Cu, 566 million pounds Zn, 237 million pounds Pb, 3.1 million ounces Ag, & 37,000 ounces Au as well as In-pit Inferred Mineral Resources totaling 380,000 tonnes containing 3.0 million pounds Cu, 17 million pounds Zn, 9 million pounds Pb, 270,000 ounces Ag, & 38,000 ounces Au and assigns 97.8% of the In-Pit resources to the Indicated category3. Figure 3. Canterra's Central Newfoundland Mining District properties. Notes: (1) True widths estimated to be a ~90% of reported core lengths. Copper equivalents (CuEq) based on total contained copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold and metal prices as of April 11, 2025 (Cu - US$4.06/lb, Zn - US$1.19/lb, Pb - US$0.85/lb, Ag - US$32.23/oz and Au - US$3,236.00/oz). (2) Copper Equivalent % = Cu% + ((Pb% * 22.046 * Pb Rec.* Pb price) + (Zn% * 22.046 * Zn Rec. * Zn price) + (Ag g/t/31.10348 * Ag Rec. * Ag price) + (Au g/t/31.10348 * Au Rec. * Au Price))/(Cu Price * 22.046 * Cu Rec.). Metal recoveries are assumed to be 100% (Rec.) (3) Lundberg's 2019 Resource Estimate (effective date of February 28, 2019) see news release dated June 4, 2024 and associated Technical Report for additional details). Table 2. Drill collar locations. Hole Length (m) Azimuth Dip Northing (UTM NAD83 Zone 21) Easting (UTM NAD83 Zone 21) H-25-3539 247 180 -62 5,408,145 509,725 Newfoundland and Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Canterra would like to acknowledge financial support it may receive from the government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Junior Exploration Assistance Program related to completion of its 2025 exploration programs at Buchans. Investor Relations Campaign Canterra Minerals Corporation ("Canterra" or the "Company") announces that it has engaged Digitonic Ltd. ("Digitonic"), an investor marketing firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, to provide content marketing services focused on enhancing the Company's visibility within the institutional and retail investment community. Under the terms of the agreement dated May 14, 2025 (the "Agreement"), Digitonic will deliver an Investor Content Marketing Project. All content will be hosted on Digitonic's property ValueTheMarkets.com for a 10-day period. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has allocated a budget of US$10,000 for these services. The campaign is expected to begin immediately following content approval by the Company. Digitonic has agreed to comply with all applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange in providing its services. Digitonic is arm's length to the Company and currently does not own, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company, nor does it have any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The Agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. About Canterra Minerals Canterra is a diversified minerals exploration company focused on critical minerals and gold in central Newfoundland. The Company's projects include six mineral deposits located in close proximity to the world-renowned, past producing Buchans Mine and Teck Resources' Duck Pond Mine, which collectively produced copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. Several of Canterra's deposits support current and historical Mineral Resource Estimates prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves current at their respective effective dates. Canterra's gold projects are located on-trend of Equinox Gold's Valentine mine currently under construction and cover a ~60 km extension of the same structural corridor that hosts mineralization within Equinox Gold's mine project. Past drilling by Canterra and others within the Company's gold projects intersected multiple occurrences of orogenic-style gold mineralization within a large land position that remains underexplored. QA/QC Protocols Samples consist of saw-cut (NQ drill core) with one-half retained for reference and one-half submitted for analyses. Samples were submitted in sealed plastic bags delivered by Canterra personnel to SGS Canada's preparatory facility in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland. Sample batches consisted of core samples, control standards, blanks and duplicates. Once prepared, pulps (SGS procedure code PRP89) were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in Burnaby, BC to be homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element assays (including Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag and Au) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES finish (codes GE_ICP90A50 for Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, GE_AAS22E50 for Ag by-2-acid digestion by AAS, and GE_FAA30V5 for Au by 30g Fire Assay by AAS). Overlimit assays were completed as necessary by pyrosulphate fusion/XRF for Cu, Pb, Zn (code GO_XRF70V) and Ag by 30g Fire Assay, gravimetric (code GO_FAG37V). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operate under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025. SGS CANADA's minerals laboratory in Burnaby is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for specific mineral tests listed on the scope of accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Further details regarding SGS procedures are available at SGS Analytical Methods. Canterra also submits representative pulps to ALS Geochemistry's laboratory in Moncton New Brunswick for additional independent check assays. Qualified Person Paul Moore MSc. P.Geo. (NL), Vice President of Exploration for Canterra Minerals Corporation, a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF CANTERRA MINERALS CORPORATION Chris Pennimpede President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements with respect to estimated mineral resources, the opening of avenues for substantial discoveries within the belt, the Buchans Project being ripe for a modern approach with significant exploration potential for high grade VMS mineralization, the Company anticipating being strongly positioned to unveil the next mineral discovery in central Newfoundland. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects; as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Same Hole Returns 13 m at 307 g/t Ag; Expanding High-Grade Gold & Silver Mineralization East of Oculto Toronto May 20, 2025 TheNewswire AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSX: ABRA; OTCQX: ABBRF) (AbraSilver or the Company) is pleased to report its best-ever gold intercept, on a grade-thickness basis, from ongoing drilling at its wholly-owned Diablillos project in Argentina (the Project). The standout intercepts come from step-out hole, DDH 25-024, which encountered exceptional gold and silver mineralization just beyond the previously defined eastern margin of the conceptual Oculto open pit. These results underscore the strong potential for continued growth of high-grade mineralization east of Oculto. This area is now a further high-priority exploration target as part of the ongoing Phase V drill program. Highlights include: 31.0 metres (m) grading 10.0 g/t gold and 16 g/t silver, including: 6.0 m at 41.9 g/t gold and 22 g/t silver Additionally, the same hole returned a separate interval of 13.0 m grading 307 g/t silver from 216 m depth and within the conceptual open pit, including: 8.0 m at 446 g/t silver in the upper silver-enriched zone John Miniotis, President and CEO, commented, The spectacular intercepts from hole DDH 25-024 clearly demonstrate the strong potential to expand high-grade mineralization well beyond the existing Oculto deposit. With three drill rigs now active across the broader Diablillos land package, we are entering another exciting new phase of exploration growth, aimed at unlocking substantial value for our shareholders, while in parallel with our ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study. Table 1 Summary of Key Drill Intercepts Intercepts greater than 2,000 gram-metres AgEq shown in bold text: Drill Hole Area From (m) To (m) Type Interval (m) Ag g/t Au g/t AgEq1 g/t DDH-25-021 Sombra 26.0 31.0 Oxides 5.0 92.5 - 92.5 DDH-25-023 Sombra 32.0 34.0 Oxides 2.0 15.7 1.58 147.6 49.0 50.0 Oxides 1.0 24.6 0.40 58.0 DDH-25-024 Oculto East 88.0 97.0 Oxides 9.0 - 0.27 22.5 177.0 183.0 Oxides 6.0 50.5 - 50.5 192.0 193.0 Oxides 1.0 5.7 0.69 63.3 216.0 229.0 Oxides 13.0 306.5 - 306.5 Including 217.0 225.0 Oxides 8.0 446.3 - 446.3 233.0 234.0 Oxides 1.0 10.0 1.07 99.3 244.0 245.0 Oxides 1.0 16.4 2.55 229.2 258.0 259.0 Oxides 1.0 29.0 0.80 95.8 324.0 355.0 Oxides 31.0 16.2 9.96 847.6 Including 324.0 330.0 Oxides 6.0 21.6 41.89 3,518.1 367.0 379.0 Oxides 12.0 6.8 1.30 115.3 385.0 386.0 Oxides 1.0 6.9 0.78 72.0 392.0 416.0 Oxides 24.0 11.6 0.81 79.2 422.0 423.0 Oxides 1.0 7.8 0.88 81.3 Note: All results in this news release are rounded. Assays are uncut and undiluted. Widths are drilled widths, not true widths. True widths are unknown. 1AgEq based on 83.5(Ag):1(Au) calculated using long-term prices of US$25.50/oz Ag and US$2,050/oz Au, and 83.6% process recovery for Ag, and 86.8% process recovery for Au as demonstrated in the Companys Pre-Feasibility Study for Diablillos with an effective date of January 17, 2025, using formula: AgEq g/t = Ag g/t + Au g/t x (Gold Price/Silver Price) x (Gold Recovery/Silver Recovery). Dave OConnor, Chief Geologist, commented, This extremely impressive hole confirms that the deeper gold zone extends beyond the known mineralized boundary at Oculto and that the upper silver zone may extend farther than previously defined. Our team will immediately commence a systematic drilling program in the area to follow-up on this robust initial result and better define the extent of this newly identified high-grade extension. Figure 1 Plan View of Drill Results Oculto East and Northeast Target The Oculto East target, located immediately beyond the eastern edge of the conceptual open pit, has now emerged as a highly promising zone for high-grade mineralization. Hole DDH 25-024 confirms the extension of both the silver-enriched horizon and the deeper high-grade gold zone into this area. The intercept of 31 m at 10.0 g/t gold represents the highest gold grade-thickness drilled to date at Diablillos and there is potential for further extensions to the east and northeast of the Oculto open pit margin. Mineralization at Oculto East appears structurally controlled and hosted in the same breccia unit that dominates the main Oculto deposit. The high-grade gold zone starts at a down-hole depth of 324 m, but topographically it is much shallower (approximately 200 m vertically from surface). Drilling is planned to test the extent of both the shallower, high-grade silver and gold zones. Follow-up drilling at Oculto East will commence shortly to further define this high-grade extension and assess its potential contribution to future development scenarios. Figure 2 Section Through Hole DDH 25-024 Looking Northeast Note: Widths are drilled widths, not true widths. True widths are unknown. Collar Data Hole Number UTM Coordinates Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth (m) Area DDH 25-021 720404 7198677 4,240 0 -60 101.0 Sombra DDH 25-023 720492 7198707 4,251 0 -60 110.5 Sombra DDH 25-024 720877 7199436 4,432 315 -60 524.5 Oculto East About Diablillos The Diablillos property is located within the Puna region of Argentina, in the southern part of Salta Province along the border with Catamarca Province, approximately 160 km southwest of the city of Salta and 375 km northwest of the city of Catamarca. The property comprises 15 contiguous and overlapping mineral concessions acquired by AbraSilver in 2016. The project site has good year-round accessibility through a 150 km paved road, followed by a well-maintained gravel road, shared with other adjacent projects. There are several known mineral zones on the Diablillos property. Approximately 150,000 m have been drilled to date, which has outlined multiple occurrences of epithermal silver-gold mineralization at Oculto, JAC, Laderas and Fantasma. Several satellite zones of silver/gold-rich epithermal mineralization have been located within a 500 m to 1.5 km distance surrounding the Oculto/JAC epicentre. In addition, a large porphyry complex is centered approximately 4 km northeast of Oculto which includes outcropping porphyry intrusions within a major zone of alteration, and associated gold rich epithermal mineralization. Comparatively nearby examples of high sulphidation epithermal deposits include: La Coipa (Chile); Yanacocha (Peru); El Indio (Chile); Lagunas Nortes/Alto Chicama (Peru) Veladero (Argentina); and Filo del Sol (Argentina). The most recent Mineral Reserve estimate for Diablillos is shown in Table 2: Table 2 - Diablillos Mineral Reserve Estimate As of March 07, 2024 Category Tonnage (000 t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Contained Ag (000 oz Ag) Contained Au (000 oz Au) Proven 12,364 118 0.86 46,796 341 Probable 29,930 80 0.80 76,684 766 Proven & Probable 42,294 91 0.81 123,480 1,107 Notes for Mineral Reserve Estimate: Mineral reserves have an effective date of March 7th, 2024. The Qualified Person for the Mineral Reserve Estimate is Mr. Miguel Fuentealba, P.Eng. The mineral reserves were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves, as prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council. The mineral reserves were based on a pit design which in turn aligned with an ultimate pit shell selected from a Whittle TM pit optimization exercise. Key inputs for that process are: Metal prices of USD $1,750/oz Au; USD $22.50/oz Ag Variable Mining cost by bench and material type. Average costs are USD $1.94/t for all lithologies except for cover, Cover mining cost of USD 1.73/t, respectively. Processing costs for all zone, USD $22.97/t. Infrastructure and G&A cost of USD 3.32/t. Pit average slope angles varying from 37 to 60 depending on the geotechnical domain. The average recovery is estimated to be 82.8% for silver and 86.6% for gold. The Mineral Reserve Estimate has been categorized in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014). A Net Value per block (NVB) cut-off was used to constrain the Mineral Reserve with the reserve pit 2shell. The NVB was based on "Benefits = Revenue-Cost" being positive, where, Revenue = [(Au Selling Price (USD/oz) - Au Selling Cost (USD/oz)) x (Au grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Au Recovery (%)] + [(Ag Selling Price (USD/oz) - Ag Selling Cost (USD/oz)) x (Ag grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Ag Recovery (%)] and Cost = Process Cost (USD/t) + Transport Cost (USD/t) + GA Cost (USD/t) + [Royalty Cost (%) x Revenue]. The NVB method resulted in an average equivalent cut-off grade of approximately 46g/t AgEq. In-situ bulk density was read from the block model, assigned previously to each model domain during the process of mineral resource estimation, according to samples averages of each lithology domain, separated by alteration zones and subset by oxidation. All tonnages reported are dry metric tonnes and ounces of contained gold and silver are troy ounces. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Minor discrepancies may occur due to rounding to appropriate significant figures. QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols AbraSilver applies industry standard exploration methodologies and techniques, and all drill core samples are collected under the supervision of the Companys geologists in accordance with industry practices. Drill core is transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where drill data is compared and verified with the core in the trays. Thereafter, it is logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples are then bagged, and quality control materials are inserted at regular intervals; these include blanks and certified reference materials as well as duplicate core samples. Groups of samples are then placed in large bags which are sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody during the transport of the samples from the project site to the laboratory. All samples are sent to the Alex Stewart sample preparation facility in Jujuy, then the sample pulps are sent to the Alex Stewart laboratory in Mendoza where they are analyzed. All samples are analyzed using a multi-element technique consisting of a four-acid digestion followed by ICP/AES detection, and gold is analyzed by 50g Fire Assay with an AAS finish. Silver results greater than 100g/t are reanalyzed using four acid digestion with an ore grade AAS finish. Qualified Persons David OConnor P.Geo., Chief Geologist for AbraSilver, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. About AbraSilver AbraSilver is an advanced-stage exploration company focused on rapidly advancing its 100%-owned Diablillos silver-gold project in the mining-friendly Salta and Catamarca provinces of Argentina. The current Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve estimate for Diablillos, from a recently completed Pre-Feasibility Study, consists of 42.3 Mt grading 91 g/t Ag and 0.81 g/t Au, containing approximately 124 Moz silver and 1.1 Moz gold, with significant further exploration upside potential. In addition, the Company has entered into an earn-in option and joint venture agreement with Teck on the La Coipita project, located in the San Juan province of Argentina. AbraSilver is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABRA and in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol ABBRF. For further information please visit the AbraSilver Resource website at , and follow us on X at www.x.com/abrasilver Alternatively, please contact: John Miniotis, President and CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: +1 416-306-8334 Cautionary Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Companys disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. (Apollo or the Company) (TSX.V: APGO, OTCQB: APGOF, Frankfurt: 6ZF0) is pleased to announce it has acquired 2,215 hectares (ha) of highly prospective claims contiguous to its Waterloo property at its Calico Silver Project (Calico or Calico Project). The newly acquired claims herein referred to as the Mule claims comprise 415 lode mining claims, and have been acquired from LAC Exploration LLC (LAC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC; NYSE: LAC), who were the previous operators of the property. Preliminary mapping and sampling conducted by the prior operator of the Mule claims identified several high-grade silver targets, which will be evaluated as part of Apollos future exploration planning. In addition, a mapping and sampling program was recently completed at the Burcham gold prospect area in the southwest region of the Waterloo property (see news release dated February 12, 2025). This program confirmed the importance of the Calico fault system with respect to controls on the silver (Ag) and gold (Au) mineralization in the area and has identified the potential for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) mineralization associated with stratabound and mantos lenses. Highlights: Mule claims expand the Calico Project land package by over 285%, from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha of contiguous claims. Mule claims trend along the mineralized Calico Fault System responsible for mineralization seen at Calico. Reports from the prior operator indicate that there are several strongly anomalous silver values on the property, which Apollo will attempt to ground-truth in the coming exploration programs. Sampling done across the Mule claims by previous operator has identified a large Ag anomaly associated with the same suite of host rocks at the Waterloo property. Exploration at the Burcham prospect at Waterloo included assays from 27 surface samples: Assay peaks up to 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74 % Pb from various samples (see Table 1). Identification of strata-bound lenses and mantos that show strong potential for Cu, Zn and Pb mineralization. Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo, commented, The addition of the Mule claims substantially enhances the Calico Project. Calico already hosts 3 discrete drill delineated zones with resource estimates along a 4km long trend, along the Calico fault zone. The Mule claims increase the overall land area of the Calico project by more than 2.5x. The new claims are strategically located to the east along the very prolific Calico mineralized corridor and represent a great opportunity for further discoveries. Apollo is committed to continuing to unlock value in California for our shareholders. Mule Claims Acquisition The Mule claims are composed of 415 lode mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Mapping and sampling conducted by the previous operators across the Mule claims has identified a continuation of the mineralized Calico Fault System. The sedimentary rocks of the Barstow formation which hosts the Waterloo silver deposit, as well as the volcanic Pickhandle formation are pronounced all over the acquired claims. The contact between the Barstow and Pickhandle formation has demonstrated potential for gold mineralization as is seen at Waterloo. Sampling across the Mule claims has identified several strong Ag and Au anomalies. Apollo plans to conduct its own follow up exploration program on the Mule claims to better develop its own exploration targets and delineate where this highly prospective contact is exposed. Details of the Transaction The Mule claims were acquired by Apollos wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Stronghold Silver USA Corp. (Stronghold), from LAC. As consideration for the acquisition, Apollo paid US$250,000 in cash, and LAC retains a 2.0% net smelter return royalty (the Royalty) on the Mule claims. Apollo, through Stronghold, retains the right to buy back 1.0% of the Royalty at any time on or before the date that is thirty (30) days from the date of commencement of commercial production, for a payment of US$1,000,000. Figure 1: Map of Calico Project in San Bernardino, California 2025 Burcham Exploration Program The Company has completed its previously announced surface exploration work at its Burcham prospect (see news release dated February 12, 2025). The work completed consisted of detailed mapping, sample collection and target generation, with the aim to follow up with future drilling. The exploration team has completed some of the most detailed mapping to date at the Calico Project, including previous programs at Langtry and Waterloo. Structures dominating at Burcham are similar to those at Waterloo with the system being dominated by the Calico Fault, a sinuous moderately plunging reverse fault that dips steeply to the north. Potential for Au mineralization is strong along the contact of the Burcham and Pickhandle formations. Previously unrecognised, stratiform mantos and lenses occupying fold flexures show strong potential for Cu mineralization. This type of mantos have been historically mined on the north side of the Waterloo deposit, and occur near the contact between the Pickhandle Formation and the overlying Barstow Formation. Historic mining on the North side of Waterloo Deposit targeted a manto about 1.5 m thick. Copper mineralization is associated with strong hydrothermal alteration which is seen to diminish as you move eastward along the property. Assays of the sample results are presented in Table 1. Figure 2: Summary Map of Burcham Exploration Program Table 1: Location and Assay Results of Samples Collected Site ID Sample ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) Pb (%) A F278051 511181 3867493 707 0.13 2.73 0.01 0.55 0.12 B F278052 511185 3867503 712 0.53 9.17 0.04 0.25 0.61 C F278053 511181 3867516 714 0.01 3.56 0.00 0.30 0.09 D F278054 511182 3867536 719 0.05 2.95 0.00 0.40 0.06 E F278055 511209 3867614 736 0.08 3.18 0.00 0.18 0.02 F F278056 511229 3867640 743 0.12 2.79 0.00 0.27 0.03 G F278057 511270 3867668 775 14.10 9.08 0.06 0.40 0.51 H F278058 511238 3867486 728 0.32 3.87 0.03 0.07 0.21 I F278059 511591 3867483 738 0.05 0.36 0.17 0.89 0.01 J F278060 511452 3867566 787 0.42 20.70 0.06 0.05 0.49 K F278061 511378 3867622 792 0.25 7.83 0.02 0.06 0.17 L F278062 511343 3867613 789 0.25 4.64 0.01 0.01 0.21 M F278063 511595 3867636 812 0.15 2.50 0.02 0.16 0.25 N F278064 511617 3867601 796 0.01 0.58 0.01 0.08 0.09 O F278065 511125 3867728 796 0.03 6.90 0.00 0.09 0.17 P F278066 511159 3867925 865 0.04 2.96 0.14 0.14 0.24 Q F278067 511179 3867932 864 0.03 0.61 0.02 0.19 0.03 R F278068 511016 3867837 857 0.00 17.30 0.00 0.07 0.01 S F278069 511283 3867661 777 12.45 15.95 0.08 0.29 0.74 T F278070 511302 3867680 794 4.58 9.02 0.15 0.37 5.74 U F278071 511363 3867570 781 1.13 12.65 0.02 0.06 0.32 V F278072 511478 3867509 772 0.72 10.25 0.03 0.04 0.59 W F278073 511519 3867501 764 0.16 2.73 0.04 0.08 0.17 X F278074 511485 3867458 753 0.05 2.56 0.01 14.75 0.10 Y F278075 511440 3867459 751 0.18 1.58 0.00 22.80 0.07 Z F278076 511377 3867520 748 1.52 5.90 0.02 0.09 0.21 AA F278077 511314 3867501 734 1.71 3.28 0.01 0.05 0.19 Sampling and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Grab samples were collected in the field and a 2 kg representative sample was sent for analysis. Rock samples are catalogued and securely stored in a warehouse facility in Barstow, California until they are ready for secure shipment to ALS Global Geochemistry in Reno, Nevada (ALS Reno) for sample preparation and gold analysis. After preparation, splits of prepared pulps are securely shipped to ALS Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis. Samples were prepared at ALS Reno (Prep-31 package) with each sample crushed to better than 70% passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, U.S. Std. No. 10) screen. A split of 250 g is taken and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, U.S Std. No 200) screen. Surface samples were analyzed using complete characterization via the CCP-PK05 methods, which include whole rock analysis (ME-ICP06), ME-MS61, single element trace method using aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS (ME-MS42) and rare earth elements using the method ME-ME81, which consists of lithium borate fusion followed by ICP-MS. All surface samples were submitted for gold analysis by fire assay (Au-AA23). Over-range samples analyzed for copper, lead and zinc were re-submitted for analysis using a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish (method OG62) with a range of 0.001-50% for copper, 0.001-20% for lead, and 0.001-30% for zinc. Gold was analyzed by fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA25) with a reportable range of 0.01-100 ppm Au. All analyses were completed at ALS Vancouver except for gold by fire assay, which was completed at ALS Reno. Apollos QA/QC program includes ongoing auditing of all results from the laboratories. The Companys Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed are sufficient and reliable. The Company is not aware of any sampling issues or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein. 2025 Marketing Initiatives The Company also announces that it has engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group, Inc. (CDMG), an arms-length service provider, to provide creative services in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) and applicable securities laws. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, CDMG specializes in marketing, advertising, and public awareness across various sectors, including mining and metals. Pursuant to a work order dated May 16, 2025 (the Agreement), the Company has retained CDMGs for a one-time fee of approximately US$129,800. The Agreement represents a creative budget for marketing and advertising services (the Services), enabling CDMG to begin preparing content that may be used in future campaigns. No specific marketing campaign has been prepared, approved, or scheduled at this time. The engagement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lepine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollos Director, Mineral Resources. Ms. Lepine is a registered professional geologist in British Columbia and a QP as defined by NI 43-101 and is not an independent of the Company. About Apollo Silver Apollo Silver has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ross McElroy, President and CEO For further information, please contact: Amandip Singh, VP Corporate Development Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the expected benefits and strategic rationale of the Mule claims acquisition; the timing, scope, and success of planned exploration activities, including mapping, sampling, and drilling at the Burcham prospect; the potential for silver, gold, and copper mineralization; and the Companys ability to advance, develop, and permit the Calico Project. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, potential, target, budget and intend and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Companys projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Companys expected financial and operational performance and the Companys plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) announces its operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. For complete details, please refer to the Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.elementalaltus.com). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Financial Highlights Royalty revenue of US$11.6 million and adjusted revenue 1 of US$13.3 million , up 179% on Q1 2024 and adjusted revenue of , up 179% on Q1 2024 Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces 1 (" GEOs ") of 4,606 ounces, up 102% on Q1 2024 (" ") of 4,606 ounces, up 102% on Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA 1 of US$11.5 million , up 259% on Q1 2024 of , up 259% on Q1 2024 Operating Cash Flow plus Caserones dividends of US$3.3 million , up 182% on Q1 2024 with the majority of royalty revenue received post quarter end , up 182% on Q1 2024 with the majority of royalty revenue received post quarter end Final US$3 million of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility (" RCF ") fully paid down in the quarter of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility (" ") fully paid down in the quarter Over US$22 million cash on hand as of May 20, 2025 alongside the Company's US$50 million undrawn RCF Financial Performance for the 3 months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 Three months ended March, 2025 2024 $'000 $'000 Total revenue 11,639 3,327 Adjusted revenue* 13,261 4,747 Cash flows from operations 2,372 175 Adjusted cash flows from operations* 3,294 1,170 Total net profit / (loss) 3,448 (1,014) Adjusted EBITDA* 11,471 3,199 2025 2024 GEO GEO Total attributable GEOs 4,606 2,283 Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "Elemental Altus has delivered a standout first quarter, with adjusted revenue of US$13.3 millionup 179% year-on-year; and adjusted EBITDA of US$11.5 million, reflecting the growing scale and profitability of our portfolio. This includes maiden revenue of US$6.6 million from our Korali-Sud royalty, which is proving to be a significant contributor in 2025 and will continue to offer long-term uncapped exploration upside from a world-class geological district. With over US$22 million in cash on hand, a fully repaid credit facility, and an undrawn US$50 million credit line, we are in the strongest financial position in the Company's history. As additional royalty revenue, including from Wahgnion, is recognised in upcoming periods, we remain well positioned to build on this momentum through 2025." Outlook Company remains on track to meet record guidance of 11,600 to 13,200 GEOs, translating to record adjusted revenue of US$30.1 million to US$34.3 million , based on a gold price of US$2,600 /oz and a copper price of US$4.00 /lb. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty to , based on a gold price of /oz and a copper price of /lb. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty This guidance represents a 38% increase in GEOs and 50% year-on-year increase in adjusted revenue at the mid-point of guidance, with full exposure to higher gold prices Elemental Altus is in a net cash position, with flexibility for new acquisitions utilising the $50 million RCF and the strong free cash flow being generated RCF and the strong free cash flow being generated Elemental Altus has a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") in place to purchase up to 12,288,129 common shares in the capital of the Company Investor Webcast An investor webcast will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 starting at 11am Eastern Time (8am Pacific Time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: Click Here Asset Update Karlawinda Q1 2025 gold production from Karlawinda was 30,599 ounces (Q1 2024: 26,017 ounces) Approved major expansion targeting annual production of 150koz with over 10+ year mine life remaining Capricorn maintained guidance of 110,000 to 120,000 ounces of production for the year to June 2025 Capricorn announced the approval of a major expansion study for Karlawinda, targeting a throughput increase of between 2.0 and 2.5 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa"), an approximate 50% increase in throughput on the current 4.5 Mtpa, targeting annual production of 150,000 ounces Elemental Altus' uncapped 2% NSR royalty will provide up to approximately 3,000 GEOs annually to the Company based on the higher 150,000 ounce production rate Caserones In Q1 2025, the Company accrued adjusted royalty revenue of $1.6 million (Q1 2024: $1.4 million ), based on reported sales of 28,709 tonnes of copper (Q1 2024: ), based on reported sales of 28,709 tonnes of copper Production was positively impacted by higher mill throughput Revenue increased due to higher sales volumes as two shipments delayed from December 2024 were completed in the quarter were completed in the quarter Lundin Mining Corp. has copper production guidance of 115-125kt for 2025 Korali-Sud (Diba) Q1 2025 gold sales from Korali-Sud was 80,574 ounces (Q1 2024: nil) 2025 revenue expected to be heavily weighted towards H1 2025 The Company expects to receive the US$1 million milestone payment due following commercial production with further milestone payments linked to production over the course of 2025 milestone payment due following commercial production with further milestone payments linked to production over the course of 2025 Allied Gold has settled terms for a definitive protocol agreement with the Government of Mali , which includes the advancement of the Korali-Sud deposit and the issuance of a ten-year exploitation permit for Sadiola Bonikro Royalty attributable sales in Q1 2025 were 18,498 ounces (Q1 2024: 21,407 ounces) The Company acquired a further 2.25% NSR royalty on Bonikro in October 2024 , totalling 4.5% NSR , totalling 4.5% NSR Stripping at Pushback 5 is expected to expose higher-grade materials in H2 2025, 2026, and 2027 Wahgnion The Wahgnion mine is currently undergoing an external audit, during which royalty payments to royalty holders have been temporarily paused and the Q1 2025 royalty statement has not yet been provided The Company received all royalty statements from Wahgnion management for the 2024 financial year and received payment for the first two quarters of 2024, but has not yet received payment for the second half of 2024. In addition, the Company has not yet received the royalty statement for Q1 2025 and therefore, the Company has not yet received the necessary information to support the recognition of royalty income for Q1 2025. Royalty revenue earned in Q1 2025 will be recognised in a subsequent reporting period once the royalty statement is received. As at March 31, 2025 , the accrued income balance includes $1.1 million in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion , the accrued income balance includes in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion The Company is in active communication with Wahgnion's management and external auditors and, based on such communications, expects royalty statements and payment to be received in full in 2025 Portfolio Payments Post quarter end, the Company received A$15 million in cash and shares of Firefly Metals Ltd (" Firefly ") relating to the Company's former Ming gold stream in cash and shares of Firefly Metals Ltd (" ") relating to the Company's former Ming gold stream The Company sold the Firefly shares for a total net consideration of A$7.6 million on April 24, 2025 on The Company expects to have received a total of approximately US$12.8 million as a result of stream revenue and the secured creditor claim in relation to the Company's Ming stream with a final US$0.1 million cash distribution to be received shortly as a result of stream revenue and the secured creditor claim in relation to the Company's Ming stream with a final cash distribution to be received shortly The US$9.6 million received post quarter end contributes towards up to US$15 million in portfolio payments the Company expects to receive across the portfolio in 2025 Frederick Bell CEO and Director Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-646-4527. TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Qualified Person Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Notes 1. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain performance measures which are non-IFRS and are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standard meaning under IFRS and other companies may calculate measures differently. Royalty revenue is received at zero cost. Distributions from associates related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on Caserones are received net of Chilean taxes and have no other costs. Adjusted Revenue and cash flow from operating activities Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure, which is defined as including gross royalty revenue from associated entities holding royalty interests related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on the Caserones copper mine. Management uses adjusted revenue to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as revenue, investors may use adjusted revenue to evaluate the results of the underlying business, particularly as the adjusted revenue may not typically be included in operating results. Management believes that adjusted revenue is a useful measure of the Company performance because it adjusts for items which management believes reflect the Company's core operating results from period to period. Adjusted revenue is intended to provide additional information to investors and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. It does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted depletion, adjusted tax expense and adjusted cash flow from operating activities are non-IFRS measures which include depletion, tax and dividends from the Caserones royalty asset in line with the recognition of adjusted revenue as described above. Gold Equivalent Ounces Elemental Altus' adjusted royalty, streaming, and other revenue is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce, or GEO, basis by dividing the royalty and other revenue from associates in a period by the average gold price for the same respective period, plus the net gold ounces received in the period from streaming investments. The presentation of this non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. The production forecast was derived using information that is available in the public domain as at the date hereof, which included guidance and estimates prepared and issued by management of the operators of the mining operations in which Elemental Altus holds an interest. The production forecast is sensitive to the performance and operating status of the underlying mines. None of the information has been independently verified by Elemental Altus and may be subject to uncertainty. There can be no assurance that such information is complete or accurate. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of certain other income/expenses and unusual non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, including depletion and taxes relating to share of profit from associate, and share-based compensation. Management believes that this is a useful measure of the Company's performance because it adjusts for items which may not relate to underlying operating performance of the Company and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Elemental Altus for the year ended December 31, 2024. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Highlights Rapidly Expanding Discovery, Multiple Higher-Grade Centres Confirmed Latest assays from phase-one Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling confirm copper-gold (Cu-Au) mineralisation now extending over 1 km in length and up to 750 m in width, from near surface Higher-grade centres confirmed across the extent of the shallow oxide and sulfide discovery New significant drill results include: 389 m grading 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 4 m depth to end-of-hole (DKP030) including 46 m at 0.6% Cu and 0.2 g/t Au from 238 m including 34 m at 0.6% Cu and 0.2g/t Au from 322m 120 m grading 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 6 m depth (DKP028) including 48 m at 0.5% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 26 m And, 114m at 0.3% Cu, 0.1g/t Au from 318m depth to end-of-hole including 34m at 0.4% Cu, 0.2g/t Au from 380 m to end-of-hole 114 m grading 0.4% Cu from 86 m depth (DKP024) including 52 m at 0.5% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 96 m 286 m grading 0.3% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 4 m depth (DKP027) including 154 m at 0.4% Cu, 0.1g/t Au from 44 m 228 m grading 0.3% Cu and 0.2 g/t Au from 42 m depth (DKP013) including 104 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.3 g/t Au from 42 m 202 m grading 0.3% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 50 m depth (DKP017) including 14 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 96 m including 16 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 180 m 138 m grading 0.3% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 6m depth to end-of-hole (DKP020) including 24 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 6 m including 48 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 36 m including 36 m at 0.4% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au from 102 m Open Laterally and At-Depth, Larger Cu-Au Porphyry Discovery Emerging Over half of Hot Chili's drill holes ended in significant mineralisation at the limit of RC drilling depth capability; deeper diamond drilling planned for phase 2 to extend higher grade centres at depth Regulatory application for phase-two drilling access progressing Exploration activity streams investigating potential for larger porphyry cluster at La Verde, further updates expected Potential for Significant Open Pit Mine Life Addition for Costa Fuego Cu-Au Hub Further Development Study Updates Expected for Costa Fuego and Huasco Water PERTH, Australia, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) ("Hot Chili" or the "Company") is pleased to report a third round of strong assay results from its La Verde copper-gold (Cu-Au) discovery, located approximately 30km south of the Company's Costa Fuego Cu-Au Project ("Costa Fuego" or "the Project") planned central processing hub at low elevation in the coastal range of the Atacama region, Chile. The Company concluded a phase-one drilling campaign across the La Verde Cu-Au porphyry discovery on 10 April 2025, with a total of 31 RC drill holes (9,600 m) completed to date. Following a period of delayed laboratory turnaround time, final assay results have been received and compiled. Initial assay results from the first 12 RC drill holes at La Verde confirmed a 400 m by 550 m discovery footprint, extending from near-surface to approximately 300 m vertical depth (refer to announcement dated 11 February 2025). Recently returned assay results have now more than doubled the initial discovery footprint, resulting in an extensive +0.2% Cu mineralisation footprint of 1,000 m by 750 m extending up to 400 m vertical depth (Figures 2 and 5) and remaining open laterally and at depth. Importantly, multiple distinct higher-grade centres have been confirmed from near surface (Figures 2, 3 and 5). Assessment of each of these higher-grade centres indicates: 1. North-East (NE) Higher-Grade Centre Located approximately 180 m to the north-east of the historical shallow copper oxide open pit to the north-east of the historical shallow copper oxide open pit Higher-grade Cu-Au zone defined in six RC drill holes Current dimensions: 180 m strike by 280 m width by 320 m in vertical extent strike by width by in vertical extent Remains open along strike to the north-east (beneath shallow gravel cover) and at depth 2. South-east (SE) Higher-Grade Centre Located approximately 70 m to the south-east of the historical shallow copper oxide open pit to the south-east of the historical shallow copper oxide open pit High-grade Cu-Au zone defined by nine RC drill holes Current dimensions: 320 m strike by 340 m width by 400 m in vertical extent strike by width by in vertical extent Remains open to the west beneath the open pit, to the east (beneath shallow gravel cover), and at depth 3. South-west (SW) Higher-Grade Centre Located 310 m to the south of the historic open pit to the south of the historic open pit High grade Cu-Au zone defined by two RC drill holes Current dimensions: 90 m strike by 120 m width by 260 m in vertical extent strike by width by in vertical extent Remains open to the south (beneath shallow gravel cover) and at depth The extent of mineralisation beneath the existing La Verde open pit remains untested at this stage, due to limitations of RC drilling through clay altered structures. The Company is reviewing multi-element assay results to enhance understanding of the La Verde discovery, validate geological interpretations, and guide four-dimensional modelling and future drilling plans. Three-dimensional magnetic inversion modelling has revealed a NNE-SSE trending weak magnetic anomaly aligned with the tonalitic porphyry intrusion (Figure 4). This relationship is guiding the evaluation of regional geophysical and geochemical assessments to identify extensions of the La Verde system and new porphyry targets within the broader magnetic destruction zone (Figure 6). Regulatory applications for further drill access at La Verde are advancing, with phase-two drilling (RC and diamond drilling) planned to commence once approvals are received. The Company looks forward to providing further updates, including advancements in exploration understanding of La Verde's growth potential, as well as various development study activities related to the current Pre-Feasibility Study optimisation phase for its Costa Fuego and Huasco Water projects. This announcement is authorised by the Board of Directors for release to ASX and TSXV. For more information please contact: Christian Easterday Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Managing Director Hot Chili Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Carol Marinkovich Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Company Secretary Hot Chili Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Graham Farrell Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Investor & Public Relations or visit Hot Chili's website at www.hotchili.net.au Table 1. New Significant Drilling Intersections from La Verde Hole ID Coordinates Azim. Dip Hole Depth Intersection Interval Copper Gold Silver Molybdenum. North East RL From To (m) (% Cu) (g/t Au) (ppm Ag) (ppm Mo) DKP013 6785971 324839 1192 244 -60 437 42 270 228 0.3 0.2 0.3 7 Incl 42 146 104 0.4 0.3 0.3 6 Or Incl 50 116 66 0.5 0.3 0.3 5 296 437 141 0.2 0.1 0.4 19 Incl 334 358 24 0.3 0.1 0.7 18 DKP014 6785852 324747 1149 299 -61 444 0 12 12 0.3 0.1 0.3 7 194 204 10 0.3 0.2 0.4 5 306 402 96 0.3 0.1 0.6 20 And incl 340 352 12 0.4 0.1 0.9 14 And incl 366 376 10 0.4 0.2 0.8 14 424 444 20 0.2 0.0 0.5 29 DKP015 6786096 324434 1159 130 -60 313 2 34 32 0.3 0.0 0.9 22 176 313 137 0.2 0.1 0.5 29 Incl 236 242 6 0.4 0.1 0.9 20 DKP016 6785947 324416 1111 111 -60 360 0 48 48 0.4 0.0 0.6 39 Incl 0 22 22 0.6 0.0 0.6 23 286 304 18 0.3 0.1 0.9 52 DKP017 6786094 324685 1184 97 -61 336 50 252 202 0.3 0.1 0.5 31 Incl 96 110 14 0.4 0.1 0.3 12 And incl 144 152 8 0.4 0.2 1.2 55 And incl 180 196 16 0.4 0.1 0.5 55 DKP018 6785835 324429 1094 97 -60 145 16 134 118 0.2 0.0 0.4 24 Incl 20 46 26 0.3 0.0 0.8 19 DKP019 6785720 324718 1130 253 -61 279.5 106 144 38 0.3 0.1 0.5 16 Incl 114 122 8 0.5 0.2 0.7 25 202 279.5 77.5 0.3 0.1 0.5 27 DKP020 6785748 324586 1125 273 -60 144 6 144 138 0.3 0.1 0.9 23 Incl 6 30 24 0.4 0.1 1.1 6 And incl 36 84 48 0.4 0.1 0.9 20 And incl 102 138 36 0.4 0.1 0.8 31 DKP021 6785619 324325 1178 75 -60 402 118 128 10 0.3 0.0 0.4 18 234 314 80 0.3 0.1 0.4 21 Incl 284 300 16 0.4 0.1 0.6 13 324 370 46 0.3 0.1 0.6 14 DKP022 6785527 324414 1184 78 -60 288 44 202 158 0.2 0.0 0.4 18 Incl 44 66 22 0.4 0.1 0.5 11 232 288 56 0.2 0.0 0.5 18 Incl 250 258 8 0.5 0.0 1.6 21 And incl 282 288 6 0.3 0.1 1.0 24 DKP023 6785421 324320 1181 90 -60 402 74 100 26 0.3 0.1 0.4 21 172 196 24 0.3 0.0 0.8 38 254 366 112 0.3 0.1 0.6 26 DKP024 6785424 324417 1186 111 -59 402 54 360 306 0.3 0.0 0.7 28 Incl 86 200 114 0.4 0.0 0.7 23 Or Incl 96 148 52 0.5 0.1 0.8 16 And incl 328 334 6 0.4 0.1 1.2 22 DKP025 6785313 324415 1187 270 -74 276 34 162 128 0.2 0.0 0.5 26 Incl 126 136 10 0.3 0.0 0.3 62 DKP026 6785870 324312 1098 105 -60 147 0 147 147 0.2 0.0 0.6 13 Incl 0 16 16 0.4 0.1 0.6 23 DKP027 6785755 324906 1139 299 -60 402 4 290 286 0.3 0.1 0.4 31 Incl 44 198 154 0.4 0.1 0.5 32 Or Incl 64 76 12 0.5 0.1 0.3 15 DKP028 6785617 324758 1136 300 -60 432 6 126 120 0.4 0.1 0.7 12 Incl 10 20 10 0.5 0.1 1.2 5 And Incl 26 74 48 0.5 0.1 0.8 13 318 432 114 0.3 0.1 0.5 53 Incl 380 414 34 0.4 0.2 0.9 106 Or Incl 384 396 12 0.5 0.2 1.1 221 DKP029 6785615 324758 1136 265 -60 366 6 102 96 0.3 0.1 0.9 19 Incl 54 64 10 0.4 0.1 0.8 27 112 206 94 0.2 0.0 0.3 44 252 264 12 0.4 0.0 1.6 33 304 366 62 0.2 0.0 0.3 43 DKP030 6785770 324774 1133 275 -60 393 4 393 389 0.4 0.1 0.9 21 Incl 20 30 10 0.5 0.2 0.5 4 And incl 186 286 100 0.5 0.1 0.9 35 Or Incl 238 284 46 0.6 0.2 0.9 49 And incl 322 356 34 0.6 0.2 0.9 28 DKP031 6785789 324564 1129 279 -60 279 Mineralised, No significant result Notes to Table 1: Significant intercepts for La Verde are calculated above a nominal cut-off grade of 0.2% Cu. Where appropriate, significant intersections may contain up to 30m down-hole distance of internal dilution (less than 0.2% Cu). Significant intersections are separated where internal dilution is greater than 30m down-hole distance. The selection of 0.2% Cu for significant intersection cut-off grade is aligned with marginal economic cut-off grade for bulk tonnage polymetallic copper deposits of similar grade in Chile and elsewhere in the world. For previously released significant intercepts see announcement dated 18th December 2024 and 11th February 2025. Qualifying Statements Qualified Person NI 43-101 The technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director and a qualified person within the meaning of NI43-101. Competent Person JORC The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results for the La Verde project is based upon information compiled by Mr Christian Easterday, the Managing Director and a full-time employee of Hot Chili Limited, who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Mr Easterday has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a 'Competent Person' as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). Mr Easterday consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. Mineral Resources and Competent Persons JORC and ASX The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources for the Costa Fuego Project was previously reported in the Company's announcements released to ASX on 26 February 2024 'Hot Chili Indicated Resource at Costa Fuego Copper-Gold Project Increases to 798 Mt", which is available to view on the Company's website at www.hotchili.net.au/investors/asx-announcements/. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the mineral resource estimates contained in the original market announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed. Disclaimer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Report. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains certain statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and Australian securities legislation (each, a "forward-looking statement"). Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations, forecasts, and projections with respect to future events, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and are based on certain assumptions. No assurance can be given that these expectations, forecasts, or projections will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this announcement should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking information is by its nature prospective and requires the Company to make certain assumptions and is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "estimate", "expectations", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "reinforce", "unlock", "large-scale", "could", "should", "will", "would", variants of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements within this announcement are based on information currently available and what management believes are reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. In this announcement, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the potential of the La Verde discovery; regulatory applications and approvals; the timing and results of future economic studies; and the Company's future exploration and other business plans. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection contained in the forward-looking statements in this announcement, including, but not limited to, the following material factors: the ability of drilling and other exploration activities to accurately predict mineralisation; operational risks; risks related to the cost estimates of exploration; sovereign risks associated with the Company's operations in Chile; changes in estimates of mineral resources or mineral reserves of properties where the Company holds interests; recruiting qualified personnel and retaining key personnel; future financial needs and availability of adequate financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; market volatility; exchange rate fluctuations; ability to exploit successful discoveries; the production at or performance of properties where the Company holds interests; ability to retain title to mining concessions; environmental risks; financial failure or default of joint venture partners, contractors or service providers; competition risks; economic and market conditions; and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this announcement and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure record. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon assumptions which the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, the Company has made assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and demand; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing; and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. The Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this announcement to provide investors with a more complete perspective on the Company's future operations, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made herein, please refer to the public disclosure record of the Company, including the Company's most recent Annual Report, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all those factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and are made as of the date of this announcement. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Investors should read this entire announcement and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax and legal risks and other aspects of an investment in the Company. Nearly four years after the solemn reception of the 26 royal treasures returned by France, Benin received, on 13 May 2025, a 27th work of art looted during the colonial era. It is a royal stool known as Katakle. Originally held by the Musee de lHomme in Paris, the artefact was transferred to Finland following an exchange between museums. This restitution comes on top of the previous one, reopening the debate on the fate of recovered cultural property and Benins restitution policy. The Katakle, a three-legged royal stool used for the coronation of the king, travelled more than 6,000 km to arrive discreetly in Cotonou on 11 May 2025, transported in a grey crate by a Finnish delegation. Unlike the 26 treasures repatriated in 2021, which were welcomed with a parade through the economic capital, Cotonou, and exhibited at the presidency, this time the arrival at the Cotonou airport was totally sober: it happened at night, with no public nor media coverage. On the morning of Tuesday 13 May, at the Palais de la Marina (the presidency of the Republic), the official reception ceremony was also reduced to the essentials, with few guests, and very few journalists. With gloved hands, the Finnish minister of culture, Mari-Leena Talvitie, handed over the symbolic seat to her Beninese counterpart, Jean-Michel Abimbola, in front of the cameras of a few public service and international media. The Beninese minister took the opportunity to evoke the symbolism of the star of the ceremony: Modest in appearance but of great and profound significance, this Katakle, used during the princely rituals of the royal court, embodies the elegance, sobriety and modernity of traditional artistic expressions. Kept in a reserve at the presidency The 20-centimetre-high Katakle is the very first attribute of power, according to Beninese historian Gabin Djimasse. This wooden tripod carved from a single piece is the symbol of good governance in the old days, adds historian and museologist Alain Godonou. The enthronement of the future king begins at the bottom of the ladder; he is enthroned by first almost sitting on the ground, to remind him of where he comes from, his intimate link with the people, he points out. The next day, the minutes of the council of ministers announced that this 27th cultural asset had been classified as national cultural heritage. The Katakle thus joins the 26 doors, thrones, tunics and calabashes that have been kept in reserve since 2023 at the presidency of the Republic, in an area which is not accessible to the public, due to the lack of actual museums ready to house them, according to the authorities. The artefacts are kept in a space of 80 to 100 m, set up to maintain all the required micro-climatic conditions for their conservation, says Godonou, head of heritage and museums at the presidency. He describes it as a presidential reserve without equal. Museums still not ready However, for some observers, this situation shows the logistical limitations of the heritage policy. Treasures were rediscovered, but are invisible to the public after their first exposure. The 27 artefacts that have been returned should ultimately be conserved and exhibited at the Museum of the Kings and Amazons of Dahomey (MuRAD). But the project is behind schedule. Initially scheduled for 2025, its delivery has been pushed back by two years. Godonou explains that the delay is due to the complexity of the technical studies and architectural issues. The Abomey Museum is in three parts... Parts are in place. Theres still the exhibition part, which needs more detail in the technical studies. Thats the one that will take longer, another 2 years. Other projects are underway: the International Museum of Memory and Slavery in Ouidah, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the International Vodoun Museum in Porto-Novo, due to open in 2025. But for the moment, the artefacts are here, and the museums are not. Watching from afar, you get the impression that Benin wasnt ready, but rushed to take delivery of the royal treasures. The proof is that for the past two years, the construction of the museum that is to house them in Abomey, for the glory of the nation and to boost tourism, has still been struggling to rise majestically. In my opinion, Benin is losing foreign currency because of the delay in completing the construction of the museum, says Fortune Sossa, president of the Pan-African Association of cultural journalists of Africa. A policy between ambition and caution There are no official figures for the exact number of objects looted by the colonialists during the reign of Dahomey, but the government says it wants to recover significant items linked to the Beninese identity and the royal period. Requests have been made to France for the return of the Fa furniture (currently at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris) and the statue of the god Gou. Cotonou is also seeking the return of parts of the doors of the Ketou palace and other thrones found in Germany and other countries. We have no intention of repatriating everything that belongs to us abroad. It would be to refuse to be seen from the outside. It doesnt make sense !, explains Godonou. Benins museum policy is not to go out and collect a whole series of collections, but its not a drop by drop approach either, says the museum specialist. But for the moment, he says, the country has chosen not to buy Benins heritage: it intends to proceed by negotiation. Hungary's parliament on Tuesday approved leaving the International Criminal Court, which it calls "politically motivated", becoming the third country after Burundi and the Philippines to take such a step. Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month that his European Union country would leave the ICC. Orban hosted Netanyahu despite an ICC arrest warrant. The global tribunal accuses the Israeli leader of war crimes in Gaza -- allegations he rejects. In Hungary's parliament, 134 lawmakers voted in favour of the proposal to leave the ICC, while 37 voted against and seven abstained. Once the decision is promulgated, Hungary will notify the United Nations, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. He alleged the ICC had become a "politically motivated judicial body", which was "unacceptable". "It's clear that Hungary has no place in such an organisation," he said in a statement. Withdrawal from the ICC takes effect one year after the deposit of the withdrawal's instrument -- usually a formal letter declaring the pullout -- with the UN secretary general's office. Last month's visit to Hungary was Netanyahu's first trip to Europe since 2023. The ICC issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes -- including starvation as a method of warfare -- in Israel's war in Gaza. They also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. The case against Deif was dropped in February after his death. Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. A total of 125 countries have ratified the court's founding Rome Statute, meaning they recognise its jurisdiction. The United States and Russia are not members. Nor are Israel, China and Myanmar. So far only Burundi and the Philippines have become members and then withdrawn from the court. Hungary signed the Rome Statute -- which established the court -- in 1999 and ratified it two years later during Orban's first term in office. After searching for years for his son and brothers following their arrest and disappearance by Bashar al-Assad's forces, Syrian real estate broker Maher al-Ton hopes he may finally get justice under the new authorities. Last week, the government announced the creation of a national commission for missing persons and another for transitional justice. That, along with the new rulers' arrests of alleged human rights violators linked to the ousted president's government, have made Ton feel hopeful. "I feel like my son might still be alive," the 54-year-old said. Assad's forces arrested Ton's son Mohammed Nureddin in 2018 near Damascus when he was just 17 years old, and has not been heard from since. "I hope justice and fairness will prevail, and that they will reclaim our rights from the Syrian Arab Army which unjustly took our sons," he said, using the since disbanded military's official name. Rights groups have welcomed the establishment of the justice commissions, but criticised the limiting of their scope to crimes committed by Assad's government. Syria's war erupted in 2011 with a brutal government crackdown on democracy protesters that saw tens of thousands of people accused of dissent either jailed or killed. Over time, armed groups emerged to battle Assad's military, including jihadist forces that committed atrocities. During the war, rights groups accused the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, once affiliated with Al-Qaeda, of abuses including unlawful detention and torture. HTS spearheaded the offensive that ousted Assad in December, and its leaders now form the core of the new government. Diab Serriya, a co-founder of the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Saydnaya Prison, said that while Assad's government was "the biggest perpetrator of human rights violations", that does not "absolve the other parties in the conflict". The new body, he said, "does not meet the aspirations of victims". - 'Criminals' - Syria's new rulers have also arrested several former military and security officials accused of crimes. This month, the interior ministry announced the arrest of Ghassan Youssef Ali, a doctor, saying he was "one of the officers working at the Tishreen Military Hospital during the era of the former regime". AFP published in January a report about how detainees were beaten instead of treated at that hospital, the largest military health facility in Damascus. In April, the security forces detained former intelligence officer Sultan al-Tinawi on accusations of war crimes. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, "fewer than 10" high-ranking officials have been arrested, with most fleeing the country in the wake of Assad's fall. Others have gone into hiding in areas of the country that are home to a large Alawite community, whose members stem from the same religious minority as Assad. Mohammad al-Abdallah, executive director of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, said that "there are random arrests of individuals without a plan to search for the missing or to open central investigations into the crime of enforced disappearance, or even to protect mass graves". - Justice is 'essential' - Hiba Zayadin, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, agreed. "There isn't much transparency around what is taking place following these arrests," she said. Abdallah said there appeared to be "two tendencies: to arrest some individuals, most of them lower-ranking, and to cooperate with other individuals". Among those who evaded arrest, he said, was Fadi Saqr, a former commander in the National Defence Forces, a pro-Assad militia. Instead, he has joined a committee in the coastal province of Latakia tasked with building bridges between communities divided by years of violence and sectarian conflict. Transitional justice processes in other parts of the world have been long and painful -- with some countries involving alleged abusers in their new systems to ensure a degree of continuity, and others choosing to turn over a new leaf. What rights groups agree on, though, is that there should be no impunity for the worst crimes, or else society cannot heal. According to Amnesty International, the massacre in March of more than 1,700 mostly Alawites was a strong sign that only justice could bring peace after 14 years of war. In a report last week, Amnesty said it was "essential" that those responsible for crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture face justice in fair trials. "Delaying justice will only heighten the risk of further bloodshed," it added. You are free to republish this content online or in print, as long as you respect our Creative Commons license Do not edit or adapt the content without the express agreement of the editors, make sure the authors name (first name and family name) and JusticeInfo.net are mentioned clearly at the beginning of the article. Dont forget to include a link to the article you are republishing (not just to the Justice Info homepage), saying explicitly that you are republishing this content.Please note that image rights cannot be automatically included in our Creative Commons licence. Look at the credits below the images to check whether the content is one to which you hold the rights, or ask the editors about this.Copy the HTML code below into your content management system (CMS). If necessary, contact your webmaster. Once selected, press "Ctrl-C" to copy the code. In a move that has stirred significant controversy and reignited national debate, President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping plan aimed at limiting birthright citizenshipa constitutional right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Trumps decree, issued through an executive-style declaration, proposes to drastically curtail the long-standing practice of granting automatic citizenship to children born on U.S. soil to non-citizen parents. This unprecedented measure has quickly drawn intense scrutiny, widespread condemnation, and triggered immediate legal challenges across the nation. The announcement, made during a high-profile rally in Miami, Florida, underscored Trumps intention to revisit immigration reform as a central pillar of his political agenda. The former president cited border security, national sovereignty, and immigration control as critical reasons for revising birthright citizenship, branding current policies as a magnet for illegal immigration. Understanding Trumps Decree and Its Potential Impact Trumps decree specifically targets children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants and visitors holding temporary visas. Under current law, the 14th Amendment guarantees automatic U.S. citizenship to any child born within the countrys jurisdiction, regardless of the parents immigration status. Trumps proposed changes would effectively end this practice, demanding at least one parent possess legal residency or citizenship at the time of a childs birth. Legal experts, constitutional scholars, and immigration advocacy groups have swiftly responded, highlighting the complex and potentially unconstitutional aspects of the decree. Critics argue that such an executive declaration directly contradicts established constitutional precedent dating back to the 19th century. Historical Context: Birthright Citizenship in America Birthright citizenship traces its origins to the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, following the Civil War. Designed primarily to grant citizenship to freed slaves, the amendment states unequivocally, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States. This constitutional guarantee has remained a cornerstone of American civil rights and immigration policy, upheld consistently by the Supreme Court, including the landmark 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, affirming birthright citizenship for children of non-citizen parents. Legal and Constitutional Challenges Almost immediately following Trumps announcement, several prominent advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), vowed legal action. Constitutional experts contend that any substantive changes to birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment rather than unilateral executive action. Mark Rosenbaum, a constitutional attorney and professor at UCLA School of Law, stated, This action directly challenges one of the fundamental principles enshrined in our constitution. The courts have consistently upheld birthright citizenship. Any attempt to overturn this precedent through executive decree faces substantial judicial hurdles. Political Reactions and National Response The decree has intensified partisan divisions, with politicians across the aisle quickly staking out positions. Democratic leaders universally condemned Trumps actions as unconstitutional, discriminatory, and politically motivated. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated, This decree is not only unconstitutional, but it undermines Americas historic commitment to inclusivity and equality. Its an attempt to distract voters and stoke division. Meanwhile, some Republicans have voiced cautious support. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), a longtime advocate for immigration reform, stated, This move addresses serious loopholes in our immigration system. However, we must also ensure this approach withstands constitutional scrutiny. Real-World Case Studies and Personal Stories Case studies illustrate the profound human implications of Trumps proposed decree. Consider the case of Ana Martinez, born in Texas to undocumented parents from El Salvador. Martinez, now a graduate of the University of Texas and employed as a registered nurse, expressed concern over the implications for families like hers. My parents came seeking a better life, Martinez stated. They worked tirelessly. My citizenship allowed me opportunities to contribute positively to this country. Limiting birthright citizenship punishes innocent children. Another example is the Lee family from California, where both parents entered legally on temporary work visas that subsequently expired. Their two children, born in the U.S., are currently citizens under existing laws. Trumps decree would have denied their citizenship, potentially leaving them stateless, as their parents original country does not automatically grant citizenship to foreign-born children. International Comparisons and Implications The United States remains one of the few developed nations offering unrestricted birthright citizenship. Nations such as Canada, Brazil, and Argentina also practice birthright citizenship, while most European countries require at least one parent to hold citizenship or permanent residency. Opponents of Trumps decree argue it positions the United States against a progressive international trend toward greater human rights protections, potentially creating a new population of stateless individuals. Amicus International Consulting: Protecting Citizenship Rights and Offering Legal Alternatives Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in citizenship planning and identity solutions, emphasizes the importance of securing citizenship through safe, legal pathways. The firm provides expert guidance on obtaining second citizenships, residency permits, and legal identity changesall essential resources should policies like Trumps decree gain legal traction. Amicus employees have consistently emphasized that securing citizenship rights through legitimate channels prevents individuals and families from facing sudden changes in government policy. The firm advocates thorough planning and legal consultation to safeguard against such unpredictable political developments. Looking Ahead: Legal Battles and Long-Term Impact Legal challenges to Trumps decree are expected to escalate quickly. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed, setting the stage for what many legal analysts anticipate could be a defining constitutional battle. The Supreme Court, with its current conservative majority, may be receptive to reviewing the issue. A ruling affirming Trumps action could dramatically reshape American immigration policy and significantly alter the landscape of constitutional rights related to citizenship. Meanwhile, immigration advocates urge vigilance, emphasizing that this decree underscores the fragility of constitutional protections in politically charged environments. Conclusion Trumps attempt to limit birthright citizenship has reignited fierce debate and underscores ongoing national divides over immigration and constitutional interpretation. As legal battles unfold, the outcome will significantly impact millions of families and redefine American identity and immigration law. For those concerned about safeguarding their citizenship rights and navigating the complexities of immigration laws, Amicus International Consulting remains committed to providing secure, legal, and reliable solutions. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Amicus International Consulting Reveals the Hidden Toll of Cybercrime and Offers Legal Pathways to Recovery VANCOUVER, BC The growing threat of identity theft isnt just about stolen money or hacked accounts its about stolen peace, security, and the psychological unravelling of lives. Victims of dark web identity leaks are now being called digital refugees individuals who have no safe place to exist online and whose identities have been compromised so severely that rebuilding from within the system feels impossible. Amicus International Consulting is working to address this crisis by offering technical recovery, legal transformation, and emotional closure for people whose identities have become a battlefield. When Identity Theft Isnt Just a Crime Its Trauma The emotional fallout from identity theft is real, devastating, and long-lasting. Victims often report: Sleep disorders Chronic anxiety and depression Hypervigilance in both digital and real life in both digital and real life Loss of employment or professional credibility Fear of physical stalking or targeting Breakdown of relationships and trust A 2024 report by the International Society for Cybertrauma found that 67% of identity theft victims experienced symptoms consistent with PTSD. Over 40% considered changing their name or leaving their profession due to ongoing threats and anxiety. Real Story: A Teacher Turned Target A middle school teacher in Florida had her biometric data, medical history, and personal photos leaked during a breach of a state employee portal. The data appeared on dark web forums and was used to create a synthetic identity tied to criminal activity. She was suspended during an investigation and faced harassment at home and online. The worst part wasnt the financial hit, she said. It was feeling like I no longer owned my own life. Someone else was using it and I couldnt stop them. Amicus helped her initiate a complete legal identity change, acquire a second passport, and reconstruct her professional credentials. She now teaches under a new legal identity in a new jurisdiction, free from the digital ghosts of her past. From Victim to Digital Refugee The term digital refugee reflects the reality of many victims: they no longer feel safe in the digital spaces where they once lived, worked, and thrived. Their email accounts are compromised. Their financial records are no longer secure Their names are associated with fraudulent activity Their images are reused without consent Their past is a weapon that hackers, abusers, and criminals can wield at any time. They are not running from governments or debts theyre from exposure, vulnerability, and the collapse of trust in the systems meant to protect them. Amicus Internationals Legal and Ethical Approach Amicus International Consulting offers a legal, compliant, and human-centred approach to identity reconstruction. Their services go beyond technical support, helping clients rebuild lives, reputations, and peace of mind through: Legal name change assistance New Tax Identification Numbers (TIN/SIN) Second citizenship and new passports Digital footprint scrubbing and broker takedown Re-credentialing for professionals and public figures Biometric dissociation and face obfuscation tools Secure financial and social re-entry pathways Most importantly, Amicus provides confidentiality, emotional validation, and a second chance. Case Study: A Crypto Whistleblower and the Cost of Exposure A former executive at a blockchain startup exposed internal fraud to regulators. Days later, her crypto wallets were hacked, and her digital identity was cloned. Deepfake videos of her appeared online, and her name was tied to fraudulent projects she had never touched. She experienced severe anxiety and was hospitalized twice for panic attacks. Amicus facilitated a legal identity transformation with second citizenship, secure financial structures, and career rehabilitation under her new name. She now leads a new blockchain project privately and legally without fear. A Mental Health Emergency in a Digital World Mental health professionals are calling cyber exposure a new category of trauma. Victims report: Living like fugitives Looking over their shoulder every time they log in Paranoia from not knowing where their data is now. Guilt and shame from being targeted Feeling powerless in a surveillance society Unlike burglary or physical crime, digital trauma is invisible but no less destructive. Your face, your fingerprints, your past relationships theyre all out there, said a therapist specializing in cyber trauma. You cant take it back. But you can start again and thats what Amicus is helping people do. A Structured Exit from Digital Exposure Amicus offers a multi-phase protocol for victims who need to start over: Phase 1: Digital Risk Audit Complete exposure analysis across the dark web, data brokers, and compromised systems. Phase 2: Legal Documentation Change. The new name, ID numbers, and travel documents all legally verified and recognized. Phase 3: Identity Separation Disconnection from previous online accounts, professional ties, and metadata profiles. Phase 4: Second Citizenship Relocation to a privacy-respecting jurisdiction with a new legal nationality. Phase 5: Emotional Closure Guidance through psychological recovery, reputation rebuilding, and digital empowerment. Who Needs These Services? Victims of stalking or harassment Journalists and whistleblowers facing retaliation Professionals falsely accused online People with past political or legal exposure Survivors of revenge porn or deepfake abuse Executives or founders targeted in doxxing campaigns Individuals caught in collateral damage from breaches Not Running from the Law Running Toward Safety Amicus International only serves legitimate victims. The company does not assist fugitives or anyone seeking to avoid justice. We dont erase guilt, an Amicus spokesperson said. We restore dignity to people who never should have been victimized in the first place. Digital Recovery Is a Human Right As global surveillance, facial recognition, and data harvesting escalate, privacy is becoming a luxury few can afford. Amicus International believes it should be a human right. And when that right is violated, victims deserve more than a credit monitoring service. They deserve a path to safety, identity, and peace of mind. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Renowned Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, is currently being detained in Tanzania after his arrest on Monday at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, his wife Njeri Mwangi has confirmed. Mwangi, known for his outspoken campaigns against corruption and police brutality in Kenya, had travelled to Tanzania to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Njeri said authorities were deliberating on whether to charge or deport him. I have been told they are waiting for the Tanzanian government to decide, she said. Mwangi was arrested alongside Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire. Their lawyer, Jebra Kambole, confirmed the pair spent the night at the central police station in Dar es Salaam. Other activists, including former Kenyan Minister and lawyer Martha Karua, were blocked from entering Tanzania and deported on Monday. President Samia Suluhu later warned foreign activists against interfering in the countrys internal matters. "We have begun witnessing a stream of activists from within this region attempting to interfere with our activities. They have destroyed their countries, now they want to do the same with ours," Suluhu stated. She urged security agencies to remain vigilant and act swiftly against foreigners she described as having "ill intentions." The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - In a rare act of selfless leadership, Kibwezi East parliamentary aspirant, Willie Malile, has taken matters into his own hands by constructing a fully functional police post using his personal resources and handed it over to the National Police Service. The initiative comes in response to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kibwezi East, where residents have long decried an increase in criminal activity and the lack of a reliable police presence. Despite repeated pleas to elected leaders, the community's calls had largely gone unanswered-until Malile stepped in. According to residents, cases of burglary, theft, and violent attacks had been on the rise, instilling fear and disrupting daily life. The new police post is expected to play a key role in restoring safety and improving response time by law enforcement in the area. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - A dangerous Nairobi gangster believed to be behind a string of armed robberies across the city has been arrested by undercover police officers in a dramatic operation that also led to the recovery of an illegal firearm. Acting on intelligence reports, cops raided the suspects rented house in Nairobi, catching him completely off guard. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a pistol suspected to have been used in multiple robberies. The arrest follows a deadly police operation along Thika Road, where one of the suspect's accomplices was gunned down after engaging officers in a shootout during an attempted robbery. The now-arrested suspect is believed to have narrowly escaped during that confrontation. According to authorities, the suspect is part of a well-organized criminal gang that has been terrorizing residents and motorists along major roads in Nairobi and its outskirts. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - The family of Susan Wangeci, a mitumba (second-hand clothes) vendor based in Pipeline, Nairobi, is appealing to the public for help in locating her. Wangeci was last seen on Wednesday last week when she left for Eastleigh to restock her shop but never returned home. CCTV footage later captured her at a shop in Eastleigh, but her phone reportedly went off near the Social Hall area of Eastleigh Estate, Nairobi. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - The family of a Kenyan man who vanished over a week ago in Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki, Poland, is pleading for help to locate their missing loved one, whose sudden disappearance under unclear circumstances has left them distraught and desperate for answers. Kevin Kiprotich Klima, who was reportedly unwell and receiving medical treatment, was last seen on CCTV crossing a road near his residence but has not been heard from since. The area known for its dense forests and recent heavy rainfall has complicated search efforts. His phone remains switched off and despite ongoing efforts by Polish authorities and the Kenyan community in Poland, his whereabouts remain unknown. Via Cyprian Nyakundi. Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has praised U.S President Donald Trump following the lifting of a travel ban that barred him and his family from entering the United States. Sonko announced the development on his official X account on Tuesday, May 20th, thanking Trump for what he described as a decisive intervention. Thank you, President Donald Trump, for lifting my travel ban to the US. Details to follow. Those who implicated me are the most corrupt in this country, he stated. The travel ban was initially imposed in March 2022 during the Biden administration due to allegations of significant graft during Sonkos term as Nairobi Governor. The U.S State Department barred Sonko, his wife Primrose Mwelu Nyamu Mbuvi, and their daughters, Saumu Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi, from entering the country. The allegations included accusations that Sonko demanded bribes in exchange for awarding County contracts. The ban was enacted under Section 7031(c) of the Department of States Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. However, the flamboyant politician has consistently denied the charges, labeling the ban politically motivated and accusing unnamed corrupt officials in Kenya of orchestrating the move. He also maintained that neither he nor his family ever benefited from county tenders. "None of my family members was ever awarded any tender by the County when I was in office, and it is in the public domain. The Embassy should come out publicly and tell Kenyans the truth," Sonko said in a statement. The U.S Embassy in Nairobi has yet to officially confirm the lifting of the travel restrictions. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has issued a stern warning to foreign activists whom she claims are trying to interfere in the countrys internal affairs. This comes following attempts by several regional figures to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs. If they have been controlled in their country, let them not come to disrupt us... they have already destabilised their countries and the only remaining peaceful nation is Tanzania. Suluhu said during the launch of Tanzanias new foreign policy. Her remarks came shortly after several Kenyan human rights defenders, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua and ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were detained and deported upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport. The group had travelled to observe Lissus court appearance in Dar es Salaam. Suluhu directed national security agencies to block what she termed "ill-mannered individuals" from overstepping boundaries. Lissu, leader of the main opposition party Chadema, is accused of treason over a speech allegedly inciting citizens to boycott the October elections. In April, Chadema was barred from the polls for failing to sign a required code of conduct. Lissus case resumes June 2nd. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - President William Rutos administration has dismissed allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed that Government security agencies were plotting to poison him using chemical weapons. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura rubbished the claims, accusing Gachagua of using fear tactics to gain sympathy and political momentum for his newly launched political party. These are outrageous statements meant to provoke Kenyans and mislead them. The Government has no interest in harming anyone, including Gachagua, Mwaura said. Our administration is committed to safeguarding the life of every citizen, regardless of their political leaning or status in society. He added that such remarks were a deliberate attempt to polarise the country and should be treated with the contempt they deserve. People have launched political parties and now need something dramatic to gain attention. But this Government is focused on delivering services, not silencing critics, Mwaura stated. However, Mwaura warned that the Government will pursue individuals involved in corruption or those inciting violence. The government is here to uphold law and order. If you are corrupt or seeking political capital through dangerous rhetoric, then the law will catch up with you, he added. Mwauras remarks follow Gachaguas press briefing on Monday, May 19th, in which the former Deputy President alleged that he had received intelligence indicating a directive from the highest levels of Government to deal with him once and for all. Gachagua also claimed that there were plans to plant weapons in his convoy to justify arrest and prosecution. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Kenya has signed a landmark agreement with the Channel Islands that will see thousands of Kenyan citizens deployed to the United Kingdom to work across key sectors. The deal, signed on Monday in Jersey by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, will facilitate employment opportunities for Kenyans in the UK territories of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. Targeted sectors include healthcare, education, information technology, construction, engineering, and hospitality. Speaking during the signing ceremony, PS Njogu highlighted Kenyas commitment to ethical recruitment, fair wages, and robust protection of workers' rights. She also emphasized the importance of cultural integration, comprehensive pre-departure training, and ongoing support for Kenyan workers abroad. We are inviting reputable employers to recruit from Kenyas abundant talent, Njogu said, encouraging more UK firms to establish partnerships in Kenya. GR8 Employment Solutions & Training Limited, a leading offshore recruitment agency, will oversee the placement, training, and integration of Kenyan professionals into the UK labour market. GR8 has been working in Kenya since 2019, mainly recruiting hospitality staff to support UK businesses facing post-Brexit labour shortages. The initiative is part of Kenyas Global Labour Market Strategy (20232027), which aims to expand international job opportunities while safeguarding the rights of Kenyan workers overseas. This collaboration is not just about jobs - its about dignity, empowerment, and development, Njogu added. In August 2023, Kenya signed a similar deal with the UK, deploying 350 seasonal workers under the Kazi Majuu program. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has turned his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County into a political hub, hosting numerous political leaders and strategists ahead of the 2027 General Elections. His home has become a venue for high-profile meetings, including consultations with opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa. However, recent reports suggest that Gachagua is charging aspiring politicians Ksh 50,000 for photo opportunities at his residence. Sources claim that the payment is required upfront, and the photos are only provided after the fee is settled. This practice has raised eyebrows among some of his allies, who question what price tag the nomination certificates for upcoming polls would come with if the photos alone cost an arm and a leg. While Gachagua's Wamunyoro residence has become a significant center for political activities and consultations, the reported fee for photo opportunities has sparked controversy and debate within political circles. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - Soy Member of Parliament, David Kiplagat, has expressed fears for his life after receiving death threats. This comes barely a month after the assassination of Kasipul MP, Charles Ongondo Were, who had also reported threats before his killing. According to Kiplagat, anonymous leaflets were circulated within his constituency warning him not to leave his compound. This prompted concerned residents to hold a six-hour demonstration, demanding immediate police intervention and protection for their MP. We will not allow our MP to be targeted. If his safety is not guaranteed, we will block roads until it is solved, said Philemon Leiting, a local resident. These developments follow the brutal murder of MP Ongondo Were on April 30th along Ngong Road. The National Police Service confirmed his death was a planned execution, linking it to the Mjahidin gang, an organised criminal group responsible for numerous robberies in Nairobis Eastlands area. Several suspects have since been arrested. Chilling footage later surfaced showing Were claiming he had received threats and naming individuals he alleged were plotting his assassination. In response to growing security concerns, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula ordered a comprehensive vetting of all MPs security teams. Each MP is entitled to at least one armed bodyguard and two officers stationed at their residence. The Kenyan DAILY POST Retired Ryanair pilot and Kilkenny native, George OHara was honoured for his lifetime contributions to aviation on Monday, as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy held a civic reception in the council chambers for the local pilot and his family. Captain OHara, Ryanairs most senior pilot, capped off an almost four-decade career with the airline earlier this year. George is a proud local man, who hails from Saint Francis Terrace in the city and exclusively told Kilkenny Live shortly after his retirement that he hopes his career will help inspire other young people to pursue their dreams in aviation. READ MORE: 'The landscape has totally changed' - Calls for Kilkenny to take historic step forward Captain OHaras early days in the skies were in Kilkenny Airfield with friends and family offering great encouragement on a journey that would have him flying high! "You achieved your dream career flying to destinations worldwide as a valued pilot with Ryanair," Cathaoirleach, Michael McCarthy said. There were unusual scenes at Kerry Airport last month when the former Ryanair pilot flew over Kilkenny on his final journey, before being met by a guard of honour at the conclusion. "It was so fitting that you would fly over the two most important KS in the country on your last mission," Cllr McCarthy added. "Its my pleasure to present you with a token of our appreciation from the people of Kilkenny," Cllr McCarthy concluded. EXCLUSIVE: Kilkenny pilot George O'Hara reflects on his storied career in Ryanair Watching council meetings from your living room may become reality in the coming years following a motion on the matter at May's plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council. The motion raised by Labour's Cllr Sean O hArgain requested the council executive examine the possibility of live streaming Kilkenny County Council meetings in the future, a motion passed unanimously by local representatives. A council spokesperson has subsequently committed to preparing a report in the next six to eight months into the feasibility of streaming to the public. READ MORE: Kilkenny Gospel Choir celebrating very special birthday Kilkenny Live understands that at least eleven councils currently stream their monthly meetings, via their local authority websites or via the YouTube or Microsoft Teams platforms. "It is time in my view that we joined this trend to allow full democratic access to all citizens to our monthly proceedings," Cllr O hArgain claimed. The city based councillor previously raised the matter when he was a member of the defunct Borough Council but believes now is the time to take a digital leap forward. "Access to our meetings for those who are of different abilities is a fundamental right in my view. It is now well established as a part of the democratic practice in Dail and Seanad Eireann via Oireachtas TV and we all saw the huge engagement with the debates of Oireachtas Committees in recent years. "The ability of members of the public to view previous debates and contributions on issues means that members of the public get a much clearer understanding of how democratic decisions are made and what our inputs as elected councillors and indeed as members of our executive are on each issue," he claimed. "The motion calls for an examination of the issues involved, including the costs involved. I want to make it clear, however, that this is with a view to how we can make this happen. We should not be an outlier in allowing maximum democratic access to our proceedings. "The citizens of Kilkenny have the same rights as those in Donegal, Sligo, Dublin, Cork and other counties and we should ensure that we embrace the spirit of democratic accountability in the way those councils have," Cllr O hArgain concluded. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE In October 2024, Hannah Dermody, a 30-year-old kidney patient from Freshford, County Kilkenny, who was thrust into the world of kidney failure at just 11 years old, spearheaded a successful darts fundraiser, that raised 7,075 for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). Hannah has been receiving nightly dialysis treatment for the past nine years following the failure of a kidney transplant she had received when she was 19 failed after two years. Hannahs familys gratitude to the Irish Kidney Association for their continued support during her and other kidney patients' health journies was the inspiration for the fundraiser. READ NEXT: Kilkenny hurling hero: 'I was struggling. I needed help, and I got it' Central to its success were professional darts champions Alan Soutar and Ricky Evans, who had travelled from the UK to play against local participants. Their presence brought excitement and star power to the fundraiser, thrilling fans young and old. The fundraiser was hosted in her familys pub, McGraths Bar, run by Hannahs mother Philomena and her younger brother Jack. They, along with her other brother Sam, enthusiastically helped out on the event night. Supporting Hannah in planning and organising the fundraiser was her older brother Paul, who, along with four of his friends locals Niall Kenny, Ray Talis, Steven Farrell. This was their third consecutive year to organise a darts fundraiser, with proceeds from the previous two events also supporting charitable causes Kilkenny charity Teac Tom and the Motor Neuron Disease Association. The fundraisers total proceeds were raised through sponsorship cards, an online fundraising platform, a bucket collection at the local MACE store, and a bucket collection and raffle on the event night. "Since I was 11, my life has revolved around kidney disease," she said. "But I try to stay hopeful for a second transplant and make the most of what I can do." Hannah, grateful for the generosity of locals towards the fundraiser, explained, "The community of Freshford was amazing and I want to thank them for their support and generosity. The funds raised will go towards the vital services provided by the Irish Kidney Association." Hannahs journey with kidney disease began at the age of 11 when high protein levels in her urine led to a diagnosis. Doctors discovered that she had only one kidney, which was functioning at just 30%. During her teenage years, Hannah attended regular renal appointments and frequently stayed at St Lukes and Crumlin Childrens Hospital. At age 16, she transitioned to adult care at Waterford University Hospital (WUH). When her kidney function dropped to about 10%, she had no choice but to start dialysis to survive. In her late teens she began peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment she underwent every night. In 2012, Hannahs life took a positive turn when she received a kidney transplant. She remains deeply grateful to the family of the deceased donor for their selfless gift. Unfortunately, the transplant lasted only two years, after which she had to return to dialysis. For the past nine years, Hannahs life has revolved around nightly PD treatments at home lasting up to 10 hours. These treatments have often been complicated by infections at the site where her PD line connects to her body. As these infections persist, her renal team has prepared her for the possibility of transitioning to haemodialysis. Unlike PD, haemodialysis takes place in a hospital three times a week, with each session lasting three to four hours. A fistula has already been inserted in preparation for this change in treatment. When her recurring line infections are under control, Hannah hopes to be accepted onto the transplant waiting list, giving her hope for another chance at a better quality of life. Despite these challenges, Hannah maintains a positive outlook. She works part-time in her local Loop cafe and helps out in her mothers bar. Undeterred by the extra luggage of her PD dialysis machine, Hannah has enjoyed holidays provided by the Irish Kidney Association in their holiday homes in Kerry and Waterford. For the past two years, her machine has accompanied her to Lanzarote, where she hooked up to it at night for her vital, life-saving treatment. READ ALSO: Kilkenny parish in mourning after recently losing 'two great men' Hannahs story is a testament to the power of community, determination, and hope, inspiring others to rally around those affected by organ failure. There are over 2,500 people in Ireland undergoing dialysis treatme. 500 people are on waiting lisits for kidney transplants and approximately 100 more are waiting for other organ transplants including heart, lung, liver and pancreas. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Michael Mike Gaine has been released without charge. Mr Gaine, a 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry, was reported missing more than eight weeks ago. On Saturday, partial remains were found at Mr Gaines farm in Carrig East, and a crime scene was declared as gardai searched for further remains. On Sunday, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaines murder. He was held for 24 hours for questioning before being released. He was driven away from Killarney Garda Station in an unmarked garda car shortly before 11pm on Monday. Gardai said the Gaine family have been kept up to date with developments and said the family have asked for privacy. The search and examination of Mr Gaines farmland is set to continue, gardai said, aided by the emergency services and Irish troops. Several personnel were seen digging near a barn on Monday afternoon while Irish soldiers searched a field further away by hand. Kerry Drain Services machinery was also seen at the scene on Monday. Over the past eight weeks, several appeals have been issued and extensive searches involving Irish soldiers, the Garda water unit and road checkpoints have been held to try to find the missing man. Around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage and 130 witness statements were taken by the end of April. Mr Gaines wife Janice and sister Noreen ORegan issued a plea at that time, a day after gardai upgraded the investigation from missing person to homicide. An appeal for the public to help with their investigation has been renewed by gardai this week. Those with information have been asked to contact the confidential Garda line or any Garda station. TAP '>' ARROW OR NEXT TO SEE FULL GALLERY (full report below) Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) recently hosted 'in conversation with internationally acclaimed Irish designer, Orla Kiely', in the Set Theatre in Kilkenny. During the well attended event, Orla reflected on her iconic exhibition, A Life in Pattern, currently showing at DCCIs National Design & Craft Gallery. Curated by Dennis Nothdruft, Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, A Life in Pattern celebrates the bold, graphic style and instantly recognisable motifs that have made Kiely one of the most influential figures in contemporary design. READ NEXT: Kilkenny artist primed for upcoming Alternative Kilkenny Arts exhibition From handbags and wallpaper to homewares and fashion, her work is a testament to the beauty of pattern and its power to transform the everyday. Orla was joined on stage by Dennis where she delved into the stories behind her most beloved designs, sharing insights into her creative journey, design process, and enduring inspirations. In conversation, Dennis and Orla talked about the making of the exhibition, their collaboration, and the evolution of her signature aesthetic. Dennis Nothdruft has led the exhibitions team at the Fashion and Textile Museum since it was founded by Zandra Rhodes in 2003. SEE ALSO: Plans for new multi-storey hostel in the heart of Kilkenny Before that, he worked for many years as a design assistant in Zandra Rhodes studios in both San Diego and London. An experienced curator and lecturer, Dennis has spoken widely on fashion and textiles and is the author of several acclaimed books, including Zandra Rhodes: 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion, How to Draw Like a Fashion Designer, How to Draw Vintage Fashion, and Kaffe Fassett: The Artists Eye. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Showers and thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High around 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. JEFFERSON CITY Hundreds of people came together Tuesday afternoon to honor Christopher "Kit" Bond at the Missouri State Capitol. Bond had an illustrious political career spanning four decades. He served as Missouri's governor for two nonconsecutive terms between 1973 and 1985 before representing the state in the U.S. Senate for 24 years, starting in 1986. Bond died one week ago. But those in attendance Tuesday knew the former governor for much more than his career. Joseph Corrado of Mexico, Missouri, Bond's hometown, said he acted just like everyone else. "It's amazing for a U.S senator to come back and then just be just a regular Joe, so to speak," Corrado said. "He would walk around town, and, no matter what was on your mind, he'd be glad to talk to you about it." Corrado used to own a local Chinese restaurant in Mexico and said they had a special menu made just for Bond. "We have the gold Christopher Bond menu. He used to come in very, very frequently. In fact, we knew exactly what he would order," Corrado said. "He was a hometown guy. He was always very in touch with all the people in Mexico." Tuesday's service provided an opportunity for everyone to pay their respects to Bond. "That's why we came back, because we said, you know what? He did so much for us, and we wanted to pay back, in memory," Corrado said. M. Keithley Williams worked on the Bond for Governor campaign staff when he first ran for office in 1972. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. "Bond was my first boss. It was my first campaign, and he helped in every manner to launch my career," Williams said. "The fact is that my life, and the lives of my friends and many people here in Missouri and the state of Missouri, would be different without the imprint of Kit Bond." Williams said Bond had a special eye for spotting young talent and giving them a chance. "At the time, there was a group called the Kitty Core. He saw talent in young people and brought them on to do the hard, heavy lifting. And that's a wonderful thing," Williams said. "He could see talent, recognize it, give you responsibility, and let you run with it." Williams attributes much of her career to her time with Bond. After she graduated law school, Bond appointed her as Judge Williams. 5:15 Missouri political leaders honor Kit Bond at memorial service Missouri politicians from both parties honored the late governor at a memorial service in the Missouri Capitol Rotunda. "He's had an impact on all of the citizens of Missouri," Williams said. "And I believe they're grateful. You can tell that today by the speakers. What they had to say, how they honored him." The Missouri State Highway Patrol provided the escort and procession from St. Louis to Jefferson City for the memorial service. Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period to allow members of the public to pay their respects. The Highway Patrol will escort the procession back to St. Louis at noon Wednesday. A celebration of life service will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church Thursday. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend. Flags across the state will fly at half staff until then. "And he had the heart of a public servant and taught all of us to do precisely the same thing," Williams said. Federal judge overturns Trumps efforts to take over and cripple US Institute of Peace The Missouri State Highway Patrol will provide the escort and procession Tuesday from St. Louis to Jefferson City for the memorial service for former Missouri governor and U.S. senator Kit Bond, according to a news release from Gov. Mike Kehoe. According to the news release, the procession will leave St. Louis at 9 a.m., and the memorial service will be held in the Capitol Rotunda at noon. The service will include music from the 135th Army Band, remarks from Kehoe and tributes from former or current elected officials. The service is scheduled to end at 1 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held Thursday at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. Bond died May 13 in St. Louis. He was 86 years old. 7:45 Gov. Mike Kehoe delivers remarks at memorial service for Kit Bond A memorial service was held at the Missouri Capitol Rotunda Tuesday for the former governor and U.S. senator. 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. The times that warning lights flash and the speed limit is enforced at school zones is the latest complaint with the camera systems. Sean McCarthaigh Drinking, smoking and the use of illicit drugs are falling among teenagers across Europe, including Ireland, but there is concern about the increase in use of e-cigarettes, gaming and gambling. The results of a major new survey on substance use by 15- to 16-year-old students across Europe also highlighted an increasing non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs as well as a noticeable increase in risky behaviours by girls across several areas. The report published by the EU Drugs Agency is the eighth edition of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, which surveyed almost 114,000 students aged 15-16 across 37 European countries, including Ireland, last year. The study revealed that lifetime alcohol use among teenagers had steadily declined over the past 30 years from 88 per cent in 1995 to 74 per cent in 2024. In Ireland, the figure has gone from 91 per cent in 1995 to 67 per cent last year. Current alcohol use by Irish teenagers, which measures those who have consumed alcohol in the last 30 days, has reduced from 66 per cent in 1995 to 35 per cent in 2024 one of the largest reductions across Europe. The level of binge drinking defined as five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the last 30 days has also fallen from 32 per cent in 2019 to 23 per cent last year. Across Europe, binge drinking is also at its lowest level in 30 years, at 30 per cent. The study shows a similar downward trend in relation to cigarette smoking against a background of tobacco policy measures introduced over the past two decades, with lifetime use by teenagers across Europe falling from 68 per cent in 1995 to 32 per cent in 2024. In Ireland, the decline over the same period has been one of the greatest reductions recorded in Europe, down from 73 per cent in 1995 to 31 per cent in 2019 and 24 per cent last year. The proportion of Irish teenagers who said they had smoked a cigarette in the past 30 days last year was 9 per cent, down from 14 per cent five years earlier and 41 per cent in 1995. In contrast, however, e-cigarette use is on the rise across Europe, with current use increasing from 14 per cent in 2019 to 22 per cent last year. In almost all countries, including Ireland, girls are more likely to use e-cigarettes. In Ireland, 18 per cent of girls tried e-cigarettes at the age of 13 or younger compared to 12 per cent of boys. As with alcohol and tobacco products, the survey also confirms a decline in the use of illicit drugs among European teenagers. On average, 14 per cent of students aged 15-16 years in Europe reported having used an illicit drug at least once in their lives in 2024. The figure in Ireland is 13 per cent, which falls to 4 per cent if cannabis is excluded. In 2019, 20 per cent of Irish teenagers had admitted to lifetime illicit drug use, which decreased to 6 per cent when cannabis was excluded. The proportion of Irish students who claim to have consumed cannabis in the past 30 days has almost halved over the space of five years, down from 9 per cent in 2019 to 5 per cent in 2024. The EUAD said the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs is a growing concern, with lifetime use now at 14 per cent among teenagers across Europe. The problem is significantly less in Ireland, with just 3 per cent of students reporting such use. Girls are consistently more likely to take such drugs, with tranquilisers and sedatives the most frequently misused drugs, followed by painkillers and attention/hyperactivity medications. EUAD said the perceived ease of obtaining these substances, with one in five students saying tranquillisers are easy to access, underscores the need for targeted prevention and monitoring of prescription drug misuse among teens. Although overall gambling rates have remained stable over the past decade, the study highlighted how online gambling by teenagers has risen sharply. In 2024, 29 per cent of teenagers in Ireland said they had gambled within the previous 12 months compared to 24 per cent in 2019. The average across Europe last year was 22 per cent. Boys are more active gamblers and are twice as likely to gamble online. Despite stricter gambling regulations, harmful gambling behaviours by European teenagers have nearly doubled to 9 per cent in 2024. The results of the survey also confirmed a surge in gaming by teenagers in recent years which is largely driven by the popularity of smartphones and tablets. In Ireland, 87 per cent of teenagers reported gaming in the previous 12 months in 2024 compared to 56 per cent in 2019. Boys consistently report higher gaming rates, although the gender gap is narrowing. Last year 93 per cent of male teenagers in Ireland said they were gaming as well as 80 per cent of teenage girls. Across Europe, 22 per cent of students believed they had a gaming problem while 47 per cent claimed their use of social media was problematic. The report also highlighted sharp gender differences in sense of well-being among Irish and European teenagers. According to the survey, 71 per cent of boys in Ireland reported good well-being with their mental health compared to 50 per cent of girls. On a beautiful sunny morning, Sunday 11 May, six pupils from Arles NS received their First Communion in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arles. Local Parish Priest Fr Padraig Shelley welcomed the pupils along with their families and teacher Miss Mulhall to the special event. See six pages of First Holy Communion photos from around the county in this week's Laois Nationalist, currently on sale in all local stores and online. On 19 May El Salvadors attorney generals office (FGR) announced the arrest of, one of the countrys most prominent human rights activists, on embezzlement charges. End of preview - This article contains approximately 605 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 19 May Colombias government resubmitted a rejected referendum proposal on labour reform to the senate, with the addition of four new questions on health reform. End of preview - This article contains approximately 398 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 19 May Argentinas Presidentthreatened to sideline former president(2015-2019) in the pursuit of an electoral alliance with other senior figures in his right-of-centre Propuesta Republicana (PRO) for upcoming legislative elections in the province of Buenos Aires. End of preview - This article contains approximately 374 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 19 May Brazils supreme court (STF) began hearing witnesses as part of the trial into an alleged coup attempt by former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and allies. End of preview - This article contains approximately 360 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options DEAR MISS MANNERS: My childs school is having a staff appreciation week, which isnt a bad idea, given the effort they put in and how they enhance our kids lives. What strikes me as extremely gauche, however, is that its organized and run by the school, while asking parents to contribute. This seems like the kind of thing that parents should organize if they want to, rather than being pressured into it by the school. If the administration wants to do it themselves, then they should fund it. Instead, here is what we are told to do: First day: Send kind words/thanks. Second day: Send sugary treats. Third day: Buy something from their wish lists. Fourth day: Staff get a special Mexican luncheon while parents cover classroom duties. (Keep in mind, students have been trying for months to get the quality of food in the cafeteria improved, while the staff claims there is no need.) Fifth day: Send a teachers favorite snacks and drinks to stock their fridge. It comes across like, Hey, arent we great? Buy us stuff and tell us how great we are! And they send reminders EVERY DAY. Tacky. Do teachers and school staff deserve nice things? Yep. But this is not the way to go about it, in my opinion. GENTLE READER: Then why havent you organized the parents to show your appreciation for the staff in a proper fashion? You neednt do it with sugary treats -- or, for that matter, useless apple-themed objects. Letters of thanks, by all means. Bonuses, if possible. And assistance in procuring whatever school supplies the staff needs. But you should also learn from your distaste about the reminders: Alert other parents, but do not pressure them. Miss Manners cautions you that you do not know their financial situations, even if you think you do. *** (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) Police seized an AK-47 rifle during a joint traffic enforcement detail between Pennsylvania State Police and Allentown. Police also seized a handgun and made six arrests for various offenses during the enforcement detail from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday in Allentown. Trooper Nathan Branosky, spokesman for the Troop M barracks, said the enforcement detail was set up to seek out and cut off criminal activity in the city. One criminal arrest was conducted. Investigators during the detail seized an AK-47 rifle and a handgun, Branosky said. Four arrests involved marijuana possession and another was based on a prior arrest warrant, Branosky said. Officers also issued six traffic citations and 40 traffic warnings. Pennsylvania State Police and Allentown police plan to conduct more enforcement details this summer. This includes Pennsylvania State Police in Bethlehems annual sobriety checkpoint during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The exact location of the checkpoint has not been disclosed. The troop covers state highways in Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties. The checkpoint is scheduled between 12:01 a.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Monday, state police said. The Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program targets aggressive driving every year. Troopers monitor for speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions. Theyll watch for texting while driving, handheld phone use, careless driving and reckless driving, Branosky said. Troopers involved in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers and Drug Recognition Expert campaigns will look for motorists who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the 2024 Memorial Day Holiday Traffic Enforcement period, Troop M troopers investigated a total of 45 crashes and made 29 DUI arrests, state police said. Anyone who flees a police officer during a traffic stop can face a third-degree felony charge which carries a sentence of up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Gunfire on Monday afternoon, May 19, 2025 in Easton damaged a parked vehicle and two homes. Pictured are the possible juvenile suspect and a red vehicle believed to be involved in the incident. Courtesy photo Gunfire on Monday afternoon in Easton damaged a parked vehicle and two homes, and police were looking for a possible juvenile and a vehicle believed to be involved. No one was immediately reported injured. Police were called about 1:30 p.m. for a report of shots fired in the area of the 1200 block of Ferry Street. Thats one block south of Paxinosa Elementary School. The Easton Area School District on Monday night is set to host its second annual State of the District and Celebration of Learning at Cottingham Stadium adjacent to the school, beginning at 6 p.m. Police said they found evidence of gunfire in both the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Ferry Street, including the parked vehicle and residences that were struck. A news release from police said investigators were looking for a male believed to have been involved in the shooting: He fled south on Cherry Street from Ferry Street and is described as young, possibly a juvenile, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, ski mask and red sweatpants. Police also were looking for a vehicle involved in the shooting described as a red, four-door Chevrolet Aveo with New Jersey license plates, according to the release; the car is believed to have been stolen and fled north on South 14th Street from Ferry Street. Police believe the shooting involved people who knew each other, according to the release from Lt. Matthew Gerould. It is suspected the male on foot and occupants of the vehicle fired at each other, he told lehighvalleylive.com. Investigators asked anybody with any information on the incident to call city detectives on 610-250-6644. Editors note: This article was updated with additional information from Easton police. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A Maryland man is charged with first-degree homicide in the stabbing death of a 26-year-old woman in Phillipsburg. Jamari E. Dortch, 28, of Rossville, also is charged with second-degree aggravated assault; third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; and third-degree endangering an injured victim in connection with the death of Hadiyah Peggins. The Warren County Prosecutors Office announced Monday evening Dortch was placed under arrest this past Saturday by members of the United States Marshals Service Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. Dortch is being held at the Prince Georges County jail in Maryland and is awaiting extradition back to Warren County, New Jersey. Upon his return to New Jersey, Dortch will be taken to the Warren County jail as he awaits a detention motion, authorities said. Its unclear if Dortch has an attorney yet to represent him in the case. Warren County Special State Investigator and Acting Deputy Chief of Detectives Melissa Fehr said the incident unfolded around 3 a.m. Friday at the residence in the 400 block of Anderson Street. A patrol officer was flagged down by a person reporting the incident, Fehr said. Peggins was found unresponsive by investigators and had stab wounds to her left side, back and rib cage, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by lehighvalleylive.com. The court record lays out evidence and witness testimony against a defendant. Both police and Emergency Medical Services workers attempted life-saving measures, Fehr said. Peggins was taken to St. Lukes Hospital, where she later was pronounced dead, she said. Peggins died from a 7 inch deep stab wound to her left side. Her aorta was severed and she died from internal bleeeding, court records state. Peggins and Dortch knew each other, Fehr said. Investigators seized cameras from the home, which depicted Dortch fighting with Peggins just prior to the stabbing, court records state. He is allegedly shown on camera striking the victim, which resulted in the puncture injury. Peggins is shown on camera holding her back, where one of the puncture wounds was found, according to court records. The footage showed Peggins visibly injured and physically helpless and then, Dortch fleeing the home, court records state. Witness accounts and video footage from the Phillipsburg Housing Authoritys camera system also identified Dortch as the suspect, according to court records. Upon conviction, a homicide charge carries a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison, and third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison. The investigation remains active and is being conducted by the Phillipsburg Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutors Office. Assisting in the investigation were the Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team; Allentown Police Department; New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit; and the Phillipsburg Housing Authority. Authorities continue to seek witnesses. Those with information are asked to call The Warren County Prosecutors Office and Phillipsburg Police Department at 908-835-2019. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Voters sign in to vote in the presidential election, November 5, 2024, at the Mary Meuser Memorial Library in Wilson Borough. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Armchair Lehigh Valley content is published on lehighvalleylive.com as part of a partnership with the website, which aims to give voters nonpartisan factual information. Armchair Lehigh Valley is run by publisher Katherine Reinhard and editor Robert H. Orenstein. For more information, or to subscribe: armchairlehighvalley.substack.com. Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for a primary election that includes key municipal races across the Lehigh Valley. They will choose Republican and Democratic candidates to appear on the November ballot for mayor, city council, school board, judges, county executive and more. In Allentown and Bethlehem, Democrats will likely choose their next mayor. There are no Republicans running in either race. In the Democratic primary, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk faces a challenge from city Councilman Ed Zucal, who last week also launched a write-in campaign as a Republican. In Bethlehem, incumbent Democrat J. William Reynolds is facing a challenge from city council member Grace Crampsie Smith. Two Republicans Mike Welsh and Roger MacLean are facing off in the primary for Lehigh County executive, while Democrat Josh Siegel, who represents part of the city in the state House, is running unopposed. County Executive Democrat Phil Armstrong is prevented by the county Home Rule Charter from seeking a third consecutive term. There are no primary contests for Lehigh County commissioner. There is a contested Democratic primary in Northampton County for executive, as well. County Controller Tara Zrinski is facing off against Amy Cozze. County Councilman Tom Giovanni is the only candidate on the Republican ballot. Instead of seeking another term, incumbent county Executive Democrat Lamont McClure announced plans to run for Congress to represent Pennsylvanias 7th District, which is currently held by Republican Ryan Mackenzie. That primary and general election will be in 2026. This municipal year election could have larger than usual implications for voters. Local elected officials make decisions on everything from garbage collection and street repairs to building new parks, operating the judicial system and providing services to senior citizens. School boards weigh in on tax rates, curriculum, class size and extracurriculars. Sample ballots for Northampton County can be found here. Lehigh County ballots can be found here. Voting Only Democrats and Republicans can vote in the primary for their respective party candidates. To find out if you are registered to vote, click here. To find your polling place, click here. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. as well. Not all drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. on Election Day. To check locations and hours for drop boxes, click here for the five locations in Lehigh County and here for the seven locations in Northampton County. If you havent gotten around to filling out your mail-in ballot by Election Day, you can bring your uncompleted ballot to your polling place, surrender it and sign a declaration to vote. If you forget to bring your uncompleted ballot to the polls, you can vote provisionally meaning your vote wont be tallied until verified. Help for voting issues: If you are registered to vote but denied the right to vote today, you can call the Election Protection Hotline at the following numbers: English: 1-866-687-8683Spanish: 1-888-839-8682Arabic: 1-844-925-5287For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683 A look at key races and coverage LEHIGH COUNTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE Democrat: Josh Siegel (Read our story here) Republican: Roger MacLean (Read our story here)Mike Welsh (Read our story here) Debate shows kindred views in GOP race for Lehigh County executiveEx police chief, business owner square off in GOP primary for Lehigh County executive JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Democrat: Mark Stanziola, Jenna Fliszar, Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen Republican: Jenna Fliszar, Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen Three candidates are running for a newly created seat in Lehigh County CourtSpending in Lehigh judicial race surpasses $67,000 ALLENTOWN MAYOR Democrat: Matt Tuerk (Incumbent), Ed Zucal Allentown mayor faces challenger in Democratic primaryDemocrats Tuerk, Zucal face off in only Allentown mayoral debateTuerk holds fundraising advantage over Zucal in Allentown mayoral Democratic primary ALLENTOWN CITY COUNCIL (Vote for four) Democrat: Luis Acevedo (write-in candidate), Jeremy Binder, Daryl L. Hendricks (Incumbent), Cynthia Mota (Incumbent), Patrick Palmer, Cristian Pungo, Natalie Santos (Incumbent), Ben Stemrich Seven Democrats running for Allentown City Councils four open seats BETHLEHEM MAYOR Democrat: J. William Reynolds (Incumbent), Grace Crampsie Smith In Bethlehem, friction defines mayoral raceCampaign costs in Bethlehem mayoral race top $95,000Opposition mailers target Reynolds, Kwiatek candidacies in Bethlehem BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL (Vote for four) Democrat: Justin Amann, Tina Cantelmi, Jo Daniels, Celeste Dee, Hillary Kwiatek (Incumbent), Rachel Leon (Incumbent) Republican: Joseph F. Poplawski Six Democrats running for Bethlehem Council in primary SCHOOL BOARD RACES Seven in running for East Penn School Board In Southern Lehigh, seven candidates running for four seats Six in running for four seats on Parkland School Board NORTHAMPTON COUNTY JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Democrat: Jeremy Clark, Robert Eyer Republican: James Fuller, Jeremy Clark, Robert Eyer Clark, Eyer major contributors to their Norco judicial campaignsThree lawyers vie to become Northampton County judge COUNTY EXECUTIVE Democrat: Amy Cozze (Read our profile here), Tara Zrinski (Read our profile here) Republican: Tom Giovanni (Read our profile here) Norco executive candidates Zrinski, Cozze clash at debate Tara Zrinski starts Norco executive campaign with Lamont McClures endorsement Norco executive candidates Cozze, Zrinski share passion for public service but highlight differences Northampton County GOP candidates introduce themselves NORTHAMPTON COUNTY COUNCIL (Vote for five) Democrat: Jason Boulette, Patti Bruno (write-in candidate), Theresa Fadem, Lori Vargo Heffner (Incumbent), David Holland, Nadeem Qayyum Republican: John Brown (Incumbent), Daniel Campo, Sam Elias, John Goffredo (Incumbent), Juan Martinez Six Democrats seek five spots on Norco County Council primary ballot EASTON CITY COUNCIL CONTESTED RACES DISTRICT 1 Democrat: Frank Graziano III, Roger Ruggles (Incumbent) DISTRICT 3 Democrat: Susan Hartranft-Bittinger, Taiba Sultana (Incumbent) Two Easton City Council districts have Democratic primary battles SCHOOL BOARD RACES Seven in the running for Saucon Valley School Board Other races on the ballot include more local school board races, borough and township positions and statewide elections for judges on the Superior and Commonwealth courts. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issues a formal apology on behalf of New York State for its role in operating the Thomas Indian School, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, outside the William Seneca Administration Building in Irving, N.Y. (Libby March/The Buffalo News via AP) AP NEW YORK (AP) New York Gov. Kathy Hochul formally apologized Tuesday for the atrocities she says were committed at an upstate boarding school where Native American youths were forcibly separated from their families and forced to assimilate into American society. The Democrat, speaking on the grounds of the former Thomas Indian School on Seneca Nation land, said students were subjected to unimaginable physical, emotional and sexual assaults during the institutions more than 100-year existence. This undated photo provided by the Library of Congress shows the Thomas Indian school in Irving, N.Y. (Library of Congress via AP) AP Instead of being a haven for orphan children, it became a place of nightmares, Hochul said. A place some would call a torture chamber, the site of sanctioned ethnic cleansing. Thats what was going on here. Trying to eradicate the long, proud story of the Senecas. More than 2,500 students from tribes across the state attended the school in western New York, which operated from 1875 to 1957 and was among hundreds of such boarding schools across the U.S. Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca, whose father attended the school, said the apology was an important reckoning for the dark and tragic period in the tribes history. Seneca Nation president J. Conrad Seneca carries a proclamation of formal apology from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on behalf of New York State for its role in operating the Thomas Indian School, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, outside the William Seneca Administration Building in Irving, N.Y. (Libby March/The Buffalo News via AP) AP It is a day that many people thought would never happen, he said in a statement after the event. Healing takes time, but it also requires accountability for the pain that people caused. We still feel the pain. Now, with Governor Hochuls words of apology, our healing process can continue. Hochul, during what the tribe said was the first official visit by a sitting New York governor to Seneca land, met with school survivors and their family members. She said she learned about how the schools harsh environment affected generations of tribe members. The children in that school didnt feel like they had a family. They were lonely, she said. No one gave them hugs or kisses goodnight, so when they became parents themselves, they were not conditioned to nurture or give love. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issues a formal apology on behalf of New York State for its role in operating the Thomas Indian School, Tuesday,May 20, 2025, outside the William Seneca Administration Building in Irving, N.Y. (Libby March/The Buffalo News via AP) AP Hochul vowed her budget will propose the creation of new education materials about local indigenous communities and their contributions. A deeper understanding of the people whose land we are on and what they have gone through. That is a first step forward, she said. Originally called the Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children, the school was established by Presbyterian missionaries in 1855 and taken over by the state in 1875. It was named after Philip E. Thomas, an early benefactor and president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The institution was among more than 400 government-supported schools established throughout the country with the goal of assimilating Native American youths. But the schools, which operated for roughly 150 years, had a devastating impact on Native American communities. Staff at the schools worked to strip Native children of their traditions and heritage. Teachers and administrators cut their hair, forbade them from speaking their own languages and forced them into manual labor. Students, forcibly separated from their families, endured torture, sexual abuse and hatred from school officials. More than 900 children died at the schools, the last of which closed or transitioned into different institutions decades ago. Former President Joe Biden in October 2024 visited the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to formally apologize to Native Americans for the sin of the nations government-run boarding school system. But at least $1.6 million in federal funds destined for research projects on the boarding schools have been among the casualties of President Donald Trumps efforts to rein in the federal bureaucracy. Some Seneca tribe members were skeptical of Hochuls goodwill gesture. Lori Quigley, a Niagara University professor whose mother attended the Thomas school for 10 years as a young child, said she hoped the governor offered more than words. An apology is one thing, she said by phone ahead of the visit. What actions is she going to take in acknowledging this? These traumas are still impacting our communities. Nicole Hill, left, and Aryien Stevens of the Gejohgwa' dancers perform before New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's formal apology to the Seneca Nation for New York State's role in operating the Thomas Indian School, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, outside the William Seneca Administration Building in Irving, N.Y. (Libby March/The Buffalo News via AP) AP Matthew Hill, a tribe member whose father was among the last class of students before the school was shuttered, dismissed the visit as empty words. After all, he said, the Hochul administration and the tribe have been negotiating for years over how much if any of the tribes casino revenues the state should be allowed to collect. Theyre saying sorry for the school, but theyll continue extorting money from us in the form of gaming revenues, said Hill. Its a joke. Arsons at a Monroe County home and at East Stroudsburg University have led to the arrests of two men and a search for a third man as part of a joint police investigation. The three men are accused in connection with the crime of leaving four Molotov cocktails at a home shortly before 5 a.m. Dec. 15, 2023, in the 100 block of Pine Knob Lane in Barrett Township, Monroe County, police said. A Molotov cocktail is a glass bottle filled with a flammable substance and equipped with a fuse. Its designed to shatter and explode. None of the homemade bombs exploded, although they put a family at risk of death, police said. A woman was inside the home with four children, ages 13 and younger, and her 20-year-old daughter, police said. Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner said the woman woke up after hearing a loud bang, then found a Molotov cocktail burning on her front porch near the front door. She kicked it away and then found a second Molotov cocktail shattered in the driveway, Wagner said. Investigators found a third Molotov cocktail by the back door and a fourth by the side of the home, Wagner said. The Molotov cocktail by the side door was lit but didnt explode, the chief said. Police arrested Isaiah Antonio Garcia, 21, of Bushkill, Pike County and Traill Labar Jr., 20, of White Haven, Luzerne County on Friday, in connection with the arsons. A warrant has been filed at the office of Judge Riley for the arrest of 20-year-old Chapel Iliev of Pocono Summit, Monroe County. Wagner told lehighvalleylive.com on Tuesday the case took over a year to crack due to lab results, tracking down witnesses, and the multi-jurisdictional factors. This is one of those cases that just took awhile to come together, Wagner said. A warrant was filed May 19, 2025, for the arrest of 20-year-old Chapel Iliev of Pocono Summit, Monroe County. Courtesy of Pocono Mountain Regional Police Police believe Illiev dated the roommate of the arson victims adult daughter. She attended East Stroudsburg University, the chief said. Iliev allegedly stole a liquor bottle from the home prior to the arsons, Wagner said. The daughter allegedly took a backpack from Iliev, and they exchanged text messages over the stolen items, police said. Iliev threatened the daughter in a text concerning the backpack, stating he knows where she lives, Wagner said. Police said the three men stole the 20-year-old arson victims car and used it to drive to another car, which they set on fire. The three men allegedly smashed the windows of a white Nissan sedan and threw a Molotov cocktail into it, setting it ablaze on the East Stroudsburg University campus, Wagner said. Police said they intended to set Illievs ex-girlfriends car on fire but they targeted the wrong car. Video surveillance footage showed Garcia, Iliev and Labar allegedly all participating in the car arson, police said. Investigators say Iliev, Garcia, and two other men filled a gas can in the early hours of Dec. 15, 2023, and placed it in the trunk of the 20-year-old victims sedan, Wagner said. That vehicle later crashed and was abandoned on the morning of Dec. 15, 2023. The vehicle was reported as stolen by the victims adult daughter on Dec. 16, 2023, according to police. The case was investigated by Stroud Area Regional Police. Investigators found a debit card belonging to Labar in the crashed car, police said. Police also found a receipt for the gasoline purchase and a water bottle containing gasoline in the crashed car, police said. Garcias fingerprint was found on a Molotov cocktail from the Barrett Township home, and his DNA was found on a second Molotov cocktail at the home, police said. Both arson investigations have been combined into one case and are being investigated by both Pocono Mountain Regional Police and Pennsylvania State Police. Garcia and Labar each are charged with more than 40 offenses, including 19 counts of felony arson. Both face felony attempted homicide charges; felony conspiracy to commit homicide; felony risking a catastrophe; two counts felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime; and related offenses. Garcia and Labar were arraigned Friday before District Judge Phillip R. Riley, who set bail at $250,000 each. In lieu of bail, Garcia and Labar were taken to the Monroe County jail. Iliev faces similar charges of his co-defendants, including 19 counts of felony arson, as well as felony attempted homicide; felony conspiracy to commit homicide; felony causing or risking a catastrophe; two counts felony criminal mischief and related offenses. Garcia and Labar both are due back in court at 10 a.m. May 22 for preliminary hearings scheduled before Riley. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. The Transportation Security Administration recently deployed a new facial recognition technology where passengers at select airports have their picture taken to match their ID shown to TSA officers. AP The Transportation Security Administration recently deployed a new technology in which passengers at select airports have their picture taken to match their ID shown to TSA officers. The facial recognition technology is in operation at 84 airports across the country with plans to expand it to 400 U.S. airports over the next few years, according to the TSA. The technology has not been met without controversy, however, with some wondering if the technology is causing privacy issues. Heres what you need to know about the facial recognition technology and how it will affect you on your next flight. How does the TSAs new facial recognition technology work? The TSAs Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) has actually been in use for years to identify travelers and flight details. But whats changed about the technology is that the new CAT-2 units are equipped with a camera to take photos of passengers in real-time. The TSA says this technology is key to identifying passengers in the security-screening process. This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as drivers licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passengers identification, Gerardo Spero, TSAs Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, said in a press release. We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are. Does the TSA store the photos taken with facial recognition scans? The TSA claims it does not store the photos taken during facial recognition scans to prove identity. Under normal operating conditions TSA facial recognition technology deletes traveler data and images immediately after your identity is verified, the TSA noted on its website. If you use TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution, your information is deleted 24 hours after your scheduled departure time." However, the agency noted that there are some instances where TSA will save the photos and data to test the accuracy of the facial recognition technology, but claims that passengers will be notified. There are concerns that the data may be held for longer than the few seconds it takes to verify someones identity and used for other purposes they did not agree to, like surveillance and tracking, according critics of the technology. Can you opt out of the TSAs facial recognition scans? Yes, travelers can directly state to a TSA agent at a security checkpoint that they do not want their photo taken and want to opt out. The agent should follow standard procedure of visually matching your face to your ID as it has traditionally been done. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition technology process may decline the optional photo, without recourse, in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial recognition technology to verify their identity, according to the TSA. Travis LeBlanc, a lawyer and a former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, told HuffPost that you dont have to submit your picture to the government for the government to scan it and store it under their rules. However, critics of the TSAs facial recognition scans say signage stating this option are not always clearly visible. If youre worried about facing pushback from the TSA at a checkpoint, it says a traveler will face no consequences for declining a face scan. This action will not take longer and travelers will not lose their place in line for security screening, TSA says. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) opted out of the face scan and experienced no apparent delays getting on his flight in 2023, according to The Washington Post, despite a TSA agent telling him he would face significant delays. If you want to read more about TSAs facial recognition technology, you can find out more here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A fleet of young Laois musicians from Rathdowney and Timahoe have performed as part of the inaugural Midlands Fiddle Fiesta. A total of 55 violinists from Scoil Bhride Rathdowney and 11 violin players from Scoil Mhuire Fatima Timahoe, travelled to TUS Athlone on Friday, May 16, to take part in a workshop day called 'Fiddle Fiesta' with children from school programmes in Music Generations across Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. Under the direction of Veronica Urrego, a violinist based in Scotland, and originally from Venezuela, 170 young violinists took part, alongside a live band. John Davidson of Music Generation Laois teaches violin in Rathdowney each week whhile Irene Ramos of Music Generation Laois teaches violin in Timahoe each week. MORE BELOW PICTURE. John and Irene travelled to Athlone and worked along-side Veronica to create a large-scale string orchestra. Fiddle Fiesta is part of a new project called Building Orchestral Pathways (BOP), which seeks to develop string and orchestral playing in the midlands, supported by the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership Creativity and Collaboration Fund. Most recently, young musicians and adult musicians from Laois formed a BOP Orchestra along with musicians from Music Generations Offaly and Westmeath. BOP Orchestra had their debut performance in Music at the Malthouse on Sunday, 11 May, presented by Music Generation Laois, conducted by Diane Daly (Irish Chamber Orchestra). Rosa Flannery Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois spoke at the Fiddle Fiesta in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. 'We are having a wonderful day with our young violin players in TUS Athlone. A large-scale performance of Coldplay's Viva La Vida has been the highlight for many of the children involved. MORE BELOW PICTURE. "It's really exciting for our young players to meet other musicians from neighbouring counties, play music, have fun and get the opportunity to work with Veronica Urrego. Veronica works with El Sistema Scotland and she also conducts the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. We are really excited about how our BOP project, led by Music Generation Westmeath in partnership with ourselves, Music Generation Laois, and with Music Generation Offaly, will create lots of inspirational opportunities for musicians in the midlands," she said. READ ALSO: Laois daughter takes on challenge in dad's memory Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music's Annual Open Evening will take place on Tuesday 17 June in Laois Music Centre in Portlaoise from 6-8pm. All are welcome to come and meet the team of Musician Educators and try out lots of musical instruments. Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland's national music education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and The Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council. www.musicgenerationlaois.ie Laois Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack has welcomed her partys intention bring the endometriosis care campaign to the Dail in an effort to improve services for local women and thousands of others affected across the state. She said the move follows a series of public meetings in Portlaoise and elsewhere hosted by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald with those impacted by endometriosis across the state. Sen McCormack commented in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after a motion was submitted to the Dail on Monday, May 19. Over the last number of weeks, we have held public meetings across the state and one thing has been very, very clear. The HSE is not delivering basic healthcare for the many women across Ireland who are suffering from endometriosis a disease that is as common as diabetes. It is taking an average of nine years to be diagnosed, and even then, we have women being misdiagnosed and often told that they are imagining the pain, she said. Portlaoise-based McCormack said a response to a Parliamentary Question received by her party's Health spokesperson David Cullinane TD, reveals that the majority of patients, who are extremely ill, are waiting up to six months to be seen. The Laois general election candidate said the HSE is not delivering. MORE BELOW LINK READ ALSO: Mary Lou in tears at Laois women's experiences While our engagement with patients is ongoing, it is clear that the current diagnostic and treatment pathways offered by the HSE are not fit for purpose, or in keeping with international best practice. Women are being left in excruciating pain, with many forced to go abroad for specialist care to avoid further damage to vital organs, unnecessary hysterectomies, or simply being left in pain so severe that they are unable to function and go about their day-to-day lives. When difficulties related to accessing care were raised with the Taoiseach a few weeks ago by my party leader Mary Lou McDonald TD, they were met with callousness by the Taoiseach. Women are asking us to move on this now, and that is what we are doing. We are listening to the hundreds of patients across the country who are desperate for help. This motion calls out decades of failure in the delivery of endometriosis care and demands immediate access to improved imaging, fast-track referrals, and funding for specialist excision surgery, as well as the establishment of a specialist centre of excellence with a full multidisciplinary team. Weve held meetings in Donegal, Portlaoise and Drogheda areas of the country where women with this disease are often forgotten about. In the coming weeks, we will hold further public meetings in Monaghan, Galway, Cork, Clare, Wexford and Kilkenny. This is not just a womens health issue it is a health scandal, and it is happening on our watch. We are calling on all parties to back this motion when it comes before the Dail. Women deserve better, she said. Deputy McDonald was joined by Sen McCormack at a public meeting on the topic in Wynns Hotel, Dublin on May 19. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The illegal removal of ring buoys near bodies of water in County Kildare has been called out by councillors. The discussion arose following the submission of a motion concerning water safety, which was heard at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting on Monday, May 19 last. At this meeting, Fianna Fail Cllr Veralouise Behan motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) "to launch a local water safety campaign in the Municipal District, in conjunction with Waterways Ireland. Her motion was seconded by Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh. In response to Cllr Behan's motion, KCC said: "As part of the countywide water safety programme which takes place over the coming weeks, KCC will incorporate specific information relating to initiatives and waterways in the Athy Municipal District." Speaking further on her motion, Cllr Behan said: "We all know that great weather brings out people who love to swim, and its been very busy the last few weeks, seeing as summer has come early." Cllr Behan added: "I would encourage people to carry out basic water safety." She also criticised those who would illegally remove ring buoys, and outlined how potentially dangerous such an action can be. Agreeing with her sentiments, Cllr Leigh said: "There is a lovely plaque at the Grand Canal 27th Lock, but we don't need to be adding any more names to it." CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT The Cathaoirleach / Mayor of the Municipal District, Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin, also expressed support for the motion. She also criticised those who would illegally remove ring buoys: "I don't understand it. It is life-saving equipment, and there is a cost to replacing the buoys too." "It can't be tolerated," Mayor Behan added. Fianna Fail Cllr Brian Dooley also threw support behind his party colleague's motion. He also noted that there is potential danger for those who swim in quarries: "They can be very deep and very cold it's usually the cold that catches people out." "It's just not safe to swim in," he added. Cllr Dooley also had the following advice for those planning on swimming: "Make sure to have a buoy closeby, and make sure that another person can go with you." READ NEXT: BREAKING: Bernie Sanders coming to Kildare this weekend An Garda Siochana are now accepting applications for a civilian role within the organisation as they are seeking a Strategic Stakeholder Communications Manager, which is the equivalent to a Higher Executive Officer. It is a full-time and permanent role, although the first year is subject to probation. The job will be located in the Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park in Dublin. The role also comes with an impressive salary scale, starting off at 58,264 and reaching up to 73,378. The job itself involves supporting Garda Senior Management by providing detailed research on topical issues and upcoming events, developing speeches, informing briefing material, analysis of media and politics, report writing and more. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Irish man (50s) airlifted to hospital following motorcycle collision To do this, candidates must have a minimum National Framework of Qualifications Level 7 in a relevant qualification in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, marketing or a similar discipline or candidates must be able to demonstrate at least four years relevant experience working in any of these fields. Other desirable criteria listed in the job posting includes experience working in a public affairs role, proficiency in the Irish language and a full clean category B driving licence. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 3 June at 3pm. BirdWatch Ireland and Leitrim County Council have launched the 2025 Leitrim Barn Owl Survey, a new initiative aimed at identifying Barn Owl nest sites across Leitrim. The survey is being undertaken by BirdWatch Ireland and is funded by Leitrim County Council, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. The goal is to establish the current status and distribution of Barn Owls in Leitrim by locating nest and roost sites, and identifying any Barn Owl nest boxes that have been installed throughout the county. This will allow conservationists to gain an understanding of the local Barn Owl population and implement conservation measures to support them. Once widespread in Ireland, Barn Owls have experienced sharp population declines due to a combination of factors, including the loss of suitable nesting and foraging habitats, increased use of rodenticides, road collisions, and land use changes. Efforts to conserve Barn Owls have shown signs of success in some areas, but knowledge of their presence in Leitrim remains limited. BirdWatch Ireland is appealing to the public, particularly farmers, landowners, and rural residents, to report Barn Owl sightings, active or historic nest sites, roosting locations, or the presence of nest boxes. Such knowledge is essential for uncovering the whereabouts of these elusive birds. Local people are often the first to notice signs of Barn Owls, whether its hearing their distinctive screeches at night, spotting them at dusk, or finding owl pellets beneath or within an old building or at the base of a tree, said Alan McCarthy, Barn Owl Research Officer with BirdWatch Ireland. We are asking anyone in Leitrim who has seen or heard a Barn Owl, has installed a Barn Owl nest box, or who knows of a possible nest or roost site, to get in touch. These reports are incredibly valuable and could help guide conservation action to protect Barn Owls in the county. Barn Owls are most often found nesting in old and derelict buildings, tree cavities, and specially installed nest boxes in quiet, undisturbed locations. They are strictly nocturnal and feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, rats and voles, making them important natural pest controllers. BirdWatch Ireland stresses that Barn Owls are a protected species and can be very sensitive to disturbance, and that potential nest sites should never be approached or interfered with in any way. The survey will run throughout the summer of 2025, with fieldwork being carried out by BirdWatch Ireland. All sightings and information provided by the public will be treated in confidence. The survey is being launched as part of a range of events to celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2025 and The Leitrim Gathering. I am thrilled to be launching the first County Leitrim Survey of Barn Owls this year. There is currently very little information regarding the distribution of Barn Owls in Leitrim so the data gathered from the survey is crucial to help with the protection of this iconic bird, said Rebeccah Cogan, Biodiversity Officer, with Leitrim County Council. To celebrate both National Biodiversity Week and The Leitrim Gathering, we are offering a free event for the public to come along and learn more about Barn Owls. The event will see John Lusby of Birdwatch Ireland deliver an engaging talk on the fascinating world of the Barn Owl, at the Landmark Hotel on Friday, May 23 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Spaces are limited and can be reserved here. Anyone with information about Barn Owls in Leitrim is encouraged to visit the Barn Owl Survey page on the BirdWatch Ireland website, or email any information to amccarthy@birdwatchireland.ie. READ MORE: Preparations underway for swimming lessons at popular Leitrim amenity Leitrim communities, landowners and stakeholders are to be given more time to share their views on proposals for the Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties (SLNCR) Greenway with the deadline for submissions now extended to Tuesday 3 June 2025. The 75km greenway will run from Enniskillen in Fermanagh to Sligo town via Leitrim and Cavan passing through Letterbreen, Belcoo, Glenfarne, Manorhamilton, Dromahair, Ballintogher, Ballygawley and Collooney and onwards to Ballysadare and Sligo town. The extension of time follows successful in-person events held in Sligo, Dromahair and Belcoo last week where more than 175 people attended. The 75km greenway will honour the old railway line linking settlements along the way and will provide a safe space for local and visiting walkers and cyclists as a strategic and scenic route for people to come, stay, visit and explore the region. The publication of the Emerging Preferred Corridor marks public consultation no 3 for the project. Brendan McKenna from Leitrim County Council, senior executive engineer to the project said: The emerging preferred corridor has now been published for the greenway. It sets out the area where the preferred route is likely to be. It is important we hear from local communities and landowners as their insight is invaluable to help inform the design. Last week we had important and engaging conversations. Local people told us about their land and communities - the history, stories and even folklore. We heard everything from farm operations, contours of the land, recreational use, how people live in their homes, link with neighbours and movement of water, wildlife and traffic. We ask everyone to share their views with us via the website or with the project liaison officers out on the ground before 3 June. The consultation is being held on the project website www.slncr-greenway.com and features all the information displayed at the in-person events. There are frequently asked questions and opportunity to contact the project team with any queries. Leitrim County Council, is working in partnership with Sligo County Council, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to develop the SLNCR Railway Greenway under the auspices of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Arup has been appointed by Leitrim County Council as consultants for engineering and for other consultancy services to bring the project through the planning process to tender for construction For more information visit www.slncr-greenway.com READ MORE: We believe in what Stevie's doing says Leitrim's Eanna McNamara Matador Resources Company Announces 2025 Annual Meeting and Webcast Details Matador Resources Company (NYSE: MTDR) ("Matador" or the "Company") will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Central Time. The Annual Meeting will be held in the Fort Worth Ballroom at The Westin Galleria Dallas hotel, located at 13340 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75240. A continental breakfast will be provided beginning at 8:30 a.m. Central Time to provide shareholders with the opportunity to meet and interact with directors, management and employees before and after the formal meeting. The Annual Meeting will be webcast live. To access the live webcast, you can use the following link https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=BAD980CE-A380-4B64-9D40-14B72B5BFE1B or visit the Events and Presentations page located under the Investor Relations tab on Matador's website at www.matadorresources.com. About Matador Resources Company Matador is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States, with an emphasis on oil and natural gas shale and other unconventional plays. Its current operations are focused primarily on the oil and liquids-rich portion of the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. Matador also operates in the Haynesville shale and Cotton Valley plays in Northwest Louisiana. Additionally, Matador conducts midstream operations in support of its exploration, development and production operations and provides natural gas processing, oil transportation services, natural gas, oil and produced water gathering services and produced water disposal services to third parties. For more information, visit Matador Resources Company at www.matadorresources.com. 20 may 2025 at 06:35 News published onand distributed by: Skanska builds highway in Nordland County, Norway, for NOK 4.4 billion, about SEK 4.2 billion STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with The Norwegian Road authority to build the new E6 highway between Sommerset and Megarden in Nordland County, Norway. The contract is worth NOK 4.4 billion, about SEK 4.2 billion, which will be included in the Nordic order bookings for the second quarter of 2025. The contract consists of approximately 21.5 kilometers of new road between Sommerset and Megarden. The work includes design and construction of 3 tunnels, totaling approximately 13.8 kilometers, approximately 6.9 kilometers road in the day zone, 3 bridges and several smaller constructions. The project shall be certified to BREEAM Infrastructure "Design and Construction phase" very good. The E6 Sommerset - Megarden is the southernmost and first stage of the overall project E6 Megarden-Mrsvikbotn. The project is part of the long-term work to increase traffic safety and capacity on the current E6 south of Bod so that the road system stimulates growth and development in the region. Detailed engineering will start immediately, and construction work is expected to begin during May 2025. The road is planned to be completed during summer 2031. For further information please contact: Audun Lagyr, EVP Communications, Skanska Norway, tel +47 93 45 25 31 Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-builds-highway-in-nordland-county--norway--for-nok-4-4-billion--about-sek-4-2-billion,c4152628 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4152628/3458422.pdf 20250520 NO highway SOURCE Skanska 20 may 2025 at 07:38 News published onand distributed by: IDT Biologika Accelerates Global Growth Through Strategic CDMO Partnership Company strengthens global presence through participation in major international bio events Company showcases tailored end-to-end CDMO services to broaden customer engagement and build new partnerships "With our proven capabilities and expertise, we will continue to expand our global business" SEONGNAM, South Korea and HAMBURG, Germany, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK bioscience, a global innovative vaccine and biotech company committed to promoting human health from prevention to cure, today announced that IDT Biologika, a Germany-based CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and a subsidiary of SK bioscience, is accelerating its efforts to explore new business opportunities and strengthen its presence as a global CDMO through major international industry events. IDT Biologika recently participated in BioProcess International Europe (BPI Europe), held at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH) in Germany from May 12 to 15. BPI is one of the world's leading bioindustry conferences for the latest technologies and partnerships across the entire biopharmaceutical value chain. The event is held annually in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. At the event, the company showcased its tailored end-to-end services for the development and manufacturing of viral vaccines, gene & immune therapeutics, and aseptic fill-finish of sterile injectables. The company also shared successful partnership cases, underscoring its proven capabilities. Federico Pollano, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), and Dr. Nanette Schlatermund, Senior Expert Business Development, attended the event in person to explore opportunities for next-generation biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing with potential partners. Earlier this year, IDT Biologika also took part in several major global events to exchange insights on the latest market trends and strengthen its international network. In March, IDT Biologika took part in DCAT Week 2025 in New York City, USA. Organized by the New York Chamber of Commerce since 1890, DCAT Week is a premier executive-level networking event for the global pharmaceutical industry. During the event, the company hosted high-level meetings in a dedicated suite with senior leadership including Co-CEO Dr. Sally Choe, CCO Federico Pollano, and Dr. Lifeng He, Global Head of Business Development. They engaged with key industry leaders to explore potential strategic collaborations. In April, IDT Biologika also participated in the World Vaccine Congress 2025, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The company highlighted its advanced CDMO capabilities and technology platforms to global vaccine experts and public health officials. Notably, the company presented its successful scale-up experience for vaccine and CGT manufacturing using the iCELLis 500 platform, a fixed-bed bioreactor system for industrial scale manufacturing. Continuing its global engagement, the company is scheduled to attend BIO International Convention (BIO US), the world's largest biotechnology industry event, taking place in Boston from June 16 to 19. Meanwhile, following the successful acquisition by SK bioscience in October last year, IDT Biologika leverages over 100 years of expertise to serve multinational pharmaceutical companies and government agencies across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company recorded positive earnings in both Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, contributing to the financial stability of SK bioscience. This year, IDT Biologika aims to exceed KRW 410 billion (appx. USD 294.86 million) in annual revenue and achieve a turnaround to profitability by enhancing operational efficiency and securing new business development. Dr. Sally Choe, Co-CEO of IDT Biologika, said, "IDT Biologika has been recognized for its excellence in technology, reliability, and customer satisfaction by being selected as the winner of the CDMO Leadership Awards 2025 in the category Biologics ? International, as voted by global pharma and biotech companies themselves. We will continue to drive global expansion by leveraging our differentiated, customer-centric services and extensive partnership experience." About SK bioscience SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions. - SK bioscience Website - SK bioscience Linkedin Contact SK bioscience Communications Team Changhyun Jin ([email protected]) Jeannie S. Pak ([email protected]) SOURCE SK bioscience 20 may 2025 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: My favourite fonts to use with LaTeX (part I) 21 Nov 2022 Lino Ferreira Table of Contents Introduction Fonts Bembo Palatino Crimson Libertine Introduction TeX and related systems are often associated with their default fonts, Donald Knuths Computer Modern (CM) typefaces. While these fonts are excellent, they have become so ubiquitous in the scientific community that many LaTeX users have sought alternative fonts for their documents. As a result, a plethora of font packages and even OpenType-compatible engines (XeLaTeX and LuaLaTeX) have emerged in the past 20 years. A while ago, I set out to explore this extensive set of LaTeX font options. My goal was to select a small group of high-quality free fonts which I could later choose from when typesetting different documents. As I moved forward with my search, I also became interested in the history and rationale behind the design of different fonts and this led me to write some descriptive notes on each of my favourites. In the paragraphs below, I list and give a brief description of seven fonts which I personally like (where the original fonts are commercial, I focus on free alternatives). These are: Bembo, Palatino, Crimson, Libertine, STIX, Charter and Utopia. I also provide a small sample of each font (containing both text and maths) so that the different choices can be easily assessed and compared. Longer samples for each font (code and resulting PDF file) are available on this GitHub repo. When using LaTeX, three types of fonts can be selected and are commonly used: a roman or serif font which is normally employed for body text and which should have maths support; a sans-serif font which is sometimes used for headers; and a monospaced or typewriter font. When selecting a font for a document, it is therefore important to consider whether the font supports mathematical characters (at least if we will be typing some maths!) and also to choose an appropriate sans-serif font to accompany it (the monospaced font often differs more visibly from the roman). This survey focuses on serif fonts as these are the usual choice for longer documents such as articles or books (although sans-serifs have become more popular for longer text in recent years). However, in keeping with the reasoning above, I have also selected accompanying sans-serif fonts for each of the seven roman choices below (all of which have maths support of some form or another). As a monospaced font, I chose Raph Leviens excellent Inconsolata, a popular choice not only in the TeX world but also as the main font in text editors. As mentioned above, engines such as LuaLaTeX make the use of OpenType fonts possible in LaTeX. While Type 1 fonts (which often have dedicated LaTeX packages) are the simplest to setup and are available on most distributions (which makes them a good choice when co-writing documents, for example), OpenType fonts are more complete and customisable in their options and represent the best current standard in digital typography. Whenever possible (i.e. when a font is provided in Type 1 through a LaTeX package and also available as OpenType) I provide two samples, one for each configuration. In the remaining cases, I use whichever format is available. I give further details on the configuration used for producing the samples as well as on the sources of the sample text in the final two sections of this text. And now on to the fonts! Fonts Bembo fbb and Libertinus Math in LuaLaTeX Bembo is the oldest typeface in this survey. Released by the Monotype Corporation in 1929, the fonts roman style is based on a design by Francesco Griffo (an Italian punchcutter who created the first italic type) from c. 1495. Aldus Manutius, one of the most important printers of his age, used the font to publish a short work by the cleric Pietro Bembo, after whom Monotypes face is named. Bembo remains one of todays most popular book fonts, having been used by publishing houses such as Penguin Books or the Oxford University Press. While its old-style appearance may make it unsuitable for certain documents, Bembo has received some attention from the LaTeX community. This is due at least in part to the work of Edward Tufte (known among other things for his writings on data visualisation) whose remarkably-well-designed books use Bembo as their body text font. While these books were not composed in a TeX system, they have inspired the development of the tufte-latex document class to produce similarly designed books as well as handouts. Books by Edward Tufte (click to enlarge). Source: Edward Tufte, via Fonts In Use. License: all rights reserved Monotypes Bembo is a commercial font, although a web-font version of ET Book, the font used in Tuftes books, has been made available for free by Tufte himself. A more complete free alternative is Cardo, developed by David J. Perry and also based on the typeface cut for Aldus Manutius. Designed with the needs of classics and linguistics scholars in mind, Cardo has been modified and extended by Michael Sharpe for use with LaTeX through the fbb package. The fbb font is available in both OpenType and Type 1 formats and is thus suitable for use with OTF-compatible systems such as LuaLaTeX as well as pdfLaTeX. While no maths companion font is available for fbb, Sharpe suggests the Libertine-style maths font provided by newtxmath with the libertine option in pdfLaTeX. In LuaLaTeX, I instead use Libertinus Math, an OpenType maths font developed by Khaled Hosny which is covered below. Regarding sans-serif companions for Bembo, Tuftes books use Eric Gills highly popular Gill Sans. Like Bembo, Gill Sans is commercial and because of this I chose Gillius ADF, a free font inspired by Gill Sans and available in OpenType format, as an alternative. The gillius package provides support for pdfLaTeX as well as LuaLaTeX and XeLaTeX. Palatino TeX Gyre Pagella in LuaLaTeX Palatino is one of the most widely-used and recognisable fonts of the 20th century. Designed by Hermann Zapf and first released in 1949 by the Stempel foundry, Palatino was inspired by old-style Italian Renaissance types and influenced by Zapfs expertise in calligraphy. The font is named after Giambattista Palatino, one of the best-known calligraphers of the Renaissance period. Palatino was originally intended for use in headings and display printing and aimed to be clearly readable even on small sizes and poor-quality paper. Two distinctive features which contribute to its legibility are a larger x-height and wider apertures when compared to other fonts in the Renaissance tradition. In the TeX universe, Palatino-style fonts are perhaps the most commonly used serif fonts after the default CM Roman. The close relation between Palatino and TeX goes beyond its mere frequent use with the typesetting system, however. Indeed, Donald Knuth discussed the design of CM Roman with Zapf (see the photo below), who would later create the AMS Euler maths font with Knuths assistance under commission by the American Mathematical Society (AMS). Zapf was also an honorary member of the board of the TeX Users Group since 1980 with the title of Wizard of Fonts. Donald Knuth (left) and Hermann Zapf (right) (click to enlarge). Source: Bettmann, via Getty Images Like Bembo, Palatino is a commercial font. Fortunately, several clones of the original font have been developed over the years and are available for easy integration with LaTeX. In pdfLaTeX, I chose the text font provided by the newpx package. As maths fonts, I provide samples using the maths companion font provided by the same package as well as an Euler-like font provided by the eulervm package. As you can see in the sample below, Euler has a distinctive look as a maths font with its upright letters instead of the usual italics. In this respect it aims to reflect the typical handwriting of mathematicians on the blackboard. New PX and Euler-VM in pdfLaTeX Unlike many free fonts which are only available in Type 1 format, Palatino also has a free OpenType clone with maths support: the GUST project has developed the TeX Gyre Pagella font for which an OTF maths companion font is conveniently provided (there also exists another free OTF maths font in Palatino-style called Asana Math). Unfortunately, there is no complete OpenType version of the Euler maths font: only an abandoned port named Neo Euler (developed by Khaled Hosny) exists. Because of this, I do not provide a sample with an Euler-like font in LuaLaTeX. The most natural sans-serif companion to Palatino is probably Zapfs recent Palatino Sans font. Optima, perhaps his best-known creation after Palatino, could also pair well with it. Unfortunately, both of these fonts are commercial and no free clone is available for easy use with LaTeX (the free URW Classico, an Optima clone, is available as a LaTeX package but is not included in most distributions). An alternative approach to looking for a sans-serif font which closely matches the serif in its design is to choose a visibly different sans font. Unlike a loosely matched sans font whose differences relative to the roman can create an unwelcome mild dissonance, a clearly dissimilar font can relieve this tension by making the high contrast a feature of the design. In this spirit, several LaTeX packages which use a Palatino clone as their main text font have opted for a Helvetica clone as a sans-serif companion. Here I follow this approach by choosing TeX Gyre Heros, a free Helvetica clone also developed by the GUST project. Heros is available in both OpenType and Type 1 formats, and a package is provided for easy use of the latter with pdfLaTeX. Finally, an interesting set of fonts based on Palatino (derived from URW Palladio) but with a unique and distinctive character is Kp-Fonts (the Johannes Kepler project no relation to Robert Slimbachs Kepler font) developed by Christophe Caignaert. This complete set of fonts (it contains roman, sans-serif, monospaced and maths fonts) is available for use with LaTeX through the kpfonts package. Each of the three text fonts includes old-style figures and true small caps and is available in both the standard weight as well as a lighter weight. Even the default version of the roman font is, however, of a lighter weight than Palatino and in this respect is more similar to Aldus, a second font designed by Zapf which is similar to Palatino but intended for book use. For an example of the Aldus font in use in a TeX system, see the documentation of the fontspec package which employs it as its main body font. Kp-Fonts in pdfLaTeX Crimson Cochineal in pdfLaTeX Crimson is a free, open-source font designed by Sebastian Kosch in 2010. At the time, Kosch says, high-quality free text fonts were scarce and so Crimson was developed with the laudable goal of providing a workhorse font for the masses. Crimson is an old-style font in the Renaissance tradition and Kosch mentions as inspiration some of the most popular 20th century revivals of fonts from that period such as Robert Slimbachs Minion or Jan Tschicholds Sabon. Michael Sharpes cochineal package provides a fork of the Crimson font with many glyphs added to ensure appropriate support for LaTeX use. A maths companion font is provided through the newtxmath package with the cochineal option. Unfortunately, newtxmath is not designed for combined use with OpenType text fonts through LuaLaTeX or XeLaTeX. Therefore, and even though cochineal includes an OpenType version, only a pdfLaTeX sample is provided (which uses the newtxmath companion font). As a sans-serif companion, Sharpe uses Pablo Impallaris Cabin (another font inspired by Gill Sans) in the documentation of cochineal and I follow this choice. One of Crimsons characteristics is its (coincidental, according to Kosch) similarity to Slimbachs Minion font (although Crimson has a smaller x-height and more elaborate details see the image below). Minion has become a standard choice for book typesetting since its first release in 1990 (for example, it is the main body-text font used in Robert Bringhursts classic text, The Elements of Typographic Style). Even though it is a commercial font, Minion (in particular its OpenType version, MinionPro) has gained popularity with LaTeX users as it comes bundled with some Adobe products and is thus available by default on some systems (the legality of using the font which comes bundled with Adobe Reader is dubious, however). While Crimson is not a clone of Minion, the similarity between the two fonts may make it a suitable free alternative for those looking for the now-classic look that Minion Pro provides. Minion Pro Regular (top) and Crimson Text (bottom). Source: Adobe Fonts and Google Fonts Libertine Libertinus in LuaLaTeX The Linux Libertine font family is perhaps the best-known example of an open-source font designed in the Internet era, and for good reason as it is an excellent font collection. While the three fonts we covered above are primarily inspired by old-style Renaissance type from the 15th and 16th centuries, Libertine draws more on the 17th century Baroque style as well as the modern book fonts of the 19th and 20th centuries, and therefore has a more contemporary appearance than either Bembo or Crimson. Libertine was developed as part of the Libertine Open Fonts Project which was started by Philipp H. Poll with the goal of releasing fonts under a GNU license. An important reference in its design was Times New Roman and its predecessor, Times Roman. Despite the similarities between the two fonts, there are also some clear differences. In terms of dimension, Libertine has a smaller x-height than Times (which was optimised for readability at small sizes, having been originally designed for newspaper columns) and a smaller footprint overall (see the image below). Another important difference is in the serifs, with Libertines being flatter and less sharp compared with Times crisp, angular and somewhat triangular ones (see this interview with Poll for a more complete discussion of the rationale behind the design of Libertine and its differences relative to Times). The Libertine family includes not only the Libertine roman but also an accompanying sans-serif font, Linux Biolinum. Times New Roman (top) and Linux Libertine (bottom) (click to enlarge). Source: osp blog The Libertine fonts are widely used in open-source software, for example being included in Libre Office and having been used to set the Wikipedia logo. In LaTeX, the fonts have been conveniently packaged in the libertine package, with newtxmath providing an accompanying maths font through the libertine option (this font was also used as a maths companion for fbb above). For the samples for this survey, I use not the original Linux Libertine fonts but the Libertinus family. This is a fork of the Libertine fonts by Khaled Hosny which provides an OpenType maths companion font (thus making Libertinus one of a very small number of fonts with OTF maths support) and fixes some of the bugs in Libertine. In addition to the roman, sans-serif and maths versions, Libertinus also provides monospaced and display fonts, as well as a semibold weight for the serif font; this level of completeness is one of its main strengths. The libertinus package enables the easy use of Libertinus in Type 1 format (for pdfLaTeX) as well as OpenType. We provide a sample using both pdfLaTeX and LuaLaTeX. Libertinus Math is only available as an OpenType font and therefore for the pdfLaTeX example we use newtxmath . Thanks for reading and check out part II of this post! Former President Sirleaf along with other Liberians participants at the just ended Liberia Investment Conference held in Accra, Ghana Your House Rent is Too High? Heres Whos Really to Blame Let us designate 2025 as our fifth year, a year characterized by deliberate action, he urged. Flashback: Bilitys Son, Peach (left) being escorted by court officer to the Monrovia Central Prison after his controversial release Liberty Party Political Leader, other executive members, and partisans at the party headquarters in Congo Town celebrating their 20th anniversary over the weekend. This award is not just for me, Dr. Menjay said. It is a call to action for every leader in Liberia to protect the rights of all people, regardless of faith. We must never allow division to destroy the unity we are striving to build. THE Shannon Airport Group is soaring into summer with this week's return of Deltas increased direct flights to New York-JFK, offering 52,000 seats until September 20 - 5,600 more than in 2024 - and United Airlines non-stop to Chicago, with 44,000 seats until September 24. Passengers travelling from Shannon now have a choice of five, daily US flights across the summer season as those returning this week are in addition to the year-round services offered by Aer Lingus to Boston and New York-JFK, and United Airlines to New York-Newark, bringing the total number of transatlantic seats on offer from Shannon across the summer to over 325,000. The increase in seats on the Shannon to JFK route this year reflects Delta's ongoing efforts to enhance its global presence, as it remains committed to strengthening its network and offering increased connectivity between the US and Europe. Delta's Boeing 767-300ER, seating 216 passengers, features four distinct cabins, including the popular Premium Economy cabin and 26 luxurious lie-flat Delta One business class seats. Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: READ MORE: Shannon Airport welcomes five new security team members from Limerick "Shannon Airport continues to see a growth in demand for transatlantic travel, and the return of these key routes is a valuable seasonal addition to the year-round, daily Aer Lingus flights serving Boston and New York, alongside United Airlines service to Newark. "Passengers choosing Irelands favourite airport have their choice of five, daily nonstop flights to and from Americas East Coast and Midwest, right across the summer and we look forward to welcoming them over the coming monthswhether departing for business or city breaks or arriving to explore the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way." Reflecting on the importance of the connectivity from a business perspective, Orlaith Lawler, Mid-West Chair, American Chamber of Commerce said: We warmly welcome the return of Delta and United Airlines seasonal routes to New York and Chicago, complementing the year-round services by Aer Lingus and United to Boston and New York. With over 320,000 seats available this summer to three of the USs most influential cities, Shannon Airport continues to reinforce the Mid-Wests role as a vital gateway for transatlantic travel, trade, and investment. "This level of connectivity is not just a convenienceits a catalyst for economic growth, enabling stronger collaboration with international partners and making it easier for global investors to access and engage with the wealth of opportunities our region offers. Dermot Kelly, Shannon Branch Chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation commented: Were delighted to see enhanced transatlantic connectivity at Shannon Airport this summer, making it even easier for US visitors to experience the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way and vibrant gateway cities like Limerick and Galway. For many American tourists, this region is a dream destinationrenowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and warm Irish welcome. These additional flights not only open the door to unforgettable journeys but also play a vital role in supporting the regional and national tourism economy during the peak travel season. Shannon Airport was the first airport in the world, outside of the Americas, to offer full US Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities meaning passengers are domestic travellers when they arrive in the US. With the recently launched, free Mobile Pre-Clearance app, US-bound passengers are also able to complete part of the process before arriving at the airport, making it even easier for them to fly from Shannon. ALCOHOL and cocaine account for almost 60% of the substances prompting treatment by the Coolmine Therapeutic Community. It's in first quarter report for 2025 for Limerick, the drug and alcohol treatment centre outlines how alcohol is the primary substance, accounting for 32% of all presentations. Cocaine-related cases followed closely at 27%, while cannabis presentations remained steady at 16%. Heroin-related presentations have declined. The centre reports a drop in missed appointments, with no-shows falling from 71 in the first quarter of 2024 to just 23 in the same period this year. Twelve families were supported during the first quarter and employment remains a challenge in the region, with only 10 clients in employment compared to 82 unemployed. READ MORE: Planners give approval for new medical facility in Limerick David McPhillips, Mid-West service manager at Coolmine, said: These figures show real progress - not only in engagement but also in outcomes. Were seeing more women seeking help, fewer people are missing appointments, and more are completing treatment. The report confirms a total of 114 individuals accessed support through Coolmines services in the first quarter of 2025 and that female engagement continues to dominate the treatment landscape in the Mid-West region. A whole shipping container filled with tons of lego and schoolbooks, destined for an impoverished African community, has been stolen in Laois, Laois Live reports. The theft has been described as 'a mean crime' by gardai, who are appealing to the public to remember if they saw it. The Lego heist took place between February 2 and March 7, from Clonaslee village in Laois. It is suspected that the main focus was the container itself, but the public are being asked to report any suspicious sales of large amounts of secondhand lego. It had been painstakingly gathered up over many months from hundreds of kind children around Ireland, and was to be brought to Chisi Island in Malawi by humanitarian worker Evin Joyce, and his sister Ailbhe, from Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms. Ailbhe Joyce collecting a consignment of donated lego. Evin has made a passionate appeal to recover it, speaking as he boarded a flight back to Africa. "This will be the first time in five years flying to Malawi where I haven't maxed out my baggage allowance with Lego and schoolbooks that have been so generously donated by yourselves. That's hundreds of kids through dozens of schools across the country. "The reason is because they have been stolen along with the shipping container they were in. They have been stolen from Clonaslee, between the dates of February 2 and March 7. "The shipping container is 20 ft long, it's grey, it's practically new and it contained about five tonnes of lego. "It didn't just disappear. So if you know somebody who's working in haulage or shipping can you please share this message with them. So they can check the code number SKIU 292388.0. The container may have been repainted but it won't change the excellent condition. If they've seen a container pop up on the market with that code or without a code number, then that's a good lead. "That lego, based on the prices lego is sold secondhand, is worth tens of thousands of euros. So if you see lego for sale, not just a little bit but a lot, or a very steady supply of it, please get in touch with Garda Ward in Tulamore Garda Station. READ NEXT: An Garda Siochana now hiring for civilian job with salary up to 73,000 "That's the monetory value of the lego to the people who stole it. It also has a huge value to the children and the nursery teachers that we are working with on Chisi Island, Citima parish in Malawi. Let's find this lego please. It's out there. It didn't just disappear. We can get it back," Mr Joyce said. Children in Chisi Island playing with lego donated from Laois and Ireland. Laois Offaly Garda Division is investigating the theft. A senior member spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "It's a mean crime. The train is fairly cold but we are depending on information from someone in Clonaslee who may have noticed something. A truck and a hoist would have been needed to lift this. We are appealing for information and we would be hopeful," the senior garda said. Anyone with information can contact Garda Ward at Tullamore Station at 057 932 7600, or the division HQ in Portlaoise Garda Station 057 8621105 or Mountmellick garda station on 057 8624140. For more on donating to Evin and Ailbhe Joyce's humanitarian work see www.ulemu.com More than half of medical students who responded to a survey said they were either planning to leave Northern Ireland or are undecided about their future. The survey from the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested doctors pay and workplace conditions in the region are forcing many medical students to plan for careers in health systems elsewhere. Final and penultimate year medical students at Northern Irelands two medical schools were asked to complete a survey on their career intentions once they graduate, including whether they plan to stay and work in the region and what factors are influencing their decisions. Over half of the respondents (54%) said they were either planning to leave Northern Ireland or are currently undecided where they will work once they finish their training. Other survey findings include: Over 66% of those who do plan to leave say they are heading to Australia to work. Of those who reported planning to leave either Northern Ireland or medicine entirely after foundation training, more than 81% said their decision was because of pay and conditions, followed by the poor state of the health service, and over 51% cited poor experiences of training or medical education as their reason for leaving. 3.92% of respondents consider doctors pay, and reward is fair in Northern Ireland. More than 83% of respondents said that improved pay would encourage them to remain in Northern Ireland to continue training, with almost 77% citing improved working conditions. Those choosing to stay in Northern Ireland cite family and support networks as the overwhelming reason to remain here. Milan Kapoor, chairman of BMAs Northern Ireland medical students committee (NIMSC), said: It should be deeply concerning to all of us that a significant number of medical students on the verge of graduating are already planning for careers elsewhere after they complete foundation training. Northern Ireland medical students graduate with high levels of debt. They also have first-hand experience of workplace pressures in the health service and this has a huge impact on the quality of education and training while on clinical placements. It should therefore come as no surprise that they are looking elsewhere for better pay and training quality in health systems outside of Northern Ireland. He added: However, this can be turned around. Over 90% of those surveyed said they still wanted to pursue a career in medicine so it is imperative that the Government do all they can to encourage these newly qualified doctors to stay here for the duration of their careers. Aside from addressing doctors pay and workplace conditions, one area they can tackle to help this is fixing the unfair and complicated student finance system. It saddles students with a large amount of debt as soon as they start work and penalises those from lower-socio economic backgrounds from studying medicine. These debts are another factor in resident doctors seeking work in better paid health systems in other countries. Dr Alan Stout, chairman of BMAs Northern Ireland Council, said the findings sounded an alarm for an increasing workforce crisis. He said: We owe it to the patient population to encourage these doctors of the future to stay and work in Northern Ireland. That means valuing doctors with timely and adequate pay uplifts alongside targeted workforce planning. Long-term, we need to see urgent roll-out of HSC transformation as outlined in countless transformation reports, and transformation that is properly funded by ring-fenced, multi-year budgets. The survey was open between January 20 and February and received a total of 191 responses out of a total of 770 final and penultimate year students at Ulster University and Queens University Belfast. A MAJOR step towards meeting housing demand in Limerick has been marked with the delivery of a new housing project. The new development is part of a significant partnership between Focus Housing Association (FHA) in partnership with Limerick City and County Council at Bru na Gruadan, Castletroy. This is one of the first housing projects in the region to reflect Limerick Council's new mixed tenure policy, blending social housing with affordable purchase and rightsizing opportunities. Of the 63 homes in the overall development, FHA has acquired 37 units - comprising five one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom homes. The remaining 26 homes are being made available for affordable purchase through the Councils Affordable Housing Fund. READ MORE: Limerick sees biggest rent increase in the country with a jump of over 20% The development also supports their rightsizing scheme, aimed at helping older homeowners who wish to downsize. Through the scheme, qualifying residents can sell their larger homes, make a financial contribution to the Council, and become eligible for social housing. Those who take up this option move into homes like those in Bru na Gruadan and become tenants of FHA, paying a differential rent like all other FHA tenants. Mayor John Moran visited the new housing development last Wednesday and said: This is a good day for more families in Limerick. Developments like Bru na Gruadan represent yet another step in the right direction in bringing people together in inclusive, well-designed communities. Each building block, each house and each development is about creating places where individuals, couples and families can thrive. This is a modest step compared to the scale of the mountain we have to climb, but an important one for the future residents of Bru na Gruadan, Mayor Moran continued. We need to continue to build on this momentum... and never accept anything less than progress. Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, highlighted the broader significance of the project, saying: We believe that everyone has the right to a place they can call home. This development isnt just about providing shelter - its about building a better future and strengthening the fabric of our communities. Bru na Gruadan is a shining example of our Meascan model, where mixed-income communities and inclusive living are at the heart of what we do, he added. Through its current five-year strategy, FHA has already added over 600 homes and plans to deliver an additional 1,150. New Delhi: Bharti Airtel has partnered with Google to offer 100 GB of Google One cloud storage at no cost for six months to its postpaid and Airtel Wi-Fi users. The move follows Reliance Jios earlier offer of free cloud storage to its prepaid and postpaid users. Unlike Jio, which has now cut its offer from 100 GB to 50 GB of free cloud storage with no specified validity, Airtel is offering 100 GB of Google One cloud storage free for six months. Airtel's postpaid and Wi-Fi users will have to pay 125 per month to use Google One subscription for storing their photos, Gmail data and WhatsApp data. The fee is lower than 130 per month, which Google charges users after their free storage of 15 GB ends. Currently, Google offers the 100 GB plan at 35 per month for the first three months after users exhaust their default 15 GB of free storage. Telecom operators' offer for free cloud storage to their subscribers comes at a time when users are increasingly struggling with storage constraints, especially after WhatsApp backups began counting toward Google cloud limits. In the absence of storage, users have to frequently delete files or resort to expensive physical storage expansions. With smartphones becoming the main device for managing both personal and professional information, storage has become a significant concern for users," said Siddharth Sharma, director marketing and chief executive officerConnected Homes at Bharti Airtel. This partnership (with Google) will present an opportunity for millions of our postpaid, Wi-Fi customers, allowing them access to a further 100 GB of storage." As of the end of March, Bharti Airtel had 25.8 million postpaid users out of its total India mobile user base of 361.6 million. Also Read: Supreme Court dismisses Vodafone Idea, Airtel, Tata Teleservices plea for AGR interest waiver As part of the offer, Airtel will allow its users to share the storage with up to five additional people. Additionally, WhatsApp chats on Android are backed up to Google Account storage, which will make device switching easier for customers, Airtel said in a release. Together, we will make it easier for our users to safely back up photos, videos and important files on their phones with more storage across Google Photos, Drive, Gmail and more," said Karen Teo, vice president, platforms & devices Partnerships, APAC, Google. Also Read: Bharti Airtel eyes growth through price hikes for high-end users Jio, meanwhile, offers its Jio AI Cloud service for backing up various types of files. While it doesnt specifically support WhatsApp backups, it allows general data backup. "The Airtel-Google free storage offer is likely to attract users seeking to upgrade their Google One storage. This partnership not only adds value for Airtel users but also provides Google with potential revenue assurance, as users who experience extended free trials often continue with paid plans after the trial period ends," said Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst at Techarc. According to Kawoosa, Airtel could also see conversion of prepaid users to postpaid from this offer. Prachir Singh, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, said, For Google to reach mass users for its Google One storage subscription, there is no better route than telecom operators like Airtel." According to Singh, Airtel too has a great business proposition as it could see prepaid users shifting to postpaid because of the free cloud storage services. Analysts said that since Airtel has a credible partner Google, it is possible that users will rely on Google more for storage-related services compared to Jio, which only recently started offering free storage. At the 47th annual general meeting (AGM) in August last year, Reliance Industries Ltd chairman Mukesh Ambani announced the Jio AI Cloud welcome offer of 100 GB of free cloud storage. The offer was rolled out in November. Industry executives in the know said that Jio later reduced the offer to 50 GB free storage after seeing a jump in usage. For non-Jio users, the free cloud storage is for three months, which can be upgraded to a non-timeline offer if they port to Jio. Also Read: Airtels equity conversion proposal to assess option, not a decision: Vittal MOUNTAIN VIEW (US) : On Tuesday, Google chief Sundar Pichai opened his keynote at the companys keenly-watched annual developer conference, I/O, with a statisticthe number of developers working with the tech giants artificial intelligence tools has swelled 5x in the past year to 7 million. Pichai, accompanied by a slew of key executives, made over 15 announcements across all frontsa new AI model with more reasoning capability for better generative performance, an AI Mode for its mammoth search engine, an AI-driven 3D video conferencing platform called Beam, live speech translation on Google Meet, a network of AI agents for businesses called Project Mariner, a new video generator called Flow that can also create matching audio with coherent dialogues, live search of everything around, and more. Key Takeaways The race to dominate the AI landscape, particularly in generative AI, has compelled companies like Google and Microsoft to accelerate their development and deployment timelines. Reports suggest that in the rush to innovate and release new AI products, such as chatbots like Bard, speed has at times been prioritized over exhaustive safety and ethical reviews. AI ethicists, researchers, and even employees within these tech giants have voiced significant concerns. Despite identified risks and internal warnings, major AI products have been launched. The current acceleration in AI development follows a period of internal debate and dissent within companies like Google regarding the balance between the benefits of generative AI and its potential harms. The developer statistic, alongside Googles full list of announcements, is key. Three people that Mint spoke with at Google said that, since last year in particular, Googles top brass expressed concerns about the companys progress in AI. This led to the return of cofounder Sergey Brin, who had stepped down from the role of president in December 2019. Brin, each of the executives added, is also keen on pushing Demis Hassabis, the companys Nobel laureate AI chief, to become a more regular and prominent leadership figure. While this does not imply any immediate change, Googles urgency to ramp-up its AI work is evident for all to see. The hierarchy is going all-in on AI. Back when ChatGPT had launched and created the buzz that it had, Google had sent an internal directive asking all employees to use an early rendition of its Gemini AI platform (previously called Bard) as much as they couldeven in their free time, to find ways to improve the platform. Now, the company is again going after AI with all guns blazing, and Brin is unofficially spearheading the boost from Mountain View," said one of the three executives cited above, requesting anonymity. Its almost a war room-scale urgencyGoogle, and especially Brin, isnt about to let go of where the company stands today without a fight. Engineer hirings, as a result, have ramped up especially over the past 12 months," a second executive added. Why this sense of urgency, though? Since 2022, a relative unknown in OpenAI took the world by storm when it released an application named ChatGPT. The latter, which set an all-time record by amassing 100 million users within just two months of launch, made the cutting-edge field of generative AI a household name. But generative AI was not invented by OpenAI. Instead, it was Google that funded the Stanford University research that gave birth to this field, when the research was published in June 2017. Falling behind Since then, Google has fallen behind in Big Techs latest race for global supremacy. The technology's originator is today competing with Meta Platforms and Microsoft, as well as upstarts such as Anthropic and Perplexity AI. Today, Google seeks to convince shareholders and AI industry leaders that the company is far from being out of the dogfight for AI supremacy. Thus, a vicious AI race is unfolding, one to which Google is increasingly contributing more firepower. A quick look at Googles own careers page, where the company posts all of its open hiring positions, shows that both globally and in India, more than one out of every three job postings is linked to AI engineering and sales. Out of nearly 3,400 job postings around the world, almost 1,200 are for AI roles. A spokesperson for the company did not respond toMints emailed request for a comment on AI hiring until press time. Technology is moving so fast, and were shifting faster than ever. Since last years I/O, weve announced over a dozen foundation models, multiple research breakthroughs, and released over 20 major AI products. This is only a slice of innovation that is across the companyfrom Search, to Cloud, to YouTube and even subscriptions. Theres a lot of momentum, and theres more to come," Pichai said on Monday in a pre-brief to journalists around the world.Mintwas a part of this briefing. Also Read: OneWeb seeks more time to meet satcom security norms as spectrum allocation nears Senior company executives also added that prioritizing AI in every feature and service that Google provides is indeed an internal mandate today. Mitesh Agarwal, managing director of Asia-Pacific for Googles cloud business, toldMintthat Googles current corporate strategy is to have AI be deeply integrated in every layer of every product, giving users a choice to use AI at every point." More partners Weve committed to a very fast pace of innovation, but also to offering the best-in-class in AI for every feature. For developers, AI tools and features should be available in quick clicks through our AI studio developer platform," Agarwal added. Through developers, Agarwal said that in India, Google is already powering AI features in companies such as mobile ad-tech firm Glance, and financial services companiesFederal Bank and HDFC Ergo, among others. The company is also increasingly partnering with engineering and developer influencers, such as The Cutting Edge School with over 800,000 followers, 100xEngineers with over 900,000 followers, and Varun Mayya with over 1.9 million followers across Instagram and YouTube. OpenAI, too, is actively engaging such creators to increasingly reach out to developers and convince them to build and propagate their AI models, tools and platforms to users and businesses alike. Industry consultants believe that there is a rising resurgence in Google, although long-term proof of success is yet to be seen. Jayanth Kolla, partner at tech consultancy firm Convergence Catalyst, said that at one point, the pedantic pace of decision-making at Google brought to the fore a clear threat of them becoming what IBM made of itself." In the early parts of the decade, IBMs Watson was seen as the gold standard of AI development. But IBMs regressive approach to corporate strategy led it to become nearly insignificant in todays AI race. The reason why Google lost out to Meta, OpenAI and others in the early leg of the generative AI race is purely because the company simply didnt move fast enough. Eventually, it needed Brin to come back to fire a sense of urgency into the way it operates today," Kolla added. Kashyap Kompella, AI analyst and founder of technology consultancy firm RPA2AI, added that Google can never be written off, but there are clear challenges." Roping in developers A company like Google has massive might and clout in the industry. Even today, the numbers continue to suggest that Google is being resilient in AI in fields such as search and advertising, which are its areas of dominance. But, theres no denying that its rivals are moving fast, and there are clear indications within the industry that Googles AI products are not the first-choice for developers and end-users. The biggest benefit of OpenAI, Anthropic and Perplexity is that these companies move fast in deploying features, reaching out to developers and serving a broad variety of AI use cases in the market today. In the long run, it is the developer-friendly approach and the strength of the ecosystem around AI platforms that will define who wins the AI game," he added. The companys pitch to the AI world on Tuesday echoes its urgency. But investors have not been entirely convinced yet. In the past 12 months, Googles share price has fallen nearly 6%. However, there are green shoots. In the past month, Googles share price has risen 12% to make up for what has been a difficult year so far. With a market cap of $2.03 trillion, Google remains the fifth-largest company in the world. OpenAI, though, is not too far behindthe as-yet-private upstart disclosed a $300-billion valuation last month. This would make it the 30th most valuable company in the worlda feat it has achieved largely within the past three years. Also Read: Why this driverless car startup is changing tack to become a software designer This race is only getting started. Theres no reason to write Google off yet, but the next five years will prove if Big Tech can retain its place," Kolla said. The author is in Mountain View, California, to attend I/O 2025 on Googles invitation. IHH Healthcares indirect subsidiary Northern TK Venture Pte Ltd (NTK) has increased its damages claim against Japanese pharma company Daiichi Sankyo Co. about tenfold to 11,800 crore or $1.38 billion, over its obstructed open offer for Fortis Healthcare in 2018. NTK has filed an application with the Tokyo District Court to amend its ongoing claim for damages against Daiichi Sankyo, it said on Tuesday. NTK filed a claim in October 2023, seeking damages of 20 billion yen from Daiichi Sankyo for allegedly obstructing its efforts to complete its open offers to acquire shares in Indian hospital chain Fortis Healthcare and its subsidiary Fortis Malar Hospitals. In February 2025, it increased the damages sought based on an expert report prepared by Osborn Partners, to assess and quantify the losses suffered by NTK upon the interference with its open offer. In February, it submitted a brief to the Tokyo District Court based on the report, seeking compensation between 424 crore and 10,930 crore. IHH acquired a 31% stake in Fortis Healthcare through NTK in 2018. Under Indian law, this triggered a mandatory open offer for Fortis public shareholders. Daiichi Sankyo obstructed this in December 2018, when it obtained an ex parte interim status quo order from the Supreme Court, halting the open offer. Daiichi Sankyo had been engaged in a separate dispute with the Singh Brothers, the former promoters of Ranbaxy Laboratories and Fortis. IHH and NTK have maintained that they have no connection with the Singh Brothers. In September 2022, the Supreme Court lifted the interim status quo order. However, NTK alleged that Daiichi Sankyo threatened regulatory action to prevent the open offer from proceeding. The non-interest-bearing deposits required for implementing the open offer amounted to approximately 60.2 billion yen at the exchange rate at the time of filing the lawsuit. Mumbai: Proxy advisory firm IiAS has recommended Bajaj Finance Ltd's shareholders to vote against the reappointment of Rajeev Jain as vice-chairman and executive director, citing lack of clarity over the full remuneration, including stock options granted to him. According to IiAS, Bajaj Finance has not disclosed the stock options granted to Jain in FY25 and the proposed terms are silent on the future grants from the company and Bajaj Finserv, the holding company. Jain was paid 22.9 crore in FY25, excluding fair value of stock options, and 54.63 crore in FY24, including fair value of stock options. Between FY20 and FY24, stock options comprised more than 50% of his total remuneration. "Given the lack of clarity on stock options, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of his remuneration," said the proxy advisory firm in its recommendation. Also read | Rich valuation pricks Bajaj Finance as it cuts guidance An email sent to Bajaj Finance did not yield any response till press time. According to IiAS, Jain's fixed pay can range between 12.7 crore and 30 crore and variable pay can range between 12.7 crore and 150 crore, bringing his maximum pay at 180 crore, which is very high. "We believe the company should provide a reasonable cap for overall remuneration including fair value of stock options and provide performance metrics that determine his variable pay. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) should also disclose the process used for benchmarking his remuneration. In the absence of this, we are unable to support the resolution," it added. On 8 May, Bajaj Finance's board had sought approval from shareholders to reappoint Jain as vice-chairman for three years from April 2025 and to redesignate Anup Kumar Saha as the managing director of the company for the remainder of his current tenure till March 2028. The voting commenced on 9 May and will end on 7 June. Mint had reported last year that Jain was one of the highest paid bankers from among the non-banking finance companies, taking home a total salary of 102 crore, including employee stock options and sitting fees during FY24. In the year prior, he was paid 49 crore. "The variable component of 5 times of fixed payment includes both Bonus and ESOPs. As per the remuneration policy, bonus payout is divided over 4 years and ESOPs vest in equal tranche of 25% each as per the approved ESOPs policy of the Company," said people in the know, referring to the notice to the shareholders Also read | IiAS and InGovern recommend investors reject Zee CEO Goenka's candidature Jain, who joined Bajaj Finance as chief executive officer in 2007, went on to become the managing director in 2015. Before joining Bajaj, he worked with GE, American Express and the American International Group (AIG). He is considered to be the force behind transforming Bajaj Finance from a small auto finance business to a financial conglomerate. IiAS had similarly voted against the appointment of Arvind Kapil as the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Poonawalla Fincorp for five years from 10 June 2024, citing concerns regarding his remuneration. Kapil's fixed remuneration stood at 6.9 crore with one-time joining bonus of 40 crore and fair value of 8 million employee stock options (ESOPs), taking the total payout to 174 crore. "The proposed remuneration is not commensurate with the size of the company and much higher than that paid to peers in the industry. We raise further concern that the one-time bonus of Rs. 400 mn does not carry any malus or claw-back provisions," said IiAS. "The company must disclose performance metrics that determine variable pay. Although we support Arvind Kapils appointment as Managing Director and CEO, we do not support the proposed remuneration. Therefore, we do not support the resolution," it had said. (Bloomberg) -- Kohls Corp. is considering cutting ties with the search firm that helped recruit its last chief executive officer, who the company fired just months into his tenure. Most major search firms offer a guarantee to do a second search if the initial placement goes haywire within the first year. Kohls isnt sure it wants to go back to its original recruiter, Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., and has reached out to at least one rival firm, according to people familiar with the matter who arent authorized to speak publicly. The beleaguered retailer has formed a special committee to select its next leader after it fired Ashley Buchanan several months into his tenure. Buchanan was accused by the companys board of directing millions of dollars of business to someone he has had a personal relationship with. That person was Chandra Holt, whom he has been romantically involved with, Bloomberg News reported. Heidrick representatives didnt reply to multiple requests for comment. Kohls declined to comment for this article but previously said the board conducted a thorough and customary background check with an investigative firm and detailed reference checks. Blue Heron Research Partners, which analyzes the efficacy of management teams on behalf of investors, found that there were concerns about Buchanans ethics, integrity and business judgment. The firm conducted interviews with Buchanans former colleagues before he got the top job at Kohls. Yellow and Red Flags There were clearly yellow and red flags around Buchanan as a CEO that went beyond this specific conflict of interest, said David Rynecki, Blue Herons founder and CEO. Im surprised the board didnt know about this. Buchanan didnt respond to a request for comment. Since he was terminated, new details have emerged about Buchanans previous roles, including when he was an executive at Walmart Inc. Some employees who worked with him at the time were questioned about personal relationships he may have had at the company, Bloomberg News reported. Michael Bender, who served as Kohls board chair, is now serving as interim CEO. Bender held previous executive roles at Walmart, where both Buchanan and Holt also worked. Bender didnt respond to a request for comment. Kohls has been attempting to find its footing as increased competition and a strained consumer have led to three years of declining sales. The company has had several CEOs since Michelle Gass left the company at the end of 2022. Its stock has fallen about 40% this year to date. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The Rajdhani App Workers' Union (RAWU) has lodged a complaint with the Delhi labour department against Zepto and its third-party vendor, Kilton Geo Engineering Pvt. Ltd, alleging exploitative practices under Zeptos Rural Mobilization Programme (RMP). The union claims gig workersreferred to by Zepto as delivery partners and largely recruited from rural stateswere misled about wages, accommodation, and working conditions. The filing comes as quick commerce firms are grappling with a temporary shortage of delivery personnel amid surging demand. The labour department has referred the matter to a labour inspector. Notices are expected to be sent to Zepto, the third-party vendor, and a group of affected workers as part of the inquiry process, according to RAWU. Zepto clarified that it provides the technology and clear guidelines, but day-to-day operations and vendor oversight are handled locally by store management. A Zepto spokesperson told Mint, there is no concept of temporary IDs in our systemand no joining bonus to riders is offered under RMP. This appears to be a localised issue and does not reflect the broader intent or functioning of the RMP, Zepto added. The company said they have launched an audit into the concerns regarding Kilton Geo Engineering. Mints emailed queries to Kilton Geo Engineering Pvt. Ltd did not elicit a response. When they reached Delhi, they were crammed 10 to 12 in a single room in hostels. The food, when given at all, was conditional on completing 100 orders per week and was unfit for consumption, said Sunand, president of the RAWU, which is affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). The vendor allegedly pocketed referral bonuses of 7,000 to 10,000 per worker and in many cases, made them work using friends or relatives IDs to falsely claim additional bonuses. Even after the 42-day period, IDs were not transferred to the workers, said Sunand. Regulatory grey areas Though Zepto classifies them as partners, experts note that the involvement of third-party vendors creates a complex situation where workers fall into a regulatory grey areaneither fully employees of the platform nor clearly protected under labour laws. Currently, vendors fall outside the legal definitions of aggregators or employers. This effectively allows them to structure around labour laws, notes Ajay Kumar, partner at Triumvir Law, a Bengaluru-based law firm. In the gig economy, its fairly common for platforms to rely on third-party vendors for worker recruitment, said Prakash Gupta, lead, Centre for Inclusive Mobility at OMI Foundation, a Delhi-based policy research think tank. "In most cases, workers are treated either as employees of the vendor or as per-transaction contract workers tied to them, rather than the platform directly, he added. No written contracts There are no written contracts between the vendor and the workers, said Sunand. This lack of documentation leaves workers with no legal recourse, no clarity on their terms of employment, and completely at the mercy of the vendors arbitrary decisions. Theres often no direct paper trail connecting the worker to the platform, giving platforms an arms-length distance from accountability, explained Centre for Inclusive Mobilitys Gupta. Kumar explained that the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 protects contract workers, often excluded from formal employment rights and prevents employers from outsourcing work to evade responsibility. Even if the vendor is the immediate employer, the principal employer (in this case, the platform) can't completely wash its hands off responsibility, Kumar added, provided the vendor qualifies as a contractor under the law. He also pointed to the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, which applies when workers are recruited from one state to work in another, as is the case with many gig workers coming from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand to Delhi. This law requires contractors to obtain licenses and provide migrant workers with allowances. Section 18 makes the principal employer liable if the contractor fails in these duties, meaning the platform could be held accountable despite distancing itself from direct recruitment, Kumar added. Delivery workforce This development comes amid a wider shortage of delivery personnel, driven by surging demand in the quick commerce sector. In his letter to shareholders following the Q4FY25 results, Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of Eternal Ltd, noted: Food delivery growth witnessed a slowdown, and it is due to three key reasons including the shortage (temporary) of delivery partners due to high demand of delivery partners in quick commerce given the rapid expansion of the industry in the last few months. Eternal is the parent company of Zomato, Blinkit, and Hyperpure. In April, Zeptos co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha announced that the company is nearing $4 billion in annualised Gross Order Value (GOV), reflecting a 300% year-on-year growth. As Zepto prepares for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), it is in talks to sell $250 million in secondary shares to Indian investors, aiming to increase local ownership ahead of the public listing. Valued at $5 billion and operating in just 15 cities, Zepto is seeking avenues to expand both its revenue base and market presence. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has denied relief to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) over its petitions contesting the opening of financial bids for the Thane-Ghodbunder to Bhayander tunnel and elevated road projects, valued at over 14,000 crore, undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). A detailed order is awaited. On Tuesday a division bench led by Justices Kamal R. Khata and Arif S. Doctor delivered a ruling on two petitions filed by L&T, in which the company alleged that it had not been informed about the status of its bids, while the other bidders had received such updates. On the plea contesting the opening of financial bids for the elevated road project, the court declined L&T's request to further extend the stay on the opening of bids. The court also directed that the bids submitted electronically by L&T for both projects be preserved in a sealed cover for two weeks, giving the company time to approach the Supreme Court. The high court also instructed the MMRDA to communicate the tender award decision in accordance with the instructions to bidders (ITB). Case history The two infrastructure projects aim to connect Thane and Mira-Bhayandar a tunnel from Gaimukh to the Fountain Hotel junction at Shilphata, and an elevated creek bridge linking Bhayandar to Ghodbunder Road in Thane. The proposed bridge would be the second-largest in the region after the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu. MMRDA invited tenders in July 2024, and on 8 October, in response to a separate petition by L&T, the agreed to extend the deadline to submit bids by 60 days. Appearing on behalf of L&T, senior counsels Janak Dwarkadas and Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the bench both the technical and financial bids were submitted on 30 December 2024. They said MMRDA opened the technical bids on 1 January and began evaluating them, but L&T received no communication on the status of its bids. The company said MMRDA then proceeded to schedule the opening of financial bids for 13 May, even though the company hadn't received any information on the outcome of the technical bid evaluation. It said while it wasn't informed about the opening of financial bids, other bidders were intimated. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- If theres a task youre not obliged to do, but its expected nonetheless, will there be consequences if you choose not to? This is the question Hong Kong real estate giant New World Development Co. has to deal with. Last Friday, the company did not issue a notice to call back a $345 million perpetual bond, the deadline if it wants to redeem on the first reset date. As a result, the coupon rate will be stepped up to more than 10% from 6.15%, going by the current Treasury yield. New World has about $4.5 billion in perpetuals outstanding, and investors are facing the possibility that they wont get paid anytime soon. In early June, the builder will have the option to defer interest payments on all its perpetuals, noted UBS Group AG. This is not an action of default. When times are good, a company is widely expected to redeem a perpetual on the first reset date, and it will resemble a plain-vanilla bond. But if business conditions get tough, the issuer can choose not to call, or even defer all coupon payments, making it look more like an equity. As a result, auditors tend to recognize these instruments as equity, not debt. Cash-strapped New World has done no wrong here. But perception matters. New World, controlled by the billionaire Cheng family whose business empire spans from jewelry retail to real estate, is in the process of securing mega bank loans to ease its liquidity strain. It has received around HK$20 billion ($2.6 billion) commitments for a HK$63.4 billion refinancing facility, Debtwire reported on May 16. Its seeking an additional loan of HK$15.6 billion, using crown jewel asset Victoria Dockside that houses Hong Kongs luxury mall K11 Musea as collateral. The companys decision not to call its perpetuals could potentially impact current refinancing negotiations with the banks, said UBS in a May 19 note. But will it? There are few precedents in Hong Kong, and the results are mixed. In May 2022, insurer FWD Group Holdings Ltd., owned by Superman Li Ka-shings younger son, decided not to call a zero-coupon $750 million perpetual note issued by a subsidiary that operates in Southeast Asia, citing corporate reorganization and an impending initial public listing. Richard Li managed to get away with it, receiving a ratings upgrade later in the year and issuing more bonds since. On the other hand, Hong Kong-listed Road King Infrastructure Ltd. has yet to recover from deciding not to distribute its coupon on a 7.75% perpetual last November. With New World, how Chinese banks perceive the no-call might be the key. In March, authorities instructed Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd., China Construction Bank Corp. and Bank of China Ltd. to examine New Worlds risk exposure and suggested they could replace foreign lenders if the latter cut their credit lines, Octus Intelligence reported. The developer will have a lot of explaining to do. On the mainland, most perpetuals are issued by creditworthy state-owned companies, such as big banks and industrials, which habitually redeem at the first reset date. As a result, it will be a culture shock for mainland bankers to witness New World, which got investment-grade ratings from Japanese firms last October, not to conduct to them a routine operation. Whether a perpetual is an equity or debt has been long debated by bond traders. Now it is loan bankers turn. Who knows? Just like the Li familys FWD, New World might face few consequences. After all, it is a flagship brand from one of Hong Kongs most prominent billionaire families. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Shuli Ren is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian markets. A former investment banker, she was a markets reporter for Barrons. She is a CFA charterholder. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion New Delhi: A consortium led by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi high court order that overturned a $1.7 billion arbitral award in its favour in the long-running Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin gas migration dispute with state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC). The consortium, which includes British Petroleum Exploration (Alpha) Ltda subsidiary of oil and gas major BP Plcand Niko (NECO), filed petitions on 14 May. Both BP and Niko have also filed separate appeals contesting the Delhi high courts ruling. Yes, we filed the plea against the high court ruling last week. It remains to be seen when the matter will be listed for hearing, a person familiar with the matter told Mint, requesting anonymity. An email sent to Reliance on Tuesday afternoon remained unanswered. HC ruling and $1.7 billion award The Delhi high courts order, issued on 14 February by Justices Rekha Palli and Saurabh Banerjee, set aside a May 2023 single-judge order that had upheld the arbitral award. The division bench declared the award unenforceable, citing multiple legal infirmities. Specifically, the court pointed to four reasons: RILs failure to disclose a crucial 2003 report (constituting patent illegality); the arbitration not qualifying as international; violation of the public trust doctrine in the context of natural resources; and unjust enrichment, as the consortium profited from gas belonging to ONGC or the government. The verdict was seen as a major win for the central government in one of Indias most high-profile energy sector disputes. It also cleared the path for the Centre to recover over 12,800 crore (approximately $1.7 billion) from the consortium. In a stock exchange filing in March, RIL disclosed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had raised a separate demand of $2.81 billion from RIL, BP, and Niko, based on the gas migration findings. Roots of the dispute The case dates back to April 2000, when RIL and its partners signed a production-sharing contract (PSC) with the government for the KG-D6 block, off the Andhra Pradesh coast. RIL holds a 60% stake in the block, BP owns 30%, and Niko the remaining 10%. In 2013, ONGC raised concerns that gas reservoirs in its blocks might be connected to those in the KG-D6 field. A joint study commissioned by both parties, and conducted by US-based consultant DeGolyer and MacNaughton, confirmed in 2015 that significant quantities of gas had migrated from ONGCs blocks into RILs. The report estimated the migrated gas to be worth over 11,000 crore. In response, a panel led by former Delhi high court chief justice A.P. Shah recommended compensation for what it termed unjust enrichment. The government subsequently sought $1.5 billion in compensation, plus $174 million in interest. The consortium contested the claim and initiated arbitration in 2016. In 2018, a three-member tribunal chaired by Singapore-based arbitrator Lawrence Boo ruled 2:1 in favour of RIL and its partners, concluding that the PSC permitted the extraction of naturally migrated gas as long as it occurred within the contract area. The tribunal also directed the government to pay $8.3 million in arbitration costs. Also read | Can comforts match perils for Reliance in FY26? The government then challenged the award in the Delhi high court, alleging that RIL had extracted gas without proper authorization and had withheld critical information about reservoir connectivity since 2003. New Delhi: State-run companies NHPC Ltd, NTPC Ltd, and Engineers India Ltd (EIL) are yet to alter their contractual provisions related to arbitration, according to two people familiar with the matter. The finance ministry had advised all government entities last year to reduce their exposure to arbitration and attempt to resolve public procurement disputes using mediation or litigation instead. The department of expenditure, in its June 2024 advisory, had stated that arbitration was expensive and time-consuming compared to mediation and litigation. Major state-run firms shying away from arbitration may dampen the hopes of India's goal of becoming an arbitration hub, as the government is widely known as the biggest disputant in the country. Mint earlier reported that state-run firms Oil India Ltd and ONGC Ltd have reduced their exposure to arbitration, and the Delhi Public Works Department has said it will not arbitrate in future contracts. Arbitration vs mediation An arbitration clause is a commonly used dispute resolution clause. All contracts, agreements, and even treaties have dispute resolution clauses, which direct parties on how to resolve any issue. While arbitration is adversarial and binding on parties, mediation focuses on getting parties together to a singular consensus and is non-binding. While the finance ministrys guidelines rightly aim at curbing delays and inefficiencies in public procurement disputes, the de-emphasis on arbitration in favour of mediation and litigation merits caution," said Pragya Ohri, partner, HSA Advocates. "Mediation, inherently non-binding, lacks enforceability and often collapses in adversarial settings and when the stakes are high. This may result in an increased caseload for the already overburdened courts of the country," said Ohri. "Arbitration may not be flawless, but it remains preferable to the morass of prolonged litigation. Litigation, with the Government as the largest litigant, suffers notorious delays, often stretching into decades," Ohri at HSA Advocates added. Queries emailed to NHPC on 9 May, and NTPC and EIL on 17 May did not elicit a response till press time. NHPC contractor claims According to NHPC Ltd's FY24 annual report, the company benefited from the central government's Vivaad Se Vishwaas scheme, where long-pending arbitrations were settled mutually by parties. Also, the state-run hydropower giant reduced the number of contractor claims against itself by settling matters in favour of the company. The company's contingent liabilities decreased by 9.62% year-on-year to 9,265 crore as of 31 March, 2024 "mainly due to contractors claim settled under the Vivad se Viswas II Scheme (contractual disputes) notified by the Government of India ( 676.32 crore) and reduction in contractors claims due to arbitration awards settled in favour of the company ( 755.85 crore)," NHPC's FY24 annual report said. Under the Vivad se Viswas II (contractual disputes) scheme, government entities can settle arbitral dues with contractors after an arbitral award or court judgement has been given, or when the dispute is being resolved. For court judgements passed before April 2023 and for arbitral awards passed before January 2023, government entities could settle the dispute by paying 85% and 65% of either the disputed amount or the amount stated by the adjudicating court or arbitral tribunal. Also Read: Supreme Court could reshape arbitration. Businesses are watching. NTPC, EIL arbitration expenses Meanwhile, India's largest thermal power generator NTPC Ltd has decreased its provisions for arbitral awards by a little over 625 crore in FY24, according to the company's annual report. In the same year, the power generator's income from arbitration cases has risen to about 143 crore compared to 33.92 crore the year before. Also, its expenses on arbitration cases have reduced to 125 crore in FY24 from 155 crore in FY23, according to the report. Commercial and employee-related claims against Engineers India Ltd have also reduced in FY24 to 229.75 crore from FY23's 262.55 crore, its annual report for FY24 said. EIL's FY24 annual report also dictated the facts of a case where a contractor claimed a hefty 400 crore from the company, and the company filed a counterclaim for about 120 crore. In this period, the contractor's creditor also filed an insolvency plea against the contractor. While the insolvency plea did not go through, it illustrated another example of how state-run firms challenges to arbitral awards impact private contractors. In a 2019 Supreme Court case of Hindustan Construction Company and others vs Union of India, contractors urged the court to ask public sector undertakings (PSUs) to comply with arbitral awards instead of challenging them as contractors were facing consistent insolvency scares from creditors. In July 2024, a Lok Sabha disclosure by the finance ministry said a study showed that over 60% of all arbitration awards involving NTPC Ltd and the National Highways Authority of India were challenged in court. "In all these cases, the government is compelled to spend on both arbitration as well as on litigation," minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha. Feasible mechanism The unchanged arbitration regimes of various state firms suggest that Indian arbitration remains the only feasible dispute resolution mechanism, especially for commercial disputes. India's arbitration regime, governed by the 1996 Arbitration and Conciliation Act, is at a tipping point. After being amended thrice before, the law is currently being amended for the fourth time in a massive push for institutional arbitration. Previous high-level committee reports by Supreme Court judge B.N. Srikrishna and former law secretary T.K. Viswanathan have suggested that widespread reforms are necessary for India to become an arbitration hub, and there is a need to focus on institutional arbitration over ad-hoc arbitration. Also Read: Law ministry to start work on plugging gaps in arbitration law, as directed by Supreme Court Ad-hoc arbitration refers to cases where parties appoint an arbitrator, who then decides the rules of procedure. In an institutional arbitration, however, the rules of procedure are set by the institution providing the arbitration facilities, making the process more streamlined. Implementing new dispute resolution guidelines can be time consuming and resource-sensitive, said Arush Khanna, partner at Numen Law Offices in New Delhi. "There is also the fact that the amendments to the arbitration act are imminent, which, once implemented, are likely to assuage the concerns and trust deficit that the government undertakings are having towards arbitration," he told Mint. The proposed amendments aim to make institutional arbitration the norm rather than the exception, which in spirit, aligns with the finance ministry guidelines, which also encourage institutional arbitration, albeit in a restrictive manner," he added. TAIPEIThe American president called him my friend," Saudi Arabia bought hundreds of thousands of his chips and, in the land of his birth, he was hailed as the leader of team Taiwan." With a visit to Taipei this week, Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang capped a whirlwind month of travel that marked him as not just a business tycoon, but one of the worlds most powerful geopolitical forces. Everyone wants a piece of the charismatic CEO and his coveted chips, seen as the gold standard for advanced artificial-intelligence computing. Investors celebrated his global coming-out party by pushing Nvidia shares up 40% over the past month. The stocks swoon in January is a distant memory and the company, with a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion, is again within striking distance of global No. 1. View Full Image Graphic: WSJ But international fame carries risks tooHuang does business in sensitive regions such as China and the Persian Gulf states. His fortune and misfortune is that he created the most valuable technological input of the decade," said Barath Harithas, a senior fellow at Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies. The danger is that his visibility becomes a liability. He could end up the fall guy if things unravel in the Gulf, and then face political heat for any perceived overreach in China." Huangs processors and investment spending have the power to change countries fates, and the 62-year-old billionaire has himself been changed by his power. He has donned a business suit and tie for meetings with world leaders, shedding his customary leather jacket, and added praise for politicians to his salesmans patter about tokens and terabytes. Without the presidents leadership, his policies, his support and, very importantly, his strong encouragement," Huang said while standing beside President Trump at the White House on April 30, frankly, manufacturing in the United States wouldnt have accelerated to this pace." Trump returned the favor two weeks later by giving a shout out to the CEO in a speech in Saudi Arabia. I see my friend is here, Jensen, thats very good," Trump said. Hes putting in $500 billion," the president went on, referring to Nvidias commitment to build AI supercomputers in the U.S. View Full Image Jensen Huang went to a business-investment forum in Saudi Arabia last week that was also attended by President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images Since mid-April, Huang has been flying across the world, unveiling new investments and striking deals. In the Middle East last week, Huang met Saudi Arabias crown prince and agreed to sell Nvidias powerful AI processors to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Taiwan this week, the location of Nvidias most important suppliers, Huang drew loud cheers and praise from the islands president when he announced on Monday the construction of a new Nvidia office building and plans for Taiwans first AI supercomputer. Crowds and rock star-like excitement followed his every step. Huang, a U.S. citizen, was born on the island before moving to the U.S. as a child. When Huang was due to turn up at an Nvidia partners booth at an industry conference on Tuesday, hordes of fans started to gather at the venue as early as an hour ahead. As he walked toward the booth, fans began pressing against the barricades, calling out Jensen, I love you!" and reaching out to touch the executive. In a speech, Young Liu, chairman of Taiwan-based contract manufacturer Foxconn, called Huang the leader of team Taiwan" for his efforts to build up Taiwans AI industry. In return, Huang called Taiwan the epicenter of the worlds computing industry." View Full Image Huang signs his name for visitors at the Computex tech show in Taipei on Tuesday. Photo: Ann Wang/Reuters Huang has pulled off the feat of staying friends with both the U.S. and China, despite tensions between the two superpowers. In early April, he attended a $1 million-a-head dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and afterward some inside Nvidia were confident the company could keep selling its H20 chips in China, which had been tailored to comply with earlier U.S. regulations. Instead, the U.S. said a few days later it would restrict the sale of the H20 chips, which led Nvidia to take a $5.5 billion charge in the first quarter. Within days of the new rule, Huang flew to Beijing and publicly reassured senior Chinese officials the company would unwaveringly serve" the market there. Later, he met the mayor of Shanghai and left with the citys blessing to open a new research and development center there. Huang has repeatedly said China will be a powerhouse in global AI development and it would be folly for Nvidia to neglect the market. Each time new U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors have been introduced, Nvidia has adapted by downgrading its chips specs to continue selling to Chinese customers. Lian Jye Su, an analyst at Omdia covering AI, said Nvidia was trying to avoid picking sides between the U.S. and China. Nvidia doesnt have the luxury of staying neutral, and can only try its best to minimize the political fallout," Su added. Last week, the Commerce Department put out guidance against the use of American AI chips to train Chinese models and warned against the diversion of such silicon to China. Harithas of CSIS said the perception of an American executive courting China ran against sentiment in Washington. If he leans too far toward China with even a neutered chip variant, he risks crossing a red line, triggering public rebuke, or worse, legal blowback," he said. Write to Liza Lin at liza.lin@wsj.com and Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com IndiGo, the largest airline in the country, will declare its Q4-FY25 and FY25 results on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The results come amid a muted environment where the month of May could have been the best in terms of domestic capacity for Indian aviation, but instead turned sour as passengers stayed away in the lead-up to and following Operation Sindoor. The airline will declare results for Q4-FY25, which was characterised by the once-in-a-lifetime event of the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. IndiGo was the largest operator at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. The airline has recorded a profit of 3,741 crore this financial year in the first three quarters. Its best ever quarter in history was Q1-FY24, when it recorded 3,089 crore, while its best ever Q4 was last financial year when it recorded 1,894 crore profit, a number it could well fly past this time around. Also Read | Air India lobbies government to axe IndiGo lease with Turkish carrier: Report Guidance Exceeded At the end of the last quarter, the airline said it remains on track to offer capacity addition in early double digits for the full year and around 20% for Q4, compared to the last financial year. As FY25 ends, the airline has grown 13.2% in terms of ASK (Available Seat Kilometres) over FY24, adhering to the guidance it had given. It also achieved its Q4 guidance, as it grew by 21% in Q4 FY25 compared to the same quarter in FY24. Over the past financial year, the airline has continued its focus on international expansion. While the overall growth in capacity (by ASK) stood at 13.2%, the growth in international capacity was 21.8%, while that in domestic capacity was 10.1%. In terms of passengers carried, the airline flew 11.2% more passengers in FY25, over the same period last year, with the growth being 10% domestic and 20.9% international. At the end of FY25, the airline had 28% of its total capacity on international routes, an improvement of 2% over the previous year. In terms of departures, the growth in international departures was 22.3% while domestic departures grew 9.3%. The airline has a long way to go, with 88% of its passengers being domestic. The airline has yet to hit the 20,000 crore revenue mark in Q4, but powered by Maha Kumbh this year, it may well achieve that milestone. With lower Aviation Turbine Fuel prices, Q4 is all set to be a historic quarter that could power another year of profits. Airspace closure woes What could have been a splendid May has instead turned sour after the closure of Pakistani airspace, which led to IndiGo halting operations to Almaty and Tashkent. It remains unclear when the airspace will reopen. This is the second instance of airspace closure in recent history, the last being in 2019. This disruption could significantly impact the airline's expansion plans out of Delhi. Will it lead IndiGo to move its future widebody network from Delhi to Mumbai? Also Read | Why is IndiGo adding widebody planes now? What to expect? All eyes will be on updates on the fleet situation, which the airline had said would change significantly post-April 2025. The guidance was to have aircraft groundings in the range of 40s, half the peak number. Initial indications suggest the situation has improved, with a reduction in damp-leased narrowbody operations since the peak. IndiGo had also announced flights to Manchester and Amsterdam beginning in July, but they are not yet open for sale. Unlike flights to visa-free countries, the ones to Europe have a longer booking cycle as confirmed bookings are mandatory for a visa, which has been taking time in most cases. The airline has added another two aircraft from Norse Atlantic, which will be available in early 2026, taking the total count of the deal to six. Currently, it has only one in its fleet, which is operating to Bangkok from Delhi. New Delhi: An Indian official team from the commerce ministry is expected to visit Brussels this week for the next round of negotiations on the proposed free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), source said on Tuesday. The visit comes in the backdrop of recently concluded eleven round of talks between the chief negotiators of both the sides on May 16 here in the national capital. Sources said that the official team is likely to leave on Wednesday for Brussels, the headquarter of the EU. The two sides have agreed to conclude the agreement in two phases on account of the uncertain global trade environment, particularly due to the US tariff actions under President Donald Trump. India has followed the practice of negotiating trade pacts in two phases with Australia. It is following a similar approach to the US. Duty cuts in automobiles and medical devices Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles and medical devices, the EU wants tax reduction in products like wines, spirits, meat, poultry and a strong intellectual property regime. Indian goods' exports to the EU, such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, can become more competitive if the pact gets concluded successfully. In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations after a gap of over eight years. It stalled in 2013 due to differences over the level of opening up of the markets. On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission President agreed to seal a much-awaited free trade deal by the end of this year. The India-EU trade pact negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Competition, Trade Defence, Government Procurement, Dispute Settlement, Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications, and Sustainable Development. Also Read | Indian whisky brands can rise to the challenges posed by the FTA: Paul John India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 137.41 billion in 2023-24 (exports worth USD 75.92 billion and imports worth USD 61.48 billion), making it the largest trading partner for goods. The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of India's total exports, while EU's exports to India make up 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments. In addition, the bilateral trade in services, in 2023, between India and the EU was estimated at USD 51.45 billion. New Delhi: Demand for unskilled work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) surged in April and May, indicating renewed economic strain in rural India and fragile livelihoods. According to the latest data from the ministry of rural development, 20.12 million rural households sought employment under the scheme in April, rising slightly to 20.37 million in May (as of 18 May). This follows a dip to 18.64 million in March. MGNREGS, the central governments flagship scheme providing a rural safety net, guarantees up to 100 days of unskilled manual labour to any adult member of a rural household who seeks employment. Historically, demand for work under the scheme rises when farm or non-farm job opportunities shrink. MGNREGS demand for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) peaked in May last year, when 27.18 million households sought employment, before gradually easing through the rest of the fiscal year, particularly in the final quarter. Notably, year-on-year comparisons suggest a softer start to FY26, though rising compared with the final quarter of FY25. Also read | Parliamentary panel calls for revising wage rates of MGNREGS workers The difference between the 20.37 million households demanding work so far this May (till 18 May) and the 27.18 million job-seeking households in the same month last year may reflect seasonal shifts as well as early economic undercurrents. The latest data also comes against the backdrop of robust rural consumption underpinning Indias gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.2% in the third quarter (Q3) of FY25. However, the renewed uptick in MGNREGS demand at the start of FY26 could point to slowing momentum and emerging vulnerabilities in rural demand. Over the past financial year, monthly work demand under MGNREGS has fluctuated, declining to a low of 16.02 million in September from the 27.18 million peak in May, before rising again towards the end of the year. However, during FY26, a timely and well-distributed monsoon, as expected by the government, could offer much-needed relief by boosting farm activity, easing rural distress and tempering demand for MGNREGS jobs. Spokespersons for the ministries of finance and rural development did not respond to emailed queries seeking comment. Economists believe the recent rise in demand for work under MGNREGS may be partly driven by seasonal factors. Job demand under MGNREGS typically increases during lean periods when agricultural and construction activity slows down. April and May are not peak sowing months, which could explain the higher demand for work under the scheme during this period," said Bhanumurthy N.R., director at the Madras School of Economics. He noted that the decline in demand during the January-March quarter likely reflects a seasonal shift in labour patterns. Many rural workers might have migrated to urban areas for work or construction sites during that time, leading to a temporary fall in MGNREGS participation," he added. Also read | Centre to hold FY26 fiscal deficit at 4.4% despite global headwinds, Pakistan tensions Interestingly, the Centre has kept allocations under the scheme unchanged from the last fiscal, at 86,000 crore, for the financial year 2025-26. A senior official told Mint that the Centre will review its accounts around September-October, midway through the fiscal year, to assess whether certain schemes require additional funding. If needed, allocations for MGNREGS could be revisedbut only after the half-yearly review and based on the schemes funding requirements," said the official, who didnt want to be named. Slowing growth Indias economic growth has moderated in recent quarters, weighed down by a mix of domestic and global factors. While GDP growth showed signs of recovery in the December quarterrebounding from a near two-year low in Septemberit grew at 6.2%, the slowest pace since Q4 FY23 (excluding the revised 5.6% in Q2, up from an earlier estimate of 5.4%). With data for the March quarter due later this month, the economy will need to grow by 7.6% in Q4 to meet the National Statistical Offices full-year growth target of 6.5%. Even if achieved, FY25s GDP growth would fall well short of last fiscals revised 9.2% expansion. DPS fee hike row: Parents of several students studying in various branches of Delhi Public School (DPS) held a protest outside the Directorate of Education (DoE) on Tuesday, over the "arbitrary" fee hike and the expulsion of their wards. According to the parents, DPS Dwarka allegedly expelled 32 students earlier this month due to non-payment of increased fees. Lack of transparency Vivek Jain, parent of a DPS Rohini student, called on authorities to intervene at once. "We are willing to pay the fee approved by the government, but not the increased amount imposed by the school without proper explanation." He also urged the government to share the draft of the proposed school fee regulation bill with parents. "We want to understand whether it genuinely safeguards the interests of parents and students," he said. Also Read | Nainital school records zero pass percentage in Class 10 state board exam Aswani Makul, whose child also studies at DPS Rohini, said they had even approached the high court regarding the issue, but no concrete step was taken by the DoE. "The school continues with the same practices. We need clear and decisive action from the authorities," he said. On May 15, the Directorate of Education directed the school to revoke the students' expulsion and readmit them. The department also asked the school to ensure that no child is discriminated against in fee-related matters. A compliance report was requested within three days. Also Read | Jamia Millia Islamia suspends MoU with Turkey's educational institutions Sangeeta, a parent of a DPS Dwarka student, said, "We are ready to pay the fee set by the Directorate, but the school keeps raising it on its own. There is a lack of transparency, and parents are being unfairly burdened." Azad Singh, a parent, highlighted the stress on children. "Students are being mentally harassed and threatened with expulsion over the unpaid fees. This affects their well-being and violates their right to education. The authorities must step in and act firmly," he said. No reaction from DPS Dwarka There was no reaction from DPS Dwarka on the allegations. A group of parents wrote a letter to the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, listing eight demands and seeking urgent government intervention. In their letter, the parents urged the government to roll back any unapproved fee hikes and take strict action against schools coercing students. Citing the Doctrine of Participatory Governance and the Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy (PLCP), 2014, the parents called for public disclosure of the draft Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025. They also insisted on the inclusion of a democratically elected body of parents in the drafting process of the legislation, the letter read. It further mentioned a comprehensive audit of all unaided private schools and the societies running them, to be conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and forensic experts, under provisions of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973. Sean "Diddy" Combs former personal assistant, David James, testified on Tuesday (May 20) that the music mogul once took an ecstasy pill shaped like former US President Barack Obamas face. Speaking under oath in Manhattan federal court, James said he regularly witnessed Combs consuming drugsopiates during the day and ecstasy at nightwhile working for him from 2007 to 2009. He took a pill shaped like a former presidents face, James said. When asked which president, he replied: President Obama. James added that he frequently delivered narcotics and personal items such as condoms and lubricant to Combs hotel rooms, and sometimes sourced drugs for the artist and his entourage. Allegations of coerced sexual Freak Offs Federal prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated drug-fueled, multi-day sex partiesreferred to as Freak Offsfrom 2004 to 2024, forcing women to participate. Prosecutors say his staff assisted by booking hotels, providing drugs, and facilitating payments to male sex workers. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and sex trafficking charges. His attorneys acknowledge his past substance abuse and relationship issues but maintain that all sexual encounters were consensual. Mother recalls bruises, threats, and $20,000 demand On Tuesday, Cassie Venturas mother, Regina Ventura, emotionally described how Combs demanded $20,000 from her in 2011 after discovering Cassie had a relationship with another man. I was scared for my daughters safety, she said. Jurors were shown photos of Cassie with bruises on her legs and back, as well as an email in which she claimed Combs threatened to release sex tapes and have her harmed. Regina Ventura said she took out a loan against her home to meet Combs demand, though the money was returned a few days later. The defense chose not to cross-examine her. Exotic dancer testifies on hotel encounters Also taking the stand was male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, known as The Punisher, who said he performed sex acts with Ventura in hotel rooms while Combs watched. He said Ventura paid him between $1,200 and $2,000 for each session, which took place from 2012 to 2016. Under cross-examination, Hayes said Ventura occasionally sighed as Combs gave her instructions, but added: It seemed like there was consent there as far as I was concerned. Cassie testifies: Abuse and blackmail claims Earlier, Cassie Ventura, known professionally as Cassie and a former long-term partner of Combs, testified last week that she participated in Freak Offs for nearly a decade. She claimed that while she initially complied to please Combs, he later blackmailed her with recordings of the acts. He used the videos to control me, Ventura told the court. Also Read | Cassie testimony against Sean Diddy Combs ends after days describing abuse and texts Defense pushes back on narrative Combs legal team is attempting to portray his relationship with Ventura as complex and not criminal. They showed jurors messages in which Ventura allegedly expressed willingness to engage in Freak Offs. Legacy under scrutiny Known by multiple stage names including Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, Combs rose to fame launching the careers of various artists. He became a billionaire and helped transform hip-hop into a mainstream cultural force. CANNES, France, May 20 (Reuters) - Oscar-winning U.S. actor Kevin Spacey said that "it was nice to be back" at an awards ceremony on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday evening. Spacey, who won Oscars for "American Beauty" and "The Usual Suspects", was one of Hollywood's biggest stars before he was first accused of sexual assault in 2017, after which he was dropped from the TV drama "House of Cards". In 2022, the now 65-year-old was charged in Britain with nine sexual offences against four men between 2004 and 2013 but was acquitted of all charges after a high-profile trial in 2023. In the United States, Spacey in 2022 defeated a sexual abuse case against him after jurors in a Manhattan civil trial found his accuser did not prove his claim that Spacey made an unwanted sexual advance on him when he was 14. Spacey was in Cannes to receive an award for excellence in film and television from the Better World Fund, which fundraises in the name of "cinematic art at the service of humanity," at a charity gala dinner at the Carlton Hotel. U.S. actors Sharon Stone and Kevin Costner have received similar awards from the organisation in recent years. "I've heard from so many of my friends, colleagues and co-stars in the last week since this award was announced that I feel surrounded by support," Spacey said before the event. "I'm glad to be working," he added, when asked whether his appearance marked a comeback. Spacey is also at the festival to help Britain's Camelot Films sell the conspiracy action thriller "The Awakening," in which he plays the character Balthazar. Veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal were hailed as royalty as they attended the Cannes Film Festival 2025 on Monday evening for the screening of Satyajit Ray's iconic 1970 movie Aranyer Din Ratri. A 4K restored version of the Bengali-language film, titled Days and Nights in the Forest in English, is being showcased at the 78th edition of the prestigious gala under the Cannes Classics section. Cannes look Sharmila Tagore appeared on the red carpet in a classy green saree along with her daughter and jewellery designer Saba Pataudi, who opted for an all-yellow ethnic ensemble. Simi Garewal was dressed in a gown by Indian couture label Karleo in her signature white colour. Here's how netizens reacted: Social media users were left stunned by the timeless grace the actresses brought to the red carpet, and said that it was an appropriate slay! How Icons behave, quipped a user. Thats how one needs to dress up in Cannes. Such royalty, added another. A netizen said, Grace and elegance. no drama. Terming the veteran actresses stunners, a social media user said, Appropriate slay! Also Read | Nicole Kidman champions gender equality at star-studded Cannes party Both Simi Grewal and Sharmila Tagore are looking fabulous, added another user. Abh aaya maaza! Two jewels, a user said. These ladies are royalty, just mesmerised and in awww to see them every time, added another. Looking beautiful, not competing with anyone, pointed out a netizen. Netizens also picked their favourites among the two actresses and said, The yardstick of regal, restrained elegance will always be Sharmila Tagore. Simi Garewal will always be the definition of elegance, said another. Also Read | Actor Kevin Spacey to be awarded Lifetime Achievement in Cannes About Aranyer Din Ratri Aranyer Din Ratri, which explores themes of alienation, class, and modernity, follows the story of four city-bred men who escape to the forests of Palamau (now in Jharkhand) for a carefree holiday, only to undergo a journey of self-discovery. In the film, Tagore plays Aparna, a cool and elegant city woman, whereas Garewal essays the role of a tribal Santhal girl named Duli. Aranyer Din Ratri was presented and restored by The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project at L'Immagine Ritrovata. Film's gala presenter and Hollywood filmmaker Wes Anderson led its six-year-long restoration. Anderson, a long-time admirer of Ray, introduced the movie ahead of its screening. Also Read | Giant bird costume spotted at Jennifer Lawrences Cannes premiere Producer Purnima Dutta, Margaret Bodde, executive director of The Film Foundation, and FHF founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur also attended the screening. Based on Sunil Gangopadhyay's novel of the same name, Aranyer Din Ratri, the movie also starred Soumitra Chatterjee, Subhendu Chatterjee, Samit Bhanja, Robi Ghosh, and Aparna Sen. In his quest to chuck migrants out of the United States, Donald Trump has found an eager partner in Central America. On March 15th his administration deported more than 250 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang to El Salvadorsome under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law. They will be held in a high-security prison built by Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors authoritarian president, as part of his crackdown on gangs. But it was unclear if the Venezuelans were all criminals, and whether their deportation had violated an American federal judges order to halt their removal. OopsieToo late," Mr Bukele wrote on X, a social-media platform. No other Central American leader has embraced Mr Trumps anti-immigration policy as eagerly as Mr Bukele, a MAGA icon. But he is not alone. Marco Rubio, Mr Trumps secretary of state, secured agreements in February with Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama to serve as staging posts or destinations for people from other countries being deported. In February Costa Rica and Panama received flights deporting citizens of countries including Afghanistan, India and Iran. Mr Trump has not yet matched Joe Bidens pace of deportations: the huge numbers arriving at the border during Mr Bidens term made it easier to capture and deport people. Mr Trump removed 37,660 people in his first month compared with Mr Bidens monthly average of 57,000but Mr Trump has laid the groundwork. This includes pressing Central American countries to accept more deportation flights. Since taking office Mr Trump has dismantled much of the American asylum system. He has shut down CBP One, an app that let asylum seekers request appointments, and has ended temporary-stay programmes for certain nationalities, including Cubans and Haitians. Images of desperate people holding up signs pleading for help at a hotel in Panama after being expelled have spread across the region. This marks a big shift. Central American countries have long accepted back their own citizens, but the United States previously struggled to deport migrants from countries like Venezuela that did not accept deportees. (That has since changed.) During Mr Trumps first term he signed safe third country" agreements with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, obliging asylum seekers to apply there instead of in the United States, but this was feebly enforced. Mr Biden scrapped these arrangements only to replace them with similar ones. He offered Panamas government $6m to accept deportees and beef up border patrols. Mr Biden deported roughly 4m people between 2021 and 2025, far exceeding the 1.9m removed during Mr Trumps first term. Now Mr Trump is aiming much higher. Anyone heading to the United States from south of Mexico must pass through at least one of the seven countries in the stretch of land that runs down to Colombia (see map). Arrivals at the southern border of the United States were already declining when Mr Trump took office again but many governments have previously turned a blind eye to people passing through their territory. Mr Trump wants Central America to crack down on its own nationals as well as others transiting northwards. Costa Rica has provided buses to transport migrants directly from its southern border to the northern one. Honduras views migration as a human right. Meanwhile, Nicaragua has turned the airport at Managua, its capital, into an illegal migrants gateway. Though comprehensive data are lacking, Mr Trumps policies are already shaking up the pattern of migration. In Panamas Lajas Blancas camp, more than 90% of its 485 residentsmostly Venezuelansare preparing to return to where they came from, often Colombia. In Esquipulas, a town in south-eastern Guatemala, Jon Carabo and his family, originally from Venezuela, are heading back: Whats the point of continuing if now theres no way in?" Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico have launched programmes to deal with deported and returning citizens, with patriotic names such as Brother, Sister, Come Home!". But beyond basic aid and small cash grants, they offer little support and cannot manage a surge in returns. The enduring lure of Uncle Sam Moreover Mr Trumps approach leaves more migrants stranded. Although the number arrested at the United States southern border dropped by 35% between 2023 and 2024, and crossings through the Darien Gap fell 42%, huge volumes of people are still on the move. The Economists data analysis suggests that many people are stuck not only in Mexico but elsewhere in Central America too. Figures in Honduras suggest that many migrants who pass through the Darien Gap dont manage to get much farther north. In 2023 some 96,000 Venezuelans who passed through the Gap had not reached Honduras, meaning they were likely languishing in Costa Rica or Panama, or had turned back. Mr Trumps policies are unlikely to stop migration entirely. In fact, his aggressive approach could push more people into trying to reach the United States by increasing economic instability, which, along with corruption, drives emigration. Countries struggling to provide jobs and services will be hard hit by any fall in remittances, which make up one in four dollars circulating in the region, says Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think-tank in Washington DC. He estimates that if just 10% of those under orders to be removed and 65% of those detained are deported, the annual growth in remittances sent to Nicaragua would drop from 55% in 2023 to 6% this year. Most Central American countries lack the resources or political will to secure their borders. And the economic allure of the United States remains potent. Getting off a flight from El Paso to Guatemala City, Ingrid, a deported 23-year-old teacher, is determined to try again; she wants to join her family. She says washing dishes with her sisters in a New York restaurant pays far better than teaching in Guatemala. Sign up to El Boletin, our subscriber-only newsletter on Latin America, to understand the forces shaping a fascinating and complex region. During Donald Trumps presidency, the Washington Post kept a running tally of his lies, ultimately counting 30,573 false or misleading claims in four years. It has kept up that work under President Joe Biden, finding he lies with less abandon but on occasion with comparable shamelessness. Fox News is performing its own version of this public service by counting what it calls gaffes, tracking the moments Mr Biden forgets a politicians name, refers to vice-president Kamala Harris as the president or stumbles through a thicket of numbers. Its approach raises some epistemological questions: why were the misstatements gaffes, rather than lies, when Mr Biden said his home state, Delaware, had no turkeys, which it has, and has the most chickens in the nation, which it hasnt? (In fairness to Fox, even a prepared text is not proof for this president against gaffes: in his state-of-the-union address, on February 7th, Mr Biden demoted Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, to the minority, among other slips and puzzling dad jokes.) A gentle soul might think Fox, in counting its chickens, was being forgiving because of Mr Bidens advanced age. A cynic would infer crueltyan effort to boost the gaffe countfor the same reason. And, indeed, in November Fox sounded disappointed at a slump to just 11 gaffes during the month, including the two most fowl. Bidens November gaffe average: the president hits .500, Fox reported (he was closer to .367, if you count weekends). The gaffe is more dangerous than the lie for Mr Biden because it plays to the perception that, at 80, he is too old for the job. Only 23% of Americans say they have a great deal of confidence he can manage the White House, according to a poll taken by the Associated Press and the NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, down from 44% as he took office. Even most Democrats do not want him to run again, though he is clearly preparing to. These harsh views probably feed into, and are reinforced by, a widespread belief that Mr Biden has not got much done. A recent poll from the Washington Post and ABC found that 62% think he has accomplished not very much or little or nothing. That perception is at odds with reality, and Mr Biden seized on his state-of-the-union speech as his best opportunity to make the case for his progress against some of Americas biggest long-term troubles: on climate, infrastructure and national security. He pointed to forgotten successes such as rolling out vaccines against covid-19 and underappreciated ones such as sustaining international support for Ukraine. Were building an economy where no one is left behind, Mr Biden said. Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back because of choices we made in the last several years. Yet time is working against this president in more ways than one: Americans will not feel the benefits of his most substantial legislative achievements for years to come. That may explain why, in the Washington Post/ABC poll, a majority did not credit him even with having made any progress on infrastructure, despite the $1.2trn he persuaded bipartisan congressional majorities to invest in roads, bridges and electric-car charging stations. And most of the new price controls on prescription drugs that Congress put in place last yeara Democratic grail for more than 20 yearswill not be felt until at least 2026. The state-of-the-union performance gives this president his best chance to shine. Gaffes aside, Mr Biden also deftly ad-libbed, pivoting when Republicans booed him for saying some of them wanted to cut entitlements to box them in. As we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, Mr Biden said, smugly. Weve got unanimity. He called on everyone to stand up for seniorswhich they did. Mr Biden is at home in the Capitol, among fellow legislators. The days when he could be an electrifying speaker are gone, but at the lectern in the House chamberhands clasped prayerfully, voice descending to a husky, insistent whisperhe is a confident, reassuring one, a familiar elder performing a time-honoured national ritual in the time-worn manner. Trial balloon Mr Bidens calls for unity and bipartisanship also once sounded like echoes from the past. But he has proved such appeals still have political force, and he managed to draw bipartisan ovations during his speech, including for a call for police reform. In a hopeful development, House Republicans shelved a plan to pass a resolution before Mr Bidens address criticising him for not having acted faster to shoot down a Chinese balloon that crossed America, apparently gathering intelligence. Instead, they are now pursuing a bipartisan resolution aimed at China. I think our greatest strength is when we speak with one voice to China, the new Republican House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, told reporters. As Mr Biden spoke, Mr McCarthys heavy-lidded presence over his left shoulder, in place of the Democrat Nancy Pelosi, was a reminder of how much the political terrain has changed. That will probably be to Mr Bidens advantage if he runs for re-election. Republicans are divided over foreign and domestic policy, and, given his narrow majority, Mr McCarthy will struggle to impose coherence on their agenda, let alone to moderate the demands of his extremists. Some ignored his caution to behave with dignity during Mr Bidens speech, and their heckling made them seem small. Banks, non-bank lenders and financial institutions may get to invest up to 10% in the corpus of alternate investment fund (AIF) schemes, in a relief for the sector that faced a central bank clampdown in December, 2023. There will be no restriction on regulated entities (REs) such as banks for investing up to 5% in the AIF scheme's corpus, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed on Monday. However, if the AIF scheme invests in a company that has borrowed from the bank, then the RE must make full provision to the extent of its proportionate exposure, the draft circular said. Again, total investments by all REs in any AIF scheme will be capped at 15% of the scheme corpus. Notwithstanding, if the REs contribution is in the form of subordinated units under the priority distribution model (PDM), it shall deduct the entire investment from its capital funds equally from both Tier-1 and Tier-2 capital (wherever applicable)," RBI said. Also read: Bank of Baroda's margin pressure to continue before easing in FY26 second half The new directions will apply only to future investments. Investments and commitments made already will continue to be governed by current norms. Further, RBI, in consultation with the government, may exempt certain AIFs that have been set up for strategic purposes. The central bank has sought comments and feedback on the new draft norms by 8 June. The RBIs updated guidelines on bank investments in AIFs reflect a mature policy shift. They balance prudential risk management with the broader developmental objective of banks," said Gopal Srinivasan, chairman and managing director of TVS Capital Funds, adding the move will help restore regulatory clarity for such investments. Need for revised norms RBI said the draft was issued following the guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India on 8 October, 2024 requiring specific due diligence with respect to investors and AIF investments. RBI said the new norms will help prevent facilitation of circumvention of regulatory frameworks" by ensuring uniform guidelines across regulators. Also read: SBI shares fall as lender tempers loan growth target amid tariff uncertainty The Sebi circular, while highlighting concerns of RBI-regulated lenders using AIFs to evergreen stressed loans, introduced stricter due diligence requirements for AIFs, their managers and key management personnel. The objective was to prevent circumvention of regulations, tighten oversight over such funds and prevent ineligible investors from accessing benefits meant for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) and qualified buyers (QBs). AIFs were also required to perform due diligence if 25% or more of the schemes corpus was contributed by RBI-regulated investors or if they exerted significant influence over investment decisions. Taking into account the more robust and comprehensive structure provided under the Sebi guidelines, there was a scope and need for bringing in some relaxations," said Jyoti Prakash Gadia, managing director at Resurgent India, a category-1 merchant bank. Since an approach of discipline has been exhibited by the regulated entities subsequent to the previous guidelines, the partial relaxations are expected to bring in better utilization of the alternate investment funds," he added. Background On 19 December, 2023, RBI asked lenders not to invest in AIFs that have direct or indirect downstream investments in companies that were borrowers in the last 12 months. Further, such existing investments were required to be liquidated or fully provided for in 30 days. This prompted several large private banks to make significant provisions against these investments in their financials for the last two quarters of FY24. In March 2024, the regulator clarified that these investments would exclude equity shares, compulsorily convertible preference shares and compulsorily convertible debentures. It had then also said that the provisioning will be required only to the extent of investment by the RE in the AIF scheme which is further invested by the AIF in the debtor company, and not on the entire investment of the RE in the AIF scheme. These guidelines were stipulated with the objective of preventing instances of evergreening by utilization of the AIF route to repay existing potential distressed loans. In Mondays circular, RBI said that the regulatory measures have brought financial discipline among the REs regarding their investment in AIFs". Siddarth Pai, co-founder and managing partner, 3one4 Capital said the new guidelines are significant to rupee capital formation as banks and NBFCs are important institutional investors in AIFs, but were placed under restrictions due to certain regulatory findings. Also read: Microfinance stress, RBI embargo weighed on Kotak Banks Q4 profitability The Indian AIF industry is around 13.5 trillion in capital commitments as of 31 March, 2025. The aim is to reach at least 30 trillion by 2030. For this, the simplification of regulation and the removal of artificial regulatory barriers to investing in alternatives is key," he said. (With inputs by Sneha Shah) Indias electric vehicle industry and the government are struggling to find alternatives to rare earth magnets as China, the near-monopoly supplier, continues to throttle the sale of the key component in the aftermath of its trade war with the US. Magnet-free motors and options to replace the rare earth magnet supply chain are among the solutions that the industry and the government have discussed to ensure that the production of EVs is not disrupted. Officials in the ministry of heavy industries, the nodal ministry for EV incentive schemes, discussed the possibility of nudging manufacturers to diversify their magnet supply chain away from China, according to one person aware of the developments. However, a solution remains elusive because China controls almost the entire global supply of rare earth magnets. Automakers met officials from the Prime Minister's Office, the heavy industries ministry and the commerce ministry over the past month after China started asking for certificates to clear exports of these magnets. The certificates require importing companies to disclose the end-use of the magnets and provide pictures of products in which they will be used. Also Read | The time is right for a reset of Indias trade ties with China When the issue was raised with the government, there were deliberations on whether the supply chain could be diversified away from China. But thats unlikely to happen quickly," a person aware of the developments said. After US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs in April, China began its retaliatory measures to halt the export of rare earth magnets. At first, it was believed that only US-based companies would face trouble. But it soon emerged that Indian automakers were also caught in the crossfire. The possibility of using motors without rare earth magnets gained traction after Sterling Tools Ltd, an auto component manufacturer, announced a partnership with the UK-based Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) Ltd to make such components in the country. Magnet-free motors With this technology, we want to make similar efficient motors without the use of permanent magnets," said Jaideep Wadhwa, director at Sterling Tools. Wadhwa anticipates that more companies will rush towards this solution as the supply chain remains vulnerable to China. Chinese players want us to buy the motors directly from them and not take the magnets," a senior executive of an auto component supplier said. However, experts said this may hurt the localisation bid of the government and auto companies. While the countrys auto component makers explore the option of magnet-free motors, many remain unconvinced that it can be a viable long-term solution for all automakers. Replacing rare earth magnets can hurt the performance of vehicles, particularly EVs, which might deter customers. "The main advantages of using permanent magnets in motors are higher efficiency, higher torque density, smaller size and lower mass, better regen and low noise," said Sunil Patel, co-founder of Matel Motion and Energy Solutions, a manufacturer of traction motors for EVs. Also Read | Rare-earths plants are popping up outside China Gaurav Uppal, chief executive officer at One Electric Motorcycles, explained that replacing permanent magnets is easier in three-wheelers and four-wheeler commercial vehicles. "However, the two-wheeler segment is more dependent on the permanent magnets for the ideal combination of torque and efficiency," Uppal said. With no direct alternative available, automakers may have to rely on the government to negotiate with China. Rare earth magnets are an important element for automakers, particularly EVs. It is used in electric motors used in cars. Any disruption to its supply will be a problem as we don't have readymade supply from somewhere else," said Nikhil Dhaka, policy lead at Primus Partners. While alternatives such as magnet-free motors may develop, Dhaka added there is a need to resolve the rare earth magnet issue or automakers will have to directly import motors. Clean fuel vehicles China has started giving concessions to German automakers. We will need the government's help to resolve the issue," a second person aware of the meetings with government officials said. Any disruption to EV production will hurt the governments bid to promote the use of clean fuel vehicles in the country. Also Read | Maruti, Hero among automakers boosting earnings with exports as domestic demand remains on shaky ground As per JMK Research, sales of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers in the country crossed 2 million in FY25. Two-wheelers accounted for more than 50% of EV sales last year and three-wheelers 36%. Sales of petrol and diesel passenger vehicles rose 2% to 4.3 million in FY25, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Belrise Industries Ltd. raised 645 crore from its anchor investors ahead of its public issue, according to the company's exchange filing on 20 May 2025. According to the filing data, the automotive parts manufacturing firm allocated 7,16,66,665 or more than 7.16 crore equity shares to a series of anchor investors at an allocation price of 90 apiece, with the face value of 5 per share. Also Read | Caliber Mining, five others receive SEBI approval to float IPOs The anchor investor pool for the public issue comprises multiple foreign investors and large domestic mutual funds. BlackRock, Capital Group, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, HDFC Mutual Fund, Nippon India Mutual Fund, M&G (Prudential), Pinebridge, ValueQuest, and Bajaj Allianz Life were among other investors who fueled the anchor round. SmallCap World Fund, Inc. and Nippon Life India's small-cap fund emerged as the top allocations for the anchor round, with a 12.90 per cent stake in the public issue. Other major allocations were to Blackrock's Emerging Frontiers Master Fund, at 12.76 per cent, ICICI Prudential Multicap fund, at 7.75 per cent, etc. The firm also allocated 3,06,13,484 or 3.06 crore equity shares to 5 domestic funds through a total of 10 schemes. Also Read | Leela Hotels IPO to launch public issue on May 26 Belrise Industries IPO GMP As of 20 May 2025, the grey market premium (GMP) for the Belrise Industries IPO stands at 14 per share. With the upper price band for the public issue at 90, the shares are expected to be listed at 104 apiece, with a premium of 15.56 per cent, according to InvestorGain data. Grey market premium (GMP) is an indicator of investors' willingness to pay more for a public issue. The GMP jumped ahead of its anchor book results announcement to 14 level, compared to 4.25 on 19 May 2025. Belrise Industries IPO details Belrise Industries is an automotive component maker that specialises in manufacturing for the automotive and white goods industries. The company makes Automotive Sheet Metal and casting parts, Polymer components, Suspension, and mirror systems specifically for Two-Wheel, Three-Wheel, and Four-Wheel Passenger and Commercial vehicles. The IPO will open for public subscription on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, and close on 23 May 2025. The company aims to raise 2,150 crore through a complete fresh issuance of equity shares. The company also fixed the price band for the public issue in the range of 85 to 90 per share with a lot size of 166 shares per lot. Not more than 50 per cent of the offer will be for the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), not less than 15 per cent of the offer for non-institutional investors (NII), and not less than 35 per cent for the retail investors. Axis Capital Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Private Limited, and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the book-running lead managers to the public issue, while MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar for the offer. Leela Hotels IPO: Schloss Bangalore, which operates the iconic "The Leela" brand of luxury hotels in India, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on May 26, 2025. The 3,500 crore issue will include a fresh issue of 2,500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) worth 1,000 crore. The three-day IPO will close on May 28, with the shares likely to list on June 2 on both BSE and NSE. The price band and lot size are yet to be announced. The Brookfield-backed luxury hospitality giant slashed its IPO size by 30 per cent to 3,500 from the initially planned 5,000 crore issue. Large "anchor" investors will get to bid on May 23. Schloss did not specify in its prospectus why it had cut the IPO size. The IPO is being managed by JM Financial, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, and SBI Capital, among others. KFin Technologies is acting as the registrar to the issue. Up to 75 percent of the public issue size is reserved for qualified institutional buyers, of which up to 60 percent portion (that comes to 1,575 crore) may be allocated to anchor investors . Further, 15 percent of the offer size is set aside for non-institutional investors, and the remainder 10 percent for retail investors. Schloss Bangalore, incorporated in 2019, is among Indias largest luxury hospitality firms in terms of number of rooms. As of May 2024, the company operates 12 properties with 3,382 keys under The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts. Five of these -- located in Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur -- are wholly owned. These properties blend regal Indian architecture with modern hospitality, appealing to high-end business and leisure travellers. In addition to rooms, the company operates 67 fine-dining restaurants and bars and 12 wellness centres. Its flagship spa at The Leela Palace Bengaluru is being developed in collaboration with luxury wellness brand Soneva Schloss will sell fresh shares worth 2,500 crore, down from an initially planned 3,000 crore, while Brookfield plans to sell shares worth 1,000 crore - half of its original plan. The company, which runs 13 hotels, will use proceeds from the sale of new shares to repay its borrowings. Schloss Bangalore intends to utilise 2,300 crore out of net fresh issue proceeds for repayment of its debt, and the remainder for general corporate purposes. Upcoming IPOs: As many as six companies, including education loans-focused lender Credila Financial Services, Sri Lotus Developers and Realty, and Euro Pratik, have received the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)'s go-ahead to raise funds through initial public offerings (IPOs). Others that received the regulator's approval to float initial share sales are Caliber Mining and Logistics, Jaro Institute of Technology Management and Research, Jesons Industries and Gem Aromatics. Together, these firms aim to raise at least 3,000 crore. Sebi received preliminary IPO documents from these firms between October 2024 and January 2025 and issued its observations during May 13-16, the update showed. In Sebi's parlance, obtaining the observations means its go-ahead to float the public issue. Credila Financial Services IPO As for the IPO of Credila Financial Services Ltd, formerly known as HDFC Credila Financial Services, the company filed draft papers with Sebi in December through a confidential pre-filing route. Filing the draft papers through this method allows the company to withhold public disclosure of details mentioned in the DRHP. Sri Lotus Developers IPO Bollywood stars and renowned investor Ashish Kacholia-backed Sri Lotus Developers is looking to mop up 792 crore through IPO. The issue is completely a fresh issue of shares with no offer for sale (OFS) component, according to the draft papers. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used for investment in its subsidiaries Richfeel Real Estate, Dhyan Projects, and Tryksha Real Estate Pvt Ltd for part-funding the development and construction of its ongoing projects, Amalfi, The Arcadian and Varun. Besides, a portion will be used for general corporate purposes. Euro Pratik IPO Euro Pratik, a prominent player in the decorative wall panel industry, plans to float a 730 crore public issue, which is entirely an OFS by promoters. Caliber Mining and Logistics, a Nagpur-based coal mining and logistics provider, plans to mobilise 600 crore through its initial share sale. Its IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to 500 crore and an OFS of shares aggregating to 100 crore by the promoters. Proceeds will be utilised by the company towards repayment of debt, funding capital expenditure for purchase of machinery and general corporate purposes. Jaro Institute of Technology IPO Mumbai-based Jaro Institute of Technology Management and Research Limited is planning to raise 570 crore through an IPO. The company had filed its IPO papers with Sebi on September 30, 2024. The IPO consists of a fresh issuance of equity shares worth 170 crore and an offer-for-sale of shares worth 400 crore by promoter Sanjay Namdeo Salunkhe. Jaro Institute of Technology Management and Research is one of Indias leading online higher education and upskilling platform companies, in terms of EBIDTA, EBIDTA Margin, PAT and PAT Margin, Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) as of March 31, 2023, according to a Technopak Report. It is a one-stop solution for a university looking to offer online, hybrid and in-person degree programmes and certification courses. Jaro Institute's 570-crore IPO consists of a fresh issue of shares worth up to 170 crore and OFS of shares valued at 400 crore by promoter Sanjay Namdeo Salunkhe. The company plans to utilise funds for marketing, brand-building and advertising activities, payment of debt and general corporate purposes. Jesons Industries IPO Jesons Industries' IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth 300 crore and an offer-for-sale of 94.61 lakh shares by a promoter. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used for repaying debt, funding capital expenditure, and general corporate purposes. The IPO of Mumbai-based Gem Aromatics, a manufacturer of specialty ingredients, is a mix of fresh issue of equity shares worth up to 175 crore and an OFS of up to 89.24 lakh shares each by the promoter and an investor. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used by Gem Aromatics for debt repayment and general corporate purposes. Shares of these seven companies will be listed on the BSE and NSE. Gem Aromatics IPO Mumbai-based Gem Aromatics Limited, an established manufacturer of specialty ingredients, including, essential oils, aroma chemicals and Value-Added Derivatives in India is planning to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The Company had filed its IPO papers with Sebi on December 28, 2024. The IPO with a face value of 2 is a mix of fresh issue of shares of up to Rs. 175 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 89,24,274 equity shares each by Promoter and Investor Selling Shareholders. The benchmark Nifty 50 index ended 19 May at 24,945.45, declining by 74.35 points or 0.30%. This slight pullback comes on the heels of a strong uptrend in recent weeks and signals that the market may be in the midst of a healthy consolidation phase before its next directional move. The BSE Sensex lost 271.17 points to close at 82,059.42, down by 0.33%. However, Moodys decision to downgrade the US's credit rating further dampened sentiment, triggering caution across global markets. The India VIX fear gauge rose nearly 5%, indicating increased volatility in domestic markets. On to stock recommendations for today by some of India's top market experts. Two stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman: GREENPLY (Cmp 308.05) GREENPLY: Buy CMP and dips to 297, stop 288 target 338 - 358 Why its recommended: GREENPLY has been benefiting from growing demand for furniture and wood panel markets. The company reported a strong Q4 2025 as their plywood and MDF business saw a substantial increase. After a long phase of consolidation the prices have given a breakout with the help if this encouraging tailwinds. Key metrics: P/E: 39.37 52-week high: 412 Volume: 413.52 K Technical analysis: Support at 250, resistance at 425. Risk factors: Raw material price volatility, competitive pressures, and economic fluctuations impacting demand for furniture products. Buy: CMP and dips to 297. Target price: 338-358 in 1 month. Stop loss: 288. Also read: If Shankar Sharma had 100 now, 70% wouldn't go to equity. Here's why. VRLLOG: (Cmp 551.75) VRLLOG: Buy CMP and dips to 525, stop 517 target 580- 605 Why its recommended: Logistics space is undergoing some significant transformation and in this scenario VRLLOG has brought about some major changes in its approaches that has helped it to come out of the shadows in the last few days. With a positive move seen on the charts, one can consider that the trends can be expected to continue for the next few days. Key metrics: P/E: 35.23 52-week high: 625 Volume: 140.18 K Technical analysis: Support at 455, resistance at 650. Risk factors: economic conditions, financial reporting, political environment, competition, and regulatory compliance. Buy: CMP and dips to 525. Target price: 580 - 605 in 1 month. Stop loss: 517. Stocks to trade today: Recommended by Trade Brains Portal ITC Ltd (Current price: 436) Target price : 495 in 16-24 months : 495 in 16-24 months Stop-loss: 405 405 Why its recommended: ITC is Indias leading FMCG marketer with a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning fast-moving consumer goods, paperboards and packaging, agribusiness, and information technology. The company is a market leader in the Indian paperboard and packaging industry. ITC Consumer Goods business, over the last decade, has established itself with 25+ world-class Indian brands, including Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Yippee! And more. ITC announced the acquisition of ABRELs pulp and paper business, operated under the name of Century Pulp and Paper, for a lump sum consideration of up to 3,500 crores on a cash-free, debt-free basis, which has an installed capacity of 4.8 lakh MTPA. Moreover, in its FMCG segment, ITC has signed share purchase agreements to acquire Sresta Natural Bioproducts's brand 24 Mantra Organic. Also, the company has signed agreements with Mother Sparsh Baby Care Private Limited operating in the premium ayurvedic and natural baby care space. ITC acquired the balance 73.5% stake over 2-3 years in Mother Sparsh, having an investment of 81 crore by FY27 with a total investment of 126 crore. The company reported revenue from operations of 61,236 crore for 9M FY25, up from 55,330 crore for 9M FY24, an increase of 11%. For Q3FY25, net segment revenue for cigarettes was up by 8.1% YoY, and PBIT was up by 4.1% YoY. FMCG revenue is up by 4% YoY, Agri segment revenue is up by 9.7% YoY, PBIT is up by 21.6% YoY, and paperboards and packaging revenue is up by 3.1%. Risk Factor: The companys cigarette segment is highly exposed to regulations. Any material regulatory development can have a significant impact on the business. Their revenue from the cigarette segment is highly concentrated. ITC's raw materials in agricultural commodities are exposed to climate change; it is a low-margin and highly volatile business. Variation in the crop output could adversely impact a company's operations. The company remains exposed to the impact of changes in the regulatory norms with respect to the treatment of manufacturing residual discharge/waste. ACC Ltd (Current price: 1,929) Target price: 2,520 in 12 months 2,520 in 12 months Stop-loss : 1,635 : 1,635 Why its recommended: ACC Ltd is a leading cement and ready-mix concrete company in India, part of the Adani Group, and is a subsidiary of Ambuja Cements. The parent company, Ambuja Cement, is the second-largest cement company, holding a dominant 15% market share. In FY25, the consolidated Ambuja surpassed 100 MTPA cement capacity and further targets 118 MTPA by FY26 and 140 MTPA by FY28. ACC and Ambuja combined bring 73% of the trade cement share and 29% of trade volumes in premium products, amongst the highest in the industry. In FY25, ACC Ltd. volumes grew by 13% to 11.9 million tons from 10.5 million tons, while the parent Ambuja volumes stood at 11.6 million tons, up 22% from 9.5 million tons YoY. ACC Ltd. has the highest revenue from operations compared to Ambuja and Sanghi. In FY25, the revenue from operations grew by 6% to 20,789 crore from 19,681 crore YoY. EBITDA stood at 2,088 crore, margins stood at 10%, and profit after tax grew by 2% to 2,402 crore from 2,335 YoY. The company has two segments: the cement business contributes 20,504 crore, and ready-mix concrete contributes 1,382 crore. To maximize its profit, the company decreased its power and fuel cost from 930 per ton in FY24 to 727 per ton in FY25. The power and fuel costs have reduced by 22% ( 203/t), driven by the WHRS share up by 14% and green power mix up by 23%. The company reduced 19% of costs through acquisitions and OPEX programs. Further, the company targets to reduce the cost from 19% to 12% by FY28. However, currently green power consumption stands at 21% and is targeting to consume 60% of power from green by FY28. In addition, freight and forwarding costs have been reduced by 8%, and other expenses declined by 12% YoY. On a consolidated basis, the group has 62 million tons of clinker capacity and 100 MTPA cement capacity. The project under execution; other stages clinker capacity stood at 27, bringing the total capacity to 89 million tons and 40 MTPA cement capacity, bringing the total to 140 MTPA by 2028. The company has 350 million users on its infrastructure platform. The Adani Group now operates 11 captive ships, 22 grinding units, and 24 integrated units. In India, it has more than 110,000 channel partners. The group owned 101 ready-mix concrete facilities, 10 bulk cement terminals, 82% of blended cement, and 65% of the clinker factor as of FY25. Furthermore, management anticipates that 118 MTPA of cement capacity in FY26 and 1,000 megawatts will be operational by June FY26. By FY26 and FY28, the company anticipates EBITDA per ton of 915 and 1,500, respectively. In addition, significant projects and clinker capacity expansions will be put into service in Q1, Q2, and Q3 of FY26, with a cost of 3,650 per unit by FY28. Risk Factor: ACC is subject to the costs of raw materials, including gypsum, coal, and limestone, which together make up about 40% of the entire direct cost. A rise in the price of raw materials may put pressure on the company's profit margins. Two stock recommendations for today by MarketSmith India GAIL (India) Ltd Current price: 189.48 Why its recommended: Investment in renewable energy, international expansion, strong financial performance Key metrics: P/E: 10.20 | 52-week high: 246.30 | Volume: 274 crore Technical analysis: Holding above all key moving averages, bullish flag continuation Risk factors: Pressure on profit margin, segmental loss, regulatory, and operational risk Buy at: 189.48 Target price: 218 in three months Stop loss: 175 Rane Holdings Ltd Current price: 1481.4 Why its recommended: Strong financial performance and growth, robust market position, and growth opportunities Key metrics: P/E: 91.01 | 52-week high: 2,458.70 | Volume: 2.71 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 100-DMA Risk factors: Cyclicality of the automotive sector, limited diversification Buy at: 1,481.4 Target price: 1,790 in three months Stop loss: 1,340 Top 3 stocks recommended by Ankush Bajaj Buy: Tata Steel Ltd (TATASTEEL) Current price: 157.55 Why its recommended: On the daily chart, the stock has given an upper channel breakout at the 154 level, which is a bullish signal. RSI is positioned positively, supporting the momentum. Since we have closed above this level, we are expecting a good upside rally and might also see 170+ levels soon. Key metrics Resistance level: 163-165 (short-term target zone) Support level: 154 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Upper channel breakout RSI: Positive and strengthening Technical analysis: The stock has broken out of a consolidation channel with its price trading above key levels. The breakout with confirmation from RSI supports a bullish outlook. Sustaining above 154 increases the probability of further upside. Risk factors: Breakdown below 154 may invalidate the breakout. Global cues or weakness in the metals sector may impact the setup. Buy at: 157.55 Target price: 163-165 in 4-5 days Stop loss: 154 Buy: Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL) Current price: 1,450 Why its recommended: The stock has closed above 1,400, which was an important resistance level based on the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement is drawn from the recent high of 1,993 to the recent low of 1,044. This breakout indicates bullish strength. On the daily chart, RSI is trading above 69, suggesting strong momentum, and the ADX is also on the bullish side, further confirming the positive trend. Key metrics Resistance level: 1,540-1,565 (target zone) Support level: 1,400 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Breakout above key retracement level RSI: Above 69 ADX: Bullish Technical analysis: The price has decisively crossed a key Fibonacci level with strength. Momentum indicators like RSI and ADX are aligned on the bullish side, indicating potential for a sharp move higher. Risk factors: Breakdown below 1,400 could invalidate the setup. Broader market volatility or sector-specific news may impact short-term movement. Buy at: 1,450 Target price: 1,540-1,565 in 4-5 days Stop loss: 1,400 Buy: PI Industries Ltd (PIIND) Current price: 3,759 Why its recommended: On the daily chart, the stock has given a breakout from a reverse head and shoulder pattern, which is a strong bullish reversal signal. RSI is trading above 62, indicating positive momentum, and MACD has given a fresh buy signal after a recent decline, adding confirmation to the bullish setup. Key metrics Resistance level: 3,850-3,870 (target zone) Support level: 3,700 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Reverse Head and Shoulder RSI: Above 62 MACD: Buy signal Technical analysis: The breakout from the reversal pattern, supported by momentum indicators like RSI and MACD suggests a bullish bias. Sustaining above the breakout level increases the probability of the target being achieved in the near term. Risk factors: Breakdown below 3,700 may invalidate the pattern. Broader market weakness or sector rotation could impact the momentum. Buy at: 3,759 Target price: 3,850-3,870 in 4-5 days Stop loss: 3,700 Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. MarketSmith India: Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd; Sebi-registered research analyst registration number: INH000015543 Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. The benchmark indices fell for the third straight day on profit booking, following a rebound after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire to end the four-day military conflict that stemmed from Operation Sindoor. On Tuesday, the Nifty 50 index fell 1.05% or 261.55 points to 24,683.9, while the Sensex 30 slipped 1.06%, its sharpest decline in five days, to end at 81,186.44. The market had rallied almost 5% from 24,008 on Friday (9 May), a day before the ceasefire, to a high of 25,116.25 on 15 May. From there, Nifty has fallen 0.08% and Sensex has declined 0.15% on profit booking. All the Nifty sectoral indices ended lower on Tuesday. The Nifty Auto index fell the most, closing 2.17% down, the India Consumption index dropped 1.77%, and the Nifty Financial Services index closed 1.73% lower. The Nifty Midcap 100 index settled 1.62% lower. The market sentiment remained negative on Tuesday, with 42 of 50 Nifty constituents ending in the red. The BSE market capitalisation fell by 5.4 trillion to reach 43.82 trillion. Also read | FPI assets top $800 billion after 4 months as markets rebound on eased trade worries Of the 2,969 stocks traded on the NSE, 1974 declined and 915 advanced. Fund managers said that much of the negatives, including geopolitical tensions and global tariff uncertainties and earnings disappointments, were priced in. But with Moodys downgrading the US, a selloff in emerging market assets by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) amid rising US bond yields could crimp the short-term sentiment. When US bond yields go up, it's always negative for India and for emerging markets because the cost of debt is moving up, said Christy Mathai, fund manager-equity at Quantum Asset Management Co. In such cases, investors could be better off investing in local currency and local bonds as opposed to investing in emerging markets, he said. Sachin Relekar, senior equity fund manager at Axis Mutual Fund, said, We believe that macro headwinds are receding. The recent geopolitical issue with our neighbouring country seems to be behind us, he said. There were concerns around trade and tariffs, which were steep when proposed, but the tone of negotiationsespecially with China and potentially with India toonow seems more positive, he said. We still need to see the final details, but it doesnt look as bad as it did around before and, hence, we believe that the two issues are less of a concern going forward, Relekar said. Most of the earnings downgrades that had to happen have happened and there is not much room for the earnings to go down further, according to Mathai. The earnings season for Q4FY25 has not been that weak and was on the expected lines, he said. From hereon, we might see an 11% earnings growth for FY25-26. FPIs net sold shares worth 10,016 crore on Tuesday, provisional data from BSE showed. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net bought shares worth 6,738.39 crore. However, FIIs have been net buyers in Indian equity markets for the last five days with inflows of 15,262 crore. Multibagger penny stock: The Indian stock market has been volatile over the last few months due to mixed global cues, India-Pakistan conflict and tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. However, despite the uncertainty, investors can make money in Indian stocks if they research well before investing. One such company that has turned out to be a multibagger penny stock is Banganga Paper Industries. Banganga Paper Industries, which was once priced at 8.40 in December 2022, is now trading at 78.50 on the BSE. To put it in perspective, an investment of 1 lakh made 2.5 years ago in the stock and held over time would have grown significantly to nearly 9.3 lakh. Banganga Paper Industries share price movement The multibagger penny stock fell over 3.37 per cent in Tuesday's session; however, it has gained over 5.70 per cent in five trading sessions. Banganga Paper Industries share price has given multibagger returns to its investors by soaring over 850 per cent in two and a half years. So far, the penny stock has maintained its positive trajectory in the short term as well. In the last six months, the stock has ascended 48 per cent, meanwhile, it has gained over 467.77 per cent in the last one year. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the penny stock has added nearly 2 per cent, rising from 77.40 to current market levels. Banganga Paper Industries Q4 results 2025 Banganga Paper Industries posted a net profit of 1 crore for the quarter ended March 2025, a notable turnaround from a net loss of 0.01 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. Also Read | BEL share price rises post Q4 results, dividend announcements adding to gains Revenue for the quarter saw a massive surge of 18,527.27%, rising to 20.49 crore from 0.11 crore in the March 2024 quarter. For the full financial year ended March 2025, the company reported a net profit of 1.88 crore, compared to a net loss of 0.02 crore in the previous year. Annual sales soared 14,797.44%, reaching 58.10 crore, up from 0.39 crore in the year ended March 2024. Dividend Stocks: BEL, Power Grid, DLF, Petronet LNG and Gujarat Gas are among the five key stocks that declared dividends along with the March quarter (Q4) results on Monday, May 19. Dividend Details Bharat Electronics Limited: At its meeting on May 19, 2025, the company's board of directors, among other things, suggested a final dividend of 0.90/-per equity share (90%) of 1/-each fully paid-up for the fiscal year 20242025. At the company's upcoming annual general meeting, the shareholders of BEL must approve the same. Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Experts suggest THESE 5 stock picks Power Grid Corporation of India: For the fiscal year 20242025, a final dividend of 1.25 per equity share of 10 each (or 12.5% of the paid-up equity share capital) was recommended by Power Grid's board. At the company's subsequent Annual General Meeting (AGM), the shareholders need to approve the dividend. Within 30 days following the date of its announcement at the AGM, the final dividend announced would be paid by Power Grid. This final dividend is in addition to the first interim dividend, which was paid on December 4, 2024, at a rate of 45% on the paid-up equity share capital, of 4.50/-per share, and the second interim dividend, which was paid on February 28, 2025, at a rate of 32.5% on the paid-up equity share capital, for the fiscal year 20242025. DLF Ltd: A dividend of 6/- per equity share of face value of 2/- each for FY 2024-25, or 300% considering the face value of share, was recommended by the Board of Directors of the company at the meeting held on May 19, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. Gujarat Gas: The Board of Gujarat Gas also recommended a dividend of 5.82 per equity share of 2 each to the shareholders for the financial year 2024 - 25, which will be paid subject to approval of Shareholders in the Annual General Meeting. Petronet LNG: A final dividend of 3 per share (on the face value of 10/-each) on the company's equity shares for the fiscal year 20242025 was also recommended by the Board of Directors of the company during its meeting. At the upcoming Annual General Meeting, shareholders must approve the final dividend. In due course of time, the record date and payment or dispatch date for the aforementioned suggested final dividend for the FY 2024-25 will be announced by Petronet LNG. Corporate pension funds are feeling the heat after the fits and starts of the Trump administrations tariff policies sparked radical market swings, including some of the biggest one-day moves of the past decade. Plans for S&P 500 companies lost nearly $74 billion in value in the days after President Trumps Liberation Day" tariffs were announced and funded status dipped below 100% in March for the first time since last September, staying there until early this month, according to professional services firm Aon. Stocks have since recovered with the surprise agreement between the U.S. and China to unwind certain tariffs, but uncertainties remain about when and where markets will settle. Theyre all trying to figure out what the impact to them is," said Matt McDaniel, a partner in consulting firm Mercers wealth practice, of the dozens of corporate pension managers hes heard from since stocks started gyrating last month. For those pensions that have a less volatile investment strategy, plan managers have been surprised to learn their pensions are mostly unscathed, he said. Whereas others with different investment strategies are having a more painful experience." The others" are pension plans that have kept assets in volatile investments versus fixed-income investments. For this group, it has been a taxing several weeks assessing the duration and effect of the volatility on their pensions, with some considering changing or pausing strategies to reduce risk, pension advisers say. While big companies have mostly switched new hires to 401(k)-style retirement options in recent years, corporate pension plans for U.S. companies still cover around 18 million people and $2.1 trillion in assets, according to Aon. View Full Image Graphic: WSJ Some of those corporate pensions continue to have high exposure" to riskier assets, which pension advisers define as around 40% or more of assets invested in equities. Sixteen companies from consulting firm Millimans index of the 100 largest pension plans sponsored by U.S. public companies fall within that range. Among them are Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Abbott Laboratories and Berkshire Hathaway, all of which are fully funded, meaning they have enough assets to cover liabilities, according to Milliman. Philip Morris International and gas and electric utility company Public Service Enterprise Group have more than 50% in equities and are less than 100% funded on their global pension liabilities, according to Millimans review of companies latest annual filings. Philip Morriss international pensions, which accounted for over 90% of the plans total assets as of the end of 2024, meet local statutory funding requirements, a company spokesman said. Pensions with significant exposure to riskier investments are particularly concerned if they arent fully funded, said William Strange, a principal at consulting firm Milliman. Companies with high equities exposure that are fully funded or over funded have a buffer, and so are less impacted and potentially less concerned about recent market volatility," he said. Companies with pension plans have spent the last several years cutting the associated pension risks, by transferring them off their balance sheets, for one. Some have also moved away from riskier investments in favor of more stable fixed-income investments. Roughly 25% of pension assets were in equities last year, according to Milliman. That is down from around 38% a decade ago. Electric utility Entergy slashed its equities exposure for 2024 by around 15% compared with a year earlier. The company has worked for over a decade to reduce its pension-related risks, said Finance Chief Kimberly Fontan. That includes closing it to new participants in 2014, lifting out around $1.2 billion in assets last year and shifting investments as the pensions funded status rose. Around 36% of Entergys pension assets were in equities last year compared with just over 50% a year earlier. Fontan may further decrease equity investments as the plans funded status, which last year was at around 96%, increases. But, she said she isnt planning to make investment changes because of the market swings. When youre in market volatility, you dont want to make drastic moves because its going to swing one way and then swing the other," she said. Were at a good place with where we are in the funded status, but obviously if we see a significant shift there, we can make tweaks in the equity allocation." Plan sponsors are watching recent market turbulence and asking whether their risk exposure makes sense, pension advisers said. Some will keep higher exposure, particularly those that are funded below 100%. They want to make up the funding gap without having to throw in cash, advisers said. So, they look to the markets to do the work by leaning in on equity investments, for example, to outperform other assets such as bonds. Some are considering transferring their liabilities off the balance sheet, an increasingly appealing option in recent years with plans more than fully funded. Meanwhile, others are putting derisking plans on hold, waiting for calmer markets. More often than not, it leads to changing something," Mercers McDaniel said of the conversations hes having with pension plan sponsors. But it tends to be smaller shifts done over time, he said. Its usually not a wholesale change where youre going to say, Lets open the floodgates and throw risk back on or Lets exit the equity market entirely and only invest in fixed-income for the rest of our lives. Its usually more of an iterative process." Write to Jennifer Williams at jennifer.williams@wsj.com Online brokerage platform Zerodha's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nithin Kamath, in a social media post, spoke about the discussions over rising retail investors from India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities may be a little misleading. There's a lot of talk about a huge influx of traders from Tier 2 and 3 towns. This data may be a little misleading. Let me explain, said Kamath in his social media post on X. Explaining the issue, Nithin Kamath said that if people look at Kite by Zerodha's trading activity, according to the KYC (Know Your Customer) addresses of the users, people can determine that there are several retail investors who are investing in the capital markets from the nation's Tier 2 and 3 cities. If one looks at trading activity by looking at the addresses of users as per their KYC, you'll see a lot of users from Tier 2 and 3 towns, he said. But if people track the IP addresses of the application's users, then the bulk of the trading activity comes from the top 20 cities in India. Kamath cited that people do not change their addresses once they move to a new city, which accounts for the high number from smaller cities in India. However, if you look at user activity by the IP addresses they use to log in, then the bulk of the activity comes from the top 20 cities. This is because most people don't update their address once they move to a different city, said the Zerodha CEO. Pune & Bengaluru Cities like Pune and Bengaluru are witnessing a lot more trading activities as they are amongst those go-to destinations for people to relocate in search of work. This is why, for example, you see a lot of activity from Pune and Bangalore because they are among the go-to destinations for people relocating for work, Kamath said. The Zerodha CEO also emphasised that people should keep this factor in mind when drawing conclusions about the influx of investors into the market, the depth of the stock market from Tier 2 and 3 cities. However, he also said that this data is only based on the customers from the Kite application, which is the in-house trading and brokerage platform developed by Zerodha. It may or may not be true when compared to others, Kamath said in his post. Revamped Kite's screener Nithin Kamath, on Monday, 19 May 2025, launched a newly revamped version of Kite's screener dashboard, which he claimed to be much cooler than the version before. We just revamped the Kite MarketWatch and made it much cooler, said Kamath in his earlier post on X. Custom groups, pre-built watchlist, more space, are among some of the changes which were made to the existing trading platform for the benefit and the ease of retail investors. Stock market today: Indian stocks were relatively flat on Tuesday, with the benchmarks staying within a narrow range for the third consecutive session due to a lack of new catalysts, as investors looked for more information on India-U.S. trade talks. The Nifty 50 was down 0.18% at 24,900.65, while the Sensex dipped by 0.24% to reach 81,865.70 points by 11:21 IST. Analysts pointed out that the US markets are under pressure, primarily due to the ongoing repercussions of the tariff disputes from President Trump's tenure. The tariff strategy, imposing at least a 10 percent duty on nearly all imports into the US, has sparked worries regarding the future of global commerce. The repercussions of this trade approach are being felt in financial markets worldwide, including those in India. Riyank Arora of Mehta Equities believes Nifty 50 to move higher towards 25,30025,400 in the near term. Arora recommends Tata Technologies, CDSL, and Caplin Point Laboratories shares to buy. stock Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Experts suggest THESE 5 stock picks Market Views - Riyank Arora, Technical Analyst, Mehta Equities Ltd Nifty 50 Nifty 50 continues to trade with a positive bias, showing strong support around 24,500, while immediate support lies at 24,800. On the upside, 25,115 remains a major resistance level. If the index manages to stay above 24,800, it is likely to move higher towards 25,30025,400 in the near term. The overall trend is bullish, supported by strong market breadth and buying in large-cap stocks. Traders are advised to follow a buy-on-dips strategy as long as the key support levels are intact. Momentum indicators such as RSI are also pointing upwards, suggesting continued strength in the short to medium term. Bank Nifty Outlook Bank Nifty is showing solid strength, trading firmly above 55,000 levels. Immediate support is seen at 55,170, with major support placed at 54,400. On the upside, the index faces resistance near 55,700, and a breakout above this could trigger a move towards new highs. The index remains in a strong uptrend, backed by sustained buying in major banking names. RSI and other indicators are showing strength, and the price is well above key moving averages. The outlook remains positive, and short-term traders can consider buying on dips for potential gains as long as 54,400 is not breached. Also Read | Stocks to buy under 100: Experts recommend six shares to buy today Shares to buy for short term Riyank Arora recommends these three stocks in the short term - Tata Technologies Ltd (Tata Tech), Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL), and Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd. 1. Tata Technologies Ltd (Tata Tech) Buy at 760 | Stop Loss 700 | Target 850 Tata Tech has given a strong breakout above the key resistance level of 750, backed by rising volumes. This move reflects renewed buying interest and continuation of the ongoing uptrend. The stock is forming a pattern of higher highs and is trading above its key moving averages, reinforcing the bullish sentiment. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 68, indicating solid momentum while still below the overbought zone. As long as the stock maintains above 700, it is likely to head toward 850 in the short term. Investors can consider buying on dips, supported by favorable technical indicators. 2. Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL) Buy at 1,450 | Stop Loss 1,400 | Target 1,600 CDSL has witnessed a decisive breakout above its resistance at 1,430, with rising volumes and a positive shift in momentum. The stock is coming out of a consolidation phase, pointing to the beginning of a new upward trend. The RSI is currently at 69, suggesting strong bullish momentum. Additionally, the MACD has shown a positive crossover, confirming a potential trend reversal. These indicators collectively support a short-term bullish view. With no major resistance till 1,600, and as long as 1,400 holds as support, CDSL remains a strong candidate for short-term gains. 3. Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd Buy at 2,161 | Stop Loss 2,000 | Target 2,600 Caplin Point has broken out above the 2,100 level, signaling the end of a consolidation phase and the start of an upward move backed by healthy volumes. The stock has also been trading well above its key moving averages, which further supports the bullish trend. The RSI is at 71, showing strong momentum, though slightly in the overbought zone. However, the strength in price action and consistent buying interest suggest more upside. As long as it holds above 2,000, the stock is likely to continue trending higher. The next potential resistance is around 2,600, making it an attractive short-term buy. Also Read | Buy or sell: Vaishali Parekh recommends three stocks to buy today Stocks to buy under 100: Following weak global market sentiment, heightened volatility, and a sharp sell-off in IT stocks, the Indian stock market ended lower on Monday. The Nifty 50 index finished 74 points lower at 24,945. The BSE Sensex ended 271 points down at 82,059. However, the Bank Nifty index gained 65 points and closed at 55,420. Conversely, the broader markets exhibited resilience. The BSE Midcap and Small-cap indices posted gains of 0.27% and 0.75% respectively, indicating sustained investor interest in mid and small-cap counters. Among the sectoral gainers, Nifty Realty outshone peers with a substantial 2.2% gain, followed by Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Pharma, which advanced 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Volatility remained elevated, reflecting investor caution amid macroeconomic uncertainties and global risk aversion. Stock market today Speaking on the outlook for the Nifty 50 today, Shiju Kuthupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said, "The Nifty 50 index witnessed another session of narrow movement with consolidation happening with a gradual slide to close below the 25000 zone after the strong pick up in the last week. The overall trend is maintained positive and with the index having the near-term support now positioned near 24800 and major support zone at 24500 level, which needs to be sustained, one can expect further continuation of the uptrend with fresh upside targets of 25400 and 25800 levels expected in the coming days." "The Bank Nifty index continue to remain rangebound and has been gripped between the 56000 and 54000 zone for quite some time and would need a decisive breach above the 56000 level to confirm a breakout and thereafter expect for further rise in the coming days with further fresh targets of 56600 and 58500 levels expected in the coming days. On the downside, as mentioned earlier, the important support zone lies near the 54000 zone, which needs to be sustained to maintain the overall bias intact," Shiju said. Vaishali Parekh's recommended stocks to buy today 1] Jamna Auto Industries: Buy at 90, Target 96, Stop Loss 87; and 2] Ola Electric Mobility: Buy at 52.60, Target 58, Stop Loss 50; Mahesh M Ojha's stocks to buy under 100 3] Maral Overseas: Buy at 76.50 to 78.50, Targets 80, 82, 85, Stop Loss 74.80; and 4] Bharat Gears: Buy at 82.75 to 83.75, Target 85, 87, 89, 92, Stop Loss 80.80. Sugandha Sachdeva's intraday stock for today 5] Bank of Maharashtra: Buy on dips at 52.20, Target 55.50, Stop Loss 50.30. Anshul Jain's stock of the day 6] Ugar Sugar Works: Buy at 51.50, Target 60, Stop Loss 48. International as well as homegrown brands are breathing new life into an old craft: knitwear. Over the past few weeks, several designers have presented, both on and off the runways, their unique experimentations with knitwear using colours, shapes and techniques. Weaves like jacquard, crochet, macrame and lace have been seen across beach twinsets, holiday dresses and rompers. At the Chanel's cruise show in Lake Como, for instance, models presented a range of lace and crochet pieces, which looked perfect for a lazy brunch as well as a resort getaway. Back home, designers like Shivan & Narresh, Ranna Gill, NOIB and Rareism, too, dropped summer collection focused on knitwear. Also read: How to cinch it with a cummerbund like Shah Rukh Khan According to Shivan Bhatiya, founder and head designer of Shivan & Narresh, knitwear is a key trend" for the summer season, with several celebrities opting for them for both on and off-camera. Actor Blake Lively, for example, wore a butter yellow short sleeve sweater top worn with a silk maxi while promoting her recent release, "Another Simple Favor", in New York City. Ananya Panday is often seen in knitted pieces during media appearances and in her vacation photographs on social media. One of the reasons for kintwear's popularity is its tactile quality that gives a distinctly summer vibe. Plus, they fit perfectly well with the current trending relaxed yet polished aesthetic. View Full Image From Shivan & Narresh You can turn the most basic knitwear item into a statement outfit with printed accessoriesthink silk scarves or statement totes," says Bhatiya. And they are a great option for the holiday wardrobe." Small wonder then crochet has become a beachwear essential. It's being used to create cover ups, dresses, ready-to-wear pieces, even accessories. Crochet brings in a nostalgic yet contemporary vibeits handmade, intricate, and unique," says designer Ranna Gill, who's currently experimenting with crochet. Jacquard allows for bold patterns and structure without compromising fluidity. Macrame, with its knotted elegance, introduces a touch of bohemian sophistication. Designers are drawn to these weaves not just for their beauty, but for the craftsmanship and storytelling they represent." View Full Image By Rareism Gill offers a styling tip: pair a detailed crochet top with high-waisted linen trousers or denim for a modern contrast. A full-length crochet dress works beautifully with sleek sandals and minimal accessories to let the texture shine," she says. "For beachwear, a crochet cover-up over a solid swimsuit feels timeless yet on-trend." The other reason for the growing experimentations with knitwear is that they offer a refreshing departure from conventional summer fabrics like cotton and linen, believes Surabhi Vaidya, founder of the brand NOIB, which has used digital printing on crochet in its recent collection. Knitwear is moving beyond clothes to accessories and belts," says Vaidya. It's an indication of the kind of interest it is generating in the design community. You know the biggest thing about knits is that the focus remains on the fabric, its drape, its movement, and the natural character of the weave. Heavy embellishments or accessories aren't that necessary, because the fabric is telling the story." Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Prior to investing in a mutual fund scheme, it is advisable for investors to check the past returns of that scheme and compare the same against other schemes in the same category. To make a well-rounded decision of whether to invest or not in a mutual fund scheme it is recommended to assess the past few years' returns over a period of time say past five years or so. Consistently giving high returns is seen as positive for the prospective investors who feel confident of investing in a new scheme they know nothing about. Here we share top performing agggressive hybrid mutual funds which have delivered over 21 percent in the past five years. Aggressive hybrid mutual funds For the uninitiated, aggressive hybrid mutual funds refer to those mutual funds which have invested 65 to 80 percent of their assets in equity and only 20 to 35 percent in debt. There are a total of seven hybrid mutual fund categories. Other categories include conservative hybrid, balance hybrid, dynamic asset allocation and multi asset allocation, among others. As we can see in the table above, there are nine aggressive hybrid mutual funds which have delivered over 21 percent annualised return in the past five years. Aggressive Hybrid Fund 5-year-return (%) BOI Mid & small Cap Equity and Debt fund 28.14 Edelweiss Aggressive Hybrid Fund 22.92 ICICI Prudential Equity & debt Fund 27.85 JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund 28.30 Kotak Equity Hybrid fund 23.16 Mahindra Manulife AHF 23.06 Nippon India Equity Hybrid fund 22.67 Quant Absolute Fund 27.90 UTI Aggressive Hybrid fund 23.97 (Source: amfiindia.com; returns as on May 16, 2025) Other schemes which have given exceptional performance include Kotak Equity Hybrid fund and UTI Aggressive Hybrid fund. Meanwhile, it is important to note that past performance do not guarantee future returns. In other words, just because a scheme has given impressive returns in the past it does not mean it will give equally high returns in the future as well. Therefore, investors should consider other important factors which include past performance of fund managers, reputation of the fund house, scheme's category (equity-inclined or debt-inclined) and the overall economic scenario of the market. Indias mutual fund industry saw quite a few changes in 2024-2025, particularly in terms of the improving sophistication of investors. More investors ventured beyond regular and direct mutual funds to more complex, and potentially more rewarding, investment schemes despite the market volatility. Overall, the Indian mutual fund industrys assets under management (AUM) jumped 23% to 65.7 trillion in FY25 from 53.4 trillion in the previous financial year, according to a joint report by the Association of Mutual Funds in India and Crisil Intelligence. The report, however, pointed out that Indias mutual fund penetration (MF AUM-to-GDP)while being at all-time high of 19.9% as on 31 March 2025was still lower than that of many developed economies. This indicates there is considerable scope for growth of the domestic MF industry," the report said. Here are the Indian mutual fund industrys top trends in FY25. 5-year SIPs Most investors in mutual funds make periodic investments, typically monthly, though systematic investment plans. SIP data in the Amfi-Crisil annual report for FY25 indicates a growing investor preference for long-term approach. About 19% of the SIP assets held through direct mutual fund schemes were in categories of 5 years or longer, up from 4% as on 31 March 2020. In other words, more investors committed to periodically allot a specific amount towards investing in a mutual fund for at least 5 years. One-third of SIP assets held through regular plans were also in categories of 5 years or longer as on 31 March 2025, up from 12% as on 31 March 2020, the data showed. SIP growth remained steady in FY25 (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) despite market volatility. The periodic contributions during the year added up to 2.88 trillion, a 45% jump from 1.99 trillion in FY24. Women investors More women are deciding to park their investments in mutual funds. Women investors accounted for 26% of the total number of individual investors in FY25, up from 24% in the year before. The rise in literacy rates and the growing presence of women in the workforce have been instrumental in enhancing their economic contributions and, as a result, women are now emerging as a key participant in the MF investor base," the Amfi-Crisil report said. Hybrid funds Hybrid funds became a larger category in FY25, with assets held by such funds expanding 22% to 8.8 trillion as of 31 March 2025, according to the Amfi-Crisil report. The increase in size of hybrid funds shows investors growing preference for asset allocation funds to diversify their investments," said Amol Joshi, founder of Plan Rupee Investment Services. Within the hybrid category, multi-asset allocation funds that invest across a wide range of asset classessuch as equities, debt, gold, and real estate investment trustsaccounted for 12% of the hybrid funds category in FY25. Balanced advantage funds or dynamic asset allocation fundswhich typically increase equity exposure when markets fall and increase debt exposure when stock markets are at peak valuationsdominated the hybrid funds category with a 33% share. Passive funds Net flows towards passive funds more than doubled to 1.4 trillion in FY25 from 0.61 trillion in FY24. Gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) saw a significant jump in investment flows as gold prices rallied amid global uncertainty. Investments into Gold ETFs surged to 14,582 crore in FY25 from 5,248 crore in FY24, according to the Amfi-Crisil report. This growth interest in passive schemes indicates that investors are gradually seeing the merits of low-cost funds in certain categories, where outperformance or alpha creation potential of managed funds may be limited, (but they) prefer saving on higher fund management fees," said Kavitha Menon, founder of Probitus Wealth. Equity assets Equity mutual funds saw a record inflow of 4.17 trillion in FY25, the highest ever in a financial year and more than double the net inflows into such funds in FY24. This, combined with valuation gains, propelled assets under management of equity-oriented schemes by 25.4% in FY25 to 29.45 trillion as on 31 March. The Nifty Total Returns Indexs rose 6.7% in FY25. A Sonipat court on Tuesday, May 20, sent Ali Khan Mahmudabad head of Ashoka University's political science department to judicial custody till May 27 over his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor. The court rejected the police's request for a seven-day remand and sent him to judicial custody. One of Ali Khan Mahmudabad's lawyers, Kapil Balyan, said that the associate professor was produced before a court in Sonipat this afternoon after the expiry of his two-day police remand. The police sought an extension of his remand by seven days. During the arguments, we opposed the extension of the police remand... The court has sent him to judicial custody till May 27, Kapil Balyan said. Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested by the Haryana Police on Sunday, May 18, after two FIRs were registered against him over his social media post on Operation Sindoor. The FIRs alleged that his social media post endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The FIRs were lodged at the Rai police station in Sonipat district one based on a complaint by the chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, Renu Bhatia, and the other on a complaint by a village sarpanch. His arrest has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram posted on X, I have read and re-read the entire tweet of Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad. Which portion of the statement did Haryana Police find objectionable and violative of law? Will someone from Haryana Police please enlighten us? Pawan Khera, in a long post, criticised the academic's arrest for a thoughtful post against violence as he highlighted that some BJP ministers have faced no action for demeaning the armed forces, terming it as the ruling government's double standards. Pawan Khera said when writers, professors and critics are branded enemies, the real enemy is democracy itself. A historian and academic is jailed not for inciting violence but for advocating against it. His crime? Daring to speak truth to power, exposing the BJPs cynical communal narrative, and calling out the hypocrisy of chest-thumping nationalism. Meanwhile, the BJP minister and their deputy CM face no action after openly demeaning the armed forces. No FIRs. No arrests. Thats the double standard of Modis governance. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, too, criticised Ali Khan Mahmudabad's arrest. In a post on X, Akhilesh Yadav said, Hukmaraanon kee badazubaanee par bhee aazaadee, aur kisee kee sach kahane par giraftaaree [Rough translation: Freedom even when rulers speak foul language, And arrest of someone for speaking the truth] In a move to prevent crime committed from within hotel premises and identify and monitor suspicious individuals easily, Gurugram Police Commissioner Vikas Arora has directed all local police station heads to ensure that hotel owners/operators in Gurugram register their hotels on the Haryana Police website and regularly update guest details. The police said hotel owners and operators should register on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), and failing to comply with the order will invite action. Guest information filled in by hotel operators on CCTNS will be shared in real-time with the local police station concerned. While emphasising that all hotel owners and operators must complete the hotel registration process on the Haryana Police website to ensure that guest details are accessible to law enforcement, the Gurugram Police said, Police station SHOs have also been instructed to take strict action in accordance with the law against any hotel owner/operator who fails to register or does not submit guest information after registration. Also Read | Aarti Singh becomes Mumbai's first Joint Commissioner of Police of Intelligence In a conversation with Livemint.com, Gurugram ASI Sandeep Kumar said, The order has been sent to hotels in the district and it has been implemented from today. When asked about the legal action for those not abiding, he added, There is a provision for FIR which the DC orders accordingly. How can hotel owners register on CCTNS? Click on Citizen Services Proceed to Citizen Login Verify their mobile number using an OTP. After verification, select General Services, then click on Validation of Owner of Hotel and Customers Registered, followed by Registration of Hotel. The hotel owner must fill in required details such as name, mobile number, address, and upload an identity document. After submission, the hotel will be registered on CCTNS. It remains uncertain whether other districts of Haryana have to implement the decision. Also Read | Biker to leave Gurugram after assault accused men were allegedly seen partying Cases of hotel-related crimes in Gurugram A 32-year-old tech professional was arrested for allegedly barging into a woman's hotel room in an inebriated state and sexually harassing her in August last year. The woman, employed by a US-based company, had come to Gurugram for a business meeting. The incident occurred around 3:30 am, leading to an FIR being registered at Sector 29 police station, PTI had reported. The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), an organisation working to protect, promote and support breastfeeding practices, has filed a complaint with the Union government against Amul for allegedly promoting its newly launched liquid ready-to-feed infant formula, which is listed on their website. BPNI claims that the dairy giant violated the Infant Milk Substitutes, 1992. Amul Refutes any claims Amul has denied any violation of any guidelines. Amul responded to the BPNI's claims and said that the company remains committed to all the guidelines of BPNI. Amulspray is one of India's oldest and most trusted infant milk food brands and is in complete compliance with the IMS Act. The link mentioned by you in your post is not active. We remain committed to all the guidelines of BPNI regarding promotion of infant food in India, Amul's customer care stated on X. What does the complaint say? Dr. Arun Gupta, MD, FIAP (Ped), coordinator at BPNI took to X to flag it, stating, BPNI makes a formal complaint to concerned authorities requesting for actions to protect children's health @MoHFW_INDIA @fssaiindia @NCPCR_ @MinistryWCD. Violations of IMS Act undermine breastfeeding. This time its @Amul_Coop. He further questioned, Why it is so difficult to abide by the law? In a complaint to Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women and Child Development, FSSAI, NCPCR, for a quicker action and compliance, the BPNI stated, The promotion of infant formula by @Amul_Coop, as reported is in direct contravention of Section 9 of the IMS Act, 1992, which prohibits all forms of advertising and promotion of infant milk substitutes. The use of a teddy bear image further violates Section 6(2) of the Act. The first page of the complaint filed by BPNI (Image: @moveribfan/X) It cited Section 2(g) of the IMS Act, which defines "infant milk substitute" as any food marketed or represented as a replacement for mothers milk for infants up to two years of age; Section 2(i), which defines promotion as encouraging any person to purchase or use an infant milk substitute; and Section 6, which prohibits the use of graphics or phrases that enhance the saleability of infant milk substitutes. The second page of the complaint filed by BPNI. (Image: @moveribfan/X) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said it expects cyclonic circulation near Karnataka over the Arabian Sea from May 21 onwards. The Met department predicted that the cyclonic activity would intensify and would form a low-pressure area in the region around May 22. An upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over east-central Arabian Sea off Karnataka coast around 21st May. Under its influence, a Low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around 22nd May. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwards and intensify further, the IMD said in its weather forecast dated May 19. On Monday, heavy showers lashed most of the peninsular region, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The rainfall occurred due to the prevailing weather systems, which are most likely to bring pre-monsoon downpour in the coming days, according to the Met. Cyclonic circulation was observed over Haryana and Rajasthan, Assam, Maharashtra and Bay of Bengal. Also Read | Yellow Alert! IMD issues thunderstorm and rain warnings in Mumbai till May 21 Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka received very heavy pre-monsoon showers on May 19, leading to waterlogging and flooding at several places. As per Bengaluru Meteorological Centre, precipitation is likely in Kalaburagi, Shivamogga, Vijayapura, Devanagari, Raichur, Yadgir, Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Light to moderate rain, thundershowers, lightning and gusty wind speed of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places in the next 3 hours, the Meteorological Department said. It forecast very heavy to heavy rains until May 26 and predicted thunderstorms and lightning with extremely heavy rain until May 21. Also Read | When will the monsoon arrive in Kerala? IMD predicts early onset this year IMD Senior Scientist RK Jenamani, We have issued the orange warning for Karnataka for May 20 and 21. We have issued a red warning for North Interior Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka and coastal Karnataka and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu... Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra to get very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on the night of May 20 or 21st to 22nd, ANI reported. The IMD official noted that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in Mumbai from May 21. Tapan Kumar Deka, the chief of Intelligence Bureau (IB), was on Tuesday given one-year extension till June 2026, according to a Personnel Ministry order. Deka is a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He is known as the superspy with commendable expertise in handling terrorism related cases. Deka's term was to end next month. Also Read | CBI Director Praveen Sood gets one year's extension The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in service of Deka as the Director, Intelligence Bureau, for a period of one year beyond June 30, 2025, the order said. His extension is in relaxation of the provisions of FR 56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of All India Services (Death cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, it said. The rules allow the central government to extend in public interest the services of the chiefs of IB and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary and others, beyond 60 years age of superannuation. Who is Tapan Kumar Deka? Appointed as the IB chief for two years in 2022. In 2024, the tenure of Deka was extended till June 2025. Known as the crisis manager in the power corridors and intelligence fraternity. Considered an expert in operations especially in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the Northeast region. Served as the head of the operations wing of the IB for over two decades. He was also in charge of the counter-assaults during the 26/11 Mumbai attack in 2008. He had led the operations against the terror group Indian Mujahideen, which was behind a series of subversive activities across the country in the 2000s. Gold smuggling case: The Economic Offences Court in Bengaluru on Tuesday granted default bail to Kannada actress Ranya Rao and co-accused Tarun Kondaraju in connection with a gold smuggling case. However, the actress is likely to remain in custody under a stringent anti-smuggling law. They were granted bail on two sureties each and a 2 lakh bond. The court also imposed strict conditions they cannot leave the country and must not commit a similar crime. The court issued a stern warning, noting that any breach of these conditions would lead to the cancellation of their bail. Ranya's lawyer, BS Girish, argued that the actress will not be released even if she gets bail, as a case has been registered against her under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act, 1974. The stringent charges were applied after multiple attempts were made by the accused to secure bail. Authorities said that it was necessary to prevent her from resuming illicit activities, citing her lack of cooperation during the investigation. Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramchandra Rao, was arrested on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kilogrammes of gold valued at over 12.56 crore. Also Read | Ranya Rao's stepfather not directly involved in alleged gold smuggling case The Karnataka government has formed a special team, led by a senior IAS officer, to probe the potential involvement of DGP Ramchandra Rao in the smuggling racket. She is currently lodged at the Bengaluru central prison along with two others Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain who have also been booked under the COFEPOSA Act. The case is being investigated jointly by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the CBI. Also Read | Dealer who helped actress Ranya Rao sell smuggled gold sent to DRI custody Ranya Rao questions legality of customs search Last month, Ranya Rao told the Karnataka High Court that the search and seizure carried out by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) violated provisions of the Customs Act. Senior advocate Sandesh J Chouta, representing Ranya, argued that the search was conducted in violation of Section 102 of the Customs Act, which mandates that any person being searched has the right to be taken before a magistrate or a gazetted customs officer. Chouta told the court that the grounds of arrest were not formally communicated to Ranyas family members in writing, as required under the law. Also Read | Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: FIR against BJP MLA over vulgar remarks Ranya Rao's arrest The actress was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after authorities seized gold bars worth 12.56 crore from her possession. Jyoti Malhotra espionage case: New evidence has emerged against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, a media report said. Malhotra was allegedly in touch with multiple Pakistani agents and used different means to keep her connections secret. According to a CNN-News18 report, officials said that there is fresh digital evidence against the espionage suspect. Her social media videos were just a cover. She maintained multiple digital devices and used encrypted platforms to regularly keep in touch with Pakistani agents. Digital evidence to this effect has been found, the report said, quoting sources. Commonly used encrypted social media platforms like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp were used, the Haryana Police said. In a media briefing, Hisars superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is assisting the probe. Malhotra's connection with Pak embassy official Malhotra, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, was first introduced to Pakistani embassy official Danish by Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC), the CNN-News18 report said. Singh allegedly helped her twice to get a visa and sent her along with a group of Sikhs to Pakistan. Indian Sikhs regularly travel as part of a jatha to gurdwaras like Nankana Sahib for pilgrimage purposes. Officials said his digital devices, like mobile phones, have been seized and sent for forensic testing. Also Read | After Jyoti Malhotra, Haryana man Armaan arrested for spying for Pakistan According to the report, the probe so far has revealed that Malhotra was in touch with multiple Pakistani nationals since 2023, when she first visited Pakistan. Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish appears to be her primary contact. Malhotra also told cops that she had saved the number of a Pakistani agent, Shakir, as Jat Randhawa to avoid detection. Other Pakistani contacts like Ali Ahwan helped her with security cover while she was in Pakistan. She was also introduced to several intelligence officials during her visits to Pakistan, the report said. Told me she was going to Delhi: Malhotra's father Jyoti Malhotra's father, Harish Malhotra, on Monday said that he wasn't aware of his daughter's trips to Pakistan. While talking to ANI, he said that he didn't know about her YouTube or other social media accounts. She used to tell me that she was going to Delhi. She never told me anything, her father said, backtracking on his Saturday's remarks that Jyoti visited Pakistan to shoot videos. She used to make videos at home, he added. MA student held in Haryana A 25-year-old resident of Kaithal (Haryana), Devendra Singh, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, Kaithal Superintendent of Police (SP) Astha Modi said on Monday. Also Read | Did Jyoti Malhotra aid Pakistan before Pahalgam attack? Police reveal new leads The accused is currently a first-year MA student at a college in Patiala, an ANI report said. Kaithal SP Astha Modi further added that Devendra was in contact with four Pakistani intelligence operatives, three men and one woman. He went to Pakistan in November last year, and after that, he was constantly in touch with them. He has admitted to making a video near the cantonment area in Patiala and sending it to them, said SP Modi. Devendra is on a three-day police remand. Police have searched his house and seized two electronic devices. A cyber forensic lab has recovered about 300 GB of data from these devices, which is now being analysed. A forensic audit of his bank accounts is also underway. The police informed that further investigation into the case is ongoing, the report added. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Tuesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has been framed to protect Waqfs, but in reality, it is designed to capture Waqf through a non-judicial, executive process. According to an ANI report, Sibal, who is representing petitioners challenging the Act in the Supreme Court also said that Waqf is an endowment to Allah (god) and pursuant to that, the property cannot be transferred - once a Waqf, always a Waqf. Sibal also said that earlier, though the property was preserved as an ancient monument, the identity of the property did not change from being a Waqf and get transferred to the government. Now, such Waqf property shall be void, and once Waqf is void, people will be stopped from going to pray. The right to freely practice religious activity is curtailed. The apex court was on Tuesday hearing pleas challenging constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was notified last month after it got President Droupadi Murmu's assent on April 5. The bill was cleared by Lok Sabha with the support of 288 members while 232 MPs were against it. The Rajya Sabha saw 128 members voting in its favour and 95 against it. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday briefed three of the seven multi-party delegations ahead of their visits to different countries to put across India's stand following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. After the briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that there was no interference by anyone in the understanding between India and Pakistan. Also Read | Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir elevated to Field Marshal rank "There was no mediation. But when such things happen in the worlds different people try to send a message. But whatever has happened, has happened only between the two nations. When the matter escalated, it was between our two nations. When it ended, it ended between the two nations. It was initiated by the Pakistan DGMO, they said that we should end this. We said that it should be done if they are ready," Khurshid, the former Minister of External Affairs said. "Politics within the country is our right, our duty; it is different. But outside the country, what we have to say, is different," he said. Members of the delegations headed by JD(U)'s Sanjay Jha and Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde attended the briefing to detail their agenda and its nuances. "Our message to world leaders will be that enough is enough and that Pakistan has acted like a thief asked to probe his own crime whenever India has in the past trusted its words on acting against terrorism," JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said. Jha is leading a delegation to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. Also Read | Abhishek Banerjee to represent TMC in all-party delegations on Operation Sindoor Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde, who is leading a delegation to the UAE and some African countries, said they will highlight Pakistan's links to terror incidents in India. Misri, sources said, briefed MPs and other members of the delegations that Indian action was targeted against terror sites in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir, and not against military installations and civilians. It was only after Pakistan's attempts to attack Indian military installations and the civilian population that India hit back, he said. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, who was included at the last minute after his party protested the government's "unilateral" decision to pick its MP Yusuf Pathan, also joined the meeting. Banerjee is part of the delegation led by Jha which will be travelling to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Different things are being spread, especially by the media in Pakistan - what happened on 7th May, what happened on 22nd April, what happened between 7th to 11th May. They are spreading lies across the world, said BJP leader SS Ahluwalia Sources said the major talking points of the meeting were that India has suffered from terror for such a long time and that Pakistan has tried to spread terror everywhere. While India focused on economic development Pakistan's focus was on terror, the meeting discussed. That Pakistan was the first to defy ceasefire on several occasions and that Pakistan attacked many cities was also discussed. The leaders discussed that it was important for countries to realise the design of Pakistan. India decided to send seven all-party delegations, each led by a prominent leader from various political parties, to different countries to highlight India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier released the list of members who will be part of each of these delegations. The list includes Members of Parliament from various 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 a global level. The delegation will meet parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian community. The briefing will mainly focus on Pahalgam and the earlier attacks. Our message to world leaders will be that enough is enough and that Pakistan has acted like a thief asked to probe his own crime. The tour is expected to last 10 days, commencing on May 21. The parliamentarians' groups will visit several key world capitals, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan. New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has relaxed the timelines for implementing the quality control order (QCO) on household, commercial and similar electrical appliances. The decision comes amid Indias ongoing trade negotiations with major partners, including the US and the European Union (EU), and the finalization of a trade deal with the UKkey sources of premium electrical goods and home appliances. Mint had first reported on 13 December 2024 about the governments plan to relax QCO norms for MSMEs and extend deadlines. The compliance deadline has been pushed to 19 March 2026 for large and medium domestic enterprises and foreign manufacturers, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. The original order was scheduled to come into effect later this year, but the government has accommodated industry concerns over implementation hurdles and legacy stock clearance. The move also aims to avoid disrupting imports from countries with which India is looking to expand trade, especially in technology-heavy sectors. Electrical appliances imported from the EU, UK and USsuch as smart kitchen gadgets, air purifiers, washing machines and diagnostic toolshave seen consistent demand in India, particularly in urban and premium consumer markets. Brands from Germany, Italy and the US are especially popular in the home appliance segment. Also read | MSME players seek phased rollout of QCOs for better compliance with BIS norms Industry experts see the QCO relaxation as a practical step that avoids supply disruptions at a time when negotiations for greater market access and tariff alignment are progressing. As per the notification, the DPIIT stated that the QCO applies to all electrical appliances with a rated voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase and 480V for other types, including battery-operated products. However, items already covered under existing BIS certifications are exempt from its scope, according to the government notification. To support smaller players, micro enterprises have been given an additional six months, while small enterprises get a three-month extension, it said. The order also exempts imports for research and development (R&D) purposes (up to 200 units) and allows clearance of legacy stock manufactured or imported before the enforcement date. The broader intent, according to a senior government official, remains to strengthen the domestic quality ecosystem and promote consumer safety without stifling innovation or disrupting trade. This aligns with the Prime Ministers vision of making India a global manufacturing hub under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative,' the senior official said. "We welcome the governments decision. The extended timeline and relaxations will greatly benefit MSMEs by giving them the time and flexibility needed to comply with the new quality norms without disrupting operations," said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum. The Indian electronic goods market is experiencing substantial growth, with the electronics manufacturing sector projected to reach $300 billion by 2025-26, driven by government initiatives and increasing consumer demand. This growth is expected to create 12 million jobs by 2027, as per India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a commerce ministry body. Ravi Saxena- CEO & MD of kitchen appliance maker Wonderchef, said, This is a welcome move because many of these products were not made in India, and even their components were not manufactured locally. If the government had gone ahead with implementing BIS on these items, they would have simply disappeared from retail shelves, causing both economic loss and inconvenience to consumers. Several parts of the country are witnessing rainfall, frequent thunder and dust storms and below-normal maximum temperatures, an unusual phenomenon in the month of May, indicating the arrival of monsoon. However, as per experts, this unusual phenomenon will not impact the onset of the Southwest Monsoon, which is likely to arrive early in the last week of May, according to a report by the Hindustan Times (HT). Will the monsoon arrive earlier this year? The monsoon is anticipated to arrive in Kerala on May 27, earlier than the usual date of June 1. However, it is difficult to predict the amount of rainfall the state will receive. As forecast by us we are expecting an early onset of monsoon over Bay of Bengal and over Kerala around May 27 but onset cannot be linked to quantum of rain. After onset, how much rainfall will be received needs to be seen and monitored, Mohapatra informed. Also Read | Why a bountiful monsoon matters more this year, in five charts On Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for six districts in Kerala, including Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, as heavy rains lashed various parts of the state. A yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Palakkad. Will 2025 witness a normal monsoon? The formation of a heat low in Northwest India is one of the important factors for a normal monsoon in India. This forms a low-pressure trough that draws moist air from the monsoon trough. Without this, the monsoon could be insufficient. Currently, there is no formation of a heat low. Due to frequent western disturbances and moisture incursion, we are seeing intermittent thunderstorm activity and above normal rainfall. During May, temperatures have largely been below normal or normal over most parts of the country except Rajasthan where a heat wave is being recorded in some areas, M Mohapatra, director general IMD told HT. During the last week of May we are expecting heat wave area to expand covering Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Mohapatra said. Notably, the absence or a weak heat low will result in a poor monsoon. IMD expects above normal monsoon According to the IMD, the monsoon rainfall from June to September is expected to be above normal at 105% of LPA with a model error of 5%. It appears that as forecast by IMD, the onset of monsoon will happen much earlier than normal. I do not see the temperatures in May impacting the onset. We cannot say anything about the quantum of rain right away, M Rajeevan, former secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences told HT. The Supreme Court is likely to hear a petition filed by Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad on Tuesday, May 20, against his arrest over a Facebook post over Operation Sindoor, a joint military action by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine locations of Pakistan and PoK, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. On Monday, Mahmudabad, who was arrested on Sunday, moved the Supreme Court to challenge his arrest. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal stated the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai, seeking an early hearing of the case. The complaint against Mahmudabad over the social media post regarding press briefings of Operation Sindoor was filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha in Haryana, according to reports. Jatheri is a village sarpanch from Sonipat. Reportedly, the 42-year-old professor was arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that deal with desition and insulting religious beliefs. One of the charges against him is Section 152 of the BNS, which criminalises acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. One of Mahmudabad's lawyers, Kapil Balyan, told news agency PTI that he was produced before a court on Sunday evening and remanded in police custody for two days. Meanwhile, Ashoka University has assured to cooperate with the 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," ANI reported citing the University's statement. Also Read | Ashoka University faculty arrested over remarks on Operation Sindoor Who is Ali Khan Mahmudabad? Ali Khan Mahmudabad teaches Political Science at Ashoka University. He is the son of Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, popularly known as Raja Sahab Mahmudabad, who fought a legal battle for nearly forty years to reclaim his ancestral property seized by the government under the Enemy Properties Act. Mahmudabad'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 the partition of India. Two patients, including a minor, diagnosed with Covid-19 died at Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital last week, news agency PTI said on Tuesday. According to the report, the doctors said that the deaths were caused by comorbidities along with Covid-19. One patient aged 14, suffered kidney failure due to nephrotic syndrome and the other patient, 54, was undergoing cancer treatment, the report said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said that May has seen more Covid patients than the previous months, but the illness is now an endemic, and not a cause for concern. The report also said that The Seven Hills hospital and Kasturba hospital have designated beds for Covid-19 patients, which can be increased with necessity. No need to panic, says hospital Hospital authorities, while clarifying that these deaths were not due to Covid-19, but serious diseases like nephrotic syndrome with hypocalcemic seizures and cancer, said that there was no need for people to panic. According to the PTI report, the BMC said that very few cases of the Covid-19 infection are found and that too sporadically. The two patients who died at the hospital were from Sindhudurg district and Dombivli in Thane district and were not residents of Mumbai, a BMC statement said. "The Health Department of the BMC is constantly monitoring the spread of Covid-19. From January 2025 to April 2025, the number of Covid-19 patients has been found to be very low. But since the beginning of May, there have been some cases of Covid-19. However, the BMC administration is appealing to citizens not to panic in this regard," the statement added. Health Ministry reviews Covid-19 surge abroad According to an ANI report, which cited sources, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a review meeting on Monday with experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals. The meeting comes following recent media reports of a surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong. The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the ANI report said. The expert review meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control, it said. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India stands at 257 a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required. Dr. M R Srinivasan, the former Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, passed away on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, at the age of 95. The veteran scientist suddenly fell ill overnight in Ooty and peacefully passed away in the local hospital at 4 a.m. on Tuesday. My father suddenly took ill in Ooty over last night and passed away peacefully in hospital at 4 am in hospital, my mother is with him.. we are going from Bangalore now.., said Sharada Srinivasan, the daughter of the veteran scientist according to a social media post on Facebook post. Who was M R Srinivasan? M R Srinivasan was the former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission who played a major role in developing India's nuclear power programme. Malur Ramasamy (M R) Srinivasan, born in Janaury 1930, was an Indian nuclear scientist and mechanical engineer who was also responsible for the development of a Pressurised heavy-water reactor (PHWR) in India. After joining the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in September 1955, Srinivasan worked with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the nation's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in August 1956. In 1959, he was appointed as the Principal Project Engineer for the construction of Indias first atomic power station and later in 1967, he took charge of the Madras Atomic Power Station as its Chief Project Engineer. In 1974, he became the Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, DAE, and later, in 1984, he was promoted to the Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board, where he oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of all nuclear power projects across the nation. In 1987, he finally became the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's highest civilian recognition for all his contributions to the Indian nuclear programme. M R Srinivasan completed his schooling in Mysore and later joined the engineering college (currently UVCE) by M. Visvesvaraya, where he finished his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He also did his Master's in gas turbine technology from McGill University in Canada in 1954. PM Modi's Condolences In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the demise of veteran scientist M R Srinivasan. Modi highlighted how Srinivasan's role in developing India's nuclear infrastructure has been foundational for the industry. Modi extended his personal thoughts and the nation's gratefulness for all his contributions to his family and friends at this hour of loss. Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector. He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti, said PM Modi in his social media post on the platform X. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also shared his condolences on a Facebook post. Highlighting India's military and arsenal capabilities, Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, has said that India could strike targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. The whole of Pakistan is within range. He stated that even if they relocate the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to find a deep hole, Lt Gen D'Cunha told news agency ANI. India's offensive strikes during Operation Sindoor targeted key Pakistani airbases with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy high-value targets. Whole of Pakistan in range Lt Gen D'Cunha said, I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole. Modern indigenous technology, including long-range drones and guided munitions, played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor's success, he said Lt Gen D'Cunha further underscored that the armed forces' primary duty is protecting the nation's sovereignty and its people, the ANI report said. Our job is to protect our sovereignty, our people... So, I think that the very fact that we have been able to protect our motherland from this onslaught, which was aimed at causing a lot of problems in population centers and in our cantonments, the very fact that we have given this reassurance to our people, not only to our civil population... a lot of our own jawans, officers, wives were staying in cantonments. And they were also equally concerned about these drone attacks. And the very fact that we ensured that this did not manifest in any casualties, I am sure it not only made the soldier feel proud, but it also made the families feel proud. And finally, the population of India feel proud. I think that's the takeaway, he told ANI. India-Pakistan conflict Tensions soared after the Indian Armed Forces on the intervening night of 6 and 7 May conducted precision strikes, under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to 22 April attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. In the early hours of 7 May, Pakistan began heavy shelling across the LoC in Poonch, increasing the intensity of unprovoked firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Medhar and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. On 8 May, the Indian armed forces targeted Pakistan's air defence radars and systems at several locations, in which the air defence system in Lahore was neutralised. On the intervening night of 8 and 9 May, Pakistan had launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, targeting 26 locations. Defence officials said the attacks were intercepted by India's air defence systems, including the S-400 missile defence system, preventing significant damage. Then, for the third consecutive day, on the intervening night of 9 and 10 May, Pakistan violated Indian airspace by launching drones at several locations. Pakistan had also resorted to cross-border firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border. On the morning of 10 May, India carried out strikes at four airbases in Pakistan. Precision strikes were carried out on Pakistani military targets in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, as well as radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation bases, using air-launched weapons from Indian fighter jets, the Indian Army said. Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava underscored the unparalleled power of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, referencing remarks by US defence analyst John Spencer, who stated that the missile's capabilities surpass those of China's advanced air defence systems. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. US defence expert John Spencer stated that India's BrahMos supersonic missile is so advanced that even China's air defence systems have been unable to intercept it. He noted that this highlights India's significant military edge, particularly in its operations against Pakistan, where the failure of Pakistan's HQ-9B air defence system was exposed," Sanjeev said. He mentioned, Spencer added that India's successful retaliatory strikes using BrahMos missiles demonstrated their effectiveness, generating global interest in the weapon. The India-Russia collaboration on the BrahMos missile has proven to be a major success, with the system now being exported to other countries as well. Also Read | How India's Air Defence system saved Golden Temple from Pakistani missile What is the BrahMos missile system? The BrahMos missile system is known for its long-range capability in an initial range of 290 km. It can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft or TE. It has strengthened India's role in defence diplomacy through its Cruise Missile Triad, enabling precision strikes on land and sea targets; its Deterrent Capability, enhancing India's defence posture with supersonic speed and extended range; and its Indo-Russian Collaboration, highlighting successful bilateral cooperation in defence technology. Among other features are reaching supersonic speeds, cruising close to Mach 3; can be launched from land, air, ships, and submarines; initial range of 290 km, with versions being developed for up to 800 km and advanced guidance, including the stealth technology for precise targeting. It has seen major upgrades and testing of extended-range versions like the BrahMos-ER. The BrahMos-II, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 78, is currently in development, while the BrahMos-NGa smaller, stealthier variant with a reduced radar cross-sectionis also being developed to enhance overall capabilities. Speaking on India's foreign policy and defence strategy, the defence expert stated it is independent and without any Western influence, citing the government's resolute approach during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He added, India's new government does not operate under the influence or pressure of Western nations. When the Russia-Ukraine war began, the United States and several other countries tried to persuade India to scale back its bilateral relations with Russia. However, India stood firm and maintained its independent stance. India's diplomatic engagements and defence strategies are guided by national interests and remain free from external influence. Is Covid-19 or coronavirus back in India? The recent deaths of two Covid-19 patients in Mumbai, Maharashtra and a spike in cases in some regions of Southeast Asia have once again raised this pressing question. The hospital where two deaths were reported has, however, clarified that the deaths were due to co-morbidities and not linked to Covid-19 as it advised people not to panic. Odisha, too, has confirmed that it has not reported any fresh coronavirus cases in the state. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had recently stated that very few cases of the infection have been found, and that too, sporadically. The BMC said, The health department of the BMC is constantly monitoring the spread of Covid-19. From January 2025 to April 2025, the number of Covid-19 patients has been found to be very low. But since the beginning of May, there have been some cases of Covid-19. However, the BMC administration is appealing to citizens not to panic in this regard. But for precaution, the BMC said it has set aside dedicated beds and rooms for Covid-19 patients in Mumbais municipal hospitals. The capacity will be scaled up immediately if needed, the statement added. CASES SPIKE IN HONG KONG, CHINA, THAILAND, SINGAPORE In Hong Kong, the health centre says the virus activity is quite high and the testing has also reached its highest in a year. By the first three days of May this year, Hong Kong reported 31 severe cases. In China, the Covid-19 positivity rate has increased from 7.5 per cent to 16.2 per cent from March 31 to May 4. Hospitalised cases have also increased. In Singapore, hospitalisation has increased with a surge in Covid-19 cases. According to reports, the cases have jumped 28 per cent to 14,200. It was 11,100 cases the previous week. In Thailand, in the past two weeks, the number of cases has doubled from 16,000 to over 33,000 in the week ending May 17. Most cases have been reported in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Rayong and Nonthaburi. With the rise in cases, Thailand has urged its citizens to get booster vaccinations. THE CAUSE OF COVID-19 SPIKE JN.1, a Covid-19 variant and Omicron lineages BA.2.86 subvariant, is mostly credited with the rise in Covid cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorised it as a variant of interest but not a concern. At present, 'LF.7' and 'NB.1.8' both descendants of the 'JN.1' variant are the main variants of the Covid-19 - causing virus circulating in Singapore. The variants together account for over two-thirds of the locally sequenced cases. The Hong Kong authorities said in a statement on May 15 that the XDV strain of the Covid-19 virus has been circulating locally since late March this year. In early 2024, the predominant strains circulated locally changed from XBB to JN.1; while in the third quarter of 2024, they changed from JN.1 to KP.2 and KP.3; and they have further changed to XDV since late March this year, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said. The health authorities in India are keeping an eye on reports of a rise in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, even as official sources on Monday asserted that the current coronavirus situation in the country was under control. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a review meeting on Monday with experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals. A Microsoft employee interrupted CEO Satya Nadellas keynote address at the companys annual Build conference on Monday, accusing the tech giant of supporting Israeli military operations through its cloud services, India Today reported. As per the report, the protester, identified as Joe Lopez, a firmware engineer with Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure (AHSI), has been with Microsoft for four years. During Nadellas speech, Lopez stood up and shouted, Satya, how about you show how Microsoft is killing Palestinians? He further accused the company of enabling Israeli war crimes through its Azure cloud platform. Security personnel swiftly escorted him out of the venue. Shortly after the disruption, Lopez circulated an internal emailalso published on Mediumexplaining the motivations behind his public protest. I can no longer stand by in silence as Microsoft continues to facilitate Israels ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, he wrote, criticising the companys response to concerns about its involvement in the Gaza conflict. Lopezs comments were directed at a recent Microsoft blog post in which the firm stated that an internal reviewassisted by an unnamed third-party firmfound no evidence to date that Microsoft technologies had been used to harm civilians in Gaza. But Microsoft has acknowledged selling advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing services to the Israeli military during the war in Gaza, AP reported. The employee, however, dismissed the findings, calling the audit non-transparent and self-serving. Microsoft openly admitted to allowing the Israel Ministry of Defence special access to our technologies beyond the terms of our commercial agreements, Lopez added. Do you really believe that this special access was allowed only once? Also Read | Elon Musks Grok AI now runs on Microsoft Azure despite OpenAI lawsuit He further claimed that the company need not rely on internal assessments when the broader implications of its partnerships were visible daily. We dont need an internal audit to know that a top Azure customer is committing crimes against humanity. We see it live on the internet every day, he said. The report adds that Lopez called on Microsoft to take a stronger moral stance. As one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft has immeasurable power to do the right thing, he wrote, warning that public trust was eroding and that boycotts will increase if the company does not act. This is not the first time Microsoft employees have raised concerns about the companys role in the conflict. Last month, Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-origin staff member, confronted Nadella along with former executives Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates at a 50th anniversary celebration, denouncing the firms cloud infrastructure as integral to what she called Israels automated apartheid and genocide systems. Just a day earlier, another engineer, Ibtihal Aboussad, disrupted a company AI event during a speech by AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, exclaiming: Mustafa, shame on you. Day after Indian Army's incharge of air defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha claimed that air defence guns were deployed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab to neutralise potential threats from Pakistan, the Indian Army has clarified that no gun was deployed at the temple during Operation Sindoor. The claim emerged following reports that the Golden Temple management had permitted the Army to station air defence guns within the shrine to counter potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan. "Some media reports are circulating with respect to deployment of AD Guns in the Golden Temple. It is clarified that NO AD guns or any other AD resource was deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (Golden Temple)," an Army statement said. The additional head priest of the shrine and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), too, have denied the reports of deployment of guns at Golden Temple premises, saying the Indian Army was not given any such permission. The SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami also said that the administration contacted them about switching off the lights amid escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Additional head granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Amarjeet Singh, also confirmed that no defence guns were deployed. It is incorrect to say that the Army was given permission to deploy air defence guns at Sri Harmandir Sahib.During the blackout issued by the Amritsar district administration, the management cooperated by switching off exterior and upper lights. However, at places where the religious code of conduct is followed, the lights remained on, he said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday modified Judicial Service exam eligibility criteria and said that fresh law graduates need at least 3 years legal practice experience to appear for the exam. This verdict comes in connection with the All India Judges Association case. Fresh law graduates can't appear in judicial service examination, minimum of 3 yrs of legal practice needed, the apex court said. The Supreme Court bench presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, justices AG Masih and K Vinod Chandran gave the ruling on May 20, specifying years of practice needed as a lawyer to enter judicial service. Also Read | Vodafone Idea share falls for 2nd day after SC rejected 30k cr AGR waiver plea In the order, the court said, We hold that the three-year minimum practice requirement to appear for civil judges (junior division) exam is restored," after noting that the appointment of fresh law graduates in the judiciary created many problems. However, this requirement will not apply to ongoing judicial recruitment, the court clarified. For the last 20 years, during which the recruitment of fresh law graduates have been appointed as judicial officers without a single day of practice at the bar has not been a successful experience. Such fresh law graduates have led to many problems, the bench observed, as quoted by Live Law. Emphasising the importance of practical and ground experience, the court said, The candidates should be equipped to understand the intricacies of a judge and therefore, we are in agreement with most of the high courts that the requirement of the introduction of certain number of years of practice is necessary. Judicial Service exam eligibility criteria Aspiring candidates will now require a certificate from an advocate having a minimum standing of ten years, endorsed by the judicial officer of that station, to fulfil the required condition. Notably, a certificate from an advocate having a minimum standing of ten years, endorsed by an officer designated by the Court, will act as proof in case the individual willing to enter judicial service is practising at the Supreme Court or the High Court. Besides this, experience as law clerks will also be considered in the 3 years mandatory practice condition. E-commerce platform Myntra is the latest chatter on social media, thanks to its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated image of a model with three arms. The viral screenshot shows the model carrying a purse in one hand and on the same side, a second, mysterious hand in her pocket. A LinkedIn user shared a screenshot of Myntra's AI goof-up and said, Myntra be like: In the age of AI, its not enough to have only two hands. You have to upgrade yourself to beat the competition. Anyway, today's independent girl needs an extra hand to carry a handbag, the user quipped. Also Read | Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn sees AI-powered education as inevitable He joked about how using AI images to cut costs is good for the business but highlighted the need to check them before using them online. E-commerce website now needs extra checks, just a white background for product pictures is not enough, the user added. Also Read | Is AI the end of human storytelling? Pocket FM bets on collaboration Netizens chimed in as they had a hearty laugh over the hilarious image in the comment section. Several social media users made jokes about why the model had three arms, some said that it was proof enough to show that AI can't replace humans. A user said, Now we know why AI won't really take all jobs, to which another added, Everyone is worried AI will replace human jobs, but from what I see, it is actually creating new ones and still needs human intervention to guide and correct it! Hence proved, AI cannot replace humans, said a third user. A netizen highlighted that AI output should always be double-checked and said, Perfect example of why you should always double-check output from AI when using it for your marketing campaign. Also Read | Elon Musks Grok AI now runs on Microsoft Azure despite OpenAI lawsuit However, some users found it to be beyond an example and laughed at the many possible uses of a third arm. Wow, so trendy! Myntra not only sells fashion, it picks your pocket too-literally! AI just caught their hand mid-heist, robbing you in style. Who needs thieves when your shopping apps doing the job? a user quipped. Another user said the bug can be fixed if only the cart had just 2 items.Muje toh ye lag rha cart mein 3 item added hai isiliye 3 haat aagye. Ek item remove krke dekho jara!! Thanks maat bolna thik hojaye toh. At the heart of Karen Reads high-profile murder trial is newly analyzed data from her Lexus SUV, recorded the night before her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, was found dead outside a fellow officers home. Read, 45, stands accused of hitting OKeefe with her SUV in a fit of drunken rage and abandoning him to die in a snowstorm in January 2022. Prosecutors allege the fatal collision occurred outside the home of another officer, Brian Albert, where OKeefe had reportedly attended a party. But the defense paints a starkly different picture one of a woman being framed by law enforcement officers in a cover-up. Prosecutors allege she struck OKeefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to die in a snowstorm outside the home of fellow officer Brian Albert in Canton. Lexus SUV data under scrutiny At Karen Reads second murder trial, digital forensics analyst Shannon Burgess testified Tuesday that data from Reads Lexus SUV does not definitively confirm a collision the morning John OKeefe died. When defense attorney Robert Alessi asked, None of the information in that black box ... indicates there was a collision on January 29? Burgess replied, Not by itself. Alessi pressed, Are Lexus SUVs trigger-happy? Burgess responded, I do not know, sir. Though Burgess used the term collision in his report, he clarified that this language came from State Police sources, leading Alessi to accuse him of confirmation bias. Missed data sheds light on timeline Burgess revealed he uncovered a secure digital card on the cars circuit boardoverlooked in the initial investigationthat records detailed time stamps of vehicle activity, including powering on/off and specific maneuvers like backing up or three-point turns. He explained, When the Lexus is powered on, an internal clock begins running like a stopwatch. When the car performs a maneuver, a time stamp is created. Burgess used GPS data from OKeefes cellphone navigation app and Ring camera footage to verify these time stamps, which the prosecution says are critical in establishing when Read allegedly hit OKeefe with her vehicle. Defense challenges analysts credibility Reads lawyers challenged Burgesss credentials, highlighting inconsistencies in his academic qualifications. Alessi pointed out discrepancies between Burgesss LinkedIn, CVs, and his employers website, noting Burgess has been pursuing a bachelor of science degree for 17 years. Burgess admitted, I dont know why my resume on the company website contained inaccuracies, and said he had not updated his LinkedIn profile recently. Alessi also questioned why Burgess submitted an updated report with new time stamp data weeks into the trial. Burgess said the new report was clarifications, not changes. Despite the defenses attempts to exclude the report and expert testimony over discovery concerns, Judge Beverly Cannone allowed the prosecution to proceed. Timeline details emerge from SUV data The newly revealed vehicle data offers a more precise timeline of Reads actions around the time of OKeefes death. The data tracks when the SUV was turned on or off and records maneuvers that correspond with the events of the night, helping prosecutors argue Reads vehicle was involved. Forensic scientist details DNA findings on SUV and scene On Friday, Andre Porto, a forensic scientist with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Labs DNA unit, testified about DNA evidence recovered from Karen Reads SUV and the crime scene. Porto said he tested the broken rear taillight on Reads SUV and identified DNA from three contributors. However, he emphasized, Only John OKeefe was a likely match. He also examined DNA from fragments of a broken cocktail glass found in the yard and confirmed, Only OKeefe was seen as a likely match. When asked about a hair found on the taillight, Porto stated no human DNA was detected on a hair recovered from the SUVs right rear panel. Mitochondrial DNA could match multiple relatives On Monday, Karl Miyasako, an analyst from Bode Technology, testified regarding a hair sample taken from the vehicle. He explained that mitochondrial DNA testing found a match to OKeefe, but added, It could also match any one of his maternal relatives. DNA on OKeefes clothing shows multiple contributors Porto further tested stains on OKeefes jeans, sweatshirt, and T-shirt. While DNA from multiple sources was found, he confirmed, The only likely match was John OKeefe. During cross-examination by defense attorney David Yannetti, Porto acknowledged uncertainty about the origin of other DNA found on OKeefes clothing and other items. Key DNA tests not conducted on other potential suspects Porto admitted he was never asked to compare DNA on the taillight with that of Canton Police Officer Kevin Albert or then-Chief Ken Berkowitz. He also stated no DNA testing was done on the broken cocktail glass to check for Brian Albert, the former Boston police officer who owned the house where OKeefe was found, or Brian Higgins, an ATF agent who attended the party at Alberts home. Defense suggests alternate suspects The defense argues that OKeefe may have died following a fight at the party, raising suspicion on Albert and Higgins. This line of questioning underscores the defenses claim that Karen Read was framed and that others present that night could be responsible for OKeefes death. This DNA evidence and the gaps highlighted during testimony add complexity to the trial as jurors consider the possible involvement of others beyond Read in the tragic events of that night. In a big remark on the petitions challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai said on Tuesday that the courts don't usually interfere with the laws as they are presumed to be Constitutional. CJI BR Gavai stated that courts would intervene only if a glaring case is established. There is a presumption of constitutionality for the statute and courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out. This is what we have been taught since college.. otherwise we know what is happening, CJI Gavai said. Meanwhile, the Central government has urged the Supreme Court to confine the hearing on pleas challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act for passing interim orders to three issues. Also Read | Pleas against Waqf Act in SC: Once a Waqf, always a Waqf, says Kapil Sibal | All you need to know Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked the Supreme Court bench to confine the proceedings identified by the earlier bench. The court had earmarked three issues. We had filed our response to these three issues. However, the written submissions of the petitioners now exceed several other issues. I have filed my affidavit in response to these three issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only, he said. THE THREE ISSUES One of the key issues is the authority to denotify properties that have been declared waqfwhether by court order, user, or deed. The second issue raised by the petitioners relates to the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, where they contend only Muslims should operate except ex-officio members. Also Read | Violence occurring during protests against Waqf Act is 'very disturbing', says SC The third issue relates to a provision that says a waqf property will not be treated as a waqf when the collector conducts an inquiry to ascertain if the property is government land. The submission was, however, opposed by Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi who appeared for the petitioners. Days after conflict between India and Pakistan escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack, ending in a bilateral understanding between the two countries, the Pakistani government has promoted its Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the official statement, General Asim Munir was elevated to the Field Marshal rank for his role in the India-Pakistan conflict. With the promotion, Asim Munir has become the second top military officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to the position. The Pakistan government, in a statement, said, The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal...." In recognition of his outstanding military leadership, the Cabinet approved the prime minister's proposal to promote Gen Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, the PMO statement said. Also Read | Who is Asim Munir? All you need to know about Pakistans controversial Army chief NOTE: His promotion comes over a week after the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) dialed his Indian counterpart on May 10 and during the talks, a bilateral understanding was reached to halt all military action after four days of intense hostilities. WHAT ASIM MUNIR SAID? After his position was elevated, Asim Munir said, This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. He also thanked the president, prime minister and the Pakistani Cabinet. General Munir, who headed both powerful spy agencies the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Military Intelligence (MI) assumed charge as the Army chief in November 2022. He succeeded General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retired after two consecutive three-year terms. Philippe Schneider, a 69-year-old French pizza chef, is facing trial. He allegedly killed a man, cut up his body and cooked it to hide the crime. The accused is a former butcher. The victim, Georges Meichler, lived alone in a forest house without electricity or water. When his daughter received strange texts, she contacted the police. This incident took place in February 2023. Also Read | Faridabad shocker: Man dies after friends insert pipe into his private parts Schneider and his partner, Nathalie Caboubassy, were later found driving Meichlers car. They had moved to the area in 2019 and claimed to be druids selling magic potions in a sex shop. Schneider later opened a pizza shop. The couple said Meichler had lent them the car, but their story didnt hold up. During his confession, Schneider himself warned the police about the nature of his crime. What Im going to tell you is horrific, The Telegraph quoted him as telling the officers. However, he gave different versions of the story during the investigation. At first, he claimed the death happened by accident during a fight. Later, he said he had gone to steal cannabis and tied up the victim with help from another man. Schneider claimed the victim died from suffocation. He allegedly took the body home, waited three days for soul transmigration, and then used a butchers knife to cut the body. He burned the organs. Another suspect, Caboubassy, denies being involved in the crime. Schneider has now admitted to killing his neighbour Meichler during a robbery attempt gone wrong. He said he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Also Read | LeT terrorist accused of orchestrating 3 terror attacks in India killed in Pak After the murder, he reportedly cut up the body and cooked the limbs with vegetables to hide the smell. He burned the head, hands and feet. He later scattered the ashes on his property and prayed for the victim. His lawyer confirmed that Schneider had taken full responsibility. Schneider now faces charges of kidnapping leading to death, hiding the body and disrespecting the corpse. Two others, Caboubassy and Benrakia, are also accused. The verdict is due on May 22. Social media reactions What have I just read: a movie, fiction, novel, or real story? commented one user. I'll never look at ham on pizza the same ever again, remarked another. One user wrote, So...the recluse was right to avoid people. If he'd been more committed to his reclusion he wouldn't have ended up as dinner. Another wrote, This is why you never trust a French pizza chef. The United Kingdom has announced a sweeping package of 100 new sanctions against Russia, just a day after a high-stakes phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to produce a breakthrough on a ceasefire in Ukraine. With Moscow showing no signs of de-escalation, Britain and its European allies are ramping up economic pressure in a bid to curtail Russia Weapons, energy, financial institutions targeted The latest measures include restrictions on the supply chain of Russias military, particularly weapons systems such as the Iskander missile, which the UK says has been used indiscriminately against civilian areas in Ukraine. The UK has also sanctioned 14 additional members of the Kremlin-linked Social Design Agency (SDA), a key player in Russian disinformation campaigns. Senior SDA figures had previously been targeted in an earlier sanctions round. In a move to further cripple Russias economic resilience, 46 financial institutions accused of helping Moscow evade previous sanctions have been added to the blacklist. The St Petersburg Currency Exchange and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency are among those now subject to restrictions. Crackdown on Russian oil shipping fleet The UK also turned its attention to the so-called shadow fleet tankers used to bypass the G7-imposed $60 per barrel oil price cap. Eighteen more ships used to transport Russian oil covertly have been sanctioned in an effort to choke off one of the Kremlins key revenue streams. Europe acts as US waits With Washington yet to act, European leaders pressed ahead. We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Brussels. As Russia rejected that demand, Wadephul warned: We will have to react. We also expect our U.S. allies not to tolerate this. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed a further sanctions package is in the works. Its time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire, she posted on X. Frustration with US response The lack of immediate US sanctions following the Trump-Putin call has irritated European allies. Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared: Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy. Trump, who has repeatedly promised to end the war in 24 hours if reelected, portrayed his two-hour call with Putin as progress, saying Russia and Ukraine are ready to negotiate. But officials in Kyiv and Brussels disagree. Wider sanctions strategy This new sanctions package is part of a broader effort by the UK and its allies to increase the cost of Russias invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year. The move comes as European nations push for stronger international unity on the issue, amid frustration over the limited response so far from the United States. We urge [Putin] to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace, Britain's Foreign Minister David Lammy said, while calling the Russian leader a warmonger. No to ultimatums, says Russia Russia, for its part, rejected the new wave of pressure. Russia will never bow to ultimatums, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, reiterating that Moscow is willing to continue talks based on its own terms. Days after Pakistan failed in breaching the Indian defence system and dialed India for an agreement, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal for successfully leading the armed forces in the conflict with India, as per a report by Geo TV. Asim Munir was promoted to Air Marshal rank after the Pakistan Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a proposal to promote Army chief General Asim Munir. The decision was taken for his "exemplary role" in the conflict with India, state-run PTV said. The Pakistan government, in a statement, said, The federal government has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal. The decision was made during a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Asim Munir came out of shadows just before the Pahalgam terror attack when he dubbed Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan and just a day before the Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, he declared, Let there be no ambiguity. Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute and notch-up response. In 2018, Asim Munir became the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) but got into conflict with then Prime Minister Imran Khan. It was Asim Munir who approached Imran Khan and tried to expose his wife, Bushra Bibi in a corruption case. In 2019, he was removed. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the two-hour-long call with US President Donald Trump on Monday (May 19) was very frank and useful and emphasised the need to identify the most effective pathways to "peace" amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Putin also expressed optimism about the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine and called it a step in the right direction toward eliminating the root causes of the conflict. What Putin said about direct talks between Russia and Ukraine? Putin said that the two countries holding direct talks give reason to believe that they are on the right track. I would like to note that, on the whole, Russia's position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis. We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace. What Putin said about the call with Trump? Putin said Moscow is ready to cooperate with Kyiv on drafting a memorandum for a future peace agreement. Putin said Trump expressed his position on the ceasefire, and I for my part, also noted that Russia also favours a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. "We should simply determine the most effective ways to move towards peace," he said. Both Putin and Trump agreed that Russia would propose a memorandum to work with the Ukrainian side on a possible future peace treaty. "We agreed with the US President that Russia will suggest and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace treaty, which defines a number of issues, such as the principles of settlement, the terms of a possible peace agreement and so on, including a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, if the appropriate agreements are reached," Putin added. Reflecting on the call, Putin described it as informative, frank and useful, stating, "The conversation (with President Donald Trump) indeed took place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to note that it was very informative, and very frank and, overall, in my view, very useful in this regard." Putin thanked the US President for his support for resuming peace talks, which he claimed were interrupted by Ukraine in 2022. What Zelensky said? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is willing to pursue a full and unconditional ceasefire, a proposal initially put forward by Trump, while emphasising the need for Russia to demonstrate genuine commitment through concrete actions. "I don't know the principles from the Russian side. As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian side wants to send us a memo on how they see the principles, and they want to see not only a ceasefire; they want some more principles," Zelensky stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deliberately delaying peace negotiations to prolong its three-year invasion, as US President Donald Trump pushes for an immediate ceasefire. Following recent talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian officialsthe first direct negotiations in over three yearsZelensky expressed frustration at Moscows approach. It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation, Zelensky said, dismissing the Russian delegation as empty heads at the negotiating table. Trump claims breakthrough despite no truce Trump, who held separate phone calls with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky on Monday (May 19), described his two-hour conversation with Putin as a breakthrough. The US President has repeatedly promised to end the war swiftly if re-elected. Trump said ceasefire deal could happen immediately, despite Putin refusing to agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. Instead, Putin proposed working on a memorandum outlining a potential roadmap and differing positions on ending the conflict. UK's new sanctions on Russia The United Kingdom, alongside the European Union, announced fresh sanctions against Russia on Tuesday (May 20) aimed at cracking down on Moscows shadow fleet of oil tankers and related financial companies that have helped Russia evade previous sanctions over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Focus on Russias oil export evasion The new UK sanctions specifically target the network of oil tankers and shipping companies that Russia uses to circumvent the $60-per-barrel price cap on its oil exports imposed by the G7 and EU earlier this year. This shadow fleet has been instrumental in sustaining Russias oil revenue despite international sanctions. By restricting the operations of these vessels and the financial institutions supporting them, the UK aims to tighten the economic pressure on Moscow and further reduce its ability to fund the war effort. European efforts The new measures form part of a wider European push to intensify sanctions on Russia, following the failure of recent peace talks brokered by US President Donald Trump. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that a further sanctions package is being prepared to maintain pressure on Moscow until it agrees to a ceasefire. Also Read | UK hits Russia with 100 sanctions as Trump-Putin call yields no progress Kyiv, Europe urge US for new sanctions Kyiv and European allies pushed the US for a new sanctions after Putin declined face-to-face talks with Zelensky in Turkey. Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow. The US-China temporary trade agreement is a blunt reminder: Washingtons foreign policy under President Donald Trump is transactional. Deals matter, values dont. This lesson is crucial for the Global South. Economic leverage secures a seat at the table, not democratic credentials. Consider the sidelining of Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing. Ahead of the talks, Trump said he would raise Lais case, a move that would have antagonized the worlds second-largest economy. China views him as a national security threat and Lai is facing charges that could imprison him for life. The pro-democracy figure denies the allegations. I think talking about [Lai] is a very good idea," Trump said in a 7 May radio interview. Well put it down as part of the negotiation." Also Read: Tariff whiplash: The US truce with China offers hollow relief But there was no mention of Lai in the official joint statement. Long-standing US concerns over forced labour and violations of religious freedoms in the Xinjiang region, which the previous administration had called genocide and crimes against humanity, were also notably absent from the discussions. Instead, both sides referenced their long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship." Trump also said that he would speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping soon. Negotiations have resulted in lower tariffs, and a three-month timeline to work toward a broader agreement. The absence of any formal reference to Lai is telling, even if conversations may be taking place behind the scenes. Trump doesnt appear to care about human rights, notes Susannah Patton, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute. A lot of his administrations cuts to media funding and civil society will be positive for autocrats in Southeast Asia, like Cambodia and Myanmar," she told me. The message is clearstrongmen have little to fear. Unlike the Biden administration, which emphasized democratic credentials, Trump has signalled that alignment with the US depends more on what partners can bring to the table. Also Read: Will a US-China trade agreement work? Dont count on it Diplomats have told me that countries affected by his Liberation Day tariffs are parsing Chinas success at striking this momentary reprieve. Almost no nation has been spared by the levies. They targeted allies and adversaries alike, including those in the Global South, a diverse group of countries encompassing the majority of the worlds population, across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Trumps display of profit over principle will likely resonate with many who have long viewed the USs moralizing on human rights as condescending and hypocritical. His Middle East trip last week is another example. The warmth with which Trump met Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman marked a sharp departure from President Joe Bidens uncomfortable fist-bump with the royal in 2022. Trump openly praised him, saying I like him too much" and applauded the kingdoms modernization efforts. He also announced the US had secured a multi-billion dollar investment from Saudi Arabia, although the details of the deal remain elusive. There is nuance here. Both presidents engaged with the crown prince despite a 2021 US intelligence report concluding that hed approved the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But Biden indicated that he raised the issue during his meeting. His and previous administrations tied values-based diplomacy to geopolitical and economic goals. Trump allows countries to pursue their own agendas without interference. This shift is reshaping alliances across the Global South. Nations are pivoting toward a multipolar strategy, balancing China and the US while strengthening ties with regional powers like India. Smaller states, from Singapore to New Zealand, are forging their own networks and are less willing to rely so much on Washington. Also Read: Harsh Pant: Trumps dice roll will throw up a new world order The US ignores the long-term damage of this approach at its peril. Beijings authoritarian style of governance promotes stability and state control over international norms. This is increasingly appealing to nations that dont want to be lectured to but also risks a drift away from the rules-based order. This results in a world where power beats principle, and ultimately, that weakens international law. We are already seeing evidence of this. Trumps first 100 days resulted in a human-rights emergency, according to a warning by Amnesty International. It added that his sweeping foreign aid cuts worsened conditions globally. To many in the Global South, Americas new pragmatism may feel refreshing, perhaps even overdue. But over time, a world led by interests rather than principles would be headed for deeper instability. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Indias answer to the Pahalgam massacre came not as a mere retaliatory sortie, but as Operation Sindoora meticulously orchestrated act of calibrated coercion. It was military precision in the service of political messaging. Not since Balakot had India demonstrated such willingness to redraw the rules of engagement. In doing so, it shattered two myths: that strategic restraint remained Indias default posture and that Pakistans threshold for escalation was immutable. For decades, India absorbed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with caution, hemmed in by the spectre of nuclear escalation. That has now been replaced by a posture of escalation dominance. Operation Sindoor marks a basic shift in Indias doctrine: from restraint to reciprocal risk, from deterrence-by-denial to deterrence-by-punishment. India now treats major terror attacks as acts of war, responding across air, land and sea while keeping escalation in control and providing off-ramps to avoid full-scale war. Also Read: Nitin Pai: Operation Sindoor leaves India better placed for the next round Rawalpindi replied in a predictable cadence of reciprocal strikes. Yet, the choreography felt rehearsed, its symbolism worn. The global response, urging maximum restraint, was almost ceremonial in its fatigue. Washington, quick to claim credit for brokering a ceasefire, seemed less concerned with Pakistans recurrent use of Islamist terror (shielded by the implicit threat of its nuclear deterrent) and more desperate not to be eclipsed by Beijings quiet encroachment of the regions diplomatic space. What this sequence unmasked was not simply the resumption of a conflict, but the emergence of a strategic pivot. Historically, Pakistan manipulated the threat of nuclear escalation to draw international intervention and avoid consequences for its sponsorship of terrorism. But India has flipped that playbook by leveraging calibrated strategic risk to pressure the international community to contain Pakistans reckless behaviour. Indias new doctrine has popular backing, with domestic expectations and bipartisan support having entrenched a consensus that terror will be met with force, but New Delhis calculus extends well beyond the battlefield. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: A doctrinal shift and an inflection point Recognizing that perception governs legitimacy, it has launched an ambitious diplomatic counteroffensive: seven high-level delegations are being despatched to other countries. Their mission is precise: to thwart Pakistans attempt to internationalize Kashmir. They will not argue on a premise of grievance, but of law, sovereignty and the global imperative to treat terrorism as indivisible. These delegations are not just emissaries of the state; they are narrative architects and strategic communicators. Tasked with restoring clarity and countering Pakistans narrative rooted in the communalism of the two-nation theory, they serve a dual purpose. First, to reframe the Kashmir issue as a constitutional and internal matter rather than a bilateral dispute. Second, to emphasize that Pakistans use of terror as statecraft is not a bilateral problem, but a global challenge to the integrity of international counterterrorism norms. They will articulate that India no longer accepts terror exceptionalism, that Pakistan cannot perpetually shield its proxies behind a veil of nuclear blackmail, and present a doctrine of clarity: India will defend itself unilaterally, proportionally and within the bounds of international law. Moreover, they will leverage Indias democratic legitimacy and civilizational identity to project the country as a responsible global power. They will position India as a bulwark against radicalism, an upholder of pluralism and a force for stability. Indias actions, they will assert, are not escalatory by choice, but corrective by necessity. And Operation Sindoor is not an aberration, but the new normal. Also Read: Nitin Pai: Operation Sindoor sets a new normal for Indias strategy Under the pressure of Indian strikes, Pakistan sought US mediationa move that revealed its strategic vulnerability and Indias operational superiority. Islamabads reliance on international intervention as a safety valve has been exposed as outdated, given how India has demonstrated both escalation control and narrative discipline. Yet, therein lies the deeper risk for Indianot that Pakistan may succeed, but that the world may listen. The recent face-off has become a pretext for a creeping re-hyphenation of India and Pakistan in global discourse, threatening to resurrect the dynamic that Indian diplomacy has laboured to bury since Nehrus United Nations gambit. This peril is underscored by US President Donald Trumps assertion of having brokered the ceasefire. In a world tempted by transactional diplomacy, India faces the challenge of navigating a global environment where principles are often subordinated to deals. For a West wary of Chinas growing influence, Kashmir may become a theatre of symbolic contestation rather than legal and political clarity. Further complications arise from the intractability of global crises, be it Russias war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict or nuclear tensions with Iran. These ongoing flashpoints dilute diplomatic bandwidth and allow malign actors like Pakistan to exploit moments of global distraction to resurface their narratives. Thus emerges a dual mandate for India. First, to maintain its strategic initiative without risking adventurism. Second, more critically, to preserve its narrative dominance on Kashmir. Indias campaign has two fronts: deterrence and discourse. Its actions must be demonstrative but deliberate; its diplomacy, assertive yet unsentimental. Also Read: The IMFs Pakistan loan spotlights the case for voting power reform India must seize not only the high ground, but the defining voice. It must portray Operation Sindoor as an overdue recognition that past limited responses in 2016 and 2019 failed to alter Pakistans terror calculus. It must articulate that the essence of deterrence lies not only in firepower, but in clarity of intent. And it must reject the premise that Kashmir is open to third-party adjudication. This is not, at its core, a contest over boundaries. It is a struggle over narrative dominance and temporal trajectory. Pakistan clings to grievance as both a shield and weapon, and its backward gaze affirms its inability to pivot forward, even as India charts its future with the balance of force and foresight. New Delhis assertion of its sovereign prerogative and refusal to outsource its security calculus is a mark of strategic maturity. The global order respects clarity more than compromise, particularly when the stakes are cloaked in moral ambivalence and strategic ambiguity. In the coming days, the contest will unfold in minds, not maps. And narrative clarity will determine not only who commands the present, but who inherits the future. Indias challenge is not just to win battles, but to own the story. In geopolitics, as in battle strategy, the side that frames the question often controls the answer. The authors are, respectively, professor of international relations, Kings College London, and assistant professor, international affairs and security studies, Sardar Patel University of Police, Security & Criminal Justice. President Donald Trump thinks Russia will likely walk away from Ukraine peace talks if the US threatens more sanctions, according to his top diplomat, supporting the White Houses decision not to pressure Moscow despite its resistance to a ceasefire. If you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Tuesday. And theres value in us being able to talk to them and drive them to get to the table. Rubios comments came when pressured by Senator Chris Coons, Democrat from Delaware, on whether the administration plans to slap more sanctions on Russia or send more arms to Ukraine. Trumps efforts to push President Vladimir Putin to a ceasefire took a hit Monday after a direct phone call between the two leaders resulted in the US stepping back from direct engagement and signaling the White House wasnt ready to slap new sanctions on Moscow. The outcome disappointed many European allies, who had expected Washington to take a harder line after Trump in recent weeks demanded a 30-day ceasefire and threatened further actions. That could include allowing passage of a bipartisan bill prepared by Senator Lindsey Graham that would enact bone-crushing new sanctions. It would be helpful if the United States slammed its fist on the table if that much-discussed sanctions package presented by the senators could be adopted, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview with France Inter earlier Tuesday. Everyone understands that he will pursue his colonial war to the very end unless we put a stop to it, he said, referring to Putin. On Tuesday, the European Union approved its latest sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 shadow fleet ships as well as addressing hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works, the blocs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on X. The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response. To be sure, Rubio told senators Tuesday that Trump is fully aware that he has sanctions options he can still pursue. The president is very committed to ending the dying, ending the bloodshed, and he wants to preserve as long as he possibly can the opportunity to influence both sides, he said. Later in the day, during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee meeting, Rubio said he expects Russia to present a broad term sheet as soon as this week, which the administration will then determine is realistic or not. Asked about further sanctions during an Oval Office event on Tuesday, Trump said: Thats going to be my determination. Thats going to be nobody elses determination. Well see how Russia behaves, he said. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hit back when President Trump warned him he had no cards" in the Oval Office, saying he was not playing cards." In the months since, the Ukrainian leader has softened his approach in an attempt to keep Trump on side. Now, it appears the deck has always been stacked against him. Zelensky agreed to an unconditional cease-fire proposed by the U.S. leader, signed up to a minerals deal that the White House had pushed as a condition for further support, and flew to Turkey for talks called for by Russian President Vladimir Putinall while gently urging Trump to pressure Russia to agree to the truce. Three months later, that approach has brought him next to nothing. On Monday, after a two-hour call with Putin, Trump again pivoted to the Russian presidents sequencing toward ending the war: negotiations before a cease-fire. And he signaled the U.S. could walk away if the two sides didnt reach an agreement. When Putin refused to sign on to a 30-day cease-fire on Monday, Trump didnt impose further sanctions on Russia, as he has threatened to do, but instead said Russia and Ukraine should carry on negotiations among themselves. Ukrainian officials met the continued lack of pressure on Putin wearily on Tuesday. After speaking with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelensky called for more sanctions on Moscow to coerce the Kremlin to end its three-year invasion. It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation," he said. We are working with our partners to ensure that pressure forces Russians to change their behavior." Trumps willingness to tolerate Putins prevarication over a cease-fire contrasts with his explosive reaction to Zelenskys wariness in February over Russian intentions. In the Oval Office, Trump assailed Zelensky and accused him of not supporting U.S. diplomacy or wanting a cease-fire. I want a cease-fire," Trump told the Ukrainian president. Because youll get a cease-fire faster than an agreement." Of course we want to stop the war," Zelensky said. Zelenskys willingness to comply with Trumps demands after the meeting won him a sit-down with the U.S. leader at the Vatican in late April, where the two appeared to make up. It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently," Trump said after that meeting referring to Putin. Now, Trump appears to have endorsed Putins approach that a cease-fire can only be agreed to if Ukraine agrees to Russian conditions, which boil down to leaving Ukraine as a vassal Russian state. Unfortunately, following the Trump-Putin phone call, the status quo has not changed," Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on X. Podolyak said that Trumps mistake is to assume that Russia is capable of negotiating and willing to end the war for the sake of strategic or business interests. Meanwhile, Russias position, he said, is unchanged. Putin says he is open to ending the war, but he has repeatedly declined to endorse the 30-day cease-fire agreed to by Kyiv in March. He has insisted that a litany of complex issues must be resolved before any such pause in fighting can take effect. Those include a mechanism for enforcing such a cease-fire and a commitment from Ukraine not to use it as a window to bolster its forces. Russia has made no such commitments. Before any peace deal can be discussed, Putin said the two sides must address what he describes as the root causes" of the war. Russia set those out in a draft treaty drawn up with Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul in April 2022, weeks after Moscows full-scale invasion. Putin has cited the terms of that treaty as a basis for current negotiations. The Russian document envisioned a postwar Ukraine that is a disarmed, permanently neutral state, unaligned with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or any other military blocs. Putin wants to reverse policies that have sidelined Russian cultural influence in Ukraine. And he wants to keep at least the 18% of Ukrainian territory Russia already controls, an area equivalent to Virginia in size. Russias position is clear: The main thing is to remove the root causes of this crisis," Putin said in comments after the call with Trump on Monday. He didnt say the two sides had made progress in reaching an agreement, but voiced optimism that a memorandum could soon be drafted that commits them to working on one. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said Putin is comfortable with his negotiators sitting down with the Ukrainian side in coming weeks because he knows the Russian side is resolute in its demands. The Kremlin on Monday said that Putin had discussed with Trump a possible meeting between the Russian president and Zelensky, but it said there was no timeline for talks and that they would take as long as necessary. It said no location had yet been set for further talks between Kyiv and Moscow. The vague memorandum Putin called for on Monday, Stanovaya said, is a way of offering Trump something that the U.S. president can claim as a Russian concession, even if it is little more than an agreement to keep talking. Russia can use this memorandum to push through clauses on a cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine and to codify other demands it has before any cease-fireincluding a new insistence on securing Kyivs withdrawal from the four Ukrainian regions Russia partially occupies. Putin will now try to push the Ukrainians to endorse an Istanbul 2 agreement," said Stanovaya, referring to the 2022 terms pushed by Russia, plus the territories. If that doesnt work, he can always say it was the Ukrainians who didnt want peace." Stanovaya said that the U.S.s potential withdrawal from the process is an acceptable outcome for Putin, who is focused on wringing as many concessions out of Ukraine as possible. The Kremlin leader conceives the Ukraine war as a chance to right what he sees as historical injustices that go back to the collapse of the Soviet Union and an opportunity to roll back Western influence across Eastern Europe. As such, he is unlikely to settle for an interim deal that fails to address his maximalist demands. Putin will be fighting for Ukraine by any means until his death," Stanovaya said. Hes absolutely obsessed. He believes that if Russia doesnt get what it wants in Ukraine, then it faces its own possible destruction. And one way or another, he believes he will get what he wants." Write to James Marson at james.marson@wsj.com and Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com The health departments of Singapore and Hong Kong last week reported an increase in COVID-19 infections, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In the wake of reports about the surge in coronavirus cases, India convened a review meeting on Monday. Should we be concerned about this current wave of COVID-19? What is causing the latest surge in cases? Here's all you need to know Singapore's Ministry of Health said in a press release on 13 May that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week of 27 April to 3 May 2025 rose to 14,200 cases, compared to 11,100 cases in the previous week. Over the same period, the average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 102 to 133...The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases, the Singapore government said. It noted that the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases decreased from three to two cases. COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong Similarly, in Hong Kong, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus gradually increased to 13.66 percent from 6.21 percent four weeks ago (the week of April 6 to 12) which is a record high in the past year. The authorities said COVID-19 became more active in mid-April of this year. "Based on previous statistics, we expect the activity level of COVID-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks," the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Edwin Tsui, said. COVID-19 cases in India Following recent media reports of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India convened a review meeting on Monday. Sources told news agency ANI that the meeting included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals. As of 19 May 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257 a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. Read More: Covid cases in India: Mumbai, Pune, Chennai log fresh cases What is causing the rise in COVID-19 cases? Singapore's health ministry said the increase in cases could be due to several factors, including waning population immunity. Meanwhile, an analysis by Hong Kong's CHP revealed that the active periods are associated with the changes in the predominant circulating strains and declining herd immunity in Hong Kong. How common are active periods of COVID-19? Hong Kong's health department believes that COVID-19 has evolved into an endemic disease with a periodic pattern. It noted, After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of COVID-19 in every six to nine months. Singapore's health ministry also noted that periodic COVID-19 waves are expected throughout the year. Which COVID-19 strain is causing current rise in cases? The Hong Kong authorities said in a statement on 15 May that the XDV strain of the COVID-19 virus has been circulating locally since late March this year. "In early 2024, the predominant strains circulated locally changed from XBB to JN.1; while in the third quarter of 2024, they changed from JN.1 to KP.2 and KP.3; and they have further changed to XDV since late March this year," stated a press release by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 15 May. Meanwhile, Singapore's health ministry highlighted that LF.7 and NB.1.8 (both descendants of the JN.1 variant) are the main COVID-19 variants circulating in Singapore at present. They together account for more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. JN.1 is also the variant used in the formulation of the current COVID-19 vaccine. Should you be worried about this COVID-19 wave? The answer is: No. According to the information, cases in Singapore and Hong Kong are mostly mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality. Hong Kong's CHP said there is no evidence suggesting that XDV will cause more severe disease. Singapore's health ministry also explained that there is no indication that the variants circulating locally "are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants." Meanwhile, Indias top epidemiologist, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, told News 18 there is no need to panic unless there is evidence of an increase in hospitalisations or deaths. ...as of now, there is nothing new or alarming," Dr Raman Gangakhedkar said, adding, We must accept that COVID-19 has become endemic." New Delhi: The Centre plans to ban the sale, manufacture, import, and distribution of 37 antimicrobial medicines used to boost animal growth and yield. The plan is to check the effect of antibiotic resistance in humans, which is transferred through the consumption of milk, meat, eggs, and other dairy products. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat; thereby increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and even death. Also read: Is Covid-19 back in India? All we know amid recent surge in Hong Kong, Singapore The development assumes significance given that AMR has become a major global health issue, with around 6 lakh lives lost in India each year due to resistant infections, as per the data available with the ministry of chemical and fertilisers. These 37 antimicrobials have not been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for veterinary use in the treatment of various diseases, but are still being used on animals. Using unapproved antibiotics may pose huge health risks not only to the animals but also to humans, as food produced by these animals may have elements of antibiotics which can be transferred to humans and cause antibiotic resistance," a government official said. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that this exercise is being done to promote the responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials across human and animal health sectors, in alignment with the global standards and One Health approach." Queries sent to the health ministry remained unanswered. EU recommendations In 2022, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) recommended that 37 antibiotics be reserved for human use only for the treatment of certain life-threatening infections. These drugs include ceftobiprole, ceftaroline, carbapenems, and the antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide. Also read: Elder abuse! Criminal charges?? Donald Trump's DOJ lawyer accuses Jill Biden of hiding Joe Bidens health problems Representatives of the animal husbandry department were also present at the meeting, which happened last month. After detailed deliberation, the apex drug panel board recommended prohibition of manufacture, import, sale, distribution and use of 34 antimicrobial medical products except three antimicrobials, i.e. carboxypenicillins, combinations of cephalosporins with beta-lactamase inhibitors and phosphonic acid derivatives only, for animal use," the official added. The health ministry has sought a report on these three antimicrobials from the department of animal husbandry and dairying to reach its conclusion. According to Crisil market intelligence and analytics, the market size of the anti-infective segment in India stood at about 251.3 billion for FY2024. These include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. In December, the health ministry banned the manufacturing and sale of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) nimesulide and its formulation for animal use, citing a health risk to the animals. Also read: Mounjaro in India: The speed bumps impacting access to weight loss drugs Dr K.P. Singh from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute said, Basically, all veterinary institutes have qualified veterinarians, but the problem is that there is one population who are not qualified to provide treatment to animals. These people are using antibiotics irrationally. These three antibioticscarboxypenicillins, combinations of cephalosporins with beta-lactamase inhibitors and phosphonic acid derivativesare largely used to treat bacterial infections in the animals." The number of humanoid robots in use could reach three billion by 2060. With the global population projected at 10.07 billion that year (source: Worldometer), thats one robot for every three of us. What might this shift mean for human employment, identity and purpose? What do the stars foretell about robots? Humanoid robot ownership could touch 3 billion units by 2060, says a new Bank of America (BofA) report. Midjourney founder David Holz predicts 1 billion humanoids on Earth by the 2040s and 100 billion in the solar system by the 2060san idea endorsed by Elon Musk. Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla sees 1 billion bipedal robots by 2040. Also read | Elon Musk unveils plans to launch Tesla robotaxis and humanoid robots in Saudi Arabia Morgan Stanley forecasts sales of 900,000 units by 2030. Macquarie expects 6.3 million robots and a $139 billion market by 2035. Citigroup projects a $7 trillion market by 2050, while Goldman Sachs sees a $38 billion market by 2035 as robot density surges. Why are they all so bullish? As human labour costs rise, humanoid robots are becoming cheaperand global investments are surging, from $308 million in 2020 to $1.1 billion in 2024, according to Bain & Co. These robots can now walk, jump and are getting smarter with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI. BofA predicts theyll take 20% of industrial and 50% of service jobs by 2060, and even outnumber cars. SNS Insider values the market at $2.21 billion in 2023, projected to reach $76.97 billion by 2032, with Japan, China and the US leading adoption in elder care, defence, retail, manufacturing and logistics. Also read | Musks humanoid robots are here but they wont help around the house How much do humanoid robots cost? BofA says humanoid robot hardware will cost $35,000 per unit by end-2025, dropping to $13,000-17,000 by 2030-2035 due to scale and improved components. Meanwhile, the robots-as-a-service (RaaS) model that offers access via cloud-based subscriptions is making robots more affordable for smaller firms that cant bear high upfront costs. How will this impact the workforce? Bain & Co. expects robots to handle a wide range of physical tasks at costs equal to or lower than human labour within five years. Raising a child costs $100,000-300,000 and takes 20 years in the US (RethinkX), while a humanoid robot could be deployed in a year for the price of a budget car. By 2035, a million robots could enter the workforce for just $10 billion. Macquarie predicts robots may become as essential to families as cars, with widespread home use expected from the late 2030s to 2050s. Also read | Meta reportedly begins investment in humanoid robots, setting up a showdown with Elon Musk's Tesla A C-3PO in every home sounds pretty good... Something like the Star Wars droid could be yours for a price. As the young prioritize work-life balance, firms may get humanoid robots to fill labour and skill gaps. But AI-powered humanoids such as Teslas Optimus, Boston Dynamics Atlas, Xiaomis CyberOne and Indias Vyommitra raise questions on accountability, legal status (Hanson Robotics Sophia is a Saudi citizen), rights and the potential for bias. Futurist Ray Kurzweil believes humans could achieve a million-fold intelligence by 2045 with chips embedded in our brains. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: From Gemini updates to Android XR - everything Google announced Google I/O 2025 has kicked off with a wave of AI-first innovations headlined by Geminis deeper integration across platforms. One of the biggest announcements is Android XR, which brings Gemini AI to smart glasses and headsets, offering real-time translation, messaging, and navigation via hands-free interaction. Stylish collaborations with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, plus an optional in-lens display, promise sleek, practical wearables. Gemini is also getting smarterAI Mode in Google Search turns queries into conversations, while Personal Context proactively helps based on user data. Gemini 2.5 Flash, launching in June, delivers faster, more efficient performance with new multilingual text-to-speech tools. Project Astra, Canvas, Agent Mode, and Google Beam hint at an AI-centric future for mobile, productivity, and communication. With over 400 million Gemini users already onboard, Google is doubling down on intelligent assistanceright from your glasses to your inbox. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Google unveils premium AI subscriptions - AI Pro and AI Ultra At I/O 2025, Google launched two AI subscription plans: Google AI Pro ($19.99/month) and Google AI Ultra ($249.99/month). The Pro plan enhances the Gemini app with tools like Flow and NotebookLM, offering higher usage limits. The Ultra plan provides access to Google's most advanced AI models, early access to experimental tools like Agent Mode and Veo3, and is ideal for power users. Currently available only in the U.S., the Ultra plan is 50% off for the first three months. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Android XR brings Gemini to Glasses and Headsets At Google I/O, Android unveiled its XR platform powered by Gemini, bringing AI assistance to smart glasses and headsets. These devices offer hands-free help by seeing and hearing your world, enabling real-time messaging, navigation, and even live translation. Stylish eyewear from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will integrate the tech, while Samsung joins in expanding XR beyond headsets. An optional in-lens display gives private, on-the-go info. Developers can start building for Android XR later this year. With privacy at the forefront, Google is testing prototypes to ensure a truly helpful and respectful AI-powered wearable experience. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Gemini gets smarter with Personal Context and Canvas Googles Gemini is levelling up! With Personal Context, it now uses your search history to offer personalised, proactive help, like reminding you about upcoming exams or suggesting tailored info before you even ask. Plus, Canvas brings a new way to co-create with Gemini, letting you design infographics, podcasts, and moreall with AI-powered collaboration. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: AI Mode is bringing Gemini to Google Search Google Search is getting a major upgrade with the introduction of AI Mode, a new feature that brings the power of Gemini directly into your search bar. Think of it as having a smart chat assistant built into Search, ready to handle complex queries and respond to follow-up questions in real time. With just a tap, AI Mode transforms your usual search experience into an interactive, conversational one. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Project Astra and Gemini Diffusion set the stage for AI on Phones and XR Google is seemingly preparing to launch Project Astra on smartphones, aiming to make Gemini your personal AI assistant. For the first time, Gemini is also heading to Android XR, bringing its intelligence to extended reality platforms. Meanwhile, Gemini Diffusion is making headlines by generating code 5x faster than Googles lightest 2.5 model. It analyses prompts in a blink, solving complex tasks almost instantly. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Meet Gemini 2.5 Flash - Smarter, faster, and more efficient than ever Google is once again pushing the boundaries of AI performance with the introduction of Gemini 2.5 Flash, a streamlined yet powerful version of its flagship model. Set to launch alongside Gemini 2.5 Pro in June, this new model promises major improvements in both speed and efficiency and its already available for early access through Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, and the Gemini app. Described as better in nearly every dimension, Gemini 2.5 Flash has been engineered to deliver the same high-quality outputs while being 22% more efficient, meaning it uses fewer tokens for the same responses. This is a significant upgrade for developers and enterprises looking to optimise performance without sacrificing accuracy or depth. One of the most exciting features arriving with this update is a new preview of text-to-speech capabilities. Powered by both Gemini 2.5 Flash and Pro, this feature supports 24 languages and introduces fluid language switching, even mid-conversation without changing the voice. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Gemini gets smarter - Project Mariner, Agent Mode and more coming soon Google is steadily expanding the capabilities of Gemini, its powerful AI assistant, and the latest updates are poised to make it even more proactive and intelligent. At last years I/O event, Google introduced Project Mariner, a bold vision for AI-powered task automation. Soon, features from Project Mariner will be integrated into the Gemini API, allowing Gemini to carry out tasks on your computer autonomously without needing direct input every time. Another exciting development on the horizon is Agent Mode. Designed to understand your goals and take actions on your behalf, Agent Mode takes automation a step further. Whether you are trying to schedule meetings, organise files, or manage your inbox, Gemini will be able to handle it for you, turning intentions into actions. Gmail is set to get an upgrade this summer but only for Gemini Advanced subscribers (at least initially). The platform will soon offer Personalised Smart Replies, using context and tone to craft more relevant, thoughtful responses tailored to each email you receive. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Gemini Live coming to iOS and Android Google is bringing camera and screen sharing to both iOS and Android starting today. The tech giant is also introducing real-time translation to Google Meet. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Google Beam introduced! Google Beam is an AI-powered video communication platform designed to transform standard 2D video into a lifelike 3D experience. It creates a highly detailed, millimeter-precise 3D rendering of the user for display on supported screens. The first device featuring this technology, developed in collaboration with HP, is expected to launch later this year. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Sundar Pichai takes the stage; keynote session begins The Google CEO has taken the stage, teasing the 7th generation TPU Ironwood. He says, With the advent of the Gemini app, over 400 million users are using Google's AI technology. Google I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: Nothing major leaked yet, but netizens stay excited As the keynote session begins in a few minutes, social media is buzzing with excitement. Google's I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: What to expect Google I/O 2025 is set to spotlight major announcements from CEO Sundar Pichai, co-founder Demis Hassabis, and other top executives, with artificial intelligence once again taking center stage. Leading the charge will likely be the highly anticipated Gemini 2.5 Pro update, reinforcing Googles commitment to advancing AI. Other updates may include progress on DeepMinds Project Astra and the educational AI tool LearnLM. A surprise appearance could come from Samsungs upcoming Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, expected to rival Apples Vision Pro when it launches later this year. While Android 16 has already been unveiled in last weeks special Android Show livestream, Google I/O will likely focus more on AI integrations and feature upgrades across flagship platforms like Gmail, Chrome, and the Play Store. It remains to be seen whether these innovations will be highlighted during the main keynote or reserved for detailed breakout sessions throughout the event. Google's I/O 2025 LIVE Updates: How to watch the livestream Googles flagship annual event, I/O 2025, kicks off today, 20 May, at 1 PM ET (10:30 PM IST), promising a showcase of the tech giants latest innovations in AI, Android, and beyond. The event, held in Mountain View, California, will begin with a keynote address and will be live-streamed globally, allowing developers, tech enthusiasts, and fans alike to tune in from anywhere. The keynote, which is expected to unveil major updates across Googles ecosystem, follows the Android Show: I/O Edition held last week. That preliminary event teased several new features expected in Android 16 and offered insights into the advancements in Googles Gemini AI platform. Although attendance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre is limited, Google is ensuring global accessibility. Viewers can stream the keynote and all related sessions live viaYouTube or by visiting theofficial I/O 2025 website. With AI continuing to play a central role in Googles product strategy, anticipation is high for announcements surrounding its Gemini models, enhanced Android tools, and deeper integrations across the Google ecosystem. In a move that is set to benefit technology companies such as Sony, Meta, Apple and Google, the government on Monday paved the way for licence-free use of a portion of the key 6GHz spectrum. The band is crucial for providing high-speed WiFi and supporting the next-generation gadgets such as Sony PlayStation, and augmented reality/virtual reality devices from companies like Apple and Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. According to industry executives, some technology companies were unable to launch these gadgets in the country because the WiFi spectrum in the 6GHz band was unavailable. For instance, in November, Sony said its PlayStation 5 Pro wont be released in India in the absence of the 6GHz band. PS5 Pro will not be available in some countries (which currently includes India) where the 6 GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) has not yet been allowed," the company had said in a statement. Also read | Indias public Wifi ambitions falters as telcos resist subsidizing their rivals No Authorization or Frequency Assignment shall be required to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of Lower Power Indoor and Very Low Power outdoor wireless access systems, including radio local area networks operating in the frequency band 5925-6425 MHz," the communications ministry said in a notification stating draft rules. The usage of the band must be on a non-interference, non-protection, and shared basis, the notification said. Currently, the band is being used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) for satellite operations. Further, the opening up of the band will also allow WiFi 6E and 7 technologies to mark their presence in the country. The technology requires a high bandwidth. Besides, many other telecom equipment makers are waiting for regulatory clarity before launching WiFi 6E-compatible routers. Firms at loggerheads The draft rules issued by the government assume significance as telecom operators, and technology companies such as Google, and Meta, were at loggerheads over the 6GHz band. Technology companies wanted the band to be delicensed and provided free to use to improve WiFi services, while telecom operators wanted the band for 6G services. The government also recently approved the 600MHz out of the 1200MHz spectrum available in the 6GHz band for telecom operators through auction. For operators, the upper portion, approved for auction, is in the range of 6425-7125MHz. The band is essential for the upcoming 6G services. Currently, home WiFi routers operate in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. Analysts say that once the band is upgraded to 6GHz, home broadband speeds and performance can be improved. Also read | Trai, telecom companies spar over data demand The Broadband India Forum, which represents companies like Google and Meta, has welcomed the governments draft notification to exempt the lower portion of the 6GHz band (59256425MHz band from licensing, which is a 500MHz chunk. The forum, however, has argued for the licence-free use of an additional 160MHz spectrum in the band. A fraction of the band cannot deliver the full-scale impact we seek. An adequate chunk of delicensed 6 GHz band is required in order to power next-generation technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, which are set to become foundational to our Digital Public Infrastructure," said T.V. Ramachandran, president of the Broadband India Forum. According to Ramachandran, it is a good beginningbut the country is still scratching the surface with a somewhat delayed and limited spectrum allocation. He said WiFi 6E and 7 technologies with additional spectrum would serve as the backbone for delivering affordable, high-speed, low-latency connectivitypowering smart schools, hospitals, factories, cities and villages. Price problems The opening up of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi will benefit consumers as they will be able to get choices from technology companies on the latest gadgets using 6E and 7 technologies," said Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst at research firm Techarc. According to Kawoosa, despite the consumer choices and benefits for companies, the demand for new generation gadgets is expected to be limited in a country like India, owing to higher prices. Apples Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, which also has not been launched in India, uses Wi-Fi 6 technology and requires a high bandwidth. Analysts said Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are available in India starting Monday at 29,900 onwards, will also benefit and perform efficiently once the government opens up the 6GHz band, according to analysts. At an industry event in New Delhi last year, Alan Norman, director of public policy at Meta, said, Globally, billions of Wi-Fi devices are scheduled to be shipped this year (2024) in the 6GHz band. This is an opportunity cost for India as it is not getting to experience this." According to Norman, 200 companies have devices authorized to use the full 6GHz band. The governments decision to delicense only the lower 6GHz band is both technically sound and strategically wise," said Parag Kar, an independent telecom sector analyst and spectrum expert. Also read | No spectrum auctions in 2025, Centre mulling new bands for next year According to Kar, the decision will boost the current home broadband performance through Wi-Fi 7. The draft rules specified by the government also mention several operational restrictions for the use of wireless equipment in the 6 GHz band. The government said all usage is strictly prohibited on oil platforms. Restrictions on use Additionally, indoor use is not allowed on land vehicles such as cars and trains, as well as on boats and aircraft, except when the aircraft is flying above 10,000 feet. The rules also explicitly prohibit communicating with or controlling drones and unmanned aerial systems using this frequency band. Globally, more than 84 countries, including the US, have delicensed at least 500MHz of the 6GHz band for WiFi and innovation. Bernardo Bellotto: A Master of Cityscapes and the Legacy of a Venetian Visionary By Shayne Heffernan Bernardo Bellotto, born on May 20, 1722, in Venice, Italy, was a painter whose meticulous cityscapes captured the essence of 18th-century Europe with a realism that continues to captivate art enthusiasts today. Often overshadowed by his uncle and mentor, the renowned Venetian artist Canaletto, Bellotto carved out his own legacy as a vedute (view) painter, bringing to life the urban landscapes of Venice, Dresden, Vienna, Munich, and Warsaw. His life, marked by prodigious talent and a restless spirit, reflects the cultural dynamism of his era, while his works offer a window into the architectural splendor and societal shifts of the time. Bellottos journey began in the vibrant artistic hub of Venice, where he was born to Fiorenza Domenica Canal and Lorenzo Bellotto. From a young age, he showed a precocious talent, beginning his training at just 14 under the guidance of his uncle, Canaletto, one of the most celebrated view painters of the Venetian school. By 16, Bellotto had already joined the Venetian painters guild and produced works of astonishing maturity, such as a detailed cityscape painted around 1738 while working in Canalettos studio. His early exposure to Canalettos techniquesparticularly the use of precise architectural detail and atmospheric perspectiveshaped his style, but Bellotto soon developed a distinct voice, characterized by a more tangible, almost tactile realism. As one art historian noted, Bellottos Venice feels more real than his uncles, with peeling walls and shifting skies that add a gritty authenticity to his scenes. In his late teens and early twenties, Bellottos career took him beyond Venice. By 1744, at the age of 22, he had painted a notable view of the Sforzesco Castle in Milan, showcasing his ability to capture the grandeur of urban architecture. His travels across Italy, including stops in Florence and Rome, honed his skills as a vedute painter, focusing on topographical accuracy while infusing his works with a dramatic sense of light and shadow. These early Italian works laid the foundation for his later career, where his attention to detail would become a defining trait. Bellottos life took a significant turn in 1747 when he moved to Dresden, invited by the Saxon court of Augustus III. This marked the beginning of a prolific period, as he produced some of his most iconic works, including a series of Dresden cityscapes that meticulously documented the citys baroque architecture. His paintings from this time, such as views of the Frauenkirche and the Elbe River, are celebrated for their precision and atmospheric depth. However, the Prussian occupation of Dresden in 1756 disrupted his tenure, prompting him to work in Vienna and Munich, where he continued to paint with the same rigor. One notable piece from this period is Nymphenburg Palace, Munich (c. 1761), an oil on canvas that captures the opulence of the Bavarian palace with a crisp, almost photographic clarity. In 1768, Bellottos career reached a pinnacle when he was appointed court painter in Warsaw, a position he held until his death on October 17, 1780. His Warsaw period is perhaps his most significant, not only for the quality of his work but for its historical impact. Bellottos detailed cityscapes of Warsaw, such as views of the Royal Castle and the Vistula River, became invaluable records after the city was heavily damaged during World War II. These paintings were used as references during the post-war reconstruction, earning Bellotto posthumous recognition as a key figure in preserving Warsaws architectural heritage. His ability to make cities feel thrillingly real, as noted by art enthusiasts, is evident in these works, where every brick and cobblestone seems to breathe with life. What sets Bellotto apart from his uncle Canaletto is his unique approach to realism. While Canalettos views often idealized cities with a polished, almost dreamlike quality, Bellotto embraced imperfectionscrumbling facades, overcast skies, and the lived-in texture of urban spaces. His paintings are not just visual records; they are narratives of their time, capturing the social and political undercurrents of 18th-century Europe. For instance, his Dresden works subtly reflect the tensions of the Seven Years War, with somber skies hinting at the citys precarious fate. Bellottos legacy endures through the 21 works held by institutions like the National Gallery of Art and the Getty Museum, as well as through exhibitions like Enchantingly Real: Bernardo Bellotto at the Court of Saxony, which traced his career from Venice to Warsaw. His influence extends beyond art history, as his Warsaw paintings played a practical role in the citys rebuilding efforts, a testament to the enduring relevance of his vision. As I reflect on Bellottos life and works, Im struck by his ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth, creating cityscapes that are as much about the human experience as they are about architecture. At Knightsbridge, we draw inspiration from such visionaries, striving to build a financial ecosystem that, like Bellottos paintings, captures the essence of its time while shaping the future. His story reminds us that true innovationwhether in art or financecomes from seeing the world with clarity and daring to depict it as it truly is. TotalEnergies to Drill in 2026, Regulatory Reform Gains Momentum TotalEnergies is preparing to begin offshore drilling in South Africa in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals, according to Mike Sangster, the companys SVP for Africa Exploration & Production. Speaking at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Sangster emphasized the companys ambition to expand its multi-energy strategy on the continent, with South Africa poised to play a central role in that vision. The announcement coincides with significant legislative developments in South Africas oil and gas sector. In April, the government published the draft regulations for the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, inviting public comment and signaling a renewed commitment to reform. The regulations will outline the procedures for implementing the Act approved in November but not yet in effect ushering in a more modern, investor-oriented framework for hydrocarbon exploration and production. Establishing a Fit-for-Purpose Framework For years, the lack of a clear and sector-specific legal framework has impeded South Africas ability to attract sustained exploration activity and unlock its offshore potential. The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act aims to rectify this by establishing transparent licensing systems, defining state and Black Economic Empowerment participation and clarifying production-sharing mechanisms. Crucially, the Act seeks to create an enabling environment that balances investor interests with national development goals. It provides detailed guidance on the application and granting of exploration and production rights, introduces more predictable fiscal terms and offers mechanisms to manage environmental and social responsibilities. By aligning South Africas regulatory framework with international best practices, the government is positioning the country to compete more effectively for operator capital, particularly as global exploration budgets become more selective and carbon-conscious. Igniting Interest in the Orange Basin South Africas offshore acreage, particularly in the Orange Basin, has been gaining momentum on the back of transformational discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Within South African waters, the Brulpadda and Luiperd finds in Block 11B/12B remain the most commercially significant to date, estimated to hold more than 600 million barrels of oil equivalent. While TotalEnergies has since exited the block, citing internal portfolio shifts, the companys re-engagement with the broader South African market suggests continued belief in the basins long-term potential. Last August, TotalEnergies officially became operator of offshore exploration Block 3B/4B, positioned southeast and on trend with neighboring oil discoveries, including the companys Venus discovery in Namibia. The Orange Basin represents one of the last untapped frontiers capable of delivering large-scale oil and gas volumes. With a more supportive regulatory backdrop taking shape, South Africa is well-positioned to attract the kind of deepwater investment needed to de-risk its acreage and build out its domestic gas infrastructure a critical step toward energy security and industrial growth. Positioning South Africa for Investment at AEW 2025 As the government works to implement the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town offers a high-profile platform to promote the countrys renewed upstream vision. AEW is expected to convene regulators, IOCs and service companies to discuss the commercial implications of the legislative overhaul and chart a path forward for exploration and development in South Africa. For companies like TotalEnergies whose multi-energy strategy includes natural gas, renewables and decarbonized operations a stable and transparent regulatory framework is key. Sangsters statement reflects growing confidence in South Africas policy direction, and signals to the broader investor community that the country is preparing to welcome a new wave of responsible, large-scale investment, says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. SOURCE African Energy Chamber All children in Longford who are due to start primary school this year are entitled to a free book bag, with books in English or as Gaeilge. An average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative. Read more: Precision Health delighted with ground naming rights partnership with Longford rugby club Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, T.D., today announced the launch of this years My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school. Each year, every child leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library. The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 45-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually. The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and as Gaeilge, support children and their parents in the transition to primary school. From May 9 2025, all children in Longford completing the universal pre-school programme Early Childhood Care and Education and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members. Minister Foley said she was pleased to announce the 2025 My Little Library initiative. Reading is a magical gift, and it is great to give children the opportunity to develop a love of reading from a young age. Many parents may not be aware that every child about to enter primary school is eligible for their free My Little Library book bag. Thats why I am urging every family in Longford with a child starting primary school this September to pick up their Little Library book bag from their local library. The transition from pre-school to primary school is such an important moment for every child in Ireland. Books and stories support connection between parents and their children. They also promote early language and literacy development which is crucial for childrens success in early childhood and beyond. Minister Buttimer said today: I warmly welcome the launch of the 2025 My Little Library Initiative. I know that the library staff in Longford share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service. Books and stories are a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their learning journey and becoming a library member gives lifelong access to the joy of books and reading. My Little Library is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and delivered by local authorities. It is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland. Read more: UPDATE: Gardai release man without charge amid murder investigation of Kerry farmer Head, Libraries Development, Local Government Management Agency, Dr Stuart Hamilton said: Local authority public libraries are delighted to be running the My Little Library Bag initiative this year. Local libraries across Longford are looking forward to welcoming all children starting school and their families in to collect their My Little Library book bags and discover the fun of being a library member. Read more: This Irish driver 'got a nasty surprise' as can of Pepsi explodes in car amid heatwave We hope that our Little Library members and their families will come back regularly to refill their book bags and enjoy all the free events and activities libraries hold throughout the year. The support of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Rural and Community Development allows us to build annually on the great successes of Little Library over the past few years. Private Therapy Clinic Ltd is offering a 5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the recent vandalism of its Nenagh, Co Tipperary, premises nearly two weeks ago. The incident took place between 11pm on Wednesday, May 8 and 12:30am on Thursday, May 9, 2025, resulting in an estimated 20,000 in damage, including smashed windows, water damage, and destruction of clinic property. This targeted attack occurred just as the clinic was about to begin delivering vital mental health services to the local community. In a statement, Private Therapy Clinic Ltd said: "Exactly one week prior to the vandalism, CCTV footage showed two individuals walking past Sheehans on Martyrs Road in the direction of the clinic (opposite Lidl). "Around 11:00pm, they were not wearing gloves. On their return around midnight, they were raising concern about their intentions. "These individuals may be linked to the later incident. The clinic is now urgently appealing for additional CCTV or dashcam footage from the night of 8th9th May to help identify: "Where these individuals may have come from (e.g. any of Nenaghs main streets); their movements after the incident; any vehicles they may have used. "We are asking for help from: local businesses with CCTV in the vicinity; residents with overnight dashcam recordings; anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in central Nenagh during that time. READ NEXT: RIP: 'Unbearable loss'- Tributes have poured in for boy (7) following tragedy at Sligo beach Please contact Nenagh Garda Station at (067) 50450, and email footage or tips to management@privatetherapyclinic.com. The statement added: "Tragically, the Nenagh branch is now at serious risk of permanent closure. If the clinic is left to cover the repair costs alone, it may no longer be able to offer affordable neurodiversity assessments and private psychiatric services, which are critically needed in this region." Private Therapy Clinics locations across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Donegal, and online will remain operational. Private Therapy Clinic Ltd is a UK-based mental health provider with a growing footprint across Ireland. Garda Investigation & 5,000 Reward Terms & Conditions The 5,000 reward will be paid to the first individual whose evidence directly leads to: The identification and arrest, and A successful criminal conviction of the person(s) responsible. The reward is conditional upon: Full cooperation with An Garda Siochana; Garda confirmation that the evidence was crucial to securing conviction; The information not being previously known to authorities. If multiple individuals provide equally vital information, the reward may be split at the discretion of Private Therapy Clinic Ltd. Offer valid until December 31, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier in writing. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: May 20 2025 The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st as the Rough Riders return to Oyster Bay along with real life descendants for a reunion and symposium. Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board, in partnership with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and Theodore Roosevelt Association, announce that the nations largest Theodore Roosevelt Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st as the Rough Riders return to Oyster Bay along with real life descendants for a reunion and symposium. This free, family-fun weekend will take place at both Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and at Town Hall. What better way to celebrate the American spirit in advance of Independence Day than seeing history come alive as the Rough Riders and Theodore Roosevelt visit the place he called home, the hamlet of Oyster Bay, said Supervisor Saladino. This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to step back in time and learn more about the Rough Riders, their skills and how they helped advance Americas profile around the globe. On Saturday, May 31st from 11am 3pm, Boots and Saddles Productions and the Island Long Riders will perform the following at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park: Photo Opportunities with Generals Theodore Roosevelt and Joseph Wheeler reenactors Rough Riders on Horses Living History Camp with Campfire Cooking Demonstrations Cavalry Saber Performances & Mounted Shooting Show Gilded Age Historic Carriage Display Historical Tintype Photography Presentation by Bodor Tintype Studio On Sunday, June 1st from 11am 3pm, a symposium will take place at Town Hall (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay) for History Buffs. The first Rough Rider Reunion since 1968, descendants from the 1st U.S.V. Cavalry and Spanish American War will gather to participate in discussions with: Jeff Heatley a preeminent Historian on the Rough Riders, and Author of Bully: Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, The Rough Riders, and Camp Wikoff Seth Isaacson a leading firearms historian from Rock Island Auctions and Contestant on a History Channel show featuring all the Historical Firearms of the Rough Riders and Spanish American War. Pat Falci an actor and historian from the 1997 Movie The Rough Riders. Sue Sarna Head Curator of the New Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, and longtime Sagamore Hill head curator. Clay Risen New York Times journalist and Author of The Crowded Hour discussing Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century. We are so pleased to partner with the Friends of Sagamore Hill and Theodore Roosevelt Association to welcome home our most famous resident, President Theodore Roosevelt, along with the Rough Riders, said Town Clerk LaMarca. Join us for this free family-fun day in Oyster Bay. The Rough Riders was a nickname given to the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, one of three such regiments for the Spanish American War and the only one to see combat. The U.S. had gone to war in opposition to Spanish colonial policies in Cuba, which was then torn by a rebellion. 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, a strong advocate for the Cuban War of Independence, helped attract skilled horsemen eager to see combat to the regiment. Known as Roosevelts Rough Riders, they are best remembered for their conduct during the Battle of San Juan Hill. Several days after the Battle, the Spanish fleet sailed from Cuba, and in only a few weeks an armistice ending the fighting was signed. Despite the brevity of their service, the Rough Riders became legendary, thanks to Roosevelts writing his own history of the regiment and the silent film reenactments made years later. Colonel Roosevelt later became the 26th President of the United States of America. During his time in office, Roosevelts residence at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay became known as the Summer White House and the focus of international attention. For more information on this History Comes Alive celebration, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/roughridersreunion. Credit: Town of Oyster Bay A man has been arrested after police said he followed a woman into her North End home last week and sexually assaulted her. Cornelius Williams, 34, of Boston has been charged with indecent assault and battery and assault with intent to rape, according to the Boston Police Department. Williams was arrested on Monday night, police said. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday. The incident happened at around 10:53 p.m. on Margaret Street in the North End neighborhood. A woman was entering her home when police said Williams came up behind her and sexually assaulted her inside her residence. He then ran from the building on foot. Residents of the Margaret Street apartment building said they saw surveillance footage that showed a man following the woman into the building, WCVB reported. The man grabbed her by the feet when the woman reached the top of the stairs. Then, he started licking her feet, the outlet reported. The womans screams scared the man away, her neighbors said, and the footage showed him running off on Margaret Street. The states housing office mismanaged the emergency shelter system as it experienced skyrocketing demand, leading to unnecessary charges such as $140 to drive a shelter resident 223 feet, according to a scathing audit released Tuesday. State Auditor Diana DiZoglios office analyzed the emergency shelter programs contracts and found that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) entered into contracts with some service providers without first soliciting bids as required by law, failed to manage at least one contractors use of subcontractors and performed insufficient oversight of its contracts with hotels and motels around the state. As a result, the already overtaxed emergency shelter system induced avoidable and unnecessary costs, according to DiZoglios office. However, the report did not put a figure on the amount of money that was wasted. We hope, for the sake of history not repeating itself, especially in areas such as the no-bid contracting process, where taxpayers have grown increasingly frustrated and concerned with the appearance of impropriety regarding how and why no-bid contracts were awarded, that this administration will move away from its defensive posture and instead embrace recommended reforms, DiZoglio said in a news release. This is an opportunity for the administration to reevaluate how it can and must be a more responsible steward of its significant authorities under states of emergency, she continued. The report analyzed the period from July 1, 2021, during former Gov. Charlie Bakers administration, through June 30, 2024. EOHLC failed to plan for the increased demand for food and transportation for families using the shelter system beginning in December 2022, according to the report. As a result, the agency bypassed the usual procedures for procuring contracts that require the solicitation of bids from multiple providers, with the intent of keeping contracts fair. EOHLC failed to provide sufficient evidence to support entering into these emergency no-bid contracts and for the excessive duration of the contracts. Emergency contracting is designed to buy time to conduct a fair, legitimate procurement process under normal procurement rules. This did not occur, the report says. Contracts with three contractors, Spinelli Ravioli Manufacturing Company, Mercedes Cab Company/Pilgrim Transit and SKS Management, were deemed problematic in the report. Spinelli, which provided food delivery services, offered flat-rate pricing, but EOHLC failed to explore this pricing option, which could have lowered costs. The agency also failed to monitor the $9.4-million contract, resulting in overpayments to the company on 9.6% of deliveries, or 493, for a total overcharge of $4,136, according to the report. EOHLC was unaware of these overcharged payments until we brought them to its attention, the report says. EOHLC also did not solicit bids before entering into the agreement with Spinelli and failed to provide justification for this decision. Similarly, EOHLC had insufficient evidence to support the no-bid contract with Mercedes Cab Company, resulting in what the report called inflated pricing well above typical ride-share fees. In one instance, the state was billed $140 for a trip that lasted 223 feet within a single parking lot. For the contract with SKS Management, which provided shelter space, EOHLC failed to approve the use of certain subcontractors in writing, as required by the contract, according to the report, which jeopardized the agencys ability to monitor spending. There were 17 motels and hotels providing emergency shelter that SKS managed, but for which EOHLC did not have documentation, though officials said they were aware of the subcontracts. Without proper records, EOHLC cannot verify whether services were provided according to contractual terms, nor can it ensure that payments were appropriate and aligned with the agreed-upon budgets, the report says. These issues were among other mismanagement issues on a number of contracts with shelter providers of different types, the auditors wrote. Hotel, motel shelters to be shuttered An EOHLC spokesperson highlighted changes that have been made to the shelter system in the last few years, including residency requirements, background checks and caps on the amount of time families can stay in a shelter. There are now fewer than 5,000 families in emergency shelter for the first time since July 2023, according to the state, and that number is expected to drop to 4,000 in the next few months. On Monday, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the state would be closing all hotel and motel shelters by summer, months ahead of the previous estimate of the end of 2025. The Healey-Driscoll administration inherited an unprecedented surge in families due to failed immigration policies and a flawed shelter system not equipped to handle it, the EOHLC spokesperson said. Since that time, we have made major changes to make the system safer and protect taxpayers. EOHLC Secretary Ed Augustus denied many of the auditors findings, writing in an official response letter that the report misses the urgent need for reform to the flawed system we inherited, the scale of the crisis that was thrust upon Massachusetts during this time and the magnitude of the turnaround that has occurred since the Healey-Driscoll administration took office. The increased demand on the shelter system forced the agency to enter into emergency contracts, which were signed with qualified service providers, Augustus wrote in the letter. However, while he did not agree that EOHLC had failed to properly manage the shelter system, he committed to doing so in the future. EOHLC agrees ... that emergency procurements should be used only as necessary, that appropriate records should be maintained, that vendors should be paid only what they are owed and that sound financial management and the health and safety of families in shelter should be paramount in all decision making, he wrote. The administrations spending on the shelter system, which ballooned under the stress of the increased demand, has consistently drawn criticism from conservative voices in Massachusetts, in particular because of the high number of new migrants to the country that were housed in emergency shelters. Mike Kennealy, the former Secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Baker and a Republican candidate for governor, said in a statement Tuesday that he had personally warned Healey about the looming migrant crisis during her transition into the office of governor. Maura Healeys administration says she could not have predicted this crisis. That is not true, he said. Governor Healey allowed this program to spiral without proper oversight, wasting millions that taxpayers will never recover. The full audit report is available here. As a new tell-all book about former President Joe Biden hits bookstore shelves on Tuesday, the 46th presidents granddaughter shared her thoughts on the books reporting. The book Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, written by Axios reporter Alex Thompson and CNNs Jake Tapper, builds a case that Bidens inner circle hid the presidents advanced age and physical limitations from the public. But the book was also released days after Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which further put Bidens health back in the spotlight and raised questions about his ability to serve. Such questions were already raised last summer, following his only debate with then-candidate Donald Trump, which eventually led to Biden dropping out of the race and leading to the Democratic nomination going to Vice President Kamala Harris. On Monday, Bidens granddaughter Naomi Biden took to X to reshare a post from journalist Aaron Rupar about Thompson and Tappers book. Just read a copy of this silly book, and if anyone is curious for a review from someone who lived it first-hand: this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class, Naomi Biden wrote. The ones who rarely enter the arena, but profit from the spectacle of those that do. The book is a collection of unoriginal, uninspired lies written by irresponsible self-promoting journalists out to make a quick buck, Naomi Biden continued, and claimed that its information used anonymous sources to push a self-serving false narrative that absolves them of any responsibility for our current national nightmare. All of this at the expense of a man so completely good and honest that it is impossible for these people to ever understand the why or how of it all, she concluded. There are real stories to be told and one day they will be. I suspect history will reward the truth. The book, published under Penguin Random House, also detailed some of the internal discussions that Biden staffers were concerned about the presidents physical health as he campaigned for re-election at age 81, but felt it would be politically untenable for him to use a wheelchair during the campaign. The Bidens said the former president was diagnosed on Friday, but speculation swirled online that he was either likely already sick while in the White House or how exactly White House doctors missed anything potentially cancerous. The cancer was described as aggressive and spread to his bones, but was hormone-sensitive. Biden received praise and support, but criticism from the left and right continued despite his diagnosis. Both President Trump and former President Barack Obama, Bidens former boss, expressed sympathy and hoped for his recovery. A Boston man was charged in connection with a woman who was followed to her apartment before she was sexually assaulted, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said. Cornelius Williams, 34, appeared in Boston Municipal Court Central on Tuesday for his arraignment, Haydens office said in a statement. Williams was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and one count of assault to rape. At his arraignment, Judge James Coffey ordered that Williams be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday. At around 10:53 p.m. on May 14, Williams followed a woman to her apartment building in the North End and grabbed her legs, Haydens office said. He started licking her toes and tried to pull off her dress, but did not. She screamed and told him she would call 911, and Williams ran off, Haydens office said. Video footage viewed by police detectives showed Williams following the woman several blocks to her apartment building, the statement read. At around 5:06 p.m. on May 19, Boston police arrested Williams. The Trump administration is investigating Harvard University, accusing the institution of collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party, according to a 14-page letter sent Monday. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is requesting a series of information about Harvards activities that create risks to U.S. national security and further the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) genocide in Xinjiang. The federal government, in turn, is threatening Harvards tax-exempt status if it were to be found that it was working with China-based entities. President Donald Trump has already threatened this. The letter was signed by John Moolenaar, chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition; Tim Walberg, chairman of the U.S. Committee on Education and Workforce; and Elise Stefanik, chairwoman of the House Republican Conference. A Harvard spokesperson confirmed the receipt of the letter and said it plans to respond but declined to provide a comment. Harvard has until June 2, 2025, to respond to the letter. The Congressional bodies are accusing Harvard of, and requesting information on: Harvard hosted and trained members of the Chinese Communist Party Harvard researchers collaborated with China-based academics on research funded by an agent of the Iranian government Harvard researchers used funding from the Department of Defense to partner with China-based academics on research with potential military applications Harvard researchers partnered with China-based individuals linked to Chinas defense academic and industrial base on research that could advance Chinas military modernization Further information regarding the safeguards Harvard places around research collaborations related to organ transplantation when research is conducted with Peoples Republic of China-based researchers No American university or college should be assisting the CCP in expanding its influence, oppressing American citizens, or undermining U.S. national security, said Chairman Walberg. Unfortunately, we have found several instances in which Harvard University aided and even collaborated with the CCP including helping Chinese researchers on military projects funded by the Iranian government. This is unacceptable and President Garber needs to provide answers to Congress for this colossal failure. The letter said the list raises serious concerns about whether the institution has been protecting taxpayer-funded research and U.S. national security. The letter comes after a series of federal actions related to Harvard and its involvement with foreign students and sources. The Trump administration threatened to revoke the institutions ability to host international students and demanded the institution disclose foreign investments. There has also been a wave of federal research grant terminations at Harvard University which took shape on Wednesday, in addition to a $60 million in multi-year grants, $450 million cut and a $2.2 billion freeze. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has also told the institution that the federal government would be barring Harvard University from acquiring new federal grants while the university continues to refuse to comply with the administrations demands for change on its campus. President Alan 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. Due to the federal cuts, Harvard announced that it was committing $250 million of central funding to support research impacted by suspended and canceled federal grants. Travelers heading to these two European countries should exercise increased caution, according to new travel advisories from the U.S. State Department. The agency has issued Level 2 advisories for Germany and Spain, citing factors like terrorism as civil unrest as cause for safety concerns. The notices state that terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning and target, and that travelers should be wary of their surroundings in locations like shopping malls, transportation centers, tourist sites, parks, hotels and major cultural and sporting events. For Germany, the agency warns that terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles. Travelers to Spain should also avoid crowds and public demonstrations, which are common and may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events, the advisory explains. To stay safe, the agency advises visitors to follow instructions from local authorities, check local media for breaking events and remain aware of their surroundings in crowded and public places, Before their trip, travelers can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy. The agency also provides an online international travelers checklist to help Americans prepare for their voyage abroad. The former newsstand that has been a central landmark in Harvard Square for a century will reopen May 30 after multiple years of construction. The structure, to be known as the Cambridge KiOSK, will now be a visitor information center and community space hosting arts and culture programming. The inaugural exhibit at the kiosk will celebrate its legacy as a newsstand, exploring the history of print media in Cambridge, including radical newspapers, music and cultural publications and Out of Town News, the business that occupied the kiosk for decades. The reopening of the Cambridge KiOSK is a milestone for our community, City Manager Yi-An Huang said in a news release. This transformation respects the KiOSKs rich history while creating new opportunities for gathering, creativity, and civic engagement in the heart of Harvard Square. We are excited to see it thrive as a welcoming hub where residents and visitors can connect and celebrate Cambridges cultural vibrancy. According to the Cambridge KiOSK website, the building was first constructed in 1925 by the Boston Elevated Railway Company and served as the headhousethe aboveground portion of the stationfor the subway. It was converted into a newsstand in the 1950s when Harvard Square station was constructed. Out of Town News closed permanently in 2019. Local nonprofit CultureHouse took over with a pop-up community space for eight months, until the pop-up was shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restoration and renovation of the kiosk was part of a wider transformation of Harvard Square, which will improve accessibility and introduce new landscaping and public seating. Construction on the project began in September 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026. CultureHouse was again selected to operate the reimagined kiosk, with plans to host live music and poetry, open mics, art workshops and rotating exhibits celebrating local art and history. Out of Town News once brought global conversations to Harvard Square when news from overseas was hard to access. Today, information from around the world is readily available on our phones, but its local connections that are often hardest to find, said CultureHouse Executive Director Aaron Greiner. By partnering with local artists, creatives, and community leaders, were transforming this historic landmark into a dynamic hub where people can connect with neighbors, share ideas, and experience culture. The Cambridge Visitor Information Center will also return to the kiosk after moving to a temporary space on the first floor of nearby Cambridge Savings Bank during the renovations. At the Cambridge KiOSK, visitors will find more than just information; theyll receive personalized recommendations, curated itineraries, and insider tips to experience the very best of Cambridges arts, culture, and history, said Cambridge Office for Tourism Interim Executive Director Candice Beaulieu. This space has long been a gateway for discovery, and were excited to continue that tradition with the help of our dedicated volunteers. The KiOSK will host a public opening celebration on Friday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with live music, refreshments and a speaking program, after which it will officially open to the public. The kiosk will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. CultureHouse is seeking artists, nonprofits and businesses to bring events and programing to the kiosk. For more information, fill out the organizations interest form. A 23-year-old man has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and a gun charge in a 2023 fatal shooting in Waltham, the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday. A Middlesex Superior Court jury convicted Waltham resident Josh Pierre on the charges in connection with the death of 22-year-old Waltham resident Shelson Jules, the district attorneys office said in a press release. What will the autonomous vehicle startup Waymo find once it starts mapping the streets of Boston, as it plans to do this month? Regulatory hurdles, rotaries and roads riddled with potholes, for a start. Ive been talking with people who have experience testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Boston. Two companies with MIT roots have used the Seaport neighborhood for testing in the past few years: Optimus Ride and Motional. Neither ultimately launched a taxi or ride-sharing service here, and all of the testing was done with a human safety driver in the vehicles to take over in situations where the technology ran into problems. Heres what the veterans of Optimus Ride and Motional regard as the most significant challenges Waymo will face in trying to offer a truly driverless ride-share service in Boston, and the odds that it will be launched by next year. Waymo is a subsidiary of Googles parent company, Alphabet, and its development of self-driving vehicles traces back to 2009. LISTEN TO KIRSNER ON INNOVATION ON WBUR HERE 1. Boston winters What do the cities where Waymo currently operates have in common? Snow isnt a regular feature of the weather forecasts in L.A., Austin, Phoenix or San Francisco. Waymo has reportedly tested its vehicles near Lake Tahoe, California; in Michigan; and upstate New York. The next two announced launch cities are Miami and Atlanta. Snow can be a major challenge for autonomous vehicles trying to see the world with sensors, just as it is for human eyes. Lane markings get covered, and parked cars covered with snow can look like part of the background. Karl Iagnemma, the former CEO of Motional, explains: Heavy snow ... can cause the sensors to hallucinate and perceive obstacles that actually arent there. That company eventually moved its testing operations to Las Vegas, which has almost perfect weather year-round. (As part of company cutbacks last year, a taxi service Motional had operated there, with human safety drivers in the front seat, was shut down in 2024. The carmaker Hyundai owns a majority stake in Motional, and the company is headquartered in Boston.) Theres almost no significant amount of autonomous vehicle testing in cold weather, Ryan Chin, former CEO of Optimus Ride, said. Most of the pilots have been in Arizona, Nevada and California, where the weather is great. One possibility Chin and others mentioned is that Waymo cars could simply stop operating in certain weather conditions. 2. The most unpredictable vehicle on city streets is AVs have gotten pretty good at predicting what another car or a pedestrian is going to do, Chin said. But cyclists? Theyre tough to track and predict, he said, because they travel relatively fast, and they dont always follow the rules of the road. Scooter riders and delivery drivers on gasoline-powered scooters are in that same category. In general, those guys dont follow the rules the most, he said, zipping down one-way streets or moving from sidewalk to the road. AVs need to avoid hitting them. 3. Paved cow paths Waymo cars may be able to summit San Franciscos hills and endure Phoenixs blast furnace temperatures, but Bostons ancient street layout? It may be quaint for tourists, but its an Olympic-level challenge for AVs. Jenny Berlin, an Optimus Ride co-founder, noted that the core of Boston was designed for horses and carriages, making it an older city than the other cities that Waymos been in. Chin piled on: We have five-way intersections, six-way intersections. A lot of the cow paths from the British [colonial era] led to the street grid we have. Its very, very complicated here. Not to mention rotaries. Those challenges could mean that Waymo vehicles try to route around certain areas of the city, Chin said. 4. AVs cant be aggressive but Boston drivers can Sending rule-following AVs into the wild world of Boston driving may be a bit like tossing a Mozart fan into a mosh pit. For a while, I think Massachusetts was rated as the state with the worst road rage, Berlin said, adding, I dont know, given Massachusetts drivers history, if theyre going to be as patient with AVs that stop abruptly, hesitate or need remote operator intervention. And Basak, formerly the chief product and design officer at Motional, reminded us that when AVs follow the rules even in basic instances, like not pulling into a lane of oncoming traffic to move past a stopped delivery vehicle it can frustrate everyone else. Theyre not going to want to break the law, because nobody wants to give more attention to an AV than there already is, she said. So theyll do everything properly. Boston entrepreneur Gary Ambrosino used Waymos ride-share service in the Phoenix area recently, but the streets are all straight and the drivers are not crazy, he said. I am looking forward to seeing Waymo in Boston driving around the financial district and on Storrow Drive. If the rider survival rate is higher than driving yourself in Boston, then Im convinced. 5. Regulatory hurdles While the city and state began mapping out the rules for testing AVs in Boston as early as 2016, no company has yet jumped through the hoops to get regulations changed to allow fully autonomous driving, without a human safety driver. At [the time we were testing], there was no provision for removing the safety driver, Chin said. He and others say its not clear how long that will take Waymo. Boston City Hall officials didnt respond to numerous requests for comment. 6. An injury or fatality could freeze the roll-out Waymos website boasts that its technology is already the worlds most experienced driver after traveling more than 50 million miles, and early peer-reviewed research has already begun to show a reduction in crashes and injuries, relative to human drivers. But even if an AV is statistically safer than a human driver, anytime it makes a mistake and injures a person is likely to be met with outrage, and potentially calls to shut the services down. Chin put it bluntly: There is this general fear of the unknown, and even if AVs are statistically safer than human drivers, people will place a higher level of expectation on this genius machine, expecting complete perfection. The scientific argument should be that AVs should be tested to the point where they are statistically better than humans, Chin said. Otherwise, its not worth the effort to do this, because we can continue to kill people the way we normally do, which is, to drive. In Massachusetts, according to Department of Transportation data, there were 2,681 accidents that caused a fatality or serious injury in 2024. In San Francisco, an early test city for both Waymo and another AV operator, Cruise, a small handful of accidents have involved cyclists or a pedestrian in the roadway who had already been hit by a human driver. In 2018, an Uber test vehicle with a safety driver at the wheel struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona; that individual was pushing a bicycle across the road, outside of a marked crosswalk, and the safety driver was found to be watching television on her phone. 7. Just a data-gathering detour? Waymos arrival in Boston has generated buzz, but Chin was skeptical of over-interpreting the companys mapping exercise: This is not necessarily a commitment to launch, he said. It certainly opens the door but you cant look at mapping as a commitment. Jenny Berlin echoed that sentiment, suggesting that this could simply be early reconnaissance. They have to understand the different environments theyre going to go to, she said. The company likely has a checklist that includes things like the cost of facilities, how much it will cost to hire employees, how much time it will take to work through the regulatory issues and whether there are enough early adopters willing to hop into an AV here. You need to look at the whole ecosystem, in terms of meeting [Waymos] requirements for a launch, she said. Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp said via email that the company doesnt have any announced plans to launch service for riders in Boston. We continue to focus on safely and responsibly advancing our autonomous technology through short visits like this in various cities around the U.S., Karp wrote. I asked each of the AV veterans if they thought Waymo would be offering rides to paying customers one year from now. Chin said he thought the chances were 50-50, and the caveat is that its probably going to be certain time frames, and only in certain sections of the city, he added. Both Berlin and Iagnemma were slightly more enthusiastic than that: Id say that its more likely than not that they are operating in Boston one year from now, Iagnemma said. Ozer was the most bullish of the group, putting the odds at 80-20, Theyll make it happen, she said. Oscar Munoz built a life, a family, and a thriving business. He now faces deportation and the unraveling of everything hes known By Jordan Coll | Edited by Patricia Guadalupe Oscar Munoz moved to the U.S. when he was 14 years old, not knowing where life would take him; all he knew was that he would leave it up to destiny, and then ICE came knocking. There are people who didnt rob anything, and they (ICE) grabbed them at the front border, and now theyre here, he said on a phone call to Slice of Culture from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately held ICE facility in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Ive built everything here; its been 25 years! Munoz added, moving to the U.S. from Puebla, a city in central Mexico. Here, in the U.S., hes the proud owner of Taco Drive in Jersey City, N.J. Walking into the restaurant, youll see an upside-down Statue of Liberty, colorful Jarritos soda bottles, and the crisp smell of flared-out Mexican-style tacos. Munoz has two kids who were born in the U.S. How he ended up at an ICE facility nearly four-and-a-half hours away from his family is a reality faced by many immigrants in todays Trump 2.0. immigration sphere. Munoz, who has spent nearly a year in the facility, told Slice of Culture the harsh conditions hes faced inside the facility, immigration caught me and now I am here! He described several conditions and challenges he faced until the point of his arrest by Hoboken, N.J., police officers. From there, he was taken to a nearby detention center where he spent two days, and then was transported to Moshannon Valley Processing Center. They charge me even for the air I breathe! he exclaimed, and mentioned issues receiving basic hygienic supplies such as toothpaste and deodorant sent from his loved ones on the outside. In the detention center, at least he can cook. We all share a kitchen together and we rotate, so Ill make them (detainees) a burrito or a taco, obviously not the way at the restaurant, but still they like it. Oscar Munoz, a restaurant owner and father of two, was detained by ICE and has been held for over a year. Photo by Jordan Coll In several calls with Munoz, he described being in the ICE facility for a year without having access to parole. In an attempt to visit Munoz, Slice of Culture was denied visitation and was told to leave the facility. We had been taking photos of the facility in the parking lot, and they told us we couldnt come in because of that. Each year, nearly 40,000 immigrants are held in immigration detention facilities across the country. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an average of 872 immigrants were arrested per day in late January and just under 600 in early February of this year. The prevalence and concentration of ICE detention centers throughout the U.S. are mostly in southwestern or southeastern states fourteen of the twenty largest immigration centers are located in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, according to a dataset by TRAC immigration. A report by Temple Universitys Beasley Law School students and the Philadelphia-based immigrant rights group Juntos found that detainees at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center were being held under punitive, inhumane and dangerous conditions. The report was compiled after interviewing 77 immigrants housed at the facility. The center, a former federal prison, reopened as an ICE facility in 2021, with a capacity of 1,876 making it one of the largest immigration detention centers in the Northeast. Moshannon is run by the GEO Group, Inc., a private company that receives federal funds to oversee more than a dozen ICE detention centers nationwide. A Congressional Budget Office report reviewed by Slice of Culture shows that the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Operations and Support its budget for detention centers is currently $9.3 million, up from $8.7 million last year. Entrance sign of GEO Groups Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania, where Oscar Munoz remains detained by ICE after more than a year. Photo by Jordan Coll [Munoz] was released as far as the state was concerned, but immigration was there to take him into custody, said Gregory Jachts, the attorney taking on Munozs criminal case. ICE can step in to take custody of individuals released by the courts, even while criminal charges against them are still unresolved, as these cases became more pervasive under the Trump administration. He was previously charged under the Superior Court of New Jersey Criminal Division with burglary and trespassing, and criminal mischief for damaging property last year while intoxicated, according to the affidavit obtained by Slice of Culture. A judge in March dismissed the burglary and trespassing charges, and Munoz admitted in a plea deal to the criminal mischief charge, according to court records. He faces sentencing on April 25. Jachts pointed out that Munoz, like many immigrants who find themselves taken by ICE officers, ended up spending several months to more than a year in federal custody for something thats a relatively minor charge. A dataset publicly listed by ICE shows monthly legal processing under the categories: Title 42 Expulsions, Administrative Returns, Enforcement Returns, and removals, under which a total of 579,000 immigrants were deported in 2023 the latest year data is available based on ICE data. The most current figure on deportations based on Title 42 is not known on their site, but data from 2020 through 2023 indicate roughly 3 million immigrants from the Southwest border were deported back to their respective countries. Since President Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second term, he has kept his campaigns directive on mass deportations nationwide. Roughly 37,660 migrants were deported in the span of a month under Trumps second term; some 51 million U.S. residents are foreign-born, according to a PBS analysis of immigration figures with over one quarter of this population following under legal or procedural protection from being deported, according dataset by Migration Policy Institute, a think tank on immigration policy. Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND; Source: Migration Policy Institute The Conversation, CC-BY-ND The roundup of unauthorized immigrants was first aimed at those accused of committing violent crimes, though less than half of the estimated 8,200 individuals arrested from Jan. 20 through Feb. 2 have been criminal-related. So far this year, data gathered by Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a nonprofit data distribution organization, shows that 47,928 immigrants were detained since April 6 (the most current data), according to their site, with 46 percent or 22,046 of detainees having no criminal record. The wave of mass deportations in the U.S. trickles down into family households, echoed in Trumps first administration under the zero-tolerance immigration policy back in 2017. ICE law enforcement agents were tasked with removing children as young as four months old from parents who were seeking asylum. In the state of New Jersey, approximately 2.25 million immigrants lived in 2023, including around 450,000 who do not possess legal status in the U.S., according to government data. We are a nation of immigrants, and we follow due process, said Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, who describes himself as the proud son of Palestinian immigrants and an attorney raised in the Heights, a vibrant immigrant community. In Jersey City, more than 40 languages are spoken cumulatively across over half of the households, and nearly 50% of residents were born outside of the U.S. When it comes to violent criminals the federal government has every right to use everything in their power to effectuate an arrest, but when it comes to the 287(g) program it incentivizes states to essentially have a bounty program for immigrants, he added, referring to the program under the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing local law enforcement to have an open policy with ICE officials, when it comes to processing immigrants who do not possess legal status in the U.S. Thirty-eight states have already agreed to comply with ICE; New Jersey is not one of them under state law. Protesters hang a sign on the fence in front of of Delaney Hall, the proposed site of an immigrant detention center, in Newark, N.J., Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) AP The federal government recently added hundreds of thousands of newly issued immigration warrants of arrest to a national database used by local police under the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), as reported by NPR, making immigrants more susceptible to arrests by local police without a signed order from an immigration judge. Saleh is pushing for legislation enshrining the protections for immigrants in the state following a resolution passed by Jersey City, called the Golden Door of America, as reported by Slice of Culture, given its proximity to the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, Jersey City Councilman Frank Gilmore recently sent a letter to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in support of Munozs release. In 2018, the state issued the Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits the type of assistance local law enforcement provides to federal immigration officials. Munozs 18-year-old daughter Niomy, who was recently admitted to Columbia University for engineering, told Slice of Culture that she tried to visit her father but was denied access to the facility for not possessing her REAL ID at the time of her arrival. Last December, she sent a letter to the judge in her fathers case and which the family shared with Slice of Culture. I respectfully urge you to consider the impact my fathers detention has had on my brother and to allow him the opportunity to stay in the United States, she wrote. Oscar is not only a great father but also a person who has so much to contribute to this community. His release would bring boundless relief and joy to my family and would allow him to continue being the role model and support system that my brother and I depend on. NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets looks on prior to the game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images In the top of the sixth inning on Monday night, Mets superstar Juan Soto thought hed put a ball over the Green Monster and stopped to admire his work. However, on a windy night at Fenway Park, the ball didnt get out. As Soto loafed out of the batters box, the ball caught the top of the wall, and he was left with a long single. After the 3-1 Mets loss to the Red Sox, New Yorks manager Carlos Mendoza wasnt pleased. He thought he had it, Mendoza told reporters. But with the wind and all that, and in this ballpark anywhere, but in particular in this one, with that wall right there youve got to get out of the box. So, yeah, well discuss that. For what its worth, Soto mitigated the mistake by stealing second. It should have been a double and he ultimately wound up on second base. After the loss, he pushed back on any notion that he hasnt been going full speed often enough. I think Ive been hustling pretty hard, Soto told reporters. If you see it today, you can tell. Soto is in the first season of a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. Through 47 games, hes batting .246 with 8 home runs, 20 RBIs, and an .815 OPS. NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets looks on prior to the game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images EASTHAMPTON Employees of two member-owned food co-ops are sparring with managers over contract negotiations, leaving one side arguing that talks have been unproductive and the other filing a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459, which represents about 175 employees who work at the River Valley Co-op stores in Easthampton and Northampton, have gone public with their complaints about the stalled negotiations, saying they have just a month before their contract expires June 19. Meanwhile, managers of the co-op are arguing they are bargaining in good faith and have put proposals on the table that would increase wages across the board by 75 cents an hour and add step raises. The offer will guarantee salaries of $18.75 to $25.75 for employees in the first year, increasing salaries by 5.5% to 6.9%. The Holyoke Hydroelectric Project as seen on Friday will receive U.S. Department of Energy funds for upgrades. (Steven E. Nanton photo) steven nanton Law enforcement is searching the Connecticut River in Holyoke for a missing person on Tuesday morning after at least two people went into the water Monday night and only one was rescued. At around 8 p.m. on May 19, a call came in to report there were people who needed help in the water below the Holyoke Dam, according to the Holyoke Fire Department. Editors note: This story is part of an occasional series, Breaking Bread, which explores the crossroads of food, culture and business in the Pioneer Valley. We welcome suggestions on restaurants to cover. Email ideas to nsampath@repub.com Friday, April 18, 2025- Since October 2023, Dee Fernando has been running the Island Spice restaurant in Chicopee that makes traditional Sri Lankan dishes, as well as some of her own. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) douglas hook CHICOPEE Its a Friday just after 10 a.m. and Dee Fernando is getting her day started. She wears a green shirt with the name of her restaurant in orange: Island Spice. Views expressed here represent those of the author and not necessarily of MassLive or The Republican. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. Springfield Technical Community College nursing program graduates (from left) Lynette Trujillo, Malak Elkadri and Margaret Geaney at their commencement at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on May 30, 2024. (Ed Cohen photo) Edward Cohen As students across Massachusetts prepare to walk the stage at community college graduations, many will do so thanks to the states bold investment in making their studies free. This initiative is a game-changer for access to higher education but without a parallel investment in the people who make it work, that promise is on unstable ground. MAYO County Council have been urged to erect signs along parts of the Greenway which travel through commonage to warn users of the dangers of gorse fires. A number of gorse fires have been reported around Mayo in recent weeks and while the majority have been small and quickly dealt with, a number have caused extensive damage. Earlier this month, the Achill IFA Commonage Fire Watch Team called for an immediate and coordinated action from local and national authorities after a sharp rise in dangerous roadside fires. They called for highly visible fire risk signs on the main route to and across Achill Island to be erected to remind people of the dangers discarded cigarettes and other items can have. The matter was raised at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District where local councillors called on Mayo County Council to support the farmers and landowners and erect the signs. READ: Former Mayo pub to be turned into a gardening training centre Achill-based councillor Paul McNamara said that much of the Greenway on Achill Island passes through commonage and called for signs to be erected along it. Mayo County Council need to row in behind this and a fire action plan in commonage areas and where the greenways are running in the event of a fire, he said adding that the damage to commonage affects farmer's payments. On a good day you will have hundreds of people on the Greenway going through these areas and there needs to be alerts to alert people. Not only does the fire damage the environment but it affects people's livelihood. All the commonage that was damaged was deducted from farming payments and I was involved in a lot of those appeals for farmers two years ago. Already we had six or seven of those fires this year and I think Mayo County Council needs to get involved more with more signage along our greenways to make people aware of the dangers of fire and what can happen, he said. Louisburgh-based councillor Chris Maxwell also called on the council to erect signage to remind visitors of the potential dangers. He said that a gorse fire in Louisburgh earlier this year had threatened homes and the issue needs to be addressed. These fires have done a lot of damage but thankfully no one was injured but people had to be evacuated from their homes. It is a very good idea that funding should be got to get signs to warn tourists of the potential dangers of throwing out waste or cigarette butts which can start these fires. We know they can start in seconds and the damage they do is unbelievable," he said. Joanne Grehan, Director of Services with Mayo County Council said they will look at the idea of erecting signs but Cllr McNamara said the matter was urgent and needs to be addressed. He added that without the fire service in Achill, there would be serious problems to deal with. The local councillors were also informed that the gorse fires in Ballycroy which destroyed a walkway are being investigated by An Garda Siochana. A Mayo politician has slammed the Mayo constituency TDs for voting against trade union recognition for workers. "It is a shameful state of affairs when Mayo TDs Alan Dillon (Fine Gael), Dara Calleary (Fianna Fail) and Keira Keogh (Fine Gael) can vote against the basic democratic rights of workers, says Joe Daly, Spokesperson for People Before Profit (PBP) in Mayo. The Trade Union Recognition Bill would ensure that, where at least 20% of employees in a workplace or category are members of a union, they could apply to the Labour Court to compel their employer to negotiate. READ: Person taken to hospital following Mayo RNLI medical evacuation This would allow workers to improve conditions, health and pay, say People Before Profit. The party's Mayo spokesperson Joe Daly has criticised the government for voting down his party's proposal: "After a four year delay the bill on Trade Union Recognition Rights for workers was finally debated in the Dail last week. TDs voted on whether workers should have the right to be represented by their trade union or should employers be allowed to ignore them? Daly stated Our Trade Union Recognition Bill, aimed to force companies like Ryanair & Amazon, notorious for union-busting, to recognise and negotiate with workers who organise themselves in a trade union. It is a shameful state of affairs when Mayo TDs Alan Dillon, Dara Calleary and Keira Keogh can vote against the basic democratic rights of workers Currently in Ireland, a worker can join a union but the employer has no obligation to even acknowledge it. This leaves workers vulnerable in the face of bullying, low pay, and unsafe conditions. Mr Daly continued Companies like Ryanair spent decades refusing to deal with unions, even when workers organised in large numbers. And theyre not alone. In retail, tech, hospitality and finance, bosses routinely ignore workers demands for union recognition. This Bill would change that. It would give workers a real right to organise and be heard. Our Bill would allow workers to trigger a process via the Labour Court to secure mandatory union recognition where 20% or more of the workforce (or a category within it) are members of a union. It would require companies to negotiate on pay, hours and conditions, and ensure union reps can access workplaces. Mr Daly criticised the government response of Minister of State Alan Dillon saying Minister Dillon's speech is a masterclass in bureaucratic evasion, a symphony of platitudes designed to mask the government's unwavering commitment to a status quo that leaves workers vulnerable and their voices silenced! Mr Dillons main argument cloaked in constitutional concerns and a supposed commitment to a "voluntarist" system, is nothing more than a fig leaf for employer dominance, an excuse to deny workers their fundamental right to collective bargaining. The Minister presents Article 40 of the Constitution as an insurmountable barrier which is a convenient misinterpretation. While the Constitution guarantees the right to form associations, it does not explicitly prohibit legislation that compels employers to engage with those associations when a significant portion of their workforce demands it. The Supreme Court's past rulings, while acknowledging the absence of a duty to recognise, do not preclude the Oireachtas from enacting legislation that creates such a duty, particularly when it serves to promote fair labour practices and social justice. Mr Daly continued This vote comes amid soaring living costs, record corporate profits, and a surge in precarious work. Yet Ireland remains one of the few European countries where there is no legal right to union recognition. Workers are facing a cost-of-living crisis, economic uncertainty and attempts to pass the cost of Trumps tariffs onto their shoulders. To resist this, workers need strong, fighting unions. Workers in Mayo should not forget that TDs Dillon, Calleary & Keogh all voted against their basic democratic right to union recognition. READ: GAA column: Mayo play old football in the new rules Glor na nOg in Aghamore has been awarded a grant of 245,000. This will enable the childcare facility to expand and offer more childcare places for children aged 1-3 years. Parents are crying out for accessible, reliable childcare and this is very welcome news for Glor na nOg in Aghamore, said Mayo TD, Keira Keogh. However, we need to go further and have communities throughout Mayo benefit from funding like this in order to provide the support that children and families across the county need and deserve. READ MORE: Eir apologises to Mayo residents after taking more than 100 days to fix telephone pole The Westport TD has welcomed a 25 million national investment in early learning and childcare places nationally announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme. However, the Mayo TD has called for greater investment in the west, saying that while the funding is a step forward, Mayo needs more. A total of 49 services across Ireland were shortlisted following assessments by the Office of Public Works and Pobal. Funded providers will be required to maintain their services as Core Funding Partner Services for up to 17 years, ensuring long-term benefits from the investment. Deputy Keogh, who chairs the Oireachtas Children and Equality Committee and has a background as a behaviour consultant, emphasised the significance of early intervention. This investment is about more than buildings, its about giving every child the best start in life, she said. There is an urgent need for greater investment in Mayo. Im seeing parents from every part of the county on waiting lists and struggling to access childcare this needs to be addressed. READ MORE: Former Mayo pub to be turned into a gardening training centre The scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare, under the National Development Plan, following similar investment initiatives in 2023 and 2024. Deputy Keogh concluded with a call for continued focus on rural communities: This is a future-focused investment that not only supports children but helps parents re-enter the workforce, reduces waiting lists, and strengthens rural communities. I will continue to advocate for more funding and support for Mayo families. Good news for Ireland West Airport in Knock as more than five million Euro in funding was announced today. Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Alan Dillon TD said: This investment underscores the Governments strong commitment to supporting our regional airports, which play a vital role in promoting tourism and sustaining local employment. The funding ensures that Knock Airport has the resources it needs to continue delivering essential services. With a busy summer season ahead, the airport is well-positioned to welcome a high volume of visitors. Senator Mark Duffy from Mayo, Fine Gaels spokesperson on transport has welcomed the news. Ballina native, Duffy explains The government is committed to continued investment in the Regional Airports Programme and the level of investment being announced today recognises the fundamental importance of Ireland West Airport to the region and beyond. As a Senator based in Co. Mayo, I am fully aware that connectivity is critical to the economic success of the region and todays announcement will underpin the future development and continued growth of the airport. The total investment of 5.664 million will be targeted at improved safety and security measures at the airport while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus assisting the airport to meet its carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change. READ MORE: Relay for Life Mayo raises close to 130,000 for Irish Cancer Society Since it opened in 1985, the Mayo airport has developed into a major regional airport offering flights to 22 international destinations. 2024 saw a busy year at the airport with 834,000 passengers using the West of Ireland airport. In the opening quarter of 2025, numbers have increased 6% on the same period last year. Duffy states This sustained growth underscores Ireland West Airports expanding role as a key regional hub, offering increased connectivity and convenience for travellers in the west of Ireland, and the government is absolutely committed to supporting the ongoing developments at the airport which will ultimately benefit the economy, facilitate increased tourism and drive investment. The latest round of funding will support a range of development at Ireland West Airport Knock as the airport continues to grow year on year. READ MORE: Mayo family set to create history in mammoth cycle race Relay for Life Mayo has just had its biggest ever fundraising weekend. When all the money is collected, it is expected that the total amount raised will exceed 130,000. This is a huge amount of money and is testament to the generosity of the people of Mayo, as well as the huge amount of unseen work that goes on behind the scenes by the events volunteers, fundraising teams and in particular, the organising committee. READ MORE: Hundreds of people to take part in Relay for Life Mayo this weekend The money raised will fund the provision of vital services in Mayo, such as night nurse assistance to facilitate support of people in their own homes, counselling sessions for people affected by cancer, supportive conversations with support nurses on the helpline and transportation for people to get to their chemotherapy appointments. One of the members of the organising committee, Cllr Peter Flynn, was very pleased that teams from all over the county took part in the twenty four hour relay. He explained that we have changed it from Relay for Life Westport to Relay for Life Mayo to try and make it more of a Mayo event than a Westport-centric event. There were teams from all over - Ballina, Castlebar, Ballyhaunis, Killala, as well as the wider Westport area. This may explain why a record twenty three teams took part this year, up from fourteen last year. The Candle of Hope Ceremony on Saturday evening was a breath-taking experience as the sky above the Mall in Westport was lit up with personal messages of hope and remembrance from cancer survivors and their family and friends, as well as those currently fighting cancer. This was also be the first year that there will be an autism-friendly sensory tent. As well as the hundreds of people who walked as part of the relay, there was also yoga on the Fairgreen, Irish dancing and brilliant musicians taking part, including the Ceol na Cruaiche U12 ceili band. READ MORE: Gardai attend scene of single-vehicle Mayo collision Cllr Flynn was full of praise for the musicians and "the amount of voluntary work that went into making it happen. Everyone rolled up their sleaves and all the staging was provided free of charge." The final figures from the phenomenal fundraising teams will be totted up in the coming weeks. Last year, the 80,000 raised paid for 307 nights of nursing care in Mayo, to allow patients at the end of their life to spend their final days surrounded by their loved ones, 319 free counselling sessions for those affected by cancer in Mayo, 340 free drives to bring 55 patients in Mayo to and from cancer treatment and 478 supportive and comforting conversations with people affected by cancer through the Irish Cancer Society Support Line and Daffodil Centre nurses in Mayo. The table below shows the online fundraising totals by the teams at the time of publication. These figures are not the total figures as they do not include bucket collections and other donations. The relay teams who took part in the 2025 event include: The Loch Ness Monster may have had a baby. The Loch Ness Monster may have had a baby The myth that a mysterious beast called Nessie lurks beneath the Scottish Highlands freshwater loch has gained global attention for decades, but now it has been claimed a "large disturbance" was spotted via a webcam feed of the famed loch. And Loch Ness Monster hunter Eoin O'Faodhagain, 60, who was watching the Visit Inverness Loch Ness-maintained feed, declared the sighting as a long-necked "juvenile Nessie". The County Donegal, Ireland, resident explained, as quoted by MailOnline: "As I was watching, I noticed a large disturbance in the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, less than 100 feet from the Clansman Hotel pier. "A creature broke the surface and rose up a few feet out of the water, then quickly submerged into the dark depths of Loch Ness. "Luckily I was already recording. It all happened so fast, but I got it recorded. "I immediately thought it was Nessie because it was too large to be anything else. "Certainly it has no resemblance to an otter or a seal, and I never saw a fish with a neck and a bumpy back. "I was stunned, overjoyed that at last, I might have a clear image of the Loch Ness Monster. "Looking at the screenshot afterwards, it fit the uncanny classic description of Nessie, given by many eyewitnesses over the years. "It is a juvenile Nessie, playing with its prey - the fish - before it devours it. "If what I noted is correct, then it is the first time on live camera that we see Nessie hunting its fish prey." by Tanya Gazdik , May 20, 2025 General Motors is launching a simplified loyalty program with a new credit card. Previously with Goldman Sachs since 2021, the automaker is moving its credit card business to Barclays US Consumer Bank, which will now offer the GM Rewards Mastercard. GM Rewards members can also earn and redeem GM Rewards points towards digital services like most OnStar plans and Super Cruise, the hands-free driver assistance technology that can be used on about 750,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada. GM has led the U.S. automotive industry in loyalty for a decade, according to S&P Global Mobility "Loyalty to Manufacturer Award," released in February. Now, the automaker will reward both new and existing members with easier access to savings opportunities and new ways to engage, says Ralph Darmo, vice president of loyalty programs at GM. advertisement advertisement "Additionally, we're creating exciting member-exclusive experiences that only GM can provide, such as trackside access at racing events and off-the-grid EV excursions, Darmo says in a release. In addition, customers of GM Financial will be able to redeem GM Rewards points toward an account balance. GM Rewards points can now be combined with GM's Family First employee, dealer and supplier discount programs, for eligible customers. Issued by Barclays, the new GM Rewards Mastercard further expands the Wilmington, Delaware-based bank's portfolio of co-branded credit cards, which includes such well-known brands as JetBlue, Carnival, Gap, Wyndham and AARP. Existing cardmembers should continue to use their current cards through Aug. 25. Current cardmembers will receive replacement Barclays cards later this summer, along with activation instructions, Later this year, GM and Barclays will launch the GM Business Mastercard, specifically for business customers, with a higher earn rate on GM purchases and expanded redemption options. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 20, 2025 The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has updated the industry's 25-year-old digital ad agreement terms through a collaboration with brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts. The updates should improve performance. Brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts collaborated with the IAB on the updated terms. In fact, 276 IAB member companies participated in redefining the terms. Some include major holding companies such as Omnicom and Publicis, as well as independent agencies such as Butler/Till and Canvas Worldwide, brands such as Unilever and Bayer, and publishers Hearst and NBCUniversal. The goal is to bring the document and processes into the 21st century and prepare for a future of high tech and innovation, while helping to prepare the ad industry for whats to come. Some of the changes will include faster and direct media purchases done programmatically or through a series of agentic agents. advertisement advertisement The speed of growth and change in our industry has made way for multiple disconnected frameworks, Shenan Reed, global chief media officer, General Motors, and Chair, IAB Board of Directors, stated in the release. Standard terms and conditions (T&Cs) for digital advertising media buys have not kept pace with changes in technology, transaction types, or platform capabilities forcing teams to renegotiate from scratch and increasing both the time invested and the legal burden on all sides. The updates create a baseline, standardizing how the industry approaches advertising agreements, says Christy Loftus, senior vice president of data logistics at Canvas Worldwide. The terms follow formats that aim to reduce negotiation times and legal costs based on core principles that apply across different deal structures, and minimize discrepancies and inefficiencies by standardizing processes. It supports invoices, payment schedules, and liability structures, defines responsibilities for service execution, reporting, and deliverables, and provides clear guidelines on handling sensitive business and consumer data, and much more. The modular framework supports a range of digital transactions. It standardizes the foundation for most deal types, making it easier for buyers and sellers of ad inventory to make transactions. The foundation for the update provides easier engagement with different vendors that support digital ad transactions, such as measurement and ad verification providers, according to the release. The updated terms will remain open for comment through July 21, 2025. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: APA Naina Bhargava. (2025, May 20). Seizures and Surgery: How ChatGPT Is Guiding the Scalpel . Medindia. Retrieved on Jul 05, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/seizures-and-surgery-how-chatgpt-is-guiding-the-scalpel-219913-1.htm. MLA Naina Bhargava. "Seizures and Surgery: How ChatGPT Is Guiding the Scalpel". Medindia. Jul 05, 2025. . Chicago Naina Bhargava. "Seizures and Surgery: How ChatGPT Is Guiding the Scalpel". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/seizures-and-surgery-how-chatgpt-is-guiding-the-scalpel-219913-1.htm. (accessed Jul 05, 2025). Harvard Naina Bhargava. 2025. Seizures and Surgery: How ChatGPT Is Guiding the Scalpel. Medindia, viewed Jul 05, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/seizures-and-surgery-how-chatgpt-is-guiding-the-scalpel-219913-1.htm. Hymn of Death Based on real people, this tragic love story of Korea's first soprano and a playwright is steeped in doomed romance. Now wonder it's one of the saddest Korean dramas. However, in the mid 70s, Khannas stardom took a hit with the rise of Amitabh Bachchan and his Angry Young Man persona created by screen-writing superstars Salim-Javed . Rajesh Khanna is often touted as the first superstar of Indian cinema who ruled the late 60s and early 70s and still holds the record delivering 17 box office hits in a row . Havells India In his later years, Rajesh Khanna was ailing and forgotten and his close journalist friend Ali Peter John recounted an incident that really hit the superstar hard. In an article, Ali Peter John wrote about Rajesh Khannas growing insecurities about his declining fame. He recalled, His afternoons, evenings and nights were the times when the only company he had was his memories of the glorious past and the misery of the present and the fear of an uncertain future. The worst moments of his silence to which (he) was a witness. He then talked about a function in Kolkata where Rajesh Khanna was invited, He said he had not been to a public function for a long time and had felt nervous about whether there would be an audience to welcome him or not. However, when the writer suggested he can share a couple of drinks to calm his nerves, the former superstar replied, Nahi Ali, sharab abhi nahi, function mein peekar jaana theek nahi hai, woh bhi auraton ke function mein (No Ali, I shouldnt drink now, its not right to drink before an event, especially one where women will be present). Upon reaching the function, Rajesh was in for a surprise when he realised the adulation and love he was receiving. He leaned in towards Ali and stated, Ali, kya aisa lagta nahi ki main abhi bhi superstar hoon (Ali, doesnt it seem like I am still a superstar)? However, Rajesh Khannas happiness was shortlived, The function was over and we drove back and I could see the revival of a new Rajesh Khanna which lasted till we came back to Mumbai and the reality of his being nowhere and no one hit him in his face when no one at the airport was even willing to offer him a seat and he finally had to sit on his own bag. Who could have imagined that a time would come when the greatest ever superstar would be reduced to this kind of a situation. The man who once sat on all kinds of thrones was now waiting for someone to offer him a seat, which no one was willing to offer him and he had no other way but to ask his bag for help. Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 due to cancer. He was 69. Brian Austin Green doesn't regret calling his relationship with Vanessa Marcil "toxic". Brian Austin Green has explained his recent comments The 51-year-old actor - who has Kassius, 23, with Vanessa - has explained why he chose to speak out about his relationship with the 56-year-old actress. Asked if he had any regrets about his comments, Brian - who split from Vanessa back in 2003 - told People: "No, because everything that's come recently has genuinely been for the purpose of speaking about a relationship. "It's not pointing fingers, placing blame on anyone. If she takes things that way, then there's nothing I can do about it." Brian made the critical comments on his 'Old-ish' podcast - but the actor never intended to offend anybody. He said: "It's pretty obvious just in listening to the things that I say and what it is we do on our show, that's not our intention. "Our intention is to help people. And people go through toxic situations and tough situations and the best you can do is be open and honest about it and hopefully steer other people clear of those situations or help them get through them." Earlier this month, Brian described his relationship with Vanessa as "very toxic". The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star on the 'Old-ish' podcast: "Relationships have been interesting for me. "I had some major missteps The relationship that I had with Vanessa was very toxic in that way. It wasnt a loving, caring relationship." Brian also admitted that the turbulent romance fundamentally changed him. Reflecting on the most impactful relationships in his life, Brian explained: "With my mom, everything was about me, and with Vanessa, it wasnt that at all. "After two years, youre kind of looking at yourself in the mirror, asking, Who am I at this point? Theres not one piece of me thats left. My relationship with everyone around me has changed. That relationship ended up not working out." Brian was married to movie star Megan Fox between 2010 and 2022. And although their romance ended in divorce, Brian has much fonder memories of his time with Megan. The actor - who has Noah, 12, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, eight, with his ex-wife - shared: "Megan was a breath of fresh air coming out of what felt like Vietnam." WASHINGTON The secretary of the U.S. Air Force on Tuesday said future Pentagon spending will support President Donald Trump's decision last month to send F-15EX fighters to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, and that they would arrive on time in 2028 as Trump announced. Senator, yeah. So based on the president's decision, the Air Force is planning to execute the placement of F-15EXs at Selfridge, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink said in response to a question from Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Meink also told Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, that he would ensure all environmental studies and other preparations required are completed ahead of the fighter aircraft's arrival. It breaks a lot of china to have our F-15s show up to replace our A-10s. We thank you for that. We're very happy about that decision, Slotkin said. But can you commit to making sure it happens on time? We have an issue where we could lose a lot of airmen if our A-10 pilots and crews go off if they're allowed to go back into normal civilian life and then years later we get our F-15s. Yes, senator, we are working out belaying that plan based on the president's decision, and, you know, as we have more detail we'll make sure to provide that, Meink said. The public commitments from Meink come one week after his confirmation by the Senate and three weeks after Trump's F-15EX announcement at the Harrison Township base on Lake St. Clair northeast of Detroit. Michigan's delegation and officials lobbied for more than a decade for a fighter mission to replace the Thunderbolt II squadron at Selfridge that is set to be retired starting next year. The 21 aircraft are expected to begin arriving at Selfridge in fiscal 2028 and would be in addition to a new squadron of KC-46s that the Air Force announced last year for the base. Michigan lawmakers are now looking to ensure that funding and construction projects are prioritized for the specialized infrastructure needed at Selfridge for both the new fighter and tanker missions. Peters noted these include ground support equipment, including modifications to flight lines, as well as larger hangars, as well as the KC-46's unique refueling requirements and the specialized maintenance "demands" for the F-15EX. How is the Air Force prioritizing bases like Selfridge with near-term military construction needs to support these flying missions that are imminent? he said. Gen. David W. Allvin, chief of staff of the Air Force, said the goal is to ensure that aircraft platforms aren't sent to their assigned bases without supporting infrastructure. That timing may adjust the timing of the platforms or the infrastructure, one of the two, Allvin said. Our target is to make sure that when the platforms get there, they're able to be used as soon as possible. Well, I like the option where we're going to make sure the platforms don't get pushed back any further, to make sure that the construction is happening first, Peters replied. I would hope that would be a priority. Peters has said he expects to see a budget request by the Pentagon for additional procurement of F-15EXs when the Trump administration releases its budget proposal later this month. The 21 warplanes would cost at least $2 billion, as each F-15EX costs about $99 million. U.S. Rep. John James, whose district includes Selfridge, said he's also working on an appropriations request for Congress to support the runway and other infrastructure improvements needed in and around Selfridge to allow for the arrival of the F-15EXs. Now it's up to Congress to authorize the additional aircraft and then appropriate the money to do that, said James, a Shelby Township Republican. Since the president has mentioned it, there is a very high likelihood that we will do that, and so I imagine that Selfridge should be first in line. But there's also supportive investments that need to happen. The timeline for completing the required inspections and environmental impact analysis should take about two years, James said. That is about the same time that the A-10s are going to be rolling out, so we have a very tight timeline, James said. Everybody's working together. We'd like to keep it that way. But the credit for the fighters -- credit where credit's due: Credit has to go to the president. The lack of environmental analysis, funding and other roll-out details stems from the unusual situation of Trump making the Selfridge decision himself, well after the Air Force had concluded the basing process for the F-15EX and told Michigan officials that Selfridge wouldn't get any of the jets. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer previously pledged $100 million in state money toward infrastructure upgrades in a bid to secure a new fighter mission for Selfridge. 2025 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Coast Guard plans to cut one-quarter of its 46 flag officer positions this year in a move that acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said is part of a force redesign aimed at improving effectiveness. In a Coast Guard-wide message May 15, Lunday said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem "determined that there is redundant executive oversight" in the service that "hinders efficient decision-making and service effectiveness." The goal is to reduce the number of flag officers by about 25% over the next seven months, cutting at least a dozen positions. The positions will be eliminated and the flag officer corps redesigned, according to the message. Read Next: Request for 20,000 Guardsmen to Help with Immigration Crackdown Under Review, Guard Chief Says The move follows an order earlier this month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cut the number of active-duty general and flag officer ranks in the DoD services by 10%. That plan also calls for reducing the number of four-star positions by 20%. Hegseth said the effort is needed so senior leaders would be "unencumbered by unnecessary bureaucratic layers that hinder their growth and effectiveness." Currently, the Coast Guard has roughly one flag officer for every 950 service members. Following the reduction, there will be one flag officer per approximately 1,300 members. That's in contrast to the smallest DoD services, where the Marine Corps has one general officer per nearly 3,000 Marines, while the Space Force, with about 9,500 members and 21 authorized general officer billets, has a ratio of one general to 452 Guardians. In announcing the flag rank reduction, Lunday also said Noem has not approved the results of the most recent selection board for rear admiral, lower half, "determining that the guidance to the board did not align with the administration's policies." According to that guidance, issued by former Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan, flag officers must not only be of strong character and have built successful careers, they should be ready to lead the service through "complex challenges requiring an optimal blend of keen intellect, political savvy, exceptional communications skills and agile execution." They also will be "those who have a clear potential to build and lead a diverse and inclusive Coast Guard," Fagan wrote. Lunday did not say which part of the promotion board guidance Noem opposed, but President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 20 to eliminate affirmative action programs in the federal government, calling them discriminatory. All cabinet departments have since moved to eliminate any program, policy or reference to initiatives that sought to increase diversity of the workforce. Fagan was fired by Trump on his first day in office, in part because of her "excessive focus on diversity," a Homeland Security spokesperson told Military.com at the time. The six captains who no longer are slated to pin on their first star are: Kevin Carroll, commander of the Coast Guard's C5I Service Center; John Barresi, Coast Guard Atlantic chief of staff; Andrew Meverden, assistant program executive officer for surface acquisitions; Matthew Brown, executive assistant to the deputy commandant for mission support; Tina Pena, former chief of staff for the Coast Guard 7th District and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations; and Christopher Hulser, Coast Guard chief of staff. They will be able to recompete alongside their peers and those newly eligible for the next promotion board under new guidance, according to the message. Noem said last week during a meeting with Coast Guard flag officers and senior executive service members that Force Design 2028 is "the biggest change since 1915" to the service. Her plans include buying new aircraft -- including a new $50 million long-range command and control aircraft to replace the 20-year-old Gulfstream currently used by the commandant and other flag officers for transport -- increasing the service's workforce by 15,000 and addressing maintenance backlogs. When questioned about the executive jet Tuesday during a hearing, Noem said the existing aircraft is "beyond its usable hours" and is a needed purchase. Noem has been criticized for what was a last-minute addition of the aircraft to the Homeland Security budget, an asset that she would be able to use as Homeland Security secretary. She added that many other Coast Guard aircraft have been grounded because they can't be maintained. According to the Government Accountability Office, three of the five types of aircraft used by the Coast Guard have exceeded the end of their service lives or are nearing them, having entered the service in the 1980s and 1990s. Last year, the service grounded six of its 48 MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters because they had exceeded their lifetime service hours. "The Coast Guard is facing our greatest readiness crisis since World War II. We have a plan to reinvigorate this critical component to make sure they're ready for the future," Noem said. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct Barresi's job title. Related: Coast Guard Reservist Wins Landmark Supreme Court Case over Pay Disparities for Federal Workers The Army is halting a popular program that allowed soldiers to extend their enlistments in short increments, a shift that will require troops to commit to longer service terms, according to internal documents and email reviewed by Military.com. Effective June 1, the Army will in most cases discontinue its service extension policy, which had permitted soldiers to prolong their enlistments by as little as one month and up to 23 months. The option has been widely used by troops weighing a transition to civilian life or those hesitant to commit to longer contracts -- particularly as financial incentives wane for service members in lower-demand career fields or with extended time in service. Soldiers currently deployed, however, will still be eligible for short-term extensions to their contracts. Meanwhile, the Army is also preparing to reinstate its 90-day reenlistment window in July, a policy that had been paused in recent years. That policy requires soldiers to decide whether to reenlist before the final 90 days of their current term, effectively eliminating any last-minute changes of heart when troops are weighing whether to continue serving. Read Next: Veterans Mortgage Assistance Plan Approved by House After VA Ends Rescue Program It's unclear why the Army moved to take away short-term extension options or reinstate the 90-day policy. The service did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication. The move may have a marginal effect on reenlistments, given it eliminates most short-term reenlistment options and effectively negates a soldier's ability to change their mind weeks ahead of their scheduled separation from the Army. Army planners are calling for a "leaner" service and the dismantling of several units across the active duty, National Guard and reserve, according to separate internal documents reviewed by Military.com. In April, this publication was first to report the service was eyeing a cut of between 20,000 and 90,000 active-duty troops from its current size of 450,000. While the Army has seen recruiting struggles in recent years, it has had no problem retaining soldiers -- often hitting retention goals by the summer. The service's goal this year was to keep 14,800 active-duty troops whose contracts were set to expire and had surpassed that target by an additional 800 as of late April. "Over the years, we have had the luxury of crossing the 100% finish line and blowing past it without the thought of how we impact end strength," Master Sgt. Kindra Ford, who oversees much of the Army's retention policies, noted in a memo to the force referring to retaining soldiers scheduled to leave the service. "As we move to a more targeted and precise mission, we must be mindful of our impact to the Army's end strength." The halt of the policy allowing short-term enlistment extensions comes a month after the Army gave soldiers a tight window to reenlist if they wanted bonuses, preferred assignments or other extras associated with continuing service. Soldiers were given less than a week to decide to reenlist, a complicated decision made all the more difficult if a service member was at a school or training event where they may have missed the notice. Related: Army Planners Are Weighing Force Reductions of Up to 90,000 Active-Duty Soldiers John Krasinski says the next People's Sexiest Man Alive winner has a "hard crown to wear". John Krasinski has advice for next Sexiest Man Alive The 45-year-old actor - who was honoured with the annual accolade a year ago - has given some tongue in cheek words of advice for his successor when the special issue returns later this year. Asked for a message to the next man to get the honour, he told PEOPLE magazine: "Buckle up. "It is a hard crown to wear, but you'll be all right. Just stay focused. Take a deep breath, you'll get through it." Meanwhile, John also joke he's "obsessed" with 'Fountain of Youth' director Guy Ritchie, and the British filmmaker's accent. He said: "Who's not obsessed with Guy? I don't know. I mean, he's got a heck of an accent. "He's so gregarious. He's got the best vibe. He's the nicest, sweetest, calmest person, and he talks to them like adults, and so he wasn't talking to them like kids. "He was asking 'em what they wanted to eat and did they want him to cook for them and all that stuff, and they just thought they were in the movie. I think they thought this was their big break." John fronted People's Sexiest Man Alive issue in November 2024, and at the time he said he experienced a "blackout" of emotions when he was told he'd be receiving the accolade, but he thought it was part of a prank. Asked his reaction, he told People magazine: Just immediate blackout, actually. Zero thoughts. Other than maybe I'm being punked. "That's not how I wake up, thinking, Is this the day that I'll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive? And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me. The 'A Quiet Place' filmmaker told how his wife Emily Blunt was "very excited" when she heard the news. He said: There was a lot of joy involved in me telling her. The Rockies sent infielder Alan Trejo outright to Triple-A Albuquerque but he has exercised his right to elect free agency, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. That indicates he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week. The log also indicates that infielder Owen Miller was outrighted after last weeks DFA. He also has the right to free agency, but theres no indication he has done so. Trejo, 29 this month, got a brief run on Colorados roster. The Rockies acquired him from the Rangers in a cash deal at the end of April. He was sent to the plate 43 times but produced a dismal line of .175/.190/.225. Thats an extreme low in a small sample but it continues his glove-first trajectory. He now has a .224/.269/.325 batting line and 49 wRC+ in 512 big league plate appearances. He has played the three infield positions to the left of first base, with at least 183 innings at each of those spots. His work at shortstop has been subpar but passable, while hes been above average at both second and third base. The Rockies acquired Trejo and selected Miller to fill in during a time when infielders Ezequiel Tovar, Tyler Freeman and Aaron Schunk were all on the IL, though all three were reinstated last week. Trejo and Miller are both out of options, leaving the Rockies little choice but to cut them from the 40-man entirely. As players with previous career outrights, they have the right to reject further outright assignments in favor of free agency. Trejos entire big league career has been with the Rockies, though he has signed minor league deals with the Dodgers and Rangers. Perhaps he and the Rockies will reunite on a fresh minor league deal in the coming days but he will have the chance to talk to the other 29 clubs as well. Miller was acquired from Milwaukee in a minor trade over the offseason. Colorado called him up despite a modest .244/.322/.372 slash line in Triple-A. He didnt play much in the big leagues, going 2-14 while starting four games at second base. Assuming he doesnt elect free agency, hell remain in the system as non-roster infield depth. Photo courtesy of Eakin Howard, Imagn Images May 20: Per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Walter has been selected and Wesneski transferred to the 60-day IL, as expected. Gordon has been optioned as the corresponding active roster move. May 19: Left-hander Brandon Walter will start for the Astros tomorrow against Tampa Bay, manager Joe Espada told reporters (including Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle). The Astros will need to add him to the 40-man roster. They can move Hayden Wesneski, who is ticketed for Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day injured list to create a 40-man spot. Theyll also need to make a corresponding active roster move involving a pitcher. Walter signed a minor league contract with the Astros last August. It was apparently a two-year deal, as the southpaw spent last season on the injured list rehabbing a rotator cuff injury. Walter made his return to the mound during Spring Training, allowing four runs through seven innings. Hes been working in a swing role at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he has started five of nine appearances. Walter owns a 2.27 ERA across 35 2/3 innings, backing that up with strong underlying marks. Hes getting grounders at a huge 60% rate, striking out upwards of a quarter of opponents, and has kept his walk rate to a minuscule 5.2% clip. It has been a nice rebound effort for the 28-year-old lefty. Walter went from an unheralded 26th-round draft choice to one of the better pitching prospects in the Red Soxs system a couple years ago. He was hit hard in his nine MLB appearances with the Sox, allowing a 6.26 ERA over 23 innings two seasons back. He owns a 4.19 ERA across parts of three Triple-A seasons. Walter isnt going to overpower many hitters, as his four-seam and sinker each average 91 MPH. His five-pitch mix is headlined by his upper-70s sweeping slider. Walter still has an option remaining, so the Astros can send him back to Sugar Land without putting him on waivers. For now, he joins rookie Ryan Gusto as swing options. Colton Gordon has taken Wesneskis rotation spot, rounding out the starting five behind Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco and Lance McCullers Jr. The Astros havent had an off day since May 8 and wont be off until next Monday. Theyll likely use Walter and Gusto in some kind of tandem outing tomorrow to reduce the workload on the rest of the staff. LANSING, MI Five years ago, Michigan learned a hard lesson about the dangers posed by its fleet of elderly, decrepit dams when days of heavy rain swelled the impounded rivers above the poorly-maintained, century-old Edenville Dam. The soggy structure collapsed on May 19, 2020. A torrent of floodwater from the Tittabawassee and Tobacco rivers ripped homes off foundations and washed out bridges; overwhelming a second dam, flooding downtown Midland and sending 10,000 people into evacuation during a pandemic. The devastation sparked a reckoning . Too many dams had reached their golden years in poor shape. More catastrophic failures were foretold as inevitable. Years later, has Michigan truly taken the lesson to heart? To dam experts and advocates charged with taking a hard look at the states outdated rules and safeguards in the aftermath, the answer is no. The crisis brought only half-measures and some funding before fading into the rearview, they say. Did we really use Midland to do deep learning and then change our regulations and invest in this infrastructure time bomb? said Bryan Burroughs, executive director of Michigan Trout Unlimited and a member of a former task force that issued a suite of mostly unrealized recommendations on dam safety after Edenville. Not dramatically, not significantly. Two men look out at the damage caused after the Edenville Dam failed at the shoreline of what was once Wixom Lake in this file photo taken on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in Edenville Township north of Midland. Five years later, dam safety experts and advocates say Michigan has yet to shore up regulations that could prevent another catastrophe. (Jake May | MLive.com) The Flint Journal, MLive.com After the flooding, residents sorted through water-logged belongings. Road crews rebuilt bridges. Attention turned to the danger dams pose across Michigan. Read more: 5 years after dam failures, mid-Michigan residents are still rebuilding their homes, lives Republicans and Democrats pledged action. Lansing politicians secured large sums to rebuild the mid-Michigan dams, channeled smaller pots of money to other dams and added state inspectors. But corresponding dam safety reforms were introduced and quickly faded away. Were still at the starting blocks waiting for the gun to go off with dam safety in Michigan, said Bill Rustem, a former task force member and advisor to Michigan governors William Milliken and Rick Snyder. While legislators may have moved on, experts credit the state for doing what it can under old laws to beef up dam oversight. Michigan had only two dam safety inspectors covering the entire state in 2020. Now it has a safety staff of eight. Regulators say theyve become more aggressive, tackling the worst of the dams. But, at the same time, dozens of hazardous dams are only getting older and more expensive to deal with. A recent estimate put the price tag of bringing the states fleet up to the times at nearly a billion dollars double what it was several years ago. Michigan remains on a collision course with another catastrophe, some say. (Dams) have got to be dealt with or were going to have another breach like we had up in Midland, Rustem said. Its going to happen. Failures expose safety gaps, lead to roadmap In the Edenville aftermath, investigators shined a harsh light on the Boyce Hydro dams and the systems that were supposed to ensure their safe operation. In 2022, a panel of dam safety experts commissioned by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission blamed the failure on a century of errors and a broad system of conflicting interests and goals among dam owners and regulators that allowed a poorly constructed dam to eventually fail by static liquefaction , or sudden loss of soil strength. Meanwhile, the disaster had become political. Republicans seized on a preceding conflict between the state regulators and dam owner Lee Mueller over Wixom Lake drawdowns as evidence that Democratic state leaders were culpable for the breach. A federal judge later ruled that Mueller presented a false narrative during litigation. He was found liable for $120 million in damages based on evidence that he hid the dams vulnerability from regulators and ignored s tructural flaws for years. Read more: Michigans 2020 flood: A timeline of events and recovery progress The Portage Plant Dam in Three Rivers, also knows as Boys Dam, has been on the state's priority removal list for years. The dam, seen here Nov. 21, 2020, is deteriorating, no longer serves a purpose and poses significant risk to the downstream community. Garret Ellison Lost in the background and finger-pointing was an attempt to reform a system that had allowed the Edenville Dam to become a ticking time bomb in the first place. Two months after Edenville, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) tapped national experts to review its dam safety unit. The Association of State Dam Safety Officials found Michigans program extremely understaffed, with minimal funding and only two engineers overseeing hundreds of dams. The chronic underinvestment in regulation led to a culture of minimal enforcement. Parallel to that, the newly appointed 19-member Michigan Dam Safety Task Force began a six-month process to hammer out a plan to prevent another disaster. More than 80 percent of Michigan dams were older than their 50-year design lifespans. Their spillways frequently couldnt handle more intense storms fueled by a changing climate, but safety and licensing rules hadnt been updated in decades. Their 2021 report went to both the governor and Legislature with a warning that Michigan was hurtling toward a grave situation unless the dam safety regulatory program was overhauled with new annual funding and updated rules. The task force listed 86 recommendations, including a low-interest loan program to encourage dam removal, maintenance or upkeep, and time-limited licenses with requirements that dam owners maintain adequate financial security through insurance policies or other means to address maintenance, removal or emergencies. Michigans deteriorating dams can no longer be ignored, or investments put off to another day or legislative session or administration, the task force wrote. But task force members now say thats what happened. A boat is seen under a large pile of washed up brush in Sanford on Friday, May 29, 2020 in this MLive file photo. Massive flooding sparked by the failure of the Edenville Dam caused a dam safety reckoning in Michigan. Five years later, advocates and experts say Michigan missed an opportunity for action. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Lawmakers introduce reforms then let them die A year after the disaster, state lawmakers unveiled an ambitious bipartisan plan to avoid another catastrophe, citing a lot of talk and too little action. A five-bill, dual-chamber package aimed to fulfill key task force recommendations, including a new revolving loan fund for dams, new inspection and licensing requirements, permitting for emergency impoundment drawdowns and new disclosure rules when real estate is sold in a dam inundation zone. But none of the bills even received a committee hearing before the legislative session ended, and neither party has re-introduced the reform package since then. So, what happened? Task force members pointed to Lansing inertia and cited a mismatch between the issues complexity and the relatively short window state lawmakers have to wrap their heads around esoteric issues while they hold office. I think term limits (are) a huge disservice for these complicated issues, said Liesl Clark, a former EGLE director who oversaw the task force deliberations and report. This is a complex issue, she said. I dont think people understand how much it is intertwined between regulatory, energy and natural resources policy. Fisher Contracting employees work to clean up the debris near the Sanford Dam in Sanford on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 in this MLive file photo. The largest single investment Michigan lawmakers made following the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams was channeling $200 million to rebuild the structures. But five years later, key safety reforms remain shelved. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Lawmakers werent forthcoming about what killed the reforms. Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes, introduced part of the package and chaired a committee that could have advanced the legislation. Through a member of his staff, he declined an interview. Other sponsors, including Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, former Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, and former Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Amos ONeal, D-Saginaw, offered a statement saying infrastructure safety is one of his long-time priorities and blamed Republicans for budget cuts. Alex Porrett, chief of staff for one of the sponsors, Sen. Roger Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant, said there was a lot of apprehension by the locals to the potential for changes to whats often seen as a core community asset, such as a dam and impoundment. Although some dams generate renewable electricity, their output is small, and the structures are expensive to maintain. Beyond their hazard potential, they create ecological hurdles by segmenting river habitats and stockpiling sediment. Yet, communities typically love them for nostalgic and recreational reasons. The potential sale of Consumers Energy dams across Michigan has prompted significant outcry among residents worried about lost fishing and boating opportunities and visitors if the dams are removed and the impoundments are converted to a naturalized channel. Porrett said lawmakers prioritized getting millions to fix the mid-Michigan dams and add to a state dam safety fund. But as local concerns arose, the larger regulatory overhaul fell by the wayside. It was seen as potentially giving more authority to EGLE, a state agency Republicans often criticize as being over-zealous in enforcing state environmental laws. Theres a lot of apprehension when theres a possibility of, well, weve looked at it, weve studied it were just going to get rid of your lake, Porrett said. I think that was kind of the push-and-pull. While lawmakers punted on safety reforms, they did funnel $200 million to repairing the former Boyce dams the largest single investment in the disasters aftermath. Some question that call. Burroughs, whose organization of anglers advocates for dam removals to restore river health and permanently eliminate risks, said it set a precedent for taxpayers to subsidize repairs on dams that only benefit a small population and dont generate enough profit to cover their own costs. Thats not the lesson that should have been learned, he said. A drone image of the Sanford Dam in Sanford, Mich. on Friday, May 2, 2025 as reconstruction efforts proceed. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Michigan dams remain a pricey hazard Task force members say their recommendations remain valid and offer a roadmap for lawmakers to try again. However, the immediate likelihood is small. Political will is missing. Any expansion of EGLE authority that got through the Democratic-controlled Senate is probably dead-on-arrival in the Republican-controlled House, said Porrett. Former task force members like Rustem say its the governors job to keep the issue at the forefront, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer isnt doing that. A Whitmer spokesperson did not answer questions from MLive. In the meantime, costs are rising while funding is drying up. Early in his second term, President Donald Trumps administration cancel ed a Federal Emergency Management Agency program offering millions that could be used to shore up high-risk dams. Trumps efforts to radically downsize the federal government makes other funding questionable. It gets down to who pays, right? This is infrastructure you cant walk away from, said John Broschak, a consultant and former vice president at Consumers Energy overseeing hydropower who served on the dam safety task force. Theres little profit to be made operating hydro dams in Michigan these days, Broschak said, and maintenance costs have become a thorny societal issue. One lifeline is a new Michigan dam safety grant program funding repair and removal efforts for three years running since its creation in 2022 with $43 million from the Legislature. But demand for the available pot of money has exceeded the amount available by three to five times. And now no money is left for future grants. Whitmers proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year doesnt call for adding any more. Out of 2,600 dams, maybe 25 to 30 got funded in the last five years, said Evan Pratt, a former Washtenaw County water resources commissioner who chaired the dam safety task force. At the current pace, it would take decades to tackle them all. Nonetheless, some progress has been made. Michigan grew its full-time dam safety program staff from two to eight in the wake of Edenville, although that remains below the 13 people recommended by the task force. The states largest dam owner, the Department of Natural Resources, is systematically reviewing whether to repair or remove its 200-plus dams after some recent failures. Using a $6 million 2022 appropriation, the state operates an emergency fund thats stepped in on a handful of urgent cases where dam owners were unwilling or unable to foot repairs. The Kalamazoo River north branch flows through a deteriorating gate at part of the Albion Dam in Albion, Mich., Sept. 22, 2024. The city is studying the dam's removal. Garret Ellison The state now also has new engineering contracts totaling $900,000 to support its safety and permitting operations, said EGLE dam safety supervisor Luke Trumble. Regulators are taking more immediate action when violations arise and have the bandwidth to act more proactively. Were doing more to ensure dam safety, but dams are getting older too, Trumble said. But the state missed a chance to confront the situation head-on after Edenville, leading to more prolonged delays, some say. Even if the reforms had been enacted, it would have been years before they were implemented and years more before they began to make a statewide dent in the problem, Pratt said. He likened it to turning around an aircraft carrier. In the meantime, the trend is deterioration. This is a giant ticking time bomb thats getting worse and worse, Burroughs said. At some point, all these solutions are going to have to happen. Its just a matter of how bad do we want to let it get before were convinced weve got to deal with this. Sign up to receive Lake Effect, MLives weekly climate and environment newsletter. An MLive file photo of Jackson, Michigan, which was a noted bright spot in a recent report detailing the increased popularity of collaborative care models in health care. Mitchell Kukulka Advocates of a decades-old model that integrates mental health care into primary care say expanded access through the team-based system could save 14,000 lives annually. However, less than 1% of the nearly 60 million adults and children with mild and moderate mental illness benefited from the collaborative care model in 2022, according to a study released Tuesday, May 20, by the Washington D.C.-based advocacy group Path Forward. The person found in Lake Michigan was wearing red and black plaid pajama pants, black socks, and there was a unique ring on the right index finger. Indiana DNR The identity of a body remains a mystery 10 days after it was found in Lake Michigan. Conservation officers with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in Beverly Shores are investigating after a fisherman discovered the body approximately two miles offshore from Central Beach just before 8 a.m. on May 10. Due to the condition of the body, the person appears to have been missing for an extended period, according to the DNR. The person is around 52 and 150 pounds and was wearing red and black plaid pajama pants, black socks. There was a unique ring on the right index finger and a black hoop-style earring with several gemstones. A photo of the ring can be seen above. The Lake County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit assisted with removing the body from the water. Anyone with information is asked to contact Indiana Conservation Officers Dispatch at 812-837-9536. Donald Dawan Renfroe, 26, is charged with second-degree homicide, concealing the death of an individual, tampering with evidence and felony firearm. MLive file photo MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan man charged in the murder of his roommate has pleaded no contest in Macomb County. Donald Dawan Renfroe, 26, is charged with second-degree homicide, concealing the death of an individual, tampering with evidence and felony firearm. Renfroe allegedly shot and killed his roommate, James Wilkins, in their Warren apartment on June 8, 2023. Renfroe along with an accomplice, Darius Glenn, then allegedly concealed the crime. Wilkins body was discovered in Iosco Countys Oscoda Township on Nov. 13, 2023 thanks to information provided by Glenn, who testified against Renfroe at the preliminary exam on April 26 as part of a plea deal. Mr. Wilkins life was cut short in the very dwelling that should have been his safe place, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. My office stands as the voice of the victim to bring justice to this horrible act that stole this victims life and destroyed a family. A no contest plea is treated like a guilty plea at sentencing. Renfroe will be sentenced at 10 a.m. on July 7 before Judge Anthony Servitto. MARSHALL, IN A man from West Michigan drowned last week while rescuing a girl who was struggling in the strong current of an Indiana creek. Maximo Disla-Garcia, 56, of Wyoming, was identified as the victim by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Monday. Indiana Conservation Officers responded to reports of a drowning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, near the suspension bridge in Sugar Creek at Turkey Run State Park, located in Parke County, according to a DNR news release. A drawing showing what Fourth Avenue between William and Liberty streets in downtown Ann Arbor could look like after a makeover estimated to cost over $8 million. SmithGroup ANN ARBOR, MI Millions of dollars are expected to go into giving Fourth Avenue in downtown Ann Arbor a new look. City Council voted Monday night, May 19, to accept a $200,000 Shared Streets and Spaces Grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation to put toward the FAST project, standing for Fourth Avenue street and transit improvements. SALINE, MI Saline city officials are looking to appoint a new city manager, the citys top non-elected administrative position. Four candidates made it to the final round. Residents will have an opportunity to meet them and hear about their qualifications and visions for the city at an open house and public interviews Wednesday, May 21 at Saline City Hall, 100 N. Harris Street. The open house is scheduled from 1-4 p.m., with candidate interviews beginning at 4 p.m. The city will also stream live video of the interviews on the citys YouTube channel. Dame Judi Dench is eternally grateful for her acting career. Dame Judi Dench is grateful for her acting career The 90-year-old actress has been a fixture on both screen and stage since the 1950s but still feels fortunate to be in a profession that she loves. Judi told My Weekly magazine: "I feel very lucky to be part of the two per cent of people who wanted to do something and were able to make a living at it. "I never cease to be grateful of the fact that I am able to do a job that I really love I never got over that. I think the key to happiness is gratitude." Judi's ability to work has been limited by the macular degeneration that has badly affected her eyesight, although she remains "in love with life". The former James Bond actress said: "Be thankful for what you have, and you'll find abundance in every aspect of your life. I'm in love with life even though it is a beautiful mess but that's what makes it so incredible." Judi is widely seen as a national treasure in Britain but she jokingly sees the title in another way. She said: "It's dusty and dreary. It's like I've been picked up and put inside a little glass-fronted cabinet. Then they've locked the door so I can't get out." Judi revealed earlier this year that she lost her voice for two days after being scared by a close encounter with a snake when she starred in a 1987 production of William Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra'. The Oscar-winner, who was playing the female lead in the play, told the BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Roleplay': "One night, the boys taking me [carrying me] kept hissing. I was wondering what on earth was going on. "Then, back on stage at the very end of the play, the snake fell out of my wig as I did my bow. I was so scared I lost my voice for two days." Meanwhile, Judi previously hit out at the increasing trend for trigger warnings being read out before stage plays and suggested that those of a sensitive disposition should stay away from the theatre. The 'Belfast' star said: "My God, it must be a pretty long trigger warning before 'King Lear' or 'Titus Andronicus'. "I can see why they exist, but if you're that sensitive, don't go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked. "Where is the surprise of seeing and understanding it in your own way?" Washtenaw County Trial Court Jinan Hamood had ruled Buster Robbins should stand trial for felony murder in the death of Beverly Ann Wivell. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com UPDATE: This story was updated with a statement from Buster Robbins attorney. ANN ARBOR, MI After 35 years of waiting, Jackie Meggison could see someone face a jury for the death of her sister-in-law. GENESEE COUNTY, MI Police recovered two shotguns, three rifles, one handgun, cocaine, scales and cash from the Montrose Township home where a man was shot and killed by a trooper during the execution of a search warrant. The Flint Area Narcotics Group (FANG) executed the search warrant around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at a residence on River Grove Drive in Montrose Township. Dominique Asher Hawkins, 24, was sentenced Monday, May 19 after he broke into a woman's Holland home and sexually assaulted her with the woman's 6-year-old daughter nearby. John Tunison GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A judge described a man as an incredible threat to women while sentencing him to decades in prison for breaking into a womans Holland home, then sexually assaulting her with her 6-year-old daughter nearby. Dominique Asher Hawkins, 24, was sentenced Monday, May 19, to a minimum 32 years in prison for first-degree home invasion and first-degree criminal sexual assault. Founded by a former Harley-Davidson engineer, Buell Motorcycle cites increased demand for its Super Cruiser model as the driver behind the three-year expansion plan supported by a state grant. (Photo provided by The Right Place) Courtesy photo GRAND RAPIDS, MI A Grand Rapids-area motorcycle manufacturer is planning an $18.5 million expansion over the next three years, a project expected to create 162 new jobs and renovate the companys 120,000-square-foot building. Buell Motorcycle, 2700 Patterson Ave. SE in Cascade Township, is making the expansion amid increased growth and demand for its Super Cruiser model, according to a release. The company was founded in 1983 by former Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell. The companys expansion is being supported by a $972,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and $646,280 from Michigan Works! for job training. The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development organization, assisted with the project. We are grateful to The Right Place and MEDC and all they do to help growing businesses like ours create jobs, Bill Melvin, the CEO of Buell Motorcycle, said in a statement. We are not a multi-conglomerate; were a privately-owned company investing in our and the future of Michigan manufacturing. The Right Place and MEDC understand the opportunities and challenges that arise from those efforts and consistently offer a variety of helpful solutions. According to a release, the 162 jobs are expected to pay a starting wage of $26.44 per hour. That equates to just under $55,000 a year. The Right Place is excited that Buell Motorcycles chose to expand their operations here in the Grand Rapids area, said Tristan Reuben, Business Development Coordinator at The Right Place. Our regions skilled talent pool, strong work ethic, and supportive business climate all influenced their decision to grow right here. In additions to renovations, the company also plans to purchase the 120,000-square-foot building that its currently renting as its headquarters, according to Buell. A three-year renovation project at Wolverine World Wide's headquarters will bring over 100 jobs to Rockford and includes relocating the Saucony brand from Boston to Michigan. Courtesy ROCKFORD, MI Wolverine World Wide announced a $9 million renovation to its corporate headquarters Tuesday, a three-year project that officials say will modernize the companys workspace and help attract and retain new employees. The project, supported through a $1 million state grant, is expected to bring more than 100 marketing, design and development, innovation, and sales jobs to the region. Some of those jobs will be relocated to Wolverines Rockford headquarters from out-of-state locations, according to a release. We believe that to create amazing, thoughtful, trend-right, innovative products and experiences that improve our consumers lives and drive growth, we must provide our team members with great environments to work and win together, said Chris Hufnagel, President and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide. In addition to the renovation, Wolverine announced that its Saucony brand recently relocated from Boston, Massachusetts, to Rockford. The 100 new jobs planned as part of the expansion are expected to pay a starting wage of at least $26.44 per hour plus benefits, according to a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The MEDC provided the company with the $1 million Business Development Program Grant. An hourly wage of $26.44 equates to about $55,000 a year. Wolverine World Wides headquarters is located at 9341 Courtland Drive NE in Rockford. The global footwear and apparel company has been based in Rockford since 1883, and it currently employs 3,100 people worldwide. Seven-hundred-fifty of those workers are based in Michigan. The centerpiece of the $9 million renovation is a 40,000-square-foot space, known as The Factory. Completed this month, the area features floor-to-ceiling windows, 224 workstations, 31 meeting rooms, a cafe, and technology for product design, marketing and global collaboration. Employees from Wolverines two biggest brands, Saucony and Merrell, will work in the new space. The area was originally built in 1963 as a footwear factory before transitioning to offices in the 1990s. Were proud to have been founded 142 years ago here in West Michigan, and to still call Rockford our hometown today, Hufnagel said. The Factory further demonstrates our commitment to both growing our business and deepening our roots in this community. In addition to the MEDC, Wolverines expansion was also supported by The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group. The Right Place worked with the MEDC and helped organize state and local resources for the company. I am excited that Wolverine Worldwide is showing its confidence in the Grand Rapids area with this expansion, said Eric Icard, senior director of business development at The Right Place. While the company operates on a global scale, Rockford has been its home for over 140 years. This investment in its corporate headquarters reflects our regions capacity to attract and retain top-level talent. The MEDC said in a memo that Wolverine needed the $1 million business development grant to help attract and retain employees. The Company currently maintains facilities in the Boston area as well as Toronto, London, throughout Europe, South America, and Asia, which gives it access to a global pool of highly skilled, experienced, and qualified talent in the footwear marketing, design and development, innovation, and sales spaces, the memo said. Consolidating some of these global operations and investing in expansion opportunities in Rockford comes with the significant risk of not being able to attract the necessary talent needed to spur future growth. Under the terms of the $1 million MEDC grant, Wolverine must retain a minimum of 750 employees in Michigan, and meet the $9 million capital investment goal by February 29, 2028, according to the MEDC. Wolverines portfolio of brands includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Chaco, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hush Puppies, HYTEST, Merrell, Saucony, Stride Rite, Sweaty Betty and Wolverine. SUMMIT TWP., MI The father of a 15-year-old girl who was shot outside a home Friday afternoon says there was no break-in. He said the girl was there to end a dispute with another teen when she took a shotgun blast to the chest. She was knocking on the door and they shot her, the girls father, John Carvalho said. She was there to apologize and they shot her through a door. There was no break in. End of story. Police were called at 4:04 p.m. Friday, May 16, to the home on Page Avenue near Knapp Street, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office reported. Investigators spoke to the homeowner, and he admitted to shooting at a group of people he claimed were trying to break into his home, police said. An effort this week to reach the homeowner was unsuccessful. Jackson County Undersheriff Jeremy Barnett confirmed the homeowner, armed with a legally owned shotgun, fired at the teen through a door. This case is lot more complicated than it seems, and our detectives are still trying to piece everything together, Barnett said. At this point there appears to be a longstanding feud between the shooting victim and another teen girl at the home. Related: 15-year-old girl shot allegedly trying to break into home An app installed on Carvalhos daughters phone showed she arrived at the home at 4:03 p.m., leaving no time for her to allegedly break into the home when police were called at 4:04 p.m., Carvalho said. She was there less than a minute, got shot and her boyfriend rushed her to the hospital down the road, arriving at 4:08 p.m. So at what point did she have time to break in? It doesnt add up. This should have never happened, he said. The sheriffs office said the girl left before police arrived at the home. She has been at University of Michigan Healths C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor since Friday. She underwent three surgeries and is on life support while doctors work to save her life, Carvalho said Monday and by Tuesday, her condition was unchanged. She is unconscious with tubes down her throat and was to be put on dialysis because her kidneys are shutting down, he said. Police say it will take some time for them to determine what happened. The two teens seem to have been at odds with each other for weeks and were involved in an earlier fight. The other girl was injured and taken to the hospital, Barnett said. Carvalho admitted his daughter was in a fight last week at Jacksons Loomis Park, but contends she was only at the house to say she was sorry. He said the two got into a spat and were making disparaging comments online about each other all week. The home was damaged during a break-in reported earlier in the day. The homeowner claimed the teens he later shot at were the culprits. This made it unclear if the home was additionally damaged during the second alleged break-in, Barnett said. Carvalho said he does not know anything about an earlier break-in. No arrests have been made. The sheriffs office will send a report to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, and the office will review the case for any possible criminal charges. Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said it would be premature for her to comment on the facts of the case since she has not yet seen any report from police. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. Linda Stermer was sentenced to mandatory life in prison on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Van Buren County Circuit Court. Stermer was convicted in April of setting her family's house on fire and murdering her husband in January 2007. She had been found guilty of the acts once before in 2010, but was let out on appeal in December 2018. Her retrial lasted two weeks earlier this year. (MLive file photo) Joel Bissell | MLive.com VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI Linda Stermer was sentenced to life in prison for a second time on Monday, May 19. Stermer, now 60, was found guilty in April of killing her then-42-year-old husband Todd Stermer on Jan. 7, 2007, after setting the familys Lawrence Township home on file. SAGINAW COUNTY, MI A luxury boutique hotel is expected to open next year in Frankenmuth. Meanwhile, one of Saginaw Countys largest employers, Nexteer Automotive, recently announced that it laid off 80 workers. Here are those stories and other area business news you might have missed: Frankenmuths new luxury hotel The Mill to bring high-end lounge to Little Bavaria A luxury and boutique hotel is expected to open at the site of an old flour mill in Frankenmuth in early 2026. Its going to be Frankenmuths only luxury lodging facility. We think its going to be something special, Zehnders CEO and Chairman Albert Zehnder said. The Mill at Zehnder Park will feature four suites, each of which will have a fireplace, kitchenette, and a different theme. While it will replace the old mill, the hotel will keep its memory alive with possible themes like wheat and rust as well as historical photos of the mill. Under The Mill, visitors will be able to stop by the Landmark Lounge which will be open to the public and serve craft cocktails, zero-proof drinks, and small plates. Read the full story here. Nexteer Automotive cuts 80 jobs across Michigan facilities Nexteer automotive recently announced that it laid off a total of 80 workers at its plant in Buena Vista Township and its global headquarters in Auburn Hills. The layoffs represent a 2% reduction in the companys Michigan workforce, and the majority of its Michigan employees work in Buena Vista Township. In a statement, Nexteer Automotive Senior Vice President Herve Boyer said the tough decision is meant to better align with current industry demands. We are working with our affected employees to provide support services as well as separation packages to help them through this transition, he said in the statement. Read the full story here. Continuing the Irish bar tradition, this corner lot has deep roots in Saginaw An Irish themed bar and grill in Saginaw Township is now open at the site of the former Patty Flemings Irish Pub, which was forced to close several years ago due to a fire. Located at 6540 State Street, Hollys Bar & Grill is owned by Al and Holly Beaudin, and it has been open for about six months. The bar and grills menu features a variety of dishes, including soups, chicken wings, burgers, and flatbreads. I would describe it as a great place to eat, a great place to have fun and socialize and have a drink, Al Beaudin said. Even though its not the same building, theres still a lot of history. Read the full story here. This cottage bakery in Midland offers custom treats free of dye, dairy and eggs A Midland bakery is serving dye, dairy, and egg free custom, cakes, dessert bars, cookies, cupcakes, and more. Owned by Jaime Krueger, Simple Roots Baking Co. sells food-sensitive-friendly desserts, including gluten-free options. Ive baked my whole life, but I had never baked and decorated like a cake or anything like that, so Im completely self-taught, Krueger said. Kruegers natural approach to baking and idea to open the cottage bakery were inspired by her grandmother. Read the full story here. A Frankenmuth bar beat a Saginaw County competitor by just $3 in 2024 liquor sales With a total of $106,044, Frankenmuths Prost finished first on Saginaw Countys list for liquor sales in 2024, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commissions annual financial report. The report considers the amount of liquor establishments purchased from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Prost secured its first-place spot by generating just $3 more in liquor sales than Retro Rocks, which finished in second place for the county. Saginaw Townships Red Horse Tavern finished the year with $101,996 in liquor sales in 2024, earning it the countys third place spot. Read the full story here. Downtown retailers seek voice in Bay Citys Feet on the Street planning Two retailers located on Third Street in downtown Bay City are concerned about the impact the planned closure of the street for the citys upcoming Feet on the Street event will have on their businesses. Holly Lubkowski of Hollys House, a discount store, and Rock Windt of G.T. Homestead, a gift shop, are worried that the decrease nearby traffic could mean less customers. I just want to make sure that, No. 1, during the 9 to 5 (hours), that our customers have the convenience of patronizing our businesses with not a lot of obstacles, Windt said. Feet on the Street typically spans from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. During the event, streets are often closed to allow for additional outdoor seating at local businesses. Read the full story here. Mid-Michigan bridal shop closing doors after serving brides for more than four decades A bridal shop in Auburn that has been open since 1983 recently announced that it will begin the process of closing permanently in the next couple of months. Unique Bridal Boutique, 971 W. Midland Road, announced its plans to close in a post on Facebook last week. In the post, owner Pam Stieve cited her age and recent changes to the bridal industry as some of the reasons she has decided to close the shop after all these years. We are so grateful for all of the thousands of brides that gave Unique Bridal the honor of being a part of your wedding, she said in the post. We have made so many forever friends and made so many wonderful memories that we will always cherish. The family-owned bridal shop has already notified customers about its plans to close and has promised to fulfill any outstanding orders. Read the full story here. Bay County liquor sales: Which businesses topped the list in 2024? Jakes Corner Lounge in Bay City topped the countys list of liquor sale totals for 2024 with $122,862, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The lounge was ranked No. 350 for statewide liquor sales. The commissions sales reports are based on the total amount of liquor purchased from it by establishments Ranked No. 412 in statewide liquor sales, Double S Party Store in Kawkawlin was the only other establishment in Bay County with more than $100,000 in liquor sales in 2024. Read the full story here. Bay County pitch competition offers $11,000 in prizes to local entrepreneurs The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is providing local entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners with an opportunity to win a $11,000 cash prize. Applications for the organizations Business by the Bay Pitch Competition are available here and have been open since May 14 and must be completed by Aug. 13. Five finalists will pitch their ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience at John Glenn High School in November. Throughout the competition, participants will take part in in-person business training workshops and network with other entrepreneurs and small business owners. 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. A panel van police was involved in a fatal hit-and-run on Saginaw's East Side on Dec. 19, 2023. Cole Waterman SAGINAW, MI A Saginaw man is back in jail after spending months on the lam when he skipped his trial on charges of killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run. Douglas L. Gengler, 52, was scheduled to appear for trial Oct. 8 before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III. Prosecutors in May 2024 charged Gengler with failure to stop at a personal injury accident resulting in death, a five-year felony. The charge stems from the December 2023 death of Edward L. Fast Ed Nichols, 55. Kevin Delgado, a 40-year-old New York man, pleaded guilty to federal charges for threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on X, formerly known as Twitter. (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com) DETROIT, MI -- Kevin Delgado, a 40-year-old New York man, pleaded guilty to federal charges for threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on X, formerly known as Twitter. Nessel posted a photo to her X account on Oct. 21, 2023, that showed her and her friend, who had been murdered that day. The next day, Delgado posted a threatening reply to Nessels post, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Michigan. Delgado admitted that he threatened Nessel because of her religion and her perceived sexual orientation, according to the release. The federal government is dedicated to protecting all Americans against threats of violence. Everyone person has equal dignity, and our office will tirelessly work to protect them. And public officials must be free to exercise their office without fear, U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. The man pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. He will be sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds on Sept. 22, 2025. He faces up to 5 years in prison. Threatening public officials is both illegal and unacceptable. The hateful comments made by Mr. Delgado online were especially outrageous, said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who make these dangerous and harmful threats against officials dedicated to serving and protecting our communities. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson, according to the release. Harvey Weinstein has claimed Hollywood filmmakers still ask him for "notes" on their scripts. Harvey Weinstein has claimed people are still asking him for screenplay advice The disgraced producer - who is currently in jail after being found guilty of sex crimes - has insisted there are still people in the movie industry who come to him for advice on their work. In an interview with Candace Owen, he said: I have friends who are still in the industry who slip me their screenplays and ask me for notes. You know, can I do something for it? Can I help? Can I improve it? And I just give them my honest thoughts. "So Im not doing anything for me, but Im doing things for others. More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since 2017 Weinstein, 72, is currently serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted on rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles in 2022. He is also awaiting a retrial after his 2020 convictions in New York for first-degree criminal sexual assault and third-degree rape were overturned. In April 2024, the New York Court of Appeals vacated Weinsteins 2020 rape conviction, ruling the inclusion of testimony from three women not involved in the charges prejudiced the jury. Elsewhere in the new interview from jail, Weinstein has claimed he was "wrongfully convicted". He said: "I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I cheated on my wife. And that was a mistake, you know, a terrible mistake. But I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God, and the people watching now, and on my family. Last month, a judge allowed Weinstein to be moved from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital for the time being during his ongoing criminal retrial, as his legal team previously cited serious medical conditions. In a separate development, Weinstein was indicted in September on an additional charge of sexual assault. The allegation stems from an incident said to have occurred in a Manhattan hotel between 29 April and 6 May 2006. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, shown in this 2023 file photo at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, has resigned. She is an East Grand Rapids native. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool via AP) AP President Trumps stance on the Ukraine-Russian war prompted a Michigan woman to recently resign her role as U.S. Ambassador to Urkaine. Bridget Brink, a native of East Grand Rapids, announced in April she would resign. But it was only a few days ago she fully explained why in media interviews and an op-ed published in the Detroit Free Press. Brink said it was all about the Trump administrations tactics in trying to end the three-year-old war. Unfortunately, the policy since the beginning of the Trump administration has been to put pressure on the victim, Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia, she wrote in the op-ed. Brink is an East Grand Rapids High School graduate who later went on to earn a masters degree in international relations and political theory from the London School of Economics. RELATED: Go here for more of MLives coverage of Trump She began working for the U.S. Department of State in 1996 and served a variety of U.S. foreign policy roles in eastern European and western Asian countries. Brink became the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia in 2019 and then was appointed by former President Joe Biden as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine in early 2022. In her op-ed piece, Brink was blunt. I cannot stand by while a country is invaded, a democracy bombarded, and children killed with impunity. I believe that the only way to secure U.S. interests is to stand up for democracies and to stand against autocrats, she wrote. She went on to write: Peace at any price is not peace at all it is appeasement. And history has taught us time and again that appeasement does not lead to safety, security or prosperity. It leads to more war and suffering." Her resignation comes as Trump continues an effort to broker a ceasefire between the two countries. On Monday, he indicated Ukraine and Russian leaders would hold talks but it wasnt clear when or how they would happen. But even after speaking with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, both sides accused each other of launching attack drones overnight. Brink said the war has left many thousands dead, including children. In her op-ed, Brink talked about how her grandfather grew up in Charlotte and served in World War II. The America I love, the one our grandparents served, would never stand by and let such horrors happen. Or give up helping our friends. Or appease the aggressor, she wrote. Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested federal aid to help northern Michigan communities recover and rebuild from crippling ice storms in March. Whitmer submitted the major disaster declaration request on Friday, May 16. If approved by President Donald Trump, it would unlock millions of dollars in federal aid for 12 counties impacted by the storms. The ice storms in March hit Northern Michigan hard, and we need a major disaster declaration from the federal government to help families, small businesses and communities recover and rebuild, Whitmer said. After the storm, Im proud of the way that Michiganders came together, like we always do. Im grateful to the first responders, the line workers and the countless kind-hearted neighbors who went the extra mile to help those in need. Now, we need to get resources out the door and into peoples pockets as fast as possible. I already brought this up in my meeting with the president, and I hope he approves our request. The ice storms in late March brought significant damage to communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The storms knocked out power and communications, damaged property and blocked hundreds of miles of roadways with debris and fallen trees. Local, state and federal officials conducted damage assessments between April 22 and May 6. Based on the findings, state officials determined the damage met the threshold to request federal assistance. State and federal authorities estimated the damage to public property and infrastructure at $137 million, according to Michigan State Police. The estimate does not include damage to private property. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will now review Whitmers request for aid and advise Trump on whether he should issue the major disaster declaration. A major disaster declaration would potentially unlock millions of dollars to assist impacted homeowners and renters and reimburse local governments, certain nonprofits and tribal agencies for response costs, debris removal and damaged infrastructure repair. Under a major disaster declaration, FEMA would reimburse 75% of eligible costs, with the state or local governments providing the remaining 25%. Lawmakers in April gave initial approval to allocate $75 million in state dollars toward disaster relief efforts that would count as the states match. At the time, lawmakers said the state could potentially secure up to $225 million in federal funds if the bill is approved and a federal disaster declaration is issued. The state was required to request the major disaster declaration from FEMA within 30 days of the disasters conclusion. However, the extent of damage and recovery efforts delayed some local governments in completing the initial damage assessments needed for the major disaster declaration request. This led Whitmer to ask for an extension to the deadline. The response and recovery from this event required tremendous cooperation and support from locals, the state, volunteer agencies and private industry, Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said in a statement. We will continue to support all recovery efforts to the best of our ability while working to ensure local communities have access to the financial support they need. A major disaster declaration is different from the presidential emergency declaration Whitmer requested from President Trump in April. If Trump issues that declaration, it would unlock up to $5 million in federal assistance to help with debris removal and other efforts. Whitmer has previously declared a state of emergency for the region that directs various state resources to assist with the cleanup and restoration efforts. The Michigan National Guard was also deployed to the region to help with recovery efforts. Editors note: This story has been corrected to show the property was formerly owned by the Houghton County Land Bank and was not a former bank. An old Upper Peninsula land bank property, vacant for over a decade, will be redeveloped into housing with the help of state funding. The Michigan Strategic Fund awarded developer T&J Properties of Chassell, Inc. a $1.5 million grant to support the development in Houghton County during its Tuesday, May 20 meeting. The $4.5 million investment will transform a blighted Mercantile Chassell site into a mixed-use space with 22 housing units. Jeff Ratcliffe, the executive director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, said the project is important to Chassell Township, a small community on the shores of Portage Lake. It provides housing that is in short supply, he told the Michigan Strategic Fund board. It will provide older residents with a better housing options with the potential for freeing up their single-family homes for young families. It will help foster additional new developments in the area, and it will build on the townships significant investments in recreational infrastructure nearby. Related: Sizeable housing project aims to grow small Upper Peninsula town T&J Properties plans to redevelop two adjacent properties in downtown Chassell, including the former Mercantile land bank site thats been vacant since 2012. It was previously a historic general store and community gathering place. One parcel, containing a partially demolished building, was formerly owned by the Houghton County Land Bank. The new three-story building will have 16 one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments. It will also have commercial space, that will likely be leased to a restaurant operator, and 29 covered parking spaces. Rents will range from $1,000 to $1,400 a month and be geared toward those earning 70% to 90% of the area median income, or between $49,420 and $63,540 for a two-person household. Dan Palosaari, the owner of T&J Properties and DP Construction, is spearheading the project. As a lifelong Chassell resident who has worked in the construction industry for 42 years, Palosaari says hes seen the need for housing in the area. The blighted area has been a problem for the township and residents for the past 10 plus years, he said. I am getting to the end of my construction career. I feel the need to do something great for Chassell and the entire area. Palosaari says he will be investing 20% in this project alongside bank financing. The Chassell community is also backing the development with a $100,000 low-interest loan and $387,762 of future tax revenue captured through the a local redevelopment tax incentive tool. Construction is expected to start this summer and be finished by spring 2026. Related: U.P.s remote lifestyle draws new talent. Is there enough housing for them? When complete, the project will add much-needed housing to the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority estimates the entire state is short about about 190,000 units to keep up with demand. But the Upper Peninsula has the highest number of city leaders concerned about housing, with 59% reporting a lack of single-family housing and 61% reporting a shortage of multi-family housing in their communities. A survey conducted by InvestUP, an economic development organization, also found that a lack of affordable housing is the top challenge for the region. InvestUP has been involved in other efforts to boost the housing stock through its development fund, Build U.P. This has included converting the former Chippewa County Courthouse Annex in Sault Ste. Marie into 11 apartments, adding 68 housing units to Crystal Falls, transforming an old MBank headquarters in Manistique into a mixed-use space and partnering with local schools to construct five new homes. 'One Day' star Ambika Mod says "people are starting to believe in a more equal future for women in film". Ambika Mod at the Mastercard Women in Film panel in Cannes The 29-year-old actress-and-comedian - who plays Emma Morley in the Netflix romantic drama series - attended the Mastercard Women in Film panel in Cannes last weekend which was led by Beatrice Cornacchia, EVP Marketing and Communications APEMEA at Mastercard to discuss the state of the industry and whats next for women in film. Film director Nisha Ganatra also participated. Ambika can see the "positive shift" in the industry when it comes to equal opportunities for woman in film but insists there is more work to be done, especially when it comes to jobs behind the camera. She said: Its great to see such a positive shift on screen, as the new research from Mastercard reflects. "Theres a real sense that change is taking hold, and that people are starting to believe in a more equal future for women in film. Its something Ive seen in my own experience, progress is happening, and doors are starting to open. "But the findings are also a timely reminder that were not there yet - especially when it comes to behind-the-scenes roles. If we want lasting change, we need to make sure opportunities exist not just in front of the camera but across every part of the industry. The panel follows research from Mastercard which found that despite 48 per cent of women in film believing progress is going backwards, three quarters are confident the next generation will have more opportunities than they did. Despite a growing cultural spotlight on female storytelling and representation, Mastercards newly released Women in Film research reveals that aspiring and current female filmmakers across the UK face stark career barriers yet remain hopeful for the future of the industry. Commissioned by Mastercard in May 2025, the research provides a candid snapshot of the evolving landscape for female creatives across UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Poland. Its release coincides with Mastercards proud sponsorship of the Cannes Film Festival for the 10th consecutive year, as part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing the future of film in Europe. Surveying 1,000 women across the UK who are either working in film or aspiring to do so, the survey found that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) are choosing an alternative career path instead. This jumps to almost half (43 per cent) when surveying respondents across Europe. The participants cite a lack of confidence and fear of failure (38 per cent), not knowing anyone in the industry (34 per cent) and limited access to funding and resources (22 per cent) as the top reasons why. Almost half of UK respondents (48 per cent) feel progress for women in film is reversing, with 58 per cent citing a rise in more subtle barriers compared to five years ago. This is in part due to the belief that while representation of women on screen has improved, behind-the-scenes roles still lack parity (74 per cent) and that there is more pressure on women to prove themselves than their male counterparts. Despite this, there is optimism for the future of women in film. Three quarters (75 per cent) agree that opportunities for women in leadership roles such as directing and producing have improved and a similar number believe women are being heard more in creative and decision-making spaces in the industry (72 per cent). Over three quarters (76 per cent) feel confident that the next generation will have more opportunities in the film industry than previous generations. This belief is driven by young people being more socially conscious and driven to tell authentic stories (41 per cent), as well as greater access to film education (38 per cent), easier access to tools and platforms for creating and sharing content (36 per cent) and increased representation of diverse voices and stories (34 per cent). Access to the arts and film early on in life arises as a key contributor to opportunities and access for women in film. A third (33 per cent) of respondents agree that creative programs being introduced in schools earlier gives them confidence for generations to come, and a fifth (21 per cent) saying early access to film education in school helped them pursue a career in film. Cornacchia, EVP Marketing and Communications APEMEA at Mastercard, said: "At Mastercard, we believe stories shape culture, and empowering more women to tell theirs is essential for a thriving, representative film industry. This research shines a spotlight on the challenges still faced by women- particularly those just starting out- and makes clear that access, visibility and support remain key barriers to progress. Meaningful investment, mentorship and structural change are not optional; they are urgent and necessary steps toward unlocking the full creative potential of this generation. The research carried out by Mastercard also revealed the most inspirational female role models in the industry: Top 10 Most Inspiring Women in Film: Emma Watson Natalie Portman Viola Davis Lupita Nyongo Keira Knightley Salma Hayek Sofia Coppola Penelope Cruz Charlize Theron Monica Bellucci MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey 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 MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Archisha 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. 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 Palak Vij 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 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 Former actress Jessica Mann reveals Harvey Weinstein raped her after allegedly taking erectile shot: The monster side would come out" 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 From Fat to Fittest: Jr NTRs journey to physical transformation and who inspired him to do that Palak Vij 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 Taylor Hawkins' son Shane Hawkins has dispelled rumours he's replacing Josh Freese in Foo Fighters. Shane Hawkins isn't replacing Josh Freese in Foo Fighters The 52-year-old drummer joined the 'Best of You' rockers in 2023 following the death of Taylor the previous year. He was let go over the weekend with "no reason" given. Rumours were rife that Shane would be stepping behind the kit for Dave Grohl and co, however, he's actually about to embark on a tour with his late father's covers band, Chevy Metal, in July. The run kicks off on July 19, and concludes on August 31. Sharing the tour poster on Instagram, Shane said: "@chevy_metal gunna be a blast. (sic)" Josh just joked he got "booted" from Foo Fighters for whistling 'My Hero' too much. He shared a tongue-in-cheek list of the "top 10 possible reasons Freese got booted from the Foos". From 10 to one, he quipped he "once whistled 'My Hero' for a week solid on tour" and "could only name one Fugazi song". At number eight, he joked: "Two words: polyrhythms." He teased that his "metronome-like precision behind the kit" had been deemed "soulless", and joked that he "demanded" they start every rehearsal with a 20-minute "cowbell sound bath". Referencing Dave Grohl's iconic look, Josh quipped he "never even once tried growing a beard", and that he "didn't show up to the studio because Mercury was in retrograde". Offering other potential reasons for his exit, he joked that he "promised" The Offspring's Noodles that he "could be 4th guitarist", and "refused to perform unless he was guaranteed a Ouija board and nunchucks after every show". In the number one spot, he teased that "the whole poodle thing was getting to be a bit much". Josh previously insisted no reason was given for his firing. He wrote on Instagram: The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know theyve decided to go in a different direction with their drummer. "No reason was given. :( Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. In my 40 years of drumming professionally, Ive never been let go from a band, so while Im not angry just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know Ive always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, Im fine. Stay tuned for my Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters list. Foo Fighters have just announced a series of shows in Japan and Indonesia later this year. The 'Learn to Fly' rockers will also headline the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore. The latter gig at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, on October 4, marks their first concert since August 2024. Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR's War 2 teaser out soon, what to expect from the actioner Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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 Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron scandal leads to 10 police investigations in just 3 months: Report Palak Vij 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 Paresh Rawal reveals the real reason for quitting Hera Pheri 3: Babu Bhaiya's role that I don't want to do M Snehanjali 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 Randeep Hooda to lead in film Operation Khukri based on 'Indian Armys most daring mission' 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 Sharmila Tagore makes an elegant comeback to Cannes in a green saree, Simi Garewal is in her signature white at 'Aranyer Din Ratri' screening Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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 Sai Dhanshika, the to-be wife of Tamil actor Vishal? Palak Vij 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 Amid Trumps diktat to Cook, India doubles down on push for Apple to boost iPhone local value addition Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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 Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India. J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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. 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 Coronation Street and Doctor Who actor Michael McStay has died aged 92. Coronation Street and Doctor Who actor Michael McStay has died aged 92 A representative for Michael confirmed the veteran performer was killed by heart failure on Sunday (18.05.25), having spent his final moments surrounded by family. A spokesperson said: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades. Born in 1932, Michael had a long and prolific career in television, theatre, film and radio, beginning in the 1950s. He gained national recognition for his role in the long-running detective series No Hiding Place, and later appeared in numerous British television staples including Doctor Who, Blunt, Thatcher: The Final Days, The Avengers and The Persuaders!. His final television appearance came in 2011, when he portrayed Alan Hoyle in Coronation Street, taking over the role from John Woodvine during a significant storyline involving the character John Stape. Michael also appeared in several films, including the 1967 crime drama Robbery, directed by Peter Yates. Alongside acting, he was a talented writer, penning a string of plays for BBC Radio 4 as well as the ITV sitcom Pull the Other One in 1984. Fans shared their grief on social media following the announcement of his death. One wrote: Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away. Absolutely adored him in Corrie as Alan Hoyle in the John Stape storyline. Both him and the late Jean Fergusson were brilliant in the basement episode. Another tribute read: Someone else I had the pleasure of meeting again yesterday was Michael McStay who at 91 was as sharp and witty to chat with as a man half his age. Michael studied Drama, French and Philosophy at Bristol University, later performing in 13 one-hour episodes of the French series Le Mari de LAmbassadeur. He also served two years in the military. In 1967, Michael married fellow actor Jennifer Clulow, now 81, known for roles in The Avengers, Keeping Up Appearances and No Hiding Place. Even though Michael stepped back from public life in his later years, he remained deeply reflective about his career. Speaking on Toby Hadokes Happy Times and Places podcast, Michael said he had no regrets about roles he missed out on including James Bond instead expressing contentment with his personal life. He said: I wouldnt swap my family for all the success in the world. 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. 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 Despite trade restrictions, Numaligarh Refinery expects to nearly double diesel exports to Bangladesh Shubhangi Mathur 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 Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 Ishaan Gera USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sweta Goswami 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 Adrija Chatterjee 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 Ankit Saproo 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 Surabhi Pandey 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 Reshab Shaw 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 Made in India for the world: India aims for defence exports to rise to Rs 30,000 crore in FY26 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 Hannah Kobayashi might soon be sharing more information surrounding her voluntary disappearance to Mexico and the resulting nationwide search for her that included her own father's suicide. In November 2024, Kobayashi, 30, was traveling from Hawaii to New York when she missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles. Surveillance video later showed her at LA's Grove Market and near the stadium where the LA Lakers play, some footage indicating she wasn't alone. This has led the family to fear she may have been trafficked. However, later, it would be revealed that she had voluntarily traveled to Mexico. Kobayashi indicated on social media that she might be sharing more information about what happened and why. "Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it," Kobayashi told SFGATE over Instagram. "I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless we've walked in their shoes." "You don't know the whole story. My intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me," Kobayashi wrote in an earlier post on social media, according to SFGATE. "I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment." Back in November, Kobayashi family members descended on L.A., launching a search and pressuring authorities to find her. A GoFundMe page to help the family in its search also was established. The search took a tragic turn when Hannah's father, Ryan, 58, killed himself Nov. 24. His body was found in a parking lot near LAX. Authorities believe he jumped from a parking garage and ruled the death a suicide. Police later determined that Hannah had voluntarily gone to Mexico on Nov. 12. "We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know that she is safe," Police Chief McDonnell said Dec. 2. "She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand that the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her." The family later addressed Hannah's statement with an updated on the GoFundMe page: "We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us. We are turning donations off, and any donor who would like a refund can submit a claim by December 18th, and it will be honored." Originally published on Lawyer Herald This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer Alpha Desk 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 Brokers get clarity on investments in group businesses as Centre amends securities contract rules Rohit Singh 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 Rohit Singh 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 Is today's fall a healthy pullback or are markets heading lower? Here's what experts say Paras Bisht 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 Top gainers and losers today: Stocks that moved the most on May 20 Khushi Keswani 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 Musk says hes committed to being Tesla CEO for next five years 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 More than half of India's mutual fund assets concentrated in top 5 cities: AMFI data Debaroti Adhikary 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 What happens to your digital life after you die? Why planning your online legacy is important Manisha Lal Khandpur 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 Shiladitya Pandit 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 Statement delivered by the Hon Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, at the General Discussion of the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025 Thank you Mr. President, I congratulate you on your election as the President of this Assembly. Sri Lanka appreciates DGs report, timely theme One World for Health which is an opportune agenda for Sri Lanka and whole Global Community. We have faced many challenges during the past half century and recovering from recent economic turmoil with the strength of the public together with global goodwill and assistance. As a country, we appreciate the connectedness, opportunities and health benefits that united Global action enablers. Our government policy A thriving nation: a beautiful life is also aligned with One world for health, and the need for concerted action to be back on track on the SDGs. Mr. President, Sri Lanka had Out Patient Department visits of 3 times of its population in 2023, therefore to leave no one behind, we have embarked on comprehensive primary health care reforms. The main objective of this reform is to prevent bypassing of primary health institutions which is a challenge in health service delivery in Sri Lanka. I stress the need to address the concerns due to health workforce migration affecting global health. During the years 2022 to 2025, 726-Consultants and 1,116- Medical Officers have gone abroad. Sri Lanka has had to bear significant financial losses after investing to produce our own health professionals. We believe destination countries too need to be more responsible and we call for effective and invigorated implementation of the WHO code for International recruitment of Health personnel. Achieving Sustainable Financing for Health requires increased investment in health, especially to build resilience against challenges we are presently facing: debt, disease & devaluation. Whilst we collaborate across sectors and disciplines our Government is committed to protect the nations health. I look forward to the insightful deliberations of honoured delegates and welcome strengthening of One World for Health. Ayubowan - May you live long. Thank you Amid row, Centre says never asked Opposition parties to send names for Operation Sindoor delegations 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. 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 Priyanjali Ghose 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 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 Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad sent to judicial custody, next hearing on May 27 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 Smriti Mishra 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 BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'Mir Jafar': Who is the historical figure whose tainted legacy is being invoked amid tensions with Pak Priyanjali Ghose 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 BJP calls us anti-national whenever we ask tough questions, says Congress 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 Armaan Bhatnagar 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 J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Armaan Bhatnagar 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 Congress divided over Rahul Gandhi's line of attack on Jaishankar: 'Problematic...stretching it too far' 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. 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 'If US can extradite terrorists, why cant ...?': Indian envoy to Israel demands Pakistan hand over terror leaders 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 In BJP's model money is in hands of select rich, while Cong gives to poor: Rahul Gandhi 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 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 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 Indian Army decimated military infra in PoK's Leepa Valley: 'Retaliation was so devastating that ...' Armaan Bhatnagar 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 'Jyoti Malhotra showed no remorse': Police on Haryana YouTuber arrested for spying for Pakistan Priyanjali Ghose 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 Little mutual respect between ruling party and Opposition: Shashi Tharoor on distressing pattern after Pahalagam attack Priyanjali Ghose 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 Mission 2027: CM Yogi Adityanath to oversee audit of all sitting BJP MLAs ahead of UP polls 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. 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 Pakistan behind 40 years of terror: India firms up message for Operation Sindoor global outreach 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 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 We will not stay silent: Congress files defamation case against BJP's Amit Malviya 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. 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 Yogi govt plans Madrasa overhaul in UP: What are the proposed education reforms? Priyanjali Ghose 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 China doctor asks women to look at muscular men to boost mood, relieve stress: Report 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 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 French restaurateur boiled body in Nepal-inspired ritual' after killing neighbour in robbery gone wrong Shubhi Mishra 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 Sheetal Kumari 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 Cognizant mandates WFH in Bengaluru after rains batter city; other IT firms yet to declare Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Reshab Shaw 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 400 series scheduled to launch in China next week, to come with large capacity batteries Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Shaurya Shubham 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 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 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. 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 VCs hail RBIs proposal to allow banks and NBFCs to invest up to 15% in AIFs 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 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. 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 Brussels, Belgium (PANA) The European Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament about a decision to grant 4 billion of macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Egypt Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Abhinav Gupta 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 China calls Pakistan its 'ironclad friend' as Ishaq Dar admits use of Chinese jets against India Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept China's Jiu Tuan can unleash over 100 drones at once: Here's how it could redefine the rules of war Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How Trump landed 'free' Boeing jet from Qatar & why experts think 'it's ridiculous': Inside story Armaan Bhatnagar 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 Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Israel expands ground offensive in Gaza as pressure builds on Hamas and humanitarian crisis deepens Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Microsoft offers Elon Musks xAI models to Azure customers in shift away from OpenAI exclusivity Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nvidia doubles down on Taiwan with AI supercomputer as US trade pressure mounts Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Following an official plenary session, the Libyan House of Representatives (Parliament) decided to appoint a new Prime Minister to form a government whose main task will be to organise presidential and parliamentary elections in the country 'Ukraine truce talks to start immediately': Trump | Highlights of his phone calls with Putin, Zelensky Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The race to replace Jamie Dimon heats up at JPMorgan investor day Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US Senate confirms Trump nominee Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France Surabhi Pandey 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 Weather Alert ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Urban area, stream, and river flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues, with the potential for isolated rock falls and landslides in some areas. * WHERE...Portions of central, southern, and western West Virginia, including the following counties, in central West Virginia, Clay and Nicholas. In southern West Virginia, Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh and Wyoming. In western West Virginia, Wayne. * WHEN...Until 700 PM EST. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams and rivers continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Isolated rock falls and landslides remain possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 441 PM EST, Doppler radar indicated rain moving across portions of the warned area, with additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches possible. Flooding is already occurring in the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen thus far. As a result of the saturated ground, rock falls and landslides have been reported in some locations. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Beckley, Williamson, Madison, Fayetteville, Welch, Logan, Pineville, Babcock State Park, Oak Hill, Montgomery, Mullens, Chesapeake, Marmet, Mount Hope, Mabscott, Ansted, Oceana, Sophia, Belle and Chapmanville. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The saturated ground has produced conditions ripe for rock slides and landslides on steep slopes around the area. Residents with homes on or at the base of hillsides should be aware of the potential for landslides and watch for trees leaning in unusual orientations, water and mud seepage where not expected, and other signs of potential ground movement. Report flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 800 401 9535, when you can do so safely. && Blog Archive: Jul 2025 (25) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Thank you for using this service, which is owned by CNHI LLC or one of its affiliates or subsidiaries (collectively CNHI, we, us, or our). Effective Date September 1, 2017 Your Acceptance of These Terms of Use Your Acceptance of Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Sale Your Consent to Other Agreements Ownership of this Site and its Content Trademarks Responsibility for User-Generated Content Posted on or Through this Site Removal of Content Your Feedback Your Obligations Disclaimers Limitation of Liability Links to Third-Party Websites Modification and Discontinuation Waiver Severability Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Venue Indemnity These Terms of Use May Change Entire Agreement Definitions Questions Generally Applicable Terms SUBSCRIPTION SALES Processing of your payment Pricing Billing Unpaid Charges Promotions Cancellation and Refunds MERCHANDISE SALES AND OTHER ORDERS Your Order Delivery of your Order Cancellations Return policy Contact Us Your Acceptance of These Terms of Use These Terms of Use apply to all users of this Site. By using this Site you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these Terms of Use, you may not access or use this Site. Your Acceptance of Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Sale By agreeing to these Terms of Use, you agree to our Terms of Sale (below) and the terms of our Privacy Policy, which are expressly incorporated herein. Before using this Site, please carefully review our Terms of Sale and Privacy Policy. All purchases you make through this Site will be governed by our Terms of Sale. All personal information provided to us as a result of your use of this Site will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. To the extent there are inconsistencies between these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, these Terms of Use control. Your Consent to Other Agreements When you sign up to use a special feature of this Site, you may be asked to agree to special terms governing your use of the special feature. In such cases, you may be asked to expressly consent to the special terms, for example, by checking a box or clicking on a button marked I agree. This type of agreement is known as a click-through agreement. If any of the terms of the click-through agreement are different than the terms of these Terms of Use, the terms of the click-through agreement will supplement or amend these Terms of Use, but only with respect to the matters governed by the click-through agreement. Ownership of this Site and its Content This Site, including all its Content are protected under applicable intellectual property and other laws, including without limitation the laws of the United States and other countries. All Content and intellectual property rights therein are the property of CNHI or the material is included with the permission of the rights owner and is protected pursuant to applicable copyright and trademark laws. The presence of any Content on this Site does not constitute a waiver of any right in such Content. You do not acquire ownership rights to any such Content viewed through this Site. Except as otherwise provided herein, none of this Content may be used, copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, modified, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without our express prior written permission. Permission is hereby granted to the extent necessary to lawfully access and use this Site and to display, download, or print portions of this Site on a temporary basis and for your personal, educational, noncommercial use only, provided that you (i) do not modify the Content; (ii) you retain any and all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the Content; and (iii) you do not copy or post the Content on any network computer or broadcast the Content in any media. Trademarks The CNHI names and logos, all product and service names, all graphics, all button icons, and all trademarks, service marks and logos appearing within this Site, unless otherwise noted, are trademarks (whether registered or not), service marks and/or trade dress of CNHI (the CNHI marks). All other trademarks, product names, company names, logos, service marks and/or trade dress mentioned, displayed, cited or otherwise indicated within this Site are the property of their respective owners. You are not authorized to display or use the CNHI marks in any manner without our prior written permission. You are not authorized to display or use trademarks, product names, company names, logos, service marks and/or trade dress of other owners featured within this Site without the prior written permission of such owners. The use or misuse of the CNHI marks or other trademarks, product names, company names, logos, service marks and/or trade dress or any other materials contained herein, except as permitted herein, is expressly prohibited. Responsibility for User-Generated Content Posted on or Through this Site You are responsible for User-Generated Content that you post. Under no circumstances will we be liable in any way for any UGC. This means that you, not CNHI, are entirely responsible for all UGC that you post and that you can be held personally liable for comments that are defamatory, obscene, or libelous, or that violate these Terms of Use, an obligation of confidentiality, or the rights of others. If any part of the UGCyou post is not your original work, it is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission to post it. Because we do not control the UGC posted on or through this Site, we cannot and do not warrant or guarantee the truthfulness, integrity, suitability, or quality of that UGC. You also agree and understand that by accessing this Site, you may encounter UGC that you may consider to be objectionable. We have no responsibility for any UGC, including without limitation any errors or omissions therein. We are not liable for any loss or damage of any kind you may claim was incurred as a result of the use of any UGC posted, emailed, transmitted or otherwise made available on or through this Site. The UGCposted on or through this Site expresses the personal opinions of the individuals who posted it and does not necessarily reflect the views of CNHI or any person or entity associated with CNHI. You own User-Generated Content, but we may use it. You own the copyright in any original UGC you post. We do not claim any copyrights in UGC. However, by using this Site you are granting us and our subsidiaries, affiliates, successors and assigns, a nonexclusive, fully paid, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, transferable license (with the right to sublicense through unlimited levels of sublicensees) to use, copy, modify, distribute, publicly display and perform, publish, transmit, remove, retain repurpose, and commercialize UGC you post in any and all media or form of communication whether now existing or hereafter developed, without obtaining additional consent, without restriction, notification, or attribution, and without compensating you in any way, and to authorize others to do the same. For this reason, we ask that you not post any UGC that you do not wish to license to us, including any photographs, videos, confidential information, or product ideas. We may disclose and/or remove User-Generated Content. CNHI has certain rights. We have the right (but do not assume the obligation) to: monitor all UGC; require that you avoid certain subjects; remove or block any UGC at any time without notice at our sole and absolute discretion; disclose any UGC and the identity of the user who posted it in response to a subpoena or whenever we believe that disclosure is appropriate to comply with the law or a court order, to prevent or investigate a possible crime or other violation of law, to protect the rights of CNHI or others, or to enforce these Terms of Use; and terminate your access to and use of this Site, or to modify, edit or block your transmissions thereto in our sole discretion. You agree that our exercise of such discretion shall not render us the owners of UGC you post, and that you will retain ownership thereof as described above. Restrictions on User-Generated Content. It is a condition of these Terms of Use that you do not: upload, post, transmit or otherwise make available any UGC that is unlawful, harmful, hateful, threatening, abusive, harassing, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, racially disparaging, indecent, or invasive of anothers privacy; any UGC that constitutes or encourages activity illegal under criminal or civil law; any UGC that is false, misleading, or fraudulent; any UGC that you do not have a right to make available under any law or under contractual or fiduciary relationships (such as inside information or proprietary and confidential information learned or disclosed as part of employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements); any UGC that violates or infringes upon the rights of others, including UGC which violates the patent rights, copyrights, trademark rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, trade secret rights, confidentiality rights, contract rights, or any other rights of any individual, living or deceased, or any legal entity; any UGC that contains the image, name or likeness of anyone other than yourself, unless (i) that person is at least eighteen years old and you have first obtained his/her express permission or (ii) that person is under eighteen years old but you are his/her parent or legal guardian; any request for or solicitation of any personal or private information from any individual; any request for or solicitation of money, goods, or services for private gain; any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment; or any UGC that contains advertising, promotions or marketing, or which otherwise has a commercial purpose; impersonate any person or entity or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity; or violate any local, state, national or international law, rule or regulation. By posting User-Generated Content, you represent and warrant that (i) you own or otherwise control all of the rights to the UGC and have the right to grant the license set forth in these Terms of Use; (ii) the UGC is accurate, and (iii) you have read and understood-and your UGC fully complies with-these Terms of Use and applicable laws and will not cause injury to any person or entity. Removal of Content In general. You can seek removal of objectionable UGC by contacting us using the information found on the home page of this site. We will review all such requests and will remove UGC that we determine should be removed, in our sole discretion and in accordance with these Terms of Use and applicable law. Please be aware, however, that if the UGC has already been distributed to other websites or published in other media, we will not be able to recapture and delete it. Also, a back-up or residual copy of the UGC we remove from this Site may remain on back-up servers. Violation of copyrights. CNHI does not knowingly violate or permit others to violate the copyrights of others. We will promptly remove or disable access to material that we know is infringing or if we become aware of circumstances from which infringing activity is apparent. If you are requesting removal of content because of a violation of your copyrights, please note that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (the DMCA) provides recourse for copyright owners who believe that material appearing on the Internet infringes their rights under U.S. copyright law. If you believe that your own work, or the work of a third party for whom you are authorized to act, is featured on this Site or has been otherwise copied and made available on this Site in a manner that constitute copyright infringement, please notify us immediately. Your notice must be in writing and must include: an electronic or physical signature of the copyright owner or of the person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright interest; a description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed; a description of where the material that you claim is infringing is located on this Site (including the URL, title and/or item number if applicable, or other identifying characteristics); your name, address, telephone number, and email address, and, if you are not the owner of the copyright, the name of the owner; and a written statement by you that you have a good-faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and a statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the copyright owners behalf. Your statement must be addressed as follows: General Counsel, CNHI, 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 7000, Montgomery, AL 36104 Any notification by a copyright owner or a person authorized to act on its behalf that fails to comply with requirements of the DMCA shall not be considered sufficient notice and shall not be deemed to confer upon us actual knowledge of facts or circumstances from which infringing material or acts are evident. Your Feedback Although we do not claim ownership of User-Generated Content you post using this Site, the Feedback you provide to us through this Site will be and remain our exclusive property. Your submission of Feedback will constitute an assignment to us of all worldwide rights, title and interests in your Feedback, including all copyrights and other intellectual property rights in your Feedback. We will be entitled to reduce to practice, exploit, make, use, copy, disclose, display or perform publicly, distribute, improve and modify any Feedback you submit for any purpose whatsoever, without restriction and without compensating you in any way. For this reason, we ask that you not send us any Feedback that you do not wish to assign to us. Your Obligations In consideration of your use of this Site, you agree that to the extent you provide personal information to CNHI it will be true, accurate, current, and complete and that you will update all personal information as necessary. To the extent you create an account through this Site, you understand and agree that any account you create, including your username and password, are personal to you and may not be used by anyone else. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your username and password by you or by anyone else using your username and password, whether or not authorized by you. You agree to change your password immediately if you believe your password may have been compromised or used without authorization. You also agree to immediately inform us of any apparent breaches of security such as loss, theft or unauthorized disclosure or use of your username or password by contacting us using the information found on the home page of this site. Until we are so notified you will remain liable for any unauthorized use of your account. You agree to use this Site in a manner consistent with any and all applicable rules and regulations. You agree not to upload or transmit through this Site any computer viruses, trojan horses, worms or anything else designed to interfere with, interrupt or disrupt the normal operating procedures of a computer. Any unauthorized modification, tampering or change of any information, or any interference with the operation, hosting, or availability of or access to this Site is strictly prohibited, including any attempt to bypass any content management services or Site security. We reserve all rights and remedies available to us. DISCLAIMERS WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS SITE OR ITS CONTENT, OR ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE AVAILABLE ON OR PROMOTED THROUGH THIS SITE. THIS SITE AND ALL OF ITS CONTENT (INCLUDING USER-GENERATED CONTENT) ARE PROVIDED ON AN AS IS, AS AVAILABLE BASIS, WITHOUT REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CNHI, ITS AFFILIATES, AND THEIR SERVICE PROVIDERS AND LICENSORS DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, ARISING BY STATUTE, CUSTOM, COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE OR IN ANY OTHER WAY, WITH RESPECT TO THIS SITE, ITS CONTENT, AND ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES AVAILABLE OR PROMOTED THROUGH THIS SITE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, CNHI, ITS AFFILIATES, AND THEIR SERVICE PROVIDERS AND LICENSORS DISCLAIM ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES (A) OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; (B) RELATING TO THE SECURITY OF THIS SITE; (C) THAT THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE IS ACCURATE, COMPLETE OR CURRENT; OR (D) THAT THIS SITE WILL OPERATE SECURELY OR WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OR ERROR. WE DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THIS SITE, ITS SERVERS, OR ANY TRANSMISSIONS SENT FROM US OR THROUGH THIS SITE WILL BE FREE OF ANY HARMFUL COMPONENTS (INCLUDING VIRUSES). CNHI does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice and opinions made by anyone other than authorized CNHI spokespersons. WE DO NOT ENDORSE AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY statements, advice or opinions CONTAINED IN USER-GENERATED CONTENT AND SUCH statements, advice AND opinions DO NOT IN ANY WAY REFLECT THE STATEMENTS, ADVICE AND OPINIONS OF CNHI. WE DO NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF DELETION, MISDELIVERY OR FAILURE TO STORE COMMUNICATIONS, PERSONALIZED SETTINGS, OR OTHER DATA. YOU ACCEPT THAT OUR SHAREHOLDERS, OWNERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES SHALL HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THIS CLAUSE. APPLICABLE LAW MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, SO ALL OR PART OF THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAWS WE, ON BEHALF OF OUR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS, EXCLUDE AND DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSSES AND EXPENSES OF WHATEVER NATURE AND HOWSOEVER ARISING INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, GENERAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; LOSS OF USE; LOSS OF DATA; LOSS CAUSED BY A VIRUS; LOSS OF INCOME OR PROFIT; LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY; CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES; OR OTHER LOSSES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS SITE. YOU ASSUME TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ESTABLISHING SUCH PROCEDURES FOR DATA BACK UP AND VIRUS CHECKING AS YOU CONSIDER NECESSARY. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER BASIS. IF ANY PART OF THIS LIMITATION ON LIABILITY IS FOUND TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE FOR ANY REASON, THEN THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES FOR LIABILITIES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIMITED SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN DOLLARS ($10.00). This Site gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from country to country. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain kinds of limitations or exclusions of liability, so the limitations and exclusions set out in these Terms of Use may not apply to you. Other jurisdictions allow limitations and exclusions subject to certain conditions. In such a case the limitations and exclusions set out in these Terms of Use shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of such applicable jurisdictions. Your statutory rights as a consumer, if any, are not affected by these provisions, and we do not seek to exclude or limit liability for fraudulent misrepresentation. Links to Third-Party Websites This Site may provide links to other websites operated by third parties. Because we have no control over third-party websites, we are not responsible for the availability of those websites and do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, services, products, or other materials on or available from such websites. CNHI shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, advertising, services, products, or other materials on or available from such websites. These Terms of Use do not apply to your use of third-party websites; your use of such websites is subject to the terms and policies of the owner of such websites. Modification and Discontinuation We reserve the right at any time and from time-to-time to modify, edit, delete, suspend or discontinue, temporarily or permanently this Site (or any portion thereof) and/or the information, materials, products and/or services available through this Site (or any part thereof) with or without notice. You agree that we shall not be liable to you or to any third party for any such modification, editing, deletion, suspension or discontinuance of this Site. Waiver Our failure at any time to require performance of any provision of these Terms of Use or to exercise any right provided for herein will not be deemed a waiver of such provision or such right. All waivers must be in writing. Unless the written waiver contains an express statement to the contrary, no waiver by CNHI of any breach of any provision of these Terms of Use or of any right provided for herein will be construed as a waiver of any continuing or succeeding breach of such provision, a waiver of the provision itself, or a waiver of any right under these Terms of Use. Severability If any provision of these Terms of Use is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to law, such provision will be changed and interpreted so as to best accomplish the objectives of the original provision to the fullest extent allowed by law and the remaining provisions of these Terms of Use will remain in full force and effect. Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Venue These Terms of Use will be governed under the laws of the State of Alabama without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. All actions or proceedings arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use will be venued exclusively in state or federal court in Alabama. You hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction of said courts for all such purposes. However, we retain the right to bring legal proceedings in any jurisdiction where we believe that infringement of these Terms of Use is taking place or originating. Indemnity You agree to indemnify and hold CNHI, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of this Site in violation of these Terms of Use and/or arising from a breach of these Terms of Use and/or any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above and/or if any material that you post using this Site causes us to be liable to another. We reserve the right to defend any such claim, and you agree to provide us with such reasonable cooperation and information as we may request. These Terms of Use May Change These Terms of Use are current as of the effective date set forth above. CNHI reserves the right to change these Terms of Use from time to time consistent with applicable laws and principles. These changes will be effective as of the date we post the revised version on this Site. Your continued use of this Site after we have posted the revised Terms of Use constitutes your agreement to be bound by the revised Terms of Use. If at any time you choose not to accept these Terms of Use, you should not use this Site. Entire Agreement These Terms of Use (together with our Terms of Sale and Privacy Policy and any Privacy Notices or and any click-through agreements applicable to you) contain the entire understanding and agreement between you and CNHI with respect to this Site and supersede all previous communications, negotiations, and agreements, whether oral, written, or electronic, between you and CNHI with respect to this Site and your use of this Site. Definitions The terms CNHI, we, us, and our refer to CNHI LLC and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The term Content refers to all of the software and code comprising or used to operate this Site, and all of the text, photographs, images, illustrations, graphics, sound recordings, video and audio-video clips, and other materials available on this Site, including User-Generated Content and Feedback. The term Feedback refers to the Content you post on or through this Site that is specifically about how we can improve this Site and the products and services we make available through this Site. The term including means including, but not limited to. The term Site refers to any website or mobile application owned by CNHI on which these Terms of Use are posted. The term User-Generated Content or UGC means all of the text, photographs, images, illustrations, graphics, sounds, video and audio-video clips, and other content you post using the social networking tools we make available to you and that does not constitute Feedback. Questions If you have any questions about this Site or these Terms of Use, please contact us using the information at the bottom of the home page of this Site Terms of Sale Thank you for your interest in making a purchase through this Site. These Terms of Sale (Terms of Sale) govern your purchases on this Site. GENERALLY APPLICABLE TERMS You acknowledge that any use of this Site is subject to our Terms of Use and all applicable laws. These Terms of Sale are expressly incorporated into the Terms of Use for our Site. In addition, any personal information you provide to us will be subject to our Privacy Policy. Before using this Site, please read through these documents carefully. We do not sell products or services through this Site to persons under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, you should ask an adult to make the purchase for you. All prices are in US Dollars. When you purchase a product or service through this Site, the price will be made clear during the order process. You agree to pay the price that is stated at the time of your order, as well as any applicable taxes. Applicable taxes may vary. We are not able to notify you in advance of changes in applicable taxes. We accept major credit cards and certain digital wallet services. We will take payment when you place your order. If we are unable to supply the product or service that you have ordered, we will contact you by e-mail or phone, and your payment method will not be charged. If a stated price is determined by us in our sole discretion to be in error, we are not under any obligation to offer you the product or service at that price. We will notify you of the error and give you the opportunity to cancel your order and obtain a refund if payment has already been made. These Terms of Sale are personal to you and you may not assign or otherwise transfer any right or obligation under these Terms of Sale except as permitted herein. We reserve the right to transfer, assign, license or subcontract all or any of our rights or obligations under these Terms of Sale or any related contract to any third party. We will not have any liability to you or be deemed to be in breach of these Terms of Sale from any circumstances which are beyond our reasonable control (including a delay in delivery caused by force majeure).Force majeure includes, without limitation, circumstances directly or indirectly resulting from acts of God; acts of the public enemy; strikes; lockouts; epidemic and riots; power failure; fire; earthquake; water shortage or adverse weather conditions; or other causes beyond the control of the parties. We reserve the right to make changes to these Terms of Sale at any time. You will be subject to the Terms of Sale in force at the time you place your order with us, unless any change to these Terms of Sale is required to be made by law (in which case it will apply to any orders previously placed by you). SUBSCRIPTION SALES You may be able to purchase through this Site a subscription to one of our print publications and/or to one of our digital products. For details about your subscription, including payment methods and billing cycles, or to make changes to your subscription, visit the subscriptions page or contact us using the information available on the bottom of the home page of this site. Processing of your payment We will process your purchase as promptly as possible. There may be a delay in the activation of your subscription while payment details are verified. If your initial payment authorization is later revoked, your subscription will be terminated. Contact us using the information available on the bottom of the home page of this site. Pricing You agree to the billing frequency stated at the time of your order. Discount eligibility is determined at the time of the order. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively. We reserve the right to change prices and fees at any time. We will notify you in advance if the regular rate of a product changes from what was stated at the time of your order. You will have the opportunity to accept the new price or cancel your subscription from that point forward. Billing We will charge or debit your payment method at the beginning of your subscription or, if applicable, at the end of your free trial period. Billing will continue according to the cycle stated at the time of your order. ANY SUBSCRIPTION YOU PURCHASE THROUGH THIS SITE WILL RENEW AUTOMATICALLY, UNLESS YOU CANCEL THE SUBSCRIPTION BY CONTACTING US. YOU MAY CONTACT US USING THE INFORMATION FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOME PAGE OF THIS SITE. YOU MUST CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION BEFORE IT RENEWS TO AVOID BILLING FOR THE RENEWAL TERM. WHEN WE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, WE WILL USE THE PAYMENT METHOD CURRENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR ACCOUNT. IN MOST CASES, YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE OF IMPENDING RENEWALS. Unpaid Charges If your credit card expires or your payment method is otherwise invalid, your subscription or product will not automatically be terminated. You will remain responsible for all charges. You will be responsible for all costs we incur in connection with the collection of unpaid amounts, including court costs, attorneys fees, collection agency fees and any other associated costs. Promotions We may occasionally offer promotions. The specific terms of each promotion are stated at the time the promotion is offered. Each promotion may be different. Promotions cannot be combined. You are required to provide your payment details when you sign up for a promotion. At the end of the promotion, your subscription will automatically renew at the rates displayed at the time of purchase. We will not notify you in advance that the promotion is about to end and we will not notify you when your promotional rate has ended. To cancel and avoid being charged, you must notify us before the promotion ends. Cancellation and Refunds Unless specified otherwise, all charges are nonrefundable. When you cancel a subscription, you cancel only future charges associated with your subscription. You may notify us of your intent to cancel at any time, but the cancellation will become effective at the end of your current billing period. Cancellations are effective the following billing cycle. You will not receive a refund for the current billing cycle. You will continue to have the same access and benefits of your product for the remainder of the current billing period. We reserve the right to issue refunds or credits at our sole discretion. If we issue a refund or credit, we are under no obligation to issue the same or similar refund in the future. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your subscription for any reason, with or without notice and without further obligation. You will not be entitled to a refund in these circumstances. If any or all of our digital products are temporarily unavailable, you will not receive a refund. MERCHANDISE SALES AND OTHER ORDERS Your Order Every merchandise order that you place on this Site will be subject to acceptance in accordance with these Terms of Sale. The final details of your order will be listed at the end of the checkout process. Following completion of the checkout process, we will send you an email confirming receipt of your order, detailing the products you have ordered. This email is not an order acceptance from us, and your order will not be completed and accepted until it is picked up or delivered. Please inform us immediately if there are any errors in your order. We reserve the right to cancel any order and/or prevent access to the Site at any time, with or without cause. Delivery of your Order We will specify the method of delivery or pick up at the time of your order. In some cases, you may need to arrange for pick-up of your order-for example, when you order tickets to an event you may need to pick them up at our offices or at Will Call. In other cases, we may deliver the order to you via the U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service and we will specify any shipping-related charges at the time you place your order. You are responsible for shipping-related charges. We do not deliver orders outside the lower 48 United States. We also do not ship to P.O. boxes or addresses other than the billing address of the credit card holder. Any delivery or shipment dates we provide are best estimates only and we shall not be liable for any loss, damage, costs or expenses for failure to deliver in accordance with the delivery or shipment dates given. Cancellations Event-related orders (e.g., concert tickets) must be canceled at least 48 hours prior to the event and must be canceled by calling us by using the contact us information found on the home page of this site. Merchandise orders can be canceled if one of the following criteria was met: The customer calls or emails and asks to cancel an order that has not yet been delivered or picked up. All items on the order are currently unavailable. Your order does not comply with these Terms of Sale. In the event that your order is canceled, the payment method used to process the order will not be charged. Return policy We do not refund ticket and other event-related purchase after the event has taken place. We stand behind our merchandise and want you to be completely satisfied. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, please return your merchandise within 21 days of receipt for a full refund of the purchase price. Returned merchandise must be unopened and must be returned in the original packaging. If your item arrives damaged, please keep all boxes and packing materials and immediately contact us by using the contact us information found on the home page of this site. If we accept your return, we will apply your refund, less shipping and handling, to the original form of payment. If you would prefer an exchange, please let us know. CONTACT US If you have any questions about these Terms of Sale or any other matter, please contact us by using the contact us information found on the home page of this site. Containers are seen at the port in San Pedro, California, March 22, 2018. REUTERS Alexander Skarsgard poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the film "The Phoenician Scheme" in competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 18, 2025 REUTERS Russian leader Vladimir Putin meets with journalists following a phone call with President Donald Trump at the Sirius educational center for gifted children near Sochi in the Krasnodar region, Russia, May 19, 2025. REUTERS A construction crew works on one of the new buildings on the University of Guam campus on Feb. 11, 2025 in Mangilao. Photo by David Castro/The Guam Daily Post CAL Fire working with military agencies for helicopter training in the Pardee Reservoir in the Valley Springs area -- CAL Fire photo View Photo Valley Springs, CA Travelers and residents in the Valley Springs area will hear helicopters flying low in the area of Pardee Reservoir, but do not be alarmed; there is no fire or disaster emergencyits a training exercise. CAL Fire, in collaboration with military agencies, is conducting helicopter training exercises near Pardee Reservoir today, Tuesday, May 20th, and Wednesday, May 21st. State fire officials added, This coordinated training effort enhances CAL FIREs capacity to use military resources during wildfires. Better agency cooperation and increased military personnel capabilities result in more efficient and safe incorporation of military helicopters into wildfire operations and aerial firefighting strategies. CAL Fire reports that the training will concentrate on these two key areas: Training for Military Helicopter Management: This comprehensive, multi-day program ensures interoperability between CAL FIRE, the California Military Department (CMD), and the National Guard. This training fulfills an interagency agreement by providing required instruction to military personnel on how to conduct fire missions and equips CAL Fire staff to effectively direct and utilize military helicopters when they are activated for wildfire support. Joint Practice for Firefighting: Crews will participate in exercises involving multiple helicopters practicing water drops. CAL Fire noted that it appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the community as we conduct this important training to strengthen our wildfire preparedness. Southern Africa, a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating wildlife, beckons travelers to explore its hidden gems. From the bustling cities to the remote wilderness, the freedom of the open road allows you to discover the region at your own pace. Hilton Transfers International, a trusted name in transportation, offers premium car rental services across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, empowering you to unleash your adventure and create unforgettable memories. Founded in 2009 by Nicole Kimberly, Hilton Transfers International recognized the need for reliable and high-quality transportation solutions in Southern Africa. Starting as a family-run business in Harare, Zimbabwe, the company has grown into a leading provider of airport transfers, destination shuttles, and car rental services, expanding its reach across the region. Their vision is to become the leading, safe, reliable, and preferred shuttle and transfer services player across the SADC region and beyond, connecting people and facilitating seamless travel experiences. The Freedom of the Open Road: Why Choose Car Rental? Renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore Southern Africa on your own terms. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing car rental: Flexibility: Design your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you please. Design your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you please. Independence: Explore remote areas and hidden gems that are inaccessible by public transportation or organized tours. Explore remote areas and hidden gems that are inaccessible by public transportation or organized tours. Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of having your own transportation, eliminating the need to rely on taxis or shuttles. Enjoy the convenience of having your own transportation, eliminating the need to rely on taxis or shuttles. Cost-Effectiveness: For groups or families, car rental can often be more cost-effective than other transportation options. For groups or families, car rental can often be more cost-effective than other transportation options. Adventure: Embrace the spirit of adventure and discover the thrill of exploring new landscapes and cultures on your own. Hilton Transfers International: Your Trusted Car Rental Partner Hilton Transfers International offers a premium car rental service that guarantees a comfortable and reliable travel experience. Whether you need a vehicle for business meetings, airport transfers, or exploring the city, their top-quality fleet ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. A Fleet to Suit Every Need Hilton Transfers International boasts a diverse fleet of vehicles to suit every need and budget: Toyota Sedan: Perfect for city driving and business trips, this comfortable sedan accommodates up to 4 passengers and features a cloth interior, CD player/radio, and full house options. Perfect for city driving and business trips, this comfortable sedan accommodates up to 4 passengers and features a cloth interior, CD player/radio, and full house options. People Carrier: Ideal for families or small groups, this spacious vehicle accommodates up to 6 passengers and features air conditioning and onboard WIFI, perfect for staying connected on the go. (Just Executive) Ideal for families or small groups, this spacious vehicle accommodates up to 6 passengers and features air conditioning and onboard WIFI, perfect for staying connected on the go. (Just Executive) 44 SUV: Conquer any terrain with this rugged and reliable SUV, accommodating up to 6 passengers and featuring a leather interior, air conditioning, CD player/radio, and full house options. Conquer any terrain with this rugged and reliable SUV, accommodating up to 6 passengers and featuring a leather interior, air conditioning, CD player/radio, and full house options. Large People Carrier: Transport large groups with ease in this spacious vehicle, accommodating up to 20 passengers and featuring all cloth interior, CD player/radio, and air conditioning. Why Choose Hilton Transfers International for Your Car Rental? Hilton Transfers International offers a range of advantages that make them the ideal choice for car rental in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa at large: Fixed Pricing: No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay, ensuring transparency and peace of mind. No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay, ensuring transparency and peace of mind. Professional Drivers (Optional): While self-drive options are available, you can also opt for their experienced, licensed, and professional drivers who are committed to providing excellent service. While self-drive options are available, you can also opt for their experienced, licensed, and professional drivers who are committed to providing excellent service. 24/7 Availability: Theyre here whenever you need them, day or night, providing round-the-clock support and assistance. Theyre here whenever you need them, day or night, providing round-the-clock support and assistance. Secure Payment: Book and pay with confidence through their secure payment gateway, ensuring the safety of your financial information. Unleash Your Adventure Across Southern Africa With Hilton Transfers Internationals car rental services, you can explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of Southern Africa with ease and freedom. Imagine: Driving through the stunning landscapes of Zimbabwe, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Exploring the wildlife-rich national parks of Botswana, encountering elephants, lions, and a plethora of other animals in their natural habitat. Discovering the vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty of Zambia, from the bustling capital of Lusaka to the thundering waters of the Zambezi River. Embarking on a road trip through South Africa, from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. Beyond Transportation: A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction Hilton Transfers International is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with their clients. Their dedication to quality is evident in their comprehensive FAQ, which addresses common concerns and provides clear information about their services. Book Your Car Rental Today and Unleash Your Adventure! Dont let transportation limitations hold you back from exploring the wonders of Southern Africa. Book your premium car rental with Hilton Transfers International today and experience the freedom and flexibility to create your own unforgettable adventure. Visit their website or contact their customer service team to discuss your specific needs and reserve your vehicle. Unleash your adventure with Hilton Transfers International your trusted partner for car rental across Southern Africa! Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Yves here. Even though I am not a medical or Big Food production person, I still felt like slapping myself on the forehead when I read this article, which describes a not-yet-much-considered reason why consumption of ultra-processed foods are strongly correlated with poor health outcomes. It may be the processing and packaging, as in the chemicals and substances that wind up becoming part of the food during its production. A simple example that cuts across ultraprocessed food and many routine items, starting with water, is microplastics introduced via packaging. But even though that is the most obvious and apparently most pervasive type, there are others. By Shannon Kelleher. Originally published at The New Lede By Peter Secan on Unsplash Toxic synthetic chemicals that migrate into ultra-processed foods from packaging, processing equipment and other sources may explain why these foods are so bad for our health, according to a new review article. In addition to the foods poor nutritional value, these chemicals represent an underappreciated and understudied explanation for the link between ultra-processed foods and health problems such as obesity and other chronic diseases, the authors conclude in the article, published Friday in the journal Nature Medicine. The more (ultra-)processed a foodstuff, the greater its burden of synthetic chemicals generally is, the authors wrote. Ultra-processed foods such as candies, hot dogs and packaged soups are industrially made and contain many added ingredients not found in home kitchens, such as stabilizers and added colors and flavors. Thousands of harmful substances including bisphenols (such as BPA), phthalates, microplastics (tiny plastic particles) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can leach into industrially produced foods during production, as well as from containers in which the foods are stored and while heating them up before they are eaten, according to the article. Emerging research suggests that even the normal and intended use of plastic materials that come into contact with foods along their journey to our plates can contaminate these products, the authors wrote. Research increasingly shows that some of the same synthetic chemicals found in ultra-processed foods, as well as drinking water and other sources, are prevalent in our bodies. About 98% of the US population has PFAS in their blood, while microplastics and even smaller plastic particles (nanoplastics) accumulate in just about every portion of your bodyno organ is spared, really, Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan, director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Case Western Reserve University, said during a May 15 webinar hosted by the group Beyond Plastics. Plastic particles have been found in everything from the placenta to the brain, lungs and heart, he said. In a 2024 study, Rajagopalan and colleagues found a link between microplastics in the arteries and risks for heart attacks and strokes. The particles looked quite nasty, he said. They were jagged particles with sharp edges, very similar to cholesterol. Studies estimate that the economic cost of disease attributed to exposure to plastic-related chemicals in the US was about $249 billion in 2018. The estimated health costs that year related just to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS classified as carcinogenic by an international cancer research group, was at least $5.5 billion. Shortcomings in chemical risk assessment, management and enforcement are one reason for the prevalence of chronic diseases linked to exposure to synthetic chemicals, wrote the authors of the new review. While there may be as many as 100,000 synthetic chemicals that can migrate into foods from packaging, storage containers and processing equipment, most of these substances remain unknown, according to the review. Studies to assess the safety of the chemicals scientists do know about typically involve animal experiments that test exposure to high doses. However, exposure to even very low doses of some substances that contaminate foods, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals including BPA and phthalates, can lead to obesity and diabetes. And while chemicals are usually studied individually to assess their safety, in the real world people are exposed to mixtures of chemicals, which may have different health effects. Current approaches to testing food contact materials are outdated and need to be urgently updated, said Jane Muncke, the managing director and chief scientific officer of the Food Packaging Forum in Zurich, Switzerland, an author of the review article. Reductions in the numbers and types of direct food additives are necessary, as well as the way that food contact chemicals and food contact materials are regulated, she added. A post-market review of food contact chemicals that focuses on removing the most hazardous substances known to damage human health is a good first step. Because the fake diplomacy game of the Ukraine-EU side (often but not always joined by the US) talking past the Russians has developed the feel of Groundhog Day, its easy to overlook the slow and continuing erosion in Ukraines position. Mind you, the latter is inevitable given the certainty of either a Ukraine military defeat or capitulation.1 But the EU (both key national leaders and the European Commission), aided and abetted by US Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg, have made enough noise about supporting Ukraine in the Anglosphere, and more importantly, the European press, to enable Zelensky to remain in Kiev after his sell-by date. The intense messaging has kept up the fiction that Europe can meaningfully support Ukraine, either now or in anything less than many years. And the latter assumes voters in those states wont turf out governments that put fighting the bogeyman of Russia over social expenditures, particularly when households are already undue budget stress due to high energy costs, and are likely face a new higher level of food prices due to climate change. We just had the much-ballyhooed Trump-Putin talk, after Trump failed to persuade Putin to meet him in Istanbul.2 Trump not only is trying to hype but apparently actually believes that protracted international disputes can be resolved mano-a-mano, when the complexity of creating even kinda-sorta agreements entails lots of work by experts before detailed terms can be devised and agreed.3 Russia has been in the awkward position of having to tell Team Trump no or the functional equivalent thereof while not embarrassing the Big Man. Having some level of communication with the US, even if little comes of it in the end, is vastly better than the dangerous cutoff under the Biden Administration. Even though the general view among Russia-Ukraine war watchers is that not much came out of the Trump-Putin phone call, there actually were some real shifts, but like the slow Russian grind on the battlefield, they dont look like much when viewed from a distance. This process is analogous to price discovery in a bankruptcy or a financial crisis, here a mark to reality. Weve had some over the course of this conflict, like the press more and more admitting that Ukraine will lose the war, and that the Russian military is dominant on the continent and only getting better. So yes, on the surface, as Simplicius and others point out, Putin one more time had to repeat his mantra of no end to hostilities until the root causes were resolved. And just as the sun comes up in the east, Zelensky reiterated his maximalist demands of no surrender of territory and no demilitarization. But theres already been one visible, even if not terribly important, change. As former British diplomat Ian Proud described, one yapping across-the-pond dog that thought he could manipulate Trump, Keir Starmer, has been marginalized, via being excluded from Trumps post-Putin-call to European leaders. Below are some additional shifts in the stances of the various parties. One is that the Russian position that there will be no ceasefire ex in the context of a settlement of the underlying causes of the conflict4 seems finally to be recognized among Western leaders as insurmountable. Lavrov, in a presentation earlier this week after the Istanbul talks but before the Trump-Putin chat (at 19:21), remarked, By the way, as you know, over the past three or four days, the West has somehow pushed the word ceasefire into the background. Consistent with that, despite widespread expectations that Trump would press Putin on a ceasefire, Trump again ran into the Russian, What about no dont you understand?. There is no readout from either side, so we cant be certain. Putin immediately talked to the media so as to get in front of US efforts to spin what went down. He made it sound as if he deflected Trumps demand, although the actual discussion may have been more, erm, pointed: The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. For my part, I noted that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis as well. What we need now is to identify the most effective ways towards achieving peace. I take the Trump Truth Social post as an admission that the call did not go well: Remember that this latest round started with Trump demanding a one month unconditional ceasefire. Zelensky agreed, and Putin said no. Then Trump said he'd have to talk to Putin personally to get the ceasefire done. Today he did. Putin still said no. It's so sadly pathetic. pic.twitter.com/HGkTl5Cd7k Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) May 19, 2025 Trump misrepresents the state of play to pretend he got a win, as in progress on his hobbyhorse of a ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations towards a Ceasefire. WTF? They are negotiating already, even though the first session confirmed that there was no bargaining overlap between the positions of the two sides. Everyone was apparently pleasant despite that and the parties agreed to meet again to present written versions of their positions. They did agree to a big prisoner swap, so it is not as if nothing was accomplished. A second bit of reality discovery is that Trump seems to finally be pulling the US out of the negotiations. The Financial Times agreed with this assessment, in its lead story, Donald Trump leaves Russia and Ukraine to settle war in talks. Admittedly the pink paper had insider detail to bolster our impression: But two people briefed on the call with the European leaders said Trump was clear that he would pull the US back from engaging with the conflict and leave Ukraine and Russia to directly negotiate a ceasefire. He also made no promise of future US sanctions against Russia should Putin refuse any peace attempts. One person familiar with the conversation said the leaders were stunned by the US presidents description of what was agreed. They added it was clear Trump was not ready to put greater pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table in earnest. Bloomberg has a similar take: After two hours talking with Putin, Trump said on social media that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire but possibly without the US. There was no sanctions threat, no demand for a time-line, and no pressure on the Russian leader. After months of failing to move Putin closer to peace, they [European leaders] fear Trump is pulling back from his efforts to end the war, leaving Ukraine and its allies on their own. One European official, who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations, said leaders fear that Trump is disengaging from the diplomatic effort. Another said Trump had made it clear he didnt want to impose more sanctions at this stage and was retreating from his own proposal for a ceasefire. The official added that leaders in Kyiv and elsewhere in Europe disagree with his plan for Russia and Ukraine to talk directly. The US has been threatening to reduce support of Europe generally, as well as with respect to Project Ukraine, since the Munich Security Conference to leave the Europeans to their own devices with respect to Ukraine, but has remained very much involved. Alexander Mercouris has maintained for some time that the Russia-Ukraine negotiations would shift, as the Vietnam War negotiations did, to the US taking charge of talks in place of its proxy. But there are several reasons to see why it was not likely to go this way. Despite the US and NATO driving this war, they do not have their own militaries on the ground (save as trainers or in sheep-dipped roles, like operating Patriot missile batteries). Not having lost 50,000 men means a much lower degree of exposure, even with the eyepopping expenditures and the draining of weapons stocks. In addition, the Trump Administration has no patience. Trump wants only showy, fast wins. It does not have the stomach or stick-to-itness that this sort of negotiation demands. And as many have pointed out, they dont have the negotiators. Witkoff is as good as it gets, and hes only one man who is ignorant of the history and of many many issues that come up in trying to settle a conflict. Admittedly Trump has kept the US involvement in play. That may have been a function of Trump loving to have options and keeping everyone guessing as to what he will do to maximize his perceived importance. Trump received European leaders multiple times, giving them a smidge of hope that hed fall for their lame schemes to somehow corner him into more bigger US participation. He weirdly didnt marginalize Keith Kellogg, but that appears to be because Kellogg had the only scheme that has the potential to get Trump his speedy claim of success. That was to get the Europeans to advocate for Kelloggs and then Trumps 30 day ceasefire schemewith the threat of yet more (ineffective) sanctions if Russia did not fall into line. There apparently really is still a cohort that believes the Russian economy is a house of cards. And Trump is famously mercurial. So perhaps hell be back to insisting the US be in the Ukraine jaw-jaw mix. And he cant really escape US involvement. Biden entered into long-term contracts with arm-makers that will keep Ukraine on a drip feed. As Russia ramps up, these commitments are likely to amount to pouring money into a burn pit. But Trump cant get out of that without risking Congressional ire (one supposes he could try declaring yet another emergency to divert them to China). And he similarly cant cut off intel-sharing. But Trump trying to fob negotiations off on the Pope sure looks like an effort to distance himself from the end game. The third bit of reality discovery is no mention at all of the other expected big Trump ask, of a summit with Putin. Perhaps Trump is finding the meticulous Putin to be no fun. Fourth is that what Putin graciously depicted as a concession of sorts to Trump is another Russian ratchet, an ask on which Ukraine will choke. From the Putin press talk: We agreed with the President of the United States that Russia would propose and is ready to engage with the Ukrainian side on drafting a memorandum regarding a potential future peace agreement. This would include outlining a range of provisions, such as the principles for settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace deal, and other matters, including a potential temporary ceasefire, should the necessary agreements be reached. This is too funny. Russia to propose that Russia and Ukraine work on a joint agreement? Or a joint statement of principles? Remember that after the initial Russia-US meeting in Riyadh, where they met for 12 hours the first day? The parties put off drafting a joint statement because they were too tired and announced they would do that the next day. But no such statement was ever issued because Ukraine, which was not a participant, nixed the draft text! Now if there ever were to be a negotiated settlement, there would need to be a joint agreement, so on paper, what Putin is proposing is bog standard. But absent a regime change in Kiev, this is na ga happen. So this looks to be a show of being amenable, by using a completely orthodox recommendation to again show there is no deal to be had (mind you, I expect the gridlock to become official after the two sides present their conditions at the next round). Nevertheless, all of these very incremental developments confirms what some commentators, such as Mark Sleboda (and yours truly) have been saying for some time: The bid-asked spread is yawning. There will be no deal. This war will be settled on the battlefield, when Russia deems fit. How far it has to go in terms of expenditure of men, materiel, and capture of territory before Ukraine cracks or capitulates is still very much an open question. But the general shape of what is coming is obvious, even if many in the West keep their heads stuck firmly in the ground. ____ 1 Capitulation is a not-sufficiently discussed endgame. Zelensky has demonstrated considerable survival skills. Ive said a government in exile, say in London, might be in his future. But what happens to the actual government, the one running things in Ukraine, if Zelensky decamps? Admittedly, the answer in part depends on how many top Banderites also flee to declare themselves the true Ukraine. 2 This started with Zelensky demanding that Putin come to Turkiye to negotiate with him (as in a condition of having a negotiating session), but Trump had suggested a Putin meeting during his Middle East tour. 3 One example from the business world (which means this should not be unfamiliar to Trump) is that the normal process of settling on a non-binding letter of intent then leads to the negotiation of a definitive agreement. If both sides are competent, there is a great deal of wrangling. Ive seen almost every line be argued in some negotiations. 4 I dont take seriously the long list of here is what we would need to enter into a ceasefire while negotiating from Putin. Not that Putin does not mean what he says, that the Russias would agree if the West complied. But first, odds favor that by time the details, particularly monitoring, were sorted out, Russia could be in Paris. Second is that even if they were miraculously agreed, Ukraine would violate them, which means the war would still be on. The governments cavalier approach to security for its rapidly expanding digital governance and identity systems should be enough to give all UK citizens pause if only they knew about it! Some time roughly a month ago, hackers broke into the UKs Legal Aid Agencys IT system and made off with a significant amount of personal data belonging to hundreds of thousands of legal aid applicants dating all the way back to 2010. That data, according to The Register, could include applicants contact details, home addresses, dates of birth, criminal histories, employment statuses, and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts, and payments. While the attack itself was detected on April 23, it wasnt made public until May 6. It wasnt until May 16 that investigators realised, or at least publicly acknowledged, that the damage was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants. The UKs retail sector has also been hit by a spate of cyberattacks. Last week, the British high street retailer Marks & Spencer finally came clean that the hackers that had brought down their website for a whole month had also made off with reams of personal customer information, fuelling speculation that ransomware was involved. The stolen data included masked payment card details (usually the last four digits of a payment cards). Given that M&S has 9.7 million active customers equivalent to almost one out of six UK citizens the potential impact of the breach could be significant, especially given the sensitivity of some of the data compromised. As is often the case in these kinds of incidents, the hackers are believed to have gained access to M&S IT system through third party providers. The damage to M&S, both financial and reputational, has been significant. Its online platform is still down over four weeks after the initial attack, setting it back over 60 million pounds ($80 million) in lost profit, according to analysts. In the three weeks immediately following the cyberattack, M&S lost around 1 billion of its market value on the London Stock Exchange. In a statement posted to the London Stock Exchange last Tuesday, M&S management said: Today, we are writing to customers informing them that due to the sophisticated nature of the incident, some of their personal customer data has been taken. Importantly, the data does not include usable payment or card details, which we do not hold on our systems, and it does not include any account passwords. There is no evidence that this data has been shared. But the retailer has no way of confirming that the data isnt being shared. These recent data breaches underscore a worrying trend in todays almost digital-everything society: our personal data is becoming less and less safe in the hands of both government and corporations as more and more of it is brought online. To quote Prof Sandra Wachter, a data ethics expert at the Oxford Internet Institute, welcome to the Internet, where everything is hackable. Inauspicious Beginnings The reason why this should be of particular concern to UK citizens is two-fold. First, the UK government, like the EU and many national governments, is in the process of rolling out a digital identity wallet, branded Gov.UK, as part of its One Login digital governance system. If successful, One Login could end up holding just about every data point imaginable on UK citizens. Which brings us to the second reason: when it comes to protecting citizens data and running IT operations in general, the UK government has a horrid track record. On July 5, the day Keir Starmer became UK prime minister, we wagered that a Starmer government would intensify the push to roll out a digital identity system in the UK a country that has, until now, resisted all recent attempts to introduce an ID card system, including, most notably, by Starmers backroom consultant and mentor, Tony Blair. At the risk of blowing our own trumpet, that is exactly what has happened. Late last year, the propaganda push for digital identity kicked into gear. After studiously ignoring the issue for years, the legacy media suddenly began trying to manufacture public complacency and consent for the governments digital identity and by extension, CBDC agenda. That agenda, both in the UK and elsewhere, is ultimately about expanding government and with the CBDCs, central bank control over the increasingly restive populaces. Blairs non-profit, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, claims that introducing digital ID will improve governance, facilitate greater inclusion, fuel economic growth and make information more secure. However, as Michael Orlowski points out in a recent article for Spike, the recent revelations from the One Login juggernaut suggest otherwise: Digital ID will not improve governance or facilitate greater inclusion. Far from it. What it will do is put our private data at serious risk. This is a threat to us all. One Login was launched in 2021 by Michael Gove after the Tory governments previous attempt to launch a digital ID and verification system, called Verify, failed after burning through 400million of public funds. Following a slow start, One Login now has six million users. The system appears to have been inspired by other digital government service and identity systems already established in Europe, including Estonias e-Estonia and Ukraines Diia, which was brought down by Russian hackers in December. As readers may recall, the UK signed a digital trade agreement with Kiev in late 2022 that included a provision for collaborating on digital identity. London, together with its partners in the US and the EU, had helped to fund the Zelensky governments development and roll out of Diia. A year later, the UK signed a Memorandum on Cooperation with Ukraine and Estonia setting out their commitment to a trilateral programme of activity on e-governance and digitalisation. The text of the memorandum paints a pretty picture of the transformational potential of digital governance: Digital technologies have the capacity to revolutionise every aspect of how governments function, contributing to increased efficiency in the delivery of public services. Digitalisation can also facilitate transparent processes and accountable decision-making and improve investor confidence. A Perfect Bonanza But if the systems are not properly secured, they risk creating a perfect bonanza of lucrative data for hackers and nation-state adversaries of which, lets face it, the UK has plenty. They could also create key points of vulnerability within the UK government and civil services IT systems. One Logins early beginnings hardly inspire confidence. Take, for example, the fact that it has already lost its certification against the governments own digital identity system trust framework. From Computer Weekly: The governments Gov.uk One Login digital identity system has lost its certification against the governments own trust framework for digital identity systems. Computer Weekly has learned that a key technology supplier to One Login chose to allow its certification to lapse, and as a result, One Login has also been removed from the official accreditation scheme. All suppliers of digital identity systems in the UK are expected to comply with the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) if their software is to be used for any public services. For example, companies that wish to provide identity verification for services such as right to work, right to rent or the Disclosure and Barring Service for vetting individuals, must conform with DIATF. More than 50 online government services already use One Login, and further services are planned that will expand the scope of DIATF registration. Currently, more than 50 products have received certification against the framework. The Government Digital Service (GDS) achieved DIATF approval for One Login in December 2024, ahead of the announcement by technology secretary Peter Kyle in January that One Login would be used for identity verification for the forthcoming Gov.uk Wallet, which will store digital versions of official documents such as driving licences. Kyles announcement caused shockwaves among existing DIATF suppliers, which saw the government entering the commercial sector and potentially competing with their products. However, the use of One Login must be called into question while its DIATF certification has lapsed. The system uses technology from supplier iProov as part of the biometric authentication process for users proving their identity. Last month, iProov failed to renew its DIATF compliance, so the One Login registration automatically expired. Horizon All Over Again? This is one of a host of problems with One Login that have come to light in recent months. Unfortunately, they have received scant attention in the legacy media, with The Telegraph standing out as a notable exception. In April, it published an article by Orlowski titled Its Horizon All Over Again: Return of Digital IDs Sparks Security Concerns, in reference to the Post Office Horizon scandal that ruined the lives of thousands of Post Office submasters and that was the brainchild of the Tony Blair government. In his article, Orlowski reveals that One Logins cyber security failings are already potentially putting citizens personal data at risk: Developers were given top level system access without the required level of security vetting and high numbers of defects were reported, according to an audit from 2023. In addition, the projects top management at the Government Digital Service (GDS) were unaware that parts of the system were being developed in Romania, a country known as a cyber crime hotspot. The Government insists the allegations are historic and security systems have been brought up to standard since then. Officials dismiss any suggestion that the publics data is unsafe. However, the allegations of poor cyber security practices during the crucial building phase have raised concerns. The Governments response does not deny that there have been concerns in the past and relies on everything being in order now. But what may be embedded in the system? asks Baroness Neville-Jones, a former Home Office minister. The security of the system is of vital importance. One Login is designed to be a critical cog in a much larger machine, unlocking access to other government services from tax to benefits. It also processes personal information ranging from passports to biometric information. Potential flaws in the system could leave it vulnerable to fraud, or worse. The government insists that the system will be voluntary, but so too did many other governments that ended up making digital identity legally obligatory, or de facto mandatory, from Estonia to India. As part of the first phase of its mass roll out, the UK government is launching a digital veteran card this year that the RAND Corporation described as an opportunity to improve access to services for former military personnel. As in the US, Digital driving licenses are also coming down the pipe. The government is also launching a new identity verification service for company directors and individuals with corporate control. UK Companies House, which maintains the UKs company register, says the process is currently voluntary but it is expected to become mandatory after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year as required under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Just like that, voluntary affiliation becomes mandatory participation. At the same time, serious concerns remain about the security of the UKs One Login platform, as Bryan Glick, the editor in chief of Computer Weekly, laid out last week in a scathing editorial: External security tests on the governments flagship digital identity system, Gov.uk One Login, have found serious vulnerabilities in the live service, Computer Weekly has learned. A red teaming exercise conducted in March by IT security consultancy Cyberis discovered that privileged access to One Login can be compromised without detection by security monitoring tools. According to Cyberis, red teaming tests the resilience of systems by simulating the tactics, techniques and procedures of cyber attackers to show how well an organisation can detect and respond to an incident. Computer Weekly has been asked by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) not to reveal further details of the vulnerability while the Government Digital Service (GDS) seeks to fix the problem. Compromising the highest levels of access to a system risks exposing personal data and software code to any cyber attackers able to exploit the vulnerability. A government spokesperson said: Delivering best practice, we routinely conduct red teaming exercises to test security infrastructure. Where issues are found, we work urgently to resolve them. The existence of a serious current vulnerability will raise further concerns over the security of One Login, which is intended to be the way that citizens prove their identity and log in to most online government services. Keep in mind: this is not a system currently under development but one that was launched four years ago. As Glick notes, One Login already has six million users, and is used to access more than 50 online services. Yet the security flaws persist: Last month, Computer Weekly revealed that GDS was warned by the Cabinet Office in November 2022 and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in September 2023, that One Login had serious data protection failings and significant shortcomings in information security that could increase the risk of data breaches and identity theft. GDS said the concerns were outdated and arose when the technology was in its infancy in 2023, despite One Login being used at that time to support live services. We have worked to address all these concerns as evidenced by multiple external independent assessments. Any suggestion otherwise is unfounded, said a spokesperson, at the time A whistleblower first raised security concerns about One Login within GDS as long ago as July 2022. The issues identified included system administration being performed through non-compliant devices with a risk of transmitting security vulnerabilities, such as malware or phishing attacks, that could compromise the live system. The NCSC recommends that system administration for key government services should be conducted from a dedicated device used only for that purpose, known as a privileged access workstation (PAW), or alternatively to use only browse down devices, where the security level of the device is always the same or greater than the system being managed. The whistleblower warned that a lack of PAWs and use of browse-up administration were significant risks. Computer Weekly subsequently revealed that the One Login team has yet to fully meet NCSC guidelines the system only complies with 21 of the 39 outcomes detailed in the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) an improvement on the five outcomes it successfully followed a year ago. Speaking to Computer Weekly about the security concerns, [Conservative MP] Clement-Jones said: How is the governments flagship digital identity system failing to meet standards so badly, given that it is expected to shortly form an essential part of our immigration controls? We need answers and quickly. One Login will not just form an essential part of the UKs immigration controls. As the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle* notes, One Login will underpin the forthcoming Gov.uk Wallet, which will be used to deliver digital versions of key government documents, such as driving licences. And that will be just the beginning. As the now-notorious WEF infographic shows, the ultimate goal of digital identity is that it reaches into every aspect of governance and business, touching every facet of our daily lives: Along the way, platforms like One Login will hoover up vast stores of precious data about our lives, and that data is unlikely to be secure. In a world where pretty much all of our online data is hackable, the British governments cavalier approach to Internet security, including its outsourcing of work to other countries like Romania, a nation that ranks sixth on the World Cybercrime Index, should be enough to give all UK citizens pause if only they knew about it! * Kyle is a former special advisor in the Cabinet Office under Tony Blairs government, and has close ties to the former prime minister and his non-profit, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). In his role as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Kyle heads up a department with a dizzying range of responsibilities, including overseeing the countrys digital infrastructure, digital public services, AI and space science. In a recent Guardian article, Kyle was accused of being too close to Big Tech, including TBIs sugar daddy, Larry Ellison, who recently told investors that AI will usher in a new era of surveillance that will ensure citizens will be on their best behaviour: Another Conspiracy Theory PROVEN TRUE about mRNA CLOT SHOTS reveals tricked human cells keep producing DEADLY SPIKE PRIONS indefinitely We called it at the beginning, when Big Pharma and the CDC were lying through their teeth, claiming that the mRNA technology would only have your cells create spike proteins for a short amount of time, just long enough for your immune system to create antibodies, and then end the production of the virus-mimicking prions. Big fat lie. First off, the prions dont just remain at the site of injection. That was a lie. The spike protein prions spread throughout the vascular system, invade the cleansing organs, the brain and the ovaries, and use light to join together to form white, rubbery clots that drive all-cause mortality rates to skyrocket. Clot shots altered the injected humanoids to be walking prion factories who are dying of all-cause mortality that all boils back to the mRNA Trojan Horse technology Millions of nanoparticles are created by tricked cells for indefinite periods of time, possibly forever, and the injected humanoids around the globe are suffering mass health detriment. Thats right, Moderna and Pfizer clot shots hijack the immune cells, rewrite your DNA and RNA, and prolong spike protein prion production POSSIBLY FOREVER, in the shortened life of the billions of gene-altered humans who succumbed to the plandemic scam. What a shame. A groundbreaking study published in Nature has upended long-standing assurances from health authorities that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines quickly degrade in the body. Instead, the research reveals that Pfizer and Moderna shots reprogram immune cells to extend their genetic instructions, forcing prolonged spike protein production contrary to official claims that effects would last only "a few weeks." The findings, led by Polish researchers (Krawczyk et al., 2025), expose a hidden mechanism that could have serious long-term health implications, raising urgent questions about safety, transparency, and regulatory oversight. The study found that immune cells, particularly macrophages, activate an enzyme called TENT5A in response to mRNA vaccines. This enzyme rewrites the vaccines genetic code, doubling the length of its poly(A) tail a molecular timer that determines how long mRNA survives. In some cases, Modernas mRNA tail extended from 100 to 200 nucleotides, drastically prolonging spike protein production. "This wasnt just persistenceit was amplification," said Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist and vaccine safety advocate. "The body is essentially tricked into editing the shots instructions to make it last longer. This was never part of the clinical trials." Public health officials, including CDC advisor Dr. Paul Offit, previously asserted that spike protein production would last only "a couple of weeks." Yet studies have since detected spike protein in blood samples for up to 709 days post-injection. Modernas own 2024 internal documents acknowledged "unacceptable toxicity" risks, yet regulators fast-tracked the shots without addressing these concerns. Molecular biologist Dr. Jessica Rose likened the process to "giving someone a self-replicating memo. The memo was supposed to be read once and discarded. Instead, the recipient photocopies it endlessly." Unlike mRNA vaccines, Novavaxs protein-based shot which delivers pre-made spike protein does not trigger TENT5A activity. Immunologist Dr. Byram Bridle explained, "The lipid nanoparticles in Pfizer and Modernas shots are the Trojan horse. They smuggle synthetic mRNA into cells, but the payload doesnt just fade away it gets enhanced by the immune system." The Nature study challenges the foundational safety claims of mRNA vaccines, revealing a mechanism that could lead to prolonged spike protein exposure and unknown health risks. With mounting evidence of regulatory oversights and undisclosed dangers, the findings demand urgent scrutiny. As the scientific community grapples with these revelations, millions who received the shots now face unanswered questions about their long-term well-being. The era of blind trust in rushed medical interventions may be overbut for many, the consequences are just beginning. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental gene therapy injections that produce spike prions FOREVER and lead to turbo cancer and Long-Vax-Syndrome. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news NaturalNews.com SHTFplan.com FBI agents scramble to destroy Jan. 6 hit list as Trump administration vows to expose Biden-era persecution of innocent Americans The Biden administrations relentless crackdown on January 6 protesters many of whom were peaceful bystanders, journalists, and concerned citizens has left a dark stain on American justice . Now, as a new administration takes power, the very FBI agents who pursued these cases are scrambling to cover their tracks, fearing accountability for their role in what many call a politically motivated witch hunt. At the center of the storm is Ed Martin, the newly appointed "weaponization czar," who has vowed to " name and shame" the federal agents and prosecutors responsible for what he describes as a systemic abuse of power. The battle over a secret list of 5,000 agents involved in Jan. 6 prosecutions has erupted into a legal firefight, exposing the deep divisions within a justice system critics say has been weaponized against dissent. Key points: FBI agents are demanding a judge destroy a list of 5,000 agents tied to Jan. 6 prosecutions, fearing retribution. Ed Martin, the new "weaponization czar," has pledged to expose and shame those who targeted Jan. 6 defendants. Agents claim Martins rhetoric puts them in "immediate danger" from pardoned protesters. The DOJ has refused to guarantee the list wont be leaked, raising concerns about transparency vs. retribution. Legal battles intensify as the new administration seeks to hold Biden-era enforcers accountable. The secret list and the scramble to destroy it In February, a group of anonymous FBI agents filed a lawsuit demanding the destruction or at least the sealing of a Trump-era list containing the names of roughly 5,000 agents involved in Jan. 6 investigations. The list, they argue, was never meant to be public and could put them at risk if released. But their legal maneuvering took on new urgency this week after Ed Martin, now leading the DOJs "Weaponization Working Group," declared at a press conference that those who "did really bad things to the American people" would be named and shamed if they couldnt be criminally charged. The agents lawyers, including high-profile attorney Mark Zaid who has previously sued Trump argue that Martins comments prove their worst fears: that the new administration intends to expose them to public backlash. "Mr. Martins statements represent new, relevant facts worthy of the Courts attention," their filing states, warning of "immediate danger of retribution" from Jan. 6 defendants who were pardoned or had charges dropped. A two-tiered justice system on full display For years, conservatives have accused the Biden DOJ of operating a two-tiered justice system one that aggressively pursues Trump supporters while turning a blind eye to left-wing violence. The disparity in treatment is stark: while Jan. 6 protesters faced years in prison for trespassing, Antifa rioters who burned cities in 2020 often walked free. Even FBI whistleblowers have come forward alleging that cases against conservatives were artificially inflated, while left-wing extremists received leniency. Now, Martins mission to expose the architects of this unequal system has sent shockwaves through the DOJ. His rhetoric suggests a seismic shift in accountability, one that could see the very prosecutors who pursued Jan. 6 cases facing public scrutiny for the first time. "There are some really bad actors," Martin said. "If they can be charged, well charge them. But if they cant, we will name them. And in a culture that respects shame, they should be ashamed." The coming reckoning for Bidens enforcers The legal battle over the FBI list is just the beginning. With the new administration signaling a full-scale review of Jan. 6 prosecutions, the agents fears reflect a broader cultural clash over justice, free speech, and political retaliation. The DOJ has already admitted it cannot prevent the list from leaking, raising the specter of a mass doxxing campaign against federal law enforcement. Meanwhile, grassroots efforts to document Jan. 6 injustices are gaining momentum. Plans for a dedicated website, powered by AI-driven analysis of case files, aim to expose judicial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and FBI overreach. For the thousands of Americans caught in the crosshairs of what they call a "Biden regime purge," this could be the first step toward vindication. As Martin put it: "The truth is coming out." And for those who weaponized the justice system against their own citizens, that truth may be their undoing. Sources include: Zerohedge.com LawandCrime.com Youtube.com Irish government to legalize retrospective facial recognition technology Ireland plans to legalize facial recognition technology (FRT) for An Garda Siochana (Irish police) by summer 2024. The Garda Siochana Bill 2023, previously delayed due to opposition, will permit retrospective FRT to analyze CCTV footage for criminal investigations. The bill covers three forms of FRT, including retrospective (RFR), live (LFR) and operator initiated (OIFR). FRT use is restricted to serious crimes (e.g., terrorism, murder) and requires pre-approval by a Chief Superintendent. A statutory code mandates human rights and data protection assessments, with oversight by courts and parliament. Officials argue FRT speeds up investigations, replacing outdated methods. Justice Minister Helen McEntee emphasizes "necessary and proportionate" use with strict safeguards. Critics warn of mass surveillance risks, flawed identifications and a slippery slope toward live tracking. Civil rights groups oppose unchecked expansion, fearing erosion of privacy despite current retrospective focus. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has announced that the Irish government will legalize the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) by Ireland's national police service An Garda Siochana this summer. After years of political wrangling, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee secured government approval to advance legislation enabling An Garda Siochana to use FRT in criminal investigations in April. The Garda Siochana Bill 2023, previously shelved due to Green Party opposition, will allow biometric identification to retrospectively search CCTV footage and expedite investigations. Under the proposed system, AI-powered software would scan hours of CCTV or mobile footage in seconds, identifying suspects by matching facial data against police databases for faster, more accurate investigations. It comes in several forms, live facial recognition (LFR), which scans crowds in real-time, flagging individuals on police watchlists; retrospective facial recognition (RFR), which used post-crime to identify suspects from existing footage; and operator-initiated facial recognition (OIFR), which allows officers to manually snap and match photos against databases. Key provisions of the bill include limited use of FRT to serious offenses listed in the bill, including terrorism, murder, rape and public disorder; strict authorization pre-approved by a chief superintendent and deemed necessary and proportionate; and a statutory code of practice that requires human rights and data protection impact assessments, with oversight by the High Court and Oireachtas, the bicameral parliament of Ireland. (Related: Russia to launch nationwide facial recognition payment system this year.) "While allowing An Garda Siochana access to technology to assist them in performing their function is something that we can all agree is necessary, the power provided must be subject to sufficient safeguards and oversight to ensure the use of this technology is necessary and proportionate at all times. This draft Bill ensures there is a requirement for a statutory code of practice, including requirements to conduct data protection and human rights impact assessments," McEntee said in April. In line with this, O'Callaghan has announced plans to introduce the FRT legislation before the summer. "I want to bring in legislation this summer, introduce it in terms of retro facial recognition tech," O'Callaghan said in an interview with Claire Byrne Live of RTE, adding that current methods are already outdated. "It's a waste of time when technology will assist. I want to see facial recognition technology rolled out, and I will continue to roll it out further with the necessary authorizations when required to ensure that it's a valuable tool for An Garda Siochana. We can't allow a situation to develop where Gardai are spending hours using old-fashioned methods of policing when the technology is there." Privacy advocates warn the public about dangers of FRT Despite the excitement from the Irish government, privacy advocates are sounding the alarm. Civil rights groups warn that unchecked FRT could usher in an era of mass surveillance, flawed identifications and a society under constant watch. For now, real-time facial scanning is not hitting Irish streets focus remains on retrospective use, analyzing footage after crimes occur. But critics argue it is a slippery slope toward live tracking. "Ireland's digital policing revolution is coming like it or not. While the Justice Department promises safeguards, transparency and tech that 'helps, not harms,' the public remains divided. Supporters see it as the logical next step in modern policing. Sceptics say: once you give the state a camera, it never stops rolling. We can be sure of one thing governments across Europe are using more and more tech to keep tabs on the population. Planned or not, are we slowly slipping down that dreaded slope?" Marc Menendez-Roche wrote in his article for Euro Weekly News. FutureTech.news has more stories on the dystopian measures of governments and law enforcement to surveil citizens. 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: 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. British police secretly using U.K. passport database to conduct facial recognition searches. Sources include: Reclaimthenet.org IrishMirror.ie Gov.ie EuroWeeklyNews.com Brighteon.com Israel has already lost the Gaza war. It just doesnt know it yet In the latest episode of the TV game show, "The White House on Uber: How to pre-purchase a US President", it appeared, fleetingly, as if the host was reading from the right script. (Article by David Hearst republished from MiddleEastEye.net) US President Donald Trump said in Saudi Arabia that liberal interventionism was a disaster. Thats true. He said you cant break and remake nations. Post-Soviet Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen are each testimony to that. He stopped bombing Yemen and reversed decades of sanctions on Syria, blocking in the process two of Israels key routes to regional dominance: dividing Syria and starting a war with Iran. I say fleetingly because - as Iran has been through this script many times before in negotiations over its nuclear programme - what a US president promises and what he delivers are two different things. Not least of those to be blindsided by Trumps announcement halting Syria sanctions were his own officials in the US Treasury. It turns out that the cessation of the multi-layered sanctions piled on Syria since the US first put the country on its list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1979 is not so easy, nor will it be rapid or comprehensive. Deadly mission There was $600bn from Saudi Arabia, $1.2 trillion worth of deals with Qatar, a personal 747 for use as president, a tower for Trumps son Eric in Dubai, and much more to come, including cryptocurrency deals with the Trump family firm World Liberty Financial. The richest Arabs were competing with each other to lay tribute at the feet of Washingtons latest emperor. While this orgiastic display of wealth was taking place in Riyadh and Doha, Israel was marking the anniversary of the 1948 Nakba by killing as many Palestinians as it could in Gaza. Wednesday was one of the bloodiest days in Gaza since Israels unilateral abandonment of the ceasefire. Nearly 100 people were killed. Bunker-busting bombs were dropped near the European hospital in Khan Younis, a strike aimed at Muhammad Sinwar, the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza. His death has not been confirmed. Like the assassination of the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Israel was targeting a key negotiator at a time when it was purporting to negotiate. My sources tell me that just before Israel resumed its attacks on 18 March, the political leadership of Hamas abroad had accepted a deal with the Americans that would have led to more hostages being released in return for an extension of the ceasefire - but with no guarantee of an end to the war. But Sinwar rejected it, and accordingly, it did not go ahead. The since-acknowledged futility of the US military campaign against the Viet Cong is mirrored and amplified by the Israeli military's attempts to wipe Hamas off the map If indeed Sinwar is dead, it will take time to re-establish secure communications within Hamas with one of several men who could now step into his shoes. His attempted or actual killing is proof, if any more is needed, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no intention of bringing the remaining hostages home alive. A hostage deal needs Hamas forces to retain command and control. A guerrilla fight needs none. Netanyahus mission in Gaza, which is to starve and bomb as many of the 2.1 million Palestinians out of the enclave as he can, has become so clear, so obvious, that not even the misnamed international community can now ignore it. Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the Security Council: For those killed and those whose voices are silenced: what more evidence do you need now? Will you act, decisively, to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? French President Emmanuel Macron called Israels policy in Gaza shameful. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Israel a genocidal state while speaking in parliament, noting that Madrid does not do business with such a country. Massive betrayal But not one public word of condemnation about Israels behaviour in Gaza was spoken to Trump from the lips of Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, nor from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed or Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The charade in the Gulf was a massive betrayal for Palestinians, but as they know only too well, Arab rulers have a track record of abandoning them. In the past, they waited a few decent months or years after a military defeat to do so. It took a while after the 1967 war for Arab leaders to talk about a peaceful solution for the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Today, they are abandoning the true heroes of the Arab world as they are being starved and bombed to death. Hamas and Hezbollah have both been severely weakened, although I question whether the blows they have received are terminal. But Hamas is still fighting on the ground, as the underreported Israeli military death toll in Gaza continues to show. No single guard has given up their hostage to save their own life. The spirit of resistance in Gaza has not been defeated. In fact, the parallels with another historic defeat of colonial forces, the French and the Americans, have only grown stronger. In one sense, there is no comparison between Gaza and the Vietnam War. The force Israel uses today in Gaza dwarfs that used by John F Kennedy, Lyndon B Johnson and Richard Nixon, the three US presidents whose terms were doomed by Vietnam. In a span of eight years, the US dropped more than five million tonnes of bombs on Vietnam, making it the most bombed place on earth. By January of this year, Israel had dropped at least 100,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza. Put another way, the US dropped around 15 tonnes of explosives per square kilometre of Vietnam, while Israel has dropped 275 tonnes per square kilometre of Gaza - a figure that is higher by a factor of 18. That being said, other points of comparison hit you between the eyes about a war that scars the US to this day and the current war in Gaza, which Netanyahu is set to deepen by attempting to reoccupy the territory permanently. Crushing deja vu The current generation of war watchers can only experience a crushing sense of deja vu when they watch the painstakingly complete account of the conflict in the new miniseries, Turning Point: The Vietnam War. The since-acknowledged futility of the US military campaign against the Viet Cong is mirrored and amplified by the Israeli militarys attempts to wipe Hamas off the map. As US involvement in the Vietnam War expanded and Washington had to drop the pretence that more than 16,000 troops and pilots were advising the South Vietnamese Army, it became clear to both Washington and Saigon that they were going to have to push the Viet Cong out of the countryside and regain government control of around 12,000 hamlets. Probably nothing turned villagers in South Vietnam against the US and their own government in Saigon faster than the Strategic Hamlet Program . These were fortified settlements where villagers who had been turned out of their ancestral lands by US troops would be forced to resettle. In the jargon of the newsreel at the time, the villagers could start a new life purged of the communists. As Thomas Bass, author of Vietnamerica: The War Comes Home, put it: You have these entire regions that would be declared a zone that was open for attack. Closely allied to this was another assumption of the US pacification programme, the father of todays counterinsurgency. This was born out of the problems US soldiers had in distinguishing civilians from combatants. The solution lay in treating any Vietnamese encountered in a declared free-fire zone as the enemy, and opening fire without referring up the chain of command. One former US Marine said: We were taught that all the Vietnamese were free to leave and all the Vietnamese that stayed were part of the infrastructure of the Viet Cong. You just hunt for people and you kill them, and you can kill them however you want. Commanders were expected to come back with a high body count. All of those killed, women and children included, were treated as dead communists: I was told that if we killed 10 Vietnamese for every American, we would win, another Vietnam vet said. Villagers starved in their Viet-Cong-free encampments because they lost access to their paddy fields. The main aim, however, was not to feed them, but to clear the countryside. The result was that the villagers fled, and the Viet Cong came ever closer to the cities. At one point, up to 70 percent of the villagers who volunteered to join the Viet Cong were women. Tran Thi Yen Ngoc from the National Liberation Front said: They called us the Viet Cong, but we were the liberation army. We were all comrades and considered ourselves one family. When one person fell, five to seven others stepped forward. 'Terrible chaos' There are two other similarities between today and 1968: the protests and vicious levels of repression on US campuses, and the extent to which the American and Israeli militaries felt they had to dehumanise their enemy before committing atrocities. After the 1968 My Lai massacre, in which around 500 unarmed and innocent civilians were killed in the span of just a few hours, American commander General William Westmoreland said that life is cheap to the Vietnamese: The Oriental doesnt put the same high price on life as does a westerner. Israeli leaders go much further than Westmoreland did. They call Palestinians human animals. Labelling legitimate criticism of the genocide as antisemitic won't work anymore. That bolt has already been fired Indeed, all this history from decades ago sounds eerily pertinent to the present day in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In an interview on 29 October 2023, only weeks into the war, Giora Eiland, a retired major general reserve, said Israel should not allow aid into the territory: The fact that we are breaking down in the face of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a serious mistake Gaza must be completely destroyed: terrible chaos, severe humanitarian crisis, cries to heaven. He later reasoned: All of Gaza will starve, and when Gaza starves, then hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be angry and annoyed. And hungry people, they are the ones who will bring about a coup against [Yahya] Sinwar, and that is the only thing that bothers him. Nothing of the sort happened, but Eilands reasoning became known as the Generals Plan, which was at first applied to northern Gaza, where 400,000 Palestinians remained. The plan to empty northern Gaza failed, as hundreds of thousands of people streamed back to their homes during the recent ceasefire, even though there was nothing left of them. One-way ticket But the tactic of starving and clearing has found new life in Israels current military operation, called Gideons Chariots. In what Netanyahu has repeatedly called the final stage of the war, the plan is to force more than two million Palestinians into a new sterile area around Rafah. Palestinians will only be allowed entry after being checked by security forces. And its a one-way ticket: they would never be able to return to their homes, which would be completely demolished. The [Israeli army], in cooperation with the Shin Bet [Israels domestic security agency], will set up checkpoints on the main roads that will lead to the areas where the Gazan civilians will be housed in the Rafah area, Ynet said. Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he might accept a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, but would not commit to ending the war on the Palestinian enclave. What Vietnam did for LBJ and Nixon, Gaza will do for Netanyahu and his successor as prime minister, probably Naftali Bennett. For Netanyahu is much more ill from cancer than he is publicly acknowledged to be, according to sources in Britain who see him regularly. Two factors ended the Vietnam War, and with it more than a century of struggle to rid the country of a colonial master: the determination of the Vietnamese and public opinion in the US. The same two factors will lead the Palestinian people to their own state: the determination of Palestinians to stay and die on their land, and public opinion in the West, which is already turning rapidly against Israel. Watch it carefully. It is seeping into the right and is firmly established on the left. Labelling legitimate criticism of the genocide as antisemitic wont work anymore. That bolt has already been fired. It is both in Palestine and in the hearts and minds of the West - from which the Zionist project grew, and on which it is so dependent - that this war is being fought. Israel may win each battle, as the Americans did in Vietnam, but it will lose the war. Read more at: MiddleEastEye.net Rep. Ro Khanna introduces bill to codify Trump EO slashing drug prices Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) proposed a bill codifying President Trump's executive order (EO) to lower prescription drug prices. The EO requires pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs to Americans at the "most favored nation" price the lowest price offered globally. The bill aims to ensure Americans no longer pay significantly more for medications than patients in other industrialized nations, addressing long-standing price disparities. Khanna urged bipartisan support, framing the issue as a choice between siding with Big Pharma (which spends heavily on lobbying) or the American people a rare area of agreement. Signed on May 12, Trump's EO targets inflated U.S. drug prices, with the president claiming it could reduce costs by 30 to 80 percent. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised it as a breakthrough past administrations failed to achieve. The policy may face legal challenges from pharmaceutical companies and logistical hurdles. But if successful, it could set a precedent for global drug price equalization and future reforms. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that codifies an executive order (EO) by President Donald Trump to lower pries of prescription drugs. The congressman announced his new bill on Wednesday, May 15, during a speech at the House floor. Under the proposal, pharmaceutical companies must sell their drugs to American consumers at a "most favored nation" price. This can either mean the lowest price or best terms they would provide to any other customer, either at the time of the agreement or in the future. Khanna's proposal, a rare bipartisan opportunity, aims to ensure that "Americans do not pay more than people in other countries for drugs." He said in his speech: "If I can go across the aisle and support President Trump's executive order in legislation, every Republican should be willing to cross the aisle and support my legislation." "Right now, we're paying two to three times more than people in other industrialized nations. Now, this EO codified by the legislation will allow our cabinet secretaries to put pressure on Big Pharma and make sure they are not price gouging and will allow for the importation of cheaper drugs." The California congressman ended his speech with a challenge to his colleagues: "Are we going to stand in this body with the $16 billion that Big Pharma spent on lobbying, or are we going to stand with the American people? We will know that answer based on how many sponsors we get for my legislation that simply codifies [President] Trump's EO." Trump takes on sky-high drug prices with his EO Khanna's speech and introduction of his proposal came two days after Trump signed the aforementioned EO on Monday, May 12. The order challenges decades of inflated U.S. drug pricing, where Americans often pay five to ten times more than patients abroad for the same medications. The chief executive shared one anecdote to emphasize the importance of his order. A wealthy friend of Trump called him to complain about the price of a weight loss drug. Whereas the friend managed to purchase the drug for $88 in the United Kingdom, that same drug cost $1,300 in the United States. Trump affixed his signature to the order while flanked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised the EO. The secretary added that the real estate mogul achieved what many politicians including prominent Democrats had promised, but failed to deliver. Prior to the EO's signing at the White House, the president took to Truth Social in defense of it. According to him, the policy could slash drug prices by 30 to 80 percent. "For many years, the world wondered why prescription drugs in America were so much higher than anywhere else," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post. "There was no correct or rightful answer. [The drug] companies would say that it was research [and] development (R&D) costs." Historically, U.S. drug pricing has been a flashpoint, with critics blaming lax regulation, patent monopolies and aggressive lobbying. Pharmaceutical firms have long justified high costs by citing R&D expenses, though studies show marketing and profits often eclipse research investments. The policys implementation could face hurdles, including legal battles and potential supply-chain adjustments. Khanna himself acknowledged that his proposal could be challenged in the court system, remarking that "Big Pharma will sue." But if the congressman's proposal succeeds, it may set a precedent for future reforms, forcing global price equalization. (Related: Big Pharma desperately trying to block President Trump from lowering drug prices.) Visit BigPharmaNews.com for more similar stories. Watch this Fox Business report from 2019 about the first Trump administration's proposal to allow the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump executive order targeting Big Pharma aims to slash drug prices by up to 80%. Trump weighs tying U.S. drug prices to cheaper global rates, sparking pharma backlash. President Trump to enact new policies to "dramatically lower" the price of prescription medication. Sources include: InfoWars.com 1 InfoWars.com 2 TruthSocial.com Brighteon.com Nearly $800 billion in COVID-19 relief funds likely stolen watchdogs demand accountability Up to $784 billion of the $800 billion allocated to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) may have been obtained fraudulently, marking one of the largest cases of taxpayer-funded fraud in U.S. history. Around $200 billion (17% of funds) in PPP and EIDL programs went to potentially fraudulent actors; EIDL fraud exceeded $136 billion; and 69,323 suspicious Social Security numbers were used to siphon funds. The SBA failed to implement basic safeguards, such as real-time income verification and cross-agency data checks, allowing fraudsters to exploit loopholes. About 2 million potentially fraudulent applications remain uninvestigated due to poor data. Only 5 billion of the $200 billion lost to fraud has been recovered. Experts demand stricter verification, AI-driven fraud detection and harsher penalties to prevent future abuse in emergency spending programs. In what may be one of the largest cases of taxpayer-funded fraud in U.S. history, federal investigators now estimate that as much as $784 billion of the $800 billion allocated to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) may have been obtained fraudulently. The stunning revelation comes from the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, which found that 69,323 suspicious Social Security numbers were used to siphon billions from COVID-19 relief programs. The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), a federal watchdog, confirmed widespread abuse in both the PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs, raising urgent questions about oversight, accountability and the long-term consequences of unchecked government spending. The scale of the scandal: Billions lost, few consequences The Small Business Administration (SBA), tasked with distributing pandemic aid, approved $1.3 trillion in loans and grants under the CARES Act of 2020. But lax verification processes allowed fraudsters to exploit the system with shocking ease. According to the inspector generals report, at least 17% of PPP and COVID-EIDL funds $200 billion were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors. The fraud estimate for the EIDL program alone exceeds 136 billion, representing 33% of its total spending, while $64 billion was illicitly obtained from the PPP. Earlier SBA estimates had suggested much lower fraud figures $86 billion in EIDL and $20 billion in PPPbut investigations have since revealed a far more alarming reality. PRAC identified 40,000 cases where applicants "significantly misrepresented their incomes," securing $860 million in fraudulent loans. One brazen example: An individual claimed a 100,000 annual income to obtain a $20,833 PPP loan, while simultaneously reporting only $600 in income to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The same person allegedly secured nearly $900,000 in additional fraudulent loans. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 2 million potentially fraudulent applications remain uninvestigated due to missing or inaccurate data. "Without an effective referral process, the SBA OIG is not able to fully investigate instances of likely fraud," the GAO warned in a recent report. Why this fraud was preventable and why it happened anyway The speed at which relief funds were distributedwhile politically popularcreated a goldmine for fraudsters. The SBAs failure to implement basic safeguards early on allowed $210 billion in EIDL funds and $525 billion in PPP loans to be disbursed before proper fraud controls were in place. No real-time income verification was required, allowing applicants to inflate earnings. The SBA ignored Treasurys "Do Not Pay" databases, approving loans to ineligible entities. Cross-agency data mismatches (such as HUD income records contradicting PPP claims) were overlooked. "We hope that by sharing this potential fraud scheme... we can alert [officials] to be on the lookout for similar cross-program schemes," PRAC stated. But critics argue the damage is already done. A cautionary tale for future spending This scandal is not just about wasted moneyits about trust in government. The $5 trillion spent on pandemic relief was meant to save businesses and jobs, but $200 billion (and counting) was lost to fraud, with only $5 billion recovered. Historically, emergency spending has been vulnerable to abuseHurricane Katrina relief saw $1 billion in fraud, and the 2008 financial bailouts were rife with mismanagement. Yet, the scale of COVID-19 fraud dwarfs past failures, raising serious concerns about whether Congress will ever enforce real accountability. Will anyone be held responsible? As investigations continue, one thing is clear: The American people were robbed. While watchdogs issue warnings and lawmakers hold hearings, the real test will be whether future relief programs include strict verification, real-time oversight and consequences for fraudsters. Until then, the $800 billion question remains: Who will pay for this failure? For now, taxpayers are left footing the bill with little hope of justice. Additional insights: The human and economic toll Beyond the staggering financial losses, the fraud has had real-world consequences. Legitimate small businesses that desperately needed aid were often denied loans while fraudsters exploited loopholes. Some struggling entrepreneurs were forced to close permanently, while criminals used stolen funds to buy luxury cars, homes and even cryptocurrency. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has prosecuted over 1,500 individuals in COVID-19 fraud cases, but experts say this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many cases involve sophisticated criminal networks, including overseas operatives who used stolen identities to apply for loans. Calls for reform and future safeguards Lawmakers and watchdog groups are now pushing for: Mandatory pre-approval verification for all federal aid programs. Real-time fraud detection systems using AI and cross-agency data sharing. Stricter penalties for fraud, including asset seizures and longer prison sentences. "This was a failure at every levelCongress rushed the money out, the SBA failed to verify and criminals took full advantage," said one investigator. "We cant let this happen again." As the investigations unfold, the full extent of the fraud may still grow. But one lesson is already clear: Emergency spending without proper safeguards is an open invitation to theft. The question now is whether Washington will learn from this disaster or repeat it in the next crisis. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com TheCenterSquare.com TheIntelligencer.net Climate extremists avoid jail time after plotting to shut down Heathrow as judge condemns publicity stunt trial Nine Just Stop Oil activists avoided prison despite plotting to shut down Heathrow Airport by gluing themselves to the runway, receiving only suspended sentences. The group planned to breach security with angle grinders and superglue, risking mass travel disruptions and emergency delays before police intercepted them. Judge Hannah Duncan condemned the activists for exploiting the trial as a publicity stunt, wasting court resources needed for serious crimes. Sentencing inconsistencies persist, with harsher penalties for other protesters while JSO members repeatedly escape jail for disruptive actions. Just Stop Oil is part of the A22 network, a global coalition of climate extremists whose tactics endanger lives yet face minimal legal consequences. Nine climate extremists from the radical group Just Stop Oil (JSO) have avoided prison despite being convicted of conspiring to cause "unprecedented disruption" at Londons Heathrow Airport. The activists, who planned to glue themselves to the runway in a dangerous stunt, were handed suspended sentences or credit for time served after a seven-week trial that Judge Hannah Duncan blasted as a cynical publicity ploy. The case highlights the growing trend of climate activists escaping serious consequences for reckless actions that endanger public safety while exploiting the justice system for media attention. A plot to cripple Heathrow The activists, armed with angle grinders, superglue, and cable ties, were intercepted by police on July 24, 2024, before they could breach Heathrows perimeter fence. Prosecutors revealed the group intended to cut through security barriers, storm the runway, and immobilize themselves in a move that would have forced the airport to shut down, stranding thousands of travelers and risking emergency response delays. Emma Fielding, the prosecutor, stated the defendants "entered into a plan to cause unprecedented disruption to Heathrow Airport," adding that their actions would have brought operations to a "standstill." Yet despite the severity of their intentions, no actual harm occurred, a fact Judge Duncan acknowledged while condemning their lack of remorse. Judge slams activists for exploiting the courts In a scathing rebuke, Judge Duncan accused the activists of treating the trial as an "extension of the protest," wasting precious court resources while victims of violent crimes waited for justice. "A courtroom is not a street or a town square," she declared. "There are women and children who have been abused, sexually assaulted or raped who are waiting for courtrooms. You used one for seven weeks. Some of you dragging it out as much as you could at every opportunity, lying about your actions and intentions that day all to get more publicity." The judges remarks underscore a disturbing pattern: climate extremists weaponizing legal proceedings to amplify their radical agenda while evading meaningful accountability. A double standard in sentencing The lenient sentences stand in dramatic contrast to the harsh penalties imposed on other protesters. Earlier this year, two men who blocked the River Thames bridge for 40 hours were jailed for two and a half years. Meanwhile, JSO activists who stormed a Formula 1 race track escaped prison entirely. This inconsistency reveals a troubling bias in how courts handle eco-radicals, rewarding their theatrics while ignoring the real-world consequences of their actions. Past JSO stunts, including vandalizing the Magna Carta and throwing soup at Van Goghs Sunflowers, have been met with minimal punishment, emboldening further extremism. A global network of chaos Just Stop Oil is part of the A22 network, an international coalition of climate agitators that includes Germanys Last Generation. These groups share tacticsdisrupting critical infrastructure, harassing the public, and manipulating the mediawhile demanding an immediate end to fossil fuels, regardless of the economic and human cost. Their actions have already had deadly consequences. In the UK, delayed emergency responses due to road blockades have resulted in permanent injuries and even deaths. Yet activists like JSOs co-founder Roger Hallam, whose five-year sentence for traffic obstruction was recently reduced, continue to evade serious repercussions. A system enabling extremism The Heathrow case is a microcosm of a broader failure: a justice system that prioritizes political posturing over public safety. By allowing eco-radicals to exploit courtrooms as stages for propaganda, authorities incentivize further chaos. Judge Duncans condemnation was justified, but her lenient sentencing was not. Until courts impose real consequences for these dangerous stunts, climate extremists will keep pushing boundaries, putting lives at risk in the name of their fanatical agenda. Apparently, if youre a radical activist, you can plot to shut down an international airport, waste weeks of court time, and walk free. But if youre an ordinary citizen caught in their crossfire? Youre on your own. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com BBC.com DailyMail.co.uk May 20, 2025: Since Russia invaded Ukraine Poland has increased its defense spending to $28 Billion as of 2024. Thats less than half the $65 billion Ukraine spent. For Ukraine that was 34 percent of GDP. Thats a third of the national budget spent on defending the nation against the invading Russians. At the same time Poland the 2024 Polish army had 208,000 soldiers. That means Poland has the third largest military force in NATO. Poland will continue expanding its armed forces until it has half a million troops. Poland is also training every military age man to serve in the army or, for most of them, the reserves. This year Poland is spending 4.7 percent of GDP on defense. This is the highest for European NATO members. The situation has changed dramatically in the last four years. In 2021 Poland announced it was increasing the size of its military to 300,000 troops. In 2021 they had 110,000 troops in the land forces. The land forces consisted of four divisions and five independent brigades, plus support units and 30,000 Territorial Defense Force/TDF troops. The expansion increased the overall force to 250,000 regular troops and 50,000 TDF. At the time conscription was ruled out while there was an increase in the length of service for new volunteers. In 2021 Poland spent 2.2 percent of GDP on defense. That was on a defense budget of $13.1 billion a year. In 2021 the goal for NATO nations was two percent of GDP but only a few reached or exceeded that. The United States spent 3.7 percent, Britain 2.2 percent and France 2.1 percent. Russia spent 4.3 percent. Global defense spending was about two trillion dollars and 2.4 percent of global GDP. U.S. spending accounts for 39 percent of that, which is equal to the next fourteen nations combined. Polish defense spending increased enormously since it joined NATO in 1999, when it was spending $3.2 billion a year. To be a NATO member they had to bring all their military equipment up to NATO standards. While some of the Cold War era Russian equipment qualified, or could do so with some modifications, Poland wanted to replace most of the Cold War gear with modern Western weapons and equipment. Fortunately for Poland and other East European nations that joined NATO after 1991, the Cold War era NATO nations were reducing the size and equipment holdings of their armed forces. This made available a lot of modern NATO weapons to the new members at very low cost or for free. Poland was able to upgrade its forces with German and American tanks while also buying F-35 fighters, HIMARS guided rockets, more effective electronics and modern military logistical equipment. Poland was a major manufacturer of ships, aircraft, and military vehicles while part of the Cold War Russian Warsaw Pact that dissolved in 1991 as the Soviet Union disintegrated. Poland was soon producing NATO standard ships, aircraft, vehicles, and all manner of modern weapons. For that reason, most of the cost for expanding the military was spent in Poland and that made it possible to complete the expansion before 2029. Poland has already been expanding the size of the military, which was previously expected to reach 169,000 by 2022 as the new TDF reached its full strength of 35,000 volunteers. The TDF was established in 2016 in response to the 2014 Russian attack on Ukraine and increased aggression towards East European NATO members. TDF is like the American Active Reserve, which also requires volunteers to devote 30 days a year to active duty for training. Similar TDFs were created in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as part of an effort by the only NATO nations to border Russia, to have a rapidly mobilized reserve force that can handle rear-area security while the regular army troops deal with stopping a Russian offensive. The Polish TDF had a brigade for each of the 16 provinces plus one for the capital Warsaw. Each brigade has from one to five infantry battalions consisting of personnel living in that province. While Russia remains a threat, there will be no shortage of volunteers and that means the most capable volunteers are selected. Similar territorial forces are being formed throughout Eastern Europe but Poland and the Baltic States face the most immediate threat if Russia attacks one or more of them. By 2025 Poland was providing military training for every military-age Polish male. Few eligible men avoided the training. After 2014 many East European nations feared Russia had gone from former occupier to a current threat. Every nation in Eastern Europe decided to speed upgrades to their armed forces, as quickly as limited budgets allowed. For example, in 2015 Lithuania increased the 2016 defense budget by 35 percent. This made defense spending 1.48 percent of GDP. All this is eerily like what happened after World War I when France and Britain tried to help protect newly created, from the wreckage of the Russian and Austrian empires, countries like Poland and the Baltic States with cheap World War I surplus weapons and promises of aid if Russia should seek to rebuild its fractured empire. The Russians did, and now that bit of history seems to be repeating itself. The newly liberated nations of East Europe are seeking some new solutions to avoid repeating old history. In 2016 Poland and the Baltic States also asked for some American troops. Not enough to halt a Russian invasion, just enough to ensure that the Americans and their NATO allies, or at least some of them, would intervene if Russia did attack. These four nations already have a mutual defense guarantee from NATO in the form of NATO membership. But that is not enough and what has been asked for, and granted, are some American troops in each of these nations. The response is an offer to send one reinforced battalion per country. That means about 4,000 troops overall. These four East European countries joined a growing list of nations threatened by dangerous neighbors, agreed, and often asked, to host American troops. The first and most obvious examples of this are South Korea, Japan, and Germany. This form of defense has been quietly followed by several nations in the Middle East, like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. All these Persian Gulf nations want the Americans around to keep the Iranians out. But it is not just the Iranians. Inside Iraq there have been American troops in northern Iraq since the early 1990s, to protect the autonomous Kurdish majority up there from the Arab majority. This form of security is also called a tripwire force because if the host nation is attacked the presence of some U.S. troops means that a lot of U.S. reinforcements will promptly arrive. Several other nations are seeking this form of security guarantee but are not getting it, at least not yet. This included Ukraine and Georgia. The United States is the favored source of these armed hostages because the U.S. is a superpower and, compared to all the alternatives, the least likely to take advantage of the situation. In 2025 a new government in the United States announced less support for NATO and east European countries. In part, this was meant to force European nations to do more in providing for their own defense and expanding the size of European defense industries. Poland didnt wait for that, spending over ten billion dollars on tanks, mobile artillery and missiles from South Korea. Poland was demonstrating that they will always find a way to defend themselves from Russian aggression. Florida becomes second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water On May 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law making Florida the second state after Utah to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. The ban is included in the Florida Farm Bill, which redefines "water quality additives" to exclude substances like fluoride that aren't used to treat contaminants or water quality directly. While fluoride is widely credited with reducing tooth decay and endorsed by the CDC and American Dental Association, recent studies have raised concerns about its impact on children's neurodevelopment at high exposure levels. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known fluoridation skeptic, has pledged to reassess CDC guidance, fueling similar legislative efforts in states like Ohio and South Carolina. Supporters view the ban as protecting personal choice and avoiding "forced medication," while critics warn it may increase dental health issues, particularly in low-income communities. Florida has officially become the second state in the nation to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following a new law signed Thursday, May 15, by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Fluoride, a mineral naturally present in soil and water, has been added to drinking water in the United States since the 1940s. It is credited with significantly reducing tooth decay and was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2015 as one of the "10 Greatest Public Health Achievements of the 21st Century." The American Dental Association continues to support its use, stating that "eighty years of community water fluoridation at optimal levels has proven to be safe and effective." But concerns about potential adverse effects, especially in children, have gained traction in recent years. Studies have linked prenatal exposure to fluoridated water with increased neurodevelopmental issues and, at high levels, a possible decrease in IQ. A federal review echoed these concerns, though the CDC and World Health Organization still maintain that fluoride in proper doses is both safe and beneficial. As a response, DeSantis banned the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. The ban is part of the newly enacted Florida Farm Bill, which includes provisions redefining what qualifies as a "water quality additive." Under the new definition, only substances used specifically to address drinking water standards, contaminants or quality may be added to public water systems effectively excluding fluoride, which has long been added to prevent tooth decay. "Yes, use fluoride for your teeth, that's fine. But forcing it into the water supply is basically forced medication on people," DeSantis said. "They don't have a choice. You're taking that away from them." Utah first state to ban fluoride from its public water systems This issue has gained national political momentum. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of fluoridation, has pledged to reevaluate CDC guidelines on the issue. While he lacks the authority to ban fluoride at the federal level, his stance has influenced local and state governments. Utah became the first state to ban fluoride from its public water systems in March. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox at the time, prohibits cities and municipalities from deciding individually whether to fluoridate their water systems overriding longstanding local authority on the matter. The ban, which took effect on May 7, is being condemned by national health organizations as a reckless move that could increase dental disease, especially among low-income residents, but is hailed by supporters as a win for personal health freedom. (Related: Utah city orders citizens to avoid drinking water after chemical contamination; what will you do in a water emergency?) That decision has emboldened similar efforts in other states like Florida. Meanwhile, legislatures in Ohio and South Carolina are currently weighing bills to ban or restrict water fluoridation. More stories like this can be found at CleanWater.news. Watch this video about drinking water fluoridation being a form of poisoning under the guise of "forced medicine." This video is from the Hyper X2119 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Florida bans fluoride in public water, prioritizing health freedom over forced medication. Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to behavior problems in children. Fluoride does NOT protect teeth from cavities, large-scale government study proves. Fluoride in drinking water may be harming our children. We need to address it. Fluoride linked to IMPAIRED kidney and liver function in adolescents, warn researchers. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk CNN.com APNews.com Brighteon.com Federal settlement ends FRT ban in historic triumph for gun rights The Trump administration and Rare Breed Triggers (RBT) reached a settlement on May 16, overturning the Biden administrations classification of Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) as "machine guns." The agreement resolves multiple lawsuits, returns seized FRTs to owners and allows lawful sales to resume. The settlement follows the Supreme Courts 2024 ruling in Cargill v. Garland, which rejected the classification of bump stocks as machine guns, setting a precedent that FRTs also do not qualify. A federal judge ruled that the ATF overstepped by expanding the definition of "machine gun" beyond fully automatic firearms. The Trump DOJ emphasized protecting Second Amendment rights, contrasting with the Biden administrations aggressive enforcement, including raids on FRT owners. The settlement voids pending appeals and aligns with Trumps Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force, aimed at curbing regulatory overreach. Gun rights groups (e.g., NAGR) hailed the decision as a victory against government overreach. Gun control advocates (e.g., GIFFORDS) criticized it, arguing FRTs enable rapid fire despite not being fully automatic. While the settlement restores FRT legality, Congress has not codified protections, leaving future administrations free to revisit the issue. The case reflects broader judicial pushback against executive overreach while highlighting deep partisan divides over gun policy. In a landmark reversal of federal firearms policy, the Trump administration and Rare Breed Triggers (RBT) announced a settlement on May 16, to end a bitter legal battle over Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), which the Biden administration had labeled machine guns under federal law. The agreement, hailed by gun rights advocates as a victory over unchecked government overreach, resolves litigation spanning multiple circuits, overturns prior Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rulings and restores lawfully owned FRTs to the marketplace. It underscores the Trump Department of Justices (DOJ) commitment to protecting constitutional rights, a stark contrast to the Biden administrations efforts to expand regulatory authority under the ATF. Legal resolve and settlement terms The settlement between RBT and the DOJ finalizes a protracted fight that began when the Biden administration sued RBT in 2023, arguing its FRT-15 hardware violated the National Firearms Act (NFA) by enabling fast semiautomatic fire. The DOJs classification required FRT users to register the devices as machine guns a designation carrying severe criminal penalties including a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for illegal possession. Under Fridays terms, the government will return FRTs seized during raids or surrendered by owners, while RBT pledges to reinforce public safety by not designing FRTs for pistols and enforcing its patents to guard against misuse. RBT also agreed to promote responsible use of its products. Crucially, the settlement voids ongoing appeals in three key cases: a Fifth Circuit clash over FRTs legal status and two district court rulings against RBT. This agreement aligns with President Trumps executive order rejecting Second Amendment erosion, stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a Justice Department release. The 2nd Amendment is not a second-class right. Shift in federal policy and judicial precedent The settlement reverses years of Biden-era overreach amplified by activist ATF rulings. In June 2024, the Supreme Court ruled against the federal government in Cargill v. Garland, declaring bump stocks another device for faster fire not machine guns under the NFA. That high court decision invalidated prior Biden administration policies and set a precedent for defining machine gun as requiring continuous trigger pressure for fully automatic fire. Federal courts soon extended this precedent to FRTs. In July 2024, Northern District of Texas Judge Reed OConnoralready a frequent skeptic of executive overreach ruled FRTs did not meet the statutory definition of a machine gun. The ATF tried to bootstrap its own overreaching interpretation onto the NFA, OConnor wrote, noting Congress limited machine gun definitions to fully automatic systems. The settlements timing follows Trumps renewal of his Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force last fall, signaling a renewed DOJ focus on curbing agency overreach under statutes like the NFA. Contrastingly, Bidens DOJ had weaponized the ATF, as seen in repeated raid campaigns on FRT users and retailers. Lawrence DeMonico, RBTs CEO, called the outcome a complete vindication. They were determined to criminalize law-abiding citizens for products that dont violate the law, he said. This wasnt about public safety it was control. Reactions highlight partisan divide over gun policy Gun rights advocates celebrated the settlement as a blow against federal power grabs. The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) called it a stunning victory, citing its role in funding RBTs legal defense. The DOJs surrender shows what happens when we push back against unconstitutional mandates, said NAGR President Dudley Brown. However, gun control groups decried the move. GIFFORDS Vanessa Gonzalez labeled it a dangerous expansion of access to machine-like firearms, though FRT critics have long conceded the devices cannot fire fully automatic bursts. Tech-focused gun blogger Mrgunsngear, while supportive of the outcome, warned that lasting protections remain uncertain. Settling deprives us of a final court ruling that couldve settled the legal debate once and for all, he said. Until Congress codifies these limits, the next Democratic administration could resurrect this quagmire. FRT case signals new era for firearms policy The Rare Breed Triggers settlement exemplifies a growing legal and political consensus challenging federal agencies efforts to expand gun control via administrative fiat. It echoes broader trends of courts and conservative policymakers reasserting constitutional boundaries around natural rights, particularly since the Cargill precedent. For RBT, the victory marks survival after living under existential legal threats and a public image war waged by federal agents. They wanted to silence us because we dared to stand up, DeMonico said. Today, the truth defended itself. Yet the debate over FRTs reveals enduring partisan fissures over the proper scope of the Second Amendment and regulatory power. As gun rights advocates urge Congress to embed this ruling into law, opponents warn of increased risks to public safety. For now, the settlement restores millions of gun owners rights to a device courts have repeatedly deemed legal highlighting that while the war over the Second Amendment rages on, the truce shows battles won are never the end of the fight. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Justice.gov Kwg.com Montana bans lab-grown meat to protect traditional ranching industry Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 401 into law, banning the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat in Montana starting October 1, 2025, to protect the state's ranching industry. Retailers that sell or produce cell-cultured meat could face license suspension, misdemeanor charges, fines and possible jail time. Both Gov. Gianforte and Rep. Braxton Mitchell emphasized the law's importance in defending Montana's agricultural economy and traditional beef industry. Montana joins other states like Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Indiana in enacting laws against the production or sale of cultivated meat. Indiana recently passed a similar law banning lab-grown meat until mid-2027, with plans to study its impact; non-compliant companies may face fines up to $10,000 per violation. Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed into law a bill prohibiting the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat in Montana to protect their ranching industry. House Bill 401, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls), bans the production and distribution of cell-cultured meat products in Montana. The bill defines these products as "the concept of meat, including but not limited to muscle cells, fat cells, connective tissue, blood and other components produced via cell culture, rather than from a whole slaughtered animal." The law which takes effect Oct. 1 and any retail food establishment that manufactures, sells or distributes cell-cultured products risks license suspension. Violators may also face misdemeanor charges, fines and potential imprisonment if convicted. "If you've ever had the pleasure of enjoying a cut of Montana beef, you know there is no substitute," Gianforte said. "By signing House Bill 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world." Mitchell, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, also echoed a similar statement. He praised Gianforte for signing HB 401 and argued that lab-grown meat only threatens the agricultural economy of Montana. "As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and someone whose family has been involved in Montana's meat processing industry for over 80 years, I'm proud Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 401 into law," Mitchell said. "Agriculture is our state's number one industry and this bill takes a clear stand to protect our ranchers and our food supply. We won't let synthetic products with misleading labels undercut the hard work of Montana's farm and ranch families." Montana joins Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Indiana in pushing back against lab-grown meat Montana follows similar bans in states like Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Indiana. These states push back against the promotion of lab-grown meat as a "Climate-Smart" alternative to conventional meat. (Related: Lab-grown meat now BANNED from being sold in Florida.) This May, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also signed House Bill 1425 into law. The legislation, set to take effect on July 1 until June 30, 2027, bans the sale, production and labeling of lab-grown meat for two years. Defined in the bill as animal protein grown from stem cells in a laboratory setting, cultivated meat is engineered to replicate the texture, flavor and nutritional composition of conventionally sourced meat. Under the new law, cultivated meat products cannot be sold in Indiana unless they comply with strict labeling requirements, including a prominently displayed disclaimer identifying the product as an "imitation meat product." The states Board of Animal Health (BOAH) will oversee enforcement and establish guidelines on advertising, labeling and retail presentation. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation one of the highest state-level penalties in the country for misbranding lab-grown meat. The moratorium is temporary, but state officials said they plan to use the intervening years to study the long-term impacts of lab-grown meat on public health, agriculture and consumer behavior. Whether Indiana will eventually embrace or permanently block the technology remains to be seen. Nebraska, which is currently considering similar legislative measures, is poised to become the next state to implement such a ban. Visit FoodSupply.news to read more stories like this. Watch the video below explaining how lab-grown meat is made. This video is from the TKWK T.V channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Florida bill BANNING lab-grown meat awaits Gov. DeSantis signature. Lab-grown meat: Investors love it, but scientists question safety. Globalist-backed lab-grown meat uses byproduct of cow slaughter. What they don't want you to know about lab-grown meat. Real meat for me, but not for thee: Globalists pushing lab-grown meat for the masses. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com News.mt.gov Vegconomist.com Brighteon.com Hidden tech in Chinese solar inverters gives Beijing the power to sabotage Western energy grids remotely Chinese solar company Deye remotely disabled solar power systems in the U.S., UK, and Pakistan, proving Beijing can sabotage Western energy grids at will. Hidden cellular technology in Chinese-made solar inverters allows unauthorized remote access, bypassing security measures and enabling potential grid attacks. Chinas National Intelligence Law mandates companies like Deye and Huawei to assist state intelligence, turning solar tech into potential cyberweapons. Europe and the U.S. heavily rely on Chinese inverters, with over 200 gigawatts of solar capacity at risk of disruption or destruction. Experts warn that without urgent action to secure supply chains, the next blackout could be an intentional act of economic warfare by China. It sounds like the plot of a dystopian thriller: a foreign power flips a switch, and entire cities across the U.S. and Europe plunge into darkness. Hospitals lose power. Traffic lights fail. Communications collapse. But this isnt science fiction; its a real and growing threat. Last November, Chinese solar company Deye remotely disabled solar power systems in the U.S., UK, and Pakistan, proving that Beijing has the capability to sabotage Western energy grids at will. The incident exposed a chilling reality: Chinese-made solar inverters, critical components in renewable energy systems, contain hidden cellular technology that allows remote control. Under Chinas National Intelligence Law, companies like Deye are legally required to cooperate with state intelligence agencies, meaning these "kill switches" could be weaponized at any moment. As the West races toward green energy, it is blindly handing Beijing the keys to its power grid. The hidden threat in solar technology Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for the grid. While they are designed for remote maintenance, U.S. security experts have discovered undocumented cellular radios embedded in Chinese-made inverterscomponents not listed in product specifications. These rogue devices bypass firewalls, allowing unauthorized remote access. "That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid," one source familiar with the findings told Reuters. In November 2023, Deye demonstrated this capability by remotely shutting down inverters in multiple countries, displaying a message: "This inverter is not allowed use at Pakistan/USA/UK. Pls return to your supplier." The incident was a wake-up call, revealing that China could destabilize power grids by disabling thousands of inverters simultaneously. Chinas legal mandate for espionage The real danger lies in Chinas National Intelligence Law, which compels companies to assist state intelligence operations. Huawei, the worlds largest inverter manufacturer, has already been banned from U.S. telecom networks over security concerns. Yet Chinese firms still dominate the global inverter market, with Huawei, Sungrow, and Ginlong Solis controlling a massive share. "We know that China believes there is value in placing at least some elements of our core infrastructure at risk of destruction or disruption," said Mike Rogers, former director of the U.S. National Security Agency. The U.S. Department of Energy claims it is assessing risks, but experts warn that reliance on Chinese inverters is a ticking time bomb. "Ten years ago, if you switched off the Chinese inverters, it would not have caused a dramatic thing to happen to European grids, but now the critical mass is much larger," said Philipp Schroeder, CEO of German solar company 1Komma5. The Wests dangerous dependence Chinas grip on renewable energy technology is tightening. In Europe, over 200 gigawatts of solar capacity, which is equivalent to more than 200 nuclear plants, depend on Chinese inverters. The U.S. is scrambling to reduce reliance on these components, but with China controlling nearly a third of the global inverter market, alternatives are scarce. Some nations are taking action. Lithuania has banned remote Chinese access to solar installations, and Estonia warns of potential blackmail if Chinese tech isnt removed from critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the UK is reviewing its energy security but continues pushing forward with green energy mandates that deepen dependence on Chinese imports. "If you remotely control a large enough number of home solar inverters, and do something nefarious at once, that could have catastrophic implications to the grid for a prolonged period of time," said Uri Sadot, cybersecurity director at SolarEdge. A wake-up call for energy security The Deye incident was a shocking warning, yet the U.S. government has not publicly acknowledged the discovery of rogue communication devices in inverters and batteries. The Department of Energy insists it is working to improve supply chain transparency, but critics argue the response is too slow. As the West accelerates its transition to renewable energy, it must confront an uncomfortable truth: green energy policies are making the grid more vulnerable to foreign sabotage. Without urgent action to secure supply chains and eliminate Chinese-controlled components, the next blackout may not be an accident; it may be an act of economic warfare. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com DailyMail.co.uk Reuters.com Iran vows uranium enrichment will continue as U.S. demands zero concessions in nuclear standoff Iran vows to continue uranium enrichment regardless of whether a new nuclear deal is reached, defying U.S. demands for zero enrichment. Iranian officials frame enrichment as a "national achievement" and refuse to back down, citing distrust in U.S. negotiations. The U.S. maintains a strict "red line" against any enrichment, warning it could lead to weaponization and potential military consequences. Iran has already stockpiled 60% enriched uranium, putting it dangerously close to weapons-grade material, raising global proliferation fears. The standoff risks triggering a Middle East arms race or military conflict if diplomacy fails, with neither side willing to compromise. Iran has declared that its uranium enrichment program, a critical step toward nuclear weapons capability, will continue regardless of whether a new nuclear deal is reached with the United States. The defiant stance, articulated by Iranian Foreign Ministry officials, directly challenges the Trump administrations "red line" demand for zero enrichment, setting the stage for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown. With Tehran framing enrichment as a "national achievement" it refuses to abandon and the U.S. warning of "serious consequences" if negotiations fail, the world inches closer to a crisis that could reshape global security. Irans uncompromising stance Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqaei made it clear that Washingtons shifting demands have eroded trust, stating, "This track of talks cannot be brought to a conclusion given the shifting and contradictory positions. Under such circumstances, we do not expect an atmosphere of mutual trust." The message was reinforced by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who declared, "Our position on enrichment is clear and we have repeatedly stated that it is a national achievement from which we will not back down." The rhetoric underscores Tehrans refusal to capitulate to U.S. pressure, framing uranium enrichment as an inalienable right under the guise of peaceful nuclear energy. Yet intelligence assessments suggest Iran has already stockpiled enough highly enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons, raising alarms that the regime is merely buying time to weaponize its program. The U.S. "red line" The Trump administration has drawn a hard line, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stating unequivocally, "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability." He emphasized that any deal must prevent Iran from advancing toward nuclear weapons, warning, "Because enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here." President Trump himself has oscillated between optimism and threats, claiming a deal is "very close" while ominously warning that Iran must act quickly or deal with "something bad." His remarks suggest a looming ultimatum: negotiate on Americas terms or risk military confrontation. A diplomatic deadlock with global consequences The impasse highlights the fundamental divide between the two nations. Iran insists on retaining its enrichment capabilities as a sovereign right, while the U.S. views any enrichment as an unacceptable step toward nuclear proliferation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already documented Irans alarming stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, which is just a technical step away from weapons-grade material. Secretary of State Marco Rubio summarized the danger: "Once you're at 60%, you're 90% of the way there. You are, in essence, a threshold nuclear weapons state, which is what Iran has basically become." If Iran crosses that threshold, the Middle East could face a destabilizing arms race, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others potentially pursuing their own nuclear programs in response. With Iran vowing to enrich uranium "with or without a deal" and the U.S. refusing to back down, the stage is set for either a historic breakthrough or a catastrophic breakdown. If diplomacy fails, the consequences could be dire, ranging from intensified sanctions to military conflict. It is clear that Tehrans nuclear ambitions will not fade quietly, and Washingtons patience is running out. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com FoxNews.com Reuters.com Conservative MEPs call for political consequences against von der Leyen after ECJ ruling on Pfizergate The European Court of Justice ruled that European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen unlawfully withheld documents related to secret negotiations with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla for COVID-19 vaccine contracts, violating transparency laws. The EC is likely to appeal the decision, delaying the release of documents for one to two years, despite the court dismissing the EC's justifications as "based on assumptions or imprecise information." Conservative MEPs demand political consequences, including von der Leyen's resignation, citing her lack of transparency as undemocratic. Critics highlight her history of evading accountability, including in a past German defense scandal. The ECJ sided with the New York Times in its lawsuit, while dismissing a separate case by citizens and NGOs sparking outrage over unequal access to information. With von der Leyen's allies likely shielding her, conservative MEPs push for a parliamentary inquiry with subpoena power. But legal delays may prevent full transparency, leaving Pfizergate a defining scandal of her leadership. Conservative Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for political consequences against European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, following a verdict by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the Pfizergate scandal involving her. The ECJ's verdict issued Wednesday, May 14, ruled that von der Leyen unlawfully withheld critical documents related to her secret negotiations with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla for billions of dollars in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine contracts. The tribunal found that the EC president violated transparency laws and voided her decision to withhold the documents. The verdict found the EC's justifications "based on assumptions or imprecise information" and ordered the immediate release of the documents. However, von der Leyen is expected to appeal delaying disclosure for about one to two years. The ECJ verdict appears to be essentially toothless, as even mainstream media has acknowledged that the verdict will have "no real-world political fallout" either. This is because there's no mechanism to hold von der Leyen accountable, and MEPs part of her so-called "Ursula coalition" have no motivation to do so. (Related: Pfizergate: Ursula von der Leyen's shady COVID vaccine deals prove she can get away with anything.) But conservative MEPs had none of it, with some calling for the "public humiliation" of the ECJ verdict to translate to real-life consequences and for the EC president to step down. Danish MEP Anders Vistisen of the Patriots for Europe parliamentary group pointed out that if von der Leyen "has nothing to hide, she has nothing to fear." French Former MEP Patricia Chagnon of the National Rally shared similar views. "Politicians get their mandate from their electorate, and therefore must remain accountable to them," she said. "When you start hiding stuff, that's no longer a democracy." Will the European Parliament finally hold von der Leyen accountable? The ECJ decision marks a pivotal moment in the escalating Pfizergate scandal, exposing systemic secrecy at the highest levels of the EU and raising urgent questions about accountability for what some lawmakers call "the biggest corruption scandal in human history." Critics argue von der Leyen's actions mirror past scandals. Vistisen even recounted how she allegedly deleted evidence during a German defense procurement fraud case. She dodged accountability for that case upon her election as EC president in 2019. The ruling also highlighted a glaring double standard. While the ECJ's recent ruling sided with the New York Times (NYT) which filed the lawsuit a separate case filed by over 1,000 citizens, NGOs and member states in Belgium was dismissed by a court there for lacking "personal harm." German MEP Christine Anderson of the Europe of Sovereign Nations parliamentary group condemned the disparity. In a post on X, she questioned how the NYT "has achieved what parliamentarians and citizens have been denied." Former Dutch MEP Rob Roos, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists parliamentary group, also echoed Anderson's sentiments. He wrote on X: "Why should a foreign newspaper possess stronger transparency rights than a MEP, than European citizens and member states themselves?" With von der Leyen's allies likely to block further investigations, the battle now shifts to the European Parliament. Anderson, Vistisen and their conservative colleagues are demanding the formation of an inquiry committee with subpoena power. But as the legal battle drags on, the public may never see the full truth leaving Pfizergate as a defining scandal of von der Leyen's tenure and a cautionary tale of power unchecked. Visit Corruption.news for more similar stories. Watch Josh Sigurdon of World Alternative Media discussing calls for the European Parliament to prosecute Pfizer over its role in the Pfizergate scandal. This video is from the World Alternative Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The true history of Pfizer's criminal conduct and pharmaceutical MURDER. EU court exposes secret Pfizer deal, orders von der Leyen and Bourla to reveal concealed texts. EU's Ursula von der Leyen needs to resign IMMEDIATELY over covid "vaccine" scam, says Romanian MEP. Sources include: InfoWars.com EuropeanConservative.com 1 EuropeanConservative.com 2 Brighteon.com Montana pioneers warrant requirement for law enforcement data purchases, closing data broker loophole On May 5, Montana became the first state to close the "data broker loophole," prohibiting law enforcement from buying sensitive personal data (e.g., location history, financial records) from third-party brokers without a warrant. The law prevents agencies from bypassing Fourth Amendment protections by purchasing data (e.g., from firms like Fog Data Science) instead of obtaining judicial approval, addressing concerns about government overreach. The state has a history of strong privacy laws, including restrictions on facial recognition and DNA collection. SB 282 aligns with stalled federal proposals like the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act. The law maintains legal avenues for data access (warrants, subpoenas) but ensures sensitive information (health, religious data) isnt exploited as a cheap surveillance tool, reinforcing constitutional rights. With federal inaction, Montanas law sets a precedent for state-level privacy protections, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can curb surveillance abuses in the digital age. On May 5, Montana became the first U.S. state to close what advocates call the "data broker loophole," banning state and local law enforcement agencies from purchasing sensitive personal information from private firms without a warrant. Gov. Greg Gianfortes signing of Senate Bill 282 (SB 282) marked a bold step in safeguarding privacy rights, sharply curbing the practice of law enforcement acquiring geolocation histories, financial records and other intimate details through third-party data brokers. By requiring judicial oversight, the law reasserts a principle central to the Fourth Amendmentindividual liberty cannot be undermined by unchecked governmental access to private data. With federal efforts stalled, Montanas precedent underscores growing state-level resistance to surveillance overreach. A new line against data exploitation SB 282 bars law enforcement from acquiring detailed digital footprints, including geolocation data, financial transaction records and biometric information, without securing a warrant or subpoena. Law enforcement agencies previously could circumvent Fourth Amendment protections by purchasing such data from companies like Fog Data Sciencewhich Accumulates tracking logs from 250 million devicesrather than seeking court approval. The laws architects argue it addresses a critical gap: As technology evolves, so has the potential for abuse. In the spy world and the military world, imagine what were capable of with all of this information available, warned state Rep. Tracy Sharp, R-Polson, during hearings. We need to put sideboards on this to protect our citizens from government overreach. Montanas privacy legacy and federal contrasts Montana has long been a leader in privacy legislation. Since 2021, it has limited facial recognition use, banned unauthorized DNA collection and amended its constitution to explicitly shield digital data from unreasonable searches. SB 282 aligns with federal proposals like the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), which stalled in Congress despite House passage in 2024. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights group, hailed Montanas actions as model policy. Montana shows what the federal government cant dohold authorities accountable, said Matthew Guariglia, an EFF policy analyst. Other states must follow. The law retains legal channels for law enforcement to access data, including warrants, subpoenas, or customer consent. However, it clarifies that monetary transactions alone cannot substitute for judicial oversight. Broader implications for civil liberties The legislation arrives amid mounting tension over encryption, government tracking and data privacy. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Carpenter v. United States that prolonged GPS tracking constitutes a search, but lower courts have inconsistently applied that precedent. SB 282 plugs a critical loophole, ensuring that sensitive informationsuch as religious affiliations or health recordsis not used as a low-cost surveillance tool. Advocates stress that privacy protections and public safety arent mutually exclusive. Montana isnt saying police cant get this data, Guariglia noted, just that they must follow the law. A states rights blueprint for the digital age As privacy battles intensify, Montanas law offers a blue-print for balancing security and liberty Grande dame. With Congress gridlocked, the move highlights how states can reinforce constitutional rights through pioneering laws. As technology outpaces federal oversight, citizens increasingly look to governors and legislatures to guard against surveillance creepa principle Montana now enshrines in statute. This law echoes earlier U.S. debates over checks on government power, from colonial-era resistance to the Writs of Assistance to modern clashes over NSA surveillance. Montanas choice to legislate a digital Fourth Amendment firewall signals a new era in grassroots-driven privacy advocacy. The cost of data, not liberty Montanas SB 282 underscores a truth: In an era of pervasive data collection, the price of privacy shouldnt be negotiable. By rejecting warrantless purchases as a backdoor to unchecked authority, the state sets a standard for policymakers nationwide to uphold: On questions of individual freedom, nothing less than constitutional rigor will suffice. Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org Eff.org SAN.com FDA approves Novavax COVID vaccine grown in moth cells 100% efficacy claim based on just 14 placebo cases, raising serious safety concerns While the mainstream media touts Novavaxs Nuvaxovid as a "safer, more traditional" alternative to mRNA vaccines, the truth behind its FDA approval is far more unsettling . The agency green-lit this genetically engineered, insect-cell-derived vaccine based on shockingly weak evidence just 14 moderate-to-severe COVID cases in the placebo group, with zero in the vaccinated group. This flimsy foundation allowed Novavax to claim 100% efficacy, a statistical illusion that crumbles under scrutiny. Worse, the FDA bypassed its own advisory committee, ignored post-market reports of heart inflammation, menstrual disruptions, and even deaths, and deferred long-term safety studies for years. The public is being sold a dangerous illusion of safety while regulators and corporations collude to push another experimental product onto an unsuspecting population. Key points: The FDA granted full approval to Novavaxs Nuvaxovid despite its efficacy claim resting on just 14 placebo cases a statistically meaningless sample size. The vaccine is produced using genetically modified moth cells infected with a baculovirus, raising contamination and informed consent concerns. No severe COVID cases occurred in vaccinated participants not because the vaccine worked flawlessly, but because the trial was too small and short (only 3 months). Post-market data from Australia revealed alarming rates of myocarditis, pericarditis, anaphylaxis, and menstrual disturbances none of which were properly studied before approval. The FDA skipped advisory committee review, dismissing known risks while deferring critical safety studies for up to a decade. The illusion of "100% efficacy" The FDAs approval hinges on a New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study that followed participants for a mere three months, with only 14 moderate-to-severe COVID cases in the placebo group. This microscopic sample size allowed Novavax to claim 100% efficacy against severe disease a marketing triumph, but a scientific farce. Dr. Peter Doshi, senior editor of The BMJ, has long criticized such statistical sleight of hand, pointing out that small, short trials are designed to inflate efficacy while hiding long-term risks. In this case, the trial didnt even include a single vaccinated senior citizen with severe COVID meaning the claim of protection for high-risk groups is pure speculation. How Novavaxs vaccine is made: A Frankenstein science experiment Unlike mRNA shots, which instruct the body to produce spike proteins, Novavaxs vaccine pre-manufactures the spike protein inside moth cells. Heres how it works: Genetically modified baculovirus infects moth cells Scientists insert the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene into a baculovirus, which is then used to infect fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells. Insect cells become spike protein factories The infected moth cells mass-produce the spike protein, which is then harvested and purified. Adjuvant boosts immune response The spike proteins are mixed with Matrix-M, an immune-stimulating adjuvant derived from tree bark. But theres a catch: nearly all Sf9 moth cell lines are contaminated with Sf-rhabdovirus, an RNA virus that could theoretically end up in the final product. The FDA has no long-term data on how these contaminants or the spike protein itself might affect human biology. Post-market red flags: Heart damage, menstrual chaos, and ignored deaths While the NEJM study reported mild side effects, real-world data tells a darker story: Myocarditis & pericarditis Australia documented 19.4 cases per 100,000 doses, with chest pain occurring at 91.3 per 100,000 doses. Anaphylaxis Seven cases (all in women) emerged post-approval, despite zero cases in clinical trials. Menstrual disturbances Women reported sudden, severe changes in their cyclesa phenomenon ignored in trials. Deaths Four fatalities were dismissed without investigation, despite occurring shortly after vaccination. Instead of convening an independent advisory committee to scrutinize these risks, the FDA fast-tracked approval, claiming the data "did not raise concerns." Yet, buried in the fine print, the agency mandated post-approval studies on myocarditis, strokes, and pregnancy outcomesdue between 2027 and 2032. This means millions of people are being used as guinea pigs while regulators wait a decade to confirm if the vaccine is safe. Novavaxs vaccine is not the "natural" alternative its marketed as. Its a genetically engineered, insect-cell-derived product with serious post-market risks and no long-term safety data. The FDAs approval is a betrayal of public trust, prioritizing corporate profits over informed consent. The question isnt whether Novavax works its whether anyone truly knows the long-term cost. Sources include: JonFleetwood.substack.com FDA.gov NEJM.org Paris faces accusations of silencing conservative voices ahead of Romanias election as Telegram founder pushes back French authorities reportedly pressured Telegram to censor conservative voices in Romania ahead of the presidential election, targeting pro-Simion content. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov rejected the request, calling it antidemocratic. The election pitted pro-EU centrist Nicu?or Dan (backed by Macron) against far-right nationalist George Simion. Simion accused France of election interference, while Romanias new anti-disinformation laws led to mass removals of pro-Simion posts. Durov, previously arrested by French authorities on contested charges, remains under investigation. He framed Frances actions as hypocritical, given its stance on democracy and free speech. The incident reflects growing tensions between tech platforms and governments over censorship. While Macron pushes for stricter regulation, Durov positions Telegram as a free speech advocate, gaining support in countries like Romania. The controversy raises concerns about whether content moderation is being weaponized for political suppression. Analysts warn of a double standard, with governments potentially co-opting tech platforms to control narratives, threatening democratic principles. French authorities allegedly pressured the encrypted messaging platform Telegram to block conservative voices in Romania ahead of Sundays presidential election, according to a statement by Telegram founder Pavel Durov. The move, which Durov rejected, has sparked accusations of authoritarian overreach as the European Union grapples with tensions over election integrity and free speech. The voting centered on a contest between centrist Nicu?or Dan and far-right candidate George Simion, whom Durov described as a victim of democracy-killing tactics by Frances establishment. Telegrams Durov says France pressured platform to target pro-Simion content Durov, a Russian-born CEO who holds French citizenship, stated on social media that he was approached by French intelligence officials in spring 2025 to suppress conservative voices in Romania. The request, which he dismissed as antidemocratic, followed months of escalating tensions between Durovs platform and European governments. You cant defend democracy by destroying democracy, Durov wrote on X, citing Telegrams refusal to block dissent in nations like Russia and Belarus. The alleged French initiative was first hinted at indirectly via a baguette emoji in a May 18 post, and Frances Foreign Ministry swiftly denied the accusation, calling it a diversion. Earlier, in 2023, French authorities arrested Durov at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, accusing him of enabling child exploitation content and drug traffickinga charge he denies. While freed on a 5 million bail, Durov remains under investigation, complicating diplomatic relations between Paris and his platform. Macrons EU ally wins as Romania descends into censorship controversy Dan, a pro-European Union and NATO mayor of Bucharest supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, narrowly triumphed over Simion, a Trump-like nationalist who opposes Western military aid to Ukraine. Simion had accused France of meddlesome tactics, claiming Paris flooded Romania with cash and pressure via ambassadors. They are robbing the people of their vote, Simion told journalist Mario Nawfal last week, echoing pro-freedom rhetoric long championed by Durov. Romanias anti-disinformation laws, enacted in January, have drawn criticism for enabling censorship. Over 4,000 social media posts many advocating Simion are reported to have been removed in weeks leading up to the election, including a viral clip of a man clapping in support of the candidate. Critics, including centrist lawmakers and civil society groups, argue the rules unfairly classify everyday users as political actors, risking fines of up to $13,000 for noncompliant posts. USR, Dans former party, has spearheaded opposition to such measures, condemning their selective enforcement. To censor private citizens under the guise of disinformation undermines democracy itself, said MEP Dan Barna, highlighting hypocrisy as Macron condemns Russian interference while allegedly engaging in similar tactics at home. A broader battle over free speech and sovereignty in Europe Durovs clash with Paris reflects a wider European debate over tech regulation. While Macron pushes for stricter control over platforms, Durov whose app was banned and then rehabilitated in Russia in 2020 has positioned himself as a defender of free expression. His stance resonates in nations like Romania, where 75% of voters use Telegram daily, and Simions anti-establishment rhetoric drew mass appeal. Historically, both far-right and pro-EU factions have weaponized tech platforms to sway voters, but analysts warn of a dangerous double standard. If governments can co-opt Silicon Valley, theyll do the same to decentralized apps, said Budapest-based tech lawyer Tamas Orban, noting similar controversies in the 2024 U.S. election. Will Europe embrace free speech amid election fears? As Dans victory solidifies Macrons influence in the European Council, the Telegram controversy raises urgent questions. Is content moderation a public safety necessity or a tool of suppression? And does selective censorship undermine the democratic values Western leaders claim to uphold? Durovs refusal may have safeguarded Romanian users freedoms, but the unresolved legal cases against him and Macrons denial leave doubt over transparency. As Romania braces for potential appeals of election results and France faces global scrutiny, the world watches whether the EUs liberal framework can endure its own test of courage or become the next casualty of fear. The collision of power, privacy and politics now demands accountability, lest Europes next digital battlefield erode the very democracies its leaders defend. Sources for this article include: RT.com Reuters.com EuropeanConservatives.com Nigerias water crisis: Unraveling the role of systemic governance failures over climate narratives Nigerias water crisis stems from institutional negligence, deforestation and poor agricultural policiesnot climate change. Historical droughts (e.g., 1970s Sahel crisis) were natural, but current challenges are worsened by unsustainable land use and policy failures. Media and NGOs often blame climate change for shrinking water resources, but evidence points to human actionslike upstream dam projects, excessive corn irrigation and unregulated groundwater drillingas primary causes. Rapid tree-cover loss and unchecked borehole drilling (depleting aquifers by 15 meters in some regions) highlight governance failures, not environmental inevitability. Population growth exacerbates demand, but sound management could mitigate the crisis. Corruption and shortsighted policies hinder solutions. Unused World Bank funds for water infrastructure and a failure to shift from water-intensive crops (e.g., corn to sorghum) reveal systemic incompetence. Sustainable fixes include reforestation (modeled on Ethiopias success), rainwater harvesting, borehole regulation and reviving traditional drought-resistant farming. The crisis is solvablebut only through governance overhaul, not climate rhetoric. Nigerias agricultural heartland faces a deepening water crisis, with farmers in northern regions grappling with diminished water availability and plummeting yields. While climate narratives dominate media headlines, evidence points to human-driven mismanagementincluding institutional negligence, poor agricultural policies and deforestationas the root cause. With Nigerias population projected to soar to 400 million by 2050, addressing systemic defects in resource governance is the urgent priority if the country is to avert a food security catastrophe. Cyclical droughts: A natural legacy, not new climate crisis Historical records show Nigerias northern regions have endured recurring droughts since the early 20th century, long before modern climate change concerns. The devastating Sahel drought of the 1970s and dry spells in the 90s/2010s were tied to natural rainfall variability, not shifting climatic trends. Linnea Lueken of the Arthur B. Robinson Center emphasizes these cyclical patterns, stating, Todays water struggles stem from population growth, unsustainable land useand critically, poor decisions by policymakersnot a new climate apocalypse. The droughts of the 20th century, predating contemporary debates on climate, prove such challenges are not novel. Sowing confusion: The climate change distraction Corporate-backed environmental groups and international media have sought to rebrand Nigerias crisis as climate-driven, citing shrinking lakes and irregular rainfall. Yet field reports, such as those from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), contradict this narrative. For instance: Lake Chads collapse: While often blamed on climate, independent analysts attribute its 90% volume loss since 1960 to human factors: upstream dam projects by Cameroon and Niger, plus Nigerias reckless irrigation of water-demanding crops like corn. While often blamed on climate, independent analysts attribute its 90% volume loss since 1960 to human factors: upstream dam projects by Cameroon and Niger, plus Nigerias reckless irrigation of water-demanding crops like corn. Corns catastrophic water use: Nigerias corn production has surged 91% since 1990, worsening groundwater depletion despite a 50% decline in rain-fed agriculture. A 90% rise in corn [water demand] is pure policy failure. Nigerias leadership chose this crop, not the climate, Lueken states. Deforestation and drilled groundwater: Man-made ecological time bombs Satellite data reveals Nigerias tree cover has vanished at an alarming ratenot due to desertification alone, but unregulated farming expansion. The FAO notes that 80% of Nigerian smallholders rely on unpermitted boreholes, depleting aquifers by 15 meters in regions like Kano and Katsina. Analysts argue that Nigerias government prioritizes oil profits over water security, letting farmers drill without oversight. "This is management failure, not Mother Nature. Meanwhile, population growth (up 200 million since 1990) and livestock expansion have strained existing resources, but even this surging demand is manageable were governance structures sound. Political apathy amplifies the crisis Nigerias GDP growth (3% annually) appears buoyant, yet economic gains fuel incompetence, not reform.:[ Institutional rot: Corruption stifles irrigation project implementation. The World Banks $500 million pledge for water infrastructure still sits unspent, eroded by bureaucratic bloat. Policy shortsightedness: Over 30 years, Nigerias leadership has failed to pivot from corn-centric farming toward drought-surviving crops like sorghum, which need less water. Aiming for lasting, human-powered fixes Reforms must prioritize adaptive practices and systemic accountability: Reforestation models: Ethiopias billion-tree Green Legacy shows that tree-planting halts desertification. Nigerias stalled programs could revive village-led agroforestry traditions. Smart farming: NGOs like the African Conservation Foundation advocate rainwater harvesting and soil preservation. Regulatory overhauls: Borehole regulation and high-priority importation of drought-resistant crop varieties (like Nigerian domesticated sorghum) would ease pressure on water reserves. Historical resilience offers clues: Pre-colonial communities thrived via village ponds and diversified crops, says historian Mbakwe Nnamdi. Combining these timeless practices with controlled irrigation could redefine survival. Deeper wells, not more climate blame The UN warns Nigeria risks losing half its food production by 2050but the path out depends far less on reducing CO2 than on solving political emergencies. As irrigation experts in Kano stress, We need drip systems, not slogans about climate justice. Nigerias rains never caused this messits governors did. The crisis is a choice: reform or collapse. The stakes could not be clearerand the solutions, inconveniently for climate alarmists, are in Nigerian hands alone. Sources for this article include: WattsUpWithThat.com NaturalNews.com FarmingFarmersFarms.com May 20, 2025: The northern city of Mosul has largely eliminated its Islamic terrorist problem. Only a few percent of the population have any sympathy for the terrorists and few if any Islamic terrorists are still operating in or near Mosul. Iranian officials have told Iraq that they will share their nuclear power plant technology with Iraq and help Iraq build its first nuclear power producing operation. Despite Irans continued aggressive attitude towards Israel and the west, they try to maintain good relations with their immediate neighbors. Iran still depends on these countries for trade. This is essential because without that trade the Iranian economy would collapse and the population would go hungry. Iraq is currently disarming the PKK or Kurdish Workers Party. The leftist rebel group has agreed to disarm and disband. The main complications is Turkey, where the PKK movement began in 1984 as local Kurds sought to establish a Kurdish state out of territory in eastern Turkey, northern Iraq and northwestern Iran. These three nations objected and have been fighting PKK rebels ever since. This new PKK proposal wont work if Turkey, Iraq and Iran will not go along with it. For the last twelve years the PKK has based itself in the Qandil Mountains of northeastern Iraq. The PKK has been around for nearly half a century. Starting out as a communist group, PKK mellowed and became more pragmatic over the years. They are still a far-left organization, but willing to make deals to survive. For example, in 2013 PKK declared a ceasefire in its war with Turkey and moved its remaining forces to northeastern Iraq. The ceasefire collapsed in mid-2015 and the Turks have been bombing PKK bases in Iraq ever since. Occasionally Turkish special operations troops would enter Iraq to observe PKK activities and call in airstrikes on PKK bases. Iraq continues to complain to Turkey about the bombings and troop incursions. The Turks ignore it, because the Iraqis will not or cannot control the PKK. Currently Turkey and Iraq are seeking to carry out joint operations against the PKK and Islamic terrorist groups. Iraq is more interested in being at the center of the revival of Arab unity in the region. Iraq has oil income and common cause with the other Persian Gulf Arab oil states. Historically, Iraq was the center of Arab culture and military power in the region. Since World War II that has been overshadowed by Iran, which was a monarchy until the 1980s when an Iran-Iraq war turned Iran into a religious dictatorship. You cant negotiate with a religious dictatorship, so Iraq accepted help from anyone who would get involved. That included Israel, which recently carried out punishing airstrikes against Iran. Iraq did not interfere as the Israeli jets flew over Iraq. The enemy of my enemy is my temporary friend. Last year American and Iraqi forces continued to find and capture or kill groups of Islamic terrorists. In the north Turkey continued bombing bases of Kurdish rebel groups established in remote areas of northern Iraq. Despite the late 2017 declaration that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL was defeated, the Islamic terror group remains active in northern and Western Iraq. ISIL no longer controls large areas of Iraq but is a problem because of its violence, extortion, and causing disorder in several provinces north of Baghdad. It took four years of effort, several hundred billion dollars to pay for an expanded military, battle damage and economic losses plus over 100,000 Iraqi lives, to kill at least 20,000 Islamic terrorists and eliminate ISIL control of Iraqi territory. That effort created other problems, and opportunities. Iran offered help and was allowed to organize, train, and often lead in combat over 100,000 Iraqi, largely pro-Iran Shia militiamen in what was and still is the PMF/Popular Mobilization Forces. Most Iraqis, including most Iraqi Shia, who are about 60 percent of the population, feared an Iran inspired coup by early 2018. That never happened. Senior Shia clerics in Iraq and Iran agreed that the militias should stay out of politics. Irans government was not consulted on this decision and a minority of pro-Iran Iraqis still want an Iran style religious dictatorship. National elections in 2021 revealed much less support for Iran, despite increased threats and financial promises Iran could not keep. The 2021 elections were mainly about doing something about widespread corruption and mismanagement of the economy. The other Arab oil states in the region, all run by Sunnis, offered peace and investment and the new Iraqi government accepted the offer, even if those Arabs were establishing diplomatic, economic, and military relations with Israel. Iran responded with a failed assassination attack on the Iraqi prime minister plus rocket and mortar attacks on the American embassy and the remaining U.S. troops. Most Iraqis want some Americans to stay, more economic activity with Arab neighbors and an end to Iranian meddling in Iraq. Vance confronts EU leaders: Demands trade fairness and defense spending surge amid America First push In a bold move that signals a new era of U.S.-EU relations , Vice President JD Vance stood firm in Rome this week, challenging European leaders to abandon their economic protectionism and step up their defense commitments or face the consequences of Americas resurgent nationalist trade policies. With the Trump administrations 20% tariff threat looming over Europe, Vance made it clear: The days of free-riding on U.S. security and open markets are over. As the globalist elite cling to their failing economic models, Vances message cuts through the noise either Europe aligns with American interests , or it risks being left behind in a world where sovereignty, not subservience, dictates success. Key points: Vance met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to push for a U.S.-EU trade breakthrough. The Trump administration has imposed a 10% baseline tariff on imports, with 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles and a 20% EU tariff set to take effect if negotiations fail. Vance demanded Europe increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, far beyond NATOs 2% target, warning that the U.S. will no longer shoulder the burden alone. Von der Leyen acknowledged the $1.5 trillion trade relationship but admitted the devil is in the details as both sides scramble for a deal. The meeting followed Vances fiery Munich Security Conference speech, where he accused Europe of abandoning Enlightenment values in favor of censorship and cultural decay. A high-stakes showdown in Rome The Chigi Palace in Rome became the latest battleground in the Trump administrations economic war against globalist stagnation. Vance, fresh from attending Pope Leo XIVs inaugural Mass, wasted no time in laying down the law: Europe must either negotiate a fair trade deal or brace for punitive tariffs. The U.S. has already imposed a 25% tariff on key European exports, with an additional 20% looming if Brussels refuses to budge. 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, striking a diplomatic tone while making it clear that Americas patience is wearing thin. Von der Leyen, desperate to avoid an all-out trade war, claimed both sides had exchanged negotiation documents and were working toward a deal. Everybody knows that the devil is in the detail, she admitted, but what unites us is that at the end, we want together to have a good deal for both sides. Yet behind the polite rhetoric, the reality is stark: Europes economic model is under siege. The EU has long relied on U.S. military protection while erecting trade barriers against American goods. Now, with Trumps America First agenda in full force, the free ride is over. The defense spending ultimatum Beyond trade, Vance delivered a blunt message on NATO: Europe must pay its fair share. For decades, the U.S. has bankrolled Europes security while its allies slashed defense budgets in favor of bloated welfare states. Vance called for a radical shift demanding European nations boost military spending to 5% of GDP, more than double NATOs oft-ignored 2% target. I do still very much think that the United States and Europe are on the same team, Vance said, but some countries are too comfortable with the existing security arrangement. His words echo his earlier speech in Munich, where he warned that Europes retreat from fundamental freedoms embracing censorship and woke ideology has weakened the West. Theres a big question about what [being on the same team] means in the 21st century, he declared, signaling that America will no longer subsidize nations that undermine their own sovereignty. The Rome meeting exposed the growing rift between Americas nationalist resurgence and Europes crumbling establishment. Von der Leyen, a staunch globalist, has yet to hold formal talks with President Trump since his re-election a telling sign of the EUs reluctance to engage with a leader who rejects their bureaucratic overreach. Meanwhile, Meloni Italys conservative firebrand has emerged as a potential ally in Vances push for a Europe that prioritizes strength over surrender. As the EU flounders under mass migration, economic stagnation, and cultural self-destruction, Vances message is clear: adapt or be left behind. With tariffs set to hit in 90 days and defense demands escalating, Europe faces a choice submit to Americas terms or risk economic and strategic irrelevance. The globalist experiment is failing, and Vance is here to collect the bill. Sources include: Yournews.com Reuters.com Youtube.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Cables break all the time, usually as a result of accidents. We cant stop that. The system solves it by having redundancy and repair capacity. A few possible sabotages dont change that situation. The Britishs first action in the First World War was to fish out and cut off German communication cables. This is not new and the risks are taken into account. By and large, the industry has made a reasonable risk assessment. Other parts of the Nordic region, such as Iceland and Svalbard, are more vulnerable: They have lower redundancy, repair times are longer and the number of satellites is more limited, so there are fewer emergency options, says Liwang. Another region where cable breaks can have major consequences is the Red Sea. Seventeen cables pass through the 30-mile-wide Bab al-Mandab Strait between Djibouti and Yemen. In the spring of 2024, four Red Sea cables broke in a short period of time. The Red Sea cables provide a very important high-bandwidth, low-latency link between Europe and Asia. When cables were recently cut there, 2570 percent of all traffic between the continents was affected, says Furdek Prekratic. Along the eastern side of the sea, fighting is ongoing between Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces. The rebels have attacked ships linked to Israel. They have not claimed responsibility for the cable breaks, but that has not stopped speculation. Whether the cables were cut or damaged accidentally complicates the repair of the security situation in the region. More generally, it can be difficult to base your decisions on maps of submarine cables, says Furdek Prekratic. There are areas with few such cables that still have very good connections to surrounding countries via cables on land, which are buried and better protected. 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. "The ultimate question is not only what sort of a University of Illinois do you want. The question is what sort of a local community do you want. If you want a university running at 75 or 50 percent of current capacity, then the local economy will run at 75 or 50 percent of current capacity," Professor Kiel Christianson writes. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. "When supposed 'facts' instill fear and paint a picture of our world in broad strokes these people are good, those people are not; these lives are sacred, those are not it is time to go deeper, into the source and especially into ones own heart," Champaign's Anne Phillips writes. The 21st edition of Sustainability Through Science and Technology Summit 2025 (SIPS 2025), dedicated to Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, to be held in Cebu, Philippines, from 17-20 November 2025, has confirmed the participation of Davis Joseph as an invited summit plenary lecturer for his recent ground-breaking discovery of the common master switch for numerous brain-related diseases. Davis Joseph discovered something that could not be found in the entire scientific history of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research: a common master switch that can potentially cure both these and other brain-related diseases with a single method, despite the unique characteristics of each disease. This was achieved by developing a unified theory, which establishes that the occurrence and progression of these neurodegenerative diseases can be controlled mainly by regulating the rates of axon-based 4E-BP2 protein deamidation, a chemical reaction that disrupts protein function, whose fundamental mechanism in the brain was recently discovered by Davis Joseph. Since the common characteristic of these diseases in aging patients is an excessive 4E-BP2 protein deamidation that causes protein overproduction and malfunction, lowering the common master switch to bring the deamidation rates to normal values, depending on the patients' characteristics, can cure these brain-related diseases. This breakthrough is significant because Parkinson's disease, first described in 1817, Alzheimer's disease, first described in 1906, and other neurodegenerative diseases have been studied separately in biochemistry and therapeutic drug development, and no causal link has ever been established between them. Davis Joseph discovered this link and made the dividing wall between these brain-related diseases disappear, making it possible to treat them by regulating a shared master switch. Additionally, this breakthrough is crucial since it bridges for the first time four different research fields: the biochemical processes of deamidation, translational control, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration through axon-based 4E-BP2 protein deamidation that serves as a common denominator for all of them. Furthermore, this discovery is an example of sustainable medicine as per FLOGEN Sustainability Framework because it fulfills the three criteria of sustainability: (1) Social Development since it improves the quality of human life (2) Economic Development, since it decreases the cost of medicine applicable to numerous diseases and (3) Environment Protection since it decreases the amount of resources that is needed to produce medicine. Based on this newly developed Unified Theory and his critical review of the scientific literature, he also designed for the first time three biochemical flowsheets of (1) deamidation in living organisms, (2) protein synthesis initiation and translational control, and (3) 4E-BP2 deamidation as a control system of the four biochemical processes. The discovery was published on April 27th, 2025, in the prestigious International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), a Q1 journal. The full paper given here https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/9/4143 has been accessed more than 1700 times in less than 21 days, a world record for a single-author scientific publication. The discovery and this publication have been covered by more than 500 media organizations around the word (https://www.flogen.org/?p=98#toop). It was also presented as a plenary lecture at the Congress of Modern Sustainable Medicine in Asuncion, Paraguay, on 30th April 2025. This is Davis Joseph's second discovery in the last five months. The first discovery, known as Davis Joseph's principle, was the fundamental neurobiological mechanism of 4E-BP2 protein deamidation, which determined that axons, a cable-like structure of brain cells, are the key factor of deamidation in the brain. This first discovery, described as Nobel Prize worthy by Dr. Harvey Alter and Dr. Gregg Semenza, 2020 and 2019 Nobel Laureates in Physiology and Medicine, respectively, was published on November 15, 2024, also in IJMS. The full paper (https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/22/12268) has been accessed more than 8000 times in less than 6 months, another world record for a single-author scientific publication, and has been covered by more than 500 media outlets, including the Associated Press: https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/medical-research-b14b0c18105eac4f46e9e14b74f72cbc. For this discovery, Davis Joseph was awarded Semenza International Cell Engineering Award at the FLOGEN Stars Outreach/2024 Sustainability through Science and Technology Summit (SIPS 2024) held in Crete, Greece in October 2024. (https://www.flogen.org/?p=195&bio=2024_Davis_Joseph) Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are two awful diseases, and Davis's work to try to combat them is extraordinary. I am proud to be his representative in the House of Commons." Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament, Canada The new guidelines for the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) published in Neurodegenerative Diseases, serve as exemplary clinical recommendations for clinicians and healthcare providers, supporting the advancement of Alzheimer's disease treatment in Switzerland. The Swiss Memory Clinics (SMC) network, a group of specialized clinics in Switzerland that diagnose and treat patients with dementia, has released new national guidelines on the use of anti-amyloid mAbs such as Lecanemab and Donanemab for treating Alzheimers disease in Switzerland. Lecanemab is now also authorized by the European Commission under strict conditions. Published in the 11 April 2025 issue of Neurodegenerative Diseases, a Karger journal, the paper represents a coordinated effort by the SMC network to ensure safe, effective, and ethical implementation of these emerging therapies. Serving as a clinical practice guide for clinicians and healthcare providers, it facilitates the implementation of emerging treatment options in the field of Alzheimer's disease. The paper outlines criteria for patient selection, biomarker confirmation, APOE genotyping, ARIA monitoring via MRI, and the infrastructure required to support safe treatment delivery. It also emphasizes the importance of informed consent and recommends the creation of a national patient registry. The guidelines stem from interdisciplinary discussions between clinicians in the SMC network--neurologists, geriatricians, old-age psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, and patient organizations, including representatives of academic and non-academic memory clinics--between August 2023 and December 2024. They provide the first country-specific framework for integrating mAbs into clinical practice. In a joint statement, lead authors Dr. med Ansgar Felbecker and Professor Giovanni B. Frisoni, commented: We built an expert group of specialists to provide recommendations in Switzerland on when to use anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies in the care of Alzheimers disease patients. Our hope is that this guidance will help with the approval of these new drugs in other countries for patients who qualify for this care. While the paper provides a country-specific framework for the use of mAbs in clinical routine, the authors hope that as Alzheimers disease care enters a new therapeutic era, these guidelines can balance innovation with clinical responsibilityoffering a model for other nations navigating similar questions. Virginia Tech researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have discovered that microscopic structural changes in the aging heart may reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats. Medically known as arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats become more common with age and can lead to health problems. But a new study in JACC Clinical Electrophysiology, a journal of the American College of Cardiology, revealed that a tiny gap between heart cells called the perinexus naturally narrows with age - an adaptation that may help stabilize heart rhythm. The discovery challenges the idea that all age-related changes in the heart are harmful. As we get older and cardiac cells get bigger, the body compensates by making electrical communications more robust. Making sure the communication between cells remains high during aging appears to occur naturally to keep cardiovascular disease in check." Steven Poelzing, the James and Deborah Petrine Professor, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Poelzing suggests that the body compensates for an aging heart by reinforcing the structure between cells to strengthen electrical communication and support the rapid influx of sodium ions that initiate each heartbeat. Arrhythmias occur when the heart's electrical signals become too fast, too slow, or disorganized. They affect millions worldwide and can range from harmless to life-threatening, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, affecting more than 2 million adults in the United States, with numbers expected to rise significantly. To investigate how structural changes in the heart impact arrhythmia risk, researchers studied young and old guinea pig hearts, using medication to trigger a condition called sodium channel gain of function. They found that older hearts naturally had a narrower perinexus, which appeared to protect against arrhythmias. However, when this space was artificially widened, older hearts quickly developed irregular rhythms, while younger hearts remained stable. As heart cells grow larger with age, they adhere more tightly, maintaining electrical stability. "If you can keep cells nicely packed, you can conceal a lot of age-associated cardiac pathologies," said Poelzing, who is also a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics in the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. He compared it with a house's foundation: If the foundation is solid, the structure can tolerate wear and tear elsewhere. But if the foundation is unstable, the whole structure is at greater risk. From a clinical perspective, Poelzing said this study also sheds light on why arrhythmias can be difficult to detect in aging patients. Cardiologists refer to some heart diseases as "concealed" because the body naturally compensates for electrical instability - returning to normal function before a problem can be caught on standard tests. This is why doctors often rely on long-term monitoring to detect arrhythmias before the heart re-stabilizes the issue. An accompanying editorial in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology commented on the study, describing the delicate, "push-and-pull" balance between the perinexus size and electrical activity in the heart. The editorial also highlighted the broader significance of the findings, suggesting that targeting perinexus size could offer new strategies for preventing arrhythmias and improving heart health as people age. A powerful new short film, from the FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences sheds light on the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on brain health. Produced in collaboration with the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Climate Change Commission, the film calls for urgent action to address the risks posed by rising global temperatures to people living with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and dementia. The film features leading experts including Professor David Henshall, Director of FutureNeuro and Professor of Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience at RCSI. It also amplifies the voices of individuals living with neurological conditions who share their firsthand experiences of navigating a changing climate. Climate change and brain health Climate change is driving long-term shifts in global temperatures, with widespread implications for human health. More than three billion people worldwide are affected by neurological conditions. Emerging research indicates that rising temperatures can increase seizure frequency, exacerbate symptoms, and impair brain function, especially for those with temperature sensitive conditions like Dravet syndrome. Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, Professor of Neurology at UCL and Chair of the ILAE Climate Change Commission, said: "The brain is key to our response to challenges from our surroundings and many parts of the brain are sensitive to the temperature at which they have to work. As a result, if the brain is already affected by disease, it may be more vulnerable to the challenges posed by the effects of climate change. As climate change continues to worsen, it is essential that we pay attention to its effects on people with neurological conditions all around the world." A call for research and action Ongoing research is deepening our understanding of the brain-climate connection, but critical gaps remain. Scientists are using advanced imaging tools to track brain temperature fluctuations and examine how heat stress impacts neural activity. AI-driven predictive models are identifying at-risk populations and shaping targeted interventions. Professor David Henshall said: "New imaging and genetic technologies allow us to learn more about the brain's temperature control systems and how this is altered in conditions such as epilepsy. Understanding these mechanisms could open the door to new treatments or preventative strategies, helping to reduce the impact of heat on seizure risk." The ILAE Climate Change Commission is leading initiatives to promote sustainability in neurological research, advocate for policy reforms, and collaborate with global health organisations. Meanwhile, Green Labs initiatives across Ireland, including those at RCSI are working to reduce the environmental footprint of neuroscience research by minimising plastic waste and energy consumption. Addressing the intersection of climate change and brain health requires a coordinated, multi-sector response. Climate change is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, and its impact on people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions is becoming increasingly clear. Through the work of the ILAE Climate Change Commission, we are committed to understanding these emerging risks and supporting research, awareness, and action. This film is a powerful step toward placing neurological health firmly within the climate conversation." J. Helen Cross, ILAE President Living with neurological conditions in a changing climate The film also brings attention to the daily struggles of individuals coping with climate-related neurological challenges. Extreme temperatures can mean self-imposed isolation. Emma Campbell, a parent of a teenager with epilepsy, explains, "As soon as temperatures rise, we start living like hermits, we shut the windows, close the blinds, and even sleep downstairs where it's cooler. For my daughter's mental health, it's incredibly tough. She's missed school trips, and we worry about how hot classrooms get. We just want her to live as normal a life as possible. More awareness is needed about how heat affects people with different medical conditions." For those in vulnerable locations, climate change compounds existing challenges. Extreme weather events can disrupt medical supply chains, damage cold-storage medications, and hinder access to healthcare. Mosquito-borne diseases, which can trigger neurological conditions, are appearing in regions previously unaffected. Dr Stephen Blenkinsop, Senior Lecturer in Climate and Climate Change, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, said: "The evidence for human influence on our climate is unequivocal. Warmer temperatures are having a wide range of effects on human health, from direct heat-related illnesses to indirect effects through access to food and water. The greatest impacts will fall on vulnerable people who already live with health conditions." The message of the film is clear: everything is connected, and everyone has a role to play. By raising awareness, driving policy change, and advancing research, we can ensure that those living with neurological conditions are not left behind in the fight against climate change. A study conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil examined the influence of personality traits on the development and perpetuation of insomnia and found that there is a direct relationship between the two. Two findings caught the researchers' attention: high levels of openness were associated with low levels of insomnia, while high levels of neuroticism (characterized by emotional instability) were very common in people with the sleep disorder. The results were published in the Journal of Sleep Research. "We decided to study the influence of personality traits on insomnia because it's an extremely common disorder that has negative health consequences, such as an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and depression. These different physical and mental health conditions lead to a poorer quality of life in general," explains Barbara Araujo Conway, sleep psychologist and author of the master's dissertation defended at the Institute of Psychiatry of FM-USP, with the support of FAPESP and under the supervision of Professor Renatha El Rafihi-Ferreira, of the Department of Clinical Psychology. As the authors explain, insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders in adults. It is estimated that around 30% of the world's population suffers from the problem, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or returning to sleep after an unwanted awakening. In Brazil, specifically in the city of Sao Paulo, this figure is even higher: almost half of the population (45%) suffers from insomnia, according to data from the Epidemiological Sleep Study (EPISONO). Five personality traits According to Conway, there is a well-established theory in the literature that proposes the existence of the "3 Ps" of insomnia: predisposition (factors that make an individual more likely to have the disorder), precipitation (triggers associated with the onset of symptoms) and perpetuation (behaviors that cause the person to remain in the vicious cycle of insomnia). Thus, the researchers hypothesized that neuroticism, which is more prevalent in insomniacs, could be considered a predisposing factor for sleep disorders. They also examined whether symptoms of anxiety and depression might act as mediators and moderators of the association between neuroticism and insomnia. But to understand how the authors arrived at the results of the study, we need to take a step back and learn about personality traits. "These are characteristics that estimate a pattern of what a particular person's feelings, thoughts and behaviors are like. They're a set of factors that make up an individual's personality and characteristics. According to the Big Five theory, we all have different levels of the five personality traits," the psychologist explained. They are: 1 Extroversion: People with higher levels of extroversion tend to be more talkative, more dominant, with a leadership profile. They prefer group activities, find it easier to relate and create intimacy and tend to be more assertive. People with low levels of extroversion, on the other hand, are not necessarily introverts, but they prefer to be more alone and tend to find it more difficult to work in groups. 2 Neuroticism: This is a personality trait related to the degree of emotional stability. People with high levels of neuroticism tend to be more emotionally unstable and focus on the more negative aspects of life. They are people who, when faced with adversity, tend to become disorganized, suffer more intensely, and are more susceptible to stress. Scientific literature shows that high neuroticism correlates with anxiety and depression. 3 Agreeableness: This is a personality trait related to empathy. People with high levels of agreeableness tend to be more empathetic, more cordial and concerned about the well-being of others, focusing a lot on the other person's situation (they may even be naive and value the other person to the detriment of themselves). Those with low scores tend to be more skeptical and suspicious. 4 Openness to experience: People who are open to new experiences tend to be more creative, with exploratory behavior in the face of novelty. They are curious, imaginative and experience emotions more intensely. People with low levels of openness are those who prefer routine, avoid discomfort and tend to be conventional. 5 Conscientiousness: This can also be called achievement. People with high levels are determined, committed, motivated, persevering and can sacrifice momentary pleasures in pursuit of a greater goal. A very high index may not be good because it can lead to perfectionism. Those with low scores are less demanding, less stubborn, and would be considered "lazy" in the common sense of the word. The study To arrive at the results, the researchers studied 595 participants between the ages of 18 and 59, divided into two groups: one made up of insomniacs who had sought help and received a formal diagnosis from a sleep specialist, and the other half was a control group of people who had no complaints of insomnia. Each participant's personality levels were determined using a 60-question, score-based questionnaire used exclusively by psychology professionals. Volunteers from both groups answered the questions, allowing the researchers to determine the scores for each person's personality traits. After applying the questionnaire to the two groups, cross-checking and analyzing the data, Conway found that the insomnia patients had much higher scores for neuroticism than the non-insomnia subjects, as well as lower scores for agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness. Extroversion was the only personality trait that did not show a significant difference. "Neuroticism was the trait that stood out the most, with insomniacs having a much higher rate. But we can't say that insomniacs are more introverted," Conway ponders. The analyses also showed that: 61.7% of the insomniacs had high levels of neuroticism compared to 32% of the control group; 40.7% of the insomniacs had low levels of openness compared to 23% of the healthy group; 31.5% of the subjects with insomnia had low levels of agreeableness compared to 23.2% of the non-insomniacs; and 37.7% of the insomniacs had low levels of conscientiousness compared to 24.1% of the control group. "After more detailed statistical analysis, the results of the study allow us to assert that people with high levels of neuroticism are more likely to have insomnia," says the researcher. The group also carried out a statistical analysis to see if any other factor might be confounding the association between neuroticism and insomnia, and discovered that anxiety acts as a mediating mechanism, meaning that it is the symptoms of anxiety that actually cause neuroticism to influence the development of insomnia. "It explains the whole effect of high neuroticism on insomnia," says the researcher. The group also tested the role of depression, but it did not prove to be an important mechanism in this relationship. Effect on practice Considering that personality traits are associated with positive or negative physical and mental health outcomes, the study suggests that it is important to know the most prevalent personality traits among individuals with insomnia so that this knowledge can help in the process of assessment, prevention and planning of more appropriate treatments according to the specific characteristics of each patient. The results confirm that in order to treat a patient's insomnia, it is also necessary to assess and treat their anxiety. These findings are important in clinical practice because when receiving patients with this personality trait, it's essential to think about a treatment plan that focuses not only on sleep but also on anxiety." Professor Renatha El Rafihi-Ferreira, Department of Clinical Psychology But for this to happen, healthcare professionals need to understand and assess the personalities of patients who seek help for sleep problems. "We know that most insomniacs are highly neurotic. These patients deserve to have their anxiety assessed and treated so that their insomnia also improves. Sometimes this involves different therapies and medications, so it's important to take a broader look at each individual's history and specifics," Conway emphasizes. Currently, the treatment considered the "gold standard" for insomnia is cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), but there are still too few psychologists specializing in sleep in Brazil to offer it. For this reason, the researchers advocate that health professionals take a broader view and delve deeper into the study of patients' psychological factors. "The association between personality traits, anxiety and insomnia makes it important to develop transdiagnostic treatment protocols, i.e. those that involve the integration of behavioral techniques and processes to treat a range of emotional difficulties that share processes and mechanisms underlying the different complaints," says the study's supervisor. "We already have a non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia, but just as we don't have a drug that will be effective for all patients, a single therapy approach may not work for everyone. These results contribute to the development of new, more personalized psychological and behavioral protocols for the treatment of insomnia," Conway concludes. Many people are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and most are unaware of it. However, EBV can sometimes cause cancer, and this pathogen also appears to play an important role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Kidney Center at Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that EBV increases the ability of infected immune cells to migrate. In this way, the pathogen promotes its spread in the body a discovery that may have therapeutic implications. The Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the herpes virus family, was the first virus to be proven carcinogenic in humans. That was in the 1960s, and to this day it is not entirely clear how exactly the cancer-causing effect comes about. Interactions between EBV and the host organism's immune system are likely to be decisive, as only a small percentage of those infected develop cancers such as the highly aggressive Burkitt's lymphoma or stomach cancer. Communication between EBV and immune cells also appears to play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases, with the result that the immune cells suddenly attack structures in the body. In MS, this attack targets the myelin sheaths of nerve cells. In Germany, more than 95 percent of all adults over the age of 50 are infected with Epstein-Barr. Initial infections in childhood usually occur without symptoms, but infections in adulthood cause Pfeiffer's glandular fever, a spontaneously healing inflammation of the lymph nodes and throat, in one third of cases. The virus then usually remains dormant in the body for life. However, some people develop malignant tumors or autoimmune diseases under the influence of EBV. Viruses usually have a preference for certain cell types. The Epstein-Barr virus specializes in B cells of the immune system. B cells play a central role in both EBV-induced lymphomas and multiple sclerosis: in the former, these are the cells that multiply uncontrollably. In the latter case, B cells are significantly involved in the destruction of the nerve sheaths. The virus goes mobile DKFZ researcher Henri-Jacques Delecluse, who has been tracking the Epstein-Barr virus for a long time, is interested in these cases. He has now made another important discovery that could be the starting point for innovative therapies. "In cooperation with the Kidney Center at Heidelberg University Hospital, we were able to show that EBV-infected B cells exhibit characteristics of 'homing cells,'" explains the DKFZ researcher. Homing refers to the migration of immune cells from the lymphatic vessels to specific tissues, where they are targeted at the structures of pathogens. The immunocompetent B cells then return to the lymphatic organs. "Homing cells" have the ability to overcome the barrier of the vascular endothelium the inner wall layer of blood and lymph vessels. Normally, homing is strictly controlled and regulated by cytokines, which the cells use to communicate with each other. Starting point for new therapies EBV-infected B cells form a viral reservoir that remains in the human body for life. Because the viruses trigger the targeted migration of infected B cells, these spread throughout the body and with them the viruses. The Heidelberg research group identified two proteins produced by EBV that trigger the homing behavior of B cells. The viral proteins EBNA2 and LMP1 increase the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as CCL4, which have been shown to be relevant in multiple sclerosis. As a result, the infected B cells divide and swarm out. The EBV-manipulated B cells overcome the barrier of the vascular endothelium and penetrate into the brain, among other places. We have also been able to show that this process is controlled by MS-relevant messenger substances. These include the CCR1 receptor, which has been shown to play an important role in multiple sclerosis." Henri-Jacques Delecluse, DKFZ researcher The DKFZ researchers' discovery opens up new therapeutic perspectives. "Deciphering the reaction cascade that triggers EBV-infected B cells to enter homing mode offers the possibility of targeted intervention to prevent B cell migration," explains first author Susanne Delecluse. Using various approaches, the research team has already succeeded in blocking EBV-induced migration of B cells in animal models. "Using specific inhibitors," says Susanne Delecluse, "we were able to reduce the survival rate of EBV-infected B cells and prevent them from spreading in the body, including to the brain." If this also works in humans which has not yet been demonstrated the approach could potentially be used to prevent autoaggressive damage to the nerve sheaths in multiple sclerosis. Experts sound the alarm: abrupt US policy changes could trigger a worldwide humanitarian disaster, endanger millions of vulnerable lives, and set back decades of global health progress. USAID-funded programs by region and category, FY2023 In a recent perspective paper published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, experts elucidate the devastating potential impacts (human lives, jobs, data systems) of what they describe as the United States' recent hypothetical humanitarian policy decisions on the global nutrition system. Focusing on the projected dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the country's described imminent withdrawal from the World Health Organization, the authors argue that these changes should be revoked, suggesting that reform rather than removal is the best way forward both for humanity as a species and the US as a nation. Background The United States (US) has hitherto been a major contributor to worldwide emergency food aid, with the paper noting that without the U.S., nearly half of the funding for emergency food aid could vanish. The bulk of this funding has been managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), has provided daily nutritional relief to thousands of underprivileged communities, wartime refugees, and the marginalized, the majority of whom are women and children. Unfortunately, the paper outlines a scenario where, since taking office on 20 January 2025, US President Donald J. Trump signs an executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO (20 January 2025 effective 20 January 2026), and where, on 3 February 2025, presidential advisor Elon Musk announced USAIDs shutdown, calling it a criminal organization on social media. The paper further describes how these actions, along with other significant humanitarian policy changes (e.g., a projected 90-day freeze on foreign assistance on 24 January 2025), would cripple the global nutrition system. Why are USAID and WHO critical? Founded over 60 years ago (1961), USAID has been monumental in implementing thousands of global health, disaster relief, education, socioeconomic development, and environmental protection programs. Tasked with managing the country's civilian foreign aid, USAID directly supports emergency food distribution and education across 20 priority underprivileged nations in Africa, Asia, and South America. The paper does not specify exact overall budget figures for USAID but notes its significant global role and that it has been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy. The WHO's global contributions cannot be understated. Since its establishment in 1948, the WHO has set international health standards, funded nutritional and medical research, provided technical assistance to countries, and serves as the premier global forum for health-associated scientific or policy discussions. The eradication of smallpox is mentioned in the paper as one of its notable public health achievements, alongside its broader role in setting international health standards and guiding responses to health challenges. Why these policy changes? The paper describes the Trump administration as citing 'cost-saving' as the main reason for the potential dissolution of USAID and the halt of foreign funding. While USAID (and, by extension, WHO) has indeed received billions of taxpayer dollars annually, the paper notes that this funding amounts to less than 1% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and pales in comparison to America's defence budget. The paper discusses a 90-day halt in foreign aid (it mentions Executive Order 14155 for the WHO withdrawal but does not cite a specific order number for the aid freeze) and notes that while such actions may be framed as promising dollars saved, USAID's essential role in global food chain logistics means its dismantling would cost the global nutrition system millions overnight. Furthermore, the paper indicates that USAIDs closure would immediately impact its 10,000 employees, many presumably American, and details further potential or actual job cuts at partner organizations, which sum to over 5,000 additional positions, though not all are specified as American jobs. A significant portion of USAID staff were described as potentially being recalled mid-school year, resulting in substantial family disruptions. The impacts of change The most immediate and severe impact of the projected US policy changes would be that of widespread starvation and malnutrition. The paper describes a scenario where Sokoto, Nigeria, witnesses thousands of its children starve following the closure of USAID-supported emergency feeding centers. Sudan and Somalia are home to 3.2 and 1.8 million underprivileged or war-displaced children (below 5 years), 730,000 and 477,700 of whom suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), according to the paper. While SAM fatality rates without treatment (healthy food or hospitalization) are as high as 50-60%, treatment can save almost 95% of patients. Unfortunately, the paper argues that the potential dissolution of USAID and disruption of U.S. funding (the paper notes that the WHO and WFP received $7.2 billion from the United States in 2022, and the potential loss of such funding through USAID's dismantling would cripple SAM support systems). The paper projects that a 90-day foreign funding pause for PEPFAR alone could cause 370,000 deaths, and states that the overall humanitarian toll in its projected scenario is already staggering and growing daily. The paper further projects that policy implementation fallout will trigger a surge in infectious diseases (particularly nutrition-associated ones), severe disruptions in data infrastructure, nutrition research, and USAID-provided technical support, and the termination of Feed the Future (FTF), the demographic and health surveys (DHS) program, and the famine early warning systems network (FEWS NET). Finally, the negative impacts of these potential policies on America's standing in international eyes cannot be understated, according to the authors. In addition, the paper highlights growing calls for more equitable systems of scientific collaboration and programmatic decision making, emphasizing the importance of strengthening independent funding networks and fostering international partnerships beyond reliance on any single donor. Conclusions and future directions The journal article highlights the projected unprecedented domestic and international consequences of what it describes as the Trump administration's potential humanitarian policy changes and urges nutrition scientists to demand their reversal. It recommends the immediate revocation of the Executive Order for American WHO withdrawal, the resumption of congressionally approved foreign assistance, the restoration of USAID-managed data monitoring systems and research programs, and the reform rather than elimination of USAID. The authors further stress that the global health and nutrition community should prioritize collaboration, advocacy, and the development of sustainable funding mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations and scientific progress. WHO annually presents up to six awards per region to individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to advancing policies and measures included in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The winners of the WNTD Awards are selected from nominations received through a global public call. Awards can be presented to individuals or institutions. This year, six honorees were recognized for their significant contributions to tobacco control in the Americas. Denis Choiniere and Clifton Curtis (in memoriam), from Canada and the United States, respectively, were jointly honored in recognition of their long-term committed service in research and policy promotion on tobacco control. Choiniere has played a key leadership role in the implementation of innovative policies to reduce the appeal and consumption of tobacco products. Examples of these policies are flavoring bans and plain packaging regulations introduced in Canada, as well as the establishment of the world's first regulation requiring health warnings directly on individual cigarettes. Curtis' legacy on policy advocacy and research includes regulatory changes at the global and local levels by raising awareness of the environmental impact of tobacco use, particularly cigarette filters as a major source of plastic pollution. His research and policy recommendations contributed to the world's first ban on filtered cigarettes, enacted in Santa Cruz County, California, in 2024. Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) was recognized for its pioneering tobacco control regulations and strong resistance to industry interference. In 2024, it reaffirmed Brazil's ban on electronic smoking devices following public consultations and regulatory reviews. ANVISA has been a global leader in reducing the appeal of tobacco products, through banning additives and flavoring, as well as advancing the use of pictorial warnings. The Agency has also led innovative work using QR codes and artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring to combat illicit trade in tobacco. The Ecuadorian organizations Colectivo Todas y Todos por la Vida, and Accion Juridica Popular organizations, received a joint award for their leadership in defending fiscal and public health policies through strategic litigation and advocacy. Between 2023 and 2024, and despite intense political pressure and industry interference, they succeeded in overturning Decree 645 - signed in 2023 - which sought to lower taxes on harmful products such as tobacco. This legal action resulted in a landmark ruling that set a regional precedent on the non-regressivity of health taxes, a core principle of the WHO FCTC. Brazil's Ministries of Finance and Health were honored for their efforts to accelerate the implementation of national tobacco control measures, particularly tax policies aligned with WHO FCTC and WHO best practices. The Ministry of Finance was a key player in drafting the Presidential Decree that introduced a federal selective tax and raised the minimum price of cigarettes to discourage consumption and protect public health. The Ministry of Health worked in coordination with relevant executive and legislative authorities in 2023 and 2024 to advocate for the adoption of selective taxes on tobacco products as part of Brazil's broader tax reform. The Ministry of Health also played a key role to revitalize the National Commission for FCTC Implementation (CONICQ) and to establish the National Tobacco Control Program, coordinating actions at the federal, state, and municipal levels and promoting cross-sector collaboration to design effective policies to reduce both the supply and demand of tobacco products. Proyecto sobre Organizacion, Desarrollo, Educacion e Investigacion - PODER (Mexico), Asociacion de Periodismo Salud con Lupa (Peru), and Cooperativa de Trabajo Sudestada (Uruguay), received a joint award for their in-depth investigative journalism on tobacco industry influence in public policymaking. Their work exposed conflicts of interest and various tactics used to promote tobacco and nicotine products. This research enhanced public debate across multiple Latin American countries, raised public awareness of industry interference and helped counter their narratives. Lisa Lu, from the United States, was recognized for her exceptional leadership in the global fight against youth tobacco use. At just fourteen years of age, in 2017, she founded the nonprofit organization International Youth Tobacco Control, which has expanded to 60 countries and reached 57 million young people. Her notable contributions to tobacco control include research and advocacy for flavored tobacco bans in California and nationwide. Her work on tobacco-free and synthetic nicotine products provided critical evidence to support landmark legislation, granting the FDA authority to regulate all forms of nicotineclosing a major loophole that the tobacco industry had exploited for years. Recognized by both WHO and the U.S. government, her youth activism has played a key role in exposing industry tactics and defending the right to health. Tobacco kills more than eight million people globally each year, including one million in the Americas. World No Tobacco Day was created by WHO Member States in 1987 and is observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The World No Tobacco Day Awards are presented each year as part of the commemoration of this international observance. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 is "Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal." The campaign aims to expose industry strategies that manipulate the appearance and appeal of tobacco and nicotine products. By unmasking these tactics, the initiative seeks to raise awareness, promote policy change, and reduce demand, especially among youth. A combination of two drugs could improve outcomes and reduce the need for toxic chemotherapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the commonest cancer in childhood and one that can be particularly difficult to treat in older patients, according to Cambridge scientists. Although the research has so far only been conducted in cell lines and mice, the team is seeking funding to begin clinical trials in patients shortly. More than 500 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with B-ALL, many of whom are children, where it makes up 40% of all childhood cancers. Although the disease is curable in the majority of younger patients, the treatment requires over two years of chemotherapy, leaving the patient susceptible to infections and experiencing toxic side effects including bruising and bleeding, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, as well as potential long-term damage notably to nerves, joints and the heart. Outcomes tend to be much poorer for older children and adults. Every week, I see adult patients who are undergoing treatment for this incredibly aggressive form of leukemia, and although the chemotherapy can cure many of them, the side effects are often really challenging. We need to find treatments that are kinder and more effective." Dr. Simon Richardson from the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Hematology, University of Cambridge In recent years, new treatments have begun to emerge, including bone marrow transplants and immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, but these also come with significant side effects and are expensive. Now, in research published today in Nature Communications, a team led by Dr Richardson and colleague Professor Brian Huntly has developed a new treatment with the potential to be less toxic than current treatment and to be effective in all age groups. B-ALL is characterised by malignancies of early-stage B-cells. These are cells produced in our bone marrow that play an important role in our immune systems, producing antibodies to protect us from infection. However, in B-ALL, the body produces an overabundance of these cells that build up in our bone marrow and stop healthy blood cells from developing. They can also spread to other parts of the body. "There's a constant stream of these cells coming out through the bone marrow into the immune system," said Dr Richardson. "The ones that cause cancer are very primitive and not yet useful. They build up in the bone marrow and then often move around the body, such as invading into the brain where they can hide from chemotherapy. It's a really nasty kind of cancer." Treatments for B-ALL focus on killing these malignant B-cells. The approach being trialled by the team at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute involves the use of two oral drugs in tandem, venetoclax and inobrodib. Venetoclax is already used to treat a related condition, acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It works by targeting the protein BCL2 within the B-cells, causing them to die through a process of 'programmed cell death' known as apoptosis. However, venetoclax is not consistently effective in B-ALL. The team was studying another gene called CREBBP, certain mutations of which contribute to disease progression and are also associated with resistance to chemotherapy in B-ALL. They found that when CREBBP is switched off, it leads to a rewiring of the fat metabolism of B-cells. When BCL2 activity is subsequently inhibited for example by using venetoclax it leads to cell death, but by a completely different process known as ferroptotic programmed cell death. This is where the cells are no longer able to protect themselves against damage to the fats in their membranes, causing the cells to become overwhelmed and break down. The researchers used a new drug called inobrodib, developed by CellCentric, a University of Cambridge spinout company, to switch off CREBBP in human and mouse models of B-ALL. Combining it with venetoclax potently killed early-stage B-cells, even those cells that carried a genetic mutation making them resistant to venetoclax treatment alone. Professor Brian Huntly, also from the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Head of the Department of Haematology, said: "These are very promising findings, and even though our work was only in mice, we're optimistic that we will see similar effects in patients. Venetoclax and inobrodib have already been used together in an early-stage clinical trial for AML, so we know they are safe to use. We now want to trial our approach in adults and teenagers with B-ALL." B-cells are a vital part of the immune system, and although this drug combination will destroy the cells while the patient is on treatment, the body should begin producing them again once treatment is stopped. This makes this approach potentially much safer than CAR-T cell therapy, for example, which can permanently eradicate the body's ability to produce B-cells. Dr. Richardson, who is also a Fellow at St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, added: "The good news is that the cost of venetoclax is expected to fall in coming years with the introduction of generic alternatives, making its use much more cost effective." Professor Huntly and Dr Richardson are Honorary Consultant Hematologists at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. Professor Huntly is Chair of the Haematology Service at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The research was largely funded by Cancer Research UK and Leukemia UK. The University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) are fundraising for a new hospital that will transform how we diagnose and treat cancer. Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, a partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will treat patients across the East of England, but the research that takes place there promises to change the lives of cancer patients across the UK and beyond. . "There were a lot of sleepless nights it was really hard": Gill Murphy Gill Murphy was on extended maternity leave, aged 42, and her daughter had just turned two when her friend convinced her to speak to her GP about feeling excessively tired. "I'm very pale anyway, thanks to my Irish Heritage, but the GP thought I look particularly pale," she says, "so she ordered a blood test. She thought it might be low iron or anaemia." It turned out to be far more serious Gill would be diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). She went into hospital in August 2013 for what she assumed would be an overnight stay. It turned out to be five-and-a-half weeks of chemotherapy. Prior to her treatment, Gill had been a biomedical researcher studying tumour-suppressing proteins before becoming a programme manager at the Medical Research Council. She knew all about clinical trials including the fact that patients on trials seem to fare better even when receiving only the placebo and so requested she join one. She was enrolled onto a trial at the Royal Marsden Hospital, one of the UK's leading cancer hospitals, where she received treatment. Gill was given chemotherapy alongside rituximab, a trial immunotherapy drug. Chemo drugs can attack every part of your body, not just the cancer. The side effects were terrible, she says, from vomiting and diarrhoea (giving way to horrific constipation) to migraines, hair loss and fatigue. Because she was immunosuppressed, she was unable at times to see her daughter, who developed infections after just starting nursery. After her first round of chemo, Gill would come home for a week before returning to hospital for more treatment in an ongoing cycle, giving countless blood samples, bone marrow biopsies and lumbar puncture tests and receiving regular chemotherapy into her spine. (The one bright spot, she says, was the steroid dexamethasone, which "can make you feel an awful lot better than you should. So, while my husband was trying to cope with everything at home, with our two-year-old and short working days, I was busy planning a kitchen extension from my hospital bed and overwhelming him with my plans!") Because of the genetics underlying her leukemia, her medical team recommended a stem cell transplant. With her background in medical research, she knew this was a risky procedure and that she could die as result of the transplant or her blood cancer relapsing and that even if successful, it was going to make her very ill. "I'd been quite stoic when I was first diagnosed. I treated it as a project, like, 'Right, you've got to get rid of this cancer'. The longer it went on, the more scared I got. There were a lot of sleepless nights, when I just got out of bed and went and had a cup of hot milk with the nurses. It was really hard." The treatments Gill received in preparation for the donor stem cell transplant were particularly harsh, she says, probably the worst she felt through the entire process. And then after the treatment, she had to take immunosuppressants to prevent the stem cells turning her immune system against her. There were frequent trips back to the hospital because she was unable to keep food down. She was constantly freezing, wearing layers of coats and cardigans and blankets and a bobble hat at night. "I remember lying in bed looking through the blinds when I was at home and marking the days by looking at how late the streetlights were coming on, because I was thinking, 'Every day I'm going to get a bit better'." It worked: the transplant was a success and Gill's leukemia is now in remission. "I was very lucky. I had a really, really good donor match. I still don't know who my donor is, but I'm so grateful to them for signing up to do something so altruistic. There's no doubt that they saved my life." Even so, Gill's life has not returned to normal. It has become what many cancer survivors describe as a "new normal". She is still affected by fatigue not tiredness, but rather a sense of "hitting a wall" if she pushes herself too hard (though she says she can "sleep for every country in the world, not just for England"). Other later side effects have included early menopause, steroid-induced diabetes, cataracts, osteomyelitis in both lower legs and a susceptibility to infections. She believes her cognition and memory have also taken a hit. Yet despite this, Gill has found a new life as an ambassador for Blood Cancer UK, talking to other patients, researchers and politicians about ALL, sitting on interview panels for the charity, advising on its five-year strategy, and many more tasks. "We [cancer survivors] all say we want to give something back, but it's true. I've gained more from being involved with Blood Cancer UK as an ambassador than anything I've ever done before." She has also taken on walking challenges to raise money for Blood Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan and the Royal Marsden: three charities that have helped her immensely over the years. Gill says that despite how terrible her treatment was, she knows that others have experienced much worse. But she is also keen to stress that in the 12 years since her treatment, things have improved and there are better treatments now available. "The doctors I meet all want to see kinder, more targeted treatments," she says. "Anything that we can do to improve treatments so more people can survive their blood cancer and fewer people have to go through incredibly harsh therapies is a win-win.". The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized four countries the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore for their exemplary efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies. These countries have implemented best-practice policies alongside effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to promote public health. The WHO validation certificates were officially presented by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly. "Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats are a major contributor to preventable deaths each year, particularly due to their impact on heart health," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "These countries are not only protecting the health of their populations, but also setting an exemplary standard for other countries to follow." This recognition marks another significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate trans fats, reflecting not only policy commitments but also the concrete actions being taken to remove trans fat from the food supply. Trans fat clogs arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease responsible for over 278 000 deaths each year globally. Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids that come from either artificial (industrial) or natural sources. Industrially produced trans fats are often found in many baked goods such as biscuits, pies and fried foods, as well as margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, among many others. Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fats are equally harmful. Recognizing the incredible harm caused by industrially produced trans fats, we became the second country to introduce measures to eliminate it. An EU-wide regulation is now in place, and Austria acknowledges its pioneering role in this important development. Bold, evidence-based policies can deliver real public health impact, and we are proud to be among the countries leading this global effort." Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria Seven years ago, WHO called for the global elimination of industrially produced trans fats. At that time, only 11 countries covering 6% of the global population had best-practice trans-fat elimination policies in effect. Today, nearly 60 countries have best-practice policies in effect, covering 46% of the global population. "Eliminating industrially produced trans fats marks a significant milestone in our commitment to protecting our population's health. We are proud to be among the 60 countries implementing this lifesaving policy, and especially honored to be recognized as one of the nine countries leading the way in eliminating this harmful ingredient," said Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Alsabti, Minister of Health, Oman. WHO recommends that governments implement best-practice trans fat elimination policies either by setting a mandatory limit of 2 grams of trans fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods and/or by banning the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) as an ingredient in food products. The WHO validation programme for trans fat elimination recognizes countries that have gone beyond introducing best practice policies by ensuring that rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems in place. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with policies is critical to maximizing and sustaining health benefits. "Our efforts to implement robust, best-practice trans fat elimination policies are showing clear, measurable results. The latest monitoring data confirms that it is not only possible to reduce trans fat intake but to virtually eliminate it," said Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services, Norway. Replacing trans fats with healthier oils and fats is a low-cost intervention that yields high economic returns by improving population health, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Governments can eliminate the cause of 7% of cardiovascular disease globally with a low-cost investment aimed at reducing or eliminating trans fats from the food supply. "Our journey towards eliminating industrially produced trans fats began over a decade ago. Today, we have made significant progress. This is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through applying a consistent public health policy, across countries and regions, and working collaboratively with the industries. We are proud to stand alongside other countries in building a healthier and safer food environment for all," said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Singapore. WHO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts and to recognizing their achievements. By working with national nutrition and food safety authorities, WHO can better support governments not only in developing and adopting trans fat elimination policies, but also in monitoring and enforcing them to ensure lasting impact. The next application cycle for the TFA elimination validation programme is now open and countries are welcome to apply by 31 August 2025 to be considered for the third cycle. Buying An SUV? Here Are The 5 Most Googled Models In The Last 30 Days Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 19, 2025, 19:09 IST SUVs are dominating Indias car market as buyers now favour their high ground clearance and bold road presence over traditional hatchbacks and sedans The growing craze for SUVs is clearly reflected in recent Google search trends. (Representative/AP) The Indian car market has increasingly shifted towards SUV models, with buyers now preferring vehicles with higher ground clearance and a commanding stance over hatchbacks and sedans. This trend is also reflected in Google search data. These are the top five SUVs that have been trending online in the last 30 days. Recommended Stories Honda Elevate: The Honda Elevate has garnered significant attention for two key reasons. Earlier this month, Honda launched a special Apex Summer Edition of the Elevate, priced at Rs 12.39 lakh and Rs 13.59 lakh (ex-showroom) for the manual and CVT variants respectively. This edition features several exterior and interior enhancements over the standard model. Additionally, Honda is offering attractive discounts of up to Rs 76,000 on this mid-size SUV for the month of May. Tata Curvv: The Tata Curvv is another highly trending vehicle on the internet. Available with multiple powertrain options including petrol, diesel, and fully electric, Tata Motors is now preparing to launch CNG variants of this coupe SUV. Earlier this month, a few units of the Curvv EV Dark Edition were delivered to Rashtrapati Bhavan and the company announced that all Tata.ev range vehicles are now available for sale on the government e-marketplace for all government bodies across the country. Kia Carens Clavis: Although technically not an SUV, the Kia Carens Clavis, with its bold and tall stance, makes for a compelling SUV option. Kia unveiled the Kia Carens Clavis earlier this month. Pre-bookings for the new MPV began on May 9, with a token amount of Rs 25,000, available through Kias official website or authorised dealerships. Prices will be announced on May 23. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tata Punch: The Tata Punch has not only been one of the best-selling SUVs in India but also one of the best-selling passenger vehicles in the country over the past 3-4 years. A significant reason for its frequent appearance in Google search queries is its high traffic volume from potential buyers. With the companys average dispatch ranging between 15,000 to 20,000 units per month (including the Punch EV), the Punch remains a popular car on the internet in India. Jeep Compass: The inclusion of the Jeep Compass in this list is primarily due to Stellantis recently showcasing the second-generation model of the Compass. Under development for some time, this new Jeep Compass will be available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options. The SUV, which is based on Stellantis more advanced STLA medium platform, differs significantly from the current model. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 19, 2025, 18:59 IST Mahindra Bolero, Bolero Neo Bold Edition Introduced In India | Check What's New Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:51 IST Mahindra's official website lists the latest offering, allowing interested customers to book the improved version in advance. Mahindra Bolero, Bolero Neo Bold Edition. (Photo: Mahindra) Ever since the Mahindra Bolero arrived in the Indian market, the model has received an overwhelming response from customers, especially in small towns. After seeing the craze for the rough and tough vehicle, the company has introduced two separate editionsthe standard Bolero and the Bolero Neo. Mahindras official website lists the latest offering, allowing interested customers to book the improved version in advance. As per the details shared by the company, the latest editions come with slight nip-and-tuck updates, cosmetic improvements, and improved driving dynamics. Recommended Stories Whats New? Talking about the outside first, the special edition has been given a Napoli Black paint scheme, featuring the dark chrome highlights, replacing the current brightworks on the body. The dark theme somehow lifts overall road presence, making it look more aggressive than before. The front profile continues to get the same look as standard, flaunting the unchanged headlight setup, bold front grille, heavy under-skid plate, and impressive cladding on the sides. Interior The latest edition features roof rails, giving it a more rugged look. Inside the cabin, it gets a blacked-out theme throughout with black finished upholstery with black pillows and neck cushions. To make it superior in the segment, the model now offers a rear-view camera, ensuring the customers will have the ease of parking. Engine and Power top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nothing has changed under the hood, it means it Mahindra Bolero latest Edition continue to use a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine. It generates a maximum power of 98 bhp maximum power and 260 Nm of peak torque. The unit is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox only. About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:32 IST Trichy: New 6-Lane Cloverleaf Flyover Coming Up At Panjapur, Details Inside Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:21 IST Alongside the flyover, a four-lane semi-ring road connecting the Trichy-Karur highway is under construction. The new flyover at Panjapur will be 3.5 km long and six lanes wide. (Representative Image)(Photo:X) Trichy is all set to get a brand-new cloverleaf-style flyover at Panjapur to help ease traffic jams on the busy Trichy-Madurai National Highway (NH). Tamil Nadus Municipal Administration Minister, K N Nehru, shared the news during his visit to the city recently, as per TOI. Recommended Stories The flyover, which will be 3.5 kilometres long and six lanes wide, will be built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The design will be similar to the famous Kathipara flyover in Chennai. Land for the project has already been handed over by the district administration. Whats Next? In addition to the flyover, work is already underway for a four-lane semi-ring road connecting Trichy to the Trichy-Karur National Highway. This will further help ease congestion around the city. NHAI officials confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the Panjapur flyover. They are also exploring several design options, including the cloverleaf model. Updates on Road Over Bridges (RoBs) When asked about the progress of the Maris Road overbridge (RoB) near Fort Station and the second phase of the RoB at Trichy Railway Junction, Minister Nehru said the state government has completed its part of the work. Now, it is up to Southern Railway to finish the rest. Metro Rail for Trichy Still on the Table Trichy could also get a metro service in the future. The proposal is currently being discussed, and a survey is expected to begin soon. The minister also spoke about the possible expansion of Trichy Corporation by merging nearby village panchayats. Public objections are being invited before the final decision is made. Phase II of IBT Link Road Launched Minister Nehru also laid the foundation stone for Phase II of the IBT Link Road project, worth Rs 68 crore. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Key Details of IBT Link Road Phase II: Total length: 2.1 km Elevated section: 1.1 km Route: From Woraiyur to Kudamurutti Width: 10 metres Estimated cost: Rs 68 crore Completion time: 1.5 years About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 20, 2025, 08:21 IST Elon Musk Reaffirms Commitment To Lead Tesla For Next Five Years Amid Replacement Reports Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:45 IST Musk denied that being DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) head is a conflict of interest. Musk stated that he doesn't "have the formal power, but works as just an advisor". While speaking at Qatar's Economic Forum in Abu Dhabi, Musk said, "Yes, no doubt about that at all." Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reaffirmed that he will continue leading the electric vehicle company for the next five years. While speaking at Qatars Economic Forum in Abu Dhabi, Musk said, Yes, no doubt about that at all." Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that the board members of Tesla were looking for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk, as investors were unhappy over Musks overindulgence as DOGE head. Recommended Stories He has been serving as a key advisor to President Donald Trump in leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has been a major focus for the tech billionaire in recent months. Tesla, the US EV automaker, denied the media report claiming that the company had contacted recruitment firms to initiate a CEO search". Tesla refuted the claims through its X handle, saying, This is absolutely false (and this was communicated to the media before the report was published)." Tesla further said that the CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing the exciting growth plan ahead. No Conflict Of Interest Musk denied that being DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) head is a conflict of interest. Musk stated that he doesnt have the formal power, but works as just an advisor". Refuting claims of wrongdoing to secure government contracts by his firms like SpaceX, he said, If youre not seeing it on the front page of newspapers, then theres nothing wrong with the contracts." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all AI Referees Are a Must When asked if AI development across the world needs regulations, Musk said that every field must have referees for checks and balances. He said too many regulations" would hinder progress, using the metaphor of a game where too many referees would make it harder to play. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:45 IST Ramesh Damani Backed Stock Protean eGov Technologies Tanks Another 13%, Falls 30% In 2 days Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:39 IST After plunging 20% in Mondays session, shares of Protean eGov Technologies continued their downward spiral on Tuesday; Know why Protean eGov shares tank 13% on Tuesday After plunging 20% in Mondays session, shares of Protean eGov Technologies continued their downward spiral on Tuesday, falling another 13% in early trade. The sharp sell-off comes after the company was not selected by the Income Tax Department for a major technology revamp project involving the design, development, implementation, operations, and maintenance of the PAN system. The stock, backed by veteran investor Ramesh Damani, has now shed nearly 30% over two days amid investor concerns about future growth prospects. Protean eGov Technologies has seen a steep correction, with its shares plunging over 30% in the last two trading sessions. On Tuesday morning, the stock was trading around Rs 995, and if the downward momentum persists, it may soon test its 52-week low of Rs 930. Recommended Stories The sharp decline comes after the company disclosed in a regulatory filing on Sunday that it had not been selected by the Income Tax Department (ITD) for the next stage of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The project in question involves the complete technology overhaul of the PAN system, including its design, development, implementation, operations, and maintenance. Despite this setback, the company stated that the development is likely to have limited or minimal impact on its ongoing PAN issuance and processing services under its current mandate with the ITD. Protean had bid to become the Managed Service Provider (MSP) for the ITDs PAN 2.0 initiative but was not shortlisted for further consideration. The stock, which had posted significant gains over the past year, has now surrendered all of its annual returns and is currently down around 15% over the last 12 months. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Notably, veteran investor Ramesh Damani held a 1.05% stake in the company as of the March 2025 quarter. Among institutional investors, Canara Bank owns 1.23%, Bank of Baroda holds 1.54%, Punjab National Bank 2.25%, Axis Bank 3.18%, and State Bank of India has the largest holding at 4.93%. According to data from Trendlyne, analysts currently have two buy ratings and one sell call on the stock, with an average target price of Rs 1,896, implying a potential upside of around 66% from current levels. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18. First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:32 IST Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Deadline Extended Till December: Details On Eligibility Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:08 IST The goal of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban is to make houses more affordable. News18 The Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in 2015, a flagship housing scheme, to provide financial support to economically disadvantaged groups so they can build their own homes. The scheme offers subsidised housing in both rural and urban regions, which aids Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and low-income households. For both urban and rural beneficiaries, the PMAY registration deadline has been extended to December 2025. You can now conveniently check your status online from the comfort of your home if you recently applied and are awaiting word. Recommended Stories The original mission period was up to 31.03.2022 which has been extended till 31.12.2025 for completion of houses sanctioned up to 31.03.2022, without changing funding pattern and implementation methodology of the scheme," an official notice from the Government of India reads. More than 92.61 lakh homes have been built under this programme, changing the lives of many people who previously lacked a pucca home, according to official data on the PMAY website. Who Is Eligible? Based on social background, housing status and income group, eligibility for PMAY is established. PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) Applicants must be in one of the following groups and not own a pucca house in India to be eligible: EWS: Up to Rs 3 lakh in annual income LIG: Yearly income in the range of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh MIG-I: Annual income in the range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9 lakh * Slum dwellers: Those who live in informal settlements. The beneficiaries may also include women from EWS and LIG categories, particularly widows and those from SC, ST, OBC and minority communities; rickshaw pullers; street vendors; daily wage workers; industrial workers; and migrant labourers. PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) According to the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), rural families that: Dont own a house Reside in kutcha houses that have two or more rooms. Families who own cars, pucca houses, or mechanised farming equipment, or who have assets like refrigerators, sizable landholdings, or taxable income, are not eligible. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beneficiaries can utilise the corresponding websites to monitor the status of their applications and the building of their homes. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:51 IST Spain Cracks Down On Airbnb, Orders Removal Of Nearly 66,000 Illegal Holiday Rentals Published By : Reuters Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:48 IST Spain has ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals which it said violated existing rules from its platform Spain Cracks Down On Airbnbs Spain has ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals which it said violated existing rules from its platform as part of a general crackdown on a business blamed for contributing to the housing crisis in the country. Most of the Airbnb listings to be blocked do not include their licence number, while others do not specify whether the owner was an individual or a corporation, the Consumer Rights Ministry said in a statement on Monday. Recommended Stories Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said his goal was to end the general lack of control" and illegality" in the holiday rental business. No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country," he told reporters. Bustinduy said Madrids high court is backing the request to withdraw as many as 5,800 listings. Airbnb will appeal the decision, a spokesperson said on Monday. The company believes the ministry does not have the authority to make rulings over short-term rentals and failed to provide an evidence-based list of non-compliant accommodation. Some of the incriminated listings are non-touristic seasonal ones, the spokesperson said. The Spanish government, as well as city councils and regional authorities, have launched a general crackdown on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, which many Spaniards say are creating excess tourism, reducing the housing supply and making renting unaffordable for many locals. Housing has become a major issue in Spain as construction has failed to keep pace with demand since a real estate bubble burst more than 15 years ago. According to official data, there were about 321,000 homes with holiday rental licences in Spain as of November last year, 15% more than in 2020. Many more operate without official licences. The Consumer Rights Ministry opened a probe into Airbnb in December and in January, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unveiled a plan to raise taxes on income from holiday rentals through platforms. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni took Spains toughest move so far in June last year when he ordered a total ban on tourism rentals by 2028. Other European countries such as Croatia and Italy have also acted to slow down the holiday rental business. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:48 IST Stop Denying Loans To Farmers Over CIBIL Scores, Devendra Fadnavis Warns Banks Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:22 IST Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned banks in Maharashtra to stop denying agricultural loans based on CIBIL scores. A Rs 44.76 lakh crore loan plan for 2025-26 was approved. Devendra Fadnavis said that farmers were the backbone of the state, and agriculture was a crucial pillar of the economy. In a sharp rebuke to banks operating across Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday issued a stern warning to banks to stop denying agricultural loans to farmers on the basis of CIBIL scores or face serious consequences. Speaking at the 167th State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Fadnavis expressed deep concern over the continued insistence by banks on assessing CIBIL scores, despite repeated government warnings against the practice. Farmers are being denied credit due to their CIBIL scores, and this is unacceptable, the chief minister said. We have repeatedly instructed banks not to ask for CIBIL (score) yet they continue to do so. This must be resolved in todays meeting itself. In the past, FIRs have been filed against such banks. This is a serious issue that banks must handle responsibly," PTI quoted Fadnavis as saying. Recommended Stories CIBIL scores, a credit rating system maintained by the Credit Information Bureau, are typically used to assess a borrowers ability to repay loans. However, Fadnavis argued that applying this metric rigidly to farmers has disastrous consequences. If farmers do not receive agricultural loans, it adversely affects the economy and increases farmer suicides," he said. The chief minister underscored that even the Reserve Bank of India has clearly directed banks not to insist on CIBIL scores for farm loans, and warned that further violations could invite punitive action. Rs 44.76 Lakh Crore Loan Plan for Maharashtra In a significant financial move, the SLBC meeting approved a massive credit plan of Rs 44.76 lakh crore for Maharashtra for the fiscal year 202526. Nationalised banks were instructed to intensify efforts to disburse loans and expand the net of agricultural lending in the state. Reiterating Maharashtras leadership in agriculture, Fadnavis said that farmers were the backbone of the state, and agriculture was a crucial pillar of the economy. Neglecting agriculture is not acceptable. Hence, nationalised banks must focus on increasing farm loan distribution," he reiteriated. With the Indian Meteorological Department predicting favourable monsoon conditions this year, the chief minister stressed that banks should seize this opportunity to increase lending support. With good rainfall predicted by the meteorological department, crops are expected to do well this year. In such a scenario, banks should extend greater support to farmers. Good rainfall boosts agricultural growth, which benefits both banks and farmers," Fadnavis asserted. He also emphasised the evolving nature of agriculture, highlighting the governments new investment-centric approach to the sector. The state is implementing an agricultural investment policy with a target of Rs 5,000 crore in annual investments, Fadnavis announced, adding that agriculture must no longer be viewed as just a support sector but a full-fledged enterprise. He urged financial institutions to align with this vision and adapt their lending strategies accordingly. Banks stand to gain by supporting this transformation. Their participation is not only welcome; it is essential, he said. Fadnavis also underscored the critical role banks must play in accelerating the states economic growth, asserting that Maharashtra has already crossed the USD half-trillion economy milestone and is advancing rapidly toward becoming a USD one-trillion economy. According to a PTI report, Fadnavis said, The state ranks first in foreign direct investment, with Rs 16 lakh crore secured from Davos. Maharashtra is now startup capital and banks should support this sector, which has significant employment potential. Maharashtra ranks first in the MSME sector, which promises investment opportunities. Banks and the government must work together to ensure benefits of Central and state MSME schemes reach intended beneficiaries, thereby strengthening both state and national economies." The chief minister further urged financial institutions to prioritise emerging sectors such as tourism and services, which he identified as key to boosting employment and regional development. Highlighting the states agricultural backbone, Fadnavis pointed to the growing network of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Maharashtra, describing them as a vital force in transforming agricultural productivity and rural incomes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also drew attention to Gadchiroli, a traditionally underdeveloped district, emphasising that targeted investment and industrial networks are now being developed there. He called for banking support to ensure the success of such regional development plans. With inputs from PTI Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:22 IST IIM Kozhikode Terminates MoU With Turkey's Sabanc University Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 20:41 IST The decision has been taken in view of national interest. All academic collaborations and associated activities under this MoU have been cancelled, IIM Kozhikode said. IIM Kozhikode had signed the MoU with Sabanc University, Turkey in 2023. (Image: iimk.ac.in) The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has terminated its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabanc University, Turkey, with immediate effect, the institute said in a statement on Tuesday. The decision has been taken in view of national interest. All academic collaborations and associated activities under this MoU have been cancelled, the institute added. In view of national interest, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode has unilaterally annulled the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabanc University, Turkey, with immediate effect," IIMK said. Recommended Stories At IIM Kozhikode, we place utmost importance on aligning our global engagements with the national interest. The decision to annul the MoU with Sabanc University has been taken after careful consideration and is in keeping with our institutional responsibility to uphold the values and priorities of our nation. We remain committed to fostering international collaborations that reflect mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared national values," Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIMK said. The MoU was signed in 2023 for a period of five years. ALSO READ | After JNU And IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay Cuts Ties With Turkish Universities This decision has been prompted by Turkey and Azerbaijans open support to Pakistan after Indias Operation Sindoor, that was launched to dismantle terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab had earlier terminated all MoUs with institutions in Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad, and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur also suspended their agreements with Turkiye and Azerbaijan. MANUU cancelled its MoU with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkiye for a diploma course. While Jamia Millia Islamia had suspended all academic collaborations with institutions affiliated with the government of Turkiye, citing national security concerns. JNU too suspended its MoU with Turkiyes Inonu University, which was signed earlier this year for faculty and student exchange programmes. 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 20, 2025, 20:31 IST Kerala DHSE Plus Two Results 2025 To Be Out On May 22, Over 4.44 Lakh Students Await Outcome Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:56 IST Kerala DHSE Plus Two Results 2025 will be declared on May 22 at 3 PM. Over 4.44 lakh students await results can check their marks at keralaresults.nic.in. Kerala Plus Two Results 2025: DHSE Kerala 12th board examination 2025 was held from March 3 to 26. (Representative Image/File) Kerala DHSE Plus Two Results 2025 Date: The wait is almost over for thousands of students in Kerala. The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) has officially confirmed that the Kerala Plus Two or Class 12 results for the academic year 2024-25 will be announced on May 22 at 3 PM. The results will be released online and can be accessed via the official websites keralaresults.nic.in, dhsekerala.gov.in, and result.kite.kerala.gov.in. This year, over 4.44 lakh students appeared for the DHSE Plus Two exams, which were conducted between March 3 and March 26, 2025. With the evaluation process now complete, the board is gearing up for the final announcement. Students are advised to keep their admit cards handy, as they will need their registration number and date of birth to access their scorecards online. Recommended Stories How To Check DHSE Kerala Plus Two Result 2025? Visit any of the official result websites. Click on the link for Kerala Plus Two Result 2025. Enter your registration number and date of birth in the login window. Your result will appear on the screen. Download and save a copy for future reference. Last year, the Kerala Plus Two results were declared on May 9, with 4,41,120 students appearing for the examination. Out of these, 2,94,888 students cleared the exam, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 78.69%. ALSO READ: RBSE Results 2025: When Will Rajasthan Board 10th, 12th Results Be Declared? Check Details Heres a look at the Kerala Plus Two result declaration dates over the years: Year Kerala Plus Two Result Date 2025 May 21, 2025 (Expected) 2024 May 9, 2024 2023 May 25, 2023 2022 June 21, 2022 The DHSE is also expected to hold a press conference on the result day, where officials will share key highlights including the overall pass percentage, stream-wise results, district-wise performance, and the much-awaited toppers list. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Students, parents, and teachers across Kerala are eagerly waiting to see how the batch of 2025 has performed. With the countdown underway, its time to stay calm, double-check those login credentials, and get ready for result day. 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 20, 2025, 10:53 IST Appraisal Season Begins For UP MLAs Ahead Of 2027 Polls, Yogi Adityanath To Oversee Audit Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:14 IST Residents will be asked about their sitting MLAs to decide ticket distribution as the BJP, which won just 33 Lok Sabha in 2024, doesnt want to take any chances this time Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will personally monitor the audit. (PTI) The 2027 assembly election in Uttar Pradesh may be two years away, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already started working towards scoring a hattrick. After a dismal performance by the party in UP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, where it won just 33 Lok Sabha seats down from 62, the BJP doesnt want to take any chances this time. Recommended Stories The first question to be addressed before the party sounds its poll bugle will be how many of its sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are worth repeating on the basis of their popularity and changing caste dynamics? The BJP has asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to oversee an audit of all sitting MLAs and come up with a report. Usually, the party employs one or two agencies for the audit. However, this time around, it has left it to Adityanaths discretion to make an informed decision, sources told News18. According to the sources, the chief minister has employed multiple agencies for the audit in all 403 assembly seats. Some of the questions they will look to answer areHow the electorate perceive their MLA or in other words what is his or her image? Who exhausted the MLA fund meant for development in their area? How would the electorate rate their MLA in terms of helping sorting their problems on a scale of one to ten? If the MLA has won by a thin margin in the last election, what was the reason? If this MLA has been a second or third time MLA, what has been the track record? Most importantly, can they win from the same seat if given a chance by BJP? The MLAs will be divided in three categoriesA, B and Cwith A category MLAs being the best performers and C category MLAs being the worst performers. With Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav crediting PDA (Pichda-Dalit-Adivasi) for its spectacular performance of 37 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, agencies have been asked to fetch data that reveals the caste dynamics of each seat, News18 has learnt. The data can help BJP tie up pre-poll alliances with smaller parties that have a grip over a particular caste in few seats, sources hinted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But what has been the biggest takeaway of the entire exercise is the growing stature of Yogi Adityanath within the BJP. The UP CM was reportedly upset with ticket distribution during the Lok Sabha polls but, this time, he seems to have been given a free hand. However, not everyone is happy with the development. Speaking to News18, Uttar Pradesh BJP secretary Anamika Chaudhary (Nishad) said: No wonder Yogi-jis stature has gone up. The process of filtration for MLAs has started. The 2027 election win will be a bumper win I am happy that reports about MLAs are being sought in every constituency. But he should have done it much earlier. Had his leadership been there earlier, party would not have faced defeat in Lok Sabha" About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:14 IST ONOE To Help Focus On Good Governance By Saving Time, Money: Fadnavis, Shinde Appear Before JPC Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 02:49 IST This was the first time the joint parliamentary committee invited a chief minister to share their views on the One Nation One Election legislation Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde both spoke in support of One Nation One Election. (Image: News18) Advocating for One Nation One Election, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde on Monday appeared before the joint parliamentary committee examining the crucial legislation. This was the first time the joint parliamentary committee invited a chief minister to share their views on the One Nation One Election legislation. The panel is on a multi-city tour and is in Mumbai now. Recommended Stories Speaking on the Bill and its impact, Devendra Fadnavis said it will allow focus on governance. He cited the example that multiple elections at multiple levels led to close to a year of governance due to the model code of conduct and election process in place. He gave the example that Mumbai was the financial capital of India, and frequent elections had severely affected its economy. Eknath Shinde said this was a much-needed legislation and stressed that there is no reason for regional parties to be fearful. He pointed out that the public knew which party they should vote for and cited the example of the Shiv Sena. He said the public has always rewarded a desire to serve the people and brought them to power. Hence, concerns over the relevance of regional parties were not true. Shinde further said it was important to understand that once the government at the Centre was elected, its influence had a bearing on the states going to election. But, in case of common elections, the states will focus on local issues while national issues will feature on the list for the Lok Sabha elections, he said. Its quick implementation will be more cost effective and focus will remain on good governance, he added. Several other financial organisations and members of the Port Trust appeared before the parliamentary panel. Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narvekar was also present before the committee to express his views in support of the legislation. The panel was announced during the last winter session of Parliament after the Centre said it was keen on sending the Bill for parliamentary scrutiny after its introduction in the Lok Sabha. It is headed by former minister and Lok Sabha MP PP Chaudhary and has 39 members, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The panel has a number of eminent lawyers like MPs Manish Tewari, P Wilson and Kalyan Banerjee. Other opposition MPs, who are part of the panel are Supriya Sule from the NCP, Randeep Surjewala and Mukul Wasnik from the Congress, Anil Desai from Shiv Sena (UBT). On the ruling side, members include former union minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Baijayant Panda, Bhartruhari Mahtab and Anil Baluni from the BJP. Shrikant Shinde from the Shiv Sena and Harish Balayogi from the TDP among others are also part of the JPC. First Published: May 20, 2025, 02:49 IST Jyoti Malhotra Arrest: What Is Espionage? What Are The Laws & Punishment In India? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 15:59 IST Espionage is collecting classified information about a nation/person for political or military purposes. Punishment includes 3 years in jail or life term under some sections of IPC YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra allegedly shared confidential information with a Pakistani official previously expelled from India on similar charges. The arrest of 33-year-old YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, from Haryana, on charges of espionage for Pakistan underlines the fact that secretly gathering information for foreign entities is a serious offence in India under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Malhotra allegedly shared confidential information with a Pakistani official previously expelled from India on similar charges. Recommended Stories According to a CNN-News18 report, officials said there is fresh digital evidence against the espionage suspect. Her social media videos were just a cover. She maintained multiple digital devices and used encrypted platforms to regularly keep in touch with Pakistani agents. Digital evidence to this effect has been found," the report said, quoting sources. What Is Espionage? Espionage is considered as an act of secretly collecting confidential, classified information about a person, group, or nation, particularly for political or military purposes. It frequently involves transferring classified or sensitive information to a foreign nation. Secret reports, government plans, defence strategies, and scientific advancements are some examples of the information gathered through spying. Individuals (spies), intelligence services, or insiders operating within a nation can all engage in espionage. Because it puts at risk a nations safety and national security at risk, espionage is regarded as a serious crime. Espionage could be political, that is, gathering government or diplomatic secrets, military, in which information pertains to weapons, defence strategies, troop movements and cyber espionage, where individuals target government or digital networks such as emails, databases or systems to spy. What Is Official Secrets Act, 1923? The Official Secrets Act of 1923 is anti-espionage. It strongly condemns actions that involve helping an enemy state against India. It also states that one cannot approach, inspect, or even pass over a prohibited government site or area. As per the act, helping an enemy state can be in the form of communicating a sketch, plan, a model of an official secret, or of official codes or passwords, to the enemy. Furthermore, crimes such as conducting war against the state or sedition, which frequently involve spying offenses are covered by sections 121, 121A and 124A of the Indian Penal Code. Key Provision Of Official Secrets Act Section 3: penalises for spying or obtaining, collecting, recording, or publishing any secret official code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, or note which may be useful to an enemy. Section 5: Penalises unauthorised possession or communication of official information. Section 6: Restricts communication with foreign agents and provides presumptions about communication with an enemy or its agent. IPC sections dealing with espionage cases: Sections 121 and 121A: These sections deal with conducting war against India or conspiring against the government. If espionage is part of such actions, the punishment can be life imprisonment or even the death penalty in extreme cases. Section 124A (Sedition) : If someone promotes hatred or rebellion against the government while sharing secrets, they can be booked under sedition laws. Punishment For Espionage In India Punishments under the Act range from three to life imprisonment (if the intent is to declare war against India section 5 ) imprisonment. A person prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act can be charged with the crime even if the action was unintentional and not intended to endanger the security of the state. The Act only empowers persons in positions of authority to handle official secrets, and others who handle it in prohibited areas or outside them are liable for punishment. For instance, journalists help members of the police forces above the rank of the sub-Inspector and members of the military with an investigation regarding an offence, up to and including revealing his sources of information. Under the Act, search warrants may be issued at any time if the magistrate determines that based on the evidence there is enough danger to the security of the state. Who Handles Espionage Cases In India? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Intelligence agencies like Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are responsible for detecting and preventing espionage activities. When a suspected spy is caught, they are usually investigated by law enforcement and national security agencies. The case is then handed over to a court of law, where the person is tried under the appropriate legal provisions. Several Pakistani nationals have been arrested in India over the last few years for allegedly spying on sensitive defence locations and military establishments. These individuals were gathering classified information or passing data to foreign handlers. 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 20, 2025, 15:51 IST Mumbai Monsoon Mayhem: Whats Behind Early Onset Of Rains In Maharashtra? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: News Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:35 IST Orange alert has been issued for Raigad, Nashik, Pune, Satara and Kolhapur. This year, Mumbai received showers coupled with thunderstorms and gusty winds as early as May 6 Experts say Mumbai experienced early showers between May 6 and May 8 due to upper-level trough formed by western disturbance. (Photo: PTI file) Mumbai is set to witness early monsoon this month, with the city already receiving more than 85 mm of rainfall in May. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and Konkan region of Maharashtra for the next four days. Orange alert has been issued for places such as Raigad, Nashik, Pune, Satara and Kolhapur amongst others. Recommended Stories This year, Mumbai started receiving intermittent rain coupled with thunderstorms and gusty winds as early as May 6. May has been the wettest May month since 2021. As per the Colaba coastal observatory, the city has already recorded 85.2 mm of rainfall, and the Santacruz station has logged 47.4 mm until Monday morning. Why Is Mumbai Receiving Early Rain? Mumbai is not new to unseasonal rainfall during the summer season. Why this year is an anomaly because the showers, which set in very early, have been prolonged, albeit sparse, and continued throughout the past two weeks, a report by an Indian Express report. Experts say the region experienced early showers between May 6 and May 8 due to upper-level trough formed by western disturbance. IMD Meteorologist Kashyapi told Pune Mirror, The monsoon is progressing swiftly. It is likely to reach Kerala by May 27earlier than its usual date. Based on current movement, it could reach Maharashtra about five to six days ahead of schedule." An expert, Shubhangi Bhute, Director of IMD Mumbai, quoted by The Indian Express, attributed the favourable monsoon conditions to neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Presently, neutral El Nino as well as neutral IOD conditions are present over the Indian Ocean. These neutral conditions may contribute to good monsoon spells and also are likely to result in favourable conditions of early monsoon onset," said Bhute. ENSO is an ocean-atmospheric phenomenon that is considered one of the most important recurring natural events. It influences the Indian monsoon between June and September. What Is Monsoon Prediction For Mumbai? Traditionally, the monsoon reaches Konkan by June 5, Pune by June 10, and Mumbai by June 11. However, this year, the region is expected to receive pre-monsoon showers and early monsoon rains well in advance of these dates. Widespread rainfall expected in coming days. Several parts of Maharashtra are already witnessing rainfall activity, and this trend is expected to continue. For instance, in Vidarbha, rain forecast for the next five days; Konkan: rain likely on May 19 and 20; Central Maharashtra and Marathwada: Showers expected on May 20 and 21. Additionally, Pune, Satara, Solapur, Sangli, and the Ghat sections are likely to experience heavy rainfall with thunder, lightning, and wind speeds of 5060 kmph over the next three days. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On May 19, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, and Nashik may also receive light to moderate rain, especially in the hilly regions. Rain is expected in Palghar, North Madhya Maharashtra, Jalna, Hingoli, Nanded, and other districts on May 19, 20, and 21. As per current projections, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to enter Kerala by May 28, which is much before the normal. After this, it generally takes between 8 to 10 days for the Southwest Monsoon to reach and surpass Maharashtra. 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 20, 2025, 11:33 IST 6 Dead After Building Roof Collapses In Kalyan, Rescue Ops On Amid Downpour Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 21:45 IST Emergency response teams soon rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations A rescuer stands on the debris after a slab on the fourth floor of Saptashrungi Cooperative Housing Society collapsed killing six residents (PTI) At least six persons, including four women and a two-year-old child, died and four others were injured after a slab of the top floor of a four-storey building collapsed in Maharashtras Kalyan on Tuesday, officials said. The incident took place today afternoon when the slab of the fourth floor caved in and the debris crashed through the lower floors of the Saptashrungi Building located in Mangalaragho Nagar area in Kalyan East. Recommended Stories The slab from the fourth floor had collapsed to the ground floor," a senior police inspector said as quoted by news agency PTI. The deceased have been identified as Namaswi Shrikant Shelar (2), Pramila Kalcharan Sahu (56), Sunita Neelanchal Sahu (38), Sushila Narayan Gujar (78), Venkat Bhima Chavan (42) and Sujata Manoj Wadi (38). Four people were injured in the incident, including two children aged four, who were admitted to different hospitals. Emergency response teams from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporations Fire Department and the TDRF (Thane Disaster Response Force) soon rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations amid heavy downpour. Rescue operations are underway with full force. The building has been cordoned off, and structural safety checks will follow once the immediate rescue work is complete," the police officer added. CM Fadnavis Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep anguish over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. In a tragic incident in Kalyan, the roof of a building collapsed, unfortunately causing loss of lives of 6 citizens. My humble tributes to them. We stand strongly with the families in these difficult times. The rescue operations at the site has been completed, and the Municipal Commissioner was personally present at the location. 5 individuals were injured in the incident and are currently under treatment at the hospital. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and the injured are in a stable condition. I pray for their speedy recovery. The families of the deceased will receive financial assistance of 5 lakh from the State Government," the Maharashtra CM said in a post on X. In a tragic incident in Kalyan, the roof of a building collapsed, unfortunately causing loss of lives of 6 citizens.My humble tributes to them.We stand strongly with the families in these difficult times.The rescue operations at the site has been completed, and the Municipal Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 20, 2025 Meanwhile, heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed parts of Mumbai and adjoining Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai regions today. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Navi Mumbai till 11 pm today, predicting heavy pre-monsoon showers. It also issued a Red alert for Nashik, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg till 10 pm. (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 : Kalyan-Dombivli (Kalyan-Dombivali), India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 21:44 IST Ashoka University Professor Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody Over Operation Sindoor Post Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:22 IST While the Haryana police asked for a seven-day remand, a Sonipat court sent Mahmudabad to judicial custody. The next date of his hearing in the case is May 27 Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad's arrest has ignited a national debate on free speech. (Image: X) Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was on Tuesday sent to 14-day judicial custody over his controversial post on Operation Sindoor. While the Haryana police asked for a seven-day remand, a Sonipat court sent Mahmudabad to judicial custody. The next date of his hearing in the case is May 27. Recommended Stories The Supreme Court has agreed to examine his plea against his arrest either on Tuesday (May 20) or Wednesday (May 21). He was arrested on May 18 after two FIRs were lodged under stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor. The professor was produced before a local court in Sonipat on that day and remanded in police custody for two days in a case registered on a complaint from the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) filed a day before. WHY WAS HE ARRESTED? The HSCW recently sent a notice to Mahmudabad questioning his remarks on Operation Sindoor, though he maintained they were misunderstood" and underscored his fundamental right to freedom of speech. Haryana Police said the two FIRs were lodged at the Rai Police Station in Sonipat 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. In a letter dated May 16 to the state DGP, the HSCW lodged a complaint for registration of an FIR against him 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)," police said. The case was lodged 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 sections are non-bailable. Mahmudabads remarks were annexed to the commissions notice, and in one of them, he purportedly said right-wing people applauding Col Sofiya Qureshi should demand protection for victims of mob lynchings and arbitrary" bulldozing of properties. He was alleged to have 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 said. Wing Commander Singh briefed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Col Qureshi on Operation Sindoor. WHAT WAS THE COMPLAINT AGAINST HIM? The HSCW previously said an initial review of Mahmudabads remarks 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". The commissions complaint alleged that his social media post was 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 said. The complaint went on: 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." Being an academician, Ali, owes special responsibility towards society as a whole to be more careful with his words and 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 added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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," the complaint said. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Sonipat, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:45 IST 'Ali Khan Mahmudabad Could Say Sorry For Operation Sindoor Post': How Row Snowballed Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:07 IST The complainant, Haryana State Commission for Women's head Renu Bhatia, says a genuine apology from the Ashoka University professor could have eased things Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad's arrest has ignited a national debate on free speech. (Image: X) Is Ali Khan Mahmudabad a scholar who has been wronged, or has he degraded women"? The arrest of the associate professor at Ashoka University and former leader of the Samajwadi Party may have academics from institutions, including Oxford, Yale, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, urging his release, but the complainant, Haryana State Commission for Womens head Renu Bhatia, disagrees. His thought process is for everyone to see. His choice of words is there for the world to have a look at. Any educated person, as he claims to be, should have presented his side when we summoned him. But he chose to be absent. He even chose to evade the commission when we visited Ashoka University after informing them about the purpose of our visit," Bhatia told News18. Recommended Stories On Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singhthe two women who emerged as Indias face at a press briefing during Operation Sindoor Ali Khan Mahmudabad had written in his May 9 post on social media that he was very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding" the Indian Army officers, but perhaps they can equally loudly demand that victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing are protected as Indian citizens". At a time when India was united in battling Pakistan, the charge against the Ashoka University professor was calling the optics hypocrisy". The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise its just hypocrisy," he wrote on social media, adding fuel to the fire. Terms like genocide", hypocrisy", and dehumanisation" attracted the wrath of the womens commission. I will keep talking about those from whom I can smell treachery," Bhatia said. Very subtly, Bhatia referred to Mahmudabads paternal lineage, where his grandfather, Mohammad Amir Ahmed Khan, was the last ruling Raja of Mahmudabad and a key financier of the Muslim League in the pre-Partition era. He campaigned for Mohammad Ali Jinnahs Pakistan against Mahatma Gandhi. Just before Partition, he migrated to Iraq. He subsequently moved to Pakistan in 1957 but later settled down in London. He, however, sent his wife and son to India to reacquire his property, which by then was in state possession. While more than one FIR has been filed against Professor Mahmudabad, the one based on a complaint by Bhatia has serious sections like 152 (acts that endanger Indias sovereignty, unity and integrity) along with 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Meanwhile, a carefully crafted official message from Ashoka University read, We have been made aware that Prof. Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been taken into police custody. 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." But the universitys faculty association was more liberal in its choice of words, calling the charges untenable" and his arrest calculated harassment". Mahmudabad has approached the Supreme Court for relief. A bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih agreed to hear his plea by Wednesday, after senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the professor had been arrested for (making) a patriotic statement". The Ashoka professors May 14 clarification about his May 9 post wasnt helping much, attempting to solely express concern over the rhetorical excesses and reckless warmongering exhibited by certain sections of the civilian public". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But you ask the complainant, Renu Bhatia, and she would say a genuine apology could have eased things. He could have accepted his mistake. He could have just apologised," she said. Now, the row is far beyond the realm of any apologies, where society is extremely polarised on this issue. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:07 IST Ali Khan Mahmudabad: Who Is The Historian Arrested For His Social Media Post On Operation Sindoor? Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:00 IST Born in Lucknow on December 2, 1982, Ashoka University's Ali Khan Mahmudabad is known for his scholarly work on nationalism, political Islam, and South Asian history Ali Khan Mahmudabad's arrest has since ignited a national debate on free speech and drawn sharp reactions, particularly within UP's political circles. (Image: X) Ali Khan Mahmudabad a historian, political scientist, and associate professor at Ashoka University was arrested from his Delhi residence on May 18 over a social media post that questioned the optics of women officers addressing a press briefing after Operation Sindoor. Mahmudabads arrest has since ignited a national debate on free speech and drawn sharp reactions, particularly within Uttar Pradeshs political circles. A complaint filed by BJP Yuva Morchas Haryana general secretary Yogesh Jatheri alleged that his post was anti-national" and demeaning to Indias armed forces". Recommended Stories The post in question, published on Facebook, reportedly questioned the representational intent" behind showcasing women officers after the military operation and asked whether their presence signified a genuine shift or was limited to symbolism. The Haryana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance of the post earlier on May 12. On Sunday evening (May 18), he was produced before a magistrate and remanded to two-day police custody. He has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) a newly introduced provision replacing sedition alongside charges related to outraging religious sentiments. Mahmudabads legal team, led by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, has approached the Supreme Court seeking immediate relief. Chief Justice BR Gavai assured the matter will be heard on May 20 or 21. WHO IS HE? Born in Lucknow on December 2, 1982, Ali Khan Mahmudabad is known for his scholarly work on nationalism, political Islam, and South Asian history. A PhD from Cambridge, he currently teaches political science at Ashoka University in Haryanas Sonipat. He is the author of Poetry of Belonging, a widely acclaimed book exploring Muslim political imagination in colonial India. His academic articles, essays, and columns published in journals and media outlets across the world reflect a nuanced engagement with issues of identity, democracy, and religious pluralism. Fluent in Urdu, Hindi, English, and Arabic, he is one of Indias few multilingual academics who also bridges the gap between scholarship and public debate. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and conducted fieldwork in Iran and Iraq. ARISTOCRATIC ROOTS, POLITICAL PAST Mahmudabad belongs to the storied royal family of Mahmudabad in Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan popularly known as Raja Sahib Mahmudabad was a two-time Congress MLA and fought a decades-long legal battle to reclaim family properties seized under the Enemy Properties Act. His grandfather, Mohammad Amir Ahmad Khan, was the last ruling Raja of Mahmudabad and a key financier of the Muslim League in the pre-Partition era. On his maternal side, he is the grandson of former foreign secretary Jagat Singh Mehta and nephew of policy expert Vikram Mehta. In 2017, Mahmudabad joined the Samajwadi Party and served as its national spokesperson until 2022. Though he distanced himself from formal politics in recent years, he continued to comment on national issues through writing and lectures. With the Supreme Court set to hear his plea this week, all eyes are on how the judiciary will interpret the use of the new sedition-like provisions under the BNS. As of now, Mahmudabad remains in police custody, even as the chorus for his release grows louder from scholars, opposition parties, and rights activists. INSIDIOUS PROPAGANDA Akhilesh Mishra, CEO of BlueKraft Digital Foundation and a commentator on national security and political discourse, issued a sharp and detailed rebuttal of Mahmudabads post on social media. He accused the Ashoka University professor of indulging in insidious propaganda" at a time when India was still fending off drone incursions from Pakistan and managing a volatile security environment following the Pahalgam terror attack. On the issue of Ali Khan Mahmudabad, it is but obvious that the man indulged in insidious propaganda and used talking points of Pakistan, especially in a time of near-war.It was a treacherous attempt to insert Hindu-Muslim rift just a day after Operation Sindoor strikes and pic.twitter.com/71i0te2dHZ Akhilesh Mishra (@amishra77) May 19, 2025 According to Mishra, Mahmudabads post was not merely dissent but a treacherous attempt to insert a Hindu-Muslim rift" into national discourse during a moment of near-war. He highlighted the professors timingposting his critique just one day after Operation Sindoor, when the armed forces and government were maintaining high alert and public cohesion was critical. Mishra argued that Mahmudabads entire narrative aligned disturbingly with the rationale Pakistans military chief Asim Munir had publicly articulated that India remains divided, and that its secularism is a facade. Referring to Mahmudabads closing paragraph, where he describes the press conference as an illusion" of a diverse India that is not completely dead as an idea," Mishra asserted that the professor was echoing Pakistani talking points, merely cloaked in refined language. STRONG REACTION FROM OPPOSITION, ACADEMICS Mahmudabads arrest triggered widespread condemnation from civil society, opposition leaders, and academic communities both in India and abroad. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the arrest unconstitutional and dangerous". Professors, students, journalists none are safe from state-sponsored targeting if they dissent. This regime has made it clear that critical thinking is now a punishable offence," he said. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described Mahmudabads arrest as an alarming blow to academic freedom". The criminalisation of a social media post one that seeks introspection rather than instigation is deeply troubling. This is not nationalism; this is paranoia," he said. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the case was less about legality and more about a political message. This arrest sends a signal: critique the governments narrative, and you will face jail. We cannot let this become the new normal." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The SP, which Mahmudabad was associated with between 2017 and 2022, also issued a scathing statement. This government is terrified of intellect," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said. It jails those who write, think, and question, and celebrates those who polarise and provoke." More than 100 academics from institutions, including Oxford, Yale, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, have signed a petition demanding Mahmudabads immediate release. The signatories condemned the weaponisation of law to suppress intellectual discourse" and termed the arrest chillingly reminiscent of authoritarian regimes." First Published: May 20, 2025, 08:00 IST 'Calibrated, Not A Knee-Jerk Reaction': Govt To Op Sindoor Outreach Teams On Indus Waters Treaty Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manisha Roy Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 23:45 IST Officials said since the 1960s when the Indus Waters Treaty took place a lot has changed while new challenges like climate change and depleting water levels have emerged In a bipartisan move, 59 Indian political leaders will visit 32 countries to convey New Delhis stance on terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. (IMAGE: PTI) The Indus Waters Treaty came up for specific mention at a briefing held for the members of Indian delegations that are to visit various foreign countries to take forward the countrys anti-terror message against Pakistan. Sources said the members were told that putting the water-sharing treaty in abeyance in light of the Pahalgam terror attack is not simply a knee-jerk reaction", and that it is actually a calibrated step". The teams are marked for specific sets of countries to bolster Indias diplomatic strength after successful strikes on terror targets under Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. They have leaders and members from both the ruling BJP-led NDA and opposition parties, underlining Indias democratic strength as well. Recommended Stories As multi-party delegations leave for the designated foreign capitals, their members comprising former and sitting MPs, besides diplomats and ex-ambassadors, from three of the seven such delegations were briefed by officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. WERE ANYWAY TRYING TO REWORK THE TREATY Indias action on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) came up, too, in a wider context. Officials told the delegation members that since the 1960s when the treaty took place a lot has changed. New challenges have emerged, including climate change and the depleting water levels, they were told. For the past two years and a half, India has been keen on reworking the treaty anyway, the officials added. Trust and friendship, which formed the basis of such a treaty, does not exist between the countries now, the briefing explained. Sources further told News18 that when some members asked about possibilities of a thaw in relations in the near future, officials said it was highly unlikely, especially since Pakistan has not even acknowledged its role in harbouring terrorism. DELEGATION DIPLOMACY: WORLD WANTS TO HEAR INDIA Pakistan has sought to counter Indias move by sending a peace delegation" of its own to important world capitals", led by the countrys former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. This teams stated mission is to underscore our sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region", as per the Pakistan PMs office. Irrespective of Pakistans flimsy claims, Indias assertion is clear and pointed: that all terror links, direct and indirect, can be traced back to Pakistan. The Indian delegations were told at the briefing that Pakistan could send delegations wherever it wanted, but the international community wants to listen to Indias voice instead, given our global image over the last decade or so". When some members asked about the need for such delegations, the government briefers are learnt to have told them that the intention is to tell the world how Pakistan has been crying foul and playing victim even when India has sufficient proof now to show that Pakistan is indeed a terrorist state. OUTREACH TO OVER 30 COUNTRIES As part of the wide-ranging diplomatic initiative, more than 50 Indian leaders will travel to 32 countries and to the European Union headquarters in Brussels. The aim is to convey Indias position on cross-border terrorism and build international consensus in its aftermath. It follows the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Indian strikes on terror bases operating with the support of the Pakistani Army under Operation Sindoor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The delegations, as per sources, are likely to also carry dossier on Pakistans role in sponsoring terrorism in India with evidence to convince the host countries. They said during the briefing, Misri told the teams that while India is committed to peace, it will not tolerate any terror attacks on its soil and will hit back as part of its new normal". (With PTI inputs) Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:36 IST Ranya Rao Granted Bail In Gold Smuggling Case, But To Remain In Jail Under Special Law Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:36 IST The court also granted statutory bail to co-accused Tharun Raju Konduru Rao, who was arrested on March 3 and remains in judicial custody until March 24, claims she is innocent and is being framed. File pic/X Kannada actor Ranya Rao on Tuesday was granted default bail by the Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru in connection with the gold smuggling case. The court also granted statutory bail to co-accused Tharun Raju Konduru. The duo had filed for bail earlier this month after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) failed to submit a chargesheet within the mandatory period. Recommended Stories Presiding Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar allowed the bail on the condition that each accused executed a bond of Rs two lakh and furnish two sureties. Additional conditions include a ban on leaving the country without court permission, full cooperation with the investigation, and a directive not to repeat the alleged offence. However, despite the bail order, Rao will not be released from the jail. This is because she has been booked under the stringent COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities) Act, which allows for preventive detention without bail for up to one year. The COFEPOSA Act was invoked against Rao last month by the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB), a nodal agency under the Ministry of Finance, based on a recommendation by the DRI. The Act is used when authorities believe the accused may continue illegal activities upon release or are not cooperating with investigations. Meanwhile, Raos mother has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the COFEPOSA detention. The matter is scheduled to be heard on 3 June. Until then, Rao will remain in judicial custody, despite securing bail in the primary case. The actress was arrested on 3 March for her alleged involvement in smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold, worth over Rs 12.56 crore, through Bengalurus international airport. She and two other accused are currently lodged at Bengaluru Central Prison. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case is being jointly investigated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). (With inputs from PTI) 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 20, 2025, 17:12 IST 3 Killed As Heavy Downpour Sinks Bengaluru, Orange Alert In City After 105.5 mm Of Rain In 24 Hours Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:14 IST Overnight heavy rain on Sunday claimed the lives of three people in Bengaluru. The downpour sparked civic chaos and a political blame game over the city's poor infrastructure. Bengaluru: People wade through a waterlogged area after heavy rain (Photo: PTI) Three people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed in rain-related incidents on Monday as extremely heavy overnight rain brought Bengaluru to its knees on Monday. Shashikala, an employee of a private company, succumbed to injuries after a wet compound wall suddenly collapsed on her in Whitefield on Monday morning. She was walking towards Channasandra when the wall gave way and fell on her, resulting in her death. Recommended Stories Later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh from the government for Shashikalas family. In another incident, two persons, including a young boy, were electrocuted at BTM Layout in the city on Monday evening. The deceased were identified as 55-year-old Manohar Kamat and nine-year-old Dinesh, a native of Nepal. According to police, both were electrocuted while attempting to pump rainwater out of the apartments basement using a motor. #WATCH | Karnataka | Rainwater enters houses in following heavy rainfall in Bengaluru, streets waterloggedVisuals from BTM Layout pic.twitter.com/vrYWKLsAtU ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 With the heavy downpour, locals were seen through water, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, who launched evacuation efforts, also faced challenges due to a shortage of boats. A video from the Silk Board Metro Station showed heavy waterlogging after hours of downpour in the city. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Several parts of the city witness waterlogging after heavy rains.(Visuals from Silk Board Metro Station) pic.twitter.com/ji5gjGygCr ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Bengaluru city received 105.5 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on May 19. The last time it rained this heavily during this month was on May 18, 2022. Incidentally, the all-time record for May stands at 153.9 mm, which was set on May 6, 1909. RAIN ALERT IN KARNATAKA The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and a yellow alert at various places across Karnataka on Tuesday. An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu said they have issued an orange alert for Bengaluru for the impact 8 cm to 10 cm that will likely affect the big city. The amount of rainfall we are receiving is nothing for rural areas. But because cities like Bengaluru are concretised mostly, and thus blocking the outlets for water drainage, we have issued an orange alert so that authorities can prepare accordingly," he said. According to the IMD statement, areas likely to be affected today are Bagalkot, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, and Vijayanagara districts. BENGALURU RAIN TRIGGERS POLITICAL BLAME GAME Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounted an offensive against the ruling Congress, alleging that the crores of rupees spent over the last two years on the citys infrastructure have yielded no results. It attacked Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru in-charge DK Shivakumar for the state of affairs, even as the latter admitted Bengalurus problems were not new, but that the government was now working for a long-term fix. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the downpour was unexpected," and that he has instructed officials to take up remodelling and de-silting clogged stormwater drains (SWD). Later, in an X post, DK Shivakumar wrote, Flooding issue resolved in 70% of the identified areas of Bengaluru, remaining to be fixed soon." We had identified 210 areas as flood prone in Bengaluru. Ever since I took over as the Bengaluru Development Minister, we have fixed flooding issues in 166 (70%) of those localities. Flood prevention work is currently going on in 24 areas while work would soon be taken up in the remaining 20 areas. We have built 197 km of storm water drains," Shivakumar added, as he shared a video of his remarks during a press meet at the BBMP War Room earlier today. Flooding issue resolved in 70% of the identified areas of Bengaluru, remaining to be fixed soon.We had identified 210 areas as flood prone in Bengaluru. Ever since I took over as the Bengaluru Development Minister, we have fixed flooding issues in 166 (70%) of those localities. pic.twitter.com/1qrO5SWs9T DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 19, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, several software companies in the city advised employees to work from home due to worsening traffic conditions. About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: May 20, 2025, 07:12 IST India Logs 164 New Covid-19 Cases In A Week; Govt Reviews Situation As New Wave Hits Asia Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:48 IST The Centre reviewed Covid-19 situation after new wave in Singapore and Hong Kong. Despite 164 new cases since May 12, the situation remains under control with mostly mild cases. The expert meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control. (Photo: PTI file) Indias health ministry reviewed the situation of Covid-19 in the country after a new wave of coronavirus in Singapore and Hong Kong sparked a global alarm. The fresh wave in Southeast Asian countries is largely driven by the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1 and its related descendants. The chairpersonship of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has held a meeting with experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central government hospitals. Recommended Stories As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, and not associated with unusual severity or mortality, they added. The expert meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control, news agency PTI reported. Covid-19 Surge In Asia: How Dangerous Is JN.1 Variant And Are Existing Vaccines Effective? 164 New Covid-19 Cases In India Since May 12 India witnessed a rise in Covid-19 infections, with Kerala reporting 69 fresh cases since May 12. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu led the tally with 44 and 34 cases respectively. Over the past week, Karnataka has recorded eight cases, Gujarat six, Delhi three, and Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim each reported one case. The number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257. However, almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required, PTI reported citing official sources. Hospitals have been asked to monitor influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infection cases. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health, the sources added. No Need To Panic: Indias Top Epidemiologist Indias leading epidemiologist, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar who was the face of the governments daily health briefings during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020 has urged the public to remain calm, stating that there is no cause for panic unless there is a noticeable rise in hospitalisations or fatalities. He also highlighted that India is equipped with a vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant. Developed by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, the mRNA-based vaccine, GEMCOVAC-19, is the first of its kind to be developed in the country. If there is an unusual surge in cases, India can increase production. However, as of now, there is nothing new or alarming," he said. We must accept that Covid-19 has become endemic. The only caution for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals is to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour like maintaining hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places." Which Countries Are Reporting Surge In Covid-19 Cases? Should You Travel To These Countries? Fresh Covid-19 Wave In Singapore, Hong Kong top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In early May 2025, Singapore experienced a significant spike in Covid-19 cases, with weekly infections jumping from approximately 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in the first week of May a sharp 28% increase. Hospitalisations followed a similar trend, rising by nearly 30% during the same period, prompting concerns among health authorities. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is facing its most intense wave of Covid-19 in a year. The city recorded 31 virus-related deaths in the week ending May 3 the highest weekly death toll in the past 12 months. Infections also continued to climb, with 1,042 new cases reported in the week ending May 10, up from 972 the previous week. This marks a stark contrast to early March, when weekly case numbers hovered around just 33, according to official data. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 20, 2025, 07:56 IST 'Covid Now Endemic, No New Threat From Singapore Surge': Ex-ICMR Scientist Explains Why Virus Keeps Returning Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 07:00 IST Government sources said India's current Covid-19 situation is stable, with only 257 active cases nationwide as of May 19 all mild and not requiring hospitalisation Singapore's health ministry said the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country has been caused by the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants. (Image: AP/File) Amid reports of a Covid surge in multiple Asian countries, Indias top epidemiologist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar has said there is no need to panic unless there is evidence of an increase in hospitalisations or deaths. According to Singapores health ministry, the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country has been caused by the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants. These two are the dominant variants circulating there, together accounting for more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. Recommended Stories Both LF.7 and NB.1.8 are sublineages of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, they are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which itself is a sublineage of Omicron BA.2.86," former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar told News18. Earlier, the WHO had noted that JN.1 and its descendants including LF.7 and NB.1.8 exhibit immune evasion properties. Current data, however, do not suggest that these variants cause more severe disease compared to earlier Omicron subvariants. Dr Raman Gangakhedkar said India has a vaccine targeting the Omicron variant, developed by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals. This mRNA-based vaccine, GEMCOVAC-19, is the first such developed in India. If there is an unusual surge in cases, India can increase production. However, as of now, there is nothing new or alarming," he said. We must accept that Covid-19 has become endemic. The only caution for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals is to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour like maintaining hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places." Government sources told News18 that Indias current Covid-19 situation is stable, with only 257 active cases nationwide as of May 19 all of which are mild and not requiring hospitalisation. Dr Gangakhedkar, who has led many assignments on behalf of the ICMR including Keralas Nipah outbreak, said the world is witnessing convergent evolution" where organisms evolve and produce different variants in response to drugs and/or the bodys immune pressure, including vaccines and past infections. Science is governed by the theory of survival of the fittest. The virus has adapted; it survives not by killing the host, but by infecting them, replicating rapidly, and moving on to the next host. This is how the virus evolves," he said. He explained that it is an RNA virus smart and capable of developing its own strains. We already know that the coronavirus can spread quickly. Other countries have identified these Omicron-lineage variants in circulation," he said. There is no need to panic unless the virus shows increased pathogenicity meaning a rise in deaths or a significant increase in disease severity leading to hospitalisations," he said. Until then, the surge in cases being reported holds limited significance." DO WE NEED BOOSTER SHOTS? In short, Dr Gangakhedkar said no. He advised that unless there is a clear threat from the circulating variants, there is no need for booster doses not even for the vulnerable or the elderly. So far, we lack strong scientific evidence and sufficient data to recommend booster doses for the elderly," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He further said there is no need for genome sequencing yet. Genome sequencing is an expensive process," he said. The government should only allocate funds for large-scale sequencing if there is a noticeable trend indicating an increase in hospital admissions or deaths due to respiratory illnesses." He added: We have encountered Omicron-lineage variants before and have seen that they do not significantly increase the risk of morbidity or mortality." About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 07:00 IST American YouTuber MrBeast has sparked a new controversy by filming 'unauthorised' shots in Chichen Itza pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico for a video titled 'I Explored 2000 Year Old Temples' where he alongwith friends and a guide explored the insides of archeological spots in Chichen and Calakmul. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has sought an apology and compensation from MrBeast for the video. INAH's filing of case against MrBeast has put lid on the controversy even as Mexicans are aghast as to how he was given permission to film a video while people are denied entry to the historical sites. What Protocols did MrBeast Supposedly Break? During his visit to the ruins of Chichen Itza and Calakmul, James Donaldson (MrBeast) reportedly broke several rules which, however, according to INAH were added in post-production. In his video, there are shots made with drones, which is not permitted at Chichen Itza. Besides, he touched several antique masks and climbed a pyramid. In one part of the video MrBeast said, 'I can't believe the government is letting us do this. It's truly crazy. Not even archaeologists are allowed in here.' After facing backlash, INAH officially sued MrBeast for making promotion of his products in the video, even saying 'Mayan approved', something that sparked the outrage from Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexican president, who pledged to review as to who had permitted Donaldson from entering the ruins and doing the video. 'We're pleased that YouTubers and all the world's young people appreciate the value of our indigenous civilizations.' the institute said in a post, 'we strongly condemn those who take advantage.' According to reports, Donaldson had taken advantage of his position for which INAH will sue the production company for 'the use of the image of the archaeological sites for the advertising of commercial brands for private profit.' The last aspect that made several Mexicans furious was when seeing the description of the video where MrBeast thanks governor of Campeche Layda Sansores, national secretary of tourism Josefina Rodriguez, INAH for giving access to 'Zona Arqueologica de Calakmul, Balancanche y Chichen Itza, MEXICO' thereby implying that he had collaborated with the government. The Importance of Chichen Itza After Teotihuacan near Mexico City, Chichen Itza has become the second most important pyramid ruins in Mexico. There is a difference between these two pre-Hispanic sites as Teotihuacan was occupied by the Aztecas while Chichen Itza was created by the Mayas, two different cultures that were created almost 3000 years apart, although many people believe they are the same thing. Chichen Itza has been named as world heritage site by UNESCO and are heavily protected, being the third most famous pyramids in the world after Giza and Teotihuacan. The fact that MrBeast got permission while Mexicans can't get one has raised eyebrows among the people who love Mexican culture and the Mayan civilization. Originally published on IBTimes UK 'Creation Of Waqf Is Itself Not Secular, Who Asks For Proof...': Waqf Law Challenged In SC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 20:02 IST The Supreme Court heard petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act, including non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies. Senior Advocates argued it undermines Muslim control. Supreme Court of India (File photo) The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a batch of petitions challenging constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Raising concerns over its several provisions, the petitions also challenged the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies. During hearing, senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for a petitioner, told the Supreme Court today that the creation of Waqf is not a secular process but a Muslims dedication of property to God. Recommended Stories Notably, the Waqf Amendment Act became a law this year. The Senior Advocate argued that the composition of the Central Waqf Council under the new law is such that there is a possibility that Muslims can become a minority. The 22-member body has the Minority Affairs Minister as an ex officio member. 10 of its members must be chosen from among Muslims. The others include jurists, persons of national eminence and a bureaucrat. Sibal argued that the power to control the body has been taken away from Muslims. While referring to Hindu and Sikh institutions, he said, Every religious endowment, not a single person is a Muslim or non-Hindu." Countering him, Chief Justice BR Gavai then asked, What about Bodh Gaya? All are Hindus." Mr Sibal responded, I knew you will ask this", and pointed out that places of worship can be same for Hindus and Buddhists. These are mosques. This is not secular. Creation of Waqf is itself not secular. Its a Muslim property dedicated to God," Sibal added. Apart from Sibal, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, also appeared for a petitioner. Abhishek Singhvi claimed the new law is a recipe to ensure that the applicant keeps visiting the office for Waqf registration forever". This is just to infuse terror Endowments are there in every religion. Which religious endowment asks you to prove that you have been practising it for the last 5 years? Who asks them for proof of religion?" said Singhvi, adding that as soon as a dispute is raised under the new law, a property will lose its status as Waqf. Meanwhile, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, who appeared for another petitioner, said this is the first time religion has been redefined in a religious Act. We are a secular nation. One of my clients is a Sikh. He says I want to contribute to Waqf and I believe this property should not be taken away. The question also goes to the root of secularism," he added. Hearing in the case will resume on Wednesday, May 21. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier in the day, Chief Justice Gavai said there is a presumption of constitutionality in legislation that clears Parliament and courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out. The Waqf Amendment Act triggered nationwide protests as Muslim bodies claimed it was an attack on minorities and accused to government of eyeing Waqf land. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 18:12 IST Did Jyoti Malhotra Do Before Pahalgam Attack What David Headley Did Before 26/11? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:02 IST Investigators are probing if Jyoti Malhotra's videos gave Pakistan key information for planning the Pahalgam attack, suggesting a premeditated, coordinated operation Jyoti Malhotra visited Pahalgam on January 25, three months before the attack and filmed various locations. (News18) YouTuber Jyoti Malhotras arrest on charges of espionage for Pakistan has drawn comparisons to David Coleman Headley, the 2008 Mumbai attacks conspirator who carried out reconnaissance missions before the 26/11 attack. Malhotras case has triggered a flurry of daily revelations, with investigation agencies rigorously questioning her and collecting evidence of her alleged spying activities. Authorities are probing whether Jyoti Malhotras alleged espionage is linked to the recent Pahalgam attack, drawing strong parallels with David Headleys role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Like Headley, who conducted reconnaissance and photographed potential targets ahead of the strikes, Malhotra visited Pahalgam on January 25, three months before the attack and filmed various locations. Recommended Stories Investigators are probing whether the videos she recorded may have provided Pakistan-backed terrorists with critical information to plan the assault. If confirmed, this would indicate that the Pahalgam strike followed a similarly premeditated and coordinated pattern. Malhotras videos have come under intense scrutiny by investigators, who suspect they were produced at the behest of Pakistani agents. According to officials probing the case, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, her content allegedly avoided condemning Pakistan or the terrorists and instead targeted security forces and tourists. Police also revealed that she defended a video she had earlier released in support of Pakistan during a period of heightened tensions between the two countries. Investigators believe these videos may have been part of a deliberate propaganda campaign and suspect that she created anti-India content under the influence of foreign handlers. Malhotra is reported to have made multiple trips to Pakistan and once to China. Investigations so far have revealed that she has been in contact with several Pakistani nationals since 2023, the year of her first visit to Pakistan. Her primary contact appears to be Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish. Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, was declared persona non grata by India on May 13. According to the FIR, Malhotra informed investigators that she saved the number of a Pakistani agent, Shakir, under the name Jat Randhawa to avoid detection. Other Pakistani contacts of hers included individuals who identified themselves as Ali Ahwan and Rana Shahbaz. It is alleged that Ahwan provided her with security cover during her stays in Pakistan. The preliminary investigation indicates that she was introduced to several intelligence officials during her visits to Pakistan. Who Is David Headley? David Coleman Headley is a Pakistani-American terrorist who played a key reconnaissance role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which left 166 people dead and over 300 injured. Born as Daood Sayed Gilani in Washington, DC in 1960 to a Pakistani diplomat father and American mother, he later changed his name to David Coleman Headley to facilitate his movements under the guise of an American identity. Headley was an agent of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based terror outfit that orchestrated the Mumbai attacks. Between 2006 and 2008, he conducted multiple surveillance missions in Mumbai, photographing key targets, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Jewish center Nariman House. His detailed videos and reports were instrumental in helping LeT plan the coordinated attacks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2009, Headley was arrested by the FBI in Chicago while preparing for another planned attack in Denmark targeting the offices of a newspaper that published cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. He later pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and providing material support to terrorists. As part of a plea bargain, Headley cooperated extensively with US and Indian authorities, which spared him the death penalty or extradition to India. In 2013, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison by a US court. He is currently serving his sentence in an undisclosed location in the United States. On July 24, 2018, reports emerged that David Coleman Headley had been seriously injured in a prison attack and was subsequently admitted to the critical care unit at Evanston Hospital, part of the NorthShore University Health System. First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:02 IST EAM Jaishankar Meets Dutch PM Schoof, Thanks Him For 'Resolute Stance Against Terrorism' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:31 IST EAM Jaishankar met Dutch PM Dick Schoof in The Hague to strengthen bilateral ties, He thanked the Netherlands for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. EAM Jaishankar with Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof (X: @DrSJaishankar) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague, and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. During their meeting, the EAM also thanked Schoof for the European nations unequivocal condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Recommended Stories The visit comes as part of Jaishankars six-day official tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. His meeting with Schoof marks one of the key high-level engagements during the Netherlands leg of the trip. Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for the Netherlands firm and resolute stance against terrorism. Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. Assured that our teams will work hard to achieve these goals." Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague.Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and thanked him for the Netherlands firm and resolute stance against terrorism. Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. pic.twitter.com/nmJbmvdtBN Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 20, 2025 PM Schoof, in his own post on X, stated, Pleased to welcome Indias Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, to the Catshuis. First of all, I expressed my support for Indias fight against terrorism in the wake of the horrific attack last month in Pahalgam. It is good for all parties that the violence between India and Pakistan has not escalated further." We also spoke about our Strategic Partnership. This concerns long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and India in areas including trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. In a changing world, it is important for both the Netherlands and India that we can continue to count on one other," he wrote. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to our country soon to discuss this further," he added. Pleased to welcome Indias Minister of External Affairs, @DrSJaishankar, to the Catshuis. First of all, I expressed my support for Indias fight against terrorism in the wake of the horrific attack last month in Pahalgam. It is good for all parties that the violence between India pic.twitter.com/0ZN2wtSL3L Dick Schoof (@MinPres) May 20, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, Jaishankar met with the Indian diaspora in The Hague and praised their contributions in strengthening ties between the two nations. He also met Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, with whom he discussed shared security concerns and the potential for a bilateral defence partnership. Jaishankar also held wide-ranging talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague on Monday, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation and working together more closely with the European Union. About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:31 IST Elderly Man, 12-Year-Old Boy Electrocuted While Draining Rainwater In Bengaluru Apartment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:46 IST So far, three people have been killed in pre-monsoon rains in Bengaluru, according to officials Manmohan Kamath (63) and Dinesh (12) | Image.X Two people, including a 12-year-old, were electrocuted while trying to clear waterlogging in their apartment complex, police said on Tuesday. On Monday evening, 63-year-old Manmohan Kamath, a resident of Madhuvan Apartment near BTM 2nd Stage, was using an external motorised pump to remove water from his home. Recommended Stories When he connected the pump to a socket, there was a short circuit, leading to his electrocution," a police officer involved in the investigation said. Dinesh (12), son of a Nepalese man employed at the apartment complex, who was standing near Kamath, was also electrocuted, police added. The two were declared dead by doctors at the hospital, and Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs) will be filed in both cases, the Station House Officer confirmed. Death Toll Rises To Three So far, three people have died in the pre-monsoon rains, including 35-year-old Sasikala, who was killed on Monday when a compound wall collapsed on her while she was sweeping at a company within the Mahadevapura Police Station limits. The city recorded approximately 104 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, inundating several low-lying areas and causing major traffic congestion. The situation, while severe, is a recurring issue the IT hub faces annually during the monsoon. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Visuals revealed extensive waterlogging across multiple locations, highlighting the citys ongoing struggle to manage heavy downpours. Meanwhile, the IMD has extended its rainfall forecast through Sunday, May 25, adding three additional days to the initial alert, which was originally set to end on Thursday. First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:49 IST Engaging Parliaments, Press, Power Centres: How India's Global Anti-Terror Outreach Will Play Out Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:24 IST If time permits, there may also be an attempt to arrange a meeting with senior officials from the Donald Trump Administration while the delegation visits the US. PM Modi addressing the nation on Operation Sindoor. (PTI) India is set to launch its international outreach this week to communicate its zero tolerance" policy on terrorism and highlight recent developments under Operation Sindoor. The central government has selected seven politicians from various political parties to lead delegations abroad, aiming to advocate for zero tolerance and reshape the global narrative on terrorism. They will present Indias evidence and firm stance on the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, directly to foreign governments and international bodies. CNN-News18 has accessed details about the seven groups set to depart for world capitals for this outreach effort and how the delegation will approach countries. Recommended Stories The government has outlined a comprehensive plan for these delegations engagements. The delegations will meet with parliamentarians, foreign ministries, think tanks, foreign press, influencers, and there will also be press releases from the Indian government about these meetings. Additionally, the government is seeking meetings with heads of state and heads of government in various countries to enable the delegations to conduct outreach directly with the highest offices. The primary focus of the outreach includes the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the non-permanent members, and the countries that will be non-permanent members in the next term, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. The first group will travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria between May 23 and May 30. The second group will visit France, Italy, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany between May 25 and June 5. Group III will visit Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia between May 22 and May 31. Group IV will head to the UAE, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia between May 21 and May 31. The fifth group will travel to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and the USA between May 25 and June 3. In the United States, the delegation might meet with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House. Given the significant power held by the House, the plan is to engage directly with both Republican and Democratic members. If time permits, there may also be an attempt to arrange a meeting with senior officials from the Donald Trump Administration. Group VI will travel to Russia, Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain between May 22 and May 31. Group VII will visit Qatar, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt between May 24 and June 1. The rationale behind sending these delegations is to expand the scope of outreach beyond what is possible at the embassy level. Parliamentarians can engage more broadly, as external affairs committees in democratic countries are more willing to meet with them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The outreach comes days after India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The seven leaders who will be leading the outreach delegations include Shashi Tharoor (INC), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP) and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:24 IST Eyes In the Sky: How Indias Satellite Fleet Is Leading The Charge In National Defence Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:29 IST India has built one of the largest remote-sensing satellite networks ramping up with the launch of its first radar imaging satellite RISAT-1 in 2009 post the 2008 Mumbai attacks. RISAT-2B lifts off from Sriharikota in Nellore district on May 22, 2019. (Image: PTI) With the Army on the ground, the Navy at sea, and pilots in the air, India boasts of one of the largest and formidable defence forces in the world. Now its the countrys rapidly-advancing satellite coverage that bolsters its border surveillance, day and night, under all weather conditions, becoming a backbone for strategic defence. At least 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore areas and the entire Northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we cant achieve that," said Dr V Narayanan, ISRO chairman last week in Imphal. Recommended Stories With the IRS series, Cartosat, Oceansat, Resourcesat, and RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellites), India has built one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation providing images with different spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions to meet different users. The recent tensions with neighbouring Pakistan highlighted significant capabilities of this network. Our existing capabilities are very good, and have become more robust with the launch of radar imaging satellites (RISAT series). If we look at the pictures from Operation Sindoor, the pictures showing clear damage to air fields whether taken by satellites or UAVs were very clear. We need to keep strengthening our constellation further to ensure continuous, 24X7 surveillance round the clock," said Ajay Lele, Deputy Director General, MP-IDSA, New Delhi. Cartosat series has consistently delivered sharp images of the ground with strategic value over the years, especially along Indias borders over land and sea. Cartosat-1, launched in 2005 revolutionised Indias remote sensing by providing 2.5 m stereo imagery for creating 3-D digital elevation models and large-scale terrain mapping. Initially designed for five years, it continued operations for over a decade. Cartosat-3 with its PAN cameras with ground resolution of 25 cm (highest-ever) could detect features as small as 25 cm (to distinguish even a small car) from its orbit 506 kms in the space. ADVANCED RADAR IMAGING SATELLITES ISROs launch of the first radar imaging satellite in 2009 post the 2008 Mumbai attacks provided a shot in the arm, delivering 24-hour imagery under all-weather data, day and night enhancing border surveillance for 13 years, until its re-entry in 2022. Since then, it has launched RISAT-1A in 2012, and RISAT-2BR1 in 2019 each carrying a mission life of five years. The latest launch of EOS-09, which could not be accomplished, would have further strengthened these capabilities, injecting one more Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1B) into space. Since most of these satellites are in polar, sun-synchronous orbits, they provide consistent coverage by revisiting the same location, at the same local time each day. EYE ON THE BORDERS, DAY AND NIGHT SURVEILLANCE The Synthetic Aperture Radar on these satellites plays a crucial role in strategic defence as it provides high-resolution data, day and night under all-weather conditions. In spotlight mode, the radar signal can be focussed on a specific area to capture high-resolution images especially critical for military installations and infrastructure. The longer the time that radar spends over a target, the better the resolution. Multiple radar pulses create a more detailed image. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since most of these satellites have dual purpose, they serve critical strategic needs, and at the same time, provide useful data for various other sectors. While the high-resolution imagery is only shared with government and military users, the images for mapping agriculture, urban planning, water resources, landslides, glaciers, ground water potential, disaster management, forest biomass estimation continue to be used for multiple other applications. Indias capabilities will get a major boost with the much-anticipated launch of NISAR-NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar in June-July this year which will offer unprecedented view of the Earth, mapping the entire globe with precision every 12 days, and capture places that have otherwise been obscured. The satellite will be able to detect changes as small as 10 m, piercing through dense cloud dover, day and night. About the Author Srishti Choudhary Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo... Read More Srishti Choudhary, Senior Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 specializes in science, environment, and climate change reporting. With over a decade of extensive field experience, she has brought incisive ground repo... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:29 IST Faridabad Man Dies After Friends Insert Water Pipe In Private Parts, 2 Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:09 IST Manoj Chauhan died after his friends allegedly inserted a water pipe in his private parts and released high-pressure water, causing internal injuries. Manoj Chauhan's friends allegedly inserted a water pipe in his private parts and released high pressure water. In a horrifying incident, a man died after four of his friends allegedly inserted a water pipe in his private parts in Faridabads Sector 58 area, according to police. Two of the accused have been arrested. Manoj Chauhan, a resident of Sanjay Colony, was allegedly killed by his four friends identified as Atinder, Kartik, Sandeep, and Rahul all aged under 30 years, while he was bathing at a farmhouse. According to a police complaint, on the morning of May 17, the four took Manoj to a farmhouse and around 9 am, they returned him home in a critical condition, saying his health had deteriorated. Recommended Stories The accused allegedly inserted a water pipe into Chauhans private parts and released high-pressure water, causing severe internal injuries, police said. Chauhan later died during treatment at a hospital. An FIR under relevant sections of the criminal homicide of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Sector 58 police station based on a complaint filed by the victims brother, Anand Chauhan. Anand claimed that his brother told him about the assault before dying during treatment, according to police. Sandeep and Rahul alias Kabutar, residents of Sanjay Colony, have been arrested so far, while efforts are on to trace the Atinder and Kartik, who are at large. Police are conducting raids to nab the remaining accused. During interrogation, the accused revealed they were friends with Manoj and had gone to attend a wedding function on the night of May 16, a senior police officer said. On the following day, Manoj and his friends went to a farmhouse near the dumping yard, to freshen up. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During the incident, Sandeep held Manoj while Rahul allegedly inserted a pipe connected to a running submersible into his private parts. The group then took Manoj home and he later died during treatment, the officer said. (with PTI inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Faridabad, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:09 IST From Covid-19 To Nipah, What Makes Kerala The 'Alarm Bell' Of India? | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:09 IST As of May 19, only 257 active cases were reported nationwide, of which Kerala reported 69 cases, the highest in the country so far. Kerala acts as India's frontline health sentinel - a place where disease trends are first observed, decoded, and reported. (Photo: Pixabay) As Covid-19 cases surge again globally, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong, health authorities have sprung into action to assess domestic preparedness. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving crisis, concerned about the potential ripple effects of the new Omicron sub-variants fuelling the latest spike. However, every time a new virus starts making headlines, be it Covid-19 or the Nipah virus, it seems the first red flag rises from one particular Indian state: Kerala. The pattern is so consistent that it often prompts a national question: Why always Kerala? From the first Covid-19 case in India, confirmed in a 20-year-old student returning from Wuhan to Thrissur on January 30, 2020, to the highest number of new cases in the latest Covid-19 resurgence, Kerala continues to lead the national tally. Recommended Stories According to PTI, as of May 19, only 257 active cases were reported nationwide, of which Kerala reported 69 cases, the highest in the country so far. But instead of viewing this as a sign of vulnerability, experts suggest its precisely Keralas strength in public health surveillance that puts it ahead in the viral detection race. A high-level review meeting was convened late Monday night in New Delhi, chaired by the Director General of Health Services. The session brought together top experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Emergency Medical Relief Division, the Disaster Management Cell, and representatives from central government hospitals. Officials reviewed both domestic case trends and international developments. This early detection isnt a coincidence; its the result of a robust and deeply integrated health intelligence network that operates across the state. Heres why Kerala is often first to sound the alarm: 1. A Public Health System Built for Vigilance Keralas health infrastructure has long been recognised as one of the most efficient in the country. Its disease surveillance system is rigorous, proactive, and often faster than that of the Centre. From district hospitals to remote primary health centres, every facility is digitally linked and mandated to report any unusual symptoms in real time. Rapid response teams are mobilised as soon as a suspicious case is flagged, enabling quick testing, isolation, and contact tracing. 2. District-Level Micro-Tracking Each district in Kerala has specialised teams, including virologists and infection control officers, who monitor disease trends daily. Community health workers, often referred to as Keralas health warriors", are trained to detect even minor signs of infection at the grassroots level. This network is so effective that diseases are often decoded" in Kerala before they appear on the central health radar. 3. International Mobility and Exposure Kerala has one of the largest populations of expatriates in India, particularly in Gulf countries. With frequent international travel, especially from regions with high infection risks, the likelihood of importing a virus is naturally higher. These travellers often become the first to present symptoms, prompting the states quick-response mechanism into action. 4. Kerala as a National Health Model top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What Kerala detects early, India eventually prepares for. After Covid-19 first surfaced in Thrissur, other states began adopting Keralas methods; door-to-door screening, training of local health volunteers, real-time digital health records, and decentralised tracking systems. The Centre frequently dispatches teams to Kerala to study its methods and share insights nationwide. In many ways, Kerala acts as Indias frontline health sentinel a place where disease trends are first observed, decoded, and reported. While the headlines may often highlight the states case numbers, they rarely credit its role as the countrys early warning system. Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 18:09 IST From Medinipur To Mount Everest: Kolkata Police Constable Scales Worlds Highest Peak Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:11 IST Lakshmikanta Mandal reached the peak alongside Nepals visually impaired mountaineer Chhonzin Angmo and Indian mountaineer Geeta Samota News18 Lakshmikanta Mandal, a constable with the West Bengal Police and currently posted as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, has successfully scaled the Mount Everest in a remarkable feat of courage and determination. Hailing from a remote village in Medinipur, Mandal reached the peak of Everest at around 8.30am on Monday, marking a moment of immense pride for the Kolkata Police and the entire West Bengal police force. Recommended Stories Mandals journey began when Verma, who was then posted as DIG in North Bengal, introduced him to mountaineering, and the two trained together in the basics of the sport. Encouraged by the senior officer, Mandal later pursued an advanced mountaineering course and continued to nurture his passion. Speaking to News18, Verma said: This is an incredible achievement. I couldnt sleep last nightI kept tracking his progress. He used to video call from the base camp every day. Last year, we sent him to Ladakh for further training. He had the passion and the perseverance, and today, he has done it. This is a huge motivation for the entire force." The expedition was made possible with the collective support of the police force. The Kolkata Police Welfare Fund raised Rs 40 lakh to support Mandals Everest mission. His summit was part of an expedition organised by Pioneer Adventure, and he successfully reached the peak alongside Nepals visually impaired mountaineer Chhonzin Angmo and Indian mountaineer Geeta Samota. Saluting his feat, the Kolkata Police tweeted: Our Colleague Reaches the Top. In a test of sheer doggedness and strength, visually impaired Chhonzin Angmo of Nepal summited Mount Everest at around 8:30 this morning, carving her name in mountaineering history. Right alongside her were two IndiansConstable Lakshmikanta Mandal of the 3rd Battalion of the State Armed Police and Geeta Samota. We salute all three for their determination and bravery, and raise a special cheer for our own Lakshmikanta. May he reach many more summits!" West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also extended her congratulations on social media, stating: My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Laxmikanta Mondal, a member of the Armed Battalion of the West Bengal Police, who successfully scaled Mount Everest this morning. His extraordinary feat is a shining example of the courage and determination that define our force. I am proud that a member of the Bengal Police, currently deployed as a Personal Security Officer, has achieved such a rare and remarkable milestone. Wishing him a safe descent and continued success in all his endeavours!" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Back in Medinipur, the police have informed Mandals family, who are overwhelmed with joy. His achievement has not only brought honour to his village and family but also stands as an inspiration for countless others in the force and beyond. From a quiet village in West Bengal to the top of the world, Lakshmikanta Mandals journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of encouragement. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Location : Medinipur (Midnapore), India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:11 IST Gujarat Minister's Son, Nephew Arrested In Rs 71 Crore MGNREGA Scam Case Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:42 IST As per the FIR, DRDA officials found during field visits that contractors were paid for roads that were never built but falsely shown as completed to claim the payments The work assigned involved constructing roads, check walls and stone bunds in two talukas of Dahod. (Representative/PTI) In a shocking development in Vadodara, Gujarat police have arrested Kiran Khabad, the younger son of Bachubhai Khabad, the states Minister of State for Panchayat and Agriculture, for alleged involvement in a Rs 71 crore MGNREGA scam. The scam involved contracted agencies receiving government payments despite failing to complete their work or supply goods, according to police sources. Kiran, along with three othersincluding the ministers nephew, Dilip Chauhanhas been detained. On Saturday, Kirans elder brother, Balwant Khabad, was also arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, police apprehended Darshan Patel, the former Taluka Development Officer (TDO) of Dahod district, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. The fraudulent activities involved the use of fake supply companies. Recommended Stories A PTI report reveals that between 2021 and 2024, owners of 35 agencies, in collusion with government officials, allegedly misappropriated Rs 71 crore by submitting fake work completion certificates and other forged documents to secure payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. Police investigations show that Kiran Khabad is linked to a supply firm named Shri Raj Traders, which received Rs 30.04 crore for MGNREGA projects without undergoing any tender process. Simultaneously, Balwant Khabad is associated with Shri Raj Construction Company, which secured Rs 82 lakh. Together, the two brothers accounted for approximately 40 percent of the total scam amount. These firms frequently claimed to supply materials that never actually reached the intended sites. Other individuals arrested include Parth Baria, owner of NJ Enterprise, and Rasik Rathwa, Deputy District Development Officer of Dahod. NJ Enterprise was paid Rs 5.19 crore without any contract, making it a significant player in the scam. Last month, the police registered an FIR for cheating, forgery, and breach of trust against unidentified individuals, including government employees, following the District Rural Development Agencys (DRDA) discovery of the Rs 71 crore scam. According to the FIR, DRDA officials, during field inspections, found that payments were made to contractors for roads that were never constructed but were falsely reported as completed to claim payments. The work involved constructing roads, check walls, and stone bunds in two talukas of Dahod between January 2021 and December 2024. Police further stated that payments were made to agencies that were either ineligible to supply materials or had not participated in the tender process. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The DRDAs in-depth investigation uncovered 32 fake firms involved in supplying MGNREGA materials without following the bidding procedure. These fraudulent activities were concentrated in Devgarh Baria and Dhanpur talukas, with many instances of roads being built only on paper. Dilip Chauhan, the Assistant Programme Officer (APO) of MGNREGA in Devgarh Baria, is considered the chief conspirator in the scam. Rasik Rathwa, the development officer of Dhanpur taluka at the time, reportedly collaborated in executing supply contracts for the Khabad brothers fake companies and facilitated payments by circumventing regulations. Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:42 IST Hoarding Collapses Amid Heavy Rain In Pune, Several Two-Wheelers Trapped Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:36 IST The incident took place in the Sanaswadi area, near Wagholi, on Ahilyanagar Road in Pune. Fortunately, no one got injured in the collapse. Big hoarding lying on the ground near shops in Pune. (X) Several two wheelers were trapped after a large hoarding collapsed due to heavy rainfall and string winds in Maharashtra Pune on Tuesday. The incident took place in the Sanaswadi area, near Wagholi, on Ahilyanagar Road in Pune. Fortunately, no one got injured in the collapse. Recommended Stories As per the videos circulating on social media platforms, a large hoarding can be seen lying on the ground near shops in what appears to be a very busy area. Bikes can be seen trapped under the structure and a motorcycle and a cycle were also lying on their side next to it. Pune, Maharashtra: Heavy rains caused a hoarding to collapse near Sansavadi on the PuneAhilyanagar road at Wagholi, trapping 78 two-wheelers underneath. No injuries were reported pic.twitter.com/oEWNJx6bI2 IANS (@ians_india) May 20, 2025 The Pune Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and cleared the area. Pune witnessed heavy rain on Tuesday leaving many parts of the city waterlogged. On Monday, the India Meteorological Department had issued an alert for some parts of Pune and other parts of Maharashtra, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning, and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) at isolated places". In May last year, as many as 17 persons died and 74 others were injured after the illegal hoarding, measuring 120 feet x 120 feet in size, crashed onto a nearby petrol pump during a dust storm and unseasonal rains in Mumbais Ghatkopar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Justice Dilip Bhosale Commission, set up to investigate the matter, had submitted its report to the Maharashtra government on May 7. Advertising firm director Bhavesh Bhinde, the prime accused in the case, had been arrested, but was granted bail in October. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 18:36 IST Hundreds Of Pilgrims Stranded Due To Landslides Across Adi Kailash Route, Relief Work On Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:24 IST A team from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reached the site and efforts are on to remove the debris and restore the road. Hundreds of pilgrims are stranded on the Adi Kailash route. (Image: X) Hundreds of pilgrims are stranded in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand after a landslide blocked the route completely on the Adi Kailash route. A team from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reached the site and efforts are on to remove the debris and restore the road at the earliest. Recommended Stories Meanwhile, the administration is closely monitoring the situation and relief work is in progress. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Adi Kailash Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Adi Kailash is considered the second most sacred of the Panch Kailash (Five Kailashas). Notably, the pilgrimage situated on the hills of Uttarakhand is located at a height of 5,945 metres and is subjected to heavy landslides during the monsoon season. 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 : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:24 IST In Farewell Speech, MP High Court Judge Says His Transfer Was Intended To 'Harass' Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 22:39 IST Justice Ramana was proposed to be transferred in August 2023 and formally took charge at the Madhya Pradesh High Court on November 1 that year Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana is set to retire from the Indore bench on June 2. (Screengrab via YouTube/@highcourtofmadhyapradesh3561) Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, who is set to retire from the Indore bench on June 2, on Tuesday said that his transfer from the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2023 was made with the intention of harassing him. Speaking during his farewell address on Tuesday, Justice Ramana said the transfer was done without any justification and that his repeated requests for reconsideration were ignored by the Supreme Court Collegium. Recommended Stories My transfer order seems to have been issued with ill intention and to harass me. I was transferred from my home state for obvious reasons. I am happy to satisfy for their ego. Now they are retired. God does not forgive, nor forgets. They will also suffer in other mode," he said. Justice Ramana was proposed to be transferred in August 2023 and formally took charge at the Madhya Pradesh High Court on November 1 that year, Bar and Bench reported. In his speech, he went on to say that he had submitted formal requests for reconsideration in July and August 2024, but received no response. He had requested a transfer to Karnataka instead, so he could care for his wife, who was suffering from a serious neurological condition. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I was asked options. I opted State of Karnataka, so that my wife gets better treatment in NIMHANS but it was not considered by Honble Supreme Court. I took over the judge of the Honble High Court of Madhya Pradesh on 1-11-23. Thereafter, I sent representation to the Honble Supreme Court on 19-7-24, and 28-8-24 on the ground of medical treatment of my wife, who is suffering from PNES severe infirmity in the brain due to COVID pandemic. But the representation was neither considered nor rejected," he said. He added that even during the tenure of former Chief Justices, his requests received no response. I received no response. The judge like me expects positive humanitarian consideration. I was disheartened and deeply pained," Justice Ramana said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 22:38 IST Indias Diplomatic Teams Armed With Dossiers Look To Expose Pakistans 40-Year Terror Trail Reported By : Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:15 IST Each delegation will carry country-specific dossiers detailing Pakistans involvement in terrorism and the steps India has taken to protect its citizens. Women participate in a candlelight vigil to protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, in Kolkata. (IMAGE: PTI) The government on Tuesday briefed members of the delegations travelling abroad with Indias anti-terror message that all terror links, both direct and indirect, can be traced back to Pakistan and that India has suffered the consequences of cross-border terrorism for over 40 years, sources told News18. Officials cited examples from 2008, when India shared key evidence such as DNA profiles and call detail records in terror investigations but received little cooperation in return. As part of the wide-ranging diplomatic initiative, 59 Indian political leaders, including sitting MPs, former ministers and leaders from across party lines, will travel to 32 countries and to the European Union headquarters in Brussels with Indias anti-terror stance in the aftermath of the conflict between India and Pakistan. Recommended Stories ALSO READ | 59 Politicians To Visit 32 Countries With Indias Anti-Terror Message: A List Of Whos Going Where The effort, led by the government, aims to convey Indias position on cross-border terrorism and build international consensus in its aftermath. It follows the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Indian strikes on terror bases operating with the support of the Pakistani Army under Operation Sindoor. The government reiterated while briefing the delegations that it has now adopted what can be described as the new normal" in dealing with Pakistan, underlining that the Indian Army and security establishment are operating with a clear strategic design. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top Army officials and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the aftermath of the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this month, underscored that counter-terror operations like Operation Sindoor, under which India eliminated nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7, represent the new normal". Addressing airmen at the Adampur Air Base, PM Modi said India is keeping a close watch on locations across the border where terrorists may regroup, and will not hesitate to act if it senses a threat to its security and sovereignty. Delegations visiting several countries and are expected to meet parliamentarians, ministers, think tank and members of the Indian diaspora. Each delegation will carry country-specific dossiers detailing Pakistans involvement in terrorism and the steps India has taken to protect its citizens. Officials told delegates that India has consistently countered Pakistans false propaganda, including on issues like water sharing and so-called water wars". Water-Sharing Treaty Abeyance Not Knee-Jerk Reaction India has put the Indus Waters Treaty agreement signed in 1960 in abeyance after Pakistan-trained terrorists gunned down 26 innocent civilians in southern Kashmirs Pahalgam. Sources said that government officials also pointed it out to the delegations that the ongoing reconsideration of the Indus Waters Treaty is not a knee-jerk reaction, but a calibrated step". They said India has been working on this for the past two and a half years, keeping in mind emerging challenges such as climate change and declining water levels in regional water bodies. The original agreement, framed in the 1960s, was based on mutual trust and friendship, but officials pointed out that none of that remains today". When asked whether there was any chance of a thaw in India-Pakistan relations in the near future, officials reportedly said such a possibility was highly unlikely, especially since Pakistan has not even acknowledged its role in harboring terrorism. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reflecting on the need of such delegations and taking note that Pakistan has also planned a similar outreach, the delegation were told that Indias aim is to sensitise the world to its position and counter Pakistans false narrative. They highlighted that Pakistan has long played the victim while shielding terrorism, and that India now possesses enough evidence to expose this. They added that while Pakistan may send delegations abroad, the international community is more inclined to listen to India, especially given its evolving global image over the last decade. First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:11 IST Rajnath Singh: 'We Brought Pakistan Army To Its Knees, But Made Sure Civilians Weren't Harmed' Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:46 IST Singh stressed that during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, every effort was made to avoid civilian harm in Pakistan Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (PTI file photo) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Indias military action under Operation Sindoor has brought Pakistans army to its knees". He made the remarks while speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of KNS Memorial Hospital in Lucknow. The Union minister stressed that during the retaliatory strikes, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, every effort was made to avoid civilian harm in Pakistan. Recommended Stories The actions taken by the Indian armed forces have brought Pakistans military to its knees. In our retaliatory action, full care was taken to ensure that only Pakistans military targets were hit and their civilian population was not harmed," Singh said. This was Singhs first public appearance since the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7. Temples, Gurudwaras, Churches Targeted The Defence Minister also slammed Pakistan for targeting places of worship on Indian soil. But as is Pakistans habit, it does not give up easily. It began attempts to attack Indias land, targeting innocent civilians. Temples, gurudwaras, and churches were targeted," he said. Drawing a comparison between the armed forces and surgeons, he said, The Indian armed forces have acted like a skilled doctor and surgeon. Just as a skilled surgeon uses their tools where the root of the illness lies, the forces have used their weapons with great precision to target the roots of terrorism." Both undergo rigorous training, operate under intense pressure, and must take swift, critical decisions during emergencies. This similarity was seen during Operation Sindoor, just as the commitment of doctors was witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on 7 May, in retaliation for the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians25 Indians and one Nepali national. In response, Pakistan attempted attacks on Indian military bases on 8, 9, and 10 May. The situation de-escalated on 10 May after both sides agreed to cease hostilities following four days of heightened tension. First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:15 IST Indian Visa Applications For Turkey, Azerbaijan Drop By 42% Amid Boycott Calls: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:52 IST Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned Indias recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Indian Visa Applications For Turkey, Azerbaijan Drop By 42% (File) Following Turkey and Azerbaijans support for Pakistan after Indias Operation Sindoor, the calls to boycott these two countries have gained momentum. Due to these recent geopolitical developments due to India-Pakistan conflict, Indian travellers have shifted drastically are turning their eyes to alternative gems, showing a sharp decline of 42% in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan, a report said on Tuesday. Recommended Stories This shift has been triggered by Turkey and Azerbaijans open support to Pakistan after Indias Operation Sindoor, launched to dismantle terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack. According to the data by Atlys, a visa processing platform, the number of users exiting the visa application process midway surged by 60% within just 36 hours. The reaction wasnt scattered; it was sharp and behavioural. People didnt need to be told to avoid certain destinations. They simply moved on, guided by instinct, information, and access to alternatives. Thats what modern travel looks like," Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys, said as reported by news agency IANS. In the same spirit, we also paused all marketing efforts for Turkey and Azerbaijan, standing by India and in solidarity with national sentiment," he added. What Data Showed? According to the data, travellers from metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai showed a 53% drop in Turkey-bound applications, while interest from tier-two cities such as Indore and Jaipur remained more resilient, falling by only 20%. There was also a shift in the kind of travellers rethinking their plans. Group visa requests, including family trips, fell by nearly 49%, while solo and couple applications declined more gradually at 27%. Additionally, travelers aged 25 to 34 were the most prone to rapid shifts in their applications, representing over 70% of those who abandoned their Turkey visa applications midway through the process, the report revealed. Notably, women travelers showed a 2.3 times higher propensity to completely change their intended destination, frequently restarting applications for Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand. As Turkey and Azerbaijan lost the flavour, other destinations quickly gained traction. Data showed that in the days following, applications for Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt increased by as much as 31%. According to estimates, about three lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey in 2023 and over two lakh to Azerbaijan. Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned Indias recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan also used Turkish drones on a large scale in the conflict. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While Indias trade ties with the two countries have already come under scrutiny, multiple educational institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), have either suspended their collaboration with universities in Turkey or are considering it. (With inputs from IANS) 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 20, 2025, 17:52 IST Infamous Serial Killer Doctor Death, Who Fed Victims To Crocodiles, Held From Rajasthan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:09 IST A notorious serial killer infamous as 'Doctor Death' was arrested by Delhi Police after he jumped parole last year, a senior official said on Tuesday. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in seven separate cases across Delhi, Rajasthan and Haryana. (Representative Image) The Delhi Police have arrested a notorious serial killer, infamously known as Doctor Death", after he jumped parole last year, police officials said on Tuesday. The convict, 67-year-old Devender Sharma, an Ayurveda practitioner, was convicted in multiple murder cases and was notorious for dumping his victims bodies in the crocodile-infested waters of Hazara Canal at Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh, news agency PTI reported. Recommended Stories He was apprehended from an ashram in Rajasthans Dausa, where he was posing as a priest under a false identity. The Crimes of Doctor Death Sharma gained notoriety for his gruesome methods, often dumping his victims bodies in the crocodile-infested Hazara Canal in Kasganj, to destroy evidence. He was serving life sentences for seven separate murder cases across Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana, and had even received a death penalty from a Gurugram court. A History of Criminality According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Aditya Gautam, the convict doctor, a BAMS degree holder, was serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail for the brutal killings of taxi and truck drivers between 2002 and 2004. His modus operandi involved luring drivers with fake trip requests, murdering them, and then selling their vehicles in the grey market. Sharmas extensive criminal history includes at least 27 cases of murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Before becoming a serial killer, he ran an illicit kidney transplant racket from 1998 to 2004, confessing to facilitating over 125 illegal transplants. His descent into crime began in 1994 after significant financial losses from a failed gas dealership, leading him to operate a fake gas agency and eventually the illegal organ trade. Repeated Parole Violations This is not the first time Sharma has absconded while on parole. In 2020, he failed to return after a 20-day parole and was at large for seven months before being apprehended in Delhi. He was granted parole again in June 2023 for two months but disappeared after August 3, 2023. The Crime Branch launched a six-month operation across several cities, including Aligarh, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, and Prayagraj, to track him down, ultimately locating him at the Dausa ashram. Police believe Sharma is responsible for over 50 murders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (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 : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:09 IST Judges Also Humans, Keep Learning: Supreme Court Justice Admits Error In Ruling Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:05 IST The Supreme Court said that the High Courts must keep in mind that the Domestic Violence Act is a welfare legislation specially enacted to give justice to women. Justice Abhay S Oka of Supreme Court. (X) Justice Abhay S Oka of Supreme Court has said that judges are also human beings and are susceptible to errors in their rulings. He openly admitted to making a mistake while ruling in a case as a Bombay HC judge in 2016 relating to interpretation of the Domestic Violence Act. He emphasised that judicial work involves continuous learning. Justice Oka had taken a contrary view on Section 12(1) of Domestic Violence Act which allows an aggrieved woman to seek relief, such as compensation, from a magistrate which was later found to be incorrect by a full bench of the Bombay High Court. Recommended Stories Later clarifying the law, the top court said that the High Courts must keep in mind that the Domestic Violence Act is a welfare legislation specially enacted to give justice to women who suffer from domestic violence. Before we part with this Judgment, we must mention here that one of us is a party to a Judgment dated of the Bombay High Court in which the view taken is that a remedy under Section 482 of the CrPC is not available for quashing the proceedings under Section 12(1) of the DV Act,2005. This view was found to be incorrect by a full Bench of the same High Court. As judges, we are duty-bound to correct our mistakes in properly constituted proceedings," the Supreme Court said, according to media reports. Even for judges, learning process always continues," it added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court was considering whether the High Court could exercise its inherent powers to dismiss cases filed under Section 12 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. The Supreme Court has stated that, due to the intent of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, High Courts should proceed with prudence and circumspection when addressing applications under Section 12(1). The bench further said that the interference can be made only when the case is clearly of gross illegality or gross abuse of the process of law. 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 20, 2025, 17:05 IST Lahore Lunch, Meeting With Maryam Nawaz: Jyoti Malhotra's Pakistan Videos Go Viral Amid Spygate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:50 IST Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is under investigation for alleged espionage after trips to Pakistan. Her social media posts and connections are being scrutinized. Malhotra first visited Pakistan in 2023, with her visa reportedly arranged through commission agents. (Photos: X) Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, currently under investigation for alleged espionage, made two trips to Pakistan the most recent one just two months before the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Her repeated visits to the neighbouring country have triggered serious scrutiny from Indian security agencies. Multiple videos from her travels are now circulating widely on social media. In one clip, Malhotra is seen dining at a restaurant in Lahore with a group of people. While she appears to be engaged in a casual conversation, News18 cannot independently verify whether the individuals were friends or acquaintances. Recommended Stories Another viral image shows the vlogger alongside Maryam Nawaz Sharif daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the current Chief Minister of Punjab province further fuelling questions about her connections in Pakistan. Jyoti Malhotra a YouTuber from Haryana who got arrested for spying for Pakistan.1. In a restaurant in Lahore2. Jyoti with Mariam Navaz3. In Pahalgam before the incident4. Alleged recruiter and Pakistani high commission employee Danish!#JyotiMalhotraArrested #YouTuber pic.twitter.com/t6oQ4E4JCq North East West South (@prawasitv) May 17, 2025 Who Is Jyoti Malhotra? YouTuber Arrested For Allegedly Spying On India For Pakistan Jyoti Malhotras Pakistan Visits Malhotra, a resident of Hisar, first visited Pakistan in 2023, with her visa reportedly arranged through commission agents. Her second trip came two months ago, during which she documented her journey extensively through vlogs and reels. She shared videos exploring Lahores Anarkali Bazaar, the Katas Raj Temple Complex, and even showcased her cross-country travel by bus. On her YouTube channel Travel with JO, Malhotra posted several videos with titles like Indian Girl in Pakistan," Indian Girl Exploring Lahore," and Indian Girl at Katas Raj Temple." In one of her posts, she wrote Ishq Lahore" as she compared Indian and Pakistani cultures and local cuisine. While her videos gained traction for their cross-border cultural appeal, investigators are now combing through her social media footprint to understand the nature and intent behind her visits. YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Visited Pahalgam, Was In Touch With Pak Agents, Reveals Probe Malhotra was also spotted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish, a Pakistan High Commission officer, along with some other officials were seen in the video posted by her on YouTube. Danish, alias Ehsan-ur-Rahim, was declared persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. Told Me She Was Going To Delhi: Jyotis Father top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jyotis father Harish Malhotra said that the YouTuber told her that she was going to Delhi. " I didnt know, she had told me that she was going to Delhi. She never told me anything. None of her friends visited our homeyesterday, the Police brought her here, she took her clothes and left, she did not say anything to meI dont know what to sayshe used to make videos at homeI never said that she visited Pakistan, she used to tell me that she was going to DelhiI have no demands, whatever is going to happen, will happen," he said. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:47 IST 'Freedom Of Speech': Jyoti Malhotra Showed No Remorse During Questioning, Says Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:08 IST YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra allegedly promoted pro-Pakistan narratives on instructions from Pakistani handlers. A report claims she showed no remorse during interrogation. A photo of arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra (Source: Facebook) YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested in Haryanas Hisar on charges of espionage, has reportedly shown no signs of remorse during interrogations. Rather, she maintained she was just exercising her freedom of speech. Quoting sources, a report with India Today stated that an investigation into the case revealed that Jyoti was allegedly given additional tasks by her Pakistani handlers. Recommended Stories The report also claimed that Jyoti was asked to push out a pro-Pakistani narrative post the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists on April 22. The YouTuber, who has close to four lakh subscribers on the platform, had put a video asserting that no Pakistani was at fault in regards to the attack. Jyoti was arrested on May 17 for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. According to Shashank Kumar Sawan, Superintendent of Police (SP), Hisar, Jyoti was being developed as an asset and had maintained ties with other YouTube influencers and Pakistani nationals. Sawan stated, 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 linkages." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jyoti allegedly met a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi, travelled to Pakistan twice, and shared sensitive information. She has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:08 IST 'Love You...': What Agencies Found In Jyoti Malhotra's Diary Seized From Her Home Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:29 IST Authorities seized a diary from YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's house in Hisar, Haryana, after her arrest on espionage charges Jyoti Malhotra visited Pahalgam on January 25, three months before the attack and filmed various locations. (News18) Authorities have seized a diary from the house of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was booked under espionage charges last week. Malhotra, a resident of Haryanas Hisar, came under the radar of agencies for her trips to Pakistan. The influencer, who runs a YouTube channel Travel with JO, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. Recommended Stories As the probe continues, a diary has been seized from the house of Malhotra that mentions Love you". Tell Savita to bring fruits. Take care of home. I will be back soon," read the diary, which also mentioned some medicines. Officials are investigating about who Savita is or whether she is close to Malhotras family. Lahore Lunch, Meeting With Maryam Nawaz: Jyoti Malhotras Pakistan Videos Go Viral Amid Spygate Jyoti Malhotra Was Being Developed As Asset: Cops Superintendent of Police, Hisar, Shashank Kumar Sawan said that Malhotra was being developed as an asset. 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 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," Sawan said. The Hisar SP said that Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once. After Pakistan & China, Jyoti Was Planning To Go To Bangladesh The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recovered the YouTubers visa application form for her Bangladesh visit. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Malhotra also visited the scenic resort town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir weeks before terrorists shot dead 26 people. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:18 IST LF.7, NB.1.8 Subvariants Fuel Covid Surge In Singapore, Hong Kong; How They Differ From Past Strains Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:41 IST Covid-19 cases are rising in Asia, especially in Singapore and Hong Kong, due to new subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which show advanced immune escape and higher transmissibility. As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs) As Covid-19 cases climb once again in parts of Asia, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong, two subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8 have emerged as dominant strains behind the latest surge. Both are descendants of the highly transmissible JN.1 variant, which itself is a sublineage of Omicron, the variant that redefined the pandemic landscape in late 2021. So, what sets LF.7 and NB.1.8 apart from the earlier variants of Covid-19 that the world has witnessed since 2020? Recommended Stories Evolved Immune Escape Unlike earlier variants such as Alpha, Delta, or even the initial Omicron subvariant BA.1, the LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants possess additional mutations in their spike protein that significantly enhance their ability to evade the immune system. According to the World Health Organizations recent technical advisory, these mutations alter key sites on the spike proteinthe part of the virus that binds to human cells and is the primary target for antibodies generated by vaccines or past infections. JN.1 Covid Variant: 5 Things You Should Know About New Cases; Is India Next? Explained This means LF.7 and NB.1.8 can partially bypass immunity gained either through previous infection or vaccination, increasing the likelihood of reinfections and breakthrough infections. The WHO notes that such immune evasion allows these subvariants to spread more easily within populations, even those with high levels of vaccination coverage or previous exposure to Covid-19. However, current evidence also suggests that despite this immune escape, vaccines, particularly those updated to target Omicron-related variants, continue to provide strong protection against severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. The WHO emphasizes the importance of booster doses and updated vaccines to maintain effective immunity against these evolving subvariants. Covid-19 Surge In Asia: How Dangerous Is JN.1 Variant And Are Existing Vaccines Effective? Higher Transmissibility LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants are associated with increased transmissibility compared to earlier COVID-19 variants. These subvariants, both descendants of the JN.1 lineage, have been identified as the primary drivers of recent COVID-19 surges in Singapore and Hong Kong. In Singapore, LF.7 and NB.1.8 together account for over two-thirds of locally sequenced cases, contributing to a 28% rise in infections during the week ending May 3, 2025 . Similarly, Hong Kong has observed a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, with the positivity rate rising from 6.21% to 13.66% over a four-week period, indicating a rapid spread of these variants Their rapid spread suggests they are more transmissible than their predecessors, including JN.1, which dominated late 2023 and early 2024. However, there is no confirmation regarding its transmissibility from authorities. Mild But Widespread Symptoms While these variants have not shown an increase in disease severity, their symptoms largely remain consistent with other Omicron sublineages sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, and fever. However, their ability to infect large numbers quickly is a concern for public health systems already dealing with seasonal illnesses. Limited Vaccine Protection Although vaccines particularly booster doses targeting Omicron continue to offer protection against severe disease and death, early data indicates that LF.7 and NB.1.8 may partially reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. This could prompt an updated vaccine response in the coming months. Surveillance Challenges Unlike the Alpha and Delta waves, which were easier to track due to their distinct genetic markers and severity patterns, LF.7 and NB.1.8 are harder to trace because they spread quietly and quickly, often with mild symptoms, making early detection and contact tracing more difficult. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). Instead, these subvariants are categorized as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs). This classification indicates that while they do not currently pose a significant risk to global public health, they are under close observation due to their potential impact on transmission dynamics and vaccine efficacy. The WHO continues to monitor the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including LF.7 and NB.1.8, to assess any changes in transmissibility, immune evasion, or disease severity that may necessitate updated public health responses. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:07 IST Mir Jafar, The Traitor: Why India's Operation To Hunt Down Spies Is Codenamed After Him | Explainer Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 15:43 IST The anti-espionage operation was named after Mir Jafar, a historical figure widely remembered as one of the greatest traitors in Indian history Historians generally agree that Mir Jafar betrayed the Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey. (News18 Hindi) In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, security forces have now launched Operation Mir Jafar, targeting individuals suspected of spying for Pakistans intelligence agency, ISI. The operation aims to identify and neutralise those who allegedly provided critical information to Pakistan during Indias military response. The anti-espionage operation was named after Mir Jafar, a historical figure widely remembered as one of the greatest traitors in Indian history. His name has long symbolised betrayal, even though the context in which it is used often varies. Historians generally agree that Mir Jafar betrayed the Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey. In modern times, his name is more commonly used as a metaphor for political treachery than as a direct reference to the historical event. Recommended Stories What Was Mir Jafars Grudge? In 1756, when the 23-year-old Siraj-ud-Daulah ascended to power, his military commander and relative, Mir Jafar, began to feel increasingly marginalised. Though he had supported Sirajs assault on the East India Companys Fort William just months before the Battle of Plassey, simmering resentment lingered. Ambitious and discontented, Mir Jafar aspired to become Nawab himself. His betrayal was seen as particularly grave due to his familial ties with Siraj-ud-Daulah. Unlike other conspirators, Mir Jafar was shielded by the East India Company, intensifying perceptions of his treachery. Why Mir Jafar Came To Be Known As A Traitor Within a year of the attack on Fort William, the East India Company launched its retaliation under the command of the young and ambitious Robert Clive. In the lead-up to the Battle of Plassey, the Company employed more than just military forceit orchestrated a calculated strategy by exploiting internal rifts within the Nawabs court. British agents uncovered that Mir Jafar, the Nawabs military commander, harboured ambitions of seizing power. Clive capitalised on this, forging a secret pact with Mir Jafar and promising him the throne in exchange for his betrayal. As British forces neared Murshidabad, Siraj-ud-Daulah readied for defence but faced wavering loyalty and political setbacks. At Plassey, his position worsened with the death of his trusted general, Mir Madan. Isolated and desperate, he turned to Mir Jafarunaware of the treachery already unfolding. Feigning loyalty, Mir Jafar advised Siraj to halt the fighting. The Nawab agreed and withdrew to his camp. On Mir Jafars signal, the British launched a swift and decisive attack. Deprived of leadership and direction, the Nawabs army collapsed. Siraj fled but was soon captured and executed by Mir Jafars son, Miran. True to their word, the British installed Mir Jafar as the puppet ruler of Bengal. Under Mir Jafars rule, Bengalonce the wealthiest province in Indiasuffered rampant exploitation and looting. The regions riches were drained, laying the groundwork for centuries of colonial extraction. Mir Jafars alliance with the British ultimately proved his undoing; once he had served their purpose, they discarded him. His name endures as a lasting symbol of treachery in Indian history. Why Was Operation Mir Jafar Launched? According to the investigators, numerous photographs and sensitive data were shared through various channels with the ISI. The probe also uncovered the involvement of the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, where some Indian nationals were reportedly in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives stationed there. Further investigations revealed that Pakistan obtained sensitive information by sending individuals on foreign trips and offering monetary and other incentives. Electronic surveillance showed that significant data was transmitted to Pakistan through Indian mobile phones and other digital channels. Officials involved in the operation shared that individuals from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and several other regions were found to be involved in these activities. Under Operation Mir Jafar, security agencies are actively gathering evidence, and based on initial findings, intelligence units are working to identify and prosecute those involved. Arrests Under Operation Mir Jafar According to several officials, intelligence agencies have started to closely monitor individuals suspected of leaking information to Pakistan, resulting in the arrest of at least 12 people across three states on espionage charges. The arrests include four in Haryana, six in Punjab, and one in Uttar Pradesh. Among those detained is Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber with thousands of followers, apprehended by the Haryana Police in Hisar. The 33-year-old travel vlogger, who runs the YouTube channel Travel with JO, is under investigation for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan. Investigators discovered that Malhotra was allegedly honey-trapped by Danish, an employee of the Pakistani High Commission, believed to have ties to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other notable arrests include Devendra Singh, a 25-year-old postgraduate student from Mastgarh Cheeka village in Haryana; Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old security guard from Uttar Pradesh working in Haryana; Arman, 23; Shahzad, a businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh; and Mohammad Murtaza Ali, who was arrested in Jalandhar. An official familiar with the investigation stated that interrogations are currently underway and more arrests are expected as the probe progresses and additional evidence emerges. First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:43 IST Mumbai Weather Update: When Is Monsoon Arriving In The City? Heres What IMD Says Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:38 IST Mumbai braces for a wet week with heavy rain and thunderstorms. The city recorded its wettest May since 2021 and may see an early monsoon. According to current forecasts, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala by May 28, well ahead of its usual schedule. (Photo: PTI file) Mumbai Weather Updates: Mumbai is preparing for a wet week ahead despite already experiencing its heaviest May rainfall in four years, driven by unusual showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert warning of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms across Mumbai and the broader Konkan region over the next four days. An orange alert has been issued for areas such as Raigad, Nashik, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur, warning of potentially extremely heavy rainfall. Recommended Stories This May, Mumbai recorded over 85 mm of rain, marking its wettest May since 2021. The frequent rains also brought a significant drop in temperatures, with the city recording its coldest May day since 1951 on May 8. Between May 6 and 11, Mumbai received intense rainfall, followed by a brief pause in heavy showers, though light drizzle persisted early Monday. Meanwhile, other parts of Maharashtra continued to grapple with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. When Is Monsoon Arriving In Mumbai? Shubhangi Bhute, Director of IMD Mumbai, confirmed that pre-monsoon showers began in the city after May 13. Speaking to The Indian Express, Bhute indicated that Mumbai could experience an earlier-than-usual monsoon this year. Traditionally, the official monsoon onset date for Mumbai is June 11. According to current forecasts, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala by May 28, well ahead of its usual schedule. Following its arrival in Kerala, the monsoon typically takes around 8 to 10 days to reach Maharashtra and surrounding areas. IMD official Shetty suggested that Mumbai might witness the onset of monsoon rains as early as the first week of June this year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bhute explained that the favorable conditions for an early monsoon are largely due to neutral phases of both the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). At present, neutral El Nino and neutral IOD conditions prevail over the Indian Ocean. These neutral phases are likely to support robust monsoon activity and could lead to an earlier onset of the monsoon," Bhute told The Indian Express. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:37 IST Mumbai Woman Lets Teen BF Rape Daughter In Front Of Her; 'Lied Baby Had Epileptic Attack' Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:44 IST Mumbai Rape: The mother misled the hospital staff and told the doctor the two-year-old girl was suffering from epilepsy. Mumbai Rape: The accused mother and her boyfriend have been arrested under sections of rape and murder and also relevant sections of the POCSO Act. A disturbing case has come to light from Mumbais Malad area, where a 30-year-old woman helped her teen boyfriend rape her two-and-half-year-old daughter. Police said that the woman let the accused rape her daughter in front of her". Later when situation went out of hands, they took the infant to a hospital, where the mother misled the staff and told the doctor the girl was suffering from epilepsy". The woman had been divorced three years ago, and was living at her parents home in Malvani area when she developed a relationship with a 19-year-old. The matter reportedly came to light on Sunday night when the infant was brought to a government hospital located in Malvani Janakalyan Nagar. Recommended Stories The on-duty doctor examined the infant and pronounced her dead. During the examination, he discovered injuries to the girls private parts and immediately notified the police. Mumbai Rape Case Details The accused woman and the 19-year-old boy were reportedly in a relationship. A report in Mid-Day quoted police as saying that the woman was divorced three years ago after her husband left her during her pregnancy. She gave birth to a daughter and had been living at her mothers house ever since she developed a relationship with the accused boy. On Sunday night, the accused raped the infant girl in front of her mother. The girl screamed in pain and later died, the police was quoted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She was then taken to the general hospital in Malvani Janakalyan Nagar for treatment. Upon arrival, the mother deceived the hospital staff by claiming the girl had epilepsy. Based on the medical evaluation report, an officer from Malvani police said, the cops arrested the mother and her boyfriend under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rape with murder, and relevant sections of the POCSO Act. 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 20, 2025, 08:08 IST No Guns Were Deployed At Golden Temple: Army Clarifies After Head Granthi's Denial Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:44 IST A massive row was erupted after a senior Indian Army officer claimed that AD guns were deployed inside the Golden Tempe to counter potential threats after Operation Sindoor. The Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, is not only the holiest shrine of Sikhism, it is Indias beating heart of spirituality, tolerance, and unity. (Image: PTI/File) The Indian Army on Tuesday clarified that no air defence guns were deployed within the premises of Amritsars Golden Temple for countering potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Some media reports are circulating with respect to deployment of AD Guns in The Golden Temple. It is clarified that NO AD guns or any other AD resource was deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple)," the army said in a statement. Recommended Stories A massive row was erupted after a senior Indian Army officer claimed that air defence guns were deployed inside the revered shrine to counter the potential threats from the enemy after India struck terror sites in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor. What Army Officer Claimed? Indian Armys in-charge of air defence Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan DCunha, in an interview with news agency ANI, had claimed that the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple had allowed the Indian Army to deploy air defence guns within the shrine. It was very nice that the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple allowed us to deploy our guns. It is possibly for the first time in many years that they switched off the Golden Temple lights so that we could see the drone coming," Lt General DCunha had said. Fortunately, we visualised what they (Pakistan) were capable of doing. Realising that they would target it because they had no legitimate targets across the border. They were more interested in creating confusion, chaos internally, and hence, we visualised that they would target our civil population and our religious places of worship," he added. Sikh Authorities Refute Claim After the officers claim, the head of the apex religious body of the Sikhs the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh religious authorities clarified that no such permission was granted. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that while the administration contacted them only about switching off the lights during the blackout after recent escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, they fully cooperated in the interest of administrative responsibility while maintaining the sanctity of the ongoing maryada (conduct). Indian Army Officers Statement About Deploying Air Defence Guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib is Shockingly Untrue Head Granthi @SGPCPresident Also States No Such Permission Was Granted, Nor Did Any Such Incident OccurSri Amritsar, May 20 Responding to the recent claim made by pic.twitter.com/B9Wfiw0Hv1 Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) May 20, 2025 Harmandar Sahibs Head Granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh, also clarified that although he was on a foreign visit during the Operation Sindoor, there was no communication with him regarding any gun deployment, nor did any such incident occur at the Golden temple. Additional head priest of the Golden Temple Giani Amarjeet Singh said it is not true that the Army was allowed to deploy air defence guns within the shrine to counter potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan. Singh said this claim was shockingly untrue and outrightly rejected it. He clarified that the management of Harmandar Sahib had cooperated with the district administrations guidelines regarding the city-wide blackout by switching off exterior and upper lights of the complex within the specified time frame. However, lights at locations where religious code of conduct is observed were kept on, and the sanctity the religious place was maintained with full responsibility, he said. Singh reiterated that the daily religious practices at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), the Langar of Guru Ramdas Ji, places of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, and other related gurdwaras were conducted according to strict protocols, and no one has the right to interfere with them. Was Golden Temple Targeted? During the recent conflict with India, Pakistan attempted to target the revered shrine and other cities of Punjab with missiles and drones, but the attacks were successfully thwarted by the Indian Army. On Monday, the Indian Army showcased via a video that how the attempt was foiled by Indian Air Defence systems, including the AKASH missile system and the L-70 Air Defence Guns. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Pakistani government on Tuesday rejected the claims that Islamabad attempted to target the Golden Temple. We categorically reject the allegations that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple, the most revered place in the Sikh faith. We hold all places of worship in the highest esteem and cannot think of targeting a holy site like the Golden Temple," Pakistans Foreign Ministry said in an official statement. 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 : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:44 IST 'Pakistan Border Ends Here...': What Was Found In Arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's Diary Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:28 IST Jyoti Malhotra reportedly visited Pakistan twice, including a trip just two months before the deadly Pahalgam attack, drawing close scrutiny from Indian security agencies Through candid entries, Jyoti Malhotra documented her visits, interactions, and experiences within Pakistan. (News18 Hindi) The recent discovery of a diary purportedly belonging to YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, accused of espionage, has raised serious concerns among security agencies. Dating back to 2012, the diary offers a detailed account of her deep ties and sympathies towards Pakistan. Through candid entries, Malhotra documented her visits, interactions, and experiences within Pakistan, providing authorities with critical insights into her activities. Recommended Stories The social media influencer who runs the YouTube channel Travel with JO has been arrested for allegedly disclosing sensitive information to Pakistan. Her Instagram account, which had over 131,000 followers, has been suspended, though her YouTube channel remains active with 377,000 subscribers. In one of her diary entries, Malhotra wrote, I have returned to India today after completing a 10-day trip to Pakistan. During this time, I received a lot of love from the people of Pakistan. Our subscribers and friends also came to meet us. The two days we spent in Lahore were too short." Malhotra reportedly visited Pakistan twice, with her most recent trip occurring just two months before the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Her frequent travels to the neighbouring country have drawn significant attention from Indian security agencies. Another one of her diary entries read, I dont know how long the distances between borders will remain, but may the grievances in our hearts be erased. We all belong to the same land, the same soil. If theres anything that wasnt shared in the video, feel free to ask in the comments. Now, with your permission, I must take my leave; the border of Pakistan ends here." Multiple videos from Jyoti Malhotras trips are circulating widely on social media. In one clip, she is seen dining at a Lahore restaurant with a group of people. Another viral image shows the vlogger with Maryam Nawaz Sharif, daughter of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the current Chief Minister of Punjab province, raising further questions about her connections in Pakistan. I request the Pakistani government to open more routes for Indians to visit gurudwaras and temples, making it easier for Hindus to travel there. They should also protect the temples and help people reunite with their families separated during 1947. No matter how much is said about Pakistan, it is never enough it is crazy and colourful," she expressed in her writings. Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, was arrested on May 16. She was subsequently presented in court and placed under a five-day police remand. According to Shashank Kumar Sawan, the Superintendent of Police in Hisar, Malhotra was being developed as an asset by Pakistans ISI. Investigators are scrutinising Malhotras videos, suspecting they were made under the direction of Pakistani agents. Officials believe that following the Pahalgam attack, her content avoided condemning Pakistan or the terrorists, and instead criticised security forces and tourists. Police noted that she had defended a video she released in support of Pakistan during heightened tensions between the two countries. It is suspected that these videos were part of a deliberate propaganda campaign and that she created anti-India content under the influence of foreign handlers. Malhotra reportedly made several trips to Pakistan and one to China. Investigations have revealed that she has been in contact with several Pakistani nationals since 2023, the year of her first visit. Her main contact appears to be Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish. Danish, who worked at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, was declared persona non grata by India on May 13. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the FIR, Malhotra informed investigators that she saved the number of a Pakistani agent, Shakir, under the name Jat Randhawa to avoid detection. Other Pakistani contacts included individuals named Ali Ahwan and Rana Shahbaz. It is alleged that Ahwan provided her with security cover during her stays in Pakistan. Preliminary investigations indicate that she was introduced to several intelligence officials during her visits to Pakistan. First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:28 IST Pakistan Faces New Crisis As Terror Group TTP Recruits Bangladeshis: Report Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 20:44 IST According to an investigative report by Bangladeshi digital outlet The Dissent, the TTP has begun recruiting Bangladeshi nationals in significant numbers. For Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, the emergence of Bangladeshis in TTP is a political and diplomatic crisis. (Image: PTI/File) In an alarming development, Pakistans embattled civilian and military leadership is grappling with yet another security crisis this time, with roots in Bangladesh. According to Bangladeshi media, a growing number of Bangladeshi citizens are joining the terror group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). As per an investigative report by Bangladeshi digital outlet The Dissent, the TTP has begun recruiting Bangladeshi nationals in significant numbers. The revelation surfaced after Pakistans security forces killed 54 militants in North Waziristan in an operation in April, among whom was a Bangladeshi national identified as Ahmed Jober. Recommended Stories Jobers entry into terrorism allegedly began in Saudi Arabia, from where he travelled to Afghanistan and joined the TTP ranks. The report further claims that Jober is not alone. At least eight other Bangladeshi citizens are currently active with the TTP in Afghanistan, and more are suspected to be involved in digital propaganda operations in support of the group. These activities include running social media campaigns under the TTP banner, with some terrorists operating directly from Afghanistan. One such operative, Saifullah, described as a close associate of Jober, is reportedly overseeing the TTPs online outreach targeting Bangladeshi audiences. Strikingly, Bangladeshs own security agencies appear unaware of these developments. Bangladesh has long struggled with its own history of extremist violence, dating back to the deadly 2005 suicide attacks orchestrated by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The country has also seen dozens of its citizens join ISIS, some of whom died during operations while others face prosecution at home. In 2016, Singaporean authorities arrested eight Bangladeshis who allegedly planned to establish a radical Islamic state aligned with ISIS ideology. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For Pakistan, the revelations present a new and deeply unwelcome dimension to its ongoing battle against domestic terror. The TTP, already bolstered by its ideological and logistical ties with the Taliban, appears to be expanding its transnational recruitment base, complicating the task of Pakistani intelligence and military forces. For Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government is already under immense pressure from economic challenges and political unrest, the emergence of Bangladeshis in TTP is a political and diplomatic crisis. For General Asim Munir and the military establishment, it signals a dangerous new phase in Pakistans counterterrorism fight, one that may no longer be containable within national borders. Location : Pakistan First Published: May 20, 2025, 20:44 IST 'Pakistan Suffered Heavy Losses, We're Ready For Any Eventuality': Indian Army On Op Sindoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:26 IST The Indian Army stated that Pakistan targeted civilians during Operation Sindoor, losing all credibility. Indian Army personnel dispel Pakistani Armys intrusion attempts during Operation Sindoor at an undisclosed location. (IMAGE: SOURCED) The Indian Army said Pakistan targeted civilians during Operation Sindoor and has lost all credibility. Brigadier Mudit Mahajan told reporters that Pakistan Army suffered military casualties. The commander of the Poonch Brigade also said that his men were engaged in intense and continuous operations during Operation Sindoor". Poonch was one of the districts that came under heavy shelling from the Pakistan Army and also faced UAV attacks. Recommended Stories Indian Army dispelled the aerial attacks but the Pakistan Army attacked civilian and residential areas, leading to more than a dozen deaths. The Pakistan Army also attacked hospitals and places of worship in Poonch. #WATCH | Poonch, J&K | Commander of Poonch Brigade, Brigadier Mudit Mahajan says, "Poonch Brigade was engaged in intense and continuous operations during Operation Sindoor Poonch Brigade was not a part, but the heart of Operation Sindoor The Army struck with unmatched pic.twitter.com/CD5hQPLCdX ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2025 Poonch Brigade was engaged in intense and continuous operations during Operation Sindoor Poonch Brigade was not a part, but the heart of Operation Sindoor," Brigadier Mahajan said, speaking of his troops who dispelled Pakistans attacks throughout the conflict. He highlighted that Indian Army attacked Pakistani military targets only after Pakistani Army escalated by indiscriminately targeting civilian areas did the Indian Army". May 7 Operation Sindoor top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also said that the Army struck with precision terror targets in Pakistan during the night of May 7 when India carried out Operation Sindoor, where it carried out air raids on terror hideouts to avenge the death of tourists killed by terror group Lashkar-e-Taibas (LeT) affiliates on April 22. Mahajan revealed that six of the nine critical terrorist targets struck were opposite Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor. The Army struck with unmatched precision and purpose. Six of the nine critical terrorist targets struck were opposite Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor, and these were neutralised effectively that night," he said. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:50 IST PM Modi Chairs Key Meeting To Review Progress In Tourism Sector Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:22 IST The Prime Minister held a key meeting in Delhi today to review and boost progress in India's tourism sector, in the backdrop of the deadly terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam. PM Modi chairing a key review meeting on tourism. (News18) Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting in Delhi on Tuesday to review and boost progress in Indias tourism sector. The renewed focus on tourism comes after the heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22, which deterred travellers from going to Kashmir. The Indian government is pushing for boosting tourism in the Valley, weeks after the attack. Recommended Stories VIDEO | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) chairs a meeting to review the progress in Tourism sector.(Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/hgkXF7zpul Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 20, 2025 The latest military conflict between India and Pakistan, following the Indian Armys Operation Sindoor against terrorist infrastructure, has dealt a body blow to tourism in Kashmir. The Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) said the abrupt drop in tourist arrivals had created an economic void across multiple sectors linked directly and indirectly to tourism. The tourism industry was badly affected after Lashkar-linked terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 persons. In retaliation, Indian armed forces launched a missile strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, resulting in four days of intense military hostilities between the two countries, before a ceasefire was reached on May 10. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The conflict between India and Pakistan has also marked a defining moment for relations between New Delhi and Turkey (Ankara), which supported Pakistan diplomatically as well as in arms. Indian tourists are now opting for alternative tourist destinations, such as Kashmir, Ladakh and Goa domestically, along with Greece, Vietnam, Armenia and Malaysia overseas. MakeMyTrip (MMT), one of the biggest travel portals, has seen a 250% rise in cancellations, along with a 60% drop in bookings to Azerbaijan and Turkey during the past week. Both countries had criticised Indias strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on May 7. 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 20, 2025, 13:58 IST Eid al Adha 2025 likely on June 06, Youm ul Hajj on June 05 Hajj and Eid al Adha this year i.e. 1446 AH corresponding to 2025 AD, are likely to be observed on June 05 and June 06, 2025 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and other Arab States. Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:42 PM , Aneequa Sabahat Faizee Hajj 2025 (Hajj 1446 AH): Hajj and Eid al Adha this year i.e. 1446 AH corresponding to 2025 AD, are likely to be observed on June 05 and June 06, 2025 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and other Arab States. According to the Islamic Calendar noting, Hajj ritual this year will begin on Wednesday 08 Dhul Hijjah, corresponding to June 04, 2025, and culminate on Wednesday 14 Dhul Hijjah, corresponding to Tuesday June 10, 2025. As per the Hajj 2025 Schedule, pilgrims will leave from the Holy City of Makkah to the Tent City of Mina on 8th Dhul Hijjah. After a day's stay in Mina, pilgrims will set for Mount Arafat on 9th Dhul Hijjah for the key Hajj ritual of Hajj. Standing on the Plains of Arafat till sunset is the mandatory ritual of Hajj. From Arafat, the pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah. After a night's stay in Muzdalifah, the pilgrims will walk to Mina and sacrifice animal on 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid al Adha). The noting in the Islamic Calendar says Eid al Adha 2025 is likely to be celebrated on June 06, 2025. Eid al Adha 2025 Moon Sighting It should however be noted that the final and confirmed date of Eid al Adha 2025 and Arafat Day 2025 (Youm ul Hajj 2025) will be confirmed only on 29th of Dhu al Qadah 1446 AH after sighting of the New Moon of the month of Dhul Hijjah. The Eid al Adha Crescent Moon 2025 will be sighted on Tuesday May 27, 2025 which is 29th Dhu al-Qaadah 1446. If the Dhul Hijjah Moon is sighted on May 27 then the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Wednesday May 28, 2025. Accordingly, the Eid al Adha, celebrated on 10th of Dhul Hijjah, will be observed on June 06, 2025 and Youmul Hajj or Arafat Day will be on June 05, 2025. If the New Moon is not sighted on Tuesday May 27, the next day will be counted as the 30th day of Dhu al Qadah, and the new month of Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 29, 2025. In such a situation, Eid al Adha, will be celebrated on June 07, 2025 and Youmul Hajj or Arafat Day will be on June 06, 2025. Meanwhile, Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries will spot the Eid al Adha or Bakra Id Moon 2025 on Wednesday May 28, 2025 which aligns with 29th of Dhu al Qadah in the Indian Subcontinent. This is i.e. sighting of the New Moon to start counting the new moon, is the tradition of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Meanwhile, more than half a million pilgrims from around the world 607,747 as per the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, have already arrived in the Kingdom via land, air and seaports to perform Hajj. This represent about 42% of the total expected pilgrim visas for this year. Combined with the domestic pilgrims, around 2 million pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and abroad will throng The Two Holy Cities in the next 15 days. In a related development, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah Monday inspected a number of sites in the Holy Sites and reviewed the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, and services provided to pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. To perform Hajj once in a lifetime is mandatory on every adult Muslim man or woman, who is healthy and can afford the travel cost. (Aneequa Sabahat Faizee is Staff Writer at ummid.com) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. PM Modi Congratulates New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Says United In Fight Against Terrorism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:19 IST PM Modi said that that he is looking forward to work together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. PM Modi (Image: PMO/PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a conversation with newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and said that India and Germany stand united in fight against terrorism. He further said that that he is looking forward to work together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Recommended Stories Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism," PM Modi said in a post on X. Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025 The Prime Minister held the conversation with the German leader amid soaring New Delhi-Islamabad diplomatic ties after Indias Operation Sindoor, launched on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Additionally, New Delhi is set to send all-party delegations across the world, in a bid to call out Pakistans bluff on terrorism and exposing it as the epicentre of global terror. After the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, the Modi government unveiled an elaborate plan to mount a diplomatic offensive on Pakistan, with an aim to isolate and expose it globally by busting its fake propaganda. Seven delegations, comprising MPs and leaders from all parties, were formed, who will go to friendly nations and also members of the UN Security Council and inform them about Pakistans dirty terror exports, not just to India but also to other nations. Senior BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad-led delegation would be visiting Germany and will apprise about Indias strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism and also the governments firm resolve to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The delegation comprises Priyanka Chaturvedi MP, ShivSena (UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana MP,Nominated, Dr. Amar Singh MP, INC, Samik Bhattacharya MP, BJP, Former Minister MJ Akbar and diplomat Pankaj Saran. Germanys conservative leader Merz assumed the charge as the news Chancellor of the country on May 6 after securing a majority in the second round of voting in the Lower House of Parliament. 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 20, 2025, 18:19 IST Real-Life 'Dolly Ki Doli' Busted: Woman Marries 25 Men, Vanishes With Gold, Cash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:07 IST Anuradha Paswan, 23, was arrested in Bhopal for allegedly marrying 25 men in seven months and looting their savings. Rajasthan police conducted a sting operation to capture her. The matter came to light after Vishnu Sharma, a resident of Sawai Madhopur, filed a police complaint on May 3. (Representative/Shutterstock) A 23-year-old woman allegedly married 25 men across multiple states within just seven months. These men were not only deceived and abandoned but also stripped of their life savings as they looked forward to beginning a new life with their supposed bride. The accused, Anuradha Paswan, was arrested in Bhopal on Monday after a dramatic sting operation by Rajasthans Sawai Madhopur police. Recommended Stories The police said Paswan was part of a highly organised marriage scam racket that preyed on desperate bachelors from small towns. Her alleged modus operandi was both cunning and calculated: pose as an ideal bride, complete with legal documentation, win the familys trust, marry the groom, and then vanish within days taking with her cash, gold jewellery, and electronic gadgets, Times of India reported. Paswans case draws an eerie parallel to Bollywoods reel-life con bride Sonam Kapoors Dolly" character in the 2015 film Dolly Ki Doli, where the protagonist marries multiple men only to flee with their wealth on the wedding night. The matter came to light after Vishnu Sharma, a resident of Sawai Madhopur, filed a police complaint on May 3, stating that he had paid Rs 2 lakh to two agents identified as Sunita and Pappu Meena who promised him a bride. That match turned out to be Anuradha and the couple got married at a local court on April 20. But by May 2, Sharma returned home to an empty room and a missing bride. Along with her, his gold, cash, and electronics had disappeared. Originally from Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, Anuradha once worked at a hospital before reportedly leaving her husband after a domestic dispute. She then moved to Bhopal, where she allegedly became involved with a well-connected gang of fraudsters running a WhatsApp-based matchmaking racket, TOI reported. Acting on Sharmas complaint, Sawai Madhopur police launched an operation and planted an undercover constable who posed as a prospective groom. When an agent shared Anuradhas photo, officers seized the chance. She was tracked down and arrested in Bhopal before she could strike again. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police said she had recently duped another man for Rs 2 lakh and was preparing for her next marriage." Several members of the alleged racket have been identified. Rajasthan Police are now coordinating with other state forces to uncover the full scale of the racket. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Bhopal, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:07 IST Terrorists Disguised In Uniforms Like Forces Spark Concern In J&K After Pahalgam Horror Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:15 IST Officials fear the use of lookalike uniforms could lead to deadly confusion, especially during fast-moving operations or when civilians need to distinguish friend from foe The use of lookalike uniforms by terrorists has now become a major security concern. (PTI) A worrying trend is emerging in Jammu and Kashmir where, in at least three incidents, terrorists disguised themselves in uniforms like the forces, complicating efforts by both civilians and actual security personnel to identify threats. The most devastating of these attacks occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists from The Resistance Front opened fire indiscriminately on tourists in Baisaran Valley. The attackers, wearing uniforms resembling those of Indian forces, killed 26 people, including a naval officer and a Nepali national, and injured several others in what is now considered the deadliest terror strike in India since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Recommended Stories In a swift and unprecedented response, Indian forces launched strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), marking one of the most aggressive military actions since the Balakot air strikes in 2019. Investigators believe that some of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack may still be hiding in South Kashmir. While the search for Pahalgams perpetrators is on, in a recent encounter in Tral, three Jaish-e-Mohammad operativesAsif Ahmad Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmad Bhatwere killed in an intense gunfight. Notably, all three were also found dressed in clothes that resembled uniforms of Indian forces. Their uniforms, especially a jacket, and equipment are now being scrutinised. In another incident when India was dealing with Pakistans unprovoked escalation to Operation Sindoor on May 10, an alert sentry at the high-security Nagrota Military Station in Jammu foiled a suspected infiltration attempt. The intruder, possibly dressed in military fatigues, attempted to breach the perimeter but was repelled in a brief exchange of fire. The sentry sustained minor injuries, and a search operation was launched to track the suspect. The Armys White Knight Corps stated that heightened alertness and prompt action prevented a potential disaster. The use of lookalike uniforms by terrorists has now become a major security concern. Officials fear it could lead to deadly confusion, especially during fast-moving operations or when civilians need to distinguish friend from foe. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This tactic is not only dangerous but deeply deceptive," said a senior intelligence officer. Its a direct attempt to erode the trust between civilians and uniformed forces." Officials say the matter was also discussed in a high-level meeting in Delhi with various top officials of Indias security grid. Security agencies are now reviewing standard operating procedures, particularly at checkpoints and tourist areas, to counter this growing challenge. About the Author Ankur Sharma With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:07 IST 'Told Me She Was Visiting Delhi': Father Of 'Spy' YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Takes U-Turn Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:23 IST Jyoti Malhotra, who runs a YouTube channel called Travel with JO, was arrested last week in Hisar by the Haryana Police on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistani agencies. YouTuber Jyoti and her father Harish Malhotra | ANI Image A day after defending his daughters visits to Pakistan, the father of Jyoti Malhotrathe YouTuber arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistanbacktracked on his earlier statement on Monday, claiming he was unaware of her trips to the neighbouring country. Jyoti Malhotra, who runs a YouTube channel called Travel with JO, was arrested last week in Hisar by the Haryana Police on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistani agencies. Recommended Stories She used to tell me that she was going to Delhi. She never told me anything," Harish Malhotra said, backtracking on his earlier remark that Jyoti visited Pakistan to shoot videos. None of her friends visited our home. Yesterday, the Police brought her here, she took her clothes and left, she did not say anything to me. I dont know what to say. She used to make videos at home. I never said that she visited Pakistan, she used to tell me that she was going to Delhi. I have no demands, whatever is going to happen, will happen," Harish added. #WATCH | Hisar, Haryana: Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Haryanas Hisar, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen.Her father, Harish Malhotra, says, " I didnt know, she had told me that she was going pic.twitter.com/OHuzg33P1S ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 Jyotis Father Makes U-Turn Harish on Saturday defended her daughter and questioned her arrest, asking why she shouldnt be allowed to contact her friends living in Pakistan. 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 also stated that his daughter had obtained all the required permissions before travelling to Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigators have found that Jyoti was reportedly honey-trapped by an individual named Danish, an employee of the Pakistani High Commission, who is suspected of having links to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). As the probe deepens, new details have emerged indicating that she visited Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir just three months before the terror attack in April this year. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:23 IST Under The Shadow Of Western Disturbances, India-Bangladesh Friendship Falters Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:27 IST The unfolding geo-political situation has made the India-Bangladesh bilateral relations more strained than ever before in the past decade Apart from trade ties, India and Bangladesh witnessed multiple collaborations on several fronts, including power, railways, and culture. (PTI) In addition to that, a subtle but strategic prodding from the exiled Awami League leadership throws emerging complex questionsIs Bangladeshs interim regime testing how far it can push India before ties rupture completely? Or Is India done with addressing Bangladesh as the friendly neighbour? Recommended Stories Even as foreign policy experts and senior diplomats who served in Bangladesh weigh in, it appears that the unfolding geo-political situation has made the India-Bangladesh bilateral relations more strained than ever before in the past decade. Many see the bilateral trade-related actions by Indian government as moves laden with economic and geopolitical implications". Signs Of Strained Relations A senior diplomat, who served in Bangladesh, said: The trade relations between India and Bangladesh are not just about economic interests. It is crucial for South-East Asias stability and unity. This also leads to progress and development for both nations. However, the interim government in Bangladesh has been taking certain policy decisions and supporting an international narrative which is not conducive to stable bilateral relations." ALSO READ | From Kashmir To East: China-Pakistan Alliance Uses Bangladesh To Open New Front Against India | Exclusive He added: Despite knowing that there would be repercussions across the border, Bangladesh continued to meddle with Indias sensitive and strategic boundaries. The Yunus-led government also ignored Prime Minister Narendra Modis suggestions of not bringing up north-east corridors as part of their speeches. India then chose to make some changes following those instances. The recent decisions are not trading friction in isolation. They are calibrated and well-thought policy decisions." Beyond Trade, Ties Fraying Fast Apart from trade ties, India and Bangladesh witnessed multiple collaborations on several fronts, including power, railways, and culture. According to a ministry of commerce document, the 15th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh took place on September 26 and 27, 2023, in Dhaka. The discussions covered a range of bilateral issues, including the elimination of port restrictions, preparations for the initiation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), standard harmonisation, mutual recognition of standards, the supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh, the enhancement of road and rail infrastructure, regional connectivity through multi-modal transportation, and the establishment and strengthening of infrastructure in Land Customs Stations and Integrated Check Posts, border Haats and so one," said a review report by the IBEF. However, since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas regime, all such efforts are now almost suspended. Senior diplomats said the foreign policy decisions would remain unpredictable" until the country elects its government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In April 2023, India and Bangladesh also agreed to settle a part of the bilateral trade transactions in their own currenciesRupee and Takato ease pressure on dollar holdings. Indian Railways, under grant assistance from the government of India, handed over 20 Broad Gauge (BG) diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, fulfilling an important earlier commitment. All such collaborations and goodwill movements are now almost on hold following the Bangladesh interim governments decisions. 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 20, 2025, 09:27 IST What About VIPs At Kartarpur And Attari, Asked ISI. Jyoti Malhotra Allegedly Replied... Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 15:59 IST Sources said that Jyoti Malhotra and several other alleged agents were tasked with reporting on high-level movement at the Attari-Wagah border and within the Kartarpur Corridor Forensic analysis is currently underway on the mobile phones and laptops confiscated from Jyoti Malhotra. In a widening espionage probe, startling details have emerged from the case of YouTuber and travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on charges of transmitting sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. The revelations, part of an investigation dubbed Operation Mir Jafar, suggest an organised effort by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to monitor VIP movement at strategic India-Pakistan border points. News18 Hindi cited sources close to the investigation as saying that Malhotra and several other alleged agents were tasked with reporting on high-level movement at the Attari-Wagah border and within the Kartarpur Corridor a visa-free passage that allows Indian pilgrims to visit the revered Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The information was allegedly sought under the guise of routine conversations, but forensic experts are now combing through seized digital devices to uncover deeper ties and deleted communications. Recommended Stories Forensic analysis is currently underway on the mobile phones and laptops confiscated from Malhotra and other detainees. Preliminary findings suggest that large swathes of data, believed to include chat logs with Pakistani handlers, were intentionally wiped. Investigators believe this was done to conceal sensitive exchanges that could confirm espionage activities. One name that keeps surfacing in the probe is Ali Hasan, allegedly a Pakistani intelligence officer who directed agents on the ground. Intelligence officers say Hasan was particularly interested in who received official protocol during visits to Attari and Kartarpur, hinting at an effort to identify undercover Indian officials or VIPs operating under anonymity. In one intercepted conversation, Malhotra reportedly told Hasan that she herself did not receive any protocol while visiting Attari. Hasan allegedly responded by saying that high-value or covert individuals are accorded a different, discreet treatment. He then instructed her to inform him of any such persons and to ensure they were isolated even advising that certain individuals be seated separately inside the Kartarpur Gurudwara. It has also come to light that Jyoti Malhotra attempted to approach a specific person inside the Gurudwara, seemingly under orders. However, the individual did not engage with her. In a message to her handler, Malhotra reportedly remarked that the person was not crazy", indicating perhaps that he was wary of a potential setup. The scope of the investigation is broadening as agencies work to identify others who may have been operating under the influence or instruction of the same Pakistani operative. Each suspect is being interrogated separately to piece together the full extent of the network. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigators believe that the spy ring may have operated under the radar for some time, collecting seemingly benign but strategically valuable intelligence about movements, patterns, and security operations at key border sites. Officials warn that more arrests may follow as electronic forensics and intelligence cross-verification progress. First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:59 IST Who Is Shehzad Wahab? After Jyoti Malhotra, UP Trader Held For 'Ties With Pak's ISI' Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:21 IST His wife claims that he delt in salwar suits from Lahore, and sold fruits on a cart when there was no work. Shehzad Wahab's wife claimed that he told fruits on a cart in Moradabad when he had no work. (AI-generated) As YouTuber Jyoti Malhotras arrest over spying for Pakistan continues to shock the nation, a businessman has been held from Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad for helping neighbours Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His wife claims that he delt in salwar suits from Lahore, and sold fruits on a cart when there was no work. The UP Anti-Terrorism Squad team, however, has evidence that the trader gave Indian SIM cards to ISI agents" and recruited over 20 individuals for ISI activities in UP". Officials revealed that the accused name is Shehzad Wahab, who is a resident of Azad Nagar locality in Tanda area of Rampur. Who Is Shehzad Wahab? Recommended Stories A report in Times of India quoted ATS officials as saying that Shehzad Wahab, businessman in Moradabad, shared confidential information and arranged travel documents for those he assisted in traveling to Pakistan. What Shehzads Wife Believes: His wife, Razia, however, denied allegations. "My husband deals in salwar suits from Lahore. When there is no work, he sells fruits on a cart. He goes to Pakistan once or twice a year. Someone has framed him. He is illiterate. Ive never seen him doing anything suspicious," she was quoted. What Does Anti-Terrorism Squad Say: ATS officials accused Shehzad of smuggling cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other items under the pretense of a legitimate business. The TOI report quoted an ATS official as saying that Shehzad had strong connections with ISI agents, maintaining constant contact and sharing confidential information related to Indias security. The official also mentioned that Shehzad provided Indian SIM cards to ISI agents and financed their activities in India. Additionally, he recruited over 20 people, including three women from Sambhal, Moradabad, and Rampur, for ISI operations in UP. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shehzad Wahab Sent UP People To Pakistan For ISI Work: According to investigators, Shehzad was involved in facilitating travel arrangements for recruits. He used to send people from Rampur and nearby areas to Pakistan for ISI work. The ISI agents took care of their visas and logistics," TOI quoted an ATS source as saying. An FIR was lodged against Shehzad at the ATS police station in Lucknow under BNS sections 148 (harbouring an offender) and 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India). He was subsequently presented in court. 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 : Moradabad, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:21 IST Whole Of Pakistan Within Our RangeThey Must Find Deep Hole: Top Indian Army Officer Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:02 IST The senior Indian Army officer said that even if Pakistan considers relocating its Army headquarters to areas like KPK, they will have to "find a deep hole." Lt General Sumer Ivan DCunha, Director General, Army Air Defence (Image/ANI) A senior Indian Army officer on Monday underscored the nations military readiness and arsenal strength, saying that India is capable of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan. Lieutenant General Ivan DCunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, also reacted to reports of Pakistan considering relocating its General Army Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to Islamabad following the success of Operation Sindoor, saying that even if they move to areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to find a deep hole." Recommended Stories I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in-depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan," Lt Gen DCunha told news agency ANI. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole," he added. #WATCH | Delhi: DG Army Air Defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan DCunha says, India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range The GHQ (General pic.twitter.com/U8jFcmIC8Y ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor and struck nine terror dens in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After the Pakistan Armys response, India targeted key Pakistani airbases, including the Nur Khan Air Base, with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy targets. Lt Gen Sumer Ivan DCunha further revealed that Pakistan deployed approximately 8001000 drones along the western border over four days, but the Indian defence forcesthrough coordinated efforts by the Army, Navy, and Air Forceeffectively neutralised the threat. I would say anything between 800 to 1000 across the whole western border in four days. A large number of them were destroyed. One thing for sure is that all the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles [UCAV] which carried a payload, although they intended to harm our civilian population and they were directed towards population centres, we ensured that they did not cause any damage, and I think the proof of the pudding is actually in what we actually saw, that there were no civilian casualties" Lt Gen DCunha said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all DCunha noted that the Indian defence forces had anticipated Pakistans drone tactics, using swarms of low-cost drones at low altitudes to bypass radar systems, and, in preparation, conducted simulation exercises from April 26 to 28, which enabled them to effectively counter the attacks. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 08:02 IST Why It's Difficult For India To Recognise Balochistan As A Separate Country | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:40 IST Experts warn that recognising Balochistan as a separate and sovereign country could give Pakistan propaganda leverage over India Many analysts have warned that supporting Balochistans independence could fuel regional instability, as the Baloch population spans across Iran and Afghanistan. (AP/File) India faces a significant diplomatic dilemma as Baloch leaders, who recently declared independence and unveiled a national flag, have called on New Delhi and the United Nations to recognise Balochistan as a sovereign nation. While the appeal highlights Indias image as a sympathetic ally, officially acknowledging Balochistans independence would mark a dramatic shift in Indias foreign policy. The prospect of India recognising Balochistans independence is fraught with geopolitical, diplomatic, and legal complexities. While India theoretically has the authority to recognise a new nation, as it did with Bangladesh in 1971, the Balochistan situation is far more complicated. Recommended Stories Baloch leaders have appealed to India, calling it a moral duty" to support their cause. However, New Delhi has remained silent on the issue so far. Several key hurdles stand in the way of any potential recognition. International Law And Sovereignty According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a region must meet specific criteria to qualify as an independent statethese include a permanent population, defined territory, functioning government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other nations. While Balochistan has declared independence, it currently lacks formal recognition from any country or the United Nations. Many foreign policy experts have cautioned that recognising Balochistan would also be seen as a direct challenge to Pakistans sovereignty, triggering serious diplomatic repercussions. India, which strongly opposes Pakistans interference in Kashmir, would be cautious about appearing to interfere in another countrys internal matters. Additionally, Pakistans forcible annexation of Balochistan in 1948 and its ongoing suppression of separatist movements further complicate the issue. Experts have warned that any move by India to recognise Balochistan could be viewed by Pakistan as a provocation, dramatically escalating regional tensions, especially after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. Lack Of International Support Support from major powers such as the US, China, and Russia, as well as the United Nations, is crucial for any region seeking to establish itself as an independent country. For example, Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally. In Balochistans case, it can be assumed that Chinaheavily invested in the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridorwould firmly oppose any move toward independence. Meanwhile, the US and the UK have designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation, making their support highly unlikely. According to several analysts, without the backing of key global players, India would be reluctant to act unilaterally. Impact On International Relations Many foreign policy experts have also warned that recognising Balochistan could strain Indias relations with neighbouring countries like Iran and Afghanistan, both of which have significant Baloch populations. Experts have also cautioned that such a move could also trigger strong opposition from China, a close ally of Pakistan with strategic interests in the region. Moreover, according to several geopolitical analysts, Indias energy security and key infrastructure projects, including the Chabahar port in Iran, could be at risk if ties with Tehran deteriorate over the Balochistan issue. Indias Diplomatic Position India has raised concerns over human rights violations in Balochistan, most notably in Prime Minister Narendra Modis 2016 Independence Day speech. However, many believe that India has stopped short of endorsing Baloch separatism, wary of being accused of trying to destabilise Pakistan. Indias primary focus remains the Kashmir dispute, and many foreign policy experts believe that recognising Balochistan could complicate that furtherpotentially giving Pakistan propaganda leverage against New Delhi. Regional Stability Many analysts have also warned that supporting Balochistans independence could fuel regional instability, as the Baloch population spans across Iran and Afghanistan. Many believe that Iran, already grappling with its own separatist movements, would likely oppose any move by India to recognise Balochistan. It has been pointed out that the region is already volatile, marked by insurgency and terrorism, and India would be cautious not to further escalate tensions or contribute to increased violence by endorsing Balochistans independence. Indias Strategic Interests Some Baloch leaders argue that Indias recognition of Balochistan would strategically and economically weaken Pakistan. However, according to several foreign policy experts India must carefully assess whether such a move aligns with its broader national interests and the long-term wellbeing of the Baloch people. While reports of human rights abuses by the Pakistani military in Balochistan persist, many experts have cautioned that backing the cause raises difficult questionsespecially given that groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) are designated as terrorist organisations by several countries. How Does A Country Recognize Another Country? Recognition of a country by another nation is a complex diplomatic and legal process with significant implications for international relations. It typically involves an official declarationsuch as a statement, letter, or diplomatic noteby a government affirming its acceptance of the entity as a sovereign state. What Are The Criteria For Recognising A Country? Permanent population: A stable community resides permanently in the area. A stable community resides permanently in the area. Defined territory: The region has clear and recognised geographical boundaries. The region has clear and recognised geographical boundaries. Government: A functioning government exercises effective control over the territory. A functioning government exercises effective control over the territory. Capacity to establish relations: The ability to engage in diplomatic and trade relations with other countries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, these criteria are not always applied rigidly, as recognition often involves political considerations beyond legal requirements. The recognising country may then establish diplomatic relations with the new state by opening an embassy or appointing an ambassador. This decision typically reflects the countrys foreign policy, strategic interests and international pressures, and often requires approval from the government, foreign ministry, and sometimes the parliament. First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:40 IST Emma Stone, In Stunning Slip Dress And Pixie Cut, Did Not Miss A Beauty Beat Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:52 IST Making a case for summer fashion, Emma Stone was dressed to impress in a satin slip dress with pristine white lace details. Emma Stone ruled Cannes 2025 with her beauty and charm. Emma Stone is serving one style goal at a time. For her appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025, the actress decided to roll out a fresh look, which was nothing short of a fashion masterclass. Making heads turn, she strutted down for the Cannes photocall in a stunning outfit, showcasing her on-point styling game, compelling us to take notes. Lets decode her attention to detail from outfit to makeup and accessories. Making a case for summer fashion, Emma Stone was dressed to impress in a satin slip dress with pristine white lace details in her second appearance at the film festival. The risque outfit came with daring thin straps, plunging deep neckline, relaxed silhouette and floor-length hem. Further, the multiple layers in the maxi-length dress came with beautiful lacework. It took the feminine allure to a whole new level, allowing Emma to showcase her flawless beauty and charm. Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Festival de Cannes (@festivaldecannes) For her makeup, Emma went for a less-is-more approach and opted for a minimal glam avatar. To steal the limelight, she opted for a fresh and dewy complexion. Additionally, a touch of nude blush and a champagne highlight on cheeks and the bridge of her nose added the right amount of glam, beautifying her already striking features. Not to forget her feathered eyebrows and a nude lip colour which proved the fashion moguls styling finesse. Moving on to accessories, she let her outfit shine, ditching heavy jewels like a necklace or statement earrings. She wore dainty silver earrings, ensuring that all limelight is on her natural beauty and stunning ensemble. Safe to say, the actresss makeup and accessories game was on point, which compelled onlookers to just stop and stare. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, what caught the most attention was her captivating hairstyle as she teamed the look with pretty pixie cut tresses. Flaunting her styling game was her new pixie cut for the summer time. It came with waves and side-swept fringes across her forehead, framing her face perfectly. FYI, Emma arrived at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 for the premiere of her upcoming movie, Eddington. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:52 IST PHILADELPHIA The U.S. Department of Education's Office of the General Counsel has launched a formal investigation into the University of Pennsylvania, citing inaccurate and untimely disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts. The probe, announced Thursday, follows a review of the university's foreign funding reports, which revealed noncompliance with Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Section 117 mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid report foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more annually. The law, enacted to safeguard national security and academic integrity, requires semiannual disclosures by January 31 and July 31. Noncompliance can lead to Department of Justice enforcement actions or loss of federal funding eligibility. "UPenn has a troubling Section 117 compliance history, having failed to disclose any foreign funding until February of 2019 despite a decades-long statutory obligation to do so," said Acting General Counsel Tom Wheeler. "Although the previous Administration degraded the Department's enforcement of universities' legal obligations to disclose foreign gifts and contracts, the Trump Administration will vigorously uphold the law and ensure universities are transparent with their foreign gifts and investments." The Education Department has requested extensive records from UPenn, due within 30 days, to verify compliance. These include tax records, written agreements with foreign entities, and details of international research collaborations since January 1, 2017. The department also seeks information on university personnel overseeing foreign student visas, talent recruitment programs, and export control regulations. UPenn's history of nondisclosure has raised concerns about foreign influence on U.S. campuses. Wheeler emphasized the investigation's broader implications, stating, "OGC will investigate this matter thoroughly, ensuring that universities cannot conceal the infiltration of our nation's campuses by foreign governments and other foreign interests. The American people and Congress have a right to know the impact of foreign funding on our universities, including some of our critically important research universities." The investigation follows similar actions against Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, where reviews uncovered incomplete foreign funding reports. The Education Department's renewed focus on Section 117 enforcement signals a broader push to monitor foreign influence in higher education. UPenn officials have not publicly commented on the investigation. The university is expected to cooperate fully, as Wheeler noted, "We hope the University of Pennsylvania will be cooperative and forthcoming in response to this investigation." The probe underscores growing federal scrutiny of foreign funding in U.S. universities, particularly at research institutions like UPenn. As the investigation unfolds, it may prompt other institutions to reassess their compliance with federal disclosure requirements. New Restaurants and Menus Heating Up Delhi NCRS Dining Scene Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 14:30 IST As the citys culinary scene continues to evolve, these new destinations are setting a high bar for creativity, authenticity, and experience. Whether you're seeking a regal fine-dining escape, a modern cocktail adventure, a caffeine fix, or a wood-fired pizza straight out of Italy, Delhi-NCRs latest openings have something to suit every palate and mood From fine dining opulence to bold cocktails and comforting slices of Italy, Delhi-NCRs culinary landscape is abuzz with fresh openings and inventive menus that promise to elevate every dining experience. Heres a curated look at whats new and noteworthy this season. Luxe Lunch Set Menu Experience At The Spice Route, The Imperial Recommended Stories The Spice Route, a mesmerizing restaurant renowned for its captivating ambiance and ethnic Asian flavours, invites you to escape the ordinary with a special limited-time lunch experience. Set against the backdrop of Delhis most iconic restaurant setting, this exclusive menu promises to delight your senses with a rich tapestry of flavours crafted to perfection. Take a well-deserved break and indulge in a one-of-a-kind culinary journey from 27th May to 15th July, 2025, with the Luxe Lunch Set Menu priced at INR 1350+ taxes per person. Guests will embark on a culinary adventure featuring an enticing array of dishes, beginning with Rice Crackers & Cassava Chips, followed by a choice of exquisite appetizers Thai Mango Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette or Rujak Tofu Pockets with Tangy Javanese Sauce. For the main course, savour a bowl of fragrant rice alongside your selection of Thai Green Curry with fresh vegetables, South Indian Malabar Curry with coconut and garden vegetables, or Nadan Khozy, Kerala-style chicken curry. Conclude your meal with a luscious dessert option: Mango Chia Pudding with coconut and mango sphere or Che Thai, a delightful coconut milk treat with water chestnuts. This special lunch experience is our way of sharing the extraordinary flavours and inviting atmosphere that make our restaurant so unique. Were excited to welcome everyone to discover the magic of Spice Route," expressed Mr. Louis Sailer, Senior Executive Vice President, The Imperial New Delhi. This limited-time offer is perfect for those seeking a flavourful escape from everyday routines. Whether youre craving the vibrant spices of India or the comforting warmth of ethnic Asian-inspired dishes, Spice Routes special lunch experience promises to be unforgettable. Anardanas Sizzling Summer Menu is Here Get ready to turn up the heat (and flavor) with Anardanas all-new summer menuwhere every bite feels like a mini vacation! Dive into the zesty freshness of our Mango, Corn & Bell Pepper Salad, topped with creamy avocado, or spice things up with the Pahari Tulsi Paneer Tikka, infused with the soul-soothing essence of the mountains. Craving something indulgent? The Edamame & Tofu Kofta Curry is pure comfort in a bowl, while the decadent Chandrakala Roll with Mango Rabri brings a sweet summer twist you wont forget. Fresh, vibrant, and full of bold Indian flavors, starting at just 325. Come, taste summer the Anardana way! Tinos Gurgaon: A Slice of Italy A cozy newcomer in Gurugrams Sapphire Mall, Tinos is already making waves with its perfectly blistered Neapolitan pizzas and creamy burrata toppings. The casual-cafe vibe is ideal for both lazy brunches and hearty dinners, with comforting dishes like aglio olio pasta and fresh Italian coffee rounding out the menu. Tinos is a new favourite for those seeking unfussy yet flavourful Italian fare in a chic, relaxed setting. Odella: A Renaissance of Flavour in Green Park Delhi welcomes Odella, a luxurious fine-dining restaurant in Green Park that redefines gastronomy through the lens of art, history, and innovation. Inspired by the grandeur of the Baroque era and the philosophical brilliance of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Odella blends opulence with modern finesse. The interiors exude a timeless elegance, transporting diners to an era where beauty and indulgence reigned supreme. The globally inspired menu showcases refined techniques and artistic presentation from smoky Gucchi Galouti and Truffle Parmesan Arancini to indulgent Mansa Ghee Roast and Sambal Seabass. Desserts like Biscoff Tres Leches and Burnt Cheesecake offer a decadent finale. The beverage program is equally exquisite, with signature cocktails like The Venice Sunset and Seville Heat Wave adding drama and depth to the experience. Ammys Coffee: Brewing Up in SDA After winning hearts in Punjabi Bagh, Ammys Coffee brings its signature warmth and brews to South Delhis SDA Market. With a new outlet designed for cozy catch-ups and solo coffee dates, Ammys continues to focus on quality beans, laid-back vibes, and delectable accompaniments. Think golden waffles, crispy churros, and indulgent thick shakes, all served with the same attention to detail as their slow-dripped coffees. This new outlet is designed to provide a welcoming space where coffee lovers can come together and indulge in the finest blends. Cecilias Pizzeria: Spreading the Warmth of Italian Tradition to Kailash Colony Beloved for its nostalgic charm and handcrafted pizzas, Cecilias Pizzeria has now opened a new outlet in Kailash Colony. With its roots in heartfelt Italian family recipes and the vision of founder Cecilia; whose kitchen memories with her Nonna shape the brand. This third outlet continues the legacy of comfort and authenticity. Curated by Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, the menu features classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, and homemade desserts, all served in a homely setting reminiscent of a Nonnas kitchen. Cecilias is a journey through flavours, memories, and the warmth of home-cooked food. Sorbo: Moroccan Mystique Meets Mixology Gurgaons Sorbo isnt just revamping its cocktail menu, its turning drinks into an immersive cultural journey. The restaurant, already known for its Moroccan-inspired cuisine, now brings an avant-garde bar experience with a menu steeped in spice, aromatics, and theatrical flair. Curated by brand, the new cocktails like the Casablanca Sunset, Riad Royale, and Med-ina Muse; combine handcrafted syrups, global spices, and visual drama to elevate the drinking ritual. The focus? An immersive narrative in every glass, with guests encouraged to tweak flavours for a truly bespoke experience. Holiday Inn, Mayur Vihar Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar presents Dakshin Dwar A Southern Indian Culinary Trail that celebrates South Indias rich culinary heritage. The exclusive food festival will run from May 16 to June 1, 2025, with specially curated dinner service available every evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Chef Vishnu from Crowne Plaza Kochi has brought this gastronomic journey to life. The thoughtfully crafted menu that pays homage to the traditional dishes of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana with dishes like Vazhaipoo Cutlet, Kanthari Chicken, Thalapakatti Mutton Biryani, Bendakaya Beeja Vepudu, Malliyila Manga Choru, Mangalorean Mutton Ghee Roast, Appam, Kozhukattai, Ela Ada, and many more regional delicacies. Hikki: A Bold New Japanese-Peruvian Escape In Delhi Hikki, a modern Japanese & Peruvian dining restaurant and bar, the newest addition to Delhis vibrant dining scene, offers an immersive escape into the world of Nikkei cuisine. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of hikikomori, traditionally associated with reclusion-Hikki redefines it as selective immersion, a place where guests can escape the ordinary and lose themselves in the rhythm of the space. Hikki brings to life the bold and seamless fusion of Nikkei cuisinea style born from Japanese immigrant communities in Peru, blending meticulous Japanese techniques with Perus vibrant, expressive flavorsalongside a contemporary take on Modern Japanese cuisine that celebrates precision and innovation. Signature dishes include Black Cod Robata, Pickled Vegetables & Brie Sushi, Pork Belly Donburi, Seafood Ozisushi, and Nikkei Gyozas, reflecting this dynamic interplay of cultures. Beyond the cuisine, Hikki offers a cocktail-forward experience with meticulously crafted drinks that embody the precision of Japanese mixology and the bold, untamed spirit of Peru. An extensive sake selection allows guests to explore Japans most revered spirit, from delicate Junmai to rich, umami-forward Honjozo. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all An upscale dining and bar concept, Hikki is designed for fine-dining enthusiasts, food creatives, and cocktail connoisseurs. Open for lunch from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and offering exclusive dinner seating at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm, the space transforms throughout the dayfrom a relaxed, intimate escape to a vibrant, immersive experience by night. Now open in Delhi, Hikki invites guests to step into a world where Japanese craftsmanship meets Peruvian soulan experience designed to linger long after the night ends. Whether youre seeking a regal fine-dining escape, a modern cocktail adventure, a caffeine fix, or a wood-fired pizza straight out of Italy, Delhi-NCRs latest openings have something to suit every palate and mood. As the citys culinary scene continues to evolve, these new destinations are setting a high bar for creativity, authenticity, and experience. 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 20, 2025, 17:40 IST Ishaan Khatter Serves Vacation Charm In Relaxed OOTDs As He Explores Cannes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:49 IST Ahead of his appearance on the Cannes red carpet, Ishaan Khatter served looks as he explored the city in relaxed outfits. The actor is in Cannes for the world premiere of Homebound. Ishaan Khatter is currently basking in the success of his latest series, The Royals. While he soaks up the love that is poured on his performance in the drama, the actor has flown to Cannes for the world premiere of Neeraj Ghaywans Homebound at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. He is all set to walk the red carpet with the rest of the cast and crew of the film. Ahead of the red carpet, he took to his social media to share two casual OOTDs as he explored the city. Taking to his Instagram, Ishaan Khatter shared a series of pictures of himself as he explored the streets of Cannes. He wrote, Bonjour festival de Cannes." For his relaxed day in the city, he channelled chic summer vibes in casual ensembles that were perfect to beat the heat. Recommended Stories Take a closer look at Ishaans OOTD here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For his first look, Ishaan exuded a relaxed and laid-back vacation charm. He opted for a white linen shirt in a relaxed fit. He left the top buttons undone and rolled up the sleeves for a relaxed look He paired this shirt with matching white trousers. He slipped into a pair of black shoes to complete his look. His hair was styled with a touch of gel, allowing a few curls to fall gently onto his forehead. Adding a classic flair, he sported dark sunglasses and a classic analogue watch. For the second look, Ishaan embraced an easygoing yet polished aesthetic. He opted for a fitted beige t-shirt. The t-shirt came with a classic round neckline. He pulled up the sleeves to the elbows. The fitted silhouette brought out his toned physique. He paired the t-shirt with high-waisted black flared trousers. He added a sleek belt, an analogue watch, and a pair of black shoes. His look was further elevated by a sharp, well-groomed hairstyle and a neatly trimmed beard, lending a refined finish to the effortlessly stylish ensemble. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:49 IST Places To Visit In Rishikesh: 5 Spots That Complete Your Trip Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:21 IST From the faith-imbued Bharat Mandir to the divine energy of Parmarth Niketan, these five must-visit spots define a complete Rishikesh experience Every year, lakhs of devotees and tourists visit Rishikesh in search of spiritual peace, natural beauty, and adventure. (Local18) A city nestled in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is a beautiful confluence of spirituality, nature, adventure, and culture. Situated on the sacred banks of the Ganga, it is known as the international capital of yoga. Every year, lakhs of devotees and tourists visit in search of spiritual peace, natural beauty, and adventure. However, missing out on certain special experiences may leave your Rishikesh journey feeling incomplete. A trip to Rishikesh is not just travel; it is an experience that introduces you to lifes many colours: devotion, thrill, serenity, natures wonders, and a newly rejuvenated you. From the faith-imbued Bharat Mandir to the divine energy of Parmarth Niketan, these five must-visit spots define a complete Rishikesh experience. Recommended Stories Bharat Mandir Located in the heart of Rishikesh, Bharat Mandir is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas, the temple is believed to have been rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya. Its stone carvings, sculptures, and serene atmosphere reflect the spiritual grandeur of ancient India. Upon entering, one feels an immediate sense of peace and devotion. Trimbakeshwar Temple Standing tall on the banks of the Ganges, this 13-storey temple is a striking landmark. Each floor houses shrines of different deities, offering devotees a diverse spiritual experience under one roof. The panoramic view of the Ganges from the top floor is breathtaking. The temples bells and tranquil setting leave a lasting impression on the soul. Patna Waterfall For nature lovers to adventure seekers, Patna Waterfall is a must-visit. Situated about 67 km from Laxman Jhula, this serene cascade flows through the mountains, offering a refreshing view. Reaching it requires a short trek, which adds an element of thrill. The cool mist of the waterfall and the surrounding greenery offer perfect respite and rejuvenation. Triveni Ghat Triveni Ghat is the most renowned ghat in Rishikesh. The evening Ganga Aarti here is a soul-stirring experience. The glow of earthen lamps, the chants of mantras, and the sight of diyas floating on the Ganges create an ethereal ambiance. Many believe participating in the Aarti washes away sins and grants mental peace. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Parmarth Niketan Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is a major spiritual hub in Rishikesh. It draws hundreds of visitors daily for yoga, meditation, and introspection. Its famed Ganga Aarti brings together locals, tourists, and saints in a powerful spiritual gathering. The energy during the Aarti is transformative, while the ashrams serene environment offers inner calm and clarity. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Rishikesh, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 14:21 IST Simi Garewal Makes A Powerful Statement At Cannes 2025 | Exclusive Written By : News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:20 IST Simi Garewal makes a sustainable Cannes red carpet debut in custom Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz couture. Simi Garewal at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival and (right) at the awards ceremony in 2022, wearing the corset. Captivating in couture, Simi Garewal looked like a vision in white when she made her Cannes red carpet debut with a sustainable twist. Gracing the Cannes red carpet in an ethereal ensemble designed by Mumbai-based couture brand, Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz, Simis custom-couture ensemble featured a full-sleeved embellished coat with pearl detailing paired with a long, voluminous skirt and corset. Making a powerful, sustainable statement by repeating her clothes, Simi Garewals Cannes debut is just like her Iconic and Classic. Simis corset was first styled on her in 2022 at a fashion awards ceremony in Mumbai. Recommended Stories Celebrating Satyajit Rays Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, evergreen star Simi Garewal, along with her legendary co-star Sharmila Tagore and American filmmaker Wes Anderson, attended the Highest 2 Lowest red carpet on May 19, 2025 wearing the iconic, custom piece. Sharing his opinion on Simis decision to repeat the garment, designer Leon Vaz says, We believe its a powerful statement about sustainable fashion and timeless style. It showcases the enduring quality of our designs at the same time, making it more normal for celebrities to repeat clothes." Simi has had a long-standing relationship with Leon Vaz and Karan Berry of Karleo, and having her wear their designs for her Cannes debut is special. Our association with Simi [Garewal] has been a long and collaborative one, spanning several years. Working on her Cannes debut was an absolute pleasure," says Leon, adding, As a brand that takes pride in its evening and bridal gowns and accessories we were glad to take inspiration from India to design this red carpet look since its an Indian film (Aranyer Din Ratri) represented by an iconic Indian celebrity at one of the biggest film event of the year." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking about celebrating her signature colour palette, Leon shares, White has always been a symbol of elegance and sophistication for Simi. This year, we wanted to create a look that was both classic and modern, and that reflects her style. Also, as a brand in India for white weddings, this is the perfect pairing. But we have still taken different shades of white beige, off white, creme, pearl white and ivory, snowy white and brought them all together in one outfit." Inspired by the classic Elizabethan style and crafted in silk satin and crepe de chine from India, the corset was embellished with caviar beads and cut bugles to add a mirror shine to the mother-of-pearl finished embroidery materials. The corset was further highlighted with tiny lochrosen crystals. About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:20 IST Germany Opens Its Doors Wider: New Visa Reforms Offer Relief and Hope for Indian Travellers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 07:31 IST Germanys new visa reforms promise faster processing, fewer rejections, and a more transparent experience for Indian travellers. New rules will require air travellers to upload their passports to their phones and pass through airports using only their face for verification. (AP Image) In a much-anticipated move thats set to reshape international travel for Indian citizens, Germany has announced sweeping visa reforms that promise greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. Coming into effect from July 1, 2025, these changes are expected to significantly ease the application process for Indian tourists, students, and skilled professionalsmany of whom have long grappled with bureaucratic delays and unclear rejection procedures. A Clearer, Faster Process Recommended Stories Perhaps the most impactful of the reforms is the elimination of the visa remonstration process, a previously opaque and time-consuming appeal mechanism. Applicants who faced rejection often found themselves in a frustrating loop, with little clarity on the reasons for denial and limited recourse beyond a lengthy appeal that could stretch on for months. According to Pavan Kavad, Managing Director, Prithvi Exchange (India) Limited, Germanys upcoming visa reforms mark a significant and positive shift for Indian travellers and professionals. By scrapping the visa remonstration process, Germany is removing a lengthy and often unclear appeals system. Applicants will now have a clearer option to either reapply or seek formal legal recourse, introducing greater transparency and predictability." To further streamline the application journey, Germany will also be cutting visa appointment wait times from nearly nine months to just a few daysa transformative move for those with urgent travel or academic commitments. The change is expected to benefit thousands of Indian applicants annually, including students racing against academic timelines and job seekers eyeing global opportunities. This is a major relief for Indian travellers," Kavad adds. Additionally, with the skilled worker visa quota for Indians increasing to 90,000 annually, Germany is sending a strong message about its openness to Indian talent. These reforms not only streamline the visa application process but also reinforce the growing Indo-German partnership in tourism, education, and employment." A Personal Perspective: I Almost Lost 30,000" For many, these changes arent just policytheyre personal. Indian travellers have long felt the sting of Europes rigid and unpredictable visa systems. Travel blogger Jeevan Kadam shares his own harrowing experience, Last year, when I applied for a Schengen visa, it was nothing short of a nightmare. I nearly lost 30,000 in the whole process," he recalls. It was incredibly frustrating and time-consuming, and the worst part was not clearly knowing why the application was denied. Like many Indians, I felt helpless." His experience echoes a broader trend. According to a recent Business Standard report, Indians lost a staggering 662 crore in non-refundable visa fees in 2024 alone, primarily due to Schengen visa rejections. These denials not only cost applicants financially but also result in missed academic admissions, business meetings, family reunions, and holiday plans. But now," Jeevan adds with optimism, things are changing. Germany will eliminate the remonstration procedure, and instead of an unclear internal review, applicants will now have to either reapply or go through judicial appealwhich feels fairer. Theyve even launched a digital Consular Services Portal so applications can be submitted online. This just feels like a more reliable and traveler-friendly option." Germany: A Gateway to Europe These reforms are expected to position Germany as a gateway country for Indian travellers to Europe, especially for those planning to visit multiple Schengen countries. With the promise of efficiency, fairness, and accessibility, Germany is rapidly becoming a preferred starting point for European travel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Germany is emerging as one of Europes most accessible and promising destinations for Indians," Kavad affirms. These visa reforms are not just administrative updatestheyre a reflection of the countrys recognition of Indias growing global mobility and contribution." As the countdown to July 2025 begins, one thing is clear: Germanys new visa policy has the potential to redefine the Indian travel and mobility experience, creating a more open and equitable system that finally meets the needs of the modern global citizen. 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 20, 2025, 07:31 IST Tourists Cancel Japan Trips As Japanese Manga Predicts Tsunami In July 2025 Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:09 IST Japan is not new to devastating earthquakes. It is located on the Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic and volcanic activity on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Tatsuki has earlier predicted the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Japan is among the most popular tourist destinations and known for its rich culture, which includes everything from ancient temples to modern anime. It provides a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to natural surroundings, making it appealing to a number of travellers. But following the past few days, Japans tourism sector has been facing a major downfall and the reason the prediction of a natural disaster. According to CNN, Ryo Tatsuki, a Japanese manga artist, has warned of a major disaster in July 2025. As per the travel companies, tourist interest has decreased due to the prediction. Some agencies reported cancellations of up to 50 per cent during the recent Easter vacations. Recommended Stories Also known as Japans new Baba Vanga, Tatsuki had previously predicted disasters such as the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the death of musician Freddie Mercury. She originally revealed her July 2025 predictions in 1999 in a book called The Future I Saw. Tatsuki predicted a major event in July 2025 in a revised edition of The Future I Saw, published in 2021. According to CNN, she foresees an undersea split between Japan and the Philippines. It also refers to tsunamis three times larger than those in 2011 and ocean waters boiling," which some readers feel could indicate an underwater volcanic eruption. Not just her, several psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have issued similar warnings, causing some tensions online and resulting in an upsurge of travel cancellations from regional destinations. The predicted zone includes a diamond-shaped region that borders Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Northern Mariana Islands, an area renowned for strong seismic activity. Talking about the scientists, several seismologists have earlier said that accurately predicting when an earthquake might strike is all but impossible. However, Japan is not new to devastating earthquakes. It is located on the Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic and volcanic activity on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Due to the predictions, Japans tourism has faced a significant downfall, a situation that is expected to continue till July 2025. WWPKG, a Hong Kong-based travel company, said that bookings to Japan for Easter were down by roughly half. CN Yuen, managing director of WWPKG, told CNN that concerns over Tatsukis prediction have been increased by recent advisories from the Chinese embassy in Tokyo." Earlier in April this year, the Chinese embassy in Japan cautioned its citizens to be prepared for natural calamities, citing recent earthquake activity and volcano alerts. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:09 IST UAE Launches Blue Visa For Environmental Champions With 10-Year Residency Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:26 IST As per the UAE government, those who have contributed to environmental conservation qualify for a 10-year visa. The Blue Visa was first introduced in 2024. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now begun the application process for the Blue Visa, a long-term resident visa for people who have made remarkable contributions to environmental protection. It is a multiple-entry permit that allows eligible tourists to stay in the Emirates for up to six months, with the possibility of a 10-year residency beginning this year. First introduced in May 2024, the UAE Blue Residency program aims to attract worldwide environmental leaders to help the UAE achieve sustainable economic and social development. Recommended Stories Beginning February 2025, individuals can apply for an environmental visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. If youre looking forward to applying for the Blue Visa, here weve mentioned the details related to the eligibility criteria and key steps. Take a look. Eligibility Criteria Influencers: Those who have made major contributions, put up extraordinary efforts, and had a significant impact on the environment, climate change, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy are eligible to apply for this Visa. Scientists and Researchers: Scientists with significant global achievements and influence in the disciplines of environment, climate change, sustainability and clean and renewable energy, as certified by the UAE Scientists Council. Investors and Entrepreneurs: Young businessmen or investors working in the field of climate change, sustainability, environment and renewable energy can also apply. Documents Required A valid passport for at least six months, Recent colour photograph, Proof of working in the specific field, Payment of the applicable fee. Steps To Apply: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Applicants can start the process by going to the ICP smart services platform or the official website. Next up, select Blue Residency Services. After that, one must decide where to apply for the Blue Visa. It can be filed both within the country and outside of it, including in India. The Blue Visa joins previously established programs such as the Golden Visa, which grants investors, entrepreneurs and specialists ten years of residency, and the Green Visa, which offers competent professionals and business owners five years. As per the UAE government, those who have contributed to environmental conservation qualify for a 10-year visa. These include the land and marine environments, air quality, sustainable technology, and the circular economy. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:26 IST Why Are Tourists Avoiding Nainital This Summer? Rs 60 Crore Loss And Counting Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:14 IST Nainital has seen a sharp drop in tourists this summer, with hotel bookings down to 1015% and losses nearing Rs 60 crore due to safety concerns and rising travel costs The impact of the sudden downturn in tourism is widespread, with street vendors, taxi drivers, boatmen, and shopkeepers all feeling the pinch. (News18) Nainital, the renowned hill station nestled in the state of Uttarakhand, is experiencing an alarming decline in tourist footfall this summer, traditionally its peak season. From April to June, the city usually sees a surge in visitors from across India, particularly from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. However, this year, the picturesque town stands eerily quiet. Hotels remain largely unoccupied, local markets are subdued, and the iconic boats on Naini Lake lie idle. Tourism operators report a staggering loss of approximately Rs 60 crore so far. The Nainital Hotel Association has confirmed that occupancy rates, which reached as high as 90% in May last year, have plummeted to a mere 10 15% this season. Recommended Stories Factors Driving Tourists Away From Nainital Several factors are believed to have contributed to this sudden downturn. Industry experts and local business owners point to increased parking and toll charges, recent reports of communal tension within Nainital, and a generally strained security situation along the India-Pakistan border. These issues have led many would-be tourists to choose alternative destinations. The situation is dire," said Digvijay Singh Bisht, President of the Nainital Hotel Association. The cascading effect is visible across all sectors; hotels, restaurants, taxi services, shops, and boating activities are all facing financial hardship." Ved Sah, Secretary of the Hotel Association, added that over 90% of hotel bookings have been cancelled in recent weeks, largely due to safety concerns and uncertainty. Local Livelihoods Hit Hard As Tourist Numbers Plunge The impact has been widespread. Street vendors, taxi drivers, boatmen, and shopkeepers are all feeling the pinch. Boat operator Kharak Singh lamented the empty waters of Naini Lake, once teeming with tourists. Were used to having queues for boat rides. Now, we wait hours for a single customer," he said. Kamal Pandey, a local businessman, noted that his earnings have dropped to just 20% of what they were during the same period last year. Hotel owners in both Mallital and Tallital echo similar sentiments, with many struggling to pay staff salaries as rooms remain vacant. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the current gloom, there remains a glimmer of hope. Some business owners report a slight uptick in tourist numbers in recent days. If the situation remains stable, they believe travellers may begin to return in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, the immediate future of Nainitals tourism sector hangs in the balance. Stakeholders are calling on the government for urgent intervention, requesting relief packages and concrete assurances of safety to help revive the once-thriving industry. As one of Indias most cherished hill stations battles this unprecedented crisis, the hope remains that the tranquil charm of Nainital will soon once again draw visitors from far and wide. fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Nainital, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:14 IST Akshay Kumar Invested Money In Hera Pheri 3: Priyadarshan On Actor Suing Paresh Rawal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:14 IST After Paresh Rawals exit from Hera Pheri 3, Akshay Kumars production company, Cape of Good Films, sent a legal notice to him asking for Rs 25 crores in damages. Akshay Kumar's production has sued Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore over Hera Pheri 3 exit Hera Pheri 3 director Priyadarshan has broken his silence over Paresh Rawals abrupt exit from his upcoming film Hera Pheri 3. Days after Rawal announced his decision to quit the film, Akshay Kumars production company, Cape of Good Films, reportedly sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal asking for Rs 25 crores in damages. Now, filmmaker Priyadarshan has reacted to this, and stated that Akshay has the right to take this legal step as he has invested his hard-earned money in the film. Hera Pheri 3 was set to reunite the original cast from the beloved 2000 film Hera Pheri- Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh. However, Paresh Rawals decision to quit left fans shocked. While speaking with Hindustan Times, Priyadarshan said that he is not aware why Paresh Rawal backed out of the film, and that he didnt inform them. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel and I did and both were onboard," he said. Priyadarshan further added that while he has nothing to lose, Akshay Kumar invested his money in Hera Pheri 3, and legally bought the rights for it from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. I dont have anything to lose but Akshay has invested money and that could be the reason why he is taking this action. Paresh Rawal hasnt spoken to me till date," said the director. Recommended Stories Priyadarshan has also directed Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar in their upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, which is set to release next year. Meanwhile, sources close to the production informed HT that Akshay Kumars production company sued Paresh Rawal as he acted unprofessionally and left the film Hera Pheri 3 after signing the contract and starting the shoot. The report also states that the veteran actor was being paid more than three times his usual fee" for the film. Meanwhile, in an interview with Mid-Day, Paresh Rawal spoke about his decision to quit the film. He said, I know it came as a shock to many. We three make a great combination with Priyadarshanji directing us, but the fact is that I opted out because today I dont feel like a part of it. It is final for the time being. I always say never say never for anything. One cannot predict what happens in the future." He made it clear that his decision to leave Hera Pheri 3 had nothing to do with creative differences or money. First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:14 IST Flying Beast Gaurav Taneja BREAKS Silence On Shark Tank India Backlash: 'They Were Against Me...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 07:28 IST Gaurav Taneja, YouTuber and entrepreneur, faced tough scrutiny on Shark Tank India Season 4 for his protein brand, Beast Life. Gaurav Taneja aka Flying Beast was seen on Shark Tank India. Entrepreneur and popular YouTuber Gaurav Taneja made headlines with his appearance on Shark Tank India Season 4, where he presented his protein brand, Beast Life. The pitch quickly turned intense as Sharks Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, and Anupam Mittal challenged him over several aspects of his business dealings. From failing to disclose income from his YouTube channel to omitting the mention of his other food venture, Rosier, Gaurav faced a barrage of tough questions. The panel also raised concerns about his multitasking approach and dependence on delegation in managing multiple businesses. Following the episode, Gaurav reflected on the experience during a conversation on the Think School Hindi YouTube channel by Zero1. Speaking candidly, he shared his confusion over the panels aggressive stance. A lot of things happened at Shark Tank and I was wondering why are they so much against me. When I receive a customers complaint, I give my team the order number and ask for an update, I wont sit and see in the system. Obviously I will delegate the task," he saod. Recommended Stories He also touched on being criticised for juggling his social media brand, Flying Beast, alongside his other ventures. They told me, You arent shutting down Flying Beast (his social media channel)? and I was like what a foolish decision. They are asking me shut down what distinguishes me and from where I am selling everything. We got a kickstart and we had an advantage but the rest of the journey has been same as them. We didnt get everything on a plate, I have also had sleepless nights and built this distribution. I would get up at 4am and take flights." Despite the backlash and walking away from the Tank without a deal, Gaurav came away with more than just business insights. He shared a key takeaway from the experience and said, More than business, I learnt how to stay humble and take rejections, and how to be quiet at some situations, come back and work harder, despite people not believing in you. We have to face rejections many times but when we face it in front of the camera, it becomes a big thing." On the show, Gaurav had sought Rs 1 crore in exchange for 1% equity in Beast Life, placing its valuation at Rs 100 crore. However, none of the Sharks opted to invest. Anupam Mittal, in particular, did not mince words in his feedback, calling Gaurav a good influencer" but a terrible entrepreneur." He told him on air, You are a good influencer, but you cant outsource entrepreneurship," and added, You cannot allot a set time in start-ups; you have to be available all the time." 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 20, 2025, 07:28 IST Kim Soo HyunKim Sae Ron Controversy Triggers 10 Police Cases In 3 Months Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:56 IST Kim Soo Hyuns side has filed seven legal complaints, including one against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute. Kim Soo Hyun allegedly dated a minor, Kim Sae Ron. (Photo Credits: Instagram) The controversy involving South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron continues to stir headlines and is far from over. Even months after the scandal, which first broke out in early March, every new revelation shakes things up. What started as a shocking revelation has now turned into a full-blown legal storm, with both parties locked in a tangled web of accusations, investigations and public scrutiny. The heart of the matter lies in allegations that Kim Soo Hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was still a minor. These claims, which were shared by the late actresss aunt on Garo Sero Research Institutes YouTube channel, along with a few newly surfaced pieces of evidence, have led to a fierce legal battle and intense media scrutiny. While many details still remain unclear, the case has triggered ten separate legal investigations linked to Kim Sae Ron, according to the South Korean media outlet Edaily. Recommended Stories On Monday, May 19, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency revealed during a press conference that seven of these cases are currently being handled by the Gangnam Police Station, while the remaining three are under the jurisdiction of the Seodaemun Police Station. The same outlet reported that Kim Soo Hyuns side has filed seven legal complaints, including one against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, aka Hoverlab, accusing them of defamation and stalking. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Rons bereaved family and legal representatives have submitted three cases, one of which includes a serious accusation against Kim Soo Hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act. The family, along with the Garo Sero Research Institute, even held a press conference earlier this month, where they released an audio clip as part of their evidence. The clip, which allegedly featured the late actress, claimed that Kim Sae Ron dated the Queen of Tears actor when she was still in high school. Moreover, both even had intimate physical relations. However, the actor and his agency, Gold Medalist, have firmly denied the allegation, calling it baseless and deeply damaging. YouTuber Lee Jin Ho even claimed that the recording was fabricated using AI. More recently, Bu Ji Seok, the lawyer representing Kim Sae Rons side, has come under fire, too. He has reportedly been reported to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea for allegedly giving misleading legal advice to the family during the case. About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:56 IST Love Island Alum Cashel Barnett Arrested For Strangling Ex-GF As Baby Watched On Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:14 IST Cashel Barnett, former Love Island USA star, is in custody in Salt Lake City for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend in front of their child. Cashel Barnett has been charged with domestic violence in Salt Lake City. Cashel Barnett, known for his stint on Love Island USA, has landed in serious legal trouble. The reality TV personality is currently in custody in Salt Lake City, Utah, following disturbing accusations involving his ex-girlfriend and their young daughter. Local authorities confirmed that Barnett was taken into custody on Monday and is being held without bail. The charges stem from a violent incident that allegedly took place earlier in April but was only brought to police attention a couple of weeks later. Recommended Stories According to details first reported by TMZ, the alleged altercation occurred on April 10. The victim claims that Barnett became physically aggressive, reportedly slapping her multiple times before lifting her by the neck and attempting to strangle her in front of their 1-year-old child. She reported the incident to law enforcement on April 24. Barnett, 33, voluntarily turned himself in, his legal team stated. Prosecutors have filed multiple charges against him in connection to the alleged assault. The case is currently under investigation. Barnett is facing serious charges: felony aggravated assault, felony domestic violence in front of a child, and two counts of misdemeanour assault. TMZ also reports that investigators are looking into another alleged violent incident by the same woman, which could lead to more charges. Hes being held at the Salt Lake City jail and is due back in court Thursday for a detention hearing, where the judge will decide if he gets bail. His attorney, Andrew K. Deesing, told NBC theyre still gathering facts and wont say more until after that hearing. You might remember Cashel from Love Island USA in 2019 and The Challenge: USA in 2022. These days, hes based in Salt Lake City, playing drums in several bands and doing modeling gigs. First Published: May 20, 2025, 08:14 IST Natalie Portman Says Playing Siblings With John Krasinski Was Really Fun Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:42 IST Natalie Portman explained that she and John Krasinski drew from their own experiences to bring their sibling relationship to life on screen. Natalie Portman and John Krasinski play siblings in Fountain of Youth. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Natalie Portman got to tick off a big dream from her bucket list while teaming up with John Krasinski for her latest film. The two starred in Fountain of Youth, a mystery movie that took them on a globe-trotting adventure to some incredible places. The films red carpet premiere was held at the American Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles on Monday, May 19. At the event, the 43-year-old actress opened up about why playing Johns sister made the experience especially meaningful for her. It was so incredible to get to work with John. Hes so funny. Hes so kind, such a good actor and to play brother and sister was really fun because both of us, I think, had an imagination of what it might be like," Portman said in an interview to People. Recommended Stories She explained that being an only child herself, she and John, who grew up with brothers, used their own experiences and imaginations to bring their sibling relationship to life on screen. Krasinski has two older brothers, Paul and Dr. Kevin Krasinski. Natalie added that the cast felt like a family during filming. She recalled the joy of traveling to amazing places, saying, We really had a crew the whole time and we all really had fun together. And then we got to shoot at the pyramids and be in Vienna and it was just magical." The story in Fountain of Youth centers around Luke Purdue, played by Krasinski, a treasure-hunting expert who is estranged from his sister Charlotte, the role played by Portman. The two siblings have to work together for a risky global heist to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Their mission is funded by a mysterious billionaire named Owen Carver, played by Domhnall Gleeson. But Owen has an ulterior motive for helping them and is not as straightforward as they seem. Krasinski spoke about the dynamic between the characters as he described Luke and Charlotte as opposites. He said, I love the initial juxtaposition between Luke and Charlotte this idea of the adventurous spirit and the person who is always playing it safe." The films director, Guy Ritchie, also commented on the sibling relationship and explained how their arguments add to the storys drama. He noted that squabbling is a natural part of brother-sister relationships. Brothers and sisters can say things to each other that no one else can. You can warm your hands off that kind of banter," the director added. The film also stars Eiza Gonzalez, Stanley Tucci, Laz Alonso, Arian Moayed and more. Fountain of Youth will be released on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 23. First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:42 IST Priyanka Chopra Gives Sneak-Peek Into Her Glamorous Night In Sicily | PICS Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:23 IST Priyanka Chopra, who recently attended the Bvlgari High Jewellery fashion show and gala dinner in Italy, has now shared pictures from the event. Priyanka Chopra stuns in a beige Dior dress at the Bvlgari event Global icon Priyanka Chopra makes heads turn every time she steps out, and this time was no different! The actress attended the Bvlgari High Jewellery fashion show and gala dinner in Italy last night, and several pictures and videos from the event surfaced on social media. Now, Priyanka has also shared a series of pictures from her glamorous night in Sicily, and fans are going gaga over her stunning look! Priyanka Chopra first shared a video clip that revealed her breath-taking look for the night. She donned a vintage silk beige shift maxi dress by Dior for the luxurious night, and it featured floral embroidery, enhanced by sparkling sequins and beads. The highlight of her look was a Bvlgari serpentine necklace, and a matching bracelet! In another picture, she is seen posing for a mirror selfie that gives a glimpse of her dazzling look for the night. She also shared a photo of the pasta, champagne, and other delights she enjoyed during her time in Italy, along with additional glimpses from the high-profile event. The last picture gave fans a glimpse of the beautiful view from her hotel room in Sicily. A night in Sicily," she wrote, while sharing the photos. Recommended Stories Check out her post below! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Fans couldnt stop gushing over Priyankas stunning look, and while one comment read, ABSOLUTE STUNNER," another one read, Always stunning always on point." Meanwhile, several pictures and videos featuring from the event going viral on Instagram show Priyanka posing and chatting with Liu Yifei and Korean pop star Lisa. On the professional front, Priyanka Chopra will next be seen in the upcoming Hollywood action thriller Heads of State, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. The film is set to premiere on Prime Video on July 2. She is also currently shooting for her next much-anticipated project, tentatively titled SSMB29. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film features South superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role and is expected to hit theatres in 2027. Meanwhile, she has also reportedly been roped in as the female lead in Hrithiks directorial debut Krrish 4. The actress, who was a part of Krrish, and Krrish 3, will reprise her role as Priya Mehra in the film. First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:58 IST Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Casts A Musical Spell At Historic Rudra Yagya In Goa Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:53 IST Rishab, who is widely popular for his fusion of traditional Indian music with modern Bollywood or urban beats, impressed the sea of people. Rishab was first introduced to the sitar at the age of ten. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Renowned sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has once again mesmerised the audience with his soulful musical flair. On May 15, 2025, Rishab performed at the holy Rudra Yagya, which was held in Goa after 300 years. Organised by Vishwajit Rane, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, the event was attended by nearly 15,000 people who witnessed Rishabs live performance as he successfully elevated the spiritual atmosphere of the event with the magic of traditional Indian music. The musician received a grand welcome adorned with floral garlands. His entrance was accompanied by the chants of chenda melam, a traditional musical instrument, and the presence of elephants, adding a regal touch to the event. Rishab, who is widely popular for his fusion of traditional Indian music with modern Bollywood or urban beats, impressed the sea of people, leaving them captivated by his music. The audiences at the event, devoid of their age, were visibly moved by his soulful performance. Recommended Stories Born in the renowned Rikhi Ram family of luthiers from Delhi, Rishab was first introduced to the sitar at the age of ten by his father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, who was also his first guru. He performed on the stage for the first time at a very young age in 2011, when his performance caught the attention of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Later, he took Rishab as his youngest and last disciple, and under his guidance, Rishab started to hone his talent and became the youngest sitar virtuoso. Recently, he went on his Sitar for Mental Health India Tour and performed across different cities in India, showcasing the power of ancient raga, neoclassical music, and a blend of traditional and modern musical sensibilities. His vision with the tour is helping people understand the importance of music in ones mental health and finding a sense of mental peace with the help of music. Due to the recent Pahalgam attack, Rishab stood by the nation and cancelled a few shows, including Bengaluru, Indore, Kolkata, and Surat, to stand in solidarity with the country and its soldiers. About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 18:53 IST Modi's Challenge: Beijing's Pakistan Support And The Future Of India-China Ties | Opinion Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:30 IST After the recent India-Pakistan conflict which saw the extensive use of Chinese weapon systems and jets attacking Indian soil, is there even a relationship left to label any more? China's role in enabling India's primary adversary is something that can set this already fractured relationship decades back. (Credits: File image) India & China International relations and geopolitical experts will call them Strategic Competitors, and an emotionally charged monologue on TV will label them enemies. But after the recent India-Pakistan conflict which saw the extensive use of Chinese weapon systems and Chinese manufactured jets attacking Indian soil, is there even a relationship left to label any more? It was no secret that China has been arming Pakistan for a long time now. But during the conflict, it went a step further, helping Pakistan diplomatically to secure IMF loans, and on the battlefield helped the terror-sponsoring state reorganise its radar and air defence systems to more effectively detect Indias deployments of troops and weaponry. Recommended Stories These actions warrant a re-orientation of India-China relations which had been relatively thawing. Chinas role in enabling Indias primary adversary is something that can set this already fractured relationship decades back. It hampers any genuine cooperation, and raises an important question: Can India and China truly build a stable relationship when one actively arms and diplomatically and militarily supports the others main regional adversary? A Strategic Enabler for Pakistan The recent conflict between India and Pakistan exposed a dimension of the China-Pakistan relationship that extends beyond mere arms sales, raising profound questions for Indias strategic calculus. According to an analysis from a research group under Indias Ministry of Defence, China provided significant air defence and satellite support to Pakistan during the hostilities in May 2025. This assessment, offered by the director general of the Centre For Joint Warfare Studies, suggests Beijing was more directly involved than previously understood. Specific details highlight the depth of this support: China reportedly assisted Pakistan in reorganising its radar and air defence systems, enhancing their ability to detect Indian troop and weaponry deployments. Furthermore, China allegedly helped Pakistan adjust satellite coverage over India during the critical 15-day period between the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that triggered the conflict and the start of large-scale fighting. This level of logistical and intelligence support goes significantly beyond traditional arms supply and after-sales support. To provide active, real-time assistance to Pakistan in a conflict scenario with India is like being an accessory to a murder. For New Delhi, it just cements the two-front situation" that leading experts have always talked about. This means planning for any future conflict with Pakistan must now explicitly factor in Chinese assistance. The Indian military assessment that anything currently available to China could be with Pakistan tomorrow underscores the deep erosion of trust this perceived enablement has caused. Undermining Diplomatic Thaw Chinas active support for Pakistan during a period of conflict starkly contrasts with the recent, albeit limited, diplomatic thaw between Beijing and New Delhi. Following the October 2024 border agreement, which facilitated the first meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping since 2019, there had been a notable increase in diplomatic engagement. This included subsequent meetings between foreign ministers, defence ministers, national security advisors, and other diplomats from November 2024 through March 2025. Discussions touched upon resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, restoring direct flights, and media exchanges. India articulated a desire for a more stable and predictable path, while China expressed calls for the two nations to be partners rather than rivals. India even lifted restrictions on several Chinese apps in February 2025, seen as a step towards improving ties. However, Chinas actions in supporting Pakistan during the conflict severely undermines any actual progress made. Providing military intelligence and logistical aid to Indias primary adversary is fundamentally incompatible with building a stable, predictable, or partnership-oriented relationship. Moreover, Pakistan crediting Chinas J-10C jet in the Kashmir fight has visibly cast a shadow over the nascent detente. While Chinese officials condemned the April 22 attack in a call with Indias National Security Advisor, the simultaneous reaffirmation of support for Pakistans sovereignty and national dignity" in a call with the Pakistani Foreign Minister highlights the skewed game that China plays. We could not expect trust from China, but as things were thought to be improving, this was a new low. The enablement of Pakistan by Beijing negates any positive steps taken in bilateral dialogue and underlines that the only way this relationship could be labelled is strategic rivalry." The Economic Balancing Act Adding complexity to this fraught relationship is the significant economic interdependence, particularly Indias reliance on trade with China. China remains Indias second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US 131.84 billion in FY2024-25. Crucially, India faces a substantial and growing trade deficit reported at 99.2 billion. This economic reality presents a challenge for India, as maintaining its current high level of economic growth (projected at 6.5 per cent in 2025) and achieving its goal of becoming the worlds third-largest economy by 2027, appears intertwined with its economic ties to China. Despite strategic tensions driven by border issues and Chinas Pakistan connection, India once again finds itself in a delicate balancing act. Aiming to become an alternative manufacturing hub, reducing its dependency, issues like reliance on Chinese components for domestic manufacturing (highlighted by the Apple shift example) demonstrate the difficulty of decoupling quickly. Furthermore, trade frictions, such as Chinas imposition of anti-dumping duties on Indian exports, continue to surface. This economic necessity compels engagement, but Chinese recklessness prevents this. It remains a transactional relationship, often fraught with underlying tension, rather than a cornerstone of a strategic partnership. Re-evaluating the Foundation The confluence of unresolved border disputes, growing economic asymmetry, and, most critically, Chinas strategic enablement of Pakistan forces a fundamental re-evaluation of the potential for a stable India-China relationship. The recent conflict underscores the paradoxical reality: attempts at diplomatic normalisation and tactical thaws are constantly undermined by Chinas deep-seated strategic alignment with a terror state, whose existence is now solely based, as it seems, is to continue asymmetrical warfare, while its citizens perish without food and even water. India operates with the understanding that the China-Pakistan nexus is a critical variable in its security planning, necessitating a focus on managing a two-front situation. This is why, even with Chinese enablement, we managed to reach our objectives without taking any significant damage. This strategic imperative has driven India to strengthen partnerships with countries across the Indo-Pacific and Europe and solidify ties with strategic partners like the United States. While diplomatic channels must remain open particularly given the risks between two nuclear-armed neighbours the recent events suggest that substantive progress towards genuine trust and cooperation is for naught. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The outlook for India-China ties, rather than aiming for normalisation, may need to focus on managing competition, exploring limited confidence-building measures, and realistically managing expectations. The central question remains: can India build a predictable, stable relationship with a power that actively arms and strategically assists its most significant regional adversary? Probably not. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:30 IST Opinion | Modi Governments Resolute Pursuit for a Naxal-Free India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:23 IST The mission to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, transcends a mere security goalit is a promise of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous India Incidents of Naxal violence have plummeted by 53 per cent, and deaths have dropped by 70 per cent compared to the 2004-2014 period. (PTI) Under the resolute leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India is forging an unyielding path to eradicate Naxal terror, or Left-Wing Extremism, by March 31, 2026. This audacious deadline embodies a fierce resolve to dismantle an insurgency that has haunted the nation for over five decades, claiming countless lives, stunting progress, and testing the resilience of Indias democratic spirit. Through a dynamic blend of aggressive security operations, transformative development, and compassionate rehabilitation, the Modi government is not merely confronting Naxalism, but reimagining the future of Indias tribal heartlands, weaving a vision of peace and prosperity. Naxalism, rooted in socio-economic inequities and fuelled by ideological extremism, has long cast a dark shadow over Indias mineral-rich, tribal-dominated regions, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has prioritised this internal security threat, viewing it as a barrier to inclusive growth and democratic governance. Recommended Stories Home Minister Amit Shah, with his characteristic clarity, has labelled Naxalism the biggest challenge to our democratic system", noting its toll of nearly 17,000 lives over four decades. Yet, the governments confidence in setting a 2026 deadline is far from rhetoricalit is anchored in a decade of tangible progress. From 126 Naxal-affected districts in 2014, the number has shrunk to just 12 by 2024, with only six classified as heavily affected. Incidents of Naxal violence have plummeted by 53 per cent, and deaths have dropped by 70 per cent compared to the 2004-2014 period. This remarkable decline underpins a strategy Amit Shah describes as ruthless yet humane," seamlessly blending decisive action against armed insurgents with heartfelt outreach to those ready to abandon violence, shrinking the Naxal footprint and kindling hope for lasting peace. The Modi governments approach is a masterful balance of strength and compassion, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of Naxalism through a holistic strategy. At its core lies a relentless campaign to neutralize armed Naxalites. Security forces, including the CRPF and state police, are equipped with modern assault rifles, advanced weaponry, and enhanced training, dominating LWE strongholds with precision. Over the past five years, 302 Forward Operating Bases have been established, constricting Naxal operational space, while the Home Ministrys air wing, supported by 68 night-landing helipads, ensures rapid deployment in remote terrains. A laser-focused effort to dismantle the Naxal leadership has neutralised 15 Politburo and Central Committee members, crippling its command structure. Yet, the government knows that force alone cannot uproot an insurgency born of despair. Naxalism thrives in the shadows of abject deprivation, and the Modi administration is countering this with a floodlight of development. PM Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat" is taking root in Naxal-affected regions through roads, railways, schools, hospitals, and mobile towers. In Chhattisgarhs Bastar, over 9,000 houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, restoring dignity to families scarred by violence. Welfare schemes have achieved full saturation, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and jobs. As Home Minister Shah often emphasises, Peace and development are the only paths to change," a mantra transforming once-isolated regions into vibrant hubs of opportunity. Equally vital is the governments outstretched hand to Naxalites, as firm as its iron fist. In 2024, over 880 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh, with 521 in the last three months alone, drawn by a soon-to-be-unveiled surrender policy that promised financial aid, jobs, and a fresh start. Stories like Jaymati Banjam, a former Naxal now serving in the District Reserve Guard, or Dhananjay, who aids security forces, illuminate the transformative power of rehabilitation. Home Minister Amit Shahs personal appealsurrender, and your rehabilitation is our responsibility"carries weight, though he warns that those who cling to violence will face unrelenting action. Meanwhile, the government is choking Naxalisms lifeline by disrupting its funding and urban networks. The Enforcement Directorate has targeted financial channels, while crackdowns on urban Naxal networks sever logistical and ideological support, isolating the insurgency in both jungles and cities. At the heart of this mission are the tribal communities, often caught in the crossfire. Initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and cultural festivals celebrate indigenous traditions, giving tribal youth a stake in Indias future. PM Modis commitment to preserving Adivasi culture reflects a deep dedication to empowerment without alienation, ensuring that tribal heartlands pulse with pride and possibility. Recent operations, particularly in Chhattisgarh, underscore the governments momentum. In February 2025, a massive operation in Bijapur felled 31 Maoists, recovering a cache of arms and explosives. March saw another Bijapur encounter claim 22 Naxalites, part of a broader sweep that neutralized 90 Naxals, arrested 104, and secured 164 surrenders in early 2025. On March 29, security forces struck again on the Sukma-Dantewada border, eliminating 17 Naxalites and seizing automatic weapons. The pinnacle came on May 14, when a 21-day operation in the Karregutta Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border wiped out 31 Naxalites without a single security casualty. Home Minister Amit Shah called it the biggest ever operation against Naxalism," noting that the Tricolor now flies in a former bastion of red terror." These operations, totalling over 90 Naxalites neutralized in 2025, reflect the seamless synergy of intelligence, training, and resolve, with the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and DRG earning Home Minister Amit Shahs praise for carving a path to peace. As the March 2026 deadline approaches, the government is intensifying its efforts. Amit Shahs regular reviews with chief ministers and security officials ensure seamless coordination, while PM Modis visits to Naxal-affected regions radiate resolve. The message is clear: surrender for a better future, or face the full might of the state. By blending ruthless operations with compassionate outreach, the government is not only defeating Naxalism but winning the trust of communities long trapped in its shadow. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The mission to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, transcends a mere security goalit is a promise of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous India. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are crafting a future where tribal heartlands thrive with opportunity, not fear. Recent operations and transformative policies are the threads of this vision. As India edges closer to a Naxal-free dawn, the legacy of this resolute quest will stand as a testament to the importance of political will power. Tuhin A Sinha is a national spokesperson of BJP, besides being an author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:23 IST Opinion | Why Rahul Gandhis Criticism Of EAM Jaishankar May Be Off Target Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:33 IST Government sources say Gandhi is insistent on knowing about whether Rafale jets went down or not, so as to again raise his old bogey of irregularities in buying of Rafale jets Rahul Gandhi is accusing S Jaishankar of compromising the safety of Indian air force assets. (PTI) Would the foreign minister of the country leak information to Pakistan that Indian armed forces are about to attack its terrorist bases? As inexplicable and confounding this sounds, this is exactly what Rahul Gandhi is accusing the Narendra Modi government of. It does not stop here. Gandhi and his party also want to know how many fighter aircraft did India lose due to this purported leaked warning of the attack. In short, Gandhi is accusing S Jaishankar of compromising the safety of Indian air force assets. Congress MPs at the Standing Committee briefing in Parliament on Monday also repeated Gandhis queryhow many fighter jets did we lose? Recommended Stories The problem here is that Gandhi is not relenting even after the government has repeatedly said all of the above is not true. Worse, the Congress is now playing into the Pakistani playbook. What Are The Facts? The Foreign Ministry, in a statement on May 17, made it clear that Jaishankar has stated that we had warned Pakistan at the start, which is clearly the early phase after Operation Sindoors commencement". He never meant that Pakistan was informed before the commencement of the operation, the MEA has said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed Parliamentarians of the same on Monday at the standing committee meeting, when he said the fact is that India had informed Pakistan about the precise strikes after the initial phase of its commencement of Op Sindoor. Much before this, Lt General Rajiv Ghai, DGMO, Indian Army, had said last week: Even though we did attempt to reach out and communicate (to Pakistan) about our compulsions to strike at the heart of terror to my counterpart in the immediate wake of Operation Sindoor, the request was turned down with an intimation that a severe response was inevitable and in offing." Hence, to say that India informed Pakistan before conducting the strike on May 7 morning is an utter misrepresentation of facts. It is standard army protocol through DGMOs to inform Pakistan of a strike carried out on their soil and say that military or civilian installations were not targeted. This set protocol is being twisted to suit its political narrative by Congress, government sources say. Let it be clearthere was no pre-strike warning given to Pakistan. The communication mentioned by Jaishankar and others was part of post-strike diplomatic protocol, which is common to avoid misinterpretation of intent and to signal that civilian and military infrastructure wasnt the target. Another thing that Gandhi and Congress are persisting upon is to know how many Indian jets went down. On this issue, Air Marshal AK Bharti last week had already made it clear when asked about the same by the media: We are in combat scenario and losses are a part of it. As far as the details, at this time, I would not like to comment on that. Because we are still in a combat situation. If I comment, it will only be advantage to adversary. We have achieved our objectives, and all our pilots are back home." The Dangerous Politics Government sources say Gandhi is insistent on knowing about whether Rafale jets went down or not, so as to again raise his old bogey of irregularities in buying of Rafale jetsa charge the Supreme Court has dismissed. To add to Gandhis charges, Congress did a press conference on Monday to say that Sindoor ka Sauda Hua, citing Donald Trumps statement that he had threatened India with trade to stop the war. Congress asked how many terrorists were allowed to escape because Pakistan was given time, and asked if Azhar Masood could hence escape. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The BJP is now targeting Gandhi, saying his statements conveniently echo Pakistans narrative and that he is the new age Mir Jafar. After promising publicly to back the governments every step as part of Operation Sindoor, this is a slippery slope for the Congress. Pakistani news channels are wondering that even their opposition has not castigated their government in this fashion. After questioning the government after the Balakot air strikes and pressing for evidence of the damage, the Congress could be repeating the same mistake now. Repeated questioning of military operations and equipment integrity in public weakens the countrys strategic messaging. And Gandhi is ending up doing that. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:04 IST Kharge Calls Operation Sindoor 'A Small War', BJP Reacts 'Congress Is Giving Oxygen To Pakistan' Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Mahima Joshi Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:38 IST Kharge stated that the lives of 26 innocent people could have been saved if the government provided adequate security to tourists. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI Amid the ongoing backlash over Rahul Gandhis comment on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday questioned why the Modi government did not provide security to the tourists when they themselves cancelled the Prime Ministers scheduled visit to Kashmir in April, suspecting an attack in the valley. Kharges remarks came in reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modis April visit to Srinagar. However, the visit was called off following credible intelligence about an imminent attack in the valley. Recommended Stories I asked a question and I am yet to get a response. PM Modi was supposed to go to Kashmir on April 17, but his intelligence department told him not to go saying there could be violence. They cancelled off the program," Kharge said. If they knew this, why didnt they inform the tourist through the police, asking them to not go, saying there could be trouble. We could have saved 26 lives and a small war and conflict with Pakistan," he added. Kharge Questions Modi Govt Earlier in May, before the launch of Operation Sindoor, Kharge while addressing a rally in Jharkhand pointed the finger at the government over its handling of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, asking the government why it did not take appropriate measures despite having intelligence about a possible terror attack in Kashmir. I have received information that days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Modi, and based on that, he cancelled his programme to visit Kashmir," Kharge had alleged, adding, If intelligence could warn that it wasnt safe for you (the PM) to go there, why didnt you take proper steps to protect the tourists and civilians?" Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, in which 26 innocent people were killed. India avenged the April 22 Pahalgam attack by launching a missile attack on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. BJP Reacts top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed the Congress chief and said that Operation Sindoor is a small thing for Congress. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are not able to understand that India destroyed 9 terrorist camps and killed more that 100 terrorists through Operation Sindoor. Rahul Gandhi has become poster boy of Pakistan. Congress is giving oxygen to Pakistan," he said. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:46 IST Bengaluru Sinks But No Rain On Siddaramaiahs Parade As Congress Heads To Hosapete For Celebrations Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:57 IST The cabinet and Congress leadership will mark two years in power with a Sadhana Samaveshaa public rally aimed at highlighting the governments achievements For Siddaramaiah, the Hosapete rally is a public pitch for continuity and a show of strength to the Congress high command in Delhi. (PTI) Incessant rains have brought Bengaluru to its knees. The same city that Karnataka proudly flaunts as contributing over 43.65 per cent to the states economy is now reeling under floodwaters. But as the capital drowns, the ruling Congress government has chosen to shift focusaway from crisis and towards celebration. The entire Siddaramaiah cabinet and Congress leadership have landed in Hosapete to mark two years in power with a Sadhana Samaveshaa public rally aimed at highlighting the Congress governments achievements. Being held in the newly formed Vijayanagara district, the event is being portrayed as a guarantee rally," with the government claiming it has spent Rs 80,000 crore on its five flagship schemesone of the main poll planks on which it came to power in the state. Recommended Stories Siddaramaiahs report card is a sweet-and-sour mix. The welfare push through the guarantees has been the centrepiece of the governments pitch to voters in 2023and has been delivered effectively, says the Congress. The Congress came to power on the twin promises of clean governance (anti-corruption) and welfare. Two years in, the welfare delivery has been seen as successful. But the clean image as well as development have taken a beating. The past year may well have been the most challenging 12 months of Siddaramaiahs two terms as chief minister. This term, Siddaramaiahs second stint as chief minister of Karnataka, has also been marred by corruption scandals, internal power tussles, and a governance gap thats glaringly visible in Bengaluru. Back in Bengaluru, the ongoing rain fury has left three people dead, over 500 homes flooded, and many neighbourhoods submerged. Poor drainage has paralysed infrastructure, submerged underpasses, and created traffic snarls stretching kilometres. When asked about the crisis, Siddaramaiah and his deputy, Shivakumar, downplayed concerns: We cannot control rains or nature," he told News18, but we can ensure peoples safety, and that is being done by the agencies." He added that a city-wide tour was planned for May 21 to assess the damage. But for the chief minister, the Hosapete rally is more than just a celebrationits a statement. It is a public pitch for continuity, a show of strength to the Congress high command in Delhi, and an assertion that he remains the best candidate to complete the governments full term. Political scientist Sandeep Shastri said Siddaramaiah has pushed forward the promises the party made in the last elections. But this term, hes had to deal with corruption allegationssomething he hadnt faced in the past. Thats been a major setback. Responding to those charges has dented his image and slowed him down. Hes had to spend more time firefighting than governing," said Shastri. That term, however, hangs on a delicate power-sharing equation. When the Congress returned to power in 2023, it was said that under an unwritten understanding" between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, a 2.5-year split of the chief ministership was agreed upon to end the standoff between their factions. Shastri adds: Regardless of whether there was a formal agreement on a power-sharing deal, it is imperative for the chief minister to show what was promised and what has been delivered. The additional challenge is that theres talk about him having to make way for someone else. That makes it all the more necessary for him to justify his performance over these two yearsand, indirectly, argue why he should continue." Siddaramaiah was seen as the main face of the election campaign in 2023; Shivakumar, as the state party president, was its enginemobilising grassroots support and building the partys state-wide machinery. Their popularity as leaders helped pull the party across the victory line, with a thumping success of 135 seats out of 224 assembly seats in Karnataka. As the halfway mark approaches, Shivakumar has been tugging every string in Delhi to remind the party of that pact. Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, has been working hard to present a performance strong enough to justify his governance. Siddaramaiah is also a chief minister who declared that the 2023 election would be his last. That has only fuelled speculation that Shivakumar could be next in line to lead the Congress in Karnataka. But for now, Siddaramaiah remains firmly in charge. In March 2025, he presented his 16th budgetmore than any CM in the states history. With over seven years in office across two terms, he is inching close to surpassing D Devaraj Urs as Karnatakas longest-serving chief minister. Unlike his relatively unblemished first term from 2013 to 2018, Siddaramaiahs second innings has unfolded under constant oversight from the Congress high command. From key decisions to damage control, he has been in frequent consultation with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi. However, Shivakumars USP is as the man with organisational skills. One who also brought the Congress to power even in neighbouring Telanganaan organisation man who will lead the party from the front. As one Congress leader from the Shivakumar camp said, This is the time for Shivakumar to assert and get his chance to become chief minister. That will pave the way for the next election for the Congress to win again, as he will lead it like a general from the frontlines." Despite the setbacks, Siddaramaiahs camp continues to push the Karnataka Model"a blend of welfarism, social justice, and fiscal managementas a blueprint that other states have followed as his USP. At the core of Siddaramaiahs administration are the five guarantee schemesGruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyoti, Anna Bhagya, and Yuva Nidhi. Despite questions around financial sustainability, these schemes have had clear on-ground impact, especially among women, the unemployed, and low-income groups. Their success helped the Congress bag nine Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka in 2024 (up from one in 2019 parliamentary polls), and sweep three assembly bypolls. It is the guarantees that have given people disposable income in their hands. It empowers them, brings them back to their feet and today we are able to build a stronger state. That is what the guarantees have donethey have guaranteed people their right to life, food, access to medicines and employment. Thats what a welfare government does and what Siddaramaiahs government stands for," said labour minister Santosh Lad to News18. Still, the past two years have been riddled with turbulenceand that certainly has rocked Siddaramaiahs boat. The most damaging controversy has been the MUDA land allotment case, which was personal to Siddaramaiah. For a politician who did not want his political career to be blemished with corruption charges, the MUDA case certainly dented his image. The scandal involved residential sites in Mysuru being allocated to Siddaramaiahs wife. Though she returned the sites, the political damage was done. The Governors decision to sanction prosecution against Siddaramaiah in the case opened a fresh battlefront between the Raj Bhavan and the government. Almost simultaneously, the Valmiki Corporation scam rocked the state. Crores meant for tribal welfare were siphoned off to private accountsa racket that came to light only after a corporation employee died by suicide, leaving behind a note. ST welfare minister B Nagendra was forced to resign and was later arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. An SIT was formed and recovery was initiated. Then came another embarrassment. Cooperation minister KN Rajanna claimed nearly 50 politicians had been honey-trapped, including himself. The dramatic revelation dominated headlines, but two months on, theres little to show for itfurther denting the governments credibility. The administrations fatigue is most evident in Bengaluru. Despite big-ticket announcements like tunnel roads and sky decks, the city is still buried under garbage, potholes, broken footpaths, and a crumbling civic system. Shivakumar, who handles the Bengaluru Development portfolio, has promised sweeping reformsbut the ground reality remains unchanged. The government has pitched the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA) as a structural fixproposing to break BBMP into smaller zones and bring both the CM and DyCM into more direct control. But whether this bureaucratic rejig will translate into results is still unclear. Even Siddaramaiahs statements during the Pahalgam incidentsaying that war was not neededwere seen as a faux pas and have embarrassed the party. Shastri said one should understand that Siddaramaiah is not a dyed-in-the-wool Congressman. He has his own approach and his own styleand sometimes that style may not always align with what the party needs. I think theres definitely discomfort about it, and its visible," he said. All this has kept the government in constant firefighting mode. Siddaramaiah has worked to maintain his grip, while Shivakumar continues to safeguard his position as KPCC chief. But the bruises have been real. On the Congress high commands strategy, Shastri says: The high command has other problems to deal with. Theyre facing bigger challenges at the national level. So, managing a state where theyre already in power might not seem like a priority to them." While he thinks that is not the right approach, and the fact they should be focused on retaining every state they hold, it appears they are more preoccupied with the broader picture", he said. So, will there be a handover of power? That is the million-dollar question," says PS Jayaramu, another political commentator and former Dean, Faculty of Arts at Bangalore University. As a keen observer of politics, he said, Because all we know is that there was some kind of secret understanding between Shivakumar and Sonia Gandhithat she would support him in becoming chief minister after two-and-a-half years. But we dont have anything authentic on record. It remains speculative, yet politically potent." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What complicates matters further is the role of Rahul Gandhi. Though Sonia may have brokered the initial truce, Rahuls voice now holds more sway in organisational matters. His views on leadership transition in Karnataka remain unclearand that ambiguity is allowing the suspense to build, adds Jayaramu. Other part is, you know, Rahul Gandhi, who matters a lot in the Congress party in terms of decision-makinghe is reportedly in favour of Siddaramaiah. So that strengthens Siddaramaiahs case. Plus, the achievements which the Congress government claimsachievements by the implementation of the guaranteeswill also help him stand in good stead to continue in office. So the odds are in favour of Siddaramaiah for now. But then, Shivakumar also will not keep quiet. He might come up with some overtures which might shake the party leadership," he explained. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:57 IST Congress Repeating Balakot Blunder? Kharge, Rahul's Operation Sindoor Remarks Trigger Turmoil Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 15:55 IST The BJP now has an issue to capitalise on, but several Congress leaders, who plan to contest elections in 2025 and 2026, are dismayed and confused. While the BJP is keen to maintain pressure on the Congress, the hasty remarks by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are damaging the political prospects of those aiming to contest future elections. (Image: PTI) Two senior Congress leaders made critical comments, creating a narrative that could potentially harm the party once again. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge repeated his earlier accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of an intelligence input regarding a possible terror attack in Kashmir and had cancelled his trip. He blamed the PM and the government for the deaths of 26 tourists in Pahalgam. In Bengaluru, the Congress President took it a step further by referring to Operation Sindoor as a small war," echoing Pakistans stance that it was not a war against them and that India suffered more. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, too, criticised the PM and the government, questioning how many planes were shot down by the Pakistanis. Adding to this, Pawan Khera accused External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of being a sindoor ka saudagar" and a mukhbir" or mole for Pakistan. Recommended Stories The BJP now has an issue to capitalise on, but several Congress leaders, who plan to contest elections in 2025 and 2026, are dismayed and confused. Following the Balakot airstrikes, when many Congress leaders questioned and demanded proof, these leaders warned the top brass that this was detrimental. It harmed the party in the polls and would continue to do so. One senior leader present at the meeting called by Kharge on Operation Sindoor raised this issue, welcoming the Congresss staunch support for the government. However, it seems this was premature. The Congress top leadership aims to retaliate. In 2014, the BJP gained power by portraying the UPA as being weak on terror and the then PM Manmohan Singh as ineffective. Now, the Congress wants to project the current government and PM similarly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Unfortunately, this strategy is not succeeding. Rahul Gandhi has made similar mistakes in the past. For instance, in 2021, he accused the PM of leaking operational details of the Balakot strikes to a journalist, asking if there was a WhatsApp group. During a discussion on China, Rahul Gandhi misquoted the Army Chief, claiming that India lost territory. These comments have previously hurt the Congress. While the BJP is keen to maintain pressure on the Congress, the hasty remarks by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are damaging the political prospects of those aiming to contest future elections. About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:55 IST 'Modern-Age Mir Jafar': BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of Helping Pakistan Push 'False Narrative' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:47 IST BJP hit back at Rahul Gandhi after he called out Jaishankar for his "damning silence" on the number of aircraft India lost under Operation Sindoor. BJP slams Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he attacked EAM Jaishankar. (Image: PTI/File) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday hit back at Rahul Gandhi after the Congress MP called out External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his damning silence" on the number of aircraft India lost under Operation Sindoor. Accusing the Leader of Opposition of helping Pakistan push its false narrative" with his words, the BJP termed Rahul Gandhi as modern age Mir Jafar". Taking to X, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya slammed Rahul Gandhi and stated that the Pakistani media is weaponising his social media posts to push a false narrative this time, portraying a battle in which India clearly dominated the escalation matrix as something in their favour. Recommended Stories This isnt new. In the past as well, the Pakistani establishment has gleefully cited Rahul Gandhis statements in international forums to deflect attention from their own role in harbouring terrorists. His words repeatedly serve as cover for those who sponsor cross-border terrorism," Malviya wrote in a post on X as he shared a video clip of a Pakistani news channel featuring Rahul Gandhis post on Jaishankar. He further questioned Rahul Gandhi: At what point does political ambition give way to national responsibility? The BJP leader further said that Rahul Gandhi is the modern age Mir Jafar". Shame on Rahul Gandhi. Once again, Pakistani media is weaponizing his social media posts to push a false narrativethis time, portraying a battle in which India clearly dominated the escalation matrix as something in their favour.This isnt new. In the past as well, the pic.twitter.com/9AvF7BAIow Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 19, 2025 The BJP leader further stated that it is no surprise that Rahul Gandhi is speaking the language of Pakistan and its benefactors. He hasnt congratulated the Prime Minister on the flawless Operation Sindoor, which unmistakably showcases Indias dominance. Instead, he repeatedly asks how many jets we losta question that has already been addressed in the DGMO briefings." The BJP pointed out that the Congress leader has to even once once inquired about how many Pakistani jets were shot down during the conflict, or how many were destroyed while parked in their hangars when Indian forces pounded Pakistani airbases. Whats next for Rahul Gandhi? The Nishan-e-Pakistan?" the BJP leader inquired. It is not surprising that Rahul Gandhi is speaking the language of Pakistan and its benefactors. He hasnt congratulated the Prime Minister on the flawless #OperationSindoor, which unmistakably showcases Indias dominance. Instead, he repeatedly asks how many jets we losta pic.twitter.com/BT47CNpddj Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 20, 2025 Union minister Prahlad Joshi also slammed Rahul Gandhi and said he seems to have learned nothing from his past mistakes. He (Rahul Gandhi) continues to disrespect the Nations Armed Forces by questioning how many jets were lostdespite clear statements from the IAF and MEA confirming there were no asset losses. He misquotes the MEA, even though the DGMO clarified in his May 11 briefing that India had made efforts to communicate with its counterparts. Is the Congress party truly serious about supporting the nation? Their actions suggest otherwise," he wrote on X. Rahul Gandhi seems to have learned nothing from his past mistakes. He continues to disrespect the Nations Armed Forces by questioning how many jets were lostdespite clear statements from the IAF and MEA confirming there were no asset losses. He misquotes the MEA, even though https://t.co/OPKtZySXzE pic.twitter.com/A7AVndZHiN Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 19, 2025 BRS Leader Questions Rahul Gandhi Reacting to the Pakistani media claims using Rahul Gandhis tweet, BRS leader Dr Krishank also questioned the Congress leader and attacked him for earning political points at the cost of Indias reputation. He further accused Rahul Gandhi of strengthening the false propaganda of Pakistan that too, in a situation that was almost like a war. Raising questions on the Congress MP, the BRS leader stated that being a Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi had the privilege of asking such questions in an all-party meeting behind closed doors, instead of chosing X as a platform to question matters of national security. Do continue to ask questions, Rahul ji, but at the right time, right place so that it strengthens Indian voices, not its Opponents," he suggested. Sir @RahulGandhi1. Pakistan is celebrating though Indian Armed Forces strikes forced them to beg for Ceasefire 2. Pakistan had no evidence to prove their false claims except to say Social Media on Global News Platforms 3. But you have turned to be a saviour for the Pakistan Dr.Krishank (@Krishank_BRS) May 20, 2025 Rahul Gandhi Targets Jaishankar top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Doubling down on his attack on External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday reiterated his earlier claim that the Centre informed Pakistan at the start" of Operation Sindoor and said this wasnt a lapse", but a crime". Accusing Jaishankar of staying silent, Rahul Gandhi levelled allegations despite PIB fact-checking the claims and debunking them. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:53 IST Office In Turkey? Congress Lodges FIR Against BJPs Amit Malviya, Journalist For Defamation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 21, 2025, 00:11 IST The party in a post on X, said that BJP's IT Cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic Arnab Goswami, made a malicious attempt to malign Congress. The Congress Legal Cell said it was a "malicious attempt" to malign the party. (Image: PTI) The Congress Party on Tuesday filed an FIR against BJP leader Amit Malviya and a reputed journalist alleging defamation and accusing them for spreading malicious disinformation about the grand-old party having an office in Turkey. The Indian Youth Congress Legal Cell (IYC), in a post on X, said that BJPs IT Cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic Arnab Goswami, made a malicious attempt to malign Congress and they will not stay silent. Recommended Stories Under the direction of @IYC In-charge Shri @Allavaru Ji, National President @UdayBhanuIYC Ji, and Our Chairman @RoopeshINC Ji, an FIR has been registered under non-bailable sections against @amitmalviya and Arnab Goswami Editor-in-Chief, @republic for defaming the constitutional office of the Leader of Opposition, Shri @RahulGandhi ji," the post said. Under the direction of @IYC In-charge Shri @Allavaru Ji, National President @UdayBhanuIYC Ji, and Our Chairman @RoopeshINC Ji, an FIR has been registered under non-bailable sections against @amitmalviya and Arnab Goswami Editor-in-Chief, @republic for defaming the constitutional pic.twitter.com/nlTxoPO8RD IYC Legal Cell (@IYCLegalCell) May 20, 2025 In their post, the party also mentioned defamation of the constitutional office of the Leader of Opposition" Rahul Gandhi. This malicious attempt to malign @INC, provoke unrest, and undermine national security is a direct attack on democracy. We will not stay silent. Let this be a clear message: Any attempt to spread fake news against our party or its leadership will be met with firm legal and political response," it added. Earlier today, Malviya called Gandhi modern age Mir Jafar" and said that the Congress leader is speaking the language of Pakistan and its benefactors". Malviya made these remarks after Gandhi called out External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over Operation Sindoor. Allegations Against Malviya, Goswami In its complaint, the grand-old party alleged that Malviya and Goswami started spreading a fake claim that the Istanbul Congress Center in Turkey is the office of the Indian National Congress. This act was executed with clear and undeniable criminal intent to deceive the Indian public, defame a major political institution, manipulate nationalist sentiments, incite public unrest, and undermine national security and democratic integrity," the FIR read as shared by the party. This orchestrated campaign is not a mere ethical lapse but a deliberate criminal conspiracy, executed with premeditation to cause public harm, destabilize the nation, and advance partisan agendas. The accused have abused their positions of influence-Mr. Malviya as a key political strategist and Mr. Goswami as a prominent media figure-to perpetrate a grave assault on truth, public safety, and national interest," the FIR read further. Malviya Reacts Additionally, Amit Malviya shared Arnabs clip on X and wrote The FIR is for this video. Imagine." Meanwhile, before Congress announced the filing of the case, Republic had issued a corrigendum, saying it had inadvertently erroneously used an image depicting Congress office in Turkey. Following Turkey and Azerbaijans support for Pakistan after Indias Operation Sindoor, the calls to boycott these two countries have gained momentum. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned Indias recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan also used Turkish drones on a large scale in the conflict. While Indias trade ties with the two countries have already come under scrutiny, multiple educational institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), have either suspended their collaboration with universities in Turkey or are considering it. 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 20, 2025, 23:58 IST Politics With A Personal Touch: How Sharad & Ajit Pawar Are Rebuilding Their Bond Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 14:33 IST Analysts say while a full political reunion is unlikely in the near term, the personal warmth is helping keep the larger Pawar legacy intact In the Pawar saga, whats unfolding is a slow and careful balancing act between affection and ambition. (PTI) Once seen as the most-trusted lieutenant of the NCP patriarch, Ajits decision to walk away in July 2023 and align with the BJP-Eknath Shinde government marked the partys biggest split since its formation. Yet, nearly a year later, subtle signs of reconciliation are emerging. Recommended Stories The bonhomie between the uncle-nephew duo is not just political gossipit has played out in public, on stage, and through phone calls that hint at a deeper connection still intact despite the political chasm. A key example came recently during a public programme in Pune where both Pawars shared the dais. There were no barbed remarks, no visible tensionjust smiles, polite greetings, and careful camaraderie. It wasnt just optics. Observers noted that Sharad Pawar, while critical of political choices, refrained from attacking Ajit personallya pattern he has maintained consistently over the past year. More recently, an instance that caught the attention of Maharashtras political circles occurred when Sharad Pawar directly called Ajit Pawar to flag a pressing issue affecting farmers in Pune district. It wasnt a political stunt, nor was it routed through bureaucratic channels. Sharad Pawar, the former Union agriculture minister and lifelong advocate for farmers, chose to dial Ajit, who is currently Maharashtras finance and planning minister. Sources say the conversation was cordial and focused purely on resolving the water supply problem that had been troubling villagers in Purandar and Baramati regions. This phone callthough not officially documentedwas enough to stir speculation. Was it just an old habit of working together resurfacing? Or was it a subtle acknowledgement that, despite the split, governance still demands cooperation? Both uncle Pawar and nephew Ajit had attended meetings of Vasant Dada Sugar Institute, and no tension was seen on their faces. Both were sitting next to each other and seen discussing something. Before the same meeting, there were reports that the duo, along with other NCP top leader like Dilip Walse-Patil, had a closed-door meeting in the same premises. Very recently, the entire Pawar family was united and captured on camera at the occasion of Ajit Pawars younger sons engagement. This bonhomie is confusing for party workers on the ground from both the sides. From the last Lok Sabha elections to the state assembly elections, both sides contested with each other. The fight got personal where in Baramati, Ajit Pawar pitted his own wife Sunetra against his cousin Supriya Sule, the incumbent MP. Later, Ajit Pawar openly accepted the step was uncalled for. From a political standpoint, this softening has not gone unnoticed. In rural Maharashtra, especially in western Maharashtra where the Pawar surname still carries weight, this display of maturity is earning quiet praise. For the NCP rank and filetorn between loyalty and pragmatismthe visual of Sharad and Ajit greeting each other warmly at events provides emotional reassurance. It also keeps the door open for future realignments, especially if the Mahayuti alliance falters under internal strain. Analysts say that while a full political reunion is unlikely in the near term, the personal warmth is helping keep the larger Pawar legacy intact. In many parts of Maharashtra, especially Baramati, the Pawars are still seen as one extended political family, regardless of electoral alignments. Even voters have shown signs of confusion and conflict during the Lok Sabha campaignsome backing Sharad Pawars candidate out of loyalty, while also acknowledging Ajits development work in the region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Importantly, Sharad Pawars restraint in public discourse has made it easier for this bonhomie to be accepted without backlash. He has repeatedly said that while political ideologies may differ, personal relations need not suffer. Ajit, too, has refrained from personal attacks and often calls Sharad saheb" in interviewssignalling respect despite the political gap. To conclude, this isnt just about blood tiesits about political maturity and legacy management. Maharashtras political culture has often rewarded sharp confrontations, but in the Pawar saga, whats unfolding is a slow and careful balancing act between affection and ambition. Whether this bonhomie evolves into a political understanding remains to be seen. But for now, it is a reminder that in Indian politics, especially in families with deep-rooted legacies, relationships rarely follow a straight line. 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 20, 2025, 14:33 IST Swami Prasad Maurya Questions Operation Sindoor; Experts Say UP Leader Seeks Relevance Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 21, 2025, 04:08 IST The former UP minister, who recently launched a new political outfit, also accused the Modi government at the Centre of misleading the country under the guise of nationalism Maurya alleged that the government had failed to provide any credible evidence of neutralising terrorists. File pic/PTI Swami Prasad Maurya, who recently launched a new political outfit, has sparked a controversy once again by lashing out at Indias recent military campaign against Pakistan, Operation Sindoor. During his visit to Ayodhya, the former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister in both the BJP and BSP governments not only questioned the authenticity of the operation but also accused the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of misleading the country under the guise of nationalism. However, political experts called Mauryas remarks part of a calculated strategy to rebrand himself as a fierce anti-establishment voice in UP. While addressing the media and a gathering of party workers, Maurya claimed that the much-publicised" military offensive against terror camps in Pakistan was nothing but a political stunt" designed to distract the public and gain sympathy ahead of crucial political developments. Recommended Stories When the government announced Operation Sindoor, we believed it was a decisive strike against terrorism. But within 24 hours, the so-called operation fizzled out. It was all sound and fury, signifying nothing," he said. Maurya alleged that the government had failed to provide any credible evidence of neutralising terrorists. If no terrorist was killed, then against whom was this operation carried out? The government owes the nation an explanation," he said. He went further, claiming that Indian women were emotionally manipulated in the name of the sacred symbol sindoor, and that their sentiments were disrespected under the pretext of national honour. Controversial comments aimed at brand-building According to Dr Shashikant Pandey, head of the department of political science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Swami Prasad Mauryas scathing attack on Operation Sindoor is a calculated move aimed at reclaiming relevance in Uttar Pradeshs shifting political landscape. Maurya has long been known for courting controversy to stay in the headlines," Pandey said. He explained that after parting ways with major parties like the BJP and SP, Maurya is trying to reposition himself as a vocal anti-establishment leader by targeting emotionally charged issues. Pandey noted that such remarks are typical of Mauryas styleprovocative, polarising, and often timed for maximum political mileage. He knows that questioning military operations garners media attention and triggers sharp reactions, which helps him connect with a specific voter base that feels alienated by the mainstream narrative," Pandey added. His comments, while controversial, serve the purpose of brand-building in an already polarised polity." Besides, Maurya launched a scathing attack on the BJP, saying, This government is fooling sisters and mothers of the country. Operation Sindoor was part of a scripted propaganda campaign. The BJPs true characterdeception and distractionis being exposed. We will take this truth to the people." Maurya also credited the Indian electorate for preventing the BJP from reaching its ambitious goal of 400 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. Had they crossed 400, they would have tampered with the Constitution. Thanks to the vigilance of the people, the BJP is now forced to rely on allies," he added. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposal for One Nation One Election, Maurya countered it by demanding One Nation One Education. If we truly want to unite India, we must first ensure equal education for all. There should be no difference in what a village child and a city child learn. Education should be the same for rich and poor, rural and urban alike," he said, calling this the real form of nation-building. Staged confrontation Mauryas attack didnt stop in Ayodhya. A day earlier, in Sultanpur, he reiterated his stand, calling Operation Sindoor a mockery" and suggesting it could be a staged confrontation". He expressed doubt over the sudden declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan just four days after the operation began. If it was truly a war on terror, why was it called off so quickly? This looks like a fixed match," he alleged. He claimed that the deaths of brave Indian soldiers and civilians had been trivialised. Our martyrs sacrifices have been mocked. It seems the entire episode was crafted for cheap publicity. The government insulted the sindoor of our sisters," he said. What Indian forces said on Operation Sindoor top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the Indian Army, Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. On May 7, India conducted precision airstrikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists, including high-profile operatives like Yousuf Azharmastermind of the 1999 IC-814 flight hijackingand Abdul Malik Rauf, linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack. Indian forces targeted terror camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Sialkot, Muridke, and Bahawalpur. Pakistan army officers attended the funerals of those killed, confirming significant casualties. In the ensuing conflict, Pakistani media and officials, including PM Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledged the strikes, with Sharif admitting that Indias ballistic missiles hit key installations, including the Noor Khan airbase. On May 18, the Indian Army released new footage showing the destruction of Pakistani posts that had violated the ceasefire. The military hailed the operation as a strong statement against cross-border terrorism. First Published: May 21, 2025, 04:05 IST Did iPhone 17 Air Inspire Samsung To Make The Galaxy S25 Edge? Company Gives The Answer Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:47 IST Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge features a thin design with premium features and hardware but was it made after hearing news about the iPhone 17 Air model? Samsung responds to the iPhone 17 Air inspired rumours. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the companys thinnest model ever, featuring a sleek design and a lightweight profile. Following its launch, rumours claimed the Galaxy S25 Edge design was inspired by Apples rumoured iPhone17 Air model that is expected to be thinner than the Samsung version. However, the South Korean brand has now clarified that the iPhone 17 Air had no influence on the development of the S25 Edge. In fact, its product origins start a few years before we first heard about the iPhone 17 Air model. Recommended Stories Not Inspired Kadesh Beckford, Samsung product specialist, recently told Forbes that he had known about the Galaxy S25 Edge since the launch week of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in August 2023. While he didnt confirm exactly when the design reached the concept stage, he talked about the product going through multiple rounds of internal research and development. Beckford noted that while slim phones arent new, combining ultra thin design with premium features and specs remains a rare achievement in the smartphone industry. It is not linked to the iPhone 17 Air. To create this phone, we had to rethink every component to fit inside a thinner casing, which is no easy task," he said. To make the slimmest Galaxy S," the company removed every component to fit it into a smaller space. Company Tells Why S25 Edge Launched So why did Samsung decide to bring a thin device? Beckford said the companys market research guided it towards customers who want some Galaxy S25 Ultra characteristics without the weight of an ultra phone, which explains the 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite (the full eight-core version) chipset, and a titanium frame. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Galaxy S25 Edge, like the other Galaxy S25 models, features AI agents that function smoothly across numerous apps, making it a real AI-compatible phone. The company has also partnered with Google to bring Geminis latest capabilities to the phone. The Galaxy S25 Edge price in India starts at Rs 1,09,999 for the base variant and goes up to Rs 1,21,999 if you want the 512GB model. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Seoul, South Korea First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:47 IST Google I/O 2025 Starts Today: Keynote Timings And How To Watch Live Event Online Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 09:18 IST Google I/O 2025 livestream will start on Tuesday, May 20 where the company will introduce the new Android 16 version and its Android XR glasses. Google I/O 2025 keynote is finally here and you can watch the livestream online Google I/O 2025 keynote day is finally here on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The latest edition of the Google I/O conference will focus on the new Android 16 version, along with some updates around the Android XR smart glasses and headset and yes, lots of Gemini AI announcements. This years Google I/O 2025 will be hosted by Sundar Pichai and Co. as the company looks to upstage its rivals in the AI arena and also bring some unique products that compliment its platform. Recommended Stories Google I/O 2025 Keynote Timings, Where To Watch Livestream Google I/O 2025 keynote starts on Tuesday, May 20 and the live event starts from 10:30 PM IST for people watching in India. Google will be hosting the keynote live via its official YouTube page where you can get the latest updates for the event. Google I/O 2025 will go on till May 21 where the developers will be briefed about the new Android 16 features, Gemini AI plugins and other support to make the AI assistant run in cars and on watches and TVs this year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Android 16 is going to be a big focus but with Gemini and Android XR also in the mix, we expect to see plenty of new features that will eventually come to glasses, wearables and maybe even foldables later this year. Google has confirmed that Android 16 will releasing by June this year, and a host of devices will be eligible to try out the new version. Google has teased the Android XR glasses a few times and it is time for the company to not only talk about its design and features but also tell us when it will be hitting the shelves. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 09:18 IST Chinese Gynaecologist Says Women Must Look At Muscular Men To Relieve Stress Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 18:52 IST Beyond this particular advice, Dr He has also suggested women to wear more gold jewellery, citing traditional Chinese medicine beliefs. Dr He Zhenye is a gynaecologist at Xiehe Shenzhen Hospital. (Photo Credits: Instagram) A gynaecologist in China has garnered significant attention and amusement online after a video of him suggesting women watch muscular men went viral. Shocking, isnt it? But yes, he advised women experiencing low energy or blood deficiencies to look at muscular men to boost mood and alleviate stress. As per a report by the South China Morning Post, the light-hearted recommendation comes from a now-viral video featuring Dr He Zhenye, a gynaecologist at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Xiehe Shenzhen Hospital. In the video, Dr He publicly states that women should look at muscular men more often to relieve stress. According to his advice, females suffering from qi (vital energy) and blood deficiencies often experience low moods and high stress levels. To help regulate their physical and mental state, he suggests using visual pleasure as a remedy. His advice includes reducing emotional strain by avoiding excessive romantic relationships and increasing positive visual stimulation by looking at more muscular men. Yes, you read that right. Recommended Stories He elaborated that this practice can stimulate dopamine production in the brain, a neurotransmitter known to help alleviate stress and elevate mood. Avoid falling in love too often. Watch more muscular men instead," Dr. He advises in the video. In his video, he then explains the symptoms associated with qi and blood deficiency and how watching muscular men can make things different. When your qi (vital energy) and blood are deficient, youre often too tired to talk and too lethargic, and your skin may look dull. You might also experience dizziness and insomnia. That does not bring the right conditions for romance. However, watching muscular men makes things different. Seeing something beautiful activates the brains reward system and releases dopamine, making us feel happier," Dr He said. Dr He further elaborates that studies have shown visual pleasure can indeed boost mood and reduce stress, particularly for women grappling with poor sleep or fatigue from overwork. So, ladies with qi and blood deficiency, scroll freely and enjoy. Relax your mind and restore your energy. For your health, indulge a little!" he encourages. The gynaecologists peculiar advice has triggered a wave of laughter and supportive comments online, as per SCMP. While some agreed with the doctors unconventional remarks, others suggested that images of muscular men can positively impact emotions. Some users mentioned that such images may evoke vitality and strength, providing a psychological boost. We need less emotional burnout and more eye candy! His suggestion should be part of every modern womans wellness guide!" read a comment. Another remarked, This doctor gets it! Visual enjoyment plus emotional uplift equals eye candy therapy, I am all in." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Best paired with more sunlight and more exercise nourish the body inside and out, and your qi will overflow!" added a user. Beyond this particular advice, Dr He, who has over 133,000 followers on a popular Chinese social media platform, has also shared other unconventional recommendations in his videos. The media outlet mentioned that his previous videos suggested women wear more gold jewellery, citing traditional Chinese medicine beliefs that gold can benefit the heart and nourish the spleen. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 18:52 IST New Zealand Court Convicts Indian-Origin Couple In 10 Crore Fraud Case Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:06 IST Less than two weeks after the raid, the couple booked business class one-way tickets to Chennai. The couple carried out the fraud using forged documents. A New Zealand-based Indian-origin couple has been found guilty in a major fraud case linked to the countrys child welfare agency, Oranga Tamariki (OT). The woman, who worked for the government, used her job to approve fake or inflated payments to her husbands construction company. The case, based in Christchurch, led to losses of more than NZ$2 million (around Rs 10 crore). As reported by The New Zealand Herald, Neha Sharma was working as a property and facilities manager at OT when she began sending work to her husband Amandeep Sharmas business, Divine Connection Ltd. She secretly approved more than 103 payments tied to 326 invoices submitted by the company between July 22, 2021 and October 28, 2022. The total of these payments was $2.1 million. Many of these payments were for jobs that were either overpriced, never done or involved personal purchases like a TV for their home. Recommended Stories According to the report, Neha never told her team that she was related to the company. She was seen as a reliable employee, but secretly she was managing Divine Connections work, like taking calls, assigning jobs and even using her work computer and time to do so. She added the company to the agencys system herself and gave it most of the jobs. In some cases, she left other staff out of the process to avoid questions. The fraud went unnoticed for over a year until late 2022, when someone noticed irregularities in the invoices. On October 26, 2022, a facilities team member at OT raised concerns that Sharma was giving jobs to Divine Connection, going against usual practice. It was pointed out that she had already been told not to give work to anyone other than City Care which OT had a contract. Neha was called for a meeting with the team to talk about it. It had also come up that the company was registered at her home address. But before the meeting could happen, she resigned. Around 20 minutes after she quit, Amandeep was removed as the director of Divine Connection and replaced by Prince Bajaj. The company address was also updated. The following month, Bajaj became the new shareholder too. After leaving OT, Neha got another job at the New Zealand Transport Agency. To get hired, she used a fake reference again, and this time with her husband pretending to be her former boss. On March 30, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) raided the couples home. They owned three cars and three properties and had nearly $800,000 (approximately Rs 4 crore) in their joint bank accounts. Neha told the SFO she had informed OT about her connection to Divine Connection and claimed she signed a conflict of interest form but was told not to worry. Amandeep said they had sold the company to Prince Bajaj. But Bajaj later told the SFO he didnt know he had been listed as the companys director and shareholder and said it was done without his consent. There was no record of any money being paid for the sale. Less than two weeks after the raid, the couple booked business class one-way tickets to Chennai for April 14. This was surprising as they had things lined up in Christchurch, including parenting classes and travel plans. Neha had also bought baby expo tickets. Before flying out, they moved nearly $800,000 from their bank accounts to ones in India and tried to sell off their cars and properties. They boarded their flight on April 14 with 80 kg of luggage between them. The High Court later froze their assets. The SFO found that money had been sent from Amandeeps Indian bank account to seven other accounts in India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sharma pleaded guilty to several charges, including using forged documents, money laundering and obtaining money through deception. She was sentenced to three years in prison. Her lawyer claimed she was affected by baby brain", but the judge noted she had shown no real remorse and made no effort to return any of the money. She is now serving her sentence in a special unit for mothers with babies. Their older child is reportedly with relatives in India. Amandeep also admitted to charges and will be sentenced in June. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:01 IST Political Debate Erupts After Patient Claims Rats Bit His Fingers At Bihar Govt Hospital Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:50 IST The incident has escalated into a political row, with Tejashwi Yadav accusing the Nitish Kumar-led govt of neglecting healthcare in Bihar The patient, Awadesh Kumar, expressed his distress over the conditions at the hospital. (Screengrab via PTI) A controversy has erupted at the state-run Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Bihar after a specially-abled patient accused rats of biting the fingers on his right leg while he was receiving treatment in the facilitys Orthopedics wing. The incident, which took place on the night of Saturday, has sparked public outcry after the patient, Awadesh Kumar, reported the bites the following morning. Recommended Stories The patient, who was already undergoing treatment for other ailments, claimed that after a sleepless night due to high fever, he discovered blood and bite marks on his fingers when he tried to get up. The rat bites, he alleges, removed his bandages and caused bleeding. Kumars family immediately alerted the hospital staff to the situation. VIDEO | Bihar: A patient named Awdash Kumar, who was undergoing treatment in the Orthopaedics wing of the state-run Nalanda Medical College and Hospital in Patna, was reportedly bitten by rats. Heres what he said, On Saturday night, I had a high fever and I was awake till 2 am. pic.twitter.com/tZRuX3Y9fG Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 20, 2025 We have come to know about the incident," said Dr Om Prakash, head of the Orthopedics Department at NMCH. It has been brought to the notice of the medical superintendent." Kumar, speaking to the media, expressed his distress over the conditions at the hospital. I saw that the fingers were bleeding. My family members also noticed it and informed the nurses and other medical staff. Rats have been creating havoc here," he said, adding that the situation in the hospital had become unbearable. The incident has escalated into a political row, with the Leader of Opposition and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing the Nitish Kumar-led government of neglecting healthcare in Bihar. In a post on X, Yadav pointed out the similar case of a deceased patients eye being allegedly gnawed by rats at NMCH in November 2024. He blasted Bihars Health Minister Mangal Pandey for the state of the healthcare system, saying, In Patnas NMCH, a specially abled patients fingers were bitten by rats. Recently, rats had gnawed the eye of a deceased person in the same hospital and no action was taken against anyone." (NMCH) RSS/BJP CM pic.twitter.com/Bej7YkjcXq Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) May 20, 2025 Yadav continued to criticise the administration, claiming that the states healthcare system had deteriorated under the current ruling party. Health Minister Mangal Pandey has ruined the healthcare system in the state that we had improved and nurtured over our 17-month tenure. A department that cannot even ensure cleanliness and safety in its hospitals where a perfectly healthy person would fall ill how will it treat patients?" he remarked. Yadav also expressed cynicism about the states response to such incidents, stating, I am sure they will make a presentation before the chief minister, claiming that the patients fingers werent nibbled by rats but surgically removed by a state-of-the-art robotic machine worth crores." Meanwhile, the states Health Minister Mangal Pandey responded to the allegations, questioning the oppositions credibility. What should I say about people under whose rule media used to report that there is no cotton and in vaccine available in PMCH?" Pandey remarked, referring to past claims of poor conditions under the oppositions rule. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, it is our responsibility to fix issues if there are any problems. Why is Tejashwi Yadav giving statements behind my back. I challenge him to debate with me at any open platform. I am ready to respond to all his remarks," he added. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:39 IST Woman Abandons Stillborn Baby In Hospital Freezer, Court Shows Leniency After Hearing Her Story Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:36 IST The woman said she didnt intend to abandon the body, claiming she didnt know she was pregnant until doctors treating her stomach issues told her the foetus had died The woman's lawyer argued that the dead foetus should be considered medical waste, not a corpse. (Representative/Shutterstock) A shocking case has emerged from Hong Kong involving a 25-year-old woman, Huang, who has been convicted of abandoning the body of her stillborn child. In 2022, she gave birth to the stillborn baby in Taiwan and left the body in a hospital freezer, leading to her recent conviction. According to the South China Morning Post, Huang moved to Taiwan in 2021 to continue her studies. On November 5, 2022, she delivered a stillborn baby at the Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in Taichung at 21 weeks of pregnancy. Media outlet China Times reported that she placed the babys body in a hospital freezer and arranged for a funeral company to collect it, with a deposit to be paid by December 10, 2022. However, she did not return and remained out of contact. Recommended Stories Huang was eventually apprehended by Taiwanese police, and her case was heard in April. In court, Huang claimed she had no intention of abandoning the body, stating she was unaware of her pregnancy until seeking medical help for stomach issues, at which point doctors informed her of the foetuss death. I was alone and away from home. I had no money and no one to help. I even had to struggle to buy food," she said in her defence. Huang also mentioned that she signed a document with the funeral company without understanding its contents and could not recall the companys name due to her grief. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her lawyer argued that the dead foetus should be considered medical waste, not a corpse, as it was less than 24 weeks old. However, the judge pointed out that photographs and medical records showed the foetus had developed into a distinct human form, measuring 28 cm in length and weighing 0.345 kg. Taking into account Huangs status as an international student, her financial and emotional distress, lack of prior criminal record, and settlement of pending fees with the funeral home, the judge decided on a lenient sentence. Huang was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years. 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 : China First Published: May 20, 2025, 17:36 IST 14,000 Babies Dead In 48 Hours: UN Warns Israel Over Gaza Siege, Aid Embargo Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:57 IST The UN warned that trickling of aid, most of which is blocked by Israel, will not help in staving off the famine that is looming over war-torn Gaza. Palestinian boy Osama Al-Reqep, 5, lies on a bed at Nasser Hospital where he receives treatment, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. (IMAGE: REUTERS) UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip, due to which there is an embargo on aid flow into the blockaded, war-torn coastal enclave for the past 11 weeks, needs to be lifted in order to prevent the death of 14,000 babies in 48 hours. Speaking to broadcaster BBC, Fletcher said the trickling down of aid, which came after Israel allowed limited aid to pour into Gaza after pressure from allies including the US, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, is a mere drop in the ocean". Recommended Stories There are 14,000 babies that will die in the next 48 hours unless we can reach themWe run all sorts of risks trying to get that baby food through to those mothers who cannot feed their children right now because theyre malnourished," he said while speaking to BBCs Radio . While Israel has previously imposed sieges during past military operations like Operation Cast Lead in 2008 and Operation Protective Edge in 2014, humanitarian agencies say the current restrictions are the most severe. In both earlier offensives, Gaza saw intense bombardment and tight control over aid and essential supplies, but limited relief still managed to reach civilians. This time the humanitarian crisis has escalated to levels aid workers say are unlike anything seen in previous conflicts. Today, nine of our trucks were cleared to enter, via the Kerem Shalom crossing," Fletcher said in a statement Monday. Given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The limited quantities of aid now being allowed into Gaza are of course no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in such dire need." Israel on Monday said five aid trucks had so far entered Gaza. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Gaza City, Palestinian Territories First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:50 IST After Trump Call, Zelenskyy Says Russia Must Be 'Pressured' Into Peace Or Face Tougher Sanctions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 07:14 IST After speaking with US President Donald Trump twice on Monday, Zelenskyy said that if Russia is unwilling to stop the war, it must face tougher sanctions Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (IMAGE: AFP) After speaking with US President Donald Trump twice, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that if Russia is unwilling to stop the war, it must face tougher sanctions, as increased pressure will push it toward genuine peace. Trump spoke briefly with Zelenskyy before his call with the Kremlin leader and announced that Russia and Ukraine would immediately" start ceasefire negotiations. Recommended Stories If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace this is obvious to everyone around the world," said Zelenskyy in an X post after his call with Trump. I spoke with @POTUS twice today. First, we had a one-on-one call before his conversation with the head of Russia, and later we spoke together with President Trump and European leaders President @EmmanuelMacron, Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni, Federal Chancellor @bundeskanzler, pic.twitter.com/mm6a0Pro84 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 19, 2025 He reaffirmed Ukraines stance towards ending the war, saying that Kyiv is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, and urged the world leaders to pressure Russia for peace." This is a defining moment. The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a ceasefire and achieving real, lasting peace," he said. The Kremlin has delayed accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire" proposed by US President Donald Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe, instead signalling a preference for terms more favourable to Russia. Last week, the EU leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK PM Keir Starmer and Italys PM Giorgia Meloni, also discussed the use of sanctions against Russia if it fails to engage seriously in ceasefire and peace talks. Notably, the development comes after Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face on Friday for the first time in over three years, with Turkey acting as mediator. Although both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners in the near future, hopes for meaningful progress were limited. Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the talks, sending a lower-level delegation and refusing to endorse the proposed ceasefire. During the meeting in Istanbul, the Russian side reiterated sweeping demands, including recognition of its control over five Ukrainian regions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : Ukraine First Published: May 20, 2025, 07:01 IST Asim Munir Gets Field Marshal Title: Last Time It Happened, Pakistan Slid Into Dictatorship Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 22:42 IST In 1959, Field Marshal Ayub Khan exiled Pakistans top civilian leaders and seized total control. With Munir now wearing the same rank, is history about to echo? Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif (front, R) along with the countrys Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (front, L) arriving to visit the heavily damaged Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. Indian Air Force (IAF) had targeted Pasrur after Pakistan Army attacked Indian civilians. (IMAGE: AFP) In 1959, then-Pakistan President Iskander Mirza became disillusioned with democracy and invited then-Pakistan Army Chief Ayub Khan to impose martial law, wrongly assuming he could keep him in check. Pakistan was facing absolute political chaos after its creation due to the Partition of India in 1947. Constant no-confidence motions, collapsing coalitions and a crumbling parliamentary system crippled Pakistan and the government was losing grip on Islamabad as well as on eastern Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Recommended Stories ALSO READ | Field Marshall Asim Munir: What Power Does This Title Confer On Pakistans Army Chief? After its creation, Pakistan witnessed a rapid churn in leadership. Seven prime ministers came and went between 1947 and 1958, none completing a full term. Civilian institutions remained weak, with the parliament unstable, the bureaucracy dominant and the military growing in influence. The Muslim League, once the face of the freedom struggle, had splintered and lost ground. Following the deaths of MA Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan, unelected officials and bureaucrats held sway. ALSO READ | Indias Strikes Rattle Pak Army: Asim Munir Moved To Bunker After Nur Khan Hit | Exclusive A new constitution in 1956 turned Pakistan into a republic but failed to bring political stability. Due to this Mirza abolished the 1956 Constitution, declared martial law and appointed General Ayub Khan as Chief Martial Law Administrator on October 7, 1958. Mirza thought Ayub would remain a loyal subordinate while he continued to pull the strings from the presidency. Instead, Ayub moved fast. He assumed the presidency himself, becoming Pakistans first military ruler. What is noteworthy is the fact that when Ayub took power in 1959, he first promoted himself to Field Marshal to cement his hold on power. The move was both symbolic and political as he positioned himself above the military and civilian leadership. He ruled until 1969 under a military-backed setup that brought press censorship and a tightly controlled presidential system. His regime laid the groundwork for decades of military dominance in Pakistan. Fast forward to 2025, Pakistan has a new Field Marshal General Asim Munir. He is the first army chief to get this title since Ayub Khan. The decision was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs cabinet on May 20, just days after the Pakistan Army took heavy losses in the latest conflict with India. The violence began after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed Indian tourists. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, hitting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. When the Pakistan Army tried to protect these camps, Indian forces also struck their air bases and military posts, causing major damage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Munirs promotion comes in the middle of rising tensions. He has backed groups involved in cross-border attacks and has used sharp language about India, even invoking the two-nation theory that led to the Partition in 1947. While the Field Marshal title is mostly symbolic now, in a country where the military runs the show and elected governments are often sidelined, the move brings back memories of Ayub Khan, and how Pakistan slipped into dictatorship soon after. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 21:45 IST With Awami League Banned, All Eyes On Bangladesh Army Chiefs Address Amid Rising Political Tensions Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:29 IST Sources indicate that regional stability, including the growing threat of Islamist militancy, might also be on the agenda as Bangladesh Army Chief speaks on Tuesday. Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. In a dramatic turn of events, the Bangladesh interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, officially banned the Awami League on May 10, 2025. As the country reels from the shock announcement, sources have told News18 that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman is scheduled to address senior officers during a Durbar" at 9:30 am (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday an address that is expected to be closely watched both nationally and internationally. The significance of the Army Chiefs speech is heightened by a high-level diplomatic meeting held on Monday, where three Dhaka-based US diplomats, led by Charge dAffaires Tracey Ann Jacobson, met with General Zaman. Recommended Stories While the focus of Bangladesh Army Chiefs address to officers might be on humanitarian corridor" along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, sources indicate that regional stability, including the growing threat of Islamist militancy, might also be on the agenda. General Zamans stance on internal security is already a matter of public record. During a meeting on March 23 with a senior official from the Yunus-led interim authority, he reportedly expressed frustration over what he described as the chief advisors non-serious" and casual" approach to the rising threat of Islamist militancy in the country. Observers believe this issue may feature prominently in Tuesdays address. Meanwhile, the fallout from the Awami League ban continues to escalate. According to sources, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected the ban outright. In a virtual meeting with supporters, she reportedly termed the ban unconstitutional" and declared that the party would not accept it. The move effectively bars the Awami League from participating in upcoming elections an outcome the party appears determined to challenge. Sources tell News18 that the Awami League is preparing to launch an aggressive campaign in response. A senior party leader said, If they push us, we have no choice but to retaliate. Our people are being killed, our homes destroyed, and our leaders tortured, we will not tolerate this." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political analysts believe the nature and direction of this aggression" will be closely monitored in the coming days. However, sources confirm that the Awami League intends to fight back, both politically and legally, and remains committed to contesting future elections. As the situation in Bangladesh grows increasingly volatile, the international community is watching closely. With a banned ruling party, a rising security threat, and a powerful military preparing to speak, the next few days could be decisive in shaping the countrys political trajectory. 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 20, 2025, 08:29 IST Chef Kills Man, Cooks Parts Of Dismembered Body With Vegetables In Grisly Cover-Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 11:38 IST Philippe Schneider and Nathalie Caboubassy are on trial in France for murdering Georges Meichler. Schneider allegedly dismembered and cooked parts of Meichler's body. Psychological experts described Schneider as a manipulative man with a history of control, trauma, and deviant behaviour. (Photo: X) In a chilling tale that has stunned France, a former butcher-turned-pizza chef has allegedly killed a man, dismembered his body, and cooked parts of it in a pot of vegetables. Philippe Schneider, 69, is on trial alongside his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, for the murder of Georges Meichler, who was living alone in the remote village of Brasc in southern France. Recommended Stories 57-year-old Meichler had been living alone in a stone house in the woods without water or electricity. When neighbours stopped seeing him and his daughter received a suspicious text claiming he was off to Brittany with a friend, alarm bells rang. It wasnt like him to text," she told investigators. Police launched a missing persons investigation and soon traced Meichlers vandriven by Schneider and Caboubassynear a council building in Camares, 24 miles away. A gruesome discovery followed: blood and bags containing human remains were found inside the van, The Sun reported. When questioned, Schneider revealed told probe officials: What Im going to tell you is horrific." He then confessed to tying and gagging Meichler during a robbery gone wrong, resulting in the victims death by suffocation. Schneider told authorities he dismembered the body with a butchers knife, burned the head, hands, and feet, and scattered other remains across the region. He even admitted to cooking parts of the body with vegetables allegedly as part of a Nepalese religious ritual and to mask the odour. Police launched a missing persons investigation and soon traced Meichlers vandriven by Schneider and Caboubassynear a council building in Camares, 24 miles away. A gruesome discovery followed: blood and bags containing human remains were found inside the van. A 25-year-old gravedigger, also on trial for complicity, testified that Schneider instructed him to cook the meat until it fell off the bone," telling him to claim it was food for the dog" if questioned. Defense lawyer Luc Abratkiewicz said Schneider acknowledges full responsibility," blaming his actions on alcohol, cannabis addiction, and a warped plan to steal a few thousand euros." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Psychological experts described Schneider as a manipulative man with a history of control, trauma, and deviant behaviour. Caboubassy denied any involvement, insisting she played no part in the crime. Both she and the gravedigger face charges of complicity. A verdict in the gruesome case is expected on May 22. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Paris, France First Published: May 20, 2025, 11:38 IST China Backs 'Ironclad Friend' Pakistan As India Turns Up Heat Over Terror, Water-Sharing Treaty Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 23:32 IST Even as global support grows for Indias anti-terror stand, China reaffirmed its backing for Pakistan, calling it an ironclad friend. Despite Pakistans terror links, China backed its ironclad friend as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed support during talks with Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar after Pakistans conflict with India. (IMAGE: X) China on Tuesday reaffirmed its steadfast support for Pakistans sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating that Beijing will stand by its ironclad friend". He also called for restraint in the India-Pakistan conflict. Wang made these remarks during a meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing. Recommended Stories The visit occurred shortly after Pakistan urged India for a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor, during which India conducted targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. When Pakistani Army attacked civilians in India while intervening on behalf of the terrorists, Indian armed forces retaliated by striking its Pakistan Air Forces airbases and artillery positions, causing extensive damage and leading to military casualties. According to state-run Global Times, Wang emphasised Chinas support for Pakistan in safeguarding its interests, combating terrorism and playing a larger role in regional and international affairs. He also mentioned Chinas commitment to building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future". As an ironclad friend, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, in resolutely combating terrorism, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs", state-run Global Times quoted Wang as telling Dar. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation under a new version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including in energy, minerals, agriculture, industry and security. Dar briefed Wang on the situation post-ceasefire and expressed gratitude to Beijing for its support during the conflict. He reiterated Pakistans commitment to defending its sovereignty while maintaining diplomatic channels with India. Dar also reaffirmed support for the one-China principle and expressed Pakistans desire to deepen cooperation in various sectors. He addressed the recurring militant attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan and pledged increased efforts to protect Chinese personnel and projects. Besides Wang, Dar also met Liu Jianchao, the influential Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and discussed issues arising out of the India-Pakistan military conflict besides New Delhis decision to keep the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. China also urged that the ceasefire be comprehensive and lasting" and urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to properly handle their differences through dialogue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India to properly handle their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions," Wang told Dar here, state run Xinhua news agency reported. China, like Turkey, has supported Pakistan with arms, which its army used to attack civilians in India during the recent conflict. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: May 20, 2025, 23:32 IST China Boosts Pakistan's Arsenal: Beijing Fast-Tracks J-35A Fighter Jet Delivery, Signals Deepening Defence Ties Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:46 IST Top diplomatic sources confirm that China has offered Pakistan a 50 per cent discount on these fighter jets, along with easy payment options. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Reuters/File) China is fast-tracking the delivery of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the J-35A, to its long-time strategic partner, Pakistan, as what top diplomatic sources in Beijing and Islamabad have called reward" following the India-Pakistan conflict last week. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is in China. According to sources, Islamabad is expected to receive the first batch of 30 J-35A jets as early as August 2025. This decision underscores the urgency driving bilateral defence collaboration between the two nations. Top diplomatic sources confirm that China has offered Pakistan a 50 per cent discount on these fighter jets, along with easy payment options. This move is seen as a reward for the Pakistan Air Forces performance against India". The initial agreement between the two countries outlined the delivery of the first 30 J-35A aircraft this year, highlighting the importance both nations place on strengthening their defence ties. Recommended Stories Reports from late 2024 first unveiled Pakistans plans to procure 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters, marking the first known export of such advanced military technology by China. The timing of this deal coincides with recent high-profile security visits to Islamabad and Beijing by Chinese and Pakistani officials. These meetings focused on expanding strategic military cooperation amid complex regional security dynamics, including Indian airpower modernisation. Intelligence reports indicate that a cohort of Pakistan Air Force pilots has already been dispatched to the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force headquarters in Beijing for operational conversion training on the J-35A platform. According to top diplomatic sources, this training serves as tangible proof of Pakistans progress toward acquiring fifth-generation airpower capabilities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In addition to the fighter jet deal, Chinese authorities have decided to invest $25 billion in Pakistans civil and military infrastructures. This investment aims to further strengthen the ties between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-2 program. According to top diplomatic sources, Pakistani authorities have assured China of full security support and smoother access to Gwadar Port operations. Overall, the deepening military and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan reflects their commitment to confronting regional security challenges together. This partnership, as confirmed by top diplomatic sources, is expected to have significant implications for the security dynamics in the region. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:46 IST Elon Musk Interacts With Satya Nadella, Recalls Internship Days At Microsoft | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:13 IST Musk and Nadella announced xAI's Grok 3 models on Microsoft Azure. Musk recalled MS-DOS, while Nadella praised Grok's capabilities, marking a significant AI collaboration. This collaboration marks a key moment in the rapidly evolving AI landscape (Image: X/@satyanadella) Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently had a one-on-one virtual meet on X where they announced the arrival of xAIs flagship Grok 3 models on Microsoft Azure. While welcoming Grok to Azure during the Microsoft Build developer conference, Satya Nadella took a moment to recall Musks early tech days. Recommended Stories I know you started off as an intern at Microsoft," Nadella said while referring to Elon Musks stint as a Windows developer. You were a PC gamer then-and still are," he added. Grok is coming to Azure Foundry! Thanks @elonmusk for joining us at Build to talk about what it means for devs. pic.twitter.com/8x7dmrsKSB Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) May 19, 2025 Responding to Satya, Musk smiled and said, I actually started before Windows-with DOS. I worked on the earliest IBM PCs with MS-DOS. They had 128k of memory, and when it went up to 256k, that was a big deal." Musk added that he used to program video games in DOS before moving on to Windows 3.1. The conversation, shared by the tech leaders, provided a rare glimpse into Musks early programming background, just as the two tech moguls discussed AIs future. While sharing the video, Nadella wrote, Grok is coming to Azure Foundry! Thanks @elonmusk for joining us at Build to talk about what it means for devs.(sic)" Nadella hailed xAIs Grok as a family of models that are both responsive and capable of reasoning," adding that hes enthusiastic about its potential on Azure. Elaborating on his vision for the Grok 3.5 model, Musk mentioned it is designed to reason from first principles. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If youre trying to get to fundamental truths, it boils down to identifying axiomatic elements most likely to be correct-and reasoning from there," he explained, adding, The focus of Grok 3.5 is fundamental physics and applying those tools across reasoning domains, aspiring to truth with minimal error." This collaboration marks a key moment in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, as Musks xAI expands its reach through one of the worlds largest cloud platforms. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: May 20, 2025, 16:13 IST 'Exploiting Faith For War': Asim Munir Leading Dangerous Evolution Of Jihad In Pakistan, Say Sources | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 10:04 IST Unlike Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, who are non-state actors, Munirs actions reflect state policy, combining state power, religious authority, and militant ideology. Munir revived the Two-Nation Theory, declared Kashmir Pakistans 'jugular vein', and invoked Hindu-Muslim divisions to justify proxy attacks. (File image) Top intelligence sources are warning of a dangerous evolution of Jihad in Pakistan, following a speech by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir in Pahalgam, which was shortly followed by the killing of 26 Hindus within 96 hours. This speech was not merely rhetorical but was interpreted as a command to kill, presenting a significant challenge for India in countering an army chief who masquerades as a holy warrior exploiting faith to wage war, top intelligence sources said. Sources indicate Asim Munir leads the third generation of Jihad in Pakistan, weaponising the Quran and leveraging state power. His actions align with the goals of Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar to liberate Kashmir but with the support of state machinery, sources say. Unlike Saeed and Azhar, who are non-state actors, Munirs actions reflect state policy, combining state power, religious authority, and militant ideology. This duality amplifies his capacity to institutionalise jihadism as a state policy, sources add. Recommended Stories Munir has integrated radical clerics into the training programs of the Pakistani army, indoctrinating soldiers with the belief that Jihad for Kashmir is a divine duty, sources say. This approach transforms state-backed terrorism into a religious obligation for soldiers and militants. Sources say Munir frequently reads Quranic verses and offers his interpretations during meetings, emphasising the importance of countering oppressors", implicitly referring to Indian forces and government. According to sources, Munirs spiritual justification for proxy warfare invokes Quranic verses, framing the fight for Allah as a divine duty, similar to the rhetoric of Saeed and Azhar. This strategy threatens to normalise jihadism as a tool of statecraft. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Munirs era has seen the revival of support for groups like The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). They have been provided with drones, encrypted communication, and safe havens. Sources indicate that Munir, using Pakistans military-intelligence machinery, including the ISI, has executed attacks such as the 2025 Pahalgam massacre targeting Hindus. Following these attacks, diplomatic cover and disinformation campaigns are employed to shield the perpetrators. In conclusion, countering Munirs duality requires exposing his exploitation of faith for militant purposes. His ability to cloak terrorism in Quranic legitimacy and military strategy poses a significant threat, as it institutionalises jihadism under the guise of state policy. This evolution of Jihad in Pakistan, under the leadership of Asim Munir, presents a serious challenge for India and the region. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 20, 2025, 10:04 IST Field Marshall Asim Munir: What Power Does This Title Confer On Pakistans Army Chief? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 22:41 IST Day-to-day control stays with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. If he steps down, his successor takes over, he retains the honorary Field Marshal title. Even after his COAS tenure ends, Pakistan Armys top soldier Asim Munir will remain a national figure in the troubled country with five-star rank, a notch above the 4-stars of the COAS. (IMAGE: AFP) Pakistan government on Tuesday announced that its army chief General Asim Munir will be promoted to the rank of field marshal. The announcement was made by the office of the Pakistan Prime Minister and was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The promotion came shortly after Pakistan Army suffered huge losses in the recent conflict with India. Indian armed forces struck terror bases as part of Operation Sindoor to avenge the deaths of innocent tourists in Pahalgam but had to attack military installations of the Pakistan Army after it intervened on behalf of terrorists. Pakistan Army suffered casualties and damages to its air bases and other military installations. Recommended Stories ALSO READ | Indias Strikes Rattle Pak Army: Asim Munir Moved To Bunker After Nur Khan Hit | Exclusive However, the Pakistan government said that the ceremonial ranking was awarded for showing courageous leadership". It is not individual, but an honour for the armed forced of Pakistan and the whole nation," Munir said in a statement issued by the army public relations wing. A Pakistani official told news agency Reuters that field marshal was a ceremonial five-star rank that usually signifies extraordinary leadership and wartime achievement. ALSO READ | Asim Munir Gets Field Marshal Title: Last Time It Happened, Pakistan Slid Into Dictatorship Field Marshal (FM) is the Pakistan Armys highest possible rank, represented by five stars and is one step above a four-star general (the Chief of Army Staff, or COAS). It is not part of the routine command ladder. The only other individual to hold this rank was General Ayub Khan, who appointed himself Field Marshal in 1959. Shortly after, he became Pakistans first military dictator, ruling the country until 1969. His tenure marked the beginning of the militarys significant influence over Pakistans political landscape. General Asim Munirs elevation to Field Marshal, approved by Pakistans cabinet on May 20, 2025, comes amid heightened tensions with India, following Munirs active support for terrorist groups and recent violent rhetoric surrounding the two-nation theory that led to the 1947 Partition of India on the basis of religion. With the new ceremonial rank, Munir will remain the army chief. The Field Marshall title is lifelong once conferred. Its seat in the command chain is above the hierarchy overall, symbolically and goes on to show the enduring prominence of the military in Pakistans governance. The cabinet did not say whether Munirs promotion to the rank of field marshal will mean that he has no retirement date. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Munir started his job as army chief in November 2022. A parliamentary legal amendment extended Munirs term to five years in November 2023, from the usual three years for the role of army chief. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More First Published: May 20, 2025, 20:31 IST How Did Trump Land 'Free' Boeing Plane From Qatar? Why Has It Sparked A Row In US? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:16 IST Donald Trump's decision to acquire a $400 million Boeing 747-8 for free to be used as Air Force One has sparked concerns from both Republicans and Democrats in Washington. US President Donald Trump. (Reuters) US President Donald Trumps decision to acquire a $400 million Boeing 747-8 for free to be used as Air Force One, the presidential plane, has sparked a furious debate in Washington over ethics, transparency and practicality. Trump played down concerns over the acquisition of the Qatari jet, saying he would be stupid" not to accept the gift, even as Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, introduced legislation that would block the president from using the luxury plane. Schumer said it would take billions of taxpayer dollars to even retrofit and secure the plane. Recommended Stories Qatars offer came after Trump repeatedly complained of delays and cost overruns in aerospace giant Boeings contract to provide two new Air Force One jets to replace the current ageing models. How Did Trump Land The Gift? The United States had previously signed a $3.9 billion contract with Boeing in 2018 for two jets to be used as Air Force One, but a series of delays affected the delivery deadline in 2024, possibly beyond Trumps second term. As a result, he is flying around in the same planes that transported former President George HW Bush 35 years ago. The Trump administrations decision to accept a free Boeing 747-8 from Qatar to be used as the presidential plane involved weeks of secret coordination between Washington and Doha, according to an investigation by The New York Times. Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff played a key role in the negotiations, with help from the Pentagon and the White Houses military office. Military officials had long discussed about the possibility of buying a temporary plane for Trump while Boeing completed its work. The lavishly outfitted Boeing 747-8 had been used by Qatars royal family and was once offered to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a gesture of goodwill. Despite boasting of interiors with soft fabrics of the highest quality" and a lavishly designed bathroom", the plane had remained unsold for years. Why The Outrage? Firstly, the US Constitution prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from any King, Prince or foreign State," in a section known as the Emoluments Clause. While the Pentagon and Trumps aides assumed that the US would purchase the plane, Trump publicly described it as a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE", which raised eyebrows. Moreover, all major airlines in the world were unwilling to purchase the plane since it was not configured for commercial use, according to the NYT report. The four engines of the plane are expensive to maintain and operate, and acquiring parts over time is expected to be difficult as Boeing no longer manufactures the planes. The idea of a foreign government gifting such an asset estimated to be worth between $150 million and $180 million to the United States for the use of a single individual evoked concerns from both Republicans and Democrats. Schumer announced last week that he was planning to hold up all US Justice Department political appointees over the gift, while Democratic Senator Chris Murphy pledged to force votes to block weapons sales to Qatar. However, Qatar denied that the gesture was aimed at cultivating favour with Trump. While Trump administration officials told NYT that Qatar had floated the idea of donating the plane, officials in the Qatari government said they expected to make a sale and did not mean to give it away as a gift". Its Ridiculous Experts have warned about the high costs of retrofitting the Qatari plane for presidential use, given that the Pentagon has already spent years outfitting its new Air Force One jets with secure communications, missile defence, and EMP protection systems, which is expected to cost over $1 billion if applied to the Qatari plane. It is ridiculous. Thats a better dollar value than trying to take an airplane from somebody else and trying to make it into a presidential plane. It makes no sense," aerospace engineer Marc Foulkrod told NYT. According to Pentagon documents, staffing just one Air Force One aircraft costs more than $37 million each year, with total annual operating expenses estimated at $134 million. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, no deal has been signed yet as legal teams from both countries are still reviewing the matter. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier said that Qatar had graciously offered" to donate the plane to the Pentagon, but the legal details of that are still being worked out." (with agency inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 20, 2025, 12:16 IST Russia Unveils First AI-Powered Sukhoi Su-57M Fighter Jet. Here's How India Benefits Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 13:39 IST The Indian Air Force (IAF), which operates over 270 Su-30MKI aircraft - the backbone of its combat fleet - has maintained strong defence ties with Russia since the 1990s. The Su-57M, an advanced iteration of the Su-57, is fitted with the powerful AL-51F-1 engine, state-of-the-art stealth features, and long-range radar systems. (AP Photo) In a significant leap that could redefine future air combat, Russia has successfully tested an artificial intelligence-assisted version of its cutting-edge Sukhoi Su-57M fighter jet, marking the first flight of its kind. The move has not only startled US defence observers but also presented a strategic opportunity for India, which maintains one of the largest fleets of Russian-origin Sukhoi aircraft. The maiden AI-assisted flight of the Su-57M was conducted recently under the command of veteran test pilot Sergei Bogdan. While a human pilot was still in the cockpit, much of the aircrafts flight control, navigation, and target selection were handled autonomously by an integrated AI system. The experiment is being hailed as a milestone in Russias aerospace history, placing the country among the few global powers actively deploying AI in combat aviation. Recommended Stories This AI integration forms a critical part of Russias long-running PAK FA program, initiated in 1999 to develop fifth-generation air superiority fighters. The Su-57M, an advanced iteration of the Su-57, is fitted with the powerful AL-51F-1 engine, state-of-the-art stealth features, and long-range radar systems. Experts suggest that this model positions Russia to more directly compete with American jets like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. Although the Su-57M was not flown fully autonomously current safety protocols still mandate a pilot on board AI took control of key operations during flight. Such systems promise faster decision-making and reduced pilot workload, especially in high-risk combat scenarios. Defence analysts suggest this technology may soon become central to air warfare strategy, enabling fighters to operate in networked swarms, respond to threats in real time, and adapt to complex mission demands with minimal human intervention. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This development hasnt gone unnoticed in India. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which operates over 270 Su-30MKI aircraft the backbone of its combat fleet has maintained strong defence ties with Russia since the 1990s. The Su-30MKI program began with a 1996 deal, and the aircraft has since been assembled and manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The twin-seater, twin-engine fighter is lauded for its long range, supermaneuverability, and modern avionics. Given Indias strategic reliance on the Sukhoi platform, analysts say that it could be a natural partner in further AI-enhanced aviation technologies. As geopolitical alignments shift and future air battles become increasingly automated, Indian interest in Russias AI-assisted fighter program may intensify, especially if it provides a cost-effective pathway to integrating AI with its existing fleet. First Published: May 20, 2025, 13:39 IST In Phone Calls With Trump, What Putin, Zelenskyy Said Amid Ceasefire Hopes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 08:20 IST Donald Trump spoke to Putin on Monday and said, "We just spent two and a half hours talking to Vladimir Putin. I think some progress has been made." Trump speaks to both Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy on telephone amid deadlock on Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks. (Reuters/File Image) US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday for over two and a half hours and said that he thinks that some progress has been made". Trump also informed that he spoke to the heads of most of the European nations, and is trying his best to get the Russia-Ukraine war ceasefire talks wrapped up at the earliest. Addressing the media, Trump said, My little conversation with a nice gentleman named Vladimir Putin. We had a good talk, and I think that progress is being made." Recommended Stories 5,000 young soldiers are being killed every single week on average. And its a number probably worse than that, in addition to other people who are being killed in towns. And were trying to stop it. Its an absolute bloodbath," the US President added. Trump further stated that he saw the satellite pictures of the war and the aftereffects are bad and horrible. Further accusing Bidens administration, Trump stated, Were doing the best we can. This was not our war. This was not me. Were doing something from the last administration. How did they allow that to happen? It wouldnt have happened." However, without any major progress toward an immediate ceasefire, Trump sought to emphasise what he described as an excellent tone and spirit" shared with the Kremlin leader. Putin, meanwhile, described the call as meaningful and frank". Moscow Ready To End Fight: Putin Moscow is ready to work toward ending the fighting in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday following a two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump. Putin said that Russia and Ukraine would need to find compromises to suit all parties. Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Ready For Ceasefire Zelenskyy spoke to Trump twice on Monday, once shortly before the US leader spoke with Putin, and once after. In the phone call after Trump spoke with Putin, European leaders discussed the need for more sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky said the US still needs to be pressured" to agree to implement further sanctions. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace this is obvious to everyone around the world," said Zelenskyy in an X post after his call with Trump. He also reiterated that Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results. I spoke with @POTUS twice today. First, we had a one-on-one call before his conversation with the head of Russia, and later we spoke together with President Trump and European leaders President @EmmanuelMacron, Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni, Federal Chancellor @bundeskanzler, pic.twitter.com/mm6a0Pro84 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 19, 2025 Russia, Ukraine To Immediately Start Ceasefire Talks: Trump Following the call, Trump also mentioned that his call with the Russian President went very well and that Moscow and Kyiv would immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and end to the war. Under pressure from Trump, delegates from both Russia and Ukriane met last week in Istanbul for the first time since 2022, however, no output was received as the officials failed to agree to a truce. While Kyiv showed its willingness to ceasefire, Moscow said that conditions must be met first. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately," Trump said in a Truth Social post following his call with Putin, which lasted two hours. Trump also held a joint call with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland following his call with Putin. Trump informed those leaders that negotiations would start immediately. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: May 20, 2025, 06:52 IST Spains Mobile Networks Go Dark Weeks After National Power Outage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 15:35 IST All leading network providers in Spain, including Telefonica, were affected by today's outage as people were unable to make calls. Spain was hit by a national power outage a few weeks ago. (Reuters/File) All major mobile networks in Spain went dark on Tuesday, just four weeks after the country was hit by a national power outage, according to several reports. These include Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil and O2, who were affected by todays outage. According to data from DownDetector, the networks of all major providers in Spain, including Spanish telecom giant Telefonica, went down, leaving customers unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data. Emergency services in a number of regions had to provide new telephone numbers for those in need, and landline telephones were severely affected after network upgrades by Telefonica, as per local media reports. Recommended Stories All landline, internet and emergency contact services in Madrid, Andalucia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura and the Valencian Community were knocked offline on Tuesday morning, according to Daily Mail. Spains Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service told the outlet that it is monitoring the situation, requesting precise information and timescales for a solution". We have done some network upgrade work which has affected some companies fixed communication services (voice and internet). We are working on resolving this and some of the affected services have already been recovered, such as the 112 emergency services, which have now been re-established," Telefonica told MailOnline. Last month, Spain, Portugal and parts of France that halted trains, bank machines and traffic lights, in one of Europes biggest ever power system collapses. Spains Interior Ministry on Monday declared a state of emergency after the blackout hit the Iberian Peninsula. The blackout halted transportation networks, crippled communication systems, and impacted daily life as it plunged major cities like Madrid and Lisbon into darkness. Subway systems were forced to shut down, leaving commuters stranded, while railway services were halted, stranding an estimated 35,000 passengers on more than 100 trains. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said that all necessary measures will be taken" to prevent another power outage while Portugals Prime Minister Luis Montenegro indicated that the outage appeared to originate outside of Portugal linking extreme temperature variations as a potential trigger. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sanchez also said his government wasnt ruling out the possibility of a cyberattack as a cause of the blackout, but Energy Minister Sara Aagesen said there was no indication of a cyberattack on its grid operator REE during the massive power outage. (with agency inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Madrid, Spain First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:14 IST UK Pauses Trade Talks With Israel, Summons Envoy Over Gaza Conflict Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 19:53 IST Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced his ministry was summoning the Israeli ambassador over the country's expansion of its military operations in Gaza The UK government said it has slapped new sanctions on Israel over the Gaza conflict. (Image: AFP/File) The British government on Tuesday said it has paused free-trade agreement negotiations with Israel against its actions in Gaza. It said they have also slapped new sanctions on West Bank settlers over the conflict. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also announced his ministry was summoning the Israeli ambassador over Israels expansion of its military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, launched in the wake of the October 2023 attack by Hamas militants. Recommended Stories EXTERNAL PRESSURE WILL NOT DIVERT ISRAEL Israel, however, said even before the UK governments announcement, the free-trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced". The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government said it will not bow to external pressure" when it comes to defending its existence and security against enemies". According to a statement by the Israeli foreign ministry, sanctions against the residents of Judea and Samaria are unjustified, and regrettable". It said the British government is willing to harm its own economy due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations". Following the UKs announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers: Even prior to todays announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative," the statement said on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the UKs announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers:Even prior to todays announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 20, 2025 The sanctions against residents of Judea and Samaria are unjustified, and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror Tzeela Gez, of blessed memory, who was murdered on her way to the delivery room. Doctors continue fighting for her newborns life in hospital. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction," it added. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: May 20, 2025, 19:30 IST US Secy Of State Marco Rubio Warns Syria Weeks Away From 'Epic' Civil War Published By : AFP Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 23:09 IST As Washington lifts sanctions and backs new leadership in Damascus, Rubio tells Senate Syria risks splintering into all-out conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. (IMAGE: AFP) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that Syria could be weeks away from a fresh civil war of epic proportions," as he called for support to the transitional leadership. It is our assessment that, frankly, the transitional authority, given the challenges theyre facing, are maybe weeks not many months away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions, basically the country splitting up," Rubio told a US Senate hearing. Recommended Stories The top US diplomat spoke after a series of bloody attacks on the Alawite and Druze minorities in Syria, where Islamist-led fighters in December toppled Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive after a brutal civil war that began in 2011. US President Donald Trump last week on a visit to Saudi Arabia announced a lifting of Assad-era sanctions and met with the guerrilla leader who is now Syrias transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sharaa, clad in a suit and complimented by Trump as a young, attractive guy," was until recently on a US wanted list over jihadist connections. Rubio quipped: The transitional authority figures, they didnt pass their background check with the FBI." But he added: If we engage them, it may work out, it may not work out. If we did not engage them, it was guaranteed to not work out." Rubio, who also met with Syrias foreign minister in Turkey on Thursday, blamed the renewed violence on the legacy of Assad, a largely secular leader who hailed from the Alawite sect. They are dealing with deep internal distrust in that country, because Assad deliberately pitted these groups against each other," Rubio said. Way to boost investment The United States had previously insisted on key steps from Syrias transitional authorities, including protection of minorities. Trumps move on Syria was encouraged by Turkey the main patron of the Islamist fighters who had battled Assad, an ally of Iran and Russia and Sunni regional power Saudi Arabia. Rubio said that the main reason to lift the sanctions was to let other countries bring in assistance. The nations in the region want to get aid in, want to start helping them, and they cant because theyre afraid of our sanctions," Rubio said. Rubio has said that Trump plans to waive the Caesar Act which imposed sanctions for investment on Syria in an effort to ensure accountability over abuses under Assad. He told lawmakers that they may eventually need to rescind the law, as temporary waivers would not be enough for investors. European Union countries, which had already suspended measures, gave the green light on Tuesday to lift all economic sanctions on Syria. EU diplomats said that sanctions would be lifted that cut Syrian banks off from the global system and freeze central bank assets, although sanctions would remain on individuals over stirring ethnic tensions. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Tuesday hailed the lifting of sanctions by the United States and other powers as offering Syrians a very important and historic opportunity to rebuild their country." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Anyone who wants to invest in Syria, the doors are open; anyone who wants to cooperate with Syria, there are no sanctions," he told a joint news conference in Damascus with his visiting Jordanian counterpart. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that Syria was now in a new phase, and Syrias success requires giving it a chance to succeed." About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 20, 2025, 23:09 IST Zelenskyy Accuses Russia Of Stalling Peace Talks To 'Continue War And Occupation' Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 16:12 IST Kyiv accused Moscow's negotiators of making unrealistic demands at the Istanbul talks, including sweeping territorial claims that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected US President Donald Trump held calls with both Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the war on Monday. (AFP photos) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of not seriously engaging in peace talks and of wanting to continue its three-year invasion, despite a US push for a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump held calls with both Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the war on Monday, and Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Istanbul on Friday for the first direct talks on the conflict in more than three years. Recommended Stories But the Istanbul talks failed to yield a truce, and Zelensky accused Putin of sending empty heads" to the negotiating table. It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation," Zelensky said in a post on social media. Trump framed his two-hour conversation with Putin on Monday as a breakthrough, as the Republican seeks an elusive deal to end the war that he had promised on the campaign trail to solve in 24 hours. But Putin again rebuffed the call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, instead saying only that he was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining a possible roadmap and different positions on ending the war. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has since destroyed swathes of the countrys east, killed tens of thousands and now controls around one-fifth of its territory. Ukraine and Europe are trying to put pressure on Trump to hit Moscow with a new package of massive sanctions after he refused to travel to Turkey for face-to-face talks with Zelensky. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ukraine is ready for any negotiation format that delivers results. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences," Zelensky said. Kyiv accused Moscows negotiators of making unrealistic demands at the Istanbul talks, including sweeping territorial claims that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected. Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: May 20, 2025, 15:44 IST The family of Ashi Babbitt won't get the full $30 million a wrongful death lawsuit over her death during the Capitol riot was seeking, but they are in line for a payout of almost $5 million from the government, sources tell the Washington Post and ABC News . Earlier this month, lawyers for the Babbitt family and the Justice Department said an agreement had been reached "in principle," but terms were not disclosed. According to the Post's sources, around a third of the settlement will go to the family's attorneys, including the conservative Judicial Watch group. The lawsuit filed by Babbitt's husband last year accused Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd of assault and battery and negligence when he shot Babbitt as she tried to storm the House Speaker's Lobby. A Capitol Police investigation cleared Byrd, saying he "potentially saved members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters," the Post reports. The case had been set to go to trial next year before the Justice Department reversed its opposition. In March, President Trump said he was a "big fan of Ashli Babbitt" and claimed Byrd had done something "unthinkable." It's not clear whether the settlement will require the Justice Department to change its stance and admit fault on behalf of Byrd or the Capitol Police, ABC News reports. In a statement, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said he is "extremely disappointed" and disagrees with the settlement. "This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours," he said. Days before 10 men broke out of a Louisiana jail, officials asked for funding to fix faulty locks and cell doors, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said. The investigation into the Friday jailbreakwhich the escapees labeled as "easy" in a message scrawled on a cell wall above the narrow hole they squeezed throughis continuing as officers search for the remaining seven fugitives. Hutson said she has long raised concerns about the jail's "deficiencies," adding that the breakout has "once again highlighted the critical need for repairs and upgrades" to its infrastructure, the AP reports. While Hutson said the locks played a key role in the escape, there are other crucial security lapses that officials have outlined: indications that the escape was an inside job, with three sheriff's employees now on suspension; the hole that officials said may have been formed using power tools; a lack of monitoring of the cell pod, as the employee tasked with the job had stepped out for food; and law enforcement not being aware of the escape until a morning headcount seven hours after the men fled. A state lawmaker objected to the sheriff's explanation on Monday. "Rather than take accountability, she's pointed fingers elsewhere," Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman said in a statement. "Blaming funding is a deflectionnot an excuse." Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on Monday that state and local officials, courts, and law enforcement are working together to hastily address issues at the jail. Murrill acknowledged that the jail had been experiencing staffing shortages and maintenance defects for years. Early last week, the chief of corrections for the Orleans Justice Center presented a need for a new lock system during the city's Capital Improvement Plan hearing. Jeworski Mallet said the current system at the jail, which houses around 1,400 people, was built for a "minimum custody-type of inmate." He said many being held now are awaiting trials in violent crimes. The US on Monday sent 68 immigrants from Honduras and Colombia back to their countries, the first government-funded flight of what the Trump administration is calling voluntary deportations. In the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, 38 Hondurans, including 19 children, disembarked from the charter flight carrying $1,000 debit cards from the US government and the offer to one day be allowed to apply for legal entry into the US. Experts say the self-deportation offer will appeal only to a small portion of migrants already considering a return, the AP reports. In a statement about the flight from Houston, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said: "If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don't, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return." Honduras Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia said his government would support the returning migrants with $100 cash and another $200 credit at a government-run store that sells basic necessities. Among the migrants arriving voluntarily Monday were four children who were born in the US, Garcia said. When Garcia met them at the airport, they told him that being in the US without documents required for legal immigration or residence had been increasingly difficult, that the atmosphere was growing more hostile, and that they feared going to work, he said. Kevin Antonio Posadas, from Tegucigalpa, had lived in Houston for three years but had already been considering a return to Honduras when the Trump administration announced its offer. "I wanted to see my family and my mom," said Posadas, who described the process as easy. "You just apply (through the app ) and in three days you've got it," he said, per the AP. "It's good because you save the cost of the flight if you have the intention of leaving." Posadas said he hadn't feared deportation and liked living in the US. He added that he might later take up the US offer of allowing those who self-deport to apply to return legally. Criminal charges were filed Monday against Rep. LaMonica McIver, a week and a half after her involvement in a protest at an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The Democrat congresswoman, whose district includes Newark, was at the facility along with two of her fellow House Democrats and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested at the detention center and charged with misdemeanor trespassing. But the acting US attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced Monday that Baraka's case has been dismissed while McIver has been charged with assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement, NBC News reports. McIver must turn herself in as soon as possible, and could face jail time if convicted on the felony charges, according to Fox News . The New Jersey Globe has statements from a number of officials, including Habba and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, on the allegations against McIveras well as many statements from the congresswoman's colleagues on the left, accusing the Trump administration of a political prosecution. "We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short," says McIver in her own statement. "Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka." It's not clear why the charge against Baraka was dropped, but in his statement, the mayor said he expects McIver to be "vindicated" in her case. The Senate has confirmed Charles Kushnerreal estate mogul, presidential pardon recipient, and father of presidential son-in-law Jared Kushneras the new US ambassador to France in a 51-45 vote, the AP reports. Kushner was pardoned by President Trump in 2020, during Trump's first term, after serving time for tax evasion, illegal campaign donations, and witness tampering. Prosecutors alleged that he orchestrated a scheme involving hiring a prostitute to retaliate against a cooperating witness in the case, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence in 2005 and a $508,900 fine for violating federal election rules. Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a major real estate firm. He comes to his new post at a time when US-France relations, along with broader US-European ties, have been strained by Trump administration policies on trade and the Ukraine conflict. At his confirmation hearing, Kushner said he would work to strengthen the economic partnership and encourage increased European defense commitments. He referenced his family's Holocaust history, saying he is dedicated to building a stronger alliance. He joins fellow Trump in-law Massad Boulos, father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, in the administration; Boulos is Trump's senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, the Hill reports. During Kushner's confirmation hearing, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the nomination critical amid unease among European allies. Kushner, in response to questions on his criminal record, stated he made a "serious mistake" for which he had paid a "heavy price." Trump, when he pardoned Kushner, highlighted his subsequent work in reform and charity. Kushner's confirmation gained support from only one Democrat, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who is described as a close friend of Kushner's. In turn, one Republican voted against his confirmationAlaska's Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Politico reports. Ta-Nehisi Coates and Oprah Winfrey are celebrating a court victory delivered through an unprecedented move by the US Supreme Court. The court had been set to hear a copyright dispute involving claims that Coates' The Water Dancer, an Oprah's Book Club selection, plagiarized from Ralph W. Baker, Jr.'s Shock Exchange, reports Forbes . But five of the court's nine justicesSamuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayorrecused themselves from the case. All but Alito have published books through Penguin Random House, whose parent company was named as a party in the case. It's unclear why Alito recused himself, though judicial ethics watchdog Fix the Court speculates that he may have stock in another named company, perhaps Apple, Disney, or Amazon. The four remaining justices determined the case "cannot be heard" because a six-judge quorum had not been met, per the Washington Post. As a result, "the court is required by statute to affirm the judgment of the lower court," per Bloomberg Law. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of the case, finding "little overlap" in the work of Baker and Coates "beyond relating to Black history and culture." This marks only the third time justices have recused themselves from cases since the court adopted a new code of ethics in November 2023. That is no enforcement mechanism for the code, so "for the code to work, the justices would have to do things they wouldn't normally have, and that appears to be the case here," Fix the Court executive director Gabe Roth tells the Post. The watchdog, which previously complained about justices hearing cases related to Penguin, noted it would be improper for justices to oversee cases involving companies "that pay them thousands if not millions of dollars nearly every year in advances, royalties or both." An international report from earlier this month noted that the Gaza Strip is "teetering on the edge of famine," as food supplies dwindle down to nothing and aid trucks are denied entry. Now, the head of the United Nations' humanitarian arm has issued a dire warning about the youngest citizens of Gazanamely, that up to 14,000 babies could die within the next two days if aid isn't restored there, reports the Guardian . Tom Fletcher noted that "utterly chilling figure" could be mitigated if action was taken quickly. "We need to flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid," he told the BBC's Radio 4 . Fletcher adds that just five trucks with aid crossed over into Gaza on Monday, but that on Tuesday, he hopes 100 trucks will be able to enter. "I want to save as many of these 14,000 babies as we can in the next 48 hours," he says. A UN spokesperson later concurred with Fletcher, noting that babies in Gaza would be in "mortal danger" without needed food and supplies making their way there. The Independent notes that Fletcher's comments come after a joint statement was put out by the UK, France, and Canada that slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his continued military maneuvers and cautioned that "concrete action" from the allies would follow if he doesn't back off. "We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," read the statement by leaders Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney, adding that Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid reaching Gaza was "unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law." Other officials have also been speaking out: The Washington Post notes that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, in an interview with local media, said this week that the number of aid trucks being allowed into Gaza is "totally insufficient," and that "immediate and massive aid is needed." Deep in the Amazon jungle, France plans to open a $450 million high-security prison to isolate drug lords and radical Islamiststurning a notorious former penal colony into a fortress for modern criminals. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Sunday announced the plan to build the high-security prison in the overseas territory of French Guiana, to open as early as 2028, per the BBC . The facility will sit deep in the Amazon near Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the site of the infamous Devil's Island penal colony, where 70,000 convicts from mainland France were sent between 1852 and 1954. The site inspired 1973's Papillon, starring Steve McQueen, per CNN . Designed for about 500 inmates, the prison will include a wing reserved for the most dangerous prisoners. Darmanin said the prison will enforce a strict protocol intended to disrupt contact between powerful criminal figures and their networks, especially drug lords "at the beginning of the drug trail." The remote location was chosen in part to prevent inmates from communicating with outside networks. The announcement follows a wave of violence targeting prisons and staff in France, incidents the government links to its crackdown on organized crime. French Guiana serves as a "strategic crossroads" for drug trafficking, particularly from Brazil and Suriname, and the new prison is part of broader efforts to control organized crime. Gangs have pushed the territory's homicide rate to 18.4 per 100,000 people, compared to 1.2 per 100,000 in mainland France, per CNN. Recent government action also includes tough new laws, a dedicated prosecutors' branch for organized crime, expanded investigative powers, and special protected status for informers. As French authorities face ongoing challenges such as widespread smuggling of mobile phones into prisons, stricter control over visitation and communication for high-risk prisoners is planned. Fears of a major earthquake, stoked by a mix of pop culture, social media, and self-proclaimed psychics, are prompting some would-be travelers to Japan to rethink their plans. Travelers, especially from East Asia, have been spooked into cancelling trips to the country amid a wave of anxiety that appears to have been started by Ryo Tatsuki's 1999 manga The Future I Saw, which gained notoriety after it appeared to predict the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that left 18,500 people dead, per AFP . An updated edition released in 2021 warns of another disaster this July, per CNN . Psychics and feng shui personalities from Japan and Hong Kong have added their own predictions, despite seismologists' warnings that accurate earthquake forecasting isn't possible. These claims have led to a rise in cancellations, particularly among tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong, Japan's second- and fourth-largest tourist markets. The WWPKG travel agency in Hong Kong says its bookings to Japan dropped by half during the Easter holiday. The apprehension is spreading to travelers from other countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where social media feeds are heavy with "prophecy" warnings. Tatsuki herself has urged people not to be "overly swayed" and to listen to experts. Japan's Cabinet Office and local leaders are also warning against giving credence to social media rumors. Despite the noise, official tourism numbers show record-breaking visits, including 10.5 million tourists in the first quarter of 2025, as well as increases from China and Hong Kong year-on-year, per CNN. Travelers like Vic Shing of Hong Kong tell the outlet they aren't changing their plans, citing Japan's long history of managing disasters effectively. Indications that Friday's jailbreak in Louisiana was an inside job have been confirmed by authorities, who've charged an employee with assisting the 10 escapees. Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, turned from jail employee to inmate on Tuesday as he was booked into the jail, then transferred to Plaquemines Parish Detention Center, per NBC News and Fox News . The 33-year-old is accused of shutting off water to a toilet that blocked a hole in a wall through which the prisoners escaped, per ABC News . The escapeessix of whom remain at largereportedly ripped out the toilet before escaping through the hole, leaving a message reading, "To Easy Lol." Williams faces 10 counts of assisting escape and one count of malfeasance in office. He is not among the three jail employees under suspension, ABC reports, suggesting others may have been involved. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said 10 inmates had made their way "into a pod made for two" before escaping "through concrete, rebar and barbed wire." "Even Stevie Wonder can see that this was an inside job," he added. Asked why a jail employee would risk their career to help inmates escape, the DA suggested "greed, avarice, friendship." Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Sterling Williams admitted to turning off the water to the cell at the request of one of the escapees. It's unclear if he knew the reason behind the request. The inmates went through the hole behind the toilet and out a loading dock door before scaling the perimeter wall using blankets to protect themselves from the barbed wire, per ABC. Three were captured within 24 hours. A fourth, 21-year-old Gary C. Price, was nabbed Monday. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to the capture of each of the remaining six. "We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows," Murrill said, per NBC. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul formally apologized Tuesday for the "atrocities" she says were committed at an upstate boarding school where Native American youths were forcibly separated from their families and forced to assimilate into American society. Speaking on Seneca Nation land alongside tribal leaders, Hochul said students that attended the Thomas Asylum of Orphan and Destitute Indian Children were subjected to "unimaginable physical, emotional, and sexual assaults" during the school's more than 100-year existence, per the AP . "Instead of being a haven for orphan children, it became a place of nightmares," Hochul said. "A place some would call a torture chamber, the site of sanctioned ethnic cleansing. That's what was going on here. Trying to eradicate the long, proud story of the Senecas." More than 2,500 students from tribes across the state attended the school in western New York, which operated from 1875 to 1957. The Thomas Indian School was originally established by Presbyterian missionaries in 1855 and taken over by the state 20 years later. It was among more than 400 government-supported schools established throughout the country with the goal of assimilating Native American youths. But the schools, which operated for roughly 150 years, had a devastating impact on Native American communities. Staff at the schools worked to strip children of their traditions and heritage. Teachers and administrators cut their hair, forbade them from speaking their own languages, and forced them into manual labor. Students, forcibly separated from their families, endured torture, sexual abuse, and hatred from school officials. More than 900 children died at the schools, the last of which closed or transitioned into different institutions decades ago. story continues below Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca, whose father attended the school, said the apology is overdue. "The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long," he said in a statement ahead of the visit. "At long last, our people will hear, directly from the Governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the state of New York to say: 'We're sorry.'" A Virginia man has been charged with felony burglary after being pardoned for his role in the Capitol riot, per the AP . Zachary Jordan Alam, 33, of Centreville, was arrested May 9 in a neighborhood outside of Richmond, Henrico County police said in a statement. Officers had responded to a call of breaking and entering, where the homeowner said a man came in through a back door, police said. "The man took several items before he was observed by people in the home and was asked to leave," police said. "Officers located the man in a nearby neighborhood and arrested him." Alam had been sentenced to eight years in prison in November before being pardoned by President Trump. The federal judge who handed down the punishment described Alam as one of the most violent and aggressive rioters. "Those are not the actions of a patriot," US District Judge Dabney Friedrich said at Alam's sentencing. "To say otherwise is delusional." Alam attended then-President Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House before joining the mob that attacked the Capitol. He helped other rioters scale barriers outside the Capitol before entering the building through a broken window. On his journey through the Capitol, Alam screamed obscenities at police, tried to kick in a hallway door, and threw a red velvet rope at officers from a balcony. He joined other rioters in trying to breach doors leading to the House chamber, but the entrances were barricaded with furniture and guarded by police. Pushing past officers, Alam punched and shattered three window panes on the doors of the Speaker's Lobby. Another rioter handed him a helmet, which he used to smash the door and glass panes. May 20 (News On Japan) - For much of Japans history, particularly in rural areas, a now-banned tradition called yobaior night crawlingwas a common courtship practice. Until the early 1900s, it was socially accepted for young men to sneak into womens homes at night for consensual sex, with variations depending on the region. A 100-year-old woman named Hatanaka Kamegiku recalled how, as a teenager, neighborhood boys would quietly enter girls rooms in the night, often by laying cloth on tatami mats to silence their steps, while families knowingly pretended to be unaware. Girls had the right to say no, and community norms ensured that violence or coercion was not tolerated. In some villages, yobai became ritualized through events such as post-harvest parties, where girls left doors open as a signal, and boys would respectfully compete for a chance to visit them, often using games like rock-paper-scissors to decide. In more casual setups, boys might pee on the door to quiet its creakor to mark that a house had already been visited that night, though the latter claim may have been a joke. Voyeurism wasnt uncommon, with boys sometimes listening in or even watching couples through open doors. Discretion was expected; the boys had to leave before dawn or risk awkward encounters with the girls family over breakfast. Some women welcomed multiple visitors, while others hosted none. While some communities encouraged more restraint, others were far more permissiveeven allowing married men or, in rare cases, women to engage in night crawling. Relationships that began through yobai often ended in marriage, sometimes intentionally engineered through planned pregnancy to pressure families into approval. In cases where the family disapproved, the child might be handed over to the mans household, sometimes to be raised by his wife. Despite the sexual openness, these villages had a strong support system for single mothers and children, and community ties often softened the burden of nontraditional families. The frequency and openness of yobai varied widely by region. In Japans northeast, stricter family hierarchies discouraged it, as bloodlines were carefully protected. In the southwest, looser hierarchies and cooperative family structures allowed greater sexual freedom. This regional divide reveals how deeply social organization influenced sexual customs. In some aristocratic contexts during the Heian period, yobai even became formalizedthree consecutive nights together could constitute a legal marriage. In Edo-era pleasure quarters, courtesans borrowed the pattern, refusing intimacy until the third meeting. The practice was eventually outlawed during the Meiji era as part of government modernization efforts, officially labeled as adultery. Yet it lingered quietly in some communities into the 1950s. While often romanticized today, yobai had real consequences, including unwanted pregnancies, hidden paternity, and in rare tragic cases, violent retaliation. One such case was Toi Mutsuo, a young man suffering from tuberculosis whose rejection by former lovers led him to commit mass murder in 1938, exploiting the unlocked doors of a yobai-practicing village. For people like Kamegiku, yobai was more than a ritualit was a cultural fabric of youth, intimacy, and autonomy. She fondly recalled an era when women had more freedom to express their sexuality, and mourned what she saw as modern restrictions on female desire. While the tradition is gone, echoes of its spirit remain buried in Japans countryside lore, perhaps still whispered in the creak of a sliding dooror the splash of something stranger in the dark. Source: Linfamy Shiga, May 21 (News On Japan) - A man has been arrested for stealing a hanging scroll regarded as a "masterpiece of ghost paintings" from a temple in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The scroll, titled Silk Ghost Figure in Light Colors, is held at Seiryuji Tokugen-in temple in Maibara. It is renowned for its eerie depiction that gives the illusion of the ghost emerging from the scroll. According to police, at around 1:20 p.m. on May 19th, suspect Kazuki Doi, a 33-year-old unemployed man, allegedly entered the temples main hall disguised as a visitor and made off with the scroll. However, the chief priest pursued and apprehended Doi on the spot. Yamaguchi Koshu, head priest of Tokugen-in, commented: "Its something that should never happen, but if he truly likes the ghost scroll, Id rather he come back as a proper visitor and view it to his hearts content." Doi has admitted to the charges, according to investigators. Source: YOMIURI Bell and Zoom are partnering to offer Workplace from Bell and Zoom, a unique suite of communication and collaboration services for Canadian enterprises. Workplace from Bell and Zoom integrates leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as a core functionality in all packages, delivering greater value for customers. The partnership reinforces Bell's commitment to deliver best-in-class services and solutions that meet the productivity and collaboration needs of all Canadian businesses. MONTREAL, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Bell, Canada's largest communications company, and Zoom, a global leader in workplace communications, today announced a partnership to offer Workplace from Bell and Zoom, an open collaboration platform with AI Companion, available to Canadian enterprises exclusively through Bell. This relationship reinforces Bell's objective to provide innovative, reliable, and secure AI powered communication solutions that empower businesses to thrive in today's dynamic work environment. With its AI-first capabilities built-in to every product and not "bolted-on" to existing features, Workplace from Bell and Zoom empowers businesses with a variety of needs and levels of expertise. From organizations with limited technical proficiency seeking a simple, easy-to-deploy collaboration solution to those with dispersed employees requiring external calling capabilities and hybrid work support, Workplace from Bell and Zoom makes it easy to integrate and operate. Launching exclusively for Canadian customers, Workplace from Bell and Zoom will complement existing Bell services, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience with a cutting-edge collaboration platform designed to boost productivity and collaboration. Key features include: Simplified Communication across teams and departments with calling, integrated video conferencing, messaging, and file sharing. across teams and departments with calling, integrated video conferencing, messaging, and file sharing. Enhanced Productivity with tools designed to improve workflow and collaboration. with tools designed to improve workflow and collaboration. Flexible Workstyles that support hybrid and remote work models with seamless connectivity and communication tools accessible from any device. that support hybrid and remote work models with seamless connectivity and communication tools accessible from any device. Robust Enterprise-grade Security designed to protect sensitive business information without compromising user experience. designed to protect sensitive business information without compromising user experience. AI-First Capabilities (Zoom AI Companion), leading functionality included in all packages, to help users get more done, do better work, and strengthen relationships through task automation and enhancing overall productivity. "Workplace from Bell and Zoom is an important milestone within our digital-first mission, elevating Bell's set of collaboration solutions for businesses across all segments and requirements. We've worked together to deliver a comprehensive suite of tools to empower Canadian customers with the seamless and secure communication and collaboration experiences they need to thrive in today's dynamic environment." - John Watson, Group President, Bell "This partnership with Bell represents a truly unique opportunity to bring the power of the Zoom platform to the Canadian market. We're excited to work alongside Bell to deliver a solution that's not only innovative but also specifically tailored to the needs of Canadian businesses. This collaboration sets a new standard for enterprise collaboration in Canada." - Graeme Geddes, Chief Sales and Growth Officer, Zoom "Workplace from Bell and Zoom will deliver significant productivity gains for Canadian businesses facing challenges with scalability and flexibility of communications tools. With 64% of Canadian organizations struggling in these areas, and 57% needing a platform that fully integrates calling, meetings, and messaging, this solution addresses a critical market need. Further reinforcing this, 76% of Canadian IT decision-makers prefer purchasing communications solutions from trusted telecom providers, making Bell Canada a natural choice." - Elka Popova, VP and Senior Fellow, Frost & Sullivan Workplace from Bell and Zoom powered by Canada's largest network with Bell, will be available nationally this year. ABOUT BELL Bell is Canada's largest communications company[1], providing advanced broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communication services. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca. Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. [1] Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections. MEDIA CONTACTS [email protected] INVESTOR RELATIONS [email protected] SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL) VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) announces its operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. For complete details, please refer to the Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.elementalaltus.com). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Financial Highlights Royalty revenue of US$11.6 million and adjusted revenue 1 of US$13.3 million , up 179% on Q1 2024 and adjusted revenue of , up 179% on Q1 2024 Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces 1 (" GEOs ") of 4,606 ounces, up 102% on Q1 2024 (" ") of 4,606 ounces, up 102% on Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA 1 of US$11.5 million , up 259% on Q1 2024 of , up 259% on Q1 2024 Operating Cash Flow plus Caserones dividends of US$3.3 million , up 182% on Q1 2024 with the majority of royalty revenue received post quarter end , up 182% on Q1 2024 with the majority of royalty revenue received post quarter end Final US$3 million of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility (" RCF ") fully paid down in the quarter of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility (" ") fully paid down in the quarter Over US$22 million cash on hand as of May 20, 2025 alongside the Company's US$50 million undrawn RCF Financial Performance for the 3 months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 Three months ended March, 2025 2024 $'000 $'000 Total revenue 11,639 3,327 Adjusted revenue* 13,261 4,747 Cash flows from operations 2,372 175 Adjusted cash flows from operations* 3,294 1,170 Total net profit / (loss) 3,448 (1,014) Adjusted EBITDA* 11,471 3,199 2025 2024 GEO GEO Total attributable GEOs 4,606 2,283 Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "Elemental Altus has delivered a standout first quarter, with adjusted revenue of US$13.3 millionup 179% year-on-year; and adjusted EBITDA of US$11.5 million, reflecting the growing scale and profitability of our portfolio. This includes maiden revenue of US$6.6 million from our Korali-Sud royalty, which is proving to be a significant contributor in 2025 and will continue to offer long-term uncapped exploration upside from a world-class geological district. With over US$22 million in cash on hand, a fully repaid credit facility, and an undrawn US$50 million credit line, we are in the strongest financial position in the Company's history. As additional royalty revenue, including from Wahgnion, is recognised in upcoming periods, we remain well positioned to build on this momentum through 2025." Outlook Company remains on track to meet record guidance of 11,600 to 13,200 GEOs, translating to record adjusted revenue of US$30.1 million to US$34.3 million , based on a gold price of US$2,600 /oz and a copper price of US$4.00 /lb. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty to , based on a gold price of /oz and a copper price of /lb. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty This guidance represents a 38% increase in GEOs and 50% year-on-year increase in adjusted revenue at the mid-point of guidance, with full exposure to higher gold prices Elemental Altus is in a net cash position, with flexibility for new acquisitions utilising the $50 million RCF and the strong free cash flow being generated RCF and the strong free cash flow being generated Elemental Altus has a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") in place to purchase up to 12,288,129 common shares in the capital of the Company Investor Webcast An investor webcast will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 starting at 11am Eastern Time (8am Pacific Time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WCPOfEbzSMi3ULMDO8FSeQ Asset Update Karlawinda Q1 2025 gold production from Karlawinda was 30,599 ounces (Q1 2024: 26,017 ounces) Approved major expansion targeting annual production of 150koz with over 10+ year mine life remaining Capricorn maintained guidance of 110,000 to 120,000 ounces of production for the year to June 2025 Capricorn announced the approval of a major expansion study for Karlawinda, targeting a throughput increase of between 2.0 and 2.5 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa"), an approximate 50% increase in throughput on the current 4.5 Mtpa, targeting annual production of 150,000 ounces Elemental Altus' uncapped 2% NSR royalty will provide up to approximately 3,000 GEOs annually to the Company based on the higher 150,000 ounce production rate Caserones In Q1 2025, the Company accrued adjusted royalty revenue of $1.6 million (Q1 2024: $1.4 million ), based on reported sales of 28,709 tonnes of copper (Q1 2024: ), based on reported sales of 28,709 tonnes of copper Production was positively impacted by higher mill throughput Revenue increased due to higher sales volumes as two shipments delayed from December 2024 were completed in the quarter were completed in the quarter Lundin Mining Corp. has copper production guidance of 115-125kt for 2025 Korali-Sud (Diba) Q1 2025 gold sales from Korali-Sud was 80,574 ounces (Q1 2024: nil) 2025 revenue expected to be heavily weighted towards H1 2025 The Company expects to receive the US$1 million milestone payment due following commercial production with further milestone payments linked to production over the course of 2025 milestone payment due following commercial production with further milestone payments linked to production over the course of 2025 Allied Gold has settled terms for a definitive protocol agreement with the Government of Mali , which includes the advancement of the Korali-Sud deposit and the issuance of a ten-year exploitation permit for Sadiola Bonikro Royalty attributable sales in Q1 2025 were 18,498 ounces (Q1 2024: 21,407 ounces) The Company acquired a further 2.25% NSR royalty on Bonikro in October 2024 , totalling 4.5% NSR , totalling 4.5% NSR Stripping at Pushback 5 is expected to expose higher-grade materials in H2 2025, 2026, and 2027 Wahgnion The Wahgnion mine is currently undergoing an external audit, during which royalty payments to royalty holders have been temporarily paused and the Q1 2025 royalty statement has not yet been provided The Company received all royalty statements from Wahgnion management for the 2024 financial year and received payment for the first two quarters of 2024, but has not yet received payment for the second half of 2024. In addition, the Company has not yet received the royalty statement for Q1 2025 and therefore, the Company has not yet received the necessary information to support the recognition of royalty income for Q1 2025. Royalty revenue earned in Q1 2025 will be recognised in a subsequent reporting period once the royalty statement is received. As at March 31, 2025 , the accrued income balance includes $1.1 million in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion , the accrued income balance includes in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion The Company is in active communication with Wahgnion's management and external auditors and, based on such communications, expects royalty statements and payment to be received in full in 2025 Portfolio Payments Post quarter end, the Company received A$15 million in cash and shares of Firefly Metals Ltd (" Firefly ") relating to the Company's former Ming gold stream in cash and shares of Firefly Metals Ltd (" ") relating to the Company's former Ming gold stream The Company sold the Firefly shares for a total net consideration of A$7.6 million on April 24, 2025 on The Company expects to have received a total of approximately US$12.8 million as a result of stream revenue and the secured creditor claim in relation to the Company's Ming stream with a final US$0.1 million cash distribution to be received shortly as a result of stream revenue and the secured creditor claim in relation to the Company's Ming stream with a final cash distribution to be received shortly The US$9.6 million received post quarter end contributes towards up to US$15 million in portfolio payments the Company expects to receive across the portfolio in 2025 Frederick Bell CEO and Director Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-646-4527. TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Qualified Person Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Notes 1. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain performance measures which are non-IFRS and are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standard meaning under IFRS and other companies may calculate measures differently. Royalty revenue is received at zero cost. Distributions from associates related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on Caserones are received net of Chilean taxes and have no other costs. Adjusted Revenue and cash flow from operating activities Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure, which is defined as including gross royalty revenue from associated entities holding royalty interests related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on the Caserones copper mine. Management uses adjusted revenue to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as revenue, investors may use adjusted revenue to evaluate the results of the underlying business, particularly as the adjusted revenue may not typically be included in operating results. Management believes that adjusted revenue is a useful measure of the Company performance because it adjusts for items which management believes reflect the Company's core operating results from period to period. Adjusted revenue is intended to provide additional information to investors and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. It does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted depletion, adjusted tax expense and adjusted cash flow from operating activities are non-IFRS measures which include depletion, tax and dividends from the Caserones royalty asset in line with the recognition of adjusted revenue as described above. Gold Equivalent Ounces Elemental Altus' adjusted royalty, streaming, and other revenue is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce, or GEO, basis by dividing the royalty and other revenue from associates in a period by the average gold price for the same respective period, plus the net gold ounces received in the period from streaming investments. The presentation of this non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. The production forecast was derived using information that is available in the public domain as at the date hereof, which included guidance and estimates prepared and issued by management of the operators of the mining operations in which Elemental Altus holds an interest. The production forecast is sensitive to the performance and operating status of the underlying mines. None of the information has been independently verified by Elemental Altus and may be subject to uncertainty. There can be no assurance that such information is complete or accurate. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of certain other income/expenses and unusual non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, including depletion and taxes relating to share of profit from associate, and share-based compensation. Management believes that this is a useful measure of the Company's performance because it adjusts for items which may not relate to underlying operating performance of the Company and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Elemental Altus for the year ended December 31, 2024. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SOURCE Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Corporate & Media Inquiries: Tel: +1 604 646 4527, Email: [email protected] RICHMOND HILL, ON, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada is proud to announce that Amy Fleming, Senior Director, Chief Operating Officer of Mazda Canada Inc., has been recognized by Automotive News as one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry for the second time. This prestigious honour highlights Fleming's exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence in the automotive sector. Amy Fleming, Senior Director, Chief Operating Officer (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.) (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.) Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry recognizes female leaders in the automotive field those who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry's top female executive every five years since 2000. The 2025 class of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry emerged from a months-long nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada and Mexico. This sixth list includes engineers, mobility leaders, manufacturing and marketing executives, financiers, dealer principals and designers. This repeat recognition places Fleming among a distinguished group of industry trailblazers whose impact continues to shape the future of mobility. Fleming started her career in automotive back in 1992 working at a car dealership in her hometown of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With over thirty years of dynamic industry experience under her belt, Fleming became Mazda Canada's first Chief Operating Officer in April 2023. She currently oversees Mazda Canada's national sales, marketing, fixed operations and customer experience operations. Under her leadership, Mazda Canada has seen record levels of business quality, employee engagement, retailer partner performance, and retail partner satisfaction. "Being recognized once is an honour. Being recognized twice speaks volumes about the caliber of Amy's leadership," said David Klan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Mazda Canada. "Her vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to living our values to drive our industry forward with purpose is truly inspirational." "Over the last 25 years, on six lists of Leading Women, Automotive News has honored 442 executives. Our selection committee made many difficult decisions it gets tougher every time," said Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, Automotive News Senior Director of Editorial Operations. "The talented, powerful executives on this list are at the forefront of thousands of successful women in the auto industry." About Mazda Canada Inc. Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 163 retail stores. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca. Follow @MazdaCanada on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads. About Automotive News Since 1925, Automotive News has been the primary source for news happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Distinct from other publications in the field, Automotive News remains a fully subscriber-paid publication, a testament to the value it delivers to the reader. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters, podcast and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 65 editors and reporters. SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc. Sandra Lemaitre, Mazda Canada Inc., [email protected]; Krista Tzanopoulos, Mazda Canada Inc., [email protected] Boldly seasoned, golden fries are now a permanent menu item. No ketchup required VAUGHAN, ON, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - It's official: Fans asked, and Taco Bell Canada delivered. Canadians can now get their hands on one of Taco Bell's most iconic global menu items, Nacho Fries, now permanently available at locations nationwide. No limited-time drops or settling for ketchup, just crispy, golden fries, dusted with bold Mexican-inspired spices, dunked in warm nacho cheese sauce, available year-round. Taco Bell Canada - Nacho Fries (CNW Group/Taco Bell Canada) (CNW Group/Taco Bell Canada) "This is more than just a menu update," said Meera Patel, Marketing Director, Taco Bell Canada. "Canadians have not been shy in professing their love for the elevated taste and flavour profile of Nacho Fries. We heard their cries and are delivering on that, by giving fries the glow up they truly deserve." Nacho Fries first launched in the U.S. in 2018 and quickly became Taco Bell's most successful product launch of all time, surpassing the iconic Doritos Locos Tacos. The fan passion has been monumental ever since, and the same passion can be found in Canada. They have continued to be the perfect addition to satisfying fans' Taco Bell cravings. Now, Taco Bell Canada is making Nacho Fries a permanent fixture, giving Canadians exclusive, year-round access to the beloved menu item. This move comes at a time when traditional fries and their classic ketchup sidekick just aren't cutting it for younger Canadians. "We're seeing a shift in taste profiles among Gen Z and Millennials," said Patel. "Ketchup isn't enough anymore. They're looking for bolder flavours and more globally inspired snacks. Nacho Fries answers that call, crisped to perfection, built for dipping, and packed with Mexican-inspired seasoning." Nacho Fries can be enjoyed on their own, or as part of the crave-worthy Deluxe Box, which includes Nacho Fries with a cheesy dipping sauce, a Cantina Chicken Soft Taco, Chalupa Supreme Beef, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, and a drink. Nacho Fries are now available for $3.49 CAD at Taco Bell locations nationwide, in-store, drive-thru, and on the Taco Bell app and website. $3.49 prices do not apply to delivery partner platforms. For more information, visit tacobell.ca About Taco Bell Canada Taco Bell Corp. ("Taco Bell") is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. and is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, signature quesadillas, nachos, salads and much more. For locations, information on Taco Bell and to chat with Taco Bell fans, visit us online at our website www.tacobell.ca or any of our other social channels, including on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tacobellcanada , Twitter @TacoBellCanada , Snapchat TACOBELLCANADA, or on Instagram @tacobellcanada. SOURCE Taco Bell Canada For further information: Jennifer Dunsmore, Heads+Tales, [email protected], 519-820-6242 Specialty pharmacy market expected to exceed $20B with over 10,000 licensed pharmacies filling critical healthcare gaps nationwide Advanced pharmacy systems enabling seamless collaboration and digital technology putting prescription management at patients' fingertips TORONTO, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's pharmacy sector is undergoing a revolution to meet changing healthcare needs, according to TELUS Health's inaugural Pharmacy Trends Report: The Future of Pharmacy in Canada: Five Trends Shaping Canada's Healthcare Landscape in 2025. With the automated central fill pharmacy market projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030 and Canada's specialty pharmacy market expected to exceed $20 billion, technological automation is enabling pharmacists to step into expanded healthcare roles, fundamentally changing how people in Canada access primary care services. View PDF The future of Pharmacy in Canada (CNW Group/TELUS Health) "We're witnessing a seismic shift in Canadian healthcare delivery," said Ratcho Batchvarov, Vice-president, Provider Solutions, TELUS Health. "Our first Pharmacy Trends report reveals that pharmacies are rapidly evolving into comprehensive healthcare hubs, bridging critical gaps in primary care access. With the specialty pharmacy market set to surge beyond $20 billion and automation driving a $1.9 billion revolution in central fill services, we're not just talking about incremental change this is a fundamental reimagining of community healthcare. Pharmacists have been advancing their role as frontline care providers, leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer more accessible, efficient and personalized care. This transformation is creating a more resilient and responsive healthcare ecosystem for all Canadians." The Pharmacy Trends Report provides valuable insights on how the Canadian pharmacy sector is evolving, enabling both pharmacists and pharmacy managers to identify opportunities for improved efficiencies in their practice and enhance patient care. Three notable trends from this first report include: Putting an expanded scope of practice into action: As millions of people in Canada struggle to find a family doctor, the nation's network of more than 10,000 licensed pharmacies is stepping up to fill critical healthcare gaps. These locations offer essential medical services, from vaccinations to prescribing medications for minor ailments. Patients see their pharmacists 1.5 to 10 times more than they see their primary care physician. As millions of people in struggle to find a family doctor, the nation's network of more than 10,000 licensed pharmacies is stepping up to fill critical healthcare gaps. These locations offer essential medical services, from vaccinations to prescribing medications for minor ailments. Enhancing collaboration and streamlining operations : technology solutions can empower pharmacists to deliver their services in a way that's comfortable to them, and patients can access consistent services and care, regardless of where they go: Centralized prescription fulfillment reduces errors and administrative burdens, allowing pharmacists to focus on patient care. Over a quarter of community pharmacists in one survey noted their dissatisfaction with the daily volume of prescriptions to be processed. Advanced Pharmacy Management Systems allow pharmacists to collaborate seamlessly with other healthcare providers, ensuring patients receive consistent, well-coordinated care across all touchpoints. Specialty drug claims have tripled over the past 15 years, rising from 10.4 per cent to 32.8 per cent of total pharmacy claims. This dramatic increase means pharmacists must now manage more complex medication regimens while ensuring patients receive proper guidance and care. : technology solutions can empower pharmacists to deliver their services in a way that's comfortable to them, and patients can access consistent services and care, regardless of where they go: Engaging the patient: patients are taking control of their healthcare through digital technology. Modern pharmacy apps put prescription management at their fingertips, while allowing them to securely track their health data. This digital connection helps pharmacists spot health trends earlier and deliver more personalized care when patients need it most. "A recent survey found that 82 per cent of people in Canada reported being interested in virtual care appointments, showing yet again how patients are looking for more control of their healthcare journey," explained Batchvarov. "Embracing this type of patient engagement, while providing a platform that keeps personal medical information confidential with the highest data security protocols, is a key way forward in securing the trust of patients." The newly released 2025 Pharmacy Trends Report sparked valuable discussion at the company's recent Annual Conference in Toronto on April 29, 2025 a key forum that brought together leaders from the healthcare, pharmacy, insurance and benefits sectors. This year's conference explored a comprehensive approach to connected healthcare, encompassing the pharmacy, physician and public health sectors, while reaffirming our dedication to data-informed and technology-driven solutions for Canada's healthcare ecosystem. About TELUS Health TELUS Health is on a mission to become the most trusted wellbeing company in the world by enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare and championing workplace wellbeing. By integrating advanced healthcare technology with comprehensive employee support services, TELUS Health provides a holistic approach to primary and preventive health and wellbeing enhancing more than 150 million lives across more than 200 countries and territories. Our innovative digital health platforms, including electronic medical records (EMRs) and virtual care solutions, empower healthcare professionals, employers and governments to deliver personalized care efficiently. Our employee wellbeing programs empower individuals by offering extensive support through Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs), mental health resources, financial counselling and workplace wellness initiatives. At TELUS Health, we are committed to revolutionizing healthcare to ensure people receive the support they need and employees thrive both personally and professionally. Together, let's make the future friendly. For more information please visit: www.telushealth.com. For media inquiries, please contact: Marielle Hossack TELUS Health [email protected] SOURCE TELUS Health "Seattle is a city where nature and innovation coexist beautifullyand that's exactly what we aimed to capture with this property," says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "This city has long been a pioneer in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and progressive thinking. With 1 Hotel Seattle, we wanted to create a haven that not only pays homage to its forests, waters, and creative spirit, but also reflects the city's deep-rooted commitment to living in harmony with the planet. It's a place where conscious design meets the soul of the Pacific Northwest." "We're proud to open our doors in one of the country's most forward-thinking cities," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "From the locally crafted furnishings to the reclaimed materials and moss art installations, every detail is designed to inspire both comfort and consciousness." A Nature-Infused Welcome Located at 2125 Terry Avenue, 1 Hotel Seattle is set at the crossroads of nature, culture, and innovation. It's just minutes from Seattle's iconic waterfront, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Climate Pledge Arena, and Amazon's headquarters. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a monumental driftwood sculpture by local artist Alison Stigora, a bespoke piece that sets the tone for what lies within. The lobby is anchored by a lush living wall and a sculptural winding staircase fashioned from reclaimed timber and stacked stone featuring a railing hand-stitched with domestic leather. Overhead are massive Douglas fir beamsa nod to Seattle's maritime and industrial past. Throughout the space, details celebrate Pacific Northwest voices and materials and reinforce a deep connection to the land and its history. There are textiles that pay tribute to the Coast Salish Tribes, handmade tiles from a Pacific Northwest ceramics studio surrounding a fireplace, and an art collection curated in collaboration with local galleries. Guests can also unwind year-round on the outdoor terrace, a fire-lit, plant-filled patio framed by a wooden trellis and Northwest greenery. Sanctuary-Style Guest Rooms The 153 guest rooms, including 45 suites, are serene spaces inspired by the Pacific Northwest's forests, shorelines, and mountains. The spaces are layered with organic textures and handcrafted materials like reclaimed wood walls, pebble stone floors, Chiara quartzite counters, and live-edge furnishings from Seattle's own Tirto Furniture. Wallcoverings with nautical motifs and curated plantings line the corridors, while moss art and locally sourced artwork deepen the sense of place. Many of the rooms and suites have views of the Space Needle or city skyline. Sustainable touches include in-room water filtration systems with carafes made from recycled wine bottles, 100% organic linens atop plush pillow-top mattresses, Nespresso machines with recyclable pods, yoga mats, and Bamford bath products infused with essential oils. Every element is both luxurious and low-impact, from chalkboards replacing paper to bamboo-based tissue to energy-saving smart thermostats. Guests can also take part in the 1 Less Thing program, a simple but powerful initiative that encourages leaving gently used clothing behind for donation to local nonprofit Mary's Place. Dining With a Sense of Place 1 Hotel Seattle's culinary program celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest through a bold, hyper-local lens with global influences. The signature restaurant is La Loba, Spanish for "the she-wolf." A soulful, transportive experience that channels the strength and mystery of the natural world, La Loba is led by acclaimed Chef Oscar Amador Edoa James Beard Award finalist known for redefining tapas in Las Vegas. Chef Oscar's dishes balance technique and storytelling, drawing on the rustic flavors of Spain and infusing them with Japanese influences, Mediterranean brightness, and Seattle's rich ingredients. From wood-fired seafood to pintxos reimagined with foraged mushrooms, every plate is designed for sharing and discovery. A rotating menu keeps pace with the markets, and diners can expect rare cuts, inventive crudos, and plant-based innovations. An exceptional boutique wine list curated by award-winning sommelier Joseph Mikulich complements the bold, earthy menu. The thoughtfully selected lineup features low-intervention wines from Spain, the U.S., and beyondranging from rare, highly sought-after bottles like Muga Aro (one of Rioja's finest) to locally harvested house wines such as Pursued by Bear. Mikulich's expertise brings depth and discovery to every pour, offering guests a distinctive and memorable wine experience. Just off the lobby, Drift cafe and bar brings the hotel's culinary ethos into an all-day social space. Mornings begin with craft coffee from Seattle's own FONTE and tea from Vancouver's TEALEAVES, accompanied by house-made pastries and light fare. As the day progresses, Drift shifts into a cozy cocktail lounge, where low-ABV drinks, seasonal small plates, and biodynamic wines are served beside a flickering fireplace and illuminated art wall. The mixology taps into ingredients sourced from the areaRainier cherries, wild blackberries, locally distilled spiritsand leans into sustainability with a zero-waste philosophy. Spent citrus peels, herbs, and coffee grounds are transformed into house infusions and clever garnishes. On the second floor, six thoughtfully designed event spaceseach flooded with natural light and framed by city viewsoffer flexible layouts for everything from intimate board meetings to meaningful celebrations. The jewel of the hotel's events program is the Rainier Ballroom, which opens directly onto a landscaped terrace with panoramic views of the Space Needle. This biophilic gathering space is perfect for weddings, social celebrations, and sustainable corporate events, with expert planning services, seasonal catering menus, and furniture crafted from responsibly sourced wood. Built Better, Designed Smarter The Pacific Northwest is one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the United Stateswhere responsibility, conservation, and stewardship are a way of life. 1 Hotel Seattle underscores this deep-rooted commitment with a devotion to sustainability that's embedded into every detail, down to the wooden keycards and recycled cork coasters. 1 Hotel Seattle is targeting LEED Silver certification, with strategies that range from advanced air quality systems and UV water filtration to a 37% reduction in water use. Additionally, more than 70% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood. With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needleno car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive. The building uses sustainable, low-VOC materials, and the property participates in a True Zero Waste program in partnership with Foodprint Group, aiming for 90% waste diversion across all operations. Single-use plastics have been replaced by reusable glassware, compostable packaging, and upcycled materials, including hangers made of recycled paper and amenity trays crafted from sustainable wood. With a Walk Score of 98 and Transit Score of 100, 1 Hotel Seattle is just minutes from the waterfront, greenways, and iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needleno car required. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, either as a house car or a guided test drive. Together, these thoughtful choices create an experience that feels both elevated and essentialluxury not just for its own sake, but for the sake of the world around us. Now Open Whether you're a Seattle local looking for an exciting new dining experience or a visitor seeking meaningful luxury, 1 Hotel Seattle is a place where nature and design convergeand where every thoughtful detail reflects a deeper commitment to the planet. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1hotels.com/seattle . ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com . ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), and Seattle, with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Melbourne (Australia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. SOURCE Starwood Hotels Elizabeth Traub, [email protected] TORONTO, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union, is calling on the federal government to take immediate and aggressive action against corporations that move jobs out of Canada in response to U.S. trade measures. The union has presented a detailed proposal, including legislative amendments, outlining how the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (FEMA) can be deployed to penalize corporations that offshore or outsource work to the detriment of Canada's national interest. "Canadian workers should not pay the price for American trade aggression," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "It's time for the federal government to draw a clear line: if you do business here, you don't get to pack up and leave to avoid tariffs without consequences." While Canada has responded to unfair U.S. tariffs with retaliatory measures, these steps fall short when it comes to stopping companies from offshoring Canadian production to the U.S., resulting in devastating job losses. Unifor is calling on the federal government to immediately apply FEMA to penalize Canadian-based companies in the event they shift operations south of the border in compliance with U.S. pressures or incentives. The case presented by Unifor can be read across varying levels of aggressiveness. FEMA, as it stands, can be used as a tool immediatelyalthough penalties and remedies are currently limited. However, legislated amendments to FEMA (when Parliament returns), intersecting with existing powers under the Customs Tariff, present a suite of very aggressivealmost limitlesspunitive measures, up to and including blocking or restricting the import of goods from companies that have offshored Canadian jobs. Read Unifor's letter to Prime Minister Carney and pertinent cabinet ministers here. Under FEMA, the Attorney Generalbacked by the Minister of Foreign Affairshas the authority to issue orders that block compliance with foreign measures that harm Canadian interests. These blocking orders would make it a federal offence for companies to move production out of Canada in response to U.S. tariffs or directives, with penalties currently reaching up to $1.5 million for corporations and up to five years' imprisonment for individuals. "This is existing legislation that can be activated today. No new law is neededjust political will to protect Canadian workers and prevent further job losses in vital manufacturing sectors," added Payne. "By using FEMA, and strengthening it through legislative amendments, the government can send a clear message that offshoring Canadian jobs will not be tolerated." Unifor is also calling for stronger penalties, including asset seizures for companies that violate blocking orders, and for FEMA compliance to be a condition for any company seeking relief from Canada's own retaliatory tariffs. "We need to stop rewarding companies that gut our communities and undermine our economy," said Payne. "This is about protecting good Canadian jobs and defending our sovereignty." Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. SOURCE Unifor For media inquiries or to arrange interviews please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or by cell at (416) 896-3303 Lucas DeGeorge, was a junior at Buena Regional High School in Atlantic County, died after being shot and crashing a car in Cumberland County on Saturday, May 17 2025. Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Lawler The driver who died after being shot and crashing his car Saturday night in Cumberland County was identified by family members as a 17-year-old high school student. Lucas DeGeorge was a junior at Buena Regional High School in Atlantic County, his grandmother, Elizabeth Lawler, told NJ Advance Media on Monday evening. Lawler said the family was grieving DeGeorges death and had no further comment. Nobody at Buena Regional High School could immediately be reached for comment. Police were called to the 900 block of Church Street in Millville on Saturday night for a report of a car crash, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. They learned that the driver had been shot and subsequently crashed his vehicle, the office said. DeGeorge was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland, where he was pronounced dead around 10 p.m., the office said. Investigators have not said if DeGeorge was shot while driving, or if he was wounded earlier. A GoFundMe was created by his family and as of 7 p.m. Monday it had reached over $6,600 of its $10,000 goal. He loved his family immensely, the GoFundMe read. He was an amazing son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend. His parents and siblings are left with unimaginable pain and voids. He had his whole life ahead of him, and losing him so suddenly has left us devastated. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Millville Police Detective Robert Vit at 856-825-7010 or prosecutors office Detective William Parker at 856-453-0486. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Markis Nathan Rattling Leaf, 42, was stabbed to death while serving time at a federal prison in New Jersey, according to documents provided by his family. (Provided Photo/Miranda Roubideaux) A Native American spiritual leader is seeking answers about how an indigenous man was stabbed to death while serving time in a federal prison in New Jersey. Two months after the killing at the Federal Correctional Institution at Fairton in Cumberland County, officials have said little about the case and have not indicated if anyone has been charged. Markis Nathan Rattling Leaf, 42, of South Dakota, was stabbed in the head, neck and chest with a pencil on March 4 and died the following day, according to his death certificate. His death was a homicide, according to a copy of the death certificate his family provided to NJ Advance Media. Federal officials previously said Rattling Leaf was found unresponsive following a perceived altercation at the prison and later died. They did not say how he died or if his death was deemed a crime. A representative for the FBI confirmed the agency is investigating the case but has refused to say if anyone has been charged. The U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey has also declined to comment. Rattling Leaf was Native American and a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe in South Dakota, his family said. He was serving a prison sentence for molesting a child. In 2012, Rattling Leaf pleaded guilty to a charge of abusive sexual contact with an 8-year-old victim in South Dakota and was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison, according to a press release about the case. He was serving his sentence in a federal facility in Tucson, Arizona, before he was transferred to New Jersey last June. Shannon Rivers, a Native American spiritual leader for men and women incarcerated in California and Arizona, is trying to assist Rattling Leafs family. Rivers had not met Rattling Leaf, but was alarmed to hear about his killing. When I heard the story, obviously, I was shocked, he said. The death of our inmates and the killing of our inmates and the assaults that happen within some of our institutions are sadly not uncommon, Rivers said. Theres a lot of violence in some of these institutions, so we do our best to try to maintain a safe space for them. The problem is worse for inmates who identify as gay or transgender, he said. Rattling Leaf identified as both gay and bisexual, a family member said. When it comes to our transgender community members, they are more susceptible in many spaces in the carceral institutions to violence, Rivers said. So it becomes even more difficult when someone who identifies as transgender or gay becomes susceptible to that violence. Given the lack of details released about Rattling Leafs death, its not known if his sexual orientation was a factor in the killing. Rattling Leaf was an advocate for the queer and transgender communities in prison, according to his sister, Miranda Roubideaux. He co-founded Brave Hearts, a group of LGBTQ+ inmates who focused on financial independence through art and ending violence against LGBTQ+ people in prison. The family was told by someone at the prison that he was trying to counsel the inmate who attacked and killed him, Roubideaux said. While puncture wounds from the pencil caused his death, he also suffered blunt force trauma to his head and neck, the death certificate said. One of the stab wounds was to his eye, Roubideaux said in March. In a letter to a South Dakota judge about Rattling Leafs death, the prison warden said the prisoner was found unconscious on the floor of a cell around 11 a.m. on March 4. He was treated by prison staff and EMTs who were called to the scene, then airlifted from the prison to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after 4:15 p.m. the following day. The letter, included in federal court records on Rattling Leafs South Dakota criminal case, includes no details about how he died. Rivers has been in contact with Rattling Leafs family and has tried to speak to federal investigators, but has received no response so far. He wants to help the family get answers about the case. I think theyre still processing it, he said of Rattling Leafs family and friends. I think everybodys just in shock. Investigations involving deaths in federal prisons can be lengthy, Rivers said. Sometimes that can take six months to a year. It can take a long time, Rivers said. And any of that information will not be released until that full investigation is done. He hopes whatever is learned will be released publicly. Prison officials declined to say why Rattling Leaf was transferred to the New Jersey prison, citing privacy, safety and security concerns. In a letter, Rattling Leaf told his sister his transfer to the federal prison in New Jersey was so he could continue his violence-reduction work in other federal facilities. His was advocating for LGBTQ+ prisoners, his sister said. He was doing some really good work within the community about how to conduct yourself as an indigenous person, but he was working with all inmates not just Native American inmates, Rivers said. Rivers said he plans to keep pushing for information about Rattling Leafs death. I think if we put enough pressure on the investigative unit and just say: What really happened that day? Why was he transferred? Rivers said. So were asking a lot of the right questions, but were not getting any answers. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. "Jessie" star Skai Jackson (left), now 23, is seeking a restraining order from her ex. WireImage Disney Channel alum Skai Jackson is seeking a restraining order from her ex Deondre Burgin. Jackson, 23, who starred as Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie and its spinoff Bunkd, filed the request on Monday, May 19. According to People, the actress claimed that Burgin assaulted her on Mothers Day while she was holding their three-month-old son, Kasai. During the incident, Burgin allegedly punched Jackson, grabbed her hair, and slammed her head against a car window. Jackson detailed several other instances of alleged abuse over a six-month period. She claimed that Burgin choked her, scratched her, slammed her head into walls, demanded that she drink bleach to kill their-then unborn child, threatened to stab her in the stomach, and threatened her with a handgun. NJ.com has reached out to Burgin for comment. Jackson announced the birth of her and Burgins son via Instagram in January. She did not mention Burgin in the post. In November 2024, Burgin, who goes by Yerkky Yerkky on social media, shared photos of Jackson showing off her baby bump. In the caption, he added the smiling face with hearts emoji. That same month, another one of Burgins Facebook posts raised eyebrows. READ MORE: Disney Channel star asks fans for GoFundMe donations amid severe health crisis On wopp Im salty I got this dumb a Disney Channel b---- pregnant, the post read, per TMZ. Jackson and her mother, Kiya Cole, took to the comments section to claim that Burgin hadnt written the status, and his account had been hacked. Reach the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Beloved Hollywood actor Denzel Washington was recently caught in a heated exchange with a photographer at the Cannes Film Festival. (Pascal Le Segretain |Getty Images) Getty Images Beloved Hollywood actor Denzel Washington was recently caught in a heated exchange with a photographer at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie icon was seen arguing with a red carpet photographer at the premiere of his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest on Monday. The exchange, which was caught on camera, began when a photographer grabbed Washington by his arm in an attempt to get the actors attention. Washington, 70, then turned to the smiling cameraman and pointed his finger and aired a stern warning to stop grabbing him. Denzel Washington appeared to have a tense exchange on the "Highest 2 Lowest" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. : Getty pic.twitter.com/NirZELEloi New York Post (@nypost) May 19, 2025 It appeared that Washington said dont ever put your hands on me again to the photographer. The photographer seemingly nodded in understanding but grabbed Washington once again as soon as the actor turned away. The American Gangster actor quickly pulled his arm away and aggressively reiterated his sentiment of not wanting to be grabbed. Stop it, Washington appeared to say repeatedly before walking away. Washington did not comment on the situation with photographers. The two-time Oscar-winner received a surprise Honorary Palme dOr, the Cannes Film Festivals highest honor, shortly after the interaction. Highest 2 Lowest director Spike Lee presented the award to Washington. This is a total surprise for me, so Im a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again brother from another mother, Spike, Washington said during his acceptance speech Highest 2 Lowest starring Washington, A$AP Rocky, Jeffery Wright, Dean Winters and more will one in theaters in August. More entertainment news: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days alum Ben Rathbun has died, TMZ reported on Monday, May 19. He was 55. The outlet reported that Rathbun died surrounded by family at his home in Greencastle, Indiana, on Monday morning. Rathbuns death comes after a battle with stage 4 stomach cancer that began at the end of 2024. Fans were introduced to Rathbun during season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, which premiered in December 2021. The TLC reality series documented Rathbuns journey to Peru to meet his online girlfriend Mahogany Roca in person. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days features couples who met online but have not begun the K-1 visa process. A K-1 visa allows the fiance of a U.S. citizen to enter the country for the purpose of marriage. Rathbun and Roca didnt seem like a match during their time on the show. From their significant age-gap (Rathbun was 52 at the time, and Roca was 22) to Rocas apparent disinterest, it didnt seem likely that the pair would ever make it onto the OG 90 Day Fiance. But during their seasons tell-all, Rathbun and Roca were still together and discussing marriage. Ben Rathbun on "90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days." TLC/YouTube The duo then appeared on an episode of 90 Day Diaries in February 2024, giving an update on their relationship. They shared that theyd gotten engaged and had a civil wedding ceremony in Peru. READ MORE: 90 Day Fiance star confirms cancer diagnosis The plan has always been to get Mahogany to the United States, but because finances have been so tough, weve not been able to get the [K-1] visa, Rathbun told cameras at the time. Ive gone about six months without a really good job, and bills have been piling up, of course. Things are extremely tight now, and Im doing everything I can right now to pay all the bills and for my next trip to Peru. According to TMZ, Rathbun and Roca were reportedly still together at the time of Rathbuns death. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days is available to stream on Max. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. New Jerseys top federal prosecutor has dismissed trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka that resulted from his high-profile arrest at a city ICE facility earlier this month. After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Barakas misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward, acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement on Monday evening. Baraka, a Democrat who is also running for governor, was arrested on May 9 outside of Delaney Hall, the recently reopened immigration detention center in Newark. He was charged with criminal trespassing, which he said hed fight after making a first appearance in court last week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in President Donald Trumps administration alleges that Baraka and three Democratic members of Congress stormed the facility and assaulted officers. Habba announced the dismissal of charges against Baraka the same time as she announced a federal assault charge against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey in the confrontation at the facility. The mayor and Congress members McIver, Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman have refuted those claims, with Baraka releasing video that showed a guard at the facility allowing him beyond the gate. The Congress members said they also were permitted past the gate prior to Baraka arriving. After Barakas arrest, Habba whom Trump appointed the states interim U.S. attorney in March said that the mayor had ignored multiple warnings to leave the property. Baraka and a city fire official were at the detention center earlier in the day on May 9, issuing summonses for violations to GEO Group, the operator of the detention center, which is contracted by ICE. The mayor alleges that GEO Group is operating the 1,000-bed center in violation of city codes by refusing to grant access and failure to have an evacuation plan in place. Baraka is one of six Democrats running for governor in the June 10 primary. In her statement Monday, Habba said the mayor will be invited to tour Delaney Hall and said the government has nothing to hide at the facility. In his own statement Monday, Baraka expressed his appreciation for the dismissal of the charge, but said he will still advocate for better conditions at the facility. I am glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed. I have had strong relationships with prior U.S. Attorneys, and I plan to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about issues on which we can cooperate, Baraka said. As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. McIver was charged with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement, Habba said. Habbas office has alleged that McIver body-slammed an agent during a confrontation at the ICE facility. McIver, D-10th Dist., called the charges purely political, denying that she ever body slammed anyone. I honestly do not know how to bodyslam anyone, McIver said in a statement. Theres no video that supports me bodyslamming anyone. NJ Advance Media staff writer Steve Strunsky contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. University Hospital EMS team can give blood transfusions on the way to the hospital, potentially saving hundreds of lives. (Left to right) Paramedic, Michael Phillips, RN, Jennifer Gieger, Dr. Michael Anana, Dr. Adam Fox and Dr. Scott Pasichow. ) University Hospital Paramedic Armand Cayer says nurses usually administer blood transfusions under the supervision of a doctor. But under a new initiative recently announced by Newarks University Hospital, he and other paramedics can now give blood transfusions to patients while en route to hospitals during emergencies. We basically bring the emergency room to your doorstep, said Cayer, EMS coordinator for the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program, who noted that allowing paramedics to administer lifesaving transfusions potentially prevents deaths from trauma-related hemorrhage. Bhishma Patel, the hospitals chief technologist, Transfusion Medicine Services, agrees. Blood is essential for treating critically injured trauma patients, Patel said. By keeping blood in our ambulances and helicopters, we can save lives by replenishing blood loss immediately. University Hospital developed the blood transfusion program - the first at a Level I trauma center in New Jersey - over the past two years and has equipped two paramedic units to provide blood transfusions using blood stored in refrigerators to ensure it is safe and usable when needed. Officials estimate that 191 lives could have been saved in Newark last year if the prehospital transfusion program had been in place. University Hospital serves Newark, the states largest city, which has a large industrial base, five major highways, and an international airport hub all of which officials say contribute to high trauma rates for its mostly Black and brown residents. Violence, accidents, and industrial injuries are all realities here, Cayer said. For every one-minute delay in prehospital resuscitation, the 30-day mortality increases by about 2%. Thats a staggering statistic and one we knew we could address. And so they did. Cayer said when an individual calls 911, operators listen, ask questions and determine whether to send Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. EMTS have 240 hours of training and provide Basic Life Support, including splinting, bleeding control, EpiPens, Oxygen therapies, blood glucose monitoring, and childbirth, Cayer said. Paramedics complete a two-year program, including Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, 700 clinical hours in a hospital and 720 hours of field internship on a paramedic unit and can provide advanced life support (ALS) under the guidance of a licensed physician. They can initiate IVs, read EKGs, and administer over two dozen medications, including blood products used to help with blood clotting and support various medical and surgical procedures. Paramedics are sent on the more demanding calls. We created what we call a blood island in a blood desert, Cayer said. Now, our helicopters and street teams can bring that critical resource right to the patient. Still, the initiative faced challenges. There were legal and regulatory hurdles, Cayer said. The states Department of Health and the New Jersey Blood Bank initially defined people who could perform transfusions as only physicians or registered nurses. We had to approach both the blood bank and our state Office of EMS to request permission to give blood transfusions in ambulances and redefine what a paramedic could do, Cayer said. Blood shortages also presented a challenge. Approximately 60% of New Jersey residents are eligible to donate blood, yet only about 3.6% do so routinely, according to an RWJBarnabas Health blood donation fact sheet. Nationally, the American Red Cross reports that just 3% of age-eligible individuals donate blood each year. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, blood donations are down 24% this year. At University Hospital, we transfused approximately 14,000 lifesaving blood components to around 4,000 patients in 2024, Patel said. Fifty percent of those were given emergently to critically ill individuals. Cayer says that is why the blood transfusion program is so important. Its the potential of [the] 191 possible transfusions, he said. "But when you look holistically at the family, thats a mother, thats a father, thats a brother, thats a sister, thats a child. So yes, we may be affecting one patient, but those actions that we perform have ripples throughout the entire family." Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Owner Jonathan Echeverry greets customers at Paper Plane Coffee Co. in Montclair, one of the best coffee shops in New Jersey. 11/15/2023 Steve Hockstein for NJ Advance Media Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Since 2019, Paper Plane Coffee Co. has served up standout brews in Montclair with a signature travel-inspired vibe. Now, the beloved cafe is landing in a second location. Co-owner Jonathan Echeverry told NJ Advance Media on Monday that Paper Plane Coffee Co. is opening a second location in Maplewood. Paper Plane Coffee Co. announced the expansion in an Instagram post on Sunday. The new location is set to open in the space formerly occupied by Nelsons Inc., an auto repair shop that closed over the winter. Ive kind of been in love with the Maplewood area for a while and love how walkable and how quaint it is, Echeverry said. I would just look at this building and think it was such a cool building. Echeverry says he hopes the shop will be open by the end of summer. Like the original Montclair shop, Echeverry says the Maplewood location will feature Paper Planes signature travel-inspired aesthetic. While the flagship cafe has an airplane theme, the new spot will have a twist on that. Echeverry plans to incorporate design elements that honor the buildings past as an auto repair shop. Paper Plane Coffee Co. in Montclair is one of the best coffee shops in New Jersey. 11/15/2023 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance The new space is more than 7,000 square feet, which Echeverry wants to utilize by hosting artist and makers market on the weekends. Im big on community and I want to make the best use of the space, Echeverry said. Lend a hand to people that like me, I started at an artist market. Even with the Maplewood shop still in development, Echeverry has his sights set on continued growth for the Paper Plane Coffee Co. brand, hinting at future expansions down the line. With an already devoted following and the No. 3 ranking on NJ.coms list of best coffee shops in the state Paper Planes arrival further establishes Maplewood as one of the hottest food towns in the state. The new cafe joins a wave of exciting additions to the towns evolving food scene, alongside recent openings like Corner Slices and seafood spot Perla. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Billie Eilish will perform two shows in New York on Oct. 25-26. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello When the partys over, ill be heading to one of Billie Eilishs concerts. After selling out her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, Eilish is back to give her fans another chance to see her live. Billie Eilish tour 2025 The cheapest Billie Eilish tour tickets are available on Vivid Seats. Buy Now at Vivid Seats Eilish will now begin her extended tour dates in the U.S. in October, and she will perform two shows in New York on Oct. 25-26 at the UBS Arena. So, if you dont want to miss out on seeing Billie Eilish again, then we suggest you dont wait on snatching these up. Heres how you can get presale tickets to Billie Eilishs upcoming Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour dates. How to get presale tickets to Billie Eilishs extended tour Leading up to Billie Eilishs tour general sale, there will be a number of presales going on. There will be an American Express presale beginning on May 20 at 12 p.m., and details for the sale are available here. The presale will end on May 21 at 10 p.m. There will also be a Changemaker Ticket Presale and a Fan Presale beginning on May 20 at 12 p.m. and will wrap up on May 21 at 10 p.m. These sales are available through Ticketmaster. The general sale for the Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour will begin on May 22 at 12 p.m. through Ticketmaster. If you happen to miss out on these presales and general sales, then you can find tickets on StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, Viagogo and SeatGeek. If you decide to purchase your tickets through Vivid Seats, then you can receive $20 off ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout. Currently, the cheapest ticket we could find for her Oct. 25 show at the UBS Arena is $321 on Vivid Seats. For Billie Eilishs Oct. 26 concert, the cheapest ticket we could find before any fees is $321 on Vivid Seats. You can find the full schedule of Billie Eilishs tour dates here. Billie Eilish tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more Billie Eilish will begin her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour in the U.S. on Oct. 9 in Miami and will wrap up on Nov. 23 in San Francisco. This tour continues to be in support of her Hit Me Hard and Soft album, which she released on May 17, 2024. Upcoming 2025 tours heading to New York Billie Eilish is not the only one heading to New York while on tour. Here are a few more artists you dont want to miss out on: Katy Perry, Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and Gracie Abrams. Hi, Im Nicole, NJ.coms expert live events and deals writer! Ive made it my mission to find the absolute cheapest tickets for the biggest artists, like Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Sabrina Carpenter, & more. If you missed the general sale or presale for your favorite artist, you dont have to panic. Ive already done the hard work of sifting through tickets and finding you the best price. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. Authorities have charged a Trenton man with murder for the fatal stabbing of a man who was dropped off at a city hospital last week, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office said. Jahvel Hale, 26, is charged with first-degree murder and a weapon possession charge for the May 14 killing of Jermaine Scott, 48, of Hamilton. The New Jersey Transit Police arrested Hale Monday afternoon, May 19, on the River Line in Palmyra. The prosecutors office said witnesses and surveillance cameras led detectives to the crime scene on the 200 block of Tyler Street in the East Ward. Hale and Scott had a verbal argument on the sidewalk and Hale stabbed Scott in the upper torso at about 7 p.m., authorities said. A white car dropped Scott off at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in the city, where he died. The prosecutors office did not say who was in the car. Following a verbal altercation between Hale and the victim, Hale stabbed Scott in the upper torso on the sidewalk in the 200 block of Tyler Street, authorities said. The prosecutors office will seek to detain Hale pending trial. Attorney information for Hale was not immediately available. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com Mets slugger Juan Soto has sparked criticism for a lack of hustle over the last couple of nights. One day after not breaking swiftly out of the batters box to first base against the Yankees, Soto was again slow against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night when he hit a ball off the Green Monster in the sixth inning. Soto stood and watched the ball, which he clearly thought was a home run, before he jogged to first for a base hit. Soto promptly stole second base during the next at-bat. After the 3-1 loss, Soto and manager Carlos Mendoza had dissenting perceptions of the hustle which spurred a reaction from a former player on MLB Network. Soto was asked if he was too slow getting out of the box. No, I think I have been hustling very hard, he said. If you saw it today, you could tell. Mendoza, when asked about play, said that hell talk to him about it. Former MLB player Mark DeRosa had a message for Soto on MLB Network on Tuesday regarding those postgame comments. You put your manager, and I dont know if you care, in a terrible spot, he said. Mendy right there, what do you want him to say? If he says, Yeah Im gonna pull him and address it, then he loses Juan for the year. And they need him. If hes too light, we kill Mendy for not being tough. This is gonna blow over, but, Juan, you cant sit there and honestly say to yourself in the last two nights that you hustled down the line. Cmon man. Dont put your team and your manager in that spot. Speaking to the media, Mendoza explained that Soto thought he had hit a home run. Tonight, obviously when someone gets a hold of [a pitch] and knows when he gets it, its Juan, Mendoza said. He thought he had it, but with the wind but in this ballpark and anywhere in particular, with that wall right there, you have got to get out of the box. So, yeah, well discuss that. It took about one-third of Juan Sotos first season with the Mets for controversy and it has nothing to do with the star right fielders reported remaining fondness for the Yankees. One night after not breaking swiftly out of the batters box to first base, Soto again showed less than 100% effort against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night when he hit a ball off the Green Monster in the sixth inning. Instead of busting it out of the box, Soto gazed at the ball, which he clearly thought was a home run, before he jogged and stopped at first base. Soto promptly stole second base in the next at-bat. After the 3-1 loss, Soto was asked if he was too slow getting out of the box. No, I think I have been hustling very hard, he said. If you saw it today, you could tell. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza disagreed. Well talk to him about it, Mendoza said. Tonight, obviously when someone gets a hold of [a pitch] and knows when he gets it, its Juan. He thought he had it, but with the wind but in this ballpark and anywhere in particular, with that wall right there, you have got to get out of the box. So, yeah, well discuss that. During the SNY broadcast, analyst Keith Hernandez said Soto was trotting, and that Soto should know better because hes played (at Fenway) enough. He and [Pete] Alonso both have been guilty of thinking that the ball was going out to left field and not running hard to first base, play-by-play broadcaster Gary Cohen said, per The New York Post. (Pete) Alonso got thrown out at second and Soto barely got to first. Said Cohen: But it is part of a larger pattern with Soto. Hes not running hard all the time and this is something he really needs to clean up. Soto is batting .246 with an .815 OPS, eight home runs and 20 RBIs, but he is 3 for 25 in his past seven games, with no extra-base hits. With four losses in their last five games, the Mets are 29-19 and second in the NL East. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Black Friday venture the Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey, in 2018. About seven years later, the shopping plaza was recently where a crowd of 300 teens formed, leading to seven arrests. Jeff Granit | For NJ Advance Media Jeff Granit | For NJ Advance Med Edison Township officials want more measures taken at Menlo Park Mall including cameras and a chaperone policy to prevent a repeat incident of the massive teen meetup that turned violent on Saturday As a private entity, the mall must do more to ensure rambunctious teens dont assemble and spark violence, Mayor Sam Joshi said. Local police said they were unaware about the plans that were being shared on TikTok for teens to converge on the mall. Had we known of it ahead of time, we would have addressed it, Joshi said. Its up to Simon Malls and Menlo Park Mall to take preventative measures. Its their property. Seven teens were arrested and an officer was injured. One of the seven teenagers apprehended was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, Police Chief Tom Bryan said. One of the townships officers was injured while fighting to control the brawl, he said. It was unclear the injured officer is associated with the teens charges. Edison Township officials and the shopping plazas administrator formally met Monday in the aftermath, Joshi and Bryan told NJ Advance Media. Bryan said the case remained under investigation Monday. Calls to 911 began around 8 p.m. reporting the fight, suggesting about 100 juveniles, who, according to the mayor, were from neighboring towns, became overbearing. Videos of the crowd surfaced on social media. One such video posted to X, showed a crowd of minors running through the food court. Mall officials on Monday condemned the violence while saying they were grateful for police who intervened. It also pledged to not tolerate unruly behavior. The safety and security of our retailers, employees and customers is our highest priority, Menlo Park Mall, which is owned by Simon Property Group Inc., based in Indiana, said in a statement. They said the mall deploys around-the-clock security. Likewise, license plate readers and security cameras can be found around the property. In Mondays meeting with mall administrators, Joshi said township officials are requesting more readers and cameras on the premises. As with other malls in New Jersey, the mayor said hes asking the mall to form a chaperone policy. Some of those elsewhere in the state, such as at the Cherry Hill and Deptford malls, forbid minors unaccompanied by an adult from being on the grounds past a set time. Meanwhile, license plate readers, he said, flag cars affiliated with warrants or other criminal investigations. It also helps authorities record who frequents the mall. Menlo Park Mall is a thriving mall in Central New Jersey, which is now rare, Joshi said. Its a mall that I also grew up attending, and I want to see it continue to thrive. This type of crowd-gathering nuisance wont be tolerated. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. This image shows the Apple logo as an iPhone turns on. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo) (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo) A New Jersey appeals court has upheld the use of a controversial geofence warrant in a 2022 armed robbery case, ruling that the digital search tool did not violate the state constitution. The decision marks the first time a New Jersey appellate court has addressed the constitutionality of geofence warrants, which allow police to request location data from tech companies to identify devices near a crime scene. The New Jersey Appellate Divisions ruling, issued Tuesday, stems from a March 2022 robbery at a Milltown gas station. A masked man assaulted a store clerk and fled with $673, according to court records. Witnesses told police the suspect appeared to be speaking to someone on a phone, the opinion said. That prompted detectives to seek a geofence warrant from Google to identify any devices present during the 14-minute window of the crime. Google responded with data showing one device in the area, leading to a second warrant that identified the devices owner as Van Salter, according to the ruling. Police obtained three separate warrants related to Salters phone, the decision said. The first was to identify devices near the crime scene using Google location data. The second was to reveal the identity of the device owner, and the third to access the suspects account information and location history. The appeals court said that data led to Salters arrest and indictment on multiple charges including robbery and aggravated assault. Salter moved to suppress the evidence, arguing the warrants were unconstitutional and lacked probable cause. The Middlesex County Superior Court agreed, finding the initial warrant was based on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. The appeals court reversed that decision, ruling that the widespread use of smartphones and the witnesses observations provided sufficient grounds for the initial warrant. The court emphasized that geofence warrants are not inherently unconstitutional but must be evaluated individually for probable cause and specificity. The panel remanded the case to the lower court to assess whether the second and third warrants also met constitutional standards. The three-judge panel issued a 2-1 decision. In dissent, Judge Katie A. Gummer argued the initial warrant was based on speculation and failed to establish a direct link between the suspect and Googles location data. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, argued the warrant was unconstitutional because it relied on speculation that the suspect had a phone sharing data with Google. Dillon Reisman, a staff attorney with the ACLU-NJ, said this case raises core questions about constitutional right to privacy and under what circumstances the government can track a persons location through cell phones. It is critical to protect this kind of sensitive data as surveillance technologies evolve and harm privacy in novel ways, Reisman said. They contended that this lack of specific evidence could not justify a search that potentially exposed the location data of millions of users. Prosecutors and law enforcement groups defended the practice, calling it a vital tool for solving crimes in the digital age. The ruling allows prosecutors to proceed with the case against Salter, pending further review of the remaining warrants. Salter was represented by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, while the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office handled the prosecution. Neither office immediately responded to requests for comment. People walk along the boardwalk as they enjoy the ocean breeze in Seaside Heights in this file photo. After last years Memorial Day weekend at the Shore was marred by gangs of teens that brought violence and vandalism, several communities are ready if it happens again. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com After last years Memorial Day weekend at the Shore was marred by gangs of teens that brought violence and vandalism, several communities are ready if it happens again. NJ Advance Media spoke to police chiefs and mayors in three Jersey Shore communities and heres what they had to say about preparations to handle unruly crowds of teens. Seaside Heights Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz said over 100 police officers are expected to be available for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. If something happens, police from neighboring communities and the Ocean County Sheriffs Office can also be called to respond. I cant say nothing is going to happen ... because I dont know, Vaz told NJ Advance Media. I can assure the people that we will act sternly to stop any nonsense thats going on. Vaz said the borough has plans in place should gangs of teenagers show up. Come down, have fun, but if youre looking for trouble, youre going to be in trouble, Vaz said. Wildwood In Wildwood, anyone under the age of 18 cannot be out in public past 10 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult, according to a news release. The city intends to fine teens violating curfews or other laws, and has banned backpacks from the boardwalk. Police will monitor social media for pop-up parties being planned to take place in the city. One such party caught the attention of Wildwood police on Wednesday. The city has installed lighting along the boardwalk from 26th Street and Burke Avenue, and surveillance cameras. Occupancy limits will also be enforced to prevent overcrowding at rental homes, according to a news release. Were not playing games when it comes to the safety of our boardwalk and the families who come here to enjoy themselves, Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. previously told NJ Advance Media. You break the rules, you deal with the consequences. Plain and simple. Ocean City Ocean City Councilman Jody Levchuck told NJ Advance Media there will be an increased police presence, particularly along its boardwalk. The city police department will have 60 full-time and part-time officers working Memorial Day weekend, Levchuck said. Ocean City has a ban on backpacks on its boardwalk, Levchuk saying the ban helps stop underage drinking and shoplifting. In some cases, teens have been caught using backpacks to smuggle fireworks onto the boardwalk, he said. Its not because were expecting problems, Levchuck said, were expecting to deter problems. I dont expect any type of riffraff like what weve had in the past. What happened last year is no indication of what will happen this year. Its kind of like when you flip a coin. Just because it landed on heads on that last foot doesnt mean its going to land on heads again. New state laws Several bills meant to address gangs of teens and young adults coming to the Shore are under consideration by New Jersey lawmakers. The bills range from new training to help police address pop up parties and another increases penalties for the parents of guardians of a juvenile. A bill making inciting a public brawl a fourth-degree crime was conditionally vetoed by Gov. Phil Murphy. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. The U.S. Senate has confirmed real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and a longtime controversial figure in New Jersey politics, to serve as ambassador to France. Charles Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation after discovering his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, hiring a prostitute and arranging to have the encounter recorded with a hidden camera and sent to his own sister, the mans wife. Kushner, who was confirmed 51-45, grew up in Elizabeth the son of Holocaust survivors and is a founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm now based in New York City but established decades ago in Florham Park. The company has a sizable empire worth more than $3 billion in property in New Jersey and beyond. His son Jared is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka. When he announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner in November, Trump called him a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker. Kushner was confirmed with the support of one Democrat Sen. Cory Booker, the New Jersey Democrat. In his prepared testimony for his confirmation hearing, Kushner thanked Booker for his special and close friendship. Charles Kushner will head to France as the relationship between the two traditional allies, and between the U.S. and the rest of Europe, has been strained over Trumps trade policies and the U.S. role in the Ukraine war. At his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Kushner said he would work closely with France to bring greater balance to our important economic relationship and also encourage France to invest more in its defense capabilities, as well as lead the EU to align with the U.S. vision of increased European commitments to security. As Trump has rattled traditionally solid relationships with European allies, Kushner said he appreciates the history between the two countries and is dedicated to building an even stronger relationship. He told senators that he is a child of Holocaust survivors who came to the United States after World War II, and his grandmothers and other members of his family were executed by Nazis. New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Kushner that his nomination comes at a critical time because our European allies are anxious. Shaheen also asked Kushner about his criminal past. He replied that he made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake. Kushner was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts, including tax evasion and witness tampering. It was the highest sentence he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie called it one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he ever prosecuted as U.S. attorney. Kushner also agreed to pay $508,900 to the FEC for violating contribution regulations by failing to obtain an OK from partners to whom more than $500,000 in contributions were credited. Announcing Kushners pardon in 2020, Trumps first White House cited Kushners more recent charitable work as the reason he deserved clemency. This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushners conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, the White House said then. An Ocean County man who admitted to creating and distributing child pornography last year was sentenced Monday to seven years in state prison, authorities said. Christopher Budelman, 37, of Brick Township, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, according to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. In June 2022, while communicating via an online video chat site, Budelman lured at least two children to engage in sexually explicit conduct while he masturbated, the office said. He recorded and saved those video chats on his computer, authorities said. From September 2021 to June 2022, Budelman used two Kik Messenger accounts to send images and videos containing child sexual abuse, including images and videos depicting prepubescent minors, investigators said. Budelman was out of the country when investigators obtained a search warrant and entered his residence, officials said. He was charged on a warrant and his name was entered into the National Crime Information Center Database. An examination of Budelmans computer uncovered nine child porn videos which included recordings of video chats via a free online chat site between Budelman and children depicting them engaged in sexually explicit conduct, authorities said. On Oct. 4, 2022, Budelman was taken into custody at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York City, the office said. He was extradited to Ocean County Jail and released. Three months later, Budelman was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and child pornography related offenses before turning himself into authorities, officials said. Following his second arrest, he has been held at the Ocean County Jail. Budelman was also charged by federal prosecutors on Sept. 7, 2023, for the same crime and later pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse images, the office said. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for those charges, authorities said. Budelmans federal sentence and state prison sentence will run concurrently, according to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A 14-year-old student was stabbed at a private school in Passaic County Monday, police said Rayshawn Christian, 18, of Elizabeth was charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses in the altercation. Wayne police responded to the Lakeview Learning Center on Van Duyne Avenue at 12:38 p.m. Monday for a report of a 14-year-old stabbed at the school, authorities said. School staff reported that the 14-year-old was bleeding heavily from the chest and the person accused of stabbing the student was on the lower level of the school, police said. Authorities arrested Christian at the school and recovered the knife that was allegedly used in the incident. The stabbing happened during a lunch period after an argument between the two students escalated, detectives said. The school went into lockdown and staff members intervened immediately, officials said. The 14-year-old was transported to Saint Josephs Medical Center and was undergoing surgery Monday afternoon, police said. Lakeview Learning Center is an alternative therapeutic private school that accepts middle and high school students with behavioral, emotional and learning disabilities, according to the schools website. The schools principal Jacqueline Swanson said police were handing the investigation and declined to comment. Christian was awaiting transportation to the Passaic County Jail Monday afternoon, police said. It was unclear if Christian had an attorney Monday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Bloody shoeprints found near the body of a woman fatally stabbed in Paterson appear to match shoes belonging to a man charged with first-degree murder in the womans death, according to police. Duwan Gales, 72, is charged in the death of Patricia Trinidad, 70, who was found lying in a pool of blood May 6 in the kitchen of her Cianci Street home, according to an affidavit of probable cause. According to the affidavit, Gales told police he was with the victim and another man two days before the woman was found dead. But he denied killing her. Gales told investigators the three were at a liquor store on Market Street and Gales said he accompanied Trinidad to her home, where they consumed a few drinks before he left. When he was told the victim was dead, he denied being involved, the affidavit says. Paterson police went to Trinidads apartment about 2:15 p.m. on May 6 after receiving a call about a woman lying unresponsive on the kitchen floor. The caller, a home health aide, told police she went to the apartment to check on Trinidad after she did not answer her phone. After trying several times to call from outside the residence, the. aide entered the unlocked apartment, where she found Trinidads body. Trinidad had been stabbed multiple times, the affidavit states. There were shoeprints in the blood next to the victims body and a matching shoeprint on the bathroom floor, police wrote in the affidavit. On the floor near the body were several cans of beer and one open beer can on the kitchen table, along with two travel-size bottles of liquor near the victim, according to the affidavit. Surveillance video showed a man with a cane walking with Trinidad into the residence shortly after noon on May 4. They were observed carrying a plastic bag, which was later located inside the apartment containing beer cans, investigators wrote. The man with the cane left the apartment alone about 3:29 p.m. the same day and took a taxi to an apartment building in the 200 block of Warren Street, which he told the cab driver belonged to him, the affidavit states. Police interviewed the driver, then obtained property records for the building that Gales said he owned. They identified Gales as married to a person who owns the building, and took him into custody and read him his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit. Gales was then shown a still photo taken from security video outside the victims apartment. He identified himself as the man in the photo, but denied involvement in the death of Trinidad, police said. When officers executed a search warrant at Gales home, they seized two pairs of his shoes. Crime scene investigators later determined the outer sole pattern of the shoes matched bloody shoeprints found in the victims apartment, the affidavit states. The shoes later tested positive for hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, police wrote in the affidavit. Gales was arrested on May 8 and taken to a local jail ahead of court hearings. In addition to first-degree murder, Gales is charged with third and fourth-degree weapons offenses. Attorney information for Gales was not listed in court documents. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. A police captain in Passaic County filed a notice of intent to sue Pompton Lakes on Tuesday for $2.5 million, claiming the chief has harassed him for years as retaliation for whistleblowing and union activity. Capt. Ryan Cichon, a 15-year member of the department, asserts in a notice of tort claim that Chief Derek Clark targeted him after Cichon reported misconduct, questioned practices and participated in protected speech and labor rights. Clark did not immediately respond on Tuesday to email and phone requests seeking comment. Borough administrator Michael Carelli said in an email the municipality currently has no comment on the matter. Allegations The notice claims the harassment dates back to 2017 when Clark, then a captain with aspirations of becoming chief, began to perceive the lower-ranking Cichon as a serious competitor for the job because he tested well. In 2019, the borough promoted Clark to chief and Cichon to captain. Chief Clark was unhappy with this arrangement, believing that Cichon was undeserving of the position, the notice states. In a 32-page filing, Cichon claims Clark subjected him to repeated internal affairs investigations, stripped him of duties, blocked his access to essential systems, and placed him under three Performance Improvement Plans disciplinary measures the department had never previously used. The departments current command structure has punished Cichon for six years due to him justly exposing their wrongdoing, attorney Gina Mendola Longarzo wrote in the notice. Cichon has suffered a constructive demotion and has lesser authority and rights than lower-ranked officers, Mendola Longarzo alleges in the notice. After he became chief, Clark allegedly began taking Cichon off assignments he knew the captain enjoyed, such as patrolling, training new officers, and teaching LEAD, or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, in local schools. On another occasion, Cichon responded to a call of a suicidal person, but Clark ordered him to return to the police station to finish his clerical duties, according to the notice. The notice accuses Clark of placing his vendetta against Cichon above the needs of borough residents. For three years, Cichon was allegedly assigned the worst car in the fleet, which was a 2004 Dodge Durango with 150,000 miles, dents, and rust spots, the filing states. Officers and townspeople often made jokes and asked why the captain had the worst car in the fleet, the notice alleges. When Cichon contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, he received a call from the Passaic County Prosecutors Office notifying him Clark had filed a complaint against him for supposedly violating coronavirus protocols, the notice states. Despite his precautions and direct adherence to policy, he was the only person referred to the PCPO for contracting the virus, the notice states, adding Cichon was cleared after the investigation. Cichon accuses Clark of fostering a hostile workplace culture that rewarded blind loyalty and punished dissent. Clark is further accused of interfering with Cichons attempts to file union grievances and intimidating other officers who showed support. In one instance, Cichon said he and a colleague were forbidden from meeting with their union president unless Clark approved the discussion. Clark also allegedly berated another officer for crossing his arms during a conversation, yelling, Youre not in a position to be crossing your arms! He alleges that Clark weaponized the internal affairs process to silence critics and ignored state Attorney General guidelines on mental health and internal investigations. The notice of tort claim further accuses Clark of favoritism, citing the promotion of a lieutenant to captain in 2024, despite scoring lower on a promotional exam and having less seniority than other candidates. The notice claims that Cichon began suffering from hypertension, stress-induced ulcers, and insomnia as a result of the ongoing harassment. Termination hearing Cichon was suspended in July 2024 and later charged with 12 administrative offenses related to battery backup checks, jail cell inspections and overtime approvals, the notice states. The borough has signaled its intent to pursue termination, though the captain alleges the charges are not violations of any departmental policy. The administrative hearing to terminate Cichon is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday in borough hall, according to his attorney, Mendola Longarzo. Cichon is seeking damages under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, and the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. Cichons claim is a required step under New Jersey law before filing a formal lawsuit against a public entity. The notice was filed less two months after the departments only Black police officer filed a lawsuit claiming that Clark threatened disciplinary action if he didnt meet a minimum number of motor vehicle summonses a practice banned by state law. Editors note: An earlier version of this story misidentified the town where the claim was filed. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Interim US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, left, arrives to the courthouse in Newark, N.J., Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) AP U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) came out swinging against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. Habba unveiled a federal assault charge against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) on Monday night, tied to a confrontation earlier this month at a Immigration, Customs and Enforcement detention facility in Newark. McIver is facing a charge of assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement outside of Delaney Hall on May 9, Habba announced in a statement on social media. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties, Habba wrote. I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, she continued. Today my office has charged Congresswoman McIver with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/TV00uwRtKq US Attorney Habba (@USAttyHabba) May 19, 2025 Swalwell, like many other Democratic lawmakers, immediately took to social media to criticize the charge, calling it just the beginning. A RED LINE has been crossed, Swalwell wrote on social media platform X. Trump is prosecuting his political enemies in Congress. Swalwell then went on to emphasize the need to show dissent and go ONE RUNG HIGHER. And save your bull documents on this, Alina, Swalwell added. Youll need them when you testify. A RED LINE has been crossed. Trump is prosecuting his political enemies in Congress. This is just the beginning. We must take whatever weve done before to show dissent and go ONE RUNG HIGHER. And save your bullshit documents on this, Alina. Youll need them when you testify. https://t.co/sids545Ckh Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) May 20, 2025 McIver, alongside Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), attended an oversight visit at the detention center, when a scuffle broke out among law enforcement and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested at the scene, as he has rallied against the construction of the new 1,000-bed center due to building permit issues. In the announcement, Habba had also dismissed the misdemeanor charge against him for trespassing, noting it is for the sake of moving forward. A nearly two-minute clip released by the Homeland Security Department shows McIver on the facility side of a chain-link fence just before the arrest of the mayor on the street side of the fence. She and uniformed officials go through the gate and she joins others shouting surround the mayor. The video shows McIver in a tightly packed group of people and officers. At one point her left elbow and then her right elbow push into an officer wearing a dark face covering and an olive green uniform emblazoned with the word Police on it. In a statement released on X, McIver lambasted the new charge as purely political, adding that they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she wrote. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Baraka also posted a statement on X saying he was glad that Habba has agreed to dismiss his case, but emphasized that he stands with McIver and expects her to be vindicated. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Elon Musk, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump at the finals for the NCAA wrestling championship, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (Matt Rourke | AP Photo) Matt Rourke | AP Photo Tech billionaire Elon Muskafter spending hundreds of millions to help President Donald Trump win the electionsaid Tuesday he will be pulling back on his political spending. Musk, the richest person in the world, emerged as a top supporter and adviser to Trump during the 2024 campaign where he spent an estimated $250 million to back the then-Republican candidate. However, he signaled on Tuesday that he will be spending less on political campaigns in the future. I think in terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, Musk said during the Qatar Economic Forum. When asked why, he said: I think Ive done enough...if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I do not currently see a reason. NEW: Elon Musk says hes cutting back on political spending in the future. I think Ive done enough. I dont currently see a reason. pic.twitter.com/NULUyqd1Y9 bryan metzger (@metzgov) May 20, 2025 Musk might be distancing himself from Trump and U.S. politics since he has faced widespread backlash over his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump tapped him to spearhead the non-governmental agency to slash spending and the size of the federal government. Tesla dealerships have been the site of mass protests for months as demonstrators railed against his involvement in the Trump administration. In addition, Tesla stock price plummeted in recent months as the company reported fewer sales in the first quarter of 2025 than it did last year. Musks distance from the Trump administration may also be politically motivated. Many polls show that many Americans disapproved of Musks role in the administration. He also heavily involved himself in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race earlier this year, but ultimately, the candidate he backed lost to the Democratic incumbent. A new analysis from Politico found that Trump has ceased posting about Musk on his social media platform Truth Social in recent weeks. While he used to post about Musk every few days, Politico found that Trump has not posted about the billionaire in more than a month. According to Politico, Trump posted about Musk about four times per week in February and March. However, Trump has not posted about Musk at all since the first week of April, according to the analysis. Musks announced intention to step back from political spending comes during multiple new business opportunities, including a deal to host the latest versions of his Grok artificial intelligence chatbot on Microsofts data centers. Meanwhile, his brain-computer interface company Neuralink is planning to implant its experimental devices in dozens more people and his electric-vehicle company Tesla is developing a humanoid robot that Musk hopes to one day send to Mars. Musk could change his mind about campaign spending. The 2026 midterm campaigns are just getting off the ground, while some candidates have not yet announced their candidacy for elections that remain 18 months away. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP President Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) after officials brought a federal assault charge against her on Monday. McIver was charged with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement during a confrontation at an Immigration, Customs and Enforcement detention facility in Newark earlier this month. She was attending an oversight visit at Delaney Hall with fellow lawmakers when a scuffle broke out among law enforcement officers and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Trump weighed in on the charges in comments to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Oh, give me a break. Did you see her? She was out of control, the Republican president told reporters. The days of woke are over. That woman I have no idea who she is. That woman was out of control. She was shoving federal agents. She was out of control. The days of that crap are over in this country, Trump said. Were gonna have law and order." Trump on McIver: Did you see her? She was out of control. The days of woke are over. I have no idea who she is. pic.twitter.com/gh01sD5Nbh Acyn (@Acyn) May 20, 2025 Federal officials and New Jersey Democrats have disputed what happened during the May 9 visit, which resulted in Barakas arrest. When announcing the charges brought against McIver, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba also revealed she was dropping the charges brought against Baraka. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed that the lawmakers stormed Delaney Hall and assaulted law enforcement officers. Baraka pushed back on those claims, releasing video that showed a guard at the facility allowing him beyond the gate. Prosecutors alleged in a complaint, unsealed Tuesday, that McIver pushed and grabbed law enforcement officers while trying to block the arrest of Baraka, according to The Associated Press. A video of the incident shows McIver and U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) caught in a scuffle with law enforcement officers as the lawmakers and an aide encircled Baraka. Its not clear whether any physical contact with law enforcement officers was intentional or incidental. McIver called the charges filed by Habba, an appointee and former lawyer for Trump, purely political. A number of Democrats, including Baraka, have defended McIver and condemned the Trump administration for bringing charges against a sitting member of Congress. Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees at Delaney Hall in my district, McIver said in a statement. We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka. The charges against me are purely politicalthey mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight." Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and President Donald Trump arrive for a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP President Donald Trump maintained that Republicans are united behind his big, beautiful bill despite a number of outspoken GOP lawmakers who have decried the legislation. Trump made a rare visit to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to ramp up support for the GOP package that extends tax breaks and includes significant investments in border security and defense. A handful of Republican lawmakers oppose the bill, with fiscal hawks concerned that it will raise the deficit and others who wanted to see more state and local tax deductions. Trump signaled optimism after speaking to House Republicans on Tuesday despite the remaining GOP holdouts. It was really a meeting of unity. We had tremendous unity. Theres a lot of love in the room. I think were gonna have a big victory, he told reporters on Capitol Hill. He went on to bash the Republicans who are not supporting the bill. I think anybody that didnt support as a Republican considered to be a fool. Its a great bill. Its a great bill for America, he said. President Trump after meeting with @HouseGOP: "It was a meeting of unity...Anybody that didn't support it as a Republican I would consider to be a fool...This was a meeting of love." pic.twitter.com/cARFr21Ps9 CSPAN (@cspan) May 20, 2025 When asked if he was going to help whip up votes for the bill, Trump told reporters he thought Republicans were in good shape. This was a meeting of love. Theres great unity in that room. Its the biggest tax cut in American history, and if it doesnt pass, everybody is going to get a 68% tax increase. I dont know how you beat that, he said. Trump continued to tout the GOP-led bill, calling it the most important bill this country just about has ever done. Its important for the country. Its not important for me. Its important for the country, he told reporters. Ahead of the meeting, he ripped U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) for opposing the bill. No, I dont think Thomas Massie understands government. I think hes a grandstander frankly. We dont even talk to him much, Trump said, adding he thinks he should be voted out of office. The sprawling 1,116-page package carries Trumps title, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as his campaign promises to extend the tax breaks approved during his first term while adding new ones, including no taxes on tips, automobile loan interest and Social Security. Theres also a higher standard deduction, of $32,000 for joint filers, and a bigger child tax credit. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, estimates that the House bill is shaping up to add roughly $3.3 trillion to the debt over the next decade. Republicans criticizing the measure argued that the bills new spending and tax cuts are front-loaded, while the measures to offset the cost are back-loaded. In particular, the conservative Republicans are looking to speed up the new work requirements that Republicans want to enact for able-bodied participants in Medicaid. They had been proposed to start Jan. 1, 2029, but GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise said on CNBC that work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries would begin in early 2027. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after departing a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP A band of Democratic lawmakers is accusing the House GOP of trying to hide President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill from the American public. The House Rules Committee is planning to meet at 1 a.m. on Wednesday to discuss the GOP package, after Trump on Tuesday pressured his divided party to unify behind the bill that would extend tax breaks and make cuts to Medicaid, green energy and more. Trumps visit to Capitol Hill, which spanned more than an hour, came after the legislation cleared the House Budget Committee in a late-night vote on Sunday. After the early Wednesday morning meeting was announced, many House Democrats have since criticized the House GOP for scheduling a discussion during the dead of night. It is deeply troubling that you would attempt to jam this legislation down the throats of the American people, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rules Committee Ranking Member James McGovern (D-Mass.) wrote in a joint statement on Tuesday. What else are you hiding? The two Democrats, in the statement to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rules Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), also demanded that the meeting be rescheduled so that it can be debated in the light of day. In a video on the social media platform X on Tuesday, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) added to the criticism, asking Who does that? when talking about the timing of the meeting. You do that because you dont want the American public to know whats in your big, ugly bill. But we know whats in it, Lieu said. It has the largest cut to health care in U.S. history about a trillion dollars. It then also, its going to kick off approximately 14 million people off of health care. And why are they doing this? To impose the largest tax cut for billionaires in U.S. history. Republicans are having a meeting on their big ugly bill at 1am. Why? Because they dont want the American public to know whats in the bill. pic.twitter.com/zppBEpY1Zj Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) May 20, 2025 Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) also posted to X on Tuesday, claiming that the House GOP believes no one will stay awake for it and that he will be in attendance to testify and offer amendments to protect our families. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) added on Tuesday to X that House lawmakers are intentionally making moves in the dark of night: As they saynothing good happens after midnight... But we wont be silencedwe will be there to fight every step of the way." On Monday, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) slammed the meeting during an MSNBC interview, in which she called the package a completely partisan bill. She claimed Republican lawmakers have rejected opportunities and would not explain proposed changes that came out of Sundays vote. If you have a bill that you are proud of, a bill that is helping meet the high costs of living for American people, a bill that could expand health care, that takes care of our veterans and our seniors and our children, you do not hold the hearing at 1 a.m. So were going to be there at 1 a.m. Well be there whenever they want to come talk about this, she said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also posted on Monday that the bill, set to be discussed in the DEAD OF NIGHT, rips away health care from babies, new moms, and seniors, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz unveiled a fake book cover depicting Johnson and Foxx with the title While You Were Sleeping. Premiering Wednesday, 1am, only at the House Rules Committee! https://t.co/ETO8vHyLgU pic.twitter.com/h9PqQ8uj70 Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) May 19, 2025 The sprawling 1,116-page package carries Trumps title, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as his campaign promises to extend the tax breaks approved during his first term while adding new ones, including no taxes on tips, automobile loan interest and Social Security. Theres also a higher standard deduction, of $32,000 for joint filers, and a bigger child tax credit. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, estimates that the House bill is shaping up to add roughly $3.3 trillion to the debt over the next decade. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Salem County Prosecutors Office has taken over operations of the Penns Grove Police Department, the agency said Tuesday. While the prosecutors office declined to give a reason for the move, Penns Grove Police Director Richard Rivera said the takeover is related to state licensing for the departments police officers. Four officers have been placed on desk duty because of problems with their licensing to work as police officers in New Jersey, Rivera said. That has left the department without enough officers on patrol. The prosecutor has been very helpful in this process, and we welcome that support, Rivera said. We simply dont have the staffing to sustain the police department on our own. Under a law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2022, all New Jersey law enforcement officers must be licensed by the state Police Training Commission in order to work in the state. A recent commission audit of the Penns Grove department revealed one officer wasnt licensed and there were issues with the license of another officer, Rivera said. The commission suspended licenses for two other officers as a result of the audit, Rivera said. The license for one officer, who was hired last year, was suspended this month because he was previously fired from another New Jersey department where he was accused of falsifying a report, Rivera said. The officers appeal of his firing is still pending, Rivera said. The borough saw no red flags when hiring any of the officers in question, Rivera said. The police director said he would support the officers in resolving the licensing issues. We wholeheartedly support our officers and were gonna support them through this, he said. The officer without a license was already working for the Penns Grove department when the licensing requirement became law, Rivera said. The police director said the fact that officer didnt have a license was a technical issue, but Rivera expressed frustration about the lack of guidance from the commission on the matter. They dont want to help us correct the paperwork, and they just basically said nothing, Rivera said. We dont have any information from them. I dont know what to do. So if were making mistakes, wed like to correct them. The officers are entitled to an administrative hearing before the Police Training Commission, Rivera said. The actions by the commission have left the department down four officers and unable to sustain 24-hour coverage of the borough, Rivera said. The Police Training Commission has shut us down, essentially, he said. If we have police officers that dont have licenses, they cant patrol the streets. He welcomed the intervention by the Salem County Prosecutors Office. Salem County Executive Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Barile declined to discuss the licensing issues raised by Rivera, but released a statement on behalf of Prosecutor Kristin Telsey describing the offices actions. While this is undeniably an extraordinary remedy, Prosecutor Telsey remains confident that the end result will be a stronger police department fortified with the support of county law enforcement working hand-in-hand with the Penns Grove governing body and each and every one of the dedicated law enforcement officers of that department, Barile said. Rivera said he supports licensing for cops, but not how the process has been handled. Its to prevent bad officers from either being police wearing badges or from transferring from one agency to the next, he said. So, I wholeheartedly support the process. But whats taken place is this process has been subverted. The agency that oversees it offers no guidance. Theyve preempted due process for officers. In response to questions about the Penns Grove situation, a spokesperson for the Police Training Commission confirmed that licenses for two officers were suspended. Officers with adverse actions taken on their police licenses have the right to appeal the suspension, the spokesperson said. Since the governor signed police licensing into law in 2022, the Police Training Commission has made training sessions available around the state for law enforcement leaders, prosecutors, municipalities and police unions to ensure licensing requirements are understood, the spokesperson said in a statement. Those presentations have reached in excess of 1,700 attendees in 2025 and thousands of additional officers in 2023 and 2024, the official said. In addition, the PTC has posted various forms, checklists, and guides to assist law enforcement agencies and officers in navigating the licensing process on its website and has made itself available to local law enforcement agencies to answer questions. Any agency or officer seeking assistance has been encouraged to contact the commission directly for help, the spokesperson said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Robert A. Creter pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 1997 killing of a New Jersey woman that was found on a dirt road in Somerset County, officials said. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media The man accused of killing a woman in Somerset County in 1997 pleaded guilty Monday and agreed to a 10-year prison sentence, officials with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. Robert A. Creter, 61, of Winnipeg, Canada pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the Nov. 4, 1997 killing of Tamara Tammy Tignor. Creter admitted during a court hearing Monday to strangling Tignor with his bare hands that night in Bridgewater, officials said. Creter was arrested in Canada last summer and extradited to New Jersey shortly before Thanksgiving after a DNA breakthrough led investigators to identify him, officials said. Bridgewater Township police responded to a dirt road off of Gilbride Road near Washington Valley Park at 4:38 p.m. on Nov. 4, 1997 for a report of a dead body found in the area, authorities said. The body was identified as a 23-year-old from Newark, Tamara Tammy Tignor, authorities said. No suspects were developed at the time, but DNA evidence was collected, and an eyewitness told police they last saw Tignor getting into an orange van. The Cold Case Unit of the Somerset County Prosecutors Office continued investigating Tignors death until 2023 when DNA evidence was resubmitted for testing, officials said. The results of the DNA testing returned a high stringency match for Creter on April 6, 2023, authorities said. Investigators also determined that Creter had access to a van matching the description provided by an eye witness, officials said. Its unclear if Creter and Tignor knew each other. News reports at the time of her death say Tignor occasionally lived in Keyport with her mother, but was known to frequent Newark. McLaughlin said investigators at the time were able to talk to friends of hers in the Newark area. Tignor is believed to have gotten into Creters van about 27 miles away from where her body was found, authorities said. Creter was charged with first-degree murder on May 18, 2023 and was arrested in Canada on June 27, 2024 by Canadian authorities, officials said. He was extradited to the U.S. on Nov. 26, 2024, authorities said. Creter, who was born in Canada but was adopted by an American family, moved back to Canada in 2002 where he was working as a day laborer, officials said. He had been living in Middlesex and Somerset counties around the time of Tignors death, officials said. Creter been had previously charged with crimes in New Jersey including terroristic threats and weapons charges in 1995 and theft and forgery charges in 1999, court documents show. Creter must serve 85% of the 10-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole, officials said. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11. An attorney for Creter did not immediately return a request for comment. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. 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. Authorities say one of the largest jailbreaks in modern New Orleans history may have hinged on a single maintenance worker. Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old employee at the Orleans Justice Center with no prior disciplinary record, was arrested for allegedly helping 10 inmates escape by shutting off the water to a cell blockallowing inmates to remove a toilet and saw through iron rebar undetected. Delta Utilities: A new era of safe and reliable natural gas for New Orleans A consumer group is urging the state to reject NIPSCO's petition to create a GenCo spinoff to fund new electric capacity for data centers, arguing there's no reason to take away public visibility and there would be no market checks on its monopoly power. NIPSCO has reached a settlement with large industrial customers over its plan to negotiate rates directly with data center developers, rather than requesting that state regulators approve a rate increase after a series of public hearings and opportunity for public comment. It's asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to let it create a data center financing subsidiary that's described as a "first-in-the-nation" approach to tackling the national issue of how billions of dollars of new electric infrastructure will be built to power data centers expected to come online. Citizens Action Coalition, an Indianapolis-based consumer and environmental group, is urging the state to deny NIPSCO's request, or at least put certain consumer safeguards in place. It expressed concerns about NIPSCO seeking too much unchecked latitude without providing enough information about how GenCo would actually function and how current customers would be affected. "It is critical for the IURC to properly mitigate the risks posed by the proposed GenCo-NIPSCO structure," Energize Strategies Founding Partner Ted Thomas said in testimony on behalf of the Citizens Action Coalition. "The structure of an affiliate under common control owning and operating generation resources and exclusively selling power for megaloads to a public utility is unprecedented and requires maximum scrutiny from regulators and ratepayer representatives." NIPSCO said it is creating GenCo to shield existing customers from the cost of supplying more power to the billions of dollars worth of data centers projected to come online in Northwest Indiana in the next few years. It said the separate company would also protect customers from risk, such as if new power plant capacity was built but the data center it was for did not come to fruition. The Citizens Action Coalition contends that GenCo would not serve the public interest, saying NIPSCO has not provided enough information about how it would operate, such as how it would be staffed, how it would operate or how it would handle project procurement or construction. "GenCo has not disclosed information about how it will finance future generation projects. GenCo has stated that its 'financing structure is still being determined,' and that 'decisions regarding financing of GenCos facilities will be made in the future,'" he wrote. "GenCo has declined to offer any projection of its capital structure, stating similarly that 'decisions regarding GenCos capital structure will be made in the future.'" NIPSCO also has failed to explain about how it would "ringfence" GenCo from NIPSCO and its parent company NiSource in order to insulate existing customers from costs and risks, Thomas wrote. It has not identified what competitive forces would check its market power, he wrote. Federal regulation over surplus energy it would sell on the wholesale market would not be adequate, Thomas wrote. "Such transactions would not obviate the need for the Indiana Commissions jurisdiction over GenCos decisions to construct or acquire new generation," he said. "The commissions jurisdiction would also maintain ongoing visibility into GenCos operations, which is necessary and prudent to preserve." NIPSCO said GenCo would let it expedite the development of data centers, some of which are expected to bring billions of dollars of investment. The utility said it needs to be nimble in order to secure major economic development projects it could lose to other communities. Any time saved would not be as much of a benefit as transparency and state oversight, Thomas wrote. There's also little guarantee that existing customers would not be impacted financially. If a data center development fails, NIPSCO's customers still could end up having to pay more, such as if a project failed and it increased borrowing costs and the cost of capital. "NIPSCO has not explained how it would protect NIPSCO and NIPSCO customers from other financial risks," he said. "The application simply lacks enough foresight and details on which the commission could base a decision." Developer Robert Harte has done projects all over the world, including in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Monaco, Hawaii and New York State's Hudson Valley. The Downers Grove native moved to Northwest Indiana eight years ago. Now he's investing big in Northwest Indiana, where he started the NWI Development Group. The NWI Development Group has pursued several major projects around Northwest Indiana, several of which have revived historic properties. The company transformed the Bank Calumet tower into The Banc Apartments in downtown Hammond, created Barrelhouse The Venue at Zorn Brewing in Michigan City and turned a long-vacant publishing office at 1 Dunes Highway in Beverly Shores into the Mullet Marketplace, which is now home to several small shops like a resale boutique and a bike rental place. The firm transformed the Cypress Log Cabin in the row of Century of Progress Homes in the Indiana Dunes National Park in Beverly Shores into a vacation rental, launching the IN the Dunes spinoff in the hope of providing more lodging within the Indiana Dunes National Park. It is renting out more than 140 vacation rental homes in Northwest Indiana and adjoining Southwest Michigan through The Wanderluxe Collection, an umbrella of its IN the Dunes, South Shore Vacation Homes and Beachwalk Vacation Rentals brands. NWI Development Group recently acquired the 103-year-old Masonic Temple at 6th and Pine Streets in downtown Michigan City, which it may turn into a boutique hotel. "I originally called my company UpperCross Development Group," Harte said. "But as in this part of my career, I started doing more and more development in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. It became more appropriate to call it NWI Development Group." The company first started in Northwest Indiana after buying the Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, a resort community steps away from the Lake Michigan beach in Michigan City, out of bankruptcy. Demand was strong and only became stronger after the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was elevated to the Indiana Dunes National Park in 2019. Harte and his wife Sharon Harte began to add rental properties throughout the South Shore, offering turnkey management for people looking to rent out their second and summer homes to generate more passive income. "I'm a prolific developer," he said. "I was doing my first project in New Buffalo by the Stray Dog and as I was driving from the western suburbs, I saw Beachwalk was in bankruptcy and that it was a real opportunity." He believes Michigan City can be the next New Buffalo with 20 million people living within 150 miles, making it a convenient summer beach getaway. "You don't have to fly to Florida or Myrtle Beach," he said. "You can drive to a beach nearby. COVID really fueled the vacation rental business rental business here. You don't have to fly to an island in Hawaii to go to a beach. You can watch the sunset drop over the water here. It's a special thing." Visitation to the Indiana Dunes jumped by 50% since the National Park designation. Around 3 million people now visit the Indiana Dunes National Park a year. "There's a need for quality lodging across the board," he said. He went on to pursue his passion for historic buildings, such as by turning the nine-story former Bank Calumet headquarters at 5231 Hohman into 100 modern apartments by a new South Shore Line Station. He and other partners have invested $30 million to save the century-old building, the tallest in Hammond, and adaptively reuse it. He turned a 154-year-old brewery building where a pre-Prohibition brewery founded by a German immigrant stored barrels in Michigan Citys Elston Grove Historic District into a 6,000-square-foot special events space where many happy couples have since wed. He revived the former midcentury modern publishing house in Beverly Shores that was founded Michigan City News-Dispatch reporter and author Neil Ruzic and his wife Carol Ruzic, a town councilwoman and town historian. It put out magazines such as Industrial Research and Oceanography before sitting vacant for decades before the NWI Development Group resurrected it, bringing in a bevvy of new tenants. Now he's turning his eyes to the historic Masonic Temple that was built 1922 and was most recently a halfway house serving recently released convicts from the Indiana State Prison, which is moving from Michigan City to Westville He's initially planning to rent it out as an office but envisions the potential it has to be to a unique boutique hotel for visitors to the nearby Indiana Dunes. "I have an affinity for historic buildings," he said. Harte believes there's also a strong business case for repurposing the architectural gem. "There's so much momentum in Northwest Indiana right now," he said. "You're seeing all these different projects, with other developers as well." 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 Did former President Joe Biden know about his prostate cancer while campaigning for re-election? Did the White House conceal his health situation while he was in office? Is the Democratic Party behind a massive cover-up scandal? This is the refueled narrative from Biden critics after news broke Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has already spread to his body. Why wasnt it detected earlier before it metastasized to his bones, considering that Biden was a U.S. president with top-notch medical care and routine checkups? We dont know. We may never know. Its definitely mystifying. But the update of his current condition immediately triggered Americans afflicted with Biden Derangement Syndrome. Anything related to the former president is viewed through the political prism of distrust, disgust and hatefulness. This includes countless Region residents who voiced their suspicions and anger on social media Sunday afternoon, soon after the news was released. Its fake news! This proves there was a coverup! a Facebook follower of mine posted on his webpage. At the global level, similar allegations were made by notable names including Donald Trump Jr. who shared on X: What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? referring to the former First Lady. Well, stage five is not a standard measure of cancer growth. And Jill Bidens title refers to her doctoral degree in education, not as a medical doctor. But besides those stupid assumptions, his post quickly emboldened others to jump on the conspiracy theory bandwagon that constantly circles around our ever-suspicious country. We find reasons to divide us. Were petty, envious, combative and territorial. We choose every day to be separated by our gods, our egos, our politics, our tribes, and our stubbornness. If we cant find a valid motivation to distrust or dislike people who are not just like us, we invent one. Or we allow our elected leaders to create one or inflame one. Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel, as the adage goes. But I dont blame politicians or the government or mass media. I blame us. We are the jet fuel of partisan politics. And we reveal it instantly and consistently on social media. The Democrats lied about Biden's health the whole time during his campaign! one of my social media followers posted Sunday. Yes, it's been obvious for years that Biden should not have been reelected as a competent opponent of President Donald Trump. It also was obvious at numerous points throughout Bidens presidency, but his political party was desperate for a candidate. This glaring fact is outlined in the new book, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The book is promoted as an unflinching and explosive reckoning with one of the most fateful decisions in American political history: Bidens run for reelection despite evidence of his serious declineamid desperate efforts to hide the extent of that deterioration. He was set up for failure and ridicule, in contrast to a possible life of reflection or reverence in his twilight years. This is something I mentioned multiple times in previous columns as I publicly insisted that Biden should retire from public service and go gently into the night. (To read those columns, Google Jerry Davich and Joe Biden.) In early 2023, I wrote: This isnt about presidential politics and the twisted arguments of reason that come with it. This is about your age and your ability to competently lead our nation for the next several years. Its not personal. I honestly dont want anyone in their mid-80s serving as president of the U.S. I stand by that statement. Will Bidens critics and haters stand by their mean-spirited and insensitive statements regarding his cancer diagnosis? Or will partisan politics continue to taint their humanity? Will the national tone shift in light of Bidens future prognosis? Even Trump, who repeatedly mocked Biden for his mental lapses, showed a sense of appropriate concern, at least publicly. Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Bidens recent medical diagnosis, he posted on his socials. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. Too many people, including me, are afflicted with an aggressive form of mean-spiritedness that has metastasized into our bones. We judge harshly. We lack empathy. We insult recklessly. Even if its about a former presidents cancer diagnosis. Its textbook schadenfreude, the emotional experience of feeling pleasure in response to another's misfortune. Its as human as empathy, though much more common. My initial reaction to Bidens diagnosis wasnt empathy for his condition, or schadenfreude for his situation, or suspicion of a scandalous political coverup. It was that he should have been doing anything else during his fragile, fractured golden years rather than campaigning for reelection. For anyone whos condemning those harsh and hate-filled comments about Biden despite his dire situation, just wait until Trump gets seriously ill or dies. V2 Communications 500 Harrison Ave., Suite 4R, Boston, MA 02118 617/426-2222 Employees: 36. Founded: 2006. Agency Statement: V2 Communications is an integrated communications firm that works with B2B, climate, and healthcare companies, from startups to publicly traded companies. V2's clients strive to be iconic technology brands that have an outsized impact on business, the planet, or humanity through their innovations, and V2 designs and executes integrated communications strategies across earned, owned, and paid channels that shape their markets and make them market leaders. V2's proven process ensures clients benefit from thorough program planning, increased speed, flexibility, and efficiency of program execution, and ongoing strategic counsel to maximize market shifts and refine programs to deliver consistent high levels of business success. Jean Serra, CEO and Co-Founder Katelyn Holbrook, Chief Client Officer Jen Plimpton, Chief Operating Officer Melissa Mahoney, Exec. VP, Climate Tech and Corp. Comms. Kristen Leathers, Exec. VP, B2B Shannon Murphy, Exec. VP, Healthcare Offices in Boston + remote/hybrid. Clients Include: Agilitas EnergyBoston MetalBreakthrough Energy VenturesCalypsoAIClouderaE InkOneTrustPlymouth RockRocket SoftwareThrive GlobalUiPathUplightWindfall Bio V2 Communications in the news with O'Dwyer's: Your IPO Communications Roadmap Tue., May 13, 2025 ...the quarters and years that follow. *** Kristen Leathers is Executive Vice President, B2B Technology at V2 Communications .... PR Firms Post 1.5% Dip in '24 Income Thu., Apr. 10, 2025 ...leading companies delivering best-in-class PR and marketing services. Marketing Outlays, Exec Additions Spark V2s Growth V2 Communications , which serves the B2B, climate, and healthcare technology sectors, recorded a 7.7 percent boost... PR Firm News: V2 Comms Publishes IPO Guide Fri., Apr. 4, 2025 ... V2 Communications publishes a guide that walks companies through the IPO process. Countdown to IPO: A Winning Communications... News of Firms: Crisis Pro Mike Sitrick Launches Podcast Wed., Feb. 5, 2025 ...diverse and equitable public relations industry. The new agency partners are Greenough Communications, Hermes PR, V2 Communications and The Key PR. They will all provide both scholarship funding and internship opportunities. Joining the... Accounts in Transit: Zapwater Adds Conrad Indianapolis Wed., Feb. 5, 2025 ...the properties we represent around the globe, said Zapwater Communications CEO and founder David Zapata. V2 Communications , which works with B2B, climate and healthcare technology companies, adds InStride Health and Electric... Making Integrated Communications a Reality Thu., Nov. 14, 2024 ...tactics are working in which campaigns, and use that to inform future integrated efforts. At V2 Communications , this integrated approach comes to life for clients in our B2B tech portfolio through... On the Move: V2 Communications Hires Murphy as Health Head Thu., Oct. 17, 2024 ... Shannon Murphy V2 Communications hires Shannon Murphy as EVP to lead its healthcare practice. Murphy most recently served as... Accounts in Transit: FINN Connects With Extreme Hangout Thu., Sep. 12, 2024 ...us with our ties in Los Angeles, said CIIC PR CEO and founder Carolyn Izzo-Feldman. V2 Communications adds scalable data platform Nasuni and AI-powered healthcare administration software Machinify to its client roster.... Accounts in Transit: RG2 Communications Lands YODEZEEN Mon., May 13, 2024 ...design, and its residential, hospitality and commercial spaces warrant attention, said RG2 co-founder Ross Belfer. V2 Communications brings on several new clients in its B2B technology and climate technology verticals. Joining its... Getting to Net-Zero with Clean Tech Wed., Dec. 27, 2023 ...fuels arent going anywhere? For Melissa Mahoney who heads up the climate tech practice at V2 Communications in Boston, its just exciting that were at the point of even talking about... The Value of Integrated Communications Thu., Nov. 9, 2023 ...string of disconnected messages and one-off touchpoints. Its an approach that my own firm, V2 Communications , has adopted to build innovative B2B, healthcare and climate technology clients into market leaders. As... Accounts in Transit: 360PR+ Scoops Up Vermont Creamery Wed., Oct. 4, 2023 ...our vision to connect with and captivate consumers," said Vermont Creamery general manager Harrison Kahn. V2 Communications signs on with Exo, Health Gorilla and Neura Health, deepening its foothold in the... Don't Be Left Behind on AI Mon., Sep. 18, 2023 ...hand using one of these tools and youre convinced they are rubbish! Researchscape's Tony Cheevers, V2 Communications'Melissa Mahoney and CalypsoAI's Robert McGrath discussed how, when and why you should use... Accounts in Transit: V2 Adds Cybersecurity Clients Thu., Sep. 7, 2023 ... V2 Communications adds CalypsoAI, Schellman and RiskOptics to its cybersecurity client portfolio. For CalypsoAI, an AI security company, V2... Play With AI to Understand It Wed., Jun. 21, 2023 ...a Creative EngineAdam Ritchie, Adam Ritchie Brand DirectionMar. 14, 2023 Leading Through Challenging TimesJean Serra, V2 Communications CEONov. 15, 2022 To Plan or Not to Plan: Strategic Planning in a Dynamic WorldMonique... Better Business Through Comedy Tue., May 2, 2023 ...a Creative EngineAdam Ritchie, Adam Ritchie Brand DirectionMar. 14, 2023 Leading Through Challenging TimesJean Serra, V2 Communications CEONov. 15, 2022 To Plan or Not to Plan: Strategic Planning in a Dynamic WorldMonique... PR Must Flip the Script Mon., Mar. 20, 2023 ...attracting and retaining talent and crafting compelling and unexpected stories. Past webinars: Leading Through Challenging TimesJean Serra, V2 Communications CEONov. 15, 2022 To Plan or Not to Plan: Strategic Planning in a Dynamic WorldMonique... Sponsored Content Fills Journo Gaps Fri., Mar. 10, 2023 ...role of sponsored content is becoming increasingly important, according to a new report from V2 Communications and independent research firm Researchscape. A small, informal poll of the V2 network found that... Don't 'PR' Your Feedback Fri., Nov. 18, 2022 ... Jean Serra V2 Communications CEO Jean Serras lesson learned from the early days of COVID was the importance... V2 Comms CEO Jean Serra to Lead Webinar Mon., Nov. 14, 2022 ...15 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST for "Leading Through Challenging Times" webinar with V2 Communications CEO & Founder Jean Serra and moderator Tony Cheevers. Sign up for webinar >> Jean Serra... Mission is Heartbeat of Strategy Fri., Oct. 21, 2022 ...Through Challenging Times" Nov. 15th @ 3 p.m. EDT with Jean Serra, Founder of V2 Communications . Future topics under consideration are: Content marketing and its intersection with PR Mental health and wellness at... Be a Leader, Not a Boss Thu., Sep. 22, 2022 ...by "Leading Through Challenging Times" Nov. 15th @ 3 p.m. EDT. Jean Serra, Founder of V2 Communications , will lead the discussion. Future topics under consideration are: Content Marketing and its intersection with PR Mental... On the Move: Greentarget Adds WSJ's Jennifer Smith Mon., Mar. 7, 2022 ...and will further our mission to create unique positions of authority for our clients. Jean Serra V2 Communications is now being led by co-founder Jean Serra, who takes on the role of... PR's Top Pros Talk: Maura Fitzgerald Fri., Nov. 19, 2021 ...As communicators begin to move back toward working in the office, V2 Communications founder and partner Maura Fitzgerald has a few basic ground rules for how companies... Accounts in Transit: V2 Communications Adds Aidentified and Everseen Thu., Nov. 18, 2021 ... V2 Communications adds Aidentified and Everseen to its client roster, expanding the agencys work building brand awareness of... News of Firms: Mojo Marketing Rebrands as Mojenta Tue., Jun. 15, 2021 ...The name 'Mojenta' better reflects that level of sophistication while still honoring our Mojo roots." V2 Communications releases a report that uncovers the issues, trends and companies health tech journalists are... Accounts in Transit: FWV Launches Devil's Advocate Wed., Jun. 2, 2021 ...continue to expand her footprint in the beauty space throughout the year with additional announcements. V2 Communications adds AI-driven decision intelligence platform Tellius to its client roster. The agency will create... Accounts in Transit: Brandman Agency Opens St. Regis Bermuda Resort Thu., Apr. 15, 2021 ...scheduling solution, IntelePeer aligns with GRCs mission, said CRC chief executive and founder Valerie Christopherson. V2 Communications signs up Comm100, a global provider of digital customer engagement solutions. Comm100, which has... Accounts in Transit: Weber Shandwick Explores Minnesota Thu., Dec. 17, 2020 ...two-year contract runs through Nov. 2022. Bellmont Partners was previously Explore Minnesotas agency of record. V2 Communications adds TCP (TimeClock Plus) to its roster of HR technology and employee benefit solutions clients. V2 will work to build the companys profile... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Raises a Glass of Waipapa Bay Wine Wed., Nov. 18, 2020 ...Its wines are available for purchase at such supermarkets as Publix, Wegmans and Giant Eagle. V2 Communications is now representing SaaS data value platform GRAX. V2 will help the company drive... Accounts in Transit: Powerhouse Adds London's Tone & Sculpt Tue., Nov. 10, 2020 ...position ZOO Digital in the U.S. as the company thats leading the future of localization. V2 Communications has added SaaS company Ardoq to its client roster. V2 will help launch the... Accounts in Transit: Idea Grove Picks Up Disinfecting Drone Distributor Wed., Aug. 26, 2020 ...beyond, leading the way in the apartment-hotel industry, said Domio chief development officer Brian Quinn. V2 Communications has added CarePort Health, which provides care transitions software, to its client portfolio. V2 is... Accounts in Transit: 5W Public Relations Toasts GrapeStars Tue., Jun. 9, 2020 ...for fans to interact with their favorite celebritiesand fellow fansthrough augmented reality and AI features. V2 Communications has added NAVEX Global, which provides integrated risk and compliance solutions, to its client roster. V2... Accounts in Transit: North 6th Agency Adds Sweetwater Thu., Apr. 9, 2020 ...record bands out of a 4-track recording studio in the back of his Volkswagen bus. V2 Communications has added artificial-intelligence companies ReadSpeaker and Clinc to its client roster. For ReadSpeaker, which provides natural-sounding synthesized voices, V2... On the Move: V2 Communications Ups Katelyn Holbrook Thu., Feb. 27, 2020 ... Katelyn Holbrook Version 2.0 Communications, which is rebranding to V2 Communications , has promoted Katelyn Holbrook to senior vice president, managing director. Holbrook, who founded and heads up... Hemsworth Atlanta * Charleston * Chicago * Fort Lauderdale * New York City * Tampa 954/716-7614 Employees: 20. Founded: 2014. Fort Lauderdale, FL Agency Statement: Hemsworth is a top-ranked, award-winning agency that partners with both emerging and iconic travel, tourism, hospitality, culinary, wine, spirits, lifestyle and franchise brands to drive buzzbusiness. With locations across the United States including Atlanta, Charleston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Tampa as well as a network of vetted freelancers in other top media markets globally, Hemsworth is known for crafting tailored programs that encompass brand strategy, media relations, social media, influencer marketing, event programming, thought leadership, digital marketing, crisis communications and more. The Hemsworth team is comprised of experts who share unprecedented passion, insight and connections to surpass client expectations, delivering personal service and powerful results. Michael Jacobs, COO; [email protected] Cathy Angel, VP; Lacey Outten, Assoc. VP; Kayla Atwater, Assoc. VP Clients Include: ATL Airport DistrictB Ocean Fort Lauderdale ResortChattahoochee Nature CenterCruise BarbadosDigital SportsmanEgyptian Tourism AuthorityEmbassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & SpaEmbassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th StreetEmbassy Suites by Hilton Miami International AirportExplore GwinnettHilton Cabana Miami Beach ResortHomeToGoKenefick Ranch WineryMain Line BrandsMassanutten ResortMimms Museum of Technology and ArtPerformance Hospitality ManagementRental EscapesRiviera TravelSonesta Resort Hilton Head IslandWaters Edge WineriesWaterWalk HospitalityWMSAnd more! Hemsworth in the news with O'Dwyer's: Leveraging Thought Leadership to Elevate Your Brand Tue., May 20, 2025 ...from competitors, increase visibility and build lasting trust. *** Cathy Angel is the Vice President at Hemsworth , a top-ranked public relations and communications firm with locations in Atlanta, Charleston, Chicago, Fort... Accounts in Transit: FWV Works With Veteran-Led Wireless Provider PureTalk Wed., May 14, 2025 ...are at PureTalk, said William Curry, chief strategy officer at PureTalk parent company Telrite Holdings. Hemsworth adds Digital Sportsman to its portfolio of lifestyle brands. The agency will oversee a... Small-Town Food Scenes Are Becoming Tourism Drivers Thu., Mar. 13, 2025 ...marketing strategies, they can attract culinary travelers who might otherwise overlook their smaller destination. At Hemsworth , we offer a unique specialization in food and beverage and destination marketing, helping brands... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Lands Chattahoochee Nature Center Wed., Feb. 19, 2025 ... Hemsworth is named agency of record for Chattahoochee Nature Center, a 127-acre property located in Roswell, GA... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Picks Up Computer Museum of America Tue., Dec. 3, 2024 ... Hemsworth is named marketing agency of record for the Computer Museum of America. The agency will support... Accounts in Transit: Rubenstein PR Picks Up IT Intelligent Treatment Thu., Oct. 17, 2024 ...in the beauty and wellness space is unparalleled, and we look forward to working together. Hemsworth adds Riviera River Cruises to its travel and tourism client portfolio. The agency is responsible for mapping... Accounts in Transit: APCO to Build US Awareness of India's Mahindra Group Tue., Aug. 6, 2024 ...Chidambaram, president and head of Americas Leadership Council, Tech Mahindra and Americas head, Mahindra Group. Hemsworth adds Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island to its travel and tourism client roster. The agency is tasked... Top Tips for Attracting Family Travelers Tue., Jul. 23, 2024 ...target audience and stay ahead of trends, demonstrating their genuine commitment to the market. At Hemsworth , weve identified a few strategies to help travel brands stand out in the crowded... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Picks Up Road Scholar Wed., Jun. 5, 2024 ... Hemsworth signs up to provide national public relations support for Road Scholar, a not-for-profit organization that... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Checks in at Corendon Hotels & Resorts Mon., May 20, 2024 ... Hemsworth signs on as AOR for Corendon Hotels & Resorts and is hired to drive... A Strategic Approach to Authentic Engagement Thu., May 9, 2024 ...them attract their target audiences and reach their goals. *** Cathy Angel is Vice President at Hemsworth .... Accounts in Transit: FINN Partners Lands Greentech Environmental Tue., Apr. 16, 2024 ...partner with FINN Partners to help grow our brand awareness and expand our U.S. footprint. Hemsworth signs on as AOR for Main Line Brands (including its portfolio of home and... News of Firms: Hemsworth Picked as US Rep for latamPR Wed., Mar. 20, 2024 ... Hemsworth is chosen as United States agency representative for latamPR, a network of Latin America-based... News of Firms: Hemsworth Communications Celebrates 10th Anniversary Mon., Mar. 18, 2024 ... Hemsworth marks its 10th anniversary with a series of initiatives including a new logo and... An Influencer Marketing Recipe for Success Wed., Mar. 6, 2024 ...other PR, event marketing and social media efforts. *** Lacey Outten is an Associate VP at Hemsworth .... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Books South Florida Hiltons Fri., Mar. 1, 2024 ... Hemsworth adds four South Florida Hilton properties to its client roster. The firm is now responsible... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Promotes Egyptian Tourism Mon., Jan. 29, 2024 ... Hemsworth is named US PR agency of record for the Egyptian Tourism Authority. The agency... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Signs on Maison & Co. Wed., Nov. 15, 2023 ... Hemsworth Communications signs on as PR agency of record for Maison & Co., a Florida-based... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Adds LFD Productions Thu., Oct. 12, 2023 ... Hemsworth Communications adds LFD Productions, which focuses on showcasing the Caribbean and The Bahamas through visual... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Sets Sail With Villa Vie Residences Wed., Sep. 20, 2023 ... Hemsworth Communications adds Villa Vie Residences to its roster of travel and tourism clients. ... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Picks Up 911 Restoration Franchise, Wed., Sep. 6, 2023 ... Hemsworth Communications picks up 911 Restoration Franchise, which specializes in residential and commercial property damage mitigation. The... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Communications Supports FANVEST.io Thu., Jul. 20, 2023 ... Hemsworth Communications is engaged to craft a PR strategy for Bernoulli | Locke, which is launching... The New World of Luxury Travel Wed., Jul. 12, 2023 ...of luxury. *** Kayla Atwater is Associate Vice President of the Travel and Tourism division at Hemsworth Communications... Accounts in Transit: The Door Picks Up CityPickle Thu., Jun. 8, 2023 ...overwhelming amount of coverage and creative approach," said CityPickle co-founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai. Hemsworth Communications adds LOVU, a romance travel booking app, to its travel and tourism client roster.... Building Followers Through Experiences Mon., Mar. 13, 2023 ...wonderful experience and build a loyal fan base. *** Lacey Outten is an Associate VP at Hemsworth Communications, a nationally ranked PR and social media agency with three divisions: Food, Wine... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Adds WaterWalk, South Fulton CVB Thu., Oct. 13, 2022 ... Hemsworth Communications adds WaterWalk and South Fulton Convention and Visitors Bureau to its roster of travel & tourism clients. The... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Boards Honor Flight Thu., Sep. 22, 2022 ... Hemsworth Communications adds Honor Flight South Florida, a 100-percent-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring veterans in... Accounts in Transit: Hager Sharp Re-Ups with the FDA Thu., Aug. 18, 2022 ...research and strategic planning; social, paid, and earned media; digital marketing; and direct stakeholder engagement. Hemsworth Communications adds multichannel brand response agency Media Culture to its franchising and business services... Harnessing the Power of PR in the New Age of Travel Tue., Jul. 19, 2022 ...their stories who can provide fresh perspectives on todays hot topics. For example, one of Hemsworth s clients, vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo, taps into its extensive internal database of the search... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Communications Signs AOC Hospitality Tue., Jun. 28, 2022 ... Hemsworth Communications signs on to represent AOC Hospitality, a Charleston, S.C.-based restaurant group. The agencys... Accounts in Transit: Lou Hammond Group Adds Wellby Thu., Mar. 31, 2022 ...to its client roster for public relations/corporate communications, strategic planning, branding and digital marketing services. Hemsworth Communications is named agency of record for LiveTrends Design Group and its three brandsLiveTrends and... On the Move: Washington Post Hires Shauna Little Tue., Mar. 29, 2022 ...and columnist at platforms including Vice, Deadspin, SB Nation and the New York Obserer. Cathy Hayes Hemsworth Communications hires Cathy Hayes as associate vice president. Hayes joins the agency from Tampa, FL-based... Accounts in Transit: CRC Lands Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Wed., Feb. 23, 2022 ...critical to bringing The Glenrothes to ideal audiences, said Edrington senior brand manager Lindsey Nauman. Hemsworth Communications signs on as US PR agency of record for Explore Gwinnett and the ATL... Accounts in Transit: Lou Hammond Group Lands Visit Cheyenne Tue., Feb. 15, 2022 ...above others throughout the pitch process, said LexisNexis Risk Solutions senior PR manager Mike Normansell. Hemsworth Communications adds Amsterdam-based Corendon Hotels & Resorts and Montreal-based Rental Escapes to its roster of travel &... Accounts in Transit: Huge Lands Digital Duties for Planet Fitness Thu., Oct. 21, 2021 ...to further our mission of democratizing fitness," said Planet Fitness chief digital officer Sherrill Kaplan Hemsworth Communications wins public and media relations work for Visit Macon. The agency will be responsible for... Accounts in Transit: KCSA Pumps Out PR for EzFill Thu., Sep. 23, 2021 ...as well as with targeted customers in Florida and nationally," said EzFill CEO Mike McConnell. Hemsworth Communications runs national media relations push for The Beaufort Bonnet Company, upscale baby and children's... Accounts in Transit: CIIC PR Lands Nevis Tourism Wed., Sep. 15, 2021 ...island as a premier destination for leisure travelers, said CIIC Founder and CEO, Carolyn Izzo-Feldman. Hemsworth Communications signs on with Performance Hospitality Management. Effective immediately, the firm is responsible for... Accounts in Transit: North 6th Signs Everscore Cannabis Company Tue., Aug. 3, 2021 ...fit for Stuf and Clarity to work together, said Stuf co-founder and CEO Katherine Lau. Hemsworth Communications leads PR efforts for the launch of Three Mills, a brand from UK-based beverage... Travel is Back, But Industry is Transformed Tue., Jul. 20, 2021 ...of these difficult times stronger than ever. A flexible client/agency model As an independent, family-owned company, Hemsworth has the ability to be nimble and adapt with the times. As the reality... News of Firms: Hemsworth Extends COVID-19 Stimulus Plan Fri., May 28, 2021 ... Hemsworth Communications is extending its COVID-19 Public Relations Stimulus Program through the second quarter of... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Picks Up Your CBD Store Chain Mon., Dec. 14, 2020 ... Hemsworth Communications has added Your CBD Store, one of the largest brick and mortar hemp retailers... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Raises a Glass of Waipapa Bay Wine Wed., Nov. 18, 2020 ... Hemsworth Communications has added Waipapa Bay Wines to its roster of food, wine & spirits clients.... Accounts in Transit: 5W Public Relations Shops at Payless Wed., Oct. 28, 2020 ...the deal with managing partner Jeff Mathews, VP Lindsay Barber and senior associate Jeremy Schulman. Hemsworth Communications adds vacation rental search engine HomeToGo to its client roster. ... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Signs Up SCGWest Fri., Sep. 4, 2020 ... Hemsworth Communications has added Newport, CA-based commercial real estate development firm SCGWest to the roster... Accounts in Transit: Idea Grove Picks Up Disinfecting Drone Distributor Wed., Aug. 26, 2020 ...staffing platform OpenLoop, enterprise webcasting provider ReadyComm, and cloud-based artificial intelligence products company, S5 Stratos. Hemsworth Communications has been engaged by apartment-hotel brand Domio to support the brands position as an alternative... News of Firms: Taylor Backs HBCU Loan Forgiveness Grants Thu., May 21, 2020 ...900 companies in the technology and digital sector, as a corporate partner in late 2019. Hemsworth Communications has launched a Public Relations Stimulus Program designed to provide financial relief to... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Checks In at Hyatt Grand Cayman Wed., Mar. 4, 2020 ... Hemsworth Communications has been selected as agency of record for Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort... Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Adds Zombie Coffee Fri., Feb. 28, 2020 ... Hemsworth Communications has added Zombie Coffee and Donuts to the roster of clients in its... Accounts in Transit: Version 2.0 Communications Adds UK's Current Health, Masabi Thu., Jan. 30, 2020 ...helps the entire education ecosystem to thrive, said Pollack PR Marketing Group president Stefan Pollack. Hemsworth Communications has been retained as agency of record for Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing... Relevance International is named PR agency of record for Unica Capital, a London-headquartered private real estate investment and development firm with a portfolio of luxury assets across the UK and Europe. The agency will lead a global communications strategy to elevate Unica Capitals as well as positioning founder Byron Baciocchi as a thought leader in high-end real estate and investment. The brief includes global media relations, high impact storytelling and visibility around key projects. Relevance International brings the global perspective and insight we value as we continue to grow our brand internationally, said Bacoiocchi. Zapwater Communications signs on to lead US and Mexico media relations, influencer marketing and social media services for the Thompson Zihuatanejo, a beachfront resort that is part of the Thompson Hotels brand, which operates under Hyatt Hotels. Zapwater will also work to expand partnerships, events and programming aimed at driving awareness and bookings for the property. Located on the shores of Zihuatanejo Bay in the state of Guerrero in southern Mexico, the pet-friendly Thompson Zihuatanejo has 56 oceanfront rooms. It also has 1,000-feet of private beach, an alfresco spa, two restaurants and five meeting and event spaces. Firecracker PR signs on with NE2NE, a Cleveland-based company that helps businesses connect their systems and data in one place. Firecracker will provide full media relations campaign strategy and development to promote NE2NEs data integration platform "P-Suite." The platform will leverage its PDFlex PDF data extraction solution to pull data from even the most difficult PDFs and return it in a useable format such as Excel spreadsheets, XML or JSON. LEGISLATIVE proposals published by the European Commission last week aimed at simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and strengthening the competitiveness of European farmers have been welcomed by Fianna Fail MEP for Midlands North-West and full member of the European Parliaments Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI), Barry Cowen MEP Cowen said he was satisfied to see that the simplification package, outlined by the Commission, directly addresses the top concern raised by Irish and European farmers during last years European elections and recent farmer protests the excessive burden of red tape. The reforms include measures that could save up to 1.58 billion annually for farmers and 210 million for national administrations, while also making CAP payments easier to manage. Among the changes welcomed by MEP Cowen is the increase in the annual lump sum payment limit for small farmers from 1,250 to 2,500. This measure will support more balanced income distribution and reduce administrative overheads, he said In its statement, the Commission acknowledged that current CAP rules often fail to reflect the practical realities of farming on the ground. The proposed changes, shaped by feedback from farmers, Member States and agricultural stakeholders, aim to better align EU rules with local farming conditions The proposals also introduce more flexibility for Member States in adapting their CAP Strategic Plans and enhanced crisis supports for farms impacted by natural disasters or animal diseases. New funding options for small farmers, including a 50,000 lump sum investment grant, are also included. READ NEXT: Nine green innovators showcase companies at Bord na Mona conference in Tullamore Importantly for Ireland, farmers will benefit from incentives to protect peatlands and wetlands, as set out under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition 2 (GAEC 2). This support will help them comply with national rules that go beyond EU standards, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts through the use of targeted eco-schemes. MEP Cowen explained that the Commissions legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption, where the Fianna Fail MEP says he will work to ensure the swift and full implementation of these much-needed reforms. For too long, farmers have been tied up in bureaucracy instead of being supported to do what they do best - produce top-quality food and contribute to rural economies. These proposals mark a clear shift in direction and are a promising signal that the Commission has heard the message sent by Irish farmers loud and clear. Slashing red tape is a central priority of mine and motivated me last year to secure membership of the AGRI Committee. These are practical, targeted reforms that will ease pressure on farmers, especially smaller operators who often struggle most under disproportionate administrative demands. Ill be doing everything I can to ensure these reforms are fully implemented - and to make sure theyre just the beginning of a broader push for a fairer, simpler, more sustainable CAP that truly rewards farmers into the future." READ NEXT: As judging day approaches Tullamore Tidy Towns appeals for help THE strong response from Offalys farming community, with an impressive 2,763 applications submitted from the county for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other vital area-based schemes before the 15 May deadline, has been welcomed by Deputy Tony McCormack. Deputy McCormack praised the dedication of local farmers, stating: "Our farmers are the backbone of rural Offaly and Im delightedbut not surprisedto see such a strong level of engagement with these essential schemes. These supports make a real difference to farm families and rural communities, and I want to ensure every eligible farmer in Offaly can maximise their entitlements." The area-based application process includes a wide range of supports such as the Eco Scheme, Complementary Redistribution Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), and targeted measures for young farmers and environmentally sustainable practices. Nationally, over 123,000 farmers submitted applications, showing a clear commitment to sustainable farming practices and rural resilience. Farmers who applied now have until 31 May to make amendments to their applications without penalty, and Deputy McCormack is encouraging anyone who needs to make changes to do so in time. READ NEXT: Offaly MEP welcomes EU reforms to cut red tape and boost farm competitiveness He concluded by reaffirming his ongoing support: "I will continue to work hard in the Dail to ensure Offaly farmers are supported, listened to, and fairly treated. These schemes are more than paymentstheyre investments in the future of our farms and our rural way of life." READ NEXT: Market rents in Offaly rise 7.2 per cent year-on-year, daft.ie report reveals The trial has begun of two brothers and their wives, who are accused of withholding information or assisting Jozef Puska after he had murdered 23-year-old school teacher Ashling Murphy in Tullamore three years ago. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs at the Central Criminal Court swore a jury of five women and seven men to hear the trial, which is expected to last up to five weeks. Ms Justice Biggs told the jury that Jozef Puska (35) murdered Ms Murphy in January 2022 close to a canal in Tullamore. He was tried and convicted of her murder. Ms Justice Biggs said this trial relates to the alleged actions of Jozef Puska's family members in the immediate aftermath of that murder. On trial are Jozef Puska's brothers Marek (34) and Lubomir (35) and their wives Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), who have addresses in Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Lubomir Puska is charged with withholding information by failing, without reasonable excuse, to tell a member of An Garda Siochana as soon as was practicable that Jozef Puska returned home to Mucklagh on the night of January 12, 2022 with visible injuries and admitted to "cutting" a female with a knife. It is further alleged that he failed to disclose that Jozef Puska travelled to Dublin that night. Marek Puska is also charged with withholding information about Jozef Puska's visible injuries, that he had admitted to "killing or seriously injuring" a female with a knife and that he travelled to Dublin that night. Marek Puska is further alleged to have been aware of an arrangement to burn clothing worn by Jozef Puska at the time of the murder. The charges against both brothers state that they knew or believed that the information they allegedly withheld might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution, or conviction of Jozef Puska for a serious offence involving loss of human life or serious personal injury to another. Both men have pleaded not (NOT) guilty to the offences, which are charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988. Jozefina Grundzova, who is married to Marek Puska, and Viera Gaziova, who is married to Lubomir Puska, are accused of assisting in burning clothing between January 12 and 14, without reasonable excuse, intending to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska, knowing or believing him to have committed the offence of murder or some other arrestable offence within the same category or of a similar nature. Ms Grundzova and Ms Gaziova pleaded not guilty to the offences, which are charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997. The trial will begin with an opening statement by the prosecution today (Tuesday). 105.000 in funding has been allocated to Offaly County Council under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Among the successful projects to receive money are Offaly Wetland Survey P1 20,700.90, Hares Corner Project 29,750.00, Offaly Grasslands Improvement Project 2025 15,000.00, Wildflowers of Offaly Video Project 8,500.00, IAS Management & Training 2025 8,500.00, Community Biodiversity Action Plan Support, 6,800.00, Camcor Native Woodland Baseline Survey 7,650.00, Recording Irish Mayfly Conservation Status 1,228.28, In Your Nature 3,966.95, and Citizen Science & Outreach 3,825.00. Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has welcomed the allocation of 105,000 in funding for biodiversity initiatives across the county, under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Deputy Clendennen said the funding, administered through Offaly County Council, will support a diverse range of local projects focused on the protection, study, and enhancement of biodiversity in the region. A total of 262 projects nationwide received funding this year, supporting a wide range of activities such as bird and bat conservation, wetland surveys, and community biodiversity awareness initiatives. ''I would like to thank Offaly County Council for their continued leadership and commitment to biodiversity,'' Deputy Clendennen added. ''This funding reflects the Governments ongoing support for community-led environmental efforts. I look forward to seeing these projects deliver real, positive impacts for Offalys unique natural heritage.'' Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD said: ''Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.'' Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan TD said: ''Im really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.'' ''Id like to commend local authorities for stepping up their efforts to tackle Invasive Species, including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, which pose a real threat to our landscapes and marine environment.'' WORK is continuing on the construction of a new Waterways Ireland depot on the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Tullamore. The completed project will comprise a carpentry workshop, a mechanical workshop, both single storey with the latter being about 700 sq m in size, and a two-storey administration building. Builders moved in the end of January and it is expected that all work will be complete by January, 2026. There will be a craft centre of excellence at the facility where Waterways Ireland say the old tradition of lock-gate crafting will be maintained. The new buildings will replace the existing Waterways Ireland facilities at the Grand Canal harbour in Tullamore town centre where a dry dock is also located. READ NEXT: Homes allocated in Offaly social housing scheme While a dry dock was indicated as part of the original proposals for the site off the Cappincur Road, it has been dropped for the moment and was not in the revised plans. The three buildings, designed by Tullamore architect Patrick Little, will sit on a site of about 1.8 hectares almost directly across the canal from Boland's Lock and lock house. The relocation of the existing Waterways Ireland operations from the town centre site, where they have been based for about 200 years, will open up that entire area for redevelopment and a masterplan has already been drawn up. Speaking at the signing of contracts with Pat Loftus Construction for the construction of the craft centre of excellence, John McDonagh, Waterways Ireland chief executive stated: It will ensure the continuation of a great tradition of waterways craftsmanship in Tullamore. At Waterways Ireland we have responsibility for the maintenance and development of over 1,100km of inland waterways and 650km of paths and cycleways. This new Craft Centre Of Excellence will provide our teams with modern premises and future-proof Waterways Irelands capacity to develop recreational and tourism amenities for locals and visitors alike across the region. An Garda Siochana are now hiring a social media manager with a lucrative starting salary of nearly 60,000. The role is of Higher Executive Officer level and the new hire will lead their social media strategy and manage content across seven platforms. Applicants must hold a Level 7 qualification or have at least four years experience managing social media at organisational level. This permanent role is based at Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park, Dublin and the salary is starting from 58,264. Applications have until 3pm on Monday 9 June 2025 to apply. You can apply here: https://shorturl.at/MUNl7 The Social Media Manager will take ownership of all social media channels, ensuring all accounts support An Garda Siochanas mission to keep people safe. The Social Media Manager will also manage the Social Media Policy, Social Media Strategy and provide social media training across An Garda Siochana. The new hire will work closely with Office of Corporate Communications colleagues, drawing upon current resources particularly the audiovisual team. They will also work closely with the Garda Press Office which currently supports the day-to-day output on An Garda Siochana channels. READ NEXT: An Garda Siochana now hiring for civilian job with salary up to 73,000 The Social Media Manager will monitor metrics to deduce what is and isnt working, and will introduce changes and processes to streamline activity, and ensure An Garda Siochanas social media channels are optimised to their full potential. The Social Media Manager will be strategic in steering content that is already being produced within the Office of Corporate Communications, towards social media, where appropriate and relevant. They will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Office of Corporate Communications to reach more audiences via social media. Candidates by the closing date must have: 1. A minimum National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 7 relevant qualification in social media, digital communications, audiovisual production, marketing, journalism, communications, or a similar discipline. OR 2. Demonstrate at least four years experience managing an organisations social media channels. Candidates must also have: Experience implementing Social Media Strategy and Social Media Policy. A current category B full clean driving licence. A BBC programme which aired a claim that Gerry Adams sanctioned the killing of a spy would probably not have breached broadcasting regulations and was not unfair or unjust, a media expert has told a court. Chris Banatvala, who drew up the UKs broadcasting rules for Ofcom and was its founding director of standards, compiled a report based on a programme which claimed that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. Mr Banatvala, who is an independent and media consultant, said that in his conclusion it is his view that the programme would probably not have been found to breach Ofcoms broadcasting rules, and was not unfair or unjust. Mr Adams has claimed that the BBC Spotlight programme, as well as an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of Mr Donaldson. He denies any involvement. Mr Donaldson was shot dead in 2006, months after admitting he was a police and MI5 agent for 20 years. In 2009, the Real IRA claimed responsibility for the killing, and the Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016 while a garda investigation into the matter was ongoing. In the programme, an anonymous source identified as Martin, who says he was an informant for Special Branch within the IRA, claimed that the shooting was sanctioned by the political and military leadership of the IRA and that Mr Adams gives the final say. The BBC has said the claim was corroborated by five other sources. The High Court in Dublin heard that he was asked to assess and produce a report on the programme by solicitors for the BBC. He said: What I have written is, on balance, given the significant public interest, what information is already in the public domain about Gerry Adams, the fact that the BBC reasonably believed its primary source, Martin, to be credible and reliable, that the BBC had corroborative evidence from other credible and multiple sources. It was couched in terms of allegations, there was an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond, the programme would probably not be found in breach and not be unfair or unjust to Mr Adams. He said that Ofcom is not a fact-finding tribunal. It is not there to decide whether or not this allegation is true. What it is there to decide was whether making that claim was unfair to Mr Adams, given all the circumstances and the programme as broadcast, he added. He also said that the allegation was of high public interest. Its of high public interest because it concerns a then elected politician, an allegation of serious misconduct, of potentially sanctioning a murder at a time when the IRA had a ceasefire, where the political progress had moved towards peace, and he was responsible, allegedly, for sanctioning the killing of an informant. You couldnt get a more serious allegation or something of greater interest to the public. In his report, he stated that an allegation that an elected figure sanctioned the killing of an informant in the context of that political environment is of the highest public interest. He also said the more serious an allegation is, the better the investigation should be. Mr Banatvala added: I understand that people have made allegations that he (Mr Adams) was on the IRA army council, and hes always denied it. I also understand that he has an alleged paramilitary background, and he sanctioned murders. I also know that hes vehemently denied that that Ive known for the last 10 or 20 years. That does not mean that you can make any allegation against any person. Youve got to have the evidence, youve got to have your sources, but that is the background in which you have to make that particular judgment on that particular issue. I think the programme is quite clear that it explains that the programme is based on a number of sources, whether that is security forces, police forces, etc. With regard to the allegation against Mr Adams, post transmission correspondence is clear that the BBC claims to have multiple credible other sources. I think it would have been helpful for the audience to have understood that, it would have perhaps given greater veracity to the story. Having said that, I dont believe that that within itself would cause unfairness to Mr Adams. Ironically, you could argue that, saying that there are more sources out there that agree with that claim, you could say that actually that does potentially more damage to potential unfairness to Mr Adams, because it only reinforces the allegation. So it works both ways. Mr Banatvala said it was also important to assess whether or not the BBC states as a matter of fact that Mr Adams sanctioned the murder, or whether it put it in the words of an allegation. Obviously, if they state it as fact, that means that it needs an awful lot of particular evidence that you can prove it. If you state it as an allegation, something that you have heard, you think is credible, you think its in the public interest to transmit, but you cannot guarantee that its true, he added. If you take that in the round and the programme, and the fact there are sources, I think its very evident on this particular point that it was couched in the terms of allegation. Mr Banatvala also said that Mr Adams was given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to the allegations. During cross-examination by Mr Adams barrister, Tom Hogan SC, Mr Banatvala said the BBC programme had not portrayed the material from its anonymous source as a fact, and rather as an allegation. He said that was a subtle distinction. Mr Hogan rejected that assertion, insisting that the documentary had presented the claim about Mr Adams sanctioning the murder as fact. I respectfully disagree, replied the witness. Mr Hogan then asked Mr Banatvala if it was unusual for a programmes editor not to be involved in engagement with Ofcom when it was investigating a complaint. The barrister noted that Spotlights then editor Jeremy Adams was not listed as a witness in the High Court case. Mr Banatvala replied: I believe hes no longer at the BBC. The trial continues. A WEEK long celebration of volunteering is on the way with National Volunteering Week 2025 taking place in Offaly and throughout the country this week. Taking place from May 19-25, this annual event highlights the enormous contributions of volunteers and the powerful impact they make in communities across Ireland. This years theme, "Building Community Together", focuses on the social opportunities that volunteering creates from meeting new people and making friends, to forging deeper connections within local communities. This years theme reflects the social and connective power of volunteering. Events nationwide will cover training, recognition, wellbeing, and celebration with Offaly playing a leading role. Offaly Volunteer Centre Manager, Deirdre Fox, shared her insights on the importance of the occasion: Outside of home and work, volunteering is the third space for many people where we connect, empathise, laugh and nurture. The bonds that are built through volunteering strengthen our communities and unite us as we mind each other. National Volunteering Week is an opportunity for the whole country to celebrate how our countless instances of supporting our community connect us into a huge network of care. READ NEXT: Offaly Volunteer Centre launches inspiring 2024 Report to kick off National Volunteering Week In Offaly, the week will be brought to life through a series of uplifting and heart-warming events designed to celebrate community spirit and connection. Monday saw the launch of Offaly Volunteer Centres annual report, 2024 The report captures not only the facts and figures of the past year, but will also act as a social document recording the stories and impact of volunteers. I t will serve as a lasting testament to the compassion, commitment and care demonstrated by volunteers across the Faithful County. The Volunteer Centre's exciting new initiative, the Professional Exchange Programme (PEP), will be launched on Wednesday and it aims to create a dynamic network of local professionals who are ready to share their skills with community and voluntary groups. Whether you are an accountant offering financial mentoring, a marketer helping a charity raise its profile, or a legal advisor providing guidance, PEP will empower organisations to thrive through expert volunteer support. On Thursday the "International Communities Celebration" takes place. This vibrant and inclusive event invites Offaly residents from diverse heritages to come together and celebrate their cultures. Expect delicious international cuisine, uplifting music, and opportunities for cultural exchange as we share traditions and stories in a spirit of unity. This promises to be a joyful morning where the richness of Offalys global community will truly shine. READ NEXT: Offaly-based carer named regional winner of national awards The signature event of the week is the Offaly Community Expo 2025 on Saturday in the Tullamore Court Hotel. This showcase will bring together the many organisations that make Offaly such a special place. Groups from towns and villages including Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Ferbane, Banagher and Tullamore (to name but a few), will be represented, highlighting the breadth of community spirit across the county. Visitors can connect with local initiatives, discover volunteer opportunities, and celebrate the people and groups working tirelessly to make Offaly a vibrant, caring and connected place to live. People can stay connected and follow Offaly Volunteer Centres social media channels for updates and inspiring volunteer stories throughout the week. INTREPID Richard Ross, Manager of the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre in Ballinagar, has successfully completed his expedition to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak to raise finance for vital works at the centre. The trek raised a whopping 6,000 for work at the centre with all Richard's trip costs being paid by himself. The centre is badly in need of renovations, starting with the heating system which is on its knees. Explained Richard: "We are also hoping to replace windows and doors. We are in for funding to help but we still need to raise in or around 15,000." An experienced hiker, Richard has been to Scotland earlier this year doing a Winter Skills Training course ran by Mountaineering Ireland in preparation for Nepal. He has also set up an iDonate page to try to raise funds for the centre and you can still support Everest Base Camp Challenge for IWA on iDonate.ie READ NEXT: Range of events in Offaly towns and villages for National volunteering Week Speaking to the Tribune after his return to Ireland Richard said it "was a great trip. I found summit day on Island Peak very tough but otherwise it was fab. The trip went really well." In total all 36 climbers from Mullingar Hiking Group made it to Everest Base Camp as did 14 of the 18 that attempted Island Peak summit. Explained Richard: "It took approximately 14 hours up and down. We left soon after midnight and I summited at 9am, then back down around 2pm." "There was quite a long technical section near the top which involved us clipping into fixed ropes for safety. A good bit of upper body strength was needed to pull ourselves up this part which took around three hours. But reaching the summit was just fantastic and we spent about 15min there before starting the long journey back down." READ NEXT: Market rents in Offaly rise 7.2 per cent year-on-year, daft.ie report reveals "Overall it was a trip of a lifetime. It was a great experience to hike though Nepal.. a very poor country but a beautiful one. The people were very friendly and couldnt enough for us. We stayed in tea houses every night apart form Island Peak summit night when we stayed in a tent. The days were quite warm but the nights were very cold, up to minus 15. I would recommend for anyone with a decent level of fitness to do Base Camp. You wont regret it!" Richard said he has been "blown away by the support I have received so far." "The amount collected is gone over 6,000. However the cost of the anticipated renovations will be over 15,000 so it is all badly needed." Meanwhile a plant sale and coffee morning takes place at the IWA Centre in Ballinagar on Tuesday next, May 27. See separate article for full details. Three shopping trolleys have been dumped in the Tullamore river near the town park. The trio are very visible as the water level has dropped due to the dry weather. Tullamore Tidy Towns committee has cleared out the Tullamore River on numerous occassions but yet the vandalism continues. The act of illegal dumping underscors ongoing issues faced by the community in maintaining the cleanliness and ecological health of local waterways. The Tidy Towns group known for their dedication undertook a significant cleanup effort in October 2021. Volunteers from Tidy Towns were joined by Shannonside Sub Aqua Club and Offaly County Council and together they extracted 1.5 tons of waste including more than 20 shopping trolleys, bicycles, and even an 60-inch flat screen TV from the river stretch between Kilcruttin and Millennium Square . This repeated dumping not only mars the visual appeal of the river but also poses threats to its biodiversity and water quality. The Tullamore Living River project spearheaded by Offaly County Council, aims to address these issues by enhancing natural habitats and improving water conditions. Tullamore river boosts the highest density of otter signs found in a national survey anywhere in Ireland. It is no coincidence that Tullamore River is home to the Otter. With improved water quality has come increased numbers of small fish and native white tailed crayfish which provides the Otter with a steady food supply. TENANTS have been moving into new homes in a social housing development off the Arden Road in Tullamore. There are 77 residential units in the Kingswood estate and 31 houses were allocated to people on the housing waiting list in the first phase in February. Tenancy agreements for the remainder are due to be completed this month. The first 31 units at Kingswood Drive were purchased by an approved housing body, Respond, which teamed up with Offaly County Council for the project. The 31 houses were bought by Respond on December 12 last for 12,456,746, including VAT. READ NEXT: Thirty-one applications in Offaly to register XL Bully dogs A spokesperson for Respond said earlier this year that 21 of the houses are two-bedroom bungalows, six are two-bedroom, two-storey houses and four are three-bedroom two-storey homes. These homes will be safe, secure, lifetime homes for families who will be looking forward to building a community within their development and with the existing community. Respond will be there to support them to do this and develop links with the existing community in Tullamore also. As an Approved Housing Body and service provider, Respond have over 17, 000 tenants around the country with a tenant satisfaction rate of 89%, the spokesperson said. According to builders Carroll O'Keeffe, the houses are built to the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. The overall development in the area, which is on the east side of the Arden Road, also includes plans for a 90-bed nursing home and some of the houses are specifically designed for the requirements of elderly people and those with increased mobility needs. Elsewhere in Tullamore, Japanese Knotweed has been removed from a site called Dargan Drive at Chancery Lane, Tullamore, where the council plans to build 20 housing units. The project will be at stage three of the four-stage approval process once ESB lines on the site are placed underground. At the Silverbrook development, which is on the Arden Road in the town, 15 tenancies have been allocated. FOR those in the Offaly area interested in life-long learning and expanding their social life, there will be a meeting in Tullamore Library on Wednesday, May 28 at 2.30pm to launch The University of The Third Age in Offaly. Daingean-based, international author, Geraldine ONeill is facilitating the meeting as part of Bealtaine Festival. Donal Denham - who helped establish several Dublin groups - will give a talk and slideshow on his experience of The University of the Third Age network (also known as U3A). In Ireland there are now 30 groups meeting regularly, all over the country , varying in size from 10 or 15 members to over 600. The U3A helps bring lifelong learning to those retired or semi-retired from full time employment. Members often form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members. The term University often conjures up ideas of studying and attending classes, but with U3A, the prime motive is learning for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards. Learning is simply for pleasure and to keep brains active as we age. READ NEXT: Cyclists from across Offaly compete in Daingean's Peatlands Tour Geraldine who recently completed an in-depth Harvard Course on the Art & Science of Happiness believes that lifelong learning keeps our brains active and our hearts young. She was first introduced to U3A some twenty years ago, when a teaching colleague asked her to give a talk on Creative Writing to a Dublin group her retired father attended. The group was inspiring as they chatted about recent walking holidays in Spain or Rome, visits to concerts and art galleries, day trips on the train to Galway. Geraldine heard of their visits to other U3A groups in Ireland, musical evenings and dances and made new friends. It was heartwarming to hear that romance even blossomed at times between single and widowed members. Whilst still working fulltime herself, the visit to the group made an impression and Geraldine knew that when she was retired from full-time work, that it was something she would enjoy being involved with. Joining U3A provides a welcoming community of like-minded individuals, offering friendships and regular social interaction through classes, events, and outings, promoting an active and engaged lifestyle. Many groups include physical activities like walking, dancing, or yoga, which contribute to overall physical and mental well-being. It offers intellectually stimulating opportunities through courses, lectures, and discussion groups on a wide range of topics such as history, languages, science, art, philosophy, and technology. Members can learn purely for the joy of it, without exams or formal assessments. Members often have the opportunity to teach or facilitate sessions based on their own life experiences, professional background, or personal interests. This peer-to-peer model values everyones contributions and builds mutual respect. READ NEXT: Offaly Fianna Fail cumann seeks reinstatement of councillor who stood as Independent in General Election U3A groups are typically local, informal, and low-cost, making them accessible and easy to fit into one's lifestyle. There's no pressure or rigid schedulemembers participate as much or as little as they choose. Many members find U3A gives them a renewed sense of purpose. Whether learning something new, volunteering, or leading a group, it adds meaning and structure to their lives. Some U3A groups engage in broader community or intergenerational projects, offering ways to stay connected to society and contribute in meaningful ways. Geraldine states that a warm welcome will be extended to all who attend the meeting - people still interested in learning, would like to make new friends, share activities and stay active and engaged in a supportive, like-minded environment. Chinese economy shows strong resilience despite pressure Xinhua) 08:03, May 20, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows a cargo ship navigating at Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's economy withstood pressure and maintained stable growth, continuing on a path of positive development amid internal challenges and increasing external shocks, an official of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday. NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui said at a press conference that the fundamentally positive outlook for China's economy has not changed, and there are several favorable conditions for sustained economic recovery. China's retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country's consumption strength, expanded 5.1 percent year on year in April to 3.72 trillion yuan (about 517.27 billion U.S. dollars), NBS data showed. From January to April, the retail sales of consumer goods rose 4.7 percent year on year, accelerating from the 4.6-percent growth in the first three months, according to the NBS. In the first four months, the index of services production grew by 5.9 percent year on year, 0.1 percentage points faster than that of the first quarter, according to the NBS data. In April, the total value of goods imports and exports reached 3.84 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.6 percent year on year, the data showed. From January to April, the import and export volume of general trade grew by 0.6 percent year on year, accounting for 64 percent of the total trade value. In the first four months, private enterprises saw a year-on-year increase of 6.8 percent in imports and exports, representing 56.9 percent of the overall trade volume, an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to the same period last year. China's fixed-asset investment went up 4 percent year on year in the first four months of 2025 to 14.7 trillion yuan, the latest NBS data showed. Excluding the property sector, the country's fixed-asset investment grew 8 percent year on year during this period. During the period, infrastructure investment rose 5.8 percent year on year, while manufacturing investment increased 8.8 percent, the data indicated. Driven by China's consumer goods trade-in program, sales of home appliances and audio equipment surged by 38.8 percent last month, and sales of cultural and office goods jumped by 33.5 percent, according to the NBS. "In April, the combined retail sales of consumer goods related to trade-ins, including household appliances and audio-visual equipment, cultural and office supplies, furniture, communication equipment, and building and decoration materials, contributed to a 1.4 percentage point increase in the total retail sales of consumer goods," Fu said. In April, the added value of the high-tech manufacturing industry increased by 10 percent year on year, surpassing the overall industrial growth rate by 3.9 percentage points. China's shift toward intelligent and green development is gaining momentum, said Fu. In April, the added value of the intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing sector surged by 74.2 percent, while the production of new energy vehicles rose by 38.9 percent. "Breakthroughs in advanced technology fields such as large AI models and humanoid robots will further promote industrial upgrading and development," Fu said. Bolstered by multiple favorable factors, China's economy is expected to maintain stable performance and steady growth momentum, said the spokesperson. He added that the significant reduction of bilateral tariffs between China and the United States is beneficial for trade growth between the two countries and global economic recovery. However, the current international environment remains complex and challenging, with a rise in unilateralism and protectionism posing serious challenges to the international economic and trade order and hindering global economic growth, Fu noted. "But the trend of international cooperation for win-win outcomes will not change, and China's commitment to expanding its opening up will remain steadfast," he said. The country's efforts to diversify its foreign trade are progressing steadily, with policies aimed at promoting foreign trade development delivering continuous results, Fu said, adding that these measures are expected to continue supporting the stable growth of China's foreign trade. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Raymond Henry of Clara, County Offaly has been honoured with the Midlands Regional Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at its 10th Annual Conference. The IACP Regional Awards recognise an IACP accredited member who has made a notable contribution to the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in their local community and region. Mr Henry has been an active IACP member and leader in the organisation for 27 years, his lasting contributions continue to have meaningful impact on the profession. Mr Henrys volunteer experience includes serving as Cathaoirleach twice, from 2010 to 2012 and from 2017 to 2020. He was also one of the founding members of the Midlands Regional Committee which was the first regional committee to be formed within the IACP. In addition he volunteered as a member of the Board of Directors, on the Supervisor Accreditation Working Group, Media Panel, and the Registers and Strategy Sub Group. Chief Executive Officer Lisa Molloy commented: ''I would like congratulate Ray Henry our Midlands Regional Award honouree and acknowledge his outstanding contributions to his community and the counselling/psychotherapy profession. I had the pleasure of working closely with Ray during his time as Cathaoirleach, Company Secretary, and on the Board of Directors, he has given so generously of his time volunteering with the IACP over many years. He has always been a guiding and influential member, dedicated to his colleagues and an advocate promoting the benefits of therapy.'' Regarding his work in the Midlands Region, Raymond Henry commented. ''I would like to thank everyone involved in my nomination; I am delighted and humbled to receive the Midlands Regional Award. It has been a joy and privilege to volunteer alongside my colleagues in the IACP to further and promote the counselling and psychotherapy profession. I am most grateful for being recognised by my peers and for the support of the IACP.'' READ NEXT: Major expansion on the cards for a store in Clara The annual awards ceremony was held at the IACPs 10th annual conference on the 12th April at the Maryborough Hotel, Cork. IACP Award Recipients: Carl Berkeley Memorial Award: Bernie Hackett Public Inspiration Award: Dr Katriona OSullivan Cathaoirleach Recognition Award: Seamus Sheedy IACP Research Excellence Award: Leo Muckley Research Bursary Award: Antoinette Stanbridge Undergraduate Research Excellence Award: Sarah Finnerty Regional Award Recipients: Dublin Regional Award: Alan Kavanagh Midlands Regional Award: Raymond Henry North East Regional Award: Jim Hutton Northern Ireland Regional Award: Shane Morrow Southeast Regional Award: Philip Brennan Southern Regional Award: Joe Heffernan West/North West Regional Award: Allen Gilhooly Western Regional Award: Jacinta Murphy OpEd News One-Time Security Check This Is NOT An Error Message Your site IP address* (5.13.19.111) is listed on one or more Internet blacklists. We get visited by hundreds of these spambots daily. To prevent these from taking resources away from legitimate users, we show this page. Please use the CAPTCHA below which proves you are human, not a spam bot. It's a one-time action** for your IP. After that, you will be able to access OpEd News easily. Thank you for your patience. * Here's more info about IP addresses. ** If your IP address is fixed, you'll be able to use this website from now on. However, if your Internet Service Provider (such as Verizon or T-Mobile) assigns you a different IP address every time you use your device, AND these IP addresses are NOT on an Internet blaclist, then all is good. If, for some strange reason, your ISP assigns you an IP that is blacklisted, then you'll have to go through this process again. (Unless you keep yourself logged in. We only check for spambots on non-logged in visitors.) Europe has long been associated with high living standards, robust social welfare, and economic stability. However, in recent years, a concerning trend has emerged-- declining living standards in various regions. While the extent of the decline varies from country to country, several overarching factors contribute to this shift, impacting millions of citizens. Across Europe, the cost of essential goods and services -- food, housing, and energy -- has surged, placing significant strain on household budgets. European governments can not cope with the situation. Historically, Europe's strong welfare systems have provided safety nets for citizens facing economic hardship. However, healthcare systems, public education, and social benefits are increasingly stretched thin. Instead of providing help European authorities have increased defence spending to support Ukraine. The more so, one of the most immediate and tangible effects on living standards is US' political pressure. Trump insists NATO members should commit to spending at least 5% of GDP on defence, but that would require investment at an unprecedented scale. This week, the Trump administration is eager to learn how NATO's European member countries and Canada plan to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, as stated by the new US envoy, Matthew Whitaker. In a briefing with reporters before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Turkey, US Ambassador Matthew Whitaker emphasized that "5% is our number. We're urging our allies to invest in their defense with genuine commitment." "Let there be no doubt, this ministerial will be different," Whitaker asserted, adding that "5% is not merely a figure; it is essential for our security. The alliance is confronting significant threats." In 2023 NATO leaders agreed to allocate at least 2% of GDP to national defense budgets. Currently, 22 out of 32 member countries have met this benchmark, and leaders are poised to establish a new goal at the summit in The Hague on June 25. Trump insists that NATO members should commit to a minimum of 5% spending, a target that would necessitate unprecedented investment levels. NATO's latest estimates indicate that 22 allies reached the 2% goal last year, a slight decrease from a previous forecast of 23. Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain have not met this target, although Spain anticipates reaching the 2% goal by 2025, albeit a year late. Notably, even the United States was projected to spend 3.19% of GDP in 2024, down from 3.68% a decade ago when all members committed to increasing their expenditures. It is the only ally whose spending has declined. Whitaker further stated that any European investments in "defense industry capabilities must also ensure fair treatment for American defense technology firms". He warned that excluding the US and others "would jeopardize NATO interoperability, hinder Europe's rearming efforts, inflate costs, and stifle innovation". Thus, European countries being under high US pressure prefer to fund wars instead of allocating money to social programs and improve living standards. President Donald Trump traveled to the Middle East this week and encountered the mess of his administration's foreign policy, as writer Simon Tisdall stated in his story, "Trump Thinks He is Shaping the Middle East. Instead, It's Gulf States that Will Dictate US Foreign Policy." Tisdall said the President is delusional in the great things he's promised and that his policies are failing across the board. He also argued for a change in course: "Gulf leaders have the leverage to set Trump straight, if they decide to use it. He relies on them to an unprecedented degree - far more than on Europe - as diplomatic interlocutors, security partners, and financial backers. His approach to Palestine, which is on the brink of a second Nakba (catastrophe), is a mix of prejudice, cruelty, and sheer ignorance. Without Arab help, the US and Israel may remain trapped indefinitely in a destructive policy cul-de-sac." President Trump can't afford to ignore the views of Saudi Arabia's leader, Mohammed bin Salman, as well as his Middle Eastern counterparts on Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. They oppose war with Iran, which the US and Israel previously threatened. For support from Gulf states, our country must pay a price. Take Trump's hope of extending the so-called Abraham Accords by normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations. Salman said this cannot happen without guaranteed progress towards an independent Palestinian state - something the political leadership in Israel, or at least the leadership that's in power now, does not want. Salman called the killing of over 50,000 Palestinians genocide. While in the Middle East, the President will be under pressure to end Israel's blockade and reinstate the ceasefire. Trump's stance on Israel is different than the one he advocated on the campaign trail in 2024. So far, Trump has declined invitations to add Jerusalem to his trip. Tisdell believes, as many do, that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, and his allies plan a long-term military occupation of Gaza and mass expulsions of Palestinians. Yet while Trump was supportive two months ago, talking foolishly about building a "Riviera of the Middle East," he seemed to have realized this isn't the way forward for peace. Netanyahu wants the US to join Israel in military action against Iran this year. Then he witnessed Trump's sudden announcement last month of talks with Tehran about its nuclear program. A similarly abrupt Trump U-turn occurred when he ended US airstrikes on Yemen while Israel continued to bomb Houthi fighters. Both policy shifts and Trump's changing tone on Gaza follow Gulf state lobbying, of course. Arab leaders, backed by Turkey, want Trump to curb Israel's military operations in Lebanon and Syria. All six Gulf Cooperation Council members favor engagement with Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his coalition government. Al-Sharaa said he doesn't want to fight Israel. Tisdall addressed the problems with Trump's Syria policy: "Trump, unlike Britain and the EU, has refused to relax Assad-era sanctions. It's a big mistake that handicaps Syrians' hopes of a fresh start - and could let Iran and Russia back in. A democratic, pro-Western Syria is a great prize. Right now, it is beginning to look like a missed opportunity." The influence of Middle East states is a fact of life in our century. If the US is to bring peace to the region, it must engage with the new Syria and solve the Israel-Palestine conflict and bring an end to the horror in Gaza. It looks like Trump is unwilling to do either. Jason Sibert is the Lead Writer of the Peace Economy Project This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Even in retrospect, it seems inconceivable. Yes, you may still not believe it but the Trump administration recently chartered yet another flight for immigrants, except this one wasn't leaving the country, heading for a prison in El Salvador or a jungle camp in Panama or possibly even for Libya. It was actually arriving right here in the United States of America with genuine immigrants on board, people who truly wanted to leave their own country and settle in this one. Forget the 100,000 or so refugees from war-torn countries like Afghanistan and the Congo who had indeed been approved for resettlement here before Donald Trump took office a second time. And yes, the man who, on entering the White House, suspended global refugee admissions to the United States, did everything but personally greet those 59 immigrants at the airport (as Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar indeed did do). And no, they weren't flown to the U.S. military base at Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba, to be kept in that American offshore prison of injustice or even in tents on its grounds, but to Washington's Dulles International Airport. And according to a government memo, the Trump administration plans to do far more than that. It plans to help them obtain nothing less than "groceries, weather-appropriate clothing, diapers, formula, hygiene products and prepaid phones that support the day-to-day well-being of households." Oh, and of course those 59 individuals happened to have two advantages over all the other possible migrants to this country. They didn't come from Afghanistan or Venezuela or Mexico, and they weren't dark-skinned. Specifically, as I'm sure you already know, given all the publicity about them, they were White South Africans who, the administration claims (inaccurately), were being mistreated in their home country, and so were distinctly acceptable to President Trump. And by the way, I'm well aware that, if this were another moment and their arrival hadn't already made such headlines, you would undoubtedly think I was making this up. Not a chance of that, though, not in the United States of America that's now run by such a White nationalist crew. And with all of that in mind, let TomDispatch regular Rebecca Gordon introduce you to Donald Trump's ongoing war -- yes, that's a perfectly reasonable word for it since, among so many other things, he's literally trying to wipe out legal tools to enforce civil rights -- on Blacks. Tom No More Dog Whistles Under Trump, Racism Isn't Just the Subtext, It's the Text By Rebecca Gordon On May 5th, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute held its annual fundraising gala. The event showcases the extraordinary imaginations of people who design exorbitant clothes and the gutsiness of those who dare (and can afford) to wear them. I'm dimly aware of this annual extravaganza because of my interest in knitting, spinning, and weaving -- the crafts involved in turning fluff into yarn and yarn into cloth. Mind you, I have no flair for fashion myself. I could never carry off wearing the simplest of ballgowns and I'm way too short to rock a tuxedo. My own personal style runs to 1970s White Dyke. (Think blue jeans and flannel shirts.) But I remain fascinated by what braver people will get themselves up in. One of my favorite movies is Paris Is Burning, a 1990 documentary about the underground Harlem ballroom scene, where drag queens and transgender folks, mostly Black and Latina, recreated a fierce version of the world of haute couture. It was a testament to people's ability to take the detritus of what systems of racism and economic deprivation had given them and spin it into defiant art. So I was excited to learn that the theme of this year's gala was to be "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," an homage to the tradition of Black dandyism, about which Vogue magazine writes: "There is something undeniably magnetic about the sharp creases of a tailored suit, the gleam of polished leather shoes, the swish of a silk pocket square. But for Black dandyism, this isn't just about looking good -- it's a declaration. A defiant reclaiming of space in a world that has long sought to define and confine Black identity. So, what exactly is Black dandyism? At its core, it's a fashion revolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride." The Met's gala theme was chosen back in October 2024, when it still seemed possible that, rather than electing a fascist toddler, this country might choose a Black woman as president. In that case, the gala could have served as an extended victory toast. (As it happens, Kamala Harris did in fact attend.) Instead, this country is today laboring under an increasingly authoritarian regime in Washington, one proudly and explicitly dedicated to reversing decades of victories by various movements for Black liberation. Resuscitating Employment Discrimination Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Washington County has paid $800,000 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widow of a Tigard man who sheriffs deputies shot and killed in 2018 after ramming his pickup with an unmarked, armored vehicle. Remi Sabbe, 54, died on Jan. 12, 2018, after Washington County deputies responded to a 911 call placed at 1:33 p.m. from a neighbor, saying a pickup was driving erratically and making a mess of a rural field that was owned by Sabbe. Clackamas County prosecutors say a former Canby police sergeant fired five times at an Oregon City police officer at 5 a.m. Friday outside his Oregon City home. Tatum Todd/The Oregonian A former Canby police sergeant fired five times at an Oregon City police officer early Friday before shooting and killing himself, Clackamas County prosecutors said. The District Attorneys Office confirmed the identity of the man as 58-year-old Scott Farmer in a Monday news release. The office wrote that Farmer shot at Oregon City Officer Sydney Oden. She returned fire, shooting at him three times and hitting him in the hip. A grand jury indicted a man who allegedly shot another man in the face in a Bethany home last Wednesday and a grand jury also indicted a woman accused of strangling both the man who was shot and a child in the home. Oliver Bracey, 26, faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, court records show. Ella Mai Juarez-Farina, 30, faces charges of strangulation, fourth-degree assault, first-degree criminal mistreatment and unlawful use of a weapon, according to court records. Sheriffs officials said that there were four children in the home at the time of the incident. Washington County Sheriffs Office deputies received a report around 9:45 p.m. on May 14 that a 35-year-old man had been shot in the face in the 7100 block of Northwest Abigail Terrace in the unincorporated Washington County community. They arrived at the scene to find the injured man in the street, sheriffs officials said. Authorities added that the bullet went through the mans cheek and out behind his ear; emergency responders drove him to a nearby hospital. Officials have not shared his current condition. After helping the injured man, deputies surrounded the home, and Bracey and Juarez-Farina surrendered. Officials said Bracey who lived at the home still had a gun in his hand when he came out of the house. Investigators concluded that both Bracey and Juarez-Farina threatened the man with guns, and that Juarez-Farina had strangled him and a child before Bracey shot the man, sheriffs officials said. Officials did not say if Bracey or Juarez-Farina were related to any of the other people inside the home. Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. Sheriff Terry L. Rowan was arrested Friday on Interstate 84 in Gilliam County. He failed a field sobriety test and later submitted a breath sample that showed a blood-alcohol content of .19. Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Umatilla County Sheriff Terry L. Rowan, who sits on the states public safety certification board, was arrested Friday in his county sheriffs vehicle, accused of driving intoxicated on Interstate 84. Rowan was stopped at 7:08 p.m. Friday by a Gilliam County sheriffs deputy heading eastbound on the freeway after dispatch received a complaint about his driving, according to Gilliam County Sheriff Gary Bettencourt. He was stopped for a traffic lane violation, the sheriff said. Rowan failed a field sobriety test at the scene and was arrested, accused of driving under the influence of intoxicants. He was taken to the Gilliam County Sheriffs Office Arlington office, where he provided a breath sample, showing a blood-alcohol content of more than twice the legal limit at .19, according to Bettencourt. Rowan was released to a third-party, and his county sheriffs SUV was held by Gilliam County Sheriffs Office. Since the vehicle was filled with law enforcement radios and weapons, Gilliam County Sheriffs Office held the Umatilla County car for safekeeping, until it could be safely returned to the county, Bettencourt told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Rowan, 61, issued a statement over the weekend apologizing to those who placed trust in my leadership, and cited personal challenges, as contributing to his actions. I take full responsibility for the situation surrounding my recent arrest for DUII and understand the seriousness of the matter. While I will not discuss the details as the legal process unfolds, I am fully cooperating with the authorities and will comply with all applicable laws and guidelines. Ive been navigating some personal challenges, but I know that does not excuse the impact this has had on my constituents and the community. I am committed to learning from this experience, rebuilding trust, and accepting all responsibility for my poor decision and actions and being fully transparent as the process moves forward. Rowan was first elected sheriff in 2013, after serving as undersheriff since May 2005. He previously worked as a police officer with the Hermiston Police Department for nearly a decade. Umatilla County Undersheriff Jim Littlefield declined to answer whether Rowan will be allowed to drive a county car or whether hes been placed on leave pending the outcome of the charge. Rowan sits on the state Board of Public Safety Standards and Training, known as BPSST, and its police policy committee, where he examines whether other officers misconduct should result in the suspension or revocation of their law enforcement certification. Sheriff Rowan will not be participating in BPSST or Police Policy Committee meetings until the matter is resolved, said Sam Tenney, a spokesperson for the state police certification and training department. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. A suspected drunk driver is accused of causing a crash on U.S. 30 that killed one person and seriously injured another on Saturday, police said. Neither the person who died nor the person who was injured was wearing a seatbelt. Oregon State Police responded to the wreck near milepost 22 in Columbia County at 9:14 p.m. A preliminary investigation showed a Dodge Nitro driven by Gary E Fowler, 70, of Deer Island, was speeding when he struck a Lexus R330 driven by 43-year-old Angela Michelle Kornhauser of St. Helens. The collision caused the Lexus to leave the roadway and roll onto adjacent railroad tracks. Kornhauser, who wasnt wearing a seatbelt, was seriously injured and taken to a hospital, police said. Christopher Michael Casillas, 37, of Everett, Washington, a passenger in the Lexus who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected during the crash and died at the scene. Fowler suffered minor injuries and was medically cleared. He was then arrested and jailed on allegations including driving under the influence, manslaughter, assault and reckless endangering. The highway was closed for approximately seven hours during the investigation. Speed and driver impairment were considered primary factors in the crash, police said. This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from Oregon State Police and reviewed by Oregonian editorial staff. Jeremy M. Lenoire, 31, stood before the jury on the first day of his murder trial on Mon., May 19, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian A struggle over a snub-nosed rifle left four dead during a strong-arm marijuana robbery gone horribly wrong, a Multnomah County jury heard Monday as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer delivered their opening statements. The state argues Jeremy Lenoire was one of three masked gunmen who burst into the Southeast Portland home and the only one of the trio to survive the June 6, 2021 quadruple homicide. Washington County Circuit Judge Oscar Garcia ruled Tuesday he has broad discretion over the sentencing of cold case killer Robert Atrops but the decision means the justice system wont close the book on the 37-year-old homicide for a little longer. Atrops, now 70, lured his estranged wife Deborah Atrops to his remote Sherwood cabin in 1988, strangled her to death and then dumped her body in the trunk of her car in a construction site in Beaverton. Hundreds of Portland high school students streamed out of schools Friday, March 15, 2024, to protest bloodshed in Gaza. Mark Graves/The Oregonian A Portland high school math teacher is suing the school district, teachers union and school board, alleging they discriminated against him by allowing teachers to distribute and promote anti-Israel material without a balanced perspective. The suit was filed Monday in federal court in Portland by lawyers from the Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank founded in Washington state. The teacher is an Israeli Jew who complained about the hostile environment in his school but said the district didnt support him, according to the suit. Hes identified in the suit as John Doe out of fear for his physical safety, the suit said. He worked in one Portland high school during the 20232024 school year, then was transferred to another high school for the 2024-25 school year, according to the suit. The suit alleges the practices of the teachers union and school district violated his First Amendment rights to freedom of association and religion. School district spokesperson Valerie Feder declined comment, citing the ongoing litigation. Angela Bonilla, president of the 4,500-member Portland Association of Teachers, also declined comment, saying the union was just learning of the suit. The teacher suing alleged the Portland Association of Teachers, in collaboration with Oregon Educators for Palestine, co-published guides called Teach Palestine! and Know Your Rights! and held informational sessions for teachers to learn how to teach and advocate for Palestine within Portland Public Schools, on May 28, 2024, at the union hall. Oregon Educators for Palestine is a community group that provides resources for pro-Palestinian educators. The suit presented as an exhibit one of the unions lesson plans for grades 1 through 5 that describes in a childrens workbook the history of the state of Israel as a group of bullies called Zionists. The guide and lesson plans drew wide criticism from Jewish teachers and parents with children in Portland schools who said it demonized Jews and supporters of Zionism by focusing on the death, destruction and upheaval experienced by everyday Palestinians without mentioning that the Israel-Hamas war began with the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli civilians, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Zionists support the existence of a Jewish state in their ancestral homeland. The teacher suing called his school a forum for one-sided, anti-Israel rhetoric, noting that his administration allowed posting of Palestinian flags and print-out maps of Palestine that eliminated Israel, according to the suit. When he asked if he could display an Israeli flag, he was told it would be too disruptive, the suit said. Plaintiff does not object to sharing a building or working closely with colleagues who disagree with his positions and beliefs as long as the environment is neutral, fair and safe, and allows for expression of his opinions and beliefs as well, attorney Rebekah Schultheiss wrote in the suit. The teacher said he complained to his principal and the districts human resources but got nowhere. When he removed a printout of a Palestinian flag placed on a wall in the school library, an employee filed a theft complaint against him and the district launched an investigation of him, he said. Nothing came of it, but he had to go through a full inquiry, his lawyer said. The suit alleges that the main sources of his harassment were union representatives. In March 2024, he said he was physically intimidated by a colleague who was vocal about her anti-Zionist views, and blocked him from entering the copy room to use the copy machine. The suit said the teacher suffered post-traumatic stress due to his treatment at work and he eventually took a medical leave. He repeatedly asked to be transferred to another school but wasnt reassigned until the 2024-25 school year, the suit said. The suit also contends his compelled representation by the Portland Association of Teachers violates his constitutional right to freedom of association. Even though the teacher does not pay dues to the union, he is represented by it and feels thats an infringement of his freedom of association when its public statements are so clearly against his beliefs, Schultheiss said. The suit asks the court to find that the alleged non-neutral religious viewpoint and actions by the district and teachers union were unconstitutional. It seeks an order barring each from engaging in such behavior as well as damages for mental and physical distress. He loves his job. He loves what he does. He wants to continue to keep teaching, Schultheiss said. During the Portland teachers strike in November 2023, Jewish union members and community members raised concerns about the unions posting on social media about Palestinian advocacy events, including repeated promotion of a student walk-out on social media. Teachers union leaders announced a social media pause, then later resumed regular pro-Palestinian event postings, while also posting that it will not tolerate anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or any forms of hate. The union also convened a forum for Jewish teachers. At the time, Bonilla told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the union was supporting the right of educators to teach the Palestinian perspective, which she said had often been overlooked and disregarded, but that she also had been unaware of the content of some of the lesson plans and other material posted on the unions website. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. The 2025 edition of Jeopardy Masters returns Tuesday, May 20, for a pair of quarterfinals games. The first of this episodes two games features Vancouvers Yogesh Raut, who currently holds the top spot on the Jeopardy Masters leaderboard. Raut, who came in second in last years Jeopardy Masters tournament, has so far been a strong player in the 2025 event. Nine players began the tournament, and three have been eliminated. Raut ranks first on the leaderboard, with a total of eight match points. In second place is Victoria Groce -- who won the 2024 Jeopardy Masters tournament -- with four match points. Only the top three points-getters will ultimately advance to the finals, and play to win the $500,000 grand prize. The first quarterfinal game on Tuesday will see Raut, an educational blogger, podcast host, and writer, competing with Groce, a writer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Roger Craig, an applied scientist from Arlington, Virginia. Craig is in third place on the leaderboard. The second quarterfinal game in tonights episode will see Juveria Zaheer, a psychiatrist from Whitby, Ontario, Canada, competing with Isaac Hirsch, a customer support team lead from Burbank, California, and Matt Amodio, a quantitative researcher from New York City. Jeopardy Masters airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC; No cable or satellite? You can stream Jeopardy Masters on Fubo, which offers a free trial; and on Hulu. Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com and @Kristiturnquist and https://bsky.app/profile/kristiturnquist.bsky.social Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Elmo of the film "Being Elmo" poses for a portrait in the Fender Music Lodge during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utahm Jan. 24, 2011. AP NEW YORK Netflix has thrown Sesame Street a safety net with a new streaming deal that offers the popular childrens staple a broad reach while keeping it on its long-standing home, PBS, at the same time, the companies announced Monday. Starting later this year, new episodes will run on Netflix, PBS and the PBS Kids app on the same day. No specific premiere date was immediately announced. Select past episodes will be available on Netflix worldwide. The change for the more than 50-year-old show comes after Warner Bros. Discovery which had aired the show since 2016 last year decided not to renew its deal for new episodes that air on HBO and Max, though episodes will remain there until 2027. This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflixs global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the U.S. continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love, Sesame Workshop said in its press release. Sal Perez, the shows executive producer and a Sesame Workshop vice president, told The Associated Press recently that segments on the new season will be longer and really focused on character, while also focusing on its audiences emotional well-being and development. For Season 56, episodes will revolve around one 11-minute story, the Netflix release said. The more kids want to hang out with our characters on Sesame Street, the more theyre going to take in those lessons, said Perez, adding that there would also be updates to the shows look and feel. The new season will also feature more exploration of the Sesame Street neighborhood and a look inside the legendary two-story brownstone at 123 Sesame Street that houses Elmo, Bert and Ernie and more. I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and Sesame Street has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century, said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. Were proud to continue our partnership in the pursuit of having a profound impact on the lives of children for years to come. Sesame Street has been shown in more than 150 countries, amassing more than 200 Emmys in addition to Grammy and Peabody awards and a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime artistic achievement. Its fan-favorite characters like Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird and the Cookie Monster will now reside along the likes of Ms. Rachel, Blippi and the residents of CoComelon Lane. Netflix says Kids and Family programming makes up 15% of the streamers total viewing. -- The Associated Press See this list for information on Memorial Day ceremonies. Oregonian file photo. Vickie Connor/The Oregonian The annual commemoration of Memorial Day brings local and regional events and ceremonies honoring members of the armed forces who have fallen defending the United States. Heres a list of Memorial Day services, parades and community events scheduled for the holiday. Also find a list of services and government offices that adjust their hours and schedules for the national holiday that falls on May 26 this year. Events National cemeteries, including Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Fort Stevens National in Warrenton and Roseburg National will be open for gravesite memorials, placing of flags or flowers by individuals or groups. Many will have a ceremony to mark the day. To find a more comprehensive list of events near you, visit memorialdayoregon.com. Services will also be conducted at city-managed public cemeteries (Ashland, Astoria, Oregon City, Pendleton, Redmond), private cemeteries (Baker City, Bend, Gresham, Hood River, Medford, Salem), as well as non-profit sites (Eugene, Tigard). Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (Salem) This state agency hosts an event on the state Capitol grounds honoring all the nations fallen service members. The event includes remarks from veteran leaders, state officials and honored guests. There will also be the singing of the National Anthem and presentation of colors. Seating is limited. Guests can bring their own chairs. 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Oregon World War II Memorial at Cottage and Court streets in northeast Salem; free; facebook.com/odvavet. Veterans Memorial Park (Beaverton) VFW Post 124 in Beaverton hosts a ceremony to honor the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces. The event includes live music, a military aircraft flyover, and a POW/MIA ceremony. Seating is first come, first served. 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, between Southwest Seventh and Ninth streets, and Washington and Watson avenues; free. beavertonpost124.org. Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial The program includes a reading of names, flyover, posting of colors, rifle salute and speaker Norm Maves Jr., all in memory of those who served, died and are still missing in action in the Vietnam War. 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial site in Washington Park, 4000 S.W. Canyon Road. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site The Community Military Appreciation Committee presents Vancouvers Memorial Day Observance. This morning of remembrance, unity and appreciation honors those who have served and continue to serve our nation. The ceremony includes guest speakers, honor and color guards, cannon and howitzer salutes, bagpipes, and live music by the Vancouver Community Concert Band. 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, west of 1501 Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver; free; cmac11.com/wp-content. Oregon Korean War Memorial (Wilsonville) A brief ceremony will be held on Memorial Day to honor the fallen. 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, Town Center Park, 29600 S.W. Parkway Ave. Wilsonville; free; memorialdayoregon.com/index.php/wilsonville. TriMet will run buses and MAX on Sunday schedules for the holiday, Monday, May 26. Oregonian file photo. TriMet Public transportation TriMet buses and MAX will run on Sunday schedules on Monday, May 26. WES will have no service. C-Tran will run on Sunday/holiday schedules on Monday, May 26. Portland Aerial Tram is closed. Government offices Federal courts and offices are closed. Oregon and Washington state offices and courts are closed. Portland parking meters are free on Monday, May 26, only, except in some city parks. Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark county offices, city of Portland and Vancouver offices, Metro regional center are closed. Postal mail (USPS) will not be delivered Monday, May 26, and post offices will be closed. Banks: closed, some in-store branches may be open Libraries: Most public libraries are closed. Check with your local branch. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears at a budget hearing before a House Appropriations, Subcommittee hearing, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Kevin Wolf Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clinched the political support needed to become the nations top health official by pledging to work within the decades-old federal system for approval and use of vaccines. Yet his regulators are promising big changes that cloud the outlook for what shots might even be available. The Food and Drug Administration will soon unleash a massive framework for how vaccines are tested and approved, according to Commissioner Marty Makary. Details arent yet public but the plan is being overseen by the agencys new vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, an outspoken critic of the FDAs handling of COVID-19 boosters. Makary and other Trump administration officials already have taken unprecedented steps that raise uncertainty about next falls COVID-19 vaccinations, including delaying FDA scientistsfull approval of Novavaxs shot and then restricting its use to people at higher risk from the virus. Theyve also suggested seasonal tweaks to match the latest circulating virus strains are new products requiring extra testing. The changes cross multiple health agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasnt yet acted on an influential advisory panels recent recommendations on use of a new meningitis shot or broader RSV vaccination. A meeting of Kennedys Make America Healthy Again allies was recently told to expect an end to COVID-19 booster recommendations for children something that vaccine advisory panel was supposed to debate in June. And researchers around the country lost National Institutes of Health funding to study vaccine hesitancy. I think you have to assume that RFK Jr.s intention is to make it harder for vaccines to come to market, said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a vaccine expert at Johns Hopkins University. The changes are looked at suspiciously because this is someone with a proven track record of evading the value of vaccines. Raising doubts about vaccines In a Senate health committee hearing last week, Kennedy wrongly claimed that the only vaccines tested against a placebo, or dummy shot, were for COVID-19. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the committee, briefly interrupted the hearing to say, For the record, thats not true pointing to placebo-controlled studies of the rotavirus, measles and HPV vaccines. Concerned by rhetoric about how vaccines are tested, a group of doctors recently compiled a list of more than 120 vaccine clinical trials spanning decades, most of them placebo-controlled, including for shots against polio, hepatitis B, mumps and tetanus. It directly debunks the claim that vaccines were never tested against placebo, said Dr. Jake Scott, a Stanford University infectious disease physician whos helping lead the project. Antivaccine groups argue that some substances scientists call a placebo may not really qualify, although the list shows simple saline shots are common. Sometimes a vaccine causes enough shot-site pain or swelling that its evident whos getting the vaccine and whos in the control group and studies might use another option that slightly irritates the skin to keep the test blinded, Scott explained. And when theres already a proven vaccine for the same disease, its unethical to test a new version against a placebo, he said. We cant always expect placebo-controlled trials, Scott said. Its imperative that be communicated clearly to the public, but its challenging especially when theres so much noise in social media and so much misinformation. Trump officials held up vaccine decision The administrations promise of a new vaccine framework comes ahead of a Thursday meeting where FDA advisers will discuss updating COVID-19 shots for this fall and winter. The FDAs credibility has long rested on the independence of its scientific decisions. While the agency is led by a handful of political appointees, approval decisions are almost always handled by career scientists. But that standard appears to be shifting. FDA staffers were poised to approve Novavaxs vaccine early last month but the decision was delayed by administration officials, including Makary, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss agency matters. The shot was approved late Friday with unusual restrictions. Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg a political appointee serving as Makarys special assistant was involved in the unprecedented demand that Novavax conduct a new clinical trial of its shot after approval, according to the people. The requirement came shortly after the agencys longtime vaccine chief, Dr. Peter Marks, was forced to resign. Hoeg along with Makary and Prasad spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic criticizing the FDAs handling of booster shots, particularly in children and young adults. All three were co-authors of a 2022 paper stating that requiring booster shots in young people would cause more harm than benefit. Novavax isnt the only vaccine manufacturer already affected by changing attitudes at FDA. Earlier this month, Moderna pushed back the target date for its new COVID-and-flu combination vaccine to next year after the FDA requested additional effectiveness data. COVID-19 booster critics are in control As the FDAs top official overseeing vaccines, Prasad is now in position to reverse what he recently called a number of missteps in how the FDA assessed the benefits and risks of COVID-19 boosters. He questioned how much benefit yearly vaccinations continue to offer. In a podcast shortly before assuming his FDA job, Prasad suggested companies could study about 20,000 older adults in August or September to show if an updated vaccine prevented COVID-related hospitalizations. There is legitimate debate about who should be boosted, how frequently they should be boosted and the value of boosting low-risk individuals, said Hopkins Adalja. But he stressed that CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has the proper expertise to be making those decisions. And other experts say simply updating the strain that a COVID-19 vaccine targets doesnt make it a new product and real-world data shows each falls update has offered benefit. The data are clear and compelling that vaccination reduces seniors risk of hospitalization and serious illness for four to six months, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher. Nor could that kind of study be accomplished quickly enough to get millions of people vaccinated before the yearly winter surge, said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief. Youd always be doing clinical trials and youd never have a vaccine that was up to date, he said. -- The Associated Press Ice agents surround U.S. Rep LaMonica McIver (red jacket), U.S. Rep Bonnie Coleman (tan jacket) , and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside Delaney Hall in Newark on Friday, May 9, 2025. Michael Dempsey | For NJ Advance Federal prosecutors alleged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey pushed and grabbed officers while attempting to block the arrest of the Newark mayor outside an immigration detention facility, according to charges in court papers unsealed on Tuesday. In an eight-page complaint, interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habbas office said McIver was protesting the removal of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka from a congressional tour of the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark on May 9. The complaint says she attempted to stop the arrest of the mayor and pushed into agents for Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She faces two counts of assaulting, resisting and impeding an officer. McIver has denied any wrongdoing and has accused federal agents of escalating the situation by arresting the mayor. She denounced the charge as purely political and said prosecutors are distorting her actions in an effort to deter legislative oversight. Habba had charged Baraka with trespassing after his arrest but dismissed the allegation on Monday when she said in a social media post she instead was charging the congresswoman. Prosecuting McIver is a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress for allegations other than fraud or corruption. The case instantly taps into a broader and more consequential struggle between a Trump administration engaged in overhauling immigration policy and a Democratic party scrambling to respond. Within minutes of Habbas announcement, McIvers Democratic colleagues cast the prosecution as an infringement on lawmakers official duties to serve their constituents and an effort to silence their opposition to an immigration policy that helped propel the president back into power but now has emerged as divisive fault line in American political discourse. Members of Congress are authorized by law to go into federal immigration facilities as part of their oversight powers, even without advance notice. Congress passed a 2019 appropriations bill that spelled out the authority. A nearly two-minute clip released by the Homeland Security Department shows McIver on the facility side of a chain-link fence just before the arrest of the mayor on the street side of the fence. She and uniformed officials go through the gate and she joins others shouting they should circle the mayor. The video shows McIver in a tightly packed group of people and officers. At one point her left elbow and then her right elbow push into an officer wearing a dark face covering and an olive green uniform emblazoned with the word Police on it. It isnt clear from bodycam video whether that contact was intentional, incidental or a result of jostling in the chaotic scene. The complaint says she slammed her forearm into an agent and then tried to restrain the agent by grabbing him. Tom Homan, President Donald Trumps top border adviser, said during an interview on Fox News Tuesday she broke the law and were going to hold her accountable You cant put hands on an ICE employee. were not going to tolerate it, he said. McIver, 38, first came to Congress in September in a special election after the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. left a vacancy in the 10th District. She was then elected to a full term in November. A Newark native, she served as the president of the Newark City Council from 2022 to 2024 and worked in the citys public schools before that. House Democratic leaders decried the criminal case against their colleague in a lengthy statement in which they called the charge extreme, morally bankrupt and lacking any basis in law or fact. MIKE CATALINI, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Alex Brandon WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has announced the concept he wants for his future Golden Dome missile defense program a multilayered, $175 billion system that for the first time will put U.S. weapons in space. Speaking Tuesday from the Oval Office, Trump said he expects the system will be fully operational before the end of my term, which ends in 2029, and have the capability of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from space. Its likelier that the complex system may have some initial capability by that point, a U.S. official familiar with the program said. Trump, seated next to a poster showing the continental U.S. painted gold and with artistic depictions of missile interceptions, also announced that Gen. Michael Guetlein, who currently serves as the vice chief of space operations, will be responsible for overseeing Golden Domes progress. Golden Dome is envisioned to include ground- and space-based capabilities that are able to detect and stop missiles at all four major stages of a potential attack: detecting and destroying them before a launch, intercepting them in their earliest stage of flight, stopping them midcourse in the air, or halting them in the final minutes as they descend toward a target. For the last several months, Pentagon planners have been developing options which the U.S. official described as medium, high and extra high choices, based on their cost that include space-based interceptors. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail plans that have not been made public. The difference in the three versions is largely based on how many satellites and sensors and for the first time, space-based interceptors would be purchased. The Congressional Budget Office estimated this month that just the space-based components of the Golden Dome could cost as much as $542 billion over the next 20 years. Trump has requested an initial $25 billion for the program in his proposed tax break bill now moving through Congress. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Alex Brandon The Pentagon has warned for years that the newest missiles developed by China and Russia are so advanced that updated countermeasures are necessary. Golden Domes added satellites and interceptors where the bulk of the programs cost is would be focused on stopping those advanced missiles early on or in the middle of their flight. The space-based weapons envisioned for Golden Dome represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organizations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, told lawmakers at a hearing Tuesday. China and Russia have put offensive weapons in space, such as satellites with abilities to disable critical U.S. satellites, which can make the U.S. vulnerable to attack. Last year, the U.S. said Russia was developing a space-based nuclear weapon that could loiter in space for long durations, then release a burst that would take out satellites around it. Trump said Tuesday that he had not yet spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Golden Dome program, but at the right time, we will, he told reporters at the White House. There is no money for the project yet, and Golden Dome overall is still in the conceptual stage, newly confirmed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators during a hearing Tuesday. While the president picked the concept he wanted, the Pentagon is still developing the requirements that Golden Dome will need to meet which is not the way new systems are normally developed. The Pentagon and U.S. Northern Command are still drafting what is known as an initial capabilities document, the U.S. official said. That is how Northern Command, which is responsible for homeland defense, identifies what it will need the system to do. The U.S. already has many missile defense capabilities, such as the Patriot missile batteries that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine to defend against incoming missiles as well as an array of satellites in orbit to detect missile launches. Some of those existing systems will be incorporated into Golden Dome. Trump directed the Pentagon to pursue the space-based interceptors in an executive order during the first week of his presidency. --Tara Copp/The Associated Press Gov. Tina Kotek speaks with reporters at a press briefing on the wildfire season in early May. She said this week that she supports a plan to use Oregon's kicker rebate to pay to prevent and fight wildfires. Sami Edge Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday she supports holding back kicker rebate dollars that would be returned to Oregonians next year to invest that money into wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. That would require a major, virtually unprecedented diversion of the states unique personal income tax kicker rebate, which returns money to taxpayers following two year budget periods in which income tax collections exceed projections by more than 2%. Councilors who proposed to slash Prosper Portlands budget say economic development should be directed by City Hall. Mark Graves/The Oregonian A spat over city funding for Portlands economic development agency is turning into a fight over the agencys independent governance. Two city councilors, Mitch Green and Jamie Dunphy, proposed last week to eliminate $11 million in general fund dollars earmarked for Prosper Portland by Mayor Keith Wilson in the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1. A Portland toy store is closing its doors this summer. Amy Wang/Staff An Oregon toy store is closing its Northwest Portland location this summer, saying its consolidating because of rising costs and new tariffs. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. WASHINGTON In an unusual move, Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen, a fiscal hawk, switched his vote from No to Present to allow the One Big Beautiful Bill Republicans want to use for President Donald Trumps America First agenda to advance. Last week, Brecheen (R, Ada) had joined three other Republicans and united Democrats to vote against the bill, keeping it from advancing out of the House Budget Committee. In a rare Sunday night session, Brecheen voted with Republicans to allow that earlier vote to be reconsidered but voted Present on the 17 to 16 roll call to advance the measure. The change came after weekend discussions with Republican leadership and the White House, which sought to address concerns raised by the GOP holdouts. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... We made progress regarding wind and solar subsidy repeals and welfare work requirements for the able-bodied to ensure that meaningful reform takes place during President Trumps term in office, not after, as was previously drafted, Brecheen said. While the bills text remained unchanged since the first vote, the four conservatives opted to vote Present to allow the bill out of committee to allow further considerations. Deliberations on the bills final language are expected to continue. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), one of Brecheens fellow holdouts, explained he changed his vote from No to Present out of respect for the Republican Conference and the President to move the bill forward. It gives us the opportunity to work together this week to get the job done in light of the fact our bond rating was dropped yet again due to historic fiscal mismanagement by both parties, Roy said on X. To get to a Yes vote when the bill gets to the House floor, Brecheen said he wants to see key changes in the delayed phase-out of green energy tax credits and the postponed implementation of Medicaid work requirements. NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM Some numbers and policies in our One Big Beautiful Bill still require tweaking, and we look forward to working with the White House and leadership to resolve these issues in the next few days, Brecheen said in a post on X. Brecheen said during last Fridays committee meeting that under the current measure, the phase-out wouldnt begin for another four years, and a wind energy project starting in 2031 could still receive tax credits as late as 2040. Because many clean energy components are made in China, Breechans concern is that green energy tax credits end up sending U.S. tax dollars to Chinese companies. He states that this not only poses potential security risks but also harms American manufacturing. We must address the solar and wind tax credits now. If they are allowed to linger, we risk our electric grid becoming entirely dependent on subsidized, unreliable energy. China manufactures most of the solar components we continue to use, meaning we are subsidizing Chinese industry. This threatens American jobs and displaces reliable natural gas, Brecheen said in a post on X. In addition to the energy provisions, the bill also proposes significant cuts to Medicaid funding, totaling almost $880 billion. As of April 2025, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority reported that one out of every four Oklahomans, or 1,039,983, are enrolled in SoonerCare, the states version of medicaid. Currently, adults ages 19 to 64 who earn at or below 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Medicaid without a work requirement. The Republican bill introduces a community engagement requirement, mandating that able-bodied recipients work at least 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility. This provision is set to take effect in 2029. Brecheen has expressed that implementing the requirement sooner could result in substantial budgetary savings. The bill will be sent to the House Rules Committee, which is scheduled to consider it on Wednesday before sending it to the full House, where Republicans hold a historically small majority. Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News, go to GaylordNews.net. The United States' first self-deportation flight carried migrants back to Honduras with $1,000 stipends as part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new initiative. The flight carried a group of 38 Hondurans, who arrived at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport on Monday afternoon. The individuals previously applied to the initiative through a mobile app that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided. First Self-Deportation Flight Lands in Honduras Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia said the group that arrived included mothers with children, who were all given $1,000 each. Among the kids, four were born in the United States while one was born in Mexico. The children allegedly left the country with their Honduran relatives to avoid being separated as a family. Honduran Migration Director Wilson Paz Reyes said the U.S. government decided with the families to return to their home country to avoid family disintegration, according to CNN. One of the people deported was Wilson Saenz, who said that after requesting to be removed from the United States, authorities flew him to a hotel in Houston, Texas. They then dropped him off at an airport and gave him food before he was boarded on a flight home. Another individual in the group, Kevin Posadas, said that after he applied for self-deportation, officials messaged migrants. They told them to present themselves and "depending on what state they're in," they would be transferred to a place that is closer to bring them to Honduras. In a press release, the DHS said that the self-deportation flight was a voluntary charter flight and not part of an ICE enforcement operation. The agency added that all of the participants were offered the same benefits as any illegal alien who self-deports using the CBP Home App, The Hill reported. Addressing Illegal Immigration The individuals who participated in the initiative were given travel assistance, a $1,000 stipend, and assurance that it is still possible for them to return to the United States through a legal channel in the future. The flight comes as earlier this month, the Trump administration announced it would start offering travel assistance as well as stipends for migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home App. The initiative, known as "Project Homecoming," is part of President Donald Trump's continued crackdown on illegal immigration. The program also involves the detention of hundreds of migrants in a Salvarodan mega-prison. The government also announced in March that people in the U.S. illegally are still given the chance to make use of the CBP Home App. This would let them voluntarily depart the country to their home nations, as per MSN. 1380 in Massa Marittima, Italy, Bernardino was orphaned at a young age and raised by a devout aunt. His early years were shaped by service to the sick, particularly during a devastating plague in Siena, where he and his companions took charge of a hospital, caring for the afflicted. St. Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan friar, was a man whose life was marked by deep faith, powerful preaching, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual renewal. Born in, Bernardino was orphaned at a young age and raised by a devout aunt. His early years were shaped by service to the sick, particularly during a devastating plague in Siena, where he and his companions took charge of a hospital, caring for the afflicted. After recovering from illness himself, Bernardino joined the Strict Observance branch of the Franciscans, a movement dedicated to restoring the original rigor of St. Francis Rule. For over a dozen years, he lived in relative obscurity, committed to prayer and discipline. However, his true calling remained hiddenuntil a pivotal moment changed everything. Stop Hiding Your GiftsA Prophetic Call One of the most striking moments in Bernardinos life came when a young novice delivered a prophecy to him, declaring three times: Stop hiding your gifts. This phrase resonates deeply, not just in Bernardinos story but in the lives of many today. How often do we find ourselves in environments where talents remain unexpressed, where potential is stored away rather than exercised? The fact that this revelation came from a novice is significant. Novicesthose new to a culture or organizationoften possess fresh eyes, unclouded by routine or tradition. They see possibilities that others, accustomed to the status quo, may overlook. This is a powerful lesson in leadership: pay attention to new perspectives. There may be treasures within your organization or community that you simply do not recognize because you have grown too familiar with how things are, rather than how they could be. From Hidden Gifts to a Transformative Ministry Following this prophetic moment, Bernardino embraced his calling as a preacher. His sermons were electrifying, drawing massive crowds across Italy. He spoke passionately against moral corruption, particularly gambling, which led to an unexpected economic shift. His preaching was so effective that the playing card industry suffered a significant decline as communities abandoned gambling. Yet, this disruption led to an unforeseen opportunity. Bernardino had popularized devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, often represented by the Greek letters IHS. As demand for religious placards bearing these sacred symbols grew, the very manufacturers who had once produced playing cards pivoted their businessshifting from gambling-related products to religious devotionals. In a remarkable twist, they became more successful in pointing people to Christ than they had been in fueling greed. Breaking Free from the Status Quo Both of these moments in Bernardinos lifethe novices prophecy and the transformation of the playing card industryillustrate a profound truth: the status quo can bind us. It can prevent us from seeing new possibilities, from recognizing destructive patterns, and from embracing change that could lead to something far greater. So today, lets ask ourselves: What gifts am I hiding? What new perspectives or disruptions can I embrace? How can I lead not from a place of how things are, but from how they could be? Often, the most transformative insights come from those who see the world differently than we do. May we have the courage to listen, to act, and to step into the fullness of our callingjust as St. Bernardino did. May God bless you. Pope Leo XIV welcomed yesterday in the Apostolic Palace a delegation from Chiclayo, the city where he served as bishop for nine years. Included in the delegation was Mr. Jose Perez Flores, regional governor of Lambayeque, the province where Chiclayo is located. Perez Flores extended an invitation to the Holy Father to visit Chiclayo. Pope Francis often spoke of his dream of a missionary Church that goes out to the peripheries or margins of society. This desire now takes a tremendous leap forward with the election of Pope Leo XIV. The new Pope has spent most of his priesthood as a missionary and understands the centrality of mission in the Christian faith. Also, he was taken to Rome in 2023 by Pope Francis from the peripheries of the world, Chiclayo in Northern Peru. Now, the bishop of Chiclayo has become the successor of Saint Peter. As I have told many people, Chiclayo is not the first place one considers in Peru when planning a vacation unless you visit the beaches along the coast of Lambayeque which are among the most beautiful in the world, or the archeological site of the Senor de Sipan. Pope Leo addressed the delegation with these words: You know well that Peru is very present in my life, in my heart, and it always will be. Your presence at the Mass yesterday is very important and very beautiful. This testimony speaks strongly to the world, providing faith in unity, community, friendship, what it means in the life of each one of us, in what Peru can offer the world. This is beautiful and thank you; thank you Peru for this solidarity, for accompanying me these days with so many expressions of affection and love. After an undecipherable voice addressed him from the crowd, the Pope recalled his words when he first emerged before Saint Peter Square. Chiclayo appeared in my first speech to the world! Long live Chiclayo! A heartfelt applause concluded the audience. A collaborative New York Times article recently reported that while Prevost was the Superior of the Augustinian Order, he had several encounters with Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires. When he became Pope Francis, Prevost confided to a friend, thank God, Im never going to become a bishop. Im not going to tell you the reason, but lets just say that not all of my encounters with Cardinal Bergoglio ended in agreement. With Pope Leo, the dream of Pope Francis continues to unfold. A missionary Church that has the billions of the peripheries in the heart. Picture from the Gobierno Regional de Lambayeque website Otter is an AI-powered transcription service and app, and I use it every time I interview someone. Even in a group setting, its the perfect tool for a journalist: it records and transcribes what people are saying, identifies the speaker, and allows me to click on the transcribed text and hear the recorded audio, just to check up on it. Otter even offers AI services, so I can see an AI-generated summary of the conversation and what needs to happen next. Yesterday, my wife complained that the secretary of a non-profit she volunteers at had quit, forcing her to record the minutes of a meeting. My next step? Demonstrating Otter. So, why should you use Otter? Otter lets you focus on the meeting instead of taking notes if you get called in for a quick standup or one-on-one with your boss. Otter generates those automatically! I find it extremely useful for personal meetings, too: making sense of a doctors visit, for example, or with a school counselor. It even remembers speaker voices from conversation to conversation, so you can tag someone. If theyre part of a future conversation, youll know. Anything that could benefit from additional organizationplanning a wedding, talking over college financesis great for Otter. Tap the button, start the transcription recording, and go. Otter provides both a transcript and an AI summary panel, which is what youre seeing here. Mark Hachman / Foundry Id actually encourage you not to pay for Otter right away. It has a rather generous free plan300 minutes per month, 30 minutes per conversationwhich you can try out on those quick morning meetings. Otherwise, Otters business plan starts at $8.33 per month for 1,200 minutes. Otter runs on a phone as well as on the web, so its there where you want to work. Otter is a useful tool, but youll want to use it overtly, with the permission of those youre recording. Thats not only polite but also ensures that youre not breaking any laws. Most of America allows for one-party consent to record a conversation when there is an expectation of privacyif you know youre recording, its totally legal. Some statesCalifornia, Illinois, Massachusetts, and othersrequire all parties in the conversation to know about and be aware of the recording. The reason I continue to use Otter? Other services simply dont deliver the functionality and convenience it does. I simply cant give it up. At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Over 24 hours of battery life (in our standard test) Solid build quality Snappy desktop performance 2-in-1 experience with pen Cons On the expensive side Lunar Lakes low multithreaded performance is an issue for some workflows Our Verdict The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is a business laptop that combines long battery life and good desktop performance with a convenient 2-in-1 experience. If youre looking for this type of machine, the only real downside is the price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition Retailer Price Check Product Price The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is a 14-inch business laptop that combines Intels Lunar Lake CPUs with a proven ThinkPad convertible design. This is a high-quality business laptop for people who want a snappy desktop experience in a 2-in-1 form factor with a pen. Its optimized for getting things done. While it may be a bit pricey, its typical of business laptops. If this machine fits your budget and you prize battery life and portability, its difficult to argue with what Lenovo has put together here. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Specs Lenovo offers the 14-inch ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 in various configurations, and all of them are branded Aura Edition. The base model starts at $2,125 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and Intel Arc graphics. At the time of writing, the model we reviewed costs $2,336 and features an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and faster Intel Arc 140V graphics, along with an upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. (The model I got my hands on only had 512 GB of storage but was otherwise equivalent to that version Lenovo offers a Build Your PC tool so you can customize the hardware when you order.) These machines come with various Intel Lunar Lake processors, and we know what to expect from Lunar Lake by now: The Intel laptop boasts an incredibly long battery life, an NPU for AI tasks capable of running Copilot+ PC features, and a surprisingly strong graphics performance for integrated graphics. However, the big downside with Lunar Lake is the low multithreaded computing performance due to the fewer cores. They deliver snappy desktop performance, but these chips are better for office work and portability than they are for heavy compute workloads, as we always see in our standard benchmarks. But the laptop is a portable, productivity-focused machine not a blazing-fast workstation with maximum battery-draining CPU power. Model : Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition : Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X 32GB LPDDR5X Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc 140V Intel Arc 140V NPU: Intel AI Boost Intel AI Boost Display: 14-inch 19201200 IPS display with 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness 14-inch 19201200 IPS display with 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness Storage: 512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSD 512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSD Webcam: 1080p webcam 1080p webcam Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C), 2x USB Type-A (USB 5Gbps), combo audio jack, HDMI 2.1 out 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C), 2x USB Type-A (USB 5Gbps), combo audio jack, HDMI 2.1 out Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: Fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition Fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition Battery capacity: 57 Watt-hours 57 Watt-hours Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.57 x 0.64 inches 12.31 x 8.57 x 0.64 inches Weight: 2.97 pounds 2.97 pounds MSRP: $2,336 as tested The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 is a solid business machine. Youre getting great build quality, extreme battery life, a 2-in-1 experience with a pen, and a future-proof machine that supports everything from Wi-Fi 7 to Windows 11s Copilot+ PC AI features. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Design and build quality IDG / Chris Hoffman The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is a solid 14-inch laptop made of metal. As its a convertible 2-in-1 machine, you can rotate the laptops hinge 360 degrees to lay it flat. The hinge feels great, as it has on previous convertible ThinkPads Ive used. Lenovo includes a pen to complement the touchscreen experience. Last year, I reviewed the the previous version of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, and this model closely resembles that machine from the exterior. Its a gray metal design with the classic red ThinkPad nub in the middle and a bar at the top of the screen where the webcam sits. At just under three pounds, its fairly light but isnt the absolute lightest laptop2-in-1 machines tend to be a bit heavier than the absolute lightest options out there. The weight is actually rather nice it feels like a solid-but-not-too-heavy piece of metal. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Keyboard, trackpad, and pen IDG / Chris Hoffman The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has a high-quality keyboard ThinkPads are known for that. It may not be quite as snappy as more expensive high-end ThinkPads like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but it feels great to type on. Theres no mushy feeling as you press the keys. The layout works well, and you can activate multiple levels of white keyboard backlighting. The trackpad feels great to slide your finger over, and youll feel a pleasing thunk when you press down on it to click. The surface is nice and smooth, and the physical buttons are nice to see most laptops dont come with a physical right-click button on the trackpad! I do prefer haptic touchpads, but the action on this still feels satisfying. If I had to nitpick, I would point out that the inclusion of the physical buttons reduces the size of the trackpads surface compared to what it could be therefore, individuals who desire a larger trackpad and do not intend to use the physical buttons may prefer the trackpad on a different machine. As a 2-in-1 machine, this device includes a Lenovo Yoga Pen. Its an active pen with a customizable shortcut button, and it works well for sketching on the screen. You can input text with handwriting, draw, sketch, sign documents, or whatever else you might want to do. The classic red ThinkPad TrackPoint nub is here in the middle, too, and you can use it to control the mouse cursor. Thats good to see considering Lenovo has started removing the TrackPoint from certain ThinkPad-branded laptops. People like me might be one reason why I was never a big TrackPoint user, so I dont find myself using it on these machines. But the TrackPoint has a devoted audience of people who love it and, if nothing else, it gives the ThinkPads keyboard a unique aesthetic that I do love. So yes, I do want to see the TrackPoint stay on ThinkPad keyboards even if I dont personally use it much. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Display and speakers IDG / Chris Hoffman The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition has a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and a touch screen. Lenovo calls this a low power display in its specs list, and that low power usage isnt just a marketing promise it absolutely shows in the machines long battery life, as well see in the results of our battery life benchmark below. (You can also get this machine with a 28801800 display with HDR and a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz. That sounds nice, but the higher-end display will eat into the machines battery life.) The display looks great. Lenovo says it has an antireflective coating, and I can tell it works really well. You dont see the kind of extreme reflections you often do on a laptop with a glossy display when its in bright lighting. Its a good-looking display with a decent amount of brightness, but its focused on real-world usage and long battery life. There are no issues with this choice its an appropriate choice for this device. The ThinkPad X1s speakers are a lot better than you might expect from a 2-in-1 14-inch laptop focused on portability. They can get surprisingly loud while maintaining clear audio quality, and the sound is fuller than I might expect they even have more bass than I would have expected. (That said, a machine like this one can never deliver the kind of bass youd get from a pair of headphones or external speakers.) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Webcam, microphone, biometrics IDG / Chris Hoffman The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 has a 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter at the top of the machine, which is always nice to see. The image quality is quite good the quality youre more likely to find in a business machine than the average consumer laptop, as it should be on a productivity-focused business machine where the webcam might be used in quite a few video calls. The microphone setup delivers solid audio quality and noise cancellation. Although it is not a studio-quality external microphone, this laptops microphone significantly outperforms the average laptop microphone for voice and video calls. This ThinkPad has a fingerprint reader to the left of the arrow keys on the keyboard, and you can rest your finger on it to authenticate with Windows Hello and sign in. It also has an IR camera for facial recognition, and they both work well. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Connectivity IDG / Chris Hoffman The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition includes a solid selection of ports. On the left side, youve got two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C ports) and a USB Type-A port. On the right side, this machine has a second USB Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 out port, and a combo audio jack for headphones. Thats about what youd want from this laptop although people who want a built-in SD card reader wont find it here. As always, you could get a dongle. My biggest nitpick: This machine charges over USB Type-C. It would be nice to see a USB Type-C port on each side of the laptop so you can plug in either side to charge it. Thanks to Lunar Lake, this machine also supports the latest wireless standards: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 both come standard on this machine. As usual, Intels wireless hardware works well. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Performance The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 delivers snappy desktop performance. With a Lunar Lake CPU (specifically the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in our review unit), this machine performs well in day-to-day desktop apps like web browsers and office applications. As always, we ran the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 through our standard benchmarks to see how it performs. IDG / Chris Hoffman First, we run PCMark 10 to get an idea of overall system performance. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 delivered an overall PCMark score of 7,626, which is a respectable score for this hardware. IDG / Chris Hoffman Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a heavily multithreaded benchmark that focuses on overall CPU performance. Its a quick benchmark, so cooling under extended workloads isnt a factor. But, since its heavily multithreaded, CPUs with more cores have a huge advantage. There are no surprises here with a Cinebench R20 multithreaded score of 3,913, this machine struggles along with other Lunar Lake-powered systems on this type of benchmark. When it comes to multithreaded compute tasks, Intels Lunar Lake CPUs have fewer cores and come in well behind other systems with more cores, like the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series. IDG / Chris Hoffman We also ran an encoder with Handbrake. This is another heavily multithreaded benchmark, but it runs over an extended period. This test demands the laptops cooling kick in, and many laptops will throttle and slow down under load. The ThinkPad X1 completed the encode process in 1,589 seconds, which is a bit over 26 minutes. Benchmarks like this arent representative of normal desktop performance, which doesnt demand this level of sustained multithreaded compute performance, but it may be an issue for some professional workflows that require this sort of thing. IDG / Chris Hoffman Next, we run a graphical benchmark. This isnt a gaming laptop, but its still good to check how the GPU performs especially since the Intel Arc graphics in Lunar Lake are surprisingly good for integrated graphics. We run 3DMark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU performance. With a 3DMark Time Spy score of 4,386, this machine delivers the surprisingly good graphical performance wed expect to see from Lunar Lake hardware but is still far behind gaming PCs and workstations with more power-hungry GPUs. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 delivers good Lunar Lake performance: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 offers a swift desktop experience, impressive graphics performance, and albeit subpar multithreaded performance. However, the complete picture becomes clear when considering the battery life. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Battery life The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 includes a 57 watt-hour battery, which is a little on the small side in terms of hardware. Thats one reason why I was absolutely floored by the battery life in our benchmark. IDG / Chris Hoffman To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled until the laptop suspends itself. We set the screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmark. This amount of time is a best-case scenario for any laptop since local video playback is so efficient, and real battery life in day-to-day use is always going to be less than this. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 lasted for an average of 1,478 minutes before suspending itself. Thats over 24 hours of battery lifeand closer to 25 hours than 24 hours. That shocked me a little bit considering the size of the battery, but obviously Lenovo has made some smart decisions here aside from the efficient Lunar Lake hardware, I bet that low-power display is helping a lot, too. And, although real-world battery life will be substantially shorter if youre actually using the machine rather than just looping a video in airplane mode, this is still extremely impressive. (For context, last years ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 machine lasted 1,055 minutes or 17 and a half hoursin our benchmark. This represents a significant improvement compared to the previous year.) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10: Conclusion The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 is a solid business machine. Youre getting great build quality, extreme battery life, a 2-in-1 experience with a pen, and a future-proof machine that supports everything from Wi-Fi 7 to Windows 11s Copilot+ PC AI features. Its a little expensive, but business machines tend to have higher-end pricing. And I like this machine more than I expected to, honestly: even the selection of the low-power display and its nice anti-reflective coating are decisions youll really appreciate if youre looking for this kind of PC. Yes, a glossy 4K display is more impressive at first glance. But battery life and readability in direct sunlight and brighter rooms are more important for getting work done. If that all sounds good, this may be the machine for you. But I really do wish Lunar Lake had better multithreaded CPU performance if you need that for your workflow, that will be one reason you might look for a more power-hungry laptop. Still: You wont get this kind of battery life if you do go looking for a beefier CPU. The MSI Claw series of Steam Deck-style handheld gaming PCs is the only one from a major manufacturer that goes with Intel chips instead of the much more popular (at least in this segment) AMD APUs. Well, it looks like MSI decided to go with the flow. Theres a new version of the Claw 8, and its using an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Thats the same chip thats allegedly inside that new Asus ROG Ally 2, a more powerful version than the first generation, and not to be confused with the disappointing Ryzen Z2 Go. This new AMD flavor is christened the Claw A8 BZ2EM, which is only slightly less terrible than the top-end Claw 8 AI+ with Intel chips. The new model is notably more angular, with a two-tone paint job that doesnt stretch onto the main panel and what looks like larger speaker grilles built into the grips. This new AMD-powered Claw comes with an 8-inch, 1200P LCD screen with 120Hz refresh, up to 24GB of DDR5x-8000 RAM, one M.2 slot for storage (no capacity given currently), and double USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. You also get a MicroSD card reader for expansion, a beefy 80-watt hour battery, and a weight of 765 grams 1.6 pounds), which is still slightly lighter than the Intel version. Speaking of which, theres a refreshed model of the Claw 8 AI+ as well. Its using the same hardware as the existing model, topping out at an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. This Polar Tempest Edition gets a glittering UV coating, according to the press release. Strangely, the press release states that both devices will be available in a range of color options, but it does not provide specific prices or release dates. The Claw A AI+ has been very difficult to find in the US since launch but is currently listed at $1000 on Best Buy and B&H Photo, with neither actually shipping the hardware. Other announcements from MSI at Computex showcase new OLED monitors, with the MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 being the most intriguing. If that alphabet soup doesnt perk up your ears, try this: 500Hz eSports OLED monitor for $850. It has all the other usual gaming bells and whistles, like QHD (25601440) resolution at 27 inches, .03ms response time, variable refresh rate support for consoles, and some fancy stuff like support for resizing and custom aspect ratios. Its using a Samsung panel, probably the same one as this monitor, for quite a bit less. MSI But that price at that refresh rate is really something. As my editor, Brad Chacos, said, youd expect to pay somewhere in that ballpark for a conventional LCD panel at 500Hz. Upgrading to an OLED, while also offering fantastic speeds for gaming, is really something. Connection options arent fully spelled out in the PR material, but it has a USB-C port, hopefully with enough wattage output for a gaming laptop. The MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (oh my god MSI, you are just begging for returns here) has that same 500Hz 27-inch panel, but builds in some more advanced features. The headliner is the new AI Care Sensor and its accompanying panel protection features. It only needs a mandatory OLED care refresh cycle once every 24 hours instead of 16, thanks to a local AI chip presence detection and automatic dimming. Surprisingly, all these extra features only raise the price a little, up to $899 USD. The cheaper MAG monitor is scheduled to go on sale starting July 5th, and the more advanced MPG on July 17th. Precise location availability was not shared. With voiceover translation within Google Meet, Google may have finally come as close as we can to solving real-world translation issues. Weve dealt with translating information from one language to another in any number of ways: automatically translating Web pages, rewriting PDFs in another language, or using mobile apps like Google Translate to provide ongoing text translationseither visually or via generated text for another person to read. At Google I/O, Googles demonstrating something better. Speech translation with Gemini is a new feature that youll be able to trigger within Google Meet. Speak, and youll hear your words. But the person youre speaking to will hear an AI-generated voiceover, with nuance, translating your words into their native language. I think we are very, very close to having a natural and free-flowing conversation across languages, Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google and Alphabet, said in a briefing for reporters. For now, Google Meet is only enabling Spanish-to-English translation. Soon, it will be much more. Google What Google showed off was a brief, canned demo, of course, but it was impressive regardless. For me, the issue will be how the translation software deals with regional languages and slang. I was eager to try out a pair of translation headphones in Taiwan last year, only to discover that they were totally unable to pick up what I assumed to be the regional dialect. Spanish, too, has regional variations just among South and Central America, let alone the differences between those languages and the Catalan spoken in Spain. Theres a difference, however, between taking a translation device on the street or in a restaurant and sitting down with someone on a video call. In the example below, negotiating an Airbnb with someone in another country feels very much like a problem Google solved for its employees. But speech translation with Gemini will also benefit from the semiformal setting, as well as the quiet indoor environment. Pichai said that the translation service will be available today for subscribers, presumably those who subscribe to Google Workspace. For now, its just English to Spanish and vice versa; many more languages are on the way and coming to enterprises later this year, Pichai said. Whether you embrace it or not, AI is shaping the future of Google Search. Google is bringing AI Mode to Google Search for every U.S. user, beginning today. Google launched AI Overviews a year ago, which aims to answer your question before showing the traditional list of links. AI Mode is the next step: from what Google has shown, the list of links will disappear entirely, replaced by tiny link icons that link back to the information Google is slurping up. Googles Liz Reid, a Google vice president and head of Google Search, said that AI Overviews totals 1.5 billion users and will be expanded to over 200 countries. At the beginning of May, Google migrated AI Mode out of its Labs environment into a small subset of users in the real world and has apparently replaced the Im feeling lucky button with an AI search button as well. Its not clear whether AI Mode will be the default search for all U.S. users, or whether Google will allow users to express a preference or preserve the choices theyve made before. Traditional search doesnt look like it will go away, but it will be relegated to a different tab, in much the same way a search for Images requires you to shift to another search tab within Google. Reid said that its bringing AI Mode to AI overviews, too. (After Google I/Os initial keynote concluded, Google pushed out AI Mode to Google Search, but it defaulted to a traditional list of links, at least from my perspective. A screenshot is further below.) We use what we call a query fan-out technique, Reid said, in describing how AI Mode works. And this basically takes your question and it breaks it up into different subtopics, and then we search on each of those different search topics that allows us to go way deeper in the web and find that really hyper-relevant, incredibly specific content that might be great with you. This what Googles AI Mode has looked like within Google Labs. Foundry Google said that its upgrading the version of Gemini that powers its AI Mode to a more advanced version and bringing the technology to mobile, too. Deep Search will be more like the Deep Research mode in Gemini, where, behind the scenes, Gemini will issue dozens of separate searches and then aggregate the results. Googles AI Mode may even generate custom graphs to present information from search and finance questions, Reid said. Agentic search is coming to AI Mode, too. What Google has previously known as Project Mariner can be used to research the cheapest seats for a specific game. AI Mode will then start digging through various shopping sites and point you to the cheapest seats. Finally, the Project Astra technology Google showed off last year is being added to Gemini Live so that it can see through your smartphones camera and then talk through any problems you might have. Google Search, at least for now, defaults to a traditional list of links, but the AI Mode appears as well. You can also add data from Gmail, Google Drive, etc. to affect your searches. Were going to be pulling all of that in, Reid said. Youre going to always be in control. So its your choice to opt in to doing this in the first place, but you can connect and disconnect it at any time going forward. Bad news for tech publishers Its impossible to entirely disconnect what Google is doing or how it will affect major media meaning that its difficult to remain entirely objective. Put simply, Googles AI overviews and AI Mode pass off third-party news, opinions, roundups, and data as (almost) Googles own, links or not. Major publishers are beginning to sound alarm bells, and even Google itself is worried about losing money from Google Search ads. Will users click through to the sites where an AI Mode summary originates? Search data says no, though Google disagrees. Googles AI Overviews in action. Links are either presented as tiny icons or buried at the very bottom of the summary. Google What weve seen with AI overviews is that pages with AI overviews get higher quality clicks to websites, Reid said. And you might ask, what does that really mean? And what it means is people spend more time on those websites. Theyre not going to those sites and immediately figuring out its not what they want and bouncing back. Theyre really digging in to the content there, and thats our goal with AI Mode as well. Google seems like its being pressured by Wall Street, who seem to be wondering if Google will fall behind Anthropic and OpenAI, both of which use AI to replace traditional search results. Microsoft, too, has an AI-powered replacement for Bing Search waiting in the wings called Copilot Search. But Google remains the Webs top search engine, and it apparently aims to stay that way. The way you can think about that is AI mode is not just this AI-powered experience end to end, but it also is a glimpse of whats to come in search overall, Reid said. Great. Updated at 12:17 PM with an additional screenshot and detail. Microsoft famously brought its Copilot AI to the Edge browser in Windows. Now Google is doing the same with Chrome. In a list of announcements that spanned dozens of pages, Google allocated just a single line to the announcement: Gemini is coming to Chrome, so you can ask questions while browsing the web. Google later clarified what Gemini on Chrome can do: This first version allows you to easily ask Gemini to clarify complex information on any webpage youre reading or summarize information, the company said in a blog post. In the future, Gemini will be able to work across multiple tabs and navigate websites on your behalf. Other examples of what Gemini can do involves coming up with personal quizzes based on material in the Web page, or altering what the page suggests, like a recipe. In the future, Google plans to allow Gemini in Chrome to work on multiple tabs, navigate within Web sites, and automate tasks. Google said that youll be able to either talk or type commands to Gemini. To access it, you can use the Alt+G shortcut in Windows. Gemini is to Chrome what Copilot is to Edge Within Edge, Microsoft uses Copilot to summarize documents and web pages, as well as answer questions about the content within them. Gemini will do the same, but well after Microsoft integrated Copilot a possible reason for downplaying the announcement. Google is also using Gemini as a catch-all for various AI functions, much in the same way that Microsoft uses Copilot as an AI brand. Google, like Microsoft, is pushing agentic AI, where various bits of autonomous AI work independently to pursue tasks. Google calls this Project Mariner, and will appear in mobile and on the desktop. It may appear as Agent Mode, so a task like searching for an apartment in Austin could be broken down into tasks like searching rental agencies , and so on. It will be coming soon, to subscribers, Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a keynote address at its Google I/O developer conference on Tuesday. Those will include Googles AI Pro as well as the new $250/mo Google Ultra subscription. Youll see Gemini appear in Chrome as early as this week, Google executives said on May 21, a representative clarified. However, youll initially need to be a Gemini subscriber to take advantage of its features, a requirement that Microsoft does not apply with Copilot for Edge. Otherwise, Google will let those who participate in the Google Chrome Beta, Dev, and Canary programs test it out. Over time, it will be made free to all users. Updated at 11:55 PM PT on May 21 with additional details. The outside of a Bob's Discount Furniture store. Courtesy of Bob's Discount Furniture A discount furniture retailer is opening new stores across the country. Bobs Discount Furniture is opening 20 stores in a number of states, including two locations in Pennsylvania. The new locations will include Bobs first-ever stores in Vermont and North Carolina. Were excited to bring our on-trend assortment of furniture, mattresses, and home accents at everyday low prices to new customers and markets, Ramesh Murthy, COO at Bobs Discount Furniture, said in a news release. Adding new territories also allows us to make a local impact on more communities by generating jobs and providing support to local schools and nonprofits, things that have been core to Bobs since our founding over 30 years ago. The grand openings for the 2025 expansion began over Presidents Day weekend, with new stores opening in Burnsville, Michigan; Winchester, Virginia; Reno, Nevada; and Davenport, Iowa. This spring, the locations in Roseville, Michigan and Bohemia, New York opened. In Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, near Lansdale, a new store will open on Friday at 51 Horsham Road. Summer and fall grand openings will include locations in Long Island City (Queens), New York; Eatontown, New Jersey; Vermont; Troy, Michigan; Dorchester, Massachusetts; Sacramento, California; and in Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Winston-Salem, and Cary. A new store will also open this summer 3764 Nazareth Road in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County, near Easton, according to LehighValleyLive. The company expects to open its 200th store this year. The chain will also be relocating stores within Newington, Connecticut, and Mays Landing, New Jersey. Bobs Discount Furniture was founded in 1991 in Manchester, Connecticut and sells an assortment of furniture, mattresses, and home accents. The arrest of an 18-year-old New Jersey man was tied to the police incident that happened in Lancaster last week, authorities said. Jaylen McCray was charged with aggravated assault and two firearms offenses after a shooting that happened at about 9 p.m., May 9 outside a New Jersey restaurant, according to the Lancaster County district attorneys office. Five days later, the Lancaster Countys Special Emergency Response Team arrested McCray at a residence in the 300 block of South Ann Street. Anatoli Harlamov, wanted in the 2020 beating death of an elderly Lower Allen Township woman, was ordered to be released from prison next week after being found incompetent to stand trial. A Russian expatriate charged with killing an elderly woman in his care five years ago has been found not competent to stand trial in Cumberland County court. As a result, Anatoli Harlamov who suffered a major stroke while awaiting trial will be released from prison May 27, under an order issued Tuesday by Judge Albert H. Masland. As per usual, people had something to say. (Photo by Katja Ogrin/Redferns) Redferns Sleep Token is a massively popular band from the United Kingdom that just came out with their fourth album, Even in Arcadia. However, the behavior of some fans paired with some of the shall we say harsher Sleep Token opinions out there have certainly created quite the social media commentary over the albums recent Billboard 200 status. Billboard declared over the weekend that the masked group had scored the first-ever number one album spot on the famed list. The set, which is the English rock bands major-label debut, bows atop the list dated May 24 with 127,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the week ending May 15, according to Luminate marking the acts best week by units ever, Billboard stated. Its also the biggest weeks by units for any rock album in nearly a year, and the biggest for any hard rock album in two years. Further, the sets streaming numbers are so big that it scores the largest streaming week ever for a hard rock album. While the band has been around since about 2016, Sleep Token experienced a meteoric rise in popularity following the release of their third studio album, Take Me Back to Eden. The PRP attributed this to the use of their music in TikTok videos, specifically BookTok. Alas, with the positivity comes the negativity: Outlets such as Ultimate-Guitar.com have highlighted the controversy of Sleep Token, particularly with regards to referring to them as a metal band, as many in the metal community dont believe them to fall within this category. Popular YouTube music critic, Anthony Fantano, recently referred to them as metal for Disney adults, adding to the opinion held by some that Sleep Token isnt good music. Needless to say, some people had opinions on Reddit about Even in Arcadias number one status. Sleep Token is the Imagine Dragons of this generation, wrote one such Redditor. Boring and soulless and I love [expletive] rock music. I love Ed Sheeran metal, commented another. Pretty hilarious watching everyone in here have an absolute meltdown over this, observed another Redditor of these comments. Nevertheless, many fans and casual listeners alike came out in celebration of this news. Ive been rooting so hard for Sleep Token these past few years with the crazy amount of hate theyve been getting, wrote one of them on Reddit. So happy for them that theyve been smashing so hard with this album! So well deserved! simply put another. Sleep Token begins their Even in Arcadia tour in June. It includes a stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in September. U.S. Rep LaMonica McIver exits Delaney Hall in Newark on Friday, May 9, 2025. She is now being charged with assault after a skirmish at the ICE facility. Michael Dempsey | For NJ Advance WASHINGTON Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault after a skirmish with federal officers outside an immigration detention center, said New Jerseys top federal prosecutor, who also announced Monday that she was dropping a trespassing case against the Newark mayor whose arrest led to the disturbance. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba wrote on social media that McIver is facing a charge of assaulting, impeding or interfering with law enforcement, but court papers providing details were not immediately released or publicly available online. The prosecution of McIver is a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress for allegations other than fraud or corruption. The case instantly taps into a much broader and more consequential power struggle between a Trump administration engaged in a sweeping overhaul of immigration policy and a Democratic party scrambling for ways to respond. Within minutes of Habbas announcement, McIvers Democratic colleagues cast the prosecution as an infringement on lawmakers official duties to serve their constituents and an effort to silence their opposition to an immigration policy that helped propel the president back into power but now has emerged as divisive fault line in American political discourse. At the same time, Habba announced that her office agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor charge against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested after he attempted to join McIver and two other members of New Jerseys congressional delegation inspecting the facility in their oversight capacity. Habba said the decision was reached for the sake of moving forward and said she has invited the mayor to tour the Delaney Hall detention center and will join him herself. The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe, Habba said in a statement. McIver has denied any wrongdoing and has accused federal agents of escalating the situation by arresting the mayor. She denounced the charge as purely political and said prosecutors are distorting her actions in an effort to deter legislative oversight. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she said in a statement. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. A nearly two-minute clip released by the Homeland Security Department shows McIver on the facility side of a chain-link fence just before the arrest of the mayor on the street side of the fence. She and uniformed officials go through the gate and she joins others shouting surround the mayor. The video shows McIver in a tightly packed group of people and officers. At one point her left elbow and then her right elbow push into an officer wearing a dark face covering and an olive green uniform emblazoned with the word Police on it. It isnt clear from bodycam video whether that contact was intentional, incidental or a result of jostling in the chaotic scene. In a post on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said McIver was being charged after a thorough review of the video footage and investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a post on X. This Administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe. McIvers attorney called the decision to charge her spectacularly inappropriate, saying she went to Delaney Hall to do her job and she has the responsibility as a member of Congress to oversee U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements treatment of detainees. As of Monday night, neither McIver nor her attorneys had gotten charging documents from prosecutors, according to an emailed statement from a spokesperson for her attorney. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, Paul Fishman, the former U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said in a statement. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICEs behavior to Congresswoman McIver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter. Baraka, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in this years governors race, had repeatedly denied trespassing and said he had been invited inside the gate at one point before the arrest. He said in an emailed statement Monday that he was glad the case against him was dismissed. He said he will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees and continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. Baraka called McIver a daughter of Newark and said he stood with her. I fully expect her to be vindicated, he said. McIver, 38, first came to Congress in September in a special election after the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. left a vacancy in the 10th District. She was then elected to a full term in November. A Newark native, she served as the president of the Newark City Council from 2022 to 2024 and worked in the citys public schools before that. House Democratic leaders decried the criminal case against their colleague in a lengthy statement in which they called the charge extreme, morally bankrupt and lacking any basis in law or fact. The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch, said the statement from Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York and other senior members of the party. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever. The north wing of the Nottoway Plantation starts to collapse as crews battle the fire on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in White Castle, La. (Michael Johnson /The Advocate via AP) AP By FERNANDA FIGUEROA and AARON MORRISON, The Associated Press After a fire engulfed a mansion at Louisianas Nottoway Plantation, one of the largest remaining pre-Civil War houses in the Deep South where scores of enslaved Africans labored, video footage of the combusted landmark lit the internet ablaze with mass jubilation and consternation over the weekend. For some, it was a moment to celebrate what they saw as centuries-deferred vengeance for enslaved ancestors. There was no shortage of memes and humorous social media posts to ignite the celebrations: from video of the plantations burning mansion set to the R&B hit song Let It Burn by Usher to other footage with the volume of burning wood cranked all the way up to trigger a cozy autonomous sensory meridian response. Went and watched (Nottoway Plantation) burn to the ground! historian Mia Crawford-Johnson wrote in the Instagram caption of a grinning selfie taken Thursday across from the burned mansion near the banks of the Mississippi River. For others, it was a moment of sadness. Nottoway Plantation has for years been a venue for weddings and other events celebrating cherished milestones. Not to mention, proof of the ingenuity and skill of the enslaved people held on the plantation has been reduced to ashes. Fire crews mover a line around the fully engulfed the Nottoway Plantation on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in White Castle, La. (Michael Johnson/The Advocate via AP) AP Preservationists say the jubilant reactions to the charred mansion reflect the trauma and anger many people, especially Black Americans, still carry over the history and legacy of chattel slavery in the United States. Antebellum-era plantations were built under grueling conditions on the backs of enslaved people, and many are now sites of honor on the National Register of Historic Places. Some plantations try to ignore their past But some plantations also de-emphasize or overlook their full histories, foregoing mentions of slavery altogether. That is why the good riddance sentiment seemed to outweigh expressions of grief over Nottoway Plantation, which makes no mention of enslaved former inhabitants on its website. Many sites of enslavement in the U.S. have been repurposed as places that actively participate in the erasure of their history, said Ashley Rogers, executive director of the Whitney Plantation Museum, 40 miles west of New Orleans. She said the burning of Nottoway is not actually part of the movement for preservation, since nothing was truly being done on the property to tell its full history. It was a resort, Rogers said. I dont know that it being there or not being there has anything to do with how we preserve the history of slavery. They already werent. The 1859 Nottoway Plantation burned Thursday in Iberville Parish, La. The 53,000-square-foot mansion was the largest antebellum home in the South. Unfiltered with Kiran Joseph McGill, executive director of the Slave Dwelling Project, a nonprofit focused on helping the U.S. acknowledge its history with slavery, said the reaction from the Black community about Nottoway burning represents years of complicated emotions related to plantations. But as a preservationist, McGill said it is unfortunate Nottoway burned down, even if it was failing at telling history. I would like to see buildings preserved so that those buildings could tell the stories of all the people who inhabited those spaces, McGill said. We have been failing at that, but at least when the buildings are there the opportunity always exists to do the right thing. Before the fire, Nottoway was a resort and event venue, and its website described it as the Souths largest remaining antebellum mansion. Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle called the plantation a cornerstone of our tourism economy and a site of national significance. The 1859 Nottoway Plantation burned Thursday in Iberville Parish, La. The 53,000-square-foot mansion was the largest antebellum home in the South. Unfiltered with Kiran The sprawling property exists on a former sugar plantation owned by sugar baron John Hampden Randolph. In 1860, 155 enslaved people were held at the property, National Park Service records show. After the blaze, which drew an emergency response from nearly a dozen fire departments from surrounding towns, the propertys owner said the fire had led to a total loss and that he hoped to rebuild the mansion. Part of Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, collapsed on Friday, May 16, 2025 when a tornado, swept through the city. (AP Photo/Michael Phillis) AP LONDON, Ky. Thousands of people from Texas to Kentucky cleaned up Monday from severe weather that killed more than two dozen people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in four days as forecasters warned that more tornadoes and storms were possible in the central U.S. In St. Louis, where officials estimated a tornado Friday damaged 5,000 buildings and may cost well over $1 billion, the mayor warned that federal assistance could take weeks. Kentucky has been hardest hit by the storms. A devastating tornado late Friday into early Saturday damaged hundreds of homes, tossed vehicles, left many homeless, and killed at least 19 people, most of them in southeastern Laurel County. In London, Kentucky, where the devastation was centered, the small airport became a beehive of cleanup work after it took a direct hit from a tornado. Officials were using it as a base to get water, food, diapers and other supplies out to the community. We have 1,001 things going on. But were managing it. And were going to get it all cleaned up, said London Mayor Randall Weddle. Officials in Kansas and Texas also were evaluating damage from late Sunday storms. Tornadoes were possible in an area centered in eastern Oklahoma on Monday, with the risk of severe storms moving into Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The Kentucky storms that killed 19 people were part of a weather system that caused seven deaths in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, authorities said. Lonnie Nantz hid in a hallway with his wife, two daughters and a grandson as the one-story brick home they bought near London in 1977 was destroyed around them. They were trapped in rubble for about 20 minutes in the midnight darkness before they were rescued unharmed. I dont know why this happened. Ive tried to live a good life all my life. Ive still got the faith, said the 77-year-old Nantz, who went to church as always on Sunday. London city worker Ashley Taylor was back on the job Monday loading doughnuts to take to a hospital and dispatch center even though there was a tarp on her roof. She was lucky the houses across her street were destroyed late Friday night. She survived the storm with nine other people and three dogs in the crawl space of a neighbors home. We prayed like never before and just thankful for everything God did for us, Taylor said. In surrounding Laurel County, first responders mourned one of their own. Fellow firefighters found the body of Laurel County Fire Major Leslie Leatherman on top of a woman he was shielding from the storms fury as he answered calls during the worst of the storm. The woman was yelling for help and they were in a field across from a destroyed subdivision. The injured woman turned out to be Leathermans wife and officials arent sure if he knew who he was protecting in the darkness and chaos, the fire department said on social media. Tornadoes in Kansas carved a 20-mile path through Stafford and Reno counties. While damage was extensive, no injuries or deaths were reported. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died, 38 were injured and more than 5,000 homes were affected by an EF3 tornado with winds up to 150 mph that slammed areas north and west of downtown Friday. Spencer has estimated that damages will exceed $1.6 billion. Eight miles of pure destruction, at times a mile wide, Spencer said at a Monday news conference. Were talking about thousands of buildings, thousands of families are being displaced. The recovery work is just beginning. The city issued a state of emergency and is awaiting a disaster declaration from the governors office as a first step to getting federal assistance. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, also expressed frustration over the federal response to a deadly March storm. We cannot wait months. Im not happy about the fact were still waiting from all of that damage two months ago, Hawley said. Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Chief David Richardson said last week he plans to shift responsibility for disaster recovery to states this year as part of an agencywide transformation and that FEMA would coordinate federal assistance when deemed necessary. Spencer said during a news conference Monday evening that emergency protocols put in place in 2021 were not followed, possibly preventing sirens being activated to warn residents about the tornado. When asked whether any sirens went off, she said: We are still under evaluation. What I can tell you is that the sirens were not deployed in a way that they should have been. She said it was not clear whose responsibility it was to let the community know about the emergency but that the fire department will do so moving forward. This is one of two antisemitic flyers distributed in a Jewish neighborhood in Pittsburgh on Sunday that describes the Talmud, a Jewish religious text, as satanic. Photo courtesy of the Jewish Federal of Greater Pittsburgh. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Pittsburgh police are investigating antisemitic flyers scattered on lawns and porches across a Jewish neighborhood that is home to the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 people were slain in 2018. Photos sent to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh show two flyers in plastic sandwich bags with corn kernels that were distributed Sunday in the citys Squirrel Hill area, as well as the nearby Shady Side neighborhood. Sen. Chris Murphy, (D-Conn)., made plenty of headlines over the weekend, blaming his own party for allowing Donald Trump to become president. And now that the weekend is over, Murphy is still making his share of headlines as he takes on what he calls an unbelievably illegal act that he says Trump will take part in on Thursday. That act? Well, the president has a private dinner scheduled for D.C. where he will host the top investors in his memecoin. We all deserve to know who is paying their way into accessing the president of the United States of America, Murphy said in a video shared to his X account on Monday. This coming Thursday, Donald Trump is holding his memecoin dinner at one of his properties. What he is doing is holding a private dinner for the top 220 holders of Trump coin, he continued. This is unbelievably illegal. He is essentially selling access to himself to people that are paying him money. Donald Trump makes money off of every single transaction. So, these individuals who have bought thousands, tens of thousands, millions of dollars worth of memecoin have put a lot of money into Donald Trumps pocket. Murphy then continued to list his issues with that. We have no idea who these people are, and that should be so worrying to the American people because reports suggest the majority of these individuals arent Americans, he said. They are actually foreigners. They could be terrorists. They could be sanctioned oligarchs. The bottom line should be simple here. The president should not be selling access to himself or the Oval Office. But having already made the decision to do it, at the very least, we should all be demanding that the list of people Trump is meeting with in private is made public. The American people should see whos trying to buy off the president of the United States. Who is buying the coin in order to get access to the president, to try and get favors from the American government, from the American taxpayers? We all deserve to know who is paying their way into accessing the president of the United States of America. Murphys comments on the dinner came after Sen. Adam Schiff, (D-Calif)., called Trumps memcoin the single most corrupt, self-serving act of any president in American history, last week. You have heard about the meme coin by now. This is the logo of the memecoin. The presidents most brazen cashing in, Schiff said on the Senate floor. A corrupt effort that has already made him and his family billions of dollars between its soaring values and the trading fees. This memecoin has gone up-and-down in value, but the thing is, every time it gets traded, every time it gets bought or sold, this guy gets a cut. He gets the fees. Estimated already at the value of hundreds of millions of dollars. Its like posting his Venmo account online, inviting personal monetary tributes from foreign powers, foreign investors or anyone else who is willing to pay up. Youve heard about the private dinner associated with this memecoin. The top 220 meme coin owners, many of whom are foreign investors, invited to a private dinner with the president of the United States. Businesses are buying and jockeying to be one of the favored few who also get a private audience with him if they are willing to buy millions of meme coins, not to mention a personal tour of the White House. But beyond the meme coins and private dinners, theres also something else brewing behind the scenes. As I speak, Eric Trump and Don Jr. are getting into the action, jetting around the world building their own financial empire in the crypto business space. In Dubai, the Trump familys World Liberty Financial Firm announced a joint venture capital firm backed by the government of Abu Dhabi that would invest $2 billion using Trump digital currency. Now, I know its hard to keep all these billions apart, he added. You got the $2 billion investment in Jared Kushner by the Saudis. You got $5.5 billion investment by other gulf nations in Trump properties. You got $2 billion here, another $5.5 billion there, another $2 billion here and pretty soon you are talking about serious money for the Trump family. This deal alone will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the Trump family. So, thats the Art of the Deal with this president. Trump gets rich. You get screwed. An Illinois man is facing numerous felony charges after police say he raped a 15-year-old girl he met online. Rohan Rai, 21, of Montgomery, Illinois, is charged with felony rape, unlawful contact with minors, as well as multiple counts of sexual assault, producing child pornography and related offenses. He is being held in Dauphin County Prison with bail denied. Lower Paxton police said Rai met the Dauphin County girl on Instagram and began to communicate with her. He got videos and photos of the girl naked and told her that he would release the images if she did not do what he told her to do, according to police. On May 15, Rai drove from Illinois to Pennsylvania to meet the girl and raped her, police said. Police were notified about the incident by a school resource officer. When questioned, police said Rai admitted to raping the girl. Rai has a preliminary hearing scheduled for 10:15 a.m. June 2 in front of Magisterial District Judge Wendy Grella. A Pa. progressive group has asked Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman to resign, citing his supposed inability to perform his job. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) AP A progressive Pennsylvania group has asked Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman to resign over his apparent inability to perform his job amid recent reports about his mental health. Pennsylvania Indivisibles Bucks County chapter posted on Facebook Monday that the statewide organization had polled its membership and 90% said they wanted PA Indivisible to request Fettermans resignation. We have tried many times to reach out to him, so that we could hold regular meetings with his staff, as we did with Senator (Bob) Casey to great mutual benefit, the chapters post read. Senator Fettermans staff once again were unable to commit to meeting to discuss the issues we have about how he is doing his job. The chapter said its issues with Fetterman were far less about policy than it is his apparent inability to fulfill his job responsibilities, citing missed votes, an inaccessible office, and abusive treatment of those who meet with him in person. This is not the route any of us wanted when so many of us gave many hours to helping him get elected. It was with great sadness and disappointment that we made this decision, the chapter wrote. But in this political environment of threat and authoritarianism, we need a lawmaker who has the back of the collected forces of small-d democracy. And Fetterman just isnt doing the job. A spokesperson for Fetterman did not respond to a request for comment from PennLive. Fetterman has been in the media spotlight lately following a critical report by New York Magazine earlier this month in which former chief of staff Adam Jentleson went on the record with concerns that he has had about Fettermans supposed erratic behavior and mental health for over a year, and other anonymous current and former staffers echoed those concerns. After suffering a stroke in May 2022, Fetterman was elected that November and then entered Walter Reed Medical Center in February 2023 for weeks-long inpatient treatment for depression. Fetterman has called the story a hit piece and denied the accusations. He has also said he has no plans to resign. An Associated Press article after the New York Magazine piece appeared detailed a meeting between Fetterman the representatives from the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association, the states largest teachers union, in which Fetterman began talking to himself and pounding a table. The AP reported that a staffer whisked the visitors into a hallway then broke down crying. That meeting was held the day before the magazine story was set to publish. After the magazine article, a few Democrats, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, supported Fetterman, but many Democratic colleagues anonymously told reporters they were concerned about him and trying to help while others said publicly that the story was worrisome. Matt Roan, the chairman of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee, who previously called on Fetterman to resign over his political decisions, such as voting to confirm U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for President Donald Trumps Cabinet, reiterated his stance after the magazine piece. Republicans, though, were quick to voice their support for Fetterman, including Pennsylvanias junior U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, who called for an end to the vicious, personal attacks against Senator Fetterman, his wife, and his health, in a May 9 post on X/Twitter. While we have many differences, we are both committed to working together to achieve results for the people of Pennsylvania and make their lives better, McCormick wrote. He is authentic, decent, principled, and a fighter. These disgraceful smears against him are not the John that I know and respect. A former staffer told PennLive that Fetterman did little work for briefings and became hyper-focused on Israel and Gaze in the fall of 2023. After supporting Fetterman in 2022, far-left Democrats were stunned when he rejected the progressive label in 2023, telling PennLive in December of that year that he was simply a very strong Democrat. Progressives became more disenchanted with Fetterman when he came out as a strong supporter of Israels military offensive into Gaza after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2022 that killed over 1,200 people. Fetterman has also disappointed progressives and traditional Democrats by visiting then-President-elect Trump in Florida after the November election and backing some Trump appointees and immigration policies. The New York Magazine story, citing sources, said that Fetterman and his wife, Gisele, have had arguments over his support for Israel and visiting Trump in Florida. Gisele Fetterman declined to comment on her husband when confronted by a Daily Mail reporter in their Braddock hometown, but Susan Fetterman told the outlet that she did not know of any friction between the couple and that her son was doing well. tate and federal protections for Pennsylvania voterscovering everything from prior criminal convictions, to getting a provisional ballot, to dealing with disruptions at a polling place./FILE HARRISBURG Whether you cast your ballot in person or by mail on May 20, you want to make sure your vote counts. The best way to do that is to know your rights. Here are key state and federal protections for Pennsylvania voterscovering everything from prior criminal convictions, to getting a provisional ballot, to dealing with disruptions at a polling place. If youre in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to cast your ballot Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by the time the polls close at 8 p.m., you have the right to vote. You have the right to vote without being intimidated Voter intimidation is illegal under both state and federal law, which both also protect election workers. If you believe someone is trying to intimidate you at the polls, you have recourse. Intimidation includes explicit physical or verbal threats, interrogation, and being photographed or recorded. A fuller list of intimidation tactics covered under the law is on the states website. If you are subjected to intimidation, or if you witness it, you should report it to your county election office, either online or by finding the phone number for your county board of elections. You can also call the Pennsylvania Department of States voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772). Once complaints are received, the Office of Attorney General can investigate and prosecute voter intimidation. Many Pa. voters do not need to present ID at the polls Different states have different rules around voter identification. In Pennsylvania, only first-time voters at a given polling location need to present ID. If you have voted at your polling place before, you do not need to show ID in order to vote. If its your first time voting at your polling place, you will need ID. This can include a state-issued drivers license or ID card, passport, or some other document that includes both the name and address that match your voter registration. A full list of acceptable IDs is available on the states website. If you are told youre required to present ID but do not have it, you have two options: You can go home, get ID, and return to the polling place; or you can cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is used when poll workers have questions about a voters eligibility. Anyone can request a provisional ballot. You will fill out, seal, sign, and date the ballot in your polling place, turn it over to the poll workers, and receive a receipt. Provisional ballots will be tabulated after county workers finish counting all other ballots, and they will pay special attention to making sure you are eligible to vote. This includes confirming that you havent voted already, that you live in Pennsylvania, and that you are properly registered to vote. In very close elections, results can come down to these ballots. You can see whether your provisional ballot was accepted by visiting the states website, which has a ballot search function. You will need your provisional ballot identification number, which will be on the receipt you got at your polling place. You have the right to assistance at your polling place If you are a voter who requires assistance, you have the right to bring someone of your choice to help you, as long as they are not your employer, union representative, or a judge of elections. Voters eligible for assistance include those who need translation in a language other than English, literary assistance, and more. If it is your first time receiving assistance, you may be required to complete a declaration (available in 13 different languages), but voters do not need to be designated as assistance permitted in the pollbook to receive help. You also have the right to refuse assistance. You have the right to accessible voting if you have a disability In Pennsylvania, every polling place must have at least one accessible voting system. Depending on your polling location, this may be the same machine that is used by all voters, or it may be a different machine with special features such as audio, tactile keys, and other assistive technology. You can look up the accessible voting system in your county in advance. You can also look up your polling location here to make sure the building itself will be accessible. If you are not able to access your polling location, you have the right to vote via an alternative ballot until polls close. If you changed your mind about voting by mail, you have options If you applied for a mail ballot, but, for whatever reason, no longer wish to use it, you have options. If you have the mail ballot and both of its envelopes on hand, you can bring it to your assigned polling place and ask a poll worker to spoil it. Youll be required to sign a form declaring that you havent voted by mail. After that, you should be allowed to vote at the precinct. If you lost or did not receive your mail ballot, you can still go to your polling place to cast a ballot, but instead of voting normally, you will be instructed to fill out a provisional ballot. If you decide to complete your mail ballot, drop it off at your county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Every county election office has different hours of operation, so make sure to double check the hours ahead of time. Many counties also have satellite offices or drop boxes where ballots can be returned. You can find a list of drop-off locations and hours here. Do not mail your ballot at this point. It must be received by your county by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count. Told you cant vote, but think thats wrong? You have rights Youve arrived at what you think is your polling place, and the workers tell you your name isnt in the pollbook. First, make sure the worker has the right spelling and that you are in fact at the right polling place for your address (sometimes they move). You can find your correct polling place using this Department of State tool. If you still are not permitted to cast a ballot, you can request a provisional ballot. Once you cast one, county workers will receive the ballot and scrutinize whether you are eligible. If it turns out that you are, your vote will be counted. You can often vote with a criminal conviction The only criminal record that will keep you from voting in Pennsylvania is a conviction for violating the Pennsylvania Election Code within the past four years, or a conviction for a felony for which you are still incarcerated. If you are on probation or parole in Pennsylvania, you are permitted to vote. You can also vote if you have a previous felony conviction but are no longer incarcerated. If you are in jail awaiting trial, incarcerated for a misdemeanor, under house arrest, or living in a halfway house, you can vote only by absentee or mail ballot (if youre in a halfway house, you must use a previous or future address). The deadline to apply for a mail ballot has passed, as has the deadline to register to vote. You can find more information on voting with a record via the Department of State and the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Embed #1 If you moved but didnt update your address, you can likely vote If you moved within Pennsylvania less than 30 days before the election, you should vote at the polling place that corresponds to your old address. If you moved longer ago but havent gotten around to updating your voter registration yet, you can still vote using the old address for one election. But after that, you must update your address. Can I snap a photo of my ballot or take a selfie at my polling place? You voted and want to snap a celebratory photo to share on social media. Is that allowed? Pennsylvania law prohibits letting your ballot be seen by other people with the apparent intention of letting it be known how he is about to vote. Recent guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of State says that you can take a ballot selfie. but advises voters who want to take a picture of themselves voting take care that they not disclose the selections of voters other than themselves. Guidance from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office also recommends that voters wait until after they leave the polling place to post ballot selfies on social media. For more information read PennLives 2025 Voters Guide. AHRC James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School students, teachers, parents, and family members participate in the second annual autism awareness walk on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Tottenville. (Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com) Owen Reiter By Stephen Eustis Jr. As a parent to my four-year-old son, Carter, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, I know the fear that comes with wondering whether public safety systems are designed to protect peope with invisible disabilities. Brian Lowery stands before what remains of his home, which was ripped apart by a tornado, in Tylertown, Miss., on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates) AP By SOPHIE BATES, The Associated Press TYLERTOWN, Miss. (AP) More than two months after a tornado destroyed his home, Brian Lowery still looks through the rubble, hoping to find a tie clip his mother gave him, made from the center stone of her wedding band. I still have hope, Lowery said. He, his wife and 13-year-old son made it to safety before the tornado ripped apart their trailer home of 15 years, but the recovery from the storm has been a slow and painful process. Mississippis request for federal aid is still pending before the Federal Emergency Management Agency, meaning badly needed assistance has not yet made it to his hard-hit community of Tylertown to recover from the storms that struck in mid-March. The delays could provide a glimpse into whats in store for communities around the country as the summer storm season arrives and FEMA is mired in turmoil. A stretch of states including Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma have been battered with tornadoes this week, setting the stage for more disaster requests to FEMA. And the Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner. March storms left 7 dead In Mississippi, nearly 20 tornadoes tore through the state on March 14 and 15, leaving seven people dead and hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged. Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves asked the Trump administration for a major disaster declaration on April 1. The state, and residents like Lowery, are still waiting. The declaration would allow the state to access a wide range of FEMA resources, including financial aid for individuals and for government agencies still removing debris and repairing infrastructure. I dont know what you got to do or what you got to have to be able to be declared for a federal disaster area because this is pretty bad, Lowery said. We cant help you because, whatever, were waiting on a letter; were waiting on somebody to sign his name. You know, all that. Im just over it. A time of upheaval for FEMA Mississippis request comes at a time of upheaval for FEMA. The agencys acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was recently ousted after he publicly disagreed with proposals to dismantle FEMA, an idea President Donald Trump has floated in calling the agency very bureaucratic and very slow. David Richardson, FEMAs new acting administrator, committed himself to executing Trumps vision for the agency. He also previewed potential policy changes, saying there could be more cost-sharing with states and that FEMA would coordinate federal assistance when deemed necessary. Debris still covers the ground at the Paradise Ranch RV Resort in the Tylertown, Miss., on Thursday, May 15, 2025, two months after a tornado decimated the community. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates) AP Walthall County was hit especially hard by the massive storm system that wreaked havoc across multiple states. The storm spawned two significant tornadoes in the county, where four people died. McKee said the county has sunk an estimated $700,000 into cleaning up the damage but cant afford to spend more and has halted operations until it receives federal help. We need federal help, and we need it desperately, and we need it now, said Bobby McGinnis, a Tylertown resident and firefighter. I know President Trump said that America first, were going to help our American folks first. But we havent seen the federal folks down here. While Mississippi has been waiting, a similar major disaster declaration request out of Arkansas after the storms hit was denied, appealed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and finally approved on May 13. We are encouraged by FEMAs decision regarding Arkansas application from the same storm system that hit Mississippi, Scott Simmons, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agencys director of external affairs, said in a statement. We anxiously await a positive decision. Triton Invitational Montenegro Attracts Record Field; $6.1m Awaits Winner Will Shillibier Managing Editor Copy link The $200,000 Triton Invitational has hit new heights, with a record field as part of the Triton Super High Roller Series Montenegro festival. The event had initially attracted 96 players, comprised of 48 pairings. Each of these pairs consisted of a VIP invitee who was allowed to offer an entry to a professional poker player. The two groups played separately on Day 1, and after late registration closed at the start of Day 2, the event had grown to 133 entries a record for a Triton Invitational. The History of the Invitational The last Triton Invitational took place in November 2024 in Monte-Carlo, where Patrik Antonius triumphed over fan favorite Vladimir Korzinin (pictured) in a thrilling heads-up battle to claim the $6.1 million top prize, besting a 101-entry field. Since the record-breaking turnout at Triton Jeju earlier this year - where both the $25,000 and $100,000 buy-in events drew unprecedented numbers - expectations for a bigger Montenegro Invitational have been mounting. Now, that anticipation is being realized. Notables in the Field With a lengthy Day 2 underway, the field remains stacked with big names. Leading the charge is Artur Martirosian, the current frontrunner in the Triton Season 4 Player of the Year race, who sits atop the chip counts midway through the day. Martirosian has a healthy lead over Alex Foxen and Mario Mosboeck in the POY standings, bolstered by a third-place finish worth $2,644,000 in the Triton Jeju Main Event in March. Also enjoying a strong start is American pro Seth Davies, who sits with over 100 big blinds. Davies recently captured his first Triton title earlier in the festivalhis 37th Triton cash. Among the roughly 50 players still in contention are high-stakes legends Phil Ivey, Bryn Kenney, Kristen Foxen, and Stephen Chidwick, all looking to make deep runs in Montenegro. $200,000 Triton Invitational Montengro Payouts The payouts have also been confirmed, with just 23 places paid. Position Prize 1 $6,180,000 2 $4,190,000 3 $2,793,000 4 $2,287,000 5 $1,835,000 6 $1,423,000 7 $1,053,000 8 $774,000 9 $617,000 Total Prize Pool $26,600,000 What's Up Next? Remaining Schedule While the Triton Invitational continues, there are still eight more events on the schedule including the $100,000 Triton Montenegro Main Event which gets underway tomorrow, May 21. Date Event Days May 20 $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em 2 May 21 $100,000 Main Event 3 May 22 $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em Bounty Turbo 1 May 23 $150,000 No-Limit Hold'em 3 May 24 $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 2 May 25 $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 2 May 26 $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 2 May 27 $30,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty Turbo 1 Triton Montenegro Results Event Entries Prize Pool Winner Prize $25,000 WPT Global Slam 155 $3,875,000 Xuan Liu $860,000 $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em 130 $3,250,000 Alex Foxen $755,000 $30,000 No-Limit Hold'em 147 $4,410,000 Nacho Barbero $1,025,000 $40,000 No-Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty 129 $5,160,000 Jesse Lonis $1,419,000* $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em 143 $7,150,000 Seth Davies $1,663,000 $30,000 No-Limit Hold'em Turbo 71 $2,130,000 Wai Kiat Lee $586,000 *Denotes bounty prizes Photos courtesy of Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Share this article Many people like to play their favourite songs on repeat while Stephen Song likes to win tournaments on repeat, apparently. Two days after winning Event #9: US$15,000 Main Event, the American poker pro won his second tournament of 2025 The Lord Poker Tournament Jeju festival at the luxurious Jeju Shinhwa World Hotel and went wire-to-wire on his third final table appearance of the past seven days. Out of a field of 32 entries in Event #11: US$20,000 8 Handed, Song entered the final day as the chip leader with eleven players still left in contention and had to forfeit the top spot for a short period only to eventual runner-up Calvin Lee. Both players agreed to an ICM deal prior to the heads-up deal to lock up the largest slice of the $640,000 prize pool and left $10,000 as well as the trophy for the eventual winner. After overcoming a minor chip deficit, Song steamrolled to victory in fewer than 15 minutes from there on and got to pose for the winner shots with two trophies in his hands. The repeat victory came with $204,000 for his efforts to bring his overall tally for the festival to nearly $1 million, while Lee had to settle for a consolation prize of $200,000. Both have, however, another chance to grab a trophy as the late registration for Event #12: US$25,000 8 Handed is still open. Only the top five spots were paid and Song was responsible for bursting the money bubble with seven-deuce suited against Yisha Chen. He held the lead for the vast majority of the final day and confirmed once again that he is widely considered as one of the rising stars of the international live poker scene. Song now has 16 live poker wins under his belt with more than $10 million in cashes once the results are submitted to The Hendon Mob, already boasting a WSOP gold bracelet and EPT Main Event title on his resume. Final Result Event #11 $20,000 NLHE Place Winner Country Prize (in USD) 1 Stephen Song United States $204,000 2 Calvin Lee United States $200,000 3 Taylor Black United States $101,000 4 James Mendoza Philippines $75,000 5 Lei Yu China $60,000 Stephen Song Wins 2025 TLPT Jeju Event #11 $20,000 NLHE Action of the Final Day While only 11 players returned for the final day, they had ten WSOP bracelets, one EPT Main Event title and two WPT Main Tour stop victories under their belt to showcase the quality of the participants. Stephen Song was leading the way and brought the field down to the nine-handed final table within fewer than half an hour. Dominik Nitsche sent Short Deck specialist Martin Nielsen to the rail but was then knocked out by Song on the outer table soon after. It took a while for the next all-in showdown to emerge and Dan Cates saw his stack reduced to fumes in a battle of the blinds with Calvin Lee. The first casualty thereafter was then however Istvan Birizdo, who bowed out with king-queen in a three-way all-in against the pocket tens of Gavin and the ace-queen suited of James Mendoza. Cates doubled a few times when getting short and Lee then won a crucial flip with ace-king against the pocket queens of the last woman in contention, Yisha Chen. Taylor Black was the next player at risk and needed to improve with queen-nine against the ace-seven of Cates, hitting a nine on the flop to send Jungleman back onto fumes. The last few blinds went in soon after with ace-deuce suited and Gavin followed suit holding king-queen, both getting looked up by the pocket fives of run-away chip leader Song. Another five came on the flop and Song rivered a full house for good measure to bring the field to the money bubble with a commanding chip advantage. Song's first attempt to burst the bubble was then not crowned by success as Black doubled through him with ace-ten versus king-queen. Stephen Song vs Yisha Chen on the bubble His second try, however, sent the remaining five players into the money. Song jammed out of the small blind with seven-deuce suited and Chen called as one of the three short stacks at the table with the superior queen-nine suited. The flop delivered a deuce and no help came for Chen, as she shared the bad news to the Chinese rail. Black earned another double soon after that to reach seven figures while Lei Yu was left on fumes, and the WSOP Bracelet winner became the first casualty in the money when his rivered straight had been drawing dead against a turned full house. Mendoza was the shortest stack during four-handed play and the Los Angeles based pro then came up second-best with king-jack against the ace-king of Lee, who joined Song atop the leaderboard. Despite his double, Black was still the shortest stack and his a gutshot against the second pair of Song who notched up another elimination to enter heads-up against Lee as a slight underdog in chips albeit with an astonishing 58 big blinds. Prior to the restart, both players discussed an ICM deal and left $10,000 on top for the winner. Runner-Up Calvin Lee What followed was 13 minutes of domination by Song, who wrapped up his second consecutive victory at the Landing Casino on his third final table of the festival. In the final hand, his ten-four flopped two pair against the top pair of Lee. The conclusion of the inaugural standalone 2025 TLPT Jeju festival at Landing Casino is just around the corner on May 21, 2025 and the PokerNews live reporting team will be there to find out if Song grabs a third trophy along the way. As The Lord Poker Tour (TLPT) begins to wind down, the final event of the Super High Roller Series is about to begin with Event #12: $25,000 8-Handed. Inside the Landing Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World Resort in Jeju, South Korea, some high-stakes players from around the world will take to the felt to fight for a guaranteed prizepool of $500,000. Earlier today, Event #11: $20,000 8-Handed resumed on Day 2 and will be playing down to a winner. As players are eliminated, they are expected to jump ship into the final event of the series in hopes of claiming the last title. Some players that are expected to join the field include Main Event champion Stephen Song, runner-up James Mendoza, Dan Cates, Taylor Black, and TLPT co-founders Quan Zhou and Ivan Zhang. The cards are scheduled to go in the air at 3 p.m. local time today with 12 levels on tap for Day 1 and the winner being crowned on Day 2 tomorrow. Each player will begin with a starting stack of 200,000 chips with the blinds starting at 500/1,000 and a 1,000 big blind ante. The levels will be 45 minutes in length throughout the event with a 15-minute break after every two levels and a 45-minute dinner break after level four. Late registration will remain open for 10 levels with an unlimited number of entries permitted for each player. The shot clock will be in play from the start and players will have 30 seconds to act on each street. They will be given nine time bank cards and an additional five will be given out at the final table. The PokerNews live reporting team will be on the tournament floor to bring you all of the updates throughout the day en route to crowning a champion later tomorrow. It was a rather uneventful Day 1 of Event #12: $25,000 8-Handed in the Super High Roller Series of The Lord Poker Tournament (TLPT) that is until the final two levels of the night. A total of 14 entries have been recorded thus far in the final event of the series at the Landing Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World Resort in Jeju, South Korea. Among those 14 entries, many players were forced to use a second bullet throughout the day. However, Ivan Zhang managed to last an entire 10 levels on just a single bullet on his way to a substantial chip lead over the remaining six players still in the event. A fiery last couple of levels in the night produced a wealth of chips for Zhang who bagged up a stack of 1,066,000 chips. Zhang, a co-founder of the TLPT, has been a staple at all of the tournaments in this High Roller series with a final table finish in the Main Event where he wound up in sixth place. Deemed as a "cash-game player" by himself, Zhang only plays a few tournaments per year but has accumulated over $500,000 in tournament winnings throughout his career. The talkative Zhang will be looking to add to his resume tomorrow and possibly record a new best live tournament score. Day 1 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Ivan Zhang China 1,066,000 133 2 Quan Zhou China 743,000 93 3 Dominik Nitsche Germany 526,000 66 4 Gary Thompson Ireland 227,000 28 5 Lei Yu China 159,000 20 6 Ami Barer Canada 79,000 10 The action on Day 1 got started with just four players taking their seats in the opening level. Dominik Nitsche joined the other co-founders of TLPT Quan Zhou and Dong Chen when the cards went in the air. Chips were slow moving through the opening levels as others Ami Barer, Gary Thompson, and Marius Gierse eventually joined the field. Zhou got himself off to a hot start by taking the early chip lead and leaving both Nitsche and Thompson on short stacks - both of whom were forced to reenter post-dinner break. Nitsche went on to build a heaping stack later in the evening, mostly thanks to the two entries of Charles Chao. However, the German poker pro clashed with Zhang in back-to-back hands which both went the way of the Chinese businessman. Nitsche managed to recover some of those chips due to the single hand played by Yisha Chen in the last level of the night. Chen sat down to pocket tens and got all of her chips in the middle preflop but ran straight into Nitsche's pocket aces. Chen opted to not reenter the event on Day 1. The remaining six players will return to the felt at 1 p.m. local time and late registration will remain open until the cards go back in the air. If anyone should choose to buy-in at that time, they will be given a starting stack of 200,000 chips with the blinds resuming at 5,000/10,000 and a 10,000 big blind ante. The blinds will continue to be 45 minutes in length until a winner is crowned which will bring an end to the first stand-alone series on TLPT. The PokerNews live reporting team will be here to bring you all of the live updates on the final day of the series, so stay tuned to find out who will take home the trophy and the top prize. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing late. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Occasional rain tapering to a few showers late. High around 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%. Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Tropical storm conditions possible. Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 84F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. 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 60%. Rock Hill, SC (29730) Today A good deal of sunshine. High 92F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 15:02:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 379 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Call for Immediate Dialogue and Release of All DetaineesWASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC), together with partner diaspora organizations, strongly condemns the Ethiopian government's violent response to a nationwide strike by health-care professionals. What began as a peaceful protest for a living wage, humane working conditions, and basic benefits has been met with arrests, intimidation, and official silence - paralyzing critical services at referral hospitals across the country."For more than 30 days, we have sought constructive, open, and respectful dialogue," said the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA). "Instead, we have received silence, threats, and misinformation. This is an insult to our profession and to the patients we serve." Alarming EscalationAt least 80 health-care professionals are now behind bars.The Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA) reports a surge of arrests and harassment aimed at workers who simply demand fair pay and safe workplaces.Detained leadership.Amnesty International East Africa has called for the immediate release of Dr. Yonatan Dagnew (MD), EHPA President, and all others seized in connection with the strike, urging authorities to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.Misplaced PrioritiesWhile millions of Ethiopians grapple with eroding public services, the government is channeling billions into extravagant projects - a proposed $13 billion presidential palace, luxury eco-lodges, and expansive "corridor development" schemes that have already displaced hundreds of thousands in Addis Ababa and beyond."The health of a nation begins with the dignity of its caregivers," an AEPAC spokesperson said. "Criminalizing their fight for basic rights while funding vanity projects exposes a dangerous disconnect from the needs of ordinary Ethiopians." AEPAC's and associates partner diaspora organizations demand:Immediate, unconditional release of all detained health-care professionals.Good-faith negotiations with EHPA, EMA, and other representative bodies.Guarantees of safety, fair compensation, and essential benefits for every health-care worker.Failure to act will deepen the crisis in an already fragile health system and erode public trust in government institutions.The American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to enhancing the U.S.-Ethiopia relationship while promoting democracy, human rights, rule of law and freedom of the press and religion in Ethiopia.Contact InformationChristopher DrummConsultantcpchristopher@ drummanddaughters.com 2153707874SOURCE: American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 18:31:02 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Andy Frain Services, Inc. recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Andy Frain Services.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On October 23, 2024, Andy Frain Services became aware of a security incident on its internal network. Upon detection, Andy Frain Services launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident.The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to internal systems containing sensitive information. It was determined that the breach was caused by a ransomware attack attributed to the BlackBasta group. On November 19, 2024, BlackBasta claimed responsibility via a dark web Tor site, stating they had exfiltrated 750 GB of data including accounting, human resources, legal, contracts, and payroll information. Andy Frain Services conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On May 5, 2025, Andy Frain Services identified persons whose sensitive data was included in the impacted data.On May 10, 2025, Andy Frain Services filed a notice with the Maine Attorney General's Office and started sending out notice letters to the impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Andy Frain Services you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 22:15:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 363 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KESKLINNA LINNAOSA, ESTONIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The cryptocurrency payment gateway Apirone received its second major update in 2025. Now users of the service can accept payments via the Ethereum network (ERC20), and along with it, use three new payment methods: Ethereum itself, as well as USDT and USDC tokens in this network.EthereumAdding support for Ethereum is a step that Apirone customers have long been waiting for. The company notes that it has received many requests for integration of this coin and network for two years. Now Ethereum is available on the same terms as other currencies: with the ability to set up a fixed or percentage fee, use recurring payments, automatic forwarding, and other features.USDT (ERC20)USDT on the ERC20 network is a great alternative to USDT TRC20, especially when the Tron network is overloaded. This solution helps reduce the number of lost sales when a customer sees a high fee and decides to postpone payment - and then completely forgets about the order or makes purchases with competitors. In a highly competitive environment, it is important to consider every link in the decision-making chain, and Apirone makes the payment process comfortable for customers.USDC (ERC20)USDC on the Ethereum network is a popular alternative to USDT, especially in the European market. It provides transparency, exchange rate stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. By expanding support for this currency, Apirone strengthens its position as a reliable partner for businesses in the EU.Apirone continues to expand the boundaries of crypto processingOne of the company's priorities is the continuous uptime of the platform, which has been running for more than 3 years. And all updates, including the addition of the Ethereum blockchain, are seamless for users. With each update, the platform becomes more flexible, understandable and effective for both businesses and their clients. Support for the Ethereum network is another step towards making crypto payments more convenient, faster and more accessible for everyone.Follow Apirone news - the team continues to develop the ecosystem and add new tools for comfortable work with cryptocurrencies.Anton ShindyapinPR-manager Support@ apirone.com +7 962 622-10-26Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tartu mnt 67/1-13b, 10115 EstoniaSOURCE: Apirone PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 15:01:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 516 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Appcues today announced the appointment of John McCarthy as Vice President of Finance & Operations. McCarthy joins the company's executive team with a clear mandate: to deepen operational excellence, accelerate decision-making with data, and scale Appcues' revenue-driving motions with discipline and clarity-helping the company scale with the same precision and momentum it empowers in its customers.McCarthy brings over a decade of experience in financial leadership within the technology sector. Prior to joining Appcues, he served as Vice President of Finance at CyberSaint Security, where he led the company's financial operations and strategy. His background also includes key financial roles at Tive Inc. and Buildium, where he was instrumental in financial planning, analysis, and operational efficiency."Great teams don't just deliver outcomes-they design systems that make those outcomes repeatable. I'm excited to help Appcues operate with the same discipline we help our customers build: moving fast, aligning around key moments, and turning insight into action," said McCarthy.The Opportunity AheadMcCarthy's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Appcues. As go-to-market teams face growing pressure to improve onboarding, retention, and expansion with fewer resources, the demand for smarter, faster digital engagement solutions is surging. Appcues has seen significant momentum in its core markets, helping thousands of companies personalize in-app and cross-channel experiences at scale-without waiting on product or engineering."Appcues is at the forefront of a massive shift in customer experience," said Ryan Barry, CEO of Appcues. "As companies rethink how they engage users, they're also rethinking how they run-faster, smarter, more connected across every function. Finance is no longer just about managing the numbers; it's about architecting the systems that help teams move with clarity and purpose." "John brings that mindset to the core," Barry continued. "His ability to embed data, align to key moments, and clear the way for great work is exactly what we need as we scale our own experience, and help our customers do the same. I'm really pleased to welcome him to the team." Connecting Finance to ExperienceMcCarthy will work across teams to ensure finance is not just a measure of outcomes-but a multiplier. His work will help Appcues operate with the same orchestration and clarity it empowers in its customers-bringing together data, systems, and operational focus to enable every team to deliver with more confidence and impact."John sees across functions, connects the dots, and helps teams focus on what matters most. That's exactly the kind of leadership that drives durable, customer-centered growth," added Barry. "He doesn't just read the scoreboard-he helps design the plays." About AppcuesAppcues is the experience platform for digital success-transforming customer behavior into personalized flows that accelerate onboarding, prevent churn, and drive expansion. It helps go-to-market teams move faster and show up where it matters-without waiting on product. With thousands of customers worldwide, Appcues empowers technology companies to deliver the right message, to the right user, at the right time.For more information, visitwww.appcues.com Contact InformationEric KeatingVP Marketingeric@ appcues.com SOURCE: Appcues PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 02:50:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 989 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Discover Why Super Speciosa Leads the 2025 Kratom Rankings-Explore Strains Backed by Lab Testing, GMP Standards, and Real Customer Results for Focus, Calm, and ReliefNEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 /In This Article, You'll Discover:An overview of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its growing popularity.The significance of selecting the right kratom brand and strain.Detailed insights into thebest kratom brands of 2025, including Super Speciosa .A breakdown of potent kratom strains tailored for focus, calm, and physical relief.Practical tips on how to choose the right strain for personal needs.Trending terminology in the kratom community that enhances understanding.Customer testimonials and reviews highlighting user experiences.Answers to frequently asked questions regarding kratom.TL;DR SummaryIn 2025, finding the best kratom brand is essential for maximizing benefits. This article identifies top brands like Super Speciosa, known for their potent kratom strains. You'll learn about strains for focus, calm, and physical relief, alongside tips for selecting the right strain. The importance of quality, lab-testing, and GMP compliance is emphasized, along with user testimonials to guide your choices. Equip yourself with knowledge about kratom, including trending buzzwords and FAQs, to make informed decisions. Explore the world of kratom for wellness with confidence.Understanding KratomDefinition of KratomKratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its leaves have been used for centuries for their psychoactive and medicinal properties. The leaves contain a variety of compounds known as alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most prominent. These alkaloids interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which can lead to various effects depending on the strain and dosage.Kratom is commonly consumed in several forms, including powder, capsules, extracts, and teas. The method of consumption can influence the onset and duration of the effects. Users often report kratom's ability to enhance mood, increase energy, alleviate pain, and provide relaxation. Its rising popularity in recent years can be attributed to its potential benefits and the increasing interest in natural remedies.Historical Context and Traditional UsesHistorically, kratom has played a significant role in the cultures of Southeast Asia. Indigenous populations have utilized kratom leaves for centuries, primarily for their stimulant and sedative properties. Traditionally, workers would chew the leaves to combat fatigue and enhance productivity, especially during labor-intensive tasks. This practice is still observed today in rural areas where kratom is consumed to maintain stamina throughout the day.In addition to its stimulant effects, kratom has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It is believed to help with pain relief, digestive issues, and even as a remedy for opioid withdrawal symptoms. In some cultures, kratom has cultural significance, often associated with social rituals and gatherings.Despite its long history of use, the perception of kratom has evolved. In recent years, it has gained attention in Western countries as a herbal supplement. However, this transition has also led to controversy and regulatory scrutiny, with differing opinions on its safety and efficacy. As kratom continues to gain popularity, understanding its historical context helps to appreciate its role in traditional practices and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its use in modern society.Overview of Kratom Strains and Their EffectsKratom strains are generally categorized into three main types based on the color of the veins in the leaves: red, green, and white. Each strain has its unique set of effects, making it essential for users to choose the right one based on their needs.Red Strains: Known for their calming and sedative effects, red strains, such as Red Bali and Red Maeng Da, are often used for relaxation and pain relief. Users typically report feelings of tranquility, which can help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality. These strains are popular among those looking for relief from chronic pain or stress.Green Strains: Green strains, like Green Maeng Da, are considered a balanced option, providing both stimulating and calming effects. They are commonly sought after for enhancing focus, energy, and mood without the jitteriness associated with some stimulants. Many users appreciate green strains for their versatility, making them suitable for daytime use.White Strains: White strains, such as White Borneo, are primarily known for their energizing and uplifting properties. They are often favored by those seeking increased motivation and alertness. Users typically report enhanced cognitive function and productivity when using white strains, making them ideal for tasks requiring mental clarity.Understanding the differences between these strains is crucial for users to select the most suitable option based on their desired effects, whether for focus, relaxation, or physical relief. Each strain's effects can vary based on individual tolerance and the specific product's quality, making it important to choose reputable brands for the best experience.Ready to elevate your wellness routine? Shop top-rated kratom now-pure, lab-tested, and customer-approved. Don't wait-experience natural balance today!Why Brand Matters in Kratom SelectionWhen navigating the world of kratom, the brand you choose plays a crucial role in determining the quality and effectiveness of the products you consume. With the increasing popularity of kratom, it's essential to understand why brand reputation, quality sourcing, and compliance with industry standards matter. This section explores the importance of these factors in ensuring a safe and satisfactory experience for users.Importance of Quality and SourcingThe quality of kratom products largely hinges on where and how the kratom is sourced. Reputable brands prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, which not only affect the purity of the product but also the welfare of the communities involved in kratom cultivation. High-quality kratom is typically sourced from mature leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which thrive in specific environmental conditions found in Southeast Asia.Brands that emphasize quality sourcing often work directly with farmers who have a deep understanding of the plant's cultivation. This direct relationship ensures that the kratom is harvested at the right time and processed correctly, preserving its essential a PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 17:30:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 496 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New Cloud-Enabled Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Enables Companies to Optimize Labor Costs, Machine Effectiveness, and Work-in-Process (WIP) ThroughputLINCOLN, RHODE ISLAND / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / CAI Software, LLC, ("CAI" or "CAI Software CAI Software, CAI Software, LLC, ("CAI" or CAI Software") a leader in industry-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution, and supply chain solutions for manufacturers and distributors, today announced the launch of ShopVue Cloud, a best-in-class Manufacturing Execution System (MES).ShopVue Cloud enables companies who are beginning their MES journey to take advantage of enterprise-level functionality resulting in real-time visibility into WIP throughput, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labor costs, and product quality. The solution harnesses the latest low-code/no-code (LCNC) configuration tools to seamlessly collect data from shopfloor operators. The powerful IIoT-enabled technology helps companies drive more informed decisions that optimize business results.Developed for manufacturers of all sizes, ShopVue Cloud provides an MES solution built for speed to implement while providing companies with an easy-to-use, highly configurable solution to meet their plant's individual requirements."We built this solution based on market feedback. We've heard from numerous companies beginning their shopfloor digitization journey that they needed key functionality and, more importantly, they want a solution that would grow with them," said Matt Geffken, Chief Product Officer at CAI. "This solution was specifically designed to improve operator and equipment efficiency, by capturing, controlling, and analyzing real-time shop floor conditions to help shop floor operators and manufacturers make better decisions." Keith Wood, Director, Information Technology for Air Tractor, Inc., an early adopter of ShopVue Cloud stated, "We're excited about the potential that ShopVue provides to accurately capture labor times, improve our OEE, and achieve end-to-end traceability - all with minimal operator input. The end-to-end production traceability will help us in many areas, from costing to compliance." Wood continued, "ShopVue Cloud is an important part of our digital transformation, and we believe the solution will bring meaningful efficiency and visibility to our shop floor operations." ShopVue Cloud provides full visibility into labor and attendance activity, ensuring accurate workforce tracking, eliminating gaps, and minimizing discrepancies. For equipment and machines on the floor, this powerful MES provides real-time updates on order status, machine performance, and component traceability. The analytics and IIoT functionality allow for role-specific insights and metrics. The visibility across people and equipment will improve overall performance through:Reduced errors and wasteEnhanced operational transparencyImproved interconnectivity between machines, workers, and other business systemsActionable insightsShopVue Cloud is now available. To learn more, https://caisoft.com/shopvue About Air Tractor:Air Tractor, Inc. is the leading global producer of purpose-built aircraft for agricultural aerial applications, initial attack firefighting, and other specialized missions. From North, South, and Central America, to Australia, Indonesia, and China, to Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Africa, Air Tractor aircraft can be found in more than 50 countries around the world. https://airtractor.com/ Contact InformationDrea TorettiCMOinfo@ caisoft.com 800.422.4782SOURCE: CAI Software PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 04:45:43 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 523 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilJuly 8, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE:CODI), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 1, 2024 and May 7, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Compass and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-codi/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJuly 8, 2025 .About the LawsuitCompass and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On May 7, 2025, the Company issued a press release entitled "Compass Diversified Discloses Non-Reliance on Financial Statements for Fiscal 2024 Amid an Ongoing Internal Investigation into its Subsidiary, Lugano Holding, Inc.," disclosing that "the Audit Committee of CODI's Board has concluded that the previously issued financial statements for 2024 require restatement and should no longer be relied upon" and that "[e]ffective May 7, 2025, Lugano's founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from all of his positions at Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation." The Company further disclosed that "[t]he Audit Committee of CODI's Board of Directors promptly launched an investigation after CODI's senior leadership was made aware of concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory" and that "[t]he investigation . . . is ongoing but has preliminarily identified irregularities in Lugano's non-CODI financing, accounting, and inventory practices." On this news, the price of Compass' shares plummeted approximately 62%, from $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025, to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025.The case is Matthews v. Compass Group Diversified Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-981.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com CONTACT: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 18:00:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 442 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care Opens New Location in LancasterLANCASTER, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen expands Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care to the city of Lancaster. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, city residents came out to celebrate the official grand opening of Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care Lancaster. Medical trailblazer Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen, noted as the first African American to own a chain of urgent cares in the United States, established a new facility for the residents of Lancaster. Many praised the doctor for opening doors for better healthcare options and reliable service to the community. Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care Lancaster Grand OpeningDusk to Dawn Urgent Care has served as a vital pillar for southern California communities, offering unwavering support. Now with the grand opening in Lancaster, California, Dr. Allen and his staff are bringing dedication and effective patient care for residents, with a special focus on the underserved and the homeless population. In 2023, Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and his wife Dr. Connie Yu Allen were honored with the First Responders Award for their courageous contributions during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and his wife Dr. Connie Yu Allen have centered their commitment to servicing Los Angeles County and the surrounding communities.Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen was recently bestowed the Key to the City of Compton, honored with the 2024 NAACP Humanitarian Award, and recognized as Doctor of the Year by Ebony Magazine. Alongside his expertise in urgent care, he founded the Saint Vinson Eugene Allen Foundation, offering resources and advocacy for adult individuals and families raising children with special needs. The 2024 Colin Matthew Hand-Up Award Gala attracted mayors, dignitaries, and celebrities, successfully raising funds helping many with special disabilities. This year's gala is scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. Dr. Allen's exceptional ability to foster unity and build trust serves as a powerful testament to his character and influence.Lancaster, California, a city of over 163,000 residents (excluding Palmdale), is famous for its scenic beauty and new luxury homes. However, many residents and families travel as far as Los Angeles for medical care. The potential impact of a Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care facility in Lancaster is significant, considering the existing success of its Paramount location, which serves over 140,000 patients annually.Website: www.dusktodawnurgentcare.com Website: www.saintvinsoneugeneallen.com Social Media: @DrAllenLaYouTube: Conversations with Dr. AllenYouTube: #AllenFamilyUnityWebsite: www.coronavirustestla.com Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care Lancaster1505 W. Avenue J, STE 101Lancaster, CA 93534Phone: (661) 723-1070Public Relations: Executive 1 Media Group Media Inquiries: Derrick DzurkoEmail: derrick@ e1mgmedia.com Contact InformationDerrick DzurkoPress Agentderrick@ e1mgmedia.com (888) 231-6942SOURCE: Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 23:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 991 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United StatesTORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of C$1,091,999 million. The financing will support the advancement of the Company's Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, contributing to a critical U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products, including high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), for the U.S. electric vehicle battery sector.Under the Offering, the Company issued 9,099,999 units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.12 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.20 for a period of 18 months. The Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants are subject to applicable hold periods in accordance with securities laws and exchange policies. No insiders participated in the Offering."This financing, together with our recent fundraising, positions Electric Metals in a strong position to advance the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota and support the development of a secure, U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products," said Brian Savage, CEO of Electric Metals.Net proceeds will be used to advance key initiatives, including the preliminary economic assessment of the Emily Manganese Project, technical and environmental studies, studies related to the planned high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) facility, and for general working capital purposes.In connection with the Offering, the Company paid finders who introduced subscribers to the Offering including: Canaccord Genuity Corp. a cash commission totaling $3,300 being up to 1% of the gross proceeds raised under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders, and 27,500 non-transferable common share purchase warrants of the Company ("Finders' Warrants"), being up to 1% of the Units sold under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.20 for a period of 18 months.About Electric Metals (USA) LimitedElectric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders.For further information, please contact: Electric Metals (USA) LimitedBrian SavageCEO & Director(303) 656-9197orValerie KimballDirector Investor Relations720-933-1150 info@ electricmetals.com Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the Company's mission to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets; that manganese will continue to play a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations; that with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders; and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals.These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals; investor interest in participating in the Offering; and risks related to the exploration and other plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that ter PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 21:45:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 665 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Veteran Consultant Advocates for Mentorship, Workforce Development, and the Human Side of HospitalityPALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / With over 30 years of hospitality experience and a track record of turning struggling hotels into sought-after destinations, Eric David Meeuwsen is raising his voice for something bigger than business: the people behind the service.Meeuwsen, founder of Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting, is calling for greater awareness and support for mentorship and talent development in the hospitality industry, especially in an era of staffing shortages and high turnover."Your future in hospitality won't be built in a classroom," says Meeuwsen. "It'll be built in your habits-how you show up every day, how you learn from the people around you, and how you treat others along the way." Why Mentorship Matters Now More Than EverThe hospitality sector is still grappling with the aftershocks of the pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1.2 million hospitality jobs remain unfilled as of early 2025. Training, retention, and frontline leadership are emerging as urgent challenges."We've lost a lot of experienced workers, and too many new hires don't feel supported," Meeuwsen notes. "We can't fix this with software or slogans. We fix it by investing in people, day by day, shift by shift." Meeuwsen's approach centers on hands-on mentorship. Through his consulting firm, he works directly with hotel owners, general managers, and team leads-often shadowing night staff to understand the real culture of an operation."That's where the truth lives," he says. "Not in spreadsheets, but in how your night team feels at 2 a.m. That's when leadership-or the lack of it-shows up." From Check-In Desk to Industry AdvisorMeeuwsen's own journey began humbly in guest services at a Miami Beach luxury hotel in the 1990s. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, he earned his Hospitality Management degree from Florida International University before rising through the ranks at resorts across Florida and the Caribbean.In 2018, he launched Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting to help properties improve guest experience, staff performance, and operational flow. His consulting is marked by close collaboration and a "boots-on-the-ground" mindset."I'm not the kind of consultant who emails you a checklist and disappears," he says. "I'm in the lobby. I'm in the kitchen. I'm with the front desk staff learning what's really happening." Giving Back to Future LeadersIn addition to consulting, Meeuwsen volunteers with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and regularly speaks at local colleges to mentor up-and-coming hospitality professionals."One of my proudest moments isn't about revenue or rankings," he says. "It's when someone I mentored becomes a general manager. That's legacy." He's encouraging others in the industry-especially those in leadership-to take mentorship seriously. He believes it doesn't take a formal title or a big budget to make a difference."Mentorship isn't a program," Meeuwsen explains. "It's a posture. It's deciding that when someone's learning, you show up." The Heart Behind the BusinessOutside of work, Meeuwsen remains deeply engaged in his Palm Beach community. He and his wife, Melissa, support environmental and youth development causes in South Florida. A self-described outdoorsman, Eric starts his days fishing at sunrise and biking the Lake Trail."This industry gave me a life," he says. "The least I can do is help build it for others." Meeuwsen's message is simple: Support the people who power the guest experience. Whether you manage a hotel or work in another industry, consider:Mentoring a junior colleagueOffering to guest speak at a local hospitality schoolSpending a shift alongside your frontline teamSimply asking someone new, "How can I help you grow?""Hospitality isn't something you do," Meeuwsen says. "It's who you are. If you lead with care, everything else follows." To read the full interview, clickhere .Contact: info@ ericmeeuwsen.com SOURCE: Eric David Meeuwsen PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 08:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1034 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 /Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCPK:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce plans for executing a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project ("N2") in Quebec, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces: 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4.The first 5,000 metres of the drill program is fully funded and is intended to commence this summer.The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the project resource base through the recent exploration permit (Figure 1).Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include:A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres with a metal factor of 93. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.The Company has formally submitted its Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN) following discussions with all necessary parties and anticipates receiving its ATI permit within the next 30 to 40 days, after which it intends on commencing its maiden drill program at N2.Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, commented: "We are thrilled to unveil our drill plans for the N2 Project. Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we believe that a program of this scale will deliver our goal of growing N2's historical resource into a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit." Mr. Varshney continued: "We see the potential for over three million ounces of gold at N2, and our fully funded maiden 5,000-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress after the initial historic resource estimate show the expansion potential at N2. With gold at $3,200, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming quarter." Figure 1 - PDDH design for 20,000m Drill ProgramQualified personThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo., an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic non-compliant intercepts.About Formation Metals Inc.Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres.FORMATION METALS INC.Deepak Varshney, CEO and DirectorFor more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@ formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Notes and References:Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property.The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories.While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width.Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property.Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages.Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energol PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 15:02:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 561 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 With updated programs and fresh solutions, those who once believed homeownership was out of reach may now find a new way to build stabilityDENVER, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / June is Homeownership Awareness Month, and The CE Shop is here to arm hopeful buyers with the knowledge and tools they need to start their homebuying process. As the leader in real estate education, The CE Shop works closely with industry experts to provide actionable insights that foster stability for individuals while strengthening communities.Expert Tips for Successful Homeownership from The CE Shop:Work With a Compassionate (and Knowledgeable) Real Estate Agent Find the right agent for you and your family, one who can clarify the homebuying process and find solutions that align to your household's unique needs. Don't hesitate to ask for resources to deepen your understanding of the options available. The journey of homeownership has many paths, and is different for everyone.Recognize That Owning a Home is a Smart Financial Move Owning a home is about more than just having a place to call your own. It can help individuals and families build equity, open potential tax benefits, and create a more secure future.Leverage Modern Solutions for Down Payments The days of needing a 20% down payment are behind us. Today, many buyers can qualify for as little as 3-5% down. Programs like down payment assistance (DPAs), grants, FHA and USDA loans, shared equity programs, and crowd sourcing are ideal for home seekers. With45% of young adults aged 18-29 still living at home , some may not realize how close homeownership could be.Understand the Emotional and Community Benefits Homeownership can create peace of mind, reduce stress, and instill a sense of belonging. It builds better communities and can create generational stability through housing equity.Be Open to Diverse Housing Options Homeownership doesn't have to mean a single-family detached house with a fenced yard and white picket fence. Condos, duplexes, townhomes, and other multi-family units can provide a fulfilling family life while still building a path to equity."Housing insecurity often leads to physical, mental, and emotional strain," explains Michelle White, National Mortgage Expert at The CE Shop. "Children, in particular, can face challenges related to cognitive development and behavior due to the instability caused by high housing costs or frequent moves. With Homeownership Awareness Month, we're working to make this dream attainable for more individuals. Thanks to lower down payment requirements, many buyers can now own a home with just 3-5% of the purchase price." The CE Shop is committed to empowering real estate professionals to simplify the homebuying process for their clients, making it more accessible. By offering engaging, up-to-date content, The CE Shop equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel, ultimately helping their clients achieve their dreams of homeownership.About The CE ShopThe CE Shop is the leading provider of real estate education with online mortgage, real estate, home inspection, appraisal, and professional development courses available throughout the United States. The CE Shop produces quality education for professionals across the nation, whether they're veterans in their industry or looking to launch a new career. We believe the right education can truly make a difference. Visit TheCEShop.com to learn more.Media Contact:The CE Shop Press Press@ TheCEShop.com720.822.5314 Buse Kayarbusek@ accessnewswire.com SOURCE: The CE Shop LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 16:01:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 496 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New guide outlines a proven roadmap to simplify delivery, embrace Microsoft's AI-powered platform, and future-proof project and work management operationsMERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Innovative-e and CPS, both recognized Microsoft Partner of the Year award winners, are proud to announce the official release of their co-authored whitepaper, Modernizing Your Project and Work Management Estate: Why, When, and How. This comprehensive guide delivers a clear roadmap for organizations looking to future-proof their project and work management practices by transitioning from legacy applications and disconnected SaaS to a unified, AI-enhanced project and work management experience on the Microsoft platform. Innovative-e Innovative-eCo-written by industry leaders Mike Taylor, CEO of Innovative-e and DigiOps, and Lester Lovelock, Head of Practice for Modern Work Management at CPS, the whitepaper presents a compelling call to action for organizations to align with Microsoft's platform-first, AI-enabled, cloud-native strategy."Modernizing now isn't optional - it's how organizations maximize value and stay ahead," said Mike Taylor. "This guide gives leaders the clarity and confidence to harness Copilot and AI today and transform before disruption forces reactive decisions." Key topics include:Why platform-first modernization is the new standardWhy transition off legacy and 3rd party appsHow Microsoft's AI-powered tools like Teams, Copilot, and Planner are transforming project executionReal-world modernization success stories from organizations like Network Rail, Carolinas Telco, and SNHUActionable strategies for planning and executing a smooth transitionSince Microsoft stopped innovation on Project and Project Online years ago and feature deprecation is occurring, this whitepaper arrives at a critical moment. It offers a timely resource for project leaders, PMOs, CIOs, and transformation teams navigating change, risk, and the growing demand for AI-powered work."Too many teams are stuck managing work in outdated systems that limit collaboration and visibility," added Lester Lovelock. "This paper gives them a way forward - with clarity, structure, and alignment to Microsoft's modern work vision." To access the whitepaper and learn how to get started on your modernization journey, visit: https://hubs.li/Q03l_sz20 An interactive webinar hosted by Innovative-e and CPS will be coming soon offering a deeper dive into the strategies outlined in the whitepaper and a live Q&A with the authors.About Innovative-e Innovative-e is an AI-native Microsoft Solutions Partner that modernizes project and work management for high-performing teams. The 2023 & 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year and the recipient of multiple other Microsoft Partner of the Year honors, Innovative-e empowers organizations to achieve higher performance and happier people through strategic consulting and platform-first solutions. Learn more at https://www.innovative-e.com About CPS CPS is a UK-based Microsoft Solutions Partner and multi-year Microsoft Partner of the Year award winner. With decades of expertise in project and portfolio management and the Power Platform, CPS helps organizations across the public and private sectors achieve meaningful outcomes through digital transformation. Visit https://cps.co.ukfor more information.Contact InformationStephanie TaylorMarketing Managerstephanie.taylor@innovative-e.com 404-418-6737SOURCE: Innovative-e PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 21:00:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 619 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Entrepreneur advocates for small ventures that reflect heritage, identity and local needsSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Entrepreneur and former pharmacist Javid Javdani is calling on aspiring business owners, especially in multicultural cities like London, to think deeper about how their work connects with community identity. Drawing from his own journey from hospital pharmacy to founding Balboa Market and Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, Javdani is raising awareness about the value of purpose-driven businesses that reflect the diversity of their neighbourhoods.Javdani's message is timely. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, 14.4% of businesses in London are minority-led, and the city is home to over 270 nationalities and 300 languages. But despite this rich cultural mix, many neighbourhoods still lack access to shops and services that cater to specific heritages."When I opened Balboa Market, I wasn't just selling food-I was offering connection," Javdani says. "The first time someone found a spice they hadn't seen since childhood, I realised we were giving people a piece of home." Javdani believes small businesses can be more than transactional-they can become cultural bridges. In his own case, Balboa Market in San Diego started as a small corner shop but grew into a hub of international ingredients, attracting a loyal customer base across ethnic lines.His restaurant, Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, followed. He wanted to move from selling ingredients to offering the full experience, including traditional dishes like saffron rice and tahdig."We had people try sumac or Persian rice for the first time. And others hadn't tasted it since their parents passed," he shares. "That kind of emotional impact-that's where real business value lives." But the path hasn't been smooth. Javdani admits to early mistakes, like stocking what he thought customers wanted without asking. He now advocates for listening over guessing."I lost money trying to lead with assumption. Feedback is what turned it around," he says.This advice is particularly useful in competitive cities like London, where market saturation and high rent can make or break new ventures. He encourages entrepreneurs to lean into what makes them unique, rather than copying big chains.Javdani also urges people to avoid glorifying risk. "Don't jump in blind. Use what you know-but stay curious about what you don't. And above all, build with purpose," he adds.The Importance of Local and Cultural RepresentationResearch by the UK's Federation of Small Businesses shows that 63% of people prefer shopping with small local businesses because they offer personalised service and unique products. Yet, many local high streets are dominated by generic shops, leaving little room for culturally meaningful businesses to thrive."London has the diversity and demand," says Javdani, "but it takes brave, thoughtful founders to step in and build spaces that reflect the people who live there." Call to Action: Build Around What MattersJavdani is not launching a campaign or selling a course. His message is simpler: look around your own street, your own culture, your own needs-and start there."You don't have to start big. You just have to start true," he says.He encourages aspiring business owners to:Talk to neighbours before building a business planFill gaps that larger businesses overlookCelebrate their own cultural background through service and storyAdapt by asking, listening and adjusting constantlyAbout Javid JavdaniJavid Javdani is a San Diego-based entrepreneur originally from Iran. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy before pivoting into the food industry. He is the founder of Balboa Market and Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, both of which are rooted in cultural connection and community service.To read the full interview, clickhere .Contact: info@ javidjavdani.com SOURCE: Javid Javdani PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 16:16:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 737 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 President of Dealer Sales Celebrates Seventh Year on Esteemed ListRAMSEY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales as one of the 2025 Women of the Channel Power 100. This prestigious honor highlights an elite subset of influential leaders chosen from the CRN 2025 Women of the Channel list. The Power 100 recognizes some of the most influential women leaders from technology vendors and distributors who consistently contribute their advocacy and expertise to advancing the channel.Blackmer joined Konica Minolta's executive leadership team in December 2017 as Senior Vice President, Dealer Sales, and was promoted to President, Dealer Sales in 2022. She is responsible for the sales and management of the company's extensive dealer network that represents and sells its award-winning products and managed IT Services. Blackmer has been awarded "Best Female Executive" eight times at the Frank Awards, The Cannata Report's annual awards which highlight excellence in business technology. She ranked on Tiger Paw Software's Top 100 Influencers in the managed print industry list two years in a row. Blackmer has been named to CRN's Women of the Channel list seven times, is a five-time Channel Chief and two-time CRN Inclusive Channel Leader. Blackmer also serves on the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) Board of Directors."I am extremely grateful for this recognition from CRN, which represents the dedication female leaders in our industry have to improving outcomes in the channel," said Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, Konica Minolta. "Working with our channel partners is incredibly rewarding. Our shared commitment to fostering strong relationships and overcoming obstacles has been the cornerstone of our success. I am truly honored to be part of this community." "We are thrilled to see Laura continually recognized for her exceptional leadership and industry knowledge that helps ensure the success of our dealer partners," said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta. "Laura's work makes an incredible impact, both within our organization and in the channel. Her strategic guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in driving growth. Congratulations to Laura and all the 2025 Women of the Channel awardees." CRN's 2025 Women of the Channel and Power 100 lists are featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at CRN.com About Konica MinoltaKonica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.'s (Konica Minolta) journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta's 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates "20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact," and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta's bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2025 America's Best Large Employers list, included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub One i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow it on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.About The Channel CompanyThe Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visitthechannelco.com Konica Minolta ContactMaggie GrandeKonica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. pr@ kmbs.konicaminolta.us +551-500-2659SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 02:00:38 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 19, 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=149295&wire=1&utm_campaign=14 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: 2025-05-20 01:15:10 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 19, 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=149289&wire=1&utm_campaign=12 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: 2025-05-20 23:00:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 382 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / In an extraordinary display of faith, The Church of Eleven22 gathered at Hanna Park Beach in Jacksonville, Florida, where 1,958 people publicly declared Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through baptism. This follows last year's powerful beach baptism, where 1,614 people were baptized. Participants traveled from across the country, including many from northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, to be part of this annual event. Thousands more, including friends, family, and church members, came to cheer them on and celebrate what God is doing. The Church of Eleven22 Beach Baptism 2025 10,000+ people showed up on May 18th, 2025 at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park to be a part of Beach Baptism.Pastor Joby Martin , Lead Pastor of The Church of Eleven22, said, "We are a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, we celebrated 1,958 people proclaiming Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It doesn't get much better than that! The church is alive and well, the Spirit of God is on the move, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is still changing lives as it has for thousands of years." This beach baptism stands as one of the most memorable moments in the church's 10+ year history. It is a celebration of life change and a reflection of a thriving, disciple-making culture. Each person baptized was asked this simple question: "Who is Jesus Christ?" Their answer: "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." To see photos and video from the day, visitcoe22.com , check out ourYouTube channel , or follow along onInstagram@coe22.The Church of Eleven22 remains committed to glorifying God by surrendering to Jesus, making disciple-making disciples, and transforming communities. Today's event served as a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from a community unified by a shared faith and joy that can only come from God.About The Church of Eleven22 The Church of Eleven22 is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. We seek to glorify God by surrendering to Jesus, making disciple-making disciples and impacting communities through the love of Christ. For more information, please visit our website atcoe22.com Contact InformationJay OwenExecutive Director of Communication & Digital Discipleshipjay.owen@coe22.com 904.377.2851SOURCE: The Church of Eleven22 PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 15:02:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 548 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Company confirms high standards for data integrity and quality systemsMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Pace Life Sciences, a U.S.-based full-service FDA-registered GMP Analytical Testing laboratory and contract, research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) and a Division of Pace, a Science and Technology Company, announced today a successful Pre-Approval Inspection (PAI) from The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) highlighting company's commitment to reliable and accurate data. pace life sciences logo pls full color logoLou Forcellini, Head of Quality Assurance at Pace Life Sciences, stated, "The recent achievement for our Lebanon, NJ laboratory emphasizes our quality expertise and commitment to data integrity and compliance through our quality systems. The successful PAI demonstrates our ability to support customer programs from first-in-man studies to FDA approval, with flexibility to meet client needs." The Lebanon site, formerly Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories, was acquired by Pace from Curia in 2024 and specializes in Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT), drug delivery physical testing, and package distribution testing."Our commitment to supporting clients from early-stage research and development to commercialization begins with ensuring quality data and testing," noted Dawn Von Rohr, President, Pace Life Sciences. "The successful PAI recognition by the FDA validates the talent, expertise, and experience our team has with ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance that makes us a trusted partner of top pharmaceutical companies." Pace provides commercial release and stability testing for raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished pharmaceuticals, and biologics, along with regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and process optimization support to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.In 2024, the FDA conducted an inspection of operations at the Pace Life Sciences laboratories located in Oakdale, MN, and San German, Puerto Rico, with favorable outcomes from the harmonized quality systems, further demonstrating the company's continuous dedication to providing the highest quality results to clients.Pace is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners and Los Angeles-based Aurora Capital Partners.###ABOUT PACE LIFE SCIENCESPace Life Sciences provides a full suite of contract CMC development, clinical trials materials manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Our network of CDMO sites consists of GMP analytical testing laboratories and manufacturing support service centers. Our experienced, highly trained industry experts and our investment in state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facilities emphasize our commitment to efficiently advancing client programs through the clinic to commercialization. We are dedicated to delivering the best and most reliable services with positive customer experiences across all channels of our business. More at PACELIFESCIENCES.com ABOUT PACE Pace makes the world a safer, healthier place. Pace people are committed to advancing the science of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in our Life Sciences laboratories and supporting businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and more through our Analytical Services laboratories. Pace offers local-level service backed by a national laboratory network. For clients with in-house labs, Pace provides a range of professional services to keep their operations moving forward. Pace people work in partnership with clients by providing the service, science, and the data they need to make critical decisions that benefit us all. More at PACELABS.com Contact InformationPam BednarMarketing Directorpam.bednar@pacelabs.com 612-297-0651Brooke SchwartzelBrand & Communications Managerbrooke.schwartzel@pacelabs.com 612-656-2241SOURCE: Pace Analytical PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-21 01:00:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 391 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The 2025 Point-in-Time Count (PIT), released today by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), shows a significant 25% reduction in under-sheltered veteran homelessness across San Diego County compared to 2024. This is an encouraging milestone in the region's ongoing efforts to end veteran homelessness. Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) Logo"This decrease is the result of focused, proactive interventions, strong collaboration across the continuum of care, and dedicated programs tailored to veterans' unique needs," said Akilah Templeton, President and CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD). "This coordinated approach, combined with access to the right resources, is working. To build on this progress, we must continue expanding these supports so that every veteran receives the help they deserve." The Point-in-Time Count is an annual census that provides a snapshot of homelessness in San Diego County. Conducted during a single night in January, the count identifies the minimum number of individuals experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered, across the region.Key Findings From the 2025 PIT Count:Total individuals experiencing homelessness: 9,905 (down from 10,605 in 2024)Unsheltered individuals: 5,714Individuals in shelters or transitional housing: 4,191Total veterans experiencing homelessness: 643Unsheltered veterans: 408 (7% of unsheltered population)Sheltered veterans: 235 (6% of sheltered population)VVSD, a cornerstone of veteran support in San Diego for over 40 years, provides comprehensive programs that address homelessness, mental health, substance use, unemployment, and other challenges that disproportionately affect veterans. Through outreach, housing assistance, employment services, and clinical support, VVSD continues to lead the charge in reducing and ultimately ending veteran homelessness."This data shows that when we work together with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and the community, we make real progress," Templeton added. "Veterans should never have to sleep on the street. Every success story we see is the result of persistence, compassion, and coordinated care." For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Akilah Templeton regarding the 2025 Point-in-Time Count and veteran homelessness in San Diego County, please contact Sabrina Paul at Sabrina.Paul@VVSD.net.About Veterans Village of San DiegoVeterans Village of San Diego supports America's Veterans and their families in overcoming homelessness, addiction, unemployment, barriers to health and mental health care, and related challenges. For more information, visit VVSD.net Contact InformationKimberley MondayVice President, Development and Communicationskimberley.monday@vvsd.net 6195396978SOURCE: Veterans Village of San Diego PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 09:00:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 991 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 /Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.(the "Company" or "Prospect Ridge") (CSE:PRR)(OTC:PRRSF)(FRA:OED) is pleased to announce a new long-term strategic partnership with Vancouver-based Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd. ("Equity Exploration"), a respected leader in mineral exploration. Under this exclusive two-year agreement, Equity Exploration will manage all exploration work on the Company's large Holy Grail (59,608 Ha) and Knauss Creek (2,944 Ha) critical metals and gold exploration projects located near Terrace, British Columbia (B.C.) as well as any new B.C. projects the Company acquires.This partnership gives Prospect Ridge immediate access to a highly experienced exploration team, reducing overhead while ensuring top-tier execution across permitting, planning, geological targeting, and program execution.Founded in 1987, Equity Exploration has managed over 250 projects across every region of British Columbia. Their team of 30 geologists includes experts in structural geology, 3D modeling, project management, health and safety and permitting. Managing nearly 100,000 meters of drilling annually, they bring specialized porphyry expertise from working on B.C.'s top copper-gold deposits, advancing key insights into vein styles, alteration, geophysics, and metals enrichment critical to Prospect Ridge's exploration success.Mike Iverson, Chairman of the Board states: "Securing the services of Equity Exploration means that our exploration will be conducted to the highest standard by a full exploration team that Prospect Ridge can tap into as needed while keeping overhead low. Their team's reputation for excellence ensures that we're well-positioned for a successful field season and future growth." Len Brownlie, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, states: "Throughout my career in the exploration industry I have had many opportunities to engage Equity Exploration and I have always found them to provide first-rate, efficiently executed work programs. Their growth over the past 38 years is a testament to their well-deserved reputation for high quality exploration work. I have every confidence that they will unlock the full potential of the Company's Holy Grail and Knauss Creek projects. In addition, Prospect Ridge intends to leverage its strong balance sheet to acquire undervalued copper-gold porphyry targets in B.C. that can now be professionally explored through the expanded exploration capabilities provided by our partnership with Equity Exploration." Equity Exploration's President, Dr. Darcy Baker, states: "2025 will be an exciting year for Prospect Ridge and our team is anxious to support their exploration campaigns. Equity will be performing a detailed review of all prior exploration data to identify targets and ore deposit analogues. These targets will be interpreted with the latest technology and with our deep understanding of B.C's porphyry deposits and will be the focus of a field program that will begin once the alpine snow pack has melted. We are also looking forward to assisting Prospect Ridge with any new B.C. projects that they may acquire in the coming months".Contact InformationProspect Ridge Resources Corp.Mike Iverson - Chairman, DirectorEmail: mike@ miverson.ca About Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. is a British Columbia based exploration and development company focused on critical metals and gold exploration. Prospect Ridge's management and technical team collectively have over 100 years of experience in mineral exploration and believes the Knauss Creek and the Holy Grail properties have the potential to extend the boundaries of the Golden Triangle into this vastly under-explored region.Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This release includes certain statements and information ("FLI") that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. FLI relates to future events or future performance and reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company's management. Anything that is not historical fact is FLI. Generally, FLI can be, without limitation, identified by the use of forward-looking wording such as "plans", "intends", "believes", "expects", "anticipates" or "estimates", and statements or phrases that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "could", "should" or "would" occur, and similar expressions. FLI is not historical fact, is made as of the date of this news release and includes, without limitation, statements and discussions of future plans, intentions, expectations, estimates and forecasts, and statements as to management's intentions and expectations with respect to, among other things, positive exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects. FLI involves numerous risks and uncertainties, and are based on assumptions, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any FLI. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the availability of financing to continue exploration activities, the availability and cost of qualified exploration personnel and service providers, and that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will not be as anticipated. In making any FLI in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will be as anticipated. Although management has endeavored to evaluate and use reasonable assumptions and to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in FLI, these assumptions may prove incorrect and there may be other factors that cause results not to be as intended, expected, anticipated or estimated. There can be no assurance that FLI will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed in FLI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on FLI, and are further cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any FLI expressed or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.SOURCE: Prospect Ridge Resources Corp PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 01:40:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 611 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 In UnitedHealth To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their OptionsIf you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 in UnitedHealth between December 3, 2024 and May 12, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 /Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against UnitedHealth Group Incorporated ("UnitedHealth" or the "Company") (NYSE: UNH) and reminds investors of the July 7, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.[You may also click here for additional information]Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) UnitedHealth had, for years, engaged in a corporate strategy of denying health coverage in order to boost its profits, and ultimately, its share price; (2) this anti-consumer (and at times unlawful) strategy resulted in regulatory scrutiny (as well as public angst) against UnitedHealth, which ultimately resulted in the murder of Brian Thompson; (3) animus towards UnitedHealth was such that, subsequent to the murder of Mr. Thompson, many Americans openly celebrated his demise, expressed admiration for his accused killer, and/or otherwise demanded that UnitedHealth change its strategy even if they condemned Mr. Thompson's killing; (4) the foregoing regulatory and public outrage caused UnitedHealth to change its corporate practices; (5) notwithstanding the foregoing, UnitedHealth recklessly stuck with the guidance it issued the day before Thompson's murder, which was unrealistic considering the Company's changing corporate strategies; and (6) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.On April 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "UnitedHealth Shares Tumble After Earnings Fall Short Due to Medicare Issues." The article stated that UnitedHealth stock fell after "earnings fell short of Wall Street's expectations, and the healthcare company substantially downgraded its projected results for 2025, citing problems in its Medicare business." On this news, UnitedHealth's stock fell 22.3% on April 17, 2025.The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding UnitedHealth's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.To learn more about the UnitedHealth Group class action, go towww.faruqilaw.com/UNHor call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com) . Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 09:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 965 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 --Company to advance discovery and test adjacent targetsVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 /Star Copper Corp. (CSE:STCU)(OTC PINK:STCUF)(FWB:PP0) ("Star Copper" or the "Company") a Canadian resource sector exploration and development company is pleased to provide an overview of exploration and discovery expansion plans at its flagship asset, the Star Project, located in the heart of the industry recognized Golden Triangle' of British Columbia.Project OverviewThe Star Project spans 6,829 hectares and is 100% owned by Star Copper. The property is fully permitted under a Multi-Year Area-Based (MYAB) Notice of Work, enabling near-term and future exploration. Situated in a tier-one jurisdiction, the Star Project boasts over $10 million in historical exploration work, including geophysical and geochemical surveys, trenching, soil sampling, and more than 13,000 meters of drilling from 49 diamond drill holes, confirming the presence of a calc-alkalic porphyry copper-gold system.Darryl Jones, Star Copper's CEO, comments, "Having sat idle for years, the Star Project is one of Canada's best kept secrets. Given the massive historical data set, stellar drilling results, proven copper discovery and significant attractive analogous look-alike porphyries on the property, we are yet to identify another project throughout the entire region with as much potential as found at the Star Project. Our dedicated team is committed to defining the scope and scale of the existing discovery, in addition to making additional discoveries on the nearby look-alike showings." Previous Discovery: Star MainHistoric drilling at the Star Main zone has confirmed a robust mineralized system open in all directions, including at depth. The Star Project exhibits classic porphyry-style alteration and mineralization over a broad area. The Star Main target has a preserved supergene oxide zone at surface, which is confirmed by several high-grade intercepts (See Table 1 below). The surface oxidized zone above the primary sulphide mineralization is dominated by malachite and azurite with local native copper, chalcocite and tenorite.Mineralization was intersected in several holes enlarging the known high grade secondary material. Known mineralization has shown a steeply dipping pipe but the center or bornite zone has not been encountered. The Star Main target holds immense potential to grow laterally and at depth and the Company intends to test those in the proposed upcoming field program.Table 1 - Highlighted Drill Results - Star Main ZoneHole IDInterval (m)Cu (%)Au (g/t)Ag (g/t)S024312.160.370.240.69S0252690.420.1980.61S0262630.350.150.78S02772.00 (@504-576m)0.270.10.57S045641.120.5931.3S0493240.440.2190.74The long intercepts, shown above, demonstrate the continuity and scale of copper-gold mineralization within the Star Main zone. See detailed results at the Company's website.Figure 1 - Core Box SO45 1-2 12.62-18.20m azurite and malachite mineralization in supergene zone at surfaceHigh-Impact Discovery Targets: Star North & Star EastIn addition to the Star Main discovery, the Star North and Star East areas of mineralization exhibit all the same geological characteristics with large geochemical and geophysical signatures positioning the Company for a robust year of work ahead.Star NorthLocated approximately 1 kilometer northeast of Star Main, Star North is a large, undrilled porphyry target. It features a 500 x 700-meter-wide zone of strong IP chargeability, magnetic anomalies, and multi-element soil enrichment (Cu, Au, Ag, Mo, Zn, Pb). The geological setting closely mirrors that of Star Main, with similar structural features and alteration. Star North represents a rare, near-surface opportunity to uncover a new copper-gold system immediately adjacent to a known deposit.Star EastPositioned roughly 1 kilometer east-southeast of Star Main, Star East covers a 500 x 500-meter-wide anomaly defined by IP chargeability and multi-element soil geochemistry. Surface trenching has confirmed mineralization, yet the area remains entirely untested by drilling and is open in all directions. With geophysical and geochemical signatures consistent with Star Main, Star East is viewed as a top-tier drill-ready target with significant expansion potential.Strategic OutlookStar North and Star East are considered two of the most compelling greenfield discovery targets on the property. Their proximity to Star Main, coupled with strong technical signatures and a lack of historical drilling, presents a unique opportunity for significant new discoveries within one of Canada's most productive mining regions.Star Copper's exploration strategy is focused on:Expanding and deepening the existing Star Main zone.Testing high-potential targets across the Star North and Star East areas of interest.This multipronged approach is designed to unlock the broader district-scale potential of the Star Project and positions Star Copper as a leading copper-gold explorer in the Golden Triangle region.The Company anticipates mobilizing drilling equipment and crews to the Star Project in the coming days and looks forward to providing regular progress updates over the coming weeks ahead.Qualified PersonJeremy Hanson, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined under NI 43-101, is an advisor to the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release.About Star Copper Corp. (CSE:STCU)(OTC:STCUF)(FWB:PP0)Star Copper Corp. is a Canadian-based exploration and development company focused on advancing high-potential copper projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. With a commitment to sustainable development and value creation, Star Copper is positioned to support surging industrial demand to meet growing global electrification needs.For more information visit: www.starcopper.com and to sign up for free news alerts please go to https://starcopper.com/news/news-alerts/ , or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or LinkedIn. Please also refer to the Company's current technical report on the Star Project, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca On Behalf of the Board of Directors~Darryl Jones~Darryl JonesCEO, President & DirectorStar Copper Corp.Invictus Investor RelationsEmail: walter@ invictuir.com Tel: +1(604) 306-8477Web: https://starcopper.com/ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will%2 PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 15:16:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 920 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 With major debt eliminated, revenue-accretive acquisitions underway, and new AI tools in development, Tonner signals a transformative leap in its operational and shareholder value strategy.HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Tonner One World Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK:TONR) today announced a series of pivotal developments reflecting significant progress in the company's financial restructuring, acquisition strategy, and forward-looking business objectives.Tonner has successfully eliminated over $700,000 in toxic convertible debt due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on many of its legacy notes. This legal mechanism prevents creditors from pursuing claims on expired obligations, effectively removing them from the company's balance sheet. By leveraging this opportunity, Tonner has reduced a major source of potential dilution and confirmed that additional note retirements are forthcoming.Toxic convertible notes can be highly detrimental to shareholders, often triggering large volumes of discounted stock issuances that depress market value. Tonner's aggressive approach to resolving this debt showcases its commitment to protecting investor interests and building a stronger financial foundation.The company projects that total liabilities will drop below $400,000 within 30 days. Had the discharged notes been fully converted with penalties and interest, the resulting dilution could have exceeded $7 million. Avoiding this outcome enables Tonner to pursue growth with minimal impact to its share structure.As part of its expansion strategy, Tonner has signed an agreement to acquire Pro Marketing Leads, LLC ( www.promarketingleads.net) , a high-performing digital marketing firm that specializes in real-time data generation, targeted lead delivery, and conversion-optimized outreach. Founded by veteran marketer Brad Allen, the company has earned a strong reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality results to clients across multiple verticals, including insurance, financial services, and consumer products. Pro Marketing Leads operates with a scalable business model underpinned by proprietary technology and AI-enhanced targeting systems. The company maintains a high client retention rate and is known for its performance-driven culture. Currently generating over $1.3 million in annual revenue, the business is projected to reach $2.4 million in annualized revenue within one year based on expanding demand and proven customer acquisition systems. Based on current trends, the acquisition is projected to reach $2.4 million annually within one year.Tonner will also be executing agreements to acquire two additional companies that are implementing AI powered processes into their business model. These deals, expected to close within 30 days, will raise projected revenues to just under $2 million annually. All acquisitions will be completed using restricted common stock only, avoiding the use of company cash or debt.In parallel, Tonner is finalizing a licensing agreement with BioQuest Corp. (BQST) to develop AI-based tools tailored for publicly traded companies. BioQuest is a publicly traded company focused on innovation in the AI and fintech sectors, with a growing suite of technology offerings aimed at optimizing business operations and investor engagement. Under this licensing partnership, Tonner and BioQuest plan to co-develop branded AI solutions that address common communication, compliance, and marketing challenges faced by public issuers and other major enterprises. The agreement is expected to unlock recurring revenue opportunities for both companies while expanding their presence in the fast-growing AI services market. This partnership supports Tonner's goal to lead in AI-powered business solutions across marketing, compliance, and automation.Tonner is also exploring solutions to avoid a reverse stock split, aligning with its shareholder-first philosophy while positioning for future uplisting opportunities.In a notable show of support, co-founder and former consultant Trent Daniel has voluntarily forgiven $441,000 in convertible debt owed to him by the company, further improving Tonner's financial health.CEO Joanne Melton commented:"These recent developments represent a major turning point in Tonner's evolution. By eliminating debt, expanding through acquisitions, and preparing for an AI-driven future, we are laying the groundwork for long-term shareholder value. Our strategic plan is designed for growth, compliance, and smart capital execution." Tonner plans to continue targeting innovative, revenue-generating companies that align with its mission to accelerate AI adoption. The company is actively building a portfolio of high-impact, cash-flow-positive businesses positioned for long-term success.To update shareholders and introduce key partners, Tonner will host a conference call on May 29 at 2:00 PM Central Time. The event will feature Brad Allen, CEO of Pro Marketing Leads, along with executives from the two additional companies Tonner intends to acquire. Trent Daniel, CEO of BioQuest Corp., will also participate to discuss the upcoming AI licensing partnership.Tonner Growth HighlightsOver $700,000 in legacy debt eliminatedConvertible note risk reduced by $7M in potential dilutionThree revenue-generating acquisitions under contract$2M+ projected annual revenue post-closeCo-developing AI tools with BioQuest Corp. for public company applicationsExploring reverse split alternatives to protect shareholder valuePCAOB audit planning underway to support future OTCQB or uplisting eligibilityShareholder call scheduled May 29 to present growth plan and introduce new leadership. The event will feature Brad Allen, CEO of Pro Marketing Leads, along with executives from the two additional companies Tonner intends to acquire. Trent Daniel, CEO of BioQuest Corp., will also participate to discuss the upcoming AI licensing partnership.Tonner One World Holdings is a diversified growth-focused holding company dedicated to acquiring and scaling businesses that leverage advanced technologies to drive efficiency and innovation. With a strategic focus on AI-driven marketing, automation, digital commerce, and fintech services, Tonner is actively building a portfolio of high-performance brands positioned for long-term value creation. Through acquisitions, licensing partnerships, and transparent shareholder engagement, the company is executing a transformative growth strategy aligned with emerging market opportunities. focused on acquiring and scaling revenue-generating businesses in digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies. Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Tonner is building a portfoli PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 02:05:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1001 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Automation Is More Than a Trend - It's a Tool for GrowthLONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 / In a world where financial markets move at breakneck speed, where every millisecond counts and every decision could determine gain or loss, traders are seeking smarter, faster, and more strategic ways to manage their investments. That's whereEA Automaticcomes in-not just as a provider of automated bots, but as a partner in crafting trading strategies that work with you, not just for you.EA Automatic isn't your average plug-and-play trading bot. It's a comprehensive solution built on automation, experience, and real results, designed to bring structure to your capital, eliminate emotional and chaotic decision-making, and create a solid path toward long-term financial growth.A New Era of Trading: Personalized, Automated, and TransparentWhile many see trading automation as a buzzword or temporary trend, EA Automatic approaches it as a sustainable solution for modern investors. It's not about replacing humans with bots. It's about combining the precision and speed of technology with the wisdom of seasoned traders to create a truly strategic system.At EA Automatic, we offer customized trading strategies that align with your goals-whether you're seeking steady, monthly income or higher-risk, high-reward opportunities. Our systems are not generic templates; they're meticulously developed algorithms, fine-tuned based on over 2.5 years of in-depth research and live-market experience.Our automated trading assistants are built with AI-powered logic that continuously learns, adapts, and evolves-but we never leave the process entirely to the machine. Every strategy is reviewed and optimized by our in-house team of trading experts, ensuring that human judgment balances out algorithmic execution.It's Not Just a Bot - It's Your Trading PartnerWe understand that no two investors are the same. That's why EA Automatic never uses a one-size-fits-all approach. When you partner with us, we build your system around your risk tolerance, financial goals, and trading preferences. Whether you're a conservative investor looking to preserve capital or an aggressive trader seeking amplified returns, our platform offers a tailored path designed to match your profile.By integrating multiple trading algorithms, our system ensures diversification, an essential component for managing risk in volatile markets. Diversification doesn't just reduce exposure-it creates opportunities in multiple market conditions. EA Automatic operates across various instruments and timeframes, providing the flexibility needed in an ever-changing trading environment.Risk Management at the Core of Everything We DoLet's be clear-EA Automatic doesn't sell illusions. We're not here to promise overnight success or risk-free returns. What we offer is something more realistic and valuable: a logical, consistent, and transparent strategy that is tested, monitored, and backed by real performance data.Our systems are designed to eliminate emotional trading, which is often the Achilles' heel of manual traders. Instead, our bots stick to the plan, execute with precision, and follow rules based on proven methods. The result? Emotion-free trading that works round the clock, no matter what the market throws your way.And because our clients' success is our success, we provide continuous support and transparency, keeping you in the loop about performance, strategy updates, and market conditions. We empower our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions-not just once, but throughout their entire investment journey.Why Clients Choose EA AutomaticAt EA Automatic, clients choose us because we prioritize personalization, strategy, and real support over generic automation. Unlike many trading services that offer cookie-cutter solutions, we don't believe in "one bot fits all." Instead, we tailor each trading algorithm to the individual-factoring in your desired returns, risk tolerance, and unique trading style. This personalized approach ensures that your trading experience is designed around your goals, not someone else's.Our strategies also follow a portfolio-based model with built-in diversification. Rather than depending on a single algorithm, we typically combine two or more bots to reduce risk and increase account stability. This multi-strategy setup functions like having several pillars supporting your investment, making it stronger, more balanced, and more adaptable to market volatility.But what truly sets EA Automatic apart is the human connection. Every client is matched with a real trader-not a customer service rep or a sales agent, but an experienced professional who understands market dynamics and algorithmic strategy. Your dedicated trader will help you monitor system performance, make timely strategy adjustments, and simplify complex data so you're never left in the dark. We don't just automate your trading; we walk with you through every stage of the journey.With EA Automatic, you get more than just technology-you gain a trusted partner who's committed to helping you trade smarter and grow with confidence.Built to Perform, Engineered to GrowThe backbone of EA Automatic's success lies in years of dedicated development, an understanding of market behavior, and the realization that trading success is never achieved through shortcuts. Over the last 2.5 years, our developers and traders have rigorously tested, failed, refined, and eventually built a system that performs under pressure.We know that automation alone is not enough. That's why we've created an ecosystem that allows automation to thrive-supported by human expertise, real-time oversight, and a commitment to client success. It's a dynamic balance of technology and experience, and it's what sets EA Automatic apart.We're proud of the results we've achieved for our clients so far-and we're just getting started. Every day, our team works behind the scenes to improve, monitor, and adapt, so that your capital isn't just being managed-it's being strategically optimized.Join the Future of Trading - TodayIf you're tired of guessing, stressing, or losing momentum in the market, now is the time to make a change. EA Automatic is more than a bot-it's a smarter, clearer way to trade. Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned trader looking to streamline and scale, our solutions are designed to grow with you.Let us help you automate the chaos, structure your capital, and finally build the financial strategy you deserve. With EA Automatic, it's not just trading-it's trading with purpose.Simple. Transparent. Built to perform PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 18:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 380 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TUCSON, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / Criminal defense attorney Edward F. Cohn has achieved a rare distinction in the legal profession, earning recognition in three major national publications within the same year. USA Today, CEO Weekly, and MSN have all featured Cohn in prominent articles highlighting his exceptional work in criminal defense.USA Todayrecently named Cohn among its "Top Lawyers of 2025" in its March 18 feature article, which recognized legal professionals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to client advocacy. The publication praised Cohn's dedication to taking on challenging cases that other attorneys might avoid.CEO Weeklyfollowed with an in-depth profile titled "Edward F. Cohn's Approach to Criminal Defense and Client Advocacy," examining his unique methodology developed over 22 years of practice across three states. The article detailed Cohn's strategic preparation techniques and his background as a former musician.Completing the trifecta,MSNfeatured Cohn in its "Top 10 Lawyers of 2025" article, highlighting his AV Preeminent rating and expertise in protective order proceedings and constitutional law matters."These recognitions reflect the principles that have guided my practice for over two decades," says Cohn. "Every client deserves an attorney who will fight for them, especially when facing the overwhelming power of the state." Licensed in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Michigan, Cohn has built a reputation for handling approximately 150 cases annually, with documented success in achieving reduced charges or case dismissals that exceeds state averages by 23 percent.His distinctive background includes graduating cum laude from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he made the Dean's list every semester and served as Senior Associate Editor for the Law Review.Beyond his legal accomplishments, Cohn demonstrates civic responsibility through his nine years as a licensed foster care provider in Pima County alongside his wife Andrea.The triple recognition comes during a period when demand for experienced criminal defense representation has increased 12 percent over the past five years, according to data from the Arizona Courts Administrative Office.Cohn's practice continues to focus on criminal defense, protective orders, and constitutional law matters from his Tucson office, serving clients throughout Arizona with select cases in Massachusetts and Michigan.For more information about Edward F. Cohn's legal practice, visitwww.cohnjustice.com Contact InformationEdward CohnAttorney at Lawedwardfcohn@ gmail.com 520-333-3348SOURCE: Edward F. Cohn PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-20 16:25:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 814 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The American Antitrust Institute and Cohen Milstein announce outstanding contributions to antitrust scholarship.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / In recognition of his outstanding contribution to antitrust scholarship, the author listed below has been selected as recipient of the 23rd Annual Jerry S. Cohen Memorial Fund Writing Award:Daniel Francis, Assistant Professor of Law, NYU School of LawThe award will be presented during the gala luncheon at the American Antitrust Institute's 26th Annual Policy Conference on May 29, 2025 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.Professor Francis will be honored for his article:"Monopolizing by Conditioning," 124 Colum. L. Rev. 1917 (2024). Professor Francis demonstrates that conditional dealing should be recognized as its own, separate form of monopolistic conduct. For too long, courts have attempted to squeeze conditioning into ill-fitting categories in existing monopolization law, leading to poor results. In his article, Professor Francis provides a new analytical framework for evaluating conditional dealing, including a definition of conditioning, as well as standards for gauging its exclusionary impact, contribution to power, and procompetitive justifications. Also, he explains why courts' current criteria for evaluating claims based on conditional dealing should be jettisoned. Professor Francis' article meaningfully advances our understanding of the harms that arise from monopolists' conditional dealing, why the current legal regime has failed to confront those harms, and how to fix the problemProfessor Francis will receive a $12,500 prize and a specially commissioned and inscribed artwork by Lori Milstein, artist and daughter of Herb Milstein, co-founder of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC.In addition, this year's award selection committee conferred nine category awards recognizing numerous other outstanding contributions to antitrust scholarship in 2024:Best Antitrust Publication of 2024 on Burdens of Proof: Christopher R. Leslie, "False Analogies to Predatory Pricing," 172 U. Pa. L. Rev. 329 (2024)Best Antitrust Publication of 2024 on Healthcare: Zarek Brot, Zack Cooper, Stuart V. Craig and Lev Klarnet, "Is There Too Little Antitrust Enforcement in the Hospital Sector?," American Economic Review: Insights 6 (4): 526-42Best Antitrust Publication of 2024 on Merger Enforcement: Daniel Sokol & Sean Sullivan, "The Decline of Coordinated Effects Enforcement and How to Reverse It," 76 Fla. L. Rev. 265 (2024)Best Antitrust Publication of 2024 on Noncompete Agreements: Michael Lipsitz & Mark J. Tremblay, "Noncompete Agreements and the Welfare of Consumers," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 16 (4): 112-53Best Antitrust Publication of 2024 on Non-Price Effects: Christopher R. Leslie, "Pharmacy Deserts and Antitrust Law," 104 Boston L. Rev. 1593 (2024)Best Publication of 2024 on Antitrust and Intellectual Property: Christopher Buccafusco, Jonathan S. Masur, Mark P. McKenna, "Competition and Congestion in Trademark Law," 102 Tex. L. Rev. 437 (2024)Best Publication of 2024 on Antitrust Remedies: Ian Ayres, C. Scott Hemphill, Abraham L. Wickelgren, "Shorting Your Rivals: Negative Ownership as an Antitrust Remedy," 86 Antitrust L.J. 317 (2024)Best Publication of 2024 on Labor Antitrust: Eric Posner, "The New Labor Antitrust," 86 Antitrust L.J. 503 (2024)Best Antitrust Student Publication of 2024: Frank Schulze, "Old, Not Odd: Running Laches Against the States and the Future of Antitrust After New York v. Meta Platforms," 123 Mich. L. Rev. 111 (2024)This year's award selection committee consisted of Zachary Caplan, Shareholder at Berger Montague; Warren Grimes, Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School; John Kirkwood, Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law; Roger Noll, Professor Emeritus of Economics at Stanford University; Leslie Marx, Professor of Economics at Duke Fuqua School of Business; Robert Lande, Emeritus Professor of Law at University of Baltimore School of Law; Daniel H. Silverman, Partner at Cohen Milstein; and Daniel A. Small, Of Counsel at Cohen Milstein.About the AwardThe Jerry S. Cohen Memorial Fund Writing Award was created through a trust established in memory of Jerry S. Cohen, an outstanding trial lawyer and antitrust scholar. The award is administered by the law firm he founded, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC.The award honors the best antitrust writing published during the prior year that is consistent with the values that animated Jerry S. Cohen's professional life - a genuine concern for economic justice, the dispersal of economic power, effective limitations upon economic power, and the vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws.Press Contact:cohenmilstein@ berlinrosen.com About Cohen MilsteinCohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, a premier U.S. plaintiffs' law firm, with over 100 attorneys across eight offices, champions the causes of real people - workers, consumers, small business owners, investors, and whistleblowers - working to deliver corporate reforms and fair markets for the common good. For more information, visit www.cohenmilstein.com or call 202.408.4600.About the American Antitrust InstituteThe American Antitrust Institute (AAI) is an independent, nonprofit organization devoted to promoting competition that protects consumers, businesses, and society. AAI serves the public through research, education, and advocacy on the benefits of competition and the use of antitrust enforcement as a vital component of national and international competition policy. For more information, visit www.antitrustinstitute.org or call (202) 828-1226.SOURCE: Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC President Idriss Deby of Chad has awarded Benedict Oramah, president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), one of the countrys highest national honours in recognition of his support for the Chadian economy during a period of political and financial uncertainty. The Chadian president conferred on Mr Oramah the title of Commander in the National Order of Chad, a distinction reserved for individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to the nation. According to a press release by Afreximbank, the honour is overseen by the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation. The recognition follows Afreximbanks continued support for Chad at a time when other international lenders withdrew, notably during the countrys 2022 political transition. When other international lenders fled at the height of the unfortunate socio-political conflicts, Afreximbank stood firmly behind our country, continuing to push vital investments that now underpin the rapid socioeconomic recovery of our nation, President Deby said. In response, Mr Oramah said the award was not only a personal honour but also a symbol of Afreximbanks mission across Africa. 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 This honour is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the collective resolve of Afreximbank and its partners to transform Chads economy and empower its people, he said. While I am deeply humbled by this honour, it is a call to duty. Chad joined Afreximbank as a member state during the 36th African Union Summit. Since then, the bank has pledged support for key development projects in agriculture and livestock, two central pillars of Chads economy, as part of efforts to promote growth and diversification. Afreximbank reaffirmed its commitment to Chads development through targeted investments, trade financing, and institutional capacity-building, as it continues its broader mission of advancing sustainable economic transformation across the continent. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The federal government has launched a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Nigerias primary healthcare (PHC) system through the nationwide deployment of 774 Performance and Financial Management Officers (PFMOs)one in each local government area. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, said this marks a major step toward strengthening accountability, efficiency, and service delivery within the PHC system. Mr Aina said the landmark initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubus health transformation agenda and reflects a commitment to institutional reform at the grassroots level. He explained that the PFMOs would be instrumental in tracking performance data, supporting community outreach, and ensuring the transparent and effective use of funds allocated through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). A major gap is in the engagement of Nigerians to drive the accountability of the PHC system and so one of the reforms of the president is to build a cohort of young Nigerians who will drive accountability, he said. This is not just a policy; it is a transformational effort aimed at securing the future of healthcare in Nigeria, where young people not only participate but lead. Re-training health workers Mr Muyi noted that more than 60,700 health workers have been retrained under ongoing reforms, while PHC facilities are being revitalised with solar power, modern equipment, and upgraded infrastructure. He reiterated that the government is working very hard to increase resources for the PHC system through increased budgeting, investment in revitalising PHCs, through training and deployment of health workers. He also said that the involvement of traditional institutions reinforces grassroots collaboration in driving healthcare reforms. 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 remark, a Health Economist with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Francis Ukwuije, commended Nigerias commitment to ensuring value for money in health investments. Mr Ukwuije said the deployment of PFMOs is a commendable step, noting that there is a need to emphasise the importance of ethics and dignity in healthcare delivery. He further called for a strong learning agenda to ensure that lessons from the initiative are not only institutionalised in Nigeria but also shared globally. Impact on the Ground Participants at the launch event shared personal testimonies of how the presence of PFMOs is already making a difference in their communities. A facility manager from Niger State, Mohammed Gana, said the initiative is restoring public trust in the healthcare system. Mr Gana said For the first time, we have dedicated eyes and ears on the ground to ensure funds are spent where they matter most. With PFMO support, we now feel more confident managing our facilitys finances and can focus more on care delivery. Similarly, Farida Mohammed from Kogi State reported significant improvements in her local health centre. Ms Mohammed said We now have more drugs, the staff are more responsive, and theres always someone ensuring things are working properly. Before now, many of us struggled with budgeting and reporting. The PFMO training and support are bridging that gap and helping us better use the BHCPF funds. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A global network of journalists reporting on early childhood development in emergencies has called for urgent attention to the plight of millions of young children trapped in humanitarian crises worldwide. The group, known as the Reporters for Early Age Children in Humanitarian Crisis (REACH) Network, raised the concern in a communique released on 16 May after its second meeting hosted by the Moving Minds Alliance virtually. The REACH Network is a global movement of reporters dedicated to advocating improved care and support for young children and their caregivers in emergencies, displacement, and crises through their reporting. The communique, signed by the Co chair for REACH Network, Mojeed Alabi, highlighted that nearly two billion children across the world, aged zero to 14, are living in conditions that jeopardise their health, development, and rights. UNICEF has pointed out that for babies and young children in humanitarian settings, access to early childhood services can be a matter of life and death, the communique read in part. It is imperative that we act now to ensure early childhood rights are not curtailed. The communique spotlighted several countries, including India, Jordan, Uganda, Nigeria, and Cameroon. 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 Children and climate disasters in India According to the REACH Network, more than one-third of Indias population is under the age of 18, but the countrys vulnerability to extreme weather and disasters is undermining progress in early childhood (ECD) development. India witnessed three major cyclones in 2023 and four in 2024, and 37 cities recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius last year. These events left over 2.4 million children in need of assistance. Flood exposure in India worsens child malnutrition. Disasters also stand in the way of children receiving timely immunisations, the group noted. Studies also show the deep psychological impact on children in the aftermath of disasters. Beyond natural disasters, Indias children face barriers in education and health. The REACH Network said the climate crisis has also left women and children vulnerable to trafficking. Despite several state-level schemes, families continue to struggle to provide adequate nutrition for young children. There is an urgent need to mount the lens of intersectionality in order to turn the focus on early childhood interventions, the group recommended. A holistic early childhood policy would also mean adopting a gendered focus where young mothers are educated on the need Rising needs of Jordans children The REACH Network observed that Jordans children, who make up nearly 40 per cent of the population, face inequalities in accessing early childhood care and education. It said that less-privileged children have access to just five per cent of services, compared to 44 per cent for the privileged. Jordan relies on the private sector to provide early childhood care and education services, the group noted. Inadequate water services could undermine educational attainment by Jordanian youth, particularly girls. The country is also considered one of the most water-scarce in the world, a factor that affects nutrition and increases vulnerability to water-related diseases. Jordan hosts a large number of refugees, with children making up around half of this population. Out of 233,000 school-aged Syrian children in Jordan, about 84,000 remain out of school. Refugee children face difficulties in accessing education. The majority of registered Syrian refugees in Jordan live in poverty, with refugee children facing heightened vulnerability due to depleted family savings, unemployment, and heavy reliance on international aid, the statement read. The group recommended that to address the stark disparities in access to early childhood care and education, the Jordanian government should prioritise expanding publicly funded ECD programmes, particularly in underserved and refugee-dense communities. These include establishing more affordable and accessible childcare centres, training and certifying early childhood educators, and integrating ECD into national education planning. Situation in Uganda Uganda is home to nearly 46 million people, with children making up half of the population. While some progress has been recorded in child health, the country continues to struggle with challenges such as malnutrition, low school completion rates, and violence against children. According to the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, 26 per cent of children between six months and five years suffer from stunting and wasting due to malnutrition. The under-five mortality rate stands at 52 deaths per 1,000 live births. Access to education remains a concern, with only 41 per cent of children completing primary school, which is more pronounced in rural areas, where resources are limited. Children in Uganda also face heightened risks of child labour, early marriage, and sexual abuse. The communique also noted that 34 per cent of women aged 20 to 24 are getting married below the age of 18. Over half of young children lived in multidimensional poverty, deprived in at least two key areas of their rights, and around one in four lived in extreme poverty. Nigerias mounting challenges The communique described the state of children in Nigeria as deeply troubling. Citing the 2024 Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents, published by the Nigerian government in partnership with UNICEF, REACH noted that nearly half of Nigerias estimated 210 million people are children, around 105 million. Out of these, 2.1 million children are unvaccinated, 10.2 million children of primary school age, and 8.1 million of secondary school age are currently out of school. The country also records 41 newborn deaths per 1,000 live births, with maternal mortality at 1,047 per 100,000 births. The situation may have been further exacerbated by the renewed terrorist attacks, banditry, and violence across the northern part of the country, and indeed, across many of the nations 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the group noted. While acknowledging some gains made before the COVID-19 pandemic, including improvements in school enrollment, antenatal care, and exclusive breastfeeding, the communique warned that such progress has been reversed by insecurity and climate crisis. Crisis In Cameroon In Cameroon, the group said children are experiencing undue hardships following three overlapping humanitarian crises. The Anglophone crisis, the Boko Haram insurgency, and an influx of refugees from the Central African Republic have disrupted access to education, healthcare, and safety. In the English-speaking North West and South West regions, armed separatist groups continue to target educational institutions, learners and teachers, leading to widespread school closures, the communique stated. READ ALSO: FG deploys 774 officers to boost accountability in PHC system About 25 per cent of children between the ages of three and 17 are still unable to go to school in the conflict-ridden regions, according to the Cameroon Education Cluster. The violence has also resulted in significant displacement, with nearly half a million people, including women and children, forced from their homes. Call for urgent action The REACH Network stressed that without deliberate and immediate efforts to strengthen early childhood care in crisis contexts, the long-term consequences on global development could be severe. In India, Jordan, Nigeria, Uganda, and Cameroon, specific policies and investments are needed to break the cycle of deprivation and provide hope for children growing up in the most difficult circumstances. Babies and young children need urgent attention and care under these unprecedented circumstances, the group added. We must act now to save childhood rights. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the remand of five individuals, including a bank manager and a nursing mother, for allegedly hacking into the server of Premium Trust Bank. The defendants are Matthew Damilola, the banks E-Payment Service Manager; Kehinde Odeyemi (a mother of a four-month-old baby); Samson Dakup, Bolaji Yinka, and Sunday Okunnola. Judge Alexander Owoeye ordered their detention following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on six counts of conspiracy, cybercrime, and unlawful access to the banks database. EFCCs lawyer, Zeenat Atiku, alleged that the defendants conspired with three others Humble, Isa Ismaila, and Victor Oracle Ilemona who are currently at large, to commit the offences. The prosecution accused the defendants of committing the offences between April and May 2025, contravening sections 12(1)(b), 27, 28(1)(b)(c), and 28(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), and are punishable under Section 28(2) of the same law. According to the anti-graft agency, Mr Damilola, the e-payment manager, unlawfully disclosed sensitive credentials, including the banks server IP and domain details, which enabled unauthorised access to Premium Trust Banks database. The data breach allegedly resulted in financial gains of $10,000. 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 Ms Atiku further alleged that the co-defendants attempted to intercept the banks network and procured a Hewlett-Packard ProBook 440 G9 laptop (Serial No. SN#5CD2473N6G) configured to bypass the banks security systems. All five defendants pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and sought an order to remand the defendants in custody. ALSO READ: EEFC arraigns Ecobank staffer for alleged cybercrime The court declined oral bail applications made by the defence and directed that formal bail applications be filed instead. It ordered the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The judge added that the defence may apply for an earlier trial date upon filing their bail applications. He adjourned till 30 June for trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5 of Ose Local Government Area, Nelson Adepoyigi, was killed by kidnappers in the presence of other captives, an official has said. The eyewitness account said he was killed. The two people who were released confirmed that it was in their presence that he was killed, Ose LGA chairman Clement Ojo told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. Security agencies and local vigilante groups in Ose are now searching for his corpse. Mr Adepoyigi was reportedly killed on Thursday, after ransom and food items were collected by his captors. PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Adepoyigi was the chairman of the APC in Ward 5 of Ose LGA. He was abducted at his residence located along Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose local government, on 12 May. Kidnapping for ransom is common in Ose as well as in many other parts of Nigeria. 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 After negotiations between the kidnappers and Mr Adepoyigis family, the kidnappers reduced their N100 million demand to N5 million cash. They also demanded some groceries. However, two people in the community who volunteered to take the ransom to the kidnappers were abducted at the point of delivery, bringing the kidnapped victims to three. The kidnappers then made a fresh demand of N30 million to free the three captives, only for them to free the last two captives after reportedly killing the APC chairperson. Search for Corpse Although the police in Ondo State said they can not confirm the death of Mr Adepoyigi because his corpse has not been found, the two freed captives reported he was shot in their presence. His body has not been found. We are searching the assumed locations but we have not found him, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said. He said the police, in collaboration with other security groups, are after the perpetrators, and assured that they would be found and brought to justice. However, Mr Ojo, the council chairman, noted that the eyewitness account given by the two freed persons was enough to confirm his death. The eyewitness account said he was killed. The two people who were released confirmed that it was in their presence that he was killed, Mr Ojo said. Since there is an eyewitness account, it is not a cock-and-bull story; an eyewitness account is prima facie evidence of an event happening. Two people were there. They witnessed it. They told the story of what led to it and how the action was carried out. If he had not been killed, he would have come out with the others. The other two said they thought they too would be killed, but were surprised that they were released alive. The council boss said the search for the corpse was ongoing in collaboration with security agencies, adding, We want to find the corpse so we can give him a befitting burial. Payment of Ransom Mr Ojo said a ransom of N3.62 million was paid in two tranches, contrary to reports that they paid N5 million. He said Mr Adepoyigi had been killed before the second tranche was paid, which also came with a lot of food items and beverages. According to him, they thought they could appease the kidnappers by buying foodstuffs, but they were wrong. He said further investigations by security agencies would reveal why the kidnappers killed the politician despite the payment of ransom. Meanwhile, the authorities in Ose LGA have declared a three-day mourning period in honour of Mr Adepoyigi. Mr Ojo said that the three-day mourning period in honour of the party leader is scheduled to run from 19 to 21 May. READ ALSO: LP House of Reps member defects to APC in Enugu He said all flags within government premises in the local council are to be flown at half-mast to reflect the collective grief of the people. Slain APC leaders Mr Adepoyigis death brings the number of APC leaders killed by kidnappers in the last few months to two. PREMIUM TIMES reported how kidnappers in Abuja killed Rauf Adeniji, the director of administration at the APC headquarters. Mr Adeniji was kidnapped on 26 January along with his cousin, Akinropo Adesiyan, and his wife, Esther Adesiyan. The APC leader and his wife were killed by the kidnappers, and their deaths were only made public in April when some kidnap victims were freed. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigers withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) became official in January. A month earlier, ECOWAS decided on a six-month grace period to define the terms of separation and a framework for engagement. But nearly four months on, negotiations have not begun. ECOWAS is currently focused on two other milestones: its 50th anniversary celebrations and the upcoming Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa. The regional organisation remains hopeful that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger making up the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) will reconsider their departure. On the sidelines of the April ECOWAS Council of Ministers Extraordinary Session in Accra, Ghana launched a new mediation initiative aimed at reintegrating the three states. But this seems unlikely in the short term. Beyond ECOWAS missteps in handling military coups, the three military regimes have adopted domestic narratives opposing both ECOWAS and the West. Meanwhile, ECOWAS cannot readmit these countries without bending its principles on democracy and governance. The juntas have rejected any compromises on their transition timelines the main political gain from their immediate effect withdrawal. Burkina Faso and Niger have embarked on five-year transitions, and Mali seems set to follow suit, despite internal political risks. Nonetheless, economic integration remains a shared interest. In the short term, the free movement of goods, people and capital will continue between AES members and countries such as Benin, Togo, Senegal, Cote dIvoire and Guinea-Bissau. These eight countries are members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), whose treaty guarantees these principles. 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 So future negotiations will focus on the remaining seven ECOWAS countries: Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. A potential bargaining tool is the AES new 0.5 per cent customs duty exempting WAEMU member states. It is especially relevant to Nigeria and to a lesser extent, Ghana, given their trade influence. Meanwhile, the withdrawal has created administrative and financial challenges. In February it was reported that ECOWAS had dismissed 135 employees hailing from AES countries, but is now considering a phased separation to mitigate staffing shortages. Also unresolved are the withdrawing states statutory financial contributions to ECOWAS and the costs of projects that the bloc continued implementing in their territories between their January 2024 withdrawal announcement and exit in January 2025. ECOWAS regulations stipulate that they should have maintained their financial commitments during this time. The split also complicates the financing and repayment of numerous cross-border infrastructure projects spanning the ECOWAS and AES zones. These include regional corridors funded by donor consortia including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. This could lead to complex and lengthy negotiations. Yet, the evolving regional landscape may facilitate progress. Among ECOWAS countries, the once-unified hardline stance has softened. Senegals new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has introduced a more pragmatic approach towards the AES countries. Nigeria has moderated its position towards Niger, dispatching its foreign minister to Niamey in April. Benins President Patrice Talon has acknowledged errors in handling the Nigerien coup, while Cote dIvoires Alassane Ouattara eyeing a fourth term has toned down his rhetoric. In Guinea-Bissau, President Umaro Embalo expelled a joint ECOWAS-United Nations mission seeking political consensus ahead of the countrys November 2025 elections, further weakening ECOWAS stance on governance. The most pivotal shift occurred in Ghana, where President John Mahama was elected in December 2024. Mr Mahama swiftly re-engaged with the AES countries, reshaping Ghanas regional diplomacy. These political shifts diminish ECOWAS ability to present a unified front. At its April session, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers stressed the need to adopt a collective approach to negotiations as a regional bloc. On this point, the AES seems better prepared. In January, its members harmonised their positions on the withdrawal process and adopted a joint negotiation strategy. The new configuration among ECOWAS members has rebalanced the political power dynamic, creating a window for dialogue. Nevertheless, the prospect of a comprehensive ECOWAS-AES framework spanning economic and security domains remains remote in the short term. Should formal talks falter, the prevailing political momentum may nonetheless yield a new regional compromise grounded in realpolitik. Mr Mahama referred to the AES as an irreversible reality during his January diplomatic tour of the Sahel. His appointment of a former military officer with counter-terrorism expertise as Special Envoy to the AES reflects Ghanas interest in fostering security cooperation. The move also enhances the competition between Ghana and Togo for AES business. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are landlocked and need access to these two countries ports for trade. Similarly, Togos overtures towards the AES appear motivated by commercial interest and political preservation, as the relationship could discourage ECOWAS from scrutinising Togos domestic affairs. A similar realism underpinned Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggars visit to Niamey. The engagement was a step towards normalising his countrys relationship with Niger, driven by shared strategic, trade and security interests. In February, Senegal and Mali launched joint counter-terrorism patrols in the Kayes region following a visit by Senegals defence minister to Bamako. In May, Togo participated in joint military exercises with AES members and Chad. Without an institutional security cooperation agreement, this model of ad hoc bilateral cooperation between neighbouring states seems a pragmatic response to urgent transnational security needs. Cote dIvoire is willing to cooperate with Burkina Faso in border areas, and Benin blamed a lack of cooperation with Sahelian neighbours for January and Aprils deadly terror attacks implicitly signalling its readiness to collaborate. In both cases, diplomatic mediation is necessary, and given its renewed ties with the AES, Ghana could lead this initiative. The Conseil de lEntente comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Niger, Togo (and Mali as an observer) and could also serve as an informal cooperation framework. It has a low political profile, could host sensitive discussions and provide a parallel framework on security issues. In July, Nigeria hands over the ECOWAS rotating presidency. Ghana and Senegal both adopting more moderate and constructive positions on the AES states could lead the organisation during the negotiation phase and drive political momentum for deeper reforms. Djiby Sow, Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Prominent Igbo leaders, including the governors of the five South-east states, are planning a summit to declare support for President Bola Tinubus re-election in 2027, an official has said. Nigerias Minister of Works Dave Umahi said this in an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubus second anniversary, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga wrote in a statement on Tuesday. All the governors in the South-east, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the president. Were even planning a summit to bring together all South-east leaders to endorse the president for the 2027 elections formally, Mr Umahi, the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, said. Tinubus second term ambition Mr Tinubu has yet to formally declare his intention to run for a second term, but is expected to do so. His first term would be concluded by 29 May 2027 with another general election expected earlier that same year. The president narrowly won the 2023 presidential election, winning in only 12 of Nigerias 36 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 Mr Tinubu lost in all five South-east states Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia scoring less than 10 per cent of the total votes cast in the region. Of the five states, two Imo and Ebonyi are officially governed by the APC, while the other three Abia (Labour Party), Enugu (PDP) and Anambra (APGA) are governed by three different political parties. Mr Umahi, however, claimed that all five governors are working for the president. While Mr Tinubu lost in all five South-east states in 2023, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi won in all of them, scoring over 75 per cent of the total votes cast in the region. Additionally, the APC has yet to enjoy huge followership in the South-east. Why Peter Obi should support Tinubu in 2027 Umahi In his interview, Mr Umahi urged Mr Obi to drop his presidential ambition and support Mr Tinubus re-election bid. The minister argued that leadership is not about self, stressing that Mr Obi should support Mr Tinubu because the president was already carrying out projects that Mr Obi would have done for the region if he had emerged president in 2023. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He (Obi) must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South-east is happy with the president, he said. Tinubu has made progress in fighting marginalisation of the South-east The Igbo-speaking people of the South-east have often complained that they were being marginalised in the Nigerian project especially with regards to infrastructural developments and federal appointments. But Mr Umahi claimed that Mr Tinubus administration had made significant progress in addressing the long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments in the region. The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing. Today, the South-east has a minister of works for the first time, and were seeing real projects Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore, he said. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned one Solomon Stephen Ufayo, a staffer of Ecobank Plc, on a one-count charge of cybercrime to the tune of N2,404,000 (Two Million Four Hundred and Four Thousand Naira). The suspect was brought before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday, 16 May. The count reads: That you, Solomon Stephen Ufayo, between the 10th to the 28th day of March, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while working for Ecobank Nigeria Limited as a Relief Teller, fraudulently represented yourself as Ogunfodunrin Omowunmi Ajoke, by posting false deposit and withdrawal tellers on her Ecobank account number 2801086259, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention etc)Act, 2015 and punishable by Section 22(2)(b) of the same Act. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid L.Tukur, called on David Gajere, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case. Mr Gajere told the court that Mr Ufayo, who is a relief teller with the Ecobank, fraudulently represented himself as one Miss Omowunmi Ajoke, a customer of the Bank, by posting false deposits into her Ecobank account and moving the total sum of N2, 404,000, which he filled out in withdrawal deposit slips without her consent and paid the same into his own Opay account. 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 further informed the court that the defendant provided an extra-judicial statement and also issued a bank draft for N2,404,000 as restitution to the petitioner. He identified the defendants extra-judicial statement, copies of the Ecobank deposit slips, the certified true copy of the bank draft for the restitution to the tune of N2,404,000. The prosecution counsel then tendered in evidence the documents, which were admitted and marked as exhibits by the court. The judge adjourned the case till 6 June 6 for judgment and ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The pioneer Professor of Insurance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Tajudeen Yusuf, will deliver his inaugural lecture on Wednesday, focusing on the ethical and practical dimensions of Takaful, an Islamic alternative to conventional insurance. Mr Yusufs inaugural lecture is titled Risk, Ethics and the Road Less Taken: Navigating the Journey from Insurance to Takaful. In a summary note of his presentation shared with this newspaper, Mr Yusuf examines how conventional and sharia-based Takaful models handle risk and ethics. He highlighted significant considerations for individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers. While traditional insurance systems typically operate on the basis of risk transfer and interest-based transactions, Takaful, based on the principle of non-interest Islamic banking, is rooted in mutual cooperation and risk-sharing. Mr Yusuf explained that the two versions of insurance policies influence how each model responds to modern risks such as climate change, cyber threats, pandemics and global economic instability. 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 the Islamic model, Takaful, is designed to avoid excessive uncertainty. The future of Takaful The university lecturer argues that the Takaful framework, though still developing, presents a viable and ethically sound tool for managing such uncertainties. He said regulatory ambiguity, limited product standardisation, and low public awareness have affected the wider adoption of Takaful. Despite these constraints, he said the outlook for Takaful in Nigeria appears increasingly positive as Nigerias insurance authority recently revealed that while Takaful currently accounts for just one to two per cent of the national insurance market, it has recorded an impressive average annual growth rate of over 34 per cent in contributions over the past four years. He said the promising outlook for Nigerias Takaful market is reflective of a positive global forecast where Research and Markets, a global firm that provides market insights, estimated 124 per cent growth in nine years from $33 billion in 2023 to $74 billion by 2032. Research focus Mr Yusuf said the research work introduces a structured comparison of risk management approaches in Takaful and conventional insurance, adding it provides clarity on their operational and ethical distinctions. By integrating contemporary issues such as climate and cyber risks, the study extends existing knowledge on ethical finance within an Islamic context, he said. The findings also offer a foundation for further studies on the evolution of Islamic finance in response to global economic uncertainties. He said the study offers clear guidance for policy makers and financial service providers seeking to develop ethical insurance products that cater to diverse risk environments, and provide practical applications that can help businesses adopt Shariah-compliant insurance mechanisms to mitigate financial uncertainties ethically. He stressed that by bridging theoretical insight with actionable recommendations, the study reinforces the relevance of Takaful in todays rapidly evolving financial and risk landscape. He added that this positions the model not only as a faith-based alternative but as a sustainable and adaptable mechanism for inclusive economic resilience. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The leadership of the Julius Abure-faction of Labour Party has threatened to expel a member of the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, and initiate a recall process against him. The partys National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, accused Mr Ogene of poor performance as a lawmaker elected under the platform of Labour Party. Mr Ifoh also called on the police to immediately invite and interrogate him to disclose the source of the document he purportedly obtained from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. He claimed that Mr Ogene had attempted to cyber-bully the attorney-general, the police and the leadership of the party in what, he said, was clearly a political matter. Mr Ifoh said that the document purportedly in possession of Mr Ogene was a classified one which was not meant to be within his reach or in the public domain. A classified document, which should be with the I-GP or the minister of justice cannot be in Ogenes possession. 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 is expected to contribute in making laws in the National Assembly. How come he is now privy to classified documents from the IGP and AGFs office? If, therefore, any of such documents is in existence, IGP should interrogate him. He has been suspended from the party for his incapability to lead the party caucus in NASS (National Assembly), he said. Mr Ifoh said that it was because of Mr Ogenes suspension that he had resorted to fighting dirty. He and his sponsors had expected that by now, Abures leadership would have been terminated but they were surprised at the Supreme Court ruling, which put paid to their evil intentions, he said. The national publicity secretary said that if the lawmaker continued in this trajectory, the party would have no choice but to expel him from the party. We will also institute his recall from his constituency because he is a disservice to the people of his constituency, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the deteriorating security situation. It also urged him to donate N1.2 billion, which he allegedly receives as a security vote monthly, to stem the tide. PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo, said this in a statement on Monday, in Akure, the state capital. The opposition partys criticism comes days after kidnappers reported abducted and killed Nelson Adepoyigi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ifon, Ose LGA of the State. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Adepoyigi was recently kidnapped and killed despite the payment of N5 million to his abductors. The development has also sparked responses from the police and the state security outfit, Amotekun, with several arrests made of kidnappers in the forests. 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 Igbabo expressed concern about the unabated insecurity in Ondo State. He urged Mr Aiyedatiwa to be compassionate about the welfare and security of lives and property of the indigenes and residents, which he swore to protect. The party argued that it would be cruel and lazy for the governor and his administration to assume that the general insecurity being experienced in the whole country was the cause of the escalating insecurity in Ondo State and thus expect the federal government to come and fight kidnappers and bandits in the state. We hold very tenaciously that human life is inviolable and that its sanctity and dignity to live such a life without being unduly cut short remains the chief duties of the government. We posit therefore that if proactive steps are deliberately taken by the Ondo State Government, like a stitch in time that saves nine, these banditries and kidnappings can be completely eradicated before they grow to become hydra-headed, the statement read. Our party expresses strong confidence in the professional expertise, training and capacity of the security personnel in Ondo State who have indeed made tremendous feats in busting crimes, smoking criminals out of their hideouts and effecting their arrests after diligent and discreet investigations even when they are not at the scenes of such crimes when they were being perpetrated. We believe very fervently that if these security operatives are given the right equipment needed to address and arrest these ugly trends, the right frame of mind and genuine motivation through constant attention to their welfare, payment of their salaries and allowances as at when due, they would surely deliver on the mandate to end the growing menace in the State, earlier than envisaged. Assuming without conceding that the N1.2b monthly security vote belongs solely and entirely to the governor and his family, would it not be godly of a public-spirited leader to exhibit affection, compassion, empathy and sympathy towards the people he claims to be governing and thus, make available, without any prompting, the monthly security vote in the overall security interest of the populace? After all, the said monthly security vote is removed from the same taxpayers treasury. The PDP spokesperson also challenged Mr Aiyedatiwa to publicly disclose the expenditure of the huge security votes that are being withdrawn monthly. He said the party can no longer pretend that all is well in Ondo State or rely on the usual rhetoric of government-is-on-the-top-of-the-situation empty narratives, even when bandits and kidnappers strike almost immediately after such empty boasts. He noted that the kidnapping and subsequent gruesome murder of Mr Adepoyigi has exposed the vulnerability of the members of the ruling party, like any other citizens, to avoidable tortures and ignominious deaths. The party said it was time for the people and the state government to act before the situation becomes intractable. However, in his reaction, the governors Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said it was irresponsible for the PDP to say that security was worsening in Ondo State. He admitted that there were pockets of incidents but noted that the general security outlook in the state has improved in the last two months. In the past few days, the Amotekun has arrested suspected kidnappers, same as the police and even local hunters are securing their environs, especially in Owo, Mr Adeniyan said. There is a joint patrol funded by the government that works day and night, and more security posts have been created in flash points. Forest guards are now being recruited. These are what the security vote is meant for. A security vote is not personal money that can be donated somewhere. Those ignorant of how the government works should stop raising unnecessary issues to gain attention. Let the party mention one PDP State in Nigeria where there are no security challenges. The PDP in Ondo State should stop politicising the security issue in their desperate bid to gain attention. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations (UN) says it has been forced to cut spending, freeze hiring and scale back some services as the global organisation faces a worsening cash crisis. Member States, on Monday, urged members to pay up, warning that the deepening financial crisis threatened the world bodys ability to carry out vital work. The General Assemblys Fifth Committee met throughout Monday to discuss the multilateral organisations financial health. With a growing shortfall in contributions, member states owed $2.4 billion in unpaid regular budget dues and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping. Officials warned that the non-payment of contributions risked eroding the UNs credibility and its capacity to fulfil mandates entrusted to it by member states. Switzerlands delegate, speaking also on behalf of Liechtenstein, said, Each delay in payment, each hiring freeze, each cancelled service chips away at trust in our ability to deliver. 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 One proposed solution was to allow the UN to temporarily keep unspent funds at years end, instead of returning them to member states as credits. Currently, this return is mandatory, even if the funds arrive late in the year, giving the UN little time to spend them. The suggested change would be expected to act as a buffer to keep operations running, particularly in January when payments tend to lag. Delegates also backed limited use of special commitments, which is an emergency funding tool, early in the year to bridge gaps caused by delayed contributions. While these fixes might help, several speakers, including delegates from Kazakhstan, Norway and the United Kingdom, emphasised that the root cause was the continued late or non-payment of dues. Norway noted that such temporary measures would not solve the underlying problem and urged member states to support bold financial reforms. The European Union stressed that the crisis was not abstract, adding they were real operational risks and the burden could not fall solely on countries that paid on time. Singapore, speaking for the Southeast Asian group of nations, ASEAN, echoed concerns that the UNs liquidity problems had become routine. It cited the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifics (ESCAP) need to shut its offices for three months and suspend travel and hiring. Particularly troubling to many delegates was the fact that one country, unnamed in the meeting but widely known to be the US, was responsible for over half of all unpaid dues. The US under President Donald Trump, is reportedly withholding the funds due to the UN for political reasons. Russia called for more transparency in how the UN managed cash-saving measures, cautioning against actions taken without member states input. Catherine Pollard, the UNs top management official, noted that since 9 May, a handful of countries had paid in full across several budget categories, while the number of nations who had paid in full for the regular budget stood at 106 for the year. As of 19 May, the UN records showed only 61 countries had met all their UNs obligations in full. The message from member states on Monday clearly states that without broad, timely financial support, the UNs ability to serve the world, especially in times of crisis, is at serious risk. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lamented the financial situation last week while briefing Member States in New York. Mr Guterrres pushed for wide-ranging structural reforms to cut costs and enhance the world bodys effectiveness. According to information provided by the UN Controller to the General Assemblys Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), only $1.8 billion had been received against the $3.5 billion regular budget assessments for 2025. This amounted to a shortfall of around 50 per cent. As of 30 April, unpaid assessments stood at $2.4 billion, with the United States owing about $1.5 billion, China ($597 million), Russia ($72 million), Saudi Arabia ($42 million), Mexico ($38 million), and Venezuela ($38 million). An additional $137 million was yet to be paid by other Member States. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Speaking on Monday, at the high-level opening of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mr Ghebreyesus said the organisation is taking measures to curtail spending in key areas, including travel, procurement, recruitment, and early retirement. He noted that this is necessary to protect the organisations financial health. We are facing a salary gap for the next biennium of more than $500 million, he said. The Secretariat has taken a range of measures to curtail costs in travel, procurement, recruitment, early retirement and more. These measures have helped to narrow the gap, but still, there is no alternative but to reduce the size of our workforce. The World Health Assembly is WHOs highest decision-making body and is attended by delegates from all member states. This years assembly is themed One World for Health. Budget increase Mr Ghebreyesus noted that while the first phase of a previously approved budget increase helped avoid a deeper financial crisis, saving the organisation around $300 million, it is still insufficient to close the funding gap. 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 This week, I ask you to approve the next increase, to make another step towards securing the long-term financial sustainability and independence of your WHO, he said. Already, the first increase has made a huge difference. If it had not happened, our current financial situation would be much worse $300 million worse. He explained that the organisation is carefully reducing its workforce to protect the quality of its work and position it to emerge stronger and more independent. We are doing this reduction carefully, to protect the quality of our work, and ensure that we are positioned to emerge from this crisis stronger, more empowered and more independent. As you know, we have been engaging in a major structural realignment, guided by an in-depth analysis of priorities, deliberate and conscious, he emphasised. Reduction of the management team The WHO boss noted that the prioritisation exercise has informed the development of a new streamlined structure for headquarters, which reduces the executive management team from 14 to seven, and the number of departments from 76 to 34. Some Member States called the new structure lean and mean. I think its more focused, and it could be more impactful as well. Last week, I announced our new executive management team, and in the coming weeks, we will decide which directors will lead which departments, he said. This was an extremely difficult decision for me, as it is for every manager in our organisation who is having to decide who stays, and who goes. He acknowledged the emotional and professional toll of the restructuring decisions on managers and thanked the outgoing executive management team members. Lets be clear: a reduced workforce means a reduced scope of work. The Organisation simply cannot do everything Member States have asked it to do with the resources available, he warned. Mr Ghebreyesus said the WHO is now proposing a reduced programme budget of $4.2 billion for the 2026 to 2027 biennium, a 21 per cent cut from the original $5.3 billion budget proposal. Assuming you approve the increase in assessed contributions, and thanks to the Investment Round, we are confident that we have already secured more than $2.6 billion, or 60 per cent of the funding for the next biennium, he said. That leaves an anticipated budget gap of more than $1.7 billion. We know that in the current landscape, mobilising that sum will be a challenge. Human rights lawyer Tope Temokun has requested the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, to immediately release three protesters detained in connection with a land dispute in Ikoya in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state. The letter dated 19 May was received by the Attorney Generals office on Monday. The detainees are Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, who were arrested after protesting the state governments reported renewal of a lease agreement with Okitipupa Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC). The OOPC is a state government corporation. The three detained protesters are part of various communities protesting against the companys continued presence on their ancestral land. They claimed that OOPC has no legitimate claim to operate on the land without a valid agreement with the community, citing a 1988 Supreme Court ruling affirming that the company must either enter a proper agreement or vacate the land. In January, the indigenes of Okitipupa, Irele, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, under the banner of the Ikale Supreme Civil Right Council (ISCRC) addressed a press conference in Akure. 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 group condemned OOPC for exploiting their land for over 70 years without honouring agreements or delivering social benefits. They described decades of misery despite the company generating billions of naira in revenue. Mr Adelokiki, who spoke for the group before his incarceration, said their reclamation of the land follows legal advice based on amendments to the Land Use Act empowering landowners to repossess land when tenants breach agreements. He accused OOPC of failing to meet its obligations while profiting substantially. Our forefathers signed an agreement in 1954, releasing about 50,000 hectares of land for oil palm cultivation. But the company has not fulfilled its responsibilities, and operations have ceased for 35 years, leaving our communities deprived of development and basic amenities, Mr Adelokiki said. He added that the communities had petitioned relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged misappropriation of N10.7 billion generated by the company between 2021 and 2024. The group has also set up a transition committee to manage the land and plans to create employment opportunities soon. Claims dismissed In response, OOPC Managing Director Taiwo Adewole dismissed the claims as baseless propaganda. He said the company maintains good relations with legitimate landowners through agreements specific to each host community and has ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company is not in dispute with any of its landowners. Any claim of indebtedness should be brought forward for prompt resolution, Mr Adewole said. He urged communities to recognise the longstanding cooperative relationship. Arrest violates rights to freedom of expression Mr Temokun described the protest by the association as peaceful. He explained that the arrest of the leaders of the group was an unconstitutional violation of the protesters rights to freedom of expression and assembly under Sections 39 and 40 of Nigerias 1999 Constitution as amended. He warned that the state governments actions risk appearing to side with corporate interests against local communities. He urged Mr Ajulo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to uphold justice and constitutional rights of residents of the state. He emphasised that how the case is handled will reflect on the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwas commitment to the rule of law. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France and Canada of offering Hamas a huge prize after they called for an end to intensified military operations in Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier condemned the Israeli governments egregious escalation in Gaza, warning of concrete actions unless Netanyahu changes course. But the Israeli prime minister said his country would press on for total victory over Hamas. In a joint statement, Messrs Starmer, Macron and Carney said: If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the heinous attack on 7 October 2023. We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism, the three leaders said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later But this escalation is wholly disproportionate. Mr Netanyahu hit back, saying: By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. He added: The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly wont. This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved. The UNs humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israels blockade was lifted, but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. Our expectations for todays crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant, he warned. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says 56 per cent of IT projects in Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) failed, urging strict compliance with IT project clearance guidelines. The guidelines are meant to ensure a coordinated, standardised and orderly approach to the deployment of Information Technology (IT) systems by Public Institutions (PIs). Hadiza Umar, director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday. She quoted the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, as saying this during a visit to the offices of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Auditor General of the Federation. Mr Inuwa, who also visited the Bureau of Procurement (BPP), was sensitising the organisations on the need for FPIs to comply with IT project guidelines. He said that IT projects failed because Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) did not comply with clearing their IT projects to deliver on achieving the digital economy. 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 reiterated that NITDAs Act 2007 mandated FPIs to obtain clearance for the implementation of their IT projects The visits focused on the presentation of NITDAs Reviewed IT Project Clearance Guidance Document. It is an updated framework designed to standardise planning, funding and execution of IT projects in line with national digital economy goals. Mr Umar also quoted Adebowale Adedokun, D-G of BPP, as stating the significance of standardising IT Project Bidding Documents, and alleged that some organisations use IT projects to siphon public funds. Mr Adedokun said his experience had shown that MDAs presented IT projects that were adopted without standardisation and guidelines. With this new guideline, our decision should pave ways for the development of the IT sector of the country. Most IT project component is intangible and officials leverage them to siphon public funds, and for that, BPP has developed a standard bidding document for IT procurement. We have a huge responsibility with NITDA to avoid corruption, duplication of IT projects, and ensure transparency and accountability in the award of IT projects for the FPIs. It is disheartening that we are consuming resources that can be deployed to meet other needs of the country, and we need to stop this and say no to wastage, he said. He urged NITDA to reconsider service-wide procurement of licenses from organisations such as Microsoft, Oracle as well as develop a template for IT Price Intelligence. On his part, the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor, said his office would conduct performance assessments on how operationalisation of the IT clearance guidelines had impacted the economy. Similarly, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, commended NITDAs efforts to standardise IT project implementation. Mr Ogunjimi expressed readiness to support the integration of the clearance guidelines into financial processes. It would be recalled that in 2018, NITDA unveiled the Guideline for IT Project Clearance. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Enugu State say they have rescued 28 kidnap victims and arrested 10 male suspects across communities in Nigeria. The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the rescue of the victims and arrest of the suspects happened during multiple coordinated operations in the state. The police spokesperson said some firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects during the operations. The operations Mr Ndukwe said police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a kidnap victim on 13 May at about 9:45 p.m. along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway in the state. The spokesperson said the operatives recovered the victims Toyota Camry, a white Toyota Corolla used by the kidnappers and a Lexus 330 SUV abandoned at the scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout in the state. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said operations to track down the fleeing suspects were ongoing. Mr Ndukwe also said, at about 5:30 p.m on 14 May, police operatives in Igbo-Eze North Division in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu Community in Kogi State, Nigerias north-central. The victims, some of whom were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been allegedly abducted on May 10, 2025, along Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA (in Enugu State) by hooded armed men. Five male suspects were subsequently arrested following credible intelligence, and three firearms were also recovered, he said. The police spokesperson said a minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims were earlier recovered from the scene of the attack. Mr Ndukwe said four other kidnap victims were rescued on Sunday by operatives from Umumba Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards and residents of the community. He said the four rescued victims two males and two females were kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations, he said. The spokesperson said, at about 6:34 p.m. on the same day, operatives from Ninth Mile Divisional Police Headquarters rescued and rearrested a yet-to-be identified male suspect from an angry mob in response to a distress call. The suspect and three others had attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm and was abandoned by the suspects. The rearrested suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being investigated further, he stated. Mr Ndukwe said that earlier on Saturday, police operatives from Okpuje Police Division combed a forest that shares a boundary with Okpuje in Enugu State and Odolu in Kogi State. The operation was conducted in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards members. During the operation, the spokesperson said the security operatives intercepted two men in possession of N150,000 and N70,000 respectively. He said that apart from the money, the two men had loaves of bread and drinks that they intended to deliver to some kidnappers as ransom, which they demanded. Upon further incursion, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and abandon the victims, a pump-action gun, and two live cartridges. The victims were rescued unhurt, and the exhibits recovered. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing, Mr Ndukwe stated. He said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, commended the police operatives for conducting the operations successfully in collaboration with other security agencies. Mr Giwa said the state police command was committed to making Enugu safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities. The police chief urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant and cooperate with police and other law enforcement authorities in fighting criminality in the state. Kidnap for ransom Like other states in the South-east, cases of kidnap-for-ransom in Enugu State have increased in recent times. Civil servants, business owners, politicians and even students have become targets of such attacks in the state lately. Beyond the kidnap attacks, gunmen said to be part of the Biafra agitation in the South-east have been terrorising residents of the region. Several persons, including security agencies and government officials, have been killed or killed by the attackers. The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been blamed for the frequent attacks in the South-east. But the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks. IPOB is seeking the secession of South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has opposed the coalition spearheaded by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that any such movement must be party-driven rather than championed by individuals, regardless of their status within the party. The leader of the Caucus, Abba Moro, disclosed this while addressing journalists after the Caucus meeting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday. Mr Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District, said the credibility and cohesion of such an alliance would be better ensured if driven collectively by political parties, particularly the PDP, which remains the largest opposition party in Nigeria. The Senate Caucus of the PDP states that it is not averse to the idea and ideals of coalition. The Caucus observes the synthetisation of ideas and creating a harmony of ideals will further the beauty of democracy. However, the Caucus advises that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals. And as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDPs Umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of coalition. The Peoples Democratic Party, therefore, should drive the coalition if and when it becomes necessary, he said. Move for coalition, alliance Atiku, the PDP presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, has been rooting for a coalition to challenge the APC in 2027. 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 move involves the former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and a former governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi. The former vice president has contacted key political figures across party lines. Atiku also held talks with Tim Smith, the acting chief of the US Mission to Nigeria, where political developments and democratic stability were reportedly discussed. The PDP governors have earlier distanced themselves, saying the coalition moves could weaken their unity and electoral strength. Some quarters interpret the governors opposition to the coalition as a direct challenge to Atikus political authority within the party. Despite the challenges, the former vice president still believes many Nigerians will join the movement. He recently approached Mr Obi about being his running mate for the 2027 general elections. Call for unity and recommitment Despite the cracks within the party, Mr Moro, the Senate minority leader, urged PDP members to remain loyal and dedicated to the partys mission of providing a credible alternative to the APC. Finally, the Senate Caucus of the PDP states emphatically that the party is a big brand that is competitive. In all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, there are PDP members. The Caucus asserts that out of the throes of the current conflicts in the party will arise a renewed, vibrant party that will give Nigeria an alternative to the current ruling party, Mr Moro said. He called on all PDP stakeholders to recommit to the partys ideals and work together to protect and strengthen Nigerias democratic institutions. The caucus, therefore, urges all members of the party to rededicate, recommit and demonstrate steadfast and unwavering loyalty to the party to provide a safeguard for democracy in Nigeria, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Tension has gripped residents of Ubuneke-Ivbiaro community in Owan East Local Government of Edo as gunmen reportedly killed a woman and abducted her husband in an attack that sparked outrage across the area. Sources said the incident, which occurred around 8:00 p.m., saw the assailants invade the residence of Arimazoya Abona, shooting his wife in the neck before taking him away into the bush. One of the sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that neighbours, drawn by gunshots, rushed to the scene only to find the woman lying lifeless in front of the house, drenched in her own blood. The source said Mr Agbona, believed to be in his 70s, had already been whisked away by the attackers, adding that the incident occurred on 18 May. In a desperate attempt to rescue the abducted man, community youths mobilised and pursued the gunmen into the forest, but their efforts yielded no success. Security agencies swiftly responded, with personnel of the Nigeria Police from Afuze Divisional Headquarters and the Nigerian Army visiting the crime scene. 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 womans body has since been deposited in a morgue, the source said. The abductors were said to have reached out to the victims family, demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release. Confirming the incident, Moses Yamu, spokesperson of the police in Edo, said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, Tuesday, bid farewell to the first batch of 550 pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrims, drawn from 24 out of 27 local government areas of the state, departed Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International airport, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Monday night. The governor urged them to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects Nigeria positively and pray for the state and countrys prosperity. The remaining pilgrims from three LGAs will depart on Wednesday. The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Umar Ahmed Labbo, assured the pilgrims of the authorities commitment to their welfare during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims were airlifted by Max Air airline 747 plane at about 10:50pm, and landed at Jedda International Airport at about 3:00 a.m Nigerian time. 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dyna.Ai and PalmPay today announced a strategic partnership that aims to transform Nigerias financial industry through the power of AI. The partnership was announced during a private launch event hosted by Dyna.Ai at Four Points by Sheraton Lagos. The announcement ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr Tokoni Peter Igoin, Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, and Dr Jameelah Ayedun, Vice President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, among others. We are excited to join hands with major local players like PalmPay in a transformative time like this, shared Chairman and Co-Founder of Dyna.Ai, Tomas Skoumal. Transforming the Nigerian finance industry is never a one-party job. It requires collective effort from ecosystem players and support from the local government all working towards a shared vision to effectively bridge the gap between market demands and the pace of digitalization. Dyna.Ai is proud to join forces with PalmPay in Nigeria, delivering state-of-the-art AI solutions to boost their initiatives aimed at meeting the countrys evolving digital needs. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director at PalmPay Nigeria, said: Our partnership with Dyna.Ai marks an exciting step in our mission to deliver exceptional financial solutions in Nigeria. By leveraging their remarkable artificial intelligence -powered infrastructure, were reinforcing the reliability and safety of our services, allowing us to better serve our customers and set a new standard in digital finance. The collaboration, which launched earlier this year, leverages on Dyna.Ais AI-powered technologies to enhance user experience by improving operational efficiency and streamlining backend processes at PalmPay Nigeria. Looking ahead, both companies plan to explore how Dyna.Ais AI solutions can be further applied to drive efficiency across additional markets in Africa. Dyna.Ai, a Singapore headquartered company, launched in May 2024 and has expanded into markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Nigeria Dyna Day marks its first branded activation event on the continent. 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 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police command in Katsina State says it has rescued five abducted passengers from bandits in Faskari Local Government of the state. The Commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abubakar Aliyu, told journalists on Tuesday in Katsina that the passengers were abducted at Unguwar-Basau on Funtua-Gusau road. He said that: On May 19, 2025, about 9:37 p.m., a distress call was received at Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits attacked passengers in two vehicles at Unguwar-Basau on Funtua-Gusau road. The vehicles attacked were a Hummer bus with registration number: T0510 KN and a white Mendez truck, LFA 508 YR. Upon receipt of the report, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) patrol team promptly responded to the scene and engaged the bandits in a gun battle where the assailants were overpowered due to superior tactics and firepower. All the five kidnapped victims, including two drivers and three passengers, were successfully rescued, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He, however, said four victims sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to Sheme Primary Health Centre (PHC) for immediate medical attention, and are now responding to treatment. He said that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for their bravery and swift response. The police chief charged the officers to sustain efforts in the fight against banditry in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A bank official on Tuesday detailed how large sums of money allegedly originated from various Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were funnelled through suspicious cash lodgments spanning years into private bank accounts during former Governor Yahaya Bellos tenure. Ofure Achille, a staff member of an Access Bank branch in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, gave the details at the Federal High Court in Abuja while testifying as the seventh prosecution witness in the money laundering trial of Ali Bello, a nephew of former Governor Bello. Ali, the Chief of Staff to incumbent Governor Usman Ododo, is standing trial on money laundering charges involving the alleged diversion of about N3 billion belonging to Kogi State and its local governments. He faces 18 counts of money laundering alongside his alleged conspiratorsAbba Adaudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bellowho are named in the complex web of massive suspicious cash deposits and withdrawals. Access Bank official Ms Achille, who served as the Head of Operations of the Lokoja branch between 2015 and 2023 a period that coincided with former Governor Bellos eight-year tenuretold the court on Tuesday that her bank flagged multiple suspicious transactions involving inflows and rapid cash withdrawals from accounts linked to companies allegedly used by the defendants. Led in evidence by EFCCs prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ms Achille said some transactions involving hundreds of millions of naira were reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). 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 She told the trial judge, Obiora Egwatu, that the transactions were flagged and reported to the NFIU because they did not match the financial profiles of the holders of the recipient accounts. Responding to a question regarding one of the accounts, called E-traders account operated by Jamilu Abdulahi, she said, I have seen the account before, and there were multiple cash lodgments. On 29 and 30 December 2021, N30 million was deposited each day. On 31 January 2022, a cash deposit of N40 million was made. Then, on 1 February, another N30 million was deposited in cash. When an account receives large cash deposits or withdrawals that do not align with the economic background of the account holder, the bank is obligated to file a report, she said, explaining why the bank flagged many transactions involving the defendants and submitted Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) concerning them to the NFIU. Giving further details about reporting the suspicious transactionsa mandatory requirement under the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) regulationsMs Achille noted that Access Bank used an electronic system for the process. Its a system where we input the name and account number, the amount involved, and the reason the transaction is made. In Abdulahis case, the transactions seemed suspicious, and we filed a report with the NFIU. She confirmed similar patterns of cash withdrawals from accounts operated by Alis co-defendants, Yakubu Isiaka and Iyadi Sadat. She also said that another defendant, Abba Adaudu, made similar deposits into Mr Abdulahis account. Other transactions Ms Achille, who has worked at Access Bank since 2008 and now works in the operations department, where she is authorised to oversee cash transactions, named some of the accounts that allegedly received suspicious funds from different local governments of Kogi State. According to her, there was evidence of funds coming from different local government areas (LGAs) of Kogi State being deposited into and withdrawn from the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and Hyzman Ary Construction Limited. She also said after money was withdrawn from the accounts, additional cash was usually lodged shortly thereafter through deposit slips. Referencing pages 721738 of Exhibit N, Ms Achille testified about lodgments into Ary Construction and Integrated Services from local governments in Kogi. The first lodgment into the account was on 29 August 2017 N10,000. But that same day, there were several inflows from different Kogi LGAs. By the close of business on that date, the balance stood at N171,347,600, she said. On 30 August 2017, more inflows were recorded, bringing the total to about N257,016,400. That same day, about 24 cash withdrawals were made from the account. This means that by the end of that day, N200 million had been withdrawn, leaving a balance of N21,015,400. All these transactions took place at Access Banks Lokoja branch. She added that by 7 September 2017, another withdrawal was made, following a previous balance of N4,600,319.66. The witness said that on 14 October 2019, a credit inflow of N250 million was received from Stardvest Construction Works Limited. Before the credit, the account had a balance of just 45.52 kobo. On the same day, N150 million was withdrawn, leaving a balance of N100,000,945.52. Then, on 16 October 2019, four withdrawals were made, leaving a balance of N300,945.52. When asked by the EFCC counsel whether the entire N250 million was withdrawn between 14 and 16 October, she answered: Yes. She also testified that on 22 October 2019, there was another credit inflow of N250 million in two batches N100 million and N150 million. On the same day, 11 separate cash withdrawals were made from the account. Similar transactions occurred on 23 and 29 October, she said. The witness was also referred to pages 544719 of Exhibit M the statement of account of Killest Nature Limited. Ms Achille testified that on 30 September 2021, there were inflows from various Kogi LGAs into the entitys Access Bank account in Lokoja. Before the lodgment, the account had a zero balance. After the deposits, the balance stood at N82,473,766.62. The funds were later transferred to Killests account with Fidelity Bank, leaving a balance of N3,303,712.87, she said. She added that between 23 and 26 November 2021, the account received another N79,170,000 from various LGAs in Kogi. The exact amount was transferred to the Killest Nature Limited of Fidelity Bank account between 17 and 24 December 2021. Again, on 27 January 2022, another N79,170,000 was deposited from different LGAs in Kogi, into the Access Bank account (account number: 1496568739), she added. The witness also referenced cheque copies for a fund transfer from Vifaz Multi-Viz Investment Company Limited to Ary Construction and Integrated Services. She told the court that the beneficiary of a N9.4 million transfer was one Iyadi Sadat. There are other trials The trial is one in a series of financial crime cases arising from former Governor Bellos administration. Ali faces another prosecution before another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of diverting N10 billion in Kogi States funds. Former Governor Bello, his uncle, is standing trial on N80 billion money laundering charges before another judge of the same court, and in another case for N110 billion fraud before the FCT High Court in Abuja. Three key recipient firms accounts Ms Achille had told the court on Monday, when she opened her testimony, that the third and fourth defendants, Yakubu Isiaka and Iyadi Sadat, operated three corporate accounts domiciled at her branch: Fazab Business Enterprise, Hyzman, and Ary Construction Services. She named the three firms as beneficiaries of alleged suspicious deposits of funds, which the EFCC claimed originated from the local governments in Kogi State. They are operators of three corporate accounts in my branch, she said. When presented with a document marked as Exhibit EN relating to the Hyzman account, she confirmed having interacted with the accounts in her line of duty. She testified that Mr Isiaka managed the Fazab and Hyzman accounts, while Ms Sadat managed the Ary Construction Services account. While speaking to Exhibit E, covering pages 117 to 166 and specifically page 120, she noted a pattern of inflows and withdrawals in the Hyzman account. On 5 June, there were eight withdrawals. On 31 August, 17 withdrawals. Between 2 and 4 September 2020, there were 36 withdrawals, she said. She also confirmed similar activity on other dates. On 9, 12 and 13 April 2021, there were about 17 withdrawal transactions. And on 3 and 4 April 2021, there were about four withdrawals. READ ALSO: Stakeholders call for deeper collaboration in fight against corruption Speaking on the Fazab Business Enterprise account, pages 143 to 145 of the exhibit, Ms Achille said, On 30 November 2020, there were eight withdrawals. Between 1 and 3 February 2021, six withdrawals were recorded. From 1 to 3 November, there were 24 withdrawals, and between 4 and 5 January 2022, there were eight withdrawals. Ms Achille stated that the large cash deposits were later made by one Abba Adauda, one of the defendants, into an account allegedly belonging to Jamilu Abdulahi, a Bureau de Change operator. On 19 and 25 August 2021, N100 million was lodged into the account. On 8 October, there was a N60 million deposit. On 4 November, another N134 million was deposited. On 8 November, N130 million came in. On 9 November, there was a transfer of N139.5 million, followed by N25 million on 10 November, and N200 million on 30 November, all in cash and allegedly deposited by Abba Adaudu, she said. The witness added that Abba Adaudu made a cash deposit of N220 million into the E-traders account (belonging to Jamilu Abdulahi) on 1 December 2021 and two separate cash deposits of N60 million each on 29 and 30 December 2021. On 31 January 2022, N160 million each was recorded. On 1 and 8 February, there were 11 deposits totalling N110 million and N130 million respectively. On 21 March, N77 million was deposited, and on 10 March, N122 million. On 5 April 2022, N150 million was also deposited and narrated as Abba K, she added. Adjournment After Ms Achille completed her evidence-in-chief, the defence lawyers requested an adjournment to cross-examine her. Trial judge Egwuatu fixed 17 and 18 June and 1 and 2 July for further proceedings. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Borno State residents have observed a one-day fast to seek divine intervention over the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the state, after enjoying relative peace for some time, came under 12 insurgent attacks within three weeks, with over 40 people killed. The attacks occurred after the security authorities gave several assurances to stop the renewed attacks. The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and the service chiefs also visited the state to address the troops. The residents observed the fast called by Governor Babagana Zulum, who prayed for the success of the Nigerian security forces against the insurgents and for sustained peace in the state. I have observed the fast. God will answer our prayers. All we need is peace, Bukar Modu, a Maiduguri resident, said while commending the governors leadership style. We have fasted and prayed for sustained peace in Borno. I support Governor Zulum because of his good leadership, Usman El-Nurain, another resident, said. However, not all residents participated in the spiritual exercise. 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 I would have loved to do it, but my schedule would not allow me, Isah Bukar said, saluting those who observed the fasting. Zulum commends residents, makes fresh demand on FG Governor Zulum broke his fast at the headquarters of Marte Local Government. He was also in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge, to assess the security situation after recent attacks by insurgents claimed the lives of soldiers and frustrated the resettlement of IDPs. Mr Zulum urged the residents to seek divine intervention for peace in Borno State, the North-East region, and Nigeria. From the reports I have received, the response to our call for a day of prayer and fasting yesterday (Monday) has been highly impressive, with Muslim and Christian faithful participating, the governor said. He commended the residents through his spokesperson, Mal. Dauda Illiya. Indeed, this kind of solidarity continues to motivate and strengthen my resolve to pursue lasting peace, security, and a resilient society in our post-conflict recovery efforts, he added. The governor extended his appreciation to Islamic scholars and Christian clerics under the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for leading in special prayer sessions. According to Mr Iliya, the governor, at Marte and Rann approved 10 patrol vehicles and other logistics for the military and volunteers. He also distributed food items to over 10,000 families, primarily women and vulnerable families. Due to the recent attacks, over 200 residents of Marte fled to Dikwa. The recent attack comes four years after the Marte residents, who had been in IDP camps across the state, returned to their ancestral homes. In his remark, Governor Zulum begged the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government not to allow Marte to fall again. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the governor said he visited Marte to foster community cooperation, resilience, and continuous support to the security agencies, stating, Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again. About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat, as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents. Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers. The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground. Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprised over 300 towns and villages; now we have only one standing. If we cannot maintain this, we will lose the whole local government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen. Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put our heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain, the governor said in a statement through Mr Iliya. He reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in attaining lasting peace in Borno State, stating, on my part as the Governor of Borno State, I will do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Abstract: Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted the gang on 15 May as they were planning an attack in Maitama. The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismantled a notorious seven-member gang involved in armed robbery and carjacking. The commands spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that its operatives killed one of the suspects, but arrested and detained seven others, during a tactical operation led by the Scorpion Squad. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted the gang on 15 May as they were planning an attack in Maitama. He said the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting a gunfight. The gang leader and one accomplice escaped with gunshot wounds. The recovered items include a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, a red boxer motorcycle, firearms, including four AK-47 rifles, and ammunition. 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 Investigations revealed the group used a WhatsApp platform to plan attacks, often aided by insider tips from domestic staff, she said. Ms Adeh quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, as praising the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the commands resolve to combat violent crime in the FCT. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As part of activities marking the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubus being in office, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has earmarked 19 days for project commissioning. This was part of the decisions taken today, at the 14th Executive Committee meeting of the FCTA, which the minister chaired. President Tinubu assumed office on 29 May 2023. According to a statement by the ministers Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the commissioning of projects will commence on 10 June, 2025 and will go on for 19 days. Some projects scheduled for commissioning are the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, Bus Terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi, and Apo-Wassa Road. Others are N16 interchange and roads to connect Maitama through Katampe to Jahi, Inner Northern Expressway from Ring Road 3 (Idu to Kubwa Road), CN8 from N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to Court of Appeal, N20 Flyover Onnex Kubwa Road and Life Junction to Ring Road III. 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 to be commissioned are Kabulsa-Takushara Access Road, Kabusa-Ketti Access Road, access road in Giri District,15km Road from A2 Junction Abuja-Lokoja Road to Pai in Kwali Area Council, as well as the Ushafa, War College, and Army Checkpoint roads in Bwari Area Council. Also, the FCT executive committee has approved the contract award for the upgrade of streetlights on Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road I). Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project was among the seven approved memos submitted by the FCDA for consideration. He explained that the project involves the upgrade of the obsolete streetlights on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, a 14-kilometre 10-lane expressway from Maitama to Gudu. If you pass there in the night, you will realise that most parts of the road are in darkness because the streetlights have been there for close to 15 years now. The project was completed between 2005 and 2006, and the lights have become obsolete and no longer bright enough to lighten the road, he said. He said the upgrade became necessary following the availability of new technology in street lighting. He added that a hybrid street lighting system would be deployed to brighten the road and make it more secure and motorable at night. Lere Olayinka Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media May 20, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar-Faruq, has announced the removal of Iliya Dakaci, the village head of Mantau, in Yam-Maulu community in Baure Local Government Area. The decision, announced in Daura by the emir, followed a protest by the residents of the area, demanding his removal over his alleged involvement in kidnapping. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the residents of the area had on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, calling for the removal of Mr Dakaci, who was also the representative of the District Head of Yan-Maulu. According to them, Mr Dakaci was arrested about eight months ago, after his name was mentioned by suspected kidnappers that abducted and raped the family of a philanthropist in the area, Sidi Usman-Waziri. The protesters accused the dethroned village head of playing a direct role in the abduction of a married woman, Zulaihatu, and her infant child in 2022, until a N20 million ransom was paid. The emir reiterated that the Daura emirate would not tolerate any form of abuse against the common people, emphasising that the council remains open to all the citizens who wish to file complaints or report injustices. 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 If anyone feels wronged, even if its my own child who is responsible, they should come forward and present their complaint to the emirate. This is an emirate of the people, the emir declared. Mr Umar-Faruq added the emirate had previously removed a traditional leader it had appointed, adding, Even Sarki Abdurrahman once ordered the imprisonment of his own son over wrongdoing. That is why we will never condone the abuse of anyone. Effective from Monday, the emir announced, Mr Dakaci ceases to be the village head of Mantau, and a new representative would be appointed to ensure a leadership based on justice and integrity. Mr Faruk-Umar also warned the public against spreading rumours and encouraged them to continue abiding by the law and to channel their grievances through the appropriate legal avenues. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has asked the federal government to include the state in the disbursement of 13 per cent oil revenue share in line with the Derivation Principle as provided in the 1999 Constitution. Mr Mbah spoke when he received the Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday. RMAFC is Nigerias agency that oversees the revenues accruing to various governments and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account. The agency, in December 2022, recognised Enugu as an oil-producing state, which ultimately makes the South-eastern state eligible to receive 13% oil revenue. Were yet to benefit from the 13% revenue share Mr Mbah, while receiving the RMAFC team in his office, lamented that Enugu State was yet to receive 13 per cent of the oil revenue from oil fields within the state. We still have this pending issue of Enugu State being recognised as an oil-producing state, which your office actually communicated to us sometime in December 2022 based on the report of the Inter-agency Technical Committee. 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 Committee came up with a recommendation that Enugu should be benefiting from the 13 per cent derivation of the Anambra River Basin 1, Anambra River Basin 2, and Anambra River 3. But we have still not benefited from those fields, he said. So, it is our hope that your office will put the necessary machinery in motion to ensure that we begin to benefit from that. The governor, however, said his administration would not rest on its oars as it was mobilising internal revenue sources, growing the states Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by over 400 per cent by broadening the revenue sources and deploying technology to block leakages. It is our hope that your indices also would be updated to reflect that much growth in our domestic revenue. We hope to actually surpass that. Our IGR in our 2025 budget is over 500 billion. And from the indications, we are going to surpass that projection, he stated. Mr Mbah said, in the spirit of transparency and accountability, his administration ensured that local governments in the state completely receive all revenues accruing to them in addition to assisting them in the funding of big projects. RMAFC speaks Earlier, while speaking during the reception, the leader of the team and Commissioner representing Kwara State at RMAFC, Mohammed Agaka, said they were in Enugu to monitor the disbursements from the Federation Account to Enugu State. READ ALSO: LP House of Reps member defects to APC in Enugu The major aim and objective of this exercise is to assist in identifying any irregularities, misapplication or wrongful application of indices with respect to the indices used in sharing revenue to Enugu State and the local governments from the Federation Account, Mr Agaka explained. He added that part of the aim of the visit was to examine the actual deductions made before the disbursement to the state and the local governments and to identify possible causes of zero application, if any, to the local government councils with the view to resolving it amicably. The RMAFC official commended Governor Mbah for his achievements within a short period of his administration. Before we came, we thought it was one of those media blitzes that accompany the activities of state governors. But we have gone around. I am pleased to note that the smart schools, and the health centres across the 260 wards are very commendable. It clearly demonstrates the fact that it is clearly the government of the people by the leader of the people in the overall interest of the people, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Government (LASG) has clarified that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) does not include PET bottles and sachet water, popularly called pure water. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. The statement was issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina. Mr Wahab added that part of those exempted from the ban were nylon carrier bags of more than 40 micron thickness. He said the enforcement comes into effect on 1 July. The latest clarification was made while reacting to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some people that the ban involves all categories of Single Use Plastics. 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 position of the state government has not changed that only single-use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposable cups) are banned. Other items banned in the single-use plastics category are plastic straws, plastic cutlery and all single-use carrier bags and nylons that have less than 40 micron thickness, he said. He added that as part of moves to demonstrate the states seriousness, it had inaugurated the newly created Plastic Waste Management Fund. This is a collaborative effort between the state government, the producers, and the Producers Responsibility Organisations. The plastics waste management fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to address plastic waste challenges in the state, he said. Mr Wahab reiterated the state governments determination to enforce the ban on 1 July. This is after the expiration of a moratorium of 18 months, which had been given since the announcement of the intention to effect the ban in January 2024. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print New, extended lineup offers more power, greater efficiency, and dynamic performance Optimization of the battery electric system increases range and shortens charge times Expanded lineup includes RZ 550e F SPORT AWD with Lexus-first virtual manual gear shift system (M Mode) to promote an engaging driving experience PLANO, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ made its North American debut today. The battery electric luxury SUV features comprehensive revisions that deliver more power, greater range, and a new driving experience. 2026 LEXUS RZ ADDS MORE POWER AND PERFORMANCE Since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer in electrification within the luxury market. Based on its electrification vision "Lexus Electrified", Lexus aims to promote a multi-pathway approach to the adoption of electric vehicles such as HEVs (hybrid vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles) and BEVs (battery electric vehicles) to address the diverse needs of its customers and markets. Additionally, Lexus works to significantly enhance basic performance using electrification technology, offering a driving experience and lifestyle unique to Lexus BEVs. The RZ launched in 2023 and was Lexus' first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, embodying the unique Lexus driving experience and design brought by electrification technology. Following its debut, the RZ has evolved with customer needs, bringing to market a front-wheel-drive (FWD) option in 2024 to expand the driving range. The 2026 RZ features a redesigned battery electric system, delivering increased motor output, an extended driving range, and reduced charging times under ideal conditions. In addition, it debuts a new addition to the lineupthe RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, which is equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, achieving a more powerful and exhilarating driving experience. The RZ lineup will have three different power options: 221 total system horsepower (RZ 350e FWD), 308 total system horsepower (RZ 450e AWD), and 402 total system horsepower (RZ 550e F SPORT AWD). With a diverse lineup, the new RZ is designed to meet the needs of a broad range of drivers, from those who prioritize daily convenience and practicality to those who want a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. The 2026 RZ is assembled at the Motomachi plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale later this year. Introduction of the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD F SPORT arrives to the RZ lineup, giving customers an option for a more exhilarating driving experience and sportier styling. The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD generates a maximum system output of 402 total system horsepower, making it the most powerful RZ model. Lexus-first M Mode Lexus is also introducing M Mode on the 2026 RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters. This innovation helps to deliver a sportier, more responsive driving feel. M Mode is a system that allows drivers to control power output with paddle shifters, as if using a manual transmission. Exterior Designed for Performance The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD has an exterior design that includes distinctive black F SPORT features such as the F SPORT emblem, rear spoiler, front and rear bumper moldings, front grille, and 20-inch wheels with aero covers, which contribute to weight reduction and help to improve energy efficiency by smoothing airflow. The F SPORT model will be available in an exclusive new color, Wind, a solid light gray with subtle metallic highlighta bold contrast to the black F SPORT features. In total, seven exterior monotone colors and four exterior bi-tone colors will be offered across the RZ lineup. Increased Driving Range and Faster Charging The 2026 RZ adopts the North American Charging System (NACS) charging port (SAE J3400) on the passenger's side of the vehicle. It will also have Level One and Level Two AC charging with a higher capacity 11-kW on-board AC charger (up from 7-kW capacity on the prior model year). Under ideal conditions when using DC fast charging* it is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes. The vehicle comes with an improved EPA-estimated driving range of approximately 300 miles for the RZ 350e FWD and approximately 260 miles for the RZ 450e AWD when equipped with 18-inch tires and charged under ideal conditions. The new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD sees an EPA-estimated driving range of approximately 225 miles when equipped with 20-inch tires and charged under ideal conditions. *Ranges and charging times will vary depending on weather and other factors. Lexus Driving Signature Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) is a guiding philosophy behind the development of Lexus vehicles, providing a unified driving experience across the lineup. LDS emphasizes a linear connection between the driver and vehicle and promotes a smoother, more comfortable ride. There is also exceptional quietness unique to Lexus BEVs, achieved through source-level noise and vibration suppression. The Evolution of the RZ Interior The 2026 RZ's cabin remains a minimalist, yet airy and maximally appointed luxury environment. The 2026 RZ will offer an improved Dynamic Sky Panorama Glass Roof, enabling greater shading when opaque and a clearer view of the outside when transparent. The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD interior features a sophisticated combination of Black Ultrasuede interior trim with blue stitching accents available only on this grade. The design includes a center console with a micro-geometric pattern design, front F SPORT scuff plates, a steering wheel with the F SPORT emblem, and aluminum pedals and footrests, all designed to create a sporty driving experience. A Lexus-first, the available Ultrasuede door trim features a laser-etched pattern design. Following the introduction of Door Trim Shadow Illumination on the RZ in 2023, Lexus has applied another first, adding a subtle flickering movement on the door trim that results in the available Thematic Illumination with Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination. Based on Lexus' design philosophy "Time in Design," the faintly changing shadow patterns evoke the passage of time, providing a comfortable cabin experience for the vehicle's occupants. Full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date. 2026 RZ Preliminary Specifications Powertrain RZ 350e RZ 450e AWD RZ 550e F SPORT AWD Overall Length 189.2 in Overall Width 74.6 in Overall Height 64.4 in Wheelbase 112.2 in Vehicle Weight 4,500 lbs.*3 4,750 lbs.*3 5,000 lbs.*3 Tire Size 1820-inch 1820-inch 20-inch Estimated Range Approx: 300miles*1 *3 Approx: 260 miles*1 *3 Approx: 225 miles*1 *2 Estimated Electrical Consumption 266 Wh/mile*1 *3 306 Wh/mile*1 *3 353 Wh/mile*1 *2 Total Electrical Power 74.69 kWh*4 76.96 kWh*4 Connector Type North American Charging System (NACS) (SAE J3400) Onboard Charger Output 11 kW System Max Output 165 kW (221 hp) 230 kW (308 hp) 300 kW (402 hp) Acceleration (0-60) 7.2 sec 4.9 sec 4.1 sec *1 Provisional testing *2 20-inch tires *3 18-inch tires *4 The batteries are calculated according to IEC 62660-1 About Lexus Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With nine models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers. www.facebook.com/lexus www.twitter.com/lexus www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles www.instagram.com/lexususa www.pinterest.com/lexususa MEDIA CONTACTS Brooke Sinek 469-980-1017 [email protected] SOURCE Lexus Reinforcing the Firm's Commitment toward a more Resilient and Sustainable Future NEW YORK and LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AccountAbility, a global leader in sustainability consulting, standards, and research, announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sunil (Sunny) A. Misser, has been appointed to the Board of Visitors of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York (CCNY). Mr. Sunil (Sunny) A. Misser, CEO of AccountAbility This appointment strengthens the firm's growing collaboration with the Colin Powell School, following the creation of the AccountAbility Sustainability Lab ("S Lab") earlier this year. Launching in Fall 2025, the S Lab is an innovative program designed to prepare the next generation of ethical, capable, and resilient leaders in sustainability and business. The program combines rigorous coursework with practical, hands-on industry experience and mentorship from business leaders. "It is an honor to join the Board of Visitors of the Colin Powell School an institution that exemplifies excellence, integrity, and leadership," said Mr. Misser. "As someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of education, I am inspired by the School's mission to cultivate globally minded changemakers. Our partnership through the 'S Lab' reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders to address society's most complex challenges." Mr. Misser brings over three decades of experience advising Global Fortune 500 companies, international institutions, and multilateral organizations on sustainability strategy, governance, and transformational change. Under his leadership, AccountAbility has become a mission-driven global firm known for advancing responsible business practices and delivering practical, effective solutions to complex challenges. Prior to joining AccountAbility, Mr. Misser served as Global Managing Partner for the Sustainability Advisory Business at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he led the firm's global sustainability and corporate governance services. He also served as Global Strategy Leader for PwC's Assurance and Business Advisory Services, overseeing accounting, risk management, and consulting operations, and led the New York Metro Governance, Risk, and Compliance practice. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Mars, Inc. and Honeywell. Mr. Misser holds a Master of Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, where he was part of the Sloan Fellows Program. He also earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from M.S. University. About AccountAbility Established in 1995, AccountAbility is a leading global consulting and standards firm dedicated to advancing the sustainability and ESG agenda. The firm works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to improve sustainability performance, drive innovation, and create lasting impact. Operating as a Public Benefit Corporation, AccountAbility has a global presence with offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The firm has been recognized by the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International for its excellence in sustainability, strategy, and governance and its website is archived by the United States Library of Congress. SOURCE AccountAbility Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins' son joins the National Diaper Bank Network to shine a spotlight on diaper need, which impacts 1 in 2 US families NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) a nonprofit organization and foremost expert on diaper need dedicated to ensuring that individuals, children and families have access to the basic necessities they require to thrive has teamed up with writer-director/actor Jack Henry Robbins in a PSA that asks society to focus less attention on nepo babies and more on the fact that 1 in 2 U.S. families with young children can't afford diapers. Actor Jack Henry Robbins flips nepo baby script in PSA to help real babies. "The fact that half of U.S. families with young children cant afford diapers is a serious issue, so it's an honor to use my comedy and nepo baby character for something so clearly good and important as NDBN's mission to end diaper need, said actor Jack Henry Robbins. "I was so very excited when the National Diaper Bank Network and advertising agency Tombras approached me to co-direct and star in this campaign. The fact that half of U.S. families with young children can't afford diapers is a serious issue, so it's an honor to use my comedy and nepo baby character for something so clearly good and important as their mission to end diaper need," said Robbins. While nepo babies the children who are often perceived as undeserving of their success due to their famous or influential parents dominate media headlines and social media feeds, the public health issue of diaper need struggles to gain the public mind share and national attention it deserves. In 2024, the term "nepo baby" had a greater share of media coverage (99.8%) than the term "diaper crisis" (.2%), according to research from advertising agency Tombras. Not only are half of U.S. families with young children in need of clean diapers to keep their babies healthy, 1 in 4 parents miss work or school because they can't afford the diapers required to bring their child to child care, according to The NDBN Diaper Check 2023 . "So many public health issues facing our country are complex and seemingly unsolvable. Ending diaper need is simple and only requires small things like diapers," said Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO and founder, National Diaper Bank Network. "We are so grateful to Jack and the entire team at Tombras for bringing a bit of humor to a very real problem that is prevalent in all of our communities. We all know that every baby deserves clean diapers." In the new "Nepo Babies for Babies" campaign, Robbins, son of award-winning actors Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, plays into his aloof nepo baby social media persona to make that exact point. Robbins urges viewers to focus more on real babies and visit nepobabiesforbabies.org to learn about the National Diaper Bank Network's mission and support its efforts to end diaper need in the U.S. by donating diapers, dollars or time. "I hope people watch the PSA, especially because working with the lead actor, me, was very difficult, because of his ego and self-sabotaging nature. I am relieved we were able to finish the shoot day with only a handful of mini nepo meltdowns," added Robbins. "Nepo Babies for Babies" is the brainchild of independent advertising agency Tombras, which was recently named Ad Age's 2025 Agency of the Year. The family-owned agency Tombras is committed to using its creative superpowers in purpose-driven work. About National Diaper Bank Network The National Diaper Bank Network is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that individuals, children, and families have access to the basic necessities they require to thrive. Launched in 2011 with the support of founding sponsor Huggies, NDBN helps provide essential resources to children and families in need through its Network of more than 240-member diaper banks working in local communities across the U.S. More information is available at nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org . About Tombras Tombras is a full-service, family-owned independent agency with a digital mindset. We're impact-driven, creative storytellers with performance at the heart of everything we do. Connecting Data + Creativity for Business Results is our ethos. From strategy, creative, public relations and media to digital design and development, a social media command center, ecommerce, in-house production, a trade desk, customer experience lab and more, we do it all. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. with satellite offices in New York, Atlanta and Buenos Aires, Tombras was named Ad Age's 2025 Agency of the Year. For more information, visit tombras.com . Media Contact: Jenna Gerbino Kaplan [email protected] 631-495-9674 SOURCE National Diaper Bank Network HANOVER, Md., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerotek, a leading provider of workplace solutions for manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance, announced its partnership with the Manufacturing Institute's initiative, Heroes MAKE America, which provides meaningful career opportunities in the manufacturing industry for the military-connected community. Through this partnership with the Manufacturing Institute, Aerotek will support Heroes MAKE America in empowering service members by providing them with the essential tools and resources needed to succeed in the manufacturing sector. Initiated at the end of 2024, this partnership supports transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists and their families. Heroes MAKE America, one of the Manufacturing Institute's signature initiatives, has offered integrated certification and career-readiness training in collaboration with local community colleges since 2018. This comprehensive training equips participants with the necessary skills and certifications to thrive in the industry. "We are thrilled to partner with the Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America initiative to support the military-connected population," said David "DJ" Jordan, director of diversity, equity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility at Aerotek. "Aerotek is dedicated to leveraging this partnership to connect military-connected individuals with career opportunities that match their unique skills and experiences. This partnership not only strengthens our talent pipeline but also underscores our commitment to helping service members transition smoothly into civilian careers. Heroes MAKE America shares our passion for putting service members to work, and together, we can make a significant impact." "The Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America initiative is committed to building connections between the military community and the manufacturing industry through industry-recognized training and strong employer partnerships," said Amy Thomas, national director of Heroes MAKE America. "Aerotek's support enhances our ability to help more service members and their families translate their military experience into successful civilian careers. Together, we're creating a pipeline of skilled talent while supporting those who've served our country." To learn more about the partnership, please visit Aerotek.com. About Aerotek Aerotek Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 250 offices across North America, supporting more than 14,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an operating company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK SOURCE Aerotek CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global aircraft sensors market is projected to be valued at USD 3.68 billion in 2024 and reach USD 5.50 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% according to a new report by The Research Insights. This remarkable expansion, driven by implementation of the More Electric Aircraft (MEA) concept continues to profoundly reshape the aircraft sensors market landscape. Historically aircraft systems used hydraulic systems along with pneumatic and mechanical components to operate essential functions like flight control mechanisms and landing gear systems. Download PDF Brochure at https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=2329 Market Overview and Growth Trajectory: Aircraft Sensors Market Growth: According to an exhaustive report by The Research Insights, the Aircraft Sensors Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the latest generation of aircraft which now features sophisticated sensors that gather data from multiple systems including engine temperature and fuel flow as well as hydraulic pressure and vibration. The expanding need for real-time monitoring leads to parallel growth in the aircraft sensors market size. Manufacturers of sensors create advanced systems that are intelligent and connected while maintaining compactness to match next-generation aircraft technology. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the aircraft sensors market growth of 6.9% comprises a range of aircraft type, sensor type, connectivity, application and geography which are expected to register strength during the coming years. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Aircraft Sensors Market, Download The Sample Pages: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=2329 Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The improvement of aircraft systems through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) forms around the transformation of the growing aircraft sensors market. Historically engineers have relied on sensors to gather important data points like temperature, pressure, vibration, speed and additional parameters. AI and ML innovations have pushed the aviation industry to leverage real-time data interpretation and develop actionable insights which exceed simple data collection processes. Anomaly detection is another breakthrough. Artificial Intelligence sensor identifies minute changes in readings that frequently go unnoticed but signal potential mechanical or electronic issues. The insights gained by operators enable proactive actions to prevent unplanned downtime and enhance aircraft safety measures. The sophistication of AI and ML technologies will drive their deeper integration into aviation systems. The advancement towards data-driven aviation decisions fuels the growth of the aircraft sensors market through increased demand for smart connected sensors that can operate in-flight. Increased Use of Sensors in UAVs and Drones: The swift expansion of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and drones is transforming various industry sectors including defense and agriculture as well as logistics and filmmaking. The development of more sophisticated aerial platforms has expanded the importance of sensors while boosting the aircraft sensors market. The integration of sophisticated sensor systems enables the realization of these functionalities. Gyroscope, accelerometers, and GPS modules function as navigation sensors that enable UAVs to operate autonomously in difficult conditions. Defense operations utilize sensors to stabilize drone flight while monitoring terrain and delivering surveillance data precisely in real time. Collision avoidance is another critical area. Sensors including LiDAR, ultrasonic detectors, and infrared cameras become essential tools for drones to detect obstacles and prevent mid-air collisions as they share airspace with manned aircraft in urban settings. The aircraft sensors market is experiencing rapid innovation driven by the growing functionality and deployment of UAVs. Stay Updated on The Latest Aircraft Sensors Market Trends: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=2329 Rising Preference for Temperature Sensors to Enhance Aircraft System Reliability: Within the changing dynamics of the aircraft sensors market temperature sensors stand out as essential elements because they play a vital role in maintaining system dependability and operational safety. Multiple aircraft systems including engines, environmental control units, avionics, and battery management systems use these sensors to ensure precise thermal monitoring. The trend toward aircraft electrification combined with the expanding use of hybrid-electric propulsion systems has amplified the need for precise and responsive temperature sensors. These sensors guarantee consistent performance of crucial electronic components at high-altitude locations were temperature changes rapidly. The aviation industry sees growing adoption of advanced temperature sensors by airlines and OEMs to facilitate predictive maintenance and improve fuel efficiency through continuous engine health assessment while minimizing operational downtime. The rising demand for thermal data results in temperature sensors becoming the preferred choice, establishing them as one of the most rapidly expanding segments within the aircraft sensors market. Geographical Insights: North America holds a dominant position in the aircraft sensors market with a market share of 36% in 2024, driven by strong defense spending, advanced aerospace infrastructure. The region is a hub for technological innovation, with continuous investments in sensor integration for next-generation aircraft, including military UAVs and commercial jets. Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth in the aircraft sensors market due to a booming commercial aviation sector, increasing air passenger traffic, and strong investments in domestic aircraft manufacturing, particularly in China and India. Europe represents a mature yet steadily growing region in the aircraft sensors market, supported by the presence of key players like Meggitt PLC, Safran, and Thales. Aircraft Sensors Market Segmentation and Geographical Insights: Based on aircraft type, the market is divided into commercial aircraft, military aircraft and general aviation aircraft. The commercial aircraft segment held the largest share of the aircraft sensors market in 2024. Based on sensor type, the market is divided into temperature, pressure, position, flow, torque, radar, accelerometers, proximity and others. The temperature segment held the largest share of the aircraft sensors market in 2024. Based on connectivity, the market is divided into wired sensors and wireless sensors. The wired sensors segment accounted for a larger share of the aircraft sensors market in 2024. Based on application, the market is divided into fuel, hydraulic & pneumatic systems, engine/propulsion, cabin & cargo environmental controls, aerostructures & flight controls, flight deck, landing gear systems, weapon systems and others. The engine/propulsion segment accounted for a larger share of the aircraft sensors market in 2024. The aircraft sensors market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa. For Region-Specific Market Data, Check Out Brief Sample Pages: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=2329 Key Players and Competitive Landscape: The Aircraft Sensors Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including: TE Connectivity Ltd Honeywell International Inc. Meggitt PLC Ametek Inc. THALES The General Electric Company Raytheon Technologies Corporation Curtiss-Wright Corporation Safran SA Hydra-Electric Company PCB Piezotronics Inc Avidyne Corporation Precision Sensors (United Electric Controls) These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market. Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/Ask_For_Customization?id=2329 Aircraft Sensors Market Recent Developments and Innovations: In December 2024 , Woodward signed an agreement to acquire Safran's Electromechanical Actuation business based in North America . The acquisition includes intellectual property, operations assets, talent, and long-term customer agreements for Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuation (HSTA) systems for aircraft stabilization to support safe and efficient flight, notably used for the Airbus A350. , Woodward signed an agreement to acquire Safran's Electromechanical Actuation business based in . The acquisition includes intellectual property, operations assets, talent, and long-term customer agreements for Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuation (HSTA) systems for aircraft stabilization to support safe and efficient flight, notably used for the Airbus A350. In November 2024 , Raytheon, an RTX business, successfully completed a live-fire engagement using the advanced, 360-degree Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) in support of the U.S. Army. This achievement marks the latest in a series of ongoing development tests for the radar, which is set to reach operational capability by the end of the year. , Raytheon, an RTX business, successfully completed a live-fire engagement using the advanced, 360-degree Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) in support of the U.S. Army. This achievement marks the latest in a series of ongoing development tests for the radar, which is set to reach operational capability by the end of the year. In April 2024 , Honeywell announced that it was chosen by Lilium, the developer of the first all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jet, to supply propulsion unit position sensors for the Lilium Jet. These sensors, known as "resolvers," were specifically designed by Honeywell to meet the unique requirements of the Lilium Jet. Conclusion: The aircraft sensors market shows strong expansion driven by aerospace technological progress combined with the need for real-time data and the growing implementation of next-generation aircraft systems. With the shift toward digital and electric systems in aviation technology sensors have become vital tools for performance assessment and safety assurance while also supporting predictive maintenance operations. The adoption of the More Electric Aircraft (MEA) approach promotes sensor integration within vital power systems which works to decrease dependence on mechanical and hydraulic parts while improving system efficiency and control functions. Since the aviation industry focuses on smarter, more efficient and safer operations for aircraft, the aircraft sensors market will continue to grow driven by innovation and regulatory developments along with the changing requirements of manned and unmanned aerial systems globally. Purchase Premium Copy of Global Aircraft Sensors Market Size and Growth Report (2024-2030) at: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/license?id=2329 The report from The Research Insights, therefore, provides several stakeholdersincluding raw material suppliers, sensor component manufacturers, sensor manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators and end users with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. With projected growth to US$ 5.50 billion by 2030, the Aircraft Sensors Market represents a significant opportunity for raw material suppliers, sensor component manufacturers, sensor manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, end-users, investors, industry stakeholders, and others. By staying abreast of market trends, embracing innovation, and focusing on quality and performance, companies can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving market landscape. Check out more related studies published by The Research Insights: IoT Sensors Market - The global IoT sensors market size is expected to reach USD 106.01 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 36.8% from 2025 to 2030. The critical role for real-time data plays in streamlining processes, identifying errors, reducing response times, and informing data-driven strategies is driving significant opportunities for IoT sensor manufacturers. The global IoT sensors market size is expected to reach by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 36.8% from 2025 to 2030. The critical role for real-time data plays in streamlining processes, identifying errors, reducing response times, and informing data-driven strategies is driving significant opportunities for IoT sensor manufacturers. Capacitive Sensor Market - The global capacitive sensor market size is expected to reach USD 40.2 billion by 2027, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period, attributed to the increasing popularity of capacitive sensors due to their exceptional sensitivity, enhanced durability, and higher measurement accuracy compared to inductive or resistive sensors. The global capacitive sensor market size is expected to reach by 2027, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to register a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period, attributed to the increasing popularity of capacitive sensors due to their exceptional sensitivity, enhanced durability, and higher measurement accuracy compared to inductive or resistive sensors. Automotive Image Sensors Market - The global automotive image sensors market size is anticipated to reach USD 7.15 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. The explosive growth of the autonomous vehicle sector has catalysed an unprecedented demand for top-tier image sensors, setting the stage for a significant expansion of the market. The global automotive image sensors market size is anticipated to reach by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. The explosive growth of the autonomous vehicle sector has catalysed an unprecedented demand for top-tier image sensors, setting the stage for a significant expansion of the market. Automotive Semiconductor Market - The global automotive semiconductor market size is anticipated to reach USD 77.76 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights, expanding at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030. The global automotive semiconductor market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for advanced technologies in vehicles. Browse More related reports on Semiconductors & Electronics Market https://www.theresearchinsights.com/categories/semiconductors-electronics About The Research Insights: The Research Insights provides thoroughly conducted research which is backed up by real-time statistics and data. Our experts are eager to help you with any information required under the sun. The key to our success is keeping abreast with the markets, industries, and ever-changing consumer trends that matter. Our market research professionals have in-depth knowledge and expertise across various domains that includes IT and Telecom, Emerging Technologies, Consumer Offerings, Manufacturing and Others. We are committed to reviewing the scope and procedure of the research studies that you select and provide you with an accurate guidance in order to assist you in taking the correct business decisions. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Kaushik Roy E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +1-312-313-8080 Website: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2684869/The_Research_Insights_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Research Insights Annual Award Recipients Recognized at AAPD 2025 in Denver CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the leading authority on children's oral health, will celebrate the 2025 winners of its prestigious awards during the Academy's Annual Meeting, AAPD 2025, in Denver from May 23-25. The 2025 AAPD and AAPD Foundation Award Recipients are: Pediatric Dentist of the Year: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Natalia Chalmers Established in 1998, this annual award honors a pediatric dentist who has made significant contributions to the dental profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, academics or policy development over the past year. Recipients will also have devoted extensive volunteer leadership service to the dental profession and the specialty. This award is sponsored by NuSmile. Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Brianna Munoz This award is presented annually to an up-and-coming clinician, researcher or academician in pediatric dentistry for their outstanding efforts directed to children's oral health and welfare. The Miller Award was established in May 2007 by AAPD Foundation, to honor former AAPD and Foundation President Dr. Jerome B. Miller for his many years of service to children, philanthropy and giving back to the profession of pediatric dentistry. Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Sarat 'Bobby' Thikkurissy The Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award is presented to an AAPD volunteer who has provided exemplary leadership service in the volunteer structure of the organization over the past year. This award, established in 1998, honors the memory of Merle C. Hunter, AAPD Executive Director from 1968-1986. Manuel M. Album Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Martha Forero The Manuel M. Album Award is presented annually to the individual or organization that has made the greatest contribution to the oral health of children with special needs. The award, established in 1997, honors Manuel M. Album, who devoted an entire career in pediatric dentistry toward improving the oral health of children with special needs. The Album Society supports this award. Dr. Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Bina Katechia This award, established in 2011, honors the director of the pediatric dental program determined to best exemplify the dedication and values set forth by Dr. Lewis A. Kay: outstanding leadership; commitment to educating pediatric dental residents to provide children with comprehensive quality oral health care; and contributions to society and the profession of dentistry which bring recognition to their program. This award is sponsored by Pediatric Dental Associates, Ltd. Suzi Seale Coll Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Tim Wright The Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award, established in 2016 by the AAPD's Evidence-Based Dentistry Committee (EBDC), recognizes pediatric dentist(s) who have made a major contribution, on a national or international level, to the dental profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry through evidence-based clinical practice, academics or policy development over the past year. Paul P. Taylor Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Margherita Fontana The Paul P. Taylor award is given to the lead author of the most prestigious journal article in Pediatric Dentistry from the previous year. This award is determined by the AAPD Editorial Board and the AAPD Awards' Committee. The Baylor Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Fund graciously supports this award. Dr. Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Sahar M. Alrayyes The Ann Page Griffin Humanitarian Award is sponsored by Practicon, Inc. This award, established in May 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, honors Ann Page Griffin, AAPD member and president and founder of Practicon. The award honors an AAPD member dentist who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to alleviating suffering and improving the oral health of under-served populations in the United States or abroad. Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Maria Rita Bernardo Established in 2022, this award seeks to shine a light on a selected individual whose efforts are making a difference for children in their community as an outstanding grantee of the AAPD Foundation. This award is sponsored by Elevate Oral Care. Early Career Dentist "Under 10" Award: The 2025 award recipients are Dr. Sara Ehsani, Dr. Kyulim Lee, and Dr. Nina Ray In its inaugural year, this award honors exceptional young professionals who demonstrate excellence in pediatric dentistry through clinical practice, research, leadership, academia, advocacy, or service. Resident Recognition Award: The 2025 award recipient is Dr. Ziwei Chen. The 2025 honorable mentions are Dr. Berenice Cheng, Dr. Nida-e-Haque Mahmud, and Dr. Amanda Swanson This award honors pediatric dental residents for their innovative contributions to their training programs. For more information on the 2025 award recipients and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, visit www.aapd.org. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is the recognized authority on children's oral health. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It's over 11,000 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. As advocates for the optimal oral health of all children, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies, best practices, and clinical guidelines; educates and informs policymakers, parents and guardians, and other health care professionals; supports research; and provides continuing professional education for pediatric dentists and general dentists who treat children. Visit the AAPD website at www.aapd.org or the AAPD's consumer website at www.mychildrensteeth.org for more from the BIG Authority on little teeth. SOURCE American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Virginia credit union invests in greater financial flexibility and an effortless banking experience by offering Buy Now, Pay Later to members for their debit card purchases FAIRFAX, Va., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple Federal Credit Union (Apple FCU), a financial institution with over $5.3 billion in assets and serving nearly 270,000 members in Northern Virginia, announced that it has added a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) type solution to its suite of online banking products. Branded PayAdvantage, the offering reflects the post-purchase finance nature of its installment options. Apple FCU selected equipifi to power its BNPL solution. It is the first credit union in Virginia to make this available. Post this Apple FCU announced that it has added a BNPL type solution to its suite of online banking products. Branded PayAdvantage, the offering reflects the post-purchase finance nature of its installment options. Apple FCU selected equipifi, a leading BNPL platform designed for financial institutions, to power its solution, and is the first credit union in Virginia to make this service available. Now, whenever Apple FCU members make eligible purchases on their existing credit union debit card, they will be able to split the payments for these transactions over time. Through equipifi, Apple FCU's PayAdvantage program generates personalized offers to each member's financial context and goals, meeting them where they are with timely access to extra funds. Members will be able to view and accept their PayAdvantage offers in their digital banking experience, and receive the funds in their checking account, typically in moments. "Flexible financing should be intuitive and effortless, and it's our role as a trusted financial institution to provide a prompt and caring solution to our members," said John Ritchey, Senior Vice President of Lending at Apple FCU. "Partnering with equipifi, our in-house program generates pre-qualified loans tailored for individuals, taking the waiting and uncertainty out of the financing process." "BNPL is a must-have tool for consumers to stretch their budget and to achieve their long-term financial goals. For years, they have been asking for it from their trusted financial institutions," said Bryce Deeney, CEO and co-founder of equipifi. "Credit unions have been quick to respond with the solution their members need. By launching flexible payment options, Apple Federal Credit Union is committing to a better banking experience for their membership." Apple FCU joins many credit unions that are first to launch such a solution in their home state. Over sixty credit unions have launched their own BNPL product to their members. equipifi's data shows that over 81 percent of members continue to use BNPL in year two, with overall usage increasing by 38 percent. In the United States, BNPL is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 25.5 percent between 2022-2026 . About Apple Federal Credit Union Established in 1956, Apple FCU is ranked as a top 100 credit union nationwide, serving nearly 270,000 members with $5.3 billion in assets. As a not-for-profit, member-owned institution, Apple serves a diverse community of local education systems and anyone who lives/works in Fairfax, Frederick and Prince William counties in Virginia. Members receive fair and honest products and services at competitive rates in a trusted environment. Apple is committed to making a positive impact locally, not only in financial services, but also in community involvement, financial literacy and charitable giving. Learn more at AppleFCU.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. About equipifi equipifi is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform for financial institutions in the United States. This is a white label solution designed to align with consumer purchase habits, payment preferences, and financial goals. The equipifi platform seamlessly integrates with leading banking cores and digital banking platforms to deepen customer engagement, grow market share, increase revenue, and provide a single place to view, accept, and manage BNPL plans on their existing banking app. For more information, please visit http://www.equipifi.com/ . SOURCE equipifi ATLANTA, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AMI, the global leader in Dynamic Firmware for worldwide computing, is pleased to announce that its Aptio V UEFI Firmware will power the Radxa Orion O6 demonstration platform during COMPUTEX Taipei, which will take place from May 20 to May 23 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The Radxa Orion O6 is a groundbreaking high-performance Mini ITX motherboard designed for AI applications, described by Radxa as the "World's First Open-Source Armv9 Motherboard". The Orion O6 marks an important milestone in small form-factor AI computing, delivering powerful CPU performance, advanced hardware capabilities, a high degree of expandability and robust system firmware directly to the end user. "This Radxa Orion O6 demo platform powered by our Aptio V UEFI Firmware represents a great leap forward in AI compute infrastructure." Post this The Orion O6 includes the CiX P1 - CD8180 System on Chip (SoC), using Arm big.LITTLE technology and featuring a quad-core Arm Cortex-A720 at 2.6GHz, quad-core Cortex-A720 at 2.4GHz and quad-core Cortex-A520 at 1.8GHz with 12MB of shared L3 cache. It runs the Debian OS and includes an Arm Immortalis-G720 GPU, while the NPU delivers 30 TOPs of computing power. The platform also features 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and can expand up to 64GB, along with PCIe Gen4 8-lane connectivity. Aptio V UEFI Firmware from AMI is known worldwide for its robustness, security, adaptability, and scalability. By combining feature-rich platform packages that are modular and easy to integrate, Aptio V delivers a platform bring-up journey that is efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and on time. Srivatsan Ramachandran, SVP of Global Strategic Alliances and Ecosystem Development at AMI, commented that "this Radxa Orion O6 demo platform powered by our Aptio V UEFI Firmware represents a great leap forward in AI compute infrastructure targeted at AI applications and edge computing. Aptio V ensures the powerful system configuration, security, and stability required by these advanced platforms are at end users' fingertips. We are proud to work with CIX and Radxa on this demo highlighted at COMPUTEX and excited to see how the industry will react." Immortalis, big.LITTLE, Cortex and Arm are trademarks / registered trademarks of Arm Limited. Debian is a US registered trademark of Software in the Public Interest, Inc., managed by the Debian project. Aptio is a registered trademark of AMI US Holdings in the US and other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the respective properties of their owners. About AMI AMI is Firmware Reimagined for modern computing. As a global leader in Dynamic Firmware for security, orchestration, and manageability solutions, AMI enables the world's compute platforms from on-premises to the cloud to the edge. AMI's industry-leading foundational technology and unwavering customer support have generated lasting partnerships and spurred innovation for some of the most prominent brands in the high-tech industry. SOURCE AMI Enterprise-optimized reference architectures for accelerated AI infrastructure solutions TAIPEI, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ASUS today announced at Computex 2025 that it is pioneering the next wave of intelligent infrastructure with the launch of the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, featuring advanced ASUS AI POD designs with optimized reference architectures. These solutions are available as NVIDIA-Certified Systems across NVIDIA Grace Blackwell, HGX, and MGX platforms, supporting both air-cooled and liquid-cooled data centers. Engineered to accelerate agentic AI adoption at every scale, these innovations deliver unmatched scalability, performance, and thermal efficiency, making them the ultimate choice for enterprises seeking to deploy AI at unprecedented speed and scale. ASUS Announces Advanced AI POD Design Built with NVIDIA at Computex 2025 NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory with ASUS AI POD The validated NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory with ASUS AI POD design provides guidance for developing, deploying, and managing agentic AI, physical AI, and HPC workloads on the NVIDIA Blackwell platform on-premises. Designed for enterprise IT, it provides accelerated computing, networking, storage, and software to help deliver faster time-to-value AI factory deployments while mitigating deployment risks. Below are the reference architecture designs that help clients use approved practices, acting as a knowledge repository and a standardized framework for diverse applications. For massive-scale computing, the advanced ASUS AI POD, accelerated by NVIDIA GB200/GB300 NVL72 racks and incorporating NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand or NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platforms, features liquid cooling to enable a non-blocking 576-GPU cluster across eight racks, or an air-cooled solution to support one rack with 72 GPUs. This ultra-dense, ultra-efficient architecture redefines AI reasoning computing performance and efficiency. AI-ready racks: Scalable power for LLMs and immersive workloads ASUS presents NVIDIA MGX-compliant rack designs with ESC8000 series featuring dual Intel Xeon 6 processors and RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition with the latest NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC supporting speeds of up to 800Gb/s or other scalable configurations delivering exceptional expandability and performance for state-of-the-art AI workloads. Integration with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform provides highly-scalable, full-stack server solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern computing. In addition, NVIDIA HGX reference architecture optimized by ASUS delivers unmatched efficiency, thermal management, and GPU density for accelerated AI fine-tuning, LLM inference, and training. Built on the ASUS XA NB3I-E12 with NVIDIA HGX B300 or ESC NB8-E11 embedded with NVIDIA HGX B200, this centralized rack solution offers unmatched manufacturing capacity for liquid-cooled or air-cooled rack systems, ensuring timely delivery, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and consistent performance. Engineered for the AI Factory, enabling next-gen agentic AI Integrated with NVIDIA's agentic AI showcase, ASUS infrastructure supports autonomous decision-making AI, featuring real-time learning, and scalable AI agents for business applications across industries. As a global leader in AI infrastructure solutions, ASUS provides complete data center excellence with both air- and liquid-cooled options delivering unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. We also deliver ultra-high-speed networking, cabling and storage rack architecture designs with NVIDIA-certified storage, RS501A-E12-RS12U as well as the VS320D series to ensure seamless scalability for AI/HPC applications. Additionally, advanced SLURM-based workload scheduling and NVIDIA UFM fabric management for NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand networks optimize resource utilization, while the WEKA Parallel File System and ASUS ProGuard SAN Storage provide high-speed, scalable data handling. ASUS also provides a comprehensive software platform and services, including ASUS Control Center (Data Center Edition) and ASUS Infrastructure Deployment Center (AIDC), ensuring seamless development, orchestration, and deployment of AI models. ASUS L11/L12-validated solutions empower enterprises to deploy AI at scale with confidence through world-class deployment and support. From design to deployment, ASUS is the trusted partner for next-generation AI Factory innovation. Availability & Pricing ASUS servers are available worldwide. Please visit https://servers.asus.com for more ASUS infrastructure solutions or please contact your local ASUS representative for further information. SOURCE ASUS More than 150 executives, policy leaders, and justice advocates gathered at the annual summit from the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) to explore justice-driven solutions to today's biggest workforce challenges WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As U.S. companies wrestle with labor challenges and shifting norms around workplace inclusion, more than 150 business leaders, policy experts, and criminal justice reform advocates gathered last week in Seattle for the 2025 Workforce & Justice Summit, organized by the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) with support from over 25 sponsors including corporate host Microsoft. Their conclusion: breaking down employment barriers especially for those impacted by the criminal justice system is essential for business success. Maha Jweied (Responsible Business Initiative for Justice) and Chief Royal Ramey (Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program) give a Closing Fireside Chat at the 2025 Workforce & Justice Summit in Seattle, WA. Speakers included executives from major national brands, fast-growing small businesses, and leading social enterprises, all focused on the private sector's role in championing commonsense policy reforms and corporate hiring practices that welcome people with criminal records a group that includes over 70 million Americans into the workforce. "This year's Summit arrived at a time of disruption shifting hiring norms, shaky labor markets, and growing questions about how consumers expect businesses to show up for their communities," said Maha Jweied, CEO of RBIJ. "Yet at the event, companies appeared largely in consensus: inclusive hiring and support for fairer justice policies remain two of the most powerful tools businesses have to strengthen their workforce, build public trust, and meet the moment. These strategies aren't just responsible they're a competitive advantage." The Summit, which was closed to press to allow for open, solutions-focused dialogue among attendees, featured panels and keynotes on corporate hiring innovations, public policy reforms, and how businesses can lead from their values. "Business is one of the most powerful forces for policy change in the U.S. and with so many companies grappling with workforce challenges, we must expand our talent pools," said Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Increasing employment of those with a criminal record would bolster the country's workforce and create opportunities for those who need a second chance. Advocating for policies that eliminate barriers to entry is simply in employers' and the economy's best interest." "It makes no sense that people can be trusted to fight fires while incarcerated but continue to face barriers doing this same work when they're free," said Chief Royal Ramey, Co-Founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise that equips people who are incarcerated and from marginalized communities to become forestry and fire professionals. "The same can be said for millions of other currently unfilled jobs in the U.S.: people with criminal records are equipped and eager to seize these opportunities, we just need to ensure our workforce laws and hiring policies don't stand in their way." "We believe business has a role to play in helping more people share in the benefits of economic growth. Over the last six years, our firm has hired more than 21,000 people with a record whose history had no bearing on the requirements of their job, because we know implementing Second Chance Hiring practices is good for our business and the economy," said Nan Gibson, Executive Director of the JPMorgan Chase Policy Center. "Our goal is to offer these individuals access to sustainable career pathways, encourage more employers to consider qualified candidates with records, and support sensible policy solutions that create greater economic opportunities for millions of Americans." "As business leaders, the impetus is on us to create better companies, with better missions, doing better work," said Nate Stone, Founder of Seattle small businesses Cathedral and Spir Candle Co. "Richard Rohr says, 'The best critique of the bad is the practice of the better.' When we create better options for both customers and employees they make better choices. Adopting Second Chance Hiring practices accomplishes just that." To learn more about the Workforce & Justice Summit or speak with participating companies, contact: Katlyn Toelle, RBIJ Director of Communications, at [email protected]. The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) is an award-winning international nonprofit that works with companies to champion solutions that promote public safety, deliver justice, and strengthen communities. SOURCE The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice Save up to $14,000 and Receive Exclusive Perks on Select Expeditions Imagery may be downloaded here. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Memorial Day, Atlas Ocean Voyages, is excited to announce its Memorial Day Sale, the most generous promotion of the year, offering extraordinary savings and added value for new bookings made by May 28, 2025. For one week only, guests can save up to an additional 30% combinable with Bonus Savings for a total value of up to $14,000 for an Adventure Oceanview Stateroomon 36 select luxury expeditions to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. This exclusive offer invites travelers to explore the world freely, honoring those who have served. With fares starting at just $3,495, guests can experience an unforgettable journey with Atlas' signature all-inclusive luxury and immersive experiences. The Memorial Day Sale is also combinable with Atlas' Explorer's Choice complimentary amenity offer, allowing guests to further personalize their journey by selecting one of the following: Air Credit Savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom per stateroom A Pre- or Post-Cruise Hotel or Land Package An Enhanced Unlimited Wi-Fi Package for seamless connectivity Memorial Day Sale is available across all staterooms and suites, with savings of up to $28,600 when booking a suite. Additional booking incentives include solo traveler supplements starting from just 125%. "Atlas Ocean Voyages was created for those who seek transformational travel and unforgettable experiences," said James Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "This Memorial Day Sale not only represents incredible value but also honors the freedom we celebrate by inviting our guests to explore the most captivating parts of the world in comfort and style." Highlighted expeditions include: World Navigator: Lisbon to Barcelona (10 nights) Departure: Sept 27, 2025 World Traveller: Ushuaia Roundtrip (11 nights) Departure: Dec. 17, 2025 World Navigator: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (18 nights) Departure: Mar. 3, 2026 World Navigator: Tenerife to London (14 Nights) Departure: Apr. 17, 2026 Availability is limited, and this exclusive sale is valid for new bookings only made through May 28, 2025. Mention code "MILITARY" at time of booking to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Travel Advisors can also earn a $500 gift card for select expeditions sailing from June to October 2025. In honor of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering this limited-time deal for new bookings made by June 30, 2025. For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages or instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages. About Atlas Ocean Voyages Atlas Ocean Voyages offers expedition voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the Caribbean. Stylish and intimate expedition yachts featuring less than 100 suites and staterooms offering five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to in-depth excursions. Fares include a Cultural Immersion tour, open bars aboard the ship, including craft beers, specialty coffees, and smoothies, L'OCCITANE bath amenities, an in-room coffee bar, prepaid gratuities, and complimentary emergency medical evacuation insurance. World Navigator was launched in 2021, World Traveller in 2022, and World Voyager joined the fleet in 2023. SOURCE Atlas Ocean Voyages The record-breaking wine brand taps the industry's leading distributor to accelerate growth and expand market reach LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Avaline, one of the fastest-growing wine brands in the U.S., today announced a strategic partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits the largest distributor of alcoholic beverages in North America. This nationwide distribution partnership marks a pivotal milestone for Avaline, reinforcing the brand's sustained growth trajectory following its 2024 recognition as an Impact Hot Brand a title earned after three consecutive years as an Impact Hot Prospect. "We created Avaline to bring organic, transparent, and delicious wine to more tables, and partnering with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is a crucial step in our mission to scale with intention," said Jennifer Purcell, CEO, Avaline. "Their unmatched reach and shared commitment to quality make them the ideal partner as we enter the next stage of the brand's evolution." Since its founding in 2020, Avaline has achieved monumental growth across on- and off-premise channels, recording a 65.6% increase in sales from 2023 to 2024. This momentum has been fueled by Avaline's signature portfolio of organically farmed wines including its best-selling Rose, White, and Red Blend, along with a growing lineup of premium varietals that meet the modern consumer's demand for transparency and quality. The new partnership with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is designed to bolster Avaline's national distribution footprint, leveraging the distributor's supply chain efficiencies, expansive market coverage, and strategic focus to meet rising consumer demand. The transition to Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits started on May 1, 2025, with the company assuming exclusive distribution responsibilities as of June 1, 2025, across the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, WY, WA, UT, OR, HI, DC, DE, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MS, ND, NE, NH, NY, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX and exploring opportunity to trade and move in KS, OH, AR, NV and NM. United by a shared focus on sustainability, transparency, and ultra-premium wine growth, Avaline and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits are poised to unlock expanded presence across retail and on-premise channels, creating new activation opportunities nationwide. About Avaline Avaline is a wine company founded in 2020 by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power that is raising the industry standard by making organic wine more accessible without sacrificing taste. The brand offers a thoughtful collection of crowd pleasing favorites that are made with transparencyall Avaline wines are made from organic grapes, low in sugar and sulfites, vegan, and free from added concentrates, with their ingredients and nutritional information listed right on the label. Avaline is available in retail stores nationwide and direct to consumer via drinkavaline.com and for additional information, follow along @avaline . About Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is the world's preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer's Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2024, Southern Glazer's was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer's urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @sgwinespirits. Press Contact: Avaline: [email protected] SOURCE Avaline Sixth Street Growth and Spectrum Equity join existing investors General Catalyst and Ryan Smith, Partner at HXCO, in a strategic round of financing to fuel a new era in the employee rewards, recognition and engagement space. SALT LAKE CITY, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Awardco announced today a $165 million Series B round of funding with a valuation that eclipses $1 billion, further solidifying its leadership and innovation in the employee rewards and recognition space. Awardco Co-Founder and CEO Steve Sonnenberg (left), Co-Founder and CTO Mike Sonnenberg (center), and Co-Founder and President Tanner Runia (right) By powering recognition for customers like AT&T, Pacific Life, Adobe, and Hertz, Awardco has grown to over six million users across 163 countries and offers more than 300 million reward options. This rapid expansion is reshaping employee experience worldwide and positioning Awardco as the leading force in workplace technology. With this new investment, the company will broaden its rewards and recognition platform with additional solutions for employee engagement and performance, leverage AI to drive deeper employee insights and automations, enhance HRIS and partner integrations, and scale its global infrastructure to power the next era of work. "We're transforming work by making recognition a seamless part of everyday culture and the engine that powers employee engagement," said Steve Sonnenberg, CoFounder and CEO of Awardco. "This investment also allows us to further scale the world's largest configurable rewards marketplace, empowering organizations to recognize employees in ways that are meaningful, flexible, and truly valued." "Our mission isn't changing, it's expanding," said Tanner Runia, President and CoFounder of Awardco. "Guided by our customers' evolving needs, we're taking recognition into new areas where it's delivering even greater impact. We enter this next phase from a position of strength, with sustained high growth and a cashflowpositive business, focused on executing at an even larger scale." In addition to this exceptional expansion of capabilities, Awardco's new London office has fueled rapid growth across the EMEA market, further reinforcing its global momentum as the leader in employee rewards and recognition. As more organizations increasingly turn to Awardco for recognition, engagement and incentives, the platform has solidified its reputation as a true culture engineearning a place among G2's Top 100 Software Products . "Recognition is no longer a nice-to-haveit's a strategic imperative," said Nari Ansari, Managing Director and Susie Liu, Vice President at Sixth Street Growth. "Awardco is leading the way with a scalable, global-first platform that serves organizations of all sizes, and we're excited to partner with the team during this next phase of growth." "Awardco's rapid innovation, exceptional customer satisfaction, and flexible platform set it apart," said Adam Gassin, Principal at Spectrum Equity. "Organizations across industries are using Awardco to rally teams around their top strategic, operational, and cultural priorities, and we're excited to help accelerate the company's vision for its customers and the category." Awardco's leadership also continues to grow through bold initiatives like the annual RCGNZ Summit in Park City, Utah, one of the premier events in HR Tech. With new capital and a bold vision, Awardco is building a world where work is more meaningful, connected, and rewarding. Union Square Advisors LLC acted as financial advisor to Sixth Street Growth in connection with the investment. About Awardco Awardco builds culture, incentivizes behavior, and powers modern engagement through employee recognition and rewards. Trusted by 3,000+ organizations, including Fortune 500 leaders, Awardco offers the world's largest reward networkno hidden fees, no inflated markups. With the flexibility to create recognition, incentive, milestone, and behavior-driven programs, Awardco drives engagement, improves retention, and delivers significant cost efficiencies. The company is headquartered in Lindon, Utah. Learn more about Awardco at www.awardco.com . About Sixth Street Growth Sixth Street Growth makes investments in mid- and late-stage technology companies. The Sixth Street Growth team partners with founders and management teams to provide differentiated capital solutions to accelerate organic and inorganic growth. Sixth Street Growth is the dedicated growth investing platform of Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm with over $100 billion in assets under management and committed capital. Sixth Street has invested over $10 billion in more than 70 companies through its Growth franchise since inception. Select Sixth Street Growth investments include Airbnb, AvidXchange, Bloomreach, Clio, Gainsight, Kaseya, Keyfactor, MasterControl, MDLIVE, Seeq, Spotify, Stripe, and Sprinklr. For more information, visit www.sixthstreetgrowth.com , and follow Sixth Street on LinkedIn . About Spectrum Equity Spectrum Equity is a leading growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support to innovative companies in the information economy. For over 30 years, the firm has partnered with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to build long-term value in market-leading software, data, and consumer internet businesses. With offices in Boston, San Francisco, and London, the firm is investing its tenth fund with $2 billion in limited partner capital. Representative investments include AllTrails, Ancestry, Definitive Healthcare, GoodRx, Lucid Software, Origami Risk, SurveyMonkey, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Verafin. Learn more about Spectrum Equity at www.spectrumequity.com . Media Contact: [email protected] www.awardco.com/newsroom SOURCE Awardco CLEARWATER, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BayCare has named Kriel Ramcharitar, MD, MPH, FACHE, as vice president and chief medical officer for value-based care, effective May 19. Dr. Ramcharitar is responsible for improving value-based care and the sustainability of health care delivery through collaborative partnerships with BayCare Physician Partners (BPP), BayCare Medical Group and BayCare Plus Medicare Advantage Plan physician leaders, payers, community-based organizations and preferred partners. Dr. Kriel Ramcharitar is BayCare's vice president and chief medical officer for value-based care. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kriel Ramcharitar to BayCare. His extensive background in both clinical practice and population health strategy will be invaluable as we continue to advance our value-based care initiatives," said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, BayCare's chief physician executive. "Value-based care focuses on improving patient outcomes while managing costs, and population health emphasizes proactive care to address the health needs of entire communities. Dr. Ramcharitar's leadership will be instrumental in aligning these priorities to deliver even greater value to our patients and partners." Dr. Ramcharitar will develop processes, structures and teams to rapidly assess requirements, deploy resources, and acquire and build new and innovative capabilities and care models to meet the needs of value-based lives with speed and scale. "Joining BayCare is an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the most dedicated and innovative health care professionals in the region," said Dr. Ramcharitar. "My goal is to build on BayCare's strong foundation of care coordination and data-driven decision-making to enhance how we deliver value-based care across the system. I look forward to collaborating with our physician leaders, operational teams and community partners to drive better health outcomes and make a meaningful impact on the lives we serve." In collaboration and partnership with clinical and operational leaders, Dr. Ramcharitar will oversee services and programs aimed at furthering population health management strategies. He will lead through a dyad model with the chief operating officer of value-based care and president of BayCare Select Health Plan. He also will foster a collaborative working relationship with physician leaders and constituencies within BayCare and the community, as well as with all leaders across the health system. In conjunction with other BayCare leaders, Dr. Ramcharitar will establish and maintain compliance with all relevant government program requirements and maintenance of the accounting principles and fiscal processes for Clinically Integrated Networks and Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). Prior to joining BayCare, Dr. Ramcharitar served as a faculty member with the Jefferson College of Public Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia; vice president and chief medical officer of Memorial Hermann Health System's ACO and Population Health Service Organization in Houston; and chief medical officer of JSL International in Houston. He also served in several leadership roles with the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Dr. Ramcharitar earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Doctor of Medicine degrees from The University of the West Indies Trinidad and his Master of Science in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at the University of London. He also completed Higher Specialist Training in Public Health Medicine from the University of Oxford National Health Service Oxford and his medical residency program with the United Kingdom National Health Service. About BayCare BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals, including a children's hospital, and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and West Central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org. SOURCE BayCare Health System DALLAS, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BBAM Limited Partnership ("BBAM") announced the acquisition of six new Pratt & Whitney GTF engines through a newly signed agreement with the engine manufacturer. The engines were delivered to Incline Aviation III, BBAM's third flagship aviation investment fund. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business. BBAM's dedicated engine program pairs BBAM's industry-leading origination, leasing and disposition capabilities with deep technical knowledge and experience in engine asset management. Led by a team with over 30 years of experience and supported by the resources of BBAM's full-scale global platform, BBAM manages engines across all vintages and asset types, with upwards of 45 engines / $550M under management. "This transaction marks an exciting milestone for BBAM as we complete our first direct deal with Pratt & Whitney, a global leader in aircraft engine technology," said Steve Zissis, President and Chief Executive Officer of BBAM. "We're pleased to acquire six new GTF engines directly from the source and see strong demand from our airline customers. We look forward to building a long and successful relationship with the Pratt & Whitney team." Nick Tomassetti, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney, added, "This deal for six GTF engines marks a new relationship for Pratt & Whitney and BBAM, one of the world's largest aircraft lessors. The GTF is the most efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and will deliver economic and efficiency benefits for BBAM's airline clients worldwide." About BBAM BBAM is one of the world's largest and longest standing aircraft lessors providing over 100 airline customers in more than 50 countries with fleet and financing solutions, and the only significant manager in its sector focused exclusively on generating investment returns on third party capital. With more than 500 aircraft under management, BBAM employs over 150 professionals globally with offices in Dallas, San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Tokyo, Singapore, Zurich, and Dublin. BBAM is a full-service lessor and maintains its own in-house capabilities encompassing aircraft origination, disposition, lease marketing, technical maintenance, regulatory compliance, capital markets activity, tax structuring, legal, contracts and finance, for all asset types and strategies. Learn more by visiting www.bbam.com. For further information, please contact: BBAM Contact: Sabah Sulaiman, BBAM Vice President of Corporate Operations Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-415-848-5481 SOURCE BBAM US LP Custom LLMs Tailored for Every Business and Vertical PALO ALTO, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Birdeye, the #1 platform for Hyperlocal Marketing, today announced the launch of Brand AI and Industry AI, two groundbreaking innovations in its BirdAI architecture. These custom large language models (LLMs) empower businesses to deploy AI agents that act with brand authenticity and industry intelligence, all while driving measurable outcomes. Custom LLMs Tailored for Every Business and Vertical Building on the momentum of its AI Vision announcement earlier this month, Birdeye is turning vision into execution. Where Brand AI personalizes the voice and tone of every interaction, Industry AI ensures those interactions are grounded in domain-specific accuracy. "With Brand AI and Industry AI, every business can now deploy their own AI agent that's fluent in their brand, tuned to their industry, and focused on outcomes," said Naveen Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of Birdeye. "This is AI that's custom built for your business." Brand AI: Built for Consistency, Control, and Conversion Brand AI enables businesses to train AI agents on their unique tone, workflows, and internal dataensuring every response, post, or message feels truly on-brand. Whether managing reviews, social media, or customer engagement, Brand AI enforces brand standards. Four pillars power Brand AI: Brand Voice Define your tone, style, and personality across all channels. Define your tone, style, and personality across all channels. Brand Knowledge Train AI on your proprietary FAQs, workflows and systems. Train AI on your proprietary FAQs, workflows and systems. Brand Governance Set guardrails to ensure compliance, quality, and accuracy. Set guardrails to ensure compliance, quality, and accuracy. Brand Security Enterprise-grade permissions for full control over access and data. Industry AI: Intelligence Rooted in Real-World Context Industry AI brings deep vertical knowledge to every interaction. Trained on over a decade of data from over 150,000 businesses and over 200 million users, it ensures AI agents speak the language of your industryaccurate, compliant, and relevant down to the local level. Core capabilities include: Industry Benchmarks Gauges performance against industry norms and peers. Gauges performance against industry norms and peers. Industry Trends Detects emerging themes and customer shifts in real time. Detects emerging themes and customer shifts in real time. Industry Categories Delivers category-specific insights and suggestions. Delivers category-specific insights and suggestions. Industry Compliance Adheres to regulations like HIPAA, FINRA, GDPR, and more. Together, Brand AI and Industry AI equip businesses to automate customer engagement without sacrificing voice, quality, or trust. Every prompt is processed securely within BirdAI's infrastructure using LLMs from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta, and Mistralensuring data integrity and enterprise-grade security. Proven in the Field, Built for Outcomes Early pilots in healthcare, financial services, home services, and retail show strong performance gains in speed, adoption, and brand safetywhile driving real outcomes in customer engagement and conversion. "The customization options for brand voice were phenomenal," said Angie Palmer, VP and Digital Marketing Manager at Fidelity Bank. "I was able to personalize tone and guardrails in a way that felt deeply aligned with our brand." The Future of Hyperlocal Marketing, Realized With Brand AI and Industry AI, businesses now have AI models as unique as their brand and as informed as their industrypurpose-built to drive results in every market they serve. This launch advances Birdeye's vision of Service-as-a-Software: AI that doesn't just automate tasks, but accelerates growth through smart, scalable, hyperlocal marketing. To learn more, visit birdeye.com/ai . About Birdeye Birdeye is the #1 AI platform for Hyperlocal Marketing, purpose-built to drive real business outcomesnot just deliver software. With its revolutionary "Service-as-a-Software" approach, Birdeye replaces fragmented marketing tools with coordinated AI agents that automate and optimize key workflows across reviews, listings, social media, surveys, and more. Trusted by over 150,000 businesses, Birdeye helps brands grow their local presence, enhance customer experiences, and scale with confidence. Operating globally with teams in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and India, Birdeye is redefining how businesses win locally. Learn more at www.birdeye.com . Ruchika Batra DIrector Birdeye 1800 561 3357 [email protected] "This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com." SOURCE Birdeye Rescued 470 people during 2,870 missions by UK Search and Rescue (SAR) team Signed letter of intent to take part in an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation in Norway Achieved ISO 14001 certification at Ireland operations Strengthened fleet with modernization efforts by securing agreement to purchase 10 Leonardo AW189 super-medium helicopters, with options for 10 more, supporting reduced CO emissions and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage HOUSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, today released its 2024 Sustainability Report, reaffirming Bristow's commitment to responsible growth. "Our mission continues to prioritize safety, sustainability, and positive community impact," said Bristow President and CEO Chris Bradshaw. "The achievements highlighted in this report reflect our dedicated efforts to prioritize sustainable business practices, uphold safety as our highest priority, and strengthen our connections with communities where we operate and call home." Bristow's ongoing emphasis on safety yielded a 32 percent reduction in lost workdays in 2024, underscoring the Company's top core value and highest operational priority. The UK SAR team continued its vital work, rescuing 470 people in 2,870 missions, and, along with its other government SAR mandates in the Netherlands, the Dutch Caribbean, and the Falkland Islands, the Company expanded SAR capabilities into Ireland, further demonstrating Bristow's critical role in community safety. In support of pursuing sustainable aviation through the Company's strategic fleet renewal plans, Bristow secured an agreement to acquire 10 Leonardo AW189 helicopters, with options for 10 more, providing environmental benefits, including lower CO emissions and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Additionally, Bristow Norway signed a letter of intent to participate in Norway's pioneering international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation, setting the stage for future aviation innovation. Ethical leadership remained a focal point with the implementation of a new human rights supplier commitment process in Norway, establishing clear expectations and greater transparency, scheduled to expand globally in 2025. Bristow also proactively adopted a generative AI policy to responsibly leverage emerging technology while safeguarding ethical standards and intellectual property. Through its Bristow Uplift initiative, the Company donated more than $600,000 in 2024, directly supporting local communities and reinforcing its commitment to being responsible corporate citizens. The complete 2024 Sustainability Report is available on the Company's website at https://www.bristowgroup.com/sustainability-report-2024. About Bristow Group Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Our aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue ("SAR"), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems and ad hoc helicopter services. Our business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Our energy customers charter our helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Our government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Our other services include fixed wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("U.S."). SOURCE Bristow Group South Florida nonprofit celebrates the bravery and dedication of Broward County first responders with honoree award and luncheon FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, April 10, the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council hosted its annual Tribute to Bravery Valor Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach. The event honored local heroes who exemplified extraordinary service in the line of duty and upheld the highest standards of service. BSO Fire Rescue Presenting of the Colors Guests enjoyed a welcome reception, followed by the ceremony and luncheon where Broward County first responders were presented with the Medal of Valor Award in acknowledgement of their various acts of courage, bravery, and compassion. The award is in recognition of first responders who sacrifice their safety for the lives of others, honoring their oath and protecting their communities. "Each year, this event reminds us why the work of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council matters so deeply," said Andy Mitchell, Chairman of the Board for the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council. "Behind every medal is a story of a first responder who answered the call without hesitation. We're proud to support them, and committed to making sure their service never goes unseen." "We celebrated compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to community, the vary values that guide what we do at BSAC," said Valerie Silverman, who was surprised with a promotion to Executive Director during the luncheon. "It's an incredible honor to step into this role. I'm committed to growing this organization with purpose and heart, so we can continue standing alongside those who stand tall for all of us." Medal of Valor Award Recipients: Deputy Marcus Hall and Behavioral Health Therapist Daniel Gelpi ( Broward Sheriff's Office Co-Responder Team) responded to over 400 crisis calls in 2024 with zero use-of-force incidents and helped divert over 100 individuals from jail to treatment. and ( Sheriff's Office Co-Responder Team) responded to over 400 crisis calls in 2024 with zero use-of-force incidents and helped divert over 100 individuals from jail to treatment. Captain Kevin Meyers (BSO Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team) overhauled elite training and certification programs, mentoring the next generation of rescuers. (BSO Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team) overhauled elite training and certification programs, mentoring the next generation of rescuers. BSO TITAN Unit including 15 detectives and K9 deputies responded to more than 300 high-risk calls, apprehending armed suspects and preventing violence. including 15 detectives and K9 deputies responded to more than 300 high-risk calls, apprehending armed suspects and preventing violence. Detective Clint Corey ( Coconut Creek Police Department) supported grieving residents and led financial crimes investigations while mentoring junior detectives. ( Police Department) supported grieving residents and led financial crimes investigations while mentoring junior detectives. Officers Dakota Dussault , Giovana Giraldo , and Karla Torres ( Coral Springs Police Department) bravely ended a violent ambush during a mental health call. and ( Police Department) bravely ended a violent ambush during a mental health call. Detective Jonathan Brown (BSO Deerfield Beach) used a PIT maneuver to stop an armed kidnapping suspect barreling toward a trooper on I-95. (BSO Deerfield Beach) used a PIT maneuver to stop an armed kidnapping suspect barreling toward a trooper on I-95. Trooper Frank Hernandez ( Florida Highway Patrol) executed a high-speed PIT maneuver to apprehend homicide suspects. ( Highway Patrol) executed a high-speed PIT maneuver to apprehend homicide suspects. Detective Joseph Hoffman and Officer Erick Flores ( Fort Lauderdale Police Department) rendered aid and transported a two-year-old shooting victim, saving his life. and ( Police Department) rendered aid and transported a two-year-old shooting victim, saving his life. Detective Sandra Harris ( Hallandale Beach Police Department) led Broward's first capital sexual battery case and a major gang indictment. ( Police Department) led first capital sexual battery case and a major gang indictment. EMS Captain Jennifer Arreola (BSO Fire Rescue Hallandale Beach) performed a rare life-saving thoracotomy at a crane collapse site. (BSO Fire Rescue Hallandale Beach) performed a rare life-saving thoracotomy at a crane collapse site. Detective Maria Stengel ( Hillsboro Beach Police Department) solved a hit-and-run with no witnesses by identifying the vehicle through forensics. ( Police Department) solved a hit-and-run with no witnesses by identifying the vehicle through forensics. Officer David Diaz ( Hollywood Police Department) arrested violent offenders and tracked a wanted sex offender in his first months on the Beach Unit. ( Police Department) arrested violent offenders and tracked a wanted sex offender in his first months on the Beach Unit. Officer Cody Richards ( Lauderhill Police Department) saved a woman from a suicide attempt by quickly applying a tourniquet. ( Police Department) saved a woman from a suicide attempt by quickly applying a tourniquet. Officer Matthew Masi ( Lighthouse Point Police Department) raised $27,000 for Special Olympics and led inclusive community programs. ( Police Department) raised for Special Olympics and led inclusive community programs. Detective Megan Britt ( Margate Police Department) intercepted child predators and prosecuted online exploitation cases. ( Police Department) intercepted child predators and prosecuted online exploitation cases. Officer Anthony Moser (Miccosukee Police Department) saved crash and gunshot victims through immediate lifesaving actions. (Miccosukee Police Department) saved crash and gunshot victims through immediate lifesaving actions. Officer Xavier Osorio ( Miramar Police Department) arrested an armed felon with an AR-15 and helped prevent gang-related homicides. ( Police Department) arrested an armed felon with an AR-15 and helped prevent gang-related homicides. Officers Zarick Jackson , Victor Lescano , and William Sproat ( Pembroke Pines Police Department) rescued five children during a violent domestic call. and ( Police Department) rescued five children during a violent domestic call. Officer Courtney Fish (Plantation Police Department) revived an 11-month-old infant exposed to fentanyl using CPR. (Plantation Police Department) revived an 11-month-old infant exposed to fentanyl using CPR. Officers Patricia Johnson and Mariano Restaino ( Seminole Police Department) rescued a 3-year-old from an attempted abduction. and ( Police Department) rescued a 3-year-old from an attempted abduction. Detective Robert Padron (Sunrise Police Department) stopped an armed suspect in a public area, sustaining injuries while saving lives. (Sunrise Police Department) stopped an armed suspect in a public area, sustaining injuries while saving lives. Deputies Mike Belizaire , Ariel Gonzalez , Carlos Martinez , and CSA Jorge Esquivel (BSO Weston District) uncovered and stopped a human trafficking situation. The Tribute to Bravery Ceremony served as a profound reminder of the incredible dedication by Broward County's first responders. Through their heroic actions, the stories of these Medal of Valor recipients highlight the remarkable courage, heart, and selflessness that define these everyday heroes and exemplify the true spirit of service and sacrifice. About the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council: The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the first responders of Broward County. Its core mission is to provide financial assistance to the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Over time, the Council's focus has expanded to include broader investments in the first responders who serve and protect our communities. In partnership with the Broward County Sheriff and Police Chiefs, the Advisory Council funds state-of-the-art equipment and technology, specialized training, community outreach, and wellness initiatives; efforts that enhance their ability to serve and protect, and in turn, help safeguard the well-being of Broward County. The Advisory Council remains steadfast in its mission: Protecting Those Who Protect Us. For more information, visit www.browardsheriffsadvisorycouncil.com. Media Contact: The Pontes Group / Lais Pontes Greene [email protected] 954-960-6083 SOURCE Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As "Ne Zha 2", a Chinese animated blockbuster based on Chinese mythological characters, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, a parallel surge of interest in traditional Chinese culture resonated through the halls of the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair). More than a global trade event, the Canton Fair has become a dynamic platform where traditional heritage meets contemporary design, reflecting the growing role of cultural expression in international commerce. Chinese cultural motifs are no longer confined to museums and history books, they are being reimagined as marketable, emotionally resonant products with global appeal. Tradition Reimagined Across the sprawling exhibition halls, Chinese heritage was finding new life through modern craftsmanship and innovative product design. Exhibitors reinterpreted traditional cultural elements with fresh creativity: handbags featured scenes from Along the River During the Qingming Festival, the iconic Song dynasty scroll painting by Zhang Zeduan; porcelain items echoed the graceful lotus motifs of the Tang dynasty; and silk scarves took inspiration from ancient murals of the Pilu Temple, one of China's revered Buddhist landmarks. Even Old Dragon's Head in Shanhaiguan, recognized as the easternmost point of the Great Wall, was transformed into intricately designed earrings, demonstrating how history can be turned into wearable, collectible art. This cultural infusion is more than aesthetic. These designs imbue products with emotional and symbolic meaning, setting them apart in saturated global markets. It's an evolution driven by the rise of Guochao, or "China Chic", a movement celebrating domestic culture and aesthetics, now gaining traction internationally. China Chic Goes Global On April 25, the Canton Fair hosted the forum "The Rising Wave of China Chic Going Global," where experts and industry leaders explored how Chinese cultural intellectual property (IP) can gain international influence. Using Ne Zha 2 as a case study, the forum delved into the evolving economics of cultural IP, highlighting the importance of cross-industry collaboration in content creation and branding. Topics included the power of technology in amplifying visual symbolism, identifying universal values embedded in traditional narratives, and building global creative networks that integrate everything from production to distribution. Corporate representatives showcased case studies featuring AI-assisted design tools and flexible supply chains that align with local market preferences. Panelists emphasized the need for deeper integration of digital tools and cultural narratives to create globally resonant products that reflect China's unique identity in a multicultural world. Living Heritage The Canton Fair's Phase Two further celebrated Chinese heritage through the "Time-Honored Guangdong Brands" pavilion, where over 20 time-honored brands from cities like Guangzhou, Shantou, and Yangjiang presented their most iconic offerings. Visitors sampled cured meats, aged soy sauces, Chaozhou-style beef balls, and fragrant tangerine peel drinkseach product steeped in local tradition and storytelling. The experience was enhanced by live lion dances and reenactments from the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, bringing history to life through an engaging, multisensory showcase. Elsewhere, the Fair exhibitions spotlighted intangible cultural heritage, with demonstrations of intricate Zhaoqing embroidery and centuries-old clock-making skills from Lee Jim Kee. These crafts not only showcased the richness of Chinese tradition but also underscored their relevance in contemporary markets through thoughtful packaging and design innovation. More than just a trading venue, the Canton Fair is evolving into a cultural crossroads where commerce meets heritage. As Chinese traditions are reinterpreted for global audiences, storytelling, design, and identity are becoming key assets in cross-border trade. With growing international demand for products that carry both aesthetic and emotional value, culturally inspired goods are playing a powerful role in reshaping China's image on the world stage. SOURCE Canton Fair HONG KONG, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CATL today announced the listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) under stock code 3750. The global offering comprised 135 million shares before the greenshoe option, at a price of HKD 263.00 each, making CATL the first A-share company seeking a secondary listing in Hong Kong with a price cap for the issuance. CATL's HK IPO took only 128 days from kick-off to completion, with the zero discount to the A-share closing price on the day of setting price cap. On its first day of trading, the stock opened strong on its debut, with an opening price at HKD 296 per share, representing a 12.55% increase from the offering price. This offering attracted a diverse range of investors from 15 countries and regions globally, including sovereign wealth funds, industrial capital, long-term institutions, insurance capital, and multi-strategy funds. The strong demand demonstrates not only confidence in CATL's long-term value but also recognition of the vast market potential and commercial opportunities driven by zero-carbon technologies. "CATL is not just a battery component manufacturer; we are a system solution provider and are committed to becoming a zero-carbon technology company," said Dr. Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, at today's listing ceremony. "This listing signifies our deeper integration into the global capital markets and marks a new milestone in our mission to drive the global zero-carbon economy." As global efforts to combat climate change, the zero-carbon economy has evolved from an environmental imperative into a dynamic engine of economic growth. Being a pioneer in advancing the zero-carbon economy, CATL is accelerating the development of a zero-carbon society through relentless innovation in zero-carbon technologies. These advancements encompass the following key sectors: Zero-Carbon Transportation: To meet global net-zero emission targets, BloombergNEF predicts that annual investment in electric transportation must reach USD 3 trillion by 2030. The global transportation system is undergoing a radical restructuring, with new energy vehicles and battery-swapping ecosystems entering a phase of explosive growth. Emerging transportation sectors, such as low-altitude economies and electric vessels, are also rapidly evolving. CATL has built the world's most advanced and diversified product portfolio to respond to the global transportation revolution. With vehicle-to-battery separation and battery standardization at its core, CATL is spearheading innovative battery-swapping solutions, which will achieve the convergence of e-mobility and energy networks and establish a closed-loop zero-carbon ecosystem across the entire battery lifecycle. CATL recently unveiled standardized battery swap block and full-scenario chassis-swap solutions for heavy-duty trucks in Datong, Shanxi. This is a critical step toward establishing a nationwide heavy-duty truck battery-swap network covering 80% of key logistics routes in China by 2030. In the passenger vehicle sector, CATL has formed the "Choco-Swap Alliance" to deploy a new battery-swapping ecosystem. Zero-Carbon Electricity: BloombergNEF forecasts that by 2050, global annual electricity consumption will increase by 75%, with potential investments in renewable energy exceeding USD 10 trillion over the next 25 years. Establishing a zero-carbon power system presents both challenges and opportunities. To address common issues with current grids such as a lack of grid-forming resilience, CATL is channelling resources into zero-carbon grid technologies, including power electronics, flexible regulation systems, and virtual power plants, so as to pioneer a new zero-carbon power system and benefit numerous households through zero-carbon technologies. Global Industrial Decarbonization: Nowadays, 195 countries and regions have set emission reduction targets, propelling energy transition and zero-carbon sustainable development. The International Energy Agency predicts that starting in 2030, achieving net-zero emissions will require USD 4.5 trillion in annual global investment. CATL aims for all factories to be carbon-neutral this year and is helping to decarbonize traditional industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals. CATL is developing integrated zero-carbon solutions and working with partners to build zero-carbon islands, zero-carbon industrial parks and zero-carbon demonstration cities. While focusing on the zero-carbon economy, CATL is also committed to energy circularity. In June, CATL will unveil further details of its Global Energy Circularity Commitment, uniting cross-industrial partners to join forces in building a robust circular economy ecosystem. In the past decade, CATL has invested over RMB 70 billion (around USD 10 billion) in research and development, and the number of patents granted and applied globally has gone beyond 43,000. CATL tops the list in terms of new patents for five consecutive years in the industry. CATL has established six global research and development centers. Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre provides a vital platform to support CATL's expanding production capacity, supplier network, and talent pool. It also enables more diverse cooperation with international partners, an essential step toward a zero-carbon future. In the future, CATL will remain firmly focused on innovation as its core competitive strength, dedicating itself to developing zero-carbon technologies and supporting the growth of the global zero-carbon economy. About CATL Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a global leader in new energy technology innovation, committed to providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide. In June 2018, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with stock code 300750. In the year 2024, CATL's EV battery consumption volume has ranked No.1 in the world for eight consecutive years, and it has ranked first in the market share of global energy storage battery shipments for four straight years. CATL also enjoys wide recognition by global EV and energy storage partners. Committed to making an outstanding contribution to the energy transition of mankind, CATL in 2023 announced its strategic goals of achieving carbon neutrality in core operations by 2025 and across the battery supply chain by 2035. SOURCE Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) New initiative aims to stop cyber attackers before hospitals face a data breach Code Blue TORRANCE, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday weekends are prime time for cyberattacks, particularly for healthcare organizations. To counter this growing threat, Celerium today announced the launch of its first-ever Data Breach Weekend Watch for Memorial Day weekend. This initiative is designed to help hospitals and healthcare organizations detect and respond to cyber threats during long weekendswhen breaches are most likely to go unnoticed due to reduced staffing. Celerium's Memorial Day Data Breach Weekend Watch provides individual protections and community-wide visibility and defense coordination. The program is part of Celerium's no-cost 2025 Data Breach Defense Program, currently supporting a growing network of 40+ U.S. healthcare organizations that have been accepted into the program. It targets high-risk cyberattack times like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Daywhen hospitals are most vulnerable to data breach activity. "The Data Breach Weekend Watch offers extra protection for healthcare organizations during high-risk periods like holiday weekends," said Vince Crisler, Chief Strategy Officer at Celerium and former White House CISO. "Our no-cost program is a valuable opportunity for eligible organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity postureespecially ahead of Memorial Day and other upcoming holidays when threats tend to rise." More information about the no-cost program is available at Celerium.com. Holiday Weekends Pose Heightened Risks for Healthcare Systems Data breaches can strike at any timebut holidays are especially dangerous. Cyber attackers know that staff levels drop and response times slow. Celerium's Data Breach Defender is available year-round to help prevent, detect, and contain data breaches. But during key holiday periods, the Data Breach Weekend Watch initiative adds extra vigilance to protect the community. According to IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report, 24% of data breaches are never discovered by the victims themselvesthey're only alerted by the attackers. What the Weekend Watch Includes For Memorial Day, hospitals participating in Celerium's Data Breach Defense Program will benefit from both individual protections and community-wide visibility and defense coordination. Individual Hospital Protections Optional prevention and early-stage breach alerts for hospitals Executive IT data breach impact dashboard Community-Wide Threat Monitoring Pre-weekend virtual briefing and mid-weekend update hosted by Celerium's Vince Crisler , former White House CISO, and top healthcare CISO Jeffrey Vinson , former White House CISO, and top healthcare CISO Jeffrey Vinson Holiday-specific readiness checklists for IT and risk executives Future Weekend Watches are already planned for July 4th, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving, expanding Celerium's vision of a Data Breach Network tailored for the healthcare sector. Data Breach Defender: Built for Urgency, Proven in Defense The Memorial Day Weekend Watch is powered by Celerium's Data Breach Defendera cloud-based cybersecurity solution originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense, and now purpose-built for healthcare. It helps hospitals and healthcare organizations: Prevent, detect, and contain early-stage data breaches early-stage data breaches Deploy in under 30 minutes , with no new hardware or software installation required , with no new hardware or software installation required Support understaffed IT teams This foundation delivers military-grade protection, tailored for the real-world constraints of today's hospital systems. Webinar: Data Breach Defense in Health Care May 29 at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT Join Celerium's leadership and expert panel on May 29 to learn how to prepare your hospital for peak-risk weekends like July 4th, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Featured Speakers: Vince Crisler , Chief Strategy Officer, Celerium; former White House CISO and DHS/CISA leader , Chief Strategy Officer, Celerium; former White House CISO and DHS/CISA leader Jeffrey Vinson , Top 100 Healthcare CISO; former CISO of Harris Health System, Texas The webinar is intended for healthcare IT executives. Registration is free and available at Celerium.com. About Celerium Celerium has been a trusted cyber defense company for over 18 years, engineering and delivering powerful, active solutions across critical sectors. The company supports the Defense Industrial Base, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), State and Local Governments, and the U.S. Healthcare market. Celerium is a Community Services Partner of the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health ISAC), an American Hospital Association (AHA) Associate Member, and a CHIME Foundation Member. Visit us online at www.Celerium.com. SOURCE Celerium The factory launch coincided with the roll-off of its 28.59-millionth vehicle and the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. RAYONG, Thailand, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChangAn Automobile ("ChangAn" or "the Company"), an intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company, recently officially commenced production at its first international NEV manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, coinciding with both the roll-off of its 28.59-millionth vehicle, and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, marking a truly major milestone. The factory launch is a landmark event of ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan for global expansion that represents a shift from brand internationalisation to the export of full industries. Mr. Zhu Huarong, Chairman of ChangAn Automobile, shared: "Our aim is to build this factory as a global benchmark. We will continue to focus on long-term growth, and mutually beneficial, low-carbon, localised operations. To lead sustainable mobility and benefit human life is ChangAn's mission, and despite the huge challenges currently posed by anti-globalisation, we are fully committed to our Vast Ocean Plan." ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan drives global expansion across five regions, advancing its goal of becoming a world-class automobile brand. Over three years, the Company filed over 14,000 patents, with 70% for inventions, averaging 19 per workday, maintaining top R&D rankings. ChangAn fosters global talent focusing on professionalism, youth, internationalisation, and market orientation. Its industrial footprint includes 20 planned factories, with nine KD plants and one full vehicle plant operational. Marketing includes 22 brand launches across Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, with over 9,000 outlets. ESG investments exceed 30 million yuan annually, supporting public welfare worldwide. ChangAn's Vast Ocean Plan has accelerated the Company's global expansion since its 2023 launch. With five major international regions established, ChangAn set overseas sales records in 2024. As the plan enters a new phase in 2025, the Company is sharing high-quality products and services worldwide at the speed of China. In Southeast Asia and Oceania, ChangAn has cultivated key right-hand-drive markets. Construction of the Rayong factory in Thailand began in November 2023, and mass production started in May 2025. In the region, the DEEPAL S05 and extended-range EV debuted at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. The factory marks a shift from product exports to full-industry exports. In Latin America, ChangAn hosted a brand conference on July 23, 2024, accelerating the rollout of high-value products to meet diverse local needs. After 30 years in the Middle East and Africa, a brand launch in September 2024 introduced six new energy models. Plans include local subsidiaries, joint ventures, and expanded services. In Europe, where ChangAn established its Turin Design Center in 2001, a brand launch in Germany on March 21, 2025, marked renewed commitment to sustainable mobility through localised R&D and the "In Europe, For Europe" strategy. ChangAn will pursue its "four ones" development goals and advance its global strategy, elevating five major international markets to the same strategic level as China. The Company aims to grow its global market capacity from 30 million to 50 million and accelerate localisation in these regions. ChangAn plans to expand production with 11 KD projects in countries such as Kazakhstan and Egypt, reaching 500,000 vehicles in international capacity. SOURCE ChangAn Automobile AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chazey Partners, a global leader in Operations Transformation, announced today the launch of FlexBPO an innovative service delivery solution designed to provide organizations with unprecedented flexibility, agility, and transformational capability in delivering key support functions: Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, and IT. FlexBPO is a solution purpose-built for today's dynamic business environment, delivering greater transparency and flexibility than traditional business process outsourcing models. It features a customizable nearshore collaborative model that integrates seamlessly with both onshore captive client operations and offshore outsourcing locations. This location-agnostic approach empowers enterprises to align delivery capabilities whether nearshore, offshore, or onshore, aligned to their strategic goals and evolving business needs. "FlexBPO doesn't replace traditional BPO it enhances and complements it." Shaji Farooq, CEO, Chazey Partners Post this The attributes of FlexBPO that make this possible are: (1) a nearshore location aligned with US time zones, (2) collaborative decision-making and shared control, (3) flexibility through client-specific customization, (4) a strong focus on transformation, (5) an end-to-end, process-oriented approach rather than a task-based one, and (6) seamless integration as an extension of the client's operations. "FlexBPO doesn't replace traditional BPOit enhances and complements it," said Shaji Farooq, CEO of Chazey Partners. "Our clients seek more agile, transformative approaches to outsourcing, and FlexBPO delivers exactly that by embedding transformation from day one, tailored specifically to each organization's unique requirements. While traditional BPO works well with ~80% of the processes, it struggles with a subset of more complex, time-sensitive processes where the cost of failure is high (both financially and reputationally) It is these gaps that FlexBPO addresses." "The root cause of problems associated with executing more challenging processes lies in delivery from far-shore locations (with their associated large differences in time zones). Since work has to be executed during US working hours, offshore teams, by definition, must operate during local night-shift hours there is really no easy fix to this. This, in turn, poses ongoing challenges related to the low availability of high-quality talent willing to work night shifts, leading to high attrition rates, constant knowledge erosion, and the associated need for retraining. When it comes to simpler, task-oriented processes, the industry has managed to meet or exceed service levels despite these challenges, but not so when it comes to the ~20% of the more challenging processes," adds Shaji. Central to FlexBPO's innovative approach is its practitioner-led model that moves beyond standardized lift-and-shift operations. Chazey's experts collaborate closely with clients to create tailored solutions that evolve alongside their business objectives. This unique flexibility ensures rapid scalability, seamless transitions, and optimal cost management without the burden of long-term constraints. The bottom line, emphasized Shaji is, "We will work with you, and not force-fit a solution that is not tailored to your specific needs." "Chazey has gained extensive operational experience in designing, establishing, and optimizing Global Business Services and Shared Services Operations in Latin America, serving the US market. The strength of our capability is grounded in hands-on experience, and our FlexBPO solution addresses operational roadblocks, enabling enterprises to scale rapidly while maintaining high-quality delivery," said Esteban Carril, Executive Partner, LATAM at Chazey Partners. "Organizations no longer need existing infrastructure or local experience in Latin America Chazey provides the facilities, the team, and the operational expertise to enable growth, particularly in strategic nearshore delivery centers like Latin America. Furthermore, availability of high-quality talent is not a constraint across LATAM locations day-shift operations only make it easier." A recent case exemplifying FlexBPO's value involved a large multinational company that leveraged the FlexBPO model to transform its finance operations. By repatriating services from an India-based outsourcer and establishing a nearshore delivery center in Bogota, Colombia, the company achieved a rapid three-month launch, significantly enhanced operational efficiency by 30%, and laid the foundation for further expansion into HR, IT, and procurement functions, as well as additional finance functions. FlexBPO is particularly suited to enterprises aiming for enhanced agility, reduced attrition, in-time-zone support, and higher client engagement. It's an ideal solution for companies looking to transition context-sensitive processes that require deep business expertise, manage evolving operational needs effectively, and reduce the complexity of offshore management. For additional details on FlexBPO, visit www.chazeypartners.com or reach out via [email protected]. About Chazey Partners Recognized as an HFS Challenger, Chazey Partners is a practitioner-led management consulting firm specializing in Operations Transformation. The firm is known for its commitment to transformation and delivery, consistently driving tangible outcomes through hands-on expertise and strategic insight. Media Contact: Chetna Anand Global Head of Marketing [email protected] www.chazeypartners.com SOURCE Chazey Partners GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday. Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD will establish its European headquarters and a new research and development center in Hungary, according to the company's CEO and President, Wang Chuanfu. The announcement was made in Budapest at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The new base will create nearly 2,000 jobs in sectors of sales, after-sales, testing, certification, and localized vehicle development. The new HQ marks the fifth site for BYD in Hungary, following the bus factory in Komarom, additional facilities in Fot and Paty, and Szeged, the location of their forthcoming passenger-car manufacturing plant. Wang said the move represents a deepening of China-Hungary cooperation and a "natural step forward" as the Shenzhen-based company scales up its European operations. Hungary, already a key automotive manufacturing hub in Europe, hopes to strengthen its position in the EV sector. "Our goal is for foreign investors to bring development capacities to Hungary," said Orban. "That is why today's meeting and agreement are of great importance." Last year, BYD sold over 4.27 million electric vehicles globally, becoming the world's best-selling EV brand. In Europe, BYD is gaining ground quickly selling over 11,000 vehicles in April across 14 countries, outperforming Tesla. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690592/video.mp4 GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hungary (Europe) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was held Friday in Budapest, marking a new milestone in China-Hungary economic relations. The high-level conference saw the signing of 36 investment projects worth over 3.8 billion USD, involving leading enterprises from China's Greater Bay Area and Hungarian partners. One of the key projects is Guangdong-based electric vehicle giant BYD setting up its new European headquarters in Budapest. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao said Hungary has become a favored destination for Chinese investment in Europe. "Cooperation between the two sides continues to expand, with major joint projects progressing steadily," he added. China has remained Hungary's largest source of foreign direct investment for two consecutive years. In 2024, 51% of Hungary's FDI originated from China. "Hungary is an ideal place for Chinese investment to enter the EU market," said Peto Erno, President of the Hungarian-Chinese Chamber of Economy. "We are at the heart of Central Europe, well-connected to neighboring and EU countries." In 2024 alone, Guangdong's investment in Hungary surged by 113%, with firms like Huawei, ZTE, and BYD creating over 10,000 local jobs. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Levente Magyar emphasized that this is more than just economic cooperation. "We're not really looking for investors. We are looking for friends," he said. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690606/94e3381a2f728524a0c2c1814284393c.mp4 Market Growth Driven by Increasing Demand Across Aerospace and Defense Sectors, Accelerated Adoption in Industrial Automation, Rising Utilization in Harsh Environment Applications, and Expansion of the Electric Vehicle Industry REDDING, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled "Circular Connector Market by Product Type (Standard Circular Connectors, High-Speed Connectors, Waterproof Connectors, Hybrid/Customized Connectors, Fiber Optic Circular Connectors), End User, Mounting Style, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2032", the circular connector market is projected to reach $9.8 billion by 2032, up from an estimated $6.2 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is mainly driven by increasing demand across aerospace and defense sectors, accelerated adoption in industrial automation, rising utilization in harsh environment applications, and expansion of the electric vehicle industry. For more comprehensive insights, download the FREE report sample: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=6161 Key Market Drivers and Trends The circular connector market is witnessing strong growth, primarily driven by evolving performance requirements particularly for high-speed data transmission that are reshaping traditional connector designs. Integration of lightweight materials and miniaturization to address space constraints is gaining momentum. Market expansion is further supported by the growing demand for ruggedized solutions tailored to extreme conditions and the emergence of hybrid connectors that seamlessly integrate power, signal, and data transmission, especially within military, automotive, and industrial domains. Latest trends in the circular connector market include the development of high-speed connectivity solutions essential for advanced data transmission. The industry is increasingly focusing on robust, high-performance circular connectors for both vehicle systems and charging infrastructure to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry. Growth Opportunities The market presents substantial growth opportunities in the emergence of high-speed connectivity solutions essential for advanced data transmission, which is significantly enhancing the role of circular connectors across sectors. Another major opportunity lies in the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, which requires robust, high-performance circular connectors. Additionally, the acceleration of Industry 4.0 and IoT adoption is creating a surge in demand for reliable, rugged connectors suited for harsh industrial environments, as organizations increasingly seek military-grade solutions and high-density pin configurations for compact, next-generation electronic systems. Get Insightful Data on Regions, Market Segments, Customer Landscape, and Top Companies (Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/circular-connector-market-6161 Market Challenges Despite significant growth potential, the overall circular connector market faces challenges including high installation and maintenance costs associated with advanced connector systems straining budgets, particularly in cost-sensitive sectors. Rising competition from fiber optic solutions, favored in high bandwidth applications, is eroding market share. Additionally, recent global disruptions have exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, affecting production and delivery timelines. Rapidly evolving technology standards are creating compatibility concerns, and stringent testing and qualification protocols, especially for mission-critical applications, are delaying product adoption, limiting scalability in key industries. Segment Insights The global circular connector market is segmented by product type (Standard Circular Connectors, High-Speed Connectors, Waterproof Connectors, Hybrid/Customized Connectors, Fiber Optic Circular Connectors), end user (Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Automation, Automotive & Transportation, Medical Devices, Energy & Power, Telecom & Data Centers, Consumer Electronics, Marine & Offshore, Others), mounting style (Panel Mount, Cable Mount, PCB Mount), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa). Market by Product Type The Standard Circular Connectors segment is expected to account for the largest share of the overall circular connector market in 2025, primarily driven by their proven reliability, versatility, and broad adoption across diverse industries. Their robust mechanical design, environmental durability, and cost-efficiency make them indispensable in applications ranging from industrial machinery and transportation systems to general electronics. However, the High-Speed Circular Connectors segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate through 2032, fueled by escalating data transmission demands, the rise of high-definition video and sensor-based applications, and increasing deployment of industrial Ethernet protocols. Request a customized research analysis tailored to your specific requirements: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=6161 Market by End User The Aerospace & Defense segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global circular connector market in 2025, primarily due to the sector's rigorous performance and reliability standards, significant investments in high-end systems, and the essential requirement for connectors capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions. However, the Automotive & Transportation segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the rapid expansion of electric and autonomous vehicles, the rising electronic content per vehicle, and increasing focus on safety-critical systems. Geographic Market Insights In 2025, North America is expected to hold the largest share of the global circular connector market, followed by Europe, due to its robust aerospace and defense industry, significant investments in industrial automation, advanced transportation systems, and the strong presence of prominent connector manufacturers. However, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, South Korea, and India, is projected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. This acceleration is mainly driven by rapid industrialization, expanding manufacturing capabilities, increasing defense modernization initiatives, and the region's pivotal role as a global electronics manufacturing center. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy this Research Report (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More)- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/view-pricing/1478 Competitive Landscape The global circular connector market is characterized by a competitive and dynamic landscape, comprising established electrical component giants, specialized interconnect solution providers, and innovative niche players addressing specific industry needs. Market evolution is increasingly shaped by trends such as miniaturization, lightweight construction, and the development of environmentally sealed connectors designed to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical exposure. Leading manufacturers are leveraging advanced materials to achieve weight reduction without compromising mechanical strength and are incorporating enhanced EMI shielding to meet the demands of sensitive electronic systems. Key players in the global circular connector market include Amphenol Corporation, TE Connectivity Ltd., ITT Inc., Molex (a subsidiary of Koch Industries), LEMO SA, Eaton Corporation plc, Smiths Interconnect (a division of Smiths Group), Franz Binder GmbH & Co., Fischer Connectors SA, Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., HARTING Technology Group, and Glenair, Inc., among others. Related Reports: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Charging Type (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging) Connection Type (Pantograph, Connector, Wireless) Component (Hardware, Software, Services) Mounting Type (Wall, Pedestal, Ceiling) Vehicle Type, End User - Global Forecast to 2031 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-market-5078 Human Machine Interface (HMI) Market by Offering (Hardware (Display Units, Others), Software, Services), Configuration (Connected, Web-based), End-use Industry (Oil & Gas, Automotive, F&B, Others), & Geography - Global Forecast to 2031 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/human-machine-interface-hmi-market-5805 Fiber Optics Market by Type (Single, Multi-mode), Material (Glass, Plastic), Deployment, Application (Internet & Computer Networking, Cable Television), End-user (IT & Telecommunications, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2032 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/fiber-optics-market-5696 About Meticulous Research We are a trusted research partner for leading businesses worldwide, empowering Fortune 500 organizations and emerging enterprises with market intelligence designed to drive revenue transformation and strategic growth. Our insights reveal future growth opportunities, equipping clients with a competitive edge through a versatile suite of research solutionsincluding syndicated reports, custom research, and direct analyst engagement. Each year, we conduct over 300 syndicated studies and manage 60+ consulting engagements across eight major sectors and 20+ geographic markets, all to deliver targeted business insights that help our clients lead in a rapidly evolving global market. With a strong focus on problem-solving for complex business challenges, our research enables organizations to navigate change with assertion, aligning it with strategic pathways for sustainable growth. By identifying innovative and effective solutions, we empower leaders to make impactful decisions that drive operational excellence and fuel innovation. We are committed to crafting insights that enhance business performance and help our clients unlock new revenue opportunities, positioning them for long-term success in the competitive global marketplace. To find out more, visit www.meticulousresearch.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Contact: Mr. Khushal Bombe Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. 1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding, California, 96001, U.S. USA: +1-646-781-8004 Europe: +44-203-868-8738 APAC: +91 744-7780008 Email- [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research Content Source: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/circular-connector-market-6161 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1757980/5251440/Meticulous_Research_Logo_1.jpg SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. SAN DIEGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cireson, the pioneers in Microsoft IT Service Management, has announced the launch of a bold new brand identity, complete with a refreshed website, unified product platform, and a reimagined customer experience. This strategic rebrand brings together the company's original Microsoft Service Manager Portal (SMP) solutions and its cloud-native Microsoft Teams-based product, Tikit, under one vibrant, cohesive identity. "This rebrand reflects the next phase in our journey: empowering organizations to manage IT support directly within Microsoft Teams, where work already happens," said Adam Dzyacky, Director of Product Management at Cireson. Our new look and unified platform are sleeker, smarter, and have more energy than a triple-shot espresso. Post this Cireson's updated brand celebrates its roots in trusted Microsoft solutions while embracing a future shaped by innovation, simplicity, and human-centered design. The rebrand includes a vibrant new visual identity, modernized logo, and a redesigned website that brings Tikit and SMP into one intuitive, user-friendly experience. From color palette to customer portals, the updated Cireson is built to energize and streamline the way IT teams work. "Why juggle two brands when you can have one supercharged powerhouse?" said Geoff Ross, Director of Customer Success. "With our new look and unified platform, we've brought our products under one roofbecause even software likes a good family reunion. It's sleeker, it's smarter, and it's got more energy than a triple-shot espresso." New Look, Same Mission: Helping Microsoft-First IT Teams Do More Not just a visual transformation, the rebrand is a recommitment to the company's mission of helping Microsoft-first organizations maximize their IT investments. Customers can expect solutions designed to be seamless, AI-powered, and genuinely helpful. "The new brand marks more than a visual refreshit represents our culture of innovation and our belief in delivering user-first, AI-powered experiences inside the tools people love," said Dzyacky. With demand growing for embedded, conversational support experiences, Cireson's Teams-native approach positions it at the forefront of this shift. The rebrand also introduces deeper integrations with Microsoft 365, smart automation, and a new API documentation hub for builders and IT makers. What's New with the Rebrand: Unified Presence: Tikit and SMP are now both housed under cireson.comone company, one home. Tikit and SMP are now both housed under cireson.comone company, one home. New Help Portal: An upgraded support hub for a better ticketing experience. An upgraded support hub for a better ticketing experience. Modern Visual Identity: A refreshed logo and color palette featuring sun-drenched hues and cool, grounded tones to reflect energy, clarity, and growth. A refreshed logo and color palette featuring sun-drenched hues and cool, grounded tones to reflect energy, clarity, and growth. Customer-Centered Experience: Improved resources, centralized knowledge base, and easier access to product content designed with users in mind. "This transformation is all about simplifying the service experiencefewer clicks, faster resolutions, and support that lives where your users do," added Dzyacky. A Word from Leadership "We're incredibly proud of what our team and community have accomplished over the past 15 years," says Cireson Co-Founder Paul Sutton. "Looking ahead, we're energized by the transformative potential of AI in IT Service Management and the new value it enables our customers to deliver. With our steadfast commitment to Microsoft technologies, we believe the next chapter will be our most innovative and impactful yet." About Cireson Since 2011, Cireson has been the pioneer in developing world-class IT Service Management solutions for Microsoft-first organizations. A global Microsoft Premier Partner, Cireson offers Service Desk solutions that natively integrate with Microsoft technologies, including Entra, Azure Open AI, Intune, Power Automate, Power BI, System Center, and Teams to help organizations get the most out of their Microsoft investments. Built for Microsoft. Ready for anything. Learn more at www.cireson.com. SOURCE Cireson NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC ("Compass Diversified" or the "Company") (NYSE: CODI) of a class action securities lawsuit. CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Compass Diversified investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 1, 2024 and May 7, 2025. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team: https://zlk.com/pslra-1/compass-diversified-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=149192&wire=4 CODI investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500. 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 during the relevant time frame, you have until July 8, 2025 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate. WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our 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. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. Ed Korsinsky, Esq. 33 Whitehall Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10004 [email protected] Tel: (212) 363-7500 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP TAIPEI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- COMPUTEX 2025 officially kicked off today at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2, running through May 23. Under the theme "AI Next," COMPUTEX 2025 features 1,400 exhibitors from 34 countries, using 4,800 booths across 80,000 square meters of exhibition space. The grand opening ceremony invites President Lai Ching-te, Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an, Premier Cho Jung-tai, TAITRA Chairman James Huang, TCA Chairman Paul Peng, marking the start of this year's most anticipated global technology event. President Lai highlighted COMPUTEX 2025 Grand Opening Welcomes Distinguished Guests (From left: TAITRA Chairman James Huang, President Lai Ching-te, Premier Cho Jung-tai, TCA Chairman Paul Peng) TAITRA Chairman James Huang added,"AI has crossed the Turing Boundarygaining memory and evolving closer to human-like intelligence. This marks a deeper transformation that connects hardware and software, and unites humans with artificial intelligence. Taiwan stands at the center of this revolution, leveraging its strengths in semiconductors, innovation, and advanced computing to lead the AI era." TCA Chairman Paul Peng said, "Taiwan holds three major competitive advantages in the AI era: a robust semiconductor supply chain, strong capabilities in hardware-software integration, and practical solutions to address aging populations and labor shortagesdemonstrating industrial resilience." From Chips to Systems: Demonstrate the Power of Taiwan's AI Ecosystem As a premier global exhibition for AI and startups, COMPUTEX 2025 centers around three major themes: AI& Robotics, Next-Gen Tech and Future Mobility. This year introduces two new specialized zones: the AI Services Technology Zone and the Robotics & Drones Zone. Leading exhibitors include Acer, ADATA, Advantech, ASRock, ASUS, Auras, BenQ, Chenbro, GIGABYTE, Delta, ECS, G.SKILL, Foxconn, Innodisk, Intel, Inventec, KIOXIA, LITEON, MediaTek, MSI, NVIDIA, MiTAC, Pegatron, and PGW, showcasing a full spectrum of AI innovation from hardware to application. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of InnoVEX, the show welcomes 450 startups from 24 countries, a 12.5% growth from last year. Ten national pavilionsrepresenting Belgium, Brazil, France, Australia, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Israel, Poland, and the Czech Republicunderscore the show's global innovation reach. Notable incubators and accelerators such as NVIDIA Inception Program, Garage+, StarFab, Taipei Exchange, Edge AI Foundation, and Interlink are also participating with startup teams, igniting creative sparks across the show. Keynotes and Forums: Advancing the AI 2.0 Era COMPUTEX 2025 features keynote speeches from the world's most influential tech leaders, including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon, Foxconn Chairman Young Liu, MediaTek Vice Chairman and CEO Dr. Rick Tsai, and NXP Executive Vice President Jens Hinrichsen, sharing the latest breakthroughs and forward-looking industry insights. The COMPUTEX Forum has also been fully upgraded, themed "AI in Action." This year's lineup features 13 heavyweight speakers from across the AI ecosystem, including Google DeepMind, NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, Advantech, Arm, Intel, Adobe, Cadence, bp Castrol, Infineon, Seagate, Schneider Electric, and Compal, offering in-depth discussions on critical issues shaping the AI supply chain. Diverse Events Enhance the Visitor Experience In addition to 1-on-1 sourcing meetings, guided tours, ESG GO! initiative, and Pitch Contest, TAITRA is also launching creative events, including Tech'em High, a collaborative nightlife event with KOR Taipei, and the Hospitality Lounge curated by Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation and GQ Taiwanblending business networking with lifestyle and capital market integration. COMPUTEX and InnoVEX 2025 run from May 20 to 23 at the TaiNEX 1 & 2. Industry professionals are warmly invited to explore the latest breakthroughs in AI, experience cutting-edge technologies, and connect with global leaders shaping the future of innovation. For more information: https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/en/index.html. For more exhibition information: COMPUTEX: https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/en/index.html InnoVEX: www.innovex.com.tw About COMPUTEX COMPUTEX was founded in 1981. It has grown with the global ICT industry and become stronger over the last four decades. Bearing witness to historical moments in the development of and changes in the industry, COMPUTEX attracts more than 40,000 buyers to visit Taiwan every year. It is also the preferred platform chosen by top international companies for launching epoch-making products. Taiwan has a comprehensive global ICT industry chain. Gaining a foothold in Taiwan, COMPUTEX is jointly held by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Taipei Computer Association, aiming to build a global tech ecosystem. COMPUTEX has become a global benchmark exhibition for AI and startups, connecting global pioneers and enabling new sparks of breakthrough technology. About TAITRA: Founded in 1970, TAITRA is Taiwan's foremost nonprofit trade-promoting organization. Sponsored by the government and industry organizations, TAITRA assists enterprises in expanding their global reach. Headquartered in Taipei, TAITRA has a team of 1,300 specialists and operates 5 local offices as well as 62 branches worldwide. Together with Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and Taiwan Trade Center (TTC), TAITRA has formed a global network dedicated to promoting world trade. TAITRA's five local branch offices in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung provide services to companies outside metropolitan Taipei. Through these domestic offices, TAITRA is able to maintain close contact and interaction with local companies in their respective areas and provide direct and substantial services in areas such as feature trade promotion, business information, market seminars, on-the-job training, procurement meetings, meeting room rental, etc. Branch offices play vital roles in Taiwan Trade Shows coordination between Taipei headquarters and local companies, and invite buyers to visit local industries. SOURCE COMPUTEX CEJA credit will partly offset high power price, but spike highlights urgent need for reforms at PJM and passage of strong state policy, as big power generators make windfall profits off elevated prices CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Edison's summer price for electricity is set to increase significantly on June 1, but Illinois' landmark energy law, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), will give consumers some relief, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said this week, citing filings by the utility. CUB urged ComEd to work with customers struggling to afford their bills this summer, and said the elevated price highlights the need for long-term reforms. At a news conference Monday, CUB explained the causes of the price spike and said it has launched CUBHelpCenter.com , which has consumer tips on how to get through an expensive summer. While cautioning that pricing information could be adjusted before June 1, CUB said its preliminary review of ComEd tariffs filed Friday shows the utility's summer supply rate, June through September, would be about 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate, which includes the supply price and a transmission charge, would represent about a 45 percent increase over last June's price of 6.9 per kWh. The price will change again in October. ComEd has estimated the increase will cost customers an average of $10.60 more per month over the next year. CEJA will partly offset the price spike. The law requires a line item on ComEd bills called the Carbon Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFERA) to subsidize energy generated by Illinois nuclear power plants. But consumer advocates pushed for a provision that changes the charge to a credit when energy prices go above a certain level, as in June. According to CUB's review of ComEd tariffs, this credit will reduce ComEd's price by about 1.7 cents per kWh, or about 17 percent, in June. While it could be adjusted up or down on a monthly basis, a credit of some amount is expected to stay on bills for at least the next 12 months. "We're glad CEJA gives customers some relief in the short term, and in the long term we will continue to work at fixing the root causes of this price spike, mainly poor policy from PJM Interconnection, the power grid operator for northern Illinois," CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. "As we advocate for pro-consumer reforms at PJM and the State Capitol, we also urge ComEd to work with customers to keep them connected this summer." CUB's Consumers for a Better Grid campaign advocates for better PJM policies, and in Springfield the consumer group is working to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB2473/HB3779). The bill would implement a number of pro-consumer policies, including expanding energy efficiency programs and requiring data centers to pay for their own energy costs, rather than those costs being heaped on consumers. CUB provided information about the price spike as well as consumer tips: What's the cause? The price for reserve powercalled "capacity"has skyrocketed. While higher demand sparked by power-hungry data centers is a factor, this problem is largely because of poor policies undertaken by the regional power grid operator in ComEd territory. PJM has been slow to fix a clogged "interconnection queue"the line of power plants, largely wind and solar generators, waiting to connect to the grid. What part of the bill is impacted? Supply, which is the cost of the actual electricity, and transmission. This makes up about a half to two-thirds of bills. ComEd does not profit off this price spikeunder law the utility is required to pass supply costs onto customers with no markup. (ComEd profits off of rate hikes on the delivery side of bills.) If ComEd doesn't profit off this price spike, who does? Big energy companies that sell electricity to utilities stand to make a windfall. These power generators recently saw their PJM capacity revenue jump six-fold to $14.7 billion. Moskowitz outlined key consumer tips on CUBHelpCenter.com : Practice energy efficiency. Simple things like weatherizing windows and doorsto keep cool air in and warm air outcan help soften the blow of this price spike. But don't take unnecessary risks that keep your home too hot and threaten your health. Efficiency is about eliminating waste but staying safe and cool this summer. Simple things like weatherizing windows and doorsto keep cool air in and warm air outcan help soften the blow of this price spike. But don't take unnecessary risks that keep your home too hot and threaten your health. Efficiency is about eliminating waste but staying safe and cool this summer. Stay in contact with your utility. Keep the lines of communication open this summer. Consumers who are struggling should contact their utilities to inquire about payment plans and learn about energy efficiency programs. CUB called for ComEd to offer good payment plans to help more utility customers pay off their debts and stay connected this summer. Keep the lines of communication open this summer. Consumers who are struggling should contact their utilities to inquire about payment plans and learn about energy efficiency programs. CUB called for ComEd to offer good payment plans to help more utility customers pay off their debts and stay connected this summer. See if you qualify for energy assistance. To learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com or call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Line at 1-833-711-0374 . To learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), visit or call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Line at . Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. Alternative electricity suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that are causing utility prices to increase, so be careful about getting lured into bad deals. Be wary of low introductory rates that will skyrocket after a short period, and read the fine print for add-on fees that can raise the cost of the plan. Since 2015, Illinois consumers have lost about $1.8 billion to alternative power suppliers. It's likely, even in this expensive market, that your utility is your best bet. One exception: If your community has negotiated a power deal with a supplier, it's possible the price is lower than ComEd's supply rate. Confirm the price and find out when the offer expires. Alternative electricity suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that are causing utility prices to increase, so be careful about getting lured into bad deals. Be wary of low introductory rates that will skyrocket after a short period, and read the fine print for add-on fees that can raise the cost of the plan. Since 2015, consumers have lost about to alternative power suppliers. It's likely, even in this expensive market, that your utility is your best bet. If your community has negotiated a power deal with a supplier, it's possible the price is lower than ComEd's supply rate. Confirm the price and find out when the offer expires. Consider a community solar deal to help ease costs. Community solar offers currently guarantee savings compared to the utility's supply price. But be a careful shopper: Get more information at our special website, SolarInTheCommunity.com . Community solar offers currently guarantee savings compared to the utility's supply price. But be a careful shopper: Get more information at our special website, . If you're interested in installing solar panels, consider the next steps. Learn more about the Switch Together program , which CUB participates in, and rooftop solar in general. Also, CUB has information about income-qualified solar programs. Learn more about the , which CUB participates in, and in general. Also, about income-qualified solar programs. Be a good neighbor. Make sure friends, family and neighbors are staying safe and cool this summer. For more than 40 years the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog group. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has helped save consumers more than $20 billion by blocking rate hikes and securing refunds. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline, at 1-800-669-5556, or visit CUB's website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. SOURCE Citizens Utility Board REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, security, networks, and data center industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alex Cordovil to the role of Research Director, Data Center Physical Infrastructure and Data Center Liquid Cooling, effective immediately. Mr. Cordovil brings over 20 years of experience, with the past five years in data center infrastructure solutions including power, cooling, IT management, and service. He also has over a decade of experience in strategy consulting, working for boutique to top-tier firms. Mr. Cordovil will lead the data center physical infrastructure analysis and data center liquid cooling, including power uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution, thermal management, and IT racks. "We are very pleased to have such a strong analytical person join our team," declared Tam Dell'Oro, Founder and CEO of Dell'Oro Group. "The way Mr. Cordovil thinks about complex topics and is able to organize them into simple concepts is commendable. His experience in data center power and cooling combined with his organizational skills will be highly beneficial for our clients, and fortifies our excellent data center analyst team," added Dell'Oro. "Having used Dell'Oro's invaluable data throughout my career, I'm now excited to contribute to producing the very research that industry leaders trust. At a time when the data center industry is experiencing a pivotal shift and its importance has never been greater, I look forward to collaborating with Dell'Oro's team of experts helping clients navigate today's turbulent world with indispensable insights," commented Mr. Cordovil. Prior to joining Dell'Oro Group, Mr. Cordovil held a role at Vertiv, working on strategy design and execution for Vertiv's partner ecosystem across data center power and cooling solutions. He was also a key contributor to the company's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, developing thought leadership central to Vertiv's commercial efforts targeting AI opportunities. Prior to Vertiv, Mr. Cordovil spent approximately 15 years in consulting at Bain & Company, boutique consultancies, and independently. In these roles, he addressed a wide range of strategic and operational challenges. Mr. Cordovil holds a B.S. in Engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris, where he received the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sao Paulo, ranking in the top five of over 100,000 applicants. He also earned a Master's in Modern and Contemporary Art with distinction from Christie's Education. About Dell'Oro Group Dell'Oro Group is a market research firm that specializes in strategic competitive analysis in the telecommunications, security, enterprise networks, and data center infrastructure markets. Our firm provides in-depth quantitative data and qualitative analysis to facilitate critical, fact-based business decisions. For more information, contact Dell'Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit www.delloro.com. SOURCE Dell'Oro Group COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Join Demotech, Inc. for a review of the operating results of 2024, which will include a comparison and contrast to prior period results. Registration is complementary and can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4t85cntt. Each session will focus on an industry sector, reviewing and discussing the latest several years of public, market information. Historical key metrics including liquidity, leverage, and high-risk assets will be discussed. Emerging and pertinent topics including catastrophe reinsurance, technology and claims litigation, longevity risk, annuity sales, economic factors impacting title insurance, and other sector specific topics will also be featured. Registrants will receive presentation materials appropriate for internal reviews, comparison and discussions. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4t85cntt. Joseph Petrelli, President and Co-founder, Demotech noted that "Our long-tenured, credentialed staff has prepared informative and timely presentations of the public financial information that shapes industry results. We look forward to seeing you next week. Register for one or for all of these sessions." May 27 P&C Industry Highlights May 28 Life and Health Industry Highlights May 29 Title Insurance Industry Highlights About Demotech, Inc. Established in 1985, Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Demotech has served the insurance industry by providing objective and independent Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurance companies, Life & Health insurance companies, and Title underwriters, among others. As the first company to have its rating process formally reviewed and accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, Demotech has been leveling the playing field by offering FSRs to insurers of all sizes. As of July 11, 2022, Demotech is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) in the class of ratings for insurance companies. Visit www.demotech.com for additional information. SOURCE Demotech, Inc. FERNDALE, Mich., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As millions of Americans confront the realities of aging skin, DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for individuals with thinning, crepey skin. Caregivers are also seeking a dermatologist-recommended, over-the-counter product that helps restore, rejuvenate, and strengthen their patients' fragile skin. Developed by skincare experts and trusted by dermatologists, DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula is uniquely formulated to enhance skin integrity, improve texture, and support mature skin as it thins due to age, medications, or health conditions. Its powerhouse blend of retinol, ceramides, niacinamide, and alpha hydroxy acid, delivers advanced hydration and rejuvenation to vulnerable areas like arms and legs. "For patients with thinning skin, we recommend DerMend Fragile Skin Formula because it helps strengthen the skin barrier and helps maintain elasticity," says Dr. Roger Ceilley, Board-Certified Dermatologist. "Its specialized formula is ideal for aging skin that needs targeted care." Increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals and featured by trusted publications like InStyle and HuffPost, DerMend Fragile Skin Formula is recognized for doing what typical moisturizers can't: helping restore strength and resilience to delicate skin tissue. With thousands of 5-star reviews, DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula continues to earn praise from users experiencing thinning, aging skin. One reviewer wrote, "This cream has worked a miracle, returning my skin to better than normal." Another shared, "My forearm skin used to look like it had a layer of wrinkled brown cellophane on it. It now looks so much smoother." Many report visible improvements within weeks, with one customer noting, "I began using this morning and night for a month and wow do I notice my fragile thinning skin on my arms looking healthier and younger." Optimized for Aging Skin. Trusted by Professionals. Proven by Results. With growing demand for dermatologist-recommended lotions that address thinning, fragile skinparticularly among seniorsDerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula has become a standout solution. Often cited in conversations about the best creams for aging skin, its clinical formulation and widespread accessibility make it a top choice for those seeking visible results and expert-backed care. DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula is available at Amazon and lovelyskin.com For more information, visit www.dermend.com. About DerMend DerMend is a skincare line developed to address the unique needs of mature skin. With dermatologist-recommended ingredients and targeted formulations, DerMend is committed to helping people of all ages feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Media Contact: Betsy Habich VP of Marketing [email protected] | www.dermend.com SOURCE Ferndale Healthcare TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt: QM01 VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) From the President of the Company. Desert Mountain Energy Corp. proudly joined leaders from across Arizona last week as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin formally approved the State of Arizona's application for primacy to oversee permitting and regulatory responsibilities for all underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This landmark decision marks a major milestone for Arizona's energy sector, empowering the state to directly regulate underground injection wells used in oil, gas, and helium production. Desert Mountain Energy was honored to be invited to Washington, D.C., to witness this significant moment for Arizona's energy and environmental future. Desert Mountain Energy was present at the signing ceremony and commends Administrator Zeldin for his leadership in advancing regulatory efficiency and supporting energy innovation in the western United States. "We are incredibly grateful to Administrator Zeldin for his thoughtful work and steadfast partnership with Arizona," said Robert Rohlfing, CEO and of Desert Mountain Energy. "The approval of primacy is not only a victory for our state's sovereignty, but a key step in promoting responsible development of Arizona's vast natural resources." Desert Mountain Energy also extends its sincere thanks to Congressman Juan Ciscomani, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Congressman Paul Gosar for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Arizona. Their commitment to advancing common-sense regulatory reforms has played a vital role in securing this achievement. With the state now in control of the permitting and oversight process for the UIC program, Desert Mountain Energy is optimistic about the future of domestic energy and helium production in Arizona, where the company continues to lead in sustainable resource development. DME ANNOUNCES FINAL CLOSING OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT DME is pleased to announce that it has closed on the fourth and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement offering originally announced on February 4, 2025. The Company raised an additional C$10,000 through the issuance of 40,000 Units at a price of C$0.25 per Unit. The Company has now raised a total of C$981,500 through the issuance of 3,926,000 Units. The Units issued in the fourth tranche are subject to a 4-month plus one-day hold period expiring September 17, 2025, and the $0.35 warrants expire May 16, 2026, subject to acceleration. The Issuer has the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants if the closing price of the Issuer's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is at least $0.75 for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days. Total finder's fees on the final placement consisted of 296,480 finders warrants (but with no forced conversion) and $74,120 cash. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen, natural gas and condensate. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Exec Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. Experienced pain management physician now seeing patients in Pinellas, Florida TAMPA, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Wladislaw Fedoriw has joined their practice in Pinellas, Florida. A double board-certified interventional pain management specialist, Dr. Fedoriw brings over 20 years of experience in interventional solutions for chronic pain. Wladislaw Fedoriw, MD He offers advanced procedures such as the treatment options for vertebrogenic back pain, techniques to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve compression, and spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic conditions. His approach emphasizes reducing reliance on long-term opioid use through evidence-based, minimally invasive therapies. "We're glad to welcome Dr. Fedoriw to the team," said Josh Helms, CEO of Physician Partners of America. "His clinical background and experience with a range of interventional procedures will be a strong asset to our patients and providers in the Tampa Bay area." Dr. Fedoriw added, "Joining PPOA allows me to continue doing what I value mosthelping people get back to living without chronic pain. I look forward to working with a collaborative team that prioritizes patient care and innovation." Dr. Fedoriw is now accepting new patients. Make an appointment with Dr. Fedoriw by calling 800-400-PPOA or click https://www.physicianpartnersofamerica.com/doctor/florida-fl/wladislaw-fedoriw-md/ About PPOA: Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a national healthcare organization headquartered in Tampa Florida, focused on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and improving patient outcomes. PPOA and its affiliates share a common vision to ensure the well-being of patients and provide its physician partners the opportunity to focus on the practice of medicine. This model allows physicians to be physicians, caring about patients and their needs versus the ever-complex administrative requirements. For more information about Physician Partners of America, visit http://www.physicianpartnersoa.com. SOURCE Physician Partners of America EIS Holdings Acquires Tierra Consulting Group, Expanding Groundwater Treatment and Environmental Compliance Services in the Southeast WESTLAKE, Texas, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EIS Holdings, LLC (EIS), one of the largest providers of mission-critical environmental and infrastructure services, announced today the acquisition of Tierra Consulting Group, LLC (Tierra), headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL. This strategic acquisition represents a key step in EIS' regional expansion strategy, aimed at enhancing its market presence nationwide to provide turnkey environmental solutions under one roof. View PDF With over 1,000 employees, EIS performs a full suite of environmental consulting, abatement, decontamination, remediation and other environmental and specialty infrastructure services across the United States. With more than 1,000 employees, EIS delivers a comprehensive suite of services including environmental consulting & compliance, surface & subsurface remediation, decontamination, abatement, and facility & infrastructure services across the United States. With the addition of Tierra's specialized services including environmental engineering and compliance support, subsurface remediation, surveying, mapping, high-volume groundwater treatment, and dewatering EIS is well-positioned to deliver enhanced capabilities to its clients across the Southeast and beyond. "Tierra brings an extremely knowledgeable team with decades of experience in the environmental consulting, dewatering, and remediation space," said B.J. Stephan, EIS CEO. "This acquisition allows us to further expand our services into high-volume groundwater treatment, remediation and dewatering by bringing exceptional talent and technology into our EIS family." Together, the EIS Family of Companies forms one of the largest environmental and infrastructure service providers in the U.S. With a proven track record of safety and performance, EIS stands ready to execute projects of any size, delivering the highest quality environmental solutions to clients nationwide. To learn more about EIS Holdings, LLC, please visit https://eisholdings.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. About EIS Holdings, LLC EIS Holdings, LLC (EIS) provides mission-critical environmental, remediation, and infrastructure services across the United States, serving a wide variety of public and private end markets. Headquartered in Westlake, Texas, EIS has 32 office locations across the country operating in 34 states. As a leading remediation and specialty infrastructure services firm, our team is dedicated to exceptional growth that is bolstered by geographic expansion, service line extensions, and exceptional safety records. SOURCE EIS Holdings, LLC DENVER, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) and Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) have collaborated on a process for students to earn a CSU Global Bachelor's in Computer Science or Bachelor's in Accounting as they advance from Emily Griffith's career and technical education (CTE) certificate programs. The new agreement is focused on supporting students' professional goals, making it easier for Emily Griffith students to continue their education fully online at CSU Global by offering guaranteed admission to students that successfully complete Emily Griffith's Computer Networking and Accounting programs. "Seamless transitions are a win-win for the students and the institutions," said Randy Johnson, executive director of Emily Griffith Technical College. "These agreements benefit students, who get a leg up in their education going into a four year college. It also strengthens the relationships between the two institutions, creates a pipeline of new students for the colleges, and continues that pipeline into the workforce, which is one of our goals at Emily Griffith." "CSU Global is committed to providing accessible pathways, career-connected courses, and a return on investment for learners, helping them achieve their academic goals. We are honored to partner with Emily Griffith to provide new avenues for their graduates to continue their education on their own time, anywhere with an internet connection and enhance their professional opportunities," said Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, president at CSU Global. "Together, we can empower students to gain valuable skills and excel in high-demand fields." Students who graduate from Emily Griffith and attend CSU Global receive special tuition rates, which are locked in from the day they enroll through graduation. Eligible coursework from Emily Griffith may be applied toward a CSU Global degree, depending on the student's academic pathway and chosen program. Students interested in learning more about the programs available at Emily Griffith should visit emilygriffith.edu/programs/ . Students can apply for free directly at emilygriffith.edu/apply/ . Students interested in learning more about the seamless transitions to CSU Global should contact an enrollment counselor at [email protected] or 800-920-6723. Students can apply directly at myapplication.csuglobal.edu/apply. For more information about Emily Griffith, visit emilygriffith.edu and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn . For more information about CSU Global, visit csuglobal.edu/ . About Emily Griffith Technical College The mission of Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) is to prepare students for today's workforce and tomorrow's opportunities. Emily Griffith is the public, postsecondary and adult education arm of the Denver Public School system and serves over 8,500 students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs, apprenticeships, high school equivalency and English classes. Over the past 100+ years, the College has educated nearly two million students who have sought pathways toward long-term career advancement. In 2023, Emily Griffith Technical College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an Apprenticeship Ambassador for serving as a champion in promoting, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media . About CSU Global Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers career-relevant undergraduate and graduate level programs for working adults and post-traditional learners. As the first 100% online, fully accredited public university in the United States, CSU Global is focused on student success as its number one priority. Embracing the land grant heritage as part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education leading to industry expertise through its expert faculty who are recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment. CSU Global offers accelerated eight-week courses that start every four weeks. Visit CSUGlobal.edu to learn more. SOURCE Colorado State University Global May 21 Event Includes U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis and Rep. John Moolenaar, Followed by Networking Reception Co-Sponsored by With Honor and May 22 'Wear Blue: Run to Remember' in Honor of Memorial Day WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Exiger , the market-leading supply chain AI company and largest provider of supply chain technology to the U.S. Government, announced " Building the Future: AI, Trade, and the New Rules of Power ," an event co-hosted by Axios. On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC, the invite-only event will bring together senior policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the key drivers of a resilient future. Speakers will discuss the state of global trade, the breakneck pace of innovation, and the central role of AI in securing critical supply chains. Summit features Fortune 500 CEOs, cabinet secretaries, members of Congress and other distinguished government leaders. Post this May 21 Event Includes U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis and Rep. John Moolenaar, Followed by Networking Reception The event will feature Fortune Global 500 CEOs, cabinet secretaries, members of Congress and other distinguished government leaders, including: Bill Anderson , Bayer CEO Bayer CEO Daniel Driscoll , 26 th U.S. Secretary of the Army , 26 U.S. Secretary of the Army Michael Ellis , CIA Deputy Director , CIA Deputy Director Howard Lutnick , Secretary of Commerce , Secretary of Commerce Rep. John Moolenaar , China Select Committee Chair, House Appropriations Committee Member , China Select Committee Chair, House Appropriations Committee Member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen , Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Committee and Armed Services Committee Member , Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Committee and Armed Services Committee Member Brandon Daniels , Exiger CEO The in-person and livestreamed event will feature mainstage remarks, kicking off at 5:00 pm ET, and two breakout panels, "The Future of Global Defense Industry Innovation" and "The Future of a Robust Health Care Supply Chain." An elevated networking reception will follow formal programming, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET, hosted in partnership with cross-partisan organization With Honor . Remarks and panels will be facilitated by: Mike Allen , Axios Co-founder , Axios Co-founder Nathan Bomey , Axios Business Reporter , Axios Business Reporter Courtenay Brown , Axios Senior Economics Reporter , Axios Senior Economics Reporter Colin Demarest , Axios Defense Reporter Axios Defense Reporter Hope King , Axios Events Host & Moderator , Axios Events Host & Moderator Neil Irwin , Axios Chief Economic Correspondent , Axios Chief Economic Correspondent Hans Nichols , Axios Political Reporter "Building the Future: AI, Trade, and the New Rules of Power" offers a timely and critical forum to address AI's transformative impact on the economy, defense, and the private sector. Convening experts alongside key decision makers, the event sets the stage for frank conversation and bold action from industry leaders and policymakers to accelerate the future faster. To request an invitation to the event and networking reception, visit https://axiosbuildingthefutureai.splashthat.com . Access to the livestream will be made available closer to the day of the event at https://axiosbuildingthefuture.splashthat.com/ . Following Wednesday's event, Exiger is co-sponsoring " Wear Blue: Run to Remember " alongside With Honor and bipartisan veteran members of Congress in the For Country Caucus and With Honor Action Senate Alliance. Honoring the service and sacrifice of the American military in advance of Memorial Day, all are welcome and asked to wear blue to show their support during the run/walk on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Participants should meet at the Washington Monument for check-in beginning at 5:30 am ET. About Exiger Exiger is revolutionizing the way corporations, government agencies and banks navigate risk and compliance in their third-parties, supply chains and customers through its software and tech-enabled solutions. Exiger's mission is to make the world a safer and more transparent place to succeed. Empowering its 550 customers across the globe, including 150 in the Fortune 500 and over 55 organizations across the Defense Industrial Base and government agencies, with award-winning AI technology, Exiger leads the way in ESG, cyber, financial crime, third-party and supply chain management and recently achieved FedRAMP Moderate Authorization. Named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supplier Risk Management, twice selected as one of Fast Company's 'Brands That Matter,' and recipient of the Third Party Risk Association's Innovator Award, Exiger's technology has been recognized by leading analyst evaluations and 50+ awards. Learn more at Exiger.com and follow Exiger on LinkedIn. Press contacts: Kody Gurfein Chief Marketing Officer, Exiger [email protected] SOURCE Exiger ATLANTA, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy is partnering with the University of California and California State University's leading literacy researchers, led by Dr. Maryanne Wolf and Dr. Laura Rhinehart, to provide expanded coursework for educators focused on serving children with dyslexia. The Rollins Center will be making this content available through their free online professional development platform, Cox Campus. Cox Campus, launched in 2014, serves more than 367,000 members in all 50 states and 130 countries internationally, providing evidence-based professional learning for educators across the sciences of healthy brain development, language acquisition and literacy. To date, more than 1.2M courses have been completed at no cost to teachers a fair market value of $180M into the field of education. For teachers across the United States, release of this coursework aligns with a recent focus on the science of reading and literacy instruction. In recent years, states have advanced legislation aimed at improving reading proficiency in kindergarten through third grade by requiring high-quality instructional materials, tiered reading interventions, and comprehensive teacher training in structured literacy. These efforts reflect a broader recognition of a troubling national reality; only about one-third of students nationwide are reading proficiently by the end of third grade-a clear call for urgent, systemic change. In 2019, Georgia took a major step toward improving literacy outcomes by passing Senate Bill 48 (SB 48), which laid the groundwork for statewide dyslexia legislation. Now fully in effect as of the 20242025 school year, the law requires all public schools to screen all kindergarten students for dyslexia, as well as first through third graders who show indicators of dyslexia. This legislation and its full implementation this year highlight Georgia's commitment to early identification and intervention. But identifying students with dyslexia is only the beginning. With dyslexia awareness now required of every public school, it is essential that educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach and support students with these learning differences. The dyslexia coursework that will be offered for teachers on Cox Campus was co-authored by Dr. Wolf, an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, educator, and leading expert in the science of reading and dyslexia. Dr. Wolf collaborated with Dr. Rhinehart, a distinguished educator and expert in literacy and language development. Together, they worked in partnership with leading researchers from the University of California and California State University systems, spanning the fields of general, special, and bilingual education. The resulting courses are designed specifically to address dyslexia within the broader context of supporting diverse learners through effective, inclusive instruction. The universities have chosen to release these courses on coxcampus.org for two reasons it is available at no cost to districts or educators, and it is the only free platform accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. Committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, and devoted to literacy and justice for all, Drs. Wolf and Rhinehart believe that the reach of Cox Campus (more than 360,000 members in all fifty states and more than 130 countries) provides an unmatched opportunity to change the trajectory of reading instruction, and by extension, the lives of countless children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to decide their own futures. The Georgia Department of Education has just finalized the list of approved dyslexia screeners and selected one that will be made free to Georgia Public Schools. Paired with the current structured literacy coursework on Cox Campus, this expanded focus on dyslexia will position Georgia teachers and teachers everywhere to build and deepen necessary knowledge to change literacy outcomes for all children. Learn more and access free dyslexia training at coxcampus.org. Join a growing community of educators committed to changing literacy outcomes for every child. SOURCE The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy We've made it our mission to put the very best on your table, and these new products are no exception. Post this Since 1959, Farmland has remained committed to delivering premium food products with unmatched flavor, integrity and craftsmanship. This new campaign reflects that enduring promise while also introducing its new Premium Ground Pork line and Julienne Turkey. Premium Ground Pork brings a bold new standard to the kitchen with two flavor varieties Original and Taco Style. Whether you're crafting the perfect burger or elevating a weeknight pasta, these options are convenient, versatile and made from premium cuts of pork for rich flavor and ideal texture. Julienne Turkey introduces a fresh, chef-inspired take on a classic favorite. Julienne sliced and fully-cooked, it's ready to elevate salads, wraps and casseroles with clean flavor and premium quality to add to the brand's successful Diced and Cubed Ham lineup. "'Our Best for Your Best' is our way of reaffirming a simple truth when you care about who you're feeding, quality matters," said Kevin Hojnicki, brand manager of Farmland at Smithfield Foods. "Since 1959, we've made it our mission to put the very best on your table, and these new products are no exception." Farmland's Premium Ground Pork 16-ounce line and Julienne Turkey 12-ounce are now available at select retailers. For more information and recipe inspiration, please visit www.FarmlandFoods.com or follow us on Facebook (@FarmlandFoods) and Instagram (@farmlandfoods). About Farmland Founded in 1959, Farmland is the maker of high-quality, flavorful meats. Rooted in rich traditions of America's heartland, Farmland is committed to a strong work ethic, community, substance over flash, and wholesome, quality food that people feel good about serving. Farmland's robust portfolio of products includes varieties of bacon, sausage, ham and lunch meat. For more information about our products and recipe inspiration, please visit www.FarmlandFoods.com or follow us on Facebook (@FarmlandFoods) and Instagram (@farmlandfoods). Farmland is a brand of Smithfield Foods. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc. Prosecutors Dismiss All Charges in Nation's Last-Remaining Insys Prosecution SHORT HILLS, N.J., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Justice has dismissed all federal criminal charges against prominent New Jersey urologist Dr. Mukaram Gazi, who had been charged with accepting more than $130,000 in bribes from Insys Therapeutics in exchange for prescribing Subsys, a fentanyl-based medication, and unlawful distribution of controlled substances, including Adderall. The four-count indictment, which was part of a broader federal and state initiative targeting opioid-related misconduct, was dismissed in its entirety, with no plea agreement, no financial penalties, and no admission of guilt. All charges were dropped, including healthcare fraud, anti-kickback violations, and violations of the Controlled Substances Act. As a result of the dismissal, Dr. Gazi is the only individual among 35 individuals prosecuted for Insys-related offenses since 2014 to be exonerated. The victory was secured by Anthony Mahajan, a former federal prosecutor and now the founding partner of Health Law Alliance, a boutique law firm that specializes in defending healthcare professionals in complex civil, regulatory, and criminal matters. "This type of outcome is uncommon in federal healthcare prosecutions," noted a legal observer familiar with criminal cases involving medical professionals. The indictment, announced in November 2021, connected Dr. Gazi to Insys, whose executives, including founder John Kapoor, were convicted for unlawfully promoting Subsys for use in patients outside the FDA-approved label. However, the evidence in the case ultimately failed to support the accusations against Dr. Gazi, prompting federal prosecutors to dismiss the case shortly before trial. Dr. Gazi's defense relied, in part, on the authority given physicians under the law to prescribe drugs "off label" for the advancement of medicine and patient care. The law also permits doctors to be compensated appropriately by pharmaceutical and medical device companies for participating in "speaker programs" and other educational activities. The dismissal underscores the importance of prosecutorial restraint in complex medical cases, particularly where criminal prosecution may chill lawful behavior and inhibit patient care. For more information, contact Health Law Alliance at (800) 345-4125 or [email protected]. SOURCE Health Law Alliance TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of respected Florida business leaders is warning that proposed federal cuts to Head Start would dramatically worsen Florida's already severe childcare shortage, deepening the state's workforce crisis and damaging long-term economic competitiveness. The Florida Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the National Chamber Foundation, estimates that childcare disruptions cost Florida's economy nearly $5.4 billion annually, working parents miss shifts or leave jobs altogether to care for young children. The pending elimination of federal Head Start funding, floated in a leaked version of the President's budget, has sparked a new alarm. While a later version of the budget known as the "skinny budget"omitted any mention of Head Start, Florida leaders say that silence is cause for concern. "Eliminating Head Start would pour gasoline on the fire of our existing childcare crisis," said Paul Mitchell, policy expert with The Southern Group and board member of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. "We already know childcare gaps drive parents out of the workforce, reduce tax revenue for the state, and place immense strain on Florida families and employers." Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve roughly 45,000 low-income children under age five across Florida's 800+ centers. Losing this vital early learning infrastructure would not only devastate vulnerable families it would cost the state an estimated $668 million annually to replace those services, double the current state budget for Voluntary Pre-K (VPK). Workforce Shortages + Economic Fallout According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, lack of childcare is the number one reason why working parents of young children leave the labor force. Over 281,000 Floridians reported leaving work in the past year specifically to care for a child, at a time when there are only 90 workers for every 100 open jobs. Florida TaxWatch -- the state's leading nonpartisan watchdog -- estimates that unreliable childcare costs the state more than $743 million in lost tax revenues and $1.7 billion in turnover expenses for businesses each year. "Gutting Head Start would amplify these devastating numbers," says Jeff Kottkamp, Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and former Lt. Governor who chaired Florida's Children and Youth Cabinet. "This isn't just a family issue, it's an economic one." , A Proven Return on Investment Head Start has been studied for decades and delivers one of the highest returns of any federal program. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that every $1 invested in early childhood education generates up to $9 in taxpayer savings, due to long-term outcomes such as: Higher high school graduation rates Reduced crime and incarceration Fewer teen pregnancies Lower healthcare and public assistance costs Increased workforce participation "We'd be foolish to defund Head Start, it should be expanded," said David Lawrence, Jr., retired Miami-Herald publisher and chair of The Children's Movement of Florida. "We have decades of data showing the difference it makes not just for kids, but for the future of our country." A Call to Action Head Start is lauded for its direct-to-community funding model cutting out bureaucracy to deliver local impact efficiently. "Families that once depended on welfare are now working, contributing, and thriving thanks to Head Start," said Wanda Minick, Executive Director of the Florida Head Start Association. "We urge business and community leaders to join us in advocating for this lifeline." TaxWatch's Kottkamp reinforces this point: "Access to high-quality affordable childcare is not only important for familiesit's also important for our state's economy. The return on investment for taxpayers for the Head Start program is significant. Even more important, the Head Start program leads to better long-term socio-economic outcomes for children and families." Join the Effort Visit FHSA's website to learn how you can support Head Start and protect the future of Florida's children and workforce. About FHSA The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state. Representing more than 45,000 children and families in Florida, FHSA champions access to high-quality. Head Start, a key player in the early childhood education landscape, providing critical services, including school readiness, comprehensive health support, and family support. Guided by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, FHSA empowers members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start. For more information, please visit www.flheadstart.org. Media Contact: Wanda Minick, Executive Director (850) 694-6477 [email protected] SOURCE Florida Head Start Association BARCELONA, Spain, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University and Applus+ IDIADA, a global leader in automotive design, engineering, testing and homologation services, have established a strategic partnership to expand educational and research opportunities on an international scale. Florida Polytechnic University and global automotive technology leader Applus+ IDIADA have partnered to expand educational and research opportunities on an international scale. Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, and Ramon Zabala, director of powertrain, proving ground and facility management of Applus+ IDIADA, formalized the collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, May 14 at the company's state-of-the-art facility near Barcelona, Spain. The collaboration builds upon both institutions' shared commitment to innovation, especially in the fields of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle technologies. "This partnership reflects our bold-thinking approach to global engagement and future-focused research," Stephenson said. "By working together with Applus+ IDIADA, we are creating powerful new opportunities for our students and faculty to gain real-world experience and make impactful contributions to the next generation of mobility." The agreement paves the way for joint research initiatives, student internships, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of innovative educational programs designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the automotive and engineering industries. "Our goal is to empower students and faculty to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that will shape the future of technology and engineering," Stephenson said. Applus+ IDIADA works with leading automotive manufacturers and emerging technology companies to develop sustainable and safer mobility solutions. "This strategic partnership with Florida Polytechnic University creates a powerful synergy between industry expertise and academic excellence," said Mike Smith, chairman at Applus+. "Applus+ IDIADA is committed to advancing the future of mobility through cutting-edge transportation research and development. By joining forces with Florida Poly's brilliant minds, we'll accelerate breakthrough technologies while offering students immersive, hands-on experience in real-world automotive challenges." The new collaboration agreement focuses on five key areas of joint activity: Developing tailored educational and research programs that encourage faculty and student involvement in international projects. Advancing collaborative research initiatives through the exchange of expertise, shared resources, and access to world-class facilities and equipment. Providing immersive internship opportunities for Florida Poly students at Applus+ IDIADA and its network of global partners. Hosting joint workshops, seminars and conferences to foster knowledge exchange and showcase research outcomes. Driving the development and commercialization of new technologies emerging from joint research efforts. "Our collaboration will strengthen transportation research initiatives that not only advance vehicle design and engineering but also help shape the next generation of mobility solutions that meet global demands for safety, sustainability, and intelligent transportation systems," Smith said. SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University JERUSALEM, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking initiative to combat antisemitism and reach the young of the world, the State of Israel is partnering with the Friends of Zion Ambassador Institute to commission pastors and young leaders as ambassadors. The State of Israel will pay for the trip for them to come to Israel. Their diplomas will be personally signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who will speak at their graduation, underscoring the significance of this initiative to the nation. The Friends of Zion Ambassador Program, spearheaded by the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, will train emerging leaders worldwide in core leadership principles and a robust biblical worldview, equipping them to effectively address the rising tide of antisemitism particularly among the global youth. The Friends of Zion Heritage Center is the premier organization in Israel uniting evangelicals worldwide and the #1 social media platform combating antisemitism. The late ninth President of Israel, the late Shimon Peres, was the founding international Chairman of Friends of Zion. He commissioned the Friends of Zion award which has been given to 25 world leaders including President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Mike Evans, the founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem said,"Potential Ambassadors will come from all over the world. A larger percentage of the youth globally have turned against Israel. Hamas and the Muslim brotherhood supporters have been winning the ideological war by using social justice narratives. For years now the Middle Eastern Gulf states have been pouring billions of dollars into elite campuses across the US which has brainwashed students. Rather than believe that those who wage war against us are evil, we begin to see ourselves as evil for retaliating." This year will mark a significant milestone for the Friends of Zion Ambassador Program, as it prepares to bring over 1,000 pastors, students, youth pastors, social media influencers, and educators to Israel. In addition, Friends of Zion Ambassador Institute is planning to bring 10,000 leaders to Israel in 2026. These individuals will undergo an immersive experience, connecting with the land and its people before being formally commissioned as honorary ambassadors for Israel. Aspiring ambassadors will be required to complete a comprehensive online leadership and biblical worldview course developed by Friends of Zion founder Mike Evans. Additionally, applicants will need to sign an ambassador policy, signifying their dedication to the program's mission and values. This visionary initiative is being led by the esteemed Dr. Mike Evans, founder of Friends of Zion, and guided by a distinguished board of governors. Many of the Trump Evangelical advisors are serving on the board including prominent faith leaders such as Pastors Robert Jeffress, Pastor Greg Laurie, Pastor Jack Graham, Dr. Jay Strack, and numerous other respected global leaders. Evans is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a Nobel Prize nominee for his work combating antisemitism. He is considered the premier scholar on the subject of antisemitism. He has 114 published books, with a large percentage of them dealing with the subject, and a two volume series developed for the Ambassador Institute. The Friends of Zion Ambassador Institute is an initiative of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, dedicated to building bridges of understanding and support between Christians and Jews worldwide. The Ambassador Institute provides educational programs and resources to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to combat antisemitism and stand in solidarity with Israel. The Friends of Zion Heritage Center is the world's largest social network platform dedicated to the fight against antisemitism and BDS. Its advanced Media Center hosts dozens of events, activities, and press conferences aligned with the FOZ museum's vision. More than 250,000 visitors have already explored the Friends of Zion Museum since its establishment in 2015. Video - https://youtu.be/PRH_lm6e4EM Leaders can apply to become ambassadors by going to fozap.org For inquiries, contact Tal Marom Spokesperson for FOZ [email protected] SOURCE Friends of Zion BEIJING, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As China's first fundamental law specifically focusing on promoting the private economy, the Private Sector Promotion Law took effect on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the history of the development of the private economy in the country. The rule of law plays a crucial role in laying solid foundations, ensuring stable expectations, and delivering long-term benefits. The Private Sector Promotion Law serves not only as the foundational law governing the private economy, but also a law to promote the development of and ensure fairness for the private economy. Providing a solid legal foundation for the sustained, healthy, and high-quality development of the private economy is a vivid reflection of law-based governance, the basic way for the Communist Party of China (CPC) to lead the people in governing the country. China's private economy has flourished alongside the great course of reform and opening-up and under the guidance of the Party and the state's principles and policies. More than 20 years ago, as the Party secretary of East China's Zhejiang Province, Xi Jinping scientifically explained the theory of "sweet potato economy," symbolizing Zhejiang's growth strategy, with local investments spreading globally like sweet potato vines, enhancing international engagement and strengthening the local economy. This innovative theory has not only guided Zhejiang in continuously making breakthroughs and achieving greater development, but also elevates to an important part of the new development philosophy in the new era, leading China to address the issue of internal and external coordination in development through opening-up, while forging new advantage of a higher-level open economy. In March, the first volume of selected works of Xi, now general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on economy was published. This important work scientifically summarizes the valuable experiences of economic development in the new era, and systematically expounds the rich connotations, scientific systems and original contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Economy. From Xi Jinping Thought on Economy to Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, grasping the origin, essence, and core principles of the CPC's innovative theories, and understanding the CPC's leadership, thinking, and work methods in advancing economic governance, ensure accurate understanding of the times and trends, dangers and opportunities, scientifically resolve various contradictions and problems in economic and social development, and firmly seize the initiative and fight proactively. Over the past 40-plus years of reform and opening-up, China's private economy has expanded and strengthened to become an indispensable force in the country's development and a new force in promoting Chinese modernization. By the end of March, the number of registered private enterprises surpassed 57 million, accounting for 92.3 percent of all businesses nationwide, and the number of registered individual businesses had reached 125 million nationwide. Why are the CPC's innovative theories able to guide China's development journey through trials and triumphs in the new era? From the "sweet potato economy" theory to the Private Sector Promotion Law, the answer lies in the practice of private economy development. From practice to theory The CPC's innovative theories originate from practice and also provide strong guidance for future practice. Under the guidance of the "sweet potato economy" theory, many private enterprises in Zhejiang have achieved greater development in a broader space. For example, CHINT Group's subsidiary CHINT New Energy Technology Co announced recently that it will build a new factory in Turkey, achieving full localization of battery cell and component production. Starting from a factory producing switches in 1984 in Zhejiang, the firm has expanded from the province to the global market, with business operations in more than 140 countries and regions. To date, there are over 6 million Zhejiang entrepreneurs across the country and over 2 million Zhejiang entrepreneurs across the world. On the list of top 500 Chinese private enterprises, the number of Zhejiang firms has ranked first for 26 consecutive years. The private economy has become the most distinctive feature, the most important resource, and the greatest advantage of Zhejiang's economy. The "sweet potato economy" theory demonstrates powerful intellectual force because it adheres to a problem-oriented approach, focusing on new issues encountered in practice and proposing new concepts, ideas, and methods to genuinely address these problems. From adhering to a problem-oriented approach, to embracing a systematic perspective, to maintaining a global vision, the "sweet potato economy" theory vividly reflects the stance, viewpoints, and methods of the Party's innovative theories, becoming a vital source of inspiration for the new development philosophy. Today, the tide of an open economy is surging forward in China. By promoting high-quality development through high-level opening-up, the private sector, while remains rooted in the domestic market, is expanding globally, efficiently utilizing both domestic and international markets and resources. Through open collaboration as well as global competition, they continuously foster new competitive advantages. Addressing and guiding the resolution of problems is the fundamental task of theory. When problems arise from government-business relations being either too "close" or too "distant," the Party emphasized cultivating a cordial and clean relationship between government and business, leading a change to development ecosystem. When erroneous assertions such as "private enterprises exiting the stage" and "new public-private partnership theory" cause disruptions, it is stressed that "our country's private sector should only grow stronger instead of being weakened and march toward a broader stage," and all private companies and private entrepreneurs should feel totally reassured and devote themselves to seeking development. "I have always supported private enterprises," said Xi, who has worked for more than 20 years in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, both known for the vibrant private sector. He has always attached great importance to the private economy and private enterprises, and has creatively put forward a series of new concepts, new ideas and new strategies to guide the private economy to continue to grow and develop while solving development problems. From policy guidance to legal protection Implementing policy promotion and legislative promotion is not only a requirement for developing a socialist market economy, but also a requirement for realizing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities. On April 16, a new version of the country's market access negative list was released, the fourth revision since the launch of the first such list in 2018, cutting the number of items on the list from 151 to 106. The shorter list means that market access restrictions for many industries have been eased, which reflects the intensity of China's market reform, and carries profound significance for businesses, especially private enterprises. The Hangzhou-Taizhou High Speed Railway in Zhejiang is the country's first privately-controlled high-speed railway. It was funded by a public-private partnership, with the private sector having a holding status with 51 percent stake. This means that the voice of private enterprises has increased, further boosting the advantages and vitality of private capital. From the introduction of the market access negative list - which allows market entry for all sectors not explicitly restricted - to the rollout of a guideline for building a unified national market and the cancellation of over 4,200 policy measures that hinder the development of a unified national market and fair competition, China is dismantling hidden barriers and breaking down obstacles that hinder private sector growth. All of these reflect the strength and precision of policy efforts, underscoring the modernization of governance capability. "The comprehensive advancement of law-based governance has been a profound revolution in China's governance," the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC stated, noting that "we must give better play to the role of the rule of law in consolidating foundations, ensuring stable expectations, and delivering long-term benefits, and we must strive to build a modern socialist country in all respects under the rule of law." Closely aligned with demands of the era, the Private Sector Promotion Law actively responds to the concerns of private enterprise by making targeted policies in areas such as fair market competition, equal access to production elements and equal legal protection. Some private entrepreneurs said that the law enhances their confidence in the rule of law and sense of security, as it helps create a stable, fair, transparent, and predictable development environment for private businesses. From management to service At the 2024 Central Economic Work Conference, Xi summarized the conclusion of "five coordinations." Among them, the first is coordinating the relationship between an efficient market and an effective government to form an economic order that is both dynamic and well-regulated. In Hangzhou, private enterprises like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics have made remarkable breakthroughs, driving the rapid growth of new quality productive forces through technological innovation. Why a wave of cutting-edge companies known as "Six Little Dragons" emerge in Hangzhou? "Responsive when needed, undisturbed when not." The local government has established a full-life cycle government service system that integrates "one-window acceptance of demand", "one-stop service delivery" and "end-to-end support." In addition, the local government actively conducts policy outreach and provide tailored guidance for businesses. A service-oriented government is inherently a law-based one. The greater the legitimacy and standardization of government actions, the lower the governance costs and the higher the market efficiency will be. In July 2023, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued a guideline on boosting the growth of the private economy and made a series of arrangements aimed at improving the business environment. Further transforming government functions, improving service quality and standards, and advancing the synergy between an efficient market and a proactive government serve as the overarching theme of this effort. The establishment of a private economy development bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission is aimed at strengthening the coordination of private sector development work so as to provide a better environment for their development. "The private sector enjoys broad prospects and great potential on the new journey in the new era. It is the prime time for private enterprises and entrepreneurs to give full play to their capabilities," Xi said in February. From practice to theory, from policy guidance to legal protection, and from a management-oriented government to a service-oriented one, Xi Jinping Thought on Economy has guided China's private economy to achieve legendary development and present a grand scene of vibrant competition, vividly showcasing the surging momentum of the Chinese economic juggernaut and profoundly highlighting the powerful guiding force of the CPC's innovative theories. This is why "we always grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times." https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334521.shtml SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- President Xi Jinping has stressed sound, democratic, and law-based decision-making to ensure China's next five-year plan for national economic and social development is formulated in high quality, Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on the work concerning the compilation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Xi noted that the scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans stand as an important piece of experience in the CPC's approach to governing the country, per Xinhua. The formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan holds immense significance for fully realizing the strategic initiatives outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress and advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. The Chinese leader emphasized the importance of integrating top-level design with seeking advice from the public, enhancing research and discussions, and building broad consensus, Xinhua reported. Starting from 2026, China will embark on the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Currently, the CPC Central Committee is organizing the drafting of proposals for this plan, and relevant departments are gearing up to solicit opinions and suggestions from officials, the general public, as well as experts and scholars through various channels in the near future. China's five-year plan is a key guiding document for medium-to-long-term economic and social progress, which outlines the country's overall goals, major tasks and policy orientation across various sectors over a five-year period, according to Xinhua. Since its first launch in the 1950s, the five-year plan has been serving as a blueprint for China's overall development. The formulation process operates through a well-structured framework that combines the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with extensive democratic participation. In 2020, Xi led the drafting group for proposals for formulating the 14th five-year plan and long-range objectives through 2035. He presided over seven symposiums within three months to seek suggestions from representatives from all walks of life, Xinhua reported. High-quality development The 15th Five-Year Plan of the country will be a crucial five-year plan for China to achieve the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, analysts said. "The planning must focus on the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization, with a view to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation," Xi said at a symposium on China's economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) on April 30, 2025. In planning economic and social development for the next five years, it is necessary to adapt to changing situations and grasp strategic priorities, said Xi. "We must unswervingly manage our own affairs well, and stay committed to expanding high-standard opening up," the Chinese leader said, per Xinhua. Speaking after listening to opinions and suggestions from leading officials of several provincial regions, Xi said higher strategic priority must be given to fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions in the next five years, Xinhua reported. Xi chaired a CPC leadership meeting on economic situation and work on April 25. It was noted at the meeting that China has seen its economy improve this year, with public confidence continuously boosted and solid progress made in high-quality development. Li Changan, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times that the scale of China's economic development has further expanded and substantial progress has been made in high-quality development. The new plan is set to address current and new situation, grasp new development opportunities. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, attention should be paid to the new changes and opportunities brought by technological advancements, represented by artificial intelligence and the digital economy, Li said, adding that strategic deployments are needed to deeply integrate these new technologies with industrial advantages to ensure that China stands at the forefront of the new wave of technological revolution. Su Wei, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, told the Global Times thatthe country's upgrading manufacturing sector lays a solid foundation for high-quality development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Improving people's livelihoods will also remain a central focus, Su said, listing areas including raising household incomes, expanding consumption, strengthening the private economy, and stabilizing employment. Ensuring devt and security At the April 30 symposium in Shanghai, Xi said that greater emphasis should be placed on ensuring both development and security, with a comprehensive assessment of domestic and external risks and challenges. The CPC leadership meeting on April 25 noted that foundation for China's sustained economic recovery needs to be further consolidated, and the country faces increasing impact from external shocks, according to Xinhua. The meeting noted that it is imperative to coordinate domestic economic work and endeavors in the international economic and trade field, unswervingly manage the country's own affairs well, stay committed to expanding high-standard opening up, focus on keeping employment, businesses, markets and expectations stable, and deal with the uncertainty of drastic changes in the external environment with the certainty of the country's high-quality development. According to Li, assessing the development environment and emerging trends is a critical part in drafting the development plan. Regarding the international environment, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation; the competition among major powers has further intensified, and geopolitical conflicts and security risks have increased as well, Su remarked. These challenges also contain new opportunities the domestic circulation may be further strengthened during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and new quality productive forces further develop to promote more balanced cross-regional and urban-rural growth, Su said. The status of countries along the Belt and Road in China's foreign trade will continue to rise. The momentum in services and digital trade is likely to persist, with more competitive Chinese products and services expected to enter the global market during the upcoming period, according to the expert. Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told the Global Times that "In a time of rising global uncertainty marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and environmental challenges, the long-term orientation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan will provide much-needed stability and predictability for both domestic stakeholders and international partners, including investors and multilateral institutions." Building on China's tradition of setting clear, measurable objectives and executing them with discipline, it will serve as a dependable roadmap for those engaged in trade, infrastructure, and supply chain cooperation with China, Kin Phea noted. Crucially, it is likely to align with China's 2035 modernization goals and its 2060 carbon neutrality pledge, reinforcing a trajectory of gradual, well-calibrated reform. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, China's systematic and forward-looking planning continues to serve as a global stabilizing force, offering great opportunity to a wide array of stakeholders, said the expert. This article first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334432.shtml SOURCE Global Times HEFEI, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From May 16 to 17, Gotion held the Global Technology Conference 2025, where it unveiled six new energy products. The lineup includes the GEMSTONE all-solid-state battery, which has entered the pre-production phase, the G-Yuan quasi-solid-state battery with a range of 1,000 kilometers, the G-Series batteries designed for 12-year use, and the world's first 20MWh energy storage system etc. Konstantin Novoselov, 2010 Nobel Laureate in Physics and Professor at the University of Manchester attended, highlighting Gotion's leading role in the global battery industry. Echoing this, Olaf Korzinovski, Executive VP of Volkswagen Group China, stressed their strategic partnership and called for an alliance poised to redefine industry benchmarks. GEMSTONE All-Solid-State Battery: completing the first 0.2GWh pilot line Launched in 2024, Gotion's GEMSTONE all-solid-state battery now achieved a milestone by completing a 0.2GWh pilot production line, with a 90% yield rate. The 2025 iteration demonstrates a 60% improvement in sulfide electrolyte ion conductivity, 150% higher cell capacity, and 90% reduced stacking pressure pre-tension force. Its safety is validated through tests like nail penetration, crush test, thermal stability test etc. Moreover, the road test has been initiated. G-Yuan Quasi-Solid-State Battery: offering 1,000 km Range with comprehensive safety G-Yuan battery delivers 300Wh/kg energy density, enabling EV ranges of over 1,000 kilometers. Its proprietary adaptive solid-solid interface technology ensures stable ion transport, while withstanding a 3mm steel nail penetration test confirmed exceptional safety. Worth noting, A 12GWh production line is currently under construction, with prototype vehicles already exceeding 10,000 km in road tests. G-series battery: 116kWh Single Pack supporting megawatt-level ultra-fast charging As the world's first 116kWh high-capacity standard box for heavy-duty trucks, it boasts 175Wh/kg energy density, thus supporting megawatt-level ultra-fast charging and -40C to 65C temperature control range. With the pioneering "zero-decay", it offers zero capacity decay in the first 3,000 cycles and zero energy loss over 1.2 million kilometers of driving and an ultra-long cycle life of 12 years or 10,000 cycles. Grid Q 20MWh BESS: Global Leading Capacity with hybrid cooling and AI O&M It achieves an unprecedented 20MWh capacity per unit, backed by a 25-year design life. The modular design saves space and delivers high capacity while the Air+Liquid cooling brings efficient thermal management. The system is equipped with seven-level safety protection framework, enhancing reliability in extreme conditions. Leveraging AI-O&M technology, it ensures optimal performance. Astroinno Gen-2 Battery: world's First LMFP supporting ultra-fast charging The upgraded LMFP battery realizes 10-minute ultra-fast charging, 240Wh/kg energy density, and 93% cold-weather capacity retention at -20C. The battery passes the thermal runaway test at the PACK level, achieving "zero thermal propagation." It meets the range requirements of 850 km for BEVs and 1,500+ km for REEVs. Axtrem: Industrial AI Agent revolutionizing battery manufacturing Axtrem features an AI-driven smart system capable of autonomous learning, iteration, and growth. This solution optimizes product yield, production efficiency, and cost control. Therefore, it helps focusing on key tasks, thereby improving innovation. SOURCE Gotion High-Tech OLYMPIA, Wash., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters-backed legislation that will extend unemployment insurance (UI) to workers on strike has been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. "This is a major victory. This law will ensure striking workers don't have to choose between fighting for their rights and feeding their families," said Rick Hicks, President of Teamsters Joint Council 28. "Strikes are always a last resort, and employers cause them by demanding unreasonable concessions from workers. This law protects not just union members, but the entire bargaining process." With the passage of SB 5041, Washington has joined New York and New Jersey to become the third state in the nation to extend unemployment insurance to striking workers. "We're leveling the playing field and giving workers the strength to fight for fair contracts even if they get forced to the picket line by their employers," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. "This bill happened because Teamsters came together and demonstrated the same strength and solidarity in the halls of the state house that we demonstrate on the picket lines. Washington State is leading the way in protecting and enhancing workers' rights, and Teamsters are making that happen." Teamsters Joint Council 28 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Washington, Alaska, and the Idaho Panhandle. For more information, visit jc28.org. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 28 WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American drivers could collectively save more than $110 million this Memorial Day weekend if they filled up with E15a more affordable fuel option made with 15% ethanolinstead of ordinary fuel. That's according to a new estimate from Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association. Based on AAA's projected travel data for 2025, Growth Energy's analysis showed how much money consumers could potentially save over the Memorial Day holiday by selecting E15also sold as Unleaded 88. "Once again, E15 is set to provide major savings at the pump for Memorial Day travelers," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "With nearly 40 million Americans planning to hit the road this weekend, access to lower-cost E15 will make a real difference for hardworking families. Every additional gallon of ethanol that reaches consumers means more American-made energy in the marketplace, lower fuel costs, and a much-needed boost to the farm economy." The sale of E15 is restricted over the summer due to outdated federal regulations that were enacted long before this fuel option entered the marketplace. However, this cleaner, more-affordable fuel choice remains available this summer thanks to a temporary waiver issued by the Trump administration as part of an effort to support American energy dominance, increase homegrown fuel supplies, and hold down prices at the pump. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newerrepresenting 98% of all vehicle miles traveled this Memorial Day. Unleaded 88/E15 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. Travelers can plan their road trip and locate gas stations selling Unleaded 88 and other higher ethanol blends using the Get Biofuel Fuel Finder. Background E15also sold as Unleaded 88is a fuel blend made with 15% American-made ethanol. It has a lower emissions profile and costs less than E10, the standard fuel in the U.S., made with 10% ethanol. Research shows that if the country were to make E15 its standard fuel, it would: Reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually and save the average American household $168 on motor fuel costs. annually and save the average American household on motor fuel costs. Generate $66.3 billion of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy. of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy. Support nearly 555,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy, including 188,417 new jobs attributable to E15 replacing E10. Put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American households. in income into the pockets of American households. Generate an additional $7 billion in tax revenue for the Federal Treasury and $6 billion for State and local governments. Learn more here. SOURCE Growth Energy VSP 360 unifies block, file, object, and software-defined storage into a single, intuitive platform, making it easier for businesses to break down data silos, improve operational efficiency and overcome IT skills gaps SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today announced the launch of Virtual Storage Platform 360 (VSP 360), a unified management software solution designed to help customers simplify data infrastructure management operations, improve decision-making and the delivery of data services. With support for block, file, object, and software-defined storage, VSP 360 consolidates multiple management tools, enabling IT teams, including those with limited storage expertise, to more efficiently control hybrid cloud deployments, gain AIOps predictive insights and simplify data lifecycle governance. For more information about Hitachi Vantara's unified data management platform, visit: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/products/data-management Organizations today are struggling to manage sprawling data environments spread across disparate storage systems, fragmented data silos, and complex application workloads, all while grappling with overextended IT teams and rising demands for compliance and AI readiness. A recent survey showed AI has led to a dramatic increase in the amount of data storage that businesses require, with the amount of data expected to increase 122% by 2026. The survey also revealed that many IT leaders are being forced to implement AI before their data infrastructure is ready to handle it, with many embarking on a journey of experimentation, hoping to find additional ways to recover some of the cost of their investments. VSP 360 addresses these obstacles by integrating data management tools across enterprise storage to monitor key performance indicators, including storage capacity utilization and overall system health, helping to deliver optimal performance and efficient resource management. VSP 360 improves end-to-end visibility, leveraging AIOps observability to break down data silos. It also streamlines the deployment of VSP One data services, tailored to meet each customer's unique business needs. "VSP 360 represents a bold step forward in unifying the way enterprises manage their data," said Octavian Tanase, chief product officer, Hitachi Vantara. "It's not just a new management toolit's a strategic approach to modern data infrastructure that gives IT teams complete command over their data, wherever it resides. With built-in AI and automation and by making it available via SaaS, Private, or via your mobile phone, we're empowering our customers to make faster, smarter decisions and eliminate the traditional silos that slow innovation." The new capabilities offered through VSP 360 are built around three foundational pillars: Control : It delivers streamlined hybrid cloud infrastructure orchestration and unified fleet management across block, file, software-defined and object storage, empowering IT teams to quickly deploy and manage data across cloud and on-prem environments. : It delivers streamlined hybrid cloud infrastructure orchestration and unified fleet management across block, file, software-defined and object storage, empowering IT teams to quickly deploy and manage data across cloud and on-prem environments. Observe : It enables businesses to gain new visibility and predictive insights across their enterprise data through AIOps analyticsaccessible via SaaS, mobile, or on-premdelivering intelligent observability into system performance, capacity, security and health. : It enables businesses to gain new visibility and predictive insights across their enterprise data through AIOps analyticsaccessible via SaaS, mobile, or on-premdelivering intelligent observability into system performance, capacity, security and health. Govern: It enhances data policy enforcement, compliance, and lifecycle management across hybrid environments, supporting workloads including AI, cybersecurity and personal identifiable information (PII) classification. Designed for all organizations of every size, VSP 360 addresses the critical need for flexible, scalable, and intelligent data infrastructure. It consolidates complex management environments, reduces operational overhead, and empowers teams to do more with less. "VSP 360 gives our customers the unified visibility and control they've been asking for," said Dan Pittet, Senior Solutions Architect, Stoneworks Technologies. "The ability to manage block, file, object, and software-defined storage from a single AI-driven platform helps streamline operations and reduce complexity across hybrid environments. It's especially valuable for IT teams with limited resources who need to respond quickly to evolving data demands without compromising performance or governance." With seamless data lifecycle management integration, the new solutions support AI, PII discovery, cybersecurity, and IaaS use cases, providing comprehensive coverage for diverse needs. Additionally, it provides compliance-ready data governance, reinforced with VSP One's 100% data availability guarantees, making it the ultimate choice for secure and efficient data management operations. This is further enhanced by our recently announced guarantees, including guarantees for performance and sustainability. "VSP 360 hits the mark for what modern enterprises need," said Ashish Nadkarni, Group Vice President and General Manager, Worldwide Infrastructure Research, IDC. "It goes beyond monitoring to deliver true intelligence across the storage lifecycle. The solution's robust data resiliency helps businesses maintain continuous operations and protect their critical assets, even in the face of unexpected disruptions. By integrating advanced analytics, automation, and policy enforcement, Hitachi Vantara is giving customers the agility and resilience needed to thrive in a data-driven economy." To learn more about Hitachi Vantara's unified data management platform, visit: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/products/data-management. Additional Resources Connect With Hitachi Vantara About Hitachi Vantara Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com. About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners. SOURCE Hitachi Vantara GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News report from GDToday. Hungary and China's Guangdong Province are deepening a strategic partnership rooted in mutual economic and technological interests. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area-Hungary (Europe) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference (Photo: Deng Yingheng) The exterior of a BYD Co. electric vehicle showroom, operated by Schiller Auto, in Budapest (Photo: CFP) Artists performed at Budapest's Hungexpo in 2024. (Photo: Guangdong Musician Association) On May 16, Budapest hosted the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area-Hungary (Europe) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference," a pivotal event solidifying collaboration in the automotive, biomedicine, green technology, and ICT sectors. Dozens of agreements were signed during the conference, with government officials and industry leaders pledging to expand joint ventures and innovation. Deepened cooperation in strategic emerging industries "It will undoubtedly catalyze deeper cooperation in strategic emerging industries. In particular, the exchange is likely to emphasize sectors such as automotive, biomedical, green energy, smart technologies, and information and communication technologies," said Peter Varfi, Consul General of Hungary in Guangzhou, in an exclusive interview with GDToday. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship: "Guangdong is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in battery manufacturing and clean energy, areas where Hungary offers strong potential for collaboration."Hungary's EU gateway status, he noted, provides Guangdong firms access to European markets, while Hungary benefits from Guangdong's tech leadership. The conference followed a series of high-level exchanges, including a November 2024 visit to Guangdong by Laszlo Kover, Speaker of Hungary's National Assembly. These engagements, Varfi emphasized, reflect a "mutual commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation," anchored by Hungary's "Opening to the East Policy" and China's Belt and Road Initiative. "We can expect further strengthening of these relations, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges," he added. Hungary's appeal as an investment hub is underscored by data from the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA): 10.3 billion in new investments in 2024marking the second consecutive year exceeding 10 billionwith China contributing 5.28 billion (51% of the total). Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) and battery giants like CATL and BYD have been central to this growth. Kover stressed that Hungary's "strategic location within the European Union" and competitive costs make it a "conducive environment" for Guangdong firms eyeing Europe. "We can expect further strengthening of these relations, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges," he added. "Hungary's diplomatic presence in Guangzhou and the increasing frequency of visits underscore the importance both countries place on this relationship." Kovernoted that Hungary's strategic location within the European Union, along with its competitive investment climate, has made it an attractive destination for Guangdong-based enterprises. As the first European country to sign a BRI cooperation MOU with China, Hungary offers Guangdong businesses access to the European market while providing an environment conducive to growth with lower operating costs compared to other EU member states. Cultural exchanges lead to closer people-to-people ties Beyond economics, cultural ties are flourishing. On the sidelines of the conference, Guangdong's Xinghai Conservatory of Music performed at Budapest's Hungexpo. "This transnational musical dialogue not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Guangdong but also provides a platform for showcasing the universality of music in bridging cultural divides," Varfi remarked. Enhanced by China's 2025 visa-free policy for Hungarians and direct flights between Guangzhou and Budapest, people-to-people exchanges are surging. "These initiatives are expected to foster closer ties in tourism, education, and cultural exchanges," Varfi stated. "With such initiatives, we anticipate an increase in student exchanges, business cooperation, and a greater mutual understanding between Hungarian and Chinese citizens." As Hungary cements its role as a Central European hub for Chinese engagement, the partnershipspanning trade, tech, and cultureexemplifies how middle powers are navigating a fragmented global order. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690594/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690595/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690596/3.jpg SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Intec Bioplastics, Inc. is proud to announce the successful launch of our newest sustainable packaging EarthPlus Hercules Bioflex Stretch Wrap, which can be used for pallet wrap and food wrap. We are the most economically, feasible, and sustainable stretch wrap in the Global market. Our customers love the performance of our sustainable packaging. Every customer that we have sold the Hercules Bioflex stretch wrap to has reordered. Our Hercules Bioflex Films are APR Certified, ASTM tested with an elongation of stretch of 1,799%. Hercules Bioflex is temperature tolerant to heat, and cold and is made with 35% renewable plant-based material that dramatically reduces our customers Carbon Footprint. Less plastic in packaging means less microplastics. The average person can be injesting approximately a credit card worth of plastic into their body each week. Intec Bioplastics, Inc., is a bio resin engineering company that assists its customers to achieve their sustainability goals of Net Zero Carbon Footprint, Net Zero plastic, and waste to landfills. Intec is looking for Join Venture Partners and Sales Representatives, to assist us to expand our sales goals on a National basis. Together we could reduce microplastics in our environment. Help us to "SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT TO SAVE HUMANITY" with our patented, sustainable packaging. For more information about our sustainable packaging, contact us at [email protected] . Website: www.intecbioplastics.com . SOURCE Intec Bioplastics, Inc. ESPOO, Finland, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IQM Quantum Computers has won VTT's innovation partner tender for the delivery of a 300-qubit superconducting quantum computer. The signed agreement is an excellent match with the project's main objective of putting Finland at the forefront of quantum computing development, as well as in the development and use of quantum computing in Finnish society. In addition, the innovation partners are developing new hardware components for future quantum computers, as well as strengthening Finland's unique expertise in material modelling through quantum computing. The winning tender was from IQM Quantum Computers, whose bid was an excellent match with the strategic objectives of the project, the quantum computing performance requirements, as well as schedule requirements. The joint development project now signed will deliver a 150-qubit superconducting quantum computer in mid-2026 and a 300-qubit one in late 2027. The quantum computers will be integrated into the Finnish high-performance computing infrastructure to promote hybrid computing. "This 300-qubit superconducting quantum computer has most superconducting qubits procured anywhere in the world. In addition, the delivery schedule is quick," says Piia Konstari, Project Manager for VTT's quantum computer tendering process. The deliveries will put Finland at the absolute forefront in both Europe and globally in terms of quantum computing capabilities. The delivery also includes a cloud platform for businesses and university researchers to access the quantum computers, and a two-year maintenance contract after the completion of the project. "We are excited to continue our long-term partnership with VTT and ship our next generation of quantum computers to power Finland's quantum ecosystem," says Mikko Valimaki, Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. "We are committed to delivering and deploying full-stack quantum computers worldwide, and Finland will get our highest performing quantum computer to date as the next step on our common journey to reach fault-tolerant quantum computing," he continues. As VTT wants to promote the development and application of quantum computing in Finland, the project includes quantum computing time, which will be granted to companies and universities. VTT will grant limited free quantum computing time to qualifying applications. "VTT's main task is to promote the development of the Finnish society. "We believe that a low threshold for use will accelerate the ability of companies and universities to research and develop applications for quantum computing. This will be a key competitive asset for Finland in the near future," says Erja Turunen, Executive Vice President, Digital Technologies at VTT. "During the project, we will develop new devices and fabrication processes for next-generation quantum computers to ensure Finland's leadership position in critical technologies," says Pekka Pursula, Director, Microelectronics and Quantum Research at VTT. The innovation partnership now starting will also investigate how to optimise quantum computers for the computational methods and algorithms needed in material modelling. Finland has world-leading expertise in material modelling, and by strengthening and combining this with quantum computing, we can build a global competitive advantage. VTT was awarded a special government grant of EUR 70 million in 2024 for the development of a 300-qubit quantum computer. The search for an innovation partner started in June 2024, applications for participation were received in early August and negotiations took place throughout the rest of the year. VTT received the final bids in January 2025, and the supplier was selected in March 2025. The signed contract is valid until the end of 2027. Further information Piia Konstari, Project Manager for VTT's quantum computer tendering process, VTT Director, Microfabrication services [email protected], tel. +358 50 576 3706 Further information on VTT: Paula Bergqvist, Communications Manager +358 20 722 5161, [email protected] www.vttresearch.com About VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have over 80 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together. VTT - beyond the obvious About IQM Quantum Computers IQM is a global leader in superconducting quantum computers. IQM provides both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access its computers. IQM customers include the leading high-performance computing centres, research labs, universities and enterprises which have full access to IQM's software and hardware. IQM has over 300 employees with headquarters in Finland and a global presence in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/iqm-quantum-computers-to-supply-finland-with-a-world-leading-superconducting-300-qubit-quantum-compu,c4152266 SOURCE VTT Info NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IRIS Software Group (IRIS), a leading global provider of accountancy, HR, and payroll software, has made a minority investment in Instead, an AI-powered tax platform helping accountants automate tax preparation and shift their focus from compliance to strategic advisory. By streamlining routine tasks and providing the tools to deliver deeper insights, Instead frees up time for firms to offer higher-value services. This significant minority investment marks a major step in IRIS's commitment to transforming the business of accountancy through intelligent automation, while also enabling Instead to accelerate product development and expand its sales and marketing capabilities. "Our investment in Instead marks an important step in supporting meaningful innovation in the market, for the benefit of US customers" said Jim Dunham, President and General Manager of IRIS Americas. "It positions IRIS at the forefront of innovation and underscores our mission to serve the accountancy market. Instead represents the first true disruption in individual and corporate tax since 1993, and this partnership accelerates the delivery of smarter, more accessible solutions for firms across the profession. It's a game changer." Instead's platform analyzes tax returns, implements savings strategies, and facilitates the filing of both federal and state tax returns. Powered by agentic and generative AI, the platform aims to automate over 90% of the tax preparation process. In a major industry milestone, Instead became the first new platform in decades to earn IRS approval to e-file individual and business tax forms, including 1040, 1041, 1120, 1120S, and 1065. The company is now rapidly expanding its reach, actively securing authorization across all U.S. states and major U.S. cities to offer truly nationwide filing. "This investment from IRIS enables us to accelerate our mission - bringing AI-powered tax preparation and planning to the mainstream," said Andrew Argue, CEO of Instead. "We're proud to be leading the way in transforming tax work for firms, simplifying compliance, boosting accuracy, and freeing professionals to focus on higher-value advisory." As part of the agreement, IRIS and Instead will work closely to foster innovation, exchange insights, and apply AI-driven solutions to real customer challenges. By combining deep domain expertise and complementary capabilities, the partnership creates a powerful foundation to accelerate product development, challenge conventional thinking, and drive advancement across the tax and accounting ecosystem. About IRIS Americas IRIS Americas, part of IRIS Software Group, works with thousands of CPA firms including 58 of the top 100 CPA firms and 91 of the top 250 CPA firms in the U.S. Its payroll and HCM solutions serve more than 150,000 small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) and processes $18 billion in payroll payments annually for more than 1.1 million North American employees every month. Over the past decade, IRIS Americas has acquired 13 North American-based brands including: Swipeclock, IRIS Star Practice Management, IRIS FMP, IRIS Innervision, IRIS Practice Engine, Doc.It, PSI Payroll, AccountantsWorld, MyPay, Conarc, Cavu, SourceOne, and Payroll Data Processing. About IRIS Software Group Founded in 1978, IRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission critical, cloud-hosted software solutions and services to more than 100,000 customers across 135 countries. IRIS is a trusted partner to businesses, finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organizations, and accountancy firms of all sizes, providing innovative operational solutions that streamline complex processes, maintain compliance, and unlock growth. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission critical tasks for organizations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures customers can look forward with certainty and confidence. IRIS is certified as a 2024 Great Place to Work in the UK, Ireland, India, Romania, Canada and the USA. Follow IRIS on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn . More information on its award-winning software solutions can be found here . About Instead Launched in June 2023, Instead (www.instead.com) is revolutionizing tax management as the first company in decades to receive IRS and state approvals to file individual, business, trust and estate returns. The platform uses AI to analyze tax returns, identify missed opportunities, and implement tax-saving strategies with supporting documentation. Starting at $16/month, Instead helps individuals, businesses, and tax professionals save tens to hundreds of thousands on taxes through intelligent tax analysis rather than last-minute filing. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2376347/5328852/Iris_Software_Logo.jpg SOURCE IRIS Software Group CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Isle Blue, the premier luxury villa rental platform, unveils a new campaign highlighting two of 2025's top travel trends: Coolcations and Slow Travel. As rising temperatures and economic concerns reshape travel behaviors, U.S. travelers are seeking cooler destinations and more meaningful, restorative experiences. Isle Blue is uniquely positioned to meet this demand with luxury villa escapes across North America and Europe. Isle Blue Showcases Coolcation & Slow Travel Trends for 2025 Luxury Escapes Post this Avonlee Cottage, Lake Joseph, Toronto. Isle Blue Coolcations guide travelers away from summer heat toward refreshing retreats in Montana , Colorado , and Canada . Meanwhile, Slow Travelemphasizing immersion, rest, and intentionencourages travelers to embrace a new definition of luxury: space, stillness, and authenticity. "We're seeing a noticeable shift in our U.S. clients," said Robert Kadijevic, CEO of Isle Blue. "They're prioritizing wellness and comfort while staying closer to home. Our curated collection of villas in cooler locales aligns perfectly with this trend." Top Coolcation Destinations Include: Montana - Big Sky beauty and wide-open luxury - beauty and wide-open luxury Utah - Red rock retreats and alpine escapes - Red rock retreats and alpine escapes Colorado - Elevated living in world-class mountain towns - Elevated living in world-class mountain towns Canada - From Toronto to Whistler, cool comfort awaits - From Toronto to Whistler, cool comfort awaits Switzerland - For those still dreaming of Europe - For those still dreaming of France & Austria - Sophistication meets alpine charm By combining luxury, nature, and wellness, Coolcations and Slow Travel redefine indulgence for the modern traveler. View the full collection: isleblue.co SOURCE Isle Blue LLC MUNICH, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From May 7 to 9, Jolywood Solar made a remarkable appearance at Intersolar Europe 2025 in Munich, Germany, unveiling its latest innovations and securing multiple prestigious awards and strategic partnerships. NIWA Home Super Residential Solar Solution NIWA HOME Super Residential Energy Solution Debuts At the Jolywood ECO Horizon Night held on May 7 at the Deutsche Museum, the company launched its revolutionary NIWA HOME Super Home Energy Solution, designed with 3S features: Safer, Simpler, and Smarter. This comprehensive solution covers rooftop systems, balcony systems, and off-grid outdoor systems, empowering households to embrace clean energy effortlessly. Jolywood also showcased other cutting-edge products at the event, including: NIWA Ultra (featuring JBC technology) NIWA Air (ultra-light flexible modules) NIWA Home All-in-One Balcony Energy Storage System NIWA Home Smart Energy Storage System Windproof Module These innovations sparked extensive discussions among clients and industry experts about their vast potential in residential applications. Flagship Products Take Center Stage Jolywood displayed its industry-leading n-type TOPCon solar cells, including three mainstream bifacial models: 182.2 * 183.75mm-16BB rectangular cells 182 * 210mm-16BB rectangular cells 210 * 210mm-18BB square cells The windproof module built with the n-type Fully-tempered One-stop Encapsulation Solutionfeaturing low-acid EVA/EPE films, transparent mesh backsheets, and Backbone steel framesensures extreme climate resilience. The Windproof Modules deliver 1.63% higher energy yields than conventional modules and 61.8% lower carbon emissions than aluminum-framed double-glass counterparts. Additionally, the NIWA Ultra series (24.6% efficiency) and NIWA Air lightweight modules (ideal for curved surfaces and low-load rooftops) drew significant attention for their versatility in distributed PV markets. Awards and Certifications Jolywood's excellence was recognized with multiple honors: Certificate of n-TOPCon PV Module Enhanced Reliability by TUV NORD, validating performance under extreme conditions. BC Photovoltaic Module lEC 61215/61730 Certificate by TUV SUD, affirming global safety and performance benchmarks. 2025 Top Performer pf PV Module Scorecard from Kiwa PVEL, marking Jolywood's fourth consecutive recognition for manufacturing excellence. Top Innovation Award in the Modules Category in Italy by EUPD for Jolywood's backsheet technology, which dominates global shipments. Looking Ahead From pioneering n-type TOPCon technology to redefining reliability with Windproof Modules and now launching NIWA HOME, the super residential energy solution, Jolywood remains committed to innovation. As the company continues its journey, it pledges to drive global energy transformation with cutting-edge, sustainable solutions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691945/97001747710387__pic.jpg PASADENA, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaneka North America LLC Nutrients Division ("Kaneka Nutrients") has initiated comprehensive efforts to identify and expose misleading claims about ubiquinol in response to an increasing number of fraudulent products. As the trusted leader in United States ubiquinol production, through a unique yeast fermentation method, Kaneka Nutrients endures the quality, safety, and efficacy of ubiquinol. Kaneka Corporation's patented process supports a form of ubiquinol that is bioidentical to what the body naturally produces and free of impurities typically found in synthetic ubiquinol/CoQ10 ingredients. Since ubiquinol plays a vital role in supporting cellular health and overall wellness, ensuring product authenticity is critical for protecting consumer health and maintaining confidence in the supplement industry. "Kaneka Ubiquinol embodies decades of scientific research, human clinical trials, and innovation. We take our market and consumer responsibilities seriously," said Kaneka Nutrients Vice President, Terese Mansell. "By exposing products that misrepresent their contents, we aim to prevent misleading claims that undermine trust, devalue authentic ubiquinol products, and compromise health outcomes." In collaboration with Kaneka Corporation and accredited third-party laboratories, Kaneka Nutrients is actively conducting market surveillance and laboratory testing to ensure the authenticity of products labeled as ubiquinol. The goal is to provide consumers and industry partners with knowledge on the quality and testing of supplements so they can make informed decisions. When false claims are identified, Kaneka Nutrients will pursue appropriate legal action, including but not limited to litigation and public disclosure of fraudulent activities, to ensure consumers are not harmed by taking such products. Kaneka Nutrients encourages consumers and retailers to verify product authenticity by looking for the Kaneka Quality Seal on the product packaging. For more information about Kaneka Ubiquinol or this initiative, visit KanekaNutrients.com or contact [email protected]. Kaneka Ubiquinol is the recipient of the Healthy Aging category of the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards for 2024, the Annual Ingredient Cardiovascular Health Award 2024 by Functional Foods for Wellness Summit (FFWS), as well as the coveted Raw Material Supplier of the Year Award 2024 at the Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA). Kaneka Nutrients, a subsidiary of the Kaneka Corporation (KANKF), stands at the forefront of the food and beverage industry, specializing in the production of essential ingredients. In 1977, Kaneka made its mark in the nutritional ingredient sector with the introduction of Kaneka Q10 (Coenzyme Q10). Over the decades, the company has solidified its position as the world's premier researcher and manufacturer of Kaneka Ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form of CoQ10. Holding the unique distinction of being the sole global manufacturer of the bioidentical form of ubiquinol, Kaneka Nutrients emphasizes quality and precision in its manufacturing processes. The state-of-the-art ubiquinol manufacturing facility is in Pasadena, Texas. Visit Kaneka Nutrients online at https://www.kanekanutrients.com. SOURCE Kaneka Nutrients Generational Project Addresses Environmental, Social and Economic Impacts KEY WEST, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Environmental, social, and economic impacts are key considerations for the $130 million airport modernization underway at the Key West International Airport (EYW). This generational project reached a significant milestone today with the Grand Opening of Concourse A. The construction of the 48,802-square-foot concourse has been ongoing since late 2022. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Monroe County Commissioners, Key West International Airport executives and staff, along with consultants, McFarland Johnson and Mead & Hunt, who represent the design team. Key West International Airport Concourse A Exterior "The Key West International Airport Concourse A transformation into the 21st century is an amazing upgrade for arriving and departing passengers. The floor to ceiling glass on the concourse, the glass jetways, and the first-class amenities make Key West's small airport a world class destination hub. We still have some finishing touches but all who pass through this facility will be in awe of the results achieved by the team that made this happen," said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl. McFarland Johnson, the lead consultant providing planning, programming, engineering design, permitting, and construction administration/inspection services for the project, highlighted the unique challenges addressed throughout the transformation. "Reimagining the Key West Airport required us to focus on airport efficiencies and delivering a greatly improved customer experience while also addressing environmental impacts, long-term sustainability, and hurricane standards related to wind and storm surge," said John Mafera, Vice President and Regional Director of Aviation for McFarland Johnson. "We had to deliver a building that performed well against several different, and often competing, measures." The airport transformation includes features designed for resilience, such as building the entire facility 14 and a half feet above ground elevation with reinforced structural columns to withstand storm surge and associated wave action. The terminal's 27 feet high northside glass curtain wall consists of 446 panels rated for 200 mph impact-resistant wind code, creating an insulated high-performance envelope. The terminal curtain wall also incorporates electrochromic glass, a type of smart glass technology that can switch between transparent and tinted opaque states based on the location of the sun and the amount of radiant light. In collaboration with local wildlife organizations, the design specified impact-resistant glass with bird-safe glazing that features a pattern of small dots placed every two inches to help prevent birds from flying into the glass wall. "Watching this project come together has been a testament to the hard work of many. Having McFarland Johnson as our lead consultant for design and construction oversight on the Concourse A and Terminal Improvements program has resulted in an outstanding new facility at Key West International Airport one that will last well into the future and provide our passengers with the service and amenities they deserve," said Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports. The second phase of construction has begun and includes additional upgrades to the existing facility. These improvements include a new pedestrian bridge, a new and expanded baggage claim and arrivals area, a new multiple-lane security checkpoint, and various support services. This construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Key West International Airport has experienced record-breaking numbers in the last five years, with increases in both passengers and airlines. The airport served 1.5 million passengers in 2024 with service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Allegiant Air, and Silver Airways, and has added an additional carrier, Breeze Airways, to its lineup. These airlines provide nonstop service to destinations including Atlanta, New York, Newark, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Pittsburgh, Sanford, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Asheville, St. Petersburg, and Washington D.C. About McFarland-Johnson, Inc. McFarland-Johnson, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned leader in the planning, engineering, environmental, technology, and construction services of innovative aviation, transportation, civil/facilities, and environmental projects. With office locations throughout the United States, MJ has been serving clients for more than 79 years. We are a people-centric company guided by the belief that employee owners are more committed to delivering quality services. Contact: Caroline Berryman, McFarland Johnson [email protected] 850-491-8668 1111 12th Street, Unit 109B Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (321) 431-7029 www.mjinc.com SOURCE McFarland Johnson NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuehn Law, PLLC, a shareholder litigation law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Doximity, Inc. (NYSE: DOCS) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. According to a federal securities lawsuit, Insiders at Doximity caused the company to misrepresent or fail to disclose material information concerning the Company's business and operations. Specifically, the Complaint alleges Defendants repeatedly touted the Company's business prospects and the sustainability of the Company's revenue growth and profitability, while downplaying the impact of competition and tightening macroeconomic conditions on the Company and Doximity's reliance on "upselling" products and services (such as additional advertising) to existing customers to sustain the Company's performance and future growth. If you currently own DOCS and purchased prior to February 9, 2022 please contact Justin Kuehn, Esq. here, by email at [email protected] or call (833) 672-0814. Kuehn Law pays all case costs and does not charge its investor clients. Shareholders should contact the firm immediately as there may be limited time to enforce your rights. Why Your Participation Matters: As a shareholder your voice matters, and by getting involved, you contribute to the integrity and fairness of the financial markets. Your investment. Your voice. Your future. For additional information, please visit Shareholder Derivative Litigation - Kuehn Law. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts: Kuehn Law, PLLC Justin Kuehn, Esq. 53 Hill Street, Suite 605 Southampton, NY 11968 [email protected] (833) 672-0814 SOURCE Kuehn Law, PLLC MONTREAL, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Lavery is pleased to acknowledge the landmark decision rendered on April 25 by the Quebec Superior Court, which, for the first time, legally recognizes that a child may have more than two parents. This ruling represents a significant development in Quebec law, introducing a new legal reality in matters of filiation. Marc-Andre Landry, partner at Lavery (CNW Group/Lavery) "This decision shakes the very foundations of filiation law as we know it in Quebec. Not only does it acknowledge the lived reality of many families, it also opens the door to a more inclusive understanding of parenthood," stated Marc-Andre Landry, partner at Lavery, who represented one of the families on a pro bono basis. "It's a crucial step toward greater equality for all children, regardless of the family model they are part of." The judgment follows a constitutional challenge brought forward by three multi-parent families, represented by several law firms, including Lavery. Justice Andres Garin struck down 44 provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec, finding them discriminatory toward families made up of more than two parents. He granted the provincial legislature a 12-month period to amend the Code accordingly. Invoking the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Court found that the two-parent limit on filiation infringes on the right to equality for children and parents in non-traditional family structures. The judge also ordered that the name of the third parent be added to the birth certificate of the child in question, recognizing the legal, social, and psychological impacts of denying such recognition. Beyond the symbolic inclusion on a birth certificate, filiation establishes access to essential responsibilities and protections: custody, financial support, inheritance, insurance, medical decisions, and more. While Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador already recognize multi-parent families, Quebec is now joining their ranks. Justice Garin emphasized that although the Civil Code does not explicitly prohibit more than two parental links, its structure has effectively blocked recognition of multi-parent filiation. Lavery is proud to have contributed to this groundbreaking legal advancement, which could set a precedent in Canada. This decision already being compared to the one that opened the door to marriage equality in the early 2000s highlights the importance of a law that evolves with today's social realities. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivieres, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction. SOURCE Lavery Nachawati Law Group files new cases against Bayer/Monsanto, vows aggressive litigation as agrichemical giant seeks to limit liability for Roundup cancer claims DALLAS, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial lawyers representing more than 5,000 cancer victims have filed new lawsuits against agrichemical giant Monsanto and have criticized the corporation for recent attempts to limit its liability for its cancer-causing Roundup herbicide through bankruptcy protection. Nachawati Law Group founder Majed Nachawati called Monsanto's bankruptcy plans a cynical maneuver to avoid responsibility for decades of failures to warn the public about Roundup's known dangers. The strategy is similar to three failed attempts by Johnson & Johnson to seek bankruptcy protection from lawsuits over its talcum powder products, which have been found to contain cancer-causing asbestos. "We've seen this story before and we know how it ends," Mr. Nachawati said. "We're not waiting, and we will keep filing lawsuits and keep pushing for an aggressive trial schedule so that all victims and their families have a chance for justice." Nachawati Law Group filed new lawsuits in state courts in Dallas County, Texas, and Platte County, Missouri, in recent days on behalf of individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after exposure to Roundup. The firm is actively working on additional lawsuits. "The only way you're going to get a company like Monsanto to accept responsibility for the great harms Roundup has caused and continues to cause is to put them at risk in as many venues as possible," said Nachawati Law Group partner Gibbs Henderson. Monsanto, which was acquired by Bayer AG (OTCMKTS: BAYRY) in 2018, has long known about the cancer risks associated with glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup. The conglomerate has paid about $10 billion to settle cancer claims, while tens of thousands of lawsuits remain. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer announced that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic" to humans, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cancers that disrupt blood cells. The new lawsuits are Michael and Kelly Hall v. Monsanto Company et al., No. DC-25-06844, in the 116th Judicial District in Dallas County; and Donald Sikes Jr. and Rena Sikes v. Monsanto Company et al., No. 25AE-CC00176, in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Platte County Missouri. Nachawati Law Group represents individuals in mass tort litigation, businesses and governmental entities in contingent litigation and individual victims in complex personal injury litigation. For more information, visit https://ntrial.com. SOURCE Nachawati Law Group ONTARIO, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Inland Empire water agencies, the cities of Chino, Montclair, and Ontario, along with the Monte Vista Water District, have submitted a joint letter to the California Water Commission (CWC) requesting a review of the Chino Basin Program's (CBP) ongoing eligibility for state funding under the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The agencies cite a need for greater transparency and clarity regarding both the financial framework of the CBP and its long-term implications for local groundwater supply. "We look forward to working with IEUA to secure the clarity and commitments needed to ensure this project serves the best interests of all stakeholders," said Ontario City Councilmember Debra Porada. "We are asking for clear financial terms and an open dialogue before public resources are committed." In the letter addressed to CWC Chair Fern Steiner, the agencies express concern over the lack of formal financial commitments from retail water providers in IEUA's service area. They note that a previously proposed five-year rate study, which could have provided greater insight into project cost allocation, was reduced to two years without including specific program costs, raising questions about how the non-public share of the project will be funded. Additionally, the agencies point out that property tax revenues are being allocated toward the CBP without a full understanding of local impacts or consensus among member agencies. Recent data from the Chino Basin Watermaster has added urgency to the conversation. A projected decline of 14,000 acre-feet in the basin's Safe Yield, the largest decrease in its history, highlights the importance of carefully considering how local water supplies are managed and allocated. "We all recognize the need to plan for the future, but that planning must begin with protecting the water needs of our own communities," said Chino Mayor Pro-Tem Curtis Burton. The signatories reaffirm their previously stated concerns from 2021 and call for the CWC to temporarily pause further funding decisions until IEUA can demonstrate broader regional support and resolve outstanding questions regarding cost-sharing and supply impacts. "This is an opportunity for a reset," said Monte Vista Water District Board President Sandra Rose. "We're committed to working collaboratively to find a path forward that meets both local and state needs." The group has also requested a meeting with the CWC to further discuss their position and explore how a shared approach can be developed moving forward. "Our region deserves a transparent, locally supported water strategy," added Montclair Mayor Javier "John" Dutrey. "We welcome the chance to work with IEUA and the state to achieve that." For more information on the CBP and the agencies' ongoing efforts to support regional transparency and accountability, please visit www.ontarioca.gov/government/municipal-utilities-company. SOURCE City of Ontario VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) (OTCQB: LMGDF) (the "Company" or "Lumina") is pleased to announce that, in connection with the proposed arrangement (the "Arrangement") of the Company with CMOC Singapore Pte. Ltd. (the "Purchaser") and 1536188 B.C. Ltd. ("AcquireCo"), as previously jointly announced on April 21, 2025, the Company has called a special meeting (the "Meeting") of holders ("Shareholders") of common shares of the Company ("Shares"), holders of options of the Company ("Optionholders") and holders of restricted share units of the Company (the "RSU Holders" and together with the Shareholders and Optionholders, the "Securityholders") to consider the Arrangement and has completed the mailing of the notice of meeting, information circular and related proxy materials (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to the Securityholders. The Meeting to vote on the Arrangement will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on June 16, 2025, at 1200 Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Securityholders are urged to carefully review the Meeting Materials as they contain important information regarding the Arrangement and the rights and entitlements of the Securityholders in connection therewith. The Meeting Materials are also available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. After consultation with its financial and legal advisors, and following the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, the board of directors of Lumina (the "Lumina Board") unanimously determined the Arrangement is fair to Shareholders, is in the best interest of Lumina and approved the entering into of the Arrangement. The Lumina Board unanimously recommends that Securityholders vote FOR the special resolution to approve the Arrangement at the Meeting. To become effective, the Arrangement must be approved at the Meeting by at least: (i) 662/ 3 % of the votes cast by the Shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting; (ii) 662/ 3 % of the votes cast by the Shareholders, the Optionholders and the RSU Holders, voting as a single class, present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting; and (iii) a simple majority of the votes cast by the Shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting, excluding the votes cast in respect of Shares beneficially owned or over which control or direction is exercised by any persons whose vote must be excluded in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In addition, the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") must approve the Arrangement as a condition to its effectiveness. Among other things, the Court's final order will include a determination, after considering the substantive and procedural aspects of the transaction, that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company and is fair to Securityholders. Benefits of the Arrangement to Lumina Shareholders Immediate and significant premium of approximately 71% and 41% to the 20-day volume weighted average trading price and the closing price of the Shares, respectively. All-cash offer that is not subject to a financing condition, providing certainty of value and immediate liquidity. Highly credible and capable counterparty with track record of successful M&A. Concurrent interim financing for Lumina of US$20 million to fund ongoing needs at the Cangrejos project. to fund ongoing needs at the Cangrejos project. Removes future dilution, commodity and execution risk. RBC Capital Markets Inc. provided a fairness opinion to the Lumina Board, stating that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated in such opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders under the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Your vote is important. The Meeting Materials provide a description of the Arrangement and include certain additional information to assist Securityholders in considering how to vote on the Arrangement. You are urged to read this information carefully and, if you require assistance, to consult your tax, financial, legal or other professional advisors. Included in the Meeting Materials are several documents requiring your attention. If you are a registered Shareholder and are unable to attend the Meeting in person, please date and execute the form of proxy included in the Meeting Materials and deposit it with Computershare Investor Services Inc., Attention: Proxy Department, 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 2Y1 before 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on June 12, 2025. If you are a non-registered Shareholder and receive the Meeting Materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or such other intermediary. If you are a non-registered Shareholder and do not complete and return the materials in accordance with such instructions, you may lose the right to vote at the Meeting. The Arrangement is expected to close in late June 2025, subject to a number of terms and conditions, including without limitation the following: (a) approval of the Securityholders as set out above and in the Meeting Materials; (b) final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange; (c) approval of the Court; (d) there being no material adverse changes in respect of Lumina; and (e) other standard conditions of closing for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that all of the necessary approvals will be obtained or that all conditions of closing will be satisfied. About Lumina Gold Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) is a Vancouver, Canada based exploration company focused on the Cangrejos project located in El Oro Province, southwest Ecuador. In 2023, the Company completed a Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project, which is the largest primary gold deposit in Ecuador. Lumina has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects. Follow us on: Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminagold.com. To receive future news releases please sign up at https://luminagold.com/contact. LUMINA GOLD CORP. Signed: "Marshall Koval" Marshall Koval, President & CEO, Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the terms and conditions of the Arrangement, including receipt of regulatory, Court and Securityholder approval; and the closing of the Arrangement. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to the receipt of all requisite approvals for the Arrangement, including the approval of the Purchaser and AcquireCo, the Securityholders and any necessary regulatory and Court approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. SOURCE Lumina Gold Corp. DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global machine vision market is expected to grow from USD 15.83 billion in 2025 to USD 23.63 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 8.3% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Governments worldwide support the adoption of various automation technologies for the development of the manufacturing sector. As process industries are a vital part of the manufacturing sector, governments worldwide are focused on bringing automation into the sector. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=234246734 Browse in-depth TOC on "Machine Vision Market" 200 Tables 80 Figures 280 Pages Machine Vision Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $ 15.83 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 23.63 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% Market Size Available for 20242030 Forecast Period 20252030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Component, Type, Deployment, Vision Type and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lack of awareness and high cost associated with machine vision systems Key Market Opportunities Surging market demand for hybrid and electric vehicles Key Market Drivers Growing emphasis on safety and improved product quality in industrial sector The process automation market is especially benefiting from government initiatives. For instance, in 2022, the Government of Singapore partnered with associations such as the Singapore Food Manufacturing Association (SFMA) and the Food Innovation & Resource Centre (FIRC) to deploy the latest automation technologies in the food & beverage industry. Industrial automation helps manufacturing firms mass-produce their products with minimum defects and superior quality, resulting in higher output and better productivity. Machine vision is one of the important systems required for industrial automation. Thus, the increasing government-led initiatives for factory automation worldwide are expected to boost the demand for machine vision and create growth opportunities for the market players. Smart camera-based machine vision segment to register highest CAGR during forecast year Smart camera-based machine vision systems consist of an embedded controller with integrated vision software directly connected to one or more cameras, which may differ in image resolution, size, and imaging rates. These systems are generally used for simple tasks such as monitoring and are easy to operate. Different types of smart camera technologies include 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic, and infrared. Smart cameras offer a streamlined design that lowers system costs while maintaining functional capacity. When equipped with advanced processors, they can deliver processing performance comparable to that of PC-based systems, enabling them to handle complex machine vision tasks independently without external computing support. Companies manufacturing and distributing smart cameras for machine vision include Basler AG (Germany), Cognex Corporation (US), KEYENCE CORPORATION (US), and Teledyne Technologies Inc. (US). Consumer product segment expected to register second-highest CAGR during forecast period Electronics assembly uses machine vision to aid production and test circuitry. Key consumer product manufacturers increasingly deploy machine vision systems to improve quality and productivity. For example, Foxconn uses cameras by Microscan throughout its operations. Typical machine vision applications in this industry include cover glass assembly, touch panel lamination, and screen-printing alignment in display manufacturing. In mobile and wearable device assembly, which requires fast production ramp-up with quick product changeover, machine vision is used for pre-assembly insertion check, post-assembly verification, precision robot guidance, and serial number and bar code reading. Machine vision is also used in alignment, gauging, and machines tending for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and machine builders' display manufacturing and module assembly needs. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=234246734 Asia Pacific expected to register highest CAGR in machine vision market during forecast period Asia Pacific is segmented into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The strong growth of the economies of China and India and the massive shift to automation and intelligent technologies in different spheres is noteworthy. The machine vision industry in China is growing steadily due to the rising number of industrial automation projects, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. India's machine vision market is booming due to government initiatives such as "Make in India" and the increasing need for quality inspection and process optimization in the manufacturing segment. Major companies operating in the machine vision companies include Cognex Corporation (US), KEYENCE CORPORATION (Japan), Teledyne Technologies Inc. (US), Basler AG (Germany), and Omron Corporation (Japan). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=234246734 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Smart Manufacturing Market - Edge Computing, Industrial 3D Printing, Robots, Sensor, Machine Vision, Artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Twin, Private 5G, AGV, AMR, AR & VR, CAD, CAM, PLM, HMI, IPC, MES, WMS, and ERP - Global Forecast to 2029 Robotic Vision Market by Type (2D Vision, 3D Vision Systems), Hardware (Cameras, Lighting, Optics, Processors & Controllers, Frame Grabbers), Software (Traditional software, Deep Learning Software), Application, Industry, Region - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/industrial-machine-vision-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/industrial-machine-vision.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets C$ unless otherwise stated TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 The prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with this offering will be accessible through SEDAR+ within two business days. TORONTO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC") announced today that it intends to issue $500 million principal amount of 3.983% fixed/floating subordinated debentures due May 23, 2035 (the "Debentures"). MFC intends to file a prospectus supplement to its existing base shelf prospectus in respect of this issue. The Debentures will bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.983% until May 23, 2030 and thereafter at a rate of 1.32% over Daily Compounded CORRA. The Debentures mature on May 23, 2035. Subject to prior regulatory approval, MFC may redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, on or after May 23, 2030 at a redemption price equal to par, together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption. The Debentures will constitute subordinated indebtedness, ranking equally and rateably with all other subordinated indebtedness of MFC from time to time issued and outstanding (other than subordinated indebtedness which has been further subordinated in accordance with its terms). The offering is being done on a best efforts agency basis by a syndicate co-led by RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank and TD Securities. The offering is expected to close on May 23, 2025. MFC intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Debentures for general corporate purposes, including investment in subsidiaries and potential future redemptions of existing securities. The Debentures have not been and will not be registered in the United States under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in the United States and any public offering of the securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus. Access to the prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with the offering of the Debentures is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto. The prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto in connection with the offering will be accessible within two business days at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the prospectus supplement, the corresponding base shelf prospectus and any amendment to the documents may be obtained, without charge, from RBC Capital Markets by email at [email protected] or phone at 416-842-6311, Scotiabank by email at [email protected] or phone at 416-863-7438 or TD Securities by email at [email protected] or phone at 416-982-2243. About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping our customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice and insurance for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2024, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 36 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com. Media Contact Fiona McLean Manulife 437-441-7491 [email protected] Investor Relations Hung Ko Manulife 416-806-9921 [email protected] SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 360Quadrants has released its latest Industrial Fasteners Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, recognizing key players, including both global giants and emerging innovators, for their excellence in market presence, product innovation, and business strategy. The report highlights Brugola OEB Industriale S.p.A., MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS), and Misumi Group, Inc., among the top companies actively shaping the future of the Industrial Fasteners Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment. The evaluation leverages 360Quadrants' proprietary methodology to map competitive positioning across 7,000+ micro markets within 10+ industries, enabling decision-makers to make strategic, data-backed vendor choices. Company Highlights in the Industrial Fasteners Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment: Brugola OEB Industriale S.p.A. is a leading manufacturer of socket screws and specialized fasteners engineered specifically for automotive engines. The company produces high-performance bolts and fasteners, integrating advanced technologies, supporting clients in achieving precise, automated assembly processes for demanding mechanical and engine manufacturing applications. Brugola OEB continually invests in state-of-the-art industrial technology to enhance productivity and cost-efficiency, while strictly adhering to zero-defect (0 ppm) quality standards. is a leading manufacturer of socket screws and specialized fasteners engineered specifically for automotive engines. The company produces high-performance bolts and fasteners, integrating advanced technologies, supporting clients in achieving precise, automated assembly processes for demanding mechanical and engine manufacturing applications. Brugola OEB continually invests in state-of-the-art industrial technology to enhance productivity and cost-efficiency, while strictly adhering to zero-defect (0 ppm) quality standards. MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) is a premier manufacturer offering comprehensive solutions in fasteners, engineered components, and plastic products. Serving a wide range of industriesincluding automotive, heavy-duty truck, agriculture, military and defense, mining, and appliancesMFCS delivers highly specialized products tailored to meet diverse client requirements. Its product portfolio includes innovations such as capped wheel nuts, Maynard Lockthread, Axilok axle fasteners, Securex wheel nuts, hot-forged and cold-formed components, engineered functional plastics, PogoStik products, and other precision-engineered solutions. is a premier manufacturer offering comprehensive solutions in fasteners, engineered components, and plastic products. Serving a wide range of industriesincluding automotive, heavy-duty truck, agriculture, military and defense, mining, and appliancesMFCS delivers highly specialized products tailored to meet diverse client requirements. Its product portfolio includes innovations such as capped wheel nuts, Maynard Lockthread, Axilok axle fasteners, Securex wheel nuts, hot-forged and cold-formed components, engineered functional plastics, PogoStik products, and other precision-engineered solutions. Misumi Group, Inc. is a globally recognized supplier in the fasteners market, known for its comprehensive range of high-quality fastening solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of engineers and manufacturers across multiple industries. Specializing in components such as screws, bolts, nuts, and other fasteners, Misumi serves key sectors including automotive, electronics, machinery, and medical devices. Explore full quadrant report and see how companies are positioned in the Industrial Fasteners Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment- https://www.360quadrants.com/packaging-and-construction/industrial-fasteners-startups Evaluation Criteria The vendor evaluation was conducted on over 100 companies, of which the top 15 were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Factors such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Industrial Fasteners Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Material (Metal and Plastic), Type (bolts, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, and other types), Product (Externally threaded, internally threaded, Non-threaded, and Aerospace grade), and Application. 360 Quadrants Scoring Methodology 360 Quadrants employs a comprehensive and transparent scoring methodology to evaluate companies. It identifies relevant evaluation criteria, collects and validates data from multiple sources, and employs an algorithm that considers parameter weights to generate scores. Normalization ensures fair comparisons, and the aggregated scores categorize solutions into quadrants such as Progressive companies, Responsive companies, Dynamic companies, and Starting blocks. This unbiased approach equips users with accurate information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and select solutions that best suit their needs and objectives. Download Free Sample @ https://www.360quadrants.com/packaging-and-construction/industrial-fasteners-startups About 360Quadrants 360Quadrants, a specialized division of MarketsandMarkets, delivers comprehensive quadrant analyses for various emerging technologies and markets, including start-ups. Our evaluation methodology hinges on two critical parameters: market presence and product footprint. This approach facilitates a graphical representation of competitive positioning across four key categories: leaders, contenders, innovators, and emerging companies. In addition, we meticulously classify start-ups into progressive companies, responsive companies, dynamic companies, and starting blocks. Our expertise equips organizations with insights into market leaders across over 6000 micro markets, enabling a detailed comparison of vendor capabilities and performance. At 360Quadrants, we ensure that each quadrant adheres to the highest standards, empowering our clients to navigate complex market dynamics precisely and confidently. 360Quadrants has also launched quadrants in fields like- Refrigerants Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Ms. Sipti Banga, 630 Dundee Road, Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.77 per share of common stock payable on June 16, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 2, 2025. Upcoming Communications For important news and information regarding McDonald's, including the timing of future investor conferences and earnings calls, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's Internet home page at www.investor.mcdonalds.com. McDonald's uses this website as a primary channel for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. About McDonald's McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 43,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as may otherwise be required by law. SOURCE McDonald's Corporation Healthcare IT and community health leader to scale company's footprint and deepen impact in community-based care ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicus IT , a leading U.S. healthcare solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Roopak Manchanda as Executive Vice President of Community Health. A seasoned healthcare IT and community health leader, Manchanda will concentrate on scaling the company's reach and impact across a more holistic spectrum of Community Health Centers (CHCs) and nonprofit healthcare organizations, including hospice care, rural health centers, and other mission-driven providers. Manchanda's career in community health spans more than 20 years, most recently serving as CEO at Washington, D.C.-based BlueNovo, a premier provider of physician and patient-centered healthcare, quality, and technology services for community health centers (CHCs). During his tenure, he collaborated closely with CHC leaders across the country until the company's acquisition by Medicus IT in 2024. Manchanda also has held CIO roles at several prominent organizations, including the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA), Mosaic Medical, One Community Health, and JPA Health Center. "Roopak's hiring underscores our deepening commitment to community health and focus on delivering impactful and mission-aligned technology solutions that support the essential work of public health providers," said Chris Jann, founder and CEO of Medicus IT. "His passion and proven experience partnering with community health providers bring renewed momentum to our shared goals: expanding access to care, enabling scalable practice growth, and strengthening cybersecurity protection for the underserved populations they serve." "Throughout my career, I've been passionate about helping community health centers harness technology in ways that are practical, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of the patient populations they serve," said Manchanda. "I'm honored to join a company like Medicus IT that shares my commitment to standing alongside these devoted leaders and not just as a technology advisor, but as a true ally in advancing health equity and community-centered care." Medicus IT supports approximately 10% of the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) addressable market and estimates that approximately 1,000 of these health centers are likely to outsource their services. Having mission-driven, non-profit status, many tend to be in need of higher expertise to scale and run enterprise operations that may exceed their staff's capabilities. Recognizing that many CHCs are facing record-breaking patient volumes and unprecedented financial challenges, Medicus IT remains committed to sustaining local primary care clinics by enhancing IT systems, streamlining workflow, and driving cost efficiencies and improved outcomes. "Medicus IT is a trusted resource for specialty and community health practices, offering day-to-day technology support and long-term strategic planning," added Roopak. "Health centers are more than places for care they're lifelines for millions of Americans. We have the technology and expertise to help non-profit and safety net clinics boost efficiencies and confidently navigate today's challenges." Journalists: Download a photo of Roopak Manchanda here. About Medicus IT Medicus IT is committed to helping healthcare organizations leverage technology to optimize patient care and deliver better patient outcomes. Moving beyond traditional IT, Medicus helps its healthcare clients run their IT infrastructure, grow their operations, and transform their organizations. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, with service centers in New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, California, and North Carolina, Medicus is one of the nation's top healthcare IT providers, serving over 6,500 providers, with more than 50,000 users across 2,500 locations. Follow us on X , LinkedIn , and Facebook . Together, we drive healthcare forward. SOURCE Medicus IT CANTON, Ohio, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metallus (NYSE: MTUS), a leader in high-quality specialty metals, manufactured components and supply chain solutions, today announced that Kristopher R. Westbrooks has been promoted to the newly created role of president and chief operating officer and John M. Zaranec III has been appointed as the company's executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective June 16, 2025. Both executives will report directly to Mike Williams, Metallus' chief executive officer. Kristopher R. Westbrooks John M. Zaranec III As president and chief operating officer, Westbrooks will lead Metallus' safety, manufacturing operations and excellence, and supply chain organizations, fostering cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence. He will drive alignment with the company's strategic initiatives while supporting its growth objectives. Westbrooks has served as the company's chief financial officer since September 2018 and has been a pivotal part of Metallus' transformation over the past several years. Prior to joining Metallus, Westbrooks was with A. Schulman, Inc., where he served as vice president, chief accounting officer and corporate controller. Westbrooks started his career in public accounting and graduated from Miami University. "Over the past seven years, Kris has played an instrumental role in our company's growth, consistently providing outstanding leadership and strategic guidance. His ability to build high-performing teams, combined with his expertise in financial strategy and deep understanding of our business, has strengthened our balance sheetenhancing our flexibility to drive growth and navigate economic challenges. Under his leadership, we have established a strong foundation that positions us for continued success," said Mike Williams. Zaranec brings over 20 years of financial experience and skills in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Most recently, he served as division chief financial officer at Materion Corporation, leading the finance strategy and function for the Performance Materials segment. Before that, he held various leadership roles at Materion, including chief accounting officer, corporate controller, and head of investor relations. His experience also includes finance leadership at The Timken Company. Prior to transitioning into industry, he spent nearly a decade in public accounting. Zaranec holds a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in accountancy from Miami University. "We are excited to welcome John to Metallus. With extensive expertise in driving company performance and strategy as a financial business partner, as well as engaging with investors, financial planning, forecasting, and team development, we are confident he will play a key role in our continued success. We look forward to his contributions and leadership as we remain focused on delivering value to our shareholders," stated Williams. ABOUT METALLUS INC. Metallus (NYSE: MTUS) manufactures high-performance specialty metals from recycled scrap metal in Canton, OH, serving demanding applications in industrial, automotive, aerospace & defense and energy end markets. The company is a premier U.S. producer of alloy steel bars (up to 16 inches in diameter), seamless mechanical tubing and manufactured components. In the business of making high-quality steel for more than 100 years, Metallus' proven expertise contributes to the performance of our customers' products. The company employs approximately 1,880 people and had sales of $1.1 billion in 2024. For more information, please visit us at www.metallus.com . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can generally identify the company's forward-looking statements by words such as "will," "anticipate," "aspire," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "target," "should," "would," "strategy," or "strategic direction" or other similar words, phrases or expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The company cautions readers that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company due to a variety of factors, such as: (1) the effects of fluctuations in customer demand on sales, product mix and prices in the industries in which the company operates, including the ability of the company to respond to rapid changes in customer demand including but not limited to changes in domestic and worldwide political and economic conditions due to, among other factors, U.S. and foreign trade policies and the impact on economic conditions, changes in customer operating schedules due to supply chain constraints or unplanned work stoppages, the ability of customers to obtain financing to purchase the company's products or equipment that contains its products, the effects of customer bankruptcies or liquidations, the impact of changes in industrial business cycles, and whether conditions of fair trade exist in U.S. markets; (2) changes in operating costs, including the effect of changes in the company's manufacturing processes, changes in costs associated with varying levels of operations and manufacturing capacity, availability of raw materials and energy, the company's ability to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in raw materials and energy costs and the effectiveness of its surcharge mechanism, changes in the expected costs associated with product warranty claims, changes resulting from inventory management, cost reduction initiatives and different levels of customer demands, the effects of unplanned work stoppages, availability of skilled labor and changes in the cost of labor and benefits; (3) the success of the company's operating plans, announced programs, initiatives and capital investments, the consistency to meet demand levels following unplanned downtime, and the company's ability to maintain appropriate relations with the union that represents its associates in certain locations in order to avoid disruptions of business; (4) whether the company is able to successfully implement actions designed to improve profitability on anticipated terms and timetables and whether the company is able to fully realize the expected benefits of such actions; (5) the company's pension obligations and investment performance; (6) with respect to the company's ability to achieve its sustainability goals, including its 2030 environmental goals, the ability to meet such goals within the expected timeframe, changes in laws, regulations, prevailing standards or public policy, the alignment of the scientific community on measurement and reporting approaches, the complexity of commodity supply chains and the evolution of and adoption of new technology, including traceability practices, tools and processes; (7) availability of property insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages; (8) the availability of financing and interest rates, which affect the company's cost of funds and/or ability to raise capital; (9) the impacts from any repurchases of our common shares, including the timing and amount of any repurchases; (10) competitive factors, including changes in market penetration, increasing price competition by existing or new foreign and domestic competitors, the introduction of new products by existing and new competitors, and new technology that may impact the way the company's products are sold or distributed; (11) deterioration in global economic conditions, or in economic conditions in any of the geographic regions in which the company conducts business, including additional adverse effects from global economic slowdown, terrorism or hostilities, including political risks associated with the potential instability of governments and legal systems in countries in which the company or its customers conduct business, and changes in currency valuations; (12) the impact of global conflicts on the economy, sourcing of raw materials, and commodity prices; (13) climate-related risks, including environmental and severe weather caused by climate changes, and legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; (14) unanticipated litigation, claims or assessments, including claims or problems related to intellectual property, product liability or warranty, employment matters, regulatory compliance and environmental issues and taxes, among other matters; (15) cyber-related risks, including information technology system failures, interruptions and security breaches; (16) the potential impact of pandemics, epidemics, widespread illness or other health issues; and (17) with respect to the equipment investments to support the U.S. Army's mission of ramping up munitions production in the coming years, whether the funding awarded to support these investments is received on the anticipated timetable, whether the company is able to successfully complete the installation and commissioning of the new assets on the targeted budget and timetable, and whether the anticipated increase in throughput is achieved. Further, this news release represents our current policy and intent and is not intended to create legal rights or obligations. Certain standards of measurement and performance contained in this news release are developing and based on assumptions, and no assurance can be given that any plan, objective, initiative, projection, goal, mission, commitment, expectation or prospect set forth in this news release can or will be achieved. Inclusion of information in this news release is not an indication that the subject or information is material to our business or operating results. Additional risks relating to the company's business, the industries in which the company operates, or the company's common shares may be described from time to time in the company's filings with the SEC. All of these risk factors are difficult to predict, are subject to material uncertainties that may affect actual results and may be beyond the company's control. Readers are cautioned that it is not possible to predict or identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results and that the above list should not be considered to be a complete list. Except as required by the federal securities laws, the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Metallus Inc. SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Miniat Holdings announces the retirement of Dale Morsefield, who has been a vital contributor to the organization's growth and success over the past decade. Dale joined Miniat in 2016 as President and COO, leading operations for Ed Miniat, LLC and South Chicago Packing, LLC. In 2020, he transitioned to the Advisory Board, continuing to lend his expertise and guidance. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening company performance and enhancing its culture. "Dale's steady leadership, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to our team have helped move Miniat forward in important ways," said Dave Miniat, Chairman Emeritus. "We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement." Before joining Miniat, Dale held leadership roles at Vallis Consulting and Nestle U.S.A., where he was the Sr. Vice President of Operations & Supply Chain. Miniat Holdings is proud to honor Dale's legacy and thanks him for his enduring impact on the business, its employees, and the broader Miniat family. About Miniat Holdings The Miniat Companies, Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned portfolio of businesses specializing in custom food products for North American restaurant chains, food service companies, and global CPG companies. Ed Miniat LLC focuses on innovative sous-vide beef, pork, and poultry preparations. South Chicago Packing LLC provides high-end specialty fats and oils for health-conscious home chefs, award-winning restaurant chains, bakeries, and industrial companies. For more information, visit Miniat.com and SouthChicagoPacking.com. For media inquiries, Media Contact: Rachel Allen Sr. Director, Customer and Employee Engagement [email protected] 708.589.2431 SOURCE Ed Miniat LLC Monica Caldas, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance Recognized at Premier Global CIO Event CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 22nd annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium has announced Monica Caldas , Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance as the winner of the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award . Over the past eighteen years, the Award has recognized Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who lead their organizations to deliver exemplary levels of business value through the innovative use of IT. "On behalf of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Awards Committee, we are pleased to present the 2025 CIO Leadership Award to Monica Caldas, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance," said Dr. George Westerman, Award Co-Chair. "This year's finalists are redefining what it means to lead in IT. Their vision, innovation, and impact are setting new standards and lighting the way for fellow CIOs to follow and build upon." Monica Caldas is executive vice president and chief information officer of Liberty Mutual Insurance, the eighth-largest global property and casualty insurer. She leads Liberty Mutual's global technology organization, overseeing all aspects of information technology and data engineering across the company. Caldas has been a crucial leader at the company since joining in 2018 as global chief information officer of Liberty's global retail markets business, where she spearheaded its transformation into a strong and aligned global organization. In the community, Caldas is a champion of diversity networks for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She sponsors the Liberty Encouraging Girls in Technology team within Liberty Mutual's Women in Technology group, and is also active in Hispanic affinity networks. Caldas' industry impact is widely recognized; among many honors, in 2022 she was named a Women in Insurance Leadership Honoree by Digital Insurance, as well as one of Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council's 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management Information Systems from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. "I'm deeply honored to receive the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award and to stand alongside such an incredible community of technology leaders who are shaping the future of our industry," said Caldas. "This recognition is not mine alone it belongs to the remarkable team of technologists, colleagues, and strategic partners I have the privilege to lead and learn from every day. Together, we've built an ecosystem of innovation, resilience, and shared purpose leveraging this inflection point in technology to reimagine what's possible. At Liberty Mutual, we believe technology is more than a capability it's a force multiplier to serve our customers in bold new ways. This moment isn't just about what we've achieved; it's about the future we're building together." Dr. Westerman presented the award to Caldas at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Leadership Award Dinner on May 20. The other distinguished Award finalists were Dimitris Bountolos , chief information and innovation officer at Ferrovial , and Bill Pappas , head of global technology and operations at MetLife . About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is the premier global conference for CIOs and digital business executives to become more effective leaders. CIOs and senior IT executives explore enterprise technology innovations, business practices and receive actionable information that enables them to meet the challenges of today and the future. The Symposium offers a unique learning environment by bringing together the academic thought leadership of MIT with the in-the-trenches experience of leading global CIOs and industry experts. The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is organized and developed by the MIT Sloan Boston Alumni Association. For more information and to register for this year's Symposium, visit www.mitcio.com . Editor's Note: Journalists should contact Kim Schaefer ( [email protected] ) 702.326.6750 at Warner Communications. SOURCE MIT Sloan CIO Symposium As outdoor summer activities kick off, Orkin unveils the nation's top mosquito hotspots, with Detroit, Cleveland and Denver climbing the ranks ATLANTA, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito season is officially here and some U.S. cities are feeling it more than others. According to Orkin's 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, Los Angeles claims the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row, with fast-climbing cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Denver making major moves into the top 10. The annual list is based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from April 2024 through March 2025. As summer outdoor activities ramp up, so does the need for proactive mosquito control to help protect health and comfort. Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Detroit round out this year's top five, with Detroit making its first-ever appearance in the top rankings. Cleveland and Denver also broke into the top 10 for the first time, signaling larger mosquito pressure in northern cities as temperatures climb. California remains a stronghold for mosquito activity overall, with five cities in the Top 50: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Fresno. With high temperatures and proximity to standing water, it's no wonder mosquitoes are frequent residents of the West Coast state. The rankings are based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Los Angeles Chicago (+1) New York (-1) Atlanta (+1) Detroit (+5) Houston Dallas (-3) Washington, D.C. (-1) Cleveland (+10) Denver (+6) Philadelphia (-3) Miami (+3) Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (+7) Charlotte, N.C. (+4) San Francisco (-6) Indianapolis (+12) Orlando, Fla. (-4) Tampa - St. Petersburg, Fla. (-6) Minneapolis (-2) Baltimore (+3) Nashville, Tenn. (+4) Greenville, S.C. (+7) Columbus, Ohio (+9) Oklahoma City (+12) Grand Rapids, Mich. (+8) Seattle (-15) Norfolk, Va. (+12) Pittsburgh (+16) Cincinnati (+9) Richmond, Va. (+17) Flint, Mich. (new to list) Tulsa, Okla. (+17) Cedar Rapids, Iowa (new to list) Memphis, Tenn. (+11) Albuquerque, N.M. (+8) Knoxville, Tenn. (+10) San Antonio (-11) Milwaukee (+3) San Diego (-12) Boston (-19) Columbia, S.C. (new to list) West Palm Beach, Fla. (-11) Kansas City, Kan. (-8) Hartford, Conn. (-7) Greensboro, N.C. (-3) Augusta, Ga. (new to list) St. Louis (-23) Myrtle Beach, S.C. (new to list) Davenport, Ill. (new to list) New Orleans (-10) Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes are a major health threat. They're responsible for more deaths annually than any other creature, causing over 600,000 malaria-related deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also transmit other dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika virus, making prevention critical this time of year. "Mosquito control isn't just about avoiding itchy bites," said Frank Meek, Orkin entomologist. "It's about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity." This summer, Orkin is renewing its commitment to public health through the Mosquitoes Don't Deserve a Drop campaign in partnership with the American Red Cross. From May 20 to June 30, 2025, for every mosquito control service purchased, Orkin will donate $25 to the American Red Cross, up to $250,000. The donations will help maintain a healthy blood supply across the U.S., while encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps against mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito control can seem extremely daunting, especially living in areas with such dense mosquito populations. However, there are a few simple preventive measures homeowners can take to help reduce mosquito activity. Consumers can use the acronym BITE to remember the steps. B lock access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellants. lock access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellants. I nstall tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. nstall tight-fitting screens on windows and doors. T rim shrubs, grass and other vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas. rim shrubs, grass and other vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas. Eliminate standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. For more mosquito facts and prevention tips, visit Orkin.com. About Orkin, LLC Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned and operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico. Orkin is committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit Orkin.com for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook , Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn . SOURCE Orkin, LLC New collaboration to have broad impact on diabetes, insulin management for leading academic health system in South Carolina BOSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Glytec, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology leader and pioneer in diabetes and insulin management, is proud to announce a collaboration with MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the state's only comprehensive academic health system. This collaboration is set to transform diabetes and glycemic management across MUSC's hospital network, improving patient safety, clinical outcomes and overall health care efficiency. With over 37 million Americans currently diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and many more at risk, Glytec's technology marks a major advancement in managing this widespread condition. More than one-third of hospitalized patients require insulin therapy, underscoring the need for effective software to manage workflows and patient care now further emphasized by new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital glycemia reporting mandates. MUSC's leadership team and Information Technology experts conducted a comprehensive evaluation of available diabetes and insulin management solutions and selected Glytec for its ability to integrate with the health system's existing electronic medical record (EMR) system, EPIC. Glytec's platform will provide advanced clinical decision support, streamline insulin therapy and reduce variability in glycemic management, ultimately helping clinicians to make more informed decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. "Our collaboration with Glytec marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance diabetes care across MUSC," said Danielle Scheurer, M.D., chief quality officer at MUSC Health. "By integrating Glytec's insulin management system with our EMR, we can ensure a more effective, data-driven approach to managing inpatient and outpatient diabetes care, improving workflows for our clinical teams and delivering better results for our patients." With a mission to deliver high-quality care and innovative treatment solutions, MUSC is dedicated to advancing diabetes management and addressing the complexities of glycemic control. This relationship will enable MUSC Health's hospitals to utilize Glytec's FDA-cleared software to ensure that all clinical settings across the system are fully prepared to meet the new CMS requirements. "We are excited to collaborate with MUSC and to support their commitment to innovation in diabetes care," said Patrick Cua, CEO of Glytec. "Our software will help MUSC clinicians provide personalized, cost-effective care to a meaningful percentage of patients, providing them and their families with access to the leading platform in diabetes safety and outcomes." About Glytec Glytec's industry-leading SaaS platform, trusted by over 350 hospitals, empowers collaborative diabetes management and insulin dosing, improving patient outcomes, reducing hospital length of stay, and optimizing clinical workflows. The first-ever FDA-cleared cloud-based insulin management software integrates seamlessly with EMRs, providing advanced clinical decision support, workflow alerts, patient monitoring, and AI-driven analytics. Supported by over 100 patents and peer-reviewed publications, Glytec is dedicated to improving diabetes care from hospital to home. For more information, visit www.glytec.com or follow Glytec on LinkedIn. About MUSC Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state's only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit www.musc.edu. As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org. MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care. Media Contact: Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Glytec, LLC HAMBURG, Germany, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- n6, the award-winning innovator in next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow solutions, is proud to announce a major expansion of its European enablement efforts. Building on the momentum of winning the "Best New Product" award at SLAS earlier this year, n6 is deepening its commitment to supporting scientists across Europe by simplifying complex workflows and bringing transformative tools directly to the research community. As part of this expansion, n6 is excited to exhibit at SLAS Europe 2025 in Hamburg this week at Stand 1202, where the team looks forward to connecting with scientists, learning about their research, and sharing the latest advancements in NGS workflow optimization. In a significant step to enhance accessibility and customer support, n6 has signed three new distribution partnerships in Europe: These partnerships will ensure that more scientists can access n6's innovative solutions, backed by local expertise and support. "At n6, our mission has always been to put the needs of scientists first," said Pranav Patel, CEO of n6. "Winning the Best New Product award at SLAS was a tremendous honor, but what drives us every day is seeing our technology make a real difference in labs around the world. We're thrilled to be at SLAS Europe this week, meeting with researchers and expanding our reach across Europe. With our new distributor partners, we're making it even easier for scientists to optimize and simplify one of the most important parts of the NGS workflow." Since its debut, n6 has continued to invest in customer-driven innovation, ensuring that its solutions not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of the scientific community. The company invites all SLAS Europe attendees to visit Stand 1202 to experience firsthand how n6 is shaping the future of NGS workflows. About n6 n6 is dedicated to empowering scientists with innovative, easy-to-use solutions that streamline NGS workflows and accelerate discovery. With a customer-first mindset and a passion for scientific progress, n6 is redefining what's possible in the lab. SOURCE n6 HOUSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Four NASA astronauts will participate in a welcome home ceremony at Space Center Houston after recently returning from missions aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Nick Hague , Suni Williams , Butch Wilmore , and Don Pettit will share highlights from their missions at 6 p.m. CDT Thursday, May 22, during a free, public event at NASA Johnson Space Center's visitor center. The astronauts also will recognize key mission contributors during an awards ceremony after their presentation. Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 41 as part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test. The duo arrived at the space station on June 6. In August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams with the Expedition 71/72 crew and a return on Crew-9. Hague launched Sept. 28, 2024, with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission. The next day, they docked to the forward-facing port of the station's Harmony module. Hague, Gorbunov, Wilmore, and Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, splashing down safely off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America. Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. Hague has logged 374 days in space during two missions. It was the third spaceflight for both Williams and Wilmore. Williams has logged 608 total days in space, and Wilmore has logged 464 days. Pettit launched aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft on Sept. 11, 2024, alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The seven-month research mission as an Expedition 72 flight engineer was the fourth spaceflight of Pettit's career, completing 3,520 orbits of the Earth and a journey of 93.3 million miles. He has logged a total of 590 days in orbit. Pettit and his crewmembers safely landed in Kazakhstan on April 19, 2025 (April 20, 2025, Kazakhstan time). The Expedition 72 crew dedicated more than 1,000 combined hours to scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station. Their work included enhancing metal 3D printing capabilities in orbit, exploring the potential of stem cell technology for treating diseases, preparing the first wooden satellite for deployment, and collecting samples from the station's exterior to examine whether microorganisms can survive in the harsh environment of space. They also conducted studies on plant growth and quality, investigated how fire behaves in microgravity, and advanced life support systems, all aimed at improving the health, safety, and sustainability of future space missions. Pettit also used his spare time and surroundings aboard station to conduct unique experiments and captivate the public with his photography. Expedition 72 captured a record one million photos during the mission, showcasing the unique research and views aboard the orbiting laboratory through astronauts' eyes. For more than 24 years, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge, and conducting critical research for the benefit of humanity and our home planet. Space station research supports the future of human spaceflight as NASA looks toward deep space missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign and in preparation for future human missions to Mars, as well as expanding commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond. Learn more about the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/station SOURCE NASA Responsible Government Naples aims to educate, engage, and support transparency in local government NAPLES, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A broad coalition of business and community leaders today announced the launch of Responsible Government Naples, a new non-profit organization committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and smart stewardship of public resources in the City of Naples. The group's goal is simple: to help ensure that Naples continues to thrive by advocating for responsible governance that works for all residentsnot just a privileged few. Through civic education, public engagement, and watchdog efforts, Responsible Government Naples will shine a light on areas where our city government can improve, while offering constructive ideas to support good decision-making and safeguard the city's long-term success. "We love Naples and believe in the values that make our community specialfairness, fiscal responsibility, and a shared commitment to keeping this city a world-class place to live and do business," said Branimir Brankov, President, Responsible Government Naples. "This is about ensuring those values remain at the heart of our local government." Recent actions by some elected officials have raised concerns, particularly around the use of taxpayer resources, interference with independent boards, and a pattern of decision-making that appears disconnected from the will of the broader community. In one example, a 2025 poll of Naples and Collier County voters shows strong support for Naples Executive Airport and a clear preference for it to remain in its current location. Nearly 4 in 5 agreed that the airport is important to the community, and 75 percent of voters believe the airport is important for the local economy. However, a small faction of elected officials in Naples are attempting to allocate millions of taxpayer dollars toward studies and plans to close, relocate, or limit the airport, in spite of the strong support the airport has rightfully earned from the community. This is just one example of an issue for which Responsible Government Naples will serve as a platform to elevate these concerns respectfully, with the aim of preserving the quality of life that residents, retirees, workers, and business owners all value. The organization plans to highlight and support appropriate, community-driven uses of public funds and attentionencouraging a balanced, forward-thinking approach that benefits the entire city. "We're here to help guide progress, not stand in the way of it," Brankov continued. "We believe Naples deserves leaders who listen, and we know residents are ready to work toward solutions together." To learn more, join the coalition, or stay informed about local governance, visit ResponsibleGovernmentNaples.com and follow the organization on social media (Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn). About Responsible Government Naples Responsible Government Naples is a 501(c)(4) non-profit civic organization formed to educate, inform, and activate Naples residents. The organization supports greater transparency, fairness, and responsible leadership in local government, and speaks on behalf of the many residents who want to see Naples thrive through balanced growth, strong ethics, and community-focused policies. Learn more at ResponsibleGovernmentNaples.com. SOURCE Responsible Government Naples OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, the leading maker of frozen baked goods, is making a big move in the mini dessert category with its launch of Cyrus O'Leary's Mini Cheesecakes. Now available for grocery in-store bakeries nationwide, these perfectly portioned desserts come in three decadent flavors that are too good to share but you can if you're willing! Cyrus O'Leary's Mini Cheesecakes are available in three top-selling flavors:1 Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is making a big move in the mini dessert category with its launch of Cyrus OLearys Mini Cheesecakes, which come in three decadent flavors: Original Mini Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Truffle Mini Cheesecake and Strawberry-Topped Mini Cheesecake. Original Mini Cheesecake This smooth and creamy cheesecake has a graham crumb crust and a crumbled graham topping. This smooth and creamy cheesecake has a graham crumb crust and a crumbled graham topping. Salted Caramel Truffle Mini Cheesecake A graham crumb crust is the base of this smooth and creamy cheesecake, topped with salted caramel and brownie pieces. A graham crumb crust is the base of this smooth and creamy cheesecake, topped with salted caramel and brownie pieces. Strawberry-Topped Mini Cheesecake Real strawberry topping crowns this smooth and creamy cheesecake with a graham crumb crust. "Our new Mini Cheesecakes are among our most indulgent innovations yet, featuring a lineup of popular flavors that appeal to today's consumers," said Kari Manze, marketing director, in-store bakery, at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery. "Made with premium, quality ingredients like whole milk and real cream cheese, these single-serve desserts make it easy for busy shoppers to treat themselves anywhere, anytime." With snacking playing a big role in consumers' lives, more shoppers are embracing the "little treats" trend taking time to enjoy small indulgences. According to Datassential, 89% of consumers indulge in small treats weekly, and younger generations show a strong preference for single-serve and grab-and-go items, as noted by The Food Industry Association. The brand is leaning into this love for small indulgences with a campaign that's just as cool as its cheesecakes. The "Whole Lotta Personality" campaign features the single-serve cheesecakes as a cast of irresistible characters that are full of attitude and flavor. Some of its spirited marketing materials pose the question, "Why be humble when you're this rich?" a nod to the playfulness of these sweet treats. Cyrus O'Leary's Mini Cheesecakes are available for grocery retailers in a 16-count case. For more information on Cyrus O'Leary's Mini Cheesecakes, visit www.wholelottapersonality.com. About Sara Lee Frozen Bakery: Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is a leading maker of frozen bakery and dessert products headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Oakbrook Terrace with bakeries in Michigan, North Carolina, Washington and Massachusetts. The company's premier brands include Sara Lee, Cyrus O'Leary's, Van's, Chef Pierre, Bistro Collection and Superior on Main. Each day, the company pursues its vision of becoming the world's most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. For more information, visit www.saraleefrozenbakery.com. About Cyrus O'Leary's: Cyrus O'Leary's bakes a wide variety of delicious fruit, cream, single-serve and seasonal pies and cheesecakes. The company takes pride in its heritage, with its roots in serving fresh pies in its restaurant, then opening an offsite commercial bakery in 1987 with direct-store-delivery of fresh baked pies throughout the Pacific Northwest, and now with frozen pie and cheesecake distribution across all 50 states and into Canada. Cyrus O'Leary's provides Sara Lee Frozen Bakery with its first West Coast manufacturing facility. For more information, visit www.cyruspies.com. 1 Plain, strawberry and caramel are the highest-selling mini cheesecake flavors in the U.S., according to NielsenIQ RMS data (6/15/24). SOURCE Sara Lee Frozen Bakery Amid growing concern over shadow AI, more companies are enforcing policy via DNS filtering WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DNSFilter announced today that more organizations are blocking traffic to generative AI tools as they try to establish policies around AI usage and reduce the risks of shadow AI. That's according to data from the company's DNS security platform, which is processing more traffic to generative AI tools than ever before. As organizations juggle productivity and security, they are becoming more mature about which domains they allow employees to use; they are creating internal policies aimed at reducing shadow AI and establishing defined guidelines for generative AI usage. For some organizations, blocking certain domains can be an effective way to set policy, protect the company and deploy more control of what tools are being used. DNSFilter offers a generative AI category that allows organizations to easily block and filter these domains. In March, the company blocked over 60 million generative AI requests, representing about 12% of all such queries. In an analysis of recent traffic, DNSFilter's researchers also found: Generative AI queries are on the rise: Since January 2024 , DNSFilter has been processing a monthly average of over 330 million queries that fall under this category. Since , DNSFilter has been processing a monthly average of over 330 million queries that fall under this category. Certain sites are more likely to be blocked by organizations : Notion was the most blocked of all generative AI queries in March, accounting for 93% of all blocked generative AI queries and far more than the number of blocked queries for Microsoft Copilot, SwishApps, Quillbot and OpenAI combined. : Notion was the most blocked of all generative AI queries in March, accounting for 93% of all blocked generative AI queries and far more than the number of blocked queries for Microsoft Copilot, SwishApps, Quillbot and OpenAI combined. Bad actors are shifting their use of malicious generative AI domains: There was a 92% decrease in malicious and fake ChatGPT and other generative AI sites between April 2024 and April 2025 . However, there was a rise in malicious sites with "openai" in the name, rising 2,000% between April 2024 and April 2025 . With the intention of reducing shadow IT, organizations are likely inclined to block unapproved generative AI tools and only allow ones that make sense for their organization. Otherwise, they run the risk of employees using "open" generative AI tools without IT oversight. Protective DNS can be used to help block malicious threats, but it can also be used as part of an organization's policy or strategy for employee use of generative AI to help reduce the rise of shadow AI which can enable a whole host of additional risks because it happens outside the purview of IT and security teams. Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder, DNSFilter, said: "Companies know the benefits that generative AI offers, but they also know the potential cybersecurity risks. More organizations are now proactively choosing which tools to block and which to allow. That way, employees can't 'sneak' AI tools into the corporate network or inadvertently use a malicious one. In this way, a DNS filtering solution helps companies enforce policies, block possible threats and enable greater productivity all at the same time." About the company: DNSFilter is making the Internet safer and workplaces more productive by blocking malicious and unwanted content at the DNS layer. DNSFilter resolves upwards of 170 billion daily queries200 million of those queries are blocked cyber threats. With 79% of attacks using Domain Name System (DNS), DNSFilter provides the world's fastest protective DNS powered by AI, blocking threats an average of 10 days faster than traditional threat feeds. Over 40,000 organizations trust DNSFilter to protect them from advanced cyber threats and unwanted content. SOURCE DNSFilter White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin explores Honey Fitz, the Presidential Yacht, with Owner Charles Modica and Captains Gregory Albritton and Katelyn Kiefer WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The White House Historical Association released a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast today about Honey Fitz, a yacht once used by five U.S. presidents from President Harry Truman to President Richard Nixon. In the episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, travels to Jupiter, Florida, where he is joined by Charles Modica, philanthropist and owner of Honey Fitz, as well as Captain Gregory Albritton and Captain Katelyn Kiefer, for a tour of the yacht and a discussion about the history of the iconic vessel. The 94-year-old yacht is famously known for its use by President John F. Kennedy, who selected the name Honey Fitz in honor of his maternal grandfather, John Francis Fitzgerald. Honey Fitz took several names that were inspired by presidential families throughout the years: President Eisenhower named it Barbara Anne after his granddaughter, and President Richard Nixon named it Patricia after his wife, First Lady Pat Nixon. "You can just feel the echo of history in this space and what may have transpired here," said McLaurin from the main salon of Honey Fitz. "It's really amazing, and it's beautiful down to every last detail." After years of being passed down the presidential lineage, Honey Fitz was eventually decommissioned and sold to a private owner in 1971. Today, it has been lovingly restored by Modica to reflect its condition when used by the Kennedy family. Captains Albritton and Kiefer did extensive archival research and used presidential photographs and logbooks, along with sketches and notes created by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, to replicate the designs of the Camelot era. "Even the couches in the main salon have been duplicated and replicated to Mrs. Kennedy's drawings of them," said Modica. "Everything around the vessel is back to the original manufacturer, in some cases, or replicated through photographs." McLaurin tours Honey Fitz with Captain Gregory Albritton and Captain Katelyn Kiefer, who have both been with the boat since before the restoration. Albritton and Kiefer share their unique roles in shaping and sharing history while exploring the vesselincluding the helm, main salon, and decks of Honey Fitz. "I found it to be a very unique situation that we were put in. It's not often that crew and captain are placed with the opportunity to get as involved in a restoration as were given the chance to," said Kiefer. "Greg and I did mechanics. He did plumbing. I think it also gave us a great opportunity to know the boat inside and out. That's a great thing for your crew and a captain to know." McLaurin, Albritton, and Kiefer also discuss many of the vessel's historical elements, including the blue-and-white upholstered furniture designed by Mrs. Kennedy, and a folding map table that stored equipment for the Secret Service, as well as the original dome lights that were rechromed during the restoration and are still used today. "During the restoration, any time that we were taking things apart, we used as much as we possibly could to keep the boat original," said Albritton. Honey Fitz is an enduring symbol of a long legacy of U.S. presidents using yachts, beginning from President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880 to President Jimmy Carter selling the U.S.S. Sequoia in 1977. Restored and revered for its significance near and far, Honey Fitz is one in an important series of vessels that are at the helm of White House history. The full video of this podcast episode showing the tour of Honey Fitz is also available on the White House Historical Association's YouTube channel here. The White House 1600 Sessions podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify in both audio and video formats. For more stories about how presidents spent their time away from the office, please refer to the Association's publication Away from the White House: Presidential Escapes, Retreats and Vacations by esteemed journalist and writer Lawrence L. Knutson. The White House 1600 Sessions The White House Historical Association's President Stewart McLaurin is the host of The White House 1600 Sessions, the Association's official audio and video podcast devoted to exploring the history, cultural impact, untold stories, and personal accounts of America's most iconic residence and highest office. About the White House Historical Association The White House Historical Association was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to support her vision to restore and preserve the Executive Mansion and its legacy for generations to come. Mrs. Kennedy sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has contributed more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org. SOURCE The White House Historical Association NexusTek enhances cloud capabilities to enable secure, scalable, and future-ready transformation DENVER, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NexusTek, a leading provider of secure, scalable IT solutions, has announced the launch of its enhanced Private Cloud offerings to support the demands of today's fast-paced and highly regulated digital landscape. Engineered for security, flexibility, and cost predictability, NexusTek Private Cloud empowers organizations of all sizes to accelerate innovation while maintaining stronger control and governance in the cloud. NexusTek Launches Private Cloud Whether modernizing legacy infrastructure or launching new cloud-native initiatives, NexusTek Private Cloud provides a resilient, high-performance foundation designed to scale with today's businesses. With flexible consumption modelsincluding both Virtual and Dedicated Private Cloud optionsNexusTek delivers a tailored mix of infrastructure, security, and managed services to satisfy unique operational and organizational needs. "To succeed in the cloud, businesses must innovate while navigating a complex web of compliance, governance, and cybersecurity requirements," said Hamilton Yu, CEO at NexusTek. "NexusTek Private Cloud is purpose-built to support this journeyenabling customers to modernize at their own pace while retaining full control every step of the way." NexusTek's expert engineers and advisors take a hands-on approach, collaborating closely with organizations to design and implement tailored private cloud strategies that accelerate time-to-value and integrate seamlessly with existing systems and workloads. All NexusTek Private Cloud solutions are backed by Tier 4 and 5 data centers and include fixed-cost billing, integrated backup and disaster recovery, available GPU support, and secure connectivity across public cloud and on-premises environmentsdelivering enterprise-grade reliability without the complexity. "We're committed to helping organizations harness the power of cloud on their terms," said Peter Newton, SVP of Cloud Services. "Whether it's optimizing applications, meeting strict regulatory requirements, or scaling hybrid environments, NexusTek Private Cloud delivers the agility and confidence businesses need to stay ahead in today's digital economy." To learn more about NexusTek Private Cloud, visit: www.nexustek.com/hybrid-cloud-services/nexustek-private-cloud About NexusTek Trusted by thousands of businesses, NexusTek specializes in providing IT services that include hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI, managed IT services, and IT consulting. Our comprehensive offerings provide tailored solutions that drive performance, enhance security, and foster growth. We leverage the latest technology and strategic partnerships to deliver proactive, innovative solutions that address your business challenges and support your long-term success. NexusTek Contact: Pavle Majerle NexusTek (877) 470-0401 [email protected] SOURCE NexusTek OAK BROOK, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tornados in Missouri and the Ohio Valley have resulted in homes, schools and businesses being destroyed or severely damaged. In response to this catastrophic weather event, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation's leading non-profit association dedicated to preventing insurance fraud and crime, is warning residents and business owners about potentially fraudulent contractors who prey on consumers in disaster areas. NICB agents are currently coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as NICB member insurance companies, to aid in the recovery process and support residents in preventing fraud. As first responder efforts subside, NICB agents will deploy in the region to assist our partners in combating any fraud that arises as the rebuilding process begins. "Spring weather systems can result in the catastrophic weather event people in Kentucky, Missouri and the Ohio Valley are experiencing with these tornados," said Thomas Fabus, regional director, at NICB. "It is crucial for area residents to be mindful that some contractors may promise help, ask for the assignment of benefits, and after being paid, disappear, never to be heard from again. Knowing the warning signs of potentially untrustworthy contractors can protect vulnerable citizens and deter this type of crime." Fraud schemes may come from companies or individuals promising debris and tree removal, home construction and medical services. NICB urges affected residents to do their due diligence, check in with their insurance carrier and verify the credentials of anyone they plan to hire for a service. Common red flags include high-pressure sales tactics via door-to-door solicitation, online or by phone. Additionally, pushing residents to sign contracts on the spot often with multiple blank spaces in them demanding payment upfront, and even requiring an Assignment of Benefits agreement which transfers insurance rights to the contractor can be signals to double check credentials and credibility. NICB offers consumers a free downloadable contractor checklist available via this link: https://www.nicb.org/media/2509/download/. Other best practices include: Before a disaster Understand what's covered in your insurance policy Get a list of reputable contractors from your insurance carrier After a disaster Don't succumb to pressure from a contractor Be wary of door-to-door contractors Call your carrier or BBB to verify contractor Get multiple bids for work Never pay cash up front Never accept a verbal agreement Additional resources and information can be found by visiting NICB.org or to report potential fraud call NICB's hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB. About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To learn more, visit NICB.org. SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) SEATTLE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nordstrom, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that Erik, Pete, Jamie Nordstrom and other members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Liverpool") (BMV: LIVEPOL) have completed their all-cash acquisition of Nordstrom for $24.25 per share. Shareholders of the Company will also be paid cash dividends of $0.25 per share and $0.1462 per share, reflecting the special cash dividend and a "stub period" quarterly dividend. With the completion of the transaction, Erik and Pete Nordstrom will lead the Company as Co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock will cease trading prior to the opening of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on May 21, 2025 and will be delisted from the NYSE as of May 21, 2025. "The completion of this transaction is an important milestone in our nearly 125-year history," said Erik Nordstrom, co-CEO of Nordstrom. "As we embark on this new chapter, we remain focused on what matters most: providing outstanding service, offering the best merchandise, and ultimately, helping our customers feel good and look their best. We're grateful to our teams for their hard work on behalf of our business and our customers, and we look forward to building on Nordstrom's strong foundation to reach even greater heights." "Since our founding, Nordstrom's commitment to our customers has been at the heart of everything we do," said Pete Nordstrom, co-CEO of Nordstrom. "We're excited to enter this next phase of the Company's evolution with the many customers and employees who have been an instrumental part of our story." Advisors Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Centerview Partners LLC acted as financial advisors to the special committee of the Nordstrom board of directors, and Sidley Austin LLP and Perkins Coie LLP acted as legal counsel to the special committee. Moelis & Company LLC acted as financial advisor and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, Lane Powell PC and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal counsel to the Nordstrom Family. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Galicia Abogados, S.C. acted as legal counsel to Liverpool. About Nordstrom At Nordstrom, Inc., we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our interconnected model enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it. About El Puerto De Liverpool El Puerto de Liverpool is a Mexican omnichannel retailer with a leading presence in department stores and a robust e-commerce platform. It operates across Mexico with 310 stores under the Liverpool and Suburbia banners, 119 specialized boutiques, as well as 29 shopping centers. The Company is also one of the leading credit card issuers in the country with more than 7.6 million credit card holders, accounting for 47% of its sales transactions. For 176 years, it has offered a comprehensive selection of high-quality products and servicesfrom the latest in fashion for the entire family to expert advice on interior design, food and beverages, housewares, technology, and much more. Liverpool is recognized as one of the best places to work in Mexico, employing more than 78,000 workers nationwide. The company is committed to operating with efficiency, growth, innovation, prestige, exceptional service, profitability, and adaptability to specific markets, all while fostering a strong sense of social responsibility towards the world around it. MEDIA CONTACT: Grace Stearns Nordstrom, Inc. [email protected] Adam Pollack / Tim Ragones Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 355-4449 SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc. Hunter Communications aims to provide cost-efficient fiber service to 7,000 residential customers in the market by 2026 MEDFORD, Ore., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hunter Communications, a leading provider of fiber-optic internet and telecommunications services, announced its planned expansion into Salem, Oregon. The company's intentions to grow its footprint in the state's capital helps close a connectivity gap for businesses and residents who currently lack access to reliable high-speed fiber internet in their communities. The company plans to activate service in under-connected areas of Salem sometime this summer, including neighborhoods such as Morningside, Faye Wright, Grant, and Highland. "We are eager to be able to bring Hunter's best-in-class fiber internet services to Salem this year," said Michael Wynschenk, CEO of Hunter Communications. "Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for today's digital landscape, and our expansion into Salem reflects our commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing connectivity for all." This announcement makes Hunter one of the only fiber providers in the Salem market and will increase access to neighborhoods who currently lack state-of-the-art fiber-optic infrastructure. Hunter has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge fiber-optic solutions throughout Oregon. As one of Oregon's fastest-growing cities, Salem is experiencing rising demand for fiber technology to support a diverse community and the increasing number of remote workers who have relocated to the area. This expansion will enhance the region's economic development while closing the digital divide for consumers. With this expansion, Salem residential customers will benefit from speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, ensuring seamless streaming, remote work, online learning, and the full range of home-based media devices. Following recent growth and success in downtown Eugene, Hunter will also continue to expand its commercial service with speeds up to 10 Gbps. Hunter's expansion into Salem aligns with the company's mission to provide superior internet solutions backed by local customer support. With a focus on community-driven service, Hunter is dedicated to delivering top-tier performance and customer satisfaction. By investing in regional infrastructure, Hunter Communications growth in Salem is likely to create new job opportunities and strengthen Salem's position as a tech-forward city. About Hunter Communications Hunter Communications is headquartered in Medford, Oregon, where the company has established a legacy of service excellence and commitment to local communities. With multi-gig speeds, no data caps, competitive pricing, and customer service representatives who genuinely care, Hunter's 3,000-plus mile fiber network is nationally recognized for performance and reliability. Additional information is available at Hunterfiber.com . SOURCE Hunter Communications OKLAHOMA CITY, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) applauded today's bipartisan passage by the Oklahoma Legislature of major legislation to deliver hospital price transparency for Oklahomans and urged Governor Kevin Stitt to sign the bill without delay. If enacted, Senate Bill 889 would require Oklahoma hospitals to post the exact prices of available services online for upfront public viewing, with mechanisms included for state enforcement and patient protection. "The passage of S.B. 889 is a victory for every healthcare consumer in Oklahoma," said PRA Founder and Chairman Cynthia Fisher. "The ability to see and compare hospital prices in exact dollars and cents will empower patients to shop for the best care at the lowest price, and spur unprecedented competition in a functional market. Oklahomans will have more protection than ever from hospital overcharges and surprise bills. Real prices will increase accountability, lower costs, improve care, and save lives. Especially as Oklahoma struggles with the second-highest medical debt rate in the nation, we applaud sponsors Rep. Lepak and Sen. Murdock for delivering new hope to their state, along with each legislator who supported this historic bill. We encourage Governor Stitt to sign this transformative legislation into law as soon as possible." SB 889 would codify the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule first enacted in January 2021 under President Donald J. Trump and since expanded in February 2025. "Today's good news in Oklahoma is part of a much larger movement across America that is determined to revolutionize the healthcare system with radical price transparency," added Fisher. "Across the country, elected leaders are taking bold action to put power in the hands of their constituents with upfront prices. We don't expect the momentum to slow down, and we surely won't let it." According to PRA's Seventh Semi-Annual Hospital Price Transparency Report, only 12% of Oklahoma hospitals reviewed are fully complying with the federal rule. Of the 2,000 hospitals reviewed nationwide, just 21% were found to be in full compliance. About PRA PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) is a leading national healthcare price transparency organization dedicated to ushering in systemwide transparency through advocacy, testimony, media, legal research, and grassroots campaigns. PRA believes that the availability and visibility of actual, upfront healthcare prices will greatly lower costs for patients and employers through a functional, competitive healthcare marketplace. SOURCE Patient Rights Advocate Since opening in 2010, the Center has become a leading destination for pediatric patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease, and genetic syndromes impacting the thyroid gland PHILADELPHIA, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) reached a significant milestone performing its 1,000th pediatric thyroid surgery in February. The Pediatric Thyroid Center at CHOP, which treats children and teens with thyroid disease, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and other endocrine related disorders, is one of the busiest and most advanced U.S. centers of its kind. Members of CHOP's pediatric thyroid team and Caitlin Skavinsky, the 1,000th thyroid surgery patient N. Scott Adzick MD, Surgeon-in-Chief at CHOP, along with his team, performed the three-hour procedure, a total thyroidectomy, on Caitlin Skavinsky, aged 19. The Pennsburg, PA-based teenager was diagnosed at age 12 with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. In a total thyroidectomy, surgeons remove nearly the entire thyroid gland. Skavinsky will remain on thyroid replacement therapy for the rest of her life. "Our highly skilled team now performs 60-70 surgeries each year while also providing comprehensive evaluation and ongoing care for hundreds of patients," said Dr. Adzick. "Achieving this milestone highlights the team's vast expertise and the trust families place in us to deliver the highest level of care, which is something we never take for granted. We are proud of achieving 1,000 surgeries and are ready for the next thousand." Since opening in 2010, the Center has become a leading destination for pediatric patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease, and genetic syndromes impacting the thyroid gland offering highly specialized, multidisciplinary thyroid care tailored specifically for children and adolescents. Unlike general endocrine programs, the Center's team is uniquely trained in the nuances of how thyroid conditions present and progress in younger patients. They work closely with pediatric subspecialists to provide comprehensive, age-appropriate care. Clinicians in the CHOP Thyroid Center routinely use bedside ultrasound during outpatient appointments an advanced, non-invasive tool that avoids radiation and enables rapid evaluation, treatment guidance and real-time monitoring. With this approach, patients are diagnosed and counseled during their outpatient appointment. For patients with thyroid nodules, a stratified approach is used to select patients for fine needle aspiration with a less than 2% unsatisfactory sample rate and a greater than 50% malignancy rate in more than 720 patients that have undergone FNA over the last 14 years. Surgical outcomes are equally distinguished. Thanks to meticulous preoperative planning and precision techniques, most patients require only one surgery. Each procedure is highly individualized, ensuring maximum accuracy and effectiveness while minimizing the need for additional interventions. "Research shows that post-operative success rate of pediatric thyroid patients, particularly children who require a thyroidectomy, correlate with an institutions' patient volume," said Andrew Bauer, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist and medical director of CHOP's Pediatric Thyroid Center. "Having a team with extensive experience makes a major difference in the outcome and lives of our patients and their families." Ongoing projects at the Center leverage innovation and technology with the goal of accelerating advancements in thyroid treatment. Examples include using AI with ultrasound to identify thyroid nodules with an elevated risk for metastasis, non-surgical options for treatment of thyroid nodules, scarless thyroid surgery, and evaluating targeted chemotherapies designed to block cancer-causing genes in patients whose thyroid cancer has metastasized to the lungs and other distant locations. Meanwhile, for Skavinsky, the future looks bright. She is excited about pursuing a degree in forensic psychology and enjoying life at Montgomery County Community College. "This surgery has been lifechanging for me," said Skavinsky. "It has given me the confidence and freedom to live my best life." About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network , which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. CHOP also operates the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia, the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center (including a 24/7 Crisis Response Center) and the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare , a mental health outpatient facility. Its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit https://www.chop.edu. Contact: Kaila M. Revello Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 267-426-6054 [email protected] SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia DUBAI, UAE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Contact, as a global market leader in industrial automation and connectivity, offers technical solutions for a livable and sustainable future, with electrification, networking, and automation as its core fields of expertise. Phoenix Contact Middle East in the United Arab Emirates is an independent subsidiary with local management, sales, training, support, and logistics operations. Their reliable presence in the region brings Phoenix Contact's products and expertise into closer proximity to their clients and partners in the Middle East. The company proudly announces the successful implementation of a sustainability project in Jordan as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. Committed to the sustainable use of living spaces and resource conservation, Phoenix Contact has long championed sustainability across its global operations. Phoenix Contact Celebrates 100 Years with Sustainability Initiatives in the Middle East In honor of the company's 100th anniversary in 2023, Phoenix Contact Middle East launched several sustainability initiatives aimed at optimizing water resources. One notable project is the installation of reverse osmosis systems to provide clean drinking water to disadvantaged children and children with disabilities in Jordan. This initiative aims to reduce plastic bottle consumption and ensure access to safe water. "Phoenix Contact has launched a solid corporate social responsibility program. With small actions, we will make a big impact on society," states Pradeep Menon, Segment Manager - Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact Middle East. Three schools in Jordan have been equipped with these systems: Al Rajaa School for the Hearing-Impaired, and two schools under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate; the oldest educational institution in Jordan. The reverse osmosis systems, now fully operational, are purifying municipal water supplies, significantly improving the quality of life for students and staff. The management of the schools expressed their gratitude, noting the positive impact on the health and learning environment of their students. This project not only benefits the school community but also serves as an inspiration for other businesses and communities to adopt responsible practices. We anticipate that a total of 1,223 individuals (comprising 1,098 students and 125 staff members) are drinking water from this RO system, potentially resulting in annual plastic waste savings of 4.4 tons per annum. "This aligns closely with our efforts to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and SDG 3, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all ages. The reduction in plastic bottle usage due to this project will have a significant environmental impact. We hope this initiative inspires others to contribute to the betterment of local communities," emphasizes Iyad Madanat, General Manager at Phoenix Contact Middle East. The reverse osmosis systems, installed with the help of a local system integrator, include Phoenix Contact products such as PLC logic, HMI, and necessary alarms for system monitoring. This project exemplifies Phoenix Contact's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on society. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690549/RO_Plants_in_Jordan__Phoenix_Contact.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2280983/Phoenix_Contact_Logo.jpg SOURCE Phoenix Contact Middle East EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius Medical proudly announces positive results from the iBRA-NET localization study, confirming that Surgical Marker Navigation using the Sirius Pintuition system is a highly effective and safe alternative to traditional wire-guided localization for impalpable breast lesions. Pintuition Validated as a Safe and Reliable Navigation Solution by Large Real-World Data from the iBRA-NET study. Photo credit: Hannah Mornement/Profile Productions. (PRNewsfoto/Sirius Medical) In the largest international multi-center patient cohort to date (n=1899), the study demonstrated that Pintuition achieved an excellent 99.4% localization success rate, comparable to that of a large wire-guided localization cohort (n=1170). Notably, Pintuition was associated with a significantly lower rate of positive margins (10.4% vs. 15.0%, p=0.013), while re-excision rates and overall safety outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. "These results further validate the clinical value of Pintuition Surgical Marker Navigation," said Kitty Kempen, Director of Clinical & Medical Affairs at Sirius Medical. "They reinforce our mission to provide intuitive navigation solutions that enhance surgical precision, streamline workflows, and elevate the patient experience." The Pintuition system offers surgeons a GPS-like navigation platform for precise tumor localization during breast-conserving surgery. It features TargetLOCa unique function that indicates when the probe is directly aligned above the Pintuition markercombined with real-time audio and visual guidance. This enables unmatched precision, streamlines tumor localization, and overcomes the limitations of traditional wire-based methods. "This is the largest prospective dataset to date comparing wire localization with a wireless alternative," said Mr. Edward St John, Principal Investigator of the iBRA-NET study. "The results demonstrate that Surgical Marker Navigation with Pintuition is non-inferior to wire-based localization. Pintuition is a highly effective technique with tangible benefits for patients and surgical teams alike." The iBRA-NET Pintuition results were presented by Mr. Edward St John and Mr. Rajiv Dave during the 2025 Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) Conference, further underscoring the clinical relevance and momentum behind Surgical Marker Navigation in breast-conserving surgery. A full publication is expected in the coming months. About iBRA-NET The iBRA-NET is a multidisciplinary network of breast and plastic surgeons, allied healthcare professionals, and patients from across the UK. Guided by the mission "no innovation without evaluation," we are committed to the rigorous assessment of new surgical techniques, devices, and implants within the field of oncoplastic breast surgery. Our work is supported by leading professional bodies, including the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS), the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE), and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). About Sirius Medical With its roots deeply embedded in the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Sirius Medical is dedicated to improving care for cancer patients by delivering unsurpassed yet affordable solutions that enable precise and efficient removal of tumors. The Pintuition technology is simple, precise, affordable, CE-marked, and FDA-cleared. Sirius Medical is rapidly expanding with over 50,000 procedures worldwide in more than 250+ centers and a global commercial network covering the USA, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Media Contact: Benjamin Tchang Global Marketing Director Sirius Medical +31 647 852 805 [email protected] SOURCE Sirius Medical WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PlanHub, the premier preconstruction management solution for commercial construction professionals, will be appearing for a third consecutive year at Advancing Preconstruction 2025, taking place in San Diego, May 21st through 23rd at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. With an expected 1000+ preconstruction & estimating professionals in attendance, Advancing Preconstruction is North America's largest preconstruction event and the only one that provides end-to-end coverage of the entire preconstruction value chain. PlanHub is the leading preconstruction platform and marketplace for contractors and suppliers. Post this PlanHub, the leading precon platform for contractors, to exhibit its newest solutions at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 event in San Diego. Product experts and executive leadership will be available throughout the event at PlanHub's all-new interactive booth (#07), where they'll be providing free registration for contractors in attendance. The PlanHub team will also offer product demonstrations to show how PlanHub's integrated, easy-to-use tools help general contractors streamline the preconstruction phase, supercharge collaboration, procure stronger bid coverage, collaborate seamlessly, and grow their businesses faster. With an ever-growing directory of over 50,000 general contractors, 500,000 subcontractors spanning nearly 400 trades and 30,000 material suppliers, PlanHub has become the ultimate all-in-one solution for general contractors. The team will have many of its latest and most popular integrated tools on full display at the event, including: Automated ITBs Drag-and-Drop Bid Board Public and Private Planrooms Takeoff by PlanHub Mobile App for General Contractors Every year, we hear from contractors heading to Advancing Preconstruction who are eager to connectand we're just as excited to meet them," said Ro Bhatia, CEO of PlanHub. "For us, it's not just about showcasing new features. It's about having real conversations with general contractors, understanding what challenges they're facing, and figuring out how we can helpwhether through tools we've already built or those we need to create. Ultimately, it's about serving our users and helping them succeed on their terms. Advancing Preconstruction 2025 attendees are encouraged to make plans to visit the PlanHub team at booth #07 between May 21st and 23rd, take advantage of this valuable opportunity to chat with our team, and discuss how the platform's customizable tools can help them connect with more subcontractors, streamline their bidding process, and grow their revenue. About PlanHub PlanHub is an all-in-one cloud platform that helps commercial construction professionals grow their businesses by expanding their network, improving workflows, and making collaboration easier. Our easy-to-use tools support contractors and suppliers throughout the preconstruction processfrom finding more projects to bid on, to connecting with the right partners, to creating stronger proposals that win more work. For more information, visit planhub.com . About Advancing Preconstruction 2025 With an expected 1000+ preconstruction & estimating professionals in attendance, Advancing Preconstruction is North America's largest preconstruction event, providing unprecedented end-to-end coverage of the entire preconstruction value chain. For more information, visit advancing-preconstruction.com . SOURCE PlanHub Transaction furthers collective value proposition in primary fund placement PITTSBURGH, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PNC Bank today announced entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Aqueduct Capital Group, a placement agent focused on raising capital for private equity, private credit and real asset managers through its broad access to sophisticated, global pools of capital. Founded in 2003, Aqueduct has built a strong reputation advising its clients on a variety of fundraising solutions. "This acquisition is complementary to existing capital advisory capabilities provided through PNC's subsidiary Harris Williams and will enable us to expand our ability to serve the global capital needs of the private equity industry," said Michael D. Thomas, head of Corporate & Institutional Banking at PNC. "We are eager to capitalize on this mutually beneficial partnership and work closely with our new Aqueduct colleagues," added John Neuner, co-CEO of Harris Williams. "With minimal overlap in our respective client bases or limited partner relationships, this agreement increases the ability to serve a broader range of clients." "We are excited to join forces with PNC and believe the synergies created with our Harris Williams colleagues will enhance a shared commitment to deliver superior outcomes to long-standing, trusted client relationships," said Frank Edwards, founder of Aqueduct. "This new partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to tap into our collective relationships and enable clients to diversify their investor base across North America, Australia, Europe and Asia," added Steve Lessing, partner of Aqueduct. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in mid-summer, and the terms will not be disclosed. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) advised Aqueduct on the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal counsel to PNC Bank and King & Spalding LLP acted as legal counsel to Aqueduct. Aqueduct Capital Group, LLC. is a registered broker dealer founded in 2003 and designed to represent a select number of industry leading alternatives fund managers. Their unique distribution strategy provides managers effective outsourcing of their business development and fundraising endeavors and allows for significant asset growth and deeper relationships with a broad array of diverse investors. Aqueduct's team members are considered trusted advisors to many world class investors and some of the most sophisticated institutions globally. Comprised of distribution, marketing and client services professionals, they have an ongoing endeavor to be the premier capital raising organization in the industry. Harris Williams is a global investment bank specializing in M&A and private capital advisory services. Clients worldwide rely on us to help unlock value in their business and turn ambitious goals into reality. We approach every engagement with boundless collaboration, pooling expertise and relationships across industries and geographies. For over 30 years, our clients have trusted us to think strategically, execute precisely, and deliver superior outcomes to help them grow. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. CONTACTS: MEDIA Anne Pace (631) 338-3268 [email protected] INVESTORS Bryan Gill (412) 768-4143 [email protected] SOURCE PNC Bank "Nearly every business client uses CashPro as the front door through which they view and take action on their Bank of America accounts," explained Jennifer Sanctis, head of CashPro App and Personalized Technologies in Global Payments Solutions at Bank of America. "QR Sign-In makes that entry point even more secure and further enhances the client experience." The QR sign-in experience improves two key pain points associated with traditional login processes: There's no need to remember the CashPro password. Instead, clients use their mobile phone to scan the QR code that appears on the computer screen and sign in using biometrics. There's no need to carry a physical token. Instead, users can use the CashPro App to access the mobile token, which is integrated into the sign in flow for clients with multi-factor authentication. The popularity of this technology is highest among clients in Europe who access it more than twice as frequently as clients in other regions. Karen Davis, head of treasury and trade finance for oil & gas at Glencore, is a member of the bank's UK CashPro Board, a group of clients who provide direct input on the platform's functionality and future build out. Davis is a proponent and frequent user of QR sign-in. "QR sign-in makes it simple to get into CashPro. I use the mobile token security that's built into the process too, so I don't need to worry about carrying around a physical token. It's so quick and convenient. I don't know why people wouldn't use it," Davis said. Bank of America regularly enhances the CashPro platform through innovative new features and functionality that improve business outcomes for clients. Most recently, the bank launched Push Authentication that further simplifies the mobile token experience. Industry recognition Bank of America's CashPro platform routinely receives third-party recognition. Notable highlights include: The 2024 Digital Transformation Benchmarking study by Crisil Coalition Greenwich, No. 1 (tied) score for overall leadership in Digital Channels for the third consecutive year, with the bank being the sole leader in 2023 and 2022. study by Crisil Coalition Greenwich, No. 1 (tied) score for overall leadership in Digital Channels for the third consecutive year, with the bank being the sole leader in 2023 and 2022. 2025 Awards for Innovation and Excellence, Treasury Management International Bank of the Year for Best Customer Experience (for CashPro Search with Investigations) Best Mobile Technology Solution for Treasury (for Security Insights on the CashPro app) Best Solution Innovation Data Analytics (for CashPro Insights). Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Reporters may contact: Louise Hennessy, Bank of America Phone: 646-858-6471 [email protected] Footnotes 1 Full year 2024 vs. full year 2023 SOURCE Bank of America Corporation BURLINGTON, N.C., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Registry Partners, a national leader in data abstraction, registry management and consulting services, is proud to announce the launch of RegiHealth, a groundbreaking program designed to help hospitals and healthcare systems maximize the return on their patient registry investments. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/registry-partners/9317151-en-registry-partners-launch-regihealth-to-optimize-healthcare-registries RegiHealth Explainer Video Registry Partners Announces the Launch of RegiHealth Since its founding in 2002, Registry Partners has been committed to improving data collection processes for healthcare providers across 40-plus states. With RegiHealth, the company introduces a strategic consulting solution aimed at transforming patient registries from compliance tools into powerful assets that drive business intelligence, operational efficiency and patient-centric care. "Hospitals invest significant resources into their registries but many are not utilizing them to their full potential," said Ronda Howe, CEO of Registry Partners. "RegiHealth empowers healthcare organizations to harness their patient registry data, offering actionable insights that improve marketing strategies, operational planning and overall efficiency." The RegiHealth program offers a four-step process to guide healthcare systems through patient registry optimization: Client Survey: Identify key areas for improvement in patient registry management. Response Analysis: Conduct questionnaires, interviews and deep dives to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for operations, quality and education, data analytics, and initiatives. RegiHealth Score: Provide a scorecard that illustrates KPI results and highlights focus areas for improvement. RegiHealth ActionPlan: Deliver a customized strategic plan to help hospitals maximize their registry data for marketing and operational efficiency. "At Registry Partners, we understand the critical role registries play in patient care and business operations," said Donna Reynolds, founder of Registry Partners. "With RegiHealth, we are taking our commitment a step further by helping healthcare organizations unlock the full potential of their data, ensuring it delivers meaningful value and contributes to a healthier future." RegiHealth leverages Registry Partners' two decades of experience, its team of U.S.-based consultants and advanced technology to provide comprehensive registry evaluations. The program serves as a vital resource for healthcare organizations looking to optimize registry operations, improve data quality and enhance their return on investment. For more information about RegiHealth and how it can benefit your healthcare organization, visit https://registrypartners.com/regihealth or contact us at [email protected]. About Registry Partners Registry Partners is a national provider of data abstraction, registry management and consulting services. Founded in 2002 in Burlington, North Carolina, the company was established with a vision to reduce the cost of registry operations and provide hospitals with expert registry support beyond geographic barriers. Today, Registry Partners serves clients across 40-plus states and supports registries of all sizes from single abstractor sites to large teaching hospitals. The company remains dedicated to delivering high-quality data solutions that ultimately impact patient care and outcomes. SOURCE Registry Partners HOUSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a core enabling technology for nearly every discipline, from engineering to health care to finance. To prepare the next generation of innovators and thought leaders in AI, Rice University will offer a Bachelor of Science in AI beginning in the fall of 2025. "Our responsibility is to help set the standard for how AI is developed, applied and governed in the years ahead." Post this Rice University, Houston, TX "This program exemplifies how Rice is translating its strategic vision into action, as well as our commitment to lead in areas of national and global importance," said President Reginald DesRoches. "Our responsibility is to help set the standard for how AI is developed, applied and governed in the years ahead." The new major reflects Rice's university-wide commitment to shaping the future of computing through responsible and interdisciplinary approaches to AI. As part of its strategic plan, Rice has identified responsible AI as a catalyst for discovery and impact across fields a priority also central to the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, which leads many of Rice's efforts advancing computing for societal good. "We are in a moment of rapid transformation driven by AI, and Rice is committed to preparing students not just to participate in that future but to shape it responsibly," said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "This new major builds on our strengths in computing and education and is a vital part of our broader vision to lead in ethical AI and deliver real-world solutions across health, sustainability and resilient communities." Luay Nakhleh, the William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering and Computing, said the new major will prepare students to shape the future of AI not just as skilled practitioners but as thoughtful and strategic leaders. "At Rice, we challenge students to not only master the technical expertise but to think critically about how to use new technologies to advance the greater good," Nakhleh said. "We seek to empower students to think independently and creatively. This major is designed to give students the tools to understand AI deeply and the space to explore how it can be applied in unexpected, meaningful ways." The major, which will be housed in the Department of Computer Science, provides undergraduates a cohesive program that covers an array of approaches to AI "so that they are prepared for the breadth of what's going on in AI," said John Greiner, an assistant teaching professor of computer science who has been named director of the new program. "We see AI being discussed a lot in the media, in public policy. AI has been made a national priority for not just the United States but around the world," said Vicente Ordonez-Roman, associate professor of computer science who was instrumental in the new major's development and approval. "There have been a lot of developments in the past 10 or so years that have put AI in the mainstream," and Rice is offering the major so students are "more directly prepared for careers in artificial intelligence," he said. "Students who take the major will be at the vanguard of one of the most significant intellectual developments of the past 50 years," said Chris Jermaine, chair of computer science. One cohesive program no graduate degree required Currently, Rice computer science students need to take several AI-related elective courses or even pursue an advanced degree to immerse themselves in AI, Ordonez-Roman said. And, Greiner added, these electives wouldn't necessarily provide a broad background in the field. "We thought that something could be done at the undergraduate level" to give students more options, Ordonez-Roman said. "With the major, we're really setting out a curriculum that makes sense as a whole," Greiner said. "We are not simply taking a collection of courses that have been created already and putting a new wrapper around them. We're actually creating a brand new curriculum. Most of the required courses are brand new courses designed for this major." Like computer science but different Because many of the necessary skills and prerequisite courses for a degree in computer science overlapped with those for an AI major, it made sense to house the new program in the computer science department. "In computer science, there are three big areas: artificial intelligence, systems development and algorithms and theory. I think they're all covered" in both the computer science major and AI major, Ordonez-Roman said. "Artificial intelligence will be more at the core of the AI major than systems or algorithms, but they all will be present in both majors." The AI major "starts out with similar math requirements and some of the same programming courses," Greiner said, "but at the sophomore level starts becoming an entirely different set of classes that are much more specialized to AI and have a stronger mathematical background." Beyond its specialized focus, the AI major will also incorporate disciplines outside of engineering. "Artificial intelligence relies on the notion of 'intelligence,'" Ordonez-Roman said, so a course on cognitive psychology will be included in the AI core curriculum. "That is a foundational course that touches on what intelligence is from a more human perspective, and it also opens up the avenue for students in the major to take other, more advanced courses on cognitive psychology." "In addition, we are including an ethics course from philosophy that's being developed specifically for the AI major," Greiner said. These courses could make the major appealing to non-engineering students. "People who might be taking either cognitive psychology or neuroengineering, neuro-based majors, some of those might move over" to AI, Greiner said. "I think there's going to be broad interest, but at the same time, the skills being taught are still very engineering oriented. There's still a lot of math, a lot of programming. The expectations are going to be similar to other engineering majors." Playing to Rice's strengths Few universities offer AI as a standalone undergraduate major. "It's not a very common program you will find yet," Ordonez-Roman said. The combination of faculty expertise in AI and an unflagging commitment to undergraduate education make Rice a good fit for this new major. Students will also benefit from being part of Rice's growing AI ecosystem, including resources and opportunities offered through the Ken Kennedy Institute. "We have been building expertise in artificial intelligence," said Ordonez-Roman, whose own research focuses on the AI-intensive fields of computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning. "There are people working here on natural language processing, information retrieval systems for machine learning, more theoretical machine learning, quantum machine learning. We have a lot of expertise in these areas, and I think we're trying to leverage that strength we're building." Rice also has "a tradition of doing things our own way and creating new courses and new ways of educating students," Greiner said. "Rice has always been very strong in undergraduate education, and part of that is that we have always been unafraid to create distinctive courses." Greiner predicts students will be drawn to the new major. "AI is in the news. It's a very popular area, and for our students who are interested in that area, this gives them a coherent program that will support their goals." About Rice University Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Internationally, the university maintains the Rice Global Paris Center, a hub for innovative collaboration, research and inspired teaching located in the heart of Paris, and Rice Global India in Bengaluru. With 4,776 undergraduates and 4,104 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 7 for best-run colleges by the Princeton Review. SOURCE Rice University The Florida HVAC company recommends staying cool in the warm months ahead with a more efficient air conditioning system ORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric, Florida's foremost indoor comfort provider, is giving homeowners a chance to win a cruise vacation for two by signing up for a free estimate on a new air conditioning system as part of the company's "Stay Cool & Sail" sweepstakes. Homeowners will be automatically entered into the contest if the estimate is scheduled before Oct. 1, 2025. Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric wants to thank their customers by helping them stay cool with a free air conditioning estimate and the chance to win a relaxing cruise. "At Del-Air, we recognize and appreciate that we have the best customers," Del-Air Marketing Director Rob Haines said. "It's why we're committed to offering exceptional customer service and thanking them for putting their trust in us. That's what this sweepstakes is all about. Homeowners can take advantage of a free estimate to see how a newer, more efficient AC system will benefit them this summer while also earning a chance to win a fun and relaxing cruise of their choice on us." Haines said the sweepstakes encourages homeowners to schedule time with an air conditioning professional who can help them permanently resolve potential comfort, efficiency and humidity issues. Providing this free estimate gives homeowners more information on today's energy-saving technology and airborne virus cleansing options so they can make an educated decision to either repair an older system or upgrade to a new one. "For homes that have an AC system more than eight years old, homeowners might consider purchasing new equipment, depending on their preferences," he said. "Along with Wi-Fi remote control options, newer air conditioning systems are now far more efficient and could save Florida homeowners thousands of dollars in cooling costs every year. Having a new cooling system installed before the peak heat of summer means families can avoid the discomfort of a breakdown on the hottest day of the year." Haines said that combined with current financing and no-money-down specials, homeowners with older air conditioners may also want to upgrade right away, given the refrigerant requirements mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any newly imposed tariffs. New refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are replacing the current R-410A to reduce their environmental impact. All new AC units manufactured after January 2025 are required to use the new refrigerants. For more information or to enter Del-Air's Stay Cool & Sail Sweepstakes, visit https://www.delair.com/about/cruise-sweepstakes/. To schedule a free new AC estimate or service appointment, call (888) 831-2665 or visit https://www.delair.com/. About Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric Since 1983, Del-Air has served Florida residents, businesses and homebuilders with quality air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical products and services. Del-Air's warranty programs and flagship Precise Comfort Plan includes regular professional maintenance for all household plumbing, air conditioning and electrical systems where applicable. Visit https://www.delair.com/ or call 888-831-2665 to contact Del-Air. Del-Air is majority owned by Astara Capital Partners. About Astara Capital Partners Astara Capital Partners is an integrated team of investors and operators investing in the middle market. The firm brings capital, strategic, and operational resources to its investments to build sustainable value and position them for long-term success. Astara focuses on a variety of industrial and services sectors, including building products, food, packaging, residential services, IT services, A&D, and government services. More information about Astara can be found at http://www.astaracapital.com/. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR (865) 977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandvik is today and tomorrow hosting a Capital Markets Day for institutional investors, analysts and financial media in Gimo, Sweden. Presentations will be held by President and CEO Stefan Widing, CFO Cecilia Felton, and the business area presidents, who will provide updates on Sandvik's equity story, including key achievements and strategic priorities for the new strategy period: 'Advancing to 2030'. Sandvik will also take the opportunity to showcase its latest innovations through guided tours with focus on new technologies, digitalization and automation. During the presentations, Sandvik will reconfirm the long-term financial targets for the Group. "Sandvik has become a more resilient company with a strengthened growth potential through our transformation in recent years, and we have successfully delivered on our ambitious targets. We look forward to show during the Capital Markets Day how we intend to leverage our strong platform and become an even stronger Group, advancing to 2030," says Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik. The main focus areas that will be covered: The transformation to enhance growth potential and resilience Successful strategy execution, and key achievements Financial targets for the next strategy period: Advancing to 2030 The strength of the Sandvik Group platform, enhanced by a leading offering across digitalization, automation and electrification Sandvik will also take the opportunity to present an updated Group structure effective as of January 1, 2026, which entails the formation of two business areas from the current Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions. This change will further sharpen the focus on profitable growth and provide transparency on the financial development of the two separate areas, while continuing to deepen collaboration. Sandvik will also update the names of the business areas as of July 1, 2025. When these changes have been completed, Sandvik will comprise of the following four business areas: Mining, Rock Processing, Machining, and Intelligent Manufacturing. To support strategy execution and the continuous work of driving operational efficiency and margin resilience, Sandvik will implement restructuring measures throughout the 2025-2030 period in business area Machining. The activities will improve Sandvik's geographical manufacturing footprint aligned with increasing regionalization, and support capabilities to capture growth opportunities going forward. The initiatives are expected to result in annual run-rate savings of SEK 1 billion by the end of 2030, with a total of SEK 3 billion in restructuring costs impacting reported EBITA in business area Machining over the full period. The associated savings and costs are expected to be related to site consolidations and from organizational efficiency measures. The phasing of savings and costs will be communicated over the period when the main activities are decided, implemented and recognized. Stockholm, May 20, 2025 Sandvik AB For further information, contact: Louise Tjeder, VP Investor relations, phone: +46 (0) 70782 6374, or Johannes Hellstrom, Press and Media Relations Manager, phone: +46 (0) 70721 1008 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/sandvik/r/sandvik-capital-markets-day--advancing-to-2030,c4152523 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/208/4152523/3458108.pdf Sandvik Capital Markets Day_ Advancing to 2030 SOURCE Sandvik TIANJIN, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine controlling objects with your mind, like a Marvel Comic superhero. In Tianjin, this fantasy is becoming reality. Picture Osuagwu Obinna Ikechukwu, a young Nigerian researcher at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), wearing a headset connected to a wearable "backpack," attempting to lift a bottle using only his thoughts. With the help of a futuristic "sixth finger" device developed by Tianjin University (TJU)'s Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Machine Integration team, he succeeded. "Amazing!" he exclaimed, a sentiment echoed by four other international researchers on this unforgettable journey. Into Tech Park: Zooming In on China's Innovative Spirit Into Tech Park: Zooming In on China's Innovative Spirit Hosted by S&T Daily, this week-long expedition was a deep dive into China's innovation ecosystem and cultural heritage. The group of young international innovators explored how China at large is embracing the future through science, technology and global collaboration. Hard tech: the future has arrived Tianjin's high-tech zones embody China's vision for a smarter, greener and more connected world. At the heart of this innovation engine is TJU, one of the powerhouses of talent and research. TJU's close collaboration with the high-tech zones fosters breakthroughs in research, innovation and industrial development. The university supplies academic expertise and talent, while the zones provide real-world applications and commercialization opportunities. At TJU Medical School, for example, the students experienced revolutionary non-invasive brain-computer interface technology. Meanwhile, at the School of Marine Science and Technology, they navigated a ship-handling simulator replicating real-world navigation conditions and complete with dynamic weather and sea environments. Timothy Hutagaol, an Indonesian student at TJU, was particularly impressed by the ASEAN-China Marine Education Big Data Platform, a digital tool enhancing regional cooperation. "What fascinates me about China is how deeply technology is integrated into everyday life in every sector, you see it fully implemented," Timothy said. But innovation in Tianjin isn't confined to labs. The journey also revealed a seamless blend of culture and technology. Kazakh student Akbayan Yerlankyzy from UCAS, an architecture enthusiast, was captivated by traditional design principles at the TJU Institute of Architectural History and Heritage Conservation. The group participated in a hands-on workshop assembling wooden structures using ancient techniques, including the iconic dougong, interlocking brackets that define classical Chinese architecture. "This activity showed us the harmony between structure, aesthetics and tradition," Obinna said. For TJU student Song Ziyan, the exchange highlighted technology's role in preserving heritage. "I didn't expect foreign students to be so passionate about this field. Their curiosity embodies the spirit of people-to-people exchange," Song said. However, as young French researcher Theo Yossa at UCAS noted, "Many French people recognize China's technological advancement but may not fully grasp its depth in certain areas. Better information sharing could enhance cooperation and mutual awareness." This sentiment aligns with China's commitment to openness. A prime example is Danfoss, a leading Danish heating technology company, which made its first investment in China in 1996 by establishing Danfoss (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. After over two decades, the subsidiary has developed into a modern factory integrating research and development and intelligent manufacturing. Here, cutting-edge automation meets sustainability, proving that Industry 4.0 is a tangible force driving efficiency and environmental responsibility. Soft environment: where ideas grow But innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. The soft environment, like supportive policies, infrastructure and a culture of entrepreneurship, is just as important. That's where places like the National Offshore Entrepreneurial Base for Overseas Professionals come in. Designed to welcome international startups, it provides the tools, mentorship and networks needed to turn ideas into scalable businesses. At the base, Moaaz Awan from Pakistan was intrigued by the streamlined process for obtaining China's Permanent Residence Card. "If you meet residency and employment requirements, applying for permanent residence becomes a major incentive for long-term stays," he said. A young entrepreneur, Richard Gao, who returned to China from France to launch his startup, emphasized the base's value: "It connects research institutions, universities and companies, as a one-stop solution for businesses." These young innovators were impressed by the fertile environment provided by the base and China. They said China offers subsidized offices, business expense support, and even seed funding for strong projects. These are excellent examples of practical incentives. For those who witness China's development course, its openness isn't just rhetoric. "Cities like Tianjin, Beijing and Guangzhou each offer unique policy experiments," Awan observed. "This mix-and-match approach helps businesses find their ideal ecosystem." A recent milestone in the Tianjin tech world is the launch of the city's first fully foreign-owned hospital by a Singaporean group. "While not all sectors are fully open, the trend is clear," Awan said. "This is the time to seize opportunities and share them globally." At the same time, the Peking University Entrepreneurship Camp in Tianjin showcases how academia and industry collaborate to accelerate intelligent technologies, from AI to robotics. Meanwhile, at Assure Power Technology (Tianjin), a company incubated in the camp, the research team shared their breakthrough in low-wind turbine technology, an innovation supporting China's clean energy goals and opening doors for global partnerships, particularly with countries like Indonesia. "This experience proved green energy isn't just a scientific challenge," Obinna concluded. "It's a bridge for worldwide sustainability collaboration." SOURCE Science and Technology Daily PAE airport terminal selected as one of the top 3 small airports in the nation in 2025 Newsweek's Reader's Choice Award Contest SEATTLE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Propeller Airports is pleased to announce that the Seattle Paine Field Air Terminal is a recipient of Newsweek's Reader's Choice Award for Best Small Airport in the U.S. Seattle Paine Field took third place among a long list of exceptional airports around the country for the second year in a row. This award is added to Seattle Paine Field's growing list of accolades acknowledging the terminal's state-of-the-art facility, tranquil environment, and unparalleled customer service. "Paine Field continues to earn accolades from the travel industry and media alike, who recognize and value our innovative and refined approach to the passenger terminal experience," said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller. "We're proud of this recognition and remain committed to upholding the high standards we've setfor ourselves, for our passengers, and for the industry." Nominees of this sought-after recognition are selected by a panel of travel experts including writers whose work has appeared in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler. Seattle Paine Field ranks alongside long-established airports like Huntsville International Airport, Santa Barbara Airport, and Kentucky's Blue Grass Airport in receiving this reader-based recognition. Since its inception in 2019, Seattle Paine Field has serviced more than 3 million passengers and has developed a reputation for enhancing the passenger experience with concierge services, valet parking, and locally sourced food and beverage options. The state-of-the-art terminal features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, lounge-style seating, fireplaces, and glass jet-bridges. In addition to providing Puget Sound residents with close, convenient options for air travel, Propeller's public-private partnership with Snohomish County has resulted in tremendous economic success for the region, creating new jobs, supporting local businesses, and saving taxpayer dollars. Seattle Paine Field is currently served by Alaska Airlines, with direct service to eight destinations on the west coast and Hawaii. Frontier Airlines will launch service from Seattle Paine Field on June 2nd, offering passengers low-cost flights to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The addition of Frontier Airlines provides added options for convenient, time-saving travel and enhances nationwide connectivity from Seattle Paine Field. About Propeller Airports Based in Everett, Washington, Propeller identifies untapped potential for commercial air travel by working with local communities and government to maximize airport assets. Propeller Airports is focused on opportunities to invest, develop, and manage both general aviation and commercial service airports throughout the U.S. Propeller, along with Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock, is focused on bringing best in class practices to Seattle Paine Field for the benefit of travelers throughout the Puget Sound Region. For more information, please visit www.flypainefield.com, www.propellerairports.com, and www.global-infra.com. SOURCE Propeller Airports SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brattle Group has welcomed Dr. Jan Jindra to its San Francisco office as a Principal in the firm's Securities Class Actions and White Collar Investigations & Litigation practices. A former financial economist and Assistant Director at the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC's) Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, Dr. Jindra has 20 years of experience advising clients on complex securities litigation and regulatory investigations. Jan Jindra | Principal | The Brattle Group Dr. Jindra's expertise spans the valuation of complex securities, insider trading, market manipulation, investment advisor fraud, disclosure violations, initial public offering (IPO) allocations, investor harm, and hedge fund performance, among other topics. He has served as a testifying expert and consultant in both civil and criminal proceedings including in complex matters involving insider trading, disclosure violations, analysis of trading strategies, enterprise valuation, and valuation of complex securities for the SEC, the US Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission. "With his deep industry experience and his wide-ranging securities expertise, Jan will be a tremendous asset to Brattle's clients. Likewise, his collaborative nature and emphasis on developing the next generation of experts make him a wonderful fit for our firm," said Torben Voetmann, Brattle President & Principal. At the SEC, in addition to providing expert testimony, Dr. Jindra led teams and actively participated in witness interviews and depositions, settlement negotiations, and the preparation of expert reports. He also oversaw staff development and played a key role in mentoring the next generation of expert witnesses within the agency. "Brattle is known for its collegial culture and its top-notch team of experts, and I am thrilled to transition back into consulting at such a reputable firm," said Dr. Jindra. "I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues, developing the next generation of experts, and helping clients answer complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions." Prior to his tenure at the SEC, Dr. Jindra taught finance courses at The Ohio State University and Menlo College. He also authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in highly reputable finance academic journals. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Manager at an international economics consultancy. To learn more about Dr. Jindra, please see his full bio at https://www.brattle.com/experts/jan-jindra/. ABOUT BRATTLE The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has 500 talented professionals across four continents. For more information, please visit brattle.com. SOURCE The Brattle Group TAIPEI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibocom, a global leading provider of wireless communication modules and AI solutions, presents its latest AI-powered innovations at COMPUTEX 2025. With the strong market presence across Asia-Pacific and proven global deployment capabilities, Fibocom showcases how the integration of AI and connectivity is accelerating intelligent transformation across sectors such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Smart Retail, and Robotics. Through scalable edge AI solutions, Fibocom is empowering industries to unlock new levels of productivity, intelligence, and innovation. Empowering Edge Intelligence with Fibocom's AI for X With the integration of AI capabilities, communication modules are undergoing a fundamental evolutionfrom connectivity enablers to intelligent edge computing hubs. Fibocom is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI and wireless convergence to reposition modules as strategic gateways for industrial innovation and large-scale intelligent deployment. Fibocom showcases a series of immersive AI experiences through its "AI for X" initiative at its stand, highlighting products such as the Nebula Series, AI Camera, QuickTaste AI, and AI Buddy. These offerings reflect Fibocom's commitment to advancing AI capabilities at the edge, enabling smart devices with real-time perception, vision recognition, computing, and decision-making functions. Leveraging edge-cloud collaboration, these solutions address the demand for low-latency, efficient AI processing across diverse scenarios like Intelligent Companion Robot, Smart Retail, International Travel, etc. Notably, Fibocom's world's first "Pure Vision" intelligent lawn mower solution is also showcased on-site. The solution uses AI vision for autonomous navigation, eliminating the need for physical boundary setups or base stations. Already deployed in Europe, it has received top-tier industry acclaim, demonstrating Fibocom's leadership in AI innovation. Fibocom SkyEngie Solution: Leading the Evolution of Mobile Broadband into the AI Era Fibocom has long been recognized as a global leader in the FWA sector, offering a comprehensive portfolio of 5G modulesincluding the FG190, FG180, FG370, and FG360designed to power a wide range of terminal devices such as CPEs, ODUs, and Mobile Hotspots. To further streamline deployment, Fibocom provides turnkey PCBA solutions that integrate these modules, enabling customers to accelerate time-to-market with reliable, high-performance FWA products. Advancing FWA into the AI era, Fibocom provides a cutting-edge solution that merges advanced 5G connectivity with on-device AI computing capabilities, named as SkyEngine. Supporting real-time inference, multitasking, and multi-terminal collaboration, SkyEngine enables a broad spectrum of intelligent edge applicationsfrom smart home automation and remote work environments to immersive multimedia services. The on-site showcaseincluding Fibocom's full range of 5G modules and turnkey PCBA solutionsunderscores the company's role in shaping the future of mobile broadband through intelligent connectivity. AIoT Innovation Across Vertical Industries Moreover, Fibocom's AIoT portfolio addresses a broad spectrum of industry needs, including smart mobility, asset tracking, battery management systems (BMS), and smart retail applications such as ECR terminals. The solutions are engineered for high performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, supporting the scalable deployment of AI across various verticals. Fibocom's full-stack AIoT ecosystemspanning AI modules, large models, embedded agents, global connectivity, and cloud platformsenables end-to-end integration across industries such as robotics, consumer electronics, and intelligent transportation. Fibocom is cultivating a robust AIoT value chain that accelerates commercialization and global rollout by collaborating with leading chipset providers, global operators, and ecosystem partners. Visit Fibocom at booth #K0727a to experience firsthand how its AI-powered connectivity solutions are unlocking the future of intelligent industries today. From next-gen broadband to edge intelligence, Fibocom is setting the benchmark for what's next in the global AIoT landscape. SOURCE Fibocom Wireless Inc EMPOWER CAD, a global prospective, multi-center, real-world study, reaffirms favorable acute outcomes for coronary IVL in female patients, unlike other calcium modification tools PARIS, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shockwave Medical, Inc., part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech and a global leader in the field of circulatory restoration, announced today the 30-day primary endpoint results of EMPOWER CAD, the first prospective, real-world percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) study in female patients with complex, calcified coronary artery disease. The favorable results confirm the results of earlier retrospective analyses demonstrating the benefits of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in female patients. The results were presented in a late-breaking presentation at the annual EuroPCR meeting in Paris. Women with coronary artery calcification (CAC) undergoing PCI are often underrepresented in clinical trials and have historically poorer outcomes than men, including increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes and high rates of procedural complications with other calcium modification treatments, such as rotational or orbital atherectomy.1,2 Investigators designed the EMPOWER CAD study to evaluate real-world outcomes in female patients with severely calcified coronary lesions treated with an IVL-first treatment strategy and confirm positive results from previous studies showing similar safety and effectiveness outcomes across both men and women. EMPOWER CAD is a pivotal study comprised of a series of firsts: Shockwave's first prospective, post-market study of IVL examining an all-comers female population with minimal exclusion criteria, the first study to encourage a Shockwave IVL-first PCI strategy for calcified coronary lesions, and the first study to follow-up with enrolled patients for three years following IVL therapy. The study enrolled 399 participants across 45 sites spanning five countries in the European Union and United States. The study is led by co-principal investigators Margaret McEntegart, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Complex PCI and CTO programs and Cardiac Catheterization Labs at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Alexandra Lansky, M.D., Professor of Medicine in the section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Director, Heart and Vascular Clinical Research Program, Yale University School of Medicine. The study's European lead is Nieves Gonzalo, M.D., Ph.D., consultant interventional cardiologist at Hospital Clinico San Carlos in Madrid, Spain. "Women are typically underdiagnosed, underrepresented and have underwhelming outcomes in coronary artery disease studies," said Dr. Lansky. "Our goal with the EMPOWER CAD study was to address this gap and determine whether Shockwave IVL should be considered as the front-line calcium modification approach in female patients with complex coronary artery disease. The results demonstrate the benefits of IVL use in this specific patient population and validate findings from previous studies." The primary effectiveness endpoint of procedural success, defined as stent delivery with 30% residual stenosis for all treated target lesions without in-hospital target lesion failure (TLF), was 86.9% at 30 days. The primary safety endpoint, defined as TLF as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction attributable to target vessel (TV-MI) or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (ID-TLR) within 30 days, was 12.1%. TLF was primary driven by the rate of periprocedural MI3 (10.6%); the majority of these periprocedural MIs were not associated with any clinical signs or symptoms. Cardiac death and ID-TLR rates were each 1.3%. Procedural complications were rare with only one patient (0.2%) having a serious angiographic complication when assessed at the end of the procedure. There were also clinically and statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life scores at 30 days compared to baselines. "By leveraging a Shockwave IVL-first approach, the EMPOWER CAD 30-day results demonstrated high procedural success, low complication rates and significant improvements in quality of life among real-world female patients," said Dr. McEntegart. "While we look forward to following these patients for the next three years, these primary endpoint results confirm that excellent outcomes can be achieved with the use of Shockwave IVL in women with complex, calcified coronary artery disease." Nick West., M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Shockwave Medical, emphasized the significance of the EMPOWER CAD study, stating, "Today marks a critical milestone in the journey to improve outcomes for female patients with calcified lesions. What began as an idea a few years ago is now a commendable reality today, thanks to study leadership and site investigators accelerating completion and reporting these important results. We're looking forward to learning more about the benefits of IVL therapy in this underrepresented patient population, both acutely and at extended follow-up." About Shockwave Medical Shockwave Medical, Inc., part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, is a leader in the development and commercialization of innovative products that are transforming the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Its first-of-its-kind Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology has transformed the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by safely using sonic pressure waves to disrupt challenging calcified plaque, resulting in significantly improved patient outcomes. Its Reducer technology, which is under clinical investigation in the United States and is CE Marked in the European Union and the United Kingdom, is designed to provide relief to the millions of patients worldwide suffering from refractory angina by redistributing blood flow within the heart. Learn more at www.shockwavemedical.com . Cardiovascular Solutions from Johnson & Johnson MedTech Across Johnson & Johnson, we are tackling the world's most complex and pervasive health challenges. Through a cardiovascular portfolio that provides healthcare professionals with advanced mapping and navigation, miniaturized tech, and precise ablation, we are addressing conditions with significant unmet needs such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. We are the global leaders in heart recovery, circulatory restoration and the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, as well as an emerging leader in neurovascular care, committed to taking on two of the leading causes of death worldwide in heart failure and stroke. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopaedics, surgery and vision solutions at https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com . Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn . Shockwave Medical, Inc. is part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Shockwave Medical, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainty of commercial success; challenges to patents; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward healthcare cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov , www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Shockwave Medical, Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.as a result of new information or future events or developments. Drs. McEntegart, Lansky and Gonzalo are paid consultants of Shockwave Medical. They have not been compensated in connection with this press release. 1 Giustino et al., JACC Cardiovasc Int 2016; Ford et al., Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2020; Hussain et al., JSCAI 2022. 2 Kim et al. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2016 3 As defined by SCAI for periprocedural MI and Fourth Universal (Type 4a) for spontaneous MI beyond discharge. Media Contacts: Lindsey Diaz-MacInnis [email protected] Rachael Jarnagin [email protected] Investor Contact: Sandra Easton [email protected] SOURCE Johnson & Johnson MedTech Seasoned product leader joins executive team to accelerate AI-powered innovation and customer-centric strategy BELLEVUE, Wash. and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Siteimprove, the leading AI-powered SaaS-platform for delivering digital content experiences that are compliant and accessible, today announced the appointment of Kalvin Brite as Senior Vice President of Product. In this role, Brite will lead the company's global product organization, reporting to CEO Nayaki Nayyar. Brite will be instrumental in delivering a bold new product vision one that places the customer at the heart of our AI innovation and strengthens our leadership position. Brite brings more than 15 years of product leadership experience from high-growth SaaS companies including Contentful, Twilio, and SendGrid. Most recently, as Vice President of Product at Contentful, he contributed to Contentful's growth beyond $200 million in annual revenue, the acquisition of Ninetailed and the launch of Contentful Studio and AI Actions. Prior to Contentful, Brite led expansion of Twillio's marketing automation platform to over 20,000 customers, and he led product management at SendGrid through its IPO and acquisition by Twilio. "Kalvin's customer-first approach, deep technical expertise, and track record of product innovation make him the ideal leader to guide Siteimprove's next chapter," said Nayaki Nayyar, CEO of Siteimprove. "Kalvin's strategic thinking, full product lifecycle experience and iterative mindset will help us deliver even more value faster to our customers." This strategic hire reflects the company's priority on deepening its understanding of customer needs and accelerating the development of solutions that drive impact in the AI era. "I'm thrilled to join Siteimprove at this pivotal moment," said Brite. "The company has a powerful legacy of helping the world's leading brands deliver accessible and engaging digital experiences. I'm excited to shape the next generation of Siteimprove's AI-platform and empower teams to turn bold ideas into tangible, customer-centered outcomes." Brite holds both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Denver, along with product leadership certifications from CPO Accelerator and the Silicon Valley Product Group. For more information about Siteimprove's leadership team, visit siteimprove.com/about. About Siteimprove: Founded in 2003, Siteimprove empowers companies to deliver engaging, accessible and compliant digital experiences that not only perform, but matter. Today, clients spanning manufacturing, government, higher education, financial services, and healthcare rely on Siteimprove's AI-powered platform to capture their users' attention, drive engagement, and adhere to the highest accessibility standards. Based in Copenhagen, Bellevue, Minneapolis and London, Siteimprove represents a single, actionable source of truth for marketing teams of every size and scale, from Series A to the largest global enterprises. Siteimprove is majority owned by Nordic Capital. About Nordic Capital: Nordic Capital is a leading sector-specialist private equity investor with a resolute commitment to creating stronger, sustainable businesses through operational improvement and transformative growth. Nordic Capital focuses on selected regions and sectors where it has deep experience and a long history. Focus sectors are Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, and Services & Industrial Tech. Key regions are Europe and globally for Healthcare and Technology & Payments investments. Since inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested c. EUR 26 billion in close to 150 investments. The most recent entities are Nordic Capital XI with EUR 9.0 billion in committed capital and Nordic Capital Evolution II with EUR 2 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors such as pension funds. Nordic Capital Advisors have local offices in Sweden, the UK, the US, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and South Korea. www.nordiccapital.com. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Siteimprove STOCKHOLM, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with The Norwegian Road authority to build the new E6 highway between Sommerset and Megarden in Nordland County, Norway. The contract is worth NOK 4.4 billion, about SEK 4.2 billion, which will be included in the Nordic order bookings for the second quarter of 2025. The contract consists of approximately 21.5 kilometers of new road between Sommerset and Megarden. The work includes design and construction of 3 tunnels, totaling approximately 13.8 kilometers, approximately 6.9 kilometers road in the day zone, 3 bridges and several smaller constructions. The project shall be certified to BREEAM Infrastructure "Design and Construction phase" very good. The E6 Sommerset - Megarden is the southernmost and first stage of the overall project E6 Megarden-Mrsvikbotn. The project is part of the long-term work to increase traffic safety and capacity on the current E6 south of Bod so that the road system stimulates growth and development in the region. Detailed engineering will start immediately, and construction work is expected to begin during May 2025. The road is planned to be completed during summer 2031. For further information please contact: Audun Lagyr, EVP Communications, Skanska Norway, tel +47 93 45 25 31 Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-builds-highway-in-nordland-county--norway--for-nok-4-4-billion--about-sek-4-2-billion,c4152628 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4152628/3458422.pdf 20250520 NO highway SOURCE Skanska LAS VEGAS, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas Holdings" or the "Company") today announced the commencement of an underwritten secondary public offering of Centuri Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CTRI) ("Centuri") common stock (the "Offering"), pursuant to which Southwest Gas Holdings, as the selling stockholder, is offering 9,000,000 existing shares of Centuri's common stock. Southwest Gas Holdings expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,350,000 shares of Centuri's common stock. In addition to the shares of Centuri's common stock sold in the Offering, Southwest Gas Holdings announced that Icahn Partners and Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, investment entities affiliated with Carl C. Icahn, will purchase an aggregate of $50 million in shares of Centuri's common stock from Southwest Gas Holdings in a concurrent private placement at a price per share equal to the Offering price per share. The concurrent private placement is expected to close immediately following the closing of the Offering and is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the completion of the Offering. The sale of these shares will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The closing of the Offering is not conditioned upon the closing of the concurrent private placement. The shares are being offered pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement (including a base prospectus) that has been filed by Centuri with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering will be filed by Centuri with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The proposed Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus that forms a part of the registration statement. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act. About Southwest Gas Holdings Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary Southwest Gas Corporation, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas. Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of over 2 million customers throughout Arizona, Nevada, and California by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. In addition, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is the majority owner of Centuri Holdings, Inc., which provides comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. About Centuri Centuri Holdings, Inc. is a strategic utility infrastructure services company that partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain the energy network that powers millions of homes and businesses across the United States and Canada. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest Gas Holdings' expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words such as "will", "predict", "continue", "forecast", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "outlook", "could", "target", "project", "intend", "plan", "seek", "estimate", "should", "may" and "assume", as well as variations of such words and similar expressions referring to the future, and include (without limitation) statements regarding expectations with respect to the expected completion, timing and size of the proposed Offering and the concurrent private placement and whether the underwriters will exercise their option to purchase additional shares. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of Southwest Gas Holdings and/or Centuri could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing of a separation of Southwest Gas Holdings' remaining interests in Centuri, the timing and impact of executing (or not executing) such transaction alternatives, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and similar changes and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, the potential for, and the impact of, a credit rating downgrade, the costs to integrate new businesses, future earnings trends, inflation, sufficiency of labor markets and similar resources, seasonal patterns, current and future litigation, and the impacts of stock market volatility. Factors that could cause actual results to differ also include (without limitation) those discussed in Southwest Gas Holdings' and Centuri's respective periodic reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including Southwest Gas Holdings' and Centuri's most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk," as well as the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the proposed Offering filed with the SEC. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by Southwest Gas Holdings and/or Centuri on their websites or otherwise. Southwest Gas Holdings does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. -- Rapidly Growing SES Continues to Expand its Industrial and Environmental Services Nationwide with 65 Locations Across 14 States -- CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior Environmental Solutions ("SES"), a leading provider of comprehensive, essential, and non-discretionary environmental and industrial services, and a portfolio company of Palladium Equity Partners, LLC, today announced the acquisition of Captain Clean. This strategic acquisition expands SES's operational footprint and strengthens its market presence in Iowa and across the Midwest, enhancing its service capabilities and customer reach within the agriculture and food processing sector. The acquisition of Captain Clean marks SES' ninth acquisition in the past nine years and its third during Palladium's 20 month ownership. Founded in 1969, Captain Clean delivers a suite of recurring, essential industrial services closely aligned with SES's offerings, including water blasting and power washing, industrial vacuuming and pumping, ice blasting, and additional specialized solutions for a blue-chip customer base. With a workforce of nearly 1,000 employees, SES operates from over 65 facilities across 14 states in the Midwest, Southern, and Western United States. The Company offers a full suite of environmental and industrial solutions, including hydro blasting, vacuum truck services, waste management, product destruction, tank cleaning, and a range of other technical services. SES serves a diverse base of more than 1,100 customer locations across key end markets such as agriculture, food processing, chemicals, metals, utilities, automotive, and refining. John Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of SES, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Captain Clean and its entire team to the SES family of essential environmental and industrial service providers. For 56 years, Captain Clean has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality industrial cleaning solutions throughout the Iowa and Nebraska services that are highly complementary to our own. Their expertise and longstanding customer relationships will further strengthen our capabilities and enable us to expand our reach and service offerings across the Midwest. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional value to our customers." Robert, Carol, and Larry Lehman of Captain Clean stated, "We are thrilled to join forces with SES, one of the nation's fastest growing and most highly respected environmental and industrial services companies. We look forward to working with the SES and their private equity partners and are confident this combination will best serve the interests of our valued employees and customers." Scott Kirschner, Principal at Palladium Equity Partners, commented, "We are proud to support SES in its acquisition of Captain Clean, which further expands SES' presence in the Midwest and accelerates its growth as a national leader in environmental and industrial services." Daniel Ilundain, President at Palladium Equity Partners, mentioned, "This transaction underscores Palladium's commitment to partnering with exceptional management teams to drive long-term value and industry leadership." Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL served as legal advisor to SES. About Superior Environmental Solutions Founded in 1999, Superior Environmental Solutions (SES) is a leading provider of mission-critical, non-discretionary, environmental and industrial services, including high-pressure water jetting, vacuum equipment services, waste management, product destruction, specialized tank cleaning and other technical services. For more information about SES, visit http://www.sesinc.com . About Palladium Equity Partners, LLC Palladium is a private equity firm with over $3 billion of assets under management. The firm invests in the middle market, focusing on companies in the U.S. Hispanic market, founder and family-owned businesses, and those with accretive M&A opportunities. The partners of the firm have significant experience in the consumer, services, industrials, and healthcare sectors. Since its founding in 1997, Palladium has invested in more than 230 businesses, including 41 platforms and over 190 add-ons. For more information, visit www.palladiumequity.com . Contacts: Jeff Sweren, Chief Financial Officer [email protected] 513-682-4275 Jeffrey Taufield / Todd Fogarty [email protected] or [email protected] 212-521-4800 SOURCE Palladium Equity Partners and Superior Environmental Solutions Cloud-based platform built on Salesforce includes solutions for data management, compliance, compensation management and more BUFFALO, N.Y., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading wealthtech firm The Sycamore Company (Sycamore) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Arete Wealth, a leading broker-dealer and registered investment advisory, to provide the firm with the Sycamore platform. The powerful and integrated platform is built on Salesforce and will help Arete drive efficiencies and deliver better business outcomes through access to solutions for data management, compliance, compensation management, advisor management, and client management. "As a trusted partner, Sycamore is committed to supporting the growth and success of Arete Wealth," said Mike Overdorf, President and Founder of Sycamore. "Whether a dual registrant enterprise, an IBD or RIA, firms are increasingly in need of deep expertise and cutting-edge technology to effectively capture clean, high-quality data, unlock its potential, and thrive in today's ultra-competitive landscape." The cloud-based Sycamore platform drives greater efficiency across remote workforces and multiple workflows by ensuring the right data is acquired, normalized, and accessible to meet multiple compliance, operational, and advisor transparency and client-servicing requirements. Sycamore stands out for its commitment to maintaining the highest quality of data. "The adoption of the Sycamore platform will strengthen Arete Wealth's ability to carry out its mission to provide remarkably sophisticated financial services and wealth management," said Arete Chief Technology Officer Casey Cotton. "The platform arms us with a data-driven toolset that creates efficiencies and surfaces insights so we can provide the best possible experience for our financial professionals and their clients." About The Sycamore Company For far too long, broker-dealers and RIAs have accepted outdated, inefficient, and disparate back-office technology platforms. The industry is long overdue for something better much better. Sycamore is dedicated to helping firms increase efficiency, reduce risk, and improve their operations by meeting the promise of data excellence and automation in an integrated, cloud-based environment. For more information, visit sycamorecompany.com. About Arete Wealth Arete Wealth, Inc. is a sophisticated financial services and wealth management firm. Arete Wealth offers expertise across a wide array of services including investment banking, managing broker-dealer services, financial and estate planning, investment advice and asset management, insurance and annuities, and an art and wine consultancy. The firm delivers financial solutions via institutional, full-service, and direct-to-consumer digital investment channels. Arete Wealth's diversified offerings and unique access to alternative investments, venture capital, and private equity programs are incomparable in the industry. The firm's experienced financial professionals are highly ranked within the industry, serving clients that include high-net-worth individuals, institutions, other broker-dealers, independent registered investment advisors, family offices, and sponsors of investment offerings. Founded in Chicago in 2007, Arete Wealth has over 60 offices across the country and is consistently ranked a top U.S. independent hybrid broker-dealer and registered investment advisory firm, based on growth and revenue. Find out why the firm is the right fit for refined investing at aretewealth.com. Media Contact Brandon Blackwell Haven Tower [email protected] 424-317-4868 SOURCE The Sycamore Company Mission Valley Bank CEO Recognized for Transformational Leadership and Commitment to Local Economic Growth BURBANK, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 15, 2025, at an exclusive reception hosted by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Tamara Gurney, Founder, CEO, and President of Mission Valley Bank, was named one of the Top 100 Bankers in Los Angeles, earning the Specialty Award for Small Business Advocatea powerful testament to her legacy of leadership, community impact, and dedication to entrepreneurs and local economies. Tamara Gurney - President & CEO Mission Valley Bank Paula Bahamon Senior Vice President Community Development In a region home to over 65,000 banking professionals, this recognition speaks volumesnot only about Gurney's personal commitment to small businesses but also about Mission Valley Bank's long-standing role as a champion for community growth. When Tamara Gurney founded Mission Valley Bank in July 2001, her vision was clear: create a community-focused bank rooted in relationship banking, where small business clients receive more than just transactionsthey gain a partner. From day one, Mission Valley Bank set out to redefine the client experience, delivering high-touch, personalized service led by bankers who understand the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners. More than two decades later, that promise has not only enduredit has grown. Under Gurney's leadership, Mission Valley Bank secured its Community Development Financial Institution status in 2007, affirming its mission to invest in local communities and drive economic opportunities. Today, the bank continues to champion its founding philosophy: Bank Local | Build Locala belief that when local deposits stay in the community, they fuel small business growth, create jobs, and strengthen the economic foundation for everyone. With locations in Sun Valley, Santa Clarita, and a recently opened branch in Burbank, the bank is expanding its footprint with intention and purpose. Plans are already underway to open a new branch in Arcadia later this year, extending Mission Valley Bank's reach and resources to even more small business communities across Southern California. The Los Angeles Business Journal honor also recognized the work of Mission Valley Bank's Senior Vice President of Community Development, Paula Bahamon, further cementing the bank's place among the region's top financial institutions driving meaningful, and measurable community impact. In an industry where scale often overshadows service, Tamara Gurney has built something differenton purpose. Her recognition is not an individual honor, but a reflection of a team of Bankers that prioritizes clients and small business success. As Mission Valley Bank continues to growbranch by branch, relationship by relationshipit remains rooted in the values it was built on: service, trust, and entrepreneurial partnership. And at its center is a founder who has never been interested in doing what is expectedonly what is right. About Mission Valley Bank Mission Valley Bank is a full-service, community-focused business bank dedicated to building lasting relationships and delivering financial solutions that support the growth of local businesses and individuals. The Bank is known for its deep local relationships, personalized service, and commitment to building stronger communities through tailored financial solutions. Member FDIC To learn more, visit www.missionvalleybank.com SOURCE Mission Valley Bank Joins IACC Marketplace Advisory Council Alongside Global Brands and Platforms SAN DIEGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Temu, the global online marketplace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) to deepen collaboration on intellectual property protection and expand efforts to combat online counterfeiting. IACC President Bob Barchiesi (left) and Temus IP Compliance Lead for the U.S. Christine Casaceli (right) signed the MoU The MoU was signed during the IACC's 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego last week. As part of the collaboration, Temu has joined the IACC's newly launched Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC) as an inaugural member. The MAC is a cross-industry forum that includes leading online marketplaces, payment providers, and global brands, aimed at setting a new standard for cooperation in the fight against counterfeit goods. "We're pleased to welcome Temu as an inaugural member of the Marketplace Advisory Council and as a key partner in our shared fight against counterfeiting," said Bob Barchiesi, President, International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition. "This MoU reflects a meaningful step forward in our collaboration, grounded in transparency, accountability, and a joint commitment to consumer protection. The IACC created the MAC to bring stakeholders together in a way that drives real, sustained impactand Temu's participation helps strengthen that vision." The MAC offers a collaborative platform where e-commerce platforms, payment companies, and brand owners can work together, share insights, and forge stronger partnerships to address one of the digital economy's most persistent challenges: the proliferation of counterfeit goods online. "Joining this coalition underscores Temu's commitment to building a trustworthy online marketplace," said a Temu spokesperson. "We look forward to collaborating with other industry leaders to create a powerful, collective force against the sale of illegal goods online." Since launching in 2022, Temu has invested heavily in intellectual property enforcement. Measures include: Comprehensive seller vetting and compliance training Round-the-clock algorithmic monitoring supported by manual review A dedicated IP protection portal and brand registry for streamlined takedown submissions An internal enforcement team handling claims with high speed and accuracy In addition to Temu, other members of the IACC MAC include e-commerce platforms Amazon, and eBay; payments providers Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa; as well as global brands such as Apple, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, Disney, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, and Nike. About Temu Temu is a global e-commerce platform connecting consumers with millions of manufacturers, brands, and business partners. Operating in more than 90 markets worldwide, Temu is committed to providing affordable, high-quality products that enable customers to live better lives. SOURCE Temu 9% Growth in Population Served Underscores Programmatic Expansion and Impact First Half Results Reflect Year-on-Year Revenue Growth and Strong Financial Position Diversified Portfolio Strengthens Resilience and Expands Growth Opportunities Download Presentation Here NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fedcap Group announced its first half fiscal 2025 operational and financial results, ended March 31, 2025. Commenting on the results, Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group noted, "In the first half of 2025, we executed well, significantly increasing the number of individuals we served, growing our revenue base and continuing to diversify our services portfolio and geographic reach. These accomplishments have strengthened our financial position and provided additional resilience as we navigate dynamic business conditions. "Over the past six months, we've advanced several key initiatives through unprecedented collaboration across the Fedcap network as part of our revenue diversification strategy. These include the international launch of Apex Technical School's Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdom; the rapid organic growth of programs such as the Teaching the Autism Community Trades program in Colorado, which has doubled in size; the establishment of new international markets, including Fedcap Australia; and the acquisition of ELITE Supported Employment, a Scotland-based Total Facilities Management companymarking our first international TFM expansion. "Additionally, we have been scaling our scaling fee-for-service programs and expanding our SAS product offerings." Operational Highlights, Domestic and International The Fedcap Group operates across four key practice areaseducation, workforce development, health, and economic developmentthrough 29 nonprofit subsidiaries in 111 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the first half of fiscal 2025, The Fedcap Group served over 159,739 individuals, marking a 9.2% increase from the previous year. Education The Education Practice, representing 18% of total revenue, continued its strong growth. In the first half of Fiscal Year 2025, enrollment reached 3,405 studentsa 55% increase from the same period last year. The practice expanded through strategic acquisitions, international growth, and new program development. Fedcap launched the Apex Clean Energy Training Center in the United Kingdomits first international education initiativeand fully operationalized the Teaching the Autism Community Trades School in Colorado, now designated as the state's first-ever Specialized Day School. These additions bring the education portfolio to 22 programs across five states and one international location. Fedcap's education outcomes continue to exceed industry standards, with 83% student retention, 83% completion rates, and a 76% job placement rate. Workforce Development As the largest practice areaaccounting for 40% of total revenuethe Workforce Development Practice continued its strong momentum in the first half of FY25. A total of 13,207 individuals were placed into jobs, reflecting a 6% increase from 2024. The Workforce Practice's job retention outcomes remain strong, with 88% of individuals retaining employment at 30 days, 82% at 90 days, and 78% at 180 days. Internationally, Fedcap Canada launched a Center of Excellence for Employability to expand evidence-based workforce strategies, while in the U.K., our Inspiring Futures program was renewed after demonstrating strong results in helping individuals with disabilities and health conditions secure employment. Health The Health Practice, representing 6% of total revenue, continues to demonstrate strong performance and innovation, particularly through the expansion of Single Stop and mental health initiatives. More than 29,000 individuals were screened for benefits through Single Stop, resulting in an average household benefit of $22,483. Fedcap also provided wellness services to 23,717 individuals, maintaining stable service levels year-over-year. Single Stop partnered with Upswing to bring AI-driven basic needs and emergency support to marginalized and non-traditional students. Moreover, the Health Practice secured NYC Council funding to sustain the Chelton Loft clubhouse after budget cuts and expanded its UK mental health footprint via a new contract with Surrey County Council to deliver employment support through the WorkWell initiative. Economic Development Contributing 37% of total revenue, 1,060 individuals were directly employed by a company of The Fedcap Group at an average salary of $42,55030% higher than an annual $15/hour wage. There has been a significant increase in retirement assets for Fedcap's direct client service workers, growing from $8.4 million in 2010 to $157.2 million in 2025. Key milestones included Fedcap's first international TFM acquisitionScotland-based ELITE Supported Employmentthe launch of business printing services, and the acquisition of Runway of Dreams and GAMUT Management to expand disability inclusion in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. Fedcap also invested $125K with the Brooklyn Chamber's CDFI, co-funding its first loan to a local food business. First-Half FY2025 Financial Results For the first half of FY2025, The Fedcap Group reported total revenue of $188.2 million, representing year-over-year growth of 2.6%. The organization remains on track to meet its full-year revenue projection of $379 million for fiscal 2025. As of March 31, 2025, The Fedcap Group reported $35.3 million in cash and investments, $389.1 million in total assets, and $146.5 million in long-term debt. Net assets grew to $99.1 million from $98.5 million from 2024, more than doubling from FY2021 and nearly tripling since FY2020. Fedcap's business development pipeline was robust at the end of the first half, with a qualified pipeline of $287.5 million and $2.74 billion in prospects under development. The organization continues to perform well on contract retention and growth, achieving a 97%-win rate on recompetes and 21%-win rate on new business. Regionally, the U.S. represents the largest share of the pipeline at $234.3 million, with notable growth in Australia ($20 million) and the U.K. ($10.3 million). As part of our long-term strategy to strengthen organizational resilience, Fedcap has been rebalancing its revenue portfolio. In the first half, 14% of total revenue was derived from fee-for-service programs. Based on the growth trajectory of existing initiatives and pipeline performance, Fedcap anticipates that fee-for-service contracts will increase to 2025% of revenue by the end of FY2025, positioning the organization for greater stability and adaptability in the face of economic and policy shifts. Outlook "Looking ahead to the remainder of fiscal 2025 and beyond, our strategic investments position The Fedcap Group to deliver positive results, as we continue to navigate the current political and economic environment. We executed well in the first half of 2025, our pipeline of new business opportunities remains diverse and robust, and we continue to innovate across our portfolio of services. "As we enter the second half of the fiscal year, we remain focused on extending our impact, while ensuring long-term sustainability. Through continued organic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and an unwavering commitment to our mission, The Fedcap Group is well-positioned to navigate today's dynamic business conditions and deliver lasting outcomes for individuals and communities across our global footprint," concluded McMahon. About The Fedcap Group For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society's most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group drives economic mobility through four practice areaseducation, workforce development, health, and economic development. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system changeworking in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered. For more information visit www.fedcapgroup.org. Contact : Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, ([email protected]) The Fedcap Group Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As of March 31 2025 2024 Unaudited Unaudited ASSETS Cash and short term investments $ 35,364,723 $ 27,532,603 Accounts Receivable (net) 60,917,192 71,015,737 Restricted Current Assets 2,677,161 2,772,958 Inventories (net) 717,348 431,609 Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 12,671,157 3,679,193 Total Current Assets $ 112,347,581 $ 105,432,100 Fixed Assets (net) 82,976,775 149,546,296 Operating Lease ROU Assets 80,924,777 92,666,217 ROU Finance Assets 66,321,742 - Restricted Assets 38,956,789 41,586,051 Beneficial Remainder Trust 5,472,094 5,243,759 Other Assets 2,153,408 15,487,547 Total Assets $ 389,153,166 $ 409,961,971 Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities $ 38,486,787 $ 39,028,546 Notes Payable 2,353,893 1,219,854 Advance from Government Agency 40,206 - Financing Lease Liabilities 2,135,202 1,384,407 ROU Liabilities 12,038,214 10,280,139 Other Current Liabilities 12,458,593 11,976,185 Total Current Liabilities 67,512,895 63,889,131 Long Term Debt $ 105,129,499 $ 102,262,471 ROU Liabilities 76,047,382 89,158,740 Line of Credit 31,295,633 40,651,429 Other Liabilities 10,033,039 15,451,907 Total Liabilities 290,018,448 311,413,678 Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions $ 47,565,585 $ 43,202,216 With Donor Restrictions 51,569,132 55,346,077 Total Net Assets $ 99,134,718 $ 98,548,293 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $ 389,153,166 $ 409,961,971 Current Ratio 1.66 1.65 A/R Turnover Ratio 6.18 5.17 A/R Average Days Outstanding 59 71 Consolidated Statement of Activities for the period ended March 31, 2025 & 2024 2025 2024 Unaudited Unaudited REVENUE $ 188,213,635 $ 183,453,743 EXPENSES Salaries and benefits $ 102,197,496 $ 96,035,362 Occupancy 15,758,378 16,031,407 Subcontractors 15,234,487 16,920,855 Depreciation and amortization 4,176,655 4,122,298 Interest expense 2,938,325 3,124,578 Other expense 47,627,710 45,111,455 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 187,933,051 $ 181,345,955 OPER PROFIT/(LOSS) $ 280,584 $ 2,107,788 Operating Ratios Net operating ratio 0.15 % 1.15 % Program Expense Ratio 88 % 88 % Personnel cost ratio 54 % 53 % SOURCE The FedCap Group TAIYUAN, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Produced by Shanxi International Communication Center On the fertile land of Shanxi, where the essence of Chinese civilization thrives, lie the most magnificent codes of ancient Chinese architecture. From the towering Buddhist temples to the exquisite folk residences; from the upturned eaves to the carved beams and painted rafters, every ancient building stands as a museum, with each brick and tile etched with the warmth of craftsmanship. Every approach and exploration is a dialogue with history. Ambassadors for Ancient Architecture | "Friends Reunion" The micro-documentary Ambassadors for Ancient Architecture, produced by the Shanxi International Communication Center, has officially been launched! Comprising 5 episodes, the series adopts a unique humanistic perspective to delve into the depths of time and connect with the soul of ancient architecture. Six "ambassadors for ancient architecture" engage in a dialogue spanning a thousand years, recommending Chinese ancient architecture to the world. For more information, please click the following links: Ep2 I'm opening a mystery box in Zezhou https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924312307821408453?t=TbMLE6T-DLHm1pE1aZvkjw&s=19 Ep3 Whispers of Time in Paintings https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924324692955128227?t=clO37-dYCmLQh0hVk93USA&s=19 Ep4 Treasures Sealed by Time https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924327999698313656?t=ZGZuzIeSJU36nDqNFQ-zGw&s=19 Ep5 My Jinci, My Home https://x.com/ShanxiTimes/status/1924330772372308369?t=pjWf_ZGuQHP5UVCXBLgVJw&s=19 SOURCE Shanxi International Communication Center(SHICC) BEACHWOOD, Ohio, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trailhead Biosystems Inc. (TrailBio.com), a biotechnology company pioneering the creation of iPSC-derived human cells at scale for drug discovery and cell therapy, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Llewellyn, PhD, MBA as its new Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Llewellyn succeeds Jan Jensen, PhD, who has led the company as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer since its founding. Dr. Jensen will continue with Trailhead Biosystems as Chief Scientific Officer and Board member. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Llewellyn to the company," said Michael Kaufman, Chairman of the Board of Trailhead Biosystems. "David brings with him over 20 years of experience commercializing life science products. His strong scientific and business acumen will be invaluable as Trailhead continues to innovate and expand." Dr. Jensen reflected on the transition, stating, "Trailhead Biosystems has reached an exciting inflection point, and bringing David Llewellyn on to the executive team marks the start of an ambitious new chapter. His expertise in life sciences and business strategy makes him the right leader to propel us onward, and I look forward to working alongside him to accelerate the commercialization of our groundbreaking technologies." Dr. Llewellyn began his career at MethylGene Inc. as a Medicinal Chemist where he developed a wide range of novel DNA methyltransferase inhibitors to treat cancer. He later joined Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, where he was involved in a variety of different activities including business development, financing and operations. Most recently, Dr. Llewellyn worked with STEMCELL Technologies Inc., where he held several top executive roles including Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Chief Commercial Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. David holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Northern British Columbia, a PhD in Organic Chemistry from McGill University, and an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of British Columbia. "I am honored to step into the role of CEO and join the Board of Trailhead Biosystems," said Dr. Llewellyn. "Trailhead's proprietary High-Dimensional Design-of-Experiments Technology (HD-DoE) is a groundbreaking approach for making differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells, and there is no question that it's going to play an important role advancing stem cell research." Trailhead Biosystems is dedicated to revolutionizing medical research and the field of regenerative medicine by developing specialized, high-quality iPSC-derived human cells for drug discovery and cell-based therapies. Under Dr. Llewellyn's leadership, Trailhead plans to expand on its mission of advancing healthcare through scientific innovation with a strong commitment to commercial and scientific excellence. For more information, please contact: Tim Mauk, Corporate Communications Trailhead Biosystems Email: [email protected] SOURCE Trailhead Biosystems Inc CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Two multi-million-dollar verdicts obtained by Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard attorneys have been ranked among the Top 5 verdicts of the year in Top Verdict's "Top 10 Personal Injury Verdicts in Illinois in 2024." In December 2024, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard attorneys Patrick A. Salvi II, Lance D. Northcutt, Aaron D. Boeder, and Eirene N. Salvi won a $79.85 million jury verdict on behalf of the family of a 10-year-old girl who was killed following an unauthorized police pursuit in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood in 2020. The verdict is the highest reported Illinois verdict for a police pursuit crash. It was ranked #3 in Top Verdict's "Top 10 Personal Injury Verdicts in Illinois in 2024." The 4th Top Verdict of the year was a $75.8 million jury verdict obtained on behalf of a young girl who suffered a brain injury and severe physical injuries at birth due to medical negligence. During the February 2024 trial in Cook County Circuit Court, the Plaintiffs alleged obstetricians negligently sought to turn the baby girl when there was no indication to do so and that excessive force was applied during delivery. The Plaintiff was represented at trial by Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard attorneys Matthew L. Williams, Patrick A. Salvi II, and Heidi L. Wickstrom. Please click here to view the full list of Top Verdict's "Top 10 Top Verdicts in Illinois in 2024." In addition, a $12.2 million jury verdict obtained by Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard attorneys Brian L. Salvi, Rob L. Kohen and Emily T. Art was ranked in the Top 20 for 2024 Illinois Verdicts. The verdict was won on behalf of a truck driver who was significantly injured in a 2018 crash on I-70. The verdict was the first-ever plaintiff's verdict on record in Fayette County, Illinois. Top Verdict is an online journal that features lists comprised of the largest nationwide financial recoveries attained by law firms for their clients. To view the full list of Top Verdicts and Settlements from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, please click here. Send to: - Website - Social Media - Cision SOURCE Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TXNM Energy (NYSE: TXNM) announces Henry Monroy as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Monroy succeeds outgoing CFO Lisa Eden, who announced her retirement late last year after 21 years with the company. Monroy, 46, joined the company in 2003 and has most recently served as Vice President of PNM Regulatory. He has an extensive background in accounting and finance, having previously served as the company's Vice President and Corporate Controller from 2020 until 2023, as well numerous leadership positions with the company's accounting, revenue and budget functions. Monroy graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Mexico. Background: TXNM Energy (NYSE: TXNM), an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, delivers energy to more than 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM. For more information, visit the company's website at www.TXNMEnergy.com. Contacts: Analysts Media Lisa Goodman Corporate Communications (505) 241-2160 (505) 241-2743 Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Statements made in this news release for TXNM Energy, Inc. ("TXNM"), Public Service Company of New Mexico ("PNM"), or Texas-New Mexico Power Company ("TNMP") (collectively, the "Company") that relate to future events or expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies, including the unaudited financial results and earnings guidance, are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates and apply only as of the date of this report. TXNM, PNM, and TNMP assume no obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, TXNM, PNM, and TNMP caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. TXNM's, PNM's, and TNMP's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond their control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q filings and the information included in the Company's Forms 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein. SOURCE TXNM Energy, Inc. Partnership brings groundbreaking data analysis, synthetic data generation, and turnkey transformation capabilities to meet Canada's evolving healthcare needs TORONTO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MDClone, a global leader in healthcare data technology, has selected Tectonic as its Canadian advisory firm to help guide its work with public and private sector healthcare organizations. Tectonic, one of Canada's top healthcare market advisory firms specializing in strategy, research, and optimization between public agencies and industryis pleased to welcome MDClone as a client. Together, they are launching a strategic partnership to deliver transformative data capabilities to health systems, researchers, and payers across Canada. This collaboration addresses one of the most pressing challenges in Canadian healthcare: enabling responsible, agile, and effective use of health data while improving outcomes, reducing costs, and meeting strict privacy standards. As MDClone's Canadian advisory firm, Tectonic is supporting the strategy and implementation of these capabilities across public and private sector partners, helping ensure that advanced data tools are aligned with local needs, policies, and innovation goals. "The Canadian healthcare system is at a crossroads where the right data strategies can significantly impact care quality, efficiency, and innovation," said Glenn Lanteigne, President & CEO of Tectonic. "MDClone's platform uniquely enables providers to explore and act on data in a privacy-safe, real-time environment. We're proud to bring these next-generation capabilities to health systems nationwide." Meeting Canada's Distinctive Healthcare Challenges Canada's payer structure, focus on privacy, and shift toward outcomes-based care demand solutions that go beyond static dashboards. The MDClone ADAMS Platformused to explore, analyze, and take measurable action with dataand the ADAMS Center, a proven model for turning insights into real-world improvements, together with MDClone's synthetic data suite, offer practical, action-oriented approaches aligned with these priorities. Researchers benefit from privacy-preserving synthetic data to accelerate hypothesis testing, educational programs, and interprovincial collaborationfully compliant with PHIPA and PIPEDA, ensuring responsible handling of personal health information (PHI). benefit from privacy-preserving synthetic data to accelerate hypothesis testing, educational programs, and interprovincial collaborationfully compliant with PHIPA and PIPEDA, ensuring responsible handling of personal health information (PHI). Clinicians and system leaders gain self-service tools and structured frameworks to turn data into frontline impact. gain self-service tools and structured frameworks to turn data into frontline impact. Administrators are equipped with governance and change management capabilities to evaluate and scale what works. are equipped with governance and change management capabilities to evaluate and scale what works. Payers, insurers, and benefits providers can explore emerging care models and refine risk segmentation using both real and synthetic datasets. can explore emerging care models and refine risk segmentation using both real and synthetic datasets. Innovators, tech developers, and life sciences organizations can build and test AI models and uncover insights using synthetic data. Built for Privacy, Built for Change MDClone is already making an impact in Canada, with its platform deployed at leading institutions including The Ottawa Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, and Jewish General Hospital. These organizations are using the platform to support Quintuple Aim-aligned initiatives, accelerate innovative partnerships through secure, self-service data access and advance clinician-led initiatives in areas such as women's health, chronic disease management, oncology treatment plans, and clinician burnout. "At MDClone, we're proud to support our Canadian partners in using data to meaningfully improve patient health and system performance," said Bruno Lempernesse, CEO of MDClone. "The work happening across Canada will become a global model on how dataused responsibly and collaborativelycan be a springboard for bold innovation and smarter decision-making at every level." See It in Action at eHealth Discover how Canadian institutions like The Ottawa Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, and Jewish General Hospital are turning data into better care, operational excellence, and system-wide innovation. Visit MDClone at the eHealth Conference, Westin Harbour Castle Toronto on June 1-3, 2025 to explore how your organization can achieve measurable transformation. About Tectonic Tectonic is one of Canada's top healthcare advisory firms, operating at the intersection of strategy, research, and innovation. The firm advises governments, health systems, and technology companies across the country, supporting effective collaboration between public and private sector partners. Tectonic delivers insights and execution strategies that help healthcare organizations modernize infrastructure, improve patient outcomes, and drive systemic value. About MDClone MDClone is a global leader in healthcare data technology innovation, offering a suite of technologies for data analysis and synthetic data generation. Whether establishing learning health systems, turning ideas into actionable insights and measurable change, building AI models with synthetic data, or powering national data sharing networks, MDClone enables health systems, research organizations, government agencies and more to leverage data as an asset for improving patients' health. Founded in 2016, MDClone is trusted by leading public and private institutions throughout Canada, US, and across the globe. Media Contact: MDClone Grace Vinton, Amendola Communications 203-561-8935 [email protected] SOURCE MDClone NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a turbulent start to 2025, the US continues to stand as the world's foremost private wealth hub. Home to over six million high-net-worth individuals with investable wealth of USD 1 million or more, the country commands an extraordinary 34% of global liquid wealth and houses 37% of the world's millionaire population. And this wealth dominance extends across all brackets, with 36% of the world's centi-millionaires (those with USD +100 million) and 33% of its billionaires residing in the US, according to the USA Wealth Report 2025, published by international wealth and investment migration specialists Henley & Partners. While the US remains one of the top destinations for global wealth migration, an increasing number of affluent Americans are actively seeking alternative residence and citizenship options abroad. So far in 2025, US citizens account for over 30% of all investment migration applications submitted through Henley & Partners nearly double the combined total of the next five investor nationalities, which include Turkish, Indian, and, British. "We're seeing a new level of sophistication in how wealthy Americans manage and diversify their assets," says Basil Mohr-Elzeki, Managing Partner at Henley & Partners North America. "Pursuing alternative residences and citizenships is smart risk management. Investment migration offers a strategic 'Plan B', enhancing resilience, expanding opportunity, and securing legacy across borders." Benchmarking US wealth Over the past 10 years, the US has surged ahead in wealth generation. From 2014 to 2024, the country's millionaire population grew by 78%, slightly outpacing China's 74%, and significantly exceeding growth in other nations. Top of the W10 (the 10 wealthiest countries in the world when ranked by resident millionaires), America now boasts approximately 6,041,600 millionaires, 10,800 centi-millionaires, and over 850 billionaires. China follows with around 827,900 millionaires, 2,250 centi-millionaires, and about 280 billionaires, significantly trailing when it comes to private wealth numbers despite its rapid growth. In contrast, other major W10 economies have shown markedly slower growth. Germany's millionaire population increased by just 10% over the past decade, Japan's by 5%, and, notably, the UK's shrank by -9%, suggesting significant millionaire flight and economic stagnation. Australia (+30%), Switzerland (+28%), Canada (+26%), and Italy (+20%) performed better, although they all lag far behind the US in absolute millionaire numbers and wealth growth rates. Inside America's wealthiest cities The report highlights the continued dominance of traditional American wealth hubs alongside the rapid ascent of emerging urban centers. New York City remains the wealthiest in the US (and the world), with 384,500 millionaires, including 818 centi-millionaires and 66 billionaires. The Bay Area follows closely with 342,400 millionaires, including 756 centi-millionaires and the nation's highest concentration of billionaires at 82. Over the past decade, the Bay Area's millionaire population surged by 98% the highest wealth growth among America's Top 10 Wealthiest Cities. Scottsdale has emerged as the fastest growing wealth hub in the US by millionaire population, with a remarkable 125% increase between 2014 and 2024, primarily driven by its rapidly expanding tech sector. Commenting in the report, Prof. Peter J. Spiro, of Temple University Law School, observes that "as Donald Trump's second term unfolds with historic unpredictability, more Americans are confronting a stark reality: US citizenship alone no longer feels like a sufficient safeguard. Dual citizenship, once a luxury, is becoming the new American dream. In an era of rising uncertainty, many are seeking not just the right to stay, but the right to leave." Read the Full Press Release SOURCE Henley & Partners The partnership has already delivered tangible results. Proof-of-concept trials conducted at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track in Auburn, Alabama, in December 2024 and April 2025, validated the performance of asphalt produced without burning 95% of the fossil fuels typically required for the production of standard hot mix asphalt. This significant carbon reduction is complemented by a scalable, replicable model for engineered carbon removal. Verde's IP Model unlocks a new revenue stream through Carbon Removal Credits, offering both environmental and financial benefits, and providing companies with a pathway to offset their Scope emissions, thereby reducing costs. These trials confirmed not only the environmental benefits but also the economic viability of deploying the group's technology across all aspects of road construction and infrastructure, providing pavement durability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this partnership, Verde-C12 will share joint ownership of all solutions developed, tested, and piloted in the United States. "We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished with C12 in just seven months," said Jack Wong, CEO of Verde Resources. "Our successful proof-of-concept is a direct reflection of the vision we set out to achieve together. With C12's groundbreaking technology and Verde's commitment to sustainable infrastructure, we're poised to deliver transformative, common-sense solutions that will redefine our roads of the future, for the benefit of both the environment and the economy." Beyond improving road durability and cutting emissions, this collaboration enables carbon sequestration at scale while maximizing impact within existing budgets. The Verde-C12 IP has created a model for engineered carbon removal that stretches infrastructure budgets further, allowing governments to do more with the same taxpayer dollar. At the same time, the generated Carbon Removal Credits offer corporations a powerful tool to meet their sustainability targets while supporting next-generation infrastructure. In a world-first achievement, Verde successfully generated the first-ever biochar-based Carbon Removal Credits from asphalt in April 2025. These credits were certified by Puro.earth, the leading global standard for engineered carbon removal. This groundbreaking milestone, made only possible by C-Twelve's pioneering technology, represents a major leap forward in climate innovation. The credits were pre-purchased by one of the world's largest financial institutions, signaling strong market confidence in the technology's commercialization potential and its pivotal role in accelerating the global transition to Net Zero. "We're excited to take this next step with Verde and bring our years of R&D to market," said Jason Lee, CEO of C-Twelve. "This partnership affirms our shared vision and technical progress. With Verde's expertise and industry network in the U.S., we're ready to drive this innovation into widespread adoption and deliver measurable impact on both infrastructure and climate." Going green has long been viewed as a premium, but the VerdeC12 solution flips that narrative. With superior efficiency from end to end, it delivers tangible wins for the economy, meaningful savings for taxpayers, and lasting benefits for the environment. About Verde Resources Inc.: Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR) is a leader in sustainable infrastructure, specializing in innovative and cost-effective solutions to help the industry seamlessly #TransitionToZero. By integrating proprietary technologies with sustainable practices, Verde is at the forefront of creating low-carbon materials for infrastructure worldwide. About C-Twelve Pty Ltd: C-Twelve is an Australian-based company pioneering industrial-scale carbon sequestration technologies for road construction and infrastructure. Focused on integrating climate-smart innovations into everyday infrastructure, C-Twelve captures and stores carbon directly in asphalt pavements, delivering resilient roads and a more sustainable planet. SOURCE Verde Resources Inc. With meaningful participation from Rebuild Capital, the investment and newly appointed leadership positions VERO to accelerate product innovation, scale operations, and deepen market traction NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VERO the modern screening and leasing platform for owners and renterstoday announced a significant growth equity round co-led by Fifth Wall and Sunriver Capital Partners , with meaningful participation from Rebuild Capital . This strategic partnership brings together leading firms to distinctly bolster VERO's position in the market. The capital will enable the company to accelerate product development, enhance go-to-market initiatives, and solidify its role as the foundational layer within the modern property tech stack optimizing the owner and renter experience. This round follows VERO's $9M Series B, led by Fifth Wall, which closed in April 2023. "VERO sits at one of the most critical junctures in the renter journey right at the point where real, verifiable information enters the system. That moment isn't just about screening; it sets the stage for everything that follows, from insurance and deposit alternatives to the move-in experience," shared Magnus Vik , Co-President & Chief Operating Officer, Fifth Wall. "VERO isn't a point solution, it's the gateway to an entire ecosystem. We're thrilled to double down on our investment in VERO and look forward to supporting them as they continue redefining how the industry serves owners and renters." As VERO enters its next chapter, Travis Gibson has joined the company as Chief Technology Officer. An early engineer at Marqetathe global leader in modern card issuingGibson played a pivotal role in scaling the company's Digital Banking product suite through hypergrowth and IPO. He later founded Proper, a Y Combinator-backed FinTech startup, which was acquired by Intuit in March 2024. More recently, Gibson has been focused on helping public companies modernize their legacy tech stacks and elevate overall product performance. Gibson joins a seasoned leadership team that includes Jamey Rosamond , Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Sunriver, who now serves as Chief Executive Officer of VERO. Rosamond brings more than two decades of experience operating and investing in high-growth companies across the real estate tech, insuretech, and construction tech sectors. Prior to founding Sunriver, Rosamond served as Chief Operating Officer of RentPayment.com, leading the company through its acquisition by MRI Software, and before that as Chief Operating Officer of RadPad, which was acquired by Priority Technology Holdings. Rounding out the team is Jeff Cate , VERO's Chief Financial Officer, who brings deep expertise in finance and operations, having held senior roles at Appspace, Hayman Capital Management, and Atlas Capital. "With a proven track record of building and scaling category-defining financial products, leading high-performance engineering teams, and driving innovation across both startups and enterprise environments, Travis brings the vision and technical depth to accelerate VERO's next wave of product growth," stated Copley Broer , Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Sunriver. "This significant capital infusioncombined with a best-in-class leadership team and a robust pipelinepositions VERO to capitalize on its momentum and solidify its status as the category leader of choice for owner-operators." Lou Baugier VERO's founding Chief Executive Officerwill continue to support the company as a Senior Advisor, helping to guide its mission and long-term vision. Under Baugier's leadership, VERO evolved from an early-stage startup into a trusted partner to several of the top 10 property management companies in the U.S. His transition marks a natural evolution as the company enters its next phase of growth. Supporting this next chapter, VERO has strengthened its Board of Directors with the addition of Vik, Broer, and Jeremy Kaner , Founder and Managing Partner of Rebuild Capital. VERO's platform has become increasingly valuable to many of Fifth Wall's Limited Partners operating across the single-family and multifamily sectors. Kristy Simonette , Senior Vice President of Strategic Services and Chief Information Officer at Camden Property Trust, said, "As the industry moves past favorable cap rate dynamics, success now relies on execution and partnering with platforms that deliver measurable results. We constantly evaluate every partner based on ROI, and VERO stands out. It streamlines our leasing process, catches fraud early, and ensures we place the right residents in our apartment homes. It's essential in today's operating environment." VERO is a purpose-built platform designed to streamline residential leasing by mitigating risk, accelerating leasing velocity, and consolidating fragmented vendor relationships. In a market where owners and operators often rely on incomplete risk proxies, and applicants face outdated, invasive processes, VERO offers the modern, centralized solution that works for both sides of the lease. As the first and only platform to fully automate the verification of prior residency and applicant qualifications, VERO eliminates manual workflows while improving accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. By unifying every step of the leasing processfrom screening to signinginto one fraud-proof system, VERO helps increase net asset value, reduce risk, and deliver a faster, more transparent experience for both property teams and renters. Today, VERO is live across a rapidly growing footprint of properties, has flagged tens of thousands of fraudulent applications, and has screened hundreds of thousands of applications a testament to the accelerating demand for modern leasing infrastructure. About VERO VERO is the modern screening and leasing platform purpose-built for owners and renters. Acting as the foundational layer of the residential leasing stack, VERO helps operators reduce risk, increase velocity, and streamline workflows by consolidating fragmented tools into one centralized system. As the only platform to fully automate applicant and residency verification, VERO eliminates manual processes while improving compliance, accuracy, and fraud detection. By unifying the leasing journeyfrom screening to signingVERO delivers a faster, safer, and more transparent experience for property teams and renters alike. Learn more at sayvero.com . About Fifth Wall Founded in 2016, Fifth Wall, is the largest asset manager investing at the intersection of real estate and technology. With approximately $3B in commitments and capital under management, Fifth Wall is backed by a global mix of more than 110 strategic limited partners from 20-plus countries, including BNP Paribas Real Estate, British Land, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Hilton, Hines, Host Hotels and Resorts, Kimco Realty Corporation, Lennar, Marriott International, MetLife Investment Management, MGM Resorts, Related Companies, Starwood Capital, and Toll Brothers, amongst others. This consortium represents one of the largest groups of potential partners in the global built world ecosystem, resulting in transformational investments and collaboration with portfolio companies to improve efficiency and maximize returns. Founded in Los Angeles and headquartered in New York City, Fifth Wall's other offices include San Francisco, London and Singapore. For more about Fifth Wall, its Limited Partners and portfolio, please visit fifthwall.com . About Sunriver Capital Partners Sunriver Capital Partners bridges the gap between traditional venture capital and private equity. We provide growth capital to mid-stage technology companies with proven business models that may not fit conventional funding frameworks. Sunriver is deeply focused on the technologies that are changing traditional industries such as real estate, construction, and insurance, and our experienced internal operations team ensures that we bring more than just capital to our portfolio companies. Sunriver is based in Dallas. For more information, please visit sunrivercap.com . About Rebuild Capital Rebuild Capital is a special situations investment firm focused on Built World technology companies and takes a hybrid VC/PE approach to strategic investing across the real estate and construction technology landscapes. Rebuild Capital partners with our strategic LPs and deep bench of operating partners to provide portfolio companies with an ecosystem where they gain access to the guidance, relationships, customers and capital needed to succeed. Rebuild invests across the entire company lifecycle, from early-stage incubation to late-stage turnarounds, providing tailored capital solutions that match each portfolio company's unique growth trajectory and operational needs. For more information, please visit rebuildcapital.com . SOURCE VERO Recognized at the 2025 SFWSC and Agavos Awards, Volcan Blanco and Reposado Earn Rare, Authoritative 'Double-Double-Gold' Status JALISCO, Mexico, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Call it "Quadruple-Double-Gold." An authoritative double-blind tasting by the world's most distinguished spirits critics has resulted in double the awards of Double Gold for Tequila's fastest-rising benchmark luxury brand. Has the golden age of Volcan de mi Tierra dawned? Volcan de mi Tierra, the family-owned luxury tequila brand founded as a joint venture between Mexico's esteemed Gallardo family and global luxury leader Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), is proud to announce its recent wins of Double Gold for both its Blanco and Reposado expressions at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). But the accolades and awards don't end there, as the brand took home bonafide Double Gold wins at the Agavos Awards. As the most prestigious and influential competition in the industry, the SFWSC's Double Gold designation requires a unanimous vote from all judges and in 2025 Volcan earned this distinction twice, from over 60 expert palates. With this achievement, Volcan is one of the only tequila brands this year to receive Double Gold for two separate expressions, once again proving that exceptional quality isn't an anomaly, it's the standard. The recent, monumental wins continue a remarkable streak for Volcan de mi Tierra: 2023: Volcan X.A. earns Double Gold and is named Best Overall Tequila at the NY Tasting Alliance Competition 2024: X.A. follows up with Double Gold at both the San Francisco and New York competitions and competitions 2025: Blanco and Reposado both receive Double Gold at SFWSC and Reposado both receive Double Gold at SFWSC 2025: Blanco and Reposado are also awarded Double Gold at the Agavos Awards, reaffirming their quality across multiple judging panels And while the full results of this year's competition for SFWSC will be unveiled at the gala in November, Volcan Blanco has already been shortlisted for Best-in-Class, a nomination that places it among the absolute best tequilas in the world. To receive unanimous Double Golds in a single year, from different competitions and for two core expressions, speaks to a level of craftsmanship and control rarely seen in the category. It's not luck. It's not hype. It's the result of years of disciplined production, precision in every process, and a relentless commitment to believing tequila should taste like tequila. These honors are a reflection of what's been carefully built at NOM 1523, Volcan's dedicated distillery where the team maintains complete oversight from agave to bottle without shortcuts, additives, or compromises. "Our mission from day one was to craft a tequila house that reflects the soul of Mexico: authentic, elegant, and real," said Santiago Cortina Gallardo, CEO and Co-Founder of Volcan de mi Tierra. "To earn this kind of recognition across multiple expressions, multiple years, and multiple judging panels is a powerful reminder that consistency and authenticity still matter." As the conversation in the tequila category increasingly turns to transparency, production integrity, and long-term quality, Volcan continues to lead by example with the awards, and the liquid, to prove it. And the best is yet to come. Press Contact James Masello | Overton & Associates [email protected] +1 (847) 987-3306 About Volcan de mi Tierra Volcan de mi Tierra represents more than 250 years of passion and entrepreneurship, combining generations of the Gallardo family's deep roots in Mexico since 1774 with Moet Hennessy's luxury savoir-faire. Volcan de mi Tierra has its own distillery NOM 1523, located at the foot of the volcano named Tequila and houses a unique manufacturing technique to uncompromisingly craft luxury tequila. For more information, visit volcan.com About Agavos Awards The Agavos Awards is a premier international competition dedicated exclusively to agave-based spirits, including tequila, mezcal, raicilla, bacanora, and agave-based RTDs. Founded in 2025 by the creators of Tequila Matchmaker, the awards celebrate excellence across taste, design, and innovation. All entries are purchased at retail and judged blind by seasoned agave experts to ensure fairness and transparency. Winners are recognized across multiple categories and featured on the Tequila Matchmaker platform. For more, visit agavosawards.com. About San Francisco World Spirits Competition The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), founded in 2000, is one of the most prestigious and influential spirits competitions globally. Organized by The Tasting Alliance, SFWSC sets the industry standard for excellence, recognizing both globally renowned distilleries and emerging small-batch producers. Entries are evaluated through a rigorous blind tasting process by a panel of esteemed judges, ensuring impartiality and integrity. Medal winners gain widespread recognition and respect within the industry. For more information, visit thetastingalliance.com . SOURCE Volcan de mi Tierra Employee ownership, mission to build the "next generation of leaders," and a results-driven culture distinguish West Monroe from larger competitors CHICAGO, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- West Monroe, a global business and technology consulting firm, has been named to Great Place To Work's inaugural "Decade of Great" list, joining just 143 companies nationwide. The designation recognizes organizations that have been Great Place To Work Certified for 10 consecutive years, based on employee feedback about trust, culture, and workplace experience. According to Great Place To Work's most recent survey, 91% of West Monroe employees say they feel welcome when they join the firm, and 92% say people genuinely care about each other. Certification is determined solely by employee responses to an independent third-party survey, not by self-nomination. West Monroe's inclusion on the list reflects a decade of consistent investment in building an environment where people can grow, contribute, and thriveespecially as the nature of work evolved dramatically, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, and the rapid acceleration of AI. This investment leads to: Career growth opportunities: 93% of employees say they are trusted with significant responsibility and supported with resources to advance their careers. 93% of employees say they are trusted with significant responsibility and supported with resources to advance their careers. Flexibility and support: 90% of employees agree they can take time off when necessary, reflecting a strong focus on work-life blend and well-being. 90% of employees agree they can take time off when necessary, reflecting a strong focus on work-life blend and well-being. Recognition of impact: 71% of employees say their work has a meaningful impact, reinforcing a culture where client and employee success are aligned. "Achieving this recognition is a testament to the culture our people have built and sustained," said Kevin McCarty, Chairman and CEO of West Monroe since 2014. "Our focus has been on creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to innovate and grow their careers, collaborate meaningfully, and deliver real-world impact." West Monroe has maintained a strong workplace culture through a period marked by great expansion and change. During the last decade, the firm has acquired 10 companies, added several new verticals and service capabilities, and opened many new offices, including international locations in London and Costa Rica. The firm's commitment to building the next generation of leaders shapes its approach to employee ownership, transparent career paths, and continuous investment in learning and development. West Monroe stands out in the consulting industry for its no-nonsense, hands-on approach to helping clients achieve fast, measurable results. That same approach carries through to how the firm invests in its peopleempowering them to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and make a lasting impact. "Great Place To Work Certification benchmarks the exceptional workplace that West Monroe has built, highlighting their trust-based leadership and commitment to employee growth and well-being," said Paul Wolcott, President of Great Place To Work. "Achieving 10 consecutive years of certification places West Monroe among an elite group that consistently delivers strong outcomes for employees and clients alike." As demand grows for mid-sized consultancies that drive real ROI through technology, West Monroe is adding team members to meet market needs. The firm is actively hiring in several high-demand areas, including platforms, financial management, energy & utilities, and data & AI. To learn more about open roles and what makes West Monroe a different kind of consulting firm, visit www.westmonroe.com/careers. About West Monroe West Monroe is a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating value for our clients. We co-create solutions that accelerate results now and prepare industries to tackle what's next. We're excited by the possibilities that technology creates. We work with our clients to deliver on the possible, building on their goals, generating fresh insights and creating inspiring outcomes. We excel at the intersection of industry, strategy, people and technologyalways driving rapid impact. Our all-in approach comes from our unique employee ownership structure. Our clients' success is our success. From the beginning, our growth has come from putting people at the center. Fortune and USA Today consistently celebrate West Monroe as a top workplace, and we're recognized as a leading consultancy by Forbes. Let's find more value for your business. Share our passion at westmonroe.com Media Inquiries Christina Galoozis Director, Communications & Public Relations [email protected] 847-302-1762 Shira Cohen Manager, Public Relations [email protected] 443-841-6879 SOURCE West Monroe WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Voters living in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) on May 3 overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favor of a sales tax measure that promises to fund the operation and improvement of fire and emergency services in the county, now and into the future. The Commissioners of Williamson County ESD9 (From left to right: David Glenn, Mike Garcia, RP Punukollu, Susan Perry, Pavel Olchovik, Alan Forster) "The support for this measure is a testament to the importance that those living in our community place on the services we support and coordinate," said Michael Garcia, President of the Williamson County ESD9 Board of Commissioners. "What this vote represents is an investment in the future of crucial services in the ESD9 area. "Especially as Williamson County continues to grow and thrive, the importance of maintaining and upgrading these services cannot be overstated." The sales tax measure authorizes ESD9 to receive up to 2% in local sales and use tax in all areas in which the rate had not already been set at the state maximum of 8.25%. The revenue from this measure will go directly to the strategic planning of fire and emergency services in the area, the purchase and maintenance of cutting-edge equipment, and the proactive training of fire and emergency personnel empowering these responders with the resources they need so that residents receive the highest level of fire protection. ESD9 Commissioner Alan Forster noted that the Board is grateful for the support and partnership it has received from other community leaders within Williamson County. "The ability of ESD9 to serve this county's residents to the fullest extent relies, in large part, on the strength of the partnerships we enjoy," Forster said. "We would like to extend special thanks to the Williamson County Commissioners in particular Commissioners Valerie Covey and Terry Cook for their support and partnership. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan and Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle, as well as to Senior Director of Emergency Services Bill Zito. "We look forward to continuing to work with Williamson County's leaders with the goal of protecting our community, now and in the future," Forster said. About Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9: Williamson County ESD No. 9 provides emergency response and fire protection services to the residents and businesses of Williamson County. The district prioritizes readiness, innovation, and community safety across all areas of operation. SOURCE Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XREAL today announced a strategic partnership with Google to expand the ecosystem of spatial computing devices built on Android XR. As part of this collaboration, XREAL unveiled Project Aura at the Google I/O developer conference XREAL's next-generation extended reality (XR) device designed specifically for the Android XR platform. "We believe this is a breakthrough moment for real-world XR," said Chi Xu, Co-founder and CEO of XREAL. Post this Introducing Project Aura -- XREALs next-generation extended reality device designed specifically for the Android XR platform Project Aura is the second official device announced for Android XR and marks a major milestone for the platform: the introduction of an optical see-through (OST) XR device. A lightweight and tethered, cinematic, and Gemini AI-powered device, Project Aura brings a large field-of-view experience to the Android XR family setting a new standard for immersive, wearable computing. This collaboration also includes Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., bringing together leading innovation across hardware, silicon, and software to build the next wave of XR experiences. Project Aura uses XREAL's proven track record in lightweight XR hardware, the Android XR software stack, and Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon XR chipsets optimized for spatial computing. "Google is thrilled to welcome XREAL to the Android XR family and to build great XR experiences on Project Aura," said Shahram Izadi, General Manager and Vice President of XR at Google. "Android XR is the first Android platform built in the Gemini era, and it will support a rich ecosystem of immersive devices, both Virtual see-through (VST) and Optical see-through (OST). By combining our platform with XREAL's leadership in portable XR hardware, we're expanding spatial experiences to OST form-factors that are truly intuitive and accessible, representing a pivotal moment in our ecosystem." "At XREAL, we've always pushed the boundaries of what XR hardware can do combining performance, comfort, and design into something people can wear every day," said Chi Xu, Co-founder and CEO of XREAL. "Partnering with Google on Android XR takes this vision to the next level. Project Aura reflects the power of this collaboration merging a robust platform with advanced chipsets and our expertise in optical systems. We believe this is a breakthrough moment for real-world XR." "Qualcomm Technologies is excited to have Snapdragon play a significant role in XREAL's new Android XR solution," said Ziad Asghar, Senior Vice President and General Manager of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the expansion of the Android XR ecosystem. Working with XREAL, Snapdragon allows amazing immersive experiences to come to life in a unique optical see-through product. We are thrilled to see immersive experiences coming to more verticals opening up new possibilities for both consumers and developers." The unveiling of Project Aura marks a call-to-action for developers. XREAL, Google, and Qualcomm Technologies invite the developer community to begin envisioning new applications and use cases for this next generation of XR. Developers already building for headsets on the platform will be able to easily bring their apps to Project Aura. While Project Aura makes its public debut today, further details will be announced at Augmented World Expo (AWE) in June 2025, and later this year. To learn more about Project Aura and stay updated, please visit: xreal.com/aura. About XREAL XREAL is a global leader in augmented reality, creating lightweight AR glasses and spatial computing platforms that blend the digital and physical worlds. Known for its XREAL Air series and Nebula interface, the company is expanding into enterprise and AI-powered experiences backed by collaborations with Google, Qualcomm Technologies, and a global developer ecosystem. For Media Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. SOURCE XREAL CHANGSHA, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion"; 1157.HK) has wrapped up a blockbuster exhibition at the 4th Changsha International Construction Equipment Exhibition (CICEE 2025) which was held from May 15 to 18 in Changsha, China. Zoomlion delivers the ZAT40000H, the worlds largest 4,000-ton all-terrain crane, at CICEE 2025 At CICEE 2025, Zoomlion showcased over 100 units of advanced equipment from nine major product categories including hoisting, concrete, earthmoving, mining, aerial work, emergency equipment and more as well as groundbreaking solutions, leading the industry to a new peak of high-end, intelligent and green development. Zoomlion Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin attended multiple high-level activities during the exhibition and accompanied a delegation of African envoys to China to tour the company's exhibition zone, where he introduced the company's technological breakthroughs in high-end, intelligent, and sustainable development. As the CICEE 2025 opened, Zoomlion celebrated the delivery of three units of the 4,000-ton ZAT40000H, the world's largest tonnage all-terrain crane, which is Zoomlion's record-breaking benchmark creation leading the industry sector into a new era of mega tonnage. It's widely recognized in the market for strong lifting performance, flexible driving and site transfer, convenient and efficient operation, and addressing the exact pain points of wind turbine installation and construction. On May 17, Zoomlion also unveiled another world record - the world's tallest 216-meter wind energy luffing tower crane LW2800A-200NA, specially developed for ultra-height wind power projects. With outstanding lifting capability, low site requirements, high efficiency, strong wind resistance, and ease of transport and dismantling, the crane is well suited to diverse terrains, including farmlands, hills, swamps, and plateaus. Zoomlion also hosted a new product launch event for its intelligent mining machinery portfolio, revealing 23 models including mining excavators, mining trucks, loaders, bulldozers and crushing and screening equipment as well as 15 premium large-scale, electrified, unmanned mining products, all developed in response to the industry's growing demand for large-scale and high-efficiency mining machinery. Key products include the world's largest 300-ton hybrid electric dump truck, the industry-leading 400-ton super-large mining hydraulic excavator ZE4000G, and the world's first 100-ton mining wide-body dump truck. Zoomlion's equipment is widely used in construction projects worldwide, delivering stable performance and adaptability in challenging environments such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, and marine conditions. Looking ahead, the Company aims to accelerate the development of smarter, greener infrastructure across global markets. SOURCE Zoomlion 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 Washington, May 20 : US President Donald Trump said that Russia and Ukraine will begin ceasefire negotiations and that the Vatican has offered to host them. Trump's announcement came after a two-hour-long phone call with President Vladimir Putin. He conveyed details of the conversation to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in a separate call and to other European leaders. "Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote in a long post on Truth Social, his social media platform. Russia-Ukraine talks have taken place in fits and bursts amidst efforts by the American president to end the three-year war. Negotiations between the two sides were to take place directly between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey last week, but the Russian leader did not show up. Trump, who was on a West Asia tour at the time, had indicated he might go over but did not. The conditions for the ceasefire will be "negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know the details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn't, I would say so now, rather than later", Trump said further. "Russia wants to do large-scale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic 'bloodbath' is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately," he added. Trump noted in the post that he had "informed" President Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, and President Alexander Stubb of Finland. Finally, he said, "The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!" United Nations, May 20 : The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, welcomed the temporary lifting of an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza by Israel, but cautioned that the amount of aid into Gaza is too little. "It is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. "Significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting Tuesday morning." He said the United Nations was assured the operation would be through existing, proven mechanisms that should remain in place, Xinhua news agency reported. "I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel's agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation," he said. "I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimised." Israel in the past has criticized the UN distribution operation in Gaza, saying it allows Hamas to take control of some aid for its use, which the United Nations denies while admitting looting does occur, whether by armed men or hungry civilians. "To reduce looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes," Fletcher said of aid distribution in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the United States and approved by Israel, reportedly plans to take over aid distribution, blocking the UN operation. This prompted Fletcher to point out that the world body's operation is the only way to supply Gazans: "The UN has a clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale." Pointing out the risk aid workers face in resuming aid distribution during a spike in Israel's military offensive, the relief chief said that with bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant. "It is our job to do everything we can to deliver, even against these odds," he said. "I am grateful to our humanitarian colleagues for their immense courage and dedication. They are the best of humanity." Fletcher said the limited quantities of aid Israel is allowing into Gaza are no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in dire need. He said an initial nine truckloads of aid were allowed to pass from Israel into a Gaza checkpoint at the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, at a regular briefing, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters that by nightfall in Gaza, the truck's payload had not been cleared for distribution by UN aid workers. London, May 20 : Britain and the European Union (EU) reached a wide-ranging agreement, which is expected to generate nearly 9 billion pounds (about $12.02 billion) for the British economy by 2040, Downing Street announced. The deal was unveiled ahead of the first-ever UK-EU summit held in London, a meeting hailed by both sides as a "historic moment." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a "new chapter" in the relationship, as the two sides seek to reset ties after years of post-Brexit friction. Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the summit brought together von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. All three praised the deal as a major step forward during a joint press conference, Xinhua news agency reported. One major highlight is a youth mobility scheme, described by Downing Street as "capped and time-limited," and modeled on similar agreements with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The UK and EU will also work toward restoring British participation in the Erasmus+ academic exchange program, from which the UK withdrew during the current 2021-2027 cycle. Von der Leyen stressed that the mobility initiative will help rebuild long-term academic and cultural connections between European and British youth. The agreement also includes a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal aimed at easing trade in food and agricultural goods. It will eliminate many routine checks on animal and plant products, cutting costs, reducing red tape, and reopening EU markets to British exports such as burgers and shellfish. It will also streamline goods movement between Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. "This deal slashes red tape for exporters and will bring down food prices in British supermarkets," Starmer said. "It directly impacts working people across the country." In the fisheries sector, Britain and the EU agreed to a 12-year framework that preserves British access to EU waters and maintains current quotas for EU vessels. The British government will invest 360 million pounds to modernise its fleet and upgrade technology. "Under the old arrangement, we moved to year-by-year negotiations, which brought instability," Starmer said. "This new deal offers predictability. Over 70 per cent of our seafood is sold to the EU, so reducing red tape makes a material difference." The agreement also lays the groundwork for defence and security cooperation, including a framework for UK participation in the EU's SAFE defence program, which supports joint military procurement. Further negotiations will address financial contributions and supply chain arrangements. British holidaymakers also stand to benefit. The deal will expand access to Europol data and enhance cooperation on biometric and vehicle information. British travelers will once again be able to use eGates at EU border controls, streamlining passport checks. Despite broad support, the agreement has also faced criticism. Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to reverse it if her party returns to power, while Reform UK's Nigel Farage called the move a "surrender" to Brussels. Fisheries groups also voiced discontent. The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations said the deal "gives away the best card we still had," benefiting large exporters and supermarkets more than independent fishers. Still, analysts viewed the agreement as a pragmatic step forward. "Fishing is a tiny part of the British economy, but critics will latch onto it as symbolic," said Iain Begg, a European politics expert at the London School of Economics and Political Science. "However, reducing barriers to UK exports carries much greater economic weight -- especially for defence contractors who could benefit from EU military procurement." On the mobility deal, Begg noted that relaxed passport controls will be welcomed by many Brits, especially as the holiday season approaches. While some critics view the deal as a British retreat, others argue it signals a more mature phase in UK-EU relations. "If you frame this as winners and losers, you miss the bigger picture," said Steve Nolan, senior economics lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, who sees the move as a mutual recognition that "we are close neighbors and strategic partners." In a fragmented world, this is a sign that "grown-up negotiation is back on the table," he added. No timeline has been set for the agreement's full implementation, but Starmer said remaining negotiations would continue "with the same pace and intensity." (1 British pound = $1.34) New Delhi, May 20 : The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on Tuesday. A bench led by Chief Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai will deliberate on whether the implementation of the amended law should be stayed pending a final decision on the matter. The focus of the hearing will be on granting interim relief to the petitioners, with arguments from all sides scheduled to be presented before the Court rules on the stay. The central government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, has already assured the Court that the contentious provisions of the Act will not be enforced until further notice. After the apex court hinted at passing a stay order, the Union government had assured the top court that it would not de-notify provisions related to 'Waqf by user' or include non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board. In the previous hearing, held under the then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the apex court had identified three core issues for consideration: the process of de-notifying Waqf properties, whether by usage or deed, the potential inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf institutions, and the classification of government land as Waqf property. The Court had granted a week to the Centre and state governments and the Waqf Boards to file their preliminary reply. It decided to treat five writ petitions as lead cases. It said that other pleas will be treated as intervention applications, apart from ordering the registry to rename the cause titles of the proceedings as "In Re: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025". Petitioners have contended that the amended Act is discriminatory and infringes upon the fundamental rights of the Muslim community. Conversely, six BJP ruled states have backed the central government, supporting the amendments as constitutionally valid and necessary. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after it was passed in both Houses of Parliament following intense debate. The Centre, in its preliminary affidavit, has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions, arguing that the Act does not infringe upon constitutional guarantees. United Nations, May 20 : Supporters of the Awami League held a demonstration on Monday outside the UN headquarters against the ban on the party in Bangladesh and demanded that the world organisation ensure that democracy is restored. Siddique Rahman, the president of the USA Awami League, said, "The illegal government of Muhammad Yunus has banned the Awami League, which is the legally elected party". If the elections are to be held in the inclusive manner that the UN wants, the ban should be lifted, and the League should be allowed to participate in it, he said. The UN should ensure that democracy is restored, he added. Yunus may have received the Nobel Prize, but he is now a dictator running an unelected regime that overthrew the legitimate government, Rahman added. About 75 people drawn from the USA Awami League, Committee for Democratic Bangladesh, Congress of Bangladeshi Americans, and the America Bangladesh Community Development Initiative joined the protest. Speakers at the protest said that the US should demand that democracy be restored to Bangladesh. The interim government, headed by Yunus, which took power amid riots and protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, banned the Awami League under the Anti-terrorism Act. Last week, the Bangladesh Election Commission suspended the party's registration, making it ineligible to contest elections. Bangladesh has not set a date for elections. Prodip Kar, an organiser of the protest, said they had given a memorandum to the UN with their demands. He said that Sheikh Hasina remains the prime minister legally and that Yunus took power with the help of "the Jamaat-e-Islami and terrorists". Langkawi, May 20 : India marked a prominent presence at the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth meeting Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim during the event's grand opening ceremony. The event commenced on Tuesday with a grand opening ceremony attended by global defence and aerospace leaders. Highlighting the significance of India's participation, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia took to social media to mention the country's involvement in the event. "India at LIMA-2025 Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence (Raksha Rajya Mantri) of India Sanjay Seth met with YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Hon'ble Prime Minister of Malaysia, during the impressive opening ceremony of LIMA 2025. Hon'ble PM Ibrahim requested Sanjay Seth to convey greetings and high regards to his dear friend PM Narendra Modi. In his inaugural address, PM Ibrahim also acknowledged the participation of India, referring to it as one of the key neighbours of Malaysia, in LIMA 2025," India in Malaysia posted on its official X account. LIMA, one of the premier defence and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, is being held in Langkawi from May 20 to 24. As part of India's participation, a dedicated Indian Pavilion has been established, which will be officially inaugurated by Minister Sanjay Seth. The pavilion is a showcase of India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities, underscoring the country's commitment to self-reliance and technological innovation. Several prominent Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, and Gliders India Limited are part of the Indian delegation. In addition, leading Indian private defence companies are also displaying advanced indigenous systems in aerospace and maritime domains. India's defence forces are represented at LIMA 2025 by key operational assets, including a Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship, reinforcing the country's defence readiness and maritime strength. On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sanjay Seth is expected to hold bilateral talks with Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, to further deepen strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations. India and Malaysia maintain a robust defence partnership under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework established during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to India in 2024. Defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of this evolving bilateral relationship. First held in 1991, LIMA has grown into a key platform for international defence dialogue, industry collaboration, and technology exchange. India's engagement at LIMA 2025 is expected to strengthen its regional presence and foster new avenues of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Seoul, May 20 : Diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan convened their trilateral secretariat managing board in Washington on Monday to reaffirm the three countries' "unwavering" commitment to advancing three-way cooperation, the US State Department said. Yi Won-woo, deputy director-general for North American affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry; US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan Kevin Kim; and Akihiro Okochi, deputy director-general for Asian and Oceanian affairs at Japan's foreign ministry, led the meeting of the Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat Managing Board. "The meeting underscored the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the importance of institutionalising collaboration across economic, security, and people-to-people domains," the department said in a media note. Board members took stock of recent progress on trilateral cooperation efforts and discussed the next steps to enhance coordination, increase information sharing and strengthen joint responses to regional and global challenges, the department said. "The Managing Board emphasised continued support for the Secretariat's work in operationalising trilateral outcomes and sustaining momentum across priority lines of effort," it said. In November, the three countries announced the establishment of the secretariat to institutionalise trilateral cooperation in the face of regional and global challenges, including North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats, Russia's war in Ukraine and China's growing assertiveness, reports Yonhap news agency. Monday's talks included discussions on major regional common challenges and a review of the implementation status of recent trilateral cooperation initiatives, Seoul's foreign ministry said in a release following the talks. "The three sides explored ways to further develop future collaboration and discussed expanding the role of the secretariat to make trilateral cooperation more action-oriented and substantive," the ministry said. Seoul, May 20 : South Korea's presidential candidate of the minor New Reform Party (NRP), Lee Jun-seok, said that he has "no intention" of merging candidacies with People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo, drawing a line about a possible candidacy merger with the election just two weeks away. Lee made the remarks during an interview with SBS radio on Tuesday amid speculation over a potential merger of their candidacies to challenge Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung, the campaign's front-runner who holds about 50 per cent in recent opinion polls, according to Yonhap news agency. "The process and procedure itself would appear very old-fashioned, so I have no intention of doing it whatsoever," Lee said. When asked whether he was willing to consider the merger if key aides of former President Yoon Suk Yeol offered an apology, Lee said, "I have never set such preconditions, nor do I expect an apology." Lee, a former PPP leader, left the PPP due to long-running feuds with Yoon and his loyalists in the conservative party and founded the NRP last year. "Unless we garner votes from the youth and bring down Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings from above the 45 per cent range, all else is meaningless," he said, stressing that Kim cannot beat the DP's Lee. A Realmeter survey showed Monday that the DP's Lee was leading Kim with 50.2 per cent support against Kim's 35.6 per cent. The NRP's Lee came in third with 8.7 per cent. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party candidate and the People Power Party candidate have geared up for their campaign rallies in the greater Seoul area, as they seek to reach out to centrist voters. Chandigarh, May 20 : After 10 days of ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Beating Retreat ceremony by the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to resume on Tuesday evening in a scaled-down version at the Attari-Wagah, Hussainiwala, and Fazilka borders, all situated in Punjab. This comes after a 12-day pause amid military conflict between the two countries. Officials informed IANS that there will be no handshake with armed personnel on the Pakistani side or the opening of border gates; however, audiences will still be permitted to witness the ceremony. The ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. at the Attari border near Amritsar, the Hussainiwala border in Ferozepur, and the Sadqi border in Fazilka. The Border Area Development Front has given a call to the locals to reach Sadqi by 5.30 p.m. to enjoy the ceremony in large numbers. On normal occasions, hundreds of spectators, comprising foreigners, gather to witness the ceremony. The Beating Retreat, the first-of-its-kind iconic ceremony with an electrifying effect on the boisterous audience on the borders of two countries near Amritsar, has been witnessing a military exercise and lowering of the national flags of both India and Pakistan just before dusk since 1959. The border guards on both sides normally exchange sweets on special occasions like Diwali and Eid, as well as Independence Day and Republic Day functions. The Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post, which is some 30 km from Amritsar, while it is 22 km from Lahore in Pakistan, comprises a gallery with a capacity to accommodate nearly 25,000 spectators to witness the flag-lowering ceremony. It was closed to spectators in the first week of March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. India had chosen to skip the tradition in 2019 over growing incidents of ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. After the surgical strikes by Indian forces across the borders in September 2016, the BSF did not offer sweets to the Pakistan Rangers. Moscow, May 20 : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday described his two-hour-long phone conversation with former US President Donald Trump as "substantive" and "productive," raising fresh hopes for a potential breakthrough in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. The call, which focused on reviving stalled peace negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic development in the three-year-long war. "This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange," Putin told the media following the conversation. The talks come amid renewed efforts by the United States to facilitate direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. While discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian sides were initially expected to resume through a high-level meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey last week, the Russian leader did not attend. Trump, who was on a tour of West Asia at the time, had signalled he might visit the summit but did not make the trip either. Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for the United States' support in helping restart direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. "The President of the United States shared his position on the cessation of hostilities and the prospects for a ceasefire. For my part, I noted that Russia also supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. What we need now is to identify the most effective ways towards achieving peace," he said. The Russian President added that both leaders had agreed Russia would propose and engage with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for a future peace agreement. "This would include outlining a range of provisions, such as the principles for settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace deal, and other matters, including a potential temporary ceasefire, should the necessary agreements be reached," Putin noted. He also noted that contact had resumed among participants of the Istanbul talks, providing some optimism that "we are on the right track overall." Putin further reiterated Russia's stance -- "eliminating the root causes of this crisis is what matters most to us." Describing the call as "highly constructive," Putin emphasised the importance of both sides demonstrating a firm commitment to peace and compromise. "The key issue, of course, is now for the Russian side and the Ukrainian side to show their firm commitment to peace and to forge a compromise that would be acceptable to all parties," he said. Trump, in a lengthy post on his social media platform Truth Social, confirmed the details of the call, stating that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would begin immediately, and that the Vatican had offered to host the dialogue. "Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote. He also conveyed the results of the call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and various European leaders in separate communications. The Hague, May 20 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during his visit to the Netherlands, appreciated the Indian community for its significant contribution in enhancing the relationship between India and the European nation. "Interacted with representatives of the Indian community this evening. Value the contribution of the community to building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands," EAM posted on X on Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, EAM Jaishankar met Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague, exchanging views on respective security perspectives and challenges of both nations and discussing the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership between India and the Netherlands. EAM Jaishankar also interacted with Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague, appreciating the Netherlands' strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Both leaders held wide-ranging discussions on deepening bilateral partnership and engagement with the European Union, and exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi-polarity. Besides the Foreign Minister, the EAM also met strategic experts with discussions focused on deeper engagement between India and the Netherlands. "A good exchange of views with strategic experts in the Hague this morning. Discussed why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multi-polarity and strategic autonomy," the EAM posted on X. Earlier, Jaishankar was received by the Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Kumar Tuhin, and Gabriella Sancisi, Director, Protocol and Host Country Affairs Department at the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is on an official six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, scheduled from May 19 to 24, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the EAM's visit is part of India's ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening strategic ties and enhancing cooperation with key European partners, focusing on strategic partnerships, trade, investment, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. "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 MEA stated on Sunday. 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. EAM Jaishankar's meetings are expected to cover a broad range of issues, including geopolitical developments, global economic challenges, and coordination on multilateral platforms. Mumbai, May 20 : In a simple ceremony, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday administered the oath of office and secrecy to veteran NCP leader and Samata Parishad founder Chhagan Bhujbal as a minister in CM Devendra Fadnavis's cabinet. The swearing-in took place in the presence of Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, ministers, government officers and party leaders, including NCP working president Praful Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare. After the ceremony, Bhujbal said, "I thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both the Deputy Chief Ministers, as well as Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel. I also thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Along with this, I also thank all the people, activists and office-bearers of my constituency of Yeola-Lasalgaon, all the office-bearers and activists of Samata Parishad. I also thank all those who have shown love and affection to me till now." Bhujbal is expected to get the food and civil supply department, which he held in the previous governments headed by Uddhav Thackeray and then Eknath Shinde (2019-24). Bhujbal was sulking after he did not get the ministerial berth when CM Fadnavis expanded his cabinet on December 15. He had openly expressed his displeasure to the party leadership, citing that he had been dropped despite vigorously taking up the OBC cause of the party during the Assembly elections held last year. He had subsequently abstained from several party engagements, but after the intervention of party president Ajit Pawar and working president Praful Patel, he started taking part in organisational functions. Further, he was furious after his nomination was not considered twice for the Rajya Sabha elections in the past. NCP president Ajit Pawar, along with working president Praful Patel and state unit chief Sunil Tatkare, took a unanimous decision paving the way for Bhujbal's induction in the cabinet. NCP needed a formidable and strong OBC face in the cabinet especially after another OBC leader Dhananjay Munde had to resign during the budget session of the state legislature held in March in connection with the brutal killing of the Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Munde was holding the food and civil supply department, and after his exit, it was looked after by Dy CM Ajit Pawar. Bhujbal's induction is politically important for the NCP, especially when the Supreme Court asked the state government to complete the process of local and civic body elections in four months. He has been at the forefront of the protection of OBC reservation in a major tussle against pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange. Moreover, Bhujbal has been a strong advocate of the caste-based census, which the Centre has recently cleared. Chandigarh, May 20 : In a breakthrough against Pakistan's ISI-backed terror networks, Punjab Police have busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module operated by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa and Mannu Agwan on the directions of Harwinder Singh Rinda, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday. He said six operatives -- Jatin Kumar, alias Rohan, Barinder Singh, alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham, alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar -- have been arrested. The module had attempted a grenade attack outside a liquor store in Batala town. The accused were receiving direct instructions from Portugal-based Maninder Billa and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who has recently assumed operational charge after the arrest of Happy Passian in the US. Jatin Kumar was injured in the exchange of fire while being taken for recovery. He opened fire on the police and sustained injuries in retaliatory action, and was admitted to the Civil Hospital of Batala. A first information report (FIR) has been registered at the police station in Civil Lines in Batala under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). One .30-bore pistol has been recovered. A day earlier, in a major counter-espionage operation, the police had arrested two individuals for leaking critical information concerning the Indian armed forces to the ISI. Those arrested have been identified as Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, both residents of Gurdaspur. Police teams have also recovered three mobile phones and eight live cartridges of .30 bore from their possession. DGP Yadav has said the police have thwarted an attempt to compromise national security by apprehending them as they were involved in leaking sensitive military information, related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movements and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, with their ISI handlers. He has said preliminary investigation has confirmed both the accused were in direct contact with ISI operatives and had transmitted critical information concerning the Indian armed forces. New Delhi, May 20 : The virus responsible for mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) was circulating for about eight years ago in West Africa before the 2022 global outbreak, according to a study. The study, published in the journal Nature, highlights the need for improved global surveillance and medicines, given the threat of impending pandemics. Using genomic tracing, the researchers estimate that the virus's ancestor first emerged in southern Nigeria in August 2014 and spread to 11 states before human infections were detected in 2017. "We could have very easily prevented the 2022 multi-country outbreak if countries in Africa were given better access to therapeutics, vaccines, and surveillance technologies," said Edyth Parker, from the Kristian Andersen Lab at Scripps Research. Because the virus involved in the 2022 outbreak had an unexpected number of genetic mutations, scientists thought that mpox might have been circulating in Nigeria for much longer than expected. However, due to a lack of genomic data, it was unclear when and where the virus had first emerged, and what had driven its emergence. To understand, the team analysed 118 viral genomes from human mpox cases that occurred in Nigeria and Cameroon between 2018 and 2023. All of the sequences were identified as Clade IIb -- the mpox strain endemic to West Africa. They found that most of the viral samples from Nigeria were the result of human-to-human transmission (105/109), while the remaining four were caused by zoonotic spillover. In contrast, all nine mpox samples from Cameroon were derived from isolated zoonotic spillover events. "Mpox is no longer just a zoonotic virus in Nigeria; this is very much a human virus," Parker said. "But the fact that there's ongoing zoonotic transmission means there's also a continual risk of re-emergence." Further, the study estimated that the ancestor of the human-transmitting mpox virus emerged in animals in November 2013 and first entered the human population in southern Nigeria in August 2014. It also showed that southern Nigeria was the main source of subsequent cases of human mpox: though the virus spread throughout Nigeria, continual human-to-human transmission only occurred in the country's south. Two of the zoonotically transmitted viral samples from southern Nigeria were related to the Cameroonian viruses, suggesting that viruses are traveling across the border. Overall, the study shows the importance of better access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics in Africa, the researchers said. New Delhi, May 20 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh has hit back at Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over his criticism of the Centre's multi-party global outreach on counter-terrorism, stating that leaders like him only see politics in the anti-terror effort and make baseless statements. Speaking to IANS, Giriraj Singh stated, "Whether it is Jairam Ramesh, Kharge ji, or Rahul Gandhi, commenting on them is not appropriate because they make baseless statements. Today, Pakistan is being exposed across the world, and that is exactly what needs to be done. If Jairam Ramesh sees politics in this effort, then so be it." He reiterated the Indian government's commitment to countering terrorism, referencing ongoing efforts like Operation Sindoor. The Minister noted, "Pakistan is a terrorist state. It shelters and supports terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear, the goal is to eliminate terrorism and terrorists. Operation Sindoor is part of that mission. It hasn't stopped yet." Highlighting Pakistan's aggression, Singh added, "When Pakistan attacks civilian areas, and then cries before the world, we have the right to tell the truth globally, that we are targeting terrorism, not civilians." On Sunday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, talking about the names of MPs selected for the delegations, said it was "cheap politics" and the government was indulging in "politicisation" by not including all the names recommended by the Opposition for the all-party parliamentary delegation. He also took a shot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of abusing the Congress on foreign soil and then taking the party's help to put points across to the same nations. Giriraj Singh also responded sharply to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's past remarks on Bangladeshi infiltrators, accusing her of prioritising vote-bank politics over national security. "Mamata Didi boldly says, 'Who will remove Bangladeshi infiltrators while I'm here?' Her idea of nationalism seems tied to her vote bank. Her politics revolves around protecting infiltrators, and that's the extent of it," he said. Hyderabad, May 20 : A computer hard disk was stolen from Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Telangana Governor here. The theft occurred on May 14, and the next day, police arrested a hardware engineer working in Raj Bhavan on an outsourcing basis. However, the incident came to light on Tuesday. A hard disk was stolen from room number 104 of the administration block, Sudarma building in Raj Bhavan. The theft came to light on May 15 when the networking engineer came to the office and observed that the computer system in the room was glowing with a blue screen. On examination, he found the computer was showing a different account, and the hard disk was replaced with another hard disk. The officials scanned the CCTV footage and found that T. Srinivas came to the office wearing a helmet at 10.11 p.m. on May 14, though it was not a working hour. Srinivas allegedly committed the theft after he was suspended the same day on certain allegations. On a complaint by the IT Manager, police registered a case under sections 305 (A), 316 (5) and 331 of BNS. The police arrested accused Srinivas, a computer hardware engineer working in Raj Bhavan outsourcing basis. The police recovered a hard disk from his possession. Since the accused knew the security arrangements, he wore a helmet while entering the computer room to commit the theft. The police were investigating the motive behind the crime whether anyone else was involved. According to the complaint, the hard disk contained confidential data of licensed software, office files, office network user IDs and passwords and information technology-related inspection reports of the office. The theft in the high-security official residence of the Governor has caused a stir. Officials have further tightened security following the incident. The Raj Bhavan premises are already under strict surveillance with the deployment of security personnel and the installation of several CCTV cameras. Additional security measures have been taken in the wake of the incident. This is believed to be the first such incident in Raj Bhavan. New Delhi, May 20 : Amid the growing verbal exchange between the Congress and BJP over India's 'alerting' Pakistan ahead of Operation Sindoor, the latter stepped up the offensive and took a caustic jibe at the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to X to share a picture of Congress MP and Pak Army chief Asim Munir overlapping with each other. "What's next for Rahul Gandhi? The Nishan-e-Pakistan?" he wrote, taking a sharp swipe. Rahul Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, has been targeting the Centre over External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's statement that India gave a warning to Pakistan before launching a military operation. Congress claims that it was not just a strategic lapse but an 'unpardonable' crime. However, the charges have been outrightly refuted by the Ministry. Amit Malviya, sharing the juxtaposed picture of Rahul and Pak Army chief on X, accused the Congress leader of speaking on behalf of Pakistan. "It is not surprising that Rahul Gandhi is speaking the language of Pakistan and its benefactors. He hasn't congratulated the Prime Minister on the flawless Operation Sindoor, which unmistakably showcases India's dominance." He also claimed that the Congress MP hasn't once inquired about how many Pakistani jets were shot down during the conflict, or how many were destroyed while parked in their hangars when Indian forces pounded Pakistani airbases. "Instead, he repeatedly asks how many jets we lost - a question that has already been addressed in the DGMO briefings," Malviya claimed. The controversial image of Rahul and Asim Munir, put together in one frame, is set to create a political furore, with Congress taking a strong objection to it. Early this morning, Assam cabinet minister Ashok Singhal also shared the same image and captioned it - 'divided by borders, united by agenda', reiterating the party's charge that Congress' talk of national security merely remains on paper and when it comes to action, they start taking sides of India's adversary. In another post, Malviya wrote that Rahul Gandhi was the new age Mir Jafar and also shared a cartoon. New Delhi, May 20 : With media reports citing cases of Covid-19 infections surging in Southeast Asia, bringing fresh fears about the disease that affected millions of people and the global economy, health experts on Tuesday dismissed them as seasonal trends of flu. As per media reports, the weekly Covid-19 infections in Singapore surged by 28 per cent from 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in the first week of May, with hospitalisations also rising 30 per cent. Hong Kong recorded 31 virus-related deaths in the week ending May 3, the city's highest weekly toll in a year. New infections in Hong Kong rose to 1,042 in the week ending May 10, up from 972 the previous week. "Rising Covid cases in Southeast Asia are attributed to seasonal trends of flu cases. Most of the cases are mild and do not need any hospitalisation," Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional professor at, the Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS. India also is seeing a slight uptick in cases. A review held on Monday by the Ministry of Health concluded that the current situation in India is "under control," with just 257 active cases reported nationwide as of May 19. "Covid-19 is a cyclical disease, which means that cases will rise every few months. The intervals can range from six to nine months. As with other Asian countries, we are seeing Covid cases in India too. But they are not overwhelming hospitals and are not any more severe than they used to be. In fact, most cases are so mild, they are being treated as outpatient," said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA. "Due to widespread immunity due to prior vaccination and from surviving past infections, Covid-19 is no longer the destructive force it used to be. There is no indication of any major genetic shift having occurred in the virus that could alter the character of the disease it causes," he added. China and Thailand have also reported a notable increase in new infections. The surge is being largely attributed to the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1 and its related descendants -- LF.7 and NB.1.8, which make up over two-thirds of sequenced cases. The increase in cases may also be attributed to waning immunity, with periodic waves being anticipated. While the cases reported so far are generally mild in severity, "the outcome also depends on the host. For instance, infection in a frail elderly individual could lead to more severe outcomes," Jayadevan said. The experts urged cough hygiene and cleanliness to fight the virus. "When cases rise, it's important to take more precautions than usual. Wearing masks in crowded closed spaces will be helpful. Those who have a fever should stay home and avoid mingling with others," Jayadevan said. Meanwhile, the health ministry assured that the country has a robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. Hyderabad, May 20 : The Telangana government has constituted a six-member committee of senior officials to probe fire accident near Charminar, which claimed 17 lives. The committee has been asked to conduct an investigation and submit a report on the cause of the fire and the action taken by various departments for rescue and relief. The government has also asked the panel to suggest measures to be taken to prevent such accidents in future. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who is in-charge minister for Hyderabad, on Tuesday announced the committee. It comprises Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHM) Commission R. V. Karnan, Hyderabad Collector Anudeep Durishetty, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand, Director General of Fire Services Nagi Reddy, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner A. V. Ranganath, and Chairman and Managing Director of Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) Musharraf Ali Faruqui. After receiving the committee's report, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will hold a review meeting with top officials to decide on measures to be taken to prevent such accidents. The Chief Minister on Sunday ordered a thorough probe into the fire in a building at Gulzar Houz near Charminar. CM Reddy stressed that preventive measures should be taken to prevent such fire accidents in the future, and awareness should also be created among people. The fire broke out in the building, which had shops on the ground floor, while the family of the trader was staying on the two upper floors. Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka and Ponnam Prabhakar visited the accident site the same day. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao, who consoled the family of the deceased on Monday, found fault with the Chief Minister for neither visiting the accident site nor holding a review meeting following the tragedy. Patna, May 20 : Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Central Government for equal respect, recognition, and facilities to paramilitary forces, akin to those extended to the Indian Armed Forces. In his letter dated May 14, which he shared on social media platform X on Tuesday, Tejashwi highlighted the critical role of forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles (AR) in maintaining internal security, fighting terrorism, and guarding the country's borders. "While these personnel often make the supreme sacrifice, their compensation, honour, and welfare provisions are not at par with those of the Army, Navy, and Air Force," Tejashwi said. He termed the existing disparity as "unfair and discriminatory", stating that martyrs from paramilitary forces deserve the same dignity and posthumous benefits as those from the regular armed forces. He emphasised that both forces contribute equally to the defence and security of the nation. Tejashwi asked the Centre to declare paramilitary martyrs as 'Battle Casualties' so that their families are eligible for enhanced compensation and benefits, equal access to government support, including jobs, pension and educational assistance for families of martyrs. He sought automatic implementation of the liberalised pension scheme for families of deceased personnel and extension of One Rank One Pension (OROP) to paramilitary personnel working in similar risk conditions. Tejashwi appealed to the Union Government to act urgently to address the disparity, stating that the families of paramilitary martyrs continue to suffer from neglect despite their courage and sacrifice. "I urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate policy reforms that ensure equality, dignity, and justice for all security forces," Tejashwi said. The RJD leader's letter comes at a time when issues of internal security and the welfare of uniformed personnel are under the national spotlight, particularly following recent clashes and sacrifices by paramilitary personnel across the country. Recently, during 'Operation Sindoor', some paramilitary personnel made a supreme sacrifice in the line of duty to save the nation, and one of them was BSF SI Mohammad Imtiaz of the Saran district of Bihar. Hardoi : , May 20 (IANS) A major attempt to derail two express trains, including the Rajdhani Express, was foiled in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district thanks to the alertness and quick response of the loco pilots, officials said on Tuesday. Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh), May 20 (IANS) A major attempt to derail two express trains, including the Rajdhani Express, was foiled in Uttar Pradeshas Hardoi district thanks to the alertness and quick response of the loco pilots, officials said on Tuesday. The first incident occurred on the evening of May 19 between Dalel Nagar and Umrauli stations when the loco pilot of the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express noticed an unusual obstruction on the track. Authorities said miscreants had tied a wooden block -- described as a gutkha -- to the earthing wire on the down line. The pilot immediately applied the brakes, bringing the train to a halt and averting a potential disaster. Railway personnel promptly removed the obstruction and informed senior railway officials. However, even before the situation could fully stabilise, miscreants struck again. Shortly after the Rajdhani Express had passed safely, a second attempt was made to derail the Kathgodam Express on the same stretch. This attempt too was thwarted by the vigilance of its loco pilot, who spotted the obstruction -- this time reportedly comprising iron pieces and wood -- and stopped the train in time. Upon receiving information, personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police reached the site and launched an investigation. Circle Officer (CO) of Baghauli, Praveen Kumar, said the GRP had alerted Kachhauna police station about suspicious activity on the tracks between Kachhauna and Sandila. Acting on the tip-off, teams from both police stations, along with senior officials, conducted an inspection of the site. Following directives from higher authorities, a joint investigation team was constituted to probe the incident. This is not the first such attempt in the region. In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents in Hardoi where unidentified miscreants tried to sabotage rail operations. In one instance, iron bolts were found placed on tracks near the outer signal of Hardoi railway station. In another incident, a thick wooden block was discovered on the line near Dilawar Nagar. In both cases, timely detection prevented any mishap. Despite repeated efforts, police have yet to make any arrests in connection with these sabotage attempts. Tokyo/Beijing, May 20 : South Korean nationals living or staying abroad went to the polls on Tuesday to pick a new president as overseas voting was underway ahead of the June 3 election, according to embassy officials. The out-of-country voting will run for six days, with more than 258,000 South Korean nationals, including those registered as absentee voters, eligible to vote at 223 polling stations across 118 countries. In Japan, some 38,000 out of 411,000 South Korean nationals aged 18 or over with voting rights registered to vote, the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo said. Polling stations have been set up in Tokyo and other major cities like Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Sapporo, Sendai and Fukuoka. Park Cheol-hee, South Korea's ambassador to Japan, was among those who cast their ballots earlier in the day. "It's very important for overseas Koreans to exercise their right to vote for the progress of Korea," Park told reporters after voting. "I'd like to encourage as many people as possible to visit the polling stations, even if they're busy." Ten polling stations have been set up in China, including the South Korean Embassy in Beijing and the consulates general in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Xian, Wuhan, Chengdu, Qingdao and Hong Kong, as well as the consular office in Dalian. Of the 4,218 registered voters, 250 nationals came to cast their ballots during the day, an embassy official in Beijing said. The first voter was a university student in New Zealand, the South Korean Embassy in Wellington said, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea's Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo were set for their campaign rallies in the greater Seoul area, as they seek to reach out to centrist voters. With just two weeks until the June 3 presidential election, Lee will crisscross Gyeonggi Province, while Kim will appeal to voters in Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the 52 million-person population. This makes it a key battleground in the election to pick a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid. In various opinion polls, Lee was ahead of Kim. A Realmeter survey released this week showed that Lee garnered 50.2 per cent support, trailed by Kim with 35.6 per cent and Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party with 8.7 per cent. Lee of the DP will kick off the day by holding virtual talks with Korean expatriates living abroad to encourage overseas voting, which takes place for a week starting Tuesday. Hanoi, May 20 : The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has instructed hospitals across the country to prepare necessary facilities, isolation areas and medical supplies to accommodate COVID-19 patients in the event of a surge in cases, the state media reported on Tuesday. Healthcare facilities have been directed to strengthen infection prevention measures, particularly those targeting respiratory transmission, to minimise the risk of disease spread within medical examination and treatment areas, the Vietnam News Agency reported. The ministry also emphasised the need to implement measures to protect high-risk groups, including pregnant women, patients with underlying health conditions, those with severe illnesses and the elderly. Since the beginning of this year, Vietnam has reported 148 new COVID-19 cases across 27 provinces and cities, according to the ministry, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on May 14, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health urged the public to remain vigilant and continue practising COVID-19 prevention measures as case numbers are rising in several countries around the world. The advisory, which calls for preventive measures such as wearing face masks in public spaces and avoiding large gatherings, came amid a slight uptick in domestic infections and growing global concern over the spread of new subvariants, particularly in neighbouring countries like Thailand. While there have been no major outbreaks, the ministry noted a gradual rise in weekly cases over the past three weeks, averaging 20 new infections per week. Vietnamese health authorities have warned that new cases may increase in the coming weeks, especially following recent holidays that saw high levels of travel and social activity. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least one metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when itas your turn and follow local guidance. The virus can spread from an infected person's mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell. Kuwait City, May 20 : Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika and Director General of Kuwait's National Center for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar inaugurated 5-day exhibition cum talk series, 'Rihla-e-Dosti: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship' on Monday at National Library in Kuwait city. The exhibition showcases rare artefacts, manuscripts, Indian currency, books, stamps, and photos of leaders from India and Kuwait. "At the opening of Rihla-e-Dosti exhibition, Ambassador Adarsh Swaika and DG, NCCAL highlighted the centuries-old rich history of India-Kuwait relations. Fahad AbdulJaleel, President of Kuwait Heritage Society, was the main curator and contributor of the exhibition," Embassy of India, Kuwait posted on X on Tuesday. The exhibition was organised jointly with NCCAL with the support of Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, External Publicity Division, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India. A booklet showcasing select photos was released during the opening of the exhibition. A panel discussion during the event featured prominent merchant families from Kuwait with deep historical ties to India -- Ibrahim Abdullatif Al-Ibrahim, Suliman Abdulmohsen Al-Khames and Abdullatif Abdulrazza shared stories of their families' India connections from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Addressing the exhibition, DG NCCAL, Mohammad Al-Jassar, said relations with India have been a unique example of deep-rooted understanding and cultural exchange. He stressed the role of culture and arts in boosting relations among people. Appreciating the growing economic ties between the two countries, he highlighted that in 1775, Kuwait's ship arrived, for the first time, at India's ports, and Kuwaitis after that established a wide trade transport network between the West and the East, turning Kuwait into a vital trade route. Many Kuwaiti families stayed near Indian ports and worked in exporting multiple vital commodities to the Arabian Gulf ports, like food and wood, he further stated. Meanwhile, Ambassador Adarsh Swaika affirmed that bilateral relations of the two nations are deep-seated and robust, lauding commercial ties that began in the late 18th century when Kuwait's ship carrying dates, houses, and pearls reached Indian ports. The ambassador noted that the event, co-organised by the Indian Embassy to Kuwait and the Kuwait Heritage Society, marks the cemented relations and boosts awareness of the two countries' youth on their common rich history. The exhibition contains documents on trade at India's ports and Kuwait's books about pearls printed in Arabic or local dialects in India, along with other items. New Delhi, May 20 : The petitioners challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, argued before the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the contentious amendments introduced to the waqf law are designed to "capture" properties through an executive and non-judicial process. "The 2025 Waqf (Amendment) Act has been framed for purposes of 'protection of waqfs', but, in reality, it is designed to capture waqf through a process which is non-judicial and executive," submitted senior advocate Kapil Sibal before a bench of CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih. Explaining the nature of waqf properties, Sibal said that it is an endowment to Allah (the god) by private individuals, incapable of further transfer in line with the principle that "once a waqf, always a waqf". However, under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, if an encroacher raises a dispute, the waqf property will lose its very nature till the dispute is decided, he added. "The 2025 Waqf (Amendment) Act is a complete departure from the past legislations on waqf. It is for the first time, under the 2025 Amendment Act, in case of non-registration, the property will not be regarded as property," contended Sibal, adding that though previous legislations required registration of waqfs, but did not mandate any adverse consequences in cases of non-registration except for removal of mutawalli. The senior counsel highlighted that legislations like the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, etc., were introduced for better protection of waqf properties but did not interfere with their waqf status. "For example, say, Jama Masjid or any other place of worship. The government can say it intends to preserve the property and declare the property an 'ancient monument'. But the property won't lose its character, and it doesn't mean that you can go and pray there. No ownership was transferred to the government. You couldn't stop the user of the waqf property for the purposes of dedication," said Sibal. Sibal argued that before the enactment of the recent amendment to the Waqf Act, the right to religious worship was preserved even under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. He reiterated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is meant for "complete takeover" of the waqf properties, including ownership. He further questioned the validity of the recently introduced provision providing the requirement of five years of practice as a Muslim before the creation of a waqf. "This requirement is per se unconstitutional. This (creation of waqf) is a right guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution," argued Sibal. He highlighted that the majority of members in the Central Waqf Council could be non-Muslims if the Union government so chooses under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. "The balance of convenience is in our favour, and irreparable injury will be done if these provisions are activated. If I cannot create a waqf, unless I satisfy the 5-year Muslim requirement, it is an immediate injury and irreparable," submitted Sibal. The CJI Gavai-led Bench is hearing the arguments of the parties on the question of the interim stay on the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In an earlier hearing, after the apex court hinted at passing a stay order, the Union government had assured the top court that it would not de-notify provisions related to 'Waqf by user' or include non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board. It had granted a week to the Centre and state governments and the Waqf Boards to file their preliminary reply. The apex court decided to treat five writ petitions as lead cases, apart from ordering the registry to rename the cause titles of the proceedings as "In Re: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025". The petitioners have contended that the amendments introduced to the Waqf Act are discriminatory and infringed upon the fundamental rights of the Muslim community. Conversely, six BJP-ruled states have backed the Union government, supporting the amendments as constitutionally valid and necessary. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after it was passed in both Houses of Parliament following intense debate. The Centre, in a preliminary affidavit, has urged the Supreme Court to reject the petitions, arguing that the impugned law does not infringe upon constitutional guarantees. Lucknow, May 20 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of government-run primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, calling the situation "very pathetic". Lucknow, May 20 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of government-run primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, calling the situation "very pathetic". She warned that if it continues, it will threaten the educational future of marginalised communities. Citing official enrolment figures, Mayawati pointed to a significant drop in the number of students attending primary and upper primary schools in the state. "In the academic year 2023-24, there were 1.74 crore students enrolled in primary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh. However, in 2024-25, this number has fallen to just 1.52 crore -- a sharp decline of nearly 22 lakh students," she wrote in a post on X. Describing this trend as "serious and worrying," the BSP supremo said the government must recognise the importance of basic education and take urgent corrective measures. "The poor condition of the government school system shows the lack of proper attention towards the educational needs of the underprivileged. The government must act to improve infrastructure and learning standards in schools," she added. Mayawati also criticised the state government for its approach toward private madrasas, especially those operating under low-cost models in rural and minority-dominated areas. "Instead of providing support, the government is targeting these madrasas by labeling them illegal and trying to shut them down. This is unnecessary, unjust, and further weakens access to basic education for the poor," she said, urging the administration to adopt a more constructive stance. She reiterated that while government schools across many Indian states are in poor shape, the situation is especially alarming in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. "This neglect directly hampers the development of poor Bahujan families and casts a shadow on the future of their children," she said. "Rather than shutting schools down, the government should prioritise strengthening school education and offer appropriate incentives to encourage attendance," she added. Mayawati's remarks came at a time when she is actively working to reclaim her party's lost political ground. With an eye on the upcoming elections, she recently reappointed her nephew Akash Anand as the BSP's national coordinator -- a move seen as an attempt to reconnect with the Bahujan youth. New Delhi, May 20 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come under sharp attack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies after he questioned the government over the number of Indian aircraft allegedly "lost" during Operation Sindoor. Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi wrote on Monday, "EAM Jaishankar's silence on 'informing' Pakistan isn't just telling -- it is damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves to know." The remark, coming days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India had warned Pakistan before launching the military operation, triggered widespread political uproar. Congress has accused the government of committing not just a strategic lapse but an "unpardonable crime", a charge that has been categorically denied by the Ministry of External Affairs. Reacting strongly, BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told IANS, "These people are acting as proxy promoters of Pakistani propaganda. Sometimes he raises questions on the Parliamentary proceedings, sometimes on the Constitution, and now he is targeting the armed forces. This is in very bad taste." Speaking to IANS, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam also slammed Gandhi, stating, "The entire world has seen the strong response our armed forces have given to Pakistan with unmatched efficiency. Despite this, Rahul Gandhi has chosen to question the Indian Army." "First, he tried to wear a mask, claiming that the Opposition stands with the government. But now his true face has been revealed. As the Leader of Opposition, he should not politicise the matter and must appreciate the forces. Raising questions on the Indian Army is very wrong," he added. "If you raise a finger against our Indian Army, then you are definitely taking Pakistan's side," Kadam further asserted. Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also lashed out at Gandhi, and told IANS, "With Rahul Gandhi, this isn't just about Operation Sindoor. Every time he goes abroad, he ends up putting India in the dock. This seems to have become a habit. He needs to reflect on his own behaviour, and the Congress party must also seriously introspect." UP Minister Danish Azad Ansari echoed similar sentiments and questioned the Congress party's intent. "What exactly is Congress trying to prove? In the name of opposing the BJP, Congress now seems to be opposing India itself. The bravery of Indian soldiers is being praised worldwide. Major global powers have acknowledged the strength of our armed forces," he told IANS. "Our soldiers have brought pride and honour to the country. At such a time, the kind of statements Congress leaders are making clearly shows they are pursuing politics driven by personal gain," Ansari said. "If Rahul Gandhi seeks proof of our army's valour, then it is clear he is not speaking in the national interest. The Congress leadership is showing selfish political motives, which is unacceptable in today's prosperous and powerful India," he said. As the political row escalates, the Congress party continues to defend its stand, asserting the need for accountability and transparency in matters of national security, while the BJP maintains that questioning the military's action and intent is tantamount to endorsing Pakistan's narrative. New Delhi, May 20 : After 10 years of arriving on the national political scene, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday launched its students' wing -- Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP) -- aiming to attract young voters as part of its national ambitions. In his rare public appearance after the Delhi Assembly elections in February, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal told students from Delhi University, Indraprastha University and those from Punjab and Gujarat in the audience, "We will force people to rethink about the superiority of our brand of alternative politics over the mainstream politics of other parties." Sharing his blueprint for the ASAP, he said several student groups will be formed to conduct discussions, cultural and social activities for offering them a platform to connect with society. "Today's politics is responsible for the big national challenges which are peculiar and basic -- lack of food, health care, and education. Even after 75 years of Independence, the country is struggling to provide these facilities to citizens," he said, highlighting AAP's brand of alternative politics that treats the poor and the rich alike. Calling the brand of Congress and BJP politics as harmful "mainstream politics", the former Delhi Chief Minister said, "The mainstream politics pursued by the new BJP government in Delhi has resulted in power cuts of 3-4 hours in the city, private schools have hiked fees and quality of government schools has also deteriorated." Urging youth and students to join politics, he said, "Politics touches every aspect of our lives." He also criticised the mentality of middle-class students to keep themselves away from politics. Urging the youth not to look down upon politics, he said, "Even the power supply to your house is linked to politics. When AAP was in power in Delhi for 10 years, there was 24-hour electricity. Today, there are power cuts in Delhi. So, there is politics involved even in the issue of continuous and affordable power supply to your homes." "Your jobs -- whether government or private -- are also linked to politics. You cannot stay away from politics. You have to join politics and become a part of it," said Kejriwal. Recalling AAP rule in Delhi and highlighting the party's rule in Punjab, Kejriwal talked about good quality government schools and improved health facilities, and hit out at the BJP government in Delhi for allegedly deteriorating the quality of schools. He claimed credit for demolishing the "education mafia" in schools in Delhi, which runs "private schools in the city and raises fees at will". "It has just been three months since the Delhi government came to power, and private schools have raised fees and posted bouncers at their gates to keep away students who have not been able to pay school fees," he said, referring to a top private school in Dwarka. New Delhi, May 20 : Despite most Indian business owners expressing strong trust in their children's ability to manage family wealth, only 7 per cent of Indian heirs feel obligated to take over the family business, a new report said on Tuesday. According to HSBC Global Private Banking's new report, 88 per cent of Indian entrepreneurs have confidence in the next generation's ability to handle family wealth. However, 45 per cent of them do not expect their children to take over the family business -- showing a growing openness to alternative career paths. Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, said that family businesses in India are managing to balance tradition with change. "There is trust in the next generation to uphold the values of the family business, but at the same time, open communication and structured succession planning are crucial," he noted. Family-owned businesses play a major role in India's economy, contributing around 79 per cent to the country's GDP -- one of the highest percentages in the world. The study found that most heirs, especially in multi-generational families, feel encouraged to pursue their own interests. In fact, 83 per cent of respondents said they felt empowered to explore new opportunities when they first took over the business. Still, the desire to keep businesses within the family remains strong. About 79 per cent of Indian entrepreneurs said they plan to pass on their business to family members. This is in line with global numbers, such as 77 per cent in the UK and 76 per cent in Switzerland. Indian second- and third-generation entrepreneurs also feel highly trusted by their elders, with 95 per cent saying they felt their predecessors had faith in them -- much higher than the global average of 81 per cent. India is also heading towards a massive intergenerational wealth transfer. According to Hurun data, 2024 saw India having 334 billionaires in US dollar terms, and nearly 70 per cent of them are expected to pass on wealth worth $1.5 trillion -- over a third of India's GDP. The report also noted that many of India's long-standing family businesses were founded after the country's economic liberalisation in the 1990s. The new generation, often educated abroad and raised in urban environments, brings fresh perspectives and is more willing to take independent paths, the report said. The Hague, May 20 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met with the Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague, thanking him for the European nation's unequivocal condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which had resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians. The two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, "Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for the Netherlands' firm and resolute stance against terrorism. Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. Assured that our teams will work hard to achieve these goals." The visit comes as part of Jaishankar's six-day official tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. The meeting with Schoof marks one of the key high-level engagements during the Netherlands leg of the trip. PM Schoof, in his own post on X, stated, "Good to receive the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs S. Jaishankar at the Catshuis. First of all, I expressed my support for India's fight against terrorism after the terrible attack last month in Pahalgam. It is good for all parties that the violence between India and Pakistan has not escalated further." "In addition, we discussed the Strategic Partnership. This concerns long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and India in areas such as trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. In a changing world, it is important for both the Netherlands and India that we can continue to count on each other. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to our country soon to discuss this further," he added. Earlier, Jaishankar met with the Indian diaspora in The Hague and praised their contributions in strengthening ties between the two nations. He also met Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, with whom he discussed shared security concerns and the potential for a bilateral defence partnership. Jaishankar also held wide-ranging talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague on Monday, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation and working together more closely with the European Union. The two foreign ministers exchanged views on global developments in the context of an increasingly multipolar world. In addition to his official meetings, Jaishankar also interacted with leading strategic thinkers and experts in The Hague, with the discussions centered around future pathways for deeper India-Netherlands engagement across geopolitical, economic, and defence domains. Mumbai, May 20 : Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday called on the BJP to take decisive action by asking Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah to step down from his post for his derogatory remark on Army officer, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. This comes after the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the charges against Shah, whose comments have been described by legal authorities as communal and inflammatory. While the court provided a temporary stay on Shah's arrest, it directed him to fully cooperate with the investigation. The controversy stems from the minister's inflammatory remark referring to Colonel Qureshi as the "sister of terrorists", a statement that sparked widespread outrage and led to legal proceedings. Since the Madhya Pradesh Police registered a case against him on May 14, Shah has notably avoided public appearances. Speaking to IANS, Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed dismay over the lack of internal party accountability. "It would be a welcome move if the BJP - the party that empowered him - acted against him," she said. "The High Court took suo moto cognisance and found the initial FIR to be diluted. Even the Supreme Court reprimanded him. Yet, instead of showing moral leadership, the BJP remains silent. Ministers who insult our brave Army officers must face consequences. If the BJP wants to send a unified message to the country, they must ask Shah to resign." In contrast, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam offered a more measured response. "The minister did apologise, admitting his statement regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was wrong. While I believe the government must respect judicial processes and act accordingly, I also think he deserves a bit of benefit of doubt for showing remorse," Nirupam told IANS. In the hearing on Monday, a bench led by Justice Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure at Shah's conduct and dismissed his apology. "He must face consequences. Let the law take its own course," said the bench, emphasising the gravity of the minister's statement. The BJP leader has been booked under Sections 152 (Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (1)(b) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language, or other similar characteristics) and 197(1)(c). The opposition Congress has also amplified calls for Shah's removal, accusing the BJP of sheltering a minister whose remarks have not only embarrassed the state government but also disrespected the armed forces. Talking about Operation Sindoor, Shah had reportedly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a "sister from the same community" as those in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Kashmir's Pahalgam. "PM Modi is striving for the society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson," Shah had said. The distasteful remarks against Colonel Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who briefed the media throughout Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, sparked nationwide outrage. Following the incident, the Minister apologised from the "bottom of his heart" and said he respects the armed forces and mentioned Colonel Qureshi as "sister". Seoul, May 20 : South Korea's top four biggest business groups -- Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG -- have seen significant growth in assets and net profits over the past three years but little change in employment levels, a market tracker said on Tuesday. The combined assets of the top four business groups totalled 1,444.8 trillion won (US$1,039 billion) in 2024, up from 1,360 trillion won in 2023 and 1,255.7 trillion won in 2022, according to the Leaders Index. Their assets have been on a steady rise since topping the 1,000 trillion-won mark in 2019, reports Yonhap news agency. The big four's combined assets accounted for 53.1 percent of the total assets held by the country's 30 largest conglomerates in 2024. Their net profit also soared 30.8 percent over the 2022-2024 period, while the top 30's net profit edged up 0.8 percent. However, the Leaders Index noted that the increase in assets and profits has not led to a parallel rise in hiring. The number of employees in the top four groups remained nearly unchanged, rising from 745,000 in 2022 to 746,000 in 2024. The 30 largest groups, on the other hand, saw their total number of employees increase by 8.8 percent over the period, from 1.4 million to 1.52 million. Meanwhile, the value of South Korea's virtual asset market nearly doubled in the second half of last year from six months earlier, on rising prices of cryptocurrencies, data showed on Tuesday. The market capitalisation of the virtual asset market had come to 107.7 trillion won ($77.6 billion) as of end-2024, up 51.2 trillion won, or 91 percent from six months ago, according to the data from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The total value of Korean won deposits made by traders also jumped 114 percent to 10.7 trillion won, while the operating profit of market operators advanced 28 percent to 742 billion won over the cited period. There had been 25 virtual asset market operators in South Korea as of end-2024, including 17 crypto exchanges, according to the financial regulator. In the six months ended December 31, the average value of daily crypto transactions reached 7.3 trillion won, up 22 percent from the daily average of 6 trillion won in the first half of 2024, according to the FSC. Mumbai, May 20 : Years after a popular award show moment where Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan playfully joked about his name, Neil Nitin Mukesh has finally addressed the incident. The light-hearted gag became a viral talking point at the time. Now, Neil opened up about his reaction, sharing whether the joke ever bothered him and how he chose to deal with it. The 'New York' actor told IANS, "I never took it seriously, nor did they. People still ask about it, but there was no malice. I respect them immensely. They are seniors and icons. It was done in good humor. Shah Rukh and Saif have entertained our nation tremendously. I hope to work with them someday. We shouldn't overanalyze such moments." At the 2009 Filmfare Awards, Shah Rukh Khan playfully questioned Neil Nitin Mukesh about having "three names." SRK joked, "I have a question for Neil Nitin Mukesh. Tumhara naam hai Neil Nitin Mukesh, bhaiya surname kahan pe hai? Saare ke saare first names hain (Your name is Neil Nitin Mukesh, you have three names, but where is the surname)? Why don't you have a surname?" Neil had responded with a witty response at the time. He mentioned, "Sir, very kind question, thank you so much. But can I take the liberty of saying something?" After receiving a "go ahead" from Shah Rukh, Neil said, "That is an insult for me actually, I feel. It's not right. I think you haven't seen, but my father is sitting out here. I think you guys just need to shut up. I'm sorry." Work-wise, Neil Nitin Mukesh was recently seen in the new musical series "Hai Junoon." Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the show also stars Sumedh Mudgalkar, Siddharth Nigam, and Jacqueline Fernandez. The series premiered on 16 May 2025 on JioHotstar. Chennai, May 20 : Refuting allegations levelled by her husband, actor Ravi Mohan, Aarti Ravi on Tuesday issued a fresh statement in which she said that the reason for their marriage breaking down was not something that happened between them but "someone outside". In a three-page statement, which she began by saying that recent manipulations had left her no choice but to speak one last time, Aarti said, "The truth needs to be said - once and for all. Money, power, interference, or control-- none of these are why our marriage suffers. There is a third person in our marriage. What broke us wasn't something between us-it was someone outside. The "light of your life" brought only darkness into ours. That's the truth. This person was already in the picture-long before any divorce papers were filed. This isn't guesswork. I have proof." In response to allegations of being called a controlling wife, Aarti said," If caring for my husband, protecting him from harmful habits and patterns that threatened the stability of our home- makes me controlling, so be it. Any loving wife would've done the same for their spouse's well being and health." Aarti, among other things, also refuted the claim made by Ravi Mohan that he left home barefoot, stripped of his belongings and dignity. "The truth? He left in branded sneakers, fully clothed, with access to his wallet, and Range - along with every other possession he wished to take. He wasn't exiled. He exited- calmly, consciously, and with a plan," she alleged. Stating if he had truly wanted to escape her "clutches," she said she only wished he had gone directly to his alleged estranged parents' home. "Instead, he knocked on a door that only caused more damage. Let us not confuse a rescue mission with a rendezvous disguised as righteousness," she said. Stating that actor Ravi Mohan had seen their children four times in the last year-by his own choosing, Aarti Ravi claimed their phones were never blocked and that their hearts were simply broken-by absence, not enforcement. "If he truly wanted a relationship, no bouncer would be strong enough to stop a father determined to love," she said, claiming that their children had made it clear that they felt safe seeing him only in familiar places-like their paternal grandparents' home or in their office. "Being pressured to meet at his current residence-shared with someone who stole their peacehas only pushed them further away. Also their father has not sought visitation or custody to date- despite his claims of being kept away from the children," she said. Srinagar, May 20 : J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday, chaired a meeting of the unified command here to review the security arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, as well as the current situation in the UT. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary and top Army, police, and other officials. "The meeting reviewed the current situation in the Union Territory and security arrangements for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to commence from July 3 this year," a source said. aThe meeting also focused on the fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack and the situation that evolved post aOperation Sindoora in Jammu and Kashmir," the source added. According to sources, the Lt Governor emphasised that the army, police, and paramilitary officials must completely dismantle the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam by LeT terrorists in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed, joint forces of army, police, and other security forces have started aggressive operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and their sympathisers across J&K. Last week, six terrorists were killed in two back-to-back operations in Shopian and Pulwama districts. The slain terrorists included the operational commander of the LeT. Apart from the diplomatic measures, India ordered precision-guided targeted strikes at terrorists' headquarters deep inside Pakistan, including Muridke near Lahore, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Pakistan reacted by Indiscriminate mortar shelling on the line of control (LoC) and the international border (IB) in J&K. Over 200 houses and shops were destroyed in the shelling on civilian facilities in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kupwara districts. Hundreds of border residents were forced to abandon their homes, livestock, and agricultural fields. These hapless civilians are yet to fully return to their villages as the security forces are still busy defusing unexploded mortar shells in the border villages. On May 12, DGMOs of the two countries agreed to a ceasefire after which guns on both sides fell silent. The ceasefire is holding well, although India had made it clear that the understanding will last only as long as Pakistan does not allow terrorist activity against India from its soil. Himmatnagar : , May 20 (IANS) In an operation against narcotics trafficking, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police carried out a well-coordinated raid targeting an illegal drug operation in the state's Sabarkantha district. Acting on intelligence inputs, the SMC team raided the residence of Khursidkhan Sadatkhan Pathan in Sanjarnagar, Madani Society, in Himmatnagar city in the district. The two-day raid, conducted under the provisions of the NDPS Act Sections 8(C), 22(C), 29 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act Sections 111(3) and 111(4), led to a major seizure of drugs and related materials. During the search, the team recovered 195.280 grams of Mephedrone, a banned synthetic stimulant, valued at Rs 19,52,800. In addition, the police seized two mobile phones worth Rs 10,000, Rs 79,280 in cash, two weighing scales valued at Rs 1,000, and 136 blank zipper bags used for packaging drugs. The total value of seized muddamal stands at Rs 20,43,080. The raid was executed by Police Inspector (PI) C.B. Chaudhari and PSI V.K. Rathod of the State Monitoring Cell Police Station. Two individuals were arrested during the operation. The primary accused, Khursidkhan Sadatkhan Pathan, is alleged to have stored and sold the Mephedrone from his residence. He has a previous criminal record, having been booked in 2007 at Sector 7 Police Station in Gandhinagar under IPC Sections 365 (kidnapping), 384 (extortion), and 403 (misappropriation of property). The second accused, Nomanmiya Sakirmiya Parmar, a resident of Kasba Vad in Harsol village, Talod taluka, Sabarkantha, was reportedly the buyer of the narcotic substances. He also has a history of criminal charges, including IPC Sections 504 and 506(2), for criminal intimidation, registered at Talod Police Station in 2021. The SMC has also identified a third individual, Irfankhan Nisarkhan Pathan, as a wanted accused in the case. A resident of the same locality as Khursidkhan, Irfankhan is believed to have sourced the Mephedrone from Madhya Pradesh and supplied it to Khursidkhan for distribution. He is considered the key link in the supply chain. Irfankhan has a previous NDPS case registered at Himmatnagar A Division Police Station (Cr. No. 1751/2021), involving the seizure of 348.600 grams of Mephedrone valued at Rs 34.86 lakh. He was released on bail six months ago in that case. Gujarat has emerged as a significant hub in India's battle against narcotics, with recent data highlighting a sharp increase in drug seizures and arrests. In 2024 alone, authorities confiscated narcotic and psychotropic substances valued at Rs 7,303 crore, with a substantial portion of these shipments originally intended for Punjab. However, the rising number of seizures within the state suggests a growing local consumption, particularly of synthetic drugs like mephedrone. The state's strategic location, featuring a vast coastline and major ports, has made it a key transit point for drug trafficking. This has led to increased vigilance and operations by law enforcement agencies. In a notable operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized 907 kg of mephedrone from a manufacturing facility in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Further emphasising the state's proactive measures, the Gujarat government has rewarded over Rs 11 crore to 970 informants over the past three years for assisting in drug-related apprehensions. Chennai, May 20 : Three members of a family from Munnar lost their lives when their car crashed into a roadside tree near Kangayam in Tamil Nadu's Tirupur district on Tuesday. The victims were returning home after visiting their relatives in the state. The deceased were identified as Nixon, his wife Janaki, and their daughter Hemimithra. Nixon, hailing from Gudarvil near Munnar, was currently residing in Kuttiyarvally. According to police sources, Nixon was driving the vehicle when it veered off the road and rammed into a tree with great force. The couple and their daughter died on the spot or shortly after the collision. The couple's younger daughter, 10-year-old Mauna Shri, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Tiruppur, where she remains in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have occurred due to high speed or deteriorating road conditions. The front portion of the vehicle was completely mangled in the impact, indicating the severity of the crash. Local police and emergency responders reached the scene soon after being alerted. The bodies were recovered and sent to the Tiruppur Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. The tragic incident has deeply shaken the community in Munnar, where the family was known and respected. Relatives, friends, and neighbours have expressed their grief over the sudden loss and are praying for the recovery of the surviving child. This accident once again highlights the perils of driving in hilly and semi-rural regions of Tamil Nadu, where sharp curves and narrow roads demand cautious driving. Authorities have urged motorists to observe speed limits and stay vigilant, especially when travelling with family on such routes. Mumbai, May 20 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday paid tribute to veteran astronomer, science writer, and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee Dr Jayant Narlikar, acknowledging his immense contribution to popularising science through his writings. In a condolence message shared on X, CM Fadnavis said, "The news of the passing of senior astronomer and science writer Dr Jayant Narlikar is deeply saddening. He played a crucial role in spreading scientific awareness by creating rich literature on scientific subjects. For this, he received numerous accolades at the global level. He conducted pioneering research in astrophysics for decades and made complex topics like astronomy accessible to the common reader in a simple and engaging manner." He added, "Apart from his contributions to newspapers, Dr Narlikar created a vast library of scientific literature. His writings in Marathi were especially cherished by readers across Maharashtra. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan and held prominent positions in several international institutions." "We have lost not just a brilliant scientist but also an equally gifted writer. I offer my heartfelt tribute to him. The state government has decided to accord him a state funeral. We share the grief of his family. Om Shanti," he said. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed his condolences, saying, "The demise of Padma Vibhushan Dr Jayant Narlikar -- a globally renowned astronomer and a sensitive interpreter of the connection between humanity, the cosmos, and science -- is a significant loss for Maharashtra. Through his unique and lucid writing, he brought scientific knowledge to the masses and became an important figure in the state's scientific tradition." "Driven by an insatiable curiosity about not just the Earth but the entire cosmos, Dr Narlikar devoted his life to scientific research and outreach. As a visionary in science and technology, he helped shape the educational landscape of Maharashtra. Through the International University he established in Pune, he elevated the state's standing in the global scientific community. His legacy will continue to inspire generations," Shinde added. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar too mourned the passing of Dr Narlikar, calling it an "irreparable loss to the nation." "Dr Narlikar, honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, was a towering figure in Indian science. Continuing his mission to promote scientific thinking and rationality -- especially among the youth -- would be a true tribute to his memory," said Pawar. He further said, "A pioneering astronomer, Dr Narlikar elevated India's stature in the global scientific arena. He dedicated his life to fostering scientific curiosity among young minds and simplifying complex concepts for children. With his passing, a luminous star of India's scientific realm has been extinguished." Highlighting his institutional legacy, Pawar added, "Dr Narlikar founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), which has become a beacon of scientific excellence. Internationally respected for his work on the origin and evolution of the universe, his 'Quasi-Steady State Theory' remains a milestone in cosmology. His outspoken stance against superstition -- most notably during his presidential address at the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan -- will always be remembered." New Delhi, May 20 : In the wake of recent geopolitical developments that shifted Indian traveller sentiment dramatically, there has been a sharp 42 per cent decline in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan, a report said on Tuesday. As both countries publicly expressed support for Pakistan, Indian travellers responded swiftly. Within just 36 hours, the number of users exiting the visa application process midway surged by 60 per cent, according to data provided by Atlys, a visa processing platform. "The reaction wasn't scattered; it was sharp and behavioural. People didn't need to be told to avoid certain destinations. They simply moved on, guided by instinct, information, and access to alternatives. That's what modern travel looks like," said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. In the same spirit, "we also paused all marketing efforts for Turkey and Azerbaijan, standing by India and in solidarity with national sentiment," he added. Travellers from metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai showed a 53 per cent drop in Turkey-bound applications, while interest from tier 2 cities such as Indore and Jaipur remained more resilient, falling by only 20 per cent. There was also a shift in the kind of travellers rethinking their plans. Group visa requests, including family trips, fell by nearly 49 per cent, while solo and couple applications declined more gradually at 27 per cent. This suggests that larger group travellers, often planning further in advance and more sensitive to political sentiment, reacted more decisively than individual travellers. Atlys data also revealed early signals around age and intent. Travellers aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to change course quickly, accounting for over 70 per cent of mid-process application drop-offs for Turkey. Interestingly, women travellers were more likely to switch destinations entirely, with a 2.3 times higher tendency to reinitiate applications for Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, or Thailand. As Turkey and Azerbaijan lost favour, alternate destinations surged in popularity. In the subsequent days, applications to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt rose by up to 31 per cent, the data showed. Mumbai, May 20 : Bollywood actress Ananya Panday took to social media to share a glimpse of her workout, adding a humorous twist as she recalled how it reminded her of a school math lesson. Referring to her pose, she joked that it was the only time she had thought about a 90-degree angle since her classroom days. Taking to her Instagram stories, Ananya shared a video of her working out in the gym and captioned it, "The only time I have thought about a 90 degree angle since school." In the clip, she is seen doing a hips and legs workout, which prompted her to jokingly compare the posture to a 90-degree angle something she says she hasn't thought about since her school math classes. Meanwhile, the 'Kesari Chapter 2' actress recently made headlines for paying a lively tribute to her father and veteran actor Chunky Panday by performing some of his most iconic songs at the Zee Cine Awards 2025. The father-daughter duo danced together to the popular track "Main Tera Tota, Tu Meri Maina." Sharing the proud moment on social media, Chunky wrote, "This is the First time i got to Perform at an International Film Award function Thank you @zeecineawards and my Darling @ananyapanday what a Surprise So Proud of you Love you forever." In the video, Ananya Panday lit up the stage as she danced to one of her father's iconic songs, accompanied by an energetic troupe of background dancers. The excitement peaked when Chunky Panday himself joined her on stage, making the moment even more memorable. The 'Student of the Year 2' actress also took to Instagram to share clips of her tribute, celebrating her father's legacy. Additionally, she posted a glimpse of her dynamic performance with actor Kartik Aaryan, showcasing the electric chemistry they brought to the event. Dehradun, May 20 : The Uttarakhand Madarsa Board has decided to introduce 'Operation Sindoor' in its curriculum across the state, a move that will see students learning about the recent military operation. The announcement was made by Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, President of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Council, who stated that the step is aimed at instilling a sense of patriotism among students. Uttarakhand has 451 madrasas, with a student population of nearly 50,000. This decision came after Qasmi met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Tuesday, accompanied by a delegation of educationists, intellectuals, and Sufi scholars. During the meeting, he congratulated the Defence Minister on the success of Operation Sindoor under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singh, and hailed the Indian armed forces for giving a heavy blow to terrorist camps in Pakistan. He further praised the Indian Army's bravery and highlighted Uttarakhand's legacy of valour, describing it as the "land of heroes". Qasmi added that the courage demonstrated by the armed forces has earned admiration from people across the country and that madrasa students, too, should learn about this national pride. "We implemented the NCERT curriculum in madrasas across the country, connecting children with mainstream education. This reform has brought high-quality education to these institutions... We want to share the successful story of the 'Operation Sindoor' with our children so that future generations understand how our soldiers executed it with strength, bravery, and courage, ensuring no civilian casualties," he told IANS. He noted that a meeting of the curriculum committee will be convened shortly to finalise the inclusion of a chapter on Operation Sindoor in the syllabus. Uttarakhand Waqf Board President Shadab Shams lauded the initiative, telling IANS, "This is Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, a land also known as Sainya Dham (land of soldiers). If children studying in modern madrasas here do not learn about Operation Sindoor, then where else will they learn it?" "Uttarakhand is a state where nearly every household has contributed a soldier to the armed forces. The governor is a retired Lieutenant General, the chief minister is a soldier's son, and the people here are deeply patriotic. If children from such a state are not taught about Operation Sindoor, then who will be?" he said. Shams emphasised that teaching students about the military's heroic battles and the sacrifices made by soldiers is vital in nurturing faith and love for the nation. "I request Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who himself comes from a military family, to implement all these things in the NCERT syllabus as soon as possible, implement Operation Sindoor, so that the children of modern madrasas can also read these lines, read their stories, read about their valour and feel themselves in this," he mentioned. Shams concluded by saying, "I believe that youth and children should also get an opportunity to read these lines, read about their stories, read about their valour and feel themselves in this." Bhopal/Indore, May 20 : The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a reward for individuals who assist in transporting road accident victims to the hospital. The state cabinet also decided that those who help accident victims will not be questioned, Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated following the cabinet meeting. The meeting was held at Rajwada, a historic site in Indore, to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of the revered ruler Ahilyabai. "The individual will receive a financial reward of Rs 25,000 under the Rah-Veer scheme," the minister said. To qualify, the person must stop at the accident site, promptly call an ambulance, and actively assist in transporting the injured to medical care. This initiative was approved during the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The minister also announced that the state cabinet has allocated Rs 773 crore to the Maharaja Yashwantrao Holkar Hospital. "King Holkar established MY Hospital, but no significant upgrades were made to it afterwards. With an investment of Rs 773 crore, the hospital's facilities will be expanded to twice their current capacity. It will offer heart and liver surgeries, reducing the need for patients to travel to Delhi or Mumbai for treatment," the minister said. Additionally, Rs 321 crore has been allocated to Rewa District Hospital, providing a substantial healthcare boost for the poor and middle-class residents of Central India. The cabinet meeting took place in the Ganesh Hall of Rajwada, Indore, with a statue of Ahilya Devi prominently positioned in front of the Chief Minister. Seated to the right of the statue, the Chief Minister and other officials paid tribute to Goddess Ahilya with floral offerings before commencing discussions. Several ministers attended the meeting dressed in traditional dhoti-kurta attire, complemented by saffron scarves. However, Minister Vijay Shah, who has been at the centre of controversy due to his remarks regarding Colonel Sofia, was absent from the proceedings. Mumbai, May 20 : The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, cleared the state's housing policy aimed at providing affordable housing. The housing policy is based on the objective of 'My house- My rights. The government expects an investment of Rs 70,000 crore during the implementation of the ambitious housing policy in five years. It proposes to carry out a comprehensive programme for slum rehabilitation and redevelopment. The specific needs of low-income earners, senior citizens, women, industrial workers and students will be given priority consideration in the policy, said the Maharashtra government in a statement. The government proposes to construct 35 lakh houses in five years. Further, the government plans to increase the size of MahaAwas Fund to Rs 20,000 crore. The district land banks of the government and semi-government will be created. The state-level portal will soon be developed for providing information on housing development through government-private sector partnership, developers and state-run undertakings. Meanwhile, the cabinet also cleared seven other proposals of various departments. The cabinet has approved the setting up of a compressed biogas project using biomethanation technology. A parcel of land at Deonar under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will be made available on lease at a concessional rate to Mahanagar Gas Limited. The Cabinet gave its approval for clearing proposals pending with the Industry Department under its policies, whose term has expired. It also decided to establish a senior civil court at Karanja, District Washim. Approval was given for the creation of 28 posts and expenditure of Rs 1.76 crore for this purpose. The Cabinet cleared the revised cost of Rs 5329.46 crore for the Sulwade Jamphal Kanoli Lift Irrigation Scheme, Taluka Shindkheda, District Dhule. Irrigation capacity of 52,720 hectares will be created. Furthermore, the Cabinet also approved the revised cost of Rs 2025.64 crore for the project under the Aruna Medium Project, Mouje Het, Taluka Vaibhavwadi, District Sindhudurg. About 5,310 hectares of irrigation capacity will be created. The Cabinet gave administrative approval of Rs 6394.13 crore for the Poshir Project, Taluka Karjat, District Raigad and also Rs 4869.72 crore for the project in Shilar Taluka, Karjat in Raigad District. Vijayanagara : , May 20 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declared on Tuesday that his party wants Karnataka to be the first state in the country where every landowner has official records. He was addressing a massive gathering at the 'Sadhana Samavesha,' organised at Hospet town in Vijayanagara district to mark the completion of two years in office of the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi said, "I appeal to the Congress party's state and district committees to ensure that all landowners who are living without recognised land rights are given property deeds." "Every family should have its land records. We want Karnataka to be the first state where everyone who owns land also has proper documentation," he reiterated. Marking the occasion, one lakh families are being provided with land ownership documents, he said. Gandhi further said this was a dream of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. "We have taken a big step. Two thousand habitations have been declared as revenue villages. I have insisted on providing digital records of land ownership," he added. He pointed out that poor families often struggle for years without receiving land ownership records. "In the 21st century, we need a digital registry. People will have a physical copy of their land records and can also access digital copies whenever needed. This initiative will benefit poor communities such as Adivasis, Dalits, and Other Backward Classes," he emphasised. "I have come to know that another 50,000 families in Karnataka still don't have land records. We want to ensure that within six months, they, too, receive proper documentation. Already, 2,000 habitations have been declared revenue villages, and soon, 500 more will be added," Rahul Gandhi announced. "There should be no one left without land records in Karnataka," he affirmed. He further recalled, "When we were discussing the five guarantees, another issue came to light -- lakhs of people are lacking land ownership. Dalit and Adivasi villages were not recognised as revenue villages. These people have lived on their land for generations, but lacked ownership documents. This included people of all castes and religions." "I raised the issue with Congress leaders and told them that in Karnataka, anyone who owns land should have proper ownership records. Today, I am happy to say that we have delivered the sixth guarantee," he announced. Rahul Gandhi noted that the Congress government in Karnataka has completed two years in power. "We made five major promises during the election. The BJP and the Prime Minister claimed these guarantees were impossible to implement," he said. "The first guarantee, Gruha Lakshmi, provides Rs 2,000 every month to women who are heads of families. I am happy to share that the Karnataka government is depositing money directly into the accounts of crores of women," he said. "Crores of households are receiving 200 units of free electricity under Gruha Jyothi. Under the Anna Bhagya scheme, four crore people are receiving 10 kilograms of rice each. Under Shakti, the free bus travel scheme for women, the Karnataka government has enabled 500 crore free journeys. Under Yuva Nidhi, the fifth guarantee, three lakh unemployed youth are receiving Rs 3,000 each. We promised that we would deposit money into the bank accounts of the poor, and today, thousands of crores have been transferred," he said. "This money is being used for children's education and health care. We want your money to go directly into your accounts. The BJP wants to give money to a select few. We want Karnatakaas poor, OBCs, and Adivasis to receive the benefits," he said. "When we put money in your hands, you spend it in the market. This increases production and drives economic activity at the village level. It strengthens Karnatakaas economy," Rahul Gandhi stated. "The BJP helps billionaires get richer. These billionaires wonat spend money in villages -- they own properties in London and New York. Under the BJP model, your money ends up with a few people," he said. "The BJP model eliminates jobs. Our model creates employment. If you fall sick, the BJP model will push you into debt, while ours provides financial support. The BJP gives lakhs of crores to private universities, forcing lakhs of families to take loans. Our model puts money in peopleas hands," Rahul Gandhi concluded. New Delhi: Pakistan's relations with Russia were sour historically before a decision was taken to bring a strategic shift in Pakistan's foreign policy. The shift envisaged reaching out to Moscow as part of Islamabad's efforts to diversify its foreign policy options in early 2000s. Since then, regular high-level visits and meetings have been the hallmark of recent Russia-Pakistan engagements. New Delhi: Pakistan's relations with Russia were sour historically before a decision was taken to bring a strategic shift in Pakistan's foreign policy. The shift envisaged reaching out to Moscow as part of Islamabadas efforts to diversify its foreign policy options in early 2000s. Since then, regular high-level visits and meetings have been the hallmark of recent Russiaa"Pakistan engagements. Earlier this month, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari was the guest of honour at the function organised by the Russian Embassy in Islamabad to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory in the Second World War. Pakistan Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was also present on the occasion. He later visited Moscow from May 11-16 for meetings with Federation Council (Upper House) Chairperson Valentina I. Matviyenko and State Duma (Lower House) Chairman Vyacheslav V. Volodin. Gilani also met with the First Deputy Speaker of Russia's State Duma (the Lower House), Alexander D. Zhukov and emphasised the role of the State Duma, which remains pivotal in shaping the broader legislative and public discourse around Pakistan-Russia relations. Discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary exchanges, boosting trade and economic cooperation, and exploring collaboration in key sectors such as energy, regional connectivity, and security. Yousuf Raza Gilani held a significant meeting with the Deputy Mufti of the Grand Mosque, Ruhjann Abezov on May 15. The dialogue took place against the backdrop of rising global challenges a" radicalism, terrorism, and Islamophobia a" where religious misinterpretation continues to fuel division and conflict. Gilani proposed institutional linkages between Pakistan's Islamic Ideological Council and the Grand Mufti's office, suggesting joint initiatives in scholarly exchange, spiritual education, and youth outreach to cultivate a global Muslim identity rooted in shared values and mutual respect. The Deputy Grand Mufti stated that there were 2.5 Million Muslims living in Russia peacefully and President Putin himself takes keen interest in interfaith harmony and rights of all ethnicities. During his visit to Islamabad to attend the 15th Session of Russiaa"Pakistan Consultative Group on Strategic Stability on April 16, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei A. Ryabkov stated that both countries had "come closer on substance" and could "move forward with common vocabulary." He also reaffirmed that Moscow would not block Pakistan's Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) membership. In the meetings with Pak interlocutors, Russia has indicated willingness to make the bilateral relations multifaceted, covering areas of mutual interest, while avoiding areas/sectors of Indian concern. In October 2024, Federation Council Speaker Valentina I. Matviyenko had a meeting in Islamabad with Chairman of Pakistan's Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani as part of the visit by a Federation Council delegation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Following the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation Council and the Senate of Pakistan. Matvienko noted the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Pakistan, the high level of bilateral political interaction, including at the highest level, the intensification of inter-parliamentary contacts, as well as the closeness of the positions of Russia and Pakistan on most issues on the international and regional agenda. She also addressed a special plenary session of the Senate. It may be recalled that in February 2003, Late General Pervez Musharraf visited Moscow and emphasised the need to advance cooperation between Pakistan and Russia and address common challenges. Musharraf helped Russia to get entry into the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as Observer in 2003. Russia also signalled its intent to enhance partnership with Pakistan. It is pertinent to note that Russia has suffered repeatedly from a variety of terrorist attacks. Russia knew that Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism and had terror infrastructure which could have spill-over effects into the Central Asian Region (CAR) and Eurasian heartland and further to Europe. Russia has taken strong action against terrorism domestically, as it is a fertile field for radical Islamic terrorists. Notable terrorist and other groups operating in and launching attacks from Pakistan are of five broad, but not exclusive types. It includes globally oriented-Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, Islamic State Khorasan Province; Afghanistan-oriented - The Afghan Taliban, The Haqqani Network; India-oriented Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Harkat-ul Jihad Islami, Harkat-ul Mujahideen, Hizbul Mujahideen; domestically oriented Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, Jundallah; and, sectarian (anti-Shia) Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. It is evident that Russia wants to ensure stability in Afghanistan, while keeping extra regional powers at bay, to secure its strategic interests in the Central Asian Region (CAR) and exploit Afghanistan's geopolitical position as a transit corridor connecting Eurasia with South Asia. Proximity with Pakistan on Counter-Terrorism (CT) issues helps Moscow pursue its strategic interests in CAR. To prop-up engagement, the first Russia-Pakistan strategic dialogue was held in Moscow in August 2013 aimed at upgrading political, diplomatic, economic and defence relations. It is necessary to point out that in June 2014, Russia officially lifted an arms embargo against Pakistan, in place since the Soviet-Afghan War. Russia supplied Mil-Mi 35 M (NATO reporting name: Hind-J), attack helicopters in August 2017 to Pakistan. Pakistan and Russia agreed to the USD $153 million helicopter deal during then-Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif's visit to Moscow in June 2016. A preliminary contract was concluded at the Pakistan Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi in August 2015. Pakistan showed interest to purchase a total of 20 Mil Mi-35 helicopters in the coming years. Since 2016, Russia and Pakistan have engaged in a series of joint military exercises, notably the 'Druzhba' exercises to enhance cooperation in combatting terrorism. In October 2024, Druzhba VII joint military exercise was held in Pakistan at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi. While speaking at the Sixth Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Shanghai in June 2006, Musharraf had asserted that Pakistan was most suitably positioned to promote the interests of the SCO. Pakistan later joined the SCO at the SCO Summit in Astana on June 9, 2017 in a move to deepen regional cooperation. In the energy sector, Russia and Pakistan signed an agreement in July 2021 to build a 1100 km gas pipeline - Pakstream Gas Pipeline Project, commonly known as North-South Gas project - from Karachi to Lahore. The project was meant to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline from Karachi to Lahore to overcome the gas shortage in Pakistan's Punjab province. Apparently, under US pressure, the proposed Russia-backed gas pipeline hit a major roadblock with Islamabad dragging its feet on the project. Sources claimed that the pipeline had been delayed because of the involvement of several stakeholders in the project. Bilateral trade between the two countries had surpassed $1 billion in 2024 a" a significant milestone. Russia has shown interest in connecting Belarus to Pakistan via Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and willingness to help implement Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project, that are part of Russia's strategic outreach to the region. During 2024, Pakistan has imported US $1.37 million arms and ammunition parts and accessories from Russia according to UN Comtrade. It is important to note that in September 2023, Pakistan allegedly sold US $900 million in arms to Ukraine under the US duress to cover the funding gap required to finance an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. This "bombs for bailout" deal, initially disclosed by investigative website 'The Intercept', has led Pakistan to deviate from its neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as the US prioritized supporting Ukraine over promoting democracy in Pakistan. Pakistan's government has denied that the sale took place. It has supplied ammunition for the field guns and howitzers that are being used by the combined Ukraine and NATO forces against Russia. Russia is mindful of the limited potential of trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan and the difficulties in doing business in Pakistan. Despite the sanctions and difficulties in international payments, Pakistan is trying to persuade Russian companies to undertake repair and overhaul of its Mil-Mi helicopters and other Russian origin equipment. Significantly, during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Moscow in September 2020 and his meeting with then Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu, Russia committed and reiterated on "no arms supply to Pakistan." "The Defence Minister got Russia's assurance that it stands by India's security interest." Russia values its historical, trustworthy, friendly relationship with India. In Russia's strategic calculus, Russia-Pakistan cooperation seems to be modest, but future cooperation faces obstacles with "New Afghanistan under the Taliban". From Pakistan's perspective, engagement with Russia apart from providing it with access to reasonably-priced defence equipment, is also an useful tool in geopolitics. Pakistan is adept at playing the role of go-between in international affairs and considers itself ideally placed to benefit from close economic and defence ties between Russia and China, especially utilising its links and network in Central Asian countries, where the interests of Russia and China converge. Lastly, closer ties with Russia could upset India and the Pakistani establishment is not letting go of any opportunity to rile India. (The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He was formerly with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are personal) Quetta, May 20 : The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights body of Balochistan, on Tuesday strongly condemned Pashtun "genocide" by the Pakistan government in Waziristan, highlighting the drone attacks on civilian homes and the brutal massacre of children. "We strongly condemn the drone strikes on civilian homes, the brutal massacre of children and the Pashtun genocide in North Waziristan. The Pashtun land has been subjected to state repression, violence and military brutality for the past several decades. We consider this a clear and systematic Pashtun genocide without any interpretation or vague explanation," read a statement issued by the BYC. Drawing parallel with the condition in Balochistan, the BYC stated that just as the Baloch nation, the government is pursuing a policy of systematic genocide against the Pashtun people, adding that in the same vein, state brutality and violence continue in Pashtun lands. "Today, not only the Baloch and Pashtun nations, but also the oppressed nationalities of the entire region are facing the worst state repression, enforced disappearances of political leaders, extrajudicial killings, and ongoing military brutality through so-called operations. Mortar shelling and drone strikes on civilian populations have become routine operations, which are a clear violation of human rights," the statement added. The BYC urged that all oppressed nations must unite and struggle against state oppression and barbarity. It is only through joint resistance and popular power that this oppressive system can be defeated. On Monday, the BYC expressed concern, stating that Pakistan is trying to erase the Baloch nation, and for decades has targeted the Baloch people through bullets, lies, and silence. The BYC vowed to stand in peaceful resistance against the oppression. Terming it genocide, the BYC further revealed that for generations, the Pakistani state has waged a brutal war on Balochistan by disappearing youth, dumping bodies, and labelling the victims as terrorists. Revealing the recent killing of Bakhtiar Ahmed Baloch, son of Muhammad Akbar and a resident of Bedar Pull, Naseerabad, in Shekharhi, on Saturday night, the BYC stated that this act is not an isolated tragedy but part of a wider pattern of state-sanctioned violence targeting Baloch civilians by Pakistani forces. Bakhtiar was fatally shot by personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC) when local residents gathered to express concerns over the ongoing military operations in their area, which have severely impacted women and children. "As we witness the tragic killing of Bakhtiar and so many Baloch before him, the silence of the world grows louder. We urgently call upon the global human rights community, international media, and bodies to break their silence and intervene. The people of Balochistan are being systematically targeted, and the world must not turn away," stated the BYC. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is an organisation advocating for the rights of the minority Baloch community in Pakistan. Baloch human rights defenders from the BYC have been arrested by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department or forcibly disappeared. In March, several UN experts demanded that Pakistan immediately release detained Baloch human rights defenders and cease its crackdown on peaceful protesters. The experts expressed concern about an escalating series of actions by the Pakistan police against the BYC. New Delhi, May 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the passing of eminent nuclear scientist Dr. MR Srinivasan. Srinivasan passed away in Tamil Nadu's Udhagamandalam on Tuesday. He was 95. In a post shared on social media platform X, PM Modi hailed Srinivasan as a "stalwart of India's nuclear energy programme". "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector," the post said. "He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti," it added. Srinivasan was a key architect of India's civil nuclear energy programme. His career in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) spanned over five decades, beginning in September 1955. His tenure saw remarkable expansion: 18 nuclear power units were developed under his guidance -- seven became operational, seven were under construction, and four remained in the planning phase. Earlier Prime Minister Modi also condoled the passing of noted astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar, who died aged 87 in Pune on Tuesday. PM Modi called his passing away "a monumental loss to the scientific community". "He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers," PM Modi, shared in a post on X. Narlikar "made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," he added. The noted astronomer and science writer Narlikar received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour -- India's third-highest civilian award -- at 26. Later, in 2004, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Seoul, May 20 : Two senior prosecutors of South Korea who have faced criticism for allegedly mishandling a probe into former First Lady Kim Keon Hee over her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme have offered to resign, judiciary sources said on Tuesday. Lee Chang-soo, chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, and Cho Sang-won, deputy chief prosecutor at the same office, tendered their resignations to the Justice Ministry earlier in the day, according to the sources. Lee is known to have cited health reasons for his resignation offer. The senior prosecutors, alongside the chief state auditor, were impeached by the National Assembly in December following the now impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid on December 3. They have been accused of failing to indict the former First Lady and making false claims regarding the investigation during press briefings, Yonhap news agency reported. The Constitutional Court, however, rejected the impeachments in a March 13 ruling. The court said it was not an abuse of authority to question the First Lady at a location outside of the prosecution's office and that no false claims were made. Earlier on May 16, prosecutors had raided the residence of Kim Keon Hee and Chanel Korea as part of investigations into various suspicions over relations between ousted President Yoon and his wife and a controversial shaman. They said the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office recently sent investigators to search the former secretary's residence and the office of Chanel Korea to secure evidence related to the whereabouts of gifts reportedly given to Kim from shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as Geon Jin. Prosecutors are looking into allegations that a high-ranking Unification Church official gifted a diamond necklace and a Chanel bag to Kim in exchange for various favours after Yoon's election as President in 2022. Chanel Korea said it was responding to the prosecution's investigation "sincerely", without elaborating on the details of the case. Last month, the prosecution also raided Yoon's residence in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, along with Kim's office and the residences of two of her secretaries. However, they reportedly failed to secure much of the evidence, including the necklace in question, nor succeeded in unlocking the former First Lady's cellphone. Jamshedpur, May 20 : In a tragic incident, two young men drowned while bathing in Dimna Lake in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur as they ventured into deep waters and could not be saved, officials said. Their bodies were retrieved on Tuesday afternoon after an intense search by the Civil Defence team. The deceased have been identified as Nitin Gorai and Pratik Kumar, both residents of the Mango locality in Jamshedpur. A group of six friends had gone for an outing near Dimna Lake, located under the jurisdiction of the Bodam police station on Monday evening. Around 6 p.m., the group entered the lake to bathe. While in the water, Nitin and Pratik ventured into deep waters and began to struggle. Despite desperate efforts by their friends to rescue them, the two were swept under the water. The incident occurred near an island in Kutimakali village, a relatively isolated part of the lake with no nearby habitation. As a result, immediate help could not be summoned. The families of the missing youths were informed. They reached the spot nearly an hour later. Local authorities were then alerted, and a search operation was launched with their assistance on Monday evening. However, efforts to locate the bodies remained unsuccessful throughout the night. The search resumed early Tuesday morning with trained divers summoned from the Civil Defence team. After several hours of combing the waters, the bodies were finally recovered around Tuesday noon. The scene turned emotional after the bodies were retrieved with outbursts from family members who had gathered at the site. The police have sent both bodies for post-mortem examinations to MGM Medical College. The tragic incident adds to a growing toll of water-related deaths in the state. Over the past 40 days, more than 15 youths and children have lost their lives in separate drowning incidents across various water bodies, including dams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs in Jharkhand. Patna, May 20 : In a shocking incident that has drawn outrage across Bihar, a patient at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) - the second-largest government hospital in Patna - had all five fingers bitten by rats while asleep post-surgery. Following the horrific incident, former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav took to the social media platform X on Tuesday and criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey. He shared a video of the injured patient and condemned what he described as "gross negligence and collapse of the health system." "A disabled patient admitted in Patna's NMCH was in deep sleep when rats nibbled his fingers. Just a few days ago, a deceased's eye was eaten by rats in the same hospital. Yet no action has been taken," Tejashwi posted. He claimed that the health reforms implemented during his 17-month tenure as Health Minister have been reversed. "The Health Minister Mangal Pandey, who is secretly projecting himself as the RSS/BJP's Chief Minister candidate, has destroyed the improvements we made in the Health Department," Tejashwi stated. He further mocked the state administration, saying: "The unconscious Chief Minister will soon be shown a presentation claiming the patient's fingers weren't bitten by rats but by a state-of-the-art robotic surgical machine. And then, as always, the Chief Minister will say "All this happened before 2005?" The victim, Awadesh Prasad, an elderly resident of Nalanda district, had recently undergone surgery and was recovering in the hospital when the attack by rodents on Sunday. The family and eyewitnesses have alleged that despite repeated complaints about the presence of rats, no concrete action was taken by hospital authorities. The horrific episode has once again spotlighted the dire state of hospital hygiene and management in the state. Recently, rats also nibbled the eye of a deceased patient in the hospital morgue. Despite the public outcry, no accountability was fixed, and hospital sanitation remains severely compromised. NMCH is yet to issue a formal response, and there is no confirmation of disciplinary action against any official or staff involved. New Delhi, May 20 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice on BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar's plea challenging the dismissal of his defamation complaint against Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor. A single-judge Bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja sought Tharoor's stand on Chandrasekhar's revision plea against an order of the magisterial court which had refused to issue a summons to the Congress leader. In its order passed on February 4, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal held that prima facie, no ingredients of defamation were made out against the Congress parliamentarian. During the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Tharoor, in a TV interview, alleged that Chandrasekhar, the BJP candidate for Thiruvananthapuram constituency, "bribed" key voters and influential figures such as Christian parish priests. In response, Chandrasekhar moved the court, accusing Tharoor of disseminating false and misleading information, and had a defamation notice served on Tharoor. In his notice, the BJP leader had expressed "shock" at the allegations made by Shashi Tharoor in a TV interview by a Kerala-based news organisation called '24 News'. Chandrasekhar demanded that Tharoor immediately withdraw all the allegations and sought an unconditional public apology through print and electronic media. The BJP leader claimed that such defamatory statements have harmed and disrespected the entire Christian community of Thiruvananthapuram and its leaders by accusing them of engaging in cash-for-votes activities. As per Chandrasekhar, Shashi Tharoor had concocted these allegations and circulated them in order to influence the voters in Thiruvananthapuram. The legal notice stated that Tharoor has made these statements "with an intent to harm" Rajeev Chandrasekhar. "Immediately withdraw all the allegations and aspersions made by you, the notice against our client Rajeev Chandrashekhar, on the aforesaid news channel dated 06.04.2024. Tender an unconditional public apology to our client to his satisfaction through print and electronic media with regard to the said baseless allegations and aspersions made by you and stop indulging in any such activities in the future," the notice read. The Delhi High Court will hear Chandrasekhar's revision plea next on September 16. Kolkata, May 20 : The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday refused to vacate the stay imposed earlier by its single-judge bench on recruitments for supernumerary posts in the upper-primary sections in state-run schools of West Bengal. The stay on such recruitment was originally imposed by the single-judge bench of Justice Biswajit Basu. Thereafter, the state government appealed the decision and a division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das heard its plea to vacate the stay. However, after days of hearing in the matter, the division bench of Justice Sen and Justice Das refused to vacate the stay imposed by the bench of Justice Basu. The division bench observed that since the case related to recruitment for supernumerary posts was still pending at the single-judge bench, vacating the stay was not desirable. The next hearing on the matter at the single-judge bench of Justice Basu is scheduled on June 18. The next hearing is crucial in the sense that more legal arguments both for and against the justification for supernumerary recruitment might surface then. Recently, a group of candidates for the posts of upper-primary teachers staged protests in front of the chamber of Calcutta High Court's senior advocate and the CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya. The main grudge of the protesters against Bhattacharya was that his legal arguments often led to the cancellation of school jobs in the state. During those protests, the protesters also used derogatory comments on Justice Basu because of some negative observations by the latter in the cases on the alleged school jobs scam. Already, a suo motu contempt-of-court case has been filed in the matter against the protestors and those masterminding that. The case is being heard by a special three-judge bench of Justice Arijit Banerjee, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, which was constituted especially to hear this particular case. Dhaka, May 20 : Bangladesh's leading actress Nusraat Faria was granted bail by a Dhaka court on Tuesday in an attempted murder case of one Enamul Haque related to the July 2024 movement. The actress who portrayed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a film was arrested by police at the Dhaka airport on Sunday while she was on her way to Thailand. Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court Judge Mustafizur Rahman passed the order on a bond of Taka 5000 after hearing the bail appeal, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported. The judge stated that the bail on Tuesday was granted to Faria as the investigating officer submitted a report informing the court that the accused was in Canada from July 9 to August 14 last year and not in Bangladesh. The arrest of the actress received widespread criticism from Bangladeshis all over the world with even the Cultural Affairs Advisor Sarwar Farooki terming the development as an "embarrassing incident" for the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. "Following the backlash over the former president Abdul Hamid's foreign trip, there may have been an overreaction driven by nervousness. A similar incident happened a few days ago involving Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho's wife. These incidents are by no means justifiable. I believe Faria will get legal remedy," said Farooki in a social media post while expressing his concerns over the arrest. "The government's job is to prosecute the actual transgressors during the July Uprising. Our stated policy has been clear -- no one will be arrested in broad, indiscriminate cases unless preliminary investigation establishes involvement. That policy had been followed," he added. Reports suggest that Enamul Haque sustained bullet wounds during the mass uprising in Dhaka's Bhatara area on July 19. On that day, he was shot in the leg and later admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state. After recovering, he filed the case on May 3, which named 283 individuals as accused, including Hasina and 17 artists. Faria has been listed as the 207th accused. The case also identified her as a "financial supporter" of the Awami League. Several key members of the Bangladesh Cholochitro Shilpi Samiti, or the artistes' association, including Ashfaque Nipun, Azmeri Haque 'Badhon ', Khairul Basar, Sharaf Ahmed 'Jibon' Tabib Mahmud, slammed the decision taken by the "fascist Yunus administration" which, they insist, can't be accepted. Noted British journalist David Bergman also criticised the arrest of Faria, stating that arbitrary arrest on baseless charges has become a legitimate fear in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government. "It now appears that simply being a known supporter of the Awami League, or having close associations with the party, is enough to make one a target. We have reached the point where such individuals can no longer feel safe in Bangladesh -- where arbitrary arrest on baseless charges becomes a legitimate fear," said David Bergman. "The interim government appears to be struggling with its moral and political direction; The country's new civil society seem indifferent to due process and fairness -- focused instead on vengeance and score-settling; And, there is no major political force left to champion basic human rights," he added while detailing how it has taken "just nine months" to reach this "dangerous threshold." Bhopal/Indore, May 20 : As a mark of respect to Adi Shankracharya -- the revered Indian Vedic scholar, philosopher and teacher of Advaita Vedanta -- the Madhya Pradesh government has approved a budget of Rs 2,100 crore for the development project in Omkareshwar around his statue. "The project is designed to provide easier access for scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of Hinduism and Sanatan culture," said Kailash Vijayvargiya, the state Urban Development Minister. "As we have developed Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, which has improved tourist influx by 30-40 times, thereby boosting the per capita income of people of Ujjain, the initiatives in Omkreshwar will give a push to the local economy and tourism," he added. The state Cabinet has decided to approve the fund, and work on the project will start soon, the Minister said soon after the cabinet meeting in Indore on Tuesday. Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian Vedic scholar, philosopher and teacher (acharya) of Advaita Vedanta. Several texts suggest Shankara's schooling with Govindapada happened along the river Narmada in Omkareshwar. The project encompasses several key components, including the Shankaracharya Museum, the Acharya Shankar International Institute of Advaita Vedanta, and the Advaita Forest. The museum will feature a 3D hologram projection gallery, nine exhibition galleries, an IMAX theatre, and a cultural boat ride, offering visitors an immersive experience into the life and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, the minister informed. The Advaita Vedanta Institute aims to promote the study of Advaita philosophy, fostering academic research and discourse. "The initiative aims to transform Omkareshwar into a significant religious and cultural tourism hub, with the centrepiece being a 108-foot-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya a" already installed, the minister said. Unveiled on September 21, 2023, the Statue of Oneness stands on Mandhata Island in Omkareshwar. Designed by artist Vasudeo Kamath, the statue draws inspiration from Raja Ravi Verma's depiction of Adi Shankaracharya. It portrays the revered philosopher as a 12-year-old and was constructed using metal collected from over 23,000 gram panchayats across India. The statue is mounted on a 75-foot platform, enhancing its grandeur. Additionally, a 36-hectare Advaita Forest is being developed to provide a serene environment for meditation and ecological awareness. This green space is expected to attract spiritual seekers and environmentalists alike. The broader vision of the project includes integrating Omkareshwar into a larger tourism circuit, linking it with other religious towns in Madhya Pradesh. The government's investment in this initiative underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting India's spiritual heritage while boosting tourism and local economic development. Officials believe the project will significantly enhance Omkareshwar's appeal as a pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. With substantial funding allocated and construction progressing, the Oneness project is poised to become a landmark of cultural and spiritual significance, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh's status as a centre for religious tourism and philosophical learning. Shimla, May 20 : A delegation of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, mainly comprising apple growers, on Tuesday, called on Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a ban on the import of apples from Turkey. Manch convener Harish Chauhan apprised the Governor that India currently imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkey alone exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tons apples annually. He said that Turkey earns nearly Rs 800 to 1,000 crore from apple exports to India. Highlighting the significance of the apple industry in the state, Chauhan said the state produces between 6 and 10 lakh metric tons apples every year and nearly three to four lakh families are directly dependent on its plantation. He said that banning apple imports from Turkey would not only boost the economy of the state but also send a strong message against countries that support terrorism and maintain close ties with Pakistan. The Governor expressed support for the demands of the growers and assured the delegation that their memorandum would be forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. He added that the matter directly concerns the economic well-being of the state and the interests of farmers and orchardists must be protected. Meanwhile, former State BJP President and MP, Suresh Kashyap, said the Congress is trying to do politics on Turkish apples. "We would like to remind the Congress that many delegations have met the Central government and its Ministers and there is every possibility of a decision from the government on this issue soon. It seems the Congress is trying to do politics of taking credit only," he said in a statement. He added that many delegations of Himachal Pradesh have presented five major demands before the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the government, in which the first demand is to immediately ban the import of apples from Turkey. The second demand is to increase the limit of minimum import price on apples from other countries, Kashyap said. The third demand is to strictly implement quality on imported apples so that any kind of disease and virus does not enter India, he added. Kashyap said the Congress does not need to do any kind of politics on this issue because the Central government is fully aware of this issue. Bhopal/Indore, May 20 : Following Central government's initiatives to establish working women's hostels in industrial areas to provide safe and affordable accommodation for female workers, Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the construction of hostels in all industrial hubs such as Udyog Nagri Pithampur (near Indore) and Mandideep (near Bhopal) and Malapur (near Gwalior). In the first phase, the state has decided to make its investment of Rs 66 crore in Udyogpuri (Ujjain), Rs 76 crore in Pithampur, Rs 29 crore in Malanpur and Rs 77 crore in Mandideep. More funds will be invested in other industrial areas at a later stage. The government is considering financial support from industries through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to aid in the development of these facilities, the minister said. "Central and State governments will construct residential facilities for women in all industrial areas. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is taking an interest in this project, so the state is getting support from the Central government. The state is proactive in construction for residential areas for working women in industrial areas," Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said after the Cabinet meeting in Indore. The state cabinet meeting was organised in Indore to pay reverence to the Holkar dynasty ruler Ahilyabai. Prime Minister Modi will visit Bhopal and will dedicate the Indore Metro Rail project on May 31 virtually from Bhopal, the minister said. Additionally, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the expansion of the 'Sakhi-Niwas' hostel facilities under Mission Shakti, ensuring that hostels are available in all cities and industrial areas where a significant number of women are employed. These hostels will also serve as centres for skill development and employment-oriented training. Other states, such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, have also launched similar initiatives. Tamil Nadu has established multiple working women's hostels across various districts, equipped with biometric attendance, CCTV surveillance, and other modern amenities. In Andhra Pradesh, the government has sanctioned hostels in Visakhapatnam under a public-private partnership model, ensuring safe and well-equipped accommodations for working women. At the national level, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the construction of new hostels across 28 states under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance womenas participation in the workforce by providing secure housing options. The Working Women Hostel Scheme, originally launched in 1972-73, continues to support the construction and expansion of hostels in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas where employment opportunities exist. Dhaka, May 20 : In yet another significant development highlighting the growing bonhomie between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has granted permission to another private Pakistani airline, Air Sial, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi. CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan was quoted by the local media as saying that a formal order will be issued later on Tuesday after which the ministry will appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) and apply for flight slots. Once operational, Air Sial flights will allow Bangladeshi passengers to not only travel to Pakistan but also transit through the country to other international destinations, bdnews24.com reported. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) had formally revived the proposal for operating direct flights during a meeting with Bangladesh's Advisor for Travel and Tourism Sheikh Bashir Uddin in Dhaka on January 12, earlier this year. "Pakistani businesses are keen to invest and expand trade with Bangladesh. However, challenges such as visa complications and the lack of direct flights have created barriers," the FPCCI President said. During the meeting, issues related to bilateral trade between the two countries, simplification of visa procedures, launching of direct flight operations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and future investment prospects were discussed in detail. The Pakistani business delegation had expressed its interest in investing in agricultural production and marketing, education, tourism and ceramic sectors in Bangladesh. It also invited the Bangladeshi business delegation to invest in Pakistan under export facilitation scheme of the Pakistani government while stating that a trade expo will soon be organised in Bangladesh. The last Pakistani airline to fly directly to Bangladesh was Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) which ceased operations on the route in 2018 due to low booking rates and financial losses. Earlier in February, CAAB had approved Fly Jinnah to operate direct flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported that Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain had said that, if approved, Air Sial may be able to commence flights to Dhaka within two months. The prospect of renewed direct flights gained momentum under the current administration led by Muhammad Yunus following a shift in Dhaka-Islamabad relations after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. Patna, May 20 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Tuesday, following a horrifying incident at the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), where rats chewed off five fingers of a differently-abled patient. Expressing shock and outrage, Jha sarcastically remarked, "Are these rats or dinosaurs? The rats of Bihar are said to drink liquor, dig mountains, and even demolish bridges. What kind of rats are these?" He also added, "This is not just about rodents -- it reflects the sheer incompetence of the government. The bigger question is: Does Nitish Kumar even know what's happening in hospitals like NMCH? If such incidents aren't reaching him, it's a matter of serious concern. If they are reaching him and he's still not reacting, then it's even more alarming." The comments come after a shocking incident on Sunday, when Awadesh Prasad, a resident of Nalanda district who had undergone surgery at NMCH, had all five fingers of one hand bitten by rats while asleep in his hospital bed. The incident triggered widespread condemnation, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also criticising the state government, saying that the healthcare system has collapsed under the current administration. Responding to the outrage, Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said, "The matter is under investigation, and action will be taken against the responsible staff. The government acts whenever such incidents occur, and the same will happen here." The recurring rodent-related incidents at NMCH have once again raised concerns about hygiene, patient safety, and administrative accountability in government-run hospitals in Bihar. The family and eyewitnesses have alleged that despite repeated complaints about the presence of rats, no concrete action was taken by hospital authorities. This is not the first such case at NMCH. Recently, rats allegedly nibbled the eye of a deceased patient in the hospital morgue. Despite the public outcry, no accountability was fixed, and hospital sanitation remains severely compromised. Chennai, May 20 : Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss has once again called for the immediate abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), following the tragic suicide of a medical aspirant in Salem - the sixth such incident in Tamil Nadu this year. The student, a resident of Narasothipatti in Salem district, reportedly ended his life fearing poor results in NEET after his fourth attempt. The recurring deaths of young aspirants, Ramadoss said, expose the intense psychological pressure exerted by the national-level medical entrance exam on students. Expressing deep grief over the incident, Ramadoss extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He stated that NEET has turned into a source of trauma for many students, especially those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. "This examination is not just about testing knowledge. It is pushing students into despair," he said. Ramadoss further questioned the fairness and relevance of NEET, pointing out that students who score over 500 marks still struggle to secure medical seats due to high fees in private institutions, while others with lower scores manage admissions through financial clout. "Merit has taken a backseat to money," he remarked. He was sharply critical of both the Union and Tamil Nadu governments for failing to act decisively against NEET since its implementation in 2017. Ramadoss targeted the ruling DMK for not fulfilling its 2021 state Assembly election promise to abolish the exam. "Despite forming a committee and passing resolutions, the state government has taken no effective step toward ending NEET," he said. Emphasising that students are the backbone of the nation's future, Ramadoss urged the Central and state governments to stop "politicising" the issue. He called for immediate and meaningful action - either to scrap NEET entirely or to secure a permanent exemption for Tamil Nadu. "This is not just a policy failure. It's a moral failure," he added. Vijayanagara, May 20 : Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, described Operation Sindoor as a "small act of war." Vijayanagara, May 20 (IANS) Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, described Operation Sindoor as a "small act of war." "Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to visit Kashmir on the 17th. The intelligence agencies informed him not to visit the Valley, and he got the programme cancelled. If he (PM Modi) knew this, why didn't he inform the tourists through the police when he cancelled the programme scheduled for the 17th?" said the Congress President while addressing Samarpane Sankalpa rally in Hospet town, held to mark the completion of two years of the Congress-led government in the state. He said that if the Prime Minister had issued a warning, 26 lives could have been saved. "Had you informed the public about it, these small incidents of war or the ongoing conflict with Pakistan, this could have been prevented," said Kharge about Operation Sindoor. Kharge further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not utter a single word about the Pahalgam incident. "This cannot be tolerated. We are united as a nation. Caste and religion come later," he said. He alleged that PM Modi is being treated as more important than the nation. "There was information of threats in Kashmir, but he did not share information with the poor," he added. Not only PM Modi, the Congress President said that the Opposition also stands with the nation. "PM Modi cannot take the credit for representing patriotism alone. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives for this country. Mahatma Gandhi gave us independence and laid down his life. This is the legacy of the Congress. And you (PM Modi) want to blame us. You file cases against us. You served notices in the National Herald case through the ED, CBI, and Income Tax departments. You want to bring us down. That will not happen," Kharge claimed. On the issue of representing the country abroad on matters of terrorism, Kharge said, "Even though the delegation was selected without informing Congress, we agreed without raising objections. This is how we stand with the nation." He added that Congress got the Constitution under the leadership of Ambedkar and Nehru. "Congress must protect it. Mere words are not enough. Everyone must be included," he said. Kharge also referred to a BJP minister targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a defence spokesperson, and alleging links to Pakistan. "What punishment should be given to that minister? She is being targeted just because her name is Qureshi. PM Modi should first seek their resignation. They should be removed from their positions," said the Congress President. New Delhi, May 20 : Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) activists, along with students of Delhi University's School of Open Learning (SOL), on Tuesday held a protest against the authorities for forcing SOL students to write their exams in an unsafe basement parking, endangering their lives. Slamming the university's apathy, the protesters demanded a dignified academic atmosphere and alleged that SOL students were victims of "educational apartheid", as even the basic exam facilities were being denied to them. Bhim Kumar, Member, Delhi State Committee, KYS, said in a statement, "The organisation demands the filing of an FIR against the DU and SOL officials responsible for putting the lives of SOL students in danger." "This is discrimination and educational apartheid in its worst form, as DU provides classrooms for the students at regular colleges to write their exams. Clearly, the careers and even lives of SOL students are dispensable for DU and SOL administrations," he said. He also shared videos of the examination centre in the basement parking, in which students can be seen sitting behind green shades, while construction work is going on. Heaps of construction waste, including dangerous materials such as metal pipes, toxic paint, stone slabs and construction ladders, can be seen littered across the basement. The KYS leader demanded immediate resolution of all issues related to internal assessment and results. "The KYS warns of a massive movement if all these issues are not resolved immediately. The organisation will intensify its movement against DU and SOL's educational apartheid and criminal disregard for SOL students' lives," said Bhim Kumar. He alleged that the SOL and the DU administration are known to deny the bare minimum facilities to the SOL students. Dignified settings are what any public-funded educational institution is bound to provide to its students for exams, he said. Even earlier, in 2024, the students of SOL B. Com 1st semester were forced to write their exams in bone-chilling winters in makeshift tents at Motilal Nehru College and Aurobindo College, he stated. Chennai, May 20 : A new schedule of director Karthik Ghattamaneni's eagerly-awaited action adventure 'Mirai', featuring actor Teja Sajja in the lead, has now started and is proceeding at a brisk pace in the historical caves in Mumbai. Sources close to the unit say that some of the lead actors in the film will be participating in this schedule. The work related to the film is going on as per schedule and the makers are on track to release the film in August. It may be recalled that the makers had announced in February this year that their film would hit screens worldwide on August 1. Sources point out that the film is to be released in a grand fashion in eight languages in both 2D and 3D formats worldwide. The film delves into the story of a fearless warrior entrusted with protecting nine sacred scriptures. From the moment the first teaser dropped, anticipation for aMiraia has been mounting. The unveiling of Teja Sajjaas warrior avatar, alongside Manchu Manojas enigmatic character wielding the mystical Black Sword went on to add to the excitement of audiences. In an earlier interview, Manchu Manoj, while commenting on his role in the film, had said, "Coming back to the industry with such a powerful and intriguing character has been both challenging and exhilarating. The Black Sword is a character that resonates with the strength and resilience that every hero should embody. I am overwhelmed with excitement to share this journey with my fans who have waited patiently for my return." The glimpses of breathtaking action sequences, and a spectacular retelling of the history have only fueled the filmas hype. Ritika Nayak plays the female lead opposite Teja Sajja in this film. Director Karthik Ghattamaneni has penned the screenplay, alongside Manibabu Karanam who has also penned the dialogues for this film. Gowra Hari has scored music for this impressive action thriller while Sri Nagendra Tangala has taken care of art direction. Vivek Kuchibhotla is the co-producer of this film which has Krithi Prasad as the Creative Producer and Sujith Kumar Kolli as its Executive Producer. -IANS mkr/ New Delhi, May 20 : The historic WHO Pandemic Treaty adopted today is a shared commitment that requires greater global cooperation, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, via videoconferencing, he highlighted that this year's theme, 'One World for Health,' aligns with India's vision for global health. After three years of negotiations, the Agreement was adopted by consensus by member countries of the WHO at the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly. India is also a signatory to this treaty, which has been in talks since the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed millions of people worldwide. The treaty aims to bridge global healthcare gaps and inequities in case of future pandemics. "The WHO Pandemic Treaty is a shared commitment to fighting future pandemics through greater global cooperation," said PM Modi, while extending his congratulations on the successful negotiations of the treaty. While the Global South is particularly impacted by several health challenges, PM Modi stated that "India's approach provides replicable, scalable, and sustainable models". He also expressed India's willingness to share its learnings and best practices with the world, especially with the Global South. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building a healthy planet while ensuring that no one is left behind. "The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration," he said. Further, PM Modi also highlighted India's health reforms ranging from Ayushman Bharat -- the world's largest health insurance scheme, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment -- to the increased role of technology in improving health outcomes, as well as the rise in Government Health Expenditure, leading to a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure of the citizens. "The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable", underlined the Prime Minister. Emphasising India's role as the birthplace of Yoga, the Prime Minister also extended an invitation to all countries for the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga in June. The theme this year is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. Bhopal, May 20 : Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah on Tuesday skipped the Cabinet meeting amid his controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. "The minister might not have attended the meeting due to some personal reasons. The matter is sub-judice, therefore, it wouldn't be appropriate to make any comment on it," Madhya Pradesh BJP chief Vishnu Dutt Sharma. On Tuesday, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up to investigate the FIR lodged against Vijay Shah in compliance with the Supreme Court's direction. BJP chief Vishnu Dutt Sharma reiterated that the court's directions are being followed step-by-step. He said that when the MP High Court ordered to register an FIR, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had himself instructed officials to comply with the direction. "No one is above the law. The court's instructions are being followed step-by-step. SIT will investigate the matter and submit its report to the SC. After examining the report, whatever direction the court will issue, we will follow," claimed Sharma. Notably, Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah, whose remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi sparked controversy, prompting the opposition to demand his resignation, was absent from the special Cabinet meeting held in Indore on Tuesday. The special Cabinet meeting at Rajwada Palace in Indore was held to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered ruler of Indore. The meeting organised in the Ganesh Hall of Rajwada aimed to honour her legacy and discuss key developmental initiatives for the state. One of the key agenda items for the Cabinet meeting was the presentation of the 'MP Metropolitan Planning and Development Act 2025.' Additionally, a budget of Rs 2,200 crore was earmarked for the construction of Advaita Lok, an Adi Shankar Museum in Omkareshwar. --IANS pd/dan New Delhi, May 20 : Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad on Tuesday was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a Haryana court in connection with FIRs registered against him for his allegedly objectionable remarks on Operation Sindoor. "The police had sought an extension of his remand by seven days, but on our objection, the court refused the plea and sent him to judicial custody for 14 days," said a lawyer representing Mahmudabad. On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Mahmudabad's petition challenging his arrest in the coming days. The two FIRs against the Ashoka professor were lodged at the Rai Police Station in Sonipat in Haryana - 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. Mahmudabad (42) was arrested on a complaint filed by Yogesh Jatheri, the General Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Haryana. Ali has been arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to inciting armed rebellion or subversive activities and insulting religious beliefs. Also, sedition-like charges have been filed against him. In a post on social media, Mahmudabad wrote: "I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophi(y)a Qureishi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others who are victims of the BJPas 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 itas just hypocrisy." Earlier, 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 women's rights body had 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 a teaching staff, Ashoka University said that it was in the process of ascertaining details of the case, and the varsity will cooperate with the police and local authorities in the investigation fully. London, May 20 : British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned. Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as "utterly intolerable," and called for an immediate ceasefire. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer said, "The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable," and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are "horrified by the escalation from Israel." He said an "immediate ceasefire" remains "the only way to free the hostages." He also reaffirmed Britain's opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza. "The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate," Starmer said. "We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve." Britain, France and Canada said on Monday that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete actions, Xinhua news agency reported. In a joint statement, the three countries said that these actions could include targetted sanctions. They described the recent Israeli escalations in Gaza as "wholly disproportionate," and emphasised that the three countries will not stand by "while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions." The statement also indicated that the three countries oppose expanding settlements in the West Bank, and urged Israel to halt settlements "which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back by saying that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his allies have offered Hamas a "huge prize," calling on "all European leaders" to follow US President Donald Trump's vision for ending the conflict. Moscow, May 20 : Moscow is ready to continue contacts with Kyiv and will propose to work on a memorandum about a potential peace deal, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Tuesday. Zakharova said Russia has "once again affirmed its desire to achieve a final, fair settlement of the crisis," adding that progress towards a resolution of the conflict cannot be achieved without tackling the root causes. She said it is necessary to agree on many aspects, including the main principles of the settlement, the timing of the potential peace agreement and details regarding a possible ceasefire if relevant agreements are reached. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Tuesday that Moscow and Kyiv must now prepare for contacts on the development of the joint memorandum regarding the peace treaty and ceasefire, Xinhua news agency reported. He welcomed the renewed contacts between Russia and Ukraine, saying there is no deadline for the completion of the memorandum. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on the Ukraine crisis and recent Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine "will begin immediately," said Trump after his two-hour call with his Russian counterpart, noting that "the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent." Right after his phone call with Putin, Trump posted on his social media Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine will "immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire," and work to end the conflict. He said Russia is eager to pursue major trade deals with the United States once the conflict ends. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country." He added that the ceasefire conditions will be negotiated between Russia and Ukraine, "as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." However, when speaking to reporters later, Trump warned that he could back out of the negotiation process. "Big egos involved, but I think something's going to happen. And if it doesn't, I just back away, and they're going to have to keep going again," he said. Tokyo, May 20 : The Indian Pavilion 'Bharat' at the Expo 2025 in Osaka on Tuesday buzzed with visitors exploring the country's rich textiles, vibrant culture, iconic architecture, and cutting-edge technological advancements that showcase tradition and innovation. The pavilion also witnessed a refreshing yoga session, inviting visitors to embrace India's timeless wellness traditions. "Ahinsa Silk of Meghalaya, with its eco-friendly charm, and Chandrayaan Zone, demonstrating India's space capabilities, continue to inspire visitors of all ages, at the India Pavilion-Bharat, World Expo 2025, Osaka," the Embassy of India in Japan posted on X. Visitors also enjoyed a mesmerising musical performance by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) troupe Nadateertha, in a celebration of India's cultural heritage. Blending rhythm, tradition, and storytelling, Nadateertha further captivated audiences with a dynamic performance at the North Pop-up Stage of Expo in Osaka, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of India. Later, the visitors also explored the unique Black Clay Pottery, and enjoyed a vibrant presentation on the art, culture, and music of Meghalaya, celebrating the essence of Northeast India. On Monday, the visitors had flocked to the interactive session on Meghalaya's textiles at the India Pavilion, exploring vibrant weaves, traditional techniques, and the rich cultural heritage behind every fabric. Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had expressed confidence that the Osaka expo will provide a big boost to trade and tourism in India and further cement India's role as the world's trusted partner. "The India Pavilion - Bharat, at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, a remarkable representation of India's cultural richness and commercial successes, welcomed its 5000th visitor today. This space is a stunning display of India's growing international presence and the giant strides that the country has taken in the last decade, under PM Narendra Modi's leadership," the minister posted on X. "One of the highlights of the pavilion has been the display of the Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon's south pole and India's advances in space technology. Path Breaking initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and achievements in sectors like energy, IT, infrastructure, health, and tourism are also being showcased at the six-month-long Expo," the post further added. New Delhi, May 20 : The Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday invited citizens, institutions, and communities to be part of the historic Yoga Sangam, ahead of the upcoming International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. To date, more than 1,000 organisations have registered their proposals under the flagship Yoga Sangam initiative -- setting the tone for what is poised to become India's largest-ever wellness celebration on June 21, 2025. The entities include a diverse mix of organisations and institutions, including schools, colleges, corporates, NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, government departments, and grassroots community groups from across all 28 States and 7 Union Territories, said the Ministry. "These groups have pledged to conduct yoga demonstrations in line with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) uniting the country in spirit, breath, and movement," said the Ayush Ministry. "By hosting local yoga sessions, they can become wellness leaders in their own right," it added. This year marks a decade since the United Nations officially recognised the International Day of Yoga in 2015. As the nation celebrates a decade of global leadership in wellness, the theme for 2025, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," resonates more deeply than ever. "From the snow-capped Himalayas to the southern tip of Kanyakumari, from quiet parks to bustling schoolyards and office lawns, over one lakh locations are expected to transform into vibrant centres of wellness and unity on June 21," the Ministry said. "Yoga Sangam is not just an event -- it's a national wellness movement fostering harmony within and around us," it added. To participate, citizens can visit the Ayush Ministry's website and register as a group or organisation. After conducting the Yoga Sangam event on June 21, upload participation details and receive the official Certificate of Appreciation. Patna, May 20 : In a major push to transform Makhana into a globally recognised superfood and a pillar of rural prosperity, the Bihar Agricultural Science Academy (BASA), in collaboration with Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), hosted a National Symposium on "Makhana: Unlocking India's aquatic superfood for rural prosperity" in Patna on Tuesday. Patna, May 20 (IANS) In a major push to transform Makhana into a globally recognised superfood and a pillar of rural prosperity, the Bihar Agricultural Science Academy (BASA), in collaboration with Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), hosted a National Symposium on "Makhana: Unlocking India's aquatic superfood for rural prosperity" in Patna on Tuesday. The event was inaugurated by Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who emphasised the state's strategic commitment to promoting innovation-driven agricultural growth, especially in sectors with export potential and cultural significance. "Makhana is not only an integral part of Bihar's cultural and agricultural heritage but also a product of global relevance. This symposium reflects our resolve to promote entrepreneurship and value addition in the sector," said the Deputy Chief Minister. Bihar produces over 85 per cent of India's Makhana, primarily in districts like Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar, generating annual trade revenues of approximately INR 600 crore. With rising global demand for healthy and nutritious foods, Makhana's popularity is growing due to its high protein, low-fat, and gluten-free profile. Dr. Mangala Rai, former ICAR Director General, described the symposium as "a platform to catalyse competencies and harness inherent synergies," underscoring the momentum behind Bihar's makhana ecosystem. Despite its promise, the Makhana sector faces persistent challenges like manual harvesting techniques that limit productivity, high post-harvest losses, lack of cold-chain infrastructure, and weak branding and export standards, compounded by the absence of a dedicated HS code for makhana. Dr. P.K. Joshi, President of AERA, proposed a four-pronged strategy to unlock makhana's full potential including investing in innovation and mechanisation to boost productivity, strengthen the value chain with modern storage and processing systems, enable policy and institutional support for market promotion, and integrate makhana into nutrition and rural development schemes to scale both production and consumption. The symposium highlighted the strategic role of the newly constituted Makhana Board, expected to streamline policy coordination, standardisation, and global market access. Experts drew parallels with successful spice boards and stressed the need for evidence-based policymaking and targeted support for women and smallholder farmers. "The Makhana sector offers immense scope for enhancing rural livelihoods... Coordinated institutional efforts are critical to scaling its impact," said Dr. Shyam Narayan Jha, Founding President of BASA. The symposium concluded with a consensus on advancing Makhana as a nationally significant, export-oriented superfood. Jaipur, May 20 : Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore said on Tuesday that the Operation Sindoor succeeded with the blessings of Maa Karni. He also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bikaner on May 22, holding a key meeting with party workers. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also participated in the meeting. Addressing a press conference after the review, Rathore informed that Prime Minister Modi will address a massive public gathering in Bikaner. "Thousands of citizens from the region are expected to attend. The Prime Minister's address will energise the workers and provide vital guidance," he said. Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, Rathore attributed the achievement to the blessings of Maa Karni and the valour of the Indian Army. "With the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and the unmatched bravery of our forces, the Indian Army penetrated 500 km inside Pakistan's territory, eliminated terrorists, and dismantled their operational bases," he said. Rathore added that the Army specifically targeted terrorist hideouts, including those linked to the Kandahar hijacking, while ensuring no civilian harm. "Some terrorists reportedly regretted surviving, realising their end was inevitable. Operation Sindoor has instilled fear among terror networks." Rathore added that Pakistan panicked in the wake of Operation Sindoor and sought ceasefire negotiations through multiple countries. "The Pakistani Army conveyed its desire to avoid war. In return, the Indian Army laid down tough conditionssurrender of the remaining terrorists and a commitment that Pakistan would no longer shelter terrorism. Only after this, the operation was paused," Rathore asserted. He emphasised that Operation Sindoor remains active against any future terrorist activities and will continue as necessary. Rathore also spoke about the ongoing Tiranga and Sindoor Yatras across the country following the success of Operation Sindoor. "These Yatras aim to foster patriotism and boost the morale of our armed forces. The public response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic," he said. Kochi, May 20 : The Kerala High Court on Tuesday slammed the authorities for not publishing the results of five juveniles, arrested for involvement in the murder of a 15-year-old Class 10 student in Kozhikode. "How can you delay or deny publishing results?... Why should they even have to move the Child Rights Commission? Under what authority are you refusing to publish the results? Publishing the results is totally different from the offence committed by them. If they have written the examination, the results have to be published," the court orally observed. Counsel for one of the accused pointed out to the court that the results of the children have not been published even after being directed to do so by the Child Rights Commission. He further pointed out that that the single window portal for application to Plus-one admission will be closed and after which none can apply. At this, the court orally remarked: "The whole concept of criminal jurisprudence is reformation. Especially, when a child in conflict with law commits a crime, can you debar him from writing an examination? And after he has written the examination, can you withhold the results?" If the delay in publishing the results is purposeful, the officers responsible for it would have to be held responsible, the court warned. "Your officers who have not published the results despite this order have to be held responsible if it is a purposeful delay in publishing," it said. Shahabas, a student of MJ Higher Secondary School, Thamarassery, Kozhikode, succumbed to serious injuries on March 1 after being injured in the fight between the students of his school and Thamarassery GVHSS following a dispute during a farewell event at a tuition centre in the last week of February. Even though the teachers intervened then through a series of WhatsApp messages, the tension escalated, leading to a violent clash near the tuition centre. Shahabas suffered serious head injuries, which led to his death. Police pressed murder charges against the five and stated that the accused used weapons, including a truncheon and a nunchaku, for the attack on Shahabas. Though Shahabas was not a student at the tuition centre, he was called to the venue while running an errand. Following the attack, he was taken home by a friend. Initially unaware of the attack, his family suspected drug use when they found him in a weak state at home. Upon learning the truth, he was rushed to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where he passed away. The five have been charged with murder, wrongful restraint, unlawful assembly, and voluntarily causing grave injuries. All five are students since then have been in judicial custody and wrote their examination also in custody. Their bail applications will be heard on Wednesday. Mumbai, May 20 : Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra, who is the ambassador of the luxury brand Bvlgari, flew to Sicily, Italy, to be a part of the unveiling of the brand's Polychroma collection. The 'Barfi' actress decided to treat her InstaFam with some glamorous titbits from "A night in Sicily" PeeCee was a sight for sore eyes in an elegant beige Christian Dior gown with a semi-transparent overlay. She enhanced her look with a diamond-encrusted Serpenti necklace from the house of Bvlgari, and an identical Serpenti bangle. She opted for a matt lip color with complementary eye shadow and blush to complete her look. For hair, PeeCee went with a swept-up tousled updo with two strands of hair framing her face. Priyanka's latest post provided an insight into the main event, along with a snap of champagne by the pool, some appetizing pasta, and some books to be read while enjoying a stunning view. We also saw some sneak peeks from the formal sit-down dinner. However, PeeCee's placard at the dining table had her name misspelt. It read, 'Pryianka Chopra Jonas'. Netizens were quick to notice this and pointed out the mistake in the comment section. One of the Insta users wrote, "There's a spelling mistake @priyankachopra they've spelled your name incorrect @bvlgari." "@bvlgari you could have spelled her name correctly at least." Another one commented, "I find it racist and offensive when people cannot be bothered to check the spelling of an individual's name. It's just sad and I've experienced it countless times." In 2024, PeeCee was a part of the Bvlgari event in Rome, Italy, where she made a lot of heads turn in a cream and black off-the-shoulder dress. On the professional front, Priyanka is presently occupied with SS Rajamouli's upcoming drama "SSMB29", opposite Tollywood heartthrob Mahesh Babu. Mumbai, May 20 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Maharashtra is the startup capital of the country and it is leading in the country in terms of investment and number of startups. The state government has created a 'Fund of Funds' of Rs 120 crore to build an ecosystem for startups, through which financial assistance is being provided to financially viable and marketable startups. He was speaking here at the Startup Conclave 2025, jointly organised by CSIR and three major scientific institutions. The Chief Minister said that Maharashtra is blessed with a rich coastline and there are immense possibilities for the marine economy. On this basis, thousands of startups can be set up and new business opportunities can be created. At the same time, innovative ideas and solutions are needed for everything from how to maintain the cleanliness of the coast to how to bring sustainability to the marine economy, and this is a big opportunity for 'startups'. Today, emphasis is being placed on innovations like marine robotics, which is very important. "Many organisations are constantly experimenting with new ways of managing solid and liquid waste. Most of the pollution in the sea, rivers or streams is not industrial, but rather due to other types of waste. If we can properly process this waste with the help of sustainable technology, then it will be possible to keep our water resources clean as before. Hence, there is a great need for innovative technologies and start-ups in this entire field," said the Chief Minister. He pointed out that India's startup ecosystem is one of the fastest-growing in the world. After China, India has the highest number of startups, and in the future, India will become the world's largest startup power, he said. "Work is underway to build the country's most modern 'Innovation City' on 300 acres in Navi Mumbai. Startups in the fields of science, technology, biotechnology, data science and advanced manufacturing will be incubated here. Along with this, an 'Edu-City' with campuses of 12 world-class universities will also be built, in which one lakh students will study," he said. Making special mention of the circular economy, the Chief Minister said that a large number of startups are emerging in the agricultural sector. He is determined to make Maharashtra a leader in the country's startup revolution. He added that through the joint efforts of the Central and state governments, India will lead in the field of education and innovation. New Delhi, May 20 : In a bold diplomatic initiative following 'Operation Sindoor', India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistan's direct and indirect links to terrorism. Under the banner of "Operation Sindoor Outreach", seven high-level delegations comprising 59 Members of Parliament, including former ministers, seasoned diplomats, and senior political leaders, are set to travel to 33 countries between May 21 and June 5. New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) In a bold diplomatic initiative following aOperation Sindoora, India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistanas direct and indirect links to terrorism. Under the banner of "Operation Sindoor Outreach", seven high-level delegations comprising 59 Members of Parliament, including former ministers, seasoned diplomats, and senior political leaders, are set to travel to 33 countries between May 21 and June 5. The initiative, steered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is a first-of-its-kind multi-party foreign engagement effort aimed at presenting a unified national front against terrorism and internationally isolating Pakistan for its continued sponsorship and sheltering of terror networks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday held detailed briefings for three of the seven outgoing delegations. According to sources, Misri laid out Indiaas position with clarity: "India has been facing cross-border terrorism for over four decades. We have adopted a new normal in countering such activities. There is no room for ambiguity or appeasement." Referring to Pakistanas offer of a joint probe into the recent Pahalgam attack, Misri rejected the idea outright. "Asking Pakistan to co-investigate terror attacks on Indian soil is like asking the thief to investigate his own crimes." Each delegation is equipped with classified dossiers and intelligence material, laying out Pakistanas military and ISIas role in fostering terrorism, including direct evidence from Operation Sindoor, which recently struck terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC). The MPs, supported by senior Indian diplomats, will engage with foreign governments, parliamentarians, media, civil society, Indian diaspora, and international institutions, including the United Nations. They are expected to provide first-hand accounts and documented proof of Pakistanas terror infrastructure, including its involvement in supporting groups like LeT, JeM, and sheltering global terror fugitives. The campaign spans strategic capitals a" from Tokyo to Washington, Brussels to Jakarta a" and is designed to convey a simple, urgent message: "Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere, and India will not stand alone in this fight." By involving opposition leaders and regional party MPs alongside ruling party members, the government seeks to reinforce the message that Indiaas stand against terrorism is bipartisan, national, and non-negotiable. Operation Sindoor Outreach represents not only India's diplomatic resolve but a message to the world a" that safe havens for terrorists must end, and those enabling them must be held accountable. Hanoi, May 20 : The holy relics of Lord Buddha sent from India enshrined at the famous Buddhist temple Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam province of Vietnam witnessed a large number of devotees on Tuesday who lined up from early morning to worship pay their respects amidst the sacred atmosphere. As the exposition entered the fourth day, the number of pilgrims to Tam Chuc Pagoda is still increasing. "Reverence for the Sacred Buddha Relics from India at Tam Chuc Pagoda from May 17-20, has been enormous and heartwarming, as it has been in other cities of Vietnam. Yet another testament to the warmth and friendship between the people of India and Vietnam," the Embassy of India in Hanoi posted on X. On Sunday, thousands of people had gathered at Tam Chuc Pagoda to welcome the holy Sarnath relics of Buddha in a sacred moment as devotees waited since dawn to witness the profound spiritual event. The sacred relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined at Tam Chuc Pagoda with ceremonial prayers and procession on Saturday. The event saw participation of the Chairman of Ha Nam Provincial People's Committee, Standing Vice President of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, former Vice President of Vietnam, Indian Ambassador to the country, and venerable monks. A large number of people across Vietnam also gathered to pay respect to the sacred relics. The holy relics were brought from India on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior monks and officials. The holy relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations. The relics were earlier displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, and then in Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province and were in Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi till Friday. Last week, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam shared information on relics of Lord Buddha and upcoming projects with the local media. Terming it as a "national treasure" of India, the Embassy stated that the visit of Lord Buddha's relics to Vietnam is the result of the cooperation between both governments, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other organisations. India's sending of the holy relics to Vietnam had been appreciated by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong as a gesture that further strengthened the strong spiritual and cultural ties between both countries. Moscow, May 20 : As India and Russia continue to deepen defence cooperation, the effectiveness of 'Made in India' defence equipment was decisively proven during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, Vinay Kumar, the Ambassador of India to Russia, said in an interview to a Russian publication. "Our relations have even deepened recently. We not only buy and sell military equipment, but also engage in joint development and production of defence products. Equipment manufactured in India, including BrahMos (a supersonic anti-ship missile of joint Russian-Indian production), has repeatedly proven its effectiveness, including during the period from May 7 to 10. Therefore, I believe that our relations in this area will only develop," Ambassador Vinay Kumar told Izvestia in an interview. When asked about if new deliveries of Russian defence equipment are currently being discussed between Russia and India, Kumar emphasised that both countries regularly communicate on the entire spectrum of military and military-technical cooperation which remains an important part of the relationship. He also reiterated New Delhi's position that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was reached on a bilateral basis when Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart. "A number of leaders, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, spoke with their Indian counterparts after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, India has consistently pursued a policy according to which Kashmir is a matter of policy on both sides, and mediation by a third party is not envisaged. This position is still maintained," Kumar told the leading Russian newspaper. The Ambassador highlighted that the current tension with Pakistan arose when India reacted to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were shot at point-blank range after their religious affiliation was established. In response to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine and his willingness to help it, Kumar said that India supports negotiations between the parties concerned to put an end to the conflict. "If we can do something to promote dialogue and a peaceful settlement of the conflict, we will be ready to do it," he added. Jaipur, May 20 : In a major breakthrough, Mahwa Police in Dausa district of Rajasthan have solved a case of misappropriation of 22 tonnes of Desi Ghee worth Rs 1.20 crore within just five days. The ghee was originally dispatched from Dauji Milk Factory in Mahwa for delivery to Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, but was diverted and hidden with the intention of illegal resale. As per SP Sagar Rana, the case came to light when Ashok Kumar Jatav, manager at Milk Food Pvt. Ltd. in Tikri Jafran village, reported that their contracted driver, Sanjay Malviya, had left on 11 May with a tanker carrying 21.85 tons of Desi Ghee. When the tanker did not reach the destination on time, the driver falsely claimed that the tanker had met with an accident and that all the ghee had spilled on the highway. Despite this serious claim, no accident report was filed, and the driver, along with transporter worker Rohit and transport company owner Yogendra Dev Pandey, failed to inform either the police or the company. Sensing foul play, Mahwa Police registered a case and launched an investigation. Given the gravity and scale of the fraud, a special investigation team was formed under Circle Officer Deepak Meena and SHO Rajendra Kumar Meena, on the instructions of Jaipur Range IG Ajay Pal Lamba, SP Sagar Rana, and Addl. SP Gurusharan Rao. The team used route charts, surveillance footage from over 800 km of roads across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and technical support from the Cyber Cell to track the movements of the suspects. Constable Bhagirath played a key role by collecting intelligence and BTS data, and analysing CDRs, CAF IDs, and suspicious mobile numbersa"over 100 in total. Following meticulous tracking, the team arrested four members of an inter-state criminal gang, including Sanjay Malviya (40), son of Gheesa, native of Agar, Madhya Pradesh, currently residing in Etawah, Yogendra Dev Pandey (55), son of Omsharan Pandey, resident of Madhavnagar, Ujjain, MP, Rohit Prajapat (24), son of Kailash, resident of Shadalpur, Dhar, MP and Pawan Baghel (27), son of Ramprakash, resident of Bamor, Morena, MP. During interrogation, it was revealed that the stolen ghee had been hidden in the Om Shankar Milk Factory in Dholpur. Police seized 18 tons of Desi Ghee and a 12-wheel tanker, together valued at Rs 1 crore. The accused were attempting to sell the ghee when the police intervened. The police are continuing their investigation to recover the remaining 3.85 tonnes of Desi Ghee. All accused are being interrogated for further leads and connections. Bengaluru, May 20 : Karnataka BJP has slammed AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge over dubbing Operation Sindoor as a small act of war, saying that it is deeply insulting to the unmatched courage of the armed forces. State BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra stated on Tuesday, "Mallikarjun Kharge ji, calling India's bold military strike a 'Chhutput Yudh' is not just irresponsible, it's deeply insulting to the unmatched courage of our armed forces." This operation marks the strongest and most calculated military response to Pakistan since the Kargil War, he underlined. "Your party's track record stands in sharp contrast. Even after repeated provocations, from the deadly 7/11 Mumbai train blasts to countless cross-border attacks, your UPA government chose silence over strength, appeasement over action. The nation remembers," Vijayendra stated. "No action by our brave forces is ever 'Chhutput'. Every mission carries the weight of national honour and the blood of our martyrs. Do not belittle our soldiers' sacrifice," he slammed. Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, described Operation Sindoor as a "small act of war." "Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to visit Kashmir on April 17. The intelligence agencies informed him not to visit the Valley, and he got the programme cancelled. If he (PM Modi) knew this, why didn't he inform the tourists through the police when he cancelled the programme scheduled for the 17th?" said the Congress President while addressing Samarpane Sankalpa rally in Hospet town, held to mark the completion of two years of the Congress-led government in the state. He said that if the Prime Minister had issued a warning, 26 lives could have been saved. "Had you informed the public about it, these small incidents of war or the ongoing conflict with Pakistan, this could have been prevented," said Kharge about Operation Sindoor. Kharge further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not utter a single word about the Pahalgam incident. "This cannot be tolerated. We are united as a nation. Caste and religion come later," he said. He alleged that PM Modi is being treated as more important than the nation. "There was information of threats in Kashmir, but he did not share information with the poor," he added. The Congress President said that not only PM Modi, the Opposition also stands with the nation. Mumbai, May 20 : The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued protocol guidelines to ensure adherence to official decorum during the visit of the Chief Justice of India to Mumbai and other parts of the state. As per the Maharashtra State Guest Rules, 2004, dignitaries included in the list of declared state guestsor those considered as suchare accorded reception and farewell arrangements at airports by the State Protocol Subdivision. At the district level, the District Collector's office ensures similar arrangements through designated protocol officers. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is now officially designated as a Permanent State Guest in Maharashtra. Accordingly, the Chief Justice will continue to be entitled to all protocol-related facilities as per the State Guest Rules, 2004, including accommodation, vehicle arrangements, and security throughout the state during visits. During the Chief Justice's visit to Mumbai, the Chief Secretary or their senior representative, the Director General of Police or a senior representative, and for visits to other districts, the respective District Collector and Commissioner/Superintendent of Police or their senior representatives are instructed to welcome the dignitary. As per the General Administration Department's circular dated March 7, 2022, the department concerned with the purpose of the dignitary's visit must appoint a liaison officer to facilitate coordination and reception. Accordingly, during visits to Mumbai, the Law and Judiciary Department, Ministry of Maharashtra, shall appoint a Group-A level gazetted liaison officer. For visits to other districts, the respective district courts, in coordination with the District Collector, shall appoint such officers. The General Administration Department has instructed all concerned authorities to strictly implement these guidelines. The state government chose to issue protocol guidelines after the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Gavai in his speech on Sunday, expressed his displeasure over the absence of senior Maharashtra government officials, including the Chief Secretary, from his first public event in the state after taking oath as the head of the Judiciary. "It's a question of respect by the other organs of the institution for the judiciary. If the Chief Justice of India is visiting Maharashtra for the first time, and the state's Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner don't feel it appropriate to be present, then they need to reflect on that. There's nothing new about the protocol it's a matter of respect from one constitutional institution to another," he said. CJI Gavai said, "When the head of a constitutional institution visits the state for the first time, the kind of reception given to them must be considered carefully These may seem like small matters, but people need to understand their significance." The three pillars of democracy -- the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive -- are equal, and every organ of the Constitution must reciprocate and show respect to the other, he added. "If it had been one of us in such a situation, discussions about Article 142 might have taken place," he said, amid a light-hearted applause from the audience. Article 142 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any order necessary for doing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it. After the CJI's snub, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and the Mumbai Police Commissioner tendered an apology and remained present during the former's visit to Chaityabhoomi. New Delhi, May 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Friedrich Merz on Tuesday evening and congratulated him on assuming office as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. "Spoke to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders noted the "excellent progress" in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership over the past 25 years and agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral ties, including in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security, and innovation and technology. "Both leaders noted the positive contribution made by the Indian diaspora in Germany. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Prime Minister invited Chancellor Merz to visit India. The leaders agreed to remain in touch," read a statement issued by the MEA. Prime Minister Modi had also extended warm congratulations to the Chancellor of Germany on his election triumph, earlier this month. "Heartiest congratulations to Friedrich Merz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership," PM Modi posted on his X handle. Merz from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was elected German Chancellor after a total of 325 members of Germany's Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament, voted for him, surpassing the 316 seats needed. Born in 1955 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Merz studied law and served as a judge at the district court in Saarbrucken, capital of Saarland, from 1985 to 1986. He served as a member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and a member of the German Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, from 1994 to 2009. He led the CDU/CSU parliamentary group from 2000 to 2002. After leaving active political life in 2009, Merz announced his return in 2018 following then-Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision not to seek re-election, Xinhua news agency reported. He became chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Kolkata, May 20 : The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a show-cause to Kolkata's state-run N.R.S. Medical College & Hospital on a number of gross irregularities, lapses, and negligence both in the healthcare management as well as the academic infrastructure at the prime medical institute of the state. The instances of irregularities and lapses highlighted in the show-cause notice are somewhat same as that were in another Kolkata-based and state-run medical institute namely R.G. Karm Medical College & Hospital, which was in the regular headlines in the recent past following the ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor within the hospital premises in August last year. Besides slapping the show-cause notice, the NMC had also cautioned the NRS authorities of a financial penalty of Rs 8 crore if the latter fail to give a satisfactory reply to the notice. In the show cause notice, NMC had pointed out that 18 out of 20 departments in NRS are deficient. In the show-cause notice, the NMC authorities have referred to video on August 1, 2024, which showed that the examination hall in NRS was too crowded and the students were talking to each other during the examination period. In the show-cause notice, the NMC has also noted that the positions of senior resident doctors were vacant in a case of some critical departments like anatomy, biochemistry, forensic medicine, and physiology, among others. The NMC had also pointed out other lapses, like bed occupancy at just 73 per cent and non-availability of cadaver data, as they were not uploaded in the clinical details. There were also deficiencies in the bed occupancy date, as per the show-cause notice. At the time the report was filed, neither the NRS Principal nor the Vice Principal & Medical Superintendent gave any official reaction to the media on the show-cause notice. New Delhi, May 20 : The National Commission for Women (NCW), on Tuesday, issued a series of recommendations to improve student safety following a case in Bhopal involving sexual assault and blackmail, officials said. The commission is calling for stricter monitoring by educational institutions and better training for police personnel to handle such cases effectively. In this incident, a group of students allegedly committed crimes against their peers, coercing victims into silence using recorded evidence of their assault. The perpetrators escalated their threats by forcing victims to introduce more students into their circle under the fear of exposure. To address the severity of the case, the commission launched an inquiry led by a three-member team chaired by the commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. The team visited Bhopal earlier this month, meeting victims, their families, police officials, and college representatives. Their findings revealed a calculated scheme in which the accused lured students with expensive gifts, drugs and false affection, trapping them in a cycle of exploitation. Despite intense psychological and social pressure, victims showed courage by filing a First Information Report, leading to swift arrests by Baghsewania police. The commission commended the authorities for their prompt action and stressed the need for broader measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Among the key recommendations, the commission emphasised the need for police training in gender sensitisation and communication skills to better handle such sensitive cases. It also urged institutions to ensure access to psychological counselling for survivors to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder. Authorities have been asked to expand investigations into possible links to organised crime, particularly drug trafficking, considering the luxurious lifestyles of the accused despite their modest family backgrounds. Concerns over religious coercion were also raised, with reports suggesting that victims were pressured into conversion. The commission recommended further inquiry into potential external funding behind such activities. Colleges must ensure compliance with Prevention of Sexual Harassment guidelines, provide training for Internal Complaints Committees, and display helpline numbers prominently. Institutions offering government-funded scholarships or free education should maintain detailed records of student attendance and retention. State and private institutions are also expected to submit reports on fund utilisation related to women's welfare and skill development programs. Additionally, authorities should investigate allegations that certain educational institutions are misusing land grants and scholarships for profit rather than their intended purpose. The commission emphasised the need for continuous police monitoring and proposed quarterly meetings with local committees to enhance vigilance. Jaipur, May 20 : Rajasthan Police on Tuesday busted an international drug and arms smuggling network in Sri Ganganagar. In two separate operations conducted by Kotwali and Jawaharnagar police stations, five accused were arrested. Police recovered 2.183 kg of heroin, estimated to be worth Rs 12 crore in the international market, along with a Turkish Zigana pistol, six Austrian Glock pistols, 13 magazines, and 32 live cartridges -- all banned for civilian use in India. According to DIG Gaurav Yadav, initial findings suggest the involvement of operatives possibly linked to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigations are also underway to uncover the source of these foreign weapons and narcotics, believed to have been smuggled in from Amritsar and Malout in Punjab. "The accused were preparing to distribute large consignments of heroin and foreign-made weapons in Sri Ganganagar. This operation prevented what could have been a major crime," DIG Yadav said. Traditionally, heroin is smuggled into local areas in this region directly through the Pakistan border. However, police believe that following Operation Sindoor and increased border vigilance, smugglers have now shifted their routes. This marks possibly the first major attempt to transport such a large consignment via road from Punjab to Sri Ganganagar, indicating an evolution in smuggling tactics. Police also seized a Swift car and a motorcycle used by the gang. During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed several crucial leads, suggesting a wider international smuggling network. DIG Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests took place during targeted raids in Jawaharnagar and Kotwali police station areas. Kotwali Police recovered five foreign pistols (Glocks), 330 grams of heroin, 29 live cartridges and one Swift car. Accused arrested include Devendra Bhambhu (29), Subhash alias Omprakash (21) and Gurmeet Singh all residents of Sri Ganganagar. Jawaharnagar Police recovered two Glock pistols, three live cartridges, 1.850 kg of heroin and a motorcycle. DIG Yadav emphasised that foreign-made automatic weapons recovered from the accused indicate their intention to carry out a major criminal act. All suspects are currently being interrogated to uncover the full scope of the network, including any possible Pakistan links. Constable Ashwini of the District Special Team was instrumental in tracking the gang, whose vigilance helped intercept the smugglers before they could execute their plan. Police have intensified patrols in sensitive areas and vowed strict action against anyone involved in cross-border trafficking of drugs or weapons. The case has also been referred to the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) for deeper investigation, said officials. Mumbai, May 20 : Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday formally said that the party has assured the government that it will do what is right and needed for our country via the all-party delegation. The party has announced that the Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi will be a part of the delegation with other MPs from across the country. At the same time, Thackeray camp has reaffirmed its support to any such action of national interest but has demanded that the Centre convene an all-party meeting and discuss Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor, chaired by the Prime Minister, at the earliest. "We all are united in the armed forces acting against terrorism, there must be no two ways about it," said the Thackeray camp. Shiv Sena UBT's move comes days after the INDIA Bloc constituents boycotted the Union government's move to send all-party delegations to different countries, claiming they will defend the "sins and crimes" committed by the government. After that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar snubbed Raut, saying that "But I can see one member from his party (Sena-UBT) is part of the delegation. I feel local-level politics should not be brought into this issue." In a post on X, Shiv Sena UBT said, "Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had a telephonic call with Party President Uddhav Thackeray yesterday, with regard to this delegation. This delegation is about India against terrorism, not politics and on being reassured of this, we have also assured the government that we will do what is right and needed for our country via this delegation. MP Priyanka Chaturvedi will be a part of the delegation with other MPs from across the country. Right after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, all political parties have expressed support to the Prime Minister in the fight against terrorism, especially Pakistan-based terrorism, and to destroy their infrastructure and bases. We all are united in the armed forces acting against terrorism, there must be no two ways about it." "We do have our opinions about the diplomatic situation and the failed intelligence/ security apparatus on Pahalgam, and we will keep asking questions in the best interest of our nation, within our country. However, we must rally globally to expose Pakistan-based terrorism to isolate and destroy it. We have also communicated to the Union government that while we are united in this cause, a protocol of better informing the parties could be followed about these delegations, to avoid chaos and mismanagement. That happened yesterday, through the call, and we have reaffirmed our support to any such action of national interest," said the Shiv Sena UBT. "We have also asked for an all-party meeting to voice the same and to discuss Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor, chaired by the Prime Minister, at the earliest. We stand united in our fight against terrorism," added the Thackeray camp. Aizawl, May 20 : In a landmark moment for the nation's educational journey, Mizoram became the first fully literate state under the Central government's ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced here on Tuesday. The announcement was made with pride by the Chief Minister at a celebratory event here. While addressing the gathering, he said that Tuesday marks a historic moment in the journey of Mizoram state, one that would be remembered by generations to come. He emphasised that this achievement is not just a statistic, but "a transformational milestone, one that speaks to the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people." Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary and the state's Education Minister Vanlalthlana graced the occasion. Lalduhoma further expressed that this was a collective accomplishment by citizens who love their state and work with dedication, highlighting especially the 1,692 individuals who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even in later stages of life. "We celebrate this day not as the end of a campaign, but as the dawn of a new era of opportunity, empowerment, and inclusion," he said. The Chief Minister noted that while today may not mark the conclusion of the literacy movement, "We also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training." He called on all Mizos to dream bigger and aim higher: "Let this be just the beginning. Let us now aim higher, digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills for every Mizo." Reiterating the pride of the moment, Lalduhoma declared: "We are proud to be the first, and we will work to remain the best." He concluded with an inspiring vision: "Let this declaration ignite a new wave of learning and empowerment. Together, we move forward -- towards a smarter, stronger, and more inclusive Mizoram." Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary congratulated the people of Mizoram on this remarkable achievement and commended the dedication of all stakeholders involved. He praised the state's commitment to inclusive growth through education and expressed confidence that Mizoram would continue to lead the way in lifelong learning and skill development. "This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation," the Central Minister said, extending his best wishes for the state's continued journey towards excellence in education and empowerment. Mizoram's recognition as the first fully literate state was declared under the Ministry of Education's ULLAS initiative, which mandates a minimum literacy rate of 95 per cent of the population. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 20232024), Mizoram has reached a literacy rate of 98.2 per cent. This landmark achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram). The state government established a governing council and executive committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram spearheading the initiative. To support the mission, the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in the Lawngtlai district. Additional resources, such as Romei for learners and Margdarshikha for Volunteer Teachers, were created. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) acted as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, of whom 1,692 expressed a willingness to learn. According to the 2011 census, literacy level was 93.91 per cent in Kerala and 91.58 per cent in Mizoram, among the most literate states in the country. The national literacy rate, according to the 2011 census, was 74.04 per cent. "Farmers are at the heart of our country, yet they've often been overlooked when it comes to retirement savings. Our partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an important step in providing farmers with the support they deserve," said Aaron Schumm, Founder and CEO of Vestwell. Post this Through this partnership, farmers working with Wayne-Sanderson Farms can now participate in a Group of Plans (GoP) retirement program powered by Vestwell and designed to fit their individual needs. This approach makes saving for the future easier and more affordable by lowering administrative costs and simplifying the process for both farmers and employers, ensuring that farmers can build the financial security they need for the future. Aaron Schumm, Founder and CEO of Vestwell, said: "Farmers are at the heart of our country, yet they've often been overlooked when it comes to retirement savings. At Vestwell, our goal is to ensure hardworking Americans, including those in agriculture, have the opportunity to build financial security. Our partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an important step in providing farmers with the support they deserve." Vestwell was one of the first providers to support aggregated plan structures, offering businesses the flexibility to join a group plan or operate a standalone plan with streamlined administration and lower costs. The Vestwell GoP model simplifies retirement plan management, reduces expenses, and provides a seamless experience for employers and employees alike. Whether for franchises, industry-specific groups, or businesses of all sizes, this pooled approach leverages economies of scale to deliver meaningful employee benefits while minimizing administrative burden. This approach enables Wayne-Sanderson Farms to support its network of farmers with a scalable, efficient, and affordable savings program. Jeremy Kilburn, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, said: "At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we care about the well-being of the farmers who play an integral role in our process to deliver the best quality chicken to the marketplace. Our partnership with Vestwell has allowed us to create an opportunity for our farmers to be able to plan for their future. We are proud to support their ability to save for retirement with confidence and peace of mind." This initiative reflects a growing movement to extend financial benefits to historically underserved industries. By using Vestwell's platform, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is making it easier for farmers to save for retirement, helping them secure a stable future. About Vestwell Vestwell is the backbone of the modern American savings economy. Vestwell is a financial technology company that makes it easier for more Americans to save for life's most important moments - from retirement to education and healthcare. Founded in 2016, Vestwell's platform removes traditional barriers to saving, making it accessible, efficient, and approachable for everyone. Vestwell provides a comprehensive suite of workplace savings solutions, including retirement plans, student loan repayment benefits, and specialized accounts for education, emergencies, and disability savings. Trusted by financial advisers, employers, payroll providers, financial institutions, and government agencies, Vestwell empowers nearly 1.5 million savers across over 350,000 businesses nationwide, with over $30 billion in assets under management. With a commitment to closing the savings gap and fostering a secure financial future for all, Vestwell provides an elevated and accessible savings technology everyone deserves. For more information, visit vestwell.com. About Wayne-Sanderson Farms Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation's third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture and an industry-leading workforce of more than 26,000 people and over 2,000 farm partners, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of SANDERSON FARMS COVINGTON FARMS, NAKED TRUTH, BUFFALOOS, FLY'N SAUCERS, CRISPY FLIERS, PLATINUM HARVEST, CHEF'S CRAFT, WAYNE FARMS, and WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS. For more information, visit WayneSandersonFarms.com or follow Wayne-Sanderson Farms on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram. Media Contact Nicole Wood, Vestwell, 1 5302773951, [email protected], https://www.vestwell.com/ SOURCE Vestwell Tensions between India and Pakistan are high again, this time following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in late April that killed 26 tourists25 Indian and one Nepali. In early May, India launched targeted strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan, both in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and in Pakistans Punjab province. Pakistan retaliated, and the two sides exchanged volleys of missiles, drones, and artillery. These attacks continued until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Border skirmishes and line of control violations in this sector are tragically familiar, but this episode yet again underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism in South Asia. And it raises complex questions for the United States as it works to deepen its strategic partnership with India. Pakistans Long Shadow on Counterterrorism Pakistan has long been a hub for regional terrorist groups. Indeed, the discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in 2011 raised very real concerns about Pakistans longstanding and ongoing links to various terrorist outfits. Groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have launched deadly acts of terrorism like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Yet despite their actions, they continue to operate openly and freely within the country. Indeed, one of the terrorists killed in Indias recent response was Abdul Rauf Asghar, a top JeM commander implicated in the brutal 2002 killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. At a funeral following Indias strikes, Pakistani military officers were filmed mourning the dead alongside a notorious U.S.-designated global terrorist from LeT. Pakistan could not claim plausible deniability. On May 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Indias cross-border operations had eliminated over 100 terrorists and destroyed multiple active terrorist camps. The Indian director general of military operations briefed reporters with satellite imagery and intercepts showing the locations of camps taken down, underscoring the precision of Indias response. What Washington Has Learned Under the first Trump administration, U.S. policy toward Pakistan underwent a significant change. In 2018, the administration suspended most civilian and military aid to Pakistan, with President Trump accusing Pakistan of "deceit" and of harboring terrorists. At the time, President Trump tweeted that the United States has "given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" The move marked a clear departure from earlier attempts to partner with Pakistan on regional counterterrorism efforts. The second Trump administration has continued this principle. In February, President Trump suspended over 39 programs in Pakistan and cut over $800 million in aidalthough, regretfully, the administration did approve $397 million for regular maintenance of Pakistans F-16 fleet in February 2025. Counterterrorism Is Now an Indo-Pacific Question As the U.S. expands cooperation with India through initiatives like INDUS X, INDUS Innovation, and TRUST, its important to maintain clarity on basic security concerns. Indias ability to defend itself against attacks from weaker opponents isnt only a matter of regional stabilityits central to building trust and enabling different militaries to work together in the Indo-Pacific and to developing joint efforts to combat various challenges from China. However, the landscape is further complicated by Pakistans deepening defense relationship with China including its reported use of Chinese-origin drones, missiles, and air defense systems in its recent military operations against India. These dynamics blur the lines between regional terrorism and great power rivalry, and they underscore why the United States and India can no longer afford to treat South Asian terrorism as disconnected from its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Traditionally, the Quad grouping (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) has focused on maritime cooperation, but recent ministerial dialogues have included discussions on counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and emerging threats. The recent unrest should serve as an impetus to start investing in making counter-terrorism a more central part of the Quads portfolio. Indias Growing Reliance on the West The recent unrest also underscores Indias dependence on the West for its military strength. While the Russian-origin S-400 air defense system drew media attention, most of the critical platforms used in Indias Operation Sindoor were either indigenous or Western in origin. The operation prominently featured French-made Rafale fighter jets, which were equipped with SCALP and HAMMER precision-guided missiles. India also employed SkyStriker and Harop loitering munitions, developed in collaboration with Israel, to neutralize mobile and radar-protected targets. To assess damage and confirm the success of the strikes, India used high-resolution satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, a U.S.-based firm. The integrated use of these platforms points to Indias growing defense interoperability with key Western partnersan interoperability that continues even as it builds out its indigenous capabilities. A Fragile Calm The current ceasefire offers temporary respite but not a resolution. Terrorism emanating from Pakistans soil remains a persistent threatone that has repeatedly disrupted regional stability and now increasingly intersects with broader geopolitical challenges, including Chinas growing defense ties with Islamabad. This moment demands growing coordination. The fight against terrorism in South Asia is not Indias burden aloneit is a shared imperative for the United States, its partners, and the broader international community. If Washington and New Delhi are serious about building a resilient Indo-Pacific, they must also be serious about confronting the transnational terror networks that undermine it. Otherwise, the region will be left without peace and securityand the promise of innovation, co-development, and strategic trust will remain out of reach. Kriti Upadhyaya is a Visiting Fellow for India Policy in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation. Instagram / Kaity Biggar By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/19/2025 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Kaity Biggar has celebrated her upcoming nuptials with Zach Shallcross at a surprise bridal shower.Kaity recently took to Instagram and posted a video of herself walking into a restaurant, where she was totally surprised to see her closest girlfriends awaiting her at a table.Kaity cried happy tears and appeared shocked that the special brunch had been planned just for her.A friend posted a video of Kaity wearing a "Bride to Be" sash with a white veil, and over the footage, she wrote, "The sweetest bridal party surprise for @kaitybiggar."Kaity also uploaded a photo of the group of girls and wrote, "Still crying happy tears!!"Kaity's bridal shower, which featured eight friends, took place at a cozy restaurant that was decorated with baby's breath, blue candles, and sweet photos of Kaity and Zach.Kaity wore a white tank top with a denim miniskirt to the occasion, and it appeared she had a big pile of gifts to open.One friend wrote to Kaity on social media, "You deserve the world!"And another pal gushed, "You're the easiest person to celebrate."Kaity replied, "You're the best!!!! Still can't get over this ! Thank you so much angel !!!"Kaity shared new elopement details last month on "The Ben & Ashley I: Almost Famous Podcast."'s Season 27 winner shared, "We are still eloping. Literally there is seven people [invited]. It's very intimate, very personal, and that just fits our personality so well.""We picked the date back in January," she added. "We thought, 'Hey this makes sense,' and then we were like, 'You know what? Let's do it!' It just kind of fell into place."Kaity said she and Zach will be eloping in Austin, about 30 minutes away from their Texas home."Our families will be flying in. It's going to be an hour ceremony," Kaity said."If that," Zach noted."And call it a day! [Then we'll] go for dinner," quipped Kaity, who said she never fantasized about her wedding day.While a videographer will document the big day, couple said they plan to keep their ceremony private and off social media for a while."We're not telling anybody the date because we just want to soak it in ourselves," Kaity admitted."I don't want anybody to know," she continued, "until we're ready to let people know. Then, we can share it."Kaity said she never had a big wedding gown, florals or decor in mind -- except for the fact she'd love to drive in a vintage car and feel "old-money vibes" on her big day."We kind of worked our way up to, 'Make it a little bit more elevated in a chapel setting,' but I'm not like, 'Baby, we need this!' It's just like, 'Hey, is this cool?'" Kaity explained.Zach said he and Kaity bounced ideas off each other and wondered, "Would this be fun... or is this a dumb idea?"But settling on an elopement -- and in front of only seven people -- wasn't an easy or fast decision for 27 alums.Kaity and Zach previously had a wedding contract drawn up with a beautiful wedding venue all picked out."All of it was big, and I think we were quoted $80k for the wedding, and we had the contract in our hands," Kaity said."And it was like, 'This doesn't feel right . This doesn't feel like us.' So we just kind of looked at each other and said, 'Let's not sign this and take a step back.' And we ended up deciding on eloping."Zach said their decision "took a lot of pressure" off the couple, and Kaity added how she was grateful to Zach for wanting to make her dreams come true.Kaity gushed about how Zach was "so amazing" and let her choose whatever type of wedding she wanted -- big, small, abroad, etc."At the end of the day, the eloping was just perfect for us, and it's our vibe. We're so chill," Kaity explained."We don't need the limelight or anything like that. We don't need a big wedding, we don't need the attention. We've had it. And this, honestly, is just perfect for us."Zach said he and Kaity have always agreed to "focus on each other" and not get caught up in the "extra" stuff."At the end of the day, Kaity is all that matters and our relationship is all that matters," Zach insisted. "And that kind of transpired into how we view getting married -- just keep it simple and about our love and about our family."Kaity also confirmed during the podcast episode that she and Zach will be staying in Austin for a while, although they had briefly considered moving to North Carolina.Kaity and Zach will begin house hunting in the near future, hoping to make a purchase before the end of this year.Kaity and Zach fell in love on 's 27th season, which filmed in late 2022 and aired in early 2023.After dumping his runner-up, Gabi Elnicki , Zach got engaged to Kaity.Zach proposed marriage to Kaity for the second time -- and with a brand new ring -- in November 2024.Zach popped the question for the second time to Kaity on their second anniversary while the pair was sailing on a romantic yacht in Lisbon, Portugal.Kaity announced the big news via Instagram in November 2023, writing, "How lucky am I to get to say 'yes' to you twice!"In a November 2024 video, Kaity initially broke the news that she and her fiance would be postponing their wedding planning for a bit.27 winner pointed out how she and Zach were thinking ahead -- and that included figuring out how they're going to pay for their children's schooling and "setting them up for a successful life."Kaity therefore confirmed she and Zach, who had been eyeing a big Fall 2025 wedding , decided to "take a step back" from planning that."At this point, Zach and I are just going to re-evaluate things, take a step back," Kaity noted at the time."Obviously we want to marry each other. We just want the best venue for the right price tag, as we all do. We also have the rest of our lives together, so it's like, 'Why are we rushing into anything?'"Kaity explained the couple wanted to take things "day by day" and were just "loving being with each other" and building their relationship.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group 'AI analyses body language, etiquette, and communication skills, providing an in-depth performance matrix and a ranking system to help employees identify areas of improvement.' Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Government-run banks are now taking the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to train employees, especially those on the front desk, to serve customers in a better way and improve frontline banking services. It comes against the backdrop of stagnating deposit growth at major public sector banks and concerns in the ministry of finance about inconsistent customer service, a senior government official said. "PSBs have begun taking concrete steps to strengthen their customer engagement strategies. As part of this effort, they are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and other innovative tools," said a senior bank official. The initiative follows recent surprise inspections by Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju where officials observed gaps in behaviour, professionalism, and responsiveness among branch-level staff of PSBs. "Customer service is our top priority at the bank, and we are deeply focused on improving it. Customer service is becoming the central theme of our efforts," Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO, Punjab National Bank, said. "As part of this, we've introduced a quick response-based feedback system for customers to rate the service provided by our employees. After completing a transaction, customers will receive a prompt to provide feedback on the service they received, which is integrated with our head office system for real-time tracking and evaluation," Chandra added). PNB is also placing a strong emphasis on soft skill development for its employees, Chandra added. "To enhance training, we are incorporating conversational AI into our programmes. This AI conducts half-hour sessions where it poses challenging and sometimes difficult questions," Chandra explained. "It analyses body language, etiquette, and communication skills, providing an in-depth performance matrix and a ranking system to help employees identify areas of improvement," added Chandra. "We are integrating augmented reality and virtual reality into our training modules. "These technologies will provide a more immersive and realistic learning experience, helping us pinpoint areas where employees need improvement," Chandra said. A senior banker at another PSB said soft skills programmes are being piloted in some districts, with early feedback indicating higher customer satisfaction and greater employee confidence. "If scaled effectively and matched with adequate staffing, this blend of technology, training, and human empathy could offer a transformative shift in PSBs," he added. However, bankers say the issue isn't merely behavioural, it's structural. Several PSB employees have pointed to acute staff shortages, rising workloads, and administrative burden as key contributors to service fatigue. "In many branches, a single officer is handling everything from cash to compliance. There's barely time for a proper conversation," said a manager at a rural PSB in Uttar Pradesh. Data from the Reserve Bank of India indicates a steady decline in the workforce of PSBs over the past decade. In the financial year 2013-2014, PSBs employed 859,692 staff members, a number that decreased to 756,644 by 2022-2023. This represents an annual reduction of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 employees each year. The data also highlights a significant reduction in clerical and subordinate officer positions within these banks. The number of clerks dropped from 315,292 in 2013-2014 to 257,771 in 2022-2023. Similarly, the number of subordinate officers decreased from 156,218 to 101,555 during the same period. During the December quarter of FY25, PSBs recorded a retail deposit growth rate of 8.8 per cent, while private banks achieved a stronger double-digit growth of 13.5 per cent. This robust show by private banks was primarily driven by a surge in term deposits. In FY24, complaints received by the Office of the Reserve Bank of India ombudsman against PSBs were also among the highest at 38.32 per cent. This compares to 34.39 per cent by private banks (34.39 per cent). Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Indias largest domestic institutional investor, has seen the value of its portfolio rise by nearly Rs 1.8 trillion as the market staged a recovery from its April 2025 lows. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff From Rs 13.65 trillion as on April 7, 2025, when the markets hit their recent low, the value of LICs well-diversified 206-stock portfolio has risen to Rs 15.43 trillion as on May 16, 2025, marking Rs 1.78 trillion mark-to-market gains. The public sector insurers stake in 203 companies was valued at Rs 16.63 trillion as on September 30, 2024, data shows. Meanwhile, the benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex, have rallied 13 per cent from their lows touched on April 7, 2025. The gain calculation in LICs portfolio compares changes in value between April 7, 2025 and May 16, 2025 in NSE 500 stocks where LIC holds over 1 per cent stake, according to the shareholding pattern data on March 31, 2025. RIL, ITC among key gainers LICs top equity holding in terms of value, Reliance Industries (RIL), has been one of the biggest contributors to its portfolio, with the stocks 25 per cent surge adding Rs 26,515 crore in value. ITC, in which LIC had the highest holding in percentage terms, has seen Rs 5,759 crore value addition. LIC held 15.52 per cent stake in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company at the end of the March 2025 quarter. A significant part of the appreciation came from over 25 per cent rally in share prices of Mahindra & Mahindra (Rs 5,801 crore), Adani Ports and Economic Zone (Rs 5,192 crore), Tech Mahindra (Rs 3,267 crore), Jio Financial Services (Rs 2,472 crore), Hindustan Aeronautics (Rs 2,036 crore), Tata Motors (Rs 1,750 crore) and Bharat Electronics (Rs 1,268 crore). These stocks accounted for 12 per cent of LICs total value appreciation. According to G Chokkalingam, founder and head of research at Equinomics Research, investor focus on largecap stocks in the last few weeks was driven by the need for safety amid turbulent times. This, he believes, could change soon. In the medium term, beyond one or two quarters, there is a possibility of the largecap segment coming under pressure. "With substantial moderation in trade war between the US and China and geopolitical tensions abating, investors may choose to allocate more to the small and midcap segments, he said. Meanwhile, the top 10 public sector undertakings (PSUs) contributed Rs 14,989 crore in this portfolio value surge. Defence sector stocks Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics and Cochin Shipyard have seen their market value appreciate by 28-52 per cent between April 7 and May 16, data shows. Upside triggers At a broader level, rebound in the Indian equity markets has been led by positive signals from the US regarding a potential trade agreement with India amid de-escalation of geopolitical conflict with Pakistan. This brought back foreign institutional investor (FII) flows to Indian shores. FIIs, who were sellers in the first three months of 2025, had offloaded equity worth Rs 1.16 trillion during this period. They turned buyers in April with purchases worth Rs 4,243 crore. This change in FII strategy accelerated in May with a big buying of Rs 27,451 crore through May 16. At 23x one-year forward earnings, Nifty is not cheap. Earnings growth has disappointed, and the economy is seeing a cyclical slowdown. "Given that the economy has a chance of accelerating and we might enter an earnings upgrade cycle next year, investment in equities merits caution, said R Venkataraman, managing director at IIFL Capital. 'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.' IMAGE: The Constitution of India. Photograph: Kind courtesy Geospatial World/Wikimedia Commons Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has been complaining about the stepmotherly treatment meted out to non-Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states by the central government, whether it was releasing funds, imposing Hindi through the National Education Policy, sharing GST collections with the states or the impending delimitation exercise. Stalin has announced the setting up of a panel led by retired Supreme Court Justice Joseph Kurian, to recommend measures to strengthen autonomy for the states. Interesting times are ahead. It is against this background that M R Venkatesh, chartered accountant turned advocate, argues that it is time to have a relook at the Constitution in his forthcoming book Discovery of Bharat - Christian Constitution in a Hindu Nation. "What type of an animal will you get if you combine the hump of a camel, head of an elephant, and throat of a lion? We have to ask ourselves. Who are we? Are we a civilisation of 5,000 to 8,000 years? Have we not governed ourselves 5,000 to 8,000 years ago?" Venkatesh asks Rediff's Shobha Warrier. 27 years ago, in April 1998, after L K Advani spoke about the need for a Constitutional review, there were a lot of debates in the country on why we should review the Constitution. It was said that the BJP agenda was to move from the Westminster model to the presidential system. Why do you say the time has come to review, rethink and rewrite the Constitution? 27 years back, the BJP was in power for the first time, but in a coalition. Because of these limitations, it was a half-hearted attempt at that time, and the review commission ended up in a fiasco. Let's not go into that. And let me at the outset hasten to add that I have nothing to do with the BJP or any political party. I have written this book as a scholar and not as a political activist. Today, there are several areas on which we need to ponder. For instance, it was only last month that the Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution to form a committee under the chairmanship of Justice Joseph Kurian to look into the federal structure of the Constitution. After 75 years, we are still asking people to review federalism which is one of the fundamental features of the Constitution. Are we okay with such piecemeal review? If we are, why not a wholesale review? Let us not forget that the Constitution has been amended 110 times, each time on an ad hoc basis. But it is said that the Constitution cannot be re-written, it can only be amended... We are very good in fooling ourselves by saying that we will not rewrite, we will only amend. What is the difference? We want to engage in an elaborate exercise in semantics and therefore get enmeshed in all kinds of stupidity. Today, there is a huge war going on between the judiciary and Parliament. Each side is abusing and accusing the other. And less said about the Executive, the third limb, the better. At a time like this, any sensible democracy or society will call for a debate. We should not shy away from a debate. Our tradition has been one of continuous debates. We should not shy away from others expressing contrarian opinion. So, if you are able to convince me that the existing Constitution is excellent, I am ready to agree with you. Provided you are able to look into what I am saying from a neutral perspective, and not a prejudiced perspective. After that, we can come to a conclusion whether to rewrite the Constitution or not. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi bows to the Constitution in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Photograph: ANI Photo What made you say that the time has come to revisit and rethink the Constitution? I have gone through the entire Constituent Assembly debates, and I have found that there were several contrarian views; some of them very sagacious, some in good faith. I have listed many ideas that were put forward in the Constituent Assembly debates but ultimately did not find favour in the final draft of the Constitution. But years later, we can see that we have missed the bus! Missed the bus? Yes. For instance, socialism. Even today, our government thinks that this is a socialist welfare government, and it has the responsibility to cater to every irresponsible citizen. What do you mean by 'irresponsible citizen'? Let's assume I have seven children to send to school. But the government believes that it is incumbent on the government to educate the children as if it is not incumbent on the parents to educate their children. The first fundamental right of a citizen must be to fulfil his fundamental duties. This came for a debate in the Constituent Assembly. And no less a person than B R Ambedkar said that we should not embark on the socialist pattern of governments. It was his powerful arguments that led to the defeat of Nehru's resolution on socialism. Again, I am not talking about whether Ambedkar was right or wrong. What I want to say is, the Constituent Assembly had debates on many such issues. Today, after so many years, our government irrespective of the party, is fast degenerating into a socialist mode, into a welfare mode and into a reckless welfare mode now by handing out Rs 2,000 or Rs 5,000 per month under some yojana or other. And it is being done in the name of socialism. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin pays floral tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. All photographs: ANI Photo You think it will wreck the economy? It has already wrecked the economy. It has degenerated society so much that I fear that we may not be in a position to compete with countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia or Philippines. By giving money, toddy and some food, the powers that be are telling them, you don't have to do anything, you be at the survival level but vote for me so that I will be in power. These are structural issues which we need to address, and require serious debates. And, Ambedkar warned about this 80 years back. There were debates in the Constituent Assembly on many such issues including, for example, federalism. My first objection to the Constitution is that it is a cut-copy-paste of the 1935 Government of India Act. In my book, I have a chapter titled Cut Copy Paste in which I have taken relevant portions of the Constitution and matched them word for word in the Government of India Act. So, to say that it is an original piece of work is absurd; this is a cut-copy-paste exercise. It is plagiarism at best! And I am not saying this. Ambedkar himself said in 1948 that this was a plagiarised work, and he was not ashamed of it. And understand that the 1935 Act was unitary in character. Then, how did federalism come in this Constitution which was plagiarised? Because in 1946, we wanted to give the Muslim League an olive branch so that the states will have all the powers except in external affairs, defence and currency. Ultimately the Muslim League did not bite the bait but this was further refined to become federalism as we understand today. But Gandhi had a different idea of federalism. His idea of federalism was not only swaraj but gram raj along with Ram raj. Which is decentralisation of power....? Yes, absolute decentralisation of power. Is Panchayat Raj not an extension of decentralisation of power? Exactly. I am coming to that. Stalin talks about decentralisation from Delhi to Chennai. But does he talk about decentralisation from Chennai to Usilampetti? The third tier in the Constitution is panchayat raj, and we need to talk about devolution of funds and precise power and responsibilities to the panchayats. But what are panchayats doing? Is it not part of a larger Constitution 'Federal' structure? Why can't you give larger power to the panchayats? IMAGE: Prem Bihari Narain Raizada wrote 145,000 words in flowing italic styles. Photograph: Kind courtesy Lalit Kala Akademi During Dr Manmohan Singh's time, the government spoke a lot about giving more power to the panchayats... This is discussed every year on October 2 on Gandhi Jayanti day but never implemented. A person like Gandhi had put forward this view but we never cared to implement it. If you are really sure about panchayat raj, instead of talking about it on October 2, why not shift power from the state governments to panchayat raj? Then, there has to be devolution of taxes collected. For example, out of the 18% GST, 8% will be shared by the central government, 6% to 7% by the state government and 3% must go to the panchayats. In this way, you will empower the panchayats. But we talk about empowering the panchayats only on Gandhi Jayanti day. IMAGE: Jawaharlal Nehru and members of the Constituent Assembly take a pledge midnight August 14-15, 1947. Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons You are saying that there should be debates on what exactly federalism is? Exactly. If you read the entire Constitution, it was basically the 1935 Act and the constitution of 6-7 countries like the US, Britain, France, Germany, Ireland and to some extent Japan. These are well intended constitutions and stood in good stead for 75 years. IMAGE: M R Venkatesh IMAGE: M R Venkatesh Is there anything wrong in picking the good parts from various documents? True, we should not hesitate to borrow from all sides. I would go to say, let the noble thought come from all sides! But what type of an animal will you get if you combine the hump of a camel, head of an elephant, and throat of a lion? We have to ask ourselves. Who are we? Are we a civilisation of 5,000 to 8,000 years? Have we not governed ourselves 5,000 to 8,000 years ago? In a 5,000-year-old civilisation, there may be several things which are bad but there will be several things which are good. Why can't we take for ourselves the good things? For example, the Preamble says we are a democratic republic. Democracy as we understand has its roots in Greece and the Republic has its roots with Rome. Both talk about power to the people. Scholars have chronicled to how in a town like Utharamerur which is closer to Chennai, we had a far greater functional democracy than that of ancient Greece. Why don't we take something from Utharamerur? Did the Constituent Assembly look at Utharamerur? No. They only looked at Greece, France or Germany. IMAGE: Jawaharlal Nehru signs the Constituion. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons You mean, they should have looked within? They made a conscious effort not to look within. That's why the 1935 Act was plagiarised. The debate today in India should be whether we are a republic or democracy. And such a debate will reveal something new in terms of Indian democracy. We consider ourselves a democracy but in my opinion, we are a republic in the form of democracy. We need to transfer ourselves from a republican system to a robust democratic system. It is high time we debate on this. Today it is easy to criticise the Constitution and say, it's because of Nehru. It is also easy to praise the Constitution and say, it's because of Nehru. I don't want to do either. I am saying the time has come to have a relook at the document as every document has a shelf life. It is said that most Constitutions around the world had a lifetime of 19 years. There is nothing wrong if we rewrite the Constitution. There is nothing sacrosanct about the Constitution. If you look at history, you will see that some countries have rewritten the Constitution voluntarily, and some countries were forced to rewrite after civil wars. So, you have a choice. You can make a course correction before something as catastrophic as a civil war happens. And civil war need not be on the streets. What you see today between Parliament and the judiciary, between the Centre and the states is also civil war, and it is very uncivil. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'The Indian Air Force attacked 11 of Pakistan's very important airbases, mostly in the plains of Pakistani Punjab.' IMAGE: From Left: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal A K Bharti, Vice Admiral A N Pramod and Major General S S Sharda at a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, May 12, 2025. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Saurav Jha is an author and commentator on geostrategic affairs. His first book, The Upside Down Book of Nuclear Power was released in 2010, and in 2015, he published The Heat and Dust Project, co-written with Devapriya Roy, which chronicles a backpacking trip through India on an extremely tight budget. In 2017, he founded Delhi Defence Review, a think-tank focused on the analysis of technology, war, and ideas. In an exclusive interview to Rediff Senior Contributor Sheela Bhatt. Jha evaluates Operation Sindoor. The first of a two-part interview: First let us know your take on Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor in military terms would be considered successful, but, whether it will serve the purpose of deterring Pakistan or not is of course debatable. Ideally, the Indian Air Force's operational tempo should have been allowed to continue for a little longer, but, of course, we don't live in an ideal world. We do live in a world of nuclear overhang and international pressure as it were. But a slightly longer operation would have allowed the Indian Air Force to inflict a certain quantum of punishment on the Pakistan air force which, in my opinion, would have had a greater deterrent value. Like? More of their aircraft could have been destroyed on the ground. On the lines of the strike on the Bholari airbase, which has probably accounted for one of their Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. An AWACS is basically airborne radar mounted on a business jet or a transport platform which allows you to get a much better air situation picture. It allows you to track many more enemy air assets while they are airborne. It gives you a very clear picture of the air war if you like or the air battle scenario, as may be underway. Don't you think that Indian defence forces must have done some simulation? Some kind of thought process must have gone in this? What must be in the mind of the Indian Army, defence forces on the eve of the attack? So the Indian military, I mean all three services together -- army, air force and navy -- they have in the past wargamed a scenario called 10i. This was revealed by the late General Bipin Rawat when he was CDS and it was also reported in the press. So this is a scenario where an escalatory spiral leads to an intensive military engagement with the Pakistan armed forces. And it takes only about ten days to significantly attrite their forces and leave no doubt as to which is the dominant military in the subcontinent. And this would be accomplished below Pakistan's perceived nuclear redlines. IMAGE: Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi with army and BSF personnel during his visit to Longewala, May 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Which are those redlines? If you go by what the Pakistan armed forces or one of the former heads of their strategic plans division has gone around saying across the world, it seems Pakistan has four nuclear redlines -- thresholds for embarking on a nuclear first strike. So, basically Pakistan will escalate to the nuclear level if any of these 'redlines' were to be crossed. The First redline is if there is any significant territorial loss. This could lead to a nuclear escalation by Pakistan. The Second redline relates to an economic strangulation of Pakistan which could trigger a nuclear response. The Third redline pertains to large scale internal subversion or political instability. So, a foreign power could be subject to a nuclear first strike by Pakistan if it is perceived to be breeding internal instability that threatens the very existence of the Pakistani State. The Fourth redline relates to the possibility of significant destruction of Pakistan's air and naval forces. Now in my view this fourth redline is the least credible of all four. Of course, this internal instability threshold is also a little nebulous. In Operation Sindoor we were not close to touching any of these red lines. At least till the point at which Operation Sindoor was stopped I don't see us having breached any of Pakistan's red lines although Pakistan did posture in a dicey manner. It was reported that the Pakistanis held a meeting of their national command authority (although this was later denied by their defence minister). IMAGE: Residents inspect the damage to a house after it was hit by an Indian strike in Shahkot village, Neelum Valley, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, May 13, 2025. Photograph: Reuters How do you view the acceptance of a ceasefire, India calls it understanding? Any ceasefire built on foundations such as this will be considered fragile in military terms. Has anything changed materially on the ground? Yes, India has shown that it can directly attack multiple targets within Pakistan, both civil and military. But does that mean that the Pakistanis are deterred for good from their terrorism export policy? That is debatable. In my view, the answer is not a resounding no, nor is it a comprehensive yes, because there are other actors involved. Like? Like the two superpowers of today which is the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. When India deals with Pakistan, it must be understood, India is not dealing with just Pakistan. At every point that is quite clear. More than 80% of Pakistan's current inventory of major weapons comes from China. That is to say, they are of Chinese origin. On top of that you have very specific capable systems which have come from the United States of America. We all know about the F-16 block 52+s which are there in the Pakistan air force, but it should also be know that the best ground-based radar fielded by the Pakistanis are also from America. For example, the Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 radar, which is an early warning kind of system, is from America. And that is a contemporary system. So when you deal with Pakistan, you must understand that their policies are not going to be shaped only as a function of their interaction with India. IMAGE: The Indian Army demonstrates how India's air defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other cities in Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks on May 8 and 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo India is well aware of these details, right? It is, but do note that when Operation Sindoor began, the noises emanating from America were a little different from what they were towards the end. If you remember, J D Vance gave an interview where he said that this is not really any of our business and stuff like that, so contradictory noises have come from the US. There was no official noise from China except to the effect that they wanted to see both parties settle on a ceasefire and sort of pull back from the brink or whatever you want to call it. They sent messages via unofficial channels like Chinese scholars. For instance, Victor Gao, who can be considered a part of the Chinese establishment, although some people might contest that, said on one of the TV channels that China will not allow its 'iron brother' Pakistan to face defeat beyond a point or words to that effect. So the thing is that Pakistan is a nuclear weapon state. But Pakistan has also been buffered up continuously by China and to an extent by America also in terms of conventional weaponry. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with air force personnel during his visit to the Adampur air base in Punjab, May 13, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy @narendramodi/X But, since ages we know. But, it's not as if we have not gone ahead either. Look at the step wise escalation that is happening in India's posture. In 2016 all that India did after Uri was launch some surgical strikes across the LoC. Pakistan denied that any such surgical strike had taken place. After that, you had the Balakot strike where we actually hit, what the government said, is a non-military target inside Pakistan. Then you had a brief air battle and then there were contesting claims but it seems by all accounts based on electronic evidence provided by the Indian Air Force, that a Pakistani F16 did go down in 2019. Today with Operation Sindoor we have gone way beyond what western analysts used to think was possible. Nine separate terrorist targets were prosecuted at once inside Pakistan, deep inside Pakistan. After that, you had the escalatory spiral, Pakistan responded, we responded and then, of course, Pakistan crossed the Rubicon by launching a ballistic missile in the direction of Delhi, which was intercepted over Sirsa by an MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile). On May 10 the Indian Air Force showed what it is really capable of. We attacked 11 of their very important airbases, mostly in the plains of Pakistani Punjab. IMAGE: A building hit by an Indian missile strike in Muridke near Lahore, May 7, 2025. Photograph: Gibran Peshimam/Reuters But not substantial destruction was done. Because the agenda was to keep to the escalatory ladder. The agenda was to disable them for a period of time. Part II of the Interview: 'Why Couldn't Pakistan Stop Indian Attacks?' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'Pakistan is no longer a front-burner issue for America.' IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with soldiers at the Indian Air Force's Bhuj Air Force Station, May 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo "The Pakistani military has an incentive to play up the fact that its nuclear command and control could be disrupted or to make battlefield moves that raise the spectre of nuclear assets being mobilised. "This is captured by the famous line of Stephen Cohen's, 'Pakistan negotiates with the world by holding the gun to its own head'," says Milan Vaishnav, senior fellow and director South Asia Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. In an interview to Rediff's Archana Masih, Dr Vaishnav says that despite Donald Trump's attempts, there is no realistic expectation that America will shepherd peace talks between India and Pakistan or lead negotiations over Kashmir. What are the significant markers/important takeaways about this ceasefire? What is its likely effectiveness and more importantly, will it hold? There are too many takeaways to enumerate but let me start with just three. First and most obviously, India has raised the bar for how it will respond to terrorist attacks above a certain threshold. There has been an evolutionary progression -- from the surgical strikes after the Uri attack in 2016 to the bombings at Balakot in 2019 after the Pulwama attack and now the retaliation post-Pahalgam. I think India has demonstrated that it has an expansive repertoire of actions it can take without taking undue risks when it comes to nuclear escalation. The second lesson is the continued engagement of the United States despite its wishes to the contrary. Barely forty-eight hours before the ceasefire was announced, US Vice President J D Vance claimed that the India-Pakistan conflict was 'fundamentally none of our business' and that the fighting has 'nothing to do with America's ability to control it'. Just a few days later, he was taking credit, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for brokering a ceasefire. While there is likely a degree of overstatement in the Americans' rhetoric, it is striking that the 'America First' posture did not survive its first contact with reality -- namely the prospects of a protracted conflict between two nuclear-armed rivals. Third and finally, I was gobsmacked by the extent of misinformation and disinformation at play, on both sides during the heat of the conflict. Social media remains, in some ways, the quickest way to get 'battlefield' updates in real time and yet the so-called 'fog of war' was made even foggier by the deluge of fake news online. When we talk of big data, AI, and the transparency of the battlefield, online news completely cuts against the grain. IMAGE: The Indian Army's 9K33 OSA SAM System demonstrates how India's air defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks, May 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo What is your opinion of India-Pakistan relations (which are almost negligible) in the short term? As Chris Clary has argued, I think we're living in a Middle East-like scenario where we will have bouts of relative calm punctuated by occasional flare-ups which will trigger occasional conflict. I think both countries will remain on high alert for the near future; we are certainly no closer to an accord that resolves the grievances both sides feel. From India's perspective, I do not think the fundamental calculus has changed: Why negotiate with a civilian government in Islamabad when that government has no ability to actually implement an accord? It is clear that India cannot bomb Pakistan into submission, but it seems equally unlikely that talks at this juncture would be productive. There has been much consternation about a. The ceasefire announcement coming from Donald Trump and b. His repeated assertions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar that he mediated the ceasefire. Why is Trump going to town with these claims? Trump will say whatever comes in his mind at any given moment. Obviously, he has a vested interest both in making him the centre for the story and in claiming a win on the diplomatic front. When it comes to active conflicts, Trump has little success on Israel-Gaza or Russia-Ukraine. He's looking to 'put wins on the board.' Unlike other presidents who are attuned to the history and sensitives India has about third-party mediation and so on, Trump is steeped in none of this. Or will there be a walk back by senior officials in the administration? I think there already has been. There is no realistic expectation that America is going to shepherd peace talks between India and Pakistan or lead negotiations over Kashmir. I expect the bureaucracy on the American side to continue as if Trump never made those statements. IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha with army personnel during his visit to the border area in the Tangdhar sector in Kupwara, May 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo How has Trump sullied the waters in the carefully crafted India-US relations area and do you reckon by doing so he has once again brought India-Pakistan on the same page, a hyphenation that India has worked really hard to eschew? I don't think so. Frankly, there has been a real sea change in Beltway thinking on South Asia. India is where the action is and Pakistan is no longer a front-burner issue, especially after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It sounds callous to say that, but I think this captures the overriding sentiment, from Capitol Hill to the White House. I don't think hyphenation is here to stay. I think India and the United States are quite clear on that. But this is also why the continued economic dynamism of India is so important; it has given India space to separate itself from its Western neighbour. Now with Trump eager to broker peace, do you think it is it entirely possible that another confrontation like this could get the Americans riding in? Well, there is a pattern at play here. Once the nuclear saber-rattling starts, Americans feel the need to rush in. Honestly, one can understand the urge given the stakes at play. Clearly something happened to spook the Americans; whether this was real or instrumental remains to be seen. The Pakistani military has an incentive to play up the fact that its nuclear command and control could be disrupted or to make battlefield moves that raise the spectre of nuclear assets being mobilised. This is captured by the famous line of Stephen Cohen's, 'Pakistan negotiates with the world by holding the gun to its own head.' Some in India have said that nuclear concerns constitute a false narrative. That might be true, but it does not mean that these concerns were not weaponised to compel the Americans to step in. IMAGE: The Indian Army's L-70 air defence gun during a demonstration. Photograph: ANI Photo What does Trump's message to Tim Cook about making iPhones in India mean for India? Keeping the realities of global manufacturing and cost factors, is it feasible for Apple to manufacture in the US compared to India? Or is this typical Trumpspeak to put pressure on India in the ongoing trade negotiations? In some way, this is even more disturbing to Indians that talk of third-party mediation. This statement of Trump's cuts to the heart of Modi's developmental agenda, which is 'Make in India'. For India, luring Apple to India and making the country the de facto hub for iPhone production in the future has been a massive coup. It is one of the best examples we have of India exploiting the 'China+1' opportunity. What India is hoping for is that the Apple example serves as a model for dozens of other major multinationals. For Trump to take aim at India's Apple experiment is to question the very premise of India's economic objectives. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump meets United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, May 15, 2025. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters What uncertainties and challenges does the US-China trade deal mean for India? Well, I think it queers the pitch for sure. If the United States is going to make concessions to China, then India is going to drive a harder bargain. Indeed, immediately after the deal, there were media reports circulating that India was considering levying retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminum in a kind of tit-for-tat response to Trump's tariffs. I don't think the China deal derails US-India bilateral talks, but it might pressure the Indian side to negotiate harder. But make no mistake -- the Indians want a deal, the Americans want a deal, and both sides know a deal (however modest) is needed to unlock progress on other forms of collaboration (defence, science and technology, intelligence, etc). Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com China on Tuesday called for a 'comprehensive and lasting ceasefire' between India and Pakistan, urging both countries to properly handle their differences through dialogue. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Pool/Reuters At the same time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi also expressed China's support to 'ironclad friend' Pakistan in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Wang's comments came during his meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is here on a three-day visit. Dar is the first high-level Pakistani official to visit China after India carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. "China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India to properly handle their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions," Wang told Dar in Beijing, state run Xinhua news agency reported. This is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both India and Pakistan and conducive to regional peace and stability, and also the common expectation of the international community, he told Dar. "As an ironclad friend, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, in resolutely combating terrorism, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs," state-run Global Times quoted Wang as telling Dar. The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation and deepening coordination in multilateral mechanisms, the official media reports said. Besides Wang, Dar also met Liu Jianchao, the influential Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), and discussed issues arising out of the India-Pakistan military conflict besides New Delhi's decision to keep the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. After talks with Dar, Wang said China is committed to deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with Pakistan and advancing the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future, setting an example for similar efforts in the region, the Global Times reported, citing the press release. The two sides should work together to build an 'upgraded version' of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by enhancing cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, energy and mineral resources, human resource development, and counter-terrorism and security, Wang was quoted as saying by the daily. For his part, Dar introduced to Wang the latest situation and Pakistan's considerations since Pakistan and India reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. Dar thanked China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to the ceasefire and peace promotion, the press release said. He said that Pakistan will firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and at the same time is willing to maintain dialogue with India to ease the situation, it said. Dar said that Pakistan cherishes the brotherly friendship between Pakistan and China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and supports China in safeguarding its national interests and dignity and looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation between Pakistan and China, the Chinese press release said. Pakistan hopes to continue to receive strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties and promoting national development, security and stability, and will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Dar said in apparent reference to recurring militant attacks on Chinese workers involved in the CPEC projects. In a message posted on X, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said in his talks with Wang and Liu, Dar discussed future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship, security cooperation and the situation arising out of India keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. Dar 'held in-depth consultations' with Wang and both sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia, future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship, and CPEC 2.0', the post said. Earlier, Dar and Liu discussed the regional situation following the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and stressed adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law for maintaining regional peace and stability, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said. Appreciating China's support to Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful neighbourhood while affirming its right and capability to defend its territory and people, it said. He underlined the need for the international community to take note of India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. He stressed that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, remains vital for lasting peace in South Asia, it said. Embattled Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah, facing a probe for his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, was conspicuous by his absence at the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday. IMAGE: Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah. Photograph: @KrVijayShah/X State Bharatiya Janata Party president V D Sharma, however, downplayed the minister's absence, attributing it to probable 'personal reasons', while stressing that the party has taken serious cognisance of Shah's remarks. "Whatever decision the Supreme Court takes, the state government will decide accordingly," he added. The apex court on Monday chided Shah for his 'crass' remarks on Col Qureshi and constituted a three-member special investigation team to probe the first information report (FIR) lodged against him. "The matter is under consideration by the Supreme Court. Following the SC's orders, an SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been formed," Sharma told reporters. He said the apex court will take a decision based on the SIT report, and the state government is committed to following that decision. Clarifying on allegations that the BJP organisation is giving Shah a long rope, he quipped that the party has its own mechanism. "The organisation is very serious in this matter," he reiterated. Earlier in the day, Shah, who holds the portfolios of Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation, didn't turn up at the cabinet meeting held in Indore. Sharma sought to downplay Shah's absence at the meeting. "There could be some personal reason. It is not rare that ministers do not attend cabinet meetings. In several instances in the past, ministers had skipped the cabinet meetings. Vijay Shah may have some reason," he added. Shah came under fire after a video, which was shared widely, showed him allegedly making objectionable remarks against Col Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence along with another woman officer, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, during media briefings on Operation Sindoor. The Madhya Pradesh high court earlier rebuked Shah for passing 'scurrilous' remarks and using 'language of the gutters' against Col Qureshi and ordered the police to register an FIR against him on the charge of promoting enmity and hatred. After drawing severe condemnation, the minister expressed regret and said that he respected Col Qureshi more than his sister. The Supreme Court has rejected Shah's apology, saying it was only an attempt to wriggle out of the legal consequences. Meanwhile, Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a women's conference in Bhopal on May 31, marking the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. He said lakhs of women who have become self-reliant and set an example to others through their achievements will participate. "The women whose husbands have shown valour in the Army will get special honour from the Prime Minister," he added. Meanwhile, the Congress renewed its demand for Shah's dismissal from the state cabinet. State Congress president Jitu Patwari said, "The Supreme Court and High Court have severely reprimanded Shah for his objectionable remarks about Colonel Qureshi and rejected his apology. Despite this, why has no decision been taken on Shah's dismissal?" Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday highlighted the country's military capabilities and stated that India possesses the arsenal capability of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. IMAGE: Indian Army's air defense system played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor. Photograph: ANI Photo In an interview with ANI, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "The whole of Pakistan is within range." He stated that even if they relocate the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to "find a deep hole." India's offensive strikes during Operation Sindoor targeted key Pakistani airbases with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy high-value targets. Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole." Modern indigenous technology, including long-range drones and guided munitions, played a crucial role in the operation's success. Lt Gen D'Cunha further underscored that the armed forces' primary duty is protecting the nation's sovereignty and its people. "Our job is to protect our sovereignty, our people. So, I think that the very fact that we have been able to protect our motherland from this onslaught, which was aimed at causing a lot of problems in population centers and in our cantonments, the very fact that we have given this reassurance to our people, not only to our civil population... a lot of our own jawans, officers, wives were staying in cantonments. And they were also equally concerned about these drone attacks. And the very fact that we ensured that this did not manifest in any casualties, I am sure it not only made the soldier feel proud, it made the families feel proud. And finally, the population of India feel proud. I think that's the takeaway," he said. Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha revealed that during the Op Sindoor the Golden Temple management allowed the Indian Army to deploy air defence guns within the shrine to counter potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan. Lt General D'Cunha informed that the Golden Temple's lights were switched off for the first time in history to facilitate better detection and engagement of enemy drones, which helped the Indian defence forces spot and engage enemy drones more clearly. "Fortunately, we visualised what they (Pakistan) were capable of doing. Realising that they would target it because they had no legitimate targets across the border. They were more interested in creating confusion, chaos internally, and hence, we visualised that they would target our civil population and our religious places of worship," D'Cunha said. The successful neutralisation of drones at the Golden Temple demonstrates India's growing capabilities in countering emerging threats and protecting sensitive locations. "It was very nice that the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple allowed us to deploy our guns. It is possibly for the first time in many years that they switched off the Golden Temple lights so that we could see the drone coming," Lt General D'Cunha added. The Director General of Army Air Defence also highlighted India's preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies during Operation Sindoor. Speaking about the internal training by the Indian side, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "I think that the training that we did, actually we anticipated this and you won't believe that about maybe on the 26th, 27th and 28th, we did a simulation exercise at the behest of our army chief in the border areas, where we simulated drone attacks on the weapon system. It was not from the border, but it was internal, on the border... We started at 5:30 in the morning, maybe on the 26th for the first day, when multiple drones were coming in to train our people..." India's Operation Sindoor showcased its preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies. The operation highlighted India's integrated command structures, enabling seamless coordination between different military branches. Operation Sindoor reflected India's "Shishupala Doctrine," which involves exercising patience until a predefined threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. The operation shifted from reactive defence to proactive security doctrine, showcasing India's willingness to take bold action against terrorism. An first information report (FIR) was registered on Tuesday against Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami for allegedly running false information, police said. IMAGE: BJP leader Amit Malviya. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo The case was registered at High Grounds police station on the complaint of the Indian Youth Congress's legal cell head Shrikant Swaroop B N against the duo under section 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, they said. Swaroop accused Malviya and Goswami of 'masterminding a heinous and criminally motivated campaign to disseminate patently false information'. He alleged that the accused have 'maliciously propagated the fabricated claim' that the Istanbul Congress Centre in Turkiye is the office of the Indian National Congress (INC). "This act was executed with clear and undeniable criminal intent to deceive the Indian public, defame a major political institution, manipulate nationalist sentiments, incite public unrest, and undermine national security and democratic integrity," he stated. Swaroop further stated that the actions of Malviya and Goswami are set against the volatile backdrop of strained relations between India and Turkey, driven by the latter's perceived support for Pakistan. "The actions of Malviya and Goswami represent an unprecedented attack on India's democratic foundations, public safety, and national security. Their calculated misuse of influence to spread falsehoods with criminal intent demands the harshest response," the complainant alleged. Swaroop also appealed to the Press Council of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Central Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to treat this complaint as a emergency. As multi-party delegations leave for foreign capitals to convey India's strong stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, their members were briefed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on the neighbouring country's role in terror strikes and India's commitment to punish the perpetrators as well as their masterminds. IMAGE: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri. Photograph: ANI Photo Members, MPs and former parliamentarians, of three of the seven such delegations were briefed, and they are expected to meet government functionaries, including ministers, legislators, think tanks and media during their visits to different parts of the world. While India is committed to peace, it will not tolerate any terror attacks on its soil and will hit back as part of its 'new normal', Misri told them, according to sources. In a reference to Pakistan's offer of an independent probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Misri noted its earlier behaviour of ignoring evidence and doing little when India presented it with facts following other terror attacks, including 26/11 in Mumbai and in Pathankot in 2026, the sources said. The delegations, sources said, are likely to also carry dossier on Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism in India with evidence to convince the host countries. "Dossier may be in the official language of the country," a source said, adding that visiting delegations will again be briefed by officials before their meetings with lawmakers and officials in different countries. An MP quoted Misri as saying that trusting Pakistan is like trusting a 'chor' (thief) to investigate the crime he has committed. Janata Dal-United leader Sanjay Jha, who is leading a delegation to Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia, told reporters after the meeting, "Our message to world leaders will be that India has decided 'enough is enough' and that Pakistan has acted like a thief asked to probe his own crime whenever India has in the past trusted its words on acting against terrorism." Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde, who is leading a delegation to the United Arab Emirates and some African countries, said they will highlight Pakistan's links to terror incidents in India and present evidence linking the country to these horrific crimes against humanity not only in India but also abroad. Former Union minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is a member of the delegation led by Jha, said the decision to cease military actions was arrived mutually by India and Pakistan, and no other country played a mediator, a rejection of United States President Donald Trump's claim. Bharatiya Janata Party leader S S Ahluwalia and Jha noted that even Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden found a safe hideout in Pakistan before being hunted down by US Navy Seals in a special operation. Several MPs said other countries needed to be forcefully informed of the facts of Pakistan's long history of sponsoring terrorism as the neighbouring country is also pushing its own 'false' narratives. "People sitting in Africa, any Arab country or the US or South America do not really keep a tab on every terror incident in India. Delegations like these help inform the world leaders and population, and shape opinions," an MP said. Misri, sources said, briefed MPs and other members of the delegations, including diplomats, that Indian action under Operation Sindoor was targeted against terror sites in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir, and not against military installations and civilians. It was only after Pakistan's attempts to attack Indian military installations and the civilian population that India hit back, he said. Members of the delegations headed by Janata Dal-United's Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's Kanimozhi attended the briefing in which they are expected to be told about their agenda and its finer details. Kanimozhi, however, could not attend the meeting. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, who was included at the last minute after his party protested the government's 'unilateral' decision to pick its MP Yusuf Pathan, also joined the briefing. "We will talk about terror incidents. We do not want war but we cannot tolerate harm to our citizens. We will attack terror sites if targeted," Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Mittal said. The delegations will begin leaving from May 21 on a tour that is likely to last between 10 to 14 days. As many as 51 members of different parties with diplomats being part of all seven delegations will be travelling to 32 foreign capitals and the European Union. The Indian Army demonstrated how India's air defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other cities in Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks on May 8 and 9, 2025. IMAGE: Army personnel during the demonstration, here and below. All photographs: ANI Photo IMAGE: Debris of Pakistan's PL-15 air-to-air missile that was intercepted and taken down by India's air defence system, here and below. IMAGE: Fragments of Pakistan's HAFT 1, shrapnel, air launched ammunition, UAV/UCAV that were intercepted and taken down by India's air defence syster. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence officials are questioning Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested recently on charges of spying for Pakistan, police said on Tuesday. IMAGE: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. Photograph: Courtesy Travel with JO on Facebook A probe into the YouTuber's financial transactions and travel details is also underway, they said. Hisar-based Jyoti (33), who ran the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO', was arrested from the New Aggarsain Extension on May 16, and booked under the relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act and the BNS, police said. Jyoti was among 12 people who were arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India. A senior Haryana Police officer in Hisar said the central agencies and military intelligence officials are also probing her travel details, as she had reportedly visited Pakistan, China and some other countries. An attempt is being made to draw a complete chain of events to see which countries she visited and in what sequence, the officer said. Earlier, police said her known sources of income did not justify her foreign travels, adding that her financial transactions were also under scanner. A forensic analysis of Jyoti's laptop is underway, police said, adding that they would also question those who were in touch with the YouTuber. On Sunday, Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan said that Pakistani intelligence operatives were developing Jyoti as an "asset". She was allegedly in touch with a Pakistani official posted in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi during the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the SP said. Sawan said while Jyoti did not have direct access to any information related to the military operations, she was directly in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs). "This is modern warfare that is not just fought on the borders. We came across a new modus operandi wherein PIOs were trying to recruit some social media influencers," the SP said. Sawan also said Jyoti went to Kashmir before the Pahalgam attack and visited Pakistan before that, and police are trying to establish the "links" between these visits. Jyoti, whose YouTube channel at present has 3.87 lakh subscribers, came in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in 2023, when she went there seeking a visa to visit the neighbouring country. On May 13, India expelled Ehsan for allegedly indulging in espionage. Police investigation has revealed that Guzala (31), whom Punjab Police arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan from Malerkotla district, came in contact with Ehsan in February. She met him at the Pakistan High Commission while seeking a visa to visit the neighbouring country, police said. Police arrested Guzala and Yameen Mohamad, both residents of Malerkotla, on May 11 for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases to Pakistan's intelligence agency. The accused reportedly received payments through the online mode in exchange for sharing classified information, police said. Meanwhile, the family of Sukhpreet Singh, who was arrested from Punjab's Gurdaspur on Monday for allegedly leaking critical information concerning the Indian armed forces to Pakistan, claimed that he could not do such a thing. Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of the most distinguished astrophysicists who was globally acclaimed for co-developing the Hoyle Narlikar theory of gravity -- an alternative to Einstein's general relativity -- and popularising science among common people, passed away in Pune on Tuesday. Photograph: Courtesy, Dr Jayant Narlikar/Facebook He was 86, family sources said. A towering figure in Indian science, Dr Narlikar was widely known for his pioneering contributions to cosmology, his efforts to popularise science, and for setting up premier research institutions in the country. He was also known for championing the steady-state theory of the universe, a bold counterpoint to the widely accepted Big Bang model. According to family sources, Dr Narlikar died in his sleep early morning. Narlikar had recently undergone hip surgery in a Pune-based hospital. He is survived by three daughters. Dr Narlikar's last rites will be conducted with full state honours on Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Born on July 19, 1938, Dr Narlikar completed his early education on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was a professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. He migrated to Cambridge for higher studies, becoming a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos. While in the United Kingdom, he and his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle developed the famous Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity. He returned to India to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (1972-1989), where, under his charge, the Theoretical Astrophysics Group expanded and acquired international standing. In 1988, the UGC invited Dr Narlikar to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics as its Founder Director. He held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction, IUCAA has acquired a worldwide reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics. He was an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA. Besides his scientific research, Dr Narlikar was well-known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. Dr Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26. In 2004, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, and the Maharashtra government honoured him with the state's highest civilian award, Maharashtra Bhushan, in 2011. In 2014, the Sahitya Akademi, the premier literary body in India, selected his autobiography for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing. In a statement, IUCAA said that Dr Narlikar's passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian science. "Over the course of a remarkable career, he made groundbreaking contributions to cosmology, challenged prevailing scientific orthodoxy, and dedicated himself to making science accessible to the broader public. "He was best known for co-developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity- an alternative to Einstein's general relativity- and for championing the steady-state theory of the universe, a bold counterpoint to the widely accepted Big Bang model," said the statement. IUCAA said his vision for the institute, dubbed the 'Eight-fold Way', emphasised excellence in astronomy research. It also emphasised outreach to the University faculty, guidance to PhD students, access to the latest observational facilities for Indian astronomers as well as science outreach and education for school children and the wider public, it said. Tributes poured in for Dr Narlikar from various sections of society. President Droupadi Murmu said Dr. Narlikar has left an indelible mark through his body of work, which will inspire generations to come. 'His passion for popularising science helped in educating a large number of people, especially the youth. I extend my condolences to members of his family, friends and admirers,' Murmu said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Narlikar's passing a 'monumental loss to the scientific community'. 'He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks, will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens,' Modi said on X. The scientific community remembered Dr Narlikar as the common man's scientist who 'democratised' and popularised science in India while inspiring students to pursue high-quality research in astronomy and astrophysics. Former ISRO chairman Dr S Somanath said the country has lost a 'visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired my generation with his popular works such as 'The lighter side of gravity' and 'Seven wonders of the cosmos'.' Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called Narlikar 'one of the world's greatest astrophysicists'. In a post on X, Fadnavis said Narlikar had played a crucial role in spreading science by creating literature on scientific subjects. He explained complex subjects to ordinary readers in very simple terms. "We have lost a great scientist and an equally great writer. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him," Fadnavis said. Former Union minister Sharad Pawar said that among Maharashtrian scientists who contributed to research at the national and international levels, Narlikar will always be remembered with respect and honour. The Indian Army used Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) to target Pakistani Army forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC), inflicting heavy casualties during a ceasefire violation on the intervening night of May 7-8. IMAGE: Army shows debris of Pakistan-launched missile and drones that were intercepted and taken down by Indian Air Defence systems, during a demonstration on how Indian Air Defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks, on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo The action was part of the Indian Army's swift and decisive response to Pakistan's unprovoked aggression. Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. A soldier of the Indian Army explained, "This episode took place on the intervening night of 7-8 May. Pakistan violated the ceasefire. We studied the pattern of fire and retaliated accordingly within seconds. We destroyed their bunkers and launching pads and inflicted heavy casualties. This is a Medium Machine Gun (MMG), and it has heavy firepower." He added, "When Pakistan could not retaliate to our fire on their posts, they started targeting our civilian areas. The enemy sent drones as well, but since the drones were from another country, the Pakistani troops were not well trained to handle them. We destroyed their drones also." The Indian Army's swift retaliation continued with precise targeting of Pakistan's positions. An Army Lieutenant added, "On May 7, around 1:30 am- 2 am, Pakistan violated the ceasefire. Their biggest crime was that they targeted our civilians. Our battalion was prepared for it. In the next 10 minutes, we fired indiscriminately on their forward posts and launching pads. We destroyed all their posts, which can be seen in the visuals. Our fire was effective and accurate, but the enemy fire either never hit the target or hit civilian areas. This is why we destroyed these posts." Army Captain shared further details of the combat, stating, "A face-to-face battle was fought with direct firing weapons, and our mortars supported us from the back. We indiscriminately fired on the enemy post and destroyed it. Pakistan Army started an unprovoked artillery fire, and we retaliated accordingly. We even used ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) to destroy their posts. There are 10-12 posts in the Poonch area that we destroyed. After they failed to destroy our military posts, they started firing on civilian areas. We destroyed their ammunition storage as well." The fencing along the LoC remains heavily guarded, with the morale of Indian forces at an all-time high after the success of Operation Sindoor. Despite the ongoing threat, the Indian Army continues to maintain vigilance and preparedness along the volatile border. Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. Heavy downpour in Bengaluru for the past 36 hours threw life out of gear on Tuesday as well. People were seen walking through knee-deep water and traffic jams were reported in many places. The rain-related toll went up to five in the state, officials said. IMAGE: A view of a submerged house following heavy rains in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI Photo Sai Layout in the city continued to resemble an island due to the torrential rains. Ground floor of the houses were half-submerged and people were unable to come out. About 150 people were rescued and shifted to safe locations on Monday, authorities said. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMB) had arranged food and water for people in Sai Layout. Residents complained that the civic agencies were least bothered about the sufferings of people residing in Sai Layout. An orphanage in Hennur in the city also bore the brunt of the downpour. The Fire and Rescue Department along with Disaster Response Force rescued the people in the orphanage as the place was filled with water. IMAGE: People make their way through a severely waterlogged road in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI Photo Commuters had a harrowing time wading through the knee-deep water in many places, including near Manyata Tech Park, which houses offices of many multinational companies, and Silk Board Junction. Many new potholes emerged in the city roads posing threat to motorists. Due to waterlogging, vehicles were stranded, leading to long traffic jams in many parts of the city. Two people, including a 12-year-old, were electrocuted while trying to drain rainwater that had entered an apartment in the city, police said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Police personnel using a JCB evacuate stranded people. Photograph: ANI Photo According to Mico Layout Police, Manmohan Kamath (63), a resident of Madhuvan Apartment in NS Palya near BTM 2nd Stage, had tried to use a motorised pump to clear water out of his house on Monday evening. "When he connected the pump to a socket, there was a short circuit, leading to his electrocution," a police officer involved in the investigation said. Dinesh (12), son of a Nepalese man employed at the apartment complex, who was standing near Kamath, was also electrocuted, police added. The two were declared dead by doctors at a hospital. Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs) will be registered in both cases, the Station Head Officer confirmed. Earlier on Monday, Sasikala (35) died when a compound wall fell on her while she was sweeping at a company within the limits of Mahadevapura Police Station. IMAGE: Police rescues a stranded resident. Photograph: ANI Photo Two people died of lightning in Raichur and Karwar, officials said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru has received about 30 mm rain in the last 24 hours. The city had recorded 105 mm rain on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday morning. Rains are pounding several parts of Karnataka, especially south Karnataka, coastal and Malnad region. Mangaluru, the district headquarter town of Dakshina Kannada, recorded 90 mm rain in the last 24 hours. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and a yellow alert at various places across Karnataka on Tuesday. IMAGE: A tractor carrying people wade through a severly waterlogged road . Photograph: ANI Photo An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu said they have issued an orange alert for Bengaluru for the impact 8 cm to 10 cm that will likely affect the big city. "The amount of rainfall we are receiving is nothing for rural areas. But because cities like Bengaluru are concretised mostly, and thus blocking the outlets for water drainage, we have issued an orange alert so that authorities can prepare accordingly," he said. According to the IMD statement, areas likely to be affected today are Bagalkot, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, Vijayanagara districts. A yellow alert has been sounded in Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Dharwad, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban districts. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rains and thundershowers accompanied by lightning and gusty wind at isolated places in above districts in next 24 hours. It has appealed to people to stay indoors and avoid travelling. "Take safe shelters. Do not take shelter under trees. Unplug electrical/electronic appliances immediately. Get out of water bodies immediately. Keep away from all the objects that conduct electricity," the bulletin read. The state-run Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Bihar has landed in controversy, after a specially abled patient undergoing treatment at the medical facility claimed that rats had bitten toes of his right foot while he was asleep. IMAGE: The Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident took place on Saturday night in the Orthopedics wing of NMCH, and it came to light after his family members alerted the hospital administration. "We have come to know about the incident. It has been brought to the notice of the medical superintendent," said Dr Om Prakash, head of the orthopedics department. The patient, Awadesh Kumar, told reporters that when he woke up on Sunday morning, he noticed that toes of his right foot was bitten by rats. "I saw that the fingers were bleeding. My family members also noticed it and informed the nurses and other medical staff. Rats have been creating havoc here," Kumar said. Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey could not be reached for comments over the matter. Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, in a post on X said: 'In Patna's NMCH, a specially abled patient's fingers were bitten by rats. Recently, rats had gnawed the eye of a deceased person in the same hospital... and no action was taken against anyone.' The RJD leader alleged that the healthcare apparatus of Bihar is in ruins. "Health Minister Mangal Pandey has ruined the healthcare system in the state that we had improved and nurtured over our 17-month tenure. A department that cannot even ensure cleanliness and safety in its hospitals -- where a perfectly healthy person would fall ill -- how will it treat patients?" "I am sure they will make a presentation before the chief minister, claiming that the patient's fingers weren't nibbled by rats but surgically removed by a state-of-the-art robotic machine worth crores," Yadav said. In November 2024, the eye of a man who succumbed to bullet injuries at NMCH was found missing hours after his death, with doctors blaming rats for gnawing it and family members of the deceased suspecting foul play. The state health department, which initiated an investigation into the matter, had suspended two nurses for negligence. The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor. Photograph: Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad/Facebook The top court's causelist shows a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar will be hearing the matter. On May 19, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the associate professor, mentioned the case for urgent hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 after two first information reports (FIRs) were lodged under stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor. He was produced before a local court in Sonipat on May 18 and was remanded in police custody for two days in a case registered on a complaint from the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) filed a day before. On Tuesday, the Sonipat court remanded him to judicial custody till May 27 after the completion of his police custody. The HSCW recently sent a notice to him questioning the remarks, though Mahmudabad maintained they were 'misunderstood' and underscored his fundamental right to freedom of speech. Haryana Police said the two FIRs were lodged at the Rai Police Station in Sonipat -- 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. In a letter dated May 16 to the state DGP, the HSCW lodged a complaint for registration of an FIR against Mahmudabad "based on prima facie evidence and precedent". "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)," police said. The case was lodged 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 sections are non-bailable. Mahmudabad's remarks were annexed to the commission's notice, and in one of them, he purportedly said right-wing people applauding Col Sofiya Qureshi should demand protection for victims of mob lynchings and 'arbitrary' bulldozing of properties. The associate professor was alleged to have 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 added. The commission previously said an initial review of Mahmudabad's remarks 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 briefed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Col Qureshi on Operation Sindoor. Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has said the 'trivial issue' of the protocol lapse during his visit to Mumbai on May 18 should not be blown out of proportion and the matter should be given 'quietus'. IMAGE: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai being felicitated by Bar Council of India Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra during a ceremony, to honour him, at Lalit Hotel in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo A release of the Supreme Court issued on Tuesday said everyone concerned had expressed regret. On May 14, the CJI disapproved the absence of Maharashtra chief secretary, director general of police or the city police commissioner to receive him during his first visit to the state after being elevated to the top post. The release said, 'News items are being published in the media regarding protocol issues during the visit of CJI to Maharashtra. All concerned have already expressed regrets. The Chief Justice of India has expressed that a trivial issue should not be blown out of proportion. CJI has requested everyone that the matter be given a quietus.' Following his oath as the 52nd CJI, Gavai travelled to Mumbai for a felicitation programme by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Hours after the remarks were public, all three top officials were present at Chaityabhoomi, the cremation place of Dr B R Ambedkar at Dadar in Mumbai, when the CJI visited there to pay his obeisance. Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa on Tuesday sought action against errant officials for the protocol lapse during CJI Gavai's visit. A resolution to this effect was passed by the council in Mumbai. The release issued in New Delhi maintained everyone concerned had expressed regret over the episode. In its resolution, the council 'strongly condemned' the act of officials concerned not welcoming and receiving the CJI at the Mumbai airport as per the established protocol. "It is resolved that appropriate action be taken against the erring officers for not paying respect to the Chief Justice of India," it maintained. The resolution added a letter would be sent to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and also the Bombay high court seeking action against the erring officers of the Registrar General of the HC who, it said, are responsible for the lapse. The council sought action against them within a month. On Monday, Maharashtra Cabinet minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he personally phoned and apologized to the CJI. Bawankule, who is also the state BJP president, said top government officials could not reach on time to receive the CJI as per protocol and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken cognizance of the incident. Robert Beck of Peterborough, N.H. is a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. After serving for 30 years in U.S embassies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he now teaches foreign policy classes at lifelong learning programs at both Keene State College and Rivier University. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. David McDonald, former chief executive of Being AI as well as a co-founder, is returning to full service AI agency Possibl AI as chief AI officer. His return represented a major step forward in Possibls mission to help New Zealand organisations navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with clarity, confidence, and purpose, the company announced. It also comes after the closure of Being AIs last AI venture, an agentic marketplace development called Project Treehouse. Possibl AI said the founding team saw a clear disconnect with businesses inspired by the possibilities of AI, but also overwhelmed by where to start, who to trust and how to move forward. As a provider-agnostic agency, Possibl AI aimed to to cut through the noise and make AI genuinely useful for New Zealand businesses. CEO and co-founder Nyssa Waters said Possibl and came from a shared frustration of seeing great Kiwi businesses being overwhelmed by AI noise and sold things they didnt need. Having him back is a deeply personal milestone, she said. Hes one of the clearest thinkers in the field and someone I trust implicitly to guide our clients and team through whats next. McDonald said there had never been a more important time to get AI right. The government has canned the Digital Services Tax Bill, which would have imposed a 3% tax on internet search, social media, content sharing and intermediation platform services, from its legislative programme. Introduced in 2023 by the previous government, the bill was in response to a perceived lack of progress towards developing an agreement with other countries to address the taxation challenges posed by digitalisation. It was proposed to introduce a tax on the digital economy, referring to economic activity that was significantly reliant on information and communication technology. However, the measure and others like it around the world met harsh blowback from the US Trump administration, which referred to it as overseas extortion and an effort to appropriate Americas tax base for their own benefit. Revenue minister Simon Watts said the government had been monitoring international developments and decided not to progress the tax at this time. A global solution has always been our preferred option, and we have been encouraged by the recent commitment of countries to the OECD work in this area, Watts said. New Zealand has long supported, and benefited from, collective action and the global rules-based system. By focusing on a global solution, it will enable an agreed, consistent outcome across participating countries. Forecast revenues from the introduction of the tax will no longer be included in the Crown accounts. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cast doubt over ongoing negotiations with the United States on Iran's nuclear program, saying Washington is making a "big mistake" in demanding a full ban on uranium enrichment inside the Middle Eastern country. Speaking at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the death of former hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Khamenei said on May 20 that he "does not think" negotiations with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program will come to fruition. In particular, he pointed to recent US statements, including one by President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff last week that any new deal between Washington and Tehran must include an agreement to refrain from enrichment -- a possible pathway to developing nuclear weapons. "The American side that is participating in these indirect negotiations should talk, negotiate, and try not to talk nonsense," he said. "It's a big mistake for them to say we won't allow Iran to enrich. No one is waiting for permission for this or that. The Islamic republic has a policy, it has a method, and it follows its own policy...The enrichment discussion is not a negotiable issue at all." Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes, but government officials caused alarm late last year by saying it could change its "nuclear doctrine" if it is attacked or its existence is threatened by Israel. Iran has put forward a proposal to the United States and its Gulf Arab neighbors that envisions the creation of a regional nuclear consortium, which would include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with the potential for American involvement. Witkoff declared that the Trump administration's "red line" in the nuclear talks with Iran is Tehran's ability to enrich uranium at any level, prompting Iran to say it will continue enrichment "with or without a deal." "We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability," Witkoff told ABC on May 18, insisting that any enrichment, even for civilian purposes, could enable weaponization. "Everything beginswith a deal that does not include enrichmentbecause enrichment enables weaponization. And we will not allow a bomb to get here," he said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized what he described as inconsistent US messaging in public and attributed comments about zero enrichment to the Trump administration's attempt to pacify "special interest groups," which he described as "malign actors." PRAGUE -- Is Russian President Vladimir Putin really ready to commit to a cease-fire in the war against Ukraine? Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys doesn't think so. Speaking in an interview with RFE/RL, Budrys said that, from what we see coming from Putin about ending Europe's largest and deadliest conflict since World War II, "he's not interested at all." "Either in a cease-fire or real peace talk. Because the only instrument that he knows how to use, that's brutal force, terror and pressure, Budrys said in the interview at RFE/RL's Prague headquarters on May 19. The interview came on the same day US President Donald Trump spoke with Putin in a two-hour phone call that ended with a pledge to immediately start cease-fire negotiations, though the Russian leader's comments afterward put a gradual time frame on the process, saying the efforts were "generally on the right track." Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war while American diplomats have negotiated partial cease-fire agreements covering the Black Sea and on civilian infrastructure earlier this year that failed. Trump is still keen to meet Putin in person in order to potentially strike a deal and -- while being complimentary about the US efforts -- Budrys said he thinks stronger pressure on Moscow may be needed. If we are not able to achieve cease-fire at this moment, it shows that all the diplomatic efforts that Trump's administration put, and rightly so, for these months were the ones without the results," he said. "And that means that we have to introduce the other package of our instruments to achieve cease-fire and then peace. And those instruments are of pressure with additional sanctions and with additional support to Ukraine. After the talks that seemed less likely, with Trump indicating that, for the time being, he was not ready to sign on to fresh sanctions Europe is expected to approve later on May 20. Meanwhile, Republican US lawmaker and close Trump ally Lindsey Graham has proposed imposing 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil. Budrys said he agrees that targeting Russian energy exports could force Moscow to truly start moving toward a peace settlement. "We should stop the major income to Russia's budget and major income to their war machine. And this is the exports of gas, oil, LNG (liquefied natural gas), he said. The EU has failed to impose hard-hitting energy sanctions on the Kremlin over the past two years despite talk of cutbacks. European imports of Russian LNG actually increased in 2024 compared to previous years. Hungary has indicated that it would veto all types of sectoral sanctions on Russia and the European Commission has instead suggested that Russian gas gradually be phased out of the EU market -- something that wouldn't take full effect until around the end of 2027. Taking Belarus To Court On the domestic front, Budrys explained why Vilnius on May 19 decided to take Belarus to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Minsk of organizing the large-scale smuggling of migrants into Lithuania. The activity started back in 2021 when Alyaksandr Lukashenko's regime began attracting migrants, notably from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to Belarus and pushing them to cross the borders into European Union countries, such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. While all three countries have strengthened border controls and the European Union has sanctioned Minsk over the practice, Vilnius has now gone one step further, Budrys said. From the Belarusian side, they are repeating attempts to come back to this practice again. That's why we need accountability, and we need the international community to see that it's not the way you're organizing and weaponizing the people against your neighbor, he said. The legal route also acts as a deterrent, according to Budrys, as we cannot leave without accountability, because in the future they [such actions] will be repeated by others." "And that is why Russia now is allowed to rewrite the history and tell a different story about the Soviet crimes, because Soviet crimes were never brought to a special tribunal, and they were never then accused and then sentenced for it, differently from the Nazi regimes," he said. Last month, US President Donald Trump had stern words for Vladimir Putin suggesting the Russian leader was stalling for time, or tapping Trump along, amid the White House push to halt Moscows invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year. Shuttle diplomacy was in high gear; Kyiv had agreed to an immediate, unconditional, 30-day cease-fire; Moscow had not; Ukraine and Russia continued to pound one another with drones and missiles. Vladimir, STOP, Trump wrote on social media on April 24, after an exceptionally deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv. Two days later, after a Vatican meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump wrote about Putin: It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war. As recently as May 8, Trump threatened sanctions on Moscow if it didnt sign onto to the cease-fire proposal. On May 19, however, Trump and Putin spoke by phone -- their third conversation since Trump took office five months earlier. For Trump, the two-hour-plus call was an eyebrow-raising shift, in both substance and tone: there was no demand for Putin to sign onto an immediate cease-fire. And the White House was pulling back from its efforts to halt the fighting. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Cease-fire and, more importantly, an END to the War, Trump wrote on social media. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The two leaders even addressed each other by their first names, a top Kremlin aide told reporters. It was, in the end, what Putin wanted. Stall Tactics Trump basically gave his blessing to Putin's proposal to hold these talks on a framework document that would guide the peace talks, said John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. If we want to use Trump's words, Putin is still tapping him along, and Trump unfortunately conceded to that today, Hardie told RFE/RL. Vladimir Putin has a clear objective: to continue military operations. He is ready to negotiate with Trump on anything except Ukraine, Ivan Preobrazhensky, a Russian political commentator, told Current Time. Trump is happy to withdraw and pretend that he did everything he could." Even before he came into office in January, Trump had made ending the Ukraine war a top foreign policy priority. His lead envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled three times to Moscow to try and nail down a deal. The lack of progress -- despite reams of meetings and negotiations -- had publicly frustrated Trump. His top advisers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance signaled that US patience was wearing thin. The Kremlin has shown little willingness in bending its positions. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul last week for the first face-to-face talks since the early weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. There were even hopes Zelenskyy and Putin could meet, something the Ukrainian leader was open to. But Putin was a last-minute no-show. His negotiators -- a low-level delegation -- repeated Moscows maximalist demands that were on the table in 2022, until those talks fizzled out. Root Causes In his own comments to reporters after the phone call -- made before Trump commented publicly -- Putin described the call as "constructive" and "frank." He also returned to his mantra about the wars root causes a term that essentially amounts to questioning Ukraines right to exist, not to mention the wider post-Cold War international order. Russias position is clear, Putin said. "The main thing for use is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis." There is no indication of any kind of shift in Russias position, said Stephan Kieninger, a nonresident fellow at the American-German Institute. Trumps statement does not include any hint of pressure on Russia. It is clear that Trump is not willing to confront Putin, he told RFE/RL. If it truly comes to pass, withdrawal from the peace efforts would be a fulfilled promise for Trump -- even if it comes at the expense of Ukraine. It would also dovetail with Trumps own transactional foreign policy, reflecting a businessmans approach to dealmaking. In his post-phone-call social media post, Trump included that pitch to Moscow: There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Donald Trump would very much like to make business deals. He genuinely sees business as a means of resolving any crisis -- absolutely. Whether its preventing or ending wars, Aleksandra Filippenko, an expert based in Lithuania, told Current Time. That business thinking also partly motivated Zelenskyy last month to strike a deal giving US companies privileged access to Ukraines valuable mineral resources. The White House previously had conditioned continued US weapons supplies to Kyiv on reaching such a deal. Despite the White Houses shift, Zelenskyy, who spoke separately with Trump before the call, appeared to back the US presidents proposal. This is a defining moment, he wrote in post on Telegram. The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a cease-fire and achieving real, lasting peace. Zelenskyy rebuffed Trumps proposed withdrawal from the peace talks, calling for Washington to stay engaged because the only one who is interested in that is Putin. European countries in support of Kyiv have been bracing themselves for this moment: the possibility that the White House might try to strike a deal directly with the Kremlin -- cutting out either Europe or Ukraine from the process. On the eve of the Putin call, Trump spoke with leaders of Britain, Germany, France, and Italy about the war. The Europeans reiterated support for a cease-fire and warned of more sanctions if Russia doesnt halt its aggression. The Europeans have to react, Kieninger said. To what extent they are prepared without the United States to confront Putin with new sanctions is unclear. RFE/RL's North American correspondent Todd Prince reported from Washington. RFE/RL senior international correspondent Mike Eckel reported from Prague. In December 2023, along with tens of thousands of other 18-year-old men, Aleksandr, from the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, was called up for mandatory military service in the Russian armed forces. Four months later, and nearly 7,000 kilometers to the west, he found himself digging foxholes and infantry trenches along Russia's border with Ukraine. And not long after that, he found himself cowering in those very trenches, facing off against Ukrainian troops and kamikaze drone attacks. "It turns out that I was sent to a combat zone against the law, without asking," he said in an interview with RFE/RL's Siberian Realities last month. The plight of Aleksandr -- who asked that his surname not be used to avoid prosecution by police -- illustrates a major third rail of Russian politics, something President Vladimir Putin has strenuously avoided since launching the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Conscripts in combat. With the invasion nearing its 40th month, Russian troops continue to suffer eyewatering casualties: upward of 750,000 dead and wounded, according to Western estimates, and climbing as this year's spring fighting season kicks into high gear. Despite the toll, Russia has managed to sustain its tempo of operations by relying on an elaborate recruitment system of mobilized reserves, volunteers, private mercenaries, and even prison inmates, plus regular units. Sky-high wages and benefits for combat service have resulted in a steady flow of men sent into battle. But Russian law forbids conscripts -- men, mostly around 18 years of age, completing one year of mandatory military service -- from serving in combat zones. First and foremost, that means Ukraine. Putin has promised repeatedly that conscripts would not be sent to fight. But they can be enlisted to do rear-guard tasks such as logistical or construction work away from active combat zones. They can also be persuaded -- or coerced -- into signing full volunteer combat contracts after just four months of basic training. Often, the conscripts do not fully understand what they're signing, activists and lawyers said. Last summer, Ukrainian forces staged a cross-border invasion into Russia's Kursk region, overwhelming the lightly defended border and border guard troops, National Guard units, and other troops. Dozens of conscripts were also captured or went missing during the invasion. At least 25 were killed, according to the news outlet Vyorstka. Aleksandr was lucky he wasn't among them. Military prosecutors and officials from the local military recruitment center could not be reached for comment on Aleksandr's case. 'We Quickly Dug Small Trenches And Then Just Sat There' Aleksandr, who spoke to RFE/RL from the Yaroslavl region, northeast of Moscow, said he was conscripted in the fall 2023. He was inducted into service as a private that December, initially spending most of his time in the Amur region, along the border with China. He was assigned to a unit of the Railway Troops, a logistical force devoted to running the trains the military relies heavily on across its 11 time zones. "As far as training goes, we did target practice a couple of times and that was it. There was no special training," he said. In April 2024, an unknown number of conscripts from his training base were sent to a muster point and then shipped off to Bryansk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine. He said that initially he and his company of eight men were ordered to dig bunkers for the Border Guards, a separate military unit devoted to guarding Russia's border. He said they saw not a single volunteer soldier -- known as "kontraktiki" -- or mobilized soldier, known as "mobiki." "When they threw us over the top, there was no one in the area except conscripts. Even our squad leader was a conscript like us, the other seven. He just studied at a military school before the army," he said. Last August, when the Ukrainian troops surprised Russian forces, invading the neighboring Kursk region, Aleksandr's entire battalion was in Bryansk. On August 6, he said, his unit was ordered on alert; two other companies rushed to join Aleksandr's company. "We quickly dug small trenches and then just sat there. That's it," he said. Senior officers, Aleksandr said, ordered conscripts to forward positions, closest to the border. Behind them, in the second lines of defense, were professional soldiers and better equipment. Conscripts, he said, were forbidden from making any sort of unplanned retreat. "Once we were under fire for several hours. We were sent on a scouting mission, and then the Ukrainian armed forces came out. We couldn't run back; our own people would shoot us for giving away our location. We lay down and waited for several hours," he said. A Ukrainian kamikaze drone detonated close to his position, he said, giving him a concussion -- his fifth. Conscripts' Gray Zone Russian officials have refused to acknowledge what is more or less an open secret, particularly among military families: that conscripts indeed have been caught up, deliberately or negligently, in combat along the border with Ukraine. There's a legal loophole to the ban on sending conscripts into battle. After just four months, the young men are allowed to sign contracts, effectively volunteering for full duty, including combat deployment. However, officers and military recruiters routinely pressure, and coerce, conscripts to sign contracts, without providing full disclosure or disclaimer or other relevant information, activists, lawyers, and even parents have complained. Last October, several conscripts from a Russian tank division received 305,000 rubles ($3,600) in compensation after they complained they signed fake contracts with the Defense Ministry. That same month, Aleksandr, who did not sign any such volunteer contract, said he was wounded again when a fragment of a kamikaze drone hit him in his left leg. He was transferred off the front line and hospitalized at a military clinic back in Borzya, where his unit was originally dispatched from. Military doctors were reluctant to accurately diagnose his injury, he said, since he was a conscript and the injury was a combat injury, which would contravene legal prohibitions. That meant he was ineligible also for an additional payment for suffering a war injury. He was released from conscription on December 10, 2024, a year to the day when he entered service. "At first, I couldn't walk at all," he said. "I could only hop as best I could. It healed a bit, then I bought a cane, and at least I started walking." "They kept me in the hospital until I was demobilized. I was left disabled. And also without money," he said. "I also have panic attacks. When there are bangs, I immediately start looking around for drones." He now said he plans to file a formal complaint with the military prosecutor's office, both to have his combat deployment recognized and for payment for his injury. Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on one thing: my take from Tallinn and the road ahead. The Briefing: From Tallinn To The Hague: The Run-Up To The NATO Summit On May 13, a Russian military jet violated Estonian and NATO territory for close to a minute after the Estonian Navy made an attempt to intercept a flag-less tanker, named Jaguar, thought to belong to the Kremlin's so-called shadow fleet transporting EU-sanctioned oil to and from Russia. The Sukhoi Su-35 was deployed to protect the vessel that later returned to the Russian port of Primorsk. The incident was the first reported breach of Estonia's airspace since 2022 and somewhat indirectly set the tone for the Lennart Meri conference in Tallinn on May 16-18. The Baltic state's largest annual think tank event was full of Western officials putting on a brave face when discussing the state of the war in Ukraine, Russian threats to the rest of the continent, and the United States' increasingly thorny relations with Europe. The American Presence In Europe Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated appearance was that of Matthew Whitaker, US President Donald Trump's newly appointed ambassador to NATO, especially with so many worries, notably in eastern flank countries like Estonia, over American commitment to the military alliance. Seemingly hanging on to every word he said, most people in the room appeared relieved that he ticked most boxes. Yes, NATO is "the greatest alliance in world history." And yes, Russia is the security threat to the organization. He seemed to comprehend the argument, put to him by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, that if the Europeans will splash the cash on the defense, quite a lot of it will be spent on European arms companies as Europeans also have an electorate and workforce to satisfy. Refusing to be drawn into discussion about his boss's designs on Greenland, he simply noted that Denmark, which the giant island belongs to, is "a great NATO ally" but that bilateral relations weren't his responsibility. Then there was the whole issue of the American force posture review, which will happen in the latter half of the year. There is plenty of speculation among diplomats that Washington will cut down on troops in Europe and boost its presence in the Indo-Pacific theater instead. Whitaker noted that nothing had been determined yet and that allies will be consulted on the process. He also promised everything would be orderly, meaning the United States would "ensure that there are no security gaps." Did that reassure nervous NATO members bordering Russia? Not really, but those diplomats I spoke to were still defiant, pointing out that the United States could also remove soldiers from the western part of the continent to the eastern one as it's cheaper to maintain their presence there and it offers good exercise conditions. Another one tried to sound reassuring by arguing that the US flag -- meaning any presence -- was still better than the actual number of boots on the ground. The Hague (No) Show? Otherwise much of the discussion in Estonia focused on the upcoming NATO summit at The Hague at the end of June. While the previous two summits, in Vilnius back in 2023 and Washington a year later, were all about Ukraine and the haggling about whether Kyiv should get a NATO membership invite and how to phrase the country's eventual path into the club, the war-torn country will now be almost absent from the discussions. There is still not even confirmation that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be invited to the Netherlands after being the star guest at previous gatherings. Whitaker did, however, note that he expected him to be present. The Estonian foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, pointed out that it would be "a major stratcom mistake" if he didn't come as that would be all the media would write about from the gathering. But forget any invitations or any other language on Ukraine's future place in the alliance, especially since Trump has seemingly ruled out Kyiv joining anytime soon. In fact, Ukraine may not be mentioned at all in the final summit declaration. One European official told me it's probably better for now as any attempts to negotiate about it would probably make the text worse for Ukraine than the 2024 Washington summit declaration, which at least states that NATO "will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership." The same dilemma is true for any wording on Russia, so Moscow simply might not be mentioned at all. In fact, the entire text might just be a few paragraphs, compared to nearly 40 from last year that covered all manner of topics. Instead, the summit, which now has been shortened from three to two days, will focus on ramping up European defense spending and building up a transatlantic defense industrial base, according to NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Sekerinska. The main headline will be the commitment by the 32 allies to reach 5 percent of GDP on defense spending, up from the current target of 2 percent. They should also dedicate 3.5 percent to "hard targets" such as arms and artillery, and the remaining 1.5 percent to cyberdefense, investment in military mobility, and the like. But of course, all eyes will be on Trump, both in the Netherlands and in the run-up. Despite the fact that the much-hyped first direct Russia-Ukraine meeting in three years in Ankara last week turned into a lower-level nothing burger in which Moscow only repeated its "maximalist" positions of land grabs and Ukrainian neutrality, most people in Tallinn still cautiously think a cease-fire of some sort is possible in the run-up to the NATO summit. Trump, Putin, Cease-Fire The expectation is that Trump and Putin will eventually meet. They spoke on the phone once again on May 19, but there are clear European fears about what Trump might agree to in such a setting. No one I spoke to believes Trump is truly serious about imposing hard-hitting measures on the Kremlin. Republican lawmaker Lindsey Graham proposed imposing 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, and there has been talk of other "secondary sanctions" hitting countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, which import a lot of Russian liquefied natural gas. I also sensed a fear among officials that reestablishing US-Russia bilateral relations, including striking some sort of trade and investment deal, is more important to both sides than actually having a lasting peace deal in Ukraine. The almost universal assessment I heard is that Putin is playing "the long game" over Ukraine, and while the Ukrainian lines won't breach anytime soon, he thinks he is winning. Or as one official put it: "Ukraine and Russia are in fact both losing, but Russia is losing more slowly." This all puts Europe in a bind. I've heard Paris is mulling reestablishing a direct line with the Kremlin. "The Americans cannot be the only ones speaking to them," as one official put it. But no official meeting with Moscow is in the making. When asked at a panel discussion whether it was time to have another NATO-Russia Council (NRC), a dormant political format since 2022, the answer from both Tsahkna and Sikorski was an emphatic "no" with the latter adding: "It was an instrument in times of peace which limited troops in eastern flank states. As long as Putin is president, we cannot trust that country." More Sanctions? So, Europe will continue to push for more sanctions for now. Its 17th package, probably the bloc's puniest yet, will be officially agreed on May 20, and there is already work on the next one, which will contain more blacklistings, including both Russian entities and individuals but also vessels thought to belong to the shadow fleet. There might also be sanctions against more Russian banks and against Nordsteam 1 and 2, which are no longer operational but still aren't officially targeted. There is also a desire from the Europeans for the Group of Seven summit in Canada next month to lower the oil price cap for Russia from the current $60 per barrel to at least $50. However, EU officials I spoke to don't believe all of the measures will pass, notably as Hungary can continue to be a spoiler. Most are also worried that the sanctions rollover in July will still be a proper struggle with alternative solutions being studied, for example, not to allow Russian frozen assets in the bloc to expire. The Dilemma But the threat from Russia will still be there. And the Europeans, while saying they're ready to stand up to Moscow even without American help, are wary. The reassurance force meant for Ukraine once there is a cease-fire probably won't be particularly reassuring. European army officials have admitted they lack the long-strike capabilities of the United States and notably its supreme intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. And time is short. An assessment earlier this year from the Danish intelligence service claimed Russia could be capable of starting a major war in Europe (outside of Ukraine) within five years. But the Europeans might have to be ready well before that. Onno Eichelsheim, chief of defense for the Netherlands armed forces, told the Lennart Meri conference crowd that "Russia can give us 'a dilemma' already within a year after a potential end of the fighting in Ukraine." What that dilemma might be, he didn't specify. But as Estonia experienced with the airspace violation earlier in the week, all options appear to be on the table. Looking Ahead EU enlargement is stuck for Ukraine and Moldova as well as most candidate countries in the Western Balkans for various political reasons. But there is one country that appears to be rapidly marching toward Brussels and EU membership right now: Albania. On May 22, the country will start negotiations on another eight EU accession chapters (there are 33 in total), and it comes just a month after it opened another batch of chapters. The key going forward for Tirana will be to actually close negotiations on these chapters, which is much harder than opening them. Feel free to reach out to me on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org. Until next time, Rikard Jozwiak If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here. Sonya McLean A man who agreed to bring drugs into Ireland after he was put under pressure to pay a debt he owed loan sharks has been jailed for two and a half years. Andrerson Lana (46) of no fixed abode in Brazil, came forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on signed pleas of guilty from the District Court. He admitted to being in possession of 280,119 worth of cocaine for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on November 4th, 2024. He has no previous convictions. Garda David Walsh told Diarmuid Connolly BL, prosecuting, that Lana brought the drugs in his luggage from Brazil to Amsterdam and then from Amsterdam to Dublin. He was with an accomplice, who had an Italian passport. This man picked up the luggage and brought it through because as an EU citizen it was anticipated that this man would get through customs easier than Lana. It was noted then that luggage bore the details of Lana who had been stopped by immigration. Lana was later interviewed by gardai. He told gardai he owed the equivalent of just over 100,000 to loan sharks as he had allowed friends to take out loans in his name and these friends defaulted on those loans. It is understood that some of the debt would be written off if he agreed to carry the drugs. Gda Walsh agreed with Carl Hanahoe SC, defending, that his client made full and frank admissions during interview. It was also accepted that the drugs had been packed into the luggage for him, he was provided with the tickets and was driven to the airport. Mr Hanahoe said his client found himself at the mercy of loan sharks. He submitted that Lana was clearly a mule. He was no more than a mule. His bag was packed, his ticket was purchased and he was dispatched, Mr Hanahoe said. Counsel submitted that this fact significantly reduces his culpability before he added that his client made a catastrophic error in judgement by getting involved in the offence. Judge Pauline Codd acknowledged that Lana had come forward on signed pleas and accepted that he was essentially in hock to those that he owed money to. She said she was taking into account the harm caused to society and to individuals who sadly become addicted and we see the adverse consequences of drug addiction every day in our towns and cities. Judge Codd said she was satisfied that this case meets the exceptional circumstances as set out by the legislation and that it would be unfair to impose the presumptive mandatory minimum sentence of ten years. She took into account the fact that Lana pleaded guilty at an early stage, had no previous convictions and co-operated with the garda investigation. She accepted that he was put under pressure to transport the drugs and that Lana was vulnerable to pressure. Judge Codd imposed a sentence of seven years before she suspended the final four and half years on strict conditions. She asked Lana to enter into an undertaking to leave Ireland within a month on his release from prison. A Roscommon Town school has launched a raffle for a car to raise funds for an all-year-round pitch. St. Coman's Wood Primary needs an all-year-round pitch and Dermot Hughes Ltd, Roscommon has come on board with the school to launch a car draw in aid of the project. The children cannot use the school grounds all year round because of the wet and muddy conditions when it rains. This dream is within reach now as the school has received planning permission. Tickets for the car, a Toyota Aygo X worth 26,000, are 20 or three for 50, second prize is 1000 and third prize is 500. Your contribution will help us build our pitch allowing us to play all year round, said the children. Who knows who among us is going to be a star in Roscommon, Ireland or further afield. We do know that with every ticket you buy our pitch becomes more of a reality for us. We do know that engaging in physical activity when we are young raises the likelihood of us children becoming healthy, happy and fit adults. Thank you for helping us on this exciting journey. * Scan the QR Code below or click on the link to enter the draw. Roscommon County Council is to receive funding to support nine biodiversity projects under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. The projects support biodiversity education and awareness, bird conservation, invasive species management and wetland surveys. The Roscommon projects are: Barn Owl Survey of Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo - 14,260.87; Actions for Biodiversity & Awareness Connecting People with Nature - 15,489.57; Grassland survey of the Karst landscape of The Ui Maine Kingdom, south Roscommon - 4,823.48; Pilot Biodiversity and Climate Action Initiatives at Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon Town - 17,000; Wetland Survey of County Roscommon - 17,391.30; Grassland Survey County Roscommon consolidation of existing datasets and baseline data collection - 4,347.83; Botanical Invasive Alien Species Control programme for Co. Roscommon - 21,739.13; Artificial Lighting Training for Local Authorities in Connacht - 2,608.70; Recording Irish mayfly establishing conservation status - 1,256.56. Making the announcement Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD said: Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress. Ireland West Airport is to receive 5.664 million as part of an 8 million package in Exchequer funding to Regional Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 announced today. This funding will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change. Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, announcing the funding, said: I am pleased to announce the 2025 capital funding allocations under the Regional Airports Programme. Among the 33 projects being supported this year are Solar PV projects which will see the expanded production of electricity from renewable sources at Donegal Airport and the installation of a solar PV farm at Ireland West Airport. Other significant investments include the continuation of the Aerodrome Fire Training Centre and Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade projects at Ireland West Airport. Minister OBrien added: This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports which facilitate connectivity. The targeted Exchequer funding provided by my Department to this sector has supported strong growth in passenger numbers, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports last year 7% above 2023 levels. This positive trajectory has continued this year with 6% growth in passenger traffic across regional airports in Q1. The Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year. Ellen O'Donoghue The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have welcomed the EU's decision to review its trade arrangements with Israel. The EU has said it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said a majority of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement. The agreement forms the basis of trade ties between the EU and Israel. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said in a statement that Ireland will work to ensure the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that Israel cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. Tanaiste Simon Harris said that the situation in the enclave has become immeasurably worse since Ireland first called for this review alongside Spain in February 2024. "The decision to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights announced today by High Representative Kaja Kallas is one I strongly welcome. Together with Spain, Ireland first called for this step to be taken in February 2024," the Taoiseach said. "Since then, many thousands of Palestinians have been killed and maimed in a brutal military operation, the brunt of which has been borne by an innocent civilian population. "Thousands more are at the brink of starvation, with the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if aid doesnt reach them. "Israel must know that the world is watching and that we will not stand by," Mr Martin said. He added that "Ireland will work to ensure that the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that its conclusions are acted upon. "We must stop this war. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid." Congress President Kharge again Alleges PM Modi Had Prior Intel on Pahalgam Terror Attack Mallikarjun Kharges remarks come in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge again Alleges PM Modi Had Prior Intel on Pahalgam Terror Attack, latest news: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday reiterated his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had intelligence about a possible terror attack before the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, alleging that the PM cancelled his visit to Kashmir just days before the incident. Advertisement While addressing a Congress rally in Karnatakas Vijayanagara, Kharge accused the BJP government of failing to prevent the attack and of not taking adequate measures to save the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror incident. Twenty-six people were killed in Pahalgam because the Modi government didnt provide security to tourists there. Modi did not go to Kashmir because intelligence agencies advised him against it. Why didnt you warn the tourists not to go there? If you had informed them, 26 lives could have been saved, and this small war Kharge stated. Mallikarjun Kharges remarks come in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator all male. Following the attack, India took punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan, citing its alleged links to the Pahalgam terror attack. Advertisement The Resistance Front a shadow group of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the attack. (For more news apart from 'Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge again Alleges PM Modi Had Prior Intel on Pahalgam Terror Attack,' stay tune to Rozana Spokesman) Former MP of Purnia Uday Singh, PK became the national president of Jan Suraj On becoming the national president, Uday Singh said - Jan Suraj is the party of the people of Bihar Former MP of Purnia Uday Singh, PK became the national president of Jan Suraj latest news: Patna (Rajesh Chaudhary), Jan Suraj Party today held a press conference and announced the name of the first national president of the party. Prashant Kishore, the architect of Jan Suraj, said that the state core committee of the party has unanimously elected Uday Singh as the national president of the party. He said that Uday Singh's joining the party will strengthen the Jan Suraj campaign. Also, his personal burden will also be reduced a bit. Now the responsibility of running the party will be on senior and experienced leaders of the party like Uday Singh and RCP Singh. He himself will set out on the 120-day "Bihar Badlaav Yatra" from JP's birthplace Sitabdiara from tomorrow. Advertisement On becoming the national president, Uday Singh said - Jan Suraj is the party of the people of Bihar, Prashant ji has made tireless efforts in the last three years to set up this entire system Party's national president and former MP from Purnia, Uday Singh, while addressing the press, said that Jan Suraj Party has been formed on the demand of the people, so it is the party of the people. We have brought a new thinking of development for the people of Bihar. Jan Suraj Party will give a better political option to the people of Bihar. Discussing the efforts of Prashant Kishore, the architect of Jan Suraj, in the establishment of the Jan Suraj campaign and the party, he said that the entire system that has been established today is the result of Prashant ji's tireless efforts of the last three years. He has pledged to change Bihar by sacrificing all his comforts. You all can see his determination and hard work to fulfill his resolve to change Bihar. Along with this, he said that I will try to fulfill the responsibility given to me by the party leaders and workers with full loyalty and commitment. Advertisement PK raised serious questions on not being allowed entry in Nitish's village - Nitish Kumar is not running this government, some courtiers and officers are harming Bihar Reacting to the police administration not allowing him to enter Kalyan Bigha village in Nalanda yesterday, Prashant Kishore said that what the police did in Kalyan Bigha yesterday has further strengthened what we have been saying for many days that there is a jungle raj of officers in Bihar. Yesterday's incident has made it clear that the government is not being run by Nitish Kumar because Nitish Kumar never stopped any of his political opponents from doing political programs in his political life. If they had let me go, everyone would have known what development Nitish Kumar has done for Kalyan Bigha, but some of his courtiers and officers stopped us, which caused harm to Nitish Kumar. Advertisement On this occasion, party state president Manoj Bharti, RCP Singh, former Legislative Council member Rambali Chandravanshi, Legislative Council member Afaque Ahmed, Vice President Y.V. Giri, Lalan ji, former MLA Kishore Kumar, K.D. Yadav, General Secretary Subhash Singh Kushwaha, Sarwar Ali, Nand Kishore Kushwaha, senior leader N.P. Mandal, R.K. Mishra and party officials, leaders and workers from various districts were present. (FOR MORE NEWS APART Former MP of Purnia Uday Singh, PK became the national president of Jan Suraj STAY TUNED TO ROZANA SPOKESMAN) 'Indian Armys Statement Of Deploying Air Defence Guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib is Shockingly Untrue' SGPC President Also States No Such Permission Was Granted, Nor Did Any Such Incident Occur Responding to the recent claim made by Indian Army Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan DCunha during an interview with a channelwhere he stated that air defence guns were deployed at Sri Harmandar Sahib amid the recent India-Pakistan tensionsGiani Amarjeet Singh, Additional Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, has called the statement shockingly untrue and outrightly rejected it. He clarified that the management of Sri Harmandar Sahib had cooperated with the district administrations guidelines regarding the city-wide blackout by switching off exterior and upper lights of the complex within the specified time frame. However, lights at locations where religious code of conduct (Maryada) is observed were kept on, and the sanctity the religious place was maintained with full responsibility. Advertisement Giani Amarjeet Singh asserted that the claim made by the Army officer that the Head Granthi gave permission for the deploying air defence guns during Operation Sindhoor is completely false. He emphasized that no such permission was ever granted, nor was any such deployment allowed at this sacred site. He reiterated that the daily religious practices at Sri Darbar Sahib, the Langar of Guru Ramdas Ji, places of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, and other related gurdwaras were conducted as per strict protocols, and no one has the right to interfere with them. Despite the tense situation in recent days, the full religious code of conduct continued at Sri Harmandar Sahib with dedication and discipline. Giani Amarjeet Singh made it clear that no lights were turned off at any religious site where Maryada was being observed, even during the blackout. He expressed surprise and concern over why such a statement was made by the Army officer and asserted confidently that no permission for installing guns was ever given. Regarding the same statement by Army officer, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami also said that while the administration contacted them only about switching off the lights during the blackout, they fully cooperated in the interest of administrative responsibility while maintaining the sanctity of the ongoing Maryada. However, there was no contact from any Army official regarding the installation of air defence guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib. Advertisement He said that based on consultation with Additional Head Granthi Giani Amarjeet Singh, only the outer lights were turned off following the district administrations guidelines. Advocate Dhami pointed out that even during the blackout, large numbers of devotees continued to visit and do Sewa (voluntary service) at Sri Harmandar Sahib, and had there been any such event like gun deployment, the Sangat (congregation) would certainly have noticed and seen it. He expressed surprise that an Army officer would propagate such a claim and demanded that the Government of India clarify why such statements are being issued by Army officials. Dhami acknowledged the commendable role played by the Army and the country during the tense circumstances, but emphasized that spreading such falsehoods about the central religious place of Sikhs days after the events is shockingly untrue. As SGPC President, Advocate Dhami clearly stated that no permission was ever granted for the deployment of guns. Sri Harmandar Sahibs Head Granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh, also clarified that although he was on an international visit during the Army operation, there was no communication with him regarding any gun deployment, nor did any such incident occur at Sri Darbar Sahib. He too described the Army officers statement as shockingly untrue. The Story of Leather Belts Crafts are on the verge of extinction Foto: pixabay.com Ana-Maria Cononovici, 20.05.2025, 13:00 Crafts are on the verge of extinction, and that is why the experiences of craftsmen have a fairytale character. This is also the case of Petru Chincea, originally from a village in the Banat de Munte area, who for over 60 years has been working, with the same passion, on belts and other related leather objects, all handmade, as he saw as a child. Here is Petru Chincea: I inherited the job from my grandfather on my mothers side. My grandfather was a peasant, but he worked at the steel plant, at the rolling mills. And there were belts there, which were thrown away, but they were still good. And my grandfather said to himself, if they are thrown away, what can I do with them? And he started making harnesses for horses. The leftovers from the belts that were thrown away, because the technology at that time was old German technology. And in the evenings my grandfather tried to lure me in, because he wanted his grandson to inherit his passion, because this was a passion, not his job. He was a peasant and a worker at the rolling mills. And in the evenings he worked (making belts). He worked for the people in the village for a fee for a days work. And he would tell me, my dear, grandson, come and see how I do it here and your grandfather will reward you. How would you repay me?, I would ask, and he would say, I will give you one leu, and you can get yourself candy. It was something fantastic! Although his father wanted to take him to the factory, the child did not like it, because he saw his father in dirty overalls, as he told Radio Romania. So after finishing 10 years in school, he left Resita for the vocational school that was in Iasi. He returned to Resita after 3 months to a belt workshop, run by a man who had also worked at the steel plant, at that time the place that trained craftsmen, as we learned from Petru Chincea: Thats how I started my job. I stayed at the cooperative for about two years, I had a contract, my father had to sign a five-year contract, but when I left for the army, my thoughts were on the factory, because here the salary was triple that at the cooperative. It was good at the cooperative because there was freedom, you could leave (ed. earlier than the schedule), but the salary was not very good. When I got married before the army, I needed money. My colleagues, belt makers at the cooperative, kept sending signals: you see that man is leaving for Germany, one is retiring, who wants to come from among the shoemakers, from among the belt makers. At the steel plant, belts were made, and transmission belts repaired. And after the army, I went. We also found out that, in the beginning there were only Germans and Hungarians in the plant, and only afterwards did Romanians learn the trades. Thus, Petru Chincea told us that in 1987 there were still 14 belt makers, but that the archives showed that after the war there were 40 belt makers. But since changing times require the ability to adapt, Petru Chincea opened a workshop: In 2000, I predicted that the plant would no longer need belt makers, and I set up a small workshop, I started collecting tools, to make them. All the tools were made in the factory, because you had nowhere to go to get them. And in 2001 I opened my own company. I worked 10 hours a day at this workshop. And I regret that I have no one to inherit it, because I have no children and no one wants to come and learn the trade. Out of necessity, he also learned to make opinci, the traditional leather shoes, and whatever else was requested, our interlocutor added, admitting that working in his own workshop took up more time than working at the steel mill, and required his adaptability and creativity: You need a little creativity, just like a painter, like a sculptor. If opinci were requested, I made opinci, if pocket girdles were requested, I made pocket girdles . These jobs, which are on the verge of extinction, will still be sought after at some point, but there will be no one to work them, because we are not training young people. Young people today are more on the internet, more with technology. I make trouser belts, chimir, that wide belt that shepherds used to use, they put their money in them, or the elderly used to use for field work, back support straps for athletes, or for those who have health problems. Our elderly people had a belt for a reason. What I dont make is knife sheaths, wallets, dog collars, opinci. The leather is thicker, not the thin leather used by furriers and shoemakers. Although belt making was once an essential craft in Romanian villages, with peasants needing durable equipment for work and animals, today, Petru Chinceas products are appreciated as folk art objects, exhibited at fairs, festivals and sometimes in private collections. Each piece is unique, decorated with traditional motifs, and stitching that tells stories from the Banat region. For the community of Caras-Severin, Petru Chincea is more than a craftsman he is a symbol of continuity, a living witness to a world on the verge of extinction, and his workshop thus becomes a place of living heritage. May 20, 2025 UPDATE (1) A roundup of local and world news May 20, 2025 UPDATE (1) Newsroom, 20.05.2025, 17:14 RESIGNATION Former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has resigned as president of the Social-Democratic Party (PSD), the main party in the ruling coalition in Romania. The decision was taken on the sidelines of the meeting of the partys Political Council, which convened on Tuesday to conduct an extensive analysis of the partys situation after the presidential election and determine the next steps for the party. Two options are being analyzed: either staying in power alongside pro-European forces or entering the opposition. Some Social-Democrats argue in favor of a party-wide reconstruction in order to regain the trust of baseline voters and, political sources argue, to prepare for the upcoming election. As such, a profound reform is needed and one option would be to enter the opposition by supporting a minority government in Parliament, with specific negotiations for the adoption of legislative projects. We recall that, in the presidential election of November 2024, later annulled by the Constitutional Court, Marcel Ciolacu failed to pass the first round, and in the election held earlier this month, Crin Antonescu, the representative of the PSD-PNL-UDMR ruling coalition, also did not advance to the presidential runoff. Following these failures, Marcel Ciolacu resigned as Prime Minister. The interim president of PSD will be Transport Minister, Sorin Grindeanu, first vice-president of PSD. COMMEMORATION Romania has been an active supporter of peace in the region, firmly condemning anti-Semitism, terrorism and any form of extreme violence, acting Senate Speaker, Mircea Abrudean, said in a solemn session of Parliament marking the Day of Solidarity and Friendship between Romania and the State of Israel. According to the Romanian official, Israel is Romanias closest ally in the Middle East and a trusted partner at global leve. In turn, the president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, MP Silviu Vexler, said the Parliament session is an excellent opportunity to reiterate and develop the strong and friendly relationship between the two countries. The 77 years of uninterrupted diplomatic ties testify to the solidity of Romanian-Israeli friendship and open new vistas for developing closer cooperation in the future, according to the memorandum approved on May 12 by the joint permanent bureaus of the two chambers. SANCTIONS EU Foreign Ministers have adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, the EUs foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas and the EU Council announced on Tuesday. The measures are designed to cut off Russias access to key military technologies and limit Moscows energy revenues, which fuel its war of aggression against Ukraine, targeting its ghost fleet of oil tankers, their operators and major Russian oil producers. By adding 75 new names 17 individuals and 58 entities to the list of sanctions, the EUs restrictive measures, which punish actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine, now apply to 2,400 individuals and entities. Romania was represented at in the meeting by Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu. (VP) Illegal drones can be shot down Drones that illegally enter Romanian airspace can be shot down Photo: TayebMEZAHDIA / pixabay.com Bogdan Matei, 20.05.2025, 14:00 At the end of his term, the interim president of Romania Ilie Bolojan Monday signed into law 2 bills that the initiators and experts say are able to strengthen the countrys defence capacity and to deter threats. One of the laws regulates the peacetime conduct of military missions and operations on Romanian territory, when a state of emergency, siege, mobilisation or war is not declared. The draft law stipulates that designated structures in the Romanian Army, depending on operational needs, may be transferred temporarily under various degrees of authority in relation to the command of foreign armed forces leading a military operation on the national territory. In turn, the airspace control act stipulates which authorities and institutions are in charge of preventing and countering the access of aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and other aerial vehicles to Romanias airspace. This, experts also explain, will create a new framework of cooperation and coordination, which will lead to enhanced aviation safety and security. The new bill became necessary after drones launched by the Russian army invading the neighbouring Ukraine began to fall on Romanian territory. The Russians primarily targeted Danube port infrastructure vital for the export of Ukrainian grains to international markets. Since the war started, the locals in the Danube Delta have been woken up countless times in the middle of the night by RO-ALERT messages warning them about the possibility of objects falling on Romanian territory. Once, the sound of blasts in the Reni Seaport was heard as far as in Galati, a Romanian city some 20 km away. People first thought that it was military exercises carried out in the NATO training and shooting range in the neighbouring village of Smardan. At the time, Romanian diplomats firmly condemned Russias repeated attacks against innocent people and civilian infrastructure, including grain silos in Ukrainian ports, and concluded that, with these blatant violations of international law, Russia continues to endanger food security and navigation in the Black Sea. The Romanian presidency and government also accused Russia of seeking to undermine Ukrainian grain exports to global markets, which seriously destabilises world food security. The river ports of Izmail and Reni are in southern Bessarabia, a Romanian territory annexed by Stalins Soviet Union in 1940, following an ultimatum, and taken over by independent Ukraine in 1991, as a successor state. (AMP) Romania and the knowledge-based society A report by the Education Minister shows that pre-university education is inefficient, which poses national security risk. Minister of education and research, Daniel David Roxana Vasile, 20.05.2025, 13:50 Every minister who has temporarily held the position of education minister in the last 30 years or so has wanted to leave a mark on this essential area for the future of the country. Untimely changes, from one year to the next, or medium-term reforms desired by a minister but later abandoned and replaced with others by those who followed have done more harm than good. There have been discussions about the high percentage of functional illiterates among Romanian students, that is, those children who are not able to use their basic skills (reading-writing-mathematical calculation) to engage in activities that they or the community need and cannot develop other skills either. Now, Romania needs to build a knowledge-based society, because only in this way will life expectancy and well-being increase, says the current interim education minister, Daniel David, a university professor. He presented the Diagnostic Report on Education and Research in Romania. Current Achievements and Implications for New Reforms in the Field. The reform proposals are based on data, others on European/international best practices, and others are the officials own reflections. So, according to Daniel David, currently, education is inefficient in pre-university education, generating graduates with poor-quality skills, high school dropout rates and increased functional illiteracy, aspects that become a national security risk. That is why, says the minister, there is a need for a revolutionary and profound reform in the field. Pre-university education must streamline the acquisition of the eight key competencies necessary for integration into the labor market or continuing studies, and for this, a rethinking of school curricula is needed to teach less, but more relevantly. Minister Daniel David: I think the key element is the curriculum, the teaching methods and the textbook. In relation to the curriculum, we need to teach less, but more relevantly and with greater impact for the skills we want developed in children, so I would like the discussion to go in this direction when we talk about classes, subjects and the curricular load, and the number of classes should not go beyond the logic of an average at European level and we will have to rethink, practically, all programs in this logic. said minister Daniel David. As for the higher education system, it should aim to train highly qualified human resources who can maintain and develop their skills through lifelong learning. In the vision of the interim education minister, reforming the status of teachers is also mandatory teachers should be better paid, but have to meet performance criteria for which they are periodically evaluated. (LS) Oil edged lower on Tuesday after two days of gains as Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a potential resumption of peace talks with Ukraine and Iran said nuclear talks could break down if the U.S. insists on no enrichment. A weaker U.S. dollar helped limit losses to some extent as investors weighed trade-related uncertainties, growing fiscal deficit and weakened confidence about enduring U.S. exceptionalism. Benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 0.4 percent to $65.30 a barrel in European trade while WTI crude futures were down 0.2 percent at $62.03. Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump had a two-hour phone call on May 19, discussing preferences for quick agreements on the Ukraine conflict and diplomacy over sanctions. They did not set a ceasefire timeline, leaving the issue unresolved. The call yielded no breakthrough on a ceasefire but both leaders expressed interest in meeting in person. Markets also weighed the impact of U.S.-Iran nuclear deal talks, which lacked progress. Quoting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi's statement, Reuters reported that the nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. 'will lead nowhere', if the U.S. insists that Iran drop its uranium enrichment activity to zero. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis IHS Holding Ltd. (IHS) reported Tuesday net income attributable to owners of the company for the first quarter of $33.1 million or $0.10 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.56 billion or $4.67 per share in the prior-year quarter. Revenue for the quarter increased 5.2 percent to $439.6 million from $417.7 million in the same quarter last year. Organic revenue increased 25.6 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $408.98 million for the quarter. Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, the company continues to expect revenues between $1.68 billion and $1.71 billion for the year. The Street is looking for revenues of $1.70 billion for the year. Separately, IHS said it agreed to sell 100% of IHS Rwanda Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary, to Paradigm Rwanda Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of Paradigm Tower Ventures, for total consideration of up to $274.5 million. The consideration includes deferred consideration of $70.0 million and $24.5 million payable up to two and three years, respectively, from the date of closing and an earn out of up to $5.0 million dependent on the future performance of IHS Rwanda. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including government and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2025. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News European stocks closed broadly higher on Tuesday amid easing tariff worries, and expectations that Russia and Ukraine would soon begin ceasefire negotiations. The UK-EU trade agreement on Monday contributed as well to the positive mood in European . Investors also continued to react to corporate earnings updates, and looked ahead to upcoming economic data from major European countries and the U.S. The pan European Stoxx 600 gained 0.73%. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 climbed 0.94%, Germany's DAX gained 0.42%, hitting a new record high in the process, and France's CAC 40 closed 0.75% up. Switzerland's SMI ended with a gain of 0.41%. Among other markets in Europe, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden closed with sharp to moderate gains. Czech Republic, Netherlands, Norway and Poland posted marginal gains, while Iceland, Russia and Turkiye ended notably lower. In the UK market, Diploma soared more than 15% after the technical products and service distributor raised its full-year organic revenue growth forecast after reporting robust half-year financial growth. Vodafone Group gained nearly 6% as the company launched a share buyback program. Smiths Group ended nearly 4.5% up. The conglomerate said annual organic revenue growth would reach the top end of its 6-8% forecast range. Shares of engineering firm Senior Plc gained 1.75% after securing two new contracts valued at about 200 million. Centrica gained 3.3% after the company and its subsidiary Spirit Energy reduced their stake in the UK North Sea's biggest gas field to Ithaca Energy in a deal worth 215million. Sainsbury (J), Lloyds Banking Group, Glencore, Aviva, SSE, Imperial Brands, Whitbread, Associated British Foods, British American Tobacco and Howden Joinery gained 1.9 to 3.3%. Entain, Bunzl, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Antofagasta closed weak. In the German market, Fresenius Medical Care gained nearly 4%. RWE, Puma, Bayer, BMW, MTU Aero Engines, E.ON, Fresenius, Rheinmetall, Continental, Vonovia and Commerzbank gained 1.3 to 3.1%. Heidelberg Materials, Zalando, Allianz, Covestro and BASF closed weak. In the French market, Kering rallied nearly 4%. Orange gained about 3.8%, while Michelin, Carrefour, Engie, Eurofins Scientific, Credit Agricole, Sanofi, LVMH, Stellantis, Bouygues and Teleperformance ended higher by 1 to 2.3%. In economic news, data from Destatis showed producer prices in Germany fell 0.9% on a yearly basis in April, following a 0.2% drop in March. This was the second consecutive decrease and also marked the biggest fall since October. Prices were expected to drop more moderately by 0.6%. Month-on-month, producer prices were down 0.6% compared to a 0.7% drop in March. The annual fall reflects 6.4% decline in energy prices. By contrast, non-durable and durable consumer goods grew 3.2% and 1.4%, respectively. Capital goods prices advanced 3.2%, while intermediate goods prices grew only 0.3% from the last year. Eurozone construction output rose marginally in March, first estimates from Eurostat revealed. Production in construction climbed 0.1% on a monthly basis in March, reversing a 1.2% fall in February. Year-on-year, construction output decreased 1.1% compared to a fall of 0.6% in February. Construction output in the EU27 edged up 0.1% in March from April but declined 0.7% from the same period last year. The euro area current account surplus rose to a nine-month high in March on rising goods trade surplus and primary income, data from the European Central Bank showed. The current account surplus rose to EUR 51 billion in March from EUR 41 billion in February. This was the highest since June 2024, when the surplus totaled EUR 54.5 billion. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Kwezi Mzilikazi, stands amid other university representatives at the 2025 postgraduate Funding Fair By Siya Hlebani The Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair has become a landmark gathering that unites students, scholars, funders, and institutions across the province in a shared pursuit of educational advancement. Launched in 2024 at Rhodes University, the 2025 edition represented a compelling convergence of vision, collaboration, and opportunity at Nelson Mandela University (NMU). This years Fair attracted a broad scope of funders and aspiring scholars from various Eastern Cape universities, positioning itself as a powerful platform for connecting students with life-changing postgraduate opportunities. The event was held at NMUs Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha, which is notably the only campus of its kind on the continent. The opening address was delivered by the NMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Azwinndini Muronga. In his remarks, the DVC emphasised the importance of postgraduate studies in shaping the continents future and reaffirmed the critical role of universities and research institutions in building a knowledge-driven society. He commended the Fair as a dynamic effort in bridging the gap between financial opportunity and academic pursuit, stating that without access to funding, many dreams fall flat before they can even take flight. Professor Muronga highlighted the significance of the Fair not merely as an informational gathering, but as a deliberate intervention to strengthen the research and postgraduate ecosystem of the Eastern Cape. Funding is often the bridge between potential and realisation, between dreams deferred and dreams fulfilled, he said, urging students to see themselves as valuable contributors to societal transformation through their research. The DVC also reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming not only institutions, but communities and the nation as a whole. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he reminded all present that education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world. Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, provided reflective remarks that traced the origins of the Fair to a Rhodes University student-led initiative. She recounted how Mivuyo Dalasile, the then SRC Postgraduate Councillor at Rhodes University, approached her in early 2024 with a simple but impactful idea: Why dont we invite funders to campus? This suggestion quickly evolved into a broader vision: if national funders were to make the trip to the relatively remote town of Makhanda, then the event needed to have regional significance. With that, collaboration with Nelson Mandela University and other Eastern Cape institutions was born. What began as a grassroots proposal quickly gained momentum. From 12 exhibitors in 2024 to over 25 this year, the Fair has expanded dramatically, positioning itself as a signature event in the academic calendar of the provinces universities. This expansion signals increased commitment and trust in the Fair's vision from both national and international funders. Dr Mzilikazi reiterated the importance of accessibility and diversity in postgraduate education, advocating for more inclusive funding models that recognise the unique barriers many South African students face. Dr Mzilikazi echoed Professor Murongas emphasis on collaboration as a strategic response to limited resources and a means to leverage collective strengths across institutions. She acknowledged the guidance and encouragement from the four university vice-chancellors who tasked executive teams with finding ways to work together for the betterment of the province and its citizens. She encouraged the attending students to engage meaningfully with funders, explore opportunities, and build networks that would support their postgraduate journeys, not just in terms of funding, but in lasting professional relationships. Some of the friendships that we make during our postgraduate studies, we carry them throughout our lives, they become our collaborators, our reference writers, our network connectors, she said. From the perspective of the participating universities, Dr Mngeni, the Director for Postgraduate Studies at the Walter Sisulu University and Professor Shale, the Director for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Fort Hare, offered insightful reflections on the Fairs broader impact. Dr Mngeni stressed the importance of mentorship and ongoing academic support structures. At the same time, Professor Shale spoke about embedding social responsiveness into postgraduate education, ensuring students leave university not only as scholars but as contributors to societal change. Their joint remarks reinforced the role of collaboration among institutions in building an inclusive and sustainable academic ecosystem. A key highlight of the Fair was the reflective session titled Navigating the Funding Frontier, presented by Ms Thokozani Nxitya, a PhD candidate from Walter Sisulu University. In this session, Ms Nxitya offered a practical and deeply personal account of the funding journey. She guided students through the complexities of funding applications, emphasising the importance of strategy, timing, and presentation. She also highlighted how to tailor ones application to meet funder expectations and how to remain resilient through rejection. Her session stood out for its clarity, relatability, and encouragement, especially for first-time applicants. Among the many postgraduates in attendance, two final-year undergraduate students from Rhodes University stood out for their courage to engage the funding world early. Owami Shabalala, a Bachelor of Science candidate majoring in Microbiology and Zoology, and Oyisa Ralo, a Bachelor of Arts student pursuing a triple major in History, Economics, and Industrial Sociology, shared their experiences. Both students said the Fair opened their eyes to the breadth of postgraduate opportunities available locally and internationally. I now realise how much planning I need to do before I finish my degree. Its not too early to start applying and preparing, said Shabalala. Ralo said, The Fair offered human interaction, something a website or pamphlet cant give you. Speaking to funders directly made the process feel accessible and real. They also noted the Fair helped them realise that opportunities exist beyond South Africas borders, including scholarships for international study. Their proactive spirit stands as an example for other undergraduates to think ahead and act early. With participation from institutions across the Eastern Cape and a growing number of funders, the 2025 Postgraduate Funding Fair proved to be more than just an information-sharing event; it is becoming an ecosystem of opportunity. Students left not only with contact details and brochures but with clarity, inspiration, and tools for action. The Fair demonstrated the power of collaboration between academic institutions, funders, and students, pointing toward a future where postgraduate education is no longer a dream deferred but a reality accessible to all. Rhodes University students who could not make it to the Fair in Gqeberha are encouraged to go to the Postgraduate Funding Office to enquire about funding and information about the exhibitors that were at the Fair. As the event concluded, a shared sentiment among organisers, funders, and students alike was that the Fair is more than just an annual gathering. It is a growing movement towards decolonising access to education, empowering students to envision a future that transcends traditional limitations. With a record number of funders present, including major research councils, development agencies, and international scholarship bodies, the 2025 Fair proved that South Africa's academic future is not only bright but also supported, strategic, and steadily becoming more inclusive. The Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair has now been added to the universities calendars and is planned for 2026 and beyond on the second Friday of May each year. It continues to be a beacon for those navigating the often-murky waters of postgraduate possibilities. Through the collaboration of institutions, funders, and motivated students, it shines a path towards equitable academic transformation and inspires the next generation of scholars to reach higher, bigger, dream bigger, and move beyond borders. While getting cosmetic touch-ups and equipment upgrades, new Venue will retain the existing engine options Hyundai is readying the new-gen Venue, which is expected to be launched around the upcoming 2025 festive season. Test vehicles have been spotted multiple times in India and overseas as well. Latest spy shots from automotive enthusiast Ujjwal provide more clarity on how the front fascia of new-gen Venue will look in its final production form. Lets check out the details. 2025 Hyundai Venue Front Updated lighting Overall exterior refresh for new-gen Venue aligns with Hyundais latest design language, as seen with its latest models. In the case of the new Venue, the lighting elements appear quite familiar to that of the new Creta and Creta N Line. One can notice the vertically stacked rectangular headlights, expected to be dual-chamber LED reflector units. The Q-shaped design element seen below the headlamps is quite similar to that of Creta N Line and Exter. New Hyundai Venue also gets a new grille, which is easy on the eyes and caters to more refined tastes. There is a top-mounted sleek inverted L-shaped LED DRLs, placed horizontally. A similar design approach has been used with the Creta. New Venue could get a full-width LED strip at the front. The lighting setup at the rear utilizes the same basic format as seen at the front. A refreshed bumper is likely to be there with the new Venue. Side profile remains largely the same, although there are likely to be some changes to the body cladding. ORVMs appear to be sharper and the roof rails have a more robust design. The beltline has a flatter, horizontal orientation, which enhances the SUVs boxy vibes. Most noticeable aspect on the sides is the new set of sportier alloy wheels. Equipment upgrade Inside, new-gen Hyundai Venue is expected to get a refreshed dashboard and centre console. Upholstery, interior theme and ambient lighting can be a lot more dynamic. Front ventilated seats could be introduced as well. Current Venue is already well-equipped, offering features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, home-to-car with Alexa and OTA updates. Other key highlights include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital cluster with colour TFT MID. Top variants get the Bluelink suite with more than 60 connected features. Safety kit includes Level-1 ADAS, a 1st-in-segment feature. Other safety features include 6-airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill assist control, rear parking sensors, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, IRVM and tyre pressure monitoring system. New-gen Venue will retain the existing powertrain options. Upon launch, the SUV will continue to rival the likes of Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3XO, Skoda Kylaq and Toyota Taisor. In March 2025, Hyundai Venue was ranked 5th in the sub-4-meter SUV segment. It had a market share of 9.26%. A slight price hike could be announced with the new-gen Venue. The current model is available in the range of Rs 7.94 lakh to Rs 13.53 lakh. Hyundai Creta, and its EV counterpart, maintained its dominance in the compact SUV segment, with a 39.65% market share Compact SUVs, measuring between 4.2 meters and 4.4 meters in length, have shown of strong YoY growth while MoM sales have fallen considerably. There were 42,919 units sold in this segment in April 2025, representing an 8.03% YoY growth from 39,727 units sold in the same month last year. In stark contrast, MoM sales declined sharply by 16.53% over 51,416 unit sales of March 2025. Automakers are making new headways into this segment with the Tata Curvv/EV, Mahindra BE6 and Citroen Basalt being added over the past year. Feature and technology updates continue to capture the attention of buyers. Compliance to newer and stricter safety norms and power train improvement also lend further appeal. Compact SUV Sales April 2025 YoY Growth In April 2025, the compact SUV segment that has witnessed an 8.03% growth was headed by segment leader Hyundai Creta. Total sales that include both its ICE and EV variants stood at 17,016 units, a 10.16% YoY growth from 15,447 units sold in April 2024. The Creta, which was also the best-selling car in India, currently commands a 39.65% market share in the compact SUV segment. Next gen model of the Creta with a hybrid powertrain is also in the making, set for launch sometime in 2027. At No. 2 was Maruti G Vitara, sales of which declined YoY by 6.06% to 7,154 units. There had been 7,651 units sold in April 2024. Kia Seltos followed closely behind with 6,135 unit sales, also marking a YoY decline by 8.90%. Toyota HyRyder sales went up by 42.74% with strong sales of 4,642 units, a 1,390 unit volume increase from 3,252 unit sales of April 2024. Tata Curvv/EV accounted for total sales of 3,149 units to command a 7.34% market share. It was followed by VW Taigun, sales of which fell 34.30% YoY to 1,155 units in the past month, down from 1,758 unit sales of April 2024. In the red was also Honda Elevate with a 45.98% YoY decline to just 935 unit sales last month. MG ZS EV recorded the highest YoY growth in the compact SUV segment. Sales went up by 61.19% to 864 units, a massive increase from 536 unit sales of April 2024. Skoda Kushaq sales dipped by 32.44% to 783 units while newly launched Mahindra BE 6 added 550 units to total compact SUV sales. Lower sales were reported for both XUV400EV (337 units) and MG Astor (133 units). There were 66 units of Citroen Basalt sold last month while 0 unit sales were reported for the C3 Aircross marking a 100% YoY decline. MG ZS EV and XUV400EV The Rise of Electric SUVs Lower MoM demand was seen across the compact SUV segment with every model on this list, save the MG ZS EV and XUV400EV, showing negative sales. Hyundai Creta/EV sales dipped 5.78% MoM, while sales of G Vitara too dived 31.33% from 10,418 unit sales of March 2025. Negative sales growth was also seen in the case of Kia Seltos, down 5.98% and Toyota HyRyder which declined by 12.18% on a MoM basis. The sale table of April 2025 shows Tata Curvv experience a decrease in sales of 16.80%, while the Honda Elevate saw a significant drop of 62.22% when compared to sales in March 2025. MG ZS EV had a slight increase, with sales rising by 0.93% to 864 units in April, up from 856 units in March 2025. Skoda Kushaq too saw a decline of 12.71%, and sales of Mahindra BE 6 fell by 41.11%. On a positive note, Mahindra XUV400 EV achieved a remarkable 41.60% MoM improvement, with sales of 337 units in the past month, a significant increase from 238 units sold in March 2025. This marked a 99 unit growth in volume. MG Astor experienced a decline of 27.72%, while Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross saw decreased sales by 34% and 100%, respectively. Just a day after launching the Rebel 500 cruiser, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has surprised enthusiasts once again by officially teasing the much-anticipated X-ADV 750 adventure scooter. The teaser, released via Honda Indias BigWing social handles, hints that the premium X-ADV could be launched in the coming daysmarking a big leap forward for Hondas premium strategy in India. Honda X-ADV 750 The Global ADV Scooter, Coming to India This move is likely to bring much-needed relief and excitement to Honda fans in India, many of whom have long expressed frustration over the lack of high-end offerings in the country. With two premium launches in just two days, it looks like HMSI is finally delivering on its promise to bring more global models to Indian shores. Globally, the Honda X-ADV 750 is one of the most unique offerings in the maxi-scooter segment. It blends adventure touring capability with everyday practicality and the comfort of a scooter. The model teased for India appears to be the same latest-generation version that was introduced internationally, which comes equipped with updated features and new colour options. The X-ADV 750 is powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine that produces 58 bhp and 69 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), making it a rare breed of scooters in the country. The robust underpinnings include 17-inch front and 15-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, dual disc brakes up front, and long-travel suspensionall engineered for mild off-road and touring capabilities. Key features include LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen, a large digital display, and multiple riding modes. Internationally, its also offered with various accessory packs like Adventure, Comfort, and Urban, although it remains to be seen how Honda will package it for the Indian market. Honda Indias Premium Push Until now, Honda has primarily dominated the commuter scooter market in India with models like the Activa, Dio and recently launched Activa Electric. However, with rising demand for premium and lifestyle two-wheelers, the company appears to be shifting gears. The back-to-back reveal of the Rebel 500 and the X-ADV teaser shows that Honda is finally serious about tapping into Indias premium segment through its BigWing network. Its worth noting that the X-ADV 750 has been spotted on Indian roads previously, in full road-legal guise, registered in Arunachal Pradesh. At the time, it was believed to be a privately imported unit. But with this official teaser, a full-scale launch in India now looks imminent. Honda India has not yet confirmed the price or launch date of the X-ADV 750, but more details are expected in the coming days. Given its premium positioning, the scooter will be sold via Honda BigWing Topline dealerships in select cities, similar to the Rebel 500. Stay tuned for more updates as Honda gears up to redefine the Indian premium scooter segment with the launch of the X-ADV 750. Heritage art practices include indigenous and traditional arts practices -- such as fiber arts, clay work, distinct painting styles etc. -- handed down in families or communities across generations. The fact that they have been sustained for generations, and helped to serve the expressive and psychosocial needs of communities, suggest that they could be ideal approaches to support mental health and emotional well-being. To better understand their potential therapeutic benefits, researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions examined the impact of these practices on mental and physical health. Led by Girija Kaimal, EdD, professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the study showed that heritage artforms can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Results were recently published in The Arts in Psychotherapy. "When we engage in preferred heritage artforms, they can help us manage our moods including reducing negativity, improving positive feelings and reducing feelings of anxiety," said Kaimal. "Most heritage artforms are typically simple in basic techniques, making them easy to learn, but then allow for refinement, artistic exploration and complexity. We don't need advanced skills or supplies. Simple creative practices can serve as preventive mental health resources." Kaimal explained that in previous studies they have highlighted how to distinguish between indigenous and traditional arts practices. Indigenous art practices relate to a specific community in geographical region. They include sacred belief systems, spirituality and community history that tend to be more specific in their applications. In undertaking these practices, individuals need to be respectful of the community's guidance around using imagery, including being mindful about harmful appropriation. Traditional creative practices are those that are handed down across generations and are more open to adaptation and interpretation. In this current study, the research team collected data from sites in the United States, Japan and India. Fifty-four participants completed two sessions: one where they engaged in a preferred heritage art practice for 45 minutes and one where they put together jigsaw puzzles for 45 minutes. In the U.S., participants could practice activities like creating temporary body art with natural henna; or cross-stitch, the embroidering of patterns. In Japan, participants engaged in creating works using approaches like mizuhiki, tying decorative knots with thin paper strings, or calligraphy. In India, participants engaged in pookalam, creating artworks using natural media, like plants, flowers and clay, as well as using a range of heritage arts practices, such as madhubani, a style of painting. All participants completed standardized questionnaires before and after both sessions to measure anxiety, mood and affect, perceived stress, self-efficacy and creative agency. Participants reported more positive feelings and less negative feelings after the heritage art task compared to the puzzle task, showing that practicing heritage artforms can have significant mental health benefits. "The findings highlight the value of tapping into tools we have right in our homes," said Kaimal. "There is a reason these practices have survived over time. The acts of using our hands and eyes to create something is rewarding and calming on multiple levels both physiological and emotional." Kaimal and the research team are planning to build on this study by examining a wide range of heritage practices at sites around the world. Further analysis of qualitative data from all of the sites is also underway. Additionally, the researchers are developing an open-access book as a resource for psychosocial support specialists and art therapists. "We see tremendous potential for indigenous arts practices to be a public health approach for mental health and well-being," said Kaimal. "Heritage arts practices are often ignored or treated as artifacts alone. They can, however, be integrated into our lives as we were meant to use them in our evolutionary history: as a creative resource for self-regulation and well-being." Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute and the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) have shown that the evolution of a family of exported proteins in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum enabled it to infect humans. Targeting these proteins may hold promise for identifying new drugs that are less susceptible to resistance. Malaria infects over 200 million and kills over 500,000 people every year. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites infecting red blood cells and being transmitted from host to host by mosquitos. There are available treatments, but drug resistance is an ongoing problem. In research published today in Nature Microbiology, a team of malaria researchers at the Crick, now based at GIMM, investigated the deadliest Plasmodium species, P. falciparum, which causes over 95% of malaria deaths. Parasitic tools to target human cells During a malaria infection, the P. falciparum parasite injects 10% of its proteins into host red blood cells, remodelling these cells so they stick to the blood vessels and to each other, eventually causing blood clots. These exported proteins include a family called FIKK kinases, which modify host molecules or other exported parasite proteins to activate or inactivate them. The team looked at over two thousand P. falciparum samples from people infected with malaria, finding that out of 21 FIKK kinases, 18 were protected against harmful mutations, suggesting they are necessary for the parasite to infect humans and likely helped it evolve. The researchers then expressed the FIKK kinases in bacteria to see what each one does. This experiment showed that the FIKK kinases all had different protein targets in the cell. To their surprise, the scientists demonstrated that one FIKK kinase specifically targets an amino acid called tyrosine, which hasn't been shown before in parasites. They believe this kinase evolved to interact with specific host cell signalling pathways that use tyrosine. Using a combination of computational and laboratory tools, including the protein structure prediction software AlphaFold 2, the scientists revealed that the specificity of FIKK kinases for different protein targets is linked to small changes in a flexible 'loop region'. Even though these small changes allow different kinases to recognise different proteins, the team identified some recurring structures in the loop regions, which make FIKK kinases different from human kinases and offer a potential way to target them. Blocking all FIKK kinases In search of a way to disrupt the FIKK kinases, the team screened a library of molecules known to block human kinases, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline. They identified three promising molecules and then found that two blocked most FIKK kinases in a test tube. As blocking all FIKK kinases at once could be a promising treatment strategy to ease malaria symptoms, the next steps will be drug development to modify these compounds so they can be used in people. Moritz Treeck, head of the Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, formerly at the Crick and now at the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, said: "About 1 million years ago, Plasmodium crossed from birds into great apes. With this cross, the FIKK kinase family expanded to enable infection of our closest relatives. A relatively short time ago, Plasmodium falciparum crossed from great apes to humans, and we've shown that the kinases needed for survival in great apes are still required for survival in humans. This suggests that targeting shared properties of FIKK kinases could stop P. falciparum from remodelling the host cell." Hugo Belda, former postdoctoral research assistant at the Crick, now postdoctoral researcher at GIMM and co-first author with David Bradley, said: "This project has been very collaborative across multiple institutions and disciplines, resulting in a holistic investigation into P. falciparum evolution. Current drugs mostly target single proteins, which makes the emergence of drug resistance more likely. Developing compounds which target several proteins at once, like those blocking all FIKK kinases, may be one way to tackle this problem." The majority of the research took place at the Crick, with some experiments taking place at GIMM. The researchers worked with the Crick's Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory led by Louise Walport, as well as the Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, Flow Cytometry and Proteomics teams, Crick-GSK LinkLabs and Christian Landry's team at Universite Laval in Canada. Fertilizer might be stronger than we thought. A new international study featuring faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York found that fertilizer can help plants survive short-term periods of extreme drought, findings which could have implications for agriculture and food systems in a world facing climate stressors. "Resources such as nutrients and water have been fundamentally altered by humans on a global scale, and this can disrupt how plants grow," said Amber Churchill, an assistant professor of ecosystem science at Binghamton University and co-author on the study. "Extreme changes in these resources are therefore predicted to have an even larger potential impact, with implications for a range of economic sectors. This is especially true for global grasslands, where resource availability for water and nutrients directly supports livestock and pastoralism on all inhabited continents." To address this issue, the researchers assessed how grasslands respond to extreme drought and increased nutrient availability through field experiments at 26 sites across 9 countries. "It took what are often very site-specific methodologies, where we're interested in the impacts of nutrients or the impacts of drought and water availability, and it scaled a single site experiment up to something at a much larger spatial scale," said Churchill. "The ability to test both variation in nutrients, as well as this global change driver of impacts of drought in combination at such a huge spatial extent -- that's the really novel aspect of this experiment." The researchers added nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium -- essential nutrients that all plants need -- as well as a one-time addition of a series of micronutrients. They found that while drought alone reduced plant growth by 19%, adding fertilizer increased plant growth by 24%. Importantly, the combination of the two resulted in no net change in growth, largely driven by grasses that were able to take advantage of the added nutrients even under drought. "The really big takeaway is that adding nutrients can offset the impact of drought, and this is really true in areas that are already pretty dry," said Churchill. Churchill worked at two of the 26 sites. At the Yarramundi site at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment of Western Sydney University, she managed data, recording the number of plants present in the area. At the Cedar Creek Long Term Ecological Research Site in Minnesota, she was in charge of cleaning all data and organizing it to be shared with the network of researchers. "In terms of drought, we get less growth; we add fertilizer, we get more growth. As you're seeing some of those idiosyncrasies, the sort of follow-up lines are where it gets a little bit more interesting," said Churchill. "Traditionally, we might hypothesize that if plants are already limited by water at, say, an arid site, plants may not be able to respond to adding nitrogen. But we actually found the opposite of that, where plants are able to better respond to the nitrogen addition under these more arid conditions. And so that's a really sort of a striking difference than what we might have expected." Churchill will be creating similar treatments at Binghamton University as part of the Pasture and Lawn Enhanced Diversity Global-change Experiment (PLEDGE), at Nuthatch Hollow, a 75-acre, "open-air lab" at Binghamton University. While adding fertilizer might temporarily offset the effects of drought, said Churchill, it's not a feasible long-term solution. "In a forage production system where you need to offset the effects of drought, adding fertilizer will remove that effective drought," she said. "That's a great benefit, but that costs a lot of money. So there's a tradeoff there. It can be a tool used, but it's not going to be the long-term solution." Churchill said that in terms of management, the number of plant species growing might be a more important factor in surviving drought. "We have a prediction that as you have more species, one of those species is more likely to withstand the drought, so you'll get at least some biomass, even if each species doesn't make it. And so the idea is you'll have more stable biomass over the long term if you have more species present. That's something we can't test with this data set, because we're only looking at one year. But longer-term data sets can look at that sort of a question." A team of Australian researchers has discovered 71 new native bee species belonging to the resin pot bees, or Megachile (Austrochile), which are unique to Australia and present in every state and territory except Tasmania. As their name suggests, the bee species builds resin pots to protect their brood, with solitary mother bees hanging their pots individually from twigs or as clusters on the bark of trees. "The group was previously considered to contain seven species, and in 1992 an additional 18 were named in the master's thesis of Queensland Museum's Dr Judith King, who is a co-author on our paper," says lead author Dr Remko Leijs, from the South Australian Museum. "Over the years, we discovered a further 23 species during field collection trips, including during various Bush Blitz surveys, which look for the unknown and hence regularly result in the discovery of new invertebrate and plant species." Bush Blitz, a partnership between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton and Earth Watch Australia, documents fauna and flora from selected national reserves. It also provides funding for the description of new species, and this enabled the researchers to compare the newly collected species to those present in Australian entomological collections. "This uncovered an additional 20 undescribed species, hidden in the collections, which highlights the importance of entomological collections as a repository for these kinds of discoveries," Dr Leijs says. Dr Katja Hogendoorn, from the University of Adelaide, says there is still much to be discovered about Australia's bees, and their vital role as pollinators. "Despite their environmental and economic importance as pollinators of native plants and crops, the Australian bee fauna is poorly understood," says Dr Hogendoorn, a co-author on the study published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy. "An estimated one-third of bee species remains unknown to science, and dearth of funding for taxonomic work hampers our ability to assess the conservation status and undertake action to protect native bees. "We may be losing species that we don't even know about yet." There are around 1700 known native bee species in Australia. This discovery raises the number of known resin pot bee species to 78 -- almost half of which are known from a single location only. Dr James Dorey, a co-author from the University of Wollongong, says more research is needed to understand what threats resin pot bees might be facing. "These species are likely to have a limited distribution, but realistically, we don't have enough information about their occurrence or population sizes to say much about their conservation status," he says. What if ultrafast pulses of light could operate computers at speeds a million times faster than today's best processors? A team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Arizona, are working to make that possible. In a groundbreaking international effort, researchers from the Department of Physics in the College of Science and the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences demonstrated a way to manipulate electrons in graphene using pulses of light that last less than a trillionth of a second. By leveraging a quantum effect known as tunneling, they recorded electrons bypassing a physical barrier almost instantaneously, a feat that redefines the potential limits of computer processing power. A study published in Nature Communications highlights how the technique could lead to processing speeds in the petahertz range -- over 1,000 times faster than modern computer chips. Sending data at those speeds would revolutionize computing as we know it, said Mohammed Hassan, an associate professor of physics and optical sciences. Hassan has long pursued light-based computer technology and previously led efforts to develop the world's fastest electron microscope. "We have experienced a huge leap forward in the development of technologies like artificial intelligence software, but the speed of hardware development does not move as quickly," Hassan said. "But, by leaning on the discovery of quantum computers, we can develop hardware that matches the current revolution in information technology software. Ultrafast computers will greatly assist discoveries in space research, chemistry, health care and more." Hassan worked alongside U of A colleagues Nikolay Golubev, an assistant professor of physics; Mohamed Sennary, a graduate student studying optics and physics; Jalil Shah, a postdoctoral scholar of physics; and Mingrui Yuan, an optics graduate student. They were joined by colleagues from the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany. The team was originally studying the electrical conductivity of modified samples of graphene, a material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms. When a laser shines on graphene, the energy of the laser excites electrons in the material, making them move and form into a current. Sometimes, those electric currents cancel each other out. Hassan said this happens because the laser's energy wave moves up and down, generating equal and opposite currents on either side of the graphene. Because of graphene's symmetrical atomic structure, these currents mirror each other and cancel each other out, leaving no detectable current. But what if a single electron could slip through the graphene, and its journey could be captured and tracked in real time? That near-instant "tunnelling" was the unexpected result of the team modifying different graphene samples. "That is what I love most about science: The real discovery comes from the things you don't expect to happen," Hassan said. "Going into the lab, you always anticipate what will happen -- but the real beauty of science are the little things that happen, which lead you to investigate more. Once we realized that we had achieved this tunneling effect, we had to find out more." Using a commercially available graphene phototransistor that was modified to introduce a special silicon layer, the researchers used a laser that switches off and on at a rate of 638 attoseconds to create what Hassan called "the world's fastest petahertz quantum transistor." A transistor is a device that acts as an electronic switch or amplifier that controls the flow of electricity between two points and is fundamental to the development of modern electronics. "For reference, a single attosecond is one-quintillionth of a second," Hassan said. "That means that this achievement represents a big leap forward in the development of ultrafast computer technologies by realizing a petahertz-speed transistor." While some scientific advancements occur under strict conditions, including temperature and pressure, this new transistor performed in ambient conditions -- opening the way to commercialization and use in everyday electronics. Hassan is working with Tech Launch Arizona, the office that works with investigators to commercialize inventions stemming from U of A research in order to patent and market innovations. While the original invention used a specialized laser, the researchers are furthering development of a transistor compatible with commercially available equipment. "I hope we can collaborate with industry partners to realize this petahertz-speed transistor on a microchip," Hassan said. "The University of Arizona is already known for the world's fastest electron microscope, and we would like to also be known for the first petahertz-speed transistor." To better understand the circadian clock in modern-day cyanobacteria, a Japanese research team has studied ancient timekeeping systems. They examined the oscillation of the clock proteins KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC (Kai-proteins) in modern cyanobacteria, comparing it to the function of ancestral Kai proteins. Their research is published in the Nature Communications on May 15th, 2025. "Extant cyanobacteria utilize a circadian clock to predict the light-dark environmental cycle by Earth's rotation in order to achieve efficient photosynthetic reactions. We wanted to know the evolutionary history of when ancient bacteria acquired the circadian clock and how this property was inherited by the present cyanobacteria," said Atsushi Mukaiyama, Associate Professor, Fukui Prefectural University. Cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria that influence Earth's oceans and atmosphere in important ways. Scientists know that the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria emerged about 3 billion years ago. It evolved into the current ecosystem through the Great Oxidation event, which occurred when the level of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere rose about 2.3 billion years ago. This evolution continued through at least two Snowball Earth events, about 2.4 and 0.7 billion years ago, when the planet was covered in ice, and through the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation event, when the Earth's oxygen levels rose a second time. The Neoproterozoic Oxygenation event occurred between 800 and 540 million years ago. Through studies of fossils and molecular evolution models, scientists suggest that the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria already possessed primitive oxygen photosynthetic systems. The efficiency of photosynthesis is strongly influenced by light-dark environmental cycles. The research team set out to examine whether primitive cyanobacteria had a timekeeping system when photosynthesis became active during the Great Oxidation event. This can help scientists understand the physiological origin of circadian clock systems. Scientists have identified circadian clocks, those internal timekeepers that guide an organism to run on a 24-hour clock, in various organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants, and mammals. The research team studied the cyanobacteria's circadian clock using the cyanobacteria strain Synechococcus elongatus. They reconstructed the clock oscillator in a test tube using the clock protein KaiC. They also examined the function and structure of ancestral Kai proteins to determine how self-sustained Kai-protein oscillators have evolved over time. Knowing that light-dark cycles affect how efficient photosynthesis is in cyanobacteria, the team wanted to determine whether ancient cyanobacteria possessed a self-sustained circadian clock when the ancient oxidation events occurred and the photosynthetic systems were first established. They discovered that faster rhythmic phenomenon was encoded in ancestral clock proteins. "The ancient cyanobacterial clock was synchronized to the cycle of 18 to 20 hours. This means that the history of the Earth's rotation period has been restored by tracing the evolution of clock protein molecules," said Yoshihiko Furuike, Assistant Professor, Institute for Molecular Science. The team's results show that the oldest KaiC in ancestral bacteria lacked the function and structure that is essential for rhythmic qualities. Through molecular evolution, the ancestral Kai proteins acquired the necessary function and structure around the Global Oxidation and Snowball Earth events. Eventually the most recent common ancestor of cyanobacteria capable of photosynthesis inherited this self-sustained circadian oscillator. These results are extremely helpful in scientists' understanding of chronobiology. "Our ultimate goal is to design modified cyanobacteria that can adapt to the rotation period of planets and satellites other than Earth by shortening or lengthening the period of the Kai-protein oscillator. Cyanobacteria have taken a long time to tune their clock to 24 hours, but we may be able to achieve even faster evolution using modern knowledge and technology," said Shuji Akiyama, Professor, Institute for Molecular Science. The research team includes Atsushi Mukaiyama from Fukui Prefectural University, Japan; Yoshihiko Furuike, Kota Horiuchi, Kanta Kondo, and Shuji Akiyama from the Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki, Japan, and SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan; Kumiko Ito-Miwa from Nagoya University, Japan; Yasuhiro Onoue from the Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki, Japan; Eiki Yamashita from Osaka University, Japan. This research was funded by the Platform Project for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research from AMED, Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Takeda Science Foundation, and Toyoaki Scholarship Foundation. Kat Layton, Ypsilanti District Library social worker The library is a natural hub for connection and trust-building. Lisa Hoenig The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) in partnership with Eastern Michigan University (EMU) School of Social Work recently hired its first full-time social worker, a milestone made possible through funding from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage . With partnerships already in place with agencies like Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Michigan Medicine , the addition of a full-time social worker at the library is a vital resource for community connection and support.As a library, our role is to be a connector, so having a social worker here only adds to that role, says YDL director Lisa Hoenig. We connect people with things they may not know a lot about. We help people learn and now were connecting people with social services instead of topics or information.This new role builds on the work of EMU social work interns already serving at some of YDLs branches and strengthens the librarys growing network of care.In social work, we have micro-practice working with individuals, mezzo-practice working with groups, and macro-practice for tackling policy, says Margaret Ann Paauw, EMU social work assistant professor and licensed clinical social worker. Whats really cool about library social work is how it blends all three of those practices.Paauw has seen growing interest among her students in the evolving field of library social work. By incorporating it into her curriculum, she highlights how the role varies widely depending on the needs of each community and how it often requires creativity, adaptability, and broad knowledge. As more libraries explore offering this kind of support, Paauw says students are increasingly drawn to internships and careers that place them directly in library settings.Usually, when a library wants a social worker, the social worker comes in and figures out what the position is going to look like, says Paauw. Its a really big process, and you really need to be a jack of all trades.Paauw explains that when hiring for this new role, she wanted the social worker to have both a wealth of clinical and professional knowledge and a deep personal connection to the Ypsilanti community, so library patrons in need would feel comfortable seeking out the library social worker. A longtime Ypsilanti resident who deeply understands the communitys strengths and struggles, Kat Layton, YDLs first and new full-time social worker, brings more than professional experience. They hope to build meaningful connections and launch programs that truly reflect the needs of the people YDL serves. Their overarching goal is to weave the library more tightly into Ypsilantis network of care and support.As social workers, were providing information thats what the library does, says Layton. We always try to think outside the box when were connecting folks with resources, and we try to build new relationships with community partners while looking for solutions.Layton envisions the library not only as a place of learning, but also a central hub for community care and connection. They have a number of ideas to implement at the library in order to better serve the Ypsi community, such as developing a peer navigator initiative to connect people with lived experience to those seeking support, establishing a community aid network with resources like a public fridge to address local food insecurity, or partnering with other organizations to provide a weekly shower truck visit to the library. Further down the road, Layton hopes that interest from library staff as well as available funding will expand the social work program to include additional staff.Im a big dreamer, says Layton. When I was informed of the position and eager to apply I was already taking notes about what would be incredible to have at a library.What makes the library an especially powerful setting for social work is its openness and accessibility. Unlike many social service agencies that require appointments or referrals, the library welcomes everyone without prerequisites, which Layton hopes encourages more individuals to seek support informally and at their own pace.The library provides no barrier access to folks. You could have a need, and not be a library patron to take care of that need, Layton says. Anyone can come in and use library resources. You only need a library card if youre going to check something out.Layton views the library as a natural hub for connection and trust-building, particularly for those who are hesitant to seek help elsewhere or unsure of where to find resources. They emphasize that the library social worker does not offer clinical services directly to library patrons, but rather bridges the gap between patrons and the local resources they need. This can take many different forms, from helping someone access housing support to simply listening to what is going on in their lives without judgment.We work with people and not necessarily for them, says Layton. We meet people where theyre at, and were never going to force anyone into a resource or service. But if theyre interested in something, we can find out where to send them.Hoenig has prioritized making the library a more supportive space not only for patrons, but also for the staff. Her excitement about bringing Layton onto the library team full-time reflects this dual commitment to care and capacity-building.The library has always been a place for folks to take refuge or get help, but staff havent necessarily been trained on how to approach some specific needs, says Hoenig. With a social worker here, were also trying to assist staff with secondary burnout and trauma.The MI Mental Health series highlights the opportunities that Michigan's children, teens, and adults of all ages have to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. It is made possible with funding from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Summit Pointe , and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage This story is part of the Nonprofit Journal Project , an initiative focused on nonprofit leaders and programs across Metro Detroit. This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation , Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.act Detroit Across Michigan, nonprofits are feeling the pressure as a wave of federal uncertainty under the new administration ripples through funding streams, partnerships, and long-term plans.At the center of supporting organizations through navigating this storm is the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), led by president and CEO Kelley Kuhn.The biggest role that we have is to raise awareness about what's happening and the impact that it's having for nonprofits specifically, Kuhn says. And then, more importantly, how that trickles down, not just for nonprofits, but to the communities that nonprofits serve.The challenges began early in 2025, when several executive orders disrupted long-standing funding streams, sparking confusion and alarm as organizations lost access to resources they had already budgeted forand were actively usingto fund vital services.Some organizations had to make difficult choices overnight, even cutting long-established programs.For many of the organizations that were impacted, they were facing decisions of whether or not to pay their payroll or pay their bills, Kuhn says. Those were real decisions that in that moment, leaders in the sector were faced with because nonprofits operate at very small margins.She adds, They have relied on these federal funds for decades to run the programming and services.Even as some funding resumes, nonprofits now face delays, new administrative hoops, and agency staff turnover.Kuhn says nonprofits are not able to connect with the people who we used to connect with because of some of the federal layoffs within the departments, severing key relationships that helped them navigate these issues in the past.As a result, organizations are now spending more time planning for uncertainty.Now we fast forward to future asks, for future expectations that dollars are going to come for programming, and that's where there's a lot of uncertainty right now, Kuhn says. What we find is our nonprofit leaders are spending much more time on contingency plans and less on their mission delivery.She adds that some nonprofits are also considering how current collaborations can be continued and strengthened.In the face of so much uncertainty, nonprofit leaders are leaning on each other more than ever.I think that there's an increase in wanting to be in place and space with other leaders, so that you feel like you're not shepherding this or weathering this alone, Kuhn says. Make sure you're engaging your board. Make sure you're engaging other nonprofit leaders who can be supports in these moments as well.While the ripple effect is spreading to all nonprofit sectors, some of the earliest hits landed on equity-driven organizations. For example, organizations that support immigration were some of the first impacted by funding cuts, as well as the health and human service and education sectors.What we know is that there's lots of nonprofits that have a strong commitment to equity, Kuhn says. It's at the core of what they do. The threat to diversity, inclusion and equity is important because they really see it as a core part of why they do what they do.To support the sector, MNA is advancing advocacy, capacity-building, and narrative work, and even has a Navigating Federal Changes page on its website. Additionally, through MNAs We Are 501c3 campaign, the organization is encouraging nonprofits to tell their stories.It's about amplifying the great work that nonprofits are doing and encouraging people that when they have data and a story to tell, they should be uplifting that, Kuhn says.Despite the headwinds, Kuhn believes unity is the sectors greatest strength.If we continue to work together, which is another principle that we should lean on at this moment, I think the solutions lie within the collective power of the people who believe the work of the sector is important, she says. I think as long as we're unified and together in that, we can weather this. Jeffrey Capizzano One way to ensure quality pre-K is to better compensate early education teachers. PreK for All is blending with some Head Start programs and piloting a home child care model that includes preschool instruction for 4-year-olds. Michigan has set a bold goal to deliver access to high-quality PreK to all 4-year-olds in the state. Barclays downgraded its stance on B&Q and Castorama owner Kingfisher on Tuesday to underweight from equalweight as it said the more than 25% year-to-date total shareholder return was "overly generous". The bank noted that Kingfisher is due to report first-quarter sales on 28 May and said its forecast is for a group like-for-like sales decline of 0.4%, equivalent to a modest 0.4% increase excluding calendar impact. "This would be the first quarter in quite some time for Kingfisher to register underlying LFL improvement," it said. "Having said this, we doubt that Kingfisher will look to change its FY25/26 guidance for PBT (480-540m) or free cash flow (420-480m) at this relatively early stage in the year." Barclays said that despite expecting an improved top line performance from Kingfisher, it is downgrading the stock as it feels the better sales growth that it expects from B&Q in Q1 is likely to be largely weather-driven and not something that it would want to extrapolate forwards. In addition, Barclays said it still expects the French business to be in a clear LFL sales decline in Q1 and that the market data offers little obvious room for encouragement on the local industry dynamics. The bank also said it does not expect Screwfix to have benefited greatly from the weather in the first quarter, given its specialist customer base. It said that having got close to its target of more than 1,000 stores in the UK/Ireland (now at 952), it is expecting Screwfix's sales trends to moderate. "We now forecast sales growth of 12% in the last decade. It is too early to have confidence in the outlook for Screwfix France - in fact we have been underwhelmed by the pace of store openings," it said. Looking at its General Retail coverage, Barclays said it sees better value opportunities at B&M European Value Retail, which is rated overweight with a 400p price target and Marks & Spencer, which is also overweight', but with a 430p price target. Barclays said it sees Next and Inditex - both of which are equalweight - as offering more reliable growth opportunities. The bank lifted its price target on Kingfisher to 280p from 275p due to small, FX-driven estimate changes. Berenberg initiated coverage of Accesso Technology with a buy rating and 775p price target. "We think that it is well positioned in a large, growing and fragmented market," the bank said. "Significant operational leverage and a software as a service- (SaaS)-based business model provide scope for upside to accessos current - relatively low - margin levels. Meanwhile, strong cash-flow generation and surplus cash should provide further upside potential." It said the company, which provides virtual queuing and ticketing solutions for the global leisure industry, does have underlying exposure to cyclical elements of the leisure industry, which has weighed on its relative rating. However, Berenberg believes that concerns about US consumer confidence are overdone, and that the market underappreciates Accessos recent diversification and its long-term growth potential. It said the recent share price performance has diverged from the underlying performance of the business and the stock now trades at a discount to peers and to its more recent historical average. "We see this as an attractive entry point into a long-term growth story." RBC Capital Markets upped both forecasts and its price target for blue chip generics specialist Hikma Pharmaceuticals. The broker said Hikma had recently provided mid-term guidance that "reflects growing optimism about the Rx and injectables businesses". It continued: "This adds to the positive outlook for the branded unit, communicated in late 2024. Overall, Hikma anticipates three-year revenue growth of 6% to 8% per annual, and core operating profit growth of 7% to 9% per annum." RBC has therefore increased its 2027 forecasts for earnings before interest and tax by 9%, and the price target by 3%, to 2,635p. It concluded: "With 27% upside, we reiterate our outperform recommendation." London stocks rose in early trade on Tuesday as concerns about Moodys US credit rating downgrade faded, with hopes of a Ukraine ceasefire and a rate cut in China underpinning sentiment. At 0855 BST, the FTSE 100 was 0.3% higher at 8,721.70. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Renewed hopes for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, combined with another wave of stimulus for Chinas economy has provided optimism in early trading. The FTSE 100 and European indices have opened higher as geopolitical tensions look set to ease. "Following a call with Putin, President Trump was bullish about negotiations for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia starting immediately. The renewed rush for safe havens sparked by the US credit rating downgrade, has reversed, with gold falling back as investors have more appetite for equities. Of course, hanging on the words of unpredictable leaders isnt solid ground, and hopes for a ceasefire have risen before, only to be dashed. Russia has indicated that any progress is likely to be slow, with Putin talking about a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement. "Nevertheless, for now its being seen as progress. If a deal is reached, it could pave the way for sanctions relief for Russia, and its crude supplies to flow more freely into world markets. That possibility of higher supplies globally is pushing down the price of Brent, which is trading around $65 a barrel. "The Peoples Bank of China has injected a dose of more stimulus into the economy, by cutting a key lending rate to a record low. It wasnt a surprise move - the central bank was expected to make the change, given the monetary easing push announced this month." In equity markets, Diploma surged to the top of the FTSE 100 as it lifted its full-year organic revenue growth and operating margin guidance following a strong first half. Centrica gained after North Sea operator Ithaca Energy bought an additional 46.25% stake in the Cygnus gas field from Spirit Energy in a 116m deal. Smiths Group advanced after saying it now expects full-year revenue growth to be towards the top end of its guidance amid strong demand. Vodafone was in the black despite saying it swung to a full-year operating loss, as it also said it expects Germany to return to top-line growth this year and announced a new 2bn share buyback. Bakery chain Greggs was the top performer on the FTSE 250 as it held annual guidance after reporting a 2.9% rise in like-for-like sales in the first 20 weeks of the year, with an improved performance in the last 11 weeks supported by better trading conditions. Upper Crust owner SSP and supermarket supplier Cranswick also rose after results. On the downside, B&Q and Castorama owner Kingfisher was knocked lower by a downgrade to underweight at Barclays. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 8,721.70 0.26% FTSE 250 (MCX) 21,006.00 0.21% techMARK (TASX) 4,736.78 0.22% FTSE 100 - Risers Diploma (DPLM) 4,834.00p 14.50% Spirax Group (SPX) 6,080.00p 1.67% Centrica (CNA) 154.20p 1.45% BT Group (BT.A) 170.15p 1.40% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 76.88p 1.37% Smiths Group (SMIN) 2,078.00p 1.17% Melrose Industries (MRO) 462.90p 1.07% British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,258.00p 1.05% Imperial Brands (IMB) 2,785.00p 1.05% National Grid (NG.) 1,080.50p 0.98% FTSE 100 - Fallers Entain (ENT) 760.20p -1.35% Kingfisher (KGF) 309.50p -1.28% Rentokil Initial (RTO) 348.80p -1.16% Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,779.50p -1.14% St James's Place (STJ) 1,077.50p -0.97% Weir Group (WEIR) 2,382.00p -0.92% InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 8,896.00p -0.89% Prudential (PRU) 859.20p -0.83% Diageo (DGE) 2,117.00p -0.70% The Sage Group (SGE) 1,224.50p -0.41% FTSE 250 - Risers Greggs (GRG) 2,150.00p 7.55% Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 306.80p 3.79% SSP Group (SSPG) 173.40p 3.71% Mobico Group (MCG) 29.00p 3.57% Morgan Sindall Group (MGNS) 3,815.00p 2.69% Cranswick (CWK) 5,380.00p 2.28% Kainos Group (KNOS) 770.00p 2.26% W.A.G Payment Solutions (WPS) 66.60p 2.15% CMC Markets (CMCX) 268.50p 2.09% Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) 122.70p 1.74% FTSE 250 - Fallers JTC (JTC) 880.00p -2.65% Safestore Holdings (SAFE) 635.00p -1.93% Trustpilot Group (TRST) 246.20p -1.44% Moonpig Group (MOON) 250.50p -1.18% Burberry Group (BRBY) 999.60p -1.13% Genuit Group (GEN) 411.00p -1.08% Discoverie Group (DSCV) 599.00p -0.99% Playtech (PTEC) 352.00p -0.98% Big Yellow Group (BYG) 1,006.00p -0.98% Impax Environmental Markets (IEM) 372.50p -0.93% Precious metals miner Adriatic Metals surged on Tuesday after confirming that it is in talks with Toronto-listed peer Dundee Precious Metals about a possible takeover offer. Adriatic said it has agreed to provide Dundee with access to limited due diligence information in order to facilitate the discussions. "Discussions remain ongoing and there can be no certainty that any firm offer will be made, nor as to the terms of any such offer," it said, adding that further announcements will be made in due course, as appropriate. Under UK takeover rules, Dundee now has until 17 June to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away. Adriatic was responding to an article by Sky News, which said that bankers have suggested any offer could value the group at well over 700m. At 1530 BST, the shares were up 26% at 223p. North Sea operator Ithaca Energy on Tuesday said it had bought an additional 46.25% stake in the Cygnus gas field from Centrica's Spirit Energy in a 116m deal. The move will lift Ithaca's operated interest in Cygnus, located in the Southern North Sea, about 150km east of the Lincolnshire coast, to 85%. Cygnus was currently producing from 11 wells, with three further infill wells approved, Ithaca said in a statement. It is the largest UK Continental Shelf gas field. "The transaction is strongly aligned with Centrica and Spirit Energy's strategy to maximise value from Spirit's remaining reserves, delivering attractive upfront cash consideration, and provides further value by transferring long-term liabilities," Centrica said in a separate statement. "As an existing shareholder and the operator of Cygnus, Ithaca Energy is ideally positioned to take on majority ownership of the asset. Following completion of the transaction, Spirit Energy will remain focused on the development of the long-term Morecambe Net Zero carbon storage project, its remaining producing assets and safely and efficiently decommissioning its facilities and wells with minimum environmental impact." Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Senior announced the securing of two multi-year contracts worth a combined 200m on Tuesday, to supply high-technology components for internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid powertrains, marking a further boost to its order book. The FTSE 250 company said the eight-year agreements covered fluid conveyance assemblies for light vehicles and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems for heavy-duty trucks, with production to take place across sites in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. It said the first contract, awarded by a global powertrain supplier, involves more than 20 components for diesel, petrol and hybrid light vehicles, with manufacturing split between Senior Flexonics operations in the Czech Republic and a joint venture facility in Wuhan, China. The second deal was with a major truck manufacturer and covers EGR cooler assemblies for a new Euro 7-compliant engine, with production beginning in late 2026 across plants in the Czech Republic, South Africa and Mexico. These significant new multi-year contract awards illustrate Senior's ability to work in partnership with our customers and demonstrate our capabilities and emissions reduction technologies across different powertrains including internal combustion, hybrid and electric vehicle engines, said Mike Sheppard, chief executive officer of Senior Flexonics. With our expertise in fluid conveyance and thermal management, Senior is uniquely well-positioned to provide innovative solutions for customers by designing and manufacturing bespoke products & systems that meet their specific requirements. The awards continued strong momentum in Seniors Flexonics and Aerospace divisions, following a book-to-bill ratio of 1.34 in the first quarter of 2025. Senior said the new business supported its confidence in sustained growth for the rest of the year and beyond. These new contract wins continue the strong recent momentum across the group, with significant new order intake across both our Flexonics and Aerospace divisions, commented Senior CEO David Squires. The strength of our order book, combined with our leading positions in high-technology fluid conveyance and thermal management applications underpins our confidence for continued growth in 2025 and beyond. At 0901 BST, shares in Senor were up 1.37% at 163.2p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Smiths Group said on Tuesday that it now expects full-year revenue growth to be towards the top end of its guidance amid strong demand. The company said third-quarter organic revenue growth accelerated to 10.6%, leading to organic revenue growth of 9.6% for the nine-month period. As a result, "reflecting this strong performance and momentum in the order book", it now expects organic revenue growth for the year to be towards the top end of its 6-8% guidance range and continues to expect margin expansion of 40-60 basis points for FY2025. Smiths said the third-quarter performance reflected further growth across all businesses, with particularly strong organic revenue growth in Smiths Detection and Smiths Interconnect - a continuation of the trends seen in the first half. At John Crane and Flex-Tex, momentum improved from the second quarter. The diversified engineer, which generates around 45% of its sales in the US, also said that it expects the impact of tariffs to be limited given its local-for-local model, and through the deployment of mitigation actions. Chief executive Roland Carter said: "Our strong performance has continued through the third quarter and all our businesses contributed to the double-digit organic revenue growth. "This consistency of delivery has now underpinned successive earnings upgrades this year and multiple years of organic revenue growth for Smiths. "We are executing on the strategic actions we announced in January with pace and purpose to unlock our inherent value and become a premium rated company, focusing on our world-class, high-performance John Crane and Flex-Tek businesses. The sale process for Smiths Interconnect is firmly underway and preparatory work for the Smiths Detection separation process is also moving forwards." The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature by Charlie English (Random House, $35 hardcover, 384p., 9780593447901, July 1, 2025) In The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature, Charlie English (The Gallery of Miracles and Madness) explores decades of literary resistance in Poland, which occurred in part because of the support of a little known though expansive operation by the CIA. The covert intelligence operation known as the "CIA books program" distributed censored materials beyond the Iron Curtain. It was headed by operative George Minden, who was an exile from Romania who worked in the Free Europe Committee's (FEC) New York office. Under the guise of the International Literary Centre, it would, over the course of 35 years, disseminate close to 10 million items. It supported underground publishing movements that broke through the state-sponsored propaganda that kept citizens from their histories, stories, arts, and cultures. Shaped by his experience as a journalist, English's straightforward, no-holds-barred reportage-style narrative tells a complex story that has many moving pieces and opinionated characters. He does so in a way that evokes a range of emotions from readers while exposing a hidden history of both resistance and even international political interference. In The CIA Book Club, English examines the risks taken Solidarity Minister for Smuggling Mirosaw Chojecki, book distributor and smuggler Marian Kaleta, journalist Ewa Kulik, and many others in a vast, dispersed network that considered the printing press and access to information as much a weapon as any tank could be in a war zone. Poland was by far the most successful arena for smuggling and covert printing operations, and this was in large part due to the people in the country who were committed to preserving its intellectual freedom under threats of violence, brutality, and death. English celebrates the work of everyday people choosing to resist, without romanticizing the very real dangers they faced in making those choices. English further shows that this success was not only reliant on Western literature being smuggled into the country, but also on the ability to produce and reproduce the works of Polish emigres, and even create resistance magazines within the country itself amid more and more repressive situations. Such writing was a way to create a "public record of regime atrocities" while also uniting like-minded people. The newspapers, the shared literature, and the networks to smuggle them all became part of a "living social movement" even with the declaration of martial law in 1981. The underground education of the people through censored literature continued to show other ways to live, to give "a broader human context," while also countering propaganda. The CIA Book Club is a gripping lesson in long-term resistance and the resilience of the human spirit. --Michelle Anya Anjirbag, freelance reviewer Shelf Talker: Journalist Charlie English explores the underground culture of literary smuggling into Poland before the fall of Iron Curtain, demonstrating what effective, long-term resistance can look like. Airtel partners with Google Google One cloud storage offer 100 GB free for 6 months Bharti Airtel and Google, today, announced a partnership that brings a compelling Google One cloud storage subscription service for Airtel customers, helping address the mounting challenge of limited device storage. All postpaid and Wi-Fi customers will get access to six months of 100 GB Google One cloud storage at no extra cost. They will also be able to share this storage with up to five additional people. The partnership aims to address the issue of growing data storage constraints faced by users by ensuring that customers have ample space to store their cherished photos, videos, documents and other digital content without the need to frequently delete files or resort to expensive physical storage expansions. Additionally, WhatsApp chats on Android are backed up to Google Account storage which will make device switching easier for customers. The cloud storage provision is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms, making it widely accessible to Airtel's diverse customer base. Siddharth Sharma, Director Marketing and CEO Connected Homes, Bharti Airtel, said, With smartphones becoming the main device for managing both personal and professional information, storage has become a significant concern for users. We are pleased to collaborate with Google to address this issue by providing our customers with dependable, secure and user-friendly storage solutions. This partnership will present an opportunity for millions of our postpaid, Wi-Fi customers allowing them access to a further 100 GB of storage. Karen Teo, Vice President, Platforms & Devices Partnerships, APAC, Google, said, We are excited to partner with Airtel to bring Google One to millions in India. Together, we will make it easier for our users to safely back up photos, videos and important files on their phones with more storage across Google Photos, Drive, Gmail and more. Airtel Thanks App and claim the benefit. After six months of 100 GB storage at no charge, a nominal fee of Rs 125 per month will be added to the customers monthly bill. If a customer chooses not to continue the subscription, they can cease to be a Google One member. As an introductory offer, the 100 GB cloud storage will be available at no extra cost for the first six months from the date of activation, enabling customers to back up their data and experience the convenience of cloud storage. To avail of this offer, customers will have to simply log on to theand claim the benefit. After six months of 100 GB storage at no charge, a nominal fee of Rs 125 per month will be added to the customers monthly bill. If a customer chooses not to continue the subscription, they can cease to be a Google One member. Also Read More: Why Active Learning Will Define the Next Era of Corporate Training With Google One storage, members can: Get 100 GB cloud storage to use across Google Photos, Drive and Gmail. Keep photos, files and WhatsApp chats safely backed up to the cloud in case of damage or when switching to a new phone. Avail of family sharing with up to five additional people at no extra cost. With the addition of Google One, Airtel customers will now have an unrivalled wealth of digital subscription options at their fingertips, cementing Airtel's position as a frontrunner in providing a holistic and enriching digital lifestyle experience to its customers. India and US negotiating a three-stage trade deal. Interim agreement targeted before July, ahead of new US reciprocal tariffs. Initial phase may ease access for industrial goods and some farm products. India is actively negotiating a trade deal with the United States, structured to unfold in three distinct stages, according to unnamed Indian officials speaking to Bloomberg. The first stage aims to secure an interim agreement before July, ahead of new reciprocal tariffs expected to be imposed by the US under President Donald Trump. This initial phase of the deal is expected to focus on easing access for industrial goods and select agricultural products. It may also target the reduction of trade barriers such as stringent quality control regulations. Although discussions are ongoing, it remains unclear whether the US has formally agreed to the three-step framework. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, currently on a four-day visit to Washington, is intensifying efforts to advance the talks. He is scheduled to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before his visit concludes on Tuesday. Quad leaders summit, further underscoring the strategic importance of the deal. The second stage of the agreement, anticipated between September and November, promises a broader and more comprehensive deal. This phase is expected to encompass 19 key sectors identified by both nations in talks held in April. The timing could coincide with a potential visit by President Trump to India during the, further underscoring the strategic importance of the deal. The final stage will be a full-fledged trade agreement, which would require approval from the US Congress. Officials estimate this phase may only be completed in the coming year. Also Read More: How AI and Cloud Are Revolutionizing Test Automation India was among the first countries to initiate trade discussions with the US following Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the White House in February, shortly after Trump took office. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral trade and aimed to conclude the first part of the deal by fall. Since then, India has prioritized achieving early trade benefits ahead of the tariff deadline. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick held talks on May 19 to speed up the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Goyal described the meeting as 'good discussions' on X. Goyal, Indias Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, and a large Indian delegation have been in the US since May 17 for trade deal negotiations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held crucial discussions with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on May 19 to expedite the first tranche of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The meeting is part of broader efforts to scale up bilateral trade under 'Mission 500', which aims to more than double trade to $500 billion by 2030. Goyal, who has been in the US since May 17 along with Indias Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agarwal and a large team of officials, described the talks as 'good discussions' in a post on X. The current round of negotiations aims to firm up a scaled-down version of the BTA within the next 45 days, although finalisation of the first tranche is expected by September or October. The two sides are currently discussing sectoral specifics, with India offering zero-to-zero tariffs on industrial goods, while seeking safeguards for sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. Also Read More: The Role of Hobbies in Future-Ready Education This round of talks comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps recent comment on May 15, stating that India has offered us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariff, However, Indian officials have been cautious. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded the same day, noting that the negotiations remain complex and far from being finalised. In this Oct. 26, 2022 photo, students return to Tottenville High School the day after a 14-year-old was shot outside the school. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. News of multiple arrests in a 2022 shooting outside Tottenville High School has elicited an array of emotions from the surrounding community, while some view the incident as an opportunity to get more involved. Law enforcement officials said the shooting, perpetrated by teenagers, stemmed from a gang-related feud between opposing crews on the boroughs North Shore. Meanwhile, the person shot was an unsuspecting, 14-year-old bystander who took a stray bullet to the leg. An MTA bus also was struck by gunfire in the ordeal. The following individuals were charged in the case: Davon Patterson, 20, of Tompkinsville; Tashawn Rice, 19, of St. George; Anais Udechuck, 19, of New Brighton; Nelson Vanleuvan, 18, of New Brighton; Peter Ramin, 17, of Graniteville, and Matthew Gonzalez, 17, of Port Richmond. A spokesperson for New York City Department of Education did not return a request for comment this week. Social media reacts When news of the arrests broke, dozens of people reacted on social media. One woman commented on Instagram: My son ran for his life that day. Another woman said: That was a horrifying day, followed by a crying emoji. In this Oct. 25, 2022 photo, police respond to a teenager shot in the leg near Tottenville High School. Some expressed frustration with the timing of the arrests. Wrote one man: About time.. I was losing faith in the justice system. The NYPD in 2022 released images of individuals sought for questioning in connection with the shooting outside Tottenville High School. (Courtesy of NYPD) The day after The day after the shooting, students spoke with the Advance/SILive.com about returning to school. Im not scared, but definitely nervous... this is just not something that you expect, said Jared Posadas, a senior at the time. A freshman who was friends with the victim told the Advance/SILive.com she felt the school was very good with security and metal detectors. Violence interrupter group seeks peace between feuding gangs In this 2021 photo, members of the NYPD speak with violence interrupter group True2Life outside Susan Wagner High School, following a series of alarming incidents of youth violence. While most of the responses on social media ranged from relief to anger, one community-based group said the arrests provide an opportunity to extend their message to the right people. True2Life Staten Island a city-funded violence interrupter group that helps to advise families impacted by crime and the socioeconomic factors driving it responded to the school in the days that followed the shooting. We were just there to provide a level of safety and comfort, said Mike Perry, program director for the group. We spoke with principals and counselors ... shook hands with students and introduced ourselves. During a similar response at Wagner High School in 2021, after a series of violent altercations in and around the location, the group peacefully turned away a car full of young men who pulled up looking for a fight, the Advance/SILive.com reported at the time. Now, in light of several young people being named in connection with the Tottenville incident, the group can attempt to connect with the groups feuding and families of the young people directly involved, Perry explained. In this June 7, 2021 photo, True2Life hosts Peace in the Park at Clove Lakes Park to raise awareness of gun violence and promote peace among Staten Island youth. It provides a moment that we can get in between particular neighborhoods ... using an unfortunate situation to push our message. In talks with young people at risk or already involved in street violence, True2Life has worked to assemble leaders of feuding crews to try to work out resolutions. The group also has become involved in classrooms where Staten Island students are most impacted by violence, as part of the citys Project PIVOT initiative. According to the New York City Public Schools website, participants work to examine themselves and explore new possibilities to identify true passions in their lives; and turn obstacles they have faced into opportunities for growth. Teenagers involved in gang activity on Staten Island typically are part of street-level crews made up of 20 or more individuals, based out of different neighborhoods across the North Shore. In some cases, law enforcement officials have identified connections to larger, national criminal organizations such as the East Coast Bloods and Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation. If we can identify a group, we can help get them jobs and a way out, Perry said. We can see what their home life is like and what theyre dealing with; reach out to the parents and give them support. Were always praying for everyone involved. Surreal: School safety agent In October 2022, School Safety Agent Peter Mattera responded to a student shot outside Tottenville High School. It was a Tuesday at dismissal time when School Safety Agent Peter Mattera, who was standing at his usual post outside Tottenville High School, heard multiple gunshots. Mattera saw the 14-year-old fall to the ground just across the street from him, as teenagers fled in every direction. I came down on my knee, and I started to apply a tourniquet to his right ankle, Mattera told the Advance/SILive.com at the time. He was bleeding profusely. He was nervous. He thought he was going to lose his leg, said Mattera, who in reflecting on his years experience at the school described the shooting as surreal. No expiration date: D.A. McMahon In this April 23, 2025 photo, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at an event outside Borough Hall in St. George. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley) District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued a statement following the arrests last month, saying in part: Justice has no expiration date. All incidents of gun violence let alone those that are committed in and around our boroughs schools will never be tolerated, and my office will not rest until the perpetrators of violence are held accountable no matter how long it takes. While this harrowing incident may have occurred almost three years ago, the resilient efforts of law enforcement and the unwavering partnership between the NYPD and my office have ensured that there will be no quarter for those who jeopardize the safety of Staten Islands students and schools. Immediately following the incident, Borough President Vito Fossella held a press conference a block away from the school. What happened today was a tragedy, said Fossella. Theres a family whose son was shot, and that should not be (happening on) this day...and in this community. The death of TikTok influencer Emilie Kisers toddler son is under investigation by police in Arizona, the New York Post reported The 3-year-old, Trigg Kiser, died Sunday nearly a week after he was pulled from a backyard pool in the area of Chandler Heights, Arizona. Authorities there stated emergency crews responded to a report of a drowning at a home and found the boy in need of medical attention, KBTX reported. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, then was later flown to Phoenix Childrens Hospital due to the extent of his injuries. BP Vito Fossella, the U.S. Navy and Catholic Charities of Staten Island welcome 1,700 Staten Island students for a day of military activities, demonstrations and performances at the CYO MIV Center at Mount Loretto on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. It was a day of school even Ferris Bueller wouldnt miss. Seventy-five busloads of excited grade schoolers were on hand Tuesday morning as they traded in their pencils for the day while the U.S. Navy treated them to an aerial show and immersive experiences as it kicked off Fleet Week. Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro with Jane's Addiction perform in 2016. Navarro now says the band is finished after Farrell punched him on stage during a 2024 Boston gig. (Photo by Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP) Alternative rock pioneers Janes Addiction excited fans this past September with a reunion tour that featured their original lineup back on stage after a 14-year hiatus it wasnt meant to be. During a concert in Boston, frontman Perry Farrell threw a punch at guitarist Dave Navarro for undisclosed reasons. The two were pulled apart, the rest of the tour was cancelled, and Farrell would go on to make the requisite apology: Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation, he said in a statement. Now Navarro says theres no chance to ever play together again, as far as the Grammy-nominated band is concerned. There was an altercation onstage, and all the hard work and dedication and writing and hours in the studio and picking up and leaving home and crisscrossing the country and Europe and trying to overcome my illness (Navarro has previously stated hes suffered with long COVID") it all came to a screeching halt and forever destroyed the bands life, he said in an interview with Guitar Player. Referring to the show his least favorite gig, Navarro went on to say that along with fellow bandmates Stephen Perkins and Eric Avery, the band was gelling, really, for the first time and that there was no ego issue; it was just four guys making great music, just like we did in the beginning, In the days following the on-stage altercation, the band said in a statement that they needed to take some time away as a group, before revealing the reason to be Farrells behavior, according to USA Today. Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs, the band said at the time. We can see no solution that would either ensure a safe environment onstage or reliably allow us to deliver a great performance on a nightly basis. A 30-year-old unlicensed New Jersey mom struck and killed her baby Saturday while moving a vehicle in a garage in what authorities described as a tragic accident. Wendy Castillo-Torres was using a friends garage in Jackson to clean vehicles while her son was in a bouncer seat in the garage between two cars when the accident happened, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said Monday. Instead of putting the vehicle in reverse, Castillo-Torres put it in drive and hit the 10-month-old, officials said. She immediately backed up the vehicle, while another person called 911. The boy died of his injuries at an area hospital after being hit at about 6:15 p.m. Castillo-Torres, of Lakehurst, was charged with causing a death while driving without a valid drivers license. She was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Attorney information for Castillo-Torres wasnt immediately available. Our investigation indicates that this is a tragic accident, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer said. The garage is at a residence on Grawtown Road. D.A. Michael E. McMahon, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Staten Island Alumnae Chapter hosted a safe shredding event in Randall Manor on Sunday, May, 18, 2025. (Courtesy of Richmond County District Attorney's Office) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Sunday, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon partnered with State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Staten Island Alumnae to host a free document shredding event at the Temple Israel Reform Congregation in Randall Manor. While my office is proud to have successfully prosecuted countless scammers and secured millions of dollars in restitution for scam victims and their families, prevention remains the best way to safeguard your personal information and hard-earned money, McMahon said. The district attorney went on to say that nearly 200 residents participated in this past weekends event, disposing of their sensitive and personal documents in a safe and secure manner as part of an ongoing effort to prevent identity theft and combat savvy scammers. Im proud to once again partner with District Attorney Michael McMahon and the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for another safe shredding event, Scarcella-Spanton said. State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton carries a box of material destined for the shredder during a safe shredding event in Randall Manor on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Courtesy of Richmond County District Attorney's Office) She also stressed the serious nature of identity theft and the importance of providing Islanders with secure options for disposing sensitive documents. Im grateful to help provide this free resource to our community so my constituents can take proactive steps to protect their personal information, Scarcella-Spanton said. Members of the Art Club at Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49) in Stapleton pose for a photo. They participated in the "Let's Grow Together" project. On Monday, May 19, 2025, they unveiled the final wall adjacent to the front of the school by artist Mona Oman. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Creating school murals has become a way to honor teachers, parents and communities while enriching the school environment. On Nov. 20, 2023, Dreyfus Intermediate School (I.S. 49) and The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island hosted the official unveiling of the first section of a mural painted on the entrance wall of their Stapleton building for the Lets Grow Together project. On Monday, they unveiled the final wall adjacent to the front of the school. The colorful and celebratory mural promotes joy and beauty for students, teachers, and the whole community while introducing students to the native plants in our surroundings. Art Club members from I.S. 49 and a group from Eagle Academy learned the difficulty in layering colors in the hot sun and scaling the subject to a wall-sized canvas. 17 1 / 17 New murals at I.S. 49 and PS 45 Artist Mona Oman of Livingston, who has been painting murals for her community and public schools since 2015, called the effort her Lets Grow Together project. There is no better way to achieve connection than to present our community with bright, colorful imagery of wildlife native to our hometown of Staten Island, Oman previously told the Advance/SILive.com. A mural dedication at PS 45 in West Brighton highlights the life work of teacher Wayne Stonnell. Here, standing in front of the first floor painting, is Barbara Stonnell, left, artist Josue M. Mendez, and Principal Nicole Vega. (Photo courtesy of PS 45) West Brighton mural At PS 45, the John Tyler School in West Brighton, a former teacher, Wayne R. Stonnell, was posthumously honored with the dedication of a music-themed mural designed in his memory. The mural is now displayed on the first floor at PS 45, where he taught for nearly 30 years. During the 1960s, Stonnell was one of the original teachers who created an experimental out-of-the-classroom-style program for students who opted out of traditional education on Staten Island. This mural showcases his dedication to music and the arts, reflecting his role in playing the piano and accompanying all school assemblies during his time at PS 45. The mural was created by Josue M. Mendez and donated by Stonnells wife, Barbara Stonnell. Free memory screenings will be held next month at Richmond Behavioral Associates in Graniteville for those 50 years of age and over. (Getty Images/Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler) (Getty Images/Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Free memory screenings will be offered to Staten Islanders next month by a Graniteville clinical research center. The Alzheimers disease screenings will take place on June 2, June 3 and June 4 at Richmond Behavioral Associates, one of only a handful of such clinical research units in the New York metropolitan area. While in-person screenings are preferred, the screenings can be administered virtually to those who have difficulty traveling to the center, with questions asked by phone. Dr. Adam Smith, the centers director of research, said the confidential screenings involve providing a family history and taking a memory test. They are part of a statewide memory screening initiative for adults aged 50 and older. In addition to the free cognitive assessment, participants will receive information about aging, memory, lifestyle factors and referrals to appropriate community resources. After screening for Alzheimers disease, some may be invited by the centers researchers to participate in clinical trials. Lifestyle changes will also be explored and explained to participants. Early diagnoses of Alzheimers disease are critical to better outcomes, as medical research continues in the United States and new treatments and blood testing have been approved in recent years, according to Dr. Romana Kulikova, a neurologist at the center. The benefit of coming into the study is you know where you are, the stages of the disease, at the beginning,' she said. So much is happening in the field of Alzheimers research." Medications approved recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been shown to slow or even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimers disease, improving quality of life for those with the illness, Smith said. Local families in recent years have told the Advance/SIlive.com about the benefits of early detection. More than 100 people are expected to be seen during the three days, said Smith, so early registration is encouraged. Those found to have certain risk factors or other test results will be offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of new treatments, Smith said. The disease should be treated with the same urgency as other diseases, he said, though oftentimes it is not, and testing is put off. There is a resistance,' he said. Its partly a fear of this illness. Theres nobody who doesnt know somebody personally who hasnt been affected by it." Alzheimers disease research and early treatment and education have become a priority in private research as well as on the part of the federal government, and for good reason, Smith said. The government is concerned about it, he said. Theres a tremendous cost to the health-care system alone for this illness, let alone the stress that it causes family members, missed work, the agitated symptoms that are common as the disease progresses, and those can be well-managed." Richmond Behavioral Associates is located at 260 Christopher Lane, Suite 3F. It is near Stop & Shop and Applebees. Anyone interested is asked to call 718-317-5522, ext. 3, or schedule through the website at www.memoryscreenssi.com. Pope Leo XIV during his first Mass as pontiff on Sunday appeared to take a subtle dig at President Donald Trump. The pope was also said to have snubbed Vice President JD Vance after the Mass, even though the two men met the following day. 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 during his sermon on Sunday. The Daily Beast reported that the words appeared to be a dig at Trumps immigration and deportation policies. The pope also appeared to snub Vance following the Mass. Leo was reported to have offered Vance just a brief greeting following the service while the pontiff went on to hold extensive private meetings with other world leaders who were there. Leo and Vance shook hands during a 17-second exchange as the pope made his way down a procession line of dignitaries following services. Leo, the first American-born pope in history, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra on Sunday following the Mass. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the pope on Monday, where Vance on behalf of Trump invited Leo to visit the United States. Vance also met with officials at the Vaticans Secretariat of State, the Churchs top diplomatic office, per NPR. A Vatican readout called those talks cordial. There was an exchange of views on some current international issues, calling for respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict and for a negotiated solution between the parties involved, the readout said. Before becoming pope, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, of Chicago, had been critical of Trump and Vance on social media. Vance, a convert to Catholicism, brushed off any prior criticism by Leo, saying earlier this month, I try not to play the politicization of the pope game. 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! The drilling program is expected to kick-off in about four weeks, subject to receipt of the relevant approvals. Advance recently raised $2.55 million from a share placement and is fully funded to complete an expanded drilling program at the project site. Management is also considering further drilling at Twist Creek and its Barwidgee prospect in the central portion of the Myrtleford project, pending receipt of drilling results. The company recently revealed stellar grades from an 85-sample rock chip program, with grab samples of 42.5g/t, 26.2g/t and 23.2g/t gold at Sheards Reef, along trend from the Happy Valley drill site. At Barwidgee, peak values of gold going 24.8g/t and 21.9g/t were found at its Quatre Bas and Happy Go Lucky prospects, with 12.8g/t at the companys Initiator prospect, 2km northwest. Its highest-grade find of 66.7g/t and a solid 24.3g/t were found at the companys Victoria prospect, and rock-solid grades of 39.1g/t and 23.7g/t were recorded at the Danish prospect, both within its Twist Creek ground. The strong grab samples from different areas within the Myrtleford project illustrate its potential, with many prospective areas untested by the drill bit. Advance recently signed a binding agreement with Serra Energy Metals Corporation to acquire 80 per cent of Myrtleford and separate Beaufort gold project via a joint venture. Under the deal, Advance will acquire 80 per cent of the fully paid shares in E79 Resources, the legal owner of the tenements comprising the two Victorian projects. The company is purchasing its stake in E79 via an initial issue of company shares, followed by three staged payments made by issuing further shares, plus a 1 per cent net smelter royalty from gold production. The promising Beaufort project is in Victorias southwest, 145km west of Melbourne. The region has produced more than one million ounces of alluvial gold. It is close to the world-class, 22M-ounce Bendigo goldfields and the renowned Fosterville underground gold mine, which produced more than 300,000 ounces of high-grade gold in 2023. The company also has the drill bit spinning at its latest project grounds in Mexico, where it kicked off a diamond drilling campaign at its recently acquired, high-grade Yoquivo silver-gold project in southwest Chihuahua. Drilling is planned to test along strike and down dip from previous stunning intersections, which included 6.2m grading a massive 2404g/t silver with a 17.2g/t gold slice from 64.8m depth, 1.2m going 1895g/t silver and 34g/t gold from 47.3m, and 1.5m at 1473g/t silver and 4g/t gold from 100.2m. A further impressive 3.05m hit returned 668g/t silver and 3.9g/t gold from 117.8m. Yoquivo hosts a foreign estimate mineral resource of 937,000 tonnes grading 570g/t silver-equivalent for 17.23M ounces silver-equivalent from more than 16,500m of drilling. Advances Myrtleford project appears to have plenty of potential upside at Happy Valley and Twist Creek. Throw in the Beaufort project sitting in a world-class zone and its promising Mexican project and the company might be on a path to a bright future. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au This enhanced strength particularly applies to finely ground metakaolin products used with coarse cement components, such as sand and gravel. Green360 Technologies executive chairman Aaron Banks said: The successful production of metakaolin from our resources and deposits is a significant milestone for the company. This achievement allows us to rapidly pursue testing and optimisation of low-carbon cement formulations utilising our own metakaolin and industrial byproducts to ultimately deliver low-cost, low-carbon alternatives to traditional Portland cement. Murdochs testwork has shown that Green360s metakaolin has a very high amorphous content, greater than 88 per cent and a correspondingly very low residual crystalline content, placing the companys product among the highest quality available. The company says other Australian metakaolin products typically range from 55 per cent to 75 per cent amorphous content, depending on their source material, quality and processing conditions. In general, the addition of metakaolin contributes to a denser microstructure in concrete, which increases the durability and longevity of structures in which it is used. This attribute makes the material suitable to partially replace traditional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and for use in premium structural concretes for specific high-strength applications. Importantly, metakaolin production emits far less carbon dioxide than OPC manufacturing. Also, in a beneficial double whammy, metakaolin replaces some of the OPC that would otherwise be used in concrete, eliminating some of its vast carbon dioxide emissions. Other additives such as fly-ash and furnace slag are often added to cements, but they are typically coarser and have varying consistencies, strengths and reactivities. Green360 is progressing to the next development stage of its new high-quality metakaolin, kicking off real-world commercial-scale concrete trials with its joint-venture partner PERMAcast. The company is designing its metakaolin/cement formulations in cooperation with both Murdoch University and PERMAcast to meet Australian standards. The company has already begun its trial batches using the new formulations, which will be subject to key short and long-term performance tests, including workability, ease of finishing, slump retention, temperature sensitivity and setting times. The test regimen will also examine the new cement/concrete compatibility with other additives such as plasticisers, to ensure it will perform to real-world precast standards. Green360 will also run parallel test comparisons with other typical standard industry concrete formulations, including OPC with slag and fly-ash cement fillers. These trials are a key step in validating the performance of the companys metakaolin-based low-carbon cement formulations in commercial concrete products. Green360 is making significant strides towards the development and commercialisation of high-quality, low-cost, low-carbon cement formulations, which will address growing pressure for the cement and concrete industry to cut its high carbon footprint. With its breakthrough high-quality metakaolin, the company looks like it is well on the way to playing its part in the green initiative. Slogans in politics come and go. A good organising principle is harder to come by. As he builds a second-term agenda, Anthony Albanese has now landed on the idea of progressive patriotism. Its a new phrase for the prime minister, hinting at an effort to redefine the centre-ground of Australian politics. But is it just a slogan? Or will it act as an organising principle? Anthony Albanese has now landed on the idea of progressive patriotism. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The times do suit a certain kind of patriotic leadership. Doing things the Australian way, in Albaneses own words, has resonated with the public. At a time of global uncertainty and economic concern, people want reassurance about our national values and institutions. They dont want the radical disruption of Trumpism. Albanese has deftly navigated this. While patriotism wasnt a word used much during the election campaign, it acted as sub-theme in debates. It was there in Labors messages about defending Medicare and a social safety net, against the backdrop of Trumps trade war. And it was there in the contrast between Albanese and Dutton as leaders: an incumbent offering fairness versus a challenger offering culture wars. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In announcing a split with the Liberals, National Party leader David Littleproud said the time apart was for us to be better (Coalition broken: Nationals split with Liberals, May 20). Honest talking its not you, its me. The Liberals will now be free to craft energy and climate-change policies that have a contemporary look and feel to them. All well and good, but what happens when the Nationals get lonely again and front up with more right-wing policies. Ill bet Sussan Ley just cant wait. Joe Weller, Mittagong Credit: Cathy Wilcox So its official the Liberal Party has cleaved from the National Party. I sincerely hope the anti-Labor political parties (for that is essentially what they are) can get their act together because Australia needs a credible opposition to avoid the dangers of a one-party state. Democracy is such a precious commodity that it must be guarded jealously by everyone on both sides of the political spectrum. Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga Much has been said about the Liberals difficulties with women. Watching the news conference with David Littleproud, these problems pale in comparison to the Nationals stance. David Littleproud spoke in the most patronising way about Sussan Ley, as though she was a naughty girl needing to do her punishment and admit her transgressions before he would consider allowing the Liberals to rejoin a Coalition. He even referred to her as a lady rather than the more respectful woman at one stage. It was a master class in misogyny from the Nationals. Toni Lorentzen, Fennell Bay So much for the Nationals vow to listen to the people. Splitting over nuclear power was plain stupid because nuclear power was never going to happen. Its entirely possible that the Nationals will self-destruct. However, provided Sussan Ley is able to prevent a civil war in her party, the Liberals have a chance of recovering sooner rather than later. Graham Lum, North Rocks The Nationals are now no more than an activist right-wing party with less power and influence than the Greens on the left. Shooting themselves in the foot is a predilection they have had for a while now. And well done, Sussan Ley, for standing your ground in answer to nonsensical demands. You are principled and so unlike Angus Taylor. The Nationals continue to be the party that keeps giving to a Labor Party determined to cement itself as the party representing middle Australia, wherever they live. Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill The split in the Coalition signals that the now more successful Nationals see their boat tethered to populist parties. Littleproud says they wont fight over crumbs, so you can bet they want the full buffet. This means theyll play for more fringe city seats with the hope of preferences from right-wing populists. Christopher Hill, Kensington Advertisement The Nationals are now on their own and therefore a minor party. The Greens are no longer the minor party but clearly the third force in parliament, with more members than the Nats. Looks like more was lost than first thought. Richard Lynch, Belbora Nationals leader David Littleproud (centre) with Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and deputy leader Kevin Hogan on Tuesday. Credit: AAP I agree with correspondent Brendan Jones that no party should view itself as the natural party of good government (Letters, May 20). We have heard this claim from the Coalition for decades and judging by recent comments from shell-shocked MPs, they still believe this. They had three years since 2022 to form a credible opposition and seemingly sat on their hands believing their Trumpian leader would bully the electorate into returning them to their rightful position in government. Well, the Nationals have taken a historic stand, so Liberals, its time to keep quiet and concentrate on getting your house in order behind closed doors before you lose even more credibility. You were actually never the natural party of government. James Allison, Dover Heights Israel outrage too little too late Your headline reads (Australia blasts Israel in joint statement demanding aid for starving Gazans, May 20). This is not a blast. This is a bleat coming three months after Israel stopped all food entering into Gaza and weeks after the first pictures of emaciated children started appearing on our screens. It is widely accepted, including by the ICC, that Israel is committing war crimes in Palestine. To issue a statement at this juncture appears to be more window-dressing so future generations will not judge their inaction, rather than any real desire to seek justice for Palestine. Gina Hay, Bayview The ad hominem pile-on in response to Jamie Hyamss letter (Letters, May 20) simply shows how upset some people get when presented with facts that expose the flaws in their preferred narrative. Thats hardly a surprise in todays polarised and increasingly uncivil public sphere, but I am surprised by how unwilling these letter writers seem to accept that Hamas bears any responsibility for the tragic plight of Gazas civilians. Do those who condemn Israel and demand it refrain from further attacks really want Hamas to remain in control of Gaza and continue their long, sordid history of oppressing Gazas people, stealing their aid and regularly starting disastrous wars? If not, how else do they propose the Hamas scourge be removed and replaced with an administration that rules for the benefit of Gazas people, rather than pursuing, at all costs, a genocidal, terrorist ideology? Athol Morris, Forde (ACT) Israel will allow a basic amount of food aid into Gaza. Credit: Getty Images Advertisement Those who still press for a two-state solution should listen to Israel. In statement after statement, Israel has been adamant they will not accept a two-state solution. We should believe them. So what options does that leave? There are only three. A one-state solution with equal rights for all anathema to Israel given the demographics or one state with unequal rights, which would be equally unpalatable. From Israels point of view, it would seem the best option is to get rid of everyone in Gaza. With the relentless bombing, destruction of all infrastructure, the killing and terrorising of civilians, it seems obvious which option they have chosen. Yet, in the face of that, we stay silent. Shame on us. Hans Knutzelius, Balmain Bradfield recount We know democracy is a messy business, but if Gisele Kapterian had any sense of fair play she would concede defeat now (Teal edges ahead in Bradfield, May 19). If Liberal voters had known that she was being actively supported by a religious sect during the election, many may not have voted for her. So if she wins it will be with the accusation that it was by dubious means. While shes a perfectly nice person, she was thrown in at the last minute under the tagline international lawyer. Democracy is being sorely tested by the 50 per cent rule; candidates should have to get at least 60 per cent to achieve the unequivocal acceptance of their electorate. James Cryer, Castlecrag Teal candidate for Bradfield Nicolette Boele. Credit: Thomas Wielecki Logging off After reading the report on the loss-making state forest logging by Forestry Corp, I am pleased that the delays caused by months of rain up here were blamed (MPs call for state government to end its fiscally irrational logging, May 19). I will now stop whining about the weather and hope it keeps them from logging. Congratulations to the crossbenchers, who are very sensibly opposing the practice in all native forests. Kris McKeon, Goonellabah Advertisement Berejiklians rail fail Sydney peak hour trains may well run late on a regular basis (Rail fail as commuters hit by peak hour delays, May 18) but the blowout in costs of the rail system, particularly the new Mariyung intercity commuter trains, can be sheeted home to the previous Liberal government, particularly to then-transport minister and former premier Gladys Berejiklian who, in a politically ideological agenda, had the new trains ordered as driver-only. The impasse with the rail union was only resolved when then-premier Dominic Perrottet was facing re-election. His government could hardly have had the then-opposition saying that he couldnt even get the trains to run, let alone on time. The decision to require a guard, responsible for monitoring the complex computerised operation of the train, along with providing first aid to passengers when required, meant that hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent to retrofit the new rolling stock. Saint Gladys? I dont think so. Murray McLachlan, Wyong Bradley Wynne from Croydon must be pulling our leg (Letters, May 20). He lists a series of problems associated with transport projects, then has the temerity to suggest a whole new department will solve these, as if bureaucracy is the solution to all perceived ills. I, for one, am glad to be able to catch the CBD light rail to work every day. The Parramatta light rail is actually already operating. The Opal card has been extremely well received after the bungled T-Card before it. Sydneys ferries have excellent on-time running and performance. The trains that are too wide are actually the width of every other train. The tunnels themselves were not to the networks standard, and have been widened. And the new airport with a new rail link, well, that will be the first major airport in Australia to open with one, and before Melbourne even gets one to boot. As for departments to review things, we already have one the NSW Audit Office. Sydney should celebrate how far our transport system has come in the past decade, while acknowledging there is plenty more work to do. Sometimes doing big things is difficult and complicated, but not doing them leaves us far worse off. And there is clearly far more that needs to be done. Ash Roth, Sydney Wendy Cousins of Balgownie raises an issue dear to the hearts of most people in regional areas (Letters, May 20). Try getting to Tenterfield. You can get a daily train to Armidale from Sydney in eight hours but if you want to go further north forget it. The line from Tenterfield to Armidale has not been operational for 22 years. Residents needing to see a doctor, dentist or even get to a boarding school need someone to drive them to Armidale. With the 2032 Games looming, even people south of Tamworth are keen to see the line reopened to Wallangarra and on to Brisbane. Governments need to work together to remedy this woeful situation. Deni McKenzie, Armidale Help the homeless It is deeply disturbing to read about the extraordinary wealth in so few hands when so many Australians are homeless (What you need to earn to be in the top 1 per cent in your Sydney suburb, May 20). As a Sydneysider, I feel ashamed to see young and old alike sleeping rough under bridges and in shop doorways in the city. Close to my home, the homeless live in cars and vans near the beach while others live in makeshift camps in the bush, from where council moves them on from time to time. It gets worse each year. No one deserves to live like this. Its high time our government overhauled our tax system to share this wealth a little more equitably. Ingrid Haydon, Long Jetty Advertisement Biden was better In his article (Biden diagnosed with cancer, May 20), Michael Koziol relates that in the book Original Sin about the failure of Joe Bidens 2024 presidential campaign five people were running the country and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board. Sounds like utopia to me compared to the scatterbrain amateurs now running the country and fiddling while countries burn. It is a sad outcome for a true gentleman. Lance Dover, Pretty Beach Joe Biden has announced he has aggressive prostate cancer. Credit: AP Speak of the devil What perfect timing. The very day after Ross Gittins exquisite skewering of big business on the issue of productivity (What businesspeople say about productivity is usually thinly disguised rent-seeking, May 19), we get Bran Black of the Business Council arguing that government needs to cut red tape, increase R&D tax incentives, address our retrograde taxation system and pursue fair and balanced industrial relations reform to make productivity progress (Cutting red tape is essential for productivity boost, May 20). Not a word from Mr Black about businesses being entrepreneurial and taking risks in the pursuit of profit only ways for the government to help big business be entrepreneurial and take risks. In other words, feather the big business nest. Ross Christ, Normanhurst Big brothers In his article on Australia becoming a hub for US AI, Peter Hatcher mentions unexplained communication devices found in Chinese made solar power equipment allowing outside control (Australia could be a hub for US AI, May 20). I wonder how many of the plethora of Chinese-made vehicles flooding our roads also have these instruments? Tesla is not our only big brother. John Elder, Brisbane (Qld) Advertisement Thanks for joining us for live coverage of the news today. We will have more for you in the next live news coverage. If youre just catching up, here are some of the top stories making headlines today: The home of a missing girl who vanished in Bundaberg after reportedly being dropped off for a flight has been declared a crime scene. Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy will not criticise an officer who was filmed throwing a mobile speed radar at a car being driven recklessly on the Sunshine Coast. A class action has been filed against the Queensland government, alleging the Health Department withheld adequate medication and was racially discriminatory towards patients, forcing some mothers to seek alternative hospitals, only for their children to die. The Brisbane City Council is releasing all reports linked to maintenance and restoration of footpaths on the Story Bridge, after weeks of mounting pressure from the public and opposition councillors. Incumbent Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has revealed the measures taken to ensure his injury curse of the past two seasons does not occur again, as he sets his sights on Super Rugby Pacific glory and a British and Irish Lions crusade. And the worlds richest man Elon Musk says he will cut back or completely stop his record-breaking political spending following a bruising start to 2025 in which he ploughed millions into a judicial election and shares in his car company Tesla sank. Sexual assault victims advocate Brittany Higgins has taken aim at the Queensland government over its latest delay to workplace safety law reform, as it seeks further consultation. Higgins accused the Crisafulli government of not taking the concerns of women in its state seriously after it pushed back legislation, part of broader changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act. The Respect at Work reforms were passed by the previous state Labor government, and were set to introduce a legal obligation on the public and private sectors to do all they could to eliminate discrimination and harassment. Former federal political staffer Brittany Higgins remains a vocal advocate for reform on sexual harassment policy within the workplace. Credit: Steven Siewert But Attorney-General Deb Frecklington last week confirmed the implementation of the laws would be paused to allow more consultation and policy work. There was a time when the hard men of the Nationals it was always men struck mortal fear into Liberal leaders. They got their own way because everyone knew their threats werent empty. It was, of course, a long time ago. Now, as the nation witnessed on Tuesday, the Nationals, desperately feigning toughness, were reduced to stamping their feet and announcing they were separating from the much-weakened Liberals. The stuff of political legend former Country Party leader Black Jack John McEwen in 1952. Credit: Fairfax archives It seemed, now that neither the Liberals nor the Nationals retain the numbers to have any serious effect on the doings of parliament, not much more than a performative tantrum, a version of the old two bald people arguing over a comb. When will we know for sure if the Coalition will split? Littleproud said he had a productive meeting with Ley and said he agreed to her request for time to convene a meeting of Liberal MPs to discuss the Nationals four policy demands for a Coalition agreement. Both Littleproud and Ley had planned to unveil their separate portfolio spokespeople on Thursday afternoon. But Littleproud said he had sent his team home from Canberra in good faith, and that Ley would also refrain from unveiling her frontbench pending further Liberal party room meetings. This is a positive step forward, one in which weve always said wed be productive and constructive, and I think the Nationals have acted in good faith, he said. Im proud to say that well allow this process to take place and the Liberal Party to convene at whatever period is for them and convenient for them, and I think that is the way forward in a mature and sensible. At this stage, neither Littleproud or Ley have set a specific timeline for the period that is convenient for them [the Liberal Party]. Why did the split happen in the first place? Essentially, the Nationals gave Opposition Leader Sussan Ley an ultimatum, and she refused to agree to their terms. The Nationals boss cast himself as the protagonist who refused to bend on four policies which he said were non-negotiable. The Liberals and Nationals meet after every election, whether they are in government or opposition, to thrash out a deal known as the Coalition agreement. This has typically centred on how many frontbench positions are allocated to each party, and which portfolios they hold. What changed this time around was the Nationals hardline demands over specific policy positions. When announcing the split, Littleproud said the Nationals chose to take a principled stance. What does this mean? Loading Littleproud said his party room had taken a vote on four key policies, which were part of the Coalition platform at the past election and needed to be part of a new agreement. We secured in the former Coalition policies that should remain. We dont want to have to look back and to waste energy on trying to re-prosecute the case, he said on Tuesday. These policies are: A commitment to establish a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund to fund infrastructure projects and other services such as childcare facilities; A commitment to legislate federal divestiture powers laws that could be used to break up big businesses such as supermarket chains that abuse market power; A universal service obligation that would oblige telecommunications companies to boost telecommunication coverage across Australia; A commitment to lift Australias ban on nuclear energy. What is the history of the Liberal-National Coalition? The Liberal-National Coalition has existed since the 1940s, but coalitions on the conservative side of politics have existed in several guises in Australia since 1922. It is not the first time the two parties have split. It happened at least twice in 1972 and the last time in 1987, prompted by the late Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersens ill-judged tilt at becoming prime minister. Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersens tilt at running for prime minister triggered the last split in the Coalition. Credit: Peter O'Halloran Traditionally, the Liberal Party has targeted urban seats, and former prime minister John Howard famously described it as a broad church which can encompass the views of moderate liberals, economic conservatives and the Nationals. The Nationals represent rural electorates and have been described as agrarian socialists due to their preference for policies that distribute resources to primary producers and communities in the bush. What does this mean for the Nationals and the Liberal Party? The Liberals are set to have about 28 lower house seats and the Nationals 15, which, even when combined, is not enough to block legislation given Labors thumping win at the May election. In the Senate, although final numbers are not determined, the Nationals won four spots in the election, the Liberals 22 and Labor won 28, while the Greens have 11. This means that both conservative parties combined cannot block legislation if the Greens vote with Labor. It also means that the Liberal Party could support the government to pass new laws that the Nationals oppose, or vice versa. One particularly hot topic is Labors plan to reform national environment laws, which was opposed by the Coalition in the previous parliament. However, Ley is a former environment minister and the government is hopeful she could be persuaded to back reforms bitterly opposed by the Nationals. What does it mean for Ley and Littleproud if the split goes ahead? The split cements Littleprouds support in the Nationals party room, which is now united in its split from the Liberals. Queensland senator Matt Canavan and MP Colin Boyce called for a challenge to Littleprouds leadership just last week, urging the party to prosecute the case for regional Australia more aggressively. Nationals MPs are united, at least for the short term, in this bold course of action. However, Littleproud said during his press conference that he hoped the Liberals and Nationals could reunite before the election and said the split was about giving the Liberals time to think about their future. Loading Ley has stood firm in the first big test of her short leadership, after she was elected to the Liberals top job on Tuesday last week. When the postmortems, recriminations and soul-searching ends, there will be one brutal reality for the Liberals in NSW. If the party fails to hold on to Sydneys bluest of blue seats, there will not be a single moderate Liberal from NSW in the House of Representatives. The loss of Bradfield would represent one of the Liberals worst defeats in a horror election for the conservative side of politics. Nicolette Boele and Gisele Kapterian are battling for Bradfield. Credit: Michael Howard The count for Bradfield has been a rollercoaster ride for the Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian and her opponent, teal hopeful Nicolette Boele. The north shore seat was called for Boele on election night by the ABC and Nine, only for Kapterian to forge ahead on the back of postal votes to be in a winnable position several days later. The Liberals federal director Andrew Hirst was comfortable enough with her hold on the count that Kapterian travelled to Canberra to vote for a new leader. Then, as the final votes trickled in, the Liberals were caught off guard. While postal votes usually favour the Coalition, a batch of international ballots swung heavily in Boeles favour. There was some conjecture that it was Australia House in London, the largest overseas polling booth, that hurt Kapterian. When provisional counting ended on Monday, Boele was in front by 39 votes. Preferences are being distributed and if fewer than 100 votes still separate them, there will be a recount. The Liberals range from being despondent to despairing over Bradfield. While some are clinging on to hope, most are expecting the worst. The votes have been through three rounds of counting, a fourth with preferences. The chance of uncovering 40 votes to knock off Boeles lead is slim at best. Bradfield faces being the final nail in the coffin for a party that turned its back on the city to win suburbia. It walked away with neither. Victorias debt will cost taxpayers $36 billion over the next four years in interest more than the projected cost of the entire first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop. At the same time, government spending will add an average of $9.6 billion a year to the states mounting debt pile. While the state has passed the peak of its Big Build infrastructure splurge, with the long-awaited Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel projects both expected to open by the end of this year, the 2025-26 budget papers reveal the government has a whopping $213 billion in capital projects in the works. To pay for this and the bill still outstanding from Victorias COVID-era health and stimulus spending, government debt is forecast to reach $155.5 billion by the end of the current financial year, $167.6 billion by June 30 next year and $194 billion by 2028-29. Three weeks later, his parents took him back to Key Largo after a week of recurrent fevers. Loading Stops told the court GP Dr Chinniah Prabhakar found the boys throat was red, but he otherwise presented as normal. No medication was prescribed, and Sandipans parents were told to come back if their concerns continued. Six days later on March 20, Sandipans parents took him back to the clinic, where GP Dr Sanjeev Rana noted he had pus on his tonsils and a mildly inflamed right ear, but his temperature was only slightly raised at 37.3 degrees after having paracetamol. Rana found Sandipans symptoms suggested tonsilitis and suggested he be treated with antibiotics and paracetamol, and return in two days. He reviewed Sandipan again on March 22 and found his symptoms were persisting, and his temperature was 38.3 degrees. Stops told the court Sandipans parents requested a blood test, but Ranas preference was to refer him to hospital, where they could do a septic screen. Dr Rana suggested the need for blood tests and urine tests and consideration of IV antibiotics if he met the criteria, Stops said. Stops told the court Sandipan was triaged as urgent at Joondalup Health Campus, and while the ED was appropriately staffed at the time, there were no beds immediately available for new admissions. The court was told the hospitals residential medical officer, Dr Caolan OHearrain, noted Sandipans symptoms and found he was distressed and had a heart rate of 170 beats per minute. Stops said OHearrain formed a preliminary diagnosis of viral tonsilitis and presented his case to the supervising ED consultant doctor, Dr Yii Siow, who saw Sandipan twice for formal assessment. The plan at that point was to conduct urine tests and swab for viral infections. Stops told the court there were conflicting reports as to whether Sandipans parents specifically requested blood tests in addition to the GP letter. Sandipans parents recall they asked for blood tests to be taken on at least three occasions, after they suspected there was something serious at play, he said. However, none of the Joondalup Health Campus staff recall the parents requesting blood tests at any stage during the presentation. Medical staff will say they did turn their mind to blood testing and decided not to collect blood samples based on the clinical assessment. Again, this decision, or the rationale for this decision, is not documented or mentioned anywhere in the medical records. There is no reference in the notes to the blood tests that were suggested by the GP being considered. Sandipan and his parents left the hospital at 7pm after he had settled. Stops told the court there was conflicting evidence as to whether the family chose to leave the ED against advice, or whether they were told to leave, with no notes to clarify the situation. Sandipan was rushed back to hospital two days later on March 24 where his condition deteriorated quickly. He died at 10.38pm. During resuscitation attempts, blood test results identified leukaemia, which was confirmed during a post-mortem. Stops told the court acute lymphoblastic leukaemia represented 55 per cent of all blood cancer diagnoses in children up to 14 years old. The incidence is highest in children ages two to four, and it is more common in boys, so Sandipan fell within the most common demographic, he said. Stops cited a Joondalup Health Campus review of the incident that found the identification of the blood cancer would have dramatically changed the course of Sandipans treatment. An initial inquiry, known as a Severity Assessment Code 1 inquiry, found there was a missed opportunity to get his blood tested at his first presentation at hospital. A review commissioned by Ramsay backed the hospitals actions and cleared medical staff of any wrongdoing. Key Largo Medical Centre has so far not met with the parents. WAtoday revealed in March that Labors Riverton MP Jagadish Krishnan owns a 10 per cent share in Key Largo Medical Centre. An Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency investigation cleared the GPs of any wrongdoing in a December report. Beijing: China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tian, which means high sky, is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tian was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. London: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared AUKUS as central to his governments defence policy, pledging unprecedented investment and warning that the UK must treat defence as the first thought in the morning and the last at night. Starmer was joined by new US ambassador Warren Stephens a billionaire private banker and big Republican donor who threw his full support behind the AUKUS pact at a packed event inside the Palace of Westminster on Monday night (Tuesday AEST), calling it vital to global peace, security and prosperity. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at a business reception in London on Monday. Credit: Bloomberg This is not just a project, Starmer told MPs, diplomats and defence leaders in a surprise appearance at the gathering. It is a national endeavour AUKUS strengthens the bonds between our three nations, and it shows that when we talk about security and stability, we mean it in the Indo-Pacific and here at home. Washington: The worlds richest man Elon Musk says he will cut back or completely stop his record-breaking political spending following a bruising start to 2025 in which he ploughed millions into a judicial election and shares in his car company Tesla sank. Musk has also been markedly less visible in Washington and in communications from President Donald Trump and his team. His tenure as a special government employee leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is due to expire at the end of May. An at-times combative Elon Musk appeared by video link at the Qatar Economic Forum. Credit: Bloomberg The chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX spent more than $US250 million ($390 million) supporting Trump in last years election. He sank another $20 million into supporting a Republican-backed judge for the Wisconsin Supreme Court this year, but the Democrat-backed candidate won. In terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, Musk told the Qatar Economic Forum overnight in an awkward and often combative interview by video link from Austin, Texas. I think Ive done enough. If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I dont currently see a reason. THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- The Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten Drs. Gracita Arrindell represented the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) with the theme Cyber Resilience for Development. In the presence of policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, Minister Arrindell at the opening ceremony in her statement by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, The digital revolution has transformed our world in unprecedented ways. It has connected us across continents, fueled economic growth, and empowered individuals. Yet, with these immense opportunities come equally significant challenges. Today, the digital domain is increasingly contested. We witness a concerning rise in cyber threats, digital oppression and attempts to fragment the global internet. The Kingdom of the Netherlands firmly believes that an open, free, and secure digital future is possiblebut only through collaborative effort and shared responsibility. This is why cyber capacity building stands at the heart of our International Cyber Strategy and why we have proudly been the largest supporter to the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise over the past decade. Arrindell added: The Kingdom of the Netherlands has endorsed the Accra call for cyber resilient development. We recognize how cyber capacity building is an integral part of sustainable development. That is also why we work together within the European Union with other partners to develop programmes with an integrated approach to digital transformation. Arrindell: The complex challenges we face in cyberspace cannot be addressed by governments alone. A truly effective approach to cyber capacity building must embrace the multi-stakeholder model that has been the foundation of internet governance from its inception. In closing, the digital future we seekopen, free, and securedoes not exist by chance. It must be deliberately maintained through shared effort and mutual support. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to partner with you all in this vital work. During her closing remarks at the session on, Towards a Cyber and Climate Resilient Digital Transition, Minister Arrindell reflections were delivered on behalf of Sint Maarten. The path forward must be guided by two fundamental principles that emerged clearly from our discussions: First, integration is non-negotiable. Sustainability and security cannot operate in separate domains or follow disconnected road maps. Every digital solution deployed for climate resilience must undergo rigorous security evaluation from inception. Every renewable energy infrastructure project must incorporate cyber protection as a core design element. This isn't optional, its foundational to genuine resilience. Second, collaboration across traditional boundaries is essential. After all hurricanes do not stop at the border. The challenges of the twin transition transcend individual stakeholder capabilities. We need cooperation between technology developers and climate scientists, between security experts and sustainability practitioners, between public sector policymakers and private sector innovators and between developed nations and emerging economies. This important topic underscores the realities of the time we live in. Fragmentation is no longer an option. Fostering stronger partnerships increases global resilience. For Sint Maarten, follow up with concise steps forward from both public and private sectors is imperative for governments large or small in regard to identifying, and or updating existing rules and regulations thereby anchoring the relevant information in a transparent manner necessary to face these challenges head-on. Therefore, in the best interest of our community, sooner rather than later, we must decide on a coherent strategy for becoming a Cyber resilient nation similar to the manner in which Sint Maarten has an emergency response structure in place such as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) where all entities are aware and familiar with each others actions in case of a calamity. After all, as I shared at the closing statement with the Conference, hurricanes do not stop at the border, neither does Cybercrime, Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell concluded. The GC3B took place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 13-14. PHILIPSBURG:--- Exciting news for young readers and educators alike! The Mystery of Turtle Island (LAnse Kawet), the debut book in the thrilling new childrens adventure series The Lost Island of Laborie is making waves and is now available for purchase. This thrilling childrens fiction tale follows four best friends as they navigate the aftermath of a hurricane, searching for their families while uncovering hidden lessons about nature, friendship, perseverance, and courage. Set on the enchanting islet of LAnse Kawet, known only to village elders and the sea creatures of the Caribbean, the book blends adventure with cultural richness of the village. When not exploring the waters, the young heroes engage in traditional games passed down through generations, celebrating African, French, and indigenous influences that form the vibrant fabric of their community. Writing under the pen name Terre, a cherished native name from his grandmother meaning Earth, Peterson honours his roots and pays tribute to the elders and cultural icons who helped shape his early life. He embraces his cultural heritage in this heartwarming adventure, and his storytelling pays homage to iconic figures from his childhood, sharing their wisdom and well-known adages with a new generation. A Must-Read for Young Adventurers. Aimed at children aged 6 to 11, The Mystery of Turtle Island captivates with action-packed storytelling and vivid imagery. Readers are introduced to native Creole words through an engaging glossary with completed translation, making the book an excellent resource for educators celebrating Creole Heritage Day, Jounen Kweyol, and International Mother Tongue Day. Meet the Author. Terre T. J. Peterson is a dynamic transformational leader, father, motivational speaker, and human rights advocate. Peterson holds multiple advanced degrees, including an LL.M, MBA, and M.Phil. His professional journey spans education, law, public service, and finance - where he has led with vision, passion, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting communities. Praise for The Mystery of Turtle Island: An adventure like no other! Four best friends go on a wild journey filled with mystery and excitement. This story is eye-catching and keeps you on the edge of your seat! Tajah A page-turning mystery! Packed with action and surprises, the mix of words and fun pictures makes it even more exciting. We couldnt stop reading! Regal Where to Buy. The Mystery of Turtle Island (LAnse Kawet) is available now at BookBaby, with wider release across major bookstores set for June 30, 2025. Buy now at BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-mystery-of-turtle-island Available for preorders on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ny4cVH For more on the author, visit his LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/peterson-terry-769b47140 PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on May 20, 2025. The Public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be in attendance. The agenda point is: Deliberations with the Minister of Justice on the escalating state of crime, the deteriorating conditions at the Point Blanche Prison, and the vulnerable state of the Justice Ministry (IS/1050/2024-2025 dated May 16, 2025) This meeting was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP F.A. Lacroes and MP L.C.J. Lewis Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx Fifty projects in the running for Oranje Fonds prize As of today, people can vote for which social organization deserves an Appeltje van Oranje. Ten organizations from the Caribbean are contenders. They are organizations that are active in Curacao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Saba. Voting is possible until May 28th via stem.oranjefonds.nl, where an overview of all candidates can be found. Oranje Fonds awards three Appeltjes van Oranje annually to social organizations that matter to others. Indispensable Links The theme of this edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje is Indispensable Links. Organizations that are indispensable in their village, district, city or neighbourhood could enrol themselves. Oranje Fonds is looking for organizations which notice gaps, which register that something is missing in the environment and which provide a solution. That is why they are indispensable; indispensable for those they support, but also indispensable for the governments and partners they work with. With their approach, they build a bridge between the municipality, (care) institutions, other volunteer organizations and the people who need their support, which means they have more impact. Ten-day voting period and pitch day Via the special voting website, people can vote for one of fifty candidates throughout the kingdom of the Netherlands. The public determines which organization with the most votes qualifies directly as a nominee. The other candidates present themselves to each other and to a jury in June during a pitch day. The jury ultimately determines which nine organizations will also receive a nomination. Of these ten nominees, three will receive an Appeltje van Oranje in October. Appeltjes van Oranje Oranje Fonds awards the Appeltjes van Oranje, the prize for initiatives that matter, annually. The prize rewards three initiatives that are committed to an inclusive, involved society. Initiatives that are unique, creative and meaningful and have been active for at least two years are eligible. An Appeltje van Oranje gives an organization appreciation for their work and dedication. The theme of the Appeltjes changes every year. The prize consists of a bronze statue designed and made by Princess Beatrix and a sum of 25,000 euros. This money can be spent freely within the objective of the winning initiative. Every year, Queen Maxima awards the three Appeltjes van Oranje at Paleis Noordeinde. More information: www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes PHILIPSBUG:--- The recent riot at Sint Maarten's central correctional facility (Pointe Blanche Prison) has brought to light troubling shortcomings in the island's justice system. Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has addressed Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling with a detailed series of pressing concerns and questions, underscoring the urgency of reforming the nations prison system. The unresolved issues surrounding the riot, chronic overcapacity, and the general vulnerability of the Ministry of Justice have left both the inmates and the nations justice framework in a precarious state. MP Ottley has demanded clarity on key matters ranging from the handling of the prison fire to broader systemic challenges. His concerns are rooted not only in practical policy issues but also in adherence to international human rights obligations. Unanswered Questions About the Prison Fire The recent fire at the prison raises critical concerns about management and preparedness. MP Ottley seeks clarity on several points: What exactly caused the riot, and has the root cause been resolved? When was the Minister informed about the unrest, and how quickly was an emergency team dispatched to the site? What is the officially required guard-to-inmate ratio, and how does the current ratio compare? Simpson Bay, an unsuitable facility due to its lack of natural daylight, was reopened to accommodate inmates after the fire. MP Ottley questioned how many prisoners were transferred there, whether these were sentenced inmates or those in pre-detention, and what legal basis justified their transfer. He noted that past reports highlighted Simpson Bays inadequacy for housing inmates. Furthermore, Ottley questioned the decision to suspend visitation rights, particularly when the riot was seemingly under control by the same day. He also inquired about the transfer of female inmates, even though they were not affected by the incident. Central to MP Ottleys critique is the acknowledgement that inmates are human beings deserving of dignity and fair treatment. He cited international covenants, such as the ICCPR, Convention Against Torture (CAT), and UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), as benchmarks for required conduct. He raised alarm at possible violations of these standards, including the handling of evacuation during the fire, inadequate medical treatment, and restrictions on family contact. Crisis of Prison Overcapacity The fire exposed deeper issues related to the structural and operational capacities of the prison system. MP Ottley called for both immediate and long-term solutions to the overcrowding crisis, which has severe implications for human rights. He pressed for short-term measures, such as the use of regional partnerships with Curacao and Aruba. He also highlighted the apparent lack of adherence to standards outlined by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which include acceptable cell space, hygiene, food provisions, day programs, and medical care. Ottley urged the Minister to leverage existing legislation, such as Article 1:37 of the Criminal Code, which allows for conditional early release to alleviate overcrowding. He also advocated for the revival of electronic monitoring policies (e-detention) as a way to reduce the pressure on physical facilities. Additionally, he called attention to practices in territories like Aruba, where sentence discounts have been introduced to reduce prison population pressures. Sentence reductions for factors such as rehabilitation efforts or non-violent offenders could serve as a model for Sint Maarten. MP Ottley urged the Minister to reconsider reintroducing ankle bracelet policies for non-violent offenders to promote humane alternatives to detention. Highlighting discrepancies in the system, Ottley criticized the forced release of detainees by the prosecutors office after only ten days due to the lack of space. He described this situation as a failure of the Ministry to take necessary action, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate reforms. Strengthening the Ministry of Justice Beyond the challenges specific to the prisons, MP Ottley focused on the broader vulnerabilities within the Ministry of Justice. He highlighted a lack of progress on recommendations made by the Kingdom Council for Law Enforcement in 2018, and earlier critiques by the CPT in 2014. These recommendations called for coherent strategies to combat overcrowding and reform policies on community sanctions, conditional release, and reintegration. MP Ottley further questioned whether the Ministry plans to decriminalize or reclassify certain offenses, such as minor marijuana-related crimes. He highlighted that a rational distribution of prison capacity could significantly reduce strain on the system, particularly by applying community-based sanctions for non-violent offenses instead of custodial sentences. Training for prison personnel emerged as another area of concern. Ottley inquired about past and planned training programs and requested clarity on the timeline for finalizing the legal position (LB) of prison personnel. Delays in addressing the guards legal framework have reportedly inhibited career growth and prompted dissatisfaction among staff. Ottley emphasized that any adjustments must account for years of service and increased responsibilities. A Call for Accountability and Immediate Action MP Ottleys demands encompass not just solutions for specific incidents but a vision for lasting reform. He urged the Minister to address capacity and resource challenges, uphold international human rights standards, and implement policies that build a fairer and more effective justice system. The challenges facing Sint Maartens prisons are not new, nor are they unique to the island. However, as the recent riot demonstrates, inaction can have disastrous and far-reaching consequences. MP Ottleys appeal to the Minister of Justice is more than a critique; it is a roadmap for urgently needed change. His questions demand answers, his concerns merit action, and his proposals outline steps toward a more humane and just prison system. As the nation looks to its leaders, the Ministry of Justice must rise to the occasion. The prison system should reflect not only the need for safety and order but also the values of dignity, rehabilitation, and respect for human rights. The time for change is now. PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers has directed a series of pointed inquiries to the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, highlighting concerns about prison conditions, overcrowding, fire safety, and policies surrounding inmate management. The questions raised during a parliamentary session shed light on critical issues that demand answers for the sake of transparency and public confidence in the justice system. Age of the Prison and Infrastructure Concerns MP Meyers began by questioning the age of the prison, an important factor in understanding its structural integrity and suitability to house inmates safely. Prisons that are decades old often face challenges such as outdated facilities, heightened maintenance needs, and insufficient capacity to meet modern demands. A particular point of concern was Meyers' statement that the fire incident at the prison "didnt break out" but was "deliberately caused." If true, this allegation raises serious security questions and underscores the need for an inquiry that examines potential gaps in oversight and preventative measures. Such incidents erode trust in the safety and administration of correctional facilities. Overcrowding and Prison Capacity MP Meyers questioning focused on overcrowding. He sought clarity on how long the prison has been over capacity and the duration for which the current inmate-to-space ratio has persisted. Overcrowding is a long-standing issue in many correctional systems globally, often resulting in heightened tensions, resource strain, and inadequate management. The exact capacity of the prison and the number of inmates currently housed remain major factors in addressing these challenges. Meyers' inquiries reinforce the urgency of reevaluating these numbers to ensure humane conditions. Early Release as a Historical Precedent Another query posed related to the use of early release methods for inmates. Specifically, Meyers asked whether any other Minister of Justice had applied such methods. This raises the question of whether such tactics are standard practice or represent a new approach under Minister Tackling's tenure. Early release is often a controversial measure used to alleviate overcrowding, but it can provoke public concern if not accompanied by adequate vetting of candidates for release. The MP asked how many additional batches of inmates are planned for processing under the current early release program and when the process might be completed. Clear communication about these plans would help address public and political skepticism around fairness and accountability. Violent vs. Non-Violent Offenders Addressing prison demographics, Meyers requested the disparity between violent and non-violent offenders currently housed. Differentiating between these groups is crucial for implementing tailored rehabilitation programs, considering public safety risks, and determining appropriate eligibility for early release or alternative sentencing. Accountability for Prison Workers Lastly, Meyers referenced Minister Tackling's commitment to addressing prison workers' conduct and roles. Ensuring accountability among staff is essential to maintaining order, preventing malpractice, and improving the overall functioning of correctional institutions. Meyers remarks suggested a demand for updates on any reforms or disciplinary measures undertaken within this realm. Moving Forward MP Meyers's series of focused questions underscores the pressing need for comprehensive answers from the Ministry of Justice. Issues surrounding prison age, overcrowding, fire safety, and the management of offenders have far-reaching implications for public safety, justice, and human rights. Minister Tacklings responses in upcoming sessions will likely shape the narrative around the government's management of correctional facilities and its approach to criminal justice reform. Transparency and decisive action will be key to addressing these concerns effectively and restoring confidence in the justice system. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling appeared before Parliament to deliver a comprehensive update on the situation at the Pointe Blanche prison in the aftermath of the May 14 fire and subsequent unrest. The Minister's address highlighted the immediate steps taken to restore safety and order, while also addressing long-standing concerns raised by inmates. Concerns Voiced by Detainees Minister Tackling revealed that she had engaged in direct conversations with inmates, where several grievances were brought to light. Detainees expressed dissatisfaction with inconsistencies in early release procedures, insufficient structured programming, and a lack of clear communication regarding their legal status and rights. Many also lamented the limited availability of day-to-day activities within the prison, echoing their frustrations with the slow progress of rehabilitation initiatives. They told me plainly: We have nothing to do, the Minister said. She further explained that agreements to introduce rehabilitation programs with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other partners were in progress before the fire, stating that these initiatives remain a priority. However, she emphasized that the immediate focus is on restoring order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. The issue of fairness in early release procedures also emerged during her discussions. Some inmates questioned why individuals facing similar charges, such as armed robbery, were being released quickly from police detention, while others remained incarcerated at Pointe Blanche. The Minister clarified the distinction between pretrial detention and sentencing but acknowledged the detainees frustration. If I were in their position, Id feel the same way, she admitted. Handling the Crisis Recounting the events of May 14 and 15, Minister Tackling assured Parliament that all inmates had been safely relocated within the facility by the morning after the fire. She expressed gratitude to the Marines for their logistical support and noted that structural assessments conducted by the Fire Department, VROMI engineers, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) had confirmed the building's structural integrity. Nonetheless, she stated that complete restoration is contingent upon specialized cleaning and further testing, which remain ongoing. The Minister confirmed that reinforcements are on the way to address the strain on the prison system and its staff. Fourteen officers from Aruba and Curacao are expected to arrive this week, while six detainees will be transferred to Bonaire. Minister Tackling acknowledged the immense pressure on local personnel but commended their resilience, stating, Despite the crisis, our people have stepped up and stood together. She also provided updates on the injuries sustained during the unrest, reporting that three inmates suffered minor burns and are receiving necessary medical attention. While one individual initially refused treatment, he was subsequently cared for at an emergency facility and continues to be monitored. Temporary Restrictions and Legal Measures Addressing concerns regarding the suspension of visitation and certain inmate privileges, Minister Tackling cited the legal framework under Articles 31 and 32 of prison regulations as the basis for these measures. She emphasized that such restrictions are reassessed every 24 hours and extended only when deemed absolutely necessary for safety. Plans for Pointe Blanches Future Despite the ongoing crisis, Minister Tackling assured Parliament that long-term reform plans remain on track. She confirmed that the Pointe Blanche Prison Redevelopment Project is proceeding as scheduled, with the tender process in motion and construction expected to begin in October 2025. The project's first phase aims to increase the facilitys capacity from 80 to 120 inmates by the end of 2026. Simultaneously, administrative reforms in the justice system continue to move forward. The Minister announced that Batch 13 of the justice worker placement process has been finalized, with work on Batches 14 and 15 progressing as planned. This process is a priority and will not be delayed by the crisis, she stated. A Commitment to Stability and Growth Closing her address, Minister Tackling reaffirmed her commitment to restoring stability, improving communication, and strengthening the justice system. This crisis has tested all of us, she said. But it has also shown our ability to respond, listen, and grow stronger through adversity. Her remarks were met with a call to action for continued collaboration across the justice chain to address the immediate challenges and long-term goals at Pointe Blanche Prison. Recently in a historical powerful and emotional address to the United Nations, Joseline Thielman, a founding member of Muhernan Fuerte (Strong Women Chapter of Pueblo Progresivo Uni) and a veteran police officer with over 30 years of service on the island of Bonaire, delivered a groundbreaking speech exposing the harsh realities facing children of African descent under Dutch colonial rule. Speaking on behalf of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, Thielman addressed the United Nations in New York as a law enforcement professional and a mother. Her plea focused on the psychological and cultural damage inflicted upon Bonairean youth through systemic discrimination in the education system and wider society. Despite my years of experience and unwavering commitment, I stand here today feeling profoundly powerless, Thielman told the international assembly. I can no longer stand idly by as Bonairean children, including my own daughter, are subjected to systematic discrimination, harassment, and psychological harm. Thielman detailed how children of African descent in Bonaire are being stripped of their cultural identity, denied the right to speak their native language, and wrongly labeled as intellectually inferior due to a lack of fluency in Dutch a legacy of the colonial education model imposed after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. This is not a matter of individual shortcomings, she stressed. It is the consequence of an entrenched discriminatory educational and societal structure. The result, she warned, is a mental health crisis among vulnerable youth, marked by increased incidents of trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and involvement in criminal activity all rooted in the frustrations of systemic marginalization. In her speech, Thielman also revealed the personal risks faced by those who speak out, noting that she herself has experienced intimidation and silencing in her efforts to advocate for her child and others rights. Her message was clear and urgent: The children of Bonaire, particularly those of African descent, are in dire need of your intervention. We urgently require your assistance in addressing this profound human rights crisis. This historic address marks a watershed moment in the international recognition of human rights violations occurring in Bonaire, and adds pressure on the Dutch government to address the systemic injustices and colonial remnants impacting its Caribbean territories. https://youtu.be/QAb7GqEZSxI Bonaire Human Rights Organization Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26 Kralendijk, Bonaire Google ramps up AI features in search engine Mountain View, United States, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Google on Tuesday said it was beefing up online searches with even more generative artificial intelligence, as it presses on with embracing AI despite fears for its ad-based business model. CEO Sundar Pichai, speaking at the company's annual developers event, said that Google's search engine would feature a new AI mode, as he boasted that "decades of research" were reaching fruition with the new technology. The search engine's new AI mode goes further than the already launched AI Overviews which display answers to queries from the company's generative AI powers, above the traditional blue links to websites and ads. "New AI mode is a total reimagining of search with more advanced reasoning," said Google chief executive Sundar Pichai, kicking off the tech giant's annual developer's conference in Silicon Valley. "You can ask longer and more complex queries... and you can go further with follow up questions." Google head of search Liz Reid described the freshly unveiled AI mode, which is now available in the US, as a powerful tool with advanced reasoning, multi-modality, and the ability for users to dive deeper into searches. "It searches across the entire web, going way deeper than the traditional search," she said. Since Google debuted Generative AI Overviews in search results at its developers conference a year ago, it has grown to more than 1.5 billion users in a wide array of countries, according to Pichai. "That means Google search is bringing Gen AI to more people than any other product in the world," Pichai said. "As people use AI Overviews, they're increasingly happier with their results and they search more often in our biggest markets, like the US and India." Analysts have expressed concerns that shifting away from pages of "blue links" to AI-generated summaries in Google search would mean fewer opportunities to serve up money-making ads at the heart of the company's business model. This has also caused alarm among website publishers, such as news organizations or Wikipedia, who face a massive drop in traffic with the potential demise of Google search links that have been the main gateway to the internet for the past two decades. Fueling those concerns, Apple executive Eddy Cue testified in federal court recently that Google's search traffic on Apple devices declined in April for the first time in over two decades. Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, told the Washington antitrust trial that Google was losing ground to AI alternatives like ChatGPT and Perplexity, sending Google's shares plummeting. Investors were also unsettled when Cue added that Apple might soon offer AI alternatives as default search options on its devices, heightening concerns that Google's advertising revenue could face serious threats from AI competitors. The testimony came during a pivotal trial where a federal judge could decide that Google needs to sell off key businesses in order to satisfy a previous ruling that its search engine is an illegal monopoly. - 'Ultra' - At its annual developers conference, Google nurtures relationships with creators of apps, platforms or online services, hoping to keep them inspired to sync with the tech firm's offerings. The gathering this year spotlighted AI innovations Google is putting into people's hands as well as some still being crafted by researchers. That work included AI being used for real-time speech translation, trying on clothes virtually using one's own photos, and having the technology watch for desired items to be attractively priced in order to buy them at the right time. In the latest buzz about the technology, AI can act as an "agent" tending to online tasks instead of humans. Google is starting to bring agent capabilities to Chrome and the Gemini AI app, launching first to those paying for subscriptions, according to executives. "All of this will keep getting better," Pichai said. "It's made the Web itself more exciting; people are engaging a lot more across the board." Google announced that its most advanced AI tools would be accessible in an "Ultra" subscription tier costing $250 monthly. Google ramps up search with AI mode Mountain View, United States, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Google on Tuesday said it was beefing up online searches with even more generative artificial intelligence, as it presses on with embracing AI despite fears for its ad-based business model. CEO Sundar Pichai, speaking at the company's annual developers event, said Google's search engine would feature a new AI mode, as he boasted that "decades of research" were reaching fruition with the new technology. The search engine's nascent AI mode goes further than the already launched AI Overviews which display answers to queries from the tech giant's generative AI powers, above the traditional blue links to websites and ads. "New AI mode is a total reimagining of search with more advanced reasoning," said Pichai, kicking off the conference in Silicon Valley. "You can ask longer and more complex queries... and you can go further with follow-up questions." Google head of search Liz Reid described the freshly unveiled AI mode, now available in the United States, as a powerful tool with advanced reasoning, multi-modality, and the ability for users to dive deeper into searches. "It searches across the entire web, going way deeper than the traditional search," she said. Since Google debuted AI Overviews in search results at its developers conference a year ago, it has grown to more than 1.5 billion users across several countries, according to Pichai. "That means Google Search is bringing Gen AI to more people than any other product in the world," Pichai said. Google's push into generative AI comes amid intensifying competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has itself incorporated search engine features into its popular chatbot. Both companies are rapidly releasing new AI products despite ongoing challenges with preventing misinformation and establishing clear business models, and with no clear sense of how the tech will affect society. Analysts have expressed concerns that shifting away from pages of "blue links" to AI-generated summaries in Google search would mean fewer opportunities to serve up money-making ads at the heart of the company's business model. This has also caused alarm among website publishers, such as news organizations or Wikipedia, who face a massive drop in traffic with the potential demise of Google search links that have been the main gateway to the internet for the past two decades. Fueling those concerns, Apple executive Eddy Cue testified in federal court recently that Google's search traffic on Apple devices declined in April for the first time in over two decades. Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, told the Washington antitrust trial that Google was losing ground to AI alternatives like ChatGPT and Perplexity, sending Google's shares plummeting. Investors were also unsettled when Cue added that Apple might soon offer AI alternatives as default search options on its devices, heightening concerns that Google's advertising revenue could face serious threats from AI competitors. This testimony occurred during a critical trial where a federal judge could potentially order Google to divest key businesses following a previous ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. - 'Ultra' - At its annual developers conference, known as Google I/O, the company nurtures relationships with creators of apps, platforms or online services, hoping to keep them inspired to sync with its offerings. Beyond search, the conference showcased numerous AI innovations being developed or deployed. These include real-time speech translation, virtual clothing try-ons using personal photos, and technology that can automatically search for desired items and make purchases when prices drop. Google is also introducing "agent" capabilities to Chrome and the Gemini AI app, allowing AI to handle online tasks independently. These features will initially launch for paying subscribers. The company announced that its most advanced AI tools would be available through a new "Ultra" subscription tier priced at $250 monthly. NATO to open new air command in Norway's far north Oslo, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Norway announced Tuesday it had designated the small town of Bodo, north of the Arctic Circle, to permanently host a NATO air operations control centre. The announcement from the Norwegian government comes as neighbouring Russia is seeking to assert its power in the Arctic by modernising old bases and establishing new ones. During a ministerial meeting in February, NATO countries agreed to establish the alliance's third European Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Norway, leaving Oslo to decide its exact location. The choice was between Bodo, which is already home to the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, and Rygge in the southeast of the country. "We want NATO to have a foothold in the North," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told broadcaster TV2. No date was announced for the opening of the new command centre, which will be tasked with coordinating air surveillance as well as planning and executing NATO military air operations in the region. The military alliance already has two such command centres in Europe, one in Germany, the other in Spain. Vietnam signs nuclear power agreement as it seeks to rebalance US trade Hanoi, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 US nuclear power station builder Westinghouse has signed an agreement with Vietnam's biggest energy firm, Hanoi said on Tuesday as it seeks to head off stiff tariffs threatened by the Trump administration. Hanoi and Washington are engaged in a second round of trade talks after US President Donald Trump threatened a 46 percent levy on Vietnamese goods as part of his global tariff blitz, the industry and trade ministry said in a statement. Vietnam has the third-biggest trade surplus with the United States of any country after China and Mexico and is anxious to address the trade imbalance to head off the tariff threat. State-owned Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group (PetroVietnam) signed a memorandum of understanding with US company Westinghouse Electric on nuclear power development, according to a statement by the ministry. The agreement is focused on energy infrastructure investment models, technology transfer and human resource training, it said. Nguyen Hong Dien, Vietnam's industry and trade minister, said at a meeting with Westinghouse officials that energy development cooperation would be "an important driving force contributing to balancing bilateral trade between Vietnam and the United States". The ministry quoted Westinghouse corporate affairs executive vice president Margaret Cosentino as saying the company expressed strong support for Vietnam's plan, while emphasising the importance of long-term energy cooperation. The Vietnamese team had also entered the second round of trade negotiations on Tuesday, it said. Both sides "spent time discussing the overall approach to resolve fundamental issues of mutual concern", the statement said. Vietnam wants to restart nuclear power plans to meet its rapidly expanding energy needs and signed an agreement in January with Russia linked to the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. The project, which involves two plants in central Ninh Thuan province with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts, was originally to be developed with assistance from Rosatom and the Japanese consortium JINED before plans were scrapped in 2016. PKK urges Turkey to ease leader's solitary confinement for any peace talks Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has said Turkey should ease prison conditions for its founder Abdullah Ocalan, declaring him the group's "chief negotiator" for any future talks after a decision to disband. The Kurdish group, blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies, announced on May 12 it had adopted a decision to disarm and disband after a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state that cost more than 40,000 lives. The group's historic decision came after an appeal by Ocalan, made in a letter from Istanbul's Imrali prison island where he has been held since 1999. Zagros Hiwa, spokesman for the PKK's political wing, told AFP on Monday that "we expect that the Turkish state makes amendments in the solitary confinement conditions" to allow Ocalan "free and secure work conditions so that he could lead the process". "Leader Apo is our chief negotiator" for any talks with Turkey, Hiwa added in an interview, referring to Ocalan. "Only Leader Apo can lead the practical implementation of the decision taken by the PKK." The disbanding mechanisms are unclear yet, but the Turkish government has said it would carefully monitor the process to ensure full implementation. Hiwa said the PKK has shown "seriousness regarding peace", but "till now the Turkish state has not given any guarantees and taken any measure for facilitating the process" and continued its "bombardments and artillery shellings" against the Kurdish group's positions. The PKK operates rear bases in Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdistan region, where Turkey also maintains military bases and often carries out air and ground operations against the Kurdish militants. Turkish media reports have suggested that militants who had committed no crime on Turkish soil could return without fear of prosecution, but that PKK leaders might be forced into exile or stay behind in Iraq. Hiwa said the PKK objects to its members or leaders being forced to leave, saying that "real peace requires integration, not exile". PKK urges Turkey to ease imprisonment of 'chief negotiator' Ocalan Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has said Turkey should ease prison conditions for its founder Abdullah Ocalan, declaring him the group's "chief negotiator" for any future talks after a decision to disband. A spokesman for the Kurdish group, blacklisted as a "terrorist" organisation by Ankara and its Western allies, told AFP in an interview on Monday that Turkey has not yet provided guarantees for a peace process, and expressed objection to exiling PKK members. In recent months, the PKK has made several historic decisions, starting with announcing a ceasefire and ultimately declaring on May 12 its dissolution, ending a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state that cost more than 40,000 lives. The group's moves followed an appeal by Ocalan, made in a letter from Istanbul's Imrali prison island where he has been held in solitary confinement since 1999. Zagros Hiwa, spokesman for the PKK's political wing, told AFP in a written interview that "as an organisation which has waged military struggle for 41 years, we have decided to dissolve and put an end to armed struggle." "By this, we give peace a real chance." "So from now on, we expect that the Turkish state makes amendments in the solitary confinement conditions" of Ocalan, and allow him "free and secure work conditions so that he could lead the process," Hiwa said. "Leader Apo is our chief negotiator" for any talks with Turkey, he added, referring to Ocalan. - 'No guarantees' - The spokesman said that "only Leader Apo can lead the practical implementation of the decision" taken by the PKK congress earlier this month to disband, paving the way for a political settlement. The dissolution mechanisms are unclear yet, but the Turkish government has said it would carefully monitor the process to ensure full implementation. Hiwa said the implementation would be addressed in Ocalan's negotiations with Turkish officials. Observers expect the government to show a new openness to the Kurds, who make up about 20 percent of Turkey's population of 85 million. But negotiations have not started, according to Hiwa, although "there are contacts and dialogues... being conducted in Imrali" prison. Hiwa said that his group has shown "goodwill" and "seriousness and sincerity regarding peace". But "till now the Turkish state has not given any guarantees and taken any measure for facilitating the process" and continued its "bombardments and artillery shellings" against the Kurdish group's positions, Hiwa added. The PKK operates rear bases in Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdistan region, where Turkey also maintains military bases and often carries out air and ground operations against the Kurdish fighters. Turkey's military said last week it will continue acting against the PKK posts until it is "certain" the threat is removed. - 'Integration' - Most of the PKK's fighters have spent the past decade in the mountains of northern Iraq. Turkish media reports have suggested that militants who had committed no crime on Turkish soil could return without fear of prosecution, but that PKK leaders might be forced into exile or stay behind in Iraq. Hiwa said that "real peace requires integration, not exile." "If the Turkish state is sincere and serious about making peace, it should make the necessary legal amendments so that PKK members would be integrated" into a "democratic society", he added. The Kurds, an ethnic minority with a distinct culture and language, are rooted in the mountainous region spread across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. They have long fought for their own homeland, but for decades suffered defeats. Today, millions of Kurds live in relative safety in Iraq's Kurdistan and under the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria. Both areas have been embroiled in the PKK insurgency against the Turkish state. In Syria, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December by Islamist fighters with ties to Turkey, the Kurds are left navigating an uncertain future. Turkey sees Syrian Kurdish forces, who make up the bulk of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an offshoot of the PKK. Hiwa said "we don't intervene in the matters regarding the SDF." "The present process is between PKK and Turkey. No other party is involved". But the process "will surely have positive implications for the solution of the Kurdish question in other parts of Kurdistan," he said. Israel arrests two accused of spying on defence minister for Iran Jerusalem, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Israeli authorities said Tuesday that they had arrested two citizens suspected of carrying out "intelligence-gathering missions" at Iran's behest near the defence minister's home. The arrests are the latest in a spate of cases in which Israel has charged its own citizens with spying for the country's arch-foe since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency said that "in a joint operation... Roi Mizrachi and his friend, Almog Attias, both 24, were arrested at the end of April for committing security offences after collecting intelligence in Kfar Ahim", where Defence Minister Israel Katz lives. The men were acting "on behalf of Iran" and motivated by "financial gain", said the statement from the security agencies. On Sunday, authorities announced the arrest of an 18-year-old Israeli accused of spying on former prime minister Naftali Bennet, also for Iran. Other cases uncovered recently included alleged missions ranging from photographing military bases to plotting to kill senior Israeli officials. Police said most suspects did not have special training and had faced financial difficulties. Defence Minister Katz said in a statement he would not be "deterred" by attempts to spy on him. "Iran is... directly advancing terrorist activity and supporting terrorist organisations that act against Israeli leaders and against all citizens of the State of Israel," he said. "I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfil my duty to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons." The Shin Bet and police said that Mizrachi and Attias were asked to carry out a number of missions near Katz's home. Mizrachi had purchased a new cellphone and used "a special app" to communicate with his Iranian handlers, the security agencies said in their statement. The pair were "fully aware they were acting under Iranian direction", the statement added. Among the tasks Mizrachi had allegedly carried out, the agencies said he moved "a bag buried in the ground from one location to another" thinking that it "contained an explosive device". Indictments against the two men are expected to be filed in the coming days, the statement said. Iran's Khamenei says talks with US unlikely to 'lead to any outcome' Tehran, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that nuclear talks with the United States were unlikely to yield any results, amid a diplomatic standoff over the Islamic republic's enrichment activities. "We don't think it will lead to any outcome. We don't know what will happen," said Khamenei during a speech, adding that denying Iran's right to enrich uranium was "a big mistake". Iran and the United States have held four rounds of Omani-mediated nuclear talks since April 12, the highest-level contact between the two foes since Washington abandoned the 2015 nuclear accord. They had confirmed plans to hold another round of discussions during their last meeting on May 11, which Iran described as "difficult but useful", while a US official said Washington was "encouraged". Chief US diplomat Marco Rubio told a Senate hearing in Washington on Tuesday that "we hope that we can reach an agreement with Iran". Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close though still short of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead. Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire atomic weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Iran has repeatedly insisted its right to maintain uranium enrichment was "non-negotiable", while chief US negotiator Steve Witkoff has called it a "red line". On Sunday, Witkoff reiterated that the United States "cannot allow even one percent of an enrichment capability." "The American side involved in these indirect negotiations should refrain from speaking nonsense," said Khamenei. On Tuesday, Rubio said that Iran could have civilian nuclear power while importing enriched uranium but that it wanted to keep its enrichment programme as "a matter of national pride" and "as a deterrent". "They believe that it makes them a threshold nuclear power, and as a result... untouchable." Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister and lead negotiator Abbas Araghchi said "enrichment in Iran, however, will continue with or without a deal". "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," he said in a post on X. - 'Maximum pressure' - Iranian diplomats have said Tehran would be open to temporary restrictions on how much uranium it enriches and to what level. Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" approach against Iran. While backing nuclear diplomacy, he also warned of potential military action if it fails. Trump has said he presented Iran's leadership with an "olive branch", adding that it was an offer that would not last forever. He further threatened to impose "massive maximum pressure", including driving Iranian oil exports to zero if talks failed. Trump later doubled down on his warning, saying that "something bad is going to happen" unless the Iranians "move quickly" towards a deal. Iranian officials, however, criticised what they described as "contradictory" positions by US officials along with the continued imposition of sanctions targeting Iran's oil industry and nuclear programme despite the talks. Araghchi on Tuesday criticised "positions from the United States that were inconsistent with any logic and reason". Iran's top diplomat said these stances "have caused serious disruptions in the negotiation process." "As a result, no date has been set for the next round of talks, and the matter remains under review," he added. On Sunday, Araghchi said Iran has been observing "dissonance ... between what our US interlocutors say in public and in private." On Friday, Iran held parallel talks with Britain, France and Germany -- all parties to the 2015 deal. They are currently weighing the reimposition of UN sanctions in response to Iranian non-compliance. The option to trigger the sanctions mechanism expires in October. Araghchi said Iran was willing to "begin a new chapter" with Europe and urged it to play a role in the nuclear negotiations. Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile shield for US Washington, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 US President Donald Trump unveiled new details Tuesday on his plan for a "Golden Dome" missile shield system to protect the country against attacks, saying it should be operational in about three years. The president announced $25 billion in initial funding for the plan, which he said could eventually cost a total of some $175 billion. "In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield," Trump said at the White House. "Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system." "Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space," Trump said. "This is very important for the success and even survival of our country." He said US Space Force General Michael Guetlein will lead the effort, and that Canada has expressed interest in being part of it as "they want to have protection also." While Trump put the total price at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated the cost of space-based interceptors to defeat a limited number of intercontinental ballistic missiles at between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years. Golden Dome has more expansive goals, with Trump saying it "will deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, speaking alongside Trump, said the system is aimed at protecting "the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear." - Russia, China oppose Golden Dome - The plan's Golden Dome name stems from Israel's Iron Dome air defense system that has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets and other projectiles since it went into operation in 2011. The United States faces various missile threats from adversaries, but they differ significantly from the short-range weapons that Israel's Iron Dome is designed to counter. The 2022 Missile Defense Review pointed to growing threats from Russia and China. Beijing is closing the gap with Washington when it comes to ballistic and hypersonic missile technology, while Moscow is modernizing its intercontinental-range missile systems and developing advanced precision strike missiles, the document said. It also said that the threat of drones -- which have played a key role in the Ukraine war -- is likely to grow, and warned of the danger of ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran, as well as rocket and missile threats from non-state actors. Russia and China earlier this month slammed the Golden Dome concept as "deeply destabilizing," saying it risked turning space into a "battlefield." It "explicitly provides for a significant strengthening of the arsenal for conducting combat operations in space," said a statement published by the Kremlin after talks between the two sides. The United States has gained valuable real-world experience in defending against missiles and drones in recent years. In Ukraine, US systems have been used to counter advanced Russian missiles, while American planes and warships helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks last year and have repeatedly shot down missiles and drones launched at ships by Yemen's Tehran-backed Huthi rebels. 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 He says the highs and the lows are huge in the play. The highs of playing and nailing the playing. But the emotional lows of the scenes are full-on too. He says hes incrementally getting his head around the demands, trying to get on top of my mind, my body and my soul in the same way an athlete would do. Theres just no other way of doing it. Eight shows a week for six months! It just takes everything out of us. Lord Justice Holroyde said that in her evidence at the Court of Appeal, the judges found Connolly to be intelligent and articulate, and they were unable to accept that she entered her guilty plea with no understanding of what it entailed. Mr Akinsanya said: She foolishly agreed to help someone and this is where it has landed her in custody and away from her son who is clearly vulnerable, thats what keeps her awake at night. Due to the financial crisis in local government we rely on income from events in the park to enable us to stage the country show, keep it free for all Lambeth residents and to reinvest back into Brockwell Park all year round. As MPs called on him to label it a genocide, Mr Lammy said: We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. Speaking after Britain, France and Canada ramped up the pressure on Israel, Mr Netanyahu said: By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. Palestinian activists say they want the western world to show their displeasure at the ongoing war, by targeting the pockets of companies to show they are against the Israeli state and the human rights abuses they claim are happening every day. Special AGERPRES correspondent Florin Stefan reports: The defence ministers and foreign ministers of the EU member states will meet on Tuesday, in Brussels, in two successive meetings in the format of the Foreign Affairs Council, to discuss aid for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, but also the implementation of the plans for rearmament of Europe. First, the defence ministers of the member states will meet in the morning to discuss the EU's military support for Ukraine, after an informal exchange of views via videoconference with the Ukrainian minister of defence, Rustem Umerov, in the presence of the NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte. The defence ministers will also have a discussion on the implementation of the European Defence White Paper - Readiness 2030, but also on the ReArm Europe Plan. Diplomats in Brussels told AFP on Monday that EU countries had reached an agreement in principle to facilitate joint arms purchases under a European programme worth around 150 billion euros, part of the ReArm Europe plan announced by Ursula von der Leyen. This programme, called "Safe," provides for loans of 150 billion euros to jointly finance arms purchases and projects in areas where European supply is insufficient, such as the production of missiles, ammunition, drones or air defence systems. It is already planned that several non-EU countries can already participate, such as Norway or Ukraine, as they have signed a defence and security partnership. The United Kingdom and the EU signed a similar partnership agreement in London on Monday, which will allow London, after further negotiations, to fully integrate into this European programme. If the United Kingdom joins the programme, it will be considered a European manufacturer, without any difference from any other EU member state, a European official quoted by AFP assured. And this is an important element, but the emphasis has been placed on the need to encourage the European defence industry in a context in which most of the current arms purchases by EU countries are made from outside Europe, mainly from the USA. Armament projects will have to be carried out mostly by the European defence industry, at the level of 65% of the components, while the rest may come from non-member countries of the SAFE programme, such as the USA, in a proportion of a maximum of 35%. Out of the desire to avoid a third country being able to remotely control the weapons produced thanks to one of its components, a central authority will be tasked with ensuring that this will be impossible. The idea is, for example, to prevent the American manufacturer of software integrated into a European drone, developed thanks to the "Safe" programme, from being able to control it remotely from the United States, a European source explained to AFP. The ambassadors of the 27 are to formalize this agreement in principle at a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) on Wednesday, but a definitive agreement is expected on May 27, on the occasion of a future meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states. Also on Tuesday, around noon, the defence ministers will participate in a meeting of the board of directors of the European Defence Agency (EDA). In the afternoon, the EU foreign ministers will discuss the war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine, after a videoconference with the Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sibiga. The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and Syria, according to the agenda on the Council's website. UDMR (Democratic Union of Hungarians of Romania) chair Kelemen Hunor on Monday evening stated that his party is open to dialogue with the newly elected president, Nicusor Dan, and ready at the same time to build alongside him. "This afternoon, the elected president, Nicusor Dan, called me and expressed his appreciation to the Hungarian community and to the UDMR for the support they provided. He also saw that we acted as a united front, showing an exemplary mobilization, almost beyond our own limits. We are open to dialogue and ready to build together with the newly elected president," Kelemen Hunor wrote on Facebook. The elected president, Nicusor Dan, claimed on Monday that it would be "ideal" for the PSD (Social Democratic Party), PNL (National Liberal Party), USR (Save Romania Union), UDMR and the parliamentary group of national minorities to form a stable government. He told B1 TV private television station that he had a meeting with the interim president, Ilie Bolojan, during the afternoon, and together they discussed "for an extremely long time" the budget deficit, a subject of common "concern." "I met with Mr. Bolojan. Now I'm coming from the meeting I had with him. I also saw Dominic Fritz last night, he came to my campaign headquarters. I haven't called Mr. Kelemen Hunor yet, but I'll call him tonight, because there was a very impressive mobilization of ethnic Hungarians and UDMR contributed a lot to this [victory in the elections - editor's note]. We are waiting to see what happens in the PSD, because we all know there are some tensions there. (...) The ideal is that all four parties, plus the minorities, to form a government, so that we have a stable government," stated the president-elect. Nicusor Dan added that Ilie Bolojan is his option for the office of prime minister, but he does not promise that this will be achieved, because there are "many entities, each with their aspirations, with their proposals" for this position. "It is an ongoing discussion. Each of the people involved has certain expectations, certain conditions and all of this must be harmonized," he explained. The president-elect estimated that a difficult period will follow for "at least a few months" from an economic point of view, because Romania "has thrown money away" for at least three years, and now "this situation must be corrected." AGERPRES The "Dr. Constantin Opris" County Emergency Hospital (SJU) in Baia Mare was equipped with medical equipment for the intervention and saving of the lives of newborns requiring intensive care, the Save the Children Romania Organization stated on Tuesday in a press release sent to AGEREPRES. According to the cited source, the total value of the investment is 80,000 euros. "The medical equipment donated to the "Dr. Constantin Opris" County Emergency Hospital will provide considerable support to doctors who save the lives of children born with various medical pathologies and with a severe degree of prematurity: laminar flow hood, 4 bilirubinometers, 2 audiometers, 4 treatment carts, 3 pulse oximeters, 6 stethoscopes and 5 cribs for newborns. The equipment was made possible with the support of Hidroelectrica," the organization stated. According to the same source, of the 2,208 children born at the hospital's maternity ward in 2024, 143 required intensive care and 181 were born prematurely. 75 newborns had congenital malformations. In 2025, 662 births were registered and 75 newborns required complex medical care in intensive care. In the first months of the year, 40 minor mothers gave birth here. According to available data, in Maramures county, including Baia Mare municipality, there was an increase in premature births, from 601 in 2022 to 758 in 2023. In Maramures County, the "Dr. Constantin Opris" County Emergency Hospital in Baia Mare has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a capacity of 10 beds, equipped with modern equipment necessary for the care of premature infants with low gestational ages and newborns who require support of vital functions. The hospital also has a compartment dedicated to premature babies, with a capacity of 10 beds, intended for newborns with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks and a weight of less than 2,500 g, who do not require resuscitation or support of vital functions. "The endowment is part of the complex program of Save the Children Romania to reduce infant mortality in Romania, a chapter that keeps us on the EU podium. In the last 15 years, Save the Children Romania has carried out pioneering work and equipped 135 medical units, neonatology, neonatal intensive care, pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology departments, from all counties of the country, investing over 17 million euros. Over 2,000 pieces of equipment have supported and facilitated the treatment of over 300,000 children," the Save the Children Romania Organization also stated in the press release. Marcel Ciolacu announced on Tuesday that he had ended his term as president of the Social Democratic Party "with a heart full of gratitude and respect" for all those who were with him in this project. "Today I took a difficult but necessary step: I ended my mandate as president of the Social Democratic Party, with a heart full of gratitude and respect for all those who were with me in this project. It was an honor to lead the party that led Romania to NATO. The party that opened the doors to the European Union. The party that recently put the last dot on the map of European integration, by entering the Schengen area. No other political force in this country has in its history achievements so solidly linked to national progress. That is why PSD remains the strongest Romanian political brand that we, social democrats, and all those who support us must be proud of and that we should never doubt," Ciolacu wrote on Facebook. He thanked his colleagues, noting that the PSD has "extraordinary" people and has every confidence that the party will continue "to be the main force of balance and progress in Romania." "I have had successes, but also moments when I have certainly made mistakes. But I have never wanted to harm my country and the Romanians. That has been and will remain my belief. I have put the stability of the country and the interests of the citizens first, even when I have been criticized for difficult compromises. They were difficult decisions, but necessary to avoid dangerous slippages and to maintain a clear, European and democratic direction for the country, in a period with a war on the border and multiple overlapping crises," said Marcel Ciolacu, who remains a member of this great political family. AGERPRES The Ministry of Energy has launched a public call for the submission of expressions of interest regarding the development of a study to identify and delimit offshore areas in the Black Sea that could be concessioned for offshore wind farm development. According to a press release issued by the Ministry on Tuesday and sent to AGERPRES, the study's ultimate goal is to support the development of a minimum of 3 GW installed offshore wind energy capacity by 2035, in line with Romania's European-level commitments. 'The Black Sea is a strategic energy resource for our country, one we have barely tapped into so far, but which can become a key pillar of national and regional energy security. During my mandate, I have prioritised investments in the Black Sea to diversify and strengthen our energy mix, so that Romania can become the energy leader this region needs. With natural gas production from the Neptun Deep perimeter and electricity production from offshore wind areas, with a theoretical total potential of 76 GW according to a World Bank study, Romania's energy system becomes more secure and contributes to enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of our national economy. This call launched by the Ministry of Energy is part of building a new energy architecture for our country,' Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja is quoted in the release as saying. He added that the study will serve as the basis for strategic decisions on offshore area concessions and will offer investors a clear, scientifically grounded vision aligned with international best practices. The study will assess the wind potential in the Black Sea, the geotechnical characteristics of the marine environment, the environmental and biodiversity impact, the connection possibilities to the National Energy System, the compatibility with other maritime space uses, such as navigation, fishing, extraction activities, or military zones, the Ministry explained. Additionally, the study will evaluate logistics, security and transmission aspects to enable a coherent prioritisation of offshore areas suitable for strategic project development. The Ministry of Energy is supported in this effort by international partners such as the World Bank and the European Commission, through the TSI (Technical Support Instrument) provided by the Secretariat-General for Reform. Interested parties may submit expressions of interest related to this public call until June 10, 2025. OFALLON, Ill. An OFallon bank executive has pleaded guilty to federal charges after being accused of defrauding his employer of nearly $2 million through a check-kiting scheme and stealing nearly a half-million dollars from a Lebanon couples retirement savings. Andrew Blassie, 69, of St. Louis, was executive vice president at Bank of OFallon, a business founded and operated by his wifes family. Blassie on Monday pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of interstate transportation of securities and money taken by fraud and theft, court records show. A grand jury indicted him on those charges April 8. U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoefts office recommended an offense level for Blassie that would result in a sentence of 63 to 78 months in prison and fines of $25,000 to $250,000. That compares to a maximum sentence of 40 years and fines of $1.25 million under federal guidelines. Blassie agreed to pay restitution of more than $1.97 million to the Bank of OFallon and $489,000 to the Lebanon couple identified in court records only by their initials, D.T. and K.T. Also at Mondays hearing, Judge Stephen McGlynn released Blassie on a personal recognizance bond, meaning he didnt have to post bail. He signed paperwork promising to appear at future court hearings and, if required, surrender to serve a prison sentence. The judge set the sentencing hearing for Sept. 18. He isnt required to accept the recommendation of prosecutors. The bank began an internal investigation of Blassie and contacted police in October 2024. It was near that time that Blassie disappeared, prompting his wife, Joanne Blassie, to report him as a missing person. Police tracked Andrew Blassie down at a St. Louis hotel, where he attempted suicide by stabbing himself in the stomach and neck with a serrated knife, according to an OFallon police report. Authorities portray Blassie as a man who borrowed from wealthy friends to support extravagant spending habits, including a $200-per-day allowance for a favorite waitress who called him sugar daddy, and committed bank fraud out of desperation when his debts came due. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly promised on Tuesday to move quickly on Missouri's request for a federal disaster declaration. Noem was appearing before a subcommittee chaired by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley. "You've been a governor..." Hawley said to Noem. "So you know how important this is. Can we get your help to expedite the consideration of that request?" "We need it as quickly as possible," Hawley said. Noem replied, "We promise to get that expedited as soon as possible." Hawley noted that Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe had requested an "emergency disaster declaration to expedite FEMA funds, just to clean up" the extensive damage. Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, added that she had previously spoken with Kehoe and had promised "to get that expedited as soon as possible." On Wednesday, Hawley and fellow GOP U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to swiftly approve Kehoes disaster declaration. In a statement, Kehoe's office said it "appreciates the work of Missouri's Congressional delegation to advocate for federal assistance for Missourians." A federal disaster declaration would not only allow for immediate financial aid, but along with preliminary damage assessments will allow the federal process to move forward, Kehoe's office said. Good news for Missourians who need help after Fridays terrible storms: DHS Secretary Noem just pledged to expedite our state's disaster request & the FEMA emergency response in St. Louis pic.twitter.com/tlwL6jlRhz Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 20, 2025 Hawley opened his Homeland Security subcommittee on disaster management on Tuesday morning by telling Noem about his walking tour of north St. Louis on Monday, and described the area as "totally devastated." Five people were killed and 38 more were injured in the tornadoes and high winds that moved Friday from Clayton through Forest Park and into north St. Louis neighborhoods. City officials have said about 5,000 structures were hit and estimated damage at $1.6 billion. As of Monday, about 30,000 Ameren customers were still without power. Hawley's subcommittee has recently been investigating the performances and practices of insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during recent natural disasters across the U.S. BERKELEY A man who was set to stand trial this week in the accidental shooting death of his 7-year-old grandson instead took a deal and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Walter Macon, 47, pleaded guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter a much lower felony than his original charge of endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death. Prosecutors also dropped an armed criminal action charge, which carries a minimum sentence of three years that must be served consecutively with other sentences. Macon entered a blind plea, said Chris King, spokesman for the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney's office. This means he did not reach an agreement on a sentencing recommendation with prosecutors. Prosecutors recommended the judge sentence him to three years in prison, King said. The manslaughter charge carries a prison sentence of up to four years and a fine of up to $10,000. King said defense attorneys requested a pre-sentence assessment report, so a judge will sentence Macon in about two months once that is completed. Macon's grandson, Darnell Macon, was shot inside a truck Aug. 7, 2023, in the 6700 block of Larry Lane, just off North Hanley Road in Berkeley. Police say Macon admitted he left Darnell in the truck with a loaded gun. Investigators said Macon was loading studio recording equipment into his truck when Darnell climbed into the vehicle. Macon told police he then left for about 5 minutes. When he returned, his grandson was slumped over with a gunshot wound to the head. Darnell was pronounced dead at the scene. Macon told police the gun was between the drivers seat and the center console when he left Darnell in the truck. OFALLON, Ill. Cadence Eileen Prince, a high school junior, dreamed of one day working with animals or becoming a beautician. She was a happy teen, her father said, ready to take on the real world. But Cadences family is reeling after the 17-year-old OFallon girl was stabbed to death at a trailhead over the weekend. She was very smart, very logical, very real, her father, Jon Prince, said in an interview. She was very kind. The St. Clair County States Attorney on Tuesday charged Cadences boyfriend, Julian G. Holloway, with murder in the fatal stabbing. Holloway is 18. Cadence died of multiple stab wounds Sunday night after being attacked at the Goshen Trailhead parking lot on Kyle Road, near Holloways home. He lived with his grandparents, who raised him. After the killing, police quickly took Holloway into custody, assuring the community it was not a random incident and that Cadence knew her killer. But officers wouldnt elaborate about their connection until Tuesday. The Domestic Violence Unit in the office of the St. Clair County States Attorney reviewed the case before charges were filed. Holloway lives in the 300 block of Vermillion Drive, a few blocks from the trailhead. He used a knife to kill Cadence, charging documents said. She died at a hospital just before 10 p.m. Sunday, said St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Prince said his daughter and her boyfriend had dated for about a year. They took a break a few months ago but were recently back together, said Prince, who once met Holloway. Prince lives in Redlands, California, and saw his daughter twice a year. He seems totally normal, Prince said of Holloway. He bought me and the girls food, took us out to an arcade. We all had fun playing games. He wasnt being possessive or trying to take up too much time, Prince added. He was very respectful. Prince said his daughter was into music and art and loved animals She is survived by an 11-year-old sister and her mother, Victoria Dimmitt, of OFallon. They moved to Illinois from California 2 years ago. Cadence lived on Fairwood Hills Road in OFallon with her mother, stepfather and sister. Cadence was a junior at OFallon Township High School. The school superintendent, Beth Shackelford, said counselors and social workers were available for students. This news is devastating to our school community, the superintendent said in a message to parents and students. Dimmitt said her daughter had recently confided that, during the monthslong breakup with Holloway, he had been controlling at times and manipulative. Dimmitt thinks it started after Holloway crashed his car and lost his job. Cadence got a job and her license, and that made Holloway "so jealous, and he started harassing her at school," Dimmitt said. Despite the concerns, Dimmitt said the couple reunited, and Dimmitt was under the impression Holloway was going to counseling. Holloway came to celebrate Dimmitt's birthday with the family and also shared Thanksgiving with them. "He was very much a part of our family," Dimmitt said. "I didn't think he was capable of something so malicious and terrible." OFallon police want to talk with anyone who was at the trailhead parking lot on Kyle Road between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The Goshen Trail connects five trails and two counties. Kirk Brueggeman, director of O'Fallon Public Safety, declined to talk about a motive but said Cadences death serves as a sobering reminder of the often-hidden dangers of teen dating violence and domestic abuse. Brueggeman urged families, schools and community leaders to have open and ongoing conversations about healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse and available support systems. Terrible, terrible situation, Brueggeman said in an interview. Lives are ruined. JEFFERSON CITY The sounds of a military marching band greeted mourners in the Missouri Capitol Tuesday as they bid farewell to a man who spent more than three decades as governor and U.S. senator. Christopher Kit Bond, who died May 13 at age 86, was hailed as a public servant by those he worked and served with on both sides of the political aisle. He kept Missouris interest at heart, making Missouri a better place to live, work and raise a family, said Gov. Mike Kehoe, describing Bond as a true Missouri statesman. Bond was just 30 when he was elected state auditor. He jumped to the governors office in 1972 and, eventually, won election to the U.S. Senate. Kehoe, a Republican like Bond, ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings until sunset Thursday, the same day as Bonds funeral in Ladue. Serving as Missouris governor was his favorite role, Kehoe said. Bond, who left office in 2011 after a storied political career, was escorted to the Capitol from St. Louis Tuesday morning by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth, who served in the Senate with Bond, offered the invocation and the benediction of the service. Kits death is a major loss to our state, said Danforth. This Capitol building is a fitting place to honor Kit Bond. He elevated the quality of government. Eulogies were delivered by former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, a Republican, and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat who represents Kansas City. Ashcroft gave Bond credit for a massive and lasting reorganization of state government in the 1970s and for helping launch the career of many future officeholders, including himself, when Bond appointed him as auditor. He had a vision to see a dynamic Missouri, Ashcroft said. Kit Bond was a doer. Cleaver said he met Bond during his gubernatorial tenure and the two remained friends throughout their time in Washington. Each year, Bond would call to wish him a happy birthday. I never ever campaigned against Kit Bond. I am a Democrat and I never campaigned against my friend. We may have been, in some ways, political opponents, but never did we attack each other, Cleaver said. Former Gov. Mike Parson and former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder attended the service. Bond, who was born March 6, 1939 in St. Louis, went to boarding school in Massachusetts and received a bachelors degree from Princeton and a law degree from University of Virginia in 1963. He made an unsuccessful bid for Congress representing northeast Missouri in 1968, but found a foothold in state government when he worked as an assistant attorney general under Danforth. As a governor and senator, Bond was considered moderate, but he supported President George W. Bushs Iraq war and domestic security crackdowns. He backed the Equal Rights Amendment, opposed same-sex marriage and favored banning gifts from lobbyists to members of Congress. His legacy inspires action, Kehoe said. He didnt chase the spotlight, he earned respect. Bonds impact went beyond his role as an elected official. Pat Thomas, a native of Mexico, Missouri, said Bond embodied every true son and was a fixture in his adopted home town when he was not in Washington D.C. He was approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and he was smart, said Thomas, now a top aide in the Missouri Senate and secretary of the Missouri Republican Party. He made his mark by reaching across the aisle. In the 1990s, Thomas said her children knew the senator as a friendly man in a fishing cap. Kit was just the guy at the grocery store buying lots of TV dinners, Thomas said. After leaving public office, Mr. Bond practiced law and served as a corporate strategy consultant. Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until noon Wednesday, allowing members of the public to pay their respects. A celebration of life service will be held Thursday at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. Regarding Joe Holleman's column "Democrats still have not come to grips with Trump reelection, Missouris Eric Schmitt says" (May 13): I was struck by our junior senator's statement that, "It's only recently that the Left has just sort of decided that there's not going to be punishment for crime." The Air Force is seeking a commercial hotel partner to take over on-base lodging at 58 installations across the U.S. and its territories. The service expects to finalize leases and transfer operations by fall 2027. (Courtesy photo) The Air Force plans to privatize on-base lodging at 58 installations across the U.S. and its territories, marking a shift in how the service maintains and manages its hotel facilities. The service said it is seeking a national hotel partner under a 50-year lease to ensure long-term revitalization and upkeep of the properties. The move comes amid what the service described in a statement as evolving funding priorities. The transition will roll out in phases, starting with 23 installations stretching from Alaska to Florida, according to the statement. The Air Force expects to select a partner by summer 2026, with leases finalized and operations transferred by fall 2027. The change follows a 2018 Pentagon directive that eliminated taxpayer support for military lodging and required such facilities to become self-sustaining. In response, the Air Force increased nightly rates in 2019 and began closing select facilities in 2022 due to funding shortfalls. While the Air Force has not said whether privatization will lead to higher prices, comparisons with Army lodging suggest that could be the case. The Army began privatizing its on-base hotels in 2009, turning over aging facilities to InterContinental Hotels Group, the parent company of Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn, for renovation or replacement. The shift improved infrastructure in some areas but also led to higher nightly rates. At Fort Carson, Colo., for example, summer rates advertised Tuesday at the installations Candlewood Suites are $15 per night higher than those at the Pikes Peak Lodge on nearby Peterson Space Force Base, which is operated without taxpayer funding by Air Force Inns. Both facilities are in the same county and fall under the same lodging rate limit set by the Defense Travel Management Office. A larger price gap exists in Alaska, where a room at the Holiday Inn Express on Fort Wainwright costs $69 more per night than a stay at Eielson Air Force Bases Gold Rush Inn. Both installations share a lodging cap of $254 per night. Some military lodging facilities allow leisure stays, while others are solely for official travel. For stays such as permanent change-of-station moves, lodging costs are typically covered by the military. That means privatization should not cause higher out-of-pocket expenses for service members on official travel. However, increased nightly rates would drive up overall Air Force travel costs. The Armys Training and Doctrine Command is leaving Fort Eustis in Virginia and will merge with Futures Command in Austin, Texas. (Kendall Warner, The Virginian-Pilot/TNS) AUSTIN, Texas The Army will house the headquarters of a merged Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command in Austin instead of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., as part of its efforts to downsize the service and reduce general officer billets. The merged command will be the Armys Transformation and Training Command, according to Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff. Its primary headquarters will remain in the Texas capital because we like whats down there as far as the culture, the [Army] Software Factory, the ideas for innovation and change, George told the House Appropriations Committee earlier this month. The changes are part of the Armys efforts to restructure and downsize to fill an order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. That includes a reduction of about 20% of the militarys four-star generals and admirals. Futures Command and TRADOC are both led by four-star general officers. The Army has two additional four-star commands Army Materiel Command and Army Forces Command which are also absorbing other missions. The combination of Futures and TRADOC aligns force generation, design and development, said Lt. Col. Jamie Dobson, spokeswoman for Army Futures Command. Further details about the merger and plans for organization structure are under the purview of the Department of the Army and not yet available, she said. This will be the most significant transformation the Army has seen in a generation, and the important thing to understand is that these changes will make the Army more lethal, Dobson said. Gen. Gary M. Brito, TRADOC commander, said Tuesday the command will continue its work at Fort Eustis and be transparent about the consolidation. We know there are questions in the community, and we want to be clear TRADOC isnt going anywhere right now, he said. Our mission continues, our people remain essential, and we will share updates when decisions are made. Futures Command, the Armys newest command, was established in 2018 to better forecast and prepare for the battlefields of the future and to innovate warfighting technology at a faster pace. Austin was chosen as its home to be outside of the Armys traditional footprints and put it closer to industry and academia. It has since established working relationships with technology startup incubators and colleges including the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University in College Station. Its main offices are within the University of Texas Systems high-rise building downtown, and an Army privatized housing partner maintains three multi-million-dollar homes nearby to house top officers and leaders. TRADOC was established in 1973 and operates the Armys 32 schoolhouses and creates the policies that guide and develop soldiers and leaders. It also oversees the Army Center of Military History, the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and the Center of Initial Military Training at Fort Eustis. The command moved to Fort Eustis in 2011, shortly after the Virginia Army base consolidated with Langley Air Force Base. It is about 180 miles south of Washington, near Newport News. The 43rd Adjutant General Battalion, located at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., has instituted a no-cussing policy for its soldiers. Four violations of the policy could end a soldiers Army career. (U.S. Army) An Army unit at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., has barred its soldiers from cussing and threatened those that repeatedly break the new rule with involuntary separation from the service. The initial entry training posts 43rd Adjutant General Battalion installed the rare swearing ban for its soldiers last month after the completion of a climate and culture investigation initiated to probe complaints of extreme use of profanity, Tiffany Wood, a spokeswoman for Fort Leonard Wood, said Tuesday. The battalion is responsible for accepting new Army recruits into the service and in-processing them before they begin basic training. The policy bans the use of profanity, vulgar language [and] rude gestures or remarks for soldiers while they are on duty, according to an April 17 memorandum that was circulated online via social media. Vulgar or offensive language is also barred on clothing and personal items in the battalions work areas. All soldiers, trainees and employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect when performing their duties or operating in the 43rd AG Battalion (Reception), the memo reads. The most productive work environment is one where employees and soldiers treat each other as they would like to be treated. Wood said unit leadership consulted with Army lawyers and Army Training and Doctrine Command regulations before implementing the policy. However, she said the policy was under review by leadership at Fort Leonard Woods Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, which oversees the battalion and other units that train recruits and soldiers at the post. The policy includes a four strike system, which applies punitive actions based on how many times a soldier is caught swearing. Soldiers face verbal counseling the first time, written counseling for a second offense and removal of favorable actions things like pending promotions or awards for a third violation. A fourth infraction could mean the end of a soldiers Army career, according to the policy, which states that strike four results in separation for misconduct based on a pattern of behavior. Wood said Tuesday that, so far, no soldiers have received official punishment or been kicked out of the Army for violating the no-expletives policy. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton is based at U.S. Coast Guard Base Alameda in California. (Melissa E. F. McKenzie/U.S. Coast Guard) A California-based Coast Guard cutter has completed a three-day port call on Palawan, the Philippines, not far from the scene of clashes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards. The USCGC Stratton, based at U.S. Coast Guard Base Alameda, arrived at the island province facing the South China Sea on Friday, according to an U.S. Embassy to the Philippines news release on Monday. The port call aimed to strengthen the partnership between the Philippine and U.S. coast guards and promote interoperability, according to the release. Interoperability is a term the military uses to describe the ability of one nations military to use another nations equipment and training methods. The Stratton visited Puerto Princesa, through which U.S. Army troops moved earlier this month with batteries of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, for live-fire practice as part of Balikatan, the countrys largest annual military exercise. U.S. Marines likewise moved through the port during Balikatan en route to training sites on the island. To the west of Palawan, in the Philippines exclusive economic zone, the countrys coast guard clashed repeatedly last year with its Chinese counterparts over Sabina Shoal, a low-tidal elevation. Beijing asserts a territorial claim to the feature 82 miles northwest of Palawan. The Strattons commander, Capt. Brian Krautler, met with U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Philippine coast guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan aboard the vessel Friday, according to the release. The arrival of the USCGC Stratton is a moment of pride and possibility, Carlson said in the release. This is the sixth [U.S. Coast Guard] cutter exchange with the [Philippine coast guard] since 2019 a testament to the strength of our bond and the enduring value of our Alliance. Two Philippine coast guard personnel trained aboard the Stratton during its two-week transit from Guam, according to the U.S. Embassy to the Philippines. The 418-foot-long Stratton was scheduled this week for an at-sea exercise with the Philippine coast guard and navy focused on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection in the Sulu Sea, according to the release. The Stratton goes next to Japan for the second coast guard exercise between the United States, the Philippines and Japan, the release states. Senior Chief Petty Officer Chase Speed, right, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Ethan Rule, skipper of the USS America, on April 14, 2025. (U.S. Navy) A group of U.S. Navy sailors sprang into action during a base open house in Japan, helping to save the life of a child who suddenly went limp in her mothers arms. Five sailors one assigned to Sasebo Naval Base and four from the amphibious assault ship USS America were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for their roles in the emergency during Sasebos Fleet Friendship Day on April 5, they recently told Stars and Stripes. Petty Officers 1st Class Guillermo Gutierrez and Chantese Moore, both masters-at-arms, heard a cry for help and saw people pointing to a Japanese woman holding the child, Gutierrez said by phone Thursday. There was a language barrier, so we really couldnt understand what the cry for help was from the parents, he said. Petty Officer 1st Class Chantese Moore, right, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Ethan Rule, skipper of the USS America, on April 14, 2025. (U.S. Navy) Gutierrez said the child appeared pale and her eyes were unfocused. Moore alerted a nearby Naval Criminal Investigative Service agent to call emergency services and began clearing a path for them. Senior Chief Petty Officer Chase Speed, a hospital corpsman and senior enlisted leader in base health services, arrived moments later, he said by phone Friday. The child was breathing but lethargic, Speed said, and responded to a chest rub, a stimulus used to assess responsiveness. Petty Officer 3rd Class Corey Jobes-Saint, right, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Ethan Rule, skipper of the USS America, on April 14, 2025. (U.S. Navy) Petty Officers 3rd Class Corey Jobes-Saint and Jonathan Hipolito, both hospital corpsmen assigned to the USS America, arrived to assist. Gutierrez and Moore helped control the crowd while the medical team went to work. Speed said the child, who had a history of hyperglycemia, registered normal blood sugar levels but was suffering from hypoxemia low oxygen levels in the blood. She was given free-flowing oxygen through a mask. Typically, we like the oxygen saturation being 98 or above, so 98 to 100, Speed said. Her oxygen saturation was approximately 92, so it desaturated a little bit. An ambulance took the child to Sasebo General Hospital. Petty Officer 1st Class Guillermo Gutierrez, right, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Michael Fontaine, commander of Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, on April 7, 2025. (U.S. Navy) The Americas commander, Capt. Ethan Rule, awarded medals to Speed, Moore and Jobes-Saint during an April 14 ceremony in the ships hangar bay. The swift and decisive actions of our medical team during Fleet and Friendship Day were instrumental in helping a child in critical need, Rule said in comments emailed Tuesday by ship spokeswoman Lt. Carolina Fernandez. Im immensely proud their rigorous training has directly benefited a member of the Sasebo community. Gutierrez received the same decoration from Sasebo commander Capt. Michael Fontaine on April 7. Theres a saying that corpsmen go by: It is the duty of a hospital corpsman to wait in obscurity most of their life for a crisis that may never come, Speed told Stars and Stripes. But when it does come, it is their duty to give it all they have. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea on May 18, 2025. The Truman and its strike group launched the largest airstrike in the history of the world during recent operations near Somalia, according to Adm. James Kilby, the acting chief of naval operations. (Mike Shen/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The USS Harry S. Truman and its strike group launched the largest airstrike in the history of the world from an aircraft carrier during recent operations near Somalia, the Navys top admiral said Monday. About 125,000 pounds of munitions were launched by the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group into the African country, Adm. James Kilby, the acting chief of naval operations, said while speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations Robert B. McKeon Endowed Series on Military Strategy and Leadership. The annual event brings together U.S. military service chiefs to discuss the future of the American defense strategy, military readiness and emerging global challenges. U.S. Africa Command, which oversees military operations in the region, is launching airstrikes in Somalia at a record-setting pace as the military seeks to counter an influx of Islamic State group fighters, military figures show. Since January, AFRICOM has conducted 25 strikes in Somalia, many of which were directed at ISIS militants, according to command strike reports. If the intensity of the bombing campaign continues, AFRICOM will exceed the 63 strikes it launched in Somalia in 2019, the highest tally for the country in the commands history. The ISIS cell in Somalia has grown from about 500 fighters to 1,500 over the past 18 months, with roughly 60% being foreign, a spokesperson told Stars and Stripes this month. ISIS-Somalia has proven both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces. [U.S. Africa Command], alongside the federal government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalias ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces and our citizens abroad, the command said on May 3. An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 11, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on May 9, 2025, during flight operations in the U.S Central command area of responsibility. (Logan McGuire/U.S. Navy) Meanwhile, the Truman strike group, Kilby added, has played a vital role in deterring Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen from attacking maritime shipping in the Red Sea. The Truman, he said, conducted 670 strikes and intercepted around 160 enemy drones and missiles during the five months it spent in the Red Sea. [The Houthis] are not China, but they are a threat, and they are hunting our ships, Kilby said. Understanding that and not being dismissive about that and being prepared is what we are focused on now. Truman left its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Sept. 23 for a routine deployment to the 6th Fleet. It entered the Middle East on Dec. 14 following the departure of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The aircraft carrier and its strike group were due to return to the U.S. in the spring, but its deployment was extended in May as part of a U.S. bid to cripple the Houthi by way of daily strikes. Since March 15, U.S. forces have hit more than 1,000 Houthi targets in Yemen, killing group leaders and fighters and degrading the groups capabilities, the Pentagon said last month. In declaring a ceasefire on May 6, President Donald Trump said the Houthis didnt want to fight anymore and had agreed to stop attacking ships in the vital waterway. As of Monday, the Truman, as well as the destroyer USS Jason Dunham and the cruiser USS Gettysburg, had left the Red Sea and were in the Mediterranean Sea to participate in a NATO military exercise. The Navy has not said when the carrier strike group will return home. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, left, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, and Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman prepare to testify Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON The Space Force is losing nearly 14% of its civilian workers to a combination of early retirements, resignations and other incentives as the Defense Department works to slash its civilian workforce. The downsizing is hitting the Space Force, which depends on civilians for one-third of its 17,000-person force, particularly hard, Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said on Tuesday. We understand the desire to reduce the civilian workforce. Its just having a little bit of an outsized impact on the Space Force, he told the Senate Armed Services Committee, later adding that even a 10% reduction is a large hit. Many of the civilians who work for the service, the youngest and smallest military branch, have highly technical skills and provide expertise that the Space Force does not have among its active-duty service members, Saltzman said. They bring corporate continuity across all of our processes and procedures, he said, and are essential to the acquisition of systems at a time when the Space Force is being asked to take on new responsibilities and missions, including the Golden Dome missile defense program. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman testifies Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) We rely heavily on our civilian workforce, Saltzman said. Im worried about replacing that level of expertise in the near term as we try to resolve it and make sure we have a good workforce doing that acquisition work. The Defense Department is aiming to cut 5% to 8% of its 900,000 civilian employees, which could ultimately affect more than 70,000 people. About 21,000 Pentagon employees volunteered for deferred resignations offered by the Office of Personnel Management earlier this year and tens of thousands more have taken up other incentives to leave offered by the Defense Department. The Army has seen 16,000 civilians sign up for deferred resignations, the Air Force is poised to lose 12,000 civilians, the Navy will shed 10% of its civilian personnel and the Marine Corps is expecting 1,600 resignations, according to testimony provided by personnel chiefs last month. By the end of 2025, the Space Force was supposed to have a civilian workforce almost 1,000 people larger than it will end up being due to the reductions, Saltzman said. The service had been in a period of managed growth, trying to increase the number of its civilian personnel to fill a deficit before being asked to stop that growth and offer early retirements and resignations, he said. The shifting policies have led to a suspension of hiring for several missions, including cyber defense, until we figure out exactly what the size of the civilian workforce is going to be, Saltzman said. As soon as I understand what that size is, then we will redistribute and reallocate the civilian workforce as necessary, he told senators. Lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about the reductions. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Saltzman and other service heads on Tuesday to alert Congress if they see the civilian workforce reach a point of breaking. Were not going to do all these great scientific and developmental and modernization issues without these critical workers, he said. The Space Force in the past three years has accepted several new missions, including the development of satellites to track moving targets on the ground and in the air, according to Saltzman. Its newest task is proving the space-based technology needed for the Golden Dome, a system ordered by President Donald Trump to detect, track and potentially intercept incoming missiles. The project will heavily depend on the Space Forces sensors, data fusion and communication capabilities, Saltzman said. The Flames of Honor war memorial will be developed at a waterfront site in Queens, the borough with the largest number of post-9/11 service members killed in action. (New York City mayors office) New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled plans and the design for a new national war memorial called Flames of Honor to commemorate post-9/11 service members who died in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 40-foot-tall memorial will have three silver arches with an eternal flame as the centerpiece, Adams and other city officials said Tuesday at a City Hall news conference streamed live on social media. A large sculpture of a folded American flag, 13-feet long, will be part of the memorial. Each of the armed service branches will be represented with statues of service members, city officials said. The Flames of Honor war memorial will be developed at a waterfront site in Queens, the borough with the largest number of post-9/11 service members killed in action. (New York City mayors office) The future war memorial will be developed at a waterfront site in Queens, the borough with the largest number of post-9/11 service members killed in action, Adams said. Queens also has the largest number of veterans who live in New York City. Groundbreaking for the war memorial is scheduled to begin in early fiscal 2026, which starts Oct. 1. The war memorial is expected to take two years to complete. The memorial will provide a sacred space to grieve, to reflect and to remember those weve lost since 9/11 not just as service members but as sons, daughters, neighbors and friends, said James W. Hendon, the citys commissioner for the Department of Veterans Services. More than 7,000 American troops were killed in combat while targeting ISIS and Al-Qaida terrorist organizations following the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide attacks at the World Trade Center in Manhattan and the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Terrorists hijacked and commandeered U.S. commercial flights that were crashed into the Twin Towers, the headquarters for the Department of Defense and a field in Pennsylvania, killing 2,977 people. The U.S. responded by waging a global war on terror. New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled plans and the design for a new national war memorial called Flames of Honor to commemorate post-9/11 service members who died in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. (New York City mayors office) Adams on Tuesday stood against a backdrop of American flags as he described the development of the Flames of Honor as vital for the city and nation. Our fallen soldiers gave their lives defending the American dream. This memorial will serve as a symbol of our gratitude, he said. Adams also announced new local property tax exemptions for veterans purchasing homes, saying the city is strengthening its safety net for veterans. The memorial will be paid for with privately raised funds as well as public capital project dollars, according to the mayors office. A total cost estimate for the project was not provided. The monument design is by artist Douwe Blumberg, who was chosen from among numerous candidates who submitted ideas, Adams said. The new war memorial was first announced in 2024, along with a design competition. Blumbergs work is well-known to New Yorkers. A previous sculpture was installed in 2012 at Liberty Park called Americas Response Monument, depicting a special forces soldier riding a horse into combat in Afghanistan. The statue was erected on a 1-acre site overlooking the World Trade Center campus. With this new memorial, we will honor a new generation of souls who gave their lives far too early in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while simultaneously paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who have served our country in these wars, Adams said when he announced the citys intention in May 2024 for the new memorial. Flames of Honor is part of a municipal project to revitalize the waterfront area known as the Whitestone neighborhood with bike paths, a pedestrian walkway and rebuilt bulkheads to mitigate storm risks, according to the mayors office. Our nation must never forget the service and sacrifice of those who stepped up to serve in our nations wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere as part of the global war on terror, said Allison Jaslow, chief executive officer of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. This memorial will stand as a permanent reminder that the cost of war is not measured in years or deployments but in lives forever changed, birthdays missed, memories unshared and time with loved ones that can never be reclaimed, Hendon said. University of Minnesota medical school liaison librarian Ryn Gagen uses a virtual reality headset to experience what its like to die at the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Education Center in Minneapolis. In this scene, Gagen looks down at their own body as loved ones say their goodbyes. (Renee Jones Schneider, The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) When the University of Minnesota offered to let me experience what its like to die, naturally I said yes. Arent we all morbidly curious about the undiscovered country, as Hamlet put it, from which no traveler returns? Except this time, happily, I would get to return because it would be a virtual death, an experience in a virtual reality studio thats part of the universitys Health Sciences Library system. The dying experience is part of a series of VR simulations developed by a nine-year-old California-based company called Embodied Labs. Theyve created immersive, first-person experiences of what its like to have dementia, Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease, vision or hearing loss, to be socially isolated or to experience aging as a LGBTQ person. And what its like to die. Admittedly, these experiences dont sound as fun as using VR to play a video game or pilot a jet plane. Instead, the simulations are designed as training tools to foster empathy and understanding for caregivers of older adults. At the University of Minnesota, medical school students have been using an Embodied Labs experience to understand the perspective of a woman named Beatriz, dealing with frustrations, confusion and family dynamics as she experiences advancing stages of Alzheimers. Students at the universitys Mortuary Science program have experienced an Embodied Labs simulation where they take on the role of a 74-year-old man named Alfred who has age-related macular degeneration and high-frequency hearing loss. Hes struggling to hear and understand what relatives and caregivers are saying to him. They feel frustrated and annoyed that theyre treated like a child, said Janet McGee, an instructor at the Mortuary Science program, of the students who experience the Alfred Lab. McGee said the outcome for students may be better empathetic listening skills, which will be useful when they do funeral arrangements for clients with age-related perception issues. Im not sure if Ill be a caregiver, or if Ill experience Alzheimers or macular degeneration myself. But I do know that someday Im going to die. Which is why I wanted to try the end-of-life Embodied Labs experience called the Clay Lab. You take on the role of a 66-year-old man named Clay Crowder, coming to terms with the reality of a stage IV terminal lung cancer diagnosis. Strong emotional reactions are common, warns an introduction to the VR experience. That one is intense, said Carrie Shaw, Embodied Labs CEO and founder. We wanted to portray what active dying is like. The experience includes one scene where your wife and daughter are taking you to a doctors appointment. Im afraid its not good news, says an oncologist. The latest scan that was repeated unfortunately did not look good. Within the Embodied Labs VR death simulation, University of Minnesota medical school liaison librarian Ryn Gagen, experiencing a terminally ill patients last days, looks at their phone to get test results on their cancer. (Renee Jones Schneider, The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) My daughter is in denial. Youre going to repeat the treatments, correct? But the doctor says continuing treatments will likely do more harm than good. She gently guides us to accept that palliative care is the best option now. Next, Im in my final days, seeing myself lying prone in bed, looking down at my feet and torso. For a brief period, my skin becomes transparent and I see my struggling organs and my rib cage moving as Im panting in discomfort. If I hold up my hands, my fingertips look bluish. But I get some pain medication and my breathing and heart rate ease. I look around the bedroom in my home. My loved ones are gathered around me, watching me intently but sadly. I hear them talking about diapers, catheters and the rattling secretions from my lungs. A hospice nurse recommends against giving me a feeding tube, which will get in the way of the natural process of my journey. At this stage, hes really not hungry, she says of me. I fade in and out of consciousness. Your eyes are open. Good morning, Clay. How are you feeling? says the hospice nurse at one point. Apparently, not so hot, Im thinking. My daughters remark about how cold my body feels. Then at one point, the hospice nurse sends for my wife in the room because its time. Have you told him that its all right for him to go? she asks everyone. One of my daughters is tearfully reading aloud from a poem as my vision fades. Then everything disappears, and all I see is a bird a blue heron, I think flying away toward a white light. I didnt create these images in my head; theyre all part of the VR program. Our intent, from an emotional standpoint, was to give some space, Shaw said of that scene. Next, the VR program shifts my perspective. I seem to be floating somewhere near the ceiling of the room. Im looking down on my own body. My loved ones give me final hugs and kisses. I can hear the caregivers talking to me. Were going to bathe you and put some lotion on your skin, they say. I watch my body being wheeled out of my home on a gurney and placed in a vehicle. McGee said she could see the Clay VR experience being used by mortuary science students because morticians see the need to collaborate with end-of-life caregivers. I dont think a lot about death, said Ryn Gagen, a 29-year-old medical school librarian. But trying out the Clay experience made Gagen empathize and wonder about the loved ones and caregivers who might be by their side at the end of life. I think about me in the future in that situation, Gagen said. I should think about what I want to happen, what I want around me. I had a similar reaction. When I went through the Embodied Labs experience, I was struck and saddened by the silent, miserable faces staring at me. In real life (or death), I think Id like a television in the room, with some of my favorite movies playing. Maybe Casablanca or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Or a couple of lighthearted Ernst Lubitsch comedies like To Be or Not to Be or Ninotchka. Alternatively, Id like to have some music playing, maybe Gershwins Lullaby for String Quartet or Joplins Bethena waltz. Even if I wasnt always awake to appreciate it, at least it would give those around me something pleasant to do while they were waiting. Seeing my future dead self has also prompted me to take a continuing education class to finally write a will. As Hamlet also said, when it comes to death, the readiness is all. Shaw said her company grew out of her background being a caregiver for her mother, who suffered from early-onset Alzheimers disease. Shaw used tape to obscure part of the lens of a pair of safety goggles and asked other people who were caring for her mother to try them on so they could understand the vision problems her mother was having. Shaw, who studied biomedical visualization and game development at the University of Illinois, Chicago, said the videos with real people have greater impact for the viewers than computer-generated scenes. The goal is to remind caregivers that theyre dealing with a person, not just a disease. She said users of the Embodied Labs VR experiences include medical schools, nursing schools and social work programs at universities. Theyre also used for staff training at government agencies like VA medical centers and state and local social service programs, and senior living, home care and hospice programs. The VR experiences feature videos showing real people actors portraying relatives and caregivers interacting with users, not computer-generated imagery or animations. Were really trying to capture the narrative of real lived experiences, Shaw said. High PFAS contamination levels have been recorded at Ubugaa spring in Ginowan city, downstream from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) High levels of toxic forever chemicals have been detected in groundwater near two U.S. military airfields on Okinawa, and local officials say the bases are highly likely to be the source, according to a recent government survey. Okinawa prefectures Environmental Protection Division released results Thursday from its annual survey of PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The study found PFAS levels exceeding Japans water quality standard of 50 parts per trillion at 28 of 46 sampling sites around U.S. bases. The survey found elevated levels of PFAS at 13 spots around Kadena Air Base and nine sites downstream of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The highest contamination level 1,600 parts per trillion, or 32 times the national standard was recorded at Ubugaa spring in Ginowan city, downstream from the Marine airfield. Despite the high levels, the report noted that the overall trend has remained stable since sampling began in 2017, a year after elevated PFAS levels were first reported in 2016. The division concluded that contamination near Kadena and MCAS Futenma is highly likely to be sourced from both bases. PFOS and PFOA both components of PFAS were commonly used in aqueous film-forming foam, a fire suppressant used by both U.S. and Japanese forces. Although the foam has been phased out and U.S. Forces Japan announced the incineration of its remaining stockpiles last year, PFAS continues to be found in consumer products such as water-repellent fabrics and nonstick cookware. The survey also found elevated PFAS levels at two sites near the Marine Corps Camp Hansen in northern Okinawa and four sites near Camps Courtney and McTureous. A site near Camp Foster was tested, but PFAS levels did not exceed the national standard. The prefecture previously conducted the survey twice a year but switched to an annual schedule in 2024 after determining that seasonal changes did not affect the results, a division spokesman said by phone Monday. In July 2023, the division and experts from five Japanese universities agreed to increase the number of sampling sites in an effort to identify the source of contamination more precisely. However, those plans remain in progress. We are still arranging to expand sampling sites in other surveys, the spokesman said. In August, the division requested that Japans central government collect water samples on U.S. bases. They responded that they are explaining the situation to the U.S. side, but we have never received a clear answer from them, the spokesman said. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that no level of PFAS is considered safe in drinking water. The American Cancer Society has linked PFAS exposure to an increased risk of tumors in the liver, breasts, testicles and pancreas. Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman Wesley Hayes said Monday by email that PFAS contamination is a shared concern tied to both military and civilian industrial activities across Japan, including firefighting, sewage treatment, landfills and chemical plants. Marine Corps Installations Pacific remains committed to protecting the health of our personnel, their families, and the surrounding communities in which we live and serve, he said, adding that the service continues to comply with all agreements and procedures with the Japanese government. The 18th Wing at Kadena provided a similar statement Monday and referred further questions to USFJ. Suspended sentences for U.S. service members and Defense Department civilian employees for importing drugs onto Okinawa via mail are not uncommon. (Pixabay) NAHA, Okinawa A Japanese court on Tuesday handed a U.S. Marine Corps spouse a suspended sentence for sending liquid cannabis to Okinawa through the Military Postal Service. Naha District Court Judge Masataka Tanabe sentenced Ashley Griewahn, 38, to two years in prison with hard labor. Her case was tried April 30. Tanabe suspended Griewahns sentence for three years, meaning she will not serve time in Japanese prison provided she commits no further offenses. She is married to Capt. Kenneth Griewahn, who works at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, according to evidence read during the trial by the prosecutor, who identified himself in court only by his last name, Ikeda. Capt. Griewahn, of Michigan, is an avionics officer with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, according to an email Tuesday from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield. The Marine Corps cooperated with Japanese authorities during the investigation, which found no evidence of misconduct by Capt. Griewahn, he added. We are committed to being good neighbors in our host communities, and we expect the same standard of conduct from all family members accompanying service members on orders, he said. Ashley Griewahn was indicted March 10 for attempting to smuggle 10.73 grams of liquid cannabis, or 0.4 ounces, to Okinawa in October. She hid 11 cartridges of the drug in two boxes of toys that her husband shipped from Michigan on Oct. 12 and were intercepted Oct. 17 by the Camp Foster customs office, according to the indictment. She bought the drugs from a website, Amazing Budz, while in Michigan, Ikeda said in court on April 30. Recreational cannabis is legal in Michigan. During the investigation, Griewahn told prosecutors she secured four cartridges in one box and seven in the other with tape, and that her husband sent the packages without knowing they contained drugs. Tanabe suspended the sentence because Griewahn admitted to smuggling the cannabis, showed remorse and has no criminal record in Japan, he said Tuesday. Im truly sorry for what Ive done, Griewahn said April 30. I regret it deeply. Im sorry to Japan, to the people related and to my family. Suspended sentences for U.S. service members and Defense Department civilian employees for importing drugs onto Okinawa via mail are not uncommon. A Marine convicted in October of importing a synthetic cannabinoid received a suspended, 30-month sentence, and another Marine convicted in December 2023 of importing LSD received a suspended, 18-month sentence. Lance Cpl. Juan De La Cerda moves into his new barracks room at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, May, 16, 2025. (Brayden Daniel/U.S. Marine Corps) The first group of U.S. Marines and sailors moved into newly constructed barracks on Guam on Friday, marking a key milestone for the Marine Corps newest installation, which is still under development. About 50 junior enlisted personnel relocated from Andersen Air Force Base to bachelor enlisted quarters on Camp Blazs main cantonment, base spokeswoman Maj. Diann Rosenfield told Stars and Stripes by email Monday. Additional service members living on Naval Base Guam are expected to move into the facility later this month, she said. The barracks were originally slated to open in June, but Secretary of the Navy John Phelan directed that they open by Friday, Marine Corps Headquarters spokeswoman Capt. Brenda Leenders said by email Tuesday. The 300-room facility can house up to 600 service members and includes a common area with a kitchen, laundry facilities, study spaces and recreational areas, according to a Monday news release from the installation. This marks the beginning of life on Camp Blazs Main Cantonment, base commander Col. Ernest Govea said in the release. Marines and Sailors are going to finally be able to live on the base and have an improved quality of life and readiness. Blaz was officially activated in 2020, becoming the first new Marine base in 72 years. Construction is ongoing, with seven more enlisted barracks still in progress. Once complete, the eight barracks will accommodate approximately 4,800 Marines. It is really unique to be able to be the first person to move into a barracks room, and that will probably never happen again in my career, Lance Cpl. Juan Dela Cerda, an administrative clerk, said in the release. Besides how unique it is, its just nice to have a place to call my own. Two bachelor officer quarters, each designed for 388 Marines, are also under construction, Rosenfeld said last month. Another 30 projects including a third officer quarters, a warehouse and a dining facility are expected to be completed by the end of this fiscal year, said Rachel Landers, spokeswoman for the office in charge of construction at Blaz. Most projects do not have a formal completion like a ribbon cutting but are turned over to the Marine Corps through a gradual process called activation, she said by email Monday. The base will eventually host approximately 4,000 Marines relocating from Okinawa as part of a 2012 agreement between the United States and Japan to reduce the American military footprint on the southern Japanese island. Nearly 30,000 of the 55,000 troops in Japan are based on Okinawa. About 1,300 members of III Marine Expeditionary Force are expected to be permanently stationed on Guam, while another 3,700 will rotate through the island on temporary deployments. South Korean presidential candidates, from left, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party pose after a televised debate in Seoul on May 18, 2025. (Lee Jae-myung) The presidential candidates representing South Koreas two largest political parties agreed on the importance of the countrys relationship with the United States during a recent televised debate but differed on how to handle its adversaries. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party reaffirmed the 72-year U.S.-South Korea alliance as foundational to the countrys security. Kim and Lee totally understand the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, Hahm Sung Deuk, dean of Kyonggi Universitys Graduate School of Political Studies, said by phone Tuesday. The only difference is their approaches toward North Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia. Kim, formerly the minister of Employment and Labor, has taken a hardline stance against North Korea, China and Russia, Hahm said. Lee advocated a more engagement-focused approach to foreign policy, he added. Kim pledged to meet with President Donald Trump following South Koreas June 3 presidential election to discuss North Koreas nuclear ambitions, China relations and trade. Trust is the most important thing in the discussion with Trump, he said in response to a moderators question during Sundays debate. We can only bolster the South Korea-U.S. alliance when we can trust each other. Lee agreed the alliance is a core value in our security but cautioned against full reliance on the United States. We should not fully depend on the alliance, he said. There is no need for us to intentionally exclude or stand hostile against China or Russia. Diplomacy should always focus on national interest and practicality. A Realmeter poll of 1,509 South Korean adults showed Lee leading with more than 50% of voter support, followed by Kim with nearly 36%. The poll, conducted over three days beginning May 14, had a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points. Both candidates are aware that most South Korean voters view the alliance with Washington as essential, Hahm said. Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea to defend it from North Korean aggression. The U.S. also has a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system deployed to the South and frequently dispatches aircraft carriers and bombers for joint training exercises. Kwon Young-kook of the progressive Democratic Labor Party and Lee Jun-seok of the neo-conservative New Reform Party candidates who together command less than 10% support in recent polls also participated in the debate in Seoul. Robert Burke, who served as the 40th vice chief of naval operations from June 2019 to June 2020, was found guilty by a federal jury in Washington on May 19, 2025, of charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery. (U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON A retired four-star admiral who once was the Navys second-highest ranking officer was convicted of federal bribery and conspiracy charges in a scheme to direct lucrative contracts to a training company in exchange for a $500,000-a-year job. Robert Burke, who served as the 40th vice chief of naval operations from June 2019 to June 2020, was found guilty Monday by a federal jury in Washington of single charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery. Burke is facing up to 30 years in prison for his role in a plan to direct contracts potentially worth millions of dollars to a New York City-based company that offered training programs to the Navy. In return for his help, Burke was hired by the company, Next Jump, for $500,000 a year and was given lucrative stock options and other benefits after he left the Navy, the Justice Department said in a statement Monday. Burke, who led naval forces in Europe and Africa from 2020 until his retirement in 2022, was also convicted of charges of performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts from the United States. When you abuse your position and betray the public trust to line your own pockets, it undermines the confidence in the government you represent, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said following the five-day trial. Our office, with our law enforcement partners, will root out corruption be it bribes or illegal contracts and hold accountable the perpetrators, no matter what title or rank they hold. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden set Burkes sentencing for Aug. 22. Burkes attorney Timothy Parlatore described the verdict as a miscarriage of justice, adding that the prosecution intentionally withheld information from the jury and only presented them with sliver of the truth. This jury should have heard more. They should have heard a lot more. But we were prevented from showing the jury the full picture, Parlatore told Stars and Stripes. Parlatore said jurors heard only three snippets of a more than two-hour interview Burke agreed to give to investigators in which he defended his conduct. The quotes, Parlatore said, were taken out of context and left the jury with a false impression of the conversation. Parlatore sought to have the jury listen to the full interview, or at a minimum, additional parts of the interview to put those quotes into context, but the judge did not allow it. Parlatore said he will appeal Burkes conviction. Burke is only the second Navy admiral ever convicted of a federal crime committed on active duty. The first was Adm. Robert Gilbeau, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in May 2017 after admitting he lied in telling federal officials he had never received any gifts from a Malaysian businessman. The businessman, known as Fat Leonard, was at the center of a massive bribery scandal involving Navy officers over a period of years. In a trial brief filed days before Burkes trial began, federal prosecutors said the defendant conspired with Yongchul Charlie Kim and Meghan Messenger, co-CEOs of Next Jump, to direct a $355,135 contract to the company for training programs in Rota, Spain and Naples, Italy, as part of a three-phase plan to garner more work with the Navy. Burke subsequently wrote an admiral responsible for training sailors to promote Next Jump in the second phase of the plan. He also contacted a high-ranking official of a foreign military to promote the company, prosecutors said. With the first two phases of the plan complete, Kim and Messenger offered Burke the job as outlined in a July 2021, lunch meeting in Washington, D.C. Burke went to work for Next Jump a few months after his retirement before resigning in January 2023, court records show. Kim and Messenger each are facing separate counts of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Their trial is set for Aug. 18. In September, Judge McFadden granted the pairs motion to be tried separately from Burke. The two claimed that they couldnt get a fair trial alongside Burke because evidence used against him would likely sway a jury to convict them by association. In a separate filing, Burke agreed to separate the cases, saying that Kims and Messengers planned defenses were fundamentally conflicting and irreconcilable to his own. Burke maintained that he, Kim and Messenger didnt do anything wrong, and that official discussions about a job with Next Jump did not happen until May 2022, well after the contract for training in Naples and Rota was completed. The Navy didnt pursue additional training. But in their July 19 motion for a separate trial, Kim and Messenger agreed with the governments claim that the job offer was made during a July 23, 2021, lunch meeting, attended not only by Burke but also by a senior civilian Navy official. Kim and Messenger argue that Burke knowingly misled them into believing that discussions about future employment were allowed, even while Burke supervised active contract negotiations with their company. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., speaks on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Washington at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on technology modernization. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Lawmakers are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to do a more thorough job of tracking the commercial software licenses it holds and actually uses before acquiring additional software products. The VA pays more than a billion dollars annually for software licenses while failing to end practices that lead to duplication and unused software in its inventory, said Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on technology modernization. VA simply cannot make smart decisions about how many software licenses they buy if they dont have complete and accurate data, said Barrett, the subcommittee chairman, at a hearing Monday to examine VAs oversight of software licenses with major vendors. At the most fundamental level, VA needs to understand what licenses they own and whether they are being used, Barrett said. Barrett and other Republican lawmakers also cited President Donald Trumps executive order in March for consolidating government purchases including information technology through the General Services Administration. But Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., said lawmakers must first ensure that centralizing the acquisition of software will not create downstream disasters since most VA software is not off-the-shelf technology. The VA is among about two dozen federal agencies that have not been effectively tracking and managing its software licenses, Budzinski said. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., speaks on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Washington at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on technology modernization. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act grants Congress oversight of information technology investments including software, said Carol C. Harris, director of information technology and cybersecurity at the Government Accountability Office. Software licenses specify the terms by which the federal government may use the software it acquires. Proper management of software licenses helps to ensure that software is used properly as it is deployed across an enterprise or to individual workstations, Harris said. In fiscal 2025, the VA plans to spend nearly $985 million on software including commercial software licenses, Harris said. GAO published a report last year with alarming findings about the state of software license management at VA, Barrett said. VA could not explain what they paid for specific software products that are bundled into a single licensing agreement because the costs for each individual product are not broken out, he said. The VAs most widely used software vendors with the highest quantity of licenses installed in 2022 were Microsoft, HCL Technologies, 1E and Raytheon Technologies, according to the GAO. Harris discussed two prior GAO reports conducted in January 2024 and November 2024 that reviewed how well the VA monitored software licenses. VA faced challenges in determining whether it was purchasing too many or too few of these software licenses, according to findings from January 2024. The VA paid about $21 billion from fiscal 2022 through 2024 for a range of computer systems and services including software licenses. Rights to use software are separate from the legal rights to the software itself, which are typically kept by the software manufacturer or a third party. But VA needs to regularly check software licenses against purchase orders, Harris said. Taking better inventory would enable the agency to identify duplicate and unnecessary licenses. Jeff VanBemmel, director of end user operations at the VAs Office of Information and Technology, testifies on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Washington at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on technology modernization. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The VA has begun to track software license use in real time to determine if licensing already was acquired before placing a new order, said Jeff VanBemmel, director of end user operations at the VAs Office of Information and Technology. The VAs 2025 budget request for the Office of Information and Technology was $6.2 billion, which included $476.7 million for end user software and $17.5 million for software maintenance. VA hospitals previously acted independently to make their own separate procurements. We now want to look at this as an enterprise approach, VanBemmel said. Licenses typically are required whenever commercial software is installed. The GAO also found restrictive software licensing practices that adversely impacted cloud computing efforts. Restrictive software licenses can lead to extra fees with third-party cloud providers, the GAO said. Restrictive software licensing practices include vendor processes that may limit, impede or prevent agencies efforts to use software in cloud computing. Harris said VA identified $65 million in savings gained over three years through analysis and closer management of just one of its software licenses. VanBemmel said acquisitions are now being reviewed at the central level, and the agency is working to make sure it does not have several different commercial software products that do the exact same thing. He said the agency currently has licenses for more than 4,000 commercial software titles. Were identifying every accountable person for every software title, he said. Barrett said it is necessary to undertake the hard work of standardizing software across VA hospitals and clinics. Father-of-two Eric Rooney (29) was found with the drug after gardai saw him in a suspicious transaction on a Dublin street and stopped him for a search An airport worker caught with 400 of cocaine in a Kinder egg had been going to a party and made an egregious error, a court has heard. Father-of-two Eric Rooney (29) was found with the drug after gardai saw him in a suspicious transaction on a Dublin street and stopped him for a search. Judge John OLeary spared him a criminal record after he made a 400 charity donation. Striking the charges out, the judge warned that Rooney was getting one chance. The accused, of Shangan Terrace, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. Dublin District Court heard gardai were on patrol at Marewood Crescent, Ballymun, on January 31 when they saw Rooney engaged in a suspicious transaction. When they approached him and told him he would be searched, he took a Kinder egg from his underwear and handed it over. It contained a number of bags of cocaine and he was arrested. Rooney had no previous convictions. He had previously suffered from cocaine addiction but had tackled that, his lawyer said. At the time of the arrest, he was attending a party, he slipped and made an egregious error. He immediately said I did this and apologised sincerely. The accused, who was supporting his family, was working at Dublin Airport and was subject to garda vetting and checks from his employer. The judge said this could ruin his life if dealt with by a fine and noted Rooneys previous good record. He said after the donation, his record would not show a conviction. Eric Rooney pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Nineteen-year-old Laryssa Sales and Otavoio Martin De Sousa, 30, originally from Brazil, were arrested on Sunday A teenage social media influencer and her boyfriend have been refused bail after being caught driving around with more than 6,000 worth of drugs in Dublin. Laryssa Sales (19) and Otavoio Martin De Sousa (30), originally from Brazil, were arrested on Sunday during an operation by gardai from the Kevin Street drugs unit. They appeared before Judge Gerard Jones at Dublin District Court today, charged with possessing cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and benzodiazepines for sale or supply at Kevin Street, in Dublin 8. Garda Darragh Mylod and Garda Gillian Slane told Judge Gerard Jones that officers on mobile patrol stopped a car driven by Mr De Sousa. Laryssa Sales. Photo: Instagram The drugs, worth 6,090, were in the glove compartment and 3,000 cash was in the drivers side door as well as a scales and bagging. The officers expressed concerns that they were flight risks and said they were caught red-handed. The two gardai said the pair intended to return to Brazil in August and were not living at the addresses they furnished. The court heard airline help-desk worker De Sousa had previously lived with relatives in Cabra, Dublin 7, and was welcome to live there again. Garda Mylod told Judge Jones the accused man had not disclosed his latest address. Defence solicitor Evan Moore said his clients only planned on going home to Brazil for a holiday. Laryssa Sales. Photo: Instagram Garda Slane alleged that when the car was stopped, Ms Sales leaned forward to the glove box in what looked like panic. The young woman claimed the cannabis, worth 1,640, was for her own use and her partner was not involved in drug trafficking. Garda Slane told the court that Ms Sales also gave false addresses in Dublin and would not open her phone to confirm her name, adding that the 19-year-old was very uncooperative and had not provided identification. I dont know she is who she says she is, the officer said. Pleading for bail, Sales told the court she came to Ireland last year and that she was working and studying, and promised that if she were released, she would turn up for her next hearing. Mr Moore said his client was pregnant and also suffered from a serious medical condition, but the garda said there was no proof of that. Gardai expected the case to be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. Judge Jones accepted they were flight risks and refused their applications. In Ms Saless case, he remarked, She would be on the next plane out of this country, if she got bail. Legal aid was granted. This article was amended on Tuesday, May 20, to reflect that Mr De Sousa is not an Aer Lingus employee as previously stated. Christopher Doherty (38) a chronic alcoholic who was also diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been remanded in custody since October 16, 2019 after allegedly assaulting his mother An inquest into the death of a vulnerable prisoner has been unable to establish how exactly he suffered a fatal head injury while being detained in Cloverhill Prison in Dublin. Christopher Doherty (38) a music manager of Mitchel House, Appian Way, Ranelagh died at Tallaght University Hospital on December 16, 2019. The prisoner has been brought to the hospital after sustaining a head injury in his cell at Cloverhill in the early hours of November 4, 2019 amid concern that he might have suffered an assault or a fall from his bed. It was noted that he had also been disoriented and lethargic on the previous day. A jury of four women and three men returned an open verdict on Mr Dohertys death. It also made several recommendations including asking the Irish Prison Service to consider having more nursing staff on duty at night across all prisons. No reference was made at the inquest to a report into Mr Dohertys death by the Inspector of Prisons which recorded that prison staff had noted that he displayed unusual behaviour such as hitting his head off the wall while in Cloverhill. Cloverhill Prison. News in 90 Seconds - May 20th The IoP said it could not comment on healthcare interventions relating to the prisoner as it was unable to obtain consent from Mr Dohertys next-of-kin his mother to access her sons medical records. The deceased, a chronic alcoholic who was also diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been remanded in custody since October 16, 2019 after allegedly assaulting his mother in their family home. Prison officer, Eoin Minchin, told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday that he had responded to a call bell at 1.30am when another prisoner threatened that he would scald or beat Mr Doherty if he was not relocated to a different cell as the deceased had tried to get into bed with him. Mr Minchin said Prisoner A was removed from the cell after which Mr Doherty got into a top bunk bed. He said the deceased had no sign of any injury and made no complaint about being assaulted. When he checked the cell at 3am Mr Minchin said he found Mr Doherty standing up with blood on his head and clothes. He recalled that the prisoner seemed confused but provided no explanation how he had received his injury. Another prison officer, Paul Mongovan, said he thought he heard the injured inmate mumble something about the bed. The inquest heard a nursing officer, Jill McRedmond, examined the prisoner and found a small wound had stopped bleeding. However, Mr Doherty refused to tell her what had happened after which she recommended he be reviewed by a doctor later that day. A prison doctor, Mohsin Moola, who examined the prisoner at 11.30am, said he was informed that Mr Doherty had been seen eating his own faeces. Dr Moola said he arranged an urgent referral for the prisoner to the emergency department of TUH given his completely disoriented condition. He told the coroner he believed the case was an absolute emergency. A nursing officer at Cloverhill, Deirdre Betson, gave evidence of calling an ambulance at 12.30pm after she found the prisoner shaking and with a vomit stain on his clothes while he was waiting in the prisons reception area for an escort to hospital. The inquest heard an ambulance arrived at Cloverhill at 12.55pm but was not authorised to leave the prison with Mr Doherty until 1.10pm. Ms Betson explained that approval had to be received from the headquarters of the Irish Prison Service in Longford. There was definitely a delay because of the protocol, she added. Ms Betson said there was a shortage of nursing staff in Cloverhill with one nurse looking after 400 prisoners at night time. The inquest heard a CT scan on the prisoner in TUH highlighted bleeding and bruising on the patients brain and a decision was taken to transfer him to Beaumont Hospital on November 5, 2019. He was transferred back to Tallaght on November 13, 2019 after his condition stabilised but it subsequently deteriorated and he died on December 16, 2019 after his life support was turned off. A consultant pathologist, Heidi Okker, said the results of a postmortem showed Mr Doherty had died from a traumatic brain injury with chronic liver disease as a contributory factor. Dr Okkers said the fatal injury was consistent with the victim falling backwards and hitting a flat surface. The pathologist said there were no signs of any third-party involvement or any defensive injuries on the deceased. In reply to questions from Dr Cullinane, she said it was possible that several rib fractures and blood-stained fluid on the lungs found during the postmortem could have occurred at the same time as the head injury. Dr Okker said she could not say either way if Mr Doherty had suffered the fatal injury from a fall or a push. The inquest heard the DPP recommended no prosecution after examining a file on a Garda investigation into the case. Inspector Brian Hanly said Prisoner A had not cooperated with their investigation but gardai were satisfied that no assault had taken place. The governor of Cloverhill, Kevin OConnell, told the coroner that the urgent transfer of prisoners to hospital still had to be authorised by the IPS headquarters. However, Mr OConnell said the decision-maker was now called in such cases rather than the request just being made through an online system. The jury issues several recommendations including urging the IPS to authorise the person in charge of individual prisons to sanction the discharge of prisoners to hospital in urgent cases and the storing of CCTV footage when any incident occurs. Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh Co Cork first appeared in court in March of 2024 in connection with the offence A member of the Irish Defence Forces who was caught with close to 27,000 worth of cocaine at an army barracks in Cork was using his room onsite as a safe haven for storing drugs, a court has heard. Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh Co Cork first appeared in court in March of 2024 in connection with the offence. The 34 year old was before Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday for sentencing. Dt Garda Derry OBrien said that on March 27th, 2024 a search of Room 21 was carried out at Collins Barracks in Cork. He told Judge Dermot Sheehan that Mr Scanlon was the sole occupant of the room. Det Garda OBrien said that gardai recovered cocaine with a street value of 26,900 in the room and 1,100 in cash. They also found numerous drug paraphernalia including a blender used for mixing drugs, a weighing scales and bags. Det Garda OBrien said that Mr Scanlon made full admissions in relationship to his ownership of the items. He was detained at Mayfield Garda Station on the northside of Cork city where he admitted to gardai that he had the drugs for sale and supply. The court heard that a search was also carried out at his home where 2,250 in cash was recovered. Det Garda OBrien said that Mr Scanlon told them that he wasnt a drug user. Gardai found evidence of drug dealing on his phone with the offending behavour going as far back as 2021. Dt Garda OBrien told Judge Dermot Sheehan that Mr Scanlon was storing drugs in the barracks. He was using it (Collins Barracks) as a safe haven as a opposed to his home address in Cobh. The father of three has two previous convictions for minor driving offences. He has not come to the attention of gardai since his arrest. A forfeiture order has been made in relation to the monies recovered whilst the drugs paraphernalia recovered is set to be destroyed. Defence barrister, Ray Boland, SC, said that his client had come forward on a signed guilty plea. He said that Mr Scanlon made full admissions and immediately co operated with gardai following his arrest. He stated that gardai carried out the search of the room in Collins Barracks having received information about suspected activity onsite. Mr Boland said that his client had resigned from the Army after 18 years of otherwise exemplary service. He appealed for leniency in the case given the previous good character of Mr Scanlon whom he said deserved extra credit for his signed plea. Mr Boland said that his client was aware of the shame and disrepute he had caused via his actions. He asked that a suspended sentence be imposed in the case and stressed that his client was under financial pressure when he committed the offences. Mr Boland said the probation officer who handled his case had deemed Mr Scanlon at moderate risk of reoffending as he was less than forthright about his previous convictions. However, Mr Boland said that Mr Scanlon didnt see the relevance of his driving convictions to the case. He said that there was a certain degree of naivety at play in relation to how Scanlon interacted with the probation service. He added that his client was a suitable candidate for monitoring by the probation service. Judge Sheehan said that the probation officer had noted a lack of insight by the accused in to the impact of his offending. There is no drug addict here. No list of previous convictions. No unemployment. He (Scanlon) doesnt seem to understand how serious the impact of these offences are. He remanded Mr Scanlon on bail until next Friday (May 23rd) when sentencing will be imposed in the case. . The accused previously surrendered his passport. He has to continue to sign on at Cobh Garda Station whilst on bail. Meanwhile, Mr Scanlon, who is a father of three, previously pleaded guilty to being in possession of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another, on March 27th, 2024. He also admitted having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use on the same occasion. Mr Scanlon also pleaded guilty to money-laundering in respect of 1,100 at Collins Barracks and another sum of 2,250 at his home in Cobh. He also entered a guilty plea to being in possession of articles, namely a blender and weighing scales in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference it was for the purpose of commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug-trafficking offence. The charge of having cocaine for sale and supply when it it exceeds 13,000 comes with a mandatory ten year minimum prison sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances. Shane Scanlon admitted having the haul for sale or supply News in 90 Seconds - May 20th The 53-year-old was arrested after the macabre body parts find in Barcelona in December 2022 and accused of the German victims homicide Apartment building in Barcelona where the couple lived and bins where the torso was found. Photo credit: Solarpix An Irishman has been jailed for more than 10 years by a Spanish court after admitting killing his landlord and dumping his mutilated body in a waste container. The 53-year-old was arrested after the macabre body parts find in Barcelona in December 2022 and accused of the German victims homicide. Yesterday he admitted his crime on day one of a trial in the Catalan capital which was due to last until next Tuesday when a jury retired to consider its verdict. Public prosecutors had demanded a 12-year prison sentence for the Irishman, identified in a pre-trial indictment only by his initials W.M.A. He ended up being caged for 10 years after pleading guilty to a charge of homicide and another three months for desecrating his victims body. A mental disorder he is said to be suffering was taken into account as a mitigating circumstance. Prosecutors had accused the self-confessed killer of fatally attacking the victim, a German named only as Alex R, two days after he had sub-let him a room in a seventh-floor flat in a central Barcelona street called calle Casanova. They alleged he had subsequently cut up his body and spent the next few days leaving his dismembered body parts around the city. A scrap dealer searching through street rubbish containers alerted the authorities after opening up a black suitcase with a strong smell coming from it yards from the apartment and discovering the victims torso. Alex Rs Irish tenant was arrested after the dead man was identified through DNA tests along with a Ukrainian national who was subsequently released on bail and never charged. CCTV footage obtained from a nearby garage and a bank across the street were said at the time to have played a vital role in the arrest of the Irishman. Police revealed at the time the rubbish container where the torso was found was just 15 METRES from the apartment block where the killing occurred. Spanish press accused the killer in the immediate aftermath of the crime of committing a huge blunder by dumping the victims body parts so close to the scene of the crime. Apartment building in Barcelona where the couple lived and bins where the torso was found. Photo credit: Solarpix News in 90 Seconds - May 20th The scrap dealer, named only as Chiprian, told local media after making the gruesome discovery: My work involves going through the rubbish and when I saw the black case I thought I had found something good. When I opened it up to see what was inside I was hit by a terrible smell which at first I thought was rotting meat a bar had thrown out or remains of food. It was only when I pushed the zip back a bit further I saw it was a body without the hands, feet or head. I informed a kiosk owner I know who was in the area and told him to look inside as well and he thought at first it was a mannequin. The regional Mossos dEsquadra police in Barcelona said in a statement confirming the two arrests before the men went to court and it emerged the Irish national was the only one of the two suspects remanded in custody: Mossos officers from Barcelonas Criminal Investigation Division have arrested two men aged 31 and 51 in relation to the discovery of some human remains inside a rubbish container on November 29 on the corners of Casanova Street and Rome Avenue. As part of the investigation a home in the city of Barcelona was located where possible evidence linking it to a violent death was found. The two detainees have been handed over to a judge for further questioning. The killer claimed after his arrest he got into a fight with his victim and didnt intend to end his life when he hit him although further details did not emerge at his trial because of his plea bargain deal. Court officials are still trying to track down a sister of the dead man, believed to live in Iran, to see if she wants to claim compensation. The Catalan High Court of Justice said before the start of the trial at Barcelonas Audiencia Provincial court: A person accused of a crime of homicide will be tried from today. The crime he has been charged with occurred in 2022. According to public prosecutors the accused man rented a room from the victim and attacked him violently and killed him. Some days later, with the intention of erasing the clues of his crime and covering up what he had done, he dismembered his victim and dumped his body parts, disposing of them in a rubbish container where they were found by a person looking inside. Public prosecutors are seeking a 12-year prison sentence for the suspect. Alexsandras Bogdanovic (37) insulted an employee about his Asian background in one incident A data engineer hurled racial abuse at a shop worker and smashed the front door with vodka bottles in absolutely disgusting attacks, a court heard. Alexsandras Bogdanovic (37) insulted an employee about his Asian background in one incident, then returned days later and caused more than 2,000 to the front door when staff had to shut it to protect themselves and customers from his violence. Judge Catherine Ghent said his actions were utterly unacceptable and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for a probation report. Bogdanovic, with an address at Santry Lodge, Ballymun Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour. The offences happened at Eurospar, Gullivers Retail Park, Santry last year. The first incident was on September 7, when staff told the accused, who was previously barred, to leave. While standing outside, he hurled racial abuse at an employee, centring on his Asian background, a garda said. On September 13, he entered the store with two bottles of vodka and appeared to be seeking out the security manager. He was still barred and was told to leave, at which he threatened violence. Bogdanovics lawyer said her client had alcohol issues and asked the garda if he was easier to deal with when sober The shop door had to be closed for the protection of staff and customers. Bogdanovic struck the door a number of times with his foot, then threw the glass bottles at it, smashing it. He started fighting with members of the public and when gardai arrived, he fled on foot but was caught and arrested. His previous convictions included public order offences. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Bogdanovics lawyer said her client had alcohol issues and asked the garda if he was easier to deal with when sober. I only ever met him when he was intoxicated, the garda said. The accused acknowledged he was getting himself into trouble when he drinks and is seeking help through addiction services. His alcohol issues started after he was divorced and moved to Ireland to seek a better life. He began drinking which led him down a bad path. He apologised for his behaviour in both incidents and no longer lived in the area or frequented the shop. Judge Ghent said there was not just substantial damage to the door, but the shop had to close and must have lost business. It was absolutely disgusting and utterly unacceptable that people who are working hard should get racially abused, she said. Kyle Lawrence (19) had been bailed for his part in the November 2023 unrest Kyle Lawrence, 18yrs, from Lurgan Street in Dublin pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin for a District Court appearance. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie A young man who tried to flee gardai before giving them a false name and address had a warrant out for his arrest in connection with the Dublin riots at the time. Kyle Lawrence (19) had been bailed for his part in the November 2023 unrest and was waiting for the case to be finalised when gardai encountered him in a car park. Judge Catherine Ghent gave him a two-month sentence but made it concurrent to a prison term he is now serving for the riot. Gardai came across Kyle Lawrence (19) when they were investigating a report of trespassing in a car park at Dublin Airport Lawrence, from Lurgan Street, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda directions and giving them false details Dublin District Court heard gardai were investigating a report of trespassing in a car park at the back of Dublin Airport on December 30 last year. They came across Lawrence and when they went to question him, he fled on foot and was apprehended. Kyle Lawrence, 18yrs, from Lurgan Street in Dublin pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin for a District Court appearance. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie News in 90 Seconds - May 20th They asked for his details and he gave a false name and address. There was no offence detected in relation to the initial call. Lawrence was subsequently jailed in February for three-and-a-half years over the Dublin riot of November 2023, when he damaged a bus and garda car and looted shops. The accused had a very difficult upbringing and had got caught up in the riot, his solicitor Andrew Broderick said. The very large sentence he got had been a wake-up call and he had put his past lifestyle behind him and was keeping his head down in prison. The body was wrapped in what appeared to be a soiled sheet. Bones could be protruding from the sheet from the lower end of the body. A pathologist was unable to determine a cause of death for Tina Satchwell (45) because of the skeletonised and badly decomposed condition of her remains which were excavated from underneath the stairs of her Cork home over six years after she vanished. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the Central Criminal Court murder trial of Richard Satchwell (58) that she performed a post mortem examination on Ms Satchwell's remains at the Cork University Hospital (CUH) morgue on October 12/13, 2023. This was after her body was fully excavated from a clandestine grave at her Youghal home. "The cause of death, due to the very long post mortem interval, could not be determined. The cause of death is undetermined," she said. Dr Bolster was giving evidence on the 15th day of Mr Satchwell's murder trial in Dublin. Mr Satchwell has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Tina at a time unknown on March 19/20 2017 at his home at Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork contrary to Common Law. Tina Satchwell. News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Mr Satchwell appeared in court today wearing navy slacks, a red T-shirt and blue jumper. Dr Bolster confirmed she was asked to attend Number Three, Grattan Street in Youghal by Gardai after the discovery of human remains on October 11, 2023. "I was asked to attend the scene in Youghal, Co Cork which I did with forensic anthropologist Dr Laureen Buckley. I spent the day and the evening there examining the remains," she said. "We started the post mortem examination that evening (October 12) and finished the following morning (October 13). "Present at the post mortem was Dr Buckley, Kevin Lynch an anatomy technician, Det Sgt Shane Curran, Det Garda Mairead Crowley, Det Garda Karen McCarthy and Det Garda Brian Barry." Dr Buckley said the remains were skeletal in nature. The medical history of Ms Satchwell given to her was that she was in good general health before March 2017. She said the remains were in a hole or grave in the ground underneath stairs, to a depth of 62cm. "The house was in a state of long-standing disarray. "The body was received in a black body bag and was wrapped in black plastic (at the scene). "Another layer of black plastic was around the body when it was found. The body was wrapped in what appeared to be a soiled sheet. Bones could be protruding from the sheet from the lower end of the body. "The body had been lying face down. "The body was dressed in a dressing gown and a Playboy purse was found in the front pocket." She said the remains were placed on the morgue examination table in exactly the same position in which it was lying in the ground. An examination of the purse at the CUH morgue found it contained a number of identity and loyalty cards in the name of Tina Mary Satchwell. "Following rotation of the body onto its back, a skull with head hair attached could be seen protruding from the sheet. "The right arm was flexed and the right arm was over the left upper thorax. The elbow of the left arm was flexed...and red nail polish could be seen on the fingernails. "I cut the dressing gown belt to remove the dressing gown so as the bones of the ribs would not fall apart. The belt was not cut before." A brief video was played to the jury in which a Garda demonstrated on his own body the precise way in which the dressing gown belt was found on the remains. It was around the upper chest and then diagonally over the left shoulder, knotted in the front. Photographs of the badly stained dressing gown belt found on the remains were also shown to the jury. The belt was not threaded through the loops on the dressing gown. "The upper dressing gown was disintegrated and multiple bones of the vertebrae were visible. "The next layer of clothing appeared to be pyjamas it showed butterflies to the front with a logo of 'some bunny loves me'." Photographs of the pyjamas were also shown to the jury. "Distal to the collarbone was a tattoo of what looked like a Tweetie bird. "The skull was separated from the rest of the body and the upper neck bone could be seen still attached to the skull. "The skull was decapitated or separated from the body as a result of decomposition. "There was also mummified tissue which occurs in a dry environment." Richard Satchwell at Youghal Harbour near his home on Grattan Street Dr Bolster said she noted pieces of glass on the body, on both the arms and on the head. "Four pieces of glass were taken from the scalp. "A belly button bar, or body piercing, could be seen. "The hyoid bone - a little bone like a chicken wishbone - was seen. Both legs were flexed or bent and the lower leg bones were exposed, all soft tissue was gone. "The pelvis on the left side was exposed. Both femurs were exposed by loss of tissue at the back. "The fingers were flexed and nails had fallen off the fingers during excavation...they appeared to be false nails. "No damage to the fingers could be identified." Dr Buckley, the forensic anthropologist, examined the bones. "I couldn't identify any marks externally because of the length of time post mortem and the scale of skeletonisation," Dr Bolster said. She added that pathologists first look for external marks to the body for clues as to the cause of death. "Because of the length of the post mortem interval here I was unable to do that." "There were no organs remaining I could not do that (examination). We (normally) look at the brain, the heart, the lungs, the liver...you look at any pathology that could offer a cause of death. None of that was available to us." Dr Bolster said an examination of remaining tissue samples showed no indication of haemorrhage. She then looked for trauma to the remains. "There was no evidence of any fractures to the bones. X-rays of the hands were carried out and showed no evidence of fractures. "The cause of death, due to the very long post mortem interval, could not be determined. The cause of death is undetermined." Ms Satchwell's partially skeletonised body was discovered six and a half years after she vanished following an invasive four day Garda search of the Youghal home from October 10-12, 2023. Gardai had checked the property in June 2017 but it was not an invasive search. Mr Satchwell replied to Gardai when first charged with the murder of his wife at Cobh Garda Station in October 2023: "Guilty or not guilty - guilty." The Leicester-born truck driver has claimed his wife attacked him with a wood chisel - and, after falling to the ground, he defended himself by holding her away from him by the rope belt of her dressing gown. This somehow came up around her neck and she went limp. Her body was temporarily stored in a chest freezer before she was buried in a clandestine grave he had excavated underneath the stairwell of her home. Mr Satchwell repeatedly claimed to Gardai that his wife regularly beat him and left him with bruises, cuts, bite marks, swellings and, on two occasions, he claimed she had knocked him unconscious. The trial - now in its fourth week before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men - is expected to run until June 5/6. The trial continues. Zachary Purcell (36) has over 200 convictions A serial burglar with more than 200 convictions who robbed the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral's residence during a wedding has been jailed for three and a half years. Zachary Purcell (36) walked into the Christ Church Deanery in Dublin 8 on July 23, 2022 while Dean Dermot Dunne was hosting a wedding, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. He stole an iPad and some jewellery with a total value of 2,000 and a credit card which was the property of the church, Marc Thompson BL, prosecuting, told the court. Purcell used the card to buy 50 worth of goods at a deli shop. Purcell was arrested after his DNA was found on a water bottle he left at the Deanery and he was recognised by gardai on CCTV footage. Purcell, of Westcourt, Basin Street Upper, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to this burglary and another burglary offence at the Morgan Hotel, Dublin 2, on July 9, 2022 some two weeks prior to the Christ Church offence. He has 201 previous convictions including 35 burglary offences. His other convictions include theft, robbery, possession of stolen goods, violent disorder and possession of knives. The court heard that on the day in question, the dean was holding a wedding at the residence, when Purcell walked in through an open gate past the guests and into the house. The wedding party moved on to another venue and when the dean returned home later that evening, he noticed some items had been taken. The stolen iPad and jewellery were never returned, the court heard. In relation to the Morgan Hotel incident, Garda Ian Gallagher told the court that Purcell was ejected from the hotel around 8.30am on the morning in question before it later emerged that two American tourists had found him in their bedroom when they checked in. He had stolen some minor items from a trolley, the court heard. None of the injured parties made victim impact statements, the court heard. Karl Monahan BL, defending, said Purcell had a long history of drug addiction and has been in and out of custody since his teenage years. He rehabilitated himself a number of years ago and secured building work on the National Children's Hospital for a period of time, before he relapsed into drug use. Purcell has been in custody since last year on another offence and has again rehabilitated and is now methadone-free, the court heard. Sentencing Purcell on Tuesday, Judge Orla Crowe said the court was dealing with two burglaries in a short space of time. She noted the offences were committed when Purcell was on bail for another offence. She said Purcell had an entrenched drug addiction which has overwhelmed his life and has led to criminal offending with all of the consequences for all of the victims of his 201 convictions. She described his current rehabilitation as commendable but said she must give a custodial sentence. She said she would structure the sentence in order to aid Purcell's return to society. The judge handed down a sentence of four and a half years and suspended the final 12 months on a number of conditions. Patrick Taaffe (49) stole a combined 2,500 worth of goods in the two incidents A shoplifter twice walked out of a supermarket with a trolley filled with more than 1,000 worth of groceries in thefts that showed an unusual level of organisation. Patrick Taaffe (49) stole a combined 2,500 worth of goods in the two incidents. Judge Catherine Ghent said they were not ordinary thefts and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for the production of a probation report. Taaffe, of Captains Drive, Crumlin, pleaded guilty. Taaffe had beaten a drug problem previously but had a slip at the time, his solicitor Michael Kelleher said Garda Ben Forde said he was called to Dunnes Stores, Ashleaf Shopping Centre, on June 28 last year and viewed CCTV. Some 1,200 worth of goods had been stolen on June 27 and 1,300 worth on June 24. The garda identified the accused, who had 53 previous convictions. Taaffe had beaten a drug problem previously but had a slip at the time, his solicitor Michael Kelleher said, Judge Ghent said it was unusual for such large and similar amounts of goods to be taken within days of each other and it seemed more organised than the usual shoplifting. Mr Kelleher said it was reckless to walk out of a shop with such a large trolley of goods and Taaffe took a huge chance of getting caught. Dublin court. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Martin Connors (28), Patrick Connors (29), William Connors (39) have been charged with committing burglary Three men accused of an aggravated burglary in Carlingford, Co. Louth at the weekend have been refused bail when they appeared before Drogheda District Court on Monday. Martin Connors (28), Hazelhill, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24, is charged with committing burglary with a sledgehammer; Patrick Connors (29), Rossfield Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24, is accused of committing burglary with a screwdriver, while William Connors (39), also of Rossfield Avenue, is charged with committing burglary with a sledgehammer and a screwdriver. The offences are alleged to have taken place at a house at Grove Road, Carlingford, on Saturday last, May 17. Drogheda District Court. News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Det Gda Padraig Kelly gave evidence of arresting Martin Connors on Sunday and later charging him and said that he made no reply after caution. Evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Patrick Connors was presenting by way of schedules. Gda Richard Moloney said that he arrested William Connors at 7.46pm on Sunday and later charged him and said that he made no reply after caution. Following separate contested bail applications, Judge Stephanie Coggans refused bail. The three defendants were remanded in custody to Dundalk District Court on Wednesday next, May 21. The judge granted each accused legal aid and certified for counsel. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme James McGetrick thought he had "hit the jackpot" when he secured tickets, but it became a "disaster" A judge has ordered Ticketmaster to fully refund a furious Coldplay fan who ended up crouching in "restricted view" seats, unable to see the band during their sell-out Croke Park concert last year. When the chart-toppers with hits Fix You and Yellow announced they were bringing their Music of the Spheres world tour to Dublin, James McGetrick thought he had "hit the jackpot" when he secured tickets, but it became a "disaster". Dublin District Court heard he scooped pre-sale tickets to go to the gig with his wife on August 29, but on the night, they were forced to "crouch down" on their seats near the back of the lower Hogan Stand to see Chris Martin's performance. Mr McGetrick took a small claims case against the Ticketline Unlimited Company, trading as Ticketmaster. He told Judge Peter White they bought tickets released through the artist pre-sale well ahead of the general public. He paid 332 for two seats on the lower Hogan Stand. On the day of the concert, they were directed to the fourth row from the back of the stand. He explained that the Coldplay stage was "quite elevated" for the people standing on the pitch. He described how he and his wife could not see the band from their seats. All the people in front stood, and they had to, in turn, stand to see over their heads. Mr McGetrick explained that the overhang from the upper Hogan Stand also hindered their view. As the concert went on, people in the seats behind them, who had an even worse view, began to fill the aisle. After seven or eight songs, he and three girls from the row in front of him approached a steward. He alleged they were more interested in the concert, had not looked back, and were not policing anything. McGetrick, of Corrib Road, Terenure, Dublin 6, said the stewards then went back up the stand with them and told everyone in the aisles to return to their seats. That turned bad, he said, because all those people who were sent back to the seats started to blame myself, now they could not see anything as well. The atmosphere turned unpleasant, and popcorn and litter was being thrown at us, it was just terrible. The next day, he complained to Ticketmaster, and the company told him to contact the promoter, MCD. Originally filing his small claim action against MCD, the District Court ruled he should have brought it against Ticketmaster instead. So, he started the process again with the ticket site, which he said was "just pawning me off", and he lodged a fresh action in the court against them. The firm eventually offered just 190, but Mr McGetrick persisted with his case, seeking the full amount he paid for the tickets. He stressed that when he bought them, it was never stated that there was a restricted view, and he thought the seats would be better because he got the tickets via the artist pre-sale option. "The whole thing was a disaster," he told the court. Noting that Ticketmaster did not attend the hearing to contest the action, and the account of the experience and evidence of the purchase, Judge White granted a decree in favour of Mr McGetrick. Chris Martin performing with Coldplay at Croke Park in August 2024. Photo: Steve Humphreys News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Mr Justice Kinney told the 34-year-old mother of four nothing can ever excuse the murder of another person A woman who repeatedly plunged the largest kitchen knife she had into the chest and abdomen of her abusive partner as he lay sleeping was today ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years of her life sentence. Jailing Julie Ann McIlwaine at Belfast Crown Court, Mr Justice Kinney told the 34-year-old mother of four despite the fact she was bullied, assaulted and subjected to coercive control by James Joseph Crossley, nothing can ever excuse the murder of another person. The fact that she was subjected to a catalogue of domestic abuse did lower McIlwaines culpability but there were also a number of aggravating features including the use of a weapon on the victim who was vulnerable because he was asleep and the number of wounds inflicted by the defendant on the victim. Imposing the 12 year minimum tariff, the judge emphasised that McIlwaine will not be automatically released at the end of that period but instead, it will be up to the Parole Commissioners to decide when, and under what licence conditions, she will be released. Julie Ann McIlwaine Addressing the family of Mr Crossley, Mr Justice Kinney said while he accepts it will be difficult for the deceaseds family to listen to these sentencing remarks on several levels but that it was important the features of the dysfunctional relationship were fully outlined. However, regardless of sentencing remarks, the loss sustained by deceaseds family cannot be measured, and in particular cannot be measured in terms of a tariff set on a life sentence of imprisonment. I hope that eventually, with the passage of time, some measure of closure will be felt by the family, the judge concluded. At the end of a two week trial last October, the jury unanimously convicted mother-of-four McIlwaine of the murder of Mr Crossley. The jury of five men and seven women how the 38-year-old serial domestic abuser and bully had taken a sleeping tablet and was lying fast asleep and snoring when McIlwaine crept down the stairs of her former home at Filbert Drive in Dunmurry and lifted the largest kitchen knife she had. Julie Ann McIlwaine pictured outside Coleraine Crown Court . Walking back into the bedroom, she had the wherewithal to move her ten month old daughter before stabbing Mr. Crossley a total of ten times - seven to his chest and abdomen, once in the leg and once in each arm. The jury heard she used such force the knife went between the radius and ulna bones of the victims forearm and penetrated through to the other side. As he awoke and called out help me Julie Ann she grabbed their child and fled, locking herself in the downstairs bathroom where she rang 999 and then, under instruction from the call handler, she ran to a neighbours house to summon help. An ambulance crew rushed to the scene and found the stricken victim on all fours at the top of the stairs but despite their best efforts, Mr Crossley sadly died within an hour of being stabbed. McIlwaine was in the back of a police car on her way to custody when news came through the radio that she had killed the man she claimed to love but who, in her words, had tortured her and the police car had to pull over to allow her to vomit on to the roadside. It was during that hour when, wearing animal print pyjamas, McIlwaine paced back and forth and sat in her neighbours living room, her stream of conscious being recorded on the officers body worn cameras. The jury heard how Crossley had given her an ultimatum of choosing between either him or her family and she was recorded telling police and her neighbour the situation had gotten to the point where Im thinking its either him or meif I dont get rid of him I have no way of escaping from himits either him or me. James Joseph Crossley It was like premeditatedI knew what I was doingit was like there was no escape, she was recorded saying, I didnt plan to kill him. He is a horrible person, twisting things in my head about his solicitor and his family. I just couldnt take any more. I wouldve ended up with nothing. I wouldve had no one and nothing - I felt that was the only optionI didnt think he wouldve diedhe wouldve ended up killing me - that was my only option. While McIlwaine had always admitted inflicting the fatal stab wounds, she fought the murder charge on a partial defence of a loss of self control. During her police interviews McIlwaine told detectives she and Crossley had been arguing off and on that day but as her victim lay sleeping I was getting all these thoughts in my headI didnt know what was going onI felt like a psychopath. I didnt want me and him to be together. I didnt want to happen what happened, the 33-year-old told police who suggested to her something came over you? I couldnt stop, I just kept pushing it and pushing it. He said Julie Ann help meI took the baby and ran out, she told the detectives. She told police how they first began their relationship in January 2020 but that between then and the fatal stabbing around 23.30 on 1 March 2022, there had been periods of separation with incidents of domestic violence, coercive control and verbal abuse interspersed in the relationship which McIlwaine was hiding and keeping secret from her friends, family and Social Services. The jury heard how incidents included: * Mr Crossley being arrested and put into custody by Spanish police when he choked McIlwaine in a Santa Ponsa hotel in August 2020; * Ramming McIlwaines car off the road in a drunken rage causing 7,000 of damage; * that McIlwaine and her children were living in a Womens Aid refuge for six months in 2021 to get away from Mr Crossley; * Calling her children fat and ugly, telling each of them to their faces that theres a bullet for you; * Mr Crossley was subject to a restraining order having been convicted of domestic violence; * That McIlwaine was left suffering from PTSD from the incident in October 2021 when Crossley punched and choked her; * At the time of his death the victim was subject to a restraining order and was on bail for a violent assault where he punched & strangled McIlwaine and threw her phone at her; * Just hours before the fatal stabbing, McIlwaine had tried to end the relationship but after Crossley apologised, she contacted the PPS and the police to withdraw her statement; * As he went to sleep that night Crossley gave her an ultimatum to choose between him or her family. Two psychiatrists gave evidence and while they did not give a view on whether McIlwaine had suffered a loss of control, the culmination of the physical assaults, psychological abuse and coercive control would have created a traumatic bond between McIlwaine and Mr Crossley. Dr. Christine Kennedy testified it would be naive to think that McIlwaine could simply have walked away and left the relationship while Dr. Jeremy Kenney-Herbert said in his report that McIlwaine had exhibited behaviour consistent with depersonalisation. He explained that with Crossley delivering his ultimatum to McIlwaine that she had to choose either him or her family, such a decision would have been psychologically intolerable for McIlwaine and that when she was in the process of getting the knife and stabbing her victim, she knows that shes doing them [her physical actions] but she feels in some way separated from them. If successful she would have been convicted of manslaughter but by their unanimous verdict, the jury rejected the proposition and accepted that, in the words of the prosecution, she made a rational decision to kill Mr Crossley. Mr Gaine was reported missing from his home more than eight weeks ago. Footage has emerged of farmer Mike Gaine watching on as work got underway on the construction of a slurry tank at his Co Kerry farm The video posted on YouTube shows the popular farmer, accompanied by neighbours, standing to one side on a sunny day in 2016 when the concrete walls of the tank were poured. The clip gives the first visual clue to the massive size of the tank being searched by gardai as part of the ongoing homicide investigation. The tank is one of two around which the investigation is now centred. Messages of condolence are being posted beneath the video on the site. The video emerged today after a suspect in the case was released without charge. The suspect, who is in his 50s and was known to the missing Kerry farmer, was released after the maximum detention period expired. He was represented during questioning by solicitor Pat Mann. The family of Michael Gaine have been kept informed of this update and An Garda Siochana continue to support Michael's family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time, said a garda spokesperson. Mr Gaine, a 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry, was reported missing from his home more than eight weeks ago. On Saturday, partial remains were found at Mr Gaines farm in Carrig East and a crime scene was declared as gardai searched for further remains. On Sunday, the man was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaines murder under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. The search and examination of Mr Gaines farmland continued today, with fire services and soldiers supporting garda efforts. The Defence Forces said members of its Engineer Specialist Search Team were assisting gardai in Kenmare but would not comment further while the operation was ongoing. Several personnel were seen digging lands near a barn yesterday. Flowers, candles and notes offering condolences to the Gaine family have been left around a wooden post at the entrance to the farm, with a grey woollen cap left on top. The search at the 56-year-olds farm was sparked when several people involved in slurry spreading became suspicious of material left on fields. The area involved has been designated a crime scene by gardai. There were emotional scenes as the remains were removed by hearse and family and friends lined the main road as the hearse made its way out the gate. Mike Gaine Forensic and laboratory tests on the presumed remains of Mr Gaine will now be central in determining the precise cause of death and how long the dismembered remains were in a slurry tank before being discovered. A source stressed that they hope forensic and laboratory tests can give them a precise timeline to operate from as detectives fear Mr Gaine died just hours after he was last seen. The alarm was raised on March 21 when Mr Gaines family and friends could not contact him. The case was upgraded to a homicide investigation on April 29, almost six weeks after he disappeared. In an appeal issued at the time, Mr Gaines wife Janice and sister Noreen ORegan urged anyone with any information on what happened to him to give them answers. Such was the dismemberment of the remains recovered over the weekend and the advanced stage of decomposition that it will be several days before final reports are available to gardai from state pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis and forensic anthropologist Dr Laureen Buckley. Gardai will also consult with microbiology and chemical experts. The remains will only be positively identified from DNA cross-sampling. Sarah Corbett Lynch discusses life with Molly Martens and explains her reasons for talking to Netflix documentary The daughter of Jason Corbett believes her fathers killing was recorded using one of the devices Molly Martens kept in their North Carolina home. Mr Corbett died in a fatal assault carried out by his wife Molly and her father Tom Martens in 2015. The father and daughter were released from prisons in the US last year having served four years and three months for the voluntary manslaughter of the Limerick father of two. In an interview with the Indo Daily podcast, Sarah Corbett Lynch said Molly Martens confirmed a device had been put on her nightstand in the new Netflix documentary about the killing of Mr Corbett, A Deadly American Marriage. Ms Corbett Lynch said this corroborates something she has said for years and years about the presence of the device in the room. Jack [Ms Corbett Lynchs brother] said it in his victim-impact statement that he saw a recording device in a ziplock baggie in Bobby Martenss house a few days after my dad was killed, and Molly says on Netflix, she corroborates that there was a recording device in their bedroom on her nightstand, she said. But do you know, that just begs the question, where is that recording device? Asked whether she believes her fathers killing was recorded, she said: I believe it was and I also believe that it was premeditated. Theres so much evidence that points to premeditation, but thats not the conviction that they have. Ms Corbett Lynch, whose book A Time For Truth was published earlier this year, said she agreed to do the documentary as for many years, she didnt have a voice, adding: I wanted to tell the truth about my dad, and I wanted to tell the truth about the story and what truly happened inside of our home. On the involvement of the Martens in the series, she said she understood that both sides of the story should be shown, but that the Martens showed their true character in it and I believe we showed ours. The programme makes it clear that the Martens had no remorse and no regret, she said. After my dad was killed by them, nobody asked me was I OK. Nobody said, Im sorry that you lost your dad, she added. Nobody actually said bye to us or hugged us or anything Molly acted like she got a new lease of life and even when we were taken away by social services, Molly curled up in a ball and started crying and her family gathered around her. Nobody actually said bye to us or hugged us or anything. We just got put into the back of a van and taken away. Molly Martens and Jason Corbett. Photo: Brendan OCallaghan/Netflix She said it was difficult to watch a scene in the Netflix series where her older brother described how Molly Martens prevented his sister from having a full relationship with their father. Molly made it really difficult for me and Jack to be close I think that was probably one of the hardest for me to watch as well, but it was also quite nice to see that Jack could see my pain that I didnt get that relationship, she said. Molly made it really difficult for me and Jack to be close and weve had to work really hard together to gain the relationship that we have now. He was sitting next to me when we watched that and he gave me a hug, as he was saying it on the screen he was sitting next to me holding my hand and giving me a hug, and it was a nice moment that we understood each other. Martens, who treated her like her little doll, would get very upset when she spent time with her father and attempted to isolate her from family members through a lot of coercive control. Molly started teaching me how to vomit and told me shoplifting was OK. There was a lot of things that she got in my head and started whispering in my ear from a really young age, she said. Molly Martens. Photo: AP She said she received a new dress at the age of six or seven that she showed Martenss mother, Sharon. I was dancing around showing her the new dress and Sharon looked me dead in the eye and told me that I looked fat in the dress, she said. Molly was very conscious of her weight. She was making herself sick, and I had seen her doing it and she showed me how to do it, and she told me it would keep me skinny for swimming and I could swim faster. On whether she believed Martens loved her, she said: I think Molly loved the idea of me and Jack. She loved control and she could control us, and I think thats what she loved. She said Martens even went to the extent of attempting to hire a plane from Shannon Airport with her phone number on it to fly over their school in Limerick. She said Martenss appearance on an Irish radio station was hard for her family as Ireland is a very safe space for us. The Daniel clan has been locked in a violent power battle with their deadly enemies, the Lyons gang, which has been fuelled by the Kinahan cartel The feud has been fuelled by the Kinahan cartel, led by Daniel Kinahan, it has been claimed A man has been seriously injured in a machete attack at a car garage owned by a member of the Scottish Daniel crime clan The incident at gangland figure Robert Daniel's car garage in East Kilbride on Monday is just the latest in an apparent escalation of a simmering gang war. Images published by the Daily Record show police and an ambulance at the 50-year-old's accident repair shop as officers search through two vehicles parked outside. The Daniel clan has been locked in a violent power battle with their deadly enemies, the Lyons gang, which has been fuelled by the Kinahan Cartel. According to the Daily Record, the Daniel crime clan has also been targeted by Dubai-based gangster Ross Mr Big McGill who has been waging war on them since March. The feud spread to Glasgow when the Daniel mob became targets because of their close association with Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson who ripped Mr Big off in a 500k cocaine deal. The garage is owned by gangland figure Robert Daniel News in 90 Seconds - May 20th Ex-Rangers ultra McGill has reportedly offered 100,000 bounties on his top targets, a source told the Record. One Daniel family boss, Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, only returned to Glasgow last week after fleeing Scotland when he was targeted by McGill's enforcers, who call themselves Tamo Junto (TMJ) Earlier this month, the home of Bonzos cousin Kelly 'Bo' Green, was attacked in the early hours of Tuesday, May 13. Kelly (45), the daughter of late kingpin Jamie Daniel is the widow of crime gang enforcer Kevin 'the Gerbil' Carroll who was infamously shot dead in an Asda car park in Robroyston in 2010. It has been reported that nobody was injured in the incident at the house on Drumchapel Road, however, images taken at the scene by Glasgow Live show black scorch marks on the property. Gerbil was a main enforcer for Scotland's Daniel crime clan who have been locked in a bitter two-decade long feud with their rivals in the Lyons gang. The Lyons crime gang have strong ties with the Kinahan Cartel that were forged on Spains Costa Del Sol in the 2010s. The slain Scottish mob enforcer Kevin 'The Gerbil' Carroll Before his violent death, the Gerbil had been involved in so-called alien abductions, where his crew used a blowtorch and boiling water to torture victims before stealing drugs, money and weapons from them. An underworld source told the Daily Record that Kelly and Gerbil's youngest son was believed to have been in the house when it was torched. All the Daniel family remain priority targets despite their attempt to broker a peace deal at the weekend, this source said. But this particular attack will have made a lot of people smile all across Scotland. "Gerbil was a bully and a thief and made so many enemies so a lot of people will be happy to see this happen. Kelly isn't well liked either and has a horrible attitude, like the rest of them. Last month, it emerged how the Kinahan cartel was fuelling the deadly gangland war in Scotlands underworld. Following a slew of firebombs and shootings in Edinburgh targeting Richardsons empire, sources told the Daily Record newspaper that the Kinahan cartel was linked to the attacks via their Scottish associates, including head of the Lyons crime family, Steven Lyons. The 47-year-old, who lives in the United Arab Emirates, reportedly attended Daniel Kinahans lavish Burj-al Arab Hotel wedding in 2021. Kinahan and Lyons fell out in summer of 2001 when a large stash of Kinahan cocaine was stolen from a house in the Milton area of Glasgow and sold to the Lyons. It was previously reported how Lyons, who is in debt to the Kinahans, was growing ever paranoid about his inner circle and made his cronies take lie detector tests. The feud has been fuelled by the Kinahan cartel, led by Daniel Kinahan, it has been claimed The 44-year-old hired a lie detection expert to conduct polygraph tests on gang members after a house linked to the Glasgow mobster was robbed of drugs worth 500,000. Sources told The Sun Lyons is on edge over a series of thefts and police busts that have left him racking up debts with the notorious Irish cartel. In the wake of a series drugs raids, Lyons forced them to take lie detectors tests In a bid to weed out traitors. The Lyons stash house was robbed of 500,000 of drugs in November just weeks after cops reportedly seized millions of pounds of drugs in Glasgow. Six masked men had forced their way into the property in Moodiesburn, Lanarkshire, before making off with a huge cannabis haul. In May 2022, Scottish MP Russell Findlay described how the Kinahan crime cartel, that had just been sanctioned by the US Government, was working in partnership with the feared Glasgow-based Lyons gang. The former crime journalist revealed how the Kinahans were described as almost a "Scottish-Irish mob" as the connections were so strong between them. In October 2022, senior crime buster Gerry McLean, claimed that dismantling the Kinahan cartel from the top would help reduce gangland activity in Scotland. McLean, Regional Head of Investigations at the National Crime Agency, said that focusing on the Irish mobs leading figures would have a much greater impact than targeting smaller groups associated with the Kinahans. James Kelly, from Co. Armagh, has been described a bright and cherished young man following his sudden passing. A community in Armagh has been left shaken following the death of a young man in an accident abroad. James Kelly, from Armagh City, died as a result of an accident in Australia on May 17. A funeral notice described James as the beloved son of Catherine and Jim, a cherished brother to Natalie, and a dearly loved grandson of Tommy, the late Marie Hagan, and the late Art and Mary Kelly. Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, Sarah Duffy, said the devastating news has shaken our community. She said: I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of James Kelly, a young man from Armagh City, who lost his life while in Australia. James Kelly News in 90 Seconds - May 20th This devastating news has shaken our community, and my heart goes out to all who knew and loved him. James was a bright and cherished young man who had his whole life ahead of him, and his loss will be felt by many. Ms Duffy said her thoughts were with the family at this unimaginably difficult time. "No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in the love and support that surrounds them, she added. On behalf of the people of Armagh and the wider district, I extend my deepest condolences to the Kelly family. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. Tributes have poured in on social media following news of his death. In a statement a spokesperson for Cuchulainn Hurling Club in Armagh said: It is with immense sadness that the Committee and Members of Cuchulainn Hurling Club have learned of the sudden passing of James Kelly in Australia, son of our esteemed Vice Chair and Club stalwart Jimmy, and we wish to tender our deepest sympathies to him, his wife Catherine, daughter Natalie, and the entire Kelly and Hagan family circle. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time. A spokesperson for Armagh Harps GFC added: Sincere condolences to the Kelly family, Cuchulainn Hurling Club and James many friends following his sudden passing. Others also took to social media to offer condolences. A spokesperson for Mount St Catherines Primary School in Armagh said they were very sorry to hear this sad news adding that James was a wonderful young man. A former teacher said: My goodness. I taught James for two years. A wee gentlemen. Too young. Very hard to comprehend. Another mourner on social media posted. Heartbreaking news, rest in peace James. Such a lovely lad deepest condolences to Cathy, Jim and Natalie. Asked how likely it was for the new clinic to be in Papamoa, Rutherford told the Bay of Plenty Times on Monday that Health NZ was working through a negotiation phase and trying to find the appropriate provider locally for the service. Rutherford and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said in a joint statement on Sunday that the new Tauranga service would deliver faster, more accessible urgent care closer to home. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown said in a pre-Budget announcement on Sunday that Tauranga would gain a new 24/7 urgent healthcare service by mid-2026. Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford will be pushing really hard for Taurangas new 24/7 urgent healthcare service to be in the fast-growing suburb of Papamoa. He said Papamoa was the fastest-growing suburb in Tauranga and was home to about 40,000 people. We need after-hours and emergency care on this side of town as well, so Ill be pushing really hard for that, but thats ultimately a decision for Health NZ to make. Rutherford said the previous Health Minister Shane Reti and Brown had both heard a lot from me about ensuring the Papamoa and Mount Maunganui communities were adequately served. The only options for after-hours or emergency care were Accident and Healthcare on Second Avenue in Tauranga or Tauranga Hospital, he said. Rutherford said he had informed the Health Minister of this and Ill continue to beat the drum on that. The community elected me ... to stand up and fight for them and thats exactly what Im doing. Health Minister Simeon Brown (left) and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced $164 million for new 24/7 urgent care services at East Care in Botany on May 18. Photo / Dean Purcell Rutherford said he was proud to be part of a government which was investing significantly in health - a record $16.68 billion across three Budgets. We know having access to timely and quality healthcare is really important for people ... thats why were making announcements like weve done and well continue to put more funding into it but also ensuring weve got a good workforce as well to be able to service it too. Uffindell - also the Health Committee chairman - said as a father of three young children, it was a huge relief and breakthrough to get further 24/7 urgent care in Tauranga. Im really honoured to be able to deliver better outcomes for our community, to relieve pressure on Tauranga Hospital, and have the assurance we can get 24/7 urgent care. In November, Papamoas after-hours medical care clinic Consult365 abruptly closed after being open less than a year. The clinics founder told the Bay of Plenty Times at the time that it had seen 10,000 patients but needed double that or extra funding to be financially sustainable, and the decision to close was the hardest thing. Health NZ said Consult365 was not eligible for capitation funding payments based on patient enrolments because it was not set up as a general practice. It recognised there was no consistent approach to funding urgent care services and was looking into future potential models for this. The Governments pre-Budget announcement also detailed new 24/7 urgent care services for Counties Manukau, Whangarei, Palmerston North, and Dunedin, and new daytime urgent care services in Lower Hutt, Invercargill, and Timaru among other investments. The Budget invested $164 million across four years into urgent and after-hours care nationwide. A woman living with stage four bowel cancer says the cost of her 30 rounds of chemotherapy dwarfs the expense of an early intervention. Dozens of protesters were at Parliament on Tuesday calling for a lowering of the age of eligibility for free bowel screening tests to 45. Jackie Robertson said it's time for the government to make a commitment to saving the lives, with the rate of bowel cancer amongst New Zealanders growing. Associate Health David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown spoke with the protesters on Parliament's lawn, many of whom said they were survivors or currently fighting cancer. Brown reiterated his pledge to lower the age of edge of eligibility for bowel cancer screening to 45, but said logistics needed to be worked through to ensure colonoscopies and resources were in place to make the change. Seymour spoke of the impact cancer had had on his family and extended his sympathies to the people in the crowd living with the disease. RNZ has approached Health New Zealand for comment. Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone In March, the government announced plans to lower the age for free bowel cancer screening for all New Zealanders by "redirecting" money previously set aside to lower the age for Maori and Pacific people. Last year, it announced the end of a pilot programme that allowed Maori and Pacific people to access bowel cancer screening starting at age 50. Brown said the age of eligibility for free bowel screening would progressively drop from 60 to 58 at a cost of $36m over four years. -RNZ Environmentalists are furious about changes made under urgency to the Wildlife Act, but the Department of Conservation says the amendments don't change the established practice for protecting wildlife. DOC said the changes fixed a legal bind it found itself in after a landmark court ruling, and would not water down protections for kiwi, long-tail bats or other vulnerable wildlife. In March, the High Court found a DOC permit issued to Waka Kotahi allowing it to kill protected species at the Mt Messenger bypass site in Taranaki was at odds with the law because the killing would occur during the construction of a road. Greenpeace has branded the amended Wildlife Act as the "Kiwi Killing Bill" but the Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka said it still allowed protected New Zealand wildlife to thrive while supporting a strong and growing economy. How did we get here? Mt Messenger Bypass construction site. Photo: Waka Kotahi/NZTA In March, the High Court found that Wildlife Act authorisations issued to Waka Kotahi by the director general of the Department of Conservation, allowing the Transport Agency to kill protected wildlife at the Mt Messenger Bypass construction site in Taranaki - including kiwi and long-tailed bats - was unlawful. It found the Section 53 authorisations were at odds with the law - essentially any killing of wildlife had to be related to their protection, for example, culling of diseased animals from a population, not for the purpose of building a road or some other development. Although the Minister subsequently granted approvals at Mt Messenger using a different section of the Act, The ruling had implications for hundreds of projects where a Section 53 authority had already been granted. It potentially exposed developers, road builders and even researchers to legal action if they inadvertently killed a protected animal. The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), which sought the judicial review, said the High Court was clear that DOC's entire approach to allowing wildlife to be killed was unlawful and it expected the department to look into potential offences. Instead Tama Potaka, almost immediately signalled the government would look to amend the Act. Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone What changes have been made? In the amended Act, Section 53 authorities could now be issued where "the killing of wildlife is incidental to an otherwise lawful activity" such as road building. That killing was considered incidental if it was "not directly intended but is unavoidable and foreseeable as a consequence of carrying out the lawful activity". In Section 53, authorities must still be consistent with the protection of wildlife, but the director general could now take into consideration what measures were being taken to minimise or mitigate adverse effects, such as capture and relocation, pest control and habitat restoration. According to ELI, at Mt Messenger for example, it had been argued as part of Waka Kotahi's application for a Section 53 permit, a huge habitat remediation programme would eventually mean wildlife were in a better position than currently. The law change was applied retrospectively to all Section 53 authorities already granted. What conservationists are saying? Greenpeace wasn't budging from its stance that the amended Act was a Kiwi Killing Bill. Senior campaigner Gen Toop said the government had a knee-jerk reaction to the court ruling. "So beforehand the Department of Conservation wasn't allowed to issue permits to kill wildlife. That's what the High Court said. "Now with the amended Act they can issue permits to kill wildlife. That's why it is the Kiwi Killing Bill." Toop didn't think developers faced a genuine threat of prosecution under the old law. "DOC could decide whether or not to prosecute and if they did prosecute there was a defence for those that had unintentionally killed wildlife and that was they had taken all reasonable steps, and if they had jumped through all the hoops, then that was their defence." She said the amended bill had been rushed through without proper scrutiny resulting in a confusing, muddled piece of legislation. Environmental Law Initiative spokesperson Aaron Packard wasn't happy either. He said ELI's court victory had exposed DOC's whole approach to granting permits to kill protected species "Across hundreds of roading and development projects over many years, DOC had likely unlawfully given permits to projects to kill wildlife, not to protect wildlife, so that a road could be built or development happen." Packard said rather than moving to apply the law correctly, it had been changed. "In permitting the killing of wildlife, it is a Kiwi Killing Bill for the first time. "It is now lawful for DOC to issue permits allowing the killing of protected species for activities that do not protect wildlife. We think that is a poor outcome and the focus should be on taking all reasonable steps to avoid killing." Relief among clients - lawyer Simpson Grierson and partner Sally McKechnie said the High Court ruling sent shockwaves among clients law firms such as hers represented. "There were a number of permits that had been genuinely secured by companies which were declared unlawful as a result. So, this [amended] Act validates those permits, which is a very positive thing. "It gives greater certainty to the holders of those permits who've had the permits in good faith and have been using them and they can continue to do that." McKechnie said the fact a potential defence existed under the previous law for the unintentional killing of wildlife would have been of little comfort to her clients. "It's not a commercial solution given the financial investment and reputational investment in these kinds of projects. "Companies can't go into it thinking that they've got a defence to a prosecution, they need the commercial certainty of a permit. Which is why they were getting the permits in the first place. "A number of these organisations are under considerable public scrutiny, which they accept and acknowledge, and as a result there is a community expectation and a company expectation that they will act lawfully. And so they seek permits to ensure they can do that." McKechnie acknowledged the amended Act would permit the killing of kiwi. But it was never the aim to kill wildlife. "None of the commercial actors getting these Wildlife Act permits - as far as I'm aware - are seeking to deliberately kill kiwis, but they acknowledge that there may be inadvertent the killing of some wildlife. "And it's predominantly lizards and geckos and skinks because of the numbers involved." McKechnie welcomed the Conservation Minister's intention to review the entire Wildlife Act. Minister's view Tama Potaka was unavailable for an interview with RNZ. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Tama Potaka was unavailable for an interview and referred RNZ to a statement released when the amended legislation was passed. The High Court decision, he said, placed multiple projects which had previously received DOC authorisations, in a state of uncertainty. They included building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests and powerline maintenance that were essential for supporting New Zealand's growing economy. He said incidental harm to wildlife, while not desired, sometimes happened when carrying out a lawful activity, such as consented construction works. "The changes clarify how authorisations can be consistent with protecting wildlife, and that the director-general of the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai can make authorisations. "We are restoring the approach that DOC was taking for authorising activities before the Court's decision and providing legal clarity. "These changes keep safeguards to protect wildlife. It's important Aotearoa New Zealand's wildlife continues to be protected, and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy." He said under the amended Wildlife Act, authority holders were still expected to avoid and minimise harm to protected species. Examples included relocating animals before doing any construction work - to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species. Now the amendments had been enacted, the government would turn to accelerating a comprehensive review of the Wildlife Act. The Department of Conservation view DOC says the amendments did not water down protection for wildlife. Photo: RNZ/ Nick Monro In a Statement DOC said the Wildlife Act needed amending to fix a bind the High Court decision had put it in. "The Court's decision put at risk the Department of Conservation ability to regulate and manage incidental harm to wildlife caused by activities, including its ability to require those carrying out these activities to minimise this harm." It could have delayed or halted previously authorised infrastructure and development projects and other projects important to environment and economy including pest control, housing developments, roads and wind farms. DOC said the amendments would not change current practice for protecting wildlife. "These changes effectively restore the approach that DOC was already taking to protect wildlife before the High Court's decision and confirm that authorisations already granted under Section 53 of the Wildlife Act before the Court's decision are valid. "The amendments also enable DOC to continue granting authority for incidentally killing wildlife, and to set conditions as part of these authorisations. This is what DOC was doing before the Court's decision, based on DOC's interpretation of the Wildlife Act." DOC said the amendments did not water down protection for wildlife. "They restore the approach that was being taken to regulate and manage incidental killing and to protect wildlife before the Court's decision. They neither lower nor raise the bar for protecting wildlife." -RNZ The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry announced two faculty members have been given awards: Deepak Kumar was named Exemplary Researcher for 2025-26 at ESF. This award recognizes active researchers with outstanding publication records, impactful research programs, and strong mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students. Nominated by peers and selected by the Committee on Research and Scholarship, awardees are evaluated on publication impact, success in securing external funding, and student mentorship. Kumar joined ESFs department of chemical engineering in 2019 and quickly became a leader in sustainable technology. His lab develops eco-friendly solutions such as PFAS-removal materials and biodegradable plastics from industrial waste. Known for bridging innovation and real-world application, Kumar collaborates with teams nationwide and globally. Since 2020, he has published more than 65 of his 94 peer-reviewed papers, accumulating more than 5,000 citations. He is editor of Sustainable Biorefining of Woody Biomass to Biofuels and Biochemicals book and has contributed extensively to conferences and book chapters. Kumar has secured funding for more than 20 research projects and plays a lead role in initiatives at the New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Kumar mentors a dynamic team of Ph.D. and M.S. students and postdoctoral researchers. He has graduated three Ph.D. and two M.S. students, with his group publishing widely in leading journals. He also introduced a popular course on process modeling and techno-economic analysis, drawing students from across ESF and Syracuse University. Nationally and internationally recognized in biological and chemical engineering, Kumar is a rising leader in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), having served in leadership roles and as session organizer for more than 10 years. He also contributes as an associate editor and journal reviewer, underscoring his broad impact on the field. Kumar has a Ph.D. biological and ecological engineering from Oregon State University, a master of science degree in agricultural engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, India; and a B. Tech in agricultural engineering from Punjab Agricultural University in India. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion Yaqi You has been honored as one of the inaugural faculty awardees of the Chancellors Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship by SUNY ESF Chancellor John B. King Jr. The honor awards early-career faculty research and scholarly achievements across SUNYs colleges and universities. You is an assistant professor in ESFs department of environmental resources engineering. Her research focuses on the interactions between microbial communities and emerging contaminants in natural and engineered systems, aiming to develop innovative solutions for resource recovery, ecosystem sustainability, and public health improvement. She employs multi-omics approaches, analytical chemistry, and environmental engineering principles to study these interactions. The Chancellors Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship honors early career tenured and tenure track faculty whose scholarly or creative activities have already achieved significant recognition and, crucially, hold strong promise for field-defining impact in the future. You was among 10 inaugural awardees from across SUNY. You received a Ph.D. in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a postdoctoral fellow in environmental health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items. A woman was hit by a truck in Baldwinsville Monday, police said. Greta Stuckey Baldwinsville, N.Y. An 84-year-old woman who was hit Monday by a truck and pinned beneath the vehicle died from her injuries, police said today. At around 5:28 p.m. Monday, troopers went to Lock Street in Baldwinsville after a vehicle hit a person, according to Trooper RJ Girard, a New York State Police spokesperson. They found Deborah L. Irwin, of Baldwinsville, pinned under a truck. She was trapped and unconscious for several minutes, according to 911 Center dispatches. Baldwinsville firefighters manually lifted the truck to free the woman, the department said. The truck was driven by Richard L. Austin, 63, of Baldwinsville. He had just left a Dunkin parking lot and was turning left onto Lock Street when he failed to yield the right of way and hit the woman, police said. Austin remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation, Girard said. Irwin was taken by ambulance to Upstate University Hospital and on Tuesday she died from her injuries, Girard said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the North Syracuse Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Police ask anyone who saw the crash to call 315-366-6000. A woman was hit by a truck in Baldwinsville Monday, police said. Greta Stuckey Staff writer Greta Stuckey covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at gstuckey@syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. A key witness, who was expected to corroborate the story of the police officer who killed a man at a 2016 Fathers Day cookout, recanted his story Tuesday in federal court. Carlos Stackhouse, 21, took the stand Tuesday afternoon in the civil trial against Syracuse Police Officer Kelsey Francemone, who fatally shot Gary T. Porter, 41, on June 19, 2016. Porter was shot after several people at the Stone Court parking lot inside the James Geddes Housing Development opened fire during a large party. Francemone, who was nearby for an unrelated call, rushed in and also began shooting. Porters daughter, Tanajee Maddox, brought the lawsuit against the officer in 2019 seeking $5 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Francemone acted improperly and shot an unarmed Porter in the back. Francemone testified last week that Porter was armed that night and pointed a gun at her as he fled, repeating her stance since the shooting nine years ago. Stackhouse, who was 12 at the time of the incident, is one of just two witnesses from that night who supported Francemones version of events shortly after the shooting. On Tuesday, Stackhouse testified that he lied to police and prosecutors during their investigation years ago. He testified today that he never saw a gun in Porters hand. Judge Brenda K. Sannes almost dismissed Stackhouse before he took the stand because he was agitated and telling court personnel he planned to refuse to testify. Fred Lichtmacher, a New York City lawyer representing Porters family, told the judge that he has seen people change their minds about testifying when they come into a courtroom. Lichtmacher asked for Stackhouse to be called to the stand so he could put his decision on the record. Stackhouse did change his mind and testified. His testimony Tuesday contradicted what he told police days after the incident and during a grand jury inquiry in July 2016 when he was 13. During that grand jury investigation, he said under oath that he saw Porter with a gun in his hand as he fled the Stone Court parking lot, past Francemone and toward Skiddy Park. He also told the grand jury that he saw Porter throw the gun as he ran. The gun was never recovered. Francemone was cleared by the grand jury in August 2016 of any wrongdoing in the shooting. Syracuse Police Officer Kelsey Francemone exits a courtroom at the courthouse on the North State Street Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com SYR On Tuesday, he told a jury of eight people hearing the civil case that he never saw a gun. He said he saw Porter throw something small, but didnt know exactly what it was. When confronted with his previous testimony by John Powers, an attorney representing Francemone and the city, Stackhouse said he lied to police and the grand jury back in 2016. He said his parents told him to help the police, which influenced his story at the time. Stackhouse said he was traumatized by the event and just wanted help. When asked by Lichtmacher why he decided to tell the truth now, Stackhouse said that he sees things differently now that he is older. Judge Sannes informed the jury that when weighing Stackhouses credibility, they were allowed to consider the fact he has been convicted of first-degree manslaughter and is serving 25 years in prison. The only other witness who previously testified that Porter had a gun, Khalil Davis, refused to come to court today. Davis, who is serving 10 years in prison for drug and gun charges, refused to be transported from Sing Sing prison. Due to the absence, the citys lawyer was allowed to read Davis 2016 grand jury testimony to the jury. Davis told the grand jury he saw Porter holding a gun in his left hand and holding his chest with his right hand as he fled that night. He also said he saw Porter throw the gun before he saw another man pick up the gun and run. Davis told the grand jury he did not believe Francemone saw him drop the gun. He previously testified that Francemone was protecting herself and did what she had to do. In order to call Davis credibility into question, Lichtmacher read a transcript from a 2021 deposition where Davis said he was tricked into answering questions and apologized to Porters family for his statements. The defense will continue to present its case in support of Francemone over the next week. The case almost did not go to trial. Lawyers working for the city had negotiated a $825,000 settlement, but the city council last fall failed to approve it. Now, the eight jurors will decide which version of events they believe and whether the facts support Francemones assertion that she acted properly. They will have to sort through contradicting testimony on whether Porter had a gun, whether he pointed a gun at the officer and whether the officer properly identified herself. Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her atahayes@syracuse.com. LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Roger Daltrey of The Who performs at The O2 Arena on July 12, 2023 in London, England. Matthew Baker/Getty Images The Who have confirmed the full lineup of supporting acts for their upcoming The Song Is Over farewell tour, set to begin August 16. Special guests vary by city and include Billy Idol, The Joe Perry Project, Feist, Joe Bonamassa, and Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters. The tour will also feature appearances by Booker T. Jones, Candlebox, Tom Cochrane, ZZ Ward, and others. How to get The Who tickets to The Song Is Over farewell tour Tickets for all other tour dates are currently available via Ticketmaster and verified secondary platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub. These resale platforms may offer below-face-value pricing and availability for sold-out shows, depending on demand. Discount: First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code SYRACUSE20 for $20 off a $200+ ticket order. Who are the supporting acts for The Whos The Song Is Over farewell tour? The Joe Perry Project, which includes Aerosmith members Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, and Buck Johnson, along with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Stone Temple Pilots Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz, will perform in Boston and Los Angeles. Billy Idol will open the tours closing night in Las Vegas, while Feist will appear at both New York-area dates. Joe Bonamassa is scheduled to support both nights in Chicago, including a newly added show on September 9 at United Center. Additional acts will be featured throughout the 17-date run across major cities, including New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Seattle. More about The Song Is Over farewell tour This farewell tour marks The Whos final U.S. and Canadian appearances after nearly six decades of performances. The band, fronted by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, has characterized the tour as their grand finale. A complete list of tour dates is available here. The lineup change follows recent drama around longtime drummer Zak Starkey, who was officially dismissed from the tour following earlier conflicting reports about his status. Scott Devours, who has performed with Daltreys solo band, will take over drumming duties. NEW YORK New Yorks governor visited the Seneca Nation on Tuesday and formally apologized for atrocities she says were committed at a state boarding school that separated Native American students from their families and forced them to assimilate into American society. Gov. Kathy Hochul also met with survivors of the Thomas Indian School, which operated from 1875 to 1957 in western New York near Lake Erie. Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca, whose father attended the school, said the apology is overdue. He said his family and countless others have quietly borne their pain for generations. The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long, he said in a statement announcing the visit. At long last, our people will hear, directly from the Governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the State of New York to say Were sorry. But some tribe members are skeptical of the goodwill gesture. Lori Quigley, a Niagara University professor whose mother attended the Thomas school for 10 years as a young child, said she hopes the governor offers more than words. This undated photo provided by the Library of Congress shows the Thomas Indian school in Irving, N.Y. (Library of Congress via AP) AP An apology is one thing, she said by phone ahead of the visit. What actions is she going to take in acknowledging this? These traumas are still impacting our communities. Originally established by Presbyterian missionaries in 1855 before the state took ownership in 1875, the Thomas Indian School was among more than 400 government-supported schools established throughout the country with the goal of assimilating Native American youths. But the schools, which operated for roughly 150 years, had a devastating impact on Native American communities. Staff at the schools worked to strip Native children of their traditions and heritage. Teachers and administrators cut their hair, forbade them from speaking their own languages and forced them into manual labor. Students, forcibly separated from their families, endured torture, sexual abuse and hatred from school officials. More than 900 children died at the schools, the last of which closed or transitioned into different institutions decades ago. Former President Joe Biden in October 2024 visited the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to formally apologize to Native Americans for the sin of the nations government-run boarding school system. But at least $1.6 million in federal funds destined for research projects on the boarding schools have been among the casualties of President Donald Trumps efforts to rein in the federal bureaucracy. Tribe officials say Hochuls visit appears to be the first by a sitting New York governor to the federally recognized tribes lands. No words or actions will ever be able to undo the pain and suffering of the Seneca people and other Indigenous peoples across the State, but by visiting the Seneca Nation and the site of the Thomas Indian School we will mark a new day in our relations, Hochul said in a statement Friday. Matthew Hill, a tribe member whose father was among the last class of students before the school was shuttered, dismissed the visit as empty words. After all, he said, the Hochul administration and the tribe have been negotiating for years over how much if any of the tribes casino revenues the state should be allowed to collect. Theyre saying sorry for the school, but theyll continue extorting money from us in the form of gaming revenues, said Hill. Its a joke. Police Blotter is on hiatus this week. Taos Police dispatch logs were unavailable due to the Taos County IT outage, according to Rebecca Rodr 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. Mystic BHPian Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: VTZ/SAN Posts: 387 Thanked: 2,315 Times View My Garage Re: Infosys: The job that millions of Indias engineering grads took for granted is now a tough sell My 2 cents on why we take things for granted as per the captioned subject of this thread. Attitude towards life in general and work in particular. Let me start with a small real life story. During the 70s and 80s, we had no international airports in either Bangalore or Hyderabad and hence one has to go to Chennai or Bombay for South Indians. I was travelling by train to Chennai from Visakhapatnam by Mail to catch international flight. At Vijayawada junction, a gentleman came with lot of luggage and chatting to TTE to accommodate him in first class. The TTE said it is difficult but would confirm in sleeper class. The guys ego got offended as it seems he has his international flight booked from Chennai in first class and he cannot compromise on getting to sleeper class and he is prepared to compensate somebody to cancel his journey and accommodate him in first class ( This reminds me of flights to USA via Europe when announcements are made that due to overbooking , asking to surrender their ticket to USA which will be accommodated in next flight in few hours and one can get a voucher of 900 euros. Many volunteers stand in line to surrender their seats. May be this gentleman is thinking that such a thing works in trains also). I was overhearing the conversation and curious what would be the end result. When the announcement that the train would be starting in 10 minutes, he quickly got into general compartment and loaded his luggage near the toilet as the TTE could not give the sleeper class confirmation as it was allocated to someone else due to his delay. As his international flight schedule is booked, he cannot afford to miss the train under any circumstances. We tend to take a lot of things for granted in life and realise it in a hard way later that money cannot buy everything. Now coming back to the thread, let us talk only about campus recruits for now and not lateral hires who are usually enlightened by what life throws at them over time. Why our kids take a lot of things for granted? In India, there is a lot of influence of parents on the education and career options of kids. There is a lot of peer pressure that their children should be either Doctors or Engineers. When the children donot get a rank at entrance exams in merit, the children are pampered and offered a seat in management quota at some professional college. Children are not pushed to make 2nd or even 3rd attempt at cracking the entrance exams. This attitude creates a scenario in the minds of kids as a teenager, they will get through the competition through a back door. This back door opportunity reserved for the very rich is being utilised by the middle class people also now taking loans which they cannot afford. After graduation, the same attitude goes to get a job by bribing the recruiters. This bribing exists in not only for tier 2 and below companies but also for tier 1 companies. I donot want to reveal the tier 1 company name but in our all hands daily standup meeting, the American lady who was VP asked the Recruitment head to handover the car keys and laptop and leave the building immediately for obvious reasons. There is madness in all companies especially in India who wants to prove that they are number 1 in India. The senior leadership gives instructions to recruit from campus in thousands just to tell the world that they are number 1. I myself went for recruitment myself in this regard. After a hard days work of written exams, group discussions, interviews on phone with American accent to understand if students can understand, I was asked to make sure that 50% are female students at almost end of day. I had to re look into the final offer list and put some additional female numbers by eliminating the male numbers. On a lighter side, I remember selecting one girl based on her skills in classical dance as she can dance better to the tunes of the clients in projects (Later I realised that she is a gem of a consultant but poor in her English communication skills and failed the telephone test initially). The career growth is not standard for all and not all the campus recruits go through the same path in their career. Some take their jobs very lightly and some are very hard working and grow at an astonishing pace. I personally seen many campus recruits and can easily identify such successful candidates at interview stage itself. I think this situation is very unique to India and cannot generalise to western countries as the engineering education at under graduation level is very costly that many drop at secondary grade itself and whoever goes to college has to self finance and they realise the value of time and money at very early stage itself. There are always exceptions of kids from wealthy families. In India, we need to get our fundamentals corrected in the form of education curriculum and number of lower tier colleges allowed to impart professional education without proper academic faculty. The result we get a lot of graduates who struggle not because that they are not capable but because they are not trained properly by a limited faculty due to insufficient funds. My take on faculty and kids at top schools like IIT Bombay (top 50 ranks in JEE get CS seat here) and MIT in USA ( at UG level, only a handful are selected from India and usually they are gold medalists at international educational olympiads etc). The kids who go to these schools which have some of the best faculty are mostly self motivating and can pickup concepts with minimal guidance from faculty. Ironically we need good faculty at Tier 2 and below colleges to bring the kids upto speed and not at Tier 1 colleges. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust Rumor mill: Leaks, rumors, and comments from Microsoft over the past few years have fueled speculation that the company is fundamentally changing its console strategy. If the latest information is accurate, the next Xbox could essentially be a Windows PC with a console-style user interface that runs older Xbox games through emulation. A most recent leak outlines Microsoft's alleged plans to launch a console-like front end for Windows, allowing users to install Steam via the Microsoft Store, and release an Xbox emulator for PC. While some details align with previous rumors, readers should take the information with a sizable grain of salt. Although the video below is in Spanish from leaker eXtas1s, a translated summary by ResetEra user "P40L0" describes a console-style overlay for Windows. Similar to Steam's Big Picture mode or the SteamOS interface, the new UI would support both PC gaming and the next-generation Xbox. This entire concept ties kind of perfectly into Microsoft's long-standing goal of improving the Windows experience on handheld gaming PCs if that's ultimately a path the company chooses to pursue. The controller-friendly interface in SteamOS makes the Steam Deck significantly more user-friendly than more powerful Windows devices like the Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft reportedly plans to address this gap sometime this year. A leaked collaboration between Microsoft and Asus could be the first step toward introducing an Xbox-style UI for Windows. Additionally, eXtas1s claims that Microsoft is internally testing a Steam installer accessible through the Microsoft Store. The launcher, titled "Steam DF Beta," is not intended for current Xbox consoles but rather for Windows, similar to the existing Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect apps available on the platform. The information might be connected to supposedly revamped Xbox app for Windows featuring a Steam filter. Combined with mockups of an upcoming Asus handheld, the leak suggests Microsoft is aiming to integrate Steam more seamlessly into the Windows UI, creating a more console-like experience for users. Microsoft is also reportedly developing an emulator for Windows that supports the entire Xbox back catalog. If the next Xbox functions as a Windows PC with a gamepad-friendly interface, this emulation-based backward compatibility would allow users to carry over their existing Xbox libraries. Furthermore, Game Pass is expected to remain a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. However, the company may soon raise prices on existing console and PC tiers while introducing new, more affordable options. What just happened? The use of AI to recreate the voice of the late James Earl Jones for Darth Vader in Fortnite has run into more controversy. Soon after players managed to make the character swear and say racially charged slurs, actors union SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games. In 2022, Jones, who passed away in 2024, gave his blessing to the artificial recreations of the Darth Vader voice, a role he had occupied for 45 years. The company creating the convincing imitations, Respeecher, says it trains text-to-speech models using recordings of actors who can no longer play parts. The AI voice technology was used to bring Vader back to Fortnite last week. Not only are players able to recruit the Sith Lord, but they can also speak directly with him using Fortnite's in-game audio chat functionality. Fortnite launched an AI-powered Darth Vader modeled after the voice of James Earl Jones and it's going as well as you might expect: pic.twitter.com/I8mMq76eEB IGN (@IGN) May 16, 2025 The move has incurred the wrath of actors' union SAG-AFTRA, which has long rallied against the use of AI. It wrote that it does support the rights of members and estates to use their digital replicas in any way they see fit. "However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games." The union adds that Llama Productions chose to replace the work of human performers with AI, something the company allegedly did without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with SAG-AFTRA over appropriate terms. The filing isn't because AI was used in this instance Jones' estate had agreed to it it's because Llama Productions used the voices without telling the union or giving it a chance to negotiate terms. That's considered bad-faith bargaining under labor law. In July 2024, after 18 months of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA performers who work on video games began striking after negotiations with publishers over the use of generative AI broke down. Two weeks ago, major video game companies involved in negotiations said they had made their "best and last" offer in negotiations to end the strike. The union filed a response, proposing a list of new terms. Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long before gamers were able to make Vader swear and use slurs. Fortnite quickly updated the guardrails to ensure Vader doesn't say anything unbecoming of a respected villain. Through the looking glass: The controversial use of facial recognition technology in New Orleans highlights tensions that cities face in balancing artificial intelligence-driven policing with civil liberties. Supporters call it a vital tool for modern law enforcement, while critics warn that unchecked surveillance endangers fundamental rights. For two years, New Orleans quietly served as a testing ground for one of the most ambitious and controversial uses of facial recognition in American policing. More than 200 artificial intelligence-powered cameras scanned faces in real time, alerting police via phone when a match was detected. The Washington Post notes that a private nonprofit, Project NOLA, operates the system not the city sparking intense debate over privacy, oversight, and the future of law enforcement technology. Unlike law enforcement's traditional use of facial recognition, which typically relies on submitting still images from crime scenes for later analysis, New Orleans took a more proactive and pervasive approach. Project NOLA installed cameras many mounted outside businesses in high-crime areas like the French Quarter that streamed video to a control room at the University of New Orleans. Advanced machine vision algorithms developed by Project NOLA founder Bryan Lagarde scanned footage for faces, even in poor lighting or at difficult angles. The system's core is a watchlist-based model using a database of 30,000 faces that Lagarde, a former police officer, assembled from police mugshots and other law enforcement records. When a camera detected a face, the software performed real-time image comparisons with those in the database. If it found a match, the system instantly sent an alert to a law enforcement mobile app, identifying the person and their location. Officers could then respond immediately, often arriving within minutes. Project NOLA's network is technically decentralized, with each camera owned by private citizens or businesses. Together, these cameras create an extensive surveillance web monitored by Project NOLA staff and occasionally by law enforcement analysts. The organization claims the footage is only retained for up to 30 days before deletion and does not sell or share data with private companies. However, the technology's reach goes beyond real-time alerts. Project NOLA can upload an image and search all camera feeds for past appearances, effectively retracing a person's movements and associations over the previous month. This pervasive location tracking has raised significant Fourth Amendment concerns among civil liberties advocates. The system's use reportedly violates a 2022 city ordinance restricting police facial recognition to targeted searches in violent crime investigations. The law requires officers to log and review each use. Officers must send images to a state-run fusion center, where trained examiners compare them to a database and confirm matches only if at least two experts agree. However, law enforcement officials frequently bypassed this process, relying instead on Project NOLA's automated alerts. Police departments did not document most of the uses in their reports and excluded them from mandatory disclosures to the city council. Project NOLA's involvement blurs the line between public and private surveillance. The nonprofit operates independently, setting watchlists and managing alerts without direct police control. Officers cannot add or remove names from the database but often request assistance or footage from Project NOLA staff. This setup lets police benefit from continuous surveillance while avoiding transparency and oversight rules that apply to official law enforcement operations. Civil liberties groups have condemned the system as a "nightmare scenario," warning it allows authorities to track people without their knowledge or consent. Also read: Passports may soon become obsolete as facial recognition and smartphones take over The technology is sophisticated. Some cameras can identify individuals up to 700 feet away, using facial features, clothing, and physical characteristics. Another controversial aspect is that Duhua manufactures most of the system's components. Duhua is one of the many Chinese electronics companies the US government banned over security concerns. However, Project NOLA maintains that it uses highly secured American-made servers. Since early 2023, Project NOLA's facial recognition network has contributed to at least 34 arrests, including some for nonviolent offenses. In one theft case, a detective provided Project NOLA with surveillance images. Using clothing and facial recognition tools, the nonprofit identified a suspect and added him to the watchlist. Later, cameras detected him in the French Quarter, triggering police alerts and leading to an arrest. However, the official report omitted any mention of facial recognition or real-time tracking. In April, after inquiries from The Washington Post and internal concerns about the program's legality, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick paused automated alerts while the department reviews its compliance with city law. For now, Project NOLA staff still receive alerts and may relay information to police by phone, text, or email. Image credit: KSLA News In a nutshell: Since January, several manufacturers have released power supply units rated at over 2,000 watts enough to run an air conditioner and far beyond what standard US outlets can handle. Now, Asus has raised the bar with a 3,000-watt model that supports up to four flagship Nvidia GPUs. Asus has unveiled the Pro WS 3,000W platinum power supply, the company's highest-capacity model yet. Packed with advanced features, the unit is the latest in a wave of high-end components built for increasingly power-hungry AI workstations. Thermaltake kicked off this year's PSU arms race in January with the D2000, a 2,000W unit aimed primarily at the European market. Super Flower raised the bar in March with a 2,800W model featuring four 12V-2x6 connectors and a $900 price tag. Then, in late April, SilverStone launched the 2,500W 2500Rz, capable of powering four RTX 5080s or three 5090s. Asus has joined the high-wattage fray with its 3,000W juggernaut, capable of powering an RTX 5090 on its four 12V-2x6 connectors. No one builds a rig like that for gaming users build them to handle rendering or AI workloads. The "Asus Pro Workstation" label on the PSU's rear panel highlights the growing prominence of these use cases in the consumer GPU market. Like other recent high-power PSUs, the ATX 3.1-compliant Pro WS 3000 supports PCIe 5.1 connections. Each bundled cable delivers up to 600W. Its 80 Plus Platinum rating means it runs at 89 percent efficiency at full load and 92 percent efficiency at half load one step below the Thermaltake model's titanium certification. Asus included dual-ball bearing fans for cooling, which the company says can last up to 80,000 hours longer than fluid dynamic bearings and up to twice as long as sleeve bearings. However, the PSU has yet to receive a noise level certification, so the fan noise level remains unclear. Extended aluminum heatsinks improve heat dissipation, while gold-plated copper pins can reduce 12V-2x6 connector temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius. The Asus Pro WS 3000 packs its astounding power capacity within an impressively compact 175 x 150 x 86mm shell. Pricing on the company's global storefront is unclear, but the PSU isn't available on the company's US site because American sockets don't support such a high power draw. Editor's take: Windows 11 brought a slew of UI changes and "improvements" few users welcome. File Explorer's state is particularly dire, yet Microsoft shows no sign of backing off its relentless quest to make the interface worse. What should be a simple file manager is now a confusing mess, frustrating longtime users and driving a flood of third-party fixes. Microsoft's revamp of the Windows 11 File Explorer context menu hid or removed many helpful features, sparking a boom in third-party tools to restore the old interface. Once again, Microsoft is reinventing the wheel with a redesigned Start Menu that brings more frustrating changes to the right-click menu. The Redmond corporation has added a new "AI action" sub-menu to File Explorer's context menu. This change is already available to unpaid beta testers in the Windows Insider program with the recent Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) released to the Dev Channel. Microsoft explains that AI actions in File Explorer offer a deeper interaction with users' files through AI technology. The first four AI actions focus on image editing. Bing Visual Search helps find similar pictures online. Blur Background and Erase Objects automatically detect and modify objects and backgrounds in Photos. Remove Background lets users extract an image's background in Paint. The four AI context menu options support JPG and PNG files but hardly represent an AI revolution. These new actions directly link Bing search or image-editing features from the File Explorer menu nothing extraordinary about that. Microsoft plans to launch new Copilot-powered AI actions in the coming weeks. Microsoft 365 subscribers will soon get a new "Summarize" option to generate summaries of larger documents Word, PDF, or TXT stored on OneDrive and SharePoint. Microsoft also has a "Create an FAQ" feature that utilizes Copilot's chatbot to transform cloud documents into a neatly formatted, AI-generated Q&A list. The new Microsoft 365-exclusive AI actions sound far more promising than a handful of shortcuts to AI tools in a couple of Windows-native image editors. Still, I'd bet a kidney they won't ease the frustration for anyone who's disliked Windows 11 File Explorer since day one. Microsoft's new mission is to bring AI everywhere, so get ready to welcome your fully AI-powered Windows operating system sooner than you think. Trump shift boosts offshore wind project: New York governor New York, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 The Trump administration has reversed a halt order on a giant offshore wind project in New York state, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday. The shift means construction can resume on the Empire Wind project, which is designed to deliver energy to Brooklyn, said statements from Hochul and Norwegian company Equinor. Hochul thanked President Donald Trump, saying in a statement that called Empire Wind a "critical project" in terms of jobs and clean power. "New York's economic future is going to be powered by abundant, clean energy that helps our homes and businesses thrive," Hochul said. "We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs," said Equinor CEO Anders Opedal. Officials with the Department of Interior did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced in mid-April that his department was ordering construction "immediately" halted until further review, saying predecessors in the administration of former president Joe Biden had not performed "sufficient analysis" on the project. Shortly after returning to the White House for a second term in January, Trump signed a series of executive orders bringing the wind energy sector to a standstill, including a temporary freeze on federal permitting and loans for offshore and onshore wind projects. Valued by Equinor at $2.5 billion, the Empire Wind 1 project includes 54 turbines designed to deliver 810 megawatts of energy into Brooklyn, powering 500,000 homes. An Equinor Spokesman told AFP last week that the company might abandon the project if a solution were not found soon. Hundreds evacuated from French TGV train after storm: officials Toulouse, France, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Hailstorms and heavy rain that hit southwestern France, flooding homes, damaging railway tracks and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of passengers aboard a high-speed TGV train in the middle of the night, officials said Tuesday. The TGV, on its way from Toulouse to Paris late Monday, was on a track that became dislodged when the ground subsided due to the torrential rains. The train had to stop on the tracks overnight Monday to Tuesday near the town of Tonneins, and the more than 500 passengers had to be evacuated by bus. According to the prefecture, the rescue operation involved dozens including firefighters, police and volunteers. "We narrowly avoided a disaster, the tracks were exposed and the TGV was suspended," the mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo, told AFP. Describing "avalanches of water" in the town that flooded cellars and houses, he said the calamity should be recognised by the government as a natural disaster. Another train travelling between Toulouse and Paris was also stranded overnight in Agen, and passengers were taken to Toulouse by bus on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the state rail operator SNCF said traffic would be suspended for "at least several days" between Agen and Marmande in southwestern France, affecting TGV services between Bordeaux and Toulouse. ap-gd-tsq-paa-as/sjw/js Kenyan trial challenges law against seed sharing Nairobi, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Kenyan farmers on Tuesday launched a court challenge to laws that prevent them from selling and sharing unregulated seeds. Smallholder farmers make up 70 percent of the east African country's agricultural sector and rely on the informal sharing of seeds when they are in short supply. But some fear that rules introduced in 2012 and 2016 have made the practice illegal by forcing farmers to only buy and exchange certified seeds. The government says the law is necessary to maintain quality and productivity, and has imposed penalties of up to two years in prison or a 1 million shilling ($10,000) fine. A group of 15 smallholders backed by rights groups including Greenpeace are challenging the law in court, saying it favours large corporations at their expense. The first hearing of the case was held in Machakos in eastern Kenya and petitioners were given until May 26 to submit all documents. The court is due to deliver a verdict on November 27. The claimants argue the law undermines food security in a country where more than 2.2 million people face acute hunger, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report. They also want to protect indigenous seeds that are tied to local traditions and cultures. But George Bigirwa, director of the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa, told AFP the law is not about limiting access to traditional seeds, but about countering a flood of counterfeits. "If you are going to package and put it on the market for sale it must meet certain standards, that is what the government is saying" Bigirwa said. Three dead as thunderstorms hit southeastern France Le Lavandou, France, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 At least three people died, including a couple in their eighties, when thunderstorms hit southeast France on Tuesday, leaving behind what one official described as "scenes of war". According to local authorities, the elderly couple died in the seaside town of Le Lavandou and one other person in the town of Vidauban. The couple's vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. The woman's body remained trapped inside the wreckage, Toulon public prosecutor Samuel Finielz told AFP. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of death, he said, adding that "the situation was quite difficult on the ground". Gil Bernardi, mayor of Le Lavandou, described "scenes of war", "roads torn up" and "bridges torn down." "It was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon," Bernardi told BFM television. "There is nothing left, no electricity, no drinking water, no sewage treatment plant," he added. In Vidauban, a local official pulled a driver from her vehicle but the passenger could not be saved. "A driver and her passenger drove onto a country road that was completely submerged" and the car fell into a ditch, the mayor, Claude Pianetti, said on Facebook. Hailstorms and heavy rain also hit southwestern France a day earlier, flooding homes, damaging railway tracks and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of passengers aboard a high-speed TGV train in the middle of the night. The TGV, on its way from Toulouse to Paris late Monday, was on a track that became dislodged when the ground subsided because of the torrential rains. The train had to stop on the tracks overnight near the town of Tonneins, and the more than 500 passengers were evacuated by bus. According to the prefecture, the rescue operation involved dozens including firefighters, police and volunteers. "We narrowly avoided a disaster, the tracks were exposed and the TGV was suspended," the mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo, told AFP. Describing "avalanches of water" in the town that flooded cellars and houses, he said the storms should be recognised by the government as a natural disaster. Another train travelling between Toulouse and Paris was also stranded overnight in Agen, and passengers were taken to Toulouse by bus on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the state rail operator SNCF said traffic would be suspended for "at least several days" between Agen and Marmande in southwestern France, affecting TGV services between Bordeaux and Toulouse. ap-gd-tsq-paa-as/ekf/js Death knell for EU's brand-new green business rules? Brussels, Belgium, May 20 (AFP) May 20, 2025 Nearly half a decade in the making, a landmark set of new EU environmental and human rights rules for businesses may be dead in the water as Brussels faces pressure to put economic growth first. French President Emmanuel Macron this week joined German leader Friedrich Merz in urging the European Union to ditch corporate sustainability legislation that has been hailed by environmental groups but disliked by firms. European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho told a press conference on Tuesday that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) text was still "alive". Yet, coming from the heads of the bloc's two largest economies, the demand for a rethink may spell the end for the rules that took years to negotiate and is yet to come into force. The CSDDD requires large companies to fix the "adverse human rights and environmental impacts" of their supply chains worldwide. This entails tracking the deforestation and pollution they, as well as their suppliers and subcontractors, cause, as well as other issues like forced labour -- and taking steps to curtail them. The text was proposed by the commission in 2022 after a parliamentary push inspired by the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory building in Bangladesh, which left at least 1,134 people dead. It was finally adopted in April last year at the very end of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's first mandate. The law was backed by a broad coalition including the left and the greens as well as centrists, including from Macron's own party, and some centre-right lawmakers. The lengthy negotiations and lobbying that surrounded it even became the subject of a documentary coproduced by Factstory, a subsidiary of AFP, titled "The Compromise". - 'Shocking' - Yet, from the offset the rules have been attacked as too burdensome for businesses. Such a view seems to be prevailing as the bloc throws its energy into making its companies more competitive in the face of fierce competition from China and the United States. In February the commission, the EU's executive arm, proposed to postpone the CSDDD's implementation until 2028 in a bid to help companies better prepare. This came amid a broader EU drive to slash red tape seen as hindering businesses, amid slow growth and international trade tensions. But on Monday, Macron said that did not go far enough, telling a conference of corporate bosses that the CSDDD and other rules need "not just to be postponed" but scrapped altogether. Earlier this month, Merz, Germany's new chancellor, had similarly cited the rules among a series that his government hopes it will "be able to repeal". EU lawmakers who worked hard on the text are not impressed. Macron is offering "immunity to multinationals," complained Manon Aubry of the Left, who says she toiled for 150 hours with her Dutch colleague Lara Wolters on the bill. Speaking to AFP Wolters described the U-turn as "shocking" and "arrogant". "Repealing EU rules on responsible business would signal companies have the right to pocket profits made through exploitation and environmental damage," she added on social media. "Europe is better than this." 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 Author Joanne Harris is not Vianne, her most famous character, and vice versa. Obvious as that may seem, readers often get the wrong idea: Shes not me, and people have sometimes been very disappointed to find that Im not her. Thats the problem with writing such a beloved fictional creation people desperately want the enchanting protagonist of Harriss phenomenally popular bestseller Chocolat, and its three sequels (The Lollipop Shoes, Peaches for Monsieur le Cure and The Strawberry Thief), to be somehow real. The first book was adapted, back in 2000, into a sumptuous film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, which in turn sparked further Vianne fever; following the movies release, Chocolat the novel sold more than a million copies. Now, 25 years after she first walked onto the page, the French heroine afflicted with eternal wanderlust, who weaves magic into her confectionery, is back. This time, were getting her origin story in a prequel, titled Vianne. On the face of it, Harris is right she is nothing like Vianne. While the latter feels the call of the wind tempting her to keep travelling from place to place, the former has planted deep roots. Harris still lives in her native Yorkshire, barely 10 miles from where she grew up. No, I dont have itchy feet when it comes to wanting to move, she says. I like to stay in one place, and I like a home to be somewhere that Ive been involved with for years. And, while Harris clearly adores food a love that jumps off the page in her books, filled as they are with a multisensory symphony of tastes and smells so glorious you almost find yourself drooling she also doesnt quite have Viannes passion and skill in the kitchen. I wouldnt go out of my way to spend 12 hours making a cassoulet, Harris confesses. I know my limitations; Im much better at writing about food than I am at actually making it! However, there are undoubtedly similarities hidden beneath the more obvious differences. Part of the reason Harris felt that now was the time to write a prequel was because of where wed left Vianne in The Strawberry Thief one daughter on the cusp of flying the nest, the other already gone. I thought, maybe this is the time where you have to look back to where you came from before you can look forward to where youre going, says the author, a mother herself to an adult son. That was a powerful idea for me. Does Harris, at 60, feel a similar need to look back at the past? I think, inevitably, anybody in that position does you reach a certain age and you start to think: who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What next? Harriss own mother is French, a fact that perhaps explains the francophile focus in much of the authors writing. The new novel is set in Marseille, Frances diverse second city which, says Harris, fascinated her because of its duality. Its a city of two halves, she explains. Its got this dark underbelly, and its also got this beautiful touristy side, and its got this monumental basilica on the hill, with the golden statue of the mother and child, which is such a powerful theme in the book motherhood and what it means that I thought, OK, this is the picture in my mind of the city I want to start in. Its also a city with a rich and complex culinary scene: the city of bouillabaisse (fish stew), panisse (chickpea fritters), and navettes (aromatic biscuits). And food is at the heart of every book in the Chocolat series, fundamental to how Vianne both makes sense of each new destination she calls home, and starts to help the locals heal through her domestic brand of witchcraft. Does it sadden Harris that the current proliferation of weight-loss injections is demonising food creating a culture in which eating is seen as a kind of necessary evil rather than something to take pleasure in? Remember, this isnt new, she points out. The demonising of food goes back centuries. Food has always had its political side and its darkness and there has always been a general fear around the pleasure of food and the sin of gluttony. open image in gallery Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp in the 2000 film adaptation of Harriss Chocolat ( Buena Vista ) Its an idea that she explored way back in 1999 with Chocolat that enjoying food is aligned with a lack of self-control, while fasting and restriction are equated with holiness and goodness. This idea that food is the enemy is very much a product of various religious traditions, she adds. And, though the Churchs influence has undoubtedly diminished, were still in a difficult position around food as a Western society, because we are constantly told that some things are bad for us, and then were told that theyre not bad for us, that something else is bad for us. We are constantly led to believe that what we eat, and how much we eat, is going to relate to our value and attractiveness as human beings. But back to Vianne. She arrives in Marseille from New York, pregnant, alone, grieving her recently deceased mother, and with very little in the way of resources. At first, the citys tight-knit community is inherently distrustful of someone it regards as a foreigner;Vianne has spent her entire life on the move. Its a theme that runs through the other books in the series the notion of forever being the outsider and struggling to fit in. I wonder whether things have progressed; whether Vianne would be any more accepted in todays world than she was in the Nineties. I wish I could say yes, says Harris. Im not sure I can, because we are, at the moment, in a backlash against the tolerance and diversity of those decades. I think there is definitely a push to the right and towards eliminating the outsider, and suspicion of people who come from elsewhere. Its easy to blame this wariness towards the unfamiliar on human nature, but Harris argues it is politically driven: Certain types of government find it useful to find someone to demonise. And right now, immigrants are often those people, and Vianne is very much an immigrant. She doesnt belong anywhere, and she doesnt even have a passport thats valid, so she has no idea where she belongs. It feels particularly poignant given Keir Starmers recent speech in which he declared that unfettered immigration risks the UK becoming an island of strangers and promised to take back control of our borders. There is definitely a push to the right and towards eliminating the outsider When I ask who she could envisage playing the young Vianne if the latest book were adapted for screen, Harris refrains from dropping specific names, but does say she would love to see an actor of colour play the role. There are lots of little hints in Chocolat that Vianne presents as an outsider, ethnically speaking, in a very white community so that, to me, would be very much in the spirit of the story, concludes Harris. Harris has always been a prominent voice in the literary world when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion both in her writing and outside of it. While chair of the Society of Authors (SOA), a post in which she served for the maximum two consecutive terms from 2020 to 2024, she unwittingly became the target of a transphobic campaign. After falling foul of JK Rowling supporters, Harris, whose son is trans, received death threats and abhorrent online trolling; a small but very vocal minority of opponents (unsuccessfully) attempted to oust her from the SOA post in 2022 due to her support of trans rights. While she understandably isnt particularly keen on rehashing the topic, Harris says that we still have a long way to go on inclusivity in general and that theres still a lot of hostility generally towards trans people, as there is to many people who are perceived as different. Ive always been on the side of the outsider, and Ive always used Vianne to [embody] that statement, that perspective, she adds. open image in gallery Joanne Harris attending the PinkNews Awards in 2022 ( PA ) Harriss latest cause is protesting against the onslaught of AI in the creative arts. Earlier this year, she signed an open letter, alongside Richard Osman, Kate Mosse and Val McDermid, calling for the UK government to hold Meta accountable over its use of copyrighted books to train artificial intelligence. AI is, she argues, an existential threat. We already have AI replacing illustrators, graphic novelists, colourists, journalists, translators the sort of people who are also part of the creative community, she says. And we need to be aware that their part is important. This is about the whole creative industry. A creative industry that, as Harris points out, provides billions to the UK economy. And still our government doesnt understand that, chasing this illusion that AI is the future, somehow its going to make us all rich... Its really just sucking up to tech bros who have a lot of money but no imagination, and no idea where creative work really comes from, she laments. Harris paints a bleak future for the arts if AI is allowed to push out human creators; a future in which AI is fed on other AI-generated material, and left to vomit out content of deteriorating quality until all thats left is garbage. Its a kind of petri dish, which is going to proliferate until eventually it runs out of food and it will die, she predicts. Unfortunately, by then, the industry may well also have died, and this is what were afraid of. We do this because we want to share our dreams. We dont want machines to dream for us I posit that AI can never successfully replace humans because we instinctively seek out connection through the culture we consume, whether it be books, plays, film, TV, art or music. I enjoyed reading Vianne, with all its colours and scents and tastes, because I knew it had been written by another person one with the ability to actually go to Marseille and eat a bouillabaisse, for example. Take away that human element, and the connection is broken. We make art to communicate with people, Harris agrees. We dont want to communicate with machines. AI may well be cheaper, but it wont be better, and it wont give people what they need which is the fact that you are sharing your human, lived experience with another human, who will possibly see the world in a slightly different way after reading it. We do this because we want to share our dreams. We dont want machines to dream for us. My head still full of Viannes complex and beautiful recipes, I compare AI to filling up on junk food instead of a nourishing, home-cooked meal. Yes, and we know what that does to people... says Harris darkly. open image in gallery Joanne Harriss new book Vianne explores its protagonists origin story ( Orion Publishing Co ) Though being outspoken on issues from sexism in publishing to the censoring of literature is nothing new, Harriss experience of breast cancer she was diagnosed in 2020 and declared cancer-free in 2023 has possibly emboldened her further. Ive always had these opinions, and Ive always made them clear in my books, and Ive always been on the side of tolerance and inclusivity, she says. But I think having cancer gave me a certain perspective on life how precious it is, and how important it is to look at who we are and where weve come from, and what we believe. And to speak out, as Vianne often does. No, Joanne Harris is not Vianne, and vice versa. But the more you talk to the author, the more you see the same spark that lights up her most famous character at work in her, too. If our favourite French patron saint of the underdog cant be real, her creator might just be the next best thing. Joanne Harris is appearing at this years Hay Festival. Shell be discussing Vianne with Julia Wheeler on 23 May at 5.30pm, and interviewing Florence Knapp about her new novel The Names on 23 May at 8.30pm. Click here to book tickets: hayfestival.com 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 Fire alarms are blaring, red lights are flashing, and students are bursting through the halls of Gallaudet, the worlds first university for deaf students. Its a loud scene but there is no sound. The unlikely contrast is an intentional decision made by the creators of Deaf President Now!, an innovative and pioneering documentary about the advent of the deaf civil rights movement. In 1988, a group of scrappy youngsters, Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus and Greg Hlibok nicknamed the Gallaudet Four organised eight days of rallies, protests and boycotts against the appointment of a non-deaf president at their school, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They made history, generating nationwide attention but their protests have gone unrecognised for 37 years. I cant think of a civil rights moment in American history that is more inspiring than this and yet it's shocking and embarrassing that this story hasn't been more widely told, the documentarys co-director Davis Guggeinheim (An Inconvenient Truth) tells The Independent. In the Deaf community they are legends, but in the hearing world they've been forgotten. Deploying an experimental narrative approach called Deaf Point of View, the film uses intricate sound design and impressionistic visual photography to thrust viewers into the deaf experience. It shows how deaf students used sign language to give speeches to crowds of hundreds, and employed lights, technology and rhythm to communicate messages across campus. open image in gallery Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus and Greg Hlibok nicknamed the Gallaudet Four organised eight days of rallies, protests and boycotts against the appointment of a non-deaf president at their school ( Apple TV+ ) I think one of the biggest misconceptions out there is that deaf people don't have a relationship with music or sound, adds Guggenheims activist co-director Nyle DiMarco, who became the first deaf winner of Americas Next Top Model in 2015. In the film, Bridgetta, the only female member of the Gallaudet Four describes her experience of listening to the radio. She can be seen bopping along to the beat of the music, feeling the reverberations in her body only to discover that the rhythm is coming from the days news. These misunderstandings are what the film seeks to unpack. Dynamics that play out onscreen also played out behind-the-scenes as Guggeinheim worked alongside his deaf co-director. It's uncomfortable to work with people that are different from you, Guggeinheim admits. The film business is a club. Its not in human nature to say, Im going to pick this group of people who are very different from me, that speak in this different way. open image in gallery Thirty-seven years after protests at Gallaudet University, an innovative new film thrusts hearing audiences into the deaf experience ( Apple TV+ ) This discomfort plays out in the documentary, too. When intransigent board leader Jane Bassett Spilman insists that hearing presidential candidate Elizabeth Zinser is qualified to head the school, despite having no experience with Deaf or hard of hearing communities, the students have other ideas. They want to be led by deaf candidate Irving King Jordan and against all odds, they win. Guggenheim believes that protests such as these can teach people from all backgrounds about the skills necessary for effective action today. We can learn from how these four 20-year-olds figured out how to do this in a week, he says. The timing of the documentary also aligns with President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to public services, which means Gallaudet could face closure. Our history is gradually being erased, and this is a really fun story about the autonomy of self and empowerment, says DiMarco. It's more important than ever right now with the political landscape here in the US, and really on a larger scale of the world. In a pioneering example of inclusivity, the team recruited 40 deaf employees to enhance the films authenticity. One included the disillusioned Wayne Betts Jr, a producer responsible for the Deaf Point of View who previously quit the industry as breaking in felt like an impossible task. open image in gallery Nyle DiMarco co-directed the film and ensure Deaf staff were recruited ( Apple TV+ ) Although hearing audiences may experience the film through the Deaf and heard of hearing communitys lens, the creators wanted hearing viewers to be thrust into the role of minority; into an indecipherable world they dont understand. Guggenheim had his own experience of this when a power cut occurred during the films shoot. While deaf staff communicated using flashlights and sign language in the silhouettes, the co-director found himself completely lost. The film also focuses on tensions within the movement, showcasing the diversity of opinions within a community that may outwardly showcase unification. It's very interesting to see them now, he says of the activists who, 37 years on, are now adults. I think they still don't want to hurt one another and really want to protect each other as much as possible. We told them the drama and the tea is really what gives the movie that great edge. The result is something fresh. It's a truism about creativity, Guggenheim says. When you smash different things together different types of people, different types of ideas, different types of personalities, different languages amazing things happen. People want to be comfortable and yet, when you resist that, when you fight against that, beautiful things happen. open image in gallery ( Apple TV+ ) DiMarco, who won reality show Americas Next Top Model in 2015 and received an Oscar nomination for Documentary Short Audible in 2022, has often shouldered the burden between deaf and hearing staff in industry spaces. But having a deaf crew on the new documentary translated to an easier experience. He said it created much less of an expectation [to educate], adding that he could just focus solely on the creative aspects. Expanding on his hopes for the films impact, DiMarco says: I would hope that this story does more than just entertain. I hope that it opens the eyes of Hollywood to see that there is an audience out there that's very hungry and curious for deaf stories. But the heart of the films purpose is also commemoration and archiving of Deaf history as well as educational. More and more deaf kids out there are not aware of their own history and that's very dangerous because unless we remember our history, we're bound to repeat it, he states. It's important for them to reflect on how far we've come and how they were able to get the rights that they are so lucky to receive today. We want to really reinvigorate those kids and show them that the fight really is never over. Deaf President Now! is streaming globally on Apple TV+. 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 made fun of Donald Trumps plan to impose steep tariffs on films made outside America asking how it would even work. The president announced earlier in May that he would impose heavy tariffs on all films produced in foreign lands because the movie industry in America is dying a very fast death. I thought you said he was giving us a plug or something. Did Trump see it? the director replied when asked about the tariff plan. Speaking at a press conference for his Cannes film festival, the Oscar winner questioned the logistics of how the tariffs would work. Tariffs are fascinating. Ive never heard of a 100 per cent tariff before. Im not an expert in that area of economics, but I feel that means hes saying hes going to take all the money. And then what do we get? So its complicated to me, he said. Does that mean you can hold up the movie in customs? I feel it doesnt ship that way. Im not sure I want to know the details so Ill hold off on my official answer. open image in gallery Benicio del Toro, Wes Anderson, Mia Threapleton and Riz Ahmed during a press conference for The Phoenician Scheme in Cannes, France, on 19 May 2025 ( Getty ) The Phoenician Scheme, shot partly in Germany, stars Benicio del Toro as business magnate Zsa-zsa Korda who appoints his daughter Sister Liesl, played by Mia Threapleton, his sole heir. The two soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins played by a storied cast of Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Mathieu Amalric, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, and Hope Davis. Geoffrey Macnab gave the new film four stars in his review for The Independent. Whenever one of his new features appears, he wrote of Anderson, it provokes near-allergic reactions among detractors who simply cant stomach the directors whimsy and very arch storytelling style. To his admirers, however, hes a unique filmmaker, one who combines wit and brittle sophistication with child-like naivety. The Phoenician Scheme, Macnab noted, was one of Andersons most enrapturing works of recent times, witty, packed with arcane literary and artistic references, but also full of plenty of refreshingly juvenile humour. open image in gallery Mia Threapleton and Benicio Del Toro in Wes Andersons The Phoenician Scheme ( TPS Productions/Focus Features ) Also at the Cannes film festival was Boyhood director Richard Linklater, who said on Sunday he was not putting much stock in the film tariff threat. The tariff thing, thats not gonna happen right? That guy changes his mind like 50 times in one day, Linklater said of Trump. Its the one export industry in the US, it would be kind of dumb to Whatever, we dont have to talk about that. Asked if it had become more expensive to make films in the US, Linklater said: I think the true indie film, the no-budget film, has cost the same for the last 60 years. Its always about how much you have, so that doesnt change much. Before starting his second term this year, Trump appointed actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone to serve as special envoys to Hollywood, which he said was a "great but very troubled place. "They will serve as special envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries, back! he said. It remains unclear what the envoys have achieved so far. 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 Julia Ducournaus new film Alpha (which has just premiered in Cannes) has its fair share of blood, vomiting and death but its still a strangely muted affair. At the late night press screening I attended, the walkouts seemed prompted more by weariness and ennui than squeamishness or disgust. When the French director unveiled her serial killer/body horror movie Titane two years ago, she caused a sensation and won the Palme dOr, the festivals main prize. This time around, there hasnt been the same scandal or fanfare. Alpha has some tremendous moments, but the movie is undermined by its own dense and impenetrable storytelling style. It would surely have worked far better as an immersive installation piece than as a two hour feature. Early on, a character recites from an Edgar Allan Poe poem: all that we say or seem is but a dream within a dream. This seems to be Ducournaus method of signalling to us that she is not remotely interested in conventional narrative or characterisation. On one level, this is a rite of passage story. Alpha (Melissa Boros) is a 13-year-old enduring a germ-filled adolescence, trying but failing to make any sense of the destructive behaviour of the adults around her. Early on, we see a strange, much older man tattooing her arm. The needle piercing her skin is shown in huge and disturbing close up. Alpha is living with her single mother (Golshifteh Farahani), a doctor working in an overrun hospital. Society is in the grip of a plague. Those infected with disease are calcified. Their bodies become so brittle that if you even touch them, they will break into tiny pieces (and then, of course, the blood and organs will pour out.) When Alphas mother discovers her daughters tattoo marks, she is terrified that she has become contaminated and takes her to hospital for tests. Then Alphas drug addict uncle Amin (Tahar Rahim) mysteriously turns up at the family home. He is a ghostly, predatory figure whose bones protrude through his skin. Alpha wants him gone, but her mother is devoted to him and will do anything to keep him alive. The time frame continually shifts. Without providing any context, the plot will whisk us back to when Alpha was a young child and Amin was first becoming a self-destructive junkie. As in David Lynch movies, the sense of mounting dread is heightened by the buzzes and hisses on the soundtrack. Melissa Boros in Julia Ducournaus Alpha ( Neon ) One of the strongest parts of the film shows Alpha at school. Like Stephen Kings Carrie, shes mocked and teased by the other kids but theyre terrified of the blood that keeps on seeping out of her tattooed arm and which they think might infect them too. In one brilliantly shot scene in the school swimming pool, she bangs her head on the side and the other pupils notice the red liquid oozing out of her and flee from her as if shes a shark. Ducournau is touching on some rich and intriguing themes. You can read Alpha as an allegory about the effect of Covid on adolescents. Some have claimed its inspired by the Aids epidemic. Its also about broken families coping with bereavement and about the pain of first love. Actors give highly stylised performances. Rahims Amar lurches around as if he is on leave from a Hammer Frankenstein film. Meanwhile, Ducournau effectively evokes the feelings of panic and despair in a hospital that has too few staff and is packed with dying patients. The film is shot in dark and grungy fashion. Very little sunshine or laughter is allowed into the grim dystopian world the director is busy conjuring up. Despite its brilliant ideas and ingenious visual flourishes, Alpha quickly suffers the same fate as all those virus victims who turn to stone. It becomes a drab and lifeless affair. Its dream-like structure is likely to leave audiences floundering too, and struggling to make any sense of what is going on. Dir: Julia Ducournau. Starring: Melissa Boros, Golshifteh Farahani, Tahar Rahim, Emma Mackey, Finnegan Oldfield. Cert TBC, 128 mins Alpha is awaiting UK distribution 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 A 7th Heaven reboot is reportedly in the works at CBS Studios. Jessica Biel, 43, who starred as Mary Camden in the classic 11-season family drama, will executive produce the show under her production company Iron Ocean, alongside Michelle Purple and DeVon Franklin, according to Variety. Anthony Sparks will also serve as an executive producer, as well as the lead showrunner, the outlet reports. Sources told Variety that the new series will center on a diverse family, with none of the original cast members expected to return. As its currently in the early stages of development, no other information regarding a potential network or where it will be streamed is known. The Independent has contacted CBS for further comment. Nobody from the original '7th Heaven' cast is set to return for the reboot ( Getty Images ) 7th Heaven originally premiered in August 1996 on The WB, which later became The CW. It ran for 11 seasons before concluding in May 2007. It followed the lives of Reverend Eric Camden (Stephen Collins), his wife Annie (Catherine Hooks), and their seven children. Biel was just 14 when she was first cast in her breakout role as the oldest Camden daughter, Mary. The series also featured Barry Watson as eldest son Matt Camden, Beverley Mitchell as Lucy Camden, David Gallagher as Simon Camden, Mackenzie Rosman as Ruthie Camden, and Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino as the youngest Camden twins, Sam and David. Last May, Mitchell, Gallagher, and Rosman launched their rewatch podcast called Catching Up With The Camdens, where they take fans through old episodes of the show and share behind-the-scenes memories. During a September 2024 episode, the trio addressed their former co-star Collinss past sexual abuse scandal, condemning his inexcusable behavior. In 2014, Collins, now 77, admitted to inappropriate sexual misconduct with three underage girls between 1973 and 1994. Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since, he shared in a statement at the time. Ive decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January 2012. This session was recorded without the therapists or my knowledge or consent. He was subsequently dropped by his talent agency, and 7th Heaven reruns were pulled from two networks. Collins did not end up being prosecuted for his alleged crimes. In an interview with Katie Couric at the time, the actor blamed his actions on poor impulse control but maintained: I am not attracted to underage girls. 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 Ben Rathbun of 90 Day Fiance fame has died, his family has revealed. He was 55 years old. Rathbun was surrounded by family at home in Greencastle, Indiana, when he died Monday, TMZ reported. He had been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer at the end of 2024, according to the outlet. Rathbun starred on season five of the hit TLC show, which follows individuals who have obtained visas to travel to the U.S. to marry their partners. Rathbun appeared with then-girlfriend Mahogany Roca 30 years Rathbuns junior on season 5 of the TLC reality show 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, which aired in 2021. Roca was reportedly by Rathbuns side when he died. When he met Roca online, Rathbun was a divorced father of four including a daughter the same age as Roca. The couple dated for three months before joining the show, according to In Touch. His friends and family were concerned he was being catfished, as Roca was from Peru and wouldnt video chat with him in the early days of their relationship. But the couple eventually met in Peru, announced their engagement in August 2022, and got married in 2023. Ben Rathbun of 90 Day Fiance has died at the age of 55 ( 90 Day Fiance/YouTube ) Our civil ceremony was just brilliant, I could not believe how beautiful it was, Rathbun said during a February 2024 episode of the spinoff show 90 Day Diaries, In Touch reported. But we are still planning on having a religious ceremony. Rathbun said at the time he and Roca were working to build trust with one another. Were just going through a really difficult transition. Ive gone about six months without a really good job and bills have been piling up, of course, he said. Things are extremely tight now and Im doing everything I can right now to pay all the bills and for my next trip to Peru. Rathbun, a pastor and former executive director of the Michigan Lupus Foundation, was fired from that job in 2022 following an arrest for a probation violation related to a 2020 driving under the influence charge. He spoke out in 2022 to set the record straight on both accounts. When the public, including the board members of my charity, first heard of my arrest, [it was] falsely reported that I had been picked up late at night for drunk driving, he told In Touch at the time. While the truth was far less dramatic, the damage had been done. But still, I had committed a crime and put myself and others in danger, he explained. And I had hid it from them and even my family. 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 George Wendt, who starred as the beer-loving Norm in the classic sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76. The six-time Emmy-nominated actor died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday morning at his home, his family confirmed. George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time, a representative shared in a statement, per Variety. In a statement, his former Cheers co-star Ted Danson said: I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie. Rhea Perlman, who also starred in Cheers as barmaid Carla Tortelli, added: George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didnt hurt. What a guy! Ill miss him more than words can say. Born on the south side of Chicago on October 17, 1948, Wendt was one of nine children. He was the uncle ofTed Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, whose mother, Kathryn, was Wendts sister. open image in gallery George Wendt earned six Emmy nominations for his beloved portrayal of Norm ( AP ) Wendt attended the University of Notre Dame before later attending Jesuit Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated in 1971 with a B.A. in economics. Shortly after graduating, he spent six years at Second City, Chicagos legendary improvisational theater troupe. There, he met his future wife, Bernadette Birkett, who would later appear on Cheers as Cliffs (John Ratzenberger) Halloween date in season three, as well as the unseen, offscreen voice of Norms wife, Vera. Wendts tenured portrayal of Norm across 11 seasons, from 1982 to 1993, earned him six Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He and co-stars Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli) and Ted Danson (Sam Malone) were the only three actors to have starred in every single episode of Cheers. Recalling his Cheers audition to Chicago magazine in 2021, Wendt revealed he needed to look like a guy who wanted to have another beer. Norm is just me with better writing, he added. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning. Once the beloved show ended, NBC considered a spinoff series centered on Norm and Cliff as bar buddies, but that project never came to fruition. He did, however, reprise his character of Norm in several other shows: St. Elsewhere, Wings, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Frasier and The Tortellis. Wendt additionally made cameos as himself on Seinfeld, Bob, and The Larry Sanders Show. open image in gallery Wendt (third from the left) and the cast of Cheers ( AP ) His other TV credits include Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Portlandia, Clipped, Fresh off the Boat, and The Goldbergs. He also featured in a number of movies, including the 1988 action comedy Never Say Die, 1992s sci-fi romance Forever Young, 1994s family comedy The Little Rascals, and the 1997 movie musical Spice World. Wendt is survived by his wife, his children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel; and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew. 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 Time is running out for JCPenney shoppers as multiple stores are set to close over the weekend. Seven stores in as many states are set to close on May 25, according to a spokesperson for JCPenney. This marks a shift from February, when the company announced eight store closures. Now, the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland, will remain open. We are excited to announce that we have agreed a lease extension to keep the store open at least through August 31, 2025, and are in continuing negotiations with our landlord for a new long-term lease, a spokesperson for the company told The Independent last month. At this time, the store liquidation event has been stopped. JCPenney did call the seven closures isolated and further stated there are not plans to significantly reduce our store count. The seven stores slated to close on May 25 include: JCPenney stores are closing in seven different states ( Getty Images ) -JCPenney at The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California. -JCPenney at The Shops at Northfield in Denver, Colorado. -JCPenney at the Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho. -JCPenney at West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas. -JCPenney at Mall at Fox Run in Newington, New Hampshire. -JCPenney at Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina. -JCPenney at Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia. The company previously said the closures were unrelated to the brands recent merger with the SPARC Group, which formed Catalyst Brands, an organization of six major retailers. In January, JCPenney confirmed its merger with SPARC Group, which owns Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica, to create Catalyst Brands. Marc Rosen, formerly the chief executive officer of JCPenney, who became CEO of Catalyst Brands, said his business brings together the rich heritage of six unique brands with modern energy and a new vision for success. Together, we bring scale, expertise and broad appeal to customers across America, Rosen said in a statement at the time. For us, customers are at the heart of what we do. We have a shared belief that customers deserve fashion and style of great quality for any and every moment in life. We will leverage our resources and best-in-class industry talent to grow our brands further. During the Covid pandemic, JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as the company agreed with lenders to reduce its billions of dollars of debt and explore sale options. We look forward to emerging from both Chapter 11 and this pandemic as a stronger retailer, continuing to implement our Plan for Renewal, and building capabilities focused on satisfying customers wants and needs, Jill Soltau, former chief executive officer of JCPenney, said in a statement at the time. JCPenney isnt the only major retailer thats announced a handful of store closures. Last year. Big Lots announced it was closing more than 300 stores across the U.S. The news came after the company announced a 10 percent sales drop, equating to about $205 million. In a subsequent regulatory filing, the company said it would increase the number of store closures to 315 as part of a loan agreement. In December, Party City announced it was closing down all of its stores in the U.S. after 40 years of business. CEO Barry Litwin held a meeting on December 11 with staff to announce the news, notifying them that it would be their last day of employment. The company, which had roughly 6,400 full-time and 10,100 part-time workers nationwide, wouldnt give out severance pay and benefits will end as the company closes, Litwin said. Store closures are expected to continue in 2025, according to a report published by Coresight Research in January. Coresight Research expects store closures to go up to approximately 15,000 in 2025. In 2024, U.S. store closures totaled 7,325, which is the highest its been since 2020, when there were nearly 10,000 closures. 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 Motherhood hasnt been all that Meghan Markle thought it would be. On Tuesday, during an episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast, the Duchess of Sussex spoke with Cassandra Thurswell, the founder of hair and beauty brand Kitsch, about becoming a mother to her two children with Prince Harry, and the expectations she had for herself. I will say, for myself, especially when they are baby babies and before I was a mom, I've always wanted to be a mom, Meghan said. I was like, Oh gosh I'm going to give a speech with a baby on my hip. I had a whole vision. Despite her vision, other factors got in the way, preventing her plan from fully manifesting. In 2019, she and Harry welcomed their now six-year-old son, Prince Archie. One year later, the couple left the royal family and moved to California before Meghan gave birth to Princess Lilibet in 2021. Granted, I had a lot of external things happening by the time I had both pregnancies and both babies, Meghan continued. But it was not the way I envisioned it. Over the years, the As Ever founder has largely kept her children out of the public eye. However, she still has one priority when it comes to raising them. For me, its so important my kids see me as a working mom, Meghan said. I've always wanted to be a mom, Meghan said on Tuesday ( Getty Images ) The discussion about her children comes one day after Meghan shared unseen family photos on Instagram in honor of her and Harrys seventh wedding anniversary. She shared a picture of a notice board with a collection of snapshots from the couples private photo album. The collage featured several never-seen-before pictures alongside handwritten notes outlining when and where each picture was taken, marking milestones throughout their relationship, which began in 2016. Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories, the post was captioned. Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story we appreciate you. Happy anniversary! The earliest collection of photos showed the couple at the beginning of their relationship. One snap showed the pair taking a selfie in London while another saw them elephant-watching in Botswana for their second date. Also on the board are pictures taken throughout the duchess pregnancy with their eldest child, Archie, as snapshots showed her baby bump and an ultrasound scan image. 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 A royal family biographer has recalled an incident with Meghan Markle and her wedding caterer that resulted in an intervention from the late Queen Elizabeth II. Katie Nicholl claimed in her book, The New Royals, that while the Duchess of Sussex was preparing for her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, a menu tasting led to a heated moment with a staff member. On one occasion in the run-up to the wedding, Meghan went to Windsor Castle for a menu-tasting and ended up having a tense exchange with a member of staff, she wrote in her book, according to The Daily Mail. Meghan was at the castle to taste some of the dishes, and told one of the caterers she could taste egg. She got quite upset, saying that the dish was meant to be vegan and macrobiotic, a source told Nicholl. However, the news about Meghans actions quickly gained the attention of the late Queen, who died in 2022. Suddenly the Queen walked in and said: Meghan, in this family we dont speak to people like that, Nicholls source said. The Independent has reached out to representatives of Meghan for comment. Meghan, in this family we dont speak to people like that, the late Queen (right) reportedly told Meghan ( Getty Images ) That wasnt the first time the late Queen and Meghan disagreed. According to royal commentator Robert Jobson in his book Our King Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, the late Queen was surprised when Meghan dismissed her advice for adjusting to royal life. The late Queen suggested the Duchess of Sussex seek advice from Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh, after she joined the royal family because the monarch felt that her daughter-in-law could act as an advisor to Meghan, Jobson wrote in his 2023 book. However, Jobson said the duchess made it clear that she would make her own decisions and allegedly turned down the suggestion on the basis that she had Harry. When the Queen, who had asked her then assistant private secretary Samantha Cohen to work alongside Meghan for a bedding-in period, warmly suggested that she should turn to Sophie, Countess of Wessex for support and advice, Meghan dismissed the idea, saying: Ive got Harry, Jobson wrote. Her response surprised the Queen. Harry and Meghan celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary Monday. To commemorate the occasion, the With Love, Meghan host shared unseen photos of herself and her husband over the years. Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories, she captioned an Instagram post that featured a picture of a notice board with a collection of snapshots from the couples private photo album. The collage featured several never-seen-before pictures, marking milestones throughout their relationship, which began in 2016. Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story we appreciate you. Happy anniversary! the caption concluded. 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 Meghan Markle has spoken about her years of living as a struggling actor in a little house with a small closet before landing her role in the hit legal drama Suits in 2011. The Duchess of Sussex played the talented paralegal Rachel Zane, appearing in the nine-season show right from the beginning. Markle left the series early after she became engaged to Prince Harry in 2017. On Tuesday (20 May), during the latest episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast, Markle spoke to Cassandra Thurswell, the founder of hair and beauty brand Kitsch, about how they met when she was first auditioning for acting roles. Markles close friend Heather recommended Thurswell, her cousin, to help style the aspiring performer. You come into my little house that I was renting and I remember my closet, do you remember? That closet door was within the bathroom? the Suits star asked Thurswell, who replied: Meghan, well call it a bungalow, well be chic. Laughing at the suggestion, Markle continued: It was a bungalow and you had to walk through my bedroom, past my bed, past the shower and the sink, which were right there and the toilet and then right across from that was the door that opened into my very small closet. She explained: This was pre-Suits for me. This was really early days when I was auditioning and I just remember literally going through things thinking, theres a couple of [wardrobe] staples that you need. open image in gallery Meghan Markle has reflected on the years she lived in a small house before landing her role in Suits ( Netflix ) Days later, Thurswell rang Markle to tell her shed found a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes she thought she should buy. You called me and said, I just found the best pair of black patent leather Louboutin wedge flats. Theyre $200 (149), she reminisced. I remember going, thats as much as I pay I cannot. And you go, I promise you, you are going to wear [them]. Markle added: Do you know whats so funny? Of course I wore those shoes until the red wore out. I wore those shoes on my final audition for Suits when I booked the part. open image in gallery Markle as paralegal Rachel Zane in Suits ( USA Network ) Suits is set in a New York City law firm and stars Old School actor Patrick J Adams as Mike Ross, who uses his photographic memory to talk his way into a job as a lawyer despite having no law degree. When the series landed on Netflix in summer 2023, it racked up over 57 billion minutes of streaming time, breaking records for the most-watched acquired title. I had no idea that this late August morning of 2011 would change my life, Markle previously said of the day she was cast in the programme. Suits stole my heart. Its the Goldilocks of my acting career where finally I was just right. 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 Michelle Williams has opened up in an emotional discussion about her relationship with late ex-boyfriend, Heath Ledger. On Monday, the Dawsons Creek alum was a guest on an episode of the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard podcast, where the two spoke about their experiences with Ledger before his death in 2008. I feel obligated to say that I knew him a little bit when he was getting sober, and I dont know that Ive ever fallen in love with somebody so quickly, Shepard said about the The Dark Knight actor. This is one of the most special boys Ive ever met, and I can feel the weight of the world on him in a very special way that kind of broke my heart. I was very, very sad, and I thought he was just so special. So special, so special, thank god theres Matilda, an emotional Williams admitted, mentioning her now 19-year-old daughter that she shares with her late ex-boyfriend. Ledger died of an accidental overdose several months after he and Williams broke up. When Shepard described Ledger as this heart here thats just leaking out everywhere, Williams added Ledger had an incredible sensitivity. The two actors first met on the set of Brokeback Mountain, where they played husband and wife, and welcomed their daughter in October 2005 while on the press tour for the movie. So special, so special, thank god theres Matilda, Williams said about Ledger ( Getty Images ) We had a baby. But I suppose maybe it's a good thing about being young is that you don't have so much life experience that you can contextualize things, Williams said. So you're really just going with the flow. Revealing more about raising Matilda after Ledgers death, Williams told listeners: When I make mistakes in front of my daughter and own up to them and apologize, it teaches her to apologize and say, Oops, Mommy, Im sorry, and its not a big deal. Its a part of life, and we move on, she continued. No shame, no blame. You made a mistake? Beautiful. I made five already today. Since Ledgers death, the Dying for Sex actor was briefly married to Phil Elverum in 2018 before marrying her current husband, Thomas Kail, in 2020. The couple shares a son named Hart, a child born in 2022, and a third child born last month. Williams has previously spoken about Ledgers death during a 2016 interview with Porter magazine. Talk about a learning process, Williams said about being a single mother at the time. I think, God, what would I say about it? I feel really sensitive about it and certainly did not expect to still be dating at 36 with an 11-year-old. This is not what I imagined. In all honesty, for pretty much everything else, I feel like Im a believer in not fighting circumstances, accepting where you are and where youve been. She continued: In pretty much all senses but one, I would be able to go totally down that line of thinking were it not for Matilda not having her dad. 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 Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, has shared an update on her health after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis last month in her new memoir. Knowles appeared in front of an enthusiastic audience Monday night in Brooklyn while on her Matriarch book tour. The book was published last month and has become a New York Times bestseller. When the evenings host, CBS broadcast journalist Gayle King, asked Knowles how she was doing after sharing the news of her breast cancer diagnosis in the memoir, she said: "My health is very good. I eat healthier now, I'm more conscious of that. I wanna be around, she said, referring to her children Beyonce and Solange and grandchildren. Knowles recalled being very sad and very scared upon receiving the stage one diagnosis. When you hear the word cancer ... it was very scary for me. Thats why I put it in the book, she shared with the crowd. Tina Knowles Portrait Session ( 2025 Invision ) We get so busy taking care of everybody else. We have to take the time, she continued, emphasizing the importance of not postponing routine tests like mammograms. After initially debating whether she would include her breast cancer journey in the book, Knowles said her prayer in ultimately deciding to share the news was that other women would take time to prioritize their own health and wellbeing. Knowles previously shared how she discovered the cancer after missing her scheduled mammogram. She said she thought she had gotten her test done more recently than she actually had. Going into more detail in front of the audience Monday, Knowles said she was in the Hamptons last summer with her kids and grandkids and didnt want to leave, but knew a doctors appointment was looming. She was having a good time, she recalled. But then something shifted when she saw Beyonce walking toward her, framed by a golden light. All of a sudden I saw my mom, Knowles said, acknowledging the resemblance between her daughter and late mother. I knew I had to go home and get that test. It was shortly after that she received the cancer diagnosis and began treatment. Knowles appearance in New York came just days before Beyonce was about to bring her Cowboy Carter tour to the area. Speaking of the 32-time Grammy winners latest album, Knowles told the audience: Its my favorite record that Beyonces done. Its a history lesson, and to me, its the best Beyonces ever sounded. Beyonce will play five shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before heading across the pond to England and France. Shell then return to the U.S. to continue the tour, with shows planned in Houston, Texas; Landover, Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; and Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Capitol rioter who attacked police on January 6, 2021 and smashed the glass that fellow rioter Ashli Babbitt crawled through before she was shot and killed has once again been arrested, this time for theft. Zachary J Alam, 33 has been accused of breaking into a home this month while the residents were still there, the Washington Post reports. He is among the first Capitol riot convicts to face new charges after receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump at the start of his second term. open image in gallery Zachary Alam, here pictured in fuzzy headgear, was pardoned by President Donald Trump for crimes committed during the Capitol riot, but has since been arrested and charged with breaking into a Virginia home and stealing from its residents ( US District Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia ) Alam, a resident of Centreville, was in jail for more than four years for assaulting police officers defending the U.S. Capitol during the failed January 6 insurrection. He was sentenced to an eight-year prison term after being convicted on seven felonies and three misdemeanors, including assault of police officers and obstructing police during a civil disorder. After Trump's inauguration, Alam demanded a pardon and reparations for the time he spent in prison. I will not accept a second-class pardon, Alam said at the time. I want a full pardon with all the benefits that come with it, including full compensation. Alam has the distinction of having one of the longest sentences of any Capitol riot convict. That sentence was passed down by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who noted Alam's "lack of remorse" for his crimes. The actions of Mr. Alam on Jan. 6 were among the most violent and aggressive of the Jan. 6 defendants, she said. The judge went on to say that he was by far the loudest, the most combative and the most violent of the Jan. 6 rioters. Alam received his pardon and was released from jail, but now he may be headed back. On May 9, Henrico County police arrested Alam in a neighborhood just east of Richmond, the Virginia state capital. Around 8:30 pm that night, homeowners claim that a man they did not know broke into their home through a back door and took several of their belongings. The residents told police they saw the alleged burglar and asked him to leave their home. Police found Alam in a nearby neighborhood and took him into custody. He was charged with felony residential burglary and misdemeanor vandalism. Alam has prior convictions of auto theft, fleeing the scene of an accident, petty larceny, and drunk driving, according to state officials. Prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence for Alam due to his prior convictions including his Capitol riot conviction and said he was among the first to enter the Capitol during the attack. During the riot, he broke an interior window using a helmet. After he broke the window, fellow rioter Babbitt climbed through the opening and was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer. open image in gallery Ashli Babbit was shot dead at the Capitol while trying to climb through a smashed window ( Twitter ) While the shooting was ruled justified, Babbitt's family sued anyway and reportedly received a $5 million settlement from the government, according to the Washington Post. Alam insisted he thought he was "saving the country" by trying to disrupt the nation's democratic power transfer. I know that breaking windows is against the law, Alam said during his sentencing. But I believed in my heart I was doing the right thing. Sometimes you have to break the rules to do whats right. Some J6ers did violence, but only because they thought they were saving the country in the process. Other Capitol riot convicts have had run-ins with the law since their pardons. Matthew Huttle, one of the Capitol riot defendants, was pulled over six days after Trump's mass clemency and fearing a return to prison refused to comply with the orders of a Jasper County sheriff's deputy. He scurried into his truck and appeared to be reaching for a gun, saying he was going to shoot himself, but the deputy shot him first and killed him. A loaded handgun was found in Huttle's vehicle. In a less dramatic case, Brent John Holdridge, 59, of Arcata, California, was charged with stealing copper and tools. He previously had been charged with non-violent crimes relating to the Capitol riot. The copper was valued at tens of thousands of dollars, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. The Independent has contacted Henrico County Police. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs daily drug cocktail included ecstasy pills in the shape of former president Barack Obamas head, according to the disgraced moguls former personal assistant. David James, who worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009, returned to the witness stand Tuesday in Combs federal sex trafficking trial, testifying about his ex-boss alleged drugs of choice. There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former presidents face, James told prosecutor Christy Slavik. Which former president? Slavik asked. President Obama, James replied. Diddys drug use and overdose have been part of the federal case against him. The music mogul is facing a string of allegations in his sex trafficking case. Its alleged that Diddy abused and coerced women to fulfill his sexual desires in a years-long scheme. The case is ongoing in New York City and is expected to last several weeks. open image in gallery Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-assistant testified that the disgraced mogul took Obama-shaped ecstasy pills. He spoke during the sex trafficking trial for the music mogul ( Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force/Getty Images ) Jame said that Combs carried 25 to 30 pill bottles in his toiletry bag during hotel stays, containing drugs such as Percocet, ecstasy, Viagra, weight loss pills and sperm count supplements. When asked how often hed seen his former boss take drugs, James said, Id say every day, alleging Combs would be high during business meetings. James said he booked hotel rooms for Combs under the alias Frank Black and was responsible for running errands and retrieving items from Combs home. He was also tasked with bringing Combs apple sauce, Jello, and Fiji water. open image in gallery David James worked for Combs from 2007 to 2009. However, he faced him in New York courtroom to testify during the trial. ( Getty Images ) The government also called Cassies mother, Regina Ventura, and exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, known as The Punisher on Tuesday. Cassie Ventura, who was Diddys longtime girlfriend, testified earlier about the alleged abuse she suffered. Regina Ventura details how she took photos of the injuries allegedly caused by Diddy. "She was bruised and I wanted to make sure we memorialize it," Regina Ventura told the jury as they viewed the photos. The mom also detailed how Diddy threatened to release a sex tape with Cassie Ventura and demanded $20,000 to keep it secret. Regina Ventura said she took out a loan to pay the fee because she was scared for her daughters safety. "We took a home equity loan and that was the only way we could get the money," she said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An 18-year-old has been accused of stabbing his 81-year-old roommate to death at an assisted living facility in Florida after he allegedly heard voices in his head telling him to kill him. Moses Ojeda is charged with murder for the killing of Patrick Benway, who suffered a violent death, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a news conference on Sunday. He stabbed the victim 113 times, and when we asked him during the interview, he confessed why he stabbed him 113 times, Sheriff Judd said. He said, The knife wasnt very sharpvoices in my head told me to kill him." Ojeda had moved into the group home in Bartow managed by ET Home Care a day before the May 18 stabbing of Benway, who was also a resident. Moses said that the person he stabbed and killed was a good person, the sheriff added. But he was just told that he heard sounds, voices in his head to kill the victim, and that's what he did. Moses Ojeda, 18, told cops the person he stabbed was a good person but he heard voices in his head telling him to kill him, the sheriff said ( Polk County Sheriffs Office ) Ojeda admitted to the authorities that he walked into Benways room where he was in bed and stabbed him multiple times. He said his roommate never fought back, but instead asked him, why would you want to do this to me? After the deadly attack, Ojeda cleaned the knife and put it back in the kitchen, he told detectives. He then removed his blood-stained clothing and placed it in his laundry basket. Ojeda was arrested the same day and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. He admitted to detectives that he had wanted to kill the man because he was already dying and that he has no regrets. All of the evidence gathered was consistent with the suspects statements about the stabbing, authorities said in a press release. Prior to the incident, Ojeda had been evaluated for mental health issues and had been involuntarily committed under Florida's Baker Act six times this year. He was then released back into independent living and placed in a shared room with Benway. Ojedas mother told investigators that she felt unsafe around her son, who has no criminal record, and made arrangements for him at the independent living facility where she warned the staff to secure sharp objects. Its unclear how Ojeda obtained the knife or whether any staff were present during the incident. The facility has not released a statement but is reportedly cooperating with the ongoing investigation, FOX35 reported. This was a senseless and tragic act of violence, Judd said. Our detectives, forensic investigators, and Bartow Police Department officers worked diligently to take Ojeda into custody and gather evidence to hold him accountable. Ojeda is currently in Polk County Jail on no bond. 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 high school teacher in Florida was arrested shortly after she allegedly had sex with a student in her classroom before the first bell. Brooke Anderson, 27, who is a teacher at Riverview High School, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the student for months, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Anderson allegedly had sex with the student at the school on the morning of May 16 before she was taken into custody. Detectives launched an investigation after receiving reports of an inappropriate relationship between Anderson and a male student. The unnamed student told the authorities that their alleged relationship began in September 2024 with sexually explicit text messages. In the weeks leading up to Andersons arrest, the relationship escalated and there were multiple instances of sexual activity. Anderson was booked on three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, according to online jail records. She was released the following day after a judge set her bail at $45,000, $15,000 for each of the three counts. This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community, Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release. What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing. The Sheriffs Office says that it remains an active investigation and have urged anyone else who believes they were a victim to get in contact. 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 Hannah Kobayashi has spoken publicly for the first time since her mysterious disappearance from Los Angeles Airport last year an event that garnered international attention and culminated in the tragic suicide of her father, Ryan Kobayashi, during the search for her. Hannah Kobayashi, 30, spoke about loss, pain, and suffering in a recent and since-disappeared Instagram Story, according to SFGate and a video shared by the Daily Mail. In the clip, the Maui photographer thanked every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me" amid the viral 2024 search. Without specifically naming her late father by name, Kobayashi continued, Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering. We should all learn to be kind to one another. Kobayashi reportedly told SFGate on Monday that she plans to reveal more information about her disappearance in the future. open image in gallery Members of her family, including her estranged father Ryan Kobayashi, pictured center, came to Los Angeles to look for her ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, she said. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes, Kobayashi added. The Independent has contacted Kobayashi for comment. On November 8, 2024, Kobayashi missed a connecting flight from LAX to New York, where she was supposed to go to a concert and visit a family member. Instead, she was later seen on security footage at The Grove shopping center in LA, prompting her family to believe that something could have happened. open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was found in Mexico in December 2024. ( Facebook ) Cryptic texts to her family members also worried them, including a message that read, I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. For someone I thought I loved. Kobayashi then took a bus to Mexico and crossed the border on foot, prompting police to end their search by labeling her a "voluntary missing person." Her father, Ryan, called the situation every parents nightmare before dying by suicide near LAX amid the search. Kobayashi was found in Mexico on December 11, 2024, and returned to the US four days later. Without much of an explanation on her disappearance, Kobayashi told NBC News that she was unaware of the media attention and now focused on her healing, peace, and creativity. open image in gallery Surveillance footage shows Hannah Kobayashi arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on November 8 ( Sydni Kobayashi/Facebook ) Kobayashi made her first Instagram post since her disappearance on May 4, posting a black and white photo of trees. One user asked Kobayashi why she did not attend her dads funeral, to which she responded, "You don't know the whole story. My intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me, Kobayashi continued. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment." 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 Florida cafeteria worker has been arrested for hiding evidence after her boyfriend killed a teen who came to beat up her son, police say. Jessica Rivera, a 48-year-old food service employee at Whispering Oak Elementary in Orange County, was taken into custody at work. Police say she tampered with evidence, including while she was working at the elementary school, in their investigation into the shooting of Neiko Herrera, 19. Herrera and four other young men came to Riveras home last month because one of them had arranged for a fist fight with her son. Cops say that the teens came to the home over an argument about a girl that they wanted to resolve in person. open image in gallery Jessica Rivera, a 48-year-old Florida school cafeteria worker, was arrested for tampering with evidence after her boyfriend fatally shot a teen who came to beat up her son, cops say. ( Osceola County Sheriff's Office ) When the group pulled up in front of the home in a gated RV park near St. Cloud which is about 25 miles south of Orlando Riveras boyfriend, Orvill Osorio-Ortiz, went outside and started shooting at the car, according to police. Herrera was killed in the shooting and another member of his group was injured in what police have called an ambush. Police say Osorio-Ortiz anticipated the meeting, arming himself with a Glock-style gun. Hererras mother, Monique, told WESH 2 News, "I am so relieved that an arrest has been made in connection with my sons murder. While this doesnt ease the pain of losing him, it is a step toward justice. My son, Neiko Herrera was a visionary, a leader, and a young man full of purpose. He poured his heart into building his clothing line, Revenge Riches, with the message: The best revenge is success. Monique said the family will continue his legacy by sharing his story and growing his clothing brand. We want the world to know who he was not just how he died, but how he lived, she said. It is unclear what exactly Rivera is accused of doing to tamper with evidence. Meanwhile, Osorio-Ortiz faces a first-degree murder charge and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. 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 For six grueling months, a Utah man allegedly held his girlfriend and her family against their will after convincing them that the cartel was out to get them. Dominic Christopher Garcia, 23, was arrested on Saturday on multiple assault and kidnapping charges, according to the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake. Police responded to the home in Millcreek after someone called and claimed their family of seven people were being held hostage by Garcia, their daughters boyfriend. The family was not able to take it any longer, and they were holding (Garcia) at gunpoint until police arrived. Garcia had repeatedly told them the cartel would kill them if they did not do what they were told, police said in a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News. He later admitted to police that it was all a lie. The family has lived in constant fear of Dominic and the people Dominic has led them to believe were trying to kill them for approximately 6 months, police said. Dominic has had access to handguns and has been threatening to use or have others use those weapons causing death to the family, causing them to believe their [lives were] in danger. According to the affidavit, the father of Garcias pregnant girlfriend had allowed him to move into their home in December 2024. The father, who was referred to as RS in the affidavit, told police that almost immediately (after moving in), he (Garcia) started telling the family that his family was part of a business that had ties to the cartel and that in order to stay on the cartel's good side, they needed to do certain things, and they needed to be diligent in their safety. Garcia began carrying a 10-millimeter handgun that was purchased by his girlfriends father, according to the affidavit, with Garcia claiming that it was for protection but that he would point the gun around the house, empty it and then point the gun at random members of the family as a game, KSL reported. One family member told police that Garcia pointed the handgun at her and threatened to kill her, according to the affidavit, telling her that the men wanted her punished and held accountable" for a message she sent to her friend. Police said Garcia would routinely go through their phones and check to see who they were communicating with and would confront them about anything he did not agree with. Garcia would also limit or restrict the family from leaving the home and would yell at them if they left for longer than he allowed, the affidavit states. When police questioned Garcia on Saturday after his arrest, he said he had continued this lie for several months because he did not know how to stop it in fear that they would not like him, police said. Garcia is charged with seven counts of aggravated assault, seven counts of aggravated kidnapping, seven counts of hazing involving the use of a dangerous weapon and seven counts of threat of violence. He is being held at the Salt Lake County Jail on no bond due to the family's fear that he will come after them if released, police said. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Scientists at CERN have built a shipping container capable of transporting antimatter out of the laboratory for the first time. A team from the European research hub built a two-metre-long containment device and successfully drove the antimatter 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) before returning it to the lab. The first-of-its-kind demonstration paves the way for antimatter to be transported to laboratories throughout Europe via public road networks. A state-of-the-art facility at Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf in Germany nearly 800km away is expected to be the first recipient of antimatter from CERN. The study of antimatter is essential for understanding space and how the universe works, however there are less than half a dozen facilities on Earth capable of creating it. Its production requires smashing particles travelling close to the speed of light into a stationary target, with magnets used to trap it in a container. These magnetic traps require a lot of electricity, as well as a special environment to prevent the antimatter from disappearing by touching any regular matter even dust. To overcome this, a team from the European research hub built a two-metre-long containment device that was able to move antimatter on the back of a trailer around the CERN site at speeds of more than 40km/h The achievement was detailed in a paper, titled Proton transport from the antimatter factory of CERN, which was published in the scientific journal Nature. We transferred the trapped protons from our experimental area at the AMF (antimatter factory) onto a truck and transported them across the Meyrin site of CERN, demonstrating autonomous operation without external power for four hours and loss-free proton relocation, the paper stated. We thereby confirm the feasibility of transferring particles into low-noise laboratories in the vicinity of the AMF and of using a power generator on the truck to reach laboratories throughout Europe. A map of the route that the truck took while carrying the antimatter around the CERN campus shows that it crossed from France into Switzerland and back again. The scientists added that the transportation feat marked the start of a new era in precision antimatter research. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Apple has revealed its plans for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, during which it will update every one of its products. The WWDC event will run from 9 June to 13 June, Apple has said. While it contains some in-person events more than 1,000 developers and students will be invited to its Apple Park campus most of the week is now held online. Those online events will begin with a live streamed keynote on 9 June, at 10am local pacific time or 6pm in the UK. It will be streamed on Apples website, through the Apple TV app, and on YouTube, with a replay being made available after it has concluded. That will then be followed up with a range of online events focused on developers: Apples Platforms State of The Union, during which it shows off more technical parts of the updates, as well as more than 100 technical sessions and labs with Apples staff. Apples schedule made clear that updates would come to all of its platforms, with the invitation mentioning advances across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Apple is widely expected to focus on new AI features in the event. The company used last years WWDC to launch Apple Intelligence, its branded AI tools but it has been mired in controversy since. The rollout of some of the features that were shown off during WWDC, such as an improved version of Siri, have either been delayed or cancelled. Apple will presumably use the event to try and refocus on other upcoming AI-powered changes. Some of those new Apple Intelligence tools could include a new power system that will help save battery, as well as non-AI features. Those could include a near-total visual redesign of iOS and iPad OS that would bring it more in line with the transparent look of VisionOS, which powers Apples Vision Pro headset. Siri is expected to take less of a starring role. Though it was central to the launch of Apple Intelligence, the major update that was promised last year is yet to materialise, and Apple is rumoured to be looking to separate Siris from its broader AI tools. Apples new software is usually released to developers straight after its WWDC event, before a public beta in the summer and a full release in autumn, alongside the launch of the new iPhones. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Hollywood's actors' union has filed an unfair labor practice charge over creators allegedly using artificial intelligence to generate Darth Vaders voice in Fortnite. The union filed against Llama Productions on Monday. It alleges the company replaced actors' work by using artificial intelligence to generate the characters voice in the popular game without notice. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) said Llama Productions, a subsidiary of gaming giant Epic Games, failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union in the last six months. The company made unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of employment without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain by using AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work, SAG-AFTRA said. Epic Games did not immediately respond to a request for comment. open image in gallery Darth Vader in the popular video game, Fortnite ( Epic Games ) SAG-AFTRA called a strike against major game companies in July 2024 after more than a year of negotiations around the unions interactive media agreement broke down over concerns around the use of unregulated artificial intelligence. In a statement, SAG-AFTRA said the union supports the rights of members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas. However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vaders iconic rhythm and tone in video games, the union said. In 2024, there were two strikes: one concerning members in the video game industry and another in Hollywood. The video game strike was mainly concerned about AI protections and compensation for the use of AI-generated replicas of actors' voices and performances. open image in gallery Fortnite is one of the biggest video games in the world and features various characters, including Star Wars villain Darth Vader ( 2024 Invision ) The Hollywood strike, which had ended by the time of the video game strike in July, resulted in a new WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers contract. At the time, video game performers said they fear AI could reduce or eliminate job opportunities because the technology could be used to replicate one performance into a number of other movements without their consent. If motion-capture actors, video-game actors in general, only make whatever money they make that day ... that can be a really slippery slope, said actor Noshir Dalal, who portrayed Bode Akuna in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Instead of being like, Hey, were going to bring you back ... theyre just not going to bring me back at all and not tell me at all that theyre doing this. Thats why transparency and compensation are so important to us in AI protections. 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 Met Office has upgraded to a new supercomputer, which could make 14-day forecasts nearly as accurate as seven-day forecasts. Forecasters hope the supercomputer, operated by Microsofts cloud-based system called Azure, will predict extreme weather events further in advance and help to advance climate research across the world. For more than a month, Azure was running off-site simultaneously with the Met Offices previous supercomputer, which has now been switched off. Charles Ewen, the Met Offices chief information officer, said: People ask how a bigger computer improves the weather forecast. One big thing this new computer will allow us to do in the near future is to be able to produce 14-day forecasts with a similar kind of accuracy than we can today for seven, eight, nine days. The weather agency used its first supercomputer 60 years ago, and until now, they have almost always been run on site. open image in gallery Forecasters hope the computer will also help to advance climate research across the world ( AFP via Getty Images ) Azure will allow the Met Office to start fresh projects without having to build new infrastructure, he added. He said: We use a technique to predict the future state of the atmosphere called numerical weather prediction. So that takes the laws of physics that are fairly well understood and applies them at scale to observations of the current state of the atmosphere. To do that is very, very computationally expensive. Its simulating the future state of the atmosphere. Operationally, thats 200 to 300 terabytes of information a day. Segolene Berthou, who leads a team of researchers working on the Met Offices environmental prediction capabilities, said the supercomputer will permit researchers to run a model several times with slightly different parameters. That will give us quite a large variety of forecasts because of the chaotic nature of the atmosphere, and that can help us capture the extremes with more days in advance, she explained. The coupled system were preparing is running faster and more smoothly on the new supercomputer. This is very good news because it means we can now be even more confident in our climate projections and have longer slices of time running this model. open image in gallery The new technology could make 14-day forecasts nearly as accurate as seven-day forecasts ( Ben Birchall/PA Wire ) A cloud system will make it easier for others to use the Met Offices backlog of data for climate research, the weather service said. Forecasters are also hoping Azure will allow them to adapt its use of artificial intelligence, however, they are not yet sure how the supercomputer will be augmented with machine learning. The Met Office has funded some of its researchers to start advanced degrees in machine learning and has offered a training programme on the subject. Simon Vosper, its science director, said: We have huge increases in capacity, which will enable us to take our science forward. With the new Azure-based capability, well be enhancing resolution, running many more models and introducing new scientific complexity. The weather agency said: Met Office forecasts are used in aviation, defence, critical infrastructure, and shipping, as well as for predicting storms, floods, and gauging if Sunday will be suitable for a barbecue. The decision to entrust that critical work to an outside institution like Microsoft came only after a long process, informed by its own expertise in technology. The West Baton Rouge Solar Farm being tied into Entergy has over 100,000 individual solar panels. To meet growing industry demand for cleaner power, Louisianas largest electricity provider is laying the regulatory groundwork to add 3 gigawatts of solar energy to its generation portfolio, a massive spike in solar energy for a state that produces little of it. As a small army of law enforcement agents nabbed their fourth New Orleans jail escapee on Monday, a federal official warned it could take months to round all six remaining men up an outcome that an expert said is almost all but certain. Whats good, whats bad, and whats in between in literature? Here we review the latest titles. See all 51 stories . CRIME The Empress Murders Toby Schmitz Allen and Unwin, $32.99 Brilliant, bonkers and bloody - The Empress Murders is what you get when you let a mischievous thespian schooled in Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, and Agatha Christie loose on the crime genre. This is a tragicomic, ambitiously wordy, and wild excursion into the territory of the traditional locked-room mystery, set on a ship with a serial killer on the loose. It begins with a Shakespearian prologue, although its not called that, spoken by the ship herself who affectionately recalls her origins as a leaf in a puddle, through her many subsequent incarnations as a sea-faring vessel, and culminating in her current manifestation as The Empress of Australia, a luxury ocean liner and a cast-iron idea. Shes now churning the Atlantic run in 1925 on the way to New York with a full manifest of passengers and one corpse. The scene is set. It comes as no surprise to learn that this outlandish excursion into the crime genre started out as a play 20 years ago and has been a long time in gestation. There are numerous quasi-theatrical moments as we encounter the diverse passengers and crew, although there are also interior reflections and backstories that could only exist in this kind of capacious, meandering crime novel. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. 1 / 6 Homemade sausage rolls are available in the cabinet. Supplied 2 / 6 Outside the Cann River cafe. Supplied 3 / 6 Egg and bacon jaffle at Snaffle in Cann River. Supplied 4 / 6 Cheeseburger jaffle. Supplied 5 / 6 Ready-made wraps, salads, sandwiches and cakes are available to order. Supplied 6 / 6 Inside the shop, where you can also purchase local jams, honey and flowers. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Cafe$$$$ In the tiny town of Cann River, Snaffle is the perfect pit stop for those passing through the Gippsland region perhaps returning from a coastal camping trip in Mallacoota or Merimbula, or tackling the lengthy road trip back to Melbourne from Sydney. The menu revolves around loaded jaffles typically only $10 a pop, more or less including a brekkie number packed with egg, bacon, gooey cheese, native pepperberry chutney and caramelised onion, or a smokey baked bean and cheese mix. There are plenty of vegan options, too. Jaffles aside, theres also smoothies and a cabinet filled with snacks like homemade sausage rolls, plus ready-made salads, wraps, sandwiches and baked goods. Coffee is by Code Black. Stocking up on camping staples or looking for some goodies to take back home? Snaffles fridges are filled with local produce including cheeses, deli goods, milk and more, while shelves are stocked with local honey, jams, preserves and flowers, all available to purchase. Advertisement As featured in the June 2025 hitlist. See all stories . New sandwich spot Rippers in Ripponlea. Joe Armao. As Melbournes inner-city swarms with sandwich shops, enterprising operators are identifying niches in the suburbs, where theyre bringing a slice of our sanger culture to underserved pockets. From Warrandyte to Niddrie to Ripponlea, this edition of Sandwich Watch a column dedicated to the essential Melbourne sangers, rolls, subs and jaffles you need to know about has a trio of new suburban spots to try, and what to order at each. Field Days mortadella baguette. Field Day, Warrandyte Advertisement Warning: this cool new community cafe in the green oasis that is Warrandyte might make you want a tree change. Just up from the river, its warmed by the morning sun and the easygoing hospitality of owners Alisa Barnes and Lewis Lotherington. Local micro-bakery Sourdo supplies outstanding croissants and bread (for sangers and to take home), while other baked goods are made in-house. Coffee Supreme is the house blend, but guest roasters are on rotation. Star sandwich: Mortadella baguette ($16). The base is a jaw-achingly chewy (thats a compliment) Sourdo baguette, long fermented to give it an airy interior. Then comes a few robust slices of mortadella, all rich and fatty. A swipe of stracciatella adds creaminess. And, despite the one-two punch of house-made pistachio pesto and panko-pistachio crumb (aka panko-grattato), its not overwhelmingly nutty. NB: the baguettes are not available on Sundays. 2a Webb Street, Warrandyte, instagram.com/fieldday.warrandyte Charlies Deli, Niddrie Advertisement Pumping tunes bring the vibe as much as larger-than-life co-owner Joey Sleiman at this new sandwich deli on a north-west shopping strip, a few doors down from sibling cafe Mister Hoffman. Its named like every second Melbourne sanger shop, but Charlies holds its own in a crowded market. Most punters are after the steak frites sandwich, filled with wagyu rib-eye and curly fries. And for dessert? Chonky choc-chip cookies, or acai. Star sandwich: Spanakopita melt ($18, pictured above right). What this toastie take on Greek spinach pie lacks in traditional filo pastry, it more than makes up for in flavour. Golden-crusted light rye encases feta double trouble, both Persian and Danish, which ooze out of the melts cross-section. In the mix: baby spinach, braised leek and onion, and enough dill to help herb it up. House-made Chilli Lips dip is a spicy, smoky reprieve from the cheese. 81 Hoffmans Road, Niddrie, charliesniddrie.com.au Rippers at Ripponlea Station. Joe Armao. Rippers, Ripponlea Advertisement For years, Vanessa Langby walked past the quaint cottage next to Ripponlea Station thinking, Someone should do something there. Possibly once a tearoom for train workers, the place has now been turned by Langby into a commuter coffee saviour thats also a sandwich stop, after-school soft serve hangout and early evening burger joint with cheery outdoor seating. We make our own strawberry coulis for the shakes, we love French fries, but we make our own seasoning. Its real food but fast and fun. Rippers salad sanger. Joe Armao Star sandwich: Salad sandwich ($15). Multigrain sourdough from Cobb Lane is piled with shredded cos, sliced beetroot, grated carrot and herby mayo. Add Swiss cheese if you like. And the bread is buttered: butter makes a sandwich better, says Langby. Its comforting, like something a grandma would make. Sangers to-go are in the fridge but if youre eating in, the team will make one fresh. 3 Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea, rippers3185.com.au This is the latest instalment of Sandwich Watch, a column dedicated to the Melbourne sandwiches you need to know about. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up The brown box, with a clear cellophane window, reveals a glimpse of a questionable, and sizeable, brown nugget nestling in pink tissue paper and tied up with pink string. It was accompanied by a neatly written message: Dearest Jacinta, I have considered your levy and heres my feedback, its bullshit. The message was signed Love, Brutus and family. So many questions about this incident still to work their way through the system. McArthur was unapologetic for what she described as a harmless stunt, saying the Labor reaction suggested they dont get out of Melbourne much. If we are looking for a serious point here, its the fact that the only way regional Victorians can get a message through to Labor politicians is by delivering a bullshit cake direct to their door, she said. Unexpected emoji poops up in court Friday was a signature day in the life of the Federal Court. Judges Nye Perram, Anna Katzmann and Geoffrey Kennett unanimously dismissed an appeal brought by former special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who failed to overturn a landmark ruling that he had, on the balance of probabilities, committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith, who had previously lost his defamation case against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, also failed in his bid to get his appeal reopened after a secret recording about the case involving our reporter Nick McKenzie came to light. The court dismissed his application, creating an apparent legal precedent the first use of a poo emoji in a Federal Court judgment, according to our legal experts. Our questions to the court elicited this response: Paragraph 85 of the Roberts-Smith v Fairfax Publications Pty Limited (Reopening Application) judgment does include the emoji referred to below. The full judgment is published and can be viewed on our website, a media officer told CBD. The Court will not provide further comment on the contents of the reasons for judgment. Quite proper. The history-making reference comes from a text exchange between the soldiers then wife, Emma Roberts (they later split) and her friend, Danielle Scott, discussing the impact of a letter from the Australian Federal Police to Roberts-Smith. Loading The judgment states: After Ms Scott responds Well theres the drama he needs, Ms Roberts observes Yep straight to the toilet to [poo emoji]. Apologies, but it is beyond this mastheads technology to reproduce the relevant emoji here. But as the judgment makes clear: This is not a description of a privileged communication obtained by secretly logging on to an email account. Luck of the Don Nobody associated with the Liberal Party has had much luck of late except former NSW arts minister and moderate Liberal powerbroker Don Harwin, whos had a recent lottery win. Rumours were swirling this week about Teflon Don (as hes known, for reasons we will shortly explain) making himself fabulously wealthy through sheer good fortune. But Harwin informed CBD that talk of his big jackpot was overblown, and hed won only a minor prize that would barely pay my Woolies shop. Still, in this economy, wed take it. And it continues a run of improbably good fortune for Harwin. He quit then NSW premier Gladys Berejiklians ministry after allegedly dodging COVID restrictions in 2020 by skipping town for his Central Coast holiday home. Winners are grinners, eh, Don Harwin? Credit: Sam Mooy But when the $1000 fine was dropped, Harwin was welcomed back into cabinet. After quitting parliamentary politics, he was elected NSW Liberal president last year by a single vote, leading some party conservatives to threaten their very own January 6 (OK, we made that bit up, but we wouldnt put it past them). Then, when the party disastrously forgot to register dozens of candidates for local government elections last year, it was state director Richard Shields who took the initial fall, while Harwin stayed on until the Liberal federal executive intervened and took control of the division. Hes since managed to land a role on the board of the National Maritime Museum, thanks to the bipartisan generosity of the Albanese government. With a run like that, wed be buying lottery tickets too. Cant keep away The Mooch is coming back. Former Wall Street wolflet Anthony Scaramucci, whos built a lucrative brand out of lasting just 11 days as Donald Trumps White House communications director before getting the youre fired treatment, is returning to these shores. The appeal court said it found no error in Besankos approach, pointing to three eyewitness accounts given in court. The problem for [Roberts-Smith] is that, unlike most homicides, there were three eyewitnesses to this murder, the court said. When all is said and done, it is a rare murder that is witnessed by three independent witnesses. Federal Court Justices Nye Perram, Anna Katzmann and Geoffrey Kennett When all is said and done, it is a rare murder that is witnessed by three independent witnesses. Efforts by Roberts-Smiths legal team to construct uncertainty out of inconsistencies in peripheral detail are unpersuasive, the judges said. The eyewitness testimonies each had the three key central features described by the primary judge: the forcible and aggressive moving of a [prisoner] to the north-western part of Whiskey 108; the hearing of a burst of machine-gun fire; and the seeing of a man being machine-gunned. This strength of this evidence cannot be erased, and is in no way undermined, by peripheral inconsistencies. The court noted the evidence of Person 24, a former SAS soldier and eyewitness, who had responded when challenged under cross-examination that it must be difficult for him to recall events which had occurred 13 years ago Not when it comes to watching an execution. The appeal court said that the killing of the man with the prosthetic leg in such a dramatic fashion does suggest a certain recklessness or perhaps even brazenness on Roberts-Smiths part. Be that as it may, that [he] was reckless in his actions accords with the evidence of Person 18 who heard Person 5 remonstrating with [Roberts-Smith] about the killing in circumstances where there might be a drone overhead. Person 18, a serving SAS soldier, gave evidence during the trial that he overheard a soldier dubbed Person 5 telling Roberts-Smith during the mission that youve just done this while a drone was potentially still flying above. High cost of litigation The war veterans defamation case was launched in 2018 against The Age and the Herald, owned by Nine, and The Canberra Times, now under separate ownership. The trial started in 2021 and concluded in July 2022 after 110 days, 41 witnesses and a combined $30 million in legal costs. The appeal cost the parties a further $4 million. Roberts-Smiths former employer, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes, bankrolled the trial using private funds but did not pay for the appeal. Stokes is on the hook for Nines costs in the trial. Roberts-Smith agreed in 2023 to pay $910,000 into court as security for Nines legal costs as a condition of bringing the appeal. The murders The Roberts-Smith litigation is among the largest and most expensive defamation trials ever conducted in Australia and the first to examine in detail allegations of war crimes against members of the SAS. Loading In another centrepiece allegation in the case, the newspapers alleged Roberts-Smith kicked an unarmed and handcuffed Afghan villager named Ali Jan off a small cliff in Darwan on September 11, 2012, before procuring soldiers under his command to shoot the villager. Besanko found the murder allegation was proven. In a second key allegation, the newspapers said Roberts-Smith was involved in two murders during the mission on Easter Sunday, 2009, after two Afghan men were discovered in a tunnel in the compound dubbed Whiskey 108. They alleged Roberts-Smith machine-gunned the man with the prosthetic leg and directed a rookie soldier, Person 4, to kill the second man as a form of blooding or initiation. Besanko found these allegations were proven. He also found a fourth murder allegation, which did not appear in the news reports but was part of the newspapers defence, had been proven, relating to directions Roberts-Smith gave via an interpreter for an unarmed Afghan man to be shot by a member of the Afghan Partner Force in 2012. The appeal court said Besanko was acutely conscious of the seriousness of the findings the [newspapers] called upon him to make. Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy will not return to the role until at least 2026 with an acting commissioner installed in his stead. Kennedy took unplanned leave at the end of March following the states problem-plagued March 8 election, which is now the subject of an inquiry chaired by former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker. WA Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy. Credit: ABC News He has not returned to the role and this afternoon Electoral Affairs Minister David Michael announced the appointment of Department of Water and Environmental Regulation bureaucrat Dennis OReilly as acting commissioner. His appointment is effective from May 21 to December 31. Mr OReilly will oversee the upcoming local government elections being held in October this year, he said. He will also be responsible for implementing any recommendations from the special inquiry into the planning and delivery of the 2025 WA state election. OReilly replaces deputy commissioner Courtney Baron who was acting in the role since Kennedys leave. Kennedy has not fronted the public since the week after the election where he answered six questions before exiting the press conference. The election was marred by huge lines at booths, complaints of poorly trained staff and some booths running out of ballot papers forcing them to draw up ballot papers on A4 sheets of paper. The McCusker inquiry is set to hand its report to the premier by June 30. Families will have to do without the universally available $400 School Saving Bonus as the government takes a more targeted approach to cost-of-living relief. With more than a third of the $282 million allocated to the scheme this year still unspent, the government will instead put $318 million over the next four years towards free public transport for under 18s, in a move that will save families $755 on the annual cost of a student transport pass. The budget includes $318 million to subsidise students travel on public transport across Victoria. Credit: Jason Robins The direct support effort, outlined in Tuesdays state budget, will shift to disadvantaged school families. Nutson's Weekly Auto News WrapUp - May 12-19, 2025 AUTO CENTRAL - Louisville, KY - May 18, 2025: Every Sunday, Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and TACH Executive Producer, compiles The Auto Channel's take on this past week's automotive news, condensed into easy-to-digest news Nuggets. LEARN MORE: Complete versions of today's news nuggets, along with hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information and opinions are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 30 years. Complete information can be found by copying a headline and inserting it into any Site Search Box. Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions, and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted, easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets. April new vehicle prices are up. The latest data released by Kelley Blue Book shows a significant 2.5% rise in new-vehicle prices for April, marking a sharp increase over the typical monthly trend. This rise comes amid ongoing concerns about tariffs and market fluctuations, signaling continued volatility in the automotive landscape. The April Average Transaction Price (ATP) for new vehicles reached $48,699, with the sharpest monthly increase observed in years. Inventory levels for new vehicles remain tight, contributing to price increases. EV ATP is now $59,255, up by 3.7% year-over-year, though incentives for EVs continue to decline. The Compact SUV segment, one of the most popular segments and one highly exposed to new import tariffs, saw vehicle prices that were mostly flat month over month and year over year at $36,416. Incentives and discounts, however, declined in April to 7.8% of ATP, down from 8.2% in March. The latest data released by Kelley Blue Book shows a significant 2.5% rise in new-vehicle prices for April, marking a sharp increase over the typical monthly trend. This rise comes amid ongoing concerns about tariffs and market fluctuations, signaling continued volatility in the automotive landscape. The April Average Transaction Price (ATP) for new vehicles reached $48,699, with the sharpest monthly increase observed in years. Inventory levels for new vehicles remain tight, contributing to price increases. EV ATP is now $59,255, up by 3.7% year-over-year, though incentives for EVs continue to decline. The Compact SUV segment, one of the most popular segments and one highly exposed to new import tariffs, saw vehicle prices that were mostly flat month over month and year over year at $36,416. Incentives and discounts, however, declined in April to 7.8% of ATP, down from 8.2% in March. China tariffs. The US and China have agreed to roll back some tariffs for 90 days, signaling a notable de-escalation of trade tensions. Under the deal reached in Geneva, the US will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145%, while China will cut duties on US imports to 10% from 125%. The announcement has lifted global markets and strengthened the US dollar. Relief is expected to various sectors, including the automotive industry, which has been heavily impacted by recent tariff hikes. Get more information HERE. The US and China have agreed to roll back some tariffs for 90 days, signaling a notable de-escalation of trade tensions. Under the deal reached in Geneva, the US will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145%, while China will cut duties on US imports to 10% from 125%. The announcement has lifted global markets and strengthened the US dollar. Relief is expected to various sectors, including the automotive industry, which has been heavily impacted by recent tariff hikes. Get more information HERE. British car tariffs. The U.S. is the largest single market for companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover, which makes Range Rovers. The new 10% tariff on British cars, while far below the previous 27.5% rate, is still four times its level before President Trump launched auto tariffs on April 3. Moreover, it will apply only to 100,000 vehicles a year, with the rest incurring a 25% levy. Full story HERE. The U.S. is the largest single market for companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover, which makes Range Rovers. The new 10% tariff on British cars, while far below the previous 27.5% rate, is still four times its level before President Trump launched auto tariffs on April 3. Moreover, it will apply only to 100,000 vehicles a year, with the rest incurring a 25% levy. Full story HERE. Federal Tax proposals. House Republicans unveiled tax plan changes that would impact autos. The $7,500 credit for purchasing a new EV would end on December 31, except for manufacturers who have sold fewer than 200,000 battery-powered vehicles, who would get another year. Credits for commercial EVs (the leasing workaround) and used EVs would end after 2025. A new deduction for car loan interest, even to those who don't itemize deductions, is proposed. House Republicans unveiled tax plan changes that would impact autos. The $7,500 credit for purchasing a new EV would end on December 31, except for manufacturers who have sold fewer than 200,000 battery-powered vehicles, who would get another year. Credits for commercial EVs (the leasing workaround) and used EVs would end after 2025. A new deduction for car loan interest, even to those who don't itemize deductions, is proposed. Sales record. Triumph says it sold 134,635 motorcycles in 2024, a 64% growth from the previous year. That makes 2024 the first time in the company's 122-year history that Triumph's annual sales reached six figures. 950 dealers now sell Triumph motorcycles across the world, representing a 46% increase since 2019. Triumph has launched into two all-new segments of the global motorcycle market: the competition off-road segment with the TF 250-X, and the sub-500cc segment with the launch of the new Speed 400, and Scrambler 400 X Triumph says it sold 134,635 motorcycles in 2024, a 64% growth from the previous year. That makes 2024 the first time in the company's 122-year history that Triumph's annual sales reached six figures. 950 dealers now sell Triumph motorcycles across the world, representing a 46% increase since 2019. Triumph has launched into two all-new segments of the global motorcycle market: the competition off-road segment with the TF 250-X, and the sub-500cc segment with the launch of the new Speed 400, and Scrambler 400 X Rental car dents and dings. Don't you hate it when you return a rental car and they try to charge you for damage that you believe was there when you drove it off the lot? Hertz has hooked up with instant vehicle drive-through company UVeye to help avoid those disputes. Read more HERE. Don't you hate it when you return a rental car and they try to charge you for damage that you believe was there when you drove it off the lot? Hertz has hooked up with instant vehicle drive-through company UVeye to help avoid those disputes. Read more HERE. Secret Service learns stick shift. Courtesy of General Motors, agents training to one day protect the president of the United States and other top officials will learn how to drive stick-shift vehicles. The Secret Service said it tapped GM to ensure personnel had access to advanced platforms that mirror what they might encounter in real-world scenarios. An instructor at the Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland, said that though it is unlikely agents will encounter manual transmissions in the field, it's still important for them to learn in case they are assigned overseas. More HERE. Courtesy of General Motors, agents training to one day protect the president of the United States and other top officials will learn how to drive stick-shift vehicles. The Secret Service said it tapped GM to ensure personnel had access to advanced platforms that mirror what they might encounter in real-world scenarios. An instructor at the Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland, said that though it is unlikely agents will encounter manual transmissions in the field, it's still important for them to learn in case they are assigned overseas. More HERE. Another brand from the VW Group. Spanish automaker Cupra, a subsidiary of Volkswagen's Seat, plans to enter the US market by 2030 and is in talks with Penske Automotive Group to establish a dealership network. The automaker offers gasoline models, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, emphasizing performance and design. Full details HERE. Spanish automaker Cupra, a subsidiary of Volkswagen's Seat, plans to enter the US market by 2030 and is in talks with Penske Automotive Group to establish a dealership network. The automaker offers gasoline models, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, emphasizing performance and design. Full details HERE. Fewer cars. Faster travel. Less honking. Congestion pricing was designed to finance more than $15 billion in critical transit upgrades in New York City. Those investments will take years. But the parallel changes at street level are already apparent. HERE'S what is known so far. Less honking. Congestion pricing was designed to finance more than $15 billion in critical transit upgrades in New York City. Those investments will take years. But the parallel changes at street level are already apparent. HERE'S what is known so far. Waymo recall. Google affiliate Waymo said it is recalling a majority of its self-driving vehicles due to a software glitch after some cars collided with roadway barriers. The recall requires a software update and affects about 1,200 vehicles which use the Jaguar I-Pace as their basis. The vehicles have been running into barriers like gates and chains. Google affiliate Waymo said it is recalling a majority of its self-driving vehicles due to a software glitch after some cars collided with roadway barriers. The recall requires a software update and affects about 1,200 vehicles which use the Jaguar I-Pace as their basis. The vehicles have been running into barriers like gates and chains. Ford/Lincoln recall. 2022 thru 2024 model year Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition vehicles are under a recall for a brake fluid leak that may result in loss of brake function. Brake fluid in the affected vehicles may leak due to the front brake lines coming in contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and being damaged. The recall affects 273,789 of the full-size SUVs. 2022 thru 2024 model year Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition vehicles are under a recall for a brake fluid leak that may result in loss of brake function. Brake fluid in the affected vehicles may leak due to the front brake lines coming in contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and being damaged. The recall affects 273,789 of the full-size SUVs. RIP. Auto designer William Porter has died. The celebrated General Motors draftsman penned some of the most iconic muscle cars, including the 1968 Pontiac GTO, 1970-73 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am, and 1971 Bonneville. Porter was 96. Get the full story HERE. Stay safe. Be Well. From black to white Police unravel hawala and black money web in Rs 155 crore scam Staff Reporter : The investigation into the massive Rs 155 crore financial fraud busted in Lakadganj area has taken a deeper turn as the police uncovered evidence of black money whitening and hawala transactions allegedly operated through bogus companies. According to officials, the accused had routed black money from local businesses and converted it into white through fraudulent billing and financial manipulation. Through the modus-operendi, the accused have laundered thousands of crores of rupees. As per the Crime Branch, Kshitij Enterprises and Awadh Enterprises - both fake firms - were central to the racket. Kshitij Enterprises is believed to have carried out suspicious transactions for as many as 113 shell companies, while Awadh Enterprises facilitated transactions for 57 entities. Investigators now confirm that the amounts moved through these accounts were later siphoned off and reintegrated through hawala routes. The investigators are suspecting a sophisticated and organised network. Police have initiated a forensic financial audit of these companies and are examining the scrutiny reports submitted by Chartered Accountants along with the GST audit files. Officials are also verifying the sale and purchase ledgers of both Kshitij and Awadh Enterprises and cross-checking the bank accounts used to launder the funds. Several of these accounts have already been identified and are in the process of being frozen. Meanwhile, Rs 24.15 lakh in cash was seized during a raid at the residence of the accused persons. The ongoing investigation also focuses on the transporters whose vehicle registration numbers appeared on fake invoices. These persons will be called in for questioning to determine their role. Police suspect that most of the invoices were fictitious, with no actual movement of goods and were instead designed to fabricate business transactions. Earlier in the probe, police had booked eight accused for setting up fake companies using the identities of common persons from outside Maharashtra. One such victim, Biswajit Sudhanshu Roy, was lured from West Bengal with the promise of a job. His identity had been misused to float Kshitij Enterprises and operate massive bank transactions without his knowledge. Another identity was used to create Awadh Enterprises, through which Rs 59.51 crore worth of transactions were carried out between September and December 2024. So far, police have arrested five key accusedBunty Shahu, Jayesh Shahu, Rishi Lakhani, and Brijkishore Manihar. Sources indicate that this may be just the beginning. We suspect the network has floated over 60 to 70 fake companies. The overall scam could cross several thousand crores, once all layers are uncovered, an official from the Crime Branch said. How Indias Air Defence system thwarted Paks attempt to target Golden Temple on May 8 AMRITSAR ; IN CLEAR acts of bravery and valour, the Armed Forces safeguarded many cities in the border States of India during the recent conflict with Pakistan, which witnessed drone attacks and other form of air assault that was intercepted and destroyed before it could cause destruction in civil establishments. The Indian Armys Air defence systems played a critical role in repelling Pakistans misadventures. The Army on Monday showcased a demonstration of how Indian Air Defence systems, including AKASH missile system, L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC (General Officer Commanding) 15 Infantry Division, said that the Indian army had anticipated Pakistans move to target its military installations along with civilian establishments here, including religious places such as the Golden Temple, which was the prime target according to information received from the intelligence. Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets, including religious places. Of these, the Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent. We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple, Major General Seshadri said. He stated that Pakistan engaged in an air assault with aerial weapons, including drones and long-range missiles, targeting the Golden Temple, which was thwarted by the army personnel, who remained prepared for such situations and attacks. On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles. We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Armys nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple. Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple, Seshadri said. The GOC 15 Infantry Division explained in detail the consequences of the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the launch of Operation Sindoor, where India attacked nine terror camps deep inside Pakistans territory, resulting in aggression from the Pakistani side. Consequent to the Pak Army-sponsored dastardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists, both domestic and international, the nations anger under able leadership took the form of Operation Sindoor, wherein befitting punitive strikes were carried out on exclusive terror targets. Nine targets were hit. Of the nine targets, seven were exclusively destroyed by the Indian Army, Major General Seshadri told ANI. The Major General said that the armed forces targeted many places with absolute precision during Operation Sindoor, striking areas like Muridke and Bahawalpur, which house the headquarters of terrorist organisations. Of these (nine) targets, Muridke, which is in proximity to Lahore, houses the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba headquarters and also the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters at Bahawalpur, which were struck with absolute precision. Soon after the strikes, we issued a statement clarifying that we intentionally did not target any Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure, he added. Indias Air Defence Systems proved their prowess at the height of the tensions between the two neighbours, intercepting numerous drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions, emerging as a globally actionable defence asset. No role of Trump in ceasefire deal: Misri AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, BJPs RPN Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Arun Govil and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, after a meeting of the committee, in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) NEW DELHI : India, Pakistan conflict was always in conventional domain and no nuclear signalling by Pak, Misri to Parlt panel FOREIGN Secretary Vikram Misri told a parliamentary committee on Monday that the conflict between India and Pakistan was always in the conventional domain, and there was no nuclear signalling by the neighbouring country, sources said. The sources said Misri reiterated the Governments stand that the decision to stop military actions was taken at a bilateral level, as some Opposition members questioned US President Donald Trumps repeated assertions about his administrations role in stopping the conflict. Some MPs, the sources said, asked if Pakistan used Chinese platforms in the conflict. Misri said it did not matter as India hammered Pakistani air bases. To questions about Turkeys adversarial stand against India, he said the country had traditionally not been a supporter of India. The meeting of Parliaments Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was attended by a number of lawmakers, including the TMCs Abhishek Banerjee, the Congress Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and the BJPs Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil. In response to inquiries about whether India suffered any aircraft losses during the operation, the Government stated that such details fall under operational secrecy and cannot be disclosed publicly. Members also sought clarification on an X post by US President Donald Trump, in which he implied that his intervention helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Sources said the Government firmly denied any such role, stating that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision between New Delhi and Islamabad. According to Misri, Trump did not coordinate with India or seek permission to make public statements, sources said. He simply wanted to step into the spotlight, the panel was reportedly told. There were also questions raised regarding External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankars earlier statement, which some interpreted as contradictory to the Governments military position. The Foreign Secretary clarified that the ministers comment referred specifically to the first phase of Operation Sindoor, when India conducted strikes on nine terror camps on the night of May 67. Misri, according to sources, said that Pakistan had been informed about those strikes after they occurred, and that Jaishankars statement was being misrepresented. During the meeting, Misri also offered a frank assessment of Indias diplomatic position with Pakistan. He stated that relations have remained poor since 1947 and are unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. Panel unanimously condemns trolling of Foreign Secy: PARLIAMENTS Standing Committee on External Affairs on Monday unanimously condemned the trolling of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and praised him for his professional conduct. Misri was briefing the parliamentary panel, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on the India-Pakistan military conflict in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor told reporters after the three-hour meeting, which he said was attended by a record 24 members, that the committee unanimously expressed solidary with Misri in the face of the unwarranted attacks he had faced online after the two sides agreed to stop military actions. His and his family having been at the receiving end of trolls vitriol, Misris role drew support from the committee for his good service for the nation. The committee wanted to pass a formal resolution but the Indian Foreign Service officer requested against it, the Congress MP said. One member said the panel was unanimous in its condemnation of the trolling of Misri. The Foreign Secretary faced heavy trolling on social media in wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions. However, he had received support from political leaders, former bureaucrats and defence veterans. Sambhal mosque row HC junks Masjid committee plea against survey PRAYAGRAJ/SAMBHAL : THE Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a plea of the Masjid committee against the survey ordered by a Sambhal court in the Shahi Jama Masjid and Harihar Temple dispute. The court said the order to appoint a court commissioner and the suit were maintainable. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal had previously reserved its order on the matter after hearing counsel for the Masjid committee and plaintiff Hari Shanker Jain aside from the counsel for the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, moved the high court challenging the suit and the Sambhal court order which directed the survey through an advocate commissioner. Jain and seven others filed the suit before a civil judge senior division, Sambhal contending the Shahi Idgah Mosque was built after demolishing a temple at Sambhal. The mosque, it claimed, was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing the Harihar Mandir in Sambhal. The HC had previously stayed further proceedings before the trial court. While talking to PTI, Shri Gopal Sharma the lawyer of the Hindu side in the Shahi Jama Masjid said, The High Court has rejected it as per the rules. We welcome the decision of the High Court. The survey ordered by the civil judge senior division of Sambhal was within the law and was appropriate. On the other hand, the lawyer of the Muslim side, Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, told PTI that the Allahabad High Courts order was according to the judicial process. The original plaintiffs in the suit claimed the right of access to the religious site at Mohalla Kot Purvi in Sambhal district. The committee alleged the suit was filed at noon on November 19, 2024 and within hours, the Judge appointed an advocate commissioner and directed him to carry out an initial survey at the mosque, which was done on the same day and again on November 24, 2024. The court had also directed that a report of the survey be filed before it by November 29. On January 10, the top court directed the Sambhal district magistrate to maintain status quo on reviving or allowing prayers at a private well located near the entrance of the mosque. Considering a plea of the committee the top court issued notices to the Centre, the director general of the ASI, Sambhal district magistrate and other private Hindu side litigants led by Jain. On November 24, last year protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with the security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson, leaving four dead and several injured. The top court, on November 29 last year, ordered the Sambhal court to halt proceedings in the case over the mosque and its survey at Chandausi while directing the UP Government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town. The mosque committee moved the Supreme Court on November 28, challenging the November 19 order of the district court directing the survey of the Mughal-era mosque and sought an ex-parte stay on the operation of the November 19, last year order passed by the civil judge. SC constitutes SIT to probe FIR against MP Minister Vijay Shah NEW DELHI : Crass comments: SC rebukes Min for remarks on Col Qureshi THE Supreme Court on Monday chided Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah for his crass remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi and constituted a three-member special investigation team to probe the FIR lodged against him. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, which rejected his apology, left to the Minister to redeem himself for his utterances saying his apology was only an attempt to wriggle out of the legal consequences. The entire nation was in shame due to the comments... We saw your videos, you were on the verge of using very filthy language but somehow better sense prevailed or you did not find suitable words. You should be shameful. Entire country is proud of our Army and you made this statement, Justice Kant said. Senior advocates Maninder Singh and Vibha Datta Makhija, representing the Minister, submitted that he had genuinely expressed his regret and was willing to do so again. What is that apology? Where is that apology tendered by you? Should we show you the video what kind of apology was tendered... There is some meaning of the word apology. Sometimes people use very docile language and they will say a very artificial kind of apology only to wriggle out of legal consequences and sometimes people shed crocodile tears also. So, in which category your case falls into. We would like to know, the bench told Singh. The bench said the Minister has ruthlessly hurt the sentiment of people and added, The kind of crass comments you made, completely thoughtlessly. You made the statement on May 12 and today is May 19. So, what prevented you from making a sincere attempt. We dont require this apology... The bench did not allow senior advocates Indira Jaising and Vivek Tankha to make any submission on behalf of the intervenors, saying the court does not want to politicise the matter. Justice Kant told Singh that one should always see the timing of his comments and this was such an emotive issue for the Indian forces that everyone should be very responsible. We have said earlier also and we repeat that we are proud of our Armed Forces. They are on the frontline and the least we can do is act responsibly. If you insist that this is your genuine regret then it is outrightly rejected..., the bench said. The bench further told Singh, We are a country, which firmly believes in the rule of law. High or small, we follow the same principle for everyone. You have one apprehension that suo motu action has been taken and the high court is the complainant. We never carry any prejudice against anyone... The top court, which constituted an SIT comprising three directly recruited IPS officers headed by an Inspector General of Police rank officer and including one woman officer, said that the probe team will file its first status report on May 28. Having gone through the contents of the statements attributed to the petitioner and also the content of the apology said to have been tendered by him, we are satisfied that the subject FIR requires to be investigated by an SIT comprising three senior directly recruited IPS officers of Madhya Pradesh cadre but who do not belong to the state. We are further of the opinion that out of the three officers, one should be the woman officer, the bench ordered. It directed the DGP of MP to constitute the SIT before 10 am on Tuesday and entrust the investigation to it. The top court said the petitioner will join and fully cooperate in the investigation, subject thereto as of now his arrest shall remain stayed. The bench pointed out to counsel for the State Government that the people are also expecting that action of the State will be fair. During the hearing of the plea, filed by the minister against the high court order directing an FIR against him for his remarks, the bench further said he was a public figure and seasoned politician and therefore his words should have carried some weight. You should weigh your words when you speak...You were on the verge of using a very abusive language. There you stopped because you did not find any alternate words. When you yourself will watch the video, you will see that you were at a particular stage where you were going to use very filthy language..., Justice Kant said. The judge said Shah was a public representative and he must lead by example. This is what we expect from our leaders, Justice Kant said. Singh said there is no ambiguity in Shahs regret and that he is ready to again tender apology. Shah came under fire after a video, which was distributed widely, showed him allegedly making objectionable remarks against Col Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence along with another woman officer, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, during media briefings on Operation Sindoor. The Madhya Pradesh High Court rebuked Shah for passing scurrilous remarks and using language of the gutters against Col Qureshi, and ordered the police to file an FIR against him on the charge of promoting enmity and hatred. After drawing severe condemnation, the MP minister has expressed regret and said that he respects Col Qureshi more than his sister. Villagers spearhead eco-tourism in Bastar with little official support By Hemant Kashyap JAGDALPUR Unemployed tribal youth take collective initiative n Only symbolic assistance from government missions so far AS the allure of Bastars iconic tourist spots such as Chitrakote waterfalls, Tirathgarh cascade, Kotumsar caves and ancient heritage sites in Barsur and Dantewada endures, a parallel narrative is emerging one led by unemployed rural youth striving to place lesser-known eco-tourism spots on the map. Without adequate government support, they have turned to collective community action to develop these natural sites. The irony, however, is that while official missions are eager to claim credit for the growing attention these locations receive, their actual contribution remains marginal. Bastar is not just a haven of natural beauty; it also holds significant archaeological and cultural value. Tourists from across India and abroad have long been drawn to this tribal belt not only for its landscape but also for its deeply rooted traditions. But lately, a shift has been noticed visitors are seeking out new, unexplored destinations in the region, away from the overvisited and often overcrowded traditional spots. Popular sites such as Chitrakote, Tirathgarh, and the caves of Kotumsar continue to draw crowds. Similarly, the revered Danteshwari Shaktipeeth in Dantewada and the mythological town of Barsur known for its ancient temples and the third-largest Ganesha idol in the world remain major attractions. In recent years, the Ganesh idol situated atop Dholkal in the Bailadila range has also gained prominence, blending spiritual appeal with adventure tourism. However, as many tourists now express fatigue with the usual circuit, a new demand has emerged for fresh and serene natural settings. Responding to this call, local communities particularly unemployed youth from forested villages have taken it upon themselves to identify and nurture eco-tourism sites that remain untouched by mainstream tourism. Villagers from Bijlipara-Netanar, Dhoodmaras, and Tiriya are among those leading this eco-tourism movement. Phulsingh Nag of Bijlipara-Netanar, Man Singh Nag of Dhoodmaras, and Kurtoram Nag of Tiriya said that had the forest and district administration initiated steps earlier to develop these sites, many tribal youth might not have been forced to take up arms out of desperation. From our own limited resources, weve pooled funds, mobilised community efforts, and started developing places of natural beauty in our surroundings, they said. But till date, we havent received any real support from the administration. Even the panchayats have remained passive. The eco-tourism site at Dhurvadhera in Dhoodmaras, which has started gaining international attention, is one such example. Likewise, the confluence point of the Sabari and Ganeshbahar rivers near Tiriya, the ancestral village of tribal freedom fighter Gundadhur in Bijlipara, and Manjhipal all located in forested pockets are drawing interest from nature enthusiasts and cultural researchers alike. Chapka too is now being talked about as a promising eco-tourism location. Tourists visiting these areas often express their desire to spend more time in natures lap, far from urban chaos. But the absence of essential infrastructure such as roads, lighting, accommodation, and safety arrangements remains a bottleneck to their growth. For these emerging spots to evolve into fully-functional eco-tourism hubs, villagers assert that several basic amenities are essential. These include access roads (preferably concrete or CC roads), solar-powered lighting systems, guest houses or homestays, restrooms, signage, and security infrastructure. Unfortunately, none of these have been provided so far not by the district administration, not by the forest department, and not even by local panchayats. Despite official claims of promoting eco-tourism, villagers say there has been no structured initiative to bridge the gap between potential and reality. In their view, the government is missing a critical opportunity to create sustainable livelihood avenues for unemployed youth in conflict-affected regions. Responding to the concerns, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Jagdalpur Circle, RC Duga told The Hitavada that the department is committed to encouraging eco-tourism while protecting forests. Eco-tourism is an important component of our conservation strategy. Members of the Forest Protection and Forest Management Committees are already engaged in promoting it at the grassroots. We will extend necessary support to committees as per the demand and requirement of tourists, he said. The villagers, however, feel that mere assurances will not suffice. What they need is consistent, on-ground engagement not photo-op moments or symbolic visits by officials. Until then, Bastars eco-tourism movement will remain a story of self-help in the face of institutional indifference. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, who is embroiled in a controversy over his derogatory remarks on Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Quereshi, was on Tuesday conspicuously absent from a cabinet meeting held at the historical Rajwada at Indore. The cabinet meet, presided by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, was held at Rajwada, the seat of the erstwhile Holkar dynasty, for the first time in history. Advertisement Before the cabinet meeting, the chief minister formally launched the work for the conservation and restoration of the Darbar Hall of Rajwada, to be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 11.21 crore. Advertisement The cabinet meeting was organised at Rajwada to mark the conclusion of the 300th birth anniversary of Holkar dynasty ruler Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Meanwhile, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of senior IPS officers of Madhya Pradesh began its probe on Tuesday into the Vijay Shah case, on the directives issued by the Supreme Court on 19 May. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Indian security forces are keeping a close watch on the plans of Bangladesh to revive a dormant World War II-era airbase in Lalmonirhat in northern Bangladesh, near the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the "Chicken's Neck." The airbase is about 20 km from the Indian border. Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch just 22 km wide at its narrowest, is the only land link between India's mainland and the northeastern states. Bangladesh unveiled the plans to revive the airbase in March and has been seeking assistance from China for the same. The airbase, originally built by the British in 1931 and used by Allied forces during WWII, has been largely inactive for decades. While the Indian security agencies are keeping tabs on the assets that would be kept at the airbase, they are also worried whether it will be used for training or deployment of futuristic aircraft as the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) currently controls the airbase. There is an active care and maintenance unit of BAF near the airbase. ALSO READ: Did China send its largest military cargo aircraft with arms supplies to Pakistan? More importantly, we need to see if Bangladesh will allow other countries like China and Pakistan to use it. Bangladesh has the right to develop air fields for their security reasons, but that should not be used against India, The Assam Tribune quoted defence sources as saying. India does have enough reasons to be worried. Bangladesh and China have a robust and multifaceted defence relationship, with Beijing being Dhaka's biggest weapon supplier, providing tanks, large-calibre artillery, missile systems, fighter jets, and frigates to the country. The two countries also hold joint military drills. The proximity of Chinese-assisted military infrastructure to Indias borders is seen as a significant security risk. China is also a major infrastructure development partner for the country, involved in the construction of roads, bridges, railway tracks and airports. According to defence officials, there is a concern that the airbase may be used to keep track of India's military movement during conflicts. It could also become a hub for intelligence gathering. The Indian Navy is all set to formally induct and unveil the name of the ancient stitched shipthe recreation of a fifth-century shipon Wednesday at the Naval Base in Karwar. Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the induction ceremony. Initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Indian Navy, Union ministry of culture, and Hodi Innovations, and funded by the ministry, the ship was inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves. The keel laying ceremony took place in 2023, and the ship was launched in February at Hodi Shipyard in Goa. After its induction, the Navy will sail the vessel along traditional maritime trade routes. Preparations for the vessels maiden transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman are underway. The defence ministry said the construction of the ship reaffirms Indias rich shipbuilding legacy and the Navys commitment to preserving and operationalising the "living traditions" of the country's maritime heritage. Artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, built the stitched ship using traditional methods and raw materials. The ship has thousands of hand-stitched joints. The entire project, including concept development, design, technical validation and construction, was overseen by the Navy in collaboration with Hodi Innovations and traditional artisans. The stitched ship is equipped with square sails and steering oars, unlike modern-day ships. As there were no surviving blueprints or physical remnants, the design had to be extrapolated from a two-dimensional artistic iconography. The construction necessitated a unique blend of archaeological interpretation, Naval architecture, hydrodynamic testing and traditional craftsmanship. The hull geometry, rigging and sails had to be reimagined and tested from first principles. The Navy collaborated with the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, to conduct model testing to validate the vessels hydrodynamic behaviour at sea, the defence ministry said in a release. The Navy also undertook an in-house structural analysis to assess the wooden mast system, designed and constructed without the use of contemporary materials. The combination of a stitched hull, square sails, wooden spars, and traditional steering mechanisms makes the vessel unlike any ship currently in Naval service anywhere in the world. The successful completion of the construction of the ancient stitched ship represents the completion of the first and most formidable phase, bringing to life, from an artistic depiction, a fully functional sea-going vessel, the ministry said. It may take at least eight to 12 months for Pakistan to rebuild the military infrastructure at Leepa Valley in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), destroyed by Chinar Corps of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani military infrastructure was demolished by the Indian side as Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violations in the second week of May during Operation Sindoor, reported news agency PTI. According to an Army official, Pakistan Army used heavy weaponry, including aerial platforms, to target Indian positions, but failed to inflict any damage. "Our indigenously developed Akashdeep radar system performed brilliantly while our air defence guns neutralised their aerial platforms. Our military infrastructure remains intact, while the enemy's has been decimated," the official said. "We completely destroyed at least three posts, an ammunition depot, fuel storage facility, and gunnery, among other targets. Our retaliation was so devastating that it will take Pakistan at least 8-12 months to rebuild, possibly longer, the news agency quoted another Army official as saying. ALSO READ: Will Pakistan shift army HQ from Rawalpindi? Top Indian Army officer says 'they have to find a deep hole' According to the officials, while there are many military structures in Leepa Valley, the Indian Army targeted only those on which they could inflict the maximum damage. The officials said at least 64 Pakistani military personnel were killed and 96 injured by the Chinar Corps during the retaliatory strikes in the second week of May. "The message was clear: our retaliation follows a 1:3 ratio, meaning the Indian Army will strike three times as hard for every Pakistani ceasefire violation," a top Chinar Corps official said. According to them, India's coordinated strikes near Muzaffarabad in PoK on May 7 under Operation Sindoor were so intense that the commander of PoK's 75th Infantry Brigade urged troops to prioritise saving lives over protecting assets. "Intercepted communication revealed how a Pakistan Army commander, hiding inside a mosque, was instructing troops to save lives first. One message was 'save lives first, offices can reopen later'," according to a senior Chinar Corps official. With PTI inputs India is capable of striking anywhere in Pakistan, said a senior Indian Army officer, responding to reports that Islamabad is mulling relocation of its General Army Headquarters. Army Air Defence Director General Lieutenant General Ivan D'Cunha said India has "adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth". The remarks came as reports claimed thast Pakistan might shift its army HQ from Rawalpindi to Islamabad. "The GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole," Lt Gen D'Cunha told ANI. #WATCH | Delhi: DG Army Air Defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan DCunha says, "India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range... The GHQ (General pic.twitter.com/U8jFcmIC8Y ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 The top Army official said Indian armed forces had anticipated Pakistan to send low-cost drones to bypass radars and hence carried out simulation exercises between April 26 and 28. This helped India thwart 800 to 1,000 drones deployed across the western border over four days through coordinated efforts by the Army, Navy and Air Force. "One thing for sure is that all the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles [UCAV] which carried a payload, although they intended to harm our civilian population and they were directed towards population centres, we ensured that they did not cause any damage, and I think the proof of the pudding is actually in what we actually saw, that there were no civilian casualties," he added. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 is response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians. India destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, exposing Islamabad's support for terror organisations. Pakistan tried to retaliate by deploying drones and missiles. However, India foiled these attacks and in response, targeted military and air bases across Pakistan after neutralising their air defence capabilities. New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to a ceasefire, following a call from the Pakistani DGMO on May 10. Earlier this month, actor Paresh Rawal announced that he was exiting from the planned third instalment of the Hera Pheri franchise. On Sunday, Rawal further clarified that there were no creative differences between himself and the filmmaker after rumours were rife that there was a clash between the actor and director Priyadarshan. Now, Akshay Kumar has sued his ex-co-star for Rs 25 crore in damages for abruptly exiting the production, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director. Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025 Kumars production banner, Cape of Good Films, bankrolling the film, sent a legal notice to Rawal, and a source close to the legal proceeding said in a statement to the publication that the actors move was unprofessional and cost the production a hefty sum. Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot. Shooting for the film had commenced this April. It is high time Bollywood actors realise that, like Hollywood, producers here too will no longer give in to the whims of an actor walking in and out of a film as he pleases, the source added. ALSO READ | Priyadarshan planning 'Hera Pheri 3'? Here's what we wish to see Hera Pheri featured the trio Kumar and Suniel Shetty, two tenants, and Rawal, their landlord, desperate to get rich quick. This year marks the 25 year anniversary of the classic comedy and 19 years since its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, which released in 2006. For the first time, the Golden Globes Awards and the Artemis Rising Foundation, a non-profit organisation, have joined hands in honouring brilliance in documentary filmmaking. The inaugural award was vested upon director Eugene Jarecki for his documentary The Six Billion Dollar Man which chronicles the trials and tribulations in the life of journalist Julian Assange. The award was presented to Jarecki during the Cannes Film Festival 2025 at the Plage des Palmes on Monday, two days ahead of its premiere. The Golden Globes previously featured a documentary section from 1972 to 1976, which awarded docu-films like Visions of Eight (1973) and Elvis on Tour (1972). However, the category was abruptly discontinued. Now, five decades later, the format is back in the limelight. The jury comprised Helen Hoehne, the president of the Golden Globes; Regina K. Scully, CEO of Artemis Rising Foundation; Geralyn White Dreyfous, Academy Award-winning producer; and actress Tessa Thompson. In a statement by the jury, they lauded Jareckis efforts and described that he was combining the skills of a journalist with the voice of a poet. This film centres around the saga of Assange, described by Cannes as a contemporary icon of the right to information. The story details the WikiLeaks founder's battle against extradition to the US, where he faced a possible sentence of 175 years. The film The Six Billion Dollar Man is all set to premiere on May 21 at Cannes, with Assange in attendance, alongside the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, who granted him asylum during his period of incarceration. This will also mark the first time the two are meeting in person, Jarecki mentioned in an interview with Variety. Assange, in a public statement after his release from Belmarsh maximum security prison, said that he is free today because he pled guilty to journalism. This ignited undeniable attention towards topics such as press freedom, right to information, human rights and many more issues, which by extension, the film also aims to create. The art and power of documentary is to show the ultimate cost and sacrifice of those who work to expose the truth, jury member Thompson noted. This new initiative by the Golden Globes also marks a shift in traditional narratives that have marginalised the documentary genre within the film industry. By elevating documentary work to prominence, it acknowledges the forms unique power to illuminate truth and catalyze social discoursequalities that deserve celebration alongside narrative filmmaking, said the Golden Globes. After the resounding success of Jaat, Randeep Hooda will take on the role of a soldier in one of the Indian Armys most daring overseas missionsOperation Khukri, a high-stakes rescue operation that unfolded in the dense jungles of Sierra Leone in 2000. The film, aptly titled Operation Khukri, will chronicle the intense ordeal and eventual liberation of 233 Indian peacekeepers who were held hostage by a notorious rebel militia group active during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war. The Indian soldiers who went there as a part of the UN Mission found themselves trapped for nearly 75 days in the rebel-dominated region. Hooda will step into the boots of Major General Raj Pal Punia, then a young company commander in the 14th Mechanised Infantry. As per historical records, Punias leadership was instrumental in the rescue operation that became a masterclass in military planning and courage. The upcoming film is based on the bestseller Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Armys Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad, published by Penguin Random House India. Speaking about the film, Hooda said, Operation Khukri is a story that moved me deeply. Its not just a tale of guns and glory but of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unyielding courage in the face of insurmountable odds. To step into the shoes of Major General Punia, a man who led his men out of a 75-day siege in an unknown land, is an honour and a responsibility. Operation Khukri was a rescue mission with 233 soldiers as per available information, turned into a full-scale military offensive and included aerial insertions, ground offensives, and deception, culminating in a decisive counterattack. Going by the films such as Highway (2014), Sarbjit (2016), Main aur Charles, swatantrya veer sawarkar and now Jaat, Hooda has proven his exceptional skills at pulling off intense characters in every film project he takes up. At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, Denzel Washington was bestowed with a surprise honorary Palme d'Or, recognising his outstanding contributions to cinema. The festival director, Thierry Fremaux, presented the award, handed to him by longtime collaborator and friend, Spike Lee, ahead of the premiere of their latest film, Highest 2 Lowest. Prior to the screening of the film, a tribute montage celebrating Denzel Washingtons acclaimed career was shown, featuring snippets from his Oscar-winning performances in Glory and Training Day along with scenes from Malcolm X and Mo Better Blues, both directed by Spike Lee. Before presenting the Palme dOr, Lee addressed the crowd with heartfelt words, This is my brother right here. I love him, I love him. Im glad youre here, where all the people love you too. The two-time Oscar winner appeared visibly emotional upon receiving the award. According to Deadline, in his acceptance speech, he said, What an honour it is to be here tonight and to receive this from Cannes, the greatest film festival in the world. I want to thank Spike for being on this journey with me, and to all the artists and collaborators who have lifted me throughout my career. I am gratefultruly grateful. This years Cannes Film Festival was especially meaningful for Denzel Washington, marking his return to the event for the first time since 1993s Much Ado About Nothingand his first appearance as a lead actor. The honorary Palme dOr is Cannes highest lifetime recognition, previously awarded to icons like Robert De Niro and Jane Fonda. Washingtons honour came as a surprise not only to the audience but also to him, who had arrived for the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, unaware that he would be receiving the prestigious accolade which emphasises Washingtons impact not only as an actor but also as a cultural figure. Highest 2 Lowest is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawas High and Low set in New York. Denzel Washington plays the character of David King, who gets caught up in a tense kidnapping drama. In the Japanese original, Toshiro Mifune played the protagonist. The American update's cast also includes A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright, and it marks the fifth collaboration of Lee and Washington. It will release in theatres on August 22 and streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5. The Special Court for Economic Offences also granted bail to Tarun Konduru Raju, another accused in the case. However, the duo are unlikely to be released from jail as they have already been charged under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act, 1974. Under this Act, the accused is not be eligible for bail for at least a year. In its bail order, the special court directed the two to appear before it on all dates of hearing without fail, not tamper with or hamper witnesses, co-operate with the investigation, not leave the country without prior permission from the court, and not commit similar offences in the future. It is made clear that any violation of the conditions imposed by this court will result in the cancellation of bail, it observed. Ranya, the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K. Ramchandra Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on her arrival at Kempegowda international airport in Bengaluru on March 3 after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from her. The agency, in a followup search, allegedly recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her residence. Ranya is currently lodged at the Bengaluru central prison along with Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain, another accused. According to investigators, Jain helped Rao dispose of 49.6 kilograms of smuggled gold, worth around Rs 40 crore, and facilitated the illegal transfer of approximately Rs 38.4 crore to Dubai through hawala channels. Both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are conducting separate probes into the case. As the case snowballed into a political hot topic in Karnataka, the state government sent Ramchandra Rao to compulsory leave. Madhya Pradesh police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged defamatory remarks Bharatiya Janata Party Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah made against Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The move comes after the Supreme Court rapped the minister and state government on Monday for his controversial remarks against the Army officer. As per a statement from the state police headquarters, the Madhya Pradesh police has formed a three-member SIT to probe the FIR registered against the minister for his alleged remarks against Qureshi. The SIT comprises Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma, Deputy Inspector General Kalyan Chakravarty and Superintendent of Police Vahini Singh, he said. As directed by the top court, the SIT will file its first probe status report on May 28. On Monday, the Supreme Court refused to accept the apology the minister issued via social media in the wake of the controversy and rapped the minister for his crass language. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotishwar Singh observed that the minister's apology was not sincere. "What is that apology? What kind of apology have you tendered? There is some meaning of apology," the bench remarked. The Supreme Court said the minister, being a senior politician, should have exercised caution. Observing that the entire nation was ashamed of Shah's comments, the apex court directed the minister to cooperate with the probe. The top court, however, protected him from arrest. The apex court also came down heavily on the state government for its lack of action in the case. Notably, the case was registered against the minister after the Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognisance of his comments. Recently, addressing a gathering in Ramkunda village near Indore, Shah allegedly called Col Qureshi sister of terrorists. "They (terrorists) killed our Hindu brothers by making them remove their clothes. PM Modi ji responded by sending their sister in an Army plane to strike them in their houses. They made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent the sister of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson", the BJP leader said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 with senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for petitioners opposing the Act, calling it a creeping acquisition of Waqf properties. The Act, amending the Waqf Act of 1995, aims to regulate Waqf propertiesreligious endowments under Islamic law dedicated to charitable or religious purposes. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai focused on five lead petitions, with others treated as intervention applications, as it considered granting interim relief to pause the Acts implementation. The petitions, including those backed by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, argue that the amendments discriminate against Muslims and interfere with their religious affairs. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal called the Act a creeping acquisition of Waqf properties, alleging that it undermines Muslim rights to manage their endowments. He argued that the amendments violate Articles 14, 15, 25, and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and freedom to manage religious affairs. Sibal emphasized that the Acts provisions, such as allowing non-Muslims on Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, dilute the communitys autonomy over their religious institutions. He further criticized the removal of the Waqf by user concept, which recognized historical properties as Waqf based on long-term religious use, claiming it risks disenfranchising Muslims from their rightful assets. Sibal also highlighted the Acts potential to disrupt federalism, as it encroaches on state powers over Waqf management. He urged the court to grant an interim stay, arguing that the amendments threaten the economic and cultural fabric of the Muslim community while questioning the Centres claim of curbing misuse, calling it a pretext for control. Six BJP-ruled statesHaryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Assamsupported the Act, emphasizing its necessity to prevent encroachments. Centre had assured the court it would pause denotification of Waqf properties and non-Muslim appointments until the hearing concludes. The outcome will significantly impact the management of Waqf properties and Indias religious and federal dynamics. The arguments remained inconclusive and will continue on Wednesday when the Centre will place its arguments. Central agencies are reportedly probing YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's alleged links with Pakistani officials and the motive behind her trips to foreign countries including Pakistan, China, Dubai and Bangladesh. Reportedly, Malhotra has visited Pakistan twice, and she visited Kashmir ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Sleuths from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) interrogated Malhotra about her alleged links with Pakistani officials and her foreign trips, Hindustan Times reported. Malhotra, arrested by Haryana police under espionage charges, was allegedly in close contact with Pakistani defence and intelligence officials. Officials in the know of the development said NIA sleuths interrogated Malhotra about her alleged links with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives. NIA team was here to interrogate the accused (Jyoti Malhotra), Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan told Hindustan Times. The popular YouTuber from Haryana was arrested on Friday by Haryana police over her alleged links with Pakistani officials. According to police, though Malhotra did not have access to critical defence information, Pakistan was developing her as an 'asset'. Besides NIA, IB officials also questioned Malhotra. According to officials, NIA may take over the probe in the case given her links with Pakistani officials. "Malhotra got her passport made in 2018 and she has since travelled to Pakistan, China, Dubai, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries. We are gathering more details about her visits, particularly to Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and Dubai, an officer aware of the probe told the publication. Besides Malhotra, police have so far arrested 13 persons from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh over their alleged Pakistani links. The arrests were made in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 26 persons were killed in the gruesome attack in the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370. The Indian Army on Monday dismissed media reports that it had deployed air defence (AD) guns at the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the military confrontation with Pakistan. The assertions came after an additional head priest of the shrine countered the reports, claiming that no permission had been given to the Indian Army to deploy any AD guns on the temple premises. "Some media reports are circulating with respect to deployment of AD Guns in the Golden Temple. It is clarified that NO AD guns or any other AD resource was deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (Golden Temple)," the Army said in a statement. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC, 15 Infantry Division says "Indian Army is a professional, righteous and responsible force which in spite of grave provocations, has always responded in a calibrated and measured manner. We target only terrorists in https://t.co/AAJsOE4zqg pic.twitter.com/z95jbU24qK ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 On Monday, during an interview to news agency ANI, Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha had claimed that the temple management had allowed the force to deploy air defence guns to counter potential drone and missile threats from Pakistan. "It was very nice that the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple allowed us to deploy our guns. It is possibly for the first time in many years that they switched off the Golden Temple lights so that we could see the drone coming," he had said. Denying his claims, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday said there was no contact from any Army official regarding the installation of air defence guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib. He said the administration contacted them only about switching off the lights during the blackout after recent escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, and they fully cooperated in the interest of administrative responsibility while maintaining the sanctity of the ongoing 'maryada' (conduct). Harmandar Sahib's Head Granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh, also clarified that although he was on a foreign visit during the Operation Sindoor, there was no communication with him regarding any gun deployment, nor did any such incident occur at the Golden temple. India and Pakistan were engaged in a military confrontation after New Delhi launched airstrikes on nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Army said Pakistan fired several religious places in India, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Days after YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, several shocking details about the alleged spy vlogger has been uncovered. It has now emerged that the 'Travel with Jo' vlogger tried to influence public opinion in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Jyoti Malhotra blamed the government and the innocent tourists for the attack carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. A video that has gone viral shows the woman suggesting that the terror attack was the result of complacency on the part of the government as well as the tourists who were not alert. Jyoti Malhotra reaction after the Pahalgam attack. How is it possible that so many people started saying the exact same thing right after the attack? This can't be mere coincidence. Nothing but a coordinated attempt to shift the focus away from Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/qXGKDEw2tT Voice of Assam (@VoiceOfAxom) May 18, 2025 "It is not just the government, this is the responsibility of every individual who visits these place... and should be watchful," Jyoti can be heard saying in the video. "I know J&K has high security; there are Army and police personnel in every corner. If something like this has happened... then we're also sat fault in some way. Perhaps we weren't watchful... which is why this happened. We should be watchful and responsible," she says. Jyoti then goes on to say that if anyone supports these terrorists then we are not Indian. "If anyone supported those terrorists, then it is wrong. And we are responsible for that. Our government is also responsible because there was a security lapse," she adds. It has been revealed that Jyoti Malhotra visited Pahalgam three months before the terror attack. NIA and IB are investigating whether she helped the terrorists carry out the attack by passing on sensitive information to ISI. The woman had also visited Pakistan four times, including once after her visit to Pahalgam. Her trips to China, Bangladesh and Dubai are also being investigated. Danish, who was employed at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and later expelled by India as persona non grata, was in close contact with Jyoti even a day before Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7. He had introduced the vlogger to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives. The duo who first met in 2023 also travelled to Bali, Indonesia together. Officials have recovered the number of an ISI operative, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, whose name was saved as Jatt Randhawa on her phone. She passed on information via encrypted apps like Telegram and Snapchat. On the second day of her three-day visit to Northern Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the central government for halting funds meant for various state-run welfare schemes. She was speaking at a public service distribution event in Fulbari, Jalpaiguri. In the wake of ongoing allegations, particularly from the BJP, that her administration had neglected North Bengal and failed to bring real development to the region, the Chief Minister presented data and details (to counter those claims). She stated that despite the Centre stopping funds for crucial programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and MGNREGA, the state government has continued these initiatives using its own financial resources. ALSO READ | CM Mamata Banerjee begins three-day North Bengal tour with business meet Even in the face of central neglect, North Bengal has seen significant development, she said. Addressing the issue of communal violence, Mamata Banerjee took a swipe at the BJPs alleged use of divisive politics, without naming the party directly. She emphasised the need for peace and unity, drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam to promote communal harmony. CM Banerjee said: Those who incite riots are born to spread hatred. They do not care about peoples welfare. Riots burn homes, claim lives, and give politicians a chance to exploit the situation. I want peace, not riots. As part of her developmental roadmap for North Bengal, the Chief Minister announced a series of new projects. These include the construction of a skywalk at the Jalpesh Temple in Jalpaiguri and the restoration of the historic Morgan House in Kalimpong. ALSO READ | SSC scam: WB cabinet approves monthly financial assistance to Group C-D staff While industrial development will be a major focus, special attention will also be given to revitalising the tourism sector. To improve connectivity in the region, she has declared a multi-crore investment for the construction of roads and culverts in various parts of Northern Bengal. The chief minister also revealed plans for an approach road in Falakata in Alipurduar at a cost of 60 crores. She also announced the development of an industrial park on 77 acres of land, with 4 crores allocated for establishing an Utkarsha Kendra (Excellence Centre) in the Jalpaiguri Sadar block. Earlier, there was no real development in North Bengal. Since the Trinamool Congress came to power, numerous development projects have been undertaken. Today, North Bengal is progressing on all fronts, she concluded. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) attributed the collapse of a section of NH-66 near Kooriyad in Malappuram district of Kerala to heavy rains, denying any unscientific construction practices. The incident occurred near Kooriyad service station, where part of the highway gave way, and the retaining wall collapsed onto the service road, hitting a car that was passing by. Three vehicles were involved in the resultant accident, but fortunately, no serious injuries or casualties were reported. An all-party meeting held at the Malappuram Collectorate raised serious concerns about the construction quality. Public representatives said it was sheer luck that a major tragedy was averted and called out structural flaws. Officials from NHAI and local elected representatives attended the meeting. Indian Union Muslim League (IMUL) leader P.K. Kunhalikutty pointed out that earlier, warnings had been issued about the site being a waterlogged paddy field. We had clearly stated that a bridge would be more appropriate in this area. Constructing a road through such terrain was always a dangerous idea. We warned that water stagnation and heavy rains could lead to disaster. If a serious accident occurs, the authorities must bear responsibility, he said. Project director of the National Highway Authority, Anshul Sharma, said the incident happened due to the waterlogged soil becoming saturated, causing the soil to shift and collapse. He insisted that there was nothing unscientific about the construction and that there were no known complaints from local residents about the project. He explained that water through capillary action can saturate the soil and, when displaced, can create cavities beneath the surface. If the soil level drops, such a cavity can lead to collapse. To investigate the incident, the National Highway Authority has appointed a three-member expert committee. The three-member expert committee will visit the site on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the collapse of a section of the National Highway has taken a political turn in the state. The ruling LDF had highlighted road developmentincluding highway expansionas one of its flagship achievements. The opposition, however, has seized the opportunity to criticize the government and blame the NHAI. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan pointed out that the collapse occurred just a day before the state governments fourth-anniversary. There is a complete lack of coordination between the NHAI and the state government. Those who put up celebratory flex boards are now nowhere to be seen or held accountable, he said, making an offhanded remark about the ongoing credit war between the Centre and state over the project. Satheesan further alleged that the state government is rushing to complete infrastructure projects before the elections, purely for political gains. Three political leaders from Jammu and KashmirGhulam Nabi Azad, Mian Altaf, and Ghulam Ali Khatanawill represent the region in Indias all-party delegations (APDs) visiting key foreign countries later this month. These visits are part of Operation Sindoor, a government initiative aimed at showing a united India's stand against terrorism. The delegations will visit members of the United Nations Security Council and other partner countries. Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has included Azad in one of the groups, despite his significant political decline. Azad, the former chief minister of J&K and senior politician, quit the Congress in 2022 and launched his own party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). However, the party failed to make any impact in both the Lok Sabha and J&K Assembly elections held last year. With no political presence left, the DPAP has now been quietly dismantled, and Azad has largely faded from active politics. His inclusion in this delegation suggests the BJP may still find value in his stature, if not his political strength. Azad will be part of the group led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, visiting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria. The group also includes MPs from the BJP, AIMIM, and a nominated member, along with former diplomat Harsh Shringla. Khatana, BJPs Rajya Sabha MP from J&K, will be part of the group led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, covering the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark. Altaf, an MP from the National Conference, will join group led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, visiting Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said these teams will carry India's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism and show the world that the country is united in its fight against terror. Each of the seven groups include MPs from different parties, former ministers, ex-MPs, and senior ambassadors. The inclusion of leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, especially from across party lines, reflects the Centres effort to present a united front on security issues linked to the region. At least 12 people, including two women, have so far been arrested from different states on charges of espionage in the last two weeks after the military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The investigations have pointed to an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India. A top Haryana officer said on Tuesday that the operation is still underway to find if more people are involved in the anti-India espionage racket. "The operation continues. More people who could be involved (in it) and action will be taken (against them)," Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sumita Misra said. She was talking to media after a meeting with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to review the states law-and-order situation. Misra said the authorities are keeping a tab on several YouTube channels and also scrutinising the social media platforms to check if anyone is spreading misinformation or propaganda. "Strict action will be taken against any objectional link," the officer said, adding that "it is an unfolding situation and many things may emerge (as investigations progress)". Those arrested included Haryana resident Jyoti Malhotra, whose YouTube channel (Travel with JO) and Instagram accounts have 3.77 lakh subscribers and 1.33 lakh followers respectively. Another woman arrested in the case is Punjab resident Guzala. According to police, both Jyoti and Guzala were in touch with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Malhotra, who was arrested from the New Aggarsain Extension on May 16, is being questioned by the National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence officials. The agencies are also probing her travel details, as she had reportedly visited Pakistan, China and some other countries. While US President Donald Trump sounded victorious after holding talks with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, respectively, the warring countries are yet to agree on a timeline for the ceasefire. Both nations have agreed to sign an MoU that would pave the way for future peace talks. Addressing presspersons after the talks, the Russian president said he was ready to "discuss compromises". He added that the root cause of the crisis must be addressed. Speaking to reporters at Sochi, Putin said Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum addressing possible terms for a future peace agreement, including defining a number of key positions, TASS reported. "Russias position remains clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis," Putin said. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "...My little conversation with a nice gentleman named Vladimir Putin. We had a good talk, and I think that progress is being made. 5,000 young soldiers are being killed every single week on average. And it's a number probably worse than pic.twitter.com/kycWSNJfhr ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 However, Putin did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there are no deadlines for MoU as "the devil is in the details". "The drafts will be formulated by both the Russian and Ukrainian sides, these draft documents will be exchanged, and then complex contacts to develop a single text," Reuters reported, quoting Peskov. Reacting to the talks, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said it might seek a high-level meeting among Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries and Britain as part of a push to end the war. "Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results," Zelenskiy tweeted. Zelenskyy, later told presspersons, "There could be a respective memorandum in the bilateral format, which may then lead to a roadmap toward ending the war, that is, toward a full agreement. This memorandum, supported by both countries, would include provisions for a ceasefire," Ukraine news agency Ukrinform reported. US President Trump on Monday said that his two-hour telephone conversation with Putin was a success and the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. He added that the warring nations would soon begin negotiations, first towards a ceasefire, and then towards an end to the conflict itself. Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, accused of spying for Pakistan, was present during the inaugural Vande Bharat train from Hyderabad to Vizag in 2023. She has captured her journey in a vlog uploaded to her YouTube channel Travel with Jo. She, along with other YouTubers, were also part of the official event held at Secunderabad railway station. Throughout the video, which was shot in January 2023, she was seen wearing patriotism on her sleeves. While travelling with fellow passengers, she joined in to raise slogans of Vande Mataram. She was also seen leading the sloganeering. Then there was an instance where a man holding an Indian flag ended up at one of the stations where the train makes a brief stop. She interacts with him and says, "proud to be an Indian." Jyoti recorded the official ceremony, which was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there were many high-profile dignitaries on stage, who were captured in her video. Seated were Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, then Telangana Governor, Tamilisai Soundarrajan and Union Culture Minister and Secunderabad MP, G. Kishan Reddy. State BJP leadership was also part of the event in the form of then BJP president and now Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay, and former BJP state president, Laxman. The state government was represented by Home Minister Mahmood Ali. In her YouTube video, she documents the entire journey from Telanganas capital, Hyderabad to the coastal town of Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. She gets down at Cherlapalli station, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, and captures the reaction of the public. At Vijayawada, which acts as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, she is offered Telugu traditional sweets. Jyoti also encourages fellow YouTubers and passengers to speak in Telugu in the video. In the same year, Jyoti had travelled to Hyderabad by train, evident from videos showing her taking the Duronto Express and Telangana Express. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has revealed Iran's reaction to learning that Israel did not orchestrate former President Ebrahim Raisis helicopter crash death. Raisi died alongside seven others, including his foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, in the crash in a remote mountainous area in northwestern Iran. Araghchi revealed that Tehran was relieved after the investigation revealed that Israel had no role in the death. "There was no evidence pointing to foreign interference in the May 19, 2024, crash, which also killed former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several senior officials. Current findings do not indicate any external involvement, nor was the incident the result of a hostile Israeli act," Araghchi told a local TV channel during an interview on the first death anniversary of Raisi. Al-Manar aired a special tribute to Iranian President Raisi, with rare footage from his visit to Hezbollahs front line positions - a powerful illustration of Irans deep involvement in funding, arming, and guiding Hezbollahs operations against Israel pic.twitter.com/mgpqz4aVeP Sharona Mazalian (@SharonaMazalian) May 20, 2025 He then expressed how Tehran was relieved. "Thank God, it has become clear that the martyrdom of martyr Raisi was not the work of Israel," he added. Araghchi's statement came as Iran mourned its former President. The remembrance meeting was attended by Ayatollah Khamenei. Raisi was a hardliner and was seen as a successor to Khamenei. His death sparked tensions as it came amid acute tensions between Iran and Israel triggered by the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. Months later, in September, Iran found out that the main cause of the helicopter crash was the "complex climatic and atmospheric conditions of the region in the spring". Iran has said that it planned to hold 120,000 commemorative ceremonies across Iran for Raisis death. The week-long commemorations will reportedly take place "from Tehran to the depths of villages." Tehran officials said they will also broadcast 12 documentaries on state television and radio networks. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders who mourned Raisi mentioned how he held indirect meetings with the US, which yielded no results. However, Raisi had made it clear that he would not negotiate directly with the United States. Britain summoned Irans ambassador on May 19 following the indictment of three Iranian nationals accused of spying on UK soil, marking a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between London and Tehran. The episode unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions and increasing concern over Iran-linked operations within Britain, with implications extending beyond bilateral ties and potentially influencing Irans broader international engagements. The latest escalation could also adversely affect Irans ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US, which are delicately poised at the moment, after four rounds of talks. The three Iranian menMostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55appeared in a London court on May 17, charged with activities likely to assist the Iranian foreign intelligence service. The Metropolitan police allege that the trio engaged in surveillance and reconnaissance targeting UK-based journalists associated with Iran International, an opposition news outlet banned in Iran and labelled a terrorist organisation by the regime. The charges relate to conduct between August 2024 and February 2025. One of the accused, Sepahvand, faces an additional charge of planning serious violence against individuals in the UK. His co-defendants, Manesh and Noori, are similarly accused of participating in activities designed to facilitate acts of violence by others. All three were granted temporary asylum in the UK between 2016 and 2022, having entered the country through irregular means, including small boats and lorries. They have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear on June 6 for a preliminary hearing. The UK Foreign Office responded swiftly to the court proceedings by summoning Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi. In a statement, the government declared that protecting national security remains our top priority and Iran must be held accountable for its actions. The move follows Iran's summoning of a British diplomat on May 18 to protest what it described as the illegal and unjustified arrest of an Iranian citizen in the UKa response it said reflected politically motivated judicial conduct and a violation of international law. This tit-for-tat exchange has only worsened an already fraying relationship between the two countries. Iranian state media accused the UK of unconstructive behaviour, warning that continued actions of this nature could have serious consequences for diplomatic relations. Compounding the situation, five other Iranian nationals were arrested across multiple locations in England as part of a separate counter-terrorism investigation. Four of these men, detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, were later released, while one was granted bail. Although no charges have yet been filed in connection with this second probe, police emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing. In response to the growing threats posed by foreign state actors, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans on May 19 to introduce new legislation aimed at banning state-backed organisations such as Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Current legal mechanisms, based on the Terrorism Act 2000, were originally designed to target non-state terrorist groups and are deemed insufficient for tackling the activities of state-affiliated entities. Coopers statement followed the publication of a review by Jonathan Hall, the governments independent reviewer of terrorism legislation. Hall concluded that existing laws were inadequate for countering state-sponsored threats, remarking that applying anti-terror laws to state actors was akin to shopping in the wrong department. The home secretary echoed this concern in the House of Commons, emphasising that old boundaries between state threats, terrorists and organised criminals are being eroded. She noted that malign foreign powers are exploiting weaknesses across British systems, from border control and cybersecurity to criminal networks, in order to destabilise the country. Security services have previously revealed that MI5 and the police responded to at least 20 Iran-backed plots posing potentially lethal threats within the UK. The espionage charges and subsequent political fallout underscore an escalating pattern of state interference that she said Britain could no longer ignore. As the British government moves to strengthen its legal arsenal against foreign interference, Cooper issued a firm warning: We will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil. We must strengthen our powers to protect national security, and ensure that those who seek to do us harmwherever they come fromare held to account. A day after Israel announced it retrieved over 2,500 documents and personal items belonging to legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen from Syria, riveting details have emerged about how the spy agency Mossad acted within hours of Bashar al-Assad's regime collapse. Mossad officials used officers from the Assad regime to locate the documents, and everything happened within hours of Assad fleeing the country. "Israel had obtained the location of Cohens documents from Assad regime officers," a Syrian government official told Turkish newspaper Turkiye Today, adding that the new Syrian government has nothing to do with this case, as the operation took place before it gained control of the country,'' he added. The source added explained why Israel waited till Sunday to make the announcement. "I think the delay in announcing the Cohen documents is because they were still searching for his remains," he said, adding that Israel's bombing of the Syrian army's depots in the first hours of the regime's collapse also coincided with this. "We all witnessed how Israel bombed most of the armys depots in the first hours of the regimes collapsesome had provided the locations of weapons and storage sites," he told Turkiye Today. The unnamed source added that the delay in announcing the details of the operation could also be related to ensuring the safety of the Israeli spies in Syria. In a covert and complex Mossad operation, in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service, the official Syrian archive on Eli Cohen with thousands of findings that were held for decades by the Syrian security forces have been brought to Israel. @IsraeliPM pic.twitter.com/6XfUgliw5q Israel (@Israel) May 19, 2025 May 1965: Rare color footage has surfaced for the first time, showing the execution of Israeli spy Eli Cohen by hanging in Damascuss Marjah Square, as a crowd watched in silence. Who was he? Eli Cohen posed as a wealthy Arab businessman in Syria and rose through the ranks of pic.twitter.com/NFRCf7rSR1 Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 20, 2025 Israel has said that it was still searching for the remains of Cohen. Mossad Director David Barnea said it was "another step toward locating our man in Damascus burial place." Israel had recovered documents, photographs, and personal effects belonging to Eli Cohen. Over 2500 items, including Cohens handwritten will, interrogation files, letters to family, notebooks, forged passports, and photos with Syrian officials, were brought back to his widow, Nadia Cohen. Cohen, a Mossad spy, operated in Syria between 1961 and 1965 under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet. He managed to infiltrate Syria's military and political elite and assisted in Israel's smuggling of Egyptian Jews to Israel and potentially taking part in the Lavon Affair, a failed Israeli covert operation. He obtained intelligence that became instrumental in Israel's stunning success in the 1967 Six-Day War, particularly in the capture of the Golan Heights. He was tried and executed by the Syrian government for espionage on May 18, 1965. During US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, his incredible rapport with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had caught the world's attention. Trump, who enjoys close relations with the Saudi Royal family, lavished praise on the Crown Prince for his leadership qualities. However, the biggest geopolitical event of Trumps Gulf tour was his decision to lift sanctions on Syria and his meeting with the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Trump, during his speech in Saudi, pointed to bin Salman, and said: "What I do for the crown prince," before adding that "the sanctions were brutal and crippling but now its Syria's time to shine." It was then that bin Salman reacted with a unique gesture of placing his hands on his chest, after applauding at Trump's announcement. A historic moment. The moment Trump announced the decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, the reaction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the attendees was beautiful. pic.twitter.com/yynliARrLe Nedal Al-Amari (@nedalalamari) May 13, 2025 The Crown Prince's actions soon went viral, with both Syrians and Saudis imitating the gesture. They took to social media to imitate the gesture and to thank bin Salman for his intervention. One Syrian posted a video, stating how the gesture was "a message that tells the world that Saudi Arabia stands with Syria during a moment of change." So much so that a Saudi software engineer went ahead and created an emoji. "It was a spontaneous and heartfelt symbol of gratitude and a very Arab reaction," Almatrafi tells The National. "A lot of Saudis were touched by it, and I felt like I needed to do something to capture the moment." The emoji shows a smiling male character dressed in a traditional Saudi white thobe and red and white checkered headdress, with both hands clasped on his chest. However, it will take a while for the emoji to appear on devices as the Unicode Consortium, the non-profit that approves all emojis, has strict criteria for submission. Approvals take a minimum of two years, and even if it gets approved, it would take months or years before they eventually appear on devices. As the 'boycott Turkey' movement picks up in India, with retailers and Indian tourists jumping on the bandwagon, the development has garnered the attention of the world media. However, with the boycott movement gaining pace, Turkish experts have come forward to claim that India would suffer more if Turkey decided to reciprocate the move. Indians decided to boycott Turkey after its President, Tayyip Erdogan expressed public solidarity with Pakistan in the conflict with India. Turkish UAVs were also used by Pakistan against India. However, conservative Turkish media, quoting both named and unnamed experts, are claiming that India would suffer if Turkey decides to reciprocate the boycott movement. Turkish experts claim the country exported only $1.3 billion to India while importing $6.4 billion from India. This means that Turkey has a foreign trade deficit of approximately $5 billion with India. However, Indian data says imports from Turkey were valued at $2.7 billion last year, mostly mineral fuels and precious metals. Apparel imports alone totalled $81 million, Reuters quoted Trading Economics. Turkish conservative Islamic newspaper Yeni Akit quoted trade experts who claim that many of the products the country imports from India can be substituted with domestic production or easily procured from alternative markets. "If we sell one, we buy six from India. If we reciprocate, it is not us who suffers, but India," the newspaper quoted an exporter. Turkish exporters' associations do not think that the boycott calls will have a serious impact on exports, reported Yeni Safak, a newspaer known for its hardline support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It has a very close relationship with the Turkish government. It added that the traders believe that only 0.5% of Turkey's total exports are made to India. "In other words, a very small portion of the total exports of $261.9 billion goes to this country," they claimed, adding that the possible export losses can be quickly compensated from alternative markets. However, there is no mention of what the alternatives were. About tourism, visa processing platform Atlys has reported a 42% drop in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan. While Turkish media acknowledge that there were cancellations, they claim that the loss is limited and couldn't reach more than 330,000 visitors. The newspapers quoted representatives of the Turkish tourism sector who claimed that the situation only caused a "loss on a macro scale." It said the total number of tourists visiting Turkiye in 2024 was 62.2 million, and Indians amounted to just 0.5% of the total number of tourists. In a coordinated move, the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement on May 19, condemning Israels renewed military offensive in Gaza and its continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The three Western allies warned that unless Israel halts its military operations and lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid, they would consider imposing targeted sanctions and take further concrete steps in response. The statement marks one of the strongest rebukes of Israels actions from key Western powers in recent months. While reaffirming Israels right to defend itself against terrorism, the leaders criticised the scale of the current operation, calling it disproportionate and egregious. They urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to cease the offensive and to facilitate the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave, stating that failure to do so risks breaching international humanitarian law. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) May 19, 2025 The criticism comes amid a devastating new Israeli ground operation in both northern and southern Gaza, launched over the weekend under the name Gideons Chariots. The offensive followed a series of brutal airstrikes, which according to Palestinian health authorities, have led to widespread civilian casualties and destruction, including the bombing of a warehouse storing UK-donated medical supplies. Despite a limited resumption of aid on May 18just five trucks entered Gaza for the first time in over two monthsthe leaders of the UK, France and Canada deemed the measure wholly inadequate. They emphasised that the scale of suffering in Gaza, coupled with the prolonged blockade, has created a humanitarian catastrophe that threatens to spiral into mass famine. The joint statement also condemned Israels ongoing settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. The three countries warned that further expansion would undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution. They stressed their opposition to any unilateral actions that jeopardise peace, warning that continued settlement construction could also trigger targeted sanctions. The Western leaders praised mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. They asserted that a political resolution to the conflictone that ends Hamas's control over Gaza and lays the groundwork for Palestinian statehoodis the only sustainable path forward. This vision, they said, aligns with the goals of the upcoming international peace conference in New York, scheduled for June 18, which would be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. Central to that peace effort is the so-called Arab plan, which proposes the establishment of a six-month transitional government of technocrats in Gaza, followed by the restoration of the Palestinian Authority (PA) control over the Strip. It permits Gazans to stay back during reconstruction, which would be overseen by international peacekeeping forces under the mandate of the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Egypt and Jordan are expected to train the Palestinian police. Israel is opposed to this proposal as it skirts a direct confrontation with Hamas. The plan envisages disarmament and reintegration of armed groups through a broader political process. Israel is unlikely to accept any plan that retains Hamass influence in Gaza. As pressure from the international community grows, Netanyahu issued a defiant statement, accusing the UK, France and Canada of rewarding terrorism. He argued that calls to end Israels military campaign and support for Palestinian statehood amounted to offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 and would only embolden future violence. Netanyahu reiterated that the war would only end if all captives were released, Hamas disarmed, its leaders exiled and Gaza demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less, he said. He also echoed support for President Donald Trumps proposed solution, which had controversially included the potential relocation of Gazas population. That plan has been widely rejected internationally. The Netanyahu government has finally allowed aid into Gaza under pressure from Washington, though the blockade remains largely intact. Israeli officials maintain that any loosening of restrictions risks enabling Hamas, which they accuse of diverting aid and prolonging the conflict. India lost a leading light in the domain of science today, with the passing of astrophysicist and science communicator and Jayant Vishnu Narlikar. The 86-year-old breathed his last early in the morning in Pune, his family said. He had recently undergone a hip surgery, and is survived by three daughters. His wife Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician, passed away two years ago. Narlikar was a force to reckon with in cosmology, and gained fame both as a researcher as well as a writer who popularised science. He also set up premier research institutions in the country. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar: Early life, education and research Narlikar was born in Kolhapur on July 19, 1938. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a renowned mathematician, and the head of the Mathematics Department in Banaras Hindu University. His mother, Sumati Vishnu Narlikar, was a Sanskrit scholar. Narlikar did his schooling in Varanasi, and went to Cambridge for higher studies, becoming a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos. He returned to India to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (1972-1989), and led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international heights. He rose to international fame with his research in astronomy, and he worked on several research projects with eminent British astronomer and professor Fred Hoyle. The duo propounded the HoyleNarlikar theory of gravity (also known as conformal gravity) in 1964, which sought to improve on Albert Einsteins General Theory of Relativity. He founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune in 1988 as per the invitation of the University Grants Commission and served as its first director. He held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Narlikar was also a popular science communicator, and popularised science through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. Antaralatil Bhasmasur, Antarala Awar Vigyan, Akashashi Jadle Nate, Suryacha Prapok are some of his famous science books, along with Brahmand ki Yatra. He also conceptualised and scripted a popular science documentary series Brahmand The Universe on Doordarshan. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar: Awards and recognition Such was Narlikars fame, that he was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1965, when he was only 26. In 1996, the UNESCO conferred him with the Kalinga Award for popular science works. In 2004, he was awarded Padma Vibhushan. The Maharashtra government honoured him with the state's highest civilian award, Maharashtra Bhushan, in 2011. In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded Narlikar their prize for setting up a centre for excellence in science. In 2014, the Sahitya Akademi selected his autobiography Char Nagarantele Maje Vishwa for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar: PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, others mourn his passing Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of Narlikar, calling it a monumental loss to the scientific community. The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that his last rites will be conducted with full state honours. Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath said India has lost a "visionary astrophysicist and science communicator. India mourns the loss of Dr. Jayant Narlikar (19382025), a visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired my generation with his popular works such as The lighter side of gravity and Seven wonders of the cosmos His pioneering contributions in cosmology pic.twitter.com/Hnq1NfEbLk Dr. S Somanath (@SomanathSpeak) May 20, 2025 Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a picture of a write-up published by the Planning Commission magazine Yojana in its July 5, 1964, issue. Indias space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), relies heavily on two key rocket launchersthe Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). While PSLV has a stellar track record, GSLV has faced multiple failures. Despite the few setbacks, GSLV is all set to launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite in June 2025. The PSLV has been more successful than the GSLV, but when it comes to NISAR, the latter is the preferred rocket. Experts point out that PSLV is ISROs trusted champion because of its reliability. As of May 2025, PSLV has completed 63 launches. With 58 successes, three outright failures, and one partial failure, it has a success rate of about 92 per cent. Its first successful flight was in 1994, and it has launched 345 foreign satellites from 36 countries, besides Indian missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. PSLVs four-stage design, alternating solid and liquid fuel stages, is straightforward and robust. The first stage (PS1) uses solid fuel with strap-on boosters, the second (PS2) uses liquid fuel (Vikas engine), the third (PS3) is solid, and the fourth (PS4) uses liquid engines for precise orbit placement. The design of the PSLV is easier to manage, and ISROs upgrades, like the PSLV-XL variant and a silicon carbide-coated nozzle tested in 2024, have boosted its payload capacity to 1,750 kg for Sun-synchronous polar orbits (SSPO). PSLVs versatility for various orbits and cost-effectiveness make it a global favourite. However, its recent failure with EOS-09 shows even reliable systems can falter, pointed out space expert Girish Linganna. Meanwhile, GSLV has been less consistent, earning the nickname naughty boy. By October 2024, GSLV has completed 15 launches, with 9 successes, 4 failures, and 2 partial failures, yielding a success rate of about 60 per cent. The main issue is its cryogenic upper stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and oxygen at extremely low temperatures (-253C and -183C). The technology behind GSLV is tricky, and Indias journey to master it was tough. Early GSLV flights used Russian cryogenic engines, but after geopolitical hurdles in the 1990s, ISRO developed its own CE-7.5 engine for GSLV Mk II. Between 2001 and 2014, only two of the seven launches succeeded due to cryogenic stage issues. GSLVs three-stage designsolid first stage, liquid second stage, and cryogenic third stageis taller (51.7 meters) and heavier (420 tonnes) than PSLV, increasing its complexity. Recent successes, like the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS launch in 2024, show improvement, but its reliability lags behind PSLV, explained Linganna. The recent PSLV-C61 mission failure on May 18, 2025, carrying the EOS-09 satellite, marked ISROs 101st launch and PSLVs third outright failure. This marks PSLVs first failure since 2017 (PSLV-C39, heat shield issue) and only its third after PSLV-D1 (1993, software glitch). Despite this, PSLVs long-term reliability remains strong, with four more launches planned for 2025. So then, why has been the GSLV chosen for the NISAR mission despite its poor success rate? NISAR, a $1.5 billion NASA-ISRO collaboration, is a 2,800 kg Earth-observation satellite requiring a 747 km SSPO. Its weight exceeds PSLVs capacity (1,750 kg to SSPO), but GSLV Mk II can handle up to 2,250 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and has the thrust for heavy payloads in polar orbits. GSLVs cryogenic stage provides the precise boost needed for NISARs orbit. ISROs confidence in GSLV has grown with its last three successful launches, and the NISAR mission will use a new, eco-friendly C15 cryogenic stage introduced in 2024. Launching NISAR in June 2025 from Sriharikota is a strategic move to leverage GSLVs capabilities for high-profile missions while PSLV handles lighter payloads. GSLVs selection for NISAR reflects ISROs push for advanced missions, as it phases out GSLV Mk II after eight launches, including NISAR, to focus on GSLV Mk III (LVM3), which can carry 4,000 kg to GTO. This transition shows ISROs ambition to balance reliability with innovation. But as experts point out, the PSLVs success stems from its simple, versatile design and continuous upgrades, though the EOS-09 failure shows rare vulnerabilities. GSLVs cryogenic challenges make it less reliable, but its power suits heavy missions like NISAR. Donald Trump has done it again. On May 10, he claimed that India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following talks mediated by the US. Now, the US President claimed that Vladimir Putin has agreed to "immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire" with Ukraine. However, Moscow contradicted Trump, saying Putin and his US counterpart did not discuss the timeline of the ceasefire but acknowledged Trump's interest in signing a truce immediately. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin and Trump spoke about how bilateral ties between the US and Russia could improve once the Ukrainian conflict is resolved. This comes more than a week after Trump made similar claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries for using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump posted on Truth Social. However, hours later, India announced that both countries agreed to stop firing after talks held "directly between the two countries". Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the Pakistani DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) called up India's DGMO at 3.35 pm, following which "all firing and military action from land, air and sea from 5 pm onwards". However, after repeatedly claiming he had a significant role in brokering the ceasefire, Trump on May 15 diluted his claims, saying, "I don't wanna say I did but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week." The United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) have announced new sanctions against Russia, following the failure of US President Trump's two-hour telephone call to Russia in bringing about a ceasefire. The new measures, coming as a part of the 17th sanctions package on Moscow, are said to have targeted almost 200 ships from Russia's shadow fleetand companies involved in the processthat had been illicitly transporting oil to circumvent existing Western restrictions. (Photo used for representation only) An oil tanker moored at Novorossyisk, Russia in 2022 | AP "Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. ALSO READ | After India, now Russia: Did Trump pull same trick on Putin after making tall claims on Pakistan mediation? Notably, these sanctions have been unveiled despite silence from the Trump administration about America's involvement in enforcing them, a demand made by numerous European leaders. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explained in an X post that the new sanctions would address hybrid threats and human rights. In that regard, she added that while President Vladimir Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions were underway, adding that Russias actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences. The latest sanctions, finalised three months ago, will run parallel to Russian delays in agreeing to the ceasefire, which, according to Trump, would be taking place with Putin and Zelenskyy meeting face-to-face at the Vatican. ALSO READ | Ukraine to get $100 million-plus worth of ammunition from Finland, paid with Russia's frozen billions Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he was deliberating over what actions to take following the call. "We're looking at a lot of things, but we'll see," Trump said as he left a meeting in Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had spoken to Zelenskyy and that a further package of sanctions was being prepared. Just off the phone with @ZelenskyyUa. We are coordinating closely on the next steps. Europe has just adopted its 17th package of hard-biting sanctions. An 18th package is being prepared with further hard hitting sanctions. Its time to intensify the pressure on Russia to Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 20, 2025 "It's time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire," she wrote on X, echoing Kallas' sentiment of tougher stances on Russia, should the conflict persist. Pakistan's federal cabinet on Tuesday announced the promotion of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the post of field marshal, in an apparent bid to peddle its propaganda of victory in the conflict against India. The rank of field marshal is the highest in the Pakistan Army, built on the patronage of the British Army. The Cabinet claimed Asim Munir "led the country to victory in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos". "The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership during Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos," the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a statement after a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This despite satellite images telling a different story. Pakistan suffered huge damage to its air bases and terror locations deep inside the country, as evident from the satellite images released by Western media. Many see the conflict with India as a ploy to garner public support for the Army, which ended up being deeply unpopular after the jailing of PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan's move to promote Asim Munir to the post of Field Marshal also reflects the country's propaganda of "success" in the war, as only one Army chief in the country's history has ever been promoted to the post. It was none other than General Ayub Khan, who self-promoted himself. General Khan went on to be a dictator of Pakistan for 11 years. Khan self-promoted himself in 1959, as he became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and later became the President of Pakistan after a military coup in 1958, after overthrowing the then-President Iskandar Ali Mirza. Many see Ayub Khans elevation as a move tied to power consolidation. Under Ayub Khan's leadership, India and Pakistan embarked on a war triggered by a series of border clashes which escalated into a larger conflict in 1965. India thrashed Pakistan in the war, which eventually resulted in Ayub Khan's resignation. The post, though a symbolic one, comes with relevance, making it difficult for the elected government to combat any unconstitutional political movement carried out by the Army. Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir has been approved for promotion to the rank of Field Marshal on Tuesday, the highest position in the country's armed forces. In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has 'approved' a proposal to promote General Munir, as per a statement from Pakistan's government. This announcement comes days after tensions between the two nations have become dormant again, following a few days of intense border conflict owing to Islamabad's response to India's Operation Sindoor: a series of precision strikes to combat terrorism after the devastating Pahalgam attack of April 22, which saw 26 civilians gunned down in India. The promotion comes as a surprise because General Asim Munir's vitriolic speech in April was widely considered as the trigger for the religiously-motivated Pahalgam attack. ALSO READ | Only one Pakistan Army Chief has ever been promoted to Field Marshal before Asim Munir The terror attack, which India claimed was Pakistan's doing, was carried out by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. India's measured responses to Pakistan's attempts to escalate the situationwhile also orchestrating a digital misinformation campaign against its nuclear neighbourfinally resulted in New Delhi's response of a calibrated drone (and missile) strike on Islamabad's air bases. This led to a telephone call from Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart, in which he "pleaded" for a ceasefire, to which India agreed to a "pause". Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the prestigious five-star rank of Field Marshal has only been awarded once before General Asim Munirto General Ayub Khanin an act of self-promotion. The Donald Trump administration has sent a warning to Israel over its renewed military campaign in Gaza, threatening to withdraw support of the war continues, according to a report by The Washington Post. This comes amid countries like the UK, France and Canada threatening 'concrete actions' against Israel. Israel launched a ground offensive called Golden Chariots in Gaza last weekend. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are carrying out indirect talks in Doha, Qatar since Saturday. "Trump's people are letting Israel know, 'We will abandon you if you do not end this war'," the US newspaper quoted a source familiar with the talks as saying. However, the source pointed out that Netnayahu could have ended the war if he had a huge majority but currently he "does not have the political will". Will Trump stop backing Netanyahu if Gaza war continues? Responding to the Washington Post report, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee dismissed the claims and called their reporting "nonsense". "They need to listen to what the president says - not what some uninformed 'source' pretends to know." Echoing the diplomat, another senior US official admitted to The Times of Israel that Trump's team has differences with Netanyahu but that does not mean the US would abandon Israel, calling the idead "preposterous". On the other hand, Netanyahu himself admitted that Israel might stop getting US support, if "situation of famine" arose in Gaza. In an address posted on Telegram, Netanyahu said, "Even our closest allies in the world... are coming to me and saying...'There's one thing we cannot accept: images of mass starvation... if that happens, we won't be able to support you anymore'". The Israeli PM's statement is seen as a bid to influence his right-wing allies who are against the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He added that aid will begin entering Gaza soon. President Donald Trump will look to build momentum for his sweeping tax cut and immigration bill on Tuesday, taking a trip to Capitol Hill to address House Republicans as they try to work out their differences before a planned floor vote later this week. Trump will attend the GOPs weekly conference meeting, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss plans not yet made public. Republicans can afford only a few defections to get the bill through the House, and its clear differences remain. Some deficit hawks are insisting on quicker cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs before giving their full support. Others are seeking a large increase in the state and local tax deduction. Trump has been pushing hard for Republicans to unite behind the bill, which would enact many of his campaign promises. The bill carries his preferred title, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. House Republicans narrowly advanced the sprawling 1,116-page package in a rare weekend vote late Sunday, but just barely, as GOP leaders promise more negotiations ahead. The bill does not yet meet the moment, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a leader of the House Freedom Caucus, in a social media post immediately after the late-night session. We can and must do better before we pass the final product. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday its absolutely essential that Republicans unite and pass the bill so that Trump can deliver on the agenda. Leavitt said Americans gave Republicans a once-in-a-generation opportunity to course correct our country and there is no time to waste. Republicans criticizing the measure argued that the bills new spending and tax cuts are front-loaded in the bill, while the measures to offset the cost are back-loaded. In particular, they are looking to speed up the new work requirements that Republicans want to enact for able-bodied participants in Medicaid. They also want to more quickly end tax breaks for green energy projects being used nationwide. Majority Leader Steve Scalise said on CNBC Monday that work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries would begin in early 2027, a big change from the 2029 start date that is currently in the bill. Scalise said GOP leaders are looking to give the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the time he needs to implement the work requirements, but would be moving that date up dramatically. Late last week, the House Budget Committee failed to advance the package when four conservative Republicans objected. But it was able to do so Sunday on a vote of 17-16, with the four hold-outs voting present to allow it to move ahead, as talks continue. Speaker Mike Johnson, who met late Sunday with lawmakers ahead of voting, indicated he wants to impose the work requirements as soon as possible but acknowledged it may take states longer to change their systems. There will be more details to iron out and several more to take care of, Johnson, R-La., said outside the hearing room. But Im looking forward to very thoughtful discussions, very productive discussions over the next few days, and Im absolutely convinced were going to get this in final form and pass it. Democrats have decried the cuts Republicans are proposing to Medicaid and food stamps to offset the costs of the tax breaks. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries noted that the House Rules committee would begin taking up the measure at 1 a.m. Wednesday. They literally are trying to take health care away from millions of Americans at this very moment in the dead of night, Jeffries said. At its core, the sprawling legislative package permanently extends the existing income tax cuts that were approved during Trumps first term in 2017 and adds temporary new ones that the president campaigned on in 2024, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay and auto loan interest payments. The measure also proposes big spending increases for border security and defense. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, estimates that the House bill is shaping up to add roughly $3.3 trillion to the debt over the next decade. Johnson is not just having to address the concerns of the deficit hawks in his party. Hes also facing pressure from centrists who will be warily eyeing the proposed changes to Medicaid, food assistance programs and the rolling back of clean energy tax credits. Republican lawmakers from New York and elsewhere are also demanding a much larger state and local tax deduction. As it stands, the bill proposes tripling whats currently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 a year. Rep. Nick LaLota, one of the New York lawmakers leading the effort to lift the cap, said they have proposed a deduction of $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers. Rep. Jodey Arrington, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, said the bill remained under negotiation. Deliberations continue at this very moment, Arrington said. They will continue on into the week, and I suspect right up until the time we put this big, beautiful bill on the floor of the House. If the bill passes the House this week, it would then move to the Senate, where Republicans are also eyeing changes. (AP) Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, has endorsed Nachman Caller in the special election for New York State Senate, delivering a significant boost to the Republican candidate just 12 hours before polls open. In a robocall sent to voters in the 22nd Senate District, Stefanik said Caller will stop Governor Hochul and the radical liberal politicians in Albany. Caller, a longtime real estate attorney and community leader from Borough Park, is running on the Republican and Conservative lines to fill the Brooklyn seat vacated earlier this year. The district includes the frum neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood, Flatbush, and Marine Park. The State Senate plays a key role in shaping policy on education, housing, taxes, healthcare, and public safety. A victory by Caller would leave Democrats two votes short of a veto-proof majority in the chamber. Nachman Caller will fight to keep our streets safe and fight for our schools, Stefanik said. Stefanik has gained national prominence in recent years and earned praise in the Jewish community during congressional hearings last year, where she challenged university presidents over their failure to protect Jewish students. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from Rockland County, has also endorsed Caller, echoing the message that Albany needs experienced leaders to push back against radical liberal policies. I am honored to receive the support of these esteemed Republican leaders in Washington, said Nachman Caller. With their help, and with a mandate from the voters in our district, we will bring common sense to Albany and deliver real results for all families. The special election will be held tomorrow. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Elon Musk is in a legal fight with Microsoft but made a friendly virtual appearance at the software giants annual technology showcase to reveal that his Grok artificial intelligence chatbot will now be hosted on Microsofts data centers. Its fantastic to have you at our developer conference, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said to Musk in a pre-recorded video conversation broadcast Monday at Microsofts Build conference in Seattle. Musk last year sued Microsoft and its close business partner OpenAI in a dispute over Musks foundational contributions to OpenAI, which Musk helped start. Musk now runs his own AI company, xAI, maker of Grok, a competitor to OpenAIs ChatGPT. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also spoke with Nadella via live video call earlier at Mondays conference. Musks deal means that the latest versions of xAIs Grok models will be hosted on Microsofts Azure cloud computing platform, alongside competing models from OpenAI and other companies, including Facebook parent Meta Platforms, Europe-based AI startups Mistral and Black Forest Labs and Chinese company DeepSeek. The Grok partnership comes just days after xAI had to fix the chatbot to stop it from repeatedly bringing up South African racial politics and the subject of white genocide in public interactions with users of Musks social media platform X. The company blamed an employees unauthorized modification for the unsolicited commentary, which mirrored South Africa-born Musks own focus on the topic. Musk didnt address last weeks controversy in his chat with Nadella but described honesty as the best policy for AI safety. We have and will make mistakes, but we aspire to correct them very quickly, Musk said. Nadella was interrupted by protest over Gaza Mondays Build conference also became the latest Microsoft event to be interrupted by a protest over the companys work with the Israeli government. Microsoft has previously fired employees who protested company events, including its 50th anniversary party in April. Satya, how about you show how Microsoft is killing Palestinians? a protesting employee shouted in the first minutes of Nadellas introductory talk Monday. How about you show how Israeli war crimes are powered by Azure? Nadella continued his presentation as the protesters were escorted out. Microsoft acknowledged last week that it provided AI services to the Israeli military for the war in Gaza but said it has found no evidence to date that its Azure platform and AI technologies were used to target or harm people in Gaza. Microsoft didnt immediately return an emailed request for comment about the protest Monday. Microsoft introduces new AI coding agent Microsoft-owned GitHub also used the Seattle gathering to introduce a new AI coding agent to help programmers build new software. The company already offers a Copilot coding assistant but the promise of so-called AI agents is that they can do more work on their own on a users behalf. The updated tool is supposed to work best on tasks of low-to-medium complexity in codebases that are already well-tested, handling boring tasks while people focus on the interesting work, according to Microsofts announcement. The new tool arrives just a week after Microsoft began laying off hundreds of its own software engineers in Washingtons Puget Sound region as part of global cuts of nearly 3% of its total workforce, amounting to about 6,000 workers. (AP) An appeals court has cleared the way for President Donald Trumps executive order aimed at ending collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees while a lawsuit plays out. The Friday ruling came after the Trump administration asked for an emergency pause on a judges order blocking enforcement at roughly three dozen agencies and departments. A split three-judge panel in the nations capital sided with government lawyers in a lawsuit filed by unions representing federal employees. The majority ruled on technical grounds, finding that the unions dont have the legal right to sue because the Trump administration has said it wont end any collective bargaining agreements while the case is being litigated. Judge Karen Henderson, appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush, and Justin Walker, appointed by Trump, sided with the government, while Judge Michelle Childs, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, dissented. The government says Trump needs the executive order so his administration can cut the federal workforce to ensure strong national security. The law requiring collective bargaining creates exemptions for work related to national security, as in agencies like the FBI. Union leaders argue the order is designed to facilitate mass firings and exact political vengeance against federal unions opposed to Trumps efforts to dramatically downsize the federal government. His order seeks to expand that exemption to exclude more workers than any other president has before. Thats according to the National Treasury Employees Union, which is suing to block the order. The administration has filed in a Kentucky court to terminate the collective bargaining agreement for the Internal Revenue Service, where many workers are represented by the National Treasury Employees Union. They say their IRS members arent doing national security work. Other union employees affected by the order include the Health and Human Services Department, the Energy Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Communications Commission. (AP) President Donald Trump has appointed Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America, to the White House Religious Liberty Commissions new Religious Leaders Advisory Board. The appointment follows an executive order signed by the president earlier this month establishing the Religious Liberty Commission, aimed at promoting and protecting religious freedom across the United States. The commission will be supported by three advisory boards made up of religious leaders, legal scholars, and lay experts. Three other Orthodox Jews were also appointed along with Rabbi Zwiebel: Mark Gottlieb, chief education officer of the Tikvah Fund; Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, the largest rabbinic public policy organization in the US; and Eitan Webb, co-founder of the Chabad House of Princeton in 2002 and a chaplain at the university. Rabbi Zwiebels appointment places him among a select group of 11 religious leaders from across the country who will advise the administration on issues related to religious liberty, public policy, and faith-based rights. As a longtime leader of Agudath Israel, Rabbi Zwiebel brings decades of experience advocating for religious communities on issues ranging from education and civil liberties to religious accommodations in the workplace and public life. Before joining Agudath Israel in a professional capacity, Rabbi Zwiebel worked for 30 years at a private law firm. The advisory boards formation comes at a time of renewed national focus on religious expression, with President Trump stating in his executive order that Americans must be reacquainted with our nations superb experiment in religious freedom in order to preserve it against emerging threats. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) U.S. President Donald Trumps phone calls with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine deepened expectations that progress might soon be made on ending those countries more than three-year war, though frustration at the slow pace of negotiations and the absence of any significant breakthrough kept hopes low. It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday on Telegram. We are working with partners to put pressure on the Russians to behave differently, he added in an apparent reference to further international sanctions on Russia. Ukraine has offered a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, which Moscow has effectively rejected by imposing far-reaching conditions, and Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin but the Russian leader spurned that offer. Trump said his personal intervention was needed to push peace efforts forward, and on Monday he held separate talks over the phone with Zelenskyy and Putin. Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin ceasefire negotiations, Trump announced, though there was no detail on exactly when or where such talks might take place and who might attend them. The status quo has not changed, Mykhailo Podoliak, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy, wrote on the social platform X on Tuesday. Putin wants Ukraine to renounce joining NATO, sharply cut its army, and withdraw its forces from the four Ukrainian regions Moscow has seized but doesnt fully control, among other demands. In Russia, many news outlets struck a note of triumph when reporting Putins conversation with Trump. State news agency RIA Novosti published an article headlined, Europes hopes crushed: Trump refuses to go to war with Putin. In the pro-Kremlin tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets, columnist Mikhail Rostovsky also portrayed the call as a blow for Ukraines European allies. Kyiv will agree to a serious, fully fledged conversation with Russia only if it has no other options left. Trump is gradually cutting off these other options for Zelenskyy, he wrote. And this is very, very good. U.S. officials have for the past few months urged Russia and Ukraine to reach a settlement, as Trump sought a swift end to Europes biggest conflict since World War II. Trump said his talks with Putin on Monday were excellent, but European officials were skeptical about Russias intentions. Putin has never changed his position, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in Brussels on Tuesday. Russia actually doesnt want to end this war. The European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said Russias failure to negotiate in good faith should trigger threatened U.S. sanctions. We really havent seen, you know, the pressure on Russia from these talks, she told reporters. On the streets of Kyiv on Tuesday, skepticism about Putins motives was high. Peace is not possible now. Only when (the Russians) run out of resources and army manpower. They are ready to fight, at least for this summer, 66-year-old Svitlana Kyryliuk told The Associated Press. Putin will stall for time, and thats it, she said. Volodymyr Lysytsia, a 45-year-old serviceman visiting the capital for rehabilitation, said Putin has made the front lines in eastern Ukraine a wasteland. The Russian leader leaves nothing there, only scorched earth, everything bombed, Lysytsia said. Some were unconvinced by Putins promise to Trump that Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining the framework for a possible future peace treaty. It appears that Putin has devised a way to offer Trump an interim, tangible outcome from Washingtons peace efforts without making any real concessions, Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said on X. The warring countries are insisting on apparently irreconcilable conditions for peace, and even a temporary truce has been out of reach. The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscows 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours last Friday, and while both sides agreed on a large prisoner swap, they clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting. (AP) President Donald Trump announced Tuesday the concept he wants for his future Golden Dome missile defense program a multilayered $175 billion system that for the first time will put U.S. weapons in space. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he expects the system will be fully operational before the end of my term, which ends in 2029, and have the capability of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from space. Its likelier that the complex system may have some initial capability by that point, a U.S. official familiar with the program said. Trump also announced that Gen. Michael Guetlein, who currently serves as the vice chief of space operations, will be responsible for overseeing Golden Domes progress. Golden Dome is envisioned to include ground- and space-based capabilities that are able to detect and stop missiles at all four major stages of a potential attack: detecting and destroying them before a launch, intercepting them in their earliest stage of flight, stopping them midcourse in the air, or halting them in the final minutes as they descend toward a target. For the last several months, Pentagon planners have been developing options which a U.S. official described as medium, high and extra high choices, based on their cost that include space-based interceptors. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail plans that have not been made public. The difference in the three versions is largely based on how many satellites and sensors and for the first time, space-based interceptors would be purchased. The Congressional Budget Office estimated this month that just the space-based components of the Golden Dome could cost as much as $542 billion over the next 20 years. Trump has requested an initial $25 billion for the program in his proposed tax break bill now moving through Congress. The Pentagon has warned for years that the newest missiles developed by China and Russia are so advanced that updated countermeasures are necessary. Golden Domes added satellites and interceptors where the bulk of the programs cost is would be focused on stopping those advanced missiles early on or in the middle of their flight. The space-based weapons envisioned for Golden Dome represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organizations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, told lawmakers at a hearing Tuesday. China and Russia have put offensive weapons in space, such as satellites with abilities to disable critical U.S. satellites, which can make the U.S. vulnerable to attack. Last year the U.S. said Russia was developing a space-based nuclear weapon that could loiter in space for long durations, then release an burst that would take out satellites around it. Trump said he had not yet spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the program, but at the right time, we will, he told reporters at the White House. But theres no money for the Golden Dome project yet, and the program overall is still in the conceptual stage, newly confirmed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators Tuesday. While the president picked the concept he wanted, the Pentagon is still developing the requirements that Golden Dome will need to meet which is not the way new systems are normally developed. The Pentagon and U.S. Northern Command are still drafting what is known as an initial capabilities document, the U.S. official said. That is how Northern Command, which is responsible for homeland defense, identifies what it will need the system to do. The U.S. already has many missile defense capabilities, such as the Patriot missile batteries that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine to defend against incoming missiles as well as an array of satellites in orbit to detect missile launches. Some of those existing systems will be incorporated into Golden Dome. Trump directed the Pentagon to pursue the space-based interceptors in an executive order during the first week of his presidency. (AP) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the constitutional provision that allows people to legally challenge their detention by the government is actually a tool the Trump administration can use in its broader crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. She called habeas corpus a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country and suspend their rights. Noem, testifying before a congressional committee Tuesday, gave that response when asked by Sen. Maggie Hassan to define the legal concept. Thats incorrect, the New Hampshire Democrat swiftly interrupted Noem, defining the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people. Hassan, a former attorney who practiced in Boston, went on to call habeas corpus the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea. The back and forth follows comments by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who said earlier this month that President Donald Trump is looking for ways to expand his administrations legal power to deport migrants who are in the United States illegally. To achieve that, Miller said the administration is actively looking at suspending habeas corpus. What is habeas corpus? The Latin term means, literally, you have the body. Federal courts use a writ of habeas corpus to bring a prisoner before a neutral judge to determine if imprisonment is legal. Habeas corpus was included in the Constitution as an import from English common law. Parliament enacted the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which was meant to ensure that the king released prisoners when the law did not justify confining them. The Constitutions Suspension Clause, the second clause of Section 9 of Article I, states that habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. Has it been suspended previously? Yes. The United States has suspended habeas corpus under four distinct circumstances during its history. Those usually involved authorization from Congress, something that would be nearly impossible today even at Trumps urging given the narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate. President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus multiple times during the Civil War, beginning in 1861 to detain suspected spies and Confederate sympathizers. He ignored a ruling from Roger Taney, the Supreme Court s chief justice. Congress then authorized suspending it in 1863, which allowed Lincoln to do so again. Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, it was meant to counter violence and intimidation by groups that opposed Reconstruction in the South. Habeas corpus was suspended in two provinces of the Philippines in 1905, when it was a U.S. territory and authorities were worried about the threat of an insurrection, and in Hawaii after the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor but before it became a state in 1959. Writing before becoming a Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett co-authored a piece stating that the Suspension Clause does not specify which branch of government has the authority to suspend the privilege of the writ, but most agree that only Congress can do it. What has the Trump administration said about suspending it? Miller has said the administration is considering trying. The Constitution is clear, and that of course is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in a time of invasion, he told reporters outside the White House on May 9. So, I would say thats an option were actively looking at, Miller said. Look, a lot of it depends on whether the courts do the right thing or not. Asked by Hassan on Tuesday if she supported the provision, Noem said she did, adding that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not. Hassan, who responded by saying that even Lincoln had obtained retroactive approval from Congress, then asked Noem if she would follow a court order overturning a theoretical suspension of habeas corpus, or if she would follow Trumps decision. Noem said she was following all court orders as is the president, prompting Hassan to say that is obviously not true for anybody who reads the news. John Blume, a professor at Cornell Law School, said Noems response to Hassan was either evidence that she fundamentally misunderstands habeas corpus or was giving an answer she knew was wrong to appease the president. Should the administration argue that the constitutional provision should be suspended due to what Trump officials have characterized as an invasion by migrants, Blume said he felt such a position would be very unlikely to fly with the U.S. Supreme Court. Could the Trump administration do it? It can try. Miller suggested that the U.S. is facing an invasion of migrants. That term was used deliberately, though any effort to suspend habeas corpus would spark legal challenges questioning whether the country was in fact facing an invasion, let alone one that presented extraordinary threats to public safety. Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administrations past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher. Trump argued in March that the United States was facing an invasion of Venezuelan gang members and evoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime authority he has tried to use to speed up mass deportations. His administration acted to swiftly deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua to a notorious prison in El Salvador, leading to a series of legal fights. Federal courts around the country, including in New York, Colorado, Texas and Pennsylvania, have since blocked the administrations uses of the Alien Enemies Act for many reasons, including by raising questions about whether the country is truly facing an invasion. If courts are already skeptical, how could habeas corpus be suspended? Miller, who has been fiercely critical of judges ruling against the administration, advanced the argument that the judicial branch may not get to decide. Congress passed a body of law known as the Immigration Nationality Act which stripped Article III courts, thats the judicial branch, of jurisdiction over immigration cases, he said earlier this month. That statute was approved by Congress in 1952 and there were important amendments in 1996 and 2005. Legal scholars note that it does contain language that could funnel certain cases to immigration courts, which are overseen by the executive branch. Still, most appeals in those cases would largely be handled by the judicial branch, and they could run into the same issues as Trumps attempts to use the Alien Enemies Act. The U.S. system of government is divided into three branches: executive (the president), legislative (Congress) and judicial (the courts). Have other administrations tried this? Technically not since Pearl Harbor, though habeas corpus has been at the center of some major legal challenges more recently than that. Republican President George W. Bush did not move to suspend habeas corpus after the Sept. 11 attacks, but his administration subsequently sent detainees to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, drawing lawsuits from advocates who argued the administration was violating it and other legal constitutional protections. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled that Guantanamo detainees had a constitutional right to habeas corpus, allowing them to challenge their detention before a judge. That led to some detainees being released. (AP) Since Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was eliminated by Israel, his brother, Mohamed, has been the most hawkish terror leader in the Strip, the one refusing any hostage release deal that didnt include ending the war. It was only intense US pressure, combined with the unusual direct talks between Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Hamas officials, that led to the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. A day later, Sinwar convened a meeting of the military wings top brass in the underground complex beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Walla reported. The complex includes a conference room and command center, from where Sinwar managed the war since his brother was eliminated. Among those present at the unusual meeting were the Rafah Brigade Commander, Muhammad Shabana, who was also viewed as one of Sinwars successors, and the military wings spokesman, Abu Obeida. Other field commanders of lower ranks were also present at the site. Israel received golden intelligence regarding the time and location of the meeting. Shortly later, powerful explosions shook Khan Younis and the surrounding area. The operation to eliminate Sinwar already took shape six months ago, but was postponed many times for various reasons. Security officials who spoke with Walla said that Mohamed always operated in the shadow of senior Hamas officials who were an inspiration to him, but cruelty was part of his character, and this was expressed not only in planning attacks and building terrorist infrastructure but also in the execution of collaborators, at times with his bare hands. He accumulated power slowly, in the shadow of others, as the brother of. After the elimination of his brother Yahya in Rafah, he entered the role naturally. During the war, he was involved in the perception and policy against Israel, a security source told Walla. He continued this after everyone was killed. Therefore, his neutralization is a very significant event. Ultimately, he was the figure with the most experience, action, and understanding of the other side. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced Monday their intention to enforce a so-called naval blockade on Israels Haifa Port, declaring that all vessels en route to the port are now considered legitimate targets. In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesman Yehya Saree warned, All companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank. While the group has made similar threats before including a recent declaration of a blockade on Israels Ben Gurion Airport their actual capacity to follow through remains limited. Nonetheless, such rhetoric marks a continued escalation in the groups self-proclaimed campaign against Israeli infrastructure, and raises concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the eastern Mediterranean. The announcement comes on the heels of a missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport that, while intercepted, prompted several foreign airlines to suspend service to and from Israel. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have failed to cause sustained disruption or achieve the strategic objectives outlined in their threats. The Haifa Port, a major hub for Israeli imports and naval activity, has remained fully operational. Israeli defense officials have not publicly responded to the Houthi statement, though analysts say the announcement is likely more about optics and psychological warfare than a credible military threat. The Houthis are clearly trying to project power beyond their region, said a former Israeli naval commander. But targeting ships bound for Haifa hundreds of miles from Yemens coast is more about grabbing headlines than executing viable attacks. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Democrats Party chairman and former IDF Chief of Staff Yair Golan sparked nationwide outrage on Tuesday over outrageous and false statements he made in an interview. Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet, Golan said: Israel is on its way to becoming a pariah state among nations, like the South Africa of the past, if we dont go back to acting like a sane country. A sane country does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not aim to expel populations. These things are simply appalling, and it cannot be that we, the Jewish people, who were subjected to persecution and pogroms and acts of annihilation throughout our history, and who served throughout history as a moral compass of human and Jewish morality, are the ones taking steps that are simply unacceptable. He then slammed the members of the government, claiming: It is full of types who have nothing to do with Judaism: Kahanist types, lacking in intelligence, lacking in morality, and lacking in the ability to manage a country in times of emergency. This is a dangerous thing for our very existence. And therefore, it is time to replace this government as quickly as possible so that this war will also come to an end. His words were met with outrage by politicians from the left to the right, with one politician deeming him a terrorist and others calling to open a criminal investigation against him and expel him from public life. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu responded by stating: I strongly condemn Yair Golans reckless incitement against our heroic soldiers and against the State of Israel. The IDF is the most moral army in the world, and our soldiers are fighting in a battle for our very existence. Golan, who encouraged army refusal in the past and compared Israel to the Nazis, has now reached a new low by claiming that Israel kills babies as a hobby. While we are conducting a multi-front war and leading complex diplomatic efforts to release our hostages and defeat Hamas, Golan and his friends in the radical left are echoing the most despicable antisemitic blood libels against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel. There is no limit to the moral decay. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded on his X account: Yair Golans blood libel against the State of Israel and its army will not be forgiven. What Golan said will certainly fuel the fire of antisemitism in the worldwhile Israel is fighting for its life. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman stated: I condemn Yair Golans words. The IDF is the most moral army in the world, and any such false statement against it harms our soldiers and the security of the country. Opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote, without mentioning Golans name: Our soldiers are heroes and protect our lives. The statement that they kill babies as a hobby is mistaken and a gift to our enemies. I back the IDF and its soldiers and condemn the statement. National Unity Party Chairman Benny Gantz responded: I call on Yair Golan to retract and apologize to IDF soldiers for his extreme and false statements. IDF soldiers do not kill babies as a hobby. These words are not only outrageous, false, and extreme, but also endanger the freedom of our heroic fighters in the face of international law. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri stated: We must not remain silent on the terrible blood libel against IDF soldiers, who are sacrificing their lives in the face of a cruel enemy. I call on the leaders of the opposition, Avigdor Lieberman and Benny Gantz, to unequivocally disavow Yair Golan and make it clear to the public that under no circumstances will they form a government with him. Likud MK Moshe Saada said: This is the man Bennett and Lieberman want to form a coalition with. A dangerous and inciting person who harms the State of Israel and spreads a blood libel against IDF soldiers. Shameful. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated: The statement by one of the heads of the opposition accusing IDF soldiers of killing babies in Gaza as a hobby is a vile blood libel against IDF soldiers who risk their lives day and night in heroic battles against a cruel enemy to return all our hostages and to defeat Hamas, which is working to destroy the State of Israel. The one who in the past compared Israeli society to the Nazi regime and is now slandering and defaming the State of Israel and the IDF in wartime must be ostracized from public life. I am proud of our soldiers and fully support them. Education Minister Yoav Kisch wrote: Shame on you, Yair Golan. Such slanders against the State of Israel are heard only from our worst enemies. Accusing our heroic fighters, who risk their lives for the country, of murdering babies is not criticism. Its a blood libel and serious incitement. Golan is not a member of Knesset and has no immunity. I expect the Attorney General to open an investigation against him. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote: From a decorated general to a BDS supporter in a few yearsthe story of Yair Golan and the Meretz party. Yair Golan knowingly lies, spreads evil rumors about Israel and the IDF in the world, and joins the blood libels of our greatest enemies to provide them with justification to kill us. Every Zionist, honest, moral, and ethical person must disavow Golan and his actions and make it clear that there are red lines that cannot be crossed. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated: It seems Yair Golan took the Hamas spokesmans talking points and adopted them as his own. Golans only hobby has always been spreading anti-Semitic blood libels against the State of Israel. Yair, shame on you! Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi responded: Yair Golan is a terrorist. A terrorist to the efforts to realize the goals of the war. A terrorist to the security of IDF soldiers. A terrorist to Israeli democracy. Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzhak Kroizer called for Golan to be put on trial: It cant be that someone who calls IDF soldiers murderers and so blatantly slanders the State of Israel remains immune from the law. I call on the Attorney General to act immediately and put Yair Golan on trial on suspicion of sedition, as required by law. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: The question is not how a retired general became a hostile element to the IDF, but how a person hostile to the IDF became a general Bereaved father Itzik Buntzel, the father of Amit, Hyd, who fell in Gaza, responded: Yair Golan, who commanded the same IDF that is fighting today in Gaza, accuses himself of genocide and the killing of babies. The man who still receives a hefty pension from the same army that he accuses of genocide. Golans statements are worse than 200 trucks of humanitarian aid. . . (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In the latest of a series of incidents, an envelope containing a suspicious powder was sent to the office of Health Minister Ariel Busso (Shas) on Tuesday. The Knesset Spokesperson stated: The Knesset Guard is examining an envelope containing a suspicious powder that was sent to the office of Minister Ariel Busso in the Knesset. In accordance with the Guards procedures in such events, an update has been forwarded to the Israel Police, and the envelope and the suspicious material it contains will be transferred for further examination by the authorities. According to initial assessments, there is no immediate danger, but all security agencies continue to handle the incident with the utmost caution. It should be noted that Minister Busso was not in the office when the envelope was received, and no injuries were reported. About a month ago, a suspicious envelope was found at the home of Noam chairman Avi Maoz, and police, MDA paramedics, and firefighters were called to the scene. That same week, several Knesset members, including UTJ members Yaakov Asher and Moshe Roth, Law Committee chairman Simcha Rothman, and Likud MK Shalom Danino received suspicious envelopes. Since then, Otzma Yehudit MK Almog Cohen announced that he had received a suspicious envelope at his home, and an envelope arrived at the home of UTJ leader Moshe Gafni. Last week, a suspicious envelope arrived at the home of Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzhak Kreuzer, causing his family members to panic. Upon receiving the report, police bomb disposal teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, along with police cars and MDA paramedics, and fire and rescue personnel. No official details have been released regarding the contents of the envelopes. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Bereaved relatives from the Gvura Forum filed a complaint to the Israel Police against Democrats chairman Yair Golan in the wake of his outrageous and incomprehensible lies about IDF soldiers in an interview on Tuesday morning. The letter, a copy of which was sent to the Attorney General, states: In the name of the Gvura Forum, the forum of fallen soldiers of the Swords of Iron war, we are turning to you with an urgent request to open a criminal investigation against the chairman of the Democrats party, Mr. Yair Golan, for serious statements he made this morning, May 20, 2025, as part of a media interview. Mr. Golan stated: A sane country does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not aim to expel a population.' We believe that these words go beyond the bounds of legitimate public discourse in an extreme way and fulfill the elements of the offense stipulated in Section 103 of the Penal Law, 5737-1977 defeatist propaganda. According to the section: Whoever disseminates information during a time of war that is likely to undermine the spirit of Israeli soldiers and residents in their stand against the enemy and with the intention of causing panic among the public shall be sentenced to a five-year imprisonment. If he intended to harm state security, he shall be sentenced to a ten-year imprisonment.' These statements were made at a time when the IDF is operating heroically on a series of fronts, when the best of our sons are risking their lives on the front lines, and on a difficult day when Am Yisrael are burying heroes they lost in the war. Mr. Golans words have a real potential to undermine the fighting spirit of the public and IDF soldiers, as well as accelerate delegitimization in the international arena. As a forum working for victory and to strengthen the State of Israel in wartime, we call on you to investigate the serious statement above and examine the motives behind it, and also to send a clear message to all parties who are trying to harm the State of Israel in wartimethat the law enforcement authorities strengthen the IDF and the people at this crucial time. The complaint is not the first one to be filed against Golan, who in the past has compared IDF soldiers to Nazis, called for IDF refusal as well as espoused illegal actions as part of a civil uprising against the government. Golan has also called Jewish settlers subhuman and called for the state to encourage Chareidim to go off the derech. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Two Jewish Israelis were arrested for allegedly spying for Iran, including installing cameras near the home of Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, the Shin Bet and Israel Police announced on Tuesday in a joint statement. Roi Mizrachi and his friend Almog Attias, both 24 and residents of the northern city of Nesher, were arrested at the end of April 2025, on suspicion of committing security offenses after being suspected of collecting intelligence in the Kfar Achim moshav, where Katz resides. The investigation by the Shin Bet and the police revealed that Roi was in contact with Iranian terrorist elements and carried out a large number of various security tasks for them, some of them together with his friend Almog. Both suspects carried out the acts for financial compensation despite the fact that they understood that they were acting under Iranian direction and that their actions could harm state security. Among other things, Roi purchased a new cell phone and installed an app on it to communicate with his operators. Later, he was asked by his operators to transfer a package buried in the ground from one point to another, which, in his understanding, contained an explosive device. Despite the danger of doing so, he carried out the transfer of the package according to the instructions of his operators. A serious indictment will be filed against the two men in the coming days. According to the joint statement, 20 cases of espionage by Israelis for Iran have been thwarted since the beginning of the war. A security source stated: This case joins a series of cases from the recent period that indicate repeated efforts by hostile terrorist and intelligence elements to recruit Israeli citizens to carry out missions designed to harm the security of the State of Israel and its residents. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A senior official with the California Civil Liberties Program publicly celebrated former President Joe Bidens cancer diagnosis and expressed hope that President Donald Trump will suffer a similar fatecomments she linked explicitly to the presidents support for Israel in its war against Hamas. Zahra Billoo, executive director of the San Francisco chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and a sitting member of Californias state civil rights advisory board, called Bidens aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis Gods wrath for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. She added she hopes the presidents cancer proves as aggressive as the IDF in Gaza. Billoo isnt the only one celebrating Bidens diagnosis. Former Bernie Sanders surrogate Shaun King called Biden a genocidal monster and added, I hope his final days are painful. Taylor Lorenz, a former Washington Post reporter, went further, writing, Hopefully [Biden] rots in hell and rests in piss. Billoos remarks have sparked calls for California Governor Gavin Newsom to respond. Newsoms office, which frequently collaborates with CAIR on civil rights and hate crime issues, declined to comment on the matter. Billoo was appointed to the state civil liberties advisory panel in 2018 by then-Governor Jerry Brown and continues to serve despite the board not having convened since last year due to budget constraints. The episode is reigniting concerns about Newsoms ties with CAIR, which has faced mounting criticism for inflammatory rhetoric and its leaders support of terrorist groups. In December 2023, CAIRs national director Nihad Awad publicly declared he was happy to see Hamass October 7 massacre of 1,200 Israeli civilians. Billoo herself has previously mourned Hamas figures, describing the death of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as martyrdom and saying his legacy would live on. Despite such rhetoric, Newsoms administration has awarded millions of dollars in state security grants to Islamic institutions with controversial affiliations. One such recipient, the Islamic Center of San Diegolinked to two of the 9/11 hijackersreceived $500,000. The mosques imam later called Hamass October 7 attack justified. In the days following the Oct. 7 attack, the Newsom administration publicly quoted CAIR leader Hussam Ayloush in a press release announcing increased funding to secure houses of worship. Newsom later met with Ayloush and other CAIR leaders in early 2024, shortly before he publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Democrats chairman Yair Golans outrageous lies that Israel kills babies as a hobby made it to the headlines of numerous Arab media outlets on Tuesday, who were delighted to quote one of Israels own about so-called IDF atrocities. His statements, some of them exaggerated to appear even worse than the originals, appeared in the headlines of dozens of media outlets throughout the Middle East, stating that Israel kills children as a hobby or other variations, with the articles stating that the words of Golan, a senior Israeli official or senior Zionist, are confirmation of Israels crimes. Ironically, the Mujahideen Brigades, the terror group that brutally murdered Shiri Bibas, Hyd, and her young son and baby, issued an official statement, claiming that Golans words constitute further confirmation of Israels war crimes, and called for the implementation of international sanctions against Israel. Yoseph Haddad, an Arab-Israeli pro-Israel activist, published a photo of Golans words quoted by Al Jazeera, writing: Here Yair Golan, I hope you are satisfied. You became a star in the Arab world today. Youre in the headlines of Al Jazeera and every Arab channel. And most of the reactions are the same, about how a senior party leader in Israel is telling the truth that they have been saying all along. The damage you have brought upon us and the fuel you have given to this blood libel against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel is simply unbelievable. A thousand firefighters wont be able to put out the fire you started by spreading your lies and slanderI hope you are satisfied. What is certain is that Hamas is pleased, you did [Hamas spokesperson] Abu Obaidas job for him. Kol BRamah journalist Avi Moskoff wrote: In Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, all along the axis: All media outlets in the Arab world extensively and proudly quoted Yair Golans outrageous remarks this morning. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Itzik Pass, the father of the baby Shalhevet Pass, Hyd, who was murdered by an Arab in Chevron 23 years ago when she was only 10 months old, responded to Yair Golans outrageous lies earlier in the day by posting two photos and one sentence. He attached a picture of Shalhevet, zl, along with a picture of himself holding her body before the levaya. He wrote: The identifier of processes and hobbies is invited to me for a short historical lesson on the truth behind killing babies as a hobby. During the Second Intifada, a Palestinian sniper murdered Shalhevet, Hyd while she was lying in her stroller near her home in Chevron. An investigation showed that the sniper deliberately aimed for the baby. Shalhevets mother grabbed her after the gunfire, only to discover that she was already dead. Minutes later, the sniper fired again, seriously wounding Itzik, who had been pushing the stroller. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Delta Air Lines is set to restart daily flights between Ben Gurion Airport and JFK Airport starting today, May 20, 2025. On May 4, Delta halted all flights to Tel Aviv after a ballistic missile from Yemen struck Ben Gurion Airport. The decision follows an exhaustive security assessment, with Delta stating it will continue closely monitoring the situation in the region in close coordination with government officials and other stakeholders. The airlines return comes as other carriers, like United Airlines, also plan to resume US-Tel Aviv routes in June, signaling cautious optimism despite persistent regional instability. The UK on Tuesday froze negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Israel, implemented sanctions on Jewish organizations in the Shomron, and summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for a reprimand in response to Israels war in Gaza against murderous terrorists. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of free trade talks due to Israels egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza. Sanctions were announced against the Nachala movement, the Cocos Farm outpost, Daniella Weiss, Harel Libi Coco and his construction company, the Nerias Farm outpost, and Zohar Sabah. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summoned Amb. Hotovely to express the UKs complete opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and the cruel and indefensible blockade of Gaza. Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oren Marmorstein responded by stating: Following the UKs announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers: Even prior to todays announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative. The sanctions against residents of Judea and Samaria are unjustified, and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror Tzeela Gez, Hyd, who was murdered on her way to the delivery room. Doctors continue fighting for her newborns life in hospital. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A senior Hamas official is facing a storm of fury from residents in Gaza after dismissing the Strips soaring war death toll as little more than material calculations remarks that many are calling dehumanizing and disgraceful. Sami Abu Zuhri, a high-ranking Hamas spokesperson based in Qatar, made the comments in a podcast interview originally aired in late March but which resurfaced this week, quickly going viral across social media platforms in Gaza and beyond. Abu Zuhri noted that Gazas birth rate reportedly around 50,000 since the war began exceeds the number of people killed in the conflict. The martyrs the wombs of Gazas women will give birth to twice as many, he said. This is the price that must be paid. If we thought in material terms, we would not be able to hold onto our land. The remarks triggered a visceral backlash from residents of Gaza, who viewed them as a callous dismissal of the staggering human cost of the war which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, including large numbers of women and children. One Gazan man posted a video, visibly angry: A man outside the Strip says that everyone who was killed can simply be replaced. This is someone deluded beyond reason hes not one of us. Another resident slammed the disconnect between Gazas leadership and its people: Your children are outside the Strip. You ignite this war, and we are the fuel?! The backlash moved from online spaces to the streets. In Khan Younis, hundreds gathered in an anti-Hamas demonstration on Tuesday, chanting directly against Abu Zuhri: Oh Abu Zuhri, you disgrace, even the child wants to live. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Tesco has launched a wedding gift registry, as newlyweds say they want more practical presents. The service, available on the registry site Prezola, offers couples a range of packages covering everything from everyday essentials to Tesco Finest products. The bundles have been curated by Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling and include items like toilet roll, bin bags and toothpaste. Cost increases mean the average couple now takes a year to pay off their wedding, which could be behind their desire to receive household essentials rather than luxuries. Research by the supermarket shows that 2 in 5 couples are ditching items typically associated with wish lists, like fine china and furniture, in favour of more practical items. Wedding bliss: Newlyweds want practical gifts like toothpaste and toilet roll Nearly half of the engaged or recently married couples Tesco surveyed said this was mainly due to rising living costs. Just 10 per cent of couples surveyed said they would ask for crockery, and another 10 per cent for towels. Only 8 per cent would add fine china to their list. A quarter said they'd prefer to be given dinner dates, and 18 per cent said they'd like to have their weekly shop taken care of for a year. Schilling says: 'The key to setting up newlyweds for success is creating a foundation for everyday wellbeing and resilience so the romance can flourish. 'When the basics are taken care of, couples can prioritise their relationship and focus on creating moments that bring them closer. 'That's why the Tesco wedding gift registry is genius. Setting aside expectations around "traditional" wedding gifts, Tesco has listened to what couples today actually want and created something that will help build the foundations of a strong marriage. 'Whether that's a champagne toast to celebrate a win, a cup of tea together in the morning or a home-cooked meal to share - it's the little things that make a big difference.' Tesco is offering newlyweds six bundles to choose from until 18 November. There's 'the really useful stuff' bundle which covers everyday essentials for six months, including toilet roll, toothpaste, bin bags and bathroom products and will set you back 63. Schilling adds: 'Acts of service can go a long way in relationships, little things like making sure that you're replacing the bin bag when it's full, or not leaving an empty loo roll for your partner to discover. 'Having the basics taken care of can help build the foundations of a relationship, allowing couples more time to focus on each other and get their married life off to a great start.' Tesco is also offering couples a 'dine-in date' bundle, which costs 72, and for the tea-lovers an 'I love brew' bundle for 39. On the pricier end, the 'toast to love' bundle, which costs 156, includes six of Tesco's finest premier champagnes. It was the holiday that Steve and Julie Rhodes needed. Still coming to terms with the death of Julies brother from cancer a few months earlier, the couple booked a week, all-inclusive with Tui, at the Catalonia Punta del Rey hotel in the north of Tenerife in March last year. They spent their time chilling by the pool and walking by the beach. Then, as they relaxed in their room before dinner the night before they were due to return home to Bristol, Steve, a 65-year old glazier, said he felt odd. Within seconds he was unconscious. Paramedics whisked him away to Our Lady of Candelaria University Hospital, where he was later diagnosed with a ruptured brain aneurysm. Julie, 64, was uncertain if he would survive as she waited outside in a portable building, only able to communicate with staff through a translation app on her phone. It was, she said, the stuff of nightmares. But there was one silver lining the couple had taken out travel insurance, paying 205 for annual cover with Staysure on its basic plan. Recovered: Steve Rhodes (pictured with wife Julie) suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm while on holiday in Tenerife last year I dread to think what would have happened otherwise, says Julie, a retired rehabilitation support worker. Steve was so fit and healthy. What happened was a total shock. He spent three weeks and three days in hospital, followed by another couple of weeks at the hotel before a medic flew out to accompany him on a safe repatriation to the UK. In the end, the couples planned week in Tenerife lasted nearly seven weeks. Hospital care was covered under Steves Global Health Insurance Card (or GHIC, a free card that entitles UK citizens to state healthcare in the European Economic Area and some other countries on the same basis as a resident of that country). You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website. But as the GHIC doesnt include medical repatriation, the 6,191 cost of his return home was not covered by that. And thats a fraction of what it could have cost had he needed an air ambulance rather than returning home accompanied on a commercial flight. The insurance firm said its average cost of an air ambulance from Spain was 45,137 in 2024, with the most expensive of 33 repatriations from the country totalling 99,609. The US air ambulance cost that hit almost 200,000 In America, air ambulance costs are much higher, averaging 159,675 in 2024 for Staysures three clients who needed medical repatriation, the most expensive of which was 192,212. And thats without hospital bills. Medical treatment in America isnt covered by the GHIC card. If Steve had been ill in America without cover, he would have been looking at medical costs of about half a million dollars plus repatriation costs, if he needed an air ambulance, of 150,000, says Simon McCulloch, the firms chief growth officer. The sheer number of holidaymakers risking six-figure repatriation costs is alarming. Many underestimate the complexity of medical repatriation. 'Air ambulances require specialist medical teams, a scheduled stop to refuel, and they operate under strict safety protocols. The costs are also rising dramatically. New figures show that the 97,115 average cost of three air ambulance repatriations from America in 2023 rose 64 per cent in 2024. Yet, according to a Staysure survey last September of 2,000 adults aged over 45, some 28 per cent of respondents with pre-existing medical conditions said they travelled without insurance. Sky high: Staysure said its average cost of an air ambulance from Spain was 45,137 in 2024. In America, air ambulance costs are much higher, averaging 159,675 in 2024 Mr McCulloch said they broadly fell into three camps: those who didnt think it was necessary as the risk of something happening to them was low; those who thought insurance would be too expensive; and others who believed (often mistakenly) that a pre-existing medical condition wouldnt qualify for coverage. Some 20 per cent of survey respondents thought, wrongly, that they didnt need travel insurance. Its important to remember that even if you travel in Europe with a GHIC card, you are entitled only to the same medical care as a local resident would receive there can be significant extra costs. And medical repatriation always costs extra. One British traveller, aged 79, paid just 280 for an annual European travel insurance policy for two people with pre-existing conditions, a fraction of the 44,853 repatriation bill from Lanzarote they avoided. While Steve didnt need an air ambulance, the 6,191 cost of the medical escort home was covered by his insurance. Ambulance transfers before and after the flight and oxygen while on the plane were arranged by the medic, who checked on his patient constantly during the flight. It was so reassuring, said Julie. And we didnt ever see a medical bill. Additionally, the insurance paid out 2,000 (the policy maximum) of the extra 2,210 for the longer-than-expected hotel stay. That was about half the 4,000 Julie estimated she incurred in out-of-pocket expenses. I didnt know whether I was coming or going, but the insurer sorted everything. They were compassionate and made me feel at ease, says Julie. Steve went on to make a full recovery and the couple were able to travel to a wedding in Portugal last June. To do so, they needed to update their travel insurance to document the aneurysm but were pleasantly surprised to find it only added about 34 to their premium. The future of 1,450 steel jobs hangs in the balance today as a winding-up petition is due to be heard against a company run by tycoon Sanjeev Gupta. Liberty Steels Speciality Steels UK (SSUK) arm is seeking to adjourn the court action brought by trade suppliers thought to be owed 4million. Without an adjournment, SSUK which runs steel plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire, and Bolton, Greater Manchester faces compulsory liquidation. The Official Receiver would then appoint a special manager to run the sites while a buyer is sought and assets sold to pay the debts. Gupta whose family is worth more than 4billion is understood to have asked the Government to intervene using legislation passed last month, allowing it to take over the Scunthorpe blast furnaces and prevent closure by their Chinese owners, Jingye. The requests are said to have been rejected. Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community Trade Union, called for new, responsible ownership. A Scottish Island may be about to force a u-turn over the decision to impose double council tax on second homeowners. Residents of Great Cumbrae, a small island off the west coast of Scotland, have been left outraged by the tax, according to reports in the Telegraph. North Ayrshire Council is now reviewing its decision to impose a 100 per cent council tax premium on second homeowners amid the backlash. Residents argue the tax will hurt the local economy due to its heavy reliance on tourism. Roughly one third of all properties on the island are second homes, while one quarter of its 1,400 residents work in tourist related jobs. Cameron Inglis, the Conservative leader on North Ayrshire Council, told the Telegraph that the reaction from residents had been 'fiery.' Residents on the island of Great Cumbrae argue that the second home tax will hurt the local economy due to its heavy reliance on tourism Pictured: Millport, Great Cumbrae Island 'We are asking second home owners to pay double, get nothing in return, so that we can balance our budget gap,' said Inglis. 'The whole thing has been pushed through so that supposedly rich people can plug a budget gap. The whole thing is a sham. It's smoke and mirrors.' Meanwhile, Alex Harvie, chairman of the Cumbrae Community Council said the double council tax would reduce income across the island and potentially 'start a spiral of decline' as facilities fall into disrepair. An impact assessment found the council tax hike would strip 500,000 off the island's 12.9million annual GDP. It remains to be seen as to whether this will be the first of many challenges faced by councils over the 100 per cent council tax premium. The majority of Scottish councils have now doubled council tax on second homes and three quarters of local authorities in England and Wales have also done so. Second homes for council tax purposes are defined as furnished properties where nobody lives, or where the owner has their main residence elsewhere. It means many second home owners in England paying the typical Band D council tax of 2,171 are seeing their annual bills rise to 4,342. Holiday hotspots such as Cornwall, Norfolk and Somerset are among those introducing the tax, in a bid to make homes more affordable for local people. For those who own second homes that are in a more expensive bracket, the costs could be astronomical. For example, someone who owns a Band H home in Salcombe - a second home hotspot in Devon - will see their council tax double from 4,716.42 to 9,432.84. Have you been hit by the second home council tax hike? Get in touch: editor@thisismoney.co.uk China committed to continuing contributions to global health: delegation Xinhua) 08:06, May 20, 2025 The 78th World Health Assembly is held in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) China welcomes the WHO's internal reforms to improve efficiency and better serve its member states, and stands ready to participate in the process through both financial and personnel support. GENEVA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) has briefed the press on China's recent health development and its contribution to global health governance, reaffirming China's commitment to building a global community of health for all. At a press conference on Saturday, Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission (NHC) and leader of the Chinese delegation, said that China upholds the principle of putting people and life first, and has rolled out 18 major programs nationwide under its comprehensive public health strategy - the Healthy China Initiative. According to Lei, China's average life expectancy has risen to 79 years in 2024 while maternal and infant mortality rates have reached historic lows. Lei emphasized that China is deeply involved in global health governance, continuously contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to building a global community of health for all. He reaffirmed China's firm advocacy for multilateralism and its strong support for the World Health Organization (WHO) in its central and coordinating role in global health affairs. He added that China welcomes the WHO's internal reforms to improve efficiency and better serve its member states, and stands ready to participate in the process through both financial and personnel support. People communicate with a medical expert at a hospital in Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qianxinan, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 24, 2025. A congenital heart disease (CHD) screening program in the province has supported nearly 10,000 children born with the CHD by offering them free surgeries. (Xinhua/Liu Yongzhen) On the Taiwan-related proposal, Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, reaffirmed China's consistent and clear position that Taiwan's participation in the WHA must be handled in strict accordance with the one-China principle, as established by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. "We firmly oppose any Taiwan-related proposals," Chen said. He emphasized that, under the one-China principle, the central government has made appropriate arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs. Over the past year, 12 experts from Taiwan have been approved to attend WHO technical activities in 11 groups. He added that any technical exchanges involving Taiwan that comply with the one-China principle can proceed smoothly. Yu Yanhong, director of China's National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stated that China has fully utilized the unique advantages and potential of TCM to promote universal health coverage, offering high-quality, efficient, convenient, and affordable TCM services to the entire population through all stages of life. China maintains close cooperation with the WHO, Yu stressed, citing the inclusion of a chapter on traditional medicine in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases for the first time. A participant enjoys acupoint massage during an event featuring traditional Chinese medicine at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Xia Gang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, noted that in recent years, China has actively explored disease control strategies tailored to its national conditions, achieving positive results, especially concerning the monitoring and early warning system development. Xia added that China will continue to support the WHO's leadership and coordination role in global public health governance, fulfill its obligations under the International Health Regulations and related work on the pandemic agreement, and work to safeguard global public health security. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the group representing co-ops have held a protest in Dublin, warning against a plan to to remove the Cap budget in favour of a once-off funding approach to the EU budget. Farmers and farming representatives took part in the flash action at the European Commission offices on Tuesday morning. The IFA and Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) protest coincides with a flash action organised by Copa Cogeca, the largest representative union of more than 22 million European farmers in Brussels. The EU Commission has put forward proposals to amalgamate Cap into a single fund. The move has sparked concern in the agricultural sector, who warns that their funding could be stripped back over the years as it will not be ring-fenced. Alice Doyle, deputy president of the Irish Farmers Association, said they have been warning against the consequences of the changes to the Cap budget. The Cap budget has been in place since the Treaty of Rome, way back in the 50s, and it was put in place to make sure that we would have food security across Europe, which was paramount and is still paramount today, she said. The production of food is very important. Farmers have to be supported financially to produce food. We are producing the best food in the world, in Ireland and across Europe. But if that food security is to be there, were going to have to support our farmers in the continuous production of that food. The Cap budget is what gives that finance to the farmers to help them produce that food. If that budget is subsumed into the main European budget, it can be pilfered at any time, to be used for any purpose. We want this ring-fenced, as it has always been from the very beginning, ring-fenced to support farmers across Europe and here in Ireland in particular, in the production of food, and to make sure that we have food security. She added: If it is not ring-fenced, the income of farmers would be reduced dramatically, because we all depend on that direct payment coming from Europe. Thats part of our basic income scheme. The second thing is, it would have a huge impact on rural Ireland because farmers are based in rural Ireland, and every penny they earn is spent in rural Ireland. Edward Carr, a diary farmer from Tipperary, president of the ICOS and chairman of Arrabawn Co-operative, said the Cap budget is being targeted. The proposed changes are very concerning for the future of farmers within our country, he said. Its concerning because the Cap was brought in few years ago for us as a protection that we produce cheap food. It has to be taken into consideration that we are probably one of the best countries on the globe to produce sustainable food in a sustainable manner, while protecting the environment. I think its just come to the stage where farmers have to stand up for themselves and protect themselves. The future of this cheap, sustainable food being produced has to be protected. Its time for Europe to pay more heed to this. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has welcomed a review of the EUs association agreement with Israel. Mr Martin said Israel cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. The EU says it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship. Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said a majority of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement. The agreement forms the basis of trade ties between the EU and Israel. Mr Martin said: The decision to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights announced today by High Representative Kaja Kallas is one I strongly welcome. Together with Spain, Ireland first called for this step to be taken in February 2024. The Irish premier said since then thousands of Palestinians have been killed and maimed in a brutal military operation. He added: The brunt of which has been borne by an innocent civilian population. Thousands more are at the brink of starvation, with the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if aid doesnt reach them. Israel must know that the world is watching and that we will not stand by. It cannot act with impunity against all international humanitarian laws and norms. Ireland will work to ensure that the review is taken forward as quickly as possible, and that its conclusions are acted upon. We must stop this war. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. Legal push back amid recent moves concerning campaign season cash . . . Actually, the verdict on this one will be interesting to watch given that AG Kobach probably has a lot of support for this power move. Check the deets . . . Kansans for Constitutional Freedom filed a lawsuit against the Kansas Attorney Generals Office and the Kansas Ethics Commission on May 19 over a new law banning foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns for constitutional amendments in the state. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom is alleging that the bill strips free speech rights from noncitizens who are entitled to speech protections for political advocacy. It says the bills provisions arent narrowly targeted at foreign governments, foreign nationals with no connection to the Unted States or foreign corporations. The laws definition of foreign national reaches many who are lawfully residing in the United States, the lawsuit says. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . CJ Online: Lawsuit targets new Kansas law banning foreign contributors for amendments Today we take a glimpse at a crackdown from the prosecutor and hard time for an old school white dude after a brazen robbery that, clearly, didn't go plan. Taste his pain in this passage . . . John Heckman, 78, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. He received seven years for the burglary charge and three years for the property damage charge, which will run concurrently. Kansas City, Missouri, police were called to the ice cream shop on Oct. 13 regarding a burglary. Upon arrival, officers observed the broken glass door and were informed a safe had been taken from the property. Betty Rae's owner Matt Shatto estimated the door cost $1,700 to fix, the safe cost $2,000 to replace and the shop lost $1,794.06 in cash from the stolen safe, per court documents. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . On this blog and throughout social media there's a debate about the state of the American economy. However . . . KANSAS CITY GUN FIGHTS OVER PAYCHECKS ARE THE GREATEST INDICATOR OF FINANCIAL HARSH TIMES!!! Sorry, but this story resonates just a bit more deeply than online dolts hyping their imaginary 401K. Check-it: "A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that around 5:55 p.m. on April 28, emergency crews were called with reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a victim in front of a building who had suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen. "First responders said the victim told them he had been shot by his coworker . . . He said an argument about pay for him and his employees escalated when SUSPECT was told to shoot the victim by an unnamed individual. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. "Investigators noted that they found seven spent shell casings at the scene, as well as a pickup truck that had been left running with five bullet holes in it. Further investigation led to a warrant that was issued for SUSPECT on May 8. He was not found until Thursday, May 15, when he was arrested. "During an interview with investigators, they said SUSPECT denied involvement in the shooting. As a result, he has been charged with assault in the first degree, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . UW students in the Experience of Place course taught by Maggie Bourque explore the Ames Monument in southeast Wyoming. Bourque is the 2025 Haub Fellow at Ucross. (UW Photo) The University of Wyomings Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources has selected Maggie Bourque as the 2025 Haub Fellow at Ucross. This distinguished residency supports work at the intersection of the environment, creativity and place-based inquiry. Bourque, a teacher and scholar whose work explores the relationships between people and the places they inhabit, will use her time at Ucross to advance her emerging book project, Being Here Now: Place-based Practices to Deepen Relationships with Ourselves, Our Planet and One Another. Her work blends ecological observation with humanistic and artistic methods to explore both internal and external landscapes. I am so grateful for the opportunity to extend my place-based practices immersed in such a unique landscape, Bourque says. Its an honor to represent the Haub School and connect with the luminary artists and creators at Ucross. The project draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary methods, including naturalist observation, phenology, autoethnography, rhetorical analysis, qualitative coding and improvisation. Creative documentation techniques include nature journaling, poetry, field sketches, photography, visual art, collage and reflective essays. Bourques goal is to refine and record a series of guided practices designed to cultivate deeper connections between people and the natural world. Each year, Haub Fellows at Ucross are selected through a competitive application process open to faculty, students and affiliates of the Haub School whose work engages with environmental themes. Applications are reviewed by a committee for their originality, clarity of purpose and alignment with the Haub Schools mission and the Ucross Foundations support for creative and scholarly excellence. Located in the foothills of Wyomings Bighorn Mountains, Ucross offers a unique setting for reflection and collaboration among artists and scholars. The Haub School-Ucross Fellowship continues to support innovative, place-based work that bridges environmental understanding with artistic and academic exploration. Learn more about the Haub School and the Haub Fellow at Ucross at www.uwyo.edu/haub. . People attending UW Extensions Ranch Camp program learn about rangeland plants and soils on a hillside northeast of Sheridan. (UW Photo) University of Wyoming Extension has launched a new educational series designed to support ranchers in navigating the complexities of modern livestock and land management. Rancher$ E.D.G.E. (Excellence in Development, Grazing and Economics) is designed for ranchers, family members and employees actively involved in the management and care of a ranching operation. Rancher$ E.D.G.E. equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and enhance the sustainability of their operations, says Jedidiah Hewlett, a UW Extension educator based in Converse County. With high input costs, unpredictable weather patterns and evolving market conditions, staying informed and adaptable is more critical than ever. The Rancher$ E.D.G.E. curriculum is tailored to promote a holistic mindset and practical application of knowledge. The program is offered as three unique sessions throughout the year, providing a multiseason perspective on the ranching production cycle. Each session features a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on field activities covering topics such as risk management, marketing strategies, livestock nutrition, ration balancing, body condition scoring and range management. In addition to gaining valuable insights from a team of UW educators, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow ranchers. The next Rancher$ E.D.G.E. session will be held in Thermopolis beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, and concluding at noon the following day. The cost of attendance is $250 per person for each session, which includes a packet of materials, snacks and a complimentary dinner with presenters. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging, travel and additional meals. To register, visit https://wyoextension.org/ranch-management/. The registration deadline for the June event is Tuesday, June 10. Space is limited. The final 2025 Rancher$ E.D.G.E. session will be held in Laramie Nov. 18-19. While attending every session is not required, it is encouraged for the most robust learning experience. For more information, email Hewlett at jhewlett@uwyo.edu or call (307) 358-2417. About University of Wyoming Extension UW Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the states 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the universitys land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff members help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124. Two University of Wyoming graduate students and a recent Ph.D. graduate will present during Bridging Global Gaps: Student International Research as part of the Centennial Speaker Series Thursday, May 22, from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Centennial Library, located at 27 Second St. in Centennial. The speaker series, hosted by UWs Center for Global Studies (CGS) and the Centennial Library, brings international concerns and discussions to the southeast Wyoming community. -- Shawn Enriques, a December 2024 UW graduate from Greeley, Colo., who received his Ph.D. in management and marketing, will present Consumerism in the Philippines. The research he will present investigates the effects of bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) marketing. BOP marketing is the idea that the traditional market comprises relatively few customers with average incomes. However, there also is a large market of customers with very low incomes that makes up a similar amount of consumer demand. To sell to consumers in extreme poverty currently requires reducing packaging to single-use sizes to make the products more affordable. This strategy has successfully made essential products like soap, toothpaste and foodstuffs available to low-income markets, but it increases the use of unrecyclable multilayer packaging and packaging in general, says Enriques, who is a visiting assistant professor at the University of Colorado-Denver. Interestingly, this research suggests that, in the Philippines and possibly elsewhere, wealthier individuals also prefer single-use packaging, compounding the effects of sustainability and reducing BOP effectiveness. -- Gwendolyn Stout, a Ph.D. student from Cheyenne in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in literacy education, will discuss Language Literacy in Okinawa. This presentation shares preliminary findings from an international research initiative conducted in Okinawa, Japan, aimed at improving oral language, reading comprehension and writing skills in multilingual English-speaking Japanese students in kindergarten through high school through structured literacy instruction. Building on an established research-to-practice partnership, the study implemented training on language assessment and intervention for teachers and gathered initial benchmark data for the school, Stout says. The next steps will allow for further analysis of language-focused practices that also benefit underserved student populations in Wyoming. -- Naznin Huq, a masters student from Khulna, Bangladesh, studying political science, will present Womens Participation in Bangladeshs Political National and Local Government: A Comparative Study. Huq conducted a qualitative case study, interviewing female politicians across various levels of government. Her presentation will examine the intersection of patriarchal norms, sociocultural expectations, institutional constraints and economic barriers that hinder womens political agency. I will discuss the paradox of womens political involvement in Bangladesh. Though women have held the office of prime minister for over two decades, they remain underrepresented in national and local governments, Huq says. My research explores the factors contributing to this disparity, focusing on how quota systems and party politics shape womens political participation. I will argue that systemic change is needed to foster meaningful gender equality in Bangladeshs political landscape, moving beyond token representation to ensure womens substantive influence in decision-making. About the Center for Global Studies The CGS is a core unit of WyoGlobal and is the go-to resource on the UW campus for global success. CGS supports students, faculty, communities and businesses in generating internationally engaged research, teaching and program opportunities. With an array of fellowships, grants, awards, partnerships and events, CGS cultivates effective collaboration between Wyoming and the world. For more information, email cgs@uwyo.edu. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Key Takeaways About 200 NIH employees, including top brain scientists, still face layoffs Several award-winning researchers have not had their termination notices reversed Experts warn the nation may lose top scientists to other jobs TUESDAY, May 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) Some of the nation's top brain researchers are still facing layoffs, even after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said no working scientists would be cut. Last month, scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) got layoff notices. NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The scientists were told they could keep working for a few more weeks, but their terminations have not been canceled, sources told CBS News. Their jobs are set to end on June 2. "Most people believe we were reinstated because we got back to the office," one scientist told CBS News anonymously. But that wasn't true. "These 11 labs have about 100 staff, mainly young trainees whose careers will be severely disrupted," one researcher said. Among the laid-off scientists is Richard Youle, who has worked at NIH since 1978. He is a distinguished investigator, a title reserved for the most respected researchers. Youle won the $3 million Breakthrough Prize in 2021 for his work on Parkinsons disease. After news of the layoffs came out, Youle received four job offers three from outside the U.S., according to a source. "The world is ready to pounce and take our top scientists if we dont fix this," the source said. Ten other senior scientists at NINDS were also laid off, including experts in dopamine signaling and neurodegenerative disease. One of them, Dr. Ling-Gang Wu, received an award this year for his work on how brain cells communicate, CBS News added. In a U.S. Senate hearing on May 14, Kennedy testified that only administrative staff had been cut. "As far as I know, we have not fired any working scientists, the working scientists, the people who are actually doing science. There are some people who were scientists that were doing IT or administration, who did lose their jobs. But in terms of working scientists, our policy was to make sure none of them were lost and that that research continues," Kennedy said. While layoffs at other agencies, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were reversed before Kennedy's testimony, that hasnt happened at NIH, CBS News said. NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya had reportedly called the layoffs mistakes that would be reversed. But several weeks later, the scientists have not received any official notice that their jobs will be saved. Other research groups were also affected. Layoffs hit NIH staff at the National Cancer Institute and the Office of Research Facilities. These teams helped maintain labs and oversaw safety, CBS News said. The cuts also gutted NIH's acquisitions office, which helps researchers get the supplies they need. Laid-off scientists at the CDC also spoke out. "Perhaps [Kennedy] is unaware that his RIFs [reductions in force] have gutted scientists and front-line public health workers at CDC, the very people he vowed to protect," one researcher said. More information The American Association for the Advancement of Science has more on federal funding cuts to medical research. SOURCE: CBS News, May 19, 2025 What This Means For You Layoffs of key NIH scientists may slow progress in brain research. President Donald Trump made the dismantling of the "American Empire" the initial objective of his first term. He appointed General Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor [1] and immediately eliminated the permanent seats of the CIA Director and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the National Security Council [2]. It was a bad move for him: the American imperialists joined forces with the Democrats against him, forcing him, within two weeks, to fire General Flynn, then launching all sorts of deceitful operations, including two impeachment proceedings, to accuse him of being a Russian agent in the White House. So, armed with extensive experience, he approached his second term, still with the same objective: to dismantle the "American Empire." This time, he only addressed the substance of the issue during his speech in Riyadh on May 13. After recalling his speech eight years ago, in the same room, during which he urged Muslim states to no longer support terrorist organizations [3], he called for trade to replace war. He denounced nation builders, neoconservatives, liberal NGOs, and other interventionists claiming to reform complex societies they themselves dont even understand to praise the vitality of the people of the broader Middle East. He declared: As I have shown time and again, I am ready to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even though our differences may be very deep. [] In recent years, far too many American presidents have been afflicted by the idea that it is our duty to examine the souls of foreign leaders and use U.S. policy to dispense justice in place of their sins. "[] "If the responsible nations of this region seize this moment, put aside your differences, and focus on the interests that unite you, then all of humanity will soon be astounded by what it will see here in this geographical center of the world, the spiritual heart of its greatest religions." But, off camera, it is in the courts that President Donald Trump is fighting to dissolve the organs of imperialism. For example, the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) hastily dismissed officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), especially those from the US Institute for Peace (USIP) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NRD), but is failing to clean up the very obscure Bureau of the Fiscal Service. First, Elon Musk was tasked with showing everyone that USAID is not the humanitarian aid agency it claimed to be, but a "criminal organization" (sic). It revealed $200 million in questionable overseas spending, including $1.5 million for Cuban opposition media, $2 million for a transgender comic strip in Peru, $2.1 million for the BBC in Libya, $8 million to buy subscriptions to Politico Pro, $10 million for meals for al-Qaeda-funded terrorist groups, $15.4 million for LGTBQI+ organizations, $20 million to produce an Iraqi version of "Sesame Street," $75 million for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and $150 billion aimed at building "an equitable world with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions" by 2030. Republican Senator Joni Ernst (Iowa) also revealed to Congress that the so-called humanitarian agency USAID had paid $1 million in Ukraine to a $300,000 to the Ukraine Pet Alliance, which sells dog collars, $148,000 to a pickle company, $319,000 to a meatpacking plant, and $89,000 to a vineyard. All the wording in these examples is shocking, but these are not, on the face of it, corruption cases, but rather cover-ups for covert actions, which is even more shocking. Following a complaint by Democracy Forward and Public Citizen Litigation Group on behalf of the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, Columbia District Judge Carl Nichols suspended the pending administrative leave of 2,200 USAID employees. He also ordered the temporary reinstatement of 500 agency employees already on administrative leave. The US and international response to the Trump administrations attempt to cut USAID budgets was coordinated by Nina Jankowicz, the former Biden administrations top censor, now based in London. According to Elon Musk, Jankowiczs work was funded by USAID, a claim she denies. Trump supporters have pointed out that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which provided the false "information" that allowed the impeachment proceedings against President Trump during his first term (UkraineGate), was a creation of USAID. Mediapart (France), Drop Site News and Reasonator (United States), Il Fatto Quotidiano (Italy), and Reporters United (Greece) were merely straw media outlets used, perhaps unwittingly, by USAID to disseminate the "information" the CIA wanted to make public. The dissolution of USIP and NED, however, was not possible. Indeed, these two agencies were created by President Ronald Reagan to publicly duplicate the actions of the CIA. They are therefore not under the control of the White House, but are autonomous legal entities, although their annual budgets are approved by Congress under the headings of the Departments of Defense and State. They are venture capital funds ostensibly dedicated to democracy. Just as NATO was officially created to fight communism, even though its first Secretary-General, Lord Ismay, avowed a completely different purpose, so too USIP and NED were officially created to empower those defending democracy against communism. But neither NATO nor USIP and NED were dissolved at the end of the USSR. Today, the military alliance and the two venture capital funds are nothing more than organs of Anglo-Saxon imperialism. This is why NATO is governed jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom, while USIP and NED have been incorporated into the Anglo-Saxon secret service alliance, the "Five Eyes" (Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). After the vast majority of their employees were fired, they successfully won their reinstatement in court. The reform, decided by DOGE, was deemed illegal and overturned by the courts. While President Donald Trump aimed to rid the world of them, neither the White House nor the Departments of Defense and State have the authority to dissolve them, regardless of the reality of their actions. Yet it has now been established that USIP and NED used their federal funds, appropriated by Congress, to interfere not only in the political life of foreign states, but also in that of the United States. For example, these venture capital funds contributed to the creation of the Digital Forensic Research Laboratory (DFRLab), which censored Americans who denounced the rigging of the 2020 presidential election. They also funded a British association, the Global Disinformation Index, which launched a global campaign to cut advertising revenues to media outlets fighting against "American imperialism," particularly pro-Trump US media. DOGE also attempted to penetrate the Bureau of the Internal Revenue Service. Structurally, this is an agency under the authority of the Treasury Department. White House employees should therefore have been able to enter it and seize the salary payment files of foreign political officials. The "American Empire" employs heads of state, ministers, congressmen, and other political leaders around the world to defend imperial interests before those of their countries. At least twenty French officials appear on this list. Their salaries are at least 7,500 euros. Surprise: initially, a magistrate barred the DOGE from accessing it on the grounds that the file also contains confidential information on US citizens. Subsequently, the DOGE obtained permission for only one of its members to view the file, but not to copy it, and was only authorized to take notes with a pencil. We will therefore have to wait a while to discover who the traitors are in each allied country. There are still other opaque structures of the "American Empire," such as the U.S. African Development Foundation, just a few dozen meters from the White House. This organization is independent of the administration but relies solely on federal funds. When DOGE tried to enter, a private security service, armed with weapons, dissuaded it. The imperialist opposition to the Trumpist revolution hasnt had its last word. It is dragging out presidential decisions until the next midterm elections, hoping they will be lost by the Trumpists. Until then, it is creating new structures to take over when the current Congress no longer votes for it. Visiting Instrumental Teacher (Singing) St Georges British International School is seeking an outstanding Singing teacher to provide individual lessons to a small number of pupils. Applicants must have a Partita Iva. The successful candidate will be offered a consultancy contract and will invoice the school for lessons given. Duties and Responsibilities Teaching and Learning Deliver outstanding Singing lessons on a one-to-one basis as required Attend meetings and school concerts as required Promote exemplary behaviour and a responsible attitude amongst all pupils at all times Be aware of and act upon all policies regarding safeguarding of children Ensure that all communication is acted upon appropriately and in a timely manner Be Responsible For All School Resources, particularly those in your care, reporting damage or loss to the appropriate authority within the school Pastoral Demonstrate professional curiosity in relation to each students wellbeing and welfare, and foster the personal and social developments of each student in their care in their care Actively promote the social, moral and cultural ethos of the school community Create an atmosphere of support by being aware of, and fully compliant with, all of the schools pastoral policies Be familiar with all the schools policies on Health and Safety and be proactive in ensuring the safety of all members of the school community at all times Promote exemplary behaviour and a responsible attitude amongst pupils Be aware of and act upon all policies regarding the safeguarding of children Professional Promote pride in the school among the pupil body through high standards of dress, behaviour and commitment Ensure that all communication is acted upon appropriately and in a timely manner Attend Student-Led Conferences, Assemblies and other school events during term time as the Principal may from time to time require Be responsible for all school resources, particularly those in your care, reporting damage or loss to the appropriate authority within the school Contribute to the virtual learning environment, the website, social media and publications in support of your work Foster a close partnership with parents, initiating contact in appropriate circumstances and ensuring that there is a record of this Carry out any reasonable professional request made by the Principal or Head of School Personal Skills The successful candidate will be: Enthusiastic and passionate about music An ambassador of St Georges at all times A role model in relation to the schools core values of Internationalism, Inclusivity and Excellence Enthusiastic and passionate about education with a sound understanding of UK best practice Reliable and respectful in their dealings with all members of the school community Flexible and adaptable to the varied demands of working in a world-class school environment Proactive in all aspects of school life Able to work both independently and collaboratively independently and collaboratively Creative and innovative across and beyond the curriculum Able to work successfully under pressure, with excellent organisational skills Reliable and respectful Able to demonstrate a positive and proactive attitude towards participation in professional development and the schools induction and professional review processes Able to present a professional image in line with the high expectations of St Georges A talented communicator A confident and competent user of IT in the classroom and for administrative purposes. Formal Qualifications / Experience A relevant degree from a university, conservatoire or college A certified teaching qualification (i.e. Qualified Teacher Status) A distinguished record of teaching A strong record of professional development How to Apply Reference Number: 250501 Application Deadline: Tuesday 3 June 2025, 4.00pm CEST Start Date: September 2025 Availability (full-time/part-time): Part-time Contract: Consultancy (Partita Iva required) We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please complete an online application form via www.stgeorge.school.it/staff/vacancies. Shortlisted candidates will have references taken up prior to interview. Supporting Statement The Supporting Statement is an instrumental part of our shortlisting process and should address and detail: the reason you are applying for the role, why you feel that you are a suitable candidate for the role to which you are applying, your skills and experience, and an explanation of any gaps in employment during your career. Additional Application Guidance The Education and Qualifications section of the application form must be completed in full (including grades obtained). References provided should always include your current employer. If you are currently working in education, please note that your first referee must be the Headteacher/Principal of the school that you are currently employed with. School Policies Applicants to St Georges should be familiar with the schools Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy available at www.stgeorge.school.it/policies. A copy of the Staff Code of Conduct and Whistleblowing Policy will be made available to shortlisted candidates. Conditional Offer of Appointment Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon the following: Verification of identity, qualifications and professional status A safeguarding check Receipt of at least three satisfactory references (one of which should be from your current or most recent Principal, Head of School or line manager) Verification of medical fitness (completion of a medical declaration) Social media screening Non-EU applicants will be required to produce their university transcript with courses taken and final grade of their first Degree. Remuneration Package details will be available to shortlisted candidates upon request. Equal Opportunities St George's is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed to a policy of treating all its employees and job applicants equally. Discrimination will not be made on the grounds of age, race, religion, disability, marital status, gender, re-assigned gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other basis. Italy set for pivotal referendums affecting citizenship and labour laws. Political tensions are mounting in Italy ahead of five upcoming referendums, including a landmark vote on easing the nation's citizenship rules, on 8-9 June. In order for referendum results to be valid in Italy, voter turnout needs to exceed 50 per cent, meaning that more than 25 million voters will need to cast their vote next month. The granting of the upcoming referendum on citizenship was the result of an online petition that surpassed its goal of half a million signatures, while the other four referendum questions relate to work. Italy's right-wing coalition government, which is not in favour of the referendums, is largely promoting abstention as a way to prevent the quorum from being reached, particularly on the citizenship question. Voter turnout in Italy for other abrogative referendums - which provide citizens with the chance to repeal existing laws - has been typically low in the recent past. Of Italy's last nine abrogative referendums over the last three decades, the quorum has been exceeded only once, in 2011, when a 54 per cent turnout led to the rejection of nuclear energy and the privatisation of water services. Citizenship referendum This referendum aims to halve the number of years of continual legal residence in Italy required for non-EU citizens to apply for Italian citizenship, cutting the current 10-year requirement down to five. This would make non-EU citizens eligible for Italian citizenship after five years of legal residency and, once obtained, the citizenship would automatically be passed to the citizen's children. Under the current legislation, which dates to 1992, non-EU nationals are required to be legally resident in Italy for 10 years before they can apply for citizenship, and children born in Italy to foreigners cannot apply for citizenship until they turn 18. Other referendums The other four referendum questions being put to the public vote in June include a push to abolish the Jobs Act, the labour reform implemented by the Renzi government in 2016. The proposed reforms include restoring stronger protections against unlawful dismissals, removing the cap on compensation for unfair dismissals in small businesses, reintroducing stricter regulations on fixed-term employment contracts, and increasing employer accountability for workplace safety. The campaign to hold these referendums was promoted by the CGIL trade union, with the support of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD), the populist Movimento 5 Stelle and the left-wing Greens and Left Alliance (AVS). Political debate Ignazio La Russa, a founding member of Meloni's right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party and president of the Italian senate, has openly invited voters to "stay at home". His call for voter abstention, particularly given his role as the holder of the second-highest ranking office in the state, prompted immediate backlash. La Russa's invitation to boycott the referendums was echoed by other senior members of the ruling coalition, including deputy premiers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, respectively leaders of the centre-right Forza Italia and the right-wing Lega. Last year Meloni dismissed the push for a referendum on citizenship, claiming that Italy already "has an excellent citizenship law" and that she didn't "see the need" to change the system. Backlash Riccardo Magi, leader of the centre-left +Europa party, who was the driving force behind the citizenship referendum, has publicly challenged Salvini to explain why he thinks the vote is "dangerous". Alleging a "lack of information and falsification of information", Magi told reporters on Monday: "When we say that the referendum on citizenship is dangerous, we say it because the theme of citizenship is associated with the theme of crime, insecurity, and the same happens with the theme of immigration." "When we talk about citizenship we are talking about regular people, legally resident, who are taxpayers in our country, who do not have criminal records, who are up to date with tax payments", Magi said. Calls from politicians to boycott the referendums have also been blasted by Maurizio Landini, head of the CGIL union, who said last week: "I find it totally dangerous and wrong to invite people not to go out and vote." Describing it as a "political mistake and very serious at an institutional level", Landini invited people to support the referendums, saying: "People's rights will be improved with this vote". Polling stations will be open across Italy on Sunday 8 June from 07.00 to 23.00, and on Monday 9 June from 07.00 to 15.00. Train strike set to affect rail services across Italy. Train passengers in Italy face disruption to rail services on Friday 23 May due to a 23-hour strike by railway workers employed by Ferrovie dello Stato, Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord. The nationwide strike, from 01.00 until 23.59 on Friday, was orginally scheduled for Saturday 17 May but was postponed due to the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The strike, which is set to affect train services across Italy, has been called by the USB and SGB trade unions to demand the renewal of a national collective labour agreement in the rail sector. The industrial action comprises two 23-hour protests by the SGB and USB as well as an eight-hour strike by the national assembly of Ferrovie dello Stato employees from 09.00 to 17.00. Trenitalia informs that from 1:00 am to 11:59 pm on Friday, May 23rd, due to a national strike, rail connections to and from Fiumicino Airport may experience delays or cancellations. More info: https://t.co/85pdpERspb pic.twitter.com/XHE3IxMClb Aeroporti di Roma (@AeroportidiRoma) May 22, 2025 Trenitalia warns that trains may be subject to cancellations or changes on Friday but recalls that essential services are guaranteed during strikes on weekdays, from 06.00 to 09.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00. A list of guaranteed rail services can be found on the websites of Trenitalia and Italo. Rail connections to and from Rome's Fiumicino airport may experience delays or cancellations. We update our news of transport strikes in Italy regularly. For official information about public transport strikes in Italy check the transport ministry website. Photo credit: Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock.com. Firefighters in Waterford are facing being removed from Local Authority housing lists due to a "staggering loophole", according to a local councillor. At the Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Councillor Eamon Quinlan spoke about the challenges facing firefighters, referring to it as a "staggering loophole" that impacts on emergency workers' families. He said: "If someone joins such emergency services and goes on the necessary training courses, for their own safety as well as the public who rely on them, they are naturally compensated financially for the additional work they are doing. "This is typically a once-off or at most requires retraining five or so years later. "This means if they join the Emergency Services, they will lose any years they have accrued. If they build up four to five years and are within touching distance of a home, they are removed and have to start all over again. They cannot have their years served reinstated." Cllr Quinlan continued: "Worse again, if they have a joint application with their husband, wife, partner as they have a family, even if their partner is compliant and not a member of the emergency services, they are removed also. They lose everything. He added: "This has flown under the radar for years and is a massive disservice to those in our community who dedicate themselves to the welfare of those around them, and are typically not well paid. "Their saving grace, their chance of a home through social housing, is now systematically cutting the legs out from under them every few years." National Policy Director of Services for Housing Helena Dennehy informed Cllr Quinlan that it was a policy that was not specific to Waterford, but nationally applied. Ms Dennehy noted that the loophole could only be closed through the Department of Housing. Cllr Quinlan stated: "I am thankful to local firefighters who brought this to my attention. This needs to be attacked from all sides. "I would hope public sector unions representing Emergency Workers would add this to their list of priorities when negotiating with the Government in the run up to this year's budget." He added: "I will be writing directly to the Minister for Housing asking for this policy to be rescinded and provide an exemption for workers in such circumstances. "I think if anyone were to take the State to court over something like this, the State could be on shaky ground as it naturally discriminates against a certain cohort of workers in Irish society." Friday was a signature day in the life of the Federal Court. The Full Court justices Nye Perram, Anna Katzmann and Geoffrey Kennett unanimously dismissed an appeal brought by former Special Air Forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who failed to overturn a landmark ruling that he had, on the balance of probabilities, committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith, who had previously lost his defamation case against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, also failed in his bid to get his appeal reopened after a secret recording about the case involving our reporter Nick McKenzie came to light. The court dismissed his application and in doing so created an apparent legal precedent: the first use of a poo emoji in a Federal Court judgment, according to our resident experts. Our questions to the Federal Court elicited this response: Paragraph 85 of the Roberts-Smith v Fairfax Publications Pty Limited (Reopening Application) judgment does include the emoji referred to below. The full judgment is published and can be viewed on our website, a media officer told CBD. Nicole Kidman says she doesnt see herself as a movie star. She is a character actor. Thats what we do. If youre employed to be a movie star, maybe thats a different thing, where they say, We just want you. But Ive never been employed for that. Ive always been chosen to create a character. And thats what I love doing. Thats why, as an Australian actor at drama school, you learn every accent possible because you know its going to be very rare that you use your own accent. You learn how to walk differently. You learn how to breathe differently. Nicole Kidman at the Kering Women in Motion Awards and Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. Credit: Getty Images Kidman, 57, was speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, where she was receiving an award from the annual Kerin Women in Motion event. She has been coming to Cannes, she calculates, for 32 years. When I first came here, it was with Far and Away. The next year, I came with To Die For. Two very different films! Many more have followed. In 2017, a banner year, she appeared in four festival films, including Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled, which won Coppola best director. At that time, only 4 per cent of directors in the United States were women. Kidman made a public commitment at the festival to make a film with a female director every 18 months. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size There have been countless eras, albums or gigs in the past half-century that have affirmed, to those in the scene or the room, that Melbourne is the centre of a musical universe. From the experimental Little Band scene of the late 70s to the career-phobic dolewave crowd 30 years later, we can look back now on cultural moments that felt intimate and local at the time that, in retrospect, were bona-fide movements. When you zoom in on the photos and check the faded stamps on wrists, you are likely to notice Chapter Musics Guy Blackman and Ben OConnor were in the room, nodding along from the corner or craning their neck to see a new band on stage. For a smallish indie label, as Blackman describes it, Chapter long ago cemented itself as a vital and prophetic wellspring for generations of Australian artists. It gave us the new sounds of Twerps, Clamm and Laura Jean. Its where multidisciplinary artist Darren Sylvester released his songs before the career retrospective that took over the NGV. Its also the imprint that encouraged post-punks Primitive Calculators to release a record 30 years after they disbanded, that gave Australian riot grrrl group Little Ugly Girls its due, and introduced a new generation to the collectivist mentality of Essendon Airport. I grew up listening to Gold 104 and I certainly thought Australian music meant one thing, says James Webster, the host of the NTS Radio show Great Southern Lands, which recently broadcast an episode dedicated to deep cuts from the Chapter archive. He says the label is able to tell a story about the [history of the] Melbourne underground and the Australian underground more broadly that weaves newer bands that are coming through. OConnor and Blackman at their Northcote home: I started the label basically to be able to document my immediate community, says Blackman. Credit: Simon Schluter But theres only so long you can define the sound of an underground before realities catch up to you. Thirty-three years since Blackman released his labels first compilation, Bright Lights, Small City (a teenager at the time, he needed a fake ID to get into the launch at a Perth pub), he and OConnor, his partner in work and life with whom hes run Chapter Music since 1995, will cease releasing new acts and albums on Chapter Music this year. Its not the end of the label theyll be applying all their energy to reissuing the kinds of forgotten and underappreciated releases that have, in part, defined Chapter but it is the end of an era. When I meet the pair at their townhouse bordering Merri Creek in Melbournes north, theyre eager to reflect on the past three decades, hype up the final new releases coming out of their busy warehouse, celebrate all that theyve done something their followers will join in on at their farewell party as part of Risings Day Tripper event in June and illustrate the reality for independent labels that meant this was their only option. Advertisement Weve always worked other jobs at the same time as doing Chapter, whether its DJing or teaching or music supervision or a bunch of different things, OConnor explains. But in the last few years, its become so much harder to maintain the balance. COVID was a line in the sand, they explain. After 15 years of working to set up international distribution and touring plans for artists and making people in the rest of the world feel like it was OK to take a gamble on an Australian band or pay attention to them, write about them, review them, Blackman says, by 2019 it all seemed to click. It was happening. The bands had their passports in hand and tours booked. Chapter won AIRs (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) best independent label award that same year. All the stuff wed worked towards was paying off. And then in 2020 the gates closed and the rest of the world became a lot further away again. The Goon Sax: the Brisbane trio were one of Chapters many indie success stories. Credit: Simon Schluter While a combination of JobKeeper and a parochial sentiment to support local! meant music fans were spending money on releases by indie labels like Chapter in ways theyd rarely seen Some of our records sold more copies through mail order than they ever had, Blackman marvels since then, the tyranny of distance has returned. There might be no better summation of Blackman and OConnors shared mission, Catholic tastes and devotion to Melbournes local music scene than Chapters final three new releases. OConnor heard genre-clashing rap duo Teether & Kuya Neil on 3RRR once and got super obsessed. They just released their debut album, Yearn IV, on Chapter, despite Blackmans initial concern that maybe theyre just going to think were weird old white guys, nerdy dags. Half the time I think Ive discovered a surprising and worthwhile new act, OConnor has probably beat me to the punch. Its crazy you go to any show in Melbourne and Guy and Ben are both there, agrees Webster. I spend a ridiculous amount of time searching for new music and its something Ive had since I was a kid, OConnor says, grinning. I have wondered before if its going to end, but I just dont think its ever going to. Advertisement Their infinite reservoir of energy and ear for new acts was typified by the night they discovered Npcede, an experimental and impressive noise act whose debut EP they just released. Blackman and OConnor were, in trademark fashion, triple-booked. There was something on at Capers and another show somewhere else, OConnor remembers of the night they happened to be at Npcedes first live show, at a friends birthday party. I have just never seen a band change the energy in the room the way that they did at that show, especially a band that has never played before. Within a minute into the first song, the entire room was this teeming, roiling mosh pit. We were standing on chairs and we just kept turning to each other, slack-jawed, like, holy f---. I think that night we started talking about it being the last new thing we ever do. Lets go out with a bang. Lets do something surprising and show that weve still got great ears. Guy Blackman, Chapter Music For one of their final releases to be one by a relatively unknown act, one whose sound challenges the idea that Chapter has any sonic biases towards, say, folk songwriters or jangly guitars, was an idea that tickled the label heads. Lets go out with a bang, Blackman says. Lets do something surprising and lets show that weve still got great ears. Loading Fittingly, its Blackmans new record, Out of Sight, that will be Chapters final release, and hell lead the line-up of artists at the Rising show. I started the label basically to be able to document my immediate community, which involved me and my own music, he says. He spent the past three years writing and recording his follow-up to 2008s Adult Baby, which features collaborators including Julien Gasc of Stereolab. After devoting his time and energy to other artists music for 30 years, this is a reminder for me personally that Im an artist too. Also, its a really incredible record, OConnor adds. Im really proud that thats the last thing were putting out. Advertisement Sitting in Blackman and OConnors living room, sharing a plate of pink lamingtons and Tim Tams on ceramic plates, were surrounded by the evidence of their cultural obsessions. There are the IKEA cube shelves crammed with vinyl, the likes of which they pull from to build their sets at music festivals such as Golden Plains, where theyre billed as DJ People. The hundreds of paperbacks outgrew the available bookshelves long ago and have assembled themselves into new stacks on the floor. On every flat surface is a piece of pottery in shimmering colours, matte glazes or cat shapes. I get a tour of their provenance, and the way OConnor describes the places and communities his vases emerged from is not unlike his descriptions of outsider musicians and underappreciated artists. The thing that unites the 1990s polka-dotted jug from the woman-run pottery store on Brunswick Street and the collection of songs by Andrew Wilson, who had fans in Robert Forster and ties to the Triffids, is that they all eventually found a safe landing at Chapter. There are few more nurturing, appreciative hands than Blackman and OConnors for art of any kind to end up in. The early chapters: Blackman and OConnor, circa 1996. Without their encouragement, Mindy Mapp, bassist in legendary Hobart punk band Little Ugly Girls, isnt certain their 2018 release wouldve even existed. They were one of our biggest champions even before they wanted to sign us. Before we even had considered making a record! she says. Without Chapter, I think bands like us would just fade away. A big part of the reissue stream of Chapter has been trying to redress that cultural amnesia Australia was really guilty of, Blackman says. Theres a bit less cringe [now]. Australias proud of a lot of the music it made back in the day that, for years, was just forgotten and neglected. I feel like weve helped in some ways. When he was a teenager in Perth, making fanzines and shopping at Dada Records, Blackman would clock the logo of a label like Creation or K Records on an unknown record sleeve and view it as a trademark of quality. Its the same experience weve all had over the past 33 years, of spotting Chapters logo once a cheerful book with eyes, whos been rebranded recently to also have squiggly ears and putting our trust and time and money and energy into the tastes of Blackman and OConnor. Australia can forget or erase its history a lot, even its very immediate history, OConnor says. I think weve tried to show another way of looking at the past. What were trying to do now is show another way of looking at the present. Advertisement Key chapters of Chapter Music Dick Diver, Calendar Days By the time this second record arrived, the jangly four-piece who had a fan in Courtney Barnett had typified the lo-fi dolewave sound and come to represent a distinct era in Chapters history. Twerps, Twerps With just one record, the infectious project originated by then-couple Martin Frawley and Julia MacFarlane would capture a sound as inherently Melbourne as the ding of a tram or the thunder of the MCG after a goal. The Goon Sax, Mirror II On their third and final record, the short-lived Brisbane trio outgrew the early Go-Betweens comparisons and cemented themselves as among our best contemporary pop acts. Little Ugly Girls, Little Ugly Girls Almost 30 years since the Tasmanian punks first performed alongside Fugazi and Bikini Kill, Little Ugly Girls painstakingly recovered these singular, blistering songs from a broken hard drive. Thank god. Laura Jean, Devotion Your favourite artists favourite artist. The Sydney songwriters work is beloved by a cadre of weird girl artists, among them Lorde, Caroline Polachek, Jenny Hval and Aldous Harding. Essendon Airport, Sonic Investigations of the Trivial The post-punk band fronted by David Chesworth, co-ordinator of the anarchist collective the Clifton Hill Community Music Centre, defined an era of experimental Melbourne music. Advertisement 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 Its been 30 years since Friends Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) burst into Central Perk for the first time, having just fled the altar, to join the rest of her eventual gang of twenty-something Gen Xers bemoaning their dating (and divorce) woes. And 13 years have passed since Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham), high on opium and cut off from the bank of mum and dad, declared she was the voice of [her] generation or at least a voice of a generation in the pilot of Girls. Now, almost right on cue, we have a show about the next generation of young New Yorkers who are Figuring It Out. Adults, a new eight-part comedy, follows five twenty-something friends sharing a (parents) house in Queens (no one this age can afford to live in Brooklyn any more, let alone the rent-controlled apartments Monica et al had in Manhattan). Our first impression of the crew? As co-creator Rebecca Shaw says, The cold open of the pilot is a man masturbating at the group on the subway, and Issa [Amita Rao] deciding to masturbate back at him to make this grand political statement. Australian actor Lucy Freyer stars as Billie in Adults. Credit: Pari Dukovic/FX Imagery But just as important to us, is the scene right after it. Issa is walking with her friends, completely embarrassed, saying, Was that bad? Was that crazy? And everyones reassuring her saying, No, that was amazing. Now lets go because you are going to get arrested. [The show is about] that symbiosis of those two parts of young adulthood: the discomfort of wading through something strange, and then knowing your friends will be there for you on the other side of it. That first episode also includes a friend getting molested at work and rocketing to stardom, prompting Billie (Australian actor Lucy Freyer) to Google, How to be the v of your g (voice of your generation) a winky reference to Dunhams iconic line. Advertisement We grew up on Friends, Seinfeld, Living Single and then Broad City and Girls, all of these friend group comedies, says Shaw, who created Adults with her longtime writing/romantic partner Ben Kronengold. Its our favourite genre of television. Adults creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images Loading Adds Kronengold: We bonded over it very early in our friendship and relationship. We were fans, but also students of the thing. Even the name, Adults, is kind of a homage to the genre. But that specific Girls reference, he says, isnt just a hat tip; it speaks to the Gen Z memeification of everything that has come before. Our generation has that media as part of our DNA and [it contributes to] the pressures we have about our own experiences in adulthood, he says. Billy would have watched those same shows that were talking about right now. Its hard to escape the language and media literacy of this time. In fact, when the show was pitched in 2021 it was titled Snowflakes a disparaging zeitgeist-y term that spoke to Gen Zs supposed heightened sensitivities. Advertisement Shaw and Kronengold, aged 29 and 28, are part of a growing group of zillennial creatives bringing stories about young adulthood to the screen. TikToks Benito Skinner has just released Overcompensating, which is based on his experiences hiding his sexuality in college, while Rachel Sennotts long-awaited HBO comedy about a codependent friend group is widely anticipated as a Girls successor. Amita Rao (right) stars as Issa in Adults. Credit: Pari Dukovic/FX Imagery But, despite their age, the duo behind Adults have some solid experience under their belts. The couple were hired as writers at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (the youngest in the shows history) shortly after leaving college, where their graduation speech a scripted bit about breaking up went viral. We learned how to write professionally, writing a million jokes just to get one on screen, Shaw says. After two-and-a-half years with Fallon, they pitched their idea Big Mouth in live-action for your early 20s to Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, The League), who now serves as the shows executive producer. Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold on the set of their comedy Adults, with director Jason Woliner. Big Mouth [which follows a group of young teenagers through puberty and is ending this month] came out when we were in college, and it was so formative for us, Kronengold says. We were like, This is the filthiest show weve ever seen, and yet were crying at a dick joke. Advertisement Shaw adds: Nick is such a genius at combining all of that horrifying vulnerability of a specific time of life with a lot of art and a lot of joy Hes really taught us how to find the warmth and the humanity within the raunch. Naturally, the pair have a lot of love for the characters theyve created. And not just because theyve very much borrowed from the lives of real people they know. The stars of Adults (from left): Amita Rao as Issa, Lucy Freyer as Billie, Malik Elassal as Samir, Jack Innanen as Paul Baker and Owen Thiele as Anton. At its core, I think Adults is a love letter to our generation and to our friends, Shaw says. Loading What weve found is people are deriving meaning from a lot of different places these days. And it doesnt mean that theyre any more apathetic [a common stereotype of Gen Z], but it does mean theyve taken a critical look at what gives them pleasure and what they derive purpose from. Anton [Owen Thiele] has a high-powered, well-paying job But hes struggling romantically. Billy [Freyer] thought she was a careerist, but then shes suddenly trying to find another big answer to her 20s. Samir [Malik Elassal] couldnt care less. He just wants to go to the park and cant believe that hes not 12 any more. Advertisement We see all of those POVs on adulthood represented in our friends, and we wanted to see them on screen as well. Much of this particularly for Billie comes to a head in the shows sixth episode, which stars New York it girl Julia Fox playing herself, and is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi. Fox is a real delight, with Kronengold revealing many of her lines were improvised including one psychotic burn I wont spoil. But the heart of it, from Toossis script, revolves around a chaotic dinner party. Loading Billies desperate attempt to cook a roast chicken recalls Rachel Green making a trifle with beef and onions and Hannah Horvath preparing organic pad thai for her best friends ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. As specific as the experiences are, the feeling of striving for a more evolved version of yourself is universal. Theres a reason why people keep making these shows, Shaw says. Advertisement As my generation saunters into ageing, we dont do it as adults, so much as like eternal teenagers. I realised this while lining up for the toilet after seeing the latest Led Zeppelin documentary at IMAX an endless queue of pre- and post-prostate men, aged 50 to 70, desperate to get to the urinal after a two-hour film. The audience was mostly men. The youngest were maybe 35 or 40, apart from a few in their 20s the pride of their fathers. An X-ray of Fotis Kapetopoulos chest after he had a pacemaker installed. I dont mind getting old less pressure to be anything or anyone. And this isnt some self-help or positive affirmation stance I just care less and less about stuff, and thats good. I am moving closer to mortality, and I try to avoid nostalgia nostos (home) and algia (illness), literally the sickness of longing for home. Often, a longing for a place that never really existed in ones past. Like being a veteran of Vietnam films. It is hardly news to learn that Climate 200 founder and godfather of the teal movement Simon Holmes a Court has made a political donation. But it is when that donation turns out to be to a Liberal MP. Simon Holmes a Court: Good luck attracting talent to join the party after this debacle. Credit: Kristoffer Paulsen First some background: Holmes a Court, son of Australias first billionaire, Robert Holmes a Court, used to be a Liberal Party supporter and fundraiser until a major beef with Josh Frydenberg over an oped Holmes a Court wrote in The Guardian supporting the closure of a coal-fired power station. Holmes a Court then swiftly exited Kooyong 200, a Liberal fundraising unit, and founded Climate 200, which supercharged the whole teal movement at the 2022 election. The rest, as they say, is political history, including Frydenberg, who lost his seat of Kooyong to teal candidate Monique Ryan. So we can be forgiven for thinking that the $500 donation in Holmes a Courts name to a GoFundMe page set up for former Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto to help pay legal costs after his defamation case against fellow Liberal MP Moira Deeming was just a troll having fun. In the hope of helping to prevent others from falling victim to scammers who target their own loved ones, a leading criminologist has dissected his chilling behaviour, questioning if hes even capable of becoming a better person. But those hes hurt think of the private jets, top-shelf champagne and $600 dinners he enjoyed with stolen money and false identities, fearing he may never truly want to change. After admitting to collectively scamming at least a dozen victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, he claimed he is trying to change and wants to warn others not to be deceived by someone like him. In a rare confession, he gave this masthead exclusive insight into his dark mind and explained how he lived a life of lies and deceit. At just 25 years of age, the French-born Australian has spent time in jail for manipulating his then-partner into lending him $130,000 with a false bank document and an empty promise of repayment. Dubbed the Playboy Swindler , he used dating apps as his hunting ground. Yeah, the convicted con artist replied. I think I have those tendencies. David Prince-Popovich was asked if his ex-boyfriend, who once described him as the love of his life, was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. At the time, I dont think I did feel anything, he said. Ever since he could remember, Prince-Popovich had held a very narcissistic trait. Its hard for me to stop something Ive been doing my whole life, and I find myself doing it without even knowing. I think Ive hurt a lot of people in my time, and its not something Im proud of and I need to own up to it, he said. Prince-Popovich sat down in the interview chair, cleared his throat and, when asked who he was, replied: A convicted fraudster. Analysing a two-hour interview with Prince-Popovich, conducted by this Herald journalist, she said his childhood trauma could certainly be impactful but that he displayed innate behavioural traits of a lack of guilt, sympathy and remorse. While he claims fear of abandonment has driven most of his crimes, an associate professor of criminology at Central Queensland University, Xanthe Mallett, had her doubts. Seeking approval, he would lie about his familys wealth to be liked. He described being placed in foster care in both countries. His adoptive mother, however, said he was sent to France to live with relatives to address his troubling behaviour. His manipulation began during childhood. Born in France, his mother died in a car crash when he was a toddler. His aunt adopted him and the family moved to Australia. I could build relationships with people, and then discard it and discard them, and still be able to sleep at night. And I dont think I could any more. Watching him speak, Mallett said his soft voice and contrived expressions suggested he was performing again. Prince-Popovich said he had been diagnosed with depression, but no personality disorder. Both terms, she said, refer to people with anti-social personality disorders who do not generally feel empathy, remorse, love or guilt. The difference is that sociopaths are generally more reactive, impulsive and unpredictable, whereas psychopaths are more premeditated, manipulative and superficially charming. Though her assessment was not a formal one, Mallett described seeing traits of a non-violent sociopath or psychopath. This is a man who hasnt just told small lies ... hes done really extravagant things and he knows right from wrong. People with trauma can have problems in later life, but that doesnt excuse his behaviours, she said. Everywhere that I moved to, I did the same thing. Same stories, but different. I was lying to multiple different people to make up for lies that Ive told someone else, he said. In a frank admission, Prince-Popovich described his life as a pyramid scheme. I think hes very good at playing a part. I havent believed a word that hes said. From what I know of him, hes charismatic and fun thats how he conned people. Thats not the man were seeing here, she said. Prince-Popovich is a serial fraudster and says he wants to own up to his past mistakes. Credit: Steven Siewert It became second nature apparently not done for the thrill. Each new lover or friend would hear the recycled claim of having a multimillion-dollar French trust fund, backed by fake bank balances shown on his phone and fed with stolen money that funded luxurious holidays on jets and helicopters. Among the cruellest of his scams was convincing then-partner Ben Madden to send him $130,000 for a legal battle with an ex-boyfriend. He faked a $500,000 bank balance to prove he could repay Madden from the trust fund. Madden eventually realised the repayments were not coming. Prince-Popovich was later jailed for a maximum of 12 months. Prince-Popovich lived an extravagant life filled with unexplained wealth. Credit: Instagram Reflecting, he said he felt terrible, but he also added that Madden helped [him] spend the money. Asked if he loved Madden, he said he did not. Pressed on whether this was his biggest scam, he replied: I wouldnt consider that a scam. Yes, I deceived him and lied to him. Mallett said this phrasing spoke volumes. Hes played the victim, she said. He has tried to blame some of [his victims] make them seem complicit in some of this. And hes denying the seriousness or even that some of these are scams when they clearly are. Another former lover, whom Prince-Popovich said was right to call him a narcissistic sociopath, recalled the shattering moment he discovered Prince-Popovich had applied for a $20,000 loan application in his name when a notification appeared in the corner of his laptop screen while they lived together. It wasnt the only application made without his knowledge. Clare Sibthorpe and David Prince-Popovich. Credit: Steven Siewert Prince-Popovich said he remembered that moment and it was hard to reflect on. I think theres been a lot of opportunities in my life that could have changed my life for the better, but Ive somehow stuffed it up. Fortunately, the loans were cancelled before any serious damage was caused. He admitted not knowing how much more he might have tried to take if he had not been caught. Mallett was unconvinced of his remorse. Somehow he managed to stuff up by putting in false loan applications, she said. Thats not an error, its not a slip. Its an intentional act to defraud someone he is saying he cares deeply for. So hes making out like he doesnt really know how it happened, but actually, he knows exactly how it happened. Clare Sibthorpe and Xanthe Mallett. Credit: Edwina Pickles Prince-Popovich compared himself to the Netflix show Inventing Anna. The series is inspired by the true story of Anna Sorokin, who impersonated a German heiress and conned New Yorks social elite out of millions. I had some similarities the jets, the lying to people, extravagant vacations, trust funds. For years, he even claimed he was a pilot, dressing the part with a Qantas lanyard and epaulettes he bought online. Many of his lies were always going to unravel. Thats why his relationships always had an end date eventually they would crumble, and he would disappear, moving on to the next target. He would not meet people intending to steal from them, he said, but the relationship became manipulative. He admitted he had hidden his true self with the majority, if not all people who had loved him. What would he call his biggest scam? Faking transactions to appear to pay for a $30,000 private jet trip with a group of new friends. It was thought out and planned [but] it wasnt well thought-out, either, Prince-Popovich said. In a way, I was bound to get caught for it. And I think I was just living in the moment. I think I was just living in the moment: David Prince-Popovich. Credit: Steven Siewert Post-jail, his dishonesty continued. In early 2023, he offered $860,000 for a house in Launceston, Tasmania. He sent a receipt as proof of sending the $50,000 deposit to the real estate agent, but cancelled the transfer minutes later. For several weeks, Prince-Popovich gave endless excuses for why the deposit had not landed in the agents account. Just days before settlement, he became uncontactable, costing the owner tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost rental earnings. I definitely deceived the real estate agent by cancelling that transfer [and] by agreeing to enter into a contract to begin with, he said. Why did he do it? Not sure, he said. Then, in September 2023, he was extradited to Sydney over more fraud charges, including a $5000 unpaid boat party in Sydney Harbour. Two peculiar twists followed: former Queensland premier Rob Borbidge paid $8000 in legal fees to help him, and Prince-Popovich claimed to prison staff that he had leukaemia. Borbidge said he was trying to mentor a troubled young man and was not aware of the full extent of Prince-Popovichs criminal history. David Prince-Popovich (right) posing with former Queensland premier Rob Borbidge at the National Party federal council in September 2024. Credit: Instagram Asked about when he was diagnosed with cancer, Prince-Popovich said: Mid-2023, no, the end of 2024, I think. It was before prison. In April last year, a Queensland magistrate said he had told the court he could not travel to that state to face other outstanding fraud charges because he was receiving treatment for leukaemia. However, he told this masthead he had never received chemotherapy and his leukaemia is at stage one a watch and act type thing. When asked for proof of his leukaemia diagnosis, he merely sent referrals for tests and scans. Prince-Popovich was adamant he had not lied about cancer to avoid court, saying there were other reasons he could not appear and would not be gaining anything from claiming that. Oh my God, Im not Belle Gibson. However, he admitted lying about cancer before, crying in former colleagues arms about his adoptive mothers terminal cancer and pretending she died just to get time off work. She was alive and well. A mea culpa and The Boy Who Cried Wolf The scammers second stint in custody, about a month spent on remand in late-2023, was, he said, the wake-up call he needed. I know I do wrong things, but until I am arrested and extradited and put in jail, it really doesnt sink in, he said. Prince-Popovich said reading this mastheads earlier article exposing his crimes deepened this epiphany. I do have a lot of sleepless nights these days, and Ive never felt like that before, he said. Ive never felt guilty about hurting anyone before. But I need to change, and my actions need to stop. Until recently, there was a warrant out for Prince-Popovichs arrest in Queensland over fraud charges dating to 2021. Weeks ago, he was arrested in Cairns, and those charges are proceeding through the courts. Asked why anyone should believe he is trying to change, he said he has everything to lose and nothing to gain by speaking out and admitting to things Ive been doing my whole life. I think I needed to do this to be able to move on and be able to be better. I think Im more afraid of myself than anything else: David Prince-Popovich. Credit: Steven Siewert But Mallett believed he did have things to gain: sympathy and a chance to counter negative publicity. There may be some truth in his desire to turn over a new leaf, she said, but it should be taken with a heavy dose of scepticism as leopards fundamentally dont change their spots. Despite insisting he wants to change, Prince-Popovich admitted uncertainty about whether his narcissistic tendencies could ever be cured. I think when its as severe as what Ive been demonstrating ... I dont know. Im hoping it is, but its really hard, he said. And does he trust himself? Absolutely not I think Im more afraid of myself than anything else. That self-fear was a far cry from the charming and confident mask he wore for his victims, one that made his true colours dangerously difficult to detect. Even the most intelligent people could be deceived by those with extreme personalities, Mallett said, but there were usually red flags. David Prince-Popovich. Credit: Steven Siewert Often, many stories wont add up. Even Prince-Popovich conceded that pathological liars struggle to keep up with their web of lies. Mallett said instead of genuinely feeling certain emotions, some people may mirror what they see in others. If you get that sense that their expressions are not matching their words then listen to your instincts, she said. Loading While cautioning people against being wary of everyone they meet, Mallett urged them to do some digging if they felt something isnt quite right. For so long, Prince-Popovichs way with words helped him excel as a master manipulator. Actions speak louder, he said, vowing he would eventually prove his intent to be better. Has he at least begun to change? I wouldnt say Im living an honest life because theres still stuff out there. I need to fix everything else first, and maybe in a few years I can respond yes to that. But, like the boy who cried wolf, he may face an enduring challenge. Liars are rarely believed, even when they speak the truth. More on David Prince-Popovichs confession and Malletts analysis can be viewed exclusively on Nines A Current Affair on Tuesday at 7pm. Two women who unsuccessfully sued a dog owner and a pet detective for linking them to the disappearance of a puppy have been ordered to pay $660,000 in legal costs in a case that would have netted no more than $15,000 if they had won. Judge Judith Gibson determined that the defendants were entitled to costs on an indemnity basis, which covers about 80 to 90 per cent of a winning partys legal bill, after veterinarian Ainslee Munro and agronomist Lauren Marchant failed at the first hurdle in their defamation claim namely, to identify what they were suing over or establish that anyone had read it. Agronomist Lauren Marchant (left) and veterinarian Ainslee Munro (centre) outside the NSW District Court in October. Credit: Janie Barrett But they would have failed anyway, the judge found, because they did steal the dog. Its a lay-down misere, Gibson told the plaintiffs legal representative at a costs hearing in the NSW District Court last month. Labor minister Mark Butlers expanded portfolio of health, disability and ageing will put him in charge of about $220 billion in annual government spending more than a quarter of the federal budget. After flying across the country alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the election campaign, Butlers elevated role will require him to jump straight into tense negotiations with states and territories over a new system that must take pressure off the ballooning National Disability Insurance Scheme. After playing a lead role in the campaign, Health, Disability and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler will control more than a quarter of the federal budget. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This foundational support system was supposed to start in July, but a deal is yet to be struck. Butler will need to help design this new scheme while pushing through major changes as minister for health and aged care: he has promised to restore GP bulk-billing rates to 90 per cent by pumping billions more money into Medicare, and update aged care funding to prepare for Australias ageing population. West Australian Premier Roger Cooks cabinet attended a mid-week dinner at Kerry Stokes Jutland Parade mansion last year. According to sources familiar with the event but not authorised to speak publicly, the entire cabinet was invited and most attended the dinner in the middle of December. WA Premier Roger Cook, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and businessman Kerry Stokes during The West Australians Leadership Matters Breakfast in April. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Stokes mansion is located on one of the most expensive streets in the country, known colloquially as millionaires row due to it being home to some of WAs wealthiest, including Stokes and mining magnate Gina Rinehart. The dinner was billed as a thank-you for the governments taxpayer-funded donations to Stokes Telethon charity. The most important and sensitive part? Trump agreed that the emirates could buy the cutting-edge computer chips made by Americas Nvidia that are powering the global revolution in artificial intelligence. The UAEs ambition is to become a leading global powerhouse in AI, the fastest-growing field of tech investment. Its so sensitive that some of Trumps officials reportedly dissented, complaining that it risked the loss of one of Americas few remaining technological advantages. The AI edge could leak from the UAE to Americas greatest rival, China, they feared. Washington bans the sale of the top-line chips to China. Trump signed the deal anyway. President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan talk in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Credit: AP The Wall Street Journal reported this deal as a coup for Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has fewer citizens than the population of West Virginia. But an agreement to give the UAE coveted access to millions of the most advanced chips from Nvidia shows that the tiny, oil-rich Gulf monarchy knows how to play a clever economic game in the age of Trump. The UAEs neighbour, Saudi Arabia, has announced a similar ambition to build an AI zone, supplied by Nvidia chips. What does any of this have to do with Australia? First, the potential for China to conduct effortless sabotage of the US power grid shows that there is an accelerating need for nations to establish trusted supply chains for sensitive goods especially now that a new global supply chain is about to be constructed for AI. The global market for AI infrastructure is worth around $US450 billion, according to Frank Holmes of US Global Investors. Australia is in prime position to be part of a trusted supply chain. The Biden administration listed Australia in the category of most-trusted nations. Second, the UAE play shows that a fast-moving country can stake a claim to an industry that, to now, has been restricted largely to just three territories the US, China and Taiwan. And the moment is ripe for Australia, too, according to the official who led US tech security policy in Joe Bidens White House, Tarun Chhabra. He was in Australia around the time of the federal election and observes: I was struck by the sense of urgency and opportunity after the Australian election if not now, when? for critical decisions at the nexus of technology policy and China policy. The Albanese government is well-placed to seize the moment, he says. Theres a healthy debate in Australia, as in many countries, about what sort of AI regulation to pursue. That is, of course, important. But there is also an opportunity to develop a strategy for growth and AI adoption, and attracting leading AI firms, especially US firms, he tells me. AI has crossed a key threshold. It was a subject of fascination in 2023 when ChatGPT was launched, he says. It was look at what the chatbot can do! And now? We are into the industrial application phase now. We could see in 2027-28 models as capable as the best humans in many fields of knowledge. Australian companies are alert to AIs potential for boosting productivity. The Tech Council of Australias annual survey shows that AI is the defining technology trend for 67 per cent of tech leaders. The council estimates that AI has the potential to create 200,000 jobs and $115 billion in economic value in Australia over the next five years. I think theres an opportunity for a national-level strategy to promote Australia as a hub for AI, to recruit talent especially now that the US is repelling skilled talent more than attracting it as well as to build infrastructure and attract leading companies developing AI models and industrial applications, says Chhabra, formerly the US National Security Council Coordinator for Technology and National Security. Loading And then theres also the national security layer an opportunity to adopt frontier AI in the defence and intelligence establishment, and also to attract leading defence industrial base firms that are software-centric and, increasingly, AI-centric. Chhabra, an adviser to the Garnaut Global consultancy founded by Australias John Garnaut and also advising the US AI start-up firm Anthropic, cites another Australian advantage the domestic superannuation sector with its $4 trillion in funds. Theres an opportunity for democratic capital to seize this window as we see transformative technology emerging, he said. What capital and what energy can be mobilised? Australias energy potential is enormous, and its geopolitical risk is lower. Historically, the eastern corners of Europe are not where we expect democracy to be staunchly defended. But this weekend, there was a dramatic finale to a chaotic six months of Romanian politics, with a centre-left candidate winning the two-round election battle. Last November, the highest court in Romania annulled the results of the first round of voting in the 2024 presidential election after allegations came to light of Russian interference to support a pro-Moscow candidate. When the first round of voting was run again earlier this month, another right-wing provocateur, George Simion, took the lead, and many believed Romania was reflecting gains by far-right parties in Germany and Italy and headed further to the right. Nicusor Dan won the Romanian presidential election. Credit: Getty Images And yet, in this past weekends final round, Romanians chose Nicusor Dan, the centre-left mayor of Bucharest, who has made a name for himself battling corruption in the capital city. Compared with Simion, who modelled himself after Hungarys authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban, and called himself a natural ally of Donald Trump (he attended Trumps inauguration alongside Orban), Dan became the rallying point for a Romania that looks west to democratic allies across Europe. From 12 to 16 May 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from the Customs Cooperation Fund/Germany (CCF/Germany), successfully conducted a National Workshop on Rules of Origin for the Customs Administration of the Indirect Taxation Authority of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening the technical capacity and operational knowledge of Customs officials, particularly in light of the ongoing transition between the 2012 and 2023 versions of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin (PEM Convention). It provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, fostering regional collaboration, and promoting harmonized application of origin procedures across the country. In his opening remarks, Mr. Branko Dujmovic, Head of the Department for Tariff, Value and Origin, emphasized the importance of the workshop as a forum for knowledge-sharing, practical learning, and professional development. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the WCO and the CCF/Germany for their continued support in enhancing Customs capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The five-day workshop brought together eighteen (18) experienced mid- to senior-level Customs officials from the four regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina Customs of Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Mostar. Designed to expound the guiding principles of application of rules of origin and blend these with discussions on their real-world application, the workshop addressed key topics, including origin determination including the concepts of absorption, cumulation and tolerance, preferential and non-preferential rules of origin, advance rulings, certification and verification procedures, and best practices for addressing origin irregularities. Particular emphasis was placed on the role that the uniform application of Rules of Origin plays in facilitating trade, as Customs delivers on its commitments to efficiency, security, and prosperity of BiH. The sessions, which combined expert-led presentations, case studies, and interactive group discussions, deepened the participants' understanding and shared experiences, leading to the identification of areas where divergences existed in the application of rules of origin provisions and procedures across different regions. By the end of the workshop, these divergences had been discussed and culminated in the development of a harmonised application roadmap, which was proposed to the Head of Department for Tariff, Value and Origin for implementation. Participants also visited the Banja Luka Customs Office, where they observed firsthand how origin provisions are applied in routine clearance operations, an experience that underscored the value of integrating policy and practice. Closing the workshop, Mr. Dujmovic, Head of the Department for Tariff, Value and Origin, commended the participants for their dedication, professionalism, and active engagement throughout the week. He reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to addressing the identified inconsistencies and promoting a unified approach to origin procedures. Reflecting on the achievements of the five-day workshop, he also encouraged continued collaboration among regional offices to build on its momentum. For more information, please contact: ori@wcoomd.org If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit The number of Gardai in Mayo has fallen by 4.5%. The Chief Superintendent for the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Garda District revealed the worrying statistic at last week's meeting of Mayo County Council. Chief Supt Ray McMahon conceded that manpower is an issue in the county. However, he commented that 25 officers have also been transferred into Mayo in recent years. The Chief Supt said there is a significant number of Gardai seeking to move to Mayo but they need to be replaced in their current stations before any transfers can take place. Chief Supt McMahon said he was hopeful that this would eventually lead to more Gardai joining the ranks in Mayo. Chief Supt McMahon delivered an overview of crime in the county with a 19% crime rate reduction last year. He said there has been a concerted effort to try and reduce the number of road deaths in the county. There have been seven road deaths in Mayo so far in 2025, one less than the same period last year. However, he said he fears the high number of speeding detections in Mayo seems to indicate that the [road safety] message is not getting through". Chief Supt McMahon said there had been a 75% reduction in burglaries in the past year. He attributed this dramatic drop-off to a successful Garda operation which has led to a number of arrests. The Chief Supt said burglary gangs from both inside and outside Mayo had been targeting homes and businesses in the county. Chief Supt McMahon appealed to any individuals or families who are the victims of drug-related intimidation to come forward and seek assistance. He said 11 cases of drug-related intimidation have been reported to Gardai in Mayo over the past five years, but he believes the true number of incidents is considerably under-reported". Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Loftus urged Garda management to consider making Mayo a stand-alone division as the county is too vast to be amalgamated with Roscommon and Longford. The future of policing in Ireland is not working in rural areas, said Cllr Loftus, adding that Mayo is worrying under-resourced. The number of people retiring versus the number of people joining the force is frightening. The numbers are the crucial thing and we have to get more Gardai down to the west of Ireland, said Cllr Loftus. Cllr Harry Barrett said Gardai in Mayo are doing their best with limited resources but warned that morale is low. Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed that the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project remains on schedule for completion in the third quarter of 2027, with 179 million already spent of the overall 462 million budget. This major infrastructure project involves the construction of approximately 34km of new single-carriageway road. The route will extend from the western end of the existing N5 Ballaghaderreen bypass to the townland of Scramoge in Co Roscommon, bypassing Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk, and Strokestown. Following his engagement with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Minister Dillon confirmed that construction, being carried out by Foxford-based firm Wills Bros Ltd, is progressing well and will continue over its anticipated four-year period. Works are currently on schedule and the road is expected to open in late 2027, Minister Dillon said. The 179 million spent to date has covered planning and design, land acquisition, archaeological works, and early-stage construction activities. The Fine Gael Minister added: This is a landmark investment for Mayo, Roscommon, and the wider Western region. The project will bring long-term economic benefits through improved road safety, reduced journey times, and enhanced regional connectivity. Importantly, by diverting heavy goods traffic from town centres, the scheme will improve the quality of life for communities along the corridor and support local business and tourism, he added. Minister Dillon also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing further regional transport projects such as the N17 Knock to Collooney road and the development of the Western Rail Corridor. Funding of 5.6m will provide a significant boost for Ireland West Airport Knock under the Regional Airports Programme, said Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Alan Dillon TD. Combined funding of nearly 8m to support eligible regional airports in Donegal (0.3m), Kerry (1.8m) and Ireland West Airport (Knock) was announced today. Minister Dillon said: Ireland West Airport allocation of 5.6 million under the Regional Airports Programme will contribute towards capital investment in safety and security as well as the installation of a solar PV farm at the airport. This reflects an increase of 2m on last years allocation. It will also progress further the Aerodrome Fire Training Centre and Electrical Infrastructure upgrade project at Ireland West Airport, Knock. Minister Dillon added: I am pleased to confirm that the funding allocated to Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) will support a range of critical infrastructure and sustainability projects, including: - Upgrades to security systems - Development of updated Air Traffic Control (ATC) charts - Enhancements to electrical infrastructure - Establishment of an Aerodrome Fire Training Centre - Installation of a Solar PV farm - Procurement of an electric hi-loader - Acquisition of an electric Ground Power Unit (GPU) - Introduction of an electric ambulift - Replacement of the ATC engineering vehicle - Improvements to Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems (AGLS) - Progression to Level 4 of the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme "While many of these initiatives incorporate environmental benefits, several are specifically focused on advancing sustainabilitymost notably, the development of a Solar PV farm at the airport. "This investment underscores the Governments strong commitment to supporting our regional airports, which play a vital role in promoting tourism and sustaining local employment. The funding ensures that Knock Airport has the resources it needs to continue delivering essential services. With a busy summer season ahead, the airport is well-positioned to welcome a high volume of visitors. Achill Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist with the medical evacuation of a casualty from Clare Island yesterday afternoon (Monday, May 19). The all-weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody launched at 1.20pm with under the command of Coxwain, Dave Curtis and volunteer crew, Stephen McGreal, Thomas Ruddy, Orlagh Blake-Dillon and Ivan Swarbrigg. The journey to Clare Island took just 15 minutes in flat calm sea conditions and glorious sunshine. On arrival at the port in Clare Island, the casualty was assessed by the crew, taken onboard the lifeboat and brought to Roonagh Pier for onward transfer to hospital by the awaiting National Ambulance Service (NAS). The lifeboat and her crew then made their return to Achill Island, arriving back at the station at 4pm. Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ciaran Needham, said: Our volunteer crew are always happy to respond to a call for help from Clare Island, particularly during this busy season as tourists visit the island. We wish todays casualty a speedy recovery. READING, Pa. During Reading City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night, council learned that a new bus service will be providing transportation from Reading to Philadelphia. Alan Piper, senior transportation planner for the Berks County Planning Commission, attended the meeting to give council an overview of current and future road transportation projects throughout the county. During his presentation, Piper announced that earlier in the day that the Reading Area Transportation Study, or RATS, received word that a new bus will begin service to Philadelphia later this month. Piper said the company FlixBus will begin the service and operate in conjunction with BARTA and South Central Transit to use the same bus bay in its facility that the Amtrak service had been using. Amtrak discontinued its connection bus service between Reading and Philadelphia in March. "Their performance measures weren't necessarily reflective of the needs of the community," Piper said. "They were looking at trying to tie people to their train service." Council President Donna Reed, who is also a member of the RATS coordinating committee, said FlixBus is a global company based in Munich, Germany, and provides 120,000 daily connections throughout Europe. FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus, acquired Greyhound Lines in 2021. "The fact that we're on their radar screen is, I think, pretty terrific," Reed said. "Hopefully, thats an indicator of outreach marketing and economic development." No information is yet available on the specific service in Reading, but Reed urged residents to look at the FlixBus website. Piper said it was mentioned in the RATS meeting that there might be some discussion about airport-to-airport service from Reading Regional Airport to Philadelphia International Airport. 0:23 OurBus now offering Reading to Philadelphia service Buses depart and arrive at Fifth and Penn streets in Reading. Piper noted that there is also a company known as OurBus that is also currently running a service to Philadelphia, but said he did not know any details about the schedules. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Construction is well underway to get the Five 10 Flats in Bethlehem back in working order. Two and a half weeks after a massive fire shot through the roof, the City of Bethlehem says it could still be a while before businesses reopen or tenants can come back home. Residents displaced by Bethlehem fire may have to wait to go home, officials say Following a four-alarm fire at Five 10 Flats, Bethlehem officials say they don't yet know the extent of the damage and exactly how long until residents can return. "It really is something that is unusual for the magnitude of it," Linda Rentschler, Executive Director of the nonprofit, Humanitarian Social Innovations, said. "Their struggle is going to be several months," John Schall, who owns El Jefe's Taqueria, said. Schall's is one of those businesses connected to the apartments, shuttered by the fire. He says insurance has his 40-some employees covered while they wait to reopen. But three other businesses and their employees were also shut down. And 135 people were left to find other shelter for the foreseeable future. "And when we found out that, you know, they were going to need to find longer-term housing, that's when we said, 'hey, some of these people probably don't have insurance and other things, you know, and there is going to be a need,'" Derek Wallen said. Wallen owns or co-owns five businesses in the Lehigh Valley, most in South Bethlehem. And one of them, Country Club Brewing, is just within view of the Five 10 Flats. "Other community members, reached out to me and said, 'How can I help?'" Wallen said. Wallen created a way to help others help the community by founding Neighbors in Need. You can donate or apply for relief, if you've been affected by the fire, here. And to make the impact immediate, Wallen joined forces with Humanitarian Social Innovation, an already-established nonprofit. "That means that he can very quickly start to function like a large nonprofit," Rentschler, the nonprofit's executive director, said. It's a way to get folks what they need, now. "It's a testament to the sort of, the kind of community that Bethlehem is," Schall said. In addition to the relief fund, Neighbors in Need will hold a community benefit at Wallen's Country Club Brewing on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Wallen says the family-friendly event will have face painting, a bubble station, outdoor games, vendors, raffles and more. It's free to attend and a portion of all proceeds made will go to the relief fund. What time do polls open and close Tuesday in Pa.? All the information you need for primary Election Day 2025. Click the photo and watch the video. *As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. *Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. *China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for "China Travel" continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 percent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2025. [Xinhua/Ju Huanzong] Fresh Experiences During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 percent, 60 percent, and 50 percent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. "Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen," Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Foreign tourists visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China, May 3, 2025. [Xinhua/Li Ran] Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. "Seeing is believing," said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). "When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered." A border inspection officer guides foreign tourists at Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 3, 2025. [Photo by Zhu Jipeng/Xinhua] Expanding Access Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasized that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimized. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 percent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 percent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. A staff member provides departure tax refund service for a tourist from Russia at a shopping center in Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. [Xinhua/Ju Huanzong] Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasized the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. "So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience." "As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage," he added. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha This undated file photo shows two drinks on a table at the Red Guan Coffee in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. [Photo by Ye Zhongwen/Xinhua] BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) On a crisp Sunday morning, Zheng Shiying drove 130 kilometers to a village on the outskirts of Beijing, not for a hike or a hot spring, but for a cup of coffee. It took Zheng over three hours to reach the cafe. Housed in a crumbling stone building that looks untouched by time, by the time Zheng arrived it was already packed with weekend visitors, and finding a seat was a bit of a challenge. "I've never woken up this early for work," she joked. A city cafe keeps you awake, while a village cafe helps you unwind. Zheng is one of many urban Chinese heading deep into the countryside in search of rural calm. Far from the city's polished espresso bars, village cafes offer customers a refreshing change of pace. In a village in Dongguan, for example, a cafe by a railway has become an urban-escape hotspot. Facing the tracks and shaded by ancient trees, it offers front-row seats to thundering trains. Owner Ye Zhongwen, who loved chasing trains as a kid, opened the Red Guan Coffee in 2024 in a two-story house that had sat vacant for years. For Ye, the remote location wasn't a flaw but a feature. And Ye is not alone, some of the cafe's customers drive 40 minutes from Dongguan, others travel over two hours from Shenzhen, and even visitors from Hong Kong have made the trip. "At first, villagers were curious and skeptical," Ye said. "Now many are regulars, and they're glad the cafe is drawing more people who also buy their farm produce and other goods." China's rural cafe boom has been fueled by the rise of rural tourism. According to estimates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, rural tourism across the country welcomed 707 million visits in the first quarter of this year, up 8.9 percent year on year. Over 40,000 cafes have sprung up in China's countryside. Increasingly, these village cafes are more than just coffee stops but creative hubs revitalizing rural spaces. In a village in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, one such cafe sprang to life from a dilapidated sheep shed halfway up an abandoned mining hill. "It was the only usable structure around back in 2023," said Yu Jiafu, founder of the Sheep Shed Cafe. "No roof, just broken walls and waist-high weeds. We gave it the English name 'Young People Coffee', a playful pun on 'Yang Peng' or sheep shed in Chinese, hoping to draw more young people to the countryside." Yu, a graduate of the China Academy of Art, saw beauty and potential in the wild setting. He and his team rebuilt the roof with thatch, kept the original stone structure, and used nearby mountain rocks to build the bar. "Our guests now range from city dwellers on weekend road trips to local youths who treat this place like their living room," Yu said. At its busiest, the cafe welcomed more than 5,000 visitors in a single day. On regular weekends, guests come from nearby cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. Even foreign travelers and internet influencers with millions of followers have stopped by. Since its opening, the cafe's grounds have evolved to suit the clientele, now boasting a swimming pool, an open-air performance stage, a camping area, and a wood-fired bread oven. In April, Zhejiang hosted its first "Village Cafe Masters" event, where 33 coffee entrepreneurs showcased their brands and products. A rural coffee base was also unveiled that links academia, industry, and local communities in support of countryside coffee development. Alongside the event, local authorities introduced support programs including digital training, resource matchmaking, and e-commerce tools to help young entrepreneurs thrive in rural areas. These efforts are part of Zhejiang's broader initiative to encourage youth-led development in rural areas. By 2025, Zhejiang plans to establish 1,000 rural practice hubs to offer young people more room to explore, innovate, and stay rooted in the countryside. For Yu, that mission is already personal. "I'm not here just to run a cafe," he said. "I want to help the village grow, one cup at a time." This photo taken in 2025 shows the Red Guan Coffee in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. [Photo by Ye Zhongwen/Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver demands the release of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after his arrest while protesting outside an ICE detention prison, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Newark, N.J, (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) Palestinians attempt to collect water at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City, on May 20, 2025 amid Israel's military operation in the enclave. Soren Pellmann, Heidi Reichineck and Jan van Aken (left to right) at the Left Party conference in Chemnitz in 2025. [Photo by Martin Heinlein / CC BY 2.0 The recent Left Party conference in Chemnitz has clearly demonstrated its role as the graveyard of every social movement from below. While resolutions and speeches were not short on radical rhetoric aimed at appealing to radicalised young people and workers, they remained deliberately vague in order to cover up the partys right-wing realpolitik and enable further collaboration with the federal and state governments. When hundreds of thousands spontaneously took to the streets in February to protest against the cooperation of the current chancellor, Friedrich Merz (Christian Democratic Union, CDU), with the fascist Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Left Party was able to benefit from this. Because it was the only party that had not participated in the anti-refugee propaganda and had at least nominally opposed rearmament and war, it not only received over 4 million votes, but also gained tens of thousands of new, mostly young members. But the Left Party did not mobilise this opposition to fascism and war; it stifled it. When it became clear on election night that Merz, together with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), would form the most right-wing government since Hitler, it did not call for mass demonstrations, but announced it wanted to negotiate cooperation with them. Finally, the party even approved the new governments 1 trillion rearmament programme in the Bundesrat (upper house of parliament) and then enabled Merzs swift election as chancellor in the Bundestag (lower house of parliament). This course was continued at the recent party conference. There had been no new elections of delegates in the run-up to the conference, so the vast majority of members who had only joined in recent months were not represented at all. The meeting of the old delegates was then choreographed from start to finish, so that no serious discussion of any pressing issues could take place. The conference was repeatedly interrupted by musical acts, and after the main speeches, disco fog was sprayed and the hall bathed in red flashing lights several times. The spectacle was more reminiscent of a village disco in the 1990s than a serious political event under conditions of acute war, genocide in Gaza and historic attacks on wages and jobs. This was a conscious decision. The festive atmosphere was intended to allow the party executive and presidium to prevent any controversial debate on these issues and to push through resolutions enabling the continuation of their right-wing policies while sounding left. To this end, the unity of the party was invoked like a mantra, and the need to focus on certain issues was emphasised. But this did not include the preparations for war against the nuclear power Russia, the Israeli genocide of the Palestinians and the growing conflicts between the imperialist powers. None of the main contributions from the party and parliamentary group leadership even mentioned these central developments. Terms such as Russia, Ukraine, Gaza or world war are also nowhere to be found in the main resolution. Instead, there was only talk of rearmament, which they opposed. However, this rearmament was not linked to Germanys war preparations against Russia or the global ambitions of German imperialism. The Left Party even claimed that the government was pursuing rearmament for the sake of rearmament, as if Merz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) had not openly declared that they want to be capable of winning a war against Russia within three to five years. While the main motion sidesteps any concrete political developments, it is brimming with left-wing phrases that are in no way concrete or binding. For example, the Left Party repeatedly describes itself as an organising class party or a socialist membership party that must root itself in the working class, etc. None of this prevents the party leadership from supporting the federal governments pro-war policies, enabling Merzs quick election as chancellor, or supporting deportations and social attacks in the federal states. These phrases serve only to tie young people who are looking for a socialist alternative to this thoroughly right-wing party and thus nip genuine resistance in the bud. This is particularly evident in the resolutions that were tabled on specific issues, most of which had been formally merged by the party executive from several individual motions. The motion Without ifs and buts: Say no to rearmament and military preparedness! sharply criticises the federal governments war credits, which the Left Party had itself approved in the Bundesrat. Unlike at the last conference in Halle, the party now also explicitly opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine. Finally, it even states: The Left Party stands in the tradition of the two anti-militarists Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht. The two great revolutionaries must be turning in their graves. They were known for calling a spade a spade, relentlessly exposing the machinations of German militarism and mobilising the working class against the root cause of war: capitalism. The Left Partys resolution, however, makes no mention of NATOs provocation against Russia, the role of the German government in fuelling the war, or the great power ambitions of the ruling class. Everything is reduced to a general power struggle between major powers over geopolitical interests, raw materials and markets, but Germany is not named as one of these major powers. On the contrary, the resolution demands that the country pursue an independent policy of detente in Europe. In doing so, the Left Party is not simply fuelling the illusion that a peaceful world is possible under capitalist conditions and that the ruling class can be persuaded to pursue a policy of detente. Rather, the party uses these phrases to integrate itself into the official pro-war politics. Just three days after the conference, on the Maischberger talk show, party leader Jan van Aken enthusiastically welcomed Chancellor Merzs trip to Kiev. It was right that he went to Kiev together with Tusk, Starmer and Macron as his first action, said van Aken. That was exactly the right move. We have been saying for three years that more needs to be done for negotiations, and they have finally taken the reins again. Van Aken was delighted that the four politicians had undermined US President Donald Trumps dirty deals with Putin. After supporting the quick election of the new chancellor, the Left Party is now celebrating his efforts to outmanoeuvre Trump and bring Ukraine under European control. Merzs meeting in Kiev is not aimed at securing peace, but rather the escalation of the war against Russia, to which the chancellor even wants to provide Taurus cruise missiles to attack deep into the Russian heartland. It is also noteworthy in this context that although the resolution describes the partys approval of the war credits in the Bundesrat as wrong, another motion calling for the resignation of the responsible ministers and senators failed to gain a majority. There is no better way to sum up the fact that these radical phrases are nothing more than fig leaves for the partys right-wing policies. The same applies to the resolution Stop expulsions and famine in Gazaimplement international law! It calls for the implementation of the international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a (complete) withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza. A renewed military occupation and the resettlement of the entire population must be prevented through international pressure. But these are nothing more than lip service since the party reaffirmed the resolution passed at its previous conference in Halle, which invoked Israels right to self-defence. In its current motion, the party also describes the armed resistance of Palestinians against their decades of oppression as terrorism and calls for a ceasefire on both sides. The Left Party continues to refuse to call genocide by its name. It also reaffirmed that anyone who denies the Israeli apartheid regimes right to exist and advocates a joint, secular state with equal rights for all cannot be an ally of the Left Party. In view of this clear identification with the oppressive Zionist regime, the Left Partys criticism of the Israeli governments atrocities is no different from the German governments empty warnings when it signs the next arms deal. Overall, the hoopla and left-wing rhetoric could not conceal the right-wing character of the party. In her opening speech, the state chairwoman of the Left Party in Saxony stated that the party must act as a responsible opposition, as it was already doing in Saxony by supporting the CDU-SPD state executive on a vote-by-vote basis. What we dont need now is this silly game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Im much more left-wing than you, she shouted to the applause of the delegates. The former Left Party state premier of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, used his speech to promote an alliance with the reactionary Catholic Church because in his inaugural speech Pope Leo XIV had said the same thing as the Left Party in Germany. This sums up the character of the party conference. Like the Vatican, the Left Party stands to the right and only spouts left-wing phrases when it comes to stifling a movement from below and cutting it off from a genuinely socialist perspective. Anyone who seriously wants to fight against war and fascism cannot do so in this degenerate party. What is needed is a genuinely socialist perspective that opposes the policy of war and growing nationalism with the international unity of workers in the struggle against capitalism. This perspective is embodied by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and its sister parties of the Fourth International. Security forces deployed on Lima overpass during May 14 strike [Photo: Andina] On May 14, public transportation organizations led a national strike to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen over the failure of their government to rein in extortionist mafias that have murdered transport workers. The strike occurred after the extension of a state of emergency in some working class districts of Metropolitan Lima and Ventanilla in Callao, coupled with a mass deployment of police and military personnel in these areas. Trade unions, including confederations such as the industrial CGTP and the teachers union SUTEP, students, small business owners and various social organizations participated in the protest. While the strike was partially observed in Lima, it gained full support in southern regions like Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno. The regional strikes highlighted demands related to conflicts with transnational mining companies, socio-environmental issues and unfinished infrastructure projects. This strike was distinguished from previous ones due to the scope of its demands. Victor Contreras, president of the Gamarra [micro and small] Business Federation, stated they were protesting in defense of life, demanding not one more death and calling for the presidents resignation for incompetence. The strike also called for the repeal of the pro-crime Law No. 32108, which complicates the classification and punishment of criminal organizations and impedes investigations, with the aim of protecting both corrupt politicians and their criminal associates. While some bus lines continued to operate in Lima, the strike led to street blockades and route suspensions. In Lima, transportation groups continued operating despite the dangers involved. The bus company El Chino, which was a victim of extortion, along with another company, Etuchisa, resisted striking even after some of their drivers were murdered. Residents of San Juan de Lurigancho (SJL) voiced their frustration on social media, stating, Were tired of waking up to death threats. Many are facing extortion threats against their families and businesses, with small vendors, like those selling chicken broth, facing demands to pay 10 to 15 soles daily. The strike saw increased involvement from university students and clashes with the National Police (PNP), which deployed over 13,000 officers throughout Metropolitan Lima. In the poor neighborhood of Pro in Los Olivos, police blocked a rat-shaped puppet symbolizing the protest. As marchers approached the Congress building on Abancay Avenue, police used tear gas to restrict them to two lanes to keep protestors at a distance. The strike saw stronger participation from residents in Puno, Arequipa, and Cusco, located in the southern Andes, resulting in roadblocks, business closures and cancelling of school classes. Infobae reported: In Puno, the strike had a major impact, as urban transportation was completely paralyzed, and major markets closed. Burning tires blocked the northern and southern exits of the city, and hundreds of protesters took to the streets. From 4:00 a.m., protesters blocked the highway to Bolivia with burning tires and metal barricades, obstructing the Ilave Bridge. Teachers from Puno joined the demonstrations, which affected the Desaguadero, Ilave, and Juliaca-Cusco highways. One banner read, Dina, murderer, Huancane repudiates you, highlighting the rising tension among the 7,000 inhabitants of the Aymara village of Huancane. Public outrage has surged after 13 miners were found dead in Pataz, La Libertad. Last seen alive on April 25, their bodies were discovered on May 4 bearing signs of having been murdered execution-style after prolonged torture. Evidence suggests possible police involvement. Mining is vital to Perus economy, making up 62 percent of exports. The country is the worlds second-largest copper exporter and the largest gold producer in South America. Illegal mining operations, often subcontracted by wealthy Lima-based families, continue to flourish amid rampant corruption. Dina Boluarte began her administration in December 2022, replacing elected president Pedro Castillo in a parliamentary coup and issuing shoot-to-kill orders to the police in response to protests in the southern Andean regions, where Castillo had strong support. As a result, 50 people were killed by security forces. Boluarte was initially elected vice president as Castillos running mate on the ticket of Peru Libre, a right-wing nationalist party that disguises its policies with Maoist rhetoric. She quickly shifted her allegiance to Keiko Fujimori and the far-right Fuerza Popular party. She rapidly became the most unpopular leader in Perus history, with 97 percent of the population disapproving of her presidency. In Cusco, transportation was disrupted as local authorities supported protesters who blocked streets and burned tires, leading to the deployment of over 800 police officers to restore order. The newspaper El Comercio reported: The city of Cusco woke up paralyzed by the regional strike called by various social organizations...Unlike Lima, there are no urban or public transportation services throughout the imperial city. Furthermore, school classes are being held online, and some markets have not opened. Cusco is South Americas main tourist center, attracting 2 million visitors annually. The government fears that ongoing strikes could deter tourism and raise the countrys risk rating, increasing international borrowing costs. In addition to demanding the resignation of the president and prime minister, strikers in Cusco called for the completion of the Southern Peruvian Gas Pipeline and the Antonio Lorena Hospital. The protests, led by local organizations, opposed a law that permits illegal settlements and mining companies to access property titles without consulting indigenous communities. Tensions have also risen in Arequipa due to the Tia Maria mining conflict involving residents from the Tambo Valley. El Comercio reported that strikers there: ...blocked the roads protesting against the rule of Dina Boluarte and the Tia Maria mining project. From early morning, protesters blocked the La Curva sector in the Dean Valdivia district with sticks and stones, causing traffic congestion and leaving trucks and private vehicles stranded. The eighth transport strike has intensified political divisions. Martin Ojeda, director of the International Chamber of the Transport Industry, labeled the May 14 protest as completely politicized. He noted that informal transport sectors mainly support it, while calls for President Dina Boluartes resignation lack backing from major employer associations. The strike led to Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzens resignation amid mounting congressional opposition, but President Boluarte has clung to power. Former Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea suggested dismissing constitutional complaints against Boluarte would damage Perus image internationally. The strikes against the Boluarte government reveal the determination of the oppressed masses in Peru, but also highlight the severe limitations of the policies pursued by strike leaders. Despite eight successful strikes in the past year involving millions of participants, these efforts have produced little change, either in improving conditions for Perus workers and oppressed or in removing the hated regime. The movement has suffered in particular from the lack of strong working class participation, with leaders of small business groups and employer associations dominating. Given the dominance of these organizations, there is a real danger that the popular demand directed against the Peruvian political establishment of Throw them all out!, combined with the call for a get-tough-on-crime policy, could pave the way to a dictatorial regime supported by military and police forces. Real change can come only through a break with all parties of the Peruvian bourgeoisie. With presidential elections set for April 2026, there are already 43 candidates on offer, not one of whom offers a real alternative. It also demands a revolt against the trade union bureaucracies like the Stalinist-led CGTP that subordinate the working class to the capitalist state and work to divide and restrain workers struggles. The ravages committed by organized and politically connected criminal gangs, together with staggering levels of social inequality and the highest per-capita COVID death toll on the planet are all manifestation of the organic incapacity of the Peruvian national bourgeoisie to overcome the legacy of colonialism and imperialist oppression. This confirms Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution, which explains that in colonial and oppressed countries only the fight for power by the working class, leading the rural masses behind it, can advance the struggle against imperialism and ensure genuine national liberation and democratic and social rights for workers and the oppressed. This requires uniting the struggles of the working class across national borders in a fight for socialism. Increasingly intolerable conditions for working people are fueling a powerful upsurge of class struggle not only in Peru, but across Latin America and the entire world. The key task is to provide this movement with political and programmatic leadership by building sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in every country. Socialist Equality Party (SEP) Assistant National Secretary Thomas Scripps spoke to the WSWS about the significance of Saturdays national rally in London against the genocide in Gaza, and the SEPs upcoming public meeting in the capital on May 31: Trumps war on free speech: The case of Momodou Taal. At the SEPs stall on Whitehall, protester Alistair told the WSWS, As a British citizen I am absolutely horrified that my taxpayer money support this. The government that is supposed to represent me is assisting this genocide. Its giving military support. Its allowing weapons to be sold there. Aside from on a basic human level of not wanting to see people massacred and not starved to death, I also feel ashamed that my own government is complicit in this. Asked about the Labour governments clampdown on the national protests in London against the genocide he said, Its disgusting, its an attack on our basic civil liberties it shows that what were doing is working. There is a fear there from the government if we were useless they wouldnt need to put all this energy into putting down protesters. Its absolutely horrific. I was reading recently about these young people that were arrested at the Elbit weapons factory. Their houses were raided at 5 a.m., houses were smashed up. Theyve been held in prison under terror legislation for several months now, something like solitary confinement, an awful situation completely undemocratic, unlawful. This should be headline news. It should be something that every person knows about and is screaming out about. Vitor, a student from Brazil, said, Im here today for this national protest against the genocide in Palestine The only way to stop it is workers all of the world, here in the UK, in Israel, in America, in all of Europe stop sending guns and Israel needs to stop the war right now. Bily, a lifelong Labour supporter, said, Im trying to end the war in Gaza, Israels war. Someone has to provide a voice for the voiceless. It falls on deaf ears where our governments are involved. The least I can do is join these marches, especially on the anniversary of the 77-year Nakba, when it all started, not October 7. Keir Starmer is the wrong person in this job. He is Blue Labour He needs to move over or he will lose the support of traditional Labour supporters. Shame on you Keir Starmer! Natya who is self-employed, said, Im here to do my best to speak up for whats happening against the Palestinians, this genocide that has been going on for 19 months. And even though we come out month after month, week after week, the government is still not listening to us. We are the people, our voice is power. Asked her thoughts about the Labour government, she replied, It is atrocious what theyre doing right now, its probably worse than what the Tories have done. Labour is responsible for the worst genocide ever. Natya Natya said the way forward was Stop arming Israel. Lets start there. Lets not start in Gaza. Lets just start there. On the attack on democratic rights of those attending demonstrations in London against genocide, she said, Its freedom of speech, but they dont like what you say. Thats all it is. They dont like what you say. Jan, a conservation worker from Reading said, I dont like the genocide thats going on, and in general I dont like the project of the State of Israel. As far as Im concerned, its an ethnic cleansing operation. Its kicking people off their lands, massacring them, and imprisoning them as well. Jan It seems to me like Israels fulfilling its dream of a Greater Israel, and its taking even more than its been doing for a while. So its taken more of Lebanon from whats happening in Gaza. Asked about the attacks on demonstrators democratic rights, he replied, Theyre cracking down on freedom of speech because they want to crackdown on anyone who wants to take action against whats happening. It seems to me like its at least British collusion with Israel because theyre selling weapons and theyre doing big business with it. And thats our companies here, weapons companies, Israeli companies. They make weaponry that kills people in Gaza. On the F-35 fighter jets used by Israel, which British firms make 15 percent of the component for, Jan said the Starmer government cancelled a few licences, but those were kept. Recently there was a report that looked into this and found that thousands and thousands of weapons have been sold since when they say theyve cancelled a few of the licences. So its trickery, and someone asked Starmer about this in Parliament, and he was insulting rather than answering the question, which is no surprise, given that hes a war criminal. He should be facing charges, probably, him, [Foreign Secretary] David Lammy, all those people on top, people in our armed forces who have taken their orders. Jan said, There should be sanctions on Israel, there should be state-level sanctions so we dont have to go to a shop and sort through goods and find things that are linked to Israel. There should be state-level sanctions, an end to weapons. Any company thats aiding Israels military should be shut down here. They should be stopped, they should be able to convert to something else or just stop their business. I dont want to see weapons coming from here, over to Israel to kill people. Theyre innocent people, men, women and children in Gaza. WSWS reporters raised that we were calling for workers internationally to prevent the shipment of military supplies to Israel, as carried out in Morocco and Greece recently. Jan said he supported such action, I would call the people in the military to protest as well, because its very important. Even if youre a rank-and-file soldier, learn about it, do something about it. If you have information you can share. There are lots of journalists, many of whom have been suppressed now. You can go to the press and expose whats happening. The New Zealand Green Party, a key ally of the opposition Labour Party, last week released a 40-page alternative budget ahead of the current right-wing coalition governments austerity budget, which will be announced on May 22. Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick of the Green Party Greens co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick told a media conference that the partys proposals would end poverty while protecting the environment. The Green Budget calls for a guaranteed minimum income, free doctors visits and dental care, free early childhood education and increased public housing, funded with modest increases in tax on the very rich. Swarbrick declared that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon would prefer to keep tens of thousands of kids in poverty than to fairly tax multi-millionaires. The Greens, she said, stood for a country that belongs to and works for regular New Zealanders, not just the wealthy few. The Green Budget was denounced in hysterical terms by the three governing partiesthe conservative National Party, and the far-right ACT and New Zealand Firstwhich are preparing a budget that will intensify the brutal assault on public healthcare, education and other services, while diverting billions of dollars to the military. Nationals finance minister Nicola Willis declared that Labour and the Greens are hellbent on confiscating wealth and income from hardworking Kiwis. ACT leader David Seymour said the Greens proposals were driven by envy of the rich. NZ First leader Winston Peters, the deputy prime minister, said the Green Budget was a pink, Marxist plan that would turn New Zealand into Venezuela or Myanmar tomorrow. ACT and NZ First have repeatedly railed against Marxism and woke ideology, in language similar to that of the Trump administration in the US, which is seeking to criminalise left-wing and anti-war positions. Like Trump, the NZ government has sought to demonise transgender people and to whip up racial divisions, to divert anger over worsening social inequality and the running down of public services. The real target of these far-right denunciations is not the Greens, but the working class and young people, who are moving to the left in response to soaring social inequality, and the threat of fascism and world war, and are increasingly attracted to socialist and Marxist ideas. Like the Green parties in Australia and Europe, the New Zealand Greens are a capitalist party, supported by sections of the upper middle class and business moguls. In recent years the party has received substantial donations from Hollywood film-maker James Cameron (a NZ resident); Peter Kraus, a multi-millionaire shareholder in healthcare company Ebos; Phillip Mills, founder of the Les Mills chain of gyms; and Bruce Copeland, who owns software development company Sandfield. The Green Party plays a particular role within the political establishment of providing left cover for right-wing Labour governments. With the assistance of various pseudo-left organisations, like the International Socialist Organisation, the Greens divert leftward-moving youth and sections of the middle class into the arms of the political establishment by encouraging the illusion that a Labour-Greens coalition government can be pressured to adopt more progressive policies. Asked by a journalist if the Green Budget was socialism, co-leader Swarbrick replied: If socialism means looking after the people and the planet, lets go! There is, however, nothing socialist about the Greens proposals. The party does not call to nationalise the banks and major industries which run the country, placing them in the ownership and under the democratic control of the working class. Instead the Greens put forward a series of very modest reforms that it knows will never be implemented, and even if they were, would not put a dent in the immense wealth and power of New Zealands ruling class. The Green Budget calls for the top income tax rate to be raised from 39 to 45 percent for people earning more than $180,000, and for an increase in company tax from 28 to 33 percent. This is still well below the tax rates that existed prior to the 1980s right-wing onslaught launched by the Labour government of Prime Minister David Lange. The Lange government slashed the top marginal income tax rate from 66 to 33 percent, and cut company tax from 48 to 28 percent. It also introduced the regressive Goods and Services Tax (GST), in order to shift more of the tax burden onto working people. The Greens do not call for the removal of GST. The Greens suggest a meagre 2.5 percent tax on individual net wealth over $2 million, a 1.5 percent tax on private trusts, and a 33 percent tax on gifts or inheritances worth more than $1 million (similar to a tax that exists in Ireland). The notion that poverty can be ended through the Greens proposed $395 weekly guaranteed minimum income (with $140 extra for a sole parent) is laughable. The figure is only slightly higher than the current poverty-level unemployment payment of $361 for a single person ($505 for sole parents). The most significant aspect of the Green Budget is what is omitted: there is no mention of defence policy or the current governments plan to double military spending from 1 to 2 percent of gross domestic product, with an extra $12 billion to be spent over the next four years. This is not an oversight. The Greens do not fundamentally disagree with the military build-up, which has been endorsed by the Labour Party, and which will be funded at the expense of healthcare, education and other public services. The Greens still use pacifist rhetoric and sometimes call for an end to New Zealands alliance with the US. Green MPs have appeared at numerous rallies against the genocide in Gaza, calling on the Luxon government to sanction Israel. Workers and young people, however, must judge the party not on its hypocritical statements but on its actual record. During the Greens press conference announcing its alternative budget, Swarbrick twice stated that the partys aim was to make New Zealand a country worth fighting for. She repeated this nationalist slogan in an interview with TVNZ on May 18, without explaining against whom the population must prepare to fight and why. This reflects deep concerns in the New Zealand ruling class about widespread anti-war sentiment, especially among young people. The Green Party has for years sought to overcome that hostility by providing pacifist propaganda to justify imperialist wars. Like its counterparts in Germany and Australia, the New Zealand Greens have embraced imperialism. During the 2000s the party supported Helen Clarks Labour Party government, which sent troops to support the illegal US imperialist wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Greens sought to distance themselves, verbally, from the Iraq war, while fraudulently presenting the Afghanistan deployment as a peacekeeping operation. The Green Party was part of Jacinda Arderns Labour Party-led coalition government from 2017 to 2023, which included the NZ First Party from 20172020. The Ardern government strengthened the alliance with the US, including by sending NZ troops to Britain to train Ukrainian conscripts to serve as cannon fodder in the US-NATO war with Russia. The Greens support NZs participation in this ongoing imperialist bloodbath, which has nothing to do with defending democracy and is part of the developing global war. The US and European powers are using the far-right regime in Ukraine to weaken Russia and to reduce it to a semi-colonial status, so as to gain control over Ukraines valuable mineral resources. The Ardern government also supported a stronger US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and pushed for New Zealands integration into US war plans against China. The Greens collaborated with the far-right NZ Firsts defence minister Ron Mark to produce a plan for building up New Zealands military capability in the Pacific, using the pretexts of providing humanitarian and disaster relief. The Ardern government came to power in 2017 with promises similar to those contained in the Green Budget document. Ardern claimed she would end child poverty, bring back free tertiary education, and build tens of thousands of affordable housesall of which proved to be a fraud. The Greens and NZ First, along with various pseudo-left organisations, repeated Arderns empty rhetoric and claimed that the coalition would restorein NZ First leader Peters wordsthe human face of capitalism. The Greens were more than happy to work with the NZ First Party, despite its long record of racist agitation against immigrants from China and the Middle East. The Greens then co-leader James Shaw declared that the two parties had much in common and whitewashed NZ Firsts extreme right-wing program. Only the Socialist Equality Group warned the working class that the Labour-Greens-NZ First governments pledges were lies, and that it would accelerate the attacks on living standards, the scapegoating of immigrants and the promotion of militarism. The record of the Ardern government speaks for itself. Labour and the Greens agreed on strict spending limits going into the 2017 election to sell themselves as a responsible government to the financial elite. When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in 2020, the government transferred tens of billions of dollars to the rich and big business, with the Greens full support. Shaw noted that generations of New Zealandersmeaning working class peoplewould have to repay the cost of the bailouts. The Labour Party lost the 2023 election in a landslide amid soaring living costs, deeply entrenched homelessness, and the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. The government abandoned its zero COVID policy and dismantled all restrictions on the spread of the coronavirus in 2022, on the orders of big business and with the Greens support. The Luxon government is continuing and deepening the assault on the working class that was well underway during the Labour government. Both major parties are deeply unpopular and reliant on minor parties to prop them up. The Green Party increased its share of the vote from 7.9 percent in 2020 to 11.6 percent in 2023, at Labours expense. If Labour is to return to office in 2026, it will almost certainly be in a coalition with the Greens. For more than two decades the Greens have acted as a safety valve for popular discontent and steered young people, in particular, back towards illusions in a progressive Labour-Greens government. The Greens are hoping to repeat the charade of 2017s election, with its media-generated Jacindamania, by making empty promises that will be discarded the instant the party gets into power. Workers and youth who are looking for a socialist alternative must learn the political lessons of the last Labour-Greens government and the transformation of Green and social democratic parties around the world into right-wing, pro-imperialist organisations. The period in which capitalist parties could offer a few reforms to stave off the threat of revolution ended at least four decades ago. The capitalist system is in an historic crisis, which is producing extreme levels of social inequality, environmental disasters andunless this system is overthrown by the international working classfascist dictatorship and world war. The only way to stop this descent into barbarism is to take up the fight for the revolutionary and internationalist program of the Trotskyist movement. We call on readers in New Zealand who agree with this perspective to join the Socialist Equality Group. On May 2324, the Communist Party MarxistKenya (CPM-K), together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is organising the Fourth International Theoretical Conference (TC4) in Nairobi, under the theme Understanding Comprador and Bureaucrat Capitalism in the Neocolonies in Advancing the Struggle for National Liberation and Against Imperialism. The conference is timed to coincide with the first anniversary of Kenyas Gen Z uprising against International Monetary Fund-imposed austerity under President William Ruto, which signalled a growing political radicalisation of the working class and youth in Africa. Protesters block the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway in the Mlolongo area, Nairobi, Kenya., July 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga] Across the continent, inequality is deepening, imperialist powers are intensifying their scramble for strategic resources, and the drive to war against China is escalating. What most threatens the alliance of global capital and the African bourgeoisie is this revolutionary awakening. Dressed in the language of revolution, anti-imperialism and internationalism, TC4 is a Stalinist conclave aimed at suppressing this emerging struggle. Its purpose is to channel mass opposition behind a nationalist, pro-capitalist perspective defending the existing social order. This is underscored by the record of its organisers in defending the interests of the bourgeoisie. The CPM-K is a recent creation that emerged in 2019, following the rebranding of the Social Democratic Party of Kenya. As the WSWS has documented extensively in a three-part article, the partys political orientation is based on seeking alliances with factions of the bourgeoisie based on promoting economic relations with China as an alternative to domination by the United States. CPM-K Politburo [Photo: @CommunistsKe] CPM-Ks co-organiser is the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which for decades has intervened in every major strike, protest, and upheaval to divert mass anger into alliances with capitalist politicians. Most infamously, it paved the way for the rise of the fascistic Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, hailing him as a socialist, and endorsed his murderous war on drugs, which murdered over 30,000, mostly urban poor youth. When Duterte inevitably turned on his Stalinist partners, branding them terrorists, the CPP responded with appeals for clemency. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte takes oath during a senate inquiry on the so-called war on drugs during his administration at the Philippine Senate, on Oct. 28, 2024. [AP Photo/Aaron Favila] TC4 is expected to host around 50 international participants, drawn from the familiar Stalinist and Maoist parties aligned with the CPP and the CPM-K. Those who sent greetings to its 2024 congress include the Communist Party of China (CPC), which defends the interests of the Chinese capitalist class; the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which where it has held power as in West Bengal, has violently suppressed peasant protests on behalf of multinational capital seeking land for Special Economic Zones; and the South African Communist Party (SACP), a key component of the African National Congress (ANC)-led Tripartite Alliance, which has functioned for decades as a defender of South African capitalism. The SACP infamously justified the 2012 Marikana massacre, where police murdered 34 striking miners, by denouncing the strikers as counter-revolutionary. In 2025, it defended the Stilfontein massacre, where 78 miners were left to die underground after being sealed off without food or water under ANCs orders. As outrage mounted, an SACP official declared, We support the programme of the government. The bourgeois politics uniting these parties finds clear expression in the perspective put forward by the CPM-K General Secretary Booker Omole. In his Opening Address to the TC4 Preparatory Assembly in late April, Omole defends the Stalinist two-stage theory insisting that the struggle for socialism must be postponed in favour of building a national democratic capitalist economy. Imperialism has stunted capitalist development, reducing Kenya to a petty commodity society Omole bemoans. He adds, A recurring question within the Party is whether Kenya is a capitalist economy and whether it will ever achieve full capitalist development. The answer is clear: as long as imperialism dictates Kenyas fate, capitalist industrialisation is impossible. Institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO ensure that Kenya remains underdeveloped, deindustrialised, and dependent, a client state of imperialism. While capitalist relations do exist in Kenya, our theoretical summation must emphasise that feudal relations are more dominant. Thus, like other neocolonies, Kenya is best defined as a semi-feudal economy. Kenya, like all former colonial countries, is not a semi-feudal society but a fully capitalist one, integrated into global markets and dominated by capitalist social relations. Nairobi is a financial hub for East Africa, hosting the African headquarters or regional offices of global banks such as Citibank, Standard Chartered, and JPMorgan Chase, alongside multinational corporations including Google, Microsoft, General Electric, Maersk, and Coca-Cola. Kenyas agricultural, industrial, and service sectors are oriented toward global export, from horticulture and tea to digital finance and call centres. Far from being a petty commodity economy, Kenya is, despite being a country oppressed by imperialism, a site of intense capital accumulation, speculation, and exploitation, ruled by a bourgeoisie tied to international finance capital. It is not shaped by feudal landholding or subsistence exchange, but by wage labour, commodity production, and the imperatives of profit. The central business district skyline of Nairobi [Photo by Clara Sanchiz / CC BY-SA 3.0 In fact, feudalism has never existed as a dominant social structure within the territory of present-day Kenya. The only partial exception was limited to coastal areas controlled by the Imam of Oman prior to British colonialism. And these regions were swiftly drawn into the early circuits of capitalist world trade and accumulation, particularly through ivory, spices, and slave trade, and did not develop into a feudal order in any classical sense. Today, even pre-capitalist remnants like pastoralism in northern Kenya have been entirely subordinated to the market. Cattle, once central to communal life, are now commodities. The crisis facing Kenyas workers and youth is not due to incomplete capitalism, as Omole claims, but to the brutal, predatory logic of capitalism in the imperialist epoch in which the national bourgeoisie functions as local representatives of the major banks and corporations in administering the oppression of the working class and rural masses. This is a reality that the TC4 seeks to obscure to block the development of revolutionary leadership in Kenya and throughout the former colonial world. This perspective seeks to justify subordinating the working class to so-called progressive factions of the bourgeoisie. The National Democratic Revolution, which Omole describes as a necessary stage to develop capitalism and secure Kenyan independence before any socialist struggle can begin, is to be carried out, he claims, through the mobilisation of the broadest possible democratic forces. This includes uniting the Kenyan working class and the peasantry while winning over the middle forces, the petite bourgeoisie and national bourgeoisie to the peoples camp. This is the standard Maoist bloc of four classes variant of the Stalinist two-stage theory of revolution. It insists that basic democratic and national tasks, such as independence or land reform, must be accomplished under the leadership of a supposedly progressive national bourgeoisie, in opposition to a comprador faction aligned with foreign imperialism. This is a political fiction, deployed to legitimise alliances with whichever bourgeois faction the Stalinists deem tactically useful. It has produced only political paralysis and betrayal, blocking socialist revolution and enabling the defeat of countless working-class uprisings throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. South Africa provides a stark example. The South African Communist Party (SACP) subordinated the working class to the African National Congress (ANC), promoting it as the vehicle for national liberation. It was the SACP that drafted the ANCs 1955 Freedom Charter, limiting its programme to establishing bourgeois democracy and black majority rule while preserving the capitalist system intact. Instead of expropriating South Africas vast financial and mining empires, the ANC-SACP alliance cultivated a layer of black capitalists to manage the same exploitative structures. Today, 37 years after Joe Slovo, then General Secretary of the SACP, declared that The winning of the objectives of the national democratic revolution will, in turn, lay the basis for a steady advance in the direction of deepening our national unity on all frontseconomic, political and culturaland towards a socialist transformation, post-Apartheid South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies on earth, with the ANC regime, propped up by the SACP, zealously defending the interests of South African and international capital. Joe Slovo [Photo: Joe Sefale] Likewise, the trajectory of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Sri Lanka offers another bitter lesson. Founded in 1966 on a toxic blend of Maoism, Castroism, and Sinhala populism, the JVP embraced the Stalinist two-stage theory, insisting that imperialism had pooled all classes together and demanding a strategy of national unity under bourgeois leadership. In the 1980s, it unleashed a fascistic terror campaign, murdering thousands of workers, youth, and political opponents, including Trotskyists, who refused to support its right-wing patriotic agitation against the Indo-Lanka Accord. Decades later, the JVP is in power, having abandoned its socialist rhetoric. Today, it holds private talks with US embassy officials and serves as a loyal enforcer of IMF austerity, overseeing privatisations, wage cuts, and brutal attacks on the working class. Stalinist parties across the world adapt themselves to their national bourgeoisies and attach labels like national bourgeoisie or anti-imperialist to the fortunes of sections of the bourgeoisie or rival capitalist powers. For the CPM-K, the national bourgeoisie is identified as that faction of the Kenyan ruling class which, like themselves, is oriented toward Beijing. The party fosters illusions in Chinese capitalism, presenting it as a progressive alternative to US imperialism and promoting the idea of a multipolar world that will displace American hegemony. According to the Stalinist theoreticians, Washingtons dominance will be peacefully supplanted by a coalition of capitalist states, China chief among them, presiding harmoniously over the global order. This is a dangerous fantasy. The idea that imperialist and capitalist powers can peacefully divide and manage the worlds resources ignores the fundamental contradiction between the integrated global economy and the nation state system upon which capitalism rests, a contradiction that inevitably drives inter-imperialist conflict and war. The US is not sitting back waiting to be supplanted by China. Under Trump, Washington has identified China as its main rival, has launched trade war against it and is preparing for military conflict. Other Stalinist parties, nationalist to the core, adopt an opposite orientation, aligning instead with US imperialism and its allies. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) aligned itself with US imperialism and the Indian ruling class by backing the BJP governments recent military assault on Pakistan. It joined the entire political establishment in denouncing Pakistan as the aggressor and lauding the Indian militarys barrage of missiles and artillery as professionalism. By supporting the war drive, the Stalinists have helped bolster the Hindu-supremacist far-right, shielded the predatory geostrategic aims of Indian capitalism, and legitimised Indias deepening role in the US-led anti-China axis. These betrayals confirm Leon Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution, which insists that in the imperialist epoch, the most basic democratic and anti-colonial tasks can only be realised through socialist revolution, led by the working class and extended internationally. Trotsky demonstrated that the national bourgeoisie in oppressed countries is organically incapable of breaking with imperialism because it is economically dependent on it and politically terrified of the proletariat from whose exploitation it accrues its wealth and social privileges. Omole, echoing generations of Stalinists before him, identifies Trotskyism as the chief threat to his pro-capitalist programme. In his Opening Address to the TC4 Preparatory Assembly he calls on party members to wage a fierce ideological struggle against all erroneous ideas, specifically naming Trotskyist and ultra-leftist deviations that must be defeated. Leon Trotsky Today, the political expression of this threat is the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and its publication, the World Socialist Web Site. The ICFI and WSWS have exposed the CPM-Ks reactionary role with clarity and political precision. It has responded with a hysterical diatribe against the WSWS, denouncing Trotskyism, praising Stalins purges of old Bolsheviks during the 1930s, and vowing to crush Trotskyist deviations with iron discipline. The future does not lie in the dead-end of Stalinist fronts promoting capitalists politicians, but in organising workers internationally against capitalism. This means first and foremost fighting to bring the history and theory of Marxism into the struggles of the African working class by building sections of the ICFI. Last Tuesday, May 13, Colombias President Gustavo Petro and other Latin American leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the IV Forum between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and China in Beijing. Colombian President Gustavo Petro with China's President Xi Jinping [Photo: Juan Diego Cano/Presidencia] Amid efforts by many Latin American countries to diversify trade relations, with even the possibility of distancing themselves from the US as President Donald Trump escalates trade war, Petro announced on May 14 on X/Twitter, We have entered ... the [New] Silk Road, the nickname for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinas trillion-dollar infrastructure project. He added that this initiative changes the history of our foreign relations. According to Petro, the aim of joining the BRI is, in the short term, to end the trade deficit with China, which amounts to 14 billion dollars a year. In the medium term, I want Colombia and Latin America to be able not only to build interoceanic infrastructure, but also to be an arrival point for submarine optical fibers from China and Europe, to become a central node for artificial intelligence. The interoceanic infrastructure that Petro referred to is a rail network that would link the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean. In February, Bogota inaugurated a new maritime route to boost trade between Colombia and China that links its main Pacific port in Buenaventura to Shanghai and includes a stop at the Peruvian port of Chancay, financed and majority-controlled by Chinese state-owned giant Cosco Shipping Ports. Such an initiative further challenges US dominance in a region Washington has historically regarded as its backyard. It could serve as an alternative to the Panama Canal, which Trump has threatened to seize because of Chinese companies control of port facilities, a purported threat to US economic and strategic security. The aggressive gunboat diplomacy carried out by the Trump administration against the Panamanian government forced it to leave the Belt and Road Initiative. On that same trip to China, Petro also announced on May 16 that Colombia has formally requested to join the New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral development bank created by the BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In recent years, the grouping has incorporated half a dozen more countries, many of them long-time adversaries of the US, such as Iran. Significantly, the NDB has also promoted the increasing use of local currencies in trade among member countries and in financing projects, posing a threat to the undisputed dominance of the US dollar. Washingtons response came from the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. On May 15, it wrote on X/Twitter that Chinese investments in Colombia and the region jeopardize the safety and security of the region, and that The U.S. will strongly oppose recent projects and upcoming disbursements by the Inter-American Development Bank [IDB] and other IFIs [international financial institutions] to Chinese-controlled and state-owned enterprises in Colombia. Among the projects with the participation of Chinese companies in Colombia financed by the IDB, whose majority partner is the US, is the metro in the capital, Bogota. Chinese companies are also involved in the construction of roads and an electric train to connect Bogota to surrounding towns. In 2020, they also acquired control of the Buritica gold mine. Colombia is the South American country with the most US military bases (nine). It is also one of the few countries in South America that still has more trade with the US than with China. In recent years, however, this ratio has been reversing, setting off alarm bells in Washington as it prepares for war with China. In 2000, China was Colombias 37th trading partner, with imports of around US$10 million. Today, China is Colombias second largest trading partner, with imports exceeding US$16 billion and direct investments growing from US$84 million in 2021 to US$266 million in 2022. Between 2008 and 2024, Colombian exports to China increased by 475 percent, reaching US$2.3 billion, while Chinese imports to Colombia reached US$14.7 billion in 2024, covering diverse products such as electronics, chemicals and textiles. In 2025, China overtook the United States as the main source of Colombian imports. What has happened in Colombia is a reality throughout the region. In his first public statement after China and the US reached a 90-day truce in the tariff war, President Xi Jinping pointed out at the IV CELAC-China Forum that the volume of trade [between Latin America and Beijing] ... exceeded US$500 billion last year, a figure 40 times higher than at the beginning of the century. Xi called on Latin American governments to reject external interference and promote regional autonomy and denounced the rising tide of unilateralism and protectionism. In contrast, he declared that China and Latin America practice true multilateralism and push forward the reform of the global governance system and promote the multipolarization of the world. Xi also said that the Belt and Road Initiative, which already includes 22 of the 33 Latin American countries, has enabled the development of more than 200 infrastructure projects, creating millions of jobs. According to him, China has also signed free trade agreements with countries such as Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Nicaragua. Serious political issues were also at stake at the IV China-CELAC Forum. China sees Latin America as the stage for a political offensive against Taiwan, which is home to seven of the 12 countries in the world that do not recognize the one-China policy. However, since 2017, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have broken with Taipei and formalized diplomatic relations with Beijing. For Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party-PT), who was also present at the IV China-CELAC Forum and, the day before, at a forum attended by 700 Brazilian and Chinese businesspeople, Brazil and China will be unavoidable partners and our relationship will be indestructible. Since 2009, the Asian giant has been Brazils main trading partner. He also celebrated the announced Chinese investment of R$27 billion in Brazil in the automotive, mining, renewable energy and energy transition sectors, among others. Lula took advantage of the trip to advocate Latin American integration in partnership with China. The main project in this regard is the East-West Railway Corridor, linking Brazils Atlantic coat to Perus Pacific port of Chancay. This project, he said, will facilitate commercial exchange and bring more development to the interior of the South American continent. The bi-oceanic routes will shorten the route to China by 10,000 kilometers. However, the Brazilian president has yet to get Beijing on board with the project. According to a report in the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper, the Chinese ... suspect that there is some geopolitical obstacle, with the US raising its voice against Brazil. This same fear led Brazil not to join the BRI last year, establishing only a synergy agreement between the BRI and the Lula governments infrastructure programs. Striking a delicate balance between China and the US, Lula, Petro and other Latin American leaders want to try to benefit from Trumps trade war. While Trump is pressuring trading partners to distance themselves from China in exchange for a reduction in tariffs with the US, Latin American leaders want to use growing relations with China to try to attract American investment to the region. In an attempt to strike a balance with the CELAC-China Forum, Petro declared during his trip to China: We are asking the US government to hold the CELAC-US summit. In the same vein, Lulas Finance Minister Fernando Haddad traveled to the US during the CELAC-China Forum in search of investments in the technology sector. Brazil will not choose sides in the trade war, he said. The same week he [Lula] was in China, I was in the United States. [It] should mean something to an impartial observer. He concluded: I mean, were playing a game. This, however, is a dangerous game whose ramifications have been totally downplayed by the representatives of the new Pink Tide of bourgeois nationalist governments. It is increasingly turning Latin America into a future battleground between the US and China. Since the administration of US President Joe Biden, Washington has denounced China for using its multi-billion investments in infrastructure, mainly ports, as serving a dual purpose, both economic and military. It has also accused Beijing of using loans to lure countries of the region into a so-called debt trap. With Trump, new layers have been added to this fraudulent narrative. The Trump administrations war on criminal groups and drug cartels as part of its offensive against immigrants hit Brazil two weeks ago. On May 6, David Gamble, acting head of sanctions coordination at the US State Department, came to Brazil to pressure the Lula government to categorize the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV), the countrys two largest criminal factions, as terrorist organizations. The Lula government has rejected this demand. On Monday, the US State Department announced an offensive against the activities of terrorist groups in the triple border region between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, targeting the Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of Iran. More significantly, at the beginning of May, the website defesanet reported that American diplomats have been informally discussing with Brazilian interlocutors a proposal for the unrestricted US military use of Fernando de Noronha Airport (SBFN) and Natal Air Base, in Rio Grande do Norte, in northeastern Brazil. Making the same claim that was recently used in relation to the Panama Canal, the website wrote that Washington is resorting to the concept of historical right of operational return, based on investments made by the US during the Second World War, when an American air base was installed in Rio Grande do Norte. These developments should sound alarm bells for the Latin American and global working class. The response of left leaders like Petro and Lula, who claim that a multipolar world can be built when the first shots of World War III have already been fired, is totally bankrupt. The only progressive response to Trumps imperialist offensive is the unification of the Latin American and American working class, fighting to put an end to the source of war, capitalism. To reach the National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee or support an independent workers inquiry into the death of Stellantis worker Ronald Adams Sr. fill out the form at the end of this statement. Brothers and sisters: We all know the risks we take when we punch in at National Steel Car. This has been hammered home to a greater degree since the gruesome deaths (better described as industrial murders) of our former colleagues Fraser Cowan, Colin Grailey, and Quoc Le at NSCs Hamilton, Ontario plant. Unfortunately, the very same fate recently befell Ronald Adams Sr., a Stellantis autoworker in Michigan, USA, in very similar circumstances. The National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee unequivocally endorses the initiation by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) of an independent inquiry into his death, and we will do everything we can to support it. Some may ask why we are making this statement about a worker in another country? Simply put, an injury to one is an injury to all! The basic cause of Ronald Adams Sr.s death was the same as that of the three deaths at our plant right here in Hamilton: the prioritization of corporate profits over the safety and very lives of the workers who produce them. Whats more, Adams worked for Stellantis. Stellantis has facilities in Canada, where workers here suffer under the same questionable safety practices as we do at NSC and under the same legal framework (the Ontario Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act) that fails to hold employers accountable. As it relates to worker struggles, international borders have become relatively meaningless. Ronald Adams Sr. [Photo by Adams Family] Ronald Adams Sr. was a 63-year-old skilled tradesman who was crushed to death at the Stellantis Dundee Engine plant during a night shift on April 7. The plant is currently undergoing retooling for production of engines and frame components for a new generation of gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles. As of yet, there are very few details on how this fatal incident happened. Both the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Stellantis are being very tight-lipped. The incident is currently under investigation by the UAW-Stellantis Health and Safety Department with assistance from the International Union, UAW Health and Safety Department, and the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration (MIOSHA). Adams family has not even received the death certificate yet from the county medical examiner. His family and coworkers have not been told officially what caused Adams death, although some facts have leaked out. Early in the morning of April 7, Adams was working on a Cinetic Washer (used for cleaning engine blocks), when at some point in time an overhead gantry crane engaged. It pinned Adams between the gantry and a conveyor, which resulted in fatal crushing injuries to his upper torso. The area is caged off so no one can get in there when it is operating. There is a gate, but if it is opened, the entire operation is supposed to shut down. If a tradesperson has to work in the area, the gate is opened, the power is shut off, and the tradesperson locks it out with his lock. Somehow the lock out was bypassed, that is to say, potentially tampered with. Unlike at NSC, where we are still in the industrial dark ages, this is a highly automated system and there would be a record of it on the companys IT system. That system records how many times the machinery went down, how long it was down, the time of day, the shift, etc. The possibility that safety equipment was tampered with certainly hits home with us. After Grailey died, it came to light that the ground controls of the manlift he was on had been disconnected. The maintenance logs for chain inspection went mysteriously missing just days after Quoc Les death. Adams Sr.s familynow minus a husband, father, and grandfatheris demanding answers. The fact that they havent heard anything for over six weeks is shameful, but not surprising. Undoubtedly, the UAW and Stellantis will attempt to come to some sort of negotiated settlement over this that will be proclaimed as fair. We all know what fair means to ruling class operatives and the union bureaucrats who shine their proverbial shoes. Three industrial murders at National Steel Car A review of the horrific safety record at NSC is necessary here. Workers not familiar with this plant may not know its significance for the broader economy. We build railcars for the major railroad companies whose networks stretch across North America, including Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and BNSF. The companys annual turnover was over $500 million in 2021, but virtually none of that is spent on protecting our safety. In September of 2020, Fraser Cowan was crushed when a 700 lb. lifting device fell on him after he accidentally lowered a crane and the device unhooked itself because no safety latch was on the hook. This came after NSC had been previously ordered to install them by the Ministry of Labour. In April of 2021, Colin Grailey was crushed after having a health issue in a skyjack. He passed out with his hand on the lever while hanging over the rail. The skyjack kept going up until it hit something and Grailey was crushed to death. The job had previously been a two-man job, but Grailey was working alone. As we previously stated, it later came to light that the ground controls had been disconnected unbeknownst to anyone but management. In June 2022, Quoc Le was crushed to death by a bulkhead for a gondola car after a chain broke. Workers protesting outside National Steel Car in Hamilton, Ontario, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, three days after 51-year-old worker Quoc Le was killed in a horrific workplace accident. [Photo: Hamilton and District Labour Council ] Even after three industrial murders in the span of less than 2 years, the United Steelworkers (USW) kept telling us that we had to handle this through the legal system because thats what it was set up for. That taking matters into our own hands was not the way to deal with these issues. How wrong they were! On July 31, 2024, National Steel Car was fined a paltry $240,000 plus a $60,000 victim surcharge for the workplace death of Quoc Lethe third in less than two years in their plant. As we said, this was the result of a deal cooked up by NSC lawyers, Ministry of Labour prosecutors, and the Crown. That brought the total fines to NSC to: Fraser Cowan$140,000 fine and victim surcharge fine of 25 percent ($35,000) Colin Grailey$140,000 fine and victim surcharge fine of 25 percent ($35,000) Quoc Le$240,000 fine and victim surcharge fine of 25 percent ($60,000) An all-in total of $650,000 for killing 3 people! No one has been charged for criminal negligence or manslaughter in any of these deaths, let alone done any time. Its clear that NSC management views these expenses essentially as the cost of doing business. The Westray Mine law (Bill C-45) is as hollow as ever! It was introduced in 2004 to make it legally possible to prosecute company management for workplace deaths in response to the Westray Mine disaster, which claimed the lives of 26 miners in 1992. But after more than 20 years on the books, not a single criminal prosecution under this paper tiger of a law has ever been successful. Government at all levels is entirely complicit in the horrendous working conditions we confront here at National Steel Car. In the five years between June 1, 2017, and June 9, 2022, Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors visited our plant an extraordinary 221 times for preemptive inspections and following worker complaints about health and safety issues, which equates to about one visit per week. In the year immediately prior to Les death, there were 75 visits by provincial inspectors, resulting in the issuing of 78 orders to the company between June 2021 and June 2022. The frequent visits over a five-year periodwhich took place under Liberal and Tory governments alikedid nothing to prevent the deaths of Cowan, Grailey, and Le. This is the legal framework the USW subordinates us to and told us would hold the employer to account. Although its in a different country, the legal framework that the UAW, Stellantis, and MIOSHA have in store for the Adams family and Adams coworkers will prove no more effective at getting to the bottom of Adams death. If last years decision on the death of Anthony Gaston is anything to go on, the outcome of the official investigation into Adams death will be even more insulting and obscene than our experience here. Gaston, another Stellantis worker, was crushed to death working on the assembly line at the Toledo, Ohio Jeep assembly plant. The joint UAW-management safety committee there, in combination with OHSA in Ohio, attempted to whitewash the incident. Stellantis was fined, not for any guilt for what amounts to yet another incident of industrial homicide, but for unsafe working conditions a paltry sum of $16,000! Stellantis is appealing this! Autoworkers have been complaining about poor safety conditions that dont get dealt with for a long time, and fall on deaf ears of union-management joint safety committees. The National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee stands in solidarity with the Adams family, the IWA-RFC, and rank-and-file UAW autoworkers in DEMANDING an independent investigation into what exactly happened in Ronald Adams Srs death. We wholeheartedly endorse the five questions posed by the IWA-RFC, and demand answers: Was the safety lockout system compromised in Department 7300 on the Cinetic Washer? Is there more than one lockout system on this workstation and others containing gantries and robots? Are there documented records of previous malfunctions with this specific gantry, particularly after its relocation from the south to the north plant? Did manpower shortages, cost-cutting pressures and the rush to restart production contribute to this fatal incident? What specific safety violations and systemic failures enabled this accident? No faith can be put in the corporatist UAW bureaucratic apparatus to stand up for one of its members. No one can expect anything from Stellantis. They seem to have as much concern for peoples lives as National Steel Car does. Workers should put no faith in the government safety organizations in the US. Not only have they proven ineffective before, but now they have been gutted by Trump, the would-be Fuhrer currently residing in the White House. That the union and company have been silent for over a month shows the necessity for an independent inquiry to get to the bottom of what went on, show the truth, and hold to account those responsible. Adams Sr.s surviving family, friends, and fellow workers deserve nothing less. The UK and the European Union (EU) have signed a reset deal at a summit held in London this Mondaythe first of what will now be an annual series of UK-EU summits. The centrepiece of the agreement is a Security and Defence Partnership, framed in terms of combatting Russia. It opens the door to UK arms companies being given full license to fulfil contracts funded through the EUs 150 billion rearmament programme SAFE (Security Action for Europe). UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House [Photo by Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 According to a UK government press release, it will also enable increasing support for Ukraine with joint work to tackle Russias illegal shadow fleet and strengthening our co-operation on sanctions, to maximise economic pressure on Putins war machine and also co-operation across a wide range of areas, ranging from maritime security, space security, tackling hybrid threats, and enhancing the resilience of our critical infrastructure, to irregular migration, global health, and illicit finance. Talks will begin on giving the UK access to EU facial recognition data, as part of a range of measures designed to strengthen cooperation in policing and cracking down on migration. An agrifoods deal based on the UK agreeing dynamic alignment with certain EU regulationsmeaning Britain adjusts its rules to match Europesreduces red tape on food and drink exports. The British government claims these changes, plus an agreement on the Emissions Trading Scheme, will add 9 billion a year to the UK economy. Access to UK waters for European fishing vessels, due to expire in 2026, is extended for 12 years to 2038. Negotiations are ongoing over the details of the UKs return to the Erasmus university exchange scheme and a new youth experience scheme, allowing young people to work, study and travel freely across the UK and the EU for a limited periodpossibly with a cap on numbers. Sir Keir Starmers Labour government is working to mitigate the impact of the UKs 2016 Brexit referendum vote to leave the European Unionwhich surprised the largely opposed British capitalist classand the hard withdrawal enacted by the Conservative government of Boris Johnson in January 2020. The EU is by far the UKs largest trading partner, accounting for 41 percent of UK exports in 2024, and 51 percent of imports. As a result of the sharp increase in customs and regulations following the UKs withdrawal, the value of UK goods exports to the EU has fallen 21 percent, and imports 7 percent. Combining this and other factors, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates a long-term 4 percent reduction in UK GDP due to Brexit. Geopolitically, the UKs withdrawal from the EU significantly knocked its standing on the world stage, removing it from one of the worlds three major trading blocs, alongside the US and China. Britain also lost much of its usefulness to the US as the most reliably pro-Washington voice among the major EU powers. Britain is back on the world stage, Starmer announced at Mondays press conference. The Labour prime minister has been pushed to act rapidlythe agreement apparently came together in six monthsby Donald Trumps actions since assuming the presidency of the United States. While the European imperialists remain committed to the proxy war in Ukraine against Russia, Trump is seeking to use the conflict as leverage to secure lucrative unilateral deals with the Ukrainian and Russian governments. The UK has tried hard to bring Trump back on board but has seen little reward for its efforts. Likewise, its pursuit of a major US trade dealtouted by the Brexiteer wing of the bourgeoisie as the biggest prize of leaving the EUhas largely faltered. Starmers efforts to talk up the agreement with the US signed two weeks ago cannot hide the fact that the UK is in a worse position in its trading relations with the US than when President Joe Biden left office. For both of these reasons, the UK government has felt the need to tack a little more closely to the Europeans, or at least to maintain more friendly relations than have prevailed in the last decade. However, Starmer can only go so far in resetting relations with the EU, despite the urging of the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the Trades Union Congress to go further. Abroad, the Labour government is still seeking to maintain friendly ties with a White House which has been open about viewing Europe as a strategic competitor. Trump, who has called on the UK to orient towards Europe, expects the UK to double down on its role as a US watchdogwhich cannot be squared with a long-term rapprochement with the EU. At home, it is playing to the anti-migrant and anti-EU constituency represented by Nigel Farages Reform UK, currently polling the highest of all the parliamentary parties. Starmer told a meeting of Labour MPs after the summit, Reform are our main rivals for power. Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were quick to denounce the deal, with the most pro-Brexit papers, the Daily Mail and the Daily Express headlining their Monday editions, PM risks Brexit vote betrayal and PM is hellbent on selling out our Brexit freedoms. The Sun dedicated the entire Tuesday front page to a bullet-pointed list of reasons Starmer had been Done up like a kipper. The agreements on trade announced this Monday are therefore so limited as to recoup just 0.3 percentage points of the 4 percent hit to the UKs GDP dealt by Brexit, according to the Office for Budgetary Responsibility. Talks are ongoing on the youth experience scheme because the Labour government is determined not to have it interfere with bringing down the UKs net migration figureafter Starmer delivered a viciously anti-immigrant speech in Parliament last week. In its relations with Europe and the US, the British government is balancing between two power blocs moving rapidly apart. Labour is clinging on to this position for the UK, which has for decades secured a place at the top table for an increasingly outgunned nationmilitarily and economically. But the intensification of a global crisis involving escalating trade war and military conflicts will rapidly reduce Britains room for manoeuvre. The New South Wales (NSW) Labor government is seeking to introduce new legislation by July aimed at slashing costs to businesses and the state of workers compensation payments for injuries sustained at work. The proposed changes could eliminate virtually all payouts for workplace psychological damage, under conditions of a dramatic rise in such claims, partly due to mounting workplace stress, overwork and plummeting real wages. Striking nurses in Sydney, February 15, 2022 The legislation will intensify the decline in living standards and working conditions that is behind the growing number of mental health injury claims, especially in the health sector, where the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already intolerable workloads of staff. This, in turn, increased burnout, leading to health workers leaving the industry in droves, worsening already chronic understaffing. NSW has the lowest number of full-time health employees per capita of any state or territory. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the demand for health services is outpacing the growth of the workforce. By 2030, Australia is expected to have a shortage of 123,000 nurses. Rural and remote areas are particularly affected, with up to 50 percent fewer healthcare professionals per capita than in urban centres. The aged care sector alone needs 17,000 more workers annually to maintain current levels of care. The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) even predicted that the skills shortage in aged care will hit 400,000 by 2040. The NSW government, in passing this legislation, will address none of these conditions that lead to an increase in compensation claims, but will deny workers the right to compensation, thereby denying them the right to treatment and the time required to recover. Injured workers will be presented with an impossible choice: Try to return to work despite being mentally unfit, placing themselves and others at further risk; or attempt to eke out an existence on pitiful poverty-level welfare payments. The Labor government is attacking the fundamental premise of workers compensation legislationthat employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment and are financially liable for workplace injuries, illness and death that result from the failure to do so. While the immediate proposed changes specifically target psychological damage, workers should harbour no illusions that the same cost-slashing measures will not be extended to physical injuries in the near future. The state Labor government has made no secret of the cost-cutting motivation behind the proposed legislation. Echoing complaints from business lobbyists, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey in March lamented that workers compensation insurance premiums had risen 8 percent per annum over the past three years and were expected to increase by a further 36 percent by 202728. Despite this, Mookhey claimed, the main insurance scheme in the state, icare, had only 85 percent of the funds needed to pay for injured workers claims. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey [Photo: @daniel_mookhey_mlc] Mookhey bluntly told a parliamentary inquiry into the proposed changes, I will not be authorising any further injections of funding into icare. The insurers financial woes follow its history of scandals and corruption, including the underpayment of 53,000 injured workers a total of some $80 million between 2012 and 2019. The NSW Labor government intends to address icares financial troubles by slashing payouts. The new legislation will sharply narrow the definition of psychological injuries eligible for compensation, and require that they be the result of a relevant event. This would specifically exclude psychological harm caused by excessive workload and pressure, which were responsible for more than a quarter of serious mental injury claims in 202122, according to Safe Work Australia. The government plans to establish a new bullying and sexual harassment jurisdiction in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC)the states pro-business industrial courtbefore which workers will have to plead their case before making a compensation claim. Along with anti-fraud measures modelled on recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, this starts from the position that employees claims are false, that employers are not responsible for damage to their health and wellbeing and that it is up to the injured worker to prove otherwise, through a process that is likely to cause further mental distress. The legislation would raise the permanent impairment threshold for workers to access lump sum payments or work injury damages for a psychological injury from 15 percent to 31 percent impaired. According to the existing guidelines, a worker with Class 3 impairment (11 to 30 percent impaired): Cannot work at all in same position. Can perform less than 20 hours per week in a different position, which requires less skill or is qualitatively different (eg less stressful). Moreover, an individual in this category: Cant live independently without regular support. Needs prompting to shower daily and wear clean clothes. Does not prepare own meals, frequently misses meals. Workers compensation lawyer Scott Dougall told the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), If all of these proposals were adopted, the overwhelming majority of people with psychological injuries arising within the workplace would not be entitled to make a claim. Psychiatrist Dr Julian Parmegiana, principal author of the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale told the SMH: If youre going to take that step and say were increasing it to 30 per cent impairment, you might as well euthanise the entire scheme and just say: Were not paying out any claims for any psychological injury, because that is the effect. Australian Association of Psychologists Vice President Katrina Norris told a parliamentary inquiry, An impairment of 15 percent requires an individual to be unable to function independently in almost all domains of life. The NSW Labor government is not alone in moving to deny compensation to workers who have sustained this profound level of psychological injury in the workplace. Similar restrictions are in place in South Australia and Queensland, as well as Victoria, where the state Labor government imposed its WorkCover Scheme Modernisation Act in March last year. The trade unions in Victoria postured at times as critics of the changes, but ultimately ensured they were implemented without challenge from workers, who were prevented from taking industrial action against the move. The Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) participated in the government inquiry to draft the legislation, agreeing with big-business complaints that the scheme was costing too much. Only after the bill was introduced into parliament and essentially a finished question did the VTHC take any oppositional action at all, which amounted to sending letters to Labor MPs, pleading for them to vote against their own partys legislation. Once the laws were passed, the VTHC denounced them as representing the worst of Victorian politics, and then never said another word. Unions NSW is publicly opposing the legislation and has called a series of protests over the next week. These are not strikes, but own-time rallies, explicitly designed to create minimal disruption to business or the government. They are intended as nothing more than an opportunity for workers to let off steam, and to divert opposition to the attack on workers rights into plaintive appeals to the very government carrying it out. The union bureaucrats have no disagreement with the underlying premise of the proposed changesthat costs have to be slashed from the workers compensation scheme. The five-point plan they submitted to a government inquiry to prepare the legislation was intended to provide other options to improve the financial sustainability of the scheme. The peak bodys own survey of workers highlights role overload as overwhelmingly the most serious hazard to psychosocial safety in the workplace. Asked what should be done to improve workers mental health, 67 percent of those surveyed identified employing additional staff, and 58 percent improving pay and conditions. But the five-point-plan demands neither, instead calling for the greater empowerment and involvement of the IRC, financial incentives to reward safety-conscious employers, and for measures to address supposed waste and inefficiency within the scheme. In other words, far from leading workers in a fight for the improved wages, staffing and conditions needed to reverse the rise in workplace psychological injuries, the union bureaucrats are proposing an alternate means of dealing with their financial consequences. The reality is that the union bureaucracies, along with the state Labor government, are responsible for the dire wages and working conditions identified by workers as the primary cause of the rise in psychological injuries at work. Healthcare accounted for more than 14,000 claims nationally from 201718 to 202122, more than a quarter of the total, while around 7,500 claims were in education. These sectors have been subjected to decades of government funding cuts and are characterised by chronic understaffing, plummeting real wages and usurious workloads as a result, a situation that has been drastically worsened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assault on these sectors could not have been carried out without the collaboration of the trade union bureaucracies. In NSW, repeated mass strikes in 2022 by health workers and educators, over wages, conditions and safety, were diverted into a campaign to elect a Labor government, which was presented to workers by the bureaucrats as a panacea, but which has in fact only deepened the attack on the public sector. Last year, strikes by nurses and midwives were shut down by the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, which is now upholding a nine-month industrial action ban from the IRC. This underscores the urgent need for workers to take matters into their own hands. Labors attack on workers compensation must be fought, but this is impossible within the framework of the union apparatus. Rank-and-file committees, led by workers themselves, must be built in hospitals, schools and all other workplaces, throughout NSW and around the country, as the means through which workers can take up a unified struggle, independent of the trade unions, for the defence of their rights. Labors attempt to eviscerate workers compensation is a stark illustration of the incompatibility of the capitalist system, in which not only wages and working conditions, but even workers health and lives are subordinated to the profit interests of the financial and corporate elite. This is starkly expressed in Mookheys claim that the resources for workers compensation come at the expense of schools, hospitals or kids in need of out-of-home care. This poses the need for workers to fight for a political alternative, socialism, in which the vast resources currently controlled by a tiny minority are placed under democratic workers control, so that they can be used to satisfy the needs of the working class, not further enrich the wealthy few. To join the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form below. Postal workers at a USPS processing and distribution center. [AP Photo/Ben Margot] US postal workers and their supporters from across the country, as well as delegates from Canada and Britain, met Sunday afternoon to discuss the strategy to fight the impending privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The meeting was well attended, with over 100 registering in advance. The meeting, sponsored by the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee, discussed the program from the committees recent statement in response to the appointment of David Steiner, a member of the Fedex Board of Directors, as new Postmaster General. The appointment, the committee warned, was a declaration of all-out war against more than 600,000 postal workers. His top priority will be to destroy USPS and privatize whatever can make money for Fedex and other huge corporations. Emphasizing the need for independence from the Democrats and the trade union bureaucrats, the statement called for mass action, including a general strike, to force a stop to Trumps conspiracies. WSWS reporter Tom Hall opened the meeting Sunday: To call [the appointment of Steiner] a conflict of interest would essentially be to cheapen the meaning of the phrase. For all intents and purposes, once Steiner takes office, the post office will essentially be a subsidiary of FedEx. Trumps attacks on the post office are only a component part of his wide-reaching plan to establish a presidential dictatorship, Hall warned. Steiner is only the latest in a series of billionaires and superwealthy individuals who are playing direct roles in this governmentincluding, of course, Trump himself, as well as Elon Musk. Hall noted that the attack on the post office, however, has been a bipartisan venture for decades. He pointed in particular to the Delivering for America restructuring, begun under Trumps first term and continued under Biden, which is eliminating tens of thousands of jobs and consolidating local offices and routes to prepare USPS for privatization. He said: We know that we have to organize this [opposition] from below. We cannot wait for permission from the union bureaucracy, which is openly collaborating with the Trump administration, or the Democratic Party, which is doing nothing to oppose Trump. [This is] because they are far more afraid of a mass movement from below, especially from the working class, than they are even of fascism. Pointing to the sellout contracts being imposed by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA), Hall called on workers to build a network of rank-and-file committees as an alternative organization to transfer power to workers themselves. He urged: Reach out to workers in your facility or area whom you trust to hold joint discussions that exclude managers as well as union officials. Begin discussing a joint strategy, prepare a statement declaring what your demands are and reach out to the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee to begin coordinating joint actions on a national scale. In turn, this work will be coordinated on a world scale through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). Following his remarks, a city carrier and leading member of the USPS RFC spoke. She called the appointment of Steiner sabotage from within and said: The only way we can survive this is through worker solidarity. With the total numbers we have in our workforce, we can succeed. Basically, we have two forces working against usSteiner, and then our own union, she added. While imposing contracts with wage increases between 1.3 and 1.5 percent, [President Brian] Renfroe from NALC received a 19 percent pay increase this year. [President Don] Maston from the Rural received a 14 percent pay increase this year. We must really fight, but no one is standing up to lead or organizing the masses. But through these [meetings], I believe is our best way we can get the ideas of the workers. Workers could not wait for a special [NALC] convention, as some have advocated, which she said would be bureaucratically controlled by Renfroes minions. Instead, she said: We need all new [organizations] from the top to the bottom that are going to be in line with the workers who are going to take what were saying without the secrecy of whats going on in these contract negotiations. The meeting also heard contributions from sister committees across the world. Dave Edwards, a Royal Mail worker, brought greetings from the UK Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee. Royal Mail workers are fighting similar attacks, he explained: The leaders of our union, the Communication Workers Union, have openly celebrated the 3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail by billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. The takeover, he warned, is a green light to turbocharge the destruction of the mail services, eliminate jobs and slash conditions. But the CWU helped Kretinsky draft a framework agreement, which is nothing more than a blueprint for automation, mass sell-offs and Amazon-style exploitation The union headquarters have waged a PR campaign to represent the billionaire asset strippers as saviors, to the disgust and anger of postal workers. The bureaucrats even agreed to actually attach heart monitors to delivery workers to measure fatigue, in other words, to see how far we can be pushed before we collapse. We [the committee] called it out. Our role as watchdogs of the rank and file is essential, he explained. It informs, it organizes, and builds resistance. Connecting this to the broader fight against dictatorship he added: You are at the sharp end, but Trump is setting a global trend. Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer apes Trump on every single issue, from privatization to the outlawing of opposition to mass murder in Gaza. The government has also conducted a scabbing operation against 350 garbage workers in Birmingham, he said. He concluded: We cannot stand by when our free speech and basic rights are shredded. We need a strategy to defend this, through mass collective action of the working class. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) provides a way forward, a common strategy, not just words of solidarity. Through the IWA-RFC, American and British workers can deepen up our collaboration. I welcome this meeting as a turning point in our fight We will no longer be divided, silenced or sacrificed for a profit. We are part of the international working class. Daniel, a member of the Canadian Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee, also spoke. The Canada Post Corporation, backed by the Liberal government and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), are all adamant that [AI and automation] must be used to make the post office competitive. Reviewing the experience of the national postal strike last year, he said that there was little to no communication throughout the strike [from CUPW]. This paved the way for the governments undemocratic strike ban in December. Since then, a government inquiry was assembled to justify all of the corporations demands, including phasing out door-to-door delivery, reducing the frequency of mail delivery and increasing part-time and seasonal employment. Their contract expires again this Thursday, he added, with either a strike, lockout or arbitration likely. He said: The corporation has previously threatened that there would be major changes needed to return to financial self-sustainability. Daniel rejected the nationalist divisions between US and Canada: The tariff war, a precursor to a global military conflagration, can only be halted by the international unification of workers struggles. We should not be lining up behind our own ruling classes on the basis of reactionary nationalism [supported] by the treacherous union bureaucracies. Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker and socialist playing a leading role in rank-and-file committees in the auto industry, also spoke. He said: The point was raised before about how these rank-and-file committees are used to spread information. The IWA-RFC has launched an investigation into the death of Ronald Adams, a worker at Stellantis, who passed away [on the job]. Essentially, the UAW and Stellantis are both working hand in hand to cover up information about his death. Its been around six weeks now, where his widow has not heard any information from the UAW about whats going on and about what led to his death. He urged postal workers: Spread the word about whats going on and help build [these committees] against the attacks on workers both in the US and internationally. The attacks on us anywhere need to be fought by workers everywhere. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Younis, Gaza, amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the area, on Monday, May 19, 2025 [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the full-scale launch of Operation Gideons Chariots, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as the concluding moves in Gaza. The language echoes the Final SolutionNazi Germanys term for the systematic extermination of Europes Jews. The aim of the operation is the total military conquest and occupation of the Gaza Strip, the forced internal displacement of the remaining population into concentration camps in the south, and preparations for their expulsion from Palestine altogether. The operation will be accompanied by a joint US-Israeli takeover of food distribution to the imprisoned population, with American logistics firms and private military contractors dispensing starvation-level rations to pre-screened individuals, identified through facial recognition technology. Behind the scenes, the Trump administration is orchestrating the largest imperialist-backed ethnic cleansing operation since the Holocaust. The White House is negotiating with the regimes in Libya and Syriawhose governments were overthrown by US-backed Islamist insurgenciesto accept more than 1 million forcibly displaced Palestinians, either by boat or over land. Eighty years after the end of World War II, the greatest crimes of Nazi Germanymass extermination, deliberate mass starvation and ethnic cleansingare being carried out and normalized by the imperialist powers. But while the architects of the Holocaust sought to conceal the scale of their crimes from the German population and the world, the genocide in Gaza is unfolding in full view. The American president has openly declared the ethnic cleansing and annexation of Palestine to be a strategic objective of his administration. While the genocide in Gaza is spearheaded by Trump and Netanyahu, it has been defended and legitimized by all the imperialist powers and enabled by the bourgeois Arab regimes. The imperialist governments legitimize mass murder and ethnic cleansing by asserting that Israel has the right to defend itself. Across Europe, every government has fraudulently denounced protests against the genocide as antisemitic, carrying out mass arrests and persecuting those who speak out against the crimes of the Israeli state. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany, vowing to defy a warrant by the International Criminal Court for Netanyahus arrest. Trumps trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has put on display before the entire world the complicity of the Arab regimes in the Gaza genocide. As Trump funnels billions of dollars in bombs to Israel for the destruction of Gaza, the Qatari royal family has given Trump the gift of a $400 million private jumbo jet. Despite issuing pro-forma statements condemning the starvation of Palestinians, the Arab regimes are complicit in the genocide and forced displacement of the population in Gaza. As recounted by journalist Bob Woodward in his book War, Jordanian King Abdullah II told Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2023, Israel must defeat Hamas. We will not say this publicly, but we support the defeat of Hamas. Woodward also wrote that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told Blinken that his regime only wants to maintain peace with Israel, even as Israel was massacring the Palestinians. The institutions of international law have proven themselves completely bankrupt in the face of the ongoing genocide. Half a century of imperialist-sponsored peace plans, innumerable votes in the UN General Assembly and Security Council, rulings by the International Court of Justice and charges by the International Criminal Court have proven completely meaningless. What is unfolding in Gaza, a crime of monumental proportions, has the most far-reaching political implications. It exposes the essential nature of imperialism and all democratic capitalist governments. In his imperishable analysis of imperialism, written in 1916 in the midst of World War I, Lenin warned that the distinction between bourgeois democracies and the old monarchical autocracies was being obliterated. A century later, modern imperialist regimes, the self-proclaimed defenders of human rights, justify, support and even applaud the mass murder of an entire population. The normalization of genocide is an inseparable component of the intensification of attacks on democratic rights, the impoverishment of the working class and the war plans of the imperialist governments. In all of the imperialist capitals, from Washington to Berlin, London and Tokyo, governments are massively expanding military spending while slashing social programs. While the leaders of every imperialist governmentand their Middle Eastern client regimessupport the genocide carried out by Israel, the overwhelming majority of the worlds population is horrified by these crimes. In cities and towns across the globe, millions of peopleincluding countless thousands of Jewshave joined mass protests against the Gaza genocide. An unbridgeable chasm has opened between the mass of the worlds people, outraged by the genocide, and their governments. Nineteen months since the start of the genocide, it is necessary to draw certain fundamental conclusions. First and foremost, it is impossible to stop the Gaza genocide through appeals to the imperialist powers or the institutions of international law. The only way to stop the massacre in Gaza is through the mobilization of the working class. The struggle against the Gaza genocide depends on the expansion of the class struggle and the defense of the social, economic and political rights of the working class. The joint statement issued by the UK, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank is not opposition to Israels genocide of the Palestinians. It is an attempt by Prime Ministers Sir Keir Starmer and Mark Carney and President Emanuel Macron to provide themselves with an alibi for mass murder and ethnic cleansing. After nineteen months of their colluding with Benjamin Netanyahus government as tens of thousands were killed and Gaza was destroyed, the three leaders have issued a declaration, both cynical and toothless, that they strongly oppose the expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (centre) sits with French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right) as he hosts a European Leaders Summit at Lancaster House, March 2, 2025 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 What they refer to euphemistically as expansion is a pledge by Netanyahu to take control of Gaza and complete its ethnic cleansing by leaving two million Palestinians with a choice between permanent exile or death. Their joint statement feigns shock and outrage at the intolerable human suffering in Gaza, describes Israels allowing a basic quantity of food into Gaza as wholly inadequate and calls for the government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza in line with humanitarian principles. To do otherwise, it warns, risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. What follows was a well-worn list of excuses for Israels murderous actions that have in fact blown international law to smithereens. There is a call for Hamas to release the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023, which is referred to as a heinous attack and is followed by the declaration, We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism. Raising their bombast to maximum volume, the three leaders describe the current escalation as wholly disproportionate, adding that We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. As to what these concrete actions consist of, the letters sole reference is to targeted sanctions against any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank and nothing whatsoever regarding Gaza and its permanent annexation. Under these circumstances, the pro-forma restatement of supporting a viable Palestinian state and a pathway to a two-state solution is whitewash. This is all framed as support for the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, along with the Palestinian Authority, and other regional partners to secure a ceasefire and an end to Hamas control of Gaza. Identified here is a rogues gallery stretching from the would-be Fuhrer Donald Trumpwho is Israels chief military backer and wants US control of Gazato the Arab despots who have not only stood by but deepened their collusion with the US and Israel while they rained down death and destruction on Gaza. Little wonder that Netanyahu responded to the letter by boasting that Israel would continue to fight until total victory was achieved. This was after he explained that similar pressure from the US had forced him to let in nine trucks of aid, less than 2 percent of daily shipments before the war and which will have no effect whatsoever on the deliberate and ongoing starvation of Gaza. Unnamed senators that he described as Israels greatest friends in the world had told Netanyahu, We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you. Netanyahu may rail against the UK, France and Canada for his domestic audience of fascist butchers. But Starmer, Macron and Carney are also Israels great friends and they too will continue backing his genocidal regime. In all three countries, support for Israel has been combined with denunciations of opponents of genocide as antisemites and their persecution by the state. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney for a bilateral meeting in 10 Downing Street, March 17, 2025 [Photo by Lauren Hurley/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 While the trio were promising that they will not stand by, Israel was declaring all of central Khan Younis city a combat zone, ordering all civilians to leave and continued its aerial bombardment. The United Nations said that it had been given permission to send in 100 aid trucksa fifth of pre-war levelsbut said its staff could be killed in the process. The UN warned that 14,000 babies could die in Gaza in the next two days. Accepting a limited delivery of aid as a necessary evil, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel Smotrich said this could be turned to Israels advantage. It would allow the Israel Defence Forces to conquer, cleanse and stay, and destroy Hamas and Along the way, what remains of the strip is also being wiped out The [Palestinian] population will reach the south of the strip, and from there, with Gods help, move to third countries under President Trumps plan. Starmer is the most open and consistent defender of the Gaza genocide of the three leaderscoming to power last July after making Israels right to defend itself his watchword and repeatedly denying that a genocide is even taking place. Last week, UK government lawyers were in court arguing in defence of its special arrangements allowing parts for F-35 fighter jets to be exported, which inevitably find their way to Israel, based largely on denying that genocide in Gaza is taking place. On May 13, at a clandestine meeting at the British Museum organised by the Israeli Embassy, Britains minister for defence procurement and industry, Maria Eagle, boasted of Royal Air Force spy planes flying reconnaissance missions over Gaza. On May 19, asked directly by Sky News whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Starmer refused to say it was. Starmer absented himself from a parliamentary debate on Gaza to visit a Lidl supermarket to discuss the benefits of the UK/European Union trade deal. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a suspension of trade talks with Israel, but in response to PA media asking whether more exports to Israel would be banned, a Downing Street spokesperson said only that we always keep such arrangements under review. None of this has prevented the pseudo-left tendencies from once more insisting that pressure placed on the imperialist governments is the way that genocide can be prevented. Britains Stop the War Coalition wrote of beginning to see cracks in the monolithic establishment support for Netanyahu, mooting a reset in the Starmer governments approach and of how Even Donald Trump appears to have realised that uncritical support for Netanyahu is unsustainable. The Socialist Workers Party wrote that the Scale of Israels horror in Gaza was rocking Western leaders who fear it exposes their hypocrisy over human rights, providing an opportunity for the Palestine movement to ramp up pressure. The statement by Britain, France and Canada was one example of the successes achieved by the pressure of the Palestine solidarity movement. This is a dangerous lie. Popular pressure may encourage hypocritical statements to be mouthed by imperialist politicians regarding the fate of the Palestinians. But it will not end the genocide and their de facto participation in it. This is why the May 20 WSWS Editorial Board statement, Imperialism launches its final solution in Gaza, identified as the central lesson to be drawn from over a year and a half of mass slaughter that it is impossible to stop the Gaza genocide through appeals to the imperialist powers or the institutions of international law. The only way to stop the massacre in Gaza is through the mobilization of the working class. The struggle against the Gaza genocide depends on the expansion of the class struggle and the defense of the social, economic and political rights of the working class. The sound system at the Carlton Beach was blasting out James Browns The Boss while, incongruously, Spike Lee was engaged in a Rodgers and Hammerstein sing-along. Theres a bright, golden haze on the meadow, Lee crooned. The corn is as high as a elephants eye, an it looks like its climbin clear up to the sky. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee cleared his throat and cried, Thats juxtaposition, right there. Thats juxtaposition. I joined him on the Oh, what a beautiful mornin! Oh, what a beautiful day! chorus. I jokingly suggested that we do The Surrey with the Fringe on Top next, but Lee shrugged that off. There was a point to the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein tribute. Lees great movie Highest 2 Lowest opens with Matthew Libatiques cameras taking in the Manhattan skyline as the city awakes. The skyscrapers are the corn as high as an elephants eye, says Lee, smiling as his longtime editor Barry Alexander Brown joins us on a couch. RELATED: Denzel Washington Appears To Have Altercation With Photographer On Cannes Red Carpet They came up with the Oh, what a beautiful mornin idea early on in the shoot. Funny how a song that landed on Broadway 82 years ago feels as if it couldve been written yesterday. Great classic show tunes can be molded like Shakespeare to fit any moment, and boy-oh-boy, Oklahomas opening number fits Highest 2 Lowest like a glove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musicals are on Lees mind. His next film will be a musical. I asked whether its going to be Boner, a song and dance about the creation of Viagra. I get straight to the point, and as Im about to hum James Browns Get Up (I Feel Like being a) Sex Machine, Lees having none of it. I dont know nothing about a musical, he says with a glint in his eye as he looks around at revelers enjoying the soiree hosted by A24. I push some more, and he merrily repeats his mantra: I dont know nothing. I dont know nothing about a musical. I dont know, I dont know. RELATED: Highest 2 Lowest Review: Denzel Washington Finds A Great Role And A$AP Rocky Finds A New Career In Spike Lees Entertaining Kidnap Drama Cannes Film Festival Gatsby Randolph, left, with A$AP Rocky (Baz Bamigboye/Deadline) He starts talking about working with his old friend Denzel Washington, who he cast as a record executive in Highest 2 Lowest, and how the electrifying scenes between Washington and A$AP Rocky came about. Its generational, says Spike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put Denzel and Rocky in a room with a camera trained on them, and you just capture what happens, he says. RELATED: Spike Lees Denzel Washington Pic Highest 2 Lowest Scores Six-Minute Ovation At Cannes Premiere A$AP tells me later that he loved acting opposite Washington and learned so much and is eager to find the right role for another film. I go back to Mr. Spike Lee about the movie musical, but hes giving nothing away. How long we known each other? he laughs. I enjoy not telling you. When we were younger, we used to get mad at each other. We had a huge fight 30 years ago, but now we just laugh. RELATED: Breaking Baz @ Cannes: Nicole Kidman, The Barefoot Queen Of Cannes, Wanted To Party On The Beach But Had To Fly Home For Her Kids Exams In any case, were interrupted by Cuba Gooding Jr, and we chat about other stuff. Cuba Gooding Jr. is greeted by Spike Lee at the Highest 2 Lowest party (Baz Bamigboye/Deadline) Element Pictures Ed Guiney get into a conversation about Akinola Davies Jr.s sublime My Fathers Shadow and how theyre already discussing a second film. Its a thriller about oil, politics and corruption that also will be set in Nigeria. Its at an early stage, Guiney cautions. The scripts still being developed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taraji P. Henson flew in late and missed seeing Highest 2 Lowest. Its on my list to see, she says, going on to tell me that shes in town to host the annual amfAR Cannes gala on Thursday over at the Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc. Taraji P. Henson at the Highest 2 Lowest party (Baz Bamigboye/Deadline) I talk some more with A$AP Rocky, and I cant deny that Im beguiled by his gold gnashers, which is so rude of me, but I cant help it. Were joined by music producer Gatsby Randolph (Who Is Gatsby Randolph), who kindly invites me to have lunch on his yacht. I cannot fathom whether what Randolph is telling me is bullsh*t or not. He claims hes legit. In any case, I shall not be taking him up on his kind invitation. I prefer dry land. RELATED: Full List Of Cannes Palme dOr Winners Through The Years: Photo Gallery Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Raging Thunder The biggest movie in North Korean history is a monster movie based on classic kaiju movies called Pulgasari. Filmed in 1985, it was mostly the brainchild of director and producer Shin Sang-ok. It is a crazy movie, about a group of villagers who team up with a Godzilla-like monster to overthrow their countrys tyrannical leader. It is, of course, steeped in anti-West, anti-South Korea messaging, as you would expect, but as B-movies go, its not half bad. Its gone on to achieve a little bit of cult following around the world, especially in Japan. There is so much more to the story, though. Credit: Raging Thunder The Kidnapping That Led To North Koreas Film Industry As the heir apparent to his father, Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong Il was already quite powerful in the late 1970s in North Korea. The younger Kim also loved movies. He reportedly had thousands of films in his personal library and was especially fond of movies from the West, the U.S., and the U.K. He also loved classic Japanese monster movies . As a lover of movies, he set out to build a North Korean film industry in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, Kim was reportedly unhappy with the results, so he hatched a plan to do something only the son of a dictator would think to do: kidnap two of South Koreas biggest stars , filmmaker Shin Sang-ok and his wife, actress Choi Eun-hee. Choi, one of South Koreas biggest stars, was kidnapped from Hong Kong in 1978 after being tricked into traveling to the then-British protectorate with a job offer. Six months later, Shin Sang-ok was searching for his then-ex-wife in Hong Kong when he was also snatched up by the North Korean regime. Like Choi, he was taken back to North Korea. After two escape attempts, he was sent to prison for five years. He was finally reunited with Choi after his release in 1983 at a party hosted by the younger Kim. Credit: Raging Thunder Making Movies For The Dictators Son Kim soon began talking about films with the two South Korean prisoners, and by 1984. Shin and Choi were making them for the regime. Of course, most had a strong state-sponsored message, but Shin did manage to convince Kim to allow him to broaden the subjects to give more international appeal. That is what led directly to Pulgasari. Production on the monster movie began in early 1985, and it included the use of an incredible 13,000 extras for some scenes, many of whom came from the North Korean army. Shin was basically given carte blanche, and in the neighborhood of $3 million (US) to make a movie inspired by Godzilla. Kim even enlisted the Japanese special effects house, Toho, to work on the movie. Credit: Raging Thunder Today, Pulgasari Is A Cult Classic Its unclear if Pulgasari was ever released in North Korea; there are conflicting reports. Some sources claim the movie was a hit in its home country, others say it was put on ice by Kim, along with Shins six other films produced under the regime, after Shin and Choi escaped North Korea during a trip to Vienna in 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decade later, long after Choi and Shins escape, the movie was released in Japan, first on VHS in 1995, then in theaters in the summer of 1998, and it became a hit. The success prompted distributors to release the movie in South Korea, though it bombed badly, likely due to understandable bias by the South Korean public towards the North. All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Stitch and Maia Kealoha in "Lilo & Stitch." When it comes to Disney's live-action remakes of its own animated films, my position is firmly "against." Aside from being nostalgia-baiting cash grabs, films like 2017's Beauty and the Beast and 2025's Snow White may boast solid performances, but they never manage to recapture the magic of the medium that built the Disney empire in the first place. Gorgeous, emotive fantasy worlds like The Little Mermaid 's underwater kingdom or Aladdin 's Agrabah are flattened into CGI sludge. Strange adaptation choices like extra subplots (who needed to know so much about Prince Eric?) clog up what were originally tight, often powerful stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disney isn't even reaching that far back into its catalogue to create these movies. This year's Lilo & Stitch retells the story of a film released all the way back in... 2002. (Meanwhile, 2026's live-action Moana remakes an animated film that's barely a decade old.) Despite my skepticism, 2025's Lilo & Stitch managed to win me over more than any other Disney live-action remake so far. Much of it comes down to the continuing charm of the original movie, which director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On) capably emulates in the remake. Aside from the occasional baffling change from the original, Lilo & Stitch cements itself as sweetly fun in its own right, thanks to its loving treatment of its central pairing. Lilo and Stitch shine in live action, too. Maia Kealoha and Stitch in "Lilo & Stitch." Maia Kealoha and Stitch in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Disney Like many Disney remakes before it, Lilo & Stitch kicks off as a fairly beat-for-beat recreation of the original film. Exiled alien experiment Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders, who co-directed and voiced Stitch in the original film) crash lands in Hawaii, where 6-year-old orphan Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) adopts him as a pet. Together, these two get up to heaps of trouble but they also learn important messages about family and responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These familiar beats worked well in the animated film, and they translate well to live action. (Even if this movie is sorely lacking the vibrant colors of the original.) Much of that success comes down to the enduring power of the dynamic duo at Lilo & Stitch's heart, both of whom shine in "live action." SEE ALSO: Snow White's short hair didn't deserve this treatment Newcomer Kealoha is absolutely precious as Lilo, both a rebellious firecracker and a vulnerable outcast. She faces the tough job of acting opposite a completely CGI character, yet she makes every interaction with Stitch feel grounded and real. Any scene where she and Stitch hug? Instant tears. Stitch himself proves a star in live action as well as animation. Camp and his team crafted a creature who looks and feels real (get a load of that fur!), all without sacrificing expression for photorealism. From his twitchy ears to his massive dark eyes, Stitch proves to be the most successful translation of an animated Disney creature to live action, in large part because the film maintains his dynamic sense of chaos. (A scene where he tears through a wedding is an early highlight.) Sanders' voice work remains impeccable as well, nicely bridging the two iterations of the character. How is this Lilo & Stitch different from the original? Pleakley and Jumba. Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis in "Lilo & Stitch." Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Zach Dougan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not every Lilo & Stitch character translates as well to live action, though. Stitch's creator, scientist Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), and his partner in hunting Stitch down, Earth expert Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), look uncanny as CGI aliens. In Jumba's case, it's a matter of having two many eyes (four), and in Pleakley's, too few (one). Lilo & Stitch knows this looks less than ideal, which is why the pair spends most of the film in human forms thanks to alien cloning technology. This allows Fleischer Camp to focus the creature effects on Stitch, as well as add the physical comedy of two aliens trying to look human. Magnussen excels here, his Pleakley all manic smiles and overzealous body language. Tragically missing is Pleakley's penchant for female-coded clothing, which Camp has stated on TikTok that he tried to include . The omission feels like an attempt to erase any moment that could be read as queer (even though Pleakley and Jumba still feel very queer-coded), making for another disappointing instance of self-censorship on Disney's part. Earlier this year, Disney's Pixar cut a transgender storyline from its series Win or Lose, and in 2022 cut a same-sex kiss in Lightyear until staff pressure led to its restoration. SEE ALSO: Pixar's LGBTQ employees say Disney censors same-sex affection Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also missing is Lilo's penchant for photographing tourists in Hawaii. What little critique the original had of overtourism in Hawaii is replaced with Lilo sneaking into resorts instead. This too feels like Disney removing Lilo & Stitch's more subversive elements. Given that this story centers on two wild balls of chaos, taming even the slightest edges of the original undermines Lilo & Stitch's very core. Another disarming change is the removal of the original's ultimate antagonist Captain Gantu. A 20-foot-tall shark-like alien, he likely would have been difficult to render well considering Lilo & Stitch's $100 million budget, which makes it among the cheaper live-action Disney offerings. Still, his absence moves Jumba into a more antagonistic role. Galifianakis, while generally funny, doesn't channel much of Jumba's mad scientist energy. So his take on Jumba comes across as less menacing and more exasperated an odd choice for a Big Bad. Lilo and Nani's relationship is a highlight in Lilo & Stitch. Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong in "Lilo & Stitch." Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Matt Kennedy While some of Lilo & Stitch's changes from the original don't function very well, the film's decision to focus even more on Nani's (Sydney Agudong) struggles in raising Lilo proves rewarding. The animated film painted a moving portrait of an overwhelmed young woman trying to do what's right for her sister. Camp takes his cues from that to further explore Nani's aspirations and her anxieties, which include securing health insurance for her and Lilo. Agudong is often heartbreaking in these scenes of real-world struggle. Her and Kealoha share a sweet, playful chemistry that brings their sisterhood to poignant life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tender scenes between Lilo and Nani are among the most powerful and grounded sequences I've seen in a live-action Disney remake. Also effective are Lilo's bonding scenes with Stitch, including a water fight and a sweet kiss on the nose. Again, much of that impact comes down to how well these same scenes worked in the original film, which makes talking about Disney remakes feel like grading on a curve. Still, this Lilo & Stitch retains much of the fun of the 2002 film, and it comes with great performances and effects work that actually makes Stitch feel real. Like with every Disney remake, you'd be better off watching the original, but if you have to watch one of the remakes, make it this one. Lilo & Stitch is now in theaters. UPDATE: May. 21, 2025, 2:07 p.m. EDT This review was originally published on May 20, 2025. The article has been updated to include current viewing information. Tucci In Italy is more or less a continuation of Stanley Tuccis CNN travel series Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. He continues to visit different regions of his ancestral home, talking to chefs and other people who contribute to the food culture of a particular region. In the five episodes in this season of the show, Tucci visits Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo and Lazio. TUCCI IN ITALY: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT? Opening Shot: A windy mountain range that yields white marble. Stanley Tucci walks on a ridge and quotes Michelangelo: I saw the angel in the marble, and I carved until I set it free. The Gist: In Tuscany, Tucci starts with Florence, the city many think is Italys food and culture capital. He tries lampredotto, which is essentially beef intestines, which Florentines often eat on a roll for breakfast(!). Then goes to Dalla Lola, a restaurant specializing in peasant recipes that Florences working class used to make and eat all the time, including a dish called fake tripe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then travels to Colonnata, known for its impeccable marble, but also one of the best places to get lardo, which is aged pork fatback. He then goes to Maremma, the Wild West of Italys Wild West, visiting with cattle ranchers called Butteri, who manage herds of free-range cattle that produce low-fat, very tender steaks, which Tucci helps the lead buttero grill. Back in Florence, Tucci eats at an Asian-influenced restaurant that adheres to the citys arcane restaurant rules as far as sourcing of ingredients are concerned, but definitely goes a different way than the usual. Then he goes to Siena, where he observes the mass feasts that happen all over the city during the twice-per-year Palio di Siena. Photo: National Geographic What Shows Will It Remind You Of? As we mentioned, Tucci In Italy is pretty much a continuation of the 2021-22 CNN/BBC series Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. Its very much in the vein of other food-oriented travel shows, like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown or Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi. Our Take: Despite a couple of years break and a switch of networks, Tucci In Italy doesnt try to give us anything more than the previous show did, which is Stanley Tucci walking through various places in Italy, where his family was from and where he lived for a time when he was a kid. He is his usual wry and erudite self, enjoying all sorts of food, speaking Italian to the people that are featured in a segment, and muses about the marriage of food and culture in his voice overs. What we thought about all this four years ago, when the original show debuted, really hasnt changed: Tucci isnt quite as personable a narrator as Bourdain or Lakshmi is, and he tends to observe rather than connect with the people he talks to. He definitely can lead towards pretentiousness at times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also shows so much passion for his familys homeland, and a fascination with each regions food culture, especially restaurants and dishes that go against the norms of what a tourist might eat when he or she goes to Italy on vacation. So, if there are moments where, for instance, he seems a bit detached when the owner of a local marble mine talks to him about the history of mining in his town, were figuring hes just thinking about the food hes going to be eating later. Photo: Matt Holyoak/NatGeo Sex and Skin: None, except for sexy shots of food. Parting Shot: An overview of thousands of people sitting at long tables for the communal dinners during the Palio de Siena. Sleeper Star: In a show like this, the director of photography is the sleeper star, because of all the inviting scenery they shoot. In this episode, the DP is Matt Ball. Most Pilot-y Line: Tucci says Wow a lot when he eats something he loves, though at times we wish he said something like, Damn, thats good! or something equally enthusiastic. Our Call: STREAM IT. Stanley Tucci isnt exactly the most relatable or warm presence as a travel host, but he is thorough, and Tucci In Italy is a good continuation of the journey through the country that he started on CNN in 2021. Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesnt kid himself: hes a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company and elsewhere. To me, the amusement of shopping at Trader Joes is their impressively wide range of goodies many of which are imported from outside the U.S. Though, as policies shift, it wouldnt be surprising to see a lot of beloved Trader Joes staples get hit with tariffs, increasing in price (or disappearing altogether). The first things on my mind when I heard about the tariffs were olive oil and coffee, both of which I buy very regularly from TJs (and both of which are imported from Italy and Indonesia, respectively). I reached out to Trader Joes to find out exactly how the newly-imposed tariffs could impact their products, but have not yet received a response. Thus, this list of imported TJs goods is full of just examples. Whether they increase in price or never grace shelves again really depends on the specifics of the government-enforced tariffs and how Trader Joe's adjusts their sourcing and pricing strategies in response. If any of your go-to's are on this list, consider stocking up now before they're possibly affected! Scroll on for 10 Trader Joe's products that could potentially be impacted by tariffs. 4 Cheese Ravioli | Trader Joe's 4 Cheese Ravioli + More Imported Pastas Sourced from Italian pasta suppliers, Trader Joe's fresh imported pastas like the 4 Cheese Ravioli could possibly see price hikes. This pack has a price of $3.29, but it could change if TJ's continues selling it, thanks to the 20% tariff Italy faces. Italian Imported Olive Oil | Trader Joe's This olive oil sourced with elements from Italy, Greece, and Spain hails directly from Italy, where it's packaged. Though it's certainly not as fancy as pure extra virgin olive oil (this one's actually a blend of extra virgin and refined olive oil), its $9.99 price tag could increase given the 20% tariff on Italy. Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Coffee | Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Coffee + Other Imported Beans Sorry, coffee lovers tariffs could impact your morning cup of joe very soon. In fact, many of the beans that produce the brews we adore are imported, namely from Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. This $9.49 bag comes from a region the latter country called Sumatra, and since Indonesia faces a 32% tariff, it could end up costing you more than you're used to especially if your coffee preference has imported origins. Thailand Jasmine Rice | Trader Joe's Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of a 36% tariff, Thailand's very versatile jasmine rice sold at Trader Joe's for just $3.29 a bag could ultimately fall victim to higher prices at checkout. It works across so many different dishes, from stir fries to curries I recommend stocking up on it now, especially since it's shelf-stable for... practically forever. Elevated Nut Mix | Trader Joe's A surefire staple for charcuterie boards and happy hour snack spreads, this salted medley of nuts features both cashews from Vietnam and macadamia nuts from Kenya. Both countries face new, raised tariffs that could impact the pricing and sourcing of nuts for additional Trader Joe's products, even beyond this $5.99 can think trail mixes and salad toppings. It was last reported that the U.S.-imposed tariff is 46% on Vietnam and 10% for Kenya, so it's possible products like these could end up costing more. 70% Peruvian Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar | Trader Joe's Made possible by the "finest cacao beans" from Peru, this bold yet smooth $2.49 dark chocolate bar from Trader Joe's has the potential to increase in price or even change in its recipe, thanks to the 10% tariff imposed on the South American country. Peru is known for its high-quality chocolate for treats like this, though it's possible its presence in the U.S. could look different in the coming months. Cheddar Cheese With Caramelized Onions | Trader Joe's Since the European Union faces a 20% tariff now, this $10.99 English cheddar cheese could increase in price even more, or simply come off of Trader Joe's shelves if they decide to stop importing it with higher costs in mind. Though it's exceptionally crafted (made using traditional cheese making techniques and mixed with a caramelized onion marmalade), it may not be worth the splurge soon. La Ferme Julien Rose | Trader Joe's Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This $6.99 French rose along with many other imported wines at Trader Joe's could be impacted by higher prices since France faces rates that range from 20% to 25%. You may consider opting for U.S.-made wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc in lieu of potential price hikes. Calamansi & Mango Sorbet | Trader Joe's Since oh-so citrusy calamansi is native to the Philippines, this refreshing pint mixed with mango could see impacts from tariffs. The Philippines is assigned a 17% tariff, and though it's one of the lowest rates among other Southeast Asian countries, it's still possible that costs associated with sourcing and importing the fruit could affect the price of calamansi-packed goodies, like this $3.79 Trader Joe's find. Okonomiyaki Japanese Vegetable Pancake | Trader Joe's Per Trader Joe's, this tasty blend of cabbage, yam, and green onion held together in an "eggy batter" comes from a Japanese supplier. Japan currently faces a pending 24% tariff rate, so it's possible this $4.99 frozen meal could cost more very soon or be taken from TJ's freezers indefinitely. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and the best new items from your favorite grocery stores! This post has been updated. When it comes to Rhode Island, there are a lot of charming small towns and cities for being such as small state. Bristol was recently named the most charming town in Rhode Island by HGTV. For a beach town, Conde Nast recently picked the classic coastal town of Newport. And Taylor Swift likes Westerly enough that she owns a house there, which feels like a pretty solid recommendation. But there's so much variety that when WorldAtlas made their list of the best small town to visit in each of America's 50 states, they went with an entirely different coastal community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is the town WorldAtlas says is the best to visit in Rhode Island. The cliffs surround the Beavertail Light House in Jamestown. Jamestown, Rhode Island WorldAtlas named Jamestown as Rhode Island's best small town to vacation in, a green light shining on the edge of the Ocean State's recognizable New England bay. What WorldAtlas said about Jamestown: "Jamestown, an idyllic town in Rhode Islands Narragansett Bay, is a reprieve of tranquility in todays stressful times. The open landscapes, affluent locals, and old buildings create a magical atmosphere for a peaceful retreat. The town itself has a population of 5,600, but it attracts loads of visitors who come to tour its iconic landmarks. Sites such as the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, Jamestown Fire Memorial Museum, and Jamestown Historical Society Museum are always full of people waiting for the next tour." For some good eats, WorldAtlas also recommended chowder from Narragansett Cafe, located at 25 Narragansett Ave, and pizza at Ace's Pizza on 5 Clarke St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fort Wetherill State Park offers the perfect experience with a combination of historic architecture and recreational activities," WorldAtlas said. "While exploring the 60-acre expanse, the silence will mesmerize visitors, only interrupted by the sound of flailing leaves and crashing waves." You can find the Fort Wetherill State Park at 3 Fort Wetherill Rd. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Jamestown named the best RI small town to visit. What to do, eat there There are so many beautiful small towns in New England. From West Greenwich's and Tiverton's soothing sights in Rhode Island to the exciting waterfronts of Provincetown and Gloucester in Massachusetts, it's honestly hard to pin down what could be considered the best small towns for vacationers in those states, let alone all of the states in New England. Thankfully, the travel website WorldAtlas has named the best small town to visit in each of America's 50 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Take a dive into the best small towns one can visit in each state and why they are so special," the website said. Here are the towns WorldAtlas says are the best to visit in New Hampshire and Maine. Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, Mill Falls offers four distinct kinds of accommodations. Meredith, New Hampshire WorldAtlas named Meredith as New Hampshire's best small town to vacation in, showcasing the town as a beacon of joy on one of the Granite State's most recognizable lakes. What WorldAtlas said about Meredith, New Hampshire: "This charming town along Lake Winnipesaukee will wrap you in the idyllic aura of New Hampshire from the moment you arrive. Every part of town is full of vibrance from the tree-lined walkways to the scenic coastline, all full of activities. Depending on what you want to do, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Meredith. For example, aquaphiles can follow the crowd of tourists heading to Meredith Marina for some watery pursuits. Boating, fishing, and sunbathing are among the many ways to enjoy yourself along the water." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WorldAtlas also recommended exploring Bear Island and the local state forest for some outdoor adventures. "With each new block telling its own story, tourists can relax and find the right places for their interests. While book lovers may spend some time at Innisfree Bookshop, kids will love Moulton Farms pumpkin patches," WorldAtlas said. You can find at Moulton Farm at 18 Quarry Road. You can also find Innisfree Bookshop at building 10 of the Mill Falls Marketplace, located on 312 Daniel Webster Hwy. Lobster boats in the waters near Bar Harbor, Maine, in August, 2019. Cousins Boats Bar Harbor, Maine WorldAtlas named Bar Harbor as Maine's best small town to vacation in, emphasizing Maine's coastal beauty and the quiet wonder resting by the sea brings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What WorldAtlas said about Bar Harbor, Maine: "Bar Harbor is a resort town in Maine thats calling your name. Nicknamed 'the gateway to Acadia National Park,' the coastal community is an abode of natural sights and seaside culture. Its seaside charm washes tourists away with the lovely beaches and majestic mountains, as well as the delicious seafood and ice cream. If youre here for the outdoors, Acadia National Park is a must-visit destination. This park is almost 50,000 acres and feels magical with its mountains, beaches, and forests." WorldAtlas also said that Bar Island, which is accessible from Bar Harbor by foot or by vehicle at low tide, is the ideal place for boating, whale watching, swimming or hiking in the area. "Combine coastal allure with a national park and you get the amazing town of Bar Harbor," the website said. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: WorldAtlas names Meredith, Bar Harbor best to visit in NH, Maine MEMPHIS, Tenn. A major data center linked to Google is said to be part of a $10 billion-dollar investment that could create hundreds of new jobs, according to West Memphis, Arkansas city officials. For almost a year, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon has hinted on News Channel Three at 3 that he would be unveiling the biggest investment in the history of West Memphis, Arkansas, very soon. Weve been on a winning streak for so long, and so many great things are coming in the next couple of weeks. Youre going to hear about the biggest investment in the City of West Memphis, said Mayor McClendon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not just the biggest impact in West Memphis, though McClendon said it was the biggest investment in the state of Arkansas. West Memphis Mayor McClendon on new major development in AR McClendon said the project would have no impact on local water or utilities, but would have major impact on the community. This is gonna open the door for other companies, and tech companies, coming to West Memphis, he said. West Memphis data center (Photo by WREG) West Memphis data center (Photo by WREG) West Memphis data center (Photo by WREG) It would be located on 920 acres of land on Bollinger Road near the Coca-Cola distribution warehouse. The data center is expected to create 300 new jobs. A city spokesperson, citing non-disclosure agreements, would only tell Your News Leader that theyre working with a company called Groot LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortune 100 company working to build data center in West Memphis, city says However, the Memphis Business Journal is reporting that Groot is a local entity operating for Google, one of the worlds largest companies. Last week, the West Memphis City Council voted to approve several agreements with Groot, including payment in lieu of taxes, along with an infrastructure and incentives package. But complete details havent been released. The possible deal comes as the Memphis area emerges as a tech hub. What we love about that Memphis is suddenly now on that stage for technology companies, data centers that are considering major investments here, said Ted Townsend, Greater Memphis Chamber CEO and President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Memphis area now has 11 data centers, including the Elon Musk Xai supercomputer, and a new data center is being planned on Getwell Road, the old Freds headquarters. Thats exciting to us, where we adapt and reuse these facilities. And what once was an Electrolux facility is now the worlds largest supercomputer, and once was Freds headquarters is now going to be a data center, said Townsend. Pearson calls out Health Department, Mayor Harris over xAI But as more data centers come to the Mid-South, there are public concerns about transparency and the impact on the environment as the Memphis area becomes the heartbeat of the Digital Delta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to support economic development, but we certainly cant do it at the cost of a community that has historically been mistreated and not given the whole truth, said TN Senator Raumesh Akbari, (D) Memphis. So, thats what Im looking for, what turbines are actually being used, and what is the environmental impact? Whats the air quality impact? Whats the water impact? The City of West Memphis has also agreed to a 65% real and personal property tax abatement for 30 years with Groot LLC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 11 Investigates has exclusive new details about the rash of gun store burglaries in the Pittsburgh region since the beginning of the year. More than half of the approximately 80 stolen guns are still from shops in Pennsylvania are still on the streets. While a number of juveniles have been linked to the crimes, 11 Investigates has learned that so far, only one adult is facing charges. Chief Investigator Rick Earle discovered that a social media post led police to some of the stolen guns and two suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last five months, thieves have targeted four gun stores across Western Pennsylvania, and another one just across the border near Youngstown, Ohio. RELATED COVERAGE >>> State lawmakers push for harsher penalties for gun store burglars Those stores in Pennsylvania are located in Cranberry, Bethel Park, West Mifflin and Mercer County. The thieves tried but couldnt get into two of those gun shops. All of the break-ins were very similar. Thieves wearing masks shot out or smashed the front windows, then busted the cases, and took off with guns. They were in and out in minutes. They were in the store in a matter of minutes, under three minutes, then drove off what Im being told was apparently a stolen car, said Kirk Radziukinas, the general manager of the Keystone Shooting Center near Cranberry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources tell 11 Investigates that teens between the ages of 13 and 15 were identified in some of the burglaries, and they also said some of those teens may have been involved in more than one burglary. 11 Investigates has learned that only one adult has been charged in connection with the burglaries. According to a federal criminal complaint, Jaemir Beard, 18, is facing charges of possession of stolen firearms. Court documents obtained by 11 Investigates said Beard was found with three stolen guns, including an AK-47 rifle taken from the store near Cranberry. Police allegedly linked Beard to the crimes after Pittsburgh police spotted the Instagram message, Drac for sale. Its slang for an AK-style rifle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pittsburgh police, according to the criminal complaint, knew the juvenile linked to that Instagram account. They said he was charged in a gun store burglary in South Fayette two years ago. Investigators then set up surveillance at the teens last known address on Morrell Street in Brighton Heights, and saw two people leave carrying what appeared to be a rifle in a plastic trash bag. They got into a ride-share car. Police moved in and pulled them over, finding Beard and a juvenile in the car with three stolen guns, including an AK-47. Law enforcement seems to be doing their part. They know who they are, picking them up and arresting them, but apparently they are turning around and being put right back into the street again, thats very frustrating, Radziukinas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ATF told 11 Investigates that of the 80 guns stolen in the Pennsylvania burglaries, nearly half have been found. The rest are still on the street. Approximately 23 guns were stolen in the Ohio burglary. Its unclear how many of those guns have been found. 11 Investigates also learned that some of the stolen guns were recovered in Pittsburghs West End, where city council member Theresa Kail Smith lives. I think its shocking. Its disturbing and I think its extremely concerning to the community, Smith said. Sources tell 11 Investigates that as many as six juveniles have been linked to the burglaries. Its unclear what happened to those juveniles, as the records are confidential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ATF said they are still working to track down the rest of those stolen guns. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW **Related Video Above: What happens when you call 911 RACINE, Wis. (WJW) An 11-year-old boy died after accidentally being shot by a sibling in Wisconsin last Friday, according to the Racine Police Department. Police said in a statement they were called to a local hospital after being notified of a shooting that took place at a residence on Prospect Street around 10:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they learned an 11-year-old boy was suffering from one gunshot wound. He later died of his injury at the hospital, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10-year-old boy killed in crash on US Route 422 in Solon identified A preliminary investigation of the shooting, which reportedly involved a sibling, led police to identify and apprehend a 16-year-old boy, police said. Police did not report what led to the shooting or how the gun came into the home. A homicide investigation is ongoing, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. **Related Video Above: What happens when you call 911? HENDERSON, Texas (WJW) A Texas woman is in custody after canine remains were found in a fire in front of her home over the weekend, the Rusk County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The sheriffs office said they went to a residence on Highway 64 around 1 p.m. Saturday after an 11-year-old boy called 911 and said his mom believed he was the devil and that she was currently burning the family dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police confront moms accused of leaving kids in car to go drinking The sheriffs office said another call came in around that same time from a neighbor explaining a woman arrived at her door with blood on her hands and said her parents had been killed. Upon arrival, deputies said they found a woman inside a vehicle with four children, ages 1 to 11. An investigation led to deputies finding the animal remains. The woman was arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals, which is a felony, along with four counts of child endangerment, according to the sheriffs office. Her bond was set at $400,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11-year-old boy accidentally fatally shot by sibling at home: police Child Protective Services is also reportedly 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. The latest crackdown by Oklahoma City police against street races led to the arrest of more than 150 people over a recent weekend. Officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department arrested 114 adults and 40 minors in connection to what police described as a street takeover for an illegal speed contest near SE 66th Street and Interstate 35. OKC police Sgt. Dillon Quirk said the arrests involved about four dozen officers and spanned more than 12 hours, from about 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17, to about 6 a.m. Sunday, May 18. Police are accusing the 154 of engaging in unlawful assembly and assembling/witnessing an illegal speed contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them is a state statute, the other is a city ticket, so theyre misdemeanor charges, Quirk said. We were given information of a gathering of an illegal street takeover for that area for that timeframe, and some of it was in the private parking, but all of the arrests were effected due to activities on the public roadway there, on the city street. An Oklahoma City Police Department vehicle is pictured March 13, 2023, along Shartel Avenue in front of the Oklahoma County jail in Oklahoma City. Police also impounded more than 60 vehicles and confiscated firearms and drugs at the event, Quirk said. In addition, a spokeswoman with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said troopers were called to assist at the site, but that agency did not make any arrests. Raul Anaya, 31, owner of Rocket Wrapz, has been accused of organizing the event but was released on a $1,000 bond from the Oklahoma County jail on Monday, May 19. According to News 9, he said he organized a family-friendly event, including food trucks and snow cones, that was meant to keep teens and young adults involved in "something positive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead, Anaya said "police treated him like a criminal." 'A large-scale, coordinated effort' Quirk described the mass arrest as "a large-scale, coordinated effort." It is the latest mass arrest in recent years targeting alleged street racing and illegal street takeovers. In June 2023, police arrested 110 people at a warehouse in the 8700 block of S. Pole Road, and nearly 70 people in August 2021 at a parking lot near 2213 W. Interstate 240 Service Road. Since early 2020, street racers have been seen in social media videos blocking the flow of traffic to different interstate exits throughout the metro area. Shutdowns from highway street racing also have been documented in other states. Drivers have been seen doing doughnuts with their vehicles, a risky maneuver in which a driver spins the car to leave a circular skid mark. More: OKCPD arrests more than 100 people at street racing takeover Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the crackdown over the weekend generated controversy on social media and even spilled into meetings with local county officials in the days after the arrests. Brigitte Biffle, chief public defender for Oklahoma County, said the sudden surge in the jail population over the weekend led to significant strain on the understaffed facility. She said there are only six detention officers at the jail on duty nights and weekends. When a county commissioner said parents were concerned that their young adult children had still not been processed after four days, Biffle said it was "completely unacceptable" and called for more funding to increase staffing at the jail. "There were over 100 people arrested for that. Yes, a lot of them are high school kids who are now missing (school) ... and we only have a certain number of officers to book all those in," Biffle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(With) that amount of officers, that is taking days. That is completely unacceptable and that's unconstitutional, when someone is supposed to be posting your bond and you're staying in there for hours afterward. Yes, I have numerous concerns." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC police arrest over 150 people in alleged street racing crackdown With summer just around the corner, the United States Department of State has already issued "Do Not Travel" warnings for 12 different countries. Less than a week ago, the U.S. government issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Somalia due to crime and terrorism among other concerns. Another reason Americans are being advised to steer clear of Somalia is the fact that medical facilities there have limited capacity. "The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Somalia," the Department of State said. "There is no permanent consular officer in Somalia, not even the Somaliland region. If a travelers passport is lost, stolen, expires, or if they become destitute, the U.S. government may not be able to help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days prior to placing a Level 4 advisory on Somalia, the U.S. Department of State announced that Americans should avoid traveling to Venezuela due to high risk of wrongful detention. Travelers wait in line at the American Airlines check-in counter at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. An estimated 112.7 million people will travel 50 miles or more from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, up by 3.6 million from last year and getting close to pre-pandemic levels, according to AAA, a provider of travel insurance. Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg/Getty Images The U.S. Department of State has also warned Americans about traveling to Russia amid its war with Ukraine. There are also concerns about being wrongfully detained by Russian security officials. "Russian officials have questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason," the travel advisory states. "Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities." Here are the 12 countries under a "Do Not Travel" advisory: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afghanistan Democratic Republic of the Congo Syria South Sudan Iran Yemen Burkina Faso North Korea Russia Burma (Myanmar) Venezuela Somalia The official start of summer isn't until June 20, so it's possible a few more countries join that list. If you plan on traveling in the coming months, you may want to pay close attention to which countries are on the U.S. Department of State's list. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Over 14,700 individual pieces of stained glass spread across 89 panels on a 25-foot by 25-foot canvas make up the intricate and vibrant details of Utahs newest mural. The mural crowns the new North Capitol Building on Utahs Capitol Hill, slated to open to the public in time for the 2026 Legislative Session in January. And Utahs leaders say it beautifully represents the Beehive State landscape and legacy. This stained glass laylight is a powerful reminder that Utahs strength lies in our shared roots and our commitment to building a brighter future together, said Gov. Cox. With pieces from every corner of the state, it reflects not just our natural beauty and history, but the unity and pride that make Utah exceptional. Im grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life for all Utahns to enjoy. The artwork was designed by Holdman Studios, a Lehi-based art studio that has completed projects at the Orem Library, St. George Airport, and several Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples around the world. Its details include familiar Utah symbols such as the white-capped northern mountains, the southern Utah red rock, and the golden yellow aspens, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana Jones, the Executive Director of the Capitol Preservation Board, told ABC4.com the mural has so many different scenes, symbols, and hidden easter eggs that every Utahn should be able to find a way to connect with the piece. The light is going to hit in a certain way that catches our eye and all of sudden the snow-capped mountain is going to stand out to us or the sun is going to come out from behind the Aspen trees and that brilliant yellow is just going to stand out and youre just going to feel differently everytime you look at it, said Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utahs leaders said the new structure will blend beauty with purpose. Senate President J. Stuart Adams called the mural a lasting addition to the Capitol that invites learning and celebrates Utahs unique history. In the years to come, students and visitors will walk through the doors of the North Capitol Building, look up and gain a deeper understanding of who we are as a state and what we value as a people, said Adams. House Speaker Mike Schultz echoed Adams, adding that he was excited for Utahns to be able to come see the art piece in person for themselves. 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. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) A 14-year-old Decatur student is under arrest after police said they brought an unloaded gun to school on Monday. Lieutenant Scott Rosenberry of the Decatur Police Department said the student was arrested at Hope Academy around 1 p.m. The student resource officer at the school was notified by staff that a student possibly had a gun; when the SRO found the student in question, they found a gun in the students waistband. Decatur school bus involved in Monday afternoon crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student was placed under arrest and was taken to a juvenile detention facility in Peoria County. The Decatur Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our schools and students, Rosenberry said. We thank Hope Academy staff for their prompt communication and commend the SRO for his swift and effective response, which helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation. The investigation into how the student got the gun and why it was brought to school is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Decatur Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division at (217) 424-2734 or submit an anonymous tip to Macon County Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Police in Lenoir are investigating a babys death after police say the infant went into cardiac arrest at a daycare in Caldwell County. The parking lot of Creative Beginnings daycare in Lenoir is quiet on Tuesday, but a mom says it looked nothing like that on Monday. It freaked me out because Ive never seen anything like that, said the parent who didnt want to be identified. I just seen the EMS and the ambulance and fire trucks and stuff there, and I was kind of scared because my child does go there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mom doesnt want to use her name because of safety concerns after police say a 16-month-old child died after being at the daycare. Sherrills Ford man denied bond after being accused of deadly road-rage shooting Nobody knows the whole story yet, they need to wait until the tests come back before you go making accusations. Around 2:45 p.m. on Monday, May 19, officers responded to Creative Beginnings of Lenoir at 1966 Morganton Blvd about reports of an infant in cardiac arrest. When they arrived, they found a 16-month-old child unresponsive. They did CPR and rushed the child to the hospital, where the baby died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show Creative Beginnings had its most recent visit from DHHS in February, where there were no major violations. In August 2024, records show the daycare had several violations of the safe sleep policy, and in March 2024, a violation for a staff member not having the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training certificate on file for review. The mom we spoke with says now that the information is out there on the childs death, theres another issue. Theres people calling and threatening the daycare that my child goes to, and thats sick because theres a whole lot of other children in there that could get hurt, said the parent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lenoir Police Department has opened an investigation regarding the childs death, but would not say whether or not its suspicious. Investigators are working with the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death. Police said the daycare has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation, but the daycare would not speak with Queen City News. On Tuesday morning, the preschool wrote on Facebook, We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our sweet little angels at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir. Our hearts are broken, and were struggling to find the right words in the face of such sorrow. Please keep our teachers, staff, and everyone who loved this precious child in your prayers, but especially the family, as they grieve the unimaginable loss of their child. May Gods peace and comfort be with all who are hurting during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on this case can contact the Lenoir Police Department at (828) 757-2100 or Lenoir/Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at (828) 758-8300. This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. May 19MITCHELL A large candidate field is seeking positions on the newly formed Davison Hanson Ambulance District board of directors, with 16 candidates filing to run for seven positions in the June 17 election. Petitions to run for the board were due back to the county auditors in Davison and Hanson counties on Friday, May 16 for candidates to be eligible for the June 17 election. Voters in Davison and Hanson county who are residing outside Mitchell city limits will choose three candidates from each county plus an at-large member to represent them on the board. "We want good representation for the two counties going forward, and it's good to see the numbers come through with that. It will give some good variation," said Amy Storm, a volunteer EMT with the Mitchell Ambulance Service who has served as an organizer for the formation of the new district. "I'm excited to see how it comes out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, June 17 to make their selection. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will take place at sites in Alexandria, Ethan, Mount Vernon and the Davison County Fairgrounds outside of Mitchell. The election is open to the same voters who were eligible for the April 22 vote to form the district. Voters approved the formation of the district at that election with overwhelming support with nearly 95% of voters in support. A total of seven candidates filed to run for the three seats in Hanson County, and another six filed petitions to run for the equivalent positions in Davison County. Three additional candidates, all from Davison County, filed to run for the lone at-large seat on the board. Voters in Hanson County and Davison County will each choose three candidates from the field of seven from their respective county, along with their choice for the single at-large candidate. The seven candidates for the three seats for Hanson County are Brian Leitheiser, Emery; Justin Roster, Alexandria; Michael Bishop, Alexandria; Heidi Berg, Emery; Don Huber, Alexandria, Brenda Blumenberg, Fulton and Abigail Hofer, Fulton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six candidates for Davison County are James Pearson, Mitchell; Gary Stadlman, Ethan; Andrew Shank, Mitchell; Sara Jorgensen, Mount Vernon; Kyle Baker, Mount Vernon and John Millan, Mitchell. Candidates for each county will appear on the ballot in their respective counties Davison voters will only see Davison candidates on their ballots and likewise in Hanson County. In addition, the three at-large candidates will appear on both ballots and voters will be able to select one candidate from the list in addition to the three they can select from their resident county. Those at-large candidates are Michael Kluth, Mount Vernon; Jessica Goldammer, Mitchell and Jared Nesheim, Ethan. The selection of board members will be the latest step in ongoing efforts to establish the ambulance district, which is intended to continue providing ongoing emergency medical services to the rural areas of Davison and Hanson counties by the Mitchell Regional Ambulance Service. Ambulance officials have said the Mitchell service would soon need to stop providing medical services outside Mitchell city limits due to a shortage of personnel to cover the station when the ambulance is off on rural calls. The formation of the district should provide another revenue source to allow continued service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency services officials are now expecting to generate around $700,000 in tax revenue through the ambulance district and serve 7,000 rural residents who are currently not paying for ambulance services in rural areas around Mitchell. Currently, the ambulance service for Mitchell is funded solely by the city but serves a much larger area, more than 900 square miles between Mount Vernon and Alexandria. The $700,000 figure would cover six new employees, including salaries, benefits and the cost of equipment for both fire and EMS duties. Once seated, the elected board would then determine the funding process for the district. That could include a property tax levy, which is capped at 60 cents per $1,000 in valuation on a property, though proponents have said only 40 cents would be necessary. Another option could be a special assessment, which is being estimated at a rate of $188 per year per property. Storm said an informal meeting of the candidates would likely be held in the upcoming days to brief them on the process of forming a board and the procedures for establishing a specific funding mechanism for the district. That will hopefully give them a base from which to work, as forming a new ambulance district is likely to be a new experience for the candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll be having a meeting with them to explain the process of what they are doing, how to set up a board. Just starting to explain the funding process. It's not a simple do-it-this-way or do-it-that-way. It's a lengthy and intense process to do it," Storm said. "We are going to get in touch with them and have that meeting. It will give them about four weeks to ask questions and start understanding." Following the June 17 election, the board is expected to convene officially for the first time the next day, Wednesday, June 18. From there, the board will have a little less than two weeks to have a funding method in place so that a board-approved budget can be submitted to auditors in Davison and Hanson counties by the June 30 deadline. Storm said she was excited to have the next step in the district formation process underway. She said she was pleased with both the number of candidates and as well as the quality. She said she hoped voters would continue their strong support of the district by again turning out to the polls June 17 to make their selection for ambulance district board leadership. Judging by the interest the public has shown in the effort, she is hoping for another good turnout from area voters. "When we did our town hall meetings, we had a lot of good questions and there were a lot of people showing interest in it," Storm said. "I don't know all of the candidates, but I know a good handful, and they're all good, qualified people." The juvenile saltwater crocodile, which in the wild could grow up to six metres long, was found in a tank in a suburban Queensland home. A man in his 20s was fined over $2,400 for illegally keeping a saltwater crocodile as a pet. Source: DETSI A remorseful Australian man has been hit with a $2,400 fine after state authorities discovered he was keeping an illegal pet in his fish tank. Rather than gold fish, tetras, or even more exotic blue discus, hed opted for a native crocodile. And it wasnt the smaller, less dangerous freshwater variety. Hidden away in his suburban home was a juvenile saltwater crocodile, the type that can grow up to six metres long in the wild. On Tuesday, Queenslands department of environment (DETSI) announced the crocodile had been seized, following a joint operation with police. The mans home in Manoora, west of Cairns, was searched on May 16, following a tip-off by a member of the public. Pictures show the little predator with its head above the water, in a tank lined with plastic plants, rocks and sticks. ADVERTISEMENT While permits are available in the Northern Territory to keep crocodiles, in Queensland they cant be kept as pets. Numbers of the reptiles still remain worryingly low, and the species is listed as vulnerable to extinction in that state. What will happen to the crocodile now? Senior conservation officer Daniel Guymer said the crocodile is believed to have been caught in the wild, and was still a juvenile at the time of seizure. Although it's no longer in a tank, sadly it will never experience freedom again. The man admitted that he had broken the law by taking the crocodile from the wild and although he was remorseful, we take a zero-tolerance approach to the unlawful possession of wildlife, Guymer said. We have examined the crocodile and although it appears healthy, it cannot be released back into the wild as it may have been exposed to disease. It is destined for a life at a farm or zoo, or at an educational facility. If it was left in the wild, the juvenile crocodile could have one day grown to be several metres long. Source: DETSI ADVERTISEMENT Although the maximum court-ordered penalty for unlawfully keeping a saltwater crocodile is over $36,000 the man, in his 20s, was given a penalty infringement notice by authorities of $2,419 instead. DETSI is urging anyone with information about crocodiles being illegally kept as pets to contact them on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A 17-year-old girl has been missing for over 5 days after arriving to catch a flight at Bundaberg Airport in Queensland, Australia, but failing to check in, police have said The teenager has been identified as Pheobe Bishop, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) "Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as her disappearance is out of character," Queensland Police said in an update on Monday, May 19 A 17-year-old in Australia has been missing for five days after failing to check in for a booked flight, police have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was dropped off at Airport Drive in Bundaberg in Queensland on Thursday, May 15 at around 8:30 a.m. local time, but Queensland Police said she failed to catch her flight and "has not been seen or heard from since," per a Monday, May 19 update. The teenager has been identified as Pheobe Bishop, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Sky News Australia. Police haven't named the missing teen in the news releases, but did share photographs. Queensland Police Detective Acting Inspector, Ryan Thompson, said Pheobe had been dropped off at Airport Drive by "associates" but didn't enter the terminal building, per the ABC, which noted that Bundaberg Airport is approximately 4.5 hours north of Brisbane. "She had a flight booked to Brisbane and then on to WA [Western Australia] to visit a friend," the officer said, according to the outlet. Queensland Police Pheobe Bishop Pheobe Bishop It's not known if the teenager left the airport of her own accord. "Police are conducting inquiries with the airport and CCTV footage to try and narrow down her movements from when she was last seen," Thompson said, the ABC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As time goes on, the more worried the family is and the more concerned police are becoming," the officer added, according to the outlet. Getty Queensland Police Queensland Police Police said in an update on Monday that officers "conducted a land search of Airport Drive and the surrounding areas, but have not located the girl or any personal belongings," per the latest news release. "Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as her disappearance is out of character," the post added. "The girl is described as approximately 180cm [around 5 feet, 9 inches], pale complexion, long dyed red hair, and hazel eyes." "She was last seen carrying luggage and wearing a green tank top and grey sweatpants," police continued, telling the public that they are "appealing for dashcam footage of the Airport Drive and Samuels Road area between 8.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. on May 15." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anyone with information regarding the girls whereabouts is urged to contact police," the release concluded. 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. Pheobe's mother, Kylie Johnson, has been sharing updates on Facebook, writing in one post, "My heart is breaking and so are those of her siblings, her family, and our friends." "If you knew Pheobe, you would know that she is free-spirited and loves hard! She is loyal to the core and cutthroat. She would never leave her family without contact," she insisted. Queensland Police didn't have any further updates to add at this time when contacted by PEOPLE. Read the original article on People An 18-year-old Florida teen has died after he was involved in a car crash hours after he graduated from high school Hendry Aceituno Gudino, of Riviera Beach, was reportedly returning from a celebratory dinner when the single-car collision occurred Its a tragic death, and I think nobody deserves to die like that, said his mom, Anielka Gudino A Florida high school student has died after he was in a car crash hours after his graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hendry Aceituno Gudino, 18, of Riviera Beach, was with his girlfriend and her father when the fatal crash occurred in Martin County on Saturday, May 17, according to NBC affiliate WPTV and FOX affiliate WFLX. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said the car slammed into a guardrail near the Martin Highway exit after the 52-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle, CBS affiliate WPEC reported. Both the driver and Hendry were pronounced dead at the scene, per WPTV. The 16-year-old girl who was also inside the vehicle was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Hendry had reportedly graduated from Boca Raton Community High School just hours before the crash occurred. He was returning home from a celebratory dinner when the crash took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen and his mom, Anielka Gudino, moved to Florida from Venezuela in 2023, according to WPTV. Anielka told the station that her son had a whole life ahead of him. Its a tragic death, and I think nobody deserves to die like that, Anielka said. Very painful. Everything is painful. A teen full of life, 18 years old. She later added, Im going to miss him so much. It was him and I. This is all going to be so difficult for me. As of Tuesday, May 20, more than $5,400 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign started to support Hendrys family following the crash. In an email to families on Monday, May 19, high school principal Dr. Suzanne King expressed heartfelt condolences to Hendrys family and said the school would offer support to them, according to WPEC. 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. Grief support, including school counselors and school psychologists, will be available on campus today for our students and staff to ensure they have the emotional support they may need to help them through this difficult time, King wrote. If you believe your child would benefit from speaking with someone, please encourage them to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later added, At Boca Raton High School, we are a community that supports one another. Together, we will navigate this difficult time." Neither FHP nor Boca Raton Community High School immediately responded to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People (WHTM) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that a 19-year-old Pennsylvania airman from World War II has been accounted for. According to the DPAA, U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John H. Danneker, 19, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, who was killed in World War II, was accounted for on December 10, 2024. The DPAA says Danneker was assigned to the 565th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group, 2nd Combat Bomb Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, in the European Theater in June of 1944. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danneker was assigned to be the left waist gunner onboard a B-24J Liberator bomber. On June 20, 1944, Danneker went missing in action when his plane crashed into the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark after colliding with another B-24 in the same formation. Newspaper snippet of Dannekers disappearance, courtesy of the DPAA The pilot and co-pilot of Dannekers aircraft were able to survive, but evidence pointed to the rest of the crew being killed in the crash. The American Graves Registration Command (AGRC), which was responsible for searching for and recovering fallen American soldiers, investigated the crash but was unable to find any of the missing crewmen. Danneker was declared non-recoverable on May 12, 1950, per the DPAA. John H. Danneker, 19, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, courtesy of the DPAA In 2019, Danish divers encountered a WWII-era aircraft wreck in the general area where Dannekers aircraft crashed. The divers alerted the Royal Danish Navy, who found possible human remains and enough evidence to recommend archeological excavation. Courtesy of the DPAA Courtesy of the DPAA Courtesy of the DPAA Archaeologists, divers, and volunteers from Project Recover returned to the site and found extensive evidence, including remains and ID tags of two crew members. The evidence was turned over to the Danish authorities and the DPAA laboratory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists from DPAA used dental DNA and anthropological analysis to identify Danneker among the wreckage. Dannekers name is recorded on the Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Danneker will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in August 2025. Dannekers family was recently briefed on his identification. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, Pa. (WTAJ) A U.S. Army Air Staff Sergeant from Pennsylvania who was killed when his bomber crashed into the Baltic Sea has been accounted for 80 years later. Staff Sgt. John H. Danneker, from Williamsport, was just 19 years old when he got on a B-24J Liberator bomber on June 20, 1944. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, he was considered missing in action when the plane crashed into the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark after colliding with another B-24 in the same formation. While the pilot and co-pilot were able to bail out and survive, it was believed that Danneker and the rest of the crew had died. The U.S. War Department issued a finding of death for him on June 21, 1945. He was later declared to be non-recoverable on May 12, 1950. According to the agency, a Danish diver came across the possible wreckage in 2019 and alerted the Danish Royal Navy. Through exploring and investigating the watery grave, the plane was found to have a .50 caliber machine gun with a damaged serial number that partially matched the plane Danneker was on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To identify Dannekers remains, scientists with the agency used dental records, anthropological analysis and material evidence. Dannekers name is on the Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery in Cambridge, England, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. 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. Danneker will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in August 2025. For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at 1-800-892-2490. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. DENVER (KDVR) A 37-year-old man and his wife were arrested in Weld County after the man allegedly menaced a deputy and a couple while driving in the early morning hours on Monday. The Weld County Sheriffs Office first encountered the man, identified as Jose Mejia, at 3:30 a.m. on Monday. A deputy reported that he was being tailgated by a blue sedan. 2 suspects arrested on first-degree murder charges in deadly Aurora parking lot shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man behind the wheel was allegedly driving aggressively, speeding up and slowing whenever the deputy sped up or slowed, and failed to stop at the stop sign at the corner of 25th Avenue and O Street. The deputy continued to the sheriffs office and reported the driver pulled up alongside him, driving eastbound in the westbound lane. The vehicle was last seen by the deputy on Monday morning near the Platte Valley Detention Center and heading west. Minutes later a couple called law enforcement and said a man in a blue sedan had pointed a gun at them and followed them on O Street. He allegedly followed the couple to 8th Avenue and D Street, pulled alongside their vehicles passenger side and pointed a handgun at the passenger. The couple sped away, according to the Greeley Police Department, but heard several gunshots at the same time. Nearby officers heard the gunshots as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department reported that an officer saw the blue sedan pull into the gas station at the corner of 35th Avenue and 4th Street and tried to pull the vehicle over. The man fled, according to Greeley police, driving south on 35th Avenue. The agency said that Mejia was driving at a high rate of speed and flattened both passenger-side tires during the pursuit. Mejia pulled into a townhome subdivision in the 2100 block of 35th Avenue, ran into one of the townhomes with a door already open, and shut it behind him, the Greeley police reported. Aurora police issue street racing warning: You will be caught At 4:25 a.m., the department sent a Reverse911 call to the neighborhoods residents. Local schools were placed on a secure status. The safety precautions were lifted at 10:34 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mejia was arrested at 9:25 a.m., according to the agency, and is facing charges of menacing, vehicular eluding, illegal discharge of a weapon, reckless endangerment, obstruction of police and failure to leave premises upon request of a peace officer. Mejias wife, Elena Garza-Mejia, 41, was also arrested. She is facing charges of obstruction of a police officer and failure to leave premises upon request of a peace officer. The agency is still investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Elizabeth Finch at 970-350-9682. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two members of Boston Mayor Michelle Wus administration have been terminated from their positions after they were arrested last week on domestic violence charges in connection with a fight at an apartment in the city. Wus office announced Tuesday that 27-year-old Marwa Khudaynazar and 26-year-old Chulan Huang were fired by the city upon the completion of an internal review. "After completing an internal review, the employment of both individuals has been terminated by the City," a spokesperson for Wus office said in a statement. The review found no violations of laws or City workforce policies by any other City employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khudaynazar is charged with assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery on a household member. Huang is charged with assault and battery on a household member. Huang had served as the Neighborhood Business Manager for the City of Bostons Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. According to charging documents, Boston police officers responded to a call for a fight between the duo at an apartment on Hudson Street in Chinatown around 2 a.m. on May 15. She [Khudaynazar] went on a date with my boss, Huang reportedly told responding officers. And then they booked a hotel room and she came here to rub it in my face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the incident report, Huang took Khudaynazars phone and went out the back door to read her messages. She started punching me and then she started biting me, Huang reportedly stated. Police separated the pair and reportedly saw multiple bite marks on Huangs chest and arms. The police report describes Khudaynazar as having a change of heart when Huang was being placed under arrest. I dont want that, I was lying, I was lying, I swear to god I was lying, I bit him, he has bite marks on him, she reportedly told police. Police said Khudaynazar called 911 again and then verbally and physically attacked an officer who was trying to leave the apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khudaynazar is accused of pushing, swearing, and hitting one of the officers during the incident. According to the police report, when Khudaynazar was arrested and placed in the back of the cruiser, she told officers, We both work for the city; this is unnecessary. Both staffers pleaded not guilty at their arraignments last week. 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 hospitalized after their boat struck a coral reef off the Lower Florida Keys and flipped over Saturday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was the second serious boat crash that occurred in the island chain over the weekend. The other: a teen girl was driving a boat when police say it crashed into the Seven Mile Bridge in the Middle Keys, injuring four of the seven people on the vessel. The Skeeter catamaran hit the reef going at a high rate of speed around 3:50 p.m. near Big Torch Key. FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender said said the driver, Alex Ortega, 46, and the passenger, 41-year-old Ana Lillian Ortega, were both ejected from the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both were rescued and taken to a hospital. Their conditions were not known as of Monday evening. The FWC is investigating the cause of the crash. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. CHICAGO Two people were injured after a car crashed into a preschool building on the Southwest Side of Chicago on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Chicago Fire Department, the incident occurred in the 8400 block of South Kedzie Avenue at around 2:30 p.m. One child has been transported to Comer Childrens Hospital in critical condition, and an adult has been transported to Little Company of Mary Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both victims were inside the car. There have been no injuries reported from inside the building at this time. No additional information has been provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two straphangers were shoved to the tracks in lower Manhattan and a senior citizen was beaten aboard a Brooklyn train in two more unprovoked subway attacks on Monday, police said. In the Manhattan incident, one of the straphangers, a 71-year-old man, suffered a broken elbow, and the other, a 30-year-old man, sustained a bruised elbow and hip. Their alleged attacker, Terrell Coley, 54, was arrested at the scene at the South Ferry/Whitehall St. station for the R and W trains and was charged with felony assault and reckless endangerment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in the Brooklyn assault, the senior, a 73-year-old man, was cut and bruised by the attackers repeated punches, which drew blood. The attacker fled the scene of the the Avenue X station on the F line in Gravesend. Subway crime continues to drop citywide, down 5% overall so far this year. But felony assaults in the system are up 20%, having risen to 235 compared to 195 during the same time last year. Police said Coley, who has more than two dozen prior arrests, confronted the victims around 10:35 p.m., knocking the younger of the two to the tracks by punching him in the face, and the older victim by shoving him. The two were able to climb back onto the platform on their own, then pointed out their attacker to responding officers, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The younger victim was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. The other man was taken to Bellevue Hospital. The Brooklyn assault happened earlier in the day, at 7:45 a.m. The victim was seated on a moving southbound train, when a man in his 20s approached him and repeatedly punched him in the face and head. The victim was treated for his injuries at South Brooklyn Hospital. The attacker is being sought. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Two men are recovering after they were shoved onto subway tracks in Manhattan Monday night, according to the NYPD. Police said it happened at the Whitehall Street subway station around 10:30 p.m. Terrell Coley, 35, is accused of pushing a 71-year-old man onto the tracks and punching a 30-year-old man, who also fell onto the tracks, according to authorities. More Local News Police said Coley was taken into custody and charged with assault and reckless endangerment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motive for the attack is unclear, according to authorities. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. While critics call for tighter restrictions, advocates say 4WDing is more than just a pastime and believe there's room for both tyres and turtles. Conversations are again eying limiting the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches. Source: University of the Sunshine Coast One of the world's leading beach ecology experts has again renewed the push to limit the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches, warning that the growing popularity of camping and 4WD activity is contributing to irreversible harm along fragile shorelines. It's a beloved pastime for thousands around the country, with many arguing it's a cost-effective way to spend a weekend and a chance to unwind and enjoy family time outside of their regular, busy schedules. But according to research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thomas Schlacher, driving along the shore and on dunes has a huge ripple effect on the countless organisms that rely on them. Earlier this year, Schlacher published a comprehensive analysis of the ecological consequences of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on coastal dune ecosystems. Collating data from 443 records across 253 species, it highlighted the extensive and statistically significant negative impacts of ORVs on dune vegetation. Released in March, the study found that even minimal ORV traffic, such as one or two vehicles, can cause serious ecological harm, indicating that there may be no safe threshold in these sensitive environments. In particular, off-road vehicles compact sand, destroy vegetation, and can crush nests, posing serious threats to marine organisms like turtles that rely on undisturbed dunes for nesting. The disruption of these habitats can reduce hatchling survival and alter coastal ecosystems. ADVERTISEMENT It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. According to Schlacher's study, there's still no "safe level" of beach driving. A total 4WD ban on Australian beaches is needed to conserve precious dune-dwelling species, a new study has found. Source: Supplied/Supplied/Darren Jew Why do conservationists want to limit beach four-wheel driving? Despite this, he's still not an advocate for a total ban on beach four-wheel driving, but he is now calling for the practice to be more strictly monitored. "There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn't have some form of impact," Schlacher told The Project. ADVERTISEMENT In Australia, more than 90 per cent of the country's beaches allow cars on the sand, including in national parks, with Victoria the only state to outlaw the move. In South Africa, it's been banned for two decades. In Queensland, at least one popular tourist beach reported attracting an incredible 2000 cars in a day. "We created national parks to protect nature," Schlacher argued, adding that he'd like to see "some sections", at the very least, reserved for only emergency vehicles. Advocates for 4WD access on beaches often argue that it supports recreation, tourism, and local economies, particularly in coastal towns where off-road driving is a long-standing cultural pastime. Turtle hatchlings often get trapped and die in the deep ruts left by tyres. Source: Jan Waters/Facebook Many believe that, when done responsibly, 4WDing allows people to enjoy remote natural areas without causing lasting harm. Supporters also contend that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and education on environmental sensitivity, beach driving can coexist with conservation goals. Brett Lynch of the Bundaberg 4WD Club is a major supporter and said that it's a minority of misbehavers ruining it for everyone. ADVERTISEMENT Lynch said the activity is one of the most important memories he has of his late father. "My fondest memories growing up with my parents are camping. My father passed away last year; that's all I have of him now is that," he told The Project. "Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive." While acknowledging the cultural significance of four-wheel driving and camping on our beaches, Schlacher said some middle ground must be found. "I'm not an advocate or a proponent for a blanket ban never. But we cannot actually continue [at this rate], which jeopardises what all of our kids want to enjoy in decades to come," he said. "We've got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A two-year-old child in Central Queensland was airlifted to a hospital after being bitten on the face by a family dog The child was reported to be in stable condition, according to hospital officials Animal control seized the dog, and an investigation is underway by local authorities A two-year-old girl in Australia was flown to a hospital after being bitten on the face by a family dog. The attack happened just before 11 a.m. in Central Queensland, according to the Australia Broadcasting Corporation. Police and paramedics arrived shortly after and the child was taken to a nearby hospital on a rescue helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hospital and health service spokesperson said the childs condition was stable, per the Australian outlet. 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. A spokesperson for Issac regional Council said to ABC that the attack happened on private property and animal control officers were at the house in light of the attack. Council takes these matters seriously, the spokesperson said to the outlet. As part of the investigation, the animal involved will be seized and held in councils care pending the outcome of our inquiries. Read the original article on People LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) A woman was arrested on Sunday after a two-year-old boy was brought to a hospital in Lufkin for a THC overdose in April, an arrest affidavit reveals. According to an arrest affidavit from the Angelina County Justice of the Peace Precinct Two, a two-year-old boy was brought to a local hospital by his mother 19-year-old Brianna Rene Lawrence and another woman because he was not waking up. The toddler was found not alert by ER staff and was only responding to painful stimuli, officials said. Man gets 10 years in prison for Gun Barrel City motorcycle chase Mugshot of Brianna Rene Lawrence, courtesy of Angelina County Jail [The toddler] then tested positive for THC and was transferred to higher level of care at Texas Childrens Hospital in The Woodlands, the document said. Where [the toddler] was placed in pediatric ICU for the overdose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While an officer was speaking with Lawrence she allegedly admitted to using different THC products including THC gummies, marijuana and THC vape pens. After officers searched a white KIA SUV she used to transport the toddler to the hospital, they found marijuana with THC in the center console, the court documents said. The vehicle used wasnt owned by Lawrence but the owner told the officer that the marijuana was Lawrences. The officer then went on to search the homes of Lawrence and the car owners and found multiple THC products. I found a red grinder used for grinding marijuana with a green substance inside that tested positive for THC, along with an empty vape box labeled 100% cannabis with a green substance in it that tested positive for THC, the document said. Lawrence stated that the grinder was hers and provided a written voluntary statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler woman gets 10 years after deputy finds fentanyl in babys diaper in 2024 Lawrence was arrested for injury to a child by criminal negligence on Sunday and is being held on a $20,000 bond at the Angelina County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In the afternoon of May 20, a wreck sent a woman and her child to the hospital. Knickerbocker crash sends 1 to hospital According to the San Angelo Police Department a black Dodge truck was going down Sherwood Way and was attempting to make a left turn to the Houston Harte Frontage Road and didnt see a Yukon going south bound and hit it. SAPD said the vehicles met front end to front end causing both vehicles to end up on the curb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Yukon and her child that was in the back seat, were taken to the hospital but there were no life-threatening injuries. The officer at the crash said he saw the woman and the child walking around and went for precautionary reasons. The driver of the Black Dodge had no injuries The driver of the black Dodge was given a citation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) As the search continues for Alisa Petrov, 15, who was last seen in Utah on April 21, charges were filed against two men from out of state in connection with her disappearance. Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, of Miami, Florida, is facing six charges, including aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation. Another man William Taylor Glines, 37, of Texas City, Texas is facing 10 charges. According to the South Jordan Police Department, Glines was charged with attempted aggravated exploitation of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY Missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Provo may have communicated with Texas man, according to cyber tip South Jordan Police allege both Menard and Glines communicated with Petrov before she left school on April 21, 2025 the day of her disappearance. Court documents for Menard say he communicated with Petrov while he was in Florida. The two allegedly discussed in detail about meeting each other in Las Vegas. South Jordan police had previously said that Petrov had asked people to help her get to Las Vegas. Menard and Glines were identified after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children found a social media account for the victim that showed she was communicating with the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents allege that both men had separately asked if the victim was 15, to which she reportedly said to one, [y]eppers Im actually in middle school. Documents also said the conversations with the victim were largely sexual in nature, with both men reportedly asking the victim to send explicit photos and videos [Menard] verified at different points throughout his conversation with [the victim] that he was aware [she] was a minor, charging documents for Menard state. Even after learning that the girl was underage, both men allegedly continued with the sexual conversations and asked the victim to send them inappropriate photos and videos. Utah prosecutors have requested that no bail arrest warrants be issued for both suspects. Who is Alisa Petrov? Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov Alisa Petrov, 15, was dropped off for school in American Fork, Utah, on April 21. Instead of going to school, family members said the teenager boarded a train toward Provo, Utah. Family members said Utah Transit Authority (UTA) security footage shows the teenager walking away, and she hasnt been found since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is said to be about 53 tall and weigh about 122 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She is listed as a runaway juvenile and is said to be endangered. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Alisa was last seen wearing a grey Harvard University shirt, a black hoodie, baggy jeans, and a dark backpack. It was later reported that she may have been trying to get to Las Vegas, and another tip revealed that she may have been communicating with a man in Texas. Officials in Texas City posted on social media on May 9 to ask for the publics help in the search for Alisa. As of May 16, Alisas family was reporting that she still has not been found. South Jordan police have asked anyone with information on her whereabouts to call 801-840-4000 and reference South Jordan Case #SJ25-11568. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A University of Wisconsin-Platteville student was fatally shot at a residence hall and another student was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a "targeted and isolated" incident, authorities and school officials said. The incident occurred Monday afternoon at Wilgus Hall, a residence hall on campus, the UW-Platteville Police Department said. Responding officers found both students suffering from gunshot wounds. PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, a police car is shown on the campus of University of Wisconsin Platteville. (WKOW) One of the students, 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, was transported to an area hospital and then med-flighted to UW Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said. Martin died from a gunshot wound, based on preliminary autopsy findings, police said. She was the Wilgus Hall assistant resident director, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other individual, 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, based on preliminary autopsy findings, police said. She lived at Wilgus Hall, police said. "No other subjects are suspected to have been involved in the incident," the UW-Platteville Police Department said in a statement Tuesday. MORE: Massachusetts student dies in Bahamas after falling from balcony Authorities received a 911 call indicating a situation at Wilgus Hall just before 4 p.m., Joe Hallman, chief of police with UW-Platteville Police Department, said at a press conference on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campus was alerted to shelter in place immediately. The shelter-in-place order was lifted after 5 p.m. "This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified," the chancellor's office said in a statement. PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, police tape is shown on the campus of University of Wisconsin Platteville. (WKOW) The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing. "Further investigation continues around the circumstances surrounding the death of the two individuals," the UW-Platteville Police Department said Tuesday. MORE: 11-year-old boy accidentally shot to death by sibling inside of their home Police have not released any additional information on the shooting incident, including the firearm involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are not allowed to keep weapons in their residence halls, according to Hallman, but they can keep them at the police department for activities like shooting club. PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, the sign for the University of Wisconsin Platteville is shown. (WKOW) Final exams have been canceled for the remainder of the week. Triage counseling is being offered through Friday and a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004. "Our biggest concern at this point, first and foremost, is the safety and well-being of our students," Chancellor Tammy Evetovich said at a press conference Monday. Student fatally shot at University of Wisconsin-Platteville residence hall: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com DENVER (KDVR) Two suspects have been identified and arrested in a May 14 shooting that left one man dead and sent two other people to the hospital. On Monday, the Aurora Police Departments Major Crimes Homicide Unit named Hee Dah Weh, 24, of Aurora, and Latrayvon Dashen Bullard, 23, also of Aurora, as suspects wanted in connection with the deadly shooting. Both are facing a charge of first-degree murder. FBI looking for One-hit Wonders bank robbers in Denver metro Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 5:40 p.m., the two suspects had been arrested near East Dartmouth and Parker Road during a traffic stop. The agency said that the FBI Denver Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force assisted in locating the fugitives. The shooting was reported on May 14 in the 1100 block of South Havana Street in a parking lot that is home to a King Soopers, among other stores. Officers arrived on scene to find a man with life-threatening injuries and another man dead. On May 15, the Arapahoe County Coroners Office identified the man who was shot and killed as 43-year-old James Michael Young. The other two victims have not been identified, but both suffered life-threatening injuries. The case will be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) About 20 people- some guests and permanent residents- were forced out of their rooms following a fire at the Flagship Inn & Suites in Groton on Tuesday morning, according to fire officials. Fire crews received a 911 call around 1:07 a.m. from the main office of the inn reporting the fire, fire officials said. Upon arrival, they found heavy fire in the main office and two adjoining units. They said the main building was engulfed in flames and two propane tanks were exploding near the rear of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did take quite an effort to extinguish the fire, Quantic Bridge Fire Chief Jeff Rhemuae said. Fire officials said the main section of the motel sustained major structural and smoke damage and was deemed uninhabitable. Two separate buildings were undamaged by the fire. Fifteen units were damaged during the fire, leaving about 20 people displaced, officials with the Red Cross said. The Red Cross is assisting those occupants. Its scary. Theres nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night and then being faced with what am I supposed to do?' Sue Rochester Bolen with the Red Cross said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumbull nursing home evacuated due to fire safety issue No injuries were reported. Multiple local fire departments responded, including the Old Saybrook Fire Department and the Submarine Base Fire District. The fire is under investigation by the Groton Police Departments Criminal Investigation Unit and Poquonnock Bridge Fire Marshal. The motel is located at 470 Gold Star Highway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Lanier, tells Channel 2 Action News that it is planning to close more than 20 lakeside parks due to government budget cuts. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] I hate to hear that theyre closing them. Sorry to hear that, said boater John Howkins. Lake Lanier has 76 recreational areas. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates 37 parks and campgrounds, 10 marinas, and Lake Lanier Islands. It leases out 40 parks and campgrounds to local governments and other organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It isnt yet known if the parks slated for closure are Corps-operated or leased, and if there is a timeline for closings. We really like coming to Lake Lanier. We love exploring the parks and hanging out. Its a beautiful area. The closing of parks really does bother me, because a lot of people enjoy these parks. They really like coming out here. Its a great place for kids to come out and play, too, said visitor Billy Brown. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Army Corps of Engineers had complained in the past about the rising costs of staffing and maintaining park recreational areas. One boater said that with the new emphasis on cutting federal expenditures, it makes sense for the USACE to shift that responsibility and a financial burden to local governments. With the cuts in the present administration, theyre probably going to leave the counties and states to take over a lot of these. I dont know how its going to work out in the long run, but I guess we will see, Greg Burke told Channel 2s Tom Regan. One viewer contacted Channel 2 Action News and said that Two Mile Creek Park on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County was closed Tuesday, although that has not been confirmed. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Salvation Army is looking for children to attend the Keystone Summer Camp. The camp offers children a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The Salvation Army branches around Florida are designated certain weeks when they can offer local kids a spot. Panama City received 50 spots this year, 20 are still open. Summer BreakSpot program returns to Bay District Schools offering free meals for youth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one-week free camp is located on the beautiful Bedford Lakes, with more than 260 acres of peaceful space. Kids can learn life skills while enjoying a variety of extracurricular activities. Its this amazing facility that kids can come for the entire week during the summer and spend time learning all different kind of things like swimming, playing. They have three meals a day. They have all different kind of tracks that kids choose when they get to camp on the first day. And then, based on that, is what they learn during the week. It is a completely free week for parents, kids need to be from 6 to 12 years old, and then parents just have to apply, Salvation Army Captain Niurka Pena said. The registration deadline is June 1, and the camp runs June 9-12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For information on how to register call Salvation Armys 15th street location at (850)-769-5259, or contact your local branch 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. The Catalist report is in, the big what happened packet interpreting the 2024 election through voting results and voter files, census data and modeling from the Democratic firm that election-studiers anticipate every cycle as soon as the last vote is cast. This years headline: Men, especially young men, swung hard to the right. The gender gap in partisan preferences increased in 2024: women continued to support Harris (55% support) at roughly the same levels that they supported Biden in 2020 (56%), the report said. But men moved towards Trump in 2024, from 48% support for Biden in 2020 to 42% support for Harris in 2024. These changes were seen across racial and other demographic groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at the gap in Black voters, a key Democratic constituency: In the Trump era, the gender gap substantially grew, driven by much larger support drops among Black men. In 2016, the gap expanded to 6 points, driven by a 5-point drop among men. Similarly, in 2024, the gap was an unprecedented 11 points while Black womens support was still 90%, Black men fell to 79%. The largest driver of that gap, the report said, seems to be men aged 18-29. Kamala Harris did 13 points better with Latinas (though there was some notable slippage there from 2020) than Latinos; for the first time since Catalist has been tracking, Latino support for the Democratic candidate fell below 50 percent (to 47). The gender gap among white voters, the report said, was the highest ever at 12 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the gender gap increased across all age cohorts in 2024, it was by far the largest among young voters (Gen Z and Millennials) and also the largest for the group in recent elections since Catalist has tracked detailed data, the report said. Democrats typically win elections by scooping up a big percentage of the new voters who enter an election cycle; this offsets what has usually been the Democratic-majority cohort that voted in the last election but then drops out of the electorate. As the Cook Report, which got the Catalist report first, points out, this is how Democrats consistently won the popular vote. This time, that dynamic flipped on its head. Harris increased Democratic ground with super voters, a previously Republican-leaning group that voted in each of the last four major elections. In 2016, super voters leaned Republican, with only 47% supporting Clinton. In 2020 and 2024, they shifted towards Democrats, with 49% supporting Biden in 2020 and just under 50% supporting Harris in 2024, the report said. Neither of these are majority support, but they trended toward Democrats. These voters older, more likely to be homeowners have historically been Republican, so it is notable that Democrats have gained among this group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those voters made up more of the electorate in 2024 than 2020, which was a boon to Harris. But, critically, she underperformed Joe Biden both with new voters and those who voted in fewer than all four of the last elections. The new voters were about 4 million fewer than the group that dropped out, and they voted for Harris at historically low levels. The young male drift was a key part of this underperformance. The conclusion is fairly bleak for Democrats still hoping that the Obama coalition, aided by growing diversity in the electorate, would simply grow too large to be defeated as Republicans aging white base died off: the demographics is destiny thesis. Voters, particularly young men of color, who long seemed un-poachable for Republicans are proving increasingly willing to cross over. With the exception of white men who came back to the party when a non-woman, or Biden, was on the ballot in 2020 Black, Latino and AAPI mens support of the Democratic party has lessened in each of the last three presidential elections, seemingly driven by the rightward drift of the youngest cohort. In a report light on good news for Democrats, Harris did hold on to one segment of the base that has become solidly reliable for the party. Harris maintained support among a different set of voters: women white, Black, and older women in particular and consistent voters who are the most engaged in the political process, the report said. This group of highly engaged voters have been trending towards Democrats over the Trump era and showed little change in support over the last four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kate Riga DOGE Damage The worlds richest man is going to scale back how much money he spends in elections moving forward, after spending almost a quarter of a billion dollars on getting Trump elected, leading the Trump administrations looting of the federal government and watching his public profile and Teslas stock value crash and burn in the process. I think in terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, Musk told Bloomberg while attending the Qatar Economic Forum. I think Ive done enough. Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it, Musk added, dodging when asked if he would take a step away from the Trump administration due to the public blowback his companies have received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont currently see a reason, he said. Kristi Noem Doesnt Know What Habeas Corpus Is This exchange, between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on DHS budget for fiscal year 2026 has been making the rounds today. On the one hand, you cant expect a Trump administration official not to take an opportunity to troll a Democratic senator. On the other hand, it really seems like she doesnt know what the term means. Hassan: What is habeas corpus? Noem: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country, and suspend their right to Hassan: Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea, she said, before asking Noem whether she believes in the core protection of habeas corpus. Noem: Yes, I support habeas corpus. I also recognize that the President of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not. Johnson Warns Senate Against Chopping Up Bill Senate Republicans are considering taking the House reconciliation bill (if/when it actually passes the House) and chopping it up into three or four different pieces of legislation ostensibly so that they can make tweaks to the parts of the bill that they dont like (Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) has said hes a no on the legislation in its current form because it doesnt do enough to address the deficit. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has warned that he isnt going to support cuts to Medicaid). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) met with Senate Republicans this afternoon and reportedly warned them against making major changes to the bill once its in their chamber, according to Axios. Thats likely because the bill, in its current form, is not necessarily on a glide path for passage in Johnsons own chamber, and anything that does pass may not be able to withstand further tinkering. In Case You Missed It DHS Sent Detainees To South Sudan On Tuesday In Blatant Defiance Of Judge, Attorneys Allege House GOPers Claim Bill Will Eventually Pass After Trump Bullying. But Not Everything Is Hunky Dory Trump-Appointed Leader Of Worker Protection Agency Directs Focus On DEI, Binary Reality of Sex Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing Normal About Trump DOJs Case Against Dem Rep Yesterdays Most Read Story Trump DOJ Admits It Used Bogus Info In Key Deportation Case What We Are Reading Kristi Noem Should Probably Know What Habeas Corpus Is Why Trump Is Threatening to Investigate Bruce Springsteen Chicago Sun-Times Prints AI-Generated Summer Reading List With Books That Dont Exist Shedding plastics into the environment is affecting nearly every Australian, and dishwashers are making a surprise contribution. Thousands of tiny plastic fragments are shed during normal cycles in dishwashers, then enter the environment as biosolids. Source: Michael Dahlstrom/Getty A disturbing list of items you shouldnt be stacking in your dishwasher has been revealed in a new Australian study. University of Queensland researchers discovered a full load of plastic containers and utensils sheds an average 920,000 tiny fragments into the water during an average washing cycle. The findings take us one step closer to understanding where the millions of particles households excrete into wastewater supplies come from. Research fellow Dr Elvis Okoffo's study examined five plastics polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are commonly used in the manufacture of household kitchenware. And because of the amount they shed, Okoffo's advice is to avoid putting any plastic in the dishwasher altogether. Household dishwashers only shed a rice-grain-sized amount of plastic into the environment each year. But that likely adds up to around 33 million particles being expelled into wastewater each year. ADVERTISEMENT While dishwashers contribute significantly to the number of plastic particles in wastewater, their overall mass contribution to plastic pollution is minor compared to other sources, he told Yahoo News Australia via email. His previous study into garments shedding in washing machines added pressure on manufacturers to install filters to catch tiny plastic fibres, and he believes theres a need for similar devices to be installed in dishwashers. Do the plastics end up in the ocean? While most of the plastic particles in wastewater are captured before they reach the ocean, Okoffo is adamant they are still problematic. Even if its a few, if you keep discharging every day, it adds up, he said during an interview. Even more worryingly, many of the particles that dont reach the sea are still expelled onto land. A previous study by Okoffo estimated 4,700 metric tons of plastic particles enter the Australian environment as biosolids (treated sewerage). ADVERTISEMENT Of this, 3,700 Mt of plastics are released onto farmland and 140 Mt as landscape topsoil. When you apply it to agricultural land, thats when it becomes a problem, Okoffo said. Whats particularly concerning about this is that humans, animals, and plants are all increasingly absorbing worrying amounts of tiny plastic particles, with a study published in February finding our brains contain as much as a spoons worth. The new dishwasher study was published on Tuesday in the journal American Chemical Society ES&T Water. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. North Carolinians can file claims against genetic testing company 23andMe for the 2023 data breach until July 14. A release from the North Carolina Attorney General Tuesday said those who are eligible to file must meet the following requirements: You were a 23andMe customer between May 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023. You got notice your personal information was compromised in the breach. You suffered some sort of harm because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can file a claim at this link. Your genetic data is the most personal information you have, and 23andMes data breach may have put that information in the wrong hands, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, said. Im continuing to monitor the companys bankruptcy and sale to make sure they protect consumers personal information. If you were impacted by the data breach, please consider filing a claim. Channel 9 has reported extensively on 23andMes bankruptcy and cyber security incident. In March, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN told Channel 9 the incident was a wake-up call for data privacy. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: VIDEO: What to do if youre affected by a data breach A seventh staff member at Newton-Wellesley Hospital has been diagnosed with a benign, non-cancerous brain tumor, the hospital confirmed to Boston 25 News on Tuesday. The health and well-being of our staff, clinicians, and patients is our top priority and we continue to evaluate any and all information provided to us, a hospital spokesperson told Boston 25 News. 25 Investigates first reported in April that Newton-Wellesley Hospital and the Massachusetts Nurses Association were investigating after multiple nurses came forward with brain tumor diagnoses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sixth staff member was identified with a similar tumor a week later. The hospital has said it conducted extensive environmental testing in the fifth-floor unit, is following CDC guidelines, and that it was determined there are no environmental risks to staff or patients. The MNA felt the hospitals investigation was inadequate, so they conducted a survey on their own. The MNA told 25 Investigates in early April that more than 300 past and present Newton-Wellesley nurses and staff have responded. The Massachusetts Nurses Association tells Boston 25 that they are still finalizing their report and are working with the hospital on potential next steps. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department said the victim of a Friday afternoon shooting died Monday. The shooting was reported just after 4 p.m. on Friday near E. 73rd Street and S. Benton Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 71. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 When officers arrived, they found the victim in front of a residence. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. The KCPD said detectives were notified on Monday that the victim died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been identified as 25-year-old Zackery Matthews. The case is now being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been made. Investigators believe the victim and another person had an interaction in front of the residence that escalated and led to Matthews being shot. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. HONOLULU (KHON2) Its a great opportunity to sell products and meet one-on-one with key Defense Commissary Agency and Military Exchange buyers. Were talking about the ALA Hawaii Food Show. Sign-ups are happening now for the 28th show, held August 19, 2025. Download this new app before visiting the Honolulu Zoo Ala Hawaii Chairperson Sharon Zambo-Fan says businesses will have an opportunity to expand their sales in Hawaii and around the world. Many companies have expanded their sales beyond Hawaii to the West Coast. Local businesses can visit alafoodshowhawaii@gmail.com. Zambo-Fan says they usually sell out in June, so dont delay. Companies should sign up now to participate in their June advance preparation/marketing class. According to Zambo-Fan, more than 6,600 products have been selected for commissary and exchange shelves since the shows inception. Commissary sales account for more than $255 million in annual sales. 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. No one wants to be called a bad parent or be accused of being a malicious person. Over the past 25 years, more than 970 children have died from heatstroke because they were left or trapped in a hot car for too long, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So far in 2025, there have been three hot car deaths with one in California, Maryland and New Jersey, according to data from the National Safety Council. While there have been no reported child hot car deaths in Texas yet, it's always a concern with rising temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what people can do to prevent this tragedy. Child hot car deaths: See map Jan Null, CCM, from the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State University, has compiled data on child heatstroke deaths in hot vehicles. This information is presented through noheatstroke.org, a program backed by the National Safety Council. The data is sourced from continuous online searches of electronic media, using platforms such as Google News and Lexis-Nexus. The interactive chart allows people to explore vehicle-related heatstroke deaths among children by year, month, outside ambient temperature and state. How to prevent forgotten baby syndrome in hot Texas weather Some may wonder how people can forget a child in a car. According to the National Library of Medicine, Forgotten Baby Syndrome is real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on limited research, NIH found that the adults who were unaware or had forgotten a child had perfectly intact psychic and cognitive functions. Heres what you can do to avoid these situations: Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle. Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle especially the back seat before locking the doors and walking away. Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesnt show up for care as expected. Place a personal item like a purse or a bag in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock. Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger's seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat. Store car keys out of a child's reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area. Place a reminder on your phone with an alarm that you have a child who needs to be taken out of the car. What to do if you see a child locked in a car by themselves NHTSA suggests that if you see a child locked in a car, act immediately and call 911. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled. Texas leads nation with most deaths due to child heat strokes According to data from Kids and Car Safety, since 1990, Texas has led the nation in child heatstrokes, with 156 deaths in total. Almost 90% of children who die are 3 or younger, according to their data. A graphic from kidsandcars.org showing the number of hot-car deaths in children since 1990. In 2018 and 2019, we saw a record number of hot car deaths 53 children died each year in the U.S., the most in at least 25 years, according to NoHeatstroke.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, 29 children died of heatstroke in vehicles in the U.S. What are heatstroke symptoms in kids? A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's. When a child is left in a vehicle, that child's temperature can rise quickly, and the situation can quickly become dangerous. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees. A child can die when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees. Here are the symptoms to watch for: Cramping Fatigue Diarrhea Dizziness Headache Irritability Coordination problems Nausea Vomiting Fainting Weakness What's the difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion? Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are both heat-related illnesses that occur due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and physical exertion. However, they differ significantly in severity and symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heat exhaustion is a condition resulting from excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, leading to an imbalance in the body's electrolytes. Heatstroke is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails, causing body temperature to rise to dangerous levels (104F or higher). Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke. Here are the differences and what you should do. Here are heat exhaustion symptoms: Heavy sweating Weakness or fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness Nausea or vomiting Headache Muscle cramps Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat Rapid, weak pulse Low blood pressure upon standing Here are heatstroke symptoms: High body temperature (104F or higher) Hot, dry skin (absence of sweating) or heavy sweating Altered mental state or behavior (confusion, agitation, slurred speech) Seizures Loss of consciousness Rapid, strong pulse Nausea and vomiting Flushed skin Technology to prevent hot car deaths Today, several devices can remind drivers that a child is in the rear of the car so they won't forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of the listed technologies: Drivers Little Helper Sensor System : The Drivers Little Helper Sensor System, available at several major retailers, is designed to be placed in a car seat. Positioned under the seat padding where the child sits, the sensor connects to a battery pack and syncs with an app. Users can configure the app to send notifications after stopping the car, with intervals as short as one minute. Waze : Waze, a popular traffic app, features a setting that reminds drivers to check their back seat upon reaching a destination entered into the app. However, it does not provide alerts for impromptu stops. SensorSafe : SensorSafe, a technology featured in some Evenflo car seats, includes a receiver that plugs into your car's diagnostics port. This port inside the vehicle connects to various subsystems and allows small receivers to access the car's computer system. The receiver communicates with the car seat's smart chest clip, alerting the driver with a series of chimes if a child remains in the seat after the car is turned off. Toyota Cabin Awareness : Toyota's Cabin Awareness is an advanced in-cabin monitoring system designed to prevent hot car fatalities, particularly for children and pets. This technology uses high-resolution 4D imaging radar to detect minute movements, such as heartbeats and respiration, covering the entire vehicle cabin, including the cargo area and footwells. The radar can even sense occupants under blankets or other coverings. General Motor's Rear Seat Reminder System: This feature in certain GM vehicles uses sensors on the back doors that activate when the rear door is opened or closed within 10 minutes of the vehicle starting or while it is running. If these conditions are met, a reminder appears on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible chime, when you reach your destination. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 3 kids have died in hot cars in 2025. How to prevent during Texas heat BEIJING (AP) Water rushed into a coal mine in northwestern Chinas Gansu province, leaving three workers dead, official state news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday. There were 133 people working in the mine when the flooding happened on Monday evening at a depth of about 610 meters (2,000 feet). The report didnt provide any details on how the three victims died, but said that the bodies were found 18 hours after the flooding happened. The other 130 workers were evacuated to safety within an hour of the flooding at the Jingmei Energy Co. mine in Gansu, a major coal-producing region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has been working to improve mine safety to prevent disasters, which happen frequently. A coal mine explosion killed 11 people in Shanxi in August 2023, a coal mine fire in southern Guizhou province killed 16 people in September, and a coal mine cart ran off the tracks in northeastern Heilongjiang province killed 12 people in December 2023. A fire at a coal mining company building killed 26 people and injured dozens of others in Shanxi in 2023. The blaze wasn't in the mine itself. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Three people were indicted Wednesday on charges connected to a February shooting on E. 50th Street. After being dispatched to the 2000 block of East 50th Street on Feb. 18, Savannah Police officers found a male juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound. He was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital for treatment. While officers were still on the scene, Jemond Burke arrived at the hospital also suffering from a gunshot wound, a Savannah Police Department spokesperson said in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burke, Jeremiah McIntosh and Zion Stewart reportedly arranged to meet to trade for an AR style firearm at the victims home, grabbed the victim and held him at gunpoint. The victim was then shot, according to the indictment. According to court documents, Burke is charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and criminal attempt to commit a felony. McIntosh is charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and criminal attempt to commit a felony. Stewart is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery and criminal attempt to commit a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A smelly, sometimes toxic killer belt of seaweed might put a damper on Floridians Memorial Day weekend plans. Sargassum is back just in time for the unofficial start of summer and this years influx of the brown algae would be record breaking at 31 million tons. What is Sargassum? Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed. As a seaweed, it is also a type of algae. It floats along the ocean in island-like masses and does not attach to the seafloor the way that kelp does. According to NOAA, this brown algae is abundant in the worlds oceans. It has many leafy appendages, branches, and its signature berry-like structures. These round berries are actually gas-filled structures called pneumatocysts. They are primarily filled with oxygen and add buoyancy to the plant structure and allow it to float on the surface of the water, similar to a life jacket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Importantly, Sargassum provides food and a floating habitat for several marine species including various fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, and shrimp. Some animals, like the sargassum fish will spend their whole lives around Sargassums gas-filled floats and the seaweed is a nursery area for some commercially important fishes, including mahi mahi, jacks, and amberjacks. Smaller fishes, such as filefishes and triggerfishes, reside in and among brown Sargassum. CREDIT: NOAA/Life on the Edge Exploration. Is it harmful to humans? When Sargassum washes up on shore, it begins to rot. That rotting triggers the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. These odors themselves are not harmful to humans when inhaled in well ventilated areas like the beach. But the gases can accumulate enough to cause harm if they are breathed in within enclosed spaces. Hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, writes Floridas Department of Health in St. Johns County. If you have asthma or other breathing illnesses, you will be more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide. You may have trouble breathing after you inhale it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming into contact with the jellyfish or other stinging organisms embedded in the rotting seaweed can cause rashes on the skin. Any workers for volunteers collecting and transporting the seaweed should wear gloves, boots, and gas-filter half masks for protection. [ Related: A stinky, 5,000-mile-long wad of seaweed is about to gunk up Floridas beaches. ] 2025s mega bloom In Florida and the Caribbean, Sargassum season runs from April to August, with June and July as the peak months for setting in along the shoreline. However, the blobs have been spotted along shorelines since March this year. The bloom has already broken its own size record set in June 2022 by 40 percentand is still growing. The annual bloom now stretches over 5,500 miles of ocean between Africa and the Caribbean and weighs an estimated 31 million tons. Sargassum goes from being a very beneficial resource of the North Atlantic to becoming what we refer to as a harmful algal bloom, when it comes ashore in excessive biomass, Brian LaPointe, a research professor at Florida Atlantic Universitys Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, told CNN. What we have seen since 2011 are excessive inundation events all around the Caribbean region, the Gulf, as well as the South Florida region. Why is this years bloom so big? Increasing ocean temperatures due to climate change is one of the reasons for such a large bloom. The Atlantic and waters around Florida have seen record-breaking high temperatures in recent years, creating ideal conditions for the seaweed to thrive. The excess nitrogen in the water from the burning of fossil fuels or dust from the Sahara is believed to be one of the forces behind this supercharged bloom. An experimental tracking map from NOAA for May 6 through 12, showing where sargassum is likely to wash ashore in Florida. CREDIT: NOAA Scientists can use satellites to track the seaweed and issue warnings if needed. The CariCOOS Sargassum map shows that the bulk of the bloom is currently east of Puerto Rico, but it has already been spotted along Floridas Atlantic coast. NOAA encourages anyone who encounters Sargassum on the beach to report it with this form. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A total of 310 animals were relocated to accredited sanctuaries or rescue facilities after the Oregon State Police searched the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon last week. The four-day search of the wildlife park ended late Sunday night, the Oregon State Police said in a release Tuesday afternoon. None of the animals seized were released into the wild, they said, but three animals a camel, a chicken and a kinkajou were put down because of their physical condition. The ongoing investigation now turns to processing all the evidence from the search. Authorities said there is no more information thats releasable at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Zoo releases lab turtles in the Columbia River Gorge Officials earlier said the park has been at the center of a lengthy criminal investigation, and they were searching for evidence related to animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing and business practices. Newly obtained documents reveal disturbing findings too, including neglected animals, lack of vet care, and in one case a dead tiger stored in a freezer with frozen turkeys. An Oregon State Police SWAT vehicle at West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon, Oregon on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Credit: Oregon State Police) A lion in an enclosure at the West Coast Game Park Safari, May 2025. (OSP) A police vehicle at the West Coast Game Park Safari during a 4-day search in May 2025 (OSP) A Clackamas County animal control officer feeds a camel at the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, May 2025 (OSP) Officers with OSP and ODFW get hay bales ready at the West Coast Game Park Safari, May 2025 (OSP) Over the last 11 years, Ive never seen anything quite like this. The amount of agencies the amount of people. I believe there was more officers from all the different agencies than there are in the entirety of Coos County, said Coos County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio. Weve been getting community complaints about that place for a long time, but because of our limited resources and our size, just logistically, we werent able to handle it ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A petition was created last year regarding peoples concerns about the park. The park remains closed and the community is asked to avoid the facility. KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. In every Australian jurisdiction there are tough penalties in place for drivers caught modifying or applying their own number plates. Members of the sovereign citizen movement are being warned if they're caught modifying their number plates, they could be fined a whopping $2,500. Source: Reddit/Nyvkroft Australians are again being warned of the tough penalties in place for modifying their number plates, after a bizarre set left eyebrows raised on the west coast this week. While the law does allow for some creativity when it comes to picking plates, formalities must be adhered to, and it's strictly forbidden to simply slap on a set of your choosing. Across Australia steep fines prevent people from sporting illegal number plates, but despite this, some still continue to attract attention for all the wrong reasons, as Western Australians pointed out on Monday. Posting online, a Perth local asked, "What are these?" beside an image of two cars with plates starting with the letters "PC LS". "I've never seen plates like this and can't find any info online. I feel like they must be fake," they said. Quickly, responders suggested the plates likely belong to members of the so-called "sovereign citizen" movement a growing group of fringe conspiracists who believe laws don't apply to them. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for WA Police confirmed the plates are highly illegal. "[They] both appear to be fitted with false licence plates," the spokesperson said. "The maximum penalty for this offence is $2,500. There may also be a second offence... if the registration hasnt been renewed on these vehicles and [if] its driven on a road. The maximum penalty for this offence is $500 plus six months of the half-yearly licence fee." Sovereign citizens frequently use unofficial or homemade licence plates to assert their belief that they are not subject to government laws or regulations. Source: Reddit/Nyvkroft What are sovereign citizens? Online, drivers asked if the "sovereign citizens" ever "get sick of being stopped and fined for driving an unlicensed vehicle"? But many pointed out sovereign citizens often reject the authority of government institutions, including vehicle registration systems, and may create their own documents and identifiers. ADVERTISEMENT One person pointed out that without properly registered plates, insurance claims also become tricky. "The biggest issue is if they are involved in an accident causing personal injury. More than half of our registration fees are for third-party insurance. If one of these idiots hits someone, that person isn't covered," they commented. The exact meaning of "PC LS" on number plates spotted in Perth remains unclear. However, such plates are often associated with sovereign citizens, whose members frequently use unofficial or homemade ones to assert their belief that they are not subject to government laws. These plates typically feature phrases like "Private," or references to fictitious republics or tribal nations. It's not the first time the scenario has emerged on Australian roads. In March in Adelaide, a driver was spotted with a customised number plate simply reading "PRIVATE". A photo captured in 2023 showed the rear of a Holden with a plate that features the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", along with an incorrect claim that removing the plate "incurs a $50,000 fine". An illegal number plate in Adelaide which simply reads 'PRIVATE'. Source: Reddit/throwmethedamnstick Some followers of the movement can pose a serious threat. In 2010, a father-son team in the US murdered two police officers with an assault rifle after being pulled over. In NSW in recent times, a police officer was forced to smash a car window after a "sovereign citizen" refused to get out of her vehicle and claimed she was not in the officer's jurisdiction. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to Yahoo News, Dr Ben Rich, co-director of Curtin University's Curtin Extremism Research Network (CERN), said intelligence agencies remain concerned about the "sovereign citizen" movement. "The injection of increasingly extremist American ideas reflecting that country's internal dysfunctions has caused the overall movement to take a darker turn over the past decade," Rich said earlier. "The Covid-19 lockdowns were a real catalyst for Sov-Cit political mobilisation in Australia, and we saw many of them turning out in anti-lockdown and anti-government protests in unprecedented numbers with their distinctive iconography." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 32 students were safely evacuated after a bus crashed into pole in Hopkinton on Tuesday morning. Around 7:26 a.m., Hopkinton Fire and Police were called to the scene of a bus crash on the Cedar Street Extension. Upon arrival, crews found a bus that had crashed into a telephone pole, causing power lines to fall and rest just above the roof of the bus, police said. Thirty-two students and the driver were inside the bus, and crews determined that no one had life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the proximity of the downed power lines to the bus roof, all students were required to remain onboard until the power could be safely de-energized. Eversource arrived on the scene and, around 8:49, once the lines were confirmed to be de-energized, students were safely evacuated from the bus and transported via another school bus to Hopkinton Middle School. All students were evaluated by school nurses and paramedics. Only minor injuries were reported, and students were either released to class or dismissed to their parents. The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cedar Street Extension remains closed as Eversource works to replace the pole and restore power to the area. 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 WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Thirty-four firearms and a substantial amount of ammunition were turned in on Saturday during Hampden Countys annual gun buyback event. The event is a community safety initiative coordinated by the Hampden District Attorneys Office, Baystate Health, and the West Springfield Police Department. Commission votes to decertify Springfield officer who used stun gun on pregnant woman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Held at West Springfield Town Hall, the event provided residents with a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted guns and ammunition. All items collected will be securely destroyed to reduce the potential for gun-related accidents, theft, or misuse. Each gun turned in represents a potentially life-saving decision, said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. Whether its a firearm that a family no longer feels safe keeping, or one thats simply no longer wanted, removing these weapons from homes and our streets helps prevent tragedies before they happen. Courtesy of Hampden District Attorneys Office Courtesy of Hampden District Attorneys Office The initiative is a key part of the Hampden District Attorneys Offices broader violence prevention strategy. Public health data consistently show that access to firearms significantly increases the risk of suicide and accidental injury. By offering a judgment-free, community-centered opportunity to surrender guns, organizers aim to promote safer homes and neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for firearms and ammunition, participants received gift cards to Big Y Supermarkets, with $50 for a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, and $100 for an assault weapon. The gun buyback program is one element of a multifaceted public safety plan that includes youth outreach, school partnerships, and collaborations with health care providers and local law enforcement agencies. 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. A 4-year-old boy suffered "critical injuries" after being struck by an SUV on Wednesday, May 14, in Las Vegas, according to a police report The girlfriend of the child's father, who was caring for the child, has been released from jail after being arrested for alleged child abuse/neglect, according to local media outlets She's certainly not out of the woods as of today," Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said of Tanisha Williams, 37, per KSNV A 4-year-old boy in Las Vegas has been hospitalized after being struck by a passing vehicle while they were escaping from a residence, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were alerted to an incident at the intersection of West Lake Mead Boulevard and Jeanne Drive at around 6:22 p.m. local time on Wednesday, May 14, according to a police news release. After gathering witness statements and surveillance video, police concluded a 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor was approaching in the right two lanes when the child darted into West Lake Mead Blvd. Emergency medical personnel transported the juvenile to the University Medical Center's Trauma Center with critical injuries, per the police news release. Meanwhile, the SUV driver remained on the scene with no sign of injury. A couple of broken bones, which is not good, but it could have been a lot worse, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said, according to local outlet KSNV. This child could have lost his life. FOX5 Las Vegas/Youtube Woman being interviewed by Fox 5 Vegas Woman being interviewed by Fox 5 Vegas Tanisha Williams, who was not the driver, was arrested amid the polices investigation and was charged with child abuse/neglect resulting in substantial bodily harm, KSNV reported. The 37-year-old has been identified as the girlfriend of the childs dad, according to Fox 5 Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was released from jail after a court appearance on Thursday, with records suggesting that prosecutors may not pursue the charges against her, according to the outlets. Williams told Fox 5 Vegas that shes devastated by the incident, adding, He was asleep when I saw him in the room, he was lying down. So I felt like okay, I am going to sleep, and when he wakes up, I am going to just be with him, of course I wouldnt just leave him unattended. She recalled having freaked out when she realized that the toddler had escaped from the home. The property allegedly had a top lock, a bottom lock and a locked gate, Fox 5 Vegas reported. I havent seen him open doors like that, Williams told the outlet. 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. An eyewitness told News 3 Las Vegas that when they saw the child on the floor outside of their home, their mom instinct kicked in, they rushed to put on slippers and join others in aiding the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbor Kevin Smith told the outlet he heard Williams yelling that she was looking for the child. After then sharing what the child who had been struck by a vehicle was wearing, she realized that it was him. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Polices investigation remains ongoing. Getty Las Vegas Metropolitan Police car (stock image) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police car (stock image) Wolfson told KSNV that Williams is certainly not out of the woods despite having been released from jail. We didn't have the entire case file, Wolfson told the outlet. Our ethical obligation requires us to only file charges if we can prove those charges in a courtroom beyond a reasonable doubt. So sometimes we need more time. That's the practical part of this situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, The child's father is primarily responsible. It's his child he had left, but he still has primary responsibility as to who's watching over his child, and what the circumstances are." Las Vegas Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for an update on the investigation on May 20. Read the original article on People SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) After a couple of hours behind closed doors, four students have been expelled from the Sioux City Community School District. This decision by the school board marks the fourth time a special board meeting was held to expel students. As of the 2024-25 school year, 24 students have been expelled. Back in December 2024, 10 students were expelled, plus three in January of this year, and seven others in March due to fighting. However, at the moment, nothing is known about the four, most recent expulsions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sioux City Community School District sent a statement to KCAU 9 in regard to the expulsions, stating: The District has strict code of conduct expectations that ensure our buildings are safe places for students to achieve and succeed. When code of conduct violations occur, district leadership makes disciplinary recommendations to the school board based on each situation, up to and including expulsion. There are serious consequences when code of conduct expectations are not met. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Two out of the four expulsions were unanimously voted on, while the other two saw a couple board members hesitant on the idea of expulsion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Five juveniles were arrested after police said they were trying to break into cars in a Miami Township neighborhood. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On May 17, around 3 a.m., officers were called to the area of Nesting Drive and Turtledove Way for juveniles trying to break into vehicles. When officers arrived on the scene, they found five juveniles who matched the descriptions given to them. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers asked the juveniles to talk to them, they all ran, leading to a chase. Four were taken into custody, the fifth juvenile was later identified. Please remember to lock your car doors and report any suspicious behavior, the Miami Township Police Department wrote on social media. The ages of the juveniles or the charges they face were not included in the social media post. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Scam loads are on the rise. Fraudulent rate confirmationsfake documents posing as real broker contractsare being used to trick carriers into hauling freight theyll never get paid for. These scams arent just hurting new carriers. Theyre costing experienced fleets thousands in fuel, time, and credibility. Fraudsters are getting better. They mimic real brokers, forge FMCSA credentials, copy MC numbers, and even create fake dispatchers with legitimate-sounding names. In most cases, it all looks realuntil its not. This article breaks down how to spot a fraudulent rate confirmation, how to verify a broker before you roll, and the systems every small fleet needs in place to avoid being scammed. (Example of a potentially fraudulent rate confirmation sheet impersonating Landstar. While it includes a legitimate MC number and branded details, red flags include an unverified email domain Accounting@landstarranger.com, vague dispatch instructions, and delayed pickup number communicationcommon tactics used in scam loads targeting small carriers.) What Is a Fraudulent Rate Con? A fraudulent rate confirmation is a fake load agreement sent to a carrier, typically by someone posing as a legitimate broker. These rate cons look realthey list the brokers logo, load details, and even a real MC numberbut they often: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come from spoofed email addresses List non-official phone numbers Contain payment instructions not tied to the brokers real systems Are tied to fake dispatchers using stolen broker identities Once the carrier books the load and hauls the freight, the scammer disappearsand the real broker has no record of the agreement. The carrier gets stiffed, and theres no bond to file on because no valid contract exists. Why Small Carriers Are Targeted Newer MC numbers often dont have set verification processes Many carriers run spot freight and book fast under pressure Fraudsters know owner-ops may not have a back office to catch red flags This is why small carriers must run tighter systems than ever before. Verification isnt optional. Its essential. Red Flags on a Fraudulent Rate Con 1. Unfamiliar or Misspelled Email Domains Legit broker rate cons come from official domainslike @chrobinson.com, @coyote.com, or @landstar.com. Watch for: Gmail or Yahoo addresses (e.g., chrobinson.logistics@gmail.com) Subtle misspellings (e.g., @chrobbinson.com, @landstarr.com) Free or suspicious-looking domains (e.g., @fastfreightloadbrokers.com) 2. Unverified Phone Numbers Fraudsters list fake dispatch numbers that wont connect to the brokers main line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Verify by calling the official number listed on the brokers FMCSA profile or company website. 3. Rush Pressure or One-Time Use Language Scammers will try to speed up the process: We need to move this ASAP, dont worry about the paperwork right now. This load was just added and has to move tonight. Can you confirm? Any pressure to skip verification is a sign to stop and double-check. 4. Inconsistent Company Info Legit rate cons list: Correct company name and MC/DOT number Physical address Brokers contact info Red Flag Example: Rate con lists CH Robinson, but the company name on the FMCSA profile is Fast Haul Logistics Inc. Run the MC number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and match it to the name, address, and phone number listed on the rate con. 5. Sketchy Payment Terms Fraudsters may ask you to send: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invoices to an unknown factoring company BOLs to a third-party email address not associated with the broker Zelle or ACH info to a personal account Real brokers never ask for payment routing changes outside of their TMS or verified process. Real-World Example of a Scam Load An example is, a carrier received a rate con from what looked like C.H. Robinson, offering $2,900 for a load from Georgia to Texas. The email address was @chrobinsongroup.com, and the dispatcher used a real broker reps name. The rate con looked clean. But: The phone number wasnt listed anywhere online The MC number matched C.H. Robinson, but the invoice submission email was a Gmail address The pickup appointment had already been booked with a different carrier Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scam was caughtbut only because the dispatcher Googled the contact and called the real C.H. Robinson main line to verify. How to Verify a Rate Con Before Booking the Load 1. Look Up the MC Number Use safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search by: MC number Company name DOT number 2. Call the Brokers Official Number Dont rely on the number in the rate con. Call the main number listed on the FMCSA site or the brokers website and ask: I received a rate con for load #123456 from [name]. Can you confirm this is valid? 3. Verify the Email Domain Check the brokers website for their real email domain. If the rate con doesnt come from that exact domain, its a red flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4. Review Payment Instructions Real brokers submit payments: Through TMS portals (e.g., TriumphPay, RMIS, MyCarrierPacket) To official accounting email addresses Never send invoices or BOLs to a Gmail or Yahoo address. What to Do If You Suspect a Fraudulent Rate Con Do not haul the load until confirmed Call the real broker immediately Report the fraud to the FMCSA and Office of The Inspector General Keep all communication recordsscreenshots, emails, voicemails Check the Shipper Directly, if youve already been given a pickup numbercall the shipper and confirm if they expect you How to Prevent Your Team From Falling for It Train your dispatchers to verify every MC, phone number, and domain Use a rate con review checklist that includes scam-check questions Assign a single person or system to vet all rate cons before the truck is dispatched Use digital tools like Highway, MyCarrierPackets, or Carrier Assure to track broker legitimacy Final Word In this freight market, no one can afford to haul for free. And no one should be scammed because they didnt know what to look for. Fraudulent rate cons are slick, and theyre getting better every month. But with a little structure, a little awareness, and a zero-rush policyyou can shut the door on scam loads before they hit your truck. The post 5 Red Flags on a Rate Confirmation Sheet You Should Never Ignore appeared first on FreightWaves. Can I tell you how to get to Sesame Street? You bet! The longstanding childrens program is moving out of the Max district and into the Netflix neighborhood. Although President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to end federal funding for PBS and NPR, kids without access to streaming services will still be able to see Elmo, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch for free on PBS. Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. 1. Russia-Ukraine President Trump spent two hours on the phone with Vladimir Putin on Monday, hoping to learn when the Russian leader was going to end his war in Ukraine. However, no timeline was offered. Afterward, Trump posted on social media that Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire although a Kremlin spokesperson said Trump and Putin did not discuss a timeframe for a possible truce. Despite Trumps repeated assertions during his presidential campaign that he could end the war in 24 hours, he is now backing away from a direct mediating role, saying that negotiating the conditions for a ceasefire would be left to Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also spoke with Trump on Monday, said his goals were clear: full ceasefire without any conditions or preconditions, an exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia. Overnight, Ukraine and Russia accused each other of launching even more attack drones. 2. Israel Canada, France and the United Kingdom are threatening to take concrete actions including targeted sanctions if Israel doesnt stop its renewed military offensive in Gaza and continues to block humanitarian aid from entering the enclave. Since Israel launched the offensive in northern and southern Gaza over the weekend, more than 400 people have been killed and over 1,000 others injured, according to a CNN count of this weeks Palestinian Ministry of Health data. Amid this increased pressure from allies, Israel announced it would allow five trucks into Gaza. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher described the delivery as a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. 3. Congresswoman charged The Justice Department has charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal law enforcement during a protest outside an ICE detention facility. On May 9, Reps. McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robert Menendez Jr. visited the facility in Newark, New Jersey, because they said it was not up to date on necessary permits. At the end of their visit, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka tried to join them and walked inside the facilitys gate. Federal agents told Baraka to leave, then began to detain him once he left the fenced-in area. When the lawmakers and other protesters tried to stop the arrest, pushing and shouting ensued. Baraka was handcuffed, taken into custody and charged with trespassing, but those charges were later dropped. It is unclear whether the DOJ will charge Coleman and Menendez Jr. as well. 4. AI regulations One of the items in President Trumps one big, beautiful agenda bill is sparking protests, and it involves the regulation of artificial intelligence. If passed, the rule would prohibit states from enforcing any law or regulation related to AI models, systems or automated decision systems for 10 years. In response, more than 100 organizations have signed a letter that was sent to members of Congress calling the AI preemption provision a dangerous giveaway to Big Tech CEOs. This moratorium would mean that even if a company deliberately designs an algorithm that causes foreseeable harm regardless of how intentional or egregious the misconduct or how devastating the consequences the company making or using that bad tech would be unaccountable to lawmakers and the public, the letter, provided exclusively to CNN ahead of its release, stated. 5. Abandoned chicks Thousands of chicks have died after they were left for days without food or water inside an abandoned postal truck. The reason why a truck filled with live birds was left unattended at a Delaware mail distribution center is under investigation. Its also unknown why the USPS didnt complete the delivery to the recipients who ordered the birds and were likely equipped to care for them. In the meantime, a local animal shelter has spent more than two weeks desperately trying to nurse and re-home the estimated 2,000 chicks who managed to survive the ordeal. Pennsylvania-based Freedom Ranger Hatchery raised the chicks for their weekly distribution to clients across the country, and due to biosecurity concerns, cannot take the chicks back. BREAKFAST BROWSE WNBA launches probe into hate speech Racial slurs were allegedly directed at Angel Reese during the Chicago Skys loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday, and now the league is investigating. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dilbert creator reveals cancer diagnosis A day after former President Joe Biden announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, artist/podcaster Scott Adams said he has it too. I also have prostate cancer that has also spread to my bones, Adams said on his YouTube show, Real Coffee with Scott Adams. Theres a new American Idol The long-running singing competition crowned a new winner on Sunday after receiving 26 million fan votes the most since the show moved from Fox to ABC in 2018. Who can believe it? Zak Starkey and The Who have parted ways for the second time in a month. Although guitarist Pete Townshend implied in his statement that the split was mutual, Starkey claimed he had been fired from the legendary rock band. Denzel Washington gets a surprise at Cannes The two-time Academy Award-winning actor was surprised with an honorary Palme dOr right before the screening of Highest 2 Lowest, his new film with long-time collaborator Spike Lee. TODAYS NUMBER 20,000 Thats how many National Guard members the Department of Homeland Security has requested to help with immigration enforcement. TODAYS QUOTE We are witnessing a dangerous precedent: the transformation of an independent regulator into an instrument of political censorship. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, who was appointed by then-President Biden in 2023, on how the agency is being weaponized to chill speech and to punish the press. TODAYS WEATHER Check your local forecast here>>> AND FINALLY Thar she blows! A webcam recently captured columns of incandescent lava spewing from the Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines during a moderately explosive eruption. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) The harvest is plentiful for area food pantries, and the workers are too but too often until now, the barns to store the excess have been in short supply. 3 orphaned bear cubs rescued in Sullivan County For a handful of pantries in Washington County thats changed, thanks to a federal Community Development Block Grant program that brought $500,000 worth of Food Insecurity grants to the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been praying for a walk-in cooler for a few years because weve got like 12 (small chest freezers) in here right now, Mount Zion Baptist Church Pastor Cody Greene said Monday in Jonesborough. Standing in front of a brand new Polar King walk-in combination cooler and freezer, Greene said the pantry that served an average of 170 families a month last year saw several prayers answered when the local government let them know about the grant opportunity. Greene remembers hearing an uncommon offer: Just write down what your needs are and well see what we can do. Weve been able to get a brand new trailer, theyve ordered a truck and then this cooler behind us as well, Greene said a day before the pantrys second of two monthly distributions. So its just every need that weve had has been supplied in the last six months. Its been incredible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About eight miles east, David Smith of University Parkway Baptist Church had a similar positive story. He, too, stood in front of a just-installed Polar King combination walk-in. This will allow us to really go to the next level as far as getting high-quality fresh and frozen goods and giving that to the families, Smith, the churchs financial administrator, said. University Parkway distributes about 20,000 pounds to an average of 200 families in a distribution from 7-9 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Now theyll be able to jump when stores have perishable excess. Food City or somebody will call us up and say, hey, I got 20 cases of this or 30 cases of that, and can you take it, and you have to do that right on the spot, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Mount Zion the typical number of families being served every first and third Tuesday has only gone up. The church keeps meticulous data, and the 170 families it served in an average month in 2024 was up 13% from 2023 and 53% higher than in 2020. The pantry is as generous as possible, and the new trailer and freezer make accepting area supermarkets and farmers generosity that much easier. We have a massive banana box crate that were giving out just full of meat, and then we have another one with produce and another one dry goods, Greene said. So being able to handle that supply has been incredibly beneficial for us. The creaking church van that labored to haul food and might not be able to haul the new trailer are typical of the shoestring operations at pantries. Mount Zion picks up surplus from Food City, Kroger, Earth Fare and other area supermarkets every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Local farmers sometimes donate as well, Greene said. They also get an average of nearly 10,000 a month from Second Harvest Food Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were pulling 10,000 pounds, so we needed something to be able to do that, Greene said. In 2024, the church squeezed 23,617 pounds of deli goods, 22,506 pounds of dairy, 11,693 pounds of meat, 5,366 pounds of produce and 4,109 pounds of frozen goods into its hodgepodge array of small freezers and refrigerators. The new equipment will enable those numbers to increase. And for the growing number of families, the church is happy to be able to help. When theyre in their cars, well just go up and talk to them and well hear stories, Greene said. This one lady in particular has three of her grandkids, theyve come to live with her, and she said last year she lost her job and she just mentioned multiple times, like, if it wasnt for this, she wasnt really sure how she would pay to feed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of numerous stories Greene said help make the church and the pantrys many volunteers determined to do as much as they can. Thankfully there has been a continual supply and weve just had that mentality of, well keep giving as long as the Lord keeps providing.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The sighting came as a shock for local fishermen, but there could be a grim reason behind the shark's appearance. An unexpected visitor to a popular marina in South Australia has created a stir, with local fishermen saying theyve never seen anything like it. A juvenile great white was spotted cruising the shallows of Wirrina Cove, leading some to wonder if the states algal bloom crisis is behind the predators behaviour. Jarrod Glaister, owner and skipper of Southern Fishing Charters, told Yahoo News he initially thought the animal was a dolphin and was shocked to see a great white in the marina. Ive never seen it before, he said. While doing maintenance on his boat Jarrod spotted the shark alongside the vessel, and could still see it swimming around hours later. ADVERTISEMENT "He's still kicking around, he's stuck in the marina," Jarrod said. "He's just swimming around." While the shark had attracted the attention of a couple of onlookers, Jarrod predicted it wouldn't be long before word spread and more people came to the marina for a look. Harmful algal bloom devastates the South Australian coast The toxic algal bloom is suffocating marine life off the South Australian coast, killing more than 200 aquatic species, including protected sea dragons and sharks. A mob of kangaroos were also euthanised after eating toxic grass near the algal bloom. In April, a great white shark was rescued from a sandbar near Tiddy Widdy Beach, while in May another great white couldn't be saved after washing up at Henley Beach. The Fleurieu Peninsula, which includes Wirrina Cove, has been largely impacted by the algae explosion. ADVERTISEMENT Professor Culum Brown, behavioural ecologist at Macquarie University, said the region has a healthy shark population and it's not uncommon for juvenile white sharks to be spotted close to shore. "I have no doubt white sharks swim by marinas from time to time. There is no reason why they wouldn't be there," Prof Brown told Yahoo News. State Environment Minister Susan Close told ABC News Breakfast on Monday that the "enormous" algal bloom is forcing sharks to "turn up in places we wouldn't normally expect". Theyre more numerous along our metropolitan coastline than we normally expect to see and also they appear to be in some distress and theres some talk of them being more aggressive, she said. Jarrod Glaister said he thought he had spotted a dolphin and couldn't believe it when it turned out to be a great white. Source: Southern Fishing Charters Prof Brown said the shark looked "disorientated", and couldn't rule out the algae bloom as the cause. ADVERTISEMENT "That whole area is having an issue with raised water temps and high plankton counts so it might be related, but who can really say," he said. "Algal blooms are problematic for two main reasons: 1) they can be toxic in their own right, and 2) they can starve the water of oxygen. "If you combine that with high water temperatures, where O2 levels are already lower, then you have a problem." Experts have described the scenes, which began in early March, as a "horror movie for fish". With barely any rain or wind forecast across the region over the next week, the algae bloom is only expected to worsen. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Former President Biden's weekend announcement that he has an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bone sparked the usual sympathy from supporters and sharp suspicions among detractors. The announcement comes amid fresh reporting on Biden and his inner circle hiding the degree to which his mental acuity was slipping during his presidency and campaign for reelection last year, and the advanced stage of his cancer drew immediate accusations from the right that the former president was also hiding problems with his physical health. President Trump said he was surprised the cancer "wasn't notified a long time ago," suggested the public wasn't being properly informed and said that "people should try and find out what happened." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times spoke to six doctors who are experts in prostate cancer. They said the information Biden's office has shared about his condition is indeed limited, but also that many of the assumptions being made publicly about the progression of such cancers, the tests that can screen for them and the medical guidelines for care among men of Biden's advanced age 82 were simply off base. The cancer In its statement Sunday, Biden's office said the former president was seen last week "for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms," and on Friday was "diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone." Dr. Mark Litwin, chair of UCLA Urology, said that description indicated Biden has a more advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer than is diagnosed in most men, but that it was nonetheless "a very common scenario" with about 10% of such cancers in men being metastatic at diagnosis. Dr. Howard Sandler, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Cedars-Sinai, agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a little unusual for him to show up with prostate cancer that's metastatic to bone at first diagnosis, but not extraordinary," he said. "It happens every day to elderly men." Read more: Cancer diagnosis and a new book fuel questions about Biden's decision to run in 2024 That's in part because of the nature of such cancer, the modern screening guidelines for older men, and the advanced treatment options for such cancer when it is found, the doctors said. Prostate cancer in small, slow-growing amounts is prevalent among men of Biden's age, whether it's causing them problems or not. Most prostate cancers can be slowed even more dramatically for years after diagnosis with medical intervention to block testosterone, which feeds such tumors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those reasons, many doctors recommend men stop getting tested for prostate-cancer-related antigens, through what's known as a PSA test, around age 70 or 75, depending on the individual's overall health. That advice is based in part on the idea that finding a slow-moving prostate cancer and deciding to act on it surgically or otherwise which many alarmed patients are inclined to do when they get such news can often lead to worse outcomes than the cancer would have caused if simply left alone. That includes impotence, incontinence and life-threatening infections. Also, if an older patient does start experiencing symptoms and is found to have a more advanced prostate cancer, modern treatments are capable of stalling the cancer's growth for years, the doctors said often beyond the point when those patients are statistically likely to die from something else. Even when older patients are tested and show somewhat elevated PSA levels, it is not always of immediate concern, and they are often told to just keep an eye on it, Litwin said. Simply put, doctors "typically don't get too exercised about a diagnosis of prostate cancer in an 82-year-old," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Sunil Patel, a urologic oncologist and an assistant professor of urology and oncology within the Brady Urological Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said that's because the average life expectancy for an American man is under 85. "And so most men at that time, at 75, they're like, 'OK, well, if it's not going to kill me in the next 10 years, I'm going to leave it alone,'" Patel said. "That's a really shared decision between the patient and the physician." When advanced, aggressive prostate cancers are found, as with Biden, the prognosis and treatment plan is of course different, the doctors said. "He is for sure going to need treatment," Litwin said. "This is not the type that we can just observe over time like we often do." But that doesn't mean Biden's doctors dropped the ball earlier, he and others said. The diagnosis Biden's office has not said whether he was receiving PSA screenings. A letter from Biden's White House physician in February of last year made no mention of PSA testing, despite other recent presidents' medical assessments including that information. Biden's aides did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors The Times spoke to had no special insight into Biden's medical care, but said his diagnosis did not make them feel any less confident about the caliber of that care or suggest to them any nefarious intent to hide his condition. For starters, "it would be considered well within the standard of care" for Biden to have forgone testing in recent years, given his age, Sandler said. "Certainly after 80." Litwin said he believes Biden probably was still tested, given his position, but that doesn't mean he was necessarily hiding anything either. Some forms of aggressive prostate cancer don't secrete antigens into the blood at levels that would be flagged in a PSA test, while others can grow and even metastasize rapidly within a matter of months, and between routine annual screenings, he said. Patel said he has personally found "very aggressive disease" in patients who had relatively normal PSA levels. "I don't think anyone can blame anyone in terms of was this caught too late or anything like that," he said. "This happens not too infrequently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Alicia Morgans, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, a genitourinary medical oncologist and the director of the Survivorship Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, agreed. Even if a patient is diligent about getting screened annually, "there will be some cancers that arise between screening tests," she said. Morgans said things gets even more complicated as men get older, when their PSA number may increase and start getting monitored before it is considered a clear indicator of cancer. "Maybe its up a while. It was not cancer before, it hasnt really changed that much. Now it has become cancer. Its not the fault of anyone," she said. "You can do everything right and things like this can happen." The treatment Biden's office said his cancer appeared "to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors The Times spoke to were relatively bullish about Biden's short-term and even medium-term prognosis. "Its not curable, but its highly treatable," Morgans said. "Without meaning to sound glib, there's never been a better time to have metastatic prostate cancer in the history of medicine," Litwin said in part thanks to Biden's own cancer "moonshot" initiative and the funding it sent to institutions such as UCLA, which has helped develop new drugs. "There are numerous, very effective treatments for a patient in his situation," Litwin said. The standard and most likely course of care for Biden will be ADT, or androgen deprivation therapy, which involves a pill or shot that will shut down testosterone production, the doctors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now, an 82-year-old doesn't have the same testosterone production as a 22-year-old anyway, so there's not that far to go. But we shut it off," Litwin said. "And by shutting it off, it cuts out the principal hormone that feeds the prostate cancer. That alone can be very, very effective." Dr. Geoffrey Sonn, urologic oncologist and associate professor of urology at Stanford Cancer Center, said Biden's cancer is serious, but the ADT treatment "will make prostate cancer cells shrink down, stop growing, at least temporarily, in the vast majority of guys." Read more: Scott Adams reveals he has metastatic prostate cancer, the same as Biden: '100% not curable' "That is, it's not a permanent fix, in that those cells will eventually figure out a way to grow even with low levels of testosterone," Sonn said. "But that can take several years, and sometimes longer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent studies have shown that adding additional medications to an ADT regime can extend life even further, Sonn said, to "four, five, seven, 10" years or more after a metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis. Dr. Mihir Desai, a urologist with Keck Medicine of USC, said with modern advancements, prostate cancer is just different than other cancers. "If you find, say, colon cancer or pancreatic cancer or liver cancer are metastasized, then the deterioration is fairly fast and the outcomes are very poor," he said. But with previously untreated metastatic prostate cancer, "there are many lines of treatment that can, if not cure it, certainly keep it under control for many years, with good quality of life." Sandler, who focuses on radiation oncology, said ADT treatment can cause loss of bone density or muscle mass, so Biden will likely be encouraged to stick to a fitness regimen or take medications to counter those effects. He may also receive radiation to more heavily target specific pockets of cancer, including where it has metastasized to the bone, but that would depend on the number of metastatic sites, Sandler said with radiation more likely the fewer sites there are. "If there's cancer all over the place, then there's probably no benefit," he 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. The vast majority of Americans, both Democratic and Republican voters, believe that the administration of US President Donald Trump should continue to provide military support for Ukraine. Source: a Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll survey, as reported by European Pravda Details: 62% of voters believe that the Trump administration should continue supplying weapons to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This view is shared by 71% of Democratic supporters and 59% of Republican supporters. In addition, 64% of Americans believe Ukraine should receive direct security guarantees from the United States if it agrees to make concessions to end the war with Russia. This view is shared by the majority of voters across all parties. Background: On 20 May, Trump stated that he will not introduce more sanctions against Russia. He also said he is ready to "back away" from the peace talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine if there is no progress. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) The sixth suspect in the deadly shooting at Sage Park has been booked into Metro Jail. Infirmary Health among top places to work according to Beckers Healthcare Quinterious Jamario Parker, 23, was arrested in Ohio in connection with the shooting death of Frenicka Craig, 28, and was then extradited to Mobile. He was booked into jail on Monday night just after 7:30. Quinterious Jamario Parker. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office Jail Management System) Parker is accused of murder and first-degree assault. He is set to appear in court on Wednesday, May 21, for a bond hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overwhelming coyote problem in Daphne leaves residents concerned All five other suspects in this shooting were denied bond under Aniahs Law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. May 19 (UPI) -- Louisiana State Police on Monday captured the fourth of 10 inmates who escaped from a jail in New Orleans three days ago as Louisiana authorities have expanded the search to other states. Gary C. Price,21, was apprehended in an abandoned house in New Orleans, a law enforcement source told WVUE-TV. Price was wanted in connection with an attempted first-degree murder case. Fourth Fugitive Arrested from OPSO Inmate Escape Law enforcement agencies working collectively to locate the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility on May 16, 2025, have arrested 21-year-old Gary C. Price. pic.twitter.com/SLwdCREXVu LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) May 20, 2025 Three other inmates were captured late Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 200 officers with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are participating in the manhunt after 10 men escaped Friday morning from the Orleans Parish jail. Authorities in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee have been alerted, CNN reported. How the escape happened On Monday, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said a series of "breakdowns" contributed to the escape. The Orleans Justice Center went into its usual lockdown at 10:30 p.m. Thursday night. During a corrections monitoring technician's absence, several inmates started yanking on the door of Cell Delta 1006 around midnight. Undetected, they eventually broke open the door and snuck into another cell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They removed a toilet, breached a wall behind it, then used a loading dock door to exit the jail. They scaled fences and brought blankets to protect themselves from getting cut by barbed wire. Finally, they crossed Interstate 10. Williams said they went into a nearby neighborhood and took off their inmate clothes. The escape wasn't discovered until a routine 8:30 a.m. headcount. Troopers & partner agencies worked overnight to find the 7 remaining escapees from Orleans Parish Jail. 3 are in custody, and LSP Air Support & SWAT transferred them to a secure state facility. The search remains active with multiple agencies working nonstop. pic.twitter.com/4wo7NJAmOi LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) May 17, 2025 "We are confident at this time that we have actual intelligence on all seven of those fugitives," State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges said before the fourth man was apprehended. "We hope that in the coming days, if not the coming hours, that we have them all apprehended." Security expert Mike Cahn told WDSU-TV the escape would have taken some time to execute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison, which was updated in 2015, has not had an escape since 2013, WDSU-TV reported. Some escape attempts at the old facility date back to 2009. Jailbreak aftermath During a news conference Sunday, Louisiana State Police, the FBI and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry asked for the public to help locate the men. They warned that anyone helping the fugitives evade authorities will be arrested and prosecuted. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office said three employees have been suspended. Sheriff Susan Hutson said they believe the escaped inmates received help from someone inside the jail. Landry has ordered a comprehensive audit of the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In addition to the immediate actions already taken under my leadership, I view the Governor's audit as another necessary step toward transparency," Hutson said. "But it is equally critical that we recognize the longstanding, systemic challenges that have impacted this facility for years, challenges I have been working to address since the beginning of my tenure." Reward at $20K per inmate The reward was increased to $20,000 per inmate for their whereabouts that lead to arrests. The breakdown is $10,000 from the FBI, $5,000 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, $2,000 from Crimestoppers and $3,000 from the state to the Crimestoppers. Reward Increase; total amount applies to each fugitive - $20,000 Over 200 Law Enforcement Officers are working around the clock to locate the fugitives. LSP Fusion Center: 225-925-4192 Crimestoppers GNO: 504-822-1111 FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI https://t.co/t4JjBvmncj LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) May 19, 2025 "Nine of these escapees were sitting in jail waiting to go to trial," Landry said in a report by WVUE-TV. "Had they gone to trial, had they been convicted, had they been sentenced, they would most likely not be in the Orleans Parish Jail but in our custody in one of the state penitentiaries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five were charged or convicted of serious charges, including Price. Inmate Derrick Groves was convicted of a 2018 Mardi Gras mass shooting and was awaiting sentencing; and Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald and Corey Boyd are facing second-degree murder charges. Antoine Massey was held on domestic abuse and vehicle theft, and wanted in St. Tammany Parish for kidnapping and rape. Leo Tate, a felon, was convicted in federal court for firearm possession. Kendell Myles, who was apprehended by state police Friday under a car in a hotel parking lot, has a history of escapes. He is facing charges of intention to conceal a weapon, introducing contraband into a prison and possession of contraband. Troop NOLA Troopers located escapee Kendall Myles in the French Quarter this morning. After a brief foot pursuit, he was apprehended on Royal Street. Troopers continue working with partners to locate the remaining escapees and ensure public safety. #troopnola pic.twitter.com/ef5FM55YRS LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) May 16, 2025 The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office captured Robert Moody near Central City Friday night. Moody is facing charges of intentional concealment of a weapon, illegal carry of a weapon with CDS, illegal possession of stolen things and possession with the intent to distribute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dkenan Dennis was apprehended by deputies near in New Orleans East. He faces multiple illegal weapons charges, extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery and theft charges. They were taken to a different jail outside of New Orleans by Louisiana State Police in a helicopter. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued a number of blockbuster rulings that have implications for everything from President Donald Trumps birthright citizenship executive order to the future of LGBTQ books in schools. The justices punted a major Voting Rights Act case until next term, allowing time for further argument in the fall. In the eyes of many court watchers, the stakes of this term couldnt be higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In America, for Black people, weve had a long season where our rights were generally respected, said Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU, who has been closely following the Trump administrations legal moves. We have Black elected officials Black leaders in corporate America, we have extreme poverty, but we also have thriving middle class communities. We have many areas where we have lots of highly educated black people. All of those things rest on a legal framework that allows those rights to be protected. Take a look at seven cases that could have a large impact on Black Americans. Parental Opt-Out for LGBTQ+ Content Case: Mahmoud v. Taylor The question: Can parents opt out of school board approved books and lessons? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legal Fight: School board officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, had previously allowed parents to opt-out of books and lessons related to gender or sexual identity as part of its curriculum. They abruptly changed their policy in March 2023 and removed the ability to opt-out. Parents and some religious groups sued, claiming the removal of the opt-out provision violated their religious freedoms. The issue is solely related to removing their ability to opt-out, not banning the materials. The Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit agreed with parents but denied their preliminary injunction to reinstate the ability to opt-out while the case is decided. Whats at Stake: If the court allows parents to opt out of school-board approved curriculum on the basis of religious objections, it opens the door to parents opting out of any educational content with which they disagree. Supporters of the opt-out say, if the court sides with the schools, parents could lose their autonomy over which topics their children are taught. Decision: The court held 6-3 that parents who object to LGBTQ books in schools have a constitutional right to allow their children to opt out of reading those texts. Access to PrEP and Preventive Care Case: Kennedy v. Braidwood Management Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question: Who has the power to recommend preventative care? Whats Before the Court: The Affordable Care Act provides three agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services the power to recommend preventative care services for cost sharing, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Four people and two Christian-based businesses in Texas argued that the structure of these agencies violates the Appointments Clause of the Constitution because its members are not directly selected by the president or confirmed by the Senate. Whats at Stake: These agencies ability to recommend no-cost preventive care is critical to ensuring affordable access to treatment. In particular, PrEP has significantly reduced HIV infections since the passage of the ACA mandate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public health researchers say that limiting access to low-cost PrEP medications would represent a step back in efforts to reduce the spread of HIV and result in more preventable infections for Black people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decision: In a 6-3 decision, the court upheld the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, meaning that the challenge to the ACAs preventive care coverage protections failed. However, task force members can be removed at will. Birthright Citizenship and Nationwide Injunctions Cases: Trump v. CASA, Trump v. New Jersey, and Trump v. Washington The question: Can federal judges block Trumps order nationwide? The Legal Fight: The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal in response to lower-court rulings in multiple states that blocked a Jan. 19 executive order eliminating birthright citizenship. Universal injunctions by these judges have prevented the order from going into effect nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats at Stake: The cases before the court do not address whether Trumps executive order overturning birthright citizenship is constitutional. Instead, the issue centers on whether federal judges should have the authority to issue decisions on executive orders that affect the entire nation, or whether those powers should be limited to the jurisdiction where the case was heard. During oral arguments before the Supreme Court this spring, Trumps lawyers would not commit to following the orders of lower courts should the justices rule against them. Decision: The court, in a 6-3 vote, limited injunctions intended to protect birthright citizenship, ruling that nationwide injunctions likely exceed the powers of federal courts. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in a dissent, called the ruling profoundly dangerous and an existential threat to the rule of law. Redistricting Congressional Maps Case: Louisiana v. Callais The question: Will Louisiana keep a fair map for Black voters? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats Before the Court: Louisiana had its congressional map redrawn to include two majority Black districts. Federal courts ruled the previous map which contained one majority Black district violated the Voting Rights Act and discriminated against Black residents, who make up about a third of the states population. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry proposed the current map in 2022 to amend what he called grossly unbalanced districts. Opponents argue the Landry-endorsed maps violate the voting rights of non-African American voters under the 14th and 15th Amendments and want to return to the previous map. Why It Matters for Black Communities: If the court rules that a congressional map redrawn to address racial gerrymandering violates the 14th and 15th Amendment rights of non-African American voters, it could inspire conservatives in other states to redraw their own maps to preserve the voting power of white residents at the expense of members of other groups. In Louisiana, this ruling could also weaken the chance of proportional representation for Black residents in both the state legislature and Congress, where Republicans hold a razor-thin majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decision: Scheduled for further argument next term. Health Care for Transgender Minors Case: United States v. Skrmetti The question: Will gender-affirming care stay legal? The Legal Fight: The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled to ban gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgery, in 2023. A group of transgender minors and their families sued to prevent the laws known as SB1 from going into effect, arguing it was a violation of their 14th Amendment rights. Whats at Stake: Studies show that transgender and nonbinary youth already experience worse mental health outcomes and higher rates of suicide than their cisgender peers; Black transgender and nonbinary youth, even more so. Researchers say that restricting their access to gender-affirming care could further worsen outcomes and quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decision: In a major blow to the movement for equal rights for LGBTQ Americans, the court upheld Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for a 6-3 court, said that the states law isnt a violation of the Constitutions Equal Protection clause. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor denounced the conservative majority, saying that it abandons transgender children and their families to political whims. Easing Reverse Discrimination Criteria Case: Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services The question: Can a white people claim historical discrimination? Whats Before the Court: Marlean Ames, a heterosexual woman, was denied a promotion at the Ohio Department of Youth Services and eventually demoted. She believes that she lost the role to a less experienced gay woman her boss is also gay. Ames lawsuit was thrown out by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, citing a lack of evidence that a pattern of discrimination existed between a minority group (in this case, LGBTQ+ staff) and of the majority group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What This Means for You: Ames sued using the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically the extended coverage for sexual orientation and gender identity (Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020). Typically, members of minority groups can cite historical discrimination as circumstantial evidence in workplace discrimination cases, unlike members of the majority group. The court will decide if this kind of circumstantial evidence can work the other way. Decision: In a unanimous decision on June 5, the justices sided with Ames and said that she should not have to meet a different standard to file a discrimination claim because she is a member of a majority group. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote the opinion and noted that the courts previous decisions make clear that the standard for proving disparate treatment under Title VII does not vary based on whether or not the plaintiff is a member of a majority group. Demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court in March to urge the justices to uphold a new congressional map in Louisiana v. Callais. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Legal Defense Fund) Deportation of Immigrants Without Due Process Case: A.A.R.P. and W.M.M. v. Trump The question: Does the president have the authority to deport citizens of other nations without a hearing in peacetime? Whats Before the Court: The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan immigrants in April. The act is a rarely invoked measure that gives the president the authority to detain or deport citizens of other nations during wartime without a hearing or traditional due process by labeling them as members of an enemy nation. The three prior uses of the act occurred during international conflicts and led to the internment of Japanese people, including Japanese-American citizens, during World War II. Why It Matters for Black Communities: Legal scholars say that granting the executive branch the ability to invoke wartime authority during times of peace is concerning because it jeopardizes the system of checks and balances. Scholars argue that if such powers were conferred on the president, immigrants from any country could potentially be labeled members of an enemy nation and subject to deportation or being detained. Black immigrants from the Caribbean, Africa, and across the diaspora would not be guaranteed due process should the order proceed. Decision: Court Justices temporarily blocked the Trump administrations ability to carry out deportations on May 16. The case has been sent back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to determine if the immigrants due process rights were violated. Capital B staff writer Brandon Tensley contributed to this report. This story has been updated. The post 7 Supreme Court Cases That Black Americans Should Track This Summer appeared first on Capital B News. 9 stories about the impact of Washington's education funding challenges on students Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization This collection of reporting illustrates the breadth of challenges Washington state faces in adequately funding its public education system, revealing how resources shape student opportunities and outcomes. Declining federal contracts disrupted Tacoma's math study project, halting efforts to analyze high school algebra enrollment patterns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowded facilities, such as those in the Puyallup area, underscore the strain on infrastructure, with districts relying on voter-approved bonds to address issues ranging from portable classrooms to aging buildings. Overcrowding at Bonney Lake High School has left students having class in the hallways, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Bonney Lake, Wash. By Brian Hayes NO. 1: THESE PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS AS OTHERS IN WA SHRINK One school district is asking residents to approve a $732 million bond. Another is seeking $119.2 million. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell Transitional kindergarten students from Voyager Elementary (from left) Chloe Johnson, Ezra Croft and Joey Tian take a close-up look at a mushroom as they take a nature walk through Kopachuck State Park in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. By Tony Overman NO. 2: POPULAR PRE-K CLASS WITH A WAITLIST GETS PIERCE CO. KIDS OUTSIDE. ITS FUNDING IS AT RISK A spike in enrollment could force state-funded transitional kindergarten programs to make cuts or divert funding from other programs. | Published January 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park Capital projects director Brady Martin shows one of the makeshift clocks installed in classrooms at Spinning Elementary School in Puyallup, Washington, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. The aging schools clock system no longer works properly, often moving class bells off by a couple of minutes. By Tony Overman NO. 3: THIS CROWDED PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS 221 PORTABLES AND IS ASKING FOR $800M The district said it would have to consider closing some of its aging schools if its bond doesnt pass. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell Spinning Elementary School in Puyallup, Washington, sits adjacent to busy Pioneer Way and the train tracks, shown on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. A proposed $800 million bond for the Puyallup School District would include building a new school further away from the busy roadway and train tracks. By Tony Overman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 4: PUYALLUP HAS AN $800 MILLION SCHOOL BOND ON THE BALLOT. EARLY ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN Without the funding, the district said it would have to consider closing some of its aging schools. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell Spinning Elementary School in Puyallup, Washington, sits adjacent to busy Pioneer Way and the train tracks, shown on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. A proposed $800 million bond for the Puyallup School District would include building a new school further away from the busy roadway and train tracks. By Tony Overman NO. 5: THE $800M PUYALLUP SCHOOL BOND HAD 63 PERCENT APPROVAL, BUT STILL FAILED. HERES WHY The school district has over 200 portables district-wide and a lot of that pressure is at the high-school level, a school district spokesperson said. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund Tacoma Public Schools Central Administration Building. By Drew Perine NO. 6: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CUT WOKE SPENDING. WHY A TACOMA SCHOOLS MATH STUDY GOT SHELVED Local research on high school students math experiences has been affected by canceled contracts. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson Going down as the one of the more contentious legislative sessions in recent memory, the 2025 regular legislative session came to a close on Sunday, April 25 at the state capitol in Olympia, Wa. By Steve Bloom NO. 7: READY FOR SOME GOOD WA BUDGET NEWS? LOCAL SCHOOL LEADERS HAPPY WITH SPENDING PLAN They said lawmakers should prioritize a more equitable model of directing funds to school districts, instead of relying too heavily on local levies. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi Sydney Kilen, left, crosses the street with Tate, 2, with the guidance of crossing guard Peggy Tonnema, right, known as Miss Peggy, on the way to pick up a sibling from Washington Elementary School on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. Kilen used to cross the street with Miss Peggy as a child, Miss Peggy shared. By Liesbeth Powers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NO. 8: BELOVED TACOMA SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD KNOWN FOR HER CRAZY OUTFITS LAID OFF On Tuesday she was dressed as Wonder Woman with a long pink wig, red cape, bejeweled pink glasses, glittery blue skirt and hand-puppet gloves as she cooed at families crossing the street. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most Tacoma Public Schools Central Administration Building. By Drew Perine NO. 9: TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS CUTS JOBS AMID $30M DEFICIT, WARNS OF MORE TO COME The district did not renew the contracts for 105 provisional employees for the next school year and will implement more cuts by June 13. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isha Trivedi 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. May 19LIMA Leroy Page walked into an Allen County courtroom Monday morning wearing handcuffs, ankle chains and a smirk. He walked out less than an hour later to begin a 99-year prison sentence for kidnapping and assaulting two Allen County homeowners in October 2022. The smirk was still intact. Page was convicted Friday night by a 12-member jury on eight felony charges: having weapons under disability, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, aggravated burglary, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of felonious assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced Monday on three first-degree felonies, two each of second- and third-degree felonies and one fourth-degree felony. Sentences ranging from 12 months to 11 years were enhanced because five of the counts carried specifications labeling Page as a repeat violent offender due to his 2007 conviction in Allen County on a charge of voluntary manslaughter. The RVO specifications added 48 years of prison time to Page's already lengthy sentence. Judge Terri Kohlrieser ordered all sentences to be served consecutively "because no single prison term adequately reflects the harm caused" to two victims in the case. According to testimony that emerged during Page's trial, the events of Oct. 30, 2022, began when officers with the Lima Police Department stopped a vehicle for driving without adequate tail lights. Page was a rear-seat passenger in that vehicle. When officers removed the driver from the Jeep, Page leaped into the driver's seat and sped off at speeds that topped 120 mph. He crashed in a field near the intersection of West Elm Street and Fraunfelter Road near the home of Benjamin and Dianna Shelton. The Sheltons testified that Page broke into their home and terrorized them for several hours before demanding they drive him to a Shawnee Township location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dianna Shelton addressed Page in court on Monday, saying a scar on her lip is a constant reminder of the terror she endured. "Cowards beat innocent, defenseless women," she said. "You are a coward. You're a violent criminal and will always be one. I hope you spend the rest of your life in a cage." At trial, Shelton told jurors she suffered multiple facial fractures, a broken nose, a severely lacerated lip and other injuries at the hands of Page. Jurors viewed photos taken at a Lima hospital that showed the bruising and swelling the woman suffered in the attack. She said Page struck her and her husband repeatedly over a span of several hours before forcing them to drive him to the intersection of Breese and Yoakam roads in Shawnee Township, near what police reportedly knew to be Page's residence. Page, 34, served as his own attorney throughout the trial. He plans to appeal his conviction and sentence. Featured Local Savings CNN anchor Abby Phillip had a scathing response up her sleeve Monday for her conservative NewsNight commentator Scott Jennings that made several panelists laugh out loud. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was on the show to defend Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who was charged Monday with assaulting a federal agent while they were both attempting to visit Delaney Hall, a New Jersey detention center for migrants, earlier this month. The Department of Homeland Security has shared footage from the protest and claimed that McIver was assaulting an agent trying to detain Baraka, who was arrested outside the facility for alleged trespassing during the May 9 protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Baraka told NewsNight he didnt see McIver attacking anyone during the chaotic skirmish, Jennings pushed back. I mean, the videos are pretty clear, are they not? Jennings pressed. I mean, shes shoving elbows, some punches I mean, this is violent activity against law enforcement, is it not? Baraka agreed that the videos are clear, but only in showing that there was a lot of pushing and shoving from both parties. That prompted Jennings to ask with a smirk: Would a regular person, if they came and did that to a federal officer, get away with it? Thats when Phillip pounced. They might get pardoned, she replied, prompting laughter from Baraka and former presidential candidate Cornel West, who was also on the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings ignored the comment. He has previously defended Trump for pardoning around 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Jennings: Would a regular person if they came and did that to federal officer get away with it? Phillip: They might get pardoned pic.twitter.com/Wi4kkc0pj7 Acyn (@Acyn) May 20, 2025 New Jerseys interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Monday she is dropping Barakas trespassing case, but is charging McIver with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement. Delaney Hall was a drug treatment center before closing in 2023 and reopening as a migrant detention facility after Trump launched mass deportations in January. Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky, who was also on NewsNight, called the case rotten from start to finish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pam Bondi is the attorney general for the United States; its ultimately her decision, she said. [But ]Pam Bondi was the lobbyist for The Geo Group, which owns Delaney Hall, which has a $1.2 billion with a b contract at Delaney Hall. This story has been amended to clarify why the Democratic politicians were at Delaney Hall. Related... We just want to ensure that the most popular method for abortion in Virginia and beyond is protected no matter who sits at the White House and who sits in the FDA, said Whole Womans Health founder and president Amy Hagstrom Miller outside of the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Abortion pills and questions over their inherent safety were back in federal court Monday. Unlike a lawsuit rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court last year, plaintiffs this time are not anti-abortion activists arguing medication abortion should be banned, but abortion providers arguing the remaining restrictions should be lifted to match the drugs 25-year record of safety and efficacy. The suit seeks to make abortion pills more accessible by removing several existing restrictions on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations mifepristone-misoprostol regimen first approved in 2000. The drug was approved under the FDAs drug safety program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), provisions of which have been steadily eliminated over time but not fully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of independent providers in Virginia, Montana, and Kansas, Center for Reproductive Rights senior counsel Linda Goldstein argued the FDAs most recent evaluations did not properly assess whether remaining restrictions are still medically necessary. She argued that the biggest risks the FDA has identified with mifepristone serious bleeding and infection are not exclusive to the drug but with all pregnancy terminations, including spontaneous miscarriages, which she said affected about 25% of all pregnancies. Beyond abortion, for which the drug has captured attention, mifepristone is also used to treat miscarriages so that they conclude safely to help prevent infection. The FDA has acknowledged that staying pregnant is more dangerous than not staying pregnant, said Goldstein, arguing that at minimum the FDA should be required to explain why drugs that pose similar risks are not subject to the same restrictions. She noted that of the 20,000 drugs the FDA has approved, only 73 have REMS provisions, and that mifepristone has proven to be a safe drug over time. About 7.5 million U.S. patients have taken it as of the end of last year, Goldstein said. As of December 2024, the FDA has reported 36 patient deaths associated with mifepristone since it was first approved in 2000. Whole Womans Health Alliance v. FDA is the first time the U.S. Department of Justice is arguing a position on mifepristone in court since the Trump administration took office. Justice Department attorneys said current regulations are necessary for the most common form of pregnancy termination to be considered safe. When asked by the judge, DOJ attorney Noah Katzen did not confirm or deny whether or not the FDA still considers the drug to be safe and effective overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what the FDA determined in the past, Katzen said during the hearing at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, where the case was originally filed in 2023. Katzen, the FDAs former associate chief counsel until 2021 and currently a trial attorney for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said the FDA has found that the evidence was not sufficient to conclude the REMS are no longer necessary. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Ballou, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, appeared more sympathetic to plaintiffs argument that some of the requirements appear arbitrary in that they dont apply to other drugs with equal or greater risk, including drugs his parents have taken. Ballou did not rule at the end of Mondays hearing but said he would as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the hearing, Whole Womans Health Alliance founder and president Amy Hagstrom Miller told States Newsroom she took note of Katzens response about whether the FDA considers mifepristone to be safe and effective. It was an interesting choice of words, she said. This lawsuit is among several federal cases involving mifepristone. Earlier this month, the Trump administration filed a brief in the case Missouri v. FDA, requesting the court dismiss three states lawsuit to restrict mifepristone on procedural grounds, but did not comment on the merits of the case or explicitly defend the FDAs current medication abortion policy. While the Missouri v. FDA lawsuit seeks to reinstate regulations loosened between 2016 and 2021, the Whole Womans Health v. FDA lawsuit takes aim at restrictions that require: medical professionals who prescribe mifepristone to register with the drug manufacturer; pharmacies to apply for special certification and maintain copious records, and patients to review and sign a counseling form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of plaintiffs, which include Whole Womans Health Alliance in Virginia and other states, All Families Healthcare and Blue Mountain Clinic in Montana, and Trust Women in Kansas, Goldstein argued that these existing rules are burdensome and make these medications harder to access by limiting the number of providers and pharmacies who can provide and dispense it and impede access to time-sensitive care. Goldstein noted the political climate surrounding mifepristone and pointed to how abortion opponents seek either rescinding of FDA approval for mifepristone or a return to the in-person dispensing requirements. She added how efforts to make abortion medication more difficult to obtain are outlined in Project 2025 the conservative Heritage Foundations playbook. Before and especially since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, anti-abortion groups have tried to convince courts that abortion pills, in addition to ending the lives of embryos and fetuses, harm pregnant people at rates that warrant being pulled from the market or at the very least heavily restricted. During his presidential campaign and since taking office, President Donald Trump and his health appointees have messaged strategically on medication abortion, on the one hand promising to retain its access while also open to examining new evidence suggesting it is unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he would direct the FDA to review abortion pill safety and potentially change its drug label, following the release of an anti-abortion white paper commissioned by far-right funders, whose analysis has been widely criticized by reproductive health scientists and is outflanked by hundreds of studies showing a very low rate of serious adverse events. Significant for the South Hagstrom Miller called the current restrictions politically motivated and said overturning them would be especially significant for Virginia, which as the least restrictive state in the South, has seen an uptick in people traveling from elsewhere to receive care. Theyre not related to the safety of the medication, Hagstrom Miller said, of the current restrictions. We just want to ensure that the most popular method for abortion in Virginia and beyond is protected no matter who sits at the White House and who sits in the FDA. Virginia is in the process of amending its state constitution to enshrine abortion and other reproductive health care procedures or medications. The constitutional amendment passed the legislature on party-line votes this year and must pass again next year before appearing on ballots for voters statewide. Its continued success or failure hinges on the outcome of the states competitive House of Delegates elections where Democrats hold a slim majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While governors dont have a say in constitutional amendments, the issue is a divergence between gubernatorial candidates Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic challenger former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. This means that should the amendment fail and partisan control of the House shift, whoever is the next governor could advance or block potential future efforts to walk back Virginias current abortion access laws. Its really important that we protect that safe access to medication abortion no matter where people live Virginia is playing a key role in the South right now, Hagstrom Miller said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Perth mum Sally Daly claims she has spent years and thousands of dollars trying to cure her eczema. Just three months into her first pregnancy, Sally Daly suddenly developed a painful and itchy skin condition. What started out as a slow-growing rash soon spread and by the time she was due to give birth, it had taken over her entire body. Over the next few years, the Perth mum told Yahoo News Australia she spent around $10,000 and countless hours seeking out specialists and treatments to help cure her chronic health problem eczema. Close to three million Aussies are affected by eczema, including one in three children under the age of six, according to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. The country has one of the highest rates in the world for multiple reasons, including the local climate, Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said late last year during a press conference about the debilitating condition, which dermatologists argue can have a huge impact on a persons quality of life. Almost three million Aussies are affected by eczema, with many, including Sally, also suffering from topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Source: Sally Daly/Supplied Eczema 'nightmare' after Aussie stops using steroid cream After developing eczema for the first time, Sally said she spent months trying every natural remedy she could find but nothing helped ease the pain or halt its spread. ADVERTISEMENT Eventually, I saw a GP, who was hesitant to prescribe steroid creams while I was pregnant, the 38-year-old told Yahoo. She referred me to a dermatologist who didnt do any tests just took one look and said, Its eczema. Use steroid cream twice a week and taper off. That short-term solution ended up becoming a near-daily routine for almost two years. A few months before her sons first birthday in September, 2022 Sally decided to stop using steroids to treat the condition. However, the move didnt make the problem any better. Thats when my nightmare began, Sally said. One night, I woke up with my face swollen shut, my skin weeping and red, looking like it had been scorched. I had severe shakes, couldnt see properly, and my whole body felt like it was burning. After stopping her steroid cream, Sally said her skin got even worse. Source: Sally Daly/Supplied Mum unable to care for young son due to chronic condition After reporting to hospital, Sally claimed she was sent home with antihistamines but no answers. Desperate for a solution, the 38-year-old said she turned to online support groups and quickly learned about topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), otherwise known as topical corticosteroid (TCS) withdrawal, which can occur after prolonged use. ADVERTISEMENT It all made sense. Every horrific symptom matched what I was going through, she told Yahoo. At my worst, my husband had to take long service leave just to care for our son because I couldnt. I couldnt dress myself, couldnt pick up my baby, couldnt even be touched. My body was raw, flaking, oozing. I was so self-conscious I didnt want to sleep in the same bed as my partner. I was suicidal at one point. I truly felt like this was going to be my forever, and even advertised for a TSW buddy. Eventually, Sally said a naturopath informed her she had pyroluria, which depleted her natural levels of zinc and B6. She also identified food intolerances and high steroid levels still in my system. She put me on a tailored protocol high-dose supplements, homeopathics, no moisture therapy. It was incredibly hard, but things slowly started to improve, the mum said. Sally said she got some relief from the burning and dryness using MooGoo eczema and psoriasis creams. Six months on, Sally said she is walking again and is now able to go outside and play with her son. My skin is still dry at times possibly due to winter but I no longer feel like Im living in a constant emergency. My mental health has done a full 180. ADVERTISEMENT If I could tell people one thing, its that eczema isnt just a rash. TSW is real, devastating, and completely life-altering. But there is a way through it. Its slow. Its hard, but healing is possible. Aussie company sees increase in people struggling with TSW Melody Livingstone, MooGoo CEO, told Yahoo the company has definitely seen an increase in the number of people contacting them directly about their struggles with TSW. Its heartening that the Australasian College of Dermatologists now acknowledges TSW, and groups such as the National Eczema Society and British Association of Dermatologists are calling for greater awareness and investigation, she said. Recovering from Topical Steroid Withdrawal requires a gentle and holistic approach to soothe irritated skin and repair the skin barrier. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, and discontinuing topical steroids should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Livingstone's tips for people who believe they're suffering from TSW: Recovery requires a gentle and holistic approach to soothe irritated skin and repair the skin barrier People wanting or considering to stop steroid usage should discuss it with their specialist first Maintain proper hydration Remove harsh cleansers and soaps, replacing them with gentler options Use a moisturiser with gentle and hydrating ingredients that dont contain irritants such as petroleum-based ingredients, parabens or phenoxyethanol A thicker, barrier cream with ceramides is a good option as an additional step to lock in moisture and provide extra support in keeping irritants out of the broken skin. ADVERTISEMENT 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. Disgraced reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley portrayed themselves as real estate tycoons on their hit show "Chrisley Knows Best. Years later, they had their assets frozen and life was anything but a glamorous set. Chrisley Knows Best followed their tight-knit, boisterous family and the Chrisleys' lavish lifestyle in Atlanta and Nashville. The show drew in more than 2 million viewers by its eighth season and inspired spin-offs such as "Growing Up Chrisley" and "According to Chrisley." But on Jan. 17, 2023, the Chrisleys traded their luxurious lifestyle for prison time, turning themselves in to their respective prisons. Prosecutors said the reality TV couple was driven by greed as they engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme and then hid their wealth from tax authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reality stars' prison release dates, from Julie and Todd Chrisley to a 'Real Housewives' star While in prison, the famous couple still made headlines. And the plea for their release has reached the highest office in the land: Savannah Chrisley, daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley, has appealed to President Donald Trump's administration for their pardon. As of May 20, 2025, the Chrisleys are still in their respective prisons, though daughter Savannah Chrisley was a guest speaker at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July 2024, ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Below is a timeline of Todd and Julie Chrisley and their road from reality TV success to prison. When did reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley go to prison? Todd and Julie Chrisley timeline 2014: Todd and Julie Chrisley portray themselves as real estate tycoons, gaining fame with their USA Network reality show "Chrisley Knows Best." The docuseries followed their tight-knit, boisterous family and the Chrisleys' lavish lifestyle in the Atlanta suburbs. Season four documented the Chrisleys' move from Atlanta, Georgia, to Nashville, Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2017: Todd Chrisley made headlines after he addressed speculation that he's gay. "Chrisley Knows Best" was renewed for a sixth season, and USA Network orders eight episodes of an aftershow program called "According to Chrisley." The aftershow followed a late-night talk show or variety show format with Todd Chrisley as host. Chrisley interviewed celebrities like actress Ali Landry, Christina Milian, Carmen Electra ("Baywatch"), Nicole Sullivan ("King of Queens," "Sex Lives of College Girls") and wrestler Chris Jericho. 2018: During the seventh season of "Chrisley Knows Best," USA Network announced the spinoff, "Growing Up Chrisley." That show focused on Chase Chrisley and Savannah Chrisley as they road trip from Nashville to Los Angeles and attempt to break out on their own in the big city. 2019: Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted on tax evasion charges in Georgia. The 12-count indictment accused Todd and Julie Chrisley of bank fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. Accountant Peter Tarantino was also charged for conspiring and aiding the filing of a false tax return. Despite the Chrisleys' legal troubles, "Chrisley Knows Best" continued to air on USA Network. 2022: "Chrisley Knows Best" was picked up for a 10th season, while "Growing Up Chrisley" was renewed for a fourth. E! also announced the franchise was moving forward with a new dating series, "Love Limo," hosted by Todd Chrisley, days before the trial was set to begin. All three shows involving the Chrisley family were canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley were found guilty in June 2022 of tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans, which funded their luxurious lifestyle. Julie Chrisley was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud. She was originally set to serve her time in the federal prison camp in Marianna, Florida, about two-and-a-half hours away from Pensacola. For reasons unknown,Julie Chrisley was reassigned from the Florida prison to a federal medical center in Kentucky. 2023: The Chrisleys traded their luxurious lifestyle for prison time, turning themselves in to their respective prisons Jan. 17, 2023. Julie Chrisley is serving her prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, with a release date of Jan. 8, 2028, according to a May 19, 2025, Bureau of Prisons record check. Todd Chrisley began serving time at FPC Pensacola, described on its site as a "minimum security federal prison camp." A May 19, 2025, check online shows Todd Chrisley will be released April 7, 2032, more than two years earlier than his original 12-year sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024: After 18 months, Julie Chrisley's prison sentence was thrown out when federal judges ruled her case had insufficient evidence, according to a June 25, 2024, story in USA TODAY. In June 2024, judges from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the judge in Julie Chrisley's 2022 trial miscalculated her sentence and did not find evidence proving her full involvement in the bank fraud scheme for which she was sentenced, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY. The court of appeals upheld Chrisley, her husband Todd Chrisley and their accountant Peter Tarantino's convictions. She was held responsible for the entire fraud scheme, which began in 2006. During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July 2024, Savannah Chrisley gave a speech for Donald Trump, using the platform to address prison reform and her famous parents. For about a month, Julie Chrisley was in the custody of U.S. Marshals as she traveled to and from her Sept. 25, 2024, resentencing hearing in Atlanta. In October 2024, Julie Chrisley returned to Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. About the same time, Todd Chrisley was fired from his prison job. Jay Surgent, who represents Todd and Julie Chrisley, told NBC's "Today" show that Todd Chrisley was removed from his job at Federal Prison Center Pensacola. Todd Chrisley had volunteered "as an assistant to the chaplain at FPC Pensacola for nearly two years and oversaw the setup of Christian, Jewish and Muslim services," Surgent said in an Oct. 25, 2024, today.com story, adding his client was "disappointed and emotionally offended." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surgent told media outlets that Todd Chrisley was "removed from his position because he was 'communicating with people that had been admitted into' the prisons Residential Drug Abuse Program," adding "no 'real reason' for the dismissal was provided, but they believe dismissal came because RDAP participants have 'access to the outside.' " The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) announced in December 2024 that it would permanently close multiple federal prisons across the country, including FPC Pensacola, where Todd Chrisley is an inmate, due to "critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure, and limited budgetary resources," according to the Associate Press. In a release sent to the USA TODAY Network's Pensacola News Journal, FBOP said FPC Pensacola, which is a minimum security male prison located on Saufley Field, would be deactivated as a prison to "maximize resources and mitigate safety concerns." 2025: Two years after turning themselves in, the 52-year-old Julie Chrisley and 56-year-old Todd Chrisley continue to serve time at the FMC Lexington in Kentucky and FPC Pensacola in Florida, respectively. It's been more than two years since Julie and Todd Chrisley began their prison sentences for bank fraud. But instead of the respective seven- and 12-year sentences, each has had their prison time slightly reduced: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: KiMi Robinson and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY 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: Chrisleys in prison: When will Julie and Todd Chrisley be released? For two weeks now, a protester part of the Olympic Forest Defender network of conservationists has lived two-thirds up a Fir tree just south of Port Angeles, protesting the sale of a swath of forest by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The sale, approved by the DNR Board last year, is in an area of what the conservationists call legacy forest, the same kind of forest Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove promised to protect during his campaign last year. The Parched Timber Sale is several chunks of DNR land south of Highway 101 and northeast of Little River Rd in Clallam County. 183 acres is valued at $2.3 million, according to DNRs posting. Its totally counterintuitive, the protestor said, who doesnt want to be identified, It just doesnt even really make financial sense with how much money is being put into restoring the Elwha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elwha River watershed has been under intense conservation efforts to restore salmon populations and improve the overall health of the environment. It was the first river in Washington to see a damn removed from its waters in the name of those efforts. Stands of mature trees, Olympic Forest Defenders say, have a crucial role in preventing erosion, providing cooling shade for the spawning salmon, and maintaining the habitat and ecosystem that has been in place for around a century. Adding to the concernsmachine logging will cut stands of trees at a quicker pace than when they were hand logged years ago. Its one of the last legacy forests that are low elevation in the whole Elwha watershed, the protestor said. Were taking more than we can afford to. The economy and all of these things that are artificially created are also destroying the planet, they continued. The group is one of several to oppose the sale. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal citizens have created a petition opposing it, the Earth Law Center and Legacy Forest Defense Coalition has filed suit to stop the sale, and the Port Angeles City Council opposed its sale, according to the Seattle Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing how people in the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe who have cultural ties to this land. They arent just experiencing a loss of recreation area if this forest gets logged, theyre experiencing a loss of their actual cultural ties, the protester said. When a KIRO 7 crew visited the site of the protest, two DNR staff were stationed at the gate entrance. Three miles up winding dirt roads sits a cable in the ground surrounded by logs and caution tape. The protester says that if that cable is disturbed, the platform they are on falls, sending them down a more than 70-foot fall to the forest floor below. In effect, it blockades larger logging equipment. You cant really remove that setup thats blocking access past that point in the road without, at the very least, putting me in very serious danger, the protester said, If you cut the rope, youre likely killing me. The protester said they wouldnt come down until the sale was completely canceled. DNR says they have no plans to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope the demonstrator will come down soon. Their safety, being on a platform high in a tree, remains our top concern. We have closed the area to make sure nobody can trigger the traps they told us would collapse the platform, DNR spokesperson Joe Smillie said in a statement. To the protestor, Upthegrove still has the authority to act. Cancelling sales wasnt an official campaign promise, but when you run on protecting forests and you have the power to protect forests and you have the power to cancel these kinds of sales, and youre in the context where so many forests are being threatened, its just his responsibility to cancel the sale, the protestor said. DNR pointed to Upthegroves order as he came into office as commissioner that paused any new sale of mature, second-growth forests. The proposal from DNR says the Parched Timber Sale originally included more than 300 acres and was reduced because of 73 acres of old-growth stands. A hearing Thursday on the aforementioned lawsuit will determine if the sale is subject to a 90-day injunction, pausing the sale of the forest. The U.S. Air Force has increased the number of F-15s sent to Diego Garcia to provide force protection, a U.S. defense official has confirmed to The War Zone. The fighters are there to defend the island and the bomber contingent that has called it home for nearly two months now amid rising tensions with Iran. During Americas accelerated bombing campaign of the Houthis in Yemen, B-2s arrived at Diego Garcia and have since been replaced by B-52s. You can read more about the initial arrival of the F-15s and why they were sent there in our exclusive story here. There are now six F-15Es on the island, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. The officials comments are in line with new satellite imagery reviewed by The War Zone. Last week, we were the first to report on the arrival of F-15s on the remote island. There were four Strike Eagles visible on Diego Garcia when we first noted fighters at the base in an archived Planet Labs satellite image of the island taken on May 16, 2025. Low resolution imagery taken today indicated that at least two more had arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the official declined to say where the jets came from, open source trackers state the jets arrived from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, located nearly 4,400 miles from Diego Garcia. Last month, a contingent of F-15Es from the 336th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina forward-deployed to Kadena. Officials at Seymour Johnson declined to comment on whether the Strike Eagles on Diego Garcia are from the 336th FS. However, their forward presence at Kadena would facilitate an ACE force protection mission to a remote island like the one currently underway. A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez) A1C Karina Lopez As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), the Air Force wrote in a press release last month announcing the arrival of jets from the 336th, also known as the Rocketeers. The 18th Wing will continue to receive rotational units that strengthen capabilities, such as ACE, and project combat power in concert with allies and partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACE is a term that currently refers to a set of concepts for distributed and disaggregated operations centered heavily on short notice and otherwise irregular deployments, often to remote, austere, or otherwise non-traditional locales. As we have previously noted, Diego Garcia has long been a highly strategic operating location for the U.S. military. Beyond its large airfield that sits in the center of the Indian Ocean, it plays many roles for the Department of Defense, including hosting Space Force operations, serving as a key port for U.S. Navy vessels, including nuclear submarines, and its lagoon provides shelter for a Sealift Command Prepositioning Ship Squadron. Navy Diver 2nd Class Jaden Johns, right, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Gabriel Gaona, both assigned to submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), exit the water after an Anti-terrorism Force Protection Security Swim during the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) port visit at U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jan David De Luna Mercado) Historically, Diego Garcias remote location has served as a natural barrier to attack by non-near-peer potential adversaries like Iran. However, the threats have been evolving particularly in the form of long-range attack drones and missiles and The War Zone previously raised the question of whether fighters like Strike Eagles would be needed to protect the island and its bomber guests. The multi-role F-15Es are particularly well-suited for that role. You can read more about this in our story here. In addition to the Strike Eagles, The War Zone also noted that there were four B-52H bombers, five KC-135 tankers, a C-17 cargo plane, and a white-colored airliner with orange nacelles most likely an SAS airlines personnel transport flight seen in the image taken May 16. The low-resolution image we saw today shows the B-52s are still there, along with three KC-135s and the C-17, as well as the six fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, the island gained a lot of attention for hosting an unusually large force of six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers that began arriving in March for a clear show of force aimed primarily at Iran. The B-2s subsequently conducted strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. For a short period, there were 10 U.S. Air Force bombers on Diego Garcia, however, the B-2s began leaving about May 9th. Earlier today, Whiteman Air Force Base posted a video of the Spirits returning. You cant fight what you cant see, Whiteman said on X. #B2Spirit stealth bombers returned home to Whiteman AFB from a deployment to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. You cant fight what you cant see #B2Spirit stealth bombers returned home to Whiteman AFB from a deployment to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory.@US_STRATCOM@AFGlobalStrike@usairforcepic.twitter.com/OMK4VXHCYp Whiteman AFB (@Whiteman_AFB) May 19, 2025 It is unknown if additional Strike Eagles will be headed to Diego Garcia or how long the ones there now will remain. We will provide updates when warranted. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Memorial Day weekend is just over a week away and will bring throngs of people to Floridas beaches, as it is widely considered the unofficial start of the summer in the U.S. And while we share the ocean with sharks and the venomous Portuguese Man o War, which can bite or sting, theres an ever-present danger in the water that doesnt have a fin or tentacles: rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, sometimes deadly, channels of water that can sweep a swimmer quickly away from shore. Just two weeks ago, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Deputy Billy Crocker helped rescue three children from a rip current at Huguenot Memorial Park and resuscitated an 8-year-old girl whod taken on water in her lungs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Crocker spoke with the USA TODAY Network-Florida about the dangers of rip currents and how to identify them at the beach. Heres what a rip current is, how its different from undertow and how to spot a rip current from the sand. What is a rip current? What causes rip currents? Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow quickly away from shore. Theyre usually found at low spots or breaks in sandbars and near structures like jetties or piers. Rip currents can easily be seen from the shore with the naked eye, but you have to know what to look for. And theyre much more difficult to see when youre in the water. Since rip currents are an effect of underwater geography and water flow, they arent tied to the weather. Stormy weather can cause rip currents to form, but theyre just as likely on bright, sunny days at the beach. Rip currents can be found at any beach with waves, at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measured at speeds up to 8 feet per second (more than 5 miles per hour), rip currents can be faster than an Olympic swimmer, NOAA says. What its like to get caught in a rip current You're swimming along, enjoying the ocean water, when suddenly you get knocked off your feet and feel like you're in a rushing underwater river. You try swimming to shore but the current has you in its grip, pulling you farther out to sea. Eventually, the current will dissipate, but not before it drags you along with it, no matter how strong of a swimmer you are. Fortunately, they're not difficult to deal with if you stay calm. Most of the time when someone succumbs to the power of a rip current, its because they got too tired while swimming against it. And the way out of a rip current (see below) is not to swim against it. Measured at speeds up to 8 feet per second (more than 5 miles per hour), rip currents can be faster than an Olympic swimmer, NOAA says. Is undertow the same as a rip current? No. Rip currents and undertow are not the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Undertow is a term used to describe the current beneath the surface when waves are breaking upon the shore, NOAA says. Undertow is often mistakenly used to describe rip currents. It is also often associated with the strong backwash after breaking waves. What are the signs of a rip current? To check for rip currents at the beach, stand back from an elevated position, like a dune line or beach access, and look for places where waves are not breaking, NOAA says. These signs can indicate that a rip current is present, according to NOAA: A channel of churning, choppy water An area of water that is a notable difference in color A line of foam, or debris moving steadily offshore A break in the incoming wave pattern Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes the rip will actually take the foam thats up by the shore, created from the waves crashing, and suck it into that rip current and youll get a foam line that will trail into that rip current, Deputy Crocker said. And you can see that foam line, too. So, its really imperative that a person educates themselves when they go to the beach that not only (are) there creatures in the water, but something actually more dangerous the water itself. How do you escape a rip current? Can you swim away from a rip current? Yes, you can swim away from a rip current. You just have to know in which direction to swim. A rip current will pull you out, but it will not pull you down, Deputy Crocker said. What happens is, when you realize youre in it (and) dont know how to mitigate it, you start swimming against it and you wear yourself out, become tired, frustrated, and you give up then go down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To escape a rip current, you dont swim against it. Since the rip current is so powerful, swimming against it will just tire you out and likely cause you to panic. Swimming parallel to the shore is the only way out of a rip current once youre swept up in one. Deputy Crocker started patrolling the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park part-time since 2017 and spent the last four summers patrolling the beach full-time, in which time he said hes seen three casualties due to rip currents. At our beach, we (JSO) do 20 to 30 rescues from rips just in the summertime, Deputy Crocker said. Our ocean rescue lifeguards sitting in chairs are only budgeted from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network - Florida This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Beach safety and Florida rip currents: How to see or swim out of one Health advocates took to the streets Monday evening to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. The Erie County HIV Task Force invited the public to participate in the annual HIV awareness walk at perry square. The walk was designed to inform the public the disease still exists despite low case numbers and there is still no official cure for AIDS. The gathering also explained the significance of getting tested and taking key prevention measures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure people know its still in our community and as long as people get their testing done theyll know what their status is, Gary Snyder Erie County Health Department member said. If you have any questions, you can call the Erie County Health Department number 814-451-6700. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Nonprofit Hope Network and its supporters cut the ribbon Tuesday on a 118-unit affordable housing complex in Grand Rapids, months after the first tenants moved in. Most of the units at Eastpointe Commons, which is on Fulton Street east of Fuller Avenue, are spacious and equipped with appliances including a washer and dryer, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. First phase of $40M Grand Rapids affordable housing complex opens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the new tenants are Daniel and Diana Minaker, who are retired and on disability. They received an eviction notice at their longtime Wyoming rental in January. With no transportation or savings, they had 90 days to find a new place in the middle of winter and a medical emergency. He was in the hospital more than he was out, Diana Minaker said of her husband. I had no vehicle to move with, (and was) depending on friends when I could get a ride to get some stuff. I didnt even know if he was going to live. Then, a lifeline came out of nowhere. I actually heard about this place from Channel 8 when you first did the story, Diana Minaker said. I didnt even know about it until I saw that, and then I jumped right on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple applied for an apartment but found out there were no available units. However, they were eligible for the waitlist. Three days later, they called back and said they had one drop out of the lease and were in, Diana said. Kent Countys housing crisis: Will we hit 35,000 units? Some $40 million worth of renovations converted the former Fulton Manor into 118 affordable housing units, addressing a need so dire that its already at 100% capacity with a waitlist. Were very happy to be here and feeling very lucky that there are people out there making places like this available for people like us, Daniel Minaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month, the Minakers will celebrate their 29th anniversary in the comforts of their new home. Its nothing but a comfortable place to spend with what I got left and not having to worry about whats coming, Daniel Minaker said. This is our home now. Its not just an apartment. Its our 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 WOODTV.com. After more than $50,000 has been raised online for Rodney Hinton Jr., accused of killing a sheriff's deputy, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is calling on legislators to expand a state law that bars people from selling their story of a crime for profit. Yost proposed expanding Ohio's so-called "Son of Sam" law to include online crowdfunding for those not only convicted, but also accused, of a crime, he said during a May 20 news conference in Cincinnati. "We shouldn't be making the legal process a spectacle," said Yost, who was until recently a Republican candidate for Ohio governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton is accused of killing Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson. That happened the day after a Cincinnati police officer shot and killed Hinton's son while investigating a vehicle theft. More: Murder charges made Rodney Hinton Jr. a local pariah, but online some are praising him Henderson was working a traffic detail during a University of Cincinnati graduation ceremony when he was killed. The deputy, who retired after 33 years but continued working special details, was not involved in the fatal shooting of Hinton's son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton. In the weeks since Hinton's arrest on May 2, he has gained a following online, and efforts have raised more than $50,000 for his legal defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police groups successfully pressured GoFundMe, a popular online fundraising platform, to remove fundraisers launched on Hinton's behalf. However, another platform has allowed a fundraiser launched by someone who says they are Hinton's sister to continue. Yost said Hinton's case "isn't a close call" and appealed to the conscience of the leaders of the crowdfunding site hosting fundraisers on Hinton's behalf. "We should not be crowdfunding an evildoer," Yost said. The attorney general said he has sent a letter to GiveSendGo, asking them to take down the fundraiser and refund its donors. Under current Ohio law, he said there's little he can do otherwise to take action against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Son of Sam" law Yost referenced prohibits people convicted of a crime from profiting off the story, such as making money from writing a book or creating a movie. It does not include any provisions for raising money for a legal defense or an accused criminal's family, like the Hinton fundraiser claims to be for. Alex Shipley, a GiveSendGo spokesperson, said the campaigns supporting Hinton do not violate the platform's terms of service. "At GiveSendGo, we believe in the fundamental freedom for individuals to seek help and for others to choose whether they wish to support them," Shipley said in a statement before the news conference. "Our platform exists to allow people to turn to their communities for assistance, even in difficult or controversial situations." After the news conference, GiveSendGo co-founder Heather Wilson said their team is reviewing Yost's letter and are "evaluating the campaign in question" to ensure compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney for the Henderson family, Zachary Gottesman, called the fundraiser "disgraceful." Gottesman said Cindy Abrams and another legislator are drafting a law to address crowdfunding, and the family is considering legal action against GiveSendGo. Hinton's family members have continued to distance themselves from his actions. The family's lawyers, who have been hired to conduct a separate investigation of the police shooting of Hinton's son, said in a statement they are not involved in any way with his criminal case or fundraising efforts. This story was updated with new comments from GiveSendGo after the news conference. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Yost denounces Rodney Hinton Jr. fundraisers, but said law is limited The toiletry bag was filled with Kmart bath products. Police allege the bath salt cannisters contained 2.2kg of methamphetamine. Source: SAPOL A popular $5 Kmart item is at the centre of an alleged drug trafficking bust, after three people were arrested at an Aussie airport for allegedly possessing methamphetamine. The trio, a 31-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old man, were arrested after travelling from Sydney to Adelaide on Sunday night. Police allege 2.2kg of methamphetamine was found hidden inside containers of bath salts in their luggage. A photo of the alleged haul shows Kmart-branded bath salts, bath fizzers and shower puffs in a clear toiletry bag, with the drugs allegedly hidden inside the canisters of $5 Kmart bath salts. Another image shows the foil seal pulled back to reveal a white crystallised substance inside. Police arrested the passengers before charging them with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug. They appeared in court on Monday, where they were remanded in custody to face court at a later date. Inside the cannisters was a white substance. Source: SAPOL State cracks down on drug offending New measures introduced in South Australia in April have strengthened the laws around the prosecution of drug dealers and the confiscation of their proceeds of crime. ADVERTISEMENT The new law reforms will stop offenders from getting rid of their assets before they are confiscated, and push banks to comply with freezing orders on bank accounts. The maximum penalty for those who dont comply has been increased to $100,000. Those who try and import drugs into the state will also face tougher measures. Other law changes clarify "that the prosecution does not need to establish that the accused knew or was reckless with respect to the particular identity, or quantity of a controlled substance for drug offences and attempted drug offences". The states Minister for Police, Stephen Mulligan, said SA Police will now have the powers they need to crackdown on drug offending. These reforms, enabling police to swiftly seize the assets of criminals, will help stop offenders in their tracks and deter others from choosing a life of crime, he said at the time. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. EAU CLAIRE Cuts to victim services programs across the state are starting to become apparent, says Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. Were in the first year of reductions, and were already seeing staffing cuts, Kaul said during a stop in Eau Claire on Monday. The programs in place are sort of being held together with duct tape. It can be held together in the short term, but its not sustainable. Kaul said he is seeking $68 million in state revenue this biennium to support victim services programs across the state. He noted that federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) aid is dropping. He said the state has made real progress in victim services programs and he said they need to continue. The vast majority of the money would go to non-profit organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These services can help empower victims, he said. Its at risk because of a funding crisis. Kaul had a roundtable discussion at the Eau Claire County Courthouse and was joined by Republicans and Democrats alike, as Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Rep. Jeff Smith (D-Town of Brunswick), Rep. Karen Hurd (R-Withee) and Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) all attended the session. Hurd agreed the programs are needed, saying It helps us hold those accountable who are committing these crimes. Emerson is the ranking Democrat on the Criminal Justice Committee, and she discussed how money paid in fines help fund these programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to be building up our communities that help prevent these crimes from happening, she said. We are losing staff; we are losing programs around the state. Emerson said she is concerned about if dollars will run out for those programs if the state doesnt complete its budget until later this year, and how those programs will continue without aid. Eric Huse, Eau Claire County legal services director, noted that state victim rights are enshrined in the state Constitution. But without the added dollars, it will ultimately result in significantly reduced services. Kaul was pleased to meet with members of both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were committed to working to make our communities safer, Kaul said. This really isnt a partisan issue. The Department of Justice presently has 17 victim services positions, and Kaul said 14 are paid for by federal dollars. The $68 million request includes money to maintain all of those 17 positions. Joining federal lawsuits Kaul said Wisconsin has now joined in 18 multi-state lawsuits to fight actions taken by President Donald Trump and his administration. Kaul said his office is helping to create and shape arguments, but also writing declarations of how these federal actions would impact Wisconsin residents. He said it is important for Wisconsins voice to be heard in these lawsuits. After a two-hour call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia reiterated its refusal for a full ceasefire in the war in Ukraine while the U.S. once again failed to respond with any significant pressure. For observers across Europe, watching the way the negotiations have been unfolding was an unpleasant reminder that the U.S. can no longer be relied on as a partner but it was not a surprising revelation. "Chewing the same gum which has lost its taste is not the best experience," Mykola Bielieskov, Research fellow at Ukraines National Institute for Strategic Studies, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederic Petit, a French National Assembly deputy, was similarly underwhelmed by the information shared about the call. "It gives nothing, because of all the contradicting signals that are coming from the Kremlin and also a few of them are coming from the Trump administration," he told the Kyiv Independent. "For example, about the business deal that (they) could do together does it mean, Mr. President, that you will shift the sanctions or not?" The phone call, which took place on May 19 after a conversation between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, was followed by another call between Trump and other European leaders, including the Ukrainian president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Zelensky, during his phone call with Trump, he advocated for a ceasefire, for the opportunity to express views on a potential memorandum that will be negotiated between the U.S. and Russia, and for decisions about Ukraine not to be made without his countrys inclusion. President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media during a press briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025, following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) But Russia did not back down from its maximalist demands during the call, according to statements from officials. It has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine hand over more territory than Russia currently controls a non-starter for Ukraine and a condition that has been a roadblock in negotiations. 'Imitating negotiations' Throughout the peace process that began when Trump took office in January, Trump has repeatedly put heavy pressure on Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, while refusing to apply similar tactics to Russia. As information about the discussions reached experts across Europe, it was yet another of many reminders since Trumps election that Europe will need to be more self-reliant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia is prepared for a prolonged war and is currently not thinking about peace," Eitvydas Bajarunas, ambassador at Lithuania's Foreign Ministry and visiting fellow at the Center for Europe Policy Analysis (CEPA), told the Kyiv Independent. "Clearly, Russia would prefer a short pause to catch its breath, and ideally, to see some sanctions lifted. At the same time, Putin doesnt want to discourage Trump, so he will continue to respond positively to Trumps requests to consider ending hostilities though only by imitating negotiations." Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia, on May 19, 2025, in this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik. (Alexander Kazakov / Pool / AFP via Getty Images) Bajarunas also noted that negotiations for peace in Ukraine have fallen in priority for Washington. Having failed to deliver on a campaign promise to end the war within 100 days, Trump again threatened on May 19 to abandon efforts to end the war if progress was not made towards a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe can do more, but is choosing to hope for either Putin or Trump changing their minds." "In this context, I see only one solution. Europe must take responsibility and lead the way impose sanctions on Russia, supply weapons to Ukraine, and offer a concrete peace plan," Bajarunas said. "Time to wake up. Its now or never," he added. The subsequent phone call with European leaders was one positive sign, said Yohann Michel, a senior research fellow at the defense research institute IESD in Lyon. "This time, he's calling the Europeans and we might actually have the Europeans at the table," Michel said. "Instead of having bilateral or trilateral talks somewhere where we are out of the room and out of the situation, we might actually be able to participate directly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Michel also added that Trumps stance has shifted frequently and previous positive signals have been sometimes short-lived. "My first reaction was to think, okay, there we go again. Trump had a different conversation with someone else. Therefore, he will now completely change his representation and understanding of the issue." 'Everyone is playing their part in this charade' Europe has repeatedly called for ramped-up support to Ukraine as the new U.S. administration has signaled its unwillingness to continue providing aid to Kyiv. "While discussions about European-led peacekeeping or security assistance are still in early stages and would be complicated without U.S. backing the UK and its allies are beginning to think seriously about what a more self-reliant European response might look like," said Ievgeniia Kopytsia, a legal expert and visiting research fellow at the University of Oxford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day after Trump and Putin spoke, the EU approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures against Russias "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, which the country uses to break embargoes and sustain its economy. "More sanctions on Russia are in the works," top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said on X, announcing the package. But for many, Europes measures fall short of the moment. "Trump is constantly surprising everyone by how he manages to help Putin justify continuing his aggression. And everyone (Ukrainians and Europeans) is playing their part in this charade," Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian Foreign Minister, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe can do more, but is choosing to hope for either Putin or Trump to change their minds." Soldiers of the 115th Brigade fire on drones in the Lyman area, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on April 24, 2025. (Jose Colon / Anadolu via Getty Images) One step Europe could take would be to quickly unfreeze Russian assets that have been seized and transfer the money to Ukraine, Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute, told the Kyiv Independent. "They can ramp up their production of drones. That's not the only thing they need, of course. They need training. Europeans could come in and train again, especially if more air defense is provided." "But there is not a sufficient sense of urgency," she said. "It's bad enough that the United States doesn't understand that we're on war footing. But the fact that the Europeans don't understand that is really distressing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dementiy Bilyi, a 56-year-old political scientist and local historian, has watched Europes response from Kherson, a city which remained under Russian occupation for 256 days from February to November 2022 before it was liberated during the Kherson counteroffensive. Bilyi is trying to keep in touch with people on the Russian-occupied left bank of Kherson Oblast, who keep him informed about the information space in the area, which the Kremlin dominates. "Many Russian Telegram channels are created in the occupied part of the Kherson region. They often try to spread the narrative that Russia will come back here," he said. "People are tired; they need support. They need to hear words of support from our European partners and allies. This helps them not to lose hope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump doesnt know how to deal with gangsters US lets Ukraine down, once again Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Allvin today responded to questioning regarding the potential of a new version of the prolific F-16, a so-called Block 80, as a way of increasing the combat mass of the service in the future. While the Air Force doesnt at this point have a plan to start buying Vipers again, its certainly interesting that the topic is up for discussion, especially with the service looking hard at how it will balance its next-generation fighter requirements, while introducing the F-47 crewed stealth fighter and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. At the same time, it continues to buy the F-35A stealth fighter and the F-15EX. Alongside Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, Gen. Allvin was testifying before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Senator Thomas Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, asked Allvin about the potential need to buy new aircraft to replace the Air Forces oldest fighters, some of which will still be flying into the 2040s. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich Eric Dietrich Focusing on just the next decade, then, our current acquisition options are pretty limited, Cotton said, before asking Allvin: Would you be able to use newly built U.S.-configured Block 80 F-16s to strengthen our strike fighter fleet, if Congress can find additional funds for such an effort? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at what that would be to take that export variant and adapt it to a Block 80, and the time it would take, and where that would fall in the production line, Id have to get back with you with more details to see if that would be an advisable situation, Allvin responded. Id really have to look at what the defense industrial base can do on that, Allvin added, because my sense is that the current Block 70 is really eating up a lot of production lines and production capacity and all the FMS [Foreign Military Sales]. An F-16D Block 70 built for Bahrain, at the Lockheed Martin Greenville, South Carolina site. Lockheed Martin Hand-out At this point, its worth noting that its unclear whether the Block 80 exists as a concept for the Air Force or whether the designation was being used in the hearing in a purely speculative way. TWZ has reached out to Lockheed Martin for more details. Obviously, however, Allvin was happy to consider the idea of a new version of the F-16 for the service, even if only on a hypothetical level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Undoubtedly, the in-production Block 70/72 F-16C/D aircraft are already highly capable, featuring sophisticated avionics, mission systems, active electronically scanned array radar and a digital electronic warfare suite. The supposed Block 80, however, would presumably be more capable still, as well as being adapted for the specific needs of the Air Force. Aside from the Block 80, Cotton also asked if the Air Force would potentially have a place for the Block 70 (and the related Block 72), currently being built by Lockheed Martin in Greenville, South Carolina, for export customers. MYTHBUSTER MYTH: The F-16 is a legacy, outdated technology from the 70s. FACT: The F-16 is a critical piece of 21st century security, connecting assets in the battlespace. The newest, most advanced F-16, Block 70/72 offers capabilities to air forces around the world! pic.twitter.com/mz7oa0X9o0 Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) August 11, 2023 Again, Allvin said he would take the question for the record and come back with a fuller response. In particular, he said he would have to look in more detail at what the export variant can and cant do, and any sort of adjustments we would have to make to make it more easily integrable with our U.S.-built fighters. I would need to see what the integration opportunities and costs would be before I can give you a good answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Block 80, or Block 70/72, there remains a big question over whether an Air Force order for these jets would be feasible, given the limited production capacity at the Greenville plant, as you can read more about here. Interestingly, the possibility of the Air Force buying new-production Block 70/72 aircraft to bolster its tactical aviation fleets in the near term has come up in the past. Back in 2021, the outgoing Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Will Roper, suggested the service might want to order an advanced version of the F-16, such as the Block 70/72. Dr. Will Roper, the then Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, in 2019. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, discusses Fielding Tomorrows Air Force Faster and Smarter, during the Air Force Associations Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 27, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss) As you look at the new F-16 production line in South Carolina, that system has some wonderful upgraded capabilities that are worth thinking about as part of our capacity solution, Roper said, in an interview with Aviation Week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea was quickly shot down by the then Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., who was vehement that the F-16 even a much-improved version was not the right choice for the future Air Force. In particular, he pointed to the F-16s inability to receive software updates at the speed thats desired and its lack of open-architecture software protocols that would allow it to be rapidly reconfigured. At the same time, Brown did, however, bring up the possibility of a clean-sheet design for a future fighter, which he described as a four-and-a-half-gen or fifth-gen-minus aircraft. This would be cheap enough to be procured in the numbers required to eventually replace the F-16. U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., when he was Pacific Air Forces commander, disembarks an F-16 at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, in October 2019. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Mendez But perhaps, after all, the idea of a potential future Air Force F-16 buy is not altogether dead. Speaking today, Gen. Allvin stressed the importance of having not only the right capacity but the capability to make sure that we have the right mix of the high-end to be able to dominate and be relevant in an Indo-Pacific fight, as well as other fighters that may not need to be as sophisticated as our fifth-generation, sixth-generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Allvin said that CCA drones at least as far as Increment One is concerned will not be able to replace crewed fighters like the F-16 and the F-15E. My assessment [of the CCA] as of right now, it will not replace that. It will be a great augmentation. And its threshold is to be able to work with the F-35 and the F-22 even before the F-47 gets fielded, so it will help us deliver more combat capability at a better cost point. But as far as replacing the manned fighters, that remains to be seen. What we have built into Increment One, my assessment right now is that would not be a good one-for-one replacement. Meanwhile, the need to replace aging F-16s, which still serve as a backbone of the USAFs fighter fleet, is becoming more acute, Allvin noted. As we continue to keep the older aircraft, they do become more and more expensive to maintain, Allvin said, while the mission capable rate is not what wed like it to be. He added that the average Air Force F-16 was built right about the time the Cold War ended. So even those F-16s are getting pretty old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2024, the mission capable rate (MCR) for the F-16C stood at 64 percent, down from almost 72 percent in 2021. This compares with 52 percent for the F-22, and 86 percent for the brand-new F-15EX. A U.S. Air Force F-16C somewhere over the Middle East on February 11, 2025. U.S. Air Force USAF The designated replacement for the F-16 should be the F-35 stealth fighter, although there have long been signs that the Air Force doesnt see this platform as necessarily the direct successor to all its legacy tactical fighters. The Air Force F-35A buy is still officially pegged at 1,763 aircraft, but there have been reports that, as early as 2018, the service had prepared a study that called for these orders to be cut back to 1,050. The Air Force is, notably, also buying F-15EX fighters, alongside F-35As, so clearly hasnt entirely given up on acquiring fourth-generation fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, Allvin has also raised the possibility of some kind of light crewed fighter that could serve as a future adjunct to more advanced and costly fifth- and sixth-generation fighters. Allvin presented a highly notional concept illustration for a light fighter last year, as you can read about here. The light fighter concept is shown during a presentation by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David Allvin, at the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference, held in London. Tim Robinson Despite the Air Forces commitment to the F-35, the Joint Strike Fighter program remains an enormously expensive one the costliest in Pentagon history leaving room for discussions, at least, about a cheaper crewed fighter. With advanced versions of the F-16 now being manufactured for export customers, its perhaps no surprise that the Viper, or a further optimized iteration of it, is being at least discussed by some as potential equipment for the U.S. Air Force, too. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Gregory Hunt was convicted of the 1988 murder of Karen Lane in Walker County and sentenced to death. He plans to file and appeal regarding his execution within a couple of weeks claiming that he did not assault Lane. (Alabama Department of Corrections) An Alabama death row inmate plans to represent himself in a final appeal of his sentence, weeks before his execution. Gregory Hunt, convicted of the 1988 murder and sexual assault of Karen Lane, will argue that he killed but did not sexually assault Lane, which would reduce his charge from capital murder to murder and make him ineligible for the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that Greg is at peace no matter what happens, Pastor Jeff Hood, who works with inmates on Alabamas death row, said at a news conference on Tuesday. I think he is prepared to die no matter what happens, but he wants people to know that he is sorry for killing Karen Lane but that he did not sexually assault her. A spokesperson from the Alabama Attorney Generals office said in a statement Wednesday that the evidence shows that he did. Semen was found in her mouth, a broomstick was used in the assault and he wrote a letter admitting responsibility for her death, the spokesperson said. Hes had three and a half decades to prove otherwise and hasnt. Karen cant speak for herself, but the brutality of what she endured speaks volumes. Its a shame that her voice, her life, and her trauma arent at the center of this conversation. Hunt was convicted on three counts of capital murder by a jury in 1990 and by an 11-1 vote, recommended that he be put to death. Two of the counts alleged Hunt sexually assaulted Lane; the other said Hunt killed her during a robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first count dealt with killing Lane during the course of a robbery while the other two counts related to allegations that he sexually abused her. Federal and state courts in recent years have been unwilling to stop Alabama executions, even in the face of evidence of prior issues with capital punishment in the state. Hunt, who plans to represent himself, will ask the court to delay his execution and argue his trial attorneys did not present mitigating circumstances from his background or evidence that he did not sexually assault Lane. He has stated similar claims in his appeals in the past that were rejected by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hood, Hunt is only challenging capital murder charges related to sexual abuse allegations and not the one pertaining to the robbery. When you look at the transcripts, the primary aggravating factor they (prosecutors) focused on was sexual assault, Hood said. And this is the problem with these cases. The state gets to move the goalposts. The story has been updated with a statement from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office. Correction: An earlier version misstated the that Karen Lane was murdered in 1998. It was 1988. CALERA, Ala. (WIAT) The wife of a missing 72-year-old grandfather from Kenya is holding out hope her husband will be found. We are praying, and we are so hopeful that hes going to get back home, Elizabeth Waithaka said. As of Monday, Reuben Waithaka has been missing for more than four days after growing confused and leaving his sons home in the Timberline subdivision in Calera. Calera police received a tip late Saturday night that Reuben Waithaka may have been spotted in Cullman. Calera Police Chief David Hyche said hes hoping Reuben Waithaka is out of the area after their search of private property over several days didnt turn up anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said he was given two rides that they know of. One was to the Chevron gas station across the street from the Timberline subdivision entrance. The family believes hes still out there and is pleading with the public not to give him any more rides but to call police instead. If he asks for one more ride, please just distract him until you call the police, said Emily Barua, the daughter of Reuben Waithaka. Reuben Waithaka Calera PD Barua said she and her husband drove to Birmingham on Sunday to look for her dad. Went to Birmingham, looked around the shelter, asked a few people at the Amtrak station, and we went to the jail, Barua said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said they also searched the area around the Greyhound bus station, where she saw people sleeping and checked to make sure he wasnt one of them. She said the people were very helpful but told them that they had not seen him. Dilbert creator Scott Adams announces he has same prostate cancer as Biden, will likely be checking out sometime this summer After an extensive search led by Calera police and fire departments and other agencies over four days on private property off Highway 25, the family believes someone else may have given him a ride. We dont want him to go any farther, Barua said. So we are hoping that somebody can just distract him and call 911 until we bring him home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuben Waithaka and his wife had flown to the U.S. from Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday to be here for their firstborn grandsons graduation from Calera High School on Tuesday night. Im the firstborn grandson, and so its a special moment, especially in African culture, Bryon Waithaka said. He said his faith and his family are his anchor at this difficult time. I just know God has a plan that hes safe and sound, Byron Waithaka said. Hopeful that somebody will show us the way. Byron Waithaka, who is graduating with honors, still plans to walk across the stage Tuesday. Anyone with who may have seen Reuben Waithaka is asked to contact Calera police at 205-668-3505 or call 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell has officially resigned from his post. Mitchell became a member of the Alabama Supreme Court in 2018 and was scheduled to finish his current term in 2031. In his resignation letter, he said he feels called to play a larger role in the effort to boldly restore the United States Constitution. Mitchell also said that in his role as a judge, it limits what he can say or do for the state and for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During my tenure, I have written key judicial opinions that uphold Alabamas criminal laws and keep violent offenders locked up; that protect the sanctity of human life and confirm the truth that life begins at conception; and that keep wokeness and DEI out of our courts and the legal profession, Mitchells resignation letter said. Following the announcement of Mitchells resignation, Governor Kay Ivey appointed Judge Bill Lewis to serve on the Supreme Court of Alabama. Judge Bill Lewis continues demonstrating justice and fairness under the law, as well as a willingness to serve the people of Alabama, Governor Ivey said. His decades of experience will serve the Supreme Court of Alabama well, and I am confident he is the best choice. (Photo: Judge Bill Lewis, Gov. Iveys office) The governor appointed Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in February 2024. Prior to that, Lewis served as circuit court judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County, where he was the Circuits presiding judge. Lewis was the senior partner of the Lewis Law Firm, a firm he started in 2006. Lewis served as assistant district attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit before going into private practice. He has also served as a criminal defense attorney in criminal cases and practiced civil and family law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Lewis received his undergraduate degrees in political science and economics from the University of the South and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law. Governor Ivey spoke to Judge Lewis this morning. Judge Lewis appointment is effective immediately. The governors appointment to fill Judge Lewis vacant seat on the Court of Civil Appeals will be announced soon. I hereby resign my position as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. I look forward to making an announcement about my future in the coming days, Mitchell 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 WHNT.com. May 19 (UPI) -- The National Weather Service in Alabama warned Monday that weather radio broadcasts are offline for routine maintenance as severe storms are forecast to hit the state Tuesday. The weather service said while all watches and warnings will be released over the next few days, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio transmitters will be offline during that time. Severe storms are forecast Tuesday for much of Alabama. "NWS local offices plan to inform listeners both on-air and on their websites when updates are scheduled," according to the NOAA Weather Radio website. NOAA Weather Radio is a network of stations that broadcasts warnings and weather information from the National Weather Service. The Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System, or AWIPS, went offline Monday and will remain down through Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our Weather Radio broadcasts have concluded and will remain unavailable until our system updates are complete," NWS Birmingham wrote Monday in a post on X. "Weather products will continue to be transmitted via the Internet, weather apps and wireless emergency alerts." NWS Birmingham systems are undergoing required upgrades. Our Weather Radio broadcasts have concluded and will remain unavailable until our system updates are complete. Weather products will continue to be transmitted via the internet, weather apps and wireless emergency alerts. pic.twitter.com/KbLRFtaTy5 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) May 19, 2025 "During the time of the update, forecast operations will be conducted in conjunction with our service back-up office in Peachtree City in Georgia to minimize any potential interruption to services," the National Weather Service said Monday. "No impacts to our core services of forecast products and weather watches, warnings and advisories are expected during this period." The software updates will impact transmitters across northern and central Alabama. The NWS said its forecast office in Birmingham will remain open and staffed during the maintenance. Approximately 31 million people from Texas, north to Iowa, could see severe storms starting Monday with forecasts showing strong winds, hail and tornadoes. That risk will shift Tuesday to Louisiana and north into Alabama and Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NWS is urging Alabama residents to gather several weather sources -- the Internet, weather apps and local emergency management -- to ensure they receive all severe weather warnings in order to stay safe over the next few days. Deadly storms and tornadoes over the weekend hit 10 different states, including Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky, where at least 28 people were killed. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) NOAA weather radios are not working due to a planned software outage, according to the National Weather Service. Officials are urging the public to have multiple ways to get alerted about severe weather ahead of tomorrow expected storms. The National Weather Service says nationwide systems are being upgraded and they have a July 1 deadline to do so. Here in Alabama, the National Weather Service planned this outage months ago, hoping this would be a quiet weather week but thats not the case. A message that says the weather station is off air will be played until at least Wednesday on NOAA weather radios throughout Alabama. National Weather Service Warning System Meteorologist John De Block says even though the radios are off air, his office will continue their work during tomorrows storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to be working closely with our partners, our media partners, extra communications, and the chat program we have to give them the latest information so the meteorologists can get on air and let the people know. We are going to be issuing the watches and warnings still here, they just cant go over the weather radios unfortunately, remarked De Block. Leeds Creek Bank Festival postponed to May 24 The outage is due to a planned hardware upgrade which De Block says will allow the National Weather Service to use the latest technology over the radio. The upgrade was planned months ago before the weather service knew about tomorrows expected severe weather. Unfortunately in Alabama, tornado season runs from January 1 to December 31. We picked a time that we thought would have less of an impact, unfortunately it turns out we have some severe weather in mid-May. We put it off as long as we could but we have to get it done, added De Block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With weather radios being out, the Jefferson County EMA is urging everyone to have multiple ways to get weather alerts. Phones and apps are a great way to keep informed if you dont have a cell phone. EMA Deputy Director Chris Tate says there are steps you should take. They need to be reaching out to friends and families to help support them during this time, I guarantee someone has those cell phones with different apps available to them. The Jeff Co. alerts app will call them to their landline, it will also send emails if they have those, remarked Tate. The CBS 42 app is a great way to stay alerted to weather conditions. You can turn on notifications and find out when severe weather comes into your area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. May 20JUNEAU In a move that lawmakers celebrated as "historic," the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of a $180 million increase to the state's $1.2 billion education budget. The vote means that Alaska's education funding formula will be permanently and significantly increased for the first time since 2017. It is also the first time that lawmakers have successfully overridden a governor's veto in more than a decade. Lawmakers overrode the veto in a 46-14 vote, exceeding the 40-legislator threshold, a day after Dunleavy said he vetoed the bill because "there is no evidence that a permanent increase in the Base Student Allocation will improve educational outcomes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote passed just hours before the legislative session ended Tuesday, with no floor speeches or fanfare. But after lawmakers adjourned, revelry began, with majority members cheering and chanting behind closed doors. The override vote was the culmination of years of work by lawmakers and advocates to increase education spending in a state that is increasingly struggling with poor teacher retention, dismal test scores and crumbling infrastructure. Legislative leaders in the House and Senate have said that the education budget must be increased after years of funding stagnation that has left districts closing schools, cutting programs and increasing class sizes. Lawmakers tried unsuccessfully three times before to override Dunleavy's education vetoes once earlier this year, and twice last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Majority lawmakers began the year with a proposal to increase education funding by $1,800, but eventually backed away from that number as revenue projections declined. In April, Dunleavy vetoed a $1,000 increase to the state's $5,960 BSA, leading lawmakers to adopt a $700 increase instead, coupled with some education policy provisions. "It is a little bit bittersweet that we have to go through all this struggle and all this effort for years just to get an increase that is 39% of what we need," said Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat. "So we're going to have to continue this discussion and dialogue going forward." House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent, called the vote "historic." "I think the Legislature took the final step to stand up for schools in Alaska," he said. "We're not going to stand by and allow political differences to rule the day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican, said the vote "took a lot of courage on many people's part." "Those folks who have been very supportive of the governor in the past had a pretty hard time, I think, voting to override the governor. But those of us who have been pro-education for a long time found it rather easy." In a statement after the vote, Dunleavy said he supports increased funding "when it is paired with real, meaningful reforms." "This bill did not meet that standard," he said. Dunleavy said the bill "does nothing to address why Alaska ranks near the bottom in reading and math." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have countered that the funding increase will allow districts to shrink class sizes and retain experienced teachers, steps that are correlated with improving educational outcomes. Dunleavy, meanwhile, has said that his demands for an open enrollment policy and a new method for establishing charter schools would be more effective in addressing Alaska's bottom-of-the-nation ranking in national assessments. "This veto override does not end the conversation. It raises the stakes," Dunleavy wrote. Wasilla Sen. Mike Shower, one of 14 Republicans who voted against overriding Dunleavy's veto, said he was disappointed that lawmakers hadn't agreed to the governor's policy demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because nobody was willing to do that compromise, we're going to end up in veto battles, and it also puts the funding at risk," said Shower. "The daylight between us was small, and people just dug their heels in." Dunleavy's policy wish list includes a measure that would allow students to attend the public school of their choice, regardless of where they live. Majority lawmakers said that policy was untenable but agreed to convene a policy task force in the coming months to study the idea. Dunleavy has not ruled out vetoing education funding directly from the budget bill. Such a decision would come in late June, when lawmakers are not in session and are unable to respond immediately, and when school districts have already finalized their plans for the coming school year. Stevens said it would be "very hard" for lawmakers to meet during the interim to vote on whether to override a budget veto. But lawmakers could vote on overriding such a veto when they reconvene in January, potentially giving school districts the funding mandated under the new law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overriding a budget veto requires a higher threshold of support 45 out of 60 lawmakers. Sen. Loki Tobin, an Anchorage Democrat who chairs the Senate Education Committee, said she was heartened by Tuesday's vote, which passed with support from 46 legislators. Still, she said, a budget veto "would create immeasurable chaos in the public school system." Tom Klaameyer, president of the National Education Association Alaska, a union representing most public school teachers in the state, said in a statement that educators "are exhausted by the back and forth and uncertainty around education funding." "I hope Governor Dunleavy heard the legislature's message and will respect the override," Klaameyer said. Republican lawmakers who supported the override on Tuesday were noncommittal about how they would vote on a potential budget veto from Dunleavy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've supported the governor. If you look at my voting record, I've really been an advocate for him," said Minority Leader Mia Costello. "What you saw there is just a difference of opinion on this one bill." The override vote could have political fallout that will reverberate in Alaska politics for the months to come. The Anchorage Republican Women's Club, an organization that fundraises and campaigns for GOP candidates, vowed to pull its support from legislators who overrode Dunleavy's veto. Rep. Elexie Moore, a Wasilla Republican, initially vowed to override Dunleavy's veto but then voted Tuesday against overriding. "I had an outpouring of emails and messages and calls from home," she said. "I have to consider the bulk of who I'm representing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 57 originally passed the Legislature last month in a 48-11 tally. Three GOP House members who originally supported the bill later backtracked, siding with Dunleavy's veto: Reps. Moore and Jubilee Underwood of Wasilla, and Sarah Vance of Homer. It is a shift from last year's veto override attempt, when 17 Republicans who supported a compromise education bill later favored Dunleavy's veto. Last year's failed veto override vote later shaped several legislative races, playing a part in losses of two incumbents who had sided with Dunleavy. Sen. Mike Cronk, a Tok Republican, said last year that he was "trashed" for not overriding Dunleavy's veto. On Tuesday, after voting in favor of overriding Dunleavy veto, Cronk said the funding increase in the bill is not sufficient for schools in his district, "but it's going to help." "This has nothing to do with politics at all. This is about providing education to our kids," said Cronk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting yes Reps. Robyn Niayuq Burke, D-Utqiagvik; Ashley Carrick, D-Fairbanks; Maxine Dibert, D-Fairbanks; Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham; Ted Eischeid, D-Anchorage; Zack Fields, D-Anchorage; Neal Foster, D-Nome; Alyse Galvin, I-Anchorage; Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage; Carolyn Hall, D-Anchorage; Sara Hannan, D-Juneau; Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka; Ky Holland, I-Anchorage; Nellie Unangiq Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay; Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage; Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage; Donna Mears, D-Anchorage; Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan; Mia Costello, R-Anchorage; Julie Coulombe, R-Anchorage; Bill Elam, R-Nikiski; Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage; Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage; Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks; Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna; Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River; David Nelson, R-Anchorage; Andi Story, D-Juneau; Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak; Sens. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak; Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau; Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski; Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage; Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage; Bert Stedman, R-Sitka; James Kaufman, R-Anchorage; Matt Claman, D-Anchorage; Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage; Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage; Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage; Kelly Merrick, R-Eagle River; Mike Cronk, R-Tok; Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel; Donny Olson, D-Golovin; Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks; and Robert Yundt, R-Wasilla. Voting no Reps. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River; DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer; Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake; Elexie Moore, R-Wasilla; Mike Prax, R-North Pole; George Rauscher, R-Sutton; Rebecca Schwanke, R-Glennallen; Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla; Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks; Jubilee Underwood, R-Wasilla; Sarah Vance, R-Homer; Sens. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer; Mike Shower, R-Wasilla; and Robert Myers, R-North Pole. [Correction: The original version of this story included an incorrect vote tally.] Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, votes in favor of overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of House Bill 57 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaskas public schools may see the largest permanent funding boost in well over a decade, after the Alaska Legislature voted for the first time since 2002 to override a sitting governors veto. With a 46-14 vote, lawmakers significantly increased Alaskas per-student public funding formula, overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavys decision to reject House Bill 57. Forty votes were needed for an override. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a truly bipartisan vote reflective of everyone in Alaska, said Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham. While the new law changes state policy on school funding, whether Alaska schools actually see an increase for the coming school year depends on the outcome of the budget process. It was the third time in two years that the governor vetoed a significant education funding bill; lawmakers failed by a single vote to override the governor last year. A second veto earlier this year was sustained by a larger margin. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said, I had heard that we would be at 46, and that was just perfect. I sort of hoped there wouldnt be a lot of discussion. There wasnt any. Everyone knew how they wanted to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The override means a permanent increase of $700 in the base student allocation, core of the states per-student funding formula. Sen. Donny Olson, D-Golovin, rises to point to the tally board to change his vote and override Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of HB 57 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Thats a small year-over-year increase for public schools, which received bonus funding last year equivalent to a $680 BSA increase. Critically, that money wasnt approved until late in the budget process, which meant school districts had to budget for less money, then restore programs and rehire teachers once the money was approved. Adding money to the base level would reduce that back-and-forth. In addition, the bill changes the charter school application process, directs school districts to develop policies to restrict students cellphone use, creates a grant program designed to improve students reading performance, and expands career and technical training programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also sets up a legislative task force to recommend further changes to education policy. Rep. Ted Eischeid, D-Anchorage, said he was listening to his constituents when he voted to override the veto. Im super pleased. The No. 1 issue in House District 22 was education. I know because I asked (at) a thousand doors, where people answered the door, and that was the overwhelming request, he said. So Im really happy to stand with my neighbors in House District 22, and Im super pleased. How it happened The House and Senate are controlled by coalition majorities that include Republicans and Democrats, with the House majority also including independents. However, because overriding the governor required 40 votes, some conservative Republicans in the House and Senate minority caucuses needed to support an override for it to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, said that while she supports the governor, she split with his position and voted to override the veto. Ive supported the governor in many, many ways. I voted for his bills and priorities very much a fan of the governor, she said. We just had a difference of opinion on this one bill. Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, praised what she described as the courage of minority Republicans who acted against a governor whose actions they normally support. I think it represents a lot of courage on the part of all the legislators, recognizing the justice, the compassion that we need to show to the public, she said. Theyve asked for this education funding now for several years, and its time we act. And I think it represents a really courageous vote for many of them. During Tuesdays vote, Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan and a member of the House minority, wore what he called his hard vote tie, decorated with small rhinoceroses. He voted to override. Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, wears his hard vote tie on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during the veto override vote for House Bill 57. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) My vote isnt against the governor, its for my district, he said. This is basically the same funding that the governor authorized in last years budget (and) we got some policy for it. Weve worked hard on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunleavy said he wanted additional policy changes in the bill, including open-enrollment provisions that would allow students to more easily transfer between schools and school districts. Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough already offer versions of those policies. Bynum said he believes that some of the policy priorities sought by the governor need more discussion. The problem that we have is that the policies that the governor was asking for us to include in this bill really requires some additional thought, he said. Theres some unintended consequences of that language that could harm some of the lottery schools and some of the charter schools even in Anchorage and so, yeah, if we want local control, we need to support local control. I believe in local control. House and Senate passed HB 57 by a combined vote of 48-11-1; Reps. Jubilee Underwood, R-Wasilla; Elexie Moore, R-Wasilla; and Sarah Vance, R-Homer, voted in favor of HB 57 but against overriding the governors veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, Underwood and Moore each said they were trying to follow the will of their constituents. Vance explained her decision in depth. I made a decision a couple weeks ago not to override, seeing that the majority was not even considering giving the governor his policy requests and really what Republicans have been wanting for quite some time: to make education more accessible to all public school students, she said. Vance said she is also focused on the states finances: Im also very, very concerned about our budget. We are in a deficit of $200 million, and thats also the increase right now. I want to fund inside the formula, but right now, I think were just in a bind on what we can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays vote may be the first chapter in a longer struggle between the governor and the Legislature. HB 57 increases the states public school funding formula, but that formula is subject to the annual state budget. To use an analogy: If the formula is a bucket, the budget fills that bucket. Dunleavy has previously said he may veto some education money from the state budget, leaving the formula only partially funded. In addition, parts of HB 57 are contingent upon the enactment of Senate Bill 113, a bill adjusting the states corporate income taxes. On Monday, Dunleavy implied that he will veto SB 113. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overriding either a funding veto or a veto of SB 113 would require 45 votes; the state constitution sets a higher threshold to override bills that appropriate money, which a provision of SB 113 would effectively do. Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka and a supporter of HB 57, is seen on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, next to Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, who voted to sustain Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of the bill. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Outcomes of future key votes remain uncertain Some legislators who voted to override the governor on Monday declined to confirm that they would override vetoes on the two funding mechanisms. Sen. Robert Yundt, R-Wasilla, and Sen. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, each voted to override but said they didnt know how they would vote if the governor vetoed the funding mechanisms. Yundt added that hed like to see less division between the legislative and executive branches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a sad day for me, Im sorry it came to this, he said. People send us here to work together, right? I dont want to see divide ever. So, yeah, I dont ever want to see any more vetoes. Theyre part of the process, and I know that. But for me this is not a time to rejoice. Asked whether the 46-vote threshold would hold up in subsequent vetoes, the leaders of the House and Senate said they werent sure. We dont know, but the vote today is going to influence the political dynamic around doing whats right for our schools, Edgmon said. Stevens offered similar thoughts. I think theres a good, solid message to the governor that we need to move ahead on education, he said. Regardless of how they stood on HB 57, legislators said that Tuesdays action was significant. The Legislature hasnt overridden a governors veto since 2009, when it voted to overturn Gov. Sarah Palins rejection of some federal aid during the Great Recession. But by the time of that override, Palin had resigned, and legislators didnt risk retribution for their override. Legislators havent overruled a sitting governor since a Republican-controlled Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Tony Knowles in 2002. Former Rep. Joe Hayes, D-Fairbanks, is now an aide to Sen. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, and was in the House during the 2002 vote. He represented a swing district and joined Republicans in voting to override. Knowles was pissed at me. He was pissed at me forever, Hayes said on Tuesday. I get it now this kind of thing doesnt happen very often. Legislators watch as votes for and against the override of House Bill 57 are displayed on the legislative tally board on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, speaks on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Dunbar sponsored a resolution asking the state's congressional delegation to oppose Medicaid cuts. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Legislature has voted to urge the states congressional delegation to oppose cuts to Medicaid, as the state faces a potential annual loss of $194 million in federal spending and tens of thousands more uninsured residents. The House passed Senate Joint Resolution 15 on Sunday by a vote of 27-13, and the Senate approved the final version 14-6 on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint federal-state program is the largest health care payer for lower-income Alaskans and a major source of nursing care for people with a wide range of incomes. The U.S. House of Representatives is considering making $625 billion in cuts over the next 10 years. The health-focused foundation KFF estimated that Alaska would see a loss of federal payments under the current proposal equal to $194 million this year, or 19% of federal Medicaid spending in the state. And state enrollment would decline by between 24,000 and 40,000, with a midpoint estimate of 32,000 fewer Alaskans enrolled in the program. The Senate Health and Social Services Committee sponsored the resolution. Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage and the committee chair, noted roughly 1 in 3 Alaskans is enrolled in the program. He referred to his family history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My grandfather fought in World War II, and towards the end of his life, my mother moved him up to Fairbanks to get long-term care, Dunbar said. He had to have round-the-clock care; it was about $8,000 a month, which at the time was a lot of money now its even more expensive. And the VA didnt cover all of that care. We had to enroll him in the Medicaid program. And there are thousands of stories just like that. Under the current U.S. House proposal, the two biggest cuts would be the result of instituting work and reporting requirements for Medicaid enrollees and increasing the complexity of applying for and renewing Medicaid. Dunbar noted that Medicaid pays for a significant share of revenue at major health care providers, citing estimates of 25% of payments to Providence Alaska and 41% of payments to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage, emphasized that the program enrolls most of Alaskas children, including through school-based programs, and is a major source of health care for Alaska Natives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution asks U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich to oppose the proposed cuts to protect the states health care system, communities, citizens, and economy. The resolution said, Medicaid plays a crucial role in supporting the states small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing access to affordable health care coverage for employees, which helps prevent illness, reduces absenteeism, and improves productivity, and that by ensuring workers have access to necessary medical services, Medicaid enables small businesses to retain a healthier, more reliable workforce, ultimately contributing to economic stability and growth in the state. Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, led the effort to pass the bill in the House and questioned whether the state can afford to take on a greater share of Medicaid spending. Given our current fiscal situation, I dont think thats going to be realistic, in terms of delivering health care services for people who need it, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 21 members of the multipartisan House majority voted for the resolution, along with six minority-caucus Republicans: Reps. Jeremy Bynum of Ketchikan, Bill Elam of Nikiski, Elexie Moore of Wasilla, David Nelson of Anchorage, Mike Prax of North Pole and Justin Ruffridge of Soldotna. The other 13 minority-caucus members voted against it. One resolution opponent, Rep. Julie Coulombe of Anchorage, proposed an amendment to the resolution that supported efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within the Medicaid system. Coulombes amendment passed. When the amended version of the resolution returned to the Senate, Dunbar criticized the added language, which he described as a red herring. He also said that congressional efforts are not targeting waste, fraud and abuse, and could actually undermine some investigations of these issues. But he called for the Senate to pass it despite the added language, due to the overall goals of the resolution. I would hope that whatever decision is made at the federal government, that the floor doesnt drop out on states like Alaska but if theyre going to decide to reduce things, that were given some time to adjust to that. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy Twelve of the 14 Senate majority members voted for it, with Nikiski Republican Sen. Jesse Bjorkman and Fairbanks Democrat Scott Kawasaki the only majority members to vote no. Among minority-caucus Republican senators, four voted no, while Sens. Mike Cronk of Tok/Northway and James Kaufman of Anchorage voted for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While resolutions like these do not go before Gov. Mike Dunleavy, when the governor was asked about his view of Medicaid and other federal cuts at a new conference on Monday, he acknowledged that the federal government is facing a growing national debt. My concern is that Alaska may end up losing money in this process, he said. I would hope that whatever decision is made at the federal government, that the floor doesnt drop out on states like Alaska but if theyre going to decide to reduce things, that were given some time to adjust to that. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Calloway, Jr., who transitioned quietly on Friday, May 16, 2025, at his residence after a short illness. Albert was born on October 5, 1966, in Augusta, Georgia, to the union of Albert Calloway, Sr. and Billie Ann Jones-Roberts, both have preceded him into eternity. Find obituaries from your high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a proud United States Army veteran, serving as an Army Ranger, Albert dedicated his life to serving his country. After his honorable military service, he embraced his passion for home improvements and worked as a self-employed carpenter, where he showcased his skills and craftsmanship. Albert was known for his adventurous spirit, friendly demeanor and kind-hearted nature. He will be remembered for his generosity and the love he shared, especially with his small but tight-knit family. He leaves behind his beloved aunt, Tommie Jean Jones and his cousin, Ora Jean Mealing; along with a cadre of other relatives and close friends who will cherish the memories of the time spent with him. Though the earthly ties have loosened, Alberts spirit will be remembered in an intimate gathering among his family. Alberts life will be honored through this celebration of his journey and spirit in tribute to him. Albert will be laid to rest in the meadows of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with military honors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Albert has left us, his adventurous spirit and kind soul will continue to inspire those who knew him. Let us remember Albert not with sorrow but with a smile, echoing the laughter and love he extended to many. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Albert Calloway, Jr., elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio. 330.782.8500. Last Salute Unknown A last salute, a final stand, A veterans journey, a sacred band. They served with pride, their duty clear, Now in glory, theyve nothing to fear. Their honor lives in every tear. Send flowers to the service of Albert Calloway Jr A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 21 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Federal prosecutors have criminally charged a Democratic member of Congress who was caught up in a scrum with masked federal agents and protesters outside an immigration detention center in New Jersey. Alina Habba, Donald Trumps personal attorney who was appointed to interim U.S. Attorney of New Jersey, announced on Monday that her office filed charges against Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver for having assaulted, impeded and interfered with law enforcement. On May 9, McIver joined two other House Democrats from New Jersey and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to tour the recently opened Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, which has drawn frequent protests as Democratic officials demand answers from the administration about the conditions inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka was turned away from the visit and asked to leave, then arrested by federal agents and charged with misdemeanor trespassing. Chaotic video from the scene and officers bodycam footage shows officers shoving and holding back protesters at a gate to the facility. Agents appeared to swarm around Baraka and block protesters from the fence as they tried to stop his arrest. But Habba simultaneously announced on Monday that her office is dismissing Barakas case for the sake of moving forward. Criminal charges against a sitting member of Congress escalate threats from the Trump administration under an emboldened Justice Department to target his political enemies. Last week, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called federal law enforcement agencies targeting members of Congress a red line. A criminal complaint unsealed on Tuesday charges McIver with two counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Certain Officers or Employees one against a Homeland Security Investigations agent and another against an ICE deportation officer. Interim US Attorney Alina Habba has charged U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, left, with assaulting or impeding officers at an ICE facility in New Jersey (AP) I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, Habba said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Monday, McIver said the lawmakers were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, McIver said. The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, she added. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court." The Independent has requested comment from McIvers office. The Department of Justice deferred comment to Habbas office, which did not respond to The Independents request. Habba, Trumps personal attorney appointed to be the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, has also dismissed charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after his arrest during a protest outside an ICE detention center earlier this month (Getty) A decision to charge McIver is spectacularly inappropriate, according to a statement from Paul J. Fishman, a former U.S. attorney for New Jersey serving as McIvers counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of Congress, she has the right and responsibility to see how ICE is treating detainees. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, he added. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICE's behavior to Congresswoman Mclver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter, he said. Following the incident at the detention center, Fox News shared video provided by the Department of Homeland Security that officials argued shows McIver shoving past a DHS agent. A law enforcement officer also shoved McIver as she was trying to reenter the facility, according to McIver and lawmakers as well as video from NJ Spotlight News. What we just witnessed was disgusting, McIver said outside the facility following Barakas arrest earlier this month. If they can treat three members of Congress like that, just imagine how they can treat people on the street each and every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials claimed McIver and others, including 80-year-old Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, had body slammed, body rammed, pushed, shoved, whatever you want to call it, it was assault, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Weve reviewed the body cam footage shared by DHS which confirms what weve said from the beginning: ICE agents put their hands on Members of Congress and arrested the Mayor of Newark on public property, a spokesperson for Watson Coleman said May 10. Nobody was body slammed, nobody assaulted any agents, and this footage confirms that. In a joint statement following Habbas announcement, House Democratic leadership said McIver and other lawmakers at the ICE facility didnt assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals. There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong, they added. The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever. The statement from Jeffries and other House Democrats said everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions. Donald Trumps Justice Department is sending a message. Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba announced late Monday that she had dropped charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for facing off with authorities at an ICE facility in his city earlier this month. But in a back-to-back press release, the Justice Department official revealed that the administration would instead be going after a sitting congresswoman who was also present that day. Habba, Trumps former personal attorney, declared charges against Representative LaMonica McIver for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement, and insisted that McIvers conduct during the ICE facility clash cannot be overlooked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, Habba said in a statement. McIver and Baraka have both denied accusations that they were violent at the protest. The charges against me are purely politicalthey mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, McIver said in a statement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries torched the Trump administration last week for the charges against Baraka and for hinting they would go after McIver next. Jeffries argued that threatening to arrest a sitting congresswoman for visiting an ICE facility would be a clear example of executive overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a red line, Jeffries told reporters in the Capitol at the time. They know better than to go down that road. McIver visited the Ice facility earlier this month alongside Representatives Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, fellow New Jersey Democrats. Baraka joined the trio for a tour. The lawmakers were reportedly at the facility to serve a summons for code violations to a representative of the facilitys operating company, Geo Group. After Baraka passed the entry gates, the group was barraged by agents, with at least one of the lawmakers getting shoved. Baraka was ultimately arrested, and Habba accused him of trespassing and ignoring multiple warnings from Homeland Security to leave the premises. But the lawmakers did not interpret the events of the day that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we experienced was the weaponization, is the abuse of power. They know who we are they manhandled us and arrested the mayor, Coleman said, adding that if they can treat members of Congress like that, imagine how they treat people on the streets. Representatives from around the country echoed that sentiment. In a post on X late Monday, Texas Representative Greg Casar wrote that the charges against McIver should send a chill down the spine of every American. If the president can arrest law-abiding elected officials in an attempt to silence them, then no American is safe from his abuses of power, he wrote. ALLEGANY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) will be closed on Wednesday, May 21, as the region prepares for more rainfall, the school system announced Tuesday. Forecasts predict that rain showers will return Tuesday night and become more widespread into Wednesday, becoming heavy at times across the DMV, specifically in western Maryland. George Washington Memorial Parkway to reopen after severe weather causes extensive damage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, ACPS will be closed for in-person instruction, but Virtual Synchronous learning will go on. Elementary students should log in to Schoology at 8:30 a.m., while middle and high school students should log on at 8 a.m. Students without access to connectivity will be given up to two days to submit assignments, ACPS noted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 20Southern Maine has seen one of its cloudiest Mays in years, according to data collected by the National Weather Service. And there's still more than a week to go. By Tuesday evening, this month had already seen more cloudy days than the previous five Mays, said meteorologist Greg Cornwell. Twelve days were considered "cloudy," five "partly cloudy" and three "clear," according to weather service archives. "With the assumption today will rate as cloudy, 2025 ties 2019 in recent years for number of cloudy observations. We will likely exceed that in the coming days," Cornwell wrote in an email Tuesday evening. "Looking back further, 2017 had 14 days rated cloudy. So we are currently running the cloudiest month of May for the past eight years based on data from the Portland Jetport." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters at the weather service station in Gray observed more than 50% sky coverage by clouds nearly every afternoon, including total coverage on 10 days, according to archived data. That figure is captured at about 4 p.m. daily. With more clouds, southern Maine has also seen relatively high rainfall levels this month, Cornwell said. "We certainly started off (the month) with a wet start," he said Tuesday afternoon. "It's been a gloomy appearance." Twelve of the first 19 days in May saw at least some rain usually less than half an inch reported at the Portland International Jetport, according to weather service data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, 4.65 inches of rain have fallen over the jetport. That's well over the monthly average of 3.48 inches and nearly three times the total rainfall of 1.7 inches last recorded May, Cornwell said. "The last May it was this wet was also 2017 with 5.94 (inches) for the whole month," he wrote. Cornwell said a number of weather systems moving slowly across New England have brought cooler temperatures to low-altitude regions. Those systems help keep the atmosphere moist and the skies overcast, he said. That trend is likely to continue over the next few days, as a rainy system is expected to move across southern Maine beginning Thursday and would likely clear up by Saturday, ushering in a relatively dry and warm start to next week, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It'll be kind of short-lived Monday and Tuesday, and maybe we'll get more moisture," Cornwell said. But he noted that it was too early to say for sure, as there are "still plenty of solutions that could go either way, dry or wet." Keeping an eye on the long weekend, Cornwell said temperatures in the White Mountains in New Hampshire will be notably colder than in regions closer to sea level and urged hikers to plan for potentially shifting conditions. Below-freezing wind chills and snow accumulation are both likely at elevations above 3,000 feet, he said. That's just over the halfway point of Mount Katahdin, Maine's highest point, with an elevation of 5,269 feet. "The higher summits of the White Mountains will probably be getting wintry conditions through this period," Cornwell said. "It'll kind of feel like late spring, early summer down at sea level, but you get elevated and wind conditions get cooler fairly quick." Copy the Story Link Faisals view From the moment Air Force One landed in Riyadh to its departure from Abu Dhabi, US President Donald Trumps Middle East tour was met with a chorus of skepticism from several Western critics. Accusations of a bidding war between Gulf nations and pay-to-play politics dominated headlines, casting the trip as little more than transactional diplomacy devoid of strategic depth. But this narrative overlooks the deeper shifts unfolding in the region and oversimplifies the complexities of international relations. Saudi Arabia, the tours first stop, is not merely a wealthy oil producer seeking favor from Washington. Under the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, the kingdom is undergoing a seismic shift diversifying its economy, investing in technology, and positioning itself as a global hub for innovation. The milestone of welcoming 100 million tourists and the discovery of significant uranium and lithium reserves underscore Saudi Arabias commitment to a diversified and sustainable future. Similarly, the UAE and Qatar are charting their own paths toward modernization and economic diversification. These nations arent vying for attention through lavish spending but are actively pursuing partnerships aligned with their long-term strategic goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreements and investments announced during President Trumps visit totaling in the trillions are not gifts or bribes. They represent mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and regional stability. For instance, discussions around potential US-Saudi nuclear cooperation are not about favoritism, but about leveraging American expertise to support the kingdoms energy transition. Moreover, the US stands to gain significantly. By engaging directly with Gulf nations, it can secure lucrative deals for its companies, create jobs, and reinforce its strategic presence in a region rapidly becoming a nexus of global commerce and innovation. Critics have questioned the grand receptions afforded to President Trump, contrasting them with the more subdued welcomes given to previous US presidents. But diplomatic protocols often reflect the nature of the visit and the preferences of the visiting delegation. In Trumps case, the elaborate ceremonies were a testament to strong bilateral relationships and mutual respect between the US and its Gulf allies. One of the most significant aspects of the visit was Trumps candid acknowledgment of past US foreign policy missteps in the region. By admitting to errors stemming from both neoconservative and liberal interventions, he signaled a willingness to learn from the past and engage with the Middle East in a more respectful and constructive manner. This honesty was well-received by many in the Arab world, who have long sought a more balanced and understanding approach from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps decision to skip Israel sparked speculation about snubs or diplomatic tensions. But its more plausible the omission was strategic. With no significant breakthroughs to announce such as a ceasefire or peace deal a visit to Israel might have been premature. Furthermore, the complex dynamics between the US, Israel, and Gulf nations require careful navigation to ensure that progress on one front doesnt hinder advancements on another. The presidents affirmation of Saudi Arabias sovereignty and his respect for its conditions regarding the Abraham Accords particularly the recognition of a Palestinian state highlight a nuanced understanding of the regions realities. While the path to comprehensive peace remains fraught with challenges, the upcoming Saudi-led global coalition for a two-state solution, set to convene in France this summer, offers a glimmer of hope. By Tom Balmforth, Andreas Rinke, John Irish KYIV/BERLIN/PARIS (Reuters) -For Ukraine and its allies, who spent months trying to win Donald Trump over to their cause in the war started by Russia, it is back to square one. In a two-hour conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin late on Monday, the U.S. president dropped his earlier insistence on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire that he hoped would kickstart what promise to be long and tortuous peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine backed that proposal while Russia did not. Trump also signalled that the war he once promised to end in 24 hours was no longer his to fix - a message that leaves Ukraine vulnerable and its allies worried. It is another blow to Kyiv, coming less than three months after Trump's public falling out with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Since then, Europe's leaders have scrambled to repair the relationship and regain the initiative. In the weeks before the phone call, Trump had threatened to slap tougher sanctions on Russia if it did not show progress towards peace, a move Ukraine hoped would convince Putin to step back from his maximalist demands in any negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That "stick" approach is gone for now, replaced by the "carrot" of economic partnership with the United States if and when the war ends. "In the phone call on Sunday with European leaders, Trump had agreed on the proposed approach - ask for (an) unconditional ceasefire and apply sanctions if nothing is moving," said a European diplomat, speaking anonymously to be frank about Europe's disappointment. "But he obviously dropped this idea when he talked to Putin ... It is impossible to trust him for more than one day. He does not seem to be interested in Ukraine at all." Trump said Russia and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations toward ending the war, adding later that he thought "some progress is being made." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump spoke with European leaders including Zelenskiy after the Putin call, a person familiar with the discussion described the reaction to Trump's position as one of "shock." 'PLAYING FOR TIME' Ukraine and its European allies have presented a united front since Monday's call, announcing new sanctions on Russia and vowing to continue to engage with the United States. They do not discount the possibility that Trump may change his mind again. But mistrust of Putin runs high. His army is bigger than Ukraine's, it has been eking out gains along a 1,000-km (620-mile) front line for more than a year and Russia insists that any deal should reflect realities on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace," German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday. Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the London-based Chatham House think tank, agreed Putin was in no rush to negotiate a settlement. "For Russians, the battlefield and diplomacy are two sides of the same coin," she said. "Putin gets the upper hand on the battlefield through procrastination in diplomacy and by denying Europe an opportunity to ... organize itself." After speaking to Trump, Putin said Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord and that efforts to end the war that Russia began with its full-scale invasion in February 2022 were on the right track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. support has been key to Ukraine's ability to stave off defeat, and Trump's lurch away from his predecessor Joe Biden's support for Kyiv has left it scrambling to keep him engaged. The United States has been the biggest single contributor to Ukraine's war effort through tens of billions of dollars in military aid, and Kyiv relies on U.S. military intelligence to identify enemy targets and movements in real time. What happens to that support once the aid agreed under Biden runs out over the summer is a crucial question that Ukraine is seeking to answer. The United States has not made its position clear. Europe has promised to maintain direct aid and arms purchases, but the United States would have to agree to sell its weapons and there are some U.S. munitions that cannot be replaced, namely air defences and short-range guided missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also the economic pressure the U.S. could bring against Russia, whose economy has weathered Western sanctions on the energy and banking sectors, but which is showing signs of strain from the enormous costs of the war. DASHED HOPES As they have done since Trump returned to the White House, Ukraine's allies rallied around Zelenskiy after this latest diplomatic setback. But the outcome of Trump's phone call with Putin will be particularly hard to swallow because they saw signs they were starting to win him over to putting pressure on Moscow. Several times in March and April, Trump expressed frustration at Putin's apparent foot-dragging, questioned whether he was being played by the Russian leader and threatened tougher sanctions against Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stated positions between the U.S. and Europe remained far apart on key points including territory, but Kyiv viewed Trump's pronouncements as positive after the disastrous White House meeting in February when Zelenskiy and Trump publicly fell out. A minerals deal signed by Ukraine and the United States last month was viewed as a further sign of progress, as were recent negotiations in Istanbul where officials from Ukraine and Russia met directly for the first time in nearly three years. The disappointment on Tuesday was palpable. "It's one step forward, two or 10 steps back." said another European diplomat. "We will continue to pass messages to the Trump administration and push, push for it to pressure Russia." (Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London and lili Bayer in Brussels; Writing by Mike Collett-White; Editing by Rod Nickel) By Kate Holton, Andrew MacAskill and Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's pursuit of trade deals with the European Union and United States, while courting China, has made it a test case for navigating U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable new world order. A historically open nation, reliant on global commerce, Britain has secured several trade accords since Trump's sweeping tariffs unleashed a trade war. It negotiated a free trade deal with India, tariff relief from Washington and repositioned itself closer to the European Union on defence, energy and agriculture. The approach has tested the patience of the United States, China and the EU, three major trade powers that make up two-thirds of Britain's trade, and any limited economic benefits are likely to take time to emerge, analysts say. Martin Donnelly, formerly the chief civil servant in Britain's trade ministry, said there were no "easy or cheap wins" in the current environment and the government risked "being shut out by the three big trade blocs" if it gets the strategy wrong. In a fragmented world, trade analysts said Britain had accepted its role as a satellite in the United States' security and tech orbit, giving Washington oversight of some supply chains and steel ownership that could squeeze out China. It fended off U.S. demands for increased access to its food markets so it could align itself more closely with Brussels, with that deal eased by the EU's desire for tighter military ties with Britain. It is also trying to improve ties with China: to secure inward investment and consumer goods, to sell its financial services to China's elite, while trying to avoid sharing sensitive technologies that could anger the United States. Marco Forgione, head of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, said some of the 80,000 British businesses that export were already restructuring supply chains to ringfence high-risk sectors, including defence and AI. "They need a strategy that works with all major markets," he said, adding that an approach that deals with the EU, U.S. and China differently across sectors made sense, "but only if our partners see it as coherent and not opportunistic". One trade official, who has worked in London and Brussels, said Britain had extracted concessions from Trump that the U.S. president would be unwilling to give to Europe, and that it had also accepted a satellite status that would likely be anathema to Brussels. The official, who asked not to be named due to his government work, said the challenge ahead was to keep all partners on side. Director Rob Reiner reportedly lashed out at then-second gentleman Doug Emhoff last year while the two attended a debate watch party, exclaiming that the country was about to lose our fing democracy because of former President Bidens disastrous performance. The scene at the Los Angeles home of James Costos last June is depicted in Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, the book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson published Tuesday. The gathering had originally been planned as a fundraiser for the Biden Victory Fund, but then the debate was scheduled for the same night, so the hosts turned it into a fancy and hopefully fun debate watch party, with people sitting in three or four different rooms, the authors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the star-studded event with a crowd that included Reiner, Emhoff, actor Jane Fonda and Democratic Govs. Andy Beshear, JB Pritzker, and Gretchen Whitmer of Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan, respectively quickly became a debate watch horror show as Biden repeatedly and dramatically stumbled against President Trump. A few minutes into it, Reiner, in the main living room, stated plainly: We are fed!' Tapper and Thompson wrote of the 78-year-old When Harry Met Sally director, one of Hollywoods most vocal Trump critics. According to the book, Reiner became angry. Soon he was venting, standing, full of fury. He seemed to be looking at Emhoff. Daggers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to lose our fing democracy because of you! Reiner yelled. Because of me? Emhoff thought, the Original Sin authors wrote. Representatives for Emhoff and Reiner didnt return ITKs request for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Anna DuVall - DuVall Instagram Meteorologist Anna DuVall will join Cincinnati Fox affiliate WXIX in June. DuVall was the weekend forecaster at WVUA, a station owned by the University of Alabama. "I'm headed to Cincinnati! I'm excited to announce that I'll be joining FOX19 in June as their newest meteorologist," she posted on social media. According to Cincinnati media writer John Kiesewetter, shes the third meteorologist to join the station this year, after a few departures. May 19BEMIDJI Attendees of MMIW 218's second annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives conference exemplified the spirit of resilience as they marched through Bemidji on Saturday despite cold and rainy weather. The event, which expanded from a walk into a full-day conference last year, is held annually in May to honor the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raising signs showing photos of their loved ones, attendees walked from Paul Bunyan Park to the Sanford Center, where the conference took place. Following an opening ceremony that included a prayer and drum songs, participants had the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions focusing on topics like community organizing, domestic violence, healing for men and boys, two-spirit advocacy and talking circles. As attendees gathered in the ballroom for a panel ahead of the breakout sessions, emcee Christian Taylor-Johnson welcomed the crowd. "Today we're here to honor our stolen sisters, aunties, mothers, daughters, cousins, fathers, brothers, uncles, sons and our sacred two-spirits," he said. "We say their names, we hold their memory and we demand justice not just with hashtags and the occasional press conference but with our everyday presence, prayers, persistence and resilience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor-Johnson also took a moment to share the value of gathering while processing grief. "I am truly humbled to share and be in this very sacred space with you all today. We gather like this, not just to remember, but to rise and to learn," he said. "We all come carrying heavy hearts, sacred stories and the weight of generations, but also the strength of our ancestors, the love of our communities, and yes, even our perfectly timed side-eyes and our jokes that keep us breathing through the pain." Organizer Simone Senogles noted that although it was an unseasonably frigid day, organizers and participants have not historically been deterred by cold temps. MMIW 218 also holds a walk on Valentine's Day each year for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance, drawing community members outside to endure subzero temps in an effort to raise awareness. She recalled a moment before Saturday's walk where organizer Natasha Kingbird expressed the significance of persevering through the inclement weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Kingbird) said 'I want to be out here in this weather, if it's just one thing for me to spend an hour, or even all day, being cold and wet for our relatives then that's what I'll do,' and that's how it's always been for us," Senogles said. "We'll be out in 30-below weather on February 14th every year and we'll keep coming out, rain or shine, honoring our missing and murdered, remembering them, letting them know we're out here asking for help to find them." Throughout the plenary, a common theme was the importance of collecting data on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives in order to start creating solutions. Senogles noted a common phrase that states Indigenous people go missing three times: once in life, once in the media and once in the data. "It's crucial that we are seen in the data, that there is research about what's happening to us, that there are numbers that people can look at so that people notice and so that solutions can start to be formulated," she said. "Data collection, accurate and comprehensive data, is essential for understanding the scope of the problem and developing effective intervention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodwin noted that through increased MMIR advocacy efforts throughout the country, methods of data collection and analysis are slowly improving. "We just have more resources, we have more data, we have more information," she said. "So we're really able to identify connections, identify spots and points where we see the most MMIW happening." In the pursuit of gathering valuable data, organizer Audrianna Goodwin then introduced an interactive portion of the panel where attendees had the opportunity to answer poll questions via a QR code and see the results live on a screen at the front of the room. One of the questions tasked attendees with contributing to a word cloud to answer the question, "What are some reasons why Indigenous peoples experience violence at the rates we do?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following responses from the crowd, words that appeared in the cloud included racism, alcohol, fetishization and systematic disparities. Goodwin highlighted many of these themes, especially focusing on how patriarchy and historical trauma have lasting effects on the Indigenous communities and the MMIW epidemic. "When the United States government came here, they recognized how powerful women were. In other European communities, women didn't have the same respect and honor that we had in our communities and so that was a threat," she said. "They deliberately harmed the women in pursuit of our land, our resources." Tawny Smith Savage, violence prevention coordinator with Minnesota's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, discussed her role in educating young people about the topic. Holding up the MMIR bandana showing its logo a woman with a red handprint over her mouth Smith Savage noted that she often asks young people to describe the meaning of the imagery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of kids will say it represents violence, it represents the violence toward women, it represents murder," she said. "Those are tough topics for kids to acknowledge and talk about, but they're absolutely right, and it also represents ... the historic silencing that has happened in our communities." Smith-Savage noted the importance of educating young people about MMIR so they can begin to understand and identify the risk factors that contribute to the epidemic. "We have many youth that have so many risk factors out there right now and they're struggling. We want to make sure that we hold them close and we take care of them and get them the best information that we possibly can," she said. "Let's help our young people understand those risk factors and also empower parents to be able to put those skills in place for our youth who are vulnerable." She also described the process of how the office assists families of missing persons, including providing high-visibility vests and two-way radios to use in searches, as well as information on how to set up an incident command center and providing education on different apps that can be useful in grid searches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many times, you'll see families needing to do searches. They want to do searches," she said. "Sometimes law enforcement says they don't have enough time to do this ... We know our law enforcement offices are short-staffed and so families are going to search." In closing, Senogles expressed the importance of reconnecting with culture in order to change the narrative surrounding violence. "There's this intentional disconnection that was made to happen of Indigenous peoples from our culture," she said. "The boarding schools, the genocidal policies and practices, the violence, the disruption of our own education system, the disruption of our family system, the disruption of our government systems, all of those things were intentional to disconnect us from those things which make us strong." She also noted the connection that Indigenous peoples have with their language, using an example of the Ojibwe word mindimooyenh, which means "old lady" and translates to "the one who holds us together." "Our language holds respect for women in the way we even describe ourselves," she said. "Our language is our worldview. When we connect with that again, disrespect of women doesn't happen the same way." Texas homeowners are one step closer to a bigger tax break after the Texas House gave unanimous final approval to a set of legislative proposals Wednesday. House members approved bills aimed at giving homeowners relief on the property taxes they pay toward school districts, the biggest chunk of a property owners tax bill. Senate Bill 4 by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, would change the states homestead exemption, which reduces how much of a homes value can be taxed to pay for public schools, from $100,000 to $140,000. Senate Bill 23, another Bettencourt proposal, would raise a separate homestead exemption for homeowners who are older or have disabilities from $10,000 to $60,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate must sign off on changes the House made to the bills key priorities for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Texas Senate before they head to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk. Providing bigger tax breaks to homeowners is a key component of a deal brokered by Republicans in the Texas Legislature to lower tax bills for Texans, who pay among the highest property taxes in the country. The other major piece is giving business owners greater exemptions on their inventory. Texas is one of the few states that taxes businesses inventory. House Bill 9 by state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses inventory from being taxed by school districts, cities, counties or any other taxing entity. Under current law, businesses dont have to pay taxes on that property if its worth $2,500 or less. [Texas businesses feel the pinch from Trumps tariffs, Fed survey finds] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Senate approved that bill last week, and House members gave a thumbs-up Monday to changes that chamber made. House lawmakers shot down a push by the chambers more conservative members to boost the homestead exemption to $160,000. Supporters of the failed amendment argued that legislators could further tap the states $24 billion surplus to pay for greater relief. But other lawmakers stressed that state budget writers have only set aside enough money to pay to raise the exemption to $140,000. The owner of a home valued at $302,000 about the typical Texas home value last year, according to Zillow would have saved more than $500 on their 2024 school taxes had the $140,000 exemption been in place that year, according to a Tribune calculation. Thats when the exemption is combined with $3 billion in cuts to school tax rates proposed in the states upcoming two-year budget. Texas lawmakers plan to spend $51 billion on cutting property taxes over the next two years. State budget watchers and some lawmakers, including Republicans, worry that the state wont be able to afford tax cuts in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in November will have the final say on whether the tax relief takes effect. The changes must be approved by voters because they each involve amending the Texas Constitution. Lawmakers appear on track to pass their major property tax legislation before they leave Austin in June. Thats a marked difference from two years ago, when House and Senate leaders couldnt come to terms on a tax-cut deal before the clock ran out, forcing Abbott to call two special sessions to come to terms. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 1315 in Austin. Get your tickets today! AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin Police Department identified a woman who died in a two-vehicle crash that happened on FM 969 in east Austin last week, per a news release from the agency Tuesday. That woman was identified as 18-year-old Diana Hernandez Campuzano, according to police. 1 dead in east Austin head-on collision Around 9:15 a.m., May 17, officers responded to the crash in the 7400 block of Farm-to-Market 969 Road. The passenger in one of the vehicles was pronounced dead on the scene. Police said both drivers and an occupant of the other vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is now being investigated as Austins 31st fatal crash of 2025, according to police. No other details were available Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A California appeals court has ruled that the Temecula school district must immediately set aside its ban on critical race theory while litigation over it plays out in the California court system. The Temecula Valley Board of Education adopted the resolution prohibiting what it defined as critical race theory in December 2022. The field of critical race theory, known widely as CRT, examines the extent to which racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions. A group of parents, students and teachers had sought a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the conservative school boards policy, alleging the ban on the topic, in part, was "unconstitutionally vague" and has confused and intimidated teachers about what they could discuss in class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-judge panel for the 4th Appellate District said there was ample reason to put the policy on hold. "District teachers have experienced anxiety and confusion in knowing what is prohibited by the Resolution and fear extreme repercussions without guardrails for even accidental violations," Justice Kathleen E. O'Leary wrote. Read more: How a funding pause and renewed controversies could tank Californias ethnic studies mandate She added that the resolution "defined CRT as 'a divisive ideology that assigns moral fault to individuals solely on the basis of an individuals race and, therefore, is itself a racist ideology.' The Resolution operates as if this definition is universally accepted, but the text does not indicate where this definition is derived, or whether it is shared with anyone else besides the Board. This definition seems to represent the Boards subjective perception of CRT." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for the school district noted that the Monday ruling is a preliminary injunction and the case has yet to be heard on its merits. "Although we are disappointed with the courts decision, we remain committed to defending the constitutionality of Temecula Valley Unified School Districts actions," Julianne E. Fleischer said. "Critical race theory and its offshoots have no place in public institutions that are meant to serve all individuals equally. These ideas promote division, resentment, and a distorted view of history that punishes students and staff based on skin color rather than character." "We remain committed to defending lawful policies that reject this kind of racialized thinking and instead promote unity and equal treatment under the law," she said. Read more: Critical race theory ban at Temecula Valley Unified stands for now, judge rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Mangaser Savage, a Public Counsel attorney who sought the injunction, noted that it was granted, in large part, because the appeals court concluded her side is likely to prevail against the school district. "The courts decision puts a stop to the boards censorship of accurate information about American history, which placed Temecula students at a tremendous disadvantage relative to their peers across the state," Mangaser Savage said. An ally of the Temecula board offered a near opposite analysis. "Imprinting racist, subversive, harmful and false ideologies on children not only violates longstanding anti-discrimination civil rights law in many cases, but also usurps basic parental authority," said Julie Hamill, an attorney representing California Policy Center, which had submitted a legal brief in support of the Temecula school board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six other California school systems have adopted anti-CRT policies or resolutions, according to a UCLA Law School tracking project that was active through the end of 2024. In its action, the appeals panel reversed the ruling of trial court Judge Eric Keen, who had denied a request to halt the policy. In his eight-page ruling, Keen had rejected the argument that the ban was unclear, concluding that the boards resolution set out the specific elements that cant be taught. It seems clear to the court that a person of ordinary intelligence would have a reasonable opportunity to know what is prohibited as what is prohibited is set out specifically in the resolution, he wrote. But the appeals panel saw things completely differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court accepted the arguments from the plaintiffs that the resolution "fails to provide fair notice of the conduct proscribed and lacks sufficient definite standards of application, which leads to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement." Therefore, the Temecula policy is "unconstitutionally vague on its face because it employs ambiguous language, lacks definitions, is unclear in scope, is seemingly irreconcilable with state-mandated educational requirements, and contains no enforcement guidelines," O'Leary wrote. "Teachers are left to self-censor and potentially over-correct, depriving the students of a fully informed education and further exacerbating the teachers discomfort in the classroom," the justice wrote. A separate part of the lawsuit dealt with the board's policy of notifying parents about issues related to a student's gender identity. The panel said that issue was no longer in play because state law prohibits such automatic notification policies prioritizing instead the privacy rights of the student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Newsom signs bill banning schools from notifying parents about student gender identity This month, however, the school board will be discussing potential options to reinstate as much of the notification policy as possible. The Trump administration has policies that echo those of the Temecula school system on both critical race theory and parent notification. The administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from states and school systems that don't abide by Trump policies and executive orders. California, in turn, has challenged these policies and threats in court, led by state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, who also supported the legal challenge against Temecula Valley Unified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the appellate decision recognizes, the Curriculum Resolution was dramatically overbroad, including provisions that could be construed to bar lessons about discriminatory Jim Crow laws, segregation, racial inequalities in the criminal justice system, and the civil rights movement," Bonta's statement said. Temecula school board President Melinda Anderson said the district has not yet decided whether it will appeal the injunction. Making the ban comply with the leaning of the appeals court ruling would be challenging, she said, adding that she was speaking only for herself and not for the school district or other board members. "It would require precise language, alignment with state-mandated curriculum, a clear and fair enforcement process and full transparency," Anderson said. "I would also recommend sunshining any proposed version with the teachers union to ensure collaboration, legal compliance, and to avoid future disputes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: "The Trump administration shares similar goals in restricting CRT-related concepts in federal programs... However, federal views dont override Californias education laws or courts." The conservative leadership of the Temecula school system has pushed back repeatedly against the state's more liberal policies and sometimes had to backtrack. In one episode, the board rejected a state-sanctioned social studies curriculum that mentioned gay rights activist Harvey Milk but then reversed course. The reversal followed a series of contentious public meetings and a threat by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fine the district $1.5 million if it did not provide its elementary school students with new state-approved social studies books. 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. A 20-year-old Venezuelan man seeking a return to the United States after being sent to El Salvador won a legal victory over President Donald Trump's administration on Monday. A divided panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to leave in place an order directing the Trump administration to facilitate the man's return after a federal judge in Maryland determined that his deportation breached an existing legal settlement. The man, identified in court records by the pseudonym "Cristian," challenged his removal after he was sent in mid-March on a flight to El Salvador following President Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Trump appointee, found in April that Cristian's removal violated a class action settlement on behalf of individuals who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and later sought asylum. MORE: Timeline: Wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador The administration then asked the appellate court to reverse Gallagher's order, arguing that the directive to return Cristian to the U.S. "would impose serious foreign-policy harms on the Government and threaten the public interest, while doing nothing for Cristian," according to the government's court filings. Circuit Judges DeAndrea Gist Benjamin and Roger Gregory, writing for the panel's majority, rejected the administration's reasoning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The argument that the Government would be 'irreparably harmed' by facilitating Cristian's return rings hollow," Benjamin wrote. "Cristian's injury arises from the fact that instead of having his asylum application adjudicated on the meritsas the Settlement Agreement guaranteedhe was summarily removed," added Benjamin, a Biden appointee to the circuit court. PHOTO: US deports over 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador's mega-prison (Anadolu via Getty Images) The government argued in its motion to stay that removing Cristian under the Alien Enemies Act was not a breach of the settlement agreement, which was finalized in 2024. The government also challenged Gallagher's order on the grounds that an "Indicative Asylum Decision," issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) weeks after Cristian's deportation, determined he would be denied asylum because he is an admitted Tren de Aragua gang member, which he denies. The government also notes Cristian has a felony drug possession conviction in Harris County, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and Cristian's lawyers for a comment. MORE: Trump says 'I could' get Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador The appellate panel majority, however, determined that the "indicative" asylum decision, reached without an opportunity for Cristian to contest its findings, "was not an authentic change in factual circumstances." In a concurring opinion, Gregory, a Clinton appointee, criticized the Trump administration for its attempt to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to excuse its alleged breach of the settlement agreement in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government's argument in this case is that this plainly invalid invocation of the Act can be used to void any and all contractual obligations of the federal government. That cannot be -- and is not -- the rule of law," Gregory wrote. In his dissent, Circuit Judge Julius Richardson -- a Trump appointee -- argued that the district court's order exceeded its authority; and that returning Cristian to the United States would be futile, given the near-certainty that his application for asylum would be denied. "Still, it is in this case that the district court has directed the Executive to engage in specific diplomatic negotiations with a foreign power. Despite serious merits problems and little reason to think its order would help Cristian, the district court entered a more potent injunction than any other court has in the numerous Alien Enemies cases pending across the country." Richardson wrote. The Trump administration could now ask the full 4th Circuit Court of Appeals to review the case or petition for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Appeals court sides with Venezuelan man seeking return to US from El Salvador originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Arizona Public Service gravy train just keeps on a-chuggin. Having won protection from liability in utility-caused wildfires from the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Katie Hobbs. And gotten permission to force ratepayers rather than shareholders to pay its debts, also courtesy of the Legislature and Hobbs. The for-profit utility now turns hand out, palm up to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yep, APS wants yet another rate increase. Thats not to be confused with last years 8% rate increase or with last years new charge on customers with rooftop solar. APS profits are soaring. But they need more cash? All this, as APSs profits are soaring. APS parent Pinnacle West Capital Corp. enjoyed $608.8 million in profits in 2024, up from $501.6 million the previous year. Id ask Arizona's leaders how much is enough for the companys 1.4 million captive customers to endure, but really, why bother? Our leaders appear to be wholly owned by the states most powerful utility. Recently, we learned that Hobbs banked $100,000 from APS last year for her secret legal fund a sweet gift that slipped into public view not because she disclosed it but because APS was forced to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporting requirement was imposed on the utility after it secretly spent more than $10 million a decade ago to elect an APS-friendly commission of state regulators. But I digress. APS' donations to Hobbs, lawmakers was well spent That $100,000 gift to Hobbs secret slush fund last year is on top of $250,000 that Pinnacle West ponied up to help fund her $207,000 inauguration celebration in 2023. And on top of $21,400 in campaign contributions to Hobbs gubernatorial campaign including $5,800 in January, just as the Legislature was convening to consider shielding APS from liability in utility-caused wildfires and allowing it to stick customers with debt previously shouldered by shareholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also on top of last years $50,000 donation to the Democratic Governors Association and another $25,000 to the Arizona Democratic Partys Governors Fund. None of which should be confused with Pinnacle Wests combined $50,000 in contributions last year to Republican and Democratic legislative campaign committees. Or the $50,000 to the Arizona Republican Party. And still more to certain legislators campaigns including $1,000 every year to the sponsor of the wildfire protection and debt transfer bills, Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford. (The exception was in 2020, when she got $2,000.) Clearly, its been money well spent. Days later, APS filed for another rate hike So, now comes APS with its request to raise rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, APS notified the commission of its desire to raise rates. The paperwork was filed on May 15, just two and three days after Hobbs signed the two APS bills. We understand its never easy to hear that bills may go up in the future, APS says on its website, along with the usual litany of customer commitments including my personal favorite, to keep costs as low as possible. Opinion: APS needs more power - and not just to beat the heat Fortunately, APS can no longer funnel campaign contributions to corporation commissioners, another byproduct of the utility's past political skullduggery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wont know until June 13 how much of our money the utility wants, but dont look for the all-Republican commission to put up much of a fight. Remember Kate Korman? Regulators won't question much Consider that it took the commission a year to even decide to investigate the circumstances surrounding APS cutting power to an 82-year-old Sun City West customer on a 99-degree day in May 2024. Six days later, Kate Korman was found dead in her home. Consider how Corporation Commission Vice Chairman Nick Myers sprang quickly to APS defense when the story became public last month. Myers said the commission had already reviewed the situation and found no problem with APS actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APS, Myers declared, did above and beyond what they needed to before cutting off the old lady. I dont feel it is a utilities responsibility to keep everyone alive, Myers wrote in an April 29 social media post. They are not doctors. Nope, theyre engineers, expertly driving that gravy train, with frequent stops at your wallet. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social. Like this column? Get more opinions in your email inbox by signing up for our free opinions newsletter, which publishes Monday through Friday. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona utility wants yet another shameful rate increase | Opinion JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Richland School District Superintendent Arnold Nadonley stressed several times during Mondays school board meeting that no elementary school building project had been slated. But the board heard from architects about what that undertaking may look like and cost. The idea of tonight is to just illustrate the overall need of the building, HHSDR Architects Vice President Jonathan Finn said. He and H.F. Lenz Principal John Weiland provided an overview of potential schematic designs for the elementary school, which was a comprehensive plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those included redesigned spaces for art and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); a new gymnasium; additional classrooms and restrooms on both floors in the back of the building; new bus and parent drop-off routes; a new office suite in the front; and a pre-kindergarten wing on the Schoolhouse Road side with a separate entrance. Included in that work would be infrastructure improvements, such as potentially zoned HVAC with an overhead system; plumbing and electrical updates; and an air-cooled chiller system. Kelly Lashinsky, elementary principal, and Director of Facilities John Ribarich provided supporting reasons for the project. Lashinsky said theres no space to establish a pre-K, which is a goal of Richlands; some targeted instruction has to be handled in hallways because of space constraints; theres no dedicated music area, which is why a modular office space was acquired for outside the building; the cafeteria is too small because its shared space with the gym; and theres no classroom space to accommodate growing class sizes, to name a few. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were like sardines in there, Lashinsky said. According to Pennsylvania Department of Education data, Richland is projected to reach a roughly 20-year peak enrollment of 1,682 in the 2029-30 school year with the pre-K addition. In the 2025-26 term, the district is expected to have 1,567 students, which represents a steady five-year increase from 2020-21, when there were 1,480 students in attendance. Some of Ribarichs main concerns included an aging HVAC system, old windows and a roof thats in need of replacement. He told the board hes concerned about water infiltration every time theres a heavy rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were pushing our luck now, Ribarich said. Finn said there are a lot of aspects to consider with a possible project and this is not an endeavor to take lightly. The building is definitely in need of attention, he said. Finn added thats not to mean it isnt well-maintained, which it is. The oldest portion of the elementary opened in 1962, with the newest section in 1996. If the district were to approve the comprehensive plan, that could cost around $57.5 million with additional soft costs of roughly $9 million. There are also potential additions and removals that could impact the cost, such as limiting renovations, development of a multipurpose field and a second playground, parking and a district record storage addition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A possible timeline could include design development completed in February 2026 with one year of construction engineering to follow, bids going out in May 2027, construction starting in June 2027 and a total completion goal of January 2029. Nadonley said the district would explore a variety of financing options should the board choose this path. He also said an elementary improvement project could be done in phases and not all at once. The Jefferson County Courthouse in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The city of Pine Bluff will use a $500,000 federal grant to assess multiple brownfields in its downtown district and develop cleanup plans, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. Brownfields are a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, according to the EPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds will be used to conduct environmental site assessments throughout the city, with a focus on the Saenger Theatre, Hotel Pines and the former Pine Bluff Bus Terminal. Four cleanup plans and a revitalization plan will be prepared using the grant money, according to a news release. The grant is part of the EPAs larger 2025 brownfields grant funding announcement, which saw the agency award more than $200 million. Pine Bluff was the only applicant in Arkansas to receive a grant during this round of funding. Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers said the city is extremely excited to further its downtown revitalization plans, with the assistance of the grant. Were excited, and were going to make good use of those funds for the people of Pine Bluff, Flowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Lori Walker Guelache, director of the citys Economic and Community Development Department, said the grant money will go toward figuring out redevelopment plans for the three priority properties and area-wide planning. The efforts downtown are part of a broader city revitalization plan. A key component of the downtown revitalization efforts, Guelache said, is understanding whats feasible and how. The purpose of the assessment grant is to help come up with viable uses, to make sure that we understand what barriers there would be to the site in terms of environmental contaminants or anything like that, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The downtown area has historic building stock that has suffered from years of neglect. The city wants to work to change that, Guelache said. The assessments will likely reveal asbestos in Saenger Theatre, and there could be asbestos or lead paint in Hotel Pines or the former bus terminal due to their age, Guelache said. Surveyors will look at the historic uses of the buildings to determine what, if any contamination there will require remediation, she said. The hotels current owners envision transforming it into a boutique hotel, Guelache said, while the Saenger Theatre could be used as a stage theater, movie theater or a combination of both. Not only will this put the city closer to putting the properties back into use, Guelache said, but it will also help preserve unique aspects of downtown Pine Bluffs history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An article republished in Arkansas Historical Quarterly referred to Pine Bluff as a paradise of the South for Black people in the late 1800s to early 1900s, Guelache said, because of the privileges that people of color enjoyed during that period. While other communities had established racially segregated business districts, we have evidence in old city directories and old maps that Pine Bluff there were Black businesses operating beside white businesses on Main Street, Guelache said. Its like, Why preserve these buildings? Outside of who operated out of them, its the bigger story of why our downtown is important. By preserving and restoring to use historically and culturally significant buildings, the city hopes to highlight and showcase Pine Bluffs past, Guelache added. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Protect AR Rights, a coalition of advocacy groups, is proposing a constitutional amendment called the Arkansas Ballot Measure Rights Amendment. The amendment aims to certify and restore the right of Arkansas citizens to propose and sign ballot measures and collect signatures. This past legislative session they passed such a big package of bills it essentially killed the ballot measure process for grassroots Arkansans, said Bill Kopsky with Protect AR Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas coalition submits proposed ballot initiative to overturn legislative changes to referendum law New laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature include requirements such as ballot titles being read aloud to a signer, canvassers signing an affidavit stating they complied with the Arkansas Constitution and petition signers presenting a photo ID. State Sen. Kim Hammer (R-Benton) sponsored some of the legislation and said it strengthens the ballot initiative process. He said there is ample evidence of abuse of the system. I dont think theyre strict regulations, I think theyre regulations that make sure the process is at the highest level of integrity and that it brings safeguards into place that make sure that when someone signs that or somebody is asking for that to be signed, that every signature is counted for the value of the signature itself, Hammer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kopsky said the new laws drag out the petition process and make it harder to get an initiative on the ballot. He believes the legislation is part of a broader effort to limit citizen participation in the legislative process. The Arkansas Legislature has been trying to strip away the rights of Arkansas citizens to use the ballot measure process to change the laws, Kopsky said. ACLU representing two groups hoping to join Arkansas ballot bill lawsuit Hammer pushed back on criticisms, saying the intent behind the new rules is to protect the integrity of the process. The question of motive should not be on us, should be on those who are trying to stop what is going to bring about a clearer process, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot title has been submitted to the Attorney Generals office for review. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Note: This story was edited to change the term audit to investigation. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. An investigation by the Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners has found irregularities in Pulaski County voter records. The investigation found that 132 voter records for the 2024 election were inappropriately changed by an employee of the county clerks offices voter registration department. The error led to the affected voters being assigned the wrong precinct and, in turn, being listed for the wrong ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last day of early voting sees long lines in Pulaski County The investigation found four of the 132 affected voters had cast a ballot before the error was discovered and corrected. The unnamed employee has been removed from voter registration duties and soon after resigned. The investigation found that the typical procedure is for voting locations to call in needed changes to voter street files. The procedure that follows is that the person taking the call reports the needed change to the call center supervisor, who, in turn, advises the voter registration office. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders casts vote early in 2024 election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators found that, in this case a deputy clerk brought in to help during the election changed street files without following the first step of alerting the supervisor. When confronted with the policy violation, the deputy clerk, who had served in that role for 20 years, resigned. In testimony before the investigators, Pulaski County and Circuit Assistant Chief Deputy over election Candace Edwards said the 132 changes were found on Oct. 23, 2024, after 3 p.m. and were corrected by 3:14 p.m. The improper changes were initially made on Oct. 21, 2024, at 6:47 p.m., she testified. She further testified that the office had developed a system to prevent individuals from making changes independently. Still, the systems technical limitations allowed the deputy clerk to act without authorization. Further changes have been made to prevent call center workers from being able to access records to change them, Edwards said in testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resolution filed in Arkansas legislature to remove party primary voting The state commission recommended that the Pulaski County Clerks Office be issued a letter of warning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Renee Junkin and her father thought they had found the perfect buyer for her 2011 Jeep Wrangler after listing it on Facebook Marketplace, but what started as a typical sale quickly turned into a financial nightmare. She says the two men pulled up and began chatting about the car, but then she noticed more people involved. They had my daughters demeanor, I mean everything about her Morrilton couple targeted by scam impersonating daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We talked for a minute, and when I went around the Jeep, I saw three other people inside the SUV they arrived in, Junkin said. After a short test drive, the buyer returned with unexpected news. Hes like, Its smoking, its leaking oil, Junkin said. I was extremely puzzled. Went to the back of the Jeep oil is pouring out of the exhaust. Went to the front of the Jeep oil is pouring. Junkin said the vehicle was in good shape before the test drive. She later did some research and discovered she might have been the target of a scam. According to car-buying service SellMax, a growing scam involves fake buyers who intentionally sabotage vehicles during test drives often pouring oil into the engine or coolant system to create the illusion of a major mechanical failure. The aim is to pressure the seller into slashing the price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyft customers being charged for fake damage, investigation finds FOX 16s sister station, KUSI in San Diego, previously reported on similar incidents. One anonymous victim described a nearly identical experience. As soon as he pulled up, I could see three guys in the van, the man said. I told my wife, Shut the garage. Dont come outside. I just knew I was not in a good situation. The scheme, sometimes referred to as the smoking car or car oil scam, typically involves teams of people. While one person distracts the seller, another may tamper with the vehicle. The supposed buyer then returns from a test drive claiming to know exactly whats wrong with the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He goes, Theres oil in your coolant, and I said, What? The guy tells us, Its a cracked head gasket. Junkin said the men insisted the Jeep needed thousands of dollars in repairs. When she hesitated, things escalated. He got a little aggressive No, no, no I want the Jeep, she said. He was very stern. The guy with him had the cash and was just as firm. Under pressure, she sold the Jeep for $5,500 nearly $10,000 less than she had hoped to get. She has been unable to contact the buyer since. How did you feel when you accepted this money that was so much less than you intended? she was asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sick to my stomach, she said. Frustrated. Confused. I just couldnt understand what had happened to the Jeep. BBB warns of big ticket item scams on Facebook Marketplace Junkin hopes her story will serve as a warning to others: Be cautious when selling a vehicle online. Always meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and dont be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) An armed robbery suspect was arrested after a chase with deputies in Escambia County, Florida. Two Lillian women killed in multi-vehicle crash in Elberta Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons announced the arrest on Monday afternoon at a press conference, and investigators believe the suspect is responsible for several robberies in the area. Surveillance video shows the moments of an armed robbery around 11 p.m. Sunday at the Raceway on Airport Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies located the suspect, identified as Deshawn Isaiah Donson, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Thats when deputies said Donson led them on a chase. That chase ended in the West Florida Hospital parking lot when a deputy rammed into the side of his vehicle. Inside that vehicle, deputies said they found a gun and a bag full of cash. Investigators believe Donson is responsible for a number of robberies in Escambia County and Pensacola in 2024 and 2025. We were aware of Donson and were conducting surveillance, and we were keeping track of where Donson was coming and going, Simmons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ECSO shared photos that they believe show Donson robbing other convenience stores in the area. Donson was arrested and charged with armed robbery and fleeing. Simmons anticipates Donson will face additional charges as the investigation continues. I can simply tell you that his robbery spree is over, Simmons said. Thats what youre going to get if you rob businesses or rob people here in Escambia County. Gulfarium releases 3 sea turtles after weeks of special care Simmons said several agencies have been involved in the investigation including the FBI, the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 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. Employees at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services were required to sign nondisclosure agreements and discouraged from cooperating with investigators trying to uncover the roots of the agency's financial crisis, a new state report contends. The report issued by state Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd says agency leaders kept workers in the dark, skipped out on meetings, locked down an administrative floor, employed armed security guards and threatened employees during meetings. The report did not disclose any details about the alleged threats. It blamed the agency's financial problems in part on "pressure due to the current tone at the top of the agency." The findings from the state auditor came on Tuesday, May 20, one day after Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the release of a different report he commissioned into the agency. That report, produced by a public accountant, found the agency had a $29.9 million budget hole and recommended the agency make several changes to improve its finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the release of that report, Stitt reiterated his support for Commissioner Allie Friesen, saying she has navigated the agency's financial issues admirably. Friesen told lawmakers in April that she inherited a "chaotic" agency. In May, she said it demoralizes the agency's workforce when the rhetoric shifts to blame those "brave enough to confront years of likely fraudulent and grossly unethical behavior." More: Oklahoma lawmakers concerned mental health agency funding issues could shut down clinics When asked about Byrd's report, a spokesperson for the agency said it is under review. Maria Chaverri, the department's communications coordinator, said agency officials had created a large table of diverse external experts to help shed light and end "years of corruption." "We are reviewing Cindy Byrds document, and we look forward to the additional contributions from third party investigators and financial auditors in the coming months," Chaverri said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrd's nine-page report was critical of the department's leadership, though it did not mention Friesen by name. Byrd said the report looks into the short-term needs of the agency, adding that it's not the final investigative audit. Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen, center, testifies during an April 2025 legislative hearing. The departments finances are at the center of multiple investigations as lawmakers sort out how much money the agency will need to sustain itself through the fiscal year, which ends in June. How much money does Oklahoma's mental health agency need? The report landed two weeks after Stitt requested the audit, citing concerns about potential long-term patterns of financial mismanagement at the mental health agency. Lawmakers and other state officials have been trying to figure out how the agency's financial crunch became so severe that it is about to run out of funding. The agency needs more money to make it through fiscal year 2025, which ends in June, and the amount it needs to stay afloat keeps changing. The state auditor's report found that the agency needs $28.7 million. It lists several factors for the financial disarray, including that management: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failed to tell employees about internal events that employees then learned about through the news. Changed supervisory structures, leading to employees being unaware of who their supervisor is and having to find out online. The report also cites the governor's request for agencies to maintain a flat budget as impacting the mental health department's budget request, along with the agency's difficulty explaining "misunderstood" needs related to topics like Medicaid growth and payments for pending reimbursement claims. The report says the agency used $9.4 million of fiscal year 2025 funds for 2024 expenses, leaving it to start the current year in a deficit. It blames the increased state match amount for Medicaid, along with "questionable past spending" listing as examples the purchases of Narcan vending machines, the 988 help line's promotional costs and the paused Donahue Behavioral Health campus construction project. The agency's financial issues grew along with its spending, the report found, including a 204% increase between 2018 and 2024 for professional services expenses. Additionally, overall payroll costs increased by 49% over the same time period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found that between January 2024, when Friesen was appointed by Stitt, and April 2025, 38 people were hired with salaries of at least $100,000, including 21 executive positions and 17 medical positions. There were also 376 pay raises greater than 10% in the same time period, amounting to an annual rate of $4,073,948, according to the report. The mental health agency also did not budget for $4.2 million in Medicaid recoupments as staffers were not aware in advance that they were coming, according to the report. The transition to managed care resulted in several changes to processes at the mental health department, according to the report, causing a lag in both billing and payments after implementation began in April 2024. Byrd's report includes preliminary recommendations for the agency, including hiring a qualified chief financial officer with state government experience and scrutinizing recent and ongoing terminations to ensure they are not retaliatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report that Stitt announced on Tuesday, May 20, was produced by public accountant David Greenwell and also called for a chief financial officer at the agency, along with increasing transparency through dashboards and public reporting. The accountant also recommended that the agency adopt a streamlined software accounting system, review indirect expenses and update ethical guidelines. Oklahoma lawmakers consider one-time appropriation to mental health agency The department is set to receive a supplemental payment of about $31.4 million from the state to stay afloat until the next fiscal year. House Bill 2766, the general appropriations bill, will be heard on the Senate floor later this week and would appropriate $27.4 million to the mental health department for payroll. The bill would also redesignate $4.1 million for payroll from the funds appropriated to the agency last year. The funding is part of the Legislature's plan to stop the bleeding at the agency, said Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, last week when lawmakers announced the state's proposed budget for 2026. The Legislature would potentially follow up the emergency one-time appropriation with another infusion of money at the beginning of the next legislative session, Caldwell added. That money would be on top of the agency's $403 million proposed budget for 2026. Read the full report If you are unable to view the report below, click here. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma mental health agency leaders threatened worker, report says Army aviation leaders were caught off guard by some of the sweeping changes to the services overall force structure and are now scrambling to align plans with the top brass shifting vision, which includes abrupt moves to cancel or scale back key programs like a modernized aircraft engine, spy planes and larger runway-dependent unmanned aircraft. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll issued memos within a day of each other earlier this month announcing major changes to command structure and formations and changes to acquisition and modernization efforts, including canceling programs while boosting others. But, despite the surprise, leaders across the aviation branch said they are embracing change and working to shape the role aviation will play in future operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement from the top was a little abrupt, Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commander of the Armys Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, Alabama, told reporters at the Army Aviation Association of Americas annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last week. Some of the decisions that were made were not exactly what we had proposed, but they were decisions in the context of the folks in the Pentagon who are looking at the entirety of the Army budget, the priority systems which are not all aviation-centric, Gill said. I would even argue that were not the Armys priority. Were looking at air-and-missile defense, counter-[unmanned aircraft systems], UAS protection, he said, adding that with a fixed budget, decisions on what to prioritize are tougher. Its no surprise that the Army made some tough cuts. Some of them were just maybe deeper than we thought they were going to be, Gill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some portions of the restructuring effort demonstrate how the Army is looking to transform its aviation capability, which begins with divesting old equipment. The service was already deep into that effort, Gill noted. Toward the end of 2023, the Army decided to trim its UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter fleet by 8%. Months later, it canceled its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft competition before selecting a winner to build prototypes. It also divested its Lima and Victor model UH-60s in favor of modernizing the services most capable variant, the Mike model. The service was already working on ways to end the AH-64 Delta-model Apache attack helicopter fleet and move over to a pure fleet of the most modernized version, the Echo-model. All the Army Transformation Initiative did was accelerate, Gill said. They made some very clear decisions that sort of answered a bunch of [requests for information] that we had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the new cuts, the Army has decided to end procurement of the Gray Eagle UAS for the active force, cancel a competitive effort to replace the Shadow UAS with a new Future Tactical UAS and halve the number of new spy planes it planned to buy as part of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, or HADES, program. The Army also said it plans to cease developing the Improved Turbine Engine Program, a decades-long effort to replace the engines in Black Hawks and Apaches. The ITEP engine powered a Black Hawk in a hover for the first time last week. The Army also plans to inactivate one air cavalry squadron per combat aviation brigade in the active component and said it would cancel the planned activation of the 12th CAB, according to an Army execution order obtained by Defense News. Aviation leadership had teed up a number of options related to equipment and formations and had already shared them with Army leadership, Gill said. The branch was supposed to head into an Army Requirements Oversight Council meeting this month with some of those proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think with some of those proposals, all this did was accelerate a whole bunch of staff churn and just say, Hey, heres where we are, he said. Even so, Gill noted, We only got this two weeks ago, and so we dont know all the details of it. I think our job, collectively, as is the case for the rest of the Army, is to do mission analysis on what we were told to do and then provide options to senior leaders, and in some cases, itll be ways that we can execute exactly what they told us to do. And it might be even like, you know, saying, Hey, here are all the consequences. Is that still the order? While some decisions may have been surprising, Army aviation leaders said they acknowledge the need for change across the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to divest faster, and we need to iterate and procure and probably continue to iterate and procure on newer technologies that we think are emerging, given the context of the operating environment that we see both east and west of us, Gill said. One of the newer priorities for the Army within the aviation portfolio is to accelerate the services planned procurement of a Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, which Textrons Bell is building in the prototyping phase. The goal now is to try to deliver some production-level platforms to soldiers by 2028 instead of in 2031. The Army is also planning to focus on developing and rapidly fielding UAS and launched effects across the force to operate at different echelons and across a wide variety of mission sets. As Army aviation becomes a more complex array of manned, unmanned and uncrewed systems, branch leadership is working to design a force that relies more heavily on sending drones forward on the battlefield rather than manned aircraft to do some of the missions manned aircraft used to do, like armed reconnaissance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of an initiative begun by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George over a year ago, the service started a transformation in contact initiative where units were given new capabilities and free rein to use them extensively during exercises to see what works and what doesnt and how new equipment might work in various formations. A large focus of the effort was on bringing UAS into the fold at the brigade level. George also pushed for a new, more flexible way to fund UAS procurement rapidly and more often. The aviation branch is absolutely changing the ways weve been doing business, Brig. Gen. David Phillips, the Armys program executive officer for aviation, said at the Army Aviation Association of America conference last week. Were executing in ways that we havent before by building these tranches of capability a lot faster and thats in every level of UAS space today, Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We always joke that two things change the outcome of programs elections and wars, Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, the Armys G-3/5/7 aviation director, said. We just had an election and well have another in four years and well have a change of Congress in two years. All of those things impact our ability to do what the Army wants to do and we have to work within that constraint, he added. I think youll see some of that play out here over the next few months, Braman noted. A Quincy man accused of helping a Brockton homicide suspect evade capture was arraigned in Brockton District Court Tuesday, May 20, the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office announced in a written statement. David Mosley-Lott, 32, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges alleging he assisted 22-year-old Davinci Leonard, who police identified as the suspect in the double fatal Brockton shooting that killed Tymari Alberton, 15, and Cevannah Alvarez, 18. As of May 20, Leonard is still a fugitive from justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosley-Lott was charged with accessory after the fact and intimidation of a witness and was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on May 29. Two people were shot outside of Chipotle and Starbucks Coffee on Westgate Drive in Brockton on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Double fatal shooting of teens: What happened? Brockton Police received a report of a shooting outside the Chipotle on Westgate Drive on the evening of March 22. Upon arrival, they found two victims, Cevannah Alvarez, 18, and Tymari Albertson, 15, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims succumbed to their injuries. Leonard, who was identified by officials as the shooting suspect, fled the scene. During an interview with police, Mosley-Lott admitted to picking Leonard up in Boston on March 25, three days after the shooting, and letting him sleep at his home in Quincy, the DA's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also allegedly instructed a woman accompanying Leonard to dispose of her cell phone after law enforcement attempted to contact her, leading to the witness intimidation charge. The murder suspect, one Davinci Leonard, still at large, considered armed and dangerous, shown on a TV screen at the Plymouth County District Attorney's office on Monday, March 24, 2025. DA Cruz emphasized if anyone sees this man, do not approach, but call the police right away. Police ask public's help in finding Davinci Leonard Brockton Police and the Massachusetts State Police continue to search for Leonard, who was added to the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Fusion Centers Wanted List in April, the DA's office said. Leonard faces two counts of murder, and one count each of carrying a loaded firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm without a license. Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the capture of Leonard to contact Massachusetts State Police at 508-894-2584. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Shooting near Brockton mall: Man charged with helping suspect hide PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The suspect of a murder in Old Town was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on Sunday, according to Portland police. Sean B. Gunton, 55, is accused of shooting 49-year-old Froilan Ortiz at NW Naito Parkway near the Steel Bridge around 7 a.m. on May 11. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor Ortiz was found dead in the street when officers arrived. A medical examiner determined he had died of homicide by gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunton also faced charges of unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. An undated photo of Froilan Ortiz. (PPB) An undated photo of Froilan Ortiz. (PPB) Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Portland Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (NEXSTAR) The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan. 6 rioter who was fatally shot by police during the 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to multiple reports on Monday. The Washington Post first reported the settlement, citing two people briefed on the matter who said the Trump administration has agreed to it, with roughly one-third of the money going to the lawyers representing Babbitts family. I am extremely disappointed and disagree with this settlement. In 2021, the DOJ investigation determined no wrongdoing by police. This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours, Tom Manger, the outgoing U.S. Capitol Police chief, said in a statement to The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement follows a $30 million lawsuit Babbitts family filed last year. Husband of deceased Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt files wrongful death suit against government The Babbitt familys lawyers and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Hill also requested comment from a former lawyer for the Babbitt family, who intervened in the case to be paid for past work. Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, was unarmed when she was shot by the police lieutenant when she tried to climb through the door as others in the mob pressed to get into the lobby outside the House chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleged that the officer, who was not in uniform, failed to deescalate the situation and did not give her any warnings or commands before opening fire. It also alleged negligence on the part of Capitol Police. The lawsuit said the department should have known that the officer was prone to behave in a dangerous or otherwise incompetent manner. Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone, the lawsuit said. The Capitol Police officer said in a televised interview that he fired as a last resort. When he pulled the trigger, he said, he had no idea whether the person jumping through the window was armed. President Trump in January pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or ordered the dismissal of all of the cases of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes in the riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ella Lee and The Associated Press contributed to this report, which was last updated at 7:45 p.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Shekar Reddy, along with his family owns three restaurants in the Bloomington-Normal area, Bloom Bawarchi Indian Restaurant & Bar, Bloom Barista and Flame @ Bloom. We wanted to give this community the best Indian food experience with a full bar, he said. We are number one in central Illinois, serving the best Indian food. Originally from India, Reddy came to Bloomington in 2009 to work for State Farm Insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worked for almost eight to nine years in the IT industry. I started my own IT company, said Reddy. From there, we opened up a restaurant in 2020 exactly during COVID. Despite opening Bloom Bawarchi during a global pandemic, Reddy saw enough success to open a second restaurant. He opened Bloom Barista in 2022 and then Flame @ Bloom. Its not just for money, its a passion. So with every restaurant we want to maintain that quality, consistency and the taste where people come back again and again, he said. Honoring Black History: Celebrating lasting love with the Bakers Attracting multicultural crowds, there are hundreds of items to choose from across the three restaurants. Dishes include butter chicken, various masalas, Indo-Chinese fusion, biryani, Latin American inspired food and much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just an Indian restaurant. We have all ethnicities visiting. We have an American crowd, an African crowd, and a Mexican crowd, said Reddy. Were very much proud to say we made that happen. Every person likes our food. Reddy said he loves the support from the community and if you havent tried his food yet then you are missing out. People come from different places. They come from St. Louis, Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg just to have food here, he said. But if youre staying in Bloomington and youre not coming and tasting this food that means you are missing something. So, just give it a shot. Definitely you guys are going to love it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Harris County police arrested Steven Eberly, 36, after a man he hired as a mover discovered a dead body The mover allegedly discovered the dead body inside a box Eberly had asked him to help move Eberly was arrested after chasing the mover, who had fled the Houston-area home in his truck after discovering the body A man hired to move furniture at a home in Houston made a shocking revelation last Friday, leading to the arrest of a murder suspect who allegedly chased the mover down in a hectic scene that left the suspect bloodied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a statement over the weekend that authorities arrested Steven Eberly after receiving multiple 911 calls about a dramatic scene playing out near Eberlys home in Houston. Eberly, 36, had allegedly hired a local man to help him move furniture at his house on May 16, according to Sheriff Gonzalez. The man was in the process of helping Eberly move a heavy box on his driveway when he noticed a deceased individual inside the box he and Eberly were attempting to move. According to home surveillance video obtained by KPRC, the man jumped back into his pickup truck and attempted to flee the scene after discovering the dead body. Eberly then chased the man down as he was driving away, reportedly jumping onto the truck bed and attempting to break the windows of the vehicle in order to stop the man from getting away. The scene ended when the mans truck struck another vehicle, resulting in Eberly injuring and bloodying his head. Harris County Sheriffs Office Lieutenant Abraham Alanis said at a news conference later outside the home that authorities took Eberly into custody as he was walking back to his house, still with blood on his head. Harris County Sheriff's Office Steven Eberly Steven Eberly Eberly was later taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation before being officially arrested and charged with murder, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris County inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE show Eberly remains in custody on a $2 million bond on the murder charge. He was also charged with tampering with evidence and attempting to take an officer's weapon, county jail records show. This was a strange one, Sheriff Gonzalez said in a statement Sunday, adding that officials determined the deceased individual at the home was a contractor who had been working at the home. 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 victim was identified as Luis Silva Mendez, USA Today reported. The outlet added that a motive has yet to be determined by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes just somebody thats probably taking care of his family that had to do housework and had to do mowing and theres no way that what happened to him should have happened, a neighbor told local KPRC. Read the original article on People Assaults against ICE officers are up 400 percent since this time period last year, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said Tuesday. Lyons, a native of South Boston and a graduate of Boston College High School in Dorchester, said the surge in assaults on federal law enforcement officers is, in part, due to politicians including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz who are careless with their politically motivated rhetoric. Walz, during a commencement speech over the weekend, compared federal law enforcement agents carrying out President Trumps immigration crackdown to a World War II-era Nazi police force, The Hill reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps modern-day Gestapo is scooping folks up off the streets, Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee last fall, said during the University of Minnesota Law School graduation Saturday, the newspaper reported. On Tuesday, Lyons released a statement denouncing Walzs comments. On the final day of National Police Week when those brave enough to put on a badge and a uniform mourn their fallen brothers and sisters Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referred to my professional, hard-working ICE agents and officers as modern-day Gestapo," Lyons said. This abhorrent, dehumanizing and ignorant comment should not be tolerated, Lyons said. It seems that Mr. Walz prefers violent criminal aliens are released into Minnesotas communities. If the governor doesnt like the laws, hes free to advocate that Congress change them, but he should refrain from putting ICE officers in danger by likening them to one of the most appalling groups in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyons added: He should issue an immediate apology to the men and women protecting his communities. Lyons comments came days after U.S. Attorney Leah Foley on Wednesday decried local attempts to obstruct ICE operations, following reported assaults on law enforcement officers in a Worcester neighborhood on May 8. The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least, Foley said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will not stand idly by if any public official, public safety officer, organization or private citizen acts in a manner that criminally obstructs or impedes ICE operations, Foley said. On Friday, the city of Worcester released body camera footage and the 911 call after chaos erupted when a crowd surrounded and assaulted police officers trying to detain Brazilian national Rosane Ferreira de Oliveira, 40. Worcester Police said officers responded to Eureka Street around 11:15 a.m. on May 8 after receiving reports of 25 people surrounding a federal agent. A link to the full body camera video can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people, a juvenile and a Worcester School Committee candidate, were later arrested. Ferreira de Oliveira is in the country illegally and faces previous criminal assault charges, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to Boston 25 News. Worcester police arrested Ferreira de Oliveira back on Feb. 1 on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a pregnant woman, ICE officials said. Body cameras worn by responding officers captured tense moments when ICE agents, in trying to detain Ferreira de Oliveira, were surrounded and pushed by a large crowd of people. Several people, including City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Worcester School Committee candidate Ashley Spring, are seen in the videos shouting angrily at the officers and pushing and shoving the officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman twice flashed an obscene gesture with her hands to the officers. The video shows the crowd surrounding the officers and chanting: Shame on you! Shame on you! Worcester police officers and federal agents were threatened, abused and even assaulted on scene, Worcester Police Patrol Officers Union Local 911 President Thomas Duffy said in a statement released the day after the incident. Spring, 38, a Worcester School Committee candidate on the November ballot, was among those arrested following the incident. Spring is accused of pushing multiple officers at the scene and throwing an unknown liquid substance on the officers. She is charged with assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and interfering with a police officer. The police union also called for an ethics investigation into Haxhiaj, accusing the local councilor of using her elected position to incite aggression towards police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of political opinions or views, city officials should never condone the assault of an officer and flat-out disregard to the point of violent opposition, the authority of police to maintain safety and public order, Duffy said. Haxhiajs office said last week that she will not comment on the matter. Earlier, during a May 9 press conference with other councilors, Haxhiaj said: The message for ICE is: Get out of our city. In a statement released Tuesday, Worcester District 5 Council Candidate Jose Rivera expressed disappointment in the behavior of Haxhiaj, who can be seen in the body cam videos repeatedly pushing, confronting, and interfering with ICE officers trying to make an arrest on May 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an elected official, she holds a position of leadership and significant influence. In this moment, I believe she failed to use that influence responsibly, Rivera said. Video evidence shows actions that did not deescalate the situation but instead appeared to encourage behaviors that in some cases crossed legal lines. In one body cam video, a federal officer can be heard saying to Haxhiaj: Youre obstructing a federal arrest right now, do you understand that? You can be charged. In another interaction, another officer says to Haxhiaj in the video: Back away. Get your hands off of us! In yet another scene, Haxhiaj shouts at the officers while following the officers on a sidewalk with others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are cowards! ... Get out of our neighborhood! the councilor shouts to several officers in the video. On Eureka Street, Haxhiajs passion seemed to blind her to the rule of law and the consequences of her behavior, even for the very people she was trying to protect, Rivera said. In the video I heard the councilor say her job as a city councilor is to protect her constituent. That is not a city councilors job, Rivera said. City councilors are not public safety officials, and it is certainly not their job to interfere with an ICE arrest, whether they believe it was legal or not. Rivera acknowledged the Worcester Police officers who responded to the Eureka Street incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They demonstrated remarkable calm, even while laws were being challenged in front of them, Rivera said. That kind of restraint and professionalism is what we expect from our officers: to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents above all else. I know there are different points of view as to what was witnessed on the body camera footage, but I observed nothing substantiating claims of police brutality, Rivera said. Rivera said ICE should be required to produce a warrant in every case. This would not only reinforce transparency and accountability, but it would help defuse potentially volatile situations before they escalate, Rivera said. 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 On May 12, 59 white South Africans arrived at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., the first batch of Afrikaners granted refugee status by the Trump administration. In a press conference at the White House later that day, President Donald Trump claimed that a genocide is taking place in South Africa and that land is being confiscated from white landowners. Its a genocide thats taking place, that you people dont wanna write about, Trump said. But its a terrible thing thats taking place. And farmers are being killed. They happen to be white, but whether theyre white or black makes no difference to me. But white farmers are being brutally killed, and their land is being confiscated in South Africa. There is no ongoing genocide occurring in South Africa. And while the government did enact a law last year allowing for the confiscation of land without compensation, no property has been seized under its authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked why the president believes the current situation in South Africa constitutes a genocide, a White House administration official told The Dispatch Fact Check, The 59 Afrikaner refugees who arrived in the United States have told us harrowing stories of discrimination and persecution in South Africaviolent attacks; vandalism of property; death threats; racial slurs against farmers; massive mobs singing songs calling for the death of Afrikaners; and laws that prevent many from finding work. And a government that, at a minimum, does not respond. The United Nations defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, such as murdering and causing severe physical or mental harm to individuals of that group, deliberately inflicting conditions on the group threatening their survival, measures designed to prevent new births in the group, and forcibly taking away the groups children. While homicide rates in South Africa are alarmingly high and have steadily increased over the last decade, there is no evidence suggesting Afrikanerswhite South Africans of Dutch descentare victims at higher rates than black South Africans or any other racial group. The South African government does not collect or publish crime data that includes the race of the victim, making potential racial discrepancies in crime reporting difficult to decipher. However, one government department, Statistics South Africa, published a survey in August 2024 that asked South African residents for information, including their race and whether they had been victims of a crime. The largest racial disparity occurred among victims whose homes were deliberately damaged, with such incidents reported by 1.3 percent of white South Africans and 0.4 percent of black South Africans. In other categories, 6.7 percent of white South Africans said they were victims of a housebreaking versus 5.7 percent of black South Africans, 3.4 percent of white South Africans experienced theft of private property in comparison to 3.1 percent of black South Africans, and 1.1 percent of both racial categories were victims of a home robbery. The survey added that because so few households reported having any murder victims, it did not have a large enough sample size to provide accurate estimates representative of the broader population. Violent crime in South Africa, particularly homicide, has become a persistent cause of concern. In 2022, the last year for which homicide statistics are reported for South Africa on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes online database, there were a total of 27,272 homicides in the country. Thats about 43.72 homicides per 100,000, the second-highest per capita homicide rate of any country to publicly release crime data, behind only Jamaica, and nearly seven times the per-capita rate in the U.S. for 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data suggests that the bulk of the crime occurs in several concentrated, urban areas. Still, the South African countryside is not free from violent crime. In 2024, there were a total of 436 murders and 328 attempted murders that occurred on farms, agricultural plots, and small land holdings, according to South Africas crime reports. Only a subset of these murder victims were killed on farms located in rural communities, as defined by government officials. In 2024, 44 people were killed on farmland in rural communities, at least 24 of whom were farmers or farm-dwellers, as opposed to workers, security officers, or visitors. Dating back to January 2022, 161 South Africans have been killed in rural communities. Trumps claim that genocide is occurring in South Africa is not supported by the facts. Neither is his assertion that white South Africans are having their land confiscated. South Africas government has undertaken efforts to increase land ownership among black South Africans who, before 1994, faced outright discrimination under the states apartheid system and were not permitted to collectively own more than 13 percent of the countrys land. Many black South Africans were forcibly relocated away from their land under apartheid rule. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africas government has primarily relied on willing buyer, willing seller land reforms, where the government purchases land from willing white South African owners at a negotiated price, which it then sells or leases to black South Africans. A government-commissioned land audit in November 2017 showed that white South Africansrepresenting about 7.3 percent of the countrys population, per a 2022 censuscollectively owned about 72 percent of the countrys privately held land. In comparison, black South Africans collectively owned 4 percent of privately held land, per the audit, despite comprising 81.4 percent of the population. This has prompted some in South Africas government to argue that drastic reforms are needed to achieve more substantial progress in righting past wrongs. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024 signed into law a revised expropriation act, allowing the government to seize ownership of a property for a public purpose or in the public interestincluding race-based land reformwith no compensation in cases the government deems just and equitable. Critically, the statute does not provide a framework for what is considered just and equitable, though government officials have suggested it will target only land not currently being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has publicly attacked South Africas alleged land seizure scheme in the past, characterizing it in early February as a massive Human Rights VIOLATION. In response, Ramaphosa stated on social media, The South African government has not confiscated any land. The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution. Its true that South Africa has not seized any land without compensation, but as a Voice of America news article noted at the time, Ramaphosa was incorrect when he said the expropriation law is not a confiscation instrument. Indeed, the statute itself defines expropriating authority as state efforts to bring about the compulsory acquisition of property for a public purpose or in the public interest. By making it legal for the government to acquire property when considered just and equitable and in the public interest, the law serves as both a confiscation instrument and a constitutionally mandated legal process. In April 2018, a dispute arose when the government ordered the expropriation of two properties owned by the company Akkerland Boerdery, which it used as a hunting reserve. As this was prior to the 2024 expropriation law, the government was still required to pay a just and equitable compensationterms the statute again does not define, and not necessarily based on fair market value. The government offered 20 million South African rand (about $1.1 million), but the Akkerland Boerdery owners said the property was worth 10 times that amount. Ultimately, Akkerland Boedery successfully challenged the expropriation in South African court, and later sold the properties to a private mining firm, MC Mining, for R 80.5 million (about $4.5 million). Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. An Atlanta man was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to steal $3 million from the US government. Ian Patrick Jackson, 37, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. He was indicted on May 6. Jacksons arrest caps a lengthy investigation that involved multiple defendants and more than $3 million in stolen funds intended to help struggling Americans during a national health crisis, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. These charges demonstrate our offices commitment to collaborate closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute fraudsters who pilfered CARES Act funds. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to court documents, Jackson allegedly conspired with another Atlanta man to solicit, recruit, and direct at least nine business owners to submit fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications using fabricated tax documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of those business owners received $300,000 in PPP funds. After they received the loans, the business owners wrote payroll checks to people who did not work for their businesses, then either kept the money for themselves or gave the money to another person who gave Jackson a share. If found guilty, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the conspiracy and bank fraud counts and 20 years in prison for the wire fraud and money laundering counts. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 20, BYD and CAR Inc. held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony at BYD's global headquarters in Shenzhen, according to a post on BYD's WeChat account. The two parties reached a deeper strategic understanding around vehicle procurement plans for the summer of 2025, signing a partnership agreement aimed at promoting sustainable development in green mobility and the car rental sector. Photo credit: BYD According to official sources, this move marks a deepening of the collaboration that began in April 2025. During the May Day holiday, CAR Inc.'s initial fleet of BYD vehiclescomprising the Qin PLUS DM-i and the Fangchengbao BAO 8received strong market feedback following deployment. Building on this positive response, CAR Inc. now plans to expand its procurement scale for the 2025 summer season, further diversifying its rental offerings to meet the varied travel demands of customers during the peak tourism period. The cooperation will span vehicle procurement and operations, joint marketing and brand synergy, vehicle connectivity technology, used car business models, and service innovation. Key initiatives include continued expansion of the new energy vehicle fleet, deep test drive programs and co-branded campaigns, data integration to optimize operations, exploration of new residual value management models, aftersales support, and exclusive benefits for employees. This strategic alliance also signals a new phase in the scaled and standardized adoption of new energy vehicles in the car rental market, offering an innovative "vehicle-operation-service" solution model for the industry. Looking ahead, BYD and CAR Inc. will continue to leverage their respective strengths in technology, operations, and market reach to jointly explore new development models for NEVs in car rental. By offering a wider range of vehicle options, smarter mobility experiences, and improved supporting services, the partnership seeks to accelerate the adoption of green travel in China and contribute to the country's dual carbon goals, forging a more sustainable future together. Graduation ceremonies for Atlanta Public Schools will be hosted on the Georgia Tech campus this week. From Tuesday, May 20, to Friday, May 23, Georgia Tech police will close Fowler Street between Sixth and 10th streets daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Georgia Tech encourages drivers to seek alternate routes through campus during the closures. ADA parking will be available on Fowler Street and W23: North Deck at 939 State St. NW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIP parking will be available at E65 McCamish Pavilion and on Eighth Street. All other guest parking for the graduation ceremonies is available at five campus locations: E40: Klaus Deck E52: Peters Deck ER66: Family Housing W22: Dalney Deck W23: North Deck Georgia Tech offers a map of parking locations here. The ceremonies will take place at McCamish Pavilion. All attendees must have a ticket to enter each graduation and adhere to McCamish Pavilions clear bag policy. You can view Atlanta Public Schools full schedule of events here. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A second attempt to revive state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters proposal to track immigrant students and their families has failed, this time during a House committee hearing. The House Administrative Rules Committee voted 10-3 to reject an amendment by state Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, that would have changed the status of the rule from rejected to approved. After voting down the amendment, the committee voted 13-0 to approve Senate Joint Resolution 22, which covers proposed new education policies, and send it to the House floor. Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, the committees chair, said after the meeting on Monday, May 19, that hes hopeful the full House might be able to consider the resolution on Wednesday, May 21, or Thursday, May 22. If it passes the full House, it would go to Gov. Kevin Stitt, as its already made it through the Senate. Stitt has been a fierce critic of the Oklahoma State Department of Educations proposed rule and has accused Walters, a fellow Republican, of using children as political pawns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed rule from the agency which is led by Walters would require schools to seek information about the immigration status of students and their parents during enrollment. Another proposed rule by that agency thats in line for rejection is one that would require Oklahoma teachers to take the U.S. Naturalization Test to renew their teaching license. Jenkins, the committees vice chair, is the second legislator to push for acceptance of the proposed immigration rule. Last week on the Senate floor, state Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, proposed two amendments to the resolution, either one of which would have listed the rule as accepted. But 19 Republicans joined with eight Democrats to table those two amendments. After Jetts amendments were tabled, the Senate voted 43-0 to approve the resolution. In Mondays committee meeting, Jenkins cited the invasion that we have over our southern border as her reason to suggest approval of the immigration-check rule. I feel like this is an issue that requires transparency for the taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of her fellow Republican committee members pushed back. Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook, said he didnt think the agency had statutory authority to create such a rule, repeating a concern he voiced at a separate meeting in April. Kendrix agreed, saying, This is not a policy committee, its a statutory authority committee. After nearly a half hour of back and forth, only Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, voted with Jenkins to support her amendment. Following the meeting, Kendrix said he didnt know if other House members might try to follow the lead of Jenkins in proposing amendments to the resolution that could be considered once it reaches the House floor. Pictured, from left, are Rep. Kevin West (back to camera), Rep. Molly Jenkins and Rep. Gerrid Kendrix on Monday, May 19, during a House Administrative Rules Committee meeting. I think it's always a possibility and that's a part of our transparent and accountable process, that everybody gets a chance to have their voice, Kendrix said. I have no issue with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters, during a news conference at the Capitol on May 16, accused the Legislature and governor of not being transparent concerning the issue. It's incredibly disappointing that we see the Senate not provide that type of transparency for taxpayers, Walters said. Let's just be real clear. Our rule says that we are going to account for how many taxpayer dollars, how much goes towards illegal immigrants in our schools. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters' Oklahoma immigration rule rejected by House committee Austin Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin is running for Texas lieutenant governor. The four-term representative on Tuesday announced her bid to unseat three-term Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has also launched his campaign for re-election in 2026. Goodwin has criticized Republican leadership in the state and has vowed "to fight for the things Texans care about most: strong public schools, access to abundant and clean water & power, housing affordability, and comprehensive health care for every Texan," according to the news release announcing her candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a lifelong Texan, a mom, a business owner, and a public servant, Ive seen firsthand the challenges families across our state face, Goodwin said in her statement. And sadly, our current leadership is busy tearing down our agencies and institutions, instead of building trust within our communities both physical and demographic. Im running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe in building a Texas that works for all of us not just the well-connected few. More: As Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick hold onto power, fresh faces in Texas must wait their turn Goodwin, a 58-year-old real estate broker, comes into the race with a massive strategic and fiscal disadvantage. Patrick's coffers hold more than $33 million, while Goodwin has about $150,000, according to the latest campaign finance reports. Texas Democrats last won a statewide office in 1994, and Patrick beat his Democratic opponent by more than 10 percentage points in 2022. Allen Biehl, Goodwin's campaign manager, acknowledged in a call with the American-Statesman that Goodwin will face an uphill battle in the race, but he asserted that even conservative Texans are hungry for a change in top leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Texas triumvirate has overstepped its bounds," Biehl said. "There's a lot of people out there on the right side of the equation, if you will, who are kind of getting fed up with the gamesmanship and the identity politics now that the right is playing." Biehl stated that while he doesn't expect Goodwin's campaign funds to exceed Patrick's, he anticipates no issues in funding her bid for the state's second-highest elected office. "We really feel like we're not going to have any problem in generating funds and doing fundraising in this next cycle," Biehl said. "We're not going to go chasing $30 million or whatever the number happens to be that he's got, but we're going to make sure that every dollar, every dime that we spend is going to be communicating with regular Texans, with people in the streets, and the people that care about the issues that Dan Patrick has forgotten about." Patrick's campaign did not immediately weigh in on Goodwin's bid for his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the heels of Goodwin's announcement, her chief of staff and the Travis County Democratic Party chair, Pooja Sethi, announced she would run for the incumbent's seat in the state House. "Rep. Goodwin has been a tireless advocate for our district, & Im ready to build on that work with the same grit, presence, & relentless drive to deliver for our community," Sethi wrote in a social media post Tuesday morning. Filing for the March 3, 2026, primaries begins Nov. 8 and runs through Dec. 8. Staff writer Bayliss Wagner contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Rep. Vikki Goodwin launches campaign for Texas lieutenant governor By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has pledged to keep tariff-free access for Pacific Island goods, after Fiji was hit by a 32% U.S. tariff, in a speech positioning Australia as a reliable partner to the region amid global aid cuts. Australia is the region's largest aid donor and "a partner the Pacific can count on", Wong said in Suva on Tuesday, her first international speech since the centre-left Labor government was re-elected in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Forty years of tariff-free access into Australia has helped contribute to the prosperity of the Pacific. And I can promise you today, that will not change," she said at the headquarters of the Pacific Islands Forum, the region's diplomatic bloc. Fiji's main exports include bottled water, sugar and fish. A transport hub for the aid-reliant region that sits strategically between the United States and Asia, Fiji was previously courted by Washington and Beijing for security ties and infrastructure assistance. Vanuatu was hit with a 22% U.S. tariff, while Nauru, population 11,000, drew a 30% tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiji's prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, had raised concerns about the U.S. aid freeze in Washington in February. "The Pacific is facing growing challenges, from climate change, cuts to global aid and rules under strain," said Wong, who will also travel to Vanuatu and Tonga this week. Australia has pledged a record A$2.1 billion ($1.35 billion) in development assistance to the Pacific Islands, she said. "Recognising the impact of global aid cuts, we have reprioritised our development assistance to dedicate 75 cents of every Australian development dollar to support our region," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is the second-largest donor country to the Pacific Islands, and has sought increasing policing ties in the region, which Australia sees as a security threat. ($1 = 1.5506 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Sonali Paul) The U.S. Marshal Service's Lone Star Fugitive Task Force has arrested four more suspects who were involved in the shooting that killed two women and injured 14 other people during Round Rock's annual Juneteenth celebration last year, police said Monday. Terrell Hatch, 18, of Pflugerville; Payton Green, 20, of Pflugerville; Terren Jackson, 18, of Manor; and 17-year-old Amarjai Terry of Manor were being held in the Williamson County Jail on Monday, Round Rock police said in a social media post. They are all charged with engaging in organized criminal activity with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three other people previously charged in the shooting include 19-year-old Keshawn Dixon, who was charged with deadly conduct, and 17-year-old Ricky Thompson, who was charged with aggravated assault. A juvenile also was previously charged. More: Police: Deadly Round Rock Juneteenth shooting was dispute between rival rap groups Police have said the shooting on June 15 was the result of an altercation between two rival rap groups. Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, of Manor, and Ara Duke, 54, of Pflugerville, died at the scene at Old Settlers Park after the shooting. Vicknair and Duke had been attending the celebration and were not associated with the altercation that preceded the shooting, police have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 17-year-old arrested in fatal shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth festival, police say "The Round Rock Police Department remains committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families," said the social media post. "We thank the Williamson County District Attorneys Office and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for their continued support and partnership in this investigation." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Police charge 4 more people in fatal Round Rock Juneteenth shooting [Watch in the player above: What happens when you call 911?] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A babysitter arrested after a 1-year-old girl suffered third-degree burns while reportedly in her care has been indicted by a Summit County grand jury. Kimberly Richmond, 52, of Akron, was indicted last week on one third-degree felony count of child endangering, court records show. A pivotal moment: Greater Cleveland Partnership backs Browns dome plan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were called to an emergency at a home in the 1100 block of Lakeshore Boulevard just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, according to a previous news release from Akron police. The toddlers mother told police she had left her daughter in the care of a babysitter while she went out of town, according to a previous news release. When she returned, the mother found the girl had been scalded by hot water from a bath or a shower. It happened sometime between April 23 and April 26, according to the indictment. Authorities allege Richmond did not report the burns or seek medical attention for the girl. The girl was later transported to a hospital and found to have second- and third-degree burns. Saw a little purple jacket: Teen rescued child from river after deadly Fremont train accident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her arraignment in the city court, Richmond was jailed on a $500,000 bond. The following day, the city prosecutors office upgraded her charges from misdemeanors to felonies, based on the findings of the investigation. No future court dates have been set. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A Superior Court judge granted bail on Tuesday to the man charged with murder in the crash that killed a pedestrian on the Westside Parkway. Judge John W. Lua set bail at $250,000 for Tomice Lee Fryman Jr. Hed previously been held without bail. Its unclear if the 51-year-old Fryman will be released. His attorney, Tony Lidgett, told the court bail would likely have to be under $100,000 for Frymans family to afford it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In setting bail, Lua considered both the danger Fryman poses to the public and his flight risk, and found $250,000 to be a sufficient amount. Fryman called police to turn himself in hours after the gruesome crash scene was located early May 3 near the Mohawk Avenue overpass. Hes charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, hit-and-run causing death and driving on a license suspended for DUI. Lidgett told Lua there was no evidence his client was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He said Fryman panicked and fled the scene before going to a church to pray then turned himself in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over $120M in illegal cannabis seized in Central Valley, largest ever eradication operation: CA officials The attorney said the pedestrian, Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd, 36, likely tried to kill himself by stepping in front of Frymans car. There are ample shoulders on the freeway where Byrd could have walked, but instead he placed himself in the path of the only vehicle on the otherwise deserted, dark roadway at that hour, he said. Fryman didnt tamper with or destroy evidence, Lidgett said. The impact left half of Byrds body in his car, and if hed wanted to he could have tried to dispose of it. Instead, he did the right thing he called 911, Lidgett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged Fryman was speeding, going anywhere from 98 to 104 mph in a 70 mph zone, but said Byrd wouldnt have survived even if hit at 70 mph. In asking that Fryman remain held on no bail, prosecutor Bobby Singh pointed out his poor driving history, including two drunken driving convictions in which others were injured. Theres a pattern, theres a history, he said. In this case, Singh said, Fryman was barreling down the freeway more than 30 mph over the limit, hit and killed someone, then didnt report it until 3 p.m. many hours after the crash. Fryman is due back in court next month for a preliminary hearing. 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. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) A New Hampshire towns attempt to force a bakery to remove or alter its painting that shows sunbeams shining down on a mountain range of doughnuts, a muffin, a cinnamon roll and other pastries is unconstitutional, a judge ruled in a First Amendment dispute. The town of Conway infringed on the free speech rights of bakery owner Sean Young, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante ruled Monday, following a one-day trial in February. He ordered the town to stop any efforts at enforcing its sign code regarding the mural painted by high school students atop Leavitt's Country Bakery, mentioning a complete disconnect between what the ordinance purports to regulate and the towns enforcement, as well as the illogical way it applied and explained that enforcement to Leavitt's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im thrilled that the students artwork can remain up, Im thrilled that my First Amendment rights have been vindicated, and Im thrilled that the community can continue to enjoy the beautiful piece of art, Young said in a statement. I think our mural is a wonderful depiction of everything that makes the Mount Washington Valley such a great place to live. Young asked for $1 in damages. A lawyer representing Conway said they were disappointed by the outcome, but agreed with Laplante that the town and its officials conducted themselves conscientiously and in good faith in managing town business. The community of more than 10,000 people in the White Mountains draws skiers, nature lovers and shoppers. Some residents want regulations enforced as they worry about overdevelopment in the tourist town. When the mural went up in June 2022, it attracted a lot of compliments and visitors, including one from a town zoning officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoning board decided that the painting was not so much art as advertising. The board determined it was a sign, and so it could not remain as is because of its size. At about 90 square feet (8.4 square meters), its four times bigger than the local sign code allows. If the painting didnt show whats sold inside baked goods it wouldnt be considered a sign and could stay, board members said. Gay Moceri, a former English teacher living in nearby Freedom, New Hampshire, said the towns efforts to remove the sign were sending a horrible message to students who had worked hard to do something so beautiful to contribute to the community." Ive had a grin on my face ever since I got the news because you stick to your guns and you fight for what you know is right, and sometimes the little guy does win," she said. Im happy for him, and Im happy for the community that we get to keep this beautiful piece of art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Lewkowicz, who stopped by the donut shop with his golden retriever Tehya to offer congratulations Tuesday, called the towns approach to the situation illogical. Were really happy at least I am, said Lewkowicz, who has a house in Jackson and has been spending time in the area for 40 years. I thought the town was mean. Its little kids paintings. I just hope the kids who painted it are still around to come back and have a donut party. The town has shown that restricting the size of signs serves the significant government interest of preserving the towns aesthetics, promoting safety, and ensuring equal enforcement, lawyers for Conway said in a court document. Laplante said Conway's interests are undermined if the only regulated displays are those that depict products or services sold on the premises where the display is, and no others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young sued in 2023 after he was told to modify or remove the painting, which he said was never intended to be a sign. He was faced with possible misdemeanor criminal charges and fines after his appeals were rejected. Both sides agreed in court that the towns definition of a sign is very broad. Even the judge said it seemed to include everything. A sign in Conway is any device, fixture, placard, structure or attachment thereto that uses color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of any person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public, whether commercial or noncommercial. The town will continue to work conscientiously and in good faith to ensure that the constitutional rights of all are not infringed, while maintaining public safety and Conway's natural beauty, Brooke Lovett Shilo, one of the lawyers representing Conway, said in a statement Monday. Earnhardt docuseries premieres May 22 (Credit: Amazon) How do you portray someone who is an icon to many but just a human being like the rest of us? That was the crux of Prime Videos four-part docuseries on Dale Earnhardts life and career. Telling Dales story chronologically, Earnhardt weaves in pivotal moments from The Intimidators on-track career, his business ventures, and being a dad, told by the people who knew him best. From Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, among other executive producers, the first two episodes are available May 22, while the final two episodes will be available May 29. Amazons crew came into the project not knowing much about Dale or NASCAR. Their initial lack of NASCAR knowledge helped them explain who Dale was to a new audience. I think ultimately, we see Dale as a lot of NASCAR fans do as someone who changed their entire sport and should be seen, alongside people like Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan, said director Joshua Altman. We even talk about Elvis, that these are American icons. People that that are known, not just in name, but beyond that. That was our mission, to make sure that other people outside the NASCAR world understood Dale was that as well. Dale, the father, might be Earnhardts most important aspect. Someone with the most basic knowledge about Dale knows hes a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and that it took him 20 attempts to win the Daytona 500. But looking into Dales family life reveals a complex man trying to be a dad, as that comes at the expense of being at the top of his profession. I dont think you could do one without the other, Altman said. I know that was always our intention to sort of, lets tell a family story. Much in the way that The Godfather isnt about a mobster. Its really about a family who just happens to be in the mob. So for us, that was sort of the approach to this. In doing so, we have to unearth who Dale was as a driver, as an athlete, as a face of the sport, his obsession with it, and his passion for it. The fact that he was able to not just change and grow the sport, but also the business side of it. All of that lends itself to this intersection of family for us. We very much saw Dales sort of trajectory, his arc is this person who is hellbent on achieving success in a way that takes him away from his family. Whereas Dale Jr. is hes searching for success in order to bring himself closer to his father. The heart of the docuseries is Kelley Earnhardt-Miller and her relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Even when they were kids, Kelley took on more of a parental role to her younger brother when he really needed that. When Dale Jr. was sent to military school, Kelley chose to go to have someone he knew there. When Dale was killed in Daytona, and it seemed like the entire world was put on Dale Jrs shoulders, Kelley took a pay cut to work for Dale Jr. to give him some support in his career, similar to how Dales wife Teresa had a significant role in Dales business ventures. Speaking of Teresa, she is one notable absence in Earnhardt. Despite not being a popular figure among NASCAR fans, Teresa plays a massive role in Dales life story and in maintaining his legacy. Altman revealed that filmmakers reached out to Teresa multiple times but received no response. Instead, snippets from archival interviews give Teresas perspective from that time. Regarding on-track action, Earnhardt hits almost all the significant points in Dales career. One aspect of Dales NASCAR career you wont see is the 1979 Daytona 500. In one of the most historic races in NASCAR history, Dale led 10 laps and finished eighth in the first live flag-to-flag 500-mile broadcast. It was Dales breakout race, taking place in front of a national TV audience, but that was a mere footnote in Earnhardt. Altman explained that Daytona 1979 was a time issue to showcase Dales bigger achievements. I think when you craft something like this, you sort of have all these things in your head initially when you set out to make it. Especially looking at the footage of that, this is an important race. We put it in there. And I think ultimately, as we start streamlining and cutting the thing down and try to get them to an hour each, we had to kill some darlings, as they say. So that sort of became something where we were like, Okay, this isnt quite the centerpiece that we thought it was. Despite it being very significant to his career and to the sport. On the plus side, Earnhardt contains rare footage from Dales first career win at Bristol. Filmmakers had access to NASCARs vast library, and Dales Bristol win was a hidden gem that even the most prominent NASCAR historian may have never seen before. My favorite episode of the four is Episode 2. Much of the episode revolves around Dales friendship with Neil Bonnett, and it examines that friendship in a way that no one else has before. In a world where Dales aggressive racing style had few friends at the track, he had a friendship with Neil, who had the two hunt and fish. When Bonnett died in a practice crash before the 1994 Daytona 500, in the same spot where Dale would die seven years later, Dales reaction to that crash is a pivotal part of the episode. Someone not willing to show much emotion, it was clear that Bonnetts crash affected Dale, but he wasnt going to share that with anybody. One clip that shows Dale struggling to get through a pre-written statement about Bonnett shows Dales inability to be vulnerable. It wasnt so much that Dale was emotional, but it was like he knew if he read it, he would be emotional. So Dale was hesitant to read that and unintentionally revealed that vulnerability while in public. We know how Dales life ended on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, but thats not where his story ends. Dales legacy is still felt today by everyone who knows and remembers him. The final episode explores that tragic day, how everyone dealt with what happened, and the family journey and aftermath of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Earnhardt is recommended for diehard fans and those unaware of Dales story. Some diehard fans may spot the occasional anachronism, but that shouldnt be a dealbreaker. Dales childrens cooperation with the project ensures that Dales story is told accurately and provides crucial context as to the human behind the icon. Dale is viewed as a hero, but hes a human, and no other documentary about Dale Earnhardt balanced that as well as Earnhardt. BALTIMORE Three people have died, and one was injured, in the past month after being shot by police officers in Baltimore City or County. The shootings come as temperatures warm up and officers spend more time interacting with the public, responding to thousands more calls for service as people move outside. Authorities in Baltimore received at least 9,000 more emergency calls in the past 30 days compared to the month prior, according to city 911 data. Baltimore County Police typically get hundreds more cases each May and remain at a heightened level throughout the summer months before rates, and temperatures, cool down in the fall, according to county crime statistics. Criminologists and police have long noted that warmer weather often leads to more violent crime. The common theories have been that people tend to spend more time outside in the warmer months, young people are out of school, and summer heat can make tempers rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But seasonal cadences like that have barely been studied for police uses of force, said University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero. The main reason theres a lack of uniform data. It wouldnt surprise me if we saw that same increase in the summertime for police uses of force, Picquero said. But if you dont collect the data, you certainly dont know. The Maryland Attorney Generals Offices Independent Investigations Division, which probes all fatal or near-fatal police shootings in Maryland, took on six cases last April and May. So far, that unit has opened four investigations since the start of this April. In three of them, as well as during a nonfatal shooting last week in Essex, investigators or family members have suggested that the person shot by police was experiencing a mental health crisis. And in all of them, police recovered a weapon something that Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said after Sunday nights police shooting in Dundalk was happening more often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More and more in these incidents, people are armed with a handgun or armed with a knife, he said, pointing to the danger in terms of the number of handguns that are on the street. Asked if police were encountering more armed people than usual, Baltimore County Police representatives said Monday that McCullough was only referring to the recent spate of police-involved shootings with armed individuals this year. Picquero said that statistics on police killings are only the tip of the iceberg for uses of force officers are trained to fire their service weapons as a last resort, he said. It was unclear what led to Sunday nights fatal police shooting in Dundalk, though county police said officers responded to the actions of the armed subject, resulting in one officer discharging their firearm at the man involved, who was not identified. Police said he was experiencing a mental health episode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said police responded similarly last week when a knife-wielding man in Essex refused to comply with orders to drop the weapon. He was hospitalized with injuries but has survived. Police suggested he was in crisis, too. Police in the city said that Jai Marc Howell, 26, ran from officers on the 4600 block of York Road in Kernewood and brandished a firearm, firing at authorities and striking a police cruiser. Police returned fire, he died at the scene. Investigators, who dont have body camera footage to work off of, have not said what exactly led to Baltimore County officers firing at Arvel Jones, Sr., a 51-year-old father who authorities said had been shooting bows and arrows at cars late last month. His family told other media that he struggled with mental health. ------------- HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) Lisa Farrell is beloved by her students and colleagues at the Eaton Fundamental Middle School in Hampton, where she went to school as a child and is now its band director. Ive been in band since sixth grade. She is a very amazing, trustworthy person, and I really like to talk to her. Shes actually one of my favorite teachers, said Nylah Thomas, an 8th grader who plays baritone. Farrell holds rehearsals before and after school on her own time. She coordinates with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to provide master classes for her honors band students, and she also offers guidance to new teachers about improving the climate of the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes an excellent teacher, and she always pushes us to our absolute max excellence, said Syncere Smith, 8th grade percussion. That basically inspired me to go on to higher bands like the Kecoughtan Marching Band and the Hampton City Schools Jazz Band. Seeing how far she got in life with music so far and knowing that shes been doing this and shes been doing this since she was my age, said Victoria Winter, 8th grade percussion, its just really inspiring, and it shows me that like, hey, I can do the same stuff too, and I can be like her. Farrell says its all about relationships with students. When the students walk in the room, and they know you genuinely care, you want the best for them, even on the hardest days, Farrell said. They shrug that away and focus on what is most important. So if you have that relationship, and the students really trust that you are there for them, then theyre going to meet that energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what Hampton City Schools had to say about Farrell: Mrs. Farrell consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that her students thrive in her classroom. In addition to her scheduled classes, Mrs. Farrell holds before and after-school sectionals to ensure all students achieve at the highest level. She coordinates with members of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to provide masterclasses for her students, consistently has over forty students in the Hampton City Schools Honor Band, and her bands have received superior ratings throughout her entire career. Mrs. Farrell serves as the Culture and Climate Facilitator for Eaton. In this role, she observes new and novice teachers, and provides suggestions on how to improve the climate of the classroom. During a staff professional development, Mrs. Farrell gave a presentation on Social Emotional Learning to her colleagues. Furthermore, Mrs. Farrell talked about the importance of building relationships with the students as she shared strategies that she has successfully implemented in her classroom. As a Hampton City School graduate and accomplished musician, Mrs. Farrell has performed with the Virginia Wind Symphony and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. She brings this real-world experience into her teaching, enriching students understanding of professional music performance. Mrs. Lisa Farrell is an excellent educator as she works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that Eatons students and staff have the best resources at their disposal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Sen. Jim Banks touts Indiana connection to the Golden Dome missile project from the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. (Screenshot from White House livestream) Speaking from the Oval Office, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks touted the inclusion of Indiana companies in a multi-billion missile shield project known as the Golden Dome. It is currently part of the massive reconciliation bill working its way through Congress. Your legacy with Space Force, Mr. President, is already big, but the Golden Dome is going to be an even bigger legacy for our country, Banks told President Donald Trump in a live briefing on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Indiana is going to help you make it, Banks continued, citing Fort Waynes L3Harris as a source for space satellites and the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane as a supporter. L3Harris recently underwent a $125-million upgrade to support the Golden Dome project and is expected to be the most advanced payload production center supporting the project, per WANE. Hoosiers stand ready to help build President @realDonaldTrumps GOLDEN DOME! pic.twitter.com/VC9N4Iu6J7 Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) May 20, 2025 Hoosiers are very proud of that; were proud of you, concluded Banks, who was introduced by Trump as a great senator. The Golden Dome missile defense shield, introduced by Trump in January, will cost a projected $175 billion, but Republicans opted to include a $25 billion down payment in a contentious defense reconciliation bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is inspired by Israels land-based Iron Dome, which protects the country from missiles and rockets shot by nearby enemies. Trump said the dome would be complete by the end of his term in January 2029, naming Alaska, Florida, Georgia and Indiana as states that would benefit from the project. Canada will also be a partner, Trump added. General Michael A. Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations, will lead the project. Details about the bidding process are still scarce, as reported by Reuters, though he said all components would be made in America. SpaceX, Palantir and Anduril have emerged as potential frontrunners to build the project. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, has proposed a governmental subscription service as part of the Golden Dome project, a concern for some critics. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OAKLAND, California With her hand on the Bible in a packed City Hall, Barbara Lee, Oaklands favorite daughter, vowed today to put her beleaguered city back on the right track as she was sworn in as its 52nd mayor. Surrounded by community leaders, former colleagues, old friends and city leadership, Lee promised that Oakland would rise again based on its diversity, energy and culture. Although she made some reference to the massive challenges facing Oakland from crime and soaring housing costs to homelessness and a city budget on the verge of bankruptcy her remarks to the standing-room-only crowd primarily told a story of resilience and opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to reinstill hope, said Lee, 78, a longtime progressive stalwart in Congress who is taking on perhaps her biggest challenge in taking over a city in crisis. You were clear about wanting a government that you can trust to solve our fiscal challenges, safety, housing and homelessness challenges. But you were always 100 percent clear about how much you love Oakland. Lee pivoted to run for mayor of her adopted hometown after losing her Senate primary and watching previous leader, Sheng Thao, get recalled from the office after an FBI raid on her house. Lee will now take on the stubborn crime and budget problems that dogged Thao. The city is dealing with an estimated $87 million spending gap and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. But in contrast to a wave of Bay Area leaders who have won recent elections based on tough-on-crime or dark narratives about their cities, Lees speech made no effort to blame former city leadership or reinforce the widely held image of Oakland as dangerous and crime-ridden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, she told the story of her own familys history her grandfather born in Galveston just two years after slavery was abolished in Texas, her father denied housing in San Leandro on the basis of his race as a parable for a community beset by struggle with the potential to transcend its origins. It's not going to be easy, but we can only do this together, Lee said. Lee defeated moderate former City Council member Loren Taylor with the support of labor, but shell have to negotiate with them over tough cuts when budget time rolls around. She pitched herself to voters as having the unique skills needed to manage all the parties involved, but actually doing so while dealing with potential federal cuts will be a true trial by fire. The budget is going to be very, very unkind to [Lee], political consultant Jason Overman told POLITICO last month. Shes going to be inheriting all of it but will still be expected to wave the magic wand shes perceived to have built over the past few decades in Congress. This existential of a budget crisis has a funny way of shortening political honeymoons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At her swearing-in ceremony, Lees comments were notably light on policy specifics. She promised to spur investments in the city and spend taxpayer dollars effectively while committing to transparency and accountability. But she did not identify specific programs that will be on the chopping block, nor specific income streams or investments that would resolve the deficit. Instead, Lees remarks were an exercise in inspiration. But it will take more than positive thinking to fix Oaklands problems. The people closest to the challenges are the closest to the solutions, Lee said. There's no time to waste. Jeremy B. White contributed to this report. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Playbook PM newsletter. BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) Battle Creek Public Schools alternative high school will be restructured and moved into another school building after a vote by the districts board of education Monday night. During last weeks meeting, the districts assistant superintendent said the move of W.K. Kellogg Preparatory High School could save nearly a million dollars. Some teachers, parents, and students brought their concerns to the board this week. I really do think WK is a better school for me to, like, to move on and to stay moving on. Its because all I ever wanted is a good school to teach me and help me learn, said Hope, a W.K. Kellogg Preparatory High School student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Declining enrollment is contributing to West Michigan school closings The restructuring would bring the alternative school program out of its own building and into Battle Creek Central High School. The plan aims to optimize resources while having a program with a sustainable financial future. The program would be housed as a school-within-a-school model. The preparatory high school building and the auditorium would remain. Some teachers are expected to be transferred to vacancies that have been held by long-term substitute teachers. More than a handful of people spoke against the consolidation during public comment. When asked what other options had been considered before this, the response was a shake of the head, and an explanation of why other programs could not be cut because they were listed as essential to their schools. I ask you why our essential needs are not being considered equally? Sam Richardson, a prep high school teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson said students have shared their concerns with her concerns over safety and returning to a school where they previously had issues. She said students might miss out on the support from the buildings nine teachers, one guidance counselor, behavioral interventionist and a school and community coordinator. Superintendent Kim Carter said the plan would not close the program but rather create an opportunity for students to access more resources and staff at Central High School. There are three behavior interventionists at the high school. There are four principals that they will have access to. There is a full time Grace Health Center in addition to three school counselors and a host of other supports, we will continue to offer the key elements that make alternative education work including personalized support, flexible scheduling and credit recovery, she said Monday night ahead of the discussion of the proposal. Grand Rapids Public Schools to push back 2 school relocations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several board members said they support the move while calling it a hard decision. I probably would have benefited from being in an alternative program throughout high school. So I get it and why its so important, said trustee Ryan Hoaglin-Jackson. The board voted unanimously to pass the consolidation ahead of the new school year. Dr. Carter said the road ahead will keep student needs in mind. While this may not be the decision that everybody wanted, it is the best one for the district as a whole. And were going to make sure that we wrap supports around the children that are going to go through this change, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several teachers who spoke to News 8 after the meeting said they are worried the plan will not work out as intended. A district spokesperson said the next steps will include a transition team made up of staff from both buildings. The team will meet during the summer to design a program that gets student needs and integrate support offered at Central. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD After being accused of plagiarizing sections of numerous internal blog posts, Baystate Healths President and CEO Peter Banko issued a letter Friday to employees about the problem. I want to take this opportunity to formally apologize to you my 13,000 colleagues at Baystate Health for impacting your relationship and trust with me as your president and CEO," wrote Banko, who took the helm as CEO last June. He stopped short of calling it plagiarism, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This citation issue was an error in judgment, he wrote. I am embarrassed that I subjected you, the board, fellow senior leaders, the organization, and my family to the scrutiny of this most uncomfortable situation. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness of my mistake. In the letter, he referred to multiple instances as an isolated incident. Last week, The Republican obtained dozens of internal blog posts about a range of topics that appeared under Bankos name. A number of posts had sentences or passages that were identical to or very similar to other published materials from sources like NPR, Wikipedia, Harvard Business Reviews blog, INC.com and Forbes.com. Banko did not include any citations in those instances and put forth the writing as his own. For example, in a January post about Martin Luther King Jr.s speeches, several sentences in Bankos post are nearly identical to quotes that experts gave to NPR in analyzing Kings addresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baystate said the complaint is being managed as an internal compliance matter, Heather Duggan, a spokesperson for the hospital, said last week. The Baystate Health Board of Trustees has discussed and addressed it with our president and CEO, Duggan said. When asked what actions, if any, the board has taken, she declined to comment. The board, Banko wrote, is holding me accountable for my actions. His letter contains no further details of how that accountability is taking shape. In his letter, Banko described his blog writing as personal, sincere and transparent. Meanwhile, the internal blog had been wiped of all posts as of Monday morning, according to an employee who submitted a complaint earlier this month. The employee did not want to be named to protect their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duggan did not immediately reply to an inquiry Monday about the status of the blog posts. The problem was reported to Baystate in January and again in May, according to Duggan. Bankos recent letter notes those two reporting dates, as well. Even after the report in January, Banko posted blogs with plagiarized material. It was only when it got leaked to the press earlier this month that the plagiarism stopped, said the Baystate employee. They absolutely tried to bury it, the employee said. A post in February about cooking, for example, included a paragraph thats nearly word-for-word the same as a passage in the Wikipedia page for Leah Chase, known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another titled All Apologies, published late last month, is about corporate apologies. In one section, Banko writes about an apology late Apple CEO Steve Jobs wrote in 2007. Multiple sentences are very similar to a post from INC.com published in 2022. INC.com says of Jobs letter: the entire thing is a masterclass in admitting when youre wrong. Banko writes the exact same sentence, changing youre to you are. Read Bankos apology letter here. One person commented on a post Banko wrote in April, asking if he had a ghostwriter. I am afraid of ghosts, so I write all my own stuff, Banko wrote in response. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. A Vietnamese beauty queen and social media influencer has been arrested for promoting a fake supplement laced with laxatives to her millions of followers. Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, a 27-year-old former winner of the Miss Grand International beauty pageant, was detained in Vietnam for consumer fraud on Monday after pushing the gummies, which she claimed were rich in fibre, across her social media platforms. At the time, Thuy Tien had a combined following of nearly 11.5 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thuy Tien produced the gummies, which launched at the end of 2024, as part of a joint venture called Kera Supergreens Gummies with fellow content creators Pham Quang Linh and Hang Du Muc. The three influencers, who are active across Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok, would regularly livestream themselves promoting the gummies and claiming that they each contained an equivalent amount of fibre to a plate of vegetables. In livestreams, Thuy Tien would often refer to the gummies as her brainchild and take credit that the Kera candy comes from me personally. Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, 27, former winner of the Miss Grand International beauty pageant, claimed the gummies were rich in fibre Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, a well-known celebrity in Vietnam, was arrested on Monday She even said that she developed the product because I myself cannot eat vegetables and would recommend 2-3 pills per day for young children and pregnant mothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a few months after the release, one customer decided to send the supplement to a lab to be tested and found that each gummy contained only 16mg of fibre, a fraction of the 200mg that had been advertised. They also found that the product was 35 per cent sorbitol, which is used as a laxative. According to police, over 135,000 units of the product were sold to more than 30,000 customers, generating revenues exceeding VND17 billion (approximately 489,112). The three influencers were initially fined in March and apologised, but the following month Pham and Hang Du Muc were arrested alongside other representatives from Kera and its manufacturer, including the head of quality assurance and head of production. Thuy Tien produced the gummies, which launched at the end of 2024, as part of a joint venture called Kera Supergreens Gummies with two other influencers Thuy Tien, a well-known celebrity in Vietnam, was not arrested until Monday, but she wiped several of her social media accounts in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, Thuy Tien reportedly admitted that she initially had good ideas for the product and has been eager to participate in the management. When you are a famous person, your responsibility is very big. People will buy this product a lot because of you, she was quoted as saying in her defence. Thuy Tien has received numerous accolades from Vietnams ruling Communist Party, including a certificate of merit from the prime minister and the Outstanding Young Vietnamese Faces award presented by the central committee of the Ho Chi Minh communist youth union. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The war in Ukraine, light pollution and microplastics are among the key threats putting the future of bees at risk worldwide. Scientists warn that this is not only an ecological issue but also a matter of global food security. Source: The Guardian Details: In a new report from the University of Reading titled Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators, researchers identified 12 of the most dangerous emerging threats to bees and other pollinators expected to intensify over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top threat highlighted by scientists is the war in Ukraine. Armed conflicts affect agriculture by reducing crop diversity, which deprives pollinators of access to flowers throughout the growing season. "This is not just a conservation issue," said Professor Simon Potts, the report's author. "Pollinators are central to our food systems, climate resilience, and economic security." The second most pressing concern is microplastic pollution. Synthetic polymer particles such as PET plastic were found in 315 bee colonies across Europe. These particles infiltrate honey and beehives, although their full impact on bee health remains unclear. Pollinators are also harmed by light pollution. For instance, in areas with street lighting, nocturnal pollinators are 62% less likely to visit flowers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antibiotics used in agriculture can end up in hives and affect bee behaviour, reducing their activity and altering their foraging routes. Researchers also warned of the dangers of "pesticide cocktails" combinations of chemicals that may be more harmful together than individually. Other threats listed include poorly planned tree planting for net-zero goals, air pollution, enclosed farming, heavy metal extraction, wildfires and more. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The most successful version of the most powerful tool humanity has ever created was born in a place where war now rages. That tool is human language, without which we would never have achieved the social organization and transmission of knowledge that have made us masters of the planet. Although the tongue called Proto-Indo-European hasnt been used in 4,000 years, about half Earths inhabitants speak its more than 400 descendant languages: English, the Romance languages of Europe, the Slavic and Baltic languages, the Celtic languages of Wales and Ireland, Armenian, Greek, and languages spoken in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The explosion of Proto-Indo-European from its origins in Eastern Ukrainethe subject of science journalist Laura Spinneys beguiling and revelatory new book, Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Globalis, according to Spinney, easily the most important event of the last five millennia in the Old World. Its astonishing how much weve discovered about these languages that have gone unspoken and unheard for millennia. In the past two decades, new DNA analysis technologies, combined with archaeological advances and linguistics, have solved many mysteries surrounding the spread of the Proto-Indo-European (or PIE). For example, Anatolian, a now-extinct group of languages, was once thought to be the earliest offshoot of PIE, the first instance in which a new language split off from the mother tongue. But in recent years, genealogical analysis of human remains from the period shows no genetic connection between the people who spoke the Anatolian languages and the Yamnaya, a people of the PonticCaspian steppe region north of the Black Seanow considered the source of PIE. The presiding theory now is that Anatolian isnt the daughter of PIE, but its sister, with both being the products of an even more ancient lingua obscura. If this sounds a bit wonky, well, it is. Tracing the triumphant spread of PIE-derived languages from Central Asia through Europe and the Indian subcontinent, and even to one fascinating outpost in the ancient Far East, is a matter of comparing syllable sounds and consonant pronunciations and following them through a bewildering maze of obscure outposts in unfamiliar places inhabited by long-lost peoples. Fortunately, Spinney is a stylish and erudite writer; its the rare science book that quotes Keats, Seamus Heaney, and Ismail Kadare. She also has a keen sense of the romance of her subject. Her vivid scene-setting takes us from the vast, grassy steppes where the nomadic Yamnaya grazed the livestock whose meat and milk made them exceptionally tall and strong to the perplexing Tocharian culture on the western border of Chinawhose capital was regarded by the Chinese as filled with heavy-drinking, decadent barbarians, famed for its dancing girls and the flock of a thousand peacocks upon which its nobles liked to feast. This latter cultureand not Sanskrit, as was long thoughtmay even be the source for the English word shaman. Bloomsbury PIE itself is a reconstructed or deduced language, with no living speakers, although if you want to hear one adventurous mans attempt to voice it, you can listen to a translation of the Lords Prayer on YouTube. The prayer is a good choice of text for this experiment because it doesnt contain words for which the Yamnaya were unlikely to have counterparts or that linguists havent been able identify. The reconstructed lexicon of Proto-Indo-European has only about 1,600 words, and at its dawn the language may have been spoken by as few as 100 peoplepeople who didnt need words for such exotica as, for example, bees. Photo by Dominique Cabrelli Spinney illuminates the way that languages reflect the material reality of the world in which they are spoken. Hotspots of linguistic diversity, she writes, coincide with hotspots of biodiversity, because those regions can support a higher density of human groups speaking different languages. These are the places where the speakers of different languages are most likely to borrow words from each other, leaving clues to their encounters for later generations of scholars. Historical linguists were able to map the epic trek of the Roma people from India to the West by the vocabulary they picked up along the way, such as words for honey and donkey taken from the Persians. After the Hittites conquered the Hattian people in central Anatolia, Hittite myth, according to Spinney, portrayed the two peoples as equal partners in the social order that followed. But while the Hittites borrowed some words from Hattian (a non-Indo-European tongue), over time, Hattian was more deeply transformed, moving from placing verbs at the beginning of a sentence to placing them at the end, as the Hittites did. This suggests, Spinney writes, that the Hittites retained the upper hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genetic evidence has also revealed that while the Yamnaya did not venture all that far from the steppes where they domesticated horses and ate tulip bulbs, their more aggressive successors, the Corded Ware Culture (named for their distinctive style of pottery), carried the PIE languages all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. In much of Europe, this advance resulted in, as Spinney writes, an almost complete replacement of the gene pool, in particular the male chromosome. The Corded Ware men had bred with local women and prevented local men from passing on their genes, she explains; Rape, murder, even genocide could not be ruled out. However, a group of Danish scientists now believe that the replacement was not necessarily intentionalthat plagues swept through Europe in the Late Neolithic period, diseases to which the newcomers from the steppes were resistant. In a related mystery, the population of Ireland is one of the few in Europe that has been genetically consistent since the Bronze Age, yet somehow Ireland also adopted (and still strives to preserve) Gaelic, its own Indo-European language. Usually genetic and linguistic change go hand in hand, but in this case, not. Multilingualism predominated in the ancient world, where you might need different tongues to chat with your neighbor, perform religious rituals, and trade with the metal workers upriver. Monolingualism is a modern phenomenon, one Spinney links to the concept of the nation-state. Though in the 21st century humans move greater distances even more easily, languages seem to intermingle and influence one another much less than in ancient times. Spinney theorizes that the desire to belong is as strong as ever, and as it becomes harder to see the difference between them and us, linguistic and cultural boundaries are being guarded more jealously. The war currently ravaging the Yamnayas ancestral homeland, destroying irreplaceable archaeological treasures even as it takes many lives, is, Spinney asserts, in part, a war over languageover where the russophone sphere begins and ends. Putin himself has said as much. But Spinney points out that the people who spoke the primordial tongues from which Russian and Ukrainian both emerged would have regarded this project as bizarre. Prehistoric people undoubtedly had identities as complex and multi-layered as ours, Spinney writes, but we can be sure that nowhere among the layers was the nation-state. The more we learn about these ancestors, the more we bump up against what we dont (and shouldnt presume) to understand. They seem both close and far. Spinney describes the work of Gabriel Leger, a French artist who has restored the polish to old bronze mirrors from Greece and Rome so that they can once more reflect the faces theyre held up to. We know that ancient people looked at themselves in mirrors, she observes. We dont know what they saw. Source: Kryla (Wings), a Ukrainian aircraft industry news outlet, citing Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in a statement, as reported by Oboronka, a project of Mezha Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company Details: Belgium is also exploring participation in a peacekeeping mission under the framework of the coalition of the willing. "As for the F-16 aircraft, we were and remain part of the coalition. And we will try to transfer these fighters even earlier than envisaged," Francken said, speaking before a meeting of the EU Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasised Belgiums intention to remain an active supporter of Ukraines defence, particularly within the coalition of the willing, which consists of a number of partner nations. Francken noted that close coordination is underway among chiefs of staff, led by the United Kingdom and France, with a working group nearing completion of a related plan. Quote: "We are almost there. I believe that the situation is developing in the right direction." Background: In March 2025, the Belgian government warned of delays in F-16 deliveries to Ukraine because of postponed F-35 jet shipments from the United States. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever then indicated that his country might initially supply F-16s for spare parts this year, with combat-ready aircraft expected the following year. In May 2024, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said her country would supply Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Denver breakfast staple will be closing its doors after serving the local community for 50 years. Owner David Frieder announced the Breakfast Inn will close early next month after the restaurant's lease wasn't renewed, not without a fight from the company. "It comes with great sadness to share with the community that the BI will be closing permanently on June 8th at 2pm. After a year of fighting the good fight, our lease was not renewed and the property has been sold," he announced on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frieder offered a plea for those who frequented the restaurant to make one last appearance before it officially closes its doors. "We would love to see every single person who has been through so much with us before we close, so please come by to say goodbye and get some of Liborios green chile one last time!" he said. "I thank everyone for the privilege of serving you for most of my professional career, I will certainly miss what the BI means to the community!" Frieder took over as owner of the restaurant 21 years ago and raved about the community he's seen come into the establishment. "The BI has been a local favorite for 50 years. As the owner for the last 21 of those years, Ive been in foreign countries and met people who have eaten at my restaurant. I have watched both customers and employees alike grow up, go to school, get married (many times to people they met at the BI) and start families," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have had regular guests for 10 to 15 to 20 years who were my age now that have passed on, and it felt like I lost a relative time and time again. The BI has been there for the community and the community has ALWAYS been there for the BI." Related: Taylor Swift Breaks Silence on Social Media May 20JAMESTOWN The Stutsman County Commission in a 4-0 vote on Tuesday, May 20, appointed Benjamin Tompkins to serve on the board. Tompkins was one of 11 applicants who applied to fill the vacant seat on the county commission. "I'm very excited," Tompkins said. "I think that I can bring a lot of perspective that not everybody gets to see." The other applicants were George Barnes, John Baumgartner, Paul Belzer, Dernel Denning, Steven Gerszewski, John Grabinger, Daren Peterka, Trever Sahr, Taylor Vining and Alan Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tompkins took the oath of office and filled the vacant seat after he was appointed on Tuesday. Earlier at a special meeting, the county commission voted to narrow the field to one. The commission recommended appointing Tompkins at the special meeting. County Commissioner Levi Taylor said the commission appreciates having a wide range of applicants to choose from. "Competition is a good thing for our county," he said. "I would encourage you all to stay involved and continue to engage if you can." The vacancy was created after the death of Commissioner Jerry Bergquist on April 24. Bergquist was elected to the commission in November 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tompkins will hold the office at least until the next general election. North Dakota Century Code 44-02-05 says the appointee holds office until the appointee's successor is elected at the next general election that occurs at least 95 days after the vacancy and the successor has qualified. The next general election cycle is in 2026. The commission narrowed the field of 11 to five with the first round of voting on a paper ballot. Peterka got four votes, Tompkins received three and Grabinger got two. Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser was called to be the fifth member to decide on two of the three final applicants for the top five between Baumgartner, Denning and Vining, who each received one vote. Kaiser voted for Vining and Denning. The final five applicants each spoke in front of the commission for about a minute before the commission narrowed the field to the final three. The commission chose Peterka and Tompkins, each with three votes, and there was a tie for the final applicant between Denning and Grabinger with one vote each. Kaiser chose Grabinger as the final applicant to break the tie with Denning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tompkins received three votes and Peterka got one for the final vote. Tompkins resides in rural Pingree, North Dakota. He farms from Buchanan to northeast Stutsman County. Tompkins said he has lived in a rural area his entire life and understands what the gravel roads look like in rural Stutsman County. He said county roads need to be safe for motorists. "(I) want everybody to have good access to all the wonderful things that Stutsman County has to offer," he said. Tompkins said he wants to help find solutions to any issues in Stutsman County. "If there's any problems, I feel like I'm good at finding solutions for them," he said. Tompkins said he's willing to listen to his constituents in the county. "I'm easy to get a hold of," he said. "If anybody has any concerns or questions, feel free to call." ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) More than 17 million Americans live in food deserts where its difficult for families to find fresh, affordable produce. Experts warn it is only getting worse. Rising temperatures damaging crops, inflating prices, and pushing families deeper into food insecurity. But now, communities are getting their hands dirty to solve the problem. In the middle of the city, neighbors are turning lawns into urban micro farms. And theyre doing it all with practically zero fossil fuels! Fleet farming is not only feeding families but growing resilience and hope. They plant, they ride. They weed; they ride. They harvest; and they ride. This is fleet farming. We could easily grow more than 500 pounds of produce in this bed, explained fleet farming farm manager Bevin Rogers standing over a long bed of lettuce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a patchwork of 13 lawns turned into micro farms right in the middle of the city. Thats a bike pedal powered urban food program where we farm places, especially food deserts and help to create a source of local produce, biologist & IDEAS for US CEO Clayton Lewis Ferrara told Ivanhoe. Fleet farming is a flagship program of IDEAS for Us, an eco-action organization. In 10 years, it has converted over 176,000 square feet of lawns, harvested nearly 18,000 pounds of produce, educated 32,000 volunteers, and fed 9,000 locals. Were now able to give our food away to four schools who are in food desert areas, said Rogers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But volunteers grow more than just greens theyre planting roots, connection, and resilience. In a study of more than 10,000 kids around the world, 60 percent of them are experiencing eco anxieties. But thankfully what we have found is children who are involved in community actions to address some of these environmental issues are less likely to have depression and anxiety, stated Megan Ennes, PhD, assistant curator of museum education of the Florida Museum & director of the Thompson Earth Systems Institute. From anxiety to agency experts say when families work side by side, building solutions they cultivate emotional resilience. So, families can work together within their communities and not just we hope the world is going to get better, but productive hope that we are working together to make our planet better, Ennes told Ivanhoe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that hope is taking root. It helps people to better believe in themselves and better understand their community and understand how to organize for action, which is really important skills, said Ferrara. Groceries are kind of expensive, so it just felt like an opportunity to really help, but in a way thats really sustainable, explained Kiana, a volunteer. Its great and honestly I feel like Im doing it with purpose, said Sharon Salazar, another volunteer. Through hands-on work, families are learning where food comes from and where change starts. Fleet farming is just one local example of a global movement. As part of IDEAS for US, similar eco-action branches in more than 30 countries are helping communities identify their biggest environmental challenges and then take hands-on steps to solve them. From food deserts to climate resilience, its a model for change that starts right at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor. Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). To receive a free weekly e-mail on positive parenting from Ivanhoe, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk Sources: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/documentation If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at mthomas@ivanhoe.com Sponsored by AGEWELL 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Washington is abuzz these days, The Atlantic has learned. I love it when Washington is abuzz. Lets jump right in. Why the buzzing? Because apparently, Joe Biden is still really old. Older than he was last summer, when Washington was even more abuzz about the 46th president being really oldand about whether he was fit to lead the country, run for reelection, beat Donald Trump, thwart fascism, etc. Or three years ago, when overwhelming majorities of Americans were already saying in polls that Biden should definitely not seek reelection. Or two years ago, when he declared that he would in fact seek reelection, while Democrats anguished (off the record; you did not hear this from me) that if Biden went ahead with a campaign, it would surely end in disaster. Or six months ago, when it did, in fact, end in disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or, for that matter, Sunday, when Biden announced that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate canceran especially pronounced marker of his advanced age. You know what else is old? The story about Biden being old. For the latest chapter in this saga, we give thanks to a new book, out today, whose arrival has been as hotly anticipated around Washington as a sundae cart at the senior home. Biblically titled Original Sin, the bookby the CNN host Jake Tapper and Axioss Alex Thompsonoffers the latest after-action report of the calamitous culmination of Bidens career. The book depicts a kind of West Wing Weekend at Bernies, with Biden playing the frail, prideful, and self-deluded leader. [Tyler Austin Harper: An autopsy report on Bidens in-office decline] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original Sin includes the requisite shocking new detailsmany of which have already been pre-circulated and selectively leaked, probably by the publisher, in an effort to drum up more excitement for the book. (You think buzz gets generated on its own?) Oh, and you can read The Atlantics excerpt of the book here. We got so screwed by Biden, as a party, David Plouffe, one of Kamala Harriss top campaign aides, told the authors, referring to the presidents refusal to step aside until it was way too late. Other revelations: Biden routinely forgot the names of his top aides. His personal doctor advocated for him to get more rest. There were internal discussions about putting him in a wheelchair. It was incredible, one Democrat told the authors, referring to Bidens state in 2020. This was like watching Grandpa who shouldnt be driving. Four years later, Biden seemed not to recognize George Clooney, despite having met the handsome actor on many occasions. Clooney was shaken to his core, Tapper and Thompson write. Original Sin focuses heavily on how Biden, his family, his White House staff, and many top Democrats conspired to hide the extent of the presidents deterioration from the public. It describes how journalists who dared report on the matter were bullied, frozen out, and gaslighted by the White House. The somewhat loaded and breathless term cover-up has gotten tossed around a lot in the promotion of Original Sin, including in the books subtitle (President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again). The authors have engaged in some strategic umbrage-taking, including at last months White House Correspondents Dinner. In remarks at the event, Thompson chided the previous administration for concealing the presidents full decrepitude but also finger-wagged his fellow journalists for not reporting more vigorously on Bidens decline. We bear some responsibility for faith in the media being at such lows, Thompson said while accepting the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage, for his work on Biden. This came a minute or so after Thompson mentioned that Original Sin was available for preorder right now (proving, as always, that if shamelessness is not the original sin of book promotion, its definitely in the top three.) He added that being truth tellers also means telling the truth about ourselves and that we should have done better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I should note that everything Thompson said was true, if somewhat obvious, and also that Biden and his aides and family membersthe cover-uppersdeserve a historys worth of blame for this episode. But heres the deal, as the former president might say (presumably between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., his peak mental-acuity time): Politicians and their spinmeisters are not always on the level. No one would be shaken to their core by this statement. Just as scores of Republicans in Washington have been privately horrified over the years by Trumps conduct while theyve smothered him in rhetorical smooches on the record, Democrats confidentially expressed near-unanimous awareness of Bidens feeble state, but claimed the exact opposite in front of cameras and microphones. Heres the deal, part two: The overriding objective of any White House is to make the principal look as good as possible. This is done through basic flackery, gobbledygook, selective disclosure, and rampant omission. We should not expect aides or congressional allies to run out and announce to the nation that the presidentany presidentseemed really out to lunch at his economic briefing, or was hurling ketchup against the wall, or was messing around with an intern. [Benjamin Mazer: The MAHA crowd is already questioning Bidens cancer diagnosis] Yes, its a cynical business, politics, but here is why I think that the cover-up of Bidens true condition is beside the pointand why Im not really vibing with the umbrage-mongering: Its pretty much impossible to cover up for something that is hiding in plain sight. Democrats could trot out as many White House officials as they wanted to claim I was with the president just this morning, and he was sharp as a tack and running circles around staffers less than half his age. But whenever Biden was allowed to go out in publica rarity, which itself was a red flagthe publics preexisting consensus about his infirmity was only reinforced. Biden was in no position to keep doing his job given his condition, which had been evident for years to most people paying even casual attention. Observable facts, people: They can be a real pain to cover up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spirit of fulland, yes, shamelessdisclosure, I am obligated to inform readers that I have been observing these facts in my coverage for years. (Without me, the American public might never have caught on that Biden is old!) In June 2022, I wrote an article for The Atlantic headlined Why Biden Shouldnt Run in 2024. It began, Let me put this bluntly: Joe Biden should not run for reelection in 2024. He is too old. You get the gist. I am a brave and courageous truth teller. Although Tapper and Thompson interviewed approximately 200 people, I spoke with fewer than a dozen for that story, relying mostly on my own two eyes and a few obvious data points, such as the fact that Biden would be 82 on Inauguration Day 2025 and 86 at the end of his hypothetical second term. He just seems old, one senior administration official told me at the time. Over the next two years, I contributed periodic entries to the Biden is too old canon. One story called for some Democrat, or several Democrats, to primary him; another was about how he seemed destined to become a presidential versiona far more calamitous versionof Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I wrote a Time to Go, Joe article in the hours after Bidens debate face-plant last June and another headlined Cmon, Man nearly two weeks later, when Joe had still not gone. Yes, a lot of White House and Democratic operatives were upset with me at the time. Early on, they insisted that I was wrong (I was with him just this morning), ageist, unfair, and uninformed. As time went on, several people in Biden world accused me of being obsessed with the presidents age and beating a dead horse. As it turned out, I had barely laid a hand on the horse, given the pulverizing in store for Biden after his debate debaclewhich was when he effectively sent his own legacy to the glue factory. The Biden age story will surely persist. In a recent review of Original Sin, my colleague Tyler Austin Harper praised the authors, correctly, for describing a gruesome political car crash in dispassionate, clinical detail. He also called it the latest and most significant book to date about Bidens cognitive decline. I found two of Harpers words to be quite ominous: to date. Article originally published at The Atlantic (NewsNation) Several different factors could determine what kind of long-term prognosis former President Joe Biden faces after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, including his overall health and his general life expectancy. Dr. Justin Dubin, a urologist with Memorial Healthcare System, told NewsNation many major advances have been made in recent years in treating prostate cancer. Dubin said that determining exactly what kind of future Biden faces moving forward remains challenging at this point. There is reason for hope, he said. People can continue to live long, satisfying lives even with metastatic prostate cancer, Dubin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps big bill teeters as House conservatives demand more changes The American Urological Association recommends that men undergo prostate cancer screening between the ages of 45 and 70, Dubin said. However, Dubin said that considering Bidens high-profile status, it is difficult to know what guidelines were followed and what conversations were had about his health. Dubin said too many unknowns are present as of now to know whether Bidens condition was known long before it was publicly announced. Dubin said that in general, a period of five to 10 years is needed for prostate cancer to reach the bones. Is it out of the question that they could have found something? Maybe, who knows, Dubin told NewsNation. Could something have been (found) earlier? We dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Former President Bidens aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis is raising questions about whether warning signs could have been caught earlier, and if the current screening recommendations should be changed. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in older men. One in every eight men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer kills 35,000 a year, meaning a man dies from prostate cancer every 15 minutes. Bidens diagnosis is serious, and while treatable, it cant be cured. Prostate cancer experts said its unclear how long Biden has had cancer. Even if he was screened regularly in recent years, they said its not uncommon for cancer to develop without notable symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cancer doesnt necessarily follow a rule book. Its possible that this came out of the blue, because cancer can do that, said Alicia Morgans, a prostate cancer specialist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and board member of the advocacy group ZERO Prostate Cancer. Doctors diagnosed Biden with a prostate nodule last week after he experienced increasing urinary symptoms. By Friday, he was diagnosed with cancer that had metastasized to his bones. Its not clear if the symptoms were due to cancer, or if the nodule was found as part of a routine screening. Morgans said even if Biden had been getting regular screening, it is an imperfect science. Sometimes our tests are imperfect. And even if were doing perfect blood tests and perfect imaging and perfect everything, we dont find things, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden left office as the oldest serving president in history, consistently dogged by concerns over his physical health and mental acuity. Prior to the diagnosis last week, his most recent medical update came in February 2024, when he was declared fit to serve after a routine physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The public summary of his visit listed several tests doctors performed, but not a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Thats not surprising, said Geoffrey Sonn, an associate professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Really, theres not many people out there that will advocate for continuing aggressive PSA screening for men in their 80s, he said. In retrospect, I think that its likely that if he had continued screening against pretty much all guidelines, that they probably would have found this earlier. Current cancer screening guidelines are complicated, and Bidens case echoes a tension; its best if the cancer is caught early, but there needs to be a balance between early detection and overtreatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Cancer Society does not recommend routine testing for men at any age. Instead, it recommends men have a conversation with their health provider about the benefits, risks and uncertainties of screening starting at age 40 for those at highest risk, and age 50 for men at average risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts that makes recommendations on services like screenings, suggests men ages 55 to 69 make an individual decision after first discussing it with their provider. The shared decisionmaking recommendation generally stops at age 70 and older, because prostate cancer is slow-growing and physicians dont see a clinical benefit in doing a screening for people with only 10 to 15 years of life expectancy. One of the reasons that you dont want to screen older men is theyre so likely to have prostate cancer, even though its that benign-ish prostate cancer thats never going to kill them, said Otis Brawley, a medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins University who treats patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen an awful lot of guys have a lot of mental torment and a lot of physical torment because they were diagnosed with a prostate cancer that all the doctors knew was a cancer that was never going to bother them if It was left alone, Brawley said. President Trump had his PSA levels tested in April, according to the White House. They were normal. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday afternoon, Trump questioned whether Biden was tested, and why the cancer wasnt caught sooner. Behfar Ehdaie, a urological surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said while its difficult to provide an accurate assessment of Bidens prognosis, men typically are not screened for prostate cancer after the age of 70, unless they show symptoms. In Bidens case, for example, frequent urination prompted a screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while Ehdaie was cautious about discussing Bidens case specifically, more generally, he said in many cases, this type of cancer is treatable even in someone in their 80s, such as the former president, who is 82. Still Ehdaie added, the goal is to discover it and detect it early. A spokesperson for Biden did not respond to questions about when he was last screened for the cancer. Politically, the timing of the announcement from Bidens team raised some eyebrows among Democrats and Republicans. Democrats have blamed their record-low polling numbers in part on a perception that Biden and his team covered up the former presidents age-related health decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new book on Bidens decline by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axioss Alex Thompson, set for release on Tuesday, is sure to exacerbate the Democratic blame game. However, even Democrats who had blamed Biden for causing Trumps victory in November called for a more respectful and muted response. Joe Biden has given so much to this country, its time for us to give him some time and space to focus on his health, Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons told The Hill. This isnt a time for politics. But they were skeptical that Bidens diagnosis would ultimately change the narrative. It is politics, I expect them to use anything they think will keep the base happy and give them an advantage, one longtime Biden ally said. Ive never known that side to think there was much of a line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the revelation of Bidens cancer diagnosis on Sunday, Trump and his aides have tried to thread a needle on the delicate issue. In a statement on Sunday, Trump said that he and first lady Melania Trump were saddened to hear about Bidens diagnosis. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. However, in his remarks to reporters Monday, President Trump drew a link between the cancer diagnosis and reports of Bidens circle hiding his decline. And he asked why it wasnt caught sooner. Earlier in the day, Vice President Vance questioned Bidens overall health during his time as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can pray for good health but also recognize that if youre not in good enough health to do the job, you shouldnt be doing the job. Doctors not involved in Bidens care said they did not see any signs of a missed diagnosis. Nothing about his story sounds to me as if theres been a cover-up or a delay, or anything that is untoward, said Morgans. It really sounds like an unfortunate case of prostate cancer diagnosed just a hair too late to cure in a man who also happened to be the President of the United States very recently, and now has a very real-world problem that he and his family have to tackle. 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. Former President Joe Biden's battle with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer comes as he has also battled to defend his legacy, denying claims in a slate of books that allege a decline in his mental acuity in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election and at the end of his presidency. In "Original Sin" by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, the authors claim that there was an effort by those close to Biden to cover up what they describe as the former commander-in-chief's "cognitive diminishment." In the book, Tapper and Thompson allege the former president's aides considered the possibility of him needing a wheelchair and claim there were cabinet members who didn't have consistent access to the president -- saying he was shielded by members of his inner circle at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump says 'somebody is not telling the facts' about Biden cancer diagnosis Biden himself denied the book's claims in an appearance on ABC's "The View" earlier this month. "They are wrong. There's nothing to sustain that," Biden said. His granddaughter, Naomi Biden, more forcefully addressed the book on social media, calling it "political fairy smut" that amounts to "a bunch of unoriginal, uninspired lies," she wrote on X. As Democrats aim to rebuild post-2024 losses, they have largely shied away from answering questions about Biden's mental acuity, with a couple of exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphy told Politico there was "no doubt" Biden suffered cognitive decline during his presidency. PHOTO: President Joe Bide and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, attend a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires across Los Angeles, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters, Files) While Rep. Ro Khanna said on ABC's "This Week," "It's painfully obvious President Biden should not have run." Many, however, have argued that relitigating Biden's role in Democrats' loss is unproductive, and claiming that they want to focus on a winning strategy for upcoming elections. Biden's diagnosis may give them another reason to disengage in conversations about his cognitive health. MORE: Former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis: What does a Gleason score of 9 mean? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, David Axelrod, a political strategist and former advisor to President Barack Obama, suggested that conversations about Biden's mental acuity should be "set aside" in light of his cancer news. While that may be the case in Democratic circles, Biden's diagnosis has not quelled questions about his mental acuity from some prominent Republican voices but rather fueled allegations. "We really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job," said Vice President JD Vance to reporters aboard Air Force Two. "That you can separate the desire for him to have the right health outcome with the recognition that whether it was doctors or whether there were staffers around the former president, I don't think he was able to do a good job for the American people." Biden, even after he has exited political life and as he faces a serious cancer diagnosis, remains a factor in the conversation about his party's political future. Biden's cancer diagnosis may change conversation about his mental acuity: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com It's not particularly pleasant, but a digital rectal exam can save a man's life. Its purpose is to screen for cancer of the prostate gland, the second most frequent malignancy (after lung cancer) in men worldwide in 2020, and the leading one in more than half of the world's countries, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "Cancer touches us all," former US president Joe Biden wrote in a post on the online platform X on Monday, after it became known he has prostate cancer. Biden's office says it is an aggressive and advanced form of the disease that has spread to the bones, but that the condition can be managed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From warning signs to treatment options, here is some essential information for anyone with an ageing prostate. Who's especially at risk? "Prostate cancer is a disease of older men," says Dr Anno Graser, a Munich-based radiologist and prostate specialist. A 35-year-old man has a 0.1% risk of developing prostate cancer within the next 10 years, he notes, while a 75-year-old's risk is 5%. Joe Biden is 82. There were more than 1.41 million cases of prostate cancer worldwide in 2020, or 7.3% of total cancer cases, estimates the IARC, part of the World Health Organization (WHO). What are the warning signs? Usually there aren't any. "The body doesn't recognize that abnormal cells are multiplying uncontrollably, so there are typically no symptoms in the early stages," explains Dr Olaf Reichelt, chief physician in the Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology at the Helios Clinic in Aue, Germany. This is why screening is so important, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an advanced stage, bone pain in the lower back, hips and ribs, or difficulty urinating, can occur. By this time, however, the cancer is likely to have metastasized, or spread, to nearby areas such as the spine or lymph nodes in the groin. How can prostate cancer be detected early? As mentioned above, one screening method is prostate palpation. Many early cancers are still too small to be felt though. Another method is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is protein produced by cells of the prostate gland, and men with prostate cancer often have an elevated level of PSA in their blood. However, some non-cancerous conditions can also cause a man's PSA level to rise. Men can lower the risk of having prostate cancer overlooked by getting both a digital rectal exam and a PSA test. But cancer specialists say this also increases the chances of false-positive results for cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A further screening method is multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), regarded as the most sensitive and specific imaging technique for the detection and evaluation of prostate cancer. Is a rectal exam painful? While the procedure isn't particularly pleasant and may make you feel helpless, having your prostate palpated by a doctor is normally painless. During the exam, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and palpates, or feels, the prostate for any hard, lumpy or abnormal areas. It takes just a few minutes, after which you can feel good about having had a perhaps life-saving check-up. How dangerous is prostate cancer compared with other cancers? Prostate cancer is among the somewhat less aggressive cancers and curable if it hasn't reached an advanced stage. It's accountable for 3.8% of all mortality caused by cancer in men - more than 375,000 deaths annually - and estimated to be the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men globally, according to the IARC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared with cancer types that affect fewer men but kill a higher percentage of them, prostate cancer is curable about 90% of the time, Graser says. The earlier it's detected, the better the patient's prognosis. What are the treatment options? The type of treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's age, PSA level, biopsy result and any accompanying illnesses, points out Reichelt. If the patient is between 50 and 75 years of age and his cancer isn't at an advanced stage, the treatment is usually surgical removal of the prostate or radiation. While advanced prostate cancer is rarely curable, Reichelt says, in many cases it can be kept under control for several years with hormone, chemo- and immunotherapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many men don't die of, but rather with, cancer carcinoma," he remarks. Doctors may recommend, for example, that an 80-year-old patient with a tumour that's not very aggressive not be treated at all. Will prostate surgery impact my pelvic floor? Most people don't give their pelvic floor a thought until it acts up. For women, this often happens during pregnancy and after childbirth, when coughing, sneezing or laughing can cause urine to leak - a sign of weakened pelvic floor muscles due to overstretching. But men, too, especially those impacted by prostate cancer, would do well to give some love to their pelvic floor, a dome-shaped sheet of muscles and connective tissue forming the base of the abdomen in both men and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An integral pelvic floor organ in men is the prostate," says urologist and andrologist Dr Wolfgang Buhmann. The prostate, a walnut-sized organ that sits below the bladder very close to the pelvic floor, plays a key role for the muscle sheet, explains Buhmann: "If it has to be removed due to cancer, the pelvic floor loses an essential buttress that's important for urinary continence." A weak pelvic floor can cause back pain as well as lead to abnormal curvature of the spine and herniated spinal discs - not to mention erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will be able to suggest certain exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor as needed. Discomfort when urinating can have its cause in the prostate. Franziska Gabbert/dpa (NewsNation) Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Democratic Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, who is also a close friend of Biden and his family, joined NewsNations The Hill to discuss Bidens recent diagnosis and said he was saddened to hear the news. We ask that everybody give the family grace and support in this challenging time, Meyer said. We all should come together as a country regardless of who the former president is, regardless of what the political party is. Lets root for the Bidens and make sure they get through this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration to pay $5M to family of Ashli Babbitt Vice President JD Vance said questions regarding Bidens fitness to serve as president need to be answered. Vances comments come as a House committee announced that it would be launching an investigation into a cover-up of the former presidents mental decline while in office. Meyer said theres a balance between the privacy of a family during a challenging time and the publics right to know. What we know now is that President Biden is no longer our president, and this is a man whos got a very serious cancer, Meyer said. Meyer added that no other president or administration has done more for cancer research than Biden has, and his outcome could be much better now because of that than it probably could have been years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An effort is underway in the regular legislative session to streamline the appeals process for death row cases in Louisiana. Proponents want a faster system. Lawmakers and Attorney General Liz Murrill described the legislation as prioritizing victims over criminals. House Bill 675 by Rep. Brian Glorioso (R-Slidell) would reform whats known as the Post Conviction Relief system. If it becomes law, it will shorten the amount of time a death row inmate has to exhaust their appeals process. The limit would shorten from two years to one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrill spoke in favor of the bill, saying victims families are subjected to years of heartbreaking court proceedings as defense attorneys file appeal after appeal. She invited one of those families to Mondays committee meeting, the Richards. The so-called Cheneyville Slasher, Larry Roy, has been on death row since the 90s after killing two members of the Richard family. The question we should be asking is how did we go to a two-year time limit to 30 years, said Murrill. Murrill says that at some point, Roy was granted an evidentiary hearing, but he didnt pursue it immediately. And now in 2025, after a decade of sitting on that grant of relief, hes saying, Oh, I didnt get my hearing. Yes, you did, said Murrill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sally Richard, Roys ex-girlfriend who survived the attack, spoke in favor of the bill, saying the long process has been difficult for her and her family. I cant rest at night. Im having nightmares, Im on medication, and half the time I still cant sleep, said Richard. Death row advocates spoke out against the bill, pointing to Louisianas relatively high exoneration rate. They told members that when someone is exonerated in Louisiana, thats part of the current post-conviction relief system working. The bill will soon head to the House. A look at the status of US executions in 2025 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. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) The Town of Blacksburg announced its Volunteer Rescue Squad was awarded the prestigious honor of Outstanding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency by Governor Glenn Youngkin on May 19. During the start of National EMS Week on Monday, Chief David English accepted the award from the governor on behalf of the entire team. John Clair named new chief of Blacksburg Police Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Town offers its congratulations to the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad for receiving this prestigious award for the second time in eight years, said Deputy Town Manager Steve Ross. Being recognized a second time demonstrates the outstanding EMS services the Rescue Squad continues to provide our community. Additionally, we are appreciative of all the individuals who volunteer their time to provide this valuable service. The Outstanding EMS Agency award recognizes local, regional, state, and national EMS agencies for exceptional professionalism, a strong commitment to community service, and excellence in patient care, demonstrated through innovative training programs, public health initiatives, robust community engagement, and leadership. First black Chief of Police of Blacksburg, William Bill Brown remembered Im truly honored to accept this award on behalf of Blacksburg Rescue, said David English, Chief of Blacksburg Rescue. It is a testimony to the dedication and professionalism of our team. In a time when many volunteer agencies are struggling, its especially meaningful that our all-volunteer rescue squad can achieve this distinction from among the hundreds of other volunteer, career, and combination departments across Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 170 active volunteers, the Rescue Squad is a non-profit that provides prehospital emergency services, training, community events, and other public services to Blacksburg, parts of Montgomery County, and other neighboring communities. Blacksburg PD K9 Unit receives ballistic vest donation The Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is a pillar of the Blacksburg community through public education, safety training, and participation in local events. The award underscores the organizations sustained impact and commitment to excellence in emergency medical services. For more information about the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and its programs, visit www.blacksburgrescue.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Factories face higher taxes under Sir Keir Starmers EU reset deal amid warnings that heavy industry is already being crushed by sky-high energy costs. The Prime Minister has agreed to work with Brussels to link the UK and EU markets for so-called carbon credits, a form of taxation where industrial businesses are charged for any CO2 emissions over an allowed limit. The agreement commits the UK to imposing caps that are at least as ambitious as those put in place by Brussels and paying towards the administrative costs of running the European scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the Government argued that the concession had won British companies protection from a separate so-called carbon border tax that the EU is set to impose on goods imported from outside the bloc, meaning they would pay less overall. It was welcomed by industry body UK Steel, which said factories would otherwise have faced trade frictions when exporting to continental Europe. But critics warned the agreement could ultimately lead to higher taxes for factories, given that the EUs carbon prices are higher than the UKs. This may be particularly painful for businesses that do not primarily export to Europe. Carbon credit prices, which are traded on the market, rose 6pc in Britain following Sir Keirs announcement, reflecting the expectation that the deal will bring them closer to the EUs level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Bowie, the shadow energy secretary, warned: This agreement with the EU means we will no longer have any sovereignty over our own carbon prices at all. If the Government wanted to reduce the burden on industrial businesses in future by lowering our carbon price to a level below the EUs, for example, that will no longer be allowed our hands will be tied. And the EU is going to be setting those prices based on what is best for the 27 member states, not whats best for Britain. We are seriously concerned that this is only going to increase the cost of energy for UK industry, which is the complete opposite of what ministers should be trying to do right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a government spokesman said: This deal will save businesses millions and cut bills by avoiding businesses being hit by the EUs carbon tax due to come into force next year, which would have sent 800m directly to the EUs budget. Forty-four different business organisations, including the CBI, Make UK and UK Steel all backed our approach last month as crucial to preventing businesses relocating overseas and reducing costs for both UK and EU consumers. Meanwhile, separate figures revealed sky-high energy costs have forced Britains steel-makers, paper mills, chemical factories and other heavy manufacturers to slash production by a third in just three years. The output of energy-intensive industries fell by 33.6pc between the start of 2021 and the end of 2024, official figures showed. The manufacturing slump included huge drops in the production of metals and castings, glass, chemicals and paper products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Output from heavy industry is now languishing at its lowest point since records began in 1990, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) added. The slump was triggered by a surge in energy prices. Over the same period, the price of electricity soared 75pc and the price of gas more than doubled, prompted by the outbreak of the Ukraine war, as well as green energy levies. The ONS blamed the steep costs faced by UK firms on the countrys high dependence on gas. The average price that industrial firms paid for gas leapt from 2.5 pence to 5.5 pence per kilowatt hour (KWh) between the first quarter of 2021 and the end of 2024, it said. Over the four-year period, the ONS said the average power price paid by industrial firms rose from 14.8 pence to 26 pence/KWh. It peaked at 28.4 pence/KWh in the final quarter of 2023, before coming down later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These higher gas prices also led to higher power prices, as gas is used to generate around one-third of the UKs annual power requirements. The UK was more exposed to recent surges in gas prices than France and Germany, where there is a greater reliance on nuclear and coal-fired power. Last year, it was revealed that British companies faced the highest industrial electricity prices of any developed country. The ONS noted that other European countries offered more relief to industrial businesses from network costs and carbon taxes. Since 2010, much of the policy costs added to electricity and gas bills have been paid by businesses rather than domestic consumers, although in recent years energy-intensive businesses such as steel makers have been granted relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam Richards, chief executive of campaign group Britain Remade and a former Downing Street energy adviser, said the figures were an urgent wake-up call. He said: Sky-high energy costs have gutted Britains industrial base, with output in sectors like steel and chemicals collapsing to record lows. If were serious about protecting jobs and rebuilding our manufacturing strength, we need to cut industrial electricity costs and fast. Mr Richards called on ministers to boost British energy production, adding: That means unleashing a wave of investment in renewables and new nuclear, including small modular reactors, which offer a game-changing opportunity to power energy-intensive industries in Britains industrial heartlands with clean, affordable electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, is next month expected to set out the Governments new industrial strategy, with ministers hinting that the package will include measures to lower the cost of energy. 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 20TOLEDO A Bluffton man and Lima woman have been charged in federal district court on charges related to online child pornography activities. Kris Shoemaker, 64, of Bluffton, and Grace Miller, 42, of Lima, were arrested earlier this month by the U.S. Marshals Service after a special agent from the FBI received cyber-tips related to the receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material. According to records from the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, FBI special agent Caleb E. Williams on March 17 received tips from Yahoo Inc. and Facebook related to the receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material. One tip led investigators to an approximately 39-second video, which depicts an 8- to 10-year-old female nude from the waist down, touching her genitals and then masturbating. That video was traced to an account linked to Shoemaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 8, members of the FBI and Allen County Sheriff's Office executed a federal search warrant for Shoemaker's residence at 124 W. Jefferson St., Bluffton. Shoemaker was interviewed at the scene, submitted to a polygraph and subsequently admitted to engaging in child pornography activity online. He identified Miller as his current girlfriend and one of the women he distributed child pornography to, according to court documents. On that same date, Miller was interviewed by detectives from the Allen County Sheriff's Office. She reportedly admitted to taking pictures of an 8-year-old female's breasts and genitals and sending them to Shoemaker. She stated she sent the images and videos to Shoemaker via Facebook Messenger. She told investigators she began taking and sending him the images and videos approximately seven months ago, and she took them at her residence in Lima, according to court documents.. Shoemaker's cell phone was seized during the execution of the search warrant and was found to contain numerous sexual images involving minors. Shoemaker was arrested on charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Miller was taken into custody on a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor related to the production of child pornography. Both Shoemaker and Miller waived their rights to a preliminary hearing in federal court. No further hearings have been scheduled at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoemaker was convicted in 1982 of voluntary manslaughter, in 1991 of carrying a concealed weapon and in 1992 of attempted gross sexual imposition involving a 12-year-old female. Shoemaker is no longer required to register as a sex offender, according to court documents. Featured Local Savings JAMESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Mariners gathered Monday to express their concerns about a plan by the U.S. Coast Guard to phase out dozens of navigational buoys in Rhode Island waters. The Jamestown Town Council discussed the Coast Guards proposal at length and listened to feedback from the mariners regarding how this would negatively impact boating navigation. Specifically, the Coast Guards plan calls for the removal of approximately 350 buoys across the Northeast, which is about 6% of the federally maintained aids to navigation (AtoN). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island is home to about 400 AtoN, including the roughly three dozen coastal buoys that would be eliminated under the Coast Guards proposal. The Coast Guards proposal reflects a federal shift toward using more modernized navigation systems like GPS, electronic charts and smartphone apps and fewer physical markers. RELATED: Coast Guard looks to remove hundreds of buoys in Northeast Jim Heagney, executive director of the Jamestown Harbor Commission, urged town councilors to push back against the Coast Guards plan. Anyone who owns a boat, I think, should be concerned, Heagney said. Heagney told 12 News he was shocked by the Coast Guards proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I couldnt understand why, especially based on the specific buoys theyve listed within Narragansett Bay, he explained. The overall goal of the proposal, according to the Coast Guard, is to make boating safer and more efficient, since the buoys being removed are considered either nonessential or not in use. But Heagney disagrees. Most, if not all of them, are high-value buoys, he said. Theres always a chance, for whatever reason, that GPS can fail. If the buoys are gone and GPS isnt functioning, you open up opportunity for much more risk. Jamestown Harbor Commissioner Paul Sprague echoed that sentiment, describing the buoys as landmarks that can assist lost boaters with finding their way home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To remove those aids, I think, is opening up a can of worms, Sprague said, adding that boaters will lose their sense of direction and get into accidents more frequently. Sprague explained that buoys are especially useful in dense fog. You always need to double check to make sure where you are, he said. If the GPS tells you that mark is there, you want to see it. If its not there, you become concerned about whether your instruments are telling you the truth or not. The Jamestown Town Council voted in favor of signing onto a letter asking the Coast Guard not to remove the buoys. Meanwhile, Sen. Jack Reed is urging Rhode Island mariners to weigh in on the Coast Guards plan before any buoys are removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guards goal should be to ensure safety through an effective, efficient, and resilient navigation system, Reed said. Rhode Islanders know these waters best, and their views should guide Coast Guard decision-making. The Coast Guard is accepting public feedback via email through June 13. Those who submit feedback are asked to include the size and type of their vessel with an explanation on how they use the buoys to navigate, as well as the distance at which they start looking for them. This proposal is just the first of the Coast Guards three planned efforts to modernize and reduce navigational buoys. The Coast Guards overall plan is available online. ri coastal buoy discontinuation listDownload 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 Ocean, Bay & Beach 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 WPRI.com. BOCA RATON As anticipation soars for Boca Raton's centennial celebration, so do ticket prices to see Weezer headline the event. The show is sold out. However, resale tickets to see the Los Angeles-born 1990s rock band range from $200 to about $1,200 on the website AXS.com. They started off ranging from $40 to $124.50. "Oh my God," Ian MacLaren of Boca Raton said when he first heard of the resale prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MacLaren plans to attend the May 24 concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. He and his wife snagged tickets shortly after they went on sale in April for no more than $50, he said. "Its a small venue, which is part of the draw," MacLaren said. "So, if there's that much demand after the tickets go on sale, that can kind of happen. But I am shocked by that." Weezer is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. May 24. The concert will kick off a series of centennial events as the city prepares for its 100th birthday. Gates open at 6 p.m. The 1990s rock band Fountains of Wayne will open for Weezer. It is best known for "Stacys Mom," the 2003 hit song that propelled the New York City band into the mainstream. Concert kicks off series of centennial events MacLaren, 44, grew up in Boca Raton. While he doesn't think he'd have spent more than he did on his tickets for the centennial celebration, he appreciates the city's effort to host the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's nice to see Boca doing things to make the downtown they've built attractive," he said. Lily Onal, also a Boca Raton resident, plans to attend the concert with her husband and some friends. "I love that amphitheater," Onal said. "Anytime I get the opportunity to see any performance, I try to take advantage. And I love the idea of a big performer coming to Boca, because nine times out of 10, if you really want to see anyone big, you have to go to Miami or to Hollywood." Los Angeles-born 90s rock band Weezer. Onal bought two tickets for about $300, before they were being resold. "I feel like we're lucky," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onal, 43, has a daughter and a son, both under 8 years old. When it comes to taking them out to events like concerts, convenience plays a significant role in deciding where they'll go. "For the amphitheater, you can either just get an Uber or drive yourself and it's no big deal," Onal said. "It's right here. It's great for Boca residents. It gives us the opportunity to see someone pretty well known so easily and locally." Onal has lived in Boca Raton for the last three years. Before that, she'd lived in Fort Lauderdale. She said her family moved because they wanted to be in a safer, more kid-friendly environment with a city-feel. "It's great when you get things like Weezer coming," she said. "It makes you feel like you're living in more of a metropolitan city, and then you still get to live in this suburb where your kid goes to public school, where they're safe and they're getting a good education, and they're making nice friends, and they're surrounded by good people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concert will be followed by a centennial celebration drone show May 25 at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with shows at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Resale Weezer tickets for Boca Raton centennial soar in prices MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) A system-wide boil water notice has been issued for the Mt. Gilead Improve Water Association in Marion County. The notice affects 915 customers. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the notice was issued due to a loss in pressure. While Trump overhauls FEMA, Mississippi tornado survivors await assistance Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed. The water system will be notified when tests show that the water is safe to drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers will be notified by the system when the alert is lifted. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A British surgeon working in hospitals caught in the middle of Israels new Gaza offensive said air strikes were shredding people to pieces. Tom Potokar, a plastic surgeon stationed in southern Gaza with the charity Ideals, told The Telegraph he was working in the Strips European Hospital when it was hit by Israeli bombs. Israel has escalated its war in Gaza by launching a fresh offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory, which it announced on Sunday, triggering international outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of people have been killed in recent days, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli tanks have rolled into the Strip, air strikes have intensified and thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes by Israeli displacement orders. Speaking from the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, where he is now stationed, Dr Potokar said: You have to consider that the Gaza Strip is, geographically, a very small area and yet there are nearly two million people living here. So when you drop ordnance with the amounts being used and the type of weapons being used in such a small, densely populated area you are literally shredding people to pieces. Dr Tom Potokar (right) performs surgery to repair the nerves of a two-year-old who was hit by shrapnel - Dr Tom Potokar The 61-year-old surgeon, who previously worked as a consultant at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery in Swansea before becoming a voluntary independent humanitarian surgeon, said he had moved hospital three times in the past week amid ongoing Israeli bombardments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recalling the massive air strike on the Gaza European Hospital, he said: It is difficult to imagine how human beings can treat other human beings in this way. To see children particularly with horrific injuries and amputations, to see pregnant women requiring major surgery its absolute brutality. The Israeli air force said the target of the strike was an alleged Hamas command centre situated underneath the hospital, with defence sources claiming Mohammed Sinwar, the organisations leader, may have been killed in the attack. But the strikes on Gazas hospitals have drawn criticism from humanitarian organisations, with the UN Human Rights Office and Human Rights Watch warning the campaign is pushing the healthcare system in the enclave to the brink of collapse. Rights groups have also warned of famine, as aid continues to be blocked by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Potokar evacuated the European facility on Thursday morning and headed to Nasser Hospital, where he stayed for two days, before being transferred to the nearby Al-Amal Hospital, where there was no plastic surgeon onsite. The doctor says he was also caught up in an air strike near the Al-Amal facility, with the strength of the blast causing a piece of shrapnel to narrowly miss the entrance to the emergency department. It was around 6am and a massive strike happened about 400 metres from the hospital, with heavy machine gun fire and helicopters. Thankfully, there were no casualties in the hospital, but a huge piece of shrapnel landed in front of the emergency room. Credit: Gaza European Hospital/Dr. Tom Potokar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel announced the start of the latest ground offensive in a statement on Sunday, saying it had already struck 670 Hamas terror targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. On Monday, the army ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, where Israel carried out a massive operation earlier in the war that left much of the area in ruins. It follows a more than two-month blockade on Gaza after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas broke down amid accusations the organisation was stealing supplies. But Israel has faced growing international pressure in recent weeks, including from the US, to agree to a temporary armistice and allow aid into the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare US intervention, Donald Trump, the US president, warned that Gazans were starving last week as a result of the humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. We are looking at Gaza, were gonna get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving. Theres a lot of bad things going on, the US president said on Friday as he concluded a tour of the Middle East that took in several Gulf countries but excluded Israel. Damage from an Israeli airstrike outside the Gaza European Hospital in eastern Khan Younis - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg Commenting on Mr Trumps visit to the Gulf, Dr Potokar said many in the enclave were hopeful that the president would intervene and were left bitterly disappointed after he signed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. People were very optimistic of Trumps visit, everyone really thought that he might do something. But what did it do? It sold billions worth of arms deals. Its not humanity; its just money and power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: What is the West doing, what is the rest of the world doing churning out press statement after press statement but nothing is changing. This will be a stain on humanity when people look back in years to come, when we say, How did we allow this to happen? Weve been here before and no lessons are being learnt. The killing goes on, the slaughter goes on and these are people like you and me. Since the end of the ceasefire in March, at least 3,131 Palestinians have been killed and more than 8,600 injured, the Gaza ministry of health has said. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, signalled on Sunday that he was open to making a deal with Hamas, saying his negotiation team would exhaust every possibility in an effort to end the fighting. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In its effort to draw more students into engineering-related career fields, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln embarked on a plan to grow interest in the field close to home. The UNL College of Engineering has sought to expand its reach to rural schools across Nebraska to raise awareness about opportunities available for students in engineering, as well as illuminate the pathways to those jobs. Dean Lance Perez said UNL has long had strategies in place to recruit students from Lincoln and Omaha, the state's two population centers, but has largely left students from west of the Capital City to find their own way. Once upon a time, enough of those students from rural parts of the state would matriculate at UNL to fill the demands of the engineering workforce, Perez said, but no longer. The workforce demands in engineering, computing and construction are so big that we have to get more and more and different students to study those fields, he said. We cant just rely on that natural pipeline; we have to build the pipeline. This year, the College of Engineering began building connections to rural high schools and forming an advisory committee made up of teachers and community members to design ways to make it easier for students to see the path to becoming an engineer. But the UNL engineering colleges effort to extend its reach across the state suffered a setback last month after the $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation supporting the initiative was abruptly canceled. The cancellation was among hundreds of grants terminated at the National Science Foundation last month amid a push by President Donald Trump to end support for programs tied to diversity, equity and inclusion. Since returning to office in January, the Trump administration has axed billions of dollars of federal grants into scientific, medical and humanities research being conducted at universities, including at institutions like UNL. While the impetus of the cuts to federal grant programs has been what Trump has described as an attempt to root out discrimination, many of the so-called DEI programs in Nebraska are focused on improving outcomes for rural students. In the case of the UNL College of Engineering, the Nebraska Engineering Inclusive Excellence Center was focused on leveling the playing field between students from urban centers and rural areas, Perez said. The program, in addition to building a recruiting pipeline, would have also provided additional supports for rural students to ensure they are successful, he added, such as tutoring and counseling. The notice of cancellation came in an email informing UNL that the grant program no longer aligned with the priorities of NSF or the Trump administration. Theres no question that they are using a very broad brush when they are painting something as DEI, Perez said. I suspect if this had been looked at more carefully, they might have found this program was consistent with national priorities. Other research projects at UNL funded through the NSF, including a study on improving the learning outcomes of college-level math students that involved five other universities, also received termination notices in April. The Achieving Critical Transformation in Undergraduate Programs of Mathematics ACT UP project had the goal of shifting long-held paradigms for teaching math before its funding was shut down. The way we teach math at the college level is the same as when medicine was about leeches, said Wendy Smith, a research professor in UNL's Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education. But you cant just tell somebody they should stop lecturing at students and start engaging them actively without giving them the tools to do so. In partnership with California State University East Bay, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Duke University and Kennesaw State University, UNL researchers have improved the math placement process used by colleges and universities. ACT UP has also trained instructors to see students as partners rather than "passive, empty vessels waiting to be filled with math knowledge," Smith said, as well as how to improve student attitudes as a way to improve attendance and reduce anxiety. Encouraging math departments to engage with students in different ways means being aware of the racial makeup of student bodies, Smith said, but ACT UP said instructors should also be aware of the needs of first-generation students, commuters and non-traditional students with families. "We were never doing anything preferential based on race," Smith said. "From our perspective, yes, we were talking about equity, but in trying to help all students be more successful by improving the teaching, beliefs and practices of instructors." Smith said while ACT UP anticipated that its funding could be struck, the manner in which it happened unfolded in an unconventional way. On April 18, a termination email from the National Science Foundation was sent to a random address within UNLs office that handles federal grants, rather than the principal investigator, as normally happens. It looked like spam, Smith said of the email address, which included the word Grants with a series of numbers behind it. The message it contained was generic, telling UNL the research project no longer aligns with grant priorities, and informing the university that no appeal of the decision was possible, which Smith called blatantly illegal. Grant recipients are typically notified of any changes to the status of their funding in person and are given a period of time to correct any deficiencies that have been identified. At the end of a 90-day review period, the NSF can then finalize its decision to continue or cancel the funding, Smith said. If the grant is canceled, recipients have an opportunity to file an appeal. Regardless of how much we agree or disagree with the priorities NSF has stated, were not being given a chance to show these canceled grants are meeting those priorities, Smith said. On May 5, NU President Jeff Gold told state lawmakers in a letter the university had lost more than 70 federal grants totaling nearly $92 million in funding since January, even as the university has attempted to comply with a Trump administration order to remove references to diversity and inclusion from its policies. The lost grant funding has affected research in areas of agriculture, biomedicine, counterterrorism, weather and climate, as well as the humanities. A reduction in "facilities and administration rates" that help cover the cost of utilities and other on-campus services has also resulted in a $60 million funding loss, Gold said in a letter to the Legislature. Both Perez and Smith said they are looking for avenues to keep the NSF-backed work moving forward as the funding landscape continues to change. Perez said the UNL College of Engineering remains committed to the goal of the grant and will keep engaging with its community advisory committee to look for opportunities. "I'm trying to gather some resources to continue the things we think are most important," he said. "We can't abandon our commitment to rural communities." Smith said she and others working on ACT UP were ready to explain the value to NSF officials, or to look for ways the project could adjust to meet the Trump administration's goals going forward. Eliminating programs focused on words such as "equity" or "critical transformation" cast a broad net and may be running counter to what federal officials had intended, she said. "What we're not seeing is anybody trying to understand what this work is," she said. "We're trying to help more students be more successful at mathematics, but in order to do that, we need to look at how some students have been excluded." President Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan joins Chris Jansing to discuss Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) being charged by the DOJ after a skirmish outside a Newark ICE Center. Homan also weighs in on a Georgia college student being held in ICE custody, and registrations for the administration's self-deportation app. Two Boston city councilors are still demanding answers after a five-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus last month. The investigation revealed the bus driver had an expired certification at the time. He has since resigned. Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy want the school district to provide information about its hiring, training, and certification practices for bus drivers, to prevent another tragedy from happening again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the next city council meeting Wednesday morning, councilors Flynn and Murphy want to schedule a hearing to review how Transdev, the citys contracted school bus company, screens, trains, and supervises the bus drivers to ensure the highest safety standards. In the order, the councilors say the city needs to act with urgency to address the systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy. Councilor Flynn claims the same driver who allegedly struck the child also reportedly struck two parked cars in Mattapan earlier in the day. This proposed order comes just days after the driver, Jean Charles, resigned. He was initially suspended following the crash that killed year year-old Lens Arthur Joseph in Hyde Park last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their efforts to strengthen safety protocols, the councilors want to hear from representatives from the school district, transportation department, and the bus company. The councilors plan to propose the order during the council meeting on Wednesday morning. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Boston man was charged in connection with a woman who was followed to her apartment before she was sexually assaulted, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said. Cornelius Williams, 34, appeared in Boston Municipal Court Central on Tuesday for his arraignment, Haydens office said in a statement. Williams was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and one count of assault to rape. At his arraignment, Judge James Coffey ordered that Williams be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 10:53 p.m. on May 14, Williams followed a woman to her apartment building in the North End and grabbed her legs, Haydens office said. He started licking her toes and tried to pull off her dress, but did not. She screamed and told him she would call 911, and Williams ran off, Haydens office said. Video footage viewed by police detectives showed Williams following the woman several blocks to her apartment building, the statement read. At around 5:06 p.m. on May 19, Boston police arrested Williams. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Boston police are looking to identify an individual in connection with an armed robbery in Roxbury on Monday morning. The incident took place around 7 a.m. in the area of 236 Quincy Street (Quincy Variety Store). Police say the individual took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register drawer. The individual was then seen walking across Quincy Street on Magnolia Street towards Kineo Street. They are described as wearing a gray New England Patriots hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black gloves, and a face mask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at (617) 343-4275. 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 General Atomics announced Monday that ground testing of its YFQ-42A began earlier this month, and the collaborative combat aircraft is expected to have its first flight this summer. In a statement, General Atomics said their CCAs ground testing began May 7. The YFQ-42A is an exciting next step for our company, David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautics Systems, said in a statement. It reflects many years of partnership with the U.S. Air Force of advancing unmanned combat aviation for the United States and its allies around the world, and were excited to begin ground testing and move to first flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement follows the Air Forces revelation May 1 that Anduril Industries CCA, the YFQ-44A, had also started its ground testing. Anduril also expects its CCA to start flight tests this summer. CCAs are uncrewed, semi-autonomous drones that will fly alongside aircraft like the F-35 and F-47, also known as Next Generation Air Dominance. Their purpose is to expand the reach of the Air Forces limited fleet of crewed fighters and conduct missions, such as strike operations, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and to serve as decoys. The Air Force chose General Atomics and Anduril to design, build and test the first iteration of CCAs in April 2024. General Atomics YFQ-42A is derived from its XQ-67 Off-Board Sensing Station drone, which the Air Force Research Laboratory flew in 2024 to test a platform sharing construction concept. That drone was built on a chassis that could be used as a foundation for multiple drones, which the company and AFRL said could allow drones to be built en masse and more cheaply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andurils YFQ-44A was previously called Fury, and the company uses its Lattice operating system for its autonomous capabilities. The service posted a graphic last week that said these first CCAs would have a combat radius of more than 700 nautical miles and stealth comparable to the F-35s. The Air Force wants to have at least 1,000 CCAs. The Air Force also plans to locate its first CCA aircraft readiness unit which will keep them in a fly-ready status for rapid deployment at Beale Air Force Base in California. Because CCAs would not need to be flown regularly to keep pilots trained, the Air Force expects the drones would only be flown a minimal amount of times. That means Beales unit would likely need fewer support airmen than crewed aircraft require, such as maintainers, the service said. But both Andurils and General Atomics CCAs may not end up being in the Air Forces fleet. The service plans to choose next year which of those CCAs to move into production and start to develop the next increment of the drones. The head of a commercial real estate investment firm Atlanta Financial Center sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for spending investments on personal items. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Elchonon Elie Schwartz, of New York City, was sentenced to time in prison and will have to pay millions back in restitution to more than 800 investors after diverting funds for the Atlanta Financial Center and spending it on luxury items for himself. Schwartzs greed was boundless, U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in part. He callously abused the trust of hundreds of investors to line his own bank accounts. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The funds were intended to be invested in a commercial real estate complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Schwartz started his scheme to defraud commercial real estate investors in May 2022. His investors used crowdfunding site CrowdStreet Marketplace to pay close to $63 million, including $54 million for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta, officials said. Another $9 million was invested for a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Fla. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDOJ said Schwartz told his CrowdStreet investors hed protect their money with separate bank accounts and would not mix the investments, using them only for the property they were intended for. In reality, the Justice Department said Schwartz took the money and put them in his personal bank account, personal brokerage account and other unrelated commercial real estate investments he had control of. According to USAO, Schwartz also bought luxury watches, invested in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and used some of the money to pay unrelated payroll expenses for his commercial real estate business. Then midway through July 2023, Schwartz companies, which he founded to receive the funds from CrowdStreet investors, filed for bankruptcy, USAO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 12, Schwartz pled guilty to a single count of wire fraud. In court on Monday, Schwartz was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hell also have to pay $45.08 million in restitution, according to federal officials. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A 15-year-old boy was left clinging to life Monday after he was shot multiple times outside a public housing complex in Harlem, cops said. The eruption of gunfire happened around 2:10 p.m. on 5th Avenue near King Towers, a NYCHA property just blocks from Central Park, and is the latest violence to involve Big Apple youths in recent days. The teen suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and was rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in critical condition, police said. A 15-year-old boy was left clinging to life Monday after he was shot multiple times outside a public housing complex in Harlem, cops said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock No arrest has been made and police did not immediately have a suspect description Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting comes as a rash of violence against teens and kids has rattled the city. A 7-year-old boy was shot and wounded in a Bronx home Sunday afternoon, though it wasnt clear if he got hold of the weapon and accidently fired on himself. Last week, 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey, an innocent bystander, was fatally shot in the head near a Bronx schoolyard when she was caught in the crossfire of a gang-fueled shootout. Two teens have since been busted in the senseless slaying. There are no arrests, and the investigation is continuing by the New York City Police Department. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock The shooting comes as a rash of violence against teens and kids has rattled the city. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock The day after Jeffreys death, an 11-year-old boy was injured after a gunshot shattered a car window and broken glass cut the youngster. A 20-year-old man, who was driving the car with the youngster in the back, was shot in the left shoulder. The pair was in a passing car that drove through gunfire caused by warring gangs. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii is preparing to host its annual Great Futures Day this Wednesday, May 21, a fundraiser that supports youth programs across the islands. 28th annual ALA Hawaii Food Show creates jumping off point for local businesses to shine globally Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, said the event is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves a great future. The day brings the community together to raise funds for resources that help keiki succeed during and after school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations directly support services such as nutritious meals, caring mentors, and enrichment programs. Clubhouses on Oahu and Kauai will host lemonade stands, offer tours, and promote the event to raise awareness. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The need in our community is real, Kauhane said. One in five youth in Hawaii wont graduate on time, and 96% of the youth we serve come from families facing financial hardship. Annual membership fees are $25 for children and $10 for teens, but the actual cost to serve each child is about $2,500. Kauhane emphasized the clubs commitment to equitable access, ensuring families never have to choose between paying bills and keeping their children safe after school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As economic pressures grow, more families are turning to the Boys & Girls Club for support. Kauhane said the organization is committed to meeting that need but cant do it alone. In todays political climate, helping to shape the next generation of caring, community-minded leaders is more important than ever, she said. An investment in BGCH now ensures our youth become the leaders we need tomorrow. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news For more information, 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 KHON2. BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WETM) A Bradford County man was sentenced on Tuesday to more than a decade in prison following an incident where he had thousands of images of child sex abuse material, according to a release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Jay Holloway, 37, of Wyalusing, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison for the crime of distributing child sex abuse material. Previous Post: Bradford County man indicted on child porn charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back on May 17, 2023, Pennsylvania State Police served a search warrant on Halloways home in Bradford County. During the search, agents took a number of digital devices, including phones and computers. The devices were searched and forensic teams found 3,369 images and 965 videos of child sex abuse material. A further investigation into the devices found that Holloway used Telegram, a cloud-based encrypted messaging app, to distribute the material to others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRADSHAW, WV (WVNS) The February flooding in McDowell County forced people who live on Lex Hill Road near Bradshaw to use a temporary bridge to get from the main road Route 80 to their houses on that hill. Man faces charges in Wyoming County However, this temporary bridge flooded again after Fridays rainfall. Concrete barricades block both ways in and out of Lex Hill Road, allowing only foot traffic across. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West Virginia Division of Highways has had crews working on this bridge. Resident, Sandra Roberts told 59News this has greatly complicated matters for everyone living on that road, specifically in cases of emergency. She said there are a lot of people who live on that road with medical conditions that require frequent attention. Roberts explained her heart is only pumping at 70 percent, plus she has bone-on-bone knee issues. I had to get my car parked on the other side of that sign over there. I had to swing out across the barrier to get over here with nothing to hold onto. That is how you get back. Dangerous. It is at our own risk, said Roberts. The combination of her health conditions makes crossing the bridge by foot difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before these barricades were put up, they could navigate the bridge by four-wheeler or side-by-side to access their cars. Roberts said she and the other families on that road were caught off guard by the installation of these barricades. Now their cars are stuck on the Hill at their houses. [There is] no way to go to the doctors office, no appointments, no nothing, no grocery shopping. The trash truck cannot even get through. They cannot deliver packages. Nothing. We are stuck. At least let us get our vehicles over here [on the other side of the bridge]. Then we could come off [of the hill], added Roberts. She went on to say their predicament raises even more questions for others around the county. This is not right. None of this is. But like I say, we are not the only ones that [are] going through this because the [DOH] is doing on this part here they are trying. Like I said, it is not going to stay. What about the rest of the families that are in these hollers and the driveways and bridges just washed out? They are told it is private property, said Roberts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer 59News reached out to the West Virginia Division of Highways to learn more on this situation. WVDOH District 10 Engineer, Ryland Musick responded with the following statement: The bridge connecting Lex Hill was damaged by February flooding. Plans are underway for a replacement. In the meantime, the WVDOH constructed a temporary causeway crossing of rock and pipes to allow Lex Hill residents access into and out of the community. That crossing partially washed out during heavy rains on Friday, May 16, 2025. After the water receded, WVDOH road crews began repairing the crossing on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The causeway is expected to reopen to traffic on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Ryland Musick, District 10 Engineer, West Virginia Division of Highways Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Last week I went to do morning chores and surprisingly found one of my calves with a hard piece of plastic tubing stuck on her leg. I dont know how the orange plastic cylinder ended up in the cow lot. Probably the wind blew it from the field. It looks like a piece of drainage tile. Cherrymash was not in pain or injured, just uncomfortable, and I knew I needed to get it off. Being alone at the farm at 6:30 in the morning didnt give me a lot of options. I tried to get it off by walking beside her and putting my sorting stick in one of the holes, hoping that it would just pull off, but no luck. I did get a nice bruise where the stick hit me. I was able to get the heifer calf into the chute after a few attempts. I was beginning to get discouraged and called for my husband to come to my aid, but she pulled free of the trap before he arrived. When I posted about the predicament on Facebook, I had a variety of answers of what the orange piece of plastic was as if they were naming the problem. Another friend suggested we should post game cameras in the lot to see how these animals continue to find craziness and post the videos on a YouTube channel. Sounds like a good idea for a moment. After all, Ive always suspected my cattle are like the animals in Barnyard and have a party as soon as I leave. The problem with the video is that it would also catch me losing my mind when this silliness occurs. Possibly entertaining, but not really my best moments. Thinking about it a little more I feel like this experience is a metaphor for my life right now. Its hard. Its not painful, but definitely uncomfortable. Well, maybe a little painful. I seem to be spending a lot of time trying to name the problem, but does it really matter? I know something has to change and there is an urgency to find a solution. This has been a season of transition for me. Unfortunately, its the big transitions in life that tend to unnerve me. Probably more than it should, but then again, I feel like Im not any different than a mom of a senior in high school. It seems like just yesterday that I was dropping my son off at kindergarten and last week he walked across the stage and graduated from high school. Luke is moving into a new chapter of his life, and while Im excited and proud of his accomplishments, Im also I dont know what I am. Im still naming the emotions. Our community has surrounded us with love and support as we celebrated just like I knew they would. But this transition is not the only thing happening in my world. I feel overwhelmed and unable to focus. Sometimes I feel like Im disappointing the most important people in my world. Time is a rare commodity and more valuable than anything I own. Theres just not enough of it. But this past Friday I went to Iowa to help with a trail ride. It was an incredible weekend for me and a reminder that sometimes I need to step away and recharge. My community helped me understand that not everything needs to be as big and hard as I make it. Ill find the time for what is important to me. For Gods gifts and His call are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) ST. LOUIS Surrounded by destruction, Wayne Mason Sr. recalls hunkering down in his apartment on Bayard Avenue last Friday afternoon with his 21-year-old daughter as the tornado tore through. It was just real traumatic and then when it was over, I just started banging on peoples doors, making sure they were ok, Mason said. Mason then heard nearby cries for help. We heard him in the back. He was like, Im over here! Im over here! Mason said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home at 1362 Bayard was reduced to a pile of bricks. Mason says he followed the sound of the mans voice. I just started chucking the bricks and he raised his hand out. Got the bricks all the way down to his waist, Mason said. While Mason frantically cleared the rubble, he says the man began to call out for his wife. She was right by him in the back, but he didnt know where she was at. He just kept saying, Wheres my wife? Wheres my wife? She should be right here by me. But she never answered, Mason said. Mason flagged down a passing fire truck. The firefighters on board assisted in the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was looking for his wife. I was calling her name. Maam can you hear me? Wasnt no response. When they finally found her, the family showed up, and it was just real sad, Mason said. He didnt want to leave in the ambulance because he didnt want to leave his wife. He sat right there with her when they covered her with the sheet. The woman killed in this home on Bayard is one of four others who died in Fridays tornado. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Another victim, Patricia Penelton, was inside Centennial Christian Church on Fountain Avenue when the roof caved in. She was 74. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miss Pat was again a selfless servant, a saint to the community. How I met her was serving! She had what was called a Gods Cafe! Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard (Ward 10) said. Juan Baltazar was crushed by a tree while sitting in his car on Grand Boulevard. He was a father of seven and a proud food truck owner. Baltazar was 48. Worked in construction and he also loves to do the food truck, Nick Brown said. He used to just do it certain weekends at food festivals or what not. Back on Bayard Avenue, Wayne Mason Sr. knows the path forward will be painful but hes encouraging our community to push forward with positivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve got to stay strong, put God first and rebuild. Hopefully, you can rebuild. Youve got to stay positive. Stay strong and stay together. Dont nobody do that, aint nothing gonna happen, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. French fishermen said they couldnt have hoped for better after Sir Keir Starmer surrendered a 12-year deal on fish to the EU. The Prime Minister gave up access to British waters as part of his reset deal with Brussels, which he unveiled alongside EU chiefs in London on Monday. He made the major concession in a fish for food deal to secure a trade-boosting veterinary agreement with the EU after being ambushed in late-night talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We couldnt have hoped for better, Olivier Lepretre, the president of the Hauts-de-France regional fisheries committee, told the France3 television channel. We are very satisfied and relieved. This changes a lot of things. If we no longer had access to British waters, we would have suffered a significant loss of revenue. We had a completely blocked horizon, and this agreement gives us visibility. The original post-Brexit fishing deal offered the EU five years of access to UK waters. It expires next year. But France, and others, made agreeing a replacement a condition for the Swiss-style veterinary deal and UK-EU defence pact in the reset agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As late as Sunday, the UK was insisting that any fish deal would have to last four years, but that trebled in last-minute negotiations to land the agreement under pressure from Emmanuel Macron. This is excellent news for our fishermen, said Agnes Pannier-Runacher, the French minister for ecological transition, the sea and fisheries. Other European fishermen also praised Paris and Brussels for their tough negotiations. Spain has 40 vessels fishing in British waters, which are also fished by Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Ivan Lopez van der Veen, the vice-chairman of Spains Cepesca fishing confederation, said: This was the best deal we could get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had no expectation of increasing our quotas. For the sector, I think it is the best possible outcome. It allows for stability and to reinvigorate the fleet. We would have liked it to be a permanent agreement, but 12 years is a good basis for joint management of those waters, as we have always done. I cheer for all members that pushed for a deal. We have 27 states, and they are all playing for the EU. Svend-Erik Andersen, the chairman of the Danish fisheries association, said: We are pleased that the highest level in the EU recognises that fishing is an important industry for all of Europe. Sir Keir claimed the deal was good for British fishermen because it offered them long-term stability and did not increase European catch quotas. Credit: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, insisted fishermen had lost absolutely nothing in the EU agreement. Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat MP and the chairman of the rural affairs committee, told Mr Reed that the fisheries often get traded off against something else. In response, Mr Reed said: I do want to really emphasise this point, because you said fishing was traded out in this deal. It wasnt. Theyve lost absolutely nothing and theyve gained things, particularly access that we did not have before. But Elspeth Macdonald, the chief executive of the Scottish fishermens federation, said: This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen far worse than Boris Johnsons botched Brexit agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The veterinary deal will remove post-Brexit border checks and red tape in exchange for the UK agreeing to align with EU laws on plant and animal health rules. That will benefit British exports, including fish. More than 70 per cent of the fish caught by British boats is sold to the EU. The blocs ban on exports of live British shellfish imposed after Brexit will also be lifted. Dimitri Rogoff, the president of the regional committee for maritime fisheries and marine farming of Normandy, said: In Normandy, were very sensitive to the issue of scallops its an extremely important fishery for us. We know that British products are fished on the French side, and that these products are sent to the French market at very low prices, which brings prices down a little. So in the end were competing with our British friends on a product. 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. JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) New Bridge Street in Jacksonville is finally open for traffic after nearly two years of construction. The new bridge project started in March of 2023, and had many growing pains that included replacing water lines and finding heating oil storage tanks. When we actually got into the construction, we found little challenges like that that we had to stop and take care of, Deputy City Manager for City of Jacksonville, Ron Massey said. The contractor did a great job in addressing those unexpected issues. But now were the important thing. Its were glad that its over. The city is hoping that this will bring more people to the downtown area, especially new businesses to help revitalize downtown Jacksonville. We hope to draw some businesses back downtown, some things that will cause people that need to come downtown and hopefully therell be some restaurants and other places where people will come downtown in the evening, Massey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click the video above for more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. If statistics were kept on the number of gavels broken in the Texas Legislature each year, it seems likely that this session would set a record. While presiding over the House floor, lawmakers have smashed at least 14 gavels and even shattered a tempered-glass cover on the speakers desk in a freak accident. (No one was injured.) The incidents have become so frequent and so well-known around the Capitol that state Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons joked in a social media post that Theyre ordering these gavels off of Temu, referring to the Chinese e-commerce platform that sells dramatically reduced-cost goods. Although that isnt the case, where the gavels come from might be surprising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State prisoners make every wooden gavel used in the Texas Capitol, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed to the American-Statesman. Inmates also manufacture the desks, chairs, flags and other furniture that populate the House and Senate, making prisoners a key part of the legislative process that shapes Texans' fate. Speaker of the House, Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, gavels as a "yes" vote comes in on April 16. The department that manufactures gavels and other furniture is Texas Correctional Industries, one of many correctional industries programs around the country. Like the vast majority of incarcerated workers in Texas, inmates who make this furniture are not paid, a practice some Democratic state lawmakers disagree with. They should get whatever credit they deserve for that, state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said of inmates who make Capitol gavels and furniture. Whatever value (the furniture) has, it should be real and paid into inmates accounts. The House purchased 400 gavels this year, while the Senate purchased 100, according to the TDCJ. Smaller gavels used for committee hearings cost $25, while larger gavels used on the House and Senate floors cost $40 each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature created Texas Correctional Industries in 1963 to provide inmates marketable job skills, help reduce recidivism and reduce department cost by selling products for profit, according to the TDCJ website. Only local, state and federal agencies, public hospitals, schools, universities and other public entities can purchase the prison-made wares. The programs website shows the vast range of products made at prison factories: janitors brooms, courtroom podiums and benches, mobile office chairs, aluminum bleachers for schools, desk name plates, restroom signs, saddles, bullwhips, tear gas holders and inmate transport belts. In addition, each lawmakers office has a catalog of Capitol-specific items available for purchase, including Texas flag cutting boards, 89th legislative session key fobs, mouse pads, barbecue grills and even bird houses. State Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, shows off a gavel he split in half while presiding over the Texas House floor on Friday in his Capitol office. Texas Correctional Industries generated $76.7 million in sales in 2019, according to a 2022 report from the University of Chicago Law School and the American Civil Liberties Union. The TDCJ did not respond to the Statesmans request for updated figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program accounts for a small subset of the many jobs that inmates perform for the Lone Star States prison system, which requires all prisoners who can work to do so. This mandate is made possible by the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits involuntary servitude and slavery except those confined for a criminal conviction. Incarcerated people work as cooks, dishwashers, firefighters, barbers, plumbers, farmers, carpenters, construction workers and launderers, among other jobs. More than 120,000 inmates were employed in Texas in 2019, according to the 2022 ACLU report, and less than 2% around 2,700 were part of Texas Correctional Industries. Able inmates who refuse to work can be confined to their cells, stripped of personal property and barred from commissary, recreation, visitation and personal telephone calls, as per TDCJ policies. Simmons, a Houston Democrat, said inmates should be paid for their work. The requirement that inmates work without pay goes back to our countrys origins in slavery, she said. Why gavels break: Because lawmakers want them to State Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, is one of a handful of House members who presides over the lower chamber when Speaker Dustin Burrows is occupied with meetings or other business. He has broken two gavels this session, he said, and feels that has no bearing on their quality. State Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, holds a gavel used in the Legislature that is made at the W. F. Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, which is in Vasut's district. I'm not gonna lie, we do kind of hit (the gavels) as hard as humanly possible, Vasut told the Statesman. I'm not sure how you can design a gavel to withstand the level of abuse that we subject these things to. And it's so funny compared to the Senate, where its just like, a little love tap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gavels were made in the W.F. Ramsey Unit, a state prison just south of Houston that's in Vasuts House district. So, I guess, then, my constituents are making the gavels, my involuntary constituents, he said pensively. In 2015, three cracked gavels were sent back to the Ramsey Unit for prisoners to evaluate why they failed, according the Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate. Moody, who often presides over the House as speaker pro tempore, also said the breaks are often intentional. "I've never broken one and I've hit the gavel 1,000 times," he said. State Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine has broken more than a dozen this session while substituting for House Speaker Dustin Burrows. Republican State Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine is the undisputed record-holder for most gavels broken this session, with 10 of them on display in his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He does it on purpose, he said. Once he sees a crack developing in the head of the gavel, he hits it on that crack until it splits. You kind of watch it throughout the day, and you know that it's going to break, he said. A lot of them are chips off the side. Asked whether he feels the gavels are well made, he said, "absolutely." Its not something bought off of (Temu), he said. Theyre solid. They're very solid." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislatures unexpected source of gavels: state prisons Britain has halted trade negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador in protest of the countrys renewed offensive in Gaza. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, condemned Israels expansion of its ground operation as an affront to the values of British people and warned that the world is judging, history will judge them. In an impassioned speech to the Commons, he said that Israels egregious policies in Gaza and the West Bank is damaging the UKs relationship with the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahus government in recent days has threatened to take full control of Gaza, declared the entire southern city of Khan Younis a combat zone and refused to end its three-month blockade of the Strip. Britain has joined a growing chorus of European and Western countries pressuring Israel to end its war against Hamas and allow the flow of aid into the war-battered Strip, where two million people are at risk of famine. Mr Lammy said: Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop. The Foreign Secretary unveiled a package of sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers committing violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank and threatened further actions if the war did not stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marked the Labour Governments strongest rebuke of Israel since it suspended dozens of arms exports to Israel in September. Yet, there is discontent amongst the party that the new measures do not go far enough. Britain began its negotiations to strengthen its existing free-trade agreement with Israel in 2022. Last year, Labour confirmed its plans to deepen the UKs 5.8bn trade links, a divisive move that caused rifts among the backbenchers. In response to the immediate suspension of trade talks, Israels foreign ministry released a scathing statement, saying: If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative. On Monday Britain had joined France and Canada in threatening Israel with concrete actions if its intolerable war continued. Paris followed today by saying it was determined to recognise a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Unions top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, also said on Tuesday that there would be a review of the EUs trade agreement with Israel amid the catastrophic situation in Gaza. Ms Kallas said a strong majority of EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels favoured such a review of the blocs association agreement with Israel in the light of events in Gaza. The rare public reprimand from its allies signals Israels increasing isolation on the world stage as its ongoing campaign in Gaza deepens the rifts between the country and its traditional partners. Palestinians attempt to collect water at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City, on May 20, amid Israels expanded offensive - AFP Donald Trump is also said to be frustrated by the 19-month war. Sources told the Axios news website and the Washington Post that Mr Trump instructed his aides to tell Mr Netanyahu to wrap it up or the US, Israels most important ally, will abandon it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In apparent defiance of the global condemnation, Mr Netanyahu, late on Tuesday, ordered the return of a delegation holding ceasefire talks in Qatar. It is understood only a small team will remain in Doha to continue the talks, which have yielded scant progress so far. Behind-the-scenes, Washington has been pushing Israel and Hamas to accept a new US proposed hostage and ceasefire deal. The agreement reportedly includes the release of half of the living and dead hostages immediately, in exchange for a 40 to 60 day ceasefire, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the resumption of aid into Gaza. Amid Mr Trumps apparent growing frustrations, JD Vance, the US vice-president, scrapped his plans to visit Israel this week, citing logistical issues. White House sources, however, said it was a reaction to Israels renewing its Gaza offensive. Credit: IDF Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 85 Palestinians were killed in air strikes on Tuesday alone, according to the Hamas-run health authorities, as Israel intensifies its bombardment of Gaza as its opening salvo of the new ground offensive, Operation Gideons Chariot. The new operation, launched last week, aims to seize huge swathes of land. Mr Netanyahu is attempting to please his hardline coalition partners who do not want to end the war until Hamas has been destroyed. In a statement that angered Israels allies, Bezalel Smotrich, the hard-Right finance minister, said Israels army would wipe out what remains of Palestinian Gaza on Monday. More than 97,000 Palestinians were displaced in the offensives first four days as they fled to smaller pockets of the Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir said: We are acting according to a structured plan and moving to the next phase. Hamas will pay the price for its defiance... We will expand our manoeuvre, capture additional territory, clear and destroy the terrorist infrastructure until its defeat. Relenting to pressure from allies, Israel said it allowed 93 aid trucks into Gaza on Tuesday only five aid trucks were allowed in on Monday. It marks the first aid allowed into the Strip since Israel enforced a total blockade on March 2, sparking widespread shortages of food and medicine and deepening the dire humanitarian situation. The UN, however said that none of the aid actually reached Palestinians, describing the new security process for clearing aid as long, complex, complicated and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UNs humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher had earlier said that 14,000 babies in Gaza were at risk of dying if aid did not reach them in time. 06:06 PM BST Todays live coverage has ended. Heres a round-up of the days events: The UN warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die in the next 48 hours Israeli air strikes reportedly killed 60 in Gaza overnight The leader of Israels opposition party said the government kills babies as a hobby Israel said it killed Hamass rocket and missile chief France said it was determined to recognise the Palestinian state Netanyahu said Starmer was offering Hamas a huge prize in calling for an end to the war Britain sanctioned Israeli settlers featured in Louis Therouxs documentary Britain suspended trade negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador Israel lashed out, saying Britain would harm its own economy A frustrated Trump reportedly ordered his aides to tell Netanyahu to wrap up the war 06:06 PM BST Labour campaign group attacks Government over Israel decision A Labour campaign group has said it is disappointed by the Governments decision to suspend trade talks with Israel, warning it will do nothing to end the war in Gaza. The Labour Friends of Israel (LFI), who support a two-state solution, said measures which punish the Israeli people as a whole would simply play into the hands of Benjamin Netanyahus government while isolating moderate voices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on behalf of the group, a spokesman said: We are disappointed by the Governments decision to suspend negotiations on a UK-Israel free trade agreement. Weakening Britains important economic, security and strategic relationship with Israel will do nothing to bring about an end to the tragic conflict Hamas initiated on 7 October 2023. Untargeted measures which punish the Israeli people as a whole will instead simply play into the hands of the Netanyahu government while isolating moderate voices for peace. 05:55 PM BST US asking countries for voluntary Palestinian relocation The United States has reached out to countries about accepting voluntary relocations of Palestinians fleeing Israels offensive in Gaza. Israel has again warned the population of Gaza to move ahead of a new offensive, which comes after it has blockaded food and supplies for more than two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump has repeatedly mused about displacing Gazas two million people to make way for reconstruction. Responding to a question in the senate, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Tuesday: Theres no deportation. What we have talked to some nations about is, if someone voluntarily and willingly says, I want to go somewhere else for some period of time because Im sick, because my children need to go to school, or what have you, are there countries in the region willing to accept them for some period of time? Mr Rubio said. Those will be voluntary decisions by individuals, he added. 05:40 PM BST No aid delivered to Gaza yet, says UN No humanitarian aid has been distributed yet in the Gaza Strip, the UN said on Tuesday, despite more supplies being dropped off on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. Today, one of our teams waited several hours for the Israeli green light to access the Kerem Shalom area and collect the nutrition supplies. Unfortunately, they were not able to to bring those supplies into our warehouse, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Israel allowed limited aid deliveries to Gaza to resume on Monday after an 11 week blockade. 05:01 PM BST Pausing trade talks with Israel right thing to do, says major Labour donor One of Labours biggest donors, Dale Vince, welcomed the news that the UK will pause trade talks with Israel in protest over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Mr Vince, who donated 5m to Labour ahead of the election, told The Telegraph the decision makes simple sense and renewed his calls for sanctions. He said: This is exactly the right thing to do. Yesterdays statements by France, Canada and the UK were overdue but welcome. Todays scrapping of trade talks makes simple sense. We need trade sanctions not trade deals with Israel, until they lift the siege and end the attacks and begin to comply with international law and basic morality. It comes after David Lammy said the UK would hit Israeli West Bank settlers linked with violence against Palestinians with sanctions. 04:51 PM BST Trump frustrated by Gaza war and wants it wrapped up Donald Trump is frustrated by Israels ongoing war in Gaza and wants Benjamin Netanyahu to wrap it up, White House sources have claimed. The president is frustrated about what is happening in Gaza. He wants the war to end, he wants the hostages to come home, he wants aid to go in and he wants to start rebuilding Gaza, one of the officials told Axios news website. Since the US presidents trip to the Middle East, the US has been pushing Israel and Hamas to accept a new proposal presented by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff for a hostage and ceasefire deal. The agreement reportedly includes the release of half of the living and dead hostages immediately in exchange for a 40 to 60 day ceasefire, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the resumption of aid into Gaza. Yet, the negotiations have shown scant progress so far. Mr Trumps apparent frustration comes after JD Vance scrapped his plans to visit Israel this week. The US vice-president claimed it was logistically unfeasible, but US officials told the media it was a reaction to Israels expansion of its offensive in Gaza. 04:36 PM BST Tory peer says pause in trade talks benefit no one but Hamas Lord Polak, the honorary president of the Conservative Friends of Israel, said the pause in trade talks would benefit no one except Hamas. The Tory peer also agreed with the Israeli Foreign Ministry that the move would damage the British economy. He told The Telegraph: Any trade deal is exactly what it says - a deal that will benefit both countries involved. Therefore the Israeli Foreign Ministry is right - but more importantly there are 58 hostages being held by Hamas and this action by the Government benefits no one except Hamas. 04:31 PM BST Pictured: Palestinians wait to collect water in Gaza Palestinians attempt to collect water at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City, on May 20, amid Israels expanded offensive - AFP 04:29 PM BST UK charities urge Government to suspend arms sales to Israel UK charities are urging the Government to go further than halting trade talks, calling on it suspend all arms exports to Israel. Hannah Bond, co-CEO of ActionAid UK, said that that any further delay in halting all arms experts to the Israel government is unconscionable and indefensible. The Foreign Secretary rightly described the situation in Gaza as intolerable and abominable so why is the government allowing weapons partly made in the UK to continue to wreak death and devastation on Palestinians, including women and children? Until the UK halts all arms exports to the Israeli government, it remains at risk of complicity in the egregious violations of international humanitarian law taking place. Any further delay is unconscionable and indefensible, she added, saying Britain must put further pressure on Israel to allow aid into Gaza. Jennifer Larbie, Christian Aids Head of UK Advocacy, said that the charity welcomed the suspension of trade as a consequence for Israels offensive in Gaza. But we urge the government to suspend all UK arms sales to Israel. Suspending trade talks alone wont stop the bombs dropping on the Palestinian people, she added. 04:09 PM BST Analysis: Netanyahu is increasing Israels isolation on world stage Despite Israel downplaying the significance of the UK freezing trade negotiations it has become abundantly clear that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the international system. Benjamin Netanyahu is playing with fire, diplomatically speaking, hoping that the UK, France and Canada are bluffing, and that the humanitarian aid that has started entering Gaza will make them stand down. But the Israeli prime minister is playing a dangerous game by insisting that only limited aid will enter Gaza. If the UK takes a step further and imposes more sanctions on Israel, other countries will surely follow. And this could hurt Israels economy at a time where its already suffering from the weight of the war. The main issue for Mr Netanyahu seems to be that hes caught in a dilemma: either appease his hardline coalition partners to stay in power, or end the war to avoid further damage to Israel internationally. 03:58 PM BST Labour giving massive gift to Hamas, says shadow business minister Greg Smith, the shadow Tory business minister, said the decision to suspend trade talks with Israel was a massive gift to the terrorists in Hamas. He told The Telegraph: It is an absurdity that the UK Government have taken a new stance which has won the support of Hamas - an organisation we proscribe as a terrorist organisation - and is the aggressor in the war with Israel. We all want aid to reach the innocent in Gaza and for an end to bloodshed - but handing over a massive gift to the terrorists is no way to go about it. 03:41 PM BST Pictured: Vital aid waits outside Gaza Boxes of aid are seen at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, on its Israeli side - REUTERS David Lammy said Israels 11-week blockade of aid to Gaza was indefensible - REUTERS 03:38 PM BST Business Secretary had called trade deal a priority The decision to pause the trade negotiations comes less than two weeks after Jonathan Reynolds described a deal with Israel as a priority. The Business Secretary told a private dinner that the Government had ambitions to secure further agreements with Israel, as well as Switzerland and South Korea. Several Labour backbenchers have branded the pursuit of a trade deal amid the famine and bombardment of Gaza indefensible. One of Labours most significant donors, Dale Vince, in an op-ed in the Telegraph last week, called for sanctions against Israel rather than trade negotiations. 03:33 PM BST Watch: Lammy announces suspension of trade talks 03:31 PM BST Labour MP says trade talks freeze is not enough Nadia Whittome, a Labour MP, warned the Governments decision to freeze trade talks with Israel did not go far enough. In a post on X, she said: The UN warns that in the next 48 hours, 14,000 babies in Gaza could die due to Israels blockade. The Government has now suspended Free Trade Agreement talks, as many of us have long demanded. But we need to show we mean what we say: immediately recognise the state of Palestine, and stop all arms sales and implement sanctions until Israel ends its genocide and illegal occupation. No amount of political pressure or culture-washing can ever hide the fact that Israel is starving Palestinians in Gaza, nor that these war crimes span 77 years. Since the Nakba, Palestinians have faced forced displacement, home demolitions, dehumanisation, torture, and state-sanctioned murder. 03:23 PM BST UK Government willing to harm its own economy, says Israel Israels foreign ministry has criticised the UK for suspending free trade agreement negotiations, saying that even prior to todays announcement, negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy that is its own prerogative, the foreign ministry said. Israel also lashed out at UKs decision to impose sanctions on settlers and outposts in the West Bank, calling them unjustified, and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror Tzeela Gez, of blessed memory, who was murdered on her way to the delivery room. Doctors continue fighting for her newborns life in hospital. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction, the statement added. 03:12 PM BST Watch: Lammy on Israel: History will judge them 03:10 PM BST UK-Israel trade negotiations explained: The Labour Government has been trying to secure a free trade trade agreement with Israel. David Lammy has just announced a formal pause of the negotiations, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government, the Foreign Office said in a statement. The push to deepen the UKs 5.8bn trade links with the country had caused splits amongst Labours backbench and risked alienating the partys biggest donors amid international alarm over the loss of civilian life in Gaza. Successive UK governments have sought to secure a more comprehensive trade deal with Israel, which officials argue would benefit tech and professional services firms. The UK exported 3.2bn worth of products to Israel last year, with pharmaceuticals, cars and power generators among the top exports. In return, Israel sold 2.5bn worth of goods and services to the UK, including vegetables, cleaning products and chemicals. Read more on the trade negotiations here. 02:59 PM BST Two-state solution remains only framework for peace, says Lammy David Lammy said a two-state solution to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict remains the only framework for a just and lasting peace. The solution would officially recognise an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. It is seen by the UK, EU, US and United Nations and the path to peace. The obstacles to the proposal include Jewish settlements in occupied land the Palestinians seek for a state and uncompromising positions on core issues including borders, the fate of Palestinian refugees, and the status of Jerusalem, an ancient city holy to both sides. Foreign Secretary David Lammy leaves a Cabinet meeting today alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood - PA 02:38 PM BST Lammy: Israel intensifying humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza David Lammy told the Commons that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has rapidly intensified due to the 11-week blockade of aid into the besieged Strip. The Foreign Secretary condemned Israel for repeatedly striking hospitals, withholding aid, and for killing humanitarian workers in its lengthy military offensive inside Gaza. End this blockade now and let the aid in, he told Israel. 02:30 PM BST Lammy addressing MPs David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, is addressing MPs on the war in Gaza. You can watch him speak at the top of this page. 02:05 PM BST Julian Assange wears Stop Israel shirt at Cannes Julian Assange poses wearing a t-shirt with a list of people killed in Gaza during the The Six Billion Dollar Man photocall at Cannes - Anadolu Julian Assange wears a shirt that reads Stop Israel shirt at Cannes - Invision 01:35 PM BST Britain sanctions Israeli settlers from Louis Theroux documentary Britain has sanctioned a number of Israeli settlers linked with acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Among the individuals targeted are Zohar Sabah, Harel David Libi and Daniella Weiss, the so-called grandmother of the Israeli settler movement who featured in Louis Therouxs recent Settlers documentary. A Foreign Office statement said: Todays measures target 3 individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as 2 illegal outposts and 2 organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The individuals are now subject to financial restrictions and travel bans. It follows the sanctions on 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank. The measures follow a dramatic surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024, the statement added. 01:13 PM BST Starmer horrified by Israeli escalation Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, said he was horrified by the recent escalation by Israel and repeated calls for a ceasefire. I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, Sir Keir told parliament, after releasing a joint statement with Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney. We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages, we repeat our opposition to settlements in the West Bank, and we repeat our demand to massively scale up humanitarian assistance into Gaza. 12:49 PM BST Israel says it killed Hamass missile and rocket commander The Israeli army announced that it killed the commander of Hamass missile and rocket unit in the northern Gaza Strip. Moataz Deeb, who was killed on Saturday, planned and directed terrorist attacks toward IDF aircraft and launched UAVs aimed at harming Israeli civilians, the army said. Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force struck over 100 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. In northern Gaza, the targets struck included a weapons storage facility, terrorists, a military structure used by the Islamic Jihad in which weapons were stored, and underground infrastructure. In southern Gaza, strikes targeted terrorists, military compounds, and observation compounds, the IDF said. 12:31 PM BST Watch: Israel strikes Gaza as part of Operation Gideons Chariots Credit: IDF 12:12 PM BST Babies in mortal danger, says UN Babies in Gaza will be in mortal danger if they do not receive humanitarian aid, the spokesman for the UN Office for Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said. Jens Laerke told reporters: For now let me just say that we know for a fact that there are babies who are in urgent life-saving need of these supplements that need to come in because their mothers are unable to feed themselves. And if they do not get those, they will be in mortal danger. That is as much as I can say right now. If we have more specifics, well go back to you on that. 11:35 AM BST Pictured: Israeli tanks cross into Gaza Military vehicles drive their way into Gaza Israeli soldiers gesture as tanks roll into Gaza - REUTERS 11:32 AM BST Your views... 11:24 AM BST Starmer offering Hamas huge prize, says Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu said Sir Keir Starmer was offering a huge prize to Hamas after the Prime Minister called on Israel to end the war in Gaza. In a joint statement with France and Canada, Sir Keir last night threatened to take concrete actions if Israel did not stop a new military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the enclave. Mr Netanyahu said asking Israel to end its war before Hamas is destroyed would be offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. Israel accepts President Trumps vision and urges all European leaders to do the same, he added. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly wont. Betzalel Smotrich, Israels hardline finance minister, also accused London, Ottawa and Paris of morally aligning themselves with a terrorist organisation that raped, slaughtered, murdered, and burned women, babies, and children, and that repeatedly declares its goal to destroy Israel. 10:51 AM BST UN has permission to receive 100 aid trucks The United Nations has received permission to send around 100 trucks of aid into the Gaza Strip. We have requested and received approval of more trucks to enter today, many more than were approved yesterday, Jens Laerke, spokesman for UN Office for Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told reporters in Geneva. We expect, of course, with that approval, many of them, hopefully all of them, to cross today to a point where they can be picked up and get further into the Gaza Strip for distribution. 10:41 AM BST Israels foreign minister praises Hungary for leaving ICC Israels foreign minister has praised Hungary from withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. It comes after Hungarys parliament approved a bill this morning that will start the countrys year-long withdrawal process from the ICC, which Viktor Orban, the countrys Prime Minister, said had become political. Gideon Saar, Israels foreign minister, said: I praise the Hungarian Parliament for its just and historic decision this morning to approve the withdrawal from the ICC. I praise the Hungarian Parliament for its just and historic decision this morning to approve the withdrawal from the ICC. The so-called "International Criminal Court" has lost all moral credibility in its zest to remove Israel's basic right to defend itself. Thank you Hungary and Gideon Sa'ar | (@gidonsaar) May 20, 2025 10:07 AM BST France determined to recognise Palestinian state France is determined to recognise a Palestinian state, the countrys foreign minister has said after threatening Israel with concrete actions for its renewed offensive in Gaza. We cannot leave the children of Gaza a legacy of violence and hatred. So all this must stop, and thats why we are determined to recognise a Palestinian state, Jean-Noel Barrot, Frances foreign minister, said this morning. Britain joined France in condemning Israel for allowing a wholly inadequate amount of food to enter Gaza. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, read a joint statement from France, Britain, and Canada. 10:02 AM BST Pictured: Palestinians evacuate amid IDFs renewed offensive Over recent days, strikes have pounded Gaza as part of an intensified offensive by the IDF. Israel has issued evacuation orders for Gazas second-largest city, Khan Younis, which was bombarded in a previous offensive. Palestinians leave with their belongings following an evacuation order issued by the Israeli army from the northern Gaza Strip - Shutterstock Editorial 09:49 AM BST EU may suspend Israel association agreement The European Unions foreign ministers will discuss whether to suspend its association agreement with Israel, the blocs top diplomat has said. The Dutch foreign minister has put forward a proposal to do the review of Article 2 of our association agreement with Israel and we will discuss this, Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels. She added that humanitarian aid should reach Gaza as soon as possible. Of course, Israels decision to let some of the aid in is a drop in the ocean. Its welcomed, but its not enough. There are thousands of trucks behind the borders waiting. It is European money that has funded this humanitarian aid, and it has to reach the people, she added. 09:21 AM BST Israeli politician accuses Netanyahu of killing babies as a hobby The leader of Israels left-wing Democrats party has caused outrage after he accused the Israeli government of killing babies in Gaza as a hobby. Yair Golan, a former IDF deputy chief, was widely condemned by Benjamin Netanyahu and Yair Lapid, Israels main opposition leader. Mr Golan later seemed to walk back his comment by clarifying that it was aimed at the government and not the heroic IDF soldiers. It is not the first time that he has sparked controversy inside Israel for inflammatory remarks about the military. Mr Golan has previously likened Israel to Nazi Germany, drawing accusations of anti-Semitism. While the remark will likely have little influence on the IDFs conduct in Gaza going forward, it will cause tremendous damage to Israel abroad, given Mr Golans past in the IDF. Israel is already fighting a battle against accusations of war crime and genocide, which Mr Golans remarks may help serve. 09:09 AM BST 14,000 babies could die in next 48 hours - UN Some 14,000 babies in Gaza will die in the next 48 hours if aid does not reach them, the UNs under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs has said Tom Fletcher told BBC Radio 4 that we need to flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid in order to save lives. I want to save as many as these 14,000 babies as we can in the next 48 hours, he said. Asked how he reached the 14,000 figure, Mr Fletcher said: We have strong teams on the ground - and of course many of them have been killed. 08:43 AM BST Israeli air strikes kill 60 in Gaza Israeli strikes overnight and into Tuesday killed at least 60 people across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials have said. Two strikes in northern Gaza hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 22 people, more than half of them women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A strike in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 13 people, and another in the nearby built-up Nuseirat refugee camp killed 15, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Two strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis killed 10 people, according to Nasser Hospital. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which blames Hamas for civilian deaths because the group operates in densely populated areas. Israel launched a newly-intensified offensive in Gaza over the weekend - AFP 08:34 AM BST What did Starmer say about Israel? Sir Keir Starmer threatened Israel with concrete actions if it keeps restricting aid to Gaza. In a joint statement with France and Canada, the Government said: Yesterdays announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. It added: We have always supported Israels right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate. We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response. 08:27 AM BST Huge prize for Oct 7: Netanyahus statement in full Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada of offering Hamas a huge prize for carrying out Oct 7. Israel accepts President Trumps vision and urges all European leaders to do the same, the Israeli prime minister said. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) May 19, 2025 08:22 AM BST Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage. Well bring you the latest updates after Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, criticised the UK, Canada, and France for calling for an end to the war in Gaza. 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. Britains legal system was inundated with an influx of Russian cases last year as City law firms softened their stance against acting for some of the countrys oligarchs. The High Court saw a record 60 cases involving Russian companies and individuals in the 12 months to March 2025, up from just 27 in the previous year, according to figures collated by Portland Communications. Experts said the surge likely includes many cases that were delayed or postponed because of sanctions in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest figures also revealed 80pc of the Russians involved in High Court cases last year were represented by British lawyers, compared to just 30pc in the year prior. The situation suggests law firms are now more willing to work for Russian clients than they were in the immediate aftermath of Russias invasion, the report says. Lawyers are now taking a more nuanced approach to working with Russian clients, the report said, adding that City law firms now appear less willing to over comply. The British Governments decision to lift the cap on the sums of money sanctioned individuals are allowed to pay out in legal fees, from 500,000 to 2m, has also let Russian clients bring forward more heavyweight commercial disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ziyavudin Magomedov, a jailed Russian oligarch, was one of the many Russians litigating in London last year, as he has sued a whole host of companies over claims that he was subject to a Kremlin-led plot to seize ports that he owned. The data suggests a strong presence of Russian high-net-worth individuals seeking resolution in London, the report says. Of the cases linked to Russian parties, 32 involved Russian companies while 27 were related to Russian individuals. By contrast, just 320 of all cases in the High Court involved individuals last year, compared to 1,025 involving companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All in all, 93 nationalities were represented in Britains High Court last year, the research showed, with British claimants the most commonly represented, ahead of Emiratis, Americans, Russians and Cypriots. 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. DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) A British man on trial for drug offenses pleaded for leniency Tuesday in a court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria in northwest England, was arrested on Jan. 21, at a villa near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, after he allegedly collected a package from a motorcycle taxi driver at a nearby street. According to the court document obtained by The Associated Press, Parker was noticed acting suspiciously by officers while he was collecting the package. He allegedly discarded it in a panic and fled when police approached him. He was traced back to the villa where he was staying and was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court document said a lab test result confirmed the package containing slightly over a kilogram (2.326 pounds) of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy. Parker was initially charged with drug trafficking and could have faced the death penalty by firing squad if found guilty. However, the trafficking charge was dropped after police investigators determined that the package was not directly linked to him. The case went unreported until authorities showed a handcuffed Parker at a news conference on March 6. During the police investigation, the 32-year-old electrician was able to prove that he did not order the package. It was sent by a drug dealer friend, identified only as Nicky, who Parker had known for around two years and spoke to regularly through the Telegram messaging app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial that began last month, Parker told the court he initially refused to collect the package but later agreed to do it after Nicky assured him that the package was safe and would not put him in danger. Parker was told someone would pick it up shortly from him, his lawyer, Edward Pangkahila said. Parker was not promised money or anything else by Nicky in return, Pangkahila said. Authorities reduced the charge from trafficking to the less serious offense of hiding information from authorities. Prosecutors on May 6 sought a one-year prison term for Parker. However, under Indonesian legal system, judges have an important role as legal determinants in a trial. They could seek further charges if applicable laws are unclear or non-existent, meaning that the trafficking charge could be reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pangkahila said that Parker last met Nicky a year ago when he was on vacation in Thailand. As his friend was a dealer, Parker worried the package was filled with drugs. He panicked when he saw police officers on the street and and was approached by them, Pangkahila said. Wearing a white shirt and black trousers, Parker repeatedly expressed his remorse in his final plea on Tuesday and asked the panel of three judges in Denpasar District Court to consider his situation and impose a lenient sentence. I am very sorry and apologize, I know it was a mistake, Parker said, I promise not to repeat it again, because I really didnt know that (the package) was drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Parker read out his plea, Presiding Judge Gusti Ayu Akhirnyani adjourned the trial until May 27, when the judges will read out their sentence in a verdict. Until now, they (prosecutors) cannot prove that our client is a middleman or trafficker, Pangkahila said, He has no connection with any drug network, we hope the judges will come to the same conclusion. He said his client is nervous and depressed as he faces trial. Indonesia has very strict drug laws and convicted traffickers can be executed by a firing squad. About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data showed. Indonesias last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. ____ Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. The European Commission wants to simplify the process of returning asylum seekers to safe countries outside the European Union, even if they have only briefly travelled through them, in an effort to expedite asylum procedures. Until now, it was necessary for asylum seekers to have a close connection to such a non-EU country, for example through family members or a longer stay. In the future, it could be sufficient for the person concerned to have traversed the country while fleeing before reaching the EU, the Brussels authority stated on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Parliament and the member states must still approve the proposal. According to the commission, a sufficient connection to a safe country outside the EU would in future exist in two ways: Either the person concerned has travelled through it while fleeing, or the EU country has concluded a corresponding agreement with the country. In both cases, a return should be possible. Unaccompanied minors are exempt from this. Before a member state concludes such agreements, it should inform the commission and the other EU countries. This is intended to prevent individual states from independently creating regulations that do not meet EU standards. Acceleration of procedures The aim is for member states to more easily classify asylum applications as inadmissible and return asylum seekers to countries where they could already receive effective protection. This is intended to speed up procedures and relieve national asylum systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission emphasized that fundamental rights and legal guarantees for applicants should be preserved. Whether a non-EU country is considered safe depends on factors such as protection against being forced to return to a country where the person faces persecution, access to asylum procedures, and the absence of serious threats to life and freedom, for example due to origin, religion or political beliefs, according to the Brussels authority. Part of the EU migration pact Additionally, the commission proposes that an appeal against the rejection of an asylum application should no longer automatically have a suspending effect. This means that even if those affected legally challenge a decision, they could already be returned. This is intended to avoid lengthy procedures and blockages. The proposal from the Brussels authority is part of the pact for migration and asylum, with which the commission is fulfilling an obligation to review the concept of a safe non-EU country by June 2025. BIG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Big Spring Police Department is asking for the communitys help in identifying a man accused of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from Walmart. According to BSPD, on May 19 at approximately 5:21 p.m., the man pictured above walked out of Walmart with a Hart electric mower and a Hart pressure washer without paying. Anyone with information about the identity of the subject is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (432)263-TIPS, or use the P3 Tips mobile app, and reference case #2-25-01226. 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 Yourbasin. Like the Vikings of lore, JT Robertson has his sights set on distant lands, even as far as Florida. Robertson is the founder of Columbus' Bearded Viking Mead, and his goal is for it to be a household name throughout the states by 2027. Hes well on his way. A year after the grand opening in Columbus, Bearded Viking Mead has made exponential growth and can now be purchased at 54 locations in Montana. It's available on military bases and is already in a handful of other states across the nation, with more on the way. Robertson said according to the department of revenue, Bearded Viking Mead is the fastest growing wine company in Montana. Its a mead revolution, Robertson said. Hes changing peoples perceptions of mead an ancient form of wine made with honey instead of grapes one taste at a time. The majority of people think meads too sweet, my mead is not, Robertson said. My mead is just a good flavor, front to back, and sits at 15% alcohol, so you get that nice, warm feeling, but without the terrible effects of too much sweetness, or the effects of too much alcohol. Its a nice balance. A year after opening, Robertson has big things planned for his meadery, including new flavors, new projects and a planned expansion. Robertsons mead portfolio has transformed and grown from four to 16, including wildflower, apple, jalapeno raspberry, honey pear, peach nutmeg, huckleberry, blueberry lemonade, four-berry chili pepper, choke cherry vanilla, cherry orange cinnamon hibiscus, coffee. And that's not even counting seasonal flavors, like pumpkin spice, or the other ideas he's got brewing. Everything we try to do, we try to stick to as natural as possible, and local as possible, he said. The mead is fermented from honey sourced from Sunshine Apiary right in Columbus. His coffee flavored mead, the Berserker, is made with coffee beans from Montana Coffee Factory Roasters in Red Lodge. Packed with coffee beans, this mead has a caffeine kick. The Berserker, named for the legendary Viking warriors who would whip themselves into a nigh invincible frenzy before a battle, has been a big hit, taking third at an American Mead Makers Association's competition. Bearded Viking has racked up prizes at local and regional competitions as well, including Ales for Trails, Stillwater Brew Fest, Livingston Brew Fest. Bearded Viking Mead was recently challenged to a "mead horde" by Texas Longhouse Meadery and came away as a winner in that friendly competition as well. They challenged us and eight other meaderies, he said. The winner won a horn which was custom made by the Texas Longhouse Meadery. They plan to join in the fun again next year. Its about raising awareness and helping the community. Competition drives excellence. Its just getting people to understand that not all mead is terrible, first thing, Robertson said. For us to only be in business for a year and have six or seven awards now, its pretty awesome to be on that leading edge, pushing a good movement. That movement just keeps growing. Robertson is working with Willies Distillery to source 10 of their whiskey barrels to age mead in for a year, for a barrel-aged mead. Hes also working on getting his hands on juniper berries, for a juniper berry cucumber mead. That way we can do a tribute to gin, for all the gin and tonic folk out there, he said. Other new flavors include raspberry lemonade, watermelon, mint chocolate chip, and a mead-mosa. Bearded Viking Mead has signed on with multiple distributors to reach all corners of Montana, and even all corners of the country. They recently inked a deal with Republic National Districting Company (RNDC), one of the largest distributors in the nation. Well be end-to-end, top-to-bottom, throughout the state of Montana. Were starting off our distribution for RNDC in Florida, kicking off in June, Robertson said. We already outgrew this [warehouse space], and we barely finished it. So now were looking at what its going to take to expand to have a giant warehouse. Their new warehouse, to come in the next year, will likely be a 10,000 square-foot building, with 5,000 square feet on each floor devoted solely to inventory and the need for mead. Its been pretty fun. The adventure has been very stressful, but we're here for it, Robertson said. I had no idea it would grow this fast or that people would love the drink so much. We are pleased for sure, and excited to see where this takes us. The Bearded Viking Meadery tasting room, located at 4595 on MT-78, in Columbus, will be open for tastings, 4 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Miami County Sheriffs Office, along with 900 other law enforcement agencies, is running an awareness and enforcement campaign on Ohios seat belt laws. The campaign, as of Tuesday, May 20, has already begun and will end on Memorial Day Holiday (Monday, May 26). The Miami County SO said it is deploying additional deputies at various times on Miami County roads to strictly enforce traffic statutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO summit has blood center seeking more donors, just in case Officers will be placing special emphasis on seat belt enforcement, speeding, stop sign violations, impaired driving and other crash-causing infractions. Then, the Memorial Day weekend will be the official start of the Click-It-Or-Ticket campaign. Which runs throughout summer. These extra deputies are receiving funds from a 2024 Ohio Traffic Safety Office grant to the Miami County SO. Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak reminds drivers to buckle up and have a designated driver if they choose to drink. To learn more about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), click here, and for more on Ohio Highway Safety, 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 WDTN.com. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a fatal shooting on Grote Street in 2022, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Tuesday. Abdulla Abdalla, 26, shot and killed 40-year-old Monroe Cross, III on the 100 block of Grote, in Buffalos Grant-Amherst neighborhood, on June 20, 2022. Cross died at the hospital. Abdalla was originally charged with second-degree murder, but ended up pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter last November. He received the maximum sentence for the manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his release from prison, he will be subject to five years of post-release supervision. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) Buncombe County deputies said they are asking for the publics help in locating two suspects. The Buncombe County Sheriffs Office said the two suspects have open arrest warrants and are wanted for questioning regarding a fraud investigation. The Buncombe County Sheriffs Office said the two suspects have open arrest warrants and are wanted for questioning regarding a fraud investigation. The Buncombe County Sheriffs Office said the two suspects have open arrest warrants and are wanted for questioning regarding a fraud investigation. The suspects are identified as Angela Michelle Queen and Wesley Byron McCrary. If you have any information, you are asked to contact Detective David Reed at 828-250-4420, or Detective Watemon Jones at 828-250-4467. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. A burglary suspect was arrested just minutes after leaving the scene on a moped in Champaign County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Monday, May 19, around 1:27 p.m., Champaign County Sheriffs Deputies were dispatched to a residence on East Main Street in Saint Paris on reports of a burglary in progress, according to a social media post. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect had entered the residence and was confronted by the homeowner before fleeing the scene on a moped. Deputies were able to quickly locate the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Lucas Hatfield of Sidney, Ohio. Hatfield was located on E. Lawn Street in Saint Paris and was arrested at 1:37 p.m., according to the post. He was arrested for burglary and taken to the Tri-County Jail. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Emergency officials in Burke County are warning residents about a pine straw scam. They said two people are going door-to-door offering to put out pine straw under the names of Advanced Lawn Care Tiler Richardson and Julia Lutchkus. ALSO READ: Action 9 warns about business going door-to-door selling pine straw After spreading the straw, authorities said the two demanded more money than the original quote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person even lost $1,700 because of it. Officials said the two were pulling a trailer with a Georgia license plate that read TH88N62. VIDEO: Action 9 warns about business going door-to-door selling pine straw OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Businesses along a metro road are preparing themselves for a traffic headache that will last through June. Kyle Honeycut is the owner of American Elite Martial Arts near North Lincoln Boulevard. Honeycut was surprised to hear that the City of Oklahoma City is planning to close the northbound lane of Lincoln Boulevard. I had no idea until you showed up and told me, said Honeycut. The fact that theyre closing the road, is terrible. Means all my customers pretty much are going to have to go around and add 10 minutes to their drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honeycut said his gym has been in the area for years and traffic has been an ongoing issue. Normally traffic flow is pretty bad. So, its already bad because of the plant, we get a lot of complaints. Newcastle officials urge caution during storms after police car struck by lightning The City of OKC said the road will be closed for utility work. Another business owner who did not want to go on camera said hes already contacted the city of Edmond and asked them to keep the stoplight located at Lincoln and 33rd Street green for a longer period to help with the congestion. Honeycut said the construction is going to force his customers to take a different route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can flow around, but they have to go a mile out of their way and then come back off 33rd and come in, said Honeycut. Honeycut said the road has been closed in the past due to water main breaks and other issues, but each time it becomes a nuisance. Its a nightmare and especially with the Purina plant, trucks are stacked up and doing all kinds of stuff, so it just makes it makes it tough to get here, said Honeycut. The construction is anticipated to last through mid-June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Hundreds of Butler Hospital staffers are set to lose their health insurance benefits as tensions flare in an ongoing contract dispute, according to the New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE). SEIU 1199NE, which represents more than 800 frontline staffers at Butler Hospital, started an indefinite strike Thursday morning after negotiations with management stalled last week. The open-ended strike comes nearly two months after SEIU 1199NE entered into contract negotiations with Butler Hospitals parent company, Care New England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unions four contracts with Care New England expired on March 31, and there are currently more than 100 job openings at the hospital. SEIU 1199NE is asking hospital management to address the critical safety and economic concerns that workers believe have contributed to the staffing shortage. In a survey conducted by SEIU 1199NE, 95% of Butler Hospital staffers believe Care New England isnt doing enough to keep them safe at work, and 60% have struggled to afford both food and housing costs. RELATED: Lawmakers urge Butler Hospital to settle contract dispute with union SEIU 1199NE shared a letter sent to Butler Hospitals union workers Monday notifying them that their last paycheck will come on May 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You will not receive another hospital paycheck during the strike if you do not report to work, the letter explained. The letter also warned recipients that their medical, dental and vision insurance will expire on May 31. It is plainly obvious that cutting off workers medical benefits with little to no notice is just the latest in managements illegal retaliation and intimidation against workers throughout the bargaining process, SEIU 1199NEs Jesse Martin said. Care New England should be ashamed of this cruel and callous move to break the strike and prevent workers from making critically important changes in their workplace to improve safety and care. The termination of workers benefits comes after the union rejected managements last, best and final offer, according to the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooke Huminski, a clinician at Butler Hospital, described managements latest tactic as deeply disappointing. I am truly scared for my life, Huminski said. I rely heavily on that health insurance as I take a life-saving medication. Without that medication, I will not be alive. I never thought it would get to this, she continued. I dedicated my career to this hospital and I am just so disappointed, hurt and scared for myself and for many others with severe health conditions who will not be able to afford co-pays or the cost of medications. SEIU 1199NE claims Care New England has refused to bargain in good faith and consider their contract proposals. The union filed an unfair labor practices complaint against Butler Hospital last week that accuses management of threatening, coercing and retaliating against workers and making unilateral changes to condition of employment after their contracts expired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Butler Hospital President and COO Mary Marran argues that the union disengaged from negotiations earlier this month and has not yet returned to the bargaining table, despite our continued willingness to resume talks. We have worked diligently to reach a fair and sustainable agreement, offering significant wage increases and improvements in workplace safety, Marran wrote in a statement. We continue to urge SEIU 1199NE to re-engage in good-faith negotiations so we can reach a resolution that refocuses our shared commitment on what matters most our patients and the dedicated professionals who care for them. Marran explained that the decision to terminate the benefits of union workers is based on federal law and benefit plan rules. She said those workers were provided information about COBRA coverage. The letter to union workers noted that their benefits would be reactivated once a new contract is ratified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler Hospital has already spent nearly $2 million on a temporary workforce to ensure there is no disruption in patient care throughout the strike. While we would prefer to have our own employees working with patients, we have highly qualified replacement workers here who will continue to be here, fulfilling Butlers essential role in the community by providing vital behavioral health services, Marran said. 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. An 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton students body was found after he drowned in Lake Havasu during a trip with his fraternity brothers over the weekend, according to officials and Sigma Pi. With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news that Simon T. Daniel, a first-year student at Cal State Fullerton, tragically passed away in an accidental drowning while on vacation, the fraternity said in a statement released Monday. Daniels body was recovered on Sunday just before 9 a.m., according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, after a day of search efforts on the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sigma Pis post said that Daniel went into the lake on Saturday afternoon with three fraternity brothers and two visiting sorority members. Unbeknownst to them, recent heavy rains in the Havasu Valley region had significantly increased water flow, creating hazardous conditions including strong currents, crosswinds and swells, the post states. When the group found themselves in distress, several fraternity members heroically risked their own lives to rescue all six students. However, the rescue mission took a devastating turn. Tragically, Simon was swept away by a sudden wave that separated him from one of the rescuers, said the statement. He disappeared beneath the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite an emergency response to the scene with divers searching until nightfall, Daniel did not make it back alive. Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, is seen here in an undated photo. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) A memorial service is seen being held for Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, who tragically died during a friendly lake trip with his fraternity brothers. May 2025. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) A memorial service is seen being held for Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, who tragically died during a friendly lake trip with his fraternity brothers. May 2025. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) A memorial service is seen being held for Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, who tragically died during a friendly lake trip with his fraternity brothers. May 2025. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) A memorial service is seen being held for Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, who tragically died during a friendly lake trip with his fraternity brothers. May 2025. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, is seen here in undated photos. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) Cal State Fullerton student Simon Daniel, 18, is seen here in an undated photo. (Sigma Pi Fraternity) Sigma Pi said that Daniel, a Pinole, California native, is survived by his mother and a community of loved ones and brothers who deeply mourn his loss. Simon was a computer science major, a proud initiated member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and a respected leader on campus, continued the post. He was the heart of the fraternity genuine, joyful and someone who brightened every room with his brilliant smile. The fraternity said Daniel was known for his love of music, boundless energy and kind spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resources are available to those affected by Daniels passing, and they are included in the fraternitys post linked here. Over the same weekend, a UCSB student also died during a trip to a lake with friends. His body was found in and retrieved from Big Bear Lake Monday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 fraternity trip to Lake Havasu ended in tragedy over the weekend after an 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student drowned in swift-moving waters at the popular recreation destination, authorities said. Simon Daniel disappeared below the surface while swimming in the Copper Canyon area around 3 p.m. Saturday, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. His body was found around 8:54 a.m. the next morning, officials said. The drowning was the first of at least two emergencies involving college students that the Sheriff's Department responded to over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanner Prentiss, a 22-year-old UC Santa Barbara student, went missing after spending Saturday night out with with friends in Big Bear Lake. His body was found in the water on Monday. Read more: Missing UC Santa Barbara student found dead in Big Bear Lake The Sigma Pi fraternity said in a statement that Daniel was "the heart of the fraternity" and "brightened every room with his brilliant smile." The freshman computer science major hails from Pinole and was known for his "love of music, boundless energy and kind smile." According to the fraternity, Daniel entered the water at Lake Havasu alongside three fraternity brothers and two members of a sorority that joined the brothers on the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group was unaware that recent rainfall had led to hazardous swimming conditions including strong currents, crosswind and swells, the fraternity wrote. After suddenly finding themselves in distress, several other fraternity brothers "heroically risked their own lives" in an attempt to rescue the six students, according to the fraternity. But Daniel was swept away by a sudden wave, separated from one of the rescuers and disappeared below the surface. Rescue teams from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the Mohave County Sheriff's Department deployed divers to where Daniel was last seen, authorities said. Divers scoured the water and deployed sonar scanners to search for Daniel until nightfall. On Sunday morning divers located and recovered his body with the help of a remotely operated vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 200 students attended a candlelit vigil for Daniel on Sunday night. "Simon is survived by his mother and a community of loved ones and brothers who deeply mourn his loss," the fraternity wrote. Both Cal State Fullerton and UC Santa Barbara are offering crisis counseling services to help students cope with the sudden deaths. 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 California Avocado Commission (CAC) released a report Tuesday that indicates state-grown avocados may be severely at risk due to a 2024 Biden administration move that withdrew U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors from Mexican orchards. This move, made in response to cartel violence, shifted critical U.S. agricultural oversight to foreign control, undermining decades of bipartisan efforts to protect U.S. agriculture, the CAC said in a press release. The report, titled The Growing Threat to California Avocados: Why USDA Must Reinstate Inspection Protocols in Mexico, states that in 1997, CAC officials and their federal counterparts negotiated an agreement with the Mexican government that allowed the importation of fresh Hass avocados into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement lifted a ban that had been in place since 1914 to prevent a range of pests from entering American orchards. LADWP says substance causing earthy odor in drinking water is not harmful According to the report, the choice to remove USDAs physical presence from Mexican avocado orchards in 2024 was made without public announcement, congressional notification or input from American avocado growers. In fact, the CAC claimed that they themselves learned of the decision, which they say is a breach of [the 1997] agreement, through foreign media outlets. This system worked for nearly three decades[and] functioned with exceptional effectiveness, keeping invasive pests like seed weevils and fruit-boring moths out of California [while] maintaining the states pristine pest-free certification, the report reads. With no need for chemical interventions against these exotic pests, growers benefited from lower production costs, clean environmental compliance and the ability to export to countries with strict phytosanitary barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican inspections alone cannot be trusted to meet the phytosanitary standards the U.S. has long required, the report continues. As a result, fruit carrying dangerous pests is now being certified and shipped with reduced oversight, increasing the probability of pest introduction into Californias avocado-growing regions. FILE In this Jan. 16, 2014, file photo, avocado boxes are collected an avocado orchard in Michoacan, Mexico. Authorities in Mexico said on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, that deforestation caused by the expansion of avocado orchards is much higher than previously thought. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File) Since the pests have never established themselves in California (which CAC says is thanks to nearly three decades of strict pre-export enforcement by the USDA), the states avocado industry, which is a $1.5 billion economic engine that supports more than 3,000 family-owned farms, is fundamentally different from global competitors because of its cleanliness standards. California itself is one of the last remaining major avocado-producing regions in the world that remains free of the crops main pests avocado seed weevils and fruit-feeding moths which allows local growers to thrive with minimal chemical intervention, high export viability and strong consumer confidence, according to the report. Unhealthy air quality predicted for parts of SoCal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If [these pests] gain a foothold in California orchards, the result would be devastating biologically, economically and environmentally, the report says. According to agriculture officials, the pests may have already started making their way into California; since inspectors were withdrawn, more than 150 pest interceptions were reported between Oct. 30, 2024, and Mar. 11, 2025, the CAC report states. USDA data cited in the report indicates that between Jan. 1 and Oct. 17, 2024, there were no pest interceptions in Mexican warehouses. Workers pack avocados at an avocado packaging facility in Uruapan, Michoacan state, Mexico, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Photographer: Stephania Corpi/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Overall, the CAC says that the main solution to the problem is to reinstate inspection protocols in Mexico as per the 1997 agreement. Keeping in mind inspector safety, CAC recommends that security personnel be deployed and inspectors stationed in secure convoys, especially in high-risk regions like the Mexican state of Michoacan, where most avocados are grown. Additionally, CAC wants direct engagement from the Trump administration to ensure that criminal cartels [dont] dictate the terms of our food safety and the ability to suspend Mexican imports if conditions are not met. According to the report, 80% of Mexicos avocado imports come to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Kobayashi breaks silence on disappearance, fathers death Lastly, the CAC wants to spread public awareness of the issue as not just an agricultural problem, but a national security concern. The threat facing Californias avocado industry is not theoretical, it is happening now. Since the withdrawal of USDA inspectors from Mexico in late 2024, dangerous avocado seed pests have been repeatedly detected in Mexican orchards and packinghouses, the report concludes. These pests, long excluded by strict inspection protocols, now pose a growing risk of crossing into Californias pest-free growing regionsOnce established, they cannot be eradicated, [and] the consequences would be severe: billions in economic losses, the collapse of generational family farms, and the loss of one of Americas most successful, clean, and sustainable agricultural commodities. This crisis was preventable, the reports conclusion adds. It is still reversible. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The protection status is set to be removed in July for refugees from Afghanistan living in San Diego County. Now, state and local advocates are hosting a free community resource event open to all Afghan community members and allies all week long at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. The event is free and is being paid for by the state of California, and comes on the heels of the Trump Administration moving to end temporary protection status for thousands of Afghan refugees in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important for your viewers to know the federal government will not be there, said founder of #AfghanEvac, Shawn VanDiver. Hes one of the speakers at the event. VanDiver says the fair is to help guide the Afghan community to the resources they need from food assistance, housing, and mental wellness to job placement. Immigration attorneys will also be available to discuss status questions. If youre an Afghan and waiting for family or waiting for permanent status, you dont know what to believe or what to expect. Its scary, said VanDiver. They can get help from qualified immigration attorneys to help them navigate those things. They should not be leaving without checking with a qualified immigration attorney first. There will also be a job fair at the event to help with placement. The event is being held every day through Friday and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. 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. (FOX40.COM) The California Highway Patrol issued an Ebony Alert Monday for a missing teen girl who has not been seen in several months. Video Above: What should you do if someone you love goes missing? Cecilia Jones, 17, is described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall, 106 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, according to CHP. She was last seen around 11:11 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2024, wearing a black sweater, gray sweatpants, and carrying a black backpack and black duffle bag. She is believed to be traveling on foot. The California Highway Patrol issued an Ebony Alert for Cecilia Jones, 17, on May 19, 2025./CHP CHP said it was notified of Jones disappearance on Monday, and her case was first reported to the Merced Police Department. The Ebony Alert was issued for Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Jones location is advised by law enforcement to call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Want to know why? I know two landlords on the east side of town that owns major properties out there, apartment buildings and houses and anything else they rent them out. They don't have to do the rental inspection. I want to know why. What makes them so special that they don't have to do them? Congratulations Congratulations to Major General Charles D. Hausman. With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard for his promotion to Major General. Such a contrast to the Trump administration that seems to search for the most inexperienced candidates to fill important governmental positions. Way to go, Governor Kehoe and the state of Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dying from these fools Trump and Musk went ahead and destroyed/gutted NOAA and FEMA. Now that hurricane and tornado seasons are on us, there are going to be people dying from these two fools. What they've done, just so they can save a few bucks to give the billionaires. There's going to be people who lose their lives on account of these fools. He swore he would Trump says he doesn't know if he needs to uphold the Constitution. Really? He swore that he would uphold the Constitution. Each of the two times he took the presidential oath of office. CHOEUNG EK, Cambodia (AP) About 2,000 people attended Cambodia's annual Day of Remembrance Tuesday to mark half a century since Cambodias communist Khmer Rouge launched a four-year reign of terror that caused the deaths of about 1.7 million people. Some three dozen student actors from a Phnom Penh art school re-enacted brutalities under the Khmer Rouge, which held power from 1975-1979, when an estimated one-quarter of Cambodia's population was wiped out due to tortures, executions, starvation and misrule. The official ceremony honoring the victims of what a U.N.-backed tribunal judged to be genocide was held at Choeung Ek, site of a Khmer Rouge Killing Field about 15 kilometers (10 miles) south of the capital Phnom Penh. Several dozen Buddhist monks were among those attending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garbed in black, the Khmer Rouges standard attire, the performers acted as executioners, swinging bamboo sticks at the heads of victims whose arms were bound behind their backs. The re-enactment was held near a memorial displaying victims skulls and mass graves where thousands of others were buried. When I come here, it reminded me, and I will never forget, this Khmer Rouge regime because it was extremely cruel and barbaric, said 71-year-old Nhem Sovann, a Phnom Penh resident who said she lost six family members her parents-in-law and two brothers and two sisters. She was put to work faming a rice field in the western province of Pursat. "I saw with my own eyes that even children were taken and had their heads smashed against the trunk of a coconut tree, she said, sobbing. For a younger generation, the Day of Remembrance is a learning experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pen Kunthea, a 23-year-old art student who portrayed a government soldier who rescued fellow Cambodians from the Khmer Rouge as they were being chased from power in early 1979, said the more she performs, the more she learns. She said she first learned about the Khmer Rouge regime from her parents and from her studies, and that one of her uncles died from illness during the Khmer Rouges time in power. I feel scared, and I think the Khmer Rouge made our people afraid and I dont want that regime to happen again, Pen Kunthea said. When I perform, it makes me feel like I was in the middle of the story, she said, adding that she was excited to be able to portray the history of the regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975 and immediately herded almost all the citys residents into the countryside, where they were forced to toll in harsh conditions until in 1979, when the regime was driven from power by an invasion from neighboring Vietnam. In 1984, a new Cambodian government installed by the Vietnamese declared May 20, the day the genocide was said to begin, to be a National Day of Hatred for people to vent their anger against the Khmer Rouge and its backers. At the time the Khmer Rouge were still trying to regain power by fighting a guerrilla war from the countryside, only to be finally subdued in 1997. In 2018, the day was officially redesignated the National Day of Remembrance, with an emphasis on honoring the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Manet urged all Cambodians join in preserving and protecting peace. Even though these tragic events have passed, and the Cambodian people have been living in peace, political stability, and full of development in all fields, we must not let go or forget this bitter past," he said. EBENSBURG, Pa. A section of hillside neighboring the Path of the Flood Trail may soon become a test site for a new bonding agent to avoid washouts, Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority Executive Director Cliff Kitner told the board Friday. The authority had been approached by Greg Turjan, of OFB USA, regarding a binding agent the group is working on. Turjan declined to comment Monday, citing ongoing development of the product. Kitner was excited by the prospects of the binding agent and said the test site may be the Stineman section of the Path of the Flood Trail in the South Fork area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all know we get washouts on that hill all the time, he said. Kitner added most rail-trails are built parallel to streams, which is why the CCCRA paths were attractive to Turjan. The CCCRA-maintained trails have historically dealt with issues of washouts and costly repairs. The authority is still working through the building phase of a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency project to fix damage from Hurricane Debby during summer 2024. Board member Steve Gironda raised concerns about the water diverted by the product having to go somewhere and potentially causing more issues. Kitner said that as long as the water will stay off the trails and go into the drainage ditches, it can be managed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although details about Turjans products were few, the group did state the agent is claimed to be environmentally friendly and would be tested in July or August on a roughly 100-foot section of the hill. Throughout the meeting, Kitner also provided several updates about regional projects, such as the work to repair sections of the Ghost Town Trail. He told the board that the authority had completed its requirements and now its up to the federal officials to rubber-stamp the work. At this time, the repair plans are still considered to be in development. As for the final section of the pending Ghost Town Trail loop, which will be the only rail trail loop on the East Coast when finished, Kitner said contractors plan to start that project this week with a deadline of Nov. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board awarded that work to Kukurin Contracting Inc. in April at a cost of nearly $3 million. That includes almost a mile of trail and construction of two pedestrian bridges over roadways. Other discussion during the meeting included the use of Cambria County Prison inmate work crews. Kurt Wolford, prison warden, and Assistant Deputy Warden of Finance and Facility Services Megan Bursky attended the gathering to offer the assistance of those at the jail for maintenance and other work on the trails. Thomas Kakabar, CCCRA board chairman, asked if the groups were geared more toward manual labor or skilled trades. Wolford said more manual labor at this time, but his goal with the program is to teach inmates a skill that can help them succeed once they are back in society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, trades trainings take place at the state and federal corrections levels, and Wolford said he aims to mirror those offerings to help prisoners rehabilitate and become productive members of society. The board members were in favor of working with the prison in the future. A Virginia man pardoned by President Donald Trump after assaulting police officers and smashing windows during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is back behind bars after allegedly burglarizing a home. Zachary Jordan Alam was released from prison less than four months ago while serving an eight-year federal sentence. The Henrico County Police Division said in a statement that he was arrested on May 9 after breaking into a home outside Richmond and stealing several items. Alam, 33, allegedly broke in through a back door around 8:30 p.m. and fled after being confronted by the homes residents. He was taken into custody by police in a nearby neighborhood, authorities said. Zachary Jordan Alam, seen in the hat on the right, was sentenced last year to eight-year in prison for assaulting police officers and breaking windows during the 2021 Capitol attack. U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Alam had been serving a 96-month prison sentence, followed by 36 months of supervised release, when granted clemency by Trump on Jan. 20, 2025, for participating in the violence. He was one of more than 1,500 participants pardoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alam, who online records show already has a lengthy criminal record with past arrests for residential burglary, grand larceny, assault, disorderly conduct, and vandalism pleaded not guilty to his charges and expressed no remorse for his actions, telling the judge at the time that he believed in my heart I was doing the right thing. Sometimes you have to break the rules to do whats right. He also told the court that he deserved a pardon from Trump, who had been reelected just days before his 2024 sentencing, saying he wants a full pardon with all the benefits that come with it, including full compensation. He added, I will not accept a second-class pardon. The judge, citing his lack of remorse, handed him one of the longest Jan. 6-related sentences while calling him one of the most violent and aggressive rioters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts by HuffPost to reach Alams attorney for comment on Tuesday were not immediately successful. Alam is one of several so-called J6ers who have been arrested on separate charges since being pardoned by Trump earlier this year. Days after his presidential pardon, convicted rioter Andrew Taake, 36, of Texas, was taken back into custody in February over an outstanding warrant he had for allegedly soliciting a minor online in 2016. Prior to Trumps pardon, Taake had been serving a 74-month sentence after admitting to attacking officers with a metal whip and bear spray during the 2021 attack. Several rioters accused of committing crimes after the 2021 attack ended up having those charges dropped; however, after it was successfully argued that those crimes wouldnt have been discovered if not for authorities investigating their involvement in the Capitol riot, an offense for which they were ultimately pardoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These individuals included Dan Edwin Wilson, who authorities said was found possessing multiple guns during a 2022 search of his Kentucky home, despite having multiple felony convictions. Fellow rioter Guy Reffitt of Texas also had a gun charge tossed after it was similarly argued that his illegal silencer wouldnt have been found if not for a federal search warrant. Daniel Charles Ball of Florida was also arrested for illegal weapons possession in January, though that charge was ultimately tossed after it was argued that the firearms and ammunition found in his possession in 2023 were only discovered because of his Jan. 6 case. Related... LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) More than 950 people lost power in Layton on Monday after a car reportedly crashed into several power poles. The outage continued for several hours, and some officials said it may last well into the night. Layton Police first reported that the intersection at Fairfield and Gentile was shut down due to an accident around 6:30 p.m. on May 19. The closure impacted 1000 East Gentile to Fairfield, and police advised drivers to avoid the area. Courtesy: Layton Police Courtesy: Rocky Mountain Power Lt. Travis Lyman with Layton PD told ABC4.com that only one driver and one vehicle were involved in the incident. Lyman said the driver reportedly lost control of their vehicle and crashed into three power poles, causing the power outage in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyman said that speed was a factor in the crash, and said the poles that the driver crashed into were severed. When first responders arrived at the scene, Lyman said live wires were on the ground. Lyman said crews with Rocky Mountain Power were on the scene after the crash. As of late Monday night, the power companys outage map estimated power would be restored by 1:30 a.m. on May 20. That driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is no further information at this time. How to prepare for a power outage Whether the outage is planned or not, Rocky Mountain Power offers some guidelines and tips to prepare for a power outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safety and preparedness resources have been compiled by Rocky Mountain Power and can be found online. Some items that Rocky Mountain Power suggests to keep in an emergency kit are listed below: Water Have one gallon per person, per day Non-perishable food For both people and pets First aid kit and essential medications Copies of important family documents Cash Blankets Rocky Mountain Powers comprehensive emergency preparedness list is available online. Abigail Jones 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A legal caregiver inside a group home in Baton Rouge is accused of punching a man in the face. The ensuing investigation led to Kathy Carter, 66, being charged with cruelty to the infirm. Carter worked inside the group home and a video showed Carter telling the man to sit down multiple times while placing her hands on him to keep him from standing up, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is then seen sitting on the man in order to keep him from moving, EBRSO said. The sheriffs office was told by someone at the home that before the video was taken, Carter told the man to sit down while hitting him in the face with her closed fist. A witness also stated that he saw Carter slap the man while telling him to stay in his chair, according to the affidavit. EBRSO stated that the man has a severe intellectual disability and likes to run away from the home. Woman dead, man critical in suspected murder-suicide attempt in Baton Rouge Carter told authorities that she did sit on him to prevent him from leaving the home, but did not hit the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was subsequently booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Credit - Tuna: Courtesy Jerry Yoon; Moskovitz: Courtesy Kofa Boyah Former Wall Street Journal reporter Cari Tuna and husband Dustin Moskovitz, co-founder of Facebook and the productivity platform Asana, launched their foundation Good Ventures in 2011 with an ambitious mission to improve as many lives as possible, as much as possible in an effort to help humanity thrive. The couple, both Giving Pledge signatories, are also among the founders of Open Philanthropy, a grantmaker that advises major donors, including Tuna and Moskovitz, on how to maximize the impact of their giving. Good Ventures and Open Philanthropy favor a data-centric approach, intended to direct dollars to causes where they can do the most good. Tuna, who is co-founder and chair of Good Ventures and chair of Open Philanthropy, says that approach involves considering three key criteria in deciding which causes to focus on: neglectedness, importance, and tractability (how hard it might be to solve). She says, "If we are only giving to the things that are important to us as donors then we are missing a whole swath of other opportunities to improve peoples lives, especially the causes that are affecting the most disadvantaged people in the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That strategy has led Tuna and Moskovitz to direct their money to a wide range of causes they consider underfunded, including the prevention of lead poisoning and illness due to poor air quality. Open Philanthropy is also one of the biggest philanthropic funders of research on AI safety. In March, Open Philanthropy also launched a $120 million fund, with half of the money coming from Good Ventures, to fund research and advocacy to reduce regulatory and other barriers to housing and green energy infrastructure development. Contact us at letters@time.com. By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration is investigating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and pressing charges against a New Jersey congresswoman, leveraging its control over the criminal justice system to pursue Democratic rivals. Cuomo, a candidate for New York City mayor, is under federal scrutiny over allegations he lied to Congress about his actions as New York governor early in the coronavirus pandemic, sources said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the investigation emerged on Tuesday, a day after Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, filed assault charges against U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver over her involvement in a May 9 confrontation with federal agents at an immigration detention center in Newark. Four months since reentering the White House, the Republican President Donald Trump has marshaled his authority to pursue perceived opponents while characterizing previous legal cases against him as inappropriate political exploitation of law enforcement. The Department of Justice accuses McIver of slamming her forearm into and forcibly grabbing a Homeland Security Investigations agent and pushing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent to try to prevent Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's arrest. Habba on Monday moved to drop charges against Baraka, a candidate for New Jersey governor. A federal judge in Newark on Wednesday called that an "embarrassing retraction" and told prosecutors to "operate with a higher standard than that," U.S. media reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver appeared virtually at a separate Newark court hearing on Wednesday where she waived the reading of charges of assault and impeding law enforcement, her spokesperson said. McIver says she is a victim of a politically motivated prosecution. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi accused Trump and the DOJ of "lawfare and election interference plain and simple - something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against." The probe has yet to lead to any criminal charges. The Trump administration dropped a corruption case against Cuomo's main rival in November's election - New York Mayor Eric Adams - after he signaled support for Trump's immigration crackdown. When prosecutors moved to drop the charges, a Trump appointee argued the case could interfere with Adams' reelection campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOJ officials say it was the two federal criminal cases against Trump and others against his supporters brought during the presidency of his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden that represented a politicization of U.S. law enforcement. "The way they talk about Democrats, there is a fear they are using their discretion to target certain people," said Thea Johnson, a professor and associate dean at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey. 'THERE TO DO MY JOB' McIver's lawyer Paul Fishman, who served as U.S. attorney in New Jersey from 2009 to 2017, voiced confidence in the congresswoman's defense, saying immigration agents mishandled the Newark confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the courtroom, facts - not headlines - will matter," Fishman said in a statement. McIver, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and two other Democratic representatives from New Jersey visited the Newark facility as part of what they called congressional oversight. A scuffle ensued with federal agents when they moved to arrest Baraka. The Department of Homeland Security accused the three lawmakers of storming the facility. Habba accused the lawmakers of "running amok and running their mouths as usual." A federal magistrate judge in the case against Baraka warned Habba about the "boundaries of propriety for public comment" on an ongoing case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver told the "CNN News Central" program on Tuesday that the case against her was "ridiculous." "I was there to do my job," McIver said. TESTING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE Several Trump appointees to the DOJ - some of whom previously represented him as personal attorneys - have heralded law enforcement actions as political wins in a way that American prosecutors traditionally avoid. FBI Director Kash Patel appeared to confirm the existence of an ongoing federal investigation into New York state Attorney General Letitia James during an interview on the Fox News program "Sunday Morning Futures," while noting he could not discuss specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James, a Democrat, brought a civil fraud case against Trump that resulted in a $454 million judgment. Trump, who is appealing the ruling, has called for James to be prosecuted. Patel posted a photo of an elected Wisconsin judge being led into a police vehicle in handcuffs last month following her arrest on federal charges accusing her of helping a migrant evade a federal immigration arrest. Federal prosecutors have wide latitude to decide when to bring criminal charges, with internal safeguards in place that are meant to ensure even-handed law enforcement. The Trump administration has sidelined many career officials and suspended the ability of a Washington-based unit to advise on charges related to public corruption and election fraud. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; additional reporting by Karen Freifeld and Bo Erickson; Editing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham and Howard Goller) A participant in California attends a Pathway to Employment orientation offered by the Center for Employment Opportunities, which runs a program that provides cash assistance to those recently released from prison. A new study suggests that direct financial aid reduces parole violations and eases reentry. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Employment Opportunities) When Karina Lariz was released from a California prison in September 2021, she had only the clothes she was arrested in stretched out and weathered by time. She had lost her home, her car and her job. Her two children had moved in with other family members. I didnt have nothing, everything that I had within those two weeks of coming home was what I found in donation bins, recalled Lariz, who was incarcerated for three years. She added: I was so worried about, How am I going to get to these different programs? Where am I going to sleep at? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her release, Lariz spent two days at a motel before moving into a transitional home. She also participated in a job training program. Then came an unexpected lifeline: direct cash payments through a nonprofit program called the Returning Citizens Stimulus. The Center for Employment Opportunities, an organization that offers reentry support and services to formerly incarcerated people in 28 cities, runs the program. With the money, Lariz, 35, was able to buy clothes for job interviews, cover groceries and public transportation fare, and begin rebuilding her life and relationships. The money, totaling nearly $2,500 over three payments, helped her gain footing in the weeks following her release a period often marked by high risk of recidivism and reincarceration. It liberated a lot of stress, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a new independent evaluation of the initiative suggests that short-term aid may have positive long-term effects. The study comes as some states are considering whether direct financial support is an effective or appropriate tool for reducing recidivism. In 2022, Lariz landed a job with the very organization that helped fund her reentry. She now works as a program associate on the organizing team at the Center for Employment Opportunities, where she helps others leaving prison. Nearly four years after her release, Lariz is married and again living with her two children. If I didnt have that support, I would have not pushed myself to do half of the things that I did, Lariz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is one of more than 10,000 formerly incarcerated people across 28 cities who received support through the Center for Employment Opportunities stimulus program, which launched in April 2020. If I didnt have that support, I would have not pushed myself to do half of the things that I did. Karina Lariz, cash assistance recipient The national organization works with local agencies to distribute up to $2,750 in cash over 60 days, contingent on participants completing basic milestones, such as creating a resume or attending a job readiness workshop. More than 80% of participants complete their milestones and receive the full payments. People leaving prison often face staggering rates of joblessness, homelessness and food insecurity. Most program participants used the funds to cover food, rent, utilities or public transportation fare. Some participants also used the money to pay off credit card and medical debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The basics of survival are this acute challenge in those early days of reentry, and then you layer on that sort of the big structural challenges, said Sam Schaeffer, the executive director and CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. Just putting food on the table, just getting to work, just getting that set of interview clothes is so critical. The new study supports that assessment. According to the study which was conducted by MDRC, a research organization focusing on poverty reduction participants were significantly less likely to violate parole than peers who did not receive payments. Within the first six months after release, parole violations fell by more than 41%, with violent parole violations dropping by 64%. The study evaluated the outcomes of people who were released in 2020 in Los Angeles and Alameda counties in California. Roughly 77 million Americans or about 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. That includes records of arrests, charges and criminal convictions. Formerly incarcerated people often face stigma and major barriers in the job market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also often return home without savings or financial resources and earn less than half as much as peers who have never been incarcerated over their careers, according to a 2020 report by the Brennan Center for Justice, a left-leaning law and policy institute at the New York University School of Law. Legislation and pilot programs A bill introduced in the New York legislature earlier this year would create a reentry fund to offer cash payments of $425 each month for up to six months for eligible residents leaving prison. The bill has been stalled in committee since January and is unlikely to pass before the legislature adjourns in June. Some critics say that the proposed New York program is a redundant and unrestricted handout for people with criminal records, and question whether limited public safety funds should support individuals already eligible for state services, including Medicaid, food assistance, job placement programs and housing aid. This is just one more element of what is an overall theme by the Democrats here in Albany to coddle criminals and put their priorities over the priorities of victims and law-abiding citizens, New York state Sen. George Borrello, a Republican, told Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time states have considered offering stipends to people leaving prison. Most recently, legislators in Colorado in 2024 and North Carolina in 2023 proposed bills that would have provided monthly payments to formerly incarcerated individuals. Neither bill made it out of its originating chamber, but both bills proposed up to $3,000 in support. In Colorado, the pilot program would have offered money for basic living expenses to those who enrolled in workforce training programs following incarceration in a state facility. In North Carolina, the proposal would have provided monthly stipends for housing, food, clothing and transportation for up to six months after release. Similar pilot cash assistance programs have launched in New Haven, Connecticut; Gainesville, Florida; and Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gainesville program, which ran from January 2022 to February 2023, had 115 participants. They received $1,000 in the first month, followed by monthly payments of $600. An impact report released in February found that participants experienced greater financial security, reduced mental stress and lower rates of recidivism. Potential savings In 2022 the most recent year with available data from the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureaus annual survey of state and local government finances state governments spent $58 billion to incarcerate more than 1 million people in state facilities. Forty-four percent of all state prison admissions in 2021 were people who violated the terms of their parole or probation sentences, according to a 2024 report by the Council of State Governments Justice Center. On any given day, 1 in 4 people in state prison were incarcerated due to supervision violations costing states more than $10 billion collectively. Some critics maintain that the most effective way to prevent crime is to punish those who break the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not do enough to hold people accountable, said Borrello, the New York state senator who opposes the bill that would create a reentry fund in his state. I really dont give any credence to [supporters] thoughts on whether or not they think this is going to save money down the road. For people such as Karina Lariz, though, the impact is personal and profound. Ive been able to redefine and find who I am today, like the real Karina not the Karina that grew up in trauma and all the problems that I had before incarceration, she said. Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org. Like Minnesota Reformer, 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. A participant in California attends a Pathway to Employment orientation offered by the Center for Employment Opportunities, which runs a program that provides cash assistance to those recently released from prison. A new study suggests that direct financial aid reduces parole violations and eases reentry. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Employment Opportunities) When Karina Lariz was released from a California prison in September 2021, she had only the clothes she was arrested in stretched out and weathered by time. She had lost her home, her car and her job. Her two children had moved in with other family members. I didnt have nothing. Everything that I had within those two weeks of coming home was what I found in donation bins, recalled Lariz, who was incarcerated for three years. She added: I was so worried about, How am I going to get to these different programs? Where am I going to sleep at? Karina Lariz received cash assistance through a nonprofit program upon her release from a California prison. (Photo courtesy of Karina Lariz) After her release, Lariz spent two days at a motel before moving into a transitional home. She also participated in a job training program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then came an unexpected lifeline: direct cash payments through a nonprofit program called the Returning Citizens Stimulus. Its run by the Center for Employment Opportunities, an organization that offers reentry support and services to formerly incarcerated people in 28 cities. With the money, Lariz, 35, was able to buy clothes for job interviews, cover groceries and public transportation fare, and begin rebuilding her life and relationships. The money, totaling nearly $2,500 over three payments, helped her gain footing in the weeks following her release a period often marked by high risk of recidivism and reincarceration. It liberated a lot of stress, she said. Now, a new independent evaluation of the initiative suggests that short-term aid may have positive long-term effects. The study comes as some states are considering whether direct financial support is an effective or appropriate tool for reducing recidivism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Lariz landed a job with the very organization that helped fund her reentry. She now works as a program associate on the organizing team at the Center for Employment Opportunities, where she helps others leaving prison. Nearly four years after her release, Lariz is married and again living with her two children. If I didnt have that support, I would have not pushed myself to do half of the things that I did, Lariz said. She is one of more than 10,000 formerly incarcerated people across 28 cities who received support through the Center for Employment Opportunities stimulus program, which launched in April 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national organization works with local agencies to distribute up to $2,750 in cash over 60 days, contingent on participants completing basic milestones, such as creating a resume or attending a job readiness workshop. More than 80% of participants complete their milestones and receive the full payments. People leaving prison often face staggering rates of joblessness, homelessness and food insecurity. Most program participants used the funds to cover food, rent, utilities or public transportation fare. Some participants also used the money to pay off credit card and medical debt. The basics of survival are this acute challenge in those early days of reentry, and then you layer on that sort of the big structural challenges, said Sam Schaeffer, the executive director and CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. Just putting food on the table, just getting to work, just getting that set of interview clothes is so critical. The new study supports that assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the study which was conducted by MDRC, a research organization focusing on poverty reduction participants were significantly less likely to violate parole than peers who did not receive payments. Within the first six months after release, parole violations fell by more than 41%, with violent parole violations dropping by 64%. The study evaluated the outcomes of people who were released in 2020 in Los Angeles and Alameda counties in California. South Carolinas falling re-entry rate The center does not operate a program in South Carolina, which has a recidivism rate thats among the nations lowest. Fewer than 1 in 5 inmates return to prison within three years of release, according to the state Department of Corrections. The states three-year return rate used to hover at roughly one-third. Former prisons Director Bryan Stirling, who last month was sworn in as acting U.S. attorney, has recounted that when he took the helm of Corrections in 2013, people who completed their sentence were simply dropped off at the bus station in their prison uniform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight years later, state officials touted being a national leader in fewer felons returning. The rate has continued to fall since. In 2024, South Carolinas rate remained the lowest among states that report three-year re-incarceration numbers, according to an annual report from Virginias prisons agency. Officials attribute the Palmetto States improvement to programs that help people re-enter society. But that does not include cash payments. Instead, the state has expanded job training and work programs in prison which allow inmates to earn income and save for rent while still incarcerated and partnered with community groups that help them adjust upon release. That includes lining up free transitional housing and reconnecting inmates to family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, a coalition of historically Black colleges announced an expansion of a program that allows people to earn a degree while theyre incarcerated in South Carolina. People also leave prison with a months supply of their prescription medications and the ability to easily get refills, which is vital for both their medical and mental health. Without their medications, theyre more likely to struggle and reoffend, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Chrysti Shain. While recidivism rates are reported differently by states, which can make direct comparisons misleading, South Carolinas figures certainly show the states own record has improved. Between July 2011 and June 2024, the states average daily prison population fell from about 22,900 inmates to 16,300, according to Corrections latest accountability report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement _SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox Roughly 77 million Americans or about 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. That includes records of arrests, charges and criminal convictions. Formerly incarcerated people often face stigma and major barriers in the job market. They also often return home without savings or financial resources and earn less than half as much as peers who have never been incarcerated over their careers, according to a 2020 report by the Brennan Center for Justice, a left-leaning law and policy institute at the New York University School of Law. Legislation and pilot programs A bill introduced in the New York legislature earlier this year would create a reentry fund to offer cash payments of $425 each month for up to six months for eligible residents leaving prison. The bill has been stalled in committee since January and is unlikely to pass before the legislature adjourns in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some critics say that the proposed New York program is a redundant and unrestricted handout for people with criminal records, and question whether limited public safety funds should support individuals already eligible for state services, including Medicaid, food assistance, job placement programs and housing aid. This is just one more element of what is an overall theme by the Democrats here in Albany to coddle criminals and put their priorities over the priorities of victims and law-abiding citizens, New York state Sen. George Borrello, a Republican, told Stateline. This isnt the first time states have considered offering stipends to people leaving prison. Most recently, legislators in Colorado in 2024 and North Carolina in 2023 proposed bills that would have provided monthly payments to formerly incarcerated individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither bill made it out of its originating chamber, but both bills proposed up to $3,000 in support. In Colorado, the pilot program would have offered money for basic living expenses to those who enrolled in workforce training programs following incarceration in a state facility. In North Carolina, the proposal would have provided monthly stipends for housing, food, clothing and transportation for up to six months after release. Similar pilot cash assistance programs have launched in New Haven, Connecticut; Gainesville, Florida; and Philadelphia. The Gainesville program, which ran from January 2022 to February 2023, had 115 participants. They received $1,000 in the first month, followed by monthly payments of $600. An impact report released in February found that participants experienced greater financial security, reduced mental stress and lower rates of recidivism. Potential savings In 2022 the most recent year with available data from the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureaus annual survey of state and local government finances state governments spent $58 billion to incarcerate more than 1 million people in state facilities. Forty-four percent of all state prison admissions in 2021 were people who violated the terms of their parole or probation sentences, according to a 2024 report by the Council of State Governments Justice Center. On any given day, 1 in 4 people in state prison were incarcerated due to supervision violations costing states more than $10 billion collectively. Some critics maintain that the most effective way to prevent crime is to punish those who break the law. We do not do enough to hold people accountable, said Borrello, the New York state senator who opposes the bill that would create a reentry fund in his state. I really dont give any credence to [supporters] thoughts on whether or not they think this is going to save money down the road. For people such as Karina Lariz, though, the impact is personal and profound. Ive been able to redefine and find who I am today, like the real Karina not the Karina that grew up in trauma and all the problems that I had before incarceration, she said. Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org. Like the SC Daily Gazette, 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. Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms have been named as the two students who are dead in the incident at a UW-Platteville campus dormitory in Wisconsin. Authorities say their cause of death was gunshot wounds. A preliminary autopsy showed Martin was shot to death, according to WKOW-TV. Helms "died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound," the television station reported. According to the university's commencement program, both Martin and Helms graduated from the university on May 17. Hallie L. Helms received a degree in elementary education. Kelsie Martin received a degree in psychology. UW-Platteville is part of the Universities of Wisconsin system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university's chancellor named Martin and Helms in a statement sent to the campus community and Men's Journal. The cause of death was initially not released. However, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that "several sources on campus said a shooting apparently had occurred." The Grant County coroner's office declined to release the cause of death on May 20, saying the incident was still under investigation, but authorities later released it. Student Amanda Sawatzki described to The Journal Sentinel hearing what sounded like a gunshot when a "loud bang" rang out in the campus dorms after hearing "the voices of two people fighting in a room down the hall." UW-Platteville Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich confirmed the names of the two dead students in an email sent to Men's Journal by the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified," the email reads. Martin's LinkedIn page says that she worked as an assistant director in the residence hall. The campus touted Martin in a posting on Facebook. "I own over 400 books and want to have my own in home library one day," the post quotes her as saying. It also quotes her as saying she applied to be an RA "to help people the same way my RA helped me" and that she enjoyed "the lasting connections I have made." "Worked as the lead supervisor of a residence hall on campus, overseeing 8-12 RAs and SAs. Attended weekly meetings, held regular office hours, and responded to various emergencies around the hall, including but not limited to mental health, hate and bias, policy violations, and more," the LinkedIn page says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WPR, the incident was "targeted" and "isolated" and both Martin and Helms lived in the dormitory. "The UW-Platteville Police Department responded to an incident which occurred in Wilgus Hall on the afternoon of May 19th. The initial investigation has determined that this is an isolated incident and there is no on-going threat to the public," police wrote in a statement on Facebook. In a press conference, Chief Joseph Hallman of the UW-Platteville Police Department said that, just before 4 p.m., police received a 911 call indicating a situation at Wilgus Hall, a dorm on campus. There was not an active ongoing threat, police determined immediately, he said. They ordered the campus to shelter in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 5 p.m., the shelter-in-place was lifted as it was determined to be an "isolated" incident, he said. He would not release whether there was a shooting, deaths, or a cause of death at that point. Evetovich also spoke at the news conference and said officials are trying to be supportive of students, but she did not reveal additional details of the incident. Officials announced that they had cancelled final exams for the rest of the week. Students told WAOW-TV that they were frustrated by the lack of information. University counselors "will be offering triage counseling Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844.602.6680 or 720.272.0004, staffed by mental health professionals. The line will be available overnight from Monday into Tuesday, with hours of operation adjusted as needed based on demand," the university's email said. "The well-being of our Pioneer community is my biggest concern. Please take the time to take care of yourself and others." BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) CBS 42 wants to help you and your family stay healthy. Each week, our resident Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis joins us to talk about a timely health issue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. MILTON Monday marked the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerces 120th anniversary. The organization began its life as the Milton Board of Trade. To this day, the May 19, 1905, core mission remains to enable economic and business development by partnering with businesses, schools, communities and individuals in Central Pennsylvania, Chamber President Tea Jay Aikey said. The chamber is implementing a strategic planning process in partnership with the Commonwealth Consulting Group and StratSimple, Aikey said. Using artificial intelligence tools, the intent is to gather meaningful feedback from both chamber members and community members affected by the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning June 2, the survey process will commence via email from StratSimple Surveys. The publics responses will be kept completely anonymous and confidential. The insights shared will directly influence the chambers future programs, services and initiatives. For more information, visit www.centralpachamber.com RICK DANDES Voters are voting on their local school districts 2025-26 budget, proposals, and Board of Education members on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The poll times vary by district, but the results will be posted as they come in. The results can be seen in the table below: School District Budget pass/fail Propositions Elected Board of Education members Adirondack Central Passed Increase the cost of capital project, Gas bus purchase All props passed Nina Ridge Brittney Thornton APW Passed Bus purchase Passed David Starkey Susan Phillips Jamie Eipp Auburn Passed Capital improvement project Proposition passed Jason Horbal Daniel Lovell James Van Arsdale Danielle Wood Baldwinsville Passed Gasoline student transport vehicle, capital reserve fund All passed Thomas Bull Wayne Davison Jr. Sherry Schraven Brookfield Passed Cory Grey Camden Passed Gas buses and vehicle purchase. Capital reserve fund All props passed Benjamin Mitchell Mark Carpenter Jared Perham Canastota Passed Bus purchase and Capital Project authorization increase All props passed Kristen Muir Scott Blanchard Zachary Stevens Cato-Meridian Passed Bus and vehicle purchase All props passed Timothy Hulbert Kristin Cox Amanda Vallee Cazenovia Failed New bus purchase, budgets for Cazenovia Public Library, and New Woodstock Free Library All props passed Judith Hight Jennifer Parmalee Central Square Failed Purchase of school transportation vehicles, library tax All props passed Kenneth Sherman Chittenango Passed Bus purchase, library contribution, and recreation youth program All props passed Siubhan Bongiovanni J. Daniel Gibbons Jason Thomas Cincinnatus Passed Capital reserve fund, school vehicle purchase All props passed Sara Stafford Nick Constantino Clyde-Savannah Passed Bus purchase, Vehicle reserve fund III All props passed Jennifer Sullivan Jason Buisch Tiffany Garofano Cortland Failed 1 electric and 3 diesel buses, or 4 diesel buses, Capital project, Cortland Free Library budget 1 electric and 3 diesel buses failed All other props passed Joseph McMahon Gavin Teeter Brendan McGovern DeRuyter Schools Passed 4 new buses All props passed Lisa Benedict Elizabeth Pierce Dryden Passed All props passed Leslie Debo Christina Cushman Michael Hall Dundee Passed Library tax levy, 3 transportation vehicles, student fitness equipment, lease approval renewal All props passed John Frederick Kristen VanValkenburg Brad Cole East Syracuse Minoa Passed Purchase of buses, increase East Syracuse Free Library Levy, increase Minoa Free Library Levy All props passed Susan Cain Jolie Bonaparte Fabius Pompey Passed Bus purchase Passed Lari Rutherford Rachel-Storm Heasley Fayetteville-Manlius Passed Buying buses, 2 library propositions All props passed Jon D. Van Valkenburg Sarah Rose Pinsky Sarah Fitzgerald Fulton Passed Bus purchase, sale of property, library tax All props passed Timothy Conners Jessica OBryan Geneva Passed All props passed Joann Holland Groton Passed None Phillip Esparza Leon Brockway, Jr. Hamilton Passed Bus & vehicle purchase, Hamilton Public Library All props passed Michelle Jacobsen Jennifer Jones Hannibal Passed Busing and vehicle purchases Passed Meghan Welling Jessica Wakefield Christopher Long Holland Patent Passed Bus purchases Colt Brumm Homer Passed Diesel bus leasing, Phillips Free Library Funding, New Capital reserve fund All props passed Janelle OGorman Amy Kida Richalle Cicioni Ithaca Passed Appropriation and expenditure of capital reserve funds Proposition passed Jacob Shiffrin Karen Yearwood Erin Croyle Madeline Cardona Jill K. Tripp Scott Jahnke David McMurray Jamesville-Dewitt Passed Bus purchases, funding community library All props passed Lorianne DeForest Sharon Archer Jing Lei Jordan-Elbridge Failed Elbridge Library Tax, Jordan Library Tax All props passed Jodi May Tabitha DelCostello Matt Gardiner Sara Aaserud LaFayette Passed Bus and vehicle purchase All props passed Amy Roe-Ryan Margaret Durant Lansing Passed Transport vehicles Proposition passed Susan Tabrizi Matt Hektor Liverpool Passed Bus and vehicle purchase Passed Nicholas Blaney Alexandra Gyder Kimberly Martin Lyncourt Passed Hans Meyer Richard Leonardo Lyons Passed None Lisa Stone Mark Bookmiller Madison Passed None Stephen Gorman Jessica Clark Jennah Turner Marcellus Passed Buses, Library levy All passed Joshua Matousek Erica Poquadeck Jennifer Tedesco McGraw Passed Transportation levy Passed Rebecca Boyer Kristina Maricle Mexico Passed All propositions passed Prop to purchase an electric bus was voted down Connie A. Douglas Merrilee Gorton Moravia Passed Bus Purchase, Powers Library All props passed Kelly Anderson Travis LeFever Brian Myers Morrisville Eaton Passed Transportation purchase, capital reserve fund, Morrisville Public Library funding All passed Jennifer Dapson Mount Markham Library Levy New Hartford Passed School bus purchase Bus proposition passed JP Kidwell North Syracuse Passed Vehicle bonding, grant funding for pool project, library proposition All props passed Robert Crabtree Matthew Hermann Amanda Sugrue Odessa Montour Oneida Passed Bus purchase Passed Mark Putnam Onondaga Passed Library, capital reserve All props passed Jason Baleno Jamie Burton Erik Nelson Oriskany Passed All props passed Michelle Anderson Michelle Gu Louis Ciotti Oswego Passed Student vehicle purchase, Oswego City Library All props passed James MacKenzie Tim Rice Jennifer Solazzo Otselic Valley Passed Library proposition passed David Cruikshank Michael Foor-Pessin Phoenix Passed Buses, library levy All passed Keith Renfrew James R. Brooker Robert Southworth Port Byron Passed Transportation purchase, Port Byron library All passed Todd Delaney Christopher Recckio Pulaski Passed Bus reserve withdrawal of 100k Passed Darcy McCarty Joe McGrath Red Creek Passed Buying vehicles Passed Nancy Henner Dingman Stephanie Kaiser Remsen Passed Bus purchase, Didymus Thomas Library levy Bus prop passed Patrick Nolan Rome Passed Bus expenditures Passed Johnny Jonathan Roland Felicia James-Williams Romulus Passed School bus purchase, Edith B. Ford Memorial Library Funding Passed John Fowler Kimberly Wolverton Sandy Creek Passed Michele Warner Ryan Jones Sherburne Earlville Passed Earlville Free Library Passed Skaneateles Passed Bus purchase, Skaneateles Library prop All props passed Tim Chiavara Katherine Peck Solvay Passed None Joseph Barnello Jessica Rolince South Seneca Passed Bus & Vehicle Purchase. Establish & Continue School Bus replacement Capital Reserve fund, Library Tax All props passed Daniel Borst Kristin Parry Stockbridge Valley Passed Nicole Szczepanski Dan Gilbert Trumansburg Passed Vehicle & Equipment Capital Reserve Fund, Ulysses Philomathic Library Proposition All props passed Suzanne Organ Jim Mielty James Kemmerer Tully Passed Student Transportation Lease, Library Tax All props passed Bettemae Russell Shannon Brown Unadilla Valley Passed Bus Purchase, South New Berlin Library All props passed Linda Tuller Samantha Kemnah Union Springs Passed Capital project, bus proposition, Springport Free Library All props passed Barry Schwarting Robin Janas McKay Ross Lawton Vernon Verona Sherrill Failed Bonding for bus purchase Passed Alana Boylan Jamie Jones Thomas Moats Waterloo Passed Vehicle Purchase, Waterloo Public Library Appropriations, Waterloo bus, Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund All props passed Coreen Lowry Kyle Percey Barbara Westerberg Chersti Kuhlmann Waterville Passed Bus purchase Passed Daniel Nichols Laurie Zweifel Weedsport Passed Transportation vehicles, Weedsport Free Library Passed Norm Chirco West Genesee Passed Transportation purchase, Fairmount Community Library Levy, Maxwell Memorial Library All props passed Elizabeth Donaldson Jennifer James Aaron Ryder Westhill Passed Vehicle purchase, Onondaga Free Library proposition All passed Andrew Starowicz Westmoreland Passed Passed Pamela Murphy Paul Kulpa Christine Calogero Whitesboro Passed Bus and vehicle purchase Passed Cheryl LaValley Steven Farr Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On Monday, as voters dropped off their mail-in ballots, many were focused on a single race: the match-up between incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and challenger County Controller Corey OConnor. One in five voters in the city of Pittsburgh is a registered Democrat, and Tuesdays Democratic Primary traditionally determines the next mayor of the city. Channel 11 News spoke with both candidates as they made their final appeals to voters. The biggest difference between me and my opponent is that I work for the people; everybody knows all I do is for the people, Gainey said, whos noted for being the citys first Black mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im the Democratic endorsed candidate. I have been a Democrat my whole life, and I have the support of the Democrats in Pittsburgh, said Challenger County Controller Corey OConnor, one of the most familiar names in politics across the city and the son of a former mayor. The two candidates are expected to split the vote in what could be one of the closest primary races in the region. Both seasoned Democrats have different views on how to shape Pittsburghs future. On Monday, the candidates explained what they believe to be at stake in this race, highlighting issues such as infrastructure, the downtown business district, education, public safety, and housing. OConnor has criticized the public safety cuts made by the Gainey administration and the inconsistent leadership within the police department. I think we need to build a future that creates opportunities and growth, along with a family-first approach to public safety in our communities. Thats the message we started with, and weve maintained it throughout the campaign, OConnor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gainey, a strong advocate for community policing, has pointed to a decline in homicides and violent crimes in the city. He told Channel 11 News that ensuring public safety, especially for youth, is a top priority of his administration. Continuing to reduce the homicide rate is number one; we want to ensure that we do everything we can to keep our children safe and away from guns, Gainey explained. Housing is also a major talking point, and while both candidates agree that the city needs more affordable housing, they differ on how to achieve that goal. I believe that when you have land and space available, you need someone who will act quickly to ensure we have affordable housing throughout the city, OConnor stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gainey, if re-elected, has pledged to continue building Pittsburgh for All. We want a city for everybody, and at the end of the day, we want to ensure that affordability is not solely determined by developers, He said. We want to make sure there is affordable housing throughout this city. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A 59-year-old man charged in January with raping a 71-year-old St. Paul woman he met on Facebook is now accused of committing a 2013 sexual assault at a Maplewood motel. Thao Xiongs DNA came back as a match through an initiative to analyze a backlog of untested sexual assault kits, according to a Ramsey County District Court criminal complaint charging him Friday by warrant with felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Xiong remained out of custody on Monday. He was released from jail on March 21 after posting a $50,000 bond in the January case that also charges him with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xiong allegedly committed that offense while on probation for a 2020 first-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction involving a 41-year-old woman during a night of drinking at his St. Paul apartment in July 2019. According to the Fridays criminal complaint: A woman reported to police on July 15, 2013, that she had just been forcibly sexually assaulted at a motel off U.S. 61 in Maplewood by a man she knew as Chue Lee, identified in November 2020 through a DNA match as Xiong. The woman said she had been talking with Chue for two days over the phone, that she did not know him previously and had assumed he got her number from someone she knew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said he called her on July 15 and said he was coming to Minnesota from Wisconsin and wanted her to show him around. They also planned to go for a walk by a lake. She met Xiong in the parking lot of a St. Paul grocery store, where he suggested they take one car and offered to drive. She agreed and got into his car. He drove past the lake, telling her they were going to get something to eat first. Rather than going to a restaurant, he brought her to the motel, saying he wanted to get some rest before eating. Xiong rented the room and once inside began ripping her clothes apart, the complaint says. She said he overpowered her and raped her. She went to a hospital for a sexual assault examination the same day. A nurse examiner noted bruising to the womans body and she complained about areas where she said Xiong had bitten her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told the nurse the assault began immediately after they got into the motel room and Xiong locked the door. After the assault, she said, Xiong appeared scared, so she got in his car. Xiong dropped her off and about 15 minutes later he called her and left a cruel message, which she later provided to police. The complaint says motel video shows Xiong arriving with the woman in a gray Toyota Prius just after 5 p.m. He went into the motel office and then moved the car in front of a room. The two entered the room at 5:15 p.m. and left 45 minutes later. An investigator in late July 2020 discovered the sexual assault kit, which had not been tested. It was brought to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and four months later an unidentified male DNA profile taken from swabs of the woman was entered into the states DNA databases and the National DNA Index System. The BCA notified St. Paul police on Nov. 4, 2020, that Xiongs DNA, obtained from his 2019 sexual assault case, matched the DNA in the 2013 assault. Police tried to contact the woman but were unsuccessful, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last March, police were told DNA collected from Xiong in the January case matched the DNA found on the swabs taken from the 2013 victim, the complaint says. Police tried to locate the woman and reached her on April 10 after her son called to ask why they were trying to contact his mother who does not speak English, the complaint says. She told police through an interpreter she had been waiting for a very long time for an update on her case and wants him prosecuted for sexually assaulting her, the complaint says. Police sent the case to the attorneys office for charging consideration last month. Kate Courtney, Xiongs attorney in the January case, said Monday she could not comment on Fridays charge because she has been out of town and has not read the complaint. Previous charges According to Januarys complaint, St. Paul police were dispatched to the 71-year-old womans apartment in the Summit-University neighborhood about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 after she reported she had just been forcefully sexually assaulted by a man, who was later identified as Xiong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told police someone must have given Xiong her phone number because he called, asking to meet. She agreed, and invited him over. When he entered the apartment, she told police, he pushed her into her bedroom, took off her clothes and raped her. Related Articles She gave police a Facebook profile that Xiong used to contact her. As an officer pulled up the profile, she immediately said, thats him, the complaint states. He was arrested Jan. 28 after police obtained a search warrant for his apartment in St. Pauls Payne-Phalen neighborhood and found him hiding under his bed. Court records show that Xiong reached a plea deal with prosecutors in the 2019 case and admitted to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in exchange for a first-degree charge being dismissed. He was sentenced to 231 days in jail, which was time that he had already served after his arrest, and put on supervised probation for 10 years. Xiong has no other convictions, besides two petty misdemeanor traffic violations. Members of Congress are poised for a potentially dramatic clash at a hearing Tuesday after the Department of Justice brought criminal charges against a House Democrat who protested outside a federal immigration facility. The charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) for allegedly assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement at that May 9 event will sharpen talking points for Republicans serving on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight as it examines threats to ICE Operations. Subcommittee chair Jeff Van Drew, a New Jersey Republican, vowed in an interview Monday that Were going to go into the actual scuffle itself. Van Drew made these remarks shortly before New Jersey interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charge against McIver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened in that scuffle?" Van Drew asked. "What was the behavior of the individuals who were involved? Was it appropriate or not? For Democrats, the episode at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center has become a flashpoint around oversight of President Donald Trumps hard-line immigration agenda. The DOJs Monday announcement intensifies their accusations that the administration is intent on punishing its critics. Charging Members of Congress for doing our jobs is a dangerous precedent to set, said the top Democrat on the oversight subcommittee, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, in a joint statement with the ranking members of the other House Judiciary subpanels. It reveals the increasingly authoritarian nature of this administration and its relentless, illegal attempts to suppress any dissent or oversight, including from judges. The standoff stems from a visit McIver and fellow New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez made earlier this month to Delaney Hall, where they attempted to inspect the Trump administrations reopened ICE detention center that contracts with the private prison company GEO Group. Critics say the facility is unfit to house up to 1,000 undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tussle erupted amid a group of demonstrators that led to the arrest of Newarks Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka, and accusations that McIver had been physically aggressive with the law enforcement officers controlling the crowd. McIver, in a statement Monday, said she and the other members were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities and our visit should have been peaceful and short before ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation. The trespassing charge against Baraka were dropped Monday, according to Habba. Van Drew said the Tuesday hearing would focus on the conditions of the Delaney Hall detention center and the people held inside the facility. He also said he believed behavior of the House Democrats was inappropriate. That sentiment is being echoed inside the larger GOP Conference, where Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) has introduced a measure to strip McIver, Watson Coleman and Menendez of their committee seats. Among members of the Trump administration, former North Carolina GOP Rep. Dan Bishop now the No. 2 at the Office of Management and Budget likened the incident to an insurrection, a phrase commonly used to refer to the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Bishop also said the incident was Worse than 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A House GOP aide also said Republicans plan to brandish the incident throughout their remarks and lines of questioning of witnesses, including former ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials. The proceedings could mark the latest escalation in Republican attempts to frame Democrats as impediments to efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, a key pillar of Trumps messaging on the campaign trail. Democrats, meanwhile, are expected to zero in on their targeted colleagues, too but in a different way than the GOP. The Republicans focus of the incident at the Delaney Hall Detention Center only raises the question surrounding Trumps intimidation campaign against Members of Congress: what is this Administration so afraid of? a spokesperson for Judiciary Committee Democrats said in a statement. We've already seen that the Trump Administration is wrongfully detaining U.S. citizens, unlawfully deporting people without due process, and conducting indiscriminate enforcement actions. Jason Houser, a former ICE chief of staff who is set to be the Democrats witness Tuesday, said Republicans can use the Delaney Hall episode to portray Democrats as obstacles to immigration enforcement, but it doesn't change the fact that Republicans are still ignoring real problems with the U.S. immigration policy. You have an administration not fixing the totality of the immigration system, said Houser in an interview. What you have here is a bunch of political operatives in the White House demanding certain things to be done in a certain way. A Becker man has been charged with driving drunk and leaving the scene as his girlfriend died in a ditch on the side of a Sherburne County road. Johnathan Schafer, 35, is charged with failing to stop at the scene and misdemeanor DWI after the death of his girlfriend, Julia Marthaler, 23, of Nisswa, last Thursday, May 15. The charges allege that Schafer "had reason to believe a death had occurred" when he left the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, Schafer allegedly told police that Marthaler had jumped from his moving pickup truck on the 5800 block of 140th Avenue Southeast in Santiago Township. Sherburne County Jail He failed to call 911, and the charges allege he later told police he did stop to check on Marthaler, but found her non-responsive. He then allegedly panicked and left the scene as another vehicle approached. Police were later alerted by Schafer's mother, who called 911 after Schafer told her Marthaler had jumped from his truck while he was driving. Officers eventually found Schafer at a dog park, and he directed them to Marthaler, who was pronounced dead later in the evening. The charges claim there was a "strong odor of alcohol" coming from Schafer, and a blood sample was later taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned, Schafer told police he had been to a bar for dinner with Marthaler and they had been drinking. When they left, Schafer claims Mathaler didn't want to go home, so the two drove around backroads. He then says an argument took place, and Mathaler jumped out of the vehicle. "The investigation into Marthalers death is active, and additional criminal charges are possible," the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office said. Southwest Airlines has started warning passengers about the use of power banks on flights. It's set to introduce a new safety policy next week. The change comes after an Air Busan plane caught fire when a power bank overheated in January. Southwest Airlines is restricting the use of power banks due to the risk of them catching fire during flights. A spokesperson told Business Insider that the airline will introduce a "first-in-industry safety policy" on May 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted," they added. "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees." Since last week, passengers checking in for their flights on the Southwest app have received pop-up notifications that warn about portable charging devices. A Reddit user shared a screenshot from the app, which read: "If you use a power bank during your flight, keep it out of your bag and in plain sight. Do not charge devices in the overhead bin." The devices are powered by lithium batteries that can overheat and catch fire. In such rare cases, keeping the device in plain sight makes it easier for flight attendants to identify any smoke or fire and react quickly to extinguish it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration recorded about three incidents every two weeks, compared to fewer than one a week in 2018. The FAA has recorded nine confirmed incidents in the US this year. There have been other suspected cases and disruptions caused just by the risk of overheating. Last month, a Lufthansa Airbus A380 with 461 passengers had to divert to Boston when a passenger's tablet became stuck in a seat. The most notable incident occurred in South Korea in January. An Air Busan plane was about to take off when a fire spread through the cabin, injuring seven people. Investigators later said the fire was likely caused by a power bank, found in an overhead luggage bin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Korean government subsequently tightened its rules for airlines, which included prohibiting storing them in the overhead bins. In the US, there are already many limits on power banks, which are banned from checked luggage. Southwest is going a step further in response to recent incidents. Read the original article on Business Insider Charles Kushner, a real estate mogul and the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law, was confirmed Monday by the Senate to serve as the U.S. ambassador to France despite felony convictions that were wiped away by presidential pardon. The president picked Kushner for the post several weeks after his November reelection victory. His son, Jared, was a senior adviser to the president during his first term, and helped broker the Abraham Accords, one of Trumps signature foreign policy achievements Kushner was confirmed by a 51-45 vote, with his New Jersey home state Sen. Cory Booker the lone Democrat voting in favor. One Republican, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, cast a ballot against confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kushner in 2005 pleaded guilty to counts of assisting in the filing of false tax returns, witness retaliation and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, for which he served two years in prison. In December 2020, just before the end of his first term, Trump pardoned Kushner. Former Trump ally turned 2024 Republican primary opponent Chris Christie, who brought the charges against Kushner when he was a federal prosecutor, said his case was one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney. My misjudgment and mistake was over twenty years ago, Kushner said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in May. Since then, Ive been pardoned by President Trump. But I dont sit here before you today and tell you Im a perfect person. I am not a perfect person. I made a very very very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state argued that Kushner is not an appropriate pick for the diplomatic post. Charles Kushner was convicted of making false statements to the FEC and pleaded guilty to tax evasion & witness tampering, Murray said in a post on X prior to the vote. And Trump pardoned him. Of course, I voted NO to advance Kushners nomination as AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE. Kushner isnt the only in-law for whom Trump has found a place in government. Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, the presidents youngest daughter, serves as a senior adviser in the administration. Chester County is among the districts bringing in the most international teachers in South Carolina, and its just one result of a nationwide teacher shortage. The district employs about 90 international teachers, and they say its a creative solution to addressing a growing problem. The only option we have is these international teachers. Theyre qualified, theyre vetted, we interview them, ensure theyre the best fit for us and serving the needs of the county, said Chris Christoff with Chester County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The districts reliance on international teachers has nearly tripled since 2020, when it employed 29 international teachers. This year, there are 86. They come from countries like Jamaica, the Philippines, Ghana, and India. They often teach high-need subjects like math, science, and special education. Monday night, board chair Kena Funderburke said some students have complained about cultural and language barriers created by international teachers. It has been told to the board that the international teachers have more difficult time acclimating to the classrooms curriculum, Funderburke said. Parents like Whitney Johnson say local teachers may better help address the unique needs of Chester County students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People from Chester will understand the environment the kids grow up in, so they can better help them and know how to address them and stuff like that, Johnson said. Christoff says some international teachers can face issues, but those are more of an exception than the rule. We offer professional development training, the same as we do for a domestic teacher, and we have issues the same as any domestic teacher. We work through those issues, we want people who come to this country to be successful, Christoff said. District leaders say there are about 19 certified teacher vacancies right now. Theyre getting even more creative and coming up with new ways to retain and recruit teachers. (VIDEO: PTA says students parent was detained near school in east Charlotte) Chicagos mayor is under investigation after suggesting he prefers to hire black staff. The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday opened an investigation into mayor Brandon Johnson over remarks he made at church suggesting he selects officials in his administration based on their race. Speaking at a service at the Apostolic Church of God on the citys South Side on Sunday, Mr Johnson told worshippers that when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has written to Mr Johnson saying she has authorised an investigation into whether Chicago is engaged in a pattern or practice of racial discrimination. Mr Johnson was addressing claims from critics that all he talked about is the hiring of black people, given that the deputy mayor, the chief operations officer, the budget director and others in his administration are all African-Americans. He said: When you ask how do we ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business, having people in my administration that will look out for the interests of everyone, and everyone means you have to look out for the interests of black folks, because that hasnt happened. Thats how we ensure long-term sustainable growth. The mayor also criticised the Trump administrations attempts to wipe us out of history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black folks will be here in this city and in cities across America, protecting this democracy, protecting humanity, because thats what black people have always done, he said. Ms Dhillon wrote: If these kind of hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions. The investigation comes amid moves by the Trump administration to align the Justice Department with its efforts to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. Shortly after returning to the White House, Donald Trump signed an executive order to end what he called discriminatory and illegal DEI programmes in government agencies in favour of merit-based appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also ordered investigations into companies that make use of DEI hiring practices. Mr Johnson has frequently clashed with Mr Trump, calling the president a threat to black families and defying his efforts to deport undocumented migrants by pledging to uphold Chicagos status as a sanctuary city. In February, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago accusing it of deliberately impeding immigration officers abilities to detain illegal migrants. The Chicago mayors office was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The city of Chicago, a long-standing target for dog-whistling conservatives, is facing a federal investigation related to the citys hiring of Black employees. On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed not to be intimidated by the Trump administration after it announced a civil rights probe into his recent comments at a Black church, where he touted his record of diverse hiring including his hiring of Black employees in comparison with the largely white administrations that preceded him and praised these workers ability to look out for people of all races despite Black people historically facing systemic roadblocks to their success. Having listened to Johnsons comments in full, I found it absurd that conservatives have sought to portray the remarks as though they were about giving Black people preferential treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Departments investigation, which Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon is calling a look into whether Chicago is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, is just the latest sign that Dhillon a pro-MAGA lawyer has perverted the DOJs Civil Rights Division and transformed it into a weapon that the Trump administration can use for its bigoted culture wars. The administration has sought to outlaw diversity efforts by public and private entities, an apparent extension of Trumps open vow to address what he called a definite anti-white feeling in the United States. On Tuesday, Johnson forcefully rebuked the administration, saying of Trump: You would be hard-pressed to find qualified individuals who are in his administration. You know, as my administration reflects the country, it reflects the city, his administration reflects the country club. According to data Johnsons office provided to CBS News, 34% of his 105 employees are Black, 30% are white, 23% are Hispanic, 7% are Asian and 5% are two or more ethnicities. Im giving people some confidence that Im not going to ignore any particular group, especially groups that have been marginalized, Johnson said, adding: Im not going to be intimidated or allow the failures of the past to dictate how we move forward. This isnt the first instance of the Trump administration targeting Chicago: In April, the administration threatened to withhold educational funding from the Chicago school system over its Black Student Success Plan, which was designed to improve opportunity gaps that discriminatory practices have created for Black students. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The Chicago Sun-Times, a daily non-profit newspaper owned by Chicago Public Media, published a "summer reading list" featuring wholly fabricated books the result of broadcasting unverified AI slop in its pages. An image of a "Summer reading list for 2025" was first shared to Instagram by a book podcaster who goes by Tina Books and was circulated on Bluesky by the novelist Rachael King. The newspaper's title and the date of the page's publication are visible in the page's header. The page was included in a 64-page "Best of Summer" feature, and as the author, Marco Buscaglia, told 404 Media, it was generated using AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do use AI for background at times but always check out the material first," Buscaglia told 404 Media. "This time, I did not and I can't believe I missed it because it's so obvious. No excuses." "On me 100 percent and I'm completely embarrassed," he added. At first glance, the list is unassuming. "Whether you're lounging by the pool, relaxing on sandy shores or enjoying the longer daylight hours in your favorite reading spot," reads the list's introduction, "these 15 titles new and old promise to deliver the perfect summer escape." The book titles themselves are unassuming, too. The newspaper recommends titles like the ethereal-sounding "Tidewater Dreams," which it says was written by the Chilean-American novelist Isabel Allende; "The Last Algorithm," purported to be a new sci-fi thriller by Andy Weir; and "The Collector's Piece," said to be written by the writer Taylor Jenkins Reid about a "reclusive art collector and the journalist determined to uncover the truth behind his most controversial acquisition." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as we independently confirmed, though these authors are real and well-known, these books are entirely fake as are several others listed on the page. Indeed: the first ten out of all fifteen titles listed in the Sun-Times list either don't exist at all, or the titles are real, but weren't written by the author that the Sun-Times attributes them to. Fabrications like made-up citations are commonplace in AI-generated content, and a known risk of using generative AI tools like ChatGPT. We reached out to the Sun-Times and its owner, Chicago Public Media, which notably also owns the beloved National Public Radio station WBEZ Chicago. In an email, a spokesperson emphasized that the content wasn't created or approved by the Sun-Times newsroom and that the paper was actively investigating. "We are looking into how this made it into print as we speak," read the email. "This is licensed content that was not created by, or approved by, the Sun-Times newsroom, but it is unacceptable for any content we provide to our readers to be inaccurate. We value our readers' trust in our reporting and take this very seriously. More info will be provided soon as we investigate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was echoed by Buscaglia, who told 404 Media that the content was created to be part of a "promotional special section" not specifically targeted to Chicago. "It's supposed to be generic and national," Buscaglia told 4o4 Media. "We never get a list of where things ran." This wouldn't be the first time AI has been used to create third-party content and published without AI disclosures by journalistic institutions, as Futurism's investigation last year into AdVon Commerce revealed. Readers are understandably upset and demanding answers. "How did the editors at the Sun-Times not catch this? Do they use AI consistently in their work?" reads a Reddit post to r/Chicago about the scandal. "As a subscriber, I am livid!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What is the point of subscribing to a hard copy paper," the poster continued, "if they are just going to include AI slop too!?" "I just feel an overwhelming sense of sadness this morning over this?" University of Minnesota Press editorial director Jason Weidemann wrote in a Bluesky post. "There are thousands of struggling writers out there who could write a brilliant summer reads feature and should be paid to do so." "Pay humans to do things for fuck's sake," he added. Updated with a statement from Chicago Public Media. More on AI and journalism: Scammers Stole the Website for Emerson College's Student Radio Station and Started Running It as a Zombie AI Farm The Chicago Sun-Times newspaper is receiving major backlash after it printed an AI-generated summer reading list for 2025 Sunday that promoted several nonexistent book titles. While the reading list did recommend some real titles, like Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman, it also suggested readers dive into books such as Tidewater, a nonexistent book by real-life author Isabel Allende. The reading list described the book as a multigenerational saga set in a coastal town where magical realism meets environmental activism. Five out of the lists 15 recommended books were real, according to NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do use AI for background at times but always check out the material first, the lists author, Marco Buscaglia, told independent tech news site 404 Media. This time, I did not and I cant believe I missed it because its so obvious. No excuses. I assume Ill be getting calls all day. I already am, said Buscaglia, who is not a Sun-Times employee. This is just idiotic of me, really embarrassed. When I found it [online], it was almost surreal to see. The Chicago Sun-Times is getting mocked after publishing a summer reading list that was AI-generated and contained fake book titles. Scott Olson via Getty Images Author Rebecca Makkai, who was featured on the summer reading list alongside Boiling Point, a nonexistent book attributed to her, expressed her shock on Bluesky. WHAT. THE ACTUAL. FUCK. Chicago Sun Times seems to have used AI to write its summer reading of BOOKS THAT DO NOT EXIST, she wrote. Book Riot editor Kelly Jensen called out the article in a post on Bluesky, asking, Why the hell are you using ChatGPT to make up book titles? You used to have a books staff. Absolutely no fact checking? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the future of book recommendations when libraries are defunded and dismantled, Jensen wrote in a follow-up post. Trained professionals are removed in exchange for this made up, inaccurate garbage. The Chicago Sun-Times responded to critics on Bluesky, saying it was looking into how the AI-generated article made it to print in the first place. It is not editorial content and was not created by, or approved by, the Sun-Times newsroom, the newspaper wrote. We value your trust in our reporting and take this very seriously. Victor Lim, a spokesperson for the newspapers parent company, Chicago Public Media, told NPR that the AI book list was part of licensed content provided by a third-party company. The Chicago Sun-Times Guild, which represents more than 600 workers at the newspaper, said in a Bluesky post that it was aware of the third-party summer guide content, adding that the union was deeply disturbed that AI-generated content was printed alongside our work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take great pride in the union-produced journalism that goes into the respected pages of our newspaper and on our website, the union wrote. The fact that it was 60+ pages of this content is very concerning primarily for our relationship with our audience but also for our unions jurisdiction. Buscaglia told NPR the reading list was a huge mistake on his part and clarified that he has nothing to do with the Sun-Times. They trust that the content they purchase is accurate and I betrayed that trust. Its on me 100 percent, Buscaglia said. Related... CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago Public Media on Tuesday was quick to distance itself from content generated by Artificial Intelligence that cited books and experts who dont exist that made it into Sundays edition of the Chicago Sun-Times. The AI hallucinations were included in a 60-page Best of Summer guide that featured a summer reading list, summer food trends and a section on Americas growing hammock culture. This is licensed content that was not created by, or approved by, the Sun-Times newsroom, but it is unacceptable for any content we provide to our readers to be inaccurate, spokesman Victor Lim told WGN via email. We value our readers trust in our reporting and take this very seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to 404 Media, Lim said the content was licensed from a company called King Features Syndicate, a subsidiary of Hearst Magazines. In a public statement, the Chicago Sun-Times said its partner confirmed a freelancer used an AI agent to write the article. It is unacceptable that this content was inaccurate, and it is equally unacceptable that we did not make it clear to readers that the section was produced outside the Sun-Times newsroom, the statement said, in part. Chicago Public Media owns the Sun-Times and local NPR station WBEZ. The content also reportedly appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Reading list cites real authors but non-existent books Among the authors mentioned in the summer reading list is Chilean-American writer Isabel Allende. The guide suggests reading Tidewater Dreams, Allendes first climate fiction novel. The book doesnt exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor does Nightshade Market by real author Min Jin Lee. An analysis by the technology website Gizmodo indicates that of the 15 works mentioned, all but five are fake. Section on food trends quotes food anthropologist who doesnt appear to exist Readers looking to get a feel of whats hot on plates this season were informed of social medias role in food trends, but the feature includes a quote from Dr. Catherine Furst, purportedly a food anthropologist. WGN and journalists at other organizations can find no confirmation she is a real person. Report on Americas growing hammock culture appears to quote fake people Author Marco Buscaglias byline appears on a feature story about hammock culture in America, but it appears to quote people and other publications that cannot be verified. Mentioned is Dr. Jennifer Campos, billed as a professor of leisure studies at the University of Colorado. She does not appear to be real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Author Brianna Madia is real, but a quote she purportedly gave to Outdoor Magazine two years ago appears to be made up. A review of Outdoors archives turns up no content of Madia speaking about hammocks. WGN has reached out to Madia for confirmation. The Sun-Times Guild deeply disturbed The Chicago Sun-Times Guild, the union that covers the organizations journalists, said in a statement that it was deeply disturbed by the inclusion of syndicated section that was produced externally without the knowledge of the members of our newsroom. We take great pride in the union-produced journalism that goes into the respected pages of our newspaper and on our website. Were deeply disturbed that AI-generated content was printed alongside our work. The fact that it was sixty-plus pages of this content is very concerning primarily for our relationship with our audience but also for our unions jurisdiction, the guilds statement said. Our members go to great lengths to build trust with our sources and communities and are horrified by this slop syndication. Our readers signed up for work that has been vigorously reported and fact-checked, and we hate the idea that our own paper could spread computer- or third-party-generated misinformation. We call on Chicago Public Media management to do everything it can to prevent repeating this disaster in the future. The Sun-Times says its making changes We are committed to making sure this never happens again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement, the Sun-Times listed five actions it was immediately taken. In addition to not charging subscribers for Sundays edition, the organization said it was removing the section from the e-paper version of Sundays edition. The Sun-Times said it was updating policies to ensure third-party content meets the same editorial standards as in-house produced content. In the future, the Sun-Times said it will be more transparent and explicitly identify third-party licensed editorial content. Finally, the organization said it was reviewing its relationship with its partner. Content author: It is 100% my fault Marco Buscaglia, the guides author, said in an email to WGN that the AI error is 100% my fault and all on me. I shouldve caught that, especially since I get information like that to use for background and context, certainly not for the story I turn in, he wrote. I hate the fact that this makes other people look bad since it was something that was completely my fault. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 city of Chicagohas found itself in the middle of a political scandal after the Department of Justice announced a new investigation into the citys mayor. Brandon Johnson has served as Chicagos mayor for almost two years, and now, his job is in jeopardy after one interview caught the attention of the federal government. On Monday (May 19), a formal letter was sent to Johnsons office from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced plans to determine whether the City of Chicago, Illinois, is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, according to the letter, which plainly accused the mayor of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This comes after Johnsons Sunday (May 18) appearance at Apostolic Church of God in Chicago. During which, the mayor revealed his method behind hiring people in his administration. The current deputy mayor, chief operations officer, budget director and several other high ranking employees in the mayors office are Black... and thats not by coincidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Johnson stepped into office in 2023, hes been determined to get Black folks in critical leadership positions. Two administrations ago, 70 to 75 percent of the administration was primarily made up of white men, Johnson told churchgoers. Forty-five percent of my administration is Black; 25 percent is Latinx; 30 percent is white; 8 percent is Asian. The mayor went on to say, Having people in my administration that will look out for the interest of everyone... means you have to look out for the interests of Black folks, because that hasnt happened. He continued, Thats how we ensure long-term sustainable growth. The Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation of the employment practices of the City of Chicago, Illinois, to determine whether it has engaged in a pattern or practice of racial discrimination, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. https://t.co/wHe55paVsQ pic.twitter.com/TQO1dCDCMX DOJ Civil Rights Division (@CivilRights) May 19, 2025 Clearly, Johnson ruffled some feathers with his Sunday remarks, because just one day after the service, Johnson was in the MAGA hot seat. The DOJs letter continued saying, If these kind of hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions. This is just the latest move by the Trump administration to expel diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the board. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January banning DEI practices at the federal level. According to the DOJ ran by MAGA champion Attorney General Pamela Bondi Johnson is violating this order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the federal probe, Mayor Johnson spoke to the media on Tuesday (May 20). Whats clear is that not only does the Trump administration not respect the rule of law or whats sensible about our society, you would be hard-pressed to find qualified individuals who are in his administration, Johnson said, according to ABC News. As my administration reflects the country reflects the city, his [Trumps] administration reflects the country club. He continued, Its also clear that this administration is more interested in creating division within our country. While we are being inclusive, [we are] proud of the fact that we have individuals that have legal backgrounds, operational backgrounds, education backgrounds. Experts told CBS News political appointments dont fall under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, contradicting the DOJs accusations against Mayor Johnson. Carolyn Shapiro, professor law at University of Chicago Kent College of Law, said, They would not be employees under Title VII, so even if it were true that he was going out of his way to hire people of a particular race, that would not violate the law. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Chick-fil-A Bakersfield said it will give free meals to all active and former military personnel on Wednesday in honor of Military Appreciation Day. The free meals will be available on Wednesday, May 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., only at the Chick-fil-A located at 5260 Stockdale Highway. The free meal includes an entree, side and beverage for anyone who has served in the military along with one guest, according to organizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A valid military ID is required to receive the free meal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (COLORADO) A multi-agency effort has led to the sentencing of a sexual offender who had previously escaped the country. On Oct. 19, 2020, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of sexual crimes involving a minor at a home in unincorporated El Paso County. The case was assigned to detectives from the Special Victims Unit (SVU) who launched an extensive and complex investigation. By 2022, detectives had developed probable cause to arrest 49-year-old Bobby Allen Stark on multiple charges, including Sexual Assault on a Child, Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim, Intimidation of Witness or Victim, Bribing a Witness or Victim, and multiple counts of Child Abuse. Bobby Allen Stark Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriffs Office Detectives learned that Stark had adopted the victim and subjected her to repeated abuse, including threats involving a firearm. After losing custody, he attempted to kidnap her, claiming he intended to take her with him so she could be his wife. During the investigation, detectives further found that Stark tracked the childs location, waited for an opportunity to kidnap her, and even provided her with a phone to maintain communication despite her being relocated for safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 30, 2022, he was taken into custody and booked. He was initially held without bond, but following his first court appearance, his bond was reduced to $25,000. After posting bond, Stark left the U.S. For several months, his whereabouts remained unknown. Authorities later received information that Stark was hiding in Guyana, a country in South America next to Venezuela. On May 12, 2023, the Guyana Police Force Criminal Investigations Department arrested Stark. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Guyana Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Guyana, the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the United States Marshals Service. Stark was then extradited back to the U.S. in late May 2023 and transferred to El Paso County Jail in May 2024 to face charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 9, 2025, Startk was sentenced to 10 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Sexual Assault on a Child by One in Position of Trust. This case underscores the critical importance of law enforcement agencies working together with our federal and international partners to bring child predators to justice, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. This individual shattered the innocence of a child and should never have had the chance to leave jail, much less continue trying to manipulate and reach his victim. Ive said before, our commitment at the El Paso County Sheriffs Office is unwavering when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable and pursuing justice. I am proud of the relentless work done by our investigators and partners to ensure this predator is held fully accountable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) For nearly three years now, childcare advocates have hosted town halls, spoken at legislative sessions, and rallied throughout the state with hopes of help from the government in aiding West Virginias childcare crisis. Cubbys Childcare Center, the West Virginia Association for Young Children and childcare advocates from throughout the region met at All Saints Catholic Church on Monday to host a community conversation. Local delegates, business owners and community members were invited to discuss the needs of the childcare industry and how people can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cubbys owner, Jennifer Trippett, voiced her biggest issue being the inability to pay and maintain quality staff with the lack of income from the expense of childcare costs. 12 News spoke to Trippett about some of the issues regarding financial income for the facility. PHOTOS: Bridgeport High School hosts senior parade for graduating students At my center, for instance, I have 45% of the children who the state pays for. I can raise my prices, but only on 55% of the people, and thats not quite fair, Trippett said. Trippett also said that another goal of hosting the community conversation is to get local business owners involved, as statistics show that a lack of accessible and affordable childcare leads to fewer people being involved in the local workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses cant hire if the people they want to hire cant find childcare, and if they cant afford childcare, theyre not going to accept that job. Our state is really big on talking about economic development and bringing in businesses and bringing in people, but if childcare isnt available and affordable, where are all of these people theyre going to be bringing to the state going to go, and what are they going to do? Trippett said. Community conversations like this one will be held throughout the state into June. You can find more information on these events through the West Virginia Association of Young Childrens 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. Officials said gunmen opened fire and killed seven people, including some minors, in Mexico's most deadly state, where violence between warring drug cartels has triggered condemnation by the Catholic Church. The attack in the central state of Guanajuato occurred at around 2 a.m. Monday in a plaza in the city of San Felipe where local police found seven bodies, all male, and a damaged van after reports of gunfire, the local government said in a statement. The officers also found two banners with messages alluding to the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, which operates in the area, the statement said. Messages are often left on victims' bodies by cartels seeking to threaten their rivals or punish behavior they claim violates their rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guanajuato is a thriving industrial hub and home to several popular tourist destinations, but it is also Mexico's deadliest state, according to official homicide statistics. The violent crime is linked to conflict between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, one of the most powerful in the Latin American nation. Mexican leaders of the Catholic Church condemned the shooting on Monday, calling it "an alarming sign of the weakening of the social fabric, impunity and the absence of peace in vast regions" of the country, which is majority Catholic. "We cannot remain indifferent in the face of the spiral of violence that is wounding so many communities," the Episcopal Conference of Mexico, an organization of Mexican bishops, added in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting was "one more among so many that are repeated with painful frequency," it said. In December, the Church in Mexico called on warring cartels to declare a truce. Guanajuato recorded the most homicides of any state in Mexico last year, with 3,151, 10.5% of murders nationwide, according to official figures. Since 2006, when the military launched an anti-drug operation, Mexico has tallied about 480,000 violent deaths. Recent bloodshed in Guanajuato The mass shooting marks the latest deadly attack in Guanajuato, where bystanders and police officers are often casualties amid cartel turf wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, five women and three men were shot dead in the street in Guanajuato. The month before that, security forces clashed with gunmen in the state, leaving 10 suspected criminals dead and three police officers injured. In December 2024, eight people were killed and two others wounded after gunmen pulled up to a roadside stand in Guanajuato and opened fire on customers. Last October, the bodies of 12 slain police officers all bearing signs of torture and left with messages by cartels were found in different areas of the region. The state prosecutor's office also said the perpetrators left messages in which a cartel claimed responsibility. The bodies were found less than 24 hours after gunmen attacked a residential center for people suffering from addictions in the same municipality, killing four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, a baby and a toddler were among six members of the same family murdered in Guanajuato. In April 2024, a mayoral candidate was shot dead in the street in the state just as she began campaigning. The U.S. State Department urges Americans to reconsider traveling to Guanajuato. "Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence," the department says in a travel advisory. Rubio interrupted at Senate hearing during remarks on changes at State Department Car bomb outside Palm Springs fertility clinic was act of terrorism, officials say California fire official rescues fertility clinic embryos after bombing GENEVA (Reuters) -China will give an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization over five years, an official told the World Health Assembly on Tuesday, as the U.N. agency seeks extra funding to offset the expected loss of its top donor, the United States. China's Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Guozhong made the announcement in a speech in Geneva. "The world is now facing the impacts of unilateralism and power politics bringing major challenges to global health security... Multilateralism is a sure pass to addressing difficulties," Liu told delegates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WHO has already revised down its 2026-2027 budget by 21% to $4.2 billion due to its financial difficulties, caused mainly by the Trump administration's decision. The new budget set to be decided by the assembly on Tuesday will increase countries' mandatory fees by 20% over the next two years and will make China the new top state donor. It was not immediately clear if the $500 million donation from China already included that fee increase. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin and Emma Farge; editing by Matthias Williams and Gareth Jones) BEIJING (Reuters) -China welcomes and supports efforts by Pakistan and India to handle their differences through dialogue and to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Wang made the comments during a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Tuesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Pakistan and India halted their worst fighting in nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10, following diplomacy and pressure from the United States. (Reporting by Beijing NewsroomEditing by Gareth Jones) This story has been updated to remove the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as one of the opponents to the bill. The RMEF lobbyist testified in the Senate Fish and Game Committee against the measure "as a result of a miscommunication." In an email to the Billings Gazette the group said it was "officially neutral" on the bill. When it comes to raising money for moose and bighorn sheep conservation in Montana, is it better to auction off a single tag to a wealthy bidder, or to open it up to everyone via a lottery? The question was placed before the Montana Legislature in this years session. House Bill 283, sponsored by Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning, would have given the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission the option to choose between the two fundraising methods for bighorns and moose. The option to use an auction or lottery to raise funding is already in place for one mule deer, elk and mountain goat tag. Running Wolf noted that when a mule deer tag was first offered through a lottery to the general public in 2024 it was a huge success, raising $56,000 a 38% increase from when it was sold via auction. Is a lottery more lucrative? The problem were solving with HB 283 is that when we limit the option for sheep and moose tags to only the auctions, we are potentially limiting how much money we can raise for wildlife conservation, Running Wolf told the Senate Fish and Game Committee in a March hearing on the bill. Under the auction system, the moose tag has raised between $13,000 to $65,000. Ty Stubblefield, of the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, argued against providing the Fish and Wildlife Commission a choice. Stubblefield noted the current system, which has been in effect since 1986, has raised more than $9 million for bighorn sheep conservation. The most ever paid for the much-coveted tag to shoot a bighorn ram was $480,000 in 2013. Also opposed to the change was the Montana Wool Growers. The Wool Growers and the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation are currently participating in a Montana State University study of bighorn and domestic sheep interactions and possible disease transmission between the species. Is an auction less democratic? The other side of Running Wolfs argument to add lotteries as a possible way to award a moose or bighorn tag was based on being democratic. Lotteries allow participation by everyday hunters, and lotteries give everyday Montanans a fair chance at securing hard-to-get tags, he told the senators. Matt Leow, representing the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MBHA), agreed, telling the Senate committee, A raffle as opposed to an auction is much more accessible to the average hunter. MBHA was behind the successful mule deer lottery, selling tickets for $20 each. Very few of us could afford tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands to bid in an auction, Leow added. But most hunters could afford a $25, $50 or $100 raffle ticket. Micah Fields of MBHA put it more bluntly. Put simply, auctions favor the wealthy few whereas raffles favor the public. Jeff Herbert, a retired FWP wildlife biologist now representing the Montana Sportsman Alliance, told the senators that auctioning off the tags to wealthy hunters monetizes wildlife that should be available to all, regardless of economic or social status. While the funding is welcome from a sheep conservation standpoint, an auction of this magnitude really does fly in the face of a fundamental tenant of the North American Model (of Wildlife Conservation) that speaks to an equal opportunity for all to participate, Herbert wrote in an email. Calli Michaels, representing the Montana Wool Growers Association, told the Senate committee the purpose of the existing statute authorizing the auctions is to raise money for the species. The law says nothing about being democratic in awarding that coveted tag. The state must seek the most lucrative means to raise money, Michaels said. Bill passed Legislature When it came to a vote, the measure was unopposed in the House but was tabled in the Senate Fish and Game Committee. Former FWP regional supervisor Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, was originally skeptical of Running Wolfs bill, but was willing to let the Fish and Wildlife Commission make the decision, especially when it came to the moose tag. FWP has no decision criteria they provide to the commission for making a decision, Emily Cooper, License Bureau chief for FWP, told the committee. Without any guidelines, the commission struggled in 2023 deciding which of 11 groups should receive one of five game tags. If were going to continue to get more and more competitors, if you will, for each license, it would feel a lot more comfortable to this commissioner if we had more specific criteria that were trying to achieve, said Commissioner Patrick Tabor, of Whitefish, during the 2023 meeting. At the urging of Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula, the Senate Fish and Game Committee voted to revive HB 283, and it eventually passed the full Senate by 11 votes. Gianforte vetoed HB 283 Despite Running Wolfs efforts, on May 5, Gov. Greg Gianforte killed the bill, touting the lottery as the primary mechanism for protecting and expanding the population of bighorn sheep in our state, he wrote in his veto letter. The governor also cited the recent die-off of a Missouri River Breaks herd, possibly due to infection by a new strain of pneumonia-causing bacteria, as an example of the threats the species continues to face. The uncertainty of a lottery gives me pause as it could impact funding critical to our conservation efforts, Gianforte wrote. Given the challenges surrounding the bighorn sheep population, I do not believe now is the time to inject uncertainty into the funding mechanisms for these (conservation) partners. Hunters have other options Opponents to the bill noted everyday hunters already have other chances to pursue bighorn sheep. They can buy a tag that allows them to hunt in rugged wilderness areas. Or they can pay $5 for a chance at winning an opportunity through the SuperTag lottery offered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. When a game tag is auctioned off, the money goes into a pool for conservation work. The SuperTag funds, on the other hand, go to fund access and enforcement needs. Up to 10% of the proceeds from the auctions can be retained by the conservation group awarded the fundraising opportunity, although groups may choose to forgo the amount. In 2023, the Legislature passed a bill allowing every Montana resident who purchases an elk or deer tag to automatically receive one entry in the SuperTag drawing, a measure Gianforte said he was proud to support. The final option all hunters have is to enter a drawing for one of the hard-to-get tags offered through FWPs annual hunting tag drawing. These options are very limited, said Thomas Baumeister of MBHA, which begs the question: How should these opportunities be allocated? He said MBHA never said a raffle would make more money, just that the option to provide the tag through a raffle should be given to the Fish and Game Commission. The commission should have the option to decide in a given year what makes the most sense, Baumeister said. That burden falls to them. FREEPORT, Texas (AP) A chlorine leak at a Texas chemical plant on Tuesday prompted officials to ask residents in two Texas cities near the facility to shelter in place. Chlorine gas was released around 9 a.m. from a plant in Freeport that is owned by Olin Corp., according to Brazosport CAER, an organization that provides communication between residents and petrochemical industries in the area. Freeport is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Houston. Officials announced that the leak had been stopped around 9:45 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A request to shelter in place was issued shortly after the leak happened as a precaution for residents in Clute and Lake Jackson, officials said. The shelter in place request was lifted around 10:40 a.m. It was not immediately known if there were any injuries due to the leak. The status of the chlorine leak has been contained and an all clear has been issued, the Lake Jackson Police Department said on social media. In a statement, Clayton, Missouri-based Olin said all of its employees have been accounted for and people who were potentially exposed were being medically evaluated. We are conducting a thorough analysis to identify the cause of the release. Olin is appreciative of the rapid response and support of all site and local emergency response teams during this incident. The safety of our employees, the community, and our environment is always our top priority, Olin said. The company manufacturers chlorine, industrial bleach, hydrochloric acid and other products that are used to make plastics, paper products and detergents. Chuck Todd will be talking politics on Sundays again, but this time the former Meet the Press host will be doing it on a new show on Noosphere, a recently-launched mobile news platform. The show, dubbed Sunday Night with Chuck Todd, was announced Tuesday and will start streaming on the app next month. Todds show will feature candid, face-to-face interviews with influential Washington newsmakers from iconic social spots, according to the companys announcement. The show will aim to blend an in-depth look at the current political landscape with a fresh, social setting for Todd and his guests to discuss the latest news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could not be more excited about launching a new show with real conversations, in person, that cut through so much noise and loud opinion at a moment when its needed the most, Todd said in a statement. He continued: The show offers us a chance to break out of both network studios and home-based Zoom calls, to where we can see people face to face in normal environments, and come to learn from one another whats really happening in Washington, D.C. at this crucial time. Terms of Todds deal with Noosphere were not disclosed. His show will be executive produced by Yvette Vega, who was previously the EP on Charlie Roses PBS program. Noosphere was founded last year by Jane Ferguson, a reporter for PBS and The New Yorker, and Sebastian Walker, the former Washington, D.C. bureau chief for Vice News. The platform aims to be the go-to spot for readers and viewers to find their favorite independent journalists; its app costs $19.99 per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd lands at Noosphere after he left NBC, where he was the chief political analyst, earlier this year. He was at the network for 18 years and was the moderator on Meet the Press from 2014 to 2023. Between leaving NBC and joining Noosphere, Todd has found a way to generate some news. Last month, he said the mainstream media was scared it would be perceived as helping Trump if it reported on former President Joe Bidens cognitive decline. The only thing I can chalk it up to is this, whatever you want to call it, this fear that some members of the media had sometimes that they would be perceived as helping Trump if they somehow diminished Biden, right? That it was some sort of zero-sum game, Todd told Piers Morgan. And I think this has been the fundamental mistake that many members of the traditional press have done. The post Chuck Todd to Launch Sunday Politics Show at Noosphere appeared first on TheWrap. A member of a group that sets policy for Church Street Marketplace has drafted a resolution that urges city officials not to locate the states first safe-injection site, or overdose prevention center, in downtown Burlington. Church Street Marketplace Commission Member Christopher Haessly drafted the resolution and will present it to the other commissioners on Wednesday morning. The resolution expresses support for the facility as a way to reduce public drug use, but vigorously opposes establishing it in the downtown core or the Central Business District. Read the resolution by the Church Street Marketplace CommissionDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haessly said businesses and residents are concerned about the negative perceptions of downtown Burlington as a center of illegal drug use. Adding a safe-injection site to the mix would add to their problems, he said. Ive heard from a number of folks who are concerned that a downtown location will serve as an anchor for service resistant individuals who engage in behavior that causes harm to our community, Haessly said. These folks believe the best location for the proposed Overdose Prevention Center is on the premises of a designated medical facility not downtown Burlington. Haessly said the commission, whose members are appointed by the Burlington City Council, plans to discuss the proposal at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room on the ground floor of Burlington City Hall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. E-cigarettes (Wikimedia Commons) A bill to strengthen the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act by including e-cigarettes and vape pens was signed into law earlier this month by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. Sen. Willis Curdy, D-Missoula, said Monday he had worked on Senate Bill 390 for several sessions with support from youth advocates and public health workers. This is long overdue, Curdy said. The law now defines smoking, which is prohibited indoors, to include using an electronic smoking device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was one of a couple pieces of legislation in 2025 tied to the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act. However, Senate Bill 150, to create an exemption in the act that allowed for cigar rooms, failed in its last vote during the legislative session. A matter of perseverance Curdy said SB 390 was near and dear to him as a former high school teacher, and he and former legislator Fred Anderson, a Great Falls Republican and school principal, had talked about the effects on youth. I got some support from folks quite a bit of support from folks who had in the past opposed the bill, Curdy said. He said some previous opponents came around after an epiphany with their own health, and others after learning about the negative health consequences of e-cigarettes and vape pens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curdy also said more work needs to be done to strengthen the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act, and he is interested in additional legislation, although he declined to cite specifics Monday. However, he said persistence at the Montana Legislature paid off with SB 390. It was a matter of perseverance, Curdy said. Cigar bar bill failed, but will return After clearing the Senate, a bill that would have created an exception in the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act for cigar rooms failed in the House in its last vote after some representatives changed their votes. Sponsored by Sen. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, the bill passed the House on second reading with 51 votes, but then it failed with only 45 votes in support on third reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was backed by the tourism and hospitality industry, and supporters argued Montana is at a disadvantage as a luxury destination because it cannot offer a place where cigar aficionados can legally smoke indoors. Public health advocates opposed the bill, pointing to detrimental effects of second-hand smoke. Some also alleged the bill would run contrary to an agreement made when Montana first passed the Clean Indoor Air Act in 2005 but gave bars four years to comply. Originally, the bill would have allowed cigar bars in standalone structures, but it was amended to create an exception for cigar rooms with separate ventilation instead. Galt said Monday he believes that change, along with an amendment that included a study related to gambling machines and opposed by the industry, might have ended up sinking the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galt has worked on the bill for many sessions, and he earlier said cigar bars are legal in many other states. He said Monday hell continue to pursue the opportunity for Montana. I do intend on running it again next session with some of the amendments we worked on, Galt said in a text message Monday. Tenth year may be my lucky year. Jackie Semmens, with the American Heart Association, had opposed SB 150 during the Montana Legislature. Semmens said Monday an amendment in the House Business and Labor Committee would have essentially brought back smoking sections to Montana bars. But she said there is no safe level of second-hand smoke, and she believes the change might have contributed to the demise of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This really upset our members, who called their legislators to ask them to vote no on SB 150, said Semmens, government relations director for Montana for the association. Montanans by and large dont want to return to the days of smoking in bars. However, in a phone call and email, Semmens also praised the addition of e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act. We believe that the addition of e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act was an important update to the law given the youth vaping epidemic, Semmens said. Nicotine in any form is an addictive drug, and we want to send a clear message to youth in Montana that vaping is not safe for you or for people around you. We also hope this will inspire more interest in what else Montana can do to help curb the youth vaping epidemic. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The City of Albuquerque has changed its rules for companies installing fiber internet. Starting Monday, companies must now provide proof they contacted homeowners ahead of any work, have identification on all contractor vehicles and clothing, and reduce work hours. Construction frustrates residents as fiber internet expands in Albuquerque There are also stricter deadlines to resolve issues and harsher fines. Some people have complained that fiber companies have cut water lines, left holes open, and damaged homes. Since December, three companies installing fiber in Albuquerque have been ordered to stop working. At last check, only one has come into compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque City Council approved a temporary halt on internet service providers installing fiber cables after complaints about houses being damaged in the process. Monday night, the CEO of Ezee Fiber came to New Mexico to tout his product and company, but city councilors were upset he didnt address the issues residents are facing. dont simply take my word for it, thousands of Albuquerque residents are already satisfied Ezee Fiber customers and thousands more have eagerly signed up in anticipation of construction being complete in their neighborhood, said Matt Marino, CEO, Ezee Fiber. As the CEO, I know the buck stops there, right? It wouldve been great if you came down and said weve got a great product, but we screwed up. We made some mistakes. Heres how were going to fix it. I dont need to hear how great your product is. I need to hear how youre going to fix things. And these sorts of things rarely get to this level at the council. To me, its pretty ridiculous that we even have to deal with this, said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A Frederick County District Court judge was correct when he ordered the transfer of a North Market Street building to a developer in a receivership agreement, to be renovated and sold, the city of Frederick argued in a court filing Monday. The city argued in its brief that District Court Judge Earl W. Bartgis Jr.s decision in August that the former site of the Asiana restaurant at 123-125 N. Market St. met the standards of the citys receivership ordinance regulating abandoned or blighted properties was proper and should be upheld. Bartgis ruled that the building should be put into a receivership with St. John Properties, so the developer can renovate and sell the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Julia & James Properties have asked a Frederick County Circuit Court judge to overrule Bartgiss decision. The citys standard for a blighted building requires that it be either unoccupied by the owner, a lessee, or another person in lawful possession of the building or that substantially all lawful use, consistent with zoning regulations has ceased, according to the citys brief. Along with the commercial space on the first floor, the building has apartments on the second and third floors. A property must then meet one of four other requirements, including one that it has been vacant for more than four consecutive years before the city files a receivership petition, the brief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The substantial evidence that was presented to the District Court provided the basis for its correct decision regarding the Propertys status as unoccupied ad habitually vacant, requiring the Circuit Court to uphold the lower courts decision, the brief said. Bartgis also correctly applied the rules of the citys receivership ordinance in naming St. John Properties as the receiver of the property, it said. Lawyers for Julia & James, which was operated by Myung D. Ro and Duk Hee Ro, argued in their own court filing in April that the citys receivership ordinance violates state and federal law because it denies property owners rights to due process, just compensation, and a jury trial for the taking of property. A lawyer for Julia & James could not be reached for comment Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys brief argues that the ordinance supports state law by identifying at-risk properties that are habitually vacant, advances the citys goal enforcing its codes, and protects judicial oversight of equitable remedies. The Receivership Ordinance is a legitimate and constitutionally sound exercise of the Citys Police power, the brief said. It addresses critical issues of public health, safety, and urban blight, without constituting a taking. It represents a lawful and necessary measure in pursuit of the general welfare and is fully consistent with both Maryland law and federal constitutional principles. The receivership process is remedial rather than confiscatory, meant to restore nuisance properties to enforce health and safety standards, it said. Unlike eminent domain, which involves the direct acquisition of private property by the government in exchange for just compensation, the receivership process does not confer any ownership interest to the City, it said. ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) The City of Athens is providing residents with information ahead of Memorial Day weekend. City officials said that the Municipal Pool is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 24 and will remain open through the first weekend of August. Admission for the pool is $4 for anyone 12 years of age or younger. Admission will be $5 for all adults. Admission fees are cash only. Individual Pool Passes are $60. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All City offices will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. Sanitation crews will operate as normal. Residents should have their bins on the curb by 6 a.m. Additionally, the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives will have a Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. The program is scheduled to take place at 114 West Pryor Street Athens, Alabama. The Keynote Speaker for the event will be Major General Douglas S. Lowrey, who is a Commanding General with the United States Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. For more information, contact the City of Athens at (2560-233-8730. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) A heartbreaking loss in Allendale. A well-liked high school student shot and killed now a local leader is calling for change. Im very upset. Im hurt. Im heartbroken. The city is heartbroken, Allendale Town Councilman Marlon Creech said. 17-year-old Andrey Gadson, known as Little Dre, was a senior at Allendale-Fairfax High School. Councilman Marlon Creech, who works at the school as a CDL instructor, saw him often. He respected well amongst his peers. Really, really respectful little guy, man. He was taking off. He had plans to join the workforce, he shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gadson was shot and killed early Sunday morning at a home on Butler Street in the Kennedy Park neighborhood. SLED is now investigating. Creech says the call about the shooting brought him to his knees. I immediately went into prayer. I was heartbroken. I shed a few tears because no one wants to lose a son, a brother, or a loved one due to senseless violence like this right here, he recalled. Related Story: SLED offering reward for info on Allendale H.S. shooting victim The school district brought in extra support including grief counseling and law enforcement. Creech says Superintendent Dr. Valerie Cave acted quickly. Shes done a wonderful job with doing that. Anytime she need to pull all stops, she does that. And it will continue as long as it need to. Im sure under her advisement that make sure that the students are safe. As for whats next Creech says the town is taking steps to stop the violence. Still, he knows the solution isnt just about government. We ask you, we beg of you to speak up the anonymous calls, we can talk to the sheriff, we can talk to the deputy chief, theyll talk, reach out to me, whomever you need to, to get this information out because this should not go unsolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creech also says the town is working on long-term fixes like hiring a police chief and adding more cameras in high-crime areas. But he says they cant do it alone. If you know something, say something. A cash reward is available for information that leads to an arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Russia shelled the city of Kherson on the morning of 20 May, injuring four civilians. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office on Telegram Details: Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces had shelled the citys Korabelnyi district in the morning. The shell struck near a residential apartment building, smashing windows and damaging the facade and balconies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack resulted in injuries to four civilians. A 45-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, who were inside their home at the time, sustained blast injuries and lacerations. An 88-year-old woman sustained a blast injury, concussion and a shrapnel wound to the head. All three received medical treatment at the scene. A 76-year-old man sustained a blast injury, concussion and shrapnel wounds to the forehead and arm. He was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. The Prosecutor Generals Office reported that five people were injured in the morning attack, most of whom were elderly and had been inside their homes when the shelling occurred. Background: Russian forces attacked a passenger bus in Kherson earlier in the day, injuring five people and causing significant damage to the vehicle. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MEMPHIS, Tenn. The cleanup continues in DeSoto County Tuesday morning following damaging winds, but we are not in the clear just yet; more severe weather is expected later this afternoon. In Hernando, Mississippi, thousands are still waking up in the dark after severe thunderstorms tore through the city Sunday night into Monday morning. The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors issued a Declaration of Emergency in response to the storm damage. Severe thunderstorms cause extensive damage in MS; schools closed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some residents without power have been staying at the Gale Center, allowing them to cool off in the air conditioning. At last check, more than 3,000 people are still without power. Storm damage in Hernando, Miss., on Northview Street (Photo by WREG) We aint had no lights since yesterday around 2 oclock, said one resident. All my food is going to spoil. All of it is going to spoil, and Im going to have to go buy more. Another resident says he has COPD, and without power, he has no way to charge his defibrillator. And I had to come down here to use my breathing machine. I have to have it, he said. Crews from Entergy Mississippi were seen working all day Monday to restore power to more than 7,000 customers. However, they say you could still encounter trees blocking roads, vegetation entangled in equipment, and hurdles to navigate if you plan to head out this morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands still without power after DeSoto County storms Large tree limbs sit along the edges of the road, and there is caution tape on streets where power lines hang. The city of Hernando is asking if anyone is out driving around, use caution. We talked with Entergy about the potential for more severe weather expected later today. Well, certainly it could compound issues, right? said Dane Chamberlin, Regional Customer Service Manager with Entergy. Were prepared and will address that as it comes and continue to restore until all of our customers are restored. DeSoto County Schools remain closed, but those graduation ceremonies will not be affected and will go on as planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson is encouraging residents to remain patient as the power restoration could take a few days. Entergy told WREG that its possible many could have their power restored, hopefully by 10 p.m. Tuesday night. DeSoto County will be at an Enhanced Risk for severe weather on Tuesday. There is a possibility of strong winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes. Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Clinton Mayor Jack Gilfoy Jr. died over the weekend, according to the citys Facebook page. 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 [Saturday] at 2:10 p.m., the citys post said. 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. Gilfoy was first elected mayor in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A good mayor and a good man taken too soon. He was always focused on making Clinton a better a better place, said Dave Crooks, Eighth District chairman for the Indiana Democratic Party. Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun also offered his condolences. Jack was a veteran and a true leader in west central Indiana. His impact will not be forgotten. On behalf of our community, I offer heartfelt condolences and prayers to our neighbors in Clinton during this difficult time, Sakbun said. A graduate of Clinton High School and a Vietnam War veteran, he also oversaw the family-owned business, Model Cleaners, according to his biography on the citys website. Arrangements had not been announced Monday afternoon. A CNN report on Monday appeared to contradict President Donald Trumps claim that Qatar reached out to the president and offered him an Air Force One replacement as a gift. Instead it was the Trump administration that first contacted Qatar about acquiring a luxury Boeing 747 by buying it, several sources, including a senior White House official, told CNN. Impatient because of Boeings delayed production of new Air Force One planes, Trump enlisted Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff to gather a list of available substitutes, the White House official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Boeing gave the Pentagon a list of clients with a spare jet that could serve as the presidential aircraft and one of the clients was Qatar. The Pentagon offered to buy the luxury jumbo jet and Qatar was interested in selling it, the sources said. One of the people interviewed said early talks revolved around leasing the jumbo jet, rather than purchasing it. The report did not delve into how the gift offer came about. Trump has repeatedly called it a gift given by Qatar, which he suggested approached him about the donation. He has pushed back against ethical concerns even from members of his own party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New York Times report on Monday confirmed that initial efforts involved the purchase of a jet before Trump declared on social media May 11 that Qatar would bequeath a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE. The Trump administration has said the plane, which has been estimated to be worth $400 million, would be transferred to the Trump library after its temporary service. The jet is parked at a San Antonio, Texas, airport awaiting an overhaul when the deal between the Air Force and Qatar goes through, NPR reported. Related... PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) The Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC 911) returned to their home port in Portsmouth Monday after a 79-day patrol to conduct counter-drug operations. While in patrol, the cutter noticed a vessel engaged in drug-trafficking and a team including members of the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South (TACLET-S) pursued the vessel. Four suspected drug traffickers were apprehended. A second small boat crew went to locate and recover 37 bales of cocaine that were dropped by the suspected traffickers, resulting in the seizure of 2,039 pounds of cocaine worth more than $23 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transnational criminal organizations are smart and sophisticated, and our crews meet that challenge head-on, said Cmdr. Andrew Grantham, commanding officer of Forward. Throughout this demanding patrol, our team performed with professionalism and determination. The Forward worked in tandem with Coast Guard Cutters Kimball (WMSL 756), Thetis (WMEC 910) and TACLET-S to stop suspected drug smuggling while patrolling off the Pacific coast of Central and South America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Coast Guard rescuers reached four men who had tumbled into a 40-foot industrial tank at the top of a Washington mountain, they found that two of the men were hurt too badly to move, and one of them was lying in a pool of fast-drying concrete. The workers had been installing a roof on the steel tank when it collapsed, sending the crew and tons of debris falling to the bottom. When Coast Guard rescue swimmers, Chief Benjamin Brown and Aviation Survival Technician Jon Claridge, reached the bottom of the tank, they found themselves in a cramped, dark, and chaotic scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that was all the construction debris, Brown told Task & Purpose. The workers had been pouring concrete on the roof before it collapsed. So the ground was uncured concrete. The consistency was just like mud when we initially got down there, and then as the scene went on, it started to cure and got a little harder. One of the patients was lying on his back, sort of, like, as if he had fallen in mud. So we had to kind of dig him out. Over the next three hours, the swimmers and the Oregon-based crew on the MH-60 extracted the four men from the bottom of the tank, pulling off a uniquely challenging rescue, even by the full-throttle standards of the Coast Guard. In the tank, the rescue swimmers experts in rolling waves and high winds of mid-ocean rescues, but far less familiar with confined industrial accidents juggled four patients, two of whom were critically hurt. The pair worked amid the debris and hardening concrete from the collapsed roof as they treated what injuries they could and packaged each patient for a long hoist out of the tank. Flight mechanic Logan Harris raises a patient from inside a collapsed water tank during the three hour rescue mission. The crews two rescue swimmers spent three hours inside the tank treating the workers before they were hoisted out. Image via the Coast Guard. In the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, the pilots watched their gauges and orbited to save gas, knowing they could not leave or even land to conserve fuel because of radio contact with the swimmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while the pilots flew and the rescue swimmers tended to the patients, the center of the mission was the helicopters flight mechanic, Logan Harris. Over the course of three hours, Harris executed nearly a dozen hoists, navigating both the rescue swimmers and the four patients out of the tank, whose rim was now a jagged mess of rebar poles. Over 100 feet below, missing the hoist by just a foot could snag a swimmer or a patient, endangering them and the helicopter. And though most of the crew were seasoned rescue veterans, the mission was Harris second-ever live rescue. I dont have a ton of experience as a flight mechanic. One live hoist previous to this. I wont say it was a mundane case, but certainly nothing like this, said Harris, who spent six years as a helicopter mechanic in the Marines before joining the Coast Guard to fly. I definitely pushed the envelope for me personally, but we had a solid crew that kind of kept everything together. A call for help Harris, Brown, and pilots Lt. Michael Travers and Lt. Michael Buhl had spent the morning on a training flight in a Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon-based MH-60, by coincidence, practicing a hoist over dryland. But soon after returning to Astoria, a call arrived from local first responders asking for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got the word it might be four people trapped inside of a water tower that had potentially collapsed, and that was really all we got, Travers said. It worked out because most of us were already in our dry suits, ready to go. I met Chief Brown at the aircraft right for the pre-flight, and told him what was going on. And that was when he asked if it would be a good idea to bring a second rescue swimmer, which is generally a common practice we try to employ when were doing anything inland, because some of those environments can be rather demanding and its nice to have a second person on the ground. After a 30-minute flight to Taholah, Washington, on the west coast of the Olympia peninsula, the crew arrived overhead and quickly learned that the fire departments on the ground had no way to reach the men inside the tank. They decided the two swimmers would be hoisted down. It would be, Harris quickly realized, far from routine. So the structure having rebar on the outside was definitely a major point of contention, Harris said. Devices coming up and down can get impacted by the rotor wash and get a bad swing. So, obviously, that swing heading towards rebar is not good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second major issue would be the height. While a typical Coast Guard hoist during a mission might be from 40 feet high, the tank forced the helicopter to hover at 120 feet above the ground. Any lower, Harris said, and the winds from the helicopters rotor wash trapped and amplified by the tanks walls would have been unbearable to both the rescuers and patients inside. From the height of the hoist, its hard to tell exactly what the swimmers are looking at down there, so I was trying to keep [a] really close eye on their hand signals, Harris said. Where they need to go, where they need devices to be. Harris estimated that the tank was probably 30 feet wide, but when its roof collapsed, dozens of steel rebar rods poked inwards around the lip. That meant when he lowered the swimmers or, later, each time he raised a patient in a 7-foot steel litter, he had to bring them up through the lip of exposed rebar. Navigating devices in and out of that environment was particularly tricky, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the three-hour rescue, Harris lowered and raised the helicopters cable over a dozen times, never getting hung up. In the tank When the four workers fell, all were injured but two more seriously than their coworkers, who could walk. One who could not move was lying in a pool of wet, uncured concrete. Though the concrete was still wet and pliable when the rescuers arrived, they quickly realized they were in a race to free the patient and finish the rescue before it set. By the time the team left, the material had hardened under their feet, said Claridge, one of the other rescue swimmers who was lowered into the tank. I was having to use my hands and dig some of that wet concrete away from his side, because we only had like six inches all around him to work, said Claridge. So we were just digging, like, holes to try and get space to move in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew originally believed they could make quick work of lifting the men in a rescue basket, a small cage that patients can sit inside to be hoisted up. But all four men were too badly hurt and would need to be put on backboards and sent up in a litter which, at nearly seven feet long, would be more likely to be caught up on the exposed rebar. Adding to the difficulty was their workspace. The only spot on the floor of the tank clear enough for the two to treat a patient and load them in the litter was against the wall, which was far off the straight line down the center that the hoist needed to follow. Each time Harris raised a patient with his controls up above, the swimmers had to grab the litter and stabilize it in the center of the tank. Flying overhead In the helicopter, Travers and Bucha were worried about two issues: fuel and communicating with their swimmers. The helicopter had left Astoria with a full tank that might last five hours if the pilots conserved fuel. But the long hovers for the hoists ate into that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closest place to get fuel was about 30 miles away, said Travers. But one of the big things that ended up being a big gas drainer for us was we had no way to communicate with them unless we were directly over the top. A lot of times, if we can, wed like to land, and thatll preserve a lot of fuel, but just because we had no way to communicate with them, it wasnt the right decision for us to kind of hang them out to dry by themselves with no way to communicate. So we just went into what we call a max endurance orbit over the top and primarily operated off hand signals instead of a radio. A key time saver was the organization by first responders around the tank. Fire and ambulance services from local fire departments lined up ambulances on a road 200 yards from the tank. Responders included teams from the nearby towns of Grays Harbor, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Thurston county. After each patient was brought on board a process that required Harris to not just operate the hoist, but then pull up the litters 120-foot guide line by hand each time the crew immediately landed at the ambulances, where a crew would transfer the patient to a gurney, handing Harris a new backboard to replace the one with the patient. We would not have been as successful without the help of the local EMS and fire department, said Travers. They really set up a pretty amazing operation on the ground for us to be able to transfer the patients quickly. The latest on Task & Purpose The Coca-Cola Foundation has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme in an effort to combat plastic waste in Sri Lanka. According to Economy Next, the UNDP is giving Sri Lanka $1.1 million to develop a system for managing the country's plastic waste. The agency's Sri Lanka office will oversee the execution of the project. "Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and addressing it requires collaborative, scalable action," UNDP Sri Lanka deputy resident representative Malin Herwig told EN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This project will not only help reduce plastic leakage into ecosystems but also catalyze long-term change in how plastic is managed and valued in Sri Lanka," Herwig continued. Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with a staggering 460 million metric tons of plastic waste produced each year across the globe, per the U.N. Environment Programme. Since plastic is not biodegradable, it leaches toxic chemicals into the environment that threaten the health of ecosystems. As a result, plastic waste management is essential for ensuring a safe future. Across the globe, countries are developing innovative ways to reduce plastic waste and mitigate its environmental footprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though this project is a step in the right direction, Coca-Cola still generates a significant amount of plastic waste. Despite its plastic waste reduction campaigns, the company is one of the world's biggest plastic polluters and has been accused of greenwashing. However, the new partnership and project with the UNDP demonstrate Coca-Cola's efforts to combat plastic waste on a global scale. Eight other countries in the region are part of the $15 million initiative: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, and Vietnam. "The project is expected to contribute to collecting at least 55,610 tons of plastics and support 72,100 direct beneficiaries during the implementation period across all nine participating countries," EN stated. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The West Baton Rouge Parish School Board will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 to mark the beginning of a project to transform Cohn Elementary into the new Cohn Intermediate School campus. The event will take place at 805 N. 14th Street in Port Allen. This change is part of a bigger $32 million improvement plan for the district. Its funded by a bond issue, so no new taxes will come from residents, according to the school system. The updated Cohn campus will let the district turn the Port Allen Middle School campus into the West Baton Rouge Early College Academy. This program is for students who want to go to college. At the academy, students can earn up to an associates degree in humanities or sciences while still in high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statistics show that the more dual enrollment credits a student has going into college, the more likely that student is to be successful and graduate from college. We are offering a spectrum of career opportunities to our students with the Early College and Career Academies, said WBR Schools Superintendent Chandler Smith. Scotlandville library renovation enters next phase with community support Construction at Cohn will begin this summer and will include: A new elementary building. Middle school building. Library/media center. Gymnasium. Practice field. Renovations to the cafeteria and demolition of older buildings are also included in the project. WBR Schools said the new elementary wing is expected to open in August 2026. Superintendent says changes are due to the low enrollment In 2027, Port Allen Middle School students will move to the newly developed Cohn Middle campus. The Early College Academy will open at the old Port Allen Middle School site. Minor renovations will happen from January to August of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Early College Academy started in the 202425 school year. Freshmen took college courses while staying at their regular schools. They will move to the Academy full-time for college classes in their junior and senior years. WBR Schools said the entire project, which includes work at Cohn and other schools, aims to make improvements. It also seeks to provide students with more learning opportunities, all without raising taxes. An organizational review of our system highly recommended combining the Cohn and Port Allen Middle campuses due to the low enrollment at those schools, said Smith. By doing that and making Port Allen Middle the Early College Academy, we provide benefits for all these students, and it allows us to hire the teachers needed for the Early College Academy courses. There is no way we could have done that at each high school in the parish. 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. North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed the final bills from the 2025 legislative session Monday, using his red pen to issue line-item vetoes on six of the remaining seven measures. The governor is able to use a line-item veto to eliminate individual sections of appropriations bills without vetoing the bill in its entirety. Armstrong has fully vetoed four bills from the session. While this line-item veto power normally does not extend to policy items, Armstrong said he was within his rights to veto these policy items because they were added to appropriations bills. He said allowing the Legislature to shoehorn general substantive policy items into appropriation bills but not allowing the governor to line-item veto them would undermine the states system of checks and balances and violate the longstanding principle of separation of powers. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, said he has not seen anything that limits what the governor can veto inside an appropriation bill. Hogue, who chairs the Legislative Management Committee, the committee responsible for calling the Legislature back into session for any attempt to override a veto, said he felt the vetoes did not rise to the level of warranting a special session individually or collectively. Four of the six line items vetoed were policy items One of the policy items the governor vetoed was a provision of the Ethics Commissions budget which would have given lawmakers statutory immunity for voting on bills where they have a conflict of interest, so long as they disclose the conflict. Armstrong said in his veto message that the section of the bill he vetoed would have elevated internal legislative procedure above state law, shielding lawmakers from accountability under criminal code. He said the state already has opaque campaign finance laws and that public confidence in government is built on the belief that no one -- especially elected officials -- is above the law. Section 5 of the bill is flawed, as it attempts to grant blanket immunity from prosecution to legislators simply by virtue of their office, Armstrong said in the veto message. Disclosure is not absolution. Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, who has been outspoken about transparency in the Legislature and the role of the Ethics Commission, said he felt the veto was a "good thing," as he felt any immunity would have removed the incentive for lawmakers to be transparent. I opposed any immunity in this bill because it just further dirties the reputation of legislators when we are not open and clear, Mathern said. The governor also removed a section of the attorney generals budget that eliminated the ability of district judges to waive a person's fees for the states 24/7 sobriety program. With the veto, judges will retain this power. The states 24/7 sobriety program has been around since 2008 and may be ordered through the court as a condition of bond and pretrial release, or as a condition of sentence or probation for violations where drugs or alcohol are involved. This section sparked debate in the Legislature during the closing days of session with some, such as Sen. Jonathan Sickler, R-Grand Forks, saying the fees that were waived were covered by the counties, making it an unfunded requirement imposed by the state. Others, such as Rep. Bernie Satrom, R-Jamestown, said they felt removing the judges ability to waive the fees would result in North Dakotans being punished simply for being poor. Attorney General Drew Wrigley said he does not have a quarrel with the portion of the bill vetoed by the governor. That was an initiative from outside of this office that was eventually placed onto our budget bill by one or more legislators, Wrigley said. He said his office was really pleased with the work of the Legislature on its budget this session and expressed appreciation to the governor for inviting Wrigley to witness the bill signing. We're looking forward to putting that budget to work in the next biennium, Wrigley said. The governor also removed a section from the state Parks and Recreation Departments budget that would have required legislative approval for the creation and renaming of state parks, as well as a section of the legislative branchs budget that would have reserved the 15th floor of the Capitol building for Legislative Council. Legislative Council is a nonpartisan service agency responsible for research and drafting of legislation. Legislative Council currently resides on the second floor of the Capitol building. They will need more space moving forward after the Legislature approved increasing the office's staff from 45 full time employees to 70 this session. Armstrong said the section of the Parks and Recreation Department budget he vetoed would have encroached on the executive branchs function and could lead to absurd results where the Legislature is called in for a special session simply to vote on the renaming of a state park. Last fall, the Parks and Recreation Department changed the name of Sully Creek State Park to Rough Rider State Park. The name change was in part due to the history of the general the park was originally named after, Alfred Sully, who led military campaigns that killed hundreds of Native Americans in the 1860s. Armstrong said the section of the legislative branchs budget he vetoed was superfluous and undermined the work of his administration to better utilize the Capitol buildings space. In other line-item vetoes, the governor eliminated a $150,000 grant from the Housing Incentive Fund for a Native American-focused organization to fund a homeless liaison position; $250,000 that was to be allocated from the Bank of North Dakota to conduct a study focused on sustaining economies in communities in western North Dakota as oil and gas activities decrease; and $350,000 that was to be appropriated to the State Fair Association for sanitation restoration projects. A judge in Catawba County has denied bond for a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran accused of killing a father and trying to kill his three children. READ MORE: Dad shot, killed in front of kids in Catawba County road rage case Deputies said the road rage incident happened in October 2024 along Island Point Road in Sherrills Ford. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Terrell Giddens. They spoke Tuesday morning for about 20 minutes about the evidence in the case including the suspects confession about using an assault-style rifle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giddens was charged with murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting death of Jeff Guida. READ MORE: rosecutors plan to seek death penalty in Catawba County road rage case The victims three children ages two, 11 and 13 were in the familys SUV when prosecutors said Giddens also decided to fire into the vehicle after killing their father in an attempt to possibly cover up the crime. Investigators said the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident where Giddens believed he was being tailgated. He then allegedly followed Guida, who was unarmed, after he turned into the familys neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giddens left the scene after the shooting and then took his kayak out onto Lake Norman to dispose of evidence including his clothing and the assault-style rifle, prosecutors said. Dozens of family members and friends of the victim were in court and some wore shirts with the words Justice for Jeff. We were devastated, said co-worker Karen Church. His absence has affected so many of our lives. Friends and family members came to court on May 20, 2025, in support of Jeff Guida, a man killed during a road rage incident. Cold-blooded. Calculated, malicious murder, said prosecutor Tim Gould. Theres no justification. No excuse for it. From his own confession, he decided to kill him. He decided to shoot up his car. The judge took very little time before announcing his decision to say that the case is one of the clearest examples of the danger of a defendant potentially to others in the community that hes ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just breaks my heart for his children who are still here that are living with the effect of someone trying to murder them also, said co-worker Megan Black. VIDEO: Dad shot, killed in front of kids in Catawba County road rage case The body of 22-year-old Tanner Prentiss was found in Big Bear Lake after he disappeared while visiting the area, according to authorities The UC Santa Barbara student was found dead two days after he did not return to his rental cabin after going out for the evening" This loss is more than we can bear at this time," his grandmother said on Facebook A California college student has been found dead in Big Bear Lake after he disappeared during a night out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The body of Tanner Prentiss, 22, was found in the water near the Pine Knot Marina just before 10:30 a.m. local time on Monday, May 19, according to a news release by the Big Bear Sheriff Station. The Santa Barbara County resident was last seen on Village Drive in Big Bear Lake around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, but did not return to his rental cabin after going out for the evening. Prentiss and several friends were visiting Big Bear Lake at the time of his disappearance, authorities said. Two days later, his body was located following an extensive search by deputies and the Sheriffs Dive Team. No foul play is suspected, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marilyn Taylor, Prentiss grandmother, paid tribute on Monday to her late grandson in a post on Facebook. She described him as a funny guy who was always smiling and had tons of friends. Big Bear Sheriffs Department Tanner Prentiss, the 22-year-old college student who was found dead two days after he disappeared while on a trip with friends. Tanner Prentiss, the 22-year-old college student who was found dead two days after he disappeared while on a trip with friends. Bless all of you who have supported this family during this time and the time we are about to share in the near future, Taylor wrote, noting that her grandson was charismatic, responsible and a really good person. She added, This loss is more than we can bear at this time. Prentiss was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara, according to CBS affiliate KCAL-TV and CW affiliate KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, UC Santa Barbara extended condolences to Prentiss friends and family and described the students death as heartbreaking, according to USA Today and ABC affiliate KABC-TV. "We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted," school officials said in the statement. "Our campus offers resources to students, staff, and faculty who are in need of support." UC Santa Barbara did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Getty Drone shot of the Big Bear Lake, where Tanner Prentiss died. Drone shot of the Big Bear Lake, where Tanner Prentiss died. 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 San Bernardino County Coroners Office has assumed the investigation, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanners family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss, authorities said. The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident. Read the original article on People DENVER (KDVR) A group of Colorado Democratic lawmakers is urging U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider restructuring or dissolving the Federal Emergency Management Agency ahead of peak wildfire season. Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Reps. Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Jason Crow and Brittany Pettersen, in a letter sent Monday, argued that cutting FEMAs workforce and shutting down disaster relief programs places both current recovery efforts and future responses in jeopardy. Well wishes pour in for former president Joe Biden Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutting FEMAs workforce, closing mitigation programs or even dissolving the agency completely threaten to jeopardize ongoing recovery efforts and hinder our ability to swiftly and effectively respond in the future, the letter says. The letter also highlighted the help lawmakers argue FEMA provided during the 2021 Marshall Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, during which more than 1,084 homes were destroyed, lawmakers said. FEMA provided critical support that helped Coloradans recover, rebuild infrastructure, and prepare for future emergencies, the lawmakers wrote. Kelly Loving Act signed into Colorado law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem said in March that she planned to eliminate FEMA, reports CNN. The revelation came months after President Trump said in January that he planned on signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, reports CNN. Trump, who made the comments during a visit to North Carolina to survey damage caused by Hurricane Helene, said that he may get rid of FEMA entirely, saying, I think, frankly, FEMAs not good. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) welcomed a few extra paw-some friends from Kentucky after they were displaced by a storm. On April 2, a storm tore the roof off the Hopkins County Humane Society in Madisonville, Kentucky. The storm caused significant damage to the Hopkins County shelter. Despite the destruction, all animals were evacuated by staff and volunteers. The shelter remains closed to all intakes as they continue to repair damage done to the facility. To help, two shelters in Colorado took in four dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These dogs didnt just survive a storm; they survived the fear, confusion, and heartbreak that came with losing the only home they knew, HSPPR wrote via Facebook. The dogs transport was made possible through a collaborative effort with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which provided relocation of the dogs at the request of Humane Colorado (formerly Dumb Friends League) in Denver and HSPPR. At Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, were honored to support a fellow animal welfare organization during such a difficult time, said Kelley Likes, President & CEO of Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Natural disasters can have a profound impact on both people and pets, and were grateful for the opportunity to step in and help however we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, the dogs were divided between Humane Colorado and the HSPPR, where they are receiving evaluations, behavioral assessments, and plenty of love. One of the dogs, Nutmeg, is up for adoption while the other three are awaiting medical evaluation. Cody Costra with HSPPR commented, Nutmeg came into the shelter a little shy, but now that shes been here for a couple of days, shes starting to warm up and show her true personality. Along with many of the dogs at HSPPR, these four are looking for a new leash on life with their fur-ever home. A lot of people say that they rescue the dog, but a lot of times that dog rescued them, said Costra. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus City Council awarded a $100,000 grant last week to Ohios longest-serving LGBTQ+ youth organization, as part of an effort to combat anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation. Passed unanimously on May 12, the ordinance benefits Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a Columbus nonprofit providing housing and programming for LGBTQ+ young people. Councilmember Melissa Green argued the funding is needed given Trump administration and Ohio Statehouse policies are actively undermining the very existence of our LGBTQIA+ friends, neighbors and loved ones. Ohio mayors urge more communities to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every young person in Columbus deserves to know that they are seen, valued and supported, and, at a time of division and fear, places like Kaleidoscope offer a different path, one thats rooted in compassion, understanding and a belief that everyone belongs, Green said. For our LGBTQIA+ youth who may not feel safe or affirmed at home or in school, these third spaces provide critical refuge. The grant comes after Kaleidoscope marked its 30th anniversary last year, a celebration that included a fundraising campaign bringing in more than $93,000. The organization then announced plans to expand services outside of Columbus to Findlay beginning this year. Learn more about KYCs anniversary and expansion plans in the video player above. (Courtesy Photo/Kaleidoscope Youth Center) Green said the $100,000 grant will aid in funding various programming and nonclinical resources at the organizations drop-in center, which is a space for youth to come in for personal care items, community building activities, support, and just to hang out. Kaleidoscope has connected with young people through about 25,000 visits at the drop-in center within the past six years, the councilmember said. Erin Upchurch, KYCs executive director, thanked city council at the meeting for the support, noting the organizations services, which also include a recently launched wellness center with social workers providing counseling, are offered at no cost to youth and their families. Upchurch said, in the almost 31 years the center has been in existence, LGBTQ+ young people have never been attacked so egregiously and so directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With our young folks, when they see that our local leaders are investing in what theyre doing, who they are, investing in their future and their sustainability, that means something, Upchurch said. I thank you all for stepping up and investing in this way and showing our young folks that you care. $250 million facility opens down the road from Intel in New Albany, creating 225 jobs Upchurch and Kaleidoscope staff regularly condemn anti-LGBTQ+ legislation advancing through the Ohio Statehouse, like a law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth that is currently in effect while litigation continues. Upchurch previously told NBC4 that KYC has experienced an increase in youth, along with parents and guardians, looking for support since the laws passage. Another law prohibits trans students from using school restrooms that align with their identity. Legislators most recently introduced a bill to recognize the weeks between Mothers Day and Fathers Day as Natural Family Month. Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio, condemned the proposal as discriminatory, dehumanizing legislation that takes direct aim at LGBTQ+ families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents to such bills believe they are fostering an anti-LGBTQ+ climate. A recent GLAAD report found Ohio is among those experiencing an uptick a hateful rhetoric, like when Kaleidoscope hosted a drag brunch last year that was disrupted by Nazi protestors. The center received an outpouring of support after the event, raising around $50,000. Its important for us to create spaces and for us to advocate for spaces like Kaleidoscope, that we are empowering them and believing them, Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said at the May meeting. That we are giving them the opportunity to explore, the opportunity to be safe in who they are, the opportunity to express that, and it quite literally does save lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One person is dead after police officers were reportedly shot at during a barricade situation Monday night in northeast Columbus. According to Columbus police, officers responded to the Easton Ridge Apartments on Hampton Woods Court in the Strawberry Farms neighborhood at approximately 9:40 p.m. for an unknown complaint. A person who called 911 told police that it sounded like a man was assaulting a woman inside of an apartment and that he was threatening to kill her. Columbus approves $2.5 million for new fire engine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived at around 10 p.m. they were reportedly shot at while the woman was being held hostage. SWAT and hostage negotiators were notified and responded to the scene. Columbus Division of Police Sgt. Joe Albert said over the next hour he was able to make contact with the man over the phone and with the assistance of negotiators attempted to deescalate the incident. The suspect continued to fire shots at SWAT officers on multiple occasions. He fired out of the residence multiple times at SWAT officers at the scene. At their equipment, at the SWAT officers who were outside of the residence, Albert said. So, this male was very violent. Had no regard for the police at scene here. Was obviously attempting to harm multiple police officers here at scene. At 11:46 p.m. the man reportedly opened the door while holding the woman and raised a gun, at which time officers shot and injured him. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. The woman was able to escape and run towards safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 President Brian Steel said the incident stemmed from a domestic situation in which a woman was being held captive by a man. The woman who escaped the home was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The mans identify is being withheld pending next of kin notification. No officers were injured and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation remains at the scene to process the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Hundreds of thousands of photos were taken of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And yet, there are only four known photos of him in a wheelchair. This was deliberate. FDR hid his disability from polio, even from his mother. He ordered the Secret Service to destroy images of him in a wheelchair. His doctor, recommended by the physician whod helped keep the severity of President Wilsons stroke hidden from public view, was chosen for similar discretion. Roosevelt even successfully enlisted the press corps in what Hugh Gallagher called, in his book by the same name, FDRs splendid deception. It was easy to rationalize the decision. Between the Great Depression and the Second World War, journalists felt that they should go along with the effort to portray the president as physically up to the job, for the sake of American morale. Read more: Jake Tapper says the media didn't cover up Biden's 'Original Sin': 'We were just lied to' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are just the most egregious examples of this kind of obfuscation. But there were others . Grover Cleveland had a tumor removed on what the White House claimed was a fishing trip. The severity of Dwight D. Eisenhowers heart attack in 1955 was downplayed so as to not jeopardize his reelection. JFK suffered from Addisons disease and was treated by his personal physician Miracle Max Jacobson, a.k.a. Dr. Feelgood, who gave him vitamin shots loaded with amphetamine and methamphetamine. The public had no idea until a New York Times report in 1972. In other words, the controversy over Joe Bidens infirmity and now his just-revealed stage 4 prostate cancer is not nearly so new as it may seem. That controversy, re-ignited by the publication of Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, was dominating the political conversation until the Biden family released news of his cancer. According to Tapper (an anchor at CNN, where I am a contributor) and Thompson (a reporter for Axios), Biden, his family and his closest aides conspired to hide the extent of Bidens mental and physical decline from the public. Motivations varied, as they often do, from an intense partisan desire to keep Donald Trump from retaking the White House, to Bidens own denial and vanity, to a desire by his closest aides to stay in power. As one high-level aide told the authors, He just had to win, and then he could disappear for four years hed only have to show proof of life every once in a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Cancer diagnosis and a new book fuel questions about Biden's decision to run in 2024 Suspicions that the cancer revelation is an extension of Team Bidens desire to control the narrative over his health are hard to avoid. David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist and power broker who was very vocal about the political problems presented by Bidens age, had the kind of reaction the Biden team probably hoped for. Those conversations [about Bidens infirmity and the effort to conceal it] will happen, but they should be more muted and set aside for now as hes struggling through this. Its hard to gainsay the spirit of Axelrods compassion. Theres no call for the viciousness some have spewed in response to an 82-year-old grandfather and husbands cancer diagnosis. But skepticism is warranted all the same, even if it comes from partisans. As many doctors including oncologist Zeke Emmanuel, a former Biden administration medical advisor have noted, prostate cancer is very slow-moving, and it is surprising that a two-term vice-president and one-term president could have so many high-profile medical exams without it being caught before now. Whatever the truth, history both Bidens and that of the presidency makes asking unpleasant questions legitimate. Read more: Abcarian: America was gaslit by the arrogance of Joe Biden and his enablers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the obvious and much-discussed lessons from this chapter is that the news media should indulge its skepticism of those in power a lot more, particularly when doing so is politically or ideologically undesirable. For many Republicans, reporters relative lack of curiosity about Bidens health and acuity can be explained entirely by the partisanship of journalists who, fearful of a Trump restoration, hid the truth. Less discussed, however, is that partisanship can be a useful tool in exposing the truth as well. Axelrod didnt push for removing Biden from the 2024 ticket because hes a Republican. Hes a partisan Democrat who found it necessary to tell the truth for the sake of the partys chances of winning. Similarly, the rights response to Original Sin and its revelations hasnt been one of shock but of we told you so. Highlighting Bidens infirmity suited their partisan ends, but that doesnt mean it wasnt true. Many in the media forgot that partisanship is often one of the only things that can motivate people to give voice to unpleasant truths. @JonahDispatch If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)A unique comedy routine featuring real-life stories based on spirituality is coming to Texarkana. Comedian Mickey Bell will perform for local audiences on Tuesday evening. Bell is a former church pastor turned stand-up comedian. He said his show is faith-based, clean comedy, but with a twist. He pokes fun at traditional, old-school southern church practices that church members will quickly relate to. Sal Vulcano Interview talks touring, 50 Cent and Shreveports Rubba Boot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also shares personal stories about his struggles with drug addiction and depression in hopes of shining a light for others battling through their mental health. He said it is a bit of motivational speaking, funnily bringing positive encouragement. So if you take a southern boy and you hype him up on anti-depression medication and you throw him on stage to entertain people, boom! Thats what you get right here. I use my platform to not only help people laugh, but I also Im very open about my struggle with mental illness. I talk about it publicly from stage in hopes to help other people know they are not alone, Bell said. Attendees can watch Bell perform on May 20 at First Baptist Church in Texarkana. The show starts at 6 p.m. To learn more, visit Bells website for upcoming performances. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. WEDNESDAY, May 21 HARRISON TRUSTEES: The Harrison Township trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the Minford fire station. THURSDAY, May 22 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: The Scioto County Commissioners will meet in regular session at 9:30 a.m., on the third floor of the Scioto County Courthouse, 602 Seventh St., Portsmouth. The commissioners meeting is also livestreamed on their Facebook page. PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL BOARD: The Portsmouth City Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. in the board offices, 724 Findlay St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCIOTO DD: The Board of Scioto County Developmental Disabilities will meet at 5 p.m. at the Carousel Center, 1117 Gallia St., Portsmouth. An Ethics Council meeting will take place at 4:45 p.m. in the same location, if needed. FREE PLANETARIUM SHOW: A free show will be offered at 7 p.m. at the Clark Planetarium in the Advanced Technology Center on the campus of Shawnee State University. Free shows are offered Mondays and Thursdays. Learn more about the planetarium's shows at www.shawnee.edu/planetarium. FRIDAY, May 23 NAME THAT TUNE: DJ Geek Techneek hosts this event at The Landing in Portsmouth, 603 Second St. This event begins at 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SATURDAY, May 24 MINFORD ALUMNI BANQUET: The Minford Alumni Association will have its annual banquet at Minford High School, 491 Bond Road, Minford. Tickets are $25 and available from any alumni association member or at Minford Pharmacy. Social hour is 5 to 7 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. MONDAY, May 26 WHEELERSBURG SCHOOL BOARD: The Wheelersburg Local Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. at the high school, 800 Pirate Drive, Wheelersburg. JEFFERSON TRUSTEES: The Jefferson Township trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the senior center on Glendale Road. FREE PLANETARIUM SHOW: A free show will be offered at 7 p.m. at the Clark Planetarium in the Advanced Technology Center on the campus of Shawnee State University. Free shows are offered Mondays and Thursdays. Learn more about the planetarium's shows at www.shawnee.edu/planetarium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TUESDAY, May 27 BLOOD DRIVE: All Saints Episcopal Church, 610 Fourth St., Portsmouth, is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross from noon to 5:30 p.m. This event is collecting donations of power red. These donors must have one of the following blood types: A negative, B negative or O. GREEN SCHOOL BOARD: The Green Local Board of Education will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the high school cafetorium, 4057 Gallia Pike, Franklin Furnace. WEDNESDAY, May 28 WASHINGTON TRUSTEES: The Washington Township trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the Washington Township building on U.S. 52. BRUSH CREEK TRUSTEES: The Brush Creek Township trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the township hall in Otway. LONDON - Community members gathered outside of the London-Corbin Airport Sunday night to pray for those affected by the destructive tornado on Friday. London Mayor Randall Weddle, alongside community pastors, prayed at the gathering, urging the community to "call on the Lord" during this difficult time. Todd Hignite of Winding Blade Holiness Church was the first among pastors to speak, beginning by praising first responders for their efforts. Attendees gave first responders a round of applause following the recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hignite spoke about the impact of the damage left by the recent tornado and the importance of unity during the recovery process. "On behalf of me, my family, our church I think I can speak on behalf of everybody our hearts are broken, absolutely shattered," Hignite stated. "The bible says we have to bare one another's burdens and that's what we're here to do to strengthen and help those who have had a loss and suffered." "When you bind together, you pull together, and you work together, we can get a whole lot more accomplished," Hignite continued. "I believe that we can do that and it shows today that we can do that." Hignite closed with prayer, followed by Mike Caudill of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church of Corbin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm new to Laurel County, but I'm not new to storms. I know what it's like to go through trials and troubles," Caudill stated, recounting the flood that hit Knott County in 2022 that claimed over a dozen lives. Caudill was a pastor in the county for 36 years. "God's going to take all of this and do something good," Caudill reassured attendees. "That doesn't mean everything that happens to us is good, but in the crucible of God's presence, he'll take it all and work something good out of it so we'll be better and not bitter." Greg Fleitz, a chaplain with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, spoke next. The association is working alongside Samaritan's Purse. "It's heartbreaking when we come to these disasters. We see way too many of them," said Fleitz. "I just pray that we remember all of those that are hurting in this community that lost loved ones, that lost friends." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Roberts, a missionary speaking on behalf of London First Pentecostal Church, then prayed over first responders with the help of community members. Attendees dispersed from the airport after. The outdoor area of the closed airport has served as a command post since Sunday morning, providing clothing, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, baby items, and more. It is also a centralized debris collection site. "It has snowballed into just an amazing outpouring of help and donations," said Hobie Daugherty, Public Affairs Officer at the London Police Department. Officer Daugherty shared that there is a secondary command post at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The support we've gotten from the public, organizations, and churches has been tremendous," Bryan Johnson, Lieutenant at the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad, added. "We're very appreciative." Officer Daugherty said the airport's command post will remain in place indefinitely. "We're going to be here until there's not a need," Daugherty stated. The London-Corbin Airport is located at 566 Hal Rogers Drive in London. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Its still being determined whether an accused Kansas City serial killer is fit to stand trial. Fredrick Scott is charged with six murders, including three cases where victims remains were found near the Indian Creek trails in 2017. Attorney for accused Kansas City serial killer requests advisory jury for trial Last week, a hearing was held for the murder suspect. The defense asked for an advisory jury for the upcoming competency hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An advisory jury is a set of jurors who advise the judge, but do not decide the details of the case; the judges decision is final. The motion was denied, meaning there will be no advisory jury. The case will move forward to a competency hearing on May 30 at 9 a.m. Scotts case is currently on hold to determine whether hes competent to stand trial. When Scott was in court last July, he had an outburst in the courtroom, which led to the courtroom being cleared and Scott being committed to a state mental health facility. If he is declared fit to stand trial after the May 30 hearing, his trial will finally move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the longest running criminal case in Jackson County having been filed eight years ago in 2017. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Confidential Informant Whacked by MS-13 in South L.A. While on Phone with FBI Handler originally appeared on L.A. Mag. The brazen assassination of an FBI informant who was on the phone with his federal handler has lead to the arrest of three alleged hitmen who gunned the fellow gang member down in a south LA supermarket, prosecutors say Department of Justice Three members of the Mara Salvatrucha-13 transnational street gang one of them an illegal alien from El Salvador have been hit with federal charges for carrying out a "greenlight," or murder contract on one of their own who flipped and was working for the FBI, a cold-blooded assassination that was heard live by the informant's handler. Dennis Anaya Urias, 26, of South Los Angeles, and Grevil Zelaya Santiago, 25, of South Los Angeles, are charged via federal complaint with murder in aid of racketeering, a felony that carries a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison and a possible death sentence. Roberto Carlos Aguilar, 30, of South Los Angeles, is charged in a separate federal criminal complaint with murder in aid of racketeering, prosecutors say. The murder of Herlyn Barrientos, 47, who had been caught up in massive federal sweep targeting MS-13 meth dealers in 2023 and then began cooperating with the government, took place on February 18. When Barrientos was released from prison he began informing on members of his clique, which meant his "status as a government cooperator was well known by MS-13," prosecutors say. The notoriously savage gang reserves its most brutal bloodletting for informants, which is why Barrientos was terrified when he ran into his former criminal compatriots, Urias and Santiago, at a South Los Angeles grocery store. Surveillance photo shows an active "greenlight" or MS-13 murder plot underway in South Los Angeles grocery store Department of Justice Barrientos was being hunted by the gang, another MS-13 member who agreed to cooperate with the FBI, and that the "greenlight" had been issued against Barrientos upon his release from prison, a clear indicator that he had struck a deal. Orders had been given to that MS-13 member to: "clean out my garbage, you understand? That work you cannot say no to, the gang member added, according to the FBI affidavit. MS-13 would get a chance to carry out that hit around 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 when Barrientos pulled into Superior Grocers at Figueroa and 91st Streets in South L.A. and went inside. Soon, three men confronted Barrientos, who was wearing a court-ordered ankle bracelet, in the produce section. Words were exchanged, the men walked off, according to the affidavit, and a panicked Barrientos first called 911 saying he had been confronted, telling the dispatcher: the man who had the pistol was about 20 years old, dressed in all black, with a handkerchief covering his face; and a second Latino man with long hair was also armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he called his FBI handler, who heard the rat-a-tat of gunfire while his informant was on the phone. The other end went silent and the FBI agent stayed on the line calling Barrientos name until he heard the distant tone of police sirens. "I heard through the telephone several gunshots and H.B. stopped responding to me. Soon after, I heard what sounded like police and emergency medical services arriving at H.B.s location," the agent wrote. The death of an informant desperately calling for help strikes at the heart of law enforcement, especially one providing information on the deadly transnational gang MS-13. "During the evening of February 18, the victim made two telephone calls to authorities and said he was at a grocery store in South Los Angeles where MS-13 members had just tried to kill him," prosecutors concede. "He said he had been talking with MS-13 members when a man whose face was covered approached and tried to shoot him, but the gun did not fire." "At one point during the second telephone call, several gunshots were heard," by the FBI agent, prosecutors say. MS-13 tag in Historic Filipino town, a stronghold for the infamously violent street gang which has been given a terrorist designation by the State Department Photo by Michele McPhee Carrying out a greenlight, especially against an informant, elevated the standing of the alleged hitmen, Aguilar, Urias and Santiago, according to court documents. MS-13 was formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s, and the street gang is now comprised of tens of thousands of individuals in at least 10 states and several Central American countries, most notably El Salvador. In the mid-1990s, Mara Salvatrucha became associated with the Mexican Mafia and added the number 13 to its name. As MS-13s numbers swelled in Los Angeles and El Salvador, MS-13 members also traveled to, and settled in, other cities and areas in the United States, including New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas," federal prosecutors say. There have been major takedowns of the gang, including an infiltration by a cooperating informant in Boston that led to arrests at the gang's highest levels, and an active greenlight that includes the witness, his wife, and young baby. But the gang continues to flourish in southern California. The alleged MS-13 hitmen accused of assassinating Barrientos are being held without bail and will be back in a federal courtroom on June 3. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 19, 2025, where it first appeared. President Donald Trump's desire to accept a luxury jet from Qatar has hit political turbulence, scrambling the usual battle lines on Capitol Hill as lawmakers weigh action. Trump's move is deeply unpopular a gift for Democrats and a reckoning for Republicans. Critics, including within his own party and among MAGA allies , cite security risks, taxpayer costs and ethical concerns. Democrats are weighing tools to block the deal, such as sticking amendments into defense legislation to stymie it. Even if they cant get enough frustrated Republicans to vote against the president, the effort could still box in the administration, put pressure on Qatar and force the GOP into painful political territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House must now determine whether the jet is worth risking a string of plane-related votes that could inflame GOP divisions and hand Democrats a strong attack line ahead of a volatile midterm cycle. Heres how Congress could block Trumps ability to accept the Qatari plane. Stick it in must-pass defense bills Lawmakers could tack an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act that would block or limit the deal. Members of the Armed Services Committees could offer these provisions when the panels hold markups for their versions of the bill. Such language might shape negotiations between the House and Senate when they work to reconcile their bills. And chamber-wide votes could force Republicans to choose between their allegiance to Trump and longstanding national security norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The must-pass defense bill is likely Congress best shot at implementing any Air Force One measure. If negotiators can craft language as part of a compromise defense bill, lawmakers and Trump would need to accept it or reject the entire bill. Straightforward block Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday unveiled a bill to block the use of a foreign aircraft for Air Force One, framing Trumps plan as a historic national security risk with an undercurrent of corruption. The bill would bar the Pentagon from using any federal dollars to buy, modify or maintain such an aircraft for the presidents use. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), the House Foreign Affairs Committees top Democrat, has introduced similar legislation to block federal funds from being used to transfer a foreign-owned plane to the U.S. government or Trumps presidential library. It would also require the administration to submit to Congress all relevant communication related to the plane involving the State Department, the National Security Council or Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The odds of either bill making it to the floor in a Republican-controlled Congress are slim, barring a major GOP revolt. But by putting their objections in formal legislation, those bills provide Democrats with a sharp messaging tool about accountability. Speed up the planes in the shop Trump pushed for the Qatar plane as a cost-saving stopgap due to massive delays in the Air Force's program to replace the current fleet with two Boeing planes. Darlene Costello, an Air Force acquisition official, told Congress this month that Boeing projects delivery in 2027, but only if officials reduce the requirements. The White House separately estimated the replacement wont be ready until 2029, after Trumps term is up. Defense-focused lawmakers could push to speed up the planes' delivery, especially if theyre concerned about the security implications of using a Qatari jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract to retrofit two planes during Trumps first term. (The president argued his involvement saved the government money on the deal.) Boeing has since lost more than $2 billion on the project because the contracts fixed price left it on the hook to cover the cost overruns. The Boeing proposal continues to lag behind expectations, Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker said in an interview. One of the solutions might be for Boeing to simply redouble their efforts, to do what they can. A Senate stop sign Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is protesting the gift by introducing a resolution to block a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar. Congress can use a joint resolution of disapproval with the power, under the Arms Export Control Act, to halt military or logistical aid to a foreign country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it would automatically get a floor vote, Congress has never successfully blocked a foreign arms sale via joint resolution. Still, lawmakers are using the resolution to pressure Doha to back down. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a cosponsor of the resolution, has argued that bribing an American president is one of the fastest ways to poison your relationship with the United States. Holding up nominees Democrats could also look to jam up Trumps Pentagon personnel roster. Schumer last week declared that hed place procedural holds on all political nominees to the Justice Department until he gets answers from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who signed off on the legality of the jet deal in a memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this approach isnt likely to do more than add some additional hurdles to their confirmations. Senate Democrats, who are in the minority, cant block nominees confirmations without Republican support, which is unlikely. Oh, right, the Constitution The House Judiciary Committees Democrats, led by ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin, are using the Constitution as a political lever. Theyre introducing a resolution that invokes the Constitutions Foreign Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts or payments unless Congress allows it. It asserts that accepting such a flying bribe without congressional consent breaches constitutional safeguards against foreign influence. The resolution, while nonbinding and symbolic, is a tactical move. If the resolution ever came to the floor, it would put lawmakers on the record about their views and lay the groundwork for further legal, legislative or political pressure. Florida's Democratic delegation wants the Trump administration to reverse its cuts to public health research funding Galvanized by the loss of $2.5 billion in federal public health funding, the eight Democratic members of the Florida Congressional delegation sent a letter to the Trump administration Tuesday calling on it to immediately review and reinstate the grants, including $42 million for HIV research. HIV is the virus that, without treatment, can cause someone to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. In a letter to President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, the Democrats said public health shouldnt be a casualty of political ideology and called on the administration to reverse its policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are especially alarmed by the termination of $42 million in grants for HIV research. Florida has the third-highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country, and our communities rely on these programs to test, treat and prevent the spread of HIV. During your first term, you pledged your commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. We hope you will renew this commitment and reinstate these grants. U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz , Kathy Castor, Frederica Wilson, Darren Soto, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Maxwell Frost and Jared Moskowitz signed onto the letter. These grants support vital public health initiatives, including childhood immunizations, infectious disease control, mental health programs, and HIV prevention and treatment, the letter says. This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. Midway through President Joe Bidens four-day trip to Ireland in April 2023, Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois realized whom the president reminded him of and why. The proudly Irish president was in great spirits, energized by the crowds. In Ballina, he delivered a speech to one of the biggest audiences of his political career. Standing in front of Saint Muredachs Cathedral, the president recalled that 27,000 of the bricks used in its construction were provided in 1828 by his great-great-great-grandfather, Edward Blewitt, for 21 and 12 shillings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was able to hold one of them in my hand today, the president said. Theyre damn heavy. The crowd laughed. It was a homecoming in many ways. The president had brought with him his sister, Valerie, and son Hunter. They went to see a memorial plaque to Beau Biden at the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. One of the priests at the Knock Shrine turned out to have given Beau last rites in 2015, a revelation that brought the president to tears. In a speech to the joint houses of the Irish Parliament, the president said it was Beau who should be the one standing here giving this speech to you. [Read: Biden the sinner] In Dublin on Thursday, April 13, Biden was welcomed to Aras an Uachtarain, the official residence of the president of Ireland. The busy schedule included a tree-planting ceremony, a ringing of the Peace Bell, and an honor guard presenting arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, the room Biden was in emptied out and fewer than a dozen people were leftincluding Quigley and his friend Brian Higgins, then a congressman representing New York. Hunter took advantage of the lull to impress upon his father the need to rest. You promised you wouldnt do this, Hunter said. You promised youd take a nap. You know you cant handle all this. The president waved off his son and walked over to the bar in the back of the room, where a lone woman was working. She served him a soft drink. He seemed utterly sapped and not quite there. And that was when Quigley realized why the scene felt so familiar: The presidents behavior reminded him of his fathers in his final years; he had died of Parkinsons in 2019, at the age of 92. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats, perhaps chief among them the former president himself, still deny that his very real deterioration happened. On The View earlier this month, the co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, referring primarily to our forthcoming book, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, asked the former president about the Democratic sources who claim in your final year, there was a dramatic decline in your cognitive abilities. What is your response to these allegations, and are these sources wrong? They are wrong. Theres nothing to sustain that, Biden said. For our book, we spoke with more than 200 people, overwhelmingly Democrats, many of whom worked passionately to pass Bidens agenda. They included Cabinet secretaries, administration officials, and members of Congress. Almost all of them would talk with us only after the election, and they told their stories in sadness and good faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People such as Mike Quigley. Quigleys father, Bill, was abandoned as an infant at an Indiana orphanage, then adopted by a World War I veteran and his wife. The application form asked what gender child they preferred to adopt. Any child we can love, they wrote. Bill took his dads name and, when he was old enough, worked with him on farms as a handyman. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, Bill became a member of the Signal Corps, learning skills that would get him a postwar job at AT&T for 35 years. Bill never finished college, but he worked hard and built a loving middle-class life for his family. He was his son Mikes hero. Bills last years were tough. Parkinsons is a brutal disease. Because he lived in a small town, his problems were initially misdiagnosed, but the deterioration was unmistakable, and it was difficult on the entire family. When everyone showed up at family functions, Bill would get an adrenaline boost. When the high wore off, though, it was akin to witnessing all the air empty from a balloon. For Mike, watching his father deflated and drained was heartbreaking. [From the January/February 2020 issue: What Joe Biden cant bring himself to say] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as he watched Biden during that April 2023 trip, Mike Quigley thought it all looked very familiar. The president hadnt yet officially announced that he was running for reelection, though it was expected. How can he do this? Quigley asked himself. The president gained strength from the adoring Irish crowds. And away from them, he seemed as if all the life had left him. Biden, Quigley thought to himself, needed to go to bed for the rest of the day and night. He wasnt merely physically frail; he had lost almost all of his energy. His speech behind the scenes was breathless, soft, weak. There was so much about the president on this trip that reminded Quigley of his dad. Quigley told Brian Higgins how much the presidents symptoms seemed Parkinsonian. But Higgins had his own frame of reference. He had lost his father to Alzheimers and thought he was noticing something familiar in the presidents shuffling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A diagnosis is nothing more than pattern recognition, Higgins would later tell us. When people see that stuff, it conjures up a view that theres something going on neurologically. [Helen Lewis: Bidens age is now unavoidable] The presidents deterioration became pronounced in 2023, the year of the Ireland trip. Quietly, Democratic officials were beginning to wonder whether the president was in cognitive declinewhich was evident to most people that watched him, Higgins said. After all, the fate of the nation depended on Bidens ability to mount a strong reelection campaign. On the floor of the House and in caucus meetings throughout 2023 and early 2024, House Democrats who had witnessed such momentsalthough only a few, because access to Biden was so limitedtalked about what theyd seen and what they could do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quigley wondered why the White House physician didnt pursue a diagnosis to see what was wrong with the presidentbut, he figured, perhaps Bidens staff simply didnt want to know. He also felt as if he had no good options. He could talk about what hed seen, he could lament it, but he and other Democrats asked one another: What the hell could they actually achieve? At the end of the day, all they would likely accomplish would be angering the president. In 2023, with Donald Trump facing fierce legal headwinds and strong GOP challengersNikki Haley, Ron DeSantissome Democrats concerns about Bidens decline were tempered by their erroneous belief that Trump couldnt win, which lowered the stakes. The consensus among these Democrats was that going public with their concerns would serve only to get them in a lot of trouble. Biden was going to be the nomineeno one serious was challenging him in the primariesso why would they want to draw attention to his decline? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their concerns about Biden were not the stuff of right-wing conspiracists. They were worried because people they loved had fallen victim to some of the cruelties that time delivers. And frankly, they were late to the realization. The American people had been expressing serious concerns about Bidens abilities, because of his age, for years. Concerns over the age of presidential hopefuls werent even specific to Biden. In 1991, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee from the previous election, Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, hired a young pollster named Geoff Garin to secretly explore the prospect of Bentsen running for president the next year. Garin ran the numbers and came back to the Texan with bad news: Voters thought that the senator, at age 70, was simply too old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 30 years later, Garin did polling for Biden and saw much the same result. In a way, the argument was irrefutable. The American people might have been confused about tariffs, unsure of how to tackle the deficit, and uncertain how to handle the challenges of the migrant crisis, but they understood what aging does. They had seen their grandparents and parents go through it. And they did not want a president navigating those challenges. In October 2022, one of us, Jake, got a chance to interview Biden, his last such opportunity. Biden was not the man Jake had interviewed in September 2020he was slower and stiffer, his voice thinnerbut his responses were razor-sharp compared with his performance at the June 27, 2024, debate that Jake co-moderated with Dana Bash on CNN. In that October interview, after noting that Biden was about to turn 80, Jake said that whenever anyone raised concerns about his age, Biden would always say, Watch me. But voters had been watching himand one poll showed that almost two-thirds of Democratic voters wanted a new nominee, mainly because of Bidens age. [Read: How Biden destroyed his legacy] Well, theyre concerned about whether or not Id get anything done, Biden said. Look what Ive gotten done. Name me a president, in recent history, whos gotten as much done as I have in the first two years. Not a joke. You may not like what I got done. But the vast majority of the American people do like what I got done. That wasnt particularly truemore than two-thirds of the country thought the nation was on the wrong track, and Bidens approval rating was underwaterand it was also not the question Jake had asked. The president and his inner circle had assessed his age as a political liability, but they hadnt stopped to consider the question of his actual ability. They sought to hide the fact that vigor was a commodity in scarce supply. The president and his team were delighted by his lively performance at the 2024 State of the Union. Afterward, when Biden came down onto the floor of the House of Representatives, he was swarmed by adoring Democrats. Quigley hadnt been so close to Biden since they were in Dublin almost a year before. He put his hand on the presidents back. He could feel his ribs, and his spine. It seemed weird to consider, but it made him think of what it would be like to touch the aged, feeble Mr. Burns from The Simpsons. The presidents voice was soft and breathy. His eyes darted from side to side. Quigley was again disconcertingly reminded of his late father. The presidents disastrous debate performance a few months later was not a tremendous surprise to Quigley. We have to be honest with ourselves that it wasnt just a horrible night, Quigley told CNNs Kasie Hunt on July 2. A few days later, he became one of the first Democratic officials to call for the president to step down from the ticket. He was reminded of when hed had to take the car keys from his mother, who was losing her vision. The response was predictable. What the fuck are you doing? one colleague asked him. Its too late! said another. Then-Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota had tried to sound the alarm about all this in 2022, vainly attempting to recruit midwestern governors to challenge the incumbent president in the primaries before ultimately launching his own campaign. Drawing attention to the presidents declining acuity was pretty much his only issue. The party apparatus circled around the president like the Praetorian Guard, shielding him from debates and trying to keep Phillips off ballots. Given his lack of traction in polls, Phillips soon disappeared. When Special Counsel Robert Hur, who had been investigating Biden for improperly possessing and sharing classified materials, tried to discuss the presidents memory and presentation when explaining his decision not to prosecute, the Democratic Party and White House painted him as a right-wing hack. Journalists who raised the issue were viciously attacked by lawmakers and besmirched on social media. Quigley experienced some of the same treatment. If you bring this up publicly, youre just going to hurt him, one representative told him. What difference does it make? said another. Hes the candidate no matter what, so everyone should shut up. Youre a traitor! a fellow member of the Illinois delegation told Quigley after he went public. Its ageism. Youre going to make us lose! This past March, town halls for both Democratic and Republican elected officials were so packed with angry constituents that some members of Congress opted instead for virtual meetings that were easier to control, or skipped them entirely. Quigley relished chatting with Chicago communities, despite getting earfuls of complaints. Hed been doing it for 47 years, first as an aide to an alderman and then serving on the Cook County Board of Commissioners before his election to the House. But this spring, the vitriol aimed at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Illinoiss own Senator Dick Durbin has been over-the-top. Quigley has never seen anything like it. They go back to the original sin, Quigley said, explaining their anger at Bidens decision to run for a second term. They perceive that he was selfish. He couldnt see that he couldnt win. People appreciated that Quigley was one of the first Democratic officials to publicly call for Biden to step aside. But it was too late, one activist told him. She was angry at the partys leadership, but most of all, at Biden. They couldnt let their egos get out of the way, she said. He saved our democracy and then he doomed it again. Quigley sensed that Democrats were going to be mad for a long time about the refusal of Biden and those around him to acknowledge what was happening to him. Whats more, Quigley knew they were right. This article has been adapted from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompsons forthcoming book, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. Article originally published at The Atlantic WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) speaks during the We Choose To Fight: Nobody Elected Elon rally at the U.S. Department Of The Treasury on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn) Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Monday she is charging Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement during the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside a migrant jail in Newark 10 days ago. Habba also announced her office is dropping Barakas misdemeanor trespassing charge for the sake of moving forward. Baraka called for federal prosecutors to dismiss the case after a court hearing in Newark on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stunning development has McIver accusing the Trump administration of attempting to criminalize and deter legislative oversight and Habba saying that congressional oversight is not an issue in this case. No one is above the law politicians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are, Habba said in a statement Monday evening. Now we will let the justice system work. McIver, a Democrat who first joined Congress in September, said the charges are purely political. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she said in a statement. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against McIver stem from a May 9 protest outside Delaney Hall, the new migrant jail in Newark. In the days prior, Baraka had attempted to gain access to the facility, which he claims is operating illegally without proper city permits. McIver and two other New Jersey Democrats, Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, joined Baraka that day, saying they wanted to inspect the jail. Members of Congress are permitted to conduct unannounced visits ofproperties by or for the Department of Homeland Security. When federal agents moved to arrest Baraka, chaos ensued. Video shows McIver and other protestors surrounding the mayor. While Baraka was still in federal custody that day, McIver told reporters that she was the one assaulted by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did not get one apology, we did not get one explanation. I personally, who was assaulted on camera, did not get one apology from any ICE administrator, no call from Homeland Security, nothing, she said. Department of Homeland Security officials later posted video of the melee to social media, focusing on a moment where McIver pushes past a federal agent. McIver said in her statement that she, Menendez, and Watson Coleman were lawfully conducting oversight of the facility and that the visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habbas statement says she attempted to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and gave McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined. The three House members have faced backlash from Republican lawmakers who have introduced a resolution that would strip them of their committee assignments, and at least one representative has called for McIver to be expelled from Congress. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the three Democrats of lawlessness. Habbas statement says she has invited Baraka to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at the facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand, she said. The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba was present in court last week for a 20-minute status conference on Barakas charges. Lawyers for Baraka said he was let onto the property by a staff member, and that Baraka was arrested outside the property. Monday was a deadline for federal prosecutors to deliver certain information pertaining to Barakas arrest. Baraka, who is one of six Democrats running for his partys nomination for governor, said in a statement that he is glad Habba has agreed to dismiss the charge he faced and said he plans to speak to her about issues on which we can cooperate. I understand that the U.S. Attorney has chosen to charge Congresswoman LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated, he said. Habba, a personal lawyer for President Donald Trump who became the states U.S. attorney in March, has targeted other New Jersey officials. Last month, she said she launched an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy and state Attorney General Matt Platkin which she called a warning for everybody over a 2019 directive barring state, county, and local police from cooperating in federal immigration arrests and enforcement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) is facing federal charges of assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement after a May 9 visit to the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark. McIver toured the facility with Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.) and Robert Menendez Jr. (N.J.) for congressional oversight. The trip took place amid reports of invalid permits, issues with plumbing and electricity and fire code violations at the center. Upon their exit, a scuffle ensued with ICE agents who were attempting to block protestors from entering the gates. Recorded footage shows people shoving and pushing one another as law enforcement officials detained Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D-N.J.), for trespassing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges against him were later dropped but officials later chose to pursue a case against McIver. Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, announced the charges on Monday after a slew of media coverage regarding the incident outside the Newark ICE facility. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties, Habba wrote in a Monday post on X. I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage shows McIver sideswiping officials attempting to restrain her, though they also appear to show law enforcement pushing the lawmaker. McIver declined to accept an offer for a plea deal from the acting district attorney, according to reports from CNN. ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka. The charges against me are purely politicalthey mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, McIver, whos in her first term, wrote in a Monday statement on X. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several groups have spoken out in defense of McIver in addition to Democratic House leadership. The criminal charge against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact, read the statement, signed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.), Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.). Other groups echoed their concerns. It is clear that this administration has no interest in keeping people, especially women, safe. They are trying to make an example out of Congresswoman McIver with purely political charges. It is absurd, members of the Democratic Womens Caucus said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These charges mischaracterize and distort Congresswoman McIvers actions. By charging her, this administration is trying to silence dissent and instill fear in the American people and Members of Congress as we work to hold the administration accountable, they continued. The Congressional Black Caucus dubbed Habbas filing as bogus charges they said would ultimately fail in court. I understand that the U.S. Attorney has chosen to charge Congresswoman LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement, Baraka wrote in a Monday evening post on X. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated. 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. Equal justice under law. These four words are inscribed on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court a reminder that impartiality is a promise woven into the fabric of our constitutional system. When the building was under construction in 1935, a journalist questioned whether the word equal was necessary. But Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes insisted. In his words, plac[ing] a strong emphasis on impartiality was essential. He was right. As citizens, taxpayers, and participants in our democratic republic, we are entitled to expect impartiality from those who govern us. Thats the promise of the Constitutions Equal Protection Clause and in an era where government often seems to exceed its proper bounds, that expectation has never been more essential. Yet here in Connecticut, too often, that promise is being broken. Our elected officials are placing a thumb on the scale in deference to favored special interests. In the legislature, theyre promoting a bill that would fund striking workers with taxpayer dollars. And nowhere has their one-sidedness been more evident than in recent labor disputes unfolding across our state. Politicians who style themselves as champions of working families seem to forget that employers and their families are also their constituents and all deserve equal consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike at Pratt & Whitney began on May 5. Since then, a parade of elected officials from both parties have joined the picket line to demonstrate support for the strikers. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz tweeted that she was proud to stand with members of the machinist union. The Connecticut AFL-CIO amplified her message with enthusiasm. U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy; U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney, Jahana Hayes, and John Larson; and state officials including Attorney General William Tong, State Senate Majority Leader Matt Lesser, Sen. Julie Kushner (herself a former UAW director) and Rep. Ron Delnicki also joined in. Such one-sided and full-throated pro-union support only increases the likelihood of another work stoppage. Is this really in the best interests of Connecticuts people and who is representing the broader public interest? Unions and employers can come to terms without government involvement, as shown by the tentative agreement reached at Electric Boat on May 18. When elected officials take sides in a dispute between private parties particularly while negotiations are ongoing they forfeit their ability to serve as honest brokers. They also alienate those of us who are not party to the conflict but depend on sound governance and a functioning economy. We are right to wonder: Who is looking out for us? The expectation in a free society should be simple: If a person or company is acting lawfully, government should not target or intimidate them. And yet, in Connecticut, official behavior can be tinged with partisanship and even punitive intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the case of Avelo Airlines. Because the airline cooperated with a federal deportation order issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Attorney General Tong threatened to review Avelos eligibility for state economic incentives. This wasnt in response to illegal activity. It was a retaliatory threat resulting from partisan disapproval against a lawful contract with the federal government. In recent years, it has become a bipartisan mantra that no one is above the law. Thats true. But no one is beneath the law, either. Employers engaged in good-faith labor negotiations deserve protection from political harassment. So do businesses acting within the scope of the law even if their conduct offends the sensibilities of the political class. When politicians pick winners and losers not in the free market, but in the moral judgment of the state they corrode the trust our system depends on. They reinforce the suspicion that government no longer serves all its citizens equally, but only those aligned with its preferred ideologies. Trust in government is not a given. It must be earned and protected. That starts with leaders who recognize that their job is not to champion favored factions, but to serve all of us, without fear or favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If justice is to be equal, it must also be impartial. The people of Connecticut deserve nothing less. Carol Platt Liebau is the president of Yankee Institute, a Connecticut-based public policy organization. I'm David Rosenthal, and this is a place to discuss the work I'm doing in Digital Preservation. RICH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) After years of planning, construction is now underway for the $62 million marina expansion project at Bear Lake State Park. Construction is expected to last three years. When finished, the marina will have increased capacity, improved lake access, and greater safety. Dozens of state and local leaders were joined by local business owners and construction partners Monday morning on the shores of Bear Lake for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the expansion. The expansion consists of a new marina, which will sit directly north of the existing marina. Groundbreaking for marina expansion project We would have liked to have started earlier but now today means we are starting the physical construction of this project, Park Manager Richard Droesbeke stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drive with extra caution: Black bear struck and killed in Bear Lake State Park The legislature approved the projects funding back in 2022. Droesbeke told reporters that since then, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get to this day. We have to get it designed and drawn up and the architecture done using marina designers and having to go through the environmental permitting process from the Corps of Engineers and such, Droesbeke explained. Marina design Marina design Marina design The growth up here has been growing. he stated. Bear Lakes nickname is the Caribbean of the Rockies. Its got great color and attracts people to come up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Utah State Parks, in 2020, all parks saw a 36% increase in visitation as people got outside during the pandemic. This is an increase of 1.78 million visitors. Since then, Bear Lake State Park has continued to see high numbers of visitors. In 2024, it had an increase of six percent from the previous year. That meant more than 650,000 people. The word is definitely out, Patrick Floyd told ABC4.com. Its definitely out. Floyd grew up in the area and can attest to how much it has changed in recent years. Existing marina Existing marina I think its almost overwhelming for a lot of people because theyre like, Wow, how do we deal with the influx that this might bring? Floyd said. I think those are good problems that we want to have rather than what do we do if we dont have the infrastructure for these people to come to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a business owner and president of the local chamber of commerce, Floyd explained that they have just 100 days to cash in on tourism. He added, So for every boat that we can put out on the lake, every person we can bring into the valley, just helps those businesses make that money in that short season. The new marina will be deeper to allow for bigger boats. The expansion will add 300 boat slips, additional parking, and a new beach. Along with all that, a new ramp will be 10 lanes wide so more people can launch and load at the same time. This is meant to make the process faster but also safer. Site of expansion Site of expansion Site of expansion It can get quite dangerous on the lake in the afternoons, Rep. Tiara Auxier (R-Morgan) stated. My family has experienced it too, so to be able to get off all the boats of all the people who want to enjoy the lake, I think that is going to be a huge thing. Auxier continued: When were looking at funding of this magnitude, we look at something that is going to be overall good for the state and not just little special interest groups here or there. This is something that is going to affect people for generations and is well worth the investment. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A new space is taking shape in Antioch, promising to bring together culture, community, and commerce. By September, the first phase of Nashvilles Chinatown is set to open. Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the South for Asian and Pacific Islander populations, with more than 180,000 calling Tennessee home, according to API Middle Tennessee. MAY 2024 | Development group plans to build Chinatown in Nashville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with that growth, some residents told News 2 that there is still a need for a central point of culture. Nashvilles Chinatown project is bringing that vision closer to reality. Ive been saying that Nashville has needed a Chinatown for years, executive director of API Middle Tennessee, Joseph Gutierrez, said. In the heart of Antioch, just off of Hickory Hollow Parkway, Nashvilles first Chinatown is making progress. Its not really downtown like your traditional Chinatown concept, but in that area, it is very multicultural, and it is going to bring a lot of business to Antioch, Michelle Kang, the former President of the Greater Nashville Chinese Association, explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the center of the development is Pan-Asia Supermarket, which will be the largest Asian grocery store in Nashville, offering over 10,000 Asian products. I always get questions about Where you get good Asian food?; Where do you buy your groceries? And stuff like that, so now I will have a really simple answer, Gutierrez said. It would be neat, especially for the second generation, like they didnt grow up with what we experienced, so they get to experience the culture, Kang said. New MNPD precinct could bring relief to crime concerns in Southeast Nashville For many in the community, the new space fills a much-needed gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Nashville], as far as Asian culture-wise, it is a huge difference, Kang said. There used to be just one tiny little grocery store and farmers market, but now there are multiple grocery stores. The project launched in May 2024 under the name Tennessee Nashville Chinatown with plans to fully open by 2027. A variety of dining options, ranging from Chinese rice noodles to Korean fried chicken and Vietnamese pho, will also be included at the new space. There is no one neighborhood that has a lot of Asian and Pacific Islander community members living in it, so our community is so sparse, Gutierrez explained. It is very difficult to find connections in that kind of way. So I think that is one of the key things, and then the other kind of piece, too, is that I really kind of think that there isnt a center for community hubs. I am really excited for the Chinatown development because the later stages of its development will include an event center. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com But beyond business, the development is about building a sense of belonging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There arent many places to connect, and once we have them, it is really important that people can come together and just feel welcomed and safe, Gutierrez expressed. The additional buildings for phases two and three are expected to be completed by 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A construction worker was injured Tuesday when a trench collapsed in the Summers Corner community. Rescue workers responded to Clay Field Trail shortly after 3:20 p.m. after learning about the incident. Dorchester County officials told News 2 that the worker was in a 10-foot hole when there was a collapse. Once at the scene, crews learned the mans legs were trapped inside the hole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man is being taken to a local hospital with traumatic injuries to at least one of his legs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. A second boycott of Walmart begins on May 20, the latest in a series of consumer spending freezes across the U.S. Like previous week-long boycotts, the action was organized by The People's Union USA. John Schwarz, the group's leader, told The Arizona Republic the boycotts aren't directly related to companies' DEI positions. "The mission of The Peoples Union USA is to hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable, not with violence or empty promises, but with the one thing that actually affects them, the money we spend," Schwarz said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some major corporations have reversed such policies in recent months, several of which began rollbacks prior to President Donald Trump taking action to eliminate federal DEI programs. Walmart announced changes to its DEI policies last year following pressure from a conservative activist, USA TODAY reported in late November. More: DEI explained: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know. Here's what Wisconsin shoppers should know: When is the Walmart boycott? The boycott begins on May 20 and ends on May 26. What is included in the Walmart boycott? Walmart's retail stores and online platforms are included in the week-long boycott. Sam's Club, Walmart's membership-only warehouse, and other Walmart affiliates are also included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though specific products have not been mentioned for this spending freeze, Schwarz posted an extensive list of products and platforms to avoid for the April boycott. How many Walmart stores are in Wisconsin? There are 82 Walmart stores in Wisconsin, its website says. There is also one neighborhood market and four discount stores throughout the state. How many Sam's Club locations are in Wisconsin? There are 10 Sam's Club warehouses in Wisconsin, according to Walmart's website. What consumer boycotts are upcoming? The People's Union USA has more consumer boycotts through July. Here's the schedule: Target : June 3-9 McDonald's : June 24-30 Independence Day boycott: July 4 Reia Li contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Walmart boycott: What to know about second spending freeze in Wisconsin Rhode Island state troopers and correctional officers have reached a deal with Gov. Dan McKee's administration for new three-year union contracts with 4% average annual raises. The collective bargaining agreements provide similar salary increases the majority of unionized state employees secured last August, but are expected to cost $15 million more than expected in McKee's January budget proposal. Knowing that the unsettled contracts would likely contain raises, McKee reserved $30 million over this year and next in his January budget plan. Benjamin Victor's Monument to the Rhode Island State Police, located in front of the organization's Scituate headquarters, honors all state police, past and present. However, according to a House fiscal office analysis of the contracts, they will cost $45 million over two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where did the extra $15 million come from? Derek Gomes, spokesman for the state Department of Administration, said while the new contracts for most unions were effective July 1, 2024, the new deal for the Rhode Island Troopers Association is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2023. The extra 10 months added to the price tag. The troopers also received an "increased uniform allowance" that was not anticipated in the governor's budget. The new contract for correctional officers "compressed the salary scales and increased shift differentials that were not incorporated in the projections included in the Governors recommended budget," Gomes wrote in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The McKee administration did not announce the new contracts for correctional officers and state police as it did for the state's largest union Council 94 last August. "Voting is complete on the [tentative agreement] & it passed overwhelmingly. Congratulations," the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers posted on Facebook May 14. Where will the money come from? The $15 million shortfall in McKee's budget from the new raises will have to be made up in the new tax and spending plan House leaders are working on now. Earlier in May, state fiscal analysts projected $80 million more in revenue over two years than expected when McKee submitted his budget in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some revenue-generating ideas McKee had proposed may not survive, including $10 million from a proposed digital advertising tax, $51 million in transfers from outside agencies, and a combined $4 million from an increase in real estate conveyance tax and hotel tax to whole house rentals. McKee's budget also included $6 million in savings next year ($13 million in a full year) from closing the minimum security unit of the Adult Correctional Institutions, and that project has already been canceled. The closing of minimum security was opposed by the Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, and at the start of this year the union threatened to picket a McKee fundraiser. On Feb. 2, the union and McKee said in a joint statement that they had "made substantial progress in enhancing communication." The picket was called off as was the consolidation of minimum security. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island State Police, corrections contracts could leave budget short A PennSTAR medical helicopter landed in the front yard of a residential property on May 19, a Penn Medical spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE All three crew members aboard the chopper were safe and medically evaluated, said the spokesperson The FAA is reportedly handling the investigation into the incident An "out of control" medical helicopter carrying three crew members made an emergency landing in a residential area in Pennsylvania, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, May 19, in the vicinity of the 6000 block of Musket Road in Montgomery County, the Whitemarsh Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. Fortunately, all crew members are safe, and no injuries have been reported at this time, the polices statement read. In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, May 20, a Penn Medical spokesperson said a PennSTAR medical helicopter, owned and operated by Metro Aviation, landed in the front yard of a residential property. The chopper was carrying the three crew members at the time. 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 helicopter was traveling from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia to Wings Field in Blue Bell to refuel before heading to Chester County Hospital to pick up a patient, the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter landed safely and there were no injuries to individuals on the ground, the spokespersons statement read. All crew members are safe and were evaluated at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. No further details are available at this time. Whitemarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward described the incident as a miracle, NBC affiliate WCAU reported. "The pilot did an amazing job, from all accounts, Ward said. As out of control as it was, he controlled it into an area and was able to put it down without striking luckily for us any homes, any vehicles or any people." Whitemarsh Township Police said it is asking residents to contact them if they come across debris connected to the incident. In an email to PEOPLE on Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it will investigate the incident. Read the original article on People May 20After a Montgomery County judge resigned from his seat earlier this month as a part of a plea bargain, it's up to the Ohio governor to pick his replacement. Former Montgomery County Municipal Court Judge James Piergies pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business earlier this month. As a part of his plea deal, where felony charges of attempted unlawful interest in a public contract were dismissed, he had to resign from his seat. Piergies was suspended from overseeing the Western Division of Montgomery County Municipal Court when he was indicted on felony charges in August 2024 alongside Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Montgomery County Municipal Court Judge William Cox has been overseeing both the Western and Eastern divisions of the court. This is permissible under state judicial assignment rules. The Ohio Supreme Court received a May 10 resignation letter from Piergies the day after his sentencing hearing. "Circumstances dictate that I am unable to continue to complete my duties as a municipal court judge for the Montgomery County Municipal Court," Piergies wrote in his letter to the state's highest court. This news outlet received a copy of it through an Ohio public records request. When judges resign from their offices, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gets to pick who will take over that seat, said governor's office spokesperson Dan Tierney. The Montgomery County Republican Party is tasked with providing recommendations to the governor's office, as DeWine is a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor's appointee will serve until voters pick a replacement in the general election this fall. Judicial candidates Brandon Myers and Cindi Westwood have filed petitions to run for Piergies' seat in the November election. Although municipal court judge races are nonpartisan outside of primary elections, Myers is a registered Republican who works as a Miami County assistant prosecutor. Westwood is a registered Democrat and the acting judge of Vandalia Municipal Court. Both ran unopposed in the May primary. Piergies was a Democrat until voting as a Republican in the March 2024 primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piergies' charges were related to the employment of his son. Piergies' son told the Dayton Daily News his father arranged for municipal court money to fund the son's IT position at the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Office. "The (auditor's office) investigation related to the employment of Piergies' son in the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Office, though his salary was covered by a disbursement from Montgomery County Municipal Court, with the transfers signed by Piergies," the auditor's office said in a release. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A convicted sex offender was arrested and accused of exposing himself to a child in the Benjamin Hooks Central Library bathroom last month. The Memphis Police Department was searching for the man, later identified as 32-year-old Robert Collier, after a woman told them a man had followed her son into the bathroom and exposed his genitals to the boy. Robert Collier (Photo courtesy of the MPD) Collier was arrested and charged with two counts of Indecent Exposure, Assault, and two counts of Violation of Sex Offender Registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WREG spoke with Collier in 2019 after he was arrested and accused of watching kids at a Raleigh McDonalds with another registered sex offender. Convicted sex offender responds after being arrested near play area Court records show he was sentenced in July 2019 on Aggravated Assault, Battery, and Indecent Exposure charges for a 2018 incident. He told WREG in an interview that he was innocent but pleaded guilty because he could receive a suspended sentence with probation, and because innocent people like us in our situation have no other choice but to plead guilty. Colliers bond has not been set. 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. ILLINOIS (WCIA) Law enforcement officers stood on top of Dunkin Donuts rooftops across the state on Friday to raise money for an important cause. Cop on a Rooftop is part of an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois and helps to ensure that each athlete can compete at no cost. Oberheim Baseball tournament held to honor fallen officer This year, the event raised $1.2 million. Its their largest fundraiser of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement officers stood atop Dunkin locations in the state, to rally communities in support of their local Special Olympics athletes. In Illinois, more than 350 Dunkin locations participated in the fundraiser. This year marks the 22nd year of the event. Since the program began, nearly $10 million has been raised in Illinois. You can find out more about the event, and how to donate, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Yes, NVIDIA is building facilities in Taiwan, including a new office and AI-related infrastructure. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available information: ### 1. **NVIDIA's Facilities in Taiwan** - **New Taiwan Office (NVIDIA Constellation)**: - NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang announced on May 19, 2025, that the company has selected **Beitou-Shilin Technology Park** in Taipei for a new office called **NVIDIA Constellation**. This office is intended to accommodate the growing number of engineers due to capacity constraints at their current premises in Neihu, Taipei.[](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202505190009)[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html) - This is described as a new headquarters or office to support NVIDIAs expanding operations in Taiwan, with negotiations underway for a lease transfer from the current property occupant. Construction is expected to begin soon due to urgent space needs.[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html) - **AI R&D Center**: - NVIDIAs first AI research and development center in Asia, located in **Neihu, Taipei**, was started in 2022 and is **40% complete** as of May 2024. This five-year project aims to employ 1,000 researchers by 2027 and includes the development of the **Taipei-1** supercomputer.[](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/05/09/2003817574)[](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202405080014) - There have been rumors of a **second R&D center** in Taiwan, potentially in **Kaohsiung** or **Tainan**, but Taiwanese officials have clarified that NVIDIAs R&D projects are distributed across multiple locations, and theres no distinct second R&D center. Instead, the focus is on expanding AI infrastructure, such as the Taipei-1 supercomputer in Kaohsiung.[] (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/05/09/2003817574)[](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/nvidia-rumored-to-be-opening-a-second-randd-center-in-taiwan-and-it-has-plans-for-an-ai-supercomputer-on-the-island) - **AI Supercomputer and AI Factory**: - NVIDIA is collaborating with **Foxconn** to build the **Hon Hai Kaohsiung Super Computing Center**, which will use NVIDIAs **Blackwell** chips and is described as Taiwans most powerful AI supercomputer. - Additionally, NVIDIA is working with the Taiwanese government and Foxconn to build an **AI factory** in Kaohsiung, intended for use by **TSMC** and other partners. This infrastructure will support advanced AI workloads.[](https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/19/taiwan_nvidia_ai_factory/) - A new AI supercomputer for Taiwans **National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC)** is also under development, featuring NVIDIAs **HGX H200**, **GB200 NVL72**, and **HGX B300** systems with over 1,700 GPUs. It is expected to go live later in 2025.[](https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/taiwan-research-supercomputer/) ### 2. **Cost of Building These Facilities** - **NVIDIA Constellation Office**: - Specific cost estimates for the NVIDIA Constellation office in Beitou-Shilin are not publicly detailed. However, the land prices in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park are noted to be **high**, and NVIDIA is negotiating lease transfer agreements.[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html) - The project is described as one of NVIDIAs largest, suggesting significant investment, but no exact figures are provided.[](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202505190009) - **First AI R&D Center**: - NVIDIA invested **$715 million** in its first AI R&D center in Taipei, which received a subsidy of **NT$6.7 billion (approximately $205 million USD)** from the Taiwanese government.[](https://www.tweaktown.com/news/97890/nvidia-rumored-to-build-new-center-in-taiwan-after-first-ai-is-huge-success/index.html)[](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/nvidia-to-establish-second-rd-facility-in-taiwan/) - The total cost to NVIDIA, after subsidies, is thus approximately **$510 million** for the R&D center alone.[](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/nvidia-to-establish-second-rd-facility-in-taiwan/) - **AI Supercomputer and AI Factory**: - No specific cost figures are provided for the Hon Hai Kaohsiung Super Computing Center or the AI factory. However, the AI factory is described as a gigantic factory investment, indicating a high cost, likely in the **hundreds of millions to billions** of dollars, given the scale and NVIDIAs goal to sell up to **$500 billion** worth of AI supercomputer equipment globally over the next four years.[](https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/19/taiwan_nvidia_ai_factory/) - The NCHC supercomputer, built by ASUS, involves over 1,700 GPUs and advanced networking, suggesting a cost in the **tens to hundreds of millions** of dollars, though exact figures are not disclosed.[](https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/taiwan-research-supercomputer/) - **Subsidies and Incentives**: - NVIDIA has received significant subsidies, such as the **NT$6.7 billion** for the first R&D center, which offsets costs. Additional subsidies may apply to the AI factory or supercomputer projects, but details are not specified.[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html)[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20241225PD202/taiwan-micron-subsidy-nvidia-2025.html) **Estimated Total Cost**: - For the first AI R&D center: **~$510 million** (after subsidies). - For the NVIDIA Constellation office, AI factory, and supercomputers: Likely **several hundred million to over a billion dollars**, depending on the scope, but precise costs are unavailable due to ongoing negotiations and lack of public disclosure. ### 3. **Time Duration to Build** - **NVIDIA Constellation Office**: - Construction is expected to begin **as soon as possible** once the lease transfer is approved by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. No specific completion date is provided, but the urgency suggests a timeline of **13 years**, typical for large office buildings, depending on regulatory approvals and construction complexity.[](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202505190009)[] (https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html) - **First AI R&D Center**: - The project began in **2022** and is a **five-year project**, expected to be completed by **2027**. As of May 2024, it is **40% complete**, indicating steady progress.[](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/05/09/2003817574)[] (https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202405080014) - Time remaining: Approximately **23 years** (20252027). - **AI Supercomputer and AI Factory**: - The **Hon Hai Kaohsiung Super Computing Center** and the AI factory are being built in **phases**, with the first phase starting soon (as of May 2025). No specific completion date is provided, but large-scale data centers typically take **25 years** to complete, depending on the phase and infrastructure requirements. - The NCHC supercomputer is expected to go live **later in 2025**, indicating a relatively fast deployment (within **612 months** from May 2025) due to its reliance on existing NVIDIA hardware and ASUS manufacturing.[](https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/taiwan-research-supercomputer/) ### 4. **Summary** - **Is NVIDIA Building a Center in Taiwan?** - Yes, NVIDIA is building multiple facilities: - A new office (**NVIDIA Constellation**) in Beitou-Shilin, Taipei. - An ongoing AI R&D center in Neihu, Taipei (40% complete). - AI supercomputers and an AI factory in Kaohsiung, in collaboration with Foxconn and the Taiwanese government. - **Cost**: - First AI R&D center: ~**$510 million** (after $205 million subsidy). - NVIDIA Constellation, AI factory, and supercomputers: Likely **hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars**, but exact figures are not disclosed. - **Time Duration**: - NVIDIA Constellation: **13 years** (estimated, starting soon). - First AI R&D center: **23 years** remaining (completion by 2027). - NCHC supercomputer: **612 months** (live by late 2025). - AI factory/Kaohsiung supercomputer: **25 years** (phased construction). ### 5. **Notes** - The information on costs and timelines is based on available sources, but some details (especially for the AI factory and NVIDIA Constellation) are incomplete due to ongoing negotiations and lack of public disclosure. - NVIDIAs investments are heavily tied to Taiwans semiconductor ecosystem, particularly **TSMC**, and are supported by government subsidies, which reduce the companys direct costs.[](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/06/05/2003818883)[](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20250519PD231/nvidia-jensen-huang-taipei-taiwan-2025.html) - If you need more specific details or updates, I can search for real-time information or analyze related posts on X. Would you like me to do so? **Sources**:,,,,,,,,,,[](https://www.tweaktown.com/news/97890/nvidia-rumored-to-build-new-center-in-taiwan-after-first-ai-is-huge-success/index.html)[](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/05/09/2003817574)[](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/nvidia-to-establish-second-rd-facility-in-taiwan/) The Butler County Coroner's Office has identified the Lakota Local Schools student fatally wounded in a crash in Liberty Township. Sajandeep Singh, 17, of West Chester Township, died May 14 at the University of Cincinnati West Chester Hospital after the two-vehicle crash on Mauds Hughes Road, the coroner's office said in a news release. Officials say Singh was traveling northbound on Mauds Hughes Road when his Honda Civic crossed left of center and collided head-on with a 2021 Ford Transit traveling southbound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After performing an autopsy, the coroner's office listed Singh's preliminary manner of death as an accident. The school district previously confirmed that the 17-year-old was a student but declined to release his name or the exact school he attended until given the family's permission. "It is with deep sorrow that Lakota Local Schools has learned of the tragic loss of one of our students," a statement from the district reads. "Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the students family, friends and all who knew and loved him." The teen's death marks the third time a student in the Lakota Local School District has died in a vehicle collision within the past year or so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 23, 2024, 14-year-old Laith Masri, a freshman at Lakota West High School, was killed in a crash at the intersection of Verity Parkway and Hughes Street, which also injured four other students. Just under two months later, on May 15, 2024, 15-year-old Aspen Dylan Runnels was walking in a crosswalk toward the end of the school day at the Lakota East Freshman Campus and was struck by a vehicle. He died of his injuries less than two weeks later. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Coroner identifies Lakota student killed in Liberty Twp. crash CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) A union council that represents thousands of correctional officers (COs) across the country has started a billboard campaign targeting members of Congress for failing to support law enforcement officers, including a few representatives from West Virginia. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council of Prison Locals is launching the billboards in opposition to President Donald Trumps Executive Order 14251. According to a press release, the council thinks that some members of congress are turning their back on law enforcement by supporting the order, which removes collective bargaining rights for some federal employees, including in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The billboards call out 10 Republican representatives by name, saying Stop attacking law enforcement, reject Executive Order 14251. Among the representatives being named are West Virginias Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R) and Rep. Riley Moore (R). AFGEs Council of Prison Locals launches nationwide billboard campaign asking lawmakers to support law enforcement officers and reject Trumps anti-union executive order (Courtesy: AFGE) Both Capito and Moore have been vocal supporters of President Trump. Capito has also spoken out repeatedly in favor of reform and hiring incentives to fix problems in the federal prison system, especially relating to Federal Corrections Institution (FCI) Hazelton in Preston County, West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump gives West Virginias Sen. Shelley Moore Capito complete and total endorsement Its been disappointing how many members of Congress who have worked with us for years have turned their backs on us to move on an agenda that certainly does not align with the previous working relationship we maintained, Council of Prison Locals President Brandy Moore White said in the release. The group is asking the named congressional members to reject Executive Order 14251 and to protect law enforcement and BOP benefits in federal budgets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LIVONIA A semitruck traveling south on Middlebelt Road lost part of its cargo as it crossed Eight Mile Road from Farmington Hills into Livonia, spilling 300 gallons of corrosive liquid as it stopped in the road, Livonia city officials said. The spill occurred about 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, prompting an immediate response from Livonia Fire and Rescue, Livonia Police and the Western Wayne County Hazmat team. The spill was quickly contained, and there is no risk to public health, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency personnel remained on scene through the evening, coordinating with Livonia Emergency Preparedness, Wayne County Emergency Management, and state emergency management and homeland security departments. Although initial cleanup was expected to be completed by 10 p.m., an additional contractor had to be called in to properly process the corrosive material, the city said, noting officials were onsite to oversee cleanup operations and ensure the trucking company is held accountable. Nearby, Clarenceville Schools and a senior care facility were notified as a precaution, officials said. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 eastbound Eight Mile Road was closed at Fremont Street, and lanes were closed to north and southbound traffic at Eight Mile and Middlebelt Roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said they were hoping to reopen the road as soon as possible, but do not currently have a time estimate. Livonia police are urging drivers to seek alternate routes due to expected traffic delays during the commute. Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com. This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Corrosive spill closes Eight Mile, Middlebelt roads in Livonia New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker has been condemned online after he was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Ivanka Trumps father-in-law for the role of U.S. ambassador to France. The Senate voted to confirm New Jersey-born Charles Kushner, the father of Ivankas husband Jared Kushner, to the top diplomatic role on Monday, despite the Republican previously pleading guilty to multiple felony tax offenses. Kushner was confirmed in a 51-45 vote largely along party lines, with Booker being the sole Democrat joining the GOP. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, one of Donald Trumps most prominent Republican critics, voted against confirming Kushner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker, who has been touted as a potential 2028 presidential candidate following his mammoth 25-hour speech criticizing Trump, has come under fire for siding with Republicans to confirm a man the president pardoned for crimes including tax evasion and lying to the Federal Election Commission. Cory Booker losing his newfound Resist Lib credentials by being the only Democrat in the Senate to vote to advance the nomination of convicted felon Charles Kushner (yes that Kushner) to become Ambassador to France is very funny to me, Adam Carlson, a former Democratic pollster, wrote on X. Jersey gonna Jersey I guess. Charles Kushner was pardoned by Donald Trump over felony tax offenses in 2020. / Brendan McDermid/Reuters Conor Rogers, who worked on former Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 campaign, wrote: Imagine doing a 24 hour filibuster to Save Democracy and then being the only Democrat voting for the financial criminal Kushner [because] he raised you a bunch of cash. Booker is such a fraud. Hes even worse than the openly corrupt because he pretends to be some kind of better angel. Campaign finance expert Rob Pyers added that Booker is probably not getting quite the same ActBlue fundraising bonanza for this vote as he did for his 24hr+ speech on why it was essential to resist Donald Trump. Cory Booker probably not getting quite the same ActBlue fundraising bonanza for this vote as he did for his 24hr+ speech on why it was essential to resist Donald Trump. https://t.co/mhRO8hCciu Rob Pyers (@rpyers) May 20, 2025 Booker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker and Charles Kushner have a relationship dating back years, as noted by the New Jersey Globe. Kushner help fund Bookers unsuccessful run for mayor of Newark in 2002, with Booker writing a letter of support for Kushner in 2004 amid his legal troubles. Kushner also thanked Booker for his special and close friendship during his testimony at his confirmation hearing, reported ABC News. Charles Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka. / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters In 2005, Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 16 counts of tax fraud, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who prosecuted Kushner as U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, described the case in 2019 as one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he had ever worked on. Kushner was among a slew of individuals Trump pardoned in Dec. 2020 during the final weeks of his first term, alongside longtime ally Roger Stone and former 2016 campaign manager Paul Manafort. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The City of San Angelo now has new leadership after the mayoral and councilmember candidates chosen during the May 2025 election were sworn into office on May 20. During a meeting that began at 8:30 a.m. in the McNease Convention Center, Thomas Tom Thompson, Patrick Keely and Mary Coffey were administered oaths of office. According to election results provided by Tom Green County, Thompson won the five-candidate mayoral race with 51.45% of the total vote. Keely secured the single-member district four seat with 67.33% of the total vote and Coffey ran uncontested for the single-member district six seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each candidate addressed the crowd in attendance during the swearing-in ceremony. Thompson assured citizens that he and the new councilmembers will work to make the best decisions for the council and San Angelo. I want everybody to know that our future is great, Thompson said. Were going to take this, and its like a relay race. Were going to take the baton, and were going to move forward, and were going to try to make the best decisions for our City Council and our city for the next four, eight, 12 and 16 years moving forward. City of San Angelo Mayor Thomas Tom Thompson was sworn into office on May 20, 2025. City of San Angelo Councilmember Mary Coffey was sworn into office on May 20, 2025. City of San Angelo Councilmember Patrick Keely was sworn into office on May 20, 2025. Was voter turnout for the May 2025 election acceptable? The City Council also bid farewell to former Mayor Brenda Gunter, former single-member district four Councilmember Lucy Gonzales and former single-member district six Councilmember Larry Miller. Each departing representative received awards for their service on the council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunter spoke on what she believes is the outgoing administrations legacy in San Angelo and thanked her fellow representatives for their time and effort. We maximized our greatest assets, including Lake Nasworthy, including the airport, including the river projects, including the fort and including our downtown area, Gunter said. All of it was meant to be focused on preserving and protecting the quality of life that the city and the citizens of San Angelo so desperately need. Gunter was also presented with a key to the city, an award Thompson stated was only given once before her. This is an award you earn from dedicated service, relentless pursuit for your job, not only what you do for the City but what the City doesnt see that you do behind the scenes, Thompson said. Brenda has taken that to a level that we all will try hard to follow. Former San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter was awarded with a key to the city during a swearing-in ceremony held on May 20, 2025, for the mayor and councilmembers chosen through the May 3 election. Former City Councilmember Lucy Gonzales was presented with awards for her service on May 20, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony for the mayor and councilmembers chosen through the May 3 election. Former City Councilmember Larry Miller was presented with awards for her service on May 20, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony for the mayor and councilmembers chosen through the May 3 election. Although the new mayor and councilmembers now occupy their appointed roles, a vacuum remains on the City Council as no candidate received the majority vote needed to win the single-member district two seat during the May 3 election. The City Council called for a runoff election to be held on June 7 between Dudra Butler and Joe Self, the two candidates who received the most votes in the race, to decide who will take on the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information available on the Tom Green County website states that early voting for the runoff election is scheduled to last from May 27 to June 3 during the following times: May 27-31 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 2-3 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on local elections, visit Concho Valley Homepages Your Local Election HQ webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. OTTUMWA The Ottumwa City Council during Tuesday's meeting at Bridge View Center is anticipated to authorize a letter from mayor Rick Johnson to several of Iowa's congressional delegation regarding funding from Amtrak service next year. The letter, addressed to Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, as well as Reps. Marianette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, discusses concerns about the potential lack of funding as part of the next federal budget. Amtrak, which is subsidized by the government, operates the California Zephyr, one of two long-distance trains that runs through Iowa. Ottumwa is one of the stops on the route, which stretches from Chicago to Emeryville, California, near San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, without financial support, the route could be discontinued under U.S. Code if Congress fails to provide funding for train service. So far, the Trump Administration has not indicated if there will be funding available. "Amtrak has not submitted a grant request for FY 2026 yet and has signaled it may not submit one at all," Johnson said in his letter. "It is critical that Amtrak be funded in 2026 so they can continue to operate their passenger trains across southern Iowa. "Amtrak is a key component of economic vitality in southern Iowa and the number of travelers using Amtrak continues to increase every year as airplane travel becomes more restricted and more expensive." Ottumwa was the third-most popular stop in Iowa according to Amtrak's most recent figures from fiscal year 2024. The Ottumwa stop featured 8,719 riders, and the only two stops with higher ridership were Osceola (13,194) and Mount Pleasant (9,128), which bracket the Ottumwa stop to the west and east, respectively, on the California Zephyr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, Amtrak has been reconstructing the depot's platform and other making other improvements to the station since 2022, which initially cost about $14 million. "Without Amtrak service to and from Ottumwa, the results would be catastrophic to both our local economy as well as reduced tourism travel across southern Iowa," Johnson said in the letter. Also, the council is expected to establish fees for various permits, which will be effective July 1. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Wapello County Board of Supervisors The supervisors will meet in regular session Tuesday at the courthouse to discuss minor items, but will later enter a work session to discuss the makeup of the EMS advisory council, which was tabled two weeks ago amid frustration over favoritism from City of Ottumwa officials, who were concerned the council wasn't constructed to meet the community's needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regular meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in the third-floor courtroom/board room, but the work session will be at 10 a.m. in the supervisors' office on North Court Street. Two weeks ago, the supervisors adopted a resolution to declare EMS as an essential county service, which was also intended to kickstart the creation of the advisory council and the work to begin assessing the county's needs. However, the creation of the list was tabled for more discussion over concerns regarding the representation, specifically the lack of law enforcement officials among the 14 council members. May 20The Decatur City Council will gamble and interview another planning director, but it's got to be quick. All five councilmen said they liked planning director candidate Clifford Cross after last week's interview, but Councilman Billy Jackson asked that they interview one more candidate. On the recommendation of former Decatur Planning Director Michelle Gilliam-Jordan, Jackson said he would like for the City Council to interview Chad Bowman, planning and development director for West Memphis, Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowman and Cross are among the five supplemental applicants added late in the selection process. Human Resources Director Richelle Sandlin initially recommended Cross because of his 25 years in planning. She added Bowman with "reservation because of his limited scope of experience." Ladner said they're gambling on possibly losing Cross to another job opportunity. Director of Economic Development, Planning and Zoning in Belleville, Illinois, Cross said in his May 14 interview that he has other job options. The council agreed to interview Bowman, but only if he can come to Decatur this week. Jackson said he was "thoroughly impressed" with Cross, but he wants to interview Bowman because he knows and trusts Gilliam-Jordan from her 10-year stint as Decatur's planning director before going to Huntsville in 2009. She's also the daughter of the late Decatur Police Chief Joel Gilliam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said Gilliam-Jordan, now the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) executive director, knows Bowman because they are both Alabama A&M University graduates. Bowman earned a master's in urban and regional planning in 2000 from A&M. She got her master's in 1992. Jackson said he would make this recommendation whether it came from Gilliam-Jordan or the director before her, Rob Walker. The council hasn't had a certified planning director since Gilliam-Jordan left. "I just don't want to leave a stone unturned," Jackson said. "We may have a star (in Cross), but we could be passing on a superstar" if the council doesn't interview Bowman. Councilman Kyle Pike said Cross proved to be competent in a lot of different areas in planning and other job responsibilities like code enforcement and fire marshal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It shows that he has a lot of experience that we need," Pike said. "But I don't want to delay beyond this week, especially with next week being a holiday week." Councilman Carlton McMasters said he's OK with interviewing Bowman "as long as we can do it quick. I was very impressed with Mr. Cross." McMasters said Lee Terry, economic and planning director for TARCOG in Huntsville, and Steve Hohulin, former director of Land Planning for Quiddity engineering and planning, The Woodlands, Texas, are still candidates. The council interviewed Terry, a former city employee, and Hohulin in March, and then chose to reopen the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We definitely have options, but Clifford Cross is the leader in the clubhouse at this point," McMasters said. Pike said Cross did a good job of showing his life experience and how that related to the work. "Every question or scenario that came up, he related to a past case or dealing that he had," Pike said. Memorial Day is next Monday, and the council doesn't have a scheduled meeting again until June 2. Sandlin said she will reach out to Bowman and try to set up an interview for this week. bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432 Construction crews continue to make headway with renovations and upgrades at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center. Butch Lawson, construction manager at-risk with Hope Equipment and Construction, gave a brief update for the American Rescue Plan Act projects for the Stephens County Fairgrounds and Stephens County Courthouse during a routine meeting Monday. Lawson said the fairground upgrades are making progress. He said crews continue to work on renovation projects, such as the masons, metal stud framers, concrete and metal building crews. He said HVAC crews are set to begin rooftop units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the courthouse, Lawson said the demolition crews are making good progress. Things are moving in the right direction, he said. Next, county officials opened discussion for a piece of property located at 1234 W. Maple in Duncan. In a previous meeting, Churchman said the house near the courthouse parking lot is available for purchase. He said the owners would take the 2015 appraisal of $34,000. Last week, County Commissioners picked the agenda item up for further discussion and the board voted to pursue the purchase of the property, contingent on the 2015 appraisal of $34,000. On Monday, May 19, Churchman said the board would have to pay the administrative fees, like closing costs, attorney fees and abstract fees. He said the fees would come to around $1,151. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Russell Morgan made a motion to pay the closing costs for the property. The board approved the motion with a 3-0 vote. In another segment, the county board convened into an executive session to discuss case number CIV-23-646-HE for Josette Ford, administrator of the Estate of Michael Ford, deceased, versus Board of County Commissioners for Stephens County with the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. After spending about an hour and 10 minutes behind closed doors the board return to open session. With a recommendation from District Attorney Jason Hicks, Chairman Todd Churchman made a motion to authorize Commissioner Kreg Murphree to attend and negotiate mediation and litigation for Stephens County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board approved the motion with a 3-0 vote. In the fairground report, Morgan said the fairgrounds crew are now preparing for Duncan High Schools graduation ceremony Thursday, May 22. In other news, the board approved: Executing a county deed property acquired at resale for a tract of land in the City of Duncan. Accepting a donation for 475 tons of one and a half inches of crusher run from Continental Resources. Accepting a letter of resignation from fair board member Patrick Jones, and affirming the appointment of Michael White to represent District #3 with a term set to expire January 2027. White will replace Jones on the fair board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fairground agreement for a Lifeline Screening of America health screening event in the Winchester Room Aug. 25. Due the Memorial Day holiday, the Stephens County Commissioners will convene for the next weekly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27 at their office, located inside the Stephens County Courthouse. May 19Patience is a virtue, and Spokane County Commissioner Al French wants the region to keep that front of mind while waiting on a nearly $50 million federal investment in an Inland Northwest aerospace manufacturing hub. On Friday, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of a $48 million grant awarded to the Spokane-Couer d'Alene area, alongside grants in five other regions awarded as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Tech Hubs program. Funding for the program was included in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, a bipartisan bill championed by Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell that devoted $280 billion towards advancing scientific research and manufacturing to keep the U.S. competitive internationally. The local award was intended for the conversion of the former Triumph Composite Systems Inc. facility in Spokane into a one-of-a-kind manufacturing facility the first in the nation to produce, on a large scale, advanced thermoplastic materials that can replace metal to make airplanes lighter and more fuel efficient. French represents the West Plains on the county commission and advocated for the project on the local and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cancellation comes just four months after the award was granted under the Biden administration, stirring disappointment from the region's elected leaders on both sides of the aisle at the local and national level Friday. French believes the Inland Northwest's discomfort won't last too long, though. He said the cancellation is not out of line with the Trump administration's broader efforts at the federal level, and that "ultimately, the administration is going to come around and see all the value" of the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene hub. "They feel like they've come in with a mandate, and they want to try and make sure that programs meet their priorities," French said. "It's unfortunate that it hit the tech hub, but I think as you look at all of the metrics that the Trump administration is trying to accomplish with regard to, whether it's Build America or creating more jobs or more technology, the tech hub does all of those things and some." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his statement announcing the reversal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he intends to release a new call for applications this summer and announce a new round of awards in early 2026. "It's unfortunate, but I'm more of a long-term guy than a short-term guy," French said. "And I think long term, this is a good investment for the country, and it's a good investment for Spokane County and the aerospace sector, and will end up surviving any kind of scrutiny that they put it through." Caitlin Lanigan and Yazmin Bitouche have worked at vegan restaurants around the world, from Australia to London. They recently brought what they learned to Buffalo with their new all-vegan cafe and bakery, Sevens. Sevens opened this month at 225 Louisiana St. in an industrial brick building facing a verdant park and backdrop of grain elevators. Inside, Lanigan and Bitouche built out a simple dining room with a long wooden booth, handful of two-tops, an outlet-filled work station and a plush, reading corner. The small food menu, set to expand soon, includes four sandwiches built on vegan staples, including tofu, eggplant, mushrooms and cashews. The married co-owners created a menu that is vegetable-forward, and "more approachable for a lot of people who aren't familiar with vegan food." "A menu that just happens to be vegan," Lanigan said. The tofu Caesar, one of the most popular menu items throughout the soft opening, has crispy, blackened tofu, crunchy chickpeas, kale, broccoli, creamy Caesar dressing and hemp seed Parmesan cheese on a light focaccia bread that is baked in-house daily ($13.50). The other most popular sandwich, Harissa mushroom, uses a blend of local Flat 12 Mushrooms with homemade hot chili paste, mint salad, pistachio and cilantro aioli ($15.50). Everything in the cafe is vegan and nearly everything can be made gluten-free. The default milk for the full suite of espresso drinks is oat. The bagels, sourced from East Aurora-based Dopest Dough, are slathered with vegan cream cheese. "When you're vegan, the main event isn't the protein anymore. It becomes other things and it really makes you creative," Bitouche said. "We have a tempura miso caramel eggplant on the menu and people have never had eggplant like that anymore. We've had people come in for the tofu who have said, 'I don't like tofu,' or 'I'm scared of tofu,' or 'I had it before and I didn't like it,' and tried it and been like, 'I never knew it could be like this.' " Lanigan laminates croissants layer by layer with vegan butter. She adapted her grandmother's family-famous mint brownie recipe to be entirely free of animal products. Sevens is also challenging the wasteful single-use plastic coffee shop lids. All of the containers, from cold to warm coffee cups and takeout containers, are fully compostable. Lanigan grew up in South Buffalo, while Bitouche grew up in Southampton, England. The two met in 2019 while Bitouche was traveling around America, and moved to Buffalo in early 2024. "We could have stayed in London and had everything we love at our doorstep, or we thought it was important to come back to a city like Buffalo, where Cate grew up, and that deserves nice things, and to try and bring that here," Bitouche said. The reading corner is decorated with a gallery wall of photographs of famous rebels who defied the laws or social norms of their times, from Greta Thunberg striking climate change inaction to Cecil J. Williams drinking from a "whites only" water fountain during the Jim Crow era. "In today's society, we're made to feel like we don't make a difference," Bitouche said. "These people have done significant things that have actually changed the course of history slightly, so this is our gentle reminder to people that you can make good choices and it does have an impact." Restaurant news Buckminster's Cat Cafe (577 Niagara St.) is closing June 15 after five years. The cafe's business model included a section where people could pay to play with cats and potentially adopt them. The cafe helped nearly 1,000 cats find homes, according to owner Molly Hutton's social media post. "Sad, yes! Tragic, no! This is not a business necessity," Hutton wrote on Facebook. "Our lease is expiring soon and it's just time for me to move on to other things." The team behind Mister Sizzle's has reopened the West Side restaurant with a new name but similar concept after settling their legal battle with the former restaurant's downstate partners and closing for a few months. Augie's has opened at 346 Connecticut St. with a similar menu to Mister Sizzle's. Expect big milkshakes, loaded burgers and fried chicken. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Blueberry Treehouse Farm (1897 Davis Road), a whimsical cafe and restaurant in the trees of West Falls, reopens for the spring and summer on June 6. The June hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. There is no admission fee until July. Food events 'Its become part of our legacy': The Black Sheeps sticky toffee pudding is back Steve Gedra, now managing partner and chef at Saint Neri, is selling deconstructed batches of sticky toffee pudding for $12 each at Farm Shop Buffalo (235 Lexington Ave.). Gedra makes 48 puddings each week in the Saint Neri kitchen and carries them 150 feet to the Farm Shop every Friday. Chef Steven Gedra, a James Beard-nominated chef who used to own the popular restaurant The Black Sheep, is hosting a guest chef dinner at Swan Street Diner (700 Swan St.) on June 2 as part of the restaurant's Dinner at the Diner series. Reserve a seat in advance by emailing dinner@swanstreetdiner.com. The third-annual Caledonia Trout Festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 31 at 3095 Main St., Caledonia. It celebrates the small town's trout fishing history and will have food and drink vendors, music, shopping and fishing. ICYMI DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) A search warrant executed at a home Tuesday morning resulted in the arrest of a Dickson County couple, officials said. According to the Dickson County Sheriffs Office, deputies executed a search warrant at a home along Promise Land Road in Charlotte in an attempt to find 32-year-old Charles Dillion Hall. Waverly man charged with murder after 5-year joint task force investigation of Dickson cold case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the home, law enforcement found 29-year-old Susie Custer and two small children. Custer and the children were reportedly removed from the home as deputies searched for Hall. At some point during the search, officials learned that Hall was hiding in the attic. When he refused to come down, gas was deployed into the attic, deputies said. The 32-year-old was taken into custody a short time later and no injuries were reported. Hall was charged with six counts of sex offender registry and resisting arrest. The sheriffs office said he is being held on a $80,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on June 17. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Custer was charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse and one count of accessory after the fact due to living with Hall, who is reportedly a known sex offender. Officials said she is jailed on a $35,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 16. No additional details were released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A former Turner County deputy sheriff, who lost his law enforcement certification last year, is in custody accused of raping a child. Court documents say 35-year-old Kipp Stearns of Sioux Falls allegedly had sexual encounters with the juvenile victim for about eight years. Former deputy sheriff charged with rape after standoff Stearns was taken into custody early Monday morning after a standoff with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities converged at a western Sioux Falls neighborhood on Sunday evening, but the investigation began on Friday when the victims mother reported Stearns had been raping her daughter. Over the course of the weekend during this investigation, there was an arrest warrant that was issued for the suspect. We had information that the suspect was back at the home on the 1200 block of Kevin Circle. There was mention of a possible weapon being involved, Sioux Falls Police Department spokesperson Sam Clemens said. Court documents say the victim does not recall how many times the crimes had occurred in the past because it had been happening for 8 years. Court documents say officers tried to contact Stearns but were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This led to the standoff. SWAT was called in, and an incident command post was set up. Its not just SWAT by themselves. Youve also got the crisis negotiators. They go out any time SWAT goes out. They work closely, hand-in-hand, so theres a lot of different parts, a lot of different components. We also have a lot of patrol officers that are there to support that effort, Clemens said. Stearns was finally taken into custody around 3:15 a.m. According state records, Stearns lost his law enforcement certification in 2024 after being accused of an illegal search and lying on an official report and affidavits. 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 KELOLAND.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A Dubois County Judge has granted INDOT access to dozens of properties along the proposed Mid-States Corridor path. The court ordered Indiana Law gives the state permission to access land for survey purposes, and that residents cannot stand in the way. INDOT argued that residents denied their teams access and threatened their safety, while residents claimed they were not threatening and only wanted NDOT to go through the proper process. Over one hundred resident and property owners attended a rally last week outside of the county courthouse before they went inside to plead their case. Land owners against the project say a portion of southern Indianas farmland will be destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another court hearing is set for July 2, when INDOT will seek a preliminary injunction from the 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A federal judge has agreed to temporarily block Oklahoma from enforcing a controversial immigration law that allows state prosecutors to charge people with "impermissible occupation" if they are in the U.S. without authorization. U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones in Oklahoma City issued the order on Tuesday, May 20, saying it will expire in 14 days, unless extended for good cause or dissolved or modified sooner. Enforcement of the law, passed in 2024, had been delayed by federal lawsuits that argued Oklahoma lawmakers exceeded their authority by trying to regulate immigration, which is considered a matter of federal law. But in March, after Republican Donald Trump replaced Democrat Joe Biden as president, the federal government dropped its legal challenge to the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups filed an amended complaint to renew their challenges to the law on May 13, asking for a temporary restraining order, which Jones granted. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who supports enforcement of the state law, immediately issued a statement decrying Jones ruling, calling it outrageous that the state is again blocked from enforcing the new law. In the name of federal law, the court is protecting admitted lawbreakers from federal and state consequences, Drummond said. This is perverse, contrary to the rule of law, and we will be evaluating all options for challenging the ruling. In his ruling, Jones acknowledged the complaints from the laws supporters, saying their frustrations are not lost on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those concerns, however pressing, cannot override the constitutional design, Jones wrote. When determining whether a state law like H.B. 4156 is preempted, the Supreme Court instructs courts like this one to look to the intent of Congress, not the enforcement priorities of any particular administration. Doing so, and based on the comprehensive and exhaustive immigration framework that Congress designed, the Court is left with one conclusion: H.B. 4156 must fail. In a news release, the ACLU called Jones' order "a victory for immigrants rights." The national ACLU joined the ACLU of Oklahoma, the League of United Latin American Citizens Oklahoma City and the Tulsa-based law firm Rivas and Associates as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Jones' order also provisionally certified a statewide class of plaintiffs subject to the law. It also permits individual plaintiffs to proceed anonymously, due to the risk of retaliation from federal authorities. The courts decision today is a victory for Oklahomas immigrant community, but the damage of HB 4156 and the national rhetoric repeated by local politicians has already created an environment of fear in our state. No matter what someone looks like, sounds like, or what their immigration status may be, they should feel safe in their own communities," said Tamya Cox-Toure, the executive director for the ACLU of Oklahoma. "We will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of immigrants and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If allowed to go back into effect, the law would establish the misdemeanor crime of "impermissible occupation", with punishment being up to one year in a county jail, a $500 fine or both. Any subsequent convictions would trigger felony charges and the possibility of spending two years in state prison and/or a $1,000 fine. People convicted of impermissible occupation would be forced to leave Oklahoma within 72 hours of being released. We were confident in the success of our requests, and we are so grateful to our plaintiffs who were brave enough to be part of this fight against the law," said Lorena Rivas, an attorney with Rivas and Associates. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Federal judge pauses controversial Oklahoma immigration law HB 4156 FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI) A motor vehicle accident near Fort Drum over the weekend has claimed the life of a 54-year-old Carthage man. Fort Drum Emergency Services were called to a single-vehicle crash around 10:50 a.m. on State Route 26 (Fort Drum Road), near the overpass by the 10th Mountain Division Museum. Fort Drum to observe quiet hours on Memorial Day Emergency responders used the Jaws of Life to remove the sole occupant of the vehicle, Patrick Bevens Jr., and started life-saving measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bevens was transported to Carthage Area Hospital by Fort Drum ambulance, where he was pronounced deceased. State Route 26 was reduced to a single lane for around an hour due to the accident. New York State Police responded to the scene to assist the emergency services. There was no word on how the crash occurred. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. ANNISTON A little more than a year after the idea was first introduced, the CREATE Center has become a fully operational regional hub for career and technical education, serving high school students and adults across East Alabama. Lorie Denton, executive director of the CREATE Center short for Choccolocco Regional Education And Technical Experience shared updates with the Kiwanis Club of Anniston on the initiative, which now hosts around 300 Oxford High School students daily and is expanding to serve students from 16 other high schools across five counties. We bought this building in March of 24 and we opened the doors on August 7 of 24. It's been a fast project, Denton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A collaborative effort between Oxford City Schools, the city of Oxford and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, the 95,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Honeywell is designed to offer workforce-aligned training without duplicating existing programs in other school districts. They all do fabulous jobs. We're not duplicating that. We're not trying to use resources to create something that already exists, Denton said. CREATE currently offers classes in engineering, green power, computer science, robotics and modern manufacturing. Additional pathways, including criminal justice, cybersecurity and mechanical industrial maintenance, are being added. We're really kicking up the STEM research, Denton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center also has its sights set on creating an aviation pathway, leveraging its proximity to Anniston Regional Airport and support from partners such as the FAA and regional aerospace companies. We are silly if we do not capitalize on the benefit of being able to offer something unique in aviation for our population in this region, Denton said. In addition to student programs, CREATE provides free evening commercial construction training for adults through a grant from the Alabama Construction Industry Craft Training Board. The 12-week program includes electrical, plumbing, carpentry, welding and HVAC instruction taught by local professionals. They are guaranteed a job with those commercial construction entities when they complete the class successfully, Denton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, CREATE received $1.1 million in state funding for operational costs and staffing, allowing for the expansion to additional high schools. The state legislature, they are now on board, Denton said. Looking ahead, Denton said the Department of Workforce has asked CREATE to help model similar centers across the state. You just took away all the barriers and all the no's for no reasons, because nobody wanted to figure it out, she said. But the impact that this has on our community as a whole is unbelievable. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Officials said two people and two dogs are safe after they were rescued from the Potomac River on Monday night. Pete Piringer, with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, said that just before 10:30 p.m. on May 19, a call came in for people lost on a paddle boat in the Potomac River. During the search, officials used a helicopter while crews canvassed the water using Swift Water Boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video: Fire rages at mansion-style home in DC About an hour later, Piringer said they located two paddlers and two dogs. He added that they were stranded on a paddle boat after they got lost in the river. The group was relocated to the Seneca Creek boat landing, where they were brought to safety. Officials noted that an additional two people were also located on the side of the Potomac River, in Virginia. There were no reported injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department and community members are talking about crime issues in the Crossroads. The conversation comes about two weeks after the general manager of one of the oldest businesses in that area said people will leave if the situation doesnt get better. David Johnson, a Crossroads resident, told FOX4 hes leaving for Johnson County, Kansas, moving across the state line this July. He says his quality of life has decreased with noise from vehicles he says are running around the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 56,000 remain without power in Kansas and Missouri as storms move through I feel sort of trapped by the noise, Johnson said in his home Monday afternoon. I do have a therapist and have been trying to work through some of those things, but there is plenty of scientific data that shows that urban noise, especially of a certain level, can have mental health impacts. Hours before FOX4s interview with Johnson, KCPD had a meeting with residents and business owners in the neighborhood. KCPD Capt. Nate Simecek said that on Friday night, the department had up to 50 extra officers enforcing street racing. We were out with a lot of extra officers on Friday night, Captain Simecek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCPD arrested 19 suspects. We were very successful to the point where we didnt see much street racing if at all, any events on Saturday night in this area here, Capt. Simecek said. We made a lot of arrests. We had a lot of people run from us. Simecek made those comments in the Crossroads in a meeting about crime in that neighborhood. Crossroads Arts District Vice President Jeff Owens said KCPDs trying to crack down on crime. I know that they have like 80 new officers in their school right now, Owens said. So thats going to be really great when that graduation [happens] to get more police, so thats one helpful thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Owens said is true. In January and May of 2024, KCPD had more than 40 people in each of those classes, the first time theyve had more than 40 people in back-to-back classes since 2007. The January 24 class of KCPD officers will start on the streets later this summer. The May 24 class will start on the streets early in 2026. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 FOX4s also learned the area where the most amount of people were arrested Friday night in the stunt and sideshow crackdown. It was actually at 67th and Raytown Road. We were not notified by KCPD, it was discovered by an off-duty officer, they were in our city, Raytown Public Information Officer Mallory Harrison told FOX4 via email. We checked if they needed any assistance. They said they had it handled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCPD Capt. Jake Becchina says there were officers from multiple jurisdictions involved in Friday nights operation. The Crossroads Arts District will have another meeting at The Bauer Event Space with KCPD Tuesday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m., scheduled to last an hour. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A sign captured outside of the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority on Dec. 19, 2023. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) A troubled Southern New Mexico utility scrutinized for recent arsenic violations has just logged yet another one, prompting state environmental officials to evaluate taking rare emergency action. The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority manages drinking water and sewage for approximately 19,000 people in the southern portion of Dona Ana County, Sunland Park and Santa Teresa. The area has high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in the groundwater, which can cause cancers and other health threats over years of exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a series of water quality issues in late 2023, state investigators found the utility had bypassed its arsenic treatment systems and sent water with high-level of arsenic to residents, in addition to dozens of other violations. New CRRUA leadership said it had addressed those violations, but recently self-reported arsenic levels in the water at one plant that violate the federal standards. Last week, Dona Ana County commissioners voted unanimously to terminate its role in the utilitys governance, as residents and the states environment secretary continue to criticize the utilitys lack of accountability. Now, the state Environment Department reports that water tests the agency itself took at CCRUA on May 7 recorded arsenic levels at the Santa Teresa Industrial Park plant that violated the federal limit. This marks the third overage recorded at the plant in recent weeks, although the other tests were from voluntary tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the ways contaminants are measured using a quarterly average the state has little regulatory authority to intervene unless further violations are recorded, NMED Water Protection Division Director Jonas Armstrong told SourceNM. Weve encouraged the system to do what community groups are asking, in terms of providing onsite treatment, test strips and things like that at no cost to the ratepayers, he said. Thus, Jonas said, NMED is now looking at the standards for enacting emergency powers to address immediate and substantial endangerment. This is a system that has had issues with water quality for years, he said. Every single instance where we find continuing evidence of that is additionally concerning, and so it is potentially, an area when the emergency authority could be exercised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials confirmed it would be the first time the state has used these specific emergency powers for drinking water in recent memory, although the department has enacted the authority in other situations, such as concern for hazardous waste. Those powers, laid out in both state and federal law, could mean ordering CRRUA to provide alternate water supplies, or open a civil lawsuit for further action. Charles de Saillan, a longtime environmental attorney in New Mexico, told Source NM the federal law requires the agency to determine first if theres an imminent and substantial threat to human health. The environment department would have the burden, if it took the case to court, or issued an order and that order was challenged, to prove that there was an imminent and substantial endangerment, he said. Source NM calls, emails and texts to CRRUA Executive Director Juan Carlos Crosby and spokesperson Udell Vigil went unreturned Monday. Britains most advanced warplanes will not be able to shoot missiles at ground targets until at least 2030, ministers have admitted. The F-35B stealth jet was originally set to gain long-range Spear 3 missiles capable of taking out tanks, air defences and bunkers from this year, a target that was later pushed back to 2028. But in an embarrassing blow to the Ministry of Defence, procurement minister Maria Eagle has revealed their deployment will now be delayed until the early 2030s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It leaves British F-35B pilots reliant on dropped bombs to strike ground targets, with one expert comparing the situation to the dangerous missions carried out by Lancaster bomber crews in the Second World War. The aircraft shared by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force are currently only equipped with Paveway IV precision-guided bombs, along with medium and short-range air-to-air missiles. By comparison, the British-made Spear 3 would allow pilots to launch air-to-ground strikes on targets more than 60 miles away. Critics warned the delay risks leaving Britain underpowered at a time when the heads of the Army and MI6 have called for the military to be prepared for war with Russia within a few years. Francis Tusa, an independent defence analyst, said: This is a massive disaster for the MoD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spear 3 is meant to be a game-changing missile that will give British pilots a capability that the Russians are genuinely scared of. But at the moment, if they want to take out ground targets with our F-35Bs, they will have to fly above them and drop a gravity bomb - much like the Lancaster bomber pilots did during the Second World War. It undermines the case for having the F-35 in the first place. It represents the latest setback in the MoDs years-long effort to equip the American-made F-35B jets with a broader range of weaponry, changes that must ultimately be signed off by Washington. In a written statement to MPs, Ms Eagle gave no explanation for the delay to Spear 3. She said the programme was currently undergoing re-baselining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is understood that the issue is related to long-delayed upgrades of the F-35 hardware and software by Lockheed Martin, which makes the jets. Along with Spear 3, the UK has also been seeking to add longer-range Meteor missiles to the warplanes arsenal - another capability that is not expected until at least the end of this decade. Spear 3 and Meteor missiles have been developed by MBDA, an Anglo-European manufacturer, whereas the F-35 is built by the US defence giant Lockheed Martin. The F-35B has been in service with the Navy and Air Force since 2018 and is one of the UKs most expensive defence platforms ever, with each aircraft costing 90m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are designed to penetrate enemy territory and carry out devastating strikes, using cutting-edge technology to mask their presence from radar and air defence systems. Capable of short take-offs and vertical landings, the UKs jets are intended to be operated from the Navys aircraft carriers and several are currently deployed with HMS Prince of Wales on a tour of the Indo-Pacific. But the lack of long-range air-to-ground missile capability is seen as a key weakness that limits the jets effectiveness. The Ministry of Defence has been seeking to address the problem for years, but its target date for introducing the Spear 3 missile has repeatedly slipped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spear 3 was successfully test-fired for the first time last year, but using a Typhoon fighter jet. In November, the Navy described the tank-busting weapon as the next generation of air-to-surface missiles that would provide a new capability to defeat the most complex air defence systems. Each F-35B will eventually be able to carry up to eight Spear 3 missiles. James Cartlidge, the Conservative shadow defence secretary, said: With the threats we face from Russia, its vital that the Royal Air Force has the most cutting-edge weaponry integrated onto all its combat aircraft - available in the near term rather than decades into the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole approach of our defence industry and the MoD has to be on accelerating capability into use, taking a less risk-averse approach at every stage. For example, Ukraine was able to rapidly integrate our Storm Shadow missile onto their SU24 jets because their total focus was on getting the weapon into service, even if that meant dispensing with lengthy testing and certification. The need for our military to focus on near-term threats and war readiness has never been more pressing, and the strategic defence review must enable a transformed approach to risk throughout the MoD. The delays will also be seen as a fresh blow to the F-35 programme at a time when ministers are deciding whether to purchase more of the cutting-edge American aircraft, as opposed to the older, but British-made, Eurofighter Typhoons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is thought that this question will be tackled in the Strategic Defence Review, which ministers are expected to publish soon. On Tuesday, an MoD spokesman said: With the F-35 Lightning, the RAF is already equipped with one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and the future integration of Spear 3 will further improve the aircrafts capability in future years. As part of the F-35 programme, the UK builds approximately 15pc of each aircraft, securing highly skilled jobs and significant economic growth within the UK. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. State troopers and sergeants would receive 2.5% wage increases on July 1 under an agreement approved Tuesday by the state House of Representatives. The House voted 134 to 12 with all negative votes coming from Republicans after a relatively brief debate at the state Capitol in Hartford. The measure still needs approval by the 36-member state Senate. House Republicans were split on the matter as their caucus has called for a two-year wage freeze for state employees in order to balance the state budget currently being negotiated as the regular legislative sessions June 4 adjournment approaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 35 House Republicans voted for the raises, 12 were opposed, and two were absent. All Democrats present voted in favor. The agreement, reached with Gov. Ned Lamonts administration, covers about 880 troopers, sergeants and master sergeants who are in the troopers union. The total cost of the deal is about $4.4 million in each of the next two fiscal years, and the money has already been set aside in the reserve for salaries account. The raises were part of a fourth-year reopener under a four-year contract that provided 2.5% raises in each of the first three years, officials said. Lamont said that our state troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve in these positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Ensuring the safety of our residents requires us to invest in state troopers and their families. I am glad that the majority of lawmakers in the House supported it, and I urge the Senate to join them in approving the plan. State Rep. Tammy Nuccio, the ranking member of the budget-writing appropriations committee, expressed concerns about the long-term costs of funding the state police operations, including extensive overtime. On an average week, the force of 900 state troopers is doing a combined 5,000 hours per week in overtime, chiefly due to staffing shortages, Nuccio said. Nuccio, whose daughter and future son-in-law are both troopers, voted in favor of the contract Tuesday after voting against the measure at the committee level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top concern for troopers, Nuccio said, is not their salaries but instead is being able to do their jobs properly. That includes having more freedom to chase suspects in their cars and to perform consent searches that were restricted in the police accountability bill after the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, Nuccio said. Ive talked to a lot of troopers in my time, and I will tell you this not a single one of them says the way to go out and recruit more people to be troopers is a 2.5% wage increase, Nuccio said. They want an accountable legal system that when they arrest somebody for crimes, theyre actually going to get prosecuted for it and put away for the amount of time that they should be so theyre not arresting the same people dozens of times. She said it is not fair to be penalizing them for the actions of a terrible officer in Minneapolis. House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford, who voted against the pay raises, questioned whether the raises are an effective recruitment tool because he sees no changes in the state police in recent years as the number of troopers around 900 has remained essentially the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did this two years ago and the numbers have not changed, Candelora said of the contract. Theres no amount of pay that is going to be able to recruit more officers. There is no longer a written test for state troopers. Pay isnt everything to individuals. Its also the quality of the workplace. With overtime, many troopers are currently earning more than $175,000 per year, he said. So, why arent they able to recruit? Candelora asked on the House floor. We have tilted the scales on the side of the criminal. Im frustrated on this side of the aisle. Candelora added, What they really need is our support. We need criminal justice reform. Overtime A key factor in the state police budget is the amount of money spent on overtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest statistics from the state comptrollers office show that the state spent $378 million for overtime during the 2024 calendar year across nearly 50 departments in state government. The highest amounts were in the state prison system with $113 million in overtime, followed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at $62 million and the state police at $60 million, according to the records. Among the top 25 individuals with the most overtime, 17 work for the state police, while six work in mental health facilities. The highest-paid was a state police dog handler, who received $439,000 overall for 2024, including the highest amount of overtime at $303,000. Through the years, he has handled dogs who search for fleeing suspects and missing persons at all hours of the day and night. The state legislature voted in 2023 for a new, four-year contract that provides annual pay raises for troopers because many would-be troopers have been recruited by municipal police departments. With the state police lagging behind some other departments, the trooper trainee salaries were increased by 35% over several years. The trainees are now earning $67,279, up from $50,000 in the past. Overtime has been an issue for years. While police and legislators often focus on starting pay for rookies, the amount earned by veteran officers is far higher. With overtime, more than 10 troopers were paid more than $300,000 in 2021, according to state records. More than 100 union members were paid more than $200,000 each, and a sergeant was paid more than $350,000 that year. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com A Woodbury man has been arrested and accused of sexually abusing a teenager. Christopher Thompson, 53, was arrested Monday by state troopers and officers with the Woodbury Police Department, according to Connecticut State Police. He faces charges of second-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment. According to state police, authorities began investigating in April after a report of sexual abuse allegations was made with the Woodbury Resident Troopers Office. The alleged victim was found to have been between 14 and 16 years old at the time of the accusations, state police said. Investigators obtained a warrant for Thompsons arrest. He was held on a $750,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned on Tuesday in Waterbury Superior Court. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates received congressional recognition for her dedication to educational equity in Chicago and beyond. U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-IL, the only serving Latina U.S. congresswoman in the Midwest, commended the longtime labor leader on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday morning. She called Davis Gates a friend and an unapologetic champion of our Chicago communities. Ramirez has repeatedly stood up against President Donald Trump for his hard-line immigration enforcement that has affected the Chicago area. She made another strong statement Tuesday by nodding at Davis Gates support of that work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Davis Gates) secured sanctuary protections for immigrant families and supported students and families experiencing homelessness, putting Chicagos children at the center of everything she does, said Ramirez. Ramirezs announcement came just days after Davis Gates won her bid for reelection with 64% of the union membership vote. In the winter months, a slate of challengers formed to challenge the incumbent teachers union president and her contingent, arguing that the CTU wasnt practicing financial transparency and was shedding other union allies. Notably, Davis Gates reelection followed the settlement of a teachers contract for the first time in 15 years without a strike or a strike vote. Davis Gates repeatedly held up that accomplishment as the forcefield needed to protect Chicago Public Schools from repeated probes by the federal government on the districts diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. On Tuesday, Ramirez acknowledged the precedent Davis Gates labor work, referencing the 15-day strike that Davis Gates helped to lead in 2019 as an example of her bold campaigns that build schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of federal warnings, the teachers union continues to fight against what it deems as efforts to corporatize public education. There is no shrinking from the fight coming from Washington and from the administrations Illinois lackeys like IPI and Paul Vallas, the local right-wing forces who spent millions attacking our leadership, CTU said in a statement Saturday afternoon. The good news is, there are more workers than billionaires. Were not confused about who makes up the workforce today, where our people come from, or who we represent and are in service to, the statement said. Ramirez also recognized Madeline Talbott and Keith Kelleher, longtime Chicago labor organizers, and Illinois teacher of the year Victor Gomez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez, a six-year teacher from Wheaton, mentors other aspiring bilingual educators, according to Ramirez. As a fluent, bilingual, Latina daughter of immigrants, I know the importance of having teachers and mentors who look and sound like me, Ramirez said. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala, have agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian pilots for F-16 fighters. Source: a joint statement following a meeting of the prime ministers on 20 May, seen by European Pravda Details: During their meeting in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod on 20 May, Shmyhal and Fiala agreed upon cooperation in training Ukrainian pilots for F-16 aircraft, other types of aircraft, and helicopters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the statement, this agreement will be accompanied by the development of simulation capacities and training in Ukraine and Czechia. The statement emphasised that the training will also include technical ground personnel through the implementation of specific modernisation projects. The prime ministers also underlined the importance of further increasing military, financial, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Shmyhal and Fiala emphasised strengthening cooperation between the defence industries of Ukraine and Czechia through joint efforts and technology licensing, aligned with the goals and mechanisms of the Readiness 2030 plan (presented by the European Commission in March 2024, aiming to leverage over 800 billion in defence spending), as well as collaboration in third markets. Background: On 4 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and Czechia are working on the establishment of a joint Ukrainian-Czech F-16 training school. A few days later, it was reported that Romania and the Netherlands will establish a joint centre to train Ukrainian technical personnel for the F-16 fighter jets. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Earlier this year, School District 51 was concerned about the budget for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. According to Amy Atwood, who is the contract lobbyist for District 51, states the Joint Budget Committee and the Colorado Legislature planned to cut $1.3 billion dollars from the budget, but thankfully it looks like it wont affect the district as previously thought. Atwood states, So D-51 will come out better in the long run with the new finance formula, as well as in the end, K-12 education was not cut. funding was increased for the 2025-2026 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School District 51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill tells WesternSlopeNow the district will receive a $1 million increase instead of the $2 million that was proposed. Hill says even though this is still an increase, it will not be able to cover the increased costs of transportation, health insurance and more. So, were still in a tight budget situation, and its projected to get worse in the out years. So, while we appreciate the legislature and our local representatives for fighting for us with the budget, were not in the best situation, and its going to get worse down the road, Hill said. But the district has worked on a plan for times like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill states, We had to do a lot of strategic things to make reductions in certain areas. Obviously, things like school closures contribute to that as well. Hill mentions the district is constantly checking the federal and state budget because they havent received federal allocations. But the good thing, he says, is that there were reserves saved. Atwood states, But D-51 was heavily engaged in those negotiations, and I just would like to put on the record that (state Rep. Rick) Taggart always had the districts back when it came to funding. Thats helpful to have that voice at the table, but also someone whos actually reaching out to his local constituents and saying, Hey, before I make this decision, Id like to know.' 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. Drew Garnier, 33, stabbed his wife Samantha, 29, to death in Sept, 2024 at their home in New York while she was five months pregnant with the couple's third daughter A judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison after Samantha's father read a victim impact statement saying Garnier killed his wife because "he wanted a boy" He stabbed his daughters, 6 and 9, that same night, and to spare the girls the trauma of having to testify at trial, prosecutors agreed to a deal that let Garnier plead guilty to lesser charges A New York man accused of murdering his pregnant wife and then stabbing their two daughters was sentenced for his crimes this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drew Garnier, 33, will serve 30 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after entering a guilty plea to charges of first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree assault in a deal with prosecutors. There was just one victim impact statement read in court prior to the sentencing, according to a summary of the proceedings released by the Delaware County District Attorney's Office and it came from Garnier's former father-in-law, who said that his daughter Samantha was killed by her husband because "he wanted a boy." Samantha, who was just 29-years-old and five months pregnant when her husband brutally stabbed her to death, had learned at the time that the couple's third child would be also be a girl. Garnier's father-in-law said in court that his two granddaughters now have a new father after he adopted the girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am their father now," he said. "I will protect them." Erin Leahy/GoFundMe Samantha Garnier and her two daughters Samantha Garnier and her two daughters Police arrested Garnier on Sept. 5, 2024 after responding to a report of a domestic dispute at his home in Centerville, according to the New York State Police. The NYSP said that all three females inside the home had multiple stab wounds, and received treatment from state troopers while waiting for EMTs to arrive on the scene. All three females were then airlifted to hospitals due to the severity of their injuries, said NYSP in a release at the time. Samantha was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival, while the two girls managed to pull through in the end. 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 Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney Shawn J. Smith said at the sentencing that while he did not feel the plea deal between prosecutors and Garnier was ideal, he wanted to spare the defendant's two daughters from having the endure a lengthy trial and instead allow them to "focus on recovering from their ordeal." Delaware County District Attorney's Office Eric Garnier Eric Garnier The judge prohibited Garnier from contact with his daughters through 2056, though the girls can petition the court to amend that order should they ever wish to speak with their father. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Dakin Humane Society has been awarded a $100,000 grant for a vital HVAC upgrade. Dakin Humane Society of Springfield awarded grant for adoption and lifesaving efforts The nonprofit animal shelter states that the grant was awarded from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation. The grant will be put towards a capital improvement project for Dakins facility, and will specifically be used for replacing an aging cooling tower and condenser water pumps for the buildings HVAC system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is important for climate control and to create a healthy environment for animals, maintaining stable temperatures to minimize stress and promote overall animal health. It also provides optimum air quality for people working in and visiting the building. Were grateful to the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation, for their continued, generous support of Dakin. The foundation understands that our facility is critical to our operations and capital funding for this type of project is not easy to secure. Many of our major mechanical systems, including HVAC, are original to the building which was constructed nearly thirty years ago. Being able to replace our cooling tower and pumps will enable our buildings HVAC system to operate at peak efficiency during the warmer months when we are busiest, and provide a comfortable setting for our many animals, employees, and volunteers. 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. As Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial continued Monday, three witnesses took the stand and largely corroborated last weeks testimony from Combs ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura about the years of sexual and physical abuse she endured. Dawn Richard, one of the members of Danity Kane, the all-girl group formed by Combs via his Making the Band series in 2005, began her testimony on Friday and ended on Monday. She previously made headlines as one of the many women to come forward in the last year to allege various abuses from Combs. She sued the music mogul in September, claiming that she was a victim of physical and sexual abuse. In her testimony, Richard told the court she once saw Combs beat Cassie with a skillet full of eggs and drag her up the stairs by her hair. She also alleged instances of witnesses him beating and choking her, the Associated Press reported. This kind of abuse occurred when Cassie spoke up or expressed opinions, Richard claimed, adding that Combs staff, including his bodyguards, never intervened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard detailed how Combs forced those around him into silence, alleging that he threatened to kill her if she said anything. If we said anything, we could go missing, Richard recalled being told, which she interpreted as a death threat. She also recalled him telling people in his inner circle to keep out of my relationship [with Cassie] or else we would pay for it, or else something bad would happen to you. Richard also testified that Combs would repeatedly tell Cassie that he owned her. Model Kerry Morgan, Cassies former best friend and one-time roommate, took the stand next and told the court she saw Combs beat Cassie at least twice, including once in Jamaica so violently she thought Cassie was knocked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also testified she was also a victim of Combs and that he choked her in 2018. Morgan said she only took the stand because of a government subpoena. Morgan said that Combs controlled everything in Cassies life, including paying for her car and her apartment. She wouldve lost all of her livelihood, Morgan said, noting that Cassie was also signed to Combs Bad Boy record label. Morgan stated that Cassie had lost her spark since she first met her in 2001. David James, who served as Combs personal assistant from 2007 to 2009, began crying as he testified that when he interviewed for the job, one of Combs associates pointed to a picture of the hip-hop mogul and told him, This is Mr. Combs kingdom. Were all here to serve him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recalled urging Cassie to leave Combs, to which he said she replied: I cant. I cant get out. You know, Mr. Combs oversees so much of my life. James also stated that Combs referred to Cassie as very moldable and that he got her right where I want her. Combs has denied all allegations of sexual assault. Judge Arun Subramanian has said that the trial is expected to last about eight weeks, but may run longer. The post Danity Kanes Dawn Richard Testifies Diddy Threatened Her Life After She Witnessed Cassie Abuse appeared first on TheWrap. On May 15, Tymone Jackson, age 38, pleaded guilty in two separate cases, to Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon, a class 2 felony for a sentence of 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and to Possession of Contraband in a Penal Institution, a class 1 felony, for a sentence of six years in the IDOC. The sentences will be served concurrently. Jackson will serve one year of mandatory supervised release following his release from prison. Judge Karen Wall presided over the plea and sentencing. Evidence was presented that on Oct. 26, 2024, Jackson was the driver of a car that was stopped by the Vermilion County Sheriffs Department for violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Deputies observed suspicious activity during the stop and searched the vehicle and the occupants, including Jackson. While searching Jacksons person, deputies located a loaded handgun. Jackson had previously been convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and is not legally allowed to possess a handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The People also presented evidence that on Nov. 7, 2024, while Jackson was an inmate at the Vermilion County Public Safety Building, an investigator of the Vermilion County Sheriffs Department received information that drugs were present in the jail. Following this lead, Jackson was questioned and subsequently searched. The investigator located cocaine concealed on Jacksons person. States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the members of the Vermilion County Sheriffs Department for their work in these cases. She added, This defendant, who was already facing serious charges for illegally possessing a weapon, showed complete disregard for the law by bringing illegal drugs into the Public Safety Building. Not only was his behavior illegal, but he endangered the security of our correctional facility, staff and inmates. J.C. Seneca feels the anguish of his ancestors with more clarity during trying times. It surfaced seven years ago, when he began to tackle drug and alcohol addictions that dogged him since his teens. It returned last summer, with the killing of a Black man at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that followed. And it hit full force in late May, when members of a Native American tribe in western Canada discovered 215 unmarked graves outside a former government-run residential boarding school not so different than the one his father, grandfather and other relatives attended decades ago on the Seneca Nation territory where he also grew up. It affected our people in such a way that they didn't know how to love each other, Seneca said. Their culture was being taken away from them, their identity as people, as human beings. Their native was stripped from them as they were made to learn the white man's way. Seneca, 61, owner of Native Pride Travel Plaza in Irving, will host a health and healing expo Saturday morning, which starts with a talking/healing circle to explore healthy ways to address addiction, mental illness and race-based intergenerational trauma. All are welcome to the free gathering, which starts at 8 a.m. and allows those who attend to listen, share and reflect on difficult issues or painful experiences in an atmosphere of respect and concern for everyone. Similar circles seven years ago helped Seneca address his past and break his addictions. He considered hosting one months ago at his Tallchief Outdoor Events Center, alongside his gas station and retail store, after he heard a talk show host denigrate three Black women in the wake of the George Floyd slaying. The latest American Indian boarding school developments, and an easing of the pandemic, convinced him now was an important time. JC Seneca once struggled with addiction. Now he's helping others break free JC Seneca has a message for all those struggling with addiction during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Living in recovery carries many more blessings. There are people out there who care about you and want to help, said Seneca, who knows firsthand. Reach out to somebody. The 60-year-old business leader and philanthropist on the Seneca Nation of Indians has married Seneca expects longstanding racial wounds will be fresh on many minds after the discovery May 27 of child remains on the grounds of the Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, in British Columbia. It came five years after a Canadian government report estimated that more than 150,000 children attended such schools north of the U.S. border, including more than 6,000 who died. Activities at the schools amounted to "cultural genocide," a National Center for Truth and Reconciliation concluded. Nearly four weeks ago, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, herself a Native American, ordered a comprehensive review of federal boarding school policies across America. I know that this process will be painful, she said when announcing the probe. It wont undo the heartbreak and loss we feel. But only by acknowledging the past can we work toward a future that were all proud to embrace. The initiative looks to detail the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of residential Native American boarding schools. A preliminary report is due next spring. Starting with the Indian Civilization Act of 1819, the U.S. enacted laws and established boarding schools to wrest Indigenous children from their families, and culturally assimilate them. Lessons of pain: The terrible legacy of the Thomas Indian School remains all too fresh inthe Seneca Nation consciousness It all happened six decades ago, when he was a little boy. But the soft cries he heard in the night at the Thomas Indian School still haunt Reginald Reggie Crouse. Crouse, now 69, is a Seneca Indian, one of hundreds of Senecas who spent their formative years at the state-run boarding school in Irving. His alcoholic parents sent The Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children opened on the Seneca Cattaraugus Territory in 1855. New York State took over the school in 1875 and it became more militaristic in tone. The state changed the name three decades later to the Thomas Indian School. It closed in 1956, and its student residents were sent to neighboring public schools. It served almost 2,500 poor students, including some from far-flung Native territories. Discipline could be harsh and left a lasting impression among many who lived and worked there that there was something wrong with being Native American. Regardless of the investigation, Seneca is among those on Native territories who believe the schools and other attempts to strip North American Indians of their traditional lands, languages, and culture continue to shape 21st-century life for descendants of those conquered and exploited over the last 400 years. We have to find ways to process and deal with that so that we can live a healthier life, in balance, he said. We have to be able to find that place of peace within ourselves to be able to stop that cycle of trauma. He hopes the expo will be a start. The circle will run until 10 a.m., or longer if necessary, he said. Former nation president Dennis Bowen, whose father went to the Thomas School, will lead the gathering. Speakers and vendors familiar with traditional and non-traditional health and wellness will be on hand until 3 p.m., along with a pop-up Covid-19 vaccine clinic managed by Urban Family Practice of Buffalo. Past experiences of Native people spurred reluctance in the Seneca Nation when the vaccine became available, the Native Pride owner said, but that has changed in a nature he hopes the healing circle can accomplish, too. People started learning about it and got the correct information, he said, and that helped. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin Independent School District released data showing how often it referred kids to truancy court this school year, revealing a significant decline from the previous year. Austin ISD is the largest school district in Central Texas, and the fight for its truancy data highlights how difficult it can be to understand the scope of Texas truancy system without accessible data. In November, our investigative team discovered that, despite school districts sending thousands of children to court for truancy each year, no state agency is tracking individual district referral trends or student outcomes in court. The investigation sparked legislation that would create a uniform truancy tracking system across the state, but the bill is stalled in committee and not likely to pass this session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our investigative team requested Austin ISDs truancy data in June 2024. Nine months after our initial request, and after several check-ins, the districts public information office provided an answer: As of March 1, the district referred 69 children to truancy court in the 2024-25 school year. The public information office did not share the count from previous school years, as we requested, but in an interview, the districts new Attendance Director, Carla De La Rosa, explained that the year before, the district referred five times more students to court for truancy 364. De La Rosa said the district decreased its truancy referrals and reformed its process after getting feedback last summer from the justices of the peace, who handle their cases. Individual Austin ISD campuses are responsible for initiating prevention measures when students have accumulated 3 unexcused absences within six months. The campuses are also responsible for filing truant conduct complaints against students, but according to De La Rosa, the campus leaders must initiate prevention measures for the student before referring a student to court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De La Rosa said this year, the district began requiring campuses to do a root cause analysis as a part of its prevention measures. It also instituted a checklist for campuses seeking to refer kids to court, which is screened by her office. Other judges previously told KXAN the court must dismiss cases in instances where the student is missing school because they are homeless, pregnant or have a disability. If they are not providing all that information that says weve done everything we possibly can, weve engaged in every way possible way, then we are sending it back and were not letting them submit for truancy, De La Rosa said. 12,000+ Texas kids sent to court for missing class, no one tracks what happens next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it has been effective, De La Rosa said. I think we have had less cases turned away from our [Justices of the Peace], and I think it helps us focus and really helps as a reminder to our campuses: have you done everything you can? In the dark about truancy Following KXANs investigation, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed legislation to add numerous data points for the Office of Court Administration to collect. Zaffirinis measure, Senate Bill 1850, would require the OCA to gather and post a multitude of information showing school districts and courts numbers of truancy referrals and how they were handled, judgments against students, remedial orders broken down by type, drivers license suspensions and more. The legislation would also require tracking of contempt of court charges and fines collected. KXAN profiled the case of Nathaniel Karle, a Georgetown High School student who was sent to court over excessive absences in 2024, disenrolled, and given the option to finish schooling through a G.E.D. program or homeschool. Nathaniel Karle receives court summons for truant conduct hearing. (Source: Williamson County Constable Office Precinct 3 body camera video) Nathaniel missed dozens of school days, opting to stay home out of fear he could get a visit from his father who had been charged with sexual assault but was not in jail at the time, Nathaniel and his mother told KXAN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KXAN spoke with several parents of students sent to truancy court in Central Texas. We sat and watched more than a dozen truancy cases handled in justice of the peace and municipal court in Burnet and Travis counties. In most of those cases, KXAN found, the causes of truancy were complicated, personal and often traced back to family and health issues that students couldnt control. To get a better understanding of how truancy cases were playing out, KXAN submitted over 200 public information requests to school districts, municipal courts and justice of the peace offices. From the courts, we asked for details of orders such as how many students were ordered to get finish high school through a G.E.D. program. From school districts, we sought records on outcomes. Neither the courts, nor the school districts, nor the Texas Education Agency could provide a clear picture of how the thousands of students sent to truancy court have fared in the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zaffirinis bill hasnt budged since being referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee in early March, so it is unlikely to pass this legislative session. There are, however, other bills that have moved further in the legislative process that could affect Texas truancy system. The consequences of the Legislature not creating a uniform truancy tracking system include our remaining in the dark about how truancy cases are handled across Texas and our continuing to lack the tools to evaluate whats working, Zaffirini said in a statement. Inside the Investigation: Texas bill could unlock mystery of what happens to students in truancy court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De La Rosa said the data would go a long way for school districts that dont always know the result of truancy hearings. Sometimes the judge is very clear, and we know, and we can document what the [court] order was, but sometimes we dont have the follow-up information about what is happening, De La Rosa said. Bills pending House Bill 2947, authored by Don McLaughlin, R-Uvalde, would change the rules governing how school districts handle students prior to referring them to truancy court. Currently, school districts must use truancy prevention measures before referring a student to court. Truancy prevention measures are policies districts use to identify students with absence problems and potentially provide additional services or counseling. The prevention measures also recognize students who dont have to be sent to court, like those who are pregnant, in foster care, homeless or their households primary breadwinner, according to TEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlins bill would allow districts to forgo those prevention measures after theyve been used once on a student. McLaughlin, the former mayor of Uvalde, told KXAN he authored the bill in part because he saw truancy as a major problem in his hometowns school district. Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin (Associated Press/Eric Gay) Not that I want to penalize anybody or make criminals out of anybody, but, if there is no accountability, you dont get kids to comply, McLaughlin told KXAN. Most of these kids parents probably dont even know they are not at school. His bill also caps fines against parents at $100 for the crime of contributing to nonattendance. Courts would also have to dismiss the charge if a parent can show their student reached 21 years of age, graduated, got an equivalent high school diploma or enlisted in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers to examine Texas truancy data collection after KXAN investigation In 2015, the Texas Legislature overhauled truancy punishments by decriminalizing it and swapping criminal penalties with civil ones. McLaughlin said Texas most certainly needs to track truancy outcomes since those changes. There is no statewide tracking on it at all. So, we dont know the results, he said. What we have seen right now with what we put in place in 2015, it is not working. To that end, his measure requires school districts to submit attendance reports to TEA showing a variety of campus and grade-level data, such as the number of students who received truancy prevention measures, were referred to court, had over 10 unexcused absences, and the number of parents that school districts filed a complaint against for contributing to nonattendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an early April hearing on McLaughlins bill, representatives of three police unions and the Texas Association of School Boards registered in favor of the measure. Opposing the bill were individuals from the Texas Civil Rights Project, National Association of Social Workers, Texas Association of School Psychologists and Texas Center for Justice and Equity. To have this bill take away the opportunity to include more truancy prevention measures after that first attempt feels very harmful for us, Texas Appleseeds Education Justice Project Director Andrew Hairston told lawmakers on April 3 during a public hearing. McLaughlins bill passed the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee with a vote of 6-5. As of May 14, the measure was awaiting consideration by the full House. Senate Bill 570 Senate Bill 570 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would require schools to adopt an attendance policy. Under the bill, schools must inform parents of the policy and the repercussions of truancy. Parents would also be alerted to student absences. Bettencourts legislation would also require schools to hold meetings with students at risk of becoming truant and conduct a home visit if a parent fails to attend those meetings. Additionally, the bill requires schools to create guidelines to identify students needing support and provide services to address their absenteeism. Many school districts that KXAN spoke with described already having attendance policies that address truancy, utilizing home visits and notification systems for parents and students who are approaching an excessive number of unexcused absences. The bill does not require the school or truancy courts to collect or report any additional data on the students referred to court for truant conduct. [My bill] focused on how to get school back into the business of asking about truancy. Allowing them to literally knock on a door if they need to find out where the parents are, being able to bring the parents into the schools to have a discussion, Bettencourt told KXAN. Bettencourts bill passed the full Senate and was referred to the House Public Education Committee in late April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. May in the central and Southern Plains is a notoriously volatile month for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, as recent history has illustrated. On May 20, 2013, 12 years ago today, a supercell thunderstorm spawned an intense tornado that tore a 14-mile path from Newcastle to the city of Moore and the south side of Oklahoma City. This up to 1.1-mile wide violent tornado claimed 24 lives, injured another 212 during its 40-minute rampage through central Oklahoma. Seven of those deaths occurred at Plaza Towers Elementary School, when a wall collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 300 homes sustained at least EF4 damage, according to the NWS-Norman survey. Damage to nine of those homes, however, was rated EF5, the highest level on the Enhanced Fujita scale for tornado damage. Each of those homes were swept off their foundations. Damage to the Briarwood Elementary School a second school hit that day, was also rated EF5. Miraculously, no deaths occurred at this second school. Damage from the tornado was at least $2 billion. Twelve years later, it remains the most recent tornado to be rated EF5 in the U.S. A recent study found that may be due as much to the more stringent engineering criteria of the Enhanced Fujita scale compared to the pre-2007 Fujita scale. In essence, it appears a destroyed building had to be built beyond standard construction codes to be rated EF5 today. Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A D.C. man will serve more than three decades in federal prison after he was involved in two armed robberies, including one that left a person paralyzed in Maryland. The United States Attorneys Office said that 68-year-old William David Hill, also known as Old Man or Tank, was sentenced for two armed robberies that took place days apart in 2016 in Prince Georges County. Following a seven-day trial in July 2019, a federal jury found Hill and his co-defendant, Ronnell Francis Lewis, guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 80 more Big Lots stores to reopen in June: Heres where The evidence presented throughout the trial revealed that on Nov. 22, Lewis and Hill robbed an auto shop repair business in Clinton. Officials said the two entered the shop with guns and demanded that two employees get on the ground. They then took money from the employees pockets and forced them into the front office. The robbers then bound and gagged one of the employees with zip ties and duct tape. Officials said the other employee tried to fight back, but the robbers shot them, leaving them paralyzed. The robbers then drove away in a stolen vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, on Nov. 26, Hill and Lewis robbed a barbershop in Seat Pleasant. According to the trial testimony, they entered the shop and told everyone to get on the ground, and proceeded to rob them. They stuffed all the money in a duffle bag before fleeing in a stolen minivan. Only thing left was growing old together: Husband in mourning after severe weather causes tree to fall on wife in Fairfax County Following the robbery, police spotted the minivan at a stoplight and tried to pull the van over. However, the driver refused to stop, leading police on a chase into Washington, D.C. Police eventually stopped the van and took Lewis into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 19, a judge sentenced Hill to more than 33 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In 2019, Lewis was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for his role in the robberies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) The Douglas County Sheriffs Office said community members helped them safely recover a child last Thursday who had been kidnapped from a day care center located in the 9200 block of Ridgeline Boulevard. The child was found shortly after noon on May 15, following a kidnapping attempt police say was initiated by the childs biological but non-custodial parent, 40-year-old Jamara Williams. First responders working to recover body near Frisco Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of our day shift patrol deputies and the vigilant efforts of community members who provided valuable information, the child was safely recovered, and the suspect is now in custody, the DCSO said. Williams allegedly forcibly removed the child from the facility without having proper legal authority to do so, violating an existing custody order in the process, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office said Williams, who is from Johnston, also physically assaulted an employee at the day care center. Red Cross resources available for tornado victims Williams took off from the scene in a black SUV with temporary tags, according to the sheriffs office, which said she was last seen by witnesses driving eastbound on Highlands Ranch Parkway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies located the suspect vehicle at Highlands Ranch Parkway and Broadway and they then conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Williams was ultimately taken into custody without incident and the child was recovered, according to the 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 FOX31 Denver. Dear Graduates of the Class of 2025: I am ( thrilled / perplexed ) that you have asked me here to speak at your high school graduation. Its a real ( honor / indication ) that your first choice was ( me / detained by ICE ). So, lets start with a ( round of applause / moment of silence ) for all of you who ( worked so hard / were brought here as children ) and have now reached this time of ( recognition / reckoning ) and ( honor / fear ). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were all pulling for you and hoping you have an ( amazing future / escape route ) when ( opportunities / masked guys with guns ) knock on your door. We share your ( dream / dread ) and want nothing ( more / less ) than to see you and your families ( joined / separated ) in a spectacle of ( heartfelt celebration / cruel grief ). At a time like this, it helps to fall back on these Latin words ( carpe diem / habeas corpus ) as a reminder that if we ( just / dont let masked agents ) seize ( the day / you and your family ) without ( hesitation / due process ) you can ( follow your destiny / hire a good immigration lawyer ) to keep you ( on / off ) the road to ( the American dream / a one-way plane ticket to El Salvador ). Id like to welcome all the ( parents and grandparents / white Afrikaners ) who have come great distances to be here today. I only wish we had the room to welcome ( your friends / brown people ) too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, to all of you in the Class of 2025, Id like to remind you that as people like me approach our ( golden / incontinent ) age, we will be relying on graduates like you to ( lead the way / fix the robots ) in our ( exciting new world / nursing homes ). It will be your contributions to ( our shared future / other peoples Social Security benefits ) that will ( fuel / pay for ) the ( technological innovations / essentials ) that will make our country a leader in new and more powerful ( high-tech technologies / obesity and erectile dysfunction medications). Sure, we let you down. Just look at the high cost of the ( American / Electoral ) college, which time after time, produces ( financially crippling / undemocratic ) results that saddle you with an unsustainable amount of ( repayments / repression ), that will become a chronic ailment like ( herpes / Trumps Supreme Court nominees ). We should have protected you better from the ravages of ( student debt / the Moms for Liberty ). Boca Raton High School graduation ceremony at the South Florida Fairgrounds on May 17, 2025 in suburban West Palm Beach, Florida. As the ( great / banned ) poet Robert Frost once said: Many times my books are banned by people who never read two sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oops, that wasnt Robert Frost, that was ( Maya Angelou / name redacted by school board pending six-month review ). We find ourselves at a crossroads today, caught between the need for ( young minds / strong backs ) to grow and harvest our future ( AI innovations / fruits and vegetables ), while maintaining an ( economic / political ) system that is ( dedicated / hellbent ) on making sure those people are ( allowed to follow their bliss / treated as vermin). (Fortunately / Unfortunately) you are ( well / ill ) prepared to choose wisely, guided by your educations emphasis on combating ( hate / DEI ). It has ushered you into a new world that teaches us we all can succeed, even if the sting of discrimination still lingers to unfairly hold back ( some / white ) people. We, your elders, are counting on you to do whats right: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Dear graduates, congratulations for all you've (accomplished/endured) To continue our work to make buying a home ( an attainable / a pipe ) dream. To raise children in a world without so many ( guns / drag shows ) that can lead to so much ( needless bloodshed / fabulous dancing). To create a better world, one free of predatory ( health care / Trump meme coins ) and ( curable diseases / anti-vax quacks ). And whatever you do, dont just ( rely on others / use Chat GPT ) to get by. Have faith in your own intellect and imagination to bring something new into the world. I could go on. But our time is tight and I hear there's already a group of ( parents and students / commando-looking guys ) gathering outside, hoping to get in for the next ( ceremony / raid ). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, (godspeed / run ), Class of 2025. Frank Cerabino Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Florida Network. He can be reached at fcerabino@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: A message to Palm Beach Countys 2025 graduates | Opinion From L-R: DMaiya Clark, Mamboge Njie, Laila Sanford-McKisic, and Kyla Canty, debaters in a program at Wayne State University honoring the 100th birthday of Malcolm X. May 19, 2025 | Photo by Jackson Coleman Detroit On Monday, Umoja Debate League hosted a debate featuring high school students at Wayne State Universitys M. Roy Wilson State Hall to commemorate what would have been Malcolm Xs 100th birthday. It was held in the Malcolm X Auditorium with around 75 people in attendance, the event based on the question: Should the Black community prioritize investing in local grassroots organizations over supporting Black political figures in office? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Umoja Debate League is a nonprofit organization that uses debate as our vehicle to teach Detroit youth ages 11-18 transferable life skills, such as critical thinking, confidence, conflict resolution, increased literacy, and self-expression, according to its website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The event opened with remarks from Wayne State University professor Dr. Kefentse Chike, who talked about the historical importance of the room and Malcolms evolution from Malcolm Little to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. His life was short, but powerfully transformative, he said, talking about Malcolms lasting impact on movements from the Black Panther Party to Black Lives Matter. Malcolm X in Detroit in October 1963. | Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He spent his youth in Michigan, living in Lansing after his family moved there in the 1920s. He spoke at Wayne State University in 1963. Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate reflected key themes of self-determination, accountability, and collective actionvalues that were the most important to Malcolm Xs legacy. Debaters Laila Sanford-McKisic and Kyla Canty of Renaissance High School argued in favor of grassroots investment, and Mamboge Njie of Renaissance High and DMaiya Clark of Detroit School of Arts emphasized the importance of political power. I want to make it very clear that this is not an either-or conversation; this is about strategy, about timing, about balancing where the money goes, Njie said. Canty responded that politicians will not save us, emphasizing the strength of community-based work. Top stories for the Tuesday, May 20, 2025 edition of Jacksonvilles Morning News: The St. Johns County School Board is expected to hire its next superintendent during a meeting today. The Board in April selected four finalists to replace the retiring Tim Forson: Scott Schneider Dr. Brennan Asplen Dr. Marianne Simon Dr. Kyle Dresback FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Hot weather continues before a cool front arrives. Highs today will return to the mid to upper 90s. Wednesday will be hot too. A cool front will arrive Wednesday afternoon/evening bringing a few showers/storms. Afternoon highs get knocked down just a bit to near 90 degrees on Thursday. Three Big Things to Know: The swap is stopped. Developers have withdrawn a proposal to swap 600 acres of land in the Guana River Wildlife Management Area into private hands following widespread backlash. A letter weve obtained from Uplands representative was sent to the state Department of Environmental Protection deputy secretary announcing the withdrawal. In the letter, a representative for The Upland LLC said there was never any intention to develop the acquired land for commercial or community development purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Jacksonville residents are calling for change after a deadly crash. Duval County Public Schools teacher Mitchell Patch and his one-year-old son died after getting hit by a car Friday night while crossing Baymeadows Road. Now, some are calling for a crosswalk near the brewery close to where Patch and his son were hit. City Councilman Joe Carlucci has forwarded a request to FDOT since its a state road. FDOT says if improvements can be made to enhance safety, itll work to implement them. President Trump will push today for more Republican support for his budget bill, but he already has Rick Scotts vote. Senator Scott was on Fox News yesterday to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill. Scott says he wants to help Trump get his agenda done. He says that means peace through strength, a balanced budget and bringing transparency and accountability back to government. KILMEADE VISIT: Brian Kilmeade joined Jacksonvilles Morning News to share thoughts on the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, President Trumps recent visit to the Middle East, and the latest on US immigration policies and protests. Hear more on the Brian Kilmeade Show from 10am to noon on WOKV. BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL: Foxs Ryan Schmelz reports on the latest developments in getting President Trumps government funding bill passed. While it has advanced past committee approval, it still faces a floor vote and there are still some Republican holdouts leveraging SALT (state and local tax) deduction adjustments. The increase in costs from those adjustments risks alienating less moderate Republicans. **Related Video Above: What happens when you call 911 RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WJW) A high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has been arrested in Florida, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office reported in a news release. Last week, detectives received information that a teacher, 27-year-old Brooke Anderson, was having an inappropriate relationship with a male student, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child found dead after Fremont train crash; toddler hospitalized; 2 women dead The student reportedly told detectives that he and Anderson had been sending sexually explicit text messages starting in September 2024. But in the last few weeks, detectives learned there had been multiple instances of sexual activity after the relationship escalated, the sheriffs office said. The student said the most recent incident took place before school started in Andersons classroom on May 16, according to the sheriffs office. Photo courtesy Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office Anderson is charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor, which is a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community, Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing. Andersons name was removed from a directory at the high school shortly after her arrest. She was booked into the county jail on May 16, according to county records, but was released the next day on bail. Anderson is facing up to 15 years in prison if found guilty under Florida law. Suspected serial killer once eyed for possible link to the OJ Simpson case executed in Florida Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is ongoing. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24 hours a day and can be reached at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or right here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. My daughter is just over a year old. Shes learning to walk, says a few words in both Ukrainian and English, and because of Russias war, she already has an acute understanding of what it means to be afraid. The first time she reacted to the air raid siren, she was playing in her crib while I tidied up the bedroom. Shed never paid attention to it before, so I didnt expect anything to happen when it started. But that time, she cried out, Mama! with her arms outstretched, eyes wide, on the verge of tears. As I always say, were lucky compared to so many others. For the past three years, Chernivtsi Oblast has been mostly spared from Russian missile and drone strikes. I cant imagine what its like for mothers in cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, or Kherson trying not only to keep their children physically safe, but also to safeguard them against lifelong psychological trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, every time I have to calm her as her breathing quickens in a panic at the sound of the air raid siren, I cant help but wish there were a magic switch to make Russia disappear. I start to worry that this war will drag on so long that my daughter will grow old enough to remember it that war will become part of her learned experience, part of what shapes her. And when I think about that, Im still stunned that there are people in this world who can harm children without regret. Maybe its naive, but I cant understand how anyone whos been blessed with a child could still choose to bring harm to others. How can they greet their own children at the end of the day knowing theyre responsible for missile and drone strikes that have killed children, orphaned them, and left them permanently disabled? How can they take tens of thousands of children from their families, send them to the farthest corners of Russia for adoption, and be deranged enough to think they are saving them? Over 19,500 children have been officially identified as missing by the Ukrainian government, with only around 1,300 returned home from Russian-controlled territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an American living for many years in Ukraine, Im also deeply saddened that the plight of Ukrainian children hasnt resonated more with American policymakers especially the right wing. Republicans in particular tend to stoke moral panic over issues like human trafficking. Well, here is one of the most blatant examples of it in recent memory: over 19,500 children have been officially identified as missing by the Ukrainian government, with only around 1,300 returned home from Russian-controlled territory. A Ukrainian woman meets her son after he and over a dozen other Ukrainian children were brought back from Russian-held territory to Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 22, 2023. (Sergei Chuzavkov / AFP via Getty Images) The actual number of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia is likely much higher, and there is a very real and heartbreaking possibility that not all of them will be found if not all the necessary resources are put into guaranteeing their return. Russia is exploiting the vulnerability of many of the Ukrainian children in their custody, manipulating impressionable young minds to militarize them and instill hatred for their homeland. They are training Ukrainian children to become the Russian soldiers of tomorrow, ultimately viewing them as expendable tools in their campaign of terror. Generally speaking, misfortune befalls anyone who belongs in the margins of Russian society. From the accounts of older Ukrainian children who understood what was happening to them and did everything they could to escape, we know they are being subjected to various forms of abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without its children, Ukraine as a nation not just a place on a map cannot survive. What Russia is doing to Ukraines stolen children is not just a political matter it is an issue of the greatest moral urgency. Thats why His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his first Sunday address since becoming leader of the Holy See, called for the return of these children to their homeland. Ukraines greatest natural resource isnt minerals found underground its found in classrooms, playgrounds, and family kitchens. Its the children. They are the living thread connecting Ukraines past to its future, the ones who will carry forward the language, the history, the cultural traditions. No monument or archive can safeguard Ukraines identity the way its children can. A child plays as women rest on a bench in front of residential buildings destroyed by shelling in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on June 22, 2024, amid the Russian invasion. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images) Thats why even losses on a smaller scale than the daily death and destruction matter, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a Ukrainian child whose family fled as refugees begins to feel more at home in the language or identity of their host country, something precious is at risk of being lost forever. The tragedy of war isnt only measured in lives lost or cities destroyed its in this quiet erosion of cultural identity too. Because without its children, Ukraine as a nation not just a place on a map cannot survive. It will fall to these young Ukrainians, including my own daughter, to one day rebuild what has been shattered by Russias war. They will be the ones who decide whether Ukraine becomes a vibrant, prosperous, and secure nation one strong enough to ensure such a horrific war never happens again. But that future is only possible if Ukraines children are given the chance to return home, to thrive, and to dream in a peaceful country. It cant happen if their parents see that its too dangerous to return home, theyre trapped alone in Russian-controlled territory, or they're dead. Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, Ive often wondered about the true definition of evil. The closest answer Ive found since becoming a mother is this: its those who deliberately harm and destroy the lives of innocent children. Submit an Opinion Read also: Coming of Age Amidst War Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Where does Robert Hur go to get his reputation back? The former federal prosecutor and special counsel investigating Joe Bidens retention of classified documents had been a target of vitriol from Democrats after the Justice Department released his report in February 2024. While Hur had recommended against the DOJ bringing criminal charges against Biden once he was out of office, his report describes the then-president coming across as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory during his interview with Hurs team. At the time, the White House and Democrats accused Hur of engaging in politics, assisting Republicans who had been trying to make Bidens age an issue in the presidential campaign. Even Biden himself expressed his anger at Hur during a press conference hours after the report was made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all know what happened next. On June 27, on a debate stage in Atlanta, the whole world would see Biden as an aging president who frequently failed to speak audibly or coherently. Within a month, Biden had dropped out of the race, unable to gloss over what happened at the debate or ignore the increasing number of Democrats declaring publicly he was unfit to run again. Hurs description, once derided as unfair and partisan, had become impossible to deny. Hur was further validated last Friday when Axios published clips of the audio recordings from the interview. Listen to the clips to judge for yourself, but the audio strikingly captures Biden struggling to answer questions, leaving long gaps between words, searching for facts and dates, and otherwise sounding exactly as Hur described him. These new audio clips come after weeks of promotion of a new book out today from Axios reporter Alex Thompson and CNN anchor Jake Tapper, Original Sin, that offers new reporting about what the authors describe as a cover-up of Bidens cognitive decline by Democratic Party figures and Bidens inner circle. The book has prompted discussion and some soul-searching from Democrats about everything from Bidens decision to run for reelection in the first place to his reluctant choice to withdraw. One Democrat is even reconsidering how he treated the sober and publicity-shy prosecutor who merely reported what he saw. (Hur, by the way, declined to answer questions for this column.) Tommy Vietor, a popular progressive podcast host who was once a trusted White House aide to Barack Obama, admitted in a post on X on Saturday that he had reevaluated his initial attack on Hur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I found the context about the Hur report to be some of the most interesting/revelatory information in ORIGINAL SIN, Vietor posted. At the time, Hurs comments about Biden being an elderly man with a poor memory seemed like Jim Comey-style inappropriate editorializing about a non-charging decision. However, the book made me realize how important that context was for Hur in explaining his decision NOT to charge Biden, and I now feel that many of the attacks on Hur, including by me, werent totally fair. As my colleague Sarah Isgur and I wrote at the time, Hur was obligated to explain to the attorney general in his report why he would not recommend charging Biden. Hur himself testified on Capitol Hill in March 2024 that he based part of this recommendation on the concerns he had that Bidens memory issues would make it difficult for the Department of Justice to win a criminal case. My assessment in the report about the relevance of the presidents memory was necessary and accurate and fair, Hur said in his testimony. Most importantly, what I wrote is what I believe the evidence shows, and what I expect jurors would perceive and believe. I did not sanitize my explanation. Nor did I disparage the president unfairly. I explained to the attorney general my decision and the reasons for it. Thats what I was required to do. This aspect of the report was not merely the fulfillment of the special prosecutors duty but a red flag for anyone still in denial about the bigger truth: Biden was an octogenarian who had clearly declined while holding one of the most stressful and high-pressure jobs in the world. Democrats dismissal of Hurs report as partisan agitprop delayed the reckoning the party needed to have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And by noting these uncomfortable facts about Biden, Hur and the Justice Department incurred the wrath of many liberals who were simultaneously seeking from the same justice system some form of deliverance from Donald Trump. Of course, Trump had done so much in both his first term and four-year interregnum to undercut faith in the institutions of criminal justice, infecting wide swaths of the Republican Party and conservative media. Meanwhile, overreach and malfeasance on the part of some liberal prosecutors have further eroded public trust wherever the law and politics come into contact. Its too much to hope that in this current moment of self-reflection by Democrats that partisans on both sides will recognize the cautionary tale in the panic over Hurs report. But they should. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. A Democrat congresswoman has been charged with assaulting federal agents outside a migrant detention centre. The justice department has accused LaMonica McIver of assaulting, impeding or interfering with law enforcement following a demonstration outside the facility in Newark, New Jersey. Ms McIver and two other Democratic lawmakers were protesting outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Delaney Hall centre on May 9 when a confrontation broke out as a member of the group was asked to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, was arrested and later released after spending several hours in custody, while Ms McIver, a representative for New Jerseys 10th congressional district, became embroiled in a heated discussion with uniformed officials. I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, US attorney Alina Habba wrote in a letter, posted on X. No one is above the law politicians or otherwise. Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, was arrested and later released - Brian Branch Price/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock The charges against Ms McIver mark a rare federal criminal case against a member of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms McIver has denied any wrongdoing and accused federal agents of escalating the situation by arresting Mr Baraka. She also denounced the charge as purely political and said prosecutors are distorting her actions in an effort to deter legislative oversight. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she said in a statement. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Days of woke are over A two-minute clip released by the Department of Homeland Security shows Ms McIver shouting surround the mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, her elbows push into an officer wearing a dark face covering, but it is not clear if the contact was accidental or intentional. Asked about the charges on Tuesday, Donald Trump said Ms McIver was totally out of control and that the days of woke are over. She was shoving federal agents, the president claimed. Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security secretary, wrote on X that Ms McIver had been charged following a thorough review of the video footage. Assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated, Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, posted on X. This administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe. Spectacularly inappropriate Ms McIvers lawyer called the decision to charge her spectacularly inappropriate, saying she went to Delaney Hall to do her job as a member of Congress to oversee the treatment of ICE detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, Paul Fishman, the former US attorney for New Jersey, said in a statement. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICEs behaviour to Congresswoman McIver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter. Ms Habba agreed to dismiss a misdemeanour charge against Mr Baraka for the sake of moving forward and invited the mayor to tour the detention centre alongside her. The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe, Ms Habba said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Baraka released a statement saying he would continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees and continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. 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. Randy Bryce is taking another shot at a run for Congress. The Democratic labor advocate and former ironworker known as Iron Stache, who gained national attention in 2018 with his campaign against then-Speaker Paul Ryan but eventually lost to current U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, said he is launching a new campaign for Wisconsins southeastern 1st Congressional District. Bryces move makes him the first Democrat to announce a 2026 challenge to Steil, whom national Democrats have marked as a top target this cycle as they seek to regain control of the narrowly divided House. Randy Bryce Right now we have a representative in the 1st District that he could care less about everything thats crumbling all around us, Bryce told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Theres a lot going wrong, and its just gonna get worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryce, 60 of Caledonia, is making his return to the campaign trail eight years after he grabbed attention with his campaign launch attacking Ryan on efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Ryan announced his retirement from Congress during the race Bryces X bio says he helped Paul Ryan retire though Steil defeated Bryce by more than 12 points in the general election. At the time, Bryce ran on supporting Medicare for All legislation, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and boosting unions. He remains a member of the Ironworkers Local 853 and in the years since his first campaign, he said, has served as a union representative, worked with Social Security Works, an advocacy group seeking to expand Social Security, and more recently has helped people with disabilities find work. In an interview, Bryce named healthcare access as a top campaign issue and knocked Republicans on Capitol Hill for going after Social Security and seeking to make cuts to other social safety net programs as part of their current massive tax and spending legislation moving through Congress. Bryce told the Journal Sentinel that universal healthcare is something that everybody definitely needs but shied away from the term Medicare for All, saying he does not want to attach labels that have other connotations to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've always been an advocate for great-paying jobs, for raising the minimum wage, for making sure that people have enough, Bryce said. Because this country has enough to give, to share with other people who actually do the work to make things get done. Asked about his past calls for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bryce declined to say whether he still supports getting rid of the agency that has taken on a high-profile role in President Donald Trumps second term. I feel vindicated that my take, you know, my fear was they were going to become brownshirts for Donald Trump, he said, referencing a Nazi paramilitary group. And thats what theyre doing now. Im not in favor of snatching people off the streets, Bryce said when asked again if he supported abolishing ICE. If somebody does something thats illegal, I dont have any problem with them being arrested. If theyre not here with documentation and they commit a crime, I have no problem with them being sent back to their country of origin, but thats not whats happening now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people are getting sent back to countries that theyve never lived in without due process, he added. Im in favor of due process for everyone. And I dont care, if they want to deport a million people, we need to have a million cases. Bryce also said this cycles race against Steil is different. While Steil in his first run for Congress in 2018 was a no name guy, Bryce said Steil has grown into Paul Ryans clone and now has his own voting record. He accused Steil of hiding from constituents. He absolutely has a record now, and hes all in with Trump, Bryce said of Steil. Let him carry Trump around like an anchor. Republicans in 2018 attacked Bryce over his legal history, which included decades-old arrests connected to incidents of drunken driving and possession of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming in a statement noted Bryce lost convincingly to Steil in 2018 and called him too extreme for Wisconsin. "Voters in the First Congressional District will be reminded that Bryce's radical agenda and nine arrests do not match the values of Wisconsin families, Schimming said. Steils campaign said Bryce has radical open-border and anti-law enforcement policies. Wisconsins 1st District is one of just two competitive House seats in Wisconsin. Redistricting in 2022 moved the seat from a nearly 10-point GOP advantage down to a 2-point lean as the district absorbed the historically blue city of Beloit and lost the Republican suburbs of southern Waukesha County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Democrats see the states western 3rd Congressional District, held by GOP U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, as a better pickup opportunity, a new challenge this month to Wisconsins congressional maps could make both districts more favorable for Democrats. Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who has been involved in helping Democrats unseat Van Orden, speculated that other Democrats could enter the 1st District race. I think youre going to see more primaries than youve probably seen in a few decades because people are so concerned about whats going on, Pocan told the Journal Sentinel. One of the avenues for people to express that concern is by running. Bryce, though, faces an uphill battle in his attempt to unseat Steil. Steil, 44, has won each election by nearly double digits and has proven to be a solid fundraiser. The Janesville Republican currently has more than $2.7 million in cash on hand. A video message from U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) appears via video at the 2025 Republican Party of Wisconsin State Convention on May 17, 2025, at the Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center in Rothschild, Wis. Still, Bryce raised more than $8 million to Steils about $2.3 million in 2018 something hell again have to tap into to be successful this cycle. Thats because people cared, people believed, and I want to get people to believe again, too, he said of the fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a campaign launch video this week, a narrator says Bryce refused to back down against career politicians in 2018. Now, as old enemies come out of the shadows, we need him one more time, the narrator said, referring to Bryce as someone who actually works for a living. We need to bring people together because it's the billionaires that are buying our country piecemeal in order to make slaves out of all of us, and thats something I cant accept Bryce told the Journal Sentinel. "I'd love to be sitting on my couch, you know, hanging out with my dog, he added. But things are just too important right now." (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Democrat Randy Bryce is launching a new challenge to Rep. Bryan Steil Ryan Peterman is a Democratic candidate for Iowa secretary of state. (Inset photo provided by Ryan Peterman campaign, background via Canva) Democrat Ryan Peterman announced he will run for Iowa secretary of state in the 2026 election. Peterman, 34, who grew up in Bettendorf. He served 10 years as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy, and later returned to work at the Naval Academy as a honor education officer. He also spent a year working as a legislative fellow for U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire. In a news release announcing his campaign, Peterman said these experiences give him a foundation to serve Iowans in the role with integrity, transparency, and nonpartisan professionalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Peterman said he would plan to focus on making voting more accessible for Iowans while protecting election security. Under the Republican trifecta at the Iowa Capitol, GOP lawmakers have passed several measures in recent years that Democrats say limits voters ability to participate in elections, such as shortening the early voting window and a ban on providing citizens with non-English ballots, voter registration forms and other materials. Iowa needs leaders who put country and community before politics Peterman said. Our elections should be free from partisan interference and focused on empowering voters. Im running for Secretary of State because I believe in making it easier not harder for eligible Iowans to legally vote, and I will fight every day to ensure they can trust that their voice will be heard and their ballot will be counted. The seat is currently held by Republican Paul Pate, who won his fourth reelection to office in 2022 against Democratic challenger Joel Miller, former Linn County auditor. Pate has not yet announced whether he intends to seek another term. Peterman also said he would focus on ensuring Iowans have faith in the states election systems. The most recent changes to Iowas voting laws came during the 2025 legislative session through a bill proposed by Pate allowing the Secretary of States office to contract with federal and state agencies, as well as private entities, for voter roll verification. The legislation also allows voters to be challenged at the polls over their citizenship status, and laid out a process for marking a voters registration status as unconfirmed if local or state officials have received information the voter may not be legally qualified to vote, primarily in cases involving unconfirmed citizenship status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes came following Pates directive to county auditors ahead of the 2024 general election to challenge the ballots of 2,176 voters identified as potential noncitizens based on state information that the Secretary of States office was unable to cross-check using a federal database. Pate said in March 277 people on the list were confirmed to not have U.S. citizenship, and 35 noncitizens cast ballots that were counted in the 2024 election. Peterman kicked off his campaign with an event at Grumpys Saloon in the Village of East Davenport, and plans to hold another campaign launch event in Des Moines Wednesday at Star Bar. NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) People in Craven County were joined by a handful of democratic leaders for a town hall Monday, May 19, 2025 in New Bern. None of the elected officials invited made an appearance at the event but some party leaders did. Answering citizens questions and discussing their concerns were Associate State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, State Democratic Chair Anderson Clayton and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee Reyna Walters-Morgan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the main topics discussed was healthcare, something Clayton is desperately hoping to change. The Trump administration does not seem interested in solving everyday peoples problems for why the health care system right now is so expensive and honestly, inaccessible, to people that need that access, especially in rural North Carolina, Clayton said. The officials took turns sharing concerns, including the gerrymandering of voting districts in North Carolina. Clayton said its an issue thats prohibiting the impact voters can have, but said they have a plan to fight it. The problem is that our state legislature is rigged against you from the get go, and republicans got to maintain power in the state, and thats the only way they can do it, Clayton said. Weve got a plan to fight back against it and its coming through our courts. Party officials said they want changes made and the party has to make changes too, one of which, is their messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, one of the things that we have to do is make sure that we are listening to voters and I think thats one area where we missed the mark last cycle, Walters-Morgan said. Republican Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, along with Congressman Greg Murphy were invited but were not in attendance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has arrested a sitting judge and a sitting mayor, leaving many to wonder whether a member of Congress might soon join the list. Wonder no more. The acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced on Monday that her office was charging Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., with "assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement." The basic elements of the story are straightforward. Earlier this month, a group of Democratic officials, including three members of Congress, visited Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in New Jersey. The point, according to the lawmakers, was to conduct oversight, which is a core congressional responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things did not go well, however, at Delaney Hall. There was a chaotic scene involving protesters, lawmakers and Trump administration agents, culminating in Ras Baraka, the Democratic mayor of New Jersey's Newark, getting arrested and being charged with trespassing. While Habba, a former Trump lawyer, claimed the mayor ignored multiple warnings to remove himself from the ICE detention center, Baraka soon after told MSNBCs Jen Psaki, After they finally told us to leave, and I told them I was leaving, they came outside the gate and arrested me. So it looked like it was targeted. (Habba also announced Monday that the charges against Mayor Baraka would be dropped.) Just as notable, however, was the involvement of three House Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez and McIver who said in a statement that they were met with contempt, disrespect, and aggression from ICE while they were conducting oversight. A day later, however, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security accused the members of Congress of having assaulted ICE officers and suggested criminal charges were a distinct possibility. Evidently, this was not meaningless posturing. On Capitol Hill, congressional Republicans, siding with ICE over their colleagues, have been exploring a variety of possible punishments for the Democratic trio, ranging from censure to the loss of committee assignments. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went further during Capitol Hill testimony last week, telling lawmakers the Democratic members in question dont deserve to be in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its against this backdrop that the Trump administration has now charged McIver. In the press release announcing the charges, Habba asserted, "No one is above the law politicians or otherwise." In a statement posted to X on Monday night, Rep. McIver said, "The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight." To be sure, there is plenty of modern precedent for sitting members of Congress getting charged with crimes, but this tends to happen when lawmakers are accused of corruption or engage in civil disobedience. The McIver case is qualitatively different. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault after a skirmish with federal officers outside an immigration detention center, said New Jerseys top federal prosecutor, who also announced Monday that she was dropping a trespassing case against the Newark mayor whose arrest led to the disturbance. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba wrote on social media that McIver is facing a charge of assaulting, impeding or interfering with law enforcement, but court papers providing details were not immediately released or publicly available online. The prosecution of McIver is a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress for allegations other than fraud or corruption. The case instantly taps into a much broader and more consequential power struggle between a Trump administration engaged in a sweeping overhaul of immigration policy and a Democratic party scrambling for ways to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within minutes of Habbas announcement, McIvers Democratic colleagues cast the prosecution as an infringement on lawmakers official duties to serve their constituents and an effort to silence their opposition to an immigration policy that helped propel the president back into power but now has emerged as divisive fault line in American political discourse. At the same time, Habba announced that her office agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor charge against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested after he attempted to join McIver and two other members of New Jerseys congressional delegation inspecting the facility in their oversight capacity. Habba said the decision was reached for the sake of moving forward" and said she has invited the mayor to tour the Delaney Hall detention center and will join him herself. The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe, Habba said in a statement. McIver has denied any wrongdoing and has accused federal agents of escalating the situation by arresting the mayor. She denounced the charge as purely political and said prosecutors are distorting her actions in an effort to deter legislative oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she said in a statement. "I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. A nearly two-minute clip released by the Homeland Security Department shows McIver on the facility side of a chain-link fence just before the arrest of the mayor on the street side of the fence. She and uniformed officials go through the gate and she joins others shouting surround the mayor. The video shows McIver in a tightly packed group of people and officers. At one point her left elbow and then her right elbow push into an officer wearing a dark face covering and an olive green uniform emblazoned with the word Police on it. It isnt clear from bodycam video whether that contact was intentional, incidental or a result of jostling in the chaotic scene. In a post on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said McIver was being charged after a thorough review of the video footage and investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a post on X. This Administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe. McIver's attorney called the decision to charge her spectacularly inappropriate, saying she went to Delaney Hall to do her job and she has the responsibility as a member of Congress to oversee U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's treatment of detainees. As of Monday night, neither McIver nor her attorneys had gotten charging documents from prosecutors, according to an emailed statement from a spokesperson for her attorney. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, Paul Fishman, the former U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said in a statement. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICEs behavior to Congresswoman McIver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter. Baraka, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in this years governors race, had repeatedly denied trespassing and said he had been invited inside the gate at one point before the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said in an emailed statement Monday that he was glad the case against him was dismissed. He said he will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees" and "continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations." Baraka called McIver a daughter of Newark and said he stood with her. I fully expect her to be vindicated, he said. McIver, 38, first came to Congress in September in a special election after the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. left a vacancy in the 10th District. She was then elected to a full term in November. A Newark native, she served as the president of the Newark City Council from 2022 to 2024 and worked in the citys public schools before that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democratic leaders decried the criminal case against their colleague in a lengthy statement in which they called the charge extreme, morally bankrupt and lacking any basis in law or fact. The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch, said the statement from Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York and other senior members of the party. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. Not today. Not ever. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, announced Tuesday she is running for lieutenant governor in next years midterm election, giving up a safe seat in the Texas House to seek one of the states most powerful offices. Goodwin has long been expected to run for the seat, currently held by Republican Dan Patrick, who has said he will seek reelection next year. The four-term Austin Democrat told the Tribune in 2023 she was mulling a run, and since then she has openly signaled her plans to allies. In a statement that did not mention Patrick by name, Goodwin accused Texas current leadership of tearing down our agencies and institutions, instead of building trust within our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe in building a Texas that works for all of usnot just the well-connected few, Goodwin said, announcing a list of priorities that included fully funding the states public schools and providing access to affordable housing, health care and abundant and clean water and power. Goodwins announcement came the day after she appointed a campaign treasurer for her lieutenant governor bid, the first formal step for a candidate to start raising money. Unseating Patrick will be a daunting task for any Democrat. The lieutenant governor is sitting on a war chest of more than $33 million, and he has many deep-pocketed conservative allies ready to ride to the rescue if he finds himself endangered. Texas Democrats have struggled to mount competitive statewide campaigns in recent years, including in 2022, when Patrick won reelection by 10 percentage points. But the party is hoping for more favorable conditions next year, driven by backlash to President Donald Trump and the prospect of Attorney General Ken Paxton a Republican who has faced various legal scandals leading the ballot if he is nominated for the U.S. Senate over incumbent John Cornyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the first midterm under Trump, Democrat Beto ORourke came within 3 percentage points of defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Patrick won reelection by nearly 5 percentage points that year. Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. Goodwin will have to make up significant ground financially, with just over $150,000 in her campaign account as of Dec. 31, the last date covered by public campaign finance reports. Goodwin, a 58-year-old real estate agent, has served in the Texas House since 2019, representing a district that covers parts of west and north Austin and the western side of Travis County, including parts of Bee Cave and Lakeway. She is seen as one of the more liberal members of the state House and currently serves on the chambers Appropriations and Insurance committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Goodwin running for lieutenant governor, Travis County Democratic Party Chair Pooja Sethi who also serves as Goodwins chief of staff is vying to fill her boss open seat. Sethi announced she is stepping down as party chair in June, and she recently filed paperwork to run in Goodwins district. Sethi made her bid official on Tuesday, launching her campaign with the backing of Goodwin and numerous other Austin-area officials. Rep. Goodwin has been a tireless advocate for our district, & Im ready to build on that work with the same grit, presence, & relentless drive to deliver for our community, Sethi wrote on social media. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 1315 in Austin. Get your tickets today! WASHINGTON A crypto bill cleared a key Senate hurdle on Monday as a group of Democrats got back on board with the legislation after balking over President Donald Trumps digital asset self-enrichment schemes. The Senate voted 66-32 to proceed to the legislation, with 16 Democrats in favor and two Republicans against. By helping Republicans pass the legislation, the 16 Senate Democrats are doing a big favor for a little-respected industry that poured money into last years elections and is now threatening to oust lawmakers who get in its way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill had been set to pass earlier this month but Democrats voted no as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) raised alarms about Trumps ethically dubious plans to host a private dinner for the biggest buyers of his meme coin. Now the bill is back, with modest changes, but it still contains no ban on Trump selling crypto from the White House. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), one of the lead negotiators on the recent changes, signaled earlier on Monday it was the best they could do. Many senators, myself included, have very real concerns about the Trump familys use of crypto technologies to evade oversight, hide shady financial dealings, and personally profit at the expense of everyday Americans, Warner said in a statement. But we cannot allow that corruption to blind us to the broader reality: blockchain technology is here to stay, Warner said. If American lawmakers dont shape it, others will and not in ways that serve our interests or democratic values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warner voted for the bill along with fellow Democratic Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), John Fetterman (Pa.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Martin Heinrich (N.M.), Ben Ray Lujan (N.M.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Alex Padilla (Calif.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Adam Schiff (Calif.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.). The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation in U.S. Stablecoins, or GENIUS Act, would set up regulations for stablecoins, a type of digital asset with a fixed value that is often used in transactions. The bills backers see it as the first step in winning legitimacy for an industry best known for scams and speculation. The Trump family has been making millions from both stablecoins and meme coins since Trump took office this year, and the president is set to host a dinner and reception Thursday for the 225 biggest investors in his $TRUMP coin, which, like other meme coins, has no inherent value. Ezra Levin, co-director of the progressive group Indivisible, said Senate Democrats are muddying the partys message as Trump sells coins while Republicans pass tax cuts for the rich funded by cuts to programs for the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week should be about two things: Republicans in Congress doing a smash and grab to gut Medicaid to give huge tax breaks to billionaires, and Donald Trump accepting massive bribes in the form of crypto payments and multi-million dollar jets, Levin said. Instead of that clear message, a handful of Senate Dems decided theyd rather do a big favor for the crypto industry and legitimize an avenue for Trump to collect bribes. Democrats won several small changes to the bill, including a ban on publicly traded companies issuing their own stablecoins, something critics feared would allow companies to force customers to use their own special currency. The bill would still allow private nonfinancial companies to issue stablecoins, and public companies could apply for an exemption. In a floor speech on Monday, Warren said the bill essentially legitimizes the industry Trump is using for his own self-enrichment, noting one industry analysis found the law would vastly expand the market for stablecoins. It is fitting that we are voting on the GENIUS Act just a few days before President Trump hosts a private intimate dinner and a VIP White House tour for the top investors in his meme coin many of whom remain anonymous, Warren said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, for this first time in American history, it also makes our president Donald Trump the regulator of his own financial product, Warren said. The Senate will still have to hold more votes on the bill before it can pass, but getting enough Democratic support to defeat a filibuster on Monday evening was the biggest obstacle to its eventually clearing the chamber. Democrats say the charges against Rep. LaMonica Mciver are the Trump administration's attempt to silence its critics. (Courtesy of McIver's office) The Trump administrations move to charge Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement during a protest outside a migrant jail in Newark earlier this month was met with sharp criticism by Democratic lawmakers Monday. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-08), who was with McIver at the protest, said she is owed an apology by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every American should see this for what it is: the weaponization of the justice system in a shameful attempt to bully and intimidate those of us who stand in the way of the presidents agenda, Menendez said. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12), who was also with McIver that day, called the charges baseless. This prosecution is wrong and alarming, as it is just one more example of the Trump administration ignoring the rule of law and attempting to run roughshod over the other branches of government here, the Congress, Watson Coleman said. The three Democrats say they were the migrant jail, Delaney Hall, on May 9 to inspect the facilities as part of their oversight role. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat, was also there as part of a dayslong push to inspect the facility, which he claims opened illegally without proper city permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When federal agents moved to arrest Baraka, McIver and others surrounded him, and video shows she pushed past one of the agents. Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing and released from detention later that day. When acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges against McIver Monday, she said she was dismissing the charge against Baraka. Baraka said he expects McIver to be vindicated. Sen. Andy Kim (D) called the charges against McIver the Trump administrations attempt to intimidate those who dare speak against them or expose the truth. The Congresswoman was in the process of conducting oversight, which is her right and responsibility. Its important that we stand up to protect that right, and Im proud to join my colleagues to stand beside her to ensure that the people of our state can never be silenced, Kim said. Habbas statement announcing the charges said congressional oversight is important but not an issue in this case. McIver assaulted, impeded, and interefered with law enforcement, Habba said, and her conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforement official in the State of New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties, Habba said. Its not clear when McIver is due in court. As of Tuesday morning, Habbas office had not released any charging documents in the case. The American Civil Liberties Union joined Democrats in criticizing Habba for charging McIver and demanded the charges be dropped. The Trump administrations political charges against Congresswoman McIver is a method more suited for authoritarianism than American democracy. Elected officials represent the people, not the administrations interests. They have every right to exercise their legally authorized oversight responsibilities for expanded immigration detention in New Jersey, Mike Zamore, the groups national director of policy and government affairs, and Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey, said in a joint statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ashley Kern knew she wanted to care for people in their most difficult moments. She took nursing classes during her junior and senior years at Maryvale High School. She dreamed of a career as a nurse. But late one Saturday night in March 2016 three months shy of high school graduation her life changed forever. While leaving a party in Buffalo, she was struck by gunfire intended for someone else. Ashley, at 17, was paralyzed from the chest down. After the incident, Ashley said she felt like her life was over. Her dreams of becoming a nurse faded into the background. I thought I would never have a job again, she recalled, like I didnt even think that there was a life beyond that, because I was in such denial of what had happened. So I couldnt even think into the future of what anything would look like. Now 26, Ashley is finally living her dream. She is about six months in as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, working in one of the most critical areas of one of the regions busiest hospitals. There, she works alongside her twin sister, Alexandria, who graduated with her from Trocaire College in December 2023. Adrian Cyman, clinical resource coordinator at Mercy Hospital, called Ashley a true pioneer in what she is doing, someone who is already a good nurse, but also is capable of inspiring others to keep pursuing their dreams. Michelle Wild, the hospitals nursing director, said Ashley and Catholic Health have been learning new methods and tools together, but its Ashleys drive and passion that are making her successful at Mercy Hospital. Ashley also adds new perspectives and diversity to the nursing team, which has been evident in some of her patient interactions. I think people were pretty astounded to see theres not much that she cant do, Wild said. Out of that dark space Ashley, her sister and friends went to a house party on March 12, 2016, near Canisius University after learning about it from social media. Within 20 minutes of being there, they decided to leave. Ashley walked down the front steps of the Glendale Place home and headed toward where their car was parked. Thats when she heard gunshots. She started to run. I dont even remember getting shot, she recalled. I just remember waking up on the ground and not knowing what had happened. Teen paralyzed by bullet meant for someone else lives with the what ifs Police say 17-year-old Ashley Kern was an innocent victim when she was shot leaving a house party near Canisius College in March. The Cheektowaga teen fights every day to regain her ability to walk and reclaim the active life she once But she knew something was wrong. A bullet missed her heart by two millimeters, but struck her spine and collapsed her right lung. Doctors determined she was paralyzed at the T4 spinal cord level, or from the chest down. Ashley spent 17 days at Erie County Medical Center and then two months at an inpatient rehabilitation facility in New Jersey. Even after she came home to Cheektowaga, she made weekly trips to New Jersey for three days of physical therapy and treatment. At one point, she and her dad got an apartment for six months in New Jersey while she did therapy daily. Ashley said she struggled to accept the injury and learn to live with her new reality. Some days, she didnt want to leave the house. She felt uncomfortable and insecure in her wheelchair. She watched those around her move on with their lives, graduate from college and start their careers. Ashley said she felt as though she was on the sidelines. Then, one day in 2021, Ashley said she decided: I cant stop my life because Im in this chair. She was done holding herself back from what she wanted to accomplish. And she stopped seeing the wheelchair as a negative, but instead as a tool that allowed her to get around and have more freedom. It took a while to get out of that dark space, but once I did, it was just game over and just dream-chasing from then on out, she said. It was decided: She was going to become a nurse. And, the way the timing worked out, her sister would be there with her. Live out our dream Alexandria Kern, at 11 or 12, was swimming in the pool one day with her dad when he brought up the idea of a nursing career. Alexandria, whose grandmother was a nurse, knew she wanted to help people, and there was something about the way her dad spoke about nursing and its importance. From then on, she wanted to be a nurse. We both had always wanted to be nurses, said Alexandria, who is four minutes older than Ashley. I always wanted to be one, but I didnt want to be one without Ashley, if that makes sense. I dont know how to describe it, like I just wanted us to live out our dream. While the timing wasnt planned, Alexandria finished her two-year degree at SUNY Erie Community College at about the same time as Ashley completed her prerequisite courses. They applied to nursing schools together and were accepted at Trocaire. It literally just worked out exactly how it was meant to, Alexandria said. Nursing school had its tough days, but the sisters had each other. The Covid-19 pandemic and nurse staffing struggles just reassured them that they were needed. Alexandria, who worked at Mercy Hospital as an administrative assistant while going to nursing school, listened to stories from the facilitys nurses and knew she wanted to be a part of it. After Alexandrias name was called at Trocaires commencement ceremony in December 2023, she walked across the stage, received her diploma, shook hands and stopped at the top of the stairs before walking down. She wanted to see Ashley receive her diploma. In June 2016, Ashleys name was called at their high school graduation, but Ashley was not there. Finally, the sisters always together aside from six difficult months when Ashley lived in New Jersey were on the same stage, graduating together as registered nurses. Alexandria started as an ICU nurse at Mercy in March 2024, and Ashley joined her there in December. Even just being in a unit, Alexandria said, Ill walk past her in her patients room and just kind of smile to myself and think, OK, here we are. Care for others in their darkest moments On March 12, nine years after the shooting, Ashley posted on Facebook about how her life had changed. Since starting her career in Mercys ICU, she wrote about how she was waking up excited instead of defeated. I wake up with a sense of purpose, Ashley wrote. I wake up knowing that maybe this is the reason I survived. To have cheated death by 2mm. That the universe knew I had a calling greater than myself: to care for others in their darkest moments, just as I once experienced. Her passion, and that sense of purpose, push her everyday to learn more. Outside of work, she spends hours researching equipment that can help her tackle obstacles that arise. For instance, she purchased extendable reachers to make it easier to hang IV medications. Right now, shes working on getting a standing wheelchair that would provide her the height to perform chest compressions. She wants it more than anybody and you can tell, and it shows in her nursing practice, said Angela Delecki, a registered nurse in the ICU and Ashleys preceptor (an experienced nurse who mentors new nurses). The patient interactions stick with Ashley, especially one from about two months ago. The person, who was paralyzed from the neck down, had started as Alexandrias patient. Alexandria had struggled to get him to talk. After talking to the patients mother, who had recognized Alexandria and Ashley from a prior interview, Alexandria decided to bring Ashley in to talk to him. In an instant, the patients mood changed. Alexandria watched as the patients eyes lit up. Ashley and the patient kept talking. He told her: You changed my life by just coming in here. Ashley, who just a few years earlier wasnt sure becoming a nurse was possible, said that moment will stick with me for the rest of my life. House Democratic leadership sharply condemned the criminal charge announced Monday night against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who is facing an assault charge stemming from a skirmish with law enforcement earlier this month at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, N.J. In a joint statement, the House Democrats rejected the assault characterization of their colleagues actions and suggested the rare charge against a sitting member of Congress reflects an effort to stifle oversight, which is permitted by law. The criminal charge against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact, read the statement, signed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.), Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (Calif.) and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (Colo.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch wherever and whenever it is needed, they continued. We are lawfully permitted to show up at any federal facility unannounced to conduct an inspection on behalf of the American people. The lawmakers added, By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office. The announcement marks the first time President Trumps Justice Department has criminally charged a sitting lawmaker during his second term, a major escalation stemming from a visit to the Delaney Hall ICE detention center earlier this month that McIver took with fellow New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, as well ass Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D). The House leaders, in their statement, pushed back on interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who brought the charge, noting that when the New Jersey Democrats visited the facility, they didnt assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also noted that after the alleged shoving took place, all three members of Congress were ultimately granted access to the facility and administration officials gave them a tour that lasted approximately one hour. There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong, Jeffries and the leadership team wrote. The House Democrats called the initiated proceeding a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch, and they pledged to respond in the coming days. House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration, the statement said. Not today. Not ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions, the group continued. An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing. Other House Democrats similarly condemned the charge against their colleague. New Democratic Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) called the charge yet another example of the Trump Administrations continued assault on the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the American people and to Members of Congress who have the duty of oversight. Schneider said McIver did nothing wrong and is now the target of the Trump administrations lawless campaign of persecution. He called on members of Congress to speak out against the charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Dems will not back down, and we refuse to be silenced, Schneider wrote. We will continue to advocate for Congresswoman McIver and will not rest until the precious rights and freedoms of every American are protected. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), ranking member on the House Budget Committee, learned his colleague had been charged during an interview on MSNBC on Monday night and called the news chilling. The reason why theyre doing this is to shut me and my Democratic colleagues up. Theyre doing it to make us afraid, he said about the charge. Its not going to work. If anything, it will only strengthen our resolve. But make no mistake about it, this is not normal. It is not the sort of thing that happens in a healthy democracy. It is truly chilling. And I would urge all of my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, Boyle continued, urging his fellow Democratic and Republican colleagues to condemn the charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver also issued a statement online Monday evening condemning the charge. The lawmaker placed blame on the ICE agents for creating an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation and accused the administration of mischaracterizing her actions. The administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Scene Almost one year ago, Rep. Lloyd Doggett became the first Democrat in Congress to urge Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign. The Texan, only four years younger than the now-former president, got plenty of flak for it. These days, as Democrats try to move past the 2024 campaign and Bidens disclosure this week that hes battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Doggett feels somewhat vindicated even if he wont describe it quite that way. Clearly, there were some people around the president that were in denial, he told Semafor, adding that Bidens diagnosis is sad and wishing him a full recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He should have been a transitional president, as he said initially he would be, Doggett added. And the only regret I have is not having moved earlier. The Tuesday release of Original Sin, a book focused on the obfuscation of Bidens declining faculties by those closest to him, is sparking the partys umpteenth reckoning on Bidens choice. Many Democrats say voters dont ask them about him, but his diagnosis has added a tense twist to publication week: Speculation by some Republicans that the cancer might have been discovered earlier, but hidden for political purposes, has offered the former presidents colleagues an opening to defend him if they choose to take it. And several of them did take the opportunity to seek sympathy for Biden, as the book raises uncomfortable questions about senior Democrats willingness to challenge the then-presidents decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its revealing, but not surprising, that theyre so cruel as somebody suffers, said Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. He ran for president in 2019, urging Biden to pass the torch to a younger generation. There are Republicans who are peddling conspiracy theories and want us to look backward, at a time when they actually are taking health care away from the American people, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Monday. No. As House Democrats, were going to look forward. Yet no Democrat was ready to second-guess the partys abandonment of Biden in favor of a doomed Kamala Harris campaign. Had Biden stayed in and won, the party would now be dealing with an ailing president and more Republican questions about who knew what about his condition. Democrats who worried about nominating an elderly candidate in 2020 had lost the argument with their voters; in 2024, they paid for it. The new book, co-authored by Axios Alex Thompson and CNNs Jake Tapper, portrays congressional Democrats as nervous and trusting, airing fears about the presidents ability to perform and win in 2024 that were waved off by dissembling White House staffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book illustrates a small group of Biden advisers engaged in a cover-up: top Jill Biden aide Anthony Bernal, longtime Biden strategist Mike Donilon, and both of the former presidents chiefs of staff. They were very anxious about rolling the dice on any young candidate because of Trump. They wanted a seasoned hand, Swalwell said of his fellow congressional Democrats. I do think that an earlier change certainly would have served us better. The View From Conservatives Republicans wished Biden well after his diagnosis but didnt move off their basic position: that Democrats and the media engaged in the greatest cover-up in history when it came to his declining capabilities, and they were not done asking questions about it. I blame him less than I blame the people around him, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on his way to Rome after news the diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe that they just found out Friday, because theyre not credible on anything theyve done, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) told Fox News of the Biden family. Leo Terrell, a senior Trump Justice Department official, suggested on X that Jill Biden had committed elder abuse by encouraging her husband to run again. But contains no evidence of a theory that many MAGA-aligned Republicans have entertained for years: that someone else was running the country, not Biden. Room for Disagreement Some Democrats are so queasy about the flogging Biden gets in that theyre edging away from past conclusions that his reelection bid was misguided from the start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, who narrowly lost her seat last year, is quoted in the book worrying that she cannot campaign with Joe Biden and if I defend the president, I lose my integrity. As the books release approached, she took another tone. We would be so much better off if Dems had unified behind him, Wild wrote on X over the weekend. Davids view Democrats who want questions about Biden to go away will probably never be satisfied. What might have happened, had he not run again, is a counter-factual up there with What if Lincoln had kept Hannibal Hamlin on the ticket? and What if Ted Kennedy had tossed the keys to a designated driver? Too many 2028 hopefuls are on tape defending Bidens acuity, or at least his decisions some (like Pete Buttigieg) from inside the Cabinet. Democratic primary voters may not want to revisit Biden and may even reward candidates who attack the media for asking about it; that attitude, however, put them where they are today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But is only partly about other Democrats, who mostly come off as loyal, nervous, weak, and finally, betrayed. Their betrayers are unlikely to matter again in party politics. Donilon is reported as promising to share polling that can show Bidens path to victory, then not doing it. Bernal shuts down challenges to the president by saying that Jill isnt going to like this. A critical reader might connect Bernals defense of the Bidens to the anonymously sourced negative stories the New York Post ran about him last year. And a more cynical reader might want Tapper to be more introspective and ask: Why didnt the press uncover this stuff sooner? The answer in is that Bidens inner circle protected him from scrutiny and reacted to a drumbeat of age questions which started before he was inaugurated by tightening that circle. But throughout the campaign, key figures in press never stopped covering Bidens age and its impact on voters. During that fatal June debate with Trump, for example, when CNN colleague Dana Bash heard Biden mutter that we finally beat Medicaid, she passed Tapper a note: He just lost the election. Bidens camp inherited his distaste for the Beltway media and his confidence that he could bounce back from anything. Perhaps their biggest sin was looking at the friendly media infrastructure built around Donald Trump that still tosses him softballs, and asking: Can we get one of those? Notable A group of senators is warning Shari Redstone that the Paramount chief shareholders push to reach a settlement with Donald Trump in his lawsuit against CBS News could potentially be in violation of federal bribery laws. In a letter sent by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) on Tuesday, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the legislators warned Paramount may be engaging in improper conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its merger with Skydance Media. The letter was sent just hours after CBS News president Wendy McMahon was forced out amid the ongoing tensions over Trumps $20 billion lawsuit, which accuses the network of deceptively editing a 60 Minutes interview with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris last October. The complaint, which legal experts have said is meritless and would likely fail in court, alleges that CBS engaged in election interference to help Harris defeat Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the same senators urged Redstone two weeks ago not to cave to the president and settle the lawsuit in an effort to push through Paramounts proposed merger with Skydance Media. The merger needs the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, which is chaired by Trump loyalist Brendan Carr. The FCC chief, who has served as the presidents attack dog against legacy media outlets, has said that the CBS lawsuit was likely to arise in the context of the FCC review of the merger. Paramount's top shareholder Shari Redstone received a letter from a trio of Democratic senators looking into potential anti-bribery violations amid Trump settlement talks. A spokesperson for Redstone declined to comment. The senators noted that when the president first filed his lawsuit as a private citizen before last years election, the network had called the case completely without merit, suggesting that current efforts to settle the suit now that Trump is in office could be illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the federal bribery statute, it is illegal to corruptly give anything of value to public officials to influence an official act, the letter stated. If Paramount officials make these concessions in a quid pro quo arrangement to influence President Trump or other Administration officials, they may be breaking the law. On top of that, the lawmakers referenced the recent resignations of McMahon and 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens, who both said that apologizing for the Harris interview as part of a settlement was a red line for them, as proof that the corporation was attempting to moderate the networks content to appease the president. Paramounts scheme to curry favor with the Trump Administration has compromised journalistic independence and raises serious concerns of corruption and improper conduct, the senators noted. Paramounts apparent capitulation to President Trump is a sharp contrast from its earlier position that it would vigorously defend against the lawsuit. The Democratic lawmakers are asking Paramount if it made any changes to 60 Minutes programming to facilitate approval of the merger and if it believes that the presidents lawsuit has any merit, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redstone, who has made it clear she wants to settle with Trump to help the merger go through, installed CBS veteran producer Susan Zirinsky as the new executive editor overseeing the standards of 60 Minutes earlier this year. This was not only in response to the lawsuit, but also over content Redstone who is a supporter of Jewish and Israeli causes felt was antisemitic or too sympathetic towards Gaza. Furthermore, with the president once again raging about the programs segments that he felt were too harsh towards him, Redstone recently asked CBS CEO George Cheeks to possibly delay sensitive stories about Trump until the Skydance merger was completed. Notably, a story about Trumps mass-firing of IRS employees that was scheduled to air on Sunday nights season finale was bumped due to late developments in the story. While the report was cut by the producers for editorial reasons, the segment had become a point of contention behind the scenes, with Cheeks even considering airing a primetime special in 60 Minutes place. Shortly after Owens announced his resignation last month, citing a loss of editorial independence, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley delivered an on-air rebuke of the corporate bosses. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways, Pelley said, adding that this was amid the company seeking to complete a merger that needed the administrations approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the question of whether this is extortion has repeatedly come up within the CBS newsroom, sources told The Independent. On top of that, while the Democratic senators may not have much investigatory power due to the GOP being in the majority, Paramount executives have wondered if they could be held liable for settling the lawsuit. Company executives in recent weeks have talked about the risk that paying such a settlement could expose directors and officers to liability in potential future shareholder litigation or criminal charges for bribing a public official, the Wall Street Journal reported in February. With the departures of McMahon and Owens, many within the network sense that a settlement is now imminent. At the same time, though, mediation talks between Trumps legal team and Paramount recently broke down, with the two sides still far apart on a settlement. While Disney recently settled a similar lawsuit with Trump for $15 million, CNN is reporting that Paramount could pay between $30 to 50 million to the president. DENVER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office arrested two suspects after a break-in was reported at a Denver business Monday. Firearms were reportedly stolen in the break-in. According to detectives, five of the stolen firearms were recovered from a residence in Charlotte after utilizing the newly installed license plate reader cameras. Detectives were able to locate a suspect vehicle, determine who the vehicle belonged to and conduct a follow-up investigation at one of the suspects residences in Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives arrested two men involved and recovered five firearms. Both suspects were charged with breaking into the business and larceny of the firearms. Divine Rodziewicz was charged with 10 felony counts of larceny of a firearm and one felony count each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and conspiracy. Rodziewicz is being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $70,000 bond. Dashawn Donaldson was charged with 10 felony counts of larceny of a firearm and one felony count each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and conspiracy. Donaldson is also being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $70,000 bond. Detectives credit the new license plate reader technology for developing a lead in this case, much quicker than traditional methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to detectives, the case is still under investigation and more charges may be coming. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Two planes at LaGuardia Airport had a recent near-miss following an apparent miscommunication between controllers and now the incident is under federal investigation. The runway collision almost occurred May 6 when a departing Republic Airways jet barreled into the path of a United Airlines plane that was still taxiing across the runway. The jet was forced to abort takeoff. Tower audio from the terrifying incident obtained by ABC from LiveATC reveals an air traffic controller telling the Republic Airways pilot, Sorry, I thought United had cleared well before that. Two planes had a near-miss at LaGuardia Airport due to an apparent miscommunication between ai traffic controllers on May 6. AP As the controller was directing the Republic Airways jet about to take off, a ground controller on another radio frequency was directing the United aircraft to a new taxiway to exit the runway after it missed the first one, AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board announced Monday they were investigating. LaGuardia is one of 35 US airports to be equipped with state-of-the-art FAA radar system called ASDS-X specifically designed to prevent runway close calls. However, the rate of 30 runway incursions per 1 million airport takeoffs and landings has held steady for 10 years. The remaining 490 airports in the US use standard control towers, where air traffic controllers are still using antiquated technology like binoculars to monitor aircraft on the ground. Systems like ASDS-X are on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffys wish list if Congress passes his multibillion-dollar plan to bring Americas aging air traffic control infrastructure up to date. Duffy last month decried the outdated technology relied upon by air traffic control towers as consisting of copper wire and floppy disks. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board announced that the May 6 incident is under investigations. REUTERS LaGuardia has said it plans to install additional measures to help further mitigate similar near-miss incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The close call is just the latest in a series of airplane mishaps at some of the busiest airports in the US. Newark Liberty International Airport has been beset by system outages over recent weeks because of aging technology run out of Philadelphia. In February, an American Airlines flight was forced to abort its landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, to avoid a plane taking off on the same runway. With Post wires YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Trumbull County African American Achievers Associations goal is to celebrate its culture and with that comes one big party. Monday, TCAAAA organizers discussed the upcoming three-day heritage festival at Courthouse Square. It kicks off June 7 with a parade at 10:30 a.m. For the full interview, watch the video in the video player above. This conversation continues Tuesday. Check back here for segment two of the interview. 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. RUSK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A man was arrested Monday morning after breaking into a womans home in Rusk County and assaulting her with a cooking pan, officials said. Mugshot of Christopher Lee Heard, courtesy of Rusk County Jail According to the Rusk County Sheriffs Office, they received an early morning call about a home burglary in progress and when they arrived on scene they heard screaming from inside. Rusk County deputies arrest man after breaking into home, assaulting woman with cooking pan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said deputies forced their way inside and found the suspect, Christopher Lee Heard, who had broken into the home and then assaulted a woman with a cooking pan. Deputies arrested Heard for burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a felony (aggravated assault) and is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Rusk County Jail. The victim was transported to a Tyler hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. DES MOINES, Iowa Last year, the city of Des Moines passed a camping ordinance to ban homeless individuals from sleeping and camping in public places. The penalty for those caught violating the ordinance is a $15 fine. Monday night, the council approved a change to allow churches to act as emergency shelters for homeless people. Southwest Iowa water system struggling to come back online Churches would open during extreme temperature situations when temperatures reach above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees. City leaders say this change would allow places of worship to provide this assistance, but say it is not mandatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing for the city, you know, what we can do as a community, not just the city, but looking at our faith-based leaders, other nonprofits being able to help. This is a time of need. Theres, theres not enough places where people can stay. And I think in the time of need, expanding the churches to be able to do this, enabling them to do this, is a step in the right direction, said Chris Johansen, Neighborhood Services Department Director for the city of Des Moines. Des Moines leaders say theyre willing to work with area churches on providing assistance they may need to help people during that time. Iowa news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday. DeSantis touted the Hope Florida initiative spearheaded by his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis. DeSantis: Florida due for a break this hurricane season Hope Florida is a welfare assistance initiative aimed at directing Floridians away from public financial help, instead leaning on private organizations and faith-based groups. They said how Hope Florida is not an agency, but rather, a rewiring of how the government operates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about politics, this is about doing good on behalf of the people who deserve a chance for someone to fight for them, Casey DeSantis said. This program is aimed at helping to get people on the path of self-sufficiency. Governor DeSantis said over 3,000 participants have secured employment, with 87% getting a wage increase within 6 months on the job. As of today, we can announce over 500 employers are offering job opportunities just through the Hope Florida initiative alone, he said. Whether you need help to find food, shelter, enter the workforce, the DeSantis said this program helps with it all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can link somebody with the prospect of having stable employment, that is going to be something that is going to be meaningful, not just for the recipients, but also for any dependents that they may have and that could be a lifetime worth of earnings, said the Governor. The initiative became embroiled in scandal after accusations that $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds were donated to the foundation. That money then ended up in the hands of political action committees with ties to DeSantis, according to lawmakers who led an investigation into the matter. The governor and first lady continued to defend the initiative in the news conference Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that everything that has been thrown at it is pure politics. I dont think its appropriate to be doing politics, whether its a congressional or a state committee, Gov. DeSantis said. As of now, Hope Florida has helped 30,000 Floridians no longer rely on public assistance, or reduce their reliance. If you need help, the number to call is 833-GET-HOPE. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Gov. Ron DeSantis says prominent ex-Democrats may run for governor next year as no-party independent or third-party candidates because the Democratic Party label has become toxic in Florida. Youre seeing this stuff about a three-way race because people know if you have a D next to your name in this state, you are dead meat because this party is a disaster, the Republican governor said. DeSantis, who narrowly won the 2018 election and won a blowout victory in 2022, delivered his political analysis in response to a question at a news conference in Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ran through a long list of issues on which he said Democratic Party views diverge from what most voters want. If you look at all the things that weve done, the Democrat Party in this state fought us tooth and nail, he said, citing his policies on reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, and government money for people sending their children to private schools. On crime, DeSantis said, Democrats wanted to have California-style policies. Thats the type of stuff that they wanted and so I think what youre seeing is youre seeing an effort for people to try to think if they remove that albatross around their neck, then somehow theyre going to be viable, DeSantis said of potential no party/independent or third-party candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But heres the thing: You can dress it up anyway you want. If you put lipstick on a donkey, guess what? That things still a donkey, he said. The Democrats longtime symbol has been a donkey. The Florida Democratic Party didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Ex-Democrat Jason Pizzo, a state senator, has said hes running as a no-party affiliation/independent candidate for governor. Ex Democrat John Morgan, the well-known personal injury lawyer, plans to form a new political party that could be a vehicle for him to run next year. Democrats are in terrible shape in Florida. The party hasnt won an election for governor in more than three decades, havent won a top-tier race since 2012, and have fallen behind Republicans in registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Republican Party leaders were gathering in Miami-Dade County to celebrate their overtaking Democrats in the number of active registered voters in the states largest county. If inactive voters, who still can cast ballots, are included, Democrats are still ahead. Related Articles The governor and his wife, Casey DeSantis, were in Tampa to talk up the Hope Florida program, her initiative to help single parents, people on public assistance, seniors and others who need help get assistance, often through religious organizations. Its been under scrutiny, including by Republicans, for its financial practices. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Times first reported that a prosecutors office opened an investigation relating to the Hope Florida Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casey DeSantis hasnt said if she plans to seek the Republican nomination for governor next year, when term limits prevent her husband from running for reelection. She didnt provide any clarity about her plans on Tuesday. After the governors assessment of the Democrats, Casey Desantis said, All I have to say is Preach, brother. I mean its true. Weve got to save the free state. She demurred about next years election. We literally just went through an election cycle, and people are so tired of politics. She then offered criticism about these career politicians. She answered after a reporter said he wanted to pose a question to her during the question-and-answer session that followed both DeSantises talking about Hope Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can ask it to me and if I think its good for her to answer Ill pass it along, DeSantis said. After hearing the question, DeSantis said, Ill let her come up and take a swing if she wants to, before giving his views. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. Carson Waterman recalled being beaten with a rubber hose because he and his friends skipped school. Sandra Jemison said her cousin was raped by a school official. NY Senate apologizes for state's role in horrors at Thomas Indian School in Irving Trying to help mend the state's deeply troubled history with the nine Indigenous nations within its borders, the New York State Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Monday to apologize for the state's role in the "cultural erasure" inflicted on children who attended the former Thomas Indian School on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Lucille White said she was punched by a superintendent when she was about 10 years old, as severe punishment for misspeaking. All three people were students decades ago at the Thomas Indian School on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory in Irving. They were among thousands of children from various Native Nations who were separated from their families and forced to attend the school and other residential boarding schools across the United States and Canada to be assimilated into mainstream culture. On Tuesday, all three were present to witness history and to receive a long-overdue apology for what they endured. Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a formal apology to the Seneca people, as well as former students and their descendants, on behalf of New York State. Hochul also met privately with Seneca councilors and other Nation leaders. Her visit Tuesday was the first time a sitting New York governor has officially visited the Seneca Nation territory. In order to move forward and avoid repeating the sins of the past, New York must acknowledge its role in the historical atrocities committed at the Thomas Indian School and the enduring trauma that was inflicted upon the Senecas and all Indigenous peoples across New York, Hochul said. Today, on behalf of the state of New York, I apologize to the Seneca Nation of Indians and the survivors and descendants from all Nations who attended the Thomas Indian School. We cannot change the horrors of the past, but I recommit to the truth, justice, reconciliation, accountability and healing that are so essential to move forward together, she added. The ceremony was held at the William Seneca Administration building, which was built on the former campus of the Thomas Indian School. A red brick building that was once the schools infirmary was repurposed as the Seneca Nation Tribal Courts Building. It is a sacred ground here on the Seneca Nation, Cattaraugus territory, because of the history here, because of our people, the resilience of our Seneca Nation, of our people, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said. And you know everything that we stand for, our values, our traditions, our customs, our language, our ability to find our way through the many challenges that we face in life and to be still here today, he said. Its a testament to our ancestors and to our people of today. Hochul, the first Western New York governor since the school closed in 1957, appeared in Irving to deliver her long-awaited remarks. Seneca, who was elected in November, revealed in March that Hochul would apologize on behalf of the state, which ran the institution from 1875 through 1957. The children who were students there were stripped of their traditional language and culture. Abuse at the Thomas Indian School, which included physical and sexual abuse and forced labor, later manifested itself in drug addiction, depression, chronic illness, violence, self-hatred and survivors guilt among its former students, the Seneca Nation said. Seneca said his father and grandmother both suffered at Indian schools. His father, former Seneca Nation President William Seneca, attended the Thomas Indian School. And Senecas grandmother was removed from her family when she was 11 and forced to attend Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, he said. The Thomas Indian School was a boarding school initially known as the Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children. It opened in 1855 on the Seneca Cattaraugus Territory. The state took it over in 1875, eventually changing its name to the Thomas Indian School. The Department of the Interior launched an initiative in 2021 to investigate the history of the schools, which existed from 1819 to the 1970s. The federal department also designed a program called The Road to Healing, a 12-stop tour that allowed Indigenous survivors to share their stories with the federal government. Hochuls apology on behalf of the state government was well-received, but bittersweet for some who attended the ceremony. From my perspective, shed never understand it the way I do, of course, because she didnt experience. She didnt live it. Different kids were abused if you misbehave, and the punishment wasnt just a slap on the butt. It was sometimes severe punishment, said White, who was placed in the school when she was 4. The separation that we endured. We were not part of a family anymore. Seneca healing circle to focus on generations of boarding school trauma J.C. Seneca, owner of Native Pride Travel Plaza in Irving, will host a health and healing expo Saturday, which starts with a talking/healing circle to explore healthy ways to address addiction, mental illness and race-based intergenerational trauma. Hochuls Tuesday visit fulfilled a pledge she made to the Seneca president during a visit Nation leaders made to Albany earlier this year. Hochul said the official apology is an example of her administrations commitment to support and strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples across the state. Hochul also plans to establish a statewide curriculum focused on Indigenous peoples. Teaching our children today is the first step in making sure they understand what happened then, and thats one of the reasons why, in my budget, Im insisting that we create new educational materials about the Indigenous nations, their histories, their cultures, their contributions, Hochul said. I want that in our New York K through 12 schools, so theres a deeper understanding of the people whose land we are on and what they have gone through. Thank you, governor. We really appreciate that, Seneca said. Your apology and your words today mean a great deal to us, and we look forward to continue building our relationship together with you and working on the many issues that we face together. Hochul said there was a long legacy of broken promises from the state to the Seneca Nation throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, resulting in generational trauma to students of the school and their descendants. In a statement Friday, Seneca had said: The severity of the wounds inflicted on our children warrants the historical significance of our nation welcoming Governor Hochul to the Cattaraugus Territory. The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long. At long last, our people will hear, directly from the governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the state of New York to say Were sorry. On Tuesday, moments before the governors apology, Seneca said: Today is about the children and the families that had to endure the hardships and mistreatment that occurred here on this piece of land at this campus of the Thomas Indian School. As we gather today, lets remember them. Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking at the Vault in Tampa on May 20, 2025 (Photo by Mitch Perry/ Florida Phoenix) When Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended two Democratic state attorneys in recent years, he contended that both deserved to be removed because they were ignoring the law and not following their duties. But when asked on Tuesday in Tampa why he now supports his hand-picked attorney general saying that he wouldnt defend the state law banning individuals 21 and under from purchasing a long gun, the governor called it a different situation. DeSantis told a Phoenix reporter at a news conference in Tampa Tuesday morning that he stands behind Attorney General James Uthmeiers decision to not fight the law if the case is accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have an obligation to support and defend the Constitution, he said. And there are times when you have to make judgments about that. Now, those state attorneys were basically saying that they didnt want to enforce statutes that the Legislature had done. They made their arguments as to why, but ultimately, I didnt find those arguments to be persuasive. Uthmeier stated in March that if the National Rifle Association decided to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit denying their claim that Floridas 2018 law barring individuals under the age of 21 from buying a long gun is unconstitutional, his office would not defend the law in front of the nine justices in Washington D.C. That possibility now exists after the NRA announced on Friday that they would appeal the 11th Circuits ruling to the highest court in the land (the Supreme Court has not said if it will hear the case). Uthmeier has not said anything publicly about the NRA lawsuit since the gun rights organization filed the appeal on Friday DeSantis said Tuesday that he personally has always believed the law to be unconstitutional. That measure was passed just weeks after the mass shooting at Parkland on Feb. 14, 2018, that claimed the lives of 17 people. The governor said that it was an emotional time in describing why the GOP-controlled Legislature passed the law, which received bipartisan support and was signed by Republican Gov. Rick Scott. But he maintains that Uthmeiers stance to not fight for the law in the U.S. Supreme Court is a good faith position because he doesnt believe its consistent with the state Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So thats different than just saying that laws that have been passed you dont like, he added. You can say that theyre unconstitutional, but thats gotta be credible. It is credible. Theres a lot of people who have contested the constitutionality of suspending entirely someones right under an enumerated provision of the Constitution. I mean, Im not just saying, I have a right to this. Theres an enumerated provision. Youve got people that are 18 years old that will be sent halfway around the world to carry a rifle in the Marine Corps. Then they finish that and theyre 20 and they cant buy a rifle to go hunt? I think thats a big problem. While the 11th Circuit has denied the NRAs case, other federal courts have split on the issue of whether adults under 21 enjoy Second Amendment rights. The 3rd, 5th and 8th circuits have ruled that they do, while the 10th and 11th circuits have upheld laws banning firearm purchases by adults under 21. When DeSantis suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in August 2022, he said State attorneys have a duty to prosecute crimes as defined in Florida law, not to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on his personal agenda. The Phoenix reached out to Andrew Warren for a response. Andrew Warren, suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, holds a news conference in Tallahassee on Aug. 17, 2022. Flanking him is his attorney, J Cabou. (Michael Moline/ Florida Phoenix) Its clearly hypocritical, he said in an email. Asking him to explain himself is a complete waste of breath; they all lie with impunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren was unsuccessful in his court battle to win his seat back, and ended up losing to Republican Suzy Lopez, the woman DeSantis appointed to replace him, last fall. The other state attorney the governor suspended, Orange/Osceola County State Attorney Monique Worrell did win her seat back last fall, defeating candidate Andrew Bain, whom the governor appointed to replace Worrell in 2023. DeSantis has said that he also backs Uthmeiers decision not to obey a federal court order requiring law enforcement agencies in Florida to halt immigration arrests under a new state law. That federal judge has said that Uthmeier needs to show cause why he should not be held in contempt or sanctioned for violating her order and will hold a hearing on the matter next week. The Florida House of Representatives in March repealed the ban by supporting a measure that would lower the age for individuals in Florida to purchase shotguns and rifles from 21 to 18. It was the third year in a row they have done so, but none of those proposals ever reached DeSantis desk because the Florida Senate chose not to follow suit. A gun safety advocate blasted the decision by DeSantis and Uthmeier to not stand up for the law banning individuals under 21 from being able to purchase a long gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas law was passed in the wake of the devastating Parkland mass shooting, and its beyond doubt constitutional. (U.S.) Attorney General Pam Bondi and her successors defended this lifesaving law against the NRAs attacks for years as Floridas attorney general, and ultimately the 11th Circuit upheld it by a vote of 8 to 4, in a decision joined by both Republican and Democratic appointees, said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at Everytown Law. It is absurd for Floridas governor and new attorney general to try and claim otherwise, especially when research shows prohibiting 18-20 year-olds from purchasing firearms is a commonsense tool for preventing gun violence. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The sheriff of Deschutes County has been removed from the Oregon State Sheriffs Association (OSSA) Board of Directors following accusations of misconduct and lying under oath. The board met May 14 and unanimously voted to permanently expel Sheriff Kent van der Kamp from ever serving as an OSSA director. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision comes just weeks after an investigation revealed that van der Kamp was dishonest about his past, including allegedly lying about his education under oath, according to an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) report. Van der Kamp was under oath when he falsely claimed that he had studied at the University of Southern California and the University of Arizona, the report said. It also found that he had lied about his employment at a California police department years ago. Intoxicated man, 70, caused fatal rollover crash in Columbia County, police say In response, the DAs office placed van der Kamp on the Brady list. This means he is no longer able to stand as a witness in any criminal trial. The list is a record of law enforcement officers or personnel with credibility issues or a history of misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late April, van der Kamp told Central Oregon Daily he would decide within the next 90 days whether he will step down from office. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 19Tere Graham attended the African American Graduation Ceremony more than a decade ago after graduating from Eastern Washington University. Although she previously lived in Spokane and attended Lewis and Clark High School, it was during this ceremony that she first felt connected to the Spokane community. "I just saw a sea of folks who look like my aunts and uncles, and I said, 'This is pretty cool.' I never experienced that before," said Graham, program manager for the Unity Multicultural Education Center at Gonzaga University and volunteer for the African American Graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, cultural and identity-based groups including African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and the LGBTQ+ community have hosted graduation celebrations honoring students at all levels, from middle school to college. Despite ongoing political threats to diversity, equity and inclusion programs organizers of these events in Spokane emphasize that the ceremonies are not about politics; they're about fostering a sense of belonging and worth for young people. "When I crossed that stage as a college graduate, they were there and they're still here. So, I love to offer that to our generation," Graham said. Diversity, equity and inclusion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEI initiatives can be traced back to the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment. Shortly after, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson established an equal opportunity policy, mandating affirmative action for federal contractors. However, when President Donald Trump returned to office earlier this year, he rescinded DEI-related policies during his first week. "We have ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government, and, indeed, the private sector and our military," Trump said during a joint session of Congress earlier this year. "And our country will be woke no longer." In February, a letter from the U.S. Department of Education referenced "segregation by race in graduation ceremonies" would warrant withholding federal funds to schools if schools continue to offer them, though a federal court in April prevented the department from acting on the contents in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Wixson, an attorney with Stokes Lawrence in Yakima, said one problem with the current wave of attacks on DEI is that the term means different things to different people. Under Trump's presidency, she said, many began to see it as discriminatory rather than inclusive. "People view DEI as being discrimination, and I don't think that's a correct way of looking at it, but that's where we are now and where we weren't two years ago," Wixson said. She said she works with various employers who have since abandoned their DEI programs out of fear of being targeted or defunded. Still, she admires the organizations that continue to hold space for students to celebrate their culture and identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think everybody else's culture is just as important. It's a huge point of celebration," Wixson said. "Not everybody celebrates the same way." Frances Mortel, the cultural programs manager for Asians for Collective Liberation Spokane, also said within the past few years that the term "DEI" has become twisted. The Asian American Graduation Ceremony was a reminder to her that DEI isn't a specific brand. "As part of Asian American Heritage Month, we had guest speaker Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and really inspiring activist," Mortel said. "It was really inspiring being reminded after both of those talks that our work is actually beyond just what DEI has become." The fourth annual Asian American Graduation, held in May, was organized by ACL Spokane in partnership with the Empire Health Foundation. She said they had about 40 grads attend the celebration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fernanda Mazcot, executive director of Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario, said that, with increasing attacks on DEI and the Latino community, they had to rethink safety plans for this year's 30th annual Latino Graduation Ceremony. Canceling, however, never crossed their minds. "We know this is a very significant event for young scholars and graduates, especially first-generation college students, to share this event with their families, but we did partner with the Peace and Justice Action League here in Spokane," Mazcot said. "They are just kind of walking around campus, just making sure everything's good, and folks are feeling safe." For Graham, the main question around the African American graduation wasn't a matter of "if" there would be a ceremony but "when." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When we see these students walk across this stage, we're one inch closer to not having to talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, not having to talk about who's feeling micro aggressions in their classrooms," Graham said. During the ceremony, Graham said they gave out an African kente stole, a symbolism of interconnectedness to their heritage and its history that is deeply connected to Africa's rich weaving traditions, which dates as long ago as 3000 B.C. The more than 30 graduates at the 16th annual Lavender Graduation hosted by Eastern Washington University's Eagle Pride Center were similarly adorned with rainbow stoles to represent their identity or ally-ship with the LGBTQ+ community. At the intimate ceremony on EWU's campus, many knew each other from their time at the school and in their pride center, where EWU graduate Zoe Swenson worked for about four years as a peer adviser. Even for those outside EWU reveled in the sense of "found family," like North Central High School graduate Anabell Sweet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have people who come into the Pride Center or to even these events, and it's because their families don't support them, so they're looking for kind of a family within the community," Swenson said. Sweet is bound for Washington State University to study early childhood education. For her, the graduation was just as much a time to feel celebrated as it was to see others who walked in her shoes earn their degrees those who can relate to being called slurs or not being accepted by parts of their family. "I'm excited to see and celebrate all these other people who have gone through the same struggles, more struggles than I have," Sweet said. "To just have that space to be like, 'You did it. Despite everything, you did the dang thing.' " Organizers of the annual Spokane Native American Community Graduation sang a similar tune of its importance. Evanlene Melting Tallow has sat on the graduation's committee for 24 of the 29 years it has existed, working at EWU as a project coordinator and recruiter. Not only is the event significant to honor and adorn graduates with a Pendleton stole, but encourage the young minds watching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We definitely need to be able to show you know that these graduates look like them who are in the audience," Melting Tallow said. "These are the people who eventually are going to be doctors, who are going to be engineers or teachers or welders." It's a real point of pride for her to drape the traditional Pendleton stole over the shoulders of a student she once saw in the audience. Creating a cycle of prosperity for her community is personal to her, the first in her family to graduate college. "I always said, 'I will not be the last,' " she said, supporting her point by rattling off numerous academically decorated family members, including her two kids who walked in the Spokane Native American Community Graduation. "When you start a movement, and we are starting a movement, it always has rippling effects," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony, hosted at Gonzaga, has several cultural elements otherwise absent from traditional school-based affairs, including an Indigenous drum group. This year, the committee also decided to honor a late teenager who would have walked with her class but died this year in a car accident. Her family received a Pendleton sash and a friend held a photo of her as she walked across the stage to recognize her efforts towards graduating. That personal touch is part of the significance of these ceremonies to supplement whole-school graduations, said Melting Tallow, a citizen of both the Blackfeet Nation of Montana and Blood Tribe of Canada. "Our people have gone through a lot, but we're resilient. We will continue to have this celebration every year, because we want to show that we have students who are very productive in our communities, from different degrees and graduating from high school," Melting Tallow said. "We are here, we are resilient, and we are going to keep moving forward." The thought that cultural graduations have been targeted in the Trump administration's efforts against DEI shocked Kitara Johnson Jones, who owns and operates a DEI consulting agency and attended dozens of cultural graduations in her former role as multicultural director for Spokane Community College. "There's a rite of passage thing to happen, that's a cultural thing that you aren't going to be able to erase ... especially in communities where it doesn't often happen, it takes a whole village to get them there," Jones said. Jones is confident cultural graduations will persist in some fashion with or without the federal government's approval. The government hasn't historically been the provider of Indigenous powwows or celebrations at Black churches, she said, these came straight from the communities themselves. "You can't erase people and you can't erase history or heritage or a culture; you just can't," Jones said. 'Proving your worth' During the Hispanic/Latino Graduation Ceremony organized by Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario, Edmundo Aguilar, an assistant teaching professor at the University of Washington, said that graduating and being proud of their culture is important for students to move forward. "Today, you all are pushing back. You all are fighting back by proving your worth, despite all the barriers that you are facing and all that is happening," Aguilar said. Hispanic and Latino students from middle school all the way to college were honored with a serape stole, a brightly colored, woven stole used to represent Mexican cultural pride, heritage and identity. Among them was Angel Maldonado, a recent graduate of Gonzaga University. Maldonado said he majored in elementary education, following in his mom's footsteps to become a teacher. "My mom is the only one of her siblings to ever go to college. She's also the youngest and she's also a teacher, so I think it's really special for me, to not only to get an education, but to also become a teacher, kind of following in her footsteps," said Maldonado, who's from Brewster, Washington. "It just feels really nice and rewarding." For him, attending the Latino ceremony was a way to show that he and others aren't backing down, despite attacks on DEI and on the Latino community, especially under Trump's administration. "I mean, many cultures, but us as Mexican Americans, I think these kinds of fights fall onto our shoulders, and I think just being a part of this ceremony really shows we know what we're really about," Maldonado said. "Just keep looking forward. Follow your dreams." Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. DHS is violating a court order to remove a group of detainees to South Sudan, lawyers told a federal judge on Tuesday. Around one dozen people including a person with a removal order to Myanmar and a person with a removal order to Vietnam were loaded onto planes and sent to South Sudan on Tuesday, court filings say. The deportations are either currently in progress or have already taken place, lawyers for the group wrote. The ruling that DHS is allegedly violating in this case is clear. Last month, U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy for the District of Massachusetts ordered DHS to give individuals set to be removed to a country that is not their own written notice in a language they understand, and to offer them the chance to contest their removal. That included providing the detainees a window of at least 15 days in which they could challenge DHS efforts to remove them to a third country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys in the case said in Tuesdays filings that DHS did not do that when it allegedly removed people to South Sudan. Per one declaration, an ICE official on Monday afternoon emailed an attorney for a man with a removal order to Myanmar. The email told the attorney his client would be removed to South Africa. Ten minutes later, according to the declaration, ICE told the lawyer that it wished to rescind its email. Then, around two hours later, the document says, ICE told the lawyer that his client would in fact be sent to South Sudan. On Tuesday morning, the lawyer emailed the detention facility where his client had been held. An ICE officer replied that the client had been removed this morning to South Sudan. In another case described in Tuesdays court filings, lawyers attached an email from the wife of a person with a removal order to Vietnam. Per that account, ICE officials told detainees that they were to be sent to South Africa, before returning to correct themselves and tell the group of their true destination: South Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called my husbands ICE officer and was told that hes been booked out but the officer didnt know where he was sent, the email reads. Attorneys for the group say that the situation blatantly defies earlier court orders. It also comes after the Trump administration tried to remove a group of detainees to Libya in potential violation of the same order in the same case. Per the filing, the man with a removal order to Myanmar had been part of the group that was slated to be removed to Libya before the judge blocked that attempt from succeeding. The allegations suggest that the Trump administration is taking another opportunity to flout the rule of law. Its part of a campaign to stage high-profile removals of undocumented migrants, but also to flaunt the power of the executive branch over the last section of government that is still attempting to reign its powers in: the judiciary. The status of the deportation flights is unclear. In a motion, attorneys ask the judge to bar the government from removing the detainees, and to order their return if theyve already been sent to South Sudan. Diddy allegedly carried a large amount of cash on him, as well as bottles of baby oil, the day he was arrested His former assistant David James testified in court one Tuesday, echoing prosecution's allegations about Diddy being in possession of a massive amount of pills Diddy who is not charged with drug offenses reportedly had pills that would increase his sperm count, James testified Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged massive trove of pills included some affixed with former President Barack Obama's face on them, the mogul's former assistant testified at his trial this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assistant, David James, appeared in court for a second day of testimony on Tuesday, May 20, as the Bad Boy Records founder's high-profile trial continued into its second week. "There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former presidents face, James told the court on Tuesday. When prosecutor Christy Slavik asked him to specify which former president he was referring to, he responded: President Obama." James alleged Combs kept between 25 and 30 pill bottles in his toiletry bag during hotel stays including Percocet, ecstasy, Viagra, weight loss pills and supplements for sperm count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs has not been charged with any drug-related offenses. Related: Dawn Richard Testifies Usher and Others Were Present when Diddy Allegedly Punched Cassie in the Stomach Combs trial has been rife with testimony from witnesses and investigators alleging he sexually, physically and verbally abused his victims, including his former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. Combs is on trial for racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He also faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty. Read the original article on People The creator of the Dilbert comic strip, which was cancelled by most newspapers two years ago over the creators racist comments, said Monday that he has been diagnosed with the same aggressive prostate cancer as former President Joe Biden. I have the same cancer that Joe Biden has, Scott Adams said Monday during an episode of his YouTube show, Real Coffee with Scott Adams. So, I also have prostate cancer that has also spread to my bones. He made the announcement after extending his respect and compassion and sympathy for Biden and his family. Biden announced his diagnosis on Sunday and said he and his family were reviewing treatment options with his doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said hes always in pain, uses a walker to get around and that he expects to die sometime this summer. Its basically intolerable, he said of the pain. Adams said he has had time to process his diagnosis and that it has given him time to say goodbyes, get his affairs in order and do all the things he needed to do. Dilbert the comic strip first appeared in 1989, poking fun at office culture. It ran for decades in numerous newspapers but disappeared with lightning speed in 2023 following racist remarks by Adams. On his YouTube show at the time, among other things, he described Black people as a hate group and said he would no longer help Black Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later said he was being hyperbolic, yet continued to defend his stance. Various media publishers across the US denounced the comments as racist, hateful and discriminatory while saying they would no longer provide a platform for his work. The editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, which dumped Dilbert in 2022, said the comic strip went from being hilarious to being hurtful and mean. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The creator of the Dilbert comic strip, which was canceled by most newspapers two years ago over the creators racist comments, said Monday that he has been diagnosed with the same aggressive prostate cancer as former President Joe Biden. I have the same cancer that Joe Biden has, Scott Adams said Monday during an episode of his YouTube show, Real Coffee with Scott Adams. So, I also have prostate cancer that has also spread to my bones. He made the announcement after extending his respect and compassion and sympathy for Biden and his family. Biden announced his diagnosis on Sunday and said he and his family were reviewing treatment options with his doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, 67, said he's always in pain, uses a walker to get around and that he expects to die sometime this summer. It's basically intolerable, he said of the pain. Adams said he has had time to process his diagnosis and that it has given him time to say goodbyes, get his affairs in order and do all the things he needed to do. Dilbert the comic strip first appeared in 1989, poking fun at office culture. It ran for decades in numerous newspapers but disappeared with lightning speed in 2023 following racist remarks by Adams. On his YouTube show at the time, among other things, he described Black people as a hate group and said he would no longer help Black Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later said he was being hyperbolic, yet continued to defend his stance. Various media publishers across the U.S. denounced the comments as racist, hateful and discriminatory while saying they would no longer provide a platform for his work. The editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, which dumped Dilbert in 2022, said the comic strip went from being hilarious to being hurtful and mean. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Last Wednesday, a man was shot and killed near the In-N-Out at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. New information about that daytime shooting has come out, which claimed the life of a Contra Costa County man. Man shot, killed near In-N-Out at Fishermans Wharf Disturbing new details about last weeks daytime murder near Fishermans Wharf. Court documents obtained by KRON4 suggest the man shot and killed may not have known he was being targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have charged 44-year-old Abraham Torres with murder. In a motion to detain Torres until trial, prosecutors say that at the time of the shooting, surveillance video shows the following: The victims vehicle was stopped at a red light near the 1200 block of Columbus Avenue. The defendant then appears behind the victims stopped vehicle and walks toward it, shooting an assault weapon. Police have said the wounded victim was able to drive a couple of blocks before coming to a stop outside the In-N-Out Burger off Leavenworth, where he died of his injuries. The victim has been identified as 61-year-old Chalay Saelee. Court documents describe the victim as an unarmed innocent man who is simply sitting in his vehicle at a red light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Torres made his first court appearance on Friday, he did not enter a plea. But court documents say when he turned himself into police shortly after the shooting, he told police it was me, and an AR-style rifle with an ammunition magazine was found in the defendants car. Torres did not enter a plea on Friday. He is due back in court on Tuesday morning Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 17-year-old boy is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after stabbing a teenage girl and attempting to stab her father last month in El Pasos Lower Valley, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Angel Adrian Maximo Martinez, 17, is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he approached a teenage girl from behind and began to stab her unprovoked on Friday evening, April 4, in a neighborhood in the Lower Valley, according to court documents. Angel Adrian Maximo Martinez, 17. Photo: EPPD. Court documents say officers were dispatched at around 4 p.m. that Friday to a fight in progress at a neighborhood in the Lower Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers met with the victims father, who told police that Martinez had stabbed his daughter multiple times. The victims father told police that Martinez also tried to stab him multiple times, but the blade did not go through as the victims father was wearing a sweater, according to court documents. The victims father told police that his daughter was moved from the street into a home after the attack and that his daughter was dying. Officers then entered the residence and located a teenage girl who was bleeding from multiple areas of her body, according to court documents. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that showed Martinez walking up to the teenage girl from behind, grabbing her and stabbing her multiple times, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video showed that the attack was unprovoked and also showed the victims father and a witness running out of their home to provide aid to the teenage girl as she was lying on the ground, according to court documents. Surveillance footage also showed Martinez stabbing the victim while she was on the ground while the victim screamed for help, according to court documents. While processing the scene, investigators located a knife with a bent tip that was suspected to have been used in the incident by Martinez, according to court documents. The teenage girl was transported to a local hospital and was rushed into surgery. The victim also suffered from multiple lacerations to her back, face, neck, hands, and arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators met briefly with the victim while she was being treated at the Intensive Care Unit and asked her what had happened. The victim told investigators that Martinez had told her, Dont scream while he was attacking her, according to court documents. Martinez was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Saturday, April 5, under a total bond of $1,075,000. 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 KTSM 9 News. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) As well wishes pour in for former President Joe Biden following his prostate cancer diagnosis, experts in the field are discussing the situation. First of all, it is an unfortunate diagnosis, but at the same time, its a treatable one, Dr. Tariq Khemees, a urologic oncologist with OhioHealth, said. Fire rainbow spotted in Ohio sky explained Khemees specializes in the treatment of prostate and kidney cancers. Biden is now battling what his office and urologists called an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can get him the treatment thats going to make his life, I would say, reasonable, but unfortunately, cure is no longer on the table, and weve got to set the expectation that this is an incurable disease because it has metastasized to the bone, Khemees said. While Khemees described Bidens diagnosis as sad news, hes hoping some good, in the form of more knowledge for the greater community, could come from it. Survival is nearly 100% when the cancer is localized to the prostate, but once the cancer metastasized, survival drops down to 30%, 32%, so making screenings is very important, so I hope President Bidens diagnosis will increase awareness of men to get checked and screened for prostate cancer, Khemees said. Columbus police say men pursuing the same woman ends in fatal shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prostate cancer localized to the prostate and in early stages usually does not cause symptoms, according to Khemees. He said that makes screening even more important. Screening saves lives and the message we should relay to the men in the community is please get screened and lets get you the help you need so we can beat this cancer together, he said. Part of the screening process is a blood test. Khemees said the recommended age to start getting screened used to be older, but it is now 45. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 first flight under the Trump administrations Project Homecoming on Monday sent 64 immigrants from Honduras and Colombia back to their home country. The government-funded flight is one tactic in President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration. What the Department of Homeland Security is calling a historical opportunity for immigrants, the self-deportation program promises illegal immigrants financial assistance for their departure and compensation for removing themselves voluntarily, as opposed to law enforcement. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted on social media that using the CBP Home app to self-deport and take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home is ultimately a better alternative than being subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and never allowed to return to the U.S., even legally. Today, @DHSgov conducted its first Project Homecoming charter flight of 64 individuals who voluntarily chose to self-deport to their home counties of Honduras and Colombia. If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial pic.twitter.com/xVv5JtrbKs Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 19, 2025 According to the DHS press release, 38 of the 64 participants were returned to Honduras, and 26 to Colombia. In addition to the U.S. stipend, Hondurans were allowed the Honduran governments Hermano, Hermana, Vuelve a Casa program, which includes an additional $100 bonus for people over 18, food vouchers and assistance in finding employment, and the Colombians were provided social services from the Family Welfare Institute (ICBF), and the Department of Social Prosperity" by the Colombia government upon arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Trump administration launched the self-deportation program, skeptics have criticized it, noting that they dont anticipate many illegal immigrants will take up the offer. In a recent Americas Voice en Espanol column, the publications senior adviser, Maribel Hastings, said the self-deportation program is a means for Trump to boost the deportation numbers he campaigned on, and the fact that under the Biden administration, more illegal immigrants were deported at this time last year (192,000) than Trumps administration currently has (152,000). That is why Trump even wants to deport people who are authorized to be in the country, some in the process of obtaining asylum, as well as students on visas, for opposing the administrations policies, Hastings wrote. Undocumented people who have spent their whole lives contributing billions of dollars to the economy, to the fabric of this country, who work in key industries, and who have citizen children and grandchildren, deserve to be legalized. Not given $1,000 and a one-way ticket to self-deport. A Honduran migrant who returned voluntarily from the United States walks after arriving at Ramon Villeda Morales Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Monday, May 19, 2025. | Delmer Martinez Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, wrote in an article published by MSNBC, that anyone considering the self-deportation program should speak with an attorney first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaving the country may mean giving up on a very real chance at staying here legally under laws and processes that already exist, he said. Given this, its critical for anyone considering taking this offer to speak with a qualified and competent attorney first. How does self deportation work? The 10-step process on the DHS website begins with downloading their app. This is what the steps look like: Download the CBP Home App. Sign in using Login.gov. Select the departing traveler. Select intent to depart. Take a photo of yourself. Complete personal information. Answer questions regarding passports and financial needs. Submit to CBP Home. Receive confirmation. Report if any assistance is required in departing. Kevin Antonio Posadas, who is originally from Honduras but has been living in Texas for the last three years, told The Associated Press that when the Trump administration made the announcement, he had already considered going home to be with family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to see my family and my mom, he said, noting that the process was easy. You just apply (through the CBP Home app) and in three days youve got it, he said. Its good because you save the cost of the flight if you have the intention of leaving. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) As Rebas Law makes its way through the Nevada legislature, which would increase penalties for animal cruelty, another dog in the valley has died after being dumped, according to a Las Vegas rescue. Video footage appears to show a man and a small dog walking in a roundabout near Eastern Avenue and 215 on Thursday, May 15. Moments later, the person drives off leaving the dog behind. A good Samaritan found the dog lying on the ground, not moving and took him to Vegas Roots Rescue, which helps abused and neglected animals. Given what is happening in our valley, so many animals, our shelters are full, co-founder Lauren Mushkin said. We just immediately said You know what. Were just gonna take him. Lets do this. Lets figure out what we can do for this guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mushkin and her team named him Eastern. He tested positive for parvovirus, also known as parvo, an extremely contagious and often deadly disease in dogs. We genuinely believe that Eastern was probably sick for a period of time, which is why, whoever that person is, dumped him. They probably didnt want to pay for medical care, Mushkin said. His health declined so quickly. He was vomiting. He started to vomit blood. His bowels were out of control. It was very, very terrible. It was very unfair. Eastern died one day after he was found. The identity of the person who left him for dead remains unknown. Mushkin is pushing for the communitys help to hold the person and others who commit animal cruelty accountable. If your neighbor is backyard breeding, report them to APS, Mushkin said. If you see someone selling puppies, report them. If you feel like someone is leaving their dog outside all summer, say something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also wants tougher laws for animal abuse and neglect. I think that any sort of law that is telling people that we as a society are taking these cases of abuse and neglect seriously is a huge positive step forward, Mushkin said. But I will say that if were not going to have serious consequences, people are not going to take their actions seriously. If passed, Rebas Law would elevate animal cruelty penalties to a felony and increase the punishment from a maximum of four years in prison to six years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. In the final two years of his presidency, Joe Biden had private moments where he could not recall the names of top aides, had an increasingly limited private schedule, was prone to incoherence and losing his train of thought, and was hidden from the public eye to shield the extent of his decline, according to a new book from CNNs Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson. The book details episode after episode where Democratic lawmakers, White House aides, members of Bidens Cabinet and Democratic donors were shocked at Bidens diminishing mental and physical capabilities while the president embarked on an ill-fated 2024 reelection bid. But nearly all did not speak out publicly or try to stop him from running. What the world saw at his one and only 2024 debate was not an anomaly. It was not a cold; it was not someone who was underprepared or overprepared. It was not someone who was just a little tired, Tapper and Thompson write. It was the natural result of an eighty-one-year-old man whose capabilities had been diminishing for years. Biden, his family, and his team let their self-interest and fear of another Trump term justify an attempt to put an at times addled old man in the Oval Office for four more years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new book, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, was released on Tuesday. The book is based on more than 200 interviews, mostly with Democratic insiders, almost all of which occurred after the 2024 election was over. The focus on Bidens age and health has intensified in recent days. On Sunday, Bidens office said in a statement that the former president was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The statement said Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. The cancer diagnosis sparked an outpouring of support and well wishes for the former president, including from President Donald Trump, who posted 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. But the debate about Bidens choice to run for reelection has continued. Vice President JD Vance told reporters Monday that he wishes the best for Bidens health but added that we really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job. US Vice President JD Vance arrives to talk to reporters on board Air Force Two at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on May 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. - Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Getty Images In some ways I blame him less than I blame the people around him, Vance said. We can pray for good health but also recognize that if youre not in good enough health to do the job, you shouldnt be doing the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, audio from Bidens interview with special counsel Robert Hur over his handling of classified documents was published by Axios, adding context for why Hurs report concluded Biden was a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Top aides closed ranks Tapper and Thompson report that concerns about Bidens health from those working for him dated all the way back to 2020, but his mental and physical diminishment accelerated in 2023 and 2024 before his disastrous June debate with Donald Trump. At one point in December 2022, Biden could not remember the names of his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and communications director, Kate Bedingfield, the authors write. In fall 2023, he did not appear to recognize Jamie Harrison, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee (Harrison disputes this). And in early 2024, Tapper and Thompson report that Biden did not recognize movie star George Clooney, whom Biden has known for years. Some members of Bidens Cabinet told Tapper and Thompson they did not believe Biden could be relied upon to perform at 2 a.m. if there was a national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things that would have been considered a disaster in 2023 by 2024, we would have said, Okay, we got through that, a top aide told the authors. Tapper and Thompson write that Biden was protected by an insular group, including his wife, his son and a group of longtime aides nicknamed the Politburo, a reference to the leadership committee of a communist party. Bidens top aides Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed valued loyalty to the president. Those not in the inner circle, including campaign staff, pollsters and members of Bidens Cabinet, believed the aides were protecting Biden from negative information as the president decided to run for reelection with no discussion or input from others in the White House or campaign, according to the book. It was a theology that bordered on zealotry: In January 2025, Donilon continued to hold the viewpoint that while Biden might forget and mix up names, when the president decided what the proposal should be for a peace deal between Hamas and Israel, he was pretty damn smart, Tapper and Thompson write. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to CNN, a Biden spokesman criticized the book, saying: We continue to await anything that shows where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or where national security was threatened or where he was unable to do his job. In fact, the evidence points to the opposite he was a very effective president. It was like a different person Tapper and Thompson found that concerns about Bidens health issues dated back to his 2020 campaign. Biden shot campaign videos talking to voters on Zoom ahead of the convention but the hours of footage were largely unusable and stunned some on Bidens team. It was like a different person. It was incredible. This was like watching Grandpa who shouldnt be driving, said one Democrat, according to the book. I didnt think he could be president. Some close to the president said Bidens deterioration was tied to moments of intense stress, particularly with his son Hunters legal troubles, the authors write. One Cabinet secretary said Hunters June 2024 trial and conviction was akin to a five-hundred-pound weight dropping on the presidents head, Tapper and Thompson write. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple lawmakers told the authors the Biden they saw reminded them of ailing parents and grandparents. Publicly, questions swirled in 2024 about Bidens health, fueled by the scathing report from Hur, who opted not to charge Biden for mishandling classified information in part because of how a jury would view his age. Privately, Tapper and Thompson report Democrats were shocked at their interactions with Biden last year, both in closed-door meetings and donor gatherings. Democratic senators told the authors they saw a noticeable change in Biden during private meetings in early 2024, which they found alarming but gave their former colleague the benefit of the doubt. One senior administration official angrily confronted a White House colleague after a meeting with Bidens task force on reproductive health-care access. What the f**k are you guys doing? the official said. I dont get how this guy can do any campaigning to run for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though he did so many good things for this country, I can never forgive him, the official told the authors after the election. In this March 2024 photo, President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address during a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. - Win McNamee/Getty Images After Bidens rousing March 2024 State of the Union speech a performance many Democrats pointed to in justification he could run for reelection some White House aides who didnt normally get access to him were disturbed at his deteriorating condition when he addressed a room of high schoolers later that night and gave a rambling speech. One aide, the authors write, couldnt help asking what on earth they had just seen. This isnt going to work, the aide thought, according to the book. He cant do it. This is crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Post-debate pressure After Bidens disastrous June debate with Trump, Tapper and Thompson report that Bidens closest aides tried to move past the debacle as though nothing happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anything, the debate made Biden aides more watchful for signs of disloyalty, the authors write. They saw the debate as just the latest instance of counting Biden out. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden debate at CNN's Atlanta studios on June 27, 2024. - Will Lanzoni/CNN Behind the scenes, Democrats urged Bidens inner circle to get the president out there in unscripted events. But the authors write that Biden couldnt do what folks were calling on him to do to prove his acuity. One campaign adviser recounted a post-debate discussion with Biden aboard Air Force One. What are we doing here? the adviser thought as the president spoke. This guy cant form a f**king sentence, according to the book. If I had a conversation like this with someone who wasnt the president, I would be worried about his health. And here he is, the sitting president of the United States. As a growing number of Democrats called on Biden to step aside, the president and his family initially dug in. When Jill Biden visited Michigan on July 3, then-Sen. Debbie Stabenow offered a full-throated defense of the president. The senator asked for a minute with the first lady, telling her that his former Senate colleagues were worried about him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know if this was a onetime thing or if theres something more going on with the president, Stabenow said to the First Lady. But you know, the authors write. The First Lady didnt answer the senators implied question, but she later fumed about it to White House staffers. Biden and his wife defended his performance as president in a joint interview on ABCs The View earlier this month, pushing back on suggestions he experienced cognitive decline in his final year in office. The people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us, and they didnt see how hard Joe worked every single day, Jill Biden said. Former President Barack Obama and then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer were both concerned that Bidens top aides were not giving the president the unvarnished data he needed to see how dire his reelection chances were, the authors write. Obama told Schumer he should talk to Biden and bring the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients kept it to himself but thought that Biden should drop out after the debate, Tapper and Thompson report. Zients tried to set up a meeting for Biden to get the data directly from his pollsters, but the president tested positive for Covid that week and had to isolate, so the pollsters instead just briefed Bidens senior staff. In the leadup to Bidens July 2024 decision to exit the race, Schumer insisted on meeting with the president and traveled to Delaware for the difficult conversation. The authors write that Schumer told Biden that he would only get five votes if there was a secret ballot of Senate Democrats on whether he should keep running. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries depart a news conference after endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. - J. Scott Applewhite/AP Schumer warned him that he wasnt getting the information as to what the chances are and spoke to Bidens legacy, the authors write. If there was a Democratic wipeout, Schumer warned that Biden would go down in American history as one of the darkest figures. Do you think Kamala can win? Biden asked Schumer. I dont know if she can win, Schumer responded, according to the book. I just know that you cannot. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Department of Justice charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal law enforcement during a chaotic melee that erupted outside of an ICE detention facility in her home state of New Jersey, acting US Attorney Alina Habba said Monday. Prosecutors will, however, drop the federal trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested during the confrontation, Habba said in a news release. The scuffle outside the detention facility as protesters, lawmakers and Homeland Security officers pushed against each other, thrust the political battle between the administration and Democratic lawmakers over President Donald Trumps hardline immigration policy agenda into a new stage charging a federal lawmaker with criminal wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one is above the law politicians or otherwise, Habba said, accusing McIver of assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement. It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are. McIver said in a statement that the charges against her are purely political-they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. The DOJ and McIver had attempted to negotiate a plea deal that would have averted charges, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Habba said in her statement Monday that McIver declined the departments attempts to come to a resolution. It is unclear whether the Justice Department will charge the two other members of Congress who were with McIver at the detention facility, Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robert Menendez Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident, which took place on May 9, began as the three members of Congress visited the ICE detention facility in Newark, which they claimed was not up to date on necessary permits. Once the visit at the facility concluded, Baraka tried to join lawmakers and went inside the gate to the facility. Baraka complied with federal agents who told him to leave but was arrested as soon as he left the facilitys fenced-in area. McIver and other protesters surrounded Baraka as federal agents forced their way through the group to make the arrest. Habba said Monday that she is dropping the charge against Baraka for the sake of moving forward and said she invited the mayor to visit the detention center with her. I am glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed, Baraka said in a statement, saying he would look for areas of possible cooperation on issues with Habba, while vowing to continue to push the ICE facility to ensure compliance with city regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Monday, the mayor told CNNs Abby Phillip that he believed McIver will be vindicated in court. I didnt see any of those things happen, Baraka said on NewsNight of the assault allegations. So I think that the congresswoman will be vindicated. Video taken during the scrum appears to show McIver using her body to push past federal agents and get to Baraka as he was being taken away in handcuffs. It also shows McIver using her arms to push agents. DHS officials including Secretary Kristi Noem have alleged McIver assaulted law enforcement, with the secretary saying on Capitol Hill Wednesday that the lawmakers behavior was lawlessness and beneath this body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver previously rejected allegations that she assaulted the federal officers, telling CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union Sunday that I honestly do not know how to body slam anyone, and theres no video that supports me body slamming anyone. Paul Fishman, an attorney for McIver, said the charges were an attempt to shift blame for the clash from immigration officers. As a member of Congress, she has the right and responsibility to see how ICE is treating detainees, Fishman said. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos. House Democratic leadership quickly condemned the prosecution of McIver as extreme, morally bankrupt and lacking any basis in law or fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and several other members of the caucus leadership said in a statement. Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? NEW JERSEY (PIX11) New Jerseys top federal prosecutor announced Monday that the misdemeanor case against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been dropped. Baraka was arrested for allegedly trespassing at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in Newark, on May 9. More Local News The mayor has denied trespassing. He even released new videos of the moments before his arrest, which purportedly show someone inside the facility letting him through a gate, then letting him back out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor released a statement following Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habbas announcement. I am glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed. I have had strong relationships with prior U.S. Attorneys, and I plan to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about issues on which we can cooperate. As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. Meanwhile, Habba announced that shes charging Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault after a skirmish with federal officers who arrested Baraka. McIver has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are purely political. Baraka addressed the new charges, saying he stands with Rep. McIver. I understand that the U.S. Attorney has chosen to charge Congresswoman LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, a past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated. This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON The Justice Department has filed charges against a Democratic member of Congress, alleging that she assaulted law enforcement officers during a protest outside an immigration detention facility in New Jersey earlier this month. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., faces two counts of assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement officials in connection with an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark, according to court documents made public on Tuesday. Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, who served as Trump's personal attorney and previously worked as counselor to the president, announced the charges against McIver on X on Monday night, before they were made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, McIver told NBC News that she had learned of the charges on social media after Habba posted about them. "Its political intimidation, and Im looking forward to my day in court, she said Tuesday. McIver had called the charges purely political in a statement on Monday night and said she looked forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees at Delaney Hall in my district. We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, she said. Follow live politics coverage here Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche backed Habbas statement, writing on X that assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated. Habba also said her office had dropped trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate for New Jersey governor who was arrested on May 9, the day McIver and two other House Democrats were at the facility. "After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka's misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward," Habba said. The charges against McIver were brought by Justice Department attorney Stephen Demanovich, who began serving this month as counselor to Habba. Court records show that Demanovich has only been involved in two cases in federal court in New Jersey: The case against McIver and the now-dropped misdemeanor case against Baraka. No other prosecutors appear on record in the McIver case. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., holds a press conference on May 9, 2025 after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested while protesting at Delancey Hall ICE detention prison, in Newark, N.J. (Angelina Katsanis / AP file) Demanovich had previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Florida and, until this month, in private practice. Last month, Demanovich moderated a Federalist Society panel titled The Weaponization of DOJ? featuring Trump attorney John Lauro and a former Jan. 6 prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An affidavit by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Robert Tansey said that McIver made physical contact with another Homeland Security Investigations special agent as well as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer when they protested Baraka's removal. When the HSI agent said he was going to arrest Baraka, McIver yelled Hell no! Hell no! Hell no!," according to the affidavit and "surrounded the Mayor and prevented HSI from handcuffing him and taking him into custody." The government alleged that McIver "slammed her forearm into the body" of the HIS special agent and "pushed an ICE officer" and used "each of her forearms to forcibly strike" that officer. Baraka said in a statement that he was glad that charges against him were dismissed. He also said he expected McIver to be vindicated. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated, Baraka said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka was arrested during a chaotic scene that involved a protest outside the ICE detention center in Newark known as Delaney Hall. McIver was one of three Democratic members of the New Jersey congressional delegation present who have repeatedly said they were on site to inspect the facility in their capacity as lawmakers conducting federal oversight. Rep. Rob Menendez accused ICE agents at a news conference after Barakas arrest of putting their hands on McIver and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. We were assaulted by multiple ICE agents, McIver told reporters at the time. Trump administration officials have accused the lawmakers of storming into the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said May 9. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued Monday night in a statement on X that "a thorough review of the video footage of Delaney Hall and a full investigation" by her department supported the charge against McIver. McIvers lawyer, Paul Fishman, called the decision to charge her spectacularly inappropriate. She went to Delaney Hall to do her job. As a member of Congress, she has the right and responsibility to see how ICE is treating detainees. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICEs behavior to Congresswoman McIver, Fishman said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors frequently used the assault charge in cases against rioters who assaulted law enforcement at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. President Donald Trump this year pardoned about 1,500 defendants from the attack on the Capitol, including some convicted of assaulting police. The Justice Department under Trump has gone after many of his detractors. Last month, it initiated a probe of Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, two former Trump officials who disputed his 2020 election fraud claims. More recently, the department opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has overseen several cases against Trump. House Democratic leaders condemned the charges against McIver in a joint statement Monday night, calling them morally bankrupt and saying they lacked any basis in law or in fact. By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office. They didnt assault anyone, but were themselves aggressively mistreated by illegally masked individuals, said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Reps. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, Pete Aguilar and Ted Lieu of California and Joe Neguse of Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate Congress and interfere with our ability to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch," they said, adding that House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com News / National by Stephen Jakes The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has expressed shock and outrage about the new wave of illegal farm invasions in Matabeleland allegedly committed by Zanu PF supporters and members.The Marty in a statement revealed that it's leader Thembisani Mfulongatshi Mpofu, witnessed firsthand the unlawful activities when he and other party leaders visited a group of disgruntled white farmers in Matabeleland."These farm invasions are a clear demonstration of Zanu-PF's disregard for the law and the rights of citizens in Matabeleland. Farms such as Sentinel in Beitbridge, forcefully grabbed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and WestAcre farm along Plumtree road, partially taken by a Zanu-PF member, are just a few examples of this egregious behaviour. The Zanu-PF party members and Central Intelligence Organisation officials are reportedly targeting a number of farms in Matabeleland, which include Marula FARM Marshlands owned by Zeitsman. They are threatening to kill Mrs Knott if she doesn't vacate the farm. The white farmers are no longer feeling safe," reads the statement.The party said it will not sit idly while people come from Mashonaland East to take our land by force."This is a blatant disregard for the Constitution of Zimbabwe, specifically Section 71, which guarantees the right to property. These actions also contravene international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 17, which states that everyone has the right to own property alone or in association with others. Furthermore, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Article 14, guarantees the right to property," reads their statement."The MRP will not stand idly by while our citizens are threatened and intimidated. We will protect the rights of all citizens by all means necessary. We call on the authorities to take immediate action to stop these illegal activities and uphold the rule of law. We urge people from Mashonaland to refrain from using Zanu-PF to occupy our land by force.""We demand that the government takes immediate action to:- Protect the rights of farmers in Matabeleland- Stop the illegal farm invasions- Bring perpetrators to justice."The MRP said it will continue to advocate for peace, justice, and the protection of our citizens' rights. With Dolton eyeing possible ownership of Pope Leo XIVs childhood home in the village, officials plan to name a portion of the street in front of the house in his honor. A ceremony is still to be scheduled for the dedication 141st Place, between Indiana and Manor avenues, as Pope Leo XIV Place following action Monday by the Dolton Village Board. Mayor Jason House said the popes roots demonstrates that great things do come out of Dolton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The modest brick home at 212 E. 141st Place, at just a smidge over 1,000 square feet, was where Robert Francis Prevost grew up. Prevosts parents Louis, a school administrator who died in 1997, and Mildred, a librarian who died in 1990 owned and lived in the brick house for decades. Louis Prevost sold the home in 1996 for $58,000. The future pontiff lived in the house full-time until going off to a Michigan seminary for high school in 1969. House said after Mondays meeting he spoke earlier in the day with Pawel Radzik, a Homer Glen-based home rehabber who paid $66,000 for the home last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I let him know that the village is interested in the home, and you can say that negotiations have started, House said. Radzik put the house on the market for sale, then pulled it after learning of the propertys heritage and now worldwide importance. The home is due to go to auction, and House has indicated that Dolton could use the courts to acquire the property through eminent domain, which could be an expensive and lengthy process. The mayor, sworn in earlier this month, said its possible Dolton could take part in the auction. If its sold at the auction, which closes later in June, and the village isnt a successful bidder, eminent domain could be an option, House said. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House was noncommittal when asked how high the village might go should a bidding war take place during the auction. Considering Doltons frail financial condition, House was asked by a reporter if delving into the real estate is a wise move. This is a big enough deal that it merits special attention, the mayor said. Should Dolton succeed in acquiring the home, House said that several ideas are being considered, and that he is excited for the propertys potential as an attraction and historical landmark. Above all, we want to make sure that whatever we do we honor the Catholic faith, the mayor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In talking with Radzik, the owner said taking the home off the market was due in large part to difficulty estimating a value. Radzik first listed the house in January for $219,000, reducing that to $205,000 later in the month then cutting it in February to $199,900. The home itself is nothing spectacular, but the background is an intangible that is hard, if not impossible, to put a value on, House said. It is special, the mayor said. Real estate broker Steve Budzik said while the auction is set to close June 18, the seller, Radzik, can choose to accept an offer, which are entered privately through Paramount auction house, at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auction gives everybody a fair chance at putting in a bid, Budzik told the Daily Southtown. And even with eminent domain, I think the question is, whats the value? Budzik believes for a home with such an important historical connection, the just compensation required in exchange for the property is totally subjective. A Catholic himself, Radzik immigrated to the U.S. from Poland in 2006. He said the house was in pretty bad shape when I bought it. I would say 80% of it is new new flooring, new cabinets, new plumbing, new electrical, new kitchen, he said. mnolan@southtownstar.com Dominican airline Arajet plans to launch direct flights from Chicagos OHare International Airport to Punta Cana, the airline announced Tuesday. Starting in November, the low-fare airline will launch the OHare route its first from the Midwest with flights three days per week. One-way flights to the resort town on the eastern tip of the island start at $117, the company said. Arajet began flying out of the U.S. this year. Chicago will be the fifth U.S. city from which it flies to the Dominican Republic, after Boston, Miami, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The company is backed financially by Bain Capital and Griffin Global Asset Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airlines U.S. expansion comes after an open skies travel agreement between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic went into effect in December, removing certain restrictions on flights between the two countries. Our continued growth enables greater connectivity for both tourists and the Dominican diaspora while supporting tourism and economic opportunity across the region, Arajet CEO Victor Pacheco said in a statement. From Punta Cana, travelers can connect to other destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, Arajet said. There are few things as perfectly emblematic of the United Kingdoms endemic governance crisis than the fact that an island nation with almost 20,000 miles of coastline and 800-to-1200mm average rainfall a year has broadly the same attitude to water as Dunes Fremen. Water companies are saying that they might need to restrict usage as the combination of a changing climate and a rapidly-expanding population put mounting pressure on Britains water resources. But whilst those things might be the proximate cause, the true root of the problem is our usual stubborn resistance to building things or in this case, to digging some holes in the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our newest reservoir, Carsington, was opened over three decades ago. Since then, our population has grown by over ten million people; in that same time, our reservoir capacity has not increased by so much as a drop. Whos to blame? The water companies are easy targets; the Daily Telegraphs own report refers to underinvestment in water reservoirs since privatisation as the root of the problem. The real picture, however, is quite different. As Robert Colvile of the Centre for Policy Studies has shown, privatisation actually delivered consistently higher investment in water infrastructure than under the nationalised regime, to the extent that we actually invest more in repairing and upgrading our water infrastructure than any European nation. Why is this? Because rather than having to rely on the Treasury deciding to make unglamorous, long-term investments, water companies are obliged to heavily reinvest revenue in their networks. If you want something properly funded, make sure it isnt competing with pensions and the NHS for cash every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Privatisation has also boosted productivity by 64 per cent, according to a report by Frontier Economics, which translates to lower bills. Of course, politicians might have held them even lower had the state retained direct control but that would have meant less revenue and less investment. No, the real culprit is planning. Abingdon Reservoir, which when complete will hold 150 million cubic metres of water, was first proposed by Thames Water almost two decades ago. Yet unlike in the golden age of British infrastructure, private companies cannot simply buy land and build things we need. Time and again, the reservoir has been rejected, with a broad swath of England subject to avoidable droughts year after year just to avoid upsetting Vale of White Horse District Council. Ah, but what about leaks? Surely, we wouldnt need all these reservoirs (read: perfectly pleasant lakes) if we could only fix the leaks? This line is peddled often by local campaigners trying to stop a reservoir, but it is nonsense. First, it is worth pointing out that the sectors performance on leaks has improved since privatisation; just since 2019, when Ofwat ditched the previous sustainable economic level of leakage (SELL) regime, we have seen a double-digit reduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ideal amount of water lost to leaks would obviously be zero. But that is an impossible or at least, ruinously expensive target. Much of Britains water infrastructure is Victorian; does anybody seriously think its plausible to dig up and replace every pipe in the nation? We dont even know exactly where they all are. Moreover, the Victorians were not as exercised as we about leaks for a sensible reason: unlike oil, sewage, or other pollutants, mains water leaks dont damage anything. The water simply returns to the water table. Fixating on leaks is sensible if youre in a water-scarce environment; in the UK, which would have abundant water if it would only dig some holes to store it in, it is a sign of madness. 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. Its hard to know whats real, it turns out. Sometimes things are obvious. When its raining, theres no doubt about whether its raining or not. A flat tire, in all likelihood, really is a flat tire. But much of the world is not directly verifiable in this way. Are there really millions of dead people collecting Social Security? Does China secretly control the Panama Canal? Was that video on TikTok actually Tom Cruise? How do you know for sure? The rapid ascent of generative AI is only making things worse. Within the past few years, its been used to create political deepfakes from Moldova to South Africa to the United States. An AI-generated Imran Khan, Pakistans ex-prime minister, gave a speech while the real Khan was in jail. AI-generated evidence is now being introduced in divorce court, and last year AI was used to impersonate a companys CFO and steal $25 million. According to one survey, deepfake incidents rose in 2024 by 300% in the United States, 1,625% in South Korea, 2,800% in China, and 3,000% in Bulgaria. Even the suggestion of an AI deepfake is now enough to cast doubt on anything, from the size of political rallies to legal culpability in criminal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, in an attempt to curtail the spread of misinformation, Meta launched a campaign called Know Whats Real, encouraging users to verify things before sharing them. A few weeks later The Atlantic launched a podcast called, similarly, How to Know Whats Real. Focusing on technology, the series would examine how to determine what is authentic and true. Its an exceedingly important idea, of course, especially now that conspiracies are mainstream, deepfake content is exploding, and nobody can agree on what to believe. But is it even possible to know anymore? Before he became prime minister of the U.K., a recording allegedly of British politician Keir Starmer swearing at staff went viral on X. Aides to Starmer suggested the clip was a deepfake, as did several members of the opposition party. But analysis by an expert was inconclusive. Unfortunately there is no definitive yes/no, Tony Thompson wrote for the British non-profit Full Fact. It remains very difficult to confirm deepfakes with total certainty. The problem isnt necessarily that we lack certainty. In some ways, its that we have too much of it. Many people are certain that COVID-19 originated in a lab, or not. Or that vaccines are safe and effective, or not. Or that climate change is real, or not. Verification or fact-checking may seem like antidotes to such polarization. But, in deepfakes and everything else, there is often not a definitive yes or no answer. As Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. wrote in 1897, certainty generally is illusion. A better approach, instead, is to abandon our attachment to certainty. In its place, we should learn to embrace uncertainty, and think in terms of probability. It isnt necessarily a new idea. Noted theoretical physicist Richard Feynman, for one, was an apostle for it. It is absolutely necessary, for progress in science, to have uncertainty as a fundamental part of your inner nature, he said in 1956. Feynman was echoing Albert Einstein, who said in 1921 that as far as the propositions of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality. And Einstein was echoing French mathematician Blaise Pascal, who wrote in the 17th century that we sail within a vast sphere, ever drifting in uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a physician, Im used to uncertainty. Most medical problems transpire inside the body, hidden from view. I cant touch the clot in a patients coronary, or see their stroke in the same way I can see a flat tire. At work, I can rarely be totally certain about anything. Thats just the nature of medicine. As Canadian physician William Osler said, medicine is a science of uncertainty, and an art of probability. But its also the nature of the world. I cant personally verify the weather in Tucson, or general relativity, or the reality of climate change, either. Instead, I weigh and consider a constellation of indirect information, and make a judgment about what I think is likely true. To do this, Ive been taught to think in probabilities, as Osler suggested, because probability is a yardstick for uncertainty. Physicians and scientists everywhere are trained to think this way. But this kind of thinking, called Bayesian inference (after the English mathematician and clergyman Thomas Bayes), is something that can benefit everyone. Especially in a time when the basic facts of whats real, and whats not, have come into question. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salons weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Heres an example from my world in the ER. A man in his 60s comes in with crushing chest pain and trouble breathing. Im worried about a heart attack, so I order an EKG. The EKG is normal. Should I send the patient home? I know that EKGs can be falsely normal given a hundred heart attacks, they might miss a few dozen. By thinking like a Bayesian, I recognize that a normal EKG lowers the probability of heart attack, but not to zero. Its more like evolving degrees of maybe, rather than a definitive yes or no. Im still calling the cardiologist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chances are, you already do this sometimes. When you speed past a police car, you probably look for brake lights in your mirror. Why do you do that? Answer: if the officer isnt preparing to turn around, then the likelihood that they noticed you is less. You feel reassured. New information, new probability. Thats Bayesian inference. Recently, I was sitting with my grandfather on his porch in Texas. He had just turned 90, and it was hot. The topic of climate change came up. My uncle, sitting nearby, shook his head. He didnt think God had given man the power to change the world like that. Theyre both churchgoing, but my grandfather didnt seem so sure anymore about the degree of human influence. Theres how many billions of people now? Eight, I said. He nodded. Maybe that is enough to change it, he said. Thats Bayesian inference, too. Using this kind of thinking more deliberately can help us navigate the world in a more careful, measured way. After the alleged clip of Kier Starmer appeared, fact checkers took a closer look at the X account behind it. It had made other unsubstantiated claims about Starmer, supported by what looked like digitally manipulated images. Whatever our initial suspicions, this information should probably swing us toward skepticism. Rather than reaching for certainty, we can instead smartly manage our uncertainty. Last year, I saw an oncologist for recurrent fevers. I was concerned about lymphoma, because my father had it. My white blood cell count was low too, which can also be a sign of cancer. With unexplained fevers, neutropenia and a family history, my suspicion that I might have cancer was fairly high. I was worried about the possibility. But then the tests all came back normal, and I was relieved. Not because cancer had been ruled out its possible that the tests might have missed a subtle malignancy, still brewing. My relief came instead from recognition that the probability of cancer was now much lower. Whatever uncertainty remained, I could live with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A central challenge of our time is that many have come to conflate whats possible with whats probable. Is it possible that Starmer lost his temper, vaccines are deadly, and climate change is a hoax? Yes, all of these things are possible, insofar as they are conceivable. But that shouldnt be enough to command belief. How likely is it that the government is suppressing evidence that vaccines kill, or that the entire field of climate science is brainwashed, part of a vast conspiracy, or just plain wrong? What incredible cascade of unlikely things would have to happen for these things to be true? Instead of reflexively defaulting to one position or another, we can cultivate a sense of likelihood by weighing all available evidence, incorporating new information as it arrives. And information can arrive at any moment, demanding a degree of perpetual open mindedness. I have approximate answers and possible beliefs in different degrees of certainty about different things, Feynman said in 1981, but Im not absolutely sure of anything. It isnt easy to think this way; simple, emotionally compelling narratives are far more seductive than probabilities. Certainty is way more palatable than doubt. We burn with desire to find solid ground, Pascal wrote more than three hundred years ago, but our whole groundwork cracks, and the earth opens to abysses. We dont like it. We want to know for sure. The Internet, hailed as a great democratizer of knowledge, has only made things trickier. By fielding an infinite churn of data, clues can be found to support any notion, no matter how outlandish. AI, with its ability to conjure deepfakes on command, will make things trickier still. But uncertainty is of the fabric of the world. Quantum mechanics runs on it. Some neuroscientists believe our brains, on a deeply subconscious level, already do too. All the more reason to embrace it our true state, in Pascals words and arm yourselves with probability, as we move deeper into this strange new future. The post Dont fight uncertainty embrace it appeared first on Salon.com. Donald Trump Jr. raged against Dr. Jill Biden, who has a Ph.D. in education, for not detecting her husbands prostate cancer during a conspiratorial rant that followed his wishes for a speedy recovery from advanced prostate cancer. Agreed 100% the political scion wrote Sunday afternoon in response to a post encouraging people to put politics aside and send their best wishes to former President Joe Biden. Minutes later, the civility ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? Trump Jr. asked on his dads Truth Social media platform. When one social media user asked that someone on the internet explain to the presidents namesake the difference between a medical doctor, who receives an M.D., and a doctor of philosophy, who earns a Ph.D., the 47-year-old right-wing influencer claimed he was being sarcastic and insulted the former first lady for being a fake doctor, not a real one. Trump Jr. continued his line of fire Monday by claiming his dads predecessor also had dementia while in office from 2017 through 2021, then demanded some sort of action. Everyone was in on the cover-up! Trump Jr. posted. Who was running the country? We need accountability! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were indications of possible cognitive decline at the end of Joe Bidens time in office, but hes not known to have been diagnosed with dementia. The Bidens announced Sunday the 46th president was battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Medical experts agree that the fact Joe Bidens cancer metastasized indicates its been growing for years. How it could have been missed in previous checkups isnt clear. Even President Donald Trump, who routinely disparages his predecessor, offered support to Joe and Jill Biden on Sunday. Melania and I are saddened to hear about @JoeBidens recent medical diagnosis, Trump posted. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. _____ A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump calls for an immediate halt to federal funding of NPR and PBS, citing what he calls biased and partisan news coverage. A statement from the White House called the outlets biased with trash that is passed as news. The order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to immediately cease funding of the National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting System (PBS). Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement accused both organizations of receiving tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news. Three CPB board members were removed from their role via email, with just two board members remaining. Public broadcasting on the chopping block The Trump administration listed 24 examples of biased coverage, including the production of a film supporting reparations, failure to cover the Hunter Biden laptop story and the suggestion that crime fears are rooted in racism. Even beloved puppets werent spared. PBS show Sesame Street partnered with CNN for a town hall aimed at presenting children with a one-sided narrative to address racism amid the Black Lives Matter riots, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB, responded by saying the organization is not under the presidents authority Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government, she said, adding that when it was created, it specifically prohibited any government agency or official from directing or controlling its operations. For the 2025 fiscal year, the CPB received $535 million in federal funding, with about 70% going to support local radio and TV stations. NPR says it receives about 1% of its funding directly from the federal government. Its 246 member institutions receive 8% to 10% of their funds from CPB. PBS and its stations receive about 15% of their revenues from CPB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appropriation for public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS, represents less than 0.0001% of the federal budget, Katherine Maher, president and CEO of NPR, said in a statement. Maher said that NPR programming is essential to its 246 member organizations, which operate more than 1,300 stations. These stations generate on average 50% of all public radio listening, despite only accounting for roughly 25% of station programming. 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 The impact on smaller communities For many rural or remote communities, free public broadcasting is often the only source of news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In southwestern Colorado, for example, many communities are considered news deserts, meaning they rely heavily on public broadcasting. According to 9News, the local affiliate KSUT in Ignacio would lose about 19% of its budget, or $333,000, while Colorado Public Radio would lose about 7% or $1.5 million. Shari Lamki, president and general manager of Pioneer PBS in Granite Falls, Washington, told The Journal the funding which makes up about 29% of the stations annual budget is irreplaceable. In addition to local and national news, local stations provide public safety information and emergency alerts. I have no doubt that the loss of this critical funding would impact this region and the safety of our citizens, Lamki said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from the inevitable job losses, the disappearance of strong local stations could diminish civic pride, education and cultural connection all key to neighborhood stability and desirability. Rural and remote communities would be hit hardest. Funding cuts would devastate the public safety, educational and local service missions of public media, Kate Riley, president and CEO of Americas Public Television Stations, said in a statement. She added that more than 160 local TV stations particularly those in rural areas serve as a lifeline in hundreds of communities where there is no other source of local media. Cutting this content would also mean less access to free, educational programming like Sesame Street especially for families who cant afford paid alternatives. That includes more than 50% of American children who dont attend preschool. PBS LearningMedia a free resource developed by PBS and local stations serve about 1.5 million educators, students and homeschoolers each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are services that American families rely on every day, Riley said. In fact, according to a recent YouGov survey, 82% of voters including 72% of Trump voters said they valued PBS for its childrens programming and educational tools. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about 24% of U.S. adults say Congress should cut federal funding from NPR and PBS. But 43% say they should continue receiving government support. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. LAWRENCE, Kan. Public health leaders in Douglas County are concerned about a spike in suspected opioid overdose cases. Its said to be twice the number of cases theyre accustomed to seeing. The communitys public health department isnt sure why this uptick exists. Biden shares message after diagnosis: Cancer touches us all Emergency response workers in Douglas County say they see a steady stream of suspected opioid overdose cases, as many emergency medical teams do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A social media post from the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is a call for attention to this matter. The post shares data gathered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, showing 33 suspected overdose cases in a twelve-county area. Many of those cases are based in Lawrence. I appreciate them raising awareness. This really is a community problem, Chief John Darling, who leads EMS workers at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, said his emergency medical workers are sympathetic to these patients, especially since theres a behavioral health facet at stake. Since early 2025, that first response agency has seen a 69 percent increase in total incidents, 83 percent of which involves a patient needing an ambulance to reach emergency care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real solution to this is taking into account all of the factors that cause people to become dependent on opioids and other substances, and then, helping them find different methods of behavioral intervention to change their behavior, Darling said. Leaders at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department arent sure whats behind the spike in these cases. Dee Kinard, an informatics manager with that agency, reminds the public Narcan doses and fentanyl test strips are available at various locations around Lawrence, including a vending machine at 15th and Iowa. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 Anytime we see an increase, it reminds us that we need to get the message out that people can access treatment, and there are harm-reduction strategies available for people to use. That saves lives, Kinard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darling is also compassionate to these patients. He also points out several addiction treatment agencies around Lawrence are working to lessen the grip of dependency some patients experience. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) If you have an upcoming trip planned at the Honolulu Zoo, a new mobile app is available for download to provide an interactive and seamless experience. WakeUp2Days Chris Latronic went live from the Honolulu Zoo to learn more about the new features. This new animal could be coming to Honolulu Zoo Officials said the newest app brings an array of innovative features, helping zoogoers maximize their visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The app includes an interactive map, countless animal fun facts and a new series of Keeper Chats scheduled at the Honolulu Zoo that will be available for app users. According to zoo officials, the chats are designed by the zoos animal keepers, which provide educational and captivating stories on their training, feeding and enrichment. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Having a new mobile app for the Honolulu Zoo is a significant step forward in our modernization efforts. We extend a huge mahalo to both the SSA Group and Honolulu Zoo Society for the sponsoring and licensing of the app to help elevate zoo safety and guest experience, allowing visitors to easily navigate and locate their favorite animal, plan their route, find refreshments, gift shop, restrooms, exits, and emergency contact information all from the palm of their hand. Linda Santos, zoo director Other key features include the following: GPS-Enabled Interactive Map Navigate the zoo. Personalized Itinerary Planning Plan your visit by selecting must-see attractions and experiences. Animal Profiles and Conservation Efforts Learn about Honolulu Zoos diverse species and conservation programs. Real-Time Notifications Stay informed about upcoming habitat chats, enrichment sessions and feedings, and special events. Dining & Shopping Information Locate food options, gift shops, and refreshment stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The app also offers the opportunity to catch your favorite animal during their mealtime, featuring a daily schedule of chats and feedings for black rhinos, toucans, cheetahs, Japanese giant salamanders, porcupines and giraffes. Check out more news from around Hawaii Download the Honolulu Zoo app today from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information, visit the Honolulu Zoos 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 KHON2. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) Police say a man has been charged with murder in a deadly, fiery crash on Saturday night in Decatur that drew the attention of several bystanders who stopped to help, leaving one of them severely injured. The Decatur Police Department said around 9:02 p.m., officers with the department and Decatur Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the area of Beltline Road SW and Westmead Street SW for a two-vehicle wreck with injuries. Longtime Decatur city councilman announces run for mayor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports indicated that a sole female occupant was trapped inside a vehicle that had caught fire, DPD said. DPD said multiple people stopped to aid and attempt to rescue the girl trapped in the vehicle. During these efforts, authorities said the vehicle exploded and one person was seriously injured. That person was airlifted to UAB Hospital due to the severity of their burns. The department said upon arrival, one of the vehicles was found fully engulfed in flames. A 17-year-old girl trapped in the vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene. Morgan County Schools has identified the teen as 17-year-old Chloe Rose Hastings. There has also been an outpouring of support for Hastings and her family on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this time of unimaginable loss. We also extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to the brave individuals who risked their lives trying to save her. Their courage in the face of danger is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community, Chief Nadis E. Carlisle, Jr. said in a statement Monday. Police said the driver of the second vehicle, later identified as Kevin Jay Penich, was arrested for driving under the influence. On Monday, DPD said that Penich is also charged with murder as part of the crash. Kevin Penich (Photo: Decatur Police Department) Traffic Homicide Investigators responded to the crash and are in control of the ongoing investigation. Chief Carlisle released a full statement regarding this crash and another that occurred a short time later near Beltline Road NW near the railroad crossing just south of Highway 20. That crash involved a motorcycle and a train, and led to the death of 57-year-old Leroy Goodwin Jr, of Trinity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read more from Carlisles statement below. Due to the magnitude of these two tragic incidents and the strain on departmental resources, additional officers were called in. I extend my sincere thanks to all DPD officers who professionally worked these two scenes. The Decatur Police Department would like to publicly recognize and thank the brave citizens who risked their lives in an effort to save a young woman. Their actions represent the very best of our community. One of these heroes suffered serious injuries, and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to him and his family. Their courage will not be forgotten. Chief Nadis E. Carlisle, Jr. On May 19, 2025, Penich was additionally charged with Murder. He was booked into the Morgan County Jail on a $250,000 bond, per a Morgan County Circuit Court Judge. However, on May 20, Penichs bond was changed to no bond by a Morgan County Circuit Court Judge, per Aniahs Law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. News / National by Staff reporter The self-declared interim secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Sengezo Tshabangu, has escalated efforts to assert control over Zimbabwe's main opposition party, issuing a direct ultimatum to party legislators: attend the upcoming caucus meeting or face expulsion.In a charged address to party members on Wednesday, Tshabangu cited Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution - a provision allowing for the recall of Members of Parliament - as the legal basis for enforcing party discipline. The controversial figure has already wielded this clause to recall several CCC MPs in recent months, intensifying internal divisions and stoking public debate over the party's direction."Those who choose chaos over contribution will be dealt with firmly and decisively," Tshabangu warned, signaling zero tolerance for dissent within the fractured opposition movement. His remarks come amid growing concern over the CCC's internal instability and perceived drift from its founding ideals.As part of a sweeping reorganization, Tshabangu unveiled what he called "Document X" - a new political programme outlining five strategic pillars aimed at securing state power and overhauling governance in Zimbabwe. While the full details of the document remain under wraps, Tshabangu emphasized its focus on people-centered leadership and addressing "longstanding national grievances.""We will also elect leadership for the joint party caucus - leaders who will embody our vision and values," he announced during the meeting, suggesting a forthcoming shake-up in internal party structures.Political observers say Tshabangu's consolidation efforts - including the rollout of Document X - may be tied to broader political maneuvering, potentially aligning with plans to support an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule beyond 2028. Reports of behind-the-scenes discussions about amending term limits have fueled speculation, with critics warning of creeping authoritarianism.Tshabangu's role within the CCC remains hotly contested. His assumption of the interim secretary-general position has not been formally recognized by key figures in the party's founding leadership, further complicating an already volatile political environment.As Zimbabwe edges toward a pivotal political moment, the battle within its main opposition could have profound implications not only for the CCC's future but also for the country's democratic trajectory. A late freeze is likely in parts of western and northern New Mexico tonight. Warmer and drier weather returns starting Tuesday, with the warmest weather so far of the year by the end of the week. Showers and storms have been moving their way through western, central, and northern New Mexico Monday bringing rain and gusty winds. Snow is also falling across mountain peaks! Temperatures are cooler across New Mexico today as well thanks to the cloud cover and rain, but also due to a cold front that moved in overnight. The rain and thunderstorms will end later this evening as the skies clear. Its been a breezy day across southern New Mexico where winds have gust over 40 mph at times. This has brought a high fire danger there. Winds will settle down overnight as well. A late season freeze is likely for locations in western and northern New Mexico Tuesday morning. Freeze Warnings are in effect for these areas. High temperatures will be warmer, but still near to below average Tuesday afternoon. The wind will also be much lighter. Temperatures will continue to warm through the rest of this week. By Friday afternoon, well see some of the warmest weather so far this year! The Albuquerque Metro will likely make it into the 90s for the first time this year, and Roswell could hit 100 for the first time this year as well. The warm weather will continue through the weekend. 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. From transfusion training to drone deliveries and even simulated fluid, the Army is finding ways to get blood where its needed most. On May 15, soldiers with the 173rd Airborne Brigades Charlie Lifeline Company, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion conducted drone-based blood resupply in a full-scale hospital exercise at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, as part of Exercise Swift Response 2025. Aerial resupply of blood is pretty cool for us, said Capt. Jessica Knoll, commander of Charlie Company. One big initiative were working on is getting whole blood as far forward as possible. Having drone capability means were not risking soldiers driving into hostile areas just to deliver blood. A drone not to say its expendable but its more expendable than a soldiers life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the Army is improving care in the field to keep soldiers alive Soldiers used a TRV-150 drone to deliver simulated blood to Role 1 field carte locations. The exercise, which included elements from the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, the 519th Field Hospital, the 68th Theater Medical Command and the 7384th Blood Detachment, bridged the gap between point of injury and higher-level medical care, according to the release. It also showed how troops can reduce risk to medics while increasing soldier survivability in austere locations. This is our third time working with Flying Basket to drop blood using drones, Knoll said. Weve tested a few methods paratroopers jumping with blood at Saber Junction, pushing blood out of airplanes but this drone delivery is really buying down risk. Instead of sending an entire medic crew forward, we can now send a drone with Class VIII supplies or blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, weve flown about 3 kilometers with the drone, but its capable of more. Thats just what weve trained for now. Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Clark and Staff Sgt. Michelle Jenkins inspect replicated blood products. (A1C Jason Jones Jr./Air Force) And where did those blood products come from? The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Blood Services Program recently partnered with the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Ramstein Air Base to provide real and simulated blood products for the Defender Europe 25 Exercise on May 14 and 15. Defender Europe is the largest annual Army deployment to the European Theater. An estimated 25,000 U.S., allied and partner troops, 29 allied and partner nations and 18 host nations participate in the exercise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the exercises, troops at the center prepared more than 1,000 real and simulated blood products for transport on U.S. Air Force aircraft to Lithuania. A U.S. military report estimates that 15% to 20% of traumatic deaths are preventable, and 66% to 80% of those deaths occur from hemorrhage, according to the release. Providing both real and simulated blood products is crucial for supporting real-world contingencies and the fighting military force, said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Clark, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the LRMC Blood Services Program. Real blood ensures immediate availability for transfusions during combat casualties, addressing critical needs for volume resuscitation and oxygen-carrying capacity. But simulated blood has its role, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simulated blood products, on the other hand, play a vital role in training and preparedness, Clark added. They allow medical personnel to practice life-saving procedures in realistic scenarios without depleting limited real blood supplies. This dual approach ensures readiness, improves medical skills, and ultimately enhances the survivability of our soldiers on the battlefield. Paratroopers change the batteries of the Flying basket drone during a drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise. (Sgt. Jose Lora/Army) Not to be outdone, the skills portion of the exercise was on display in the theater as well. On May 18, combat medics and medical personnel with the 501st Aviation Battalion, 1st Armored Division conducted point-to-point blood transfusions in Hohenfels, Germany. Medics participating in Exercise Combined Resolve 25-2 focused training on providing blood to simulated critically injured troops in a simulated mass casualty event using a walking blood bank tactic, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A point-to-point blood transfusion entails taking blood from one person and ensuring that its the same blood type or something acceptable for the recipients blood type, said Capt. Aaron Chapman, an air medical physician assistant with the 501st Aviation Battalion, 1st Armored Division. Thats a crucial skill for what experts expect to be a daunting casualty care environment in future battles. In todays world, in a large-scale combat environment, we wont have the luxury of someone coming to get us when we want a MEDEVAC, he said. What that means is when we have guys who are losing a lot of blood, this will help us save those who need that blood using battle buddies, peers and other people who we know are willing and able to help. The exercise involved taking blood from a patient and then returning it to them. This is known as autologous blood transfusion, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea is that this simulates real transfusion of blood in an emergency setting, but it significantly reduces the risks of having a blood transfusion reaction if we move blood from one patient to another patient, said British Army Maj. Catriona Kemeny, a medical officer with the 4th Regiment, Army Air Corps. If we can train hard, maybe we can fight easy, so that actually when we have to do it in reality, were already well practiced, Kemeny said. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Tuesday marks Oregons deadline to submit your ballot for the May 2025 Special Election. This election gives residents a chance to vote on who they want to represent them on a local level, including school boards, water districts or transportation districts. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor So far, Multnomah County is reporting a roughly 15% voter turnout. If you havent already dropped off your ballot, you have until 8 p.m. to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the states vote-by-mail system, you can simply drop off your ballot at your nearest mailbox. To have your vote count, officials say you just need to have your ballot postmarked before the deadline for it to be counted. Oregon man imprisoned for killing goat with no remorse However, Multnomah County said that anyone voting on Tuesday, May 20, should turn their ballot in to one of the countys 32 official ballot drop sites. North Portland: Rose Quarter On the south side of the Rose Quarter, by the fountain and Rip City sign. During normal business hours, free parking for 15 minutes or less may be available in the Annex parking lot on N. Drexler Drive near N. Interstate Avenue. (Parking not available during Rose Quarter events). Walk-up only James John Elementary School 8315 N. Lombard St., on the sidewalk at the northwest corner of N. Lombard Street and Charleston Avenue. Walk-up only Paul Bunyan Statue/Kenton NEW At N. Interstate and Denver Avenues. Walk-up only North Portland Library Library book drop at 512 N. Killingworth St. Formerly Green Zebra Grocery On the sidewalk at 3011 N. Lombard St. Walk-up only McCoy Park At the parks southeast corner near N. Trenton Street and Newman Avenue. Walk-up only. Northeast Portland: Matt Dishman Community Center 77 N.E. Knott St. Walk-up only Hollywood Library Library book drop at 4040 N.E. Tillamook St. McDonalds Restaurant Official address is 2010 N.E. Cesar E Chavez Blvd.; drop box is on west side of property on N.E. 40th Ave between N.E. Tillamook and Hancock Streets, near Hollywood Library. Gregory Heights Library Library book drop at 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Parkrose Neighborhood Official address is 4390 N.E. 102nd Ave; drop box is in the east parking lot across the street from the Mount Hood Community College Maywood Park Center at N.E. 102nd Avenue and Prescott Street. Northwest Portland: Northwest Library Library book drop at 2300 N.W. Thurman St. Southeast Portland: Multnomah County Duniway-Lovejoy Elections Building 1040 S.E. Morrison St. SE 11th Avenue On the east side of S.E. 11th Avenue between S.E. Morrison and Belmont Streets. SE Belmont Street On the north side of S.E. Belmont Street between S.E. 10th and 11th Avenues. 1040 S.E. Morrison St. Slot on the side of the building at S.E. 11th Avenue and Morrison Street. Walk/bike-up only Hawthorne Holds Pickup Library book drop at 3557 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.; voters can use the book drop or an internal ballot drop box. Holgate Library Official address is 7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd.; drop box is to the left of the contactless library holds pickup, on the north side of the building, near the parking lot. Walk-up only Midland Library Official address is 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.; drop box is next to the book return slot on the south side of the building. Ballots can also be deposited in an Official Ballot Drop Box in the parking lot. Portland Mercado Official address is 7238 S.E. Foster Road; drop box is in the Portland Mercado plaza at S.E. Foster Road and 72nd Avenue. Walk-up only. Regal Cinemas Movie Theater / M & M Car Wash At S.E. Division Street and 165th Ave., in the Regal Cinemas parking lot behind the M & M Car Wash. Rockwood Library (closed for construction) Official address is 17917 S.E. Stark St.; drop box is on the sidewalk. Sellwood-Moreland Library Library book drop at 7860 S.E. 13th Ave. Woodstock Library (closed for construction) Official address is 6008 S.E. 49th Ave.; drop box is on the sidewalk. Southwest Portland: ABoy Supply 7365 S.W. Barbur Blvd. Capitol Hill Library Library book drop at 10723 S.W. Capitol Hwy. Hillsdale Library Library book drop at 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd. Central Library Library book drop at 801 S.W. 10th Ave.; Drive-up book drop also available on S.W. 11th Avenue between S.W. Yamhill and Taylor Streets. Pioneer Courthouse Square 700 block of S.W. Broadway, next to Starbucks and across from Nordstrom. Walk-up only Fairview: Fairview-Columbia Library Library book drop at 1520 N.E. Village St. Gresham: Gresham Library Library book drop at 385 N.W. Miller Ave.; Official Ballot Drop Box also available in the library parking lot. Voting Center Express (limited hours) Inside the first floor of the Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. 8th St. Available only when the Voting Center Express is open; voters will need to park and then walk inside to deposit ballots. Troutdale: Troutdale Library Library book drop at 2451 S.W. Cherry Park Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial results for the Special Election will be announced around 8 p.m. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we bring you the latest election news. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. By Kinda Makieh, Mahmoud Hassano and Firas Makdesi ALEPPO (Reuters) -Severe drought in Syria this year could lead to the failure of an estimated 75% of local wheat crops, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation, threatening the food security of millions of people. To help combat the situation, the government is taking measures, including limiting the cultivation of crops that need too much water, the agriculture ministry told Reuters on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also said the lifting of sanctions, announced last week, could help by allowing fertilisers and irrigation technology to be imported. Toni Ettel, the FAO's representative in Syria, told Reuters the agency anticipated a "food shortage of 2.7 million (metric) tons of wheat for this year, which is sufficient to feed 16.3 million people over one year". Under former President Bashar al-Assad, Damascus depended on wheat imports from Russia to support a bread subsidy programme during past droughts. Wheat farmers Asaad Ezzeldin, 45, is among those whose crops have failed as drought added to the strain on an agricultural sector sapped by fighting and bombardment during 13 years of civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Agriculture in Aleppo's northern countryside has been hit because of the lack of irrigation. There is no rainfall," he said. Moscow, a staunch ally of Assad, suspended wheat supplies to Syria soon after Islamist rebels toppled him, citing uncertainties about the country's new authorities. In a surprise announcement last week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria. The resulting flow of funds could revive the agriculture sector by providing technologies for irrigation and for infrastructure renewal, Ettel said. The agriculture ministry also said opening up the economy would also allow investments and solutions to counter the effects of droughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lifting sanctions does not solve the drought crisis in itself, but it provides the means and capabilities that enable the government and farmers to respond efficiently to it, via modernising irrigation systems, improving productivity, and strengthening food security," the ministry told Reuters. Unable to buy wheat and fuel, Syria's new government had lobbied for a lifting of the sanctions that for years isolated the Syrian economy and made it dependent on Russia and Iran. EU foreign ministers on Tuesday also agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria, in a policy shift after Trump's announcement. The Syrian authorities said the decision would open avenues for engagement. (Reporting by Kinda Makieh, Mahmoud Hassano, Firas Makdesi; Writing by Nayera Abdallah; Editing Alexandra Hudson and Barbara Lewis) May 19A 38-year-old Columbia Falls man was killed in what authorities suspect was a drug or alcohol-fueled wreck on Montana 35 near Kalispell on Sunday afternoon. The man was driving in the southbound lane in a Chevrolet Equinox when he allegedly crossed the center line near mile marker 46 at 3:18 p.m. and collided with a Dodge Ram headed in the other direction, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The 38-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men in the Dodge Ram, a 41-year-old driver and a 46-year-old passenger, were both injured in the collision and hospitalized at Logan Health Medical Center. The 46-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt, officials said. Authorities described the road conditions at the time of the wreck as wet. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. ALBANY I hate coming here, Robert Ricks said. Ricks sat at the focal point of a hearing room in the New York state legislative office building. Hed traveled to Albany last Wednesday to testify for a second time about his son, Robert Brooks, whom prison guards beat to death in December at the Central New York prison where he was incarcerated. Video of the gruesome killing sparked nationwide outcry and calls to reform New Yorks state prison system. Prison reform was the topic of last weeks all-day hearing, which took place as the state legislature approaches its final weeks of the annual legislative session. Amid emotional testimony, Ricks outlined the Robert Brooks Agenda for Justice, a suite of legislation to expand prison oversight and make it easier to hold abusive officers to account. If lawmakers dont pass the bills before the session ends in less than a month, theyll have to wait until next year to try again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the hearing, the head of the state prison system had touted reforms he implemented after Brooks was killed. Ricks, seated next to two other loved ones of Black men who recently died after beatings by prison guards, expressed skepticism at the states willingness to curb the violence. From the moment I step in this building, I want to cry, he said. And I dont want to cry because my son is dead. I want to cry because theres an eerie feeling in the African American community thats often unspoken that nothings going to change. I come here feeling like Im getting ready to fight the wind, he said. During the nearly seven-hour hearing on Wednesday, advocates, union representatives, and family members of incarcerated people testified about conditions in New Yorks state prisons, particularly corrections officer violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the somber subject matter, the hearing kicked off with optimistic testimony from Daniel Martuscello, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions earnest commissioner. For an hour and a half, he fielded questions from lawmakers and advocates about how his prison system is handling its worst year in recent memory. Just weeks after Brookss killing and hours after a special prosecutor announced the impending arrest of the guards who killed him corrections officers across DOCCSs 42 facilities launched a wildcat strike to protest what they called unsafe working conditions. The three-week strike resulted in 2,000 guards losing their jobs and saw the deployment of thousands of National Guard personnel to staff the prisons, many of which remain on partial lockdown. During the strike, corrections officers allegedly killed another incarcerated man 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi, whose mentor also testified Wednesday at a prison across the street from where guards beat Brooks to death. With the dust from the strike and killings still settling (3,000 National Guard troops remain in the prisons, Martuscello testified), the prison chief is fielding flak from all sides. Hes juggling reformers calls for accountability, demands from officers for new solitary confinement and staffing policies, and a massive hit to his prisons already under-capacity staffing levels. At the hearing, legislators grilled him over progress on measures hes promised to curb abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martuscello was confident about improving prison culture. The agency is contracting with a law firm and two nonprofit organizations to evaluate every aspect of how staff and incarcerated people interact, he explained. The law firm will issue publicly available recommendations late in the summer. DOCCS can also change its culture through recruitment, Martuscello said. He touted a new state policy, passed earlier this month in the budget, that lowers the minimum age for corrections officers from 21 to 18, as well as an aggressive recruitment campaign DOCCS has launched to fill 4,500 guard positions. New personnel can bring a new attitude, he said: Thats an opportunity you dont often get. To address demands for more direct reform, Martuscello outlined a series of initiatives he launched with Governor Kathy Hochul in recent months. None will fundamentally alter DOCCSs structure or the way it conducts oversight, and theyve left others who testified at the hearing unimpressed. DOCCS has embedded its internal accountability unit, the Office of Special Investigations, in every prison, Martuscello explained, and is getting over $7 million to expand the unit. Lawyers who represent incarcerated people are skeptical that that will improve accountability. At the hearing, they characterized the office as a black box and said that DOCCSs internal mechanisms for investigating abuse more often than not let guards off the hook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOCCSs internal investigations through the Office of Special Investigations are opaque, slow, and default to weighing staff credibility over incarcerated voices, regardless of the facts, said Antony Gemmell, supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Societys Prisoners Rights Project. Martuscello also touted whistleblower policies he revamped after Brookss killing. DOCCS now has an anonymous tipline for staff to report their colleagues malfeasance or abuse, he said. Representatives for DOCCS staff said they thought little of the effort. Its toilet paper, Wayne Spence, president of the union that represents DOCCS civilian staff, like nurses, testified at the hearing. The efforts do little to discourage retaliation against whistleblowers, he said. There was one effort the commissioner highlighted that everyone who testified seemed to support: more body-worn cameras. DOCCS has long promised to equip all of its officers with body cameras, but the rollout has taken years. Spurred by the Brooks and Nantwi killings, the state fast-tracked the effort with $18 million in additional funding. All facilities should have body cameras by mid-summer, Martuscello said, and officers will be required to have them turned on when theyre interacting with incarcerated people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martuscellos reforms arent enough to fix the embattled agency, according to its critics. Reform-minded lawmakers have this session introduced legislation part of the Robert Brooks Agenda to expand prison oversight and officer accountability, as well as to give incarcerated people opportunities to earn time off their sentences. One bill would expand the powers of the Correctional Association of New York, the 180-year-old nonprofit organization tasked by the legislature with overseeing prison conditions. Another would add commissioner slots to the State Commission of Correction, which has oversight power over all carceral facilities in New York state. SCOC rarely uses its full authority to hold jails and prisons accountable, as New York Focus has reported. It also dodges scrutiny: SCOC representatives declined to attend last weeks hearing, legislators said. (When asked why, a spokesperson simply said that SCOC submitted written testimony for the hearing.) The SCOC bill would triple the number of commissioners and require that they come from diverse backgrounds, including criminal defense and public health. Yet another bill would allow the DOCCS commissioner to discipline officers for serious misconduct without having to go through mandatory arbitration. A 2023 Marshall Project investigation showed that, over a 12-year period, arbitrators reinstated three out of every four DOCCS corrections officers who were fired for abusing incarcerated people or covering up abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether any of these bills make it to the Assembly or Senate floors before the end of the legislative session is an open question subject to a complex process largely controlled by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Brookss father, Ricks, isnt optimistic. Nor, it seems, are some of the legislators calling for reforms. Will they listen to us or will they continue to play politics with Black and brown mens lives? Eddie Gibbs, the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the state Assembly, wondered at the hearing. He told the story of his own beatdown by guards at Midstate Correctional Facility, where Nantwi was allegedly murdered, in the late 1980s. They play politics with peoples lives, he said of legislators unwilling to support the reforms. Their reelection is more important than your sons lives. TYLER, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man has been found guilty of 8 federal sex trafficking violations on Monday, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr. said in a press release. For The Silent works to end sex trafficking, exploitation Corey Lamar Johnson, 42 of Jefferson, had a six-day trial in the court of U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker before the jury returned its verdict. Johnson was found guilty and convicted of: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two counts of sex trafficking Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking Obstructing a sex trafficking investigation three counts of interstate transportation for prostitution purposes and conspiring to violate the Travel Act. The defendant used violence and threats of violence to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex for his profit, Assistant Attorney General with the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon said. There is no place in a civilized society for the defendants inhumane conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to punishing human trafficking and achieving justice for its victims. Johnson was one of three conspirators named in a federal grand jury indictment on June 15, 2023, which charged him and the others with sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking, transportation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act. Prosecutors in Johnsons trial presented evidence to show that Johnson was trafficking young women from across the United States to coerce them into commercial sex through force, threats and fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson recruited vulnerable, young women through social media posts that boasted of his lavish lifestyle. He promised the victims he recruited that they could also achieve such a lifestyle, McGlothlins press release said. Once they were recruited, Johnson introduced the victims to commercial sex, and when the victims wanted to leave him, he became violent, using force and threats, brandishing firearms, and bragging about having beat a murder charge, all to keep the victims engaged in commercial sex for his profit. 3 arrested for promoting prostitution in Smith County after undercover operation Johnson faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life in federal prison once hes sentenced. The case against Johnson was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, the Canton Police Department, the Chandler Police Department, the Arlington Police Department and the Bossier City Police Department. Congratulations to the team who brought Corey Johnson to a well-deserved appointment with justice, said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. For far too long, the defendant treated vulnerable, young women in ways no person should ever be treated, but today justice was served. There is no more important work for the U.S. Attorneys Office than to rescue the oppressed and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about human trafficking is asked to report what they know to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free by calling 1-888-373-7888 or by visiting the National Human Trafficking Hotline online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Theres no shortage of iconic Jackie Kennedy images the pink Chanel suit, the oversized sunglasses the pillbox hat but her engagement rings may be the most quietly revealing part of her legacy. May 19 marks the anniversary of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassiss passing, a moment that often has people looking back at the big romances of her life John Husted, John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis and the engagement rings they chose to pop the question. Each of Jackie Kennedys engagement rings reflect not just the men she married, but the shifts in her life and status. From a modest engagement ring to a historic emerald-and-diamond pairing to one of the largest diamonds ever sold at auction, Jackie Kennedy Onassiss engagement rings offer a more private lens into her public story. More from WWD ADVERTISEMENT Jackie was 21 years old for her first engagement, which came after just a month of courtship from Wall Street broker John G. W. Husted Jr. While there are few details about the ring itself, some outlets report it was a modest solitaire engagement ring, while Vanity Fairs Edward Klein noted that it was a big sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring that John F. Kennedy noticed when she was working at the Washington Times-Herald as the newspapers Inquiring Photographer. In an excerpt of Kleins 1996 book, Young Love, he outlined an encounter between the two future spouses when JFK noticed her ring: Then Jack pointed to the big sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring on Jackies left hand. So, he asked, whos the lucky fella? Jackie took out another Inquiring Photographer column and pointed to a picture of one of the people she had interviewed. His name was John Husted. Ive found the man of my dreams.' The engagement fizzled almost as quickly as the courtship itself after three months. Jackie deemed him immature and boring and reportedly slipped the ring back into his jacket pocket to break things off. Her next engagement and marriage would place her at the center of American political life. In June 1953, then-Senator John F. Kennedy proposed with a Van Cleef & Arpels toi et moi ring featuring a 2.84-carat emerald and a 2.88-carat diamond, set side by side on a platinum band and flanked by baguettes. According to several reports, the ring was actually chosen by Joseph Kennedy, not JFK himself. Over time, Jackie had the ring updated. During her years in the White House, she worked with Van Cleef to replace the baguettes with marquise and round-cut diamonds arranged in a laurel wreath pattern a move that subtly modernized the piece while preserving its symbolic layout. The ring is now preserved at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Jackies third and final engagement came in 1968, five years after JFKs assassination. Aristotle Onassis proposed with the Lesotho III, a 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond cut by Harry Winston from the 601-carat Lesotho rough. It was one of the largest gem-quality diamonds in the world at the time. Jackie rarely wore the ring publicly. It was kept in a bank vault for most of their marriage, though she was occasionally photographed wearing it. The ring was later sold at Sothebys in 1996 for $2.58 million. ADVERTISEMENT While Jackie Kennedy Onassis never spoke publicly about any of her engagement rings, their lasting influence is evident. The toi et moi silhouette remains a favorite in modern bridal jewelry, with designers frequently referencing her 1953 ring. Interest in marquise-cut diamonds long considered a dated shape has seen a quiet resurgence, particularly among collectors and vintage enthusiasts. And Van Cleef & Arpels designs from the 1950s and 60s with Kennedy-era provenance remain highly prized. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 1960s Style File From the Archives [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A brief EF-1 tornado touched down near Hernando High School Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service in Memphis. NWS said the tornado lasted for one minute from 10:26 p.m. to 10:27 p.m. The estimated peak winds were blowing at 95 mph. Courtesy of the National Weather Service in Memphis They said the path length was 0.42 miles, and the maximum width of the tornado was 40 yards. Thousands still without power after DeSoto County storms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after WREG reported severe thunderstorms caused extensive damage to homes in DeSoto County Sunday night. The storm took us unaware. It just seemed to come out of nowhere. There wasnt time to hit the sirens or anything. I think we were all startled by our telephone was telling us something was going on, said Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson. Storm damage in Hernando, Miss. (Photos by WREG) Storm damage in Hernando, Miss. (Photos by WREG) Storm damage in Hernando, Miss. (Photos by WREG) A large tree fell on a house in Hernando during a severe thunderstorm overnight (Photo by WREG) A large tree fell on a house in Hernando during a severe thunderstorm overnight (Photo by WREG) A large tree fell on a house in Hernando during a severe thunderstorm overnight (Photo by WREG) Fallen trees in Hernando, Miss., in the area of Holly Springs Road and Jaybird Road (Photo courtesy of WREG viewer Bradley Stevens) A trampoline was seen just off the southbound lanes on I-55 in Hernando, where multiple trees also blocked the road (Photo courtesy of WREG viewer Gabriela Watkins) Severe storms caused damage across Hernando, Miss. Trees were seen snapped in half on Jaybird Road. (Photo provided by Dianne Renfrow) Severe storms caused damage across Hernando, Miss. A tree crushed a car on Jaybird Road. (Photo provided by Dianne Renfrow) Johnson took to Facebook to address the damage seen so far. In the post on Monday, he says approximately 7,700 people lost power due to the weather. On Tuesday, Entergy crews are still working to restore power, and they reported that 3,913 people still do not have power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Johnson is encouraging residents to remain patient as power restoration could take a few days. Severe thunderstorms cause extensive damage in MS; schools closed Emergency personnel and city crews are working to figure out just how much damage occurred and to restore power for those in need. If you need a place to go, the storm shelter on Riley Street behind Hernando Elementary is open and has power. Areas of Interstate 55 in Hernando were blocked due to debris in the roadway, leaving drivers stuck for hours as crews worked to clear the road. The Mississippi Department of Transportation map shows that I-55 has since reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple traffic lights in the city are currently out due to the power outages in the area. The city of Hernando is asking that if anyone is out driving around, use caution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Louisiana Senate committee blocked legislation backed by Attorney General Liz Murrill that could have moved thousands of cases from juvenile to adult court. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) After outcry from several corners of the legal community, Louisiana lawmakers scuttled a controversial proposal backed by Attorney General Liz Murrill that could have moved thousands of criminal cases involving children and teenagers from juvenile to adult courts every year. The Louisiana Senate Finance Committee voted 6-5 Monday to reject Senate Bill 74 by Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport. The committees decision came a few weeks after state voters overwhelmingly rejected a similar constitutional amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation would have mostly affected Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge and Caddo parishes, where juvenile courts operate separately from district courts. Larry Frieman, chief deputy attorney general, told senators the bill was crafted specifically to address New Orleans juvenile court judges who are too lenient on the teens and children who come before them. They are one of the ones that have created this problem that we are trying to fix, Frieman said. Pushback for the bill came from a wide swath of people involved in the criminal justice system who often arent aligned with each other. District attorneys, public defenders, judges and anti-incarceration groups all spoke out against the proposal. The logistics of it are not as simple as everyone seems to think, said Kyla Romanach, chief public defender for East Baton Rouge Parish, who opposed the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had it been approved, the bill would have allowed district attorneys and the attorney general to transfer 15- and 16-year-olds accused of felony crimes from juvenile courts to state district courts that mostly handle adult cases. District attorneys and the attorney general also would have gained the ability to move cases involving children under 15 accused of any crime, misdemeanor or felony, from juvenile courts to city and parish courts that focus on adult cases. District attorneys can already move 14-, 15-, and 16-year-olds into the adult criminal justice system, but only when they are accused of the most serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter and rape. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Legislature also passed a statute last year that reclassifies all 17-year-olds as adults in the eyes of the criminal justice system. They are automatically tried in adult court and face adult prison sentences. The attorney generals failed legislation would have further blurred the lines between punishments for adults and minors in Louisiana, though the additional children and teenagers transferred from juvenile to adult courts under the bill would have been subjected to juvenile law standards, Frieman said. Judges, prosecutors and public defenders from the four parishes with juvenile courts indicated the attorney generals proposal would cost their courthouses and offices hundreds of thousands of dollars each. District attorneys and public defenders from East Baton Rouge, Jefferson and Caddo all said they would have to hire more staff to track cases in juvenile and district court if the legislation had been approved. Federal and state law also require minors to be separated from adult detainees. District courthouses in the four affected parishes dont have the appropriate accommodations for minors and would have had to retrofit their buildings. East Baton Rouge judges said the changes they would have to undertake at their courthouse would have cost between $3 million and $10 million, according to a legislative financial analysis. Legislators initially delayed a vote on the bill last week over questions about the accuracy of the fiscal review attached to it. An earlier version didnt have as many of the potential costs included, in part, because State Public Defender Remy Starns told the legislative staff to disregard information provided by his office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Druilhet, a member of the Legislative Fiscal Office staff, said Starns asked him to ignore any costs public defenders had initially said would be associated with the bill when drafting the fiscal review. [W]hile I did receive an initial response from the Office of the State Public Defender, including information from those four jurisdictions related to potential costs, I was contacted by Mr. Starns on May 2, 2025, instructing me not to include that cost in the fiscal note, Druilhet told senators at a public hearing last week. In response to Druilhets comments, the senators put off a vote on the matter for a week so a new financial write-up could be put together. Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, chastised Starns for intervening in the legislative process. I want our state employees to understand theres not a time when they can tell our fiscal office not to consider costs that have been submitted, she said after Druilhets testimony. Starns told Jackson he had decided, after an amendment was added to the legislation, that the expenses his office had turned over to the fiscal office were no longer relevant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starns has been working closely with the attorney general on other criminal justice bills filed this session that would give Starns more authority over local public defender office budgets and personnel. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Though egg prices in the Midwest and nationally are finally starting to tick back down, grocery prices are still higher across the board compared to a year ago. Between March and April, the national average price for Grade A eggs decreased by 12.7% to $5.12 per dozen according to the latest consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though that's the first month-to-month decline since October 2024, egg prices are still far above pre-avian flu levels of under $2 a dozen. In March, the average price for a dozen eggs hit $6.23 the highest in at least 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, bolstered by the dip in egg prices, the national average price for meat, poultry, fish and eggs overall also decreased by 0.9% between March and April. In the Midwest, meat, poultry, fish and eggs prices declined by 0.7% though both national and Midwest prices in this category are still about 7% higher than a year ago. Here's how other grocery prices shifted in Midwest last month. Chicken eggs are showing in an incubator Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Sunnyside Hatchery in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Because of avian flu and soaring egg prices, Its been a kamikaze start to the year. Insanity. I even had to cancel my family vacation, said general manager Nick Levendoski. Which groceries got less expensive in the Midwest in April? Though the price of nonalcoholic beverages rose by 0.8% in the Midwest, prices decreased across all of the other major grocery categories, according to the consumer price index: Cereal and bakery product prices fell by 1.5% Meat, poultry, fish and egg prices fell by 0.7% Dairy and related product prices fell by 1.2% Fruit and vegetable prices fell by 0.3% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall price of groceries the Midwest decreased by 0.6% between March and April. That's a shift from the 0.2% increase between February and March, but prices are still 2.4% higher than a year ago. Will egg prices continue dropping? Egg prices across the U.S. have been rocketing since 2022, primarily due to a nationwide avian flu outbreak that has have killed millions of hens and triggered widespread egg shortages. As of April 7, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection had detected avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks in Burnett and Barron counties and backyard flocks in Kenosha and Sheboygan counties. Though bird flu detections "eased significantly in March," the U.S. Department of Agriculture still predicted egg prices may rise as much as 54.6% throughout 2025 in an April report. Still, if bird flu cases remain relatively low, the price decrease could hold in the coming months, according to USA TODAY. In March, University of Wisconsin-Extension poultry specialist Ron Kean also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he expected egg prices to start declining after Easter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we hit warmer weather, it's a little less baking going on, and people are maybe not eating as heavy breakfasts, so usually demand will go down as we get into the spring," Kean said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin egg prices dip slightly in April 2025 PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A new restaurant has jumped on the breakfast and brunch scene in Peoria. Egg Republic, located on West Landens Way across the street from The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, is a unique place to get eggs, pancakes, or even shrimp and grits. When people walk in the front door, we want them to be like, Wow,' said Nathan Perry, a server, host and bartender. Then, when they sit down at their table and when they leave, Wow, that was great service. That was great food, everything. Again, people come back for the service. They dont come back necessarily for the food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a location in Bloomington for three years now, and the Peoria location opened last week. Rare Dust Storm Swept Through Central Illinois, Creating Hazardous Driving Conditions Maria Antunez, a manager, shared how they prepare their staff to provide the best service possible. You just stay on point, get to know your guests, Antunez said. You dont know if theyre having a bad day when theyre walking through that door. You dont know what theyre going through. So having that special contact with the guests and connection, I feel like that means a lot to them. One group of women hadnt even got their food yet, and told WMBD they were already astounded by the atmosphere and the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interior of the establishment was inspired by the Chicago dining scene, and is made to seem like a vacation spot. To read more about the restaurant, 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 CIProud.com. By Thomas Escritt BERLIN (Reuters) -A series of closely fought elections, the war in Gaza and deepening political polarisation helped drive the number of politically motivated crimes in Germany to a record high last year, with an especially sharp growth in far-right violence. The number of such offences recorded by police surged 40.2% to 84,172 in 2024, a report published on Tuesday by the Interior Ministry showed, a record since such data began to be collected in 2001. The number of violent political crimes rose 15% to 4,107, the highest level since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last year we saw a massive expansion of politically motivated crime coming from the right," conservative Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told a news conference at which the figures were announced. "Forty-five percent of the victims of politically motivated violence were injured by right-wing perpetrators," he said. He gave the example of assaults on gay pride parades by organised groups of far-right young people last summer. Elsewhere, police recorded increased numbers of attacks on migrants, especially after several high-profile car-ramming and stabbing attacks on public events by immigrants, some of them asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been increases in politically motivated crimes by the far left though such offences were far less likely to be violent, the data indicated. Like other Western countries, Germany has been afflicted by tensions resulting from the rise of the populist far right, economic uncertainty and growing anger, especially among immigrant communities, at the government's support for Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The far-right Alternative for Germany scored its best-ever results in five elections - three regional, one national and one European - in 2024, calling for tighter immigration controls and even a departure from the European Union. The nativist party was earlier this month officially classified as "right-extremist" by Germany's security services, which listed cases of its politicians dismissing naturalised immigrants as "passport Germans" and implying that immigrants from Muslim countries were more likely to be criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Dobrindt said he saw no reason to ban the AfD, a move some politicians have advocated. The AfD, now the second largest party in parliament, has denied posing a threat to democracy, says it opposes violence and has brought a legal challenge against authorities' characterisation of it as extremist. "To ban a party we have to have evidence of an attack on the rule of law and democracy," Dobrindt said, "and the security services' recent assessment doesn't sufficiently demonstrate that." (Reporting by Thomas Escritt; editing by Mark Heinrich) Lawrence County's voter services team is ready for today's historic May primary. It's historic because it's the first time Lawrence County has had three judgeships open at one time in the Court of Common Pleas. Seven candidates are vying today for nominations on the Republican and Democratic ballots. Voters also will nominate candidates for many open borough and township elected positions, county government offices and school board seats, and on the Republican ballots, they will elect people to serve as Republican committee members. County positions in addition to the judge race include district attorney, sheriff and register and recorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're ready for tomorrow," county elections director Tim Germani declared at a meeting of the Lawrence County Board of Elections. The board, comprised of the three commissioners, convened Monday and recessed at the call of the chair. If no issues arise during the election process that require a decision of the board, it will reconvene when the elections are ready to be certified. Germani reported at Monday's session that the county has a total of 57,165 registered voters. Of those, 29,918 are registered Republicans; 19,953 are registered Democrats; 255 are registered as Libertarians and 7,039 comprise other parties. Germani emphasized that "this is a closed election," meaning only Democrats and Republicans can vote on ballots for candidates running under their own parties. The seven judge candidates are cross-filed under both parties, as are some school board candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no nonpartisan questions on the ballot, he said, so other party voters won't be able to vote until November. Germani also reported on number of mail-in ballot applications he received and how many have been returned as of Monday morning. His office sent out 5,059 mail-in ballots to applicants. Of those, 3,615 or 65 percent had been returned so far. Germani reported a total of 1,713 Republican ballots were sent out and 1,175 returned so far and 3,346 Democratic ballots were sent out and 2,440 were returned. Voters still have until 8 p.m. to return the ballots to the county drop box in the courthouse entrance or at the voter registration office. He also reported 10 ballots were sent back with no signatures, and one had no secrecy envelope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will call you if you do not sign or date your ballots," he said. "We'll give you a chance to cure them." "They'll be notified to come in and remedy the problem so these ballots will be able to be counted. They have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to come in." Germani also reminded voters of two polling site changes. Those who usually vote at the North Beaver Township municipal building instead will go this time to the North Beaver fire hall at 969 Mount Jackson Road, because the township building is undergoing renovations. The Gettings Annex, which is the church across the lot from the courthouse, is no longer a polling spot. Those voters now will go to the New Creation Free Methodist Church at 725 Pearson St., formerly known as St. Johns Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-time voters in a precinct are reminded they need to present their identification at the polls. County employees Michael Occhibone and Sarah Eppinger will sit as the elections resolution board to resolve any damaged or illegible ballots. Seven high school students from Mohawk Area School District and sons and daughters of courthouse employees will assist the elections staff as the cars deliver supplies and ballots after the polls close. Jacquie Graziani, an elections staff member, explained Mohawk class had a mock election and the elections office invited the students to help. The student workers are paid $10 per hour on election night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Chris Sainato, who sits on the election board, encouraged voters to treat poll workers with respect. "They work long hours, and for not a lot of money," he said. "The laws are the laws and they have to follow them. Dont take out your anger on them. We need to keep each and every one of them." A utility crew restores power at a New Orleans intersection after Hurricane Francine in September 2024. (John Gray/Verite News) NEW ORLEANS The recent end to a state-led energy efficiency program combined with massive layoffs last month at the federal agency that provides electric bill assistance to low-income households have residents of greater New Orleans worried about how they are going to cool their homes during the hottest months of the year. The Louisiana Public Service Commission, which regulates electric utilities for most of the state, eliminated an energy efficiency program that it had been working on for over a decade in mid-April. In early April, the Trump administration fired all of the Low Income Energy Assistance Programs staff, leaving the future of the program in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without state-level plans to increase energy assistance, spending on electricity will probably rise, experts said. And with LIHEAP in the lurch, people might not be able to access assistance they need to pay those high bills. Logan Burke, the executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy called the LIHEAP cuts outrageous, especially because there are already few avenues for energy bill assistance. Burke said that Louisiana spent 7% of its LIHEAP funds on weatherizing homes last year, and that if LIHEAP doesnt continue, then there will be no low-income weatherization or efficiency programs in the state. The problem here is that those are the minimal backstops that people have depended on for decades the LIHEAP dollars both for bill assistance and weatherization of housing, and without them, we simply lose billions of dollars of bill assistance and efficiency upgrades in low income housing, Burke said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local LIHEAP administrators are silent on how the layoffs will affect residents or the future funding. The Louisiana Housing Corporation which is in charge of distributing funds to parish organizations that then go through applications and work with residents to provide aid did not respond to phone calls. Neither did JeffCAP, Jefferson Parishs LIHEAP distributor, or Total Community Action in New Orleans. State scraps energy efficiency program Even though the average unit cost of electricity is lower in Louisiana than much of the rest of the country, Louisianians use the highest amounts, leading to high bills, said Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, and average rates have only been increasing in recent years. Between 2018 and 2024, the base rate for energy bills in Louisiana increased 40%, and is expected to increase 30% in the next 15 years, according to analysis from the financial consulting firm BAI Group. Extreme weather, old housing infrastructure and Louisianas reliance on natural gas, a volatile market, are all partly responsible for the high prices, experts said. A lot of our housing stock is old and simply isnt good at retaining heated and cooled air, Burke said. So a lot of our energy is just wasted around leaks and cracks around our windows and doors. For the past 14 years, the Louisiana Public Service Commission had been working on an energy efficiency program that would have helped residents identify ways to consume less energy by making every unit of power go further through renovations such as increased insulation in homes or upgraded thermostats, Burke said. But the commission abruptly voted to dissolve the program less than a month before contractors were slated to report to the commission about how the program would work. Republican commissioners said the administrative costs of the program would be too high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision frustrated residents of the greater New Orleans area who struggle to pay their energy bills and were looking for state support to lower costs. Because if you go around sealing up all these cracks and holes in these old houses, dont you think now theyre going to use less to heat and cool their homes? said Dorginia Lucas, a Metairie resident. Thats why I would drop it too if I was them. Why would I help you lower your bill? Thats how I look at it. Lucas said she has been working since 14 years old, but still struggles to pay her utility bills, which range between $249 to $440. She said dealing with Entergys billing system is frustrating and overwhelming. A recent report by the Louisiana Association of United Ways, a coalition of nonprofits that connect residents with health and financial aid resources, found that wages havent been increasing at the same rate as basic necessities in recent years, making household costs difficult to cover, even in families with steady incomes. And utility assistance has been one of the most sought-after aid requests over the past decade in Orleans Parish (with an exception in 2021 after Hurricane Ida), according to caller data from counseling service center Vialink. The need for energy assistance has grown Entergy distributes funds to nonprofits for its utility assistance program, The Power to Care, that aids seniors and people with disabilities. The New Orleans Council on Aging distributes those funds to residents in Orleans Parish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard Rodgers, the executive director of the New Orleans Council on Aging, said there is a tremendous need for assistance paying utility bills in the city. Rodgers said seniors particularly need assistance because they might rely on benefits and need to pay for medication, which might lead them to deprioritize utility payments to the detriment of their health. The New Orleans Council on Aging helps around 10,000 to 15,000 people every year through The Power to Care program, Rodgers said, and most funds come from charitable donations that Entergy matches. But the program has also changed in recent years. Due to high demand, the Council on Aging no longer accepts walk-ins for utility bill assistance. Additionally, those seeking help have a $500 cap on assistance every year. Rodgers said this allows the council to provide assistance to more people. That might not go too far for many residents. A 2023 Verite News analysis found that the average Entergy bill in New Orleans was $179 in 2022. And consumer advocates worry that the situation could get worse. Last year, the New Orleans City Council voted to approve the sale of Entergy New Orleanss gas business utility to a company backed by private equity. Energy advocates and community members spoke out against the sale, saying that it might increase rates for energy users. Louisianas investments in exporting liquified natural gas abroad could also lead to higher energy costs at home, according to a Department of Energy report from last September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jannie Yarbrough, a retired New Orleans resident, said she lives alone and pays around $185 to $200 per month, a squeeze on fixed retirement income. Yarbrough said the city and state could be doing more to lower energy costs. Yarbough said she could ask her daughter to help out, but doesnt want to depend on her. Im blessed that I have a daughter that could pay, but Im not trying to depend on my child, Yarbrough said. Despite the rising costs of gas, public assistance pathways for utility payments are also dwindling at the local level. Last July, the citys Office of Community Development shuttered its emergency rental and utility assistance program after four years. The office didnt respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entergy has its own energy efficiency program, but it still gets paid for funds it may lose from lower energy energy consumption a program called Quick Start, according to the Alliance for Affordable Energy. Quick Start will expire at the end of the year, and on May 19 the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted to initiate a three month process to look at and make changes to the program and another that helps public entities with energy efficiency. Under an independent, state-run energy efficiency program, Entergy wouldnt be able to earn back potential profits it lost from energy efficiency upgrades. Rodgers said the Council on Aging is anticipating a higher demand for utility assistance since the LIHEAP layoffs. He said he has already spoken to Entergy employees about the possibility of the end of LIHEAP. An Entergy New Orleans spokesperson did not respond to questions about if and how assistance pathways might change if LIHEAP ended, but said the companys rates are consistently below the national average and that customers can contact the utility for bill management resources. We wont know what to do until it happens, Rodgers said. We can think about it, plan for it, but then we are just going to have to be reactionary when that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Elon Musk challenged Bill Gates' criticism of DOGE's USAID budget cuts. Gates has claimed DOGE's cuts could cause "millions of deaths" but Musk demanded evidence. Musk defended DOGE's moves and slammed Gates' comments at the Qatar Economic Forum Tuesday. Elon Musk clapped back at Bill Gates when asked about his criticism of the Department of Government Efficiency. In response to Gates' remarks to CNN and other publications earlier this month that DOGE's slashes to the US Agency for International Development would lead to "millions of deaths," Musk asked his fellow tech billionaire to show proof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd like him to show us any evidence whatsoever that this is true. It's false," Musk told Bloomberg's Mishal Husain onstage at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday. With Musk as its de facto leader, DOGE has taken an aggressive approach to making the government more efficient including cutting over 80% of USAID's programs, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. DOGE was effectively "feeding USAID into the wood chipper," as the Tesla CEO put it in an X post on February 2. Musk told Husain that parts of USAID "that were found to be even slightly useful" were preserved and moved to the State Department. On January 28, Rubio announced that the US would issue a waiver allowing "life-saving humanitarian assistance programs" to continue their work. Musk previously called USAID a "criminal organization," and he said Tuesday that it hasn't been able to provide evidence of the children it's helping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "'Like, where are they? If they're in trouble, we'd like to talk to them and talk to their caregivers,'" Musk said. Neither Musk nor representatives for Gates immediately responded to Business Insider's request for comment. Gates, the cofounder of Microsoft, committed his over $100 billion fortune and the resources of the Gates Foundation to aid in global health over the next 20 years. He told CNN that DOGE's bold approach to cutting government spending is "a mistake." USAID distributed nearly $32.5 billion in aid in 2024, devoting over $2.3 billion to fighting AIDS , malaria, and tuberculosis around the world. It also spent about $290 million on making vaccines and immunization more widespread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United Nations, the US funds 70% of the global response to HIV/AIDS, saving more than 26 million lives since the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was created in 2003. "He's the one who cut the USAID budget. He put it in the wood chipper," Gates told The New York Times Magazine of Musk. "The world's richest man has been involved in the deaths of the world's poorest children." Read the original article on Business Insider Elon Musk's time within the government has seemingly expired, and some Republicans couldn't be happier. "Hes finished, done, gone," one GOP official, who was granted anonymity by Politico to talk trash, said of Musk. "He polls terrible. People hate him." That operative and others like him are already dancing on the unelected billionaire's grave. As the magazine found in a social media analysis, Musk is now persona non grata for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a big spike in late January of Musk-related content from accounts linked to the Trump administration, mentions of the billionaire have steadily fallen as the backlash against his politicking began in earnest. By April, he was only being mentioned twice a day and by the time this month began, that number had dropped to one. "The public supported the effort to end wasteful Washington spending, but they did not support the way that it was done," GOP pollster Frank Luntz told the magazine. "His mission to cut the waste from Washington was certainly helpful, but the language he used wasnt." Polls across the political spectrum show that although Trump's approval rating has been leveling out, people have soured tremendously on Musk. Musk's sudden silence on political matters underscores a growing disillusionment and a realization that his time leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency may have been a failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible the writing was already on the wall, inspiring the billionaire to leave a government in tatters behind to refocus his efforts on his ailing businesses instead. Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, Republicans who spoke to Politico on the record chose their words carefully when asked about the increasingly unpopular multi-hyphenate who ushered Trump back into office. "Those polls on favorability basically tell you Elons doing a great job when hes on the inside," leveled David McIntosh, the CEO of the conservative Club for Growth, in his interview with the magazine. "And hopefully he stays a long time to do that, but doesnt take on this role of a campaign surrogate." The GOP operative who spoke anonymously, meanwhile, had a vastly different take about Musk's campaigning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He'd go to Wisconsin thinking he can buy peoples votes, wear the cheese hat, act like a 9-year-old," the official told Politico, referencing the Wisconsin federal judge race that the Trump-backed candidate may have lost due to Musk's campaign trail antics. "It doesnt work," that operative said. "Its offensive to people." More on Musk's dying political career: Ex-FBI Agent: Elon Musk's Drug Habit Made Him an Easy Target for Russian Spies Elon Musk attends a cabinet meeting at the White House wearing MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats on April 30. Credit - Andrew Harnik - Getty Images Elon Musk, who spent more than $250 million dollars on Donald Trumps election campaign, has said he plans to reduce political spending, stating "Ive done enough". "In terms of political spending, I'm going to do a lot less in the future," the Tesla and SpaceX CEO said when asked about potential involvement in the midterms, during an interview at the Qatar Economic Forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned whether this was due to "blowback", Musk responded: "Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I do not currently see a reason." Musk, the world's richest man with a personal wealth around $423bn, was the President's largest donor for the 2024 election. Following the election, Musk was given a leading role in the administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at reducing federal spending and bureaucracy. Read more: Inside Elon Musks War on Washington Since the election, the billionaire also put $13 million towards the Republican candidate Brad Schimel for Wisconsin Supreme Court, which was ultimately won by Democrat-backed Susan Crawford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hes at the Apex of Power Now: A Preview of Trumps Second Term Musk is expected to be reducing his involvement in DOGE, in order to focus on his businesses. In April, he announced that he would be significantly cutting back the time spent working with DOGE amid falls in profits and sales for his electric car company Tesla. Beyond the United States, Musk has also shown support for right-wing parties and candidates. In January, the billionaire endorsed the leader of the AfD party Alice Weidel during an audio livestream on X. Only AfD can save Germany, end of story, and people really need to get behind AfD, and otherwise things are going to get very, very much worse in Germany, Musk said during the livestream. He has also voiced support for the right-wing Reform UK party in the United Kingdom, saying in an X post in December: Only Reform can save Britain. Contact us at letters@time.com. Bethany First Selectwoman Paula Cofrancesco resigned Monday at the start of the annual town meeting where residents cheered loudly and hooted with joy at the news in the wake of a recent scandal. Then they went on to the mundane business of budgets and infrastructure. Her resignation is effective June 6, 2025, Cofrancesco said in a brief statement. Its been a great honor and privilege to serve the town I love and Im grateful for the opportunity to have made a contribution, she said, going on to say her continued presence as first selectwoman would be a distraction for the town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cofrancesco said she disagrees with the recent report that blasts her handling of a scandal connected to an alleged child sex abuse case. Pressure for her to resign mounted over the weekend following the release of the report last week that faulted her handling of a child sex abuse allegation case that has rocked the town. The report concluded that she did too little too late in the case of Parks and Recreation Department employee Anthony Mastrangelo, who last year was charged with first-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The report/investigation alleged Cofrancescos family is close to the Mastrangelos and blasted her for not telling the public there was an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents over the weekend said they were appealing to Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William to have her removed. Joining the list of residents calling for her resignation were state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, a Republican like Cofrancesco, the Bethany Democratic Town Committee, and Democratic Selectwoman Gina Teixeira. Even the Republican Town Committee joined the call for her to resign. This report details a massive failure by First Selectman Paul Cofrancesco and an inexplicable lack of action by state police, who were also named to be at fault, Cabrera wrote. Our children look to the adults in their lives to protect them, and the adult leadership in Bethany failed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports states that a lot of public discussion has focused on the relationship between the families of Cofrancesco and Mastrangelo, alleging it played a part in the First Selectmans seeming reluctance to terminate Mastrangelo from Town employment and her concurrent failure to share with the community, even in general terms. When the subject of she and the Mastrangelo family vacationing together came up, Cofrancesco told the public that she has no control over who turns up at her annual vacation spot. She implied it was happenstance that she and the Mastrangelos were pictured together at the same vacation spot. That, the report states, strains credulity. Text messages between the first selectman and Mastrangelos mother, who served as the Bethany Community School secretary, discuss coordination of designs for family t-shirts to be worn during an upcoming joint summer vacation in New York State, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women mention arrangements for shared meals, apparently in reference to the same vacation in their emails, the report states. In 2023 Cofrancesco submitted written testimony opposing a legislative bill that would have increased state oversight of summer camps. Cofrancesco said in her testimony that the bill would, significantly increase costs for towns and campers, which will price families out of affordable, convenient, and enriching camp programs. She also wrote: In addition, the bill would wreak havoc in operating municipal summer camps which begin advertising and enrolling children in February and March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report notes Mastrangelos work in the Parks and Recreation office gave him access to information about the children he had allegedly assaulted, such as the days and times of programs in which they were currently enrolled. The report also states Cofrancesco admitted she knew Mastrangelo provided babysitting services for at least one child and stated that it was kind of known that he had been. When asked if she considered informing the family she knew to be using Mastrangelo as a babysitter, Cofrancesco told investigators it was their personal choice to use him and she didnt want to slander anyone, the report states. We conclude that the First Selectmans response to the unfolding Mastrangelo crisis was too little, too late, and her responses to community concerns and questions were often less than candid, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report notes Cofrancesco had not tried to contact State Police for an update on the investigation, as she said she had. Mastrangelos interactions with children had been noticed by and become a source of concern to fellow counselors and some parents, the investigation revealed. Some female counselors were disturbed by Mastrangelos lack of boundaries in his interactions with them, the report states. The concerns were reported to his co-workers and nominal supervisors, but nothing was done, it states. The voluminous, detailed report alleges the towns recreation department failed to review and implement policies and procedures designed to assure the safety and welfare of the children enrolled in Parks and Recreation programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also found: Cofrancesco failed to immediately remove Mastrangelo from town employment and inform the public of pending investigations of sexual misconduct. She knew of the investigation as early as December 23, 2022, the report states. Cofrancesco also allegedly failed to initiate a comprehensive review of Parks and Recreation safety procedures and policies, the report states. If Mastrangelo had been arrested in the 2023 alleged assaults, the alleged assault of the fifth child likely would not have occurred, and the trauma to the Bethany community arising out of this sequence of events, would likely have been minimized, the report states. The report was based on a review of more than 125,000 electronic and paper documents emails, text messages, town policies, and related attachmentsand on our interviews of 48 current and former town employees, elected officials, concerned citizens, and parents of the victims. In the wake of a terrorist bombing that devastated the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) fertility clinic in Palm Springs over the weekend, patients are speaking out not in outrage, but with gratitude. One IVF patient, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety, said her heart sank when she first read the news. Weeks before the explosion, she had finally completed her egg retrieval at the clinic. Out of 27 eggs, only one viable embryo had formed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utter disbelief, she told KTLAs Angeli Kakade, describing the moment she realized the building where her embryo was stored had been targeted. Women pour their heart and soul, time, energy, money our physical bodies into creating an opportunity to have their biggest dream come true. But just hours after the blast, the message came: the embryos had been saved. She credits the clinics lead doctor, Dr. Maher Abdallah, for his quick thinking and compassion in getting the word out to patients. We forgive the perpetrator: Palm Springs IVF clinic doctor speaks out, embryos saved Palm Springs Deputy Fire Chief Greg Lyle said he and an FBI agent went into the compromised structure on Sunday to see if they could bring the embryos out of the building, but once inside, they realized there were tanks holding hundreds of embryos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tanks were too large to move safely, so Lyles team went in to try and save medical records, but they ended up saving much more. Those guys went in, it wasnt me, he said. They went in to restore power, and they did it. Assistant Fire Chief Greg Lyle (left) and FBI agent Chris Meltzer (right) are seen standing in front of the embryos they helped save from further loss the day after this Palm Springs clinic was bombed in an act of terrorism. May 2025. (Palm Springs Police Department) The team successfully reestablished electricity to repower the incubators and ensured that the cryogenic containers were intact. My embryo is already a little fighter, said the patient. Shes the only embryo that made it from the 27 eggs, and now she survived this. Her embryo transfer remains on schedule, now at a different location. She plans to visit the Palm Springs Fire Department this week to personally thank the crew who helped save her future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emery Baucus, another ARC patient who had previously completed a successful cycle that resulted in the birth of her now 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter, said she was storing two embryos at the clinic for future use. When news of the bombing broke, she feared the worst. FBI deems Palm Springs explosion a terrorism act, experts explore possible motives If youre in the middle of a three-day or five-day freeze, those days are important time is of the essence, Baucus said. Im just so glad they were able to get those embryos and continue treatments for those who might be in the thick of it right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto offered words of reassurance following the attack, calling on the community to stand together. Palm Springs is a city of love, acceptance, joy, and hope, she said. Despite the damage to the building, patients said the dream of starting or growing their families is still alive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Parking spots once labeled as accessible spaces are now Upfront Plus Parking at the Empire Mall. Accessible spots are still available at the mall, and not all Upfront Plus Parking spots are placed where accessible spots had been. The Upfront parking is something Simon, the company which owns the Empire Mall, has instituted at other properties across the country. In a statement from Simon, the company said: During the initial rollout of our new Up Front Plus Scan to Pay parking amenity, one ADA-accessible parking space was mistakenly converted into a paid space. As soon as we became aware of this oversight, we immediately restored the space to ADA-accessible parking. The paid parking space was shifted to ensure full compliance and accessibility for all guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company adds that 99% of the malls parking remains free. Never mind extra paycheck that state employees got The sign features a QR code which you can scan after parking in order to pay. The number of Up Front Plus parking spots is unknown. KELOLAND News has reached out to the Sioux Empire Mall and Simon for comment on the new spots but have not received a response. It appears that prices can vary across Simon locations. One location in Las Vegas has prices ranging from $8 for four hours to $15 for eight hours, while another in Massachusetts offers a $7 charge for the duration of your shopping trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another in Pennsylvania says, Cost varies depending on visit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lithuania instituted legal proceedings against Belarus in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 19, alleging that Minsk is "facilitating, supporting, and enabling the smuggling of migrants" into Lithuania. According to a news release issued by the ICJ, Vilnius alleges that Minsk is behind an influx in illegal border crossings from Belarus into Lithuania, adding that Minsk fails "to take necessary border measures to prevent and detect the smuggling of migrants and to ensure the security and control of documents." Since 2021, Vilnius has accused Minsk of orchestrating a surge in irregular migrant crossings into Lithuania in an effort to destabilize Ukraine's EU and NATO ally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (T)he smuggling of migrants through Belarus into Lithuania has caused serious harm to Lithuanias sovereignty, security, and public order, as well as to the rights and interests of the smuggled migrants themselves, who have been exposed to grave abuses in trying to reach Lithuanian territory," Vilnius said in its claim against Minsk. Despite raising the issue with Belarusian authorities, Vilnius says that Minsk has refused to cooperate to limit illegal migration. Lithuania previously said in April 2023 that it has has refused entry to 20,000 migrants from Belarus, although that number has significantly grown since. Vilnius previously demanded Minsk pay 120 million euros ($134 million) from Belarus for facilitating the mass crossings. Lithuania borders Russia's Kaliningrad exclave to the southwest and Belarus to the east and south. Tensions between NATO and Moscow have escalated since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belarus who has not yet responded to the proceedings initiated by Lithuania is one of Russia's staunchest allies and part of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched from its territory. Moscow has previously been accused of similar tactics, aimed at destabilizing NATO allies in the Baltics. In response to Helsinki's accession into NATO, Finland has accused neighboring Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border. As Lithuania continues to strengthen its defenses along its borders with Belarus and Russia, the country announced on May 5 that it will invest 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over the next decade to install anti-tank mines in order to "block and slow" a possible invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years, citing Russia's increasingly aggressive posture. Read also: Lithuania to mine border with Russia, Belarus in new $1.2 billion defense plan Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LONDON (AP) The U.K. High Court in London on Tuesday reduced the prison sentence of the far-right English Defense League's founder, and he could be released in the coming days. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October for violating a court order barring him from repeating libelous allegations against a Syrian refugee. However, his lawyers told the court that he had since shown a commitment to comply with the order, and as a result, Justice Jeremy Johnson granted the application to have the sentence reduced, which means he could be released on parole within the next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaxley-Lennon had shown a change in attitude since he was sentenced, Johnson said, while noting the "absence of contrition or remorse. He has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again, the judge said. Yaxley-Lennon, 42, who attended the hearing by videoconference from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, showed no immediate reaction once the judgment was handed down. He had admitted in court last October that he was in contempt of court for violating a 2021 injunction by giving interviews in a podcast and shown on YouTube, and in a documentary he presented during a rally in London's Trafalgar Square that was also posted on his X account and widely viewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had been ordered not to repeat false allegations that he made in 2018 that a teen, Jamal Hijazi, was a violent thug who bullied and threatened other students at a school in West Yorkshire in northern England. Videos he made about Hijazi led to abuse being directed at the boy. He dropped out of school and his family had to leave their home. Hijazi successfully sued for libel in Londons High Court in July 2021 and was awarded 100,000 British pounds ($130,000) in damages and his court costs. In the past, Yaxley-Lennon has been jailed for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court. He founded the nationalist street protest group EDL in 2009. Even after the group faded from view around 2013, he remained one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain and can still draw large crowds to the streets. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Enteks single largest investment is set to transform Terre Haute, Vigo County and the surrounding are, but the project hasnt gone entirely to plan. The Entek factory, which will employ more than 600 people, is starting to get back on track after its $1.2 billion loan from the federal government was paused. Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun said the company has been in constant contact with the government to get the project completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any time there is a federal shutdown or pause in large funding like that, there is a ripple effect. Usually construction timeline, employment concerns for that company, said Sakbun. Entek is the only maker of wet process lithium-ion battery separators that is owned and operated in the United States. Steve Witt, President of the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, said even though the funding has been paused, the project is still making good progress. They are working very closely with the Department of Energy to free up those funds, but theyre working with their other funders, in regard to what theyre doing today. So, they are very excited about their project. It continues to move along. Theyre still shooting for late Q3, early Q4 to go into production, said Witt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the project is complete, the plant will not only make battery separators for electric cars and other electronics, but it will also bring new job opportunities for the community. Just since they have been under construction since early last year, there has been a lot of economic activity that has accrued in our community and the surrounding area as a result of Enteks project. So, its a pretty good thing to see, said Witt. Mayor Sakbun said the project will also help students in the higher education institutions around the valley. Any time we bring in business or industry, we want to connect it to our four institutes of higher education, and frankly, that includes K-12 education. I think youve seen the city announce a partnership with the airport, with the Vigo County School Corporation, that is a great example, that and this, of how we connect employment opportunities to young Hoosiers. Weve got to do more as a state, frankly, to retain the best and the brightest, whether they choose to get an associates degree, a graduate degree or no college degree, your future can be made right here in the city of Terre Haute, said Sakbun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WTWO/WAWV has reached out to the Department of Energy for comment regarding the loan pause. A spokesperson for the DOE had this to say: The Department is conducting a department-wide review to ensure all activities follow the law, comply with applicable court orders and align with the Trump administrations priorities. The American people provided President Trump with a mandate to govern and to unleash American Energy Dominance. The Department of Energy is hard at work to deliver on President Trumps promise to restore affordable, reliable, and secure energy to the American people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Newly released 911 calls from neighbors reveal the moment a home exploded in a Dilworth neighborhood. I think a house just blew up, like there was a loud bang and Im looking at it and its entirely on fire, a caller said. Around 6:15 a.m. on May 2, authorities received multiple, panicked 911 calls about a fully-involved house fire on Lombardy Circle. About 20 minutes later, it became a two-alarm fire, bringing more crews to the scene. Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Credit: Charlotte Fire Department No one was home during the explosion, but one civilian and one firefighter sustained minor injuries, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole structure is gone, it just shook our whole house it was an explosion, another caller said. Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set. The explosion and fire caused roughly $445,000 in damages. Court documents show that 41-year-old Michael Edward Barnette is the owner of the home. According to arrest records, Barnette was arrested in Chicago on Friday, May 9 on an out-of-state warrant. Photo of Michael Edward Barnette; Credit: Cook County Sheriffs Office Barnette is accused of intentionally setting his own house on fire. He is currently booked in the Cook County Sheriffs Office in Chicago and is in the process of being extradited to Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say this is still an active 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 Queen City News. Universal Orlando has unveiled its first major amusement park in over 20 years. Known as Epic Universe, the new theme park opened to the public on May 22 and will allow guests to explore five distinct worlds that are each inspired by renowned franchises. Celestial Park, a world dedicated to the heavens, stars and constellations, serves as a gateway to the four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. The new amusement park is also considered one of the world's most sustainable. Sustainability, per Jeff Polk, Epic Universe's general manager, was always part of the park's design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universals Epic Universe is the latest theme park to join the Universal Orlando Resorts multiverse. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Construction for Epic Universe began in 2019, was paused in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in early 2021. The park took an estimated eight years and $7 billion to build. Heres what visitors can expect from each of Epic Universes five worlds. Celestial Park The entrance portal to Epic Universe. (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg) Recognized as the central hub of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is filled with astrology-based motifs. Offering an in-depth exploration of constellations, stars and the heavens, the park connects the other four worlds together and features its own two attractions. Constellation Carousel gives guests the opportunity to ride the constellations themselves. The ceiling of the ride is a Star Tracker that features rotating celestial star patterns. Stardust Racers, the other ride in this world, is a dual-launch roller coaster that races across the cosmos. Guests board a comet and travel at speeds reaching up to 62 mph along twin tracks that intersect and invert around each other. Celestial Park also features a nightly light and water show at the Cosmos Fountain, celebrating each of the five worlds. Dining options include Atlantic, an undersea restaurant with glass walls that resembles a large Victorian aquarium. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry amusement ride. (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg) Helping unveil the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic were Harry Potter film franchise alums James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley, and Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick. The trio greeted fans the day before the park officially opened to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filled with shops, restaurants and streets reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans of the franchise to immerse themselves in the magical Parisian atmosphere of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. After encountering fantastic beasts, guests can then travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s via the Metro-Floo, to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge. On the ride, known as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, fans will embark on adventures with Harry, Ron and Hermione and will journey deep within the ministrys departments. This ride is an industry game changer, one TikToker said. The scale of this ride will have your jaw on the floor from the moment you enter. The Ministry of Magic, complete with its golden statues and stately elevators, is covered in more than 125,000 subway tiles in five colors. One Harry Potter fan revealed on TikTok that she waited over five hours to get on the ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests can also devour some Paris-inspired eats at cafes like Cafe Lair De La Sirene, Le Gobelet Noir and Bar Moonshine. Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World. (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg) According to an early Epic Universe attendee, to enter Super Nintendo World guests must ride a green escalator, which will then lead them to two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Replete with mushrooms, pipes, coins and piranha plants, the vibrant scenery bears an uncanny resemblance to the whimsical, virtual landscape on which its based. The way that its built, you really cant see out of the area where you are, a reporter told NPR upon visiting the park. Its like youre inside a game completely. In Super Mario Land, guests can re-create the magic of Super Mario Kart by racing alongside their favorite franchise characters on Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge, before taking a spin on Yoshis Adventure to search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario creator and game designer, it was imperative to create a world that was fun for video game lovers. "One thing to note about video games is that when you purchase a video game, you take it home and you play it over and over again, Miyamoto told Rolling Stone. Thats some of the appeal of what a video game is. But when youre at the theme park, its got to be fun. You play it once, and its got to be fun. That was quite a challenge to undertake. With its tropical backdrop of majestic waterfalls and luscious foliage, guests are also welcome to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster that careens through Donkey Kong Country and seemingly soars from one broken track to another. To power up before venturing into another world, park attendees can visit Toadstool Cafe for burgers, soups, salads and desserts made by the one and only Chef Toad. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg) Boasted by Universal Orlando as having fire-breathing fun for all ages, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk immerses guests in the astounding village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons coexist with one another. Bringing the fictional world of How to Train Your Dragon to life, Isle of Berk features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 disparate dragon species from across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was important to have an even distribution of eye candy, so the dragons are tiered from complicated to simple to static, Katy Pacitti, an executive producer of the Isle of Berk world, told Attractions Magazine. For some Epic Universe attendees whove yet to watch the How to Train Your Dragon films, the worlds level of detail has piqued their interest. Attractions here include the show The Untrainable Dragon, where a 1,100-pound Toothless with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet soars above the audience, a roller coaster known as Hiccups Wing Gliders, a dragon racing trainer ride called Dragon Racers Rally and a competitive water adventure known as Fyre Drill. Guests also have the option to eat like a Viking at Isle of Berk staples like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligans Grog & Gruel. Dark Universe Darkmoor Village in the Dark Universe. (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg) Dracula. Frankensteins monster. The Bride of Frankenstein. The Invisible Man. A land made for the goths and horror freaks, as one TikTok user put it, Universals classic movie monsters roam free in Dark Universes Village of Darkmoor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are watching where the movies went. The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films. We took everything from the original films and used that as the basis for all of the continued storytelling, Patrick Braillard, a Universal Creative show writer, said at New York Comic Con. Acclaimed film composer and musician Danny Elfman, who's responsible for scoring Tim Burton films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman, composed original music for Dark Universe. Horror fans and Epic Universe guests can enjoy Elfman's monster music as they walk through the newly unveiled world. Elfman's original score is available for purchase on vinyl at Epic Universe. "First time, at night, entering Dark Universe," Elfman said during an Instagram Live on Wednesday. In addition to themed-dining experiences like Das Stakehaus, De Laceys Cottage and the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters hang out, guests can explore the catacombs that lie beneath Darkmoor by way of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride, which features some of Universals most technically advanced animated figures theyve ever created, sees Dr. Victoria Frankenstein return to the Frankenstein Manor to continue her great-grandfathers ill-advised experiments. Dark Universe has also received praise for its subtle attention to narrative detail. Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universes second attraction, is a spinning roller coaster that ravages through a darkened forest at up to 37 mph, in an effort to escape from a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves. The trial of three men accused of working for the Russian secret service is set to begin on Tuesday at a regional court in the southern German city of Munich. The men are accused of planning sabotage operations against military infrastructure and railway lines in Germany. The leader of the trio is also alleged to have fought in Ukraine as part of an armed terrorist organization. The case caused a stir about a year ago when police in the German state of Bavaria arrested two of the men. More than 40 court hearings are scheduled until December 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, a similar case came to light when three Ukrainians were arrested in Germany and Switzerland. It is suspected that they were recruited by Russian authorities to carry out acts of sabotage in Germany. The trial is scheduled to begin at 10 am (0800 GMT) at the Higher Regional Court in Munich. An Eton-educated accountant has been sanctioned by the Government over procuring ships for Russias shadow fleet. John Michael Ormerod, a 74-year-old shipping industry veteran, furnished Moscow with 25 vessels that helped it avoid Western sanctions on global oil sales, according to an investigation by the Financial Times last year. The ships helped Russia earn at least $7.2 billion, the newspaper reported, carrying about 120 million barrels of oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Announcing fresh sanctions on the fleet, a statement from the Foreign Office said: This action [against Mr Ormerod] imposes a personal cost on those who are supporting Russias trade in oil. Donald Trump has also threatened to impose secondary sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil, should Vladimir Putin not commit to peace with Ukraine. However, he pushed back on the idea of sanctioning Russia itself during a call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and five European leaders on Monday, Axios reported. Sources who were on the call which came hours after he spoke with the Russian president said some European leaders were shocked and surprised at the US presidents response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2022, the UK, US and EU blocked companies in the G7 from transporting Russian oil unless it was sold at a discount. This prompted Russia to establish a shadow fleet of about 400 old tankers registered in countries outside the organisation. The rusty fleet, flagged under nations including Gabon and Liberia, has allowed Moscow to skirt the impact of the sanctions intended to slash revenues from its energy exports. The ships carry vast cargoes of oil to willing purchasers in India, China and elsewhere. Efforts to sanction the vessels have been hampered by the difficulty of determining their ownership, which is often obscured through offshore corporate structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Financial Times, Mr Ormerod created a network of offshore companies in the Marshall Islands to buy the 25 ships. The $700 million needed to fund the purchases was provided by Eiger Shipping DMCC, a Dubai-based subsidiary of Russias state-owned Lukoil, for the purposes of chartering the vessels. Although Lukoil is under Western sanctions, Eiger Shipping DMCC is not. Dubai-based companies are also not bound by the G7 sanctions so long as they do not use Western financing or services. On Tuesday, the Foreign Office announced it had sanctioned Eiger Shipping, under its new name Rhodania Shipping SA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the Financial Times last year, Mr Ormerods lawyers said he was approached by Eiger Shipping in late 2022 to purchase ships for their general trade. He did extensive due diligence to ensure the proposed purchases would not violate sanctions, they added. The sanctions announced today will freeze Mr Ormerods UK assets, barring him from accessing bank accounts and other sources of wealth. Since the war began, Russia has earned around 760 billion from sales of oil, gas and coal, according to the Centre for Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based think tank. That is more than double the 300 billion provided and pledged to Ukraine by Europe and the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western sanctions on the shadow fleet have started to curtail its operations. Before leaving office, Joe Biden sanctioned 155 tankers, effectively knocking them out of business. On Tuesday, the UK announced sanctions on 18 vessels, adding to the 100 or so already targeted. In March, Russia saw a 36 per cent month-on-month increase for oil on tankers registered in the G7, subjecting its profits to the $60 Western price cap. Moscow has begun to respond more aggressively. Last week, Russian fighter jets briefly entered Estonian airspace after one shadow fleet tanker was detained. Credit: X/@M_Simonyan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Greek tanker was later seized after briefly entering Russian territorial waters on a pre-approved route out of the Gulf of Finland. This is definitely connected to the fact that we have started to harass Russias shadow fleet, said Margus Tsahkna, Estonias foreign minister. In its statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office added that it was working with allies to review the $60 oil price cap. The EU, which imposed its 17th round of sanctions on Russia on Tuesday, is likely to propose a $50 cap, according to recent reports. The current benchmark for a barrel of Brent crude stands at $65. US leadership, analysts argue, would be critical in ratcheting up sanctions to effectively crippled Russias energy export business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However following his one-to-one call with Putin on Monday, the US president gave little sign he intends to follow through with his previous secondary sanctions threats, despite the Russian dictator rebuffing his calls for a 30-day ceasefire. He described the tone and spirit of the call as excellent. In a later statement posted on his X account, Mr Zelensky said: It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions, he added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Latest: EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet The European Union will adopt the 17th package of sanctions against Russia on May 20, while the next package of restrictions is "already in motion," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 19 on X. EU ambassadors on May 14 agreed on the bloc's 17th package of sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting its shadow fleet of oil tankers. Following the news, President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that an important "strong EU sanctions package" is underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin hasn't changed his goals he still wants to destroy Ukraine and rewrite Europe's borders. He has rejected ceasefire proposals and continues heavy attacks on Ukraine," Tsahkna wrote on X. "He'll only stop when the cost becomes unbearable. Tomorrow (on May 20), the EU will adopt its 17th sanctions package, targeting Russia's shadow fleet and energy revenues. The 18th is already in motion," Tsahkna added. Ukraine's European allies are tightening sanctions against Russia as Moscow refuses to cease fire. Despite Russia's refusal, no new U.S. sanctions have been imposed so far. During a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, the parties again failed to reach an agreement on establishing a truce in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call followed inconclusive negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, where Moscow sent a delegation of low-level officials and reiterated sweeping territorial demands, including Kyiv's acceptance of the loss of Crimea and four eastern regions. After the talks between Trump and Putin, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine will not withdraw troops from the territories it controls, rejecting Russian demands put forward by the country's delegation in Istanbul. Read also: Its our land Zelensky responds to Putins call with Trump Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Andrew Gray, Sam Tabahriti and Susan Heavey BRUSSELS/LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The EU and Britain announced new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday without waiting for Washington to join them, a day after President Donald Trump's phone call with Vladimir Putin brought about neither a ceasefire in Ukraine nor fresh U.S. sanctions. London and Brussels said their new measures would zero in on Moscow's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and financial firms that have helped it avoid the impact of other sanctions imposed over the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war," Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram. He said it "would be good" if the United States added its help, adding: "It is important that America remain involved in the process of bringing peace closer." The sanctions were unveiled without an immediate announcement of corresponding steps from Washington, despite intense public lobbying from European leaders for the Trump administration to join them if Russia rejected a ceasefire. "We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia - an immediate ceasefire without preconditions," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on the sidelines of a meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russia had not accepted a ceasefire, "we will have to react," he said. "We also expect our U.S. allies not to tolerate this." Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was deliberating over what actions to take, but gave no further details. "We're looking at a lot of things, but we'll see," he said. In a two-hour conversation with Putin on Monday, the U.S. president dropped his earlier insistence on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and signalled that the war he once promised to end in 24 hours was no longer his to fix - a message that leaves Ukraine vulnerable and its allies worried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked on Monday why he had not imposed fresh sanctions to push Moscow into a peace deal, Trump said that could make the situation worse and affect the chance of a deal, while adding: "But there could be a time where that's going to happen." Trump said after talking to Putin he had told Zelenskiy and European leaders that Russia and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations on conditions for a ceasefire, a process Russia said would take time. Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in more than three years on Friday at Trump's behest, but failed to agree a truce after Moscow presented conditions that a member of the Ukrainian delegation called "non-starters". POPE WILLING TO HOST TALKS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that Pope Leo had confirmed to her his willingness to host in the Vatican the next round of negotiations to try to end the war. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that Putin had not received any real concessions in the U.S. effort to initiate talks and existing U.S. sanctions on Russia remained in place. "The president ... believes that right now, you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, and there's value in us being able to talk and drive them to get to the table. We'll see," Rubio said. Ukraine says it is ready for an immediate ceasefire. The Europeans say Russia's insistence on talks first is proof that Putin, who started the war by invading his neighbour in 2022, is not prepared to end it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a further package of sanctions was being prepared. "It's time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire," she wrote on X. RUSSIA SAYS IT WILL NOT BOW TO ULTIMATUMS Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would never bow to what she called ultimatums. Putin said on Monday that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord. "Now, accordingly, the ball is in Kyiv's court," Zakharova said. Brussels and London signalled they have not given up hope of persuading Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy," France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. Britain's Foreign Minister David Lammy said "delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putin's war machine". The latest sanctions are aimed mainly at cracking down on a shipping fleet Russia uses to export oil, circumventing a $60 a barrel price cap imposed by the G7 group of industrialised countries to limit Russia's income. Britain and the EU said they would also work to lower the cap, which imposes far less of a discount on Russian oil now that global prices have fallen this year. (Reporting by Andrew Gray in Brussels, Sam Tabahriti in London and Susan Heavey in Washington; Additional reporting by Julia Payne, Bart Meijer, Sabine Siebold, Lili Bayer, John Irish and Simon Lewis; Writing by Charlie Devereux and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Rosalba O'Brien) The EU has formally approved its 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia over aggression in Ukraine, including measures against almost 200 shadow fleet vessels, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on May 20. "New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kallas said on X. The step comes as the U.S. signals disinterest in imposing additional sanctions against Russia, even as Moscow refuses Western-backed ceasefire proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17th package was supported by EU ambassadors last week, but has since then been criticized as weak and watered down. The new sanctions target members of Russias military and political elite and foreign entities in China or the United Arab Emirates, accused of helping the Kremlin evade already-imposed measures. The EU will also sanction more than 20 entities and individuals disseminating disinformation, and 20 judges and prosecutors involved in legal cases against Russian opposition, specifically Vladimir Kara-Murza and late Alexei Navalny. The package also targets components vital to Russias defense industry, namely chemicals, materials, and dual-use goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has threatened Russia with additional sanctions unless President Vladimir Putin commits to a ceasefire and agrees to seriously engage in peace efforts. President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that a new "strong EU sanctions package" is underway. While European leaders have proclaimed that additional sanctions are coordinated with Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump, who held a phone call with Putin on May 19, said he does not intend to impose new measures on Moscow to avoid disrupting peace efforts. Read also: Ukraines intelligence identifies captain of Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Union approved a new, 17th package of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday 20 May. Source: Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kallas said that the package would affect, in particular, almost 200 vessels of Russia's shadow fleet. Quote: "New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kallas also announced the start of work on the next package of sanctions against Russia. "The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response," Kallas stressed. Background: The 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the EU is already working on, may include restrictions on banks outside the European Union that support the Russian defence industry and armed forces, in addition to Russian banks. On 16 May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the new package of EU sanctions against Russia, which is being prepared to increase pressure on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, may include sanctions against Russian financial institutions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Council of the European Union has disclosed the details of additional personal sanctions imposed in response to Russias hybrid destabilising activities targeting EU countries and partners. Source: Council of the EU in a press release on 20 May, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU has imposed additional restrictions on 21 individuals and 6 legal entities linked to Russias destabilising activities abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the EU Council has made it possible to apply measures against assets such as ships, aircraft, real estate and communication equipment, and financial institutions or companies involved in cryptocurrency, if they are directly or indirectly connected to Russias destabilising activities. Quote: "In light of the systematic, international Russian campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts aimed at destabilising neighbouring countries and the EU, the Council will now have the possibility to suspend the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets under the control of the Russian leadership, and to prohibit them from broadcasting their content in the EU." Details: The measures do not, however, prohibit such media outlets from carrying out other activities in the EU, such as interviews. The sanctioned individuals include Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian businessman and pro-Russian politician to whose daughter Putin is godfather, and his associates Artem Marchevskyi and Oleh Voloshyn, who have promoted pro-Russian propaganda targeting EU countries and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Medvedchuk and Marchevskyi, as well as the media outlet Voice of Europe, have been subject to EU sanctions since May 2024. The specific updates in the current measures are not yet known. The list also includes individuals believed to be involved in attempts to undermine the democratic political process in Estonia and Germany: Alik Khuchbarov and Ilya Bocharov, thought to be operatives from GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency; German blogger Thomas Roper; Russian blogger Alina Lipp; Turkish outlet AFA Medya and its founder Huseyin Dogru; Elena Kolbasnikova; Yulia Prokhorova; Rostislav Teslyuk; and Andrei Kharkovsky (some of these individuals were previously mentioned in an investigative report by Reuters). Also listed are Viktor Lukovenko and the news company African Initiative, which promotes pro-Russian narratives to African audiences; Justin Blaise Tagouh, CEO of the press group International Africa Media; and Mikhail Prudnikov, also for systematically spreading pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives in Africa; as well as Sylvain Afoua, founder of the Black African Defense League (which France ordered to be disbanded in 2021 for inciting hatred and violence). Among the legal entities on the list is web hosting service Stark Industries, along with its CEO Iurie Neculiti and owner Ivan Neculiti. They are believed to have provided Russian-backed actors with the means to conduct various destabilising activities against the EU and third countries, ranging from disinformation to cyberattacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food have also been sanctioned, as they are believed to be involved in espionage and sabotage activities supported by Russia, including actions targeting undersea cables. Also on the list are the Main Radio Frequency Center and its director Ruslan Nesterenko, who is considered responsible for large-scale GPS signal jamming over the Baltic states, posing risks to civil aviation. The sanctioned individuals will be subject to an asset freeze and a ban on entering and transiting through the EU, and EU citizens and legal entities will be prohibited from providing them with any funds. Background: These sanctions are part of a series of packages prepared for approval on 20 May. The EU Council has approved the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine, along with separate sanctions for its use of chemical weapons against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Refiles to amend client identifier slug) By Julia Payne BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The EU adopted four sets of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine on Tuesday, including a 17th package targeting Moscow's shadow fleet, and measures related to chemical weapons, human rights and hybrid threats, the European Commission said on Tuesday. The EU and its Western allies have been progressively cracking down on Russia's shadow fleet of tankers and related actors, which work to circumvent the Group of Seven nations (G7) price cap on Russian crude in place since late 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cap was designed to allow Russian oil to be sold to third countries using Western insurance services provided the price was no more than $60 a barrel. However, the crackdown has started to bite and the EU will push for a lower price cap this week during a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Canada. Oil and gas exports are one of Russia's main sources of revenue, which finance its war in Ukraine. The four new sets of measures will hit over 130 entities and individuals. As part of the 17th package, the EU will list 75 new entities including major Russian oil firm Surgutneftegaz, a shipping insurance company and four shadow fleet management firms involved in the UAE, Turkey and Hong Kong, EU sources said. EU diplomats briefly weighed imposing sanctions on the Dubai branch of Litasco, the trading arm of Russia's No. 2 oil producer Lukoil, but it was deleted from the list owing to Hungarian opposition and a weak legal basis, EU sources said. However, they did list Litasco's Dubai shipping arm Eiger Shipping DMCC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 189 vessels, of which 183 are oil tankers, have been added to the list, taking the total number of listed vessels to 324. The EU has been in dialogue with countries that provide tanker registrations in an effort to cut off Moscow's use of so-called flags of convenience, referring to those registered to countries other than their actual owner. In the latest round, the flags used included African countries such as Sierra Leone, Gabon and Comoros, Caribbean and Pacific islands, India, Azerbaijan and the landlocked European state of San Marino, the sources added. The package also tightens measures around the sale of dual-use items, which are products or technology that can be repurposed by Russia's military, and lists entities which support Russia's military industrial complex in China, Belarus and Israel. (Reporting by Julia Payne, Editing by William Maclean) European Union foreign ministers decided on Tuesday to lift economic sanctions on Syria, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas announced. "We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas wrote on X. "The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years - and will keep doing so." The EU aims to play a leading role in Syria's recovery and future reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctions against individuals and organizations with links to the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad and those responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian people and human rights violations are however to remain in place. In addition, export restrictions on weapons as well as goods and technologies used for internal repression will remain in force for the time being. EU member states had already agreed to a gradual easing of sanctions in February in order to support a rapid economic recovery in Syria, as well as its reconstruction and stabilization. Measures in the energy, transport and banking sectors were initially suspended until June. European Union foreign ministers decided on Tuesday to lift economic sanctions on Syria, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas announced. "We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas wrote on X. "The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years - and will keep doing so." The EU aims to play a leading role in Syria's recovery and future reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctions against individuals and organizations with links to the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad and those responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian people and human rights violations are however to remain in place. In addition, export restrictions on weapons as well as goods and technologies used for internal repression will remain in force for the time being. EU member states had already agreed to a gradual easing of sanctions in February in order to support a rapid economic recovery in Syria, as well as its reconstruction and stabilization. Measures in the energy, transport and banking sectors were initially suspended until June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lifting of the sanctions comes despite the recent outbreaks of violence between different groups in Syria. There are still doubts as to whether the government is moving in the right direction, Kallas said in Brussels. "I think we don't have a choice," she added. The country must be allowed to stabilize in order to avoid a development like that in Afghanistan, she said. "We are giving the Syrian regime a chance, but we expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population and religious groups," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said. Recently, there has been fierce fighting in Syria between members of the Druze minority and Sunni militias. Bloody sectarian fighting between government troops of the new rulers and militias loyal to al-Assad had already broken out in the western coastal region of Syria in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this approach, the EU is following the course set by the US President Donald Trump who already announced the lifting of all US sanctions on Syria last week. The EU hopes that once the country has stabilized, hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in the EU might return home. For many years, Syrians made up a large proportion of the refugees arriving in the bloc. Experts also see the easing of sanctions from Western countries as prevention against the influence of third parties. Continued sanctions would make the country even more dependent on former al-Assad allies such as Iran and Russia. EU defence ministers will discuss stepping up assistance for Ukraine and enhancing European defence capability at a meeting of the EU Council in Brussels on 20 May. Source: European Pravda, citing statements by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius ahead of the meeting Details: A meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on defence matters is taking place in Brussels on the morning of Monday 20 May, with EU foreign ministers scheduled to convene later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pistorius said the key items on the agenda were support for Ukraine in light of recent developments and the strengthening of European countries defence capabilities. He stated that, in his view, it was more important than ever to ensure sustained and active support for Ukraine and that ministers would be discussing concrete steps to achieve this. He added that the second part of the discussion would focus on how to enhance Europes own defence potential. Pistorius noted that the key item of the consultation would be the EU High Representatives initiative to supply Ukraine with two million artillery shells this year and asserted that Germany would play a significant role in this effort. Regarding defence capability, Pistorius said that European countries needed to focus on addressing the biggest gaps in their military capacities as quickly as possible. He believes that a shift is needed from each country working independently to coordinated joint action and collective resource assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasised that only through such cooperation could the EU effectively organise training, maintenance, ammunition production and logistics, and that joint decision-making would allow more to be achieved with the same resources than isolated national efforts could. Pistorius also said that countries should assume responsibility in areas where they possessed expertise. He indicated that Germany was prepared to do this not only in the domain of air defence but also in land and naval systems. He commented on the recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, saying it demonstrated that Russia was not willing to make any concessions. Background: Financial Times sources said European leaders Trump spoke with following his call with Putin were "stunned" by how he described the conversation's results. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The News The European Union upped its focus on pushing back against Russia, readying new sanctions against Moscows shadow fleet and agreeing a 150 billion plan to boost regional defense spending. The announcements came a day after US President Donald Trump spoke to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, calls which analysts said largely resulted in little real pressure on Moscow. The EU, by contrast, is expected to approve restrictions on the vessels and people who help Russia evade curbs on its oil sales and yesterday signed off on a program to jointly buy weapons. Brussels stance may change, though: If Trump loosens sanctions on Russia, there will be pressure inside the EU to weaken European sanctions, the Financial Times chief foreign affairs commentator noted. BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union agreed Tuesday to provide emergency funds to help keep Radio Free Europe afloat after the Trump administration stopped grants to the pro-democracy media outlet, accusing it of promoting a news agenda with a liberal bias. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty started broadcasting during the Cold War. Its programs are aired in 27 languages in 23 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Its lawyers have been fighting the administration in court. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the blocs foreign ministers had agreed to a 5.5-million-euro ($6.2 million) contract to support the vital work of Radio Free Europe. The short-term emergency funding is a safety net for independent journalism, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kallas said the EU would not be able to fill the organization's funding gap around the world, but that it can help the broadcaster to work and function in those countries that are in our neighborhood and that are very much dependent on news coming from outside. She said that she hoped the 27 EU member countries would also provide more funds to help Radio Free Europe longer term. Kallas said the bloc has been looking for strategic areas where it can help as the United States cuts foreign aid. Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys corporate headquarters are in Washington and its journalistic headquarters are based in the Czech Republic, which has been leading the EU drive to find funds. Last month, a U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $12 million that was appropriated by Congress. Lawyers for the service, which has been operating for 75 years, said it would be forced to shut down in June without the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Kallas recalled the influence that the network had on her as she was growing up in Estonia, which was part of the Soviet Union. Coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain, actually it was (from) the radio that we got a lot of information, she said. So, it has been a beacon of democracy, very valuable in this regard. European Union foreign ministers decided on Tuesday to lift economic sanctions on Syria, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas announced. "We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas wrote on X. "The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years - and will keep doing so." The EU aims to play a leading role in Syria's recovery and future reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctions against individuals and organizations with links to the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad and those responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian people and human rights violations are however to remain in place. In addition, export restrictions on weapons as well as goods and technologies used for internal repression will remain in force for the time being. EU member states had already agreed to a gradual easing of sanctions in February in order to support a rapid economic recovery in Syria, as well as its reconstruction and stabilization. Measures in the energy, transport and banking sectors were initially suspended until June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lifting of the sanctions comes despite the recent outbreaks of violence between different groups in Syria. There are still doubts as to whether the government is moving in the right direction, Kallas said in Brussels. "I think we don't have a choice," she added. The country must be allowed to stabilize in order to avoid a development like that in Afghanistan, she said. "We are giving the Syrian regime a chance, but we expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population and religious groups," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said. Recently, there has been fierce fighting in Syria between members of the Druze minority and Sunni militias. Bloody sectarian fighting between government troops of the new rulers and militias loyal to al-Assad had already broken out in the western coastal region of Syria in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this approach, the EU is following the course set by the US President Donald Trump who already announced the lifting of all US sanctions on Syria last week. The EU hopes that once the country has stabilized, hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in the EU might return home. For many years, Syrians made up a large proportion of the refugees arriving in the bloc. Experts also see the easing of sanctions from Western countries as prevention against the influence of third parties. Continued sanctions would make the country even more dependent on former al-Assad allies such as Iran and Russia. Syrian government welcomes EU announcement Syria's transitional government welcomed the EU's announcement, describing the move as a pivotal moment in restoring balanced relations between Syria and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Syrian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the lifting of the sanctions reflects a European shift towards dialogue, reconstruction and long-term development in Syria, aligning with shared interests of stability, economic recovery and human rights. "Syria today is looking for partners, not barriers," the statement read. Officials in Damascus say the decision will open avenues for Syrian expatriates and European investors to return and contribute to rebuilding the nation's war-torn infrastructure and economy. The Syrian government pledged to create a professional, transparent environment for sustainable development and emphasized its readiness to cooperate with European institutions. Framing the lifting of sanctions as both a political and moral milestone, the government called it a recognition of the Syrian people's suffering and a commitment to justice and fairness. The European Union has imposed sanctions on three Russian military units involved in developing and deploying chemical weapons in Moscow's war of aggression against Ukraine. Source: Council of the EU in an official statement, as reported by European Pravda Details: The sanctions target Russia's Radiological Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, the 27th Scientific Centre and the 33rd Central Scientific Research and Testing Institute of Russia's Ministry of Defence, all part of the Russian Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU restrictive measures against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons now apply to 25 individuals and six entities. The appropriate decision was based on reports from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) released in November 2024 and February 2025. The Council noted that these reports confirm the presence of riot control agents, specifically CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) and related compounds, in samples collected from the war zone in Ukraine. Quote: "Such agents have been used as a method of warfare by Russian forces in Ukraine, in breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Russia is a State Party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The statement emphasised that Russia has failed to provide a credible explanation for the well-documented use of such substances. Quote: "Considering the seriousness of the situation and to enhance the global norm against the use of chemical weapons, the EU calls for a timely attribution by the OPCW of the proven use of riot control agents as a method of warfare." Background: In October 2024, the United Kingdom announced new sanctions against three Russian entities and one individual due to the Russian military's use of chemical weapons against Ukraine. On 20 May, the EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, targeting nearly 200 vessels in Moscow's shadow fleet and introducing measures to counter hybrid threats and human rights violations. The 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia, which the EU has started working on, may include restrictions on banks from non-EU countries that support the Russian defence industry and military, in addition to Russian banks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! EU countries on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two pro-Russian German bloggers for the first time, as part of a new package of punitive measures against Russia over its war in Ukraine. Russian-based bloggers Alina Lipp and Thomas Roper are accused of systematically spreading misinformation about the war in Ukraine and thereby supporting Russia, according to the order. The EU sanctions include travel restrictions, the freezing of assets and a ban on the provision of funds or other economic resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to EU sources, the two individuals will still be able to enter Germany, but will not be allowed to travel on to other EU countries. Roper, 53, and Lipp, 31, say that they currently live in Russia. They had regularly attracted attention in the past for spreading false information. According to the EU, Roper runs a blog called "Anti-Spiegel" - in what appears to be a reference to German news magazine Der Spiegel. Lipp runs a Telegram channel dubbed "Neues aus Russland" (News from Russia). In an initial public response, they both asked their supporters to refrain from donating to them for the time being "in their own interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lipp wrote on Telegram that she and Roper "are curious to see what consequences the sanctions will have for us." "It's a good thing we haven't had any property in Germany for a long time," she had written a few days earlier, adding they would return to Germany "if at all, on a tank." The EU also accuses Lipp of being in contact with Russian forces in eastern Ukraine as a war correspondent and of spreading war propaganda. She regularly appears on programmes broadcast by the Russian military channel Zvezda. Roper had legitimized Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories and participated in the campaign for the sham referendums on joining the Russian Federation. (Reuters) -The European Union executive on Tuesday proposed amending EU law to allow member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to countries with which they have no connection, a move rights groups say would undermine the right to asylum. The European Commission said the changes, which would let countries remove an asylum applicant if they could be sent to a third country deemed safe by the EU, would "accelerate asylum processes and reduce pressure on asylum systems". The proposal would lift the requirement for a connection between the asylum seeker and the safe third country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revised Safe Third Country concept is another tool to help member states process asylum claims more efficiently, while fully respecting the EUs values and fundamental rights, said EU internal affairs and migration commissioner Magnus Brunner. Anti-immigration sentiment has grown across the 27-nation EU since over a million people - mostly Syrian refugees - arrived via the Mediterranean in 2015, catching the bloc unprepared. Unable to agree on how to share responsibility, EU countries have primarily focused on returns and reducing arrivals. The amendments also stipulate that if asylum seekers appeal their rejected requests, they cannot automatically remain in EU territory during the appeals process. Amnesty International sharply criticised the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets be clear: this revision would only further weaken access to asylum in Europe, diminish peoples rights, and increase the risk of refoulement and widespread arbitrary detention in third countries - especially given the EUs increasingly evident inability to monitor and uphold human rights in its partner countries, said Olivia Sundberg Diez, Amnestys EU Advocate on Migration and Asylum. The proposal stems from the EU migration pact that was adopted in 2023 and is expected to take effect in 2026. However, it will require approval by the European Parliament and EU member governments. In April, the EU Commission included states such as Egypt and Tunisia - where human rights records have come under scrutiny - on a list of "safe countries" to which failed asylum seekers could be returned. A month earlier, it proposed that member states be allowed to set up centres in non-EU countries where migrants whose asylum claims were rejected would await deportation. (Reporting by Amina Ismail; editing by Mark Heinrich) The European Union wants to review its cooperation agreement with Israel in view of the situation in the Gaza Strip, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday. According to Kallas, a "strong majority" at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels spoke in favour of reviewing whether Israel still adheres to the basic principles of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. These include that relations between the parties to the agreement are based on respect for human rights. The Netherlands is one of several countries that charges that Israel has been violating this fundamental principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The background to this is that Israel has hardly allowed any aid supplies into the Gaza Strip, where around 2 million Palestinians live, since the beginning of March. Israel has justified its actions by saying that the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group benefits from the aid supplies. "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic," Kallas said in Brussels. She noted that aid supplies that Israel has recently allowed back into the area are welcome, but they are only a drop in the ocean. Until Israel's compliance with the agreement has been reviewed, the Netherlands has said it will not agree to a currently planned two-year extension of an EU-Israel action plan. The EU says that this plan promotes Israel's integration into European policies and programmes and is a basis for continuing cooperation between the two parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, Kallas said there was no timetable for the agreed review. While the process was under way, it was hoped that Israel would end its blockade of aid deliveries, she said. Intensive discussions on the partnership agreement with Israel had already taken place last year at the initiative of Spain and Ireland. BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union will review a pact governing its political and economic ties with Israel due to the "catastrophic" situation in Gaza, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday after a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers. International pressure on Israel has mounted in recent days amid complaints about the lack of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government launched a new military offensive in the enclave. Kallas said a "strong majority" of the ministers meeting in Brussels favoured such a review of the agreement with Israel, known as an association agreement, in light of events in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomats said 17 of 27 EU members backed the review, which will focus on whether Israel is complying with a human rights clause in the agreement, and was proposed by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it's a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed," Kallas told reporters. Israeli officials have said their operations in Gaza are necessary to destroy Hamas, the Palestinian group responsible for the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. The Israeli foreign ministry dismissed Kallas' critique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We completely reject the direction taken in the statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality Israel is facing," the ministry wrote in a post on X late Tuesday. "Ignoring these realities and criticising Israel only hardens Hamass position and encourages Hamas to stick to its guns," the ministry said, thanking countries which it said supported Israel in the discussion. Under the pact, which came into force in 2000, the EU and Israel agreed that their relationship shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy. In a letter proposing a review, Veldkamp raised concerns about Israeli policies exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also cited statements by Israeli cabinet members about a permanent presence that alludes to a reoccupation of (parts of) the Gaza Strip, Syria and Lebanon and a further worsening of the situation in the West Bank. On Tuesday, Dutch minister Veldkamp called the review "a very important and powerful signal," echoing sentiments of officials from France and Ireland. But others did not back a review. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky suggested the bloc could hold a meeting with Israel under the association agreement to raise concerns. Kallas said EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers had been prepared but have so far been blocked by one member state. Diplomats said that country was Hungary. (Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Andrew Gray, Lili Bayer, Bart Meijer, Padraic Halpin and John Irish; Editing by Makini Brice, Gareth Jones and Andrew Heavens) BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union on Tuesday agreed to impose fresh sanctions on Russia, notably targeting almost 200 ships from the shadow fleet illicitly transporting oil to skirt Western restrictions put in place over Moscow's war in Ukraine. The 27-nation bloc targeted 189 ships in all, and imposed asset freezes and travel bans on several officials as well as on a number of Russian companies. The measures were endorsed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that while President Vladimir Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russias actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia uses its shadow fleet of ships to transport oil and gas, or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain. The EU has now targeted almost 350 of the ships in total. The new measures are not obviously linked to Russian delays in agreeing to a ceasefire. Work on the measures began in the days after the last package was finalized three months ago. Ukrainian officials have said that the shadow fleet involves around 500 aging ships of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions and keeping the oil revenue coming. Ratings agency S&P Global and the Kyiv School of Economics Institute, a think tank, have put the number at over 400 ships that can transport oil, or products made from crude such as diesel fuel and gasoline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vessels from the shadow fleet have also come under suspicion of damaging undersea cables, particularly in the Baltic Sea. Finnish police on Dec. 26 seized the Eagle S, a tanker they said was part of the dark fleet, on suspicion it used its anchor to damage the Estlink 2 undersea power cable that supplies electricity from Finland to Estonia. The EU also said that it targeted people and companies, including an insurer, that make it possible for the shadow fleet to operate, hitting interests in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong. In parallel, the U.K. targeted the shadow fleet in a raft of 100 new sanctions that it said are aimed at ramping up pressure on the Kremlin. In a statement Tuesday, Britains Foreign Office said the sanctions will hit entities supporting Russias military, energy exports and information war, as well as financial institutions helping to fund its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that the sanctions will target the supply chains of Russian weapons, including Iskander missiles which have been fired into civilian areas in Ukraine during the war. The U.K. will also sanction 18 more ships in the shadow fleet carrying Russian oil. Putins latest strikes once again show his true colors as a warmonger, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. We urge him to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace. The EU has slapped several rounds of sanctions on Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Around 2,400 officials and entities often government agencies, banks and organizations have been hit. By Mari Saito and Maria Tsvetkova BERLIN (Reuters) -The European Union on Tuesday announced sanctions against three pro-Russia activists whose activities promoting the Kremlin's agenda inside Germany were first revealed in a Reuters investigation in 2023. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Elena Kolbasnikova and her husband Max Schlund have been organising pro-Kremlin rallies in Germany to urge Berlin to abandon its military support for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the sanctions listing, the EU said both Kolbasnikova and Schlund, who also goes by the name of Rostislav Teslyuk, had taken part in "destabilising activities". It said Kolbasnikova had promoted "violent acts" committed by her husband including organising car rallies to "intimidate Ukrainian minors" who were seeking refuge in Germany. The listing said the couple had close ties with, and were financially supported by, Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian government cultural promotion agency. The sanctions mean any assets the three targeted activists - including a Russian associate of Kolbasnikova and Schlund - have inside the EU will be frozen, and they will be barred from entering any of the bloc's member countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a public Telegram group run by both Kolbasnikova and Schlund, the pair denounced the sanctions. "PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR PEACE ARE BEING SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS," they wrote. "IDIOCY." When reached by phone for comment on Tuesday, Schlund told the Reuters reporter to "fuck off" before hanging up. Reuters first reported on the couple in 2023, detailing how they were at the centre of an effort in Germany to turn public opinion against the German government's continued support for Ukraine. In its report, Reuters revealed how the couple had received plane tickets from a Russian cultural promotion body that is part of Rossotrudnitschestwo to travel to a forum for civil society activists in Moscow that was co-organised by the Russian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kolbasnikova and Schlund left Germany last year after they said authorities there had barred them from re-entering the country. The sanctions listing on Tuesday said a criminal investigation against the pair over their alleged support for pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's Donbas region was ongoing. Reuters in 2023 also reported that the couple had donated funds to a Russian army division fighting in Ukraine, and that it had used the money to purchase walkie-talkie radios, headphones and telephones. In the same listing, Europe also imposed sanctions on Andrei Kharkovsky, a Russian citizen residing in Germany who is a member of a Cossack organisation endorsed by the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2023 report, Reuters wrote that Kharkovsky provided security for Kolbasnikova and Schlund at pro-Moscow rallies they held in Germany. The listing said the group Kharkovsky was part of, the Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad, was linked to the Kremlin and accused it of supporting pro-Russian separatists. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Kharkovsky for comment. (Additional reporting by Anton Zverev; editing by Mark Heinrich) European nations are answering the call to invest more in our own defense readiness with a nearly one trillion-dollar plan to buy new weapons and technological equipment. Building on lessons learned from Russias war in Ukraine, its a move that rebalances our transatlantic military alliance in a way that is long overdue. It should also make American defense firms sit up and take notice. A stronger Europe means a stronger NATO, and stronger cooperation between European nations and the United States in the realm of defense. Our plan, Readiness 2030, calls for an historic investment in defense spending up to $910 billion. It also adjusts rules for financial institutions, allowing them to offer loans and provide more financial flexibility to EU member states for defense spending. This plan is focused on not only todays realities, like protecting Ukraine, but also the potential threat of future warfare. And to be clear, a significant amount of the investment opportunities will be open to U.S. companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major European purchases of new anti-drone systems, new air and missile defense capabilities and the most powerful cyberwarfare systems are on the horizon, along with purchases of AI and quantum computing systems, all part of our commitment to building a defense force fit for purpose in tomorrows world. EUs 2030 defense plan pushes for more joint spending at home Our investments are defensive, not offensive, with the near-term goal of ensuring our partners in Ukraine have the equipment they need to resist Russias ongoing invasion of their homeland and shoring up our own defense posture. But what is vividly apparent is that Europe needs more robust capabilities to restore and preserve peace and security in Europe in the long term. Jovita Neliupsiene became the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States on Jan. 1, 2024. (EU photo) And that is where American defense firms come in. The Readiness 2030 defense plan offers major opportunities for U.S. industry partners. Europe has never seen a collective investment of this magnitude. Well be looking to work with industry leaders who can equip our continent with the most advanced defense technology and infrastructure that exists. Thats why we stand ready to welcome partnerships and investments with U.S. controlled companies in the European Union. That will spur economic activity and job growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This investment comes at a poignant time, as this year were marking 80 years since the end of World War II. Celebrations erupted across Europe and the U.S., in what was the most powerful example we have ever witnessed of European and American allied forces standing side-by-side. Eight decades on, Europe now finds itself facing dangers on a scale that we have not seen since the Cold War, and Europe must take charge in mounting its own defense. The United States rightfully expects Europe to do more for its own defense needs. Russias war in Ukraine was the wake-up call we needed and now our eyes are open. The Europe of the future is one better armed and better prepared after Russias attacks on Ukraine. The war is demonstrating the importance of military equipment that is adaptable and right for modern warfare. Weve learned that our defense technologies and industries across the continent are more than ever interlinked. Supply chains are linked, logistics are linked. But most importantly, values are linked. We stood for each other during Soviet times, during the war on terror and throughout this conflict in Ukraine. We hope that we will not face more of these kind of challenges and by investing in our defense, but if we do, more than ever, well be ready. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Europes moves towards greater defense autonomy cant ignore the long legacy of partnership and cooperation with the United States that brought us to this moment. Today, it is not only American troops Europe will need but even more than before, collaboration with American business, American engineers and American programmers, in addition to embracing Americas ingenuity and technological know-how. This is a once-in-a-generation surge in European defense. A surge in investment, a surge in capabilities, in readiness. One that we believe stands to strengthen the European Unions ties with the United States, and promote peace and prosperity on the continent. Peace is at the heart of our European project. But to keep the peace, Europe must be made ready. We have chosen our path to speed up, ramp up and scale up all at once. Americas defense sector can help us get there, and the transatlantic partnership will be stronger for it. Jovita Neliupsiene is the ambassador of the European Union to the United States. European diplomats used an AI chatbot modelled on Sir Keir Starmer to prepare for 11th-hour negotiations over the Brexit reset deal, The Telegraph can disclose. Officials linked to the Spanish and Slovenian governments were among those interacting with a digital clone of the Prime Minister in the final hours of wrangling over the agreement. The AI models were used to test potential responses as the EU sought to force through concessions on fishing rights and youth mobility, it is understood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir eventually signed away 12 years of guaranteed access to Britains fishing waters and agreed to sign up to a scheme making it easier for Europeans to live, work and study in the UK as the price for his Brexit deal. Critics called the agreement a surrender and an attempt to reverse Brexit by stealth. Hundreds of questions were posed to a virtual model of Sir Keir designed and operated by Nostrada.ai, a British tech firm that also has digital versions of Parliaments 649 other MPs. Its system generates answers using data harvested from previous public statements made by the Prime Minister and the other politicians. AI is fast becoming a vital tool in diplomacy. The ability to accurately predict how a government might act or respond is a huge bonus, said Leon Emirali, the Nostrada.ai founder, said. The virtual model of Sir Keir was designed by a British tech firm that also has AI clones of all the MPs in Parliament - Pixel8000 The diplomats, from Spains economy ministry and Slovenias digital ministry, used a prediction function, which would indicate that they were testing potential responses from Sir Keir as the negotiations reached a climax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of messages were shared between the bot and the diplomats, as if they were role-playing a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister or querying his position. The model developed by Mr Emirali, once an adviser to Steve Barclay, a former Brexit secretary, was designed specifically to help diplomats and officials prepare for political showdowns. Talks over Sir Keirs Brexit reset went down to the wire, with the agreement only signed off by EU member states hours before a summit between the Prime Minister and Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, respective presidents of the EUs commission and council. During the talks, national capitals were able to influence the EUs red lines by tabling new demands. It is understood that diplomats using the AI chatbot were testing how Sir Keir could respond to fresh requests. However, it cannot be confirmed because the data is encrypted to protect its users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Versions of the chatbot are being produced to help Europeans navigate Donald Trumps US administration, while it is also being considered to predict outcomes of meetings between despot leaders such as Russias Vladimir Putin or North Koreas Kim Jong-un. Similar technologies could be used to predict future military actions taken by Moscow or its allies in Iran and China. The Telegraph used the same AI model as the European diplomats to ask the Sir Keir chatbot questions on everything from Brexit to winter fuel cuts. Asked how far he could be pushed to give up British fishing rights in EU waters, the Prime Ministers digital clone insisted it was unlikely that he would give up more than he already had. keir starmer chatbot | fishing rights And after having to concede to the EU in parts of his Brexit deal, Sir Keirs AI twin said he would not yield to any more demands, nor join the single market again. keir starmer chatbot | EU demands The chatbot also said the families of people using the youth mobility scheme would not be allowed to come to the EU under the Brexit reset, insisting there would be no return to freedom of movement. keir starmer chatbot 2 | youth mobility scheme The Telegraph also asked the Prime Ministers virtual clone about the Tories Rwanda migrant plan, trans women and the winter fuel cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chatbot said he would not reopen the plan to deport migrants to Rwanda saying that there was a 0 per cent chance that would happen. Last week, he began talks with other countries to host return hubs for failed asylum seekers. keir starmer chatbot | Rwanda Asked whether trans women are women, the Starmer chatbot pointed to the Supreme Courts ruling last month, whih stated that the term woman refers to biological sex in the Equality Act. keir starmer chatbot | trans women The Telegraph has contacted the Spanish and Slovenian governments for comment. Questions were asked by The Telegraph after the Brexit reset deal announcement. These were not the questions asked by EU diplomats. The Telegraph has taken extracts from longer answers for brevity. 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. For years, I have taken every opportunity to urge the European Union and its member states to invest more in defense. When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly asked (as a member of the European Parliament) what further proof we would need to recognize the threats facing all of Europe. What would we as Europeans do if our security was threatened while our closest ally, the United States, was otherwise engaged? Today, we confront that very situation. US officials are openly stating that they do not intend to devote most of their time or resources to dealing with what they deem European issues. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US has "other priorities to focus on." I agree. The global superpower has global responsibilities, and the number of flash points that might demand the US governments attention seems only to be growing. In addition to challenges in the Western hemisphere, instability in the Middle East, and severe tensions between two nuclear powers India and Pakistan there is also the paramount goal of redefining relations with China. Moreover, according to the official US Defense Department planning doctrine, the US can no longer fight more than one major war at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new US administration has been communicating its position plainly. "Were here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in Brussels this February. And US Vice President J.D. Vance was even more direct, stating that "Europes entire security infrastructure has been subsidized by the United States of America," even though it is neither in Europes nor Americas interest "for Europe to be a permanent security vassal of the United States." President Donald Trump himself has repeatedly accused Europe of "freeloading" and "taking advantage" of the US. Europeans may not like what we hear, but we cannot pretend not to hear it. We must be prepared for the US to wash its hands not only of Ukraine, but even of Europe. Le Mondes Sylvie Kauffmann recently argued, "Preparing for the worst is a safer bet than hoping for the best." We can and should do both hope and prepare. Trust but verify. Ever since Trump announced his presidential candidacy back in 2015, there have been two schools of thought on interpreting his words. Some argue that we should take him seriously but not literally, whereas others urge us to do the opposite: treat him literally but not always seriously. I believe that the most reasonable and respectable approach is to treat whatever the US president says both literally and seriously. Given the current state of the world, this implies that Europe faces an existential choice. We can enter the global game united, as a heavyweight competitor, or we can condemn ourselves to marginalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much has been done already to become a heavyweight contender. Since 2016 just before Trumps first term NATO members, excluding the US, have increased their annual defense spending by 98%, from $255 billion to $506 billion. Moreover, after three years of Putin waging war on Ukraine, the EU and its member states have proven willing to spend even more and to embrace a more cooperative, rational, and effective approach to defense planning and procurement. The new joint defense agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom is another step demonstrating this new strategic solidarity. Deterring Russia is not beyond our means. We dont need to match US military capabilities; rather, we just need enough to force Putin to reconsider his chances of winning in a confrontation with a united European community of democratic nation-states. The people of Europe are clearly demanding that we develop a revitalized European defense posture. According to the European Commission, 71% of EU citizens believe that the bloc must strengthen its ability to produce military equipment, while 77% support a common defense and security policy. This gives European leaders a mandate to think and act boldly. But how long will it take to restore peace to Ukraine and stability to Europe? I believe we must act on the basis of three assumptions. First, we should view this as a war of a former imperial metropole against what it regards as a mutinous colony. History suggests that colonial wars usually take about a decade to end. Anything less than that should be considered a bonus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, we should accept that for the invading country to start negotiating in good faith, it must conclude that the invasion was a mistake. It must acknowledge that the costs of war, and of keeping the former colony subjugated, are greater than whatever benefits the colony can possibly yield. Third, given the above, we should remember that colonial wars are usually finished by a different group of leaders than those who started the fighting. Yes, boosting European defense capabilities while supporting Ukraine will cost money. Since the start of Russias war of aggression, the EU and its member states have provided more than $165 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. That is a significant amount, but it is still less than 1% of the combined GDP of the EUs member countries (some $19 trillion). We can certainly do more. And as we reinvigorate Europes defenses, we must not lose sight of why we are doing it: we are acting for our own safety, not to undermine transatlantic relations but to improve them. To avoid a strategic dilemma, we Europeans must be able to help the US defend its allies by taking on our fair share of the security burden. Radosaw Sikorski is Foreign Minister of Poland. Copyright: Project Syndicate/ImpactCEE, 2025 Fire crews gained more control over the Greer Fire as evacuated eastern Arizona residents returned to their homes. Fire officials announced on May 20 that the blaze is now 55% controlled, up from 39% a day earlier. The size of the Greer Fire is now 20,308 acres, a small reduction from its size on May 19, according to InciWeb, a federal tracker. Fire officials lifted evacuation orders on May 19 and reopened local roads. "It's always a good thing when we can add some containment on the fire, so we're looking good on that part," Operations Section Chief Bryan Carpenter said during an operational update on May 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents were briefed on May 19 about what to expect as they return home after being ordered to evacuate days earlier and where to find resources to help them put their lives back in order. Here's what to know as the firefighting continues while residents try to resume their lives as normal. What is the state of the fire? Fire officials reported they have 55% of the fire contained, which means they are fairly confident it will not spread beyond the boundaries they have established. As of May 20, the fire had affected 20,308 acres. Carpenter said crews continued operations throughout the night of May 19-20 despite cold weather. Crews would continue to "secure, control, and mop up" throughout the day on May 20, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews started efforts to repair suppression efforts, or operations to repair ecological damage resulting from firefighting activities, Carpenter also said. Inciweb defines these operations as the first stage in a long-term process to help a habitat recover from wildfire damage. What is the weather outlook? There is good news and bad news in weather predictions. The good news: Winds, which gusted up to 45 mph on May 19, have died down and are expected to remain more moderate until Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The bad news: The area will remain dry through the coming weekend. There was a slight chance of some precipitation early next week. What about electric service? Power was back on throughout the area, from Greer to Big Lake and North Fork to Sunrise, Chuck Moore of the Navopache Electric Cooperative said May 19. Moore said power lines had been de-energized to avoid having trees fall and heighten the risk of the fire's spread. Are area roads still closed? Most roads in the area were open, including State Route 260 and State Route 373. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management asked motorists to drive carefully on these routes, as fire crews are still active in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A portion of State Route 261, between mileposts 394 and 412, was closed to the general public but will be accessible for local residents, the Arizona Department of Transportation said. Carpenter said May 20 that some local roads in the fire area remained closed as fire crews continued relying on them for operations. "Please be respectful of the barricades that are still in place," Carpenter said. Where can residents get help? Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness placed two dumpsters at the Greer Community Center so residents can dispose of spoiled food and yard waste. Shelter for evacuees was open at the county fairgrounds in St. Johns and at the Alpine Community Center as of May 20, according to the Arizona Emergency Information Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staffers conducted a community survey to determine specific needs and how to match resources to those needs. What should residents and businesses expect in the coming days? The area is still in "set" mode, which means locals should be prepared to leave on very short notice. Businesses can return to normal; there are no restrictions on allowing guests at area hotels and lodges, although all should be mindful that the "set" status applies to them as well. The fire will still be visible, and firefighting efforts will continue. Residents and travelers should drive with caution. Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media @maryjpitzl. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Greer Fire evacuations lifted, some roads reopen: What to know HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Today, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will deliver her second State of the City address, hosted by the Rotary Club of Evansville. The State of the City will take place at the Old National Events Plaza at noon. Mayor Terry says that during the event, she will reflect on the progress the city has made, as well as address challenges that lie ahead. The event is open to the public, and lunch is available for purchase. Mobile simulation lab trains EMS for the real world Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The address will be livestreamed on Facebook for those who are unable to attend in person. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Tuesday said a recent intelligence assessment classifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed "right-wing extremist" organization is not enough to justify banning the party. Germany's domestic intelligence agency upgraded its assessment of the anti-immigration AfD from "suspected" to "confirmed right-wing extremist" earlier this month, saying the party "disregards human dignity" and threatens democracy. However, the agency has since suspended the new classification, which would endow it with broader surveillance powers over the party, pending the outcome of a legal challenge brought by the AfD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, the new assessment has revived a debate about banning the party, a move that can only be requested from the Constitutional Court by the government or either house of parliament. Dobrindt on Tuesday argued that proponents of a ban were wrong to believe that an intelligence report which formed the basis for the agency's new assessment contained sufficient evidence to justify a ban. The minister said the report primarily deals with the question of whether the AfD violates the principle of human dignity. However, he argued that two further aspects also come into play when considering banning a political party, namely whether it poses a threat to the rule of law and democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, Dobrindt said, does not touch on this. For a political party to be banned in Germany, it is not enough for the organization to simply hold anti-constitutional opinions. It must also actively pursue them, and it must at least appear possible in the view of the court that the party could achieve its anti-constitutional aims. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Tuesday said a recent intelligence assessment classifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed "right-wing extremist" organization is not enough to justify banning the party. Germany's domestic intelligence agency upgraded its assessment of the anti-immigration AfD from "suspected" to "confirmed right-wing extremist" earlier this month, saying the party "disregards human dignity" and threatens democracy. However, the agency has since suspended the new classification, which would endow it with broader surveillance powers over the party, pending the outcome of a legal challenge brought by the AfD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, the new assessment has revived a debate about banning the party, a move that can only be requested from the Constitutional Court by the government or either house of parliament. Dobrindt on Tuesday argued that proponents of a ban were wrong to believe that an intelligence report which formed the basis for the agency's new assessment contained sufficient evidence to justify a ban. The minister said the report primarily deals with the question of whether the AfD violates the principle of human dignity. However, he argued that two further aspects also come into play when considering banning a political party, namely whether it poses a threat to the rule of law and democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, Dobrindt said, does not touch on this. For a political party to be banned in Germany, it is not enough for the organization to simply hold anti-constitutional opinions. It must also actively pursue them, and it must at least appear possible in the view of the court that the party could achieve its anti-constitutional aims. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, from the Christian Democrats (CDU), has struck a similar note to Dobrindt, saying he is "very sceptical" that a ban should be pursued. However, other voices have been in favour of such a move, with the CDU's Daniel Gunther, the state premier of Schleswig-Holstein, stating at the weekend that "the state must protect itself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AfD, originally formed as a euro-sceptic party in 2013 that has since shifted its focus to migration, achieved its best-ever result in Germany's early elections in February when it came second behind Merz's conservatives. All German mainstream parties have ruled out cooperating with the party in a strategy known as a political "firewall" to keep the far right from power. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Timour Azhari AMMAN/DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syria's leadership approved the handover of the belongings of long-dead spy Eli Cohen to Israel in a bid to ease Israeli hostility and show goodwill to U.S. President Donald Trump, three sources told Reuters. Israel announced its recovery of the trove of documents, photographs and personal possessions relating to Cohen on Sunday, saying its spy agency Mossad had worked with an unnamed foreign intelligence agency to secure the material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a Syrian security source, an adviser to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and a person familiar with backchannel talks between the countries said the archive of material was in fact offered to Israel as an indirect gesture by Sharaa as he seeks to cool tensions and build Trump's confidence. Cohen, who was hanged in 1965 in a downtown Damascus square after infiltrating Syria's political elite, is still regarded as a hero in Israel and Mossad's most celebrated spy for uncovering military secrets that aided its lightning victory in the 1967 Middle East war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Cohen on Sunday as a legend and "the greatest intelligence agent in the annals of the state". While Israel has long sought to recover his body for reburial at home, the return of his archive held for 60 years by Syrian intelligence was hailed by Mossad as "an achievement of the highest moral order". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has not publicly revealed how the archive came into its possession, saying only that it was the result of "a covert and complex Mossad operation, in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service". Netanyahu's office, Syrian officials and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Syria's role in Israel's recovery of the Cohen archive. COHEN DOSSIER After rebels led by Sharaa suddenly ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December, ending his family's 54-year-long rule, they found the Cohen dossier in a state security building, according to the Syrian security source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharaa and his foreign advisers quickly decided to use the material as leverage, the source added. The Syrian security source said Sharaa had realised that the Cohen archive was important to the Israelis and that its return could amount to a significant diplomatic gesture. Ending Israeli attacks on Syria and improving relations with the United States and other Western countries are vital for Sharaa as he seeks to revive his shattered country after 14 years of civil war. Israel regards Sharaa and his ex-insurgents, who once formed the al Qaeda faction in Syria, as unreconstructed jihadists. Israeli forces staged an incursion into border areas last year and have repeatedly bombed targets in support of Syria's minority Druze sect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month, Reuters reported that the United Arab Emirates had set up a backchannel for talks between Israel and Syria that included efforts to build confidence between the sides. There have also been other indirect channels for talks, according to two people familiar with the matter. In the talks, Syria agreed to measures including returning the remains of Cohen as well as three Israeli soldiers killed while fighting Syrian forces in Lebanon in the early 1980s, a person familiar with those talks said. The body of one of those soldiers, Zvi Feldman, has been returned, Israel said last week. The return of the Cohen archive came in the context of those confidence-building measures and was done with Sharaa's direct approval, the person said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Trump held a surprise meeting with Sharaa in Saudi Arabia where he urged him to normalise ties with Israel and announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria. Syrian officials have said they want peace with all states in the region, and Sharaa confirmed this month that Damascus had carried out indirect talks with Israel via states it has ties with in order to calm the situation. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Damascus and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; additional reporting by Alex Cornwell in Jerusalem and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; writing by Angus McDowall; editing by Mark Heinrich) Tuesdays primary was only the first step for some candidates on their way to seeking a seat on school boards, municipal boards and county and judicial seats. For some, that journey Tuesday started with no challenger on the ballot. According to information from the Cumberland County Bureau of Elections, all of the incumbent Cumberland County row officers are running unopposed on the ballot, though Sheriff Jody Smith is facing a write-in challenge from Christopher Darhower. Recorder of Deeds Tammy Shearer, Clerk of Criminal Court Denny Lebo, Register of Wills Lisa Grayson and Coroner Charley Hall are all running unopposed on the Republican ballot, and no Democratic candidate was on the ballot for those races. Only two of the row offices wont have incumbents this year. Al Whitcomb is not seeking re-election for controller, and Republican Dana Best was the only candidate on either ballot. Dale Sabadish is not seeking re-election for his prothonotary position, which is contested in the Republican primary and will likely be contested in the general election if Democrat Montana Hartman gets her partys nomination in May. Only two magisterial district judge seats are up for election this year, and incumbent Judge Christopher Delozier on the West Shore was the only candidate on both ballots for that seat. The other judicial race in Hampden Township was contested. For results of contested races, check out Cumberlink.com. School boards Despite a very contentious election two years ago, the race for four open seats on the Carlisle Area School Board was not contested in this years primary. Only four candidates are cross-filed on each ballot: Sue Bower, Anne Lauritzen, Stephen Brousse and Amanda Rudy. If all four receive the top votes on both ballots, theyll again have an uncontested race in November. Camp Hill School Board likewise has four open seats with only four candidates cross-filed: Josceylon Buchs, Adrian Murray, Amyra Weiss and Sean Quinlan. South Middleton School Board also has four open seats, but it only has three candidates: Jamie Berrier and Robin Scherer are cross-filed while Rodney Wagner was only on the Republican ballot. For other school boards that are divided among regions or municipalities, some voters saw contested races while others voted in uncontested races this primary. For Big Spring School District, the Upper Mifflin Township seat was contested, but that was not the case for Lower Mifflin Township, Newville Borough and the Cooke/Penn Township seats. Steve Ginter, Alison Mellott and John Wardle cross-filed in those municipalities, respectively. While Mellott was the only one on the ballot in the primary, Melissa Bigler, who was appointed to the board recently to fill Sharpe Overs term, announced she was running a write-in campaign to stay in that position. While Mechanicsburg Area School Boards Region 3 seat was contested, there are other uncontested races for two seats in Region 1 and one seat in Region 2. Richard Bradley was cross-filed while Brian Sanker was only on the Republican ballot for Region 1, while cross-filed candidate Morgan Strehlow was the only candidate on the ballot for Region 2. Shippensburg Area School Boards two District C seats only had two cross-filed candidates: Michael Lyman and Nathan Goates. West Shore School Board was the same with its Region 1 seats, with cross-filed candidates Christopher Kambic and Mary Dankosky being the only ones on the ballot. Mayoral races A number of incumbent mayors did not see contested primaries. Democrat Sean Shultz did not face a challenger for his seat on his ballot, though Republican Don Smith was vying for the position on his partys ballot. Republican Camp Hill Mayor Mark Simpson was the only candidate on either ballot, as was Republican Deborah Halpin-Brophy in Mount Holly Springs. New Cumberland Mayor Joan Erney was the only one on her Democratic Partys ballot, but Republican Catherine Heika was seeking her partys nomination for the position. Republican Becky Barrick was the only one on the ballot for Newville mayor. That seat is currently filled by her father, Bob Barrick, who was appointed temporarily to fill the seat following the death of Mayor Michael Croutch. Incumbent Wormleysburg Mayor George OPreble was the only candidate on the Republican ballot, and no Democratic candidate was on that partys ballot. With Kay Coy not seeking re-election in Shippensburg, there were two candidates for mayor, each on one partys ballot. Democrat Shaun Rogers was seeking the position, as was Republican Ryan Miracle. Municipal boards Two municipal board elections were not contested on either ballot in Tuesdays primary, but they are expected to be in November if balloted candidates get their required party nominations. Three seats are open for East Pennsboro Township commissioner, and on the ballots were three RepublicansRaymond Skip Magaro, Kristy Magaro and Ed Diehlas well as three DemocratsPatti Gilbert, Jon DeMartyn and Matt Franchak. Hampden Townships Board of Commissioners was in a similar situation with Republicans Nathan Silcox, John Gaspich and Sherri Chippo seeking re-election, while three DemocratsDavid Fish, John Matthew Smith and Kristi Smith looked to unseat them. A number of incumbent Republicans sought re-election with no challenger in the primary, nor anyone on the Democratic ballot: Robert Line in Dickinson Township, James Burkholder Jr. in Lower Frankford Township, Jacob Fealtman in Lower Mifflin Township, David Smith in North Middleton Township, Michael Gutshall in North Newton Township, Joseph Ferrante Jr. in Penn Township, Stephen Oldt in Shippensburg Township, Steven ODonnell in Southampton Township, Steve Armold in Upper Frankford Township, Kingsley Blasco in Upper Mifflin Township and William Piper in West Pennsboro Township. Here is a look at other uncontested races on both ballots and the candidates listed: Camp Hill Borough Council has four open seats with four Democratic candidatesKevin Mock, Victoria Wolfe, Rich Forsman and Michele Forbes. No Republicans were on the ballot. Lemoyne Borough Council has four open seats and four candidatesDemocrats Paul Philips, Gale Gallo and Gene Koontz and Republican Lori Nissly. Mount Holly Springs Borough Council has four open seats and four total candidatesRepublicans Cathy Neff, Andrew Tate and Sherry Boyles and Democrat Pamela Still. Republican Gus Ginter was the only balloted candidate for a two-year seat. Shippensburg Borough Council has one candidate each for its East Ward and Middle Ward seatsRepublican Sean Erickson for the East Ward and Republican incumbent Michael Fague for the Middle Ward. Wormleysburg Borough Council has four open seats and only four total candidatesRepublicans Yolanda Garlinger, Warren Stumpf and Stephen Hawbecker and Democrat Michael Rudy. Editors Note: A previous version of this story referred to the insurance company by another name, based on a press release from the Texas Attorney Generals Office. The company that the OAG investigated was Superior HealthPlan. AUSTIN (KXAN) Just three months after announcing an investigation into the company Superior HealthPlan, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office said it closed its cases, according to a Monday evening press release. The investigation began after the Texas House Committee on the Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE) called for sanctions and legislation against the company, as KXAN previously reported. A day after that committee held a hearing, Paxton launched his investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas DOGE considers bill to prohibit surveillance by state contractors The allegations concerning Superiors actions, such as actions that were characterized as potentially blackmailing lawmakers to secure state contracts and surveilling private citizens to avoid paying legitimate claims, are deeply troubling, said Paxton in a March 27 press release. I will get to the bottom of this, uncover any illegal activity, and hold bad actors responsible. Justice will be served. KXAN previously reported that the company hired a private investigator to research state lawmakers and journalists. The OAG Consumer Protection Division and Health Programs Enforcement Division both conducted investigations into the insurance company following the March announcement. However, both found that the company followed state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superiors activities involved researching and consolidating publicly available documents into internal reports, which does not violate Texas law, the OAG said. There was no evidence of any surveillance or violation of privacy discovered or indicated within the investigation, nor was any privately held or confidential information, such as protected health information, included in the reports. Superior HealthPlan responded to the office ending its investigation in a Tuesday afternoon press release, where it said it appreciate[s] the swift work of Paxton and his team. We are pleased the numerous false accusations resulting from the March 26th DOGE committee hearing have been rebutted by the Attorney Generals review. Superior remains committed to transparency and accountability, and we will continue to ensure that all partners and practices reflect the integrity we expect of ourselves. For 25 years, Superior HealthPlan has partnered with the State of Texas to provide high quality care to Medicaid members and other vulnerable populations. We look forward to returning our focus to serving our 2 million members, providers and community partners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Dennis Smith was attempting to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon when he was found unresponsive on the North Kaibab Trail on May 15, the National Park Service said Officials said the "experienced" hiker was pronounced dead at the scene The agency cautioned visitors about hiking in the inner canyon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hottest point of the day A 74-year-old man from Washington state died last week during a hike in the Grand Canyon, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Park Service, officials were notified about an unresponsive hiker on the North Kaibab Trail approximately half a mile below the North Kaibab Trailhead at about 4:45 p.m., local time, on Thursday, May 15. The hiker, identified as Dennis Smith, of Olympia, was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by park staff and bystanders to resuscitate him. Smith was attempting a Rim-to-Rim hike from the South Rim to the North Rim, according to the news release, which added that the victim was an "experienced" hiker. The Coconino County Medical Examiners Office is investigating Smiths cause of death, said the NPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Parks Foundation said the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike covers 24 miles and is strenuous. Being unprepared can have catastrophic results, the foundation said on its website. The National Park Service said that temperatures in the inner canyon were expected to reach 100 degrees at the end of the week, making it important for hikers to be prepared. The department encouraged visitors to avoid hiking in the inner canyon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the hottest point of the day. Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are encouraged to be self-reliant to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders, the NPS cautioned. For up-to-date information on canyon conditions, visitors can check out the Key Hiking Messages webpage, the agency said. Read the original article on People The body of a 74-year-old hiker was found at Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday. According to ABC4.com, the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a call about an unresponsive hiker around 4:45 p.m. local time on Thursday. Bystanders and the National Park Service attempted to resuscitate the man, identified as Dennis Smith of Olympia, Washington, but were unsuccessful. Officials say Smith, an experienced hiker, was attempting the Rim-to-Rim hike from the South Rim to the North Rim of Grand Canyon. He was found on the North Kaibab Trail, about a half-mile from the trailhead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith's death is currently under investigation by the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office. In response to this tragedy, the NPS has issued a heat warning to Grand Canyon visitors in the coming days. The NPS urges all visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, particularly those planning to hike or backpack in the inner canyon, to prepare for extreme heat in the coming days, the NPS said in a press release Monday. Temperatures in the inner canyon are expected to reach 100F (38C) by the end of this week, making it critical for hikers to take proper precautions. Park rangers also advise against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., typically the warmest part of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are also encouraging hikers, particularly those attempting more rigorous routes, to be self-reliant in order to avoid any potential emergencies. Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, and employee safety requirements, the press release adds. In the meantime, we'd like to offer our condolences to Smith's family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. By Michelle Nichols and Emma Farge UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA(Reuters) -An organization backed by Israel and the United States began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid distribution which the United Nations rejects as inadequate, dangerous and a violation of impartiality rules. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was launched after Israel imposed a total blockade on all supplies to Gaza for nearly three months, which the United Nations says brought the enclave's 2.3 million people to the verge of famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says the previous system for distributing food, established decades ago and ramped up during the war, had allowed Hamas militants to divert aid. The GHF's stated aim is to alleviate hunger. But the plan has been criticised for sidestepping existing aid programmes, and is under scrutiny after scores of Palestinians were killed in shootings while trying to obtain aid from its sites. WHAT IS THE GAZA HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION? The GHF was launched last month, backed by the American and Israeli governments, and bypasses traditional relief groups. The foundation has said it intends to work with private U.S. security and logistics firms. The GHF has already received more than $100 million in commitments, a source familiar with the situation said. The GHF has not disclosed its funding sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior U.S. officials worked with Israel to enable the GHF to start work, acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the Security Council, urging the U.N. and aid groups to cooperate. Israel, which controls all supplies entering Gaza, says it is facilitating the GHF's work without being involved in aid deliveries. Last week the GHF named Rev. Dr. Johnnie Moore, an American evangelical Christian leader and former adviser to President Donald Trump, as its executive chairman. He replaced Jake Wood, a U.S. military veteran, who announced his resignation on the eve of the GHF's May 26 launch, saying the foundation could not adhere to humanitarian principles. HOW DOES THE NEW PLAN WORK? The foundation has opened three distribution sites, including two in Gaza's Rafah area near the southern border with Egypt, and one in central Gaza. More sites are planned as well as mechanisms to get aid to those who cannot access them, the foundation says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said on June 5 it had distributed more than 130,000 boxes of aid. However, distribution was disrupted after deadly shootings near aid sites which Palestinian health officials say killed scores of people over three days. The Israeli military said its forces opened fire on groups they viewed as a threat and who approached their positions. GHF has said its top priority is ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid. WHY WON'T THE U.N. WORK WITH THE NEW DISTRIBUTION MODEL? The United Nations says the U.S.-backed distribution plan does not meet its long-held principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher has said time should not be wasted on the proposal, which he said would force further displacement, expose people to harm and restrict aid to one part of Gaza. Since the shootings, U.N. criticism has intensified, with officials saying that the paucity of sites and dangers accessing them mean that the most vulnerable are excluded, including the wounded, older people and young children who are too weak from hunger to travel there. James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson who met Gazans trying to obtain GHF provisions, said that some of those who left the sites empty-handed had walked up to 20 km to get there and showed visible signs of malnourishment like exposed ribs. By contrast, during a two-month ceasefire at the start of this year, the United Nations and partners had around 400 distribution sites, handed out nutrition supplies door-to-door and prepared fresh meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some officials also questioned the contents of the GHF food boxes, saying they are insufficient and require cooking when clean water and fuel is scarce. Other aid groups like the Red Cross have called the system unsatisfactory, saying aid should not be politicised and militarised. Maps shared by the Israeli government and the U.N. showed the GHF sites located within Israeli-militarised zones. WHY HAS AN ALTERNATIVE AID DISTRIBUTION PLAN BEEN PROPOSED? Israel stopped all aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2 after accusing Hamas of stealing aid, which the Palestinian militants deny. In early April, Israel proposed what it described as "a structured monitoring and aid entry mechanism" for Gaza. It was swiftly rejected by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressure grew on Israel to allow aid deliveries to resume, especially after a global hunger monitor warned of famine. Amid the stalemate over Israel's plan, Washington backed the newly-created GHF. Israel has also allowed some limited aid deliveries to resume under the existing distribution model, whereby it first inspects and approves aid which is then picked up and distributed by the United Nations. However, the global body complains that most mission requests since late May have been denied or impeded by Israel, and is calling for it to open more crossings and ease restrictions. (Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Jersualem and Tom Perry in CairoEditing by Alexandra Hudson, Rod Nickel, Peter Graff) May 19 (UPI) -- A near collision between two commercial jets at LaGuardia Airport in New York City earlier this month is under investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed Monday. A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 and an American Eagle Embraer E175 nearly collided on the same runway, right before an air traffic controller quickly canceled American Eagle's takeoff clearance, according to the FAA and NTSB. Confirmation of the May 6 incident at LaGuardia comes the same day nearby Newark Liberty International Airport suffered its fourth air traffic control outage since April 28. The FAA is also investigating those incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The close call at LaGuardia occurred at 12:35 a.m. EDT, as an air traffic controller discovered United Airlines flight 2657, with 107 passengers and six crew, was taxiing on the same runway as American Eagle, which was cleared to take off for Buffalo Niagara International Airport. As the American Eagle plane reached more than 100 knots for takeoff, air traffic control received an automated conflict alert after the United plane, which had landed from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, missed its designated exit point from the runway. American Eagle was ordered to abort takeoff. At the same time, a Spirit Airlines pilot was also transmitting on the same frequency, which according to investigators, blocked the emergency communication. "I thought United had cleared well before that," the controller was heard saying. Claim: A video authentically shows the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying he regrets inviting U.S. President Donald Trump to the Middle East. Rating: Rating: Fake Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Qatar in May 2025, a rumor circulated online that the country's ruling emir said he regretted inviting the American commander-in-chief "to the Middle East." "He didn't come to discuss cooperation, he came to collect tributes," Qatar's leader, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, allegedly said, per the clip. "Fountains, palaces, golden welcoming ceremonies, light shows, private flights. In his eyes, these grand gestures are not courtesies, but spoils of war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video spread across social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Threads, Substack and TikTok. Snopes readers also wrote in to ask whether a Qatari or Saudi official said he regretted inviting Trump to visit; the president went to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during his trip across the Middle East. This clip's audio appears to be generated by artificial intelligence, according to several tools that detect AI usage. Furthermore, the video of the sheikh is either AI-generated or an edited version of a 2017 interview with CBS' "60 Minutes." Thus, we rate this claim fake. An AI detector available through "DeepFake-O-Meter," a project developed by the University of Buffalo Forensic Laboratory, rated the likelihood the audio was AI-generated as 100%. Another tool "Deepfake Total," developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security gave the audio clip a 75.6% chance of being AI-generated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several eagle-eyed internet users noted that the clip appeared to match a 2017 interview with CBS' "60 Minutes," as seen in this YouTube video of the exchange from news outlet Al Jazeera, suggesting the clip is not AI-generated but outdated. However, when shown side-by-side, it's clear whoever made the clip either edited the CBS interview using video editing software or generated a clip through AI using the "60 Minutes" video as source material. See, for example, the smoothing of Al Thani's face in the faked clip (left) and the differing structure of his face in the legitimate interview (right) for comparison: Two very similar images of a man in white traditional Qatari clothing. On the left his face is slightly narrower and smoothed out, compared to the right, where his face has more texture and is rounder. (Substack user NEW YORK MINUTE and Al Jazeera English/CBS 60 Minutes) In the "60 Minutes" interview, the emir discusses a 2017 trip during Trump's first term, but nothing he says in the clip posted by Al Jazeera or the transcript published by CBS aligns with the AI-generated audio from May 2025. Thus, the video accompanying the AI-generated voice purporting to be the Qatari leader is either AI-generated or unrelated to Trump's 2025 visit. The clip and its claims seemed to originate with a TikTok video from user @tian128560m, per the username included in the videos circulating. That user no longer has the clip in question available on their profile, but several of their videos appear to also be misinformation, including one which falsely claims Barron Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, dropped out of New York University, despite numerous reports that he finished his first year at NYU in May. We have reached out to the TikTok user and will update this story if we receive more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has previously fact-checked many claims about Qatar and its leaders; see our collection of fact-checks on the country here. Sources: Al Jazeera English. " Qatar Emir: Our Sovereignty Is a Red Line." YouTube, 29 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtNThEqB31Q. Accessed 19 May 2025. "DeepFake-O-Meter." Buffalo.edu, University of Buffalo , 2025, zinc.cse.buffalo.edu/ubmdfl/deep-o-meter/report_detail_dynamic/grace%40snopes.com_2025-05-19-12:38:48/RawNet2-Vocoder-V3. Accessed 19 May 2025. "DEEPFAKETOTAL." Deepfake-Total.com, Cognitive Security Technologies (CST) department of Fraunhofer AISEC, deepfake-total.com/analyze_twitter/EastEndJoe/1923378227105472934?start=0&end=120. Accessed 19 May 2025. Rose, Charlie. "Qatar's Emir Stands Defiant in Face of Blockade." Cbsnews.com, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2017, www.cbsnews.com/news/qatars-emir-stands-defiant-in-face-of-blockade/. Accessed 19 May 2025. Claim: In May 2025, Donald Trump Jr. questioned on X how "Dr. Jill Biden" missed former President Joe Biden's aggressive metastatic cancer. Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution Context: Former U.S. first lady Jill Biden holds a doctorate in education. She is not a medical doctor. Donald Trump Jr. later wrote on X that he meant his comment to be sarcastic. On May 18, 2025, former President Joe Biden's office announced he had received a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. Later that day, multiple social media accounts (archived, archived, archived, archived) claimed that Donald Trump Jr. President Donald Trump's oldest child made an X post questioning how former first lady Dr. Jill Biden could have missed her husband's cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Snopes readers sought verification of the claim by writing in and searching our website. Jill Biden has a PhD in education. She's not a medical doctor. But you don't have to be a medical doctor to diagnose Donald Trump Jr. Terminally stupid and a vile human being. pic.twitter.com/g4Fg3S0pXR PLGC (@PL67712441) May 19, 2025 The alleged post read: What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? The X post was real. Donald Trump Jr. posted it on May 18 (archived): What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? pic.twitter.com/fSqtDmcX4p Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 18, 2025 Jill Biden uses the title "Dr." because she earned a doctorate degree (archived) in education from the University of Delaware in 2007, but she is not a medical doctor. It is common to preface the name of anyone who holds a doctoral degree with the title "Dr." This does not automatically imply medical expertise. The next day, Donald Trump Jr. posted on X (archived) that he meant his comment about the former first lady to be sarcastic, writing: I sometimes forget that part of the mental disorder of leftism is an inability to understand sarcasm. So for the confused libs out there, I'm well aware that Jill Biden is a fake doctor, not a real one...Unlike the Dems who were calling for her to be Surgeon General in 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I sometimes forget that part of the mental disorder of leftism is an inability to understand sarcasm. So for the confused libs out there, I'm well aware that Jill Biden is a fake doctor, not a real one...Unlike the Dems who were calling for her to be Surgeon General in 2020 pic.twitter.com/PEiu2XgGf8 Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 19, 2025 Jill Biden is not a "fake doctor," as Donald Trump Jr. claimed in that post, even though she is not a medical doctor. The title "doctor" applies to multiple professions. Donald Trump Jr. may have been referencing a 2020 incident in which "The View" host Whoopi Goldberg mistakenly said Jill Biden should be surgeon general, calling her a "hell of a doctor." Sources: 'Biden Has Been Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer'. AP News, 18 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5. 'Dr. Jill Biden'. Whitehouse.Gov, 24 Dec. 2014, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/jill-biden. Folley, Aris. 'Whoopi Accidentally Pitches Jill Biden as Surgeon General'. The Hill, 4 Mar. 2020, https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/485976-whoopi-pitches-jill-biden-as-surgeon-general/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Jr., Donald. 'Donald Trump Jr. X Profile'. X.Com, 18 May 2025, https://x.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1924250965965709808. - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6tn29M1eJA. Accessed 20 May 2025. Claim: A Google Translate screenshot correctly shows that the name of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, when written as A stra ze neca, means a road to death in Latin. Rating: Rating: False The multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has been the target of numerous false rumors, in part due to its development of the coronavirus vaccine. In May 2025, an X post claimed that the name "AstraZeneca", when written as "A stra ze neca," meant "a road to death" in Latin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prominent anti-vaccine advocate Ben Tapper wrote on his X profile: "Well, that's interesting" over a screenshot showing that Google Translate translated the purported Latin phrase "A stra ze neca" as "a road to death." Tapper also followed up the post with a video in which he typed the phrase into Google Translate, seemingly authenticating that this was a real translation from the language tool. (X user @DrBenTapper1) We reached out to numerous Latin language experts, all of whom confirmed the same thing: The above translation is wrong and "a stra ze neca" is not a real Latin phrase. The company AstraZeneca also confirmed the meaning behind its name, which has nothing to do with the above translation. As such, we rate this claim false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google Translate does indeed provide the translation "a road to death" when "A stra ze neca" is typed in, as seen below. However, "A stra ze neca" is not a real Latin phrase and the space placement between letters significantly changes Google Translate's attempts at interpretation. (Screenshot via Google Translate) Google Translate is also capable of committing errors. Snopes' standard practice when using Google Translate is to cross-reference its translations with feedback from fluent speakers of the language in question. Google itself advised users that the application should not be considered a replacement for human translators. On its list of attribution requirements for third-party websites seeking to use Google Translate, the company suggests the disclaimer (emphasis ours): The website has been translated for your convenience using translation software powered by Google Translate. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace human translators. Translations are provided as a service to users of the website, and are provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or correctness of any translations made frominto any other language. Some content (such as images, videos, Flash, etc.) may not be accurately translated due to the limitations of the translation software. Kristina Milnor, a classics professor at Barnard College, told Snopes over email, "Astra is indeed a Latin word as in the phrase 'ad astra', 'to the stars' but ze and neca are not. 'A' by itself is also possibly Latin, but 'stra' by itself is nonsense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "'zeneca', whether separated into two words or not, has no meaning or roots in Latin." Mikael Papadimitriou, a postdoctoral teaching fellow in Latin at New York University, confirmed the same over email, writing, "None of these words are Latin words." He also added that "astra" was the plural of the Latin noun "astrum," which means "star." "All words that begin with a 'z' in Latin are words borrowed from other languages, mostly proper nouns. Zeneca is most likely made up," he wrote. In fact, AstraZeneca's name came from the 1999 merger of two companies, Astra AB and Zeneca Group. In October 2019, AstraZeneca posted about the origins of its name on X, noting that while "Astra" meant "star," "Zeneca" was a made-up name: Astra AB was founded in 1913 in Sodertalje, Sweden. 'Astra' has its roots in the Greek astron, meaning 'a star'. Zeneca was formed in June 1993 by the demerger of the pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals businesses of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) into a separate company. "Zeneca" is an invented name, created by an agency instructed to find a name which began with a letter from either the top or bottom of the alphabet and was phonetically memorable, of no more than three syllables and did not have an offensive meaning in any language. This is not the first time mistranslations concerning the company's name have proliferated. In 2021, a false rumor also spread that AstraZeneca meant "weapon to kill." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In sum, given that multiple experts in the Latin language and the company itself have debunked the above translation, we rate this claim false. This is not the first example of a rumor about purported translations we've fact-checked. Previously, we examined whether a meme accurately listed different meanings of "MAGA" in various languages. Sources: "A Timeline of Our Company History." AstraZeneca. https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-company/history.html. Accessed 16 May 2025. "Anti-Vaccine Chiropractors Capitalizing on Covid and Sowing Misinformation." The Guardian, 9 Oct. 2021. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/09/anti-vaccine-chiropractors-covid-sow-misinformation. Accessed 16 May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Attribution Requirements | Cloud Translation." Google Cloud, https://cloud.google.com/translate/attribution. Accessed 16 May 2025. Evon, Dan. "Does AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Blood Clots?" Snopes, 16 Mar. 2021, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/astrazeneca-vaccine-blood-clots/. Accessed 16 May 2025. "Fact Check: Posts Incorrectly Interpret Intended Meaning of 'AstraZeneca.'" Reuters, 19 Apr. 2021. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/article/fact-check/posts-incorrectly-interpret-intended-meaning-of-astrazeneca-idUSL1N2MC0EZ/. Accessed 16 May 2025. Ibrahim, Nur. Interview with Kristina Milnor. 15 May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ibrahim, Nur. Interview with Mikael Papadimitriou. 15 May 2025. Kasprak, Alex. "Does AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine Contain Aborted Fetal Cells?" Snopes, 2 Dec. 2020, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-fetal/. Accessed 16 May 2025. Torbati, Yeganeh. "Google Says Google Translate Can't Replace Human Translators. Immigration Officials Have Used It to Vet Refugees." ProPublica, 26 Sept. 2019, https://www.propublica.org/article/google-says-google-translate-cant-replace-human-translators-immigration-officials-have-used-it-to-vet-refugees. Accessed 16 May 2025. Claim: In May 2025, King Harald of Norway snubbed a request for an audience from U.S. President Donald Trump, opting to meet with former U.S. President Barack Obama instead. Rating: Rating: False Context: While Trump did publicly say he wanted to meet King Harald, there is no evidence that Harald rejected him in favor of meeting Obama. While Obama happened to be in Oslo, Norway, for another engagement when he met the king, Trump was on an official Middle East tour at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, when former U.S. President Barack Obama met with Norway's King Harald V, rumors spread that the king had in turn snubbed U.S. President Donald Trump, who had requested his own meeting. Numerous posts on X, Reddit, Instagram and YouTube claimed Trump asked for an audience with King Harald, who opted to invite Obama instead. The Instagram post stated: Ironic, isn't it? Trump reportedly wanted to meet King Harald after his Oval Office meeting but Norway rolled out the red carpet for Obama instead. After President Donald Trump met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre in a recent Oval Office visit, sources say Trump expressed interest in meeting King Harald V of Norway. That meeting never materialized. Instead, it was Barack Obama who received a warm royal welcome in Oslo. On his visit to Norway, Obama met with King Harald, Prime Minister Stre, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit at the royal family's Bygd estate. The informal gathering focused on climate, democracy, and transatlantic cooperation themes Obama continues to champion on the global stage. The contrast couldn't be clearer. While Trump's interest in a royal handshake was quietly shelved, Obama was invited without having to ask. While it is true that Obama met with the king of Norway, and Trump expressed interest in meeting the king as well, there is no evidence that the king snubbed the latter in favor of the former. In fact, the day Obama was photographed meeting the king, Trump was on a visit to the Middle East. As such we rate this claim as false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to the White House, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre's office and King Harald's office to get their responses to the rumors and to learn whether there would be a meeting with Trump in the future. Trump did ask for a meeting with the king, albeit in an informal way, during a bilateral meeting with Stre at the White House in April 2025. A recording from the White House's official YouTube page shows the leaders seated side by side as Stre extended an invitation to Trump to visit Norway: JOURNALIST: Why did you invite Norway so soon to the White House? TRUMP: Because I like them. And I like your prime minister. And I like the way your government runs. And I respect the king. He's highly respected in Norway. It's a great thing. Not an easy thing to do. He's done a great job. Yeah. JOURNALIST: Would you like an invitation to visit the king? TRUMP: Absolutely. You get me that invitation. STRE: I just told the president, he's welcome to visit Norway. The exchange took place at the 13:38 mark: At this moment, we do not have evidence that Trump formally requested an audience with the king, outside of the casual comment he made above in response to a reporter's question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sara Svanemyr, a spokesperson for Norway's Royal Court told Snopes over email: "His Majesty the King is host when other heads of state visit Norway. The dialogue regarding official visits to Norway takes place through diplomatic channels." Andreas Bjrklund, a spokesperson for Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Snopes over email: "There is certainly no link between the meeting with the former President and the invitation to President Trump to visit Norway." Spokespersons from both the Royal Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the meeting between Obama and the king was informal. Obama met with Norway's king on May 13, 2025, as seen in photos posted on the Norwegian Royal House's official Instagram account. The caption stated: The King and the Crown Princess received former US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre at Bygd Kongsgard. The former US President is visiting Norway in connection with a lecture. Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. (Instagram user "detnorskekongehus") Obama was already in Oslo, Norway, giving a lecture on May 12, 2025, at the Oslo Spektrum arena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From May 13 to 16, 2025, Trump was on an official Middle East tour, overlapping with Obama's meeting with the king. We have no proof that the king chose to meet Obama over Trump. Given that Norway's prime minister publicly extended an invitation to Trump during their April 2025 meeting, and Trump was on a Middle East tour at the same time Obama was in Norway meeting the king, there is no evidence to prove the claim. It is possible that Trump will meet Norway's king in the future. Sources: "A Conversation with President Barack Obama." Oslo Spektrum Arena, https://oslospektrum.no/arrangementer/a-conversation-with-president-barack-obama/. Accessed 19 May 2025. "King Harald and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway Team Up to Host Former President Barack Obama." People.Com, https://people.com/king-harald-crown-princess-mette-marit-norway-host-president-barack-obama-11733757. Accessed 19 May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nauman, Qasim. "5 Takeaways From Trump's Gulf Tour, Beyond the Lavish Receptions." The New York Times, 16 May 2025. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/us/politics/trump-middle-east-visit.html. Accessed 19 May 2025. "President Trump Participates in a Bilateral Meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway." The White House, 24 Apr. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DURlQ89nF6E. Accessed 19 May 2025. Updates: May 21, 2025: The article was updated with statements from Norway's Royal Court and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The News in Brief Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Lawyers representing journalist and civic activist Mzia Amaglobeli are urging the Kutaisi Court of Appeal to dismiss an administrative offense case against her, claiming that police falsified evidence leading to her detention.According to her legal team and human rights advocates, Amaglobeli is being targeted for her journalistic work and activism. They argue that her arrest on January 11, 2025, during a protest outside the Adjara Police Department, was unlawful. Initially detained for placing a protest sticker on a wall, Amaglobeli was later accused of verbally insulting police, an allegation the defense claims was fabricated to justify the arrest."The police did not have the authority to detain her for placing a sticker," the lawyers said. "The arrest report was altered to accuse her under Article 173, and the court relied on misleading evidence to uphold the charge."The Batumi City Court upheld the police version in a March 18 ruling, relying primarily on video footage submitted by law enforcement and the testimony of Deputy Chief of Batumi Police G. Vanadze. However, Amaglobeli's defense insists the footage was recorded hours after her detention and pertains to another individual's arrest."We have submitted evidence to the Kutaisi Court of Appeal proving the video footage does not show Amaglobeli at the time of her arrest and that the police witness provided false testimony," the legal team stated.The defense is calling on the court to terminate the case and overturn the Batumi City Court's decision. They also appealed to Georgia's Prosecutor General to launch a criminal investigation against police officials involved in the case, citing possible violations under Articles 332 (abuse of authority), 369 (falsifying evidence), and 370 (false testimony) of the Criminal Code.Amaglobeli remains in detention, with her lawyers asserting that the ongoing legal process is based entirely on fabricated grounds.Georgia's Special Investigation Service (SIS) is set to be merged with the Prosecutor's Office, the agency confirmed to the media, without sharing further information. Details about the integration will be outlined in a legislative draft to be presented to the ruling party-dominated parliament.Created in 2022 as an autonomous investigative unit under the EU-Georgia Association Agenda from 2017 to 2020, the SIS was meant to conduct independent and prompt investigations into serious crimes and misconduct by officials. Despite this, the agency is widely criticized for its lack of independence and failure to act, with no police officers held accountable for abuses against protesters over the past year.Nona Kurdovanidze, head of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, described the move as troubling. She noted that the SIS had already struggled to perform its duties effectively and said this decision indicates a lack of interest in preserving even a minimally independent investigative structure.In April, the UK imposed sanctions on SIS chief Karlo (Koka) Katsitadze, accusing him of neglecting to investigate and prosecute law enforcement officials responsible for suppressing citizens, opposition members, journalists, and activists since the enactment of the Foreign Agents Law in May 2024. By Idrees Ali (Reuters) -A long-planned celebration in Washington for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary will coincide with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday on Saturday. While the Army has said it has no plans to recognize Trump's birthday, the president will play a major role in the celebrations, which have been altered to include a parade. Here is everything we know so far: WHERE IS THE CELEBRATION TAKING PLACE? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday morning, followed by a fitness competition and an Army birthday festival on the National Mall in Washington. The festival will include equipment displays and military demonstrations. The day will culminate with a parade through the city and an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony presided over by Trump. There will also be fireworks. After the parade, the U.S. Army Golden Knights team will parachute in and present Trump with a flag. WHAT IS BEING BROUGHT INTO THE CITY? The U.S. Army is bringing 6,500 troops into Washington, along with 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft for the celebration. The vehicles are being moved to the city on trains and larger trucks, while the helicopters will fly in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army has said that more than 25 M1 Abrams tanks will feature in the parade. It will also include 28 Stryker armored vehicles, four Paladin self-propelled artillery vehicles, and artillery pieces including the M777 and M119. The flyover will include Apache and Black Hawk helicopters along with Chinooks. Older aircraft like the World War Two-era B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang will also take part. The parade will include 34 horses, two mules and one dog. WHAT SECURITY MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN? Law enforcement agencies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to attend the celebration, the U.S. Secret Service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, D.C., has started to place non-scalable fences at key points around the city, including the White House. Security preparations include 18.5 miles of anti-scale fencing and 17 miles of concrete barriers, while overhead drones operated by the Secret Service will keep watch. Thousands of agents, officers and specialists will be deployed from law enforcement agencies from across the country. Officials said they are not expecting protests against federal immigration enforcement similar to those in Los Angeles. The Federal Aviation Administration will close down arrivals and departures at Washington's Reagan National Airport during the peak of the celebration. HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The twin celebrations will cost the U.S. Army between $25 million and $45 million, U.S. officials have told Reuters. That includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops. The cost was several million dollars more than it would have been without a parade, the officials said. The officials' latest estimates exclude costs the city of Washington would have to bear, like trash cleanup. The military has already started taking steps to protect the streets of the capital from any potential damage caused by heavy tanks, including laying down metal plates in some areas. The Army says it will pay for any unexpected repairs if needed and has set aside several million dollars in case of damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE PARADE? Democratic lawmakers have said that Republican Trump is taking over the Army's birthday for himself. "This is Trump. This is all about his ego and making everything 'him,' which is, I think, a discredit to the military, the Army," said Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Representative Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, introduced a bill to prohibit the use of public funds for "displays of military force for personal glorification." Officials have told Reuters that the planning for the Army's 250th birthday celebration started last year - before Trump won the November presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has said the administration was planning a historic celebration for the Army's 250th birthday. The Army was established on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. Trump has made no secret of his desire to hold military parades in the past. During his first administration, he ordered the Pentagon to look into a display of military might after a 2017 trip to France where he and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed that country's defense forces marching down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris. Trump ultimately settled for a display of tanks and other armored vehicles during a July Fourth celebration in 2019 in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF PARADES IN THE UNITED STATES? Critics have called a parade an authoritarian display of power that is wasteful, especially as Trump slashes costs throughout the federal government. Military parades in the United States are generally rare. Such parades in other countries are usually staged to celebrate victories in battle or showcase military might. In 1991, tanks and thousands of troops paraded through Washington to celebrate the ousting of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's army from Kuwait in the Gulf War. (Reporting by Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Ryan Jones in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin, Howard Goller and Alistair Bell) FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) A Fairhope High School student has been arrested after police received a tip he was selling drugs. Escambia County Fire Rescue responds to fifth house fire at same location According to a Fairhope Police Department Facebook post, officers received an anonymous tip that a student at the school was selling drugs. K-9 Lucca was brought in and detected drugs in the students car in the school parking lot, the post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the student returned to his car, officers found MDMA, a drug known as ecstasy when its in tablet form or molly when its in crystal form, assorted pills, marijuana and two ski masks in the students backpack, according to the post. The discovery led officers to get a search warrant for the students home in Loxley where they found three handguns, 132 assorted pills, more marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and $1,200 in cash, the post said. According to the post, Carter Vezina, 18, was arrested and is accused of six counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a forged instrument, nine counts of illegal possession of prescription pills, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Carter Vezina. (Baldwin County Jail View) Overwhelming coyote problem in Daphne leaves residents concerned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More charges are pending, according to FPDs post. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A woman who fled Vietnam for America in the 1970s says she once hoped that the U.S. would serve as a refuge from the upheaval in her home country. But now, with a family member facing potential deportation under the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, she said its beginning to resemble the place she fled. You are afraid to go to church. You are afraid to get on the bus, said the woman, whos based on the West Coast and asked to be anonymous out of fear of retaliation. Youre on high alert. Her family member is among the upward of 8,500 Vietnamese nationals who are facing orders of removal because of past convictions, with many of the offenses dating back decades to their youths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southeast Asians are three to five times more likely to be deported on the basis of an old criminal conviction compared with other groups, advocates say, likely due to the communitys immigration status as refugees and the difficulties they have had acclimating to life in the U.S. The Trump administrations aggressive detention and deportation tactics, in addition to the growing pressure on Vietnam to accept deportees, have put the refugee group in a particularly precarious position, experts say. Many of the refugees facing orders of removal fall under what immigration experts refer to as the migration to school to prison to deportation pipeline. Advocates say it points to how those who resettled in the U.S. were given few resources, became entangled in the criminal justice system and were threatened with deportation upon serving their sentences. As the world commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War, advocates say that the refugee communitys issues have only been magnified. Your family was exiled at that point, forced out of the country, separated, starting over. And so youre repeating that cycle, the refugee said of those who fled Vietnam and now face potential deportation. Changing U.S. foreign relations have made refugees more vulnerable, experts say Quyen Dinh, executive director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, or SEARAC, a civil rights group, said that Trumps first term had proved to be a tense time for refugee communities. According to DHS data, 382 Vietnamese individuals were deported during his first administration. Thats a 114% increase from Barack Obamas second term. Under Joe Biden, 87 Vietnamese nationals were deported, although official data from his final year in office has not yet been published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts and community advocates say that many previous protections for refugees no longer exist. In 2008, the U.S. and Vietnam struck a deal, guaranteeing that refugees who arrived in the United States before July 12, 1995, were not subject to deportation. However, during Trumps first term, more pressure was put on Vietnam to accept deportees and ICE began to detain those who arrived before 1995. And toward the end of Trumps first term, the U.S. and Vietnam renegotiated the deal, creating a process to deport pre-1995 refugees. Tin Nguyen, a North Carolina-based immigration attorney, said that the increasingly fragile relationship between China and Vietnam, particularly in the South China Sea, likely led Vietnam to cave to repatriation pressures. Now, Vietnam needs the United States militarily and strategically to counterbalance China, Nguyen said. While the previous Trump administration put visa sanctions on countries like Vietnam that refused to accept repatriations, the new administration has also threatened tariffs, Dinh said. And its likely to push countries that want to avoid economic consequences to bend. With third countries becoming involved in the American deportation effort, individuals are also fearful of being sent to countries that they are entirely unfamiliar with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vietnam War resulted in what is considered the largest resettlement of refugees in American history, with almost 590,000 refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos coming to the U.S. from 1980 to 1990, according to Pew Research. These refugee communities still struggle. More than one-fifth of Southeast Asians are considered low-income, higher than the national average, according to a 2020 report from SEARAC. When it comes to educational attainment, nearly 30% of Southeast Asian Americans, more than double the general population, have not completed high school or passed the GED. Immigration issues in particular plague the community. Vietnamese celebrate after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. (Jacques Pavlovsky / Sygma / Getty Images file) The path to deportation started with Americas role in resettling refugees, advocates say The challenges, advocates say, can be traced back to the unorganized resettlement effort. Legal and immigration experts say that Vietnamese refugees were scattered across the country and often placed in low-income urban centers that were under-resourced and heavily policed. For the Vietnamese community, the top counties range from Orange County and Los Angeles in California to Harris County in Texas, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Washington state also became a significant hub for Vietnamese Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteer groups assisted the State Department in these efforts, but lacked a standardized system for helping people transition to their new country, the SEARAC report pointed out. Aside from greeting refugees, matching them with sponsors and sometimes providing a one-time cash assistance, organizations were given little guidance or expectations, the report said. Advocates say that schools provided Asian American students few language resources and counseling or mental health help to cope with the trauma of war. Nguyen also said the young refugees often endured bullying in their new environment. And parents and elders were still grappling with upheaval themselves, unable to gently guide the stark change, he said. Your parents were still traumatized from the war, and couldnt really give that kind of protection or that emotionally secure environment, Nguyen said. A lot of people had to search for belonging outside of the family. Advocates say that many refugees turned to gangs or the streets for the protection and acceptance that they lacked elsewhere. And a significant number of them got caught up on the wrong side of the law. While relatively few, compared to other racial groups, are in prison, the number of incarcerated Asian American and Pacific Islanders surged by more than 250% in the decade from 1990 to 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survey of 447 incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders conducted from 2019 to 2021 showed that over half of Southeast Asian respondents said they had experienced bullying, language barriers and lack of counseling in school. Navigating the American legal system was challenging for refugee families Nguyen, who represents several refugees, said that understanding the criminal justice system was difficult for refugees who often had little access to appropriate legal counsel and resources. A 2000 study of California juveniles showed that Asian juveniles were more than twice as likely to be tried as adults than their white peers. A lot of folks didnt speak English very well and didnt have money to hire lawyers and so whatever the public defender told you to do, you did, Nguyen said. Unfortunately, a lot of folks just took plea bargains for things that they didnt even know, didnt even do. Advocates point out that two Clinton-era laws also expanded the types of offenses that subjected legal immigrants to deportation and prevented judicial discretion in immigration hearings. This meant that judges wouldnt be permitted to take an individuals specific circumstances into consideration. Those who served time often were immediately served with orders of removal as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would end up tearing them and their families apart, Dinh said. For many refugees, Dinh said, its been decades since their convictions and many have turned their lives around, started businesses and have families of their own. Though refugees worried about being detained at their routine check-ins with ICE, the administrations tactics have evolved, she said, with individuals being ripped off the street or arrested in front of their families. There were ways that you knew you could still work, and you could still be contributing to society without having to worry that ICE was just going to come get you, said the refugee whose family member is facing deportation. Now its just mental anguish. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Military personnel in Mali carried out apparent summary executions of at least 22 people in the conflict-hit central region of the country, advocacy group Human Rights Watch said Tuesday. At least three families and two local leaders recounted to The Associated Press how Malian soldiers seized more than 20 men from a market in the village of Diafarabe in the central Mopti region. The men's bodies were later found in two mass graves. Diafarabe, whose inhabitants mostly belong to the Fulani ethnic group, is in an area where JNIM, an Al Qaida-linked extremist organization, is active and regularly targets the Malian army with attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such extrajudicial killings are becoming increasingly common under Mali's military junta, including late last year when Human Rights Watch accused the army and Russia's Wagner Group of killing dozens of civilians and setting fire to at least 100 houses during military operations. In a new report on Tuesday, HRW called for an independent investigation into the killings, saying the probe being led by the military raises grave concerns that the inquiry will not be independent or impartial. Locals previously told the AP the Malian army arrested the victims of the latest killings at the market in Diafarabe, but one escaped from custody and, upon return, raised the alarm that others had been executed. In interviews with AP this week, villagers recounted seeing decomposing bodies in the graves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The villagers of Diafarabe went to the location ... and they discovered two mass graves, said Diowro Diallo, president of the local Fulani association Dental Wuwarde. Among those killed was Abba Dicko, 44, one of his relatives said, speaking anonymously out of fear for their safety. "The bodies were in such a state of decomposition that we could not identify them or count them accurately, but we believe the account of the person who escaped the massacre and raised the alarm, the relative said. Another resident who gave only his first name as Cisse for fear of being arrested, said his 32-year-old son and cousin were among the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw the soldiers come to the market to kidnap my relatives. The arrested individuals are well-known in the village. I never imagined they would be killed in this way, he added. Villagers also spoke about growing fear and tension in the aftermath of the killings. We are asking the authorities to remove the soldiers to avoid further incidents, said one resident who said he lost four of his relatives. The Malian military has not provided any update from the inquiry it said it opened last week. Human rights experts, however, see little or no positive outcome from such a probe, citing past incidents whose investigations never resulted in any action. The military authorities have not made any progress in ensuring justice for the victims of serious rights abuses in the course of the country's deadly conflict, said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at HRW. The failure to hold members of the security forces and the Wagner Group to account for grave abuses "has eased the way for further atrocities, Allegrozzi added. People bow their heads in prayer during a community vigil mourning the victims of a mass shooting at a Louisville bank, April 12, 2023, at the Muhammad Ali Center plaza in Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Abbey Cutrer) Families of victims of a mass shooting at a Louisville bank in 2023 may proceed with their lawsuit against a firearms dealer who sold the shooter a semi-automatic rifle and accessories, a judge in Louisville has ruled. Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry in a Monday order denied attempts by defendants to dismiss the case, writing that the case arose from one of the worst acts of mass violence this community has ever experienced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court is required to take the allegations in the complaint as true and view the record in the light most favorable to the plaintiffs. That is what this court has done here, Perry wrote in his order. As such, the litigation may continue in the ordinary course. Six people died, including the shooter, and eight people were injured in April 2023 at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville. The shooter was an employee of the bank. One of the eight people injured, Louisville police officer Nickolas Wilt, was shot in the head while responding to the shooting. Wilt left a rehabilitation facility months later as he was recovering from his injury. Families of the victims brought a lawsuit in early 2024 against River City Firearms, the gun store that sold the shooter an AR-15, and against companies that manufactured accessories sold to the shooter at the store which included large-capacity magazines, a red-dot sight and a vertical grip for the rifle. Plaintiffs alleged employees of the firearms store should have noticed suspicious and erratic behavior of the shooter, who bought the weapon days before the shooting. The plaintiffs further alleged the manufacturers of the firearm accessories incentivize gun stores to upsell customers in a way that places profits over safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants had argued the lawsuit should have been dismissed because a federal law bars the plaintiffs claims from being heard. Congress has enacted the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which protects firearms manufacturers, dealers and distributors from being held liable for crimes committed with their products. Perry disagreed with those arguments in his order. The plaintiffs here have carefully crafted their complaint to avoid the protections of the PLCAA, Perry wrote. Tad Thomas, an attorney representing some of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, in an emailed statement provided through a public relations associate, said on the morning of the shooting, many families lost loved ones, and other members of our Louisville community suffered lifelong injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts decision today puts us one step closer to holding the wrongdoers responsible for the tragedy they caused and making Louisville a safer place to live, Thomas said. A request for comment sent to counsel representing RSR Group, one of the defendants, was not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon. This story has been updated with a statement from Tad Thomas. Following their own tragedy, one family is hoping to help save others from a hidden danger while traveling. In 2023, John Heathco and his girlfriend, Abby, were supposed to be enjoying a long weekend by the beach in Mexico, but within hours of getting to their hotel, they felt like something was off. "They had a couple tacos and some guacamole by the pool, went back to the room and started feeling awful," said Chuck Heathco, father of John. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They thought it was food poisoning, but John Heathco's family said the couple's hotel room had been filled with a silent killer: carbon monoxide. "After dinner, they went back to the room and never came back out of the room," said Keri Bliss, John Heathco's sister. Prosecutors said the two had been dead for 11 or 12 hours when they were found in their hotel room. Police said that paramedics received a report that the Americans were unconscious in their room. They were dead by the time paramedics arrived. The 40-year-old's family described him as intelligent, loving and supportive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was my best friend, too," said Jill Heathco, John Heathco's mother. Taking action to save lives Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires kills about 400 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Heathco family is speaking for the first time as they launch the John Wesley Heathco Legacy Foundation, an effort to legally require hotels to have working carbon monoxide detectors in each room. Currently, only 14 states mandate it, including: California, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Something has to happen to help prevent this from another family suffering, the loss we have with Johnny and Abby," said Jill Heathco. The family hopes to empower travelers with safety information. "Losing Johnny, I pray that no other family has to go through that loss," Jill Heathco said. "We've got a tremendous hole in our heart." Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Mike Levin of California plan to introduce new legislation to require carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and other short-term rentals. "You would think the large hotel chains would actually do this preventively," said Craig. "I mean, these are literally people's lives that are being impacted. People are dying." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers acknowledge this legislation comes with the cost of installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in each hotel room. "It's common sense and it's something that I hope we can get passed and get signed into law and save lives," said Levin. For the Heathco family, a life saved means one less family living with their kind of heartbreak. "What I think about a lot is I'm the father of an amazing man," said Chuck Heathco. "And to this day, I still find myself wanting to be more like him." Recent carbon monoxide incidents A CBS News data review of FEMA's National Fire Incident Reporting System found that over the last 15 years, fire departments nationwide responded to about 360 carbon monoxide incidents at U.S. hotels and motels annually. Data on deaths from the reported incidents is not closely tracked. In February, three Massachusetts women in their 20s died in their hotel room while on vacation in Belize. The cause was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, officials in Costa Rica determined carbon monoxide was the cause of death for Miller Gardner, the teen son of retired New York Yankees player Brett Gardner. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include: HeadacheDizzinessNauseaVomitingWeaknessChest painConfusionPreventing carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with detectors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises people to have a separate CO detector on each floor. "If you are getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping areas and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up," the EPA notes on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency says like smoke detectors, they need to be tested regularly. Travelers can also purchase a portable carbon monoxide detector for about $25. In a statement, chief communications officer for the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Ralph Posner, told CBS News: "While carbon monoxide incidents in hotel settings remain rare, AHLA emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to protect guests and employees. Our members are required to comply with all applicable local and state codes with respect to carbon monoxide detection, typically adapted from the International Fire Code. AHLA also encourages our members to follow industry-wide best practices, including regular inspection and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, proper installation of carbon monoxide detectors in applicable areas, and ongoing staff training on monitoring and emergency response procedures." Here's how much Qatar's plane gifted to Trump administration will cost to retrofit Biggest takeaways from RFK Jr.'s MAHA report Kendrick Lamar most nominated artist at 2025 American Music Awards A 5-year-old child has been found dead after a train crash in Ohio sent them and members of their family over a bridge A spokesperson for the Sandusky County Coroner said the body of Intisar Mi was located on Monday, May 19 A 14-month-old child reportedly was the sole survivor of the family impacted by the crash The death toll of an Ohio train crash has risen to three after a 5-year-old child was found dead near the site of the collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The body of Intisar Mi was found on Monday, May 19, after authorities searched the Sandusky River under the bridge where the crash occurred, Sandusky County Coroner spokeswoman Alexis Prenzlin told The New York Times. It is unclear where the body was found. The City of Fremont has identified the two women killed in the crash as 50-year-old Ram Masan and 34-year-old O Ny Zar, ABC affiliate WTVG and CBS affiliate WTOL reported. A 14-month-old child was hospitalized in critical condition after the crash, per the reports. The family of four from Fort Wayne, Ind. was visiting Fremont for a fishing trip, Mayor Daniel R. Sanchez said at a news conference, according to the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masan and Zar were hit around 7:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 18, Sanchez said. It is unclear if the children were hit by the train. David Tucker III, 20, said he was fishing on the same river when he saw the train approach and blast its horn, per the Times. Tucker claimed he called 911 after he saw multiple people drop straight into the water as the train passed. He and his father said there was a no trespassing sign on the train trestle. Tyson Kieffer, a 15-year-old from Fremont, said he also saw the crash and saw people hit the water, according to FOX affiliate WJW. He was able to rescue the baby from the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw a little purple jacket and thought, thats a baby. And that just shook me, and I went and got the baby, Kieffer recalled. You could see her go under and go back up. And when I got to her, she was leaning back and that scared me. I got her up, and I could tell she was breathing. The 14-month-old child was flown to Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center after the crash, according to WTOL. 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 only thing we can do is continue to pray for these people and their families and our community," Sanchez said. "We do everything we can to welcome our anglers to the city of Fremont and this is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk Southern, whose train was involved in the crash, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the community during this difficult time. We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation." Read the original article on People NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) More than eight years after a Middle Tennessee grandmother went missing, a tip has Nashville detectives and family ready to search in the Edgehill area. Wanda Walker disappeared in October 2016. News 2 spoke to Walkers granddaughter, who said her family was given a potential new clue in the case. There is a picture of my grandmother, and Can you help? Thats the question, Quontesa Chambers, Walkers granddaughter as she read the flyer she made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chambers and her family are putting together a search team in response to the tip. FEBRUARY 2021 | Family seeks answers after Nashville mother, daughter go missing 17 years apart This wont be our first search, our plan is to go out twice a month in the area until we cover all the bases in that particular area, Chambers said. A tipster told Chambers family they saw her grandmother in an argument with her then-boyfriend before she went missing. Chambers turned the information over to a Metro Nashville Police Department cold case detective, who confirmed to News 2 that the tip claimed there was word on the street that Walkers body was dumped in the Edgehill area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can go to this location just to cross it off our list because this is a rumor we have never heard, Chambers said. About a week after Walker disappeared, a significant amount of her blood was discovered in her vehicle, but to this day, her body has not been found. OCTOBER 2024 | Something tragic happened: Nashville grandmother still missing 8 years later I made it up in my mind that I wont stop until we get justice, Chambers added. As a result, shes been using her voice, holding marches, and demanding justice. Its been tough for this to be the second person in our family to go missing, she expressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walkers daughter also disappeared back in 1999, but detectives believe there is nothing to indicate a connection between the two disappearances. However, Chambers told News 2 she hopes to solve at least one of the cases with the tipsters information. UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries We are going to put our hands to the plow and do what we need to do, and if we find something, we will be grateful. If not, we can cross it off the list and keep doing what we are doing, Chambers said. On Saturday, May 17 a group met at the Operation Stand Down parking lot to begin search efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detective on the case told News 2 law enforcement is talking with Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation, as well as the city archeologists. If you have any information on Walkers case, youre asked to reach out to Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-74-CRIME. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A longtime friend of Joe Biden said the family told him Monday the former president would be "OK" after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. I talked to the family. Hes doing good, said former Rep. Bob Brady (D-Pa.), who has known Biden for decades but has not spoken to the former president directly since the news. Theyre not overly concerned. They think this could all be treated and he should be OK. Brady said Bidens family said everything looks good and theyre figuring out what to do, how they're gonna treat it, and from what I hear and what they're saying and what I understand, its very treatable, which is great. He acknowledged that the cancer is maybe a little aggressive, but it doesnt matter hes gonna treat it and hes gonna be fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brady did not say which family member or members spoke with him, and an aide didn't elaborate. A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment. Bidens office announced over the weekend that the former president was diagnosed on Friday with prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. His team said that it is a more aggressive form of the disease but that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. Still, a stage-four prostate cancer diagnosis is serious. Dr. Chris George, a medical director of the cancer program at the Northwestern Health Network, told Reuters that prostate cancer cannot be cured once it reaches the bone, though it can be treated. But, he said, Biden could live for years with effective treatment . The announcement of Bidens diagnosis came amid widespread recriminations within the Democratic Party about Bidens physical and mental condition during his presidency and before he dropped out of the presidential campaign last year. It also coincided with the release of a book on Tuesday arguing that an inner circle kept a diminished Biden shielded from the public. And just last week Axios posted audio clips of Bidens interview with then-special counsel Robert Hur, in which he struggled to recall key dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brady, 80, and Biden, 82, have been friends for more than 30 years , and their home bases are less than an hour apart. Brady said in 2024 that he talked to Biden almost every week, often about Corvettes. Brady has long called Biden our senator, even though hes from Delaware. After the 2024 election, Brady slammed former Vice President Kamala Harris campaign and said Biden would have performed better than her if hed stayed in the presidential race. Brady, chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, said Bidens family told him the president would call him after primary elections in his state on Tuesday. I call him the boss. They said the boss will call you after the election, he said. He added of Biden: I love him to death, remarking that he didnt want to bother me before the primary. George Simion, leader of Romania's far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), announced on May 20 that he will appeal the results of the May 18 presidential election, despite conceding defeat to pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan. Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, secured 53.6% of the vote in the runoff, defeating Simion's 46.4%, according to Romania's electoral authority. The result signals a rejection of Simion's anti-Ukraine, nationalist platform and comes amid renewed scrutiny of foreign influence in Romanian politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I officially ask the Constitutional Court to annul the Romanian presidential elections for the same reasons the December elections were annulled: external interferences by state and non-state actors," Simion wrote on X. Simion cited a post from Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who claimed a "Western European government" asked the company to restrict "conservative voices in Romania." "The testimony of the founder of Telegram... is revealing. I demand his testimony before the elections are recognized as valid," Simion said, also accusing Moldova of facilitating "electoral tourism" that unfairly benefited his opponent. Romania's previous presidential election, held in November 2024, was annulled by the Constitutional Court following evidence of foreign manipulation, including pro-Russian disinformation campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That vote was won by populist candidate Calin Georgescu, who openly promoted conspiracy theories and described Ukraine as a "fictional state." Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Simion has faced criticism throughout the campaign for pro-Kremlin rhetoric and repeated calls for Ukraine to compensate Romania for its aid. During a May 8 debate, he argued, "Ukraine needs us, we don't need Ukraine," and labeled the donation of a Patriot missile system to Kyiv as "national treason." In contrast, Dan has pledged to continue Romania's support for Ukraine, strengthen ties with the EU, and uphold democratic institutions. Following the vote, President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Dan in a call on May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We respect Romania and the choice of the Romanian people. This is a country on which much depends when it comes to security issues," Zelensky posted on X. "It is important that support for Ukraine continues." Bucharest has played a critical role in Ukraine's defense, signing a bilateral security pact with Kyiv, facilitating grain exports, and providing key air defense systems. Zelensky invited Dan to Ukraine for talks, noting the "nearest opportunities for us to meet." The Center for Local Politics (CPL), a domestic Romanian organization aligned with Georgescu's campaign, said it had launched legal procedures to contest the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Romanias new president faces daunting challenges after surprise victory over far-right upstart Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Sunday, The New York Times reported that former president Joe Biden, 82, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. What, exactly, does that mean? A bunch of Americans have apparently been trying to figure that out. Google search queries for the phrase "what is a prostate" drastically spiked following news about the former president's cancer diagnosis, as flagged on Bluesky by The Onion writer June Sternbach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trend suggests that the sad news about America's 46th president didn't just spark inquiry over prostate cancer and what it means, but that a surprising number of US citizens are unclear on what a prostate even is, which may unfortunately be a glaring indictment of American health education. Because many citizens are clearly looking for some answers, we shall provide them. The prostate, according to the National Institutes of Health, is a "gland about the size of a chestnut" that sits below men's bladders and above their pelvic floors. It's a component of the male reproductive system, and a key function includes providing an essential fluid used by the male body to create sperm. Doctors recommend that men, especially as they age, get regular prostate exams. As men get older, most will experience prostate enlargement, which may cause some irritation to the bladder. Prostate cancer, meanwhile, is the leading cancer for men, according to the American Cancer Society, and is most common in patients over the age of 65. As NPR noted this week, prostate cancer can be effectively treated, and has a five-year relative survival rate of about 97 percent. Those odds go down, however, if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, as Biden's has. His cancer has progressed to Stage 4 and has metastasized to the bone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president "has a very bad version" of prostate cancer, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine urologist Ben Davis told NPR, "probably the worst version you can get." Still, Davies added, advancements in treatment mean that "it's not all doom and gloom, to be honest." "He can easily live ten years with this disease," the urologist continued. Biden's team has said that the former president's cancer "appears to be hormone-sensitive," which may make it more manageable, per the NYT. It's an unfortunate situation for Biden whose son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 of brain cancer at the age of just 46 and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, maybe, now that we all know what a prostate is, if you have one: please consider getting it regularly checked out, and all of us should tell our loved ones to consider doing the same. More on the male reproductive system: Microplastics Found in Human Penises The European Union and the UK announced an agreement on Monday to strengthen cooperation, the first such deal reached since the UK left the bloc in 2020. As well as outlining new arrangements linked to travel, defence and fishing, the reset focuses on farming, an industry heavily impacted by Brexit. Under the terms of the new deal, British animal and plant products are expected to face fewer checks when exported to the EU. For example, the UK could once again be allowed to export raw sausages and burgers to the EU for the first time since Brexit thanks to the proposed SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement. However, the implementation details are still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to remove trade barriers, the UK must align its agri-food standards with EU rules, overseen by the European Court of Justice. Standards are already similar, although the British government said there would still be a short list of limited exceptions to dynamic alignment. In an analysis published earlier this year, the OBR estimated that the UKs exports and imports would be around 15% lower in the long run as a result of Brexit. In terms of food products, exports to the EU fell by around 34% between 2019 and 2024, according to the UKs Food & Drink Federation. Testing the temperature for future alignment British exporters have been seriously hit by the bureaucracy they face trying to get food and plants and animals across the frontier into the EU, Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, told Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I think the deal on plant animal health is actually quite important. Not macroeconomically significant, but important for one sector of the British economy. An SPS agreement between the EU and the UK could raise UK agri-food exports to the bloc by 22.5% and imports from the EU by 5.6%, according to a paper published by Aston University last year. That would raise total UK trade in goods and services by 0.3%, researchers from the CER added, which would only provide a very small lift to GDP. An SPS deal is also important in another way, said Grant. The British will have to agree to follow EU rules as they change on SPS. If you do it in that instance, you could do it in other areas too, like energy, for example, or chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerning goods coming from the EU to the UK, exporters dont yet face full checks, although Mondays agreement is set to ease future restrictions. Related Trading barriers not entirely eliminated Mondays announcement doesnt mean the UK is back in the customs union, where no duties are charged when goods are transported from one EU country to another. You're not completely out of the woods as you would be if we rejoined the single market and the customs union, but that's something the government said the UK wouldn't do, Jill Rutter, senior research fellow at UK in a Changing Europe and KCL, told Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You'll still have to have people to do your customs for you and you'll need VAT representatives in EU countries and things like that. While Rutter said the deal could particularly help SMEs with cumbersome bureaucracy, she added that businesses will be waiting for more details. The document calls it a renewed agenda. But it is rather a massive agenda for a welter of future negotiations, because not very much has actually been really agreed well have to see how those discussions go. President of the UKs National Farmers Union, Tom Bradshaw, echoed those reservations in the groups press statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments ambition to make it easier for the sector to trade with our largest overseas partner is welcome. Of course, as always in trade agreements, the detail is king and we will be scrutinising the specifics of this deal as they become available in the coming weeks, and as talks continue between the UK Government and the EU. Wider reasons for a rapprochement In the face of Russian aggression and a more unreliable US administration, closer EU-UK ties feed into a wider geopolitical strategy, Guntram Wolff, senior fellow at Bruegel, told Euronews. The economic significance of fisheries and other economic cooperation is relatively minor. A more important economic question at this point is how deeply the defence industrial base will be integrated across the Channel. On Monday, the two sides signed a defence and security partnership, meaning they will coordinate on sanctions and some security policies. It could also allow the UK to access a 150bn fund of loans for defence projects, backed by the EU budget. However, whether the UK can fully access this will depend on the terms of the partnership, which remain under negotiation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The direct economic impacts of today's agreements will be modest, but positive, said Jonathan Portes, professor of economics and public policy at KCL. While food, fishing and youth mobility have dominated the headlines, closer cooperation on energy and defence procurement are much more important and will benefit both sides although there's lots of detail to be worked out. Shea nuts and shea butter may soon be more challenging to find for purchase as shea trees are struggling to survive. Compounded by global market shifts, the trees' production is declining due to extreme weather and other impacts of a changing climate, with significant downsides for the domestic workforce. What's happening? As the local Business and Financial Times reported in early May, Ghana produces over 330 million pounds of shea nuts each year, with about 60 to 70% exported out of the country as raw nuts to be processed elsewhere. However, shea nut production has been declining for the past 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shea farmers and others who process the nuts locally are struggling to sustain their yields and profits in the face of rising temperatures and drought conditions. A 2024 paper from Western University also identified pests, disease, reduced pollination, and illegal logging as potential risks to the trees. Logging for firewood and charcoal sources in particular are a prime threat, according to a March report from Mongabay. Meanwhile, per B&FT, the global shea butter market is increasing by about 6 to 8% annually and is expected to reach $5.58 billion by 2033. International demand and "unregulated market activity" are driving raw nut exports and sending prices higher, threatening the livelihoods of Ghanaians who work with shea products locally. Why is this concerning? Shea butter is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and cooking, so multiple businesses and industries depend on the crop's shrinking yields. Exporting such a high percentage of Ghana's nut production is posing a challenge to many domestic workers and to the economy in northern Ghana, notably driven by rural women in shea-related jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This situation is negatively affecting pickers, processors and local businesses, many of which are women-led. The resulting market distortion is collapsing the local shea economy," the Ghana Shea Employers Association said at a press conference calling for a ban on raw nut exports. With global temperatures projected to rise ever more and other challenges to production likely to continue, farmers, pickers, local nut processors, and supply chains worldwide could be in jeopardy. Shea trees can offer environmental benefits so harm to their growth is additionally concerning. In 2024, the United Nations Development Programme noted that in West Africa "approximately one billion shea trees as well as the surrounding parklands sequester around 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually." What can be done to protect the shea industry? According to B&FT, the Employers Association has called on foreign investors to open processing facilities and create job opportunities within the country rather than seeing all the real profits simply follow raw nut exports out of the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been efforts to fight damaging drought conditions and combat deforestation. The Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming kicked off the Women in Shea Initiative several years ago to build a healthy supply chain, with one goal being the "preservation of the shea natural ecosystem in a particularly arid area." Originally, the project was set to run until 2030. Per Mongabay, a reforestation project, powered largely by women in the region, is committed to planting seedlings, like acacia, to be used for firewood instead of shea trees. Despite its challenges which reportedly include myths that it is bad luck to plant the tree shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizing alternative to petroleum-based products. When shopping for shea-based products, like lip balms, consumers can look for sourcing and quality certifications like Fair Trade, Fair for Life, and organic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers can also choose specifically to support beauty brands that prioritize local sourcing and processing. Clean cosmetics containing responsibly produced shea can help support local farmers while improving skin health and minimizing environmental harms. 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. SPENCER, Iowa (KCAU) An upcoming festival in Clay County is hoping to raise money for flood victims from within the community. The Faster Horses Flood Relief Festival is aiming to raise $2 million for flood victims on June 21. The idea came about during the 2024 Clay County Fair when Eli Alger of The Faster Horses made a promise to return to Clay County for a free concert to help support those who were affected by the devastating flooding that affected 70% of the town of Spencer. Now, Alger has upheld that promise, and its transformed into this fantastic fundraising event. Under the How It All Began section of the benefits website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival will include a benefit concert, hay rack rides, and more fun activities. The benefit concert will feature The Faster Horses as the headliner, as well as Dalles Jacobus, providing a day full of Country sound. Story continues below The Flood Relief Festival is hoping to raise the $2 million in order to build ten homes so some of the community members whose homes were lost in the June 2024 flood can return to their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festivals mission is: Our goal is to raise $2 million to build 10 homes for Clay County families who lost everything in the 2024 food & have no way to rebuild. These families are the backbone of our community, & by helping them stay, were keeping Clay County strong. The festival will be free to attend, but festival organizers are asking that you RVSP for the event ahead of time. For more information on how you can donate or sponsor the event, click here. KCAU 9 is a proud sponsor of The Faster Horses Flood Relief Festival. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jackson, MICH. (WLNS) In Jackson County, law enforcement is trying to figure out if two separate fatal shootings are connectedone happening just outside downtown Jackson and the other not too far away in Summit Township. The first shooting happened Friday afternoon on Warwick Ct. in Jacksons South Ridge Park townhomes. Officers say Emarion Flowers, 22, was shot and later died after being taken to Henry Ford Hospital. Saturday, deputies responded to shots fired in the area of Francis St. and Lincoln Ct. in Summit Township. Police say a group of men walked up to the home and started shooting, killing a 44-year-old Jackson Man and injuring three other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other shooting that occurred on Lincoln Court that the Sheriffs Department is investigating right now, were looking at all connections, if theres any connection to our shooting related to Lincoln Ct, said Chief of Jackson Police Chris Simpson. Police are currently not confirming if the shootings are connected, saying its too early to tell. With the shootings being so close in time frame, we are looking at that possibility that the shootings are connected, that has not been confirmed yet, but we are looking at that as a possibility, said Undersheriff of Jackson County Jeremy Barnett. We are having conversations with the Jackson City Police Department Detective Bureau to try to make those connections, if they exist. Jackson police and the sheriffs department are asking anyone with information about either of these shootings to give them a call or call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan. 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 WLNS 6 News. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A victims family says the final piece of justice will be served during Stephen Stankos execution on June 13. On April 8, 2005, Stanko beat and strangled Laura Ling in her Murrells Inlet home and raped her teenage daughter, cutting her throat. Lings daughter survived and eventually testified against Stanko. The next day, Stanko shot his friend and father-figure, 74-year-old Henry Turner of Conway. Stanko stole from Turner and fled to Augusta, Georgia, telling people he was attending the Masters Tournament and owned several Hooters restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know, he came across to me as your typical lawyer, fast talking, bsing person, but not a kidnapist, and a rapist and a killer, no, someone told News13 in 2005 after the crimes. Those are words that many who knew Stephen Stanko or thought they did used to describe him as police were on the hunt to track him down. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, an Horry County Police official said in 2005. Were asking that you please contact law enforcement immediately. Stanko was sentenced to death more than a decade ago and is on the cusp of facing the ultimate punishment. Henry Turners son, Roger, said he knew Stanko as a well-educated, smooth-talker. Fast forward 20 years, and Roger said he never thought Stankos execution date would come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, because every time that happens and you hear his name, it kind of just brings up, you know, rekindles bad memories, Roger said. He also said he forgave Stanko a long time ago. It doesnt change any of the facts that my fathers gone, he furthered. So now what it is is just getting rid of the bad guy that committed cold-blooded murder. He said South Carolinas broken system contributed to Stanko staying alive longer than expected at taxpayers expense. I dont see anything to why we are concerned about being humane, about killing somebody thats not humane, Roger said. News13 has reached out to Lings family, but they either didnt respond or did not want to talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanko has until May 30 to decide whether he wants to die by firing squad, lethal injection, or the electric chair. Roger said his family plans to attend the June 13 execution in Columbia. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Both FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy director, Dan Bongino, largely got their top law enforcement positions in the Trump administration because of their willingness to publicly peddle far-right MAGA conspiracy theories. In an ironic twist, both are now facing the wrath of MAGA media figures for pouring cold water on the conspiratorial claims about millionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the deep state that theyd helped stoke in the first place. Theyre making fools out of themselves, far-right conspiracist Alex Jones fumed, while fired Fox News star Tucker Carlson wondered: What was that?! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For weeks now, Trump supporters and conservative provocateurs have grown increasingly impatient with Patel and his deputy, the former Fox News star Bongino, for failing to keep their promises to expose the truth about Epstein and his death behind bars, as well as all the supposed crimes committed by a government they claim was weaponized in a bid to overthrow Trump. That frustration boiled over this week after Patel and Bongino sat down for a joint interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, who has long peddled the same type of pro-Trump deep state conspiracies as the two heads of the FBI. However, now that Patel and Bongino are actually in charge of running a massive law enforcement agency, the duo has tempered the breathless accusations they made as MAGA media stars. For instance, Bartiromo argued that there has been no accountability for the FBI agents and DOJ officials involved in the Russiagate investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign, which has long been a point of contention in the right-wing media ecosystem. Specifically, she wanted to know why James Comey the FBI director whom Trump fired in 2017 and former FBI agent Peter Strzok werent behind bars. Kash Patel (left) and Dan Bongino (right), the FBIs top two leaders, are facing heat in pro-Trump circles for insisting that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. (Getty Images) Patel, who had written a book listing off a number of political enemies a new Trump administration should target, now seemed to take a more nuanced view. Instead, he noted, he was hamstrung by the statute of limitations and that it was likely there would be no criminal charges against these figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we can do now is continue to put out the documents and the information that these people withheld from the American public, Patel added, claiming he and Bongino had found out more recently and were working with Congress on getting that information released. Additionally, while pro-Trump influencers have insisted that the government is covering up information on the two Trump assassination attempts, Bongino basically shrugged and said he didnt really have anything new to share with Bartiromo. Im not going to tell people what they want to hear. Im going to tell you the truth, he sighed. And whether you like it or not is up to you. If there was a big explosive there there we would have told you. As for the so-called fed-surrection conspiracy that Patel and Bongino have long trumpeted about undercover FBI agents instigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, the pair suggested that their findings would largely be in line with a previous Justice Department inspector generals report. That report, published in December, found that no FBI employees were at the riot, but there were 26 confidential human sources in Washington that day. While none of them were authorized to join the protest, four of them did anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, meanwhile, have promised to release more documents related to Epstein and the supposed client list of the deceased sexual predator, especially after Bondi sparked backlash among the MAGA faithful over her previous release of the so-called Epstein Files. Attorney General Pam Bondi has faced backlash from MAGA influencers for months now after the debacle of her previous release of the so-called Epstein Files. (Getty) While many conservatives believe that the FBI is in possession of evidence that would not only expose prominent Democrats as pedophiles but also reveal that Epstein did not kill himself in jail, Bongino and Patel concluded that the disgraced financier did indeed commit suicide. You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. People dont believe it, Bartimo said, prompting Patel to respond: They have a right to their opinion you know a suicide when you see one, and thats what that was. Bongino, who agreed with his boss, later took to X to defend their conclusion: Im not asking you to believe me, or not. Im telling you what exists, and what doesnt. If new evidence surfaces, Im happy to reevaluate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fox News interview landed with a thud within the pro-Trump media universe, with some outright calling Bongino a Deep State traitor. The Blazes Glenn Beck, whose career has largely been defined by promoting byzantine conspiracy theories, called out Bongino specifically. I want to hear from Dan Bongino and say to him, Dan, specifically, what did you see? Because I know you, you didnt believe this either. So what is it? And show it to me, Beck exclaimed. What did you specifically see that changed your mind? Because I want to be there with you. I really do. So show it to me. Of course, it was just two years ago when Bongino, then a MAGA media darling, wondered: What the hell are they hiding with Jeffrey Epstein? Far-right extremist Laura Loomer, whose influence within the White House has grown in recent months, took aim directly at Bondi during an appearance on Steve Bannons War Room podcast this week. We are months into the Trump administration, past the 100-day mark, and Pam Blondi has failed to bring any real charges against anyone, she sneered, invoking a derisive nickname for the attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The backlash against Bongino and Patel continued through Mondays White House press briefing when Liam Cosgrove, a writer for the far-right libertarian blog ZeroHedge who was occupying the new media seat, leaned into the conspiracy theory that the Clintons were directly responsible for Epsteins death. Claiming Epstein was the most-famous Clinton-related death, Cogrove asked press secretary Karoline Leavitt when more Epstein files would be released. Overall, I think Kash Patel and Dan Bongino are doing a great job, but on this claim that Epsteins death is not a cover-up I call bullsh*t, Jones raged on X, adding: Do you think they're telling the truth? Carlson, speaking to fellow podcaster Shawn Ryan, claimed that this was proof of a rigged system and that elections essentially didnt matter. Of course its not a democracy, of course the system is rigged and fake because no matter who gets elected, you get the same foreign policy, the same economic policy and the Epstein videos remain secret, he grumbled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Will Sommer of The Bulwark noted last month, Bongino is already on a short leash with MAGA world, primarily because he was a fellow traveler who long trafficked in the same conspiracy theories and right-wing fantasies as the rest of them. In Bonginos case, his audience has been told for years that prominent liberals and deep-state operatives have committed blatant crimes against the Trump family that should be easy to prosecute, Sommer pointed out. Yet no top Democrats have been indicted, leading Trump fans to believe Bongino is falling down on the job. Cucumbers sold in multiple states have been recalled amid a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) The cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 26 people have been sickened amid the outbreak, with 9 of them hospitalized Whole cucumbers have been recalled amid a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a May 19, press release, the FDA said the cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26 people have been sickened in the outbreak across 15 states, with nine of them being hospitalized. Of the 13 people who were interviewed amid the outbreak, 11 of them reported eating cucumbers, per the FDA. The vegetables were distributed to stores, restaurants and other facilities, while several people ate cucumbers on cruise ships leaving ports in Florida, according to the CDC. Other states where cases have been reported include Alabama, Ohio and Pennsylvania, per the FDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency is still working to determine where the potentially contaminated vegetables were sold. Getty "Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date," the FDA said, per the release. "For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being 'supers,' 'selects,' or 'plains.' " A spokesperson for Fresh Start Produce Sales told PEOPLE in a statement, "Fresh Start Produce Sales is committed to protecting public health and helping Bedner Growers with its recall. The company is contacting its wholesale and regional distribution center customers to ask that they provide their customers with recall instructions, including that they should notify any consumer point-of-purchase locations." Salmonella was detected during an FDA follow-up inspection of the cucumbers last month. Investigators collected an environmental sample from Bedner Growers, Inc. that was positive for Salmonella and matched recent clinical samples from ill people, the FDA said. The inspection was a follow-up from to the 2024 Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup outbreaks linked to cucumbers grown at Bedner Growers, Inc. 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 the CDC, Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis. People can become infected by eating contaminated food, drinking or having contact with contaminated water and touching animals, animal poop, and the places animals live and roam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms include diarrhea, a high fever, dehydration and so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down. They usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. PEOPLE has reached out to Bedner Growers, Inc. for comment. Read the original article on People Construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington began in 1933 and was completed in 1942. It is the largest hydropower producer in the U.S. and also part of the federal Columbia River Power System. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Reclamation) Grand Coulee Dam is among the most powerful energy-generating dams on earth. Its the bedrock of the federal Columbia River Power System a network of 31 dams supplying more than half of the hydropower in the Northwest. Grand Coulee alone, overseen by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, generates one-quarter of that. But critical operations at the dam are going understaffed following President Donald Trumps orders, executed by the Office of Personnel Management, to cut probationary federal employees, freeze new hiring at federal agencies and offer incentives to get employees to retire and resign early. Its a problem at several agencies that oversee the system, which have lost hundreds of employees and could collectively lose hundreds more by fall, and it has regional electric utilities concerned about the safety, reliability and future of the regions power transmission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not D.C. policy-maker jobs. These are jobs on the ground, serving the people of the Pacific Northwest with clean, reliable power, said Scott Simms, president of the Public Power Council. The nonprofit industry group represents consumer-owned utilities in six states, all of which rely on power from the Columbia River dams. It actually takes quite a few human beings to run these giant hydro projects on a daily basis, Simms said. So that is the prevailing concern in the short term: making sure that the right people are in certain jobs, and also that theres coverage, because these are 24/7 jobs. Hundreds of employees gone The Bureau is not the only player in the basins energy delivery system thats suffering. The Army Corps of Engineers, which also manages the dams, could lose more than 300 employees in the next few months, according to Tom Conning, public information officer for the Corps Northwestern Division. Employees of the branch had until May 1 to accept a deferred resignation and be put on paid administrative leave and have until Sept. 30 to officially resign. The Bonneville Power Administration, or BPA, which markets and delivers the dams hydropower across the region, has lost 200 employees, according to recent testimony from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a May 7 House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts have cost the Bureau of Reclamation about 25% of its staff so far around 1,400 people according to reporting in Politico, and staffing levels at Grand Coulee Dam are about 70% of what they should be, according to Simms. We understand they were behind in being fully staffed as it was, and then the workforce reductions came into play, he said of Grand Coulee. Bureau officials did not respond to the Capital Chronicles request to either confirm or correct the figures. While we do not comment on personnel matters, we are committed to enhancing workforce management and are collaborating closely with the Office of Personnel Management to embrace new opportunities for optimization and innovation, Michael Coffey, a regional public affairs officer at the Department of the Interior, said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps orders, meant to cut federal spending, have not had any impact. Analyses by the Wall Street Journal, Reuters and CBS News found the Treasurys daily spending is up billions from the same period last year. When it comes to BPA, staff whove been offered incentives to resign and retire wont make any difference. Their salaries are not taxpayer funded, but ratepayer funded, and the agency sends a profit each year to the U.S. Treasury. Simms said 90 more BPA jobs had been rescinded as part of the federal hiring freeze, a number confirmed by a source familiar with BPA. The agency initially lost more than 100 probationary employees under a Trump executive order in February, but has since been able to bring them back. The 290 job losses at BPA so far account for nearly 10% of the agencys staff, and the agency is already hundreds of employees short, according to Energy Secretary Wrights testimony. Hand-in-hand All three agencies Reclamation, Corps and BPA collaborate to maintain and manage the Columbia River Power System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So they work hand-in-hand. If you dont have reliable hydro projects, then you dont have a stable, workable grid, right? Simms said. Theres craftspeople, theres welders, theres electricians, theres all kinds of folks who are involved in the operation of any dam. The Corps is also grappling with the possibility of losing at least 325 employees in the next few months, according to Conning. Thats mostly due to resignations and early retirements. These reductions cut across all aspects of our operations, from senior managers, administration staff, park rangers, maintenance workers, etc., he said in an email. Additionally, existing vacancies are complicating our ability to fully support various missions (like recreation). Corps districts in Portland, Seattle and Walla Walla, Washington, have temporarily limited or closed some recreation areas to maintain public safety and services, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simms said the long-term concern for all of these agencies in the Northwest is not funding but having employees with the skills to preserve and improve the system. BPA and the agencies are years behind in the region as far as investing in grid expansion and connecting to new green energy projects, reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica recently found. Simms likened the predictable outcome to that of deferring maintenance on your car. Essentially your car is due for service and you just continue to ignore the warning light. Youre going to pay the consequences if you continue to ignore that warning light, he said. That is what were worried about in the longer term: making sure that weve got the right people to do the needed work. Its not a money problem, its actually a people problem. Simms said the Public Power Council has been working with both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress to advocate for more investment in the regions hydropower system and its employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the May 7 Congressional budget hearing, Energy Secretary Wright said he was aware BPAs staffing could not go lower. I dont think we have room to reduce headcount there anymore, he said. Therell be no more shrinkage in head count at Bonneville Power. Simms said federal leaders likely need to go further. I think were going to have to get our heads around the idea of probably paying incentive payments and retention payments the way weve seen at the FAA for air traffic controllers, the way weve seen it for the USDA for food inspectors, the way weve seen it at the Forest Service for fire mitigation personnel, he said. I think were going to be in a place where were going to have to use those kinds of tools to attract and retain the people that we need for these critical positions. This article was first published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Trump administration layoffs in the Department of Health and Human Services were rolled back on April 29 after they imperiled a program that screens coal miners for black lung disease. On June 2, though, the dozens of employees will be fired again, the Washington Post reported. Black lung is "a deadly and incurable disease caused by inhaling toxic coal dust." The move puts the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program in limbo. It is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to have this function for the safety and health of our coal miners," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia, the country's second-leading producer of coal, told the Post. The Post reported that coal miners contacted Capito to ask whether they would receive federal benefits from NIOSH. The program dates to 1969 and grants coal miners free and confidential chest X-rays, according to the Post. If a worker is diagnosed with black lung, they can move to a safer area of a mine without losing pay and apply for covered treatment and medicine. "This reinstatement does not include all impacted employees," Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of a union that represents NIOSH workers in Morgantown, West Virginia, said. "The focus of the recall appears to center on programs currently in the media spotlight namely, the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of coal miners filed a lawsuit saying the administration violated the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act by firing the workers, per the Post. It asks for the NIOSH employees to be immediately reinstated. Though coal mines are being phased out across the globe as countries transition to cleaner energy sources, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to expand the industry. A global think tank said it "makes no sense, economic or otherwise." And even if every coal plant in America were shuttered today, federally mandated health care for miners, including the black lung screening program, would have to continue well into the future. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind are cheaper than dirty coal, gas, and oil and don't produce the toxic planet-warming gases that are driving rising global temperatures and leading to health problems, biodiversity loss, and increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather. Coal plants also affect crop yields and pollute vital water sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My [reduction in force] notice means that on June 2, I will be fired that still hasn't changed," Noemi Hall, one of the NIOSH employees, told the Post. "I want to be cautiously optimistic, but I also know that there have been a lot of broken promises." Another, Scott Laney, said he would "have to give up this noble fight to save this program and go find a job," calling it exceedingly daunting. 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. Federal Judge Dismisses Former Sheriff Villanueva's $25 Million Lawsuit Over 'Do Not Rehire' Designation originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Alex VillanuevaPhoto by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson dismissed former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva's $25 million federal lawsuit against the county. The lawsuit alleged defamation and due process violations related to his placement on a "do not rehire" list. In his 28-page ruling, Judge Wilson stated that Villanueva failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the "do not rehire" designation negatively affected his employment prospects or caused him the emotional distress that he allegedly felt. The judge noted, "It is hard to imagine how being placed on a Do Not Rehire list could serve as an injury if Plaintiff does not desire to be rehired." Villanueva's lawsuit originated from investigations by the County Equity Oversight Panel, which upheld complaints that he had harassed Inspector General Max Huntsman in a racially based attack by referring to Huntsman by his birth name, Max-Gustaf. Villanueva accused Huntsman of being a Holocaust denier, which Huntsman refuted based on a lack of evidence. Villanueva was also accused in a separate complaint made by Esther Lim, a former justice deputy for county Supervisor Hilda Solis, that Villanueva repeatedly harassed women of color in social media livestream comments. According to Wilson, while the judge has now dismissed the last federal claim, there are still matters that the federal court "declines to exercise jurisdiction over" and are now left to the state court. Were very pleased that the Sheriffs consequential complaints of defamation and emotional distress will move forward, and that well have the opportunity to hold the County of Los Angeles accountable in state court, Carney Shegerian, Villanueva's attorney, stated. In 2022, Villanueva lost his reelection bid and subsequently failed in a primary election for a seat on the County Board of Supervisors. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 19, 2025, where it first appeared. Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA CoreCivic will know by Friday whether it will have to delay plans to begin holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in June at its Leavenworth facility. The city of Leavenworth in March filed suit in U.S. District Court asking for an injunction barring CoreCivic from moving forward on a contract with ICE to turn its closed Leavenworth prison into an immigrant detention facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city also asked the court to determine whether CoreCivic must obtain a special use permit before reopening the prison, as the two parties disagree about whether CoreCivic falls under the citys development regulations. U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse heard more than two hours of arguments Tuesday and questioned attorneys about why the injunction should be put in place. He promised a quick decision so the city would have time to appeal, if necessary, before CoreCivic follows through on its stated intent of reopening the facility June 1 as the Midwest Regional Reception Center. The complaint talks a lot about the scene on the ground, Crouse said. Im not focused on whether this is a good idea or a bad idea. Crouse referred to the citys initial filing that, in part, highlighted what it called the unquantifiable harm caused by CoreCivics mismanagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys filing alleged difficulties CoreCivic caused in Leavenworth in the past, including failing to cooperate with city police, failing to report the death of an inmate for six days and routinely refusing to turn over evidence. Instead, Crouse spent his time questioning whether the city and its attorney, Joseph Hatley, had included a good cause of action in its filings. A cause of action, according to Cornell Law School, is a set of predefined factual elements that allow for a legal remedy. What basis do I have to act? Crouse asked Hatley. Hatley told the judge and asserted in an interview after the hearing that a solid cause of action was CoreCivic officials declining to apply for a special use permit as required by Leavenworth development regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Leavenworth put development regulations in place in 2012, during the time when CoreCivic ran the prison as the Leavenworth Detention Center. At that point, it was grandfathered in because it was already operating, Hatley said. However, the facility closed in 2021 and has not operated as a detention center since, Hatley said. That means CoreCivic must get a special use permit to reopen, a statement CoreCivic attorney Taylor Hausmann said was inaccurate. She told Crouse that because CoreCivic has not changed the business it operates at the facility, which was open from 1992 to 2021 as a detention facility, and because they did not abandon the facility, they should not need to get a new special use permit. Hausmann also said she believes the actions the city is taking are politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think it is telling that the decision to attempt to revoke the special use did not come until after CoreCivic entered into a contract with ICE, she said. Thats really what this is about, to leverage greater control over CoreCivics operations at the MRRC. We dont think thats appropriate. Hatley said the city had not filed in court previously because CoreCivic initially agreed with the city and in February applied for a special use permit. Then the company withdrew that application in February and said it did not think one was needed. The Rev. Joanna Harader, pastor at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, appears at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jacob Poindexter, of Wichita United Methodist Church of Christ, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Cindy Holscher and Rabbi Moti Rieber appear at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg resident and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, speaks at a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg resident and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, speaks at a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Joanna Harader, pastor at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jessica Williams' 8.5-month-old son, Xander, appears at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Grace Harader-Ellett, of Wichita, holds a signing at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Mandy Todd, left, and the Rev. Jessica Williams appear with 8.5-month-old Xander at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Jessica Williams, a Merriam resident with the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members prepare signs for a May 20, 2025, demonstration outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jacob Poindexter, of Wichita United Methodist Church of Christ, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg resident and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, speaks at a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Rabbi Moti Rieber appears at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jacob Poindexter, of Wichita United Methodist Church of Christ, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Moti Rieber speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Joanna Harader, pastor at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Annie Ricker, a Topeka resident who serves United Methodist churches in Berryton and Shawnee Heights, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Zac Sturm, of Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Rabbi Moti Rieber speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg resident and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, speaks at a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Reflector reporter Morgan Chilson interviews a participant in the Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jacob Poindexter, of Wichita United Methodist Church of Christ, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Rabbi Moti Rieber speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Mandy Todd, left, and the Rev. Jessica Williams appear with 8.5-month-old Xander at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members prepare signs for a May 20, 2025, demonstration outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Annie Ricker, a Topeka resident who serves United Methodist churches in Berryton and Shawnee Heights, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jessica Williams' 8.5-month-old son, Xander, appears at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Rabbi Moti Rieber speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Participants in a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration appear May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Jessica Williams, a Merriam resident with the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, appears with son Xander at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members prepare signs for a May 20, 2025, demonstration outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Annie Ricker, a Topeka resident who serves United Methodist churches in Berryton and Shawnee Heights, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Kansas Interfaith Action members participate in a demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where they protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The Rev. Annie Ricker, a Topeka resident who serves United Methodist churches in Berryton and Shawnee Heights, speaks at a Kansas Interfaith Action demonstration on May 20, 2025, outside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where KIFA members protested Core Civic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Hatley said an injunction stopping CoreCivic from housing ICE detainees at the facility would be a temporary measure while CoreCivic walked through the process of getting a special use permit. Were not talking about lengthy delay, 2 to 3 months, he said. Leavenworth Mayor Holly Pittman, who attended the hearing along with several other city officials, said after the hearing that the city would be amenable to working with CoreCivic. I think wed entertain any business, but they need to do it the right way, she said. City manager Scott Peterson, also at the hearing, denied that Leavenworths actions are politically motivated. More than 20 people gathered outside the Frank Carlson Federal Building in Topeka where the court hearing was held to protest CoreCivic and the for-profit detention of immigrants. Many were part of the Kansas Interfaith Action advocacy group, said Rabbi Moti Rieber, who spoke passionately about why he objected to reopening the Leavenworth prison as an ICE facility. He called CoreCivic a bad corporate actor. Its the confluence of a lot of dysfunction, Rieber said. The private prison industry and Trumps racist immigration policies are all coming together. At the current time, were seeing Trumps ICE gestapo taking people off the streets, putting them in prison without due process. CoreCivic wants to take advantage of that. Others, like Pastor Jordan Stone from Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, said this went against her faith. I think caring for our neighbors, caring for the least of these is important, she said. Standing up as a person of faith and saying this is not okay is important. Stone said others may have different viewpoints about that, but she believes it comes from a place of fear. I think it doesnt come from a place of caring, she said. Pastor Joanna Harader, of Bethel College Mennonite Church in Newton, spoke against private prisons and CoreCivics track record. She also was concerned about the current administrations treatment of immigrants. Im disturbed by the lack of due process being given to immigrants, Harader said. The Justice Department announced an assault charge Monday against Rep. LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey Democrat who was involved in a chaotic confrontation with officials outside a federal immigration facility earlier this month. The criminal charge follows a May 9 visit by McIver, along with her colleagues Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark that unfolded in a tussle and resulted in the arrest of the citys Democratic mayor. New Jersey interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charge against McIver on X, escalating a confrontation between the political branches, while also agreeing to drop the pending trespass charge against Mayor Ras Baraka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined, Habba said in a statement. The charge is an extraordinary stress-test for the separation of powers at a time in which President Donald Trump is seeking to maximize executive branch dominance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries last week warned against federal law enforcement targeting the Democratic members and called arrests a red line. House Democratic leadership in a statement slammed the charge as extreme, morally bankrupt and lacks any basis in law or fact. Everyone responsible for this illegitimate abuse of power is going to be held accountable for their actions, said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse in a statement. An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The formal charging documents were not immediately made public, but Habba cited a provision of federal law that makes it a crime to engage in an assault on a federal officer. Its a felony when the assault involves physical contact with the victim. McIver is being charged for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement, according to Habba. The three lawmakers last Friday attempted to inspect Delaney Hall the Trump administrations newest immigrant detention facility for oversight, as members of Congress are allowed to do by law. Charges have not been announced for Menendez nor Watson Coleman. The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, McIver said in a statement. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Paul Fishman, a lawyer for McIver who served as U.S. attorney for New Jersey, called the decision to charge McIver spectacularly inappropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of Congress, she has the right and responsibility to see how ICE is treating detainees. Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos, he said in a statement. This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICE's behavior to Congresswoman McIver. In the courtroom, facts not headlines will matter. The Justice Departments senior leadership made clear Monday evening that they endorse the highly unusual decision to charge a sitting member of Congress with assaulting a police officer. I echo what [Habba] has made clear: assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote on X . This Administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe. Democrats have asserted that Delaney Hall does not have the proper permits to open, which Department of Homeland Security officials have refuted. Federal law allows members of Congress conducting oversight to access any facility operated by or for the DHS used to detain or otherwise house aliens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, lawmakers are protected by the Constitutions speech or debate clause from criminal process for actions taken in the course of their official duties, a provision intended to protect legislators from intimidation by the executive branch. Courts for years have interpreted that protection broadly to include any conduct integral to the legislative process, including to conduct oversight. As it has in previous criminal cases against lawmakers, the Justice Department is sure to argue that their alleged actions against immigration officials exceeded the bounds of their conduct as lawmakers. Prosecutors are making a similar case against a Wisconsin judge, who is now facing charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant escape arrest by helping him flee her courtroom. Authorities set off a scrum on May 9 at Delaney Hall when they moved to arrest Baraka, the head of New Jerseys largest city and a Democratic candidate for governor. Watson Coleman and McIver moved to shield him. The tussle that followed prompted the members to accuse the authorities of roughing them up, while the Trump administration suggested it was the other way around. The day after the incident, Fox News posted a video it said had been provided by DHS to show McIver was shoving/elbowing her way past a DHS agent. Around the same time, a federal law enforcement officer shoved McIver as she was trying to reenter the facility, according to both McIver, Menendez and video taken at the time by NJ Spotlight News . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DHS spokesperson alleged one of the members had body slammed an ICE officer, something that a POLITICO reporter on the scene did not witness. And during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing last week, chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) chastised the congresswoman who threw a punch at a police officer. Baraka was charged with misdemeanor trespassing. He appeared in federal court last week , though Habba on Monday said that his charge was dropped for the sake of moving forward. Habba also said that she invited Baraka to tour Delaney Hall and would personally accompany him because the government has nothing to hide at this facility. Baraka said he's "glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed." I have had strong relationships with prior U.S. Attorneys, and I plan to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about issues on which we can cooperate," he said in a statement. "As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka also expressed his support for McIver, saying that I fully expect her to be vindicated. In the aftermath of the incident, DHS said that more arrests were on the table . Republicans have raised the possibility of removing the three Democrats from their committees or censuring them, though Speaker Mike Johnson last week acknowledged that expulsion is unlikely given the slim margins in Congress. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said last week on Fox News that the three committed felonies and dont deserve to be in the House . Menendez said in a statement that, having witnessed everything firsthand, "I strongly believe that the administration should be apologizing to Rep. McIver, not arresting her on unprecedented, politicized charges." The day of the incident, Menendez said that all of us were touched by federal authorities and said McIver had been shoved in what he called an assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Judiciary Committees oversight subcommittee is planning to "launch a full investigation into these dangerous attacks on ICE" with a hearing Tuesday, according to Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who is chair of the subcommittee. Members of Congress who have faced criminal charges in recent years have typically been accused of white-collar crimes. Menendezs father, former Sen. Bob Menendez, was sentenced earlier this year for bribery and acting as an agent of a foreign government. Former Rep. George Santos was recently sentenced for identity theft and fraud. Former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) faced charges ultimately dismissed by the new Trump administration of lying to the FBI. Other lawmakers have faced charges for campaign finance crimes or insider trading. Mondays charge comes in the middle of an intensifying clash between congressional Democrats and the administration over Trumps aggressive mass deportation policies, many of which have faced legal challenges. For example, Democrats traveled to El Salvador earlier this year to push back against the administrations summary deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in violation of a court order. Theyve also raised alarm over the administrations targeting of pro-Palestine student activists and efforts to invoke war powers to speed deportations of alleged gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans have used these efforts including the recent Delaney Hall visit to accuse the Democrats of supporting violent criminals. I hope that those members of Congress will so passionately protest on behalf of the American victims that they were elected to represent, and not just violent criminals who are in this country illegally, Noem said during a recent Homeland Security Committee hearing. In a state where many still live by the adage If it aint broke, dont fix it, the idea of replacing ancient terms of legal procedures in state law feels more than a little daunting, according to the Virginia Code Commission. But the commission's going to try, accepting the request of Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, to make sure the language that tells nonlawyers how to navigate courts is clear to people who havent gone through three years of law school. It could get hairy. When I worked with the Title 55 recodification, we wanted to change the term 'livery of seisin' and the bar went crazy, Amigo Wade, director of the General Assembly's Division of Legislative Services, told the commission. Livery of seisin is a combination of Old French and Middle English that describes the medieval practice of symbolically completing a transfer of property by handing over a twig or handful of dirt from a piece of land to the new owner, Wade said. Its not usually done when people buy and sell property in Virginia anymore but Virginia law still says that a deed transferring property means the buyer can use the land as if it had been enfeoffed with livery of seisin of the land. Were the only state that still uses replevin, said Mike Mullin, who sits on the commission. He referred to a legal procedure that can provisionally restore goods to a person pending results of a lawsuit over who has rights to those goods, a writ that mostly has been about protecting debtors and squatters. While it will be a lot of work, and could eventually lead to political wrangling, somebodys got to be first to act, he said. Commissioners noted there is no agreed-upon master list of problem terms, no clear notion of how often they appear in the 34 volumes of the Code of Virginia or what the consequences of changing technical legal terms might be. Everybody wants to do it but figuring out the right way is the question, Rachel DeGraba, a staff attorney with the Supreme Courts Office of Executive Secretary, the administrative agency for state courts, told the commission. The commission decided to make a start by asking staff to come up with a list of terms they need to look at. I think you can see from today that its a big job, Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, the commission chair, said afterward. What's a warrant in debt? Its important, especially for landlord-tenant law, but also for all those times when youre in court without a lawyer, Simon said. Tenants facing eviction what's a warrant in debt? or a landlord who wants to get somebody out and when a lawyer mentions a fee says, 'Thats six months' rent,'" are areas of concern, Simon said. "Theres small claims, somebody owes you a few hundred, youre a small business trying to collect. Or whats an 'interpleader'? he said, referring to a filing thats meant to sort out multiple claims to something. In Virginia, a warrant in debt is how you start a lawsuit in district court to claim youre owned money, Surovell said. For a tenant owing rent, it is the first formal notice from a court that a landlord has started the process of an eviction, but people get it and often think they got a criminal charge instead of being sued for money, Surovell said. Surovell called for using more understandable terms, instead of such legal arcana as warrants in debt, writ of fieri facias a court order to a sheriff or other officer to seize property and sell it to satisfy a debt or unlawful detainer, which is an eviction order. Doing that would be a big help to people without legal training when going to court or at risk of losing their home, he said. BOSTON (SHNS) The federal government indicated Tuesday it has set specific targets to address a health care cost driver that Massachusetts policymakers are grappling with: prescription drugs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it identified targets that drug manufacturers are expected to meet to satisfy the requirements of President Trumps new executive order on drug pricing. President Trump and Secretary Kennedy look forward to highlighting commitments in the coming weeks, said the office of HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who is required to communicate price targets within 30 days of the May 12 order signing and, potentially, to propose a rulemaking plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, Americans have been forced to pay exorbitant prices for the same drugs that are sold overseas for far less, Kennedy said in a statement. That ends today. We expect pharmaceutical manufacturers to fulfill their commitment to lower prices for American patients, or we will take action to ensure they do. Trump last week unveiled his executive order, which says drug companies should give the U.S. prices at least as favorable as what they charge from health systems in other countries. American patients and taxpayers have been footing the bill for global research and development by paying higher drug prices, the White House said, and the U.S. accounts for 5% of the world population but 75% of the worlds pharmaceutical profits. HHS said Tuesday it expects each manufacturer to commit to aligning US pricing for all brand products across all markets that do not currently have generic or biosimilar competition with the lowest price of a set of economic peer countries. The target price is the lowest price in a country thats part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and has a per capita GDP of at least 60% of the U.S. per capita GDP, HHS said. While HHS said its directive will preserve innovation, the powerful Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America last week warned of severe impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Importing foreign prices from socialist countries would be a bad deal for American patients and workers, PhRMA CEO Stephen Ubl said. It would mean less treatments and cures and would jeopardize the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America threatening jobs, hurting our economy and making us more reliant on China for innovative medicines. He said the U.S. is the only country that lets PBMs, insurers and hospitals take 50% of every dollar spent on medicines. The amount going to middlemen often exceeds the price in Europe. Giving this money directly to patients will lower their medicine costs and significantly reduce the gap with European prices. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A Chicago man accused in the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy inside a home on the citys South Side is now facing felony charges. According to Chicago police, 25-year-old Kemonte Rice, a Chicago Lawn resident, has been charged with one felony count of causing child endangerment or death and one felony count of obstructing justice or the destruction of evidence. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said the charges stem from Rices role in the fatal shooting of a teen boy inside a home in Englewood back in March. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 25-year-old Kemonte Rice, who has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a teen boy in Englewood in late March. An initial report by Chicago police indicated that the incident unfolded just before 7 p.m. on Monday, March 24, at a home in the 500 block of West 65th Place, Englewood. Officers said the teen boy and Rice were inside the home that day when a gun was fired and the teen was struck in the chest. The victim, who was later identified as 13-year-old Tawon Tribble, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to the Medical Examiners Office, Tribble lived about a block away from where the shooting happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Following the shooting, a police source told WGN-TV that Tribble and Rice may have been in the same room when the incident allegedly unfolded. Rice was eventually taken into custody by members of the Area One Homicide Investigative Support Team on Monday in the 8100 block of South Ashland Avenue. Rice is set to appear in court on Tuesday for a detention hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Nathan Layne (Reuters) -The Federal Emergency Management Agency should be renamed as the agency is reformed to increase the burden on states to respond to natural disasters, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a meeting on reforming FEMA on Tuesday. President Donald Trump created the FEMA Review Council on January 24 to propose ways of overhauling the disaster relief agency, which he has said should be downsized or even abolished. Following its first meeting on Tuesday, the council will have 180 days to submit a report detailing its suggested reforms, according to Trump's executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move to shake up FEMA, which coordinates the federal response to disasters and works with states to prepare for them, comes as it sheds staff and reshuffles leadership. The moves have raised concerns about its readiness for the start to hurricane season on June 1. Noem said Trump wanted states to take the primary role in preparing for and responding to disasters, and that the federal government would supplement that effort with funds. "If we do what the president has tasked us to do, I believe this agency needs to be renamed," Noem said. "Our goal is that states should manage their emergencies and we come in and support them." DHS is the parent agency of FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has lost 2,000 full-time staff, or roughly one third of its total, to terminations and voluntary incentives as part of an effort by Trump to slash the size and cost of the federal bureaucracy. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler, Ross Colvin and Aurora Ellis) The city of Dayton is getting ready for what could be the busiest week of the year. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, there will be several changes to Downtown Dayton occurring over the course of the week ahead of the NATO Assembly. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by News Center 7, city workers dropped large concrete barricades Monday to block traffic access to the streets that will be closed from May 23-26. Worker crews used forklifts to pull pallets of mental fencing off trucks parked around Downtown Dayton. They blocked off some lanes during the set-up, but the streets have not completely closed yet. News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz reports that no one will be allowed inside the security zone unless they have been cleared by NATO security protocols. Dayton Police told News Center 7 they are putting up 14,000 feet of fencing and 6,000 feet of barricades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who work in Downtown Dayton are also preparing for all the changes. Whats the traffic going to be through the courthouse? asked Seyta Davis? Im like, well, you can take your chances and find out, but it probably will be pretty hectic. The city wants to get the fencing and barricades before Wednesday. We will update this developing story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] May 19LIMA A Lima man who prosecutors say sold illegal drugs to a confidential informant on several occasions was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison. Christian Sewell, 33, was indicted by an Allen County grand jury in November on three counts of fentanyl trafficking, heroin trafficking, fentanyl possession, illegal drug manufacturing and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The charges included three, one-year firearm specifications and a specification to forfeit $3,013. In April, Sewell entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to possession of a fentanyl-related compound and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, each first-degree felonies, and a second-degree felony count of trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incidents allegedly occurred between Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 24, 2024. The fentanyl possession charge specifies Sewell had between 20 to 50 grams of fentanyl on Jan. 24. Prior to sentencing, Sewell, with more than a dozen friends and family members in attendance, said he is "a better man than they (prosecutors) paint me to be. But everybody makes mistakes, and I made one. I take full accountability." Defense attorney Anthony VanNoy said his college-educated client made a "decision to succumb to the drug culture. He knows this is not the path he should have taken, and it breaks his heart that he failed." Judge Jeffrey Reed said in this case and others like it, he fails to understand the lure of the drug trade which he said "puts poison into the community" when viewed against the potential risks involved. In addition to a prison sentence of 15 and 18 years, Sewell was ordered to forfeit a Glock 19 handgun and $3,013 in cash to the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force. Featured Local Savings DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) Dartmouth Animal Control is warning residents that a feral cat has tested positive for rabies Monday. The feral cat, which had black fur and a white spot on its face, was spotted wandering around near Oliver Street on May 16. It was wearing a flea collar. Anyone who may have interacted with the cat between May 8-16 is urged to reach out to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800 for a risk assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabies is a potentially deadly viral disease that typically spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rabies virus primarily affects the central nervous system and, if left untreated, almost always results in death. Humans who are exposed to rabies are given a series of shots over four to five weeks to ensure the virus doesnt spread throughout the body. The CDC notes that, once the rabies virus advances past the incubation period to the onset of symptoms, there is no effective treatment for it. 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. PRINCETON, N.J. (RNS) On a Tuesday evening in early April, an audience sat enraptured in Princeton Theological Seminarys dining hall as, one by one, adults in their 20s walked up to a platform, took the microphone and shared a story. I realized that if God made our bodies this intricate, shouldnt the care we give others be just as intricate? Jewel Koshy asked. I allowed Jesus to look at me, and I looked at him, and my life was completely transformed, Betty Freymann said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can we stay inquisitive in a world where excellence is expected and assimilation is often rewarded? RayChel Wilson asked. For me, I take my questions to God. Despite the setting, the young adults speaking werent seminarians: They were entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, health care workers and other professionals at a summit as part of the Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network, a new initiative from Princeton Theological Seminary that aims to equip young Christian leaders to find their calling beyond parish ministry. ___ This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ If you lead in the public sector, if you are an artist or a business leader or an educator, and youre deeply motivated by your Christian faith, we think theological education has something to offer there as well, said Shari Oosting, project director of the Polaris Network. In recent years, many U.S. seminaries have faced existential threats fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and a changing religious landscape. As organized religion continues to fade in popularity among many Gen Z, some seminaries are downsizing, combining and embracing online and hybrid models. They are also evolving, offering different certificate programs or degrees tailored for non-clergy students. Some seminaries target retired or second-career students, while others refuse to give up on young adults, instead designing programs to help them live out their spirituality beyond seminary walls. Freymann, 28, a Dallas-based tech consulting manager and a participant at the Polaris summit, said meeting other Christians doing the Lords work in the secular world has made her feel less alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love that were pushing to form Christian leaders. Not Catholic, not Presbyterian, not Episcopal leaders, but Christian leaders, said Freymann, who is Catholic and hosts a Spanish-language podcast for Latino Catholics. That Monday (March 31), Freymann gathered in the seminarys library with roughly 30 other young adults. The room was abuzz as participants responded to discussion prompts, wove strands of yarn for an interactive art project and heard a lecture about the church in the modern world. Throughout the summit, each shared eight-minute personal stories about Christian leadership in groups or at the final storytelling festival. Something that really stood out to me is the fact that everyone is a young adult, said participant Kennedy Maye, a 22-year-old psychology major at the University of Kentucky. Raised as a nondenominational Christian, she often discusses God with other young adults in her life but said she often finds herself defending God. Here, it was different. Launched in 2023 with a $4 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network convenes these cohorts while also offering sub-grants to fund their local ministry efforts and provide workshops on topics like mental health, vocational discernment and sustainability. The aim is to combat isolation among young Christian leaders and counteract the narrative that all young people are losing their faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lot of ways, these young people are teaching us how to be a seminary for the next generation, said the Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean, the Mary D. Synnott professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary and one of the architects of Polaris. Built to train pastors, many seminaries like Princeton are increasingly welcoming students looking to discern their calling rather than intending to work at a congregation. Dean said she has observed that pastoral credentials dont have the draw they used to for students, which is mirrored in trends at the seminary. While enrollment in its Master of Divinity program a prerequisite for many seeking ordination has declined in recent years (down to 155 students in the 2024-2025 school year, from 245 students in 2020-2021), Princetons masters programs for leaders interested in theology/sustainability and in justice/public life have grown steadily since being launched in 2023. The seminary has also seen growth in part-time, hybrid and online offerings. And this year, it saw the largest incoming class of degree-pursuing students in the last five years. According to data from the Association of Theological Schools, an umbrella group of over 270 schools, Princeton isnt alone. Though enrollment in Master of Divinity programs continues to decline among ATS member schools, down roughly 14% since 2020, that dip has been offset by boosts in two-year, often customizable Master of Arts programs and non-degree enrollment, leading to an overall 1.8% increase in enrollment at ATS schools since 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, seminaries are facing significant challenges. As a result, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, an influential Evangelical Free Church school near Chicago, announced last month it will be acquired by a Canadian university and move to British Columbia. Despite financial setbacks, the school has had a transformative impact on the nearby city of Waukegan, Illinois, thanks to a young adult-centered program called Mosaic Ministries. Mosaic Ministries began praying with and building relationships with Waukegan churches in 2010. With the help of the Lilly Endowment, it became a formal collaboration of 12 churches in 2017, with the purpose of developing ministries with young adults. By listening to what young people asked for space to ask hard questions and do life together, not just host another barbecue, for example churches adapted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the years went by, our churches grew healthier, they grew more intergenerational, they grew more missional, and this collaboration of churches shifted from individual churches to a network, said the Rev. Daniel Hartman, co-director of Mosaic Ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In 2022, that network came together to form Refined, a program for young adults from each of the 12 churches. Across 18 months, the young adults received mentoring, attended retreats and became involved in Waukegan-based community projects. Though Adi Camacho grew up attending a Baptist church in Waukegan, she joined Refined after several years away from the church. It was my first time getting to meet brothers and sisters who were not from my congregation that could hear my heart and be there for me and love and support me in such a godly way, Camacho said. We were able to break barriers between our churches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camacho hosts a podcast about Mosaic Ministries impact and pitches the program at citywide events like cleanup days, toy drives or prayer services. The city routinely looks to Mosaic to meet local needs, and Mosaics hub, a revamped former library, is a gathering place designed to welcome young people who might be hesitant to meet at church, said Hartman. Its not yet clear how Mosaic Ministries will be impacted by the seminarys move. However, Mosaic and similar innovative seminary initiatives take a unique approach to empowering young people in their own contexts, without trying to convince them to enroll as students. For example, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas has created programming for both Christian and Christ curious young adults. There are all kinds of places where young adults gather at the edges of Christian conversation, said Melissa Wiginton, vice president for strategic engagement and partnerships at the Austin seminary. We know that there is a longing out there for people to be connected to something thats sturdy enough to hold them, but not so rigid that it encages them. Since 2017, the seminary, also with the help of the Lilly Endowment, has created such spaces via its 787 Initiative, which offers faith and community engagement for young people in Austin. Mercedes Collins, who runs a recreational club, We Outside ATX, for Austins Black community, provides input for 787s advisory council. She said young people in her network are craving spaces where their voices are heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community is a spiritual thing, right? said Collins, who identifies as more spiritual than religious. Were not meant to be here alone. 787 was a precursor to the seminarys Austin Story Project, which launched in January and will offer an in-person storytelling cohort and spiritual pilgrimages for young adults. The first pilgrimage will focus on nonviolence, where participants will visit sites connected with nuclear weapon production in the Pacific Northwest. A survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima will accompany them. Everybodys in a massive period of experimentation, said Dean, of Princeton Theological Seminary. Desperation is a spiritual gift, and so it gives you a chance to experiment with things that, you know, 10 years ago were off the table. Thats happening everywhere, and we are no different in that. Quint, Chief Brody, Matt Hooper those were some of the characters moviegoers got to know 50 years ago this summer when the blockbuster Jaws was released. And, oh yes, there was Bruce: the collective name given to the various mechanical maneaters who terrorized Amity Island. Back in 1975, the premise of the movie notwithstanding, great white sharks were rarely seen off the Cape Cod coast. In decades prior, their numbers declined precipitously due to overfishing, accidental catchment and loss of their favorite food in the area, seals. But in 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act became law giving a boost to the seal population in New England. Twenty-five years later, Great White sharks gained federal protection, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result: shark and seal numbers are rebounding. In one recent four-year period, researchers counted more than 800 white shark sightings off the Cape Cod coast and theres no reason to believe that number will do anything but go up. Human encounters with sharks remain exceedingly rare but they have an over-sized effect on the psyche of Cape communities and its image as a vacation spot. The last fatal shark attack happened off a beach in Wellfleet in 2018 when 26-year-old Arthur Medici of Revere was killed by a shark while riding a boogie board. At the time, it was the first shark-related fatality on the Cape in 82 years. Were learning a lot about sharks and shark biology, said Megan Winton, PhD, a scientist associated with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. But at the end of the day our work is really all about people. When Arthur Medici was boogie-boarding and was killed by a white shark it just tore the community apart. And thats always your worst day as a shark biologist. Tuesday, the Conservancy held its annual media day, to reveal what measures its taking to track shark movements off the Cape this summer and fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got camera-tag systems, weve got drones, said Greg Skomal, a marine biologist with the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries and an avid shark researcher. Weve got newer technologies that give us a sense of what these animals are doing every second of their day. That invasion of shark privacy has a goal beyond learning more about the creatures. The Conservancy shares its data in real time so as to protect the public from potential encounters with sharks. It accomplishes this tracking with a series of data collection units positioned off the outer and inner Cape coasts. Those patterns will help us determine where the shark is most likely to be, what time of day and what areas, Skomal said. It is the 50th anniversary of Jaws and many of us have that film in our mind. But the bottom line is sharks are not here to eat people. If they were here to eat people, wed have a lot more shark bites. Skomal said sharks identify preferred prey through smell but that there are so many seals a nearby humans scent can get lost in the mix. His first bit of advice is to steer clear of seals which are usually found in shallow areas off the coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not here to eat you, but they have made mistakes and can make mistakes, he said. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Seventeen people were injured, four seriously, when a fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday at Chevron's deep-water Benguela Belize Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) oil platform, Angolan authorities and the U.S. oil major said in statements. The cause of the fire, which occurred in the basement deck of the multi-storey drilling production platform in the Block 14 concession some 60 miles (97 km) offshore the Cabinda coast, is currently under investigation. "All of them are now on land and receiving appropriate medical care," Angola's National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels said in its statement, referring to those injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chevron said the incident occurred at a time when BBLT was undergoing annual maintenance as part of a scheduled shutdown, all production at the site having stopped on May 1 this year. The heavy platform has living quarters for approximately 157 people, according to Chevron's website. The fire broke out around 3 a.m. (0200 GMT) and all personnel have been accounted for, Chevron said. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Additional reporting by Sfundo Parakozov and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Alexander Winning) TREMPEALEAU, Wis. (WFRV) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the Tank Creek Bridge on the Great River State Trail is closed until further notice following a fire Thursday night. The bridge, originally built in 1957 as part of the now-abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line, spanned more than 200 feet and sat roughly three miles east of Trempealeau. It is now considered a total loss. Wisconsin police recover stolen phone, arrest suspect after tracking him to bus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the DNR. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary reaches 1,000th mammal rescue Due to the bridges location, there is currently no detour in place. The DNR has not yet set a timeline or budget for replacement but says removal of debris will be handled as safely and quickly as possible. The public is asked to avoid the site. The Great River State Trail includes 21 bridges totaling more than 3,100 linear feet, many of which are century-old railroad structures. The 24-mile crushed limestone trail stretches through the upper Mississippi River Valley, connecting Trempealeau to Onalaska, and links with the La Crosse River Trail to the south. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Employees at the Matunuck Oyster Bar hug. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of Tuesdays early morning fire that engulfed the popular Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown and left more than 300 full-time and seasonal employees out of work. No injuries were reported from the blaze that seriously damaged the waterfront restaurant on Succotash Road ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the restaurant at the time firefighters arrived at approximately 3:45 a.m., according to Associated Press reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restaurant employees surrounded Perry Raso, the restaurants owner, in a group hug outside the burned out building late Tuesday morning as firefighters continued to work at the scene. While the damage to our building is devastating to me, our patrons, and our employees, we are very thankful no one was injured, Raso said in a statement Tuesday night. Id like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our neighbors, patrons, partners, colleagues and friends from Rhode Island and beyond, who have reached out over the last several hours with selfless offers to help. We are humbled and grateful for what Matunuck Oyster Bar represents to so many people. While we are heartbroken that our doors will be temporarily closed, we are committed to opening them back up and welcoming guests back to our tables as soon as possible. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Chief Public Affairs Officer Edwine Drine Paul said a department official connected with the restaurants owner Tuesday afternoon. The department is coordinating efforts with the restaurant to expedite our rapid response services to support all of the impacted workers, Paul said. We want to make sure that we support them at this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raso said his team is assessing its next steps. Our first priority is in finding ways to assist our more than 300 full-time and seasonal employees, whose service and dedication have made Matunuck Oyster Bar what it is today, and who rely on this business to support themselves and their families, he said. We are currently working closely (with the) Department of Labor & Training, the Governors Office, and other public officials to identify available resources, and we are committed to staying in direct contact with our team members as our long-term plan for Matunuck Oyster Bar is developed. Raso opened Matunuck Oyster Bar in 2009, selling the fresh oysters harvested at the Matunuck Oyster Farm, the wading depth aquaculture farm he founded on Potter Pond in East Matunuck. The restaurant had commercial docks that facilitated access for work boats. Matunuck Oyster Bar has received numerous accolades, including making USA Todays Restaurants of the Year list. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the state fire marshals office is actively investigating, Matt Touchette, a spokesperson for the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 7:08 p.m. with statement from Perry Raso. Matunuck Oyster Bar owner Perry Raso is shown after the fire on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Matunuck Oyster Bar damand is shown after the fire on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Matunuck Oyster Bar damand is shown after the fire on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) A chain link fence surrounds the fire damaged Matunuck Oyster Bar on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Firefighters are shown after the fire at Matunuck Oyster Bar on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple who are friends of the Matunuck Oyster Bar owner console each other after witnessing the damage. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Matunuck Oyster Bar owner Perry Raso is not visible as staff and friends embrace him outside the waterfront South Kingstown restaurant hours after a fire broke out there on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Employees at the Matunuck Oyster Bar hug. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Investigators from the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal take photos after the fire at the Matunuck Oyster Bar on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Major Roger Leslie Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department died in the line of duty during a tornado in Kentucky He was critically injured while shielding his wife, Michelle Leatherman, from debris He joined the department in 1986 A Kentucky firefighter died in the line of duty while responding to a recent tornado just shy of his 39th anniversary with the department. On Monday, May 19, the Laurel County Fire Department shared a post in honor of Major Roger Leslie Leatherman after confirming that he died just before midnight Friday, May 16, following a series of severe weather alerts and emergency dispatches in the region. Laurel County Fire Department Memorial for Major Leslie Roger Leatherman Memorial for Major Leslie Roger Leatherman In an interview with Fox Weather, Laurel County Deputy fire Chief Terry Wattenbarger remembered Leatherman as a total public servant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His career, as some may or may not know, the Laurel County Fire Department is a totally volunteer department. He joined the department in 1986, so he was coming up on his 39-year anniversary of being in the fire service, the fire chief said. Leatherman chose a career in public service, and was also a trained EMT, Wattenbarger added. Flags were lowered for Leatherman, who was one of the 17 victims killed during the deadly London, Ky., tornado. At approximately 11:47 p.m Friday, a fire alarm went off near Leathermans home. He responded to the scene, letting his department know that he was en route via a private radio channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 11:48 PM, a call for a trapped person at 291 Hart Church Road was received. Just one minute later, at 11:49 PM, a structural collapse was reported at 382 Sunshine Hills Road, indicating widespread damage in the Sunshine Hills community, the department said in their Facebook statement. Linda Blackford/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty tornado in the Sunshine Hills area of Laurel County, Kentucky tornado in the Sunshine Hills area of Laurel County, Kentucky By 12:30 a.m., Leatherman could not be accounted for. First responders later learned that a different search party that found an unidentified conscious female [who] was calling for help in a field and a male [who] was found lying on top of her, unresponsive, had found Leatherman, but did not know his identity at the time. The male was confirmed deceased and his location was recorded for later identification and coroner response, the department 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. According to the post, It appears that Major Leatherman was responding to the initial fire alarm when the tornado struck. Upon encountering the injured female, he used his body to shield her from further harm. He was fatally injured in the process. The female was later identified as his wife, Michelle Leatherman who was critically injured. It is unknown if Major Leatherman was aware of her identity at the time due to the extreme darkness, noise, and traumatic events. He was praised by his peers for his selfless actions," which exemplified the highest ideals of public service and sacrifice." Read the original article on People PERRY TWP., Ohio (WKBN)- Four different fire departments responded to a Perry Township house fire Tuesday morning. Crews responded to the 800 block of Cunningham Road in Perry Township around 2 a.m. Firefighters had to use a tanker to help put out the fire. Salem arrived first, followed by Perry, Winona, and Green Township. When firefighters arrived, there was heavy fire in the back of the house. Salem Fire Chief Scott Mason said that it started at an electrical outlet and spread through the interior of the house. Theres heavy damage throughout, and there were no injuries. While inside, there was a structural collapse, but nobody was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews have cleared the scene. Andrew Peterson contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has conducted its first charter flight for migrants who agreed to self-deport after starting a program to give those voluntarily leaving the country a $1,000 stipend. The flight took 64 citizens of Colombia and Honduras to their home country. This was a voluntary charter flight, not an ICE enforcement operation, DHS said in a press release, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All participants were offered the same benefits as any illegal alien who self-deports using the CBP Home App. They received travel assistance, a $1,000 stipend, and preserved the possibility they could one day return to the United States legally. The Trump administration earlier this month announced they would begin offering travel assistance as well as the stipend for those registering to self-deport through the CBP Home App. They said migrants would typically be given about three weeks to organize their affairs before departing the country. The CBP Home app is a redesign of the Biden administrations CBP One app, which allowed migrants to make an appointment at a port of entry for those seeking to make an initial claim of asylum. Still, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) cautioned people against taking the assistance, noting that some may not be able to return to the U.S. in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AILA cautions individuals when reviewing the announcement to understand it is deceptive and gives people the impression there are no consequences, such as being barred from returning in the future. No one should accept this without first obtaining good legal advice from an immigration attorney or other qualified representative, the group said when the move was first announced. It is unethical for the government to tell people Self-Deportation Is Safe but not explain the hardship and legal risks to them, especially for people who do not have an attorney and will not know their rights under the law. DHS on Monday said those in the group chose to return home the right way, and in contrast with other media distributed by the agency, showed photos of smiling migrants descending from planes, welcomed by host country governments waiting with stuffed animals for children. They noted that in Honduras, returnees were also eligible for $100 in government assistance as well as food vouchers. 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. There is no official deadline for congressional Republicans to pass their budget reconciliation bill to put in place President Donald Trumps legislative agenda, but theyve imposed one on themselves by including a debt-ceiling provision in the tax-and-spending legislation. Despite the Treasury Departments extraordinary measures to avoid a default on the United States $36.22 trillion in debt, Congress must once again raise the statutory debt ceiling. The last deadline, known as the X date, came in June 2023, when Democrats held the White House and the Senate but Republicans controlled the House. The divided government enabled Republicans to extract concessions from President Joe Biden in exchange for a suspension of the debt limit. Democrats in the Senate could do the same thing this year and threaten to filibuster a measure raising the ceiling for political leverage. To avoid that situation, Republicans included a provision in the reconciliation bill increasing the limit, which means they would not need to haggle with Democrats to raise the debt ceiling. But putting the debt limit in the reconciliation bill also carries its own risk. Republicans need to hammer out the presidents big, beautiful bill, pass it through the House and Senate, and get the legislation to Trumps desk before the X date to avoid having to make a deal with their opponents. Exactly when the government will hit the limit is unclear. It depends on several variables, such as the Treasurys cash balance and revenues the government collects from taxes, so estimates vary. Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel said earlier this month that his scorekeeping agency placed the X date in August or September. Days later, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a letter to Congress that it could come in August, when both chambers are scheduled to be in recess for almost the whole month. Therefore, I respectfully urge Congress to increase or suspend the debt limit by mid-July, before its scheduled break, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House and Senate each have different instructions in last months compromise budget resolution for increasing the debt limit in reconciliation, a discrepancy that will have to be resolved at some point. The resolution instructs the House Ways and Means Committee to raise it by $4 trillion to $40.1 trillionwhich it has included in its preliminary bill text. Those same instructions tell the Senate Finance Committee to increase it by $5 trillion, though there is no bill text from the Senate yet. Members of the House Freedom Caucus of fiscal hardliners often balk at increasing the debt limit without serious offsets. The group earlier in the year proposed raising it by $4 trillion in reconciliation so long as congressional leadership committed to dollar-for-dollar savings over 10 years across both reconciliation bills and appropriations bills. The debt ceiling issue essentially gives Republicans a deadline to get their bill done. The tentative goal is for Trump to sign it by the Fourth of July, which would meet Bessents time frame. Still, things have a way of getting delayed in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnsons original plan was to pass the bill through the House by Easter and have Trump sign it by Memorial Day. Now, his goal is for the House to pass the bill by Memorial Day, and even that prospect looks far from certain. Nevertheless, Republicans in Congress last week did not project worry that the country would hit the debt limit before Trump signs the bill. For Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the urgency of the debt ceiling provision could speed up the passage of the legislation. I think that is whats driving the train, he told The Dispatch. And what I would worry about if we didnt have the debt ceiling as part of [the reconciliation bill] is wed kick it down the road, and wed be [in] September, October, and then wed find ourselves up against a wall in December, so I think this is going to be a July exercise. I dont know what the leadership is planning, but it seemed to me that if you back this up against the August recess, thats an ideal time to get it all done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans in the House are battling over what measures to put into the reconciliation bill, such as Medicaid reforms and an increase to the state and local tax deduction, which has delayed progress on its passage. Those struggles came to a head Friday when deficit hawks on the Budget Committee voted with Democrats to tank it and stop the panel from advancing it to the whole chamber. The committee eventually approved the bill Sunday evening but only because those previous Republican dissenters switched their no votes to present. Leading up to the Friday vote, some House GOP leaders reportedly argued to holdouts that they would need to strike a deal with Democrats if they did not raise the debt ceiling in a party-line bill. Prior to the vote, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, a holdout on the committee, said he had not discussed the debt ceiling but said the X date is a consideration regarding his vote on the bill. We want to give the president what he needs, and I trust him on it, but the devil is in the details on this stuff, he told The Dispatch. Norman was one of about three dozen Republican House members who voted against a continuing resolution that raised the debt limit without significant cuts toward the end of last year. Once again, House Republicans must take into account the demands of spending hawks and others as they try to craft their reconciliation bill while the country hurdles toward its debt ceiling. The GOP conference already has to thread a very careful needle, in the words of tax committee chairman Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri, between the factionshence the delay. Change something to satisfy the fiscal hardliners, and youll displease the moderates. But the Senate also will have a say in the final version of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even now, multiple Republican senators have pledged to vote against the bill in its current form. As Fridays Morning Dispatch detailed, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri objected to some of the Medicaid provisions, while Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said it did not cut enough spending. That will require an entirely new song and dance as the Senate makes changes that the House will need to approve. Whether they can do it all before the August recessand the looming X dateis an open question. Sen. Johnson noted that he has never voted to raise the debt ceiling but supports it now to avoid a default while Republicans enact their tax priorities and get spending down to reasonable, pre-pandemic levels. Asked about the timing of the X date, Johnson told The Dispatch he still favored splitting the package into multiple bills, something that GOP senators had advocated earlier in the process. Were going to have to do it through reconciliation, he said of raising the debt ceiling, so thats why Ive always thought Id like to decouple the big, beautiful bill into three separateand Im still recommending it. Im pushing it right now. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) A Miami nurse was arrested Friday after police said she removed her mother from intubation, telling hospital staff she wanted her mother to go in peace. An arrest report obtained by NBC affiliate WTVJ said 54-year-old Juansette Sabrina Greens mother was admitted to Northshore Medical Center on May 5 after she began experiencing shortness of breath. 18-year-old stabbed 81-year-old roommate over 100 times at Bartow group home: PCSO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was eventually transferred to the intensive care unit, where she was intubated due to her declining health. Green called her children on May 16 to tell them that their grandmother was not doing well and asked them to come to the hospital, according to the report. They were all together in the ICU room when Green said, Im pulling out, and removed her mothers breathing tube, authorities reported. An alarm sounded and medical staff rushed to the room. They started giving Greens mother aid, but Green told them to stop and that she wanted her mother to go in peace, according to the report. Her mother was pronounced dead a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green was gone by the time detectives arrived at the hospital. However, they later found Green at her home, where she was taken into custody on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of an elderly or disabled adult. According to the arrest report, Green is a licensed nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field. A judge ordered her to be held without bond during a court hearing over the weekend, WTVJ reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Firefighters in Wyoming County battled flames at a former roller rink. The fire broke out at the old Pike Roller Rink on Route 39 in the Town of Pike on Sunday morning. The Silver Springs Fire Department was dispatched to assist the Pike Fire Department. In the latest election results in the race for Corvallis school board, incumbent Sami Al-Abdrabbuh maintained a commanding lead, getting 57.23% of the vote in a three-person race to retain his seat. He is facing off with Corvallis parent Chris Blacker, an IT and business consultant who is a member of the Letitia Carson Elementary School's PTA. Blacker is currently in second place, with 26.25% Charlotte Willer, another Corvallis parent who said she's volunteered at Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School, is also running for Al-Abdrabbuh's seat but only garnered 16% of the 11,505 ballots counted by 10:45 a.m. May 21. Other incumbents in the race current Chair Luhui Whitebear, Co-Vice Chair Shauna Tominey and recent board appointee Bernie Wang were unopposed. Al-Abdrabbuh held an Election Night party in downtown Corvallis with two dozen friends, colleagues and supporters. When the first election results flashed on the TV screen at Khalo Naser, a cheer went up as a voice rang out: "Well-deserved!" Al-Abdrubbah responded, "Well-deserved for us all!" Al-Abdrubbah was in a celebratory mood, but he declined an interview with Mid-Valley Media. "The story is not about me," he said. "It's about us." Blacker, held a very different Election Night soiree. He, his wife Kristen and their two young sons waited quietly for the results at Cirello's Pizza. With early results still a half-hour away, he told Mid-Valley Media he wouldn't be surprised to see the incumbent win. "The campaign is going to end, but the conversations we've started are going to determine the future of the district," he said. Willer said that meeting Blacker was one of the high points of the campaign for her. "We have a movement going that is super-important," she said. "We brought awareness to the community of the deficiencies of our school district where we're bleeding students. We have this lack of academic greatness." She added she and Blacker plan to meet immediately after the election. "We didn't know each other going into the campaign and turned in our election paperwork within a hour of each other," she said. "We can keep pushing forward, and I really hope we can make some solid changes." Blacker said it's quite possible he and Willer split the vote and enabled Al-Abdrabbuh to win another term. "A lot of folks mentioned that, but I don't know," Blacker said. "As a relative newcomer to Corvallis, I don't have a good sense of the political landscape." Blacker's campaign hit an odd note when he was endorsed by the Republican Party, an endorsement he vehemently rejected. "I think they thought I fit the mold of someone who might represent those folks, but I really don't," he said. "Some false assessments were made." In fact, he said, he and his fellow candidates are closely aligned in their political views. "Looking at the Venn diagram of politics, there is certainly overlap between all three of us," he said. "It's a matter of execution," he added. He said Al-Abdrabbuh tends to see problems with schools as a funding issue, while he thinks too much money goes to administrators and budget managers. Rather than complain about funding levels, Blacker said, Corvallis residents need to look for deeper issues that affect public confidence in the public schools Al-Abdrabbuh waxed metaphorically. "Public schools are the castles of hope where our children look for a tomorrow that's better than today," Al-Abdrabbuh said. "We're going to make them dream bigger and bigger." Blacker acknowledged that's one of the keys to Al-Abdrabbuh's popularity with voters: "Sami understands the rhetoric of schools." Michael Brantley of Corvallis said he certainly appreciates Al-Abdrabbuh's charisma. "I like that he's quiet but knowledgeable," he said at Al-Abdrabbuh's Election Night party. "He really likes people. You have to know him for fives minutes to figure that out." Al-Abdrabbuh joined the school board when he was appointed as an interim member for Position 7. He was elected to the Position 1 seat later that year and immediately began serving as the board's vice chair. He later chaired the board in 2021 and 2022 and served as the president of the Oregon School Board Association from 2020 to 2023. He continues to serve on the association's board. But Al-Abdrabbuh hasn't only had eyes for education. He ran for the Oregon House of Representatives in District 16 in 2016 and 2024. He represented the Progressive Party in 2016, losing to current Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. He lost the Democratic primary in 2024 to Sarah Finger McDonald. His school board campaign centers on protecting students of all racial and gender identities, working with county officials to build a community health center and banning guns in schools as well as rental assistance for students from low-income households. Blacker is an information technology consultant who worked as a high school math teacher and technology director for a school. Although he is endorsed by the Benton County Republican Party, he has rejected the endorsement. His Voters Pamphlet statement says his goals will center on reducing class size and restoring full access to library and arts programs. Willer is a cattle farmer, real estate broker and photographer. Willer's Voters Pamphlet statement focuses on increasing local public school enrollments while decreasing private school enrollments and cites a loss of parent confidence in local schools. Blacker added his campaign was still a success, tapping into the frustration many people feel about Corvallis schools. That frustration may come up during a school district budget committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, he said. His candidacy brought a lot of issue to light, he added. "That sunshine has forced them to listen to us," he said. Editor's note: This article was edited to correct the spelling of Cirello's Pizza, Khalo Naser and Sami Al-Abdrabbuh. Related stories: Ukraine has approved a new ground-based drone, which fires thermobaric rounds, for combat use. It's now one of 80 uncrewed ground vehicles codified by the military to fight in the war. The Krampus is a tracked UGV meant to carry multiple RPV-16 launchers on rough terrain. Ukraine's defense ministry has officially approved what it described as a flamethrower robot for its military units. The Krampus, a locally invented uncrewed ground vehicle, now joins more than 80 other supported ground drone designs that Kyiv's forces can use, the ministry said in a statement Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry said the remotely piloted vehicle is equipped with RPV-16 rounds, which are rocket-propelled thermobaric rounds originally designed by Ukraine for infantry to fire from a portable launcher. Thermobaric rounds disperse a cloud of fuel into the air that is then ignited, creating a powerful blast. Built to "perform assault and defensive missions" against infantry and light armor, the Krampus is a tracked UGV that runs on two silent motors and can fit in the back of a pickup truck, the ministry added. The statement said its controls were jam-resistant and designed to withstand cold, heat, snow, and rain. It's also supposed to effectively cross off-road terrain such as thick forest, sand, swamps, and steep inclines. "The platform's battery capacity allows for several hours of continuous movement," the statement said. "Thanks to this, it can remain in position for extended periods in standby mode." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry didn't specify the drone's operational range or ammo capacity. Photos of the Krampus appear to show a tracked platform with a video camera that could fit four RPV-16 launchers. These launchers are typically single-use, so it's likely the Krampus can fire four times before having to be resupplied. Authorization by the defense ministry can be important for how widely a drone is used, since Ukrainian weapons manufacturing and innovation are dispersed across the country. As the war rages, various firms and military units work simultaneously on their own battlefield tech and often share them with one another. Official approval means Ukrainian forces can use their budgets to purchase the Krampus UGV. Their heavier frames offer more deployment options than a typical flying drone, such as carrying larger explosive payloads for attack missions, evacuating the wounded as a last resort, or clearing mines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These drones allow us to replace infantry soldiers on the battlefield," Oleksandr Chernyavskiy, an enlisted soldier who helps with fundraising in the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade's drone prototyping team, told Business Insider of UGVs like the Krampus. His own brigade has created a similar tracked UGV with mounted belt-fed machine guns that he says runs on an operational range of 20 kilometers, or about 12 miles. Typically, such assault UGVs fly in tandem with aerial drones that can help them scout for mines, traps, and targets, Chernyavskiy said. "It appeared to be quite effective in some kind of operations, like against well-equipped positions and traps," Chernyavskiy said of his brigade's weapons-mounted UGVs. "Usually, it's been used remotely without our infantry nearby." Ukraine has set a goal of fielding 15,000 UGVs on the battlefield by the end of the year. Read the original article on Business Insider SAN DIEGO (AP) One person was arrested following reports of a possible bomb threat on a Hawaiian Airlines flight set to take off from San Diego International Airport, leading to the evacuation of the plane, officials said. The Airbus A330 bound for Honolulu had just pushed back from the gate around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday when a flight attendant informed the flights captain that a passenger reported a possible bomb onboard, according to a statement from Port of San Diego Harbor police. The captain called police and SWAT officers, and the FBI responded to search the aircraft. Nothing suspicious was found, and there was no threat to travelers, the police statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 35-year-old man was arrested on charges of making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat, according to a news release from the Port of San Diego. The man allegedly told a flight attendant that the passenger next to him had a bomb. Hawaiian Airlines said in a statement that a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft and the captain alerted authorities as a precaution. All 293 people aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 were evacuated and transported by bus to a safe area. The plane was cleared by law enforcement and the passengers were able to reboard. It departed for Honolulu around 2:15 p.m., the airline later said. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the incident happened Tuesday, not Monday. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Areas along the Potomac River were hit hard by floods, from far Western Maryland to Northwest D.C. Cleanup efforts along the C&O Canal continued Tuesday as the region prepares for rain to move in Wednesday. While floodwaters have mostly receded, tons and tons of debris from upstream now sit along the shoreline at Fletchers Cove in Northwest. Massive logs, tree trunks, and twigs line the shore between the river and the canal. Tenants evacuated due to flooding dangers along C&O Canal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service (NPS) says several areas along the river, the canal and its towpath arent accessible due to debris, flooding, and washouts between D.C. and areas to the west. Some of the 184.5-mile parks bathrooms were submerged in the floods and need to be cleaned, too. The canal, its 184.5 miles. So that is a lot of miles to assess and repair. With any kind of flood, theres always phases, said Christiana Hanson, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers for C&O Canal National Historical Park. She said it could be weeks or even months before things are close to normal again throughout the park. I havent seen this area this bad, said Dave Judkins, walking along the towpath Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we crossed over to try and start on the towpath, like the whole thing was blocked off, a huge section of the trail was washed out, said Michael Judkins who said they saw damage up near Brookmont. The flooding and mess left behind have been bad for business at Fletchers Boathouse. On Tuesday, debris was blocking their parking lot, and conditions were still too treacherous for many kayakers and boaters. So many people kayak, walk, take their dogs and their families here. So any damage that occurs, you know, can interrupt a lot of peoples weekend plans. Of course, the most important thing is that people dont get hurt, said Michael Judkins. Lawmakers tour flooded Western Maryland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NPS is urging anyone planning to visit the canal or other areas along the river on Wednesday to take caution. It might be a good idea just to avoid the park during rainy days. The ground is already saturated. Its going to get even more wet. Theres a heightened risk of danger from trees falling, the ground moving. Its already been loosened up with the recent flood. So, if youre choosing to be in the park, be very careful and maybe try a different plan for the day, said Hanson. The NPS says visitors can stay up-to-date on current conditions and alerts by checking the parks social media pages and by visiting their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) A man has had his charge upgraded from attempted murder to murder after a body was found in the area where he was arrested. The Florence Police Department held a news conference Tuesday afternoon about Autumn Paige Strickland, a missing woman who was last seen on May 16. Strickland was reported missing on May 18. She was last seen in the area of North Court Street in Florence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain over the Criminal Investigation Division, Jason Fort, spoke at the news conference. He said that on Tuesday morning, a man, 28-year-old Logan Michael Rogers, was arrested on Northwood Avenue and charged with attempted murder in this investigation. Later Tuesday, FPD said human remains had been found in the area where Rogers was arrested. They have been sent to the forensics lab for identification. Based on this discovery, his charge has been upgraded to murder, FPD said in their release. Court documents said Strickland was intentionally hit by a vehicle twice before Rogers returned with a truck to pick the body up from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to those court records, the victims cell phone was later picked up in the exact location where the victim was hit. Jason Adams, the lead investigator, said in court today that Autumns body was discovered in a burned barrel on his property. The District Attorney Chris Connelly told News 19 that Rogers and Strickland were strangers. There is a video of her running down Wood Avenue and Rogers hitting Strickland with her own vehicle. He abandoned the vehicle near Helton. Connelly said Rogers got a ride to return to get his truck on Court Street, where he then returned to get her body. Connelly also told News 19 that they are assessing capital murder charges because he circled back to hit her again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers was denied bond Wednesday. Judge Motlow says this decision was made due to the brutality. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man on death row for the 1995 murder of three Cracker Barrel workers has died in prison. He was 55. Records from the Florida Department of Corrections showed that Brandy Jennings died in prison on Sunday. His cause of death was not released. Naples Daily News reported that Jennings and his accomplice Charles Jason Graves were each convicted of three counts of capital first-degree murder and one count of robbery in the killings of Jason Wiggins, Dorothy Siddle and Vicki Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida man shoots at 2 door-to-door solar panel salesmen, deputies say Court records showed that Jennings and Graves were both former Cracker Barrel employees and had two failed attempts to rob the restaurant. The news outlet reported that Jennings and Graves entered the Cracker Barrel off Interstate 75 in Naples on Nov. 15, 1995, stealing about $6,000 and killing Wiggins, Siddle and Smith, who were found in the freezer with their hands bound and their throats slit. Jennings and Graves were picked up by police in Las Vegas after Collier County investigators issued a nationwide bulletin. Graves and Jennings were convicted in separate trials in Pinellas County in 1996. (Photos from WBBH) Jennings received the death penalty and Graves was sentenced to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings execution warrant was never signed, according to WINK. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man was arrested after deputies said he shot at two solar panel salesmen on Monday afternoon. The Charlotte County Sheriffs Office said two men were going door-to-door on Boabadilla Lane in Port Charlotte, attempting to sell solar panel packages for their company. They knocked on a door and were greeted by a woman who was upset that they were there and told them to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they began to leave the property, deputies said the salesmen heard several gunshots and turned to see a man, later identified as 72-year-old William Williams, pointing a gun in their direction. Tampa detectives looking for 2 men involved in Ybor City fight Investigators said Williams then fired several more times toward the salesmen. No one was shot during the incident. The sheriffs office said the salesmen ran to a neighbors home and frantically pounded on the door, asking for help. The neighbor allowed the men into her backyard and called law enforcement officers. Deputies said they arrived and detained Williams, who the victims positively identified as the man who had shot at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor also told deputies that she had heard several gunshots just before the men pounded on her door. Once again we are called out to a neighborhood in which a firearm was discharged recklessly. Thankfully, nobody was hurt by this individuals actions, though I am sure the victims will not forget the fear they felt any time soon. This mans response to solicitors was absolutely uncalled for and could have been deadly. I pray that people can learn to regulate their emotions instead of jumping to violence so quickly. A search warrant was obtained for Williams home. Inside, detectives said they found multiple firearms and ammunition. They also said they found a spent shell casing on the ground as well as one unspent casing in the grass. Williams was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail 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 WFLA. A man in Florida has been arrested for shooting his neighbors cow five times after it wandered onto his property, police said. The incident happened in North Fort Myers in Florida on May 13 when members of the Lee County Sheriffs Office Agriculture Unit responded to a call from a ranch of Sharon Drive regarding reports of animal cruelty, according to a statement from the Lee County Sheriffs Office. MORE: Torture charges filed against 3 family members accused of abusing 6 children Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies were informed that a victim located his 2-year-old calf on the neighbor's property with five gunshot wounds to the guts, chest, and rear leg, police said. Due to the calf's injuries, a veterinarian determined the calf needed to be euthanized. The cow's owner stated the neighbor, 54-year-old Hung Trinh, had been angry in the past about livestock jumping the fence and threatened to shoot the animals, according to authorities. MORE: Baby spider monkey and 2 rattlesnakes discovered during California meth bust PHOTO: A man in Florida has been arrested for shooting his neighbors cow five times after it wandered onto his property, police said. (Facebook / Lee County Sheriff's Office) MORE: Over a ton of cocaine worth nearly half a billion dollars seized off Australian coast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives from the First Precinct ended up obtaining a search warrant and were able to locate the .22 caliber gun allegedly used in the shooting in a shed on Trinh's property. "There will be accountability for taking your frustrations out on innocent animals, in this case multiple felonies and jail time," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. "We know how much these animals mean to our farming community, and we will not tolerate these actions. I am proud of my Agriculture Unit for their immediate response and ability to make an arrest in this case." MORE: 3 climbers dead after falling off mountain while rappelling Trinh was charged with animal cruelty and grand theft of a commercial farm animal. The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing. Florida man shoots neighbor's cow 5 times after it wandered onto his property originally appeared on abcnews.go.com U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that Britain has suspended negotiations with Israel on a new free trade agreement and will be reviewing cooperation, a day after the U.K., France and Canada threatened to take concrete actions and impose sanctions on Israel over its policies on humanitarian aid in Gaza and settlement activity in the West Bank. Lammy, speaking to British lawmakers in the House of Commons on Tuesday, said the Netanyahu governments actions have made this necessary, describing the lack of humanitarian aid entering Gaza as intolerable and abominable. He said that Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the U.K., has been summoned to the U.K. Foreign Office, where Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer will tell her that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible and that dismissing concerns of friends and partners must stop. Lammy also announced that the British government will impose sanctions on three individuals and four entities with ties to settlements in the West Bank, which the U.K., France and Canada called illegal in their joint statement. Addressing the Israeli public, Lammy said that its governments egregious actions and rhetoric are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world, undermining the interests of the Israeli people and damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world. Israel announced this week that it would allow some humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip after an 11-week blockade intended to exert pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 58 hostages, and is working with the U.S. on a distribution mechanism that does not rely on the U.N. and will impede Hamas ability to intercept aid deliveries. The U.K. and other European countries have rejected these efforts and insist on the involvement of U.N. agencies. Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oren Marmorstein responded to Lammys speech on X, saying that, Even prior to todays announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government, and that if the British government is willing to harm the British economy over anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations that is its own prerogative. The U.K. and Israel traded roughly $7.7 billion worth of goods and services in 2024, according to a U.K. Department for Business and Trade fact sheet. Before Lammys speech, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to the joint statement from the three countries at the World Jewish Congress General Assembly in Jerusalem, where he said, I want to tell to every country, mainly those who had colonial pasts this [Israel] is a proud nation, an independent nation, fighting on its existence. We will not get any dictates from outside with regard to our national security. Marmorstein noted in his post that the British Mandate for Palestine ended exactly 77 years ago this month. Lammy has been critical of Israels handling of the humanitarian situation in Gaza throughout the war. He came under fire in December from Mandy Damari, the mother of the only British citizen who was then being held hostage in Gaza, Emily Damari, after he posted on social media condemning the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza without noting the ongoing hostage situation, just hours after attending an event where Mandy gave a speech about her daughters captivity. In Lammys post about Gazans needing more aid, Mandy said, there was no mention of the need to get any of that aid to Emily or the other hostages. Later Tuesday, the EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Brussels will review whether Israel is violating the human rights clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs the high-level political and economic ties between the sides. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp proposed the review with the backing of 17 of 27 EU members; however, a policy change would require unanimity within the bloc. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, Kaja told reporters outside an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels. The aid that Israel has allowed in is, of course, welcomed, but its a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed. The foreign ministers also voted on sanctioning violent settlers, but one country blocked them, Kaja said. That country was Hungary, Reuters reported, citing anonymous diplomats. Israels Foreign Ministry said that it completely reject[s] the direction taken in [Kallas] statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex realities Israel is facing. Ignoring that Hamas has refused to release the hostages and has rejected American ceasefire proposals only hardens Hamass position Hamass recent praise for such criticism is a clear indication of this and results in prolonging the war, the statement reads. The Foreign Ministry thanked the countries that supported Israel and called on the EU to exert pressure where it belongs on Hamas. The EU vote came a day after 23 countries, including most of the EU, plus Australia, Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, Norway and Japan, called on Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable U.N. agencies to distribute it. The EU countries that did not sign the letter were Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Romania and Slovakia. TAIPEI (AP) China has long sought to intimidate Taiwan with its massive navy, air force and the worlds largest standing army, but its mere dinghies that are now causing the most consternation. Taiwans coast guard has documented five cases totaling 38 Chinese citizens crossing the 160-kilometer (100-mile) wide Taiwan Strait separating the self-governing island democracy from the authoritarian Chinese mainland, according to the body's deputy director-general Hsieh Ching-chin. That includes at least one case posted to Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, in which a man speaking with a strong mainland Chinese accent is seen planting a Chinese flag on what he says is a Taiwanese beach. Scenes in the background appear to show a stretch of coastline south of the capital Taipei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be conquered by force if necessary. The man has not been found or publicly identified, and Taiwanese authorities are seeking to ascertain whether he received help from anyone on the island. Another case involved a father and son who were apprehended shortly after reaching land, along with a man who came ashore at a fishing port in a popular tourist area north of Taipei. The small size of the boats, some just inflatables for having fun at the beach, makes it difficult for Taiwan's radar to pick them up. More cameras and other detection devices and manpower would be needed to cover the vast spaces of inhospitable coastline surrounding the island, but the terrain would make a Chinese D-Day-type landing highly challenging. While such cases are not unheard of, they come amid a rise in tensions between the sides, with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te designating China as an enemy to be defended against, and China holding frequent military exercises seen as a rehearsal for an invasion or boycott of Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those entering Taiwan illegally are liable to a fine of 500,000 Taiwan dollars ($16,666) and five years in prison, but such penalties are usually waived as long as no one is hurt and there is no property damage. In the 1990s, there was a wave of hijackings by Chinese to Taiwan, but the perpetrators were sent home after serving brief prison terms in Taiwan. In addition to facing China's formidable military, Taiwan faces a range of so-called "gray area" strategies, including in the media and among entertainers hoping to grab a share of the massive Chinese market. Taiwan has also deported the Chinese wives of Taiwanese men for posting videos supporting a takeover of the island. The small boat landings may be a further attempt to confuse and undermine confidence among the public, Hsieh said. After three long years of negotiation members of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday. The treaty aims to make the world safer from future pandemics by encouraging better disease surveillance and sharing of vaccines and other medicines during major outbreaks. Despite fears to the contrary, it explicitly rules out any role for the WHO over individual states, with powers over issues such as travel restrictions, vaccine mandates and lockdowns remaining outside its remit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clause 22.2 says: Nothing in the WHO Pandemic Agreement shall be interpreted as providing the Secretariat of the World Health Organization, including the Director-General of the World Health Organization, any authority to direct, order, alter or otherwise prescribe the national and/or domestic law. It is only the second legally binding convention or agreement to be adopted in the WHOs history after the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of 2003, and it received overwhelming backing from member states. 124 countries voted in favour of the agreement late on Monday evening, while 11 abstained - FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images A formal vote was forced by Slovakias vaccine sceptic prime minister Robert Fico who last month stopped purchases of Covid-19 vaccines after a party colleague claimed they turn people into genetically modified organisms without their knowledge. Yet in the end, 124 countries voted in favour late on Monday evening, while 11, including Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia and Iran abstained. None voted against. The agreement was then formally adopted by the WHO at a plenary of the WHC on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, welcomed the accord as a victory for multilateralism and common sense. Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential, he said. I congratulate WHOs Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of Covid-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat. There is work to do ahead The agreement will not formally take force until an annex on pathogen sharing is negotiated, which could take another two years, after which states will still have to ratify the accord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also concern that the original ambition for the agreement has been diluted over time, with much of the wording signalling intent rather than firmly specifying action. Importantly, however, participating drug manufacturers must allocate a target of 20 per cent of their vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to the WHO during a pandemic. A minimum 10 per cent are free-of-charge donations, with the rest reserved at affordable prices, to be distributed to poorer nations who cannot afford them. Clause 9.5 of the agreement also encourages governments which use tax payers money to fund original scientific research on vaccines and other innovations to ensure that the institutions and companies which receive backing are legally obligated to share their technology during a health emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the original research the US government funded ahead of time on the spike protein of coronaviruses that enabled companies like Moderna to produce vaccines so quickly during the Covid-19 outbreak. Following three years of difficult negotiations, the agreement is seen by many as a victory for global cooperation at a time when multilateralism is under threat. In January President Donald Trump announced the US was leaving the WHO and just as with the tobacco treaty it will not be bound by the Pandemic Agreement as things stand. Yet there is a sense in which the treaty has united the organisations remaining members, with several countries including China sending huge delegations to this years gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some say the agreement is just symbolic but symbolism isnt trivial, said one senior observer in Geneva on Monday. Nina Schwalbe, the founder of global health think tank Spark Street Advisors, described the treaty as a landmark agreement that will make countries better prepared for the next pandemic. There is work to do ahead most urgently on pathogen access and benefit sharing but the road ahead is clear, she added. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Jacob Trieber Federal Building in Helena, Arkansas. (Library of Congress photo) Thomas David Carruth, a former Monroe County district judge and deputy prosecutor, was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for making false statements to the FBI. Carruth, 65, of Clarendon, was accused in 2022 of soliciting sex from the girlfriend of a defendant in his court. He had previously been admonished by the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission for unethical behavior over contact outside the courtroom with defendants appearing before him. The contact included allegations of soliciting sex from defendants, according to court documents. T. David Carruth, former Monroe County district judge A federal grand jury indicted Carruth in January 2023 on three counts each of honest services wire fraud and interstate bribery and one count each of lying to the FBI and federal program bribery. A ninth count was dismissed ahead of his trial last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a two-day trial in a federal court in Helena, a jury of six men and six women convicted Carruth on Aug. 30, 2024, only of making false statements to the FBI. In a sentencing memorandum filed in April, federal prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall Jr. to upgrade the sentencing guidelines applicable to the crime from a maximum of six months to a maximum of 18 months in prison with a year of supervised release. The memo cited Carruths decades of abuse of authority, his ardent refusal to accept an ounce of responsibility for his misconduct, and his abhorrent behavior during trial as reasons for a harsher sentence. In the memo, Assistant U.S. attorneys Madison Mumma and Nicholas Cannon from the U.S. Department of Justices Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Peters with the Eastern District of Arkansas wrote that throughout his career, Carruth has repeatedly abused [his positions of authority] for his own sexual gratification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An FBI search of Carruths electronic devices found surreptitiously-taken video of his nude stepdaughter and sexually graphic email exchanges with a court employee, according to the document. The memo also contains as exhibits the JDDCs 2018 admonishment and a Feb. 11, 2025, letter to the court from Emily Abbott, executive director of the judicial disciplinary body. Before Mr. Carruth left the judiciary, I considered him to be one of the top five threats to the integrity of the Arkansas state-level judiciary, Abbott wrote. She said his conviction was a great relief because it means he can no longer serve as a judge in Arkansas, but his inability to return to the judiciary or continue to practice law is not an adequate punishment for misrepresentations to the FBI. He is a predatory liar and has been for quite some time. My hope is that his sentence will match the magnitude of his actions, Abbott wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Jeffrey Rosenzweig of Little Rock argued in separate memos that Carruths underlying conduct should not be considered in his sentencing and for probation. In a court document, Marshall accepted the governments position that Carruths behavior should be taken into consideration, and on Monday sentenced the former judge to 24 months with no required supervised release. He also allowed Carruth to remain free on bond and self-report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on Aug. 22. ATLANTA (AP) Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms says her single term as Atlanta mayor gave her battle-tested executive leadership that she can offer to Georgia voters as she runs for governor. Bottoms, 55, officially launched her campaign Tuesday, becoming the second well-known Democrat to jump into the 2026 race. State Sen. Jason Esteves of Atlanta announced his campaign in April. As we are facing the uncertainty and the anxiety thats being created in Washington right now, Im running to be a fighter for Georgia," Bottoms told The Associated Press on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be able to fight and deliver for our communities, whether its from expanding Medicaid, to delivering for our small businesses, to making sure that people have a pathway to vocational and career training or college, she said. Bottoms and Esteves hope to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who can't run again at the end of his second term. On the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr kicked off his campaign in December, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is expected to announce that he's running sometime this summer. Among other Democrats, former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has expressed interest, and two-time candidate Stacey Abrams could choose to run again. Also running as a Democrat is the Rev. Olujimi Olu Brown, a Methodist minister. A lawyer and former magistrate judge, Bottoms won election to the Atlanta City Council in 2009 and was reelected in 2013 before outgoing Mayor Kasim Reed endorsed her as his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottoms narrowly was elected and served one term that was defined by the pandemic. Every Atlanta mayor since World War II had sought a second term before the day in 2021 when Bottoms shocked Georgia's political establishment by saying she would not. But she says that didn't reflect a lack of desire for public service. Not having the energy to do the job, that was not the case. In fact, I ran through the tape, Bottoms said, arguing she continued to accomplish things until the end of her term. As an early supporter of former President Joe Biden, Bottoms was among those considered to be his vice president. After stepping down as mayor, she joined the Biden administration as director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Bottoms said she's not worried about being associated with an unpopular Biden. She also said she thinks her record on crime and public safety is a positive one, even though her administration struggled with the same COVID-19 era rise in murders as did other cities nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As mayor I gave our police and firefighters a historic pay raise. I actually supported the building of the public safety (training) center in Atlanta thats servicing people across the region, Bottoms said. So I have a very strong record when it comes to public safety. Proponents say the $118 million project, now complete, was sorely needed to replace outdated facilities. One early night of Atlanta protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020 ended with the burning of a police car and broken windows downtown that were broadcast worldwide. Bottoms won national praise that night for ordering protesters to go home as she stood alongside Atlanta hip-hop stars Killer Mike and T.I. But weeks after Floyds death, Rayshard Brooks, a Black man, was killed by an Atlanta police officer after a struggle following a field sobriety test. Atlantas police chief resigned hours later. After two officers were charged, Atlanta police officers called in sick in waves. Later, protesters burned down the Wendy's where Brooks died and an 8-year-old girl, Secoriea Turner, was killed when the car she was riding in was shot at near the restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The turmoil led then-President Donald Trump and Kemp to repeatedly attack Bottoms' leadership. But Bottoms is betting that it's Trump that Democratic voters will view as the chaos agent. My record has been one of providing steady leadership during chaotic times," Bottoms said. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) formally launched her campaign for Georgia governor on Tuesday, becoming the most high-profile figure to jump into the Democratic primary. In a launch video titled For Georgia, Bottoms pays tribute to her grandmother teaching her and her family to always stand up to bullies. The former mayor goes on the offensive against President Trump, calling him a disaster. Bottoms also slams Trumps senior adviser Elon Musk without naming him, saying Trump gave an elected billionaire the power to cut Medicare and Social Security. Bottoms is vowing to make expanding Medicaid my top priority and to eliminate state income taxes for teachers. She has also touted her record as Atlanta mayor giving police officers and firefighters pay raises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also jabs at Trump for firing her from her post on the Presidents Export Council at the start of his second administration, noting that she had already resigned from the post. Bottoms, who served as Atlanta mayor for three years under the Trump administration, noted in an interview with The Hill that the 2024 election was a turning point for her. While I didnt vote for him, I certainly hoped that this term would be different and unfortunately in many ways, its been worse, Bottoms said. Her candidacy comes as Democrats look to rebuild following their widespread losses in 2024. When asked what Democrats can do differently going into the 2026 midterms, Bottoms said the party needs to listen to people and believe them when they tell us what they care about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People care about reproductive freedom, but if they cant put food on the table, its often difficult for them to get to other issues, she said. People care about the economy. They care about being able to afford to pay their rent and to buy a home. They care about their retirement fund. Bottoms served as Atlanta mayor from 2018 to 2022 and was among President Bidens choices to serve as his vice presidential pick in 2020. In 2022, Bottoms began serving as a senior adviser to Biden and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. The former mayor confirmed last month that she was positioning herself to run for governor. She joins Georgia state Sen. Jason Esteves (D) and pastor Olu Brown in the Democratic primary. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) announced in March she would be pausing her exploratory bid for the role, citing her husbands cancer battle. On the Republican side Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has jumped in the partys primary, while Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R ), and Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger have been floated as potential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Bottoms were to win the governors race, she would become the first Democrat to hold the governors mansion since 2003. She could also potentially become the first Black women to serve as a states governor. Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R ) is the GOP nominee for governor in that states 2025 elections. Georgias current Gov. Brian Kemps (R ) term ends as the state has become a pivotal battleground up and down the ballot. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the states governor and Senate races as toss-ups. Biden famously flipped the state in the 2020 presidential election, however Trump flipped it back last November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (AP) A military veteran whose Capitol riot case was erased by a presidential proclamation was convicted Tuesday of charges that he illegally possessed guns and ammunition in his van when he was arrested near President Barack Obamas home in the nation's capital. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols also convicted Taylor Taranto of recording himself making a hoax threat to bomb a government building in Maryland. The judge decided the case without a jury after a bench trial that started last week in Washington, D.C. Taranto was arrested in Obamas neighborhood on the same day in June 2023 that Trump posted on social media what he claimed was the former presidents address. Investigators said they found two guns, roughly 500 rounds of ammunition and a machete in Tarantos van. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taranto was livestreaming video on YouTube in which he said he was looking for entrance points to underground tunnels and wanted to get a good angle on a shot, according to prosecutors. He reposted Trumps message about Obamas home address and wrote: We got these losers surrounded! See you in hell, Podestas and Obamas. He was referring to John Podesta, who chaired Hillary Clintons 2016 Democratic presidential campaign. Taranto wasn't charged with threatening Obama or Podesta. But the judge convicted him of making a hoax bomb threat directed at the Gaithersburg, Maryland-based National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Tarantos lawyers said he didnt have any bomb-making material and wasnt near the institute when he made those statements on a livestreamed video. During the trials opening statements, defense attorney Pleasant Brodnax said the video shows Taranto was merely joking in an avant-garde manner. He believes he is a journalist and, to some extent, a comedian, Broadnax said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the judge concluded that a reasonable, objective observer might have believed Taranto's statements on the video. While some viewers may have thought his words were of a "madcap nature," others could have interpreted them as coming from an unbalanced narrator willing to follow through on outlandish claims, Nichols said. Nichols, who was nominated by Trump, didnt immediately schedule a sentencing hearing for Taranto. He has been jailed for nearly two years since his arrest because a judge concluded that he poses a danger to the public. After reading his verdict from the bench, the judge said he would entertain a request by defense attorney Carmen Hernandez to release Taranto from custody until his sentencing. Nichols said he intends to rule on that request later this week. Taranto, a Navy veteran from Pasco, Washington, is one of only a few people charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol who remained jailed after President Donald Trump 's sweeping act on clemency in January. Trump pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or ordered the dismissal of charges for all of the more than 1,500 people charged with crimes in the riot. Before Trumps pardons, Taranto also was charged with four misdemeanors related to the Jan. 6 attack. Prosecutors said he joined the crush of rioters who breached the building. He was captured on video at the entrance of the Speakers Lobby around the time that a rioter, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by an officer while she tried to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door. ALCOA, Tenn. (WATE) A man in Alcoa is on his way to becoming a homeowner thanks to the Blount County Habitat for Humanity. Mathiang Gutnyin has worked at Clayton Homes for more than a decade, and while volunteering for Habitat through the company, he learned he could apply for a Habitat home. This is the only way I can afford to purchase a home for my family, he explained. He is looking forward to having a home where his family can all live together. Habitat shared that he currently lives in a two-bedroom apartment with his oldest son while his wife and two younger children, who are US citizens, remain in Uganda until she can finish her visa paperwork to live in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remembering David Hodson: Knoxville veteran who led 150 Marines to Iraq and back dies at 76 Gutnyin is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, a group of boys displaced or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War. He fled in 1987 to escape the war and was naturalized as an American citizen in 2008. Im feeling great today because this is very important. I will soon have a home. I am in a program for Habitat for Humanity, and knowing that in a few months I will be a homeowner is exciting, said Gutnyin. He is in a 10-month program through Habitat, where they are working to set him up for success once his home is complete. The program includes classes to prepare people for home ownership and volunteer work. Gutnyin told 6 News that volunteering is helping him prepare to fix things around his future home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its amazing knowing that one of the things that we do here is you work on your home, and also at the same time, you work on another home for a different person. So knowing that you are also helping one of the homeowners that is going to come along, its a great feeling, said Gutnyin. More homes on the market could drive down prices in East Tennessee Around 300 Clayton employees volunteered over 1,200 hours for Habitat in the neighborhood where Gutnyins home will be built. His home is also one of the houses sponsored by Clayton Homes. Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Clayton Homes employees volunteering at a Blount County Habitat for Humanity build (WATE) Mathiang Gutnyin, 43 (WATE) So for them to be part of my life journey in my process, to own a home and partner with me to sponsor my home is a great feeling, and Im grateful for that, said Gutnyin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hard business South Knoxville restaurant to close after 8 years To get the chance to volunteer and come out and really just that hands-on work, whether its putting down some subfloor, putting up framing, or painting, and thats what gets really meaningful. And it starts to stick like, this is going to be somebodys house, said Ted Rutland, social responsibility program manager for Clayton Homes. Habitat builds homes for families who would not otherwise be able to afford to become homeowners. In Blount County, it costs over $190,000 to build one Habitat house. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz will soon begin a new role in his lengthy public service career as executive director of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. JRA board members Chairman Mark Pasquerilla, Vice Chairman Richard Truscello, Bruce Haselrig and Sherri Rae approved hiring Critz for the position during a regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Laura Huchel was absent from the meeting and vote as she was busy campaigning in her race for Johnstown mayor on Election Day. When I saw this come up, I thought, 'You know, Im getting up in years, and this is a place where I can finish my career and do something really strong for my hometown,' said Critz, 63. Sometimes things you want to call it providence or whatever this happened. And I thought, Mark, this is for you. Get in there and do what you can for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critz currently works as the western regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and executive director of the states Rural Development Council. He is scheduled to begin as JRAs director June 30. I have a lot of obligations at the state for my bosses that Im intertwined and entangled in that we have to unwind over the next six weeks or so, Critz said. Critz was selected to succeed former Executive Director Melissa Komar, who resigned effective April 4 to take a job in the private sector. I think hes really qualified, Pasquerilla said. Besides being a congressman himself, he was (the late U.S. Rep. John) Murthas district director, which is a pretty big deal. His work for the state has been, I think, stellar. He has a lot of contacts in the state, so he kind of has that two lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think hes going to be a good addition. We had a great director with Melissa Komar, but I think hes fit for this job. Hes a Moxham resident and he wants to make a difference here in Johnstown. Im very pleased about it. Along with Critz's hiring, the board promoted Finance Director Cheryl Labosky to the position of deputy executive director/finance director. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Mark Critz in the next chapter of the authority, said Labosky, who has been with the JRA for 11 years. I appreciate the continued support of our partners and stakeholders as we move forward together. I look forward to working with Mark and our dedicated team. Together, Critz, Labosky and other JRA members will continue ongoing efforts on numerous projects, including the regional sewer system and land bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few of the major initiatives were updated during Tuesday's meeting. The board approved awarding a $1,271,070.24 contract to A. Liberoni Co. for the construction of a connector road for the Johnstown Urban Industrial Park that will be located in the Minersville neighborhood. The authority also voted to accept a $200,000 state grant for environmental cleanup at the former Cambria-Rowe Business College building, located at 221 Central Ave. in Moxham. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The person who died in Mondays crash on Spur 601 has been identified as a Fort Bliss soldier, the 1st Armored Division confirmed on Tuesday, May 20. Person dies after crash on Spur 601 in El Paso Fort Bliss says the person who died in the crash has been identified as Spc. Austin Rhodes, 24, a Patriot fire control operator assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Bliss sent out a statement on Tuesday morning, which said the following: Fort Bliss confirms that during the early morning hours on May 19, 2025, Spc. Austin Rhodes, 24, a Patriot fire control operator assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, was killed during a single-vehicle accident near mile marker 25 on Texas State Highway Spur 601. Fort Bliss expresses their deepest condolences to the soldiers family. This incident is under investigation by local law enforcement. As we have previously reported, a person died after a crash on Spur 601 early Monday morning, May 19, El Paso Police said. Police say the call came in at around 1:30 a.m. Monday at Spur 601. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spur 601 was closed near Airport Road and Global Reach for nearly 12 hours, but has since reopened. Police have not identified the victim or provided any other details about the crash. No further information has 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 KTSM 9 News. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Four additional suspects who police believe were involved in the deadly Juneteenth celebration shooting in 2024 have been arrested, according to the Round Rock Police Department Monday. The incident, which occurred at Old Settlers Park during the citys annual celebration on June 15 in Round Rock, resulted in two deaths and 14 injuries. According to police, Terrell Hatch, 18; Payton Green, 20; Terren Jackson, 18; and Amarjai Terry, 17, were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Terrell Hatch, 18 (Courtesy Photo: Williamson County Jail) Payton Green, 20 (Courtesy Photo: Williamson County Jail) Terren Jackson,18 (Courtesy Photo: Williamson County Jail) Amarjai Terry, 17 (Courtesy Photo: Williamson County Jail) All suspects are currently being held at the Williamson County Jail and face charges of engaging in criminal activity with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, a first-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Round Rock Police said the recent arrests are in addition to the individuals who were previously taken into custody in connection with the Juneteenth shooting. RRPD thanked additional law enforcement entities who helped with this investigation. We thank the Williamson County District Attorneys Office and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for their continued support and partnership in this investigation, the department said in a statement posted on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego County law enforcement announced on Tuesday an arrest in connection with the shooting death of a man in September 2024. The San Diego County Sheriffs Office said a fourth suspect, 33-year-old Pierre Martel Terry, was arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Darron Willie Singleton Jr. The agency said that Terry was charged at the end of January this year and was located at Centinela State Prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has since been taken to the San Diego Central Jail on charges of conspiracy to commit murder tied to the Lemon Grove shooting. Hawaiian Airlines plane evacuated after alleged bomb threat at San Diego airport In January this year, three suspects were detained in connection with the shooting. The shooting happened late at night on September 18, with Singleton Jr. found dead with several gunshot wounds. The sheriffs office continues to ask that anyone with information about the case call 858-285-6330 or 858-868-3200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUNCOMBE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Buncombe Co. deputies arrested two people, for what was originally a fraud investigation, in connection to two shootings. The Buncombe County Sheriffs Office said detectives began investigating a case involving stolen credit cards in the Arden area, on May 13. A suspect was identified as Darius Holloway, and deputies discovered that two other suspects were involved with Holloway, Kimberly Williams and Luis Arce. Detectives believed that Williams and Arce were conspiring with Holloway, and had used the stolen credit cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search warrant was issued on Williams home on May 15, and detectives were able to locate evidence relating to the stolen credit cards, deputies said. Detectives were notified of a second location, where more evidence was seized. Detectives had identified Holloway and Delany Jo Spradlin in regards to two previous shootings, that occurred on April 21 and May 10, in the Candler area. No one was hurt in the shootings, deputies said. Deputies arrested the following: Kimberly Williams, charged with felony conspiracy, credit card fraud, and possession of stolen property. Luis Daniel Arce, charged with felony conspiracy, credit card fraud, and possession of stolen property. Delany Jo Spradlin, charged with two counts of felony conspiracy, aid and abet arson, aid and abet discharge firearm into an occupied dwelling, and aid and abet assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Darius Deandre Lee Holloway, charged with three counts of felony conspiracy, arson, discharge firearm into occupied dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of stolen goods, and felony larceny. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Breakspot, funded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has returned for Summer 2025 in Bay County. Children will be able to get two free meals a day, Mondays through Fridays. We have four main school sites that will be serving here at Hiland Park Elementary School, Lynn Haven Elementary School, Tyndall Academy and Patronis Elementary School. We have two other schools that will be participating, Margaret K. Lewis and St. Andrews School. Those will be open June 2, BDS Director of Food Services Jennifer Lethem-Walters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children must be 18 years or younger to receive meals. Doesnt matter if youre registered to Bay District schools or not, you just come and well feed you under the age of 18. All meals must be consumed on site. You cannot take meals off of any campus or any community organization. Adults can bring them in, but adults cannot eat, Lethem-Walters added. Breakspot runs from June 2 through August 5. Both meals meet nutritional needs. We are required for breakfast to serve three items it would be a grain, milk, and a fruit or vegetable. So they have to take all three, and then for lunch its five items. So it would be a grain, a meat, meat alternate, two fruits and or vegetables and a milk, Lethem-Walters continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program certainly fills a crucial need here in Bay County. Right now, out of our 32 schools, all but four of them are what we call community eligibility provision, meaning that there are 100% free schools. So every child at that school is eligible to eat a free breakfast and free lunch. So we just know from the data and the statistics that kids in those areas meet the qualification for free meals, Lethem-Walters said. For more on eligibility requirements and to find the break-spot location near you, 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. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to talk about how we can better equip ourselves to help when a friend, loved one, co-worker, stranger or child appears to need support. We can learn how to be effective "first responders" with the help of what's called "Mental Health First Aid." The training is being offered for free by the Fred & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County. Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program that teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge may be in its earliest stages, explains Courtney Marx, director of the program. Courtney Marx is director of Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County's innovative 'Mental Health First Aid' training program. Those who attend the programs two sessions, which are held on back-to-back days and last around three hours, will learn how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, Marx said. Theyll also be taught how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness annually, and 1 in 6 youths (ages 6 to 17) in this country experience a mental health disorder each year. Alpert Jewish Family Service devised separate programs that address how to handle a mental issue in both an adult and in a child. Adult mental health first aid training These sessions the next two of which are Wednesday and Thursday, May 21-22, at 9 a.m. at Alpert Jewish Family Service offices in West Palm Beach focus on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and demeanor that indicate there might be a mental health challenge in the offing. Because so many adults with mental health challenges often attempt to self-medicate and thus develop alcohol and/or other substance abuse conditions, attendees will be taught how to handle these situations. Theyll also be taught how to implement an action plan that they can apply to both crisis and non-crisis situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action plan goes by the acronym ALGEE, which stands for the following: A: Assess for risk of suicide or self-harm. (According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023 the highest number ever in the U.S.) L: Listen non-judgmentally. G: Give reassurance and more information about how to receive help. E: Encourage the person to seek out and receive professional help. E: Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Youth mental health first aid training A training session in 2019 for Palm Beach County School District employees on mental health first aid. A course in Mental Health First Aid wll be available free to the public by Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County in May and June 2025. In todays digital age in which teenage suicide and depression are on the rise, its more important than ever to be able to help a young person in crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archives of General Psychiatry reports that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by a persons early to mid-20s." Those who learn youth mental health first aid aren't asked to diagnose or fix the problem. Instead, those who attend the training (the next sessions will be on June 11-12 at 9 a.m.) learn how to recognize the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in adolescents and teens, including how theyre often affected by anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), trauma, and the impact of social media and bullying. They also learn how to connect people with help. Conversation starters about mental health If youre concerned about someones mental health, Marx recommended the following conversation starters that might help the person know that theyre not alone: Are you okay?: You should ask the question and really mean it. Marx said that you can show youre truly concerned by sitting alongside the person, keeping an open body position and maintaining comfortable eye contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you thinking about suicide?: If you are concerned that someone is considering suicide, Marx said you should ask the question directly. She said that if someone has been considering taking their own life or making a plan to do so, asking the question directly will not increase the risk that theyll actually complete the suicide. Ive noticed that ...: Start with an open-ended statement about some behavior that has changed in the person. For example, Ive noticed that youve been showing up late to work recently. Then express genuine concern about what is going on in the persons life. Hey, do you want to take a walk?: Marx said that engaging someone youre concerned about in a healthy activity like walking can be an effective way to start a conversation about mental health. This physical activity can help decrease the potential nerves, discomfort and awkwardness that sometimes happen when broaching the topic of mental health. The bottom line, says Marx, is that its good to be prepared to help those in your orbit if theyre facing a mental health issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as you take CPR training in case a medical emergency requires immediate action, taking mental health first aid training means you can really help a person who needs it and it just may save their life, says Marx. If You Go What: Free mental health first aid training When: 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 Where: Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County, 5841 Corporate Way, Room 104, West Palm Beach Info: Registration for the program is required. Call 561-713-1851 or visit www.alpertjfs.org/MHFA/. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mental health first aid can help you help friends and family in crisis After recently deciding to ditch most Lynx bus routes over cost and ridership, Seminole commissioners Tuesday voted unanimously to hire microtransit service FreeBee to shuttle riders around the county but the move raises the prospect that passengers may be asked to pay more than they have under the existing bus service. County leaders hailed the decision as a big day in Seminole history with one commissioner calling the door-to-door service such a big turning point for mass transit in Central Florida. I think this is a great first step, Commission Chair Jay Zembower said. But this is not a government-funded replacement for your Uber or Lyft rides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was never our intention to compete with the private sector. But the model is broken when it comes to mass transportation using buses. County officials anticipate FreeBee to be fully operating by Jan. 1, but many details must be worked out before the on-demand service hits Seminole roads. Those include fares, annual cost to the county and how far residents will be able to travel in a FreeBee electric van. It would not be offered in the countys eastern rural area where Lynx doesnt provide service. The cost to the county for FreeBee service would depend on how many vehicles are used. For 35 vans it would cost nearly $4.9 million the first year with a $100,000 start-up cost. For 55 the cost jumps to nearly $7.8 million annually. FreeBee proposed fares of up to $4 per passenger and $1 more for each additional rider per trip. By comparison, most single-ride fares on Lynx are $2. Discounts would be available for FreeBee passengers younger than 18, older than 65 and those with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pointing out that FreeBee fares could end up more expensive than Lynx, Commissioner Lee Constantine said he didnt want it becoming unaffordable to residents whove long relied on the Orlando-based Lynx. I want to make sure that folks who have no other choice other than Lynx are going to be put in the same position as they are with Lynx financially, Constantine said. Heres how FreeBee service would work: A Sanford resident wanting to go to the Altamonte Mall, for example, would request by app or phone call a FreeBee van that seats six to pick them up at their home. The van would drive them to the Sanford SunRail station to catch a train to the Altamonte station, where a FreeBee vehicle would take them to the mall. The customer would likely end up paying fares for the first van, the train and the second van but those specifics need to negotiated. If a Seminole rider wants a trip to downtown Orlando or Winter Park, FreeBee would take them to the nearest SunRail station. On any trip, vans could make stops to pick up other riders along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami-based FreeBee has operated in Kissimmee since March 2023, when city commissioners decided to replace the fixed-route Lynx Circulator buses with point-to-point service that shuttles riders to businesses, employers and the SunRail station. Data shows that in its first month there FreeBee had 394 passengers, but in January it had 2,186 riders a more than fivefold increase from its inception. In Kissimmee, the FreeBee service is free to passengers. City spokeswoman Alibeth Suarez said by email that because of its success, the service was expanded in April 2024 to include commercial areas west of John Young Parkway. Lynx is not leaving Seminole entirely. The county agreed to continue its most heavily-used routes near the Orange County border including along portions of State Road 436, and U.S. highways 441 and 17-92. Lynx also will continue its paratransit service for low-income and elderly riders along with those who have physical or mental disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seminole commissioners have long criticized Lynx as inefficient and not worth the $17 million cost for this year. They said they often see the 40-foot-long Lynx buses with few or no passengers. County projections last month estimated the number of Lynx riders in Seminole at between 3,500 and 4,200 on weekdays. But Lynx officials said their 2024 data showed an average weekday ridership of 6,644. Lynx has charged Seminole based on number of routes and frequency of service the county requests. An 18-year-old motorist police say was seen engaging in a street race on a Southern California freeway was arrested after failing to pull over and leading officers on a high-speed pursuit Monday night. The officers saw the race on the 118 Freeway while conducting traffic enforcement near a known car meet-up location around 10:15 p.m., the Simi Valley Police Department stated in a news release. The pursuit began when an officer tried to stop one of the racing vehicles near Rocky Peak Road, but the driver accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point during the chase, the suspect collided with an uninvolved vehicle in the area of Osborne Street and San Fernando Road in the city of Los Angeles, but continued driving. The crash resulted in only minor damage to the other vehicle, with no injuries reported, police said. The Los Angeles Police Department then assisted with aerial support before the pursuit finally ended when the suspect voluntarily surrendered near West Burbank Boulevard, just off the 5 Freeway. The driver was later identified as 18-year-old Travis Sehler, a resident of Simi Valley. Sehler was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony evading a peace officer, hit-and-run and engaging in a speed contest. His vehicle was also impounded for 30 days. 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. By Andreas Rinke, Sarah Marsh and Kate Abnett BERLIN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The leaders of France and Germany have called on the European Union to scrap its new supply chain audit law, worried that it could hurt the bloc's ability to compete economically with the U.S. and China. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday the law, which requires larger companies in the bloc to check if their supply chains use forced labour or cause environmental damage, should be taken "off the table". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments came 10 days after Germany's Friedrich Merz called for the law to be scrapped during his first visit as chancellor to Brussels. European bureaucracy has come increasingly under fire as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration sets about fulfilling his campaign promise of deregulation. "Clearly we are very aligned now with Chancellor Merz and some other colleagues to go much faster, and (the supply chain law) and some other regulations have not just to be postponed for one year, but put out of the table," Macron told business executives gathered for an investment summit in Versailles. Under pressure from France, which circulated a proposal in January to slow down the implementation of green regulations and indefinitely delay the CSDDD, the EU Commission had already proposed cuts to the law to reduce red tape for European businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But before France and Germany's interventions, a full repeal was not on the table, EU diplomats said. In current form, the CSDDD would start imposing obligations from 2027 on companies to find and fix human rights and environmental issues in their supply chains. EU countries are negotiating the proposed changes to the policy, and had hoped to strike a deal in coming months. The elections in February in Europe's largest economy however, bringing to power in Germany economic liberal Merz, has shifted the tone of the discourse. Merz, the author of 2008 book "Dare more capitalism" who spent years working in the private sector, has called for reduced bureaucracy in Germany and in the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remained unclear if this was the German government's position, given differences within the coalition between Merz's conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats. The SPD co-leader has pointed to the two parties' coalition treaty, which calls for eliminating the German supply chain audit law but keeping a reformed EU one. "Just because the French President expresses his opinion doesn't mean that the SPD changes its position," said SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch on Tuesday. "We see the need for supply chains to be legally regulated at the European level." (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Sarah Marsh in Berlin; Kate Abnett in Brussels; Additional Reporting by Michel Rose and Richard Lough in Paris; Editing by David Gregorio) By Jody Godoy (Reuters) -Two Democrats on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission who were fired by President Donald Trump in March will urge a federal judge in Washington to declare the move illegal on Tuesday, in the latest showdown over the limits of presidential power. Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter seek an order declaring their terminations unlawful and allowing them to resume their work at the agency, which enforces consumer protection and antitrust law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is one of several testing a 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent that shields independent agencies from direct White House control. A ruling overturning it could reverberate far and wide, shaking the independence of agencies that regulate road safety, stock markets, telecommunications and monetary policy. Bedoya and Slaughter say their terminations on March 18 openly defied a law allowing the president to fire FTC commissioners only for good cause, such as neglecting their duties. The Supreme Court upheld that law in the 1935 case Humphrey's Executor v. U.S., after the last time a U.S. president attempted to fire an FTC commissioner over a policy disagreement. Congress has the power to create agencies that serve legislative or judicial functions, and allowing the president to control those agencies violates the separation of powers, the Supreme Court ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has argued Humphrey's Executor does not apply to the current FTC, which gained the authority to sue in federal court to block mergers and seek financial penalties after the case was decided. As it now exists, the FTC should be considered part of the executive branch controlled by the president, not Congress, the administration has said. Multiple courts have considered that argument and rejected it, saying the Supreme Court settled the matter, Slaughter and Bedoya said. The FTC, currently led by three Republicans, is structured so that no more than three of its five commissioners come from the same party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is playing out at the same time as similar challenges by members of the Merit Systems Protection Board and National Labor Relations Board who were fired by Trump. The Supreme Court could rule at any time on whether the Trump administration must reinstate the NLRB and MSPB members, while this case is being reviewed. (Reporting by Jody Godoy; Editing by Aurora Ellis) PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) The Fulton County Coroner released the name of a woman who was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lewiston on Monday. Melissa Phelps, 42, of Havana, was pronounced dead after the vehicle she was driving collided with a commercial vehicle on U.S. Route 136 near Bottom Lane in Lewistown, said Coroner Austin Rhodes. The Illinois State Police were called at 12:03 p.m. May 19, to where Route 136 intersects with Illinois Route 78 just west of Havana in Fulton County, an ISP spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy showed Phelps died of multiple blunt force trauma caused by the collision, she was pronounced dead on the scene, Rhodes said. The crash is still under investigation, and no further information is available, he said. No cause of the crash was given, and the incident is still under investigation. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) Thursday, Austin city council will decide whether it wants to commit funding to design and build roadway elements for park decks over the Texas Department of Transportations (TxDOT) I-35 expansion project near downtown. For Austin to build out all of the highway covers it wants, called caps and stitches, city staff said it would cost more than $1.4 billion. Austin city council only has to commit funding for the early construction elements for now, but that alone could still cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Artist rendering of a cap over I-35 between Cesar Chavez and 4th Street looking north (Photo: Austins Cap and Stitch Project vision plan) Thursday, we are going to decide whether or not we have the opportunity to bridge our communitys east and west, to cover a highway for more than half of the area between Cesar Chavez and the Red Line or if that opportunity disappears altogether, Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter said. The search for new funding options The city of Austin only has so much money it can borrow. City staff have said that, assuming there is no change in state law, the city should not exceed $750 million in additional bond debt between caps and stitches and anything the city opts to put into its 2026 comprehensive bond package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why, in a final scramble to fund the park decks without taking away from other city services, a group of council members are combing through possible funding options that would not take away from the citys borrowing power for that bond package. Austin City Council Members Alter, Zo Qadri, Chito Vela, Natasha Harper-Madison and Jose Velasquez are the coalition of members pushing for the building of those highway spaces. Some asked staff to look at alternate funding options, including looping a cap into the convention center project, using increased temporary right-of-way fees and pulling from eligible transportation bonds, among other alternate funding sources. Yes, and approach: Council members combing through alternate funding options for I-35 covers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at a car rental tax, which is something that allows for us to spend on a project like the caps, but once again couldnt be used to spend on homelessness or parks, Alter previously added. City staff responded to that request in a memo over the weekend. In some cases, staff said those funding sources could or should not be used for cap and stitch, other avenues would require further research or voter approval and others could face legal risks. The memo was mixed, some of the ideas we brought forward they said yes, this makes a lot of sense, you could do this with very little risk. Others, they flagged potential issues that we need to address, Alter said Monday. But the memo flagged more issues than it did a path forward for the alternate funding proposal and did little to quell the concerns of council members questioning the projects price tag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately for their proposal, the chief financial officer of the city has issued a memo basically saying none of those funding streams are viable for this project, Siegel said. A slimmer plan Earlier this month, city staff released an updated cap and stitch recommendation which is significantly less expansive than the citys original vision plan. One chance: Neighbor coalition pushes for city to fund its portion of Austins I-35 Cap and Stitch While the vision plan placed highway covers with parks and community spaces over the highway in a handful of locations, city staff are now recommending only funding the roadway elements for a cap spanning from Cesar Chavez to Fourth Street and another project from 11th to 12th. An update cap and stitch staff recommendation (courtesy city of Austin) Siegel said Monday, hes much more likely to support that recommendation when council goes to vote this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, this is an issue about prioritization, not whether its a good idea. Instead of building a roof for the freeway, I would like to build houses to put roofs over peoples heads, Siegel said. Hes among a subquorum of council members the others being Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes and council members Paige Ellis, Krista Laine and Marc Duchen that is looking to fund just the initial construction of those staff-recommended caps for now (not including the actual covers). According to those council members, TxDOT has extended the deadline to commit funding to the phase two roadway elements which are the covers until November. That was confirmed in a work session Tuesday. This morning, the TxDOT Austin District informed us that the deadline for the City to commit funding for the Phase 2 Caps has been pushed back from the end of this month until November 2026. As we are all feeling the pinch of our local financial forecast, there are opportunities for the voters to decide on their priorities. Pending additional staff and Bond Election Advisory Task Force research and evaluation, we may be able to allow Austinites to vote on potential funding mechanisms for the caps, including General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds and the Motor Vehicle Rental Tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand that the staff recommendation for Thursdays decision will require a $49M commitment. Given our overall debt capacity of $750M, Council can commit this sum towards building the support structures for two important caps and still have $701M remaining for the 2026 Comprehensive Bond package to address our communitys wide range of needs from parks to housing to mobility to libraries to climate resilience or caps. This is a balance we can support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Ximena Arias-Cristobal, the 19-year-old Georgia college student in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, is expected to have an immigration hearing Tuesday. Arias-Cristobal was wrongfully arrested after a case of mistaken identity in a traffic stop in Dalton, Georgia, police announced days after the arrest. She now faces a hearing to decide if she will be deported or remain in the United States. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Arias-Cristobals father, Jose Arias-Tover, posted bond May 15 after his own traffic stop arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News reported when he was reunited with his family, with the exception of his daughter. TRENDING STORIES: While Arias-Tover was granted bond and released, ICE officials told Channel 2 Action News they still intend to deport Arias-Cristobal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arias-Cristobals virtual hearing is scheduled at 1 p.m. In the meantime, she remains in custody at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, a privately operated federal immigration detention center managed by CoreCivic. Channel 2 Action News plans to cover the hearing, bringing you the latest details on the case LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 4. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] By Erin Banco NEW YORK (Reuters) -A top adviser to Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, acknowledged in a March 24 email that the Venezuelan government may not have specifically directed the activities of a gang that the Trump administration has used to justify fast-tracking deportations of immigrants, but argued that a link between Caracas and the gang was "common sense." U.S. President Donald Trump has used a claim that Tren de Aragua is coordinating its U.S. activities with the Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to justify deportations of alleged gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Some legal scholars have argued invoking the act requires a connection to a foreign government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the email, according to a person familiar with the matter and confirmed by a second source, Gabbard's acting chief of staff Joe Kent asked for a "rethink" of an intelligence assessment contradicting the administration's argument that Venezuela is responsible for the U.S. activities of Tren de Aragua gang members. I would like to understand how any IC (intelligence community) element arrived at the conclusion that the Venezuelan government doesnt support and did not orchestrate TDA operating in the U.S., Kent said in the email, referring to Tren de Aragua. Flooding our nation with migrants and especially migrants who are part of a violent criminal gang is the action of a hostile nation even if the government of Venezuela isnt specifically tasking or enabling TDA operations. He added that analysts needed to produce a new assessment on the gang that "reflects basic common sense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times was the first to report on Kent's communications with the National Intelligence Council, the intelligence communitys highest analytical body. Reuters is the first to publish the contents of that email in detail. The exchange underscores the extent to which Kent, a former CIA officer, pushed Michael Collins, the head of the National Intelligence Council, and other DNI officials to redo their assessment, taking into account points that had previously been articulated publicly by Trump. A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence called the timeline presented in this story "false and fabricated," and called Kent "an American patriot who continues to honorably serve our country." "President Trump rightfully designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization based on intelligence assessments and, frankly, common sense," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'COMMON SENSE' In his email, Kent argued that it would be logical for Venezuela, a U.S. adversary, to send gang members across the border, saying that any country seeking to harm the United States "would naturally take their bad actors and send them to our nation. When Biden announced that the border was open I think we let a quest for ... direct links between the Venezuelan government and TDA obstruct basic common sense, he wrote, adding that the National Intelligence Council needed to start looking at getting a new assessment written on TDA and their relationship with the government of Venezuela that reflects basic common sense. While Trump's predecessor Joe Biden faced high levels of illegal immigration during his presidency, his administration also took steps to discourage illegal border crossings and encourage migrants to enter the U.S. legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In subsequent emails with ODNI officials, Kent also said that Gabbard needs to be "protected" in the rewriting process, according to two people familiar with the matter. The New York Times late Tuesday reported that in one email, Kent ordered analysts to "do some rewriting" of the assessment and more analytical work so that "this document is not used against" Gabbard or Trump. Kent's emails were in response to a February National Intelligence Council assessment on the subject - one of at least two in recent months - that took into consideration analysis by agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency, the FBI and the National Security Agency. The first was published internally Feb. 26 and made public via reporting by the New York Times in March. It said that the intelligence community did not find that the gang was controlled by the Venezuelan government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second, published April 7 and made public earlier this month via the Freedom of Information Act, added more context and nuance but confirmed the intelligence communitys original assessment, two people familiar with the situation said. Collins, the NIC chief, was removed from his post as acting chairman of the National Intelligence Council last week along with his vice chair, Maria Langan-Riekhof. Its not clear who ordered the original intelligence assessment or why Trump later made statements that contradicted his own intelligence agencies findings. It's common for the White House under any administration to ask its intelligence community to draw up reports on various national security matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, intelligence agencies are tasked with producing assessments without political interference or bias so the president and his top national security officials can make more informed decisions. The removals have sparked consternation in the upper echelons of the intelligence community, according to three people familiar with the matter. Both Collins and Langan-Riekhof have been accused publicly by ODNI for politicizing intelligence. But two people familiar with the situation said Kent pressured Collins to redo the initial intelligence assessment to more closely align with the administrations public rhetoric. Collins, despite that request, held firm and instead supported the spy agencies original findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's clear that Collins got axed for just doing his job," one former senior U.S. intelligence official said. "Collins is respected throughout the entire community and has a long history of working on tough problems with the highest of integrity." The people were granted anonymity so they could speak more freely about the internal deliberations surrounding the Tren de Aragua assessment. (Reporting by Erin Banco; Editing by Don Durfee, Deepa Babington and Saad Sayeed) GADSDEN Gadsden State Community College hosted a signing event May 15 to welcome 15 students into the second cohort of the Consortium of Machining Education Training, or CoMeT, a hybrid apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience. The program, launched in 2023, was developed by Gadsden State employees to meet growing workforce demands in the machining industry. Students in the CoMeT program attend classes two days a week and work with industry partners three days a week. Participants are paid at least $15 per hour throughout the five-semester program and will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Precision Machining. CoMeT Signing Day is a celebration of students taking their first steps into careers that matter, said Andy Robertson, dean of Workforce Development. Our industry partners are investing in the future of advanced manufacturing. This program bridges education and employment in a powerful way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signing event was held at the Beck Conference Center at Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden. With CoMeT, our precision machining students gain hands-on experience while completing their education, Robertson said. Its more than a job. Its a launchpad into a skilled and essential career and Signing Day marks the beginning of that journey. CoMeT is offered at the Precision Machining Building on the Ayers Campus and in the Advanced Manufacturing Center on the East Broad Campus. Instructors Daniel Anderson and Peyton Amberson oversee the program, which includes 1,776 hours of work-based learning and five major projects. The 15 students signed with 11 industry partners: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carmin Industries Matthew Usry of Gadsden Gadsden Tool Inc. William Bryan of Sardis Honda Manufacturing of Alabama Ciandra Lebel of Gadsden and James Solley of Lincoln Kobay South Andrew Amos of Hokes Bluff and Destiny Griffey of Anniston M&H Valve Dashawn Kirby-Barnes of Weaver and Kendal McCants of Gadsden Parker Hannifin Cashus Hannah of Hokes Bluff Prince Metal Cody Campbell of Boaz and Riley Venable of Birmingham Soteria Tristian Page of Wellington Stamped Products William Houser of Boaz Unipres Gabriel Williams of Anniston More information about the program is available at www.gadsdenstate.edu/comet. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When Jerry C. Lee stepped down as president of Gallaudet University, a Washington D.C. higher learning institution for deaf and hard of hearing students, a number of the universitys faculty and students felt his replacement should be deaf. This sentiment even extended beyond the university walls and into the halls of power in the nations capital, where politicians up to thenU.S. vice president George H.W. Bush expressed agreement with the idea that the time had come for the worlds first advanced education institution for the Deaf to finally get its first deaf president. After all, it was 1988; the hard-fought victories of the American civil rights movements of decades past were still fresh in many minds, and a sentiment with its origins in Polish politicsNihil de nobis, sine nobishad begun to eke its way into American activist circles as the idea of Nothing about us without us. To people who felt it was past due time that a deaf individual be put in charge of the nations preeminent deaf university, Lees abrupt departure after less than four years as president provided the perfect opportunity to rectify the inequity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should have been an easy fix to a long-standing issue. What ensued instead, as depicted in the new Apple TV+ documentary Deaf President Now!, led to an explosion of activism, a national dialogue on disability rights, and ultimately, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Origins of Gallaudet University The genesis of Gallaudet University can be traced as far back as 1856. Amos Kendall, who had served as postmaster general for both Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren, felt a desire to ensure the deaf and blind children of Washington D.C. received adequate care. Accordingly, he donated two acres of land to serve as both a home and a school for children with disabilities. The following year, Gallaudet was chartered, initially as a grammar school under the name Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind (dumb being the term at the time for people who dont communicate verbally). Edward Miner Gallaudet, an academic who, while hearing himself, was the son of a deaf mother, was asked to serve as the first superintendent. Gallaudets father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, had cofounded the American School for the Deaf in 1817, and its after Thomas, not Edward, that the school was eventually renamed. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Brady-Handy Photograph Collection Under Edwards stewardship, the school survived the Civil War and even served as a hospital for Union troops during an August recess (with some of the deaf students reportedly helping to care for the wounded). On April 8, 1864, the school officially became an institute of higher learning when Congress authorized it to grant college degrees. The newly-minted college, naturally, had Edward serve as its first president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One hundred and twenty-four years later, a total of six men had served as Gallaudets president. Not a single one of them was deaf. The Deaf President Now Protests Apple TV+ Up until the 1980s, Gallaudets presidents had always served at least a decade in their position. But in 1988, in the wake of the rather swift turnover of the last two university presidents, W. Lloyd Johns (October 1983 to January 1984) and Jerry C. Lee (May 1984 to January 1988), a portion of students and faculty felt the time had come for the university to finally appoint a deaf president. Although not yet a cause that galvanized the bulk of the student body as it later would, the issue found some support in the early stages. Given that Gallaudet received federal funding, major figures within the government also spoke up in favor of the appointment of a deaf president. This included thenU.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush (at the time in the midst of a primary campaign that would ultimately seal his 1988 Republican presidential nomination), who penned a letter to Philip Bravin on the Gallaudet Presidential Search Committee that read in part: In the last two decades our society has undergone a quiet revolution. The Congress, the Courts and the Administration have strongly supported the right of people with disabilities to hold positions of trust and leadership. Our government has enacted numerous laws to ensure that disabled people are ensured equality of opportunity. Accordingly, as an entity funded by the Federal government, Gallaudet has a responsibility to set an example and thus to appoint a President who is not only highly qualified, but who is also deaf. I hope that the Trustees will keep Gallaudets critical leadership position in mind when they make their decision. By the time Bushs letter arrived, the Search Committee had narrowed down their options to three possible candidates: Harvey J. Corson, the superintendent of the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge and a Gallaudet alum; I. King Jordan, dean of Gallaudets College of Arts and Sciences; and Elisabeth A. Zinser, vice chancellor at the University of North Carolina. Whereas Corson was born deaf and Jordan was rendered deaf in an automobiles accident at age 21, Zinser was a hearing individual who couldnt speak sign language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 1, 1988, according to an article in The Washington Post from the time, a rally of nearly 1,500 formed in anticipation of the selection of a new president. Roughly 20 Gallaudet students and faculty reportedly spoke at the rally. In his remarks, Professor Allen Sussman declared, This is a historical eventyou could call this the first deaf civil rights activity. Sussmans assessment was ultimately correct, though not perhaps in the way he had anticipated. On March 6, Gallaudet quietly announced via a flyer that the university had made a historical appointment: the first female president in its history, by selecting the hearing candidate, Elisabeth Zinser, over the two deaf candidates. Apple TV+ Outraged, a large group of students marched to the nearby Mayflower Hotel where the board had gathered to make their decision. Board member Jane Spilman eventually emerged to try to quell the crowd but allegedly explained the boards decision by stating Deaf people cannot function in a hearing world. Deaf President Now! featured archival interview footage of Spilman denying that she said those words, but Spilman is unable to recollect exactly what it was she said that was allegedly misquoted. The Gaullaudet Four Emerge Zinsers selection and the boards dismissiveness tossed a proverbial match on the powder keg of student outrage. Deaf President Now had been the slogan on buttons and flyers handed out at the March 1 rally, but now, it had become the rallying cry of a campaign of protests and civil disobedience aimed at ensuring that the demands of the deaf students of Gallaudet could be heard loud at clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the forefront of this movement were four students, known as the Gallaudet Four: Tim Rarus, Greg Hlibok, Jerry Covell and Bridgetta Bourne-Firl. Apple TV+ In his capacity of student body government president, Rarus had been involved in the search that led to Zinsers appointment. But his time in office was coming to an end, and Hlibok was elected to replacement him just one day before the protests broke out. Their student government background and Rarus experience with the search committee made both men natural leaders of the protests. Covell and Bourne-Firl had run against Hlibok for student body government leadership. Although they lost, the campaign had elevated their names among their students. Covell was additionally established as an outspoken activist who knew how to rally a crowd. He became the spiritual leader for the student movement. Bourne-Firl similarly help direct students during group actions. She shares in the documentary that she utilized her past experience as a deaf cheerleader guided by rhythm to organize an amorphous mob of students into a disciplined collective of chants and movement. On the ground, students barricaded the campus with bike locks and buses whose tires had been deliberately deflated. They marched on the U.S. Capitol Building. They outlined a list of demands, which included four key points: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The selection of a deaf president for Gallaudet to replace Elisabeth Zinser The immediate resignation of board member Jane Spilman Reconfiguring the Board of Trustees to comprise a 51 percent majority of deaf board members, as the current board had 17 hearing members to 4 deaf members No reprisals against the student protestors A watershed moment for the protests occurred when Hlibok appeared opposite Zinser and recent Oscar-winning deaf actor Marlee Matlin on the ABC news program Nightline. I felt so nervous and anxious until the broadcast began, Hlibok later shared. Once it did, I felt at ease and comfortable because I allowed the truth to take over the entire time. With the truth of our compassion, nothing comes easier than expressing it. As the young Hlibok gained his confidence over the course of the televised debate, his principled ferocity reached an audience of millions, igniting a public sentiment in favor of not just the Deaf President Now movement, but also a broader disability rights movement across the country. On March 10, Zinser resigned as Gallaudet president. Three days later, Spilman resigned from the board, with Philip Bravin taking on her former leadership role. It was Bravin who then announced that I. King Jordan had been appointed the new Gallaudet University president and that the students involved in the Deaf President Now protests wouldnt be reprimanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight for a deaf president of Gallaudet had concluded, but the broader movement it inspired carried on. The impact of the Deaf President Now protests was swiftly felt across the country, inspiring a wave of new reforms and legislation aimed at correcting centuries of disabled Americans being denied agency. Within two years of the student-led movement, U.S. President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability and required workplaces to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled employees. Looking back, Rarus sees the progress that has been made since the Deaf President Now protests (DPN) and the opportunities still ahead. Since DPN, Deaf America has seen changesthe Americans with Disabilities Act, the Closed Captioning bill, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and most importantly, the attitude of Yes, I can being adopted by deaf children and adults everywhere, he shared. The fight is not over, we will always need to strive for equality in our world. Yet, we have started that journey. And today as we continue to carry our torch, Deaf President Now symbolizes Deaf People Now. Deaf President Now! is now streaming on Apple TV+. You Might Also Like SACRAMENTO, California Erik and Lyle Menendezs shot at freedom could soon be hurtling toward California Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk, creating a conundrum for a leader with less than two years left in his term to solidify his legacy and grow his national profile. A Los Angeles County judge last week gave the Menendez brothers the opportunity to seek parole after they were convicted in 1996 of brutally killing their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life behind bars. Their story in particular, allegations that their father was sexually abusive captured the national imagination after it was featured in a documentary and a Netflix drama series. If the parole board recommends their release, Newsom would determine whether to let that assessment stand a decision fraught with strange politics. On one hand, California has swung into a lock em up era, with voters overwhelmingly approving tougher penalties on drug and theft crimes and ousting progressive district attorneys in Los Angeles and Oakland. On the other hand, the abuse revelations and a national obsession with true crime has galvanized a rallying cry for the brothers, including pleas from Kim Kardashian and other high-profile figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor has become unusually involved in the case in recent months. Hes discussed the brothers on his podcasts and has cited the example as he reworks the states clemency process. In late February, he asked the Board of Parole Hearings for a clemency assessment on the brothers and later said he did so, in part, to help inform the judge in the resentencing. Newsom was relatively tight-lipped about his stance on the case when asked about it during a news conference a day after the ruling, though he was quick to note he would make his own decision. I wont deal with a hypothetical, because I read the parole reports, he said, adding, I reject the parole boards recommendations often. He then praised the board members judgment and said he tends to sign off on most of the parole decisions he receives, given the relatively small percentage of parole applications they actually approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states parole board hears the two cases Aug. 21-22, Newsoms office confirmed. If it recommends the brothers release, Newsom would receive the case within about four months, after a legal review, and have 30 days to make a decision. The groundswell of support for the brothers parole is notable as many Californians and their representatives take a harder line on criminal justice issues. In recent years, state proposals that would have allowed more resentencing opportunities for inmates serving life in prison without parole have failed to make it out of the Capitol, while Democrats have advanced bills to crack down on retail theft. Shortly before his failed reelection last fall, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced he would push for the Menendez brothers to be resentenced. The two were under 26 at the time of their conviction, making them eligible for parole consideration. Nathan Hochman, who defeated Gascon in November, had a different view of the case from his progressive predecessor and argued against resentencing. But last week, Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic ultimately granted the brothers a chance at parole, saying Hochman hadnt shown they would threaten public safety if they were released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Menendez supporters will be making their case to Newsom. Mark Geragos, the brothers attorney, said in an interview last week that meetings with the governor and family members are absolutely possible. I think it'll be a more robust [presentation], but certainly [will] include the presentation that was made to Judge Jesic, he said. Geragos plans to play up the brothers participation in prison initiatives, with Erik being involved in hospice work and Lyle taking part in a green space program. He wants their work to show that when they had no hope, they still made the right decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt Newsoms first high-profile parole decision. In 2022, he denied parole for Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan against the boards recommendation. The governor in 2023 dropped his objection to the parole of Manson family member Leslie Van Houten after a state appeals court ruled in favor of her release. Newsom has discussed the Menendez case at various points on his podcasts. During an October episode of Politickin', he said his kids had been asking him about the Menendez brothers. I'm like, How the hell do you know about the Menendez brothers? he said. Because it's really lit up TikTok and Instagram and the chat rooms. And as a consequence, the conversations are about conversations we didn't really have when we were kids about sexual assault and conversations around sentencing. The governor added there was obviously some new compelling evidence that was introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The word compelling stood out to Joe Rodota, a writer and political consultant who wrote a play about former Gov. Pat Brown and the 1960 execution of Caryl Chessman. That case drew protests from opponents of capital punishment and a massive lobbying effort from the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt and Ray Bradbury. I thought that tipped his hand, Rodota said. The parole boards involvement actually takes some pressure off the governor, he said, though he added that its hard to tell what his motivations will be. Is it legacy, is it short term? he asked. Is he trying to present a picture of himself to people, or is he simply trying to execute the function of the office? Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Playbook newsletter. If U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas wins New Hampshires open Senate seat in 2026, he will become the first out gay man ever elected to the U.S. Senate and only the third LGBTQ+ person. But Pappas, a 44-year-old Democrat now in his third term in the House of Representatives, says his campaign isnt about making history. To me, Ive never sought to make history, he told The Advocate in an exclusive interview in his Capitol Hill office. Thats just happened along the way while Ive tried to be of use to people in New Hampshire through public service. Still, he added, I do think its a moment where we need to ensure that the community is represented in the halls of Congress. Pappas is running to succeed U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat who announced she would not seek a fourth term. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with potential challengers including Republican former Gov. Chris Sununu and ex-Sen. Scott Brown, who previously represented Massachusetts before relocating to New Hampshire. Pappas enters the contest with the backing of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and a reputation as a seasoned campaigner who has flipped a congressional district and then defended it since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Pappas would take office in 2027 in the final two years of President Donald Trumps second term. For LGBTQ+ Americans, he said, that reality heightens the urgency of the moment. Ive worked very closely with my colleagues in the LGBTQ Equality Caucus to help meet this extraordinary moment and make sure that were standing up for the community and giving voice to the concerns, fears, and outrage that people have with what they see this administration doing on a day-to-day basis, he said. From Harvard to the Hill A Manchester native and Harvard graduate, Pappas launched his political career at 22. He was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2002, and served in several elected offices in the state. In 2018, he became New Hampshires first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress. He now serves as the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and is also a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member. Pappas is one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus and the Hellenic Caucus and is active in bipartisan mental health, addiction, and infrastructure efforts. Related: Out U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas Marries His Boyfriend Pappas says his LGBTQ+ advocacy remains central to his mission. In the House, hes co-led the Equality Act, introduced a federal ban on the gay and trans panic defense, and fought for access to Veterans Affairs benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans including those discharged under don't ask, don't tell Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When hes not in D.C., he said he tries to unwind with a daily run, yard work (hes notably not a plant person), or when lucky some time on the hiking trails back home. Theres very little downtime, he admitted, adding that staying active and rooted in New Hampshire helps him reset. On trans rights, a vote under scrutiny Pappas faced backlash last year for voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a Republican-backed provision barring Tricare, the military health insurance program, from covering gender-affirming care for trans minors. Pappas was the only LGBTQ+ member of Congress to support the final bill. Look, that was not an easy vote, he told The Advocate. I made clear at the moment that I opposed the specific provision that targeted trans individuals in the NDAA. I believe that people should be able to access health care thats between families and their doctors, and that the government doesnt have a role to play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited essential investments in defense and district priorities, including support for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which employs thousands of civilian workers. Still, he said, I regret that through the negotiations between the House and Senate last year, that we werent able to have the kind of traditional process that we need on bills like that, which keeps out any amendments that are dealing with issues that are not at the core of our national security. Since then, Pappas has affirmed his support for trans rights and the right to medical care without political interference. "We are now in a new administration, and this is a moment for us to figure out how we can stand up for the community and make sure that their voice is right here and very present in Washington, he said. I just am really committed to doing what I can to make sure we bring this nation closer to the promise of its founding for everyone. That includes the trans community, which I know is under a great threat and attack from the White House to state capitals across our country, and I want to continue to engage with community members and make sure that they feel heard. Chris Pappas talks to members of the press Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) talks to members of the press on November 8, 2022 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sophie Park/Getty Images A government-wide assault on transgender Americans The threat Pappas described is not theoretical. Since returning to office in January, Trump has issued sweeping executive orders aimed at erasing transgender people from federal policy. His first major directive redefined sex under federal law as immutable and binary male or female, assigned at birth eliminating recognition of gender identity across the U.S. government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agencies have begun rewriting regulations to remove references to gender identity. Social security records, passports, and other identification documents must now reflect a persons sex assigned at birth. Trans women are being forced into mens prisons. Schools and shelters are no longer required to accommodate trans students or residents. Federally funded health care programs, including Medicaid and the VA, are barred from covering or providing gender-affirming care. Major U.S. medical associations have condemned the Trump administration's moves as dangerous, unscientific, and discriminatory. This administration continues to pursue efforts to deny people health care, Pappas said. Weve got to be willing to meet this moment and make sure theres no discrimination whether thats in the military or public spaces. He added, Whether its the military ban which this administration continues to pursue or other efforts to deny people health care, I think theres a way for us to focus Americans attention on how we include everyone because I think that generally has broad support. People want their neighbors to be able to live their own lives and be themselves and have the protection of the law." Mental health protection In May, Pappas joined more than 100 House Democrats in demanding that the Trump administration reverse its plan to eliminate LGBTQ+-specific services from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The specialized line for LGBTQ+ youth has fielded more than 1.3 million contacts since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ending this mental health support for youth in distress would devastate a vital resource for some of our nations most vulnerable young people, he and his colleagues wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump. The letter called the proposed cut shortsighted and dangerous, warning that it would undermine suicide prevention efforts that have already saved countless lives. No one is above the law Pappas said the erosion of civil rights is part of a broader unraveling of constitutional norms under Trumps second term. Our constitutional principles cannot be inconveniences, he said. They cant be mere suggestions. They have to be bedrock principles that all Americans are willing to rally behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a nation of laws. No one is above the law, including the President of the United States. Chris Pappas House Democrats news conference Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., speaks during a House Democrats news conference on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images He said bipartisan concern about democratic backsliding exists even in New Hampshire. I talk to conservative people who share the same beliefs as progressives about the nature of what weve been given in this country, he said. We have to make sure that our democracy continues to stand the test. That divide, he noted, is just as stark inside the Capitol. You quickly learn that some people in this building are serious legislators and others arent, he said. And frankly, Marjorie Taylor Greene and the kind of people that use the rhetoric that she does are not serious legislators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: They just want to throw bombs and try to throw sand in the gears of the ability of Congress to work and make things happen. Marriage, privacy, and what comes next Pappas married his husband, Vann Bentley, in 2023. But he said Justice Clarence Thomass call to revisit past rulings in his Dobbs concurrence including Obergefell should be taken seriously. What Thomas has laid out is a roadmap for how the far right is going to continue to attack reproductive rights and get at the right to privacy, which is well established by the court, he said. That intersects with the way all of us live our lives who we are, the protections that exist in statute and constitutionally. Im from a state that cherishes liberty and freedom, he said. They want to make sure that the government is not in your bedroom, is not interfering with how you live your life. Theres a place for you Pappas came out in college with the support of his parents. They were unequivocal in terms of their love and support for me, he recalled. But even with that foundation, the journey wasnt easy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that younger self, I would say: Theres a place for you, he said. Youll be able to find a loving relationship, and really, youll be able to get everything you want to get out of life. For LGBTQ+ youth watching todays political climate with fear or dismay, he had a message: Weve got to take democracy into our own hands, he said. Especially for people of a younger generation, theyre going to be dealing with the consequences of the decisions that are being made far longer than me or anyone else here in Washington. The United States says a new Israeli-approved organisation the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is the key to resolving the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, but it already is receiving its fair share of criticism. The GHF says it is going to start operations before the end of May. United Nations officials and humanitarian groups say it will not have the ability to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza as a result of Israels two-month-long blockade. Instead, the aid groups that have been working in Gaza point out that they have the capacity to bring in food and other humanitarian supplies if only Israel would let them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what is the GHF, and why is the situation in Gaza so desperate? Heres everything you need to know: What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? Officially independent, the GHF is an Israeli- and US-backed body that plans to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip. One in five people in Gaza currently face starvation due to the Israeli blockade of food and aid while 93 percent are experiencing acute food shortages, according to a UN-backed assessment released last week. Under increasing international pressure to allow in aid, Israel has sought to find a solution that it says prevents aid from falling into the hands of the Palestinian group Hamas. Humanitarian organisations say the vast majority of food and other supplies reaches Gazas civilian population and is not diverted to fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF will be overseen by Jake Wood, a US military veteran who ran Team Rubicon, an organisation that distributed humanitarian aid during natural disasters. (Al Jazeera) Whats the plan for delivering the aid? Through the GHF, Palestinians in Gaza would receive a basic amount of food. The initial plan was announced last Wednesday with a timeline of about two weeks before it was up and running. Its still unclear how the GHF will be funded, but the foundation says it will set up secure distribution sites to feed 1.2 million people in Gaza before expanding to feed every Palestinian in the territory. It says it will coordinate with the Israeli military while security would be provided by private military contractors. Why is the GHF being criticised? The GHF initiative has been widely panned by aid groups and the UN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN and humanitarian aid agencies say they already have the means to distribute desperately needed aid and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The GHF, on the other hand, is seen by critics as a way of politicising aid and not having the experience or capacity to bring aid to more than two million people. The GHF restricts aid to only one part of Gaza while leaving other dire needs unmet, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said at the Security Council last week. It makes aid conditional on political and military aims. It makes starvation a bargaining chip. It is cynical sideshow. A deliberate distraction. A fig leaf for further violence and displacement. The UN and aid groups say the GHF plan violates basic humanitarian principles. We are concerned by the proposed aid mechanism for Gaza and are deeply worried that it will not allow for humanitarian aid to be distributed in a manner consistent with core humanitarian principles of impartiality, humanity, and independence, a statement from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said. The ICRC cannot work under any mechanism that doesnt allow us to uphold the principles and our modalities of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven humanitarian and human rights organisations signed a statement in which they unequivocally reject the establishment of the GHF, calling it: A project led by politically connected Western security and military figures, coordinated in tandem with the Israeli government, and launched while the people of Gaza remain under total siege. It lacks any Palestinian involvement in its design or implementation. That lack of Palestinian involvement, coupled with Israels approval for the project and the planned presence of the Israeli military on the perimeter of the distribution sites, according to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, raises Palestinian suspicions that the establishment of the GHF will give even more power to Israel over aid distribution in Gaza. Why is aid not reaching Gaza? Israel is blocking it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel began preventing the entry of all food and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza on March 2 during a ceasefire, which it unilaterally broke on March 18. Even before the blockade, Israel restricted the amount of aid that could come in, and some Israeli protesters also blocked and destroyed aid. The situation has reached dire levels with the World Food Programme saying 70,000 children need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition. How would the GHF displace Palestinians? The UN said the GHF would weaponise aid by threatening the mass displacement of Palestinians. Initial aid distribution sites would operate only out of southern and central Gaza, which the UN warned could lead to the displacement of Palestinians in northern Gaza as they are forced to move south for food and other aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanitarian aid should not be politicized nor militarized, the ICRC statement said. This erodes the neutrality required to ensure assistance is delivered based solely on need, not political or military agendas. The initiative has also been labelled by many in the humanitarian sector as insufficient. Even if implemented, the plans proposed aid volumes fall short of the immense scale of needs in Gaza, according to the ICRC. The level of need right now is overwhelming, and aid needs to be allowed to enter immediately and without impediment. Gaza currently has 400 distribution points, and the ability and know-how to distribute aid effectively exists. With only a few distribution points under the GHF, people may be forced to walk long distances and carry heavy rations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Problem is Not Logistics, the statement from the 11 humanitarian groups read. It Is Intentional Starvation. Enough. We demand rapid, safe, and unimpeded access to starving civilians in Gaza. We have a plan. We have thousands of trucks of food at the border. Let us in. Let us work.https://t.co/J55f8shIEU pic.twitter.com/bTmcAMbG0e Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) May 16, 2025 People with disabilities or who are injured would struggle to navigate the terrain and reach distribution points. The roads in Gaza have been badly damaged over the past 19 months of war, and the intensity of Israels latest military operation in Gaza is only making things more difficult for Palestinians there. Furthermore, the GHFs assertions that it is independent and transparent have been criticised by aid groups. Despite branding itself as independent and transparent, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would be wholly dependent on Israeli coordination and operates via Israeli-controlled entry points, primarily the Port of Ashdod and the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing, the statement by the 11 aid groups read. While Hanan Salah, Human Rights Watchs associate director for the Middle East and North Africa, didnt comment specifically on the GHF, she said allowing a basic amount of food into the Gaza Strip was complicity in using starvation as a method of warfare. Ofcom is unfairly punishing GB News under pressure from Left-wing activists, the broadcasters co-owner has said. Sir Paul Marshall accused the regulator of unfairly targeting the start-up broadcaster with a string of investigations as it struggles to fend off an onslaught of complaints from pressure groups such as Stop Funding Hate. In a speech at Oxford University on Tuesday evening, the media tycoon was expected to say: Understandably, Ofcom find it difficult, just like other corporate and institutional boards, to resist the pressures from Left-wing campaigning groups and this has led them to initiate many more enquiries into GB News than could be justified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ofcom has found GB News in breach of broadcasting rules a dozen times since its launch in 2021, taking issue with alleged misinformation and its use of politicians as presenters. However, the regulator has since dropped a string of impartiality rulings against GB News after the broadcaster successfully challenged the watchdog in the High Court. Sir Paul, a hedge fund tycoon who co-owns GB News alongside Dubai-based investment firm Legatum, has argued that many of the investigations against the channel stem from complaints orchestrated by campaign groups. Even before its launch, the broadcaster was targeted by an advertising boycott led by Stop Funding Hate, which resulted in brands including Ikea and Nivea pulling their campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boycott continues to hit GB Newss bottom line, although other brands such as Marks & Spencer have started to advertise on the channel. Constructive relationship with Ofcom Sir Paul said GB News intends to have as constructive a relationship as possible with the broadcasting regulator. But he added: They sit within a framework full of anomalies and they are steadily assailed by invective from Left-wing activists, so it is not easy for them to resist the biases of metropolitan opinion. Sir Paul has weighed in on the debate after Angelos Frangopoulos, chief executive of GB News, accused Ofcom of having a jailer mentality that was harming Sir Keir Starmers growth plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing in The Telegraph earlier this month, the TV boss said Ofcoms plans to crack down on the use of politicians as presenters would make it even harder for budding newcomers. Sir Paul, a self-styled accidental media owner who also owns UnHerd and bought The Spectator magazine for 100m last year, urged Ofcom to instead focus its attention on the BBC. He argued that the public service broadcaster is held to lower standards of impartiality as it is permitted to review complaints first before they are escalated to the regulator. Sir Paul accused the BBC of egregious bias in its Arabic service and said the broadcaster had failed spectacularly in its coverage of the grooming gangs scandal. He also branded bosses weak, weak, weak over the Gary Lineker anti-Semitism scandal and called for the corporation to be broken up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has said the Match of the Day presenter made a mistake after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, but it has repeatedly denied allegations of bias in its reporting. An Ofcom spokesman said: As an independent regulator, we enforce our rules fairly and proportionately. All regulated broadcasters must comply with Ofcoms rules. The BBC First process for complaints about BBC content is set out in the BBC Charter and Agreement and was approved by Parliament. In his Pharos lecture, Sir Paul also took aim at tech giants. He said Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg should be forced to publish their algorithms and said platforms such as X and Meta should face tougher regulation to ensure they are held accountable for material posted on their sites. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)Geneva County High School announced that a new principal will take the helm for the 2025-26 school year. Dr. Keith Bland will be Geneva County High Schools new principal. The school made this announcement in a Facebook post and said We would like to welcome Dr. Keith Bland to Geneva County! Dr. Bland will be replacing Mr. Ashley Sanders as Principal at Geneva County High School. Welcome, Dr. Bland! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Bland was the principal at Dothan High School and turned in his resignation to the Dothan City School Board Monday night. The board member accepted his resignation during their board meeting. Dothan High principal resigns The majority of people who posted under the Facebook announcement said theyre excited and that Bland is a great addition to Geneva County. Bland will replace Ashley Sanders, who has served as principal at GCHS for 8 years. Sanders will be moving on to take over transportation, school safety and secondary curriculum at Geneva County Schools central 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. NEW YORK (AP) George Wendt, an actor with an Everyman charm who played the affable, beer-loving barfly Norm on the hit 1980s TV comedy Cheers and later crafted a stage career that took him to Broadway in Art, Hairspray and Elf, has died. He was 76. Wendt's family said he died early Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep while at home, according to the publicity firm The Agency Group. George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him, the family said in a statement. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a long career of roles onstage and on TV, it was as gentle and henpecked Norm Peterson on Cheers that he was most associated, earning six straight Emmy Award nominations for best supporting actor in a comedy series from 1984-89. The series was centered on lovable losers in a Boston bar and starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, Kirstie Alley and Woody Harrelson. It would spin off another megahit in Frasier and was nominated for an astounding 117 Emmy Awards, winning 28 of them. Wendt, who spent six years in Chicagos renowned Second City improv troupe before sitting on a barstool at the place where everybody knows your name, didn't have high hopes when he auditioned for Cheers. My agent said, Its a small role, honey. Its one line. Actually, its one word. The word was beer. I was having a hard time believing I was right for the role of the guy who looked like he wanted a beer. So I went in, and they said, Its too small a role. Why dont you read this other one? And it was a guy who never left the bar, Wendt told GQ in an oral history of Cheers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheers and a barstool Cheers premiered on Sept. 30, 1982, and spent the first season with low ratings. NBC president Brandon Tartikoff championed the show, and it was nominated for an Emmy for best comedy series in its first season. Some 80 million people would tune in to watch its series finale 11 years later. Wendt became a fan favorite in and outside the bar his entrances were cheered with a warm Norm! and his wisecracks always landed. Hows a beer sound, Norm? he would be asked by the bartender. I dunno. I usually finish them before they get a word in, hed respond. While the beer the cast drank on set was nonalcoholic, Wendt and other Cheers cast members have admitted they were tipsy on May 20, 1993, when they watched the shows final episode then appeared together on The Tonight Show in a live broadcast from the Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, the bar that inspired the series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had been drinking heavily for two hours but nobody thought to feed us, Wendt told the Beaver County Times of Pennsylvania in 2009. We were nowhere near as cute as we thought we were. Perlman, who regularly served Wendt on Cheers, in a statement called him the sweetest, kindest man I ever met. It was impossible not to like him. "As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didnt hurt. What a guy! Ill miss him more than words can say. After Cheers, Wendt starred in his own short-lived sitcom The George Wendt Show too bad he had to step out of Norm and down so far from that corner stool for his debut stanza, sniffed Variety and had guest spots on TV shows like The Ghost Whisperer, Harrys Law and Portlandia. He was part of a brotherhood of Chicago Everymen who gathered over sausage and beers and adored Da Bears on Saturday Night Live. In 2023, he competed on The Masked Singer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second career on stage But he found steady work onstage: Wendt slipped on Edna Turnblads housecoat in Broadways Hairspray beginning in 2007, and was in the Tony Award-winning play Art in New York and London. He starred in the national tour of 12 Angry Men and appeared in a production of David Mamets Lakeboat. He also starred in regional productions of Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple, Never Too Late and Funnyman. A, its by far the most fun, but B, I seem to have been kicked out of television, Wendt told the Kansas City Star in 2011. I overstayed my welcome. But theater suits me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendt had an affinity for playing Santa Claus, donning the famous red outfit in the stage musical Elf on Broadway in 2017, the TV movie Santa Baby with Jenny McCarthy in 2006 and in the doggie Disney video Santa Buddies in 2009. He also played Father Christmas for TV specials by Larry the Cable Guy and Stephen Colbert. I think it just proves that if you stay fat enough and get old enough, the offers start rolling in, the actor joked to the AP in his Broadway dressing room. Born in Chicago, Wendt attended Campion High School, a Catholic boarding school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and then Notre Dame, where he rarely went to class and was kicked out. He transferred to Rockhurst University in Kansas City and graduated, after majoring in economics. He found a home at Second City in both the touring company and the mainstage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think comedy is my long suit, for sure. My approach to comedy is usually not full-bore clownish, he told the AP. If youre trying to showboat or step outside, it doesnt always work. There are certain performers who almost specialize in doing that, and they do it really well. But thats not my approach. Cheers for beer He had a lifelong association with beer. He had his first taste as an 8-year-old and got drunk at 16, at the Worlds Fair in New York. His beer knowledge was poured into the book Drinking With George: A Barstool Professionals Guide to Beer, co-written with Jonathan Grotenstein. One line: Will Rogers once said he never met a man he didnt like. I feel the same about beer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part autobiography, part beer drinkers guide, the book had Wendts conversational tone and lists, such as Five Good Bar Bets, 77 Toasts from Around the World and (More Than) 100 Ways to Say That Youre Drunk, which alphabetically lists 126 synonyms from annihilated through zozzled. He is survived by his wife, Second City alum Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norms never-seen not-so better half, Vera, on Cheers; his children, Hilary, Joe and Daniel; and his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew. From his early days with The Second City to his iconic role as Norm on Cheers, George Wendts work showcased how comedy can create indelible characters that feel like family. Over the course of 11 seasons, he brought warmth and humor to one of televisions most beloved roles, National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement. UPDATE (5:45 p.m.): Law enforcement has released more details about Sundays manhunt that shut down I-65 in Baldwin County for hours. According to a Baldwin County Sheriffs Office Facebook post, the suspect, Mike Thomas, ran away from law enforcement in Conecuh County, shooting at them in the process. Then, he reportedly headed to Baldwin County. Baldwin County deputies spiked the cars tires, disabling it and ending a chase, the post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas then allegedly ran from his car and tried to carjack an 18-wheeler, hitting the driver multiple times in the head and face with a pistol, the post said. A passenger in the 18-wheeler shot at Thomas several times, prompting him to jump down and run into nearby woods, the post said. Because Thomas was wanted in connection with a murder in Georgia and was known to be armed, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office SWAT team was deployed, according to the post. SWAT, with the help of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers and an air unit, the Alabama Department of Corrections tracking dogs, and numerous other agencies, Thomas was found and arrested at about 5:45 a.m. Monday, following a six-hour search, according to the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALEA will take the case because it involves several counties, the post said. This is a shining example of how agency cooperation and teamwork leads to a successful outcome. We thank all the agencies and the patience of the public during this prolonged event, the post said. PREVIOUS REPORTING BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A Georgia man who led police on a chase from Conecuh to Baldwin County has been charged, News 5 has learned. Mike Thomas (Courtesy of Baldwin County Sheriffs Office) Escambia County Fire Rescue responds to fifth house fire at same location Mike Thomas, who led multiple law enforcement agencies on a chase May 18, has been arrested and faces two counts of robbery business strong arm and one count of aggravated assault non-family, strong arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 28-year-old Stockbridge, Ga., man reportedly ran from law enforcement in Conecuh County when Evergreen Police officers tried to talk to him after they received information that said Thomas was wanted in connection with a Georgia murder. Thomas headed south on Interstate 65, but spike strips were used near the 45-mile marker, just inside Baldwin County, disabling the tractor-trailer he was driving. According to reports, Thomas exited his truck and tried to carjack another vehicle that was stopped in traffic. When he couldnt do that, he ran into a nearby wooded area, reports said. An eight-hour manhunt reportedly ensued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Aviation Unit, the Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 Team, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Special Operations Unit, and multiple other law enforcement agencies worked together in the hunt for Thomas, eventually catching him, according to reports. Thomas was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Once he was released from the hospital, he was taken to jail. Overwhelming coyote problem in Daphne leaves residents concerned Thomas will have a bond hearing in Fairhope on Wednesday. Summer Poole contributed 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 WKRG News 5. Erdinger Weissbrau, a well-known Bavarian brewery, is facing accusations of glorifying violence against women in a job advertisement published on Instagram. In the video, which has since been taken down, a young woman wearing a safety vest emblazoned with the beermaker's logo is talking about the benefits of working for Erdinger. Speaking in a forced voice, the woman reads from a tablet while a wooden hammer, an Erdinger beer bottle and a beer tap are being held to her head and a bottle opener pointed to her throat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I love working in sales at Erdinger," the woman says. "It is a safe and versatile job. The salary is great and you are even given a company car." When she goes on to say: "Erdinger also makes good beer," the floating hands threaten to hit her, causing the woman to add: "I mean the best beer." The video ends with a young man walking through the frame, and several male voices telling the woman: "That was great." A spokesman for the brewery said the company had never intended to hurt anyone, with the advertisement only meant to be humorous. But some Instagram users took a different view, with the Safe Space Chemnitz account noting that women are victims of domestic violence every day, accusing the brewery of "glorifying femicides and violence against women" in the ad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How much alcohol was involved when you wrote the script for your ad? It certainly wasn't alcohol-free." Erdinger Weissbrau, which is based in the Bavarian town of Erding, is best known for its namesake wheat beers that are sold around the world. According to the spokesman, reactions to the videos were mixed and also included positive responses. After taking down the video, the company, which employs some 500 people, pledged to be more careful in future and distance itself from any kind of violence. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin showed that Russia is not ready to make any concessions. Source: Pistorius before the start of a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda Details: Pistorius said that Trump's conversation with Putin would be one of the topics of the meeting of European ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that this conversation once again confirmed that the Russian side was only making statements, but there had been no evidence of the stated intentions so far. Pistorius noted that, as before, there were no concessions, and Putin was only talking about a ceasefire on his terms, such as renouncing NATO membership, concessions on the occupied territories, and much more. He added that Putin was stalling for time, and therefore, a ceasefire was not yet on the cards. Pistorius pointed out that it must be said that Putin, as before, was apparently not interested in peace or a ceasefire, at least not on terms acceptable to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: After talking with Putin, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia would immediately begin negotiations on a ceasefire. Financial Times sources said European leaders Trump spoke with following his call with Putin were "stunned" by how he described the conversation's results. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Germany's former chancellor Gerhard Schroder, a Social Democrat who has since fallen out of favour over his refusal to cut ties with Russia, was among the guests of honour observing the election of a new leader in the northern state of Lower Saxony. Regional lawmakers were gathered in the state capital of Hanover to elect a successor to long-time state Premier Stephan Weil, with fellow Social Democrat Olaf Lies expected to take on the post. It is a rare public appearance for Schroder, who served as the state leader of Lower Saxony from 1990 until he was elected German chancellor in 1998. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 81-year-old was hospitalized with "severe burnout" at the beginning of the year, leading him to drastically scale back his public engagements. While Schroder left office as chancellor some 20 years ago, he has had a busy - and highly controversial - career after politics. The politician, who also served as the Social Democratic Party (SPD) chairman between 1999 and 2004, has faced intense criticism over his ties to Russia. He has worked for a number of Russian state-owned companies and has close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On leaving office after losing the 2005 elections, Schroder went on to take board memberships, including controversially for the shareholders' committee for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline linking Germany to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Schroder cancelled an appearance before a committee in the parliament of the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern investigating the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which the former chancellor promoted in office. Premier Weil, who has been leading Lower Saxony in a caretaker capacity since midnight, appeared to be in a good mood when he arrived at the state parliament on Tuesday by bike, carrying his helmet. Germany's former chancellor Gerhard Schroder, who has since fallen from grace over his refusal to cut ties with Russia, was among the guests of honour in attendance as the northern state of Lower Saxony elected a new leader on Tuesday. Regional lawmakers were gathered in the state capital of Hanover to elect a successor to long-time premier Stephan Weil, with Olaf Lies from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) taking on the post. It was a rare public appearance for Schroder, who served as Lower Saxony's premier for the SPD from 1990 until he was elected German chancellor in 1998. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 81-year-old was hospitalized with "severe burnout" at the beginning of the year, leading him to drastically scale back his public engagements. While Schroder left office as chancellor some 20 years ago, he has had a busy - and highly controversial - career after politics. The politician, who also served as SPD chairman between 1999 and 2004, has faced intense criticism over his ties to Russia. He has worked for a number of Russian state-owned companies and has close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On leaving office after losing the 2005 elections, Schroder went on to take board memberships, including a a controversial post on the shareholders' committee for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline linking Germany to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Schroder cancelled an appearance before a committee in the parliament of the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern investigating the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which the former chancellor promoted in office. Lies become premier of Lower Saxony The vote on Tuesday saw Olaf Lies - previously the state's economy minister - replace his colleague Stephan Weil as premier of Lower Saxony. Lies received a clear majority of 80 votes in the 146-seat state parliament and will govern an SPD-Green coalition ahead of state elections in 2027. The election is a personal triumph for Lies, who narrowly lost out to Weil in a party ballot in 2013. Lower Saxony is a stronghold for the SPD, with the state being home to party co-leader Lars Klingbeil - Germany's new vice chancellor and finance minister - as well as parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Tuesday called for swift solutions to the trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump's new tariffs. "Tariffs and uncertainty are a burden on our economy and therefore also on job security," Klingbeil said before departing for a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Banff, Canada. Klingbeil said the new German government, which took office earlier this month, and the European Commission are in contact with the US to work on a constructive solution, adding that he planned to address the issue during the talks in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Trump imposed a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, while threatening further punitive measures for countries with a trade surplus with the US. Furthermore, 25% tariffs on key European sectors such as aluminium, steel and cars remain in place. "Germany is doing its part to strengthen global growth," Klingbeil stressed, adding that his administration is looking to invest massively, strengthen Germany as a business location with reforms and secure jobs. "Germany is a safe haven for investment and innovation," said Klingbeil, who is also the country's vice chancellor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead to the talks in Canada, Kingbeil said that the G7 countries should send a "crystal clear signal" that they will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine, as Kiev continues its defence against the Russian invasion. Discussions on how to mobilize private investment for the reconstruction of Ukraine would also be on the agenda, according to the German minister. The finance ministers of the seven major industrialized nations (G7) - Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada and the US - are meeting in western Canada on Wednesday and Thursday. *As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. *Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. *China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for "China Travel" continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 percent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) FRESH EXPERIENCES During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 percent, 60 percent, and 50 percent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. "Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen," Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Foreign tourists visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. "Seeing is believing," said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). "When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is -- open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered." A border inspection officer guides foreign tourists at Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 3, 2025. (Photo by Zhu Jipeng/Xinhua) EXPANDING ACCESS Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasized that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimized. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 percent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 percent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. A staff member provides departure tax refund service for a tourist from Russia at a shopping center in Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasized the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. "So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience." "As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage," he added. BERLIN (AP) A man suspected of attacking and injuring five people outside a bar in Germany has been arrested, and investigators believe the attack may have been religiously motivated, authorities said Tuesday. The suspect, a 35-year-old Syrian national identified only as Mahmoud M. in line with privacy rules, was arrested late Monday in Heiligenhaus, near Dusseldorf. Police said tips from witnesses led investigators to the suspect, who was slightly injured while trying to resist arrest. Early Sunday, a man wielding sharp object attacked five men between 22 and 27 outside a bar in the western city of Bielefeld. Four were seriously injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors, who investigate many terror and national security cases in Germany, said they were taking over the case because there is a suspicion that the crime was religiously motivated and should be understood as an attack on the free democratic order. They didn't elaborate. The man is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder and bodily harm. Herbert Reul, the top security official in North Rhine-Westphalia state, said the suspect came to Germany via Turkey and was granted temporary protected status in December 2023. German news agency dpa reported that the men were soccer fans who defended themselves against the attacker before he fled. The citys Arminia Bielefeld soccer club celebrated winning first place in Germany's third division on Saturday and has reached the final of the German Cup. Three German-Russian men went on trial in Munich on Tuesday, where they denied charges of plotting sabotage attacks on military infrastructure and railway lines in Germany on behalf of Russian intelligence. "He is not a spy, he is not a saboteur," said a defence lawyer for the main suspect, believed to be the leader of the three. "He thought he could do a bit of acting and pretend to be a spy." The 40-year-old argued at the regional court that he had only hoped to earn money by being hired as an informer. He denied any links to Russian spy operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further denied having fought as part of an armed terrorist organization in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2016, arguing that he was in a relationship with a woman in the region at the time but was never involved in military action. The other two accused also rejected the allegations. "Our messages were often ironic, exaggerated or joking," the 44-year-old co-defendant's statement said. The defendants are alleged to have collected information about an oil refinery in Bavaria and about the US military training area in Grafenwoehr. In addition, they are said to have made plans for explosive attacks on buildings and infrastructure being used to support Ukraine in the war against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case caused a stir when police in the German state of Bavaria arrested two of the men last year. More than 40 court hearings are scheduled until December 23. Just last week, a similar case came to light when three Ukrainians were arrested in Germany and Switzerland. It is suspected that they were recruited by Russian authorities to carry out acts of sabotage in Germany. Germany's Lufthansa is suspending flights to Israel for another two weeks over ongoing security concerns, the aviation group said on Tuesday. Flights operated by the group, which also owns carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SWISS and Eurowings, will remain suspended until June 8. Lufthansa halted connections following a missile strike launched from Yemen on Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict in Gaza is continuing, with Israeli forces launching new offensives in the war-torn coastal strip. Affected passengers are eligible to cancel their tickets free of charge or rebook to a later flight, Lufthansa said. The call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again shown that Moscow is still not prepared to make concessions, said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Tuesday. Putin was only talking about a ceasefire on his terms, which included Kiev renouncing NATO membership, ceding the occupied territories and much more, the German minister said, arriving at a meeting of EU defence and foreign ministers in Brussels. "Vladimir Putin is obviously continuing to play for time," Pistorius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin still doesn't really seem to be seriously interested in peace, in a ceasefire. At least not on terms that are acceptable to others," he added. Recent Russian assaults on Ukraine were proof of that, he said. "Attacks with an estimated 270 drones speak for themselves. Several people in Ukraine have been killed and many injured. And I think that speaks louder than the lip service we have heard so far," Pistorius said. As a consequence of the latest developments, Pistorius believes that the EU should further expand its military support for Ukraine and increase the pressure of sanctions. "The most effective sanction is to further cut off the cash flows, the income from energy sales for Russia. That's where we need to go further," Pistorius said. An 18-year-old Ukrainian girl who had been taken to Russia against her will by her parents was forced to learn the Russian national anthem by heart and sing it under a scorching hot sun by Russian security forces at the border as she made her way back to Ukraine. Source: Olena Rozvadovska, co-founder of the Voices of Children Foundation, at People First, an advocacy event organised by the Center for Civil Liberties Quote from Rozvadovska: "Theres one girl, lets call her Ivanka. She recently turned 18. She was 15 when the full-scale invasion began. She was born and raised in a city that is now occupied. Her parents sided with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her parents support for the Russian invaders, Ivanka remained determined to stay in Ukraine. But they forced her to come with them to Russia, saying it would be 'paradise', with the chance to go to school and later university in Moscow or St Petersburg." Details: Ivanka (name changed for security reasons) kept looking for ways to get back to Ukraine. She stayed in touch with her Ukrainian classmates and her teacher. She refused to accept a Russian passport, even though her parents insisted. A huge argument broke out at home. Eventually Ivanka ran away and travelled all the way from Russia to Ukraine on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The worst thing she describes is the experience of being interrogated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) when she crossed the border," Rozvadovska said. "When we meet with children like these in Kyiv, they say this is the most traumatic thing." Ivanka was interrogated by FSB officers wearing balaclavas. After they searched her phone and found the words "Glory to Ukraine" in a text message, the interrogation intensified. "They forced her to sing the Russian national anthem, but she didnt know the words. They forced her to learn it under the scorching hot sun, they wouldnt even let her stand in the shade. She was exhausted and terrified," Rozvadovska said. Eventually, Ivanka managed to sing the Russian national anthem. One of the FSB officers sang along, but he made several mistakes he didnt know the words or the tune properly either highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivanka now lives in Kyiv. But according to Rozvadovska, her case is one of the "mildest" the Voices of Children Foundation has encountered. "Many children who come back from Russia report physical violence, psychological pressure, and manipulation. They were told things like 'Nobody is waiting for you in Ukraine'," she said. Many return with their mental health in tatters, struggling with anxiety, fear, and difficulty trusting others. Some have been in psychological rehabilitation for over a year. "When we celebrate the return of one, two, or ten children, for them its only the beginning of a new chapter," Rozvadovska added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of children have returned to Ukraine, either independently, or with help from volunteers, or through initiatives like Bring Kids Back. But this is only a tiny fraction of the total number. "Many of these children were taken when they were babies or toddlers. They are growing up subjected to systematic manipulation and propaganda. In Russian schools, they are completely cut off from Ukrainian identity. They are not allowed any contact with Ukraine. They are being brainwashed," Rozvadovska explained. Human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties and a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner, noted that while the Ukrainian authorities report that about 19,000 children have been illegally deported, the real number could be much higher. The Center for Civil Liberties launched the People First campaign to keep the issue of child deportations and other Russian war crimes against Ukrainians in the global political spotlight. Read also: Deportation as a weapon: the tragic fate of children from the Oleshky boarding school Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The bright pink jumper with a picture of Cinderella hangs off Janas skinny shoulders as she walks through the northern Gaza moonscape, piles of rubble, dirt and dust all around her. Clutching a large tub in her hand, the 12-year-old is on a mission: find food and water. Jana Mohammed Khalil Musleh Al-Skeifi and her family say she has been responsible for getting supplies for them all since an Israeli sniper killed her older brother more than a year ago. Her parents are in poor health, so it now falls on her to provide for them. I dont want my father to get tired. Thats why Im strong. I want to be strong, so my father doesnt suffer, Jana told CNN while waiting in a queue at a water distribution spot in Gaza City. My father is elderly and has heart disease. If he tries to carry the bucket, hell fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sparing her father the strenuous work, the slight girl carried two heavy buckets full of water all the way home, the knuckles of her fingers turned white from the heavy load, jeans soaked from the precious water sloshing about. Finding food and water became difficult after Israel launched its brutal war in Gaza following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas and its allies. But the situation has become catastrophic since Israel imposed a total blockade on all aid more than 11 weeks ago. A United Nations-backed report published earlier this month said that one in five people in Gaza are facing starvation as the territory, home to 2.1 million people, edges closer to man-made famine. Israel said the blockade, along with a new military campaign, is intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages held in the enclave. But many international organizations have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting clean water has been difficult for months because Israel restricts access to water treatment and desalination equipment, claiming that these items can be used to manufacture weapons. Doctors without Borders, the humanitarian organization, said that more than two-thirds of the 1,700 water and sanitation items it sought to deliver to Gaza between January 2024 and early March 2025 were rejected by Israeli authorities. You can barely fill one bucket, because theres no proper queuing system, and if you wait, you might not get anything. Sometimes we have to go without, Jana said. I sit there for hours just waiting to fill one bucket. Its an awful feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family told CNN it has resorted to using salt water to clean and cook in the past. Drop in the ocean of need The Israeli military announced Sunday it would allow a basic amount of food to enter Gaza as it launched its new major offensive in the strip. The reason, the military said, was the fact that a starvation crisis in Gaza would jeopardize the operation. The following day, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated Israel had taken the step because its Western allies, including the United States, were threatening to withdraw their support for the country if it allowed Gaza to descend into a famine. But only five trucks were allowed in on Monday, when humanitarian organizations said 500 a day were required just to feed those who need it the most. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher described the delivery as a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hunger is becoming catastrophic. The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that at least 57 children have died from the effects of malnutrition since the start of the war. Janas baby niece Janat was one of them, her family says. People wait to see if they can collect water at a camp for displaced people in Gaza City, on May 20, 2025. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images Everyone was just watching While Janat was born small, weighing just 2.6 kilograms (5 lb 12 oz), her mother Aya told CNN the baby girl was growing and putting on weight. She became a healthy baby, reaching a weight of around 4 kilograms (8 lb 13 oz). She learned to smile, she was alert. But things changed when Janat was six weeks old. On March 2, Israel imposed its total blockade on Gaza, preventing even the most basic supplies, including baby formula and medicines, from entering the strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aya said that when food became scarce, she began to struggle to breastfeed Janat, who started to lose weight. The baby developed chronic diarrhea, became dehydrated and was soon so poorly that she needed medical attention. (At the hospital) they said there was a special medical milk that would help her gain weight and stop the diarrhea but we couldnt find it. We searched all over Gaza, hospital by hospital, pharmacy by pharmacy. Even the Ministry of Health told us it wasnt available, Aya told CNN. A CNN video of Janat from mid-April shows the tiny baby wrapped up and held tightly by Aya. Her tiny face is all bones beneath the skin, and she looks more like a newborn than a four-month-old. Her skinny, long fingers are poking out of the blanket, and she looks sleepy. Her big brown eyes are the only part of her exhausted body that seem able to move, her gaze following people as they move around her. At the same time, Janats mother was struggling too, weakened by the lack of food and clean water. Like many new mothers in Gaza in these conditions, she lost her milk leaving her unable to feed her baby. The UN-backed hunger report said that almost 11,000 pregnant women in Gaza are already at risk of famine, and nearly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition over the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janat kept deteriorating. Her mother told CNN the baby began to struggle to maintain her body temperature and doctors said her blood sugar level was dangerously low. Her oxygen levels were dropping. The malnutrition caused her kidneys and liver to malfunction and her blood became acidic as a result. I pleaded to the whole world to save her. I just wanted someone to save her, to provide the milk she needed. But no one could help. Everyone was just watching, Janats mother said. Janats mother told CNN that doctors at the hospital had recommended Janat for medical evacuation abroad. The family even managed to obtain the necessary paperwork, including a referral and a permit for Janat to leave. But the baby girl died on May 4, before that was possible. At four months old, she was only 2.8 kilograms (6 lb 3 oz), barely more than her birth weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical evacuations from Gaza have been extremely rare, even more so since Israel restarted military operations after the collapse of the ceasefire in March. The World Health Organization (WHO) said last week that some 12,000 patients in Gaza need medical evacuation, and that only 123 people have been evacuated since the blockade was imposed in March. Flicking through photos of Janat, the day after the babys death, Jana became teary and upset. They told us she couldnt be treated unless she traveled abroad. We waited, they kept saying Saturday and Sunday, we waited until she died, Jana said. Israel launched a devastating new ground offensive in Gaza over the weekend - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images I feel like Ive died After 18 months of war, every aspect of Janas life is filled with hardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has too little food to eat and water to drink, no school to go to, no safe space to sleep. There is no electricity and the place she calls home is a half-destroyed house in Gaza City. Its walls are charred black from fire. Jana used to live in a house where water came from a tap and light appeared with the flick of a switch. There was food, there was school, there was a dance performance during which she and her friends got to be the center of attention, wearing matching outfits and dancing as everyone clapped along. A family video from the event looks like any other taken by proud parents of a child performing in public. Its a bit shaky, zoomed in on Jana as she hops around. Watching it amid the destruction, surrounded by bombed-out homes and piles of rubble, the footage looks like it came from a different universe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have no one left. I feel like Ive died, the 12-year-old told CNN, tears rolling down her cheeks. Emotionally, Im dead. Janas large family has been decimated by the war. She has lost a brother, a brother-in-law, a cousin and a niece, and is terrified of losing her mother who has thyroid cancer that cannot currently be treated in Gaza. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war over the past 18 months, roughly 4% of the strips population. This means that out of every 40 people living in Gaza before the war, one is now dead. But there is little time to grieve for them when survival takes so much effort. Hungry children jockey for food On May 12, the day before CNN last met with Jana, she managed to find food to buy: 500 grams of pasta for 50 shekels ($15). Like many families in Gaza, they ground the pasta into flour to make bread, an attempt to make it last longer. Gaza has long since run out of flour. The next day, when a nearby community kitchen gets supplies, a large crowd of hungry children assembles within minutes. They watch the workers every move, eagerly awaiting the moment when the food is ready. It is clear there isnt enough for everyone, so the children jockey for the best spot, stretching their arms to get their pot as close as they can to the front, desperately trying to get the attention of those distributing the meals. Some are screaming and crying. Jana is lucky. Two scoops of pasta with watery tomato sauce land in her tub. She looks exhausted and hungry, but happy. As she walks home with the tub of steaming food, she does not touch it. Not until she gets home where her hungry siblings, nieces and nephews await. Only then, sharing it with them, does Jana allow herself to tuck in. Tareq Al Hilou reported from Gaza, Abeer Salman reported from Jerusalem and Ivana Kottasova reported and wrote from London. Eyad Kourdi contributed from Aleppo. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trumps administration originally approached Qatar about the possibility of acquiring one of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets, according to a report. The new claim reported in CNN contradicts Trumps insistence that the controversial plane lined up to replace Air Force One was simply offered as a gift. The $400m aircraft that the Qatari royal family intends to present to the United States, described as a flying palace due to its luxurious interior, has inspired a number of ethics complaints at home that cast a long shadow over the presidents visit to the Middle East last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now administration sources cited by CNN claim it was the U.S. that first sought out the plane, rather than Qatar coming forward to offer it as a friendly gesture. The networks sources claim that, shortly after Trump returned to the White House in January, the Pentagon contacted Boeing for an update on the two new jets it is building as replacements for the current presidential plane. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, as he departs the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha on May 15 2025 (Win McNamee/Getty) It was told that their construction would take another two years to complete, prompting a frustrated Trump to task his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff with drawing up a list of potential alternatives already in service. Boeing reportedly supplied Department of Defense officials with the names of its clients around the world. Qatar was one of the clients, one of the sources said, adding that the Pentagon then approached Doha, with introductions from Witkoff, offering to buy the plane. Qatar responded by indicating it would be willing to sell, it is claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another source, however, suggested those discussions were originally about leasing the Boeing, not buying it outright. The account stands at odds with Trumps own version of events after the president insisted throughout his trip to the Gulf that the plane was a present from one of Americas key regional allies, describing it as A GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE on Truth Social and saying that only a stupid person would have refused it. His position was reiterated by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday. She described the jet as a donation to our country, saying that Qatars royal family has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations. A White House official has since told The Independent that CNNs reporting is accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump griped about the age of the current presidential plane repeatedly last week, boarding it at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday with the resentful words: I leave now and get into a 42-year-old Boeing. The new ones are coming, new ones are coming. Qatari F-15 jets perform a fly over Air Force One as President Trump Doha for the UAE on May 15 (Win McNamee/Getty) Amid a furore in Congress over the jet potentially violating the U.S. Constitutions emoluments clause, Trumps own Department of Justice lawyers moved quickly to rule that accepting it would break no laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington said the donation of the aircraft would be legally permissible, given that its ownership would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation before the end of his term. But Columbia Law School Professor Richard Briffault questioned that assessment when he told NPR that if Trump retains ownership of the plane after leaving office, in spite of his claim that it will ultimately be given to the Department of Defense, then its not really a gift to the United States at all and instead amounts to a pretty textbook case of a violation of the emoluments clause. A Boeing 747 bearing the color scheme of planes used by the Qatari royal family seen at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this month (Brandon Lingle/The San Antonio Express-News/AP) Professor Briffault further warned that accepting any present leaves the recipient beholden to the gift-giver, an argument also made by Trump nemesis Hillary Clinton, saying that gestures like Qatars are designed to create good feelings for the recipient and to get some kind of reciprocity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another cause of concern is the eye-watering cost of retrofitting the jet to make it an acceptable substitute for the presidential plane. Experts warn that it would take several years and require billions of dollars in further investment from the American taxpayer to ensure it meets the necessary security standards. It would require secure communications, electromagnetic shielding, and in-flight refueling capabilities, to name just three necessary upgrades. A private contractor would, in all probability, have to rip the plane apart before it was fit for use, and aviation experts cited by NBC News have put the bill at $1bn, more than twice the planes worth. New documents have been released detailing Florida DOGEs efforts to audit spending at the University of North Florida, and UNFs response to those inquiries. We were to submit years of research, six years of resource publications, grants, awards, etc., explained Madeline Atenasi, UNFs United Faculty of Florida president on Monday. UNF President Dr. Moaz Limayem recently told Action News Jax the university has readily complied with those inquiries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is a room for us to be even more efficient, more effective, we are not afraid of that, Limayem told Action News Jax Emily Turner in a sit-down interview. And again, we have been very transparent for every request we receive from DOGE. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] However, officials from the UNF United Faculty of Florida branch expressed concerns to Action News Jax about the possible motivations behind the states efforts. Theyre going after everything thats DEI, after everything they consider wasteful or ineffective, and it just feels like its a continuous attempt from the state to defund education, Atenasi expressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Trice the vice president for UNFs United Faculty of Florida branch, and a current professor at UNF pointed to concerns particularly about the request for research funding, as well as requests for any university publications covering that research. When the government gets involved in defining what is valid research and what can and cannot be researched, well, theres room for well, frankly, theres room for personal opinion to start driving those kinds of decisions rather than the legitimate pursuit of knowledge, argued Trice. Action News Jax also reached out to the university systems board of governors for an interview or statement on these efforts, but have yet to hear back. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. Virginia Republicans are bracing for November with a growing sense of doom. The GOP already faced a tough climate in this years elections thanks to tech billionaire Elon Musks war on the state's robust federal workforce. Then came a bitter, intraparty feud over Republicans lieutenant governor candidate. Now, some Republicans are privately expressing concerns about the viability of their gubernatorial nominee, Winsome Earle-Sears. With the demographics of Richmond, in an off year with the Republican White House, it's going to be tough, said longtime Virginia Republican strategist Jimmy Keady. To be a Republican to win in Virginia, you have to run a very good campaign. You've got to have [tailwinds] and the Democratic candidates got to make a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Republicans always knew this would be a challenging election year. In the gubernatorial race, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is a well-positioned candidate with a record of winning competitive races. But Virginia Republicans are growing increasingly worried about Earle-Sears' slow start to the campaign. According to nearly a dozen Republican strategists and officials in the state, her sluggish fundraising, a controversial speech in which she compared Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs to slavery and her frosty relationship with MAGA rising star John Reid, who is running for lieutenant governor, could make a bad year worse. "A lot of us are looking at it and saying, I'd do it differently," said a senior GOP staffer granted anonymity to speak freely. "She's a good person, she'd make a good governor, and she's just not as strong of a candidate as we'd like to have." Recently, her campaign sent a fundraising email that tied American slavery to DEI. Slaves did not die in the fields so that we could call ourselves victims now in 2025, said the email, signed by Earle-Sears, who is looking to become the states first woman and second Black governor. The email went on to say that Democrats think minorities cant succeed without DEI and highlights Virginia as the former capital of the Confederacy. The campaign said it was not responsible for the email and declined to say who was, but a video shared with POLITICO showed her making similar statements at an event in 2023. The text is still posted on her campaign's WinRed fundraising page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Winsome is a strong candidate, running a smart campaign, and will win the governorship in November," said campaign press secretary Peyton Vogel. "We'll keep our focus on things that matter like continuing to break fundraising records, earning endorsements, and sharing with Virginians the dark realities of Abigail Spanberger's two-faced balancing act." When watermarked stock photos appeared on the issues page of her campaign website an internal oversight suggesting not everything the campaign produces is fully vetted Chris LaCivita, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign who has worked for a number of high-profile Virginia Republicans, called campaign staff amateurs. Others have criticized Earle-Sears for not firing back more forcefully when a Democratic-leaning group last month released audio of her saying she believes the Trump tariffs were positive for the economy in an effort to paint her as out of touch with many Virginia voters. And there are questions about her previous hard-line stances on socially conservative issues that the party has been trying to shed to better play in the blue and affluent suburbs of Washington. Earle-Sears has written her opposition on bills and constitutional amendments that she is constitutionally required to sign. The Virginia Mercury newspaper reported on a handwritten note Earle-Sears wrote expressing that she was morally opposed to an amendment that enshrined abortion in the state constitution. And the Virginia Scope found she added a similar note to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination bill, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are those kinds of glitches, [when] you see them, you manage them, you get through them, and you go to the next thing, said Kay Coles James, the former head of the conservative Heritage Foundation with deep ties to GOP circles in Virginia. I am not in a panic mode at this point." Virginia Republicans maintain that it's early and even some of her harshest critics believe theres time for her to turn it around. Theres some evidence that Earle-Sears is heeding those calls. The campaign launched its first ad this month, highlighting her immigrant roots, her service in the Marines and her willingness to buck traditional Republican orthodoxy. She was set to travel to Dallas on Monday for a fundraiser headlined by former President George W. Bush, according to a screenshot of an invitation reviewed by POLITICO. The campaign has also ramped up its attacks on Spanberger by amplifying her recent comments that she doesnt support a full repeal of Virginias right-to-work law banning unions from requiring employees to join. Some Republicans who remain optimistic about Earle-Sears candidacy argue skeptics had similar critiques four years ago when current Gov. Glenn Youngkin was trailing then-Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffetwo months before the election. Youngkin eventually won the state by 63,000 votes and was seen as a sign of the GOPs comeback after losing the White House and the U.S. Senate in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earle-Sears, a Jamaican American woman running alongside an openly gay man for her lieutenant governor seat and the son of a Cuban refugee for attorney general, also represents an opportunity for Republicans to emphasize diverse credentials. It sounds like a Democratic ticket, right? said former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis, a Republican from Northern Virginia. Thats the Republican ticket. Look, theres always grumbling, said Katie Gorka, chair of the Fairfax Republicans, who attributes Earle-Sears' fundraising earlier in the cycle to being hamstrung by her duties presiding over the state Senate and the Virginia legislature not wrapping its 2025 session until late February. Spanberger, no longer in elected office, could raise money for her campaign full time. So far, Spanberger has a big advantage: she raised $16.3 million in the first quarter compared with Earle-Sears' $5.6 million, according to campaign finance reports. Gorka, the wife of top Trump aide Sebastian Gorka, also dismissed assertions that the lieutenant governor made a blunder when comparing slavery to DEI programs in a fundraising blast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a part of her strategy is to make sure she reaches across the aisle and reaches a wide range of Virginians, Gorka said. Her talk about slavery and DEI might not appeal to the Republican base, but I think there are a lot of people who do respond to that. Still, many Republicans dont feel the lieutenant governor is positioning herself well for the general election. Unlike Youngkin four years ago, Earle-Sears did not face a drawn out primary. The governor, who according to Virginia law is barred from serving consecutive terms, effectively cleared the field for her when Attorney General Jason Miyares decided to seek reelection instead of running for governor. The lack of a competitive primary means that Earle-Sears has more work to do to introduce herself to Virginians, multiple Republicans said. I don't think the average voter knows there's a campaign on either side right now, to be honest," Davis, the Northern Virginia Republican, said. We used to say voters aren't stupid, they're just not informed. This will come down as: Are they comfortable with the direction of the state, and how much does the national bleed over into this? Andrew Howard and Daniel Lippman contributed to this report. U.S. Rep. Jared Golden declared victory on Nov. 6, 2024 ahead of an official call from The Associated Press, in his closely-watched race against Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden will run for a fifth term representing Maines 2nd Congressional District. There has been speculation that the Marine veteran could make a run for the Blaine House. He said in the campaign announcement Tuesday that he considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine. However, he believes the surest way to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to win back the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also know the path to the majority runs through Maine, he added. Last November, his race against Republican Austin Theriault drew national attention as the majority party looked to regain the seat that covers a broad, rural stretch of the state. The National Republican Congressional Committee has already said it is targeting Goldens seat in the 2026 election as a prime pick-up opportunity. With the election 18 months away, Golden said he is focused on his current responsibilities to his constituents and family. When he isnt in Washington, Golden lives in Lewiston with his wife and two daughters. Former Gov. Paul LePage announced earlier this month that he will be seeking the Republican nomination to run for the 2nd District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden, who often votes across party lines, said he is going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress. During his last reelection campaign, Golden wrote an op-ed that drew pushback from members of his own party for saying that if elected he would work with President Donald Trump. Though he stands with his party on reproductive rights, environmental protections and labor, Golden has supported more funding for the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also backed a Republican measure to require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, something Democrats have said will suppress turnout, and has been a strong supporter of tariffs and said in early April that he was pleased Trump is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10% tariff like Golden himself has proposed. During debates last fall with Theriault, Golden defended his change of heart to support a ban on assault weapons after the October 2023 shooting in Lewiston. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WAIALUA, Hawaii (KHON2) When you think of a gondola you might think of riding one to the top of a snowy mountain or a boat ride in Venice, but what about here in Hawaii? Thats what one Canadian businessman is proposing for Oahus North Shore. Hawaiian Airlines: No one will lose their miles Mt. Kaala is the tallest peak on Oahu, and the owner of Adventure Group in Canada owns 2,300 acres in Waialua and plans to develop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement List of Hawaiian words every tourist needs to know It would significantly impact a sacred and historical space, said North Shore Neighborhood Board Vice-Chair Racquel Achiu-Hill. Mount Kaala would now be compromised with a proposed gondola, ski lift operation that would lead into a zipline and cafe. Hawaii homeowners are heading toward a mortgage crisis: New report The proposed project is off Kaukonahua Road. She said the developer introduced himself as the landowner to the board back in 2018 and said he had intentions of opening the area to the public, but according to her, he didnt specify his plans. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In 2019, she said the neighborhood board was surprised when they were told of a Conditional Use Permit for a gondola project on the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A part of our land use ordinance allows for accessory-activities on ag land, specifically agritourism, explained North Shore City Councilmember Matt Weyer. He said theres a requirement that at least 51% of the land be in ag production. But when youre looking at whats allowed and understanding the primary use of this land which is zoned agriculture, theres always a concern under the requirements and land use ordinances, specifically requiring that you dont diminish the potential of agricultural land and any improvements cant have unreasonable costs to take it down, and I think thats why the community is getting concerned, Weyer explained. I mean a large gondola going up such an important mountain and the idea of an e-bike track across ag land could harm the area. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the development said it currently does cattle ranching, forestry and crop production and they are working on agritourism plans for sightseeing, hiking, biking and other activities accessible by a gondola. The group is currently applying for minor modifications to its conditional use permit to make its overall footprint smaller than originally approved. Documents state the gondola route was adjusted to lower elevations which reduced the number of support towers from 18 to eight. The gondola route-length would be 8,240 feet. The minor modification also shortens the zipline. Originally, there were two zipline routes approved by the CUP for a total of 7,967 feet. The modified zipline has only one route with a total length of 5,285 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nimitz Highway collision claims life of pedestrian The modification also points out redesigning hiking and biking trails and enhanced ADA accessibility with handrails, bridges and viewing platforms. The gondola stations would have lower visibility and a new driveway alignment to improve traffic safety. The document states, Initial visitation is planned for approximately 1,650 people per day to evaluate site capacity, guest experience and to ensure that environmental standards are maintained Given the vast agricultural lands and proposed agribusiness activities, the physical capacity of the site is far greater, however, the applicant intends to move slowly and increase visitation capacity gradually based on initial findings and engagement with county officials, community leaders and environmental consultants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents also anticipate 750 cars a day. Honolulu mayor declares Emergency Medical Services week When youre doing agricultural projects and youre doing accessory uses, those uses arent the primary purpose, because thats why we have ag land versus industrial versus commercial, when you look at it that way, I think thats a community concern too, Weyer added. The impacts of just drilling into the foundation of Mt. Kaala for what a ski lift would need is overwhelming, Achiu-Hill said. Its very overwhelming, youre going to compromise this mountain in a way that should never be thought of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HIDOE students feast on sweet potatoes The developer said there are community benefits like job creation and positive economic impacts, health and recreational benefits, historical and cultural opportunities, endangered species protection, wildfire risk management, public access to lands otherwise inaccessible and preservation of ag land so its not subdivided for residential development. The Department of Planning and Permitting said the developer still has not met all the conditions of the CUP. The DPP says if they do not approve of the minor modifications, which reduces the overall footprint of the original CUP, the originally approved CUP would still stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for DPP said in an email if the minor modification is approved, the developer must meet all conditions of the CUP, as amended. If approved, the minor modification may add and/or modify existing changes. The public can email their comments to DPP planner Steve Tagawa at stagawa@honolulu.gov or DPP email at dpp@honolulu.gov, or by mail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Republicans this week passed a sweeping package of President Trumps tax proposals, spending cuts and reforms for key federal programs. The nearly party-line, 215-214 vote came after weeks of intense negotiations, marathon meetings, last-minute changes and an overnight session on the House floor. The bill now goes to the upper chamber, where Senate Republicans are already eyeing changes. Heres a rundown of whats in the more than 1,000-page bill the House passed. 2017 tax cuts A centerpiece of the legislation is making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent which nonpartisan scorers and think tanks estimate would cost trillions of dollars over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), the official revenue scorer for Congress, estimated earlier this month the overall cost of extending the tax cuts and other measures in the plan would add more than $5 trillion to the nations deficits. One of the most costly proposals is extending the individual rate reductions in the 2017 law, which is estimated to reduce revenues by more than $2 trillion through 2034. At the same time, the JCT also found the package would put about $1.9 trillion toward reducing the deficit through measures such as cuts to renewable energy incentives and international tax enforcement. Overall, the JCT estimated the tax piece would cost $3.7 trillion over the next decade. SALT The bill includes a proposal that would raise the cap for the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, which would allow taxpayers especially those in higher-tax blue states to deduct more of their regional taxes from their federal tax bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure calls for raising the current deduction cap to $40,000 for filers making less than $500,000. The deal House GOP leadership struck with SALT Caucus Republicans was crucial in getting the bill passed. Several Republicans from high-tax blue states had threatened to tank the entire measure if the deduction cap wasnt increased to their liking. The cap has also been a source of contention in the GOP conference in recent months, as some fiscal hawks have also raised concerns about raising the limit, and changes could be coming when the Senate begins working on the bill. No tax on tips New tax proposals also make the cut in the legislation, including a measure aimed at nixing taxes on tips, as Republicans seek to make good on a key pledge Trump made on the campaign trail last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation also includes provisions seeking to do away with taxes on car loan interest and overtime pay, as well as an enhanced deduction for seniors and a suite of other proposals seeking to provide tax relief. Green energy tax credits The legislation includes significant cuts to Biden-era tax credits for climate-friendly energy sources. The bills initial text eliminates tax credits for electric vehicles within two years. It also eliminates credits for low-carbon electricity including wind and solar that begin producing power after 2028. Projects also need to start construction within 60 days of the bills enactment. And it puts restrictions on the use of Chinese components, subcomponenents and minerals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the green tax credits, the legislation also eliminates other green programs including those that seek to fund climate-friendly projects and reduce air pollution. It also seeks to eliminate Biden-era regulations that are expected to reduce the share of new gas-powered cars sold in the U.S. Medicaid reforms The bill includes major reforms to Medicaid estimated to lead to millions of people losing coverage by 2034. The bill would require states to impose work requirements on childless adults aged 19-64 to be eligible for the program and seeks to shorten the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, among a host of other changes. Under pressure from conservatives, GOP leaders amended an initial version of the bill to enact the changes no later than the end of next year. The proposed Medicaid and health care reforms are key pieces of a significant portion of the bill crafted by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which was tasked with finding more than $800 billion in savings over a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are pushing for well more than $1 trillion in cuts to federal spending to ride alongside the tax piece. SNAP benefits The bill would tighten eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and require states to cover a portion of benefit costs. While SNAP benefits are currently funded by the federal government, the proposal calls for the federal share of the cost of allotments to go from 100 percent in the next two fiscal years to 95 percent in fiscal 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter. It also includes language to increase the states 5 percent share of benefit costs in fiscal 2028 depending on their payment error rate. If the error rate is 6 percent or higher, a state would be subject to a sliding scale that could see its share of allotments rise to a range of between 15 percent and 25 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans say the move would give states an incentive to lower their payment error rates for the program, over which lawmakers on both sides have raised alarm. But Democrats have sharply criticized the recent GOP-backed proposal, which they argue could lead to states cutting benefits on their own. CFPB The legislation seeks to significantly limit funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which was established during the Obama administration in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. As part of its funding structure, the CFPB receives transfers from the Federal Reserve not exceeding a cap set at 12 percent of the Federal Reserve Systems total operating expenses. The GOP-crafted recommendations, if enacted, would significantly reduce the amount of funding the agency can receive from the central bank, setting that cap at 5 percent. Democrats have hailed the CFPB as one of the most successful creations of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, praising its aggressive track record of enforcing consumer protection laws. But Republicans have long pressed for measures to rein in the agency, which they have argued has too much power and independence from Congress. Debt limit House Republicans are also moving forward with plans to raise the nations debt ceiling by $4 trillion as part of the package, as the Treasury Department warns the government risks defaulting on its more than $36 trillion debt in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent is already calling on Congress to raise or suspend the debt ceiling by July to keep the federal government from defaulting on its more than $36 trillion debt. In a letter earlier this month, Bessent said there is reasonable probability the governments cash and extraordinary measures will be exhausted in August while Congress is scheduled to be in recess. Pell Grant reforms and student loans The bill would beef up Pell Grants for some students for short-term training programs but would tighten limits for how much students could borrow in federal student loans. The plan calls for a tax increase on private university endowments amid an ongoing clash between the Trump administration and higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, it would also create the first federal school choice bill by allowing federal tax credits for individuals who donate to groups that provide school choice scholarships to students, making it so individuals in all 50 states could receive a stipend to cover the cost of private school or homeschool expenses. Funding boosts for Pentagon, deportation plans The bill also includes increases to Pentagon spending, along with funding boosts to help advance Trumps immigration and border priorities. Defense spending would stand to see a roughly $150 billion boost as part of the package a proposal that Trump officials have touted will push defense spending to more than $1 trillion for the first time ever, when accounting for the annual budget. The bill also calls for tens of billions of dollars for Trumps border wall and funding for detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tobias Burns and Lexi Lonas contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican lawmakers are urging President Trump to take a much tougher line against Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine, arguing that Putin is not serious about peace. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Monday that the Senate has a Russia sanctions bill that is ready to go if the White House gives him the green light, noting the legislation has strong bipartisan support. Republican confidence in Trumps approach to the peace talks fell after Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov skipped a round of talks with American negotiators in Istanbul last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump tried to jump-start the talks Monday by speaking to Putin for more than two hours in a phone call, but the conversation failed to achieve a breakthrough on the war in Ukraine. I think Vladimir Putin is a liar and that theyre always going to ask for too much, and theyre going to use that as a pretext to continue to kill, rape and kidnap Ukrainians, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said. Tillis said administration officials need to lean into Putin and let him know that well be there for the duration if he doesnt come to terms on a peace deal. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Trump needs to take a harder line in talks with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should be treated as the aggressors that they are, as the war criminals that they are, particularly Mr. Putin, Wicker said. Our negotiators should realize that theres not a word of truth that comes out of Vladimir Putins mouth. He will never keep any promise that he ever makes. He is totally interested in domination of his neighbors. That needs to be recognized, Wicker warned. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said hes worried Putin is stringing the U.S. and President Trump along though he applauded Trump for making an effort to end the war. You cant have a peace deal without good-faith negotiators on both sides, and Im concerned that Putin is not negotiating in good faith; hes just stringing the U.S. and President Trump along, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn noted that Trump said Monday that Russia and Ukraine need to negotiate directly. Well see what comes out of that, but based on Putins past behavior, Im not real optimistic, he said. Trump posted on Truth Social after his call with Putin that Russian and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire. Asked later Monday if he thinks Putin is truly interested in reaching a peace deal, Trump said, I do. Trump, however, backed away from Secretary of State Marco Rubios comments predicting the president would meet face-to-face with Putin to negotiate a peace deal. GOP lawmakers are growing increasingly skeptical that Trump can persuade Putin to agree to a deal and believe he needs to take a harder line by threatening tougher sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune, who in the past has criticized Putin and Russias invasion of Ukraine, said Monday that the Senate has a bipartisan bill ready to place tough sanctions on Russia if Trump wants to go in that direction. If the White House concludes that tougher sanctions are in order, were here for it. Weve got a bill ready to go that has an overwhelming bipartisan majority of senators on it. And if sanctions is a necessary part of getting the Russians to the table to negotiate in good faith, then so be it, Thune said. Well try and work with the administration on that, he added. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced legislation in April to place sanctions against Russia and actors who support Russias aggression in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, which has more than 70 co-sponsors, would place tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. Graham has been in touch with European ministers to negotiate a broader sanctions agreement against Russia. Thune declared after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that the United States, NATO, and Ukraine must not back down to Vladimir Putins demands to undermine regional security or yield to his visions of remaking a malign Soviet sphere of influence. Trump promised during the 2024 campaign to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of being sworn into office, but he has failed to gain much traction with Putin over the past four months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland President Alexander Stubb said at a security conference in Estonia that Trump is losing patience with Russia. Stubb has been in contact with Graham on the sanctions package that could come to the Senate floor. Trumps relationship with Putin has frayed over the past three months as the Russian president has failed to demonstrate any real interest in a peace deal. Putin on Monday declined to agree to the Trump administrations proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine had agreed to. Trump, nevertheless, put a positive spin on the days talks, calling the tone and spirit of the conversation excellent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President Vance said earlier this month that Russia is asking for too much to end the fighting. Right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions, in order to end the conflict. We think theyre asking for too much, he said at a conference in Washington. Putin has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four regions of the country partially occupied by Russian troops, something Zelensky rejected Monday. Zelensky met with Trump during Pope Franciss funeral in Rome this month and again with Vance and Rubio this past weekend. The Ukrainian president said after meeting with Vance and Rubio that he reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy. 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. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about creating a mandate without establishing a funding source in the budget and relying on outside programs to provide the epinephrine for free. (Photo of state Senate Chamber/New Hampshire Bulletin file) The New Hampshire Senate is set to vote Thursday on a bill to require that schools maintain a supply of epinephrine, which is used to treat allergic reactions. House Bill 677 requires New Hampshire schools to have epinephrine injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPen, or nasal epinephrine spray, and it requires that a nurse or at least one assistive personnel be on site to administer the epinephrine at the school during school hours. The bill gives nurses and school staff five days to replace the epinephrine after its used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Drago, the Raymond Republican who sponsored the bill, said there are at least two programs that offer epinephrine to schools for free. Epinephrine manufacturers Viatris and ARS Pharmaceuticals both advertise such programs on their websites. Lawmakers plan to rely on these programs to make this proposal possible. In reality, were putting EpiPens in every single school at no cost, Drago, who has a child with a nut allergy, said in an April Senate hearing. And potentially saving lives. Under state law, schools are allowed to maintain a supply of and use epinephrine. This bill, if enacted, would require them to do so. The House previously approved the legislation in an April voice vote, and it received the unanimous recommendation of the Senate Education Committee earlier this month. The bill is co-sponsored by a group of mostly Republicans but has bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers expressed concerns about creating a mandate without establishing a funding source in the budget and relying on outside programs to provide the epinephrine for free. Sen. Debra Altschiller, a Stratham Democrat, commended Drago at the April hearing for raising the issue, but said shes concerned the state would rely on a program thats at the discretion of a pharmaceutical company. It exists today, Altschiller said. It might not exist tomorrow. And to require a specific product be carried in the school at the expense of the school is where I have significant problems. She noted epinephrine is wildly expensive and called this an unfunded mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drago said he doubts these programs will ever disappear. Still, to address these concerns, the Senate Education Committee proposed an amendment that establishes a state fund to help schools pay for epinephrine. Though it doesnt appropriate any money to that fund, the amendment creates a mechanism for the state to accept gifts from organizations besides the pharmaceutical companies. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) on Monday teased a logic that a lot of people arent talking about yet which may help sway public opinion over President Donald Trumps controversial plan to accept a luxury $400 million jumbo jet to be temporarily used as Air Force One from Qatars ruling family. But Rounds kept silent on what the actual logic is, telling CNNs Kaitlan Collins that a lot of its still classified and then admitting: I probably shouldnt be breaking that story. Collins had earlier asked Rounds if he was ethically and optically comfortable with the president flying on a plane that was gifted to him by Qatar? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has drawn criticism from across the political divide for his willingness to accept a Boeing 747 from Qatar, to be used as Air Force One, while two new presidential planes are being built. The Qatari jet will then be transferred to Trumps presidential library when he leaves office. Rounds replied to Collins: If we can show the American people that there was a method and a reason why it is beneficial in terms of this transition, I think that will help a lot. And I think there may very well be an argument made that as we transition from the old 747, which are still in service, to the new 747s, theres a number of items that have to be included in each of the 747s. If we can build some of that and then transition it out of one 747 and then into the new one, there may very well be some benefits to that while the old 747s are still flying. Weve had a chance to talk to some of the folks in the Air Force, and the Air Force actually does have a plan to be able to work through this, he claimed. And Im not gonna get into it because a lot of its still classified, but there is a logic that a lot of people arent talking about yet. And I probably shouldnt be breaking that story, Rounds added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the exchange on CNN here: Related... Senators grilled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today over her management of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and how the agency which President Donald Trump has sought to dismantle is responding to a series of devastating storms across the southern United States. During a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) asked Noem what she would do about pending federal disaster declaration requests for the state of Missouri which has been wracked by a series of deadly tornadoes that have not been approved by the president. Mississippi, which is still recovering from extreme weather events in March, is also waiting for approval on months-old disaster relief declarations. The state has pending three requests for major disaster declarations from earlier storms weve lost over a dozen people. Well, actually, if you count the folks we lost just on Friday, weve lost almost 20 people now in major storms just in the last two months in Missouri, Hawley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will you commit to helping, for those three major disaster declaration requests that are pending, will you expedite those, Secretary Noem, and get those in front of the president, get those approved? Hawley asked. We are desperate for the assistance in Missouri. Noem replied that she would make sure the applications were put before Trump as soon as possible, and agreed to expedite individual assistance for qualified Missourians impacted by the recent storms. A prominent Republican lawmaker like Hawley begging a Republican administration to approve emergency aid for a Republican state is a sign of how badly federal agencies responsible for the welfare of vulnerable populations have eroded under Trump. The plea came a day after St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told MSNBC that FEMA has not been on the ground and that the city does not have confirmed assistance from FEMA at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we need right now is federal assistance. This is where FEMA and the federal government has got to come in and help communities. Our city cannot shoulder this alone. The state of Missouri cannot shoulder this alone, Spencer said. We need partners at the national level, at the federal level, to step up and help and this is not just true for St. Louis. Cities across the nation, when they are experiencing disasters such as this, this is what the federal government is for. Last month, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders who previously served as Trumps press secretary issued a letter to the president pleading with him to reconsider FEMAs denial of an emergency disaster declaration request as the state recovered from a series of tornadoes in March. In her letter, Sanders wrote that without the support of a Major Disaster Declaration, Arkansas will face significant challenges in assuming full responsibility and achieving an effective recovery from this event, and that supplemental Federal assistance is crucial to recovery efforts. The declaration was finally issued on May 13, almost exactly two months after the storms hit the state, and a month after Huckabee wrote to the president. Meanwhile, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear appeared on CNN to discuss the tornadoes that killed 19 people in the state over the last week. Im very concerned about cuts to FEMA or to the National Weather Service, Beshear said. But I want to be clear that the actual response on the ground by the Trump administration and Secretary Noem has been good. The way FEMA has treated people has been good. The president has approved each of our applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disparity in response levels speaks to the scattershot, disorganized manner with which the Trump administration has handled disaster responses. In the months since Trump assumed office, FEMA has been hit with sweeping staffing and management cuts in accordance with Trump and Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives. In March, Noem announced that she would move to eliminate the agency altogether and transfer disaster management responsibilities to individual states. FEMA interim head Cameron Hamilton was removed from his post earlier this month after testifying before Congress that he felt the agencys demise would be detrimental to public welfare. His replacement, former Marine Corps Officer David Richardson, sent a dire warning to staff: Dont get in my way because I will run right over you. I will achieve the presidents intent. During todays Senate hearing, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) grilled Noem on the Trump administrations plans to gut FEMA, and how it would affect their ability to respond to disasters. You are losing a fifth of the workforce at FEMA. Whats your plan to replace them? Blumenthal asked. How are you going to meet the needs of our constituents? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem dodged the question, talking over Blumenthals attempts to redirect her and claiming that it was actually the Biden administrations fault that the agency was bloated and ineffective. But as much as Trumps Cabinet would like to place the failings of the administration at the feet of his predecessor, the states currently attempting to manage deadly disasters arent running to Joe Biden for assistance theyre begging the current occupant of the White House. 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. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) On Monday, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 48 to expand his efforts to combat antisemitism at Virginia public schools and institutions of higher education. This comes after surveys conducted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) found an increase in antisemitism incidents in schools after the terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that led to the Israel-Hamas war, which is still ongoing. Netanyahu says there is no way Israel halts the war in Gaza until Hamas is defeated Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Glenn Youngkin said in part, No one should be unsafe in the classroom or on campus or feel targeted because of their religion or heritage. The Secretary of Education, the Virginia Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia has been ordered to develop resources that will help local school divisions to prevent, track, report and follow up on antisemitic and anti-religious bigotry incidents. In addition, school SOLs will now include Judaism, Jewish history and Holocaust awareness, and law enforcement throughout the Commonwealth will be trained for antisemitism awareness. The full executive order can be viewed below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EO-48-FINALDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, seen on January 24, 2023. Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday appointed Bill Lewis to replace Justice Jay Mitchell's resignation.(Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday appointed Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Supreme Court following Justice Jay Mitchells resignation on Monday. Judge Bill Lewis continues demonstrating justice and fairness under the law, as well as a willingness to serve the people of Alabama, Ivey said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivey appointed Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in February 2024 after he served in the Elmore County Circuit Court. Ivey will soon announce Lewis replacement to the Court of Civil Appeals, according to the statement. Mitchell, a Republican who had served on the court since 2019, sent his resignation letter to Iveys office Monday saying he felt the need to play a larger role in restoring the U.S. Constitution in Alabama. President Trump is moving boldly to restore the United States Constitution and we must ensure his agenda takes root not only in Washington, but also in the states, he wrote. I feel called to play a larger role in that effort in Alabama. Mitchell did not say what his next role would be, but that he would announce it soon. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has dozens of decisions waiting for him as the Legislature sent him more than 60 individual items throughout this years session. Many of the bills are omnibus legislation, with several other bills stacked together into one. While Kehoes office said it was thoroughly review all legislation sent to the governor, many pieces of legislation were backed by Kehoe himself. This includes House Bill 567 as well as a tax plan that would eliminate capital gains taxes in Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor has up to 30 days to respond to legislation. If he doesnt take action, the bill will automatically become law. Most of the bills on his desk would go into effect on August 28 of this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Multiple counties in southwest Missouri that received damage from the April 29 tornadoes and severe storms may be able to receive some disaster relief. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is asking for the federal government to issue a federal disaster declaration and provide aid to the counties of Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton in southwest Missouri, as well as Washington County in the St. Louis metro area. Kehoe says he is requesting FEMA assistance to help local governments and nonprofits cover the costs of documented damage and the emergency response, which is estimated at over $16.5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the damage documented by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration local officials includes an elementary school, a MoDOT facility and various damage to public infrastructure. More severe weather pummels the central US as thousands recover from deadly tornadoes This seasons weather pattern has brought one destructive severe storm after another to Missouri, and the April 29 storms led to widespread damage in six counties damage that is simply beyond their capabilities and those of the state to sustain without federal assistance, Governor Kehoe said in a news release. Missourians are rallying to rebuild and support one another and will continue to do so as we now respond to the latest deadly and highly destructive storms that swept across the state on Friday, May 16. Kehoe has previously requested a disaster declaration from deadly storms from March 14-15 in 28 counties and March 30-April 8 that affected 26 counties. Both declarations are still awaiting federal approval. Kehoe says he has also taken actions to speed up the arrival of federal assistance from the storms that hit the St. Louis area and southeast Missouri on Friday, May 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri residents who still have unmet needs are recommended to contact United Way by dialing 211 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. More information about Missouri disaster recovery efforts can be found at recovery.mo.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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Gov. Kim Reynolds, shown here delivering the Condition of the State message on Jan. 14, 2025, signed bills including school funding, fireworks rules and lawsuit protections in First Amendment cases. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds signed 25 bills into law Monday, including measures related to fireworks, school funding and First Amendment rights. The slate of bills signed is the first action on legislation Reynolds has taken since the 2025 legislative session adjourned Thursday. However, these are not the first bills she has signed this year the governor has already signed into law several measures, including high-profile laws like the ban on using cellphones while driving outside of handsfree or voice-activated modes, and the removal of gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still many other measures awaiting Reynolds signature that passed this session. The governor has until June 14 30 days from the end of session to sign bills passed this year into law. Measures she does not sign during this period are considered a pocket veto and do not become law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Here are some of the bills Reynolds signed Monday: K-12 public school funding Iowa lawmakers sent Reynolds Senate File 167, the State Supplemental Aid (SSA) rate for the 2025-2026 school year, in April. The legislation came to the governor much later than in many previous years the Legislature has a self-imposed deadline to pass the SSA rate for the upcoming school year within 30 days of the governors budget being released in January, though there is no penalty for failing to meet this target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, House and Senate Republicans reached an agreement setting the SSA rate for the upcoming school year at 2%, an increase of $157 per K-12 student for the per-pupil funding mechanism for Iowa schools. The bill also included some funding components for Iowa schools that Republicans said will help address inequities with rural school district funding, including a $5 bump to the State Cost Per Pupil (SCPP) and a 5% increase to the rate of funding per pupil to the transportation equity fund. Democrats said the 2% rate will not provide enough funding for schools, saying that 159 Iowa school districts will be on the budget guarantee for the upcoming school year a process that increases local property taxes when school districts funding needs are not met by state aid. Anti-SLAPP protections The governor also signed House File 472 into law, a measure targeting strategic lawsuits against public participation, also known as SLAPP lawsuits. SLAPP cases are civil lawsuits filed by businesses, individuals or organizations against news organizations and activists that are typically a means to try to silence these entities from publishing stories or making public statements about a specific topic. The lawsuits are not filed necessarily with the intention to win in court, but as a means to draw down time and money from the people being sued to prevent them from continuing to report or talk about a subject. The law is a way to provide protections for defendants in these cases by giving courts the ability to grant expedited relief in cases involving First Amendment rights, like the freedoms of speech and press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a bill that has come up in multiple previous legislative sessions, but did not receive Senate approval until this year. Discussions in Iowa started on SLAPP lawsuits after a 2018 case in which a Carroll police officer sued the Carroll Times Herald when the newspaper reported he had sexual relationships with teenagers information the officer confirmed was true. The judge had dismissed the lawsuit, but the Carroll Times Herald accrued more than $100,000 in legal fees, nearly putting the paper out of business. Local restrictions on fireworks Senate File 303 prevents Iowa cities and counties from prohibiting or limiting the use of fireworks on July 3, 4 and Dec. 31. Iowans must still follow state laws regulating the use of fireworks, like a ban on fireworks sales to minors or the use of display fireworks without local permission, during these three days. However, other further restrictions could not be set by local jurisdictions. Several cities in Iowa, like Des Moines, Ames and Iowa City, have more restrictions or total bans on the use of fireworks that would no longer be enforceable on these three days. Local rules could still be enforced during other periods when fireworks are permitted for legal use by the state from June 1 through July 8 and Dec. 10 through Jan. 3 of each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During floor debate on the bill, Republican lawmakers supporting the measure said this change was necessary to allow Iowans to fully participate in the the countrys 250th anniversary, referring to President Donald Trumps idea to begin celebrations at the Iowa State Fair for the Great American State Fair from Memorial Day 2025 to July 4, 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Forests are one of the planet's most powerful tools for fighting the changing climate. They absorb carbon dioxide, regulate temperatures, and support biodiversity. Scientists and policymakers worldwide are strategizing about how to protect these climate guardians. In Brazil, a federal judge has ordered the government to reclaim private land belonging to owners responsible for illegal deforestation or for starting wildfires. The Amazon has been increasingly prone to droughts in recent years, making those wildfires even more dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the new policy can still be appealed, it also has provisions to block the practice of regularization, stopping those from clearing forests to claim land. Cattle ranching contributes most to deforestation for agricultural purposes. Paulo Busse, a lawyer with the group Climate Observatory, told AP, "The decision bolsters the Brazilian government's efforts to fight illegal deforestation and intentional wildfires." As the temperature of the Earth warms, wildfire risks become more prominent. Legislation like this will help to preserve the forests that do so much to help regulate and protect the planet. Wildfires destroy the ecosystems that exist within the forest, but they also have wide-reaching consequences. One of these is reduced air quality, especially for those who live in the countries surrounding the Amazon. Children, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to this smoke-filled air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Amazon Rainforest continues to be depleted, it will also lead to a huge loss of biodiversity. With an estimated 10% of the globe's biodiversity, the Amazon is a treasure trove of plant and animal species. Many of them are at risk from deforestation issues. The Brazilian government and other organizations have implemented a variety of initiatives over the past few years to slow deforestation. A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution assessed different strategies for protecting the forests. The study found that implementing Protected Areas did help to reduce deforestation, but more efforts are necessary to protect Indigenous people in the rainforest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court's new ruling is another step in the right direction. A Reddit user reacted to the new Brazilian regulation, saying, "Finally some good news." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested he would be looking into the use of a mechanical signing device to approve executive orders and legislation during the Biden administration and baselessly implied that his predecessor wasnt aware of actions taken under his authority during his time in office. Trump was addressing a group of reporters at the U.S. Capitol ahead of a meeting with House Republicans on his Big Beautiful Bill legislative package when he suddenly pivoted the conversation to former president Joe Bidens use of an autopen, which he and his GOP allies have claimed was used without his knowledge to approve documents unlawfully. I really we're going to start looking into this whole thing with who signed this legislation, who signed legislation opening our border, said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden never actually signed any law or order to open Americas borders, but he did sign an executive order repealing several harsh anti-immigrant policies enacted during Trumps first term. Immigration restrictionists have argued that the Trump-era policies contributed to lower numbers of asylum seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and blame Biden for a surge in migrants because they say his policies were too tolerant. Joe Biden signing a series of orders on January 20, 2021, shortly after being sworn in (AFP/Getty) Continuing, Trump claimed that Biden was not responsible for the policies at issue because he didnt sign anything even though Biden signed at least one of the orders in question on camera shortly after taking office in 2021. He again suggested that unnamed aides were the ones who were actually in charge of the government during Bidens term. Who was operating the autopen? This is a very serious thing. We had a president that didn't sign anything, he said. Instead, Trump suggested without offering any evidence that the device was being used to authorize actions by radical left lunatics that were running our country who were disappointed in Bidens election because they would have preferred Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran unsuccessfully for president against Biden in the 2020 Democratic primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know who signed it? Radical Left lunatics that were running our country and the auto pen signed it, and they didn't want him, and they were disappointed in getting him, because they wanted Bernie Sanders. And then after about two weeks, they said, Wait a minute, this is a gift. He'll do anything. We're going to use the auto pen, and they use the auto pen and everything, he said. We are going to go into very much ... remember what I said, the autopen, this government was illegally run for four years. An autopen is a device designed to replicate a handwritten signature, without the direct involvement of a human. The individual's signature is digitally recorded and stored and a robotic arm holding a pen or pencil creates a near-exact replica of the signature on paper. Only a well-trained eye could spot the difference between a hand-written signature and a well-done autosignature. Presidents have signed documents using signature copying devices since Thomas Jefferson used a machine known as a polygraph in 1804, according to the National Museum of American History. He is believed to have called it the finest invention of the present age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been seemingly obsessed with Bidens use of the autopen, which the Justice Department has approved for presidential use since the Obama administration, since the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project used filings in the Federal Register to suggest that Biden never signed any of the last-minute actions taken during the waning hours of his administration, including controversial pardons for his family members and prominent targets of Trump and his allies. in March, he said that Bidens pardons are void and those he granted clemency to ranging from members of the January 6 House select committee to the the former presidents own family would be subject to investigation at the highest level. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has also claimed that Bidens use of the autopen shows that the ex-president wasnt capable of making decisions and says he is investigating the matter. Over the weekend, he told Fox News that he wants to speak with a trio of ex-Biden aides about the devices use: Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of the greatest scandals of our generation, and Americans are demanding answers, he said. Now that Bidens top enablers can no longer hide behind the power of the presidency, were continuing our investigation to expose the truth. Comer also suggested that Biden lacked the mental capacity to authorize use of the autopen for the last-minute pardons. BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) As Central Texas experiences rapid population growth, Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new regional authority into law that has been formed to address one of the regions most vital and vulnerable resources: water. A press conference was held in Belton on Monday to discuss what the alliance is working to do. A new law has established the Central Texas Water Alliance, a regional entity tasked with planning, acquiring, and managing water resources across several counties. The alliance will bring together public and private partners to coordinate water development efforts in a growing and increasingly water-stressed region. What the water authority does is it gives you the ability to plan and develop water and water resources, said Bell County Judge David Blackburn. So everything from acquisition of water rights to the transport and storage of that water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the alliance say it represents a long-term, collaborative solution to pressing challenges like water supply, infrastructure, and sustainability. Its managed with discernment and a collaborative approachcoming up with reasonable solutions, said Dirk Aaron, general manager of the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District for Bell County. Aaron emphasized that the new authority will not raise taxes, noting that it will operate solely through administrative fees. There wont be a tax increase, Aaron said. This entity will operate on administrative fees. While Blackburn acknowledged the alliance is not a catch-all solution, he said it is a significant step in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the answer to all of our water issues.but it represents a great step forward in addressing them in a much more collaborative, cooperative, and comprehensive way, Blackburn said. Blackburn also clarified that the community may not see a local impact immediately, but that there is work to be done that will benefit Central Texas in the future. For smaller communities facing a water crisis, Judge Blackburn also explained that there are ways the alliance could try and be of assistance. Theres a process in there for people for entities to join the alliance, and I think how needs are going to be addressed by the alliance, he said. Its going to depend on a large part on what the needs of the sponsors are. So if the sponsors have, for example, a need for more water rights, if thats what theyre looking for, then maybe the alliance and leveraging that can help. The Central Texas Water Alliance has already garnered support from local governments, water corporations, and even Fort Cavazos, signaling widespread backing for the initiative. Lawmakers behind the bill say the alliance is a forward-thinking approach to water security and a shared commitment to the regions future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. MISSOURI Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has requested President Donald Trump approve a disaster declaration for six counties impacted by storms on April 29. Those counties, Barry, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, as well as Green and Washington. Storms that night produced eight tornadoes. FEMA estimates the damage exceeded 16.5 million dollars. It included an elementary school and a MoDOT facility. If the federal disaster declaration is approved, Kehoe said local governments and nonprofits can be reimbursed for damage and cleanup. 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A bill signing spree in Southern Colorado, as Governor Jared Polis signed seven pieces of legislation into law on Monday, May 19. The governor began his day in Pueblo and eventually made his way to Colorado Springs. He said these laws will increase public safety, support smaller businesses, and improve healthcare across our state. There are a number of other public safety-related bills that were signing, said Governor Polis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first bill signed in Pueblo allows electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to ten years to commercial and industrial businesses in Colorado. This bill provides the flexibility for utilities to make sure that new commercial and industrial customers can invest in Colorado and grow, and more importantly, protects the existing ratepayers from rate increases from things that are beyond their control, said the Governor. Another new law signed in Pueblo looks to make Colorado safer, and it adds motor vehicle theft to the list of crimes that ban offenders from owning a gun. The bill makes sure that theres a broader list of offenses to help reduce gun violence by adding first-degree motor theft to the criminal offenses that make you ineligible to possess a firearm, said the Governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his time in Pueblo West, the governor also visited one of the four Blue-Ribbon Award-Winning Schools to acknowledge their achievements. Its amazing to see the magic that goes on here at Skyview, how theyre preparing students for success, and Im glad to help lend our state recognition to the important national recognition of the blue ribbon, said the Governor. Later in the day on Monday, Polis made his way to Colorado Springs to sign four more bills, with one looking to help critically-ill patients. This bipartisan bill allows terminally ill, seriously ill patients in consultation with their doctor to try individualized, tailor-made treatments, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second allows life care institutions to meet seniors where they are, with community-based continuing care services right in their homes for people waiting on admission to a senior living center. Another thing thats happening here in Colorado is our average age is going up. We have a lot of folks who come here to retire because its such a wonderful place to live. So, we want to make sure that everyone has a place to get the assistance they need as they age, said State Rep. Amy Paschal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Tuesday, Oklahoma Governor Stitts office released the findings of an initial financial examination report for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), identifying millions needed for supplemental funding in Fiscal Year 2025. According to Stitts office, the report provided an overview of the financial operations of ODMHSAS, outlining 52 targeted recommendations to strengthen internal control, financial accountability, and service delivery regarding the mental health system. This report is the signal for a new beginning for the department, said Governor Stitt. Im grateful to David Greenwell for his quick work and to Commissioner Friesen and her team for their cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma bill raising age of consent to 18 heads to governors desk, some lawmakers split over exceptions The report prepared by CPA David Greenwell is making recommendations to keep the ODMHSAS afloat. No one signs up for a job like this thinking theyll have to take on decades of financial mismanagement. Commissioner Friesen has navigated this challenge admirably and has kept me and my team informed every step of the way, continued Gov. Stitt. Oklahomans will be better off now that we have a handle on this department. The reports recommendations include: Hiring a Chief Financial Officer and internal auditor with deep public sector experience Adopting OMES-approved accounting systems for better interoperability Using advanced analytics to prevent fraud and improve decision-making Expanding training to promote a culture of ethical conduct and accountability Enhancing transparency through real-time dashboards and public reporting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive worked with many entities facing similar challenges, said David Greenwell. Nothing about this department is permanently broken. With intentional adjustments to procedures, ODMHSAS will be able to get back to the business of caring for the most vulnerable Oklahomans. Governor Stitt noted he is confident in ODMHSASs direction and pledged his support in securing the supplemental funding needed currently and for long-term operations. Since joining ODMHSAS, Ive been clear that I want to ensure this department is in the best position possible to care for those who need our services most, said Commissioner Allie Friesen. Im grateful to Governor Stitt, David Greenwell, and the team at OMES for their assistance in this matter. We are going to come out stronger on the other side. Click here to read the full 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Thai operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) has denied reports that it is in the running to acquire the broadband subscriber base of state-owned National Telecom (NT). According to the Bangkok Post, NT president Colonel Sanphachai Havanandana is seeking a strategic partnership to stem mounting losses in the companys mobile and fixed-line operations, which reportedly amount to several billion baht annually. He attributed the financial strain to intense market competition and high operating costs. AIS said in a bourse statement "there is currently no agreement or any progress at this stage." Havanandana told the newspaper that NT and AIS had been in discussions over a potential collaboration for the past year. He also claimed that rival operator True Corporation is expected to submit its own proposal soon, though he acknowledged that a partnership with AIS has faced complications. A major stumbling block is NTs spectrum holdings. The operator acquired 700MHz spectrum in 2020, of which it later transferred half - 10MHz - to AIS in exchange for THB14.9 billion. NT also holds 26GHz spectrum, while licenses for two other bands expired in August last year. Another challenge is the potential redundancy of NTs broadband workforce if AIS were to take over its internet subscriber base. Of NTs 11,000 employees, approximately 6,000 work in its broadband division, raising concerns about overlap and job cuts in the event of a merger or asset transfer. May 19A grand jury ignored charges against a man in connection to a SWAT standoff in Harrison Twp. earlier this month. The grand jury declined to indict 31-year-old William J. Bean on one count of aggravated robbery and two counts of having weapons while under disability. Bean was initially charged in Vandalia Municipal Court. Around 8 a.m. on May 11, Montgomery County sheriff's deputies responded to a reported aggravated robbery in the 4000 block of Fer Don Road in Harrison Twp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim reported reported Bean pointed a gun at their head and stole money, according to the sheriff's office. The victim was able leave the house safely and call 911. When deputies arrived, Bean was still inside the house and reportedly refused to come outside. Deputies believed he was armed with a handgun and rifle. The house was secured and Montgomery County Regional SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Team responded. After hours of negotiations, Bean came outside and was arrested without incident. Bean and the victim are known to each other, according to the sheriff's office. Staff writer Holly Souther contributed to this report. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Greece Police have arrested and accused a man of burglarizing a home on Peck Road in March. On March 20, officer responded to a home on Peck Road for the report of a burglary and found a home that had been unlawfully entered with several items missing. Items included electronics, a large container of change, and outdoor power equipment. Police said witnesses in the area saw a dark colored Chevrolet Equinox in the driveway earlier that day, and a man taking items from the home and putting them in the vehicle. A photo of the car was also given to police by a second witness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually a stolen iPad from the scene was traced back to the home of Angelo Iacuzza, 41, in Victor. On May 20, Iacuzza was arrested, and investigators executed a search warrant on his home where the stolen items were recovered. Iacuzza was transported to the Monroe County Jail to await his arraignment. Greece police noted that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be considered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) In light of the tornado and storm damage in recent days, officials in Greene County are warning residents to beware of scammers trying to take advantage of the situation. The Director of Greene County EMA, Rodger Axe, said residents should be cautious about people who offer quick, affordable fixes to storm damage. Scammers often pray of the victims of storms, like the ones we saw last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Department of Homeland Security urges residents to do their research before hiring a contractor. They say to verify their credentials, check their ID/license and make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. They say to also get multiple estimates and never pay with transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A mother said her 8-year-old son was nearly abducted in broad daylight on Thursday at a Greensboro condominium complex. Mustafa Osman Hassan, 27, was arrested by Greensboro police and is now charged with felony child abduction. Brittany Hubbard said it started as just a simple afternoon walk to the mailbox, but moments later, she found herself chasing a man who she says grabbed her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said it was thanks to her neighbor jumping in that helped prevent the unthinkable from happening. I was running behind him, chasing him, screaming, asking for help because my neighbors werent out, Hubbard said. It was just after 5 p.m. when Hubbard and her son walked toward their mailbox. My son said, Mommy, that guy is following us, Hubbard said. Hubbard said the man, later identified as Hassan, spoke to her before things took a terrifying turn. I turned around. I realized the guy was like literally right behind me. And he just turns and says to me, Do you know that boy? Im like, Yeah. I know that boy. Hes like, Well, thats my son. Thats my son. Thats all he kept saying I was like, Thats not your son, And I took my baby, and I turned the other way, said Hubbard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hubbard said Hassan grabbed her son and tried to drag him away. Next thing you know, I see him grabbing my sons arm. My son took off running He grabbed his arm and kind of had him up, dragging him, Hubbard said. She said her neighbor jumped in after hearing her scream for help. Hassan is charged with felony child abduction. Currently in custody, his bond is set at $25,000. Hubbard was there at his first court appearance on Friday. She said they have an advocate with the Family Justice Center helping her son with counseling after this. My child is not comfortable. Hes afraid to come outside and play. Hes afraid of everything. Every second, hes asking me, Mommy, is the guy coming back? Is he coming back? And Im like, Hes not coming back Its not fair that he even has a bond right now, Hubbard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hubbard said she and her son are still shaken up from the entire ordeal and do not feel safe in their complex. She said they are looking to move. Hassans father spoke with FOX8 off-camera. He said the family has lived in the complex for five years and said Hassan has been hospitalized several times this year for mental health issues. He said his son, doesnt mean any harm. If Hassan is released on bond, his father said he would be placed on house arrest but hopes he is taken to a hospital for treatment instead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Mercer Market in Aledo will be closing the door on its old refrigeration system with the help of a grant. The change will help keep all other doors open, which will help people in Aledo get fresh food. (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com) If this store wasnt here, everybody in Mercer County and Aledo especially would have to drive at least 30 miles to go to a full service grocery store, said Aledo City Administrator Michael Chausse. Mercer Market has been open for 38 years, and in all that time, its refrigeration system has never been replaced. After a few tough winters, management decided it was in dire need of a makeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything we try to fix is obsolete anymore, so this grant comes at a great time, said Mercer Market Owner Jeff Sedam. The store was granted $250,000 dollars from the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The grant is intended to alleviate food deserts. The new system will help the store save energy and last the winter. The energy savings alone is going to be 75 percent and when they sent us that number we were quite shocked, said Sedam. Next Door is a Walmart, which moved in just a year before Mercer Market opened. Despite the competition, Mercer Market has stayed strong. You can drive a long ways and not see a small, independent grocery store at all, but the money stays in the county, said Sedam. It stays here, it doesnt go to a big corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax money isnt the only way this store gives back. This store does a lot of community service and a lot of community events and supports a lot of things in the community and that would be a big chunk for those organizations if they were gone, if Mercer Market was gone, said Chausse. The ability for us to help them helps them help everybody else. The installation for the new system starts in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Representatives from nonprofit environmental, community and physicians groups and Oregon tribes rallied against House Bill 2410 on May 19, 2025. The bill would exempt Umatilla County from the state's ban on new nuclear projects. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) A bill that would exempt Umatilla County from the statewide ban on new nuclear energy facilities has drawn the opposition of environmentalists, tribes, doctors and northeast Oregon community groups who showed up Monday at the Capitol in Salem to rally against it. If passed, House Bill 2410 would allow the states Energy Facility Siting Council to approve development of a modular nuclear reactor in northeast Oregons Umatilla County. Oregon voters in 1980 approved a statewide ban on new nuclear development, barring the federal government creates a national repository for nuclear waste or voters decide to appeal. Neither has happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills architects characterize it as allowing a demonstration project of modular nuclear that would operate on a microgrid and support community energy resilience. Small reactors have about one-third the generating capacity of a traditional reactor, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and can power individual neighborhoods, factories and facilities such as data centers that consume large amounts of energy. Bill sponsor state Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, has touted it in hearings as a clean energy solution to growing power demand in the state. Levy declined an interview Monday, but she told the Capital Chronicle in an email that local residents and the state would benefit from reliable, carbon-free baseload power, job creation, and potential economic growth through new infrastructure investments. At the broader level, small-scale nuclear would also contribute to Oregons clean energy goals, supporting a resilient and diversified energy mix across the state, she said. Nuclear energy does not directly produce carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, and it can produce more energy with less fuel than any other individual source of existing power, according to MIT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But protesters Monday said they suspect House Bill 2410 is less about community energy resilience than powering Umatilla Countys booming data centers. The protesters said eastern Oregon lawmakers continue to treat the states northeast corner like an environmental sacrifice zone, noting that there is nowhere to safely store nuclear waste. The bill passed 8-4 with recommendation in April from the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment, of which Levy is a vice-chair, to the Joint Ways & Means Committee. Another nuclear bill currently in the Ways & Means Committee, House Bill 2038, is also co-sponsored by Levy, and has drawn concerns from environmental and community groups as well as tribes. It would create a committee to study the benefits and risks of developing nuclear energy facilities in Oregon. The Umatilla Basin is one of the most polluted places in Oregon, some of the worst groundwater pollution in the state, some of the worst industrial air pollution in the state, and it just keeps getting worse. Now were talking about adding radioactive waste on top of that? said Kaleb Lay, policy director at Oregon Rural Action, at the rally. Representatives from nonprofit environmental groups Columbia Riverkeeper and the Sierra Club of Oregon and Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility also attended. Data demand Demand for power from the Umatilla Electric Cooperative, which supplies electricity to the region, has grown 556% in the last decade according to recent analysis by the nonprofit research organization Sightline Institute. Nearly all of that is from Amazon data centers in the county. Amazon and Microsoft are investing billions in small scale nuclear reactors to power their data centers, including those in eastern Oregon, and Microsoft CEO Bill Gates last year invested $1 billion into a nuclear power plant in Wyoming, operated by his new company TerraPower. Small modular reactors are about 1/10 to 1/4 the size of a traditional nuclear energy plant. A bill in Oregon would allow them to be sited in Umatilla County, making the county exempt from the states 45-year nuclear ban. (Image courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory) Levy said it is an oversimplification to suggest data centers are the only or primary beneficiaries of modular nuclear reactors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that all ratepayers benefit from a more stable, reliable, and carbon-free energy supply especially as demand across sectors continues to rise, she said. The bill has so far drawn 168 letters of testimony, about 75% of them in opposition to the bill. Many expressed concerns about where nuclear waste would end up and environmental concerns about uranium mining, especially on native land. The bill would bar high-level radioactive waste from being stored at the demonstration project site after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission terminates the projects operating license, but it does not include details about where waste would eventually end up. Its supported by members of the Morrow and Umatilla county commissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very excited that someone else is willing to take on the experiment risk, and theyre close enough that we can, hopefully if it goes well, benefit from it, Morrow County Commissioner Jeff Wenholz recently told Elkhorn Media Group. Across the river Cathy Sampson-Kruse, 71, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, grew up in Umatilla County and went to high school in Echo. She said her family members that still live there do not support the bills. We have to ask ourselves, really, who is this supply for? Sampson-Kruse said. And what is it really taking away from generations of children that do not have a say in this just like were going to have generations of children that are going to deal with the Hanford debacle. The problem with where to put nuclear waste continues to plague the Hanford Site across the Columbia River north of Richland, Washington, where the Washington Department of Ecology, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are trying to figure out how to move 56 million gallons of radioactive sludge. The sludge is a byproduct of World War II-era plutonium production that still sits 80 years later in 177 underground tanks, some of which are leaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencies are hoping to move at least 2,000 gallons of that sludge via rail or truck through Oregon to facilities in Utah and Texas that can process it into a grout cement and dispose of it. The proposal doesnt yet detail a route, but critics have said it would most likely end up on major interstate highways through Oregon, or on a rail line through central Oregon along the Deschutes River, passing near areas like Bend and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is opposed to the plan as proposed by the agencies. House Bill 2410 is not the first time state or federal governments have proposed sacrificing the health of the environment for industry when it comes to power in the Northwest, Sampson-Kruse said. She was a child when the Dalles Dam was constructed, flooding the Celilo Falls where Northwest tribes traditionally fished. Now, one of our most beloved natural foods, the salmon, is on the list for extinction. It constantly begs the question, how much more? Where do we draw the line? Sampson-Kruse said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State Representative Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine, confirms The Upland, LLC has withdrawn its application for the proposed land swap that would have transferred 600 acres in the Guana River Wildlife Management Area into private hands. Action News Jax has obtained the following letter from Uplands representative, which was sent to the state Department of Environmental Protection deputy secretary announcing the withdrawal. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] News about the proposed land swap brought swift condemnation from national state and local leaders. The plan called for trading the 600 acres in the northeast corner of St. Johns County, where the Guana River Wildlife Management Area sits, for more than 3,000 acres along the Florida Wildlife Corridor in various parts of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a resident of nearby Ponte Vedra, spoke out condemning the land swap in the Jacksonville Tributary. In the letter, a representative for The Upland LLC said there was never any intention to develop the acquired land for commercial or community development purposes. Instead, it claims the deal would have resulted in additional conservation land for Florida, and the backlash was fueled by misinformation. St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold says local leaders planned to pressure the Governor and Cabinet, who would have ultimately determined whether to approve the trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say the same thing we said with the state parks argument, parks are for people, Arnold told Action News Jax earlier Monday. This land, this conservation land is for the residents of this county and this state. [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. ON FRIDAY, AS HE RETURNED to the United States from a four-day tour of the Persian Gulf, Donald Trump berated Bruce Springsteen for criticizing him on foreign soil. I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States, Trump fumed on Truth Social. Out of respect for America, Trump wrote, Springsteen ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country. Trumps indignation was comically insincere. His whole trip to the Gulf was about badmouthing America and renouncing American values. A normal American president might have used such a trip to reaffirm our nations enduring relationships with the host countries. Instead, Trump portrayed himself as the essential link. In Qatar, he said the U.S.-Saudi partnership was strong because of my relationship with the crown prince and the family. Thats how a monarch thinks: Bonds between countries are really just bonds between the ruling families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A normal president might have emphasized the continuity of Americas commitments across parties and administrations. Instead, Trump belittled and spurned previous American presidents. He subjected Saudi and Qatari audiences to bizarre rants about how badly he had supposedly trounced his domestic opponents in the 2024 election (fact check: he won, but it wasnt a trouncing), including details about how many states, counties, and electoral votes he had won. It was an obliteration, he crowed. In Saudi Arabia, Trump derided Joe Biden. The Iranians laughed at him, Trump jeered, and theyre still laughing at our leader. They thought him a fool. At a business roundtable in Qatar, Trump called Biden a man that couldnt even stand up, he was so terrible. He said Biden had made America a laughingstock. Trump also scorned George W. Bush and Barack Obama. We had a president that blew up half the Middle East, and then he left, Trump told the business audience in Qatar, apparently conflating the two ex-presidents. Trump assured his hosts that unlike his predecessors, he would take care of our friends. Support our independent political journalism by signing up for a free or paid subscription. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such friendships, Trump explained, would no longer take into account human rights, democracy, or other moral considerations. At the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, he rebuked Western interventionalists who delivered lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs. In an implicit reference to Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince who authorized the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Trump declared: Far too many American presidents have been 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. In place of morals, Trump signaled that under his leadership, America would focus on one thing: money. He groused that after Bush spent $10 trillion on blowing up the Middle East, America was left with nothing. This, apparently, was a restatement of Trumps frequent objection that the United States failed to take the oil when it invaded Iraq. The same was true of Ukraine, said Trump: Its a stupid financial loss. We spent $350 billion there, he complained during his remarks in Qatar. Every time [Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky] came to the United States, hed walk away with a hundred billion dollars, Trump huffed. It was like taking candy from a baby. On Thursday, as Trump flew from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates, a reporter asked him whether he was disappointed that Russia hadnt sent a top-level delegation to peace talks about Ukraine. Trump replied that this wasnt nearly as important as the investment pledges he was securing from Gulf nations. He mocked the reporters question: We just took in $4 trillion, and he says, Are you disappointed about a delegation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, during an interview with Bret Baier in the UAE, Trump hit the same talking point. Ive always been good with money. I make money, he boasted. He summarized his Gulf tour in financial terms: In four days, I made twelve times what we spent in Ukraine. Share TO BE FAIR, TRUMP DID CRITICIZE two countries. On the day before his Gulf trip, he accused South Africa of waging genocide against white farmers. He repeated that allegation aboard Air Force One on his way back from the UAE. The farmers in South Africa are being treated brutally . . . and nobody wants to cover it, he protested, having spent the past four days ignoring human rights abuses in the Gulf states. South Africa is out of control. The other country Trump condemned was the United States. While eschewing any criticism of the Gulf monarchies, he depicted America as a phony democracy. In Saudi Arabia, he blamed his 2020 defeat on a rigged election. In Qatar, he insisted again that the election was rigged. In the UAE, he said American courts that challenged his autocratic deportation policies were taking [a] privilege that they shouldnt have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hours after spouting his rigged-election lie in Qatar, Trump repeated it to American troops at the nearby Al Udeid Air Base. A normal president would have thanked the troops for serving the United States. But Trump, without their confirmation or consent, thanked them for supporting him politically. We had three unbelievable campaigns, he told the assembled service members, and nobody [has] been stronger than the military in terms of backing us, nobody. So I just want to thank you all very much. Trump then sought to turn the troops against his domestic opponents. He told them that Biden and his administration were evil, bad people. He again accused Democrats of election theft, claiming, We won three elections. And perhaps most disturbinglygiven that he was speaking to an audience of on-duty, uniformed military service membershe gloated that by threatening to run again, in defiance of the Constitution, Were driving the left crazy. Join now THESE ARE NOT THE WORDS of a patriot. Theyre the words of a man who, for money and ego, is willing to savage his countrymen and his country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday night, in a dinner speech to his newly appointed Kennedy Center board, Trump bragged again about how much investment he had raked in from the Gulf states. He marveled at how radically he had changed America in just one hundred days. He told the board: The king of Saudi Arabia said, Your place, your country, has a whole different image now. We certainly do. Share The Bulwark The News A Dubai-based billionaires plans to redevelop downtown Cairo with new streets and skyscrapers an area akin to his home is drawing a growing backlash in the Egyptian capital, where residents fear not simply the loss of a historic districts character but the encroaching influence of the Gulf. The plans by Mohamed Alabbar, the man behind Emaar Properties and the Burj Khalifa, include the redevelopment of up to 50 acres of central Cairo, with the businessman telling Al Arabiya Business that Dubai offers a model that Egypt could stand to replicate in order to cater to visitors. For a country heavily reliant on tourism and facing hefty debt burdens as well as languid economic growth, the upside is obvious. Yet some Cairenes are skeptical, worried that the proposals will only exacerbate inequality, cater to elites, and increase Gulf influence over Egypts decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People think skyscrapers equal wealth, but they ignore the economic and political structures that made Dubai successful, Ahmed Zaazaa, an architect and urban designer assistant professor at Cairos Nile University, said. Egypt is in a very different position. Ahmeds view Beyond the debates over what downtown Cairo will eventually look like are questions about growing Gulf involvement in Egypts economy, fueling concerns of an erosion of the countrys sovereignty. Cairo has been looking to the Gulf to finance a much hoped-for economic revival. Saudi Arabia pledged to invest $15 billion into Egypt following President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis visit to the kingdom last year, and has deposited $10 billion in Egypts central bank, while Doha is looking to pump $7.5 billion into the Arab worlds most populous nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UAE has been the most aggressive, though, and much of the emirates attention has gone toward tourism which accounts for 8% of GDP and real estate. In Feb. 2024, Egypt signed a $35 billion deal with the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to develop Ras El Hekma, a lucrative Mediterranean coastal area. This agreement, the largest in Egypts modern history, is part of a broader effort to attract up to $150 billion in foreign investments. Over the past 15 years, Egypts reliance on Gulf financial support largely driven by political alignment has proven critical, Amr Adly, an associate professor of political economy at the American University in Cairo, told me. He attributed this toGulf monarchies, including the UAE, seeing it in their best interest to support a stable and friendly political system in Egypt. The Gulfs lifeline is critical to Egypts stability. But the fact that such support may ultimately alter Egypts national identity, erode its economic sovereignty, and allow foreign firms and powers to transform Cairos urban landscape is unsettling to many Egyptians. Know More The government has long planned to renovate Cairos historic center: Built in the late 19th century, downtown Cairo was modeled after European capitals, with wide boulevards and grand architecture. Over the years, economic and political shifts have transformed it from an elite enclave into a space filled with businesses, cultural landmarks, and working-class residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Alabbars remarks especially his reference to the controversial 1990s facelift of Beiruts city center sparked fears that redevelopment will strip the capitals downtown of its vibrant character, ultimately catering primarily to elites. The Egyptian government downplayed his comments, saying Alabbars plan was one of multiple investment proposals it was reviewing for downtown Cairo. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly confirmed that as government ministries relocate in the coming years to the New Administrative Capital, their former buildings will be repurposed, with a focus on attracting high-end investments. In Beirut, the Solidere project turned the city center into a ghost town after business hours, Zaazaa said. A similar fate could await Cairo if exclusivity is prioritized over inclusivity. One longtime resident of downtown Cairo, Ismail Sharara, voiced another concern: This will make downtown even more expensive without justification, he said. Id rather the government keep ownership of downtown its a national issue. Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, the Egyptian company that since 2008 has led restoration efforts focused on preserving historic buildings, also distanced itself from Alabbars vision, emphasizing that the downtown area should not be transformed into something it is not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heritage preservation is the foundation of our work, an Al Ismaelia spokesperson said. Our goal is to maintain downtowns original architectural identity while revitalizing it for contemporary use. The View From Hungary In Budapest, Alabbars $5.2 billion Mini Dubai project had also run into disagreements. The project promised the construction of the European Unions tallest skyscraper, an intelligent waste management system, and smart city elements in residential and commercial towers, schools and malls. The city has pushed back against the plan, however, with its mayor saying the government should prioritize affordable housing over luxurious skyscrapers. Room for Disagreement Not everyone is opposed to a deep modernization of downtown Cairo. Some displacement is inevitable, said Mostafa Salem, the Egyptian founder of Dubai-based design studio Coconut, whose digital renderings of downtown Cairo have gone viral. Many buildings are illegally occupied or used as warehouses. Thats not sustainable. And in any case, Egypt may not be in a place to reject Alabbars investment proposal. There has been a clear decline in transparency regarding economic policies and public data in Egypt, which makes it difficult to assess how much control Egypt retains over agreements like this, Adly, the American University of Cairo associate professor, noted. GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) Gulf Shores International Airport will celebrate its first commercial flight on Wednesday. Gulf Shores International Airport welcome sign in Baldwin County, Alabama. UPDATE: ALEA IDs murder suspect arrested in Baldwin after chase that closed interstate for hours This historic event marks a major step forward in regional connectivity and economic growth as Gulf Shores welcomes its first commercial flight service, a news release said. The airport, along with the City of Gulf Shores, Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, and Allegiant Airlines, is hosting an Inaugural Flight Celebration and Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, May 21, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the airports Jack Edwards Field, 1155 Commerce Drive in Gulf Shores. EVENT LOCATION: The event will feature a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a traditional water cannon salute, and complimentary refreshments, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 5 reported on the announcement in March, as the airport worked on the new terminal that has everything a traveler would expect at a commercial airport, including a ticket counter, baggage claim, and Hertz rental service. This is the first terminal in Gulf Shores welcoming commercial air service on Allegiant Airlines, Gulf Shores International Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said. He said the first flight will fly in from Knoxville and return to Knoxville. President Trump signs Take It Down Act Fosnaugh said the airport is already in talks with other airlines, and said there is plenty of room to expand. 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. The extraordinarily long and complex story of the Indian government's adjusted gross revenue (AGR) payment demands on operators continues to make headlines with Mondays news that Indias Supreme Court has rejected pleas from operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to support a waiver on their AGR dues. Specifically, the petitions seek a waiver of interest and penalties on AGR dues (which are used to calculate licence fees), a plea that, according to Indias Economic Times, the Supreme Court bench described on Monday as misconceived. This follows the March decision (reported here) that Indias Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had dropped a plan to waive AGR dues for operators. Vodafone Idea was the first to seek Supreme Court support for a waiver of more than INR450 billion (about US$5.3 billion). Bharti Airtel was next, saying it was seeking relief for both Bharti Airtel and its Bharti Hexacom subsidiary on an equitable basis. The waiver in this case would have been INR347.4 billion (about US$4.07 billion). Discussing Vodafone Idea specifically, Indias Economic Times reports that the petition says: Due to the enormous AGR liability and no bank funding, Vodafones very survival is at risk. Any disruption in services will have a direct and far-reaching bearing on approximately 200 million subscribers. This may sound a touch apocalyptic, but Vodafone Idea is probably right to say that the government has a vital stake in the survival of the company. Indeed the government is now a part owner of the operator, having already provided substantial relief to Vodafone Idea by converting some of its dues into equity. All of Vodafone Ideas debts to the government put together may add up to well over US$20 billion, although this clearly isnt the total financial liability of the operator; it doesnt for instance include money owed to suppliers and planned 5G and general network expenditure. As for AGR, a big issue has been a 2019 Supreme Court ruling widening the definition of AGR, increasing liabilities for telecom operators (and confirmed in subsequent judgements). However, in one form or another, the AGR saga has been rumbling on for many years all the way back to 1999 in fact. GUNNISON, Colo. (KREX) A Gunnison man who was previously convicted of a felony was sentenced to around nine years in federal prison after he was found with a firearm. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado announced Tuesday that Scott Oldenberg, 36, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to being a felon possessing firearms and ammunition. Mr. Oldenberg has forfeited his right to own firearms, said acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell. Our office will continue to prioritize punishing felons in possession of weapons outfitted with machine gun conversion devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oldenberg was identified as a possible burglary suspect on June 6, 2023, in Mount Crested Butte. Officers searched his vehicle and found two firearms and additional parts, including a silencer. One of the weapons recovered was fitted with a Glock switch, which causes a handgun to function as a machine gun. Oldenberg was previously convicted of a felony that was punishable by a year in prison. Due to this, he was barred from possessing a firearm or ammunition. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their dedication to this investigation and prosecution, said Mt. Crested Butte Police Chief Nate Stepanek. This sentence reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable for their actions. Then, on June 25, 2023, Wheat Ridge law enforcement searched another vehicle in Oldenbergs possession, which was a Hertz rental car that was reportedly stolen. Officers recovered a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15 and additional firearm parts, including two suppressors, magazines and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a testament to Colorado law enforcement that our teamwork and collaboration results in the removal of so many dangerous individuals from our streets. I am proud of the members of the Wheat Ridge Police Department for the role they played in this multijurisdictional effort and the results, said Wheat Ridge Police Chief Christopher Murtha. The Denver Field ATF Office, FBI Denver Field Office, Mount Crested Butte Police Department and the Wheat Ridge Police Department handled 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. The Gwinnett County school board voted 3-2 Thursday night to hire a Chicago-based firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new superintendent, despite concerns about the firms experience and cost. The board selected Alma Advisory Group to lead the search, though board members Steve Knudsen and Steve Gasper voted against the decision. Alma has been a part of 20 superintendent searches. The other two have been over 800 and over 1,000, Knudsen said during the meeting. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The search begins three months after the board terminated former Superintendent Calvin Watts contract, a decision that cost taxpayers an estimated $750,000 and has generated criticism from community groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan defended hiring Alma and the additional estimated $25,000 required to bring them aboard. The people who have used them have overwhelmingly said very positive things about them, she said Thursday. TRENDING STORIES: The Gwinnett County NAACP has raised concerns about the boards transparency regarding Watts termination, claiming the board may have violated Georgias Open Meetings Act by discussing his firing behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public wasnt given any answers. Everybody, even to this day, still doesnt have any clarity on why they did what they did, said Edward Paul, president of the Gwinnett County NAACP branch. Paul told Channel 2 Action News that he requested records from the executive sessions that discussed Watts termination. While district officials have provided few specifics about the termination, Board Chair Dr. Adrienne Simmons cited student performance issues during a recent town hall. We have 38% of students from underserved communities at third grade not reading proficiently, Simmons said. Our Hispanic student performance is declining in ELA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whoever is hired will become the third Gwinnett superintendent in four years. The NAACP warns that frequent leadership changes could harm the districts effectiveness. Gwinnett is on a sort of destructive path by following some of these bad habits, Paul said. The school board did not respond to requests by Channel 2 Action News for comment Thursday. Officials hope to have a new superintendent in place before the start of the next school year. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians and massage therapists across Oklahoma say theyre worried for the future of their industry after Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that, as a result, will eliminate the state board that regulates cosmetology. Many plan to protest at the Capitol on Tuesday, calling on the Legislature to override the veto. They say the move will allow anyone in Oklahoma to cut hair, do nails or even offer massage therapy without any training, license, oversight or accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edmond-based hairstylist Austin Hodges told News her favorite part of her 25 year career has been the people. Were kind of therapists also in a way, she said. When I have a client, my chair isit is a family member. She said it took months of cosmetology school to get here, where she learned much more than just how to cut and style hair. It has nothing to do with bad haircuts, Hodges said. It has to do with the safety and sanitation of your practice. If you walk in and I notice that you have open lesions and then Im putting a chemical on that open lesion, it could be detrimental to your health. I also am trained to look for melanomas and lymphomas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only after completing that education and passing a test, she says, can someone get a cosmetology license in Oklahoma. The same goes for licensed barbers, nail technicians, eyelash technicians and massage therapists; they all legally must be licensed through the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Controversial Oklahoma bill would block cities from banning pet stores They are the ones that really oversee and make the laws and the rules and the changes, she said. She said the board also investigates complaints and has stepped in during serious cases. I know that one massage therapist that was accused of rape is now facing 14 years and he has been convicted, she said. And that was all due to the boards diligent acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that board, she said, is about to go away. There will be no more board. It will be dissolved, Hodges said. She said its because Governor Stitt recently vetoed a bill that would have kept the board from being sunset on July 1. In his veto message, Stitt questioned whether the board is necessary, writing: What does this board really need to do, and who should be in charge of it? Until the board becomes more transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of todays workforce, its continued existence should not be taken for granted. A spokesperson for the governor told News 4 he doesnt want to eliminate cosmetology licensing altogether, but thinks a different state agency could take over those duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt vetoes bill supporters say wouldve helped Oklahomans fight open records request denials As of now, no agency has stepped forward. Meaning come July 1 Anyone can practice in my field with no training at all, Hodges said. There is no law saying that they cant because once its dissolved, everything is null and void. She said that raises obvious concerns for client safety. I would like to be able to go and get a massage or go to get my nails done and feel safe in our state, she said. But it also raises business concerns. Most salon owners have to turn in their licensean establishment license and also their own practicing licenseto be able to get a small business loan from the SBA, she said. So were actually putting a lot of small businesses out of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt also vetoed a similar bill that would have extended the states Funeral Board, which licenses funeral homes and crematoriums. In his veto message, Stitt wrote the funeral board shielded the funeral industry from meaningful competition in the sale of caskets, urns, and other funeral related merchandise and services, and should also be moved under another agency. The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering was established in 1935. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Credit - Courtesy Kate Russell To Hali Lee, the future of philanthropy lies in collective giving. Thats what the philanthropy consultant contends in her new book, The Big We: How Giving Circles Unlock Generosity, Strengthen Community, and Unlock Change. Social change, she says, can start with people, often women, gathered around kitchen tables, pooling their resources to donate whatever they can afford to local organizations like soup kitchens and libraries. Everybodys got a kitchen table, she says. Its a movement that seems to be taking off. From 2017 to 2023, one study found, nearly 4,000 collective giving circles in the U.S. donated $3.1 billion to charity. The same study found that women comprised more than half of the donors in 84% of collective giving groups and 60% of circles were all women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has been doing her part. Twenty years ago, she founded the Asian Women Giving Circle, which has made more than $1 million in small grants to support cultural projects helmed by people of Asian American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Island ancestry. In 2017 she helped launch Philanthropy Together, an organization that works to scale the collective giving movement. And in 2018 she co-founded the Donors of Color Network, the first national network of high net worth donors of color. Bigger change can ultimately result from these individual, often smaller-dollar donors coming together, Lee believes. While Big Phil certainly does good, she says, billionaires dont have any incentive to change the systems that made them rich. Lee spoke with TIME about the evolution of giving circles and how interested donors can launch a successful group. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Why is the giving circle movement so heavily female? Im Korean American and in my culture there is something called a geh, a shared giving circle. You might have heard of tandas, [in Mexico] or sou sous [in West Africa]. Indonesians call it arisans. A lot of these cultural forms of pooling resources are organized and run by women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not a sociologist or anthropologist but my hunch is that it's because women were often traditionally excluded from the more formal ways of banking. These cultural forms of generosity, while not philanthropic in origin, lend themselves naturally to being turned into philanthropic forms. Is there a political aspect to the giving circle movement? Where I really land is civic engagement. Giving circles are a great vehicle, not the only vehicle but a really good one, for people to practice being civically engaged. And if there was ever a time when we really need to do that in this country, and maybe even globally, its now. Civic engagement just means being curious and interested in what's happening in my community and then caring enough to get educated, then taking one more step with a group of friends, neighbors, or colleagues to take action together. What are the most common problems in running a giving circle? The really common problemI kind of make a joke of this in my bookis constipation. Very commonly a group will start to try to replicate Big Phil. They think they need to be very formal, have a 501(c)(3) [the tax code designation that allows donations to be deductible] and all this apparatus that they actually dont really need. All of that tends to constipate the flow of dollars. I often just tell people, dont build apparatus unless you need it, try to keep it simple, just get the money or volunteer time flowing. You will 100% make mistakes along the way, so build in learning and humility. How can all the members of a giving circle stay on the same page about which causes to support? Have a couple of conversations about what are your individual values, what are the groups values. If you can agree on something in your neighborhood or town that keeps you up at night, maybe thats the thing you agree to raise money for or volunteer for. Some circles decide to pick a different thing every year. Each member might get a turn. That's a good way to learn about a lot of different issues that impact a community. The important thing I think is just to dive in and get started.You can adjust along the way. Contact us at letters@time.com. MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KETK) Mt. Pleasant Burgers & Fries took to social media on Friday after someone broke into their burger restaurant. Texarkana man found guilty of federal drug trafficking I get itour breakfast is great, but if you wait until we are open, we will unlock the door for you. All jokes aside, this was a real break-in, and were asking our awesome Mt. Pleasant community to help us out. If you saw anything suspicious or have any info, please reach out or contact local law enforcement! Mt. Pleasant Burgers & Fries The hometown restaurant told KETK that after their windows were broken, the thief or thieves came in and took some cash from inside. Theyre asking anyone in the community to reach out to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department with any info on the break-in. Thank you to MPPD for the quick response and clearing our building quickly so we could open quickly! And to the hamburgler, next time just use our online ordering, the restaurant 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman who went missing from Los Angeles International Airport in November, kicking off an international search before resurfacing in Mexico a month later, spoke out on social media this week about her loss, pain and suffering. Hi, everyone. I just want to come on here and take the time to say how grateful I am for everyone. Every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me, she wrote in an Instagram Story. Every day is such a gift. Especially, after such loss and pain and suffering, she said in the post. We should all learn to be kind to one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashi, 31, was traveling from Hawaii to New York when she disappeared in Los Angeles during a layover on Nov. 8. While her family feared she was abducted or worse, police described her disappearance as voluntary when video emerged of her crossing the border into Mexico days later. However, before she made contact with her family, her worried father, Ryan Kobayashi, traveled to California in search of her but died by suicide roughly two weeks later. He appeared to have jumped from a parking structure near LAX. Upon her return in December, Kobayashi said she was unaware of the commotion she had kicked up and asked for privacy. I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She offered a little more in an interview with the SFGate on Monday. Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, Kobayashi told the outlet over Instagram. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes. She more directly addressed her situation in the comments of a different Instagram post after someone asked why she missed her fathers funeral. You dont know the whole story. My intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me, Kobayashi responded to her critic. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment. Hannah Kobayashi has opened up about dealing with "loss and pain and suffering" in an Instagram Stories clip, six months after her father, Ryan, died by suicide on Nov. 24, 2024 Hannah, from Hawaii, made headlines around the country toward the end of last year she went missing after failing to catch a connecting flight to New York City from Los Angeles Her dad, Ryan, traveled to L.A. amid the weeks-long search for his daughter. He was found dead in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), two weeks after she went missing Hannah Kobayashi is speaking out about dealing with loss almost six months after her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah, 30, from Hawaii, made headlines around the country when she left Maui on Nov. 8, 2024, before going missing after failing to catch a connecting flight to New York City from Los Angeles. Her family eventually revealed on Dec. 11 that Hannah had been "found safe," following what police eventually called a "voluntary" disappearance into Mexico during her travels. She returned to the U.S. four days later. Amid the weeks-long search for his missing daughter, Ryan Kobayashi, 58, who had traveled to L.A. to look for her, was found dead in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Nov. 24, two weeks after Hannah went missing. His cause of death was multiple blunt force traumatic injuries, according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner's report previously reviewed by PEOPLE, and the manner of death was listed as suicide. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File Ryan Kobayashi, center, holds a picture of his daughter Hannah Kobayashi amid the search for her on Nov. 21, 2024 Ryan Kobayashi, center, holds a picture of his daughter Hannah Kobayashi amid the search for her on Nov. 21, 2024 Hannah has since returned to Instagram and spoke about "loss and pain and suffering" in an Instagram Stories post over the weekend, which has since disappeared, per SFGate and a video shared by the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the clip, she thanked every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me" amid the search, adding, Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering. We should all learn to be kind to one another, without directly referencing her father. Hannah told SFGate on Monday, May 19, that she would eventually share more details regarding her disappearance. Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, she said over Instagram, per the outlet. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes, Hannah added, the publication stated. Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty A missing person poster is pictured in Downtown Los Angeles amid the search for Hannah Kobayashi A missing person poster is pictured in Downtown Los Angeles amid the search for Hannah Kobayashi On May 4, Hannah returned to the social media site by sharing a black and white photo of trees, alongside the caption, "For all that i have yet to say, the love in my heart remains the same, for every being that exists and those to come..." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To go deep within and bear witness to your unwaivering resilience is a true remembrance. more powerful than you could ever imagine. rise up against tyranny, rise up against hate," she wrote. "Overcome fear~and nothing will ever stop you from becoming that in which you are destined." In the comments section, Hannah responded to a discussion about why she didn't go to her father's funeral. She insisted, "You don't know the whole story. my intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment." Following her return to the U.S. in December, Hannah spoke to PEOPLE in a statement provided by her aunt, Larie Pidgeon which read: "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time." 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. Hannah insisted at the time that she wasn't aware of the media coverage surrounding her disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding," the statement concluded. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Read the original article on People Ryan Kobayashi, center, holds a picture of his missing daughter Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2024 - Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File Hannah Kobayashi still isnt quite ready to talk about what happened. In November 2024, the 30-year-old was reported missing when she wasnt on her scheduled connecting flight from LAX to New York City, where she was meeting a family friend. When she was found in December, having traveled down to Mexico in what was reclassified as a voluntary missing person case, she learned her father had died by suicide just weeks prior. Kobayashi hasnt spoken much since, but recently returned to social media to begin parsing through her emotions. Per SFGate, Kobayashi shared an Instagram Story over the weekend that addressed the nationwide search that followed her apparent disappearance. She thanked every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me, a search she previously said she was unaware of as it was happening. Kobayashi also loosely detailed the more harrowing remnants of the experience. Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering, she said. We should all learn to be kind to one another. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashis first Instagram post since the incident was shared on May 3. She shared a grayscale image of trees in a forest along with a long, poetic caption. For all that i have yet to say, the love in my heart remains the same, for every being that exists and those to come, she wrote. To go deep within and bear witness to your unwaivering resilience is a true remembrance. More powerful than you could ever imagine. Rise up against tyranny, rise up against hate. Overcome fear~and nothing will ever stop you from becoming that in which you are destined. The comments on Kobayashis posts are still publicly accessible, though some social media users have turned them into something more closely resembling an interrogation room. One commenter demanded answers as to why Kobayashi didnt attend her fathers funeral, while others urged her to seek help, while emphasizing the pain and suffering they blame her for causing her family. Some comments were more sympathetic, including one user who shared the grief of their own experience losing their father. You dont know the whole story, Kobayashi responded to the user who asked about the funeral. My intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Originally appeared on E! Online Hannah Kobayashi is speaking out. Six months after the 31-year-olds disappearance led to a monthlong missing persons case that captivated the nation, she expressed gratitude for the efforts made during the investigation. I just want to say how grateful I am for everyone, every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me, Hannah said in a now-deleted Instagram video May 19 shared by The Daily Mail. I just want to say thank you. It means the world to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hawaii nativewhose dad Ryan Kobayashi died by suicide amid search efforts, according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examinernoted that she wanted to express that sentiment in video form. Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering, she added. We should all learn to be kind to one another. Hannahwhose family reported her missing Nov. 12 after she missed her Nov. 11 connecting flight to New York Citywas ultimately found in Mexico and returned to the U.S. Dec. 15, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed at the time. (LAPD re-classified her case to a voluntary missing person Dec. 2 after she appeared fine and with nobody else.) More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She plans to share more details about her disappearance eventually, telling SFGate May 19 that she understands how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light. I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, she shared. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes. Since the authorities closed the case, the photographer has been inundated with criticism about her disappearance, especially following the unexpected death of her dad. After one social media user accused Hannah of not attending his funeral in the comments of a May 3 post, she replied that no one knows the whole story. Hannah Kobayashi/Instagram I am going to speak about my experience and stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me, she continued. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah broke her silence one day after re-entering the U.S. in December, writing a statement to NBC News through her aunt Larie Pidgeon that she was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while she was in Mexico. "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity, she noted. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time. She concluded, I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding." For a look back at Hannahs disappearance and return to the U.S., keep reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Hannah Kobayashi Arrives in Los Angeles On Nov. 8, Hannah Kobayashi flew from Maui to Los Angeles, where she was supposed to catch a connecting flight to New York's JFK International Airport, according to L.A. police. Hannah was booked on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend. Her sister Sydni Kobayashi said, per the Los Angeles Times, that they couldn't get a refund on the seats but had agreed to go their separate ways upon arrival in New York, where Hannah was going for a concert and a photography job. Hannah ended up not boarding her flight out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for reasons unknown, per an LAPD news release. Her bag, meanwhile, was checked through to her final destination, and she requested it be sent back to LAX. Surveillance video reviewed by police showed the 30-year-old picking up her bag at LAX on Nov. 11. Hannah's Whereabouts in L.A. Upon arrival in L.A., Hannah visited the Taschen bookstore at The Grove shopping center on Nov. 9 and texted a relative a photo of a book, her aunt Larie Pidgeon told the Los Angeles Times. Hannah also filled out a newsletter form, using her Maui address. Family members used the photo data to track Hannah to Taschen, Larie explained, where they confirmed with employees that Hannah had been there. (Larie said she was one of the relatives who traveled from Maui to look for her niece.) On Nov. 10, Hannah attended the LeBron XXII Trial Experience held at the Nike store at The Grove and posted a photo of Jordan-clad feet the same day, tagging the LA Times and putting her location as "City of Angels, Los Angeles CA." "We think she was staying around The Grove," Larie told the Times. "It's a pretty touristy area with a lot of shops, bookstores and museums, so we think she was just in that area sightseeing and felt safe." Hannah's Texts Take a Concerning Turn, Family Reports Her Missing Hannah's text messages to family members had sounded normal, including laments that she hadn't been able to get another flight yet, according to Larie. But on Nov. 11, Larie continued, per the Times, Hannah texted another aunt that she was concerned her identity and all her money had been stolen, after which no one could get ahold of her. "She was using words like 'hun' and 'babe' and saying 'someone's trying to steal my funds,'" Larie said. "She doesnt talk like that. It was just out of character and the family sounded the alarm." They were "strange, cryptic messagesthings about the matrix, it was so unlike her," Larie told KTLA. "And then all of a sudden, no more communication." The last time Hannah had her phone turned on was at 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 at LAX, where police said she picked up her bag. Her family reported her missing the following day. The Last Sighting of Hannah in L.A. Hannah's family shared Nov. 18 that they had seen surveillance footage showing her getting off a train at the Pico Metro station near Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A. at 10 p.m. on Nov. 11. "It is evident that Hannah does not appear to be in good condition and she is not alone," her family wrote on Facebook. According to police, Hannah made her way to Union Station, about three miles away from the arena, where she used her passport to purchase a bus ticket to a spot near the California-Mexico border. On Nov. 12, police said, she boarded a bus to San Ysidro. The community has been dubbed the "Gateway to the Americas" as it's the most southern city in California and a popular border-crossing spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kobayashi Family Pleads for Help Finding Hannah Family members staged a rally and passed out fliers on Nov. 21 near the downtown spot where Hannah was last seen "Please, please do not stop saying her name, Hannah Kobayashi," her aunt Larie said at the event, per KTLA. "Your entire family is here. The entire world is looking for you. If you can and you have access, please reach out to us. Were not mad." Added Hannah's father, Ryan Kobayashi, "She's a beautiful girl inside and outside. Just reach out, if you can at all." He told NBC4 at the rally, "Its every parents nightmare. We dont know where to start, where to begin. Its like a grain of sand in the ocean." Hannah's Father Is Found Dead Ryan Kobayashi, who was in town from Maui to look for Hannah, jumped to his death from a parking structure near LAX on the morning of Nov. 24, according to police, who responded to a report of a deceased male at the 6100 block of Century Boulevard at 4 a.m. The L.A. County Medical Examiner's report stated that Ryan suffered multiple blunt force traumatic injuries and the manner of death was suicide. "It's every parent's nightmare," Ryan told NBC4 at the Nov. 21 rally. "We don't know where to start, where to begin. Its like a grain of sand in the ocean." The RAD Movement, a nonprofit advocate for families of missing people, said in a statement Ryan had been in L.A. for 13 days searching for his daughter. "This loss has compounded the familys suffering immeasurably," the group stated, while also emphasizing that there was still a missing woman to look for and it was "crucial for everyone to remain vigilant in their efforts to locate Hannah." Speculation that Ryan had something to do with Hannah's disappearance was cruel and needed to be shut down, Larie told the LA Times. "He died of a broken heart," she said. Police Say Hannah Is in Mexico, Change Status to "Voluntary Missing Person" The LAPD announced Dec. 2 that they last had eyes on Hannah crossing the border from San Ysidro into Mexico on Nov. 12, alone and carrying her luggage. Investigators from the department's Missing Persons Unit went to the border Dec. 1 and viewed surveillance video from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that showed her walking into Mexico, police said. Hannah is now considered a voluntary missing person, according to the LAPD, which noted that she is not a suspect in any criminal activity, nor has their investigation uncovered any evidence of human trafficking or foul play. "Our priority is ensuring Ms. Kobayashi's safety and well-being," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at a news conference. "We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the U.S. Embassy to let us know she is safe. She has the right to privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel. A simple message could reassure those who care about her." In a statement to NBC News, Hannah's family said they remained hopeful that she was safe and they were still looking for her. "The search is far from over," they said Dec. 3, "and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely. We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannahs safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions." Hannah's Family Says She's Safe On Dec. 11, Hannah's sister Sydni and mom Brandi Yee said they had made contact with her. We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe," they said in a statement to NBC News. "This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Breaks Her Silence After returning from Mexico to the United States Dec. 15, which prompted police to close her missing persons case, Hannah reacted to the traction her departure caused. "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away," she wrote in a statement through her aunt Larie Pidgeon to NBC News, "and I am still processing it all." And now, she's focusing on the future. "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity," she continued. "I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Hannah Kobayashi, whose disappearance from Los Angeles in November of last year led to a statewide search and international headlines, took to social media recently to speak out about her loss, pain and suffering. The Instagram Stories post over the weekend comes nearly six months after her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide during the weekslong search for Hannah, who was eventually found safe in what police called a voluntary disappearance into Mexico. Hi, everyone. I just want to come on here and take the time to say how grateful I am for everyone. Every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me, Hannah said on the post, which was shared by the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still images distributed at the time of her disappearance captured of the then 30-year-old Hawaii resident in various locations across the city. Family members and loved ones traveled to L.A. to aid in the search, with some concerned she may have been abducted and held against her will. Hannah Kobayashi seen in this undated photography. (viewer image) A flyer with information on Hannah Kobayashi, currently missing, is displayed Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Ryan Kobayashi is seen here at a rally on Nov. 21 held for his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Maui woman who vanished in Los Angeles in early November. (KTLA) Hannah Kobayashi seen in this undated photography. (viewer image) Ryan Kobayashi was among the family members to fly from Hawaii to Los Angeles to search for his missing daughter. His body was later found near LAX. When she finally returned to the U.S., Hannah said she was unaware of the media firestorm her disappearance caused and had remained off social media until this weekends post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day is such a gift. Especially, after such loss and pain and suffering, she said in the post. We should all learn to be kind to one another. She didnt address her fathers death directly, but SFGATE reported that Hannah plans to share more details soon. Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, Kobayashi told SFGATE over Instagram. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kenyan operator Safaricom has recently launched a campaign called Maisha Poa Ni Digital (Life Is Cool Digital), aiming to accelerate digital inclusion across Kenya, specifically by encouraging Kenyans to switch from 2G phones to affordable 4G smartphones. According to a number of reports 4G network coverage now reaches over 97% of Kenyas population, but many people still use basic 2G phones. The Maisha Poa Ni Digital campaign addresses this gap by offering entry-level 4G smartphones bundled with 5.5GB of free data. These devices are available through a payment plan, allowing qualifying customers to pay a deposit of KES500 (about US$3.87) and daily instalments as low as KES30 (US$0.23) The campaign aims to improve access to digital services like M-Pesa, eCitizen, and educational and health platforms, especially for people in rural and peri-urban areas. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, has been widely quoted as saying: A smartphone is a gateway to jobs, financial inclusion and empowerment. Our goal with this campaign is to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable smartphones and flexible payment plans." This doesnt appear to be a completely new initiative. Over two million smartphones have already been distributed through Safaricoms device financing programme. In fact its been some years since Safaricom, in partnership with Google, launched Maisha Ni Digital (Life Is Digital), a similar campaign to drive adoption and use of mobile internet. In 2019, the campaign introduced the most affordable 4G handset in Kenya for less than US$40, operating on Android Go, combined with customer support (both face to face and in print), simplified internet activation, and relevant content and use cases. Safaricom has also been trying to extend take-up of in-home services in recent days. About a week ago the operator announced a partnership with leading retailer Quickmart to bring its 4G and 5G For Home internet solutions closer to customers. To support this, Safaricom introduced self-service router activation, making it easier for customers to set up their routers post-purchase. Editors Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988. (NewsNation) Hannah Kobayashi, who was missing for weeks last year, has said on social media that she is ready to speak out and will share her story of what happened. The 30-year-old photographer failed to board a connecting flight in Los Angeles and was reported missing by her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashi was seen on surveillance cameras in the LA area for a few days after missing her flight and sent what her family described as strange texts before turning her phone off. Hannah Kobayashi: Timeline of missing Maui womans case An extensive search was launched, and during the search effort, her father died by suicide. Photos of Kobayashi getting married also surfaced during the search, leading to speculation that she may have been the victim of a scam. Kobayashi was declared a voluntary missing person days later after she was seen crossing into Mexico. Authorities later confirmed she was safe, and she returned to the U.S. in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Kobayashi said she was unaware of the media attention on her case. Diddys ex-assistant tells jury he set up hotel rooms for Freak Offs Over the weekend, Kobayashi said on Instagram Stories that people should learn to be kind to one another and thanked those who spent time and energy looking for her. She did not directly address her fathers suicide or what happened during the time she was out of contact with her family. Kobayashi told SFGate that she does intend to eventually share more details about the incident and tell her side of the 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 NewsNation. BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) The hard-right nationalist who lost Romanias presidential election rerun said Tuesday he has asked a top court to annul the election results, alleging that foreign interference and coordinated manipulation affected Sunday's vote. George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians had conceded defeat after losing in the runoff to Nicusor Dan, the Bucharest mayor who obtained 53.6% of the vote, a margin of more than 829,000 votes. Simion said in a statement he has filed a request to Romanias Constitutional Court to annul the vote, claiming he had irrefutable evidence that France, Moldova and other actors meddled in the ballot, but did not present any evidence. He also alleged that deceased people had participated in the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He alleged an orchestrated effort to manipulate institutions, direct media narratives and ultimately impose a result that does not reflect the sovereign will of the Romanian people. Sundays vote was held months after a top court voided the previous election in which the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu led the first round, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. Simion capitalized on the furor over the annulment of that election and, after coming fourth in last years canceled race, allied with Georgescu, who was banned in March from running in the election redo. In the first-round vote on May 4 in the rerun, Simion won a landslide in a field of 11 candidates to enter the runoff. During the campaign, Simion portrayed his movement as championing conservative values like patriotism, sovereignty and the family, and styled himself as the Romanian analogue to U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Tuesday he will ask the court to cancel the May rerun on the same grounds as the courts decision last year. Hours after voting opened on Friday for Romanians abroad, Simion accused the Moldovan government of election fraud, which both Moldovan and Romanian authorities rejected. In comment to The Associated Press on Sunday, he reiterated claims that people were being illegally transported to voting stations in Moldova, allegedly affecting 80,000 votes. He also said that we dont have indications that dead people voted. If we will have these indications, well have a press conference." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simion also referenced a message sent Sunday by Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov to Romanian users of his platform, which alleged a Western European government, accompanied by a baguette emoji, asked his platform to silence conservative voices from Romania ahead of the election rerun. Im ready to come and testify if it helps Romanian democracy," Durov said Tuesday in a post on X. HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) The family of a Harlem Grandmother of ten reached out to PIX11s Monica Morales in desperate need of repairs. Natalie Rosa says it has been an emotional rollercoaster watching her mom struggle to get repairs in her home here at the Lincoln Houses in Harlem. More Local News 79-year-old Doris Green lives in an apartment where her ceiling is falling apart. Green says she has to sleep in her living room now because her bedroom ceiling has chipping, peeling paint, and water damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three generations of women are living in this home in Harlem. Green is the matriarch of the family. The problem, Green says, started back in 2023. A NYCHA spokesperson tells PIX11 News, NYCHA staff visited the resident today and have scheduled the necessary environmental inspections, testing, and skilled trades work for the unit. NYCHA encourages residents in need of assistance to call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application. If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at monica@pix11.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 PIX11. On April 7, harness racing trainer Frederick Bourgault was convicted of all charges against him in connection with the beating death of a Standardbred racehorse on July 17, 2023, at the Pine Bush Training Facility in the Town of Crawford, N.Y. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the convictions after a bench trial. The indictment charged Bourgault with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree for having damaged a racehorse named Finish Line, that had an estimated value of at least five thousand dollars. Criminal mischief in the second degree is a class D felony, which carries a possible prison sentence between three to seven years. It was alleged that Bourgault struck the horse with a hard object causing a linear depressed skull fracture, which resulted in the horse having to be euthanized. The indictment also charged Bourgault with Interference with or Injury to Certain Domestic Animals, a felony under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Act, for willfully and unjustifiably injuring or destroying a racehorse. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025. Bourgault, a native of Canada, has a history of mistreatment charges against him in the NYSGC database, dating from 2021 through 2023. Three rulings state that Bourgault kicked his horse in the stretch or after the wire, while two additional rulings are for whipping violations, including one after finish line. The New York State Police, aided by the Orange County District Attorneys Office and New York State Gaming Commission, engaged in an investigation into the death of the 2012 gelding. The investigation included having the horses remains exhumed and examined by experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The New York State Gaming Commission provided expert witnesses and assisted in coordinating the arrest of Bourgault by the New York State Police. District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police, BCI Middletown, for their investigation and the arrest of Bourgault, and the New York State Gaming Commission for their assistance and support of the arrest and prosecution. The beautiful horse that was the victim of this defendants senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf, said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. We will not, as a civilized society, allow abusers to bring harm to helpless animals. My Office will continue to utilize all legal resources available and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that crimes like these are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent under law. The New York State Gaming Commission is proud to work closely with law enforcement to protect horses and hold those who abuse them accountable, said Sarah Klein, Director of the Gaming Commissions Division of Horse Racing. We are grateful for the work of the Orange County District Attorneys Office and the New York State Police in delivering justice for Mr. Bourgaults crimes. District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Borek and Assistant District Attorney Roger Dean who prosecuted the case. This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New Yorks burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The legal system in this country has long prided itself on supplying justice in a measured way. Government officials are required to abide by an elaborate set of procedures before they can impose penalties on anyone. But all that seems to have fallen by the wayside in the second Trump administration. Nowhere has that been more evident than in its dealings with Harvard University. On May 15, the New York Times published an article under the headline Trump Administration Escalates Harvard Feud With New Justice Dept. Investigation. It reported that the Trump administration is investigating whether Harvards admissions policies comply with a Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action, opening a new front in its widening effort to bring the institution to heel. The Justice Department is trying to determine whether Harvards admissions process has been used to defraud the government in violation of the False Claims Act. That act was never intended for such a purpose. The administration is using it as a tool of vengeance because Harvard has had the temerity to resist the administrations various edicts. In return, Trump and his subordinates are using every lever at their disposal to make the university pay the steep price for doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is revenge pure and simple. Revenge, law professor William Miller contends, is crazed, uncontrolled, subjective, individual, admitting no rule of limitation. And it proceeds in an escalating cycle of tit-for-tat moves until one of the parties involved surrenders. The cycle with Harvard started on Jan. 29 when the president signed an executive order calling for tougher enforcement of government efforts against antisemitism. On Feb. 3, President Trump appointed Fox News personality Leo Terrell to head a federal government Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. The day his appointment was announced, Terrell, who has been called HARVARDS WORST NIGHTMARE, took to X to taunt the school. Harvard, I start work next week! In early March, Terrell went on Fox News to lay out his plan to bankrupt universities by withholding every single federal dollar. He added that Ifuniversities do not play ball, lawyer up, because the federal government is coming after you. A month later, the administration took steps to make good on Terrells threat. It sent Harvard a letter laying out the pre-conditions your institution must comply with in order to be in good standing and continue to be the recipient of federal taxpayer dollars. It then laid out those conditions. They include Harvard reform its international student program to prevent admitting students hostile to the American values and report to the federal government any foreign student who commits conduct violations. It also wanted to require Harvard to pay for outside review through 2028 of the schools viewpoint diversity and hire a critical mass of new faculty if it is not found to be sufficiently diverse. That is where the university drew the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard publicly denounced the proposal. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. In short order, the president threatened to withdraw Harvards Tax Exempt Status, The Department of Homeland Security said it might revoke Harvards certification to participate in the Student and Exchange Visa Program, jeopardizing the enrollment of thousands of international students, and The Department of Education sends a records request to Harvard demanding information on all overseas gifts, plus information relating to expelled foreign students. Harvard again poked the bear on April 21 when it filed suit against the administration. As one would expect in any administration seeking vengeance, it responded by upping the ante, launching new investigations, cutting off all new federal research grants to Harvard, freezing an additional $450 million in federal funding pledged to the university, and on Thursday multiple federal agencies sent termination notices all at once affecting researchers across the university, from the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences to the medical school. As the New York Times explains, In the four and a half weeks since Harvard criticized the governments demands as overly intrusive and said it would not comply, the administration has aimed at least eight investigations and other actions against the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That brings us to the False Claims investigation. It beggars the imagination to see the law used as the administration seeks to use it. The False Claims Act dates back to 1863, when Congress, fearful that people who were supplying the Union Army were enriching themselves by defrauding the government, enacted it. It has been amended many times since and prohibits anyone from knowingly submitting a false claim to the government orknowingly making a false record or statement to get a false claim paid by the government. As the Times reports, the False Claims Act is typically used to go after government contractors for swindling. And targeting a university under the False Claims Act is highly unusual. Moreover, the Justice Department letter about Harvards alleged false claim didnt even specify what was falsely claimed. It seems clear that this law is being used to harass Harvard and to continue Trumps vendetta. Investigating Harvard is less about the money it may have obtained from the federal government and more a fishing expedition about the universitys admissions process and its use of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is alleging that Harvard did not change its admissions policies after the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action unconstitutional. Trumps Justice Department doesnt seem to care that the university announced that had done so or that, as Reuters noted last fall, The percentage of Black students in Harvard Universitys freshman class dropped by more than a fifth following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that barred colleges from using race as a factor in admissions. The primary focus of this latest federal government attack on Harvard is to require it to produce a trove of documents and provide written answers to a list of detailed questions in the next three weeks. It is also seeking any text messages, emails or other communications from Harvard officials discussing President Trumps executive orders earlier this year aimed at rooting out diversity, equity and inclusion programs. And, if all that did not reveal the administrations real purpose, The Justice Department also gave Harvard 30 days to identify a school official to testify under oath about its admissions policies and how those polices may have changed after the Supreme Court ruling in 2023. For a long time, legal scholars have warned that laws designed for one purpose can be used for others. But few of them could have imagined the way the Trump administration is now using and abusing our Nations rules and regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard spokesman Jonathan Swain got it right when he called the False Claims investigation yet another abusive and retaliatory actionthat the administration has initiated against Harvard. It is as if Trump is channeling Gods Old Testament announcement, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, with Harvard being one of the presidents most prominent targets. The post Harvard draws the legal blueprint for how to fight back Trumps revenge campaign appeared first on Salon.com. Harvey Weinstein accuser Jessica Mann stared down the disgraced movie mogul after taking the witness stand Tuesday, pointing a finger at her eyes as she stalked past the defense table in Manhattan Supreme Court. Mann, 39, had just gotten done with an emotional recounting of how Weinstein violently raped her in a California hotel at the former Miramax Films heads retrial on sexual assault charges. That finger gesture, and her testimony, led defense lawyer Arthur Aidala to move for a mistrial, calling the description of the alleged Peninsula Hotel attack, which he isnt charged with, highly prejudicial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats absolutely inappropriate, thats inappropriate behavior by her, Aidala said. Judge Curtis Farber rejected his calls for a mistrial, bringing the number of unsuccessful mistrial motions by Aidala up to nine. Mann, whose testimony began Monday, also took the stand in Weinsteins 2020 trial, but the ex-producers guilty verdict and 23-year prison sentence was overturned by the states highest court last year. The retrial, which is in its fifth week, also featured days of testimony from two other accusers, former TV production assistant Miriam Haley who also took the stand in 2020 and Polish model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola. Mann testified on Monday that she met the then-married in late 2012 or early 2013, and embarked on a relationship with him despite his forcing her to have sex with him in a Midtown hotel in March 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her testimony Tuesday morning centered on a horrifying encounter in the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Mann was getting into a serious relationship with an actor, she said, and she wanted a sit-down with Weinstein. I just wanted this agreement that I would be moving on with my life, she said. But when she wouldnt give up her beaus name, Weinstein exploded in fury, she said. His eyes went black, and he was angry, she said. He went into a rage. He lunged at me he grabbed me and was pulling me into the room, and it happened to me so fast and so forceful. She added, He dragged me into the bedroom and he threw me on the bed, and he said, You owe me one more time.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said he ripped her pants with such force that his fingernails left scratch marks on her legs. She curled into a ball by the headboard, paralyzed by fear, and he grabbed her ankles, pulled her down and started raping her, she testified. At some point I remember his weight on me, and theres so much weight on me. And my head was stuck, and I couldnt breathe. And I just remember everything went black, she said. She came to on her knees, with Weinstein forcing her into performing oral sex, said. And he was done, and I crawled to the bathroom, and I got up, and I remember that I saw myself in the mirror but I didnt know it was me for a moment, and I didnt recognize myself, she said. Mann appeared overcome with emotion as she described the alleged attack, and had to take a break from her testimony. The pointing incident happened as she left the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said she was so disoriented she couldnt drive home, and she weighed going to the police and agreeing to take a rape exam at a hospital, but decided against it. I just imagined more poking and prodding, and I just imagined I would have to say his name, she said. And I didnt know what happened if I would say his name. So she took an hours-long shower, resolving, Im going to bury this so deep, and Im going to forget about this and move on with my life. Weinstein does not face charges in connection with the allegations from the Peninsula Hotel. Rather, hes charged in connection with the March 2013 rape at Manhattans DoubleTree Hotel. Over the next several years, she kept in touch with Weinstein, showering him with compliments over e-mail but trying to avoid nighttime meetings alone with him. Still, she said, she had a handful of consensual encounters with Weinstein after she and her actor boyfriend broke up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember I was devastated after my relationship ended. And sometimes you just want to feel wanted. And I knew that I could be used by someone, she said. During his cross-examination, Aidala grilled her on how many times she had consensual encounters with Weinstein, a number she said she couldnt remember. He pointed out that she had breakfast with Weinstein hours after the alleged DoubleTree rape, went to a screening of August: Osage County he invited her to, and had tea with him and his daughter a day later. In one contentious moment, Aidala zeroed in on a February 2013 episode in the Montage Hotel in L.A., where Mann said Weinstein forcibly had oral sex with her, and she faked an orgasm to get him to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you fake something, its a form of lying, correct? Aidala asked, pressing for more detail. Tell the ladies and gentlemen of the jury how you lied to Mr. Weinstein during your first sexual (encounter). Meg Ryan in the restaurant, Mann said, referencing a famous scene from the movie, When Harry Met Sally. She added, Im not saying I performed her performance, but I made noises. Prosecutors jumped up to object to the line of questioning, which Farber shut down. NEW YORK Harvey Weinstein accuser Jessica Mann stared down the disgraced movie mogul after taking the witness stand Tuesday, pointing a finger at her eyes as she stalked past the defense table in Manhattan Supreme Court. Mann, 39, had just finished an emotional recounting of how Weinstein violently raped her in a California hotel at the former Miramax Films heads retrial on sexual assault charges. That finger gesture, and her testimony, led defense lawyer Arthur Aidala to move for a mistrial, calling the description of the alleged Peninsula Hotel attack, which he isnt charged with, highly prejudicial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats absolutely inappropriate, thats inappropriate behavior by her, Aidala said. Judge Curtis Farber rejected his calls for a mistrial, bringing the number of unsuccessful mistrial motions by Aidala up to nine. Mann, whose testimony began Monday, also took the stand in Weinsteins 2020 trial, but the ex-producers guilty verdict and 23-year prison sentence was overturned by the states highest court last year. The retrial, which is in its fifth week, also featured days of testimony from two other accusers, former TV production assistant Miriam Haley who also took the stand in 2020 and Polish model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola. Mann testified Monday that she met the then-married Weinstein in late 2012 or early 2013, and embarked on a relationship with him despite his forcibly performing oral sex on her in a Midtown hotel in March 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her testimony Tuesday morning centered on an encounter in the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Mann was getting into a serious relationship with an actor, she said, and she wanted a sit-down meeting with Weinstein. I just wanted this agreement that I would be moving on with my life, she said. But when she wouldnt give up her beaus name, Weinstein exploded in fury, she said. His eyes went black, and he was angry, she said. He went into a rage. He lunged at me ... he grabbed me and was pulling me into the room, and it happened to me so fast and so forceful. She added, He dragged me into the bedroom and he threw me on the bed, and he said, You owe me one more time.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said he ripped her pants with such force that his fingernails left scratch marks on her legs. She curled into a ball by the headboard, paralyzed by fear, and he grabbed her ankles, pulled her down and started raping her, she testified. At some point I remember his weight on me, and theres so much weight on me. And my head was stuck, and I couldnt breathe. And I just remember everything went black, she said. She came to on her knees, with Weinstein forcing her into performing oral sex, said. And he was done, and I crawled to the bathroom, and I got up, and I remember that I saw myself in the mirror but I didnt know it was me for a moment, and I didnt recognize myself, she said. Mann appeared overcome with emotion as she described the alleged attack, and had to take a break from her testimony. The pointing incident happened as she left the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said she was so disoriented she couldnt drive home, and she weighed going to the police and agreeing to take a rape exam at a hospital, but decided against it. I just imagined more poking and prodding, and I just imagined I would have to say his name, she said. And I didnt know what happened if I would say his name. So she took an hourslong shower, resolving, Im going to bury this so deep, and Im going to forget about this and move on with my life. Weinstein does not face charges in connection with the allegations from the Peninsula Hotel. Rather, hes charged in connection with the March 2013 rape at Manhattans DoubleTree Hotel. Over the next several years, she kept in touch with Weinstein, showering him with compliments over email but trying to avoid nighttime meetings alone with him. Still, she said, she had a handful of consensual encounters with Weinstein after she and her actor boyfriend broke up. I remember I was devastated after my relationship ended. And sometimes you just want to feel wanted. And I knew that I could be used by someone, she said. _____ NEW YORK Harvey Weinstein accuser Jessica Mann stared down the disgraced movie mogul after taking the witness stand Tuesday, pointing a finger at her eyes as she stalked past the defense table in Manhattan Supreme Court. Mann, 39, had just finished with an emotional recounting of how Weinstein violently raped her in a California hotel at the former Miramax Films heads retrial on sexual assault charges. That finger gesture, and her testimony, led defense lawyer Arthur Aidala to move for a mistrial, calling the description of the alleged Peninsula Hotel attack, which he isnt charged with, highly prejudicial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats absolutely inappropriate, thats inappropriate behavior by her, Aidala said. Judge Curtis Farber rejected his calls for a mistrial, bringing the number of unsuccessful mistrial motions by Aidala up to nine. Mann, whose testimony began Monday, also took the stand in Weinsteins 2020 trial, but the ex-producers guilty verdict and 23-year prison sentence was overturned by the states highest court last year. The retrial, in its fifth week, also featured days of testimony from two other accusers, former TV production assistant Miriam Haley who also took the stand in 2020 and Polish model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola. Mann testified Monday that she met the then-married Weinstein in late 2012 or early 2013, and embarked on a relationship with him despite his forcing her to have sex with him in a Midtown hotel in March 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her testimony Tuesday morning centered on a horrifying encounter in the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Mann was getting into a serious relationship with an actor, she said, and she wanted a sit-down meeting with Weinstein. I just wanted this agreement that I would be moving on with my life, she said. But when she wouldnt give up her beaus name, Weinstein exploded in fury, she said. His eyes went black, and he was angry, she said. He went into a rage. He lunged at me ... he grabbed me and was pulling me into the room, and it happened to me so fast and so forceful. She added, He dragged me into the bedroom and he threw me on the bed, and he said, You owe me one more time.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said he ripped her pants with such force that his fingernails left scratch marks on her legs. She curled into a ball by the headboard, paralyzed by fear, and he grabbed her ankles, pulled her down and started raping her, she testified. At some point I remember his weight on me, and theres so much weight on me. And my head was stuck, and I couldnt breathe. And I just remember everything went black, she said. She came to on her knees, with Weinstein forcing her into performing oral sex, said. And he was done, and I crawled to the bathroom, and I got up, and I remember that I saw myself in the mirror but I didnt know it was me for a moment, and I didnt recognize myself, she said. Mann appeared overcome with emotion as she described the alleged attack, and had to take a break from her testimony. The pointing incident happened as she left the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mann said she was so disoriented she couldnt drive home, and she weighed going to the police and agreeing to take a rape exam at a hospital, but decided against it. I just imagined more poking and prodding, and I just imagined I would have to say his name, she said. And I didnt know what happened if I would say his name. So she took an hourslong shower, resolving, Im going to bury this so deep, and Im going to forget about this and move on with my life. Weinstein does not face charges in connection with the allegations from the Peninsula Hotel. Rather, hes charged in connection with the March 2013 rape at Manhattans DoubleTree Hotel. Over the next several years, she kept in touch with Weinstein, showering him with compliments over email but trying to avoid nighttime meetings alone with him. Still, she said, she had a handful of consensual encounters with Weinstein after she and her actor boyfriend broke up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember I was devastated after my relationship ended. And sometimes you just want to feel wanted. And I knew that I could be used by someone, she said. During his cross-examination, Aidala grilled her on how many times he had consensual encounters with Weinstein, a number she said she couldnt remember. He pointed out that she had breakfast with Weinstein hours after the alleged DoubleTree rape, went to a screening of August: Osage County he invited her to, and had tea with him and his daughter a day later. In one contentious moment, Aidala zeroed in on a February 2013 episode in the Montage Hotel in L.A., where Mann said Weinstein forcibly had oral sex with her, and she faked an orgasm to get him to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you fake something, its a form of lying, correct? Aidala asked, pressing for more detail. Tell the ladies and gentlemen of the jury how you lied to Mr. Weinstein during your first sexual (encounter). Meg Ryan at the restaurant, Mann said, referencing a famous scene from the movie, When Harry Met Sally. She added, Im not saying I performed her performance, but I made noises. Prosecutors jumped up to object to the line of questioning, which Farber shut down. _____ Jessica Mann, the last of three women to testify against Harvey Weinstein in his Manhattan retrial, made a pointed gesture at the disgraced movie mogul on her way out of court Tuesday after breaking down on the stand while recounting a 2014 encounter in which she accuses him of dragging, stripping and raping her in a Beverly Hills hotel. Mann, a cosmetologist and hairstylist who moved to Los Angeles to launch an acting career in 2012, stared down Weinstein, then pointed to her own eyes and then him as she walked past the defense table Tuesday, sobbing, the Associated Press reported. The exchange happened moments after Mann finished telling the jury that Weinstein grabbed, dragged, forcefully undressed and raped her after informing him that she was dating someone else. She said Weinstein shouted You owe me one more time! as he forced sex on her against her repeated protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein shook his head as Mann told the jury of the encounter through tears and heaving breaths. She did not respond to reporters questions about the gesture outside the courtroom. Weinstein attorney Arthur Aidala cited the gesture and emotional display in a subsequent request for a mistrial. It was one of many such requests that Judge Curtis Farber swiftly denied. Weinstein is charged with raping Mann on a separate occasion, in 2013, though the 2014 encounter is not one of the charged incidents. He is also facing charges of forcing two other women to have oral sex in separate 2006 encounters. I cant control what people do in the courtroom, Farber said, adding that Weinstein himself has also reacted to testimony before the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys have yet to cross-examine Mann, now 39, about her complicated relationship with Weinstein she says began when they met at a party. She says she began a consensual, on-and-off relationship with the then-married Weinstein after he initially pressured her for sex in New York. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala said during opening statements that Manns relationship with Weinstein was mutually beneficial, and that she hoped she could fast-forward to an acting career if she agreed to sleep with him. Weinsteins initial conviction in New York was thrown out by an appeals court over what was ruled to be improper prior bad acts testimony in the 2020 trial. He is charged in New York with raping Mann and with forcing oral sex on two other women, both of whom have testified, in 2006. Weinsteins conviction in a California court, which allowed New York authorities to hold him while he awaited retrial, is being appealed. The post Weinstein Accuser Says He Dragged, Stripped and Raped Her After Learning She Was Seeing Someone Else in 2014 appeared first on TheWrap. Malaysia's Communications Ministry launched on Monday what it's billing as a "Strategic Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure" a sovereign, full-stack AI ecosystem powered by Huawei GPUs that also marks the first national deployment of Chinese large language model (LLM) DeepSeek outside of China. According to the ministry, the initial AI infrastructure features a generative AI cloud environment run by Malaysian firm Skyvast Cloud, powered by an AlterMatic DT250 AI Server with eight Huawei Ascend GPUs. At the launch event on Monday, Skyvast and Chinese tech firm Leadyo revealed plans to deploy 3,000 advanced GPUs across multiple infrastructure zones by 2026 as Malaysias AI ecosystem of partners grows. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the AI infrastructure offers 20% higher performance and 30% energy savings compared to industry peers. It also hosts the DeepSeek open-source LLM, which she said makes it the first national-scale sovereign LLM deployed in Malaysia, and the first such for DeepSeek outside of its native China, according to the Bernama news agency. It's also the first deployment of Huaweis Ascend chips and servers outside of China as part of an MoU signed by Huawei and Skyvast last month. Deputy Minister Teo said establishing a sovereign AI infrastructure is a major step in Malaysias AI development, as using domestic servers and localising LLMs like DeepSeek means data will be processed locally, which she said will safeguard user privacy and strengthen data security. Now it's no longer like the cloud or the data centre is overseas, but it's now purely in Malaysia [the] server [is] also in Malaysia, managed by Malaysia, and the AI agents will also be developed by Malaysians, Bernama quoted Teo as saying. Skyvast will use the AI infrastructure to offer AI-as-a-service and GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) to government agencies, businesses and universities, enabling them to improve services, boost productivity and drive innovation. Early adopters include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Communications, Permodalan Negeri Selangor, Cyberview and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the report said. Meanwhile, the report added, the AI infrastructure launch event also included the launch of the Malaysia-China Trusted Data Zone, billed as the first bilateral corridor linking Cyberjaya with the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area. The zone operated by Skyvast Data on the Malaysian side and Shanghai International Data Port on the China side is intended to enable seamless cross-border AI development through infrastructure, joint innovation platforms and digital capability integration. Harvey Weinstein's retrial began on Wednesday, April 23, after his 2020 conviction in New York State was overturned last year Jessica Mann testified this week that Weinstein raped her in a New York City hotel in 2013 Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, but he has been convicted for sex crimes in California One of Harvey Weinsteins accusers recounted being forced to have sex with the disgraced movie mogul in a New York City hotel more than a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Mann, 39, described to a New York City jury this week that the alleged incident occurred at the Doubletree Hotel in Midtown on March 18, 2013, after she reluctantly went to a hotel room with Weinstein. I didnt want to go into a room with him, Mann testified Monday, May 19, per The Hollywood Reporter. The former actress claimed she tried to leave the room but he grabbed her arms and demanded she take her clothes off. This is about the moment where I gave up, she said according to THR. After the alleged assault, she testified she discovered an erection-inducing syringe in the bathroom trash, the Associated Press reported. Mann is one of three women who have testified against Weinstein in his sex crimes retrial in which the former executive is accused of raping her and performing unwanted sexual acts on former TV production assistant Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola. CURTIS MEANS/POOL/AFP via Getty Harvey Weinstein Harvey Weinstein 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. Mann told the jury she met Weinstein at a party around 2013 in Los Angeles when she was 27, per the AP. She said she later started a consensual relationship with Weinstein after he performed oral sex on her in a hotel room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just decided to have a relationship with him. Im sorry if thats a bad decision. I just did. I also just wanted to buy time because I really didnt know how to handle it, she said, per THR. I just thought it would take the pain away. She referred to Weinstein as a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde character. The word No specifically was like a trigger to him, she testified, per THR. Weinstein has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. In February 2020, Weinstein was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape during a landmark #MeToo case. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned his conviction finding that the trial judge erroneously allowed three women whose allegations were not a part of the criminal case against Weinstein to testify about Weinstein's prior bad acts. In 2022, Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault in California, a conviction that still stands. NPR reported that Weinstein has recently received treatment for bone marrow cancer. PEOPLE reported that he had emergency heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People Harvey Weinstein continued to proclaim his innocence on Candace Owens show amid his retrial on a rape charge and two criminal sexual acts. The interview, which Owens, a far-right political commentator, claims is the first on-camera interview Weinstein has done in eight years, came out Tuesday on the same day that the third and final accuser, Jessica Mann, testified as part of Weinsteins trial related to an alleged rape in 2013. He also faces criminal sexual charges related to Miriam Haley, who alleges he forced oral sex on her at his Tribeca apartment in 2006, and from Kaja Sokola, who alleges that Weinstein forced oral sex on her in a Manhattan hotel in 2006. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its rare for a defendant in a criminal trial to release an interview during the course of the trial, and a source close to the situation says that Weinsteins attorneys were not aware of the project until after it was set up. Juda Engelmayer, a spokesperson for Weinstein, said the legal team is still in active discussions with Weinstein about whether he will testify as part of the trial. The prosecution is expected to rest their case by May 28. Weinstein began the interview with Owens by reading from a written statement in which he acknowledged mistakes he made but said he did not commit these crimes. I believe women should be heard, but Im wrongfully convicted. And right now, Im not convicted, and Im on a retrial. An appeal overturned my conviction. But justice demands a clear, honest look at each case, and I am here for fairness and the truth, Weinstein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, I made mistakes. Theres no question about it. I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I cheated on my wife, and that was a mistake, a terrible mistake. And I apologize to friends, family, all the innocent people who inadvertently I hurt, and especially to the Messick family, Jill Messick and her family. But I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God and the people watching now and on my family. Im wrongfully accused. But justice has to know the difference between what is immoral and what is illegal, Weinstein added, with the last part echoing a statement his attorney made in opening arguments for the retrial. While he then said there was not much he could say about the case, as it is ongoing, Weinstein spoke about the fact that his former friends have backed away from him. They are frightened to death. They are frightened that theyre going to be canceled, that theyre not going to be able to work. I tried to get my people to stand up and even testify in the trial. And nothing, he said. Asked about Gwyneth Paltrow, who has spoken about Weinstein and said he made a pass at her in a hotel room and that Brad Pitt, her boyfriend at time, had warned him to back off. Weinstein called that a fabrication but said he did make a move on her in a meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the meeting, we had a glass of Champagne. As I was walking out the door, I said to her, Id love you to give me a massage. And she went, Yeah [said dismissively], and that was it. I didnt put my hand on her. I didnt touch her. I definitely made a pass. I guess, you know, you could call it that, but that was the sum total of that situation, Weinstein said, adding that Pitt did call him and say Dont do that again. Weinstein also spent a portion of the interview bemoaning his fate as the poster child of the #MeToo movement, saying They wanted me, and they wanted me in jail forever. He went on to bash the quality of the New York Times reporting about the claims against him from alleged victims including Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. And he noted the She Said movie, which had Pitt attached as a producer. When it came out, obviously I was concerned, but it bombed so badly, he said. The movie grossed $2.5 million dollars on its opening weekend, which is a disaster. I think it went on to gross $4 or $5 million. So maybe it showed theres no interest in me but there certainly was no interest in the case, he said. While Weinstein been a longtime supporter of the Democratic party, and a friend to the Clintons, he also praised Owens, who has said her project is meant to exonerate him, and Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump in the recent election, for their support, after both have said they believe Weinstein is innocent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This also comes as Owens has a history of vicious antisemitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which led to her departure from Ben Shapiros conservative media outfit The Daily Wire last year. She previously said on her livestream that Weinstein had questioned her about her support of Kanye West, who has made many antisemitic statements, while noting that he himself had given money to the ADL. In a statement from Engelmayer, however, Weinsteins team praised Owens approach to the interview. Candace approached this with the objectivity that has been sorely missing in the media coverage. She took the time to examine the evidence, review the transcripts and understand the full context. In doing so, she offered a rare and much-needed voice of balance, cutting through the noise and presenting a side of the story few have dared to explore, Engelmayer said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. We believe it was long overdue for Harveys voice to be heard. His perspective, his experiences and the flaws in how his case has been portrayed needed to come out. While we had hoped this would have happened much sooner, we are encouraged that hes finally speaking publicly, Engelmayer said. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Pittsburgh Police are investigating after several people in an SUV with Ohio plates threw baggies containing antisemitic and hateful messages into the front yards of families. This happened throughout Squirrel Hill, including on Phillips Avenue between Murray and Beechwood, and some witnesses say the people in the car were yelling slurs. Benjamin Schwartz has lived in Squirrel Hill his entire life. This whole thing is very disheartening, Schwartz tells Channel 11. Its a scary time to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwartz says the hate speech has ramped up since October 7, 2023, a trend the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh says theyre sadly seeing too. I remember going to the Holocaust museum with my parents at maybe 10 or 11 years old because every Jewish boy or girl needs to see that, Schwartz said. And looking and just not understanding how such an idea Hitler gave to the people could take off, but now I get it. Schwartzs family had one of the baggies with antisemitic messages, weighed down by kernels of corn tossed in their front yard. The Jewish Federations says police have collected over 100 just in Squirrel Hill, not to mention those found in Shadyside and Peters Township, Washington County. Witnesses say a Dodge Durango with Ohio license plates and three to four people inside tossed the baggies out of the car window while yelling slurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no excuse for that kind of behavior, neighbor Michelle Bjornstad said. We live in 2025. That stuff shouldnt be happening anymore. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh says they know the national group behind this, which is known for flyers with a shock factor. They dont believe the people are from Pittsburgh. The Jewish Federation added that this group usually operates under the cover of darkness. which makes this all the more frightening. With this particular group, they were so blatant, they did this in broad daylight, between 6-8 p.m., Shawn Brokos with the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh said. People were out, it was a beautiful night. Its disturbing to see them escalating and being so vocal about it. Brokos, the director of community security for the Jewish Federation, says they want to send the message that anyone who comes into our communities to threaten, harass or spread hate wont get away with it. Brokos says thats because of automatic license plate readers in Squirrel Hill, paid for by a security grant and used specifically to catch bad actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will be able to find you, Brokos said. We will be able to catch you. Neighbors in Squirrel Hill say theyll continue to stand together and will not allow these messages to break their community. Act with kindness on every level, Schwartz added. I know its most of us, but lets be louder than them. Pittsburgh Police say at least one of the suspects is a man with red hair. The Jewish Federation is asking anyone who got one of these baggies to report it to police, especially if they witnessed the suspects yelling or threatening them, because it could rise to the level of ethnic intimidation. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW HONOLULU (KHON2) Loyal travelers with Hawaiian Airlines are being told not to worry as their HawaiianMiles are safe. The program will eventually be phased out because of the merger with Alaska Airlines. But analysts say thats a good thing. Nimitz Highway collision claims life of pedestrian The merger between Hawaiian and Alaska is eight months old now. While passengers havent seen much change on day-to-day operations yet, the topic of HawaiianMiles has been a point of concern for passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaii homeowners are heading toward a mortgage crisis: New report Not worried about it, but maybe concerned, said traveler Nalani Paio. We just wanna be updated so we dont lose our miles. And we can use it to travel whether its interisland or to the mainland. Is your son cutting off his eyelashes? What you need to know In an email, Hawaiian Airlines officials say theyve been transparent that there will be a combined loyalty program between the two airlines, scheduled to launch this August. Members can rest assured, all their HawaiianMiles will be retained in the new program. No one will lose their miles. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Were moving towards a unified loyalty platform thats, frankly, a stronger loyalty program, said Gary Leff, a travel blogger. And I think most folks who are familiar with HawaiianMiles are probably going to like it for the most part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leff says its because Alaska is part of the One World Alliance, which has partnerships with different airlines from Hawaiian. There are more partners and more ways to earn points, Leff said. There are more partners and ways to spend points. And on average, youll find that the awards that youre booking cost fewer miles. Thatll allow travellers to use miles to reach new destinations from the islands. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news If youre going to be flying to Europe, youre already going to be connecting in the mainland, Leff said. Well, you have the opportunity to fly British Airways and American Airlines, but also carriers like Aer Lingus out of Ireland, Condor from Germany, which are not One World Airlines, but are Alaska Airlines partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say there is a downside to the merged rewards program. And it has to do with upgrades. One, theyre guessing it could cost more, but two availability. Because youre basically doubling your passenger base, upgrades could be fewer and far between. Theres also questions on each airlines credit card. HIDOE students feast on sweet potatoes Wed like to keep Hawaiians credit card or Alaskas credit card that can use both ways, said traveler Matt Paio. So we kinda stuck in the middle about that we dont know if Hawaiians credit card will be good with Alaska Airlines. We dont know. Hawaiian says both cards will still be valid with miles earned available for either airline. But there will be a new card available soon, with more details this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on the whole, its going to be more positive, Leff said. I am happy to see my own HawaiianMiles become Alaska Airlines miles. I hope its gonna be better, Nalani Paio said. And were just waiting to see and waiting for that confirmation. Hawaiian says members can keep checking their website 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 KHON2. (Above: Report by FOX 5/KUSIs Tony Shin regarding alleged threat aboard Hawaiian Airlines flight out of San Diego) SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Authorities are investigating after reports of a possible bomb threat caused a Hawaiian Airlines flight departing for Honolulu from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to be evacuated Tuesday morning. Police confirmed one passenger has been arrested in connection with the incident. The plane, an Airbus twin-jet, left its gate at SAN around 8:30 a.m., according to FlightAware. Its intended destination was Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. However, the flight did not depart as scheduled and taxied to a separate area on the airfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harbor Police confirmed with FOX 5/KUSI that there was a bomb threat made in connection with the flight. A spokesperson for the port said there was no threat to the public or travelers, and Harbor Police will continue its investigation into the incident. At 8:46 a.m., Port of San Diego Harbor Police dispatch received a call from the captain of Hawaiian Airlines flight number 15 with reports of a possible bomb threat onboard the aircraft, the port spokesperson stated. The flight was set to depart from the San Diego International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii and had just detached from the jetway when a flight attendant informed the flights captain that a passenger reported a possible bomb onboard. The captain then called Harbor Police dispatch. They said personnel from the Harbor Polices Maritime Tactical team, K-9 team, Joint Terrorism Task Force, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were all involved with the response. Following a search of the aircraft, authorities determined nothing suspicious was found on the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isai Solorzano, a Navy sailor who was on the flight, told FOX 5/KUSI what he witnessed. He explained law enforcement officials boarded the plane and asked about the owner of some specific containers. One guy stood up, they immediately told him to turn around and put him in handcuffs, Solorzano said. They took him away. A male passenger was seen being led off the aircraft in handcuffs during the incident in a video shared with FOX 5/KUSI by Debra Danzig, another passenger on the flight. Harbor Police are shown inside a Hawaiian Airlines flight where an alleged bomb threat was made. (Isai Solorzano) Photo of the Hawaiian Airlines plane where an alleged bomb threat was made. (Isai Solorzano) Photo of the Hawaiian Airlines plane where an alleged bomb threat was made. (Isai Solorzano) Photo of the scene from outside the Hawaiian Airlines plane at San Diego Intl. Airport. (Isai Solorzano) (Above: Video courtesy of passenger Debra Danzig of person being taken off Hawaiian Airlines flight in handcuffs on May 20, 2025) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 12:15 p.m., Hawaiian Airlines issued the following statement about the situation: During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft. As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield, where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned. The airline further stated there were 283 passengers and 10 crew members on board the plane. The people onboard were seen leaving the plane around 10:30 a.m. All 293 people were transported by bus to a safe area. We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused, the statement from Hawaiian Airlines added. We are working to get all guests to Honolulu as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the plane was moved to a secure location and is being checked by K-9s, Harbor Police added. A Hawaiian Airlines plane was evacuated after an alleged bomb threat on May 20, 2025. (FOX 5/KUSI) Hawaiian Airlines plane evacuated after alleged bomb threat on May 20, 2025. (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Hawaiian Airlines plane evacuated after alleged bomb threat on May 20, 2025. (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Hawaiian Airlines plane evacuated after alleged bomb threat. (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) The rest of the airport operated as normal during the incident and no other flights were impacted, according to an airport spokesperson. Passengers were let back on the Hawaiian Airlines plane after the search of the aircraft ended and the flight departed SAN around 2:20 p.m., about six hours following its original scheduled departure. FOX 5/KUSIs Tony Shin contributed to this report. Watch his video in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. A Hawaiian Airlines plane was evacuated on Tuesday shortly before its scheduled takeoff at San Diego International Airport after a passenger made a bomb threat. During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft, the airline said in a statement, per ABC 10 News. As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield, where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned. The flight was bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu with a scheduled 8:28 a.m. departure time. The airline said the plane had 283 passengers and 10 crew members on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News San Diego reported that dozens of patrol cars and unmarked black SUVs were seen parked around the plane. San Diego Harbor Police Sgt. Jose Torres told KPBS that the situation was still being assessed on Tuesday afternoon. He said the plane has been moved to a secure area and bomb-sniffing dogs were brought in to examine the luggage. The incident did not result in any issues with airport operations and any delays shown on FlightAware were not related to the incident, the airport said in a statement. ________ Haliey Welch, known as Hawk Tuah Girl after last summers viral video, is sharing new details about the aftermath of her recent cryptocurrency scandal, as seen in footage exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter. In the new episode of her podcast Talk Tuah, Welch chats with longtime friend Chelsea Bradford about the crypto crash in December of her meme coin $HAWK, which led investors to file a lawsuit in New York against its creators. Welch became an overnight social media sensation last summer after her on-the-street interview with Tim & Dee TV in which she described a supposedly foolproof way to excite a man in the bedroom. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welch shares that the FBI knocked on her grandmothers door in the aftermath of the controversy. They wanted to see my phone, so I was like, OK, well, thats not a problem,' Welch says in the podcast episode. She adds about what she went through in the process: Interrogating me, asking me questions and everything else related to crypto. They went through my phone, so they cleared me. I was good to go. She continues, And then the SEC picked it up. They didnt want to talk with me, but they wanted my phone. So I sent my phone off to them for two or three days, and then I guess they cloned my phone, copied it, something. But they went through my phone, I was cleared from them, and I wasnt named on the lawsuit, either. During the conversation, Welch acknowledges that it makes me throw up that her fans trusted her to have lent her likeness to a meme coin about which she didnt have full knowledge. She adds that this experience has taught her important lessons regarding who to trust. She also discusses the amount of money that was allegedly lost by the coins investors. According to Welch, the amount of lost money was initially claimed to be $1.2 million but was actually closer to $180,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have anything to hide, Welch notes. She adds, I wish we knew then what we know now. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WASHINGTON One day after touring north St. Louis neighborhoods devastated by the May 16 tornado, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley was back at the Capitol to preside over hearings with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. During the hearing, Hawley informed Secretary Noem, whose department oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), of last Fridays tornadoes that claimed the lives of five people in St. Louis and two more individuals in southeast Missouri, and caused more than $1.6 billion in damage, according to the senator. On Monday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe requested an emergency disaster declaration from President Donald Trump. If the president approves an emergency declaration, Missouri will receive up to $5 million in immediate funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures. An emergency declaration also opens the door for Direct Federal Assistance to individuals and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only the president can issue an emergency or major disaster declaration. Hawley appealed to Noem, a former governor herself, to expedite the process on not only the May disaster declaration but the March one as well. Youve been a governor until recently and you know how important this is, Hawley said. Can we get your help to expedite the consideration of that request? Again, it was just made yesterday. We need it as quickly as possible. Will you help us expedite that? Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Yeah, absolutely, Noem answered. Ive spoken with your governor and did the day this devastation happened, so weve promised and pledged to get that expedited as soon as possible for him, so he can have the resources that he needs to respond to his people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem is no stranger to seek federal help for disasters. As governor of South Dakota, Noem requested a major disaster declaration on 13 occasions (not counting the COVID pandemic) for severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, snowstorms, according to data obtained from FEMAs website. While the results do not identify the date of a request for a declaration, FEMA does list the dates of each disaster incident period. FOX 2 News looked at the end date of each incident period and calculated the time between that and the date the major disaster declaration occurred. The average number of days from the end of a disaster to the federal declaration in the 13 South Dakota incidents we tallied was just over 67 days. The time between the March tornadoes in Missouri and Tuesday, May 20 is 68 days. During a news conference with city officials in St. Louis on Monday, Hawley expressed hope that Missourians wouldnt have to wait two-plus months for an emergency declaration following the May 16 tornadoes, and said hell speak with President Trump soon about both the March and May disaster declaration requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A local man convicted of sexually abusing animals has been sent back to a Trumbull County court for resentencing. Trent Addicott, 27, was found guilty of four counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, two counts of pandering obscenity to minors, all second-degree felonies, and five misdemeanor charges of sexual misconduct with an animal. He was sentenced in September 2024 to 24 to 28 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An 11th District Court of Appeals decision said that there was one assignment of error in Addicotts sentencing and involved the introduction of hearsay evidence at trial. Appellants arguments that three CyberTipline Reports and related testimony violated his confrontation rights have some merit the CyberTipline reports were not properly admitted as business records, and we cannot determine that the records were nontestimonial, wrote Judge John J. Eklund, with the appeals court. Because of the decision, counts three through six against Addicott involving pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor must be vacated, the judge ruled. The remaining counts were sent back down to Trumbull County Common Pleas court and Judge Ronald Rice for resentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins said in his response that they intend to retry the case. We intend to retry this case and will continue to seek a sentence that we believe to be appropriate and commensurate with this defendants egregious and revolting actions, Watkins stated. In no way should this man get less, said Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman, who prosecuted the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Hearts Wide Open: Jane Seymour Hosts Glamorous 15th Anniversary Gala in Malibu to Celebrate Resilience and Compassion. originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Jane Seymour and Avery ColvertCourtesy Jen Lowery - @JenLoweryPhoto In a golden Malibu twilight, with waves crashing below and candles flickering under the stars, Jane Seymour opened the gates of her stunning oceanfront estate for a heartfelt and unforgettable evening. The occasion? The 15th Anniversary Gala of the Open Hearts Foundationa cause as elegant and enduring as the woman behind it. The evening brought together a radiant mix of Malibu locals, Hollywood insiders, philanthropists, and longtime friends of the beloved actress, artist, and humanitarian. It was more than a charity gala; it celebrated empathy, transformation, and Jane Seymours extraordinary legacy on and off the screen. A Life of Artistry, Grace, and Giving Jane Seymour has lit up our screens for decades with her timeless beauty and emotional depth, from her Bond-girl breakout in Live and Let Die to her Golden Globewinning performance in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. But behind the glamour is a woman of profound strength and generosity. Fifteen years ago, after facing personal adversity, Seymour founded the Open Hearts Foundation with a simple yet powerful philosophy: when we keep our hearts open, love and purpose will always find a way in. That mantra has since evolved into a movementempowering individuals and organizations that turn hardship into hope, with grants and mentorships that make a lasting impact. The Open Hearts Foundation 15th Annual Gala in Malibu, CACourtesy Jen Lowery - @JenLoweryPhoto A Night to Remember in Malibu This year's milestone gala exuded the warmth and refinement Jane is known for. Guests enjoyed a chic seated dinner under the stars, overlooking the Pacific, while candlelit tables sparkled with elegance. Former CNN anchor Christi Paul emceed the evening, guiding attendees through laughter, reflection, and celebration. The Foundation honored longtime humanitarian and Wynn Las Vegas executive Henry Gluck with the Open Hearts Humanitarian Award. A business and philanthropic leader, Henry is being honored for his unwavering support and leadership behind the 'Mobile Stroke Unit' program at UCLA Health. This life-saving innovation brings critical stroke care directly to patients in their neighborhoods, dramatically improving outcomes in moments that matter most. At the same time, Avery Colvert, a remarkable youth advocate, received the Award for her trailblazing work empowering young women through art and her newly formed 'Altadena Girls' organization supporting those affected by the Eaton fires. And the highlight of the evening? A soulful acoustic performance by musician Brandon Jenner, whose moving guitar set brought the crowd to their feet. Watching proudly from the audience was his mother, the legendary Linda Thompsona vocal supporter of Open Hearts and a dear friend of Janes. Brandon JennerCourtesy Jen Lowery - @JenLoweryPhoto More Than a CharityA Movement Earlier that week, Jane hosted an exceptional Resilience and Healing session at her Westlake Village art gallery alongside her Dr. Quinn co-star Joe Lando and clinical psychologist Dr. Lori Baudino. The intimate and profoundly moving event touched on the healing power of connection, an ethos permeating every initiative the Foundation supports, from mental health programs to wildfire relief efforts. Jane Seymours career has always been rooted in empathy and elegance. Whether playing a frontier doctor, painting luminous canvases, or guiding others through grief and renewal, she offers the world something increasingly rare: authenticity. Fifteen years into its journey, the Open Hearts Foundation remains a shining example of what happens when celebrity meets sinceritywhen fame is used not for the spotlight but for service. For more information on the Foundations work or to get involved, visit www.openheartsfoundation.org/connection This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Xiaomi reportedly revealed plans to invest CNY50 billion (US$6.9 billion) over the next 10 years to develop its own mobile processors, and is set to unveil such chips this week. Bloomberg reported, the Chinese smartphone manufacturers co-founder Lei Jun said chips are at a peak we need to climb and a hard battle we cannot escape if we want to become a hard tech company. Lei confirmed the company will unveil its first internally developed processor the Xring O1 on May 22nd, following speculation on the chipset. The Xring O1 had been development since 2021 on the back of an investment of CNY13.5 billion along with CNY6 billion spent on R&D in 2025 alone, noted the co-founder. Xiaomi currently has 2,500 people in its semiconductor ream. The chipset will see its debut in the Xiaomi 15S Pro smartphone and the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra, reported Reuters. Southern California is bracing for a surge of summerlike heat this week, with inland temperatures expected to climb into the 90s and potentially hit triple digits in parts of the San Fernando Valley, according to the National Weather Service. "This will be a noticeable warm-up, especially Tuesday through Thursday," said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. "Highs between 90 and 100 degrees will be common away from the coast, with a few places possibly reaching record territory." The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday and the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys will bear the brunt of the heat in L.A. County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were forecasting 100 degrees for the Woodland Hills and Canoga Park area its typically our hottest spot, Kittell said. Read more: How to keep cool during Southern Californias heat wave Temperatures are expected to be even more blistering farther inland with a high of 105 degrees forecast in Palm Springs on Thursday, according to the weather service. Coastal areas, which are typically cooled by the ocean breeze, may also flirt with record highs. Los Angeles International Airport is forecast to hit 78 degrees Wednesday, which would match its current "fairly low-hanging fruit" record for May 21, Kittell said. Long Beach Airport is expected to hit 87 degrees, also a potential record-tying high, and Santa Barbara could match its previous historical high of 79 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the coast will feel unseasonably warm, Kittell emphasized that the real danger is inland. "Thats where we want people to take note and adjust their plans, especially Wednesday and Thursday," he said. Read more: The 50 best beaches in Southern California People in those areas are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on high-heat days. There were several heat-related rescues made on hiking trails when temperatures soared in Southern California this month. At least 15 people in Orange County and nine people in Riverside County were rescued May 10 when the mercury rose into the high 90s. In Los Angeles, a hiker had to be airlifted from the Hollywood Hills due to heat exhaustion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Two dozen people rescued for heat issues during SoCal scorcher Monday was a toasty preview for the rest of the week. Downtown Los Angeles hit 77 degrees, Woodland Hills got to 88 and it was 97 in Palm Springs by 2 p.m. Monday. Despite the dry heat and some localized gusty winds, the weather service has not issued a red flag warning for widespread fire weather danger. "Were still only about a month out of the rainy season, so most of the bigger plants and trees are still relatively green, Kittell said. But we are flagging some concern for grass fires in especially dry patches. The high-pressure system responsible for this week's heat wave will begin to break down Friday, which, combined with a push of cooler onshore air, will bring temperatures back to the 70s and low 80s for most of L.A. County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desert areas will remain hot Saturday and Sunday, but the majority of Southern California will see much milder weather in time for Memorial Day celebrations. "Just wait it out if you can," Kittell said. "Relief is on the way." 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. HEBRON The five-member Board of Selectmen in Hebron is currently without a chair. Peter Kasper was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2019 and currently is the Board chair. He announced his resignation from the Board earlier this month due to a planned relocation out of town. He was re-elected to his seat in 2023 for another four-year term. Prior to serving on the Board of Selectmen, Kasper was seated on the Hebron Board of Finance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town Manager Andrew Tierney is now accepting letters of interest from residents considering filling Kaspers seat. Letters should be sent to Tierney at the Hebron Town Office Building, at 15 Gilead Street, Hebron, 06248 by June 13. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo on Tuesday announcing a review of the U.S. militarys withdrawal from Afghanistan to ensure that accountability for this event is met. Hegseth did not specify in the memo what type of actions might result from the review. The Department of Defense has an obligation, both to the American people and the warfighters who sacrificed their youth in Afghanistan, to get the facts, Hegseth wrote in the memo. This remains an important step toward regaining faith and trust with the American people and all those who wear the uniform and is prudent based on the number of casualties and equipment lost during the execution of this withdrawal operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taliban captured Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, leading tens of thousands of desperate Afghans to attempt to flee the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Despite the chaotic situation, U.S. troops managed to rescue more than 124,000 Afghans and Americans. Thirteen service members and about 170 Afghans were killed in an Aug. 26, 2021 suicide bomb attack at the airports Abbey Gate. An investigation into the incident later found that a Marine general wanted to close the gate on Aug. 25, but an Army general decided to keep it open until Aug. 27 to allow British troops more time to finish their evacuation effort. Over the last three months, the Department has been engaged in a review of this catastrophic event in our militarys history, Hegseth wrote in Tuesdays memo. I have concluded that we need to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that accountability for this event is met and that the complete picture is provided to the American people. Chief Pentagon Spokesman and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell will lead the review, which will look into previous investigations to analyze the decision making that led to one of Americas darkest and deadliest international moments, the memo says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This team will ensure ACCOUNTABILITY to the American people and the warfighters of our great Nation, the memo says. In a separate statement, Hegseth said that Parnell served in Afghanistan for 485 days, was wounded in action, along with 85% of his platoon, and lost countless friends to the War on Terror. Former Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who was court-martialed after posting videos while in uniform in which he criticized senior leaders for the Afghanistan withdrawal, will take part in the review, Hegseth announced. Scheller posted on social media last month that he had started working at the Pentagon as a senior advisor to the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironic that I will be investigating who should be held accountable for Afghanistan, Scheller posted on X on Monday. Thank you Pete Hegseth for your leadership. The latest on Task & Purpose WASHINGTON (AP) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered another review of the U.S. military's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and of the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed American troops and Afghans. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly blasted the Biden administration for the withdrawal, which Hegseth said Tuesday was disastrous and embarrassing. He said the new review will interview witnesses, analyze the decision-making and get the truth. There have already been multiple reviews of the withdrawal by the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, the State Department and Congress, which have involved hundreds of interviews and studies of videos, photographs and other footage and data. It's unclear what specific new information the new review is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Abbey Gate bombing during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal killed 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans, and wounded scores more. It triggered widespread debate and congressional criticism, fueled by searing photographs of desperate Afghans trying to crowd into the airport to get out of Kabul, with some clinging to U.S. military aircraft as they were taking off. A detailed U.S. military review was ordered in 2023 to expand the number of people interviewed, after a Marine injured in the blast said snipers believed they saw the possible bomber but couldnt get approval to take him out. The findings, released in 2024, refuted those assertions and concluded that the bombing was not preventable. A congressional review was highly critical of the withdrawal, saying the Biden administration did not adequately prepare for it or for all the contingencies and put personnel in danger. Others, however, have faulted the State Department for not moving quickly enough to decide on an evacuation, resulting in a rush to get out as the Taliban took control of the country. Critics have also blamed Trump for making a deal with the Taliban in 2020 when he was president to remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which decreased the number of forces on the ground as the pullout went on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Trump and then-President Joe Biden wanted an end to the war and U.S. troops out of Afghanistan. The new review will be led by Sean Parnell, the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs. He will convene a panel that will provide updates at appropriate times, but there is no time frame or deadline for any report, which is very unusual. Uber Eats will now show if a restaurant serves Heinz Ketchup in some markets as part of a broader Heinz Verified campaign. Included in those markets is the ketchups hometown Pittsburgh. By introducing Heinz Verified, we want to help restaurants succeed so communities can thrive, delivering quality and value for both restaurants and individuals through meaningful, best-in-class products and experiences, Kraft Heinz North America President of Elevation Peter Hall said in a prepared statement. Our ambition is to help restaurant operators excel while also providing elevated dining experiences for people wherever they eat away from home. Heinz cited a customer survey conducted in December of last year that found that 84% of people say they would like a restaurant more if it served Heinz ketchup, a statistic that ultimately inspired the initiative. Beyond Pittsburgh, Uber Eats will roll the verification out in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accompanying this program, Kraft Heinz has produced a new series called Daytrippin that will be packaged for streaming platforms andYouTube. Actor and social media star Steven He will host, and the series will feature Pittsburghs food scene. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NILES, Ohio (WKBN) Have you tried installing a childs car seat lately? Its not easy! But you can get some help on Tuesday to make sure its fitted correctly. The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities is hosting a Car Seat Safety Check event at Fairhaven School on Lincoln Way in Niles. Certified Passenger Safety technicians will be on hand from 4 to 6 p.m. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding car seats and booster seats. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Salvation Armys safe house for domestic violence survivors hasnt undergone any major renovations since Hurricane Michael. Although they may have been updated as far as mildew and mold reduction and all of that, right after the hurricane, we have not been able to go in and really individualize each of the bedrooms and the actual living spaces. And one of the things that we want is so that when individuals and their children come in, that they feel safe and they feel like its a positive environment, Domestic Violence Program Director Kimberly Garbett said. Currently, the walls at the Salvation Armys safe space for domestic violence survivors are bare. Officials are hoping in the future theyll be covered with positive messages, paintings, and decorations that will make survivors feel more at home, and ready to start the healing process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Womans Club of Panama City plans to give more than just the walls a makeover. In fact, theyve already started improving the safe house for domestic violence survivors Were going in and were repainting all of the rooms, and we have taken old lighting out and put new lighting in the rooms already. And were doing new headboards, new bedding, new bedspreads. Everything is going to be new for those rooms, so that when the families come in, they feel like its not a hotel. Its a warm, inviting place for them to come and feel comfortable, Community Improvement Project Co-Chair Sherry Melton said. Melton and other members are using their interior design backgrounds for good. The clubs 106 members will tackle this initiative as their community improvement project. What were going to do is a total refurbishing of the six bedrooms that they have at the domestic abuse shelter that the Salvation Army runs. The moment theyre very utilitarian spaces, and this is going to give them an opportunity to create a warm, loving environment for these families, GFWC Womans Club Vice President Joanne McFee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To raise funds for the project they are calling on community members to join them for a night of fun and bunco. Its all about raising money to complete this project. You know, when you can make a positive impact on someones life, its an amazing blessing and thats what we want to do with this shelter, Melton added. Doors open Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are $35 a person. It includes dinner, it includes the bunco and the opportunity to give back to your community through raffles and silent auction and their prizes to be won as well, and just friendship, McFee said. The event will take place Tuesday night at the Womans Club at 350 North Cove Blvd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through plenty of raffle and silent auction items, organizers are hoping to raise $3,500 for the project. If you are unable to attend the fundraiser, theres a wish list of items they are hoping to collect for the shelter. Womans-Club-wishlistDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) From the Water Street Farmers Market to the White House, Mayor Michelle Romero has had a hand in Hendersons three decades of progress but now she faces her next testre-election. Romero, a Henderson native, can trace her work in city government back to 1999 with her help in the opening of the Water Street Farmers Market and later the Super Run Car Show alongside business leaders. By 2007, she worked for the Henderson Redevelopment Agency and continued efforts to grow the citys residential and commercial capacities. Following a term as a Henderson Ward I councilmember, Romero was elected mayor in June 2022 and said she hopes residents look to her voting record to maintain rural neighborhoods, protect businesses, and support public safety. She acknowledged Henderson, along with other cities, is facing a tighter budget amid an initial $10 million deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We started with that, we were actually able to address it very quickly, she said. And our tentative budget that we approved a couple of weeks ago, theres no deficit. During an 8 News Politics Now interview, Romero addressed the city managers decision to fire the police chief, her legal action against another councilmembers spurious rumors, and what transparency means. Police chief shuffle On Feb. 14, Henderson City Manager Stephanie Garcia-Vause made the decision to place the then-police chief, Hollie Chadwick, on leave. Garcia-Vause said she and Chadwick had differing leadership styles and declined to provide further explanation. The departure has been at the center of numerous calls for more information regarding the decision, but both Garcia-Vause and Romero said residents are not entitled to employee information, citing city policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont talk about personnel issues, Romero said. Thats not fair to the employee. Romero said the departure is not indicative of any discord between the city and the police department. The city police department is wonderful, she said. They keep us one of the safest cities in America, and its because of the hard work of the men and women in that department. Changes at the top dont really affect their job, and dont affect impact their ability to do their job well, and so it really has no bearing, one way or the other, on operations at the city, or how we view how we move forward. Amid Garcia-Vauses decision to fire Chadwick, dismiss a police volunteer, and cancel city some Morning Meet ups, Romero said she supports the city managers decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support the city manager in her right to do that, and I have full faith that she didnt do it arbitrarily, that she followed the appropriate processes, Romero said. She values our employees very much. Shes not afraid to make a hard decision if thats whats best for the city. And I have faith in her ability to do that. Following the announcement of the interim police chief Itzhak Henns retirement, Romero faces the chance of a new police chief becoming the fourth person in the position in two months. We knew going in that the acting chief was going to be retiring very soon, she said. We knew that was happening. It wasnt a surprise. And I think it will be very close to, if theres any gap at all, itll be very close to when he retires and we have a new chief in place. Fighting rumors Distrust between Romero and Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox has reached a boiling point inside City Hall amid recent legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 7, the law firm Pisanelli Bice served a cease and desist to Cox on behalf of Romero. The purpose: to stop the spread of alleged rumors of an extra-marital affair, according to a copy of the letter 8 News Now obtained. I had people, both in person and written statements from a multitude of people that notified me of the things that she was saying, Romero said. My attorney has letter, after letter, after letter from people. Some of them I dont even know. Some of them inside city hall. Some of them outside city hall that wrote to me and said we were approached by her. Romero said she has a strong relationship with her husband, whom she met almost 40 years ago in school. We are high school sweethearts, she said. We have a rock-solid relationship, and anytime anybody tries to infringe upon that or make it look bad; I will take action against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox told 8 News Now she denies spreading rumors about Romero and claims she had no knowledge of what spurred the cease and desist. It was completely unnecessary, and I dont know what the motivation was, Romero said. The cease and desist is one of multiple made-for-TV moments the city council has experienced. An abrupt call for recess and a plea for transparency have posed tense moments for elected officials. I think generally speaking, we have really strong relationships with each other, Romero said. At the council level, we try to focus on the work. Whenever there are issues at a council meeting, sometimes passions get high. People feel very strongly one way or the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romero said she views her role as mayor is to course correct during the meetings and keep the focus on the agenda and residents interests. If we need to take a recess and let people cool down, thats what well do, she said. Doesnt mean that theres chaos, you know, people like to portray that there is, you know, all kinds of chaos going on. Thats not whats happening. Defining transparency Romero said the criticism of the citys transparency is not factoring in the multiple opportunities residents have to get to know their elected officials. I believe we are one of the most transparent governments out there, she said. We regularly hold meetings, informal meetings with our residents. We have coffee with the council. We have meetups with the mayor. We have quarterly meetings where we allow the residents to come and ask anything thats on their minds, and we answer their questions right there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 News Now staff attend the public morning meetings regularly and have been told by city public information officers not to directly quote elected officials or ask questions for reporting purposes at the Morning Meetups and instead request statements through the communication office. City staff previously defended the meetings as an opportunity for specifically Henderson residents to be provided with access to their elected officials. I have had questions from reporters at morning meetups regularly, Romero said. And I answer them on a regular basis. Romero said that between the citys public records portal and quick reply to residents at Morning Meetups ups the city is a leader in transparency. If weve heard something thats popping up, traffic or something like that. We try to focus on that, but at the end, we still allow questions and answers that are free flow, she said. Fiesta flip When it opened in 1998, The Reserve was a hotspot hotel and casino for Henderson residents, later becoming the Fiesta Henderson in 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mar. 2020, Station Casinos closed the Fiesta Henderson property due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The casino and hotel property never reopened, and its land was later purchased by the city for $32 million using city redevelopment agency funds. Woodbury Corporation entered into a negotiating agreement with Henderson on the Fiesta site in 2024, only for it to end inconclusively. They were asking for more than we were willing to give to a private project, Romero said. And so we let the exclusive negotiation expire. Romero said the end of talks with Woodbury is not indicative of no plan, instead pointing to other proposals they have received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will come forward again with a proposal, she said. But were not going to irresponsibly spend public dollars on a project that we dont think gains the public benefit to that degree. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Hendersonville police arrested a woman accused of prostitution, but the search is on for another man accused of working with her to steal a truck and boat trailer. It all began on the evening of May 7 at Anchor Marina. Investigators with the Hendersonville Police Department said a man living on his boat hired a sex worker and agreed upon a price. However, authorities said something went awry with the price and the woman accused of prostitution 46-year-old Kristy Tinin stole the mans keys to a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 44. Hendersonville police issue warning about toll scam Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said that hours later, Tinin returned with 33-year-old Nicholas Haggstrom and started the mans truck which was attached to a boat trailer and drove away. Obviously, the guy that solicited her services was not super happy about the fact that he had to disclose the fact that he had just ordered a prostitute, but we were able to identify her, Lieutenant Chris Gagnon with the Hendersonville Police Department said. Hendersonville police set up a sting operation to get the victims truck back and they hired Tinen, who arrived at a Nashville motel. Ultimately after she was identified, we were able to set up a sting operation and bring her to a hotel local to Nashville and take her into custody under the ruse that we were ordering her services, Gagnon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working with the Metro Nashville Police Department, Hendersonville police found the victims truck near a greenway in Old Hickory. Unfortunately, the trailer is still missing; so too is Haggstrom. Gagnon has a few words for him. Obviously, we know who you are, Gagnon said. Youre the one responsible for coming down and picking up the truck and we are ultimately going to find you, and it would make it a lot easier for both of us if you would just come and turn yourself in. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Tinin has been charged in connection with the theft of the truck and trailer. Hendersonville police said that more charges associated with the alleged act of prostitution are also probable. The man who reportedly hired Tinin could also face charges, authorities added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have asked for the publics help finding Haggstrom. Anyone with any information has been asked to contact the Hendersonville Police Department. You can call their tipline at 615-594-4113 or submit tips online 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 WKRN News 2. A "targeted and isolated" incident May 19 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville resulted in the death of two female students. The university announced May 20 that Kelsie Martin, of Beloit, died from a gunshot wound, and Hallie Helms, of Baraboo, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Wilgus Hall, a dormitory. News of the victims came hours after the university issued a temporary shelter-in-place order May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know so far about the incident. Who died in the UW-Platteville incident? Martin and Helms were named in a university email sent out around 11 p.m. May 19. The email said the families of the two women had been notified. Both women graduated just two days before their deaths. Martin, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology, and Helms, who graduated magna cum laude with an elementary education degree, left some online record on social media. A sign identifies Wilgus Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Martin was the lead supervisor at the dorm, according to her LinkedIn page. The university spotlighted her in a Facebook post last year, saying she owned more than 400 books and wanted to have a library in her home one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a growing leader and role model for young women on campus, the post said. It praised her phenomenal work in her position at the dorm. Helms envisioned herself as a difference making educator, according to her online activity. I want to be the teacher who had helped, counseled, and inspired change, she wrote online. I want to change students for the better. What happened at UW-Platteville? It was unconfirmed for more than a day that the incident involved a gun, for hours the university didn't confirm a death had happened until around midnight, and it wasn't immediately clear how many people were injured. Specific details on the incident have been limited but police said the incident was isolated and nobody else was injured or involved in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campus went into lockdown for a short period, leading to worry amongst those on campus and parents miles away as information was scarce. At an evening news conference May 19, UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman would not say whether there had been a shooting, whether anyone was injured or killed, or whether an attack of any kind had even happened. Neither he nor any other university officials would go beyond saying it was an isolated incident, even refusing to say whether anyone was taken to a hospital. How many students live on campus at UW-Platteville? A little less than half of UW-Platteville students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing. A little more than 50% live off campus. Personnel from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab are shown at the Wilgus Hall residence hall Monday, May 19, 2025 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin. Unconfirmed reports say a two people are dead including the shooter. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Where is UW-Platteville? Platteville is the largest city in Grant County, which is part of the southern Driftless Region, in the far southwest corner of Wisconsin. The city has a population of slightly less than 12,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closest big city is Dubuque, Iowa, across the Mississippi River. How many students are enrolled at UW-Platteville? The university reported 6,391 students in fall of 2024, nearly all of them undergraduates. There were 424 graduate students. Enrollment dropped slightly from the previous year, which saw enrollment of 6,702 students. Almost two-thirds of the students are male. The student-to-teacher ration is about 20-1. Kelly Meyerhofer, Sophie Carson, Madeline Heim, David Clarey and Drake Bentley contributed to this report. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What we know about the UW-Platteville shootings and victims On Sunday, a short statement from the personal office of former President Joe Biden stunned the country and unsettled many, including LGBTQ+ Americans. Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, the statement read. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. The cancer is aggressive, but appears to be hormone-sensitive, a factor that doctors say allows for effective management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To many, it felt sudden. Although he pulled out of the presidential election over concerns about his mental acuity in July, just five months earlier, in February 2024, Biden had been described in his official White House physical as a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male. That report, signed by Dr. Kevin OConnor, mentioned no concerns about concerns over prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (proteins made by cells in the prostate gland) or prostate health, only stable conditions like atrial fibrillation, acid reflux, arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. But beneath that surface of apparent stability lies a truth LGBTQ+ patients know all too well: Cancer, especially prostate cancer, often progresses silently. And in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women, nonbinary people, and intersex populations, the risk of being overlooked is often embedded in systems unequipped to care for diverse bodies and identities. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a cancer that begins in the prostate a small gland that's found below the bladder that supports the creation of semen. It's part of the reproductive system for most people who are assigned male at birth. It's also one of the most common types of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. "Prostate cancer is usually found early, and it often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured," its website states. What is a Gleason score? A Gleason score is a method of describing prostate cancer. It's based, according to the National Cancer Institute, on cancer cells present and the chance of them growing and spreading. Those cancer cells themselves could have different grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, "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 institute states on its website. The score is usually between 6 to 10. "The lower the Gleason score, the more the cancer cells look like normal cells and are likely to grow and spread slowly. The Gleason score is used to help plan treatment and determine prognosis (outcome)," according to the institute. A fair question: How does this happen? Dr. Stephen Freedland, a prostate cancer expert and professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told The Advocate that Bidens case, while uncommon, is not unheard of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So often these aggressive tumors that have spread to the bones are found in people who had missed screenings or never been screened, Freedland said. But we definitely do see it in patients that are routinely screened, and either the PSA was not going up and all of a sudden takes off, or had been going up slowly and not fast enough to raise any alarms, but then all of a sudden jumps. That kind of diagnostic whiplash is part of what makes prostate cancer so unnerving. And for LGBTQ+ people, the risks of being missed or misread are heightened by both medical gaps and cultural neglect. Prostate cancer detection tests aren't one-size-fits-all PSA is a protein measured through a blood test to help detect prostate cancer. But because its production depends on testosterone, interpreting PSA levels isnt straightforward for everyone. For those on estrogen therapy, the net result is it lowers testosterone down to castrate levels, Freedland explained. And to make PSA, you need testosterone. So the PSAs are extremely low in those patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freedland coauthored a 2024 JAMA study with Dr. Farnoosh Nik-Ahd, a senior resident at the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center, analyzing PSA values in transgender women on gender-affirming hormones. They found that the median PSA in that group was 0.02 a stark contrast to cisgender men of similar age, whose median PSA hovers closer to 1.0. Over a third of the transgender women had undetectable PSA levels. This highlights the importance of prostate cancer awareness amongst all patients, Nik-Ahd told The Advocate. Transgender women, too, are part of the population who remain at risk whether theyve undergone a vaginoplasty or any other gender-affirming surgery, they still retain their prostate and should discuss PSA screening with their clinicians. Because hormone therapy suppresses testosterone, the traditional PSA cutoff of 4.0 may be dangerously high for those on estrogen. We suggested maybe a 0.5 or 0.6, almost tenfold lower is the right measure, Freedland said. This updated threshold is now reflected in the 2025 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Prostate Cancer Early Detection guidelines, which advise clinicians to interpret PSA values with greater care in transgender patients. Trans people arent being screened or seen Kelly Haviland, chief nursing officer at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists and a leader in LGBTQ+ cancer care, told The Advocate that even seasoned clinicians often dont know what to do when it comes to screening transgender women who are or have medically transitioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked a group of surgeons where they send patients post-op for prostate screening, and they were stumped, she said, referring to trans women who had undergone gender-affirming bottom surgery. The prostate is still there, usually palpable on the anterior wall of the neovagina. But its missed all the time. She said that because people on estrogen often have prostates that atrophy over time and may seem of normal size during a digital rectal exam. However, a normal-sized prostate for that patient could be considered significantly enlarged. That disconnect is not just a clinical issue its a life-threatening one. Many patients simply dont know what their prostate cancer risk is. Many providers dont either, Haviland said. Al Asante-Facey, associate director of advanced practice providers for subspecialty medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering and a clinician in its LGBTQI+ Cancer Program, emphasized that without recorded sexual orientation and gender identity data, transfeminine people are rendered invisible in cancer risk models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LGBT+ identity is invisible in health care data unless SOGI data is recorded, they told The Advocate. Stage 4 cancer but not hopeless Jenna Coluccio, a physician assistant who manages the solid tumor genitourinary oncology APP team at Memorial Sloan Kettering, said that despite the frightening label of Stage 4, many patients live well with advanced prostate cancer. Although the term Stage 4 can sound frightening and is often associated with incurable prognosis, many patients with advanced disease can still lead fulfilling lives, she said. With the right systemic treatments, it can be managed as a chronic condition. Gay men face silence and side effects from prostate cancer treatment Even for cisgender queer men, prostate cancer care often fails to account for their lived realities. We dont talk about penetration. We dont talk about rigidity. We dont talk about changes in ejaculate, Haviland said. People are left feeling ashamed and alone, especially when theyre not given information about what [prostate cancer] treatment might change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asante-Facey noted that some treatments may reduce anal sensation or impact erection quality issues that disproportionately affect men who have sex with men. Its important to have frank conversations about this so people can make informed decisions, they said. Intersex people and overlooked risks Haviland urged clinicians and public health leaders not to forget intersex patients in the conversation around prostate cancer. There is no binary, she said. We are not binary people. There are a variety of us all over with different parts, but we all deserve care. Many intersex individuals may have prostates and not know it, particularly if they were assigned female at birth and subjected to early surgical intervention. So if were not asking about what organs a person actually has, we risk missing the opportunity to screen them altogether, Haviland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practice, this means clinicians must move beyond assumptions and ask straightforward, respectful questions about anatomy, hormonal therapy, and surgical history. We have to ask what hormones youre producing, what organs you have that need to be screened for cancer, she said. Screening, trust, and the cost of invisibility Freedland recommends PSA screening begin around age 40, not 55. It doesnt necessarily have to be every year. It can be every few years when youre in your 40s, he said. But I think a baseline blood test around age 40 is probably the best thing that we can do. Asante-Facey added that providers must do better at building trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most important aspect of health care is having a provider that you trust and can be open and honest with, they said. To provide high-quality cancer care, your health care provider must be able to see who you are as a whole person. The need for continued prostate cancer research As Biden begins treatment, Freedland emphasized that the former presidents prognosis reflects years of medical progress. The outcomes for someone like President Biden are much better than in the past due to the investment in medical research, he said. We need to highlight that all of the investment we have done in medical research has allowed us to find these tumors better and treat them better. In recent months, the Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cut funding for research projects at the National Institutes of Health, including cancer research. We wont be able to really screen people in a manner thats helpful unless we have research. We have nothing without research. Cutting funding means erasing us," Haviland said. SPRING HILL, Fla. (WFLA) New details have emerged, explaining why a Hernando County middle school teacher found himself without a job and behind bars Monday, with the possibility of soon being deported from the U.S. The Hernando County Sheriffs Office said its investigation began after deputies learned of allegations that Jonathan Rowe, 45, a math teacher at Explorer K-8, had shown nude photos of himself to one of his students. 5 men charged in connection to 2023 hit-and-run that killed Sarasota man Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 15-year-old student told detectives he was in Rowes classroom during a planning period. He and Rowe had recently taken a photo together, and when the student asked to see it, Rowe began scrolling through images on his phone. Jonathan Rowe (Credit: Hernando County Sheriffs Office) Rowe would occasionally stop scrolling, pausing on what appeared to be photos of his genitalia, the student reported. The teacher then asked the 15-year-old to take his phone into the school bathroom and take pictures of his own genitalia to then show him, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities said the student refused to do as asked. Investigators conducted an interview with Rowe, during which they said he admitted to having nude photos on his phone but declined to answer whether he had showed them to the student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The middle school teacher was arrested at his Spring Hill home on Monday on charges of distributing obscene material to a minor and using a two-way device during the commission of a felony. A spokesperson for the Hernando County School District confirmed Rowe had been employed as a middle school teacher at Explorer K-8 since August. His profile on the schools website showed he taught math for grades six through eight. He was terminated last week on Wednesday, May 14 and will not be allowed to return, according to the school district. The Hernando County School District is committed to fostering a safe learning environment with a zero-tolerance stance against those who put our students well-being in jeopardy, a spokesperson for the school district wrote in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said Rowe is a citizen of Jamaica and was in the United States on a J-1 visa a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for educational or exchange programs. Authorities said Tuesday Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were notified for the purposes of starting the deportation process. No other victims have been identified, according to the sheriffs office. However, the investigation remained ongoing Tuesday. Anyone who has additional information is asked to call the Hernando County Sheriffs Office at 352-754-6830. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Hernando County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-990-TIPS (8477). To leave a tip online, click here. Tipsters may be eligible for a $5,000 reward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Passengers who were on a MARTA train where a gunman shot two people are calling the train operator a hero. They say while there was panic and chaos on the train, she remained calm and raced toward the gunfire. There was a criminal on the train, but there was also a hero, passenger Laura Showman told Channel 2s Tom Jones on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Showman says the operator of the train took control immediately after the shooting Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She put herself in danger. She didnt know what was going on, she said. Showman, her husband and two small children were here from Alabama to visit the Georgia Aquarium and took the train back to the airport. (I) heard three gunshots and knew immediately what that was. It was very loud, Showman recalled. The shots came from two cars away at the East Point station. Police say a gunman shot a man in the chest and a bullet grazed another passenger in the neck. Both are recovering. The shooter got away. Showman says the danger didnt stop the trains operator from running toward the gunfire. We dont know what just happened, but here comes somebody who is taking action and shes gonna go save the day. I was like, Wow, Showman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says the operator had her first aid kit and gloves and ran towards the victims. Showman says she was professional, efficient and unafraid. Once police and paramedics arrived, She got all of the passengers onto another train and then took over that train. And she got them to the airport. Showman gave the operator a hug, saying it was for going above and beyond her job responsibilities to keep her passengers safe. I was impressed. I was really amazed and thankful, she said. And I thought shes a hero today. Jones connected Showman with MARTA so she could express how she felt about the operators bravery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones asked to speak to the operator, but MARTA declined the invitation. Police continue their search for the gunman and say they have good leads. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] HONOLULU (KHON2) Hawaii public schools, like Hilo Union School, saw the return of local uala, a sweet potato, to the schools lunch menus. According to the Hawaii Department of Education, approximately 372 pounds of local Okinawan sweet potato were distributed to 91 participating schools. Sweet surprises await at Kulu Kulu Students enjoyed uala in its steamed form for the Month of May. HIDOE said that the ingredient will expand also to be served as potato mash and yogurt bowls in the next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good. Its got a nice texture. The flavor, its always been my favorite part, said Hilo Union School sixth grader Isabella-Marie Wells. And I always know that it has a lot of nutrition in it; so, I know its really good for me. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You HIDOE said the Okinawan sweet potatoes have more antioxidants than other kinds of sweet potatoes, as it contains high levels of anthocyanin. The root is also rich in vitamins A, C and B6. Wells isnt the only fan of the food. The uala is liked by students, especially due to its differing flavor from a traditional potato. Like first grade student Jaxon TongaBennette-Drayer said: It tastes like a normal potato, but its sweeter. 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. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Evergy crews are continuing to restore power after a series of storms caused widespread outages across Kansas beginning Monday afternoon. The most significant impacts were reported in the Wichita and Kansas City metro areas and parts of southeast Kansas. Authorities received multiple calls for fallen trees and limbs. Some even fell onto houses. There are no reports of injuries. Near Kellogg and Hillside (KSN News Photo) Near Kellogg and Hillside (KSN News Photo) Near Kellogg and Hillside (KSN News Photo) Near Kellogg and Hillside (KSN News Photo) At the height of the outages, about 75,000 customers were without electricity. As of 11:45 a.m., Evergy reports over 3,000 outages in Sedgwick County and 138 in Butler County. By 3 p.m., Evergy reported that power had been restored to more than 90% of those affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Wichita area, we estimate that at peak, around 2:30 a.m., about 7,000 customers were without power, said Gina Penzig, Evergys director of corporate communications. We currently expect some customers will be without power until toward the end of the day Wednesday. Crews have been working since the storms passed, addressing damage that includes about 35 downed utility poles and 50 spans of damaged wire in the Wichita area. Butler County is dealing with a combination of utility poles and lines down near SW 30th Street and Shumway and near NW 50th and Meadowlark. High winds were a major factor in the outages, with tree limbs and debris complicating access to infrastructure. These repairs require special equipment and take some time to complete, Penzig said. Were also observing a lot of general tree damage, so we have tree trimming crews working to clear limbs and debris away from lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainfall amounts in Kansas, including 5+ inches in one county Evergy said it follows a standard restoration process, prioritizing public safety facilities and then areas where repairs will bring power back to the most customers. Crews from less-affected communities were brought in to support the work, and drones are being used to help assess hard-to-reach areas. All efforts are aimed at restoring power more efficiently and quickly, Penzig said. Our line crews were prepared for potential weather and went home prepared to return as soon as outages began. The company expects most remaining outages in other parts of Kansas to be resolved by midday Wednesday. Customers are encouraged to report any outages and to stay clear of downed power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some wind reports the KSN Storm Track 3 Weather team received: 1 SSE Wichita Eisenhower Airport, Sedgwick County 64 mph gust 3 ESE Bel Aire, Sedgwick County 63 mph Newton, Harvey County 67 mph gust 1 WSW Bridgeport, Saline County 75 mph gust 2 WSE Lorraine, Ellsworth County 64 mph gust Northern Augusta, Butler County Broken power pole, 2-4 inch diameter tree limbs down 4 SE Partridge, Reno County 91 mph gust McConnell Air Force Base, Sedgwick County 61 mph gust Hutchinson Airport, Reno County 58 mph gust The City of Wichita does not have free dump days planned. A spokesperson said citizens with excessive tree debris on the right-of-way can report it by clicking here. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. 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. COUNCIL GROVE (KSNT) Drivers in part of central Kansas will have to deal with a lengthy detour route this summer for a highway project that is set to last for months. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) released its plans to shut down part of K-177 Highway on KanDrive earlier this month. The closure runs from Council Grove south to Strong City in Morris and Chase Counties. KDOT workers will close K-177 between these two cities starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 16, according to KanDrive. The closure is projected to end on Friday, Nov. 14. Three disgraced Kansas priests named in new abuse reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Road crews will reconstruct the first four miles of K-177 to the south of Council Grove in the summer and into the fall of this year. KDOT will close K-177 to accommodate this project, leading to a long detour. Drivers trying to reach Council Grove from Strong City will be directed west on U.S. 50 to K-150, west on K-150 to U.S. 56/U.S. 77, then north on U.S. 56/U.S. 77 to Herington before taking U.S. 56 east to Council Grove. Southbound drivers will follow the same route but in reverse to reach Strong City. KDOT said drivers should expect a delay of about 45 minutes added to travel time. Google Maps shows the detour route is around 70 miles in length and will take about an hour to complete. People can view road work taking place in Kansas or that is scheduled to happen by heading to the KanDrive website, downloading the app or calling 511. Learn more about KanDrive by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restricted camping, recreation options take effect across Kansas For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn in this story: Two British scholars discovered that an innocuous Harvard Law School Library document was actually an original 1300 copy of the Magna Carta. Believed to be a copy from 1327 when it was purchased for $27.50 from a London bookseller in 1946, the document had been sitting in the university library for decades. Scholars traced the provenance, and now believe it was one of about 30 copies sent out by King Edward I to the Appleby borough. An original version of the Magna Cartaconsidered one of the most important documents in all of historywas sitting (unbeknownst to anyone) within the Harvard Law School Library. Believed for decades to be a copy, a pair of British scholars recently uncovered that it is, in fact, the real deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team came across the documentwhich had been labled HLS MS 172while doing other research. Now, they believe this copy to be one of the last Magna Carta originals to have ever been created. My reaction was one of amazement and, in a way, awe that I should have managed to find a previously unknown Magna Carta, David Carpenter, professor of medieval history at Kings College London, told the Associated Press. First, Id found one of the most rare documents and most significant documents in world constitutional history. But secondly, of course, it was astonishment that Harvard had been sitting on it for all these years without realizing what it was. Harvard had purchased what was believed to have been a copy of the Magna Carta created in 1327 from London bookseller Sweet & Maxwell for $27.50 in 1946. It carried out an inconspicuous existence in the library since then, until Carpenter took notice of it in December of 2023 and sent images to Nicholas Vincenta medieval history professor at the University of East Anglia in Britainasking what he thought. Upon taking a look at the document, Vincent agreed that this was more than a mere copy. You know jolly well what that is, Carpenter said Vincent told him, according to Harvard Magazine. Its clearly an original. Its not a copy. Vincent let Harvard know what they had, but their response was lukewarm, at best. I think they may have thought I was a lunatic, actually, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, he and Carpenter worked with the library to authenticate the work, using ultraviolet light and spectral imaging to reveal faded writing. The duo compared it to the six other known original copies from 1300 to confirm word-for-word matches in the writing and identical handwriting stylesright down to elongated letters. The handwriting and 19-by-19-inch size fit with the other 1300 Magna Cartas, and even the text stated it was from the 28th year of Edwards reign, linking it directly to 1300. It was quite nerve-wracking, Carpenter said about the authentication process, but the merciful thing is, at the end, Harvard Law School passed the exam with flying colors. The Magna Carta was first issued in 1215a powerful document that placed a rule of law on English monarchs. That original document, signed by King John, established due process and habeas corpus, and has served as the basis for some of the worlds most foundational documents, including the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Magna Carta was reissued five timesknown as confirmationsbetween 1215 and the final confirmation in 1300. Carpenter said that well over 30 were created in 1300 by King Edward I and sent across the country with his seal, but only six were thought to have survived. The 1300 Magna Carta has small differences from other versions, and the changes are found in every 1300 original, Carpenter said, which was helpful when comparing the Harvard document to the others. Its one of the worlds most valuable documents, Carpenter said. And thats both historically and monetarily, as a 1297 version sold in 2007 for a whopping $21.3 million. The scholars wanted to establish how a document sold in a London bookshop in the 1940s could trace back to 1300. The pair was able to find that a World War I flying aceAir Vice-Marshal Forster Sammy Maynard, CBsold the document via a Sothebys auction in 1945. London bookseller Sweet & Maxwell bought the document, and then sold it to the Harvard Law School Library in 1946. Vincent said that Maynards grandson told him that the pilot had inherited historical documents from Thomas and John Clarksonleaders of a campaign against the British slave trade. Clarkson was acquainted with William Lowther, the hereditary lord of the manor of Appleby, which was one of the places a 1300 confirmation was sent. It was known to still be there in 1762, making this likely the same document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a chain of connection there, as it were, a smoking gun, Vincent said, but there isnt any clear proof as yet that this is the Appleby Magna Carta. But it seems to me very likely that it is. What was bought for peanuts in 1946 and has sat unceremoniously within the Boston institution will now get its due. Harvard plans to keep its Magna Carta, but now, they know its worth. You Might Also Like (FLORENCE, Colo.) The historic Rialto Theater in Florence is getting restored to its former glory with the hope that it can continue playing a key role in the community. The Rialto Theater is a 102-year-old venue located on West Main Street in Florence. The theater was originally an opera house with 900 seats, a wraparound balcony, box seats on both sides, and an orchestra pit. The theater was made with local yellow bricks, creating a distinct design pattern. The board members of the theater hope the renovations will restore the theater to its former glory so it can continue offering a space for the arts and community for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We consider it to be a huge part of our community. We have music, we have plays, we have had comedy, weve had dance acts, said Carolyn Solseth, Rialto Board President. We also have kids come in, we have a childrens theater. Weve had memorial services. We consider ourselves a huge part of the community, as far as, if you need a place to have an event, this is the place to have it. Solseth also said she hopes the renovation will help surrounding businesses and restaurants thrive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Karl Gehring/Getty Images Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take If you want to know whose histories are ignored and overlooked in the United States, just take a glance at the National Register of Historic Places. In 2021, of the more than 96,000 places on the federal governments official list of sites deemed worthy of preservation for historical significance, fewer than 10% reflect the diversity of the countrys population, according to a representative with the National Park Service, which administers the list. Estimates for the percentage of sites associated with Black, Latino, or Native American communities range from less than 1% to just 3% of the total, though precise numbers are difficult to determine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These numbers speak to how government-led historic preservation in the US has long been a whitewashed undertaking, with far-reaching effects on education and the nations young people. The lens of history is a colonized lens, says Sehila Mota Casper, executive director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC), one of the nations leading nonprofit organizations for the preservation of Latino places, and because of that, there are multiple histories that have been excluded. This erasure extends to how social studies and history are taught in schools, even when it comes to fundamental parts of the nations past, such as slavery or the genocide of Native Americans. The biases that lead to this narrow view are entrenched in the nations federal historic-designation program. Whenever the program was first founded, in the early days, it really had deep roots in the making of the US, says Casper. It was a very nationalistic view. The National Historic Preservation Act was signed into law in 1966, creating the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Preservation Offices, and a system of procedures for identifying and protecting historic resources at the federal, state, and local levels. That legislation, which remains the most comprehensive preservation law on the books in the US today, was meant to recognize and address the damage of decades of interstate highway development and urban renewal programs that were carried out with little thought for the vulnerable cultural heritage in their paths. Beginning with the Housing Act of 1949, the government provided funds for cities to demolish neighborhoods labeled slums. The stated goal was to improve housing, and the Housing Act did provide some funds to build new low-rent public housing; however, in many cities, local governments and planning agencies razed entire neighborhoods and transferred the properties to private developers, who often prioritized more profitable commercial and industrial development over housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An outsize portion of these cleared neighborhoods were home to communities of color. In Chicago and San Francisco, over 60% of those displaced from 1950 to the late 1960s were families of color, according to research from the University of Richmond. In Philadelphia and Baltimore that number climbed to over 70%, per the universitys research. During this period, writer James Baldwin coined the term Negro removal to describe urban renewal programs. Alongside the thousands of families displaced during urban renewal, documented and unmarked cultural heritage sites alike were also lost. The National Historic Preservation Act aimed to halt this destruction. Yet, in the almost 60 years since it was passed, experts argue it has fallen short of addressing the disproportionate loss of cultural heritage in communities of color and ensuring that protected sites reflect the nations diversity. Casper says this is because, even before the legislation was enacted, the national preservation movement prioritized saving sites tied to an Anglo American retelling of the nations past and those meant to represent significant American achievements, such as the homes of former presidents. That just really perpetuated a lot of what we see today, she says, where a lot of the sites are associated with rich old white men or really grand and large architecture. The first site granted federal landmark status marked the nations white and colonial past. That honor belongs to the gravesite of Sergeant Charles Floyd Jr., a soldier who likely died of a ruptured appendix on the 1804 to 1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Meanwhile, early skyscrapers were some of the first sites designated to be of historical importance in cities like Chicago. Sites in that citys historic Black neighborhoods, such as Bronzeville, have only been marked for preservation in the last few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Says Casper, the current norms are not inclusive enough because history happens [everywhere, as with] the civil rights movement; it can be out of a church or someones house. [But that] necessarily doesnt fit the mold that weve created. Over the past few decades, there has been an institutional shift toward expanding that mold to include more sites representative of the nations communities of color. In 2013, the National Park Service published its American Latino Heritage Theme Study, a comprehensive survey of Latino heritage sites and resources to improve historical interpretation of and education programs associated with Latino histories at national park sites. In 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, one of the nations foremost historic preservation nonprofits, launched its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) to help identify and support Black heritage sites nationwide. Then, in 2022, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a federal agency tasked with preserving historic places, created an Equity Action Plan, recognizing gaps in existing preservation structures and committing to building a more inclusive national preservation program. Brent Leggs, AACHAF executive director, framed this shift as one means of grappling with the nations racist past. Making amends means that Black Americans are appreciated, that our community is recognized for a 400-plus-year contribution, [and] that our history and the physical places where that history is held are preserved, Leggs told NPR in a 2020 interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trump's inauguration in January, he has gone after diversity efforts across the federal government and issued executive orders to change historical interpretation at federal institutions, including national parks, in ways that whitewash the nation's past. Still, organizations like AACHAF and LHC are helping to drive positive change by insisting on the significance of histories and historical sites that do not adhere to the long-standing, whitewashed, upper-class preservation model and advocating for their inclusion in the national story. Their work is intended to invite young people to engage with a fuller telling of American history. For students of color, it also allows them to see themselves represented in history classrooms, perhaps for the first time. Kinfolk House, a nonprofit art space located in a historic home in the predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood of Polytechnic Heights in Fort Worth, epitomizes the power of this work. The century-old home has belonged to a local Black family for generations, and today hosts art exhibitions and historical tours for student groups. The Polytechnic neighborhood is rich in cultural heritage. It became home to an influx of Black families during the Civil Rights era, and many held onto property, including Hallie Beatrice Carpenter, the grandmother of Sedrick Huckaby, Kinfolk Houses founder and current board president. Nicknamed Big Momma, Carpenter turned her home into a community gathering place during her lifetime, shaping the trajectories of many of the neighborhood's young people, including Huckaby, who has become a celebrated artist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Fuentes, founding director of Kinfolk House, says that when students visit the home, it is usually the first time they learn about some of the neighborhoods past, and characters like Big Momma as historical actors. Theres often a lot of [confusion], like, What is this space? Fuentes explains. Then that translates into a lot of pride and reconsidering how their own family histories can tell this bigger story about the history of our city and also the history of the nation. For Casper of LHC, engaging with young people is also a matter of furthering efforts to tell a more diverse American story. Those exclusionary practices have such a head start," she says. "They're so entrenched that there really needs to be a groundswell of this grassroots power to push back. To do that, she adds, we need to produce leaders that are the next generation thats changing this field. Editor's note: The author of this piece writes for the National Trust for Historic Preservations Saving Places. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue New York University professor of political science and presidential advisor, McGeorge Bundy, reviewing a document in his office on May 02, 1984. Credit - Bettmann Archive On March 27, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which aims to root out the corrosive ideology that casts American history in a negative light. Critics have denounced this as an attempt to control ideaspart of a broader trend of unprecedented attacks against academic freedom and the independence of institutions of learning. But the truth is that the push to align scholarship with government interests is not new. Throughout the 20th century, the relationship between colleges and the state was a messy one. American universities were vital to advancing the governments power and global influence, especially through Cold War-related research and development. Nonetheless, they were also a threat to the government when scholarship challenged official narratives and agendas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Americans are witnessing a resurgence of such concerns. History shows that they may lead to censorship and curtail critical researchwhile also proving to be self-defeating. Many of the achievements that Americans most proudly celebrate were inspired by acknowledging the brutal realities of the past. The Cold War exemplified the complicated relationship between universities and the federal government. As the conflict dawned in the late 1940s, the government quickly realized that universities could do more to help than simply provide scientific breakthroughs and defense materials: the humanities and social sciences could be just as valuable in fighting the Soviets. At a time when the nation was engaged in ideological warfare, knowledge was power. Understanding the enemyhistorically, politically, socially, psychologically, economically and culturallywas a matter of national security. And the government lacked the expertise necessary to understand foreign cultures and political systems. Officials understood that universities, by contrast, were well situated to provide this knowledge, so they enacted an array of programs to empower academics through grants and research institutes. The goal was to push scholarship toward topics that could inform domestic and foreign policy. Read More: The True Story of Appomattox Exposes the Dangers of Letting Myths Replace History Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, over 20 years, the scale and scope of state influence on scholarly research grew dramatically. The government was instrumental in creating new academic fields, including area studies, and it shaped social science research for strategic purposes. One example was the creation of the Russian Research Center, which was a collaboration between academics and the government. Based at Harvard and directed by Harvard faculty, its board was comprised of professors from various universities. It drew on expertise from different fields, including history, political science, economics, geography, law, anthropology, sociology, archaeology, and other disciplines. Sigmund Diamonda historian and sociologist who studied and briefly worked at Harvard during this periodchronicled the extent of the alliance. According to Diamond, although the center received a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, it reported directly to the State Department and other intelligence agencies. Its mission was clear: to produce scholarly research and expert analysis useful to the governments ideological warfare against the Soviet Union. This included studies on the attitudes of Russians toward their homeland in relation to the rest of the worldthe sources of Russian patriotism, attitudes toward authority, and how Russians felt about the suppression of individual freedom. With this knowledge, the government could exploit discontent, foster instability, and leverage dissent against Soviet policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center at Harvard was just one example; there were others at universities across the nation. In the early 1960s, National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy delivered a lecture at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He emphasized the strong connections that bind the world of power and the world of learning, arguing that there is gain for both the political world and the academy from an intensified process of engagement and of choosing sides and of engaging in the battle. The government, in his view, would benefit greatly from historians whose work illuminated a deeper sense of the realities of power and its use. But the governments alliance with the academic community came with risks. If critical scholarship could dissect the enemy and boost American Cold War efforts, it could also be turned inward. Research disciplines that probed into the historical, political, social, and cultural vulnerabilities of other nations could also cast a critical eye on the U.S., raising sobering questions about American history and the nations unflattering record on civil rights, social unrest, imperialism, and more. That made universities dangerous, and in the anti-communist hysteria of Cold War America, the government viewed them with suspicion. As molders of the nations youths, educators were under scrutiny lest they indoctrinate students with radical ideas. Government officials stoked this paranoia. Countless times, remarked Wisconsin Senator Joseph R. McCarthyperhaps the eras most prominent red baiterin 1952, I have heard parents throughout the country complain that their sons and daughters were sent to college as good Americans and returned four years later as wild-eyed radicals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Academics who offered critical assessments of the nations history and policies were suspected of communist sympathies; they caught the eye of the FBI and the government subjected them to surveillance and intimidation. In 1956, a survey of over 2,000 professors showed that 61% had been contacted by the FBI; 40% worried that students might misrepresent their politics; and about a quarter would not express their views for fear of the government. The FBI targeted some historians in particular. The FBI considered them dangerous because of their ability to challenge patriotic myths and undermine the accepted narrative about the nations past. This was allegedly dangerous not only in the classroom, but also in the public square as it could raise questions about government policy. That risked stirring up public dissent and calls for reform. Read More: A Historian's Case for Protecting Even Offensive Speech on Campus C. Vann Woodward, the Pulitzer and Bancroft Prize-winning Yale historian, was one scholar who landed under government surveillance for his critical views of Americas past. More than any other historian of the 20th century, Woodwards writing exposed the horrific realities of racial segregation in America. He was also a staunch proponent of free speech and civil rights. Even Martin Luther King, Jr. drew inspiration from his scholarship. When Woodward criticized the House Un-American Activities Committeewhich members of Congress used to engage in anti-communist witch-huntsand signed a petition calling for its elimination, he provoked government scrutiny. The historian would later remark that his profession offered a corrective to the complacent and nationalist reading of our past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during the Cold War, the U.S. government had no patience for potentially subversive views about the nations pasteven if they were accurate. It wanted scholars to offer penetrating insights into the history and politics of foreign regimes, but not at home. Patriotism became a litmus test, and scholars who applied their expertise to offer critical analyses of Americas revered narratives were suspected of harboring a dangerous un-American ideology. Today, government anxieties about historical discourse have resurfaced. Trumps executive order warns of a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. It condemns what his administration sees as an effort to undermine the remarkable achievements of the nation and foster a sense of national shame. But the truth is that this directive risks undermining the potential for such remarkable achievements in the future. In many cases, including expanding civil (or legal) rights for African Americans and women, progress resulted from the work of scholars like Woodward and the way it empowered Americans to grapple with the less savory chapters in the countrys past. Americans acknowledged an un-sanitized version of U.S. history and worked to correct wrongs in order to ensure a brighter future. The lessons from the Cold Wars record of state censorship of ideas are clear. Nuanced historical truth cannot thrive or die based on its political usefulness to the current administration. Suppressing the complexity of the nations past to curate a comforting national story will not lead to truth, sanity, or the sorts of achievements that Trump wants to celebrate. History matters, even if it does not align with the interests of those in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's attempts to control the narrative of American history is not merely a threat to academic freedom, but also to the nations ability to confront its past and shape better policies for the future. Perhaps the President is right to worry about institutions of learning. Because knowledge, when un-policed, threatens the status quo. In a free society, thats a virtue, not a threat. Jeffrey Rosario is assistant professor at Loma Linda University in southern California. He is currently writing a book on religious dissent against U.S. imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a formal apology Tuesday for the states role in a boarding school that separated Native American students from their families with the goal of assimilating them into American society. Hochul also met with former students and their descendants of the Thomas Indian School, which operated from 1875 until 1957. Staff at the school stripped native children of their traditional language and heritage and suffered torture, sexual abuse and hatred from school officials. Originally established by Presbyterian missionaries in 1855 before the state took ownership in 1875, the Thomas Indian School was among more than 400 government-supported schools established throughout the country with the goal of assimilating Native American youths. More than 900 children died at the schools, the last of which closed or transitioned into different institutions decades ago. The Seneca Nation said there are many more deaths that went undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot change the horrors of the past, Hochul said. I wish I could just wipe it all away, you deserve that. She added that educational materials about the indigenous nations will be part of the curriculum in K-12 education is part of the states budget for 2026. Seneca Nation president J. Conrad Senecas father attended the school. His grandmother was removed from the family at age 11 and forced to attend Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long, Seneca said in a statement. At long last, our people will hear, directly from the Governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the State of New York to say Were sorry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is believed that Hochuls visit on Tuesday is the first time a sitting governor has visited the Seneca Nation Territory. Everything that we stand for: our values, our traditions, our customs, our language, our ability to find our way through the many challenges we face in life and to still be here today, Seneca said in a news conference Tuesday, Its a testament to our ancestors and our people of today. You can watch the full event from Tuesday in the video player above. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. After a two-day delay caused by hazardous ocean conditions, the Polynesian voyaging canoes Hokule a and Hikianalia departed early Monday morning from Mauliolacommonly known as Sand Islanden route to Hilo. The canoes launched at approximately 5 a.m., taking advantage of a safe and favorable weather window to cross the Alenuihaha Channel. The channel, which lies between Maui and Hawaii island, is known for powerful currents and strong winds and is considered among the most dangerous in the Pacific. The Polynesian Voyaging Society postponed the originally scheduled Saturday morning departure to ensure crew safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hokule a and Hikianalia are expected to arrive in Hilo on Wednesday afternoon, where a public cultural arrival ceremony is scheduled to begin around 4 p.m. at the Grand Naniloa Hotel. The event will follow traditional arrival protocols and is open to the public. According to PVS, the delay reflects the organizations ongoing commitment to safety and cultural practices, which include close observation of weather and ocean conditions before launching each leg of the Moananuiakea Voyage. The four-year Moananuiakea Voyage aims to sail approximately 43, 000 nautical miles, visiting 36 countries and archipelagos, nearly 100 indigenous territories and more than 345 ports. An estimated 400 crew members from Hawaii and throughout the Pacific will participate in the voyage, which promotes Indigenous knowledge, ocean conservation and global collaboration. While in Hilo, the crew will take part in several community events designed to foster learning and connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather permitting, the Hokule a and Hikianalia are tentatively scheduled to depart Hilo on May 30 to continue their journey to French Polynesia, the next major stop on the Moananuiakea Voyage. The following events are planned in Hilo in coordination with Hawaii County and the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Grand Naniloa Hotel and local community :Welcome ceremony tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa HotelPublic dockside engagement 3-6 p.m. Thursday at the Grand Naniloa HotelHokule a Ho olaule a, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Wailoa Boat Harbor, makai side of the Wailoa Bridge, near Suisan Fish Market The event will include canoe tours, music, cultural demonstrations and food vendors. Mallie Luken, 70, remembers thinking of her parents as she tried to sleep outdoors in the parking lot of Abundant Life Church in Central City. She sat for a photo in her home in Greenville on April 27, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) This story is the first of a series about homelessness in Western Kentucky. CENTRAL CITY Pastor Jennifer Banks was still a relative newcomer to this Western Kentucky town on the night in September when she watched through a security camera as a police officer brought a woman in a wheelchair to the church and dumped her in our parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks husband, Zachary, rushed to the church in time to talk to the officer. Hes like, Man, Im sorry. We didnt have anywhere for her to go. We knew that yall wouldnt trespass her here, and we didnt want to see her go to jail, Zachary Banks recalls. Mallie Luken, 70, a widow, was down to her last few dollars. She had asked her former pastor to drive her from the nearby county where she was living to Muhlenberg County because she remembered an old ad for the Central Inn, a motel in Central City, and thought she could afford a night there. Jennifer Banks had met Mallie Luken the day before after getting a call from police about a homeless woman outside Arbys. The officer told the pastor the woman had trespassed on multiple properties and asked if she could do something. Zachary and Jennifer Banks pause during a community meal provided by Abundant Life Church at Gish Park in Central City, April 27, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Banks gathered a plate of food and headed to Arbys. She found Luken sitting outside in a wheelchair next to her dog Blaze. They prayed together. At that time, Banks had yet to consider using the Abundant Life Church as a shelter. The congregation was barely a year old and still buying the building from the Central City government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to leave her there, because I didnt have anywhere for her to go. And then the next day was when they dumped her in our parking lot, Jennifer Banks said. Banks community was ill-prepared to respond to that kind of housing emergency. That realization has served as a catalyst for the Bankses and others in Muhlenberg County who want to fill gaps they see in services and housing. They have met resistance and support, as the Lantern will report over the next few days. But on that night eight months ago, all Zachary Banks could do was take Luken a blanket. She stayed there on the pavement under a stainless steel table, an experience made even worse because she was separated from Blaze after he bolted from an earlier thunder clap. As storms rolled through Luken thought of her parents. To know that thats your child laying under a stainless steel table, Luken said. I could have gotten electrocuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking back recently, she said, I just didnt care if I woke up in the morning, mentioning how worried she was about Blaze. Luken thinks her search for the dog had prompted more calls to police about trespassing. Seeing Luken in the parking lot, Zachary Banks thought of his mother. It just broke my heart to see her just dumped out there and for us to not be able to have any resources to be able to do anything. Word got around that the parking lot at Abundant Life Church is a safe place to sleep without fear of arrest for trespassing. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) An officer wrote in an email to church leaders that Luken was dropped off at the church at her request and that the local police department currently does not have any type of resources to assist her. The officer in his email asked the church for assistance to make sure Luken didnt get into further legal trouble. Zachary Banks said he urged the officer to stand up for the church before the Central City city council and for the work the church was doing to help people experiencing homelessness. The officer told Zachary Banks he would try. Mallie Luken pets her dog Blaze in the apartment that Gwen Clements helped her find, April 27, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Luken soon found shelter thanks to help from Gwen Clements. Using money given by a concerned neighbor of the church, Clements checked Luken into the Central Inn. Within about a week, calling around to her connections, Clements found Luken an apartment at the public housing authority in Greenville, the Muhlenberg County seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She contacted Lukens daughter in North Carolina who wasnt aware of her situation and learned the mother and daughter have a strained relationship. Luken was united with Blaze, and they are still together. In a rural county with few resources for people without shelter, Clements is part of a loose coalition of people who see a growing need to help those experiencing homelessness. Clements grew up in Muhlenberg County and believes it is not unlike other rural communities suffering a shortage of housing. I feel for these people Earlier in 2024, Clements had started a Facebook group to advocate for more resources to help people struggling to secure a safe place to live. Clements, who moved back to Central City in the early 2000s, had a vision for what she wanted for the county: a community space that could serve as a warming center, shelter and kitchen, largely inspired by efforts of a nonprofit in Somerset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this county, if they would just open up more affordable housing. Most of the problems would be eliminated, Clements said. If we had public transportation for people to get the documents they need nobody wants to take these people so that they can get the hand up and get on with their lives just by having a few pieces of paper in hand. Gwen Clements stands on the remains of an encampment that police broke up in 2024, April 27, 2025. (Austin Anthony for the Kentucky Lantern) Clements says her own experiences make her want to help. I feel for these people. Ive been in their situation, not knowing where I was gonna go next, Clements told the Lantern earlier this year. I want to be the person I needed during my dark times. I want to give hope to those who feel hopeless, show them someone cares about their needs. Sometimes its draining. Sometimes I leave my house at seven oclock in the morning and dont come back till its dark, Clements said. If youre making a commitment, you gotta follow that commitment through till youre done. While homelessness is often considered an urban issue, the number of unsheltered homeless individuals has rapidly risen outside of Lexington and Louisville, going from six hundred fifty (650) in 2019 to more than one thousand (1,000) in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While homelessness has many causes, the Deputy Executive Director of Housing Programs for the Kentucky Housing Corporation stated that the lack of housing was a contributing factor, likening the housing situation to a game of musical chairs where certain people would simply be left out due to the lack of supply. Those already vulnerable to homelessness, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with low income, could be pushed into homelessness as a result of the housing shortage and rising home prices and rents. Final Report of the Kentucky Housing Task Force, Nov. 12, 2024 She helps people fill out birth certificate requests so they can get an identification card. Her Facebook group has become a clearinghouse connecting people who say they need help to those who want to provide it. She often fields several messages a day asking for food, clothing or enough money to stay at a local motel. Sometimes people she helps are dealing with unstable housing situations, getting close to the precipice of living without shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some who need help grapple with addiction and other mental health issues. Some work or struggle to find work, having limited or no transportation to get them to a job. The county has a limited supply of affordable rentals amid a worsening housing shortage that is common across rural Kentucky. Housing as a whole is very hard to come by, whether its affordable, whether its appropriate, whether its up to code, whether or not they get in there. I mean, its just hard all the way around, said Kelsey Rolley, a services coordinator at Pennyrile Allied Community Services in Greenville. Its that much harder when youre in a position like mine, where people come to you for help and then you dont have any resources to refer them to, or you dont have the means to be able to help immediately at that moment. Muhlenberg County, once bolstered by coal mining and famous for producing musicians, has an aging and declining population similar to other rural communities. Poverty rates are higher than the national and state averages, according to the U.S. Census. Central City has a population of a little less than 6,000 residents. About 1 in 4 of them live in poverty. Michael Howard, the CEO of the regional ARCH Community Health Coalition in Western Kentucky, said finding a way forward beyond coal mining has been difficult and the housing shortage makes fostering new industries and jobs even more challenging. But, he said, the vast majority in Muhlenberg County would reply No when asked if homelessness is a local problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont realize that theyre already there. You know, theyre invisible, Howard said. Next in the Lanterns series: Jennifer and Zachary Banks and Abundant Life Church have a plan, backed by others in the loose coalition. Homicide detectives were called to the scene of a death investigation in Boston on Tuesday morning, authorities said. Officers responded to 20 Annunciation Road in Roxbury just after 6 a.m., where the death investigation is unfolding, according to the Boston Police Department. Police didnt share any details about the victim or if any suspects had been identified. In a statement shared with Boston 25, a Boston police officer said, "Very limited information is available at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video from the scene showed multiple police cruisers and the area blocked with yellow crime tape. Boston 25 News is working to learn more. 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 Marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, China and the European Union (EU) celebrate a relationship built on shared prosperity and forward-looking cooperation. From US$2.4 billion to US$785.8 billion in goods trade, China-EU economic partnership has become a global anchor, while joint efforts beyond demonstrate how major economies can advance shared priorities for inclusive benefit. More than 500 chief marketing officers and marketing professionals are expected to gather in Sydney for the 10th Annual B2B Marketing Leaders Forum APAC 2025, set for May 2122 at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf. As Asia Pacifics largest conference dedicated to business-to-business marketing, the event celebrates a decade of empowering marketers with two days of workshops, panels, and networking, concluding with an awards dinner that coincides with Australian Made Week. Founded in 2015 by Emma Roborgh, the forum has grown from a niche meet-up to a key fixture on the marketing calendar, drawing attendees from industries like technology, finance, and manufacturing. Organizers anticipate another sold-out year, with sponsorships already fully booked and capacity capped at 600. The event will focus on how marketers can drive business growth, fast-track pipelines, harness AI, and secure greater influence in boardrooms. This event empowers marketers to drive revenue and stay ahead in a fast-changing landscape, said Roborgh. Our community of leaders shares practical strategies to turn marketing into a growth engine. What SMEs will take away With small and medium enterprises making up 99.8 percent of Australias 2.5 million businesses and employing 70 percent of the workforce, the events tailored sessions for SMEs are expected to provide actionable strategies that align with their realities. Topics include aligning marketing and sales for faster conversions, building brand credibility while delivering on short-term growth, and managing zero-based budgets. Sessions will explore practical techniques for pipeline acceleration, with discussions around improving conversion rates and refining metrics like customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and pipeline velocity. SMEs will learn to craft brand strategies that resonate in boardrooms, invest wisely in performance marketing, and measure ROI more effectively. The agenda includes deep dives into AI and data use, from content creation and account-based marketing to safeguarding CRM data and personalizing buyer experiences. With many SMEs looking to enter Asian markets, sessions on localization, budget management, and international growth will be a draw. Inside the lineup and program highlights More than 70 speakers are confirmed, including Emma Chalwin from Workday, Robert Chatwani of DocuSign, and Ingela Nordenhav, former CMO of Volvo Trucks, whose Epic Split campaign redefined viral B2B marketing. Also speaking are Jon Stona of Airwallex, Justin Smith of Ansarada, and Jodie Sangster, founder of the Australian Centre for AI in Marketing. Key sessions will cover leadership, pipeline growth, ROI attribution, and the future of account-based marketing. Industry breakouts will bring marketers from IT, finance, professional services, and construction into conversations relevant to their sectors. A special session on campaign misfires promises honest insights into what worked, what didnt, and why. Held during Australian Made Week, the forum reinforces the importance of marketing in strengthening local businesses. With SMEs contributing more than $500 billion annually to the economy, the event serves as both a celebration and a strategic launchpad for those looking to grow smarter in competitive markets. Click here to register and find more details. Email: info@b2bmarketingleaders.com.au Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A popular New England seafood restaurant that was damaged by a raging blaze early Tuesday is likely a total loss, fire officials said. Firefighters responding to a report of a structure fire at 629 Succotash Road in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, just before 3:45 a.m. found the Matunuck Oyster Bar engulfed in flames, according to Union Fire District Chief Steven Pinch. Pinch said strong winds accelerated the flames as firefighters aggressively attacked the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 35 firefighters responded to the scene, with the Union Fire District of South Kingstown bringing in seven engines, two ladder trucks, and a heavy rescue truck, according to Pinch. Photo Courtesy Union Fire District of South Kingstown Firefighters battled the blaze for about 90 minutes before knocking down the flames and getting the scene under control. While the building remains standing, Pinch said it may be a total loss. There is significant damage to the building, Pinch explained. Its still standing, but between the water, fire, and smoke damage, the structural problems are significant. Pinch also expressed his sympathy for the owners of the eatery, all their workers, local customers, and guests who come from across New England, noting that this fire is particularly difficult because this time of year marks the beginning of the restaurants busy season. Photo Courtesy Union Fire District of South Kingstown The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a fixture in the town. It employs a lot of people. Most people in the community know someone who works there. It has a big impact on the towns economy, Pinch explained. Its tough imagining the summer going on without having the Oyster Bar open. We feel bad for the owners and all the employees who are now out of work. Hopefully, they rebuild and are even better when they reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No firefighters were injured, and there was no one inside the building when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, at left, and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, speak during the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on May 19, 2025, at the College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) IDAHO FALLS Two health care professionals told members of the Idaho Legislatures budget committee Monday that they are not doing enough to produce the medical workforce the state needs and that doctors are leaving the state due to its strict abortion ban. The comments came during the Idaho Legislatures Joint Finance-Appropriations Committees first day of spring meetings Monday in Idaho Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC for short, is a powerful legislative committee that sets the budgets for every state agency and department. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The medical workforce debate started during a workforce panel discussion at the College of Eastern Idaho after Rep. James Petzke, R-Meridian, asked the panelists if the Idaho Legislature was doing enough to develop the kind of modern workforce Idaho employers and industries need. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center CEO Betsy Hunsicker didnt sugar-coat her answer. She immediately told Petzke the short answer is no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very challenging, and we dont have OB-GYN coming in here, Hunsicker said. Were not training general surgeons. Were not. Physicians generally practice where they train. So I think the training piece for residency for physicians is really probably something that needs to continue to grow. Physicians are scared to practice in Idaho due to strict abortion ban, doctor tells committee Hunsicker and other panelists asked legislators to support two programs to help develop the states workforce medical residency programs and the Idaho Launch workforce training initiative championed by Gov. Brad Little. The discussion and the tension ratcheted up during a presentation later Monday given by Dr. Jennifer Cook, the OB fellowship director and associate director of the family medicine residency program at Full Circle Health in Boise. Cook was giving an overview of medical education programs and talking about ways to bring more doctors to Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook said huge swaths of Idaho are considered maternal care deserts, and the state ranks near the bottom nationally when it comes to physicians-per-capita. In addition to supporting incentives like loan repayment programs and investing in medical residencies and fellowships, Cook told legislators they could attract more doctors if they clarified the states near total abortion ban to include the health of the pregnant mother not just the life of the pregnant mother. Because right now, physicians are kind of scared to practice here, Im not going to lie, Cook told JFAC members. Because theres so much ambiguity and I dont think that was intentional in any way, shape or form. I think people are trying to support their constituents but it has led us to this gray area where we dont know what management is actually allowable, and thats really hard. Cook said that ambiguity has real consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had fellows who sat and watched a woman who was 19 weeks pregnant bleed and couldnt do anything about it, and just waited until she was so sick she was about to die, Cook said. If that was your family, it would be really scary. While she was talking, Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, turned to his neighbor, Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, and said, thats not true. Moments later, Cook briefly paused her presentation to JFAC members. I can see some eyes rolling, Cook said. I can see you all rolling your eyes. Cook then continued her presentation. When she fielded questions after her presentation, Rep. Steven Miller, R-Fairfield, and Tanner told Cook that they feel Idahos abortion law is clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanner told Cook he thinks the discussion is political. He said his conservative doctor friends tell him the law is clear, while people who lean left are going nuts over the abortion law. Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, pictured at the far left holding a microphone, discusses Idahos abortion ban with Dr. Jennifer Cook on May 19, 2025 at College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) In an interview with the Idaho Capital Sun after Cooks presentation, Tanner said the life of the unborn baby gets lost in the debate. The problem that I see that they run into is theyre only looking at the aspect of the mom, keeping that person alive, and not the actual baby, Tanner told the Sun. Tanner also referenced the University of Washingtons Washington, Wyoming Alaska, Montana and Idaho, or WWAMI, medical program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the problem, in my opinion, I think overall is where you look at the training aspect that they actually go through, Tanner told the Sum. So when theyre going through the WWAMI theyre going through up in Washington, and some of the actual classes and how most of the doctors that I talked to have come out like theyre fully like, Abortion is no different than needing stitches. Its no different than anything. And I think they dehumanized that child at that point in time. However, the University of Washington has said it does not use Idaho funds to teach courses related to abortion care, according to the Spokesman-Review. At a legislative hearing during the 2025 session, UW School of Medicine Vice Dean Suzanne Allen said the school would agree to Idahos abortion laws and stipulations, according to the Spokesman-Review. The University of Washington does not spend any Idaho funds on abortion care or abortion training, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement regarding House Bill 176, which sought to defund Idaho WWAMI, UW said it was disheartened to see the Legislature discuss dissolving a more than 50-year partnership. The Idaho WWAMI partnership is required to teach the same content to our students that other medical schools are required to teach across the country to pass the national licensing exam, the university stated. This includes womens health content such as normal labor and delivery as well as complications including miscarriages that require abortion procedures. Legislatures budget committee has been told before that abortion ban makes it harder to attract, retain maternal health care workers Although the Idaho Legislature adjourned April 4 and is not in session, JFAC often conducts interim meetings during the fall and spring to continue monitoring the state budget and take a closer look at agencies and programs that receive state funding. This is not the first time JFAC members have been told that the Idaho Legislatures abortion ban has made it harder to attract and retain physicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a different JFAC interim tour on Nov. 21, 2024, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine President Tracy Farnsworth told legislators the abortion ban has run off existing physicians and may be scaring away new ones. Many of you probably know this, with our current Idaho state abortion laws that provide very little, if any, opportunity to terminate a pregnancy for health because we dont have a health of the mother exception, weve lost roughly 25% of our OB-GYN, Farnsworth said in November. Weve gone from 200 to 150 OB-GYN, and we are hearing anecdotal evidence of a number of graduating OB-GYN residency students choosing not to come to Idaho because of fear of losing their license and (being) criminalized, Farnsworth added. JFAC members did not vote on any budgets or any bills on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JFACs spring meetings continue Tuesday with a tour of community resource centers and the Idaho Department of Water Resources Eastern Regional Office. JFACs meetings are scheduled to conclude Wednesday with a tour of Idaho National Laboratory facilities. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The state of Ohio now has a new law in place mandating that hospitals and healthcare systems make the price of every service they offer readily available to consumers. The idea is that you will soon be able to shop around for non-emergent procedures with the prices listed clearly in dollars and cents. News Center 7s Nick Foley looks closely into the change and whether it will make a difference. Imagine knowing exactly what you will be charged for a knee replacement, an appendectomy, or even a blood test. That has been the goal of a federal law since 2021 requiring hospitals across the country to have openly accessible files that include prices for every item and service they provide, but several watchdog groups say that just hasnt been the case. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ilaria Santagelo is the director of Research for Patient Rites Advocate website (patientritesadvocate.org), and she said the most recent report by her group in November revealed that the three largest systems in the area Miami Valley Hospital, Kettering Health, and Mercy Health in Springfield were not compliant. Unfortunately, 69 out of 80 hospitals we reviewed in Ohio are not compliant with the federal price transparency rule, Santangelo said. She continued by saying, If you go look at them, youre going to see the estimates, youre going to see the algorithms, and youre going to see those complicated formulas in lieu of dollars and cents prices, which will inhibit all Ohioans availability to be able to shop for care. Foley said he reviewed the websites of all three Miami Valley hospital systems, looking to compare prices for a common back MRI. To find an estimate, you need to scroll to the bottom of the site and follow the prompts for price transparency. Then, you are given the option to find estimates by inputting insurance information or skipping the step to go without. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami Valley Hospital and Premier Health revealed an estimated amount of just over $1,700. Springfield Regional/Mercy Health shows the procedure at just under $1,300. Meanwhile, Kettering Health posted an estimate of $965. However, keep in mind, estimates do not always equal actual charges. Ohio Representative Tim Barhorst of Ft. Loramie is determined to change the current landscape, co-sponsoring the Hospital Transparency Act that became law last month. The idea is to help patients understand and compare costs, and mandate that all systems put their services into dollars and cents or face fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of them never had intensity compliant, and thats why this law in Ohio, Hospital Transparency Bill, was required to do this, and thats why we did it, Barhorst said. The Ohio Department of Health is responsible for monitoring compliance and imposing penalties. Barhorst says ultimately it will be up to the patient on how the information provided affects their decisions, and he hopes long-term, other states will put similar measures into place. I think youre going to see the healthcare market go from a broken market with no prices and no real use for the consumer and the patient to having vibrant technology tools developed where we could use this, these prices, to help folks get the best price at the best location, and get the best outcomes as we move forward, Barhorst said. As part of this story, News Center 7 reached out to Premier Health, Kettering Health, and Mercy Health in Springfield. All three declined on-camera interviews, but issued the following statements: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kettering Health Statement: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has confirmed Kettering Health is fully compliant with all price transparency guidelines. Because we are committed to continuous improvement, we validate our work with a third-party expert who specializes in this area and shares best practices. Community members can easily access the bill estimator tool on Kettering Healths website to better understand healthcare costs for an upcoming visit. This consumer-friendly tool provides a personalized estimate, including out-of-pocket costs, based on insurance and deductibles. Kettering Health also has customer service representatives available to answer questions related to billing, estimates, and costs of services. Though healthcare and its cost structure can be complex, Kettering Health is committed to creating exceptional experiences for everyone we serve by making healthcare easier to access, understand, and navigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Premier Health Statement: Premier Health is committed to providing pricing information to help our patients make informed health care decisions and is fully compliant with federal and state price transparency regulations. Mercy Health (Springfield Regional): Mercy Health believes strongly in patient-centric price transparency, and helping our patients understand their potential liabilities and costs is important to us. We understand finances are part of patients decision-making, and to do so, they need the best information possible. As such, we are committed to fully complying with hospital price transparency laws and are confident in our adherence to these regulations. Our pricing information has been reviewed and successfully passed the CMS Machine-Readable File (MRF) validator tool, ensuring that our data meets the required format and specifications outlined by CMS. All three also told News Center they are fully compliant with federal laws and are committed to being transparent with pricing. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) on Monday called out House Republicans for scheduling an upcoming meeting in the wee hours of the morning to weigh in on President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill. If Trumps big, beautiful bill is so great, why not debate it when people are still awake? Wouldnt you want everyone to know how great it is? asked McGovern, ranking member of the House rules committee. Why are you debating it at 1 oclock in the morning? I think thats prime time in Guam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late Sunday, Republicans narrowly voted to advance the bill on Trumps agenda which could push millions off of Medicaid and looks to limit those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps around 42 million Americans purchase food each month, to help offset tax cuts. As House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hopes to see the bill hit the House floor by weeks end, its set to make its next stop at the GOP-led rules committee in a meeting scheduled for 1 a.m. on Wednesday. The scheduling reflects unusual timing, a staffer with the committees leadership told The Hill, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) slammed GOP lawmakers for trying to pass their extreme budget in the dead of night. SomeRepublicans have also put the plans for the bill on blast, including GOP hardliner Rep. Tim Burchett (Tenn.), who called the scheduling a bad look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, McGovern said any person with half a brain cell could figure out that Republicans scheduled the meeting late so Americans wont find out the contents of the bill. He then referred to Trumps close your eyes and get there call to GOP holdouts on the bill last month. Thats exactly what youre all doing because you all know exactly what the bill does, how unpopular it is and what regular Americans think of it, said McGovern, adding that the bill would give billionaires a huge tax cut by ripping away Medicaid and food assistance from Americans. Your big, beautiful scam is a historic giveaway to those at the very, very top. McGovern: If Trumps big beautiful bill is great, why not debate it when people are still awake? Why are you debating it at 1am? pic.twitter.com/BGGkti2WJV Acyn (@Acyn) May 19, 2025 Related... INDIANAPOLIS As the GOP spending bill makes its way to the House Rules Committee, food insecurity experts have expressed concerns that a proposed $290 billion cut to SNAP over the next decade is still up for debate, potentially affecting the more than 600,000 Hoosiers who rely on the program. All 610,000 could be impacted by the proposed cuts, Mark Lynch with the Indy Hunger Network said. According to Lynch, the federal government provides more than 80% of food assistance dollars: the largest percentage within the nations food insecurity safety net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every community center like were in today, every church, synagogue, and mosque; everyone who has tried to help: thats less than 20% of the total money and goods that are in the food insecurity system, Lynch said. Its a nearly 30% cut to the program over the next decade, Rachel West with The Century Foundation said. If that cut comes to fruition, West said the average Hoosier on SNAP could lose between $110-$120 in monthly benefits, assuming theyre not kicked off the program altogether. Its nearly a full week of benefits, West said. Indiana families are in a worse position than many American families if these benefits go cuts go into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to West, the GOP spending bill would pass SNAP costs onto states something never before seen in the programs 50-year history. If the House cuts that theyre proposing come to fruition, it would be a $356 million additional cost to the state of Indiana, Lynch said. This comes as the state decided not to opt into the popular Sun Bucks program a summer EBT program that would have cost the state $2.8 million to administer this year. The state didnt feel comfortable with $2.8 million? I dont know how they would feel anywhere close to comfortable with $356 million, Lynch said. A state that just passed a budget that exceeded $46 billion is not a poor state, State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Qaddoura submitted a request to legislative leaders for a review of Indianas food insecurity safety net, and what options the state has should these cuts take place. Especially as we are hearing discussions within the community of economists across the United States that we are on the verge of a recession, and if that is the case, then we need to act quickly to be sure that no one is left behind, Sen. Qaddoura 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 WTTV CBS4Indy. AUSTIN (Nexstar) On Monday morning, the Texas House overwhelmingly voted to support one of Gov. Greg Abbotts top priorities of this session bail reform. However, their votes indicated a desire to strip one proposed element of the reform to automatically deny bail for people illegally in the country charged with certain felonies. First, the House voted 122-20 to advance an amended version of Senate Bill 9, an encompassing bill reducing personal bond options, requiring judges to review appointed magistrates bond amounts and allowing prosecutors to protest bond decisions. Then, the House voted 133-8 to advance an amended version of Senate Joint Resolution 5, a proposed constitutional amendment which would require judges to deny bail for certain felony charges if judges feel the accused is either a flight risk or a threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the House voted 88-50 to advance an amended version of Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would deny bail for those accused for illegal aliens charged with certain felonies. SB 9 and SJR 1 advanced to a third reading set for Tuesday, while SJR 5 passed as it recieved the required 100 votes needed to advance a constitutional amendment. SJR 1 will require that same 100 vote threshold to pass on a third reading. It isnt perfect, but its a good balance Democrats support SJR 5 Two weeks ago, Abbott held a news conference urging Democratic support of his bail reform package. However, he didnt seem optimistic. There is progress, but not sufficient progress being made with discussions, Abbott said on May 7. I will tell you this the amendment version that has the elements I laid out today, as well as a few more elements, I dont know how many Democrats have actually seen that yet, so they have not yet been put to the test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those changes appeared to be enough. The primary change was requiring judges to find a defendant is likely to willfully skip their court date or is a threat to their community. Judges would have to make their determination on the preponderance of evidence more likely than notstandard after Rep. Mitch Littles, R-Lewisville, amendment to change it from a clear and convincing evidence standard. SJR 5 has come a long way. It isnt perfect, but its a good balance thats going to get us to the right results in most cases. State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said. As the bill came to us, it was a may deny bail with no burden of proof on the state and no right to counsel. It also swept up poor people who might miss court due to things like lack of transportation, instead of focusing on flight risk. It had some procedural problems. That all got worse in certain proposals that we saw that applied to a wide range of offenses that would have flipped the burden onto the defendant to prove that they should be released. Quite frankly, some of those proposals were Gulag bills. Moody, who is listed as the only Democratic House sponsor on the bill, says their version is a good fix to the problems on the extreme high end of the bail system. It guarantees counsel in these bail hearings. It focuses on only willful non-appearance. It applies only to serious charges and requires consideration of the specific facts behind them. Its true that this is a shall deny bail when those things are proven, but the reality is thats already happening, Moody said. If the state proves a person is a danger or a flight risk at a hearing where the defendant is represented, thats a person who should be locked up pending trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the Bail Project, an advocacy group dedicated to to ending the cash bail system, had a positive outlook on the changes. The Senates version of SJR 5 threatened to unravel core legal protections and open the floodgates for unchecked pretrial incarceration, the Bail Projects Deputy Director of Policy said in a statement. But today, the House took a meaningful step in the right direction by passing a version of the amendment that restores critical safeguards. High legal standards to deny release and the right to counsel when pretrial liberty is at stake are essential to protecting due process and preventing widespread abuse of pretrial detention. While our concerns about threats to pretrial liberty remain, the House version reflects a more responsible approach. Lawmakers must stand firm in conference and reject any attempts to strip these hard-fought protections. You wanna get tough on crime, lets deny all of them bail SJR 1 If the Texas House is going to pass SJR 1, theyre going to need to convince ten more Democrats to vote for the bill on the third and final reading. According to Texas Legislature Onlines unofficial tally, 86 of the 88 House Republicans voted in favor with Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, not voting and State Rep. Richard Hayes, R-Lake Dallas, being absent. On the other side of the aisle, Moody and State Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, were the only two Democrats to vote in favor of the proposed amendment. SJR 1 defines an illegal alien as someone who entered the country without inspection or someone admitted legally who failed to maintain their legal non-immigrant status. The amendment would require judges to hold illegal aliens without bail if a judge or magistrate finds probable cause on a long list of felonies most of them violent or sexual in nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had we passed this constitutional amendment years ago, thered be little boys and girls still alive today who were tragically killed, State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, said. Smithee is the primary House sponsor on SJR 1. Consider the rights of the innocent people who deserve to be protected from the senseless acts of violence. SJR 1 is unofficially known as Jocelyns Law, named after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray who was killed in Houston last June. The two men charged with Nungarays murder were Venezuelan nationals in the country illegally. Jocelyns mother Alexis was invited to Abbotts State of the State address, where he declared bail reform an emergency item. Illegal immigrants who are arrested should be considered a flight risk, denied bail and turned over to [Immigration and Customs Enforcement,] Abbott said during the address. On Tuesday, the Democratic House Caucus got their chance to respond, both through their votes and through a fiery speech by State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a tough one. Its tough. But theres a level of logic here thats missing. One of the most fundamental things a judge considers when hes going to determine whether you have the right to bail is whether youre a flight risk, but thats just one. The second one is danger to your community, Canales said. So as I listen to this, okay were going to say youre fundamentally a flight risk because youre here illegally, I would tell you, Im more worried about how big a danger you are to the community. And those crimes committed by an American citizen dont make that person any less dangerous. So think about it. Im voting no because the hypocrisy of it doesnt withstand the smell test You wanna get tough on crime, lets deny all of them bail. Vote no on this piece of crap. SJR 1 needs 100 votes on third reading to pass. If either SJR 1 or SJR 5 gets through the legislature, Texas voters will have the final say on Nov. 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. HENDERSON Hendersons first gated community is slated to be built over on Radio Lane in the coming months. The planned community will contain 16 two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouses, each one story and 1,273 square feet, arranged into quadplexes. The homes will have attached garages, hardwood floors and sun decks as well. Tim Hester, the developer, said he had been toying with the idea of a gated community for some time. Prim Development had built gated communities elsewhere that saw success, he said. He himself stayed in one down in Louisiana, once upon a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its close to town, close to everything, said Hester as to why Prim located the community on Radio Lane. Its close to our office, too. Its a good spot. He hopes, with the need for housing, that the new community sees success. Assuming the skies stay placid, construction should begin in the coming days, said Hester. The estimated time of completion looks to be eight months after the beginning of construction. The plan is to build one quadplex, rent out or sell the four units, then build the next. The development represents a $5 million investment in the county. May 20 (UPI) -- Four NASA astronauts who recently returned to Earth from a mission aboard the International Space Station will take part this week in a welcome-home ceremony at NASA's space center in Texas. On Thursday, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore and Don Pettit will be in Houston to participate in ceremonies to welcome them back to Earth and will share highlights from their recent space mission, according to NASA officials. Williams and Wilmore arrived after being stranded on the orbital laboratory for nine months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hague, Wilmore, Williams and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned to Earth on March 18 when their craft splashed safely off the western coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico after they spent months on the ISS, where people have continuously worked and lived for about 25 years now. Petit, who launched on September 11 aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft with two Russian cosmonauts, spent seven months in space on a research mission as a flight engineer and returned on April 19 -- his 70th birthday -- in Kazakhstan to Russia's southwest after he spent 590 days in orbit. Williams and Wilmore traveled more than 121 million miles during their mission and spent 286 days in space with 4,576 completed orbits around Earth and logged hundreds of extra hours in space. Hague and Gorbunov, who traveled over 72 million miles during their mission, spent 171 days in orbit. The free, public event at Space Center Houston will begin at 6 p.m. local time, during which the space travelers will recognize "key mission contributors" during an award ceremony following the presentation. A Chinese student has designed a drone capable of reaching speeds exceeding 340 kilometers per hour, earning a Guinness World Record for the fastest remote-controlled microdrone quadcopter. Xu Yang, a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, was officially recognized by Guinness World Records on March 23 for his achievement. His custom-built drone, named Prowess, weighs approximately 247 grams, lighter than a typical smartphone, and features an ultra-light carbon fiber frame, a 0.4 mm-thick shell, and high-speed propellers. Xu has been passionate about aeromodeling for over a decade, with three years of hands-on experience designing both quadcopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The development of Prowess took around three months and involved the use of 3D printing technology, according to Guinness. Previously, Xu had built a model that reached 244 kph, though it was not officially recognized. The prior record for the microdrone category stood at 219 kph, set in 2022. "Based on the test data, I thought the official challenge speed would be around 320 kph, but I did not expect it to reach 340 kph in the end, and even reached 358 kph with a tailwind," Xu told Guinness World Records. His interest in aviation modeling began in elementary school, inspired by seeing hobbyists flying model planes at a local park. "I started playing with model airplanes in the fourth or fifth grade of elementary school. I met people playing with model airplanes in the park, and I became interested in it. From then on, I couldn't stop," Xu told Chinese news site QQ. Now 22 years old, Xu focuses on micro quadcopters, a niche category in the model aircraft community known for its extreme demands on lightweight design and power efficiency. His inspiration for the record-breaking drone came from Quadmovr, a content creator known for designing high-performance RC aircraft. Xu first surpassed the 219 kph milestone with a 244 kph prototype in October, then continued refining his design after consulting with drone builders overseas, according to the South China Morning Post. To qualify for the microdrone record, the drone must weigh no more than 250 grams. Xu optimized Prowess for weight, power output, and aerodynamics. The carbon fiber frame weighs just 22 grams, and the 3D-printed shell, only 0.4 mm thick, is engineered to remain stable at high speeds. The drone's propellers were also created using photopolymer 3D printing and underwent five design iterations to improve angle, diameter, and shape. To further reduce drag, the drones body is smoothed, and small gaps are filled with ultra-light clay. Prior to flights, Xu heats the battery to 40 degrees Celsius to improve discharge capacity and achieve maximum power. Swiss engineer Samuele Gobbi, who holds a Guinness World Record in a similar category for a larger drone, praised Xu's achievement. "Building a high-speed quadcopter is already very complex, and he has added a weight limit of less than 250 grams to it, which makes me admire his achievement," Gobbi told Guinness World Records. Xu expressed his willingness to support others in the field. He remains committed to further refining Prowess and sharing his knowledge. "Most of China's top RC creators are on Bilibili.com, and I've learned so much through exchanging ideas with them. Among speed challengers, it's not about competitionit's about collaboration and mutual support," he told Global Times. "Experience is everything in our field. If anyone attempts to break this record in the future, I'll gladly share everything I know to help." Xu also shares his drone-building projects with a growing audience on his Bilibili channel, where he has become a respected figure among remote-control aviation enthusiasts. Alex Mayer, speaking to the West Virginia Senate Judiciary on March 10, 2025, was appointed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey to serve as secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) On a Thursday evening in Parkersburg, a group of local residents gathered to discuss West Virginia foster care a system that is struggling from top to bottom with thousands of kids in care. A moderator asked foster and biological parents, child welfare workers, judges and others to describe their experience with the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their responses: Challenging. Overwhelming. Traumatizing. Broken. Nobody would listen. Nobody would talk to me, said Lisa Easter, who had more than 50 foster children in her home in 25 years. Julie Jones stopped fostering after Child Protective Services went months without checking on a newborn baby in her care. She was mailed a blank birth certificate and worried if the state was aware of the childs whereabouts. I couldnt do it any longer, she said. In the corner of the room, new Department of Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer listened as people described a frustrating system riddled with inconsistencies, staffing shortages, an overwhelmed judicial system, limited support and children who have been victims of it all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayer, who came from South Dakota, believes it can be fixed. Its going to take time, he says, but work is underway. He is focused on accountability, transparency and putting in processes that arent in place for consistency. He wants more in-state programs that can help kids with behavioral health struggles. Its going to be incremental over time, Mayer said. I think its going to be a long road until we have everything addressed confidently Youll be seeing here shortly some really positive steps. A federal judge recently said West Virginias foster care system has suffered from shocking neglect and bureaucratic indifference. Theres a shortage of social workers, support services and safe homes for children in a state that is fastest to remove children from homes and terminate parental rights. Too many children have ended up living in hotel rooms, and the state spent $70 million last year sending foster kids to out-of-state group homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing that was shocking to me was the number of kids in care, Mayer said. There are more than 6,100 children in West Virginia foster care, and the number has skyrocketed during the states drug crisis. The states high poverty rate has contributed to the number, too. Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed 37year-old Mayer to oversee DoHS. Mayer will have to grapple with pervasive foster care problems as the Trump administration proposes cuts to programs that serve families in poverty and help vulnerable kids. The state could see a decline in federal funding, impacting programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that are intertwined with child welfare. DoHS also oversees Medicaid, SNAP and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child welfare is a very intricate, complex system, and theres a lot of different players, which obviously increases the level of complexity, Mayer said. Ive been really intentional and just trying to get out to learn the system. Residents of Wood County attend a child welfare community listening session at the Wood County Resilience Center in Parkersburg, W.Va., on May 15, 2025. The meeting was facilitated by the West Virginia Department of Human Services. (Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch) I just have a passion for helping Mayer, who was adopted, spent time in the military before working at a residential facility that served people with severe mental illnesses He later worked in South Dakotas state government, dealing with SNAP and child welfare. Different steps in my life have led me down this path, he said. Over time, I think Ive just developed this passion for solving problems, which I think has inherently then created this desire to support families and kids I just have a passion for helping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has spent the last few months traveling the state meeting with his staff, touring residential facilities and trying to understand how the system works. The federal government is continuing its oversight of West Virginias foster care system after it was flagged for sending too many children with disabilities to group homes. The state still sends children with disabilities to group homes and treatment centers at a rate three times the national average. Two-hundred and seventy children are in out-of-state facilities around the county some miles away from their biological families because the state doesnt have enough in-state beds that can serve childrens complex needs. The states CPS workers are required to visit kids once a month. Mayer said hes examining where the state could increase specialized care, like being able to serve children with aggressive or sexualized behaviors who arent able to be served in a traditional foster home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have placements for these kids. Well, thats not an option anymore, he said. And, if those placements arent here then we have to find a way to make that happen, because we want to keep kids as close as possible to their support network for a variety of reasons. Theres a shortage of foster families, and Mayer hopes to bolster recruitment and support services. He noted that a glaring shortage of after school and summer programs for teens, which could be useful in helping working parents take in teenagers in foster care. Teens ages 13 to 17 are the most common age group in state foster care. Theres also a need for creating agency processes that will breed consistently in decision making across the state, Mayer said. Child welfare cases involve a number of stakeholders judges, attorneys, CPS workers and others who all have an opinion and sometimes decision making about a childs future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think our practice model is one of those pieces that needs some real work, he said. Earlier this year, Mayer pushed back on a Republican-sponsored bill, which ultimately failed, that would have mandated an outside audit of the foster care system. Mayer vowed changes to lawmakers without a study. Potential federal funding changes under Trump West Virginias foster care system relies on federal and state funding, and theres some unpredictability in spending due to kids fluctuating in and out of care and the rising price of out-of-state facilities. Lawmakers, who have struggled in recent years to get a handle on the agencys spending, allocated more than $300 million to foster care in their recently-passed budget. Their 2026 budget bill mandated that DoHS spend some money on designated line items to prevent the agency from shifting money around to pay bills. But Morrisey vetoed that idea, saying it was too restrictive for DoHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican governor, who wants to reign in state spending, also vetoed line item funding for programs that support babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and foster children. Mayer said that right now, he doesnt think the department needs additional funding to tackle the crisis. It will likely rely on partnerships with the faith-based community, businesses and others that provide services to help children and families, he said. I think we just need to get more attention on what is it going to take? he said. I dont know what that funding would be, or if it needs to be anything. The states federal funding could change since Republicans in Washington have proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid a program that provides health insurance to West Virginia foster children and half of all children in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been watching that really intently, Mayer said regarding the potential federal changes. This month, he has traveled around the state for additional foster care listening sessions in towns including Beckley, Burlington and Wheeling to hear from families, CPS workers and others. Its important, he said. The outside firm leading the sessions will compile a report detailing problems and potential solutions. Im kind of excited to see, you know, what were able to accomplish here, he said. DoHS responds to latest update in foster care lawsuit A Better Childhood, a group representing children suing the state over its troubled foster care system, wants the lawsuit revived after a judge tossed the case in February. In an email, a DoHS spokesperson said, We recognize that the only way to facilitate and bring about real change is to bring all of the key players together to openly and honestly discuss problems and develop real solutions. The first steps we are taking, through listening tours and meaningful conversations, are designed to build bridges among the necessary parties who must work together to find sustainable, long-term solutions for the children in our care. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Hungarian intelligence services have uncovered two alleged Ukrainian "spies," Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote on the social media platform X on May 20. The new allegations escalate a diplomatic row sparked by mutual espionage accusations between Kyiv and Budapest. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed on May 9 that it had exposed a Hungarian espionage network in western Ukraine, detaining two agents. In response, Hungary expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, a move met with reciprocal expulsions by Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kovacs said that Hungary's Fidesz party identified the individuals as Roland Tseber and Istvan Hollo. Citing the parliamentary group leader Mate Kocsis, he claimed Tseber was "an illegal officer of Ukrainian intelligence" who built ties with opposition figures to influence Hungary's position on Russia's war. Kocsis also claimed Hollo was a Ukrainian national under investigation for seeking classified Hungarian information on energy and military policy. "This activity fits a classic influence operation aiming to discredit Hungary internationally and pressure the government to shift its Ukraine policy," Kocsis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine hasn't commented on the latest allegations. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us On May 13, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of meddling in Hungary's internal affairs and colluding with an opposition party. "The Hungarian opposition party took an active part in the special operation of the Ukrainian secret service. Such a thing has never happened in our memory," Orban said, likely referring to the Tisza party led by opposition figure Peter Magyar. Magyar, who visited Kyiv in July 2024 and raised humanitarian aid for Ukraine, has positioned his party in opposition to Orban's policies and vowed to reset Hungary's relations with the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban, widely regarded as the EU's most pro-Russian leader, has repeatedly opposed military aid for Ukraine and warned that Ukraine's EU membership would "destroy" Hungary. The espionage dispute comes amid Hungary's increasing political isolation within the EU due to its position on Russia's ongoing full-scale war, now in its third year. Read also: No one saw surrender as an option Mariupol defender on historic Azovstal fight and brutal Russian captivity Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Hungarian parliament on May 20 supported a bill on launching Hungary's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The government-proposed bill, supported by 134 lawmakers, would see Hungary exit the international body that it co-founded in 2002. The Hague-based court is tasked with prosecuting international crimes of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. The vote formalizes Hungary's intention, which was first announced in early April during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest. The Hungarian government has sharply criticized the ICC's decision to issue an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will soon be notified of the decision. The withdrawal will be formalized one year after the secretary-general receives the written notification. While the bill on the withdrawal was approved only on May 20, Szijjarto said already back in late April that the Hungarian legislature had backed the move to exit the ICC. "With this decision, we refuse to be part of a politicized institution that has lost its impartiality and credibility," Szijjarto wrote at the time. In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forcible deportation of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the warrant, Mongolia hosted Putin for an official visit in September 2024, citing energy dependence as its reason for not executing the arrest and saying it had limited options. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) The Environmental Protection Agency is requiring HVAC companies to use new refrigerants in their systems to make them more environmentally friendly. Refrigerant is the working fluid in air conditioners, refrigeration systems and heat pump systems that make it possible for the systems to heat and cool. With the Government making it mandatory that new systems have R-454B refrigerants, its making it challenging for HVAC companies locally and nationally to get the materials they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPA in the United States here, regulates the air conditioning, and there are changes that come about every so many years. 2025 just happens to be one of these years of change. Thats rather big. All the refrigerants, air conditioning and heat pump units are something different from what weve seen in the past several years, Steve Songer of Gary & Sons, Falls Creek, said. With that change comes high demand for the new refrigerant, causing companies in the country to run low on their inventory, and getting it stocked is proving to be difficult with a limited number of manufacturers and cylinders to transport it. If you need new systems in your home, companies suggest you buy them now before they run out. We are quickly going to be changing to a lot warmer temperatures. We know its coming. So were just telling everybody, if youre going to buy a new air conditioning system, nows the time to do it rather than later, Songer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are approaching the demand season. As nighttime temperatures start to creep up in the 70s degrees 80 degrees, that during the day will be very uncomfortable for homes with our air conditioning not working, Triangle Heating and Cooling General Manager, Zack Peek, said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The companies say older systems are still able to be installed, but with the old refrigerant being phased out, it will make repairs more expensive in the long run. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After suffering from four years of open borders, rampant crime, and lawlessness under the last administration, the American people returned President Trump to the Oval Office with a mandate to Make America Safe Again. In just his first months back in office, that is exactly what he has done. Opinion: Metro government's ICE outrage is lawlessness disguised as kindness In operations across the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 66,000 illegal aliens and deported more than 65,000. Among those arrested, the vast majority have a criminal record, including violent MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members and thousands who were charged or convicted of assault, weapons offenses, sex crimes, and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This effort represents a complete reversal of the open-border policies of the Biden administration, which welcomed criminals into our country and turned every state into a border state, including Tennessee. ICE arrests in Nashville will prevent future tragedy Just last year, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico killed 42-year-old Nashville restaurant owner Matthew Carney in a hit-and-run after attempting to steal tools out of his truck. Two months before, an illegal alien was charged with attempted kidnapping, sexual battery, public intoxication, and evading arrest after he followed a woman into the bathroom of a Nashville ice cream shop and groped her. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain a man stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) at a gas station in South Nashville as he could not produce any alternative identification proof other than his expired driving license, during an operation conducted by ICE along with THP to detain noncitizens across the city of Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., May 10, 2025. REUTERS/Seth Herald Now, President Trump is taking strong action to get criminals like these off our streets and ensure such tragedies can never happen again. In recent days, the Department of Homeland Security has worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol to arrest nearly 200 criminal illegal aliens in Nashville, including convicted rapists and drug dealers. One of the aliens, Franklin Oswaldo Velasquez, is a Salvadoran national affiliated with MS-13. He is also wanted in his home country for aggravated murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, similar arrests have preceded a significant drop in crime. Last February, ICE targeted more than 100 Tren de Aragua gang members who had taken over an Aurora, Colo., apartment complex. That same quarter, overall crime in the city declined by 22 percent. Opinion: Trump's mass deportations require employers to be vigilant about workforce Despite this success, Democrats are demonizing our law enforcement and demanding an end to the arrests. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who came down to Nashville this month to lecture Tennesseans on immigration enforcement, said the ICE arrests are an immigration assault that are not about keeping us safe. Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell, meanwhile, said ICEs detainment of violent gang members and rapists is making [it] harder to keep people safe. The mayor is wrong in his assessment: Tennesseans in overwhelming numbers support the deportation of these criminal illegal aliens. As one police officer told me last week, these deportations make our communities safer, and they make the officers jobs on the street safer. Democrats need to prioritize public safety, not politics In many ways, Democrats are making clear that they would rather side with criminal illegal aliens than American citizens. In contrast, Republicans are standing for safety and the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to immigration, there is a right way and a wrong way to enter our country. If an illegal alien continues to reside in our country in violation of our laws, the Trump administration will deport them and ensure they never come back. But if they accept President Trumps offer to self-deport, they still have the ability to go through the proper legal channels to enter our country at a later point. The 116 people who became U.S. citizens last week during a naturalization ceremony at the federal courthouse in Nashville did it the right way. As one new citizen told local media, if you want to be an American, You have to respect the country you are going to live in. You have to respect the law. In the Senate, Republicans are working hard to support the Presidents efforts to maintain the rule of law when it comes to immigration. My CLEAR Act, for example, would ensure that state and local law enforcement officials have the explicit authority to assist the federal government in our immigration enforcement efforts. I will also be introducing legislation that would establish a Deportation Shot Clock in the coming weeks, which would require the federal government to deport an illegal alien within 15 days of a court order for removal. This would empower the Trump administration to expedite deportations and ensure we are getting criminals off our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing should be clear: the Trump administration and Republicans are doing everything possible to remove criminals from our communities, uphold the rule of law, and Make America Safe Again. And we will use every resource available to ensure that happens. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn represents Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. She was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2024. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: In Nashville, ICE is taking criminals off the street | Opinion Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem just gave an absolutely incorrect definition of habeas corpus, displaying a deeply alarming lack of knowledge for someone overseeing the Trump administrations illegal immigration crackdowns. Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus? Senator Maggie Hassan asked at a hearing on Tuesday. Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me stop you, maam. Excuse me, thats incorrect, Hassan replied. President Lincoln used it Habeas corpus is the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people, Hassan said, explaining an undergraduate-level principle to the acting DHS director. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason, she continued. Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea. As a senator from the live free or die state, this matters a lot to me and my constituents, and to all Americans. So Secretary Noem, do you support the core protection that habeas corpus provides, that the government must provide public reason in order to detain and imprison someone? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support habeas corpus, I also recognize that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not It has never been done without approval of Congress, even Abraham Lincoln got retroactive approval from Congress. HASSAN: What is habeas corpus? NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country HASSAN: That's incorrect pic.twitter.com/ozRVVfdSoP Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025 Senator Andy Kim gave Noem another chance to display her ignorance. I wanted to just go back to something that was raised earlier about habeas corpus, Kim said. Can you confirm to us that you understand that any suspension of habeas corpus requires an act of Congress? President Lincoln executed habeas corpus in the past with, um, retroactive action by Congress. I believe that any president that was able to do that in the past, it should be afforded to our current day president. This president has never said hes going to do this, hes never communicated to me or his administration that theyre going to consider suspending habeas corpus, Noem replied. But I do think the Constitution allows them the right to consider it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How many times has habeas corpus been suspended in our country? Kim asked. Once that I know of. Four times. Im not certain if that those were The instance that youre referring to is one where the courts subsequently showed that Congress is the one that has the ability. Do you know what section of the Constitution the suspension clause of habeas corpus is in? I do not. Nope. Do you know which article it is in? No I do not, sir. Well it is in Article 1. Do you know which branch of government Article 1 outlines the tasks and the responsibilities for? Yes. Which one? Congress, Noem replied, proving the point Kim and Hassan had been trying to get across. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an administration that has no knowledge of the Constitution because it could care less about following it. Stephen Miller himself said earlier this month that theyre trying to suspend habeas corpus because were being invaded. That couldnt be further from the truth. Nathan Hill cares for his son, Brady, 15. For years, Hill said he's dealt with nurse staffing shortages and he gave up on Idaho's professional caregiver program. (Courtesy of Nathan Hill) A program that lets Idaho parents and spouses serve as paid caregivers is set to end in two months. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, last week approved the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares request to end Idahos program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, called the Family and Personal Care Services program, allows spouses and parents to be paid caregivers for their family members with disabilities. Nearly 1,200 Idaho children were enrolled in the program in October, a number that has spiked in recent years. The program was federally approved during the pandemic as a way to reduce COVIDs spread and address a shortage in the typical disability caregiver workforce. In November, Idaho health officials announced plans to seek to end the program, saying fraud and abuse contributed to higher program costs and enrollment levels, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. Last month, CMS temporarily extended Idahos program, which was set to expire in March. Disability advocates and families who participate in the family caregiver program worry kids with disabilities couldnt get the care services they need without the program, the Sun previously reported. Idaho has a shortage of direct care workers, the typical caregivers that work in relatively low-paid, demanding jobs, according to a watchdog report by the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CMS gave Idaho two months to end the program In a letter on May 15, CMS approved Idahos request to end the family caregiver program within 60 days. After that, Idaho will no longer have the power to pay spouses and parents as disability caregivers. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But broader caregiver services that are usually provided by direct caregivers will remain in Idaho. And families in need of caregiver services have options, Idaho health officials say. Idaho will keep the family caregiver program in place for the next two months, Idaho Medicaid Deputy Director Juliet Charron at the Department of Health and Welfare told the Sun in an interview Monday. We think thats the right thing to do to ensure that families have enough time to become aware and to work with their provider agencies, Charron said. The next 60 days, she said, will be focused on communication, connecting families to provider agencies, helping them navigate that, and working through the transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho officials encourage families to reach out to direct care agencies theyve worked with in the past to see if they have availability, she said. CMS determined Idahos amendment maintains beneficiary access to needed personal care services through other Medicaid authorities and aligns with the states goals of simplifying service delivery and strengthening its oversight of the state Medicaid program, a CMS spokesperson told the Sun. Idaho families have other options, health officials say, like using other family members as caregivers Family members who arent spouses and parents of their loved ones in need of caregiver services can become trained to work as caregivers, Charron said. And spouses and parents who served as caregivers under the program ending can still work as caregivers for other families in need, she said. If they have another family member, a trusted neighbor, a trusted friend who may want to do this kind of support for the family, that they connect with their provider agency to get that individual signed up and through the trainings, Charron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just cant be a legally responsible individual like a parent or spouse, she explained, but paid caregivers can be close friends or other family members, like a grandparent, or aunt or uncle. Idaho health officials are also seeing a rise in the number of direct care workers who provide disability caregiver services, following reimbursement increases from the Legislature, Charron said. But those options wont work for families, said Nathan Hill, a disability advocate who is a paid caregiver for his son with disabilities. Direct care agencies dont have enough staff to fill in, he told the Sun in an interview Monday. And having parents or spouses care for other kids with disabilities can create fraud, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody knows my child like me, Hill said. And outside caregivers are hard to come by, and often dont stay long, he said. Instead of looking to end the family caregiver program, he said Health and Welfare shouldve asked the Idaho Legislature for more funds to run it. And he said hes still skeptical of Health and Welfares claims of fraud and abuse within the family caregiver program, saying the agency hasnt produced evidence of substantial amounts of fraud. Charron, with Health and Welfare, said investigations are ongoing. I cant comment on specifics of ongoing investigations and anything referred to the Attorney Generals Office. But what I can tell you is that investigations are continuing. And we do have identified instances of fraud, waste and abuse that we are addressing through appropriate channels, she said. Public comments on Idahos attempt to end family caregiver program reflected broader worries Everyone who submitted public comments on Idahos request to end the family caregiver program opposed ending the program, CMS wrote in its letter approving Idahos request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most public commenters said allowing parents and spouses to become paid caregivers improved the quality of care for beneficiaries, CMS wrote. Nearly a third of public commenters wanted Idaho to continue the family caregiver program because the income provides financial stability for families, CMS wrote. Parents of individuals requiring (caregiver services) described challenges maintaining other types of employment due to inconsistent coverage from traditional (caregivers). A quarter of public commenters worried about poor outcomes and possibly losing progress if they were forced to switch from family caregivers to traditional caregivers, CMS wrote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHICAGO Ramp closures on the outbound Kennedy Expressway, from the Edens Expressway to the Ohio Street junction, have been pushed back again. The closures will also be extended by a week, and there will be more ramp closures than previously announced, according to the latest update from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Arlington Heights prepares for potential NFL game staffing needs IDOT says the closures, part of the ongoing Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project, will now begin on Tuesday, May 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures were previously scheduled to start this week, on Monday, May 19, before IDOT announced they had been pushed back a couple days, to Wednesday, May 21. Now, theyve been pushed back to next week, weather permitting. In addition to pushing the closures back, IDOT says additional ramp closures have been added, plus now theyll be closed for two weeks instead of one, as previously announced. According to IDOT, the following ramps are now scheduled to close on the following dates: TUESDAY, MAY 27: Ogden Avenue to outbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. Outbound Kennedy to Division Street, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. THURSDAY, MAY 29: Outbound Kennedy to Ohio Street, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. Armitage Avenue to outbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. THURSDAY, JUNE 5: Ohio Street to outbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. Division Street to outbound Kennedy, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. MONDAY, JUNE 9: Outbound Kennedy to North Avenue, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. Outbound Kennedy to Fullerton Avenue, anticipated to reopen in approximately two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDOT urges motorists to follow the posted detours. As a reminder, the reversible express lanes on the Kennedy will remain open in the outbound direction, with two mainline outbound lanes closed at a time. During the first stage, the reversible-lane drivers going to I-90 or OHare International Airport from downtown Chicago must stay on the mainline Kennedy and not the express lanes. This configuration is expected to remain in place until mid-July, according to IDOT. For more information, visit idot.illinois.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 WGN-TV. CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is reportedly getting close to making a decision on whether or not to seek a third term or possibly seek a higher office. Pritzker has emerged as one of the Democratic Partys fiercest critics of President Donald Trump, making the rounds on national media and embarking on trips to Mexico and the United Kingdom to broker trade agreements. How I play a role in that is something I have not decided, but I certainly will be in the fight, he told WLS on Monday. My number one priority is making sure that weve steadied the shift for the state of Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governor indicated he would make a decision on whether or not he would seek a third term in July, when the Cook County Democratic Party meets to select candidates. Well, some of it is personal, right? I have a family. Theyve been hyper-tolerant, and, you know, on board with my being governor for now, you know, one and a half terms, he said. The billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune also launched a pro-abortion organization, Think Big America, that provides funding for ballot measures in other states seeking to codify abortion access. Pritzker drew national attention in February when he used a joint budget and State of the State address to make the case for a parallel between Trumps rhetoric and the rise of Nazi Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption, but I am now, he said in his keynote address at the New Hampshire Democratic Partys McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner in April. Pritzker has agreed to testify before Congress on his states sanctuary laws shielding illegal immigrants from federal authorities on June 12. Pritzker will join fellow Democrats, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Mayor Kathy Hochul, before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. South African man assaulted with beer bottles in Ho Chi Minh City nightlife district A teenager was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday for attacking a South African man with beer bottles during a brawl on the bustling Bui Vien Walking Street. Tran Gia Huy, 19, is under investigation for public disorder following the violent incident. According to police, the confrontation began two days earlier when the 38-year-old foreigner visited a beverage shop on Bui Vien, a popular nightlife hotspot in District 1. South African man assaulted with beer bottles in Ho Chi Minh City nightlife district Nhan vien quan nuoc anh nguoi an ong ngoai quoc o pho Tay A group of store employees assaulted a foreigner in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Video courtesy of the police An argument erupted between the foreign visitor and store employees, including Huy. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in Huy and two others physically assaulting the victim. Huy allegedly struck the South African man in the head using beer bottles. Bystanders recorded the scene, and videos quickly went viral on social media. Tran Gia Huy at a police station in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the police Pham Ngu Lao Ward police swiftly responded, taking all involved individuals into custody for questioning. The investigation is ongoing. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Bui Vien Walking Street frequently attracts both locals and tourists. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill to stop carbon sequestration projects from being constructed near or underneath the Mahomet Aquifer, which provides clean drinking water for almost one million people in Illinois. As many know of the Mahomet Aquifer in Central Illinois is a sole source, clean drinking water for nearly a million people in our state, Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) said on the floor. This bill puts in additional protections for the Mahomet Aquifer. Many of which have been negotiated in the Senate with Senator Faraci, which I want to thank him for his work and certainly thank all of the members here for their support for this important initiative to protect our drinking water. PREVIOUSLY: Bill to ban carbon sequestration projects around the Mahomet Aquifer passes out of Senate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill follows up on first-of-their-kind regulations on carbon sequestration projects in the state. The technology is often pointed to as necessary for meeting the states emission targets, but federal regulations are severely lacking. The states regulations signed into law last May would put extensive safety requirements on the construction of these projects. However, those regulations did not include any specific protections for the aquifer. This bill had bipartisan support. Democrat lawmakers Carol Ammons and Paul Faraci sponsored the legislation, but Republicans Senator Chapin Rose and Representative Brandun Schweizer were also cosponsors. Its been a long time coming, Schweizer said. Theres a lot of constituents within the Greater Mahomet Aquifer area that have concerns with the sequestering through and underneath the Mahomet Aquifer. I know its relatively local to Central Illinois, but it also affects greater Illinois if something were to happen to that aquifer. The bill passed with 91 voting in favor and 19 voting against. It now heads to the Governors desk. 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. A move to bring back a bill to bar immigrant children from attending Tennessee public schools could cause friction between House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, left, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth, who sponsored the 2025 measure. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee House Republican leadership could hit an impasse again in 2026 over a measure designed to restrict immigrant student enrollment in public schools. With the bill on the skids in mid-April at the end of the legislatures session, House Republican Leader William Lamberth asked the U.S. Department of Education whether $1.1 billion in federal funds would be jeopardized by his bill, which would enable school districts to check students immigration status and charge tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamberth had not received a response as of May 19, and whether the House moves forward with the bill in January depends on the response we receive, House Republican Caucus spokesperson Jennifer Easton said Monday in response to questions from the Lookout. The Senate version of the bill passed in this years session despite public outcry. But if Lamberth continues to push the measure in 2026 as he said he would, hes likely to run into a conflict with Rep. Jeremy Faison, chairman of the Republican Caucus. That being said, I still strongly oppose the state passing a bill that puts children, who have zero decision making power, in the middle of a legal battle. House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison Faison, of Cosby, told WBIR-TVs Inside Tennessee he was a big fat no on the legislation and challenged the strategy of trying to put the measure before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Tennessee Journal reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faison backed off his initial statement in which he called the bill a political stunt, saying he shouldnt have questioned the motives of Lamberth, of Portland, and Sen. Bo Watson, of Hixson, who sponsored the bill. That being said, I still strongly oppose the state passing a bill that puts children, who have zero decision making power, in the middle of a legal battle, Faison told the Lookout. The House version of the legislation would give school districts the option to check students to determine whether they have permanent legal documentation, differing from the Senate version, which would force districts to check students immigration status and require tuition. Faison said Monday he supports President Donald Trumps efforts to secure the Southern border and wants to see Congress repair the nations immigration laws so states dont have to debate policies dealing with federal issues. Yet, he said he never liked the bill dealing with immigrant students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faison reportedly said on WBIR that Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti told him the U.S. Supreme Court would never take up the immigrant student case, which was designed to overturn a 1982 decision that found all children should be allowed to enroll in public schools no matter their immigration status. Federal Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origins in programs that receive federal funds, and violating the law could put the federal funds in danger, according to a state financial analysis. Those deal with the Every Student Succeeds Act which measures student success , the Individuals with Disabilities Act, the Carl Perkins Act named for the late Kentucky Congressman Carl Perkins, it funds career and technical education and school nutrition. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Deqa Dhalac (D-South Portland) presents legislation to the Judiciary Committee on May 19 that would restrict the scope of immigration-related work of individual law enforcement officers and state employees. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star) As some communities in Maine have clashed over local police contracting with federal immigration authorities, with varying outcomes, legislators are pushing for new state laws that would make those decisions universal. On Monday, dozens of people packed the Maine Legislatures Judiciary Committee room, spilling into two overflow rooms, to testify largely in support of two bills proposed by Democrats that would restrict local authorities from carrying out federal immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the most part, testimony for and against plans in Augusta mirrored the arguments that have been voiced in board meetings in a coastal community in Southern Maine. In April, the Wells Police Department became the first local agency in Maine to contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under whats called the 287(g) program, which has divided the community. After the 287(g) program was discontinued in 2012 due to the discovery of discriminatory practices such as racial profiling, President Donald Trump revived it to bolster ICEs capacity by deputizing local police officers to detain immigrants, an authority otherwise generally reserved to federal authorities. Participation is growing across the country. As of Monday, ICE had signed 588 agreements with agencies in 40 states. Six states have laws or policies that prohibit participation, according to ICE. Wells remains the only local agency in the program in Maine. Monmouth Winthrop Police Department, a combination of departments that serve central Maine communities, applied for the program but withdrew its application after community pushback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While immigration is a federal matter by law, work on the local level is key. An estimated 70% of ICE arrests nationwide over the past decade have been handoffs from state or local authorities. The effect of both bills, LD 1259 and LD 1971, would be to prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from carrying out the work of federal immigration authorities. LD 1259 would do so by explicitly prohibiting contracts with such authorities, while LD 1971 would place restrictions on enforcement activities absent such formal agreements, which is the case for the majority of police departments in Maine that currently have local discretion regarding when to involve federal officials. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fine point was placed on that subjectivity when Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland) questioned Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason, who testified against both bills on behalf of the Maine Sheriffs Associations Legislative Policy Committee, about general police protocols for when to involve federal agents, in light of a routine traffic stop in Waldo County leading to two immigration detentions. At what point in that dichotomy of events is the decision made to contact Border Patrol and why? Talbot Ross asked. Mason responded, I have to rely on my deputies and the supervisors that are working the road that day to make a judgment call on if they believe they need to call somebody. Proposals The text of LD 1259 is succinct. Sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor), the legislation would prohibit state or local law enforcement agencies or officers from entering into contracts with federal immigration enforcement authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LD 1971, sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac (D-South Portland), would restrict the scope of immigration-related work of individual law enforcement officers and state employees regardless of federal contracts. Specifically, LD 1971 would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from stopping, investigating, interrogating, arresting or detaining a person for immigration enforcement purposes. This would include in response to a hold request, immigration detainer or administrative warrant issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It would also prevent law enforcement from holding someone solely for immigration enforcement purposes for longer than 48 hours and establish clear protocols during custody, including requiring law enforcement to inform incarcerated people of their rights before an interview by an immigration authority. The bill specifies that it would not prohibit a law enforcement agency from arresting, detaining or performing other law enforcement duties due to reasons not solely based on the persons immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home rule is wonderful until it comes to our constitutional rights, which our federal authorities are violating right now. Rep. Ambureen Rana Other than law enforcement, LD 1971 would prohibit state employees from inquiring into immigration status unless the inquiry is required by law or necessary to provide the service sought by the resident. Proponents say that allowing local police to carry out federal immigration enforcement would erode public trust and safety. Lisa Parisio, policy director at the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Maines only state-wide immigration legal services organization, said ILAPs clients have already reported that theyve decided to not call the police when they wanted to out of fear for their own safety and that they are scared to continue serving as a witness in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of their clients have also reported that theyre not pursuing higher education out of fear of immigration enforcement, which Parisio described as a loss to Maines future economy. Many who testified focused on cost. Proponents said the bills would protect local tax dollars from being strained to carry out federal responsibilities. Under 287(g) agreements, ICE is responsible for the cost of training and information technology infrastructure, however the local law enforcement agency bears all other costs, including personnel expenses such as salary and overtime, benefits and lawsuits, according to the general memorandum of understanding. Rep. Elizabeth Caruso (R-Caratunk) said she appreciated this local control argument but asked Rana, in that spirit, why not leave the decision of whether to contract with federal immigration authorities up to local communities? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that we shouldnt be tying the hands of our local law enforcement by allowing the federal government to pressure them into these agreements, Rana responded. Home rule is wonderful until it comes to our constitutional rights, which our federal authorities are violating right now. Many proponents also highlighted this latter point, that they do not want local police to be implicated with a federal agency that has been accused of disregarding due process. Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen, who testified against both bills on behalf of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, said he reviewed information about the 287(g) program and decided against his department participating. However, he does not think the blanket ban on such agreements in Ranas bill is the right approach, nor the restrictions on cooperating with federal authorities for immigration matters in the other bill. It disrupts long standing partnerships among local, state and federal agencies and will prevent local law enforcement from exercising discretion in critical situations, Moen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moen and Mason from the Maine Sheriffs Association were the only two people to testify against the bills on Monday. Other groups submitted testimony in opposition, including the Maine County Commissioners Association to LD 1259. The associations legislative policy committee co-chairs, Stephen Gordon and Jean-Marie Caterina, wrote that the legislation could put at risk federal funding that county jails receive to detain people accused of violating federal law. These funds help defray county jail operating costs, which is good for local property taxpayers who are asked to fund the great bulk of the cost of operating county jails, they wrote. As Maine has seen an uptick in immigration detentions, some immigrants rights advocates have raised concern about the financial incentives prisons and jails have to assist with the Trump administrations goal of expanding space for immigration detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic proposals come after Republicans presented a conflicting bill last month that would prevent local agencies from adopting any policies that restrict them from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration law. None of these bills have received committee votes yet and there is only a month left until lawmakers are expected to conclude their work for the first year of Maines two-year Legislative session. Rana told Maine Morning Star that the intention is for the Legislature to make its decisions on the topic this year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) When someone is deemed incompetent to stand trial, how does New Mexicos criminal justice system respond? Its the subject of a recent Larry Barker investigation that looked at cases involving hundreds of arrests, only for the offenders to be released back onto the streets. People who are mentally ill are committing crimes across the state, getting arrested, and their cases are dismissed without any repercussions or assistance. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Barker, along with University of New Mexico Criminal Law Professor Joshua Kastenberg, join Chris and Gabby to discuss the complexities of cases like this, and why the justice system isnt set up to help the incompetent suspects or their victims. Why isnt there a better alternative for people deemed incompetent to stand trial? How will new legislation impact cases like this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those questions and more are discussed in the full interview above. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An Independence man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a 2024 ice cream shop burglary, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Tuesday. John Heckman received a seven-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty on Monday to second-degree burglary, Johnson said. He was also sentenced to a concurrent four-year sentence for first-degree property damage. This means he has been ordered to serve a total of seven years. Dozens of cars burned at auto auction mall in Kansas City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson also said Heckmans criminal record includes multiple prior convictions for burglary and stealing across the Kansas City metro. According to court records, on Oct. 13, 2024, Kansas City police were dispatched to a burglary at Betty Raes Ice Cream. Officers arrived to find a broken glass door, and the reporting party said a black safe with nearly $2,000 in cash had been taken. They also said the glass door was $1,700 to fix and the safe was $2,000 to replace Johnson said surveillance footage of the incident shows an older male, later identified as Heckman, throwing a rock into the window before entering the store. Hes seen walking to the back of the store where the safe is locatedthen carries it out of the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our office remains committed to protecting our small businesses, which contribute so much to our community, Prosecutor Johnson said. Too many small business owners are facing financial hardships and inconveniences as a result of repeat burglaries. We will continue to pursue appropriate consequences for those who repeatedly victimize businesses in Jackson County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The News India is aiming to reach an interim trade deal with the US before July, despite signs of strain between the two countries. New Delhi officials told Bloomberg that an initial pact, part of a three-phase deal, will likely be signed before US President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs kick in. Indias commerce minister reported good discussions in Washington with his US counterpart but the path forward seemed less clear: In early trade talks, India offered several overtures, but New Delhi appears to have toughened its stance, last week threatening retaliatory duties on the US. Tensions also rose after Trump said he used trade as leverage to secure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan; New Delhi denied the claim. Indian police have arrested a travel vlogger on suspicion of spying for Pakistan, as tensions between the two countries simmer following a dayslong conflict between the two neighbors. Jyoti Malhotra, an influencer from the northern state of Haryana, has been accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan, a senior police official told reporters Sunday. Arrests in India and Pakistan on suspicion of espionage are not uncommon, but Malhotras case has sparked widespread interest as it comes just days after the two countries fought their most intense conflict in decades, raising fears of an all-out war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police allege Malhotra was in touch with a Pakistani intelligence operative who groomed her to become an asset for Islamabad. Malhotra remained in touch with the operative during the deadly four-day battle earlier this month, police allege. She was a travel blogger, and during interrogation, it has emerged that in the pursuit of views, followers, and viral content, she fell into a trap, said superintendent Shashank Kumar Sawan. Sawan also claimed that Malhotra used to go to Pakistan on sponsored trips, and that she was in touch with other YouTube influencers who had also been in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives. She did not have direct access to defense and military information, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has contacted the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has attempted to contact Malhotra for a response. She has not been formally charged with any crime. Malhotras father told reporters he wasnt aware of his daughters travels and that she used to make small videos at home. Earlier, he told reporters she went to Pakistan after acquiring necessary permissions. Prior to this months conflict, Pakistanis and Indians were able to travel to each others countries, but it has long been very difficult to obtain visas due to government bureaucracy and historical mistrust. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared in the aftermath of the April tourist massacre in India-administered Kashmir, when gunmen shot dead 26 tourists in the town of Pahalgam, spurring Indias military operation on Pakistani territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India blames Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad denies. For four days, the two neighbors traded missiles, drones, and artillery shelling - killing dozens on each side - before a ceasefire was reached. Both sides have since claimed victory and, in the febrile aftermath of the short conflict, media coverage in India and Pakistan has seen high levels of nationalist vitriol and hyperbole. Malhotra has posted travel videos to her YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 400,000 subscribers. Several videos posted in March depict her travel to Pakistan, where she can be seen taking public transport, exploring local markets and visiting the Muslim-majority countrys largest Hindu temple. Malhotra describes herself on YouTube as a nomadic wanderer and had posted videos of her trips to Bali in Indonesia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, among other overseas destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters, police questioned how Malhotra was funding her travel. We are analyzing her financial details Her travel details defy her source of income, Sawan alleged. Her arrest is one of several recent cases where Indians have been suspected of spying on behalf of Pakistan. Police in the northern state of Punjab on Monday also arrested two people for allegedly leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan. The two men have been accused of sharing classified details related to Indias military operation in Pakistan, including troop movements and sharing strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and India-administered Kashmir, police said in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are investigating whether the individuals have violated Indias Official Secrets Act, which penalizes helping an enemy state. If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) Indiana executes a man convicted in the 2000 killing of a police officer in the states second execution in 15 years. Vietnam international airport to shut down for 6 months for upgrade A view of the Lien Khuong International Airport in Da Lat in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Photo by VnExpress/Khanh Huong Lien Khuong International Airport, the main gateway to Vietnam's popular tourist city Da Lat, will shut down for six months to undergo a US$40 million upgrade. Located in Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands, the airport will temporarily halt operations to allow extensive maintenance and upgrades, including renovating runways and taxiways. New infrastructure for drainage, lighting and updated warning systems will also be installed. An exact date for the airport's shutdown has not been determined but it will avoid peak travel season to reduce impacts on local residents and businesses. Provincial authorities and relevant ministries have been tasked with working closely with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the project's investor, to keep the work on schedule. Situated approximately 28 kilometers from downtown Da Lat, Lien Khuong Airport is serving around 2.5 million passengers annually, including numerous tourists from South Korea and Thailand. The airport was initially built by the French in 1933 and upgraded by the U.S. in 1956. It has since undergone several expansions. Most notably, the runway was extended in 1997 to accommodate larger aircraft, achieving International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 3C standards. Between 2003 and 2007, further renovations elevated it to ICAO 4D level, supporting popular aircraft like the Airbus A320 and A321. The airport is set to meet ICAO 4E standards by 2030, enabling operations for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Passenger capacity is expected to double to 5 million annually, alongside transporting 20,000 tons of cargo. Post-2030 plans include extending the runway to 3,600 meters and increasing annual passenger capacity further to 7 million. This strategic enhancement positions Lien Khuong Airport as a vital aviation hub for Vietnam's Central Highlands, significantly improving connectivity for Da Lat with national and international destinations. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Infirmary Health has been named one of the top 150 places to work by Beckers Healthcare. Big crowds for Sand in My Boots festival continue this weekend According to an Infirmary Health news release, the healthcare system was listed in the Beckers Healthcare 2025 list of 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare. The list features organizations that go above and beyond to create exceptional workplace cultures and are selected through a combination of independent editorial research and nominations, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infirmary Health was recognized for its commitment to employee well-being, leadership excellence, and community engagement, according to the release. That attitude has garnered the health system the honor of Best places to work and the top healthcare system employer in the state of Alabama for three consecutive years in Forbes Americas Best-in-State Employers annual list. According to the release, Infirmary Health offers many benefits and plans to its employees such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and disability plans We provide earned time off plans for vacation, sick and holidays to promote a healthy work-life balance, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This honor reflects Infirmary Healths unwavering dedication to our team members who live out our mission of LIFE: Leadership, Integrity, Family, Excellent service every day, Mark Nix, president and CEO of Infirmary Health said. At Infirmary Health, we believe in investing not just in facilities and technology, but in the people who make high-quality compassionate care possible. We are proud to be recognized as one of the nations top healthcare employers and remain committed to fostering a workplace where every individual can thrive. Kiyos owner shares heartbreak after learning Australian Shepherd was abused, found dead in Loxley The full 2025 list of 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare is available at the Beckers Healthcare 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 WKRG News 5. After the government terminated his legal status in the U.S., one student abruptly lost his laboratory job in Houston and, fearing detention, he returned to his home country in South Asia on a one-way ticket. The Trump administration later reversed course in its expansive crackdown on international students, but there was a major obstacle: The student cannot return because his American visa has been revoked. Without it, hes stranded, said the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the government begins reinstating students records, many face a daunting and complicated path toward rebuilding their lives. For those who left, there is no guarantee they can return. Others have faced challenges reenrolling in school and returning to jobs. Mental anguish from their ordeals lingers, as do feelings of vulnerability. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has expanded the grounds for terminating a students legal status, leaving many to fear they could be targeted again. A total of more than 4,700 international students had their permission to study in the U.S. canceled this spring, with little notice or explanation. In court hearings, Department of Homeland Security officials said they ran the names of student visa holders through an FBI-run database that contains the names of suspects and people who have been arrested, even if they were never charged with a crime or had charges dropped. RISD president: Students visa revoked, reason unknown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown University warns of visa revocations affecting students, recent graduates At a court hearing last week in Oakland, California, lawyers for international students sought a nationwide injunction they said would protect their clients and others across the country. But government attorneys said that wasnt necessary because ICE was mailing status reactivation letters to affected students. It likely will take two weeks for all students to receive their letter, which can then be shared with universities and employers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Kurlan said. The plaintiffs lawyers said the letter is meaningless, arguing ICEs new policy suggests student records can be terminated on a whim. Theres also no evidence ICE has asked the State Department to restore revoked visas, the plaintiffs attorneys said. A student who left faces a long wait for another US visa The man in Houston left within about a week of learning his legal status had been terminated. Around that time, he also received an email that the visa he used to enter the U.S. had been revoked. He believes his termination stemmed from a 2021 fraud case that was dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over nearly a decade, he had built a life in the U.S., where he was enrolled in optional practical training, which allows foreign students to stay and work for up to three years on their student visas. In his home country, he is now looking for work and living with his mother. The wait time for a U.S. visa interview is at least a year, he said. Even if he got another visa, returning would be complicated because of his financial situation. He had a car loan and credit cards in the U.S. that he cant afford to pay after losing his job, and his credit score has since dropped, he said. Revoking a visa or revoking a SEVIS status does not just affect the educational side of things, it affects the whole life, said the student, who has also struggled with feelings of loneliness and grief over his fathers recent death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems database that tracks international students compliance with their visa status. Students who left the country may not have known their rights or had the resources to hire a lawyer, said Ben Loveman, an immigration attorney. They now will have a harder time being reinstated, he said. There were huge consequences, Loveman said. Some students see new risk to studying in the US For a Nepali programmer in Texas who had his status terminated, the ordeal brought up a mistake he thought he had left in the past. The programmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, was arrested four years ago for drunken driving. He said he took responsibility for his actions, performing community service hours, serving probation and paying fines. The judge told him the records could be sealed after two years, but the case appears to explain why he was targeted by immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I followed everything, he said. If theyre going to take it all, at least give me due process. His status has since been restored, and the programmer, who is on an OPT program, has gone back to his job. But the episode hasnt faded from his mind. If the right opportunity emerged in another country like New Zealand or Canada, he said he would take it and leave. A student at Iowa State University who also requested anonymity out of concern about being targeted said he is looking for options to leave the U.S. after what he describes as a dark period. The Ph.D. student said his status termination pushed him to a mental breaking point. He had a plane ticket back home to Bangladesh reserved. He hardly left his apartment, and when he did, he felt he was being followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He attributes his termination to pending charges against him for marijuana possession, but he said he hadnt been convicted. After his status was reinstated, he restarted a teaching assistant job he had lost. Then, he had to catch up on grading almost three weeks of assignments for dozens of students. While hes relieved to get back to school, hes confident about his decision to leave by the end of the year either for home or Europe. The degree is not worth the risk of another status termination, he said. How much should I suffer to continue here? he asked. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 70-year-old man faces multiple charges after causing a crash that left one person dead and one other seriously injured on Saturday night, according to Oregon State Police. Gary Fowler was arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter, DUII, third-degree assault and reckless endangering. The crash took place on Hwy 30 near milepost 22 in Columbia County just before 9:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say that Fowler was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a westbound Lexus R330, operated by Angela Michelle Kornhauser (43) of St. Helens. The collision caused the Lexus to leave the roadway and roll before coming to rest on the adjacent railroad tracks. Kornhauser was seriously injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital. The passenger, 37-year-old Christopher Casillas, was ejected from the car and declared dead at the scene. Both individuals were not wearing seatbelts, police say. Speed and operator impairment are considered the primary contributors to the crash, OSP 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 KOIN.com. John Prine, whose statue overlooks Festival Square in Central City, is part of the rich musical heritage that sets Muhlenberg County apart. Local concerns about a rise in homelessness and conflicts over how to respond give it something in common with many other places. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Driving from the Lanterns office in Frankfort to my house in Lexington, Im often snagged by a couple of red lights, where I avoid eye contact with the person standing on the corner holding a cardboard sign asking for money. One of the luxuries of city life, I suppose, is keeping some people no closer than your peripheral vision and thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That luxury is less available in small towns, where the person on the street is not anonymous but someone you once worked beside on the line at the poultry plant. Or someone who reminds you of your child or mother. Or someone whos sleeping in your churchs parking lot. Today we begin a series of stories from one such Kentucky place. Its a small place that looms large in the imagination because of its musical heritage. It inspired John Prine to sing Oh, daddy, wont you take me back to Muhlenberg County in his anti strip-mining anthem Paradise. Not much more than 30 miles from the cradle of bluegrass music, Bill Monroes Rosine, Muhlenberg County contributed a guitar style thumb-picking made famous by native son Merle Travis, who also wrote the GOAT of coal mining songs: You load 16 tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt. Don and Phil Everly the chart-topping Everly Brothers trace their lineage to Central City. Portraits of the Everly Brothers adorn a building in Central City, May 14, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) f Muhlenberg County is not extraordinary, though, in another respect: The struggle to come to terms with what it owes the people many of us (me included) conveniently keep on the far outskirts of our minds. Im confident wed find similar stories and conflicts across Kentucky, in state capitols and all the way to the debates raging right now in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These very personal stories introduce us to people who dont avoid eye contact, who see the campers and couch surfers and evicted as neighbors. And, most emphatically, not as eyesores or threats. These stories are about a shortage of services and housing, made worse by a surplus of untreated addiction and trauma. Reporter Liam Niemeyer and I are sorry that some officials were unwilling to talk to him. Liam reached out via email, phone messages and dropping by. And its not too late. Their perspectives are important; we need to hear them, especially those of people who hold elected office. I recognize that solutions are not obvious, simple or inexpensive. We are able to tell such intimate stories because Liam has spent a lot of time getting to know the people and the place. We werent sure what the story would be in the summer of 2023 when, pursuing an idea sparked by a report in a local newspaper, Liam spent a day with several people in Muhlenberg County who lacked housing. He also began to meet local people who wanted to help. As he stayed in touch by phone and in person, we knew we had a story worth telling even as we wrestled with how to tell it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope you will find our efforts worthwhile as you meet Mallie and Gwen, Courtney and Jennifer, Zachary and the cantankerous but lovably philosophical John Paul. We hope these personal stories will inform and inspire policy discussions and the search for solutions. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A business that was set to open a plant in Youngstown is now facing a series of civil lawsuits. Last July, Zoetic Global showed off its 28,000-square-foot refrigerant plant in downtown Youngstown, with plans to manufacture refrigerant and employ 20 to 50 people. But according to a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Zoetic Global left the building at 360 E. Federal St. on April 7. The lawsuit, filed by the landlord JPS Ventures LLC, alleges that Zoetic broke its five-year lease, which began March 1, 2023, with no notice to the landlord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit states that Zoetic owes JPS Ventures LLC more than $91,000 for rent, $6,900 in late fees and over $23,000 for utilities. The lawsuit also alleges that the company left the building with damages before leaving. Zoetic Global LLC is also facing a lawsuit from Scott Gorley, of Canfield, who alleges that he invested in the company after misrepresentations were made by company leadership. He said that while he was employed with the company, he covered expenses for Zoetic to lease space and purchase equipment to make the refrigerant plant operational. Gorley is seeking compensatory damages of $1.73 million as well as $1 million in punitive damages. Earlier this month, a judgment was also rendered by the court in favor of Samuel Orr against Zoetic Global. The judgment states that Zoetic Global failed to respond to Orrs complaint by April 24, so the court found a damage award of $65,000 plus interest was appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orr was also an investor and reported giving the company money in exchange for stock, installing refrigerants, and making repairs, but Orrs lawsuit stated that Zoetic Global never paid him as promised or bought back his stock. WKBN attempted to reach a representative of Zoetic Global for comment but has not yet heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Iowa Board of Regents heard from student leaders calling for a halt to tuition increases at its Monday meeting. (Photo illustration via Getty Images) Frustration. Defeat. Uncertainty about whether they will be able to complete their goals. These are some of the feelings University of Iowa Student Body President Thomas Knudsen said fellow UI students have expressed to him as they watch tuition and fees rise along with many other expenses. Knudsen, a junior at the UI, shared stories Monday with the Iowa Board of Regents of students trying to find ways to make ends meet. He said in the years since he first enrolled at the university, the cost of attendance has risen by about $1,200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know these decisions are not made lightly, and we understand that maintaining a high quality education requires resources, but its essential to remember that behind these numbers are real students, Knudsen said. Student leaders who spoke to the Iowa Board of Regents called for transparency, consistency and investment in Iowas future, rather than placing more cost burdens on those who will ensure it. The board received the universities proposed tuition and fee increases last month for the upcoming academic year and will vote on whether to approve them in June. Each of the states public universities will implement tuition and fee increases under the proposal, with the UI and Iowa State University planning 3% tuition increases for in-state, undergraduate students and the University of Northern Iowa offering a 2.7% increase for the same population. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, the increase at the UI would add $279 to tuition, Knudsen said. While it doesnt seem like too much for one year, he said for many students its the difference between pursuing a four-year degree or pursuing some sort of alternative option. He urged the board, if the tuition increases are approved, to be transparent with students as to where their money is going, prioritize support for low-income and first-generation students and keep advocating for increased funding from the state. Tuition should not always be the go-to solution when budgets are tight, Knudsen said. When higher education is a public good, it deserves consistent support from the state. Gabriel Salazar, UNI student body vice president, said rising costs wont just impact current students, but could damage enrollment and overall draw to the state. About 80% of UNI graduates stay in Iowa after completing their studies, Salazar said, and even a couple hundred dollars could be the difference between students choosing to come to Iowa, driving success in the state, or going somewhere else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every cent put into our universities is an investment in our states current economy and future prosperity, Salazar said. If the cost of education continues to rise, it can lead to students leaving to another state where they would miss out on the quality education that our fine regents institutions have to offer. This applies to graduate and professional students as well as undergraduates, said Airiana Mohr, incoming vice president of UI Graduate & Professional Student Government. She asked the board to keep tuition flat for the upcoming academic year to help students dealing with the uncertainty of federal funding and other impacts to their work. Both Mohr and Muhammad Azhan, representing graduate and professional students at ISU, pointed out that graduate and professional students often have additional costs to consider, like families, transportation and more. Graduate students also contribute immense amounts of work to their institutions, Azhan said. Azhan said he and other students are asking the board for a pause in hiking costs in order to consider other options for keeping universities going without asking for more from students to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preserving accessibility means more than staying below the national average, it means ensuring that students can realistically afford to live based on their income and thrive here in Iowa, to contribute to the Iowa workforce, Azhan said. If you want to remain competitive and continue attracting top talent from across the country and around the world, we must recognize that affordability is one of the most important factors in recruitment and retention. Board moves ahead with Wintersteen retirement The board also voted Monday to accept ISU President Wendy Wintersteens intention to retire and begin the process of searching for a new university head. After more than 45 years at ISU and nine serving as its president, Wintersteen announced May 16 she plans to retire in January 2026. Board President Sherry Bates said in the Monday meeting Wintersteens efforts while heading ISU have maintained the institutions place as one of the top land-grant universities in the U.S. With the boards approval, Iowa Board of Regents Executive Director Mark Braun will begin the process of finding a firm to conduct the search for Wintersteens replacement, form a search committee and develop a timetable for the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, this isnt President Wintersteens last meeting, and we look forward to continuing to work with her as we begin the transition to ISUs next leader, but as her time winds down, I want to publicly acknowledge how much she has meant to our board and the state of Iowa, Bates said. She has been a tremendous president for ISU, and we will miss her greatly. I, along with past and current board members, have greatly enjoyed working with her and wish her well in her retirement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig talked about the ag industry in Iowa and his potential bid for governor, April 25, 2025. (Image from Iowa PBS video) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Tuesday he will not pursue a gubernatorial election and will instead seek another term as agriculture secretary. Naig was one of the many Republicans considered a potential candidate in the race to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds after she announced she would not seek reelection in 2026. Naig had said in April he and his family were thoughtfully discussing that possibility. But on Tuesday he said he had decided not to run, adding that there was still work to be done growing our state and economy as secretary of agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naig has held his current position since being appointed in March 2018 after serving as deputy agriculture secretary under Bill Northey, who was appointed undersecretary for farm production and conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture during President Donald Trumps first term in office. Naig won reelection in the 2018 and again in 2022 against Democratic challenger John Norwood. He said he plans to officially launch his 2026 campaign for agriculture secretary at a later date. Im incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as we work to advance an Iowa First agenda that puts farmers, families, and freedom at the center of our future, Naig said in a statement. We have made tremendous progress over the past few years, but there remains important work ahead and were not done yet building markets for Iowa products, defending our livestock industry, accelerating soil and water conservation efforts, and making sure rural Iowa thrives for future generations. Naig said he will continue to fight for the hard-working men and women who feed and fuel the world and keep Iowa as the greatest agricultural state in the country. DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Capital Dispatch reported Iowa Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, launched an exploratory committee to run as a Republican in Iowas 4th Congressional District. Evans said in a statement Saturday he is considering running for the position and plans to meet with people living in the northwest Iowa district in the coming weeks in order to determine the best path forward. After thoughtful prayer, conversations with my family, and encouragement from supporters across the district, Im excited to share that I am officially launching an exploratory committee to consider a run for Congress in Iowas Fourth District, Evans said in the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans is serving his first term representing Iowa Senate District 3. He is the Senate Education Committee chair and an assistant majority leader in the chamber. Before his time in the Legislature, Evans worked as a superintendent in multiple Iowa school districts including the Alta-Aurelia Community School District. He currently works as an adjunct professor at Buena Vista University. Evans said that during his time in the Senate, he has worked to protect rural values, defend our freedoms, and bring common-sense leadership to tough issues like education, tax relief, and government overreach. Now, Im exploring how I can serve Iowa on a larger scale bringing true conservative leadership to Washington and giving rural Iowa a strong, principled voice in Congress, he said. Evans announcement comes after U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who currently holds the seat, announced his exploratory committee for a gubernatorial run earlier in May. Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. Feenstra has represented the 4th District, a longtime conservative stronghold in the state, since the 2020 election, when he defeated then-incumbent Rep. Steve King in the Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Feenstra potentially ending his time as the 4th District representative to run for governor, there could be an open Republican primary for the congressional seat. Democrat Ryan Melton, who has run against Feenstra in previous elections, has also announced his campaign for the 4th District seat, and other Republican candidates could enter the race. Another potential contender, Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, said in a social media post Friday that he does not intend to run for U.S. Congress but will seek to continue serving in the Iowa House. Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter. This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) An Iowa sheriff is warning that his county may be publicly shamed by the Trump administration for insufficiently backing the president's immigration agenda, though he says he is more than happy to help. He said he just wants to ensure he doesn't end up with too few officers, jail beds and dollars to respond to the county's needs. Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy, who serves nearly 100,000 people in the area bordering Wisconsin and Illinois, seemed to try not to alienate the federal government when he declined to participate in a program that would commit county revenue and jail space to immigration enforcement. He explained his decision before a packed county chamber this week, drawing mixed reactions. President Donald Trump directed his administration in an executive order last month to publish a list of States and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws (sanctuary jurisdictions). Sanctuaries are generally understood to mean state and local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but Trump didn't elaborate on the criteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Thompson, executive director and chief executive officer of the National Sheriffs' Association, addressed the order in a May 2 note to his members, including Kennedy, according to documents released for the county meeting. Thompson said the list may be published before Trump's May 28 deadline and he encouraged those interested in training and empowering their officers to enforce immigration laws to act quickly. The number of state and local agencies that have deputized staff to enforce federal immigration laws has soared since Trump took office to 588 in 40 states, with 83 applications pending, as of May 19. Immigration laws are federal, and enforcing them is largely a federal responsibility. Kennedy replied to an invitation from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official in March, saying it wasn't a good fit to enter a 287(g) agreement, which refers to the section of a 1996 law that allows for state and local police to make immigration arrests. He made clear it was about money and jail space, not politics. It has generally been my experience that when we partner with larger entities (Federal, state), those agencies usually take more than they give. Essentially, we usually end up with the short end of the stick in some way, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said he would be more than happy to assist your agents in our area but asked ICE not to rely on his 181-bed jail because he doesn't have room. David Bindert, an official in ICE's Cedar Rapids, Iowa, office, was sympathetic in his brief response: No worries Sir, I completely understand, and I thank you for your time in this matter. Some residents at a county board of supervisors meeting Monday supported Kennedy, a Democrat. Others wanted him to do more with immigration authorities. A Republican supervisor suggested a 287(g) agreement might cost the county or taxpayers but would be essential for public safety. Kennedy told residents that his office has been, and will be, a partner to ICE but that a binding agreement could detract from other law enforcement work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you partner with the federal government, our employees then have the potential to become their employees, he said. An Iowa law prohibits state and local officials from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Attorney General Brenna Bird recently sued the Winneshiek County sheriff over a Facebook post that she said discouraged cooperation, potentially jeopardizing state funding to the county. The Trump administration has also taken legal action against governments with policies limiting immigration arrests, suing Chicago, Denver and Rochester, New York. Thompson, who represented his association's more than 3,000 sheriffs when Trump signed the April 28 order, said the president has been clear that he'd look to every nook and cranny for support in enforcing immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Thompson said that each sheriff has to make a decision that's right for their community. Some may not have money or jail space, jeopardizing other obligations. Every sheriff needs another mandate like they need a hole in their head, he said. So far Iowa has one agency signed up for the program: the state Department of Public Safety. No other agency is listed as having active or pending 287(g) agreements. Florida has 255, more than any state. ICE did not respond to AP questions on whether an agency that declined a 287(g) agreement would be included on the administration's sanctuary list. Thompson said he doesnt know. What Im trying to do is advise members, he said. There are challenges, there are opportunities and there are risks. On May 6, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had stopped its military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. For seven weeks, the U.S. had been conducting precision strike operations against Houthi assets, such as terrorist compounds, explained Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea. Our objective, she said, has been to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways after years of Houthi terrorist attacks. The Houthis capitulation marks a success for the U.S. approach. Whether strikes continue is up to the Houthis. As President Trump said, the Houthis dont want to fight anymore. They are exhausted. The strikes killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders. U.S. military operations disabled infrastructure that facilitated fuel imports fuel that supported the terrorist objectives of the Houthis. The United States will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war materiel to a terrorist organization, declared Ambassador Shea. We remain committed to disrupting the Houthis illicit revenue generation, financial facilitators, and suppliers. We remind [UN] member states that providing material support or resources to a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization is a potential violation of U.S. law. The United States will pursue all possible sanctions against relevant individuals and entities. Iran has enabled Houthi attacks with military, logistical, and intelligence support, said Ambassador Shea. The Security Council must not tolerate Iranian defiance of its resolutions and should impose consequences on sanctions violators using the tools at its disposal. The most recent Houthi attacks against Israel serve as a stark reminder of the threat that they pose to regional stability, warned Ambassador Shea. We recognize Israels legitimate security concerns and support its right to self-defense against Iranian-backed terrorist groups like the Houthis. The United States condemns all attacks by the Houthis, especially on civilians. The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, or UNVIM, has the potential to help prevent arms from reaching the Houthis. The U.S. urges member states to provide financial support for this mechanism to increase its effectiveness. Member States must also provide the naval assets necessary to ensure interdiction of ships not verified by UNVIM. By Parisa Hafezi and John Irish DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) -While rising U.S.-Iran tensions over Tehran's uranium enrichment jeopardize nuclear talks, three Iranian sources said on Tuesday that the clerical leadership lacks a clear fallback plan if efforts to resolve a decades-long dispute collapse. With negotiations faltering over clashing red lines, Iran may turn to China and Russia as a "Plan B", the sources said, but with Beijing's trade war with Washington and Moscow distracted with its war in Ukraine, Tehrans backup plan appears shaky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The plan B is to continue the strategy before the start of talks. Iran will avoid escalating tensions, it is ready to defend itself," a senior Iranian official said. "The strategy also includes strengthening ties with allies like Russia and China." On Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment as excessive and outrageous, warning that the talks are unlikely to yield results. After four rounds of talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, multiple stumbling blocks remain. Tehran refuses to ship all of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad or engage in discussions over its ballistic missile programme, two of the Iranian officials and a European diplomat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fifth round will take place in Rome on Friday May 23, Oman's foreign minister said on Wednesday. The lack of trust on both sides and President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of a 2015 accord with world powers has also raised the importance for Iran of getting guarantees that Washington will not renege on a future accord. Compounding Tehran's challenges, Iran's clerical establishment is grappling with mounting crises - energy and water shortages, a plummeting currency, military losses among regional allies, and rising fears of an Israeli attack on its nuclear sites - all exacerbated by Trump's hardline policies. With Trump's speedy revival of a "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran since February, including tightened sanctions and military threats, the sources said, Iran's leadership "has no better option" than a new deal to avert economic chaos at home that could threaten its rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide protests over social repression and economic hardship in recent years, met with harsh crackdowns, have exposed the Islamic Republic's vulnerability to public anger and triggered sets of Western human rights sanctions. "Without lifting sanctions to enable free oil sales and access to funds, Irans economy cannot recover, said the second official, who like others asked not to be identified due to sensitivity of matter. Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment. A THORNY PATH Wendy Sherman, former U.S. Undersecretary for Political Affairs who led the U.S. negotiating team that reached the 2015 accord between Tehran and six world powers, said it was impossible to convince Tehran to "dismantle its nuclear programme and give up their enrichment even though that would be ideal". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So that means they will come to an impasse, and that we will face the potential for war, which I don't think, quite frankly, President Trump looks forward to because he has campaigned as a peace president," she said. Even if enrichment disputes narrow, lifting sanctions remains fraught. The U.S. favours phasing out nuclear-related sanctions, while Tehran demands immediate removal of all restrictions. Dozens of Iranian institutions vital to Iran's economy, including its central bank and national oil company, have been sanctioned since 2018 for "supporting terrorism or weapons proliferation". When asked about Iran's options if talks fail, Sherman said Tehran would likely "continue to circumvent sanctions and sell oil, largely to China, perhaps India and others". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, Iran's primary oil buyer despite sanctions, has helped stave off economic collapse, but Trump's intensified pressure on Chinese trade entities and tankers threatens these exports. Analysts warn that China and Russias support has limits. China insists on steep discounts for Iranian oil and may push for lower prices as global oil demand weakens. If talks collapse - a scenario both Tehran and Washington hope to avoid - neither Beijing nor Moscow can shield Iran from unilateral U.S. and EU sanctions. France, Britain and Germany, though not part of the U.S.-Iran talks, have warned they would reimpose U.N. sanctions if no deal emerged quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the 2015 nuclear pact's U.N. resolution, the E3 have until October 18 to trigger the so-called "snapback mechanism" before the resolution expires. According to diplomats and a document seen by Reuters, the E3 countries may do this by August if no substantial deal can be found by then. Diplomats warn that getting a deal before then would mean, in the best case scenario, an initial political framework like in 2013 whereby both sides offer some immediate concrete concessions giving time for a more detailed negotiation. "There is no reason to think it will take less time than the 18 months in 2013 especially when the parameters and the geopolitical situation is more complicated now," a senior European official said. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi and John Irish; Editing by Stephen Coates) Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed doubt about his country's nuclear negotiations with the United States, saying he does not think the talks will come to a result, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. However, Khamenei, who is supreme leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution, acknowledged that the final outcome remains uncertain, he said during a Tuesday morning meeting with some Iranian authorities. He clarified that Iran will not stop its enrichment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomats from the United States and Iran have held a series of high-level but "indirect" nuclear talks in Muscat. Tehran described the first four rounds of talks as "difficult but useful." Washington said was "encouraged" by the outcomes so far. PHOTO: This combo of pictures show President Donald Trump, left, in Washington, March 4, 2025, and a handout of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2025. (Ben Curtis/AP and Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Khamenei mentioned on Tuesday that "indirect" talks happened during the late President Ebrahim Raisi as well, but ended in no result, adding that "It is the same now." MORE: Iran's top diplomat arrives for indirect nuclear talks with US in Oman "We don't think it will lead to any results. We don't know what will happen," he said. PHOTO: In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with teachers, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP) The Iranian supreme leader used strong language warning American officials who have asked Iran to stop enrichment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Iranian minister says Trumps Tehran accusations are 'pure deception' "Speaking of negotiations, I would like to give a reminder to the other party," Khamenei said. "The American side that enters into these indirect negotiations and talk, they should try not to talk nonsense." "To say that we will not allow Iran to enrich, this is a big mistake. No one is waiting for their permission. The Islamic Republic has a policy, it has a method, it pursues its own policy," the Iranian leader added. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi followed the leader's speech by saying, "Today, the Supreme Leader set the task completely clear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are witnessing completely unreasonable and illogical positions of the Americans. Enrichment is not a topic for negotiable at all," he added. While Iranian authorities have consistently stated that the principle of uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, they have said they are open to negotiating measures to increase transparency in their enrichment activities and to come up with ways with other parties to demonstrate that these activities are for peaceful purposes. Iran leader casts doubt on US nuclear talks, saying Tehran won't stop enrichment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said U.S. demands that Tehran stop enriching uranium are "excessive and outrageous", state media reported, voicing doubts whether talks on a new nuclear deal will succeed. "I don't think nuclear talks with the U.S. will bring results. I don't know what will happen," Khamenei said, adding that Washington should avoid making "nonsense" demands in the negotiations, four rounds of which have been held. "A date has been suggested but we have not yet accepted it," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state media on Tuesday when asked about a fifth round of talks, which an Iranian official said on Monday might be held this weekend in Rome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are witnessing positions on the U.S. side that do not go along with any logic and are creating problems for the negotiations. That's why we have not determined the next round of talks, we are reviewing the matter and hope logic will prevail," Araqchi added. The talks on a new nuclear deal appear on shaky ground as both Iran and the U.S. have clashed over the issue of uranium enrichment. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said on Monday the talks would fail if Washington insists Tehran refrain from domestic enrichment of uranium, which the U.S. says is a possible pathway to developing nuclear bombs. Tehran says its nuclear energy programme has entirely peaceful purposes. Last week U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran needed to "move quickly or something bad is going to happen" after being given a proposal for a deal. The Islamic Republic maintains it has not received any written proposal from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly warned Iran it would be bombed and face severe sanctions if it did not reach a compromise to resolve its long disputed nuclear energy programme. During his first, 2017-21 term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran's enrichment activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Trump, who branded the now moribund 2015 accord one-sided in Iran's favour, also reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions on Iran. The Islamic Republic responded by escalating enrichment. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; editing by Mark Heinrich) Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed doubts about the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. The religious leader also rejected Washington's maximal demand that Iran abandon its uranium enrichment programme in a speech in Tehran on Tuesday. "They should try not to talk nonsense," the 86-year-old said, according to the state news agency IRNA. "The Islamic Republic does not wait for permission from this or that party," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on past negotiations, Khamenei said, "Even now, we do not believe that they will lead to a result, and we do not know what will happen." On Sunday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated that the US is pushing for an end to uranium enrichment in the nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who is negotiating with Washington under Oman's mediation, rejected the demand and wrote on X: "If the US is interested in ensuring that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, an agreement is within reach." The next, now fifth, round of negotiations is reportedly set to take place again in Rome. Tehran has said that a date proposal is on the table, but it has not yet been confirmed by the Iranian side. There have also been no official statements from Washington regarding the next meeting. In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in the Vienna nuclear agreement. However, US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 and imposed new, harsh sanctions. As a result, Tehran also no longer adhered to the terms of the agreement. Trump now wants a new deal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced doubts on Tuesday over whether nuclear talks with the United States will lead to an agreement, Mehr news reported, as Tehran reviews a proposal to hold a fifth round of negotiations. "I don't think nuclear talks with the U.S. will be bring results. I don't know," Khamenei said during a speech in remembrance of Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Hugh Lawson) WASHINGTON (AP) A former congressman who sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS and is now the nominee to lead that agency faced pointed questions from senators Tuesday about his past promotion of questionable tax credits, his lack of background in tax administration and the political contributions he received after being picked to lead the agency. Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing. He was grilled by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who questioned whether Long believed the president could legally direct the IRS to take away a taxpayer's tax-exempt status. Her questions came as President Donald Trump, a Republican, has said he wants Harvard University and other non-profit organizations to lose their tax-exempt status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law prohibits the executive branch from exerting influence over taxpayer audits and other investigations. Im going to follow the law, Long said, adding Id have to go to the lawyers, to interpret the law. What do you understand this law to be saying? Warren asked. Long said he would not be able to answer. After the back and forth, Warren told Long, You shouldnt be within a thousand miles of the directorship of the IRS. Long told senators he had the opportunity to make real, transformational change to an agency that needs it more than any other. The IRS, like other federal agencies, has hemorrhaged employees due to cuts spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, all while the agency churns through acting leaders as it awaits a confirmed one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas ODonnell, the Trump administrations first acting IRS commissioner, announced his retirement in February as furor spread over DOGE gaining access to IRS taxpayer data. Melanie Krause, the second acting commissioner, resigned in April over a deal between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security to share immigrants tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gary Shapley, an IRS whistleblower who previously testified about investigations into Hunter Bidens taxes, was acting commissioner for a matter of days before being replaced by Treasurys deputy secretary, Michael Faulkender. If confirmed, Long would be the first confirmed Trump nominee to lead the tax collection agency. Democratic senators on the committee have railed against Longs nomination, based primarily on his past work for a firm pitching a fraud-ridden pandemic-era tax break as well as campaign contributions he received after he was nominated to serve as IRS commissioner by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After serving in Congress, Long worked with a firm that distributed the pandemic-era employee-retention tax credit. That tax credit program was eventually shut down in 2023 after then IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel determined that it was fraudulent. Democrats have also called for a criminal investigation into Longs connections to other alleged tax credit loopholes. The lawmakers allege that firms connected to Long like White River Energy Corp. duped investors into spending millions of dollars to purchase fake tax credits. A representative from White River did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment. Democratic lawmakers have also written to Long and his associated firms detailing concerns with what they call unusually timed contributions made to Long's defunct 2022 Senate campaign committee shortly after he was nominated to serve as IRS commissioner by Trump. Bottom line, the American people have the right to know whether the future IRS commissioner is a crook, said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, however, were open to supporting Long. Committee Chair Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho said he was confident Long will be fully transparent to Congress and the American people. Long pointed to his work in Congress as relevant experience to serve as IRS commissioner. By being familiar with the workings of Congress, he said, "we will have a comprehensive understanding of Congress intent. I think theres a lot of wasted brain cells at the IRS, Long said. He did not offer clarity on whether the Direct File program the free electronic tax return filing system developed during the Biden administration should be ended. But Long said it would be one of the first programs that come up for discussion if he is confirmed. Further aid supplies are currently on their way to the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. Oren Mamorstein, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, told dpa that dozens more trucks carrying aid supplies are expected to reach the coastal territory via the Kerem Shalom border crossing during the course of the day. The supplies include flour for bakeries and kitchens run by international aid workers, baby food and medical equipment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamorstein added that Israel would allow dozens of aid trucks to enter the embattled area daily in the coming days. Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations announced that it had received permission from Israel to send 100 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, on the second day after an Israeli blockade lasting almost three months. Israel had not allowed any aid deliveries into the territory since the beginning of March, accusing the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas of reselling the aid supplies to finance its fighters and weapons. On Monday, five trucks carrying aid entered the territory, according to Israeli sources. During the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year, up to 600 trucks carrying aid crossed into Gaza every day. A total of 93 UN trucks carrying humanitarian aid reached the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Tuesday, according to COGAT, the Israeli authority for Palestinian affairs. The aid included flour for bakeries, baby food, medical equipment and medicine, COGAT said in a statement. The United Nations previously said it had received permission from Israel to send 100 more trucks carrying aid into the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday evening, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that no aid deliveries had yet reached the people in need, explaining that the aid supplies were still in an area controlled by Israel behind the border fence. COGAT did not initially comment on Dujarric's statement when asked. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, had earlier expressed the hope that the emergency deliveries would be examined and cleared for entry by Wednesday at the latest. Israel plans further deliveries "The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip while making every effort to ensure that the aid does not reach the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization," COGAT said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oren Mamorstein, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, also told dpa that Israel would allow dozens of aid trucks to enter the embattled area daily in the coming days. Three-month Gaza blockade After a nearly three-month blockade, Israel had on Monday cleared nine trucks full of aid to enter Gaza, although only five made it inside, Laerke said. Distribution was expected to begin on Tuesday, with baby food among the supplies. Israel had not allowed any aid deliveries into the territory since the beginning of March, accusing Hamas of reselling the aid supplies to finance its fighters and weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are babies in life-saving need of these supplements; if they do not get those they are in mortal danger," Laerke said. During a brief ceasefire earlier this year, up to 600 trucks a day crossed into Gaza. The current deliveries, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher noted on Monday, are a "welcome development" but also "a drop in the ocean" of need. Earlier statements by the UN said around 500 truckloads would be needed every day to guarantee supplies for the approximately 2 million Palestinians in the sealed-off area. Aid agencies and the UN have been warning for weeks of imminent famine in Gaza, where the population is almost entirely reliant on outside food and supplies. Appeals to Israel have grown increasingly urgent. Report: Israeli strikes kill at least 60 across Gaza Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday, as Israel pressed ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate Hamas and take over "all areas" of the densely populated coastal territory. The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip. Further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City. Israel's ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon's Chariots operation announced late Friday, have killed more than 100 people daily, according to tallies. Israel's stated goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the October 7, 2023, attacks. Israeli settlers attack West Bank village Israeli settlers attacked a village near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday evening, Palestinian residents and local media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces, one of them seriously, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said. Eyewitnesses told dpa that armed settlers entered the village of Beitillu and fired on residents. The Israeli army was reportedly also at the scene. It was initially unclear who exactly fired the shots that hit the three Palestinians. The Palestinian WAFA news agency reported that Israeli settlers came from a nearby settlement and that the Israeli military used tear gas against the villagers. The information could not initially be independently verified. The Israeli army said on request that it was investigating the reports. Israel to send leading negotiators home from Qatar Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday that Israel is sending its leading negotiators home from Qatar due to a lack of progress in negotiations with Hamas over a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After approximately one week of intensive contacts in Doha, the senior members of the negotiating team will return to Israel for consultations; the working echelon will at present remain in Doha," the office said in a statement. The statement said that Israel had agreed to a proposal based on one made previously by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, which provided for the release of hostages and a longer ceasefire. However, Netanyahu's office said Hamas continues to reject the plan. The group is demanding an end to the Gaza war as a condition for the release of the remaining hostages. Earlier on Tuesday, Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the negotiations had stalled due to "fundamental" differences between the sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sharply criticized the withdrawal of the negotiators, saying in a statement that the majority of the country supports the release of all hostages, even if it means ending the war against Hamas. The Israeli negotiators have been in Qatar since last Tuesday. Qatar has previously brokered indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, along with the United States and Egypt, though there has been no progress for months now. One party is looking for a partial deal, while the other is looking to end the war, Mohammed said, adding: "We couldn't bridge this fundamental gap with whatever proposals we provided." He also said Israel's latest intensification of its military campaign in Gaza will "postpone the diplomatic conclusion of the war, which will end only diplomatically from our point of view, and will just cost us a death toll on the Palestinian side and also on the hostages side." A retired Israeli general slammed the countrys ongoing military assault on Gaza, warning that Israels actions which have killed and displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians could make it a pariah state in the eyes of the world. A sane country does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a pastime, and does not engage in mass population displacement, said Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of staff for the Israeli army and the head of the countrys left-wing opposition party, in an interview with radio station Reshet Bet. Israeli airstrikes, and the resulting civilian casualties, have surged in the last week as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the goal of taking full control of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest attacks only add to the staggering toll of the conflict, which has killed 53,000 Palestinians and injured 121,000 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This past week, the United Nations estimated that an additional 14,000 babies could die in just two days due to a dearth of nutrition and medical aid. Golan, the leader of the countrys Democratic Party, has been an outspoken critic of Netanyahus leadership and has urged the Israeli government to seek a long-term ceasefire. He emphasized that Israel could become ostracized globally, much like South Africa was during apartheid. Golans comments swiftly drew the ire of Netanyahu, who condemned them as wild incitement and despicable antisemitic blood libels against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel via a post on X. IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir also accused Golan of impugning the character of the IDF and questioning Israeli soldiers morality. Golan, meanwhile, stressed that his remarks were aimed at Israeli government officials and not soldiers, stating that IDF fighters are heroes; government ministers are corrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened in recent months amid Israels 11-week blockade on food, water and medical supplies, which it lifted only this past week. A scarcity of resources in addition to the destruction of multiple hospitals in the territory has prompted concerns about famine as well as the spread of infectious disease. Global pressure on Israel has also grown amid these developments, with the U.K., France and Canada issuing a joint statement this week urging Israel to suspend its military onslaught and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, or face concrete actions. Newly freed Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander provided new information about Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, confirming that he is alive but suffering from significant weight loss, abdominal pain and mental distress, according to Zangaukers family. Zangauker was held by Hamas alongside Alexander from October 7, 2023, until Alexanders release last week, Zangaukers family said in a statement. The family said it learned about Zangaukers condition following Alexanders release. Zangauker, 25, has been in severe mental distress in recent months, according to information disclosed by his family, and has been refusing to speak or eat, even after Hamas began giving Zangauker and Alexander more food in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family also said that Zangauker, one of at least 20 living hostages still held in Gaza, is suffering tremors due to a degenerative muscle disease that runs in his family. The family said Zangauker underwent an emergency medical intervention in captivity due to persistent abdominal pain. The new information prompted the latest call from his mother for the Israeli government to end the war and secure the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Since I learned about the torture and the physical and mental suffering my son is enduring, I havent been able to eat, and I can barely breathe. How can a mother survive knowing her son, who suffers from a degenerative muscle disease, is being held alone in captivity? Can he even stand on his own? Hold a glass of water? My heart is breaking over what hes going through, Einav Zangauker said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if he can survive much longer. In this photo released by the IDF, Edan Alexander hugs a family member in Reim, southern Israel, following his release on May 12. - IDF Spokesperson Unit While they are living in hell, the Israeli government is bombing the area where Matan is being held. The prime minister can no longer say he didnt know or hadnt heard. Continued military pressure and the isolation Matan is experiencing will lead to his death. The Israeli government must end the war and put a real initiative to bring everyone back on the table, Zangauker said. On Tuesday, the Prime Ministers Office said that a senior negotiating team in Qatar will return to Israel, while a working-level team will remain for the time being. The negotiations took place following US President Donald Trumps visit to the Middle East last week. Netanyahu made clear when he sent the Israeli team that he would not end the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum blasted the Israeli government for the failure to reach an agreement, saying, Israel does not have the privilege to abandon the negotiations. In a statement on Tuesday, the forum said, For 19 months now, the supreme moral obligation of returning the kidnapped men and women, down to the last of them, has been marked by continuous and searing failure. There will be no partial, minimal, and certainly no complete victory until this goal is achieved. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israel pressed ahead Tuesday with its new military offensive in Gaza despite mounting international criticism, launching airstrikes that health officials said killed at least 85 Palestinians. Israeli officials said they also allowed in dozens more trucks carrying aid. Two days after aid began entering Gaza, the desperately needed new supplies have not yet reached people in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly three months, according to the United Nations. Experts have warned that many of Gaza's 2 million residents are at high risk of famine. Under pressure, Israel agreed this week to allow a minimal amount of aid into the Palestinian territory after preventing the entry of food, medicine and fuel in an attempt to pressure the Hamas militant group. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that although the aid has entered Gaza, aid workers were not able to bring it to distribution points where it is most needed, after the Israeli military forced them to reload the supplies onto separate trucks and workers ran out of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COGAT, the Israeli defense body that oversees humanitarian aid, said five trucks entered Monday and 93 trucks entered Tuesday. But Dujarric said the U.N. confirmed only a few dozen trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday. The aid included flour for bakeries, food for soup kitchens, baby food and medical supplies. The U.N. humanitarian agency said it is prioritizing baby formula in the first shipments. But none of that aid actually reached Palestinians, according to the U.N. Dujarric described the new security process for getting aid cleared to warehouses as long, complex, complicated and dangerous." He said Israeli military requirements for aid workers to unload and reload the trucks are hindering efforts to distribute the aid. COGAT did not immediately comment on the new procedures. The United Nations humanitarian agency received approval for about 100 trucks to enter Gaza, spokesman Jens Laerke said, which is far less than the 600 that entered daily during the latest ceasefire that Israel ended in March. Israel's Foreign Ministry said dozens are expected to enter each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he decided to let in limited aid after pressure from allies, who told him they couldn't support Israel while devastating images of starvation were coming out of Gaza. U.K. suspends trade negotiations and sanctions settler movement But some close allies say the limited aid is not enough. The British government on Tuesday said it was suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and was leveling new sanctions targeting settlements in the occupied West Bank. The move came a day after the U.K, France and Canada condemned Israels handling of the war in Gaza and its actions in the West Bank and threatened to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament. Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein called the new sanctions unjustified and regrettable" and claimed Israel and the U.K. had not been talking about free trade. The U.K. leveled sanctions against three settlers and a number of organizations, including settler leader Daniella Weiss and the movement she heads. In response, Weiss said hundreds of families are ready to build Jewish settlements in Gaza. Israel launched its new military operation in Gaza over the weekend, saying it aims to return dozens of hostages held by Hamas and destroy the militant group. More than 300 people have been killed in Gaza during the latest onslaught, according to health officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli politician criticizes killing babies as a hobby Criticism against Israel's conduct in Gaza also came at home. A leader of center-left politics said Tuesday that Israel was becoming an outcast among nations" because of the government's approach to the war. A sane country doesnt engage in fighting against civilians, doesnt kill babies as a hobby and doesnt set for itself the goals of expelling a population, Yair Golan, a retired general and leader of the opposition Democrats party, told Reshet Bet radio. His comments were rare criticism from inside Israel of its wartime conduct in Gaza. Many Israelis have criticized Netanyahu throughout the war, but that has been mostly limited to what opponents argue are his political motives to continue the war. Criticism over the war's toll on Palestinian civilians has been almost unheard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu swiftly slammed Golan's remarks, calling them wild incitement against Israeli soldiers and accusing him of echoing disgraceful antisemitic blood libels against the country. Golan, who donned his uniform during Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack to join the fight against the militants, previously sparked an uproar when as deputy military chief of staff in 2016, he likened the atmosphere in Israel to that of Nazi-era Germany. At an evening news conference, Golan said he refused to be silent because the meaning of silence is to join in the abandonment of the IDF and the abandonment of the hostages and the abandonment of the State of Israel. He called on the opposition to band together to oppose the governments plans for Gaza. Strikes pound Gaza as Netanyahu recalls negotiating team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest assaults, two strikes in northern Gaza hit a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killing at least 22 people, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas command center and warned civilians ahead of time. A strike in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 13 people, and another in the nearby built-up Nuseirat refugee camp killed 15, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Two strikes in Khan Younis killed 10 people, according to Nasser Hospital. Israel said it was targeting militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because the group operates in densely populated areas. On Tuesday, Netanyahu said he was recalling his high-level negotiating team from the Gulf state of Qatar after a week of ceasefire talks failed to bring results. A working team will remain in the Qatari capital of Doha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said a fundamental gap remained between the two parties and that none of the proposals were able to bridge their differences. Hamas said no real ceasefire talks have taken place since Saturday in Doha. The group accused Netanyahu of falsely portraying participation and attempting to mislead global public opinion by keeping Israels delegation there without engaging in serious negotiations. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others. The militants are still holding 58 captives, around a third of whom are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israels retaliatory offensive, which has destroyed large swaths of Gaza, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Magdy reported from Cairo and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war By Nidal al-Mughrabi and May Angel CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli forces killed at least 55 Palestinians in airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, local medics said, continuing to bombard the enclave despite mounting international pressure to halt military operations and allow unimpeded deliveries of aid. Britain announced it was suspending trade talks with Israel and summoning its ambassador over "egregious policies" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas asked for a review of the EU-Israel trade deal, according to Dutch news agency ANP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war, now in its 20th month, has left Gaza in ruins and its population facing a worsening hunger crisis. It has strained Israel's relations with much of the world and those with its closest ally, the United States, now appear to be wavering. The United Nations said no humanitarian aid had been distributed yet in Gaza, although Israel eased its 11-week-old blockade on Monday. "Israeli authorities are requiring us to offload supplies on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing and reload them separately once they secure our team's access from inside Gaza," said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. He said four trucks of baby food were dropped off on the Palestinian side of the border on Monday, and that a few dozen trucks of flour, medicine, nutrition supplies and other basic items entered Gaza on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military said 93 UN aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday via Kerem Shalom "after a thorough security inspection". Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas militants in Qatar appeared to falter again, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he had decided to bring back the senior negotiating team from Doha for consultations. Hamas accused Netanyahu of entering the talks in bad faith, pretending to participate in a bid to mislead global public opinion. "No real negotiations have taken place since last Saturday," the Palestinian Islamist group said in a statement. Israel's military chief said during a Gaza field tour that the army would expand its operations against Hamas, capture additional territory and "clear and destroy the terrorist infrastructure until (Hamas) is defeated". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18 DEAD IN AIRSTRIKE ON TWO HOMES, MEDICS SAY Israel conducted further airstrikes on Tuesday across the densely populated enclave and medics said the sites hit included two homes where children were among the 18 dead, and a school housing displaced families. Israel's military, which on Monday warned those in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to evacuate to the coast as it prepared for an "unprecedented attack", had no comment. Israel says Hamas uses civilian buildings for cover; Hamas denies this. In Gaza City, Reuters footage showed men, women and children sifting through the rubble of the Daraj neighbourhood school where they had been sheltering, and where charred pieces of clothing and a red teddy bear lay among scattered belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At nearby Al-Ahli Hospital, men said prayers over bodies wrapped in white shrouds, before carrying them to their graves. "What is our fault? What is the fault of children? What is the fault of the women we found on the stairs with their hair and clothes torn and burned?" said Omar Ahel, who had been sheltering at the school. "By God, this is injustice." Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past nine days as the military campaign has intensified, Gaza medics say. SANCTIONS British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament he, along with the leaders of France and Canada, was "horrified" by Israel's military escalation, repeating calls for a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three nations had warned on Monday of "concrete actions" against Israel if it did not stop military operations in Gaza and lift restrictions on aid. In addition to suspending trade talks, Britain announced sanctions against a number of individuals and groups in the Israeli-occupied West Bank over alleged violence against Palestinian residents. EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers have been prepared but have so far been blocked by one member state, the EU's Kallas said, without naming the country. "External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's ground and air offensive has displaced nearly all Gaza's 2.3 million residents and killed more than 53,000, according to Gaza health authorities. The campaign began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities near Gaza's border in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The hunger crisis in Gaza deepened after Israel imposed a blockade on supplies from March 2. The U.N. says at least 500 trucks of aid and commercial goods need to enter Gaza every day to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Louise Wateridge of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said on Tuesday there was little food left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everything's empty. The warehouses, the distribution centres, they've been empty for weeks," she said, speaking from a warehouse in Jordan that she said had food for 200,000 people that could be driven to Gaza in just a few hours. Israel's leadership has insisted that it can free remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas through stepped-up military action. Hamas has said it would free the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinians in Israeli jails. (Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv, James Mackenzie and May Angel in Jerusalem; additional reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva, John Irish in Paris, Hussam al-Masri and Dawoud Abu Alkas in Gaza; writing by Alexander Cornwell; editing by Aidan Lewis, Mark Heinrich and Rosalba O'Brien) Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have assessed that Russia is unwilling to agree to a ceasefire ahead of peace talks in order to advance on the battlefield and extract concessions from Ukraine and the West. Source: ISW Quote: "Russia must agree that ceasefire negotiations must precede peace settlement negotiations." Details: The United States, Ukraine and Europe have repeatedly called for a ceasefire to allow diplomatic negotiations to continue on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ISW analysts noted that Russia is intentionally rejecting this sequence of events as part of its efforts to delay any ceasefire negotiations and extract additional concessions from Ukraine and the West. Quote: "ISW continues to assess that Russia is committed to prolonging peace negotiations so as to continue making battlefield advances." Details: The analysts pointed out that peace talks before a ceasefire would allow Russia to continue its advance in Ukraine, which Russia would likely try to use in Ukraine-Russia negotiations to obtain further concessions. Quote: "Any future ceasefire will require Russia and Ukraine to engage in separate negotiations to agree on the necessary robust monitoring mechanisms, and conflating ceasefire talks with peace settlement talks will likely delay the implementation of a ceasefire." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 19 May: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on 19 May to discuss ceasefire and peace negotiations regarding Russia's war in Ukraine. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] Russia must explicitly acknowledge the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president, government, and constitution and Ukraine's sovereignty in order to engage in meaningful, good-faith negotiations. Russia must agree that ceasefire negotiations must precede peace settlement negotiations. Russia must show its willingness to make concessions of its own in any future bilateral negotiations, especially as the Kremlin appears to be setting conditions to expand its list of demands amid the peace talks. Russia reportedly continues to expand its military infrastructure along its border with Finland and Estonia, likely in preparation for future aggression against NATO. Ukraine's Western allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Borova and Toretsk. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk and Novopavlivka. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on Tuesday that Pope Leo had confirmed during a phone call with her his willingness to host in the Vatican the next round of negotiations to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. "Finding in the Holy Father confirmation of the readiness to host the next talks between the parties in the Vatican, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude (to) Pope Leo XIV for his unceasing commitment to peace," Meloni said. Following a call on Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's leader Vladimir Putin, Meloni's office said she welcomed remarks by Trump that Leo had expressed an interest in hosting talks between Kyiv and Moscow, but the Vatican did not immediately confirm any such offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo, elected two weeks ago, is the first U.S. leader of the global Catholic Church. In a May 14 speech, he said the Vatican could act as a mediator in global conflicts, without specifically mentioning of Ukraine and Russia. In a second, separate statement the Italian prime minister said she also had talks with other European leaders and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over the next steps. "It was agreed to maintain close coordination between the partners with a view to a new round of negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine," the statement said. (Reporting by Angelo Amante and Gavin Jones, editing by) (NewsNation) Investigators have deemed an explosion at a Southern California fertility clinic an act of terrorism and say the suspect left behind anti-life writings. The suspect has been identified as 25-year-old Guy Bartkus, and he was the lone fatality in the Saturday attack. His alleged motive is linked to an obscure movement that is anti-life and against procreation. Ex-FBI agent: NOLA manhunt becomes more difficult as time passes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after the bombing at the Palm Springs, California, fertility clinic, investigators found an online manifesto believed to be linked to Bartkus. The clinic in the Palm Springs attack was closed and sustained significant damage, but operators say all embryos and reproductive material remain fully secured and undamaged. The post revealed extremist views against in vitro fertilization, and says, Im angry that I exist, and nobody got my consent to bring me here. The author also stated an end goal to sterilize this planet of the disease of life. The FBI confirmed the remains found at the scene of Saturdays bombing belonged to Bartkus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassies friend testifies Diddy owned her during relationship In an exclusive interview with NewsNation affiliate KTLA, the suspects estranged father described a smart but troubled kid who liked to play with matches. His parents eventually divorced after Bartkus burned down the family home at the age of nine. He started a fire by the shed. I came home from work, he was trying to shove it underneath the shed and set the shed on fire, the shed caught the house on fire and burned it down, said Richard Bartkus. I know we hadnt talked in over ten years. One national security expert told NewsNation that Bartkus philosophy is one of the strangest domestic terrorist movements hes ever seen. Bartkus apparently described himself as pro-mortalist, a fringe belief that includes a desire to die as soon as possible in order to prevent further suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News president steps down amid Trump lawsuit People who are nihilist or anti-natalist believe procreation is unethical, unjustifiable, and that life is meaningless, though the majority do not encourage or condone violence. Guy Bartkus lived in 29 Palms, about an hour away from that fertility clinic. Investigators are still searching his home and digital footprint for any additional evidence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Jackson County may have a new county administrator earlier than anticipated. On Monday, commissioners appointed Mariannas former city manager, Jim Dean. They approved a job offer of $125,000 and standard county employee benefits. Officials expressed a sense of urgency to fill the position as they begin preparing next years county budget. Its imperative to close the budget time. Hes probably got more experience than we have about that and he also has had a real comparable 10-12 years, I guess, for the City of Marianna and it was just too good to pass up, Chairman-Commissioner District 5 Jamey Westbrook said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting for 2025 Bay County Municipal Runoff Election set for Tuesday Usually, the position would be advertised for around 30 days, but county officials said there is no legal impediment to the faster hire. Still, not all commissioners were on board. Were talking about appointing someone at the highest level of county government without even interviewing other individuals. I have a little bit of a problem with that. I think other people should have the opportunity to apply, Commissioner, District 1, Dr. Willie Spires said. The vacancy was created when County Administrator Wilanne Daniels announced her resignation last Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniels salary is $96,000. She recommended the raise for her replacement. A salary study that was done around the state of Florida, Jackson County has been paying their county administrators substantially lower than other counties, even similar counties. And so, you know, thats been okay for me because I accepted it and I enjoyed it. And Ive loved doing this role and just never really got focused on that. But I knew that when the time came for them to hire someone else, for them to have a competitive salary, they would have to go higher, Daniels said. Commissioners also approved a 100% buyout of Daniels unused sick days during her seven years as county administrator, amounting to about $26,000. Spires was again the only dissenting vote. He said it would be unfair to other county employees not to offer them the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean still has to accept the offer before becoming the county administrator. Daniels and Chairman Westbrook will handle the negotiations for his potential salary. Dean was supposed to become a Marianna Commissioner. He ran unopposed for the group five seat in April. He was going to replace Commissioner Kenneth Hamilton. Its unclear if he accepts the county position, who will take the city position. Daniels approaches her final day as county administrator on June 3. Shes reflecting on the past 18 years with Jackson County. She first served as a planner in the community development department, then moved to department director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniels did not give a reason for her resignation, but is leaving with a positive outlook on her time with the county. Its been really great. Its been fun, really just in a lot of ways a joy-filled adventure. Its not been perfect. Nothing is perfect in life or in any job, but I feel like it is as close to perfect as it could have been. As far as the team that we have built, the legacy that I get to leave behind with so many wonderful staff members. And then just to see the growth that has happened within the organization. And just as a county, it is just an amazing feeling to see it, to see it all get passed off to someone that hopefully will take it to the next level, Daniels said. Daniels will be joining the team at David H. Melvin Engineering in Marianna. She will be running operations and working on company culture. She said shes excited to continue investing in Jackson County and working with the community. 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. This photo combo shows inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail, from left top: Keith A. Lewis, Dkenan Dennis, Gary C .Price, bottom from left, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Corey E. Boyd. Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via AP A New Orleans jail worker has been charged with helping 10 inmates escape the jail. The inmates were able to escape the Orleans Justice Center on Friday by breaking into a cell, moving a toilet and squeezing out through a small opening in the wall leaving behind grafitti reading To Easy LoL. Sterling Williams, the 33-year-old jail worker, has now been charged with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office for allegedly turning off the water connected to the toilet, allowing the men to move it. According to an arrest warrant, Williams said one of the inmates threatened to shank him if he didnt turn off the water, the Associated Press reported. But police said that Williams willfully and maliciously assisted with the escape, according to the AP. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, who oversees the jail, said in a city council meeting Tuesday that she takes full accountability for the inmates escaping the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were procedural failures and missed notifications, but there were also intentional wrongdoings this was a coordinated effort aided by individuals inside our own agency who made the choice to break the law, Hutson said. We are continuing to pursue everyone involved. Louisiana state Rep. Aimee Freeman (D) called on Hutson to resign. Your job as the sheriff is to protect the people that you serve and youre not protecting the people you serve, Freeman told WVUE. You should resign. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement that its a continuing investigation. We will uncover all the facts eventually, and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows, Murrill said. I encourage anyone who knows anything and even those who may have provided assistance to come forward now to obtain the best possible outcome in their particular case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of the 10 inmates are still on the run, and many of the 10 were in jail because they were charged with violent offenses, like murder, according to the AP. Headcounts of inmates typically start around 6:30 a.m. and are completed within the hour, according to the AP. But police werent notified about the escape until 10:30 a.m., more than nine hours after the inmates fled. Related... LONDON (Reuters) -British anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon on Tuesday won a bid to trim his 18-month sentence for contempt of court, meaning he will be released from jail within a week. Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, was jailed in October after he admitted breaching an injunction banning him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee, who had successfully sued him for libel. Britain's solicitor general took legal action against Yaxley-Lennon over comments in online interviews and a documentary titled 'Silenced', which was viewed millions of times and was played in London's Trafalgar Square in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge who sentenced Yaxley-Lennon said that four months of the 18-month sentence, half of which was to be served in jail, could be lifted if Yaxley-Lennon took steps to remove 'Silenced' from his social media accounts and elsewhere online. Yaxley-Lennon's lawyer Alex Di Francesco told London's High Court that 'Silenced' had been removed from accounts he controlled and that requests had been made to remove interviews in which Yaxley-Lennon repeated the libelous allegations. Judge Jeremy Johnson ruled that Yaxley-Lennon had "purged" his contempt, meaning his release date of July 26 will now be brought forward to May 26. Yaxley-Lennon, who counts U.S. billionaire Elon Musk among his supporters, was accused by some media and politicians of inflaming tensions which led to days of rioting across Britain in late July and August last year after the murder of three young girls at a dance workshop in Southport. His social media account said in January that Musk was paying some of his legal fees, though Musk has not confirmed this. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar) A federal judge has rejected the Justice Departments effort to repay $63,000 to a member of the Jan. 6 mob who filmed the fatal shooting of rioter Ashli Babbitt and then sold the footage for profit. John Sullivan, who was freed from a six-year jail sentence after President Donald Trumps sweeping Day One pardons, had forfeited those profits to the federal government as a consequence of his criminal conviction. After Trump wiped out his case, Sullivan asked the court to permit him to reclaim the money he forked over. The Justice Department and then-interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin sided with Sullivan. But U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said Tuesday that a quick refund would be unconstitutional. Sullivans funds had been deposited in the U.S. Treasury, he noted, and under the Constitutions appropriations clause, only Congress can authorize the disbursement of funds held by the Treasury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money is money, the Treasury is the Treasury, and the Constitution says what it says: Once money is in the Treasury, it can only be withdrawn pursuant to a Congressional appropriation, the Reagan-appointed judge wrote. All that matters is that funds may not be drawn from the Treasury without an appropriation, plain and simple. Its the latest wrinkle in efforts by Jan. 6 defendants to recoup the fines, penalties and restitution they paid as a consequence of their convictions. Several judges are still weighing requests by some Jan. 6 defendants to recoup funds they paid to help offset the $2.7 million in damage done to Capitol grounds. Lamberths ruling could have implications for those cases as well. Lamberth has at times chafed at efforts by Trump and his allies to rewrite the history of the attack on the Capitol that threatened the transfer of power in 2021 and left more than 100 police officers injured. He used the opinion on Sullivan a controversial figure even among Jan. 6 defendants for his unclear ideology to raise anew the horrors of the attack, and Sullivans role in fomenting them. The judge recalled Sullivans participation in the riot as to put it gently, idiosyncratic, noting that he appeared to have no love for Trump supporters but instead pursued a general urge to sow chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Sullivan callously used the riots as an opportunity for personal profit, manipulating other rioters for his own gain, Lamberth wrote. Mr. Sullivan cynically and falsely portrayed himself as a journalist not only to legitimize his cruel profiteering at the expense of the police, his fellow rioters, and his country but also in hopes of evading legal accountability for his actions. Prosecutors relied on Sullivans footage in hundreds of court cases featuring rioters who treaded the same path as Sullivan through the Capitol. May 20U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said Tuesday that he will seek another term representing Maine's 2nd District in Congress, setting up a potential head-to-head race against former Gov. Paul LePage in 2026. Golden, a Lewiston Democrat, has represented the sprawling, conservative district since 2019. He may face a primary challenge from Democratic State Auditor Matthew Dunlap, who said he is considering a run for the seat. Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage announced this month that he is running for Golden's seat, and he's expected to have a clear path to his party's nomination next June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden, 42, has been raising money for another reelection campaign for Congress. But he also has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial or U.S. Senate candidate and acknowledged Tuesday that he considered seeking a different office before deciding to defend his seat and give Democrats a better chance to make gains in Congress. "While I have considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine, I have decided to run for reelection because the surest way to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to win back the House of Representatives," Golden said in a statement. "While the election is still 18 months away and I remain focused on my responsibilities to my constituents and my family, I also know the path to the majority runs through Maine. And I am going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress." Golden's history of voting against his party and issuing public statements that break from the party line including saying he would be OK with a second Trump administration and his support of tariffs have angered some Maine Democrats who want to see him face a primary challenge. But Golden also has had the support of the national party because of his ability to flip and hold a seat in a district that has repeatedly backed President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was quick to praise Golden after Dunlap said he was considering a primary challenge. And House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York joined other top party leaders in a written statement Tuesday saying Golden has been loyal to his district and to the party. "Jared Golden is a respected colleague and friend, valued leader and combat veteran whose honesty, integrity and commitment to core Democratic values make him the right fit for his district," they said. "Jared's dedication to representing all of his constituents no matter their party affiliation makes him uniquely suited to once again win one of the toughest seats in the country for Democrats to hold. He's also helping Democrats flip Republican seats in competitive districts throughout America." Jordan Kathleen Burns, Golden's campaign manager, said Golden is "a proven winner and the right choice to beat a candidate like Paul LePage and restore checks and balances in Congress." "The stakes are clear: While the GOP in Congress is working overtime to take away Mainers' health care and further rig the tax code for the rich, Jared is standing up for our health care, workers' rights, reproductive freedom and Maine's heritage industries," Burns said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A campaign strategist for LePage said the former governor is confident he can defeat Golden. "Gov. LePage has always won Maine's 2nd District in every race he has run and we expect the voters will support him again. He has a proven record of speaking directly while creating jobs, lowering costs, and taking on liberal extremism," Brent Littlefield said in a written statement. Golden narrowly won reelection in 2024 against his Republican challenger, former state Rep. Austin Theriault of Fort Kent. Theriault endorsed LePage in a post on X, saying he considered another campaign but decided to sit it out to spare his party a primary contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A crowded, divisive primary would only hurt our chances in November," he wrote. "I'll be supporting Governor LePage in his race for Congress, and I hope you'll join me," Maine's 2nd District has become a battleground in recent elections, as Trump has won one of the state's four electoral votes in the rural district composed of northern and western Maine in each of the last three presidential races. Republicans have once again eyed the district as a seat to flip in 2026. Golden said prior to last year's election that he was "OK" with Trump winning. He also refused to endorse Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His announcement Tuesday included a round of endorsements from Maine labor unions, including ones representing carpenters in New England and machinists at Bath Iron Works. A native of Leeds, Golden joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and served two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He returned home, completed his college education and entered politics as an aide to Maine's senior U.S. senator, Republican Susan Collins. He then served two terms in the state Legislature, rising to party leadership, before winning his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Copy the Story Link May 20U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said Tuesday that he will seek another term representing Maine's 2nd District in Congress. Golden, a Lewiston Democrat who has represented the district since 2019, may face a primary challenge from State Auditor Matthew Dunlap. Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage announced earlier this month that he is running for the seat. Golden, 42, has been raising money for another reelection campaign for Congress, but has also been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial or U.S. Senate candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While I have considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine, I have decided to run for re-election because the surest way to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to win back the House of Representatives," Golden said in a statement. "While the election is still 18 months away and I remain focused on my responsibilities to my constituents and my family, I also know the path to the majority runs through Maine. And I am going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress." Golden's voting records and public statements including his willingness to work with President Donald Trump and his support tariffs have angered some Maine Democrats who want to see him face a primary challenge. But Golden also has had the support of the national party because of his ability to hold a seat in a district that has repeatedly backed Donald Trump. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was quick to back Golden after Dunlap said he was considering a primary challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Rep. Golden has proven he is uniquely-suited to win tough races, and the DCCC is proud to work to reelect him once again next November," DCCC Spokesperson Nebeyatt Betre said. Jordan Kathleen Burns, Golden's campaign manager, said Golden is "a proven winner and the right choice to beat a candidate like Paul LePage and restore checks and balances in Congress." "The stakes are clear: While the GOP in Congress is working overtime to take away Mainers' health care and further rig the tax code for the rich, Jared is standing up for our health care, workers' rights, reproductive freedom and Maine's heritage industries," Burns said in a statement. Golden narrowly won reelection in 2024 against his Republican challenger, former state Rep. Austin Theriault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theriault endorsed LePage in a post on X, saying he considered another campaign but decided to sit it out to spare his party a primary contest. "A crowded, divisive primary would only hurt our chances in November," he wrote. "I'll be supporting Governor LePage in his race for Congress, and I hope you'll join me," Maine's 2nd District has become a battleground in recent elections, as Trump has won one of the state's four electoral votes in the rural district composed of northern and western Maine in each of the last three presidential races. Republicans have eyed the district as a seat to flip in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden, a centrist Democrat, said prior to last year's election that he was "OK" with Trump winning. Golden won his seat after a ranked choice runoff against Republican Austin Theriault, a first-term state lawmaker. This story will be updated. Copy the Story Link Charles Kusher has been confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to France. Kusher is the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. In 2005, the real estate developer pleaded guilty to 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering and was sentenced to two years in prison. Trump pardoned him in 2020. President Donald Trump has added another extended family member to his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Kushner, the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, was confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to France and Monaco by a 51-45 vote in the U.S. Senate on Monday, May 19. Sen. Cory Booker, from Kushners home state of New Jersey, was the sole Democratic supporter of the nomination, while Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to oppose. In 2005, Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. The witness tampering charge came when Kushner admitted to retaliation against his brother-in-law, William Schulder, who was cooperating with federal investigators. He plotted to hire a sex worker to seduce Schulder and have video evidence sent to his sister, Esther, Schulder's wife. Chris Christie, then the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, has called the case "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" hed prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kusher was sentenced to two years in prison. He served 14 months at a federal prison in Alabama and completed his sentence at a halfway house in Newark, N.J., until his release in August 2006. A graduate of Hofstra University School of Law, he was also disbarred and prohibited from practicing law in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania after becoming a convicted felon. Kushners eldest son, Jared, married Ivanka Trump in October 2009, and they share three children. Jared served as a senior White House adviser during President Trumps first term in office. At the end of that term, Jared's father received a federal pardon. Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty President Donald Trump, flanked by son-in-law Jared Kushner, speaks in the Rose Garden on Oct. 1, 2018 President Donald Trump, flanked by son-in-law Jared Kushner, speaks in the Rose Garden on Oct. 1, 2018 During the elder Kushner's recent confirmation hearing, he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he believed his criminal history made him even more prepared to serve as an ambassador. "I think that my past mistakes actually make me better with my judgment, better in my view of life, better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job," he explained. I made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a heavy price for that mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his testimony, he promised to strengthen the defense relationship between the U.S. and France, ensure that trade between the two countries "revitalizes American industry and drives economic growth," and promote better Holocaust education. Getty Images (2) U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner and President Donald Trump While he has the approval of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, Kushner may not be welcomed as warmly by fellow diplomats. Following the news of his nomination in November, a former French ambassador to the U.S., Gerard Araud, lambasted the choice on X. I recommend reading his resume. Juicy, as the Americans would say, Araud wrote, in French. Needless to say, he doesn't have the slightest knowledge of our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At least he'll have access to the president. We console ourselves as best we can, Araud added. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. Access to the president is a common theme among Trump appointees. In his second term, the president has also appointed Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of his daughter, Tiffany Trump, as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs and a senior adviser on Africa. Additionally, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former fiancee of Donald Trump Jr., is currently awaiting her confirmation hearing after being nominated as Trumps ambassador to Greece. Read the original article on People As House Republicans prepare to slash hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, its been widely observed that these cuts will screw over countless voters who backed one Donald J. Trump in the 2024 election. As many Democrats note, such cuts undermine the idea that Trump is remaking the GOP as a working-class party, since they will fall heavily on the working poorprecisely the demographic Trump is supposed to be ushering into the GOP. Guess who agrees with this criticism? Vice President JD Vance, thats who. At least he did back before he became a full-fledged devotee of Donald Trump. Back in 2017, when House Republicans were feverishly trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act during Trumps first term, Vance repeatedly criticized the efforts Medicaid cuts, castigating them as a serious betrayal of Trump votersand, importantly, of the supposed working-class populism underlying Trumps support. Trump voters, Vance said then, backed him because unlike other Republicans, he wasnt saying Im going to take away your Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This matters not just because it badly undercuts the current GOP push to slash Medicaid. It also sheds new light on Vances evolution as a public figure and the sordid compromises hes made to rise to the pinnacle of MAGA politics. The House GOP is currently hashing out the big, beautiful bill embodying Trumps agenda, and it would impose work requirements and other bureaucratic hurdles on Medicaid recipients. That would result in at least seven million fewer people on the program, many from the ranks of the working poor, and many in red states. These are precisely the types of voters who would have been hurt by the 2017 House GOP effort to repeal the ACA. That bill would have phased out the ACAs Medicaid expansion and transitioned to block grants to states, booting millions off the program, many of them in Trump country, if the bill hadnt failed in the Senate. At the time, Vance was riding a wave of fame as his Hillbilly Elegy memoir and Trumps surprise 2016 election victory turned Vance into a celebrated decoder of life in working-class white America, even as he personally remained an opponent of Trump. But Vance also emerged as a major public critic of that House GOP bill, especially its savage cuts to Medicaid spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2017 interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, for instance, Vance faulted the GOP repeal efforts Medicaid cuts, which he explicitly cast as a betrayal of Trump voters. Vance said Trump had been elected precisely because he refrained from saying, Im going to take away your Social Security and your Medicaid. This, said Vance, had differentiated Trump from plutocratic Republicans who wouldnt take care of working-class people. Then, in a 2017 op ed for The New York Times, Vance argued that the GOP bill would shift large numbers of people from Medicaid to the private market without ensuring that they can meaningfully purchase care in that marketi.e., theyd lose coverage. Vance suggested that Republicans must stand for some baseline provision of care to working-class voters, meaning cuts to Medicaid would betray that principle. President Trump actively championed that bill at the time. And though the Senate killed it, Vance didnt forget what it had revealed about Trump and Trumpism. In 2020 private texts obtained by The Washington Post, Vance lamented that Trumps first term had thoroughly failed to deliver on his economic populism. It is likely, given Vances criticism of the GOP repeal effort, that this was a partial reference to that. The current GOP bills cuts to Medicaid aim at populations similar to those targeted in the 2017 bill, Robin Rudowitz, a vice president at the health care nonprofit KFF, tells me. Rudowitz notes that both populations broadly include low-income parents as well as adults without dependent children, people who are largely in low-wage jobs and dont have access to private insurance, many with at least one chronic condition. There are a lot of people like that in Trump country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some might be tempted to dismiss the importance of Vances previous quotes. After all, its widely known that Vance was an early critic of Trump before converting to a major supporter and then becoming his running mate. But that would constitute letting Vance off too easily. His previous criticisms were not merely aimed at things he disliked about Trump personally, such as his temperament. They constituted a broad statement of deeply held principles on his part, ones that took specific issue with the GOPs policy prioritiesand its penchant for governing against the interests of working-class voters, including those who elected Trump. If Vance and Trump end up supporting some version of the deep Medicaid cuts in the GOP billwhich is very likelythen it should go without saying that Vance should be held to account for all the ways this move betrays those previously stated ideals. Vances abandonment of principle in service of his embrace of Trump and conquest of MAGA politics is the subject of a deeply reported piece by The Atlantics George Packer. As it chronicles, Vance justified his conversion by insisting that Trumps appeal was only superficially about his most vile theatrics. Behind all that, Trump was clearing new ideological space for Republican politicians to break from traditional GOP plutocracy and truly represent working-class voters on many issues. One of these issues, Vance said explicitly, was health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet as Vance rose higher in the MAGA firmament, he increasingly trafficked in the ugly lies, the hateful cultural appeals, and the proudly sadistic cruelties of MAGAthe very things Vance previously claimed constituted a negligible fraction of Trumpist politics. Vance stopped caring about all the ways that Trump-era GOP policies continued to screw over the working-class voters whom Trump was supposedly fighting for. The truth is that savage Medicaid cuts fit comfortably under the ideology of Trumpism when it is properly understood. In Vances original telling, right-wing populism is supposed to embrace a robust government role in shielding working people from economic degradation. But at its coresee John Ganz and Matt McManus on thisTrumpism is ultimately hostile to the aims of the social democratic state. Trumpism is particularly averse to social democracys goal of mass empowerment, which treats universal access to health care as foundational to the ideal of liberal equality. Instead, Trumpism actively embraces hierarchy and subjugation of the non-chosen. It wields the state to facilitate the division of Americans into MAGA winners and non-MAGA suckers and losers. Thus it is that the stated aims of the 2017 iteration of Vance so often seem to vanish when the state falls under Trump-MAGA control. It is possible that Trump and Vance will ultimately oppose House Republicans cuts to Medicaid. On Tuesday, Trump privately directed them to refrain from cutting Medicaid other than eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. But in the next breath, Trump also endorsed commonsense work requirements. So its likely that Trump will support all sorts of GOP bureaucratic chicanery that in the name of combating fraud actually pushes millions off Medicaid. And Vance, the great populist champion of the working poor, will go along with him every step of the way. NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) A sentence hearing held earlier today sentenced Sammy Cheatham sentenced to thirty years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on each of his seven counts of attempted first degree murder, Michael Haik III, Louisiana 16th Judicial District Attorney said. Sammy Cheatham, 19, of Jeanerette pled guilty on February 18 to seven counts of attempted first degree murder. The charges arose from a drive-by shooting that occurred in the 800 block of School Street, authorities said. Authorities reported the defendants shots allegedly went through the window and the wall and struck a three-year old child in the head. The child and six other family members were present in the house when the shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was taken by Air-Med to a hospital where she underwent brain surgery. New Iberia Police Department said they were able to link Cheatham to the shooting by witness statements, surveillance video and evidence taken from his phone. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Cheatham pled guilty to seven counts of attempted second degree murder. Attempted second degree murder carries a potential penalty of not less than ten nor more than fifty years at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. However, because Cheatham was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, he will automatically be eligible for parole consideration after serving twenty-five years of his sentence, Haik 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. May 20Jeff Monroe knew how to get things done. He was fiercely ambitious and keenly observant, and his former colleges and friends say that when he was passionate about something he went all in, whether that meant collecting hundreds of model trains in his basement or being ordained as an Anglican priest later in life. Monroe died on May 13, according to his obituary. He was 71. As the director of transportation for the city of Portland a role he held for about a decade in the late 1990s and early 2000s Monroe was instrumental in modernizing the working waterfront and expanding the Portland International Jetport, according to former colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spearheaded the Ocean Gateway project, which was completed in 2008 and moved commercial waterfront operations to the West End and ferry ports and recreational docks to the eastern waterfront. As part of the project, he advocated for the opening of the city's cruise ship terminal, which first allowed ships to dock directly downtown. Friends said he had a deep love for the waterfront and consistently advocated for its expansion and modernization. Tom Meyers worked with Monroe on some of these projects as the transportation and waterfront coordinator for South Portland. Meyers said Monroe was skilled at coming up with an ambitious vision and executing it sometimes strategically, sometimes with sheer willpower. "He was forceful in what he wanted to accomplish," said Meyers. "Jeff just really understood the system. He understood how to get things done and wasn't afraid to find out where the sticky parts were and get through them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Needleman also worked for the city with Monroe and remembers him as a strong and effective leader who consistently brought projects over the finish line. "He was larger than life, always willing to be in front of the camera. Never shy. Well informed. And occasionally controversial; he was outspoken," said Needleman. Outside of his career with the city, Monroe had many interests, often tied to the maritime industry, which he remained involved with until his death. He taught students at the State University of New York Maritime College and at Massachusetts Maritime, and he led transportation management classes at the University of Southern Maine. He helped organize sailing events that drew thousands to the waterfront, joined the Portland Propeller Club, consulted with ports around New England on their growth and development, and worked as a commercial ship captain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he joined religious groups like the Freemasons and served as an Anglican priest. "He had a long, salty career," said Nico Walsh, a friend and former colleague who now works as a lawyer. "He left the place a hell of a lot better for having passed through," said another friend, Phineas Sprague, owner of Portland Yacht Services. Monroe lived near Trundy Point in Cape Elizabeth for decades with his wife, Linda. He had two children, Michelle and Michael, according to the Rev. Gary Drinkwater, a longtime friend. In 2017, Monroe became involved with the Anglican Church. Drinkwater was a deacon when he met Monroe just as he was opening up the Anglican Church of Transfiguration in Mechanic Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jeff had so much spirit and he knew a lot of people, so he helped me find the best place for the church," said Drinkwater. The two became close friends, talking on the phone every couple of days, even when Monroe and his wife began spending chunks of the year in South Carolina. "There are some people that you connect with, you have a chemistry," said Drinkwater, who also had worked on ships. "We could talk the language and share sea stories. It was just a match made in heaven. We even liked a good shot of Irish whiskey occasionally." Drinkwater said Monroe's dogged determination and ability to throw his weight behind what he most believed in extended to his friends. Drinkwater said Monroe was the one who first suggested he become a pastor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't have near the accolades that man had, but he believed in me, and when he believed in something, it happened," said Drinkwater. "If he put his shoulder to the wheel it moved, and he did that for me." One of Monroe's biggest strengths as a pastor was his ability to translate his passion for his God into digestible sermons that people from all different backgrounds could understand, said Drinkwater. He described Monroe as an accessible preacher who would "champion the lord in language that was understandable by the layperson." Monroe served for years as a pastor at St. Margaret Anglican Church in Conway, New Hampshire. He started a parish at St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Old Orchard Beach. When he began spending time in South Carolina, he also served as a pastor at St. Timothy's Anglican Catholic Church in Charleston, according to Drinkwater. Last June, Drinkwater and Monroe went together to the Blessing of the Fleet, where religious leaders in Portland bless boats big and small to kick off the summer season. Drinkwater remembers it was an overcast, windy day in Portland, and as he lifted the reeds from the water, droplets were blowing back in his face, soaking his glasses and clothes by the end of the event. "Well there, you ought to be holy enough now," he remembers Monroe joking. After the event, Drinkwater said, Monroe bought him a pint. Copy the Story Link Credit - Courtesy Pritzker For as long as my family's been in this country, they've always engaged in some kind of philanthropic activity, even before they got the big money, says Jennifer Pritzker, a scion of the wealthy Pritzker family, whose members include the current governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker, former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and several other billionaires. Jennifers first act of philanthropy, she recalls, was shoving a cardboard UNICEF collection box in people's faces in hotel lobbies and on buses for a weekend of fundraising. I did pretty well, she says. I collected $50, which in 1962, was a lot of money for a kid. Pritzker has walked an unconventional path and her philanthropic efforts reflect her determination to march to the beat of her own drum. She is a lifelong Republican and former active duty military who donated to Joe Bidens Presidential campaign in 2020. She founded and supports the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and her Tawani Foundation (named after her three children) recently arranged for a fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright House to be donated to her alma mater Loyola University. She has donated to send medical aid to Ukraine and to research polar fields in Antarctica. Grants that Pritzker, the worlds richest transgender woman, made last year included $1 million to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and $400,000 for transgender health initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see [philanthropy] as absolutely essential for one to have quality of life, she says. It's like nurturing the soil. If you want to plant anything, you're not going to get a good crop yield unless you contribute to the health of the soil. Contact us at letters@time.com. *As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. *Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. *China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for "China Travel" continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 percent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) FRESH EXPERIENCES During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 percent, 60 percent, and 50 percent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. "Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen," Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Foreign tourists visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. "Seeing is believing," said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). "When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is -- open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered." A border inspection officer guides foreign tourists at Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 3, 2025. (Photo by Zhu Jipeng/Xinhua) EXPANDING ACCESS Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasized that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimized. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 percent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 percent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. A staff member provides departure tax refund service for a tourist from Russia at a shopping center in Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasized the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. "So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience." "As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage," he added. Editor: Zhang Zhou WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Democrats came out in force to defend Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) after she was charged with assaulting federal law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, Republicans are backing the Department of Justices decision to press charges. Body camera footage captured a confrontation between McIver and federal agents at an ICE detention facility in New Jersey. Dont you put your hands on me, McIver is heard saying in the footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Justice, McIver allegedly assaulted officers while attempting to prevent the arrest of the mayor of Newark. She was shoving federal agents. She was out of control, President Donald Trump said. Republicans emphasized that members of Congress must still follow the law. Dont ever put your hands on law enforcement, especially when they are asking you to comply with a directive or an order, said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). You dont have a right to assault someone, said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas.). And being a member of Congress doesnt give you a right to assault someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and accused the federal agents of escalating the encounter. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said the charges are politically motivated and called the incident an abuse of power by the administration. There was intent upon using law enforcement to pursue a political end, Booker said. When they come after people who use their First Amendment rights, we should be afraid. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) echoed that sentiment and accused President Trump of weaponizing the Department of Justice. This is an attempt to make a young congresswoman from New Jersey the focal point of his efforts to intimidate Congress into submission, Clarke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarke was uncertain whether House Speaker Mike Johnson would pursue action against McIver but offered a strong warning. If you want to get to LaMonica, youre going to have to go through a hell of a lot of us first, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) speaks during the We Choose To Fight: Nobody Elected Elon rally at the U.S. Department Of The Treasury on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn) Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Monday she is charging Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement during the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside a migrant jail in Newark 10 days ago. Habba also announced her office is dropping Barakas misdemeanor trespassing charge for the sake of moving forward. Baraka called for federal prosecutors to dismiss the case after a court hearing in Newark on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stunning development has McIver accusing the Trump administration of attempting to criminalize and deter legislative oversight and Habba saying that congressional oversight is not an issue in this case. No one is above the law politicians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are, Habba said in a statement Monday evening. Now we will let the justice system work. McIver, a Democrat who first joined Congress in September, said the charges are purely political. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, she said in a statement. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against McIver stem from a May 9 protest outside Delaney Hall, the new migrant jail in Newark. In the days prior, Baraka had attempted to gain access to the facility, which he claims is operating illegally without proper city permits. McIver and two other New Jersey Democrats, Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, joined Baraka that day, saying they wanted to inspect the jail. Members of Congress are permitted to conduct unannounced visits ofproperties by or for the Department of Homeland Security. When federal agents moved to arrest Baraka, chaos ensued. Video shows McIver and other protestors surrounding the mayor. While Baraka was still in federal custody that day, McIver told reporters that she was the one assaulted by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did not get one apology, we did not get one explanation. I personally, who was assaulted on camera, did not get one apology from any ICE administrator, no call from Homeland Security, nothing, she said. Department of Homeland Security officials later posted video of the melee to social media, focusing on a moment where McIver pushes past a federal agent. McIver said in her statement that she, Menendez, and Watson Coleman were lawfully conducting oversight of the facility and that the visit should have been peaceful and short. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habbas statement says she attempted to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and gave McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined. The three House members have faced backlash from Republican lawmakers who have introduced a resolution that would strip them of their committee assignments, and at least one representative has called for McIver to be expelled from Congress. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the three Democrats of lawlessness. Habbas statement says she has invited Baraka to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at the facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand, she said. The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba was present in court last week for a 20-minute status conference on Barakas charges. Lawyers for Baraka said he was let onto the property by a staff member, and that Baraka was arrested outside the property. Monday was a deadline for federal prosecutors to deliver certain information pertaining to Barakas arrest. Baraka, who is one of six Democrats running for his partys nomination for governor, said in a statement that he is glad Habba has agreed to dismiss the charge he faced and said he plans to speak to her about issues on which we can cooperate. I understand that the U.S. Attorney has chosen to charge Congresswoman LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement. Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated, he said. Habba, a personal lawyer for President Donald Trump who became the states U.S. attorney in March, has targeted other New Jersey officials. Last month, she said she launched an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy and state Attorney General Matt Platkin which she called a warning for everybody over a 2019 directive barring state, county, and local police from cooperating in federal immigration arrests and enforcement. This article was first published by the New Jersey Monitor, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Jersey Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Terrence T. McDonald for questions: info@newjerseymonitor.com. A 63-year-old pedestrian was tossed across Route 440 by a northbound SUV before being struck by a southbound vehicle in New Jersey over the weekend. State Police said Porfirio Soriano-Luna of Perth Amboy was killed in the Saturday crash in Woodbridge, NJ.Com report. The southbound vehicle reportedly didnt stop. The SUV driver was said to have suffered minor injuries in the 9 p.m. incident. The victims death is under investigation. One Facebook user from Perth Amboy who said she witnessed the aftermath of the crash described a macabre scene. People were getting out of the cars and taking pictures of the accident, she said. New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver is facing a felony charge of assaulting a federal officer for allegedly pushing a pair of unnamed Homeland Security agents during a scuffle that broke out earlier this month as three House members were trying to visit an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, a court filing released Tuesday shows. The criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Newark alleges McIver slammed her forearm into one agent and forcibly grabbed him. The Democratic congressmember is also accused of using each of her forearms to forcibly strike another officer, according to the complaint, which includes multiple photos from video cameras worn by officers, as well as others mounted outside the facility. The complaint was presented to U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey Adams on Monday evening, shortly before New Jerseys interim U.S. Attorney, Alina Habba, announced the charge on X, escalating a confrontation between the political branches. Habba also agreed to drop the pending trespass charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat who is also running for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge against McIver carries a maximum statutory punishment of eight years in prison, although defendants are typically sentenced in accordance with federal guidelines that usually result in sentences well below the maximum. Under federal court rules, prosecutors will have 30 days to get a grand jury to obtain an indictment of McIver. The court filing was released hours before a House subcommittee planned to hold a hearing examining the threats to ICE operations. The panel is led by fellow New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican. He referred to the incident in Newark, saying that were going to go into the actual scuffle itself. The charge follows a May 9 visit by McIver, along with her colleagues Reps. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), to a newly opened Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark that unfolded in a tussle and resulted in the arrest of Baraka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver, who has maintained her innocence and denounced the charges as political, is likely to be summoned to appear before a magistrate judge in federal court in the coming days to be formally advised of the charges. The charging document gives a fresh, written account of the days events from Department of Homeland Security special agent Robert Tansey. Tansey gave a new account about how Baraka was able to enter a gated area at the detention facility. Baraka said he was invited in. Tansley said the mayor was able to enter because the guard was under the impression that the Mayor was part of the Congressional delegation. Baraka was eventually asked to leave the gated area and told he would be arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, POLITICO witnessed McIver and Watson Coleman appearing to mediate a negotiation between an agent and Baraka inside the gated area. According to Tansey, McIver and the other members of Congress surrounded the Mayor and prevented [authorities] from handcuffing him and taking him into custody. Baraka eventually left the gated area. The three members of Congress who were still inside the gate headed back toward the facility. We will be your eyes and your ears and we will report to you, mayor, Watson Coleman told Baraka, at a point where the situation seemed to have been defused. Moments later, Menendez came back across the parking lot to warn Baraka that he could still be arrested. Menendez would later say that hed witnessed an agent inside the fenced area talking on the phone with someone who told the agent to arrest Baraka. McIver gave a similar account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities approached Baraka to arrest him, setting off a scrum. Tansey said McIver hurried outside towards the agents and attempted to thwart the arrest as others yelled circle the mayor. Tansey said McIver and others circled Baraka in a human shield to prevent the arrest. He said her attempts to thwart the arrest included allegedly slamming her forearm into and grabbing one agent and using her forearms to forcibly strike another. Menendez said in a Monday night statement that, having witnessed everything firsthand, "I strongly believe that the administration should be apologizing to Rep. McIver, not arresting her on unprecedented, politicized charges." The day of the incident, Menendez said that all of us were touched by federal authorities and said McIver had been shoved in what he called an assault. McIver told reporters Tuesday morning that she is looking forward to my day in court. In a CNN interview on Tuesday, prior to the charging document becoming public, McIver called the Trump administrations actions political intimidation. In response to a question about if she had attempted to negotiate a plea deal, McIver said she is open to having conversations but wont roll over and stop doing my job. The Justice Department and Alina Habba wanted me to admit to doing something that I did not do, and I was not going to do that, McIver said. Madison Fernandez contributed to this report. Jill Biden could face criminal charges if she helped to cover up her husbands health decline, a department of justice official has suggested. Leo Terrell, who works in the departments civil rights division as senior counsel to the assistant attorney general, made the suggestion in a post on X. Elder abuse! Criminal charges?? he wrote, sharing a picture of the former first lady behind a desk on Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid mounting speculation that Joe Bidens inner circle attempted to keep secret his cancer diagnosis and declining cognitive ability during his time in office. Leo Terrells post on X On Sunday, Mr Bidens office announced that he has an aggressive form of incurable prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bone. The 82-year-old sought medical attention after experiencing urinary symptoms, his spokesman said. Some have suggested the apparent sudden diagnosis would have been spotted some time before it was made public, given the seriousness and advanced stage of the cancer. Mr Terrell also published messages written of support by other users in response to his suggestion the former first lady should face charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elder abuse is a form of domestic violence and Dr Biden has a lot of explaining to do about her part in defrauding the American people and taxpayers, one X user wrote, whom Mr Terrell reposted. I would never wish Joe Biden physical harm despite my personal political views; too bad his own family compromised his well being, another wrote. Jill and Joe Biden kiss in the Oval Office in November 2013 - Andrew Harnik Mr Biden, the oldest-serving president in US history, was given a clean bill of health by his doctor last year. Last February, Dr Kevin OConnor said there were no new concerns with the presidents physical and mental condition. Allegations that those closest shielded the public from the extent of Mr Bidens mental decline while serving as president have been laid bare in the book Original Sin, which hit shelves on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, 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. The book does not mention, or allude to, Mr Bidens recent cancer diagnosis. Donald Trump fuelled speculation on Monday that Mr Bidens cancer diagnosis may have been covered up, saying he was surprised the public was not told about his predecessors condition earlier. Suggesting that the annual screening undertaken by Mr Biden when he was president should have picked up signs of the disease, Mr Trump added: If you take a look its the same doctor that said Joe was cognitively fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are things going on that the public wasnt informed of. Mr Trump, who spent much of the 2024 election campaign bashing Mr Bidens cognitive fitness, had said in a statement on Sunday that he was saddened by the diagnosis. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The post Jim Morrisons Long-Lost Bust Recovered in French Police Search appeared first on Consequence. A long-lost bust of The Doors frontman Jim Morrison has been recovered, 37 years after it was stolen from his gravesite at the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, France. French authorities announced the recovery in an Instagram statement last Friday, May 16th, revealing the sculpture was found during an unrelated investigation by the Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement was accompanied by a photo of the bust, which was carved by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin in 1981. It shows the sculpture is still covered in graffiti and missing a chunk of its nose, the latter of which had reportedly been sliced off by souvenir hunters before it disappeared from the gravesite decades ago. Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. Former president Joe Biden repeatedly offered to testify at his sons federal gun trial last year amid carrying out presidential duties and running a campaign, according to a new book with insight into the White House at the time. Last June, the Bidens were preparing for Hunter Biden to go to trial in Delaware on charges of unlawfully obtaining and possessing a firearm in 2018 while battling substance abuse. At the same time, Joe Biden was attending campaign fundraisers, preparing to attend the G7 Summit, traveling to France and readying to debate President Donald Trump. Yet, the weekend before the trial began, Biden again offered to testify or come to court, despite his packed schedule," Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson claim in their new book Original Sin. Former president Joe Biden wanted to testify on behalf of his son in his federal gun trial, amid his presidency and re-election campaign (AP) Biden reportedly had testimony that could have helped Huntes defense team, but attorneys decided the move was too risky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possibility of "a sitting president taking the witness stand in a case involving his own son," would have fueled media attention around Hunters case, Tapper and Thompson say in their new book, per Axios. The former president was subjected to questions and speculation about his involvement in the federal trial at the time, with many believing he would pardon Hunter. At the time, Joe Biden released a statement expressing love and support for his son while claiming he would not pardon him if found guilty. Ultimately, a jury did find Hunter Biden guilty on all charges, and Joe Biden did offer his son a pardon at the end of his presidency. But the revelation that the then-president wanted to testify at his sons trial indicates that the federal gun trial may have been consuming and distracting to the White House at a pivotal time in the former presidents campaign. Hunter Biden was ultimately found guilty on three counts of gun-related charges (AP) Later that month, the former president would initiate the formal end of his re-election campaign by grossly underperforming against Trump in a presidential debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Bidens trial also consumed other members of the Biden family. Jill Biden attended nearly every day of the trial, even after taking a short trip to France to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day. Ashley Biden, James Biden and Valerie Owens Biden all became familiar faces. Even Hunter Bidens daughter, Naomi Biden, testified on behalf of her father at the trial. Sitting presidents can testify in trials, though it often only occurs due to a subpoena. A voter walks by a ballot box outside Portland City Hall on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/ Maine Morning Star) The Maine Legislature is poised to undo a decision it made last year to join a pact that presents an eventual path to do away with the Electoral College. The Maine House of Representatives passed legislation, LD 252, on Tuesday that would repeal the decision, but did so after some Democratic members first attempted to buck a committee recommendation and reject it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the bill is sponsored solely by Republicans, it has been backed by some Democrats in committee and floor votes. The bill now heads to the Senate. In 2024, the Legislature adopted something called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which Gov. Janet Mills allowed to become law without her signature. States that are part of the compact pledge their Electoral College votes to the presidential candidate with the most overall votes across the country, but it would only take effect once states with a total of 270 Electoral College votes have joined. Including Maine, 17 states and the District of Columbia have ratified the agreement, giving the compact a total of 209 electoral votes. During floor speeches, lawmakers disagreed on which system would give more of a voice to Mainers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were the first state in the nation to split our Electoral College votes by congressional district a system that reflects our political diversity and values every voice, whether rural or urban, said Rep. Barbara Bagshaw (R-Windham), the bill sponsor. Maine and Nebraska are the only states that split their electoral votes across candidates. Other states use a winner-take-all system where the candidate with the majority of the states popular vote gets all of the states electoral votes. By joining the National Popular Vote Compact, Bagshaw said, we have undermined that. However, Rep. Arthur Bell (D-Yarmouth), who sponsored the legislation to enter the pact last year, argued the Electoral College system results in candidates only paying attention to voters in swing states, which Maine is not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, its as simple as every vote should be equal, Bell said. Rep. Sean Faircloth (D-Bangor) said he is sympathetic to people who he hears say, My vote doesnt matter, given that twice in this century a candidate who has lost the popular vote has become president. Others pointed to the founding intent behind the Electoral College when explaining their opposition. Rep. Adam Lee (D-Auburn), an attorney, pointed to Federalist Paper 68 when making the point that the Electoral College is based on the idea that regular citizens cant be trusted to elect the president. When the Electoral College was conceived, its design was intended to advance the political power of slave states, said Rep. Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor). Enslaved people were counted toward the electoral population of the states in which they were enslaved despite not having the right to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subject matter aside, several Republicans took issue with procedure. Rep. Laura Supica (D-Bangor) made a motion to accept the minority report of the Veteran and Legal Affairs Committee, which would have preserved the agreement, though that motion failed 71-76 and was preceded by a half hour of floor debate. This is just poking the eye [of] the committee, said Rep. Shelley Rudnicki (R-Fairfield). In April, the majority of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted in favor of LD 252, with eight legislators in support of the measure and five opposed, a breakdown that did not fall along party lines. While five of those in favor were Republicans Reps. David Boyer, Quentin Chapman, Ann Fredericks, Benjamin Hymes and Sen. Jeff Timberlake two are Democrats Sens. Jill Duson and Craig Hickman and one is unenrolled Rep. Sharon Frost. However, the committee members who voted against its passage were all Democrats: Reps. Sean Faircloth, Anne Graham, Marc Malon, Parnell Terry, and Supica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee voted against legislation, LD 1356 sponsored by Lee, that seeks to change Maines method of allocating electoral votes from the current district split to a winner-take-all system but only if Nebraska also adopts winner-take-all. Lees bill has yet to be heard on the floor. In April, the Nebraska Legislature killed a bill that sought to make this switch, after Republicans failed to secure enough votes to overcome a four-hour filibuster. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE May 20Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy, the latest to join the race for an open seat on the Montana Supreme Court, has promised her campaign will eschew partisan politics. "Montanans deserve a Supreme Court justice who is fair, impartial and independent," wrote Eddy in a May 6 press release announcing her bid to replace outgoing Justice Beth Baker. "On the Supreme Court, I will protect our freedoms, guard our constitution, hold criminals accountable and apply the law fairly. I believe deeply that we must keep politics out of the courtroom." Eddy said she plans to maintain the state precedence for nonpartisan judicial campaigns despite recent legislative efforts to introduce more direct partisan politics into the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the governor signed a bill that removed a longstanding ban on direct financial contributions from political parties to judicial candidates. Eddy said the new law is at odds with her own nonpartisan campaign ethics as well as the Montana Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits judicial candidates from participating in activities "inconsistent with the independence, integrity, or impartiality of the judiciary." "I have no intention of accepting money from any party," said Eddy. "While it may be lawful, it is not judicial. That, to me, does not embody a nonpartisan campaign." Eddy's entry into the race pits her against fellow District Court Judge Dan Wilson, who launched his campaign for the seat in early April. Eddy comes to the table with 25 years of courtroom experience. After graduating from the University of Montana School of Law in 2001, she worked as a trial attorney in Kalispell, specializing in civil cases such as personal injury claims. In 2015, she was appointed to the bench for Montana's 11th District Court and was subsequently reelected in 2016, 2018 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to her District Court duties, Eddy oversaw the state's Asbestos Claims Court for several years. The volunteer position primarily involved claims related to a vermiculite mine outside of Libby, which was found to contain an especially harmful form of asbestos in the 1990s. "I'm really just exceptionally proud of that work and that period of my career," Eddy said. "We really just put an astronomical effort in." In terms of her constitutional philosophy, Eddy said she embraces the idea of judicial constraint and respects the separation of power between the three branches of government. But her viewpoint also allows for a somewhat flexible interpretation of the constitution as a living document. "You have to start with the text of the constitution, the structure of the constitution, but it doesn't stop there," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She summarized her perspective by paraphrasing a quote from Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter: "It is an inadmissibly narrow conception of American constitutional law to confine it to the words of the Constitution and to disregard the gloss which life has written upon them." Eddy shied away from taking a specific stance on some of the key issues the Montana Supreme Court is expected to review in the coming years, including abortion, voters' rights and environmental regulation. She did nod at a few of the precedents the state recently set, including CI-128, which added abortion protections to the state constitution. "We have a lot of precedents in this state in these areas," she said. "Precedence is a promise of constancy." Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com. 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) Editor: ZAD Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor in her Dane County chambers. | Photo courtesy Chris for Justice campaign Appeals court judge and former Democratic state Assembly member Chris Taylor announced Tuesday shes running for a seat on the state Supreme Court in next years spring election. Taylor, who was elected to the Court of Appeals in 2023, will run against conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley in a race that will decide if liberals expand their majority on the Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two previous state Supreme Court elections, which consolidated the current 4-3 liberal majority, broke national spending records for judicial races. While the stakes wont be as high in next years race, Bradley has been a prominent supporter of conservative causes since she was appointed to the Court by Gov. Scott Walker in 2015. Bradley sided with President Donald Trump in his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and has been a vocal member of the right-wing Federalist Society. The election takes place just seven months before the midterm elections when statewide offices including governor and attorney general, as well as control of the Legislature, will be up for grabs giving the state a view of the voting publics mood before November. Taylor previously worked as Planned Parenthood of Wisconsins public policy director and served in the Assembly from 2013 until she was appointed to the Dane County Circuit Court in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an attorney, public servant, and now as a judge, Ive always been committed to making sure everyone is able to access our justice system, Taylor said in a statement. The law is a powerful tool for protecting Wisconsinites, holding people accountable, and making our state stronger. Justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court must be fair, independent, and impartial, Taylor said. Justice Rebecca Bradley has proven that shes more interested in pushing her own right-wing political agenda than protecting Wisconsinites rights and freedoms. Extremism and partisanship have no place on our states highest court. Everyone who comes before the court deserves to be heard, respected, and treated equally thats exactly what Ill do as a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice. While Taylor has been elected to office six times, she has only faced a Republican opponent once. She ran unopposed for her Madison-area Assembly seat in 2012, 2014 and 2018. When she had an opponent in 2016, she won with 83% of the vote. She also ran unopposed for re-election to the Dane County Court in 2021 and for her seat on the District IV Court of Appeals in 2023. In a statement, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming noted that shes never had to win the votes of people outside of heavily Democratic Dane County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Taylors extreme partisan record has never been on full display outside of Dane County, Schimming said. After liberal express lane elections in Dane County and an appointment from Tony Evers, Radical Democrat Chris Taylor will now have to answer for her extremely partisan record in the Legislature and on the bench. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Attorney Eddie Greim of Kansas City speaks in Lancaster County District Court during a hearing on a lawsuit arguing Nebraska's medical cannabis laws are preempted by federal law. He represents the plaintiff, former State Sen. John Kuehn, at right. May 20, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN A Lancaster County district judge is reviewing whether to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that Nebraskas voter-approved medical cannabis laws violate federal law after in-person arguments Tuesday. This is the second medical cannabis case to reach District Judge Susan Strong, who in late November ruled against a preelection lawsuit challenging that the ballot measures shouldnt have been placed on the ballot because of allegedly fraudulent notarizations. Strong rejected those arguments. In the latest case, Strong must first decide whether to let the federal preemption case proceed based on whether a longtime marijuana opponent, John Kuehn, has the necessary standing to sue. Lancaster County District Court Judge Susan Strong presides over a case arguing Nebraskas medical cannabis laws are preempted by federal law. May 20, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Thats the legal term of art required for cases to proceed, meaning that Kuehn, a former state senator and former member of the State Board of Health, must show injury as a result of the new medical cannabis laws legalizing and regulating the drug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot measures overwhelmingly passed in November, with 71% approval for legalization and 67% approval for a regulatory law. Tuesdays arguments came on the same day state lawmakers are considering Legislative Bill 677, a separate effort to create a clearer regulatory scheme around medical cannabis to assist in the programs implementation. He couldnt wait Many of the arguments in court Tuesday mirrored legal briefs filed earlier. Largely, they argue that Kuehn is not the right party to challenge the measures under taxpayer standing, or that, as a taxpayer, he should get to challenge illegal taxpayer spending. All 11 defendants named in the case from Kuehn have filed to dismiss the case. Attorney Jason Grams, for the three members of the new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that voters regulatory law established, told Strong no taxpayer funds had been spent by Jan. 10, when Kuehn amended his lawsuit to include the commissioners. He couldnt wait to take the time to meet the demand requirement for taxpayer standing, Grams said. Attorney Jason Grams of Omaha argues in Lancaster County District Court on behalf of Nebraskas Medical Cannabis Commission members in a lawsuit alleging the states new medical cannabis laws are preempted by federal law. May 20, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Grams represented the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign in 2020 against a lawsuit brought by Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner. The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled against the campaign and removed the measure from the 2020 ballot. A recycled argument Attorney Daniel Gutman, who is now representing the three sponsors of the 2024 cannabis ballot measures, said the ship has long sailed for election-related challenges against his clients. Gutman continues to defend the sponsors as Kuehn and the Attorney Generals Office appeal the earlier notarization case, also from Kuehn, to the Nebraska Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutman said the sponsors didnt agree to be sued in perpetuity for any challenge from Kuehn. Of the dozens of states that have legalized medical cannabis, Gutman and Grams said no court has tossed the laws. Gutman said states are meant to be labs of democracy and that the federal government and Congress do not preempt the Nebraska laws. He also noted a provision in annual federal spending bills prohibiting the U.S. Department of Justice from spending federal money to prosecute people following state medical cannabis laws. We would literally be here all day if I cited all the cases rejecting this recycled argument, said Gutman. Attorney Daniel Gutman of Lincoln, center, appears in Lancaster County District Court on behalf of three sponsors of two ballot measures Nebraskans adopted in 2024 legalizing and regulating medical cannabis. May 20, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Deputy Solicitor General Zach Pohlman, defending Gov. Jim Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Treasurer Tom Briese and two other state defendants in the case, summed up morning arguments that someone should challenge the laws, but Pohlman said it shouldnt be Kuehn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just because that statute is on the books doesnt mean that Kuehn can run around the normal standing requirements, Pohlman said. Instead, the AGs staff has said Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and his staff should be the ones to challenge the law, which theyve pledged to do if and when the Medical Cannabis Commission issues any dispensary licenses under the new laws. Snip this off at the bud Attorney Eddie Greim of Kansas City, representing Kuehn, said the challenge should proceed in part because public records requests indicate that staff for the Liquor Control Commission, which the regulatory law voters passed and tied closely to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, have discussed how to implement the laws and estimated possible costs. If we can snip this off at the bud, and we can enjoin the NMCC from doing anything, Greim said, then the harms will never flow down to the other defendants. Deputy Solicitor General Zach Pohlman of the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office appears in Lancaster County District Court in a case arguing Nebraskas medical cannabis laws are preempted by federal law. May 20, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Some of the records received include fiscal or lobbying requests related to pending legislation just down the street from the courthouse at the Nebraska State Capitol, which Greim said show regulatory steps being taken. Grams said the records are utterly irrelevant to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grams also filed affidavits from each of the three commissioners on the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission stating that the commissioners had taken no regulatory action as of Jan. 10, when the commissioners were added to the lawsuit. Greim objected to that evidence, saying he needed to be able to look behind the veil and challenge the commissioners statements. Strong said she would take the evidence challenges and the motions to dismiss from all defendants under advisement and rule at a future date. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 33-year-old Raul Benitez-Santana sat silent during Mondays hearing as a judge ruled on a motion to have the case against him dismissed. The Mexican national is accused of DUI and causing a crash on I-5 near Marysville that killed 27-year-old Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd in March of 2024. Investigators said Benitez-Santana was going more than 100 miles an hour when he slammed into the back of the troopers cruiser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benitez-Santana was illegally in the U.S. when he was arrested. Defense attorneys wanted the case tossed, accusing the prosecutors office of outrageous misconduct for contacting ICE after charges were filed and violating state sanctuary laws. They also raised concerns over pre-trial publicity and the defendants immigration status. Someones immigration status, someones citizenship, should not be considered, said defense attorney Emily Hancock. Prosecutors argued dismissing the case would be prejudiced. We have a timeline that clearly shows that the state did not reach out to ICE to tell them put a detainer on this individual, said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Campbell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Karen Moore denied the motion to dismiss, saying that while there was misconduct, the prosecutors office did not collude with ICE or create prejudice. Where is the prejudice that materially affects Mr. Benitez-Santanas right to a fair trial right now? Other than the fact that bail was set and he was detained, said Judge Moore. Benitez-Santana remains in custody on $100,000 bail. Jury selection is expected to begin Tuesday. A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must allow a Venezuelan man access to his attorneys while in prison in El Salvador after he was deported from the U.S. Also, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to remove temporary protected status for over 300,000 Venezuelans. Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman joins Ana Cabrera to weigh in on the case. Federal appeals judges criticized the White House on Monday as it challenged a lower courts order requiring the administration to attempt to return a Venezuelan asylum seeker it deported to a Salvadoran prison in March under the emergency Alien Enemies Act. As is becoming far too common, we are confronted again with the efforts of the Executive Branch to set aside the rule of law in pursuit of its goals, Judge Roger Gregory of the Fourth Circuit, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote in a concurring opinion on the side of the majority. It is the duty of courts to stand as a bulwark against the political tides that seek to override constitutional protections and fundamental principles of law, even in the name of noble ends like public safety. The case concerns a 20-year-old Venezuelan referred to in court documents as Cristian, who alleges he was sent to a notorious Salvadoran prison in March despite being part of a settlement protecting asylum seekers who arrived as minors from deportation until their claims could be fully processed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security criticized the ruling in a statement to The Independent, saying the administration made no error by deporting Cristian, a self-admitted Tren de Aragua gang member who crossed our border illegally under the previous administration and was later arrested for a cocaine offense in 2024. "The President and [Homeland Security] Secretary Noem will not allow a foreign terrorist organization to operate on American soil, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin wrote in the statement. If the court forces his return, he will be removed again. The Independent has contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the other agency named in the suit, for comment. The Trump administrations emergency deportations to El Salvador mega-prison have been a consistent source of controversy (Reuters) Cristian was deported on the same group of flights containing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man at the center of a scandal in which the U.S. government admitted it mistakenly deported him, but has effectively refused to facilitate his return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court unanimously upheld lower decisions that the government must facilitate Garcias return, which has not yet occurred. In April, a federal court made a similar order that the Trump administration must facilitate Cristians return, including by making a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody. The Trump administration argues that because it invoked the Alien Enemies Act and deemed Cristian a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, he is no longer protected from removal by the settlement. On appeal, the administration sought to pause the lower courts order requiring the government to facilitate Cristians return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2-to-1 ruling, the Fourth Circuit left the lower courts order in place, and rejected arguments that the decision represented an undue intrusion by the courts into the diplomatic affairs of the president. The Government cannot facilitate Cristians return telepathically it must express in words to the government of El Salvador that Cristian be released for transport back to the United States, Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, a Biden appointee, wrote in an opinion. Gregory added in his opinion that the administration had given no evidence to support invoking the Alien Enemies Act in the first place, making its effort to nullify Cristians settlement protections equally suspect. The governments argument in this case is that this plainly invalid invocation of the Act can be used to void any and all contractual obligations of the federal government, the judge added. That cannot be and is not the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a dissent, Judge Julius Richardson, a Trump appointee, argued the lower court shouldnt be able to tell U.S. officials to seek the mans return. Many options may be available to district courts seeking to craft appropriate relief in response to deportations they find unlawful. But directing diplomatic negotiations to the Executive Branch is not among them, he wrote. There is no such thing as a trifling discussion between heads of state; matters perceived as unimportant in the moment may unexpectedly bloom into trade pacts and environmental protocols or deteriorate into war. In Abrego Garcias case, a federal judge last week hammered Trump administration officials, arguing they were acting in bad faith by slow-walking Abrego Garcias return, declining to provide detailed information on what they were doing to comply with court orders. What we got was a bunch of I dont knows, said U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, an Obama appointee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has argued that certain details about the effort shouldnt be released because they are state secrets. The spring deportation flights have been a continued source of controversy for the administration. It has been accused of disregarding a court order to turn the flights around in the first place, and advocates argue that many of the hundreds who were deported did nothing wrong and were accused of gang membership on flimsy grounds, sometimes on the basis of their tattoos alone. A Cato Institute analysis of the roughly 250 men deported to El Salvador on the flights found that over 50 came to the U.S. legally and never violated any immigration laws, while a CBS News investigation found 75 percent of them appeared to lack a criminal record of any kind. The sheriffs deputy in Florida charged with the shooting death of a U.S. Airman from metro Atlanta will not be allowed to leave the Fort Walton Beach area to seek new employment. An Okaloosa County judge made the ruling Tuesday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [Were] disappointed in the judges ruling. But we understand it and respect it, defense attorney Michael Flowers told Channel 2s Audrey Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the ruling inside court, the mother of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson became overwhelmed after seeing former sheriffs deputy Eddie Duran in person for the first time. In 2024, while responding to a disturbance call, Duran went to Fortsons Fort Walton Beach area apartment. Bodycam video showed Duran shoot Fortson within seconds of Fortson opening his front door. It was later determined that there was no disturbance at Fortsons apartment. Video also showed Fortson holding his legally registered gun pointed toward the floor when he answered the door. Duran is charged with manslaughter. The judge heard from the defense as they motioned to modify Eddie Durans bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want for him to have the ability to do things: See his son, support his wife and be able to seek employment, a defense attorney said. But one by one, family members of Fortson took the stand and begged the judge to deny the defenses request. Its time to tell him no. Its time to tell him to take accountability, Fortsons mother, Mekka Fortson, told the judge. Hes a threat to the community, Fortson added. Fortson then looked at Duran and said, You didnt have to kill my baby. After hearing both the defense and prosecutors and reading letters from Fortsons military family, the judge told the defense she will not modify Durans bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of court, family members and supporters celebrated. Its about love. Its accountability, Mekka Fortson told the crowd. The next pretrial court date is set for Aug. 11. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge said a criminal case against a Las Vegas Metro police sergeant should move forward. Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel denied a motion to stay, or temporarily halt criminal proceedings, in the case against Kevin Menon Monday. Menon, 43, is charged with 13 counts, including three felonies and 10 gross misdemeanors, in his first case. Prosecutors said he abused his power as a police sergeant by creating fake scenarios that resulted in citizens, mainly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menon is charged with an additional 33 counts, including five felonies and 28 gross misdemeanors after police said they found child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices and cameras installed in Menons private bathroom. Prosecutors allege Menon used the cameras to watch two family members use the toilet without their knowledge. Las Vegas police sergeants bail raised to $1 million I see no reason for a stay to prolong what has already been almost a year since the first case was filed, Israel said. So Im denying the stay. Menons legal team had argued for Israel to be removed from overseeing his criminal cases, in part due to allegations of abuse from his adult daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark County District Court Judge Mark Denton ruled against Menons request. The Court cannot find the defendant has met his burden to establish actual or implied bias or lack of impartiality warranting disqualification of Judge Israel, Denton wrote in his order. Menons legal team asked the Nevada Supreme Court to disqualify Israel on May 14. Las Vegas police sergeant fails in effort to get judge removed from cases His attorneys alleged implied bias from Israel, asked Nevadas high court to command Denton to order the disqualification of Israel, and questioned why there was no police investigation into Israels daughters claims in a petition for writ of mandamus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 18. Menon has claimed in court documents he tried to expose racism within the police department and he is being retaliated against. Las Vegas police sergeant faces new pornography-related charges Menon is in custody on a $1 million cash bail. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.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 KLAS. TAMPA The federal case of Tampa media figure Tim Burke a dispute that mixes topics like Fox News, the American media and complex questions of free speech took another all-too-modern turn this week, courtesy of artificial intelligence. One of Burkes lawyers relied on AI tools, including ChatGPT, to help research and write their latest motion to dismiss some of the charges against him. The result was a legal memo full of errors, nonexistent quotes and misstatements of law. The problems didnt go unnoticed by the judge overseeing the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days after the document was filed, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ordered it to be stricken from the case record. Burkes motion contains significant misrepresentations and misquotations of supposedly pertinent case law and history, Mizelle wrote. The document cites cases as saying things that they do not say and for propositions of fact and law that they do not support." Mizelle allowed Burkes lawyers to file a new motion with appropriate and accurate case citations and quotes. She also directed them to make a separate filing explaining why and how the errors occurred. In their response, Burkes legal team blamed an ill-advised reliance on AI, along with time constraints and geographic challenges with one attorney in Tampa and the other in Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkes lead attorney, Mark Rasch, is a former federal prosecutor with expertise in cybersecurity and computer crime. It was he who drafted the motion, according to the defenses response. Burkes other attorney, Michael Maddux, was busy with an unrelated trial and did not review the motion before it was filed. Rasch assumes sole and exclusive responsibility for these errors and Mr. Burke bears no responsibility for these inaccuracies, the response states. The judge took no punitive action against the lawyers. But in a Tuesday afternoon court hearing, she gave them a stern warning against making future mistakes. I expect research to be done by human beings and cite checks to be done by human beings, Mizelle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her written order, the judge identified at least nine examples of nonexistent quotes and misstatements of case law. One, which she highlighted as the most egregious, was a citation to an opinion in a 2001 case from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, known as United States v. Ruiz. The defenses motion to dismiss included a quote, ostensibly from that case, stating: (A) statute that criminalizes otherwise innocent conduct must clearly delineate the line between permissible and prohibited conduct and cannot constitutionally require the defendant to prove facts that exculpate him. That quote does not appear anywhere in that ruling. Nor does the Ruiz case support that proposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mizelle also listed at least seven quotes incorrectly attributed to cases that she said might otherwise support Burkes arguments. She also noted other miscellaneous problems, citing one example of a real quote attributed to the wrong court. In his response, Rasch wrote that he conducted substantial legal research and writing to prepare the motion. His used the AI features of WestLaw, an online legal research service, along with Google Scholar, an academic search engine, and deep research with the Pro version of ChatGPT. A combination of these tools produced the final product, the response states. Given the size, complexity and scope of the document, Rasch wrote that he should have asked for additional time to file it. He apologized to the court, Maddux and Burke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court Tuesday, Mizelle said she did not believe the errors were due to a lack of zealous legal advocacy from Burkes team. She said she believes Burke is receiving good representation from both of his attorneys. Burke, 46, is a nationally recognized media consultant who has done work for major companies like HBO and ESPN. He is well known for his ability to find and promote obscure online content. He is charged with 14 federal crimes related to his acquisition and distribution of videos he found online, including some that depicted unaired Fox News footage. Federal prosecutors accused him of intruding into private computer systems to obtain the videos. His attorneys have asserted that Burke found the videos by accessing them with credentials that were available on a public website. Theyve argued that he is a journalist who brought to light material in the public interest. They say the case against him infringes on his First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is set for a jury trial in September. Like many professions, lawyers and courts have in recent years incorporated artificial intelligence tools into their work. In a survey last year conducted by the Thomson Reuters company, 63% of lawyer respondents reported that they have used AI for work, with 12% saying they use it regularly. Burkes is far from the first case to see AI-generated phantom quotes and misstatements of law. Earlier this year, the Florida-based personal injury giant Morgan & Morgan sent an email to their attorneys warning that AI could place false information in court documents. It happened after a brief in a case the firm handled was found to have included citations to eight cases that did not exist. A chatbot used to write the brief generated dates and case numbers that were likewise fictional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyer responsible for that error apologized in court, acknowledging a misplaced reliance on AI. A judge barred the attorney from further work on the case and fined the firm $1,000. Earlier this month, a California judge ordered a plaintiffs law firm to pay $31,000 after they filed briefs that the judge discovered contained numerous false and inaccurate citations generated by AI, the MIT Technology Review reported. Maura Grossman, a Buffalo, New York, attorney and computer science professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, has been outspoken about the problems AI causes for courts. In an email to the Tampa Bay Times, Grossman wrote that she doesnt believe the technology itself is a problem, but overreliance on it is. Most attorneys, she noted, would never file a brief that had been drafted by a clerk or junior associate without thoroughly checking it for accuracy. The same rigor should apply when using AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am a bit surprised by the persistence of the error given how much negative publicity it has gotten in the legal industry, Grossman wrote. You can understand it a bit more with self-represented litigants who dont have access to the same case law databases that lawyers do, but lawyers have no real excuse. Grossman said lawyers are getting sucked in by all the hype and the fluency and authority of the technology without considering its limitations. She believes the solution is more education. It may be that the (return on investment) is less if you have to check every last word, but that is where we are right now, she wrote. Failure to do so is very risky. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A jury on Monday convicted a man who kidnapped and raped a woman in Albuquerque 19 years ago. Erik Lea, who was 26 at the time, approached the woman in the parking lot outside an Albuquerque business on Menaul and Wyoming in June 2006. He then forced her into her car, then made her to drive to a secluded area where he raped her. Albuquerque Police arrest man accused of exposing himself, filming women at stores Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lea was arrested in 2019 a year after DNA from the victims rape kit was tested and linked him to the crime. The reason for the delay stemmed from a backlog of more than 5,000 untested rape kits. Lea, now 45, was convicted of two counts of criminal sexual penetration. His sentencing hearing is set for July 22. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) LOS ANGELES, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote. "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." Trump noted that Russia wants to "do largescale TRADE with the United States" when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," the post read. Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump shows the signed Take It Down Act during a bill signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) speaks to the press after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Editor: ZAD The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into hiring practices at the city of Chicago, according to a letter shared on social media and sent to the Chicago mayor's office. The probes announcement Monday came a day after Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at a Chicago church to outline his vision for the remainder of his term. During the speech, Johnson praised the number of Black people in top positions in his administration. The speech garnered immediate attention on social media, including calls from conservatives and others to investigate. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division shared its investigation notice on Monday, citing Johnson's comments to the congregation Sunday as the trigger for a pattern or practice investigation into whether the city has habitually violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination as set forth above," the letter signed by Assistant Attorney General for Harmeet K. Dhillon said. "If these kind of hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions. The investigation fits with the Trump administrations larger realignment of how federal agencies view and fight discrimination. It's also part of a larger remaking of the department's civil rights division, which saw a wave of departures as the administration outlined its priorities. Historically, the civil rights division has investigated claims of discrimination against minorities, monitoring police departments, housing providers and voting rights. These probes are not criminal investigations. They look for a pattern of discrimination and are often settled through court-approved agreements. These consent decrees create a set of required changes that must be met for oversight and monitoring to end. Dhillon told The Associated Press Tuesday that she does not see the administration's priorities as a shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say that its our view that all racial discrimination is illegal in the United States. And I think its fair to say the prior administration only looked at that from a particular angle, she said. I think that we are taking a step back and taking a broader view, which is what is required under these statutes. Dhillon said the investigation is in its very early stages and that she could not say what the exact parameters of the investigation would be. Statutes of limitations apply, but we are going to be looking where the facts lead us, she said, adding that Johnson's predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, had also made concerning statements about race in regards to hiring. The Chicago mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson, who took office in 2023, has gained a reputation for being blunt and even combative at times, getting into public spats with reporters when asked questions about policy or administrative decisions. With Chicago a routine target of criticism from President Donald Trump and members of his administration, Johnson has occasionally taken a more cautious approach, as when he joined other mayors from so-called sanctuary cities at a congressional hearing earlier this year. But speaking to reporters Tuesday, Johnson doubled down on his commitment to ensure a diverse city workforce and called the investigation a divisive tactic. We don't have to apologize for being concerned about the residents of this city who have borne the brunt of school closures. Think about unemployment in this city, where it is mostly concentrated. Think about violence where it is mostly concentrated, he said. It would be shameful if I were to repeat the sins of those who have been in this position before because they did not speak enough to Black Chicagoans. Johnson said his administration is full of highly qualified individuals with educational, law and other specialized backgrounds, before throwing a punch at the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His administration is full of, individuals that I would question their qualifications. You're running a major department and your qualification is wrestling, he said. As his administration moves away from diversity, you're seeing more chaos. As my administration embraces diversity, you are seeing us build the safest, most affordable city in America. Dhillon said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was also opening an investigation into Johnson's statements. A spokesman for the EEOC confirmed that the commission had received a letter from DOJ, but said he could not confirm whether the agency is investigating a specific complaint. WEST DES MOINES, Iowa A juvenile was injured during an assault at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines early Tuesday afternoon. MercyOne releases statement about split with Medical Center Anesthesiologists Just before 12 p.m. officers with the West Des Moines Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a weapon at Walnut Creek Campus. According to police, a juvenile suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to be treated and released at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers at the scene recovered a weapon and took a 16-year-old student into custody in connection to the assault. West Des Moines PD said the student has been charged with willful injury causing bodily injury, going armed with intent, and possession of a controlled substance. Police said its believed the assault was an isolated incident. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) The Catholic faithful in Kalamazoo gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday evening for a Mass of Thanksgiving as the excitement of a pope with real ties to West Michigan continues. Now 11 days after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 266th successor of St. Peter, the joy is still evident. We were all so tickled when he came through the curtain, parishioner Sharon Gregorski told News 8. All we could do is scream, Its Father Bob!' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New pope attended Catholic high school in West Michigan Former friends of Prevost communed with the congregation at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday and described the emotion of celebrating a new but familiar pope with their fellow faithful. The feelings were amazing. The joy was so tangible, Gregorski added. Not only in the liturgy and music but even in peoples responses and faces. They were so happy we have a pope we know. Sharon and Deacon Roger Gregorski hail from Niles, where they interacted with the now-pope during his summer retreats in the area. They eventually accompanied Father Bob on a now even more unforgettable journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He agreed to be a spiritual leader on a pilgrimage to Rome, Roger Gregorski explained. So, we were with him in several locations in Italy. One highlight was we celebrated mass with him in St. Peters. So those are fond, fond memories. None of us could have foreseen, but he certainly was a special person. He is the real deal, hes approachable, hes not pretentious, hes an amazing homilist. Hes the whole package. So, were savoring the moment. Incredible: West Michigan seminarians in Rome as Pope Leo XIV elected Mondays mass was led by Bishop Edward Lohse, another former colleague of the new pontiff. The service sent prayers for Pope Leo XIV while celebrating the caliber of character he wields and weaves into his leadership. Just the speed with which Leo was elected was significant, Lohse said. (It showed) that what we are perceiving in him is obviously not just our perception. There was a whole College of Cardinals that saw the same thing. Hes calling for our authenticity and integrity and Christians. Talk is cheap lets put it into action. Lets be the people we say we are. Thats coming through very clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lohse chose verses from Matthew Chapter 16 for the gospel reading Monday. Those verses contain the famous phrase from Jesus, On this rock I will build my church. The bishop reminding everyone that mission from Jesus to Peter has been passed through each Pope through the ages in an unbroken chain leading to their friend and leader, Father Bob. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU foreign ministers on Tuesday agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. "We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas said in a post on social media platform X following discussions with ministers in Brussels. The European Union's policy shift comes after President Donald Trump said last week he would order the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria after its 14-year civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the last 14 years - and will keep doing so," Kallas said. In a statement announcing the political decision to lift economic sanctions, the Council said the EU will keep sanctions related to the Assad regime "as well as sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression". The bloc will also "introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria," the statement said. Syria's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani said on X that the EU's decision would bolster Syria's security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian foreign ministry later said that the lifting of sanctions would open new avenues for engagement. "The Syrian government stands ready to enhance collaborative ties with European businesses and investors, fostering an environment conducive to economic revitalisation and sustainable development," the ministry said. The EU has already eased sanctions related to energy, transport and reconstruction, as well as associated financial transactions, but some capitals have argued that the measures were insufficient to help support Syria's political transition and economic recovery. "The European Union wants to make a fresh start with Syria... but we also expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population groups and religious groups," Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is important to us that a united Syria can thus take its future into its own hands," he added. (Reporting by Lili Bayer and Bart Meijer; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout; additional reporting by Victoria Waldersee and Menna Alaa El Din; Editing by William Maclean, Gareth Jones and Alistair Bell) DENVER (KDVR) Police officers in Durango responded to a neighborhood to capture its most unexpected repeat offender: a local kangaroo who escaped from its home, again. The Durango Police Department said officers had another run-in with Irwin, the viral kangaroo that escaped in Durango in October 2024. Irwin made headlines a few months ago after Durango police had to arrest the red kangaroo after a high-speed, or hopping speed chase. The officers returned the pet to its owner, but a few months later, the escape artist was able to get away again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby raccoon in Boulder brought back to life with compressions On Monday, the officers had to wrangle the marsupial after he escaped again. The department released body camera footage of officers cornering Irwin, then picking him up and putting him in the back of a police car. We have the kangaroo detained, one officer reported in the video. Kangaroo escapes (Courtesy of Durango Police) Kangaroo escapes (Courtesy of Durango Police) Kangaroo escapes (Courtesy of Durango Police) Kangaroo escapes (Courtesy of Durango Police) The department dubbed Irwin Durangos most unexpected repeat offender, but officers captured the kangaroo and proved public safety doesnt skip a hopeven with paws and a pouch. While residents of Durango are banned from owning several pets, including monkeys, tigers and bears, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said its legal to have a pet red kangaroo, depending on local laws and state and federal compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County announced felony charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a deadly shooting in Independence last week. Jadon Stumph, of Kansas City, is being charged with 2nd degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 50 years in prison. Man killed outside Independence home Tuesday night; police investigate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Independence officers responded to a shooting on May 13 on North High Street near East Jones Road where they found a man dead in the driveway Court documents say witnesses reported the victim was sitting in a car with another witness when a black car with tinted windows pulled into the driveway. The suspect got out of the car and walked toward the witness in the vehicle, asking where his ex-girlfriend was, according to court documents. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The witness told him they didnt know. The defendant began opening the door of the vehicle and the victim got out, walking around the front of the vehicle toward the defendant. A brief argument started, and the suspect shot at the victim, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Stumph is a convicted felon in Missouri. Stumph has a history of arrests for robbery, armed criminal action, burglary, counterfeiting, tampering with a motor vehicle, shoplifting, unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and assault. Stumph is being held on a $250,000 cash-only 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A group that successfully defeated an anti-abortion ballot measure in Kansas has filed a federal lawsuit against a new state law aimed at curbing foreign influence in elections, saying it violates free speech rights and would keep the group from waging future campaigns. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom argues that the law taking effect July 1 is a direct response to the decisive August 2022 statewide vote against a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have allowed the Legislature to greatly restrict or ban abortion. The group led the no campaign, and its largest single donor was the Sixteen Thirty Fund, tied to Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire who lives in Wyoming and finances liberal causes. The Kansas group filed its lawsuit Friday in U.S. District Court in Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas has adopted a series of impermissibly restrictive, overbroad and vague restrictions on issue-advocacy speech that will unconstitutionally impede public debates about some of the most important policy issues of our time, the lawsuit said. The law will take effect less than a year after Ohio moved to block foreign money in its elections. Kansas lawmakers heard committee testimony earlier this year from Ohio's Republican secretary of state, Frank LaRose, along with conservative groups, and they mentioned Wyss by name as an example of why Kansas should enact its own law. Two groups and three individuals filed to suit to challenge Ohio's law almost immediately, but in October, a federal appeals court allowed Ohio to enforce it ahead of a trial of that lawsuit. Federal law bars foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns or political committees. But the new Kansas law will bar groups campaigning for or against proposed amendments to the state constitution from accepting contributions directly or indirectly from foreign nationals. The groups also will have to certify that no named donors received more than $100,000 from a foreign national during the previous four years, and groups violating the law can be barred from electioneering for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansans for Constitutional Freedom said it wants to raise money for a campaign in 2026 against a proposal from Republicans to amend the state constitution to end the governor's appointment of state Supreme Court justices and have them elected instead. The group sees the measure as attacking the courts' independence. The group raised almost $11 million for its effort to defeat the anti-abortion ballot question in 2022, and nearly $1.5 million came from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, campaign finance reports show. The new Kansas law passed the Republican-controlled Legislature with more than the two-thirds majority required to override a veto. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the measure goes too far, but let it become law without her signature. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with state ethics commission members, noted the law's bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and Democrats agree that foreign corporations and foreign citizens must not be allowed to influence the outcome when Kansas constitutional amendments are placed before voters, Kobach said in a statement Monday. It is a core principle of self-government. In allowing Ohio to enforce its law, the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said concerns about foreign influence in elections date back to the Founding, citing first President George Washington's Farewell Address. And Ohioans and their representatives have a compelling interest in regulating such influence, the appeals court majority said. But the Kansas law's restrictions fall on advocacy groups in prohibiting them from accepting federal funds. Also, groups must avoid donations even from U.S. citizens if they've received enough foreign funds restricting their free speech rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well, the lawsuit argues. There is no reason why a donor should have to provide detailed and confidential information about its own funding sources, the lawsuit said. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas' parole board has reversed its decision to release a man convicted of a state Highway Patrol trooper' 1978 murder after strong criticism prompted the governor to call on the board to reconsider. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday applauded the Prisoner Review Board's reversal in Jimmie K. Nelms' case, and top Republican officials said they were relieved or grateful that criticism appeared to change the board's mind. The board is part of the Kansas Department of Corrections, which announced the reversal late Thursday but did not disclose the board's reasons. Nelms, now 78, formerly from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve two life sentences for the aggravated kidnapping and murder of Trooper Conroy OBrien following a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast of Wichita. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kansas, killing a law enforcement officer now can be punished by death, with life in prison without parole, the only other possible sentence in a capital case. But in 1978, Kansas had no death penalty and even though Nelms received two life sentences, he nevertheless was eligible for parole after 15 years under the more lenient criminal sentencing laws then. The Prisoner Reivew Board and its predecessors repeatedly denied his parole requests, most recently in 2021. It is hard to imagine why the parole board would have ever thought parole was appropriate for a cop killer serving two life sentences, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said in a statement Tuesday. Kobach and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, also a Republican, said state lawmakers should consider overhauling the board. Its three members are veteran Department of Corrections employees appointed by the agency's top administrator, who reports to the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 2011, the governor appointed board members subject to Senate confirmation. That year, GOP Gov. Sam Brownback replaced that board with the Department of Corrections panel, seeing it as a cost-cutting move. Also, sentencing laws enacted in 1993 and afterward limited parole. Today, justice was reaffirmed, and we are grateful, the Kansas State Troopers Association said in a statement. "Tomorrow, we will begin working to make sure such a close call never happens again. In some states, governors must sign off on an inmate's release. But under Kansas law, it had appeared unlikely that critics could override the parole board's decision. A state board's reversal of parole is uncommon but not unknown, said Wanda Bertram, a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit and research group that advocates for prisoners' rights. In Wisconsin in 2022, at Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' request, the state Parole Commission's chair reversed a decision to release a man who had been convicted of stabbing his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bruce Hedrick, executive director of Legal Services for Prisoners Inc., a Kansas nonprofit that assists inmates, called the reversal unfair. Bertram said longtime inmates often have done tremendous work in changing themselves. Making parole release available to people in prison only to deny it based on someones crime of conviction which is the one thing they no longer have any control over is a cruel practice that dangles false hope in front of incarcerated individuals, she said. Nelms has served most of his sentence in maximum-security prisons but was transferred to a lower-security facility in 2023, where he works in the prison laundry. The parole board's decision to release Nelms came several weeks after a March 6 hearing but wasn't public until the trooper's association publicly criticized it May 8. Kelly's call for a reversal came the next day. A week after that, on Friday, the board had another hearing for Nelms, said David Thompson, a Department of Corrections spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials who said Nelms should remain in prison have called his crime cold-blooded. Authorities said that as O'Brien was writing a ticket, Nelms forced him out of his patrol car at gunpoint, took the trooper's own gun and shot him twice in the head, leaving his body in a ditch. OBrien was 26 with a pregnant wife. Nelms was 31. Its still deeply concerning this error even happened and the reversal likely wouldnt have occurred if not for the massive public outcry, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican, said in a statement. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The Kansas Prisoner Review Board announced that it has rescinded its previous decision to grant parole to a man who was convicted of killing a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the 1970s. Jimmie Nelms, 78, was sentenced to consecutive life terms plus nine years after being convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated kidnapping, and murder in the first degree of Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy OBrien. Jimmie Nelms (Courtesy: Kansas Department of Corrections) In May 1978, OBrien was patrolling the Kansas Turnpike when he stopped a vehicle for speeding near Matfield Green. He was ambushed while issuing a ticket, forced from his vehicle at gunpoint, shot twice in the back of the head, and left to die in a ditch. Three men were involved in his death. Nelms and his accomplices were captured after a gun battle with Trooper Charlie Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelms was convicted in 1979 and has been housed at the Winfield Correctional Facility. He has been eligible for parole since 1993 and has appeared before the parole board nine times. He was initially granted parole after a hearing in March, but an official decision wasnt made until May 6. The KHP and the Kansas State Troopers Association immediately condemned the decision following the May 8 announcement. A public and organizational effort to revoke Nelms parole followed. Nelly Goen, OBriens daughter, also spoke out following the announcement and said that she forgave Nelms years ago. Goen is one of the few supporters of the decision to parole Nelms saying in a statement to KSN following the retraction: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see so many Christians calling for him to burn in hell, yet the Jesus they claim to follow would never. He would leave them to find Jimmie. Now, I get to deal with all this again in two years. People do not understand what capital cases do to families. I was really hoping I was done. On May 16, the board held a new hearing and reversed its earlier decision. The board, in a new hearing on May 16 with Nelms, rescinded its previous decision to grant parole and decided to deny him release at this time, the Kansas Prisoner Review Board announced on Monday, May 19. The Kansas State Troopers Association shared a news release after the reversal: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 051925-Nelms-Press-ReleaseDownload 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. The Kansas Prisoner Review Board reversed a controversial decision to grant parole to 78-year-old Jimmie Nelms, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to two life terms in prison. The board authorized Nelms' release in March, but reconsidered the action in wake of criticism from the state's law enforcement community. This image is from the 2025 law enforcement memorial ceremony at the Capitol. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas Prisoner Review Board responded to a backlash of criticism by rescinding a decision to authorize parole for a Winfield Correctional Facility inmate sentenced to life in prison in the shooting death of a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper. The Kansas Department of Corrections issued a statement confirming the state review board, which had approved release of Jimmie Nelms in March, met May 16 and voted to reverse an order providing for Nelms conditional release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corrections spokesperson David Thompson said the board rescinded its previous decision to grant parole and decided to deny him release at this time. In May 1978, Nelms shot KHP Trooper Conroy OBrien, 26, during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green. Nelms was captured after a shootout with another KHP trooper. Nelms, 78, was convicted of premeditated felony murder and sentenced to two life terms in prison, but became eligible for parole in 1993. He appeared before the states parole board nine times, Thompson said. The original decision by review board members Carolyn Perez, Jeannie Wark and Mark Keating was sharply criticized by KHP Col. Erik Smith, Attorney General Kris Kobach and Kansas State Troopers Association president Sage Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith, who said KHP consistently opposed Nelms release, said the states legal framework allowing parole of someone sentenced to life behind bars was flawed. He said there was no conceivable world in which the release of a convicted cop killer an executioner is acceptable. Hill said the original decision to parole Nelms was disgraceful and disgusting, and review board members should feel profound shame for deciding Nelms ought to be freed. China's relay satellite operating smoothly, ready to support global lunar missions Xinhua) 08:18, May 20, 2025 This photo taken by satellite bracket camera of Long March-8 carrier rocket on March 20, 2024 shows the Queqiao-2 relay satellite (C) successfully separating from the carrier rocket with its solar wing and antenna successfully unfolded. (China National Space Administration/Handout via Xinhua) HEFEI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Queqiao-2, China's relay satellite for its lunar landing missions, is set to support future moon exploration endeavors by other countries, according to the country's Deep Space Exploration Lab. The satellite, which supported Earth-moon communications for China's Chang'e-6 mission that has retrieved samples from the moon's far side, will provide relay services for lunar missions from China and other countries, the lab said on Monday. Launched in March last year, Queqiao-2, also known as Magpie Bridge 2, is equipped with three scientific payloads -- an extreme ultraviolet camera, a two-dimensional-coded energetic neutral atom-imager and an Earth-moon very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) experiment system. The satellite has been stably operating in orbit for 14 months, performing scientific tasks including large-scale imaging of Earth's plasma and magnetosphere layers, and VLBI experiments in the Earth-Moon system, according to the lab. The satellite's extreme ultraviolet camera captured the first global 83.4-nanometer ionosphere image, providing crucial data for studying the impact of solar activity on the plasmasphere. The satellite's VLBI experiment system, in coordination with the Shanghai 65m Radio Telescope, extended the observation baseline to 380,000 kilometers and successfully observed deep-space targets like radio source A00235 and the Chang'e-6 orbiter. Queqiao-2 is poised to play a crucial part in the country's future Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions. China plans to launch the Chang'e-7 mission around 2026 to explore the environment and resources of the south pole of the moon. The Chang'e-8 mission, set for around 2028, will conduct experiments for the in-situ utilization of lunar resources. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) On May 30, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, China. Phoenix TV: You have announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. Could you elaborate on relevant arrangements and Chinas consideration behind promoting the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation? Mao Ning: In 2022, China and nearly 20 countries with similar positions jointly launched the initiative to establish the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Through concerted efforts, the negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation have been concluded, and all sides agreed to situate its headquarters in Hong Kong, China. Almost 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and around 20 international organizations including the UN will send high-level representatives to the signing ceremony on May 30. The Global Forum on International Mediation will be held in the afternoon that day to carry out discussions on mediation of disputes between States and mediation of disputes between a State and foreign investors and commercial disputes, among other issues. Mediation is one of the important measures to settle disputes stipulated in the UN Charter. As a relatively more amicable way to settle disputes, mediation fully respects the will of parties concerned and has the unique advantages of greater flexibility, convenience, lower costs and more effective implementation. It is reflective of the tradition of amity and harmony which is valued in the East. Aimed at settling differences and resolving disputes through mediation, the International Organization for Mediation will be the worlds first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will serve as an important mechanism in safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation is a response to the shared need of countries in the world for peace, stability and development, and echoes the call of todays world for cooperation and mutual benefit. It pools the strengths of all major law systems, and will help bring about more fair and equitable global governance on the rule of law. We welcome support and participation from more countries in creating the International Organization for Mediation, to better enable it to coordinate with existing international disputes settlement mechanisms to make each other more effective, and provide more options and pathways to resolve international disputes through efficient and peaceful means, and better safeguard international fairness and justice. AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call about the Ukraine war yesterday. Trump said Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire and an end to the war. Putin said Russia would propose and be ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a possible peace agreement. But Putin did not agree to an unconditional truce. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this call and its outcome? And does China believe at all that President Putin is dragging his feet and delaying bringing the war to an end? Mao Ning: We noted relevant reports. On the Ukraine crisis, China supports all efforts conducive to peace, and supports direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine and a political settlement of the crisis. We hope parties will reach through dialogue and negotiation a fair and durable peace deal that is binding and accepted by all the parties concerned. CCTV: The 2025 White Paper on the Development of Chinas Satellite Navigation and Positioning Industries was released in Beijing on May 18. According to the white paper, Chinas satellite navigation and positioning industries, especially the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, have achieved rapid progress over recent years. Foreign media commented that BeiDou challenges the global status of the U.S.s GPS. What is your comment? Mao Ning: The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is an outstanding achievement of Chinas satellite navigation and positioning industries and a technological innovation for the world recognized by the UN. Chinas technological innovation and industrial development never targets anyone, still less challenges anyone. Beidou is developed by China as a global good for the world. We will continue working with other countries in the spirit of open cooperation and mutual benefit to provide more advanced tech innovations that will serve and benefit humanity. AFP: The Financial Times has reported citing unnamed sources that the Chinese Defense Minister will not attend the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore next week. Is the Chinese side able to confirm this? And if the report is true, what is the reason for his none attendance and who will China send instead? Mao Ning: Im not familiar with what you mentioned. Id refer you to competent Chinese authorities. EFE: Several countries, including the Vatican, have been floated as possible hosts for upcoming Ukraine-Russia negotiations. Would China support or consider participating in such talks given its emphasis on political dialogue and peaceful resolution? Mao Ning: On the Ukraine crisis, China supports all efforts conducive to peace. China will, in light of the will of the parties concerned, work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in ultimately solving the crisis and achieving lasting peace. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has arrived in Kyiv for the 8th review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with Ukraine, which opened in the autumn of 2023. "An IMF mission, led by Gavin Gray, has started policy discussions today in Kyiv with the Ukrainian authorities on the eighth review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement," IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Priscilla Toffano said in a statement. As reported, the IMF completed the 7th review of the EFF at the end of March this year and allocated the 8th tranche of $0.4 billion to Ukraine. In accordance with Ukraine's request, the schedule of future tranches was reviewed: the 9th in June based on the results of the 8th review from SDR 0.60 billion to SDR 0.37 billion, the 10th at the end of August from SDR 0.40 billion to SDR 0.33 billion, the 11th at the beginning of December from SDR 0.33 billion to SDR 0.79 billion, the 12th at the beginning of March 2026 from SDR 0.70 billion to SDR 0.93 billion, and the 13th and 14th at the end of August 2026 and in March 2027 were left unchanged SDR 0.75 billion and SDR 0.79 billion, respectively. Karen Read disputed data collected from her SUV the night John OKeefe was killed after testimony from forensic scientists during Day 19 of witness testimony in her second murder trial. Read, 45, of Mansfield, is accused of striking John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her Lexus SUV and leaving him to die alone in a blizzard outside of a house party in Canton at the home of fellow officer Brian Albert following a night of drinking. Texas-based Shanon Burgess, of the accident reconstruction, biomechanics and digital forensics company Aperture LLC, returned to stand Tuesday morning for another round of intense questioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgress timeline of events surrounding John OKeefes death are crucial to the prosecutions case. Burgess said Reads Lexus recorded two trigger events around the time shes accused of striking OKeefe. One was a 3-point turn; the other one is associated with Read driving in reverse. He testified that Read reversed her Lexus outside Fairview Road at 12:31 a.m. seconds before OKeefes final interaction with his cell phone. Outside court, Read said Burgess analysis was wrong. Johns phone is still moving, Read said. Hes still walking after the trigger, common trigger on my Lexus. Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan played an interview Read gave where she spoke about that time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think he died right around 12:25, 12:30, Read remarks in the video clip. Robert Alessi peppered Burgess about his methodology and conclusions. " None of the information in that black box that you referred to on your direct testimony indicates that there was a collision on January 29th," Alessi asked. It does not by itself. Not by itself. Correct, Burgess said. A text stream trigger event does not mean that there was a collision, correct? Alessi also asked. Correct, Burgess responded. The defense accused Burgess of shifting his findings in a new report to match the prosecutions timeline and inflating his educational background on his LinkedIn page Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgess offered nearly six more hours of testimony before Christina Hanley, a forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, took the stand. She is expected to resume her testimony on Wednesday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continues on Tuesday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone. Read more: Recap of trial day 18 On Monday, the jury heard from a digital forensics expert hired by the prosecution to examine data in Reads SUV. People to know: Robert Alessi, lawyer for Read Shanon Burgess, digital forensics examiner at Aperture 10:41 a.m. - Isnt what you did a classic example of confirmation bias? In Burgess May 8 report, he explains he opted against using the call logs in Reads car and on OKeefes phone because the data in the car was measured five hours after the alleged collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he used the approximate time of the three-point turn event in the SUVs data as an anchor. Alessi suggested that it was a classic example of confirmation bias, but Burgess defended his conduct, saying that it was the only time adjustment in that range that can be applied. He further attempted to undermine Burgess conclusions by suggesting the shortcoming in [his] analysis was that it ignores the additional user activity on John OKeefes device after the lock event, like taking steps. Alessi also pointed out that Burgess May 8 report includes no discussion of a three-second offset between the cars ignition turning on and the infotainment system powering on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the cross-examination went on, jurors could be seen taking notes in their court-provided notebooks. One flipped back to a prior page in the notebook, appearing to cross-reference recent notes against notes from a different day. 10:22 a.m. - Burgess questioned about conclusions of defense expert Alessi had Burgess review a report prepared by a defense expert, who works as the director of engineering at Deltas Event Data Recorders Lab. The expert, Matthew DiSogra, attempted to calculate the clock variance between OKeefes iPhone and Reads Lexus. DiSogras report shows there are no circumstances where the techstream event on the Lexus occurs after OKeefes iPhone. But Burgess said his calculations were inaccurate. Burgess has said DiSogras conclusions are what prompted him to submit a new report in the middle of the trial that further clarifies the difference between the two clocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I issued the secondary, supplemental report based on that presentation, he said. Alessi pointed out that it was only after Burgess reviewed the reports of DiSogra and two prosecution experts: Ian Whiffin and Judson Welcher, that he decided to issue a new report. The report was dated May 8. Burgess emphasized he did not depart from his initial report and only clarified his conclusions. 9:48 a.m. - Alessi questions clock variance Alessi noted that Burgess initially sought to compare the time in the Lexus and the time on OKeefes phone with the timestamps of phone calls on both. Doing so, he found offsets of one, two, eight, 16 and 21 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgess failed to apply this variance to the infotainment time on the Lexus associated with the backing maneuver techstream event, Alessi noted. When Burgess asked if he could explain, Alessi moved on to a different line of questioning. Alessi asked a series of questions about the report prepared by Burgess colleague at Aperture, Judson Welcher. Welcher identified the timing of the techstream event as between 12:31 a.m. and 38 seconds and 12:31 a.m. and 43 seconds. Burgess emphasized that Welchers report was using the unadjusted clock in the Lexus. Alessi compared those times to the timeline prepared by another prosecution expert, Ian Whiffin. Whiffins report found OKeefes phone was locked with the lock button at 12:32 a.m. and nine seconds after the trigger event identified by the Lexus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alessi noted that user interaction came after the initial timestamp identified for the teachstream event. Burgess said that was correct. That event lock ... occurs 20 seconds after the techstream event, correct? Alessi asked. Burgess agreed that it was the time on the unadjusted clock. 9:28 a.m. - Burgess pressed on timeline Alessi resumed his cross-examination with a line of questioning about the timeline Burgess presented during his direct examination. He moved meticulously through each of the five timestamps Burgess presented, asking him to confirm they were accurate down to the second, emphasizing each word. But, Alessi said, in point of fact, none of the five timelines that we just reviewed are accurate at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the relevant events in the timeline you describe actually occurred on Jan. 29, 2022 not Jan. 30, 2022. Do you know that? Burgess said the events took place on Jan. 30 and apologized if he misspoke during his direct examination. But each of the events he described, like Reads car being towed from her parents home in Dighton, did take place on Jan. 29, 2022, the same day as OKeefes death. 9:12 a.m. - Trial resumes As she does each morning, Cannone asked the jury if they had been able to follow her instructions about discussing the case and avoiding media coverage. Each juror said they had. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death. Karen Read murder case Read the original article on MassLive. Veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove on Monday ripped former President Bidens allies accused of trying to cover up aspects of Bidens health after it was revealed the former president has cancer and a new book details his condition inside the White House. Theyre still gaslighting us, Rove told Martha MacCallum, host of Fox Newss The Story. The people around the president knew he was not up to the job. Biden, 82, announced through a statement from a family spokesperson Sunday he was diagnosed Friday with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rove, who was a senior adviser to former President George W. Bush, said he questions whether Biden had cancer while he was in office and, if so, why it wasnt discovered then. Weve now got another question that needs to be answered, he said. The news came as new books have detailed some doubts about Bidens fitness for the presidency and the audio release from Bidens 2023 interview with special counsel Robert Hur about his handling of classified documents. A transcript of the interview was released last year, but Bidens administration wouldnt make the audio public. Axios published a leaked recording last week that showed Biden slowly struggling to answer questions and remember details and dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw the comment by Bidens spokesman The audio does nothing but confirm what is already public thats not true, Rove told MacCallum. You listen to that audio, as bad as the transcript is, the audio is worse you can hear the clock ticking in the background as the president breaks up a sentence, as he thinks about what his next thought might be, or what is that next word in the sentence. It is painful to listen to. Biden and his allies have shot back at attempts to portray him as unfit to be president or run for a second term. He dropped out of the race against President Trump just months before Election Day last year at the urging of top Democratic leaders, including former President Obama, after his disastrous debate against Trump. I said when I got out of the race, I was still going to be president. I think I did a pretty damn good job the last six months, Biden said during an appearance on The View earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Rove had a harsher assessment of what happened behind-the-scenes during the Biden administration. The people around the president knew he was not up to the job, Rove said. They disrespected our country, they demolished their party, and they ought to be ashamed of their behavior in trying to encourage him to run for reelection and not stand up and say to him, Mr. President, with all due respect, its time for you to leave.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kate Middleton and Prince William are two of the TIME100 Philanthropy honorees for 2025. The Prince and Princess of Wales were recognized for "modernizing royal philanthropy" in a new tribute penned by TIME reporter Harry Booth. Booth wrote that while royal patronage dates back centuries, William and Kate have positioned themselves as "less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues, tackling homelessness and rural mental health through their Royal Foundation and spotlighting innovative solutions to climate change through the Earthshot Prize." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they've taken a step closer to the British throne, the couple has spoken about wanting to modernize the monarchy and give back to communities in a more transparent and relatable way. Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William and Kate Middleton met with flood victims during their trip to Wales in February 2025 Prince William and Kate Middleton met with flood victims during their trip to Wales in February 2025 "I can only describe what I'm trying to do, and that's I'm trying to do it differently and I'm trying to do it for my generation," Prince William told the BBC in November 2024. "And to give you more of an understanding around it, I'm doing it with maybe a smaller 'R' in the 'royal,' if you like. That's maybe a better way of saying it." "It's more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people," he added. "And I'm also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people's lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world." Last month, Prince William announced that the 2025 Earthshot Prize ceremony will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November. This marks the fifth continent to host the awards since its inception in 2020 and will coincide with the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (known in shorthand as COP30), which the prince is also attending in Brazil. Phil Noble-Pool/Getty Prince William (2L) takes a selfie with Billy Porter (L), Robert Irwin (2R) and Nomzamo Mbatha (R) at the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 Prince William (2L) takes a selfie with Billy Porter (L), Robert Irwin (2R) and Nomzamo Mbatha (R) at the 2024 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024 "As we bring The Earthshot Prize to Brazil, a nation rich in biodiversity and environmental innovation, we are seeing fresh momentum for new ideas to create healthier and safer ways to live our lives," William said in the announcement. "It is an honor to profile the people making our world a better place for us and for our children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TIME100 honor also spotlighted Princess Kate's Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood and Shaping Us campaign, which recently recruited companies like LEGO and IKEA, as well as major banks and supermarket chains, to commit to investing in programs and products designed to support parents and help children thrive in their early years. "Crucial to the Waleses approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach," Booth praised. Earlier this month, TIME also honored Kate in its second annual TIME100 Health list. The Princess of Wales was included within the list's "Catalyst" group for publicly announcing in March 2024 that she was undergoing cancer treatment and drawing global awareness to the disease. The magazine unveiled the TIME100 Health list just two weeks after Meghan Markle spoke on stage at the TIME100 Summit in New York City about her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, lifestyle brand As ever and podcast Confessions of a Female Founder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meghan and Prince Harry were previously on the cover of TIME for their inclusion in its Most Influential People list in 2021, and he joined her at the April 23 summit. However, they were not recognized for their philanthropy work. Read the original article on People CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Its National Mailbox Improvement Week, and every year the postal service encourages people to take a look at their mailboxes and make sure theyre in good shape. Fire officials urges proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries after recycling truck fire in Sunderland You may have a mailbox thats a bit rusty or needs more love. Postal service officials say this is to ensure your mail can be delivered quickly and safely. Theyre asking people to make sure your mailbox is located somewhere where it is easy to access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also double-check that its approved by the Postmaster General. This means that the style of the mailbox follows their requirements to make sure they can successfully make every delivery. Things like loose hinges or rusty edges, or sharp edges or poles that are loose because they were hit by the plow one too many times can take their tolls, said Steve Doherty, Communications Specialist at the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Service said its very common this year that wasps and their nests find a home in mailboxes, and are reminding people to take a look to see if theres anything you can do to avoid the letter carrier from leaving a warning note that they have to leave your mail at the post office. Postal service officials say people are also encouraged to look into a larger mailbox if they get several packages delivered. For more information on keeping your mailbox well-maintained and up to approval standards, visit usps.com. 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. The former Atlanta mayor, who could make history if elected in 2026, says she is ready to stand up against President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. After months of anticipation, Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, has officially announced her run for governor of Georgia. Bottoms launched her gubernatorial campaign on Tuesday with the release of a video, aiming her political target directly at President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us, says Bottoms in the campaign video. Most Georgians are right to wonder whos looking out for us. Donald Trump is a disaster for our economy and our country, from his failure to address rising prices to giving an unelected billionaire the power to cut Medicare and Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 55-year-old Democrat also evokes memories of growing up in Atlanta during the 70s and 80s, and her grandmother, whom she remembered would call her and other relatives every morning. We didnt need an alarm clock. We had grandmama, Bottoms says in the opening of her campaign video. The fifth-generation Georgian, who served as Atlanta mayor from 2018-2022, told theGrio that her grandmother, as well as her grandfather, always looked out for her family, even when they had very limited resources. But unlike those days, when working-class Americans could achieve some level of prosperity, Bottoms said, today, most Georgians dont know whom to rely on amid concerns of economic downturn caused by Trumps global tariffs and little to no change in rising costs for everyday goods. WASHINGTON, DC APRIL 02: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a chart of reciprocal tariffs while speaking during a Make America Wealthy Again trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Invoking my grandmother really is about saying to people I know what its like to have somebody in your life who is looking out for you, someone whos thinking about you, and thats the type of governor that I will be for Georgia, Bottoms told theGrio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottoms, who served as a White House senior advisor to President Joe Biden, described the road ahead under the Trump administration as a fight against chaos that is creating a lot of uncertainty and anxiety for everyday Georgians and Americans across the country. The White House, led by billionaire Elon Musk, fired tens of thousands of federal employees and slashed billions of dollars in spending that Congress already approved. Whether you are a small business owner, whether you own stock, whether you have a retirement account, whether youre trying to figure out how to put food on the table, gas in the car, or pay off your student loans, she told theGrio. Theres one thing after another thats disruptive. Bottoms pledged to make the expansion of Medicaid a priority if elected governor. She noted that Georgia remains one of the few states in the nation that has not taken advantage of the provision under Obamacare that allows states to ensure greater health care coverage for low-income residents. She said it is costing nearly 300,000 Georgians health care coverage and forcing nine rural hospitals to close. Bottoms also pledges to eliminate state income taxes for teachers, better support small businesses, crack down on corporate landlords driving up rent and housing costs, and invest in more pathways to college or career training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Keisha Lance Bottoms would become the first Black woman to be elected governor of any state in U.S. history. However, she faces an uphill battle. Former Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams failed to clinch the governorship in Georgia twice, in 2018 and 2022. Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris saw a devastating loss to Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Pundits concluded that Abrams and Harris campaigns were marred by both racism and sexism. ATLANTA, GA JUNE 25: Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks prior to the unveiling of the Evander Holyfield statue at State Farm Arena on June 25, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Bottoms told theGrio she acknowledges those barriers but is prepared to earn every vote. No one ever said it would be easy, she said. Politics, elections, those are full-contact sports. So you go in, you look at all the things that were done right, you build on that, and you look at what, if anything, you should do differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gubernatorial hopeful said she is taking her message directly to the voters. She added, Im going to fight for them. Bottoms reminded that Georgia went blue in 2020 when it elected Joe Biden for presidentthe first time for a Democrat in nearly 30 yearsas well as Democratic Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Even with the loss of Vice President Harris in the state, those numbers were still extremely close, she added. So we know it can be done, and Im looking forward to earning the support of people in Georgia to getting that done. If elected in 2026, being a Democratic governor while Donald Trump is president will almost certainly present its challenges, and likely political clashes. Bottoms was an early target of Trump when he returned to the White House on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his first day in office, the president announced that Bottoms had been fired from her Biden-appointed role on the Presidents Export Council, a national advisory committee on international trade. However, she had already resigned from the position weeks prior. In her campaign video, the Georgia leader said she laughed at Trumps attempt to terminate her from a position she no longer held. Bottoms recalled being one of several women leading cities across the country who were targeted by Trump during his first term in office. On a daily basis, he was coming for us, whether it was personal attacks or just being disruptive with his policies. So I know what its like to lead under his chaos, she told theGrio. Bottoms pointed to another Georgia native, the late civil rights activist and former Congressman John Lewis, for a sense of direction on how to move forward despite many feeling lost or even scared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [He] told us our vote is the most powerful weapon that we haveWe arent the first generation thats faced uncertainty, whos faced someone in the White House whos not been on our side, she said. Bottoms added, What generations before us did, they stood up, they mobilized, and they fought. And thats what Im looking to do on behalf of the people of Georgia. More must-reads: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is formally launching a campaign for Georgia governor, saying she will take on what she calls President Donald Trumps disaster of a second term in a governors race that remains wide open. Bottoms officially launched her gubernatorial campaign Tuesday, telling The 19th that the presidents erratic policies have left Georgians anxious and uncertain about the future. Were all dealing with the chaos of Trump 2.0, said Bottoms, a Democrat. Its creating economic instability and anxiety for people who dont know if theyre going to have a job tomorrow. His leadership is impacting everything across Georgia, from whether were talking about tariffs that are impacting our coastal communities to how much people pay when they go to Walmart to shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Democrat has led Georgia since 2003, but the race is considered a tossup in what has become a critical swing state. Georgians went for Donald Trump in November by a two-point margin after backing Joe Biden in 2020. Notably, the northwest suburbs of Atlanta were among the few places across the nation where Democrats saw gains over their 2020 results. The Georgia governors race, one of many critical contests in 2026, will test Democrats message and path forward after the searing losses of 2024. Bottoms campaign launch ad starts with an anecdote about her grandmother, who looked out for her children and grandchildren with daily morning calls. We knew someone had our back, Bottoms says, before quickly pivoting to Trump. These days most Georgians are right to wonder, Who is looking out for us? Keisha Lance Bottoms says she will emphasize economic and reproductive justice issues in her campaign for Governor of Georgia. (Michael A. Schwarz) The ad takes on Trumps tariffs and the rising cost of living, the power unelected billionaire Elon Musk was given to make cuts across the federal government, and the mass firings of federal workers, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is headquartered in Atlanta. Georgia has been home to some of the most heated town halls featuring opposition to the administrations policies, particularly cuts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of Georgia are looking for a fighter whos going to stand up to Donald Trump and these policies, and whos going to work to make sure that we are able to survive and thrive during this very uncertain time, Bottoms said. The field is still far from set in the Georgia race. The Republican primary will feature Attorney General Christopher M. Carr. Other prominent Republicans are weighing bids. The Democratic primary is also still taking shape. State Sen. Jason Esteves has declared his candidacy, while two high-profile contenders who had been considering a run, Rep. Lucy McBath and Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, recently withdrew their names. Each cited their spouses cancer diagnoses. If Bottoms wins in 2026, she would become the states first woman governor, and the nations first Black woman governor. Several qualified Black women have come close in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Stacey Abrams is also reportedly still considering a run of her own in Georgia. Abrams came within two points of becoming governor after her 2018 bid against current Gov. Brian Kemp. Abrams went on to mount a second challenge to Kemp in 2022, but despite far outraising the Republican governor, Abrams lost by more than seven points. Its not clear how the political infrastructure that helped Abrams come close to victory including enthusiasm among Black women in the state could show up for Bottoms in the Democratic primary or possible general election. Ive been, you know, fighting the odds almost my entire professional career. But I think right now, people arent focused on whether or not their leader is a woman, whether or not shes a Black woman. People are focused on somebody whos going to fight for them, Bottoms said. To the extent that theres a historic footnote attached to that, you know, well leave that to the history books. As Democrats across the country search for the partys path forward, Bottoms said she believes Georgians and most Americans are focused on economic issues. Atlantas then-mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was criticized for telling Atlanta protestors to go home during the many protests of the 2020 racial justice movement. (CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP/ Getty Images) In her launch video, Bottoms said expanding Medicaid in the state will be her top priority. Georgia Republicans have blocked expansion of the health insurance program for years in favor of an alternative program with stringent work requirements. A recent report found that the alternative program had cost Georgia taxpayers $86.9 million, three-quarters of which had gone to consultants, while enrollments were far below what the state had projected. Georgia has the fifth-highest share of residents with no health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottoms is also proposing to end state income taxes for teachers and to put restrictions on corporate landlords to address rising housing costs. She said the election will also be a referendum on Georgia Republicans policies, including reproductive health care. Bottoms drew attention to the case of an Atlanta area nurse, Adriana Smith, who was declared brain dead months ago but must now stay on life support to continue her pregnancy, according to her family, because of the states ban on abortions. Its a reminder for people that this abortion ban is not just about terminating a pregnancy. Her family wants to make decisions about removing her from life support, but because of the six-week abortion ban, they arent allowed to do that, Bottoms said. There are going to be a lot of issues on the ballot in 2026. Bottoms entered the national spotlight when the convergence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the racial justice protests reached a climax during the summer of 2020. Bottoms response as the top official of the eighth-largest city in the South invited heavy criticism and scrutiny that would follow her to the end of her term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2020, Bottoms issued a mandate requiring face masks in indoor spaces within the City of Atlanta. The order kicked off a bombastic and high-profile fight with Kemp, who challenged Bottoms authority in court. The fight captured the intense political divisions spurred by pandemic-era policies, which continue to this day. That same summer, Bottoms found herself again at the center of a national maelstrom for her response to the demonstrations that broke out across Atlanta in response to the killing of George Floyd. Several national news networks aired images of Bottoms during a news conference pleading with protestors to leave the streets and go home. After facing some criticism from fellow Black leaders in Atlanta, Bottoms defended her comments by saying that she was facing Floyds death as the mother of four Black children, including three sons. I hurt like a mother would hurt. And yesterday when I heard there were rumors about violent protests in Atlanta, I did what a mother would do, I called my son and I said, Where are you? I said, I cannot protect you and Black boys shouldnt be out today, Bottoms said during a news conference. She continued, So, youre not going to out-concern me and out-care about where we are in America. I wear this each and every day, and I pray over my children, each and every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottomss forceful rejection of Republicans pandemic-era policies and her handling of the racial justice protests as well as her perceived loyalty to Biden, whom she endorsed early in the 2020 primaries landed her on the former presidents shortlist for vice president in the summer of 2020, further elevating her national profile. When she was first elected in 2017, Bottoms won by a narrow margin against Republican Mary Norwood, a White woman and a member of the Atlanta City Council. Bottoms won in a runoff by less than 800 votes, a culmination of the support of a multiracial coalition of Atlantas economic and political elite. Her narrow victory was thought of by many as yet another win for The Atlanta Way, or an unspoken city tradition in Black and White economic and political leaders from the citys affluent class uniting as a voting bloc to help maintain Black political leadership in a city known as the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement. By the end of her tenure in 2021, Bottoms remained caught in a political climate that was far more polarized than when she was first elected. She ultimately decided to not seek reelection, and in 2022, joined the Biden administration as senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. In a post on X at 1:30 a.m. after his inauguration, Trump took credit for firing Bottoms from her White House job. In her launch ad, Bottoms says she laughed when she saw it. She had resigned from her political appointment days earlier, a standard protocol at the beginning of a new administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Keisha Lance Bottoms enters Georgia governors race, pledging to fight the chaos of Trump 2.0 appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. The race for Georgia governor is heating up. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms officially announced her candidacy for governor on Tuesday. Bottoms has said that she has been thinking about running, but tells Channel 2s Karyn Greer, that its now official. If Bottoms wins, it would make her not only the first Black governor in Georgias history, but also the first woman. People are looking for a fighter, and they dont care whether its a Black woman. They dont care about race, gender. They dont care about party affiliation. People want someone whos going to fight for them, Bottoms told Greer. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Bottoms was the first Atlanta mayor to serve in all three branches of government. The Atlanta native said her rural Georgia roots will help her fight for Georgians across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I go back in Georgia at least five generations. Were able to trace our family to a plantation in Crawfordville, Georgia. So, I know the hope and possibilities that this state has meant for my family, Bottoms said. Bottoms served one term as mayor, leaving to work for former President Joe Biden and his administration. The decision left many in metro Atlanta wondering why she did not seek a second term. Lets talk about your tenure as mayor. What do you feel about how you did? What would your report card be? Greer asked Bottoms. Im very proud of my service as mayor. I served as mayor three years while Donald Trump was president. I completed my four-year term very proud of what we were able to deliver historic pay raises for police and firefighters in the midst of an historic economic downturn. I left the city with $180 million in the bank, four years of balanced budgets, no property tax increases, no furloughs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You had a pretty contentious relationship with the governor during COVID, Greer said to Bottoms. My relationship with Brian Kemp didnt catch headlines when we greet each other warmly and ask about how each others families are doing. It didnt get that much attention when we work together to deliver economic stability for people across the state. But certainly, during COVID, that was something that we did not agree on, Bottoms said. Is she ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle? Im ready to work with whomever is willing to work with me to make sure that Georgians are safe and secure and have what they need to thrive. And if that is Donald Trump, if thats the Trump administration, whomever it may be, I dont care about party affiliation. I want to be able to deliver for the people of Georgia, Bottoms said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottoms is the third Democratic candidate to jump into the governors race along with State Sen. Jason Esteves and former church pastor Olu Brown. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is the only Republican candidate so far. Other state Republican leaders have had their eye on the US Senate race. RELATED STORIES [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday that the federal government has a team in Milwaukee helping the city address a lead crisis in its schools. The city says that thats not true and that its still not receiving requested aid from the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions childhood lead poisoning experts to deal with the ongoing contamination. During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the presidents HHS budget request for 2026, Kennedy fielded questions about programs and staff already slashed from federal health agencies. CNN reported in April that the CDC had denied the citys request for help with lead exposures in Milwaukee Public Schools aging buildings after the agencys lead experts were swept up in widespread cuts at US health agencies. Kennedy and HHS have said that the government plans to continue the work of lead poisoning prevention and surveillance at the new Administration for a Healthy America, rather than the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDCs experts have not been rehired. None have been rehired from our lead program or our division, Dr. Erik Svendsen, who was director of the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, which oversaw the childhood lead program, told CNN on Tuesday. In response to questions Tuesday from Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, about the demise of the CDCs childhood lead poisoning prevention program, Kennedy said, We are continuing to fund the program, and in Milwaukee, we have a team in Milwaukee, and were giving laboratory support to that, to the analytics in Milwaukee, and were working with the health department in Milwaukee. Caroline Reinwald, a spokesperson for the City of Milwaukee Health Department, said Kennedys statement is inaccurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Milwaukee Health Department is not receiving any federal epidemiological or analytical support related to the MPS lead hazard crisis. Our formal Epi Aid request was denied by the CDC, she wrote in an email from CNN. Reinwald said the department did recently get help from a lab technician from the CDCs Laboratory Leadership Service, who was there from May 5 to May 16 to help calibrate a new instrument in the citys laboratory. This support was requested independently of the MPS crisis and was part of a separate, pre-existing need to expand our labs long-term capacity for lead testing, Reinwald said. Beyond the contamination in schools, the city has ongoing programs to test for and remediate lead in its aging homes. Earlier this month, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta asked the citys health commissioner, Dr. Michael Totoraitis, if the agency had enough resources to accomplish what it needed to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have enough of a team right now, Totoraitis said. I think the long-term investigation into the potential chronic exposures of students at the districts is a part that we were really looking to the CDC to help us with, and unfortunately, HHS had laid off that entire team for childhood blood exposure. These are the best and brightest minds in these areas around lead poisoning, and now theyre gone. Andrew Nixon, director of communications for HHS, says the CDC is helping the Milwaukee health agencys lab. At the health departments request, he said in a statement Tuesday, CDC is assisting with validating new lab instrumentation used for environmental lead testing. Staff from [the Milwaukee lab] are focused on the lead response and other routine testing while CDC will assist with testing validation, laboratory quality management, and regulatory requirement documentation to onboard the new laboratory instrument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city says that the CDC lab technician has left and is not expected to return. As of now, it doesnt anticipate any further help from the CDC. MHD is proud of the team currently serving Milwaukee families, managing its regular caseload while also responding to the lead crisis in MPS schools. While we would have welcomed federal support, we continue to move forward without it, Reinwald said in a statement. At the end of Tuesdays hearing, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, made a statement to correct the record. There are no staff on the ground deployed to Milwaukee to address the lead exposure of children in schools, and there are no staff left in that office at CDC, because they have all been fired, Baldwin told Kennedy. I look forward to working with you to reestablish that. It sounds like you have a commitment to that, but we need staff in order to make it function. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The worst-case scenario in trade relations with the European Union starting June 6 when the current Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) expire is a return to the pre-war free trade regime that was in place before ATMs were introduced in June 2022, said Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative, Taras Kachka. "I believe we'll do everything in our power to ensure that, at least as of June 6, there are no de facto changes," Kachka said at the "Trade Wars: The Art of Defense" conference organized by the law firm Ilyashev & Partners in Kyiv on Tuesday. He explained that an agreement had already been reached last year stipulating that the ATMs would cease on June 6, 2025. In their place, the European Commission was to initiate a review under Article 29 of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement between Ukraine and the EU, aimed at expanding market access both for Ukrainian goods in the EU and EU goods in Ukraine. "And while everything has gone according to the European Commission's plan regarding the ATMs, the review under Article 29 has been delayed somewhat due to a variety of external circumstances. Still, I hope we'll reach a decision swiftly if not by June 6, then as soon as possible afterward," said the trade envoy. "At the very least, during the period in which we're negotiating new liberalization parameters for goods that had already been fully liberalized, we shouldn't face market access issues in the EU," he added. More broadly, Kachka acknowledged that the trade relationship with the EU is currently far less optimistic and friendly than other areas of cooperation. Nonetheless, he stressed that even the pre-war trade regime with the EU was "quite favorable," given that industrial goods were already tariff-free and most agricultural products also faced no duties. "However, it's clear that the goods which are most important and sensitive for us have greatly benefited from the ATMs not only in terms of market access, but also transit. That was particularly crucial before 2023, when our seaports weren't operational. Now, with ports functioning again, most exports bound for third countries are shipped via our own ports, so the burden on transit routes has eased. Consequently, the ATMs, which had helped facilitate transit, are no longer as relevant," Kachka noted. He also pointed out that over 2023 and 2024, Ukraine and the EU had managed to strike a trade balance, despite Ukraine still having a significant trade deficit imports exceed exports by almost twice. "This imbalance is now at the heart of the ongoing debate: how to maintain balanced trade. Our approach is to preserve the current trade terms, perhaps even move toward greater liberalization but with proper safeguards. We'll see how it plays out. We're working constructively with the European Commission, but clearly a comprehensive decision will be needed to address all the complexities," he summarized. The first ATMs came into effect on June 4, 2022, for a one-year term. They temporarily suspended tariffs, quotas, and trade restrictions on Ukrainian goods. The measures were subsequently extended twice on June 6, 2023, and June 6, 2024. Ukrainian agricultural producers are particularly concerned about the potential return after June 5, 2025 to the current Article 29 norms of the DCFTA, which impose very low export quotas on certain agricultural products. A quota on the export of 100,000 tonnes of bioethanol may also be reinstated. Negotiations are underway to increase these quotas, but there are fears that there may not be enough time left before June 5 to formally enact such changes. At the same time, in the metallurgical sector, there have been discussions within the EU about preserving preferential import terms for Ukrainian steel even if the ATMs expire. The European Parliament endorsed such a proposal on May 8, 2025, which effectively allows the current steel trade regime to continue beyond June 5. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Gov. Andy Beshear and other state leaders gave an update Tuesday morning from London as Kentucky works to recover from the deadly tornadoes. Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? Beshears update comes ahead of another round of potentially dangerous storms that are forecast to impact Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon and into the night. There is the risk of strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the presser, the governor confirmed the death toll remains at 19 as of 9 a.m. The number of people being treated at the University of Kentucky Hospital with storm-related injuries was down from 10 to eight. Of those eight, two are in critical condition, two are in serious condition, and four are in good condition. Authorities said the 19 people who died from this storm bring the 2025 total weather-related deaths in Kentucky to 60. Weather radios down in 49 counties as Kentucky braces for more storms Tuesday NOAA radios within the NWS Louisville area will not be working through Wednesday as they are undergoing an upgrade, Beshaer noted. This includes 49 Kentucky counties. However, the storm radios are expected to be functional in areas like London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After meeting with elected officials, Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield said he has agreed to enforce a mandatory evacuation in the hardest-hit London neighborhoods in an effort to save lives. This includes areas near the London-Corbin Airport and the Sunshine Hills neighborhood. The evacuation of these neighborhoods will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. EST. The London Police Department said the shelters for the evacuees and anyone seeking shelter include: London Community Center (529 S. Main St., London, KY) First Baptist Church (804 W. 5th St., London, KY) West London Baptist Church (360 Parker Rd, London, KY) Mayor Randall Weddle said the city will be providing transportation for those who need to evacuate. He also confirmed that area police will be patrolling affected areas to ensure people vacate. Eric Gibson, the director of Kentucky Emergency Management, noted that around 900 Kentucky people are currently being sheltered in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did weather service staffing cuts impact tornado warnings for Kentuckians? Beshear weighs in He directed Kentuckians in need to call the states unmet needs hotline, where someone will help coordinate finding shelter for those in need ahead of dangerous storms in the forecast Tuesday night. Anyone needing help finding shelter should call 502-607-6665. Westerfield also announced that the downtown London parking garage had been cleaned out and everything had been removed so that it could also operate as a shelter for those in need. Applications for 25 counties to receive assistance were already submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as individual assistance applications in eight counties, according to the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear also noted that President Donald Trump called him to inform him that Kentucky has his support. Laurel County fire major killed shielding wife during tornado remembered as leader, mentor I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work theyve done over the past few days, said Gov. Beshear. This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And its another reminder that life is short and its our duty to be kind and do good. As always we will get through this together. If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, leaders ask you to complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include inconsistent or no power; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave the house due to weather and lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave the vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who would like to help those affected can donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. The fund goes toward things like paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here. Camille Hantla contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (WKRN) Mother Nature has given Kentucky a devastating one-two punch. One month after severe flooding hit the area, this past weekends severe storms killed at least 19 people. Eighteen of those reported deaths happened in Laurel and Pulaski Counties. In Christian County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a disaster center for those still impacted by Aprils storms. APRIL | Residents along Tennessee, Kentucky border still struggle with fallout from heavy rains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I relocated as quickly as possible [this weekend], Hopkinsville resident and native Justin Thompson told News 2. My house is pretty much destroyed from the last disaster weve had. Since Aprils flooding ravaged Hopkinsville in early April, Thompson has spent most of his time inside a FEMA relief center. It has been a wild ride this last month, Thompson said. Its been paperwork after paperwork inspection after inspection. Ive probably been to this building this is my fifth time. FEMAs active presence in Southern Kentucky will likely not end any time after Friday nights storms and with more storms in the forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May 16, when we were declared, FEMA has distributed $10 million and has assisted 1,200 survivors in Kentucky, said Eren Strittar with FEMA. There is help out there. Contact your local emergency medical agency. As of Monday, Kentucky has yet to file a disaster relief request with the federal government, meaning FEMA and other federal aid are not on-site in the areas damaged by the most recent storms. That will likely change later this week. While the damage in Christian County on Friday was minimal, Thompson said he hasnt truly slept in over a month, with the severe weather among the worst he had ever seen. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com It has been very stressful, I will say that, Thompson said. Its definitely been weighing heavily on me. Actually, the house that I lost recently because of damages was my childhood home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said his Hopkinsville community has been really supportive, doing whatever they can to help their neighbors. His advice to his other Kentucky residents is to stay grounded and lean on family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The 13th Khartiia Brigade of the National Guard has conducted a successful operation to evacuate a wounded soldier using a ground robotic system. Source: Oboronka, a project of Mezha Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company, with reference to Khartiia Brigade press service Details: In a conversation with Oboronka, Khartiia clarified that it was a Ukrainian robot logistician called Tarhan that had been converted into a tow truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A Khartiia soldier, who needed medical assistance, was put onto a ground robotic complex and successfully delivered to the evacuation team, from where he was taken to doctors," the brigade said. The joint operation of the ground robotic system unit and the operational support battalion was conducted in the area of responsibility of the Khartiia Brigade to the north of Kharkiv. The total distance of the evacuation route was 12 km. Background: At the end of 2024, the team conducted the first fully robotic operation - without human intervention, using only ground robotic systems and drones. You can watch the timeline of the first 24 hours of the operation in the film The movement has begun. In addition, you can read more about ground-based robotic systems for evacuation in the article. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Federal prosecutors have called rapper and actor Kid Cudi to testify in Sean Diddy Combs sex-trafficking and racketeering trial in New York this week. Prosecutor Maurene Comey announced Tuesday that the rapper, who had a brief romantic relationship over a decade ago with Combs ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, is expected to take the stand on Wednesday or Thursday. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventura testified last week at the trial that Combs learned she was dating Kid Cudi while going through her phone messages at one of the freak-off events the couple would have at various hotels. Combs, Ventura said in her testimony, threatened to blow up Cudis car in early 2012. She also testified that Combs threatened to release two sex tapes featuring her and that the rap mogul would send an individual to harm both of them. After Ventura first filed her 2023 civil lawsuit, which also included the allegations about Cudis car, a rep for the rapper confirmed that a vehicle of his had exploded, but provided no more details. This is all true, the rep told the outlet. Cudi will testify after George Kaplan, a former employee who Ventura testified had quit after witnessing Combs abuse, per CNN. I feared for my career. I feared for my family. Its just embarrassing, all of it, Ventura said while testifying last week. It could ruin everything I worked for. Make me look like a slut. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a notable appearance in London on Tuesday, May 20. The royal couple visited Canada House in Trafalgar Square to commemorate its 100th anniversary. Canada House is the official home of the Canadian High Commission in the U.K., serving as a home base for Canadians overseas, as well as for diplomatic and business relations between the two nations. Canada House hosts cultural events, receptions, exhibitions, and other such activities to promote Canadian interests across the pond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles and Queen Camillas visit also served as a prelude to the pairs upcoming state visit to Canada later this month. For King Charles, 76, the trip on May 26 and 27 will mark his 19th visit to Canada. Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images Though hes been many times, royal historian Justin Vovk is calling the voyage unprecedented. "On the one hand, nothing is riding on it, because of the constitutional mechanisms that separate the head of state from the prime minister. Even if the visit is a gaffe, our system of governance will continueand it won't negatively impact the lives of Canadians," Vovk explained to CBC News in an interview published on Sunday, May 18. But at the same time, we know that Washington will be watching. We know that the president will be watching. We know that the other Commonwealth realms will be watching, he continued. Related: Donald Trump Jr. Takes Aim at Jill Biden Over Husbands Cancer Diagnosis Vovk concluded, I think it's a safe assumption that Charles and the royal household are very much aware that this visit has to go flawlessly, because if it does, if it goes as well as [Charles's recent visit to Italy], this could be a unifying and stabilizing force for Canada that could help us weather this very turbulent period where Canadians are very concerned about the future." King Charles was originally supposed to visit Canada sooner, but he delayed the trip following his cancer diagnosis in February. Multiple reports confirm that King Charles has reached out to former President Joe Biden after he announced his cancer diagnosis. The Monarch, who has also been diagnosed with cancer, extended his support after Biden did the same a year ago. People reported that King Charles sent Biden a letter after the latter announced his prostate cancer diagnosis on May 18, 2025. A statement from his team read, 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. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It continued, While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. In response to the overwhelming support, Biden posted on social media, Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. When King Charles was diagnosed with an undiagnosed cancer last year, President Biden responded: Im concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. Ill be talking to him, God willing. He later posted a reaction on social media: Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Related: Prince Harry Fears He May Not Talk to King Charles Again Before He Dies: I Dont Know How Much Longer My Father Has Buckingham Palace made a statement about the diagnosis at the time: During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. The statement continued: His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles was hospitalized in March 2025 after he experienced temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. Charles is indeed a sick man, and he does have cancer, an insider told NewsNationNow. He also refused chemotherapy and decided on a less invasive treatment. This comes as European Editor-at-Large at the Daily Beast, Tom Sykes, revealed on the outlets podcast that succession plans are gearing up as no one is really expecting Charles to live, you know, more than three or four years. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Canada House in London on Tuesday, May 20, days before they're scheduled to travel to Ottawa While at Canada House, King Charles received a key to the building similar to the one given to King George V when Canada House first opened in 1925 During his first visit to Canada as sovereign, King Charles will deliver a speech from the throne at Canada's opening of Parliament King Charles and Queen Camilla are getting ready for their trip to North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, are heading to Canada next week, bringing them to the same continent as the monarch's younger son, Prince Harry, who now lives in California with Meghan Markle and their children. On May 2, the Duke of Sussex spoke with BBC News just hours after a judge dismissed his legal challenge concerning his reduced security in the U.K., which was reduced after stepping back as a working member of the royal family in 2020. Harry, 40, said in the new interview, "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore." "Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has," he continued, referencing King Charles' cancer diagnosis. "He won't speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile." Mumby/Indigo/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canada House on May 20, 2025 King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canada House on May 20, 2025 On May 20, the King and Queen prepared for their upcoming visit to Ottawa by stopping by Canada House to celebrate the establishment's 100th anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted to the royal family's official X account on Tuesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted visitors and posed for photos at London's Canada House, which showcases Canadian art, design and culture and serves as home to the Canadian High Commission in the United Kingdom. The King was presented with the key to Canada House during his visit. The gift was similar to the Canadian bronze, silver and nickel key given to King George V when Canada House first opened in 1925, according to the royal family's post. The royals' trip to Canada House comes just days before they are scheduled to travel to Ottawa in what will be the Kings first trip to Canada as sovereign. The visit will also mark King Charles' twentieth trip to Canada and will be Camilla's sixth. Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles at Canada House in London on May 20 Queen Camilla and King Charles at Canada House in London on May 20 The couple will arrive in Canada on May 26 and will depart on May 27. The first day of their trip will begin with a community event at which King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with Canadians from different organizations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The King will then meet with Governor General Mary Simon and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, after which Queen Camilla will be sworn in as a member of the Canadian Privy Council. Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Canada House King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Canada House After Queen Camilla's ceremony, the royals will plant a commemorative tree at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general. In a nod to one of King Charles and Queen Camilla's previous visits to Canada, the tree will be placed near the sugar maple that the couple planted back in 2017. The busy first day will end with a reception honoring the 10 lieutenant governors from Canada's provinces as well as the three commissioners from Canada's territories. Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla look at the key to Canada House King Charles and Queen Camilla look at the key to Canada House On the second day of the royals' visit, they will attend the state opening of Parliament, during which King Charles will deliver a speech from the throne to the Senate chamber. The significant moment marks just the second time that a royal has opened Parliament, and will be the third time a sovereign has delivered a speech from the throne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Elizabeth previously opened Parliament in October 1957. Before Queen Camilla and King Charles end their visit to Canada, the royals will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial to lay a wreath and flowers at the landmark. Charles made his first official visit to Canada in 1970, and most recently visited the country in 2022 with Queen Camilla to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. 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! Shortly after arriving on his 2022 trip, King Charles delivered a speech at the Confederation Building about the "vital process" of reconciliation following years of mistreatment of Canada's Indigenous people, including children who were forcibly relocated by the Anglican Church, where the late Queen served as head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we look to our collective future, as one people sharing one planet, we must find new ways to come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past: acknowledging, reconciling and striving to do better. It is a process that starts with listening," he said at the time. Read the original article on People Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe take a moment by the casket of Christopher S. Kit Bond during a memorial service Tuesday the Missouri State Capitol rotunda (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Missouri said goodbye Tuesday to Kit Bond, the Republican former governor, U.S. Senator and auditor who spent 34 of his 86 years in public office. During a memorial service in the Missouri Capitol Buildings rotunda, Bond was eulogized by John Ashcroft, the Republican who succeeded him in office as governor, and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat who said the two formed a lifelong friendship during Bonds first term as governor from 1973 to 1977. Kit Bonds portrait in the Hall of Governors is marked by a black band to memorialize his death (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). Talk is cheap, but doing takes the devotion of ones lifetime, Ashcroft said. Bond was a doer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaver said he first met Bond as a civil rights leader, and the friendship was cemented during his time as mayor of Kansas City and when he was elected to Congress in 2004. On Cleavers arrival in Washington, Bond, starting his fourth term in the Senate, held a reception for the freshman Democrat. They worked together to restore the Liberty Memorial, obtain funds for a new courthouse and find money for bridge and road projects, Cleaver said. I will be delighted for the rest of my life to have worked with Kit Bond, Cleaver said. The hour-long ceremony also featured prayers from former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth, an Episcopal priest who, along with Bond and Ashcroft, were the young Republican leaders who broke a Democratic monopoly on state offices in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonds casket will remain in the rotunda until 1 p.m. Wednesday, when he will be taken to St. Louis for a family memorial service and private interment. Bond died May 13 and was survived by his wife of 22 years, Linda Holwick Bond, and his son, Samuel. Bond grew up in Mexico, Missouri, the grandson of the founder of A.P. Green Industries, a fireclay manufacturer and a major employer at the time. He attended a boarding school in Massachusetts, Princeton University as an undergraduate and studied law in Virginia, practicing law in Washington, D.C., until he returned home in 1967. Bond lost a bid for Congress in 1968 before winning the race for state auditor in 1970. When he was elected governor in 1972 at the age of 33, he was and remains the youngest person ever to win the states highest office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, veteran journalist Phill Brooks, who covered both Bond administrations for KMOX and the University of Missouri School of Journalism, wrote that Bond won office in 1972 by campaigning on a platform to restrict special interest influence in government. His victory empowered him to lead the successful, bipartisan legislative effort for campaign and lobbyist disclosure requirements, as well as the states Sunshine Law requiring public access to government meetings and records, Brooks wrote. In his first term, Bond also won passage of stronger consumer protection laws and, in 1975, issued an executive order rescinding former Gov. Lilburn Boggs 1838 order that Mormons must be exterminated or driven from the state. Bond also reorganized state government, taking it from 96 independent agencies to 14 state departments organized along lines of responsibility such as health, education and corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After losing a bid for re-election, Bond made a political comeback in 1980, winning the governors office again. He won his seat in the U.S. Senate in 1986 and was re-elected three times. Officers place the casket of former U.S. Senator and Gov. Christopher S. Kit Bond in the Missouri State Capitol rotunda Tuesday to begin a memorial service (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). The turnout Tuesday, which filled the rotunda for the 45-minute memorial service, included former governors Bob Holden and Mike Parson, former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, people who had worked with Bond in Jefferson City and Washington, and current officials elected since he left office in 2010. Warren Erdman, a retired executive at Kansas City Southern railway, was Bonds chief of staff in his U.S. Senate office and an aide to Bond in his second term as governor. He said Bond embodied the spirit of the early Pilgrims, who founded a society, described by John Winthrop in 1630, as one of communal charity, affection and unity. Kit loved and practiced these beliefs throughout his lifetime and in his public service, Erdmann said. They were foundational to his approach to public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his second term as governor, Bond had to deal with state budget shortfalls as the economy weakened. He promoted and won passage of a $600 million construction bond issue to boost employment and renew state facilities. As a senator, Bond became known for his work on the Senate Intelligence Committee, his commitment to national defense and, as illustrated by buildings like the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri, the source of earmarked federal funds for local projects. When his son was born, Bond was introduced to the program for parental guidance of education that became known as Parents as Teachers. I think that Parents as Teachers is Missouris greatest export, Bond said in an oral history interview in 2014. We believe that when you advocate Parents as Teachers, you are telling people across the country that Parents as Teachers is Missouris greatest export. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that same interview, Bond said the job of governor was one of the most satisfying jobs Ive ever had. Former U.S. Attorney General John D. Ashcroft speaks at a memorial service honoring U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. Kit Bond in the Missouri State Capitol rotunda Tuesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Bonds 1972 victory energized new leaders to go into public service, Ashcroft said in his eulogy. Over and over again. Kit launched the careers of young people, talented, committed, dedicated people who later, after appointment, found opportunity beckoning them to achievement levels they had not anticipated, Ashcroft said. Danforth, who has parted ways with Republicans over many issues in recent years, said Bond made state government better and enjoyed doing it. He elevated the quality of government, Danforth said. And besides that, in his day, politics was fun. I dont think its fun anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: https://www.facebook.com/taras.kachka Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump outlining new opportunities for cooperation in defense and trade, proposed the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and the United States, Deputy Minister of Economy and Ukraine's Trade Representative Taras Kachka has revealed. "To the best of my knowledge, President Zelenskyy addressed this proposal to President Trump in that letter. Accordingly, this will be the next phase of our discussions," Kachka said on Tuesday at the "Trade Wars: The Art of Defense" conference, organized by the law firm Ilyashev & Partners in Kyiv. Kachka emphasized that Ukraine is keen on pursuing such an agreement, despite the fact that the United States is not among Ukraine's largest trading partners. "We are interested in FTAs with all G7 countries. We already have agreements with the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. What we still need are the United States and Japan," he said. He explained that an increasing number of manufacturers are building their export strategies around markets that are wealthier and more advanced, and which impose higher quality standards ultimately generating greater added value and higher profitability. "From that perspective, it is important for us to focus on the possibility of exporting to the U.S. and, accordingly, having a relevant free trade agreement," Kachka added. In his view, the establishment of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund provides a strong basis for negotiating a bilateral FTA. "That's why I think the United States might find this interesting. But we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves we are still at the very beginning of this journey," the trade representative said. Kachka had earlier reported that Ukrainian exports to the United States rose by 67% in 2024 to $869 million, accounting for 2.08% of total exports, while imports from the U.S. reached $3.4 billion, or 4.95% of total imports into Ukraine. As for the possibility of lifting the 10% tariffs currently imposed by the United States on Ukrainian products, Kachka noted that until recently, the primary item on the bilateral agenda was the agreement on establishing the recovery investment fund. However, he also announced upcoming talks with U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. "It's also important to understand that the tariffs imposed by the United States and the new approach being taken toward them represent a certain new reality," Kachka added. He concluded that no promises can be made at this stage because "we are really just at the starting line." Rep. LaMonica McIver speaks during a news conference with the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the Capitol Visitor Center to oppose Elon Musk gaining access to the Treasury Department's federal payment system, on Feb. 6, 2025. Credit - Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call, Inc./The Associated Press Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey is being charged with assault over a clash with law enforcement officers outside an immigration detention center earlier this month. The charges stem from an incident on May 9, when McIver visited Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility in Newark, to conduct a congressional oversight inspection and intervened when law enforcement officers were arresting Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, according to court documents filed on Monday. The filing alleges that McIver slammed her forearm into the body of a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent and pushed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delaney Hall was recently reopened, and has been the site of protests over the Trump Administrations mass deportation efforts. The interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, who was previously one of Trumps personal attorneys, announced in a post on X on Monday that her office had agreed to dismiss the misdemeanor trespassing charge against Baraka, but was moving forward with the charges against McIver. Heres what to know about the charges. What are the charges against McIver? According to court documents, McIver is facing two counts of assaulting, resisting, and impeding an HSI agent and an ICE officer. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties, Habba said in her post on X. No one is above the lawpoliticians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver denounced the charges in a statement, saying that she and her colleagues who visited Delaney Hall went to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees and were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before. Our visit should have been peaceful and short, McIver said in her statement. Instead, ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka. The charges against me are purely politicalthey mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, she continued. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. What potential penalties is she facing? According to the U.S. Code, the charge of assaulting, resisting, and impeding certain officers or employees carries a maximum statutory penalty of eight years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People convicted of the charge are usually sentenced following federal guidelines that most often result in a lesser punishment, however. Could she be tried while serving in Congress? Yes. Prosecutors can bring federal criminal charges against sitting members of Congress, though they have only rarely done so for allegations other than fraud or corruption. In a recent example of a sitting lawmaker being tried, then-Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, faced trial last year over his involvement in an international bribery scheme. Menendez was ultimately found guilty, and resigned from the Senate following his conviction. Contact us at letters@time.com. Details about the lives of two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are surfacing after their sudden deaths in a campus dormitory. Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, and Hallie L. Helms, 22, of Baraboo, both lived in Wilgus Hall, the site of shooting on May 19 that left both students dead, the university said. Martin died from a gunshot wound and Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while nobody else is involved in the incident, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women graduated just two days earlier, according to a commencement program. Martin graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology, and Helms graduated magna cum laude with an elementary education degree. More: A day after student deaths, UW-Platteville campus reflects on 'surreal' end of year More than 24 hours after the shooting, the university announced details of the incident, which caused campus to be locked down temporarily. What we know about Kelsie Martin Martin had been the assistant resident director at Wilgus Hall since 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. That meant she was the lead supervisor of the dorm, overseeing eight to 12 resident assistants, she wrote on LinkedIn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She attended weekly meetings, held office hours and responded to various emergencies around the hall, including mental health concerns, hate and bias reports, violations of campus policy and more, according to her profile. Martin majored in psychology with an emphasis on human services, according to a Facebook post from the Residence Life department spotlighting her in 2024. She owned more than 400 books and wanted to have a library in her home one day, the post said. She was a growing leader and role model for young women on campus, the post said. It praised her phenomenal work in her position at the dorm. In the post, Martin is quoted as saying she applied for the job because I wanted to help people the same way my RA helped me through my first year on campus." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before she took the role of supervisor, Martin was a resident assistant her sophomore year in Melcher Hall, according to another Residence Life post. She wanted to break out of her shell and try new things, the post said, and she developed some of her strongest friendships through the job. Prior to college, Martin was the assistant manager at Coral Cove Family Fun Center, an indoor children's play facility in South Beloit, Illinois, according to her LinkedIn. What we know about Hallie Helms Helms was preparing for a career in education. She created a personal website about herself and her teaching philosophy, as well as accounts on Facebook and X. There, her cover photo was a cartoon chalkboard with, "Ms. Helms's Class" in a chalk-like font, and she once voiced support for a federal bill that would raise teachers' minimum wage. She was inspired by teachers who were enthusiastic and helped her reach her highest potential, she wrote, according to an archived copy of her website. A screengrab of Hallie Helms' personal website, accessed via the Wayback Machine. Helms, 22, of Baraboo, was an elementary education graduate and died in a University of Wisconsin-Platteville dorm along with psychology student Kelsie Martin, also 22, of Beloit. I want to be the teacher who had helped, counseled, and inspired change, she wrote. I want to change students for the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helms graduated from Baraboo High School in 2021 and attended UW-Baraboo before transferring to Platteville in 2023, according to her site. In high school she joined an art club, a computer club and the Gender Sexuality Alliance club. In college, she was part of a knitting club and an aspiring teachers club. She also said she collected nail polish bottles preferring sparkly polish, and dabbling in nail art and enjoyed fishing, swimming and hiking at Devils Lake each summer. Kelly Meyerhofer of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What we know about UW-Platteville students who died in dorm incident Following the car bombing that took place outside of a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday, more information regarding the suspect and his motives is coming to light. In its investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Guy Edward Bartkus as the primary suspect and the only person killed in the explosion, though four others were reportedly injured and have since been released from the hospital. The 25-year-old lived in Twentynine Palms, about an hour away from Palm Springs, and apparently had recordings and social media posts related to nihilism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Bartkus also apparently had anti-natalist views, too, meaning he was against having children and deemed it unethical. Its believed that Bartkus detonated the bomb that damaged the American Reproductive Centers, which serves as a fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization lab. The explosion caused damage across several blocks in every direction, according to Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBIs LA field office. Davis called the bombing an intentional act of terrorism. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who leads the clinic, told The Associated Press that the building damaged was the consultation center, so no embryos or eggs were damaged in the explosion, as theyre stored at a different site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdallah also noted that no patients were being seen that day. Sheriffs deputies walk near the scene of an explosion Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Palm Springs, Calif. | Eric Thayer In an interview with The New York Times, Bartkus father, Richard Bartkus, 75, said he believes a recording, currently under investigation, belongs to his son. The recording was evidently published on a website that promotes the idea of terminating life and is of someone saying they plan to bomb an in vitro fertilization clinic because they were angry at their own existence. Bartkus, who said he hasnt seen his son in 10 years, also said he had no idea his son had held opinions of the kind voiced on the recording and was shocked when a relative texted him on Saturday that his son had been implicated in the bombing. Naomi Soto, Palm Springs mayor pro tem, posted on social media that she was proud of the first responder action immediately after the explosion: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a day when someone brought pain, suffering, damage and fear to our community, I also saw the best of our city.This is the Palm Springs Im so proud of. ... The city of residents, families, and visitors that stands with each other. We stand with the American Reproductive Center. Hate and fear have no place here and together well make that clear again." In a post on X, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents were working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to solve the investigation. Let me be clear, she added. The Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Recent news revealed former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. WesternSlopeNow talked with Dr. Jon King with Grand Valley Oncology to learn more. Its the most common cancer that men get, but its not the most common cancer that men die of, says Dr. King. Prostate cancer is a disease only found in men and is part of the genitourinary system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, in 2025, 313,780 men will be affected by prostate cancer with 35,770 men dying from the disease. When it was discovered that former President Biden contracted the disease, it was already a stage 4 diagnosis with the cancer having already reached the bone. Dr. King says its best to catch it early so it can be treated. Going to your doctor and having a routine screening is an important part of that, but also discussing symptoms so these are urinary symptoms are the most common that men may notice. To schedule your appointment with Grand Valley Oncology, 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. At first, I thought it was a book. I was standing in the hallway of our Cornwall house in 2020 and opened the slim Royal Mail package, assuming it was a copy of Johnnys memoir. When I realised I was holding a nappy in my hand, it took me a moment to process what was going on. Then the side of it flapped open and I saw it was filled with adult human excrement. Its s---, I screamed to Johnny, who had his back to me. It took him a beat to understand that I was being literal. Quickly, he grabbed it, ran outside and dumped it on the lawn, and then called the police. Johnny was at this point a minister in Boris Johnsons government and while all mail going to his Westminster and Plymouth offices was scanned, we were left to our own devices at home. The police were with us half an hour later and were really helpful eventually tracing it back to a woman in Croydon and doing everything they could to keep us safe. But I was shaken afterwards: this was our house, the place where we were raising our children away from prying eyes, and my husbands very public job had intruded inside it. The Prime Ministers family home in north London was targeted in a suspected arson attack last week - James Manning/PA Hence my sympathy for Victoria Starmer. We dont know each other but I can guess how she must be feeling after the horrific arson incident at their north London house. Knowing these people can invade a place you see as a sanctuary somewhere you deliberately keep separate from the business of politics makes you feel powerless and very unsafe. For me, it was as if someone had reached their arm into my kitchen and handed me the nappy themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Starmer is a clever woman and she will have understood that a job like her husbands doesnt come without consequences, but when Johnny first told me he wanted to be an MP, I was very naive. I didnt realise that abuse would be part of the territory. Johnny and I met aged seven at our primary school in Sussex. We both sang in the choir, but after moving to different secondary schools we didnt see each other again until we were invited to the same party in London in 2009. I was 29 and recognised Johnny who was in the Army and had already completed two tours of Afghanistan immediately. We were engaged quickly but because we decided to start a family soon afterwards, we ended up not getting married for another five years. However, our small wedding was arguably not the most life-changing moment of 2014. That is reserved for when Johnny told me he wanted to stand as an MP. He came home having read a statistic that said more soldiers died from suicide than on the field and he found this so shocking he decided he wanted to do something about it. Johnny and I have always been a team and even though Plymouth, the seat he wanted to contest in the 2015 election, was heavily Labour at that point, we decided to give it a go. I had given up my career in the airline industry to have my children and was earning money doing a cleaning job, so I was happy to help him in any way I could. Together, we drove around the city in a van emblazoned with Johnnys face and knocked on about 28,000 doors; our middle daughter, who was a baby then, was usually strapped to one of our backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were given a 1 per cent chance of winning, so on the night of the election we went for a curry to celebrate having given it our best shot. Then we got a call from the constituency office: the count was close and we were needed there immediately. When he won by 1,000 votes, I felt such a sense of achievement. Plymouth Labour could not believe it and nor, to be honest, could we. Johnny was handed an envelope saying: Well done, youre an MP, and the whips still had no idea who he was. Our life changed quickly. Our lives changed quickly: Johnny with Felicity, shortly after being elected MP for Plymouth in 2015 - Stefan Rousseau/PA Unlike the party, the press were interested in us from the get-go. Johnny shared an office with four other new MPs but they had to kick him out because he had so many interviews and it was disturbing them. I think it was to do with him being a soldier and, maybe, our young family. Soon we were an open story for everyone. I agreed to interviews if it meant Plymouth would get recognised and not just be the place people mistook for Portsmouth. I figured that if it meant talking about what shower gel we use, so be it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for our children: unlike Vic Starmer, I didnt mind occasional pictures of them in the paper, but I didnt want their lives to be too disturbed. We lived on the other side of the Tamar Bridge to Plymouth and we made sure they went to a school that wasnt in the constituency. My life, meanwhile, was completely intertwined with Johnnys job. I ran his office; it was all casework, diary stuff and admin. While I was there, they made a rule that no family members could work for MPs, but because I was in situ I was allowed to stay. I worked so hard: I deserved my salary, no matter what people online said. As for the rest of it, I just adapted. We were often invited to events in Plymouth and in London and quite a few where I was asked to speak too. I really enjoyed it. Mostly, people were supportive of how much Johnny and I worked together, but every now and then someone from the old guard would make a comment: usually something about me wearing trousers rather than a skirt. I just ignored it. I opened a Twitter (now X) account so I could say the things Johnny wasnt able to Im outspoken, but he never asked me to tone it down (and apparently the bigwigs at Conservative HQ loved reading it). I once called Liz Truss an imbecile and that caused a bit of a hoo-ha, but lets be honest history has proved me right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I came off Twitter the day someone threatened the children: this person said that if I took them out that weekend, they wouldnt be safe. I told the police and they acted immediately, but that was it for me. I would be happy killing Twitter trolls forever but not if it puts the girls at risk. I dont miss that aspect of political life at all. When we joined in 2015, Parliament had a security detail for the higher echelons but much less support for everyone else. Over Brexit, when tensions were running incredibly high and Jo Cox was murdered, there was a general feeling of unease and, thankfully, security was ramped up. From then on, I went everywhere with a panic button in my pocket, and when I did Johnnys surgery on a Thursday I had a bodyguard with me. As Johnnys job got busier and particularly once he became a minister in 2019 I had to pick up more and more of the domestic work. He was usually away Monday to Thursday, which is a long time when you have three small children. It was hard for him too: he was desperate not to miss too much of the girls childhoods, but he had no choice. Luckily, we have very easy-going daughters and our third child, Audrey, was born in lockdown, so Johnny was home a lot during her first year. Still, being an MP is all-consuming. Its a massive honour and privilege to be chosen by your peers; what we didnt realise was how awful it would be navigating the system and trying to get policies through. British politics, essentially, doesnt work. To pitch one side against the other means the whole thing is built on hatred, division and bullying. And even if one side comes up with a good idea, the other has to criticise it, which means you are set up to fail. The couple have been enjoying life away from the spotlight since Johnny lost his seat in the 2024 election Still, for 10 years, it was our normal life. The 2024 election was brutal: Plymouth Labour are a special breed and when it was announced that we had lost, the security detail walked us to the stage, we shook the hand of the winner, and were back in the car five minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterwards, there was an adjustment period and I felt sad for Johnny, who had put his heart and soul into it but there was also a feeling of peace. Its wonderful having him home. Last December, he went to every Christmas concert and nativity play that the children were in for the first time in nearly a decade. I also finally had the space to think about what I wanted to do. I started The Dress Barn a space to buy clothes for events and weddings in Cornwall, where we live. I love doing it. As for politics: if Johnny ever went back, he wouldnt be messing about he would go with a big role in mind and, of course, Id support him. But for now, were happy being out of the spotlight. As told to Melissa Twigg 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. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has made several statements following the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, mentioning in particular a "memorandum" with Ukraine concerning a ceasefire, adding that there are no deadlines for its preparation and "there cannot be any". Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS, citing Peskov Details: In his statements, Peskov noted that "no specific decision has yet been made about the location where contacts between Russia and Ukraine will continue". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also mentioned the "memorandum" with Ukraine concerning a ceasefire, which Putin had referred to earlier. Meanwhile, Peskov noted that "there are no specific deadlines for the preparation of the memorandum". Quote: "There are no deadlines and there cannot be any. Of course, everyone wants to do this as quickly as possible, but clearly, the devil is in the details." Details: Peskov once again did not ignore the topic of the "root causes" of Russia's war against Ukraine. Quote: "Everyone is interested in the quickest possible settlement regarding Ukraine, and Russia is interested in dealing with the root causes of the conflict." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is considering hosting an international meeting attended by delegations from Russia, the US, the EU and the UK. Background: On 19 May, Trump had a call with Putin, after which he announced that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start ceasefire talks. Putin claimed that Russia is ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine which would include a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time. The Russian ruler also said that contact had been "resumed" between the negotiating groups that met in Istanbul. Earlier, the media learned that before the call with the Kremlin leader, Trump spoke with Zelenskyy for "several minutes". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Kristi Noem doesnt know what habeas corpus means but she wants President Donald Trump to be able to suspend it. The Homeland Security Department secretary flubbed a simple question about the bedrock constitutional concept at a Senate hearing Tuesday, claiming the legal principle means a president has to be able to remove people from this country. In reality, habeas requires the government to give a reason for the detention of any person, as Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., noted in response to Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habeas corpus is the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people, Hassan said. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason. The Trump administration has threatened to seek to suspend habeas corpus to give law enforcement more of a free hand to carry out the presidents threats to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Noem backed that plan. I support habeas corpus I also recognize that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not, Noem told the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Miller, the hard-line Trump aide, has floated the novel theory that illegal immigration amounts to a hostile invasion and therefore the nation is at war, potentially permitting habeas corpus and other rights to be suspended. Legal analysts warn that such a move would deprive Americans citizens, not just undocumented immigrants, of their rights. Habeas corpus has been suspended only four times in American history, all during actual wars and with congressional approval. Even when President Abraham Lincoln suspended the right at the start of the Civil War, courts required him to obtain the consent of Congress. _____ The Department of Homeland Security oversees tens of thousands of arrests and detentions in the United States every year. It should go without saying that the department is responsible for ensuring that anyone in its custody is treated in accordance with the Constitution. It has long been clear that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is wholly unqualified to uphold that responsibility, but nowhere was it more apparent than Tuesday on Capitol Hill. During a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, Noem was asked by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.): What is habeas corpus? Well habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country, Noem replied, adding that Abraham Lincoln used it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassan interjected, noting that Noem was completely wrong. Habeas corpus, which is Latin for you have the body, is a persons right to challenge their detention, and requires the government to prove the detention is legally justified. Noems response was literally the opposite of what habeus corpus actually means. HASSAN: What is habeas corpus? NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country HASSAN: That's incorrect pic.twitter.com/ozRVVfdSoP Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025 According to the Constitution, the president does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend habeas corpus, and such a declaration must be approved by Congress. Earlier this month, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller suggested that the Trump administration was looking to suspend the habeas corpus rights of migrants in order to eliminate potential challenges to their detention and deportation. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason, Hassan added. So, Secretary Noem, do you support the core protection that habeas corpus provides that the government must provide a public reason in order to detain and imprison someone? Noem responded that while she supports the principle, she also had to recognize that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassan reminded Noem that such a suspension had never been done without approval of Congress and that even Abraham Lincoln got retroactive approval from Congress. Later in the hearing, Noem was asked by Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) if she understood that any suspension of habeas corpus requires an act of Congress? Noem replied: President Lincoln executed habeas corpus in the past with a retroactive action of Congress. I believe that any president that was able to do that in the past, it should be afforded to our current-day president. Noem claimed that while Trump hadnt directly indicated he planned a suspension, she felt he had the right to do so if so inclined. When pressed, Noem could not name what constitutional article or section outlines the power, nor could she say how many times it had been invoked in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you know which branch of government Article 1 outlines the tasks and the responsibilities for? Kim asked, after informing Noem that the suspension clause was found in Article 1. Yes, Noem replied. Congress. 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. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a congressional hearing on Tuesday had a contentious exchange about habeas corpus, the constitutional right that allows people to challenge their imprisonment in court. Sen. Maggie Hassan (DN.H.): What is habeas corpus? Noem: Well habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country Hassan: No, let me stop you ma'am Noem: and suspend their right to, suspend their right to Hassan: Excuse me, that's incorrect. Noem: President Lincoln used it. Habeas corpus is a fundamental civil liberty: It effectively forces the state to justify why it is detaining someone. It is, by definition, a check on the government, not a right it possesses. Noem is likely aware of this. The homeland security secretary told lawmakers at a different congressional hearing last week that immigration levels may justify suspending the protection. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, then, it's possible she meant to imply today that President Donald Trump needs to subvert that right in order to deport people. And perhaps that is also what she meant by her reference to former President Abraham Lincoln, who did not most famously "use" habeas corpus but rather suspended it during the Civil War without congressional approvalan action that was later found to be unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viewing the exchange in a light most favorable to Noem, it generally comports with the administration's position. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, said earlier this month that Trump is "actively looking at" suspending habeas corpus for migrants. "The president of the United States," Noem said later in the hearing today, "has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not." But that is highly constitutionally dubious, as Reason's Jacob Sullum wrote last week, for a few reasons. The first: The clause that allows for its suspension"the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it"is found in Article I of the Constitution, which governs Congress. The executive's powers are outlined in Article II. That is in large part why Chief Justice Roger B. Taney of the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Ex parte Merryman (1861) that Lincoln had violated the Constitution when he unilaterally suspended the right, which, in terms of the present-day debate, the Supreme Court has also confirmed applies to people in the United States unlawfully. (Congress ultimately approved Lincoln's suspension in 1863, about two years after his initial decree.) Then there is the justification the Trump administration would have to invoke: that the U.S. is experiencing an "invasion," or that public safety is endangered so severely that it requires suspending a core constitutional protection. Whatever your views on immigration, the reference to invasion, as Sullum notes, has historically been understood (including in the courts) to reference literal warfarea military attack, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "public safety" invocation would likewise be extremely tenuous, particularly when considering, for example, the Supreme Court's ruling in Boumediene v. Bush (2008), which affirmed that Guantanamo Bay detainees, who were also noncitizens, had the right to habeas corpus. If terrorism suspects are entitled to those petitions, then it stands to reason so should people like Rumeysa Ozturk, the Tufts student who was recently released from detention after a federal judge ruled the government had provided no evidence for her imprisonment other than that she co-authored a pro-Palestine op-ed. Habeas corpus, and the Constitution broadly, protects unpopular people for a reasonand it protects them from the government. The president certainly has a prerogative to uphold the law. But that doesn't mean much if he and his administration engage in lawlessness to do so. The post What Kristi Noem Gets Wrong About Habeas Corpus appeared first on Reason.com. Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, surprised members of a Senate hearing by appearing not to understand what a fundamental right that the White House is threatening to suspend actually means. Sitting before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Noem repeated a recent claim made by Stephen Miller, a Trump administration official, that they are looking at suspending habeas corpus in order to deport undocumented immigrants. Habeas corpus allows people to challenge the legality of their detainment, and has been a right in the United States since 1789. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when asked by Senator Maggie Hassan to define it, Noem claimed it is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country. Hassan interrupted Noem, declaring, Thats incorrect. Habeas corpus is a constitutional right awarded to all people in the United States, including immigrants, to challenge their detention by the government. When invoked, the government must provide a reason for the detainment. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem repeated claims that President Donald Trump could suspend habeas corpus (AP) Earlier this month, Miller told reporters the president had the authority to suspend habeas corpus under a rarely-used exception: in cases of rebellion or invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if she supports habeas corpus on Tuesday, Noem affirmed she does, but echoed Millers claim. I support habeas corpus, I also recognize that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not, Noem said. Hassan interrupted Noem again to assert that it had never been done. To suspend habeas corpus, the administration would need to prove the country was under the threat of rebellion or being invaded. There have been very few occasions in history when habeas corpus has been suspended, and not without intense debate. Noem recalled that former president Abraham Lincoln suspended it nationwide during the Civil War; however, Congress later passed a statute permitting it, which Hassan mentioned. Immigration enforcement officials have detained and deported immigrants whom they allege are members of Tren de Aragua some have refuted that claim (via REUTERS) The Trump administration has sought multiple avenues to expedite the removal of undocumented immigrants, even bypassing typical due process. The president did this by invoking the Alien Enemies Act, declaring an invasion by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, in order to remove alleged gang members quickly. However, multiple judges have blocked removals under the act. The Supreme Court has permitted the administration to move forward with deportations but reaffirmed that they are still are entitled to submit habeas corpus petitions. Anti-dumping duties are a more effective mechanism for fostering economic development during trade investigations, said Pavlo Kachur, head of the Ukrcement association. "There are two tools to protect the market anti-dumping duties and price undertakings. The key difference is that in one case, the price adjustment benefits the state budget, while in the other, it benefits the foreign producer. In today's environment, where every hryvnia going into the national budget is vital especially for defense and domestic consumption has dropped significantly, anti-dumping duties are the more patriotic choice. They help replenish the state coffers," Kachur told Interfax-Ukraine during the "Trade Wars: The Art of Defense" conference in Kyiv on Tuesday. He emphasized that protecting the interests of Ukrainian producers during wartime is not only a right but an obligation of the state. As reported earlier, Ukraine's Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade (ICIT) is reviewing anti-dumping measures on imports of cement from Russia, Belarus, and Moldova due to the expiry of current tariffs. In 2019, ICIT imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of clinker and Portland cement under HS codes 2523 10 and 2523 29, at the following rates: 57.03% for Belarusian cement, 94.46% for Moldovan cement, and 114.95% for Russian cement. The duties were initially set for five years and extended by one year in 2024. AUSTIN (KXAN) KXAN won five regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, more than any other station in Texas, the Radio Television Digital News Association announced Monday. The Edward R. Murrow Awards, named after the famed broadcaster, are prestigious awards that honor outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism. RTDNA has given out these awards since 1971. KXAN received awards in the Digital, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Video, News Series and Podcast categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regional winners advance to the national competition, whose winners are announced in August. Regional Murrow award-winning projects Excellence in Innovation and Podcast: KXANs project A Hanging on Backbone Creek was recognized for its Excellence in Innovation while the accompanying podcast won in that category. The investigation delved into the mysterious death of a quiet, young girl that haunts the town of Marble Falls, Texas, nearly 60 years after her body was discovered hanging by a jump rope in a shed behind her familys home along Backbone Creek. Quickly ruled an accidental strangulation by a local justice of the peace, questions linger not only about this case and others nearby but also an antiquated process still used in most Texas counties, giving certain elected officials the power to determine cause and manner of death with scant training and often without autopsies or forensic expertise. KXAN investigates efforts underway to strengthen and modernize this system, as our discoveries also reveal potential gaps in its oversight and prompt a new review of the last day Daynon Lewis was alive. Excellence in Video: The video for KXANs coverage of A Fatal Fall: The Treysuhr Carter mystery was recognized for its Excellence in Video. The investigation explored what happened the night Treysuhr Carter was found lying in the road, and her familys insistence that she didnt accidentally fall off her push scooter. Police initially closed her case, but after KXAN investigated, the medical examiners office amended its report, and police said they would review her case. News Series: KXANs initial Preventing Disaster project and continuing coverage that has led to changes was recognized in the News Series category. When a car slammed into an Austin emergency room in early 2024, killing the driver and injuring five others, KXAN investigators dug into the safety concerns surrounding a hospital without security barriers at its entrance. Our team traveled to dozens of hospitals across Central Texas, analyzed similar crashes across the state and broadened the scope of our research nationwide. We discovered hundreds of crashes at medical centers in the last decade, and also learned there is no legal requirement or industry standard for security barriers that could stop them from happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Digital: The digital category recognized KXANs investigative work on kxan.com, including the following projects: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect additional comments from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Ukraine will receive 400,000 additional artillery shells in 2025 through the Czech-led munitions initiative, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on May 20 on Telegram. The initiative, supported by contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other nations, has significantly enhanced Ukraine's artillery capabilities. Launched in 2024, it has become a vital supplement to the country's firepower amid shell shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Shmyhal said Ukraine received around 1.5 million artillery shells of various calibers through the initiative in 2024. He announced that Czechia has increased its annual aid allocation to Ukraine to over $43 million. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Prague has provided $900 million in military assistance to Kyiv. Fiala and Shmyhal also discussed expanding cooperation on weapons production, economic support, and humanitarian assistance. "We will strengthen the integration of the Ukrainian and Czech defense industries," Shmyhal wrote. "In addition, we agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian pilots of F-16 airplanes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Czechia has played a leading role within the EU in rallying military support for Ukraine and has hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees since the start of the war. The country's opposition party, ANO, has threatened to suspend the munitions initiative if it wins parliamentary elections in October 2025. ANO deputy leader Karel Havlicek made the remarks in January, raising concerns about the future of one of Ukraine's most reliable arms pipelines. In a separate initiative, the European Union has pledged to supply 2 million artillery rounds for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on social media on May 20 that EU countries "have already committed two-thirds of 2 million artillery shells, and we are working to cover the remaining third as soon as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (NewsNation) NASCAR superstar Kyle Larson is looking to pull off Double Duty, competing in both the Indy 500 and NASCARs Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday. Larson told Morning in America he looks forward to the 1,100-mile challenge, also known as The Double, after rain ruined his first attempt at the Memorial Day Double last year. Racing IndyCar stuff is not my forte, so learning something thats new to me is a lot of fun, but its a challenge. Trying to complete all 500 miles there will be fun, he said. Then, jet-setting to Charlotte to run the 600 will be really cool in the NASCAR race. So, it should be a fun day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyCar hybrid system a new factor in the 109th Indy 500 The Indy 500 is a race held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The race consists of 200 laps around the 2.5-mile oval track, totaling 500 miles in distance. In contrast, the Coca-Cola 600 is a NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. It consists of 400 laps around the 1.5-mile quad-oval track, totaling 600 miles. While the tracks and racing styles are different, Larson said the mechanics are similar. The speed is probably the biggest thing. In IndyCar, well probably get top speeds in the race of 235 or so miles per hour. Then, you know, go to Charlotte in the stock car, and well probably, you know, 190 to 195 miles an hour, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just really look forward to the opportunity and hopefully youre doing a good job, he added. Tom Brady to take the ride of his life at Indy 500 A short list of drivers have competed in both races on the same day during Memorial Day weekend. Robby Gordon attempted the Double five times. He made his first attempt in 1997, followed by attempts in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Tony Steward raced the Double twice in 1999 and 2001. Out of the drivers who have attempted to complete both races, Stewart is the only one to finish both, doing so in a combined 7 hours, 43 minutes and 42 seconds in 2001. Meanwhile, John Andretti attempted the Double in 1994, and Kurt Busch attempted it in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. AUSTIN (KXAN) A Kyle resident who tested positive for measles was considered unvaccinated, after they could not provide proof of receiving a measles vaccine, Hays County officials said during a news conference Tuesday. According to the Hays County Health Department (HCHD) this is the first case of measles confirmed in the county this year. The news conference was held at 3 p.m. in San Marcos at the Hays County Government Center, according to the county. The conference was joined by HCHD Executive Director Matthew Gonzales and Epidemiologist Gabriella Guel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HCHD was notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) of a potential measles case on Friday, May 16 after it was presented at Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle. As of Friday, May 16, more than 1,000 cases of measles were confirmed across the U.S., which is an increase of 23 in a week. Texas still accounts for a majority of cases, according to The Associated Press. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus thats airborne, and it spreads quickly when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs, according to the AP. Gonzales said those who may have been at the Ascension Seton Hays from 12:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 16 should monitor themselves for potential signs of measles symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales said the patient had developed a rash on Thursday, May 15. Individuals are contagious four days prior to developing a rash and four days after the rash is presented. Due to the timing of the symptom, Gonzales confirmed the individual was contagious from May 11 to May 19. For an abundance of caution Gonzales said Hays County residents should also be notified of locations the patient visited before they were considered infectious. These locations are shared as a precautionary measure in case of early transmission, Gonzales said. The list below shows the locations the individual visited while they were considered not infectious (prior to May 11). May 10 Sephora inside of Kohls, 20185 Marketplace Ave, Kyle, Texas 78640 May 10 H-E-B Plus, 5401 Farm to Market 1626, Kyle Texas 78640 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales said individuals who visited these locations from the hours of around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. may have been exposed. He noted that the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours. Below listed are the locations the individual visited during the time of infection. May 13 CommuniCare Kyle Clinic, 2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle, Texas 78640 May 13 Texas Department of Public Safety, 1400 N IH-35, San Marcos, Texas 78666 May 16 Ascension Seton Hays, 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, Texas 78640 Those who may have been at these locations should monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or develop a rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure, said a press release from Hays County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales said those who are most at risk are those who have no prior immunity, such as those who were born before 1950, have no proof of vaccination, have had measles, are pregnant or are too young to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. He stressed the importance for individuals to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Guel said measles spreads through the air and and lingers on surfaces for hours. Guel said it takes about seven to 14 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Officials said the individual was considered unvaccinated, because they were unable to provide documentation of receiving the MMR vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, this case in Hays County is not linked to the major outbreak in Gaines County in West Texas. We are working closely with the healthcare providers and businesses exposed to ensure those who are exposed are notified Gonzales assured. What are the common symptoms for measles? High fever (as high as 105F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The measles rash typically starts at the face and the spreads down to the rest of the body If you have been or think you have been exposed to the measles, officials suggest to contact your healthcare provider, or call the Hays County Health Department at 512-393-5520. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are a resident of Travis County who was exposed, contact the Austin Public Health at 512-972-5555. For more information about the measles visit the Hays County Health Department website 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 KXAN Austin. May 20Albert Lea's adult education program taught 327 students in the last year, including people from 25 countries who speak 17 different languages, Community Education Director John Double shared during the Albert Lea school board on Monday. Double gave an update about the adult education program and all of the Community Ed programs to the board members. He said 62 percent of the students in the adult education courses were employed while they were in classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the courses, 19 achieved their GEDs, and 12 students achieved other credentials, whether that was a CNA license, training as a paraeducator, community interpreter or others. Overall, the program had more than 19,000 contact hours with students, which is up 7.4% from the prior year. Double said challenges included finding new staff, particularly those available in the evenings, as well as visibility and knowledge of the program, programming changes and the political climate. Some of the successes include implementing online testing, implementing more life skills classes and incorporating a Students Learning with Children Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child care Double said the Tiger Cub Child Care Center struggles with its annual average fill rate, noting it needs to improve its numbers at the start of the year. He said tuition increased going into the school year to help cover costs. Other challenges include unexpected staffing expenses and finding substitutes, as well as reviewing other school-age care programs. Some of the successes have been the staff consistency for returning Tiger Cub families, as well as grants and donations the program has received, including from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and other businesses and individual donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tiger Wraparound care had challenges in the summer of 2024 when it relocated. It has also seen a need because of program staff substitutes and additional student needs being seen. Some of the successes of this program include enrollment numbers and increased collaboration with Tiger Cub. Enrichment programs The enrichment programs offered through Community Education have seen an increased variety, particularly with trips and fitness classes over the last year. There has also been an opportunity to bring classes to the community through the local Home Daycare Association. Driver education has also expanded to have an online classroom option and has received support from Workforce Development Inc. and the American Indian Education Aid Opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a grant that allowed youth to try after-school programming. Challenges have been relocating staff in 2024 and staff turnover. They have also seen challenges with needing instructors and increased costs in paper and postage. Experiential education Experiential education has seen a collaboration with the targeted services program, as well as other new programming. There has also been increased attendance at the rock gym because of updates being done to the rock gym climbing routes. He noted experiential programs, such as team building opportunities, are growing. Challenges have been costs for participants and program scheduling for families, along with weather in some situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facilities scheduling Community Education over the last year has overseen facilities scheduling, specifically more than 11,000 schedule requests for use of facilities in the district. He said facility rental revenues have increased from the prior year from $11,240 to $30,070 through early May. Some of the highlights looking forward include the opening of the boathouse June 3, and programming with targeted services starting soon. There will be eight offerings for daytime adventure trips, as well as driver education, defensive driving and adult fitness classes. There will also be many camp opportunities, parents night out and river trips, along with music, art, language, technology, robotics and rocketry classes. There will also be some in-person cooking classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said registration continues for the Tiger Cub Child Care Center and the WrapAround program. In other action, the board: Heard an update about summer programming that will be occurring within the district. Johanna Thomas said credit recovery is slated to start June 9 at Albert Lea High School for students in ninth through 12th grade who need to recover credits for graduation. She noted during the school year there were 214 students enrolled in credit recovery after school and on one Saturday a month, and these students recovered 152 credits. Last summer there were 193 students enrolled. Tiger Tails Targeted Services will also begin June 9 at Hawthorne Elementary School for first through sixth grades, with seventh and eighth-graders at the high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This program provides a time for students struggling in the traditional school environment to receive supplemental instruction and experiences through an alternative approach. There are currently 247 students enrolled, but Thomas said she anticipated over 300 students by the time it starts. Students in Targeted Services are able to take part in experiential education opportunities through Community Education and activities such as rocketry for third-graders. Months after the wildfires scorched a path of destruction through several Los Angeles County communities, the city of L.A. says no digital communications exist for the acting mayor during a critical period of the Palisades Fire. KTLA has been pursuing public records requests for key officials involved in both fire incidents, from the initial response to the aftermath, with some requests facing significant delays. One outstanding request from KTLA targeted Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who served as acting mayor during the Palisades Fire while Mayor Karen Bass was out of the country. KTLA had sought communications from Harris-Dawson to gain insight into his response during those critical hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deleted messages, disappearing chats, and a firestorm of L.A. controversy The initial request, filed weeks after the fires, sought ANY digital communications (including email/ text/ WhatsApp/ or other) originating FROM or TO Harris-Dawson over a period of days related to the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the mayor, or former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley. The request was intentionally broad to encompass various topics an acting mayor might address during a wildfire crisis. On March 11, KTLA resubmitted the request after receiving no response. The office stated the request was too complex for a 10-day turnaround and required an additional 14 days, with a new response date of March 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 21, KTLA was informed, We have records that match your request and will review them and provide them no later than May 21, 2025. KTLA expressed concern about the additional two months needed and was told the office was processing a higher than normal amount of public records requests. The Palisades Fire burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia) A firefighter battles the advancing Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles,Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) A brush fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving brushfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked evacuations Tuesday as life threatening winds whipped the region. More than 200 acres (80 hectares) was burning in Pacific Palisades, a upscale spot with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains, shuttering a key highway and blanketing the area with thick smoke. (Photo by David Swanson / AFP) (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images) The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) However, on May 19, months after the fires, KTLA received a one-sentence email from the City Council members office stating, We have reviewed your search criteria and have found no responsive records matching your search parameters. This request is closed. This means no emails, texts, or other digital communications from Harris-Dawson related to the Palisades Fire, the LAFD, the mayor, or the former fire chief were provided for the requested period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris-Dawsons office did not explain why they initially stated on March 21 that matching documents existed, only to later claim no responsive records were found. KTLA is not alone in this experience. The Los Angeles Times received a similar response from Harris-Dawsons office regarding a separate request related to the wildfires, as reported in their article, How much did Bass talk to her acting mayor while she was in Ghana? KTLA continues to pursue requests with other agencies, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. Legal expert Alison Triessl commented on the public records process and KTLAs efforts, stating, Since its inception in 1968, The California Public Records Act was enacted to promote public access to public records. As the Act clearly states, access to information concerning the conduct of the peoples business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state. I can think of nothing more central to the conduct of the peoples business than knowing why Los Angeles County was ill-prepared to combat one of the greatest natural disasters in this States history. 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. A seasoned L.A. County emergency management official who specialized in emergency alerts was charged May 9 with murdering his mother. The L.A. County District Attorneys Office alleges Robert Barreras took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the murder of Karen Lee Barreras, according to the criminal complaint. Barreras, a 42-year-old Alhambra resident, was arrested May 7. The Alhambra Police Department did not immediately respond to inquiries for more information on the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district attorneys office confirmed the victim was Barreras mother, but declined further comment. Barreras, who earned roughly $188,000 from the county last year in total compensation, was on leave when the alleged murder took place and has since been suspended without pay, according to a county spokesperson. It was not immediately clear why he was on leave. Barreras is currently being held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility on $2 million bail. He pleaded not guilty on May 15, according to the court docket. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Within the office of emergency management, Barreras specialized in building and maintaining the technology that allows county residents to be quickly notified about emergencies through their phones, radios, and television. Since joining the county in 2019, he participated in multiple panels detailing how these alert systems worked for L.A. County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alert system has been under scrutiny since the January wildfires after the county failed for hours to send alerts to parts of Altadena decimated by flames and later sent out glitchy alerts to residents in unaffected areas. The county said in a statement that Barreras was assigned to administrative duties and had no operational role in the wildfire response. 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. An otherwise ordinary commercial building at the corner of 11th and Main streets in downtown Los Angeles captured the attention of Los Angeles officials recently for blasting "Baby Shark" to deter homeless people. Shalom Styles, owner of Styles Barber Lounge and one of the buildings tenants, said the landlord began playing the song on Thursday over a speaker on Main Street just a few feet from a homeless encampment that's been in place on the sidewalk for more than a year. The situation marks the latest attempt by property owners to keep homeless individuals from loitering or sleeping in commercial zones, an issue they say threatens business. These are thriving businesses, we dont need to have that stuff over here," he said of the homeless encampment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But by Monday, the children's song a frequent earworm was no more. Styles said the landlord told him that police had received complaints about the music and he was at risk of being cited for disturbing the peace. He said the landlord wanted to meet with city officials before agreeing to turn the music off. The landlord could not immediately be reached for comment. The Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, whose district includes the area in question, said a meeting with the landlord and LAPD had taken place but provided no further details. Our housing and homelessness crises impact everyone in this city as we navigate this, I implore everyone to lead with care and compassion, Jurado said in a written statement. My team and I are focused on looking at tackling these issues holistically and plan to create long-lasting solutions to support our unhoused population, but its important that as we move through this we dont lose sight of each others humanity. Daniel Cruz, a barber at Styles Barber Lounge, stands outside during a break. The barbershop is teaming with the L.A. Mission to provide haircuts for unhoused people. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) It was a sentiment echoed by Dennis Oleesky, chief executive of the Los Angeles Mission, who on Monday announced that it planned to team up with Styles to host an event providing free haircuts and grooming services to unhoused people downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know the homelessness crisis has created strain on all sides for individuals living on the street and for the business owners trying to operate in challenging conditions, Oleesky said. "We commend Shalom for turning a moment of frustration into an opportunity to serve. Oleesky said outreach workers will be at the event to help people who want to get off the street. We all see whats happening downtown and sometimes it feels overwhelming, Styles said. This is our way of helping, not just talking. Tensions between business owners and the homeless population have grown over the last few years. In 2019, 7-Eleven made headlines when it began playing loud classical music to chase homeless people from its stores. Other businesses have deployed planters and fences . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the citys handling of the homelessness crisis. Those frustrations reached new levels recently with the findings from a court-ordered audit of Los Angeles homeless services that found the city and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority lacked adequate data systems and financial controls to monitor contracts for compliance and performance. Then there are the recent investigations by The Times into Skid Row Housing Trust and AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which revealed that the properties managed by the two nonprofits were plagued by heating, elevator and electricity failures as well as vermin infestations. More than a week ago, tenants from a building providing permanent supportive housing in Westlake filed a lawsuit against the current and former landlords and property managers for creating what they described as abysmal living conditions . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, city officials maintain progress is being made. Owner Shalom Styles said he and others at his barbershop started having trouble with unhoused people in the area in 2022. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) When Styles arrived in L.A. to open his barbershop in 2020, the pandemic stymied his plans. A year later, he said he was able to start cutting hair, but by 2022 he and other barbers at his shop began to have issues with homeless people in the area. He said the childrens song that the landlord had been playing was an attempt to bring the citys attention to the homelessness problem in the area. Nearby, at Rage Ground , where people pay to vent their anger by breaking dishes and smashing cars, at least one homeless man has defecated and urinated outside the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employee Karla Maldonado, 25, said the man also tried to start fires using trash during January's Palisades and Eaton fires. We tried to call 911 but they just hung up on us, she claimed. Maldonado said she used buckets of water to douse the flames. She said other homeless people in the alley along the warehouse have stolen brooms and coveralls that she said cost up to $100 each. She estimates at least 20 have been stolen. Around the corner from Styles barbershop was a small encampment where about half a dozen people have been living. Bicycle parts lay in a pile on the sidewalk. "If it's about the break-ins, that's not us," said Kenneth Moore, left, sitting with Chy and B Daniels at their encampment around the corner from Styles Barber Lounge. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) Kenneth Moore, 68, expressed anger and frustration that the business was casting blame on him and others at the encampment for problems that he says have nothing to do with the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If its about the break-ins, thats not us, Kenneth Moore, 68, said. We dont tolerate that over here, we fix bikes to survive. Passing through the area with his dog, Billy Copeland, 55, became interested in the groups conversation over homeless services. Copeland said a few months ago he was sleeping on a street between Pico Boulevard and 15th Street when cleaning crews came by his block. Fed up, he refused to move. All they do is come by and clean up and document where people are, he said. Copeland said he didnt budge until workers could help him access a shelter. He said he's now at a tiny home in Eagle Rock, awaiting permanent housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the only way I could get help, Copeland said. I was out here forever, giving my information and all that happened was them coming out to take my stuff. Moore and others say they have been waiting to be placed into permanent housing in some cases for more than two years. A spokesman for LAHSA said an outreach team was at the encampment a month ago. He said some people were placed in interim housing but left. It was unclear where they had gone. LAHSA is expected to return to the encampment on Tuesday. Moore has grown tired of sitting on a wait list and being shuffled around by the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You think we like living like this? Moore said. We dont. A man notorious for carrying a loud boombox in the neighborhood stands down the street from Styles Barber Lounge. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) 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. Rapid snow melt across Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, pushed some basins from above-average snowpack to snow drought conditions in under a month, with snow disappearing up to four weeks early, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. (Photo of Lake Mead at Hoover Dam: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)) Lake Meads infamous bathtub ring is expected to get bigger this summer as low snowpack levels in the Rocky Mountains choke the reservoirs biggest source of water the Colorado River. Snow melt from the Rocky Mountains contributes about 85% of the total water flow in the Colorado River, but those flows will likely be lower than usual this summer, according to federal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the Rocky Mountains the snow season had a strong start, then came one of the driest winters on record, followed by rapid snow melt that bodes poorly for river flow in the summer. Mountain ranges across the Rockies didnt reach peak snowpack in April, and only hit about 63% of average peaks. With less snow, runoff into Lake Powell is expected to be cut nearly in half this year, according to the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. Water levels in Lake Powell, the nations second largest reservoir, directly impact Lake Mead because streamflow to Lake Powell is eventually released to Lake Mead. Combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead is down 920,000 acre-feet from this time last year, or enough water to supply about 1.8 million single-family homes for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dreadful winter means a high likelihood of extreme and exceptional drought is in store for areas of Southern Nevada, according to the Nevada Water Supply Outlook prepared by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service. In 2023 it was a great runoff year with a really big snow pack. But were not going to see anything like that this year, said Jeff Anderson, a USDA hydrologist and water supply specialist. Water supply estimates for the seven Colorado River Basin states were reduced in April after rapid and early snowmelt wiped out snowpack in the region. Rapid snow melt across Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, pushed some basins from above-average snowpack to snow drought conditions in under a month, with snow disappearing up to four weeks early, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snow pack has melted much quicker than normal, Anderson said. It dropped much quicker than the normal drops. Oftentimes the snow packs dont start to melt as early as they started this year. Its like a locomotive. Once the snow pack absorbs enough energy from the sun and from the temperature and starts to melt, its very difficult to stop that process, he said. As snowpack melts, it recharges ecosystems and replenishes reservoirs that provide drinking water for millions of people and irrigation water for millions of acres of farmland. But early melt means water leaves the region before the summer when its most needed. The quicker snow melts the more likely it is to evaporate too. Less snowmelt making its way to the Colorado River is part of a larger trend. Colorado River streamflow has shrunk by about 20% since 2000, with further declines projected due to climate change. Stalled talks and a problematic pipeline The seven Colorado River Basin states that depend on the rivers water are currently working on setting rules for sharing a dwindling water supply after 2026, when current operating guidelines are set to expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But negotiations over water allotments in the countrys two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, have stalled. Two consecutive winters with robust snowpacks gave states that rely on the Colorado River a few more years of stability, but with a dismal water year approaching tensions appear to be growing. Colorado River negotiators one from each of the seven states that use Colorado River water will not be speaking at a major water law conference in June, despite having appeared together at the conference for the last few years. That divide has come up at the other annual appearances, too. In December, negotiators opted to split into two separate panels at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas after appearing together for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two camps the Upper Basin states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, and the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada have been at an impasse since March after submitting two competing proposals for managing the river. One of the biggest sticking points between the two basins is whether or not Upper Basin states should absorb mandatory water cuts during dry years, despite using significantly less than their 7.5 million acre-feet Colorado River allocation year-after-year. Historically, Lower Basin states have used nearly all their 7.5 million acre-feet Colorado River allocation under the 1922 Colorado River Compact, while Upper Basin states use about 4.5 million acre-feet annually, significantly less than their total allocation. Lower Basin states argued all seven states should share water cuts during dry years under the new post-2026 guidelines. If they dont, downstream states warned they could face water cuts they cant feasibly absorb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the states can reach an agreement by May, then the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation can consider the proposal as part of its longer process. In the absence of a seven-state agreement on how to manage the basins water supply, the Bureau of Reclamation would move forward with its own management options. Bronson Mack, a public outreach coordinator for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said Nevadas Colorado River negotiator, John Entsminger, is actively attending closed-door meetings and working towards compromise. However, details from those meetings have been scant. Another fissure among states appeared after House Republicans approved a last-minute amendment to sell off nearly 11,000 acres of public land in Utah that appears to follow the pathway of the planned Lake Powell pipeline, a decades-long and highly controversial attempt by Utah to pipe water from Lake Powell. In a joint statement, U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.) said they were alerted by Arizona and Nevada water managers that the public land to be sold in Utah could be used to develop the controversial water pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County, Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office of Utah Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy who proposed the amendment denied the allegation, as did the Washington County Water Conservancy District, which pointed to a detailed list of intended uses for the proposed land disposal, including water projects, public infrastructure, housing, recreation and an airport expansion. That reasoning doesnt fly with some of the states public land and environmental advocates, including Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network. There are quite a few striking similarities, Roerink said. We believe that this is much more than a coincidence. The project has yet to clear several federal hurdles, and needs a new environmental impact statement officials in the area say the project is no longer a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roerink noted that Utah officials have also not ruled out the Lake Powell Pipeline and have continued to pursue the paper water rights that the pipeline would feed. This throws an even bigger wrench in a situation that is already rife with conflict, and it underscores that some states continue to believe that water exists, when in reality, we all know it doesnt, Roerink said. Member of Parliament Nina Yuzhanina has appealed to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine to shorten the terms of consideration of complaints about dumping from businesses, as this corresponds to the practices of the European Union and will contribute to the protection of the national manufacturer. "A match factory contacted me, because the ministry kept postponing the consideration, did not respond, and delayed the deadlines. They fought for two years themselves. During the process, I kept thinking why a person should fight for himself and look for a deputy who would find the time and time to do this. Therefore, excuse me, it means something is wrong," she said at the conference "Trade Wars: The Art of Protection", organized by the company "Ilyashev and Partners" in Kyiv on Tuesday. According to Yuzhanina, during martial law, business cannot wait long for consideration of such applications. She believes that shortening the terms of investigation of complaints from enterprises is technically possible and even without changes to the laws. At the same time, Yuzhanina called for the Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade (ICIT), which considers complaints, to convene more often. In her opinion, it would be sufficient to hold a scheduled meeting once every three months. Regarding the timing, Olena Omelchenko, head of the international trade practice of Ilyashev & Partners Law Firm, emphasized that a complaint is prepared for at least two months, after which it is submitted to the Ministry of Economy and, according to the law, must be considered within 30 days, but since the commission meetings are not regulated by any regulations, that is, there is no agenda, no plan, no schedule of the commission's work, the commission meets when necessary. It can be once every six months, or even once a year. "That is, a complaint can lie for six months, after that an investigation takes place for a year and measures are applied, as a rule, 30 days after publication in the Government Courier newspaper. Here they take about two years. That is, in our realities of martial law, the realities for Ukrainian producers, when you say that measures can actually be taken in 1.5-2 years, they answer that they will not survive," Omelchenko said. She also emphasized that in the EU several years ago the terms for investigating business complaints about dumping were reduced to nine months. In turn, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Economic Affairs and Trade Protection Yuriy Kozlenko, commenting on the request of the People's Deputy, noted that often the delay in considering applications occurs due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by them, since the complaint must contain evidence of dumping, which requires information on the prices of goods sold on foreign markets, prices of goods sold in Ukraine, transportation prices, packaging. And in order to determine the fact of damage to national goods, it is necessary to know the entire financial and economic activity of the national producer. "At the same time, a national producer is not a single enterprise in Ukraine. It should be a set of producers that make up more than 50% in Ukraine. The Ministry of Economy does not have the relevant data on these two main indicators in order to initiate (an investigation). That is, it is necessary to establish causal relationships, and this is a separate study," Kozlenko explained. According to him, the Ministry of Economy, within the framework of these processes, complies with the legislation and provisions of the agreement with the World Trade Organization (WTO). "Indeed, we have certain deadlines. As soon as we receive a request, sometimes when it does not contain evidence to initiate an investigation, we can send additional requests to the applicant. We have two options: we can refuse to initiate an investigation within 45 days and the applicant then has to collect new evidence, new periods, because the period should be as close as possible to the submission of applications," the deputy director of the department emphasized. He also suggested holding separate consultations with any enterprise or industry to explain how these procedures are carried out. Rapid snow melt across Utah, Colorado and New Mexico pushed some basins from above-average snowpack to snow drought conditions in under a month, with snow disappearing up to four weeks early, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Shown is Lake Mead at Hoover Dam in Nevada. (Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) Lake Meads infamous bathtub ring is expected to get bigger this summer as low snowpack levels in the Rocky Mountains choke the reservoirs biggest source of water the Colorado River. Snow melt from the Rocky Mountains contributes about 85% of the total water flow in the Colorado River, but those flows will likely be lower than usual this summer, according to federal data. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the Rocky Mountains the snow season had a strong start, then came one of the driest winters on record, followed by rapid snow melt that bodes poorly for river flow in the summer. Mountain ranges across the Rockies didnt reach peak snowpack in April, and only hit about 63% of average peaks. With less snow, runoff into Lake Powell is expected to be cut nearly in half this year, according to the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. Water levels in Lake Powell, the nations second largest reservoir, directly impact Lake Mead because streamflow to Lake Powell is eventually released to Lake Mead. Combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead is down 920,000 acre-feet from this time last year, or enough water to supply about 1.8 million single-family homes for a year. Extreme and exceptional drought expected for Southern Nevada this year A dreadful winter means a high likelihood of extreme and exceptional drought is in store for areas of Southern Nevada, according to the Nevada Water Supply Outlook prepared by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023 it was a great runoff year with a really big snow pack. But were not going to see anything like that this year, said Jeff Anderson, a USDA hydrologist and water supply specialist. Water supply estimates for the seven Colorado River Basin states were reduced in April after rapid and early snowmelt wiped out snowpack in the region. Rapid snow melt across Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, pushed some basins from above-average snowpack to snow drought conditions in under a month, with snow disappearing up to four weeks early, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The snowpack has melted much quicker than normal, Anderson said. It dropped much quicker than the normal drops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oftentimes the snow packs dont start to melt as early as they started this year. Its like a locomotive. Once the snow pack absorbs enough energy from the sun and from the temperature and starts to melt, its very difficult to stop that process, he said. As snowpack melts, it recharges ecosystems and replenishes reservoirs that provide drinking water for millions of people and irrigation water for millions of acres of farmland. But early melt means water leaves the region before the summer when its most needed. The quicker snow melts the more likely it is to evaporate too. Less snowmelt making its way to the Colorado River is part of a larger trend. Colorado River streamflow has shrunk by about 20% since 2000, with further declines projected due to climate change. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Stalled talks among Colorado River Basin states and a problematic pipeline The seven Colorado River Basin states that depend on the rivers water are working to set rules for sharing a dwindling water supply after 2026, when current operating guidelines are set to expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But negotiations over water allotments in the countrys two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, have stalled. Two consecutive winters with robust snowpacks gave states that rely on the Colorado River a few more years of stability, but with a dismal water year approaching tensions appear to be growing. Colorado River negotiators one from each of the seven states that use Colorado River water will not be speaking at a major water law conference in June, despite having appeared together at the conference for the last few years. That divide has come up at the other annual appearances, too. In December, negotiators opted to split into two separate panels at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas after appearing together for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two camps the Upper Basin states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, and the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada have been at an impasse since March after submitting two competing proposals for managing the river. One of the biggest sticking points between the two basins is whether or not Upper Basin states should absorb mandatory water cuts during dry years, despite using significantly less than their 7.5 million acre-feet Colorado River allocation year-after-year. Historically, Lower Basin states have used nearly all their 7.5 million acre-feet Colorado River allocation under the 1922 Colorado River Compact, while Upper Basin states use about 4.5 million acre-feet annually, significantly less than their total allocation. Lower Basin states argued all seven states should share water cuts during dry years under the new post-2026 guidelines. If they dont, downstream states warned they could face water cuts they cant feasibly absorb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the states can reach an agreement by May, then the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation can consider the proposal as part of its longer process. In the absence of a seven-state agreement on how to manage the basins water supply, the Bureau of Reclamation would move forward with its own management options. Bronson Mack, a public outreach coordinator for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said Nevadas Colorado River negotiator, John Entsminger, is actively attending closed-door meetings and working towards compromise. However, details from those meetings have been scant. Another fissure among states appeared after House Republicans approved a last-minute amendment to sell off nearly 11,000 acres of public land in Utah that appears to follow the pathway of the planned Lake Powell pipeline, a decades-long and highly controversial attempt by Utah to pipe water from Lake Powell. In a joint statement, U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, and Susie Lee, D-Nevada, said they were alerted by Arizona and Nevada water managers that the public land to be sold in Utah could be used to develop the controversial water pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County, Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office of Utah Republican U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy who proposed the amendment denied the allegation, as did the Washington County Water Conservancy District, which pointed to a detailed list of intended uses for the proposed land disposal, including water projects, public infrastructure, housing, recreation and an airport expansion. That reasoning doesnt fly with some of the states public land and environmental advocates, including Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network. There are quite a few striking similarities, Roerink said. We believe that this is much more than a coincidence. The project has yet to clear several federal hurdles, and needs a new environmental impact statement officials in the area say the project is no longer a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roerink noted that Utah officials have also not ruled out the Lake Powell Pipeline and have continued to pursue the paper water rights that the pipeline would feed. This throws an even bigger wrench in a situation that is already rife with conflict, and it underscores that some states continue to believe that water exists, when in reality, we all know it doesnt, Roerink said. Nevada Current, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nevada Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Hugh Jackson for questions: info@nevadacurrent.com. (WHTM) A Lancaster County judge says hes retiring next year. Lancaster Online reports Judge David Ashworth will retire in January. The 69-year-old has served on the bench for more than 25 years. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania The seat would be added to the 2027 ballot, so President Judge Leonard Brown says he will ask Governor Shapiro to appoint a replacement until the seat can be filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LNP says Ashworth presided over 82 drug court graduations, with 291 graduates. Judge Jeffrey Conrad now leads 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 ABC27. Jesse Landers, age 44, formerly of Westville, was sentenced recently to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be served at 100%. On Feb. 27, following a weeklong trial, a Vermilion County jury found Landers guilty of First Degree Murder. He will be required to serve three years of mandatory supervised release after his term of imprisonment. The case was prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau, along with the Vermilion County States Attorneys Office. Judge Mark S. Goodwin presided over the trial and sentencing hearing. During the trial, the People presented evidence that on the evening of Jan. 3, 2023, Landers Landers fatally stabbed John Carmean. Officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of the victim laying in the roadway. Despite his critical injuries, Carmean was able to identify Landers as the person who stabbed him. A short time later, Landers was located walking nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the sentencing hearing, Carmeans father delivered a victim impact statement, declaring to the defendant, You said John was your friend. He would have given you the shirt off his back. States Attorney Lacy thanked Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his Trial Assistance staff for working with her office. The States Attorney also thanked the Danville Police Department for their thorough investigation. She added, This was a senseless act of violence that took someones life far too soon. I hope this sentence brings some sense of justice and peace to the family of John Carmean. Reclaim Rhode Island Co-Chair Daniel Denvir advocates for a proposal to codify just cause evictions during the final meeting of the legislative commission on landlord-tenant law on Monday, May 19, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) As a House commission studying Rhode Island landlord-tenant law met to prepare its final report Monday, tenants rights organizations made a last-minute push for lawmakers to pass legislation to restrict the reasons landlords can use to justify evictions or refuse to renew a lease. A proposal to codify just cause evictions surfaced as the 11-member commission formed last summer held its final meeting, drawing opposition from Realtors and landlords who argued such a measure was merely masquerading as a rent freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Daniel Denvir, the co-chair of the tenant organizing group Reclaim Rhode Island, said he made the recommendation so that landlords cant evict their renters for arbitrary reasons. It is overwhelmingly, emphatically the singular thing that the tenant movement in this state wants, Denvir said. You need a just cause to evict someone. You cant terminate a residency because a landlord said so. Just cause legislation was introduced in both chambers in February. The House version is sponsored by Rep. Cherie Cruz, a Pawtucket Democrat, and the Senate bill is sponsored by Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat. Both bills received judiciary committee hearings and were held for further study, as is standard practice when legislation is first vetted by a panel. The legislation would cap rent increases at 4% annually or 1 times the annual percentage change in the consumer price index similar to the yearly cap municipalities face when raising taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Realtors on the commission argued that limiting rent increases will hinder property owners from making further investment into new buildings or maintaining existing ones. Its going to diminish housing, diminish the quality of housing, the quantity of housing, said Commissioner Shannon Elizabeth Weinstein, an associate broker and partner at RentProv Realty. Democratic Rep. David Morales of Providence, second from left, speaks during the meeting of the the final meeting of the legislative commission on landlord-tenant law on May 19, 2025. From left to right: Rep. David Place, a Burrillville Republican; Superior Court Judge Christopher Smith, the commissions chairman; and Shannon Elizabeth Weinstein, an associate broker and partner at RentProv Realty. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Housing advocates have repeatedly cited rising rents as a major factor in Rhode Islands growing unhoused population. Rents have gone through the roof, Denvir said. The National Low Income Housing Coalitions latest Gap report found that 64% of extremely low-income renters in Rhode Island spend more than half of their income on housing, leaving little for necessities like food and health care. Just 47 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 households with extremely low incomes, according to the report from the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposals from Cruz and Mack, landlords would have the ability to raise rent above the prescribed percentage. But if they attempt to evict a tenant for failing to pay the excess amount, the housing court would consider it a rebuttable presumption that the increase was unreasonable. Building owners who manage five units or fewer would remain exempt from the proposed legislation. But Weinstein said the just cause eviction proposal is rent control with additional restrictions. The commission was created through a House resolution last year to address recent disputes between landlords and tenants involving issues like housing discrimination, maintenance dilemmas, late payments, termination of tenancy and security deposits. It has also reviewed existing laws to determine what clarifications may be needed to language governing the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the House resolution that created the panel, the recommendations were due by May 5. But Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat who serves as the commissions vice chair, told Rhode Island Current the group needed more time to refine and finalize its proposed changes. One internal discussion turned to several, he said in an interview. A final report is expected to be completed Wednesday and then published online Thursday. It will include 11 recommendations discussed and debated by the commission. Both landlords and tenant organizations were in agreement on six of them: Seal eviction records when a case is dismissed. Seal the names of minors involved in eviction proceedings, and allow individuals aged 18 to 21 with familial ties to a tenant to request that their names also be sealed. Require landlords to provide a receipt without delay after receiving any rental payment made in cash. Allow existing legal services for tenants facing eviction to continue, subject to available funding and income eligibility. Also consider providing financial assistance and supportive services to help tenants remain housed. Develop a model form to document tenant repairs. Seal eviction records when a tenant prevails over their landlord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four recommendations came from landlords, over the objections from tenant groups: Allow landlords and renters to file an ex parte motion or request a temporary restraining order during eviction proceedings. Permit rent payments after a lease termination date. Amending termination notice language to reflect the rental due date as the termination date Give tenants the option to pay rent into the court registry when a stay of execution is granted in an eviction case. The only support for just cause eviction legislation came from Denvir. Commissioner Julie Finn, executive director of the Warwick Housing Authority, was not present at Mondays meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas beekeepers death is causing his family to express caution about a bee that has put Nevada under quarantine. On May 10, Scott Stromme, 62, was found lying on the floor of his home, allegedly stung to death after possibly knocking over a container of bees. His father, Phillip Stromme, said he discovered Scott only after several attempts at calling him. [I] went around the front door, opened that up, went in, he said. And I knew right then he was in a place you dont want to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His son was cold to the touch and not moving, allegedly welled up from possible bee stings. Phillip said he saw his sons beekeeping hat was set to the side around hundreds of dead bees. Scott Stromme, 62, was found lying on the floor of his home, allegedly stung to death after possibly knocking over a container of bees. I have no idea, and had to put two and two together, Phillip said. Scott was a jack of all trades with a penchant for picking up a new talent at a quick pace and treating each job with an incredible amount of responsibility, according to Phillip. You have a job here, and a job there, and he started out working at the Rio in a shop there, Phillip said. And he stood guard outside, but he looked like a guard at the palace in England with a tall hat. Phillip Stromme (KLAS) Friends still call Scotts phone according to Phillip who said his daughter has broken the news to several of Scotts acquaintances, pals, and clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My daughters been getting an awful lot of phone calls on his phone, he said. Phillip said its heartbreaking what happened to his son and warned others should express caution when around certain types of bees. Africanized honeybees The State of Nevada has been under a quarantine for the Africanized Honeybees, according to state law, but that hasnt stopped trained beekeepers from answering the calls from concerned homeowners. So that [quarantine] means that theyre more aggressive, Daniel Millett, operations manager for Bee Master of Las Vegas, said. They respond with more bees than our domiciled, domestic bees that weve trained for 1200 or 1500 years to be nice and produce a lot of honey. Daniel Millett, operations manager for Bee Master of Las Vegas. (KLAS) The Africanized Honeybees do not produce as much honey as their more well known and temperate counterparts, according to Millett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All these Africanized bees are buck wild, he said. They think everythings a rhino or a hippo. Millett found out about what happened to Stromme and said the incident was awful but also allowed for a chance to remind residents about the danger of certain types of bees. When this poor fellow started to work with his bees, whatever gear he had on, they overwhelmed him, he said. And its a darn shame that it happened. Millett said residents with any concerns or issue with bees can find licensed beekeepers through the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas man who brought methamphetamine and a gun to a meeting with his probation officer was sentenced to over 12 years in prison Monday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In January, Anthony Valenzuela pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to court documents, Valenzuela was on supervised release for a felony conviction for felon in possession of a firearm when on March 7, 2023, he drove to the U.S. Probation Office for a meeting with his supervising officer. During a search of his vehicle, officers found a bookbag containing a digital scale, plastic bags, mail, and a fake drink can containing methamphetamine. Left: Photo of methamphetamine powder in resealable bag concealed in drink can. Right: Photo of a black Taurus 9mm semiautomatic pistol in a bag. (U.S. Department of Justice) In another bag, officers found more methamphetamine and a semiautomatic pistol. The total amount of drugs recovered from the vehicle was at least 150 grams but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine, according to the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, United States District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Valenzuela to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Southwest Airlines, Milwaukee's largest carrier, will no longer allow passengers to check two free bags starting on or after May 28. Under the new policy, only Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will get two free checked bags. A-List Members will receive one free checked bag, and Rapid Rewards Credit Card members will receive a credit for one checked bag. Other travelers will need to pay for their first and second checked bags, although as of May 20, the airline has not disclosed the fee amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about the new Southwest baggage policy: When does Southwest start charging for checked baggage? Starting on May 28, most passengers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags. Weight and size restrictions are still in place, according to its website. What is the Southwest baggage fee? As of May 20, the airline has not notified passengers of the baggage fee for the first and second checked bags. For comparison, American and United airlines charge between $35 and $50 for the first checked bag. Standard checked bags must weigh up to 50 pounds each and be 62 inches in size. According to Southwest's website, bag fees are the following: Third or additional bag: $150 per bag Oversize bag: $200 per bag (max 80 inches) Overweight bag: $150 per bag (51-70 pounds) or $200 per bag (71-100 pounds) Can I still purchase Southwest tickets with a checked bag? Tickets purchased before May 28 will include two free checked bags. If you purchase a ticket before May 27 and alter it on or after May 28, you will be required to pay the checked-bag fee. Can I still bring a carry-on bag for free on a Southwest flight? All passengers can still bring a free carry-on bag and one personal item on Southwest flights. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment and be smaller than 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Southwest flights departing from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Southwest offers 18 nonstop flights from Milwaukee, according to the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The airline launched service between Milwaukee and Austin earlier this spring. For a full list of cities you can visit nonstop from the Milwaukee airport, visit www.mitchellairport.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a list of nonstop flight destinations: Atlanta, Georgia Austin, Texas Baltimore, Maryland Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico Dallas Love, Texas Denver, Colorado Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida Fort Myers, Florida Kansas City, Missouri Las Vegas, Nevada Nashville, Tennessee Orlando, Florida Phoenix, Arizona San Diego, California Sarasota, Florida St. Louis, Missouri Tampa, Florida Washington/Reagan National, DC RELATED: What's being built near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport? RELATED: The Real ID deadline has passed. Here's how it's affecting wait times at Milwaukee's airport and the DMV This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Southwest free checked bag deadline at Milwaukee Mitchell airport Donald Trump ribbed the Kennedy Center during a board dinner at the White House on Monday in the presidents latest criticism of the institution after effectively installing himself as its chair in February. The Kennedy Center, when I said Ill do this, I hadnt been there, Trump told attendees. Its the last time Ill take a job without looking at it. The president went on to criticize the facilities at the Washington arts complex, saying tremendous amounts of money had been spent there to little effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know where they spent it, Trump added. They certainly didnt spend it on wallpaper, carpet, or painting. Earlier this year, Trump broke with tradition and ousted members of the Kennedy Center board who had been appointed under the Biden administration, and the replacements Trump installed voted the president to be the centers chair. As part of the takeover, Trump administration special envoy Richard Grenell now serves as the interim director of the Kennedy Center, while Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles serve on the board. Trump has said he will help renovate Kennedy Center and remove woke shows from arts complex (Getty) Trump has said under his leadership, the Kennedy Center will not feature woke programming, a theme the president touched on Monday during his speech at the dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The programming was out of control with rampant political propaganda, DEI, and inappropriate shows, Trump said, claiming the center hosted a Marxist anti-police performance and lesbian-only Shakespeare. Some performers have protested the presidents changes at the Kennedy Center, with several cast members of the popular musical Les Miserables planning a boycott of the show next month, according to a report. Elsewhere in his remarks, Trump touted other parts of his agenda, claiming his recent trip to the Middle East is being credited as one of the maybe the most successful visits that anybody has made to any place. The president also said progress is being made after a little conversation with a nice gentleman named Vladimir Putin, a reference to Trumps recent calls with the Russian leader and his Ukrainian counterpart, which the White House said helped pave the way for the nations to immediately begin ceasefire talks. Week two of the Sean "Diddy" Combs racketeering and sex trafficking trial continued as model Kerry Morgan, 39, testified during the mogul's sex trafficking trial that she witnessed him assault Cassie Ventura, 38, both at her Hollywood Hills residence and during a trip to Jamaica. The ex-friend of Cassie claims she saw him hit her, pull her hair, kick her, push her. Recalling the incident at Venturas Hollywood Hills home, Morgan said she witnessed Combs push Ventura and was pretty sure he also punched and kicked her. During the alleged attack, Morgan said she shouted at a nearby security guard to do something, but claimed he refused to intervene. Frightened, Morgan and Ventura fled to a neighbors home, where they hid for hours while Combs searched for them, she testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan also recounted a 2013 incident in Jamaica when she heard Ventura let out guttural and terrifying screams. She testified that she didnt understand what was happening until she saw Combs allegedly dragging Ventura by the hair. In a separate 2018 incident at Venturas Hollywood Hills home, Morgan said Combs turned his aggression on her. While Ventura was in the bathroom, Combs showed up unannounced at the apartment. He came up behind me and choked me, and boomeranged a wooden hanger around my head, Morgan testified. She said Combs, furious, accused Ventura of infidelity and demanded to know who the other man was information Morgan said she did not have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, at Combs direction, Morgan said she was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for $30,000 to stay silent about the event. She testified that she never spoke to either Combs or Ventura again after that night. She lost her confidence big-time, Morgan said on the stand, reflecting on Cassies years with Combs. She lost her spark. Morgan also testified that she encouraged Cassie to leave him. I wanted her to do what she wanted to do, but I told her she should leave him, Morgan said. And she said she could not, because of her job, her car, her apartment. On May 16 and May 19, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard testified that she witnessed Combs strike Ventura in the head with a skillet full of eggs and threaten both her and Ventura. If convicted on all charges, Combs could face a life sentence. He has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his 2024 arrest. 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. Latino legislators criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget cuts to Medi-Cal Monday afternoon, saying the plan to freeze enrollment and charge premiums for those adult immigrants without documentation already enrolled was a betrayal of California's promise to protect the vulnerable. Legislative pushback for the May budget revision, released by Newsom last week, comes after the governor announced an additional $12-billion budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. State Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) said the plan to charge adult undocumented immigrants $100 per month for Medi-Cal was a form of redlining, and Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) said she doubted the two-tiered system was constitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The governor is proposing a troubling precedent raising prices on one group of Californians based solely on their immigration status. It is illegal for Kaiser to do this. It is illegal for United Healthcare to do this. It is illegal for any doctor, hospital or clinic to charge higher prices to undocumented customers," Durazo said at a California Latino Legislative Caucus rally outside the state Capitol on Monday. The influential Latino Legislative Caucus has staunchly opposed cuts to Medi-Cal, the state's expanded version of the federal Medicaid program. The objections come despite California expecting decreased revenue in part due to President Trump's tariff policies and increases in state spending, including the recent expansion of Medi-Cal coverage to cover all eligible Californians, including immigrants lacking documentation. Read more: California faces an additional $12-billion budget deficit, Newsom says State Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-Panorama City), chair of a budget subcommittee on health, said Newsom's proposal scapegoats immigrants for California's economic woes. Immigrants, she said, are essential to California's robust economy, recently ranked as the fourth largest in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you were to remove the name from this document if you were to remove the state, and people would just read this off to you and you closed your eyes you would think, 'Oh, that's a budget proposed by a Republican in, perhaps, Alabama,'" she said. During his news conference on Wednesday, Newsom encouraged state lawmakers and specially members of the Latino caucus to offer alternatives to balance the state budget if they disagreed with his proposal. "Good people have different ideas, and I look forward to their ideas," Newsom said. On Monday, members of the Latino caucus did not mention any specific measures they would take instead of cutting Medi-Cal access, but pledged to offer budget balancing proposals in the days and weeks to come. 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. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis is convinced that Trump will try to convince Ukraine to accept Putin's demands. Putin is repeating the same ridiculous demands. And we are counting the minutes until Trump tries telling Ukraine to accept them, Landsbergis wrote on X. Former US Ambassador to Ukraine (1998-2000), nuclear weapons expert Steven Pifer believes that during a two-hour conversation, Vladimir Putin played US President Donald Trump and peace is not expected in the near future. In other words, no Russia-Ukraine ceasefire now. Putin can keep making war on Ukraine while dragging out negotiations on ceasefire and ultimate settlement. It looks like Putin played Trump again, including by dangling unrealistic prospects of large-scale trade, Pifer wrote on X on Monday following Trump's talks with Putin. The first Russian foreign minister, Andrei Kozyrev (1990-1996), noted after the talks that Putin strings Western leaders along because it makes him and his allies feel powerful again. For him, humiliating democracies is every bit as important as subjugating Ukraine, he wrote on X. Dmytro Lytvyn, communications advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, commented on Kozyrev's post, writing: "true." Economist and senior sovereign strategist at RBC Bluebay Asset Management Timothy Ash believes that Putin outsmarted Trump as a result of Monday's talks. Putin can continue to wage war with zero risk of additional sanctions from Trump. Trump saved Putin, he wrote on X. At the same time, the president of the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and former Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture in 2019-2020, Tymofiy Mylovanov, noted that "Putin and Trump agreed to continue to negotiate but not much else." As reported, Trump had a telephone conversation with Putin on Monday evening, which lasted more than two hours. According to Trump, negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine will begin immediately. He also stated that the Russian Federation wants to conduct large-scale trade with the United States after the war. According to Putin, the Russian Federation is ready to work on a memorandum on a future peace treaty with Ukraine. In addition, the Russian Federation and Ukraine must find compromises that suit both sides, and a ceasefire with Ukraine is possible after reaching appropriate agreements. Trump had a short conversation with Zelenskyy before the call to Putin. By James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Laura Loomer once had to chain herself to a building to get attention. Not any longer. A far-right activist who has jockeyed her way up from online agitator to self-appointed presidential adviser, Loomer has long been one of President Donald Trumps most fervent supporters. She has recently found herself at odds with the White House, however, clashing with the administration over both policy and personnel choices that she views as counter to the MAGA movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past few weeks, Loomer has criticized the new pope, mounted a campaign against Trumps pick for surgeon general, Casey Means, blasted his attorney general, Pam Bondi, and noisily objected to Trumps diplomatic efforts during his Middle East trip. If Loomer were just another online rabble-rouser, the friction likely would not matter. But with 1.6 million followers on X and her own weekly program that draws thousands of viewers, Loomer can claim she speaks for the MAGA faithful and, in turn, influence how they view the performance of the president and his administration. Loomer has said its her job to keep Trump on track. She has flitted in and out of the president's inner circle and has claimed to be responsible for the firings of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and other aides. "What makes her more dangerous than other people is that she clearly seems to have Trumps ear, said Peter Montgomery, who tracks conservative movements for the liberal advocacy group People For the American Way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but made clear how she views her role during her online video show earlier this month. Im not working for President Trump. Im not getting paid by President Trump. Im not in the Trump White House, Loomer said during her show. I wasnt even on the Trump campaign. And yet, I feel like very single day, its a full-time job just to make sure the president is protected and that hes receiving the information he needs to receive. WHITE HOUSE INFLUENCER? Loomer met last month with Trump at the White House, after which Trump immediately fired several national security officials Loomer claimed were disloyal. Trump later denied that Loomer was the reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, Waltz himself was fired, something Loomer also claimed she engineered. But the White House says that Loomer is not a presidential adviser, unofficial or otherwise. She has no pass to enter the complex, said a White House official, and there are no further meetings planned with her. A self-proclaimed Islamophobe who for years argued that the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were an inside job, Loomer has a history of provocative and self-promotional actions including handcuffing herself to Twitters headquarters in New York in 2018 after the platform banned her for hate speech. Other Trump supporters such as U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have denounced her remarks as "racist, "hateful" and unrepresentative of the MAGA movement. Last September during the presidential campaign, Loomer traveled on Trumps plane to his debate with opponent Kamala Harris and then was by his side when he commemorated the 9/11 attacks in New York, sparking outrage among critics and concern within the campaign. Earlier, she had said the White House would smell like curry if Harris, who is of Indian heritage, were elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AT ODDS Trump then called her a strong person and a free spirit. But Loomer has become increasingly critical of Trumps administration, if not the president himself. She sparred online with top Trump adviser Elon Musk over skilled workforce visas. She has repeatedly argued that the administrations hires are being improperly vetted. When Trump praised the new pope, Leo XIV, Loomer blasted the pontiff as anti-MAGA and a Marxist. She expressed dismay last week when Trump announced he was lifting economic sanctions on Syria, and when he struck an investment deal with Qatar, which she accuses of funding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the United States. Qatar is a longtime backer of Hamas, but there is no direct evidence tying it to funding the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer was scornful of the possibility Trump might accept a luxury 747 from the Qatari government. I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him, Loomer wrote on X. We cannot accept a $400 million `gift from jihadists in suits. Trump has said the plane would be given to the country, not him. She has continued to hammer Bondi for what she says is a failure to clean up the Justice Department. On Monday, she appeared on former Trump adviser Steve Bannons show and claimed that she has known that former President Joe Biden was terminally ill for a year. Biden's office announced on Sunday that he has advanced prostate cancer. Bannon, who also views himself as the conscience of the MAGA base, called her a warrior in the information war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the White Houses biggest headache may be Loomers crusade to derail the nomination of Casey Means as Trumps surgeon general. In numerous posts, Loomer has argued that Means, a wellness expert who graduated from medical school but lacks a license to practice medicine, is unqualified. I want to know which one of President Trumps geniuses chose a woman who literally talks to trees and spiritual mediums, Loomer posted on X the day Means was nominated. Trump has defended the choice. (Reporting by James Oliphant; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Alistair Bell) LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) While families in Laurel County clean up after the storm, neighbors across the region are stepping up to help. The old London Market at 1808 North Main Street is being used as a tornado damage relief donation site, which the community came out in big numbers for. Churches and local organizations dropped off supplies by the truckload, and there was so much that help from a forklift was needed. 17-year-old Luke Abbott has lived in London his whole life and lives near one of the areas that were hit by the tornado. Tornadoes touch down in southeastern Kentucky: What to know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was devastating, but I can say I saw everybody out working; our communities really came together, Abbott said. After seeing the damage and watching neighbors helping neighbors, Abbott said he couldnt miss the chance to help, too. That night, we could see the funnel of the tornado from our house. The park got destroyed. I used to go there all the time. I just felt really called to help, Abbott said. While a variety of supplies are needed, Laurel County Sheriffs Office public affairs deputy Gilbert Acciardo said tarps are a big need, especially since all eyes are on the forecast again. We have the prediction for more severe storms tomorrow, which were not excited about, but people that have some remaining parts of their property left need to tarp those pieces of their property. A lot of that is coming in right now, but honestly, we need everything, Acciardo said. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime resident Homer Bowling said this has been the worst thing hes seen, but seeing everyone together after the storm is a different story. Thats why churches here really play a big part in helping, and Im sure theres many other people. Im just one person, but I tell you what, we certainly like to help people wherever we can, Bowling said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Laurel County Public Schools has ended the school year after an EF3 tornado devastated two London neighborhoods. The district announced on Tuesday, May 20, that administrators have decided that students will not return to classrooms and that Friday, May 16, was students last day. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Since the severe weather event that occurred over the weekend, Laurel County Public Schools District Administrators have been in regular contact with the Kentucky Department of Education discussing allowances under current legislation that best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community, the district wrote. This decision to end the school year will allow us to focus on our students and employees who have been adversely impacted, as we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies in the restoration of services to our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graduation is still scheduled for Saturday, May 31. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Our Family Resource and Youth Service Centers will continue reaching out and coordinating services for affected families, the district wrote. Additional information will be shared on individual school websites and Facebook pages regarding specific school announcements and graduation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 19BEMIDJI Law enforcement is investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead at a Bemidji apartment on Monday. According to a release from Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin, on May 19, Beltrami County dispatch was informed of the discovery of a deceased adult male at the Courtyard Apartments located at 1300 America Avenue. As officers were responding to the scene, dispatch indicated they had also received a report of a gas leak in the same area and had called in the Bemidji Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officers arrived, they smelled a strong odor near the apartment complex and located the deceased man along with a woman and a young child inside one of the apartments, the release said. Law enforcement then worked to evacuate other residents of the apartment complex while firefighters worked on the potential gas leak threat. Meanwhile, members of the Bemidji Ambulance Service attended to the woman and child, who were transported to the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center for treatment. "Minnesota Energy responded to the scene and determined that there was no gas leak," the release said. "Once this was confirmed, all other residents were allowed back to their apartment and an investigation has begun to determine the cause of death for the adult male." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There does not appear to be a threat to the public in this case, the release said. Anyone with information about the incident can report it and stay anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at CrimeStoppersMn.org , by calling (800) 222-8477 or by using the P3 Tip Submit app. "All contact with Crime Stoppers is anonymous and you may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000," the release said. "The Bemidji Police Department encourages you to submit information to Crime Stoppers so you are free of retribution and remain safe while doing the right thing." ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) While the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico National Guard will ramp up their crime-fighting mission on Central Ave. next week, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office, along with New Mexico State Police, said they wont stop their three-month operation on the same stretch. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operation Route 66 has led to at least 700 arrests since February on Central Ave. east of San Mateo Blvd. While they consider it a success, the agencies behind this said theyre not going away, even with the National Guards APD operation expected to hit full force by the end of the month. I want to deliver a direct message to the criminals that think they have managed to slip through the cracks thus far your time is running out your days of terrorizing this community are coming to an end when your luck runs out and it will you will meet the consequences the age of lawlessness is over, said Chief Troy Weisler, New Mexico State Police. Were a fairly nimble group, so we will be out and about, and we will go where the crime is happening, said Sam Bregman. The agencies behind the operation also said Monday that theyre looking to expand beyond their work on Central Ave., but they didnt identify a specific location. District Attorney Sam Bregman said about 100 deputies, officers, and agents are working in the east central corridor weekly as part of Operation Route 66. Since February, theyve cleared over 500 outstanding warrants. Seven homicide suspects have also been arrested. So far, the group said there is no end date for the operation. Look, theres different arms of the government in the criminal justice system. Its time for them to do their jobs because I know we are doing ours, so its time for them to step up to keep people in jail or whatever they are going to do, said Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other stats from the operation include more than 60 stolen cars recovered and more than 50 guns taken off the street that were either in the hands of felons or marked stolen. The operation is being partly funded by warrant enforcement money from the state legislature. APDs operation Zia Shield is expected to add up to 71 National Guard members helping officers along east Central Ave. by May 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Law Enforcement Saved Embryos in Targeted Terror Attack at Palm Springs Fertility Clinic originally appeared on L.A. Mag. The American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic was targeted by an act of terror by an alleged bomber who died while trying to livestream his attack on the facility, according to the FBI Eric Thayer via AP Photo A 25-year-old Twentynine Palms man who died when he allegedly detonated an explosive outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic this week left behind a pro-life manifesto, authorities say. Guy Edward Bartkus had nihilistic ideations, the FBI said when he targeted the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, which gutted the facility and shattered the windows of nearby buildings along a palm tree-lined street. His body was recovered in a burnt-out 2010 Ford Fusion outside the bombing scene, authorities say. The clinic posted a photo of the bomb's aftermath on Instagram writing: "We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our labincluding all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materialsremains fully secure and undamaged," officials wrote. "At ARC, we believe in creating lifenot just in the biological sense, but in the emotional and spiritual sense, too. We see this moment as a reminder to hold loved ones close, to show kindness whenever possible, and to continue our work with even more intention and heart. From adversity, we choose hope." View the original article to see embedded media. Bartkus attempted to livestream the explosion and left behind writings that suggested he believed people should not procreate, said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office. "Make no mistake, this was an intentional act of terrorism," Davis said a day after Saturday's blast. "This was a targeted attack against the IVF facility." Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, left behind a pro-life manifesto when he allegedly blew himself up in an attack on a Palm Springs fertility clinicFBI Davis said the explosion injured four people, but authorities say all embryos at the facility were saved. FBI Agent Chris Meltzer and Palm Springs Assistant Fire Chief Greg Lyle helped protect the embryos inside the clinic, police officials say. Good guys one, bad guys zero, he told reporters. "The building was at a point where they didn't know if it was going to collapse," Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told reporters. "They went in anyway to make sure that the embryos were safe, that the electricity was still on and they hooked it back up to make sure." Law enforcement officials say they are remaining in the desert collecting evidence, including pieces of the vehicle that exploded and were strewn several hundred feet in every direction, while executing a warrant on the purported bomber's home. The attack unfolded Saturday morning, police say, after a blast was reported on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs around 11 a.m. Mills said police and firefighters encountered a "massive crime scene" with "blocks of debris." "This was probably the largest bombing scene that we've had in Southern California," Davis told reporters. Bartkus posted an audio recording about his planned attack online, which was first reported by LAist. In it, he described himself as a "misandrist" and "promortalist," a reference to the belief that it is ethical to end suffering by ending lives, the website reported. "Basically I'm anti-life," Bartkus said in the recording. "And IVF is like kind of the epitome of pro-life ideology." This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 19, 2025, where it first appeared. CARTHAGE, Mo. Jasper County law enforcement officers gathered Monday at the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage to remember those killed in the line of duty. Among those they remembered was former Webb City police Chief George Hooper, who was shot while responding to a disturbance on North Main Street Road on March 17, 1918. Even though his story was reported in the newspapers at the time, the memory of Hoopers sacrifice had faded into obscurity until last year when someone brought his death to the attention of the Webb City Police Department through a photo of Hooper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser said current Webb City Chief Don Melton sent the photo to the sheriffs office thinking the star on his uniform meant he was a Jasper County sheriff or deputy, but when Kaiser enhanced the photo they could see the words Webb City Police Chief above the star. I told him this is from your neck of the woods, Kaiser said. We did a little more investigating into it and found the newspaper articles and, sure enough, Hooper had been killed in 1918. He got into a shootout with a guy. This was just 107 years ago. It has not been that long ago, and I think that epitomizes why its so important we do this, that we get together and we remember their names and we honor them by saying their names so theyre not lost to time. Hooper also was among six officers honored in a ceremony earlier this month at the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial in Jefferson City. About 30 law enforcement officers gathered in the hallway of the Jasper County Courthouse in front of the law enforcement memorial near the west entrance of the courthouse for the annual memorial service Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that individuals who are willing to sacrifice for our community should be remembered. Their names and their stories should be memorialized, Kaiser said. They have made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of our community, and I think its important for us to remember that. A total of 28 officers were remembered with the chief of each department where the officer had been employed reading the officers name and his date of final watch, or the date he or she died. State Rep. Lane Roberts, a former Joplin police chief, spoke at the event about officers he knew who had died in the line of duty and what it takes to be a law enforcement officer. Its very difficult to explain what it means without getting corny but this is something that touches me deeply, Roberts said. Ive lost a number of friends, employees, some of which I actually sent them to the event that cost them their lives. I think its really important, as Sheriff Kaiser said, that we come back every year, we say their names, we dont forget these people because thats so easy to do. State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, on April 10, 2025, as lawmakers debate his priority bill before it was vetoed by the governor. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Despite three consecutive bipartisan votes this year to lift a lifetime ban on public food aid for some Nebraskans with past drug felonies, the Legislature on Monday did an about face that put a nail in the bills coffin. The only change between the 32-17 vote on May 14 that favored Legislative Bill 319, noted State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha and others, was a veto by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sits in his office in the Nebraska State Capitol. April 29, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) If you change your mind, if you dont have the backbone to stand by your vote on food, to people who dont have it I dont really know what you stand for, DeBoer told colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite pleas by her and others, including the bills sponsor, State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue who invoked several Bible passages about forgiveness the Legislature upheld the governors veto. The motion to override Pillen failed in a 24-24 vote, falling six votes short of what was needed. That means the status quo stands, with state law prohibiting anyone who has been convicted of selling or distributing a controlled substance from accessing SNAP benefits (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). People with three or more felonies for possessing or using illegal drugs also are ineligible, but state law allows Nebraskans with one or two drug possession or use convictions access to SNAP if they complete a licensed treatment program. Rountrees priority bill would have lifted the ban entirely under certain circumstances, such as if the offender completed their criminal sentence or was serving a term of parole or on post-release supervision. Also under Rountrees bill, a person with three or more felony convictions for drug possession or use had to participate in an accredited substance abuse treatment program unless a health care provider determined it was not needed. Pillens one-page veto letter came just hours after LB 319 had gained 32 of the 25 votes needed at the time to move it to the governors desk. Pillen contended that the bill would create loopholes where habitual offenders could evade treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals that distribute or sell illicit drugs should not be entitled to taxpayer-funded benefits, the governor wrote. Any illegal drug users should be required to complete treatment before they receive their third felony conviction. Among those who consistently opposed Rountrees bill and supported the veto were State Sen. Tony Sorrentino of the Elkhorn area. He fended off colleagues criticisms that withholding food as a punishment is barbaric and said he was very comfortable about being uncomfortable in this situation. State Sens. Tony Sorrentino of the Elkhorn area and John Fredrickson of Omaha. April 10, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Im never going to stop standing up for the victims of these crimes, he said. Meanwhile, nonprofits and people affected by the ban voiced disappointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Derrick Martinez, a Nebraskan who is SNAP banned, said of todays action: We continued on a path doing the same thing that may keep people reoffending out of survival. Its time to do something better, because the old way has not worked. The vote shift by seven Republican legislators who last week voted for the bill came despite being called out by supporters of the bill. The seven: State Sens. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, Stan Clouse of Kearney, Rob Dover of Norfolk, Glen Meyer of Pender, Mike Moser of Columbus; Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Brad von Gillern of Omaha. State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said he had never cast a vote based on fear of reprisal or political consequences from another elected official. He said that if LB 319 was a good policy last week, why isnt it today? He asked colleagues to honor the role the Legislature has as a separate branch of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were elected to lead, not to follow, and certainly not to flinch, Fredrickson said. State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha affirmed her support for the bill and addressed a comment directly to Pillen: Do you not consider this a pro-life issue? Do you really support life? Clouse, of his flip, said he was about 50-50 for the bill before and that the governors decision pushed him to the other side. Said Meyer, Im not inclined to override the governors veto. He said he also was swayed after learning later about a federal option that could be available to those the bill sought to help. State Sen. Glen Meyer of Pender, center, talks with State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Armendariz said she had reservations earlier, and voted against the bill during the initial two rounds of debate. She said she didnt feel strongly enough for the legislation to go against the governors will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Republican lawmakers who stood by their earlier vote to support LB 319 was State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, who said he had asked Rountree earlier to bolster the bill with a treatment-related requirement, and that Rountree followed through. Jacobson, in voting to override the veto, said he doubted that many of his colleagues have ever dealt with a friend or loved one suffering from a serious addiction. Because he has, he said that he understands there is no cure only a vigilant commitment and regimen to stay clean. Ive been around addiction, Jacobson said. I would encourage some of you to do the same to really understand why addiction exists. State Sen. Sen Megan Hunt of Omaha and others noted that lifting the ban would affect people who had long ago served their sentence related to drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Nebraska, this is the only crime where somebody can do their time, pay their debt to society, do their treatment, pay their fines, do everything that the judge, the jury, and the law says that theyre supposed to do but they pay the price legally for the rest of their life, Hunt said. State Sens. Victor Rountree of Bellevue and Megan Hunt of Omaha. April 10, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln was among those who talked about smart justice reform, noting that SNAP benefits help keep recidivism rates low. State Sen. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, who opposed the bill from the start, said such support services should be left to private philanthropists and churches. Rountree who opened the discussion by calling it a historic moment and opportunity to take care of Nebraskans said he was disappointed for the people of the state and the 1,000 or so who would have benefited by the legislation that had law enforcement support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also a minister, Rountree, in an interview with the Nebraska Examiner, called support for the veto a sign of the times government moving away from taking care of the least of these. Versions of LB 319 have been proposed in years past. Hunt said she has presented one every year since becoming a state senator. Said Rountree: These are challenging times for legislation like this. It doesnt mean were going to give up. Nonprofits weigh in Nonprofits in Nebraska that work with inmates reentering society after incarceration said state lawmakers got it wrong today. When the government continues to make felony convictions and restrictions with no reprieve for anyone who has honestly worked to rebuild their lives, it shows us how out of touch our elected officials are, said Jasmine Harris, public policy director for one such nonprofit, RISE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said to ensure successful reentry, barriers to basic needs must be removed. Otherwise, people find themselves in predicaments that continue these cycles of incarceration and addiction. Eric Savaiano, food and nutrition access manager for Nebraska Appleseed, said that ending the SNAP ban is about ensuring a basic human need. We wont stop fighting for this until this ban is gone. It is too important. Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, said no one benefits from the Monday vote. The SNAP ban will keep making life harder for struggling Nebraskans, adding food insecurity to the mix of collateral consequences that are already hurting them and their families long after their sentence ended, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A 7-year-old boy picks up a handgun during the 2022 National Rifle Association annual convention in Houston. The number of firearm deaths among children and teens in the United States have jumped 50% since 2019. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) North Carolinas gun violence crisis continues to grow more dire by the day. According to the most recent data, someone dies in our state from a gunshot wound every five hours. Think about that for a minute: thats more than four lives lost every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazingly, however, state legislative leaders are determined to pour more gasoline on the fire. As the latter days of the 2025 session approach, four bills on the fast track would make it even easier than it already is for just about anyone to carry a hidden, loaded weapon. Two would allow concealed weapons in private schools. Another would make concealed carry permits good for the rest of the owners life. And another would allow anyone 18 or older to carry without a permit. The bottom line: As a group of community leaders made clear last week in an event organized by North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, these bills are a recipe for even more deadly mayhem. Its essential that lawmakers stop, listen to their constituents, and find an offramp from the dangerous road theyre headed down. For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield. Lawmakers in Florida have passed a bill that would effectively ban the use of weather modification practices. What's happening? On April 30, the Florida House of Representatives passed a bill that would outlaw weather modification and geoengineering in the state. First filed in November 2024 by Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia, Senate Bill 56 had quickly garnered the support of leading Republican figures in the state, including Governor Ron DeSantis. SB 56 would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities by banning the release or dispersion of substances into the atmosphere to alter temperature, weather, climate, or sunlight intensity. It also aims to repeal existing laws related to weather modification permits and increase penalties for violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Garcia addressed the Florida Senate in early April, she pointed to the idea of "cloud seeding." According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, cloud seeding is a decades-old technology that injects tiny particles, generally silver iodide crystals, into clouds in order to trigger rain or snow. However, the data surrounding the effectiveness of cloud seeding remains inconclusive. Garcia referred to cloud seeding as "something as simple as sending up a $30 balloon that you can buy on Amazon with specific chemicals so that you can alter the weather or solar radiation," she said. "It seems very concerning to me. I have a problem with people spraying perfume next to me sometimes," Garcia added. "Don't you have a problem with people spraying things into the atmosphere that really have no type of empirical data?" Why is the passing of SB 56 important? As noted in SB 56, the bill would also require publicly owned airports to file monthly reports to the Florida Department of Transportation regarding any aircraft equipped for geoengineering or weather modification. In addition, the bill also removes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's ability to conduct studies, research, experimentation, and evaluations in the field of weather modification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida state representative Anna Eskamani criticized the logic behind the bill. "This bill is feeding into conspiracy theories, and I think it's important that we do not legislate under that type of pressure but that we legislate on science, we legislate on fact, we legislate not on fear but on information," Eskamai told Florida Politics. "The fact that this bill does not require the consultation of a meteorologist, the consultation of scientists to say [whether this] is suspicious activity is absolutely going to create an environment where things will be reported nonstop, bogging down the department and now potentially bogging down law enforcement who have a lot of more important work to do." What's being done about SB 56? Governor DeSantis has already signaled his intention to sign SB 56 into law. On April 2, the Florida governor posted a video to X in which he condemned the practice of geoengineering and other weather modifications. "People got a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere to block the sun and save us from climate change," DeSantis said. "We're not playing that game in Florida." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once SB 56 is signed, violators could potentially face third-degree felony charges, up to five years in prison, and fines up to $100,000. 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. Defense Forces shoot down 93 enemy drones out of 108 during the night, another 58 lost from location - Air Force On the night of Tuesday, Ukrainian defenders shot down 93 Shahed-type attack drones, as well as drones of other types, launched by Russian occupiers, the Telegram channel of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports. "As of 09:00, air defense neutralized 93 enemy Shahed-type UAVs (drones of other types) in the east, north and center of the country. Thirty-five drones were shot down by fire weapons, 58 were lost/suppressed by electronic warfare (without negative consequences)," the report says. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The occupiers attacked Ukraine on the night of May 20 (from 19:00 on May 19) with 108 Shahed-type attack UAVs and various types of drone imitators from the following directions: Bryansk, Shatalovo, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation. As a result of the enemy attack, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions suffered. As reported, the night before last, the occupiers attacked Ukraine with 112 UAVs, of which 41 were shot down and 35 were lost. On Sunday, the enemy launched 273 drones at Ukraine (88 were shot down, 128 were lost). The New Hampshire Municipal Association deviates from pro-housing groups by strongly opposing any state-passed laws to force cities and towns to change zoning. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin) As they consider laws to encourage more housing this year, New Hampshire lawmakers have so far been more interested in the stick than the carrot. The Legislature has pushed forward a number of bills intended to overhaul zoning procedures that housing advocates say impede badly needed development. Some bills, such as ones to help expand accessory dwelling units and allow for mixed-use developments in commercial zones, represent the biggest state-driven changes to zoning laws in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lawmakers are less focused on another policy tool: financial incentives. In its version of the budget, the House has stripped out funding for a program designed to encourage cities and towns to voluntarily change their zoning codes to be more housing friendly. Now, pro-housing groups are pushing the Senate to restore at least some of that funding, arguing the zoning changes are only one piece of the puzzle. And the New Hampshire Municipal Association which broadly opposes any bills that would override local zoning codes argues financial incentives for towns should be the states sole approach. The Senate Finance Committee has an opportunity this month to dramatically reverse some of the Houses cuts. The Senate has already passed independent bills that together include $90 million of spending on housing all of which could be added into the budget if desired. But the Senate is also grappling with projections suggesting lower-than-ideal business tax revenues, suggesting that it can restore some, but not all, of the Houses budget cuts in April. In total, the House cut $643 million from Ayottes budget; revenue projections from the Senate Ways and Means Committee suggest the body could restore only about half of that spending. An absence of funding Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action New Hampshire, an advocacy group, notes the House-passed budget contains no new funding going toward affordable housing development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House defunded the Housing Champion Program, which provides special grants to towns and cities that change their zoning codes to meet certain standards deemed friendlier to housing development. Under the program, towns that do so can receive state assistance for infrastructure funding and per-unit production grants. Eighteen towns qualified in 2024, according to the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs: Boscawen, Concord, Derry, Dover, Enfield, Farmington, Hinsdale, Hooksett, Jaffrey, Keene, Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua, Newport, Portsmouth, Rochester, Salem, and Somersworth. Ayottes budget did not continue funding the program, which first passed in 2023. Instead, it extended the lapse date for the $5 million appropriated in 2023, allowing more time for the existing money to be distributed. But the Houses budget would end the program and redirect the unspent money. House lawmakers also rejected proposals by Housing Action NH and others to increase the amount of funding going to the states affordable housing program which helps to finance affordable housing projects from $5 million per year to $10 million, and to double a tax credit program that funds the states Community Development Finance Authority from $5 million a year to $10 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For lawmakers to focus only on zoning and not financing is a mistake, Taylor says. Relaxing the regulatory piece is a big deal when it comes to allowing for more attainable market-rate options like (accessory dwelling units), like mixed-use development, (and) manufactured housing. But when you really get to the deeply affordable levels, you need the financing piece there too. And that is in danger of being left out of the equation this session. Brodie Deshaies, legislative advocate for the New Hampshire Municipal Association, agrees that more funding should be devoted to allow municipalities to craft pro-housing zoning codes that work for their residents. But the Municipal Association deviates from pro-housing groups by strongly opposing any state-passed laws to force cities and towns to change zoning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems zoning mandates are a priority, and that has no guarantee of more affordable housing, more workforce housing, even more housing in general, he said in an interview. Just because youve mandated that a municipality cant have a specific zoning ordinance what is a (landowners) incentive to build or to work with a developer to build? He added: In the current Legislature, were seeing no collaborative process, no willingness to work with municipalities, he said. Instead, it seems very (strongly) working against municipalities. Deshaies also predicted that though concern over the states housing crisis dominates New Hampshire polls, many residents will not like the zoning laws when they apply to their own towns. I think a lot of residents and municipalities are going to look and say, When I thought more housing, I was not thinking this, he said. A focus on regulations Republican lawmakers who are pro-housing offer a different perspective. To them, the financial incentives championed by Housing Action and the Municipal Association are much less important than the regulatory reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joe Alexander, a Goffstown Republican and the chairman of the House Housing Committee, says that he supports the Housing Champion Program and would vote to fund it as a standalone bill. But he said the state can still pass meaningful legislation to boost housing without financial incentives. Alexander pointed to a pair of bills moving to Ayottes desk that he said will have the biggest impact: House Bill 631, which would require municipalities to allow multi-family developments in commercial zones, such as shopping areas; and House Bill 577, which would allow homeowners to build a detached accessory dwelling unit by right and expand the size limitations to do so. Both bills would allow cities to set zoning requirements, such as appearance, for those developments. Lawmakers are also moving along Senate Bill 188, which would allow homebuilders to use third-party inspectors to approve new homes rather than wait for state inspectors, and House Bill 428, which would prevent towns from making new changes to the state building codes, Alexander noted. SB 188 is moving to a vote on the House floor with a positive recommendation from the Housing Committee, and HB 428 passed the Senate on May 15. Im not necessarily thinking that if we throw money at it, its going to solve the problem, Alexander said. I actually truly think the free market is going to be able to build affordable homes if we cut the red tape, cut the spending. Well build affordable homes when theres enough supply. The market will adjust. East African lawmakers are considering legislation that could drastically reduce the amount of plastic used in the region. Leaders from the East African Legislative Assembly met last month with journalists to discuss the Single-Use Plastic Bill. As Kenya's Capital News reports, the bill would prohibit the manufacture, import, sale, and use of certain types of single-use plastics across the region. The EALA includes lawmakers from Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill includes plastic cutlery, plates, cups, straws, balloons, food containers, and microplastics used in cosmetics. Some countries had already banned certain single-use items Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania all have plastic-bag bans but this is the broadest proposal in the region. "This bill is about more than banning plastic it's about creating a just and inclusive transition that uplifts communities and builds sustainable alternatives," Carlotta Dal Lago of the Africa Legal Network said at the April meeting, as reported by Kass International. EALA lawmakers hope this single-use ban can be enacted before negotiations continue on the United Nations' proposed global plastics treaty. In 2022, 175 countries vowed to sign a plastics treaty, which would phase out many polluting plastics, including single-use ones, while also setting firmer requirements for plastic packaging. The UN announced in March that more negotiations will occur for the treaty from Aug. 5-14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plastic pollution is one of the biggest global environmental threats. Each year, more than 20 million tons of plastic enter waterways across the world the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks' worth each day. The African continent is "one of the worst performers when it comes to managing solid waste," according to UN Trade and Development data, so the EALA plastic bill is a crucial step in the right direction. Only 10% of the country's plastic waste is properly managed, and without change, the amount of annual plastic waste could more than triple by 2060. 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. 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. (Photo via Getty Images, logo courtesy of the State of Iowa) The family of a Sioux City man who died after an EMT allegedly injected him with the wrong drug is suing the city and its emergency medical providers. The family of the late James Joseph Foster Jr. is suing the City of Sioux City, Sioux City Fire and Rescue, the Sioux City Police Department and 10 of their employees in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims that in the early hours of Aug. 18, 2023, a Sioux City police officer responded to a call about Foster, who was sitting or lying along the curb of a deserted residential street. Foster told the responding officer he had injured his arm, and eventually eight people from the police department and Sioux City Fire and Rescue responded. According to the lawsuit, the 26-year-old Foster never posed any threat to the responders and was instead acting disoriented and fearful, repeatedly moving away from them. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At one point, paramedic Deanna LaMere allegedly decided the situation called for the use of a chemical restraint in the form of the incapacitating drug ketamine. With the assistance of other responders, Foster was held down and injected against his will, the lawsuit claims. However, instead of injecting him with ketamine, LaMere injected him with a lethal dose of the paralytic medication rocuronium, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims body-cam footage shows Foster soon was gasping for air while asking, Am I gonna die? and repeatedly crying, I cant breathe. Youre not gonna die, youre fine, Sioux City Police Officer Alan Schmeckpeper allegedly replied. LaMere realized that she had given the incorrect and life-threatening medication rocuronium, but she did not notify anyone, nor did she take any action to protect his airway and/or intubate him before he became paralyzed and unable to breathe, the lawsuit states. Not a single person on-scene mentioned Mr. Fosters objectively obvious respiratory distress and, instead, police officers handcuffed the chemically incapacitated Mr. Foster and strapped him to a gurney. Minutes later, Foster lay motionless with his eyes open and one of the individuals on scene told him, Night-night, the lawsuit claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an ambulance en route to a hospital, Fosters heart stopped and LaMere allegedly called ahead and falsely reported Foster had been given a dose of ketamine. Upon their arrival at the hospital, the lawsuit alleges, LaMere finally informed medical personnel that she had injected him with rocuronium. She then continued her clumsy cover-up when she improperly disposed of the vials of rocuronium and ketamine in a sharps container in contravention of Sioux City Fire and Rescues policies and procedures. Foster died two days later, allegedly from an anoxic brain injury due to the administration of rocuronium, according to the lawsuit. Criminal charge filed in the case The lawsuit claims LaMere falsely recorded in an incident report that she had conducted an advanced life support assessment of Foster when she arrived on scene, although body-cam footage reportedly shows that this was never done. LaMere also is alleged to have falsely recorded that she and her EMT partner had verified the correct dose of the injection administered to Foster, In addition, the lawsuit alleges LaMere had one or more incidents similar to the one at issue in this lawsuit that she was not properly disciplined, retrained or dismissed and her employment continued despite her previous failures endangering multiple patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit seeks compensation for past and future economic losses and funeral and medical expenses, plus punitive damages. The city has yet to file a response to the allegations, and a representative of the citys legal department declined on Tuesday to comment on the case. The individual Sioux City employees named as defendants in the case include LaMere, Drake Carnahan, Dustin L. Johnson, Brandon R. DeRocher, Jordan Reinders, Jim Haden and Randall Wood of Sioux City Fire and Rescue, as well as Schmeckpeper, Carolina Ochoa and Donette Sassman of the Sioux City Police Department. Separate from the civil lawsuit, court records show that on Jan. 16, 2025, LaMere was criminally charged with involuntary manslaughter and that she entered a not-guilty plea on Feb. 3, 2025. According to an affidavit filed by Assistant Woodbury County Attorney Loan Hensley, LaMere realized her error when she went back to the ambulance to give what she believed would be a second dose of ketamine to give Foster. LaMere, Hensley states, did not take the appropriate actions at that time, and did not take the appropriate steps to notify anyone or treat the patient any different. It wasnt until they got to the emergency room at Mercy One Medical Center that the defendant told the ER physician about the medication error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pretrial conference in the case is scheduled for July 18, 2025. State records indicate LaMeres paramedic license with the Iowa Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services is in good standing, with no history of public disciplinary action, and that it expires in March 2027. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Members of the Cost Cost Task Force gather to discuss ongoing issues with court-imposed fines and fees at the Alabama Supreme Court on Monday, May 19, 2025. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) A group of judges, legislators and agency staff will explore ways to fund the states court system in lieu of relying on fines and fees imposed by the courts. Members of the Court Cost Task Force convened the first meeting on Monday at the Alabama Supreme Court to review possible alternative funding streams to pay expenses for a court system that has been chronically underfunded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most court costs, which you will see in just a minute, are going to non-court entities, said Sarah Hicks Stewart, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, who presided over the meeting. By that, I mean non-judicial branch people. The vast majority of court costs are not going to court. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Non-court entities are receiving their funding from the fines imposed by the courts that are not tied to the states criminal legal system, Stewart said. The group plans to issue a report near the start of the 2026 legislative session in January outlining recommendations to the Legislature to mitigate the issues that arise when courts impose fines and fees on individuals who need access to the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts receive a significant portion of their operational expenses from fines and fees that judges impose. But the revenues collected go to pay for programs that are not necessarily tied to the court system. Revenues that are disbursed to agencies are also not enough to cover the full cost of operating and must rely on other sources. Fines and fees also disproportionately affect the states most vulnerable populations. According to data obtained from the Alabama State Bar website, courts collected about $480 million from court fines and fees imposed by the courts. Of that, about $26.5 million went on to pay for expenses for court operations. The majority, about $312 million or 67%, went to third parties. Some of it is in the form of restitution for criminal cases. About $160 million went to judgments while another $118 million was disbursed toward the Alabama Central Disbursement Division Child Support Unit to process child support payments. Almost $1.5 million went toward child support payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About $126 million are disbursed to non-court expenses, such as the General Fund budget, which receives money from sales taxes from the internet. According to the Alabama State Bar Associations website, the General Fund budget receives almost $75 million of the fines and fees that are paid to the courts. There are also disparities in the fines and fees that courts impose that people will pay depending on the county. Constitution Act 96 is supposed to prohibit the Alabama Legislature from enacting any laws regulating costs and charges of courts, or fees, commissions or allowances of public officers to specific counties and not all the counties in the state. But fines and fees imposed on people by courts differ depending on the county because local officials convince state lawmakers to sponsor legislation to impose additional costs that fund different programs within those counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Legislature is very clever to figure out that if they have a local act with statewide constitutional implications, then they could trump that statewide constitutional Act 96, Stewart said. That is how they are all presented now, something that the state votes on as constitutional amendments, and that is how the local acts are continuing to get passed. An increasing number of bills get enacted that increase the filing fees which then pose problems for people who require access to the criminal justice system. You have got the filing fees that are collected upfront with civil filings, Stewart said. We have some places in which that number is so high right now that it is really becoming an access to justice issue for people who can afford to file something with that particular county. Collecting payments on civil filings is easier because they are imposed on the front end, before individuals may access court. A larger problem is collecting payments for criminal cases when the court orders fines and fees, as well as restitution payments shortly after a case has been adjudicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brenda Ganey, the clerk of courts for Baldwin County, estimated that courts collect about 22% of the fines and fees that courts impose on defendants after they violate the law. To me, the low hanging fruit in all this is, how do we increase the 22% of collections, because that is money sitting there right now that, no matter what you change, no matter what you make uniform across the board, we are leaving 78% of potential money, said Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, vice chair of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee and who attended the meeting. J. Langford Floyd, a former judge who helped Stewart with the research, said that would be blood out of a turnip. Usually your criminal defendants are your lower income to no income people, he said. They are also the 20,000 that are sitting in the state penitentiary that have no way to pay it, and dont really care about paying as long as they are in the state penitentiary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there could be some incentive for the defendant to pay what they owe, then that would make collection easier, said Robert E. Wilters, the vice president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association. Legislators such as Blackshear and Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, said that additional revenue options, such as raising taxes, were not an option they would consider. Why is it so difficult to do what is right, Blackshear said. And that is to not break the law. Dont do the crime. That is the simple solution. The group will meet again during the summer to further discuss ideas. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two teenagers, one a juvenile, brutally beat a 19-year-old woman inside a suburban McDonald's after making derogatory comments about her sexual orientation, according to local police. The May 13 incident occurred at the fast food chain's location in Carpentersville, Illinois, about 40 miles from Chicago, with officers responding to a report of a fight in progress, according to news release from the Carpentersville Police Department. The victim, who was later identified as Kady Grass, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated and has since been released. via GoFundMe Following an investigation, the Kane County States Attorneys Office approved multiple felony charges against the suspects, according to police. John Kammrad, 19, was charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated battery in a public place, mob action and more. Kammrad was taken into custody on Saturday, while the juvenile suspect turned himself in on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos posted to a GoFundMe account for Grass show the extent of her injuries, which span her face and her legs. In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grass said the attack happened while she was in town to see her 13-year-old cousins choir concert. One hit me in the jaw and one was hitting me in the front, and then I didnt realize that I was getting hit behind until a little bit later, like it took me a while to realize, Grass said. I was unconscious when they were stomping on my head, so I dont remember that part, but my 13-year-old cousin does. Carpentersville Police Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz said the incident underscores the importance of addressing violence and discrimination within the community, according to the news release. In an email to NBC Chicago, Stankowitz said the department collaborated with the Kane County States Attorneys Office on whether or not to file hate crime charges. After a review of the case, Stankowitz said, the office declined to file them. This story first appeared on NBC Chicago. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com To the editor: Et tu, Robin Abcarian ( America was gaslit by the arrogance of Joe Biden and his enablers, May 18)? Lets be honest and very clear. There is not a published line or moment of videotape where Joe Biden promised to be a one-term president and to say so is inaccurate. Yes, during the 2020 campaign, he said he saw himself as a transition candidate a bridge if you will and come 2024, he saw himself as halfway across that bridge, wanting to finish the work begun by perhaps the most consequential one-term presidency in history. That term saw more than 16.5 million jobs created or recovered, the lowest unemployment in decades, worldwide prestige restored, NATO revitalized, the Assad regime fallen and a powerhouse economy structured to roar through the decade, built around improving infrastructure and attacking global warming. It's fair to debate his choice to run again, but the arrogance is in accusing him of saying something he's never said. Mitch Paradise, Los Angeles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Most Americans could see with their eyes and hear with their ears that something was terribly wrong with President Biden. The media happily went along with the obvious lie that was being told to them by his administration. No one knows what harm this blatant deceit has caused our country and other parts of the world. If the press is serious about being lied to, it should be looking into who was really making the decisions that were coming out of the Oval Office. Marcus Kourtjian, Northridge .. To the editor: Abcarians column about Jake Tappers new book "Original Sin misses the key issue. The most important thing to say about this book is the central subject is more than irrelevant now. The election is long over, and rehashing how it was lost does nothing other than add to the smokescreen that tries to mask the madness of our current administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank Kearns, Downey .. To the editor: Abcarian asserts that Biden was cognitively impaired during his reelection campaign. I saw and was appalled by his debate performance, but Ive also seen several interviews he did before and after the end of his term. Aside from his lifelong speech difficulties, he was articulate and coherent, able to tie current events and situations to historic events and cogently discuss realistic approaches. Aside from the debate, he hasnt seemed impaired, in contrast to the current White House occupant, who rambles incoherently, confuses events, gets lost in word salad and demonstrates total ignorance and indifference to facts and events. Randall Gellens, San Diego This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Lexington attorney has agreed to plead guilty to embezzling more than $3 million from Massachusetts companies and two of his own relatives, the U.S. Attorney said Tuesday. David Smerling, 75, has agreed to plead guilty to a Superseding Information charging him with four counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. Smerling was previously indicted in January on charges of embezzling from a business partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged multi-million-dollar embezzlement that Mr. Smerling was originally charged with was, unfortunately, just the tip of the iceberg. Todays charges allege that Mr. Smerling also preyed on a family member with special needs and another with dementia, allegedly stealing money these victims needed for their own care, Foley said. According to court filings, between January 2016 and May 2020, Smerling embezzled more than $2.5 million from three Massachusetts companies for whom he worked as a bookkeeper. Specifically, prosecutors allege that Smerling transferred funds from the victim companies into a separate bank account that he controlled, before moving the money to bank accounts in his own name or directly from the companies accounts to bank accounts in his own name. Smerling allegedly concealed his scheme by changing the mailing address on victims bank statements to his home address and refusing to share the online banking password for the victims accounts, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court filings further allege that, between May 2020 and August 2021, Smerling embezzled more than $470,000 from a trust established for the benefit of a relative with special needs for which Smerling served as the trustee. Smerling allegedly transferred trust funds to bank accounts he controlled before sending the funds to bank accounts in his wifes name or using the funds to pay for personal expenses. Prosecutors allege that Smerling concealed his scheme by making lulling payments to the beneficiary so he would not discover the trust had been depleted. Court filings also allege that, between May 2023 and April 2025, Smerling embezzled more than $150,000 from a relative with dementia for whom Smerling served as the financial power of attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Smerling allegedly transferred funds from the victims accounts to accounts he controlled, used a credit card in the victims name for personal purchases and took out a loan in the victims name. To conceal this scheme, Smerling allegedly misrepresented the purpose of the transfers to the financial institutions in which the victims accounts were held, prosecutors said. For anyone with elderly and vulnerable loved ones, these are frightening allegations, Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, said in a statement on Tuesday. David Smerling allegedly betrayed the trust of his victims and took full advantage embezzling from them to line his own pockets while trying to cover up his crimes, Milka said. The FBI will never stop working to protect the public from criminals like this, and were gratified to see him brought to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the charge of wire fraud, Smerling faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. For the charge of money laundering, Smerling faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. For the charge of aggravated identity theft, Smerling faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the wire fraud and money laundering charges. Liberal state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor has launched her bid to unseat conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley next year. Taylor, 57, a former Democratic state lawmaker, announced her plans to run for the high court on May 20. She said over her 30-year legal career as an attorney, legislator and judge she had worked to make sure "the law is used to protect Wisconsinites, their rights and freedoms." "I really want to continue this work as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court," she told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It's really critical that judges are fair, that they're independent and impartial but also that they put actual people first because that's what the law is about. It's about people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley, 53, announced that she would seek another 10-year term on the court in the immediate aftermath of the April Supreme Court election in which liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford won a seat on the court. Crawford's victory over conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, a former Republican attorney general, cemented liberal control of the seven-member body until at least 2028. Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor will challenge Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley in the 2026 election. Liberal candidates have won four of the last five Supreme Court elections, each by double digits. By running for re-election, Bradley gives conservatives a candidate who already has experience on the court and won a statewide election for the seat in 2016. The 2026 Supreme Court race differs from this year's bitter and expensive battle in one important way: The ideological majority is not up for grabs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, if conservatives lose Bradley's seat, the court's liberal majority will grow to 5-2. Spending reached historic levels for a state judicial race in both 2023 and 2025. Ahead of Crawford's victory in April, spending on the Republican side was buoyed by Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person who has aligned himself with President Donald Trump and his supporters. Billionaire Elon Musk wears a cheesehead as he takes the stage during a town hall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wis. Musk held the event to drive turnout for Tuesdays state Supreme Court election between Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin But Musk on May 20 said he would cut back on his involvement in political races. "In terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, he said in an interview at the Qatar Economic Forum. I think Ive done enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk's involvement in the spring Supreme Court race has been viewed as a double-edged sword: His money kept conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the game but his presence motivated Democratic voters to turn out to vote against Schimel. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming in a statement slammed Taylor as "extreme." "Chris Taylor's extreme partisan record has never been on full display outside of Dane County," he said. "After 'liberal express lane' elections in Dane County and an appointment from (Gov.) Tony Evers, Radical Democrat Chris Taylor will now have to answer for her extremely partisan record in the legislature and on the bench." Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley speaks to the press at the end of the WISN 12 Commitment 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate at the Lubar Center at Marquette University Law Schools Eckstein Hall on Wednesday March 12, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. Before Evers appointed Taylor to the Dane County Circuit Court bench in 2020, she served for just under 10 years in the state Legislature and was known as one of the most liberal members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the issues she weighed in on while in the Legislature were the "lame-duck" laws that Republicans passed to scale back the powers of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general following Republican losses in the 2018 election. Litigation over the legislation is now before the court. Taylor said, unlike during her time as a legislator, as a judge she is not working as an advocate. As a justice, she said, she would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to recuse herself from litigation where she had voted on the underlying legislation as a member of the state Legislature. During her tenure on the Appeals Court, she said, she has reviewed laws that were passed when she was in the state Legislature and hasn't found that she couldn't be fair and impartial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She contended that her past as a legislator would not be apparent to anyone who attended hearings she presided over as a circuit court judge or who read her opinions as an appeals court judge. "I would say my writing very much contrasts to the writing of Justice Rebecca Bradley, who is very political and has a right-wing agenda in her writing that can be discerned," she said. Before joining the state Assembly in 2011 Taylor served as public policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. As for whether she would recuse herself from cases involving the organization if she were to win a seat on the court, Taylor said she would have to make a decision based on a specific case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would not categorically say because I worked for Planned Parenthood 15 years ago that I can't hear a case on reproductive health care," she said. "That would be like a judge who worked for a law firm 15 years ago who would say, 'Well I can never take a case from that law firm.'" She has served on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals for District IV since 2023. Her term expires July 31, 2029, according to the court's website. The election for the only nominally nonpartisan seat will take place April 7. A primary, if necessary, will be held on Feb. 17. The winner's 10-year term would begin in August. Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chris Taylor to challenge Rebecca Bradley for Wisconsin Supreme Court May 19LIMA A Lima man convicted of murder in the Feb. 15, 2023, shooting death of Kirk Perine was sentenced Monday to 36 years to life behind bars. An Allen County jury found Michael Oliphant guilty in Perine's death in April. The 59-year-old Perine was found by police inside a white Buick in the 100 block of North Rosedale Avenue on Feb. 15, 2023. He had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The fatal bullet had been fired from outside the vehicle and passed through the front passenger-side window, investigators said. Oliphant, 23, of Lima, was also charged with felonious assault for firing a weapon in the direction of two employees of Feltz Chiropractic shortly before shooting Perine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Beretta 9mm pistol used in both shootings was found by police in an alley behind 211 N. Kenilworth Ave., near the murder scene, and was sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for analysis. A forensic scientist from that agency testified that DNA matching Oliphant's was found on the weapon. Oliphant had purchased the handgun earlier in the day at the former R-P Home & Harvest Store on Cable Road. Relatives and friends of Perine spoke prior to sentencing and asked Judge Terri Kohlrieser to impose a harsh sentence. "You are a monster," said Michelle Morrisey, a friend of Perine's, to Oliphant. "You took away a good man." Jeff Perine said he and his brother were close, having visited many Major League ballparks. He, too, addressed Oliphant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am going to enjoy every minute of my freedom, knowing that you're stuck in a prison cell," he said. Lilliana Perine, the victim's widow, delivered an emotional statement in Spanish. An English version was then read to the court. It said, in part, that her husband was a "noble and hard-working person" while his killer was "an evil person." Speaking to the judge, the woman asked that Oliphant "not go free." Oliphant addressed the court briefly and apologized "to the families I hurt." He said at the time of the shooting, he had stopped taking prescription medicines intended to address mental issues he was experiencing. "It's my fault, but I stopped taking my meds because I was paranoid; I though doctors were poisoning my medications," Oliphant said. "I feel horrible for what I did. I deserve life (in prison). I take full responsibility for my actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohlrieser said it was clear to her that Oliphant did indeed suffer from a psychological disorder. "There are some grounds to mitigate his conduct ... but not enough," she said. Featured Local Savings Merz, Meloni, von der Leyen and Stubb generally satisfied with conversation with Trump about his communication with Putin German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Finnish President Alexander Stubb briefly and generally commented on the social network X about their conversation with US President Donald Trump, in which he shared the results of a two-hour conversation with Vladimir Putin on Monday. "They are working on the immediate start of negotiations between the parties, which could lead to a ceasefire as soon as possible and create the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the head of the Italian government said after the conversation, which was also attended by the presidents of France and Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also spoke about Pope Leo XIV's proposal to make the Vatican a venue for future multilateral negotiations. "In this regard, the readiness of the Holy Father to host negotiations in the Vatican was positively assessed. Italy is ready to contribute to facilitating contacts and working for peace," Meloni said. After a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured of continued assistance to Ukraine, as well as continued pressure on Russia to end the war. "Europe and America are very united here: We will closely accompany Ukraine on the path to a ceasefire. Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. We agreed on this with the US President after his talks with Putin," Merz wrote on the social network X. Von der Leyen called the conversation with Trump a good one. "I want to thank President Trump for his tireless efforts to bring a ceasefire to Ukraine. Its important that the US stays engaged. We will continue to support Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine," added the head of the European Commission. "We discussed the ongoing negotiations, ceasefire, and steps towards a just and lasting peace. It is important to continue close coordination between the United States and Europe," in turn, wrote Finnish President Stubb. Macron has not yet commented on the conversation, but posted a joint statement by the leaders of Great Britain, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Finally, Trump himself, after talks with Putin, Zelenskyy and European leaders, stated in a public speech in Washington that he had managed to achieve "some progress" in negotiations with Putin. Zelenskyy stressed at a press conference after this conversation that Ukraine will not withdraw troops from part of its own territory and will not succumb to Russian ultimatums. The Ukrainian president stressed that Trump believes that the most important thing is direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, while Kyiv is considering the possibility of a joint meeting of the US, Ukraine, Russia and EU countries, and such a meeting could take place in Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. Zelenskyy again emphasized that in order to demonstrate its true readiness to end the war, Russia must agree to a ceasefire as a first step. He also stressed that the US president was asked not to make any decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. "We are waiting for the proposals that Russia will present. If the Russian side proposes a memorandum, we will be able to formulate our vision," the Ukrainian president said. LINCOLN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Lincoln Consolidated School District (LCSD) announced it would cancel classes on Tuesday due to storm damage. The district said in a social media post that flooding and downed trees are affecting bus routes. Lincoln was one of multiple schools in Northwest Arkansas that dismissed early on Monday in anticipation of severe weather. The Lincoln Fire Department said Monday night that a tornado hit the south side of town, damaging multiple structures and bringing down numerous powerlines and trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries have been reported in Lincoln. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. May 20 (UPI) -- Lithuania on Monday filed a case against Belarus in the International Court of Justice, accusing its southern neighbor of facilitating a large-scale smuggling scheme. The filing initiates legal proceedings against Belarus in the World Court, based in The Hague. "We are taking this case to the International Court of Justice to send a clear message: no state can use vulnerable people as political pawns without facing consequences under international law," Lithuanian Justice Minister Rimantas Mockus said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lithuania specifically accused Belarus of violating the United Nations Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, which was adopted in 2000, to supplement the U.N. Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. According to the application to the ICJ, the Baltic county accuses Belarus of "facilitating, supporting and enabling" the smuggling of migrants into the country while failing to implement smuggling protection measures at their shared border. Vilnius also charges Minsk with failing to exchange information about smuggling with Lithuania's border control agencies and neglecting to protect the rights of migrants. "The smuggling of migrants through Belarus into Lithuania has caused serious harm to Lithuania's sovereignty, security and public order, as well as to the rights and interests of the smuggled migrants themselves, who have been exposed to grave abuses in trying to reach Lithuanian territory," Vilnius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The large-scale smuggling of migrants has also overwhelmed Lithuania's reception facilities and asylum systems, which has heavily affected Lithuania's ability to respond to the migration crisis at the border." It said it has made "extensive efforts" to address the issue with Belarus, but that Belarus has "refused to engage in constructive and effective dialogue." Belarus not only continued to deny its responsibility under the U.N. protocol, it said, "but also the facts on the ground underlying those breaches," it said. Lithuania's foreign ministry said the "unprecedented" flow of migrants from Belarus dates back to at least 2021, and that it has evidence confirming the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko is directly involved in the scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ministry, Belarusian state-owned companies have increased the number of flights from the Middle East and other regions and organized the issuance of visas and accommodations. It said that when the migrants arrive in Belarus, many are taken to the Lithuanian border by security forces and are forced to cross into the country under what the ministry described as "dangerous and life-threatening conditions." Lithuania states that the smuggling scheme is an attempt to use migrants to retaliate against Vilnius and the European Union over their rejection of Lukashenko's attacks on democracy and human rights abuses with sanctions. Belarus has yet to respond to the development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, the European Commission approved member states to adopt measures to country "the weaponization of migration by Russia and Belarus." It said Eastern EU countries that border both Belarus and Russia are at risk of migrants being used "as a political tool to destabilize our societies." Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene has commented on the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, saying the statements made after the call resemble "a broken record". Source: Sakaliene cited by LRT, a Lithuanian public broadcaster, as reported by European Pravda Details: The minister said that the outcome of these talks appears repetitive and mirrors previous ones, with no meaningful changes in Russias war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sakaliene said that the outcome of the negotiations seemed to her like a broken record, as a similar situation had occurred before. She noted that the talks were often described in very positive terms, creating hopes for immediate change, but past experience had shown that no such changes followed. She recalled that Trump had previously expressed disappointment and even anger, but after another conversation with Putin, he is once again speaking of positive outcomes. "Now we have another round of talks again being described as very positive. I just don't think the result will be any different, since Putin continues his actions in Ukraine," the minister added. She believes this situation plays into Putins hands: "When we talk about the current process, its in his interest to buy time, to pretend that some negotiations are taking place, misleading allies and dragging things out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, I don't think many allies believe that any agreements with Putin are even possible," the Lithuanian defence chief concluded. Background: After speaking with Putin, Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia would "immediately" begin talks on a ceasefire. However, Financial Times sources said European leaders Trump spoke with following his call with Putin were "unpleasantly surprised" by how he described the conversation's results. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (NewsNation) The House Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets held a hearing Tuesday afternoon on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Witnesses at the hearing included Dr. Don Curtis, who was one of the first to treat Kennedy at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas; Dan Hardway, former staff member on the Select Committee on Assassinations; Judge John Tunheim, former head of the Assassinations Records Review Board; Douglas Horne, former staff member of the Assassinations Records Review Board; Abraham Bolden, a former U.S. Secret Service agent who has alleged misconduct in the agencys protection of Kennedy; and Alexis Coe, a presidential historian. In opening statements, Curtis recounted his experience when the president was first taken into the emergency room and the treatment he received. A dental surgeon, Curtis said he was called in to care for the president because of a shortage of staff and emphasized that he was trained to perform the procedures that he did on the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaiian Airlines plane evacuated after alleged bomb threat at San Diego airport Hardway and Tunheim both spoke about what they called efforts to obstruct investigations into the assassination by the CIA. Tunheim detailed multiple files that have never been released or reviewed, including an incomplete KGB file on Lee Harvey Oswald and missing files on Jack Ruby. Horne also detailed missing pieces of evidence. He said there is expert testimony that suggests photos held by the National Archives arent accurate depictions of what they purport to document. Coe, the minority witness, pushed back at the language used by the committee, including the use of the term obstruction. She also criticized the released files for including unredacted Social Security numbers of living people and pointed to the fact that the released files did not provide meaningful support for any conspiracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force pledged to hold hearings on the JFK files when it was formed, initially stating it would call those who were present at Kennedys autopsy as witnesses. As all those who were present during the autopsy have died, that would not be possible. Diddys ex-assistant tells jury he set up hotel rooms for Freak Offs The assassination of John F. Kennedy Earlier in the year, President Donald Trump ordered the release of JFK files held by the National Archives, none of which provided a smoking gun that would prove the conspiracies circulating since Kennedys death. Kennedys assassination in 1963 has been the subject of conspiracies for decades. The president was shot twice while riding in an open-top motorcade in Dallas, Texas, and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended and accused of shooting Kennedy from the Texas School Book Depository. Oswald was then shot and killed by Jack Ruby as he was being moved by police. JFK conspiracies Numerous conspiracy theories have emerged about Kennedys death, with many raising doubts about the number and location of shooters, suggesting that Oswald did not act alone or was set up as a patsy. In particular, conspiracy theorists believe the fatal shot came from the grassy knoll near the Plaza, not the book depository. Those who believe the official narrative is not accurate have alleged the involvement of the CIA, the Mafia, the FBI, the U.S. military, Cuban leader Fidel Castro and varying combinations of the above. One major question has to do with the magic bullet theory, which questions findings that the same bullet that struck Kennedy in the throat also hit Texas Gov. John Connally in the shoulder. Many conspiracies have questioned if that trajectory were possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original Sin book alleges Biden aides covered up cognitive decline Conspiracies have been fed by failures during Kennedys autopsy, including the disappearance of X-rays, photographs and Kennedys brain, which had been removed for further examination. Other things that have fueled conspiracies are the Zapruder film, recorded by Abraham Zapruder at Dealey Plaza and containing a view of the assassination, as well as allegations from other witnesses that authorities confiscated film or photographs taken that day. The new files released in 2025 did not offer any confirmation of those conspiracies but did reveal that the CIA was aware of Oswald prior to the assassination and had monitored him. That has led some to suggest the agency failed to properly assess Oswald as a threat and treat him accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. (NewsNation) Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The meeting focused on President Donald Trumps budget proposal for the Department of Health and Human Services. Lawmakers also grilled Kennedy about vaccine skepticism and staffing cuts to the department. Since his confirmation, Kennedy has fired thousands of workers, consolidated the nations health infrastructure, canceled scientific funding grants and sent mixed messages on the measles outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump headed to Capitol Hill to unite GOP on big, beautiful bill Kennedy testified before both chambers of Congress last week and faced questions from lawmakers over his first months leading the agency. Both hearings targeted the Trump administrations proposed budget, which includes cuts to maternal health, infectious disease prevention and preschool programs as well as a $500 million boost to Kennedys Make America Healthy Again initiative. Kennedy said he intends to make the Trump HHS not just the most effective, but also the most compassionate in U.S. history. He also said the budget would consolidate programs on addiction and mental health, promote healthy nutrition and activity habits, and equip the Food and Drug Administration to expand its food safety efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations Anna Kutz and Libbey Dean 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. President Trump on Tuesday pushed moderate Republicans to forget SALT, but seemingly failed to win them over. New York GOP Reps. Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino said they were no votes on the package coming out of the Tuesday morning meeting. SALT has emerged as one of the biggest sticking points in Republicans efforts to advance the bill containing Trumps domestic agenda. SALT cap: 5 things to know about the tax break Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was at the Capitol for a rare visit Tuesday, pushing House Republicans to come to an agreement on the big, beautiful reconciliation bill. Speaking to a GOP conference meeting at the Capitol for more than an hour Tuesday morning, Trump made clear in the meeting that hes losing patience with all holdout factions of the conference, according to the White House. Whats in that bill? We break it down here. A host of Trump administration officials are also on Capitol Hill in Budget or Oversight committee hearings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify before two Senate panels, coming on the heels of Trumps talk Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and an uptick in Israels assault on Gaza. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will also testify in various committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on the Hill, a hearing of the committee that aims to declassify Americas documents, focusing on John F. Kennedy. Follow along for these and other twists and turns all 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 The Hill. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) On the 4th of July, the city of Youngstown will honor five of its world champion boxers. Ray Boom Boom Mancini, Kelly Pavlik, Harry Arroyo, Jeff Lampkin, and Greg Richardson will be added to the Youngstown Walk of Fame at Wean Park. The five are gathering for an unveiling ceremony on July 4th. It will be at 5 p.m. on the Wean Park Sidewalk under the Market Street Bridge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WKBN) The Mahoning County Democratic Party will be using social media once a week to keep people informed about whats happening in Ohio. The program will be hosted by State Representative Lauren McNally and will air as a Facebook Live every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Itll be titled What the Heck is Happening in Ohio? McNally said it will give people informed choices of whats happening in Ohio. State government is complicated, and often gets lost in the fold of what you see at the national level, and my goal is to help make it easier to understand and easier to access, said McNally in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will air live on McNallys Facebook page @LaurenMcNallyforOhio. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WHTM) Every year, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg recognizes someone who has dedicated their time to the community. Local environmentalist Char Magaro was honored for her community service at the annual award luncheon Monday. Magaro developed and built a plan for Swatara Street Park to allow people to relax and enjoy the environment in the Allison Hill neighborhood. She says 700 people in the community participated in a study and said they wanted a park there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter When people are in this passive park that is primarily large plantings, theyre going to be surrounded by nature, which lowers peoples stress level and aids in other health-related issues, Magaro said. To highlight the work that we do in the community, we need a whole person that kind of shows, Hey, this is what we do, this is how we do it and they are a champion of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg,' President-elect of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg Shaun Eng said. Four students received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Harrisburg on Monday as well, two from John Harris and two from Sci-Tech High School Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance for Ukraine and all European countries that the United States does not distance itself from negotiations with the Russian Federation. "Together with European leaders, we have already discussed possible further steps, in particular meetings of negotiators and an objective assessment of the parties' proposals. Each proposal on the table deserves an honest look, and that is why both American and European representatives should be involved in the negotiation process at a certain level. It is very important for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the negotiations and the achievement of peace, because the only one interested in this is Putin. Thank you all for supporting this approach," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Monday evening after a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump and Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin. CALCUTTA, Ohio (WKBN) A local fire department was honored Monday for its efforts in aiding North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The Calcutta Fire Department announced on their Facebook page that the Calcutta, Glenmoor and Liverpool Township Firefighters received a state commendation award for their heroic efforts in search and rescue operations during Hurricane Helene last fall. Courtesy: Calcutta Fire Department Courtesy: Calcutta Fire Department Courtesy: Calcutta Fire Department Courtesy: Calcutta Fire Department Courtesy: Calcutta Fire Department The awards were presented by St. Clair Township trustees. 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. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Akron police are investigating a felonious assault on a Lyft driver after the woman reported a man opened fire on her vehicle. Officers responded to the 800 block of Bisson Avenue for a call of shots fired shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19, according to police. Car, driver sought after crash kills 10 year-old: OSHP When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 28-year-old woman who had been hit in the leg by a bullet fragment while driving for Lyft. Her vehicle and at least one other vehicle were also struck by gunfire, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Goodman unrecognizable after weight loss According to the news release, detectives recovered multiple rifle rounds from the scene. Police said the suspect is described as a Black man standing about 5-foot-7, being heavy set and bald and wearing a white T-shirt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C (WSAV) Recent tariffs are said to be impacting businesses, including non-profits. The Beaufort Salvation Army shut its doors just last month, blaming the shaky economy. Now some folks wonder if other local nonprofits will share the same fate. Business is up. We are up about 30 percent in sales across the board, said Jill Rubin, the Manager of Treasure House Thrift Store in Beaufort. Rubin said they havent seen those impacts. If anything, she said they are thriving in the current economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAPA Thrift Store of Beaufort agreed. They said they have never been busier. We have a lot a lot of new customers coming in, a lot of new faces from around the neighborhood. And a lot of people even coming through, just traveling and stopping in, said Rubin. Franny Gerthoffer, the director of The Litter Box Thrift Store on Hilton Head Island, said they havent necessarily seen an increase in clientele but it has remained at a comfortable level. The customer base is a steady flow. We are in a vacation area so we do see a lot of people who are visiting the island who stop at the store. Since the Litter Box Thrift Store is in a tourist area, many visitors come into their store. But Gerthoffer said they also rely on local customers and their donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is concern that tariffs will increase the costs of goods from big box stores. Some thrift stores are worried people will choose to hold on to old clothes and other items instead of buying new. That would eventually lead to a slowdown in donations. So far, that doesnt seem to be the trend in the lowcountry. We seem to be holding steady in both cases, comparatively from this time last year to this time this year, said Gerthoffer. It is a steady stream and were extremely grateful, obviously, to all our donors because thats how we survive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Local Rotary Clubs are joining together to expand an annual celebration of our areas carousels and the music that once accompanied them. This summer, the Rotary Carousel and Band Organ Week will highlight both the historic, free carousels that Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company founder George F Johnson gifted to our community, as well as the Wurlitzer band organs that filled them with music. In recent years, the Endicott and Endwell Rotaries have been acquiring and restoring three organs to replace the ones that originally entertained carousel riders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, a band organ rally accompanied the annual Johnson City Carousel Festival at CFJ Park. This year, the rally will take place at Spiedie Fest, welcoming in ten large band organs from outside our area, 20 smaller crank organs, and a tent with displays about the history of our carousels and George F. Its a great example of mechanical genius, these organs. Well have ours on display. Theres many different types and sizes. They were made to accompany carousels. Theyre loud so that they can be heard over the sound of the carousel, said Smith. Carousel and Band Organ Week will run for eight days, beginning at the JC Carousel Festival on Saturday July 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the band organ rally takes place during Spiedie Fest from August 1 through the 3. In between, Smith says representatives from various Rotary Clubs will hold events at their local carousels, and some of the portable band organs will travel to different locations as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A Wichita grand jury has indicted a Haysville woman for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse materials. The U.S. Attorneys Office for Kansas said that Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 23, is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography. The time frame was allegedly last June and July. Onuffer made her initial appearance in federal court on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks Severson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tornado devastates Grinnell, leaving some homes in ruins The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Wichita Police Department are investigating the case. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Today in Iowa is On Location this week in Colfax. Tuesday, we share the accomplishments, improvements, and future plans of the Colfax-Mingo School District, including the effort to build a 140-spot childcare facility. To make this happen, the community needs to raise $1.7 million to match the state grant they were awarded for the center. Visit the Colfax Economic Development Corporation website here to make a donation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man has been sentenced to over 100 years of prison time after a shooting and police standoff near Indian Lake. Holley Tolliver Jr. was convicted on several charges after a 12-hour standoff with police that occurred in August 2024. He was found guilty of 22 felonies and 20 firearm charges related to the incident. Police say Tolliver fired shots from his home at a neighboring home, before threatening responding law enforcement. He later fired shots at officers as they attempted to take him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured in the incident other than Tolliver, who sustained a broken arm. Tolliver pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but was found competent twice. While the court recognized Tolliver was diagnosed with mental health conditions, the court ultimately determined that he knew the wrongfulness of his actions while the incident unfolded. Through Logan County Sheriff Randall J. Dodds, members of the Logan County law enforcement community submitted a written statement to the judge asking the Court to prevent [Tolliver] from terrorizing our communities for as along as possible. Tolliver was sentenced to 125 to 130.5 years in prison. He will serve his sentence in Logan County Jail. 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. Tariff adjustments and operational constraints are shadowing the U.S. domestic supply chain, a new forecast finds. The May forecast for the ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index confirms previously projected steep import declines following tariff increases on Chinese goods, while highlighting emerging issues at rail facilities. There are also alarming cargo theft trends that are expected to impact the industry throughout 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest index data validates earlier projections of significant import volume reductions resulting from heightened tariffs on Chinese goods. Simultaneously, rail ramps in strategic regions are experiencing operational pressure as shippers increasingly utilize interior point intermodal (IPI) routing to manage frontloaded inventory. This shift in logistics strategy has created new operational challenges while exposing vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Operational stress levels are elevated for Chicago; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio; and Toronto. Ramps through the Atlantic, Pacific, Western and Gulf regions show normal ramp operations. Negotiators on May 12 announced a temporary tariff reduction agreement between the U.S. and China. Under this 90-day arrangement, the U.S. has lowered tariffs from 145% to 30%, while China has reduced duties on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. This adjustment has created immediate market optimism, with shippers eager to resume imports, replenish depleted inventories and prepare for upcoming holiday seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden surge in demand, coupled with uncertainty about long-term availability of Chinese imports, appears likely to trigger another frontloading event, potentially driving an early start to peak season for key industries, particularly retail. I have clients with thousands of containers pre-loaded in China that are ready to come in, said Paul Brashier, vice president of global supply chain at ITS, in a note. Over the next four to six weeks, Brashier expects a surge of containers, calling the 90-day pause the pivotal moment for supply chain planning out of China. Preparation for peak season Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With increasing evidence pointing toward accelerated shipping activity, industry experts recommend immediate action to secure necessary resources. Shippers should be prepared to increase trucking and equipment capacity immediately to ensure they can withstand volatility and get their goods to market on time, said Brashier. Companies that fail to secure adequate transportation and equipment capacity risk significant delays and potential inventory shortages during what appears to be developing into an earlier and potentially more extended peak season than initially anticipated. Emerging challenges in cargo theft Compounding these market dynamics is a troubling rise in cargo theft. Criminal networks in both domestic and international markets are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in supply chain systems, including technology meant to enhance operational efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent media reports estimate annual losses from cargo theft approaching or exceeding $1 billion. Highway, a leader in fraud prevention solutions, reported blocking more than 914,000 fraud attempts in 2024, with over 400,000 blocked in Q1 of 2025 alone a dramatic increase highlighting the escalating sophistication of criminal operations targeting freight movements. Association of American Railroads data revealed a 40% year-over-year increase in container theft incidents in 2024, creating additional concerns as more shippers utilize IPI routing. In the months before Aprils tariff announcement, many companies redirected frontloaded inventories from congested ports to inland rail facilities, inadvertently creating new bottlenecks at these locations where cargo theft is now surging. Using IPI offers more storage elasticity and allows shippers to avoid 3PL storage fees on frontloaded inventories, Brashier said. However, chassis availability and congested ramp operations are becoming more frequent, and theft at interchanges between rail providers is a serious ongoing concern. This growing security crisis has prompted industry stakeholders to demand federal intervention as vulnerabilities in supply chain operations continue to increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ITS said companies should prepare for an early peak season that will likely extend throughout the third quarter. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures, particularly for high-value shipments moving through rail interchanges. Looking ahead to Q4, additional market factors including tax policy changes, deregulation initiatives and Federal Reserve policy adjustments could potentially stimulate economic growth, driving higher year-over-year volumes and creating additional capacity challenges. Subscribe to FreightWaves Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: CN continues work to expand capacity and fluidity in Vancouver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southern California international intermodal volume sees weekly decline State of Freight takeaways: Freight crash may turn into sudden revival Coal, grain keep US rail freight ahead of 2024 levels The post ITS Logistics report shows surge stressing US rail ramps after tariffs slashed appeared first on FreightWaves. LONDON (AP) A London court on Tuesday sentenced an Egyptian man to 25 years in prison for smuggling people from North Africa to Italy. Ahmed Ebid, who arrived in the U.K. in October 2022 after crossing the English Channel in a small boat, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Judge Adam Hiddleston said Ebid played a key role in an organized crime group and that his primary motivation was to make money" from human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since his arrival in Britain and until June 2023, Ebid, 42, was implicated in at least seven separate boat crossings as part of a 12 million-pound ($16 million) operation that carried 3,781 people, including children, into Italian waters from North Africa. Britain's National Crime Agency cited some of those who had entered the U.K. illegally as saying that Ebid even told an associate to kill and throw into the sea anyone onboard caught with a mobile phone. Ebid "preyed upon the desperation of migrants to ship them across the Mediterranean in death trap boats," said Jacque Beer of the agency. In one crossing, on Oct. 25, 2022, more than 640 people were rescued by the Italian authorities after they attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea in a wooden boat, the agency said. The boat was taken into port in Sicily and two bodies were recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vulnerable people were transported on long sea journeys in ill-equipped fishing vessels completely unsuitable for carrying the large number of passengers," said Tim Burton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service. His repeated involvement in helping to facilitate these dangerous crossings showed a complete disregard for the safety of thousands of people, whose lives were put at serious risk, Burton added about Ebid. ____ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) During Fridays deadly tornadoes, a quiet evening for a London family turned into a fight for survival. On a typical Friday night, Vanessa Mullins and her family had just finished playing Scattergories when she and her boyfriend decided to go outside and watch the storm roll through. I remember I was looking up at the sky, and it was super quiet and calm, Mullins said. Then all of a sudden, it was like a train was coming. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that within five seconds, their power went out, and they took cover in their bathroom. I look up and stuff started falling in my eyes, and then I looked down again and it was over, Mullins said. When I opened the door, there was a door sideways. I looked up, and you could see the sky. My roof was gone, my ceilings gone. And just as things seemed to be over, as soon as she and her family stepped outside, people were yelling that they needed to find somewhere safe. Were like running down the street to try to get to the school, and it starts raining hard on us again, and were thinking, Oh my God, we just survived this tornado, and now we might get hit by another one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But night came and went, and Mullins, like many of her other neighbors, had no choice but to put their boots on, pick up the shovels, and start rebuilding, but not without help. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: We just mobilized a group of employees and team members that were able to come out and help today, so were helping in both neighborhoods, said Nick Bejarano, president and CEO of AdventHealth. Weve got two different teams deployed in this neighborhood, and we have several other teams in the neighborhood behind us; we have about 60 team members in total. Mullins said she wouldnt be able to get through each day without the help of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just feel like I was given another chance because we shouldnt haveI dont know if we should have made it out of that, Mullins said. So I just feel like I have another chance at life, and Im not ready to go anyway, either, so Im not giving up. Mullins and her family are staying in a hotel for now before staying with family as they work to rebuild. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua During a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the proposal to Russia for an unconditional ceasefire should not be blurred, and that stronger sanctions should be introduced for its rejection. "At the beginning of our bilateral conversation, I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as has spoken about, particularly the United States. It is important not to dilute this proposal. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace this is obvious to everyone around the world," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram following the conversation. London has been a favorite operational theater for cinematic espionage for nearly a century. The capers began with Alfred Hitchcock, who established the modern spy thriller with The 39 Steps in 1935, using King's Cross Station. On May 23, this tradition continues when filmgoers can catch Tom Cruise as super spy Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, with the city serving as the plots chessboard. Its no surprise that Mission: Impossibles eighth installment is filmed here. Britains capital seems purpose-built for spy craftits ganglia of streets make perfect escape routes while concealing secrets, and its moody climate provides the ideal atmospheric cover for clandestine activities. Dubliner Alan Carroll publishes YouTube video guides to Bond film locales around the globe, but London is a favorite destination. With its history, iconic architecture, and monuments to past achievements, the city is the quintessential backdrop for espionage movies from Bond to Mission: Impossible, he says. As 007 actor Daniel Craig observed about the London featured in 2012s Skyfall, "They made it very beautiful and very dark and sinister at times. With Hunt on the hunt once more, the British capital remains a set jetters paradise for tailing fictional spies. Consider this mission, if you choose to accept it. A field operative's dossier to Londons clandestine locations, helping you navigate the places where Hollywood fantasy and real-world spy craft converge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: The essential guide to visiting London.) Jet-setting moviegoers can visit Londons historic Trafalgar Square, where Londoners caught actor Tom Cruise filming a scene for the eighth installment of Mission: Impossible. The square's centerpiece commemorates Britains naval victory over a Franco-Spanish fleet in 1805. Photograph by Adrian Baker / Alamy Stock Photo Reckonings and rouges In March 2024, alert Londoners spotted Tom Cruise sprinting down streets, filming Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, which includes a scene on iconic Trafalgar Square. Designed by John Nash and inaugurated in 1844, the square is one of the citys most recognized landmarks and commemorates Britain's naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Frequently a site of public protests, the plaza features Nelson's Column, four iconic bronze lions, and hundreds of pigeons their acidic droppings have resulted in cleaning bills worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Feeding them has been illegal since the early 2000s. The square remains a vibrant, if pigeon-packed space, alive with the buzz of city life and the flutter of wings overhead. Mission: Impossibles fifth installment, Rogue Nation (2015), has Ethans IMF team's clandestine gathering unfold on an upper floor of the Victorian Farmiloe Building (34-36 St John Street) in Clerkenwell. The 1868 edifice, made of Portland Stone and Suffolk brick, served as their warehouse headquarters. The structure is a familiar filming location, doubling as Gotham City Police Station in the Dark Knight, part of the Batman trilogy, as well as several other notable productions. While primarily used as an events space, film fans can still admire its distinctive exterior from the street. Fallout (2018) features Ethan Hunt entering St. Paul's Cathedral during a funeral service before racing up the Dean's Staircase to the Whispering Gallery. Then, he climbs onto the cathedral's actual roofwith Tom Cruise performing the stunt himselfthough wearing a safety harness that was digitally removed. Sir Christopher Wren's English Baroque masterpiece, completed in 1710 following the Great Fire of London, sits on Ludgate Hill, which is the highest point in London. It became a symbol of British resolve during the WWII Blitz. Visitors can pay 15-to-26 (U.S. $19-$34) adult entry fee to explore or worship here for free. It remains an active church with daily services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Related: A family city guide to visiting London.) The brand called Bond Before Cruise, it was suave and Scottish Sean Connery who first branded London as a glamorous hotbed of operatives, double-agents, and espionage in James Bonds debut in Dr. No (1962). The opening scene highlighted Les Ambassadeurs Club (5 Hamilton Place) in Mayfair. The 1807 Venetian Renaissance-style townhouse, then and still, a members-only casino, is where Bond plays a round of chemin de fer with beguiling Sylvia Trench, who asks the good-looking stranger his name. Bond, James Bond, was the legendary reply. Whitehall, the seat of British power, is a favorite Bond haunt. Carroll ticks off many landmarks featured in the iconic spy movies, including Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, the Cenotaph, and Churchills World War II bunker. Another one is The National Gallery, where Bond and a young Q first meet in Skyfall. In Room 34, they sit before J.W. Turner's "The Fighting Temeraire," discussing the painting's once-mighty warship being tugboat-ed to destruction. The Gallery offers free entry to its famed collections, and it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays until 9 p.m. Perhaps the worlds most recognizable real spy building, the headquarters of British foreign intelligence, MI6, at Vauxhall Cross (85 Albert Embankment), sits on the southside of the Thames. The postmodern fortress, completed in April 1994 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II that July, is featured prominently in five Bond films, including GoldenEye (1995), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002). The best views are from Vauxhall Bridge, where the damp river air carries the hum of London life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not far downriver, the Victorian-era Hammersmith Bridge creates a picturesque backdrop in No Time to Die(2021) during Bond's London return. In 1887, Sir Joseph Bazalgette designed the bridge, which is one of the world's oldest mechanical suspension bridges made of wrought and cast iron. After extensive restoration, Hammersmith Bridge reopened to pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-scooters last month [April 2025]. (Related: 11 things to do in London.) Approximately 250,000 use London Waterloo Station every day, making it the busiest rail station in the UK. Its also where movie crews filmed chase scenes featuring famous characters, including James Bond, Ethan Hunt, and Jason Bourne. Photograph by Mark Spowart/Getty Images Bourne Ultimatum, Slow Horses, and Black Doves Of course, Hunt and Bond arent the only spies racing through London. Grand, bustling Waterloo Station with its commuter footfalls and crisp platform announcements became a thrilling espionage battleground in The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). The tense sequence where Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) guides a journalist through crowds while evading CIA operatives, highlighting the station's labyrinthine interior. For streaming fans, the unassuming red-brick building at 126 Aldersgate Street represents shabby Slough House in Apple TV+'s Slow Horses. The headquarters for Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his misfit agents sits near the Barbican Estate, a major example of 1970s Brutalist architecture and filled with apartments and a performing arts center. The shows fictional MI5 headquarters is placed in Regents Park, the well-known 410-acre greenspace in inner London. The real MI5, Britains domestic intelligence agency, is at Thames House (12 Millbank), near Lambeth Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netflix's thriller Black Doves features an elegant six-bedroom house located at 7 Tudor Road in South London as Helen's (Keira Knightley) home near 389-acre Crystal Palace Park. Its named after a massive all-glass exhibition hall built in 1851 for a Worlds Fair and was destroyed by a fire in 1936. The outdoor collection of 33 concrete dinosaurs survived. Considered inaccurate today, the 1850s reconstructions were one of the first attempts to imagine the giant reptiles. Located at one of London's highest points, the park offers spectacular views. (Related: How to experience London like Bridget Jones.) Dining and staying undercover London offers several hotels with genuine espionage connections. Raffles The OWO (57 Whitehall) occupies the former Old War Office where famed spy TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) once labored. The 120-room property now houses a basement speakeasy called Spy Bar, alluding to the operations organized inside. James Bond creator and author Ian Fleming patronized The Dorchester (53 Park Lane). The hotel recently opened its Vesper Bar, named after the spys favorite cocktail, a Vesper Martini. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To dine covertly, visit Rules (35 Maiden Lane), London's oldest restaurant, established in 1798, was featured prominently in Spectre (2015), where M, Q, and Moneypenny discuss Agent 007. The traditional menu specializes in game from Rules country estate. You can even request Ms table, Carroll says. In No Time to Die, Bond and M meet outside the Rutland Arms (15 Lower Mall), a quintessential British pub in Hammersmith. The American Bar at The Stafford Hotel (16-18 St James's Place) buzzed with intelligence activity during World War II. Australian Nancy Wakean agent code-named "The White Mouse" and one of the Gestapo's most wanted spies now, honored with a signature cocktailwas among the hotels famous patrons. Guests should consider a toast to Londons enduring role as the capital of espionage. (Related: These mansion museums reveal the grittier side of the Gilded Age.) Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographics recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Its the road named for the King of Rock and Roll that looks anything but royal in some places. Each year, thousands of tourists travel Elvis Presley Boulevard to get to Graceland. The roadway is also a major thoroughfare connecting Tennessee and Mississippi. FILE This March 13, 2017 photo shows visitors getting ready to tour Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. The head of the company that controls Graceland says he is not threatening to move the Memphis, Tennessee-based tourist attraction centered on the life of singer Elvis Presley if city officials do not approve an expansion plan including tax-based incentives. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz, File) More than a decade ago, state and local leaders announced plans for a more than $40 million redesign of Elvis Presley Boulevard. However, over the years, the project has hit numerous roadblocks. The most recent setback was a loss of funding, but WREG learned the latest phase of construction for the project is finally moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pianos Flowers and Gifts sits along Elvis Presley near Shelby Drive. Its one of the busiest times of the year at the flower shop as spring means celebrations for Mothers Day and events like prom. Everybodys got a mother, you didnt just fly into this world, everybodys got a mother, said Pianos owner, Chuck Strong. For more than 40 years, Strong, his wife Barbara and their team at Pianos have helped Memphis families celebrate special moments and deal with the most difficult ones, too. Strong told WREG, Births, deaths, anniversaries. Thank you. I appreciate you. Forgive me. I love you. The flower shop is a staple in the Whitehaven communitya neighborhood the Strongs also call home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You hop the fence out back and youre one block from my house, Strong said. Pianos has been in its current location for 30 years and for more than a decade, Strong has been waiting on the multi-million dollar makeover of the famously named road running in front of his business. I want to see something thats going to change, and its not changing, Strong told the WREG Investigators. Paving, new lighting and landscaping are just a few of the improvements included in the Elvis Presley Boulevard Road Improvement Project that runs more than three miles from Brooks Road to Shelby Drive. However, over the years, delays put the brakes on the construction, leaving business owners like Strong frustrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they started, the first excuse was land acquisitions, said Strong. Construction on phase one of the project or the North Section, from Brooks to Winchester, finally wrapped in 2021 and workers were set to start on the Middle Section in 2024. Strong continued, Then they lost the grant. The city. I said, how do you lose a grant? In fact, it was exactly one year ago that the WREG Investigators uncovered and exposed the fact that the city had lost funding to start construction on the second phase, or middle section of the project. City loses $27M for Elvis Presley Boulevard construction, possibly putting project on hold Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders shocked by funding loss for Elvis Presley Blvd., will fight to get it back The Tennessee Department of Transportation reallocated that money late last year. Millions could be restored for Elvis Presley Blvd. project We were not going to take our foot off the pedal to make, until that money actually came to the city and we were able to fix this project, said State Representative Karen Camper, whose district includes Whitehaven. She told WREG, Its like a two-year project and grateful Im grateful that theyre doing it in phases so that every business isnt interrupted, all the constituents arent interrupted by the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The middle section of the project runs from Winchester to Craft Road, and according to the city, itll be broken into eight separate phases. This portion is also a critical piece of the construction because it includes the section of Elvis Presley Boulevard in front of Graceland and the Guesthouse. The projected timeline to completion is January 2027. Strong exclaimed, Hey, no disrespect, please. I may not even be here for phase three, Im 83! Phase two is going to take three years. Ill be 86! Pianos sits on the part of Elvis Presley thats in the final phase of construction, which hasnt been funded yet and isnt slated to be finished until 2030. As he softly laughed about it all, Strong told WREG, Mark it on the wall somewhere, like when you used to grow, you used to put a line. I, you know, I really want it to happen. The WREG Investigators asked Rep. Camper, Are you confident that the entire project will get fully funded and were going to see all of this come to fruition? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She replied, I am. The people have waited a long time. They have waited forever for this. And I also feel like its a priority for the mayor. Ironically, NewsChannel 3 caught up with Mayor Paul Young at the reopening of a state highway project, celebrating completion after just a few years of work. We asked him about Elvis Presley Boulevard. We know how important that community and Elvis Presley, Graceland, all of those things are really important to our economy so, we want to make sure access is there and we want to make sure that the street gets finished because the community has had to endure the construction phase for far too long, Young told WREG. Strong said, If I think the day they complete it, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, lighting, atmosphere, look out, I think that will be a shot in the arm that the community will be extremely proud of! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats Happening with Construction Right Now? Current Lane Closures (Per City of Memphis as of May 14, 2025) Active work zone on the west side of the road Three lanes are open northbound Two lanes are open southbound Left turns are restricted throughout the work area Current Phase 1A Construction Activities Working between Winchester Road and Bluebird Road Installation of temporary asphalt pavement on west side of roadway Construction Schedule Begin April 2025 Phase 1A: April 2025 June 2025 Phase 1B: June 2025 August 2025 Phase 2: August 2025 October 2025 Phase 3: October 2025 December 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phase 4: December 2025 January 2026 Phase 5: January 2026 May 2026 Phase 6: May 2026 July 2026 Phase 7: July 2026 October 2026 Phase 8: October 2026 January 2027 Scheduled Completion January 2027 You can read more about the project on the citys website 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 WREG.com. Until now, the water in this pipe was considered a controlled substance. (Getty Images) Minnesota authorities would no longer be able to charge people with major drug crimes solely on the basis of the dirty water in their bongs thanks to a provision in the 192-page judiciary and public safety bill that was sent to Gov. Tim Walz over the weekend. Hes expected to sign it. Under current law, quantities of bong water greater than four ounces can be treated like the pure, uncut version of whatever substance the bong was used to smoke. That can lead to massive criminal penalties: 4 ounces of bong water used to consume methamphetamine, for instance, can trigger a first-degree felony charge carrying up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new language removes that provision and specifies that for charging purposes, a drug mixture does not include the fluid used in a water pipe or any amount of a controlled substance that is dissolved in the pipes fluid. The change would apply retroactively to August 2023, bringing it in line with a broader drug paraphernalia decriminalization bill that went into effect at that time. In practice, prosecutors virtually never charge bong water offenses because most people intuitively understand that 8 ounces of dirty bong water is not the same thing as 8 ounces of pure methamphetamine. Counting dirty bong water as pure drugs is like counting a beer bottle full of backwash and cigarette butts as 80-proof whiskey, as one attorney colorfully characterized it to the Reformer earlier this year. But it does happen: The issue drew national attention last year after a northwest Minnesota prosecutor levied first-degree drug charges against a Fargo woman, Jessica Beske, on account of the water allegedly found in her bong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the retroactive provision, that case would be thrown out if Walz signs the bill. The ACLU-MN is glad to see the legislature fixed this loophole that allowed rogue prosecutors to put people suffering from addiction in prison for smoking drugs out of a bong, said Alicia Granse of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Beske in court. Ms. Beske and others like her can no longer be subjected to this cruel and unusual treatment. Minnesota became the butt of national jokes after the state supreme court ruled in 2009 that bong water could be legally considered a drug. The justices relied, in part, on the testimony of a Minnesota State Patrol officer who claimed that drug users keep bong water for future use either drinking it or shooting it in the veins. Legislators attempted to decriminalize small amounts of bong water the following year, but then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed it in order to project a tough-on-crime image in advance of a planned presidential run. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX May 20 (UPI) -- A sheriff's deputy in North Carolina used a net to capture a small alligator found taking a relaxing swim in a pool. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office said on social media that a deputy was called out to Ocean Isle Beach where "a baby alligator decided to beat the heat with a dip in a community pool." The deputy used a net to scoop the gator out of the water and relocated it "to a more appropriate swimming spot," a nearby waterway. "You never know what kind of calls our deputies will get -- from catching criminals to catching reptiles in floaties," the sheriff's office wrote. The Mojave desert tortoise is among the species in Utah in need of conservation help. Earlier this year, state lawmakers enacted a tax on renewable energy development to provide more funding for wildlife managers to support non-game species. (Photo by Dana Wilson/Bureau of Land Management/Flickr) State wildlife agencies have a big job. While the federal government protects animals listed under the Endangered Species Act, states are tasked with keeping the vast majority of other species out of the emergency room. Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are making that job much more difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, states are finding it harder to count on the hunting and fishing revenues that have long funded most of their work. Agencies say they have more challenges than ever before, and less money to take them on. In many states, lawmakers are rethinking the long-standing model for wildlife management. Theyre considering new funding sources to make the agencies less reliant on license fees. Theyre asking wildlife managers to expand their work beyond traditional game species, adding protections for threatened insects and other animals. And some are scrutinizing the commissions that have long governed wildlife management. Some of the proposals have seen broad support from outdoors lovers who want to strengthen their wildlife agencies. Others have drawn opposition from sporting groups, who fear the new focus will diminish hunting and fishing opportunities. Were seeing quite a bit of action this year, said Logan Christian, wildlife and habitat specialist with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, a forum for state lawmakers. We definitely have noticed that states are working on strengthening their wildlife agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Stateline previously reported, New Mexico enacted the most sweeping overhaul this year. It renamed the Department of Game & Fish as the Department of Wildlife, giving it a more explicit focus on non-game species. Budget writers provided $10.5 million in new funding over the next three years to help threatened species. And lawmakers created a new process for appointing the agencys commissioners, with guidelines ensuring a diversity of expertise and experience. Wildlife advocates in other states say the New Mexico overhaul was a game changer. But lawmakers elsewhere are taking a more piecemeal approach. Dollars Numerous states are reconsidering their wildlife agencies funding model. Theres definitely a growing awareness that the current management system is outdated and really unfit for 21st century challenges, said Michelle Lute, executive director of Wildlife for All, a nonprofit focused on overhauling state wildlife governance. State wildlife agencies are seeing that they cant rely on hunting and fishing license fees to be able to do this work. Theres definitely a growing awareness that the current management system is outdated and really unfit for 21st century challenges. Michelle Lute, executive director of Wildlife for All Earlier this year, lawmakers in Utah enacted a new tax on wind and solar projects that will help fund the states wildlife agency. The revenue could double the departments funding to protect non-game species, from $5 million to $10 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a funding model in place for game species, said Paul Thompson, administrator of the Species Protection Account with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Funding to work on some of our native species programs has been really hard to come by. The new revenue could allow the agency to invest in more biologists, conservation easements, watershed restoration projects and native fish hatchery programs. State Rep. Casey Snider, the Republican who sponsored the bill, argued that the clean energy sector should pay because its development is harming Utahs habitat. Wind and solar projects have an outsized impact on [non-game] species, and they have not been contributing financially, he said. But industry leaders said the law will threaten the states energy development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The measure will] severely strain the economics of an existing project and send a negative message to developers and the financial institutions that provide capital for these projects, said Theresa Foxley, chief of staff to rPlus Energies, a renewable developer, in testimony to lawmakers. Lawmakers in Oregon are considering an increase to the states tax on hotel and short-term rental stays to help fund non-game wildlife work. The proposal would bring in about $30 million annually. State Rep. Ken Helm, the bills Democratic sponsor, said the state wildlife agencys division to manage non-game species has come and gone over the last 30 years as funding is available. Growing concerns about climate change and biodiversity have created urgency to find a stable funding source, he said. Helm said the lodging tax is a logical source, because the states tourism industry is centered on the outdoors. He noted that Oregons natural resources agencies receive only a tiny fraction of the states general revenue. Travel and tourism groups oppose the bill, arguing it could drive visitors elsewhere. Helm has also proposed a bill that would bring in wildlife funding through an income tax increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his message to fellow lawmakers was: Ive given you two ways to get the money we need for this agency. Nobodys been able to come up with a better idea. Just pick one. The bill was heard in committee earlier this month, but has not yet advanced. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Hawaii approved a green fee a lodging tax increase of 0.75% that Democratic Gov. Josh Greens office estimates will bring in $100 million annually to help protect the state from climate change. While the fund is not explicitly focused on wildlife, its expected to contribute to efforts such as coral reef restoration and watershed protection that will benefit important habitats. State Rep. Amy Perruso, a Democrat who was among the advocates for a green fee, said the COVID-19 pandemic was a wakeup call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the absence of tourists, we saw a lot more fish in the ocean, everything about the environment was so much more healthy because we didnt have 10 million extra people, she said. If were going to do something to protect the environment, [tourism] is a logical connection. Washington state was among the first to significantly invest in non-game conservation through state tax revenue, with legislation enacted two years ago. The budget passed by lawmakers this session continues that work, with $14 million set aside for biodiversity and species recovery each of the next two years. Lawmakers in Kansas and North Carolina also proposed using more general fund revenue for wildlife work, although those measures have not advanced. Mission In other states, lawmakers are focused on expanding their wildlife agencies mission to more non-game species. Last year, Colorado gave wildlife managers the authority to manage insects and other invertebrates, as well as rare plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invertebrates are wildlife, and their conservation benefits the entire ecosystem, including the species [state wildlife officials] traditionally managed, said Richard Reading, vice chair of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. They do everything from creating our soils to filtering our water to pollinating the food we eat. Reading also serves as vice president of science and conservation at the Butterfly Pavilion, an insect zoo. He noted that studies are showing that many invertebrate species are in rapid decline. In addition to expanding the agencys authority, lawmakers provided funding for six staff members to take on the additional work. A similar bill in Nevada, focused on invertebrates, advanced through the Assemblys natural resources committee. Theres definitely concerns about declines in pollinator species, said Assemblymember Howard Watts, a Democrat who sponsored the bill. Our wildlife agency can and should take proactive action to do research, surveys and habitat improvement to keep these species off the [endangered species list]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watts said the bill would allow wildlife managers to consider insects in state plans to protect imperiled species. He said the Nevada Department of Wildlife has requested an entomologist position if its asked to take on the additional species. Beyond that, he said, the measure would not require additional money, as its focused on voluntary, proactive work, rather than additional regulations. Another bill in Pennsylvania would expand wildlife managers authority to include insects. That measure has been approved by the House Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Committee. Sporting groups have largely been supportive of efforts to provide new funding sources to manage non-game species. But some are skeptical of plans to expand agencies mission without an increase in revenue. Most hunters and anglers understand that healthy game populations are dependent on ecosystem integrity, said Devin ODea, Western policy and conservation manager with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, a nonprofit focused on public lands. But when you take a model thats been developed with the intent of enforcing regulations for fish and game species, expand that scope without funding and additional capacity, its a recipe for something to fall off the plate. Governance Meanwhile, some legislators want to rethink the commission model that oversees wildlife governance. Critics say that governors often select commissioners who are hunting guides, farmers and political donors. Once appointed, they enact wildlife policies to suit their economic interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, a Democrat, drafted a bill that would overhaul the states Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Her proposal would increase the board from seven to nine members. It would designate seats for scientists, conservationists, local officials, farmers, hunters and anglers. The commission has made decisions not based on science or conservation, but based on developers or landowners that engage in agricultural practices, she said. We tried to strike a balance to ensure there are voices with an environmental background, with a conservation and wildlife background, with an academic background. The bill did not advance, but Eskamani said grassroots support is building for systemic changes in wildlife management. Some sporting groups are more wary of commission overhaul proposals. We have seen examples where proposed changes to commissions were politically motivated or motivated by anti-hunting and anti-angling interests, said Kent Keene senior manager for Western states and agriculture policy with the Congressional Sportsmens Foundation, a group that promotes hunting and fishing priorities on Capitol Hill. When those changes are focused on science-based needs, then the sportsmens community has a long history of supporting those steps to ensure we are protecting our heritage. Some hunting and fishing groups have emphasized that the expanded mission should come with additional funding, so agencies arent stretched thin. Keene noted that hunters and anglers pay an excise tax on the purchase of gear, which provides an important funding source for wildlife agencies. Some have proposed a similar backpack tax on gear for hikers, birdwatchers and others. Another proposal in New Hampshire would give the wildlife agencys executive director the authority to make policy decisions, relegating the Fish and Game Commission to an advisory body. That bill did not advance. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Escaped New Orleans inmates - Photo: Louisiana Department of Justice While social media is placing bets on which escaped inmate will be captured last, or never, authorities are investigating just how 10 men successfully broke out of a New Orleans jail. According to reports, the men, including four who are charged with second-degree murder and remain on the run, had some assistance. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Tuesday (May 20) how the inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center early Friday morning: With the help of maintenance worker Sterling Williams, who allegedly cut off the water so the men could pull a toilet from the wall, creating an opening to the outside. To add insult to injury, To Easy Lol and We Innocent was written above the gaping hole above where the toilet once stood. Williams, 33, is currently being held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center on 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office charges. But he details how he didnt cooperate willingly. According to court documents, Williams said an inmate threatened to shank him if he did not help. He named Antoine Massey, who is still on the loose, as the inmate who allegedly threatened him, per an affidavit for an arrest warrant. Sterling Williams - Photo: Louisiana Department of Justice Murrill said in a news release: Williams admitted to agents that one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from...Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams turned the water off as directed, allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams may not be alone either, as three other jail employees have been suspended during the investigation. Footage showed Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, Kendell Myles, Derrick Groves, Jermain Donald, Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Robert Moody, and DKenan Dennis, escaping out of a loading dock door. They used blankets to scale a fence, the sheriffs office said, who reported their clothes were later found discarded. Over 200 law enforcement personnel are assisting in the search. Six of the 10 men remain at large as of Tuesday morning, CBS News reports. A $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of each escaped inmate is being offered. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said its the largest jailbreak in the history of the state that never should have happened and called for an audit of the jail by the Department of Corrections. He wants everyone in the criminal justice system to be held accountable, except for the police, who seem to be doing their job. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Chasing a loose kangaroo is getting to be part of the job for police in a southwestern Colorado city. Irwin, the pet kangaroo, wasn't difficult to nab when he got loose last fall in Durango. Still quite young at the time, he leaped into a bag similar to a mother kangaroo's pouch. On Monday, Irwin got loose again. A police caller was worried he might get hit by a car. This time, Irwin had grown too big for a bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That technique wasnt going to work. The officers were debating whether they needed to lasso it or what the plan was, police Cmdr. Nick Stasi said Tuesday. Officer Shane Garrison described by Stasi as a farm boy with animal-handling experience figured it out after following Irwin down an alley and into a backyard. Irwin was still small enough, about as big as a medium-sized dog, for Garrison to corner him near a house, sneak up close and grab him. He carried the kangaroo to a police trucks back seat and shut the door, as seen in a different officer's body camera video. Kangaroos are among the unusual but legal animals to keep in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irwin was taken home to his family in downtown Durango, a tourism hub of 20,000 residents that is known for mountain tours on a narrow-gauge train. Stasi wasn't sure how Irwin got out, but this 2-year-old pet will get only harder to catch. By age 4 or 5, kangaroos can grow taller than most men and weigh 200 pounds (90 kilograms). They can hop much faster than a person runs and deliver a powerful kick. We want all pet owners to be responsible with their pet, how they keep it and keep it safe, said Stasi. A lot of uncertainty: Kansas farmers react to back and forth tariff negotiations TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas farmers are prepping for the upcoming harvest season under a lot of uncertainty following back-and-forth negotiations over tariffs. Monday, May 19, marks one week since the Trump administration and China announced a 90-day pause of tariffs, with a 115% cut in tariffs and levies across the board. 27 News met up with a member of the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Soybean Association to see how reciprocal tariffs impact two of the biggest crop exports in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andy Winsor has over 3 decades of experience as a Kansas Farmer. He says its been a tough AG economy, even before tariff talks began. FBI Director Kash Patel says he will pledge more agents to Kansas, Topeka Weve just been facing a lot of uncertainty with planning this 2025 crop, Winsor said. With the tariffs lowering the value of the grain we produce and the other products we produce, were also facing higher costs of the seeds and fertilizers that we bring in from other countries. Half of the soybean and wheat crops in Kansas stay in the country, while the other half is exported around the world. After years of drought conditions impacting wheat, now is a pivotal time for farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were starting just now to receive more interest and trying to regain some of that market share that weve lost in the last couple of years, Kansas Wheat Commission CEO, Justin Gilpin said. Itll be an important time for those export markets to get that other half of the Kansas wheat crop either down to Mexico by direct rail or on a vessel to our overseas customers. With talks of tariffs against trade partners around the globe, farmers have more difficulty planning their next steps. Its hard to change a lot of things that we do on a very short timeframe, Winsor said, were planning out months and years ahead for crops, so we cant really change our crop practices on a dime. Glow-in-the-dark flowers being sold in Topeka Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is the largest buyer of soybeans, even after changes made by the first Trump administration. China has not come back and bought from us like they did prior to the 2018 tariffs, Winsor said. Theyre still not back to near the levels they were before that. Winsor says that it has had an impact on grain prices for the past 7 years, and its pushed other countries to invest in farm infrastructure outside of the U.S. Heading into the upcoming harvest season, both wheat and soybean producers are hoping for better trade relations. What our farmers really want is fair trade, Gilpin said. We want to have trading partners but we want to be able to be trading into a fair market and fair relationships. I think thats part of the process were going through right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soybeans are being planted right now with harvest season set for the fall, while wheat farmers kick off their harvest season around the first week of June. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Louisiana State Police are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in downtown Shreveport over the weekend. Police say it all began with an attempted carjacking. Shreveport crime and punishment Just after two p.m. Sunday afternoon, Shreveport Police Department (SPD) officers responded to an attempted carjacking near the intersection of Crockett and Marshall streets. Officers say the victim got away safely, but the suspect had a gun. They say one officer shot the suspect, who later died in the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With two carjackings reported in recent days, Shreveport police share ways to protect yourself. Sundays deadly shooting started when officers responded to a call about an attempted carjacking near the intersection of Crockett and Marshall streets. KTAL (Tony Neal) KTAL (Hunter Trombetta) KTAL (Hunter Trombetta) The SPD says it was the second carjacking-related incident in just a few days and offers tips on staying safe. Pay attention to your surroundings if you see individuals lurking about, said Cpl. Chris Borderlon. On Friday, police say 46-year-old Robert Gilleard tried to carjack not one, but two vehicles on Fairfield Avenue. He was caught on surveillance cameras being dragged by one of the vehicles. He was later taken to the hospital and arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shreveport man accused of two attempted carjackings arrested Keep your doors locked, keep your windows up if someone does approach your car and youre uncomfortable, you are under no burden to speak to that person. If you feel like something is wrong, your thought is probably correct. Cpl. Chris Borderlon. Cpl. Bordelon says to try to drive away. While these incidents have happened within days of each other He doesnt believe it reflects an overall increase in carjackings. These are isolated incidents we do believe we have a handle on this, and that we shouldnt see a rise in carjackings in our city, said Cpl. Chris Borderlon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana state police is now investigating the officer-involved shooting, while Shreveport police urge everyone to stay alert and prioritize their safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. By Nazrin Abdul In the shifting geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a reliable and indispensable bridge connecting East and West. Strategically located at the crossroads of major transit routes, Azerbaijan is navigating complex international dynamics with a balanced foreign policy that fosters strong ties with both China and Western powers. At the core of this strategy are energy cooperation, infrastructure integration, and geopolitical diversification. The deepening of relations between Azerbaijan and China reached a new milestone in July 2024, when President Ilham Aliyev described the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership, signed during the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, as a historic event. This agreement marked a clear transition from economic cooperation to a strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect, non-interference, and sovereign equality. It reflects not only a convergence of political will but also a growing alignment in geopolitical and economic interests. Trade data confirms this trajectory: in 2024, the trade volume between Azerbaijan and China rose by 20.7%, reaching $3.74 billion, with China becoming Azerbaijans top source of imports. Much of this growth is attributed to Bakus integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Aliyev has emphasized the importance of key infrastructure projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which connect China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe through Azerbaijan. With 287 block trains dispatched from China to Azerbaijan in 2024 alonea rise of over 80%the Middle Corridor is fast becoming a critical and secure logistics alternative in the Eurasian trade system. As noted in a detailed report by the Italian geopolitical magazine Formiche, the Azerbaijan-China partnership is now extending beyond traditional trade and infrastructure into the domain of renewable energy a sector that is pivotal to Azerbaijans long-term strategic goals. In April 2024, the two countries signed a series of agreements targeting green energy development: - A 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gobustan, a joint investment between the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy and the Chinese multinational Universal. - A 100-megawatt floating solar plant on Lake Boyukshor, led by China Datang Overseas Investment. - A 160-megawatt solar park developed by PowerChina Resources and Socar Green, scheduled for operation in 2028. Beyond these, a landmark memorandum of understanding was signed for the construction of a two-gigawatt offshore wind farm in the Caspian Seaone of the most ambitious renewable projects in the region. According to Formiche, these collaborations are not limited to plant construction; they are part of a broader vision to build an integrated, high-tech energy infrastructure that would allow Azerbaijan not only to meet its domestic needs but also to become a net exporter of green electricity to Europe. This green pivot is reinforced by earlier cooperation frameworks signed at COP29 in 2024, which included the development of research centers and capacity-building programs in renewable energy technologies. These developments underscore the strategic importance of China in Azerbaijans green energy ambitions. Chinas low-cost technology, turnkey project management, and financing mechanisms provide Azerbaijan with the tools needed to expand its renewable sector rapidly. But this alignment is not without risks. As Formiche cautions, such reliance may lead to long-term dependence on Chinese technology, services, and standards, particularly in complex infrastructure areas like offshore and floating solar installations, which demand specialized expertise and maintenance. This emerging technical and strategic dependency raises concerns in Western capitals. If left unchecked, it could shift Azerbaijans strategic orientation more firmly toward Beijing. Thus, Europe must act proactively to ensure that Azerbaijans green transformation remains geopolitically balanced. Despite the growth of China-Azerbaijani relations, Azerbaijan continues to maintain robust and time-tested partnerships with the West, especially the European Union. The Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), is a vital artery of natural gas to Europe, reducing the continents dependence on Russian energy. However, Azerbaijans role is evolvingfrom a fossil fuel supplier to a green energy hub. Through cooperation with EU countries, particularly Italy, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to diversify its partnerships in the renewable sector. As Formiche notes, Rome, with its long-standing diplomatic and energy relations with Baku, could be central in shaping a European counterbalance to Chinas growing presence. The Middle Corridor, where Azerbaijan serves as the keystone between East and West, also benefits Europe. With global attention shifting toward secure, alternative transport routes, Azerbaijan offers not just reliability, but geostrategic neutrality. This neutrality allows it to operate as a hub rather than a satellitefacilitating multilateral connectivity without being dominated by a single power. Azerbaijans foreign policy today reflects a model of careful calibration: fostering deep economic ties with China, while preserving strategic depth with Europe. Its investments in both energy infrastructure and transit routes have made it a pivotal actor in Eurasian geopolitics. As Baku moves forward with its renewable energy transformation, supported heavily by Chinese capital and technology, Europe must recognize both the opportunities and the strategic stakes. Azerbaijans ambition to become a green electricity exporter aligns with EU energy goalsbut requires greater European involvement to avoid excessive dependence on any single external actor. In essence, Azerbaijan is not merely a bridgeit is an active architect of the corridors it connects. By reinforcing its partnerships with both East and West, Baku is crafting a role that is not only strategically central but also indispensable to the future of transcontinental cooperation. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ Over the past 24 hours, 177 combat clashes have been recorded. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram in operational information regarding the Russian invasion as of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. "According to updated information, yesterday the enemy carried out 59 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, dropped 117 guided aerial bombs, and used 2,882 kamikaze drones. The enemy also carried out 5,366 artillery attacks, including 157 from multiple launch rocket systems," the General Staff reports. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) After pushback over funding cuts by the Lafayette Parish School System, the Pre-K French Immersion program at Myrtle Place Elementary is officially making a comeback for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Parents Blair Broussard and Cara Acomb, and LPSS school board member Roddy Bergeron, say the Pre-K French Immersion is needed for the community and culture. When it was announced in January that the Pre-K Immersion Program would be cut from Myrtle Place, we wanted to make our voices heard about that and have our concerns be taken into consideration about this decision, said Broussard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after LPSS cut funding for the Pre-K French immersion at Myrtle Elementary School in January. After LPSS made budget cuts on the program, a local group of about 80 individuals have been advocating to save the program. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest LPSS works to save Pre-K French Immersion Program at Myrtle Elementary Acomb says the program is a great resource and provides a headstart for children who want to be fully exposed to the language. Both of my daughters are in the program, and they will every once in a while, switch to French, said Acomb. Im wondering what they are saying back there, but they both speak it so fluently, and its just a great tool, said Acomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing many concerns from parents, LPSS announced they have since reconsidered their plans to cut the program. In a letter sent to parents in April, it states the program would be resuming applications for the upcoming school year. Roddy Bergeron, a LPSS Board Member, says officials are working to preserve the program throughout the years. Theres some potential through funding, there is community partners out there, its still the state legislature, they have some purse strings too that we can pull on and see if theres any funding for us, were going to find every avenue we can to help preserve the program, said Bergeron. Broussard says she is grateful she and other parents concerns were taken into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be Pre-K in the fall happening, said Broussard. It is so important that all of these stakeholders have worked together to make this possible, this is the next chapter for Pre-K and French Immersion and really all world language immersion that LPSS offers. There are limited spots available for Pre-K students who want to pursue the French immersion program. The program is being run on a tuition contract. The tuition rate is $603 per month for 9 months from September to May. If you are interested in applying for this program, here are the next steps: Complete an online application at www.enrolllafayette.com for the Program Choice of Lafayette Parish School System Pre-K Program. If you have already completed a Lafayette Parish School System Application at www.enrolllafayette.com , our Early Childhood placement team will be contacting you via our online application system regarding this new placement opportunity. You will receive a notification when the information is sent. If you have not already done so, complete a Lafayette Parish School System Application at www.enrolllafayette.com 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. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has laid off 15 full-time employees, many from the organization's education and public programming team. The layoffs amount to 14% of the full-time staff, the museum said Tuesday. An additional seven part-time, on-call employees also had their roles eliminated, the museum said. Two people familiar with museum operations who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation described the scene as shocking and chaotic on Thursday morning, when employees were summoned into morning meetings with human resources, informed that their jobs had been terminated and given until 2 p.m. to vacate the premises. Personal belongings were being sent to their homes by courier, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum's curator of film programs, Bernardo Rondeau, was among those laid off. He was informed while he was at the Cannes film festival, and he posted on LinkedIn: "As of today, my role as Curator, Film Programs at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has been made redundant, effective immediately. Im deeply grateful for the time Ive spent there and for the many talented people Ive had the privilege to work with." Rondeau, who previously served as the founding director of film programs at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Times. A representative for the museum told The Times that the layoffs were made "due to a necessary shift of the institutions focus to ensure we open on time next year." "It is a tremendously difficult decision to reorganize roles and to eliminate staff, but the restructure will allow the museums teams to work more efficiently to bring the museum to life for the public," the museum said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lucas Museum was founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, who searched for a location in San Francisco and Chicago before choosing Exposition Park in Los Angeles. The $1-billion museum broke ground adjacent to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in 2018. The project experienced its first substantial delay in 2022, as pandemic-related supply-chain issues forced the opening originally scheduled for 2023 to be pushed back to 2025. Earlier this year its opening was again pushed back, to 2026. In February the museum's director and chief executive, Sandra Jackson-Dumont, stepped down after five years in charge. The museum said her role was being split into two positions, with Lucas overseeing "content direction" and former 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures chairman and chief executive Jim Gianopulos taking over as interim chief executive. Jackson-Dumont left on April 1. Jackson-Dumont has not spoken publicly about her departure and did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Monday. Sources said Lucas has been involved in curatorial decisions but did not seem engaged in the education and public programming that Jackson-Dumont had championed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to her arrival in L.A., Jackson-Dumont served as the chairwoman of education and public programs at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The San Francisco native also held education and public programming roles at the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Seattle Art Museum, where she worked with Regan Pro, the Lucas Museum deputy director of public programs and social impact who was among those laid off last week, according to sources. Pro did not respond to a request for comment from The Times. "Education remains a central pillar of the Lucas Museum," the museum said in a statement Tuesday morning. "One of the main reasons Los Angeless Exposition Park was chosen as the location for the museum was its proximity to other museums, USC, and more than 400 schools in a five-mile radius. The importance of education for the museum can be seen by the educational spaces baked into the museums design from the beginning, including 10 large classroom spaces, a vast library, and two state-of-the-art theaters. Educational program plans are still in development, and we look forward to sharing more closer to opening." Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When is Mummys letter coming? Is Mummys letter here yet, Daddy? Over the past week, hope and excitement have been building in the Connolly household. Mummy was coming home! Ray Connolly has done his best to manage his 12-year-old daughters expectations, keeping the likely date of the Court of Appeals decision as vague as possible, but Holly wouldnt stop asking. It was disappointing last Thursday when, after several hours of evidence, Lord Justice Holroyde said there would be no decision that day, instead a written ruling would be issued as soon as possible. Just after 10.30am today, on the 284th day of Lucys incarceration, Mummys letter, that much longed-for email, arrived. It was a hammer blow. Devastating. Lucy Connolly had lost her appeal for early release. The three judges had decided that a 31-month sentence for one very nasty, hastily-deleted tweet posted on the day of the Southport massacre by a woman of previously exemplary character was perfectly just and reasonable. Normal people, that is the millions of us who dont inhabit the rarefied legal bubble of the Royal Courts of Justice, were shocked and horrified. What on earth was that poor woman even doing in jail in the first place? Seldom can common sense (and its tender sister, common humanity) and legal opinion have been so estranged. The law was no longer just an ass, it was a whole stable of braying donkeys in horsehair wigs. I am ashamed of my country, a country I barely recognise. A country where the judiciary appears to have lost its independence along with its marbles, a country where sentences allow posts on social media to be treated more harshly than physical violence and leniency is extended to bad people if theyre from a protected minority but God help you if youre white or working class and blaspheme against the liberal deities. A Britain that can treat a Lucy Connolly with such monstrous callousness is, frankly, a frightening place. No one is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shame on them, said Lucy, who called me from HMP Drake Hall minutes after we got the terrible news. Those three judges that were sitting there in court should be ashamed of themselves, they are cruel, Allison. Women here in jail, they have made mistakes and you listen to their stories and you think, You are poor, you are vulnerable, you didnt know better, you made really bad choices, you can be forgiven. But those judges, intelligent men, they didnt make a mistake. Its cruel and twisted what they did. Lucy always somehow manages to sound chipper, resilient, able to see the funny side of her crazy predicament and determined not to let them break her. But not any more. This time, she was raging. Absolute rotten b------s. Rotten, dictating b------d judges. Theyre keeping me away from my child. Its three more months without her, and her without me. At the thought of further separation from her daughter, and the very clear harm it is doing Holly (an innocent child suspended again from school but not worthy of sympathy from that trio of eminent judges), she starts to sob. Two days ago, when I asked how she thought the appeal would go, Lucy laughed and said, I think this Government would keep me in for a hundred years if they could. It wasnt funny any more. Lucy did not hesitate to blame the Prime Minister for the judges refusal to reduce her sentence. As someone who has grown close to the Connolly family, I felt sick hearing the news that she would stay in prison, of course, but sadly not surprised. Since the morning Lucy was arrested last August, surrounded by the infants in her childminding group, pretty much everything that has happened to her stinks to high heaven. Astonishingly, Lucy, a first-time offender and no flight risk, was denied bail, twice (men on rape charges are regularly granted it). Lucy Connolly: Whatever you think of what I did, I think 10 and a half months inside is long enough Lucy pleaded guilty because she believed, if she did so, shed be out in time for Christmas. At her sentencing, which had the queasy feeling of a Stalinist show trial, Justice Melbourne Inman delivered a woke, worryingly political sermon which began, It is a strength of our society that it is both diverse and inclusive. Reading the judgment, it is hard to suppress the thought that Lucys views on immigration (shared by a majority of her fellow countrymen) may as well have been in the dock alongside her. Paying precious little attention to Mrs Connollys multiple mitigations a diagnosis of PTSD after her toddler Harry died beside her after catastrophic NHS negligence in 2011, frequent anxiety attacks triggered by the suffering of children, glowing testimonials from Nigerian, Bangladeshi and Jamaican parents who insisted their beloved childminder was not racist the judge imposed a vastly disproportionate sentence which even horrified experienced lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first, but far from the last, indication that Lucy Connolly was a political prisoner. With the Labour Government refusing to tell us key information about the Southport killer in order to preserve the diversity is our strength narrative, Keir Starmer warned of swift action against far-Right thugs and of no let-up against far-Right violence. Lucy, a Conservative councillors wife, fitted the bill perfectly. The bright, funny, caring 42-year-old from Northampton became a handy head to stick on a spike to deter others who might be tempted to question a weak regime terrified of civil unrest. You have to admit the demonisation of Lucy Connolly was a roaring success. A few weeks after she arrived at Peterborough prison, a couple of the officers with whom she had got friendly teased her, Youre nothing like they said you were, Lucy. When a startled Lucy asked what they meant, the officers said theyd been warned by the authorities to watch out because that Connolly woman could be violent. But Ive never had a fight in my life, Lucy protested. It certainly seems to suit some people for Lucy Connolly to remain a hate figure. You shouldnt even be in prison, its ridiculous, a probation officer at Peterborough, told her. This man apparently made that point several times to the governor, although Lucys probation officer then changed. In one of her many carefully-argued letters to the governor, protesting her blatantly unfair treatment, Lucy complained of a corrupt system. The discrimination against this exemplary prisoner continued when she was transferred, at her own request, to Drake Hall in Staffordshire. Since November, Lucy has been entitled to RoTL (Right of Temporary Leave) which would allow her to spend a precious night at home with Holly and Ray, who holds the fort stoically but has bone-marrow failure. Her requests were repeatedly denied. When Lucys mother, Heather, asked the Home Office why her daughter wasnt getting the leave to which she was entitled, the reply came back that she hadnt been assessed yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a Kafkaesque quality to this endless denial of Lucys human rights. Her probation officers say they can manage her risk in the community, but the authorities ignore them. It torments her, says Ray. The governor says shes fed up of having to tell Lucy, No. Like shes getting her orders from on high. Yes, exactly like that. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood this week announced that 40,000 prisoners, some of them dangerous, would be allowed to leave prison wearing a tag to free up places. When I told Lucy about this, I could envisage the major eye-roll at the other end of the phone. I have been entitled to a tag since February, she sighed. The prison says Im deemed unsuitable, but the law says Im eligible for it. I never get told off, I never fight, Im polite, I toe the line. Lucy says they let out prisoners who boast, Im going to get my crack pipe, and I am going to rob a granny to pay for drugs. And they say I am deemed unsuitable! After I first wrote about Lucy in The Telegraph, she was summoned to the governors office to be punished. For the offence of speaking to the media, she was told she would once again be denied RoTL. Dont blame yourself, Allison, they were never going to give it to me, Lucy said. That was a lie. Prisons expert Ian Acheson points to potentially negligent treatment. There seem to have been multiple detriments in the way Lucy has been treated in relation to risk in prison [linked] to her notoriety, including [denial of] RoTL. This obviously contributes to psychological damage as well as potentially impeding a faster release. Doesnt this sound like mental torture to you? During the Southport riots, to distract from the barbarous slaughter of three little girls in what sounded suspiciously like an Islamist terror attack, it suited the legal and political establishment to demonise Lucy Connolly as if she were the Myra Hindley of Twitter. Having made her notorious they now use that notoriety as a reason to keep her in prison because of media interest. What they really fear, I think, is losing control of her a free Lucy Connolly is a threat to a weak, authoritarian prime minister who told JD Vance in the Oval Office that he was very proud of free speech in Britain. At the time his legal muckers were breaking a butterfly upon a wheel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular belief that we have a two-tier justice system has grown and the Court of Appeals decision that Lucy was an incredible witness (they didnt believe her notably impressive testimony) only pours petrol on that fire. Lucy tells me she will now carefully be watching the case of Ricky Jones, a Labour councillor who was caught on video telling a crowd that We need to cut their throats and get rid of them. (But the their meant white protesters, so who cares, right?) Unlike Lucy, Jones got bail and wont stand trial till the end of the summer, a whole year since his alleged offence. Meanwhile, Gary Lineker shares a grossly anti-Semitic tweet an incitement to racial hatred if ever I saw it but the TV star is allowed to apologise. It beggars belief that Lucy Connolly should be treated so much more harshly. I was thinking the judges would release her and I might be picking Lucy up from prison today, Ray Connolly told me wistfully. But then I thought, How would the Government do it and save face? People are watching around the world. They are, Ray. Watching in horrified disbelief as hurty words are treated like major crimes while judges show unforgivable leniency to major crimes. Whatever you think of what I did, Lucy says. I think 10 and a half months inside is long enough. Most would surely agree with her. Yesterday, prison officers were coming into her cell saying, Omigod, Lucy, I cant believe it, we were sure you were leaving. Lucy was deeply upset about the judges rejection of her appeal when we spoke. Its political, I know that it is, but theyre playing politics with a 12-year-old child. Never fear, Lucy will come back stronger. The worst thing has already happened to me, that was Harry dying. So, yes, this is bad, but its not the worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I spoke to Ray he was still plucking up the courage to tell Holly that Mummy wont be home for the birthday when she becomes a teenager. I tell Ray to soften the blow by showing Holly the crowdfunder for Lucy and promising her some new summer clothes. Thousands upon thousands of people, including many incredibly generous Telegraph readers, have donated an astonishing 88,000 some 6,000 in the hours since that appalling and cruel Court of Appeal decision to help Lucy rebuild her life and to show that they stand against two-tier justice. (You can still donate to Lucy online.) I think theyre putting two fingers up to two-tier Keir, joked Lucy when I told her about the amazing support for her. Theres a bit of that, undoubtedly, but there are also a huge number of Britons who want to show that we mind deeply that our country has a political prisoner whom the state thinks it can use to suppress free speech. People who are saying they will march on Downing Street if need be. I think this Government would keep me in for a hundred years if they could, she said. We wont let that happen to you, dear Lucy, you can count on it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Lufthansa plane flew for about 10 minutes without a pilot when the co-pilot became incapacitated while the captain was outside the cockpit during a flight last February, according to Spain's Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. The flight on Feb. 17, 2024, from Frankfurt, Germany, to Seville, Spain an Airbus A321 carrying 199 passengers and six crew members was over the Iberian Peninsula when the captain left the flight deck to go to the bathroom. Shortly afterward, the 38-year-old co-pilot "suffered a sudden and severe incapacitation," a report from the Ministry of Transport said. The report ultimately concluded that the plane "flew for about 10 minutes in the cruise phase with the autopilot engaged but without additional supervision by either pilot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the captain was finished in the bathroom, he could not get back into the cockpit, according to the report. The door to the cockpit can only be opened from the inside, so to get back in, the captain would have to enter a code that would then alert the person inside the cockpit to open the door for them. The captain entered the code several times but still couldn't get into the flight deck. When a crew member tried to contact the co-pilot from the intercom, there was no response. The captain then used the emergency code which would have unlocked the door after a short delay to try to get into the flight deck, but before the delay expired, the co-pilot opened the door from the inside to let him in. The captain noticed the co-pilot was "pale, sweating and moving strangely," according to the report, so he was given first aid by a crew member and a doctor who happened to be traveling on the flight as a passenger. That doctor diagnosed the co-pilot with a possible heart condition, the report said. The investigation into the incident concluded the co-pilot's incapacitation was "the symptom of a neurological condition that had not been detected either by the affected person himself or in the previous aeronautical medical examinations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found that the co-pilot lost consciousness so suddenly, he didn't have time to warn other crew members. While the co-pilot was incapacitated, he inadvertently hit several switches in the cockpit, including increasing pressure on one of the foot pedals, according to the report. This caused a 2-degree roll and a 5-degree heading change, both of which were fixed by the plane's autopilot, which remained on the whole time. About two minutes elapsed from the time the captain first tried to get back into the cockpit to when the door was finally opened, according to the report. The captain diverted the plane to the nearest airport, which was Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport, where the flight landed safely about 20 minutes later. The co-pilot did not return to the cockpit for the rest of the flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The co-pilot's condition would not have been found during medical screenings unless he was actively experiencing symptoms at the time or had previously experienced them, the report said. The co-pilot's medical certificate was suspended after the flight, with the report noting: "This illness is disqualifying for obtaining or maintaining medical fitness to fly." Lufthansa did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment. Italy's Trulli: From Past to Present Car bomb outside Palm Springs fertility clinic was act of terrorism, officials say Everything we know about investigation into blast outside Palm Springs fertility clinic Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) shared a photo of what she described as a "naked silhouette" of herself that she said was taken without her consent while renewing allegations of sexual abuse against multiple men, including her ex-fiance, during a House subcommittee hearing Tuesday. The four men Mace has accused of crimes have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. The South Carolina Republican framed her testimony as part of a broader effort to advocate for stronger legal protections for victims of nonconsensual recording and sexual misconduct. The remarkable moment from a sitting member of Congress came during a hearing for the House Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee, which Mace chairs, titled "Breach of Trust: Surveillance in Private Spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would run through a brick wall to protect women and girls in South Carolina and to other potential victims, Mace said during her remarks. I want you to know I have your back. Along with the photo of herself, Mace presented a series of censored images of women, which she claimed were pulled from recordings belonging to her ex-fiance and Charleston tech entrepreneur Patrick Bryant who has denied Maces allegations. Mace also said the photos of the unidentified women were taken without their consent. In a statement to POLITICO on Tuesday, Bryant called the accusations Mace made during the hearing false and outrageous. I have never raped anyone, Bryant said. I have never hidden cameras. I have never harmed any woman. These accusations are not just false they are malicious and deeply personal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Mace made these claims only while standing in Congress, purportedly shielded by legal immunity, Bryant continued. If she believed them to be true and there was evidence to support her accusations, she would say them outside the chamber away from her public role and protections and pursue them through proper legal channels. She has not done so, because she cannot. Maces testimony follows a House floor speech she delivered in early February, accusing Bryant and three other men of rape, sex trafficking and recording sex acts with her and others without consent. Legal battles have emerged from her allegations. Mace faces a pending defamation lawsuit brought by one of the men shes accused, which was filed in March in federal court. Earlier this month, an attorney with the U.S. Attorneys Office in South Carolina told the court he would be representing Mace, a sign that Mace will likely claim her speech is protected under a clause in the Constitution that provides a legal shield for members of Congress for actions taken as part of their roles as lawmakers. Mace also sued one of the other accused men in state court earlier this month, claiming he repeatedly and maliciously defamed her on social media. As this week got underway, Donald Trump appeared principally focused on whining about Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce, but the president eventually managed to shift his attention to a key phone meeting with Vladimir Putin about Russias war in Ukraine. As NBC News reported, their discussion, which lasted more than two hours, didnt amount to much. President Donald Trump spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other leaders in separate calls Monday, in an attempt to stop the bloodbath of the war in Ukraine. But the presidents outreach was inconclusive, and there was little sign of a breakthrough. While the Republican seemed eager to celebrate his attempts at diplomacy by way of his social media platform he specifically wrote online, The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent there was little evidence of meaningful progress. Trump boasted that Russia and Ukraine would soon hold discussions about a possible ceasefire, but there were no available details about when and where those talks might happen. Complicating matters, Putins statement about the phone meeting was far more muted than his American counterparts reaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken together, the news was hardly encouraging: In the wake of a key diplomatic opportunity, Trump backed off his own goal of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, instead setting the stage for possible negotiations about a possible ceasefire, which might ultimately lead to a possible resolution. The larger timeline paints an even less flattering picture for the American president. Trumps Plan A for the war in Ukraine was ending the conflict within 24 hours by way of a secret strategy he assured voters was real. When it became obvious that his strategy didnt actually exist, Trump moved on to Plan B: He told Russia that if it failed to end the conflict quickly, the White House would have no other choice but to impose new economic sanctions. It was an approach the Republican tried in January, early March, late March and early May, but in each instance, Putin ignored the threats, and Trump failed to follow through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That paved the way for Plan C: Trump administration officials, including the U.S. envoy to Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, recently met with traditional U.S. allies and settled on a specific strategy: If Moscow didnt agree to a ceasefire, hed face a new round of international economic penalties, including from the United States. Almost immediately thereafter, Trump rejected his own administrations plan, announcing Plan D: He endorsed Putins call for bilateral talks and directed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to participate in direct negotiations in Turkey. That plan also failed when Putin decided not to go to the talks that Putin said he wanted. Trying to justify the failure, the American president argued a few days ago that this plan didnt work out because he wasnt personally on hand for the discussions in Turkey, though he also added, I was never scheduled to go. Of course, this explanation quickly collapsed on itself: If Trumps participation was necessary, and he was never scheduled to be there, why did he direct Zelenskyy to go? It was at this point when Trump said the only path forward Plan E? was direct talks between him and Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And hes apparently now changed his mind about that, too. The New York Times summarized: [W]hile Mr. Trump presented the start of peace talks as a concession by Mr. Putin, he was largely endorsing Mr. Putins own approach, given that Russia has responded to calls to stop the fighting by proposing extended negotiations. Now, Mr. Trump appears to be prepared to step back and urge Russia and Ukraine to make a deal directly with each other. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed concern about that, saying on Monday after he held two calls with Mr. Trump that the negotiation process must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level. European leaders were reportedly "stunned" by the American leader's deference toward his Russian counterpart. It led The Washington Posts Max Boot to conclude, Putin is playing him for a fool, and Trump doesnt even seem to realize it. I cant wait to see what Plan G entails. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks after Election Day 2024, Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama assured the public that Donald Trump wouldnt choose a criminal for a governmental position. About a week later, the then-president-elect tapped Peter Navarro, who completed a prison sentence earlier this year after being convicted for contempt of Congress, for an advisory post at the White House. Trump also announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner despite his own criminal past to serve as the U.S. ambassador to France. As NBC News reported, the Senate has now confirmed Kushner to the post. The Senate voted 51-45 tonight to confirm real estate developer Charles Kushner to be U.S. ambassador to France. Kushner is the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, who was a White House adviser during Trumps first term. ... Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey joined most Republicans in voting for Kushners nomination. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against him. In case anyone needs a refresher, Kushner is perhaps best known for having been convicted of tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign contributions. Of particular interest, though, was the fact that Kushner, according to evidence uncovered by prosecutors, hired a prostitute to coax his brother-in-law whod agreed to testify against him into a motel room and then sent a video recording of the sexual encounter to Kushners sister, all in the hopes of keeping him silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None other than former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, during his tenure as a U.S. attorney, prosecuted the case and later called Kushners actions one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted. As an NBC News report noted, In 2005, the elder Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison as part of a plea deal after he pleaded guilty to 18 counts, including tax evasion, retaliating against a federal witness and lying to the Federal Election Commission. Shortly before Christmas Eve 2020, when Trump was preparing to leave the White House and it seemed implausible that his political career would recover, he pardoned Kushner. Evidently, that wasnt enough and four years later, Trump decided to reward Kushner with a plum diplomatic position, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a rule, its not common for people to make the transition from prison to an ambassadorial position in Paris, but in the world of Trump, strange things happen. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Theres been considerable discussion in recent weeks about basic legal principles such as habeas corpus and the degree to which the Trump administration is hostile toward the bedrock foundations of the American system of government. Whats gone largely overlooked, however, is whether Trump administration officials have a high-school-civics-class-level understanding of what these legal principles are. Take Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for example. Axios reported: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem botched questions about habeas corpus at a Senate hearing Tuesday, falsely asserting the check on the governments power to detain people actually gives President Trump a constitutional right to conduct deportations. Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire phrased her question about this in a simple and straightforward way: Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Dakota Republican replied, Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country, at which point the senator interrupted to note, Excuse me, thats incorrect. I can appreciate why the typical American with no legal background might not be able to answer such a question extemporaneously, but Noem is not a layperson. Shes a college graduate with a degree in political science; she served several years as a state legislator; she served several more years as an elected member of Congress; she was twice elected to serve as the governor of her home state; and shes now leading one of the nations largest and most important federal agencies a department thats currently in the process of seizing people in the United States. If anyone should have a rudimentary understanding of what habeas corpus is, its the secretary of homeland security. But Noem flunked this very easy test anyway, leading Hassan to set the record straight. Habeas corpus is the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people, the New Hampshire Democrat explained. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason. ... Habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the same congressional hearing, Noem also proceeded to argue that Donald Trump has the constitutional authority to suspend habeas corpus, but that was wrong, too: The Constitution includes this provision as a constitutional power in Article I. In case this werent quite enough, when Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey asked the Cabinet secretary which part of the Constitution includes habeas corpus, Noem was again stumped. The significance of this goes well beyond marveling at a powerful officials ignorance. Earlier this month, Stephen Miller, a White House deputy chief of staff, told reporters that White House officials are actively looking at possibly suspending the writ of habeas corpus. If this were to happen, the Trump administration would have the power to lock people up without charges, and prisoners would not have the ability to contest their incarceration. Eleven days after Miller made those comments, the homeland security secretary couldnt even offer a basic definition of what habeas corpus is despite the scope of her powers, and despite the fact that this legal principle has existed for the better part of a millennium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a healthier political environment, a fiasco such as this one would lead to credible discussion about whether Noem should be forced to resign in embarrassment. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com It was a few weeks ago when Justice Department lawyers indicated in a court hearing that theyd reached a settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan. 6 rioter who was fatally shot by a police officer during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. At the time, however, there were no public indications as to the scope of the settlement. As The New York Times reported, those details are now coming into view. The Justice Department is discussing giving the relatives of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran killed by the police during the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, about $5 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit they brought against the government last year, according to two people familiar with the matter. Different news organizations have come to different conclusions about the specifics of the legal process some have said the settlement agreement is complete, for example but NBC News is on the same page as the Times, which noted that the details of the negotiations are still being finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the pointed reactions to the developments have been notable. For example, Thomas Manger, the outgoing chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, does not usually issue public statements, but as Politico reported, in this instance, he made an exception. I am extremely disappointed and disagree with this settlement, Manger said, noting that a prior Justice Department investigation found no wrongdoing by police. This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours. On Capitol Hill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had a similar reaction. Awarding the family of an insurrectionist $5 million is an insult to first responders those who are in the Capitol and those everywhere, the New York Democrat said on the Senate floor. It sends a sickening message to police and all other first responders throughout the country: When it matters most, Donald Trump will turn his back on you. For those who might need a refresher, lets revisit our earlier coverage and review how we arrived at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Jan. 6 attack, a group of rioters reached a doorway that led to a House chamber hallway. That hallway was an escape route for lawmakers who could see the attackers through glass windows. As regular readers know, when rioters smashed through those windows, one of the insurrectionists, Babbitt, tried to break through to enter the hallway where members of Congress were being evacuated to safety. Officers asked her to stand down. She refused. A police officer eventually fired a single shot, and the rioter later died at a local hospital. Then-Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a year before the Oklahoma Republicans election to the Senate, was a witness to the developments and conceded publicly that the officer did what he had to do and didnt have a choice. Whats more, the U.S. Capitol Police cleared the lieutenant who fired the shot, and the Justice Department officials who examined the matter determined that charges against the officer were not warranted. In the months that immediately followed the attack on the Capitol, most leading Republicans, including Trump, expressed little interest in Babbitt. Her death was of great interest to the far-right fringe, but at least initially, Trump did not see her story as worthy of attention, and he also didnt see the need to lash out at the police officer who had protected dozens of lawmakers and their aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in June 2021, the Republican said that he saw Babbitt as an ally who was on his side. A month later, he said the rioter was innocent. A month after that, he accused the officer who shot her of murder. In 2023, Trump condemned the cop as a thug and a coward who deserves to be vilified, and earlier this year, the president inexplicably claimed that Babbitt was shot for no reason whatsoever. This rhetoric is notable because it helps explain the apparent settlement. In theory, given the facts of the case, theres no reason for the administration to settle with the Babbitt family, whose civil suit was likely to fail. But in practice, the president and his team want to use American taxpayers money to reward Jan. 6 rioters, so its not the least bit surprising that the Trump administration also wants to direct $5 million to the Babbitt family, the weakness of their case notwithstanding. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com If Russia puts forward unrealistic conditions for ceasefire, it will deserve additional sanctions - Zelenskyy after his talk with Trump Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/13559 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stresses the importance of imposing additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to prolong the war and put forward unrealistic peace conditions. "If Russia does not stop the killings, if it does not release prisoners and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic conditions, then this means that Russia is continuing to drag out the war and deserves that Europe, America and the whole world behave accordingly, in particular, respond with additional sanctions," Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Monday evening after a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump and Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin. However, according to him, at the beginning of the bilateral conversation he confirmed to Trump that Ukraine is ready for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. "If the Russians are not ready to stop killing, there should be stronger sanctions for this. Pressure on Russia will encourage it to real peace - this is obvious to everyone in the world," the Ukrainian president wrote. "Now is a defining time. Now the world can see whether its leaders have the capacity to ensure that the war ends and a real, lasting peace comes," Zelenskyy noted. The last month hasnt been especially kind to international candidates aligned with Donald Trump. In Canada, for example, the countrys Liberal Party was struggling badly against its Conservative rivals right up until Trump returned to the White House, took steps to shatter the relationship between the U.S. and its allied neighbor, announced plans to try to acquire Canada and make it Americas 51st state, and launched a damaging trade war for reasons that have never made sense. Late last month, Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, was seen as overtly aligned with Trump, and not only did his party suffer as Liberals held on to power, but Poilievre also managed to lose his own seat in Parliament, a seat he had held for over 20 years. Less than a week later, an eerily similar set of circumstances unfolded in Australia, where the candidate most closely associated with the American Republican Peter Dutton, a hard-right candidate who embraced MAGA-style politics not only fell short of his goal of becoming prime minister, he also lost his own seat in the midst of a surprisingly good year for the countrys center-left Labor Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trend isnt over just yet. The New York Times reported: In a setback for Europes surging nationalist forces, Nicusor Dan, a centrist mayor and former mathematics professor, on Sunday won the presidential election in Romania, defeating a hard-right candidate who is aligned with President Trump and has opposed military aid to Ukraine. With more than 98 percent of ballots counted, preliminary official results gave 54 percent of the vote in the presidential runoff to Mr. Dan, 55, the mayor of Romanias capital, Bucharest. His opponent, George Simion, a nationalist and fervent admirer of Mr. Trump who had been widely seen as the front-runner, drew only 46 percent. Shortly before voting ended, the far-right candidate claimed without evidence that many deceased people had appeared on the countrys electoral lists a claim that was very much on-brand for the Trump-aligned candidate. As a separate Times analysis recently explained, Trumps second term is still relatively new, but already his policies, including imposing tariffs and upending alliances, have rippled into domestic political battles around the world. But while the results out of Romania led to sighs of relief throughout Europe, NBC News reported that two of Trumps wealthy White House advisers responded to Dans victory by casting doubt on the state of democracy in Romania. [David Sacks] expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Romanias democracy. Sacks, a wealthy investor, denounced the result Monday in a post on X as statistically unlikely, if not impossible. The statement amounted to an accusation of fraud, although Sacks provided no evidence, and he criticized Romanian authorities for disqualifying a leading pro-Russia candidate, Calin Georgescu. ... [Elon Musk] weighed in separately. On X, he amplified an accusation by the head of the messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, who said the French government had asked him to ban conservative voices in Romania from Telegram ahead of the election. To the extent that Republican conspiracy theorists are concerned about evidence, NBC News report added that the U.S. embassy in Romania sent several teams to observe the countrys electoral process, and after the votes were tallied, the interim U.S. head of mission Romania congratulated the winner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, what were left with is an unfortunate but familiar dynamic: On the one side, there are the legitimate election results, embraced by leading democracies and U.S. diplomats, while on the other side, there are Trumps wealthy White House advisers peddling baseless claims. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- 20-year-old Madeline Pantoja disappeared in May of 2023; her loved ones spent an agonizing ten days waiting for answers and looking for clues, not knowing if she was dead or alive and the search for answers sparked a firestorm nationwide as locals, and people across the country, rallied together for justice. Theres so many people looking for you, theres so many people that just want you back. Youre not alone and were not going to stop looking for you until we have a response, said Madelines cousin, Myriam Benavides, as the search for answers continued. On May 20, 2023, Madelines body was found in a field south of Midland, about three miles east of County Road 190 and County Road 1160. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madelines boyfriend, Mario Juan Chacon, Jr. has been charged with Murder in connection with her death; hes been in custody in the Midland County jail for the last two years on a $3 million bond. Chacon has not yet been to trial and has not been convicted of any crime; according to court records, a jury trial has been set for October 27, 2025. Still, there are many unanswered questions pertaining to this case and many are anxiously awaiting the trial. Heres a timeline of what happened and when, based on what we know from witness statements and an affidavit: May 9 11:00 p.m. Madelines friend said she dropped Madeline off at her home, Palladium Museum Place Apartments, located at 1711 W Francis Avenue. May 10 8:30 p.m. Chacon called Madelines brother and said he and Madeline had an argument and that she wasnt returning his calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8:35 p.m. Madelines brother said he spoke with her in a phone call and said she sounded upset because of an argument with Chacon. 8:37 p.m. Madelines brother sent Madeline a text; she didnt respond. 9:31 p.m. Madeline texted a second friend to confirm plans to meet at her apartment on May 11 for a day at the pool. May 11 1:59 a.m. Security footage showed a truck near an oil company off Montgomery near Madelines apartment complex. The vehicle in that footage, according to an affidavit, was identified as having two different colored rims on the passenger side and investigators later determined that the truck belonged to Chacon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:22 a.m. The license plate from Chacons vehicle was picked up by a Flock camera in the area of South County Road 1160. Continued investigation, using traffic cameras, cameras from nearby businesses, and cellphone data tracked Chacons location between 12:26 a.m. and 3:37 p.m. which showed he traveled from his residence to the apartment, and back to his residence during that timeframe. 6:00 p.m. Another of Madelines friends arrived at her apartment home to meet for a swim. That friend told investigators that she called Madeline numerous times and knocked on her apartment door; both the phone and the door went unanswered. That friend told investigators when she pushed on Madelines front door, she could see a crack of light coming from the apartment; she also stated when she was unable to reach Madeline, she left the area to pick up some food. During that outing, she called another of Madelines friends and told her that she still could not reach Madeline. 8:00 p.m. Both friends arrived back at Madelines apartment to check on her a second time. The friends observed that the light was no longer on inside the apartment and at that point, they called Madelines brother to express their concerns. 9:20 p.m. One of Madelines friends said she tried to call Chacon; that call also went unanswered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9:23 p.m. Chacon called back and told the friend that he had witnesses who would confirm that hed been at his house all day, the friend later told investigators. 9:25 p.m. Madelines brother said he called Chacon to ask if hed heard from Madeline. At that time, Chacon again stated that hed been home all day. 9:26 p.m. Chacon then sent his location to Madelines brother. Before 11:00 p.m. The apartment manager let Madelines brother and her two friends into her apartment. All three confirmed that Madeline was not home, but noticed that her keys, phone, and car were all left behind. They also observed that Madelines coffee table was missing, and her dog was left without food or water, something they insisted that Madeline would never do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11:02 p.m. A Midland Police Department officer was dispatched to the apartment complex for an attempt to locate/welfare check. 11:13 p.m. An officer arrived at the apartment and spoke with Madelines brother who said that Chacon also lives at the apartment with Madeline and has a key. During this encounter, the officer met individually with the brother and the two friends. Other officers then arrived on the scene and entered Madelines apartment to look for evidence of a crime; at this time, they observed and a dirty mop, a sticky floor (as if too much cleaning product had been used); a detective was then called in. Then another officer spoke with a neighbor who said she awoke around 1:30 a.m. to loud yelling coming from Madelines apartment. The woman said she heard a woman scream, as if in fear. May 12 12:05 a.m. Chacon gave a voluntary interview and said that the last time he saw Madeline was May 9 and that his last contact with her was at 9:00 p.m. on May 10. Chacon said he remained at his family home during the night of May 10. Chacon left the interview upon its conclusion and had been instructed that he was free to leave at any point during the interview; he was not under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10:50 a.m. MPD received another check welfare call after someone called 911 and said they heard a womans voice coming from inside Madelines apartment. Again, officers observed a dirty mop and bucket of water. They also noted a hole in the bathroom door and a hole in the door that leads to the bedroom with hair attached to the damage in the door, the affidavit stated. Officers also learned that the bed comforter was missing and found a dark red stain on the bed sheet. Following these observations, MPD detectives decided that foul play had occurred inside the apartment. 5:45 p.m. Chacon is again interviewed at the police station. During this conversation, Chacon stated that he forgot to mention that he had drinks with his cousin on May 10. Chacon said that his cousin lives in the same apartment complex as Madeline and that he picked his cousin up that evening and returned him to his apartment before 11:00 p.m. May 13 Investigators obtained a warrant for cell phone records from AT&T wireless associated with a particular number. May 18 Sometime on the 18th, Chacon was interviewed again, and detectives told him that they found some inconsistencies in his timeline. At that revelation, Chacon ended the interview and refused a polygraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9:00 p.m. More than 200 people from the community rallied around the police department calling for Madelines safe return and demanding answers from MPD about the case. May 19 1:30 p.m. The City of Midland hosted a press conference to assure the community that they were working on the case and following all leads. We have men and women out 24 hours a day conducting methodical searches, search warrants, and evidence gathering related to Ms. Pantojas disappearance we ask the public to be patient, to call in with any information that may lead to her whereabouts, and to avoid spreading unnecessary and untrue rumors, said MPDs Chief of Police, Seth Herman. The execution of over one dozen search warrants related to both tangible property and technological data. Interview of approximately 25 individuals thus far. Follow up investigation of 20 tips derived from Crime Stoppers as well as call ins to the Midland Police Department. Should evidence suggest foul play, criminal enforced actions will be taken without delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herman then said that searchers had combed approximately 60-square miles of remote property using teams on the ground, and in the sky, by drone and helicopter. May 20 Early on the 20th, cell phone records were obtained and investigators with the Texas Rangers helped map geo-location records for the dates of May 10 through the 12. Those records identified an area of interest consisting of a one-mile area around ECR 190 and SCR 1138, approximately three miles east of County Road 190 and County Road 1160 and a search began. During that search, human remains were found, and detectives identified the remains as Madeline based on the jewelry found at the scene. Investigators did not list a cause of death in the affidavit and said simply that Madelines body would be sent for an autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 3:30 p.m. that same day, Chacon was taken into custody and charged with Murder. Now, as the familys search for answers, and justice, reaches the two-year mark, were diving into court documents to learn more about where the case currently stands. First, an indictment, filed on July 19, 2023, after Chacon was indicted by a Grand Jury on one count of Murder; an indictment does not constitute a finding of guilt, it simply means that a grand jury believed there was enough evidence to present at trial. This document, which can be found below, revealed some insight about what might have happened to Madeline. Mario Juan Chaconon or about the 11th day of May, 2023did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death ofMadeline Pantoja, by then and there kicking (Madeline) with his foot, and by hitting and strikingwith his handsand by hitting and strikingwith an instrumentand by strangling (Madeline) with his handsand by strangling (Madeline) with an unknown instrumentand by suffocating (Madeline) with an unknown instrumentand by a manner and means to the Grand Jury unknown. While the indictment did not express outright what killed Madeline, it did suggest that there was evidence of physical abuse caused after Madeline was hit with a fist and an unknown object; it also indicated that she was strangled and suffocated. On August 3, 2023, defense attorney Steve Hershberger filed a motion to quash that indictment because of its laundry list of conduct. The indictment is vague, uncertain and ambiguous because it does not give (Chacon) adequate notice of the particular incident of conduct for which he is being tried, the motion read. In short, Hershberger said Chacon cannot adequately prepare for trial because the allegations against him are not clearly defined. That motion was later denied by the court, along with numerous motions requesting a reduction in bond. On February 6, 2024, Hershberger filed a motion requesting a change of venue; if granted, that would mean that Chacons trial would be held outside of Midland County. Hershberger argued that Chacon would not be able to obtain a fair and impartial trial in this case locally because the search for Madeline was so public and the information was so widespread, which led to multiple public demonstrations, including protests surrounding Chacons request for a lowered bond. Together the publicity and the demonstrations have been inflammatory, adverse and prejudicial to the degree as to raise a substantial doubt that the Defendant can obtain a fair trial in Midland County, Hershberger wrote. As part of that motion, Hershberger provided affidavits signed by Chacon and two other women stating they also believe that a trial held at home would not be fair. Then, Hershberger cited a petition that began circulation last October when Chacon first sought to have his bond reduced. You may view all these documents below as well. Chacon-YB-LogoDownload That petition to take the trial out of Midland County was ultimately denied. While a trial date has tentatively been set for late October, that could change, as Chacon was previously scheduled for trial in January of 2025, and that date was rescheduled at the last minute. We will continue to follow this story and will inform the community of any further changes to the anticipated court date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Several legislators said that theyve heard concerns from constituents, both those who work in the health care field who are worried about layoffs and those who rely on Medicaid worried about accessing services. (Photo by Getty Images) As health care providers warn of depleted funds hampering services, the Maine Legislature appears poised to close off a path that would make already allocated Medicaid funding available sooner. With a 93-50 vote on Tuesday, the Maine House of Representatives failed to reach the two-thirds support needed to enact an emergency measure. On Wednesday, the Senate delayed its enactment vote, instead opting to place the legislation on the appropriations table, leaving it in limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The table is where legislation not already funded is typically placed in order for lawmakers to consider it when allocating remaining unappropriated money. However, the funding in this bill was already included in the two-year budget passed in March. Whats new is that this bill would make that funding available immediately. Democrats pushed through a two-year budget that continued government spending at the same level but also included additional funding to address emergency needs, notably to address a $118 million funding deficit for MaineCare, the states Medicaid program. However, because that budget bill also failed to garner the support of two-thirds of the Legislature, the funding will not be available until late June. The Democratic majority moved ahead with that plan without GOP support after Senate Republicans refused to support an earlier change package for the current fiscal year to address the MaineCare deficit and other urgent needs unless it included structural reform to the health care program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislative leadership accepted a late-submitted emergency bill, LD 1948, as a way to try to get the funding out to providers sooner. This bill before us here is just the blank check part without the other reforms that we had agreed to, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Falkingham (R-Winter Harbor) said ahead of the vote on Tuesday. However, not all members of the minority party felt the same way. Rep. Rachel Henderson (R-Rumford) voted against the change package because at the time shed felt that there was an opportunity to push for reform, but she said on Tuesday that the measure before the body was different. Now whats before us is, were asking ourselves, do we want to pay our bills? Henderson said. I would urge my colleagues, lets let the past be the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state started withholding some payments to health care providers on March 12 amid the budget debate to ensure some level of funding would be available for the duration of the current fiscal year. Several hospitals said then that they were not in a position to absorb the payment cuts. Now, the total withheld to community-governed hospitals in the Maine Hospital Association is approaching $100 million, Jeffrey Austin, vice president of government affairs for the association, told Maine Morning Star. This is a lot of cash to not have available to pay bills with, Austin said. Maine hospitals have some of the lowest margins in the country and the highest debt. The load hospitals bear gets heavier with each day that goes by without a full restoration of reimbursements, Austin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its made a tough situation that much tougher, he said, and the sooner its over the better. Several legislators said on the House floor Tuesday that theyve heard similar concerns from constituents, both those who work in the health care field who are worried about layoffs and those who rely on Medicaid worried about accessing services. So when Im asked, Whats in it for us? Rep. James Dill (D-Old Town) said. The answer is simple: people. Hearing similar concerns in his district, Rep. David Rollins (D-Augusta) acknowledged LD 1948 wont fix all of the financial challenges providers are currently facing, but it will provide some relief by ensuring that the providers get the MaineCare funding theyre owed by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with Maine Morning Star, Scott Hanson, president of the Maine Medical Association, which represents the states physicians, residents and medical students across all clinical specialties, had a similar view of the emergency legislation. While noting challenges with hiring and retention and what he sees as inadequate reimbursement rates, Hanson said MaineCare payments are a crucial part of providers bottom lines, so having that funding restored sooner is a priority for the association. Regardless, Hanson is concerned about the state of Medicaid, given possible cuts coming from the federal budget being considered by U.S. Congress. Things are so, how shall we say, topsy turvy, or uncertain coming out of Washington, as Hanson put it. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees health care, approved a bill last week that proposes the largest cuts to Medicaid in the history of the program. The full House is expected to vote on the package this week and, if it passes, it would then head to the Senate, where GOP lawmakers are expected to rewrite numerous sections of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats going to trickle down to the states as a lack of funding, Hanson said. So it could make the current crisis for Augusta legislators a whole lot worse. The two-year budget Democrats passed in March did not include any policy changes to address the sizable budget deficit the state faces over the next biennium, including another expected shortfall for MaineCare. Gov. Janet Mills proposals to close that gap tax increases and program cuts as well as the requests from the public and lawmakers are being considered for the next iteration of the budget plan. Editors note: This story was updated to include the Senates action on the bill on Wednesday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE May 20Sen. Susan Collins questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the Trump administration's cutbacks to global health initiatives during Rubio's appearance before a Senate committee Tuesday. "I am concerned the president's budget requests a 62% reduction for global health," Collins, R-Maine, said to Rubio. Collins asked whether China would potentially fill the void left behind by U.S. cuts to many humanitarian global health efforts, including vaccinating children in Third World countries. Rubio is one of a series of Trump officials to appear in congressional hearings recently to defend the administration's policies and budget cuts. Collins and other senators also questioned Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a separate hearing earlier Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio, a former senator from Florida, defended the Trump administration's dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development. The agency created during the Kennedy administration has been eliminated and some of its duties folded into the State Department, although lawsuits over USAID's future are pending. "This is not a time for largesse," Rubio told members of the Senate appropriations subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. "We cannot solve all of the world's humanitarian problems." U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said the "practical impact" of the Trump administration's quick hobbling of humanitarian programs is children dying. "You can't just come in and light the place on fire and say, 'Well, it was a mess,'" Schatz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins, who is Senate chair of the Appropriations Committee, said she's worried that cutting back on global vaccination programs will lead to more "preventable deaths, like tuberculosis and pneumonia." Rubio defended the moves, saying "we are continuing to do vaccinations" and that the U.S. is "not walking away from foreign aid" but wants to "target it more effectively." "We cannot continue to be the foreign aid provider for everyone on everything," Rubio said. "We do not have unlimited resources." Earlier on Tuesday, Rubio appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he had a combative exchange with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., about humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You used to speak with conviction about the importance of foreign aid as a tool to advance American values and interests," Van Hollen said. "Then you stood by while Elon Musk took a chainsaw to USAID and other assistance programs." Also on Tuesday, Kennedy continued to defend cutbacks to the National Institutes of Health before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. In one exchange with Collins about what priorities he would fund for research if he had a larger budget to work with, Kennedy went on a series of tangents. One example included a claim he made without evidence that male teenagers have half of the sperm counts of men in their 60s. Kennedy, who is not a scientist or doctor and has no medical training, also said without providing any evidence that the NIH was too focused on looking at removing amyloid plaque to treat Alzheimer's disease. The Food and Drug Administration in 2023 approved medication that removed amyloid plaque from the brain, and that drug, Leqembi, has been proven in clinical trials to slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Collins has shepherded through Congress several bills that prioritize Alzheimer's research, prevention and treatment. Copy the Story Link A maintenance worker charged in connection with the Orleans Parish jail escape said an inmate threatened to shank him if he did not help, court documents released Tuesday said. Also Tuesday, a fifth escapee was captured, leaving five at large. "Five down, five to go," Louisiana State Police said in a statement. The Orleans Parish Justice Center maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, 33, was being held at Plaquemines Parish Detention Center on charges of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's accused of cutting off the water so inmates could pull the toilet from the wall, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Tuesday in a statement. Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center early Friday. Williams identified the inmate who he alleged threatened him as Antoine Massey, according to an affidavit for an arrest warrant. Massey escaped and has not been captured. Attorney information was not immediately available for him. A photo released by the sheriffs office last week showed a hole in the wall behind the toilet with phrases such as To Easy Lol and We Innocent written above it. Prisoners at the Orleans Parish jail escaped through a hole in the wall behind a toilet. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) "Williams admitted to agents that one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from," Murrill said in a news release. "Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams turned the water off as directed, allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit says initial information indicates the inmates used an "unknown apparatus to saw steel bars" behind the cell toilet. After they bent the bars, the inmates fled to an outdoor, unsecured pipe walk area and then scaled the jail wall. Williams told authorities he turned the water off from the outside pipe walk area, the affidavit says. He also said another inmate tried to take his phone and "attempted to get Williams to bring a book with cash app information to his cousin in the next pod over." Without Williams help, the plan would have failed because removing the toilet could have flooded the cell, "drawing attention to their actions," the affidavit says. More than 200 law enforcement personnel are assisting in the search for the five who remain at large, officials said. The latest capture brought 19-year-old Corey Boyd back into custody in New Orleans on Tuesday, Louisiana State Police said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyd has been facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, and will be taken to "a secure state facility outside of the area" and booked on suspicion of simple escape, state police said. The reward for information leading to the capture of each man has grown to $20,000. Security video of inmates escaping Friday from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said at a news conference Friday that there were signs that the escape was done with the help of people "inside of our department." Three employees were placed on leave without pay. It's not clear whether Williams was one of those employees. The escape was discovered during a routine head count around 8:30 a.m. Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showed them pulling a cell door off its track, entering the cell and then leaving through a loading dock door. The video showed the inmates using blankets to scale a fence, the sheriffs office said. Their clothes were found discarded. "We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows," Murrill said in the statement Tuesday. "I encourage anyone who knows anything and even those who may have provided assistance to come forward now to obtain the best possible outcome in their particular case." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sterling Willings, 33, was arrested Monday night for allegedly facilitating the escape of 10 inmates housed at Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana. He was booked "without incident" into a Plaquemines Parish jail Tuesday morning. Photo by Louisiana State AG's Office/UPI May 20 (UPI) -- A maintenance worker was arrested for aiding in the escape of nearly a dozen inmates from a jail in New Orleans. Sterling Willings, 33, was arrested Monday night for allegedly facilitating the escape of 10 inmates housed at Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana and was booked "without incident" into a Plaquemines Parish jail Tuesday morning, according to ABC, CBS and NOLA. According to state Attorney General Liz Murrill, Williams told agents that one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a continuing investigation, and we will provide updates as often as possible," Murrill said Tuesday in a statement. Throughout the investigation, three other jail employees were suspended as the search for the remaining six inmates -- Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, Derrick Groves and Corey Boyd -- carries on. "We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows," added Murrill. Three of the escapees -- Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis and Kendall Myles -- were apprehended within 24 hours and a fourth was arrested Monday, 21-year-old Gary C. Price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the 10 men escaped via a wall behind a toilet at around 1:00 a.m. CDT. Meanwhile, the escape wasn't discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., hours after the successful break. More than 200 officers with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were participating in the manhunt after the 10 men escaped Friday morning from Orleans Parish with authorities alerted in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Williams allegedly shut off the toilet water so the crew could make their exit after ripping the toilet off its foundation. They breached a wall behind it, used a loading dock door to exit the jail and scaled fences with blankets to protect themselves from getting cut by barbed wire, according to officials. Finally, they crossed Interstate 10 and dispersed into a nearby neighborhood and took off their inmate clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Susan Hutson speculated the jailbreak could be an inside job. "Even Stevie Wonder can see that this was an inside job," Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams told ABC Tuesday morning, whose office is investigating the breakout. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, meanwhile, has ordered a comprehensive jail audit. "Ten violent offenders don't make their way into a pod made for two and make good their escape through concrete, rebar and barbed wire, without there being some sort of inside assistance," Williams added. The district attorney speculated that "greed, avarice, friendship, the motives that cause men to do bad things" could be among reasons why a jail employee would risk their job to help a prisoner escape. Williams, the prison worker, is now facing at least 10 counts of simple to principle escape and one charge of office malfeasance. UPDATE: Kettering Health provided the following update on the cybersecurity incident around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Kettering Health is continuing to restore services and diligently following and responding to a cybersecurity incident resulting from unauthorized access to our network. We greatly appreciate our community and regional partners for their support during this process. INITIAL REPORT: A major Miami Valley hospital network was targeted in a cyberattack on Tuesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] We are currently experiencing a cybersecurity incident resulting from unauthorized access to our network, Kettering Health said in a statement. We have taken steps to contain and mitigate this activity and are actively investigating and monitoring the situation. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greater Dayton-Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) confirmed that Kettering Health is diverting medics from local fire departments. When there is any type of incident in our region, our hospitals always use a system that allows them to update their emergency department status, and that is a notification that then is also shared with emergency department squads across the Dayton region, a GDAHA spokesperson said. The system-wide outage is not affecting physician office visits, but the network said that their medical centers are experiencing a number of challenges. The network has procedures in place to care for those already in their facilities, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elective inpatient and outpatient procedures have been cancelled for today. These procedures will be rescheduled for a later date and more information will be provided, according to the network. The Kettering Health call center is also experiencing an outage, according to the network. We understand that this is frustrating for our patients and concerning for those who have family members in our care, the statement said. We have procedures and plans in place for these types of situations so we can continue to provide safe, high-quality care for patients currently in our facilities despite the disruption were experiencing. As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, a threat intelligence analyst said that since the systems are down, it could be a ransomware attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luke Connolly said attacks on healthcare systems are very common because the criminals behind the attacks are financially motivated, and the data healthcare organizations store and maintain is delicate. This information is very sensitive, and when the criminals gain access to a network, they try to steal this information because releasing it can have not only embarrassing implications, but it can also have legal implications as well, Connolly said. News Center 7 also asked Connolly what could be going on behind the scenes at Kettering Health now as they work to recover. Im sure that the experts who have been employed are working to identify how access was gained, what systems have been compromised, whether the bad guys are still on the network, whether they still persist, and how to kick them out if they do, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7 also reached out to the FBI to see if theyre investigating the incident. A spokesperson said, As a matter of policy, the FBI cannot confirm or deny the existence of a potential investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. This week's stories include: How a pending challenge to Los Angeles' COVID eviction moratorium at the Supreme Court could pave the way for broader challenges to rent control laws nationwide Colorado Gov. Jared Polis deploys some fiscal sticks to get localities into compliance with state housing law. Why rent controls are worse than other price controls Could a Challenge to Los Angeles' Eviction Ban End Rent Control in New York? Idling on the Supreme Court's docket is a challenge to Los Angeles' COVID-era eviction moratorium that, if heard, could have major implications for legal challenges against tenant protection and rent control laws across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its upcoming Thursday conference, the Court is scheduled to discuss whether to take up the case of GHP Management Corp. v. City of Los Angeles, in which landlords are demanding $20 million in compensation for what they claim was free housing the city of Los Angeles forced them to provide through its eviction ban. The Court has been repeatedly "relisting" the case since March, when it first was scheduled to consider taking the case in conference. A continually relisted case can effectively mean anything. It definitely raises the possibility that either the justices are seriously considering taking the case or, alternatively, that one of the justices is writing a dissent from the Court's decision not to take the case. "Usually when that happens, it means somebody is interested, but that doesn't mean they're going to take the case," says Jeff Schwab, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center, which wrote an amicus brief in support of the landlords' Supreme Court petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landlords' petition in the case argues that the city of Los Angeles effected a physical taking of their property by banning their ability to evict tenants for nonpayment of rent, causing nuisances, and/or having unauthorized occupants and pets in their unit. They also couldn't take the property off the market to live in it themselves. These restrictions were ended in January 2023, although delinquent tenants couldn't be evicted for accrued back rent through 2024. "The City in effect imposed and transferred to defaulting tenants an exclusive easement in the private property of others without paying for it," reads the petitioners' cert petition to the Court. To make their case, the petitioners cite the 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid, which held that a California law allowing union organizers access to farm properties was a physical taking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twice now, federal appeals courts have accepted the argument that COVID-era eviction moratoriums are a physical taking. In 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit ruled that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's eviction moratorium was, per Cedar Point, a per se physical taking, and the plaintiff landlords in that cause could pursue a just compensation claim. (Last year, the same court ruled that Minnesota's sovereign immunity protected it from actually having to pay landlords that just compensation.) More recently, in August 2024, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the federal government needed to pay compensation to landlords for the national eviction moratorium. Plaintiffs in that case are demanding $23 billion in compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disagreeing is the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which in May 2024 rejected landlords' physical takings claim in the GHP Management Corp. case. "A statute that merely adjusts the existing relationship between landlord and tenant, including adjusting rental amount, terms of eviction, and even the identity of the tenant, does not effect a taking," reads the 9th Circuit's unpublished opinion, citing a 1992 Supreme Court decision upholding a local California rent control law. The Cedar Point precedent, the 9th Circuit wrote, distinguishes between a commercial lessee protected by eviction moratoriums and "an interloper with a government license" like the union organizers in that case. Schwab says the 9th Circuit is interpreting the Cedar Point case much too narrowly. The GHP Management Corp. case would give the Supreme Court a "clean vehicle" to give clearer, more sweeping guidance about the property rights protections they laid down in Cedar Point, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that the way that property rights have been enforced by [lower] courts has been more limited than [the Supreme Court justices] want, so that seems like a good reason why they'd take it," Schwab tells Reason. Last year, the Supreme Court rejected two cert petitions from New York landlords making Cedar Point physical takings claims in their challenge to New York's 2019 rent stabilization law. At the time, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a short statement agreeing that the court was right not to take those cases on technical grounds, while adding that the "constitutionality of regimes like New York City's is an important and pressing question." Should the Supreme Court take up the GHP Management Corp. case and agree with landlords that they've been victims of a physical taking, other rent control laws (like New York's) that include extensive eviction restrictions could become more vulnerable to physical taking challenges. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis Uses Fiscal Sticks To Enforce New State Housing Reforms In 2024, the Colorado Legislature passed a suite of housing bills requiring localities to pare back parking requirements, allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family neighborhoods, and upzone land near transit stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Gov. Jared Polis is now proposing to cut some state funding to communities that are behind schedule on implementing the reforms. In a Friday executive order, Polis instructed the state's Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to create a list of localities that are (and are not) in compliance with these new "state strategic growth laws." The order directs other state departments to prioritize grant awards to compliant communities. "Housing is a multi-jurisdictional concern and today's action prioritizes the building of new homes in communities that are working to successfully implement more housing now for all budgets," said Polis in a press release. Colorado Public Radio reports that some $100 million in energy and transportation grants would be affected by the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOLA is given until October to produce its list of compliant and noncompliant jurisdictions. Grant awards given before then won't be affected by Polis' order. Nor will federally funded pass-through grants and grants awarded via state formulas. Colorado's state-level zoning preemptions are predicated on the idea that local governments have powerful incentives to oppose additional housing construction, to the detriment of statewide housing affordability. Localities therefore need to be told by the state to lift some of their restrictions. The difficulty in implementing such laws is that the state, even with a mandate, is still practically relying on local elected officials to amend local laws they, and many of their voters, didn't want to change in the first place. Witness California's local governments constantly finding new and creative ways to flout or undermine state laws prodding them to permit more housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California state government, as well as YIMBY legal nonprofits, has spent a lot of time and effort suing the most obstinate localities to enforce state housing law, as well as sending lots of threatening regulatory compliance letters. Fiscal incentives, both positive and negative, are a slightly more direct way to motivate compliance on the part of localities. The power of fiscal incentives is limited by how much state money might be forfeited by noncompliance, the willingness of local governments to go without state funds in the service of preserving their land use powers, and the willingness of state politicians to pick fights with determined NIMBY jurisdictions. An even more direct method might be to pair state preemption with state entitlements. That is, let developers bypass scofflaw jurisdictions and apply directly to the state for permission to build state-permitted housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her abortive 2023 Housing Compact, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed creating a state body to approve housing projects in jurisdictions that were undershooting state-set housing production targets. Another option would be giving private property owners more general rights to sue over zoning restrictions. A bill considered (and rejected) by the Montana Legislature this year would have enabled private property owners to challenge effectively any land use restriction in court. Local governments would have the burden of showing that their restriction was a necessary and narrowly tailored means of protecting health and safety or eliminating nuisances. Those are more radical proposals, to be sure. That both failed suggests there's little political appetite for them currently. To the degree most states are considering state-level zoning reforms, they all generally take the form of state-level zoning preemptions of local land use rules. Such laws will continue to require local implementation and, to some degree, local resistance. The Other Problem With Rent Control Economist David Henderson has a smart piece explaining the difference between rent control and other price controls, like controls on gas prices. Both obviously will produce shortages. But only rent control creates a class of privileged insiders committed to keeping price controls around, even as they wreck the rental market around them. Henderson writes: In the rent control case, current tenants are insiders. They don't have to line up for an apartment. So, as noted above, most of them will favor rent control. In the gasoline price control case, though, everyone (unless they had a special deal with the service station owner or manager, as sometimes happened) had to line up. The fact that you managed to get gasoline last week gave you no special place in line this week. So, there aren't many "insiders" to lobby for the gasoline price controls. It's a dynamic that helps explain why rent control laws have persisted (and even gotten stronger) in places like New York City, even as the consequences of financially failing buildings, falling maintenance spending, and a general housing shortage pile up. Any productive fix to New York's rent stabilization law will result in higher rents for incumbent tenants, who have every incentive to lobby against such a change. Thus, the law remains the same, and the problems get worse. Quick Links A California business owner weaponizes the "Baby Shark" song to keep the homeless away. Over at City Journal, Eric Kober offers a grim assessment of the major New York City mayoral candidates. Opposition mounts to efforts to eminent domain an Episcopal church's land in Toms River, New Jersey, on which the church was planning to build a homeless shelter. In California, Assembly Bill 609, which would exempt urban infill housing from the state's onerous environmental review law, passed the Assembly with unanimous support. The New Hampshire Legislature has passed two bills that allow multifamily residential development in commercial zones and permit accessory dwelling units to be built in single-family zones. The post A Major Property Rights Case Idles on Supreme Court Docket appeared first on Reason.com. Over 60% of Americans believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is "stalling" peace talks involving the United States, and back weaponry shipments to Ukraine and additional sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace deal, according to a Harvard CAPS Harris poll released on May 19. Two-thirds of poll respondents said that they believe Putin is "playing games and stalling" in peace deal negotiations involving the United States, with only 34% of respondents believing Putin "genuinely wants to end the war." In contrast, 62% of respondents believed President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to end the war. A further 62% of respondents also indicated that that the "Trump administration (should) continue to provide weaponry to Ukraine and impose further economic sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate" a peace deal, with 38% of respondents against additional weaponry and sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey, which was fielded May 14-15, pre-dates U.S. President Donald Trump's phone call with Putin on May 19. Following Trump's two-hour phone call with the Russian president, Putin once again did not agree to a ceasefire, instead offering to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty" with Ukraine. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office following the phone call that he will not impose further sanctions against Russia "because there's a chance" of progress towards a ceasefire "Because I think there's a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In separate comments to reporters following the phone call, Trump responded that he trusts Putin and believes he wants peace. Despite Trump's efforts to broker a peace deal, 59% of respondents indicated that they believe Trump is "not tough enough" when dealing with Putin, while 31% believed Trump's demeanor with Putin to be "about right." A further 10% of respondents said Trump was "too tough" with Putin. Respondents were also relatively split as to whether they believe Trump will successfully negotiate the end of the war, with 58% of respondents saying that Trump will "not solve" the war, while 42% of respondents believe Trump will help end the war. Initially elected on the campaign promise to end the war within "24 hours," Trump has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated at the pace of negotiations. On May 19, Trump reiterated he would abandon efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine if progress is not made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something's going to happen. And if it doesn't, I just back away, and they're going to have to keep going," Trump said. The poll was conducted conducted online within the United States, surveying 1,903 registered voters. The poll is deemed accurate +/- 2.2 percentage point, 19 times out of 20. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin refuses ceasefire after Trump call; Zelensky rejects Russias demand to withdraw troops from 4 regions . Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Turkey, Vatican and Switzerland are considered as platforms for negotiations with Russia, USA and European countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump and Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin. "I believe this is a positive outcome of our conversation: we are considering the possibility of another meeting with all the teams. We want it to be a high-level meeting with representatives from the United States, Ukraine, Russia, and the other countries mentioned, as well as Great Britain. Such a meeting could take place in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland. We are considering these three venues because all three countries are good options," Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Monday evening. "I don't want to discuss where it would be more convenient. The question isn't about convenience; it's about who will be able to organize this and achieve the desired results after the meeting. I think we'll have an answer soon," he added. The President of Ukraine believes that Pope Leo XIV "can really help us." "And this is a very important message that I heard from him during our bilateral meeting, which turned out to be quite productive," Zelenskyy said. According to him, the parties raised the issue of the return of children and presented a list, as well as discussed a number of other issues. "The Vatican has expressed its readiness to invite and organize an appropriate meeting for all parties involved. Of course, this includes representatives of Europe. We would be very happy to see them. In this format, the Vatican accepts the involvement of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. We would also like to see European leaders involved, not just representatives from the EU, but also Great Britain," the head of state said. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would welcome the possibility of introducing such a format, and that this issue had been raised with Trump and other leaders. "We discussed the possibility of introducing such a format. We need to hold a meeting faster. Additionally, we raised the issue of the Vatican and considered it as one of the options," the president said. By Michelle Nichols and Emma Farge UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA (Reuters) -No aid has yet been distributed in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations said on Tuesday, a day after Israel allowed limited humanitarian deliveries to resume after an 11-week blockade on the Palestinian enclave, where experts warn famine now looms. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said four trucks of baby food were dropped off on the Palestinian side of the border on Monday, and that a few dozen trucks of flour, medicine, nutrition supplies and other basic items entered Gaza on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israeli authorities are requiring us to offload supplies on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing and reload them separately once they secure our team's access from inside the Gaza Strip," Dujarric told reporters. "Today, one of our teams waited several hours for the Israeli green light to access the Kerem Shalom area and collect the nutrition supplies. Unfortunately, they were not able to bring those supplies into our warehouse," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office in Geneva said Israel had given permission for about 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza. U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher said on Monday the initial amount of aid approved by Israel was "a drop in the ocean". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it plans to intensify military operations against Hamas and to control the whole of Gaza, which has been devastated by an Israeli air and ground war since Hamas' cross-border attack on Israeli communities in October 2023. Israel has said its blockade is aimed in part at preventing Palestinian militants from diverting and seizing aid supplies. Hamas has denied doing so. A U.S.-backed group plans to start work in the Gaza Strip by the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid distribution in the Palestinian enclave. But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved. Malnutrition rates in the densely populated territory have risen during the Israeli blockade and could worsen if food shortages continue, a health official at the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said in Geneva on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have data until end of April and it shows malnutrition on the rise," said Akihiro Seita, UNRWA Director of Health. "And then the worry is that if the current food shortage continues, it will exponentially increase, and then get beyond our control." (Reporting by Emma Farge and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Matthias Williams, Mark Heinrich and Joe Bavier) A man is in jail after he allegedly robbed a construction worker in Montgomery County on Tuesday, according to a Montgomery County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Sheriffs deputies were called to the Rent-A-Center in the 3000 block of Salem Avenue on reports of an armed robbery around 12:45 p.m. The spokesperson said the building is currently under construction. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man allegedly showed the construction worker a firearm and took their property. He reportedly ran away from the area before authorities arrived on scene. Deputies responded and found a man matching the provided description in the area, according to the spokesperson. The man was arrested and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a preliminary charge of robbery. The incident remains under investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Special Investigations Unit. Montgomery County Jail records show that Quincy Mattison, 36, was arrested by deputies on a preliminary robbery charge down the street at a McDonalds on Free Pike just after 1:40 p.m. The sheriffs office has not confirmed if Mattison is the suspect in this incident. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An Alexandria man was arrested in Baton Rouge after reportedly firing shots at a vehicle with two people inside. According to an affidavit, the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office was called to an apartment complex in the 5550 block of Regatta Drive about a shooting. When deputies arrived, a victim pointed out a suspect, Norman Singleton, 24, as the person who shot at them. Singleton was detained, and detectives secured the scene. Norman Singleton, 24, was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on several charges, including attempted first-degree murder. While investigating, deputies found about 13 spent shell casings and one live bullet in the driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After speaking with the two victims, both stated they were at the apartment to collect clothes from a friend. While there, two people began arguing. One of the victims separated the two. While separating the two people arguing, Singleton was accused of exiting the residence and pointing a gun at the victim. As both victims tried to leave the area, shots were fired in their direction, according to the affidavit. Detectives spoke with Singleton, who denied having a gun and claimed he was asleep at the time of the incident. After searching the residence, deputies found an empty magazine, a live bullet, and a pistol with a missing magazine. Detectives noted the gun was hidden under the kitchen sink. It was found underneath a frying pan. Other witnesses confirmed the witnesss story of Singleton being the shooter. Singleton was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of obstruction of justice and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man is facing multiple charges following an altercation outside of a pharmacy in Warren. Alonzo Ball, 64, is charged with menacing, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and assault. He had an arraignment scheduled for Monday, but he was uncooperative in the process, so it was rescheduled for Tuesday when Ball pleaded not guilty to the charges. Hes due back in court June 3. According to a police report, Ball was at Walgreens on W. Market Street Sunday, when he spat in the face of a manager there. He is also accused of urinating on the propane tanks and yelling at customers as they were leaving. It was when the manager told Ball to leave that he spat in her face, according to the police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police approached Ball at a gas station across the street, he denied spitting on the manager but then spat in the face of the police officer attempting to restrain him, the report stated. Officers said that Ball threatened to kill them, and the manager reported that he threatened her, too. Police took Ball to the Trumbull County Jail, but he was refused by staff after stating he wanted to harm himself, so he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital to be evaluated before being brought back to the jail for booking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (SECURITY-WIDEFIELD, Colo.) A man was arrested on Sunday, May 18 after he allegedly approached several people working in their yards and threatened them while swinging two large swords around. According to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO), deputies originally responded just before 11 a.m. on Sunday to a report of a man walking through a neighborhood in Security-Widefield carrying two large swords and threatening people. The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Daniel Adolpho-Rivera. When deputies arrived in the neighborhood, they found Adolpho-Rivera walking on Larch Drive east of Security Boulevard. When deputies tried to make contact with him, Adolpho-Rivera allegedly ran away and entered the backyard if a nearby home. Deputies established containment, and Adolpho-Rivera was located hiding under several large plywood boards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After building a rapport, deputies were able to convince Adolpho-Rivera to surrender. He was taken into custody without further incident. He sustained minor injuries while running from deputies, and was medically cleared on scene. Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriffs Office Following the arrest, EPSO said the swords were found during a search of the area. The investigation identified two victims, who said they had been outside working in their yard when Adolpho-Rivera allegedly approached them, swinging the swords and making verbal threats. I am grateful for my deputys quick response and skills to negotiate a peaceful surrender from this suspect, said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. Because of their training and dedication to our mission, everyone safely walked away from a dangerous situation. Adolpho-Rivera was booked into the El Paso County Jail on multiple charges, including two counts of felony menacing and one count of criminal trespass. He is being held on a $2,000 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 FOX21 News Colorado. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) One man is in jail Tuesday after being arrested by Peoria police for allegedly breaking into a building after he stolen a van. Bryson R. Lathum, 29, was booked on a slew of charges that included possession of a stolen motor vehicle, criminal damage to property and burglary. According to Peoria police, he was nabbed at about 8:30 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of East Virginia Avenue after they were called to the area on a report of a burglary, a police spokeswoman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found the 2017 white Ford Econoline van which was reported stolen in Peoria Heights less than an hour beforehand. According to a report filed at the Peoria Heights Police Department, the van was taken from the 500 block of East Glen Avenue which is the Peoria Heights High School bus barn. A Peoria Heights officer was able to identify Lathum based upon security video footage which briefly showed his face. The van was reported stolen and within about 30 minutes, it was located at the East Bluff address, according to the report. The security footage from the school property allegedly showed Lathum taking items from the schools concession stand before he allegedly took the van., the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers searched the building on Virginia, they allegedly found Lathum trying to hide in a walk-in cooler inside the building with keys to the car and building keys within his reach, the report said. When questioned, Lathum declined to answer questions. It was not immediately clear if when or if he would be formally charged in court on the allegations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man wanted in connection with an investigation into an alleged indecent assault in Bostons North End last week was arrested on Monday night, authorities said. Cornelius Williams, 34, of Boston, is slated to be arraigned Tuesday in the central division of Boston Municipal Court on charges of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and assault with intent to rape, according to the Boston Police Department. The incident reportedly happened inside a home in the area of Margaret Street on Wednesday, May 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was entering her home just before 11 p.m. when Williams allegedly approached her from behind, committed the assault, and ran off, according to investigators. Williams was nabbed days later in the area of 25 Staniford Street after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Additional details are expected to be released in court when Williams faces a judge. Detectives assigned to the Boston Police Departments sexual assault unit are leading the investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW CROCKETT, Texas (KETK)- A man who had been wanted on multiple charges in Houston and Dallas Counties was arrested on Sunday evening by officers from the Crockett Police Department after attempting to flee the scene Mugshot of Robert Ray Hickman Jr, courtesy of Houston County Jail Lufkin man pleads guilty to wire fraud after stealing more than $9 million After receiving information about Robert Ray Hickman, officers arrived at a home on West Austin Street where he was believed to be staying. Once officers arrived at the scene, Hickman fled from the home out of the back door, causing authorities to temporarily lose sight of him, according to Crockett PD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickman was eventually found on Wooten Street and attempted to flee the scene again but was quickly detained. Hickman was later taken into custody without incident. Following his arrest, Hickman was charged with evading arrest along with his five active misdemeanor warrants, according to officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Since the beginning of the day, 156 combat clashes have occurred, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports in operational information as of 22:00 on Monday. "The enemy carried out 50 airstrikes, using 100 guided aerial bombs. The occupiers also used 1,117 kamikaze drones and carried out 4,146 attacks on the positions of our troops and populated areas," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports. According to information from the General Staff, the hottest situation today was in Pokrovsk direction, where the aggressor carried out 59 assault and offensive actions. "According to preliminary data, 128 occupiers were neutralized in this direction, 74 of them irretrievably. Also, the Ukrainian military destroyed one satellite communication terminal, seven vehicles, four motorcycles, 16 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types, one electronic warfare station and a mortar of the invaders. Three combat armored vehicles and one mortar of the enemy were significantly damaged," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. A Boston man arrested and charged for a recent North End sex assault case has also faced charges in other similar cases. Authorities say 34 year old Cornelius Williams is the man seen in surveillance images Boston Police released last weekend to try to identify a suspect in a North End sex assault case last Friday. At his arraignment in Boston Municipal Court, Cornelius Williams was allowed to stand in a hallway, hidden out of sight of our courtroom camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident allegedly happened inside the victims Margaret Street apartment building. A prosecutor said Williams followed the victim and then assaulted her inside her own building. He did follow her into the vestibule of her apartment building, prosecutor Amanda Corin told the court. He grabbed her leg where he proceeded to start licking her feet. He did also attempt to pull her dress off. He was unsuccessful. At the time of the North End assault, Williams was free on bail, charged with an indecent assault and battery in Bostons Downtown Crossing in February. According to a police report, a the victim told officers that the suspect grabbed her and described sex acts he wanted to perform on her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, the prosecutor told the court about another sex assault in Chelsea in 2020. The defendant did successfully follow another female down the street, prosecutor Corin said. He did pull her to the ground where he proceeded to take off her shoes and lick her feet. Records show Williams was found incompetent to stand trial in the Chelsea case. Back to the arraignment in the North End case, defense attorney Robert Glotzer told the judge Williams is hearing voices, and that he has received mental health treatment. For now, Williams is held without bail. A new mental health evaluation is ordered. He will be back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday. 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 SEMINOLE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, a man has been arrested in Seminole County on multiple rape charges. Officials say the Tecumseh Police Department requested the OSBIs help investigating allegation of sexual assault. LOCAL NEWS: Newcastle officials urge caution during storms after police car struck by lightning Terry Blankinship. Image courtesy OSBI. During the investigation, the OSBI determined 62-year-old Terry Blankinship had sexually assaulted multiple minor victims in the 1980s, 1990s and most recently in 2007 and 2011 in Pottawatomie County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the evidence gathered, Blankinship was arrested in Seminole County on May 16, 2025, on complaints of First Degree Rape, Rape by Instrumentation, Lewd Acts to a Minor and Indecent Exposure/Obscene Material. He has been booked into the Seminole County Jail. The investigation is still ongoing. The OSBI believes there may be more victims in this case and anyone with more information can contact can contact the OSBI tip line by calling 1-800-522-8017 or emailing tips@osbi.ok.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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA) A 23-year-old paddled his canoe nearly 3,000 miles from Canada to Southwest Florida. Peter Frank told NBC affiliate WBBH the journey lasted around 11 months and brought him through harsh weather conditions. DeSantis: Florida due for a break this hurricane season Ive experienced quite a bit of weather getting here, Frank told WBBH. Ive even canoed through the entire winter, which is pretty difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank fished for his meals and slept in a tent. It wasnt always easy, but he said the hardships were worth it. Just being able to see Gods creation the dolphins, the wildlife, otters, turtles, alligators, wild horses traveling at four miles an hour, I think, is one of the best ways to experience North America, Frank said. Frank set off on another journey Tuesday his trek back to Canada. If he completes the trip, hell make history. This would be the second time in history that a clockwise circumnavigation has been done, Frank said. And its being done in the same boat it was done in the first time 45 years ago. So theres a lot of historical value in this trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He set off on his voyage not only to see the continent, but to reclaim his childhood. He was hit by a car at age four and told he may never walk again. (WBBH) It robbed a lot of my childhood, he said. And I thought, What am I doing? What is life really about?' After recovering from his injuries, Frank said he embraced the desire to test his physical limits and to travel. That was the beginning of the journeys. I fell in love with doing things like this just using my body, just because I can. Because I came so close to not being able to walk, Frank told WBBH. Came so close to having everything taken away from me. Because I have the ability to do it, I must. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A Laurinburg man that has been on the run since February was arrested on Thursday in connection with the shooting of another man, the Scotland County Sheriffs Office said. The incident happened on Feb. 9 where deputies responded to Oak Grove School Road in Scotland County and found a man with a gun shot wound. The man said he and Raheem Jaquan Harrington, 26, got into an argument and then Harrington shot him. Detectives saw Harringtons vehicle on Thursday, over three months after the initial incident, and attempted to stop the car. A short car chase, followed by a short foot chase, led to Harringtons arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrington, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, flee to elude arrest, neglect child abuse, resisting public officer, assault on a female, assault on a child under 12, communicating threats, assault by pointing a gun, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He is being held in the Scotland County Detention Center without bond. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A man is facing potential jail time over his behavior on a flight in Australia back in February. According to News.com.au, the man appeared in court on Monday and is facing one count of an act of indecency, which carries a maximum seven-year jail sentence. The 41-year-old is accused of disturbing acts during a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast on February 4. Australian Federal Police (AFP) say the man touched a female passenger's inner thigh "several times" and also stuck his hands in her food. Police arrested the man when the flight touched down at Gulf Coast Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When travelling through an airport and on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and, where there is evidence someone has committed an (alleged) criminal offence, the AFP will take action, AFP Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said. This (alleged) incident should serve as a reminder to the community that authorities will not tolerate indecent behaviour at our airports or on aircraft. Stock photo of an illuminated commercial aircraft cabin with rows of gray seats down an aisle with aircraft crew members standing at the far end. Getty Images This is the second recent odd incident in the world of Australian air travel. Last week, a helmeted man was arrested in Brisbane after causing a disturbance on a flight. The man was allegedly sprinting up and down the aisles of the plane and at one point apparently removed his shirt. He was eventually tackled and subdued by passengers and Virgin Australia personnel. According to 7News, the man was charged with one count of assault and one of public nuisance. He's due to appear in court on June 26. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating the death of a 53-year-old man after his body was found inside an apartment. Officers responded to a call around 3 p.m. Monday, May 19, about a deceased individual in the 800 block of North Donmoor Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Timothy Jarrell, 53, dead inside the home. Police said an exam by the East Baton Rouge Coroners Office revealed signs of trauma, leading authorities to suspect foul play. The victim was later identified as Jarrell through fingerprint analysis conducted by the Louisiana State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BRPD said they have not yet identified any suspects or a motive. The investigation remains ongoing. Police ask anyone with information to contact the BRPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867). Police: 4-year-old girl drowns at Zachary community pool 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. MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) Police are investigating after a Windsor Locks man was found dead in an idling vehicle in Manchester Tuesday morning. Officers responded to the area of Irving Street and Woodland Street just before 4 a.m. They found an unresponsive man in the drivers seat. Officers and responding medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures; however, he was pronounced dead on scene. Bethany first selectwoman resigns after report says she mishandled child sex assault claims against town employee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Patterson, 24, was found with a single gunshot wound to the torso, police said. On Wednesday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said he suffered more than one gunshot wound to the torso and extremities. They determined homicide to be the manner of death. The Manchester Police Department Detective Division is investigating. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kaczerski at (860) 645-5546. 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 WTNH.com. CHICAGO (WGN) Authorities are searching for answers on Tuesday after a man suffered fatal injuries in a fire that erupted on the citys West Side overnight. It is unclear exactly what time the blaze broke out, but Chicago police said officers were first called to the scene in the 2600 block of South Pulaski Road, in Little Village, at around 11 p.m. Monday night following a report of a fire in front of a building in the area. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found fire crews already on the scene working to get the flames under control. After extinguishing the fire, crews found an unresponsive 40-year-old man, who had suffered extensive burns, inside the home. The man was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet identified the individual killed. Currently, it is unclear what sparked the blaze and an investigation is now underway. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A man was found in the Warner Valley area with what appeared to be an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound sustained while recreational shooting, according to the Washington County Sheriffs Office. Police said at 11:27 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, a call reported an adult man in the Warner Valley area who seemed to have accidentally shot himself. Crews arrived at the scene at 11:33 a.m. and took the man to the St. George Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Preliminary findings show that the man may have accidentally shot himself in his torso while he was recreational shooting in the Warner Valley area, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that there is no outstanding threat to the public. The incident is still under investigation. The Washington County Sheriffs Office expresses our gratitude to the Washington City Police Department, Washington City Fire Department, and Hurricane Valley Fire District for their assistance, and offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the sheriffs office said in a statement. 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. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy assures that as a result of negotiations with Russia there will be no concessions in terms of territories. "No one will withdraw our troops from our territories. This is my constitutional duty, this is the duty of our military to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Yes, now there are temporarily occupied territories due to aggression of such a large country, this is understandable. But there will be no ultimatums and no one will surrender their land, their territories, their people, and their homes," Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Monday evening after a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump and Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin. At the same time, he noted that if the Russian Federation sets conditions for Ukraine to withdraw Ukrainian troops from its land, "it means they do not want a ceasefire and do not want the war to end." "They clearly understand that Ukraine will not do this. If you ask a question in advance and already know the answer will be negative, then you definitely do not want the result," Zelenskyy said. The head of state noted that Trump believes that the Russian Federation is "ready for negotiations and ready for compromises." Answering a question about the memorandum that, according to Putin's statement, Ukraine and the Russian Federation may begin to jointly develop, the Ukrainian president referred to Trump and said that, as he understands, "they discussed it with Putin, with the Russian side, that in a bilateral format there may be an appropriate memorandum, which may then lead to a map leading to the end of the war, that is, to an agreement." "A memorandum that will be supported by all or both countries, which also includes a ceasefire, let's say. So far, this is unknown to me. In any case, if the Russian side proposes some memorandum, I think it will not be a secret, because this information always somehow appears in the public space. I think that from our side, after receiving the appropriate signals, we will be able to formulate our vision," Zelenskyy said. When asked about the principles for the Ukrainian side to end the war, he said that these are a ceasefire, an exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of deported children. At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that he "does not know the principles that the Russian side wants to establish," and added that "they do not even know what exactly they want." GUN BARREL CITY, Texas (KETK) A man was sentenced to ten years in state prison last week in connection to a motorcycle chase that started in Gun Barrel City, according to the Henderson County District Attorneys Office. Narcotics operation leads to 4 arrests in Polk County Mugshot of Henry Lee Hyde II, courtesy of the Henderson County District Attorneys Office. A deputy with the Henderson County Sheriffs Office attempted a traffic stop on a blue motorcycle in the 300 block of West Main Street of Gun Barrel City on Aug. 10, 2024, a press release from the district attorneys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motorcycle accelerated towards Mabank after the deputy turned on their emergency lights and siren. As the motorcycle sped towards Mabank, it went on the wrong side of the roadway at over 140 miles per hour, according to the press release. As the sheriffs office, the Gun Barrel City Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety pursued the motorcycle, it attempted to drive on the grassy shoulder of FM 316 and crashed. The motorcycle driver then attempted to evade officers by leaving the wrecked motorcycle but was taken into custody. Henry Lee Hyde II, who the attorneys office identified as the driver, was then sentenced to 10 years in state prison by 3rd District Court Judge Mark Calhoon for the charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two people were indicted on multiple charges on Monday after a shooting in the Bethany community on Wednesday night, the Washington County Sheriffs office announced. According to officials, Oliver Bracey, 26, shot his housemate in the face with multiple children in the home. He was charged with attempted second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree assault. Additionally, 30-year-old Ella Juarez-Farina was arrested after strangling the shooting victim, and one of the children in the house, authorities said. She faces several charges related to domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 9:45 p.m., deputies responded to a home in the 7100 block of NW Abigail Terrace. Multiple people called 911 to report a man had been shot in the face and was in the street. Deputies were on scene quickly and located the victim nearby and began giving him immediate medical care. Other deputies surrounded the house and the suspect came out, still holding a gun. The man obeyed orders to drop the gun, and deputies arrested (Bracey), WCSO said. Juarez-Farina was also arrested moments later. The man who was shot had the bullet go in his cheek and exit behind his ear. He was taken to Emanuel Hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCSO says there were four kids inside the home at the time of the shooting and another child outside. Detectives determined Juarez-Farina and Bracey both had guns and threatened the victim. Bracey then shot the man in the face. Prior to the shooting, Juarez-Farina assaulted and strangled the victim. She also assaulted and strangled one of the children inside the home, WCSO said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the 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 KOIN.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was injured in a Frayser shooting on Tuesday, Memphis police say. At 11:07 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 3100 block of Madewell Street. Photo by WREG One man was located and transported to Regional One in non-critical condition. Police say no one is in custody at this time. This is an 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 WREG.com. The Orange County Sheriffs Office has identified the man shot and killed by a deputy during a search warrant execution last week. Deputies identified the man as Tyrone Devon Henderson Bartley, 32. His family has been notified. The sheriff said Henderson was in a home in the 5600 block of Lejeune Drive when deputies and SWAT arrived with the warrant Friday afternoon. The sheriff said Henderson reached behind a door, and a deputy shot him. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff John Mina said a rifle was found behind the door where Henderson was reaching. The shooting is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The deputy is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome. Mina said the search warrant stemmed from a case a few weeks ago when deputies found fentanyl, cocaine and firearms during a domestic violence response. He said one of those firearms was stolen. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Russian forces attacked the Yunakivka hromada in Sumy Oblast on the afternoon of Tuesday 20 May, killing a local resident. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram Quote: "Investigators have established that the enemy opened fire on a civilian house in the Yunakivka hromada of Sumy Oblast at around 15:30 on 20 May 2025. A 33-year-old civilian has been killed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Prosecutor's Office has launched a pre-trial investigation into the commission of war crimes that resulted in the death of a person (Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Background: On 20 May, Russian forces also launched a missile strike on the Shostka hromada in Sumy Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! KEYSER, W.Va. (WBOY) A man named Michael Myers has been arrested in West Virginia and is accused of murdering a his brother over the weekend. Michael Wayne Myers According to a criminal complaint, on May 18, Mineral County 911 received a call from Myers, 67, of Keyser, who told dispatchers that his brother was shot and that he was dead. Dispatchers asked if the brother had shot himself, to which Myers said he would tell law enforcement when they get there. The complaint said that Myers and his brother lived in the house together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, deputies with the Mineral County Sheriffs Office arrived at Myers residence on Shaw Road near Keyser, where they said they found the victim lying dead near the front door on the front porch. They added that blood could be seen on the floor of the porch and an apparent gunshot entry wound could be seen on the victims upper back. US Marshals task force arrests 40 fugitives in West Virginia Deputies said that no weapons were found around the victim, who was taken to Potomac Valley Hospital for additional examination. While on the scene, deputies spoke with Myers, who told them that he used an 8mm Mauser rifle to shoot the victim from the stairs of the residence and that he did not move the victims body, the complaint said. Myers told deputies that the victim planned to kill him and that he felt like a prisoner in the residence they shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myers has been charged with murder and is being held in the Potomac Highlands 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 WBOY.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A Wichita man who went on a deadly shooting rampage in November pleaded guilty Tuesday morning. Jose Acosta, 33, had been charged with 11 crimes, including first-degree murder. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and five other counts. On Nov. 22, 2024, officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to several crimes that happened in less than an hour: 8:49 p.m. Myron Tucker, 40, was fatally shot near 13th Street and Main Street. 8:52 p.m. Officers responded to a shooting report near 13th Street and Broadway. Two people riding bicycles told officers that they had heard gunshots initially coming from Main Street but also from the south. Officers headed to 14th Street and Otis Avenue, where they encountered a man who pistol-whipped one of the bicyclists, pointed his gun at another bicyclist, and stole his bicycle. 8:56 p.m. The suspect shot at a home in the 1400 block of N. Otis while he was walking with the stolen bicycle. A man who was inside the home was narrowly missed, but his dog was shot. Police then heard gunshots coming from the direction of Broadway. 9:16 p.m. Officers were flagged down by a man who said that someone on a bicycle tried to carjack him. The man was able to drive off, but the suspect shot at him, and one bullet managed to strike his headrest. 9:20 p.m. Police heard gunshots coming from 11th Street and Broadway, where they determined the suspect shot at another person who ran off. After that, the suspect went across the street to a convenience store, where he confronted a woman and shot at her. Officers heard the gunshots and drove to the location. 9:26 p.m. Officers got out of their vehicle and told the suspect to get on the ground several times. Instead of getting on the ground, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handgun. Officers told the suspect to drop the gun and get on the ground, but he pointed the gun at officers. Police shot the man, striking him several times. Officer-involved shooting on Nov. 22, 2024 (KSN Photo) Acosta had critical injuries. After he was released from the hospital, he was charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wichita police involved in standoff with a man overnight On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to: Second-degree murder, Aggravated robbery, Criminal discharge of a firearm, Attempted aggravated robbery, and Two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Judge Tyler Roush scheduled sentencing for Aug. 1. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man who pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the fatal beating of a man in Grandview Heights received his sentence Tuesday. According to court records, Jacob Laurence, who pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in April, will serve three years in prison for the charge; he will serve a total of nine years in prison after being sentenced in two additional unrelated cases. As part of the plea arrangement agreed to on April 28, two counts of tampering with evidence were dropped in connection with the fatal assault of Stephen Albright, who was found unresponsive near the intersection of West 5th Avenue and Dublin Road in the Marble Cliff area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New charges, including rape, filed against son of New Albany church leaders Albright, 57, died from severe head injuries on Nov. 17, 2023, four days after Laurence was arrested for the assault. Prosecuting attorneys said in court Tuesday that Albrights death was due to the senseless acts by the defendant, while defense counsel stated it was simply a horrible accident and not intentional. An investigation led the police to Laurence after receiving a tip and he was one of two people of interest after surveillance video images from the area of Albrights death were released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurence was tracked by a SWAT unit to the 1300 block of Dublin Road after a home search warrant in the 100 block of Columbian Avenue was issued. He was charged in November 2023 with parole violations related to a burglary investigation, but in March 2024, was officially indicted in Albrights death. Jacob Laurence Police also placed a woman in custody who they believed was connected with Laurence; however, an identification was never made public after questioning and no charges were filed. Albrights brother, James, said that the night of the incident, Stephen had dropped his daughter off at a class and decided to go for a run. Several family members attended the sentencing hearing Tuesday in support of Albright, including his wife, brother, and father, who all issued statements. Judge Julie Lynch said that in 23 years on the bench, she has never received so many letters of support for a victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurence, who expressed remorse in the courtroom, also previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice for a jail escape, and one count of burglary in two unrelated cases. He was sentenced to one-year and five-year sentences, which are to run consecutively at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A man was sentenced for causing a home invasion while he was in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for a state sentence. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Sean Patrick Curtis, 29, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Court documents stated that on the evening of January 17, 2023, two men entered a home in Nevada, where a couple and their two minor children were present. The victims were held at gunpoint and an adult victim was assaulted and robbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi man pleads guilty to defrauding rental assistance program Investigators learned that Curtis directed the men to the home. At the time, he was serving a sentence in MDOC. Authorities said Curtis communicated through social media applications and FaceTime to orchestrate the home invasion and target a former girlfriend. Curtis pled guilty to cyberstalking earlier this year. He was sentenced to 144 months imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release for the offense. This case was investigated by the FBI. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Photo: https://www.delo.si/ European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos believes that the opening of the first cluster in Ukraine's negotiations on accession to the European Union will help Hungary, which is blocking this process, deal with the issue of national minorities. Ukraine has done its homework, so it's ready for cluster one fundamentals to be open. And now the Council has all the elements to make a decision, she told reporters on Tuesday in Brussels, arriving for a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Kos said that last week the European Commission had submitted two more screenings to the European Council on the second and sixth clusters for Ukraine and Moldova. And if we go on with the speed like until now, we will be able to do all the screenings until the autumn time. And this will be also a message for Ukraine. Stay strong, keep fighting, keep defending or keep fighting anti-corruption, and of course also take care about the rule of law. So it's very important that we also give a message to Ukraine, the European Commissioner detailed. Touching on the issue of Hungary blocking the opening of negotiations due to the issue of national minorities, she noted that the issue of protecting minorities is fundamental and important for the European Union. It is a very important part of the negotiations. That's why, in my opinion, it would be really good if we could open cluster one fundamentals, which will give Hungary the opportunity to get all the answers or to deal with the concerns they have with their minority in Ukraine, Kos explained. The European Commissioner stressed that Ukraine's security and the continuation of Ukraine's accession process to the EU will also secure on the long term the security in Europe. I want to be clear, it is not only about the security of Ukraine, it is about the security of Europe, of the European Union, she said. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting at a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper during a high-speed chase in Blue Springs in 2022. Court records show that on Friday, May 16, Christopher Northcutt was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the following crimes: First-degree assault Two counts of armed criminal action Unlawful use of a weapon Resisting arrest Tampering with physical evidence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty to all six charges in January 2025, according to court records. Background On Nov. 19, 2022, a MSHP trooper tried to stop a truck for speeding on I-70. During the high-speed chase, someone inside the truck shot at the state trooper. The trooper was not hurt. Investigators later found the truck abandoned at a motel. Video surveillance showed three people in the truck when they left it at the motel, according to the criminal complaint. The court document also shows that investigators tracked the suspects to a hotel where they rented a room. One of the suspects used a license that identified him as John Glock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glock was also charged in connection with the November 2022 incident. The third person who was in the truck with Glock and Northcutt at the time of the shooting has not been identified or charged. Several other people ended up getting arrested for allegedly for helping Glock and Northcutt elude investigators. Previous coverage Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chris Brown, 36, allegedly shot his three juvenile sons in Florida, per a criminal affidavit He shot one son by accident when the gun he was using to pistol-whip the boy discharged and hit the boy's face, the affidavit claims Brown then allegedly opened fire at his other two sons when they started to chase him while he retreated to his car. A Florida man is facing a lengthy list of charges after allegedly shooting his three sons over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Brown, 36, allegedly shot one of his sons by accident while pistol-whipping the boy and then opened fire on the other two when they went to confront him after he shot their brother, according to a copy of a criminal affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. He is now charged with two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Brown faces an additional count as well for allegedly being a felon in possession of a gun. The affidavit says that the shooting occurred on May 18 while the three brothers were walking to a community pool from their home in Ruskin, a city located approximately 35 miles south of Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three boys, who are not being named because they are all juveniles, told police that they had been "actively trying to avoid" Brown on May 18 because he "was causing issues at his residence." As they were walking to the pool, Brown pulled up and approached one of his sons with a "pink and black semiautomatic in his right hand," the affidavit says. Brown then "struck him in the left side of the face with the pistol causing the firearm to discharge a single rough which grazed [his] left jaw line and striking his left ear lobe," according to the affidavit. Then, as he "retreated to the vehicle," the affidavit says that Brown "discharged several rounds" at his other two sons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Dad Wanted a Baby Boy. When He Learned His Wife Was Pregnant with a 3rd Girl, He Did the Unthinkable Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office were able to obtain video surveillance of the incident as well after canvassing the area, which showed Brown hitting one son and then opening fire as his sons "are seen rushing towards [their father] as he enters the vehicle and discharged several rounds," according to the affidavit. The affidavit further alleges that Brown called one of his sons after the shooting and said "I tried to take your life" and "you won't make it to Wednesday." 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. Related: S.C. Mother Murdered in Random Attack While Driving Her Car. Now 5 Teenagers Between the Ages of 13 and 18 Are in Custody Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That conversation was recorded by the son, who identified the caller making threats as Brown, according to the affidavit. Deputies arrested Brown later that same day, and his actions at that time led to additional charges including resisting arrest, criminal mischief and two counts of burglarizing an occupied dwelling, according to inmate records obtained by PEOPLE. Brown is due back in court on May 22. He is not eligible for parole because he is a felon charged with attempted murder. Read the original article on People GLEN ROSE, Ark. Officials with the Arkansas State Police said that a man was shot by troopers on Saturday after entering a store with a rifle, stealing merchandise and fleeing the scene on a tractor. According to a release, ASP officials said that the incident happened at a Dollar General store in Glen Rose around 5 p.m. Officials said that when ASP troopers and deputies with the Hot Spring County Sheriffs Department arrived at his home in the 2500 block of Thunderbird Loop, they located 28-year-old Tyler McWaters of Traskwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas State Police troopers chase, arrest man on Interstate 30 after gun battle ASP officials said that McWaters was still armed with the rifle, and he ran toward a neighboring property. Law enforcement officials said that during the chase he began firing at them, prompting troopers to return fire, striking him. The release said that McWaters was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Officials said detectives with the ASPs Criminal Investigation Division will be investigating the shooting to determine if the use of lethal force was consistent with Arkansas law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) A man was brutally attacked during a robbery in the Bronx on May 12, according to the NYPD. Police said the 31-year-old victim was approached by a man and a woman on East 152nd Street around 2 a.m. One of the suspects allegedly pulled out a knife and started slashing the victim in the chest, according to authorities. More Local News Police said during the slashing, the other suspect was accused of robbing the victim of his phone, wallet and sneakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects fled the scene on foot, according to authorities. Police said the victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The first suspect, a man, was wearing a black tank top, dark-colored pants and black and white sneakers, according to authorities. Police describe the second suspect, a woman, as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black sneakers. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A man was taken to the hospital late Monday after he was stabbed in the head in Middletown by a random assailant as he was walking down the street, he told police. Officers at 9:11 p.m. responded to Pearl Street on the report of an assault, according to Erik Costa, chief of the Middletown Police Department. Costa said members of the Middletown Fire Department initially responded to the area for what was first reported as a medical call involving a head injury before finding that a man had been stabbed on the top of his head. The victim, a 33-year-old Middletown man, was taken to Hartford Hospital for lacerations to his head. Costa said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Costa, the victim told police he was walking on Grand Street when someone came up behind him and stabbed him on the top of his head. He said the attacker was not known to him. The victim told authorities he was stabbed a second time before he ran south on Pearl Street, Costa said. He stopped in the area of 188 Pearl St. where a resident called 911. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no known public safety concerns, Costa said in a statement. The stabbing remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Middletown Officer M. Aresco at 860-638-4000, ext. 6318. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A man is suing Kum & Go LLC and a woman who was a Kum & Go store manager in Springfield after a 2020 shooting incident left the man with damages. According to the six-count petition filed in Greene County Circuit Court on Tuesday, May 20, Christopher Williams who is the suits petitioner and his girlfriend stopped at a Kum & Go on 215 S. Kansas Expressway on Sept. 19, 2020, to buy drinks and rent a movie. Before Williams and his girlfriend headed to the gas station, an unknown man had driven his vehicle to the business and while armed with a 9mm pistol and wearing a mask covering his nose and mouth entered the store, purchased cigars, left the building, and loitered in his car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition states that after Williams entered the back of the gas station by Kum & Gos dilapidated car wash, the masked man sped by in a vehicle and almost collided with Williams. He shouted at Williams and made large gestures at him. Williams thought the driver was in distress and stopped to see if he needed help, but became afraid after the armed man began making threats at him and refusing to take his hands out of his pockets, according to the petition. Williams girlfriend moved to the drivers side of his vehicle. Williams backed toward the car and told his girlfriend to drive off, but the masked man aimed the gun at Williams as he was backing away and shot Williams at least twice with the handgun, resulting in gunshot wounds in Williams lower left abdomen, right back and left hip. The masked, armed man ran back to his car and fled the scene, the petition says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams suffered serious personal injuries, including gunshot wounds, permanent impairment, lost wages, medical expenses and more, per the petition. The petition alleges Kum & Go was negligent in several factors, including that the lighting near the scene of the shooting was burned out or otherwise nonfunctional; the car wash was dilapidated, unused, abandoned and unlit; no security was present on site; and no warnings about criminal activity or risks of crime were posted at the entrance to the property. Kum & Go should have allegedly known about ongoing criminal activity on its property, as evidenced by law enforcement reports, internal reports and local, city and federal crime data, the petition says. Despite the fact that multiple crimes of violence had occurred at this Kum & Gos premises over the year, the store and its manager, Zina Robinson, took no meaningful action to improve safety conditions for its business invitees, the petition says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit alleges Robinson knew or should have known that the exterior lighting near the car wash and near the area Williams was shot had been inoperable for weeks or months, creating a blind spot for cameras and degrading the quality of video surveillance. Additionally, the suit also alleges Robinson failed to implement or request minimal preventative measures such as signage discouraging loitering, security cameras aimed at the car wash or hiring security services to patrol or guard the store. Ultimately, five counts of the petition allege Kum & Go was negligent, failed to warn of a dangerous condition, maintained premises liability, had negligent security and failed to warn patrons that the store premises had a high risk of crime. One count alleges Robinson breached her duty of reasonable care to Williams by failing to conduct security inspections, failing to address a known history of violent crime and more, according to the petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit asks for an unspecified amount for damages. Williams is represented by Douglas, Haun and Heidemann of Springfield. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (AP) A man in a pickup truck drove through a roadside gate at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and crossed a runway before being taken into custody Tuesday morning, according to police. The unidentified man was apprehended at the western New York airport without incident about 6 minutes after breaching the gate, which was damaged. The incident, which occurred at about 7:30 a.m., did not disrupt air traffic, said Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Chief Brian Patterson. It was not clear why the man breached the gate, but Patterson told reporters at a briefing that weve come to the conclusion that this was intentional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pickup truck crossed a taxiway and a runway before the man was taken into custody on an inactive runway outside a plane that is used for training, the chief said. Paterson said the man faces state and federal charges. The FBI was assisting with the investigation. A dog inside the vehicle was being cared for. A man was arrested on Monday after it was revealed he was reportedly masquerading as a student at an Ohio high school. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In a letter sent to parents and community members, Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Thomas Hosler said a man believed to be 24 years old was arrested on felony forgery charges, our CBS affiliate in Toledo, WTOL, reported. The man, identified in jail records as Anthony Emmanuel Labrad Sierra, is accused of enrolling at the high school while claiming to be a 16-year-old student in January 2024. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WTOL reported that Sierra presented himself as an unaccompanied minor and enrolled under the name Anthony Labrador. His enrollment was in accordance with federal and state requirements for students who do not have legal guardians or are homeless. He also allegedly applied for and received several documents while enrolled at the district. WTOL reported that those documents included a drivers license, Social Security number, and federal Temporary Protective Status from the United States Immigration Department. The superintendent also said Sierra applied under the Labrador name for a visa and even had his guardianship granted to a Perrysburg family by the Wood County Juvenile Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That family contacted the district about the alleged fraudulent identity on May 14 after they got information that he wasnt a minor. The district confronted Sierra about it, but he denied the claims and referenced his birth certificate, which WTOL reported included a birth date that would make him 17 as of May 14. An investigation was conducted by the Perrysburg Police Division. In a statement to WTOL, police revealed Sierra was from Venezuela. Through our investigation and working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it was discovered that Anthony Emmanuel Labrador Sierra, a 24-year-old from Venezuela, had used fraudulent documents to enroll in Perrysburg Schools, and was posing as a 17-year-old high school student, police said. Sierra was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 on Monday. Hes been booked into the Wood County Jail. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] University of Southern California researchers have found a detachment paradox in how managers think about their employees setting boundaries. A study published this month found that while employers recognize employees who unplug from work on the weekends are more productive and motivated than those who dont, those employees are also less likely to be considered for promotions. An employees decision to turn off their work phone and avoid checking email over the weekend may cost them a promotion. New research published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes this month has uncovered a detachment paradox in managers decision-making: While managers believe unplugging outside of work hours helps their employees feel more motivated and refreshed, many are also more likely to pass over those workers for a promotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analyzing 16 studies with 7,800 participants total, coauthors Eva Buechel, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Southern Californias Marshall School of Business, and Elisa Solinas, an assistant professor of marketing at IE University in Spain, sought to find out how managers perceived unplugged employees. In some experiments, the researchers showed manager profiles of employees with the same performance reviews, but with different detachment boundaries, such as some employees leaving an out-of-office reply over the weekend. Buechel and Solinas found that managers believed the employees who disconnected from work outside of regular hours and over the weekend were more productive and motivated than employees who did not disconnect. However, managers rated those more detached employees as less committed to their work and less deserving of a promotion than employees who did not set the same out-of-work boundaries. Managers continued to prefer the less detached employees for promotions, even when neither employee did any work over the weekend, and if the reason for the detachment was to take care of a sick family member. This paradox could be because while managers see the value of work-life balance, they still perceive more detached employees as caring less about their work. What our studies show is that commitment is almost valued over productivity, Buechel told Fortune. Ultimately, we want to sense that a worker is really committed, and thats what we reward actually more than productivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This paradox is bound to have ramifications on workplace culture, Buechel said. Shes concerned these manager values could have negative workplace repercussions, including burnout, decreases in productivity and outputand ultimately, employee turnover. This is bad for everybody, she said. The price of burnout Employees are seeking a reprieve from work-related activities after hours as burnout concerns escalate. According to an April report from Glassdoor analyzing reviews from U.S. full-time and part-time employees, discussion of burnouts have surged 32% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. Since the last quarter of 2019, mentions of burnout in reviews have skyrocketed more than 50% Glassdoor lead economist Daniel Zhao posited burnout is indicative of pressures to increase efficiency, whether amid layoffs and shortages or increased employee anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if a satisfied employee or high performer can sustain a higher workload with no impact to productivity or satisfaction for a short-term sprint, that doesnt necessarily mean theyll be able to do so indefinitely, Zhao wrote in the report. Employee burnout can come back to bite managers. Online marketplace Care.com found in a survey of 600 C-suite and human resources executives that 80% of employers predicted profitability would increase by at least 25% if none of their workers were at risk of experiencing burnout. Beyond workers getting less done, theres also the risk of them quitting. According to Glassdoors April report, users who mentioned burnout in reviews were 59% more likely to apply for a new job after leaving their review. The cost of losing somebody [and finding] their replacement can be staggering, depending on the complexity of the role, Wes Burke, chief human resources officer at Care.com, told Fortune last month. The right to disconnect Amid concerns of worker burnout are efforts to codify work-life balance. Last August, Australia granted millions of workers the right to disconnect, following the lead of some other European and Latin American countries in allowing employees to ignore after-hours texts and emails from employers they deem unreasonable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the law was intended to help workers maintain boundaries, industry leaders warned the law would muddy communication between workers and managers. The right to disconnect laws are rushed, poorly thought out, and deeply confusing, employers organization the Australian Industry Group said in a statement at the time. At the very least, employers and employees will now be uncertain about whether they can take or make a call out of hours to offer an extra shift. Despite potential challenges, Buechel said she believes laws like the right to disconnect can make a lasting impact in changing managers perceptions of their employees boundaries by changing workplace normshelping to undo the idea managers have about employee availability being equivalent to employee commitment. Formalized policies are the only way to have at least a shot at reducing this, Buechel said. If theres some people who disconnect and some people who dont disconnect, then youre implicitly always kind of compared to the people who dont disconnect. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) Manatee County school board members meet to discuss the future of Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong, Tuesday morning. In a vote of 3 to 2, the Manatee school board terminated Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysons contract. One board member said its to determine his resignation or termination of contract. Leaders with the school district say any information released prior to Tuesdays meeting is speculation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robin Taub Williams, president of the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Manasota, said parents are concerned about the meeting. Dr. Jason Wysong Theres a lack of transparency and a lack of time, Williams said. According to Williams, she learned about the meeting over the weekend. The special session comes less than two years after Wysong took over the job. The special meeting was initiated by school board chair Chad Choate. In a statement to 8 On Your Side, he wrote, It is a discussion on his contract. Where that goes will depend on the board discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of academic metrics, things have been improving under his leadership, Williams said. Data from the Florida Department of Education shows the districts graduation rate increasing under Wysong, improving from 82% in 2023 to 85% the next year. Williams wonders if the move boils down to a budget issue. I just think the public needs to have time to find out what the facts are here, and there shouldnt be this rush, Williams said. Vice chair Cindy Spray told 8 On Your Side she has no comment. She suggested anyone curious about the meeting should attend in person or via Zoom. The board member who claimed the meeting will be Wysongs resignation or termination of contract, said a compensation package will need to be decided following the meeting. They said, once finalized, the school board will choose an interim superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the districts website: School Board meetings are broadcast live on Manatee Schools Television (MSTV). Watch on Spectrum (channel 646), Frontier (channel 39), and online at MSTV.US. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Rakuten Group, a global technology company headquartered in Japan, and the Ukrainian government initiative Brave1 Defense Technology Support Cluster will collaborate on the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in DSEI Japan, the only large-scale defense technology exhibition in Japan, which will be held on May 21-23. "The exhibition will showcase breakthrough technologies and products of Ukrainian defense tech companies. Rakuten will facilitate their further entry into the Japanese market," the company's press release said. It is noted that the following companies will be represented at the exhibition: Dwarf Engineering LLC, specializing in sustainable software and hardware for combat drones; Farsight Vision LLC, which develops software solutions for geospatial intelligence based on artificial intelligence for security and defense needs; Griselda, a defense tech platform that provides real-time situational awareness and rapid response capabilities; LifesaverSIM, which turns gaming into a powerful tool that allows emergency workers to learn, practice, and develop vital skills; Skyfall Industries LLC, the largest UAV manufacturer in Ukraine, known for its legendary Vampire and Shrike drones; and Swarmer, a developer of software for autonomous drone swarms. It is noted that Brave1 and Rakuten will continue to cooperate to support Ukrainian companies. In the future, both parties plan to expand this cooperation, involving the Japanese government and other partners, which will contribute to the development of defense and dual-use technologies in both countries. MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) The Manatee County School Board has called a special meeting for Tuesday. The focus will be on the superintendents contract. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 8 on Your Side School board members selected Dr. Jason Wysong May of 2023. He had previously been a Deputy Superintendent with Seminole County Public Schools since 2021. A source within the district said the special meeting will either be about the resignation or termination of the superintendent. He did not go into further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When public education is done really well, its an economic driver, and its a civic driver for community success, said Wysong in July 2023, when he was sworn in as superintendent. Hernando High teacher charged with giving student Kratom Less than two years later, the school board called a special meeting. It was posted on the calendar on Friday, May 16. The agenda shows the Purpose: conduct business relating to educational issues. It was initiated by School Board Chair Chad Choate. When 8 On Your Side spoke with Choate, he wrote, It is a discussion on his contract. Where that goes will depend on the board discussion. Vice Chair Cindy Spray told me she had no comment. She suggested for those curious to attend the meeting or watch it via Zoom on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Which is not much notice and a difficult time for parents and the community who work most people to attend, said Robin Taub Williams, president of Democratic Public Education Caucus of Manasota. Williams said concerned parents alerted her of the special meeting over the weekend. Theres a lack of transparency and a lack of time, and from what Ive heard from good sources that the intention is to terminate the superintendent, thats not explicitly stated on the agenda item, she said. The Manatee County School District told 8 On Your Side anything before the meeting would be deemed as speculation and would not comment further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 On Your Side questioned School Board Member Heather Felton about the special meeting. She cited Sunshine Laws preventing her from going into detail outside of school board chambers. In terms of academic metrics, things have been improving under [Wysongs] leadership, said Williams. Data from the Florida Department of Education shows the Manatee District Graduation Rate in 2023 was 82.3% and the following year that rate rose to 85.7%. In response to the FDOE school grades released Superintendent Wysong released this statement on July 25, 2024: I am pleased with the academic progress made by Manatee County students and schools during the 2023-24 school year, as measured by results from the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring system initiated by the state in 2022. With support and inspiration from talented teachers, staff, and administrators, students across the district demonstrated significant growth in reading and mathematics. This year, 20 SDMC schools earned an A grade. Additionally, fifteen schools earned a higher grade in 2024 than either 2022 or 2023. We are especially proud to celebrate Abel Elementary (improved to A; first A since 2011), Ballard Elementary (improved from D to B; first B since 2011), Tillman Elementary (first A grade in school history), and Parrish Community High School (first A grade in school history). Manatee earned a district grade of B, finishing just two percentage points away from an A. We look forward to building on this momentum as we enter the 2024-25 school year! Williams questioned if the special meeting boils down to budget, but no matter what unfolds she wants transparency for parents and the community. I just think the public needs to have time to find out what the facts are here, and there shouldnt be this rush, Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district source said a compensation package will need to be decided following the outcome of Tuesdays meeting. Once thats finalized, he said the school board will either choose an interim superintendent or appoint one. Wysong replaced former Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, who retired in June 2023 after 34 years in public education in Florida. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democrats unanimously confirmed former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as Donald Trumps secretary of state earlier this year, but the top diplomat faced several hours of attacks from his former colleagues on Tuesday condemning his first months on the job. I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you for secretary of state, said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who has drawn intense criticism from the administration after traveling to visit a wrongly deported Salvadoran father shipped to a hellhole prison in his home country. Your regret for voting for me confirms Im doing a good job, Rubio fired back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a flippant statement, Van Hollen replied. Rubio faced a barrage of criticism from Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including Van Hollen, who worked alongside the Florida Republican for more than a decade. Im not even mad anymore about your complicity in this administration's destruction of U.S. global leadership, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) told him. Im simply disappointed. I wonder if you're proud of yourself in this moment when you go home to your family? Marco Rubio faced a barrage of criticism from Democratic senators on May 20 as he defended foreign policy and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration (AP) Van Hollen lashed into Rubios dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the end of refugee resettlement, cancellation of international student visas over criticism of Israel, and the summary removals of dozens of immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator faced attacks from administration officials and Trump allies after traveling to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran father living in Maryland who was wrongly deported to his home country more than two months ago, igniting a fierce legal battle with judges and a unanimous Supreme Court demanding the administration facilitate his release. Rubio asserted that he has no obligation to answer questions from a judge about the governments relationship with El Salvador and arrangements to imprison Abrego Garcia and others. We deported gang members including the one you had a margarita with, said Rubio, referencing debunked claims that Van Hollen drank cocktails with Abrego Garcia during a brief visit. Aides for El Salvador President Nayib Bukele placed glasses on a table dressed up like cocktails to mock their meeting, according to Van Hollen. That guy is a human trafficker, that guy is a gang member, Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Hollen tried to cut him off, telling committee chair James Risch that Rubio was making unsubstantiated comments. Administration officials have repeatedly sought to justify Abrego Garcias ongoing detention with allegations of criminal activity and gang membership, which were largely raised only after he was deported. The claims are absent in court documents in the legal battle for his return. Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to the federal court of the United States because he hasnt done it under oath, Van Hollen snapped. Senator Chris Van Hollen said he regrets voting to confirm Rubio as secretary of state after he revoked student visas over pro-Palestine protests and approved summary deportations of alleged gang members (REUTERS) Rubio claimed no judge can force him to respond to questions about his conversation with foreign leaders. I am under no obligation, under our division of powers in this country, to share with the judicial branch how I conducted diplomacy of the United States, Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he wont comply with court orders for what Im saying, and what Im talking about with a foreign leader. In court, Rubio and lawyers at the Department of Justice have raised a state secrets privilege to try to avoid answering questions about what steps, if any, the administration is taking to return Abrego Garcia to the United States. Responding to Van Hollens criticism of Rubio revoking student visas over pro-Palestine protests, a furious Rubio said: I dont deport anybody. I dont snatch anybody. What I do is revoke visas. Its very simple: A visa is not a right, its a privilege. Van Hollen repeatedly interrupted, asking whether Tufts University scholar Rumeysa Ozturk who is accused only of co-writing an op-ed critical of Israels war in Gaza should be imprisoned and deported. Cmon, Mr. Secretary. Youre just blowing smoke, Van Hollen said. Thats pathetic, Mr. Secretary. I feel so much safer with you locking up people like Ms. Ozturk. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday the State Department will look to charitable religious organizations like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it seeks to adjust foreign aid programs. In response to a question from Utah Sen. John Curtis, Rubio said the Trump administration will absolutely consider the role of the Church of Jesus Christ and other philanthropic entities, while relying on regional bureaus to make decisions about the kind of foreign assistance that advances American interests abroad. Were going to be doing humanitarian relief, disaster relief, Rubio said. The difference is its going to be coordinated out of the umbrella of the State Department, and its going to be part of a cohesive, coherent foreign policy. And its going to be driven by our embassies and our regional bureaus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis, a member of the church who served a two-year mission in Taiwan as a young man, said faith groups are ready to help rebuild and restructure U.S. foreign aid to complement the vision Rubio described without a drag on the U.S. tax dollar. I know there are a lot of people like that ready to jump in and be part of this, Curtis said, also naming Catholic Charities. A car is upended in its parking stall as people walk the debris-strewn streets in Tacloban, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. | Deseret News Curtis asks about climate During the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio fielded pointed questions from Democratic senators over President Donald Trumps disruption of international relationships and his unprecedented deportations of alleged immigrant gang members to Salvadoran prisons. Rubio also received questions from Republican lawmakers, including Utah Sen. Mike Lee, over uncertainty surrounding what international organizations will lose U.S. funding and how the State Department plans to maintain Americas position in global negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis asked whether the Trump administration continues to value having a U.S. presence at international climate conferences like the Conference of the Parties, or COP. Since entering Congress, Curtis has spearheaded efforts to articulate a Republican message on environmentally responsible energy innovation, including by leading multiple GOP delegations to COP conferences. I believe that a Republican voice is really important at that table, Curtis said. Rubio said energy production will be at the forefront of foreign policy conversations for the next century as nations grapple with the intense energy demands created by artificial intelligence. Elders Sammuel Bassette, left, and Lgune Raymond of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unload supplies for victims of the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. | Jeffrey D. Allred Lee questions international organizations Long a critic of international organizations like the United Nations, Lee complimented Rubios clear-eyed vision of the Western Hemispheres independence and asked him how the administration would determine which global initiatives to defund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The answer, Rubio said, is simple, and is the same one each of the State Department bureaus will be tasked with identifying. The assessment is very simple, Rubio said. Is our participation in this organization furthering our national interests or not? Secretary of State Marco Rubio flippantly said he does not have to listen to court orders at a Senate hearing Tuesday. Senator Chris Van Hollen asked Rubio about the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador on the governments own admission. Rubio repeated the Trump administrations false claims of Abrego Garcias gang membership and alleged crimes. We deported gang members. Gang members, including the one you had a margarita with. And that guy is a human trafficker, and that guy is a gang banger, and the evidence is going to be clear in the days to come, Rubio said, referring to Van Hollens visit to El Salvador last month to verify Abrego Garcias well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Hollen interrupted and tried to refute Rubios lies, telling Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch that Rubio cant make unsubstantiated claims like that. Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to federal court in the United States because he hasnt done it under oath, Van Hollen asserted, only to be reprimanded by Risch. Then Rubio made his outrageous claim about the federal judiciary. There is a division in our government between the federal branch and the judicial branch. No judge, and the judicial branch, cannot tell me or the president how to conduct foreign policy, Rubio said. No judge can tell how I have to outreach to a foreign partner or what I need to say to them. And if do reach to that foreign partner and talk to them, I am under no obligation to share that with the judiciary branch. FIREWORKS: Marco Rubio just declared that he doesn't have to comply with the judiciary after clashing with Senator Chris Van Hollen who asked him to stop making unsubstantiated claims about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. pic.twitter.com/wC9TJRP3Zp CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) May 20, 2025 First of all, Rubio completely gets the branches of government wrong, as there are three of them: the executive branch, consisting of the presidency; the legislative branch, comprising Congress; and the judicial branch, made up of the federal court system. But perhaps even more troubling, Rubio also declared that he did not believe in the Constitutions separation of powers, in which the three branches exist together in a system of checks and balances. Rubio betrayed what seems to be the Trump administrations actual beliefs about the U.S. government: that the presidency is more like an absolute monarchy that isnt subject to congressional or judicial oversight. The conservative-controlled Supreme Court seems to have inspired that belief last year in its ruling on presidential immunity. Now, as President Trump deports immigrants without evidence or due process, we are seeing the actions of a president who believes he is above the law. Either State Secretary Marco Rubio is playing dumb about Donald Trumps new private jet from Qatar, or hes actually dumb. While testifying before Congress Tuesday, Rubio claimed that he had no knowledge of reports that ownership of the plane would eventually swap to Trumps presidential library. Its not your understanding that the plane ultimately will belong to Trump or to the presidents library? pressed Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not involved at that level, Ive never heard that before, the state secretarywhose job it is to manage and carry out U.S. foreign policysaid. What Ive heard is that plane will replace Air Force One, which is an Air Force plane. Murphy then made mention of Trumps plans to meet this week with a couple hundred of the top investors in his cryptocurrency. Earlier this month, 19 of the top 25 holders registered on the meme coin site used foreign exchanges that exclude U.S.-based customers, reported Bloomberg, meaning that foreigners are effectively buying face-to-face time with the president. I dont know anything about it, or didnt even know there was a dinner Thursday night, Rubio said. So you dont know if any of the foreign individuals meeting with the president Thursday night, for instance, are on our list of sanctioned individuals or have connections to, lets say, terrorist organizations abroad? Murphy asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio then deferred oversight of that responsibility to the Department of Homeland Security, repeating that he wasnt aware of the dinner. Youre asking about a dinner that I dont know anything about. I cant answer you because I dont know anything about this dinner. Its the first Ive heard of it, Rubio said, claiming he doesnt know the presidents social schedule. Murphy then underscored the danger of major foreign interests potentially circumnavigating the State Department for unfettered access to Trump. Its kind of naive to believe that they arent going to be in that room talking about national security matters, Murphy said. I think that right there is a real problem for this committee, because theres clearly a way around the State Department for foreign individuals of significant influence and wealth to be able to directly lobby the president of the United States. You are saying you dont know this is happening; that in and of itself is a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatari leadership gifted Trump a super luxury jumbo jet earlier this month in an act that was widely interpreted as a foreign bribe, including by longtime supporters of the presidents agenda, such as far-right influencers Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer. It was one of the most lavish gifts ever bestowed on a U.S. president. Claiming that the plane is going toward the Defense Department is a convenient workaround that would allow Trump to ethically accept the pricy present, since it is obviously illegal for a president (or any U.S. public officeholder) to accept gifts of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State, per the Constitutions foreign emoluments clause. Trump has claimed the jet is a gift to the Defense Department and thus the countryexcept that the plane is not actually being donated to the American people. Instead, Trump is opting to use the luxurious aircraft as his new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which point he will transfer ownership of the plane to his presidential library foundation, sources with knowledge of the arrangement told ABC News. Richard Briffault, a Columbia Law School professor, told NPR News Trumps decision to accept the jumbo jet is a pretty textbook case of violating the emoluments clause, clarifying that if Trump hands the jet over to his library after leaving office, then its not really a gift to the United States at all. Credit - Craig BarrittTown & Country/Getty Images To millions of TV viewers, Mariska Hargitay is Olivia Benson, the tough but compassionate NYPD captain who has been tackling crimes for the past 26 years on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Away from the cameras, Hargitay channels that same fierce dedication into her real-world role as a powerful advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Hargitays Joyful Heart Foundation, which she launched in 2004, focuses on changing the way society responds to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse through education, advocacy, and strategic grants. Since 2010, it has prioritized tackling the vast backlog of untested rape kits in the U.S.crucial DNA evidence that is often left unprocessed, which can delay justice and potentially allow repeat offenders to remain free. Through its End the Backlog campaign, the foundation has identified tens of thousands of untested kits, funded training to clear the backlog, and driven policy changes. Its six pillars of reformwhich include mandating statewide kit tracking, testing timelines, and victim notificationshave now been fully adopted by 21 states and the District of Columbia, with 11 others close behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Hargitay shared a more personal connection to her foundations work. In an essay published by People, Hargitay revealed that she had been raped by a then-friend when she was in her 30sa fact that took her decades to come to terms with. I couldnt process it, she wrote. I was building Joyful Heart on the outside so I could do the work on the inside. Contact us at letters@time.com. WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Mark Alexander Gemik, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in his hometown of Warren, Ohio, the same place where his story began on March 30, 1966. Known affectionately as Mark, he was a man whose life was characterized by service, love and devotion to his family and country. Mark was raised in Newton Falls, Ohio and served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. Find obituaries from your high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a retired police officer and a beacon in his community. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his cat, Buidy. Marks life was a testament to the values he held dear, love, duty and faith. He navigated lifes challenges with grace and left behind a legacy of strength and compassion. Those who had the privilege of knowing Mark understood that his actions spoke louder than words and his influence will be felt for generations to come. Memories of Mark will be carried on by his loving mother, Carol Gemik; his devoted daughter, Elisa Gemik and his proud son-in-law, Jared Willette. He was an inspiration to his son, Joshua Gemik and his supportive son-in-law, Chris Guajaca. His joy and legacy continue through his grandson, Zackary Gemik; Marks brother, Todd Hemberger and sister-in-law, Dena Hemberger; along with his sister, Leigh Woolard and brother-in-law, Michael Woolard will forever hold him in their hearts; his nephews, Mikey Woolard, TJ and Tyler Hemberger and his niece, Alayna Cooper, will miss his guidance and gentle spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark was preceded in death by his father, Leo Hemberger; his stepfather, Michael Gemik and his cherished grandparents, Alexander and Elsie Kish. As we bid farewell to Mark Alexander Gemik, we reflect on a life will-lived, a life filled with purpose and generosity of spirit. We take comfort in knowing the he was a journey marked by unwavering love and commitment to those he held dear. Marks story does not end here, for in our hearts and memories, he remains an ever-present guiding force. A private ceremony will be held to honor Marks life and legacy. In keeping with his selfless nature, we know he would want us to live our lives to the fullest, enriching the world as he did. Marks memory will forever be cherished and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrangements are being handled by the Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Alexander Gemik, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 21 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Three people, including at least one juvenile, were taken into custody on Tuesday as authorities continue investigating Aprils officer-involved shooting on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Eighteen-year-old Jerrius Davis of Bennettsville died in the April 26 shooting, which left 11 other people injured as a result of gunfire. The shooting incident happened just before midnight in the 900 block of North Ocean Blvd. after officers noticed a disturbance involving multiple people. Deadly officer-involved shooting at least 25th instance of gun violence on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach since 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These arrests are not directly tied to the shooting itself but are independent cases and part of the broader investigation into associated criminal activity, the Myrtle Beach Police Department said on Tuesday. The Myrtle Beach Police Department arrested two individuals in connection with events in Myrtle Beach that occurred before and after the April 26 shooting incident on Ocean Boulevard. The Marlboro County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday obtained search warrants for two homes in the Clio area. A juvenile was arrested at one of the homes, and various items were collected by Myrtle Beach police, the sheriffs office said in a Facebook post. Myrtle Beach police then took custody of the juvenile and transported them to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia. A search warrant was also served in Laurinburg, where one person was arrested. Firearms and additional evidence were also recovered during this operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another warrant was served in High Point, North Carolina, where the third person was taken into custody. All individuals taken into custody today as a result of this investigation were for firearm-related offenses, the Myrtle Beach Police Department said. These actions follow several weeks of investigation into the events surrounding the April 26 incident. Detectives from the Myrtle Beach Police Department have since identified additional individuals believed to be connected to the events leading up to and following that date. Myrtle Beach police said there were multiple shooting/gun incidents on the day of the officer-involved shooting. Police are looking into whether there is a link between the other incidents and the deadly shooting, but police stressed that SLED is handling the investigation of the officer-involved shooting. Three Myrtle Beach police officers were placed on paid leave after the shooting, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division began an investigation. Authorities said this is standard protocol when there is an officer-involved shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaeishala Fox, the mother of Jerrius Davis, told News13 that her family has met with investigators from SLED about the shooting. SLED said Davis was armed and shooting into a crowd, an allegation that Fox disputes. Fifteen-year-old Serenity Chavis was among the 11 people hurt in the incident. She spoke with News13 about that night. When the police shot me, I didnt feel the bullet, she explained. The one that shot me stood in front of me and told me that he was sorry. He just kept saying that he was sorry. And I just kept saying, Can yall please help me? And I asked [If I was going to] die and he said No, [youre not going to] die. They were [going to] put me in handcuffs until I told them Im an innocent bystander. Thats what happened. Authorities have yet to specify how many of the 11 people who were injured actually suffered gunshot wounds, something that civil rights attorney John C. Barnett says is a lack of accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claims that since the victims lives have been changed from the night of the shooting, the city of Myrtle Beach needs to provide free counseling. Its not OK for people of color to be shot and not get counseling, especially not committing a crime. So, counseling is needed. They need psychotherapy, and I think that Myrtle Beach should be able to create a budget, Barnett said. Serenity cant walk right now. Shes in a wheelchair. So, again, the negligence and the counseling Im just really pushing that chief of police, if you dont do anything else and Im contacting the mayor today as well provide some counseling for these individuals. Thats not from your city, whos told me that they dont ever want me to come back to Myrtle Beach again. News13 on Tuesday again asked Myrtle Beach police for the exact number of people injured by gunfire in the Ocean Boulevard shooting, as well as the release of all police body camera and dash camera footage. Police referred News13 to their previous responses to our requests. * * * 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. * * * Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, 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. May 20MITCHELL The Mitchell City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on its first reading that creates a rental license program. The housing code effectively puts the rentals in Mitchell under the city's purview. In the furthest extreme, this allows the city the ability to revoke a rental dwelling's approved status and vacate any renters until the infraction is fixed by the rental owner. The proposed ordinance needs to be approved again on second reading by the Mitchell City Council. It would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Attorney Justin Johnson presented the ordinance to the council and touched on the various specifics of the 12-page proposal. "It's meant to be a basic framework that could be improved upon in the future," City Attorney Justin Johnson said. The ordinance lacked a fee structure, which will have to be approved at a future council meeting, according to Johnson. A rental inspection task force, which met on Jan. 14, suggested that the fee be $12 per unit per year. "At the end of the day, if you make the rental more expensive then eventually the renter is going to pay for it," said task force member Destiny Rohrer, of Mid-Dakota Properties, at the January meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any person or business renting houses or units will be required to join the city's rental licensing program, based on the ordinance. The first round of inspections is estimated to take time and a transitional grace period will allow rental operators to request licenses and operate while they await an inspection. "As long as they've applied within that first 30 days, they get to continue operating until they make it all the way through that initial inspection process," Johnson said. The rental housing code requires that an owner of a rental dwelling in Mitchell, if that person does not live in Mitchell, appoint an agent to represent their holdings to be present at inspections and be available to city officials. The ordinance specifically states any owner or local agent who violates any provision shall be subject to the general penalty clause of the municipal code. Local agents, and not just property owners, could be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days for each and every violation, which constitutes a separate offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ordinance exempts from the inspection process government entities, campgrounds, hotels assisted living facilities and those rental dwellings owned or operated by an educational institution. In other words, city-owned Lake Mitchell Campground, and any rental or student housing of Mitchell School District, including Mitchell Technical College, are exempt from the city's license program. If a person owns more than one rental dwelling in Mitchell, they'll need to apply for one license rather than a license for every rental. "That license is going to cover everything under that umbrella, and then everything under that umbrella is going to get inspected individually," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a renter complains to the city about their rental dwelling, the city will prioritize a spot inspection for that property. "The idea would be for those to happen fairly quickly, and for those to be limited to the purpose of what's being complained about," Johnson said. As infractions are found, deadlines will be established to bring the rental up to standard. A failure to resolve identified issues will may result in a termination or suspension of the rental license, which will require that unit to be vacated, according to Johnson. "We don't want people having to leave the unit unless it's a very serious life-safety issue," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rental inspector will have broad authority to extend corrective deadlines, according to Johnson. A rental owner or local agent can appeal to the city council if they disagree with the inspector. Council member Susan Tjarks suggested a more elaborate hierarchy before a matter came to the council. "They're more than likely going to end up in court on a matter anyway," Johnson said. "So in the interest of having these issues resolved in a more timely manner, I think more levels of appeal is only adding to the timeline of having these issues resolved." Council member Jeff Smith suggested the appeals process by-pass the city council altogether. Smith said the council heard vicious dog appeals in the past, but that duty is now handled by the Mitchell chief of police. "We almost 100% of the time backed the enforcement action," Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has yet to formally announce which department the rental inspector will operate under. Council member Mike Bathke suggested the city could hire a private business to conduct inspections and not have a full-time employee or pay for an additional vehicle. An unresolved item from that singular task force meeting was the topic of egress windows, according to council member John Doescher. "Egress windows weren't really adopted until 2021 by the International Building," task force member and local real estate owner Josh Peterson told the council. "It's very possible that a lot of these rental properties may not meet that guideline." Davison County Emergency Manager and South Dakota State Rep. Jeff Bathke presented to the council that it would be difficult to force a property owner to install egress windows and that the clause puts an unreasonable burden on rental owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result is that tenants get evicted, Jeff Bathke told the council. Doescher suggested that anyone who receives a rental violation for egress windows can submit a work order to the city that a contractor has agreed to install an egress window, even if it says a year out. "We're not trying to go in and look for things that aren't human safety concerns," Goldammer said. A full list of 33 rental inspection items is included in the ordinance, which can be viewed in the meeting agenda packet on the city's website. Photo: Reuters During a telephone conversation with European leaders on Monday evening, US President Donald Trump made it clear that he had no intention of putting additional pressure on Moscow while bilateral negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were ongoing, the Financial Times writes, citing its own sources familiar with the conversation. The publication notes that during his conversation with Vladimir Putin, Trump did not exert any pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire. According to his readout of the call, Trump also made clear that the US was bowing out as a mediator in efforts to end the war, leaving Moscow and Kyiv to figure things out themselves For observers, it was a turning point after more than three years of conflict. A president who promised to end the Ukraine war on day one of his second term appeared to be washing his hands of the effort and leaving Ukraine to the mercy of its invader, the article says. The publication also notes that Trump is now more interested in rapprochement with Moscow than in resolving the war. At this point Trump seems to see normalisation of Russia-US relations as an end in itself, said Andrew Weiss, vice-president at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Everything else is subordinated to that goal. The Mary, Mother of God Parish is giving out 1,000-plus books to children in Scranton after parishioners donated the reading material during Lent. The North Scranton parish at 316 William St. held a Books are a Blessing book drive through its Community/Service Coordinating Team as an almsgiving opportunity for the Lenten season, asking churchgoers to donate new or gently used books for children from preschool age through eighth grade. Although they did not count the books, they received well over 1,000, said Jennifer Pitts, team leader of the Community/Service Coordinating Team. Pitts had the idea for the inaugural book drive after seeing her daughters church in Philadelphia hold a book drive for Christmas. Her parish already gave almost half of its books to the Village Park Apartments in Scranton, where they will be given out during food distributions and after-school programs, Pitts said. On Monday afternoon, they held a book distribution at the Bangor Heights Apartments, Pitts said. With a few hundred books still in hand, Pitts expects to give out the remaining books through other channels, including the parishs annual summer swim drive and to Head Start. She is also talking to Scranton School District teachers at Neil Armstrong Elementary School, which is attended by children from Bangor Heights, regarding giving out books at school, she said. FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Pitts loads books into a car at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton on Monday, May 19, 2025. Members of the Mary, Mother of God Parish collected books during the Lenten season to donate to those in need. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Books collected during the Lenten season wait to be loaded in cars at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton on Monday, May 19, 2025. Members of the Mary, Mother of God Parish collected books during the Lenten season to donate those in need. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Elieen Mallas hands a box of books to Jennifer Pitts at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton on Monday, May 19, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 3 Jennifer Pitts loads books into a car at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton on Monday, May 19, 2025. Members of the Mary, Mother of God Parish collected books during the Lenten season to donate to those in need. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images) Maryland Gov. Wes Moore just pulled the plug on a state-approved bill to create a commission to study and recommend reparations for the slavery and discrimination thats taken place in America. Needless to say, Black folks are big mad. Moore sent his veto letter on May 16, applauding their work on the bill, however contending that now is not the time for another study. Instead, Moore cited his own administrations record for supporting Black businesses with more than $816 million, pardoning 175,000 for cannabis convictions, increased funding for Marylands HBCUs by nearly 60% ($1.34 billion), and more. Many on X are saying cmon bruh to Moores decision. BREAKING: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes bill that would have taken initial steps toward reparations for black Americans. pic.twitter.com/0q3GbZnrcn Leading Report (@LeadingReport) May 19, 2025 Interesting. Black American Governor Wes Moore vetoes a reparations bill to study harms done to Black American MD residents/recommend solutions. Even when Black politicians are in positions of great power this doesnt mean they will do much for Black people directly. https://t.co/0YVCeFSIYH Alan Holmes (@oh_HOLMES) May 16, 2025 Black Americans, this clown voted against the reparations bill in Maryland! He is a Caribbean! He should never get any black Americans votes for the presidency! https://t.co/SlMrnm2oeG The Prophet (@ccmmanagement2) May 17, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, some fans saw Moores perspective. Some citizens have expressed that the bill may not be necessary to achieve what we need to move forward. In their opinion, weve done the studies before now its time to make moves. The headline is misleading. I see half of the people commenting dont read or didnt research the actual article before commenting. He vetoed a bill that would have approved them to conduct more research on reparations after the state already spent a lot of time doing research . DeeJaye Not DJ (@_CrownMeRoyal) May 19, 2025 Gov Wes Moore vetoed a state approved bill to create a commission to study and reccomend reparations for slavery and racial discrimination. He will be called all kinds of names but the reality is nothing ever comes out of these studies. Curtis Scoon (@CurtisScoon) May 20, 2025 The House of Delegates in Maryland were elated in April after they voted to create a reparations commission that would assess the inequalities African descendants endured via federal, state, and local policies from 1877 to 1965. According to the bill, the post-Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras led to economic disparities based on race, including housing segregation and discrimination, redlining, restrictive covenants, and tax policies. Forms of compensation could include apology statements, monetary compensation, social service assistance, business incentives, and child care costs, per Maryland Matters Maryland wasnt alone. California became the first state to create a reparations Task Force, passing legislation back in 2020, followed by Illinois in 2021, and New York after in 2023. It seems Moore the only Black governor, not just in the state, but in the entire nation fumbled the bag before we could get on a roll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have moved in partnership with leaders across the state to uplift Black families and address racial disparities in our communities, Moore wrote in his letter Friday. That is the context in which Ive made this difficult decision. Because while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A Maryland man was found guilty on three out of 11 charges after a fatal shooting took the life of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres in February 2024. At around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2024, the toddler and his then-17-year-old mother were walking near their apartment complex in the Chillum area when gunfire broke out, striking them. Authorities said they were not the intended targets of the shooting, but were struck by stray bullets in a shootout between two groups of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED COVERAGE: Arrests made in murder of 2-year-old boy shot in Prince Georges County; mother recovering from injuries The 2-year-old passed away at the hospital a short time later, but his mother survived the incident. A photo of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres, who was killed in a shootout on Feb. 8, 2024. Johnny Turcios, 28, was one of two people charged after Poou-Caceres was killed, but was found not guilty in the boys murder as well as the attempted murder of the mother. He instead was convicted on May 19 of attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person. Assistant States Attorney Daniel Kim expressed disappointment that the jury did not come back with a guilty verdict for the murder charge, but said the community did come together to help move the case forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think with the unfortunate circumstance of a such a young victim, I think a lot of the community rallied around the family, Kim said. Turcios faces a possible sentence of life plus 45 years, Kim said. Family demands answers after double shooting in Lanham leaves one dead Israel Fuentes, Jr., 33, is scheduled to stand trial next year, according to a story by The Washington Post. We will fight as equally as hard to have that person found guilty as to the murder of her son, Kim said in the article. The next trial will be against the person who fired that rifle and likely fired the shots that killed Jeremy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. In a clash with Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) that went well beyond the senators allotted questioning time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts and even suggested that no court could tell him how to do his job. Rubio appeared Tuesday to answer questions at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the State Departments proposed 2026 budget. But the verbal onslaught he delivered in defense of President Donald Trumps extreme immigration policy prompted retorts from the senator after an overlapping back-and-forth about pro-Palestinian student protesters. Van Hollen pointed to Rumeysa Ozturk, the Tufts University scholar who wrote an opinion piece for the student newspaper in defense of Gaza that led to her visa revocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio has claimed that he has the authority to revoke any visa if the holder poses a threat to U.S. foreign relations a rationale that he even applied to Ozturk. The bottom line is if you come here to stir up trouble on our campuses, we will deny you a visa, Rubio said. Van Hollen tried to interject by asking, Does the First Amendment apply to people living in the United States? But Rubio continued: There are more coming. Were going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities. People are paying money, these kids pay money to go to school ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing an op-ed to the Tufts newspaper is disrupting the foreign policy of the United States? Thats pathetic, Mr. Secretary, Van Hollen said over Rubio. I feel so much safer when you lock up people like Ms. Ozturk, Mr. Secretary, he added with sarcasm. At another point, the senator said he regretted voting to confirm Rubio to his position. Afterward, Van Hollen wrote on social media that it seemed his former Senate colleague has had a full MAGA lobotomy. The Marco Rubio who testified today is not the one I served with in the Senate, he wrote. Sen. @ChrisVanHollen: "I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you for Secretary of State."@SecRubio: "Your regret for voting for me confirms I'm doing a good job." Van Hollen: "That's a flippant statement." pic.twitter.com/2UHH7tkkrT CSPAN (@cspan) May 20, 2025 The clash was somewhat predictable: Van Hollen has been a vocal critic of Rubio since a Maryland man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was mistakenly deported to an El Salvador megaprison in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has repeatedly asserted that Abrego Garcia is never coming back to the U.S., where he had been a husband and father who worked in construction. Rubio echoed the administrations line on Abrego Garcia at the hearing, claiming that he is a gangbanger, although there is little evidence to suggest Abrego Garcias involvement with any gang. Federal courts have ordered his return in part so he may make his case against the accusation of gang activity, but Trumps Justice Department has so far avoided doing so. Last month, Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia. The senator said later that he believed drinks that appeared to be margaritas were delivered to the hotel table where he sat talking with Abrego Garcia in order to color their meeting as leisurely. We deported gang members. Gang members. Including the one you had a margarita with. And that guy is a human trafficker and that guy is a gangbanger, and the evidence is going to be clear in the days to come youre going to see who you went to defend, Rubio said at the hearing. Mr. Chairman, he cant make unsubstantiated comments like that, Van Hollen replied, adding: Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to federal court of the United States because he hasnt done it under oath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres another point, OK? Rubio continued. There is a division in our government between the federal branch and the judicial branch. No judge the judicial branch cannot tell me or the president how to conduct foreign policy. Federal courts have attempted to balance the presidents authority to conduct foreign policy with their own obligation to the law. Come on, Mr. Secretary. Youre just blowing smoke here now, Van Hollen replied. Related... BOSTON (WWLP) Two brothers from Lynn were arrested and charged last Thursday in connection with firearm and drug distribution crimes. The charging documents stated that in 2024, 38-year-old Maurice Bennett was identified by law enforcement as a member of the Bloods street gang in Lynn. Maurice also had prior convictions for violent crimes related to firearms. West Roxbury woman charged with DUI in Vermont Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were able to intercept text messages between Maurice and his brother, 29-year-old Meliek Bennett, in which they allegedly coordinated the distribution of drugs such as marijuana, counterfeit pills, prescription medication, and cocaine. The messages also allegedly discussed sharing drug customers and supplies, and taking a trip to New Hampshire to sell substances there together. In September 2024, investigators obtained a recorded conversation in which Meliek allegedly said that he planned to use a silenced pistol to shoot up a drug suppliers residence and potentially murder the supplier. Meliek said through texts with Maurice and on the recording that he owed the drug supplier a debt after the supplier had beaten him up. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice. Shortly afterward, officers executed a search warrant at Melieks residence in Lynn, where they located a .22 caliber pistol with a threaded barrel and ammunition. They also found fentanyl tablets, oxycodone, gabapentin, and marijuana. Meliek and Maurice were charged last Thursday by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Meliek was also charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers will be sentenced at a later date and could face up to 20 years in prison and at least five years of supervised release. 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. A Massachusetts agency aimed at keeping children safe from abuse and neglect has asked for a minor amendment in the decision by that states highest court to allow a documentary filmmaker access to audio recordings of a hearing after which Harmony Montgomery ended up in the custody of her father. The requested amendment is to require the redaction of all names, including those of lawyers, social workers and court personnel, due to safety concerns, according to court documents obtained by the Union Leader. Several documents have been impounded. Harmonys father, Adam Montgomery, was convicted last year of beating the little girl to death about 10 months after he gained custody in February 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SJC Montgomery request The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court granted journalist Bill Lichtenstein of LC Media access to the audio of these hearings from February 2019, but the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has since requested the court amend its order to redact the names. The courts original order called for only redacting the names of other children, according to the ruling. Lichtenstein is working on a film called Broken, a feature-length documentary on the failed child welfare, foster care and family court systems in Massachusetts and nationally. Limited information on what happened in the hearing, held in Essex Juvenile Court, has been released in multiple reports. The hearing focused on Adam Montgomerys fitness as a parent, the ruling read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery had a violent past and was incarcerated at the time of Harmonys birth. In her request for further redactions, Kristin Braithwaite, assistant general counsel for the Massachusetts DCF, said interest in the case had presented itself in the form of anger and threats, and the key participants did not willingly accept publicity. The juvenile court judge who presided over the hearing in question has attested to receiving multiple threats upon his identity being learned of by the public, she said. The Committee for Public Counsel Services has filed a similar request, which is impounded. Wont prevent future tragedy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braithwaite argued the release of the names will not provide information to help prevent a future tragedy. Impounding these names will not limit the impact or efficacy of this courts order, Braithwaite said Lichtensteins attorney, Jennifer Lamanna, said the request should have been briefed and argued as part of earlier filings and oral arguments. With regard to the redaction of the names of counsel, attorneys and judges in high profile cases are regularly named in the press and, of course, in non-impounded proceedings, identifiable from the courts public records, Lamanna said in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruled Lichtenstein met the standard for relief from impoundment as to all information contained in the audio, except the privacy interest of other children. Lamanna called any threat speculative and remote, in her filing. Adam Montgomery was convicted in February 2024 of second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and other charges related to Harmonys death. He was sentenced to 56 years to life to be served on top of a minimum 32-year sentence for prior firearms convictions. Harmonys remains have yet to be found. jphelps@unionleader.com Cambridge police arrested an Arlington man Saturday night after he stole a truck and was then involved in several hit-and-run crashes, according to the police department. Cambridge police began investigating the man who they have not named after receiving reports about a pickup truck that was towing a trailer of competitive row boats and driving erratically in West Cambridge, the police department said in a Facebook post. Officers soon learned that the truck had been reported stolen to Arlington police. Additionally, Arlington police informed Cambridge police that the truck had been involved in several hit-and-run crashes at multiple locations, Cambridge police said. No one was killed in the crashes, but they resulted in non-life-threatening injuries and caused significant property damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambridge police responded to the scene and soon located the truck near the Belmont town line, the police department said. Police from both Cambridge and Belmont then managed to stop the truck and arrest the driver. A Cambridge police cruiser was involved in a crash while responding to the scene, police said. An ambulance took the officer to a local hospital. He was treated at the hospital and later released. "The investigation into this incident is ongoing. It involves multiple scenes and coordination with several partner agencies," Cambridge police wrote in the Facebook post. It is unclear what charges the driver may face out of Cambridge and Arlington. Cambridge police did not immediately respond to a request for further information about the case Tuesday afternoon. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Maynard man is facing a slew of charges including assault in connection with a Sunday night break-in and domestic incident. William Rogers Buster, 25, has been charged with two counts of assault and battery on a family or household member, according to court records. Hes also facing one count each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering into a building at night to commit a felony, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct and threatening to commit a crime. On May 18 around 9:45 p.m., Maynard police responded to an apartment on Dawn Road for reports that someone was breaking into an apartment and that a fight was going on inside the apartment, the police department said in a press release. At the scene, the reporting party who knew Buster personally told officers that hed broken into the apartment and damaged multiple items in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporting party also accused Buster of breaking their cars windshield with a vacuum, police said. He then fled the scene. Officers began searching for Buster in the area, and the Maynard Police Drone Unit was called in to assist, police said. While operating the drone, officers located a thermal image of something next to the fence outside the apartment complex. Officers approached the area next to the fence and soon located Buster, police said. They arrested him without incident. Officers then learned that Buster had ingested a large amount of non-lethal medication, police said. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation out of an abundance of caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster was arraigned in Concord District Court on Monday and ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday, according to court records. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment Monday evening. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Boston police have issued a warrant charging a Belmont man in connection with a road rage incident where a man chased a person in their car until they crashed and then was assaulted with a hatchet. Andrew Oprian, 27, faces a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and willful and malicious destruction of property, the department said in a statement. At around 11:45 p.m. on Friday, May 16, officers arrived in the area of 1032 Commonwealth Ave. in Bostons Brighton neighborhood about a reported motor vehicle crash, the statement read. The suspect chased the person in his gray pickup truck at a high rate of speed, causing the person to crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oprian 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. He then fled toward Brookline via Babcock Street. Video of the incident shared by police shows the suspect using the hatchet to smash the front of the victims car. 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. On Tuesday, May 20, Russians attacked a humanitarian aid distribution point in the village of Velyka Pysarivka in Akhtyrsk district with a drone, Sumy regional prosecutor's office reported. "A 57-year-old man was injured and hospitalized. Another 51-year-old man received medical assistance without hospitalization," the message says. Under the procedural guidance of Akhtyrka district prosecutor's office, a pretrial investigation is being conducted into the fact of the commission of war crimes (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Prosecutors, in cooperation with other law enforcement officers, are documenting the consequences of the shelling. The pretrial investigation is being carried out by investigators from Akhtyrsk district Police Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Sumy region. President Donald Trumps pick to run the Internal Revenue Service shouldnt be within 1,000 miles of the post if he couldnt answer a question about black-letter law, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren argued Tuesday. That criticism came during a tense exchange between Warren and former U.S. Rep. Billy Long, of Missouri, as he faced a barrage of questions before the Senates Finance Committee. The 6-minute back-and-forth between Warren, D-Mass.., and Long concerned whether President Donald Trump or any executive branch official had the legal right to direct the IRS to audit an individual taxpayer or revoke someones nonprofit status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came in the context of the Republican White Houses ongoing duel with Harvard University and Trumps threat to revoke the schools nonprofit status. Read More: Congressional committees accuse Harvard of working with Chinese Communist Party Long, a former auctioneer who served six terms on Capitol Hill, had told lawmakers that the tax agency will not, should not be politicized on my watch," CNBC reported. Warren had asked Long ahead of Tuesdays committee meeting whether it was illegal for the president to tell the agency to revoke someones nonprofit status. The White House has frozen some $3 billion in federal support to Harvard as it tries to force the university to comply with its demands for a major overhaul of its operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And you said in our meeting that you werent sure, but you would take a look and consult with lawyers, Warren said Tuesday. I sent you the statute. Youve had three weeks to talk to the lawyers about it. So lets jump in. Mr. Long, is it illegal for the president to direct the IRS to revoke a taxpayers nonprofit status? Long told Warren that he would follow the law, but after Warren repeated the question and read aloud from a law book, Long deferred. Im not going to have the answer that you need, and I apologize, but like I said ... Long began. Warren cut him off. Why are you not having the answer? You had three weeks to consult with the lawyers. The statute is about as clear as plain English, can be, the Cambridge lawmaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because if I said Im going to follow the law, why would you need me to answer the question, Long replied. Warren shot back that if Long believed [following] the law means you just get to make it up on the spot, then ... you dont get to be the IRS commissioner. The two went a few more rounds, treading and retreading the same legal and statutory grounds. That prompted an exasperated Warrent to finally tell Long that the fact that you want to sit there and dance around about this tells me you shouldnt be within 1,000 miles of the directorship of the IRS. Long, who faced stiff questions from committee Democrats over other issues, would be the fourth person to lead the IRS if he eventually wins Senate confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfels resignation in January, there have been three other leaders of the agency that directly touches the lives of millions of Americans, CNBC reported. If hes confirmed, Long would serve as IRS commissioner until Nov. 12, 2027. The date for the vote has yet to be confirmed, CNBC reported. More political news Read the original article on MassLive. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A homeless puppy living at the Berkshire Humane Society is scheduled to undergo life-saving surgery. In a news release sent to 22News from the MSPCA, Ekko is a four-month-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who has severe pulmonary valve stenosis, a condition that could result in congestive heart failure. It was discovered after he was transferred from the Pittsfield animal shelter to the MSPCA-Angells care on March 21st. Dakin Humane Society in Springfield awarded large grant for facility upgrade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ekko came to us from Berkshire Humane [Society], one of our MASS partners, explained Vice President of the MSPCA-Angells Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. He had a 5/6 heart murmur, so it was clear he needed advanced care thats really hard to get in that area. To save his life, Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston will perform a balloon valvuloplasty to allow for normal blood flow on Wednesday. The procedure is expected to cost more than $10,000. If you would like to donate, visit mspca.org/ekko. Ekko is a sweet pup whos charmed staff at Angell and throughout the MSPCA (credit MSPCA-Angell) Ekko snoozing at his foster home while awaiting surgery (credit MSPCA-Angell) Ekko gets scans at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston in April (credit MSPCA-Angell) Ekko shortly after he came to the MSPCAs care in late March (credit MSPCA-Angell) There are risks associated with the surgery, as there are with any surgery, but forgoing the procedure is like leaving a ticking time bomb in Ekkos chest, said Keiley. Hell be in the best possible hands at Angellfrom the skilled surgeons to the experienced anesthesiologists and the amazing support staff needed for monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ekko will be available for adoption following his recovery. 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. BOSTON (WPRI) Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she plans to close all of the states hotel shelters six months ahead of schedule. The 32 remaining hotels being used as shelters, including the Clarion Hotel in Taunton, will close this summer. They were originally set to shut down by the end of the year. Healey said the number of families in shelters is expected to drop below 4,000 by then. When we took office, homeless families were being placed in hotel shelters across the state, Healey said. A hotel is no place to raise a family, and they are the least cost-effective. Thats why we implemented reforms to lower caseloads and the cost of the shelter system. We also promised to close all hotel shelters by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey said 85-90% of families that were looking for shelter are now longtime Massachusetts families. The Bay State capped its emergency shelter system at 7,500 families in 2023 as an influx of migrants arrived in the state. Healey has also proposed changes to the states Right to Shelter law that would require families to provide proof of Massachusetts residency and lawful immigration status. The governor said the drop in families seeking shelter can be attributed to a six-month length-of-stay requirement, workforce training and work to help families find stable housing. Im pleased that we are ahead of schedule, with more families getting jobs and moving to stable housing, Healey said. 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. This is an adapted excerpt from the May 19 episode of "The Beat with Ari Melber." The Trump administration has launched an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey over an image he shared on social media that showed seashells spelling out the phrase 8647 on a beach. (To 86 something is slang for getting rid of it and 47 appears to be a reference to Donald Trump, the 47th U.S. president.) On Monday, Comey sat down with MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace for his first interview since that controversy over the now-deleted post broke out. Its not my first rodeo, Comey said, likely referring to past conflicts he's had with Trump. I would hate something like this ... to happen to someone who doesn't have my experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the real problems we have in this country right now is the use of the presidents power [to take aim] at individuals who dont have my background or experience, he added. Comey is exactly right. One of the things weve seen this administration do is start with the powerful so it can gain the capitulation of everybody else. Thats why the administration started with Columbia University and Harvard University. Thats why it went after the big law firms first. If it can make powerful institutions and individuals fall in line, it can inspire fear in the less powerful. The administration is weaponizing the rule of law and using its power to make people afraid to simply participate in our country, to speak out, to write an opinion piece or to protest. Its affecting not just the big names, not just the folks who have public profiles, but its also affecting people who are doing work at the local level. That culture of fear is extremely dangerous for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his interview with Wallace, Comey said the countrys saving grace in this moment will be our judicial system: [The] independent judiciary is alive and well and gives me great comfort. But its important to remember, judges, including Trump-appointed judges, have been attacked by this administration. So the only true guardrail that America has left is we, the people. We have to show Trump and his administration we won't be silent, even when they're trying to make us fearful. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com ST. LOUIS St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer fought to maintain her composure while discussing the devastation shes witnessed while touring the areas hardest hit by the May 16 tornado. At the end of a news conference with other city officials covering topics like the citys siren system, the presence of the Missouri National Guard, and getting state and federal help to those most in need, the mayor was asked to describe her own reaction when first seeing the aftermath of the tornado. I can just tell youthe damage is so extensive. Ive been tothe people have been so gracious to bring me into their homes andthere arent words, Spencer said. Entire sides, fronts, backs, tops of homes are missing. People have wrapped their personal belongings in [plastic] wrap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unbelievable what people are going through right now. There are no words to describe the feeling of hopelessnesswe are doing our best to bring resources as needed. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News After thanking Governor Mike Kehoe and Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt for their efforts in requesting federal assistance, the mayor said there is a tremendous need for tarps and other supplies. While there were no reports of any new damage or casualties from Monday nights storms, Spencer said theyre still waiting to see the overall effect of the rain on exposed structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is attempting to bring in additional building inspectors to examine and assess damaged buildings to determine if they are safe and can be rehabilitated or saved, the mayor said. The destruction eight miles, just in the citythat is very unusual behavior for a tornado. This is a heavily populated area. These are peoples homes. This is everything they own open to the elements. You cannot overstate the destruction and damage of this tornado, she said. People in need of immediate housing assistance are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross or call 211. Meanwhile, the Missouri National Guard is in St. Louis to evaluate the communitys needs and prepare an assessment for review before they could be deployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning Wednesday, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration will visit the storm-impacted areas for three days to conduct damage assessments, which are critical toward acquiring a disaster declaration at the national level and acquiring federal relief funds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former Obama-era White House ethics lawyer Norm Eisen called the criminal charge against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) absurd and predicted it would not stand up in court. Weve all seen that video, and its absurd to charge a member of Congress, Representative McIver, with doing anything other than doing her job, Eisen, a frequent critic of President Trumps administration, said in an interview Monday night on MSNBC. Yes, it was an intense situation. There was no crime there, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, announced on Monday she is charging McIver for allegedly assaulting law enforcement while at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark earlier this month. The announcement stems from a skirmish during McIvers visit to the Delaney Hall ICE detention center earlier this month alongside fellow New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, and with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D), who was arrested on a misdemeanor trespassing charge, which Habbas office also announced Monday would be dropped. McIver and allies have disputed the assault characterization and argued the congresswoman would not have been granted access to the facility and given an hourlong tour of the center by administration officials had she first broken the law. The announcement Monday also marks the first time Trumps Justice Department has criminally charged a sitting lawmaker during his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eisen, who has brought legal challenges against various moves by the Trump administration, slammed the federal government for pursuing the charges. The Department of Justice under Donald Trump and AG Pam Bondi is running amok, he said. Donald Trump promised hed be a dictator on day one. He kept going. This is the latest example. No normal administration would do this, but the courts are going to have the last word with this. This will not stand, Eisen added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Democrats see pending federal charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) over a scuffle with immigration agents as a politically motivated prosecution by the Trump administration designed to chill opposition from lawmakers. Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, announced Monday she would pursue charges against McIver for assaulting a law enforcement officer, accusing her of having slammed her forearms into officers outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The charges are the first brought against a sitting lawmaker under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIvers colleagues expressed horror at charges they argue represent a warning sign of a slide into authoritarianism. Lets be clear, she did not do anything wrong. She was doing her job as a member of Congress. Anybody saying otherwise is telling a lie, said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, during a Tuesday press conference. The goal of these agents was to intimidate members of Congress, to intimidate people who were gathered there, but Rep. McIver and the House Democrats are not going to be intimidated from doing our jobs. McIver had gone to visit Delaney Hall with two other New Jersey Democrats, Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez. Lawmakers are permitted to make unannounced visits to detention facilities, but chaos erupted after ICE officers blocked another member of the party, Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka (D), from entering, later arresting him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charging documents released Tuesday say McIver yelled Hell no! when ICE officials began the arrest and accused her and other members of having surrounded the Mayor and prevented HSI from handcuffing him and taking him into custody. The filing says McIver used each of her forearms to forcibly strike an ICE agent. However, video footage paints a more complex picture, one in which McIver is seen being jostled between agents in a messy scene. McIver said she did nothing wrong and rejected entreaties from the Justice Department to sign a plea deal because she said doing so would have required making a false admission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, the Justice Department and Alina Habba wanted me to admit to doing something that I did not do, and I was not going to do that once again. I came there to do my job and conduct an oversight visit, and they wanted me to say something differently, and Im not doing that, McIver said Tuesday on CNN. Im not going to roll over and stop doing my job because they dont want me to, or they want to neglect the fact that we needed to be in there to see what was going on and that detention center. And so, absolutely, no, I was not going to do that. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), who serves on the House Homeland Security Committee with McIver, said she was being targeted as a warning sign to other lawmakers. Its purely political, and its an attempt to try to intimidate members of Congress out performing our oversight duties. And its not going to work, he said. The law is very clear that members of Congress are to be granted access to ICE detention facilities to perform oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, after this scuffle, whatever it was outside the facility, they were still invited in and given a one-hour tour. I mean, thats not something you do if a serious crime has been committed, Magaziner added. And Ive looked at the video footage. The idea that any of McIvers actions in the video footage rise to the level of felony is laughable. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) also noted the tour as evidence officials did not view McIvers behavior as criminal. If what she did was purportedly so awful that it results in criminal charges, how is it possible they literally gave her a tour of the facility afterwards? he said at a Tuesday press conference. McIver is now the only elected official facing charges stemming from the incident. Prosecutors dropped the trespassing charges brought against Baraka shortly before announcing the charges against McIver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was trying to prevent the unlawful arrest of the mayor of Newark. And guess what? She was right, Lieu added, noting the dropped charges. This is a baseless, politically motivated distraction. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took a different tone Tuesday, defending the pushback against the trio of lawmakers, as well as Baraka. They can conduct oversight, but senator, what I would ask is that they understand that that doesnt mean they could show up with a mob with the intention to break in and assault law enforcement officers. Thats what happened at Delaney Hall last week, she said in response to questioning from Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.). We were accommodating that when those individuals showed up, and they decided instead to break in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas), a former federal prosecutor, also backed the charges. She deserves it, he said. I think she was the most aggressive, is my understanding. So it was probably the clearest cut case that they can bring forward, he said. And I think they need to make an example out of you just cant do that. I know youre a member, but you cant obstruct and assault law enforcement like that. President Trump also defended the charges, telling reporters on Capitol Hill that the days of woke are over. That woman was out of control. She was shoving federal agents she was out of control. The days of that crap are over in this country. Were going to have law and order, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Democrats defended McIver, the charges came at a busy time for lawmakers amid debate over the reconciliation package. Aguilar suggested the timing was significant, saying they were meant to distract from unpopular provisions included in the GOPs reconciliation package. They want us to be outraged, and we are, but they want us to only talk about this, he 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 The Hill. The Justice Department accused Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) of having slammed her forearms into immigration officers during a scuffle outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center as officers attempted to arrest Newarks mayor. The criminal complaint, made public Tuesday, provides the most detailed picture yet of why federal prosecutors believe McIvers actions amount to the federal crime of assaulting federal law enforcement, a felony charge. The document repeatedly accuses McIver of attacking agents with her forearms. The filing includes a number of still images showing the New Jersey lawmakers arms pushed against the back of a masked officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, video footage of the incident paints a more complex picture, one in which McIver is seen being jostled between agents in a chaotic scene where lawmakers and New Jersey elected officials clashed with immigration officers. McIver is charged with two counts of assaulting federal employees engaged in their official duties, one corresponding to an ICE officer and the other a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent. If convicted, the charge can carry up to eight years in prison. The filing offers other details about the day, including how the situation escalated as ICE agents started to arrest Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka (D). McIver, along with fellow New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, have all accused ICE of escalating the conflict. After numerous warnings to leave, and numerous warnings of potential arrest, the HSI agent announced he was going to place the Mayor under arrest. McIVER interjected, yelling Hell no! Hell no! Hell no! The HSI agent ordered the Mayor to put his hands behind his back and displayed his handcuffs. McIVER and other members of Congress surrounded the Mayor and prevented HSI from handcuffing him and taking him into custody, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, McIVER hurried outside towards the agents and attempted to thwart the arrest as others yelled circle the Mayor, it continued. McIVER faced the Mayor and placed her arms around him. She and others encircled him in a human shield effort to prevent HSI from completing the arrest that was initiated in the secured area. The filing then detailed McIver using her forearms to engage in forcible contact. McIvers first court appearance has not been scheduled. Speaking with CNN on Tuesday, McIver said the Justice Department initially tried to offer a plea agreement surrounding the matter, but she declined, saying they were pressuring her to make a false admission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, the Justice Department and [interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey] Alina Habba wanted me to admit to doing something that I did not do, and I was not going to do that once again. I came there to do my job and conduct an oversight visit, and they wanted me to say something differently, and Im not doing that, McIver said Tuesday on CNN. Im not going to roll over and stop doing my job because they dont want me to, or they want to neglect the fact that we needed to be in there to see what was going on and that detention center, and so, absolutely, no, I was not going to do that. [Im] definitely always open to conversations, but Im not going to admit to something that I did not do, and no ones going to stop me from serving the people in New Jersey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukraine has received more than $900 million in military aid and EUR 80 million in energy aid from the Czech Republic since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "Ukraine highly values the comprehensive assistance of the Czech Republic and the Czech people during the full-scale war with Russia. First of all, we are grateful for military assistance. Since 2022, we have received more than $900 million in such support from the Czech Republic. The so-called Czech initiative to supply the defense forces with ammunition is key for us," Shmyhal said during a joint briefing with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Uzhgorod on Tuesday. The Prime Minister reported that last year about 1.5 million shells were received under this initiative, and another 400,000 shells will be received in 2025. The head of government also noted that since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has received EUR 80 million in aid from the Czech Republic for the energy sector. In addition, Shmyhal said that the parties would strengthen the integration of the Ukrainian and Czech defense industries, and also agreed on cooperation in the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots. We now know who won the contest to attend an intimate dinner with President Donald Trump by buying his cryptocurrency and he's a familiar face to Securities and Exchange Commission regulators and law enforcement officials. Justin Sun, a Chinese-born crypto entrepreneur, confirmed in an X post Tuesday that he was behind the account, labeled "SUN," that purchased the most $TRUMP meme coin to sit at the president's table at a crypto-focused gala scheduled for Thursday. "Honored to support @POTUS and grateful for the invitation from @GetTrumpMemes to attend President Trumps Gala Dinner as his TOP fan!" Sun wrote. "As the top holder of $TRUMP, Im excited to connect with everyone, talk crypto, and discuss the future of our industry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He capped the post with an American flag emoji. Critics have blasted the dinner contest as potentially unconstitutional and a blatant opportunity for corruption. Trump has not publicly commented on the accusations, and the Office of Government Ethics has declined to comment. A White House official did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The Trump administration is not directly involved in administering $TRUMP coin. As for the dinner, a White House official said in a statement that the president "is working to secure GOOD deals for the American people, not for himself." "President Trump only acts in the best interests of the American public which is why they overwhelmingly re-elected him to this office, despite years of lies and false accusations against him and his businesses from the fake news media, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump has not been as aggressive in directly promoting cryptocurrencies as some campaign backers in the industry had hoped, his administration has abandoned or paused many pending cases that had been brought against crypto entrepreneurs and businesses. That includes Sun, who was charged in 2023 with market manipulation and offering unregistered securities. Regulators sought various injunctions against him that would have largely prevented him from participating in crypto in the U.S. The Verge, a tech industry website, had also reported Sun was the target of an FBI investigation. But in February, the SEC, now controlled by Trump appointees, agreed to a 60-day pause of the suit in order to seek a resolution. Two months earlier, Sun purchased $30 million in crypto tokens from World Liberty Financial (WLF), the crypto venture backed by Trump and his family, the website Popular Information reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Sun became the largest publicly known investor in World Liberty after he brought his funding total to $75 million. According to Bloomberg News, per the terms of World Liberty's financial structure, 75% of the proceeds of token sales like Sun's get sent to the Trump family as a fee meaning they may have directly earned as much as $56 million. On Jan. 22 two days after Trump was inaugurated Sun posted on X, if I have made any money in cryptocurrency, all credit goes to President Trump. In April, The Wall Street Journal reported that Joe Biden's Justice Department had been investigating Sun, noting that researchers had estimated that more than half of all illicit crypto activity took place on Sun's Tron blockchain platform. The Journal said it wasn't clear whether the investigation was ongoing. It said Sun's representatives declined to comment about what they called baseless allegations about legal matters while denying Tron enables criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sun may now be a multibillionaire, with a net worth estimated at $8.5 billion, according to Forbes. He reportedly was forced to spend $2 billion to shore up one of his crypto firms that was facing collapse in 2022. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment about what he hoped to get out of the dinner with the president. Sun has also earned headlines for purchasing "Comedian," an art installation composed of a banana duct-taped to a wall, for $6.2 million, and for buying lunch with Warren Buffett for $4.57 million. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Meghan Markle has shared how motherhood journey hasn't been what she'd initially 'envisioned' The Duchess of Sussex shares son Prince Archie, 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, with her husband, Prince Harry In a new podcast episode, she talked about how "external" factors kept her from the life she'd pictured with her two kids For Meghan Markle, motherhood didnt pan out the way shed originally imagined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Duchess of Sussex, 43, shares son Prince Archie, 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, with her husband, Prince Harry. During the May 20 episode of her Lemonada Media podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, she reflected on the expectations she had for motherhood within the royal family before welcoming her children. "I will say, for myself, especially when they are baby babies and before I was a mom, I've always wanted to be a mom," she revealed. "I was like, 'Oh gosh I'm going to give a speech with a baby on my hip.' I had a whole vision. However, things didnt go according to the Suits stars plan. Granted, I had a lot of external things happening by the time I had both pregnancies and both babies, she shared. But it was not the way I envisioned it." Samir Hussein/WireImage Meghan Markle with son Archie at a charity polo match in England in 2019 Meghan Markle with son Archie at a charity polo match in England in 2019 Meghan and Harry, 40, welcomed Archie while they were still senior members of the royal family. They brought their son with them on a royal tour of Africa in 2019, introducing him to Bishop Desmond Tutu during a public appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But several months later, the couple announced their intention to "step back" as working royals and relocate their family to California. Amid the public scrutiny, the Sussexes kept their son out of the spotlight. In 2021, they welcomed daughter Lilibet and were continuing to settle into life in their new home in Montecito, opting to keep photos of both kids to a minimum and not having them attend public events. Despite the shift in Meghans plans, she said that one constant remains a priority for her. For me, its so important my kids see me as a working mom, the As ever founder noted on her podcast. Duchess of Sussex/instagram Meghan Markle holds son Archie and daughter Lilibet in 2025 Meghan Markle holds son Archie and daughter Lilibet in 2025 Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! For his part, Harry has spent much of fatherhood concerned for his family's safety. The son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana recently lost his appeal to reinstate his state-funded security in the United Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Look at the risk, look at the threat, look at the impact that if anything was to happen to me, my wife, or my father's grandchildren. If anything was to happen to them, look where the responsibility lies," Harry told the BBC earlier this month. Harry stated that the original security decision was made to keep us under the roof, implying that it was done to keep Harry and Meghan as senior members of the royal family. Harry's mother, Princess Diana, was left without police protection after choosing to decline it following her divorce from the future King. In 1997 she died in a Paris car crash while being pursued by paparazzi and guarded only by private security. "I don't want history to repeat itself," the Duke of Sussex said. "I think there's a lot of other people out there, the majority, that also don't want history to repeat itself. Through the disclosure process, I've discovered that some people want history to repeat itself, which is pretty dark." Read the original article on People Making a Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 secure enough to serve as a presidential aircraft will require significant modifications, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers Tuesday. Meink said in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the Air Force is now looking at what it will take to adapt the 747 aircraft, which the Qatar royal family is offering to the Trump administration, into an Air Force One presidential plane. Meink also pledged to Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., not to allow security standards for the plane to slip, and to warn President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if the service is unable to address any threats as it modifies the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duckworth and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, expressed deep concerns in the hearing about the deal, highlighting the security, ethical and cost concerns it raises. Duckworth called Trumps defense of the jets gift bizarre and disturbing, and said it creates at the very least, the pathetic appearance that our commander-in-chief can be bought by an ally of Iran and Hamas. Far from saving money, this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over a billion dollars to overhaul this particular aircraft, when we currently have not one, but two, fully operational and fully capable Air Force One aircraft, Duckworth said. Trump is dissatisfied with Boeings delays in the VC-25B program to build a pair of new Air Force Ones, which were originally due for delivery last year but now may not be ready until 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration plans to accept the donation of a luxurious 747-8 and have the Air Force convert it into a new presidential transport aircraft, potentially by the end of this year. ABC News reported earlier this month that the plane would be donated to Trumps presidential library shortly before the end of his second term. But some lawmakers and aviation experts, including former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, have decried those plans. Critics say the deal would violate the Constitutions emoluments clause and amount to a corrupt deal benefiting Trump. The Qatar 747 plans have also been criticized as a waste of money and a potential security risk, as an Air Force One jet also needs to be a hardened, secure flying situation room capable of operating during a major catastrophe. In a Monday morning briefing, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt forcefully rejected criticisms of the Qatar 747 gift and denied it was a personal donation or gift to Trump. She referred questions about the timeline of retrofitting the 747 to the Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because it is the United States Air Force that is accepting the plane, I would defer you to them to specifics, because the President, frankly, has nothing to do with it, Leavitt said. Its the Air Forces project to take on. The Air Force said in an email to Defense News that it currently had no information about the status and timeline of modifying the Qatar 747 to provide. Duckworth, Hirono and seven other Democratic senators last week urged the Defense Departments acting inspector general to open an inquiry into the aircraft, citing the cost and time it may take to retrofit it into a presidential aircraft and meet the necessary security and counterintelligence standards. Duckworth said she also sent a letter to Meink about the operational security risks associated with the plane, and noted an Air Force One aircraft must be able to allow the president to command and control U.S. forces from midair during a catastrophic crisis, such as a nuclear war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just about ensuring presidential protection, though that is very important, Duckworth said. This is about our national security and protecting all Americans from the dangers posed if the presidents sensitive communications are intercepted, or be out of contact, God forbid, with our nations military during a crisis. Duckworth initially appeared unsatisfied with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvins and Meinks responses to her questions about whether the work modifying a foreign-sourced aircraft into a presidential jet would be significant. Meink initially said the service had been ordered to modify the aircraft and it was postured to do so, which raised Duckworths ire. Thats not my question, Duckworth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meink then expanded his answer and acknowledged the Air Force would look at all the issues Duckworth raised with the modifications. Meink said any civilian aircraft being converted into a presidential transport aircraft would require significant upgrades. Duckworth said she is concerned that pressure to get the Qatar 747 into service in time for Trump to use by the end of his administration may lead to operational security corners being cut. And she urged the Air Force not to let the distraction of the Qatar 747 hold up work on the two other 747s Boeing is now converting to Air Force One aircraft under the VC-25B program. Welcome to 5 Things PM! Billionaire Elon Musk spent a record amount of money to help Donald Trump win the 2024 presidential election. Now he plans to scale back. I think Ive done enough, the Tesla CEO said. Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day: 5 things Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 1 Grim warning: The worlds ice sheets are on course for runaway melting, leading to multiple feet of sea level rise and catastrophic migration. The dire prognosis from a group of international scientists suggests that coastlines will pay the heaviest price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 Vaccine shift: The US Food and Drug Administration is changing the way it approves Covid-19 vaccines for Americans a move that will limit future shots to seniors and others at higher risk. Millions of healthy adults and kids will likely lose access under the new criteria. 3 Trendy toy: Miniature plushies from China that resemble gremlins exploded into a global sensation with Gen Z. Devoted fans are willing to splurge to expand their collections, so the Labubu dolls seemingly have become recession-proof. 4 Valuable stash: Two hikers stumbled upon a mysterious aluminum box sticking out of a stony wall in the Czech Republic. Inside were bracelets, cigar cases, a compact, a comb and 598 gold coins. Archaeologists offered some possible explanations. 5 Dare to bare: Although still taboo in some places, shedding your clothes at the seashore is perfectly acceptable at many spots around the world. Our travel team rounded up 25 of the best nude beaches. Watch this Built for agility: Biologists and engineers at the University of California in Berkeley worked together to create a robot that can mimic the leaping and landing abilities of squirrels. See it in action. Top headlines Trump warned House Republicans not to touch Medicaid, sources say Male escort takes the stand during sex trafficking trial of Sean Diddy Combs Democrats were shocked at Bidens decline but stayed quiet, according to new book 121,000 Thats how many federal workers were laid off or targeted for layoffs by the Department of Government Efficiency during Trumps first 100 days in office. Thousands more took buyouts. Check this out Species in peril: Known for their mushroom-shaped canopies and the red sap that courses through their wood, dragons blood trees exist in only one place on Earth. Now their survival is under threat. Annika Hammerschlag/AP Quotable Protect yourself: Only one fourth of sunscreens on store shelves in the US are safe and effective, according to a new report that analyzed more than 2,200 of them. Quiz time Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Digital Vision/Getty Images Which one of the following baby names is banned in New Zealand? A. Kiwi B. Mary C. King D. John Scroll down for the answer. Good vibes Road trip! At a time when many people are struggling financially, heres a bit of positive news just in time for the upcoming holiday weekend. With nearly 40 million Americans expected to hit the roads, gas prices will be their cheapest for Memorial Day since 2021. Thanks for reading Well see you tomorrow. Quiz answer: C. New Zealand bans baby names with regal references including King, Prince and Duke. Check out all of CNNs newsletters. 5 Things PM is produced by CNNs Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Cynthia Thomas Kalkomey has been announced as the newest board member at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Kalkomey has actually been working as a member of the board since the boards winter meeting. Her connection to the university goes back a generation, with it being her fathers alma mater. Her father, Charles Thomas, was a native of Clinton, Indiana, who graduated with high honors in electrical engineering from the school in 1943 when it was known as Rose Polytechnic Institute. Thomas went on to have a distinguished 28-year career with Texas Instruments defense systems division. In 2023, Kalkomey and her husband honored Thomas legacy by making a $500,000 gift to the university to establish a scholarship fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cindys commitment to Rose-Hulman and our mission of helping students achieve their goals in STEM fields is deeply personal, said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. We look forward to her insights and leadership as a trustee. Kalkomey brings with her a doctorate in statistics from Southern Methodist University, as well as a masters and bachelors degree in mathematics and statistics from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, to the role. This makes her a well-suited member as a supporter of STEM. Kalkomey began her career as a geostatistician for Mobil Oils research lab, where she specialized in reservoir characterization and reserves assessment. She also taught technical short courses to Mobil affiliates around the world. In 1995, Kalkomey and her husband co-founded Kalkomey Enterprises, a Dallas-based company that developed online courses and printed materials for boating, hunting, bowhunting, ATV, and snowmobile certification in partnership with state agencies. they sold a majority interest in 2015, but Kalkomey served on the board for several years after. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. The Boone County community observed Peace Officer Memorial Day with a quiet ceremony last Thursday. Officers from the Boone County Sheriffs Office, Lebanon, area towns, the Indiana State Police, Department of Natural Resources, and others, came to meet the public and participate in a solemn ceremony. K-9 officers, detectives, cyber sleuths and patrolmen came in everyday and dress uniforms to pay their respects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politicians and families came too, including wives, parents and children, to celebrate their work and dedication, and to remember the dangers they face daily and those who have fallen in the line of duty. They gathered along Meridian Street outside of the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon. Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance after a multi-agency color guard lined up under a giant American flag the Lebanon Fire Department hung from the courthouses limestone columns. Speakers remembered the five officers who have fallen in the line of duty in Boone County. Peace Officer Memorial Day, May 15, is a national day on which to remember police who have died or been injured in the line of duty. Five officers have given their lives in service of Boone County. Boone County officers who have died in the line of duty include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Matthew Picket Boone County Sheriffs Deputy Jake Pickett, 34 at the time of his death, succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained March 2, 2018, while aiding the Lebanon Police Department in a manhunt. Three men fled police when LPD went to a Lebanon home to serve a warrant. Pickett and his K-9 partner pursued one suspect who shot Pickett as he rounded a corner of an apartment building on foot. Pickett was taken to Witham Health Services and then flow to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis where he was kept on life support until March 5 so his organs could be donated. His assailant pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Earl Greene Indiana State Police Master Trooper Michael Earl Greene, 43 at the time of his death, was fatally shot Feb. 5, 1993, by one of two men he saw urinating along Interstate 65 just south of Boone County. Both were wanted on outstanding warrants, and one suspect shot Greene as he handcuffed the other suspect. The shooter was sentenced to death but died in prison in 2007. The other was convicted of reckless homicide and has since been released from prison. Richard Gerald Brown Indiana State Police Trooper Richard G. Brown, 40 at the time of his death, was investigating an accident Sept. 27, 1967, when another vehicle struck and killed him on Interstate 74 between Jamestown and Lizton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second accident also killed two others and critically injured one person. John Miller Indiana State Police Sgt. John Miller, 35 at the time of his death, was killed Sept. 5, 1955, in a plane crash just south of Lebanon when the plane he was in, that was used to spot traffic violations from the sky, took a sharp turn and crashed in a field. John Peper Boone County Sheriff John Peper, 38 at the time of his death, had held office only five weeks when he suffered fatal injuries from a crash on a sleet-covered road Feb. 7, 1935. He and a deputy were responding to another accident on U.S. 52 just north of Lebanon when the car they were in lost control and flipped. Pepers wife was appointed as sheriff to serve the remainder of his term. She was Boone Countys first female sheriff and only the third woman to serve as a sheriff in Indiana. This story has been updated with new information. The public is invited to attend Memorial Day events on May 26 at the Oregon World War II Memorial in Salem and three area cemeteries. Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors people who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday originally was known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and led to the first national cemeteries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans in various communities began holding tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday. Gravesites are decorated for Memorial Day 2024 at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Angel. Many Americans today observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries or memorials, and local veterans' groups around the Mid-Valley host patriotic programs. Some traditionally include a military flyover, including the World War II Memorial in Salem and Dallas Cemetery. Here are some of the Memorial Day programs scheduled for May 26 in the Mid-Valley: 17 Memorial Day military flyovers planned for northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base plans to conduct 17 Memorial Day flyovers at locations throughout northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. The passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground and at an airspeed of about 400 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's an incredible honor to fly for the Air National Guard on Memorial Day, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, said 142nd Wing fighter pilot, Maj. Graham Johnson, one of two pilots from the wing flying on Memorial Day. This is the schedule for the 142nd Wing flyovers on May 26: 9:14 a.m. - Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham 9:30 a.m. - Veterans Memorial, Springfield 10:13 a.m. - Mt. View Cemetery, Oregon City 10:15 a.m. - Willamette National Cemetery, Portland 10:18 a.m. - Adams Memorial Cemetery, Molalla 10:25 a.m. - Timber Linn Memorial Park, Albany 10:33 a.m. - Depot Bay 10:55 a.m. - Dallas Cemetery, Dallas 10:58 a.m. - Restlawn Memory Gardens and Funeral Home, Salem 11:00 a.m. - World War II Memorial, Salem 11:05 a.m. - Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Angel 11:06 a.m. - Belle Passi Cemetery, Woodburn 11:11 a.m. - Veterans Memorial Park, Beaverton 11:15 a.m. - Fir Lawn Memorial Park, Hillsboro 11:16 a.m. - Forest View Cemetery, Forest Grove 11:19 a.m. - Vernonia Memorial Cemetery, Vernonia 11:28 a.m. Fort Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies. People read the names of fallen soldiers after the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Memorial Day ceremony in 2023 at the World War II Memorial in Salem. World War II Memorial, Salem The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs hosts its annual statewide tribute at 11 a.m. at the World War II Memorial on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will include remarks from ODVA Director Nakeia Council Daniels, along with other veteran leaders, state officials and honored guests. The program will include ceremonial elements such as the national anthem, presentation of colors and a moment of silence. Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance a time to reflect on the cost of our freedoms and to honor the courage and selflessness of those who laid down their lives in service to our country, Daniels said. We invite all Oregonians to join us in this moment of unity and gratitude. This years Memorial Day ceremony holds the significance of falling on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Oregon World War II Memorial, dedicated in 2014, honors the more than 3,700 Oregonians who lost their lives during the war. Limited seating will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets for the park setting and are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. The ceremony will take place rain or shine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those unable to attend, the program will be livestreamed on the agency's Facebook and YouTube channels. Flags wave in the wind at the American Civil War monument at City View Cemetery in May 2023. City View Cemetery, Salem VFW Marion Post 661 leads the annual City View Cemetery program at 11 a.m., at 390 Hoyt St. S. The cemetery features the Avenue of Flags display during the weekend. The more than 200 flags were donated by veterans' families and also line the cemetery roads on Flag Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. The North Salem High School JROTC will attend the flags on Memorial Day. Post 661 will have a uniform display at the funeral home after the ceremony. American Legion Post 89 posts the colors during the Memorial Day ceremony at Calvary Cemetery on May 27, 2024 in Mt. Angel. Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Angel American Legion Post 89 hosts its annual ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 1015 N. Main St. in Mt. Angel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Activities will include a patriotic music concert; a veterans' march and presentation of colors, a celebration of Mass and liturgical music by St. Mary Parish; a reading of the names of the fallen; a placement of a memorial wreath; a three-volley salute by the Legion Honor Guard; and a sounding of "Taps." Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in St. Mary Church. A dramatic display of 850 American flags will line the quiet lanes of Dallas Cemetery before and after Memorial Day. Dallas Cemetery American Legion Post 20 leads the annual Avenue of Flags ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. at Dallas Cemetery, 2065 SW Fairview Ave. The quiet lanes of the cemetery will be lined with 850 flags leading up to and after Memorial Day. Each is marked with a deceased veteran's name and donated by the veteran's family. The flags are scheduled to be raised May 23 and available for viewing through May 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several individuals will speak during the Memorial Day ceremony, including Oregon State Rep. Anna Scharf, R-Amity, and Dallas Mayor Rich Slack. American Legion members will perform Color Guard duties, the Dallas High School choir will sing the national anthem and "America the Beautiful," and Monmouth Scout Troop #30 will do the folding of the flag ceremony. Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com, and follow her work on X @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Memorial Day 2025 flyovers, ceremonies in Salem, Dallas and Mt. Angel ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Memorial Day is next week, and communities within the Greater Rochester Area are planning to honor those we lost. News 8 has compiled a list of Memorial Day ceremonies, parades, and memorials. Most of these are happening on Memorial Day, but some towns and organizations are holding their ceremonies early. If you know of a Memorial Day ceremony or parade, email us at WROCDigital@nexstar.tv! Thursday, May 22 Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is continuing its annual tribute to veterans buried at their cemetery. Nearly 60,000 American flags will be placed on every grave within the veterans section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers will be placing flags, which will fly until Flag Day. The time for this event is to be announced. Saturday, May 24 Gold star families will be honored during a special Memorial Day ceremony over the weekend at White Haven Memorial Park at 10 a.m. The community is invited to the ceremony to honor those who sacrificed their lives and the families they left behind. In case of inclement weather, it will take place inside the All Seasons Chapel. Sunday, May 25 American Legion Post #134 is conducting its annual Memorial Day Parade in Irondequoit. The parade route begins at Irondequoit High School to Town Hall. The event will begin at 3 p.m. Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) The citys Memorial Day Parade will step off at East & Alexander, heading west on Main Street, and finishing on Main & Fitzhugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. All streets along the parade route will be closed at 10 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. The Town of Chilis Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. and will travel across Old Chili Scottsville Road/Memorial Park and to the Community Centers Veterans Memorial. The Memorial Day Ceremony will follow upon arrival at the memorial. Fairport announced its annual parade has been shortened this year. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from behind Fairport Village Hall and will end at Potter Park. A short ceremony will follow soon after. Any veteran who wants to march or ride in the parade can head to the back of the village hall before the parade begins. The Town of Gates Memorial Day Service will be held on the front lawn of Gates Town Hall. that will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Town of Greece is partnering with American Legion Greece Post #468 for the Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade will start at 11 a.m. and will go down Long Pond Road from Janes Road to the town hall. The remembrance ceremony will follow at the Greece Town Hall Pavilion at 11:45 a.m. The Town of Penfields annual Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at the Penfield Amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature a variety of tributes to veterans, as well as the Presentation of Roses, where roses will be placed on the Veterans Memorial monument stone. The Town of Pittsfords Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. The route moves down West Jefferson Road, then turns onto Main Street, and ends at the Pittsford Cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will follow the parade. Afterward, a reception will be held at the Rayson-Miller Post Home on North Main Street. Local leaders and the American Legion James Cooke Post 931 is inviting residents to attend the Memorial Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. The route will step off from the Victor Central School Campus to High Street and will end at the Village Hall Parking Lot. A ceremony will follow at the Village Hall. Victor-Memorial Day Parade May with American Legion James Cooke Post 931 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 is holding its annual ceremony at the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Highland Park. It will honor all the man and women who sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will start at 1 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. By Akbar Novruz Armenia has been seeking ways to emerge from its self-isolation for some time now. Lately, ideas and projects such as the Middle Corridor, Zangazur Corridor, and North-South Corridor have come to the forefront, with Azerbaijan playing an important role. This initiative has found itself as a trend in Yerevan for almost half a decade. This time, Armenia found a new way by officially joining the Ashgabat Agreement, a long-standing but underdeveloped framework aimed at creating an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, the Sultanate of Oman, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The decision, approved by the Armenian government on May 8, underscores Yerevans desire to integrate into regional transport initiatives and secure a foothold in broader trade networks that bypass Azerbaijan. The Ashgabat Agreement, originally signed in 2011, aims to establish reliable and efficient multimodal transport corridorsintegrating road, rail, and seaacross member states. It seeks to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, reduce logistics costs, harmonise customs procedures, and increase the transit profile of participating countries. Though Qatar, one of the initial signatories, withdrew in 2013, the agreement gradually expanded to include Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India in later years. However, real progress in implementation has remained modest. The agreement, which officially came into force in 2016, has since been joined by India, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. However, despite its legal status, the project has seen limited practical development over the past decade, with implementation efforts only accelerating slightly after 2020. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, a number of Eurasian states began actively searching for alternative corridors that circumvent Russia. The Ashgabat route, in theory, provides a viable connection between Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, and potentially Europe, though infrastructure, tariffs, and geopolitical alignments continue to pose challenges. In 2021 and 2022, coordination meetings led to the signing of a Final Additional Protocol by Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, addressing issues like visa simplification, unified transit tariffs, and fee harmonisation. Iran, a central player in this initiative, has been especially active in recent years, seeking to maximise its geographic leverage over Eurasian transit flows. Iranian officials, including Alireza Enayati of the Foreign Ministry, have repeatedly emphasised Tehrans intent to operationalise the Iran-Oman-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan corridor, though no concrete timeline has been announced. Turkmenistans decision in 2022 to allow foreign freight transport across its territory has partially facilitated this vision. Amid these developments, Armenias interest in the agreement is both political and strategic. Participation provides access to new logistics platforms, potential concessions from fellow member states, and, importantly, symbolic involvement in a corridor that does not include Azerbaijan. Yerevan has long sought inclusion in the North-South International Transport Corridor, which links India, Iran, Russia, and Europe, and its alignment with Tehran and New Delhi further reinforces this goal. According to the Armenian government, joining the agreement aligns with Yerevans ambition to secure access to international markets, harmonise transit documentation, and simplify customs procedures. The Armenian side also sees the project as consistent with its Crossroads of the World initiative and potentially complementary to its aim of joining the North-South transport corridoran initiative already being realised through active cooperation between Azerbaijan, Iran, and other regional states. Yet the practical impact of Armenias participation remains uncertain. Despite over a decade since its inception, the Ashgabat Agreement corridor has not yet transformed into a fully functioning logistics network. Competing priorities among member states, a lack of investment, and logistical inefficiencies continue to limit its scope. Unlike the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITR) or the North-South corridor, where Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role and significant cargo movement is already underway, the Ashgabat Agreement remains largely aspirational. In contrast, Azerbaijan continues to focus on operational and expanding infrastructure projects. Unlike the Ashgabat Agreement, which remains in a semi-functional state despite recent meetings and protocol, both the North-South and East-West corridors, in which Baku is deeply embedded, are already delivering tangible results. With ongoing investments in Baku International Sea Trade Port, rail networks, and the anticipated Zangazur Corridor, Azerbaijan remains at the centre of practical transit routes in the region. In fact, should the Ashgabat corridor ever become operational, it may eventually rely on Azerbaijani infrastructure, particularly if peace with Armenia paves the way for integrating the Zangezur Corridor into wider Eurasian transit networks. Moreover, the proliferation of corridor initiativesranging from the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Europe route to the ATR-backed rail link from China to Austria via the Caspianunderscores increasing regional fragmentation. These multiple overlapping corridors, often driven by competing ambitions among Central Asian states, expose the deep rivalries between countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. For example, Kazakhstans dominant position in the EU-backed Middle Corridor has reportedly irritated its southern neighbours, who are now seeking alternatives to reduce dependency on Astana. Iran, for its part, is using its proximity and strategic access to the Persian Gulf to draw countries into multilateral transport frameworks where it plays a central role. With Oman and Uzbekistan actively participating, and support from India for the North-South corridor, Iran is positioning itself as a regional logistics hub. However, progress hinges on diplomatic normalisation with the West, particularly with the United States, where sanctions remain a key obstacle. From Bakus perspective, Armenias entry into a corridor that is not yet operational poses no immediate strategic challenge. In fact, should the Ashgabat corridor become viable, its eventual connection to infrastructure such as the Zangazur corridorpending peace between Baku and Yerevancould benefit all parties, including Armenia itself. For now, however, Baku remains firmly rooted in corridors that are already redefining the regions transit map. Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will call on his European Union colleagues to fully mobilize diplomatic pressure on Russia and restore peace in Europe. "Today's message is very clear. We need fully mobilized diplomatically. We are living in wartime, so we need to act accordingly. We must deter Russia and restore a lasting and comprehensive peace in Europe and in Ukraine. I am here today and I am grateful for the invitation. I am personally participating in the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and we welcome and are grateful for the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions," Sybiha said on Tuesday in Brussels, arriving for a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. He stated that in recent weeks Ukraine has proven that it is not an obstacle to peace. "Putin is continuing this war, he wants war, so we need to put pressure on the Russians to stop this war. That is why it is so important to conduct a full diplomatic mobilization to deter Russian aggression and restore peace in Europe. We must also go beyond the 17th package," he said, listing possible measures from the Ukrainian side's point of view, in particular, introducing a limit on the price of oil to $30 per barrel, as well as sanctions on the Russian banking sector, including the Central Bank of Russia. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Cities across the region will be holding Memorial Day ceremonies in order to honor Veterans and all those that have served. Events will be posted below as they come in: Chesapeake The City of Chesapeake is expected to host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 26 at Chesapeake Veterans Memorial at Chesapeake City Hall. The ceremony is open and free to the public and will be presented by the Mayors Commission on Veterans Affairs. Hampton The Hampton National Ceremony is set to host its Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Hampton National Cemetery. On Thursday morning prior to the ceremony, flags will be placed at the cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to park at Hampton University at Lot 10, located at 147 Emancipation Drive due to the limited parking at the cemetery. Norfolk The City of Norfolk is set to host its annual Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26 at Wisconsin Square. Major General Thomas D. Crimmins, the 37th Commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College, will be a guest speaker at the event. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Suffolk A Memorial Day Ceremony is set to take place at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 26 from 10-11 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the event, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Chuck Zingler and retired U.S. Army Major Larry D. Moores will provide keynote remarks. The event is free and open to the public. Virginia Beach The City of Virginia Beach is set to host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony starting at noon on Monday, May 26 at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, across the street from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The event is hosted by Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and will feature live music, reading of honored veteran names and remarks from distinguished guests. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Those who are unable to attend in person will be able to view the ceremony via a livestream on the citys website here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information on the ceremony can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. ST. LOUIS Former Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator Christopher Kit Bond is being remembered this week with memorial services in St. Louis and Jefferson City following his death at the age of 86. Bond, who served Missourians for decades both in the statehouse and in Washington, D.C., passed away last week. A state memorial service took place Tuesday in Jefferson City, where Bond lies in state for 24 hours to allow the public to pay their respects. The memorial service in Jefferson City began with a Missouri State Highway Patrol escort transporting Bond from St. Louis to the Capitol at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. The service at the Rotunda is started at noon, featuring tributes from state leaders and musical honors from the 135th Army Band. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctor sees a trend in young St. Louis cancer patients living near nuclear waste sites Governor Mike Kehoe ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Thursday, the day of Bonds celebration of life in St. Louis. This gesture marks a final farewell to a man who had a major influence on Missouri policy for decades, from economic development to national security. Bonds political career began at age 29 when he entered public office as Assistant Attorney General. He lost the Missouri governors race as an incumbent in 1976 but won it back in 1980. Despite being a Republican, Bond is remembered by many Democrats for his integrity, respect, compassion, pride, and sense of humor. As Missouri bids farewell to Kit Bond, his legacy as a dedicated public servant and policy shaper is honored through these memorial services. The state reflects on his contributions and the impact he had during his tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTVI. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTVI staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) Two men who were arrested in January in connection with a fatal shooting in Whitehall were both found not guilty. A jury in Franklin County Common Pleas Court found Jyren Lyles, 21, and Christian Byrd, 20, not guilty on all charges on Thursday. Each were indicted on two counts of murder, while Byrd faced a felonious assault charge and Lyles was charged with receiving stolen property, according court records. Man sentenced in Grandview Heights deadly assault after plea agreement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Whitehall Division of Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at 10:07 p.m. in the 4500 block of Ludington Road on Jan. 13. Both men were placed into custody outside of the residence. Officers found a male victim, identified in court documents as Christopher Byrd, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the incident began as a domestic dispute, which escalated into gunfire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Erik and Lyle Menendez are going to have to wait a little longer for the decision on their potential release from prison. The infamous brothers who have been incarcerated for 30 years for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home were resentenced earlier this month to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. Despite LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochmans doubts, Judge Michael Jesic determined Erik and Lyle did not pose an unreasonable risk if they were to be released from prison. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While their next hearing was initially scheduled for June 13, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced that the brothers parole hearing dates have been pushed back to Aug. 21 and 22. Lyle addressed the hearing postponement on Facebook, noting that its a good thing as it gives their attorneys more time to prepare. Given the fact that first time parole seekers statistically have a much harder time being granted parole, this gives the guys and their attorneys more time to prepare and gives them the best opportunity to be the exception to the rule! Its a good thing, the statement read. The June 13 hearing was initially for Gov. Gavin Newsoms clemency review, serving as a piece of the risk assessment exam that would aid in his ruling; however, the hearing was shifted to a parole suitability hearing following the resentencing decision. Since the ruling makes them immediately eligible for parole consideration as youth offenders, it is the Boards intent to convert the June 13, 2025, clemency hearings to initial parole suitability hearings, Scott Wyckoff, executive officer of the Board of Parole Hearings, said in a statement, per the L.A. Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms clemency consideration was one of multiple avenues to freedom for the Menendez brothers. Erik and Lyle also saw renewed public interest in their case thanks to Ryan Murphys Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which released last September and starred Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as the brothers, respectively. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd released the preliminary findings of an audit of Oklahoma's mental health department Tuesday. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY A growing number of high-dollar executive hires and questionable spending on a Super Bowl commercial and Narcan machines have contributed to the financial disarray at the states mental health department, the state auditor reported Tuesday. The audit of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services also reported that leadership at the agency is unable to understand and explain some complex issues within the agency and that employees were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements and discouraged from cooperating with investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said the reports preliminary findings, released Tuesday, revealed some glaring financial and systemic issues at a massive state agency that has a budget of over $750 million. It needs a director with executive managerial experience and a mastery of basic budgetary and compliance skills, she said in a statement. Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks to Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen during a Contingency Review Board meeting Oct. 8. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The audit comes amid reports of financial shortfalls, canceled or cut contracts and other disarray at the department. The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspectors Office expects to release a more detailed audit at a later date. Although Gov. Kevin Stitt requested the audit in March, on Tuesday his spokesperson said the report didnt fulfill his request, is politically charged and wastes taxpayer dollars because it duplicates work already completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit found that since January 2024, when Stitt named Allie Friesen commissioner, her agency has hired 38 people at a salary exceeding $100,000 and awarded 376 employees pay raises greater than 10%. Only 17 of new hires were medical while the rest were executive hires. The agencys payroll was over $150 million in budget year 2024, according to the audit. The audit urged the agency to reexamine its recent executive hires and review terminations to ensure they werent retaliatory. The states transition to a Medicaid managed care health care insurance system has created issues paying providers which also impacted the agencys budget. The agency also hasnt communicated effectively that there have been changes in the federal governments Medicaid reimbursement rates since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the audit found. The transition to managed care caused a lag in both billing and payments after implementation, the audit found, creating issues with properly paying claims. Payments have been made to the wrong parties and sent to wrong locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The payment issues affect the departments cash flow, the report found. The audit also questioned the decision to spend state funds on a regional Super Bowl commercial promoting 988, a suicide hotline, and use of Narcan vending machines, which were abruptly recalled in September. The mental health departments existing budget request, made by Friesen to lawmakers at the beginning of the year, was impacted by the governors request for executive branch agencies to submit flat budget requests and difficulty explaining complex and misunderstood needs related to topics like Medicaid growth and pended payments, which resulted in a lack of urgency around these issues, according to the audit. The mental health department also began the current budget year with a deficit as $9.4 million from its current budget was used to pay last years debts, according to the audit. But the audit also flagged questionable spending and said theres increasing pressure on employees from agency leadership with required nondisclosure agreements. Oklahomas Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen testifies before a select committee investigating her agencys finances on May 5. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The pressure on employees also included employing armed guards, locking down the administrative floor, and even threatening employees in meetings, according to the report. One lawmaker on the select committee previously asked agency leadership about a report that someone had threatened to go full cop mode on staff that hadnt signed an NDA, but leadership said they were not aware of this instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While testifying to a select committee of state lawmakers, Friesen admitted that some employees were asked to sign NDAs, but that it was an optional practice. But the report from the state auditors office revealed agency staff told investigators they were required to sign the NDAs. Staff also reported to investigators issues with leadership not attending meetings, signing documents, having to learn about internal events through the media, and frequently changing the supervisor structure so they dont know who to report to. Friesen did not directly comment on the findings, but agency spokesperson Maria Chaverri said the department is reviewing the state auditors report. Weve created a large table of external diverse experts to help us bring light and end years of corruption, she said in a statement. We look forward to the additional contributions from third party investigators and financial auditors in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friesens agency has come under fire and is the subject of a handful of probes. A certified public accountant appointed by Stitt most recently reported a nearly $30 million shortfall for the current budget year, and lawmakers are currently working to finalize the agencys budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Byrd said the state agency needs $28.7 million in emergency funding to make it through the current budget year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Some providers have reported a lack of reimbursements for services provided to indigent populations, and Byrds report found over $87.6 million of those. These payments are historically reimbursed with funds still available at the end of the budget year, but not at 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt has continued to express his support for Friesen and previously said she is shining a light on bureaucracy and agency mismanagement. The commissioner has previously blamed her predecessors for many of the issues at the state agency. This is disappointing, he said in a statement Tuesday. On behalf of the Oklahoma taxpayers, I asked for a financial audit of the financial management of the last five years, not an exploration into whether or not Cindy Byrd approves of the culture of the department. This reeks of politics. Oklahomans deserve an audit done in good faith and a report that gives them the answers they deserve. Byrd said the urgency of Stitts audit request forced her office to put other investigations on the backburner, including one of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, but plans to resume them immediately. In addition to the report from the state auditor, reports from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Oversight, a select investigative committee of lawmakers and David Greenwell, an accountant appointed by Stitt, have publicly shared their own findings. None of their numbers for the agencys deficit have been the same. Robert Campbell, a special investigator appointed by Stitt, has not yet released a report. He was appointed May 8. Mental health professionals and community leaders gathered at the Carter Center in Atlanta to continue work furthering a mission held dear to former First Lady Rosalynn Carters heart. Rosalynn Carter made mental health a major priority for the Carter Center and her and former President Jimmy Carters charitable works. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2s Berndt Petersen reported Tuesday on the annual Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Forum that bears her name and has big goals for 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the event, Georgia U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock and Georgia Department of Behavioral Health Commissioner Kevin Tanner both spoke about the importance of supporting mental health programs in Georgia. TRENDING STORIES: Dozens of professionals, advocates, community leaders and lawmakers came together at the Carter Center to continue the former First Ladys work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we know that we need to treat our mental health like our physical health, Warnock said. Free from stigma. This years forum focused attention on school-based behavioral health programs and how to combine them with public safety initiatives. Were trying to identify barriers and remove those barriers to help us be successful, Tanner said. The commissioner said cutting through red tape was key to getting children the help they need, but itll take time. This is not something thats going to get fixed in on year or with one bill, Tanner said. We have the foundation that has been laid, now its going to be all of us working together to make sure its been implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter Center said caregiving across Georgia is now getting more attention thanks to the newly expanded Rosalynn Carter Mental Health and Caregiving Program. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] May 19LIMA The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 for a regular board meeting at the board office, 528 W. Market St., Lima. The meeting is accessible via Zoom at bit.ly/4kzv33e. Featured Local Savings DES MOINES, Iowa On Tuesday, MercyOne released a statement about its split with Medical Center Anesthesiologists. Last week it was announced that MercyOne was parting ways with long-time anesthesia partner, Medical Center Anesthesiologists (MCA). According to an email sent to MercyOne staff obtained by WHO 13, the split stemmed from MercyOnes transition to TogetherCare/ Epic Go Live, an electronic medical record system. MCA President-Elect Dr. Vincent Brinker told WHO 13 that the MCA knew about the transition to Epic but identified issues with the system. Dr. Brinker said the MCA provided temporary solutions to the issues, but MercyOne disagreed with those solutions, and ultimately decided to part ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exile Brewing Company wins gold at world beer competition Now, MercyOne is releasing a statement addressing the issue. It reads: Based on recent social media and news coverage, we recognize the need to share the broader situation of the MercyOne and MCA relationship to provide more accurate context for our community. MercyOne has a long history of providing exceptional health care and we are committed to continue providing that level of care and experience to our patients. In March, Medical Center Anesthesiologists (MCA) contacted MercyOne providing 180-day termination of their contract. To keep our partnership in place, MCA required MercyOne to provide more than double our financial support, forcing us to prudently request proposals from other organizations. Additionally, MCA was unwilling to chart patient status information during surgery using downtime procedures until MercyOne transitions to new technology for approximately six weeks. Ultimately, the decisions from MCA have led MercyOne to seek a new partnership with Vituity, a physician-owned entity. Vituitys mission is to improve lives. We work closely with local partners to ensure continuity of care, expand access, and create positive, lasting impact in the communities we serve, says Vituity CEO Imamu Tomlinson, MD. At the heart of our culture is a deep commitment to empowering clinicians so they can provide the best possible care and find purpose and fulfillment in the work they do every day. The goal for MercyOne during this transition is to keep MCA providers in the new model to provide the same excellent service to our patients, our colleagues, and our community. Surgical clinical quality at MercyOne Des Moines is outstanding and achieves best in class results. Vituity is committed to continuing this tradition of clinical excellence. MercyOne After May 31, the MCA will no longer provide services to MercyOne Des Moines hospital downtown and Mercy Medical Center-West Lakes in West Des Moines. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) The Board of Mesa County Commissioners voted Tuesday to join a lawsuit contesting the Colorado Air Quality Control Commissions new greenhouse gas rules. Mesa County is teaming up with the West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association as a co-plaintiff. The new regulations require gas and oil companies that operate pipelines, compressor stations and other facilities to convert to electric power. Mesa County contends that the regulations are too costly and not feasible, causing companies to shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesa County supports clean air, but these new rules ignore the realities of our region, said Mesa County Commissioner Board Chairman Cody Davis. These one-size-fits-all mandates dont work for western Colorado and could cost our communities jobs, tax revenues and economic stability. The commissioners believe the regulations would severely hurt rural counties like Mesa County, saying energy jobs and infrastructure that supports them are important parts of the economy. The commissioners also said unintended consequences include the potential for higher emissions if local operators shut down, and oil and gas are transported from out-of-state sources instead. These new rules are intended to protect the environment, but ironically, they may do more harm than good, especially in rural communities like ours, Davis said. We have to pay attention to the unintended consequences. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. The European Union has imposed two more sanctions packages on Russia, one for human rights violations and the other for hybrid threats against the EU and international partners: Viktor Medvedchuk and Oleg Voloshyn were added to the lists of sanctions individuals. The EU Council announced on Tuesday that in the sanctions package targeting hybrid threats from Russia, the EU added 21 more individuals and six entities to the list and introduced sectoral measures in response to destabilizing activities against the EU, its member states and international partners. The Council also expanded the scope to allow the EU to target tangible assets linked to Russia's destabilizing activities, such as ships, aircraft, real estate and physical elements of digital and communication networks, as well as operations of credit institutions, financial institutions and entities providing services with crypto-assets that directly or indirectly contribute to Russia's destabilizing activities. Furthermore, in view of Russia's systematic international campaign of media manipulation and distortion aimed at destabilising neighbouring countries and the EU, the Council will now have the possibility to suspend the broadcasting licenses of Russian media outlets controlled by the Russian leadership and to prohibit them from broadcasting their content in the EU. "In accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the measures agreed today will not prevent the targeted media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, such as research and interviews," the EU said. The Council added today that Viktor Medvedchuk, "a former Ukrainian politician and businessman who, through his associates Artem Marchevsky and Oleh Voloshyn, also included in the list today, controlled Ukrainian media outlets and used them to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in Ukraine and beyond." "Through the secret financing of the Voice of Europe media channel, also included in the list today, and his political platform Other Ukraine, Medvedchuk promoted policies and actions aimed at undermining the legitimacy and trust in the Government of Ukraine, directly supporting the foreign policy interests of the Russian Federation and spreading pro-Russian propaganda," the report details. In addition, two fishing companies, Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food, were added to the list, which are part of a Russian-funded surveillance campaign and have carried out espionage missions and sabotage of critical infrastructure, including undersea cables. The report also lists other names and entities that the EU has imposed sanctions on. In another package of sanctions related to Russia's human rights abuses, the Council imposed restrictive measures against 28 individuals responsible for serious human rights violations, repression of the democratic opposition and activities that seriously undermine the rule of law in Russia. "The new lists concern representatives of the Russian judiciary: judges, prosecutors, representatives of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and regional courts, as well as members of the Investigative Committee involved in fabricating cases against various activists," the press release says. The EU clarified that many of the individuals included in the list today played a role in the persecution of the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny, as well as in conducting politically motivated trials against Navalny's lawyers and the technical director of the YouTube channel "Navalny LIVE." Other individuals were involved in the sentencing of activists Alexei Gorinov, Igor Baryshnikov and Olga Smirnova, as well as bloggers Ioan Kurmoyarov and Sergey Drugov, who disseminated information about the actions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and anti-war messages. "The assets of those found guilty today are frozen, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with funds. Individuals are also subject to a ban on entry into or transit through EU territory," the EU said. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas metro areas unemployment rate dropped from March to April, moving from 5.6% down to 5.2%. A report released Tuesday by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation was the first good news on the Las Vegas economy in awhile. Its also a boost after last weeks report showing Nevadas unemployment rate continuing as the worst in the nation. The statewide unemployment rate dropped from 5.7% in March to 5.6% in April, DETR said on May 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Schmidt, chief economist for DETR, cautioned that metro area statistics were a reflection of seasonal unemployment changes. This is typical for April as we have moved beyond holiday-driven unemployment in January and February but we have not hit the summer when summer break starts to affect the data April is typically a low point for the unadjusted unemployment rate, Schmidt said. That said, the statewide adjusted unemployment rate did decline by 0.1 percentage points, and that happened despite an increase in the participation rate more people were either looking or looking for work AND a larger share of them were working, not just looking, Schmidt told 8 News Now. The jobless rate declined in 16 of Nevadas 17 counties, with the only increase coming in Esmeralda County, the states least-populated county (fewer than 750 people as of 2023). In metro Las Vegas, which includes Henderson, North Las Vegas and unincorporated areas of the county within the valley, the number of unemployed people dropped by 5,139 since March. April figures showed a total of 64,851 people without work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevadas unemployment holding steady is promising news, especially considering the economic uncertainty that many Nevada businesses are facing, Vegas Chamber President and CEO Mary Beth Sewald said. However, the Nevada unemployment rate is still higher than the national rate of 4.2 percent. This reinforces how critical it is to make sure we are not adding new costs or regulations to Nevada businesses, especially small businesses, that are already struggling with issues such as cost increases, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer confidence, Sewald said. The labor force in Las Vegas is currently 1,239,980 people, which is 1,148 less people than March. The Reno and Carson City metro areas also saw unemployment rates go down. The Reno-Sparks metro area dropped from 4.7% in March to 4.2% in April. Carson City dropped from 4.4% to 4.0%. Even North Las Vegas, which carries the worst unemployment rate of any Nevada city, saw a big decline, with its 6.1% jobless rate in March dropping to 5.5% in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas and Boulder City shared the second-highest rate at 5.3%, and Henderson was next at 5.0% all down by at least 4 percentage points compared to March. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The Mexican Navy ship which crashed into New York's Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend made no distress calls before the accident but called for support instead, Mexico's Navy chief Raymundo Morales said on Tuesday. The port pilot maneuvering the Cuauhtemoc sailing vessel had little time to stop it because it was docked a short distance from the bridge, Morales said at Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning press conference. "We cannot speculate at this time whether the port pilot properly used all measures available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident, which left two dead and 20 injured, occurred when the majestic white training vessel was leaving lower Manhattan's Pier 17 on the East River shortly after sunset on Saturday. A U.S. investigation into the accident will look at possible engine malfunction and the role of a tugboat that assisted the ship in backing out of its pier, U.S. officials said on Monday, adding that the probe will take at least 30 days. "Of course, it will count on the collaboration and support of the Navy and the insurance company responsible for the ship," Sheinbaum said. Two cadets with severe injuries are in New York hospitals and their families have traveled there to be with them, Morales said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their lives are not in danger and they will probably be released from the hospital on Wednesday," he said. "The two cadets that unfortunately died were transferred back to Mexico on Monday and their bodies are now with their families." (Reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Raul Cortes; Editing by Kylie Madry and Richard Chang) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mexico is enacting fire restrictions in close to 20 counties to combat dry conditions in the southern part of the state, the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources said in a news release. Fire restrictions are being enacted in the following counties: Catron, Chaves, Cibola, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Roosevelt, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia. They will remain in effect until rescinded, the news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restrictions come as a response to the increasingly dry and warm conditions in southern New Mexico conditions heightened by low humidity, high winds and the abundance of dry fine fuels across our forests and grasslands, the news release said. The following restrictions apply to non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in the counties listed above. Prohibited Smoking Fireworks use Campfires Prescribed burning or open burning Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production Exceptions Exceptions are allowed for many of the prohibited actions in specific cases, or when specific conditions are met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request. In the face of significant wildfire potential, we need every New Mexican to take active steps to reduce the likelihood of an accidental wildfire start, State Forester Laura McCarthy said. These restrictions are needed because of current wildfire threats and the rising probability of dangerous wildfires as temperatures warm through May and June. The National Weather Services long-range prediction for New Mexico expects the annual monsoon season to arrive on time, starting in July. If this proves true and the monsoonal rains are productive, the state could see these restrictions lifted, the news release said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico Legislature recognized Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story for how his department handled this years mass shooting at a park. Three people were killed and 15 others wounded when gunshots rang out at an unsanctioned car show at Young Park in March. Jury convicts man for 2006 Albuquerque rape, kidnapping Monday, state Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) presented Chief Story with a legislative certificate of recognition for his bravery and response to the shooting, and his commitment to criminal justice reform. I just really want to thank you really personally, outside of politics, for your advocacy outside your job. Your advocacy and your commitment to do all you can, goes beyond yourself for the community is what empowers me to keep the fight in Santa Fe, said Sen. Brantley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man and three juveniles are charged 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. XALAPA, Mexico (AP) Dozens of people gathered overnight in the street where one of the Mexican naval cadets who died when their training vessel hit the Brooklyn Bridge lived. America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, was in the final year of her studies at the naval academy when she was killed aboard the naval teaching vessel Cuauhtemoc on Saturday. A small crowd gathered near her home in the early hours of Tuesday, many holding white roses and their cell phones to illuminate the way for the hearse carrying her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naval officers accompanied her arrival around midnight at the orange painted house in Veracruzs state capital Xalapa. Sanchez was the pride of her family, a standout student and athlete, who had already distinguished herself scoring top marks in her naval systems engineering studies. She was a squadron leader and among those selected for the special group that accompanied President Claudia Sheinbaum at her inauguration. Im going to carry you in my heart. My daughter is the pride of all of Mexico, for all the world, Cosme Sanchez said, holding a photograph of his daughter in her dress uniform. Im devastated, but were going to move forward. My daughter was an example for everyone, shes going to be remembered as she should be. Among the flower arrangements at her familys home was one with a one with a white sash reading, Barracudas family, with love. It came from the local swimming school where Sanchez learned to take her first strokes a decade ago. At the naval academy she won medals and represented the institution nationally in open water swimming competitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her most recent honor was being awarded a place aboard the Cuauhtemoc, which planned to visit 22 ports in 15 countries. On Saturday, she sent her parents photos, told them she loved them and spoke excitedly of the ships next stop: Iceland. Sanchez was high in one of the Cuauhtemocs three masts Saturday night when it slid out of its dock in New York, authorities told her family. Its a ceremonial practice to greet and pay respects entering and leaving ports. Its a display of discipline, skill and respect, common in training sailboats, said her uncle, Rodolfo Hernandez Sayago. She was the pride (of the family), Hernandez said. My girl stood out in everything she did. U.S. investigators laid out a timeline Monday showing the Cuauhtemoc was underway for less than 5 minutes before its masts crashed into the historic span, and radio calls indicating it was in distress went out only 45 seconds before the deadly collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of a tugboat, the Cuauhtemoc backed away from a Manhattan pier filled with cheering people at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, U.S. officials said. Four minutes after the ship left, a radio call went out asking for help from any additional tugboats in the area, followed by other requests for assistance, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Brian Young told a media briefing Monday. Forty-five seconds after the first call, the ship, struck the bridge, snapping its three masts. After a few minutes, the ship separated from the tug and picked up speed, still moving in reverse, heading for the bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge escaped major damage but at least 19 of the ships 277 sailors needed medical treatment, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven officers and 172 cadets who were aboard the Cuauhtemoc arrived early Monday at the port of Veracruz, where Mexicos naval school is, the Mexican navy said in a post on X. The body of the other sailor killed, 23-year-old Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, was also returned to Mexico on Monday. A citizen of Mexico who has been living in Hartford was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison on Monday after authorities said he illegally re-entered the country and was involved in a scheme to illegally smuggle others across the border, forcing them to work and pay thousands of dollars in debt. Apolinar Francisco Paredes Espinoza, also known as Pancho, 58, faced sentencing in federal court in Bridgeport, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. Federal officials said the investigation began in September 2022 when the FBI and members of the Hartford Police Department interviewed several Mexican nationals who reported that they were smuggled from Mexico into the country and transported to Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation found that the individuals would be charged a fee between $15,000 and $20,000 after making arrangements with Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero and others in Connecticut and Mexico to cross the border, officials said. The victims would have to pay the fee once they were in the country and, in many instances, were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. After being smuggled across the border and taken to residences in the Hartford area, which reportedly included Sanchezs and Paredes residence on Madison Street, the victims were allegedly told that they would have to pay about $30,000 with interest and that they would have to pay Sanchez and her co-conspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities, authorities said. Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators reportedly created false documents for the victims, including permanent residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find jobs in the Hartford area, according to authorities. On top of having a job, some victims were reportedly forced to perform housework and yard work. Others had to help Paredes with his job responsibilities without any compensation or reduction to their debt, according to officials. Federal authorities allege the victims were rarely provided any accounting of their debt. Those who failed to make payments were reportedly threatened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, the threats reportedly included harm against the victims family members in Mexico or would involve the threat that the property they put up as collateral would be taken. The victims were also under threat that their immigration status would be reported to authorities or that their interest payments would be raised, authorities said. Federal officials said investigators have identified 19 victims of the scheme, including multiple minors. At least two minors were smuggled into the country without a relative or guardian, authorities said. According to officials, Paredes in November 2014 was found in the country and removed the same day in Hildalgo, Texas. He illegally re-entered the country and was charged in December 2018 by officers with the East Hartford Police Department in connection with several motor vehicle offenses, authorities said. He was removed from the country again in February 2019 before illegally coming back once more, officials said. Paredes has been detained since his arrest on March 1, 2023. On Nov. 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, and to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez and her daughter, Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, have pleaded guilty to related charges. On April 11, Sanchez was sentenced to 51 months in prison, officials said. On March 7, Ramos was sentenced to three years in prison. A judge ordered Paredes to pay $574,608 in restitution jointly and severally with his codefendants, according to authorities. Paredes, Sanchez, and Ramos face immigration proceedings when they complete their prison terms. Sorry, New Mexico, but if you're trying to do a vanity plate public records deep dive, UR SOL. While other states are able to provide the public a record of personalized license plates that have been rejected after being deemed derogatory, obscene or some other reason, New Mexico claims the undertaking is almost MPOSIBL. The New Mexican in March requested all applications for personalized, vanity or prestige license plates that have been rejected by the Motor Vehicle Division since 2020 under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. The newspaper offered the division the option of providing a list of rejected license plates rather than each individual application to speed up the process and reduce its workload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, which oversees the division, closed the request the next day, claiming it had reviewed its files and determined "there are no responsive documents." "Rejections are done on a case by case basis," the department's Legal Service Bureau wrote in its denial letter. "You are requesting information which we have determined does not currently exist and would, therefore, require TRD to create a new public record," the letter added. "We are, therefore, unable to provide for the inspection of the records that would include the information that you have requested." The records actually exist; the department just doesn't keep track of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "MVD's license plate application records are maintained by the customer's name or identifier," spokesperson Bobbie Marquez wrote in an email in April. "Once we have their information, staff can go to their file and locate the application in question." In other words, the newspaper or the public would have to know the name of each person who filed an application that was rejected in order to obtain the information. "Once the application has been processed, it goes to that specific person or vehicle," Kelly Kitzman, the department's general counsel, said in an interview last month. "We can't locate it unless we have that person's name to be able to locate it. ... We can't just go to a file and find everything." The information isn't unavailable but attached to an individual's name, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, if you know, for instance, Jane Smith filed an application that we rejected, we could look it up according to Jane Smith's name," Kitzman said. "But we can't just look up all rejected applications." Other states, however, are able to provide the information upon request. "In Texas, you can receive a list of denied personalized license plate patterns by submitting a records request through our Open Records Portal," Adam Shaivitz, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, wrote in an email Monday. "A previously released list from JanuaryNovember 2024 is readily available," he added. "You can access this list by clicking on the Trending Topics box in the portal. If you need data from more recent months, please submit your request through the portal and specify which month(s)/year(s) you are seeking." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas denied more than 2,300 personalized license plates between January and November 2024. They include BTCHWGON, IM BLZD, LITTLPP and TOPLUSS. Arizona's transportation department on Monday provided documents listing the rejected vanity plates by year, with MYFBOMB and KISSASH making the list. Earlier this year, Bridge Michigan, which describes itself as Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source, reported it had obtained a list of rejected personalized license plates through a public records request under the Freedom of Information Act. "The department doesnt track denials by year, but rather adds them to a continuously growing list," the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Plates are generally rejected for reasons such as vulgarity, references to bodily functions, or the use of curse words," it added. "Other reasons for rejection include references to drugs, alcohol, criminal activity, or harmful slurs. The list of banned plates runs the gamut from 'ADULTRY' to 'WEEDMAN' and just about everything in between." New Mexico has similar rejection rules. A so-called prestige plate application will be rejected if it is deemed to be derogatory or obscene, falsely states or implies the vehicle or driver represents the authority of a governmental agency or official or duplicates an existing plate. But a word of advice to New Mexicans: GOODLUK finding out if it already exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marquez said in a statement Monday the Taxation and Revenue Department and the MVD take the utmost care in complying with the Inspection of Public Records Act. "However, we are not able to fulfill your request in its current form, as your request results in no responsive records," she said. Marquez noted IPRA does not require a public body to create a new public record. "A member of the public may request to inspect a prestige plate application under the name of an individual, and MVD would produce the responsive application after redacting personal information that is confidential pursuant to state law," she said. "A member of the public may also request an individuals unredacted prestige plate application by providing the individuals name and a signed authorization from that individual." LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Pahrump judge and former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore will remain suspended from the bench after receiving a presidential pardon, for now. Last month, President Donald Trump pardoned Fiore, a Nye County Justice of the Peace, after a jury convicted her of taking money meant for fallen police officers memorials and spending it on herself. The jury deliberated for two hours, convicting her in federal court on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. Following Fiores federal indictment last July, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline suspended her from office with pay amid the proceedings. The commission later suspended her without pay after her conviction. The commission held a hearing on Friday, May 9, following the pardon to discuss its next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an order filed Monday, the commission kept Fiore suspended pending a final review, citing the allegations against Fiore as a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and to the administration of justice. Fiore will be suspended this time with pay. The order notes the commission has received additional complaints against [Fiore] since the pardon. There was no indication in the document filed Monday when the commission could complete its investigation. When does this end? Paola Armeni, Fiores attorney, said during the May 9 hearing. Armeni added the commission only has jurisdiction over a judges actions as a sitting judge. The commission can no longer issue, rescind, and reinstate based on this conviction, based on the pardon, Armeni said. There is nothing before this commission about her conduct as a judge, nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pardoned Fiore on April 23. First elected as a Republican Nevada assemblywoman in 2012, Fiore later served as Las Vegas mayor pro tem and unsuccessfully ran for governor and treasurer as a Republican. Nye County Commissioners appointed her to her judgeship in late 2022. Last June, before her indictment, voters re-elected Fiore, who is not an attorney, to that position. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Today, two Michigan House of Representatives committees will host a joint hearing to investigate the Michigan Transparency Network. The committees claim it is riddled with serious flaws. The Oversight Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government will meet at the State Capitol at 9 a.m. to question the Department of State on the Michigan Transparency Network (MiTN). Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson introduced the new financial disclosure system last year, after Michigan voters decided in 2022 that they should have public access to the details of their lawmakers and candidates finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Attorney General Dana Nessel, State Senators, and Representatives, for example, must file financial disclosure reports in the system, as well as interactions with lobbyists. Republican Representatives claim that state officials, political organizations, and lobbyists struggle to submit the required reports because they say the system is hard to navigate. Representatives from the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), Tyler Technologies, and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) also testified at the hearing. The problems with the MiTN launch are deeply serious to us. We have a dedicated, talented team, along with our top executives, engaged in resolving this We will not pay another dime on this project until the system meets our standards, and I know that my team and the team at Tyler are committed to making this work quickly, said Christina Anderson, Michigan Department of State chief of staff, in a news release sent to 6 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current performance and usability of all functions of the MiTN system is below [Secretary Bensons] standard of excellence and we will be working nights and weekends until it is fixed, added Anderson. Yesterday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her office concluded that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA). Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violates Campaign Finance Act, Attorney General confirms In January, the Michigan Republican Party filed a complaint against Secretary Benson, alleging that her use of the lobby violated state election law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at May 19, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 19 drawing Midday: 4-8-4 Evening: 2-9-8 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 19 drawing Midday: 1-5-4-2 Evening: 1-5-1-0 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 19 drawing 22-23-32-35-39, Lucky Ball: 15 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 19 drawing QC-AD-AH-9C-4D Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from May 19 drawing 18-22-25-32-36 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 06-27-34-37-38 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from May 19 drawing 04-11-14-17-21-24-26-29-33-35-51-52-53-55-57-58-63-65-71-72-74-79 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: 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. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for May 19, 2025 The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered a draft resolution No. 13301 on an appeal to the international community to recognize North Korea (DPRK Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) as an aggressor state. The document was published on the parliaments website. As the authors of the draft noted, Russias war against Ukraine is taking on the characteristics of not just a bilateral conflict, but a full-fledged international armed confrontation. Other states are being involved in it and not only in the format of political or economic support. A vivid example of this is the DPRK and Belarus. Thus, at present, information about the participation of the DPRK military on the side of the Russian Federation has already been confirmed. The presence of North Korean military personnel is evidenced by prisoners captured by the Ukrainian military. This participation was confirmed by Putin himself, thanking Pyongyang for its support. The DPRK authorities also confirmed that they were sending their troops to Russia to help fight against Ukraine, in accordance with the Strategic Partnership Agreement. In addition, there is information that the DPRK provides an organized form of military assistance - not only in the form of units operating on the side of the Russian Federation, but also earns money by selling its weapons to the Russians. This includes the sale of equipment, shells and missiles. "According to paragraph (g) of Article 3 of UN General Assembly Resolution No. 3314 (1974), aggression is also recognized as "the sending of armed groups or mercenaries by or on behalf of a state" if their actions are equated with the use of armed force. This is exactly what we are observing. The presence of North Korean military personnel in a combat zone - with the knowledge and assistance of the DPRK government - is a direct violation of international law. This is more than political support. This is aggression," the authors of the draft bill emphasize. The draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada's appeal to the UN, the European Parliament, PACE, the parliamentary assemblies of NATO, OSCE and GUAM, as well as to the national parliaments of the world, and provides for the recognition of the DPRK as an aggressor state. The measure is aimed at drawing the attention of the world community to the facts of the DPRK's facilitation and support of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, the urgent initiation of measures at the international level that can prevent assistance and promotion of the terrorist state - Russia, and the holding of DPRK officials accountable. Among his Michigan victims were the mother of a 3-year-old girl and a former Detroit News food writer. But its suspected that serial killer Coral Eugene Watts slayed far more women than those tied to his court cases and confessions. Watts, who died in 2007 while serving two life sentences in Michigan, is the first subject of a new true crime series called Unknown Serial Killers of America. It premiered May 18 on the TV network Oxygen. Coral Watts is shown in 2004 in court. The series explores murderers who remain unknown to the general public, although they were as deadly as (Jeffery) Dahmer and (Ted) Bundy, according to the Oxygen True Crime website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watts was the focus of the first episode but before that he was the subject of much Free Press reporting amid the prosecution of his crimes. Heres what to know: Who was Coral 'Carl' Eugene Watts? Watts has been called one of the nations most prolific serial killers. He operated in the 1970s and 1980s, confessed to killing people in Texas and Michigan, and was almost released on parole down south before Michigan stepped in with murder cases. Is it Coral or Carl Eugene Watts? Courts identified the serial killer who confessed to killing roughly a dozen women in Michigan and Texas as Coral Watts, but the Oxygen show identifies him as Carl Coral Watts. The serial killer was born in Texas and named Carl, but changed his first name to Coral to reflect how Carl was pronounced in the Southern drawl of his mother's family, the Free Press reported in 2004. Was serial killer Coral Eugene Watts from Michigan? Though he was born in Texas, Watts parents divorced, and his mom moved him to Inkster, the Free Press reported in 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his youth, he spent some time with a family member in West Virginia and stayed in Detroits Indian Village, the Free Press reported. He attended Western Michigan University for a period. A former police chief once said his departments heavy surveillance of Watts after three deaths in Ann Arbor may have driven Watts to leave the state. Watts wound up back in Texas and later confessed to numerous murders there. How many victims did Coral Eugene Watts kill? Watts specifically confessed to 12 killings in Texas and one in Michigan but was convicted of two deaths in Michigan to which he never copped. When Watts died, it was reported that investigators thought he may have killed as many as 80 people. A clipping from a 2004 Detroit Free Press newspaper shows serial killer Coral Eugene Watts surrounded by images of women he was suspected of killing at the time. Western Michigan University student Gloria Steele is shown in the upper right corner. A Michigan investigator who tracked him and is included in the Oxygen show, Paul Bunten, once described an interview with Watts and three others in Texas in the early 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bunten said to Watts: "I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many people you killed." Watts, according to Bunten, said: "There are not enough fingers and toes in this room." Thats according to a Free Press report. Bunten, a former Ann Arbor investigator who became the police chief in Saline, later told the Free Press: "The number of women he actually killed is probably staggering. Who were some of serial killer Coral Eugene Watts victims? Watts assaulted some women who survived, including several believed to have been in Windsor. Others were killed in his attacks. Suspected: Watts was interviewed but never convicted in three 1980 stabbing deaths in Ann Arbor. The suspect sought in the case was deemed the "Sunday Morning Slasher" given the time the three women were found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was the Pioneer High School senior, Shirley Small, 17; the popular student hot spot Brown Jug Restaurant night manager Glenda Richmond, who was in her 20s; and University of Michigan graduate student and former airline stewardess Rebecca Greer Huff, 30, according to reports from The Ann Arbor News. A Court of Appeals order noted that Watts told an investigator they didnt need to keep looking for the killer in the Ann Arbor cases. As determined by conviction: Gloria Steele, 19, was a young mother and Western Michigan University sophomore when Watts stabbed her to death in 1974. Helen Dutcher was a 36-year-old woman living in Ferndale when Watts stabbed her to death in December 1979 in an alley near 8 Mile and Woodward Avenue. As determined by confession: Jeanne Clyne, 44, was a former Detroit News food writer and wife. Clyne was walking home from an appointment when Watts stabbed her to death on Halloween 1979 in Grosse Pointe Farms. A clipping from a 2004 Detroit Free Press article shows Jeanne Clyne and Helen Dutcher, who were killed by serial killer Coral Eugene Watts. Watts also confessed to strangling, hanging and drowning women in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women identified by the Free Press as his victims were: Linda Tilley, 22, a University of Texas senior; Elizabeth Montgomery, 25, who was walking her dog; Susan Wolf, 21, who was stabbed two hours after Montgomery; Phyllis Tamm, 27, who had been jogging; Margaret Fossi, 25, a student at Rice University; Elena Semander, 20, a University of Houston student; Emily LaQua, 14, who had recently arrived in Texas to be with her father; Edith (Anna) Ledet, 34, a newlywed celebrating her graduation from medical school; Yolanda Garcia, 22, the mother of a 6-month-old; Carrie Jefferson, 32, a post office worker; Suzanne Searles, 25, a graphic artist and aspiring childrens book illustrator, and Michelle Maday, 23, who was leaving her own birthday party. How was serial killer Coral Eugene Watts caught? Within hours of his attack on Maday, Watts tried to kill a pair of roommates in Texas. He tried to drown one and as he did, the other escaped over a second-story balcony with her hands bound and screamed for help, the Free Press reported in 2004. Police arrived and arrested Watts. He got a plea deal. In exchange for his murder confessions, he pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to commit murder and got immunity in those murders to which he admitted, the Free Press reported. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 1982 but between an appellate decision and good behavior, he was set for parole in 2006, according to Free Press reports. Coral Eugene Watts is seen in this image taken from the Michigan Department of Corrections. In 2004, amid news coverage and pleas by officials, a witness to Dutchers murder in Ferndale reached back out to police. He provided key testimony at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watts was convicted in Dutchers death and, despite his pleas of innocence in the case, was sentenced to life in prison in late 2004. He was also charged in Gloria Steeles death. When and how did serial killer Coral Eugene Watts die? Watts died in 2007 from prostate cancer in the prison ward of a Jackson-area hospital, the Free Press reported at the time. He was 53. He had just been sentenced the week before in the death of 19-year-old Gloria Steele in Kalamazoo, the New York Times reported. What motive did Coral Eugene Watts give for his killings? While doing newspaper deliveries in his teens in Detroit, Watts beat a woman because he felt like it, the Free Press reported. She was able to fend him off, and he was committed for several months to receive psychiatric treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Texas official told a reporter that Watts viewed women as evil. There was some debate over whether a bout of meningitis could have impacted Watts. He also described abuse at home and the killing of an uncle by an aunt, according to reporting by the Free Press. However, a psychologist once said Watts knew the difference between right and wrong but had no regard for it, the Free Press reported. Saline Police Chief Paul Bunten, 61, talks Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, in his office about tracking serial killer Coral Watts when he was an Ann Arbor police detective. His tenacity on the case possibly why Watts fled to Texas and Bunten contacted the authorities there. One Michigan investigator who had sought Watts, Paul Bunten, once asked Watts why he killed, according to a Free Press article at the time of Watts death. "He said he would take that to his grave, and he did," Bunten said. How to watch Michigan serial killer Coral Watts episode on Oxygen? The show airs at 7 p.m. Sundays on Oxygen. Though the Watts episode ran May 18, it appeared to be listed for a re-run on the evening of May 19 and appeared viewable through services like YouTube TV. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Coral Watts subject of 'Unknown Serial Killers of America' on Oxygen An employee disrupted Satya Nadellas keynote at Microsoft Build to protest the companys contracts with the Israeli government. The protest was part of a larger campaign by a group called No Azure for Apartheid, which includes current and former Microsoft workers. Despite an internal review that found no evidence of misuse, critics argue the company lacks visibility into how the Israeli military is actually using its technologies. A Microsoft employee dramatically disrupted Satya Nadellas keynote speech at the companys flagship Build event on Monday. The employee, who is a member of a group called No Azure for Apartheid, was protesting against the companys contracts with the Israeli government amid the countrys ongoing war in Gaza. The employee, Joe Lopez, was joined by a former Google employee who also staged a protest against his previous employers links with the Israeli government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satya! How about you show how Microsoft is killing Palestinians? How about you show the Israeli war crimes are powered by Azure, Lopez shouted during the CEOs speech. As a Microsoft worker, I refuse to be complicit in this genocide. Free Palestine! Lopez was removed after the protest, but in a video shared on the No Azure for Apartheid Instagram page, another disruptor shouted as Nadella continued his speech. Following the protest, Lopez sent a mass email to Microsoft workers explaining his actions. He said he was shocked by the silence of our leadership following previous protests over the companys contracts with the Israeli government. Microsoft has dealt with similar protests in the past. Last month, former employees disrupted the companys 50th-anniversary celebrations, calling Microsofts AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, a war profiteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft also fired two employees last year for holding a vigil for Palestinians killed in Gaza, with the tech giant citing violations of internal policies. Microsoft says its tech is not being used to harm civilians In response to the protests, Microsoft has denied that its technology is used by the Israeli military to harm Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Earlier this month, the company said it had conducted an internal review with the help of an external firm that found no evidence that Microsofts Azure and AI technologies, or any of our other software, have been used to harm people or that IMOD has failed to comply with our terms of service or our AI Code of Conduct. The review did not soothe all employees concerns, however, as the company acknowledged its review was limited in scope because it didnt have visibility into how customers use our software on their own servers or other devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez rejected the companys recent review in his email to employees. Leadership rejects our claims that Azure technology is being used to target or harm civilians in Gaza, he wrote. Those of us who have been paying attention know that this is a bold-faced lie. Every byte of data that is stored on the cloud (much of it likely containing data obtained by illegal mass surveillance) can and will be used as justification to level cities and exterminate Palestinians. A spokesperson for Microsoft told Fortune: The safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and community remain our top priority. We support the right to peaceful assembly and ask that it be exercised respectfully. Who are the No Azure for Apartheid group? The protest group behind the disruption is made up of former and current Microsoft workers. Established in 2024, the group is demanding that the tech giant cease all Azure contracts and partnerships with the Israeli military and government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also wants Microsoft to: Make all ties to the Israeli state, military, and tech industry publicly known, including weapons manufacturers and contractors. Conduct a transparent and independent audit of Microsofts technology contracts, services, and investments. The protest was part of a larger campaign by a group called No Azure for Apartheid. The protest group has officially rejected Microsofts review, which was conducted earlier this month. In the statement made to GeekWire, one of the groups organizers, Hossam Nasr, said: In one breath, they claim that their technology is not being used to harm people in Gaza, while also admitting they dont have insight into how their technologies are being used on Israeli military servers. There is no form of selling technology to an army that is plausibly accused of genocide whose leaders are wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court that would be ethical, Nasr added. Thats the premise that we reject. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS The power is finally back on for many people across Mid-Michigan after severe weather turned off the lights. Lansing Board of Water and Light crews were out again Monday, repairing downed power lines, and replacing broken poles. They say last weeks storms and a tornado left 24,000 customers without power. Thats a quarter of their total customers. Within 48 hours, they restored power for 90% of those people. Now, fewer than 600 customers are still waiting to get back on the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BWL General Manager Dick Peffley said they lost about 24 power poles to last weeks storm, but theyre happy with the progress, and are about a day and a half ahead of schedule. Were nearing the finish line. Thursday night, a tornado took out 24,000 of our customers. All the poles that were taken down, about a dozen poles taken down here. Were starting to string wires, were really hoping that some time tomorrow we can wrap this up and get all these folks power back on, Peffley said. Consumers Energy customers are hoping theyre close to the light at the end of the tunnel, too. Consumers currently reports that more than 99% of their customers are back on the grid. But that means there are still about 11,000 people still without power, some of them here in mid-Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some arent surprised the lights are still out, while others are frustrated that the estimated time of restoration (ETR) has been moved several times. Its their 4th day without power, and many are still reeling from damaged roofs and trees. Consumers says they use a model based on past results, severity of the storm, and number of outages to estimate an ETR. Consumers Director of Customer Operations Brian Lewis said it can change as they begin to realize the extent of the damage, and want to remind people that some essential public services take priority. When theres multiple ETRs, we obviously know our customers get frustrated. We prioritize based on critical mass, so yeah, police, fire, hospitals, then we start moving into things like schools and businesses that are a part of critical infrastructure, and then we target jobs that have the largest number of customers out. We slowly but surely work that down until all customers are restored, said Lewis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers has 750 crews from 8 different states working on the storm, with some of those crews coming from as far as Louisiana. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Immigration attorneys on Tuesday alleged the Trump administration deported to South Sudan a group of migrants who are not from the war-torn country, in violation of a court order. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, an appointee of former President Biden who serves in Boston, previously ordered the administration to provide certain notice to migrants before removing them to a third country where they have no ties. Tuesdays filing accuses the administration of violating that injunction when a group of migrants left the country on a plane to South Sudan in recent hours, asking Murphy to order their return to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Return is imminently reasonableand necessaryin such a situation, as the Supreme Court recognized in recent weeks, the immigration attorneys wrote, referencing the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. The Hill has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Murphys injunction, issued last month, requires the administration to provide a noncitizen and their attorney with written notice in a language they can understand before removing them to a third country. The migrant must also be afforded a meaningful opportunity to raise claims that they would face persecution or torture if deported there, Murphy ruled. South Sudan, the worlds youngest country, erupted into civil war soon after it gained independence in 2011. A peace deal has recently collapsed, with the immigration attorneys warning their clients are being flown into a country that is now returning to full-blown and catastrophic civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new filing identifies two specific migrants who were removed, a Burmese and a Vietnamese national, who are referred to by their initials in court documents. But the attorneys indicated there were likely at least 10 other migrants on the plane, citing an email from the Vietnamese nationals partner. They cannot be allowed to do this, this is not the first and wont be the last if they keep getting away with it! I am begging for your assistance, the person wrote to one of her husbands attorneys in a Tuesday email. The legal team comprises the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Human Rights First. The development comes days after the judge warned the Trump administration that its reported plans to deport a group of migrants to Libya would violate his order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also comes as Murphy is set to hold a Wednesday hearing in the same case on whether to require the administration to facilitate the return of a Guatemalan man deported to Mexico despite his asserted fear of persecution. The administration previously indicated the man had told authorities he was not afraid of returning to Mexico, but the Justice Department acknowledged on Friday that was an error. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As the United Nations General Assembly continues discussions this week about regulating weapons that use artificial intelligence, some experts have raised concerns about the rapid advancement of autonomous military technology and its impact on modern warfare. Robert Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of engineering at Texas A&M University, addressed the assembly about the urgent need for regulation of these "killer robots." "The technology has really gotten ahead of us," Bishop told ABC News. "The application of the technology has moved faster than our policies and procedures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a recent UN summit, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the growing technology risked deepening geopolitical divides and called for urgent "global guardrails." PHOTO: Robert Bishop urges ethical approach to AI warfare at UN meeting. (ABC News) Bishop told ABC News that AI technology could actually help reduce conflict if properly regulated. "We can use this technology to reduce conflict through less-than-lethal action," he explained. "We can also utilize the technology to help inform our policymakers so that they make better decisions." MORE: Murder victim 'speaks' beyond the grave in AI generated video at sentencing When asked about the risks of leaving these weapons unregulated, Bishop said there were immediate concerns beyond science-fiction scenarios. "The worst-case scenario in the near term is the gap that countries face," he told ABC News, explaining that this gap could lead to "cybersecurity breaches, data breaches, and infrastructure breaches" by bad actors. PHOTO: UN debates rules for AI weapons as experts warn of risks. (Department of Defense) Bishop explained the reluctance of some countries to embrace regulation in this matter. "We're always cognizant of the fact that folks who may wish to do us harm are ahead of us," he said, citing concerns about hypersonic vehicles capable of carrying nuclear warheads as an example of why nations are cautious about limiting military AI development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Bishop suggests a different approach. He says Texas A&M University is creating a nonprofit organization to develop ethical approaches to AI use, working closely with industry, the Department of Defense and other academic institutions. He believes AI could be used to find less violent solutions to conflicts. "If you know that a group of folks wants to do you harm, can you disrupt their ability to do that without kinetic weapons, without drones? The answer is yes," Bishop said. He suggests using AI to analyze data and present decision-makers with less-violent options for resolving conflicts. Last week, 96 countries met for the first-ever international meeting held at the United Nations focused specifically on autonomous weapons systems. The meeting, mandated by a General Assembly resolution from last December, brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and industry to address the growing concerns about AI-powered weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guterres is pushing for clear rules on AI weapons by next year, with both the secretary-general and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross calling for a legally binding agreement by 2026. The recent New York meeting expanded discussions beyond traditional military concerns to include human rights law, criminal law, and broader ethical considerations. "We must prevent a world of AI 'haves' and 'have-nots,'" Guterres said at AI Action Summit 2025. "We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries not widen it. It must accelerate sustainable development not entrench inequalities." Military use of AI technology needs urgent regulation, UN warns originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Lake Erie, from Ashtabula, Ohio. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.) This story was originally published by ProPublica, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Just one year ago, JD Vance was a leading advocate of the Great Lakes and the efforts to restore the largest system of freshwater on the face of the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a U.S. senator from Ohio, Vance called the lakes an invaluable asset for his home state. He supported more funding for a program that delivers the tools we need to fight invasive species, algal blooms, pollution, and other threats to the ecosystem so that the Great Lakes would be protected for generations to come. But times have changed. This spring, Vance is vice president, and President Donald Trumps administration is imposing deep cuts and new restrictions, upending the very restoration efforts that Vance once championed. With the peak summer season just around the corner, Great Lakes scientists are concerned that they have lost the ability to protect the public from toxic algal blooms, which can kill animals and sicken people. Cutbacks have gutted the staff at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Severe spending limits have made it difficult to purchase ordinary equipment for processing samples, such as filters and containers. Remaining staff plans to launch large data-collecting buoys into the water this week, but its late for a field season that typically runs from April to October. In addition to a delayed launch, problems with personnel, supplies, vessel support and real-time data sharing have created doubts about the teams ability to operate the buoys, said Gregory Dick, director of the NOAA cooperative institute at the University of Michigan that partners with the lab. Both the lab and institute operate out of a building in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that was custom built as NOAAs hub in the Great Lakes region, and both provide staff to the algal blooms team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has massive impacts on coastal communities, Dick said. Multiple people who have worked with the lab also told ProPublica that there are serious gaps in this years monitoring of algal blooms, which are often caused by excess nutrient runoff from farms. Data generated by the labs boats and buoys, and publicly shared, could be limited or interrupted, they said. That data has helped to successfully avoid a repeat of a 2014 crisis in Toledo, Ohio, when nearly half a million people were warned to not drink the water or even touch it. If the streams of information are cut off, stakeholders will be very unhappy, said Bret Collier, a branch chief at the lab who oversaw the federal scientists that run the harmful algal bloom program for the Great Lakes. He was fired in the purge of federal probationary workers in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lab has lost about 35% of its 52-member workforce since February, according to the president of the labs union, and it was not allowed to fill several open positions. The White House released preliminary budget recommendations last week that would make significant cuts to NOAA. The budget didnt provide details, but indicated the termination of a variety of climate-dominated research, data, and grant programs, which are not aligned with Administration policy of ending Green New Deal initiatives. An earlier document obtained by ProPublica and reported widely proposed a 74% funding cut to NOAAs research office, home of the Great Lakes lab. Vances office didnt respond to questions from ProPublica about how federal cuts have affected Great Lakes research. The White House also didnt respond to messages. Municipal water leaders in Cleveland and Toledo have written public letters of support on behalf of the lab, advocating for the continuation of its work because of how important its tools and resources are for drinking water management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to ProPublica, staffers from Toledos water system credited the Great Lakes lab and NOAA for alerting it to potential blooms near its intake days ahead of time. This has saved the system significant costs, they said, and helped it avoid feeding excess chemicals into the water. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The likelihood of another 2014 dont drink the water advisory has been minimized to almost nothing by additional vigilance from both the lab and local officials, they said. Remaining staff have had to contend with not only a lack of capacity but also tight limits on spending and travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people who have worked in or with the lab said that the staff was hampered by strict credit card limits imposed on government employees as part of the effort to reduce spending by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has been spearheaded by presidential adviser Elon Musk. The basic scientific supplies that we use to provide the local communities with information on algal bloom toxicity our purchasing of them is being restricted based on the limitations currently being put in by the administration, Collier said. NOAA and the Department of Commerce, which oversees the agency, didnt respond to messages from ProPublica. Neither did a DOGE official. Eight U.S. senators, including the minority leader, sent a letter in March to a top NOAA leader inquiring about many of the changes, but they never received a response. The department described its approach to some of its cuts when it eliminated nearly $4 million in funding for the NOAA cooperative institute at Princeton University and emphasized the importance of avoiding wasteful government spending. ProPublica has reported on how the loss of research grants at Princeton and the more significant defunding of the NOAA lab it works with would be a serious setback for weather and climate preparedness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of the staffing losses at the Great Lakes lab came when employees accepted offers of early retirement or voluntary separation; others were fired probationary workers targeted by DOGE across the government. That includes Collier, who had 24 years of professional experience, largely as a research professor, before he was hired last year into a position that, according to the labs former director, had been difficult to fill. A scientist specializing in the toxic algal blooms was also fired. She worked on the team for 14 years through the cooperative institute before accepting a federal position last year, which made her probationary, too. A computer scientist who got real-time data onto the labs website and the only person who knew how to push out the weekly sampling data on harmful algal blooms was also fired. She was probationary because she too was hired for a federal position after working with the institute. And because of a planned retirement, no one holds the permanent position of lab director, though there is an acting director. The lab isnt allowed to fill any positions due to a federal hiring freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, expected funds for the labs cooperative institute are delayed, which means, Dick said, it may soon lay off staff, including people on the algal blooms team. In March, Clevelands water commissioner wrote a letter calling for continued support for the Great Lakes lab and other NOAA-funded operations in the region, saying that access to real-time forecasts for Lake Erie are critically important in making water treatment decisions for more than 1.3 million citizens. In 2006, there was a major outbreak of hypoxia, an issue worsened by algal blooms where oxygen-depleted water can become corrosive, discolored and full of excess manganese, which is a neurotoxin at high levels. Cleveland Water collaborated with the lab on developing a groundbreaking hypoxia forecast model, said Scott Moegling, who worked for both the Cleveland utility and Ohios drinking water regulatory agency. I knew which plants were going to get hit, Moegling said. I knew about when, and I knew what the treatment we would need would be, and we could staff accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Meteorological Society, in partnership with the National Weather Association, spotlighted this warning system in its statement in support of NOAA research, saying that it helps keep drinking water potable in the Great Lakes region. Collier, the former branch chief, said that quality data may be lacking this year, not just for drinking water suppliers, but also the U.S. Coast Guard, fisheries, shipping companies, recreational businesses and shoreline communities that rely on it to navigate risk. In response to a recent survey of stakeholders, the president of a trade organization serving Great Lakes cargo vessels said that access to NOAAs real-time data is critically important to the commercial shipping fleet when making navigation decisions. Because federal law requires NOAA to monitor harmful algal blooms, the cuts may run against legal obligations, several current and former workers told ProPublica. The blooms program was federally mandated to be active every single day, without exception, Collier said. The 2024 bloom in Lake Erie was the earliest on record. At its peak, it covered 550 square miles. Warming temperatures worsen the size and frequency of algal blooms. While the field season was historically only about 90 days, Collier said, last year the team was deployed for 211 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is typically first to show signs of problems. But its also an emblem of environmental stewardship, thanks to its striking recovery from unchecked industrial pollution. The lake was once popularly declared dead. A highly publicized fire inflamed a river that feeds into it. Even Dr. Seuss knocked it in the 1971 version of The Lorax. The book described fish leaving a polluted pond in search of some water that isnt so smeary. I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But the rise of agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and NOAA, and labs like the one protecting the Great Lakes, along with legislation that protected water from pollution, led to noticeable changes. By 1986, two Ohio graduate students had succeeded in persuading Theodor Geisel, the author behind Dr. Seuss, to revise future editions of his classic book. I should no longer be saying bad things about a body of water that is now, due to great civic and scientific effort, the happy home of smiling fish, Geisel wrote to them. Early this year, headlines out of the Midwest suggested that Vance could be a game-changing Great Lakes advocate and that he might save the Great Lakes from Trump. A 2023 report to Congress about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a popular funding mechanism for projects that protect the lakes, including the research labs, described the labs work on harmful algal blooms as one of its success stories. Last year, with Vance as a co-sponsor, an act to extend support for the funding program passed the Senate, but stalled in the House. Another bipartisan effort to reauthorize it launched in January. Project 2025, the plan produced by the Heritage Foundation for Trumps second term, recommended that the president consider whether NOAA should be dismantled and many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories. NOAA is a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry, the plan said, and this industrys mission seems designed around the fatal conceit of planning for the unplannable. That is not to say NOAA is useless, it added, but its current organization corrupts its useful functions. It should be broken up and downsized. When asked at his confirmation hearing in January if he agreed with Project 2025s recommendation of dismantling NOAA, Howard Lutnick, head of the commerce department, said no. One month later, the Great Lakes labs probationary staff got termination notices. That includes Nicole Rice, who spent a decade with NOAA. A promotion made her communications job vulnerable to the widespread firings of federal probationary workers. In recent testimony to a Michigan Senate committee, Rice expressed deep concern about the future of the Great Lakes. It has taken over a century of bipartisan cooperation, investment and science to bring the Great Lakes back from the brink of ecological collapse, Rice said. But these reckless cuts could undo the progress in just a few short years, endangering the largest surface freshwater system in the world. Vernal Coleman contributed reporting. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced a potential new funding avenue for small businesses. Crowley introduced the county's Department of Administrative Services' "Building Bridges" program, which aims to expand businesses or help establish brick-and-mortar businesses and fuel commercial corridors across the county. In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau reported roughly 20,000 small and micro businesses in Milwaukee County an increase of 4.7% since 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all know small businesses are the backbone of Milwaukee County's local economy," Crowley told supervisors at a May 12 hearing. "They create significant portions of local jobs. They add value to our tax base and help to create our identity right here throughout our community." The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation had previously awarded $200,000 to the county through its Small Business Development grant. As a part of his pitch to supervisors, Crowley and his administration requested authorization to pull from the county's economic development reserve to fund the "Building Bridges" program, which would allow the county to support small businesses through grants of $10,000. The grants would be available and eligible in all 18 supervisory districts across Milwaukee County. At the county's finance committee on May 15, supervisors voted 4-1 to approve adoption of the proposal, with Supervisor Steve Taylor voting no and Supervisor Shawn Rolland excused from the meeting. The County Board of Supervisors will take a vote on May 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program would collaborate with the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Legacy Redevelopment Corporation, and UW Extension. The Building Bridges program would also create a four-year, limited-term small business liaison position focused on fostering communication, collaboration and partnerships between Milwaukee municipalities and the local business community. Additional funds will be put toward marketing and branding. Among previous efforts to leverage support for Milwaukee's small businesses, the county has infused $1 million in small business grants for entrepreneurs over the last five years, and eight loans valued at $1.3 million for small businesses. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Daviid Crowley pitches $10K grants to boost small businesses Four minutes. That's how long a Milwaukee mother told police her two young children were in a bathtub with water and out of her eyesight. And that was long enough for one of them to turn up dead. More: During the rescue of an 8-year-old near a Kenosha beach, a 5-year-old went missing in the water and later died Selena Renee Doxzon, 28, has been charged with neglecting a child, resulting in death, according to a criminal complaint filed on May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, Doxzon left her 13-month-old son and 3-year-old son unattended in a bathtub on May 15 while she went to the kitchen to make breakfast and wash dishes. After about four minutes, the 3-year-old walked into the kitchen soaking wet. Doxzon went back to the bathroom and found the infant floating face-up and unresponsive, the complaint said. A neighbor assisted with CPR until emergency responders arrived. The child was taken to Children's Wisconsin hospital, where officials pronounced him dead. More: Milwaukee beaches still don't have lifeguards. Here's what you should know about beach safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's preliminary ruling listed the cause of death as asphyxiation due to drowning. Investigators noted in the complaint the water in the bathtub was 3 to 4 inches in depth, and that it reached the child's lower abdomen. Investigators said Doxzon acknowledged the water level was too high for the younger child's size and conceded she could not see the bathroom from the kitchen to keep an eye on the children, the complaint said. Doxzon made her initial court appearance on May 20 before Court Commissioner Barry Phillips. During the hearing, the signature bond required for her release was set at $10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee County Jail records show she remained in custody later that afternoon. Doxzon was scheduled to return to court on May 30 for a preliminary hearing. Children account for roughly one in four of the 3,500 drowning deaths that occur each year in the United States, according to the Childrens Safety Network, a Massachusetts-based agency that works with state and jurisdiction programs to create safer environments for children. More: Brown Deer woman charged with second-degree homicide in dental surgeon's shooting death Nearly half of the children who die from drown are infants or toddlers. Most infant drownings occur in bathtubs, according to Children's Safety Network data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge Doxzom faces is a class-D felony, and carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Infant drowned in bathtub, Milwaukee mother faces negligence charge BERYL, W.Va. A Mineral County man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of his brother Sunday after police responded to a shots fired call at the Beryl area address where both men resided, according to the Mineral County Sheriffs Office. Michael Wayne Myers, 67, remained jailed without bond Monday at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta. Deputies identified the victim as Mark Myers, 46. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident reportedly occurred at 7175 Shaw Road near Beryl, police said. The sheriffs office, state police and Elk District ambulance were called to the home at 1:27 p.m. Sunday, according to the Mineral County 911 emergency center. The incident remains under investigation by the sheriffs office with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police. Myers previously served a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of his wife, Valerie Kay Myers, in September 2014. Police said at the time the two had argued after they had been drinking. The weapon, a .45-caliber pistol, was found at the scene when state police arrived. Myers called 911 after the incident to report the killing. Zelenskyy after conversation with Mertz: We coordinate contacts, steps as much as possible, it is important to maintain unity Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Mertz discussed the position of U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders on ways to achieve peace in Europe and stressed maximum coordination of actions and the importance of unity between partners. "An important conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Mertz. Thanked for the strong and constructive position on supporting Ukraine. We discussed our conversation yesterday with President Trump, as well as today's conversations with European leaders," Zelenskyy said in Telegram on Tuesday. Following the conversation, the president said: "We are coordinating all our contacts and steps as much as possible. It is crucial to maintain unity between all partners and seek solutions that can truly end this war with a just peace." According to him, the parties also talked about the restoration of Ukraine after the end of the war. "We must think about this now and have a clear plan that will help bring real peace closer now and support it later. We will work together to implement everything. Thank you for your support," the head of the Ukrainian state said. House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, gavels the body to order on May 19, the final day of the 2025 regular session. Photo by Andrew VonBank/House Public Information Services. A narrowly divided Legislature adjourned Monday without completing a state budget for the next two years, ending the session just as it began: with rancorous finger pointing. The session started with the Minnesota Supreme Court settling a dispute between Republicans and Democrats over control of the House, and now lawmakers have adjourned with the biggest budget bills still outstanding, including health and human services, education and taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature only passed nine budget and policy bills out of some 20 in process, and now they will need a special session to do the rest. Lawmakers are working to pass a $66 billion to $67 billion two-year budget that will fund everything from schools to parks to health care and services for people with disabilities. The state is grappling with a structural deficit thats arisen from the rapidly increasing costs of special education and caring for an aging population. Given the Republican refusal to agree to any new tax revenue, lawmakers are looking to trim spending. Most consequentially, Gov. Tim Walz and DFL leaders agreed at Republicans behest to remove undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare, the states subsidized health insurance for the working poor. Children will still be enrolled. The bill hasnt passed yet, and DFL Caucus leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brookyln Park, told reporters Monday night that Democrats would fight it until the end. Until the last gavel drops on the last minute of passing a budget for the state of Minnesota, Democrats are going to keep fighting to try to get Republicans to relent on that demand, Hortman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In between now and the special legislative session date yet to be announced, though ideally before Memorial Day, they say lawmakers will hammer out the bills in working groups. Because the lawmakers wont be in session, these will be unofficial meetings that include House and Senate members of both parties. Legislative leaders have given the working groups until 5 p.m. on Wednesday to finalize their budget bills, after which Walz will likely call a special session, which leaders and Walz say should last just a single day. Lawmakers will be back at the Capitol Tuesday morning to start the working groups. We have to finish this. We dont have a choice, said House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring. That is what Minnesotans expect us to do. We will be able to get that work done in a bipartisan fashion. Despite the Wednesday deadline, Hortman said the earliest a special session could occur is Friday, though next week is probable. If lawmakers cant reach a deal by Friday, they will have to work over Memorial Day weekend, Hortman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Walz can call legislators back into session, but only lawmakers can adjourn once they are in special session. In the hours leading up to midnight, rank-and-file lawmakers had little work to do because legislative leaders were meeting behind closed doors and making last-minute decisions on what bills they could pass in the few remaining hours. Multiple members walked laps on the Capitols second floor, while Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson played catch on the Capitol lawn. Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, was spotted using an electric scooter to have a little fun, traveling from the bowels of the Capitol to the House members offices in the Centennial Office Building. In a series of press conferences, lawmakers laid the blame on each other for failing to finish their work. House Democrats argued that Republicans were attempting to change the parameters of an agreement Walz and legislative leaders announced last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans keep moving the goal posts. None of the GOP demands are necessary to pass a state budget bill. All of them will make life harder and more expensive for Minnesota families, said House DFL floor leader Jamie Long. Demuth said Democrats 23-day boycott at the outset of the session derailed lawmakers from finishing on time. Waiting 23 days of a stall out was not helpful, Demuth said. The session kicked off in January with House Democrats refusing to appear at the Capitol, seeking to to prevent Republicans from using a 1-seat, temporary advantage to take control of the House and potentially block a Democrat from being seated in a hotly contested recount. The Minnesota Supreme Court was forced to intervene before the two sides agreed on a power-sharing agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz on Monday afternoon told reporters hes confident the larger budget bills will get done and said Minnesotans shouldnt be concerned about the lack of progress. Against the backdrop of the dysfunction in D.C., this is a pretty remarkable thing to see the most closely divided Legislature in Minnesota history working together in a fiscally responsible way, Walz said. Walz noted that June 1 acts as a perfunctory deadline: The state will be obligated to send layoff notices to state employees if there is no budget by then, and leaders want to avoid that. A UC Santa Barbara student who was reported missing during a trip to Big Bear Lake over the weekend was found dead on Monday, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Tanner Prentiss, 22, was last seen early Saturday morning on Village Drive in Big Bear Lake after going out with some friends, but didn't return to his rental cabin, officials said. Deputies and the sheriff's dive team searched the area and discovered Prentiss body in the water near the Pine Knot Marina at 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: UC Santa Barbara student missing in Big Bear during weekend visit The coroner's office will determine his cause of death. But officials do not believe it was suspicious. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tanners family, friends and all those who are affected by his loss," the department wrote in a news release. "The family is requesting privacy as they navigate through this tragic incident." A LinkedIn profile matching Prentiss name identified him as an economics and sociology student at UC Santa Barbara set to graduate next year. A representative for UC Santa Barbara offered condolences to Prentiss' family and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Losing a member of our UC Santa Barbara community is heartbreaking," the representative said in a statement. "We understand the impact and stress surrounding this tragedy and are committed to supporting our campus community who may be impacted. Our campus offers resources to students, staff and faculty who are in need of support." 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippi is not immune to wildfires. In their wake, wildfires can cause erosion and loss of vegetation, which could lead to problems like flooding. Homeowners can reduce their wildfire and flooding risks by retrofitting their homes, clearing debris from their properties, and creating defensible spaces. Mississippi reports increase in whooping cough cases The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends these steps to create a defensible space around your home: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Install hard surfaces close to your home, such as a concrete walkway or rock mulch. Regularly water your lawn and plants to prevent dry vegetation. Remove dead plants and tree branches and trim low-hanging tree branches. Find more tips here, https://disastersafety.org/wildfire/d-space/ Homeowners policies usually cover the repair or replacement of the built structure of your home and items damaged by flames, smoke, soot, and ash. However, you should check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy covers wildfires and whether there is a separate wildfire deductible, said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney (R-Miss.). Homeowners insurance is not designed to cover damages to your car. A comprehensive car insurance policy may insure a car against fire damage. Check with your agent to find out what your policy covers. If your property is damaged by fire, your insurance company may ask for an inventory of the items in your home at the time of the loss. Use the NAICs Home Inventory App as a way to prepare. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. QUITMAN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) The owner of multiple rental properties pled guilty to one count of fraudulent statements, according to State Auditor Shad White. White said Vernell Survillion submitted fraudulent RAMP (Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program) applications on behalf of tenants renting properties owned by him. The applications contained fraudulent information, including forged signatures, inflated monthly rental amounts, inflated months delinquent, and incorrect occupant information. White said these actions caused the Mississippi Home Corporation to make payments to Survillion. OPSO maintenance worker allegedly aided in prison break arrested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survillion was prosecuted in the Quitman County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to five years non-adjudicated probation and has been ordered to pay $500 in fines and $16,050 in restitution. Vernell Survillion (Courtesy: State Auditors Office) Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditors office by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) and Millsaps College have partnered to expand educational opportunities for Millsaps students. According to the MMA, all Millsaps students will now enjoy free unlimited admission to the Mississippi Museum of Art with a valid student ID in 2025. Additional benefits include gallery visits, guided class tours and access to the museums educational resources. 30th Millsaps student awarded Fulbright Scholarship Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millsaps College and the Mississippi Museum of Art have long shared a deep connection, and this partnership strengthens our shared commitment to the arts, said Frank Neville, president of Millsaps College. Art-related disciplines are central to our mission, preparing graduates for lives of purpose and meaning through creativity, critical thinking, and cultural engagement. Officials said the collaboration also offers Millsaps faculty the opportunity to extend classroom learning through access to MMAs collections, archives, and educational programs. We are thrilled to continue building upon our long-standing partnership with Millsaps by welcoming its students and faculty into the Museum community, said Betsy Bradley, MMAs Laurie Hearin McRee director. For years, Millsaps has been a valuable source of high-performing staff and engaged scholars at MMA, and this collaboration deepens our shared commitment to education, creativity, and engagement. For more information on MMAs programs and exhibitions, visit msmuseumart.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent). Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long denied any wrongdoing Tuesday regarding his ties to companies accused of selling fraudulent tax credits and downplayed donations from executives at those companies that he used to pay off a personal loan. Long, who worked as an auctioneer before serving six terms representing a Southwest Missouri congressional district, told a U.S. Senate committee debating his nomination to lead the Internal Revenue Service Tuesday that he did not seek donations to repay himself money he lent his political campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know as well as I do that anytime youre dealing with the (Federal Elections Commission), you have to follow FEC guidelines, Long told members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. And thats exactly what I did all the way through. Democrats on the committee were not convinced. You expect us to believe that the money just fell out of the sky and it showed up in your campaign treasury? said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon. In December, Trump nominated Long to lead the IRS. At the time, Longs campaign committee from his unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate had $130,000 in debt money that Long had loaned the campaign himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month later, his campaign committee raised $137,000, with much of the money coming from executives at the companies accused of selling fraudulent tax credits. Wyden later said his staff had obtained recordings of business associates of Long saying they expect to get favors from him once he is in office. The recordings were later provided to the investigative news organization The Lever. U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Nevada Democrat, pressed Long about $65,000 he allegedly received before being nominated for his involvement promoting the fake tax credits for the companies Capital Edge Strategies and White River. Knowing that (the credits) are illegal, the IRS has said theyre illegal, how do you stand here before this committee and tell the chairman just a few minutes ago that you have no conflict of interest? Cortez Masto asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long replied that hes in compliance with the Office of Government Ethics regarding his nomination and that he did not have any perception whatsoever that these (credits) did not exist. White River said in a statement that Long made an insignificant amount of referrals of these credits to third parties for the company, and that no federal agency has ever told it the credits are invalid. Long on Tuesday denied hed ever met or interacted with anyone at White River and claimed he had only referred the credits to a few friends. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, who sent Long a 14-page letter questioning his past, repeatedly asked Long about a federal statute prohibiting the president from ordering tax audits on specific people or businesses. Is it illegal for the president to instruct the IRS to remove nonprofit status from taxpayers? Warren asked several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first place, he wouldnt do that, Long replied. Thats not my question, Mr. Long, Warren said. A few seconds of back and forth later, Long said he was going to follow the law, but that Id have to go to the lawyers at the IRS to tell me. Warren wasnt impressed. If you think follow the law is you get to make it up on the spot, she said, then you dont get to be the IRS commissioner. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Georgia Democrat, continued the line of questioning later, pressing Long over whether he had previously said he would ignore an order from Trump to audit a taxpayer. I think I told you that he wouldnt do that in the first place, Long responded, but if he did, Id do exactly what you said. So, yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans on the panel questioned Long on how he can improve customer service for taxpayers. U.S. Sen. Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, said the agency is behind the curve on technology and that its customer service issues are out of hand. If confirmed, will you commit to developing a comprehensive IRS modernization plan that prioritizes customer service, identifies critical technology infrastructure needs and ensures greater transparency and audit practices? Yes or no? Young asked. Yes, Long replied. Excellent, Young said. In his opening statement, Long vowed to make long-needed changes at the agency if confirmed to be the next IRS commissioner. And if he isnt ultimately confirmed, hell gladly head back to Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have the opportunity to make real transformational change to an agency that needs it more than any other federal agency, he said. Or I can go back home to southwest Missouri where the fish are biting and as they say, they aint going to catch themselves. States Newsrooms Ashley Murray contributed to this story. ST. LOUIS A man from Rolla, Missouri, was sentenced to up to a decade in prison for shooting his ex-girlfriend in the face. Robert Harper, 43, was found guilty of first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action in relation to the shooting, which happened on Jan. 19, 2023. The incident occurred in the Benton Park neighborhood. Court documents say the couple dated for nearly a year. On the night of the shooting, Harper shot the woman with a semiautomatic rifle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was automatically transported to the hospital. Shooting someone in the face is an act of pure brutality. Robert Harpers actions were calculated and cruel, and there must be consequences for violence like this, said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. St. Louis County has declared a state of local emergency and state of local disaster in response to the wildfires that are ravaging part of Superior National Forest. The declarations are a "procedural step" that will allow the county to unlock state funding to pay for the ongoing response and recovery activities. It comes eight days after the Camp House Fire started, and a week since the Jenkins Creek Fire began during hot and dry conditions in northern Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, the fires are still only partially contained, with gusty winds expected to impact suppression efforts this week. Thus far, more than 150 buildings have been destroyed by the fires. The declarations will be formally voted upon by the St. Louis County Board on Tuesday morning, with St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsey providing commissioners with an update on the wildfire response. The county says it continues to work with local cities and townships to conduct damage reports ahead of a submission for public disaster assistance to the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). Munger Shaw Road FireMinnesota Incident Command System On Monday, authorities said they made "great progress" towards containment of the Camp House Fire, which is now 40% contained as of Monday morning. The Jenkins Creek Fire, which remains at just over 16,000-acres, is only 6% contained, with work continuing to prevent spread to the Skibo and Hoyt Lakes area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The smaller Munger Shaw Road further south is now 95% contained, with the number of responders delegated to the fire now reducing to 3-5 staff starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, with management fire transitioned to the local Cloquet Area DNR Forestry. Related: Minnesota wildfires: 'Great progress' made on containment, but winds present risk MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A Mobile man has pleaded guilty to intentional murder in connection with a 2021 deadly shooting, and he was sentenced to prison time. City of Mobile, Oak View Group set groundbreaking for new arena Cyrus Lamon King, 39, withdrew his plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty to intentional murder in connection with the death of Michael Cannon, 50. Cyrus Lamon King. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office Jail Management System) According to Mobile police, King shot Cannon at a home on the 500 block of Dauphin Island Parkway on April 29, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly shooting at Citronelle graduation party leads to juveniles arrest: MCSO Following his guilty plea, King was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Hungary announces detection of two more 'Ukrainian spies' Hungarian national security services have detected two more "Ukrainian spies," Hungarian State Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Relations Zoltan Kovacs said. "Roland Tseber, an illegal officer of Ukrainian intelligence, biult ties with opposition figures; Istvan Hollo is under criminal investigation for espionage," Kovacs said on the X social network on Tuesday. He said Tseber organized meetings with political and military figures to sway Hungary's stance on the conflict in Ukraine. His growing influence led to a travel ban in 2024. Hollo, a pure Ukrainian national, sought military and energy intelligence linked to Ukraine's war demands. Kovacs said this activity fits a classic influence operation aiming to discredit Hungary internationally and pressure the government to shift its policy towards Ukraine. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A Mobile County Circuit Court Judge sentenced Patrick Lewis to life in prison plus an additional 30 years for a murder at the Shoppes at Bel Air in 2021. Mobile man pleads guilty to intentional murder, receives sentence Lewis, 24, shot and killed Bryan Maynard Jr. outside of the DXL at the Shoppes at Bel Air in September 2021. Patrick Vashun Lewis. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office Jail Management System) Investigators said it was a watch sale gone wrong when Lewis ambushed Maynard and shot and killed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge sentenced him to life and imposed an additional 30 years for armed robbery. Lewis is also involved in another murder investigation for the Happy Hills deaths of Tony and Lelia Lewis. Man arrested in Robertsdale, sentenced for illegally reentering the United States He has a hearing later this year in that case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Police quickly arrested four men suspected of breaking into a northwest Modesto jewelry store by ramming its door with a car. It happened just before 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Sai Jewelers, a news release from the Modesto Police Department said. The store is on the west side of the complex at the southeast corner of Standiford Avenue and Sisk Road. A red Mitsubishi had rammed the stores front doors, allowing multiple suspects wearing hoodies, masks and gloves to enter the business and steal a large quantity of jewelry before fleeing in several vehicles, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers learned that the Mitsubishi had been reported stolen and was spotted by a license plate reader, MPD said. The four suspects were arrested at a time and place that were not disclosed. The release also did not say how much jewelry was taken. Detectives learned that the men were suspected in similar cases in Alameda County and Beverly Hills, the release said. Details on each suspect and the charges they face in Stanislaus Superior Court: Nasir Blocker, 19, of Oakland is held on $2 million bail on robbery, conspiracy and stolen vehicle charges. Anton Crawford, 24, of Oakland is held on $1 million bail on robbery, conspiracy and stolen vehicle charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gangster Lawson, 24, of El Cerrito was booked on robbery, conspiracy and stolen vehicle charges. Bail is $1 million. Nehemiah Miller, 21, of Valley Springs in Calaveras County faces robbery, conspiracy and vehicle theft charges. Bail is $1 million. We are proud of the work done by our patrol officers and detectives whose relentless efforts and commitment to public safety led to these arrests, the release said. MPD said it continues to look for other people in involved in the case. People with information can contact Detective Keyon Turner at Turnerk@modestopd.com. SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)- The mother of murder suspect William Grimes took the stand for the defense and said her son was cutting wood at Bobbys house all night long on the night 85-year-old Lowell Badger was killed. Nancy Pirtle testified Tuesday morning in a Sullivan County courtroom. She said her son William lived with her when Badger was killed in 2012. She testified that Grimes had to cut up a fallen tree and used her truck on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. Please dont hurt me among the last words of murder victim Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirtle said the next morning, she had her dad take her to work at a local grocery store, because the truck was full of wood. She told the jury she remembered the date because later in the day, a co-worker told her Badger had been murdered. Grimes, his brother Arthur Grimes, and Richard Taft are accused of murdering Badger after going to his home to rob it. On cross-examination, Pirtle and Special Prosecutor Rob Roberts became quite cranky with one another. Roberts questioned why she would remember what happened that day, so many years ago, when her son was not a suspect back then. At times, Pirtle was confused. At other times, she refused to answer the prosecutors questions, and the judge would tell her she had to. Frustrated at one point, she exclaimed she knew her son didnt kill anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jailmates testify against Grimes saying he admitted to killing Lowell Badger Also on the stand Tuesday was Indiana State Police Detective Brad Miller. The defense asked Miller how many times over the past 12 years Grimes had been interviewed about Badgers murder. Miller said 16. The defense pointed out that Grimes willingly spoke to investigators. The last witness called by the defense was, for many years, considered a person of interest in the Badger murder, Jason Donovan. Detective Miller testified Donovan was interviewed 24 times by police. Donovan arrived in court in shackles and handcuffs and wearing a striped jail jumpsuit. Donovan said he is currently in the Knox County Jail on drunken driving and drug possession charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense accused Donovan of being Badgers killer. Donovan said it was not him. He said he was committing another crime the night Badger was killed. He said he was stealing welding equipment in Bucktown, although charges were not filed. Bucktown is located close to the Sullivan/Greene County line. The defense attorney then asked why if he was committing a crime in Bucktown did Donovans phone ping on U.S. 41. Donovan said he didnt know why. In a raised and angry voice Donovan said he had earlier told the defense he did not want to be called as a witness at the trial or help the defense in any way, I think its terrible what they done and I hope they hung. Closing arguments begin Wednesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jose Andres remembers when he went to Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake that the government estimates killed more than 300,000 people. We began cooking in the streets, you know? said the James Beard award-winning Spanish chef, whose group operates more than 40 restaurants around the world. Im feeding people after an earthquake so there were no photographers or cameras, it was me with my friends doing it. That was the start of World Central Kitchen, which has grown into a major nonprofit, raising hundreds of millions of dollars annually, as it quickly provides meals in response to humanitarian crises. Andres personal profile has only grown since then as well, as his NBC cooking competition show with Martha Stewart Yes, Chef continues and his new book Change the Recipe: Because You Cant Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs hit stores last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, sometimes when I go, everybody seems to have a camera, he said. Its OK. I just go and try to do the best I can and donate my time. Andres work has drawn plenty of accolades. Earlier this year, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President Joe Biden, who said the winners answer the call to serve and led others to do the same thing. Ricardo Leite, senior vice president and head of international markets at Discover and president of Diners Club International, said Diners Club donated $750,000 earlier this month to World Central Kitchen to provide approximately 150,000 meals. When looking for a nonprofit to collaborate with for our 75th anniversary, we wanted one that builds on our Together for Change corporate social responsibility program to create change where it matters most, said Leite. This collaboration allows us to pay forward our legacy by helping provide comforting meals to those most in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press recently spoke with Andres about how he is dealing with the world's ongoing crises. The interview was edited for clarity and length. _____ Q: Why is the Diners Club International donation to World Central Kitchen so important? A: It's important for the message that it sends, not only about donating to World Center Kitchen, but the important moment that philanthropy is going to be playing in a moment where we are seeing cutbacks. USAID is not being active any more and it used to be very important around the world. NGOs (Nongovernmental organizations) like World Central Kitchen in America and overseas are important because they occupy a role that governments dont occupy very often... It sends the message to every other foundation, private business, and individuals: Everybody needs to be very thoughtful about remembering that there are organizations doing vital work to bring relief or to solve problems that many people in America or abroad are facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q: Will World Central Kitchen have to step in to fill in the gap left by USAID cuts? A: Weve never been supported really by them, but we work alongside them. World Central Kitchen is in Myanmar and in Thailand after the earthquake. In the old days, there would've been a rapid response team of USAID showing up in those scenarios to help those countries take care of their needs in an emergency. So the answer is yes. Its not only us, obviously. Were not everywhere, but where we are, usually we occupy a very big role in the initial emergency response. For us, that means activating money that helps us execute a response that is beyond meals its meals, it's water, everything that needs to happen. And in the best fashion of World Center Kitchen. it is channeled through the local economy, so in the process of responding to the emergency, we are helping the local economy. Q: Earlier this month, World Central Kitchen had to suspend operations in Gaza because you had no more supplies. Are you hopeful that will change soon? (This interview was done before Monday when Israel lifted its three-month blockade on supplies to Gaza.) A: We are ready. We are waiting. We hope that common sense will prevail. We hope that hostages will be released, that civilians in Gaza will not be afraid any more of bombs falling on their heads, and where everybody, Palestinians and Israel, can hope for a better tomorrow with peace. This will only happen with a ceasefire where nobody else is dying where Gaza is not under attack, where Israel is not under attack, where hostages are released and where the children of Gaza can go back to school and they can start dreaming of rebuilding. The vast majority of people have common sense. They want to live in peace and prosperity. We cannot let the very, very few dictate the rules on behalf of the many that want to live in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q: Is this the time for major donors to give more? A: I would say money does no good in the bank. I mean it's earning interest. But I think its good when the money is used to invest in the people and when money is an investment in a better tomorrow. ______ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. If a bystander helps out in an emergency, are they protected from liability? Bob Lafaro from the Lafaro Insurance Agency joined us in the studio to discuss the Pennsylvania Good Samaritan Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. (WSPA) Even if the word influencer doesnt appeal to you, you might be surprised at how common it has become for people to make money off their social media and YouTube posts. So what does it take and how does it work? 7NEWS Here to Help looked into homegrown success stories to find out. Sponsored content When Allison Moncheck, owner of Unorthodox Salon in Taylors, started sharing her hair painting technique on Instagram, she never imagined it would lead to some serious extra income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really had no idea you could make money doing content creation, Moncheck said. As her page drew more followers and some of her posts went viral, companies in her field started to reach out. My biggest pay was from Babe Hair Extensions, and for two reels, 60 days of use, and a couple of story posts they paid me $5,000, Moncheck said. On top of the sponsored content, what many may not realize is that the social media platforms themselves are cutting checks. Moncheck gets about $150 a month from Instagram, with a reach, of now, more than 50,000 followers. Engagement is key Smitha Lee owns a photography business in Spartanburg and just by sharing his work with nearly 40,000 followers on Facebook, Meta pays him $200-$400 a month, all for doing what he would normally be doing to promote his work. When Meta first notified him of the potential compensation, he initially thought it was a scam. I got the notification, kind of shocked. Oh, OK I guess I can start making money through social media, Lee said. One of his reels showing his wife teaching others to line dance at a wedding got more than a million views and banked more than $600 dollars. So what is the trick? A lot of people think its just the lights or just the views, no, when a person actually engages and drops a comment, Facebook and Instagram will therefore push that video even further because of the comments, Lee said. Merchandise and other money sources And then theres merch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Myricks TikTok page has more than 98,000 followers, some of whom have bought his personalized merchandise like hoodies and cell phone covers. As he shares his music and dance covers with a global audience, hes come across multiple ways to make money from social media, from live video incentives from the platform to gifts from fans that can be transferred into cash. Monetization wasnt even the goal when I started, I just wanted to have fun. I think thats one of the big messages if you want to grow your following, have fun with it, Myrick said. Monetizing YouTube USC Upstate Communications Director Emily Gillespie said YouTube tends to pay the most for ads that run before and during your content, and you dont have to have tons of followers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For YouTube specifically, you need 1,000 subscribers and about 400 hours of watch time in order to start getting paid for your content, said Gillespie, referring to the past 12 months. You can also qualify if you have had 10 million short video views in the past 90 days. To sign up to get paid by YouTube for your videos, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and have an active AdSense for YouTube account. For Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, people with about 10,000 followers, known as nano influencers, can start to make money, that is if you get the engagement. How to build an audience Robbie Fitzwater, a Clemson Professor and owner of the marketing firm, MKTG Rhythm, said consistency is more important than going viral, and the biggest mistake people make is giving up too early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To build an audience, different is better than best. Where you understand what makes you unique, what gives you a specific different voice, thats going to be what people are going to connect with, Fitzwater said. To stay relevant to your followers, he cites an industry rule of 3 when it comes to posting: Hygiene: Frequent posts that dont go too deep Hub: Higher quality content you post every two weeks or so Hero: Big moments that could go viral that come about once or twice a year Some final advice from the experts Be data-driven At the end of the year, I will typically see what reels did the best for me and I see any consistencies, Moncheck, who uses that information to inform future posts, said. Be educational The biggest thing that Ive found thats been a successful point for a lot of creators is finding a niche that they love and that other people can learn from, Lee said. Be authentic I found my niche, but I also found what made me different. Once you find those two, youre pretty much golden, Myrick 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Only weeks after stunning its fans with news of its closure, Memory Lane Drive-In Theater is staging an unexpected return revived by a local couple with plans to reopen on Memorial Day weekend. "We have worked with a local couple from Monroe since the announcement of Memory Lane closing and they are ready to light the big screen back up again," read a May 7 post on the theaters Facebook page. The Memory Lane Drive-In Theater in Monroe. For its reopening weekend, May 23-25, the outdoor theater will feature two double features across its two screens. Screen 1 will showcase the family-friendly animated film "Lilo & Stitch" at 9:30 p.m., followed by "Thunderbolts" at 11:30 p.m. Screen 2 will cater to horror fans with "Sinners" starting at 9:35 p.m., and "Clown in a Cornfield" at midnight. Gates open an hour before showtime, and audio will be broadcast over FM 88.5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 9 Michigan drive-ins are keeping a nostalgic tradition alive: See the locations The news comes after Memory Lane announced its closure on April 18, citing the same struggles many drive-ins nationwide have faced in recent years. "In the last four years, 35% of the remaining drive-ins in the United States have closed their doors forever citing a combination of multiple reasons including but not limited to poor attendance, streaming, and lack of concessions support," the drive-in wrote in a post at the time. "The last one is key, especially for drive-ins. Memory Lane has suffered the same fate for the same reasons." Located at 6501 N. Monroe St., Memory Lane Drive-In first opened in 2021 on the site of the former Denniston Drive-In, which closed in 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the couple behind the revival has not been publicly named, the Monroe drive-in is encouraging community support to help the venue thrive. "Please show them the support necessary to keep Memory Lane Drive-In around for years to come," the reopening announcement continued. "If this message has reached you and you're not in the vicinity to support us, then please support your local drive-in as they are truly a very special part of American history and lots of fun for all ages." Its unclear what the drive-in schedule will be after Memorial Day weekend. The Detroit Free Press reached out to Memory Lane Drive-In Theater for comment but did not receive a response. Reopening weekend tickets can be purchased here. For more information, visit memorylanedrivein.com or facebook.com/downriverdrivein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A list of all of the remaining Michigan drive-in theaters is available here. Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Monroe couple revives Memory Lane Drive-In just weeks after closure PIATT COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) A Monticello man has pleaded guilty to a fatal hit and run that happened last year. On Nov. 10, Piatt County deputies responded to County Roads 1900 North and 1300 East for reports that a woman was hit by a vehicle. The woman, identified as 39-year-old Havilah Giannetta, was found in critical condition and later died at Carle Hospital in Urbana. Monticello elementary school trains next generation of entrepreneurs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in February, WCIA reported that 28-year-old Dustin Wiegel was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class 1 felony. On Monday, May 19, Wiegel entered a plea deal. According to online records, Wiegel pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He will receive credit for 83 days already served in custody and must serve at least half his sentence. Wiegels guilty plea comes after he originally pleaded not guilty in March. He also previously requested a trial by jury. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FLANDREAU, S.D. (KELO) Law enforcement in Moody County continues to honor one of their own. In February 2024, Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok was killed during a pursuit near the I-29 and Colman exit. Authorities say he was struck by a man driving more than 100 miles per hour. Most recently, the Moody County Sheriffs Office flew to Washington, D.C. for National Police Week. Proroks name was engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it was significant, one, that we were out there as a group. And two, just honoring Ken was a very nice tribute to be able to be out there to do that, Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman said. Court docs: Former deputys alleged abuse spanned 8 years Proroks family was also in Washington for last weeks events. His name is written on Row 13 E, Tier 1 of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Ken was the smart guy, Moody County Sergeant Thomas Klein said. There are more than 24,000 names on the memorial wall of law enforcement officers who, like Prorok, died in the line of duty. Seeing Kens name on it, it was a moving experience to understand that theres that many names, Klein said. But to see how many people still honored him there was amazing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The week included a candlelight vigil, a memorial service and support classes for those dealing with loss. There were classes that we could go to. They had coworker grief, spouse grief, children grief, different things on how to deal with the issues that come with, Wellman said. Support from other law enforcement agencies experiencing the same kind of loss was also impactful. A big thing law enforcement does is we switch coins and patches together. Its kind of a sign of respect to each other, Klein said. I think I came back with over 80 patches and 60 something coins. Proroks D.C. memorial is as permanent as the writing on the wall inside the Moody County Sheriffs Office. Proroks badge hangs outside of his office, with messages and letters surrounding it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as Im here, I dont plan on having that taken down, Wellman said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. bluefield A massive timbering project at the site of the King Coal Highway project in Bluefield has concluded. Approximately 150 acres of timber was cut to make way for the next phase of the new interstate project in Mercer County, according to Rusty Marks with the public relations office for the West Virginia Department of Transportation. While much of that timbering wasnt visible to motorists traveling along the new four-lane corridor, the timbered trees are visible from the distance near the road closed sign where the King Coal Highway currently connects with the existing Airport Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats where the next section of the interstate corridor will begin. The new $58 million contract will take the King Coal Highway another 2.5 miles from Airport Road to Littlesburg Road, near Route 20 and the Bluewell community. However, earth-moving work on that project cant begin until two permits are received by the DOH, according to Mark. Those permits may not be received until late summer. The contractor, Kanawha Stone, is securing a 404 permit as well as an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit), Marks said in an email response to questions by the Daily Telegraph. If these permits are obtained prior to August, then construction work can resume. August is simply the date in which these permits are assumed to be in place so that work can begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 404 permit falls under the Clean Waters Act and regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. A groundbreaking ceremony on the Littlesburg Road section of the King Coal Highway was held last November, but no actual work on the highway project was completed at that time due to the pending arrival of winter. A third Mercer County contract is still in the planning stages. Once it is approved, that project will extend the King Coal Highway another five miles from the Littlesburg Road area toward the Montcalm community. The Littlesburg Road to Montcalm section of the King Coal Highway is still under environmental review. A contract award date for that stretch of the roadway has not yet been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The King Coal Highway is West Virginias local corridor of the future Interstate 73/74/75 routing. In West Virginia, the King Coal Highway will ultimately extend 95 miles through Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Wyoming and Wayne counties along or near currently existing U.S. 52 from U.S. 119 near Williamson to Interstate 77 in Bluefield. In the bigger picture, the final Interstate 73/74/75 routing will extend from Detroit, Michigan to Myrtle Beach, S.C, opening up a large swath of Southern West Virginia to interstate access. According to the National I-73/74/75 Corridor Association, the project will bring growth along the interstate within six states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Sections of the interstate corridor are already open in other states, including North Carolina and South Carolina. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com Photo: MFA of Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha met in Brussels with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria Ahmed Attaf to discuss ways to maximize the potential of our bilateral relations and the role of Algeria in promoting peace efforts. "We are eager to expand cooperation in trade, education, technology, and other areas. I reiterated our intention to appoint an ambassador to Algeria in the nearest future in order to strengthen our bilateral relations," he said on the X social network. The ministers also discussed cooperation within international organisations, regional security, and ways to strengthen Ukraines ties with the African Union. More than two years after a fire destroyed Morgan Lis large warehouse in Chicago Heights, the maker of merchandise display fixtures for national retailers celebrated a new, larger facility Tuesday. The cavernous, 240,000-square-foot building at 1001 Washington Ave., just recently finished, is on the site where the previous warehouse burned Feb. 6, 2023. The third-generation business is headquartered at 383 E. 16th St. in Chicago Heights, where it operates a 275,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andy Rosenband, chief executive officer, and his brother, Jonathan, who is Morgan Lis president, are the third generation of the Rosenband family. Their grandfather started the business eight decades ago in Chicagos Bridgeport community. The fire was obviously a catastrophic event, Andy Rosenband said at the dedication ceremony, where members of the Chicago Heights Fire Department were on hand. The company said a little more than a year after the fire it would rebuild at the same location. The new warehouse will also eventually consolidate temporary, leased warehouse space Morgan Li has in Chicago Heights and Matteson. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, a Chicago Heights resident, spoke at the dedication about the impact Morgan Li has brought to this community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon said the fire could have been the end of this long-standing legacy. Instead of giving up and moving out, Morgan Li dug in and stood tall, said Gordon, a former Cook County commissioner. They have turned tragedy into opportunity. Multiple fire departments responded to the extra-alarm fire at the Chicago Heights building. At the time of the fire, seven of the 67 warehouse employees were there to begin the morning shift, but nobody was hurt. The company bought the Chicago Heights warehouse location during early 2022 after leasing space there for many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation that followed included the Chicago Heights Fire Department, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The company said the cause of the fire was never determined. Morgan Li leases 55,000 square feet of warehouse space in Chicago Heights and 190,000 square feet in Matteson, but that will eventually be brought under the roof of the new building. The company also built a separate 40,000-square-foot painting building for finished product. Phillip Rosenband, father of Andy and Jonathan, said his dad, Maurice Rosenband, started the business, then called Par Steel Products & Adjustable Shelving, in 1943. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original product was metal radiator covers, then moved into large shelving to hold backroom inventory at retailers such as Home Depot and Sams Club, Phillip said Tuesday. From there we got into the front-end of the store, he said. What look like high-end picnic tables stacked by the dozens inside the warehouse are actually merchandise display tables, of varying heights, destined for retailers Gap and Old Navy, Philip Rosenband said. Walmart is another customer, with the company turning out shelving and other display setups for the retailer. The new Chicago Heights warehouse will be largely automated, with something that resembles a forklift but obviously goes by a different description roaming the concrete floors each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although there will be an operator inside, the onboard computer will tell it exactly where to deposit or retrieve finished product as it weaves between aisles of tall racks. The night of the fire, Morgan Li officials got in touch with their product suppliers in China, where it also manufactures, Phillip said. We were never out of stock, he said. While the company might have decided to throw in the towel and step away, thats not how we made the company up, Phillip said. The brothers said with looming tariffs that could affect them and so many other companys, Morgan Li is in a good position to adjust and ride them through. What the company makes in the U.S. it also makes in China, giving it sufficient production to navigate a tariff tide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, with imported product due to cost more, Morgan Li is able to do more here where it makes pricing sense, Andy Rosenband said. He and his brother took over operation of the company in 2009. Phillip Rosenband said his title is vice president of business development. The company transformed into Morgan Marshall in 1987 and its products could be found in Walmart, Old Navy and Lowes, according to the company. Morgan Li, apart from its retail products, makes furnishings for student residential buildings and hotels. (WHTM) Pennsylvanias primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20, but more than 500,000 voters are not allowed to participate despite their taxes helping pick up the $75 million election price tag. For 88 years, Pennsylvania has had closed primary elections, meaning only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote, and they can only vote for people in their party. Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania demands end to states two-party monopoly Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means Independents and third-party voters do not have a say in their options for the November election. David Thornburgh is Chair of Ballot PA and says if Independents could vote in primaries, candidates would have to appeal to the less partisan voters. You say, Well, how do you know theyre less partisan? Because if they were more partisan, theyd be Republicans or Democrats, said Thornburgh. So you bring those folks into the mix. Youre going to get more competition. Youre going to get more responsive candidates. State Rep Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) says northeast Philadelphia precincts could see less than 10% turnout on Tuesday in an off-year election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Getting more primary voters out is one of the motivations behind House Bill 280, which would still have Republicans and Democrats vote for their own parties, but would allow non-affiliated voters to pick which primary to cast a vote for. Forty other states have done this; this is not the new shiny thing on the block, explained Solomon. Republican Russ Diamond says he was an Independent but doesnt like the power this bill would give them. (Independents) can just walk up to the polling place and say, today, Im a Democrat or today Im a Republican, when I, as a Republican or anybody here as a Democrat, cant do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filming begins on HERSHEY movie Republicans also argue its so easy to register to vote, and Independents arent blocked from participating; theyre choosing not to. The GOP also fears mischief. If two Democrats were running against me, I could purposely vote in the Democratic primary, vote for the worse of the two candidates, argued State Rep. Brad Roae, a Republican who chairs the State Government Committee. Just, you know, mess up their primary. The short reason, Thornburgh claims, why politicians oppose this is because they feel like they got elected by a set of rules and theyre not that willing to change those set of rules, which is a little paranoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who is running for Harrisburg Mayor? House Bill 280 passed on party lines out of committee, which has happened in the past; similar bills have been kicked around since the early 1990s. Thornburgh hopes the door soon opens to open primaries. Pennsylvania is yeah, were were standing increasingly alone, Thornburgh says. And I dont want to be the last to make the statement that every voter should be able to participate in every election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A fresh round of books more than 600, by one estimate have been taken out of circulation from Hillsborough County classrooms after a letter from state officials ramped up pressure on school district officials. Those books include Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale, Toni Morrisons Beloved and Ari Folmans Anne Franks Diary: The Graphic Adaptation. In a letter last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier asked the Hillsborough County School Board for the immediate removal of materials he called patently pornographic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His letter echoed one from Florida Board of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz on May 9. Diaz asked district Superintendent Van Ayres to tell the state board next month in Miami why you continue to allow pornographic materials in your school libraries. Uthmeiers letter pointed out excerpts from the books Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman, previously available in three high school libraries, and Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by Lev A. C. Rosen, available in two high school libraries. He also pointed to excerpts from What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K Arnold; Beautiful by Amy Reed, available in middle schools; Breathless by Jennifer Niven; and Choke by Chuck Palahniuk, available in some high schools. Its shocking that the district is making these materials available to its students, Uthmeiers letter said. He said the states newly created Office of Parental Rights plans to give parents more say in what books could remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to Diaz, Ayres said all titles mentioned in the letters, plus five others, had been removed from the countys schools. He also said all titles on the states 2022-23 and 2023-24 lists have been taken out of circulation and will be reviewed, even though no objections to them have risen through the district, to err on the side of caution. In a letter responding to Uthmeier, school district attorney Jim Porter said that since 2022, Hillsborough County has removed 389,073 books from its collection of more than 2 million books, and will continue to actively review its collections. The district will also consider changing policies to strengthen the selection process and weeding of library materials, Porter wrote. Stephana Ferrell, co-director of the Florida Freedom to Read advocacy group, estimates around 622 titles were pulled out of circulation as a result of the states recent directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called it a horrible state overreach. Until now, Hillsborough County has had a process in place to review objections to materials originating at the school level. Ferrell called the states position hypocritical. In response to a lawsuit filed by book publishers about a 2023 law that regulates library materials, the state has argued that the law itself doesnt ban books, but individuals at the district do based on their interpretation. Ferrell said that implies the acknowledgment of districts abilities to make those decisions. Diazs letter acknowledged that, but chided Van Ayres for not removing those books sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferrell pointed out that while no objections over the titles mentioned in the states letters arose in Hillsborough, complaints over Breathless came up in Polk and Flagler counties, where committees decided the book was appropriate for high school students. It is very scary, the amount of power that they are using to just completely negate the voice of the people the people that have actually taken the time to thoughtfully review, reread the books, review them, debate them, discuss them and come to a decision about where they believe the books to be appropriate, if theyve decided to leave the books within their community, she said. Another judge in a border state is dismissing charges against people accused of trespassing into the Trump administration's newly created military zones between the U.S. and Mexico, marking the latest legal setback for the immigration crackdown strategy. U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres last week began throwing out some charges in the cases before the U.S. District Court of West Texas related to violating defense property security and unlawful entry onto a Department of Defense installation. The judge deemed there was not probable cause to continue with those charges, according to federal court dockets reviewed by Military.com. The dropping of charges in El Paso mirrors similar court decisions on charges related to the military zones in New Mexico. A federal judge there dismissed charges related to trespassing on defense property in nearly 100 cases last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Request for 20,000 Guardsmen to Help with Immigration Crackdown Under Review, Guard Chief Says In Texas, El Paso Matters, a nonprofit local newsroom, reported that 16 of the military zone cases had been dismissed as of last week. President Donald Trump ordered that narrow areas of federal land along the border in multiple states be transferred to the military in an effort to snare migrants crossing illegally into the U.S. The military designation has elevated the role of troops in his nationwide immigration crackdown and also enabled harsher penalties against migrants, who can now be charged with crimes related to trespassing on a military installation and face higher fines and more jail time. The recent court decisions have delivered an early legal setback to the Trump administration's immigration strategy. But there have been some successful charges alleging individuals trespassed onto the new national defense area in Texas, where federal land was turned into a 63-mile, noncontigious extension of Fort Bliss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said in a news release Tuesday that 60 defendants had pleaded guilty and were convicted of charges related to trespassing onto the military-controlled land. "These convictions are a positive step in the judicial process of deterring illegal immigration, and I am very grateful to our El Paso Division staff and to our federal law enforcement and military partners for their diligent work in securing our borders," Margaret Leachman, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, said in the news release. Texas immigration advocates told Military.com that the creation of the new zone in the Lone Star State marks the latest crafted effort to hit migrants with more legal troubles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danny Woodward, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, said Operation Lone Star -- the Texas National Guard's long-standing mission at the border -- saw a massive push in pursuing private property trespassing charges against migrants in recent years. He sees the latest creation of the military zone as a similar effort. "I think that they're grasping at straws a little bit, trying to figure out ways to add charges to people," Woodward said. "It's something that we've seen here in Texas, and it's been a real struggle." Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael, a spokesman for Joint Task Force-Southern Border, said a total of 190 individuals had been detected in the New Mexico and Texas National Defense areas as of Tuesday. Under the current arrangement, the military is spotting border crossers, who are then typically detained by other federal authorities. Carmichael declined to specifically comment on the charges being dropped, but added that the military is still staying dedicated to its border enforcement mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Joint Task Force-Southern Border continues to stay laser-focused on its mission, whether it's warning sign installation in the most rugged and challenging areas along the border, joint patrols alongside U.S. Border Patrol to detect trespassers, or bringing to bear any of the other unique military capabilities we offer in order to achieve 100% operation control of the southern border," Carmichael said. The signs posted along the military border zone in Texas were, in part, at the heart of some of those charge dismissals last week, El Paso Matters reported. The judge questioned their placement as well as if they could be read before entering the defense land. "Conspicuous matters. Where signs are matters. What they look like matters," Torres said in court, El Paso Matters reported, adding, "If you have to be right up on the sign to see it, you've already committed the offense." El Paso Matters reported during last week's hearing that some Border Patrol agents said they had not actually seen the signs themselves but claimed they had been placed every hundred feet or so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, a defense attorney reportedly lifted up a copy of the 12-by-18-inch sign and asked a Border Patrol agent whether he could read it from less than 20 feet away. The officer couldn't read it from that distance, El Paso Matters reported. "Given our experience here in Texas, I would be surprised if they're able to make it stick for a long period of time in courts," Woodward said. "But I don't think that's going to stop them from trying new and novel things like this." Related: Judge Throws Out Cases of Migrants Charged with Crossing Military Zone at Border Despite more safety rules, kids around the world continue swallowing magnets, and the United States tops the list. Magnet swallowing has posed a danger to kids in the U.S. for over a decade. Ingestions dropped in 2014 after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned high-powered magnet sets. But when the ban was overturned in 2016, cases rose again, especially among kids under age 14, according to a new study published Tuesday in the medical journal BMJ Injury Prevention. To better protect kids, the CPSC in 2022 set strict rules on the size and strength of loose magnets. The agency banned small magnets that can fit in a child's airway if they have a strong magnetic pull, which is measured with something called a flux index. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flux index of 50 or higher means the magnet is powerful enough to cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. The new study found that the U.S. reported between 522 and 2,000 magnet ingestion cases each year. These numbers may reflect both better reporting and easier access to magnets, but they likely still underestimate the true total. The findings suggest that the 2022 safety regulations may not go far enough, Dr. Alexandra Johns, a general surgery resident at UC Davis Health and author of the study, told ABC News. PHOTO: Stock photo of magnetic beads. (Huizeng Hu/Getty Images) "It's not just about the size of the magnet, but the strength of the magnet is important too," Johns said. "And for magnets within toys, if you break the toy, you expose the magnets inside." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YETI recalls 1.9 million soft coolers, gear cases over magnet ingestion hazard It is imperative to recognize the serious implications of magnet ingestions for children, Johns added. While a single magnet may eventually pass through a child's body on its own, ingesting multiple magnets carries a high risk of serious complications including intestinal obstruction or rupture, which in the most extreme cases can lead to death. Experts say magnets should be removed right away if they're stuck in the esophagus and quickly taken out of the stomach if more than one is swallowed or if symptoms like belly pain, vomiting or fever appear. These signs could mean the magnets are causing serious internal damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevention is the best approach, according to Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified pediatrician and preventive medicine physician and a fellow with the ABC News Medical Unit. "Part of the reason this keeps happening it that it's normal for many young kids to put things in their mouth as they are exploring their environment, which makes it so important for parents to regularly survey their child's environment for anything that kids can access and swallow," Cobern said. "If these magnets are in a child's environment, there is a risk they will accidently swallow one or more of them." Consumer Product Safety Commission issues recall of magnetic balls and cubes Even though many parents and caregivers perceive high-powered magnets as toys appropriate for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends they be kept out of children's reach, particularly children under 14 years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AAP suggests warning labels alone are insufficient, as most adults are unaware of them or don't read them carefully, if at all. "We want to increase public, parental and educator awareness of these dangers," Johns said. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the AAP warn that swallowing magnets can cause serious harm and urge health care providers to recognize the risks. They say stronger prevention efforts and stricter limits on the sale of toys that include small, powerful magnets are needed to reduce the growing number of injuries among children. Dr. Keerthana Pakanati is a cardiovascular disease fellow at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. More kids are swallowing magnets, despite stricter safety rules originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) A Morgan County Sheriffs deputy has been indicted on multiple charges after he shot and killed a man while responding to a reported burglary earlier this month. Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained indictments charging Deputy Charles Faircloth, 56, with criminally negligent homicide and official misconduct in the shooting death of 28-year-old John Cox on May 2. High-speed pursuit ends in crash on I-40 in Roane County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies had responded to the 300 block of Ray Cross Road in Harriman where they encountered Cox after receiving a report of a burglary. An initial TBI statement said that Cox was shot after the situation escalated for reasons that remain under investigation. He later died at the hospital. Ninth Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson released a statement following that shooting stating that Cox had picked up a large rock and came after the deputy, who then shot him. Johnson said Tuesday that Faircloth was the first officer at the scene and shot Cox four times. Johnson added that the case presented to the Morgan County Grand Jury by the TBI included interviews, 911 and dispatch transmissions, as well as a 3D rendition of the scene and the toxicology and autopsy results. No law enforcement officers were injured. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. Faircloth surrendered to authorities at the Loudon County Jail on Tuesday, where he was subsequently booked on a $5,000 bond. His arraignment is set for Tuesday, May 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. MORGANFIELD, Ky. (WEHT) In Union County, the Morganfield community continues to clean up in the aftermath of Fridays EF3 tornado. They could be in for another round of bad weather Monday and Tuesday. Jay Dee Shelton caught the whole thing on camera. He watched the twister touch down and then raced to his childhood neighborhood to find it in pieces. as soon as we seen it pass, we grabbed a chainsaw, got a truck, and came [to Terre Hill Road], says Shelton. No solution made to fix Pigeon Creek log jam in Vanderburgh County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelton lived on Terre Hill Road for 22 years, and has spent the last 3 days clearing, cutting and helping friends and family where he can. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Kentucky Emergency Management have already started surveying damage. Residents are already preparing for another storm to hit as they come to terms with the change thats already taken place. Where large cedar trees used to hide his parents home, Shelton can see the front door from the road. [The cedar trees] were taller than the house, and they were laying flat on the ground. Theyre all cut up, put in a pile and ready to be burned now. You cant walk through therethats how many trees are down and how wadded up everything is, says Shelton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitness News spoke with Leo Rednour, who lives in the same neighborhood, the day after the tornado hit. His home was completely destroyed with not much left but drywall and a couch. He says hes better prepared for Monday nights weather. [Im] a little anxious. If it gets bad, Ill be in a basement. My daughterIm staying with them. Just cant believe it. Who wouldve thought?, says Rednour. Shelton is already down a vehicle and equipment, but continues to put others before himself. He plans to clear as much garbage and fallen trees as he can before dark clouds roll in and they prepare for the worst. My wifes car was in that building to keep it out of the hail and my side by side. Were pretty sure theyre both [totaled]. The only thing [my friends] have is a box trailer and a box truck. Thats all they have left, says Shelton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hell welcome a few of his neighbors into his home over the next few days. While rebuilding will be the hard part, hes grateful the people of the neighborhood are 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). WASHINGTON (WBOY) Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) from Morgantown and across the country are heading to Washington this week to protest cuts in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The AFGE said in a release Tuesday that members from Morgantown (Local 3430), Pittsburgh (Local 1916), and Cincinnati (3840) are meeting with congressional staff this week regarding the recent cuts at NIOSH. Hundreds of NIOSH employees in Morgantown and beyond have been laid off in the last few months due to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), halting worker health and safety resources and research, including for coal miners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some of those jobs have been restored, the union said most employees remain on the chopping block and will be terminated in early June. Nebraska banning soda, energy drinks from SNAP under first federal waiver; West Virginia considering similar move While in Washington, union officials will also be holding a public rally on Thursday, May 22, to call attention to the devastating cuts. The protest will take place from noon-1 p.m. in front of the Department of Health and Human Services headquarters. More information about the event is available here. NIOSH employees have already held several protests in Morgantown, asking that services and jobs be restored. 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. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced in a video message on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, that he has formally asked the federal government to disallow the states SNAP program from paying for soda. (West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey video screenshot) West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has formally asked the federal government to disallow the states food assistance program from paying for soda. Morrisey submitted a request for a waiver to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make the change, the governor announced in a video message Tuesday. For a long time Ive talked about the fact that SNAP the N should stand for nutrition, Morrisey said. Well, now its going to, even more than youve seen in the past. Were promoting healthy bundles. Thats fresh produce and lean meat, and good opportunities for some hot foods for West Virginians for some products that youve never been able to have before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrisey first announced the SNAP proposal during an event in March with federal Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted the idea of states prohibiting SNAP from covering soda. In addition to prohibiting the purchase of soda, the waiver would allow recipients to use SNAP to purchase some hot foods served from grocery store delis, a spokesman for Morrisey said. Those foods do not include those that are breaded, deep-fried, or smothered in cream sauces, deputy press secretary Drew Galang said. Eligible food items would include rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, barbeque ribs, pulled pork or BBQ brisket, shepherds pie, and pot roast, among others. The SNAP changes are part of a statewide health initiative Morrisey called the Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia. Other pillars included prohibiting the sale of certain food dyes in the state, and the Mountaineer Mile, challenge to walk at least a mile a day. Legislation similar to the SNAP change was introduced during the 2025 regular session, but went nowhere. House Bill 2350 would have required the state to submit a SNAP waiver so that the program could disallow coverage of soda and candy. Opponents of the bill expressed concerns it would hurt local grocery stores, particularly near the state border, by causing SNAP recipients to use their assistance to buy the sweets in stores across state lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One in six West Virginians, or approximately 277,000 residents, rely on the SNAP program for food assistance, according to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. The program is paid for by the federal governments Department of Agriculture and administered through the state. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Zelenskyy: We continue to work with USA on sanctions at various levels, we convince them that this is exactly what is needed President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes importance of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia and involving the U.S. in sanctions. "Today there are important decisions on sanctions. The new European sanctions package is already the 17th. This is a step in the right direction, and there should be as many sanctions steps as necessary for Russia to become interested in peace and feel the full price for aggression and the desire to drag out the war," he said in Telegram on Tuesday. The President of Ukraine said "it is Moscow that is dragging out the war. And therefore, Russian oil, the tanker fleet, their entire energy infrastructure that finances the war, all their banks, all their financial schemes, Russia's military industry all this should be targets for sanctions." He said "there is also a decision by Britain on sanctions I thank you for that. We continue to work at various levels with America on sanctions. We convince them that this is exactly what is needed so that Putin does not lie about the end of the war. Time will show that we are right." "We must guarantee a reliable peace. And we will not stop increasing Ukrainian power for a single day," the president said. "It is important that America continues to be a participant in the process of bringing peace closer. It is America that is feared in Russia. It is American influence that can save many lives. If it influences Putin to end the war," the president said. "We are talking with partners about the next meetings with the Russians, direct negotiations, for which Ukraine is absolutely ready. And any format that will give results. I am grateful to everyone who helps us," he said. Political Strategist Scot Nakagawa keynoted "United in Community," a Moscow event intended to build community around preserving democracy. One suggestion included building coalitions across ideological differences, and creating unlikely alliances around shared democratic values. (Tracy Simmons/FaVS News) This story was first published by FaVS News on May 17, 2025. Moscow residents gathered Saturday to unite against Christian nationalism, the third such community-building event in seven months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Titled, United in Community, the sold-out events aim was to bring people together to discuss democracy and the communitys future. After the first two gatherings, organizers received emails and comments asking what can we do? said Joann Muneta, chair of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force. Political Strategist Scot Nakagawa keynoted United in Community, an event intended to build community around preserving democracy. He is introduced by Joann Muneta, chair of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, which co-organized the event with the United Church of Moscow. (Tracy Simmons/FaVS News) Saturdays event aimed to answer that question. So I want us to kind of dig in and try to see if we can understand this phenomenon (Christian nationalism), and particularly in the American context, and most importantly, equip you with some strategies to resist it while building the inclusive democracy, said Political Strategist Scot Nakagawa, who keynoted the event. Moscows experience could have national significance Nakagawa, who lives in Oregon, co-founded the 22nd Century Initiative, a national strategy center working to resist authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that Moscows efforts have significance beyond the citys limits. I think that it does have really broad national implications, and what you do here will be resonant throughout the country, he said. Moscow is home to Christ Church, whose members own about 20% of downtown Moscows buildings and operate various businesses locally, ranging from construction to restaurants. The church, led by Pastor Doug Wilson, is widely recognized as a significant force within the Christian nationalist movement in the United States. Nakagawa noted that Christ Church and its affiliated congregations represent only 5% of Moscows population, yet wield disproportionate influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is this kind of message about minority rule that I think is really resonant with most people in the United States, he said, adding that many local businesses have been displaced as the church bought buildings and made them unavailable to other enterprises. While Moscows situation may seem unique, Nakagawa argued it reflects broader trends occurring worldwide. He framed the rise of Christian nationalism as part of a global phenomenon affecting multiple religions, not just an isolated American issue. He cited what scholars call the multiple modernities crisis the collision between ancient faith traditions and the dislocating forces of globalization, digital information systems and rapid cultural change. These forces, he said, are causing people to feel culturally displaced while driving economic insecurity and inequality worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Digital technology has shattered traditional gatekeepers of religious knowledge. Anyone now with a smartphone can claim prophetic authority, Nakagawa explained, noting how this democratization of religious interpretation has also unleashed authoritarian voices. He described theocratic movements as offering promises of restored order and easy answers and divine protection to people whose traditional communities feel under assault from rapid economic change. Building coalitions across ideological differences and creating alliances Nakagawa outlined several strategies for how to fight theocracy in Moscow. He advocated for building coalitions across ideological differences, and creating unlikely alliances around shared democratic values. He also stressed the importance of local electoral engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Run candidates for school boards, state legislatures and courts and particularly for small offices, he said, noting that people in those positions can drive transparency and public participation in a way that could restore or build trust in those institutions by making them accountable. After the keynote, attendees heard from local organizations who are committed to supporting an inclusive region. They were also given a list of these organizations; about 30 groups were listed. The Rev. Mary Jane Miles, speaking at the Presbytery Northwest Summit on Nov. 5, 2022, at the First Indian Presbyterian Church Kamiah. (Screengrab courtesy of YouTube) The Rev. Mary Jane Miles from the Nez Perce Tribe, and a Presbyterian pastor, addressed the gathering about overcoming division through understanding rather than contempt. Miles, who recently stepped down from the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee after turning 85, shared her perspective on battling hatred with a different approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contempt is no match for love, she said. Miles emphasized that practicing kindness can become transformative. Its hard to be nice if I hate you, but once you get into the practice of being nice, it grows on you, she told the audience. She also highlighted gratitude as a powerful tool for change. Gratitude is a contempt killer. The key to being nicer and happier is gratitude, she said. Miles connected this message to the broader American promise, saying, We are always promised life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I love that pursuit of happiness, and thats what we are doing here. We want to go back to the pursuit of happiness and have a happy life together with each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing from Miles and other supporters, attendees dispersed into breakout sessions, including addressing theocracy, supporting public schools, and finding common ground. FaVS was not permitted to attend these sessions, so that guests could have privacy. Dale Gentry, who helped organize the event, said the hope was that through these breakouts, the community could come up with next steps. United in Community was organized by the Latah County Human Rights Task Force and the United Church of Moscow. Saturdays event was a follow up to the United Against Hate Summit in September 2024 and a presentation on Religious Extremism in December 2024. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I want to commend the Oklahoma Legislature for getting the budget done. Thats never an easy task. I was involved in budget negotiations during my last eight years in office and know firsthand how difficult those conversations can be. I appreciate the time and effort it took to reach an agreement. For the most part, I agree with this years budget. In fact, my biggest concerns lie not with what was included but with what was left out. Could we have done more? Absolutely. Still, there were meaningful wins: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding for Oklahoma State University veterinary school We need to position OSU as the premier veterinary university in the country. Support for the new pediatric hospital at OU Health Our children deserve top-tier care right here at home. $20 million in additional funding for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation An investment in our roads and infrastructure is an investment in public safety and economic development. Additional funding for deferred maintenance Long-overdue needs finally being addressed. Though Im no longer in elected office, I still care deeply about the direction of this state. My hope is that future leaders will have the courage to stand firm not just for the politics of the moment, but for the people of Oklahoma. That means listening, being transparent and acting. The easy choice is to stay silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This session wont just be remembered for what was passed but for what was sidelined, ignored or vetoed. Our View: Three vetoes by Gov. Kevin Stitt should be overridden by the OK Legislature One of the most disappointing moments was the veto of a bipartisan bill championed by Rep. Melissa Provenzano to support women battling breast cancer. This wasnt about politics it was about people. It had broad support across the aisle, yet was still shut down. If we cant come together on something that personal and human, its not just disappointing its disheartening. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, left, Sen. Chuck Hall and Rep. Trey Caldwell look at the budget May 14 as Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders announce that a budget agreement has been reached in the Blue Room at the Capitol. Then came the social studies standards. Most of us werent asking to throw them out just to send them back to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for a responsible review. That didnt happen. Instead, the revised standards were moved forward without further input. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equally troubling is the continued inaction on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for MMIP cases an unacceptable and heartbreaking reality. Native families have been crying out for years, and year after year, the state fails to act. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole stood before Congress and gave powerful testimony. He showed us what leadership looks like. I agree with him completely: We cannot give predators a place to prey, especially not in Indian Country. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, I stand with him and the families demanding justice. We also missed a chance to improve transparency with House Bill 2163, which would have expanded public access to open records. That bill revealed something many of us already knew: resistance to accountability runs deep. During my final years in office, I had to issue subpoenas just to get basic information. The public deserves to know how decisions are made, and why. Transparency should never be treated as a threat. Opinion: Ryan Walters uses Education Department to further his own political career Then theres the percent income tax cut. It made for a strong headline, but back home in Moore, South OKC and across Western Oklahoma, the question I hear most is simple: Why? No one has clearly explained what it means for everyday people. Maybe its a good idea but most folks are still scratching their heads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And to be clear these arent just my thoughts. These are the thoughts of people I hear from every week at coffee shops, cafes, the lumberyard, the feed store, gas stations and from business leaders across Oklahoma. Theyre not asking for less government theyre asking for responsible government. Better schools. Better roads. Safer communities. We currently rank 49th in the nation in education funding, and last in our region for per-pupil investment. People remember what it was like during the billion-dollar deficit years. They know that Oklahoma is a boom-and-bust state, and they have no problem with keeping a solid savings account for the next downturn. What they do have a problem with is political distractions. We need to stop chasing national political fights and start focusing on what Oklahomans are asking for. The answers wont come from Washington theyll come from listening to our neighbors and acting with courage right here at home. This session reminded me of something I learned in my early days at the Capitol: Good policy often dies quietly. Not through public debate, but through silence, neglect or veto. Some of the greatest disappointments this year werent in what we passed but in what we failed to do. Mark McBride Mark McBride is a businessman and consultant and a former member of the House of Representatives, from 2012-2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The most disappointing moments from the Oklahoma Legislature in 2025 JACKSON TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WJW) A New Jersey woman faces charges after prosecutors said she accidentally killed her infant son while moving a car over the weekend. According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, 30-year-old Wendy Castillo-Torres, of Lakehurst, is charged with causing death while driving without a valid drivers license. The crash happened in Jackson Township on Saturday evening. According to prosecutors, officers responded to Grawtown Road around 6:15 p.m. for a report of a child being hit by a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child found dead after Fremont train crash; toddler hospitalized; 2 women dead When they got there, officers found an injured 10-month-old boy who was unresponsive. He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, prosecutors said. According to prosecutors, an investigation revealed that Castillo-Torres allegedly brought her baby to a friends house to clean cars in the garage. Investigators said the child was placed in a bouncer seat between two vehicles. Upon completion of the vehicle cleanings, Castillo-Torres entered one of the vehicles to move it, prosecutors wrote in a press release. Instead of placing the vehicle in reverse, however, she placed the vehicle in drive trapping the infant between the two vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They immediately called 911, prosecutors said. Deeply disturbing: Florida high school teacher arrested for relationship with student, sheriff says According to investigators, Castillo-Torres allegedly didnt have a valid drivers license. Our investigation indicates that this is a tragic accident, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in the press release. Prosecutors said Castillo-Torres was served the charge via summons and will appear in Ocean County Superior Court at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) The mother of a human rights lawyer arrested in El Salvador said Tuesday she was able to see and speak with her daughter more than 24 hours after her arrest and declared her daughters innocence in what critics say was government retaliation for her work. Eleonora Alfaro spoke after visiting Ruth Eleonora Lopez, the head of the anti-corruption team at nongovernmental organization Cristosal. Police arrested Lopez Sunday night alleging she participated in the embezzlement of funds when she held a government position earlier in her career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristosal has been one of the most outspoken critics of some of President Nayib Bukeles policies, especially the ongoing three-year state of emergency. My daughter is completely innocent, she has nothing to do with it, Alfaro said. She knows where this comes from and I do too. She called on Bukele to order her daughters release. He has ordered my daughters arrest, because she has at times expressed criticism in favor of the people in and in favor of all Salvadoran society, she said. Alfaro added that police treated her respectfully when she visited and that her daughter was in good health. Bukeles office has not commented on the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged wrongdoing dates to her time as an adviser to Eugenio Chicas, the former president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal during the administration of President Salvador Sanchez Ceren (2014-2019). Chicas moved from the court to the Cabinet of Sanchez Ceren and also served as a congressman. Last November, he and some of his relatives were convicted in a civil case for illegal enrichment between 2009 and 2021. Chicas, who was detained in February, is now being prosecuted on criminal charges of illegal enrichment. The Attorney Generals Office alleged that Lopez had been involved in Chicas embezzlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristosal President Noah Bullock said Tuesday that Lopezs arrest was an attack against the entire human rights movement. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america A woman who works at an Orange County school is behind bars at the Orange County jail, after Osceola deputies say, she tampered with evidence involving the murder of an Osceola teenager. We talked to the teens mother about the arrest. Monique Meza says, It makes me scared for parents. To have someone like that around their children. Whispering Oak Elementary food service worker Jessica Rivera is walked out in handcuffs. Osceola deputies say, she tampered with evidence relating to the murder of 19-year-old Nekko Herrera. The school district says she was arrested after hours for a situation unrelated to the school. And will not be returning. Monique tells us, Every parents worst nightmare is losing your child. Investigators say Nekko was shot to death, back in April while riding in a car with friends. Im glad they made some arrests, but it doesnt bring him back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies arrested Orvill Osorio-Ortiz for murdering the teen. They say Rivera was his girlfriend. They havent said what evidence she tampered with. We asked how her son knew the couple, He didnt, he didnt. he was in the car with four other boys, the driver of the car had a problem with a 17-year-old. Monique misses her son dearly, Nekko was one of the most kind, intelligent and outgoing. He was an entrepreneur at heart. She says Nekko was a clothing designer who planned to open a business. And keep his memory alive, the family is launching his website. We are launching his website Rags to Riches. He wanted to live, he was excited about his future. And Monique says deputies told her, that anyone involved in the murder of her son will be held accountable. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A woman living in southern Florida who first entered the United States illegally 20 years ago has been fined $1.82m by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to leave the country. The mother of three gave an emotional on-camera interview to CBS News Miami, in which she was identified only as Maria, to express her shock. The 41 year-old appealed for clemency, particularly on behalf of her children, all of whom are American citizens, who she said would suffer if she were to be deported. Maria said she was originally from Honduras but had entered California without the proper documentation in February 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After failing to appear at a scheduled immigration hearing two months later, she was ordered to return home but instead settled in Miami-Dade, Florida, where she has lived for two decades and raised her children, now teenagers. 'Maria', the undocumented migrant from Honduras fined almost $2m by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to leave country 20 years ago (CBS News Miami) Then, on May 9 this year, she received a letter from ICE informing her that, under the seldom-used Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, she was being fined $500 for every subsequent day she had spent in the U.S., a penalty that now stands at $1,821,350, which she was given just 30 days to pay. Ever since that day I live with anxiety, Maria told the CBS affiliate. I cant sleep I dont feel. I dont want to go back. It would be extremely painful to be separated from my children, this is their country, this is all they know. Please have mercy. I want to stay with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On her decision not to attend her hearing back in 2005, Maria said: I told the immigration officer I didnt have any family in this country or a specific place to stay. I never received any document and they did not know where I was going to be. Michelle C Sanchez, her attorney, called the fine absolutely nuts and argued that her client was never properly informed of the consequences of her actions. Presenting the letter informing Maria of the fine, Sanchez said: Theyre supposed to say on [here] the date that she was advised and this is blank because they never advised her of the penalties. So thats going to be my argument. She added that she plans to appeal Marias case. A billboard attacking Latino Republican politicans as Traitors to Immigrants, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Reps. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart among its targets, is seen in in Miami-Dade, Florida (AP) Sanchez also warned that Marias children would suffer extreme and exceptionally unusual hardships if their mother were forcibly returned to Honduras without them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted ICE for its response. The episode is just the latest in a series of dramatic stories to have emerged as a result of President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration since he returned to office in January, which he has touted as the largest mass deportation push in American history. The private secretary and an adviser to the mayor of Mexico City were gunned down in an attack in the Mexican capital Tuesday. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said Ximena Guzman and Jose Munoz died during a direct attack, in the Moderna neighborhood. Brugada, as mayor of Mexico City, holds the countrys second most powerful political office after the countrys President Claudia Sheinbaum. Brugada and Sheinbaum are allies in the Morena party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mexico City Attorney Generals Office said the attack took place when the two officials were on their way to work and their vehicle was intercepted. Authorities are analyzing a security camera video circulating on social media that allegedly captured the moment Guzman and Munoz were shot. It showed a man approaching a parked car and getting in, while another man wearing a helmet stands on the road and fires at the vehicle. The attacker then flees the scene. CNN contacted the Attorney Generals Office and the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection to find out if the video corresponds to the attack that occurred on Tuesday. They responded that it is under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack took place between Calzada de Tlalpan and Napoleon Street. Mexico City and federal authorities said they are investigating the motive for the attack and are analyzing surveillance footage to identify the gunmen. Authorities seized a motorcycle near the scene and a vehicle in the Iztacalco borough, possibly linked to the incident, according to a joint bulletin from the Citizen Security Secretariat and the Attorney Generals Office. Brugada said her government was deeply saddened by the loss of their colleagues, describing Guzman as a wonderful and kind woman, and Munoz as one of the smartest people shes ever met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the loved ones of the two officials during her press conference Tuesday morning and offered her support to the investigation. We will get to the bottom of this situation and ensure justice is served, Sheinbaum said. The president said both Guzman and Munoz had been working in our movement (the Morena party) for a long time; we have known them. Sheinbaum added that no further information was available at this time. Political violence Attacks on politicians are common in Mexico. Last year, the country saw a record number of victims from political violence, with Data Civica, a human rights organization, reporting 661 attacks on people and facilities. Many of the victims either held or were running for municipal-level positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024 a mayoral candidate was killed during a campaign stop in the southern state of Guerrero, in a shooting that was captured on video. Days later, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacan state was shot dead as she was walking from a gym back to her house with her bodyguard. In October, the mayor of Guerreros capital Chilpancingo was killed less than a week after taking office. Earlier this month, a mayoral candidate in Veracruz state was gunned down alongside three other people during live broadcast of a campaign rally. CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LITTLE ORLEANS A motorcyclist was killed Monday evening when his bike collided with a pickup in eastern Allegany County, according to Maryland State Police. The victim, a 65-year old man whose identity was not disclosed by police, suffered fatal injuries when the accident occurred at about 8 p.m. in the area of Orleans and High Germany roads, police said. Police said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Allegany County paramedics. A 50-year-old man operating the pickup was injured and taken to UPMC Western Maryland for medical treatment. His condition was not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred when the motorcycle traveling northbound on Orleans Road collided with the truck as it was being operated southbound on Orleans Road, police said. Orleans and Flintstone fire and ambulance crews responded to the scene. Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, during his participation in the video conference of defense ministers of the European Union countries, called on partners to prioritize procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry. On his Facebook page, the minister said the key topic of discussion was the new defense initiative of the European Union SAFE (Security Action for Europe) with a total volume of EUR 150 billion, which opens up the possibility of full integration into the European defense-industrial space for Ukraine. "Our weapons are Europe's weapons. Over the past three years, Ukraine has increased its defence production from $1 billion in 2022 to $35 billion (EUR 31 billion) in 2025. This is the result of joint efforts and Ukraine's enormous domestic potential," Umerov said. He said supporting the Ukrainian defense industry is a contribution to the collective security of the entire continent. SAFE creates mechanisms for procurement in critical areas. "I urged our partners to prioritize procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry, especially in the following areas: UAVs. We are ready for large-scale joint production and supply both for frontline needs and, in the future, for European armies; 155 mm ammunition. In 2022, Ukraine did not produce this caliber. Today, together with our partners, we are developing the capability to produce over 1 million shells annually. This is a real contribution to strengthening pan-European resilience," he said. In addition, Umerov said Ukraine is open to cooperation in other critical areas: artillery systems, air defense, and electronic warfare. MOUNT SAVAGE A fire that caused an estimated $125,000 damage to a Mount Savage home Friday evening remains under investigation, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said. The blaze at 13009 Irving Street started about 5:30 p.m. Investigators said residents escaped without injury after a passerby alerted them to a fire under a deck. More than 50 firefighters battled the fire at the home owned by Lorri Ann Melon. One firefighter was treated for possible heat exhaustion. Family members and the American Red Cross were assisting the occupants. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A mountain biker was found dead Monday on a trail in Mission Trails Regional Park, authorities said. Around 6:30 p.m., a call came in from a mountain biker who found another mountain biker on a trail between Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Jackson Drive in Tierrasanta, San Diego police confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI. Celebrities known for their Padres passion There, rescue crews walked on a trail and located the biker who was pronounced dead at the scene, San Diego police confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown how he died, but police do not suspect foul play. The deceased has not been identified at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two boys are accused of shooting a toy gun at demonstrators in Hernando, Mississippi, on Saturday. On May 17, at 3:33 p.m., Hernando Police arrived in the area of East Commerce Street and McCraken Road. Police say two male juveniles in a small black passenger car fired an unknown type of firearm at individuals holding up signs on the side of the road. It was reported that two people said they were struck by something, but did not appear to be bleeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect in Ole Miss students death requests venue change Officers made the scene and identified the suspect vehicle, as well as the two juvenile suspects. According to reports, police contacted the registered owner of the vehicle and the parents of the two suspects. Police say a gel blaster toy gun was located inside the vehicle. The parents involved in this incident have not been identified. HPD says there is no additional information about the suspects at this time. This is an 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 WREG.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Quitman County, Mississippi, man pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent rental assistance program applications on behalf of tenants renting properties owned by him. According to the State Auditors Office, Vernell Survillion submitted fraudulent Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program applications containing fake information, including forged signatures, inflated monthly rental amounts, inflated months delinquent, and incorrect occupant information. Cleanup continues in DeSoto County as more severe storms expected Tuesday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mississippi Home Corporation made payments to Survillion following the applications. Survillion pleaded guilty to one count of Fraudulent Statements and was sentenced to five years of non-adjudicated probation. He was also ordered to pay $500 in fines and just over $16,000 in restitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. MSNBC grabbed one of the top executives from rival CNN on Tuesday, with the cable network hiring Marcus Mabry to be its new senior vice president of content strategy. Mabry joins MSNBC as new president Rebecca Kutler looks to bolster the cable channels digital team, while at the same time helping MSNBC prepare for life after it splits with NBC News later this year. Kutler, in a memo to staff, said he will be responsible for how MSNBC connects and builds community with non-linear audiences. The media veteran joins MSNBC after eight years at CNN, where he was the networks senior VP of digital editorial and programming for the final three years of his stint; prior to that, he worked at Twitter and The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mabry, Kutler said in her memo, will lead the development of new, innovative consumer experiences for MSNBC, including identifying new revenue streams for the network, and will oversee the networks growing direct-to-consumer, subscription and premium businesses. He joins MSNBC months after Kutler was named the new president. The channels ratings took a big hit following the 2024 election, but rebounded a good amount following President Trumps inauguration, as viewers looked to see what anchors like Rachel Maddow had to say about Trumps return to office. Still, MSNBCs primetime ratings were down 10% during the first quarter when compared to last year. Kutler said Mabry is joining the channel at a pivotal moment for MSNBC as it is enjoying across-the-board growth in non-linear spaces. She added Mabry is a lifetime member of the NABJ and co-founded the organizations LGBTQ+ Task Force. Mabry comes aboard as MSNBC is preparing to separate from NBC News, as part of parent company Comcast spinning off its cable networks. On that front, MSNBC last week hired Sudeep Reddy, Politicos senior managing editor for the past eight years, to spearhead its new Washington, D.C., news bureau. The post MSNBC Hires CNN SVP Marcus Mabry to Spearhead Digital Push appeared first on TheWrap. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump loves big numbers and he's always happy to talk them up. Trump, who coined the phrase truthful hyperbole in his book The Art of the Deal, over the last few days has been steadily increasing the amount of money he says that countries in the Mideast pledged to invest in the U.S. when he visited the region last week. He didn't provide underlying details. The figure has gone from $2 trillion last week to potentially as much as $7 trillion as of Tuesday, according to statements by Trump and the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look at how the number has bounced around: THURSDAY: With his Mideast trip still under way, Trump told reporters on Air Force One: We just took in $4 trillion. FRIDAY: A White House statement said Trumps first official trip was a huge success, locking in over $2 trillion in great deals. MONDAY: We brought back about $5.1 trillion," Trump said in remarks to the Kennedy Center's leadership. Thats not bad. And, its being credited as one of the, maybe, the most successful visit that anybody's ever made to any place. There's never been anything like this. TUESDAY: Theyre spending $5.1 trillion, probably its going to be $7 trillion by the time we stop, Trump said before a U.S. Capitol meeting with Republican House members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TUESDAY: You know, we took in $5.1 trillion in the last four days from the Middle East, Trump said later in the afternoon in the Oval Office. The White House did not respond to a request to explain the sources of Trump's escalating claims. The White House did provide a breakdown on the $2 trillion in its Friday statement. It included $600 billion in investment from Saudi Arabia, which the country announced in January as part of a four-year commitment. There would also be a $1.2 trillion economic exchange with Qatar, as well as $243.5 billion in commercial and defense deals with that country. The United Arab Emirates committed to $200 billion in deals with the U.S., putting the initial White House total at $2.24 trillion, provided all those commitments are actually fulfilled. Not all of the investment commitments or promised jobs are sure to materialize, so the final tally might not be as much as promised. Trump said in 2017 that the electronics manufacturer Foxconn would build a $10 billion factory in Wisconsin employing 13,000 people, only for the company to back down from that commitment in 2019. A multi-vehicle crash killed an off-duty 21-year-old Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputy and injured others in Santa Clarita on Monday afternoon, officials confirmed to KTLA. The California Highway Patrol said the crash was reported at 3:17 p.m. on San Francisquito Canyon Road, south of Dry Gulch Road. Officers arrived to find three vehicles with major damage and what was only described as multiple injured parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the involved parties, an off-duty deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, stated CHPs release. Paramedics are seen transporting an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) Paramedics are seen transporting an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) Paramedics are seen pulling an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna spoke with the media outside of Henry Mayo Hospital on Monday night, confirming the deputys death. Unfortunately, we lost one of our very young deputies in an off-duty traffic collision earlier today, said Sheriff Luna in a video released by a local radio station. He was transported to this hospital where, unfortunately, he fought valiantly, but lost his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luna said they are not yet releasing the deputys name because although there are family members at the hospital, hes got a very large family, and officials had not yet been able to contact them all. The 21-year-old deputy had been with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department for only a year. Its tragic anyway you put it, said Luna. Incredible young man, we are so fortunate to have hired him, and he was providing excellent service here in the community on and off duty. CHP said that the other injured patients were transported by ambulance to the same hospital as the deputy, but their current statuses were not immediately provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this deputy, our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department during this incredibly difficult time, said Captain E. A. Krusey with CHP. We honor his service and commitment to our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) On Monday, new housing in Normal caused a lengthy town council meeting. Six items on the agenda were about new multifamily housing developments. Three items on the agenda pertaining to the northwest corner of Towanda Avenue and Beech Street for the Carden Springs Planned Unit Development. The audience was in an uproar about three items concerning a rezoning of property in the northeast corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive or Collie Ridge Subdivision. Public comments lasting 45 minutes, with a majority, including a child, sharing their disapproval of developer Young Americas new plans for multifamily developments near their single-family homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, all six items were unanimously approved by city councilmembers. Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz was absent from the meeting. And that is what our job is, to hold the developer to lower standards, to make sure we get the right mix and the right project, said Mayor Chris Koos. I believe this is the right project. Councilmembers also unanimously approved a resolution supporting Connect Transits sale of 104 e. Oakland Avenue to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a non-congregate shelter project. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Several vintage planes were damaged by the recent severe weather in London. Clean-up crews are assessing the destruction at a small airport in London after it was directly hit by the storm. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Vintage Navy plane destroyed in London during storms Vintage plane destroyed in London during storms Officials said multiple 70-year-old planes stored at the airport were left with significant damage. 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. On Tuesday, May 20, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre. "We discussed many important issues of our bilateral cooperation. I thanked him for the financial assistance from Norway. We will receive almost $8 billion this year. We talked about the possibility of increasing the share of this amount for drone production in Ukraine. Thank you for supporting this proposal," Zelenskyy said on the Telegram channel. The president also shared details of yesterday's conversation with President Trump and European leaders. "It is important for us that all partners have the necessary information and a full understanding of the situation. Norway, for its part, is ready to help achieve a just and lasting peace. We greatly appreciate all efforts to ensure that this war and the killing of people finally stop," Zelenskyy said. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A senior at Murrah High School in Jackson won the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. According to the Jackson Public School District (JPS), Kristen Celeste Rhodes is one of only 2,500 students chosen from a nationwide pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Mississippi Museum of Art, Millsaps College launch new partnership Earlier this year, Rhodes was also honored by the Mississippi Economic Council in the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program for her academic excellence and perfect ACT score. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is part of the Jackson Middle College program in partnership with Jackson State University (JSU). Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Seattle just became the first city in the nation to provide artists with 24/7 parking and loading space outside venues. This means that artists will no longer have to park blocks away and risk someone stealing items from their vehicles. The areas are designated with a white sign that reads, MUSIC VENUE ZONE VALID PERMIT ONLY. While it may be a simple parking sign, we heard loud and clear from venues and artists that these signs are going to make a huge difference, said Virginie Nadimi, a Strategic Advisor with SDOT. She also manages the music venue zone program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Bruce Harrel signed the legislation back in November, and the city now has an application portal up and running. This new permit is expected to save up to $46,000 a year money that can go right back into the artists and the venues to help this industry, Harrell said during todays news conference. Before venues had to visit the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) website, request parking spots for each event, pay, and wait for approval. KIRO 7 spoke with Sam Smith, the Production Manager at the Crocodile, who said approval could sometimes take weeks. His other worry? Making sure people didnt move the signs once given the go-ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think people realize how easy this makes the show go, he told KIRO 7. They roll right up, I give them a permit, and they put it in their window. Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson said this move is more than just about the parking spaces themselves. Most of all, its about keeping Seattle on the must-play list for bands. We dont want them going to other cities because its too much of a hassle to find parking. Elon Musk said he plans to pull back on his political spending after flowing millions of dollars into the 2024 presidential election and other campaigns. Musk said during a discussion at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday that he made his decision because he feels hes done enough but left the door open to future spending. In terms of political spending, Im going to do a lot less in the future, the Tesla CEO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it, he added. I do not currently see a reason. Musk has been one of the dominant forces in U.S. politics over the past year, with filings showing that he spent at least $250 million to help get President Trump elected to a second term, including three contributions of $25 million in the final two weeks of October. Since Trump took office, Musk has led the Department of Government Efficiency as it has pushed for widespread layoffs and spending cuts across government agencies and departments. But hes also been a source of significant political pushback and a rallying point for Democrats seeking to oppose the Trump administrations agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks America PAC spent $12 million to support conservative Brad Schimel against liberal Susan Crawford in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race in April, but supporters of Crawford rallied around opposition to Musk and Crawford comfortably won the race. Musks time serving in the Trump administration is also coming to an end shortly as he has been a special government employee that allowed him to serve in his role for 130 days. Hes indicated his plans to leave at the end of that span, which comes at the end of this month. If Musk truly does pull back his spending heading into the 2026 midterms, it could be an additional challenge for the Trump administration seeking to hold onto control of the House in the midterm elections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TALLAHASSEE A mysterious developer that caused an outcry over its request to exchange 600 acres of pristine land in coastal St. Johns County for 3,000 acres of woods and marsh in Osceola and Volusia counties and elsewhere across the state has withdrawn its application. The applicant has informed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of its decision to withdraw its land exchange request, DEP spokeswoman Alexandra Kuchta said in an email to the Orlando Sentinel Monday evening. This item will be removed from the upcoming Acquisition and Restoration Council agenda. A letter addressed to DEP Deputy Secretary Bryan Bradner from applicant Upland LLCs lawyer, Gary K. Hunter, said while the land swap would have been a net positive conservation benefit to the state of Florida, and the proposed swap represented .007% of the state lands at issue, the applicant is withdrawing the application due to public sentiment resulting from misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys owners identities were kept hidden and its plans for the property were not disclosed to the public, but Hunter said there was never any intention to develop the acquired land for commercial or community development purposes. The proposed land swap was scheduled to be taken up Wednesday before a little known state advisory board on land purchases. Staff had recommended approval of the request, which was swiftly condemned by environmentalists and state politicians on both sides of the aisle and in the White House. Guana Preserve and its beauty, familiarity and serenity is woven into the fabric of our communities and is, indeed, a treasure in northeast Florida, Susie Wiles, a veteran of Florida politics and President Trumps chief of staff, said in a statement first obtained by The Tributary, a Jacksonville news outlet. To allow even enable this land grab to occur is outrageous and completely contrary to what our community desires. Wiles became estranged from Gov. Ron DeSantis when he ousted her from his inner circle following his first campaign for governor in 2018. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine, said shes digging to uncover who is behind the generic limited liability company pushing the swap. Kendall, who represents the St. Augustine district where the Guana River land is located, called the wildlife area our version of Central Park, a cherished green space that has brought joy and peace to our community for decades. When news broke that the developer withdrew its application, Kendall said in a text message to the Orlando Sentinel, Hooray! We won!! State Rep. Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee, rallied her followers on Instagram to get people to speak out against the proposal, which she said the developer succeeded in getting onto the Acquisitions and Restoration Councils agenda at the last minute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is environmentally sensitive land that has been protected for decades, Tant said. Staff recommended approval of the request, because it would result in a net gain of 2,400 acres of habitat. The councils vote is non-binding, however, and the ultimate decision would be made by DeSantis and the Cabinet sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. The agenda item described the land to be swapped for the Guana River property included 1,200 acres near the Big Bend Swamp/Holopaw Ranch area of Osceola County and 252 acres on Lake Harney in Volusia County on the edge of the Little Big Econ State Forest. The Osceola property is owned by CEFE Farms LLC, which lists Miami developer Ceferino Machado as its officer. The Volusia property is owned by Crude AG LLC, which lists Matthew Boni of Mims as its manager. It is mostly grazing lands and wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the deal is The Upland LLC, a mystery group which was incorporated in February. It claims to own a 104-acre parcel on State Road A1A adjacent to the Guana River Wetland Management Area, but property records show it belongs to New Outpost LLC, another mystery group which shares the same address and registered agent as The Upland LLC. That could be problematic, because state law requires that a land swap request come from the owner of the adjacent property. Its been widely speculated that either the Ponte Vedra Corporation, the original owner of the adjacent property, or Dream Finders Homes are behind the deal. Both companies denied having anything to do with the land swap request. New Cousins Samples taken from China's Tiangong space station contained a new, mysterious microbe that hasn't been seen on Earth, a recent paper published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology revealed. The microbe, named Niallia tiangongensis it was named after the space station is a never-before-seen strain of an earthborne bacteria specially adapted to off-planet life. According to the research, which was conducted by a team of scientists from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, the new microbe has evolved to withstand oxidative stress and heal from radiation damage. It can also, as Science Alert points out, use gelatin as a source of nitrogen and carbon to build itself a protective shield against environmental stressors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear whether the bacteria pose any threat to astronauts onboard the space station, and their related strains are generally considered unpathogenic. Though, as Science Alert notes, one of its Earthly cousins is known to cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. But if the microbe could stand to cause any harm, its recovery and analysis could help researchers on Earth better equip spacefarers to stay healthy, safe, and protected during their trips beyond our atmosphere. "Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft," the researchers wrote in the paper. Orbital Microbes The new species is a cousin of the rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium Niallia circulans, commonly found in soil and sewage. The samples studied by Chinese researchers were first collected back in 2023 by the crew of the Shenzhou-15 mission, whose research contributions also include playing ping-pong in space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isn't the first time that space-adapted microbes have been discovered aboard humanity's space stations. Last year, for instance, a NASA study revealed that researchers from its esteemed Jet Propulsion Lab had found that specimens of the drug-resistant bacteria Enterobacter bugandensis had mutated into never-before-seen alien strains, which were adapted not only to help themselves better withstand conditions of space, but had even evolved to help other microbial life do the same. "Any microorganisms introduced to these areas," NASA said in a press release at the time, "must adapt to thrive." More on spacefaring bacteria: Mutant Bacteria Discovered Aboard International Space Station GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) North Carolinians have until July, 14 to file claims against DNA testing company 23andMe related to the cyber security incident reported in 2023. NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson was investigating the company over data breach when they filed for bankruptcy protection. Your genetic data is the most personal information you have, and 23andMes data breach may have put that information in the wrong hands, said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Im continuing to monitor the companys bankruptcy and sale to make sure they protect consumers personal information. If you were impacted by the data breach, please consider filing a claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolinians can file a claim if they: Were a 23andMe customer between May 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023. Received notice that their personal information was compromised in the breach. Suffered from financial damages or other non-financial harms from the breach. People can file claims related to the data breach here and general claims 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 WNCT. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) The Nacogdoches ISD Board of Trustees has announced the lone finalist for their superintendent position. Tyler police investigate death of 28-year-old woman Grey Burton who has spent the past seven years as the Rusk ISD superintendent has been selected as the lone finalist. This will be Burtons second stint with Nacogdoches ISD, as he previously served the district as the associate superintendent of administrative services and operations Courtesy of Nacogdoches ISD We look forward to Mr. Burton coming on board as superintendent, said Farshid Niroumand, president of the board of trustees. He will be a great fit here. His district, Rusk ISD, is similar demographically to ours, and hes already familiar with the Nacogdoches community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burton will take over as superintendent after Dr. Gabriel Trujillo left the district in 2019 to return to Grand Prairie ISD where he was named superintendent. In accordance with Texas state law, the district must wait 21 days before Burton is officially confirmed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A $5 million donation from longtime friends of Monroe Carrell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt will be committed to supporting the neonatal intensive care program, the hospital announced Monday. The NICU unit at the Nashville childrens hospital is reportedly among the largest in the nation, treating between 1,500 to 1,600 infants each year. Parkinsons disease clinical trial underway in Middle TN Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the hospital, the multi-million dollar gift, pledged by Scott and Sandi Borchetta, reportedly adds to the couples ongoing support for the NICU program. Sandi and Scotts generous gift allows us to expand our premier neonatal intensive care units services to provide even more specialized care for our most vulnerable patients, said Jeff Balser, President and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean of the School of Medicine. Their gift supports crucial programming, neonatal equipment, space and staffing. We are grateful for their longstanding commitment to Monroe Carell. According to a Monday morning press release, there are now 131 NICU beds on a recent four-floor expansion. A portion of those beds will reportedly be located on the hospitals new 14th floor, which will named the Scott & Sandi Borchetta Floor. In March 2020, the Big Machine Neighborhooda 23-bed NICU wing made possible by the Borchetta and Big Machine Label Groupopened on the 11th floor. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Children should never be sick, let alone not being ensured a safe entry into life in their golden hour said Scott Borchetta, Founder, Chair & CEO of Big Machine Label Group. Sandi and I have taken great joy in the extraordinary success stories of the Big Machine Neighborhood, and we know the great team at Monroe Carrell will put every dollar toward saving more lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital said the Scott & Sandi Borchetta Floor will include specialized NICU care and created a new model of care to create a Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)/Complex Airway Center of Excellence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nassau Democrats gathered at Mirschel Park Monday a crumbling Hempstead hub in desperate need of an overhaul and blasted the county executive for playing favorites with projects in Republican-led districts. Democrats are seeking $150,000 to repair the park, but also claim $9 million worth of projects are being stonewalled by Bruce Blakeman, the Republican county executive. The Dems if they dont get their way are threatening to withhold key votes to block a funding transfer to the countys parks department budget. Blakeman called the claims completely ridiculous. Democrats are seeking $150,000 to repair the park, but also claim $9 million worth of projects are being stonewalled by Bruce Blakeman, the Republican county executive. Brigitte Stelzer He slammed Democrats and pointed to approvals he gave for Hempstead projects like $1 million for water treatment, $400,000 for the African American History Museum, $100,000 for a fire truck, and more than $350,000 for license plate readers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They acknowledged Blakeman signed off on those projects although they say it was separate from the capital money theyre looking for to fund the park rehab but said the OKs didnt come without a partisan fight. They never have anything good to say, Blakeman told The Post. What they should say is thank you. Mirschel Park is operated by Hempstead, not the county, according to Blakeman. He added that Roosevelt, a Democratic district, just received a brand-new state-of-the-art facility at Eisenhower Park known as The Dream Court in 2023, named after hometown legend Julius Dr. J Erving. But Dems said the $9 million in question is already allocated in approved budgets and Blakeman just needs to release it. Mirschel Park is operated by Hempstead, not the county, according to Blakeman. Dennis A. Clark This funding has been backloaded since 2023 and there is no reason for that besides blatant politics, Legislator Scott Davis, a Democrat, said outside Mirschel Park Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to hold up the transfer until we see movement on our projects, added Democratic Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, claiming roughly 34 projects across GOP-controlled districts have been approved without one of the Dems 32 proposals being passed. Blakeman said he has given plenty of funding to blue districts and the village of Roosevelt in particular. Theyre trying to pick on us because were holding a $150,00 request when weve already given $3 million to the village it is totally ludicrous, he said. WASHINGTON The National Science Foundation has terminated dozens of active grants with Harvard University for reasons that NSF employees told HuffPost can only be viewed as punishment for the university refusing to cave to President Donald Trumps authoritarian efforts to dictate what it can teach and who it can hire or admit as students. NSF last week quietly ended 196 grants with Harvard, which amounts to a collective loss of nearly $46 million that hasnt yet been paid out to the university for various research projects already underway. HuffPost obtained a copy of the full list of these canceled awards, but isnt printing it at the request of the NSF staffer who shared it. Jamie French, a division director in NSFs Division of Grants and Agreements, last Monday sent a notice of termination letter to Harvard president Alan Garber along with a list of all the canceled grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has determined that termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF priorities and/or programmatic goals, reads Frenchs letter. NSF understands that Harvard continues to engage in race discrimination including in its admissions process, and in other areas of student life, as well as failing to promote a research environment free of antisemitism and bias. Effective immediately, the attached awards are terminated, reads his letter. This is the final agency decision and not subject to appeal. NSF is yanking research grants from Harvard as Trump has been threatening the university to comply with his Orwellian list of demands, or risk losing federal funding. His demands include ending all programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI; shutting down academic departments that may be critical of Israel; limiting admissions of foreign students; and banning certain student groups from campus. Harvard has said no. The Trump administration claims to be motivated by rooting out anti-semitism on college campuses, but in fact has been trying to unconstitutionally silence pro-Palestinian voices and, chillingly, to stifle academic freedom and intellectual inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a copy of Frenchs letter: The grants that NSF just canceled have been funding a range of cutting-edge research. One project has been studying the impacts of volcanic eruption on the stratosphere. Another has been tracking methane emissions at different scales. Another has been developing neural network theory for uncovering how the brain learns. NSF terminated a major award to the Center for Integrated Quantum Materials, which is led by Harvard but involves other universities. Its cancellation means related awards to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Howard University and a network of colleges are all terminated, too. This grant has supported the centers work in producing a whopping 545 papers and 60,000 citations in scientific papers, in addition to graduate students, post-doctorate students, patents and startup companies. NSF employees were blindsided by this grant being canceled, one NSF staffer told HuffPost. It appears to have been terminated by a single person who is part of Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency and who has admin credentials in our financial system, said this employee, who requested anonymity to protect their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The termination of this award also makes no sense given that the Trump administration has specifically told NSF employees that quantum research is a top funding priority as it reorganizes the agency. Unless Harvard is involved, apparently. Pure retribution, added this staffer. We as a nation are shooting ourselves in both feet. Willingly. The brain drain will be profound. Asked for comment, NSF spokesperson Mike England said the agency terminated its 196 grants with Harvard as part of its review of its award portfolio. The agency has determined that termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF priorities and/or programmatic goals, England said in a statement, sharing a link to a page on NSFs website that outlines its priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except this page specifically cites quantum research as a funding priority for the agency, which contradicts its decision to terminate the major quantum grant previously cited. Asked to explain the discrepancy, England said only, NSF declines comment. A Harvard University spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before a House Republican conference meeting on Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson via Associated Press Trump has been blatantly weaponizing the government to try to punish Harvard. Hes threatened $9 billion in federal grants and contracts. Hes threatened to strip the university of its tax-exempt status. The administration last week announced it was cutting $450 million in grants to the university, citing its supposed fight against anti-semitism. NSFs terminated grants with Harvard are a piece of that $450 million. Still, unlike some other elite institutions, Harvard isnt backing down. The university last month sued the administration for freezing billions of dollars in grants in what it described as an effort to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard. In response to Trump terminating its $450 million in grants last week, Harvard simply expanded its lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The universitys president announced last week that hes taking a 25% pay cut as Harvard is being blacklisted from getting federal funding. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights, Garber said last month in a message to the community. 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. Its not clear if NSFs terminated grants with Harvard can or will be restored if the university prevails in its lawsuit against the administration. "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," Harvard University president Alan Garber said in response to President Donald Trump threatening to strip the university of billions in federal grants if it doesn't let his administration decide what it can teach and who it can hire or admit as students. via Associated Press Some of NSFs newly terminated grants were being used by early-career faculty, as part of the agencys so-called CAREER program. These are prestigious grants specifically aimed at lifting up scientists early in their careers who have the potential to serve as academic role models in U.S. research and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One CAREER grant was being used by a young assistant professor working on quantum properties of topological materials, or substances with unusual electronic properties because of their unique structures. The principal investigator in this research has already achieved a stunning 33,000 citations of his papers, despite being so early in his career. Another CAREER award that NSF just terminated was being used by a young investigator looking into methods to stabilize novel oxide-based quantum materials. This work is considered vital for things like low-energy computing or dissipationless transport, which is the movement of energy without any loss or conversion of that energy into other forms, like heat. NSF employees learned of all of these Harvard grants being terminated last Wednesday, and the news was received both as a shock and as a devastating blow to science. The agency previously halted funding for hundreds of research awards to universities by claiming they werent complying with Trumps demands to eliminate DEI initiatives. This time, though, the Harvard grant cancellations appear to be totally random except that they all involve Harvard. This decision was a huge mistake, with irreparable consequences and leading to lasting damage, said a second NSF employee, who also requested anonymity to protect their job. A decision seemingly driven by pure revenge, not by any logical reasons. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Julie Davis and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna discussed Ukraine's efforts to increase transparency and create opportunities for U.S. business, the U.S. Embassy press service said. "Even during the war, Ukraine continues to implement important reforms. We discussed Ukraine's efforts to increase transparency and create opportunities for U.S. business with Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna," the embassy said on its Telegram on Tuesday. It is noted that "the agreement to establish a U.S.-Ukrainian reconstruction investment fund will be a continuation of this progress laying the foundation for sustainable recovery and long-term growth." The post is illustrated with a joint photo of Davis and Stefanishyna. A major Nato base is at risk of being knocked out by a coordinated attack on the subsea cables serving Britain, a parliamentary committee has been warned. The Allied Maritime Command, known as Marcom, acts as the operational headquarters for all of the alliances maritime forces and is based in Northwood, Hertfordshire. But the military facility is one of several that rely on fibre-optic cables connecting the UK with Europe and America via the seabed leaving it potentially vulnerable if an adversary attacks multiple cables at once a retired Navy commodore told a joint committee of MPs and peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a hearing on Monday, the parliamentarians were also warned that Britain and its Nato allies had forgotten how important undersea infrastructure was to modern society due to a greater focus on distant wars in recent decades. It follows recent incidents of suspected Russian-sponsored sabotage against subsea cables carrying huge quantities of data between European countries. Asked whether a coordinated attack on the cables running into Britain risked knocking out Marcom, Commodore (Rtd) John Aitken told the joint committee on national security strategy: Yes, they would be in a very difficult position. There was a known fragility around those cables. It is something that is being treated at the moment, I think. There are reversionary systems available, but they wouldnt be immediately available, and they would offer a reduced capability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But yes, if there were a coordinated attack against specific cables, then there would be a loss of capability which would take hours to restore. Nato behind the curve Danish navy captain Niels Markussen, the director of Natos Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, added that members of the alliance were behind the curve on threats to subsea infrastructure. He said: I think what we havent focused on, what we havent realised, is how important this is and how important it has grown over time. We have simply forgotten that. So security has, in a long period of time where we have been fighting the distant wars, moved a long way from [where it is] in our head, so we havent really thought [about] security in this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that dealing with an incident involving undersea cables was not always straightforward because it is often hard to distinguish between accidental damage and intentional sabotage. Many cables also have lengthy sections that pass through international waters, Mr Markussen said, creating a legal grey zone that clouds how to respond. The revelations highlight the UKs dependence on cable infrastructure for military capabilities, as well as other important systems such as international financial markets, telecommunications and the internet. Roughly 500 cables around the world carry 95pc of all international data. But their remote locations make them difficult and costly to monitor, an issue that has come to the fore amid recent suspected incidents of sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 11 subsea cables have been damaged in the Baltic Sea since October 2023 and similar issues have been reported in the North Sea. The incidents have fuelled concerns about potential vulnerabilities, with more than 50 Russian ships observed in areas of high cable density. Experts have suggested in future that unmanned, autonomous underwater drones such as the Navys recently named Excalibur could be deployed to protect undersea infrastructure in future. The Royal Navys 19-tonne drone submarine Excalibur will help protect subsea infrastructure - LPhot Unaisi Luke/UK MOD Crown Copyright But Mr Aitken warned that doing so would be more complicated than it sounds, due to the difficulty of controlling and communicating securely with such vehicles at depth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do get nervous about the focus currently on drones and people thinking they will be able to act in the same way as unmanned aerial vehicles did in Ukraine, he said. The underwater domain is completely different to the air domain. Communication and control with an unmanned underwater vehicle are much more difficult than with an airborne vehicle or a land vehicle. He added that potential missions could include sending a drone to check up on a cable before returning to a mothership to report back. But Mr Aitken said: Once any vessel has dived, then communication at depth becomes extremely problematic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Nato spokesman declined to comment on hypotheticals but said the alliance remained flexible and agile in its ability to command and control Allied Forces. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the security and resilience of critical undersea infrastructure. Just as the Defence Secretary called out the activities of the Russian spy ship Yantar hovering over our undersea cables, let those who threaten the UK or our allies be in no doubt that we will defend our undersea infrastructure. This is one area that the Strategic Defence Review is looking at in order to enhance our homeland security. 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. BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Northwest Arkansas has boomed in the last three years and is expected to continue, creating home prices to grow with the change. Bentonville has created a new strategy that has caught national attention. The cost of living has impacted educators unable to afford the cost of living in the area. Bentonville is combating this by creating income-based housing for public school employees. NWA 2050: As population climbs, so do housing costs in Northwest Arkansas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year ago, the Bentonville School District partnered with the Excellerate Foundation, Benton County, Mercy Health, and Arvest Bank to create the McAuley Place. The affordable housing project for educators is said to have 120 multifamily apartments and 40 single-family cottages. The rent will range from $700 to $750 a month. Watch the NBC report tonight at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on KNWA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has handled more than 13 million calls, texts and chats since it launched nearly three years ago. Experts: Debt is hurting Americans health but managing it can help The biggest group reaching out has been and continues to be teens. There is now a push to get 988 onto the back of student IDs in North Carolina. Channel 9s Deneige Broom spoke with the woman who took that fight to state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been in few situations where Ive had to deescalate attempted suicide, said Kaliyah Lindsey. She said she talked a friend out of a suicide attempt when she was a young teen. People think, kids, theyre going through puberty. Theyre going through changes. Their school is this. Theyre worried about boys. Theyre worried about social media. When really deep down inside, we just dont have anyone we feel safe to go to, Lindsey said. Shes part of the Youth Advisory Council with Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, which is where she met Rebekah Collins. Collins does many things, one of them being an advocate lobbying for help in Raleigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you saw my email sent box, I send out many emails to well over 50 representatives, Collins said. Collins ultimately got the attention of N.C. Rep. Allen Buansi, D-Orange, who mentioned her in his pitch to fellow lawmakers to pass House Bill 772. I also want to recognize the efforts of Rebekah Collins, he said on the House floor. She is a strong advocate for mental health resources. We need this bill badly. That bill would put the Suicide Prevention Hotline, 988, on the back of student IDs in North Carolina like they are in South Carolina. With this legislation, well put much needed resources literally at their fingertips, Buansi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teens ages 13-17 make up the largest demographic of people calling or texting the hotline, according to 988 data. I know, from my own lived experience when I was a teenager, really struggling, and every day working with youth and young adults that often are struggling want to reach out for help, but they dont know where to turn, Collins said. They believe those three digits being with teens every day could mean more help and awareness in a critical moment. The House passed Bill 772, which would require schools to provide the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in grades 6 through 12 on their school issued IDs, school website, school-issued electronics and other places. Now the bill moves to the Senate. VIDEO: CMPD officer dies by suicide in west Charlotte, department says CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A North Carolina man accused of threatening local law enforcement and federal immigration agents is out of jail. Johnathan Thomas, 27, appeared before a judge Monday on a charge of threatening to assault or murder federal law enforcement officers. Man charged with threatening to kill federal agents, referencing deadly Charlotte ambush Investigators say Thomas has a history of threatening law enforcement. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were some of the latest targets, along with ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An affidavit details allegations that the North Carolina native called CMPD last week, told officers hes a veteran, and then threatened to kill ICE agents and CMPD officers if immigration-related arrests continue. The document includes Thomas alleged threat to come to Charlotte with body armor, ammunition and night vision devices to kill law enforcement officers if he saw them making ICE arrests along Albermarle Road. He allegedly threatened to shoot them all if he saw any more arrests happen, and that he would Swiss cheese the officers. Investigators believe he was referencing the May 12 ICE arrests on Albermarle Road near a CMS campus. Queen City News tried calling the number investigators said Thomas used to contact CMPD, and we were sent to voicemail. The affidavit explains additional threats, including claims Thomas had explosives around his house, saying, If you feel like getting a warrant for anything Ive said today, I hope its worth somebodys life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas is said to have mentioned the Shannon Park shooting, where four law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in April 2024, warning he could do a whole lot better than that. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM SHANNON PARK SHOOTING Investigators say Thomas has previously followed CMPD officers in their patrol cars while on duty and sent obscene photos to the Davidson County Sheriffs Office because he was upset with the sheriffs political ads. Thomas has pending charges related to that incident. Homeland Security Investigations agents took three rifles and a handgun from Thomas home following his arrest last week. Waxhaw Police Departments Narcotics unit was involved in the search warrant and arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats from Thomas were quite serious and the law enforcement officers moved forward with due caution, Waxhaw PD said in a Facebook post. Once again, the arrest of this violent criminal shows the successful partnership between local and federal law enforcement agencies in combatting crime. If convicted in connection with these threats, he could spend up to 10 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The state auditor is launching an investigation of the reported six-figure settlement made between the Charlotte City Council and Police Chief Johnny Jennings. Reports say the city paid Jennings a six-figure settlement months after former council member Tariq Bokhari allegedly threatened to ruin his career. The council has said it cannot confirm the existence of any such settlement because it was discussed in a closed session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter written Tuesday to Mayor Vi Lyles, Auditor Dave Boliek says that the people of Charlotte and his office have a right to know the details. Boliek argued that no tax dollar should be free from public scrutiny, demanding the city handover any info on public funds going toward the settlement. Constituent requests and recent reporting involving the Charlotte City Council have raised serious concerns regarding the potential disbursement of public dollars outside of the public view, the letter reads. Following the alleged settlement, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police has prepared to make a no-confidence vote against Jennings, and local Republicans asked Lyles to step down. While answers to some of the more pressing questions could be provided through quick release of information from your office, which I strongly encourage, there remains a list of unknowns regarding the potential settlement or payout to the Police Chief, Boliek continues. On behalf of the citizens of North Carolina and the people who call Charlotte home, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor will be investigating this matter. Dave Boliek (NC Auditors Office) Boliek suggests the settlement may have been between $100,000 to $300,000. He says the office is seeking the following information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How much money was paid in the potential settlement Whether a payment exists Where the money came from This isnt Democrat money, its not Republican money, its taxpayer money, the citizens of Charlotte, the people of North Carolina. Its exactly what we want our state auditor to do, said Addul Ali, chair of the NCGOP in the 12th congressional district. While praising Bolieks letter, Ali wants more. He has called for Mayor Vi Lyles to step down for failing to be adequately transparent. This is not a Republican, Democrat issue. Ive heard from Democrats who agree with us on this and that it is a dereliction of duty and warrants a resignation, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a new statement issued Tuesday, Interim City Attorney Anthony Fox said, We have received the letter and will work with the State Auditor, while adhering to all applicable laws. As previously stated, we intend to release all relevant public records allowed by law. All council members minus newly selected member Edwin Peacock and City Manager Marcus Jones were also recipients of the letter. Boliek, a Republican elected last November, recently announced five new members to the State Board of Elections, a power he gained last month via the controversial Senate Bill 382. It was previously held by the governor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Nearly 56,000 residents have been evacuated from Sumy Oblast as efforts are ongoing to relocate more residents under mandatory evacuation orders, Oleh Hryhorov, the governor of Sumy Oblast said on May 19. Sumy Oblast, located on Ukraine's northeast border with Russia, is subject to daily attacks, and is situated just across from Russia's Kursk Oblast - the region subject to Ukraine's ongoing incursion. In recent months, Russian troops have significantly increased the use of guided aerial bombs as well as attack drones near the border areas of Sumy Oblast. Most recently, Russia has been deploying small assault groups to infiltrate the region in a bid to expand the front line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, over 86,000 residents are subject to mandatory evacuation orders in the region, with approximately 65% of the population having already evacuated, Hryhorov told Suspilne Sumy. A total of 2,400 residents were evacuated in the last week, the governor added. The evacuations continue after local authorities in September 2024 ordered mandatory evacuation of children accompanied by their parents from an expanded area within the 10-kilometer zone bordering Russia. All residents within the 10-kilometer zone bordering Russia have already been evacuated entirely, the military administration noted. The additional evacuations come following a Russian attack on a civilian bus in Bilopillia, Sumy Oblast in the early morning of May 17, which killed nine people and injuring seven more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hryhorov said that a total of 13 residents were killed last week in Russian attacks on the region. While Ukraine presses for an unconditional ceasefire, in line with proposals from the U.S., Russia continues to reject the terms. On May 19, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Putin expressed readiness to prepare to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty," while again rejecting a 30-day ceasefire. Read also: Ukraines mental health workers tackle war trauma and Soviet stigma in front-line regions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. About 60% of voters in the United States believe that President Donald Trump should have taken a tougher stance against Russia. Source: a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to the poll, 59% of respondents believe that Trump has not been tough enough in his approach to Russia and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. In addition, 66% of voters believe that Putin is playing games and stalling with the United States and the West, while 62% believe that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy genuinely wants to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Views on how Trump is managing the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are divided along partisan lines: 79% of Republicans are satisfied, while 76% of Democrats and 55% of independents are not. Background: On 19 May, following his call with Putin, Trump announced in a social media post that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start talks on a ceasefire. Trumps post made no mention of his administration's demand for an unconditional ceasefire, which Putin has openly rejected, or of potential sanctions pressure if Moscow refuses to make concessions. Trump then held a one-hour conversation with Zelenskyy and European leaders. Media reports suggest that the European leaders did not perceive Trump as being willing to pressure the Kremlin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Democratic lawmakers stand together May 19, 2025, in the Louisiana House of Representatives to oppose Rep. Emily Chenevert's House Bill 685, which prohibits policy on diversity, equity and inclusion in state government and prevents state colleges and universities from requiring DEI in their curricula with limited exceptions. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill Monday that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices across state government and prohibit state universities and colleges from requiring certain race and gender-based curriculum for undergraduate students. House Bill 685 by Rep. Emily Chenevert, R-Baton Rouge, advanced from the House on a 57-32 vote, narrowly clearing the 53-vote threshold for passage. Sixteen members, including several moderate Democrats and Republicans, were absent for the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an unusual move, every Democratic lawmaker present stood together in solidarity behind the House floor lectern, while nearly every Black lawmaker took turns making speeches against the bill. To me, this is an anti-Black bill, Rep. Edmond Jordan of Baton Rouge said. Its not just divisive. Its offensive. This is the most racially oppressive piece of legislation that I think Ive seen, Rep. Candace Newell of New Orleans said. Republican Reps. Beth Billings of Destrehan, Vincent Cox of Gretna and Jeff Wiley of Maurepas joined Democrats in opposing the bill. It was needlessly divisive, Billings said in an interview when asked why she opposed the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In tearful comments after the speeches, Chenevert said her bill is not racist. This is not divisive, Chenevert said. This is protecting every Louisianian. This is about equality for all. Cheneverts bill has been dramatically rewritten from her original legislation, which only banned DEI practices in state government. As is, the bill would prohibit required classes that cover any of the following subjects: Critical race theory White fragility or white guilt Systemic racism, institutional racism or anti-racism Systemic bias or implicit bias Intersectionality Gender identity Allyship Race-based reparations Race-based privilege Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amendments added to the bill on the House floor would allow any of the subjects to be taught if it is included at the discretion of the faculty member, is not prescribed by the institution as a program requirement, and is part of a broader pedagogical objective. Opponents of the bill said even with the amendments, the legislation could have a chilling effect on facultys academic freedom and freedom of speech. The bill also makes an exception for majors, minors and certificates that are specifically related to race or gender studies. The Louisiana chapter of the American Association of University Professors sent a letter to lawmakers Monday asking them to oppose the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation would stifle the marketplace of ideas and infantilize our students, forcing faculty to avoid concepts the legislature dislikes and presenting only those that have gained their favor, the letter reads. This is antithetical to freedom in a democratic society and hurts our students as they transition into fully enfranchised citizens. The Southern University Foundation, which is affiliated with Louisianas largest historically Black university, also opposes the bill. Cheneverts bill will next be discussed in a Senate committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TREMONT, Ill. (WMBD) Neighborhood House continued its mission to support older adults across the community and has called on the public for help in expanding its reach. Over the past year, the organization opened several congregate meal sites across Peoria and Tazewell counties, offering free meals to individuals aged 60 and older. While many of those sites saw strong participation and community engagement, a few locations struggled with attendance. One of the underutilized sites was in Tremont. Jessie Barnes, a member of the kitchen staff at Neighborhood House, said she hoped more seniors would take advantage of what the site had to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hoped that it made them feel welcome, said Barnes. I hoped that they got fulfilled both emotionally and food-wise. Stuff that made them genuinely feel good and want to come back. Lunch at the Tremont location was held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11 a.m. and noon. The organization encouraged local residents to spread the word and invite older adults to join for a nutritious meal and a chance to connect with others in the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Laman Ismayilova On the occasion of International Museum Day, the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the legendary Surakhani Ship-Museum, successfully presented the next stage of its original project, "Art Battle". On May 18, 2025, the event took place on the deck of the ship located along the Seaside Boulevard, turning into a vibrant, emotional, and memorable celebration of art. This time, artists Huseyn Kangarli and Ruslan Rustamov competed in a live painting duel. The opening ceremony featured speeches from director of the Surakhani Ship-Museum Tural Ibrahimov and head of Arts Council Azerbaijan Dadash Mammadov, who both wished the participants success. The artists competed in three rounds, each with a specific theme: The Sea, Flowers, Expression. Each artist created their work within a limited time frame and in real-time, while the audience had the chance to witness the entire creative process from the first brushstroke to the final touches and vote for their favorite. As a result, Ruslan Rustamov was declared the winner by a 2:1 vote. The event was also attended by accredited diplomats and state officials in Azerbaijan. They showed great interest in this interactive format of art and highly praised the initiative. Guests actively participated in competitions and enjoyed an evening filled with culture and creativity. It is worth noting that after Arts Council Azerbaijan became a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the organizations collaboration with museums across the country has significantly expanded. Note that "Art Battle" is an original project created by Arts Council Azerbaijan in 2024. The project's author and curator is Sona Guliyeva. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az UNDP transfers three high-voltage autotransformers to Ukrenergo with funds from govts of Japan and Sweden The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, has transferred three high-voltage autotransformers to Ukrenergo to support stable power supply. "This equipment - two autotransformers financed by the government of Japan and one by the government of Sweden - will help maintain stable operation of Ukraine's power system," the Ministry of Energy reported on Tuesday. According to Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Federation has been targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including autotransformers, which are critically important for the stability of power supply. "The supply of three high-voltage autotransformers to Ukrenergo is an important contribution to strengthening Ukraine's energy sustainability This equipment will help ensure uninterrupted power supply for millions of consumers, including households, kindergartens, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure," he noted. The post Neil Young to Trump: Im Not Scared of You. Neither Are the Rest of Us appeared first on Consequence. Neil Young has once again spoken out against Donald Trump, following the US presidents online attacks on Bruce Springsteen and other musicians this week. Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin kids in Gaza, he wrote on the Neil Young Archives. Thats your problem. I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us. You shut down FEMA when we needed it most. Thats your problem Trump. STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT ROCKERS ARE SAYING. Think about saving America from the mess you made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get Neil Young Tickets Here Trump went after Springsteen last week after the New Jersey rocker repeatedly criticized the Trump Administration during a concert in the UK. The America Ive written about, and has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration, Springsteen said. The president responded on Friday (May 16th) with a social media post in which he appeared to vaguely threaten Springsteen, warning him 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! On that same day, Trump took credit for Taylor Swifts apparent downfall. Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce. You know how I feel, Young added in his post, addressing Trump. You are more worried about yourself than AMERICA. Wake up Trump!! Remember what the White House is? 86/47??? Thats what you think about? You are forgetting your real job. You work for us. Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Springsteen has shown no signs of backing down and criticized the Trump administration again during his next show. On Monday (May 19th), Trump called for an investigation into Springsteen and other musicians who supported Kamala Harris. Young has a history of speaking out against Trump. In April, he expressed concern that his criticisms could get him barred from re-entering the US. Next month, Young and his band, the chrome hearts, will kick off their love earth world tour in Europe and the UK, followed by a North American leg set to begin in August. Get tickets here. Popular Posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. A soaring death toll in the Gaza Strip and an increasingly vocal outcry over near-famine conditions in the Palestinian territory are piling pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a negotiated ceasefire with Hamas and drop his country's near-total blockade of the enclave. Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday that at least 87 people were killed by Israeli military strikes over the last 24 hours alone. The Israel Defense Forces have ramped up operations in Gaza over the last week, killing hundreds of people, many of them women and children, in what Netanyahu's government insists is legitimate self-defense and aimed entirely at securing the return of 58 hostages still held by Hamas and its allies in Gaza, and destroying the group. Israel blames Hamas long designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Israel and the European Union for all casualties in Gaza, accusing the group of operating in and around civilian infrastructure. On Monday, for the first time in two and a half months, Netanyahu permitted a handful of trucks carrying aid to enter Gaza. He said he had been pressured into easing the total blockade by allies who could not tolerate "images of mass famine." Palestinians, struggling with hunger due to an Israeli blockade, wait in line to receive hot meals distributed by charity organizations in Jabalia Refugee Camp, in Gaza City, Gaza, May 17, 2025. / Credit: Mahmoud ssa/Anadolu/Getty There were unconfirmed reports on Tuesday that as many as 100 trucks had been allowed to cross the Gaza border. But the United Nations' World Food Program said this week that a few trucks would be just a drop in the bucket given the vast and urgent need for food in Gaza, where more than 2 million Palestinians have been trapped for more than two years of blistering war. Thousands of trucks have been lined up for weeks just across the Gaza border, waiting to cross in. No food, fresh water or medicine had entered the territory for nearly 80 days under the Israeli blockade. Hunger is so rife that full-blown famine is once again stalking Gaza's population, according to the WFP's director for the Palestinian territories, Antoine Renard, who's just returned from the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have around an estimated 14,000 children that I know are facing what we call severe acute malnutrition," he told CBS News on Monday, meaning those children could die without rapid intervention. "We always wait for when 'famine' is on. But when famine is on, it's already too late. That will be a failure of all the international community." A girl suffering from severe malnutrition receives treatment at the Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, May 17, 2025. / Credit: CBS News Until this week, Israel's government had insisted there were no food shortages in Gaza. But for the first time, in a message posted Monday on social media, Netanyahu acknowledged that Gaza is nearing a hunger crisis. "Our best friends in the world, senators that I know as enthusiastic Israel supporters, who I know for many years, are come to me and telling me, 'we give you all the support for a final victory arms, support on your maneuvers to destroy Hamas, support at the U.N. Security Council. There is one thing we cannot endure pictures of mass famine. This is something we are unable to witness. We will not be able to support you.'" As a result of that pressure, he's allowing the limited amount of aid into Gaza. Renard said the WFP had sufficient food on standby, ready to enter, to feed the entire population of Gaza for a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It must stop," he said of the Israeli blockade. "The civilian population shouldn't be trapped. There's no reason, actually, to hold them accountable for what they are not part of." Netanyahu did not name any of the nations exerting pressure on his government to ease the blockade, and while Israel's closest and most vital ally the U.S. was almost certainly the country he referred to when mentioning long-friendly senators, it's not just the U.S. calling for a resolution to the crisis and other countries have been doing so more assertively. In a strongly worded statement published Monday, the leaders of the U.K., France and Canada called the level of human suffering in Gaza intolerable, and they threatened to take action. "The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law," the countries said in a joint statement. "We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank ... We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu decried the threat, saying in a statement that by "asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities." "The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized," said the Israeli leader. "No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won't. This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved." Israel has escalated its war with a new offensive that has killed nearly 600 people over the last week, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. Doctors are running out of supplies barely able to treat malnourished children, let alone the hundreds of people injured by the Israeli strikes who stream in day after day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Gaza was sparked by the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and left 251 others as hostages in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory war has destroyed large swaths of Gaza, displaced 90% of its population most of them multiple times and killed more than 53,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry. Watch: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked what habeas corpus is in Senate hearing Rubio interrupted at Senate hearing during remarks on changes at State Department Car bomb outside Palm Springs fertility clinic was act of terrorism, officials say LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nevada Democrats pitched their education bill Monday, which would bring major changes to the state. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D), Clark County District 6, presented her bill before the Senate Education Committee for its first hearing. The proposal has language that allows local school boards of trustees to block charter schools from opening and gives the state Department of Education the power to remove a superintendent if 30% of schools dont experience academic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaros bill takes aim at the Clark County School District. Her proposal would give the four appointed non-voting CCSD trustees voting power. However, her proposed reforms to charter schools have opposition. I rise in strong opposition to SB460 because it limits parental rightsthe fundamental right of parents to choose the best learning environment for their childrenat a time when Nevadans overwhelmingly support school choice, Jill Douglas wrote in opposition to the bill. Based on enrollment, charter schools are the second-largest school system in Nevada, behind only CCSD. According to Cannizzaros proposal, all charter school teachers would be required to have a license or an endorsement. As it currently stands, charter schools are only required to have 80% of their teachers with a license or an endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaro also seeks to reform the State Public Charter School Authority, which is the agency that oversees charter schools. Her proposal would reduce the agencys members from 11 to nine and change the criteria for appointment. I want to stress that I believe charter schools are an important part of our educational system, Cannizzaro said. I do believe that when we talk about accountability, we can actually talk about accountability for all schools that are public schools and publicly funded, and thats why there are provisions in here that addresses some of those changes. These charter school amendments potentially place her bill in peril as Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo could veto it. Ive received plenty of emails for and against a bill, and I think theres concerns of the requirements were putting forward for private and charter schools as to whether or not its fair, St. Sen. Fabian Donate, D-Clark County, said at Mondays hearing. He stated he is a supporter of more accountability for the states charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaros proposal would also give the governor the authority to declare a state of emergency at a school district if its schools dont improve academically. Lombardos bill would go in the opposite direction, including transforming nonperforming public schools into charter schools. His bill has its first hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The neighbor of an Horry County man who was found dead Friday in a closet at his home on Dinger Court in the Burgess area said he was the happiest person ever. Horry County police arrested 53-year-old Joyanna Vansant for allegedly shooting her ex-husband, 60-year-old Frederick Vansant, Jr., in the head with a handgun. Joyanna faces murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime charges, after police say she met them at the front door covered in blood. Joyanna Vansant / Photo: J. Reuben Long Detention Center Police reports say that while Joyanna was being arrested, she made an excited utterance that Frederick was in the back of the house and that she had changed her clothes because they were soaked in blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports also say there was a visible trail of blood leading to the closet where Fredericks body was locked inside. Authorities say no one else was with Joyanna during her arrest. There were still bloody prints below the front door on Monday. News13 spoke to a neighbor who wanted to remain anonymous. She says, about two weeks ago, Frederick seemed stressed and told her Joyannas son was going to live with him for a little while. The neighbor said she barely saw or heard from Frederick for three days last week. Employees at Rooms To Go eventually called police for a welfare check because he had not been at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor says at about 9:30 p.m. Friday, someone backed up Fredericks truck right to the front door. She says officers arrived 15 minutes later, and that is when she heard a mans voice say, Get her out. The neighbor says she never heard a gunshot. She also never thought something like this would happen in her neighborhood. It was very shocking to find out it was Frederick that was the one who was gone, the neighbor said. I think Ive slept, collectively, eight hours in the last 48 hours. Its been a lot, trying to process it all. She says Joyanna Vansant always seemed nice, but Friday night, the look in her eyes was pure evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never seen her look like that, the neighbor said. That was the scariest part, looking out the window and seeing her right there. She says in her five years living there, she has felt safe in her neighborhood until now. Sometimes, Ill hear noises in the house, and I scare myself, the neighbor said. Im like, Theres nobody over there. Everythings fine. Stop being paranoid. As for Frederick, the neighbor says he was the happiest person ever and would take the shirt off his back to help anyone. In January, when we had that big snow storm, he made sure I was taken care of, she said. He invited me over for dinner. Ive never had a neighbor like that before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor hopes to get more answers from Horry County police. All we have been doing is speculating, and that kind of makes you go a little crazy, she said. I feel like we deserve at least a little bit more information, to get some closure and to know that were OK. News13 reached out to Frederick Vansants family. They declined to comment. Joyanna Vansant remains in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. 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. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Theres an old saying that you shouldnt spend unexpected money in one place. For thousands of South Dakota state government employees, they better not spend it all. Thats because a test run by a vendor for the bank that electronically transfers paychecks to South Dakota state government employees went haywire last week. The result: Erroneous payments showed up in thousands of their personal accounts. First PREMIER Bank, which currently has the contract for state governments account, planned to recall the unplanned payments on Monday afternoon, according to Jim Terwilliger. He is commissioner for the state Bureau of Finance and Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First PREMIER Bank performs the payment service, known as an ACH or Automated Clearing House transaction, for the South Dakota Office of Treasurer. The federal Consumer Protection Benefit Bureau on its website describes an ACH transaction as an electronic money transfer made between banks and credit unions for all kinds of purposes, including direct deposit of paychecks. State Treasurer Josh Haeder explained to KELOLAND News why state government employees wound up being mistakenly paid twice for the same pay period. A vendor who processes ACH transactions for First PREMIER Bank performed a backup and recovery test, which resulted in a duplicate file posting. This impacted many banks across the country. First PREMIER is working with the vendor, who expects the transaction errors to be reversed later today, Haeder said Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terwilliger outlined the payroll process that state government uses. He said employees enter timesheets, then the supervisors approve them. From there the timesheets go to the state Bureau of Human Resources and Administration or the agencys human resources staff be be processed. After those time records are authorized, theyre submitted to the State Auditors office, where the payroll is run. State Auditor Rich Sattgast explained the next steps. Once we run payroll, which includes verifying and correcting all payroll data sent to OSA (Office of State Auditor) by BHRA, we send the bank file to First PREMIER, who then sends it to their vendor for payment, he said. According to Sattgast, the vendor that services the payment process through the states contracted bank performed a test on Thursday, May 15, to ensure that their backup system was working properly. He said the test caused a glitch that resulted in the erroneous duplicate payment. It affected 9,238 employees, which affected 12,136 deposits as many employees have their pay going to more than one bank account, Sattgast said. He gave the example of two married state government employees having their pay going to one joint account, as well as to a separate account for personal use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sattgast said that neither he nor his staff could recall such a glitch in the past stretching back at least 39 years thats how long the most-senior member of his payroll staff has been with the office. Terwilliger said that First PREMIER had notified the Office of the State Treasurer and the expectation was that the duplicate transactions would be reversed late Monday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this month, and it faced another alarming incident on Monday. The major airport servicing New York City has faced a number of equipment and staffing issues this month, resulting in many delays and cancellations. The issues got so bad that NBC News correspondent Tom Costello quoted an anonymous air traffic controller earlier this month who called the airport "not safe." It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public, Costello reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Really an incredible statement, unsolicited," Costello added about the source's comments. "He just said that to me, and separately: Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs. While the U.S. government has stepped in to try to remedy the issues, reducing incoming and outgoing air traffic at the airport, the Newark Airport dealt with yet another concerning incident on Monday. According to CBS News, the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into a brief radio system outage at the Philadelphia air traffic control center responsible for handling flights at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday. The control center lost radio frequencies for two seconds at around 11:35 a.m. local time on Monday, the FAA said, marking the fourth incident of this kind to take place at Newark Airport since April 28 amid consistent equipment and staffing issues. Obviously, it has been a concerning several weeks for one of the country's busiest airports. U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and former Donald Trump defense attorney Alina Habba declined to charge Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing after he was arrested outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility earlier this month. But Rep. LaMonica R. McIver is being charged with impeding law enforcement efforts and assault for her part in the May 9 fracas in Newark, N.J., officials said. After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Barakas misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward, the D.A.s office said in a Monday evening statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba added that shes invited Baraka to tour the Delaney Hall facility he hoped to see for himself when the mayor and other protesters showed up outside the detention center where migrants are being kept under conditions politicians, including Sen. Cory Booker, described as inhumane. Prosecutors were less forgiving of McIver, who was filmed clashing with officers. According to Habba, the congresswomans conduct cannot be overlooked by the states head law enforcement officer. I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she unfortunately declined, Habba said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver addressed the charges against her with a statement claiming she was executing her lawful oversight responsibilities as a member of Congress and blamed ICE agents for creating an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation by apprehending Baraka. The charges against me are purely political the mischaracterize and distort my actions and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight, she defended. Baraka re-posted his fellow Democrats statement on his X account. SkyNews 9 pilot Jim Gardner is officially retiring after 40 years as a pilot and over a decade with News 9, the station reported. Gardner joined the News 9 team in 2013 and has since contributed to the station's coverage by capturing breaking news and weather events. I couldnt have asked for a better group of folks to work with, Gardner told News 9 this week. According to News 9, Gardner's career started in Burbank, California, where he transported numerous celebrities and worked on film and photo projects. From there, he joined KCAL in Hollywood, which led to his coverage of several cases, including the high-profile O.J. Simpson car chase in 1994. Gardner returned to Oklahoma in 1999 before joining the News 9 team in 2013. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: News 9 pilot Jim Gardner announces retirement from local station BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Niagara Falls man who crashed his car and killed a Gasport woman in the summer of 2022 was sentenced Tuesday morning, according to the Niagara County District Attorneys Office. Eric Gardner, 48, received 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison for first-degree vehicular manslaughter. On Aug. 26, 2022, Gardner was driving with a blood alcohol content of over .18 of 1 percent on Ridge Road when he left the roadway and struck a tree. Stacy Donnelly, 46, was riding in the front passenger seat and died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today brings the legal ordeal of almost three years to an end for Stacys Family, said Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman. The defendant will pay a price for his actions, although no sentence will ever repay Stacys family for what they have lost. Upon Gardners guilty plea, Seaman said the Niagara Falls man also had cocaine in his system. Gardner previously faced a maximum of 25 years in prison, as well as additional DWI-related charges. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Co-chair of the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada Iryna Heraschenko called the prospect of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, which were allegedly agreed upon during a phone call on Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, a trap for Putin that will allow him to endlessly continue the war and shift responsibility to Ukraine. "Direct negotiations, without the United States and the EU as guarantors at the table this is Putin's scenario and trap. He has traditionally been stalling and manipulating in order to avoid tightening sanctions and continuing the war. Making the most of the weakness and disagreements of the West. Direct negotiations without a mediator and guarantors of the implementation of agreements are the Kremlin's dream, in order to endlessly shift responsibility to Ukraine, stall for time and continue to kill," Heraschenko said in X. According to her, as a result of negotiations with Trump, Putin achieved another of his goals, breaking Putin's international isolation. According to Heraschenko, in this context, the position of the European Union, Great Britain, and the Coalition of the Willing becomes even more important. In turn, MP of the European Solidarity faction Mykola Kniazhytsky believes that Trump's version of the results of the negotiations has not fundamentally changed anything. "There is no agreement on a ceasefire, and Trump did not even mention it But it is obvious: Putin did not start the war to trade with America. Russia traded before the war. Trade did not interest him then, and it does not interest him now Another confirmation that no 'art of the deal' can compete with the art of the KGB school," he said on Facebook. At the same time, the MP called the main problem of bilateral negotiations between Ukraine and Russia that the parties "simply have nothing to talk about" and that in a bilateral format, without the United States and the Europeans, Ukraine and Russia "can only discuss prisoner exchanges or the return of kidnapped children." "Of what can be considered important for now, the initiative for a 30-day ceasefire, Witkoff's 22 points and other formats, such as the Kellogg plan, are currently effectively removed from discussion," Kniazhytsky said. Non-partisan MP from the European Solidarity faction, Oleksiy Honcharenko, called the result of Putin's conversation with Trump the fact that the United Sates made it clear that it would withdraw from the negotiations. "And this is because we agreed to direct negotiations with Russia without the United States. We had to stand until the last moment so that the United States was at the negotiations and was part of the negotiations. And now it will be like this: well, Ukraine and Russia could not come to an agreement, sorry. This is our diplomatic defeat," he said on Telegram. Honcharenko predicts that there will be no peace by the end of this year, since Putin wants to fight and intends to conduct another offensive campaign, after which he wants to sit down at the negotiating table and negotiate. MP Ahtem Chiygoz said the experience of the March negotiations with Russia in 2022 became an important lesson for Ukrainians that the Russians do not need negotiations, but the capitulation of Ukraine or accusations of the Ukrainian side of non-negotiation. "Their demands for the absence of other parties are evidence that they are not ready for constructiveness, so they do not need witnesses to be able to read out their version of the negotiations, to refer to their protocol. While our delegation demonstrated a desire for constructiveness," he said on Facebook. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) Shakira concertgoers may have been exposed to measles, the New Jersey Department of Health announced Tuesday. Officials say a non-New Jersey resident attended MetLife Stadium while infected on Thursday, May 15. The infected individual was in New Jersey from May 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. until May 16, at 1:00 a.m. More Local News Measles symptoms include a rash, fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person with measles can spread the virus for four days before the rash appears and for four days afterward. Measles spreads easily, and approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals or those who have not had measles will become infected. If infected, the NJ Health Department noted potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as June 6, 2025. No additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified as of Tuesday. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. UNION CITY, N.J. (PIX11) Looking to get back on track, New Jersey Transit commuters had to endure one more day without rail service. Its easier than the buses, said Jonathan Goebel, a visitor from North Carolina. Less wait time, you can get from point A to point B just like that with the train station. More Local News Goebel and Joshua Brown are visiting the area for the first time and are looking forward to getting around on the rails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is going to help us significantly, said Goebel. We dont have to wait for the bus or anything, its going to be great. Today, having to use the bus to get from New York to New Jersey, and then having to use the bus to get around New Jersey, I think being able to use the train will make it a lot more accessible for tourists, said Brown. A deal between New Jersey Transit and the locomotive engineers union culminated Sunday evening, the third day of a historic strike that saw all rail service come to a screeching halt on Friday. Despite the deal, trains did not get back online in time for the Monday commute as NJ Transit says it needed around 24 hours to prepare the tracks and rail cars. In the meantime, the agency is operating regional park and ride services out of Secaucus, Holmdel, Hamilton, and Woodbridge on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some commuters traveling by bus out of Union City were hoping to get a quicker way into New York, but Hedsy Luis from Weehawken says its important to solve problems together. I believe for any situation, any negotiation, there will always be a solution for any problem, said Luis. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle applauded the tentative resolution to the strike. State Senator Anthony Bucco, though, wants to see the details of the agreement first. The devil will be in the details, right? said Bucco (R-NJ Senate Minority Leader). Ive said before that any settlement should not be on the backs of our commuters and on our taxpayers. They have paid enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NJ Transit rail service will resume on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Court of Appeals Judge Kristina Bogardus will retire on June 7, 2025 (Photo courtesy Administrative Office of the Courts) Judge Kristina Bogardus, who has served on the New Mexico Court of Appeals since her election in 2018, will retire in June, the Administrative Office of the Courts announced Tuesday. It has been a privilege to serve on the Court of Appeals, Bogardus said in a statement. I began my legal career on the court as a law clerk and it is an honor to be able to end my career here as a judge. I have especially enjoyed working with my law clerks and my fellow judges, and have learned so much during my tenure as a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to attending University of New Mexico School of Law, where she received her law degree in 1991, Bogardus worked as a medical technologist. At UNM, she served as an editor for the schools policy-oriented Natural Resources Journal. Following law school, she clerked for the late Judge Pamela Minzner, during the latters time on the Court of Appeals, before going into private practice. As a judge, Bogardus chaired the Rules of Civil Procedure Committee and served on the New Mexico Civil Law Commission. In a statement, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Jacqueline Medina described Bogardus as a respected and hard-working judge, who will be missed by her colleagues and court staff. Bogardus will retire on June 7; the Judicial Nominating Commission will interview applicants on June 17 for the position on the Court of Appeals, which has approximately 800 cases per year. As described in a news release, the court hears appeals of all cases, except: criminal cases involving sentences of death or life imprisonment appeals from the Public Regulation Commission cases involving habeas corpus While it is best to take heed of the potential for scammers following Fridays devastating tornado, the good news is that local law enforcement hasnt had any specific reports of such activities. The tornado caused extensive damage to homes and businesses in Pulaski, extending from southern Somerset on through Mt. Victory and across the Laurel County line. As such, there have been many social media posts warning those who have damage not to fall victim to scammers who approach them with offers of repair work. When contacted Tuesday, however, neither Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones nor Somerset Police Chief Josh Wesley said they had heard of any actual in-person scammers in this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said that part of the problem may be computer generated posts or well-meaning posts from people who dont live here. What were being told now is, theyre warning us about so-and-so, or someones up in Somerset doing this and that, and that may not even be legit, Jones said. Still, it doesnt hurt to be wary, either of potential repair scams or of those who claim they are soliciting donations. Jones asked people not to give out personal information, credit card information or money to anyone they are unsure about. We (emergency services) dont have any GoFundMe setups, and everything should be running through the Emergency Management Office. They can call that number to find out if something is legit or not, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That number is 606-451-0810. Wesley added that both the City of Somerset has posted information of different entities that are helping are that are safe to give donations to. If people are wanting to help or donate, I would encourage them to seek those trusted outlets, he said. The larger concern for both Jones and Wesley was the potential of looters, although Wesley said that his department has not dealt with anyone along those lines, either. Weve had people in the (damage) area that maybe dont have any business (being there), but we dont know they were up to no good. Maybe just sightseeing, Wesley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones, however, said his department has seen evidence of it. We arrested some the night before last for doing something down south, Jones said. And were getting some tips in there may be a couple out east thats potentially looking to do some looting in that area, so be conscious of that as well. Jones also discussed social media posts that talked about information his department received from a London-based Kentucky State trooper which stated that there were people traveling in a black SUV pretending to be FEMA. Jones said his department was unable to locate the vehicle to confirm or deny that they were from the federal agency, but did say that there are law enforcement personnel coming in from county and city departments outside of Pulaski to help in in the area of the tornado destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legitimate patrols of outside agencies will be in vehicles that have their department clearly visible on the side, Jones said, and their officers will be in uniform. Wesley added that there are members of the Kentucky National Guard in the area who have also been assisting to keep areas where buildings were destroyed safe. While the National Guard personnel do not have enforcement authority, he said they are helping to keep eyes on the area. Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd enacted a curfew Monday for the Parkers Mill Road area and all side roads to attempt to prevent looting. That curfew takes place from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and only area residents and authorized personnel will be allowed in the area during those times. Both Jones and Wesley asked people who are not assisting with cleanup or delivering supplies to those in need to stay out of those areas at all times so that emergency crews can continue with cleanup operations. Warning: This article contains descriptions of graphic scenes. A bullet fired by a Russian sniper hit Azov Brigade member Artem Dubyna in the head and passed through his neck. "He's dead," crackled the message over the radio to his comrades. But Dubyna's heart was still beating. Evacuating his unconscious body from the spot where he was shot inside the Azovstal steel plant, Ukraine's final stronghold during the Russian siege of Mariupol in the spring of 2022 was nearly impossible amid relentless Russian bombardment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he began to show faint signs of life, his comrades launched a daring effort to rescue him. With a Russian sniper still watching the area, Ukrainian mortar teams deployed smoke rounds to cloak the position, providing just enough cover to carry out the evacuation. "I spent three days in a coma (in a makeshift hospital in Azovstal)," Dubyna, 38, says. "I experienced a complete loss of memory. I didn't remember who I was or where I was." Though he survived and gradually regained his memory, returning to serve as a press officer for Azov a symbol of Ukraine's resistance through its tenacious defense of Mariupol in the first three months of the full-scale war the nightmare was far from over. On May 16, 2022, Azovstal defenders were ordered to surrender to the encircling Russian forces. Exactly three years ago, on May 20, 2022, the surrender concluded. Dubyna, along with hundreds of other soldiers, was sent into Russian captivity, where he spent two and a half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though 485 Azovstal defenders have been released from captivity since 2022, around 850 remain in Russian prisons three years later. The full extent of what happened in Azovstal and Mariupol may only come to light when every defender is free to share their story. Still, the way Ukrainian soldiers defended the plant, despite injuries, exhaustion, and severe shortages of ammunition and even food, has already gone down in history as one of the most heroic military operations to date. The last battle Dubyna, who goes by the callsign "Nikopol," after his hometown, joined Azov as a press officer in 2016. He left military service around 2020 to return to journalism, hoping to settle down and build a family. Artem Dubyna, a serviceman of the Azov Brigade, who joined Azov as a press officer in 2016, in an undated photo. (Artem Dubyna's personal archive) But just two years later, instead of the calm life he'd hoped to build, Dubyna found himself back in uniform and straight into hell: Mariupol, at the center of the war's most brutal early battles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We understood that this would be a siege, and that we'd face a large concentration of enemy forces. But we also knew that the longer we held Mariupol, the more enemy forces would be tied down there, and those in surrounding cities (like Zaporizhzhia) would have time to prepare (for further assaults)," Dubyna recalls. As Russian troops advanced on Mariupol, Ukrainian defenders were pushed further back, with Azovstal a vast steel plant featuring extensive underground tunnels ultimately serving as their final bastion. "I had lost a lot of blood, but there was no way to give me a transfusion or fluids, so my body had to recover on its own." Inside the plant, Ukrainian forces held their ground despite being cut off from supplies and surrounded by civilians, as Russian attacks leveled Mariupol around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To show the world the scale of Russia's assault, Azov's press service operated under life-threatening conditions, gathering footage and information from various positions across the city and later from inside the steel plant itself, Dubyna recalls. "I spent about a month working in the press unit before being reassigned to one of the positions at Azovstal. It was supposed to be an observation post, but by then, there weren't enough people, too many were wounded or killed, so they had to pull officers from headquarters," Dubyna says. Smoke rises from the Azovstal steel plant in the city of Mariupol on May 10, 2022, amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (Stringer/AFP via Getty Images) Two injured Ukrainian servicemen are seen inside the Azovstal iron and steel works in Mariupol, Ukraine, in the photo released by the Azov Regiment on May 10, 2022, amid the Russian invasion. (Dmytro Orest Kozatskyi / Azov Brigade Press Office / AFP via Getty Images) "Our task was to monitor enemy movements and, if necessary, take up positions and hold the line," he adds. "And during one of these actions, I was wounded." Dubyna says doctors were surprised he survived such a severe injury. He explained that the bullet passed through his neck, detaching arteries and veins from the muscles without rupturing the arteries themselves, which prevented rapid blood loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At that point, (medics) didn't even have the means to transfuse blood to those who had lost it or provide any significant medical support," he recalls. "I had lost a lot of blood, but there was no way to give me a transfusion or fluids, so my body had to recover on its own." About 10 days after his injury, Dubyna returned to his duties as a press officer. "I even started writing some texts; it was tough to form sentences and string words together, but I tried to help however I could," he says. As the battle escalated and Russian troops advanced deeper into the Azovstal plant, the defenders were ordered to surrender to save their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Under the conditions we were held in, many people lost their lives due to severe beatings and illnesses in captivity." "When Redis (Colonel Denys Prokopenko, Azov commander) gathered us and told us there was an order from the commander-in-chief to preserve lives, we accepted it calmly because we understood it was a direct order, and we had to carry it out," Dubyna says. "But before that, no one saw surrender as an option. Everyone was prepared for the last battle," he says, adding that some soldiers even asked their comrades to kill them if they were severely wounded, just to avoid capture. A screen grab taken from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, used as part of a propaganda campaign, shows Ukrainian soldiers being searched by Russian soldiers after leaving the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, on May 17, 2022. (Russian Defense Ministry / Handout / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Dubyna says he was skeptical from the start about Russia's promise to release them after just a few months in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Knowing the kind of enemy we were facing I never believed it would be a quick release," he says. "Unfortunately, under the conditions we were held in, many people lost their lives due to severe beatings and illnesses in captivity." It was, essentially, a ticket from one hell to another. Read also: 12 never-before-seen photos from Azovstal defense (Photos) Routine torture The evacuation from Azovstal ended on May 20, 2022, with Ukrainian soldiers transferred to a penal colony in Russian-occupied Olenivka, Donetsk Oblast, now infamous as the site of the mass killing of Azov fighters. On July 28, an explosion killed 54 Ukrainian prisoners of war and injured over 150 at the Olenivka penal colony. Dubyna, who witnessed the event, says he is certain Russian forces were responsible, despite their attempts to blame Ukraine for the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says that a day before the attack, Russian guards gathered about 200 Azov fighters in one of the barracks. "At first, we thought this was the start of a prisoner exchange," Dubyna recalls. "They would threaten to cut off ears or a nose, pressing a knife to the ear and starting to cut it slightly, causing bleeding, all meant to terrify and break the prisoners." Then, at night, a powerful blast occurred. Dubyna says the prison's authorities prevented any assistance from reaching the injured. "Only those inside that barrack tried to help each other with whatever they had, which was nothing. They tore their clothes to make bandages and did their best to save one another, pulling people out of the burning building." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those Ukrainian POWs who survived the blast in Olenivka were later transferred to the detention center in Russia's Taganrog, infamous for the use of torture against prisoners. It started as soon as the POWs arrived there. "They just started throwing us onto the floor from trucks like we were sacks," Dubyna says. Russias Taganrog detention center, infamous for its torture of prisoners. (Yandex Maps) Satellite view of Russias Taganrog detention center, known for its use of torture against prisoners. (Google Maps) "And right away, as soon as you hit the floor, they started beating you, kicking, hitting with batons, using stun guns." "It went on for several hours, while they were taking us through what they called 'intake.'" He spent nine months there before being transferred to another facility in the city of Kamyshin, in Volgograd Oblast, enduring repeated interrogations accompanied by beatings and threats of death or rape, with almost no nutritious food or medical care provided. "They would threaten to cut off ears or a nose, pressing a knife to the ear and starting to cut it slightly, causing bleeding, all meant to terrify and break the prisoners." According to the United Nations, more than 95% of Ukrainian POWs have been subjected to torture in Russian captivity. Electric shock torture was routine in Kamyshin, he says. "When they used it, it felt like all your bones were breaking, like your muscles were torn apart. The pain was so intense, you'd end up smashing your head against the floor just to make it more bearable," Dubyna says. "They'd lay you down, hook the electrodes, and run electricity through you. It's the kind of experience you never forget." According to the United Nations, more than 95% of Ukrainian POWs have been subjected to torture in Russian captivity. Former detainees recount being brutally beaten, electrocuted, suffocated, and threatened with executions. Many come back with serious injuries, fractures, lost teeth, and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. With no connection to the outside world, Dubyna endured the horrors of Russian captivity by holding on to thoughts about his family and his girlfriend, Olha, whom he had dreamed of marrying. The long-awaited dream came true a month after Dubyna was released from captivity in September 2024. "When you realize that you are back on free land, you're home it was an indescribable feeling," he says. "It's joy. It's the feeling of freedom, of lightness. You suddenly realize you no longer have to walk hunched over, that you can stand tall again, that you can look someone in the eyes when you speak, something that was unthinkable in captivity." After returning to Ukraine, POWs receive medical care and are entitled to a leave its duration depends on the state of their health before returning to service. As Dubynas leave is almost over, he is getting ready to rejoin his Azov Brigade in its ongoing fight against Russian aggression and to help bring back Azovstal defenders from captivity. "I'm returning to service, back to Azov, to continue fighting for the return of our comrades." Note from the author: Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. To fund our reporting, we rely on our community of over 18,000 members from around the world, most of whom give just $5 a month. Were aiming to reach 20,000 soon join our community and help us reach this goal. Read also: Russians need to be taught a lesson why foreign soldiers keep fighting for Ukraine amid growing uncertainty Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Armys chief of staff testified to a House subcommittee earlier this month that the Army Training and Doctrine Command headquarters at Fort Eustis is set to relocate to Austin, Texas. What that means for the thousands of men and women stationed at Fort Eustis has yet to be determined, Army officials said this week. But its raised questions for congressional leaders representing Hampton Roads, who say they will be closely scrutinizing the plans. No decisions have been made yet on relocating people stationed at Fort Eustis or any potential changes in its day-to-day operations, according to TRADOC spokesperson Col. Jeff Pray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know, Pray said. Obviously, theres going to be an impact to our command holistically, but thats for the planners and decision makers up at Army level to make. Pray added until further notice, Fort Eustis and the surrounding community will not be seeing any major shifts. During testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Committees Defense Subcommittee this month, Gen. Randy George said TRADOC, which has been headquartered at Fort Eustis since 2011 and was previously stationed at Fort Monroe, was set to relocate to Texas to combine with the Army Futures Command to create a new Army Transformation and Training Command. The move is part of a broader initiative by the Defense Department to streamline the military and create a more lethal deterrent against China, according to a memorandum from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Pentagon leadership. The memo describes the merger as an initiative to downsize, consolidate, or close redundant headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both TRADOC and the Futures Command are four-star commands. Hegseth, in a separate memo to Pentagon leadership earlier this month, ordered a minimum 20% cut in four-star positions. Under the reorganization, the four-star command will remain with the Futures Command in Austin, meaning TRADOC will report to command in Texas. Congressional leadership from Virginia and Hampton Roads say they are keeping an eye on the TRADOC reorganization plans. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, said in an emailed statement Army leadership has assured him Fort Eustis would see no significant personnel changes. Sen. Mark Warner added in a statement he has questions about how the plan will be executed. TRADOC is an asset to Virginia, Warner, a Democrat, said in the statement. On the recently proposed merger, we have yet to see from the Army any hard data and specifics related to what this means for continued footprint and personnel numbers at Fort Eustis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican who represents areas surrounding Fort Eustis including York County and Williamsburg, said in a statement that rigorous congressional oversight is critical as the proposed merger goes forward and hed oppose any plans that negatively impact TRADOC or Fort Eustis. Wittman said he has met with Army leadership, including George, to discuss operational impacts and potential legislative action. He said based on those discussions, TRADOCs presence will be preserved in Virginia but the impacts to positions and living quarters are unknown. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, who does not represent the Peninsula but is a Navy veteran, also called for congressional oversight of the reorganization plan. We owe it to our service members, civilians and communities to ensure decisions are grounded in strategic necessity, not convenience, and that the full operational and personnel impacts are clearly understood before moving forward, Kiggans said in a statement. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Democrat who represents Newport News where Fort Eustis is located, could not be reached for comment. Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com PERRY COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Wednesday is Newports last day. Thursday is Duncannons turn, based on a sign in that stores window. And then, for these two Rite Aid stores, the only two chain pharmacies serving their communities? I would like to see someone else take over, said Linda Geiling, walking out of the Newport-area store which is actually in Howe Township, on the way out of Newport toward where she lives, in Dutch Valley for perhaps the last time Monday morning. People in Washington state, Oregon and Idaho had wishes like that one granted, when CVS confirmed last week an earlier announcement by Rite Aid that it was selling some pharmacy assets to CVS included a rather seamless transfer of 64 actual stores to the surviving chain (in addition to the transfer of prescriptions at more than 1,000 other stores to competing pharmacies). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lancaster County construction company announces acquisition But that remains the only such notable announcement of its kind, with Rite Aids closing day by day including in Pennsylvania, where the chain emerged last fall from its first bankruptcy filing with 351 stores, according to an abc27 analysis at the time of Scrapehero data and no other pharmacy taking immediate control of the space. A public relations firm now handling media requests for Rite Aid, as it winds down its operations, didnt immediately repond to a request to confirm that aside from the CVS deal in the Pacific Northwest, Rite Aid hasnt sold chunks of stores in other areas to other pharmacy chains. Unlike in most densely-populated places in America, Walgreens doesnt compete in central Pennsylvania. One analyst told abc27 last month the Rite Aid stores might present too compelling of an opportunity for Walgreens to overlook in a market CVS will soon have to itself, among national chains. Another analyst doubted Walgreens, which is closing thousands of its own stores, would jump on even that opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closest pharmacies in Newport are one in a Weis Markets store in the borough and the independent Newport Pharmacy, about halfway between the borough and the soon-to-be-shuttered Rite Aid. Karin Getz, considering her options, said Newport Pharmacy is appealing in some ways. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat They have their own perks, Getz said. They do deliveries. On the other hand, I was visiting my sister, who lives outside of Philadelphia, Getz said. I forgot the medicine. I could go to a Rite Aid, and they could help me. Soon, barring a last-minute surprise, few Rite Aids will be helping anybody. The lack of a network like that complete with a smattering of 24-hour locations is a downside of an independent pharmacy, and Weis doesnt serve Philadelphia. CVS does. But they dont serve Newport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough other people have already picked Newport Pharmacy that workers there like the pharmacist, Praveena Sagi were not prepared for this influx. Newport Pharmacy, can you please hold? Sagi asked caller after caller, while talking to others and coordinating with technicians in the store. Were bombarded with the calls and with transfer requests, Sagi said. A challenge, to be sure although to be equally clear: a high-quality problem to have. It is a good thing for us, Sagi 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 ABC27. Amid a severe weather threat across Middle Tennessee, NOAA weather radios will be down due to scheduled maintenance of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) a tool used daily by forecasters at the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. During the upgrade, all NOAA weather radio transmitters maintained by the Nashville office will be offline until May 21. This includes transmitters serving Clarksville, Waverly, Nashville, Centerville, Lobelville, Clifton, Lawrenceburg, Hickman, LaFayette, Cookeville, and Spencer. Here's what to know about the software and how else you can receive alerts during periods of severe weather. Why are NOAA radios down? How do they work? The weather service uses AWIPS software to display and integrate weather and water information and to send life-saving information, such as weather and water warnings, to the public. However, due to scheduled maintenance on the software, NOAA radios will be offline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, local graphical forecasts, climate data and probabilistic maps hosted on weather.gov/Nashville will not be updated. This includes all graphics on the Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook and Probabilistic DSS webpages. "No impacts to core services (forecast products, watches warnings and advisories) are expected as we'll have our backup offices involved in covering those functions," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Husted. How to receive weather alerts in the Nashville area Despite NOAA weather radios being offline, there are still plenty of ways to remain weather aware in the Nashville area. Here's how: MEANS (Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System) - MEANS is a public safety program that provides you critical information in a variety of situations, such as weather notifications, criminal activity and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Sign up online at member.everbridge.net or download the MEANS mobile app, available on the App Store of Google Play. Nashville Office of Emergency Management - Follow the Nashville Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and X to stay up to date and engaged. Although social media isn't always the most reliable way of receiving weather updates, the office routinely posts critical information. National Weather Service - For the most up-to-date weather updates, visit the Nashville office of the weather service on their official website and follow their social media channels. Be sure to enable push notifications to receive timely alerts. Tornado sirens - Davidson County's tornado warning siren system is designed to alert people when a tornado warning is issued for any part of the county. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has either been detected by Doppler radar or visually confirmed by a trained spotter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NOAA weather radios down amid storms? How to get Nashville warnings Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/05/20 To achieve peace, Ukraine needs internal unity and the work of a professional diplomatic team, said Artur Herasymov, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction, at a briefing. At the same time, the authorities are again blocking the participation of the leader of the European Solidarity party, the fifth president of Ukraine (2014-2019), MP of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Separately, he drew attention to the fact that Poroshenko is again being tried to prevent him from attending important international meetings of the NATO PA, where he is a member of the official delegation. "Representatives of the US and other countries of the world are waiting for him, but the authorities believe that its main enemy is not Putin, but Poroshenko," Herasymov said. According to him, Ukraine now needs the support of the Armed Forces and professional diplomacy more than ever. He also criticized the government's cooperation with representatives of Opposition Platform - For Life, who, according to him, supported the Russian invasion, but still remain in parliament. "Unity should be with pro-European, democratic political forces," the deputy emphasized. "We remember Zelenskyy's main promise in 2019 - to stop the war and achieve peace. But the reality is that the aggressor is Putin, and it was he who started the war and the full-scale invasion," Herasymov noted. He also emphasized that support for the army should be not only in words, but also in real deeds, in particular in forming a budget without deficits that affect the financing of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Youve probably heard the adage about not putting all your eggs in one basket. Its an especially meaningful one for newspapers. For decades, they relied heavily on advertising revenue. That arrangement stopped working about 20 years ago, as audiences moved online and advertisers followed. News media outlets moved online as well, but they found themselves in a losing battle for advertising dollars against new digital competitors such as Craigslist, Facebook and Google. One-third of U.S. newspapers have closed in the past two decades, most of them local. As their income from ads and subscriptions has dwindled, some news organizations that used to rely mainly on ad revenue, such as The Salt Lake Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer, have become nonprofits opening the door to other sources of revenue. And interest in launching news organizations as nonprofits has been growing. Meanwhile, some for-profit media outlets have begun to obtain some philanthropic support and ask for donations from readers and subscribers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a journalism studies researcher and a former journalist myself. To better understand how news leaders were thinking about their future in this ever-evolving landscape, I researched the fundraising approaches of local nonprofit news outlets across the U.S. I interviewed 23 local news leaders about their fundraising strategies and their views on the best way to balance their sources of funding in the long term. What I found is that nonprofit news media outlets are finding it necessary to pursue multiple streams of revenue, including from foundations, in the search for sustainable business models. But the ideal revenue mix may look different for each organization. Foundations are footing half the bill Foundations, especially the Knight Foundation, have become major supporters of nonprofit news media in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided about half of all revenue for nonprofit news media in 2023. Another 29% came from individual donations. And 17% came from ads and other sources of earned, rather than donated, revenue. Money raised through grants from foundations can arrive in larger amounts and be more predictable than advertising revenue. But it often comes with strings attached. For example, in exchange for a grant, a media outlet might be pressured to adjust its editorial priorities or adopt specific technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit news leaders I interviewed also said foundations tend to be more interested in starting new organizations than sustaining media outlets that are already up and running. Some foundations are now making that point clearer than ever by telling the nonprofit news organizations they have supported not to depend too much on them anymore. The Knight Foundation and other funders have informed potential applicants they must demonstrate they are pursuing revenue diversity as a condition for getting a grant. In other words, nonprofit media shouldnt put all of their eggs in the foundation basket, either. Branching out The local news leaders I interviewed said they didnt necessarily see having a variety of revenue sources as a path to sustainability. And adding new revenue streams comes with costs, such as hiring membership directors or advertising salespeople. Local news leaders said its hard to know whether making those investments will pay off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, under pressure to rely less on foundations and more on other types of revenue, theyve been branching out in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided 57% of nonprofit news revenue in 2018; in 2024, that share had declined to 51%. But its not clear how much more revenue could come from other sources. Donations from readers tend to be provided in small amounts, so news organizations need a lot of them. And individuals donate to news organizations for a variety of reasons, so news organizations need to hire fundraisers who can craft a variety of messages. Getting large numbers of readers to donate is hard, however, because audiences for local news tend to be small. Nonprofit news organizations can also accept advertising. However, advertising is a taxable form of revenue, unlike donations. The IRS has also warned organizations that they can lose their tax-exempt status if they accept too much income that is unrelated to their nonprofit missions, including advertising. Pooling donor funds Ultimately, the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed say every type of revenue has its drawbacks. And the more complicated their revenue mix becomes, the more complicated their approach to fundraising has to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local news organizations already operating on shoestring budgets dont have the capacity to complicate their fundraising, even though they say they agree with the general principle of revenue diversity. The nonprofit news leaders did have encouraging things to say about a newer fundraising trend: pooled donor funds. With pooled donor funds, multiple donors contribute to a single charity that serves as an intermediary that disburses that donated money to a particular kind of nonprofit. For the media, examples include the Institute for Nonprofit News NewsMatch and Press Forward, a coalition of 20 foundations. Pooled donor funds can be considered a form of revenue diversity, since they combine contributions from multiple sources and are used to persuade individual readers to match donations from the pooled funds with their own contributions. That can potentially insulate news organizations from major changes as grants from individual foundations come and go. Researching the role of earned revenue I plan to publish the results of another study soon. Its about the role that earned revenue, meaning advertising, sponsorships and other entrepreneurial sources of money, is playing in the funding of nonprofit news media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Institute for Nonprofit News has called it perhaps the most underutilized revenue stream for nonprofit news. But the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed had mixed feelings about earned revenue. In part, that was because of ambiguous guidance about how much of it news organizations may accept without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Given President Donald Trumps recent threats against other nonprofits, including universities and hospitals, news organizations may be even more reluctant to test those limits. Katherine Fink does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A nor'easter in late May? Yes, they aren't just wintertime events as one impacting the Northeast with a nasty mix of rain, gusty winds and chilly temperatures will continue to demonstrate into Friday. Big Picture -The Setup: A coastal low called a nor'easter will continue to strengthen as it lifts northward along the coast of New England into Friday. -Remember: A nor'easter is a storm that has winds coming from a northeast direction off the Atlantic. Nor'easters can range from intense, with heavy snow like we sometimes see in winter, to nuisance ones like this, which mainly bring rain and gusty winds. (MORE: Nor'easters 101) What To Expect -Timing The Rain: Rain and wind will gradually wind down across much of the Northeast, except in eastern New England. Maine will continue to see wind-driven rain early Friday as widely-scattered light showers affect the rest of the Northeast, especially across the interior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest summits of northern New England could also see snowfall at times into Friday. -Rain Impacts: Rainfall could be heavy at times, so pencil in extra time if you are traveling. Some locations could see totals of 1 to 2 inches. Localized nuisance flooding is possible, especially in urban and poor drainage areas of eastern New England, but we don't expect a widespread threat. -Wind: Gusts over 45 mph are possible on the New England coastline through Friday morning, and some minor coastal flooding can't be ruled out from Chesapeake Bay to southern New England. -Keep That Jacket Handy: This weather pattern will also keep high temperatures 10 to 20 degrees colder than average, with highs only in the 50s for much of the region through Saturday. Eventually, highs will rise into the still somewhat cool 60s by Memorial Day. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s. Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck, from left, talks to Rep. Bob Martinson and Rep. Karen Karls on May 2, 2025, while waiting for the House to reconvene. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) Colleagues of North Dakota Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck are remembering her as a stalwart advocate for education, aviation and agricultural issues. Schreiber-Beck, R-Wahpeton, died Sunday at age 70. She was first elected to the North Dakota Legislature in 2014 and served as vice chair of the House Education Committee during the legislative session that adjourned earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schreiber-Becks expertise on K-12 education, higher education, aeronautics and agricultural issues was unparalleled, said her seatmate, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, D-Wahpeton. She truly represented her constituents, set aside partisan politics and she really went to work for the people she represented, Mitskog said Tuesday. In a statement, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Schreiber-Beck was a trusted legislative adviser, confidant and K-12 education advocate. Rep. Schreiber-Beck was tireless in her work to produce better education policy, and she had the welfare of students and their families foremost in her mind, Baesler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schreiber-Beck volunteered as executive director for the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association for nearly 40 years. She and her late husband, Gerry Beck, operated Tri-State Aviation in Wahpeton. In March, Schreiber-Beck was inducted into North Dakotas Aviation Hall of Fame by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission for her significant contributions. She served for 25 years on the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and was a member of a governors task force that established North Dakotas Unmanned Aerial Systems test site. In a statement, Gov. Kelly Armstong said she embodied the truest essence of public service, volunteerism and giving back to the community. Cindy Schreiber-Beck served the citizens of North Dakota with a quiet strength and determination that touched so many facets of life, from agriculture and aviation to education and community development, and it was an honor to call her a friend, Armstrong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Schreiber-Becks interment. Funeral services for Schreiber-Beck will be held at 4 p.m. May 28 at the Fargo Air Museum. The District 25 Republican Party executive committee will appoint a successor to complete her term, which runs through 2026. Mitskog said shell remember fondly that Schreiber-Beck had a bit of a sweet tooth. Ill never walk past a bowl of candy without thinking of her. She loved candy and I think that kind of helped drive her energy, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CLEVELAND (WJW) Soon enough, swarms of mayflies will emerge from Lake Erie and make their harmless-but-no-less-annoying presence known in Northeast Ohio. In an effort to deter the light-loving insects and keep roads safe, streetlights in select communities will be temporarily turned off, FirstEnergy announced in a Tuesday news release. Buggin out! Midges are back in Northeast Ohio Streetlight service will be suspended along several roads in Port Clinton, Marblehead and Erie Township for several weeks. Mayflies on FOX 8 studios (WJW) Mayflies typically begin to emerge in late June and have a lifespan of between 24 and 72 hours. After the die, their carcasses produce an oily residue which can make roads slick, especially during rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By turning off streetlights near the lake over the next few months, we aim to deter thousands, if not millions, of mayflies from gathering, enhancing road safety for everyone, said Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio. Gregory Moore, suspect in Aliza Shermans murder, back in Ohio The lights will be turned back on once the hatching season ends, according to the news release. Pedestrians and bikers are reminded to use extra caution in the affected communities, and drivers are asked to slow down. Additionally, residents are encouraged to turn off porch lights at night to keep the insects away 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 8 Cleveland WJW. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) People living with stress from caring for those with dementia and memory loss dont need to do it alone as we enter the second half of Mental Health Awareness Month. We Help Caregivers is an organization connected to SUNY Plattsburgh that offers monthly support groups in six counties in Northeastern New York. It operates under the Alzheimers Disease Caregiver Support Initiative, or ADCSI. Support groups are held in person in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington counties, as well as virtually on the second Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pre-registration is required for support groups. Those in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties should contact Brooke Dubuque at (518) 915-3115 or bmdubuque@alz.org, while those in Hamilton, Warren, and Washington Counties should contact Lindsay Stanislowsky at (518) 888-5368 or listanislowsky@alz.org. The organization also runs memory cafes, free opportunities for people with dementia and their caregivers to socialize in a low-stress, controlled environment. RSVP is encouraged but not required, and more details can be found on the organizations website. Community arts center in Saranac Lake will close its doors The organization says, According to the Alzheimers Association, nearly 60% of dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high Research shows that caregiver social support groups significantly help relieve the burden of caregiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADCSI is an established program by the New York Department of Health. It provides grants to promote support for caregivers for those with Alzheimers, dementia, and other memory disorders. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. Editor's note: The article was updated with details about Crown Prince Haakon's meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway arrived in Ukraine on May 20, marking the first visit by a member of the Norwegian royal family during Russia's invasion. The Norwegian heir to the throne arrived by train on the morning of May 20, accompanied by Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland. They were welcomed by Norwegian Ambassador Helene Sand Andresen and Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haakon met President Volodymyr Zelensky, who voiced gratitude for "this meaningful gesture of attention and support for our people." I met with Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. The Crown Prince began his first visit to Ukraine by visiting a rehabilitation center in Irpin. I am grateful for this meaningful gesture of attention and support for our people. During the meeting, we discussed strengthening energy pic.twitter.com/a58cchHvzR Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 20, 2025 "We appreciate the $450 million contribution of Norway to Ukraine's energy security," Zelensky said. "We also touched on deepening cultural ties between our nations and investment in the defense sector. There is strong potential in all these areas." As part of his visit, the crown prince is further scheduled to meet Norwegian partners working with Ukraine and visit facilities receiving support from Norway's Nansen Program, the Norwegian government said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nansen Program is Oslo's primary initiative for delivering military and civilian aid, committing 205 billion Norwegian krone ($20 billion) in support to Ukraine between 2023 and 2030. Haakon also visited a memorial for fallen soldiers in Moshchun in Kyiv Oblast and a hospital in Irpin to meet injured Ukrainian soldiers. "The visit is an expression of Norway's strong and ongoing support for the Ukrainian government and people," the Norwegian Royal House said in a statement. It marks the first visit by a Norwegian royal family member since the visit of Haakon's spouse, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, in 2008. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Norways Crown Prince Haakon has arrived in Ukraine, marking the first visit by a member of the Norwegian royal family in nearly two decades. Source: Norwegian broadcaster NRK, as reported by European Pravda Details: Crown Prince Haakon arrived by train on the morning of 20 May and disembarked "at a station outside the capital", reportedly in the Bucha-Irpin area. He was welcomed by the Norwegian ambassador and a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko. Prince Haakon arriving in Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: HEIKO JUNGE / NTB Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland also joined the visit. "This visit is a demonstration of Norway's strong and continued support for the Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian people," stated the royal familys press service in a communique. The crown prince visited hospital where wounded Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing rehabilitation. He was also taken to a memorial for fallen defenders in the village of Moshchun the site of key battles during the defence of Kyiv in February and March 2022. Further meetings are planned with Ukrainian officials and representatives of projects and programmes that Norway supports in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first visit by a member of Norways royal family to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began and the first since 2008, when Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited Kyiv. Background: In April, the Norwegian government approved an increase in assistance to Ukraine for 2025, raising it to nearly US$8 billion. Since April 2025, Norway has officially joined the drone coalition for Ukraine. Additionally, Norway continues to support the evacuation of seriously ill Ukrainian patients who require special transport. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A hospital network is speaking out on recent union activity and labor issues. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, nurses employed by Premier Health believe they are being hassled by the company. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were threatened with arrest by the hospital, Emily Wu said. Last week, some nurses told News Center 7 that they believe one former nurse was fired for trying to organize a union. Hospital leaders told News Center 7s Mike Campbell that they prefer not to have more unions. >>RELATED: 1 fired, multiple disciplined as nurses work to unionize at Miami Valley Hospital, organizers claim Although they said they will work with any new certified employee union, and are currently working to negotiate a contract with the CareFlight union. The leaders believe they are improving employee relations every day and have problems with some of the claims theyve heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have not, would not, nor would I condone, permit, or allow us to terminate anyone on the basis of wanting to unionize, Premier Health Chief Human Resources Officer Stacey Lawson said. Lawson could not say why the nurse was fired due to confidentiality concerns. Let me be really clear with you, we are not anti-union, Lawson said. Lawson said 17 hospital systems across the country have recently unionized. At Miami Valley Hospital, CareFlight nurses and paramedics just voted in a union. Now its not our preference, we want to work directly with caregivers, weve seen a lot of success working directly with caregivers, Lawson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson admitted that the network is aware that some are trying to unionize nurses and patient care technicians (PCTs). News Center 7 previously obtained video from nurses working to unionize last week. It shows Miami Valley Hospital police making sure those passing out union information stayed on the sidewalks, didnt block traffic, or step on hospital property. However, the hospital leaders claim they are always open to hearing concerns from employees. We are an organization that is built on having not only direct two-way conversations but trust, transparency, Lawson said. As previously reported by News Center 7, CareFlight nurses have not reached a contract agreement with Premier Health. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Attorney Ven Johnson stands in front of the Midland County Courthouse for a press conference marking the five year anniversary of the Edenville Dam failure on May 19, 2025. | Screenshot Marking the five year anniversary of the 2020 Edenville Dam failure, a host of residents whose homes were damaged by the dams collapse gathered outside the Midland County Courthouse Monday, calling for the state to step up and make things right with those impacted by the flood. Not a single dime has been collected. Let me repeat that, not a single dime has been collected by these folks behind me, the true victims and survivors, nor on behalf of their attorneys. Not a single dime has been offered by the state of Michigan to step up to do the right thing, attorney Ven Johnson told reporters, arguing the states response to residents seeking accountability through the courts had been to defend, delay, deny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson recounted the past 5 years of legal proceedings, as residents impacted by the flooding seek damages from the Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources, alleging the state knew the dam was not safe for continued operations, but still authorized the dam operator, Boyce Hydro, to raise the water levels within the lake created by the dam. View from Curtis Road bridge in Edenville after the dam broke in 2020 | C.J. Postal of Saginaw The state attributes the dams failure to historic levels of rainfall. More than 11,000 people and 2,500 structures were damaged due to flooding, with the states initial estimate for damages coming out to $250 million. While a federal judge later found Boyce Hydro responsible for the dams failure, ordering the dams former owner Lee Mueller to pay $119 million in environmental damage, Johnson argued the state had yet to properly respond to the complaint filed by residents shortly after the dam collapsed. He pointed to an order filed by Court of Claims Judge Douglas Shapiro in October 2023, which notes this case was filed over three years ago and that no Answer has ever been filed and that no discovery has yet occurred. Shapiro called the states repeated requests to reverse a previous order, which partly denied the states effort to resolve the case without bringing it to trial, time-consuming and unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Court of Claims Judge James Robert Redford last week denied another request to resolve the case in favor of the state without going to trial, Johnson predicted the state would appeal the decision, noting that the government retains an automatic right of appeal. Johnson said he would be objecting to that request, as would the attorneys standing beside him at the conference. Sadly, this is a months, plural, long process, he said. Johnson repeatedly compared the states legal approach to the way it handled legal proceedings in the Flint Water Crisis where the state was ordered to pay $600 million to Flint residents and property owners whose water was contaminated. Theres your blueprint for how the state of Michigan deals with infrastructure failure. No one went to jail, no one was prosecuted, and it was the Civil lawyers who did what they did and exactly what were doing in this case to try to bring some semblance of justice, Johnson said. That took them eight and a half years before the State of Michigan stepped up and began to take responsibility and pay for the damage.But even so, that litigation, in many respects, is ongoing even today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the state pursued several state officials, including Republican former Gov. Rick Snyder for their role and response in the Flint water crisis, the efforts failed to return any convictions after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in 2022 the charges were invalid. The residents pursuing the state for the dam collapse are scheduled to go to trial in January 2026, Johnson said. However, if the case is allowed to proceed, he expects the state will take the case all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court. In the meantime, Mike and Lisa Callan, whose home was destroyed by the flooding, said the burden is getting greater and greater each year. We have a couple mortgages were still paying on this property. And, you know, now, now we have a water assessment coming. You know, my water assessment is about $48,000 for a piece of property that has absolutely, you know, nothing there, Mike Callan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carl Hamman, a member of the Sanford Village Council, warned that residents could lose their homes over the assessment fees the state is requiring to rebuild the Edenville, as well as the Sanford Dam, which was located downstream. If theyre living on and Im on Social Security If youre living only on Social Security, I cant afford another $5,000 a year tax. Cant do it. Ill have to walk away from the place that Ive been at for 35 years, Hamman said. Kevin Carlson, another attorney working on residents behalf, said the dam failure was not just a natural disaster but a failure of government and a breach of trust. Five years after the Edenville Dam failure Mike and Lisa Callan discuss their ongoing difficulties after their home was destroyed in the disaster. | Screenshot What the state officials knew here, by January of 2020 at the very latest, was that the Edenville Dam did not meet the minimum safety requirements for a dam to continue operating in the state of Michigan. The people behind me, the people that live downstream from this dam, they didnt know that, Carlson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They couldnt take matters into their own hands and start evacuating early. They count on the state acting behind closed doors to know that when a dam is unsafe for continued operation, theres one thing you shouldnt do to it: load up the lake behind it with more water. Thats what the state authorized the dam operator to do. Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Attorney General, which is representing EGLE and the DNR, said the failure of the dam was tragic, but noted it was not a state-owned dam and that survivors of the flood had already sued the dam owner and forced liquidation of their assets. Despite the claims of plaintiffs attorney Johnson today, the litigation still pending in the Court of Claims is nothing like the Flint water litigation, and there is no appeal pending in it, Wimmer said. Plaintiffs in this litigation already lost their lawsuit against the county governments because they did not have evidence to back up their allegations. We expect the same thing will happen in the Court of Claims. The plaintiffs do not have the evidence to support their allegations. Instead, the evidence confirms that the state agencies are not responsible for the dams failure, Wimmer said, before noting the departments sympathies lie with those affected by the dam failures. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Another Crossing The Rubicon Moment Lets quickly run through the many telling and odd aspects of the still-unseen criminal case against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) for an alleged incident that took place while conducting her constitutional oversight duties: Still no charging documents publicly available this morning as we go to press. That didnt stop top Trump DOJ officials from touting the charges. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba of New Jersey posted a statement on X, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche weighed in, too. For those of us who anticipated politically motivated criminal charges against Democratic members of Congress in a white-nationalism-infused Trump II presidency, the fact that the first member charged is a Black woman resonates on several levels. While its hard to assess the charges without any charging documents, the muddied and conflicting accounts of what happened at the ICE detention center in Newark would typically be enough by itself to eschew criminal charges. Not always, but often, and especially when the case bumps up hard against constitutional separation of powers concerns. Habbas simultaneous decision to drop a criminal trespass charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arising out of the same incident for the sake of moving forward is not a reason Ive ever heard a federal prosecutor give for withdrawing charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminally charging opposition political leaders at the same time you are dismantling the infrastructure for pursuing public corruption cases is an authoritarian one-two punch. So is this bit of gaslighting from Blanche: [A]ssaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated. This Administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe. Contrast that with this next item. Price Tag On Babbitt Settlement: $5M The Trump DOJs tentative settlement of the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the estate of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan. 6 rioter shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer as she was storming the Capitol, reportedly calls for a $5 million payment to Babbitts family. Reacting to the news, outgoing Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said: This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours. The Corruption: DOJ Weaponization Edition A sampling of some of the worst and most bizarre transgressions of the past 24 hours: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With President Trump running the Justice Department out of the White House, he called for a major investigation into spurious allegations he invented that Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono violated campaign finance laws in how they supported Kamala Harris presidential campaign. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell bizarrely called the art centers deferred maintenance and its financial deficit criminal and said he was referring the mundanities of arts administration to the D.C. U.S. attorney. The Trump DOJ is launching a new unit to make unprecedented use of the False Claims Act to target university DEI programs. While it would mostly pursue civil claims, DAG Todd Blanche went as far as threatening criminal prosecution in some instances. The Trump DOJs Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into the city of Chicago for hiring Black people. Im not sure how else to put it. Trumps Message: Do My Bidding And Youll Be Rewarded The controversial Emil Bove III, who was a criminal defense attorney for President Trump before being named a top Justice Department official, is on the short list for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The End Of CBS News As We Knew It Paramounts determination to bend the knee to President Trump by settling his bogus lawsuit against 60 Minutes has cost CBS News President Wendy McMahon her job. Quote Of The Day Of course a president openly filling his pockets with direct (albeit thinly veiled) payoffs from people with business before the government is an attack on the republic. Of course the president pardoning political allies for crimes is an attack on the republic. Of course disappearing people off the streets and sending them to foreign prison camps is an attack on the republic. Of course violating basic constitutional rules about spending government money; defying court orders; denying habeas rights; intimidating media outlets and universities and law firms; and on and on are all attacks on the republic. Jonathan Bernstein 4th Circuit Upholds Facilitate Order In AEA Case In an important Alien Enemies Act case, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals declined to stay a lower court order that the Trump administration facilitate the return of a Venezuelan man deported to El Salvador in violation of an existing court-approved settlement agreement, TPM first reported. Another Facilitate Case Pops Up In Texas In a new order, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison of Houston gave the Trump administration 24 hours to (i) confirm the location and condition of a Venezuelan man believed to have been removed to El Salvador on March 15; and (ii) to explain the legal basis for his continued detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anticipating resistance from the Trump administration, Ellison also imposed several other important conditions on the government if it claims an inability to facilitate communication due to lack of control over El Salvadoran facilities. In Other Alien Enemies Act News U.S. District Judge John Holcomb has blocked removals under the AEA in the Central District of California. Jason Willick reminds us of the Trump DOJs complete about-face on whether AEA detainees are entitled to due process. Roger Parloff has another eminently accessible thread, this one on the Supreme Courts AEA ruling Friday: House GOP Lurches Toward Vote On Big Bill With Speaker Mike Johnson gunning to vote this week on President Trumps centerpiece legislation, the WSJ unpacks in an accessible way whats in it. The Purges: Trauma Edition WaPo: White House officials wanted to put federal workers in trauma. Its working. IMPORTANT In one of the few clear examples weve had so far of a court stopping President Trumps effort to dismantle a government agency, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell of D.C. has largely reversed the White Houses attack on the U.S. Institute of Peace. Trump Folds Bigly On Ukraine After Talking To Putin President Trump made another remarkable and devastating capitulation to Vladimir Putin that leaves Ukraine twisting in the wind after it spent months trying to accommodate a hostile American president. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! The Bureau of the Bern Convention under the Council of Europe has voiced strong opposition to the allocation of the Markhalivsky Forest for the construction of a military memorial cemetery, the Ukrainian authorities have been informed. This was reported by the Kyiv Ecological and Cultural Center, citing the Bureau's response to a complaint filed by defenders of the forest, which is part of the international Emerald Network of protected areas. "In particular, the Bureau of the Bern Convention questioned why the authorities decided to build a military cemetery specifically within an Emerald Network site. The Bureau believes that allocating even a small portion of the land does not justify the destruction of protected habitats or the lack of a mandatory environmental impact assessment. It called for an immediate halt to logging and requested additional information on emergency trees and affected areas," the Kyiv Ecological and Cultural Center stated on Facebook. The Bureau also invited the authorities to identify alternative locations outside the Emerald Network and to conduct an assessment of the potential impact on species that may be affected by the cemetery's construction. It also raised concerns about the implementation of the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal's ruling on January 16, 2025, which invalidated Cabinet Resolution No. 225 on the cemetery's construction. On January 16, 2025, a panel of judges at the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge L.V. Belova, ruled in favor of the Kyiv Ecological and Cultural Center's lawsuit, declaring null and void Cabinet Resolution No. 225 dated March 1, 2024. The resolution, titled "Certain Issues of Tree, Shrub, Lawn, and Flowerbed Removal During the Preparation and/or Construction and Operation of the National Military Memorial Cemetery," had authorized widespread deforestation in the Markhalivsky Forest. Thus, the appeals court deemed the Cabinet resolution unlawful, effectively suspending the massive tree felling operations in the forest carried out to make way for the military cemetery. "In other words, the construction of the military memorial cemetery in Markhalivsky Forest, overseen by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, is illegal and must be halted. A new location must be found immediately. Otherwise, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs will have to deal with the Council of Europe," the Kyiv Ecological and Cultural Center said. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Timothy OMalley, a graduate of Notre Dame and DePaul University, was just named Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Indianapolis Field Office. Before being promoted to the new position, OMalley was the Section Chief in the Lab Division at the FBI Headquarters, as Chief of the Forensic Response Section since October 2023. OMalley began his career as a special agent in March 2001, where he was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office investigating organized crime, gangs, and public corruption. While in Honolulu, OMalley was also a member of the Hawaii HIDTA Task Force and the Honolulu SWAT team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, OMalley was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and assigned to headquarters. While there, OMalley served on the Criminal Investigative Divisions Executive Staff for Strategic Planning and Coordination. In 2010, OMalley was promoted again to the Legat for Bucharest. During his time in Bucharest working as Legat he also had a territorial responsibility for Romania, Hungary, and the Republic of Moldova. Once he finished his Legat duties in 2013, OMalley was sent to Columbia, South Carolina, to become the White-Collar Crime and Public Corruption Squad Supervisor, before becoming the JTTF and International Terrorism Squad Supervisor in 2014. In 2015, OMalley was sent to Sydney, Australia where he was promoted once again to ALAT Sydney and worked as the FBIs representative to Australias Joint Counterterrorism Task Forces in New South Wales and Queensland. Next, OMalley was promoted in 2019 to the Assistant Inspector/Team Leader in the Inspection Division. In this role, he led reviews of FBI field offices and programs and shooting investigations. Later on, hed be promoted again to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Cincinnati Field Office over the Cyber Crime, Intelligence, and Administrative Programs. OMalley couldnt have done all that, though, without his education he received from Indiana and Illinois universities. OMalley graduated with a BBA from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend and a JD from DePaul University in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining the FBI, OMalley also worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For the first time since 2016, the number of pig slaughters in Germany rose slightly last year, according to new figures released on Tuesday. The German Pig Farmers' Association (ISN) said that 44.65 million animals were slaughtered in 2024, 1.8% more than in 2023. Between 2016 and 2023, the ISN reported a sharp decline of 25.8% in slaughter numbers. The effects of this period of decline had still been clearly felt in the slaughter industry last year, according to the ISN's slaughterhouse ranking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, abattoirs belonging to the Dutch company Vion have been closed or taken over by other businesses, resulting in longer transport routes to slaughterhouses and higher costs for local pig farmers in some regions, according to the association. The ISN says Vion's withdrawal from Germany has caused shifts in the market, significantly widening the gap between the two largest slaughterhouse companies, Tonnies and Westfleisch, and their competitors. The Tonnies Group remains the largest pig slaughterer in Germany by a wide margin. According to the ISN, the two companies together hold a market share of around 45%. The third-place company, Danish Crown, only accounts for 6.2%. Germany's Federal Information Centre for Agriculture has noted a slight increase in meat consumption in 2024, which was helped by the relatively moderate rise in consumer prices. Pat Raes, a Meriter hospital nurse and president of SEIU Wisconsin, addresses union nurses and their supporters at a rally April 8, 2025. On Tuesday the union announced it would strike starting May 27. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) Nurses at Madisons Meriter hospital plan to walk off the job for five days starting Tuesday, May 27, after negotiations on a new union contract ended Monday night without an agreement. The hospital management and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin, which represents about 950 nurses at the hospital, are divided over pay, security provisions and whether the hospital should commit to specific ratios of how many patients are under a nurses care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nurses have been clear with Meriter management that we will strike for patient and staff safety, improved compensation to retain nurses, and staffing solutions that include the voices of bedside nurses who care for patients day in and day out, declared a union statement issued Tuesday morning. Meriter is still not listening to the nurses. If the strike goes forward, it is scheduled to last for five days, with union members returning on Sunday, June 1. Update: In a statement Tuesday, Meriter said there was a bargaining session scheduled for Monday, May 26, the day before the strike is scheduled to start. An SEIU Wisconsin spokesperson said Wednesday that the union never agreed to that session, and that a bargaining date has been scheduled for Thursday, May 29. In order to allow hospitals to secure temporary replacement staff or move patients, federal law requires hospital workers to give at least 10 days notice before striking, which SEIU Wisconsin gave May 9. The union also opted for a fixed duration for the walkout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont take going on strike lightly, but we truly feel in order to make the changes that are necessary were willing to fight to make things safe for our patients, said Pat Raes, a long-time Meriter nurse and also president of SEIU Wisconsin, in an interview May 14. Weve called a five-day strike because our goal isnt to walk away from the table its to make UnityPoint Meriter finally hear the voices of nurses, Raes said Tuesday. This timeline reflects the urgency of our demands while giving the hospital every opportunity to return to negotiations in good faith. She said the five-day window was chosen to match the standard five-day contract used by health care staffing agencies, such as would be called to cover the striking nurses, to send a strong, clear message without unnecessary disruption to patient care. We hope Meriter uses these five days to come back with real solutions. The hospital, UnityPoint Health-Meriter, is one of 17 regional hospitals in the large, Iowa-centered nonprofit health care chain, UnityPoint Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been in a union environment for decades and know that a strike could happen. We always work very, very hard to avoid that, said Sherry Casali, market chief nursing officer for the hospital, in a statement released to the press Tuesday. I think both parties would prefer not to have a strike. The hospital statement said Meriters management was disappointed there were not more talks prior to Monday. Meriter leadership will remain available throughout this week to return to the table and we encourage SEIU to do the same, the statement said. In past years, the union and the hospital have worked with federal mediators during contract talks. This year federal mediation wasnt available after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in March gutting the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), nursesan independent federal agency. Although that order was blocked by a federal judge May 6, the union and hospital turned instead to the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defined patient-nurse ratios have been a longtime goal for union nurses. California and Massachusetts both have state laws setting certain minimum ratios, according to NurseJournal.org. A limited number of other states require hospitals to publish their nurse-to-staff ratios. The more patients you take care of once you get above that ratio puts every patient that youre taking care of at higher risk for complications and higher risk for mortality, Raes said. The statement the hospital issued Tuesday acknowledged that both parties agree on the importance of safe and effective staffing, but said that mandated ratios limit flexibility and could make it more difficult to adjust to patient needs and staff availability in real time. The hospital statement said the facility relies on its charge nurses, who are key to staffing and have clear avenues to discuss any patient care needs throughout each shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are limits to flexibility, however, according to the members of the nursing staff. Flexibility sometimes works and sometimes doesnt, said Amanda Husk, a postpartum nurse. We just know theres always a base need for nurses to make sure patients are safe. Husk said ensuring that the ratio of nurses is always sufficient also prevents burnout and turnover of nurses. Thats a big deal. Raes said nurses also wanted stronger security measures including metal detectors in light of violent incidents at hospitals across the country that have led to injuries or deaths of health care workers. The hospitals statement said its security staff regularly updates security measures and plans additional unspecified changes this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On pay, Raes said that while nurses in their first 12 years have had significant raises, those at the upper end of the scale for pay and longevity dont see their pay keeping up. The shift to a 401(k) retirement plan from a standard pension has diminished the incentive for more experienced nurses to stick around, said Raes, while the original pension plan encouraged longevity on the job. Meriters statement said the hospitals most recent pay offer would keep its nurses some of the best-paid nurses in Wisconsin as well as in Madison. This report was updated Wednesday with new information about when upcoming bargaining is to take place. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW YORK (AP) New York Gov. Kathy Hochul formally apologized Tuesday for the atrocities she says were committed at an upstate boarding school where Native American youths were forcibly separated from their families and forced to assimilate into American society. The Democrat, speaking on the grounds of the former Thomas Indian School on Seneca Nation land, said students were subjected to unimaginable physical, emotional and sexual assaults during the institutions more than 100-year existence. Instead of being a haven for orphan children, it became a place of nightmares, Hochul said. A place some would call a torture chamber, the site of sanctioned ethnic cleansing. Thats what was going on here. Trying to eradicate the long, proud story of the Senecas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,500 students from tribes across the state attended the school in western New York, which operated from 1875 to 1957 and was among hundreds of such boarding schools across the U.S. Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca, whose father attended the school, said the apology was an important reckoning for the dark and tragic period in the tribe's history. "It is a day that many people thought would never happen, he said in a statement after the event. Healing takes time, but it also requires accountability for the pain that people caused. We still feel the pain. Now, with Governor Hochuls words of apology, our healing process can continue. Hochul, during what the tribe said was the first official visit by a sitting New York governor to Seneca land, met with school survivors and their family members. She said she learned about how the schools harsh environment affected generations of tribe members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children in that school didnt feel like they had a family. They were lonely, she said. No one gave them hugs or kisses goodnight, so when they became parents themselves, they were not conditioned to nurture or give love. Hochul vowed her budget will propose the creation of new education materials about local indigenous communities and their contributions. A deeper understanding of the people whose land we are on and what they have gone through. That is a first step forward, she said. Originally called the Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children, the school was established by Presbyterian missionaries in 1855 and taken over by the state in 1875. It was named after Philip E. Thomas, an early benefactor and president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The institution was among more than 400 government-supported schools established throughout the country with the goal of assimilating Native American youths. But the schools, which operated for roughly 150 years, had a devastating impact on Native American communities. Staff at the schools worked to strip Native children of their traditions and heritage. Teachers and administrators cut their hair, forbade them from speaking their own languages and forced them into manual labor. Students, forcibly separated from their families, endured torture, sexual abuse and hatred from school officials. More than 900 children died at the schools, the last of which closed or transitioned into different institutions decades ago. Former President Joe Biden in October 2024 visited the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to formally apologize to Native Americans for the sin of the nations government-run boarding school system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But at least $1.6 million in federal funds destined for research projects on the boarding schools have been among the casualties of President Donald Trumps efforts to rein in the federal bureaucracy. Some Seneca tribe members were skeptical of Hochuls goodwill gesture. Lori Quigley, a Niagara University professor whose mother attended the Thomas school for 10 years as a young child, said she hoped the governor offered more than words. An apology is one thing, she said by phone ahead of the visit. What actions is she going to take in acknowledging this? These traumas are still impacting our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Hill, a tribe member whose father was among the last class of students before the school was shuttered, dismissed the visit as empty words. After all, he said, the Hochul administration and the tribe have been negotiating for years over how much if any of the tribes casino revenues the state should be allowed to collect. Theyre saying sorry for the school, but theyll continue extorting money from us in the form of gaming revenues, said Hill. Its a joke. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A man from New York has pleaded guilty to threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel over her religious beliefs and sexual orientation. Sign up for breaking news alert emails Kevin Delgado, a 40-year-old from Bayside, New York, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. He faces up to five years in prison. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office of Eastern Michigan, Nessel posted a photo to her X account on Oct. 21, 2023. It showed her and a friend, Samantha Woll, who had recently been murdered, talking about her friends faith and contributions to the community. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, right, posted this photo to X on Oct. 21, 2023, hours after her friend, Samantha Woll, left, was murdered in Detroit. (Courtesy Dana Nessel/X) Investigators say Delgado replied to the post with a threat and later confessed to authorities that he made the threats because he knew Nessel was both gay and Jewish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheyvoreyea Gibson, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan, said Delgados actions are unacceptable. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violates Campaign Finance Act, AG confirms Threatening public officials is both illegal and unacceptable. The hateful comments made by Mr. Delgado online were especially outrageous, Gibson said in a statement. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who make these dangerous and harmful threats against officials dedicated to serving and protecting our communities. Delgado is set to be sentenced on Sept. 22. 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. The developer behind the controversial One45 for Harlem project, which could bring nearly 1,000 new apartments to Upper Manhattan, was grilled on affordability and other issues by members of the City Council at a hearing Tuesday ahead of an all-important final vote. Members of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises questioned developer Bruce Teitelbaum about the long-stalled concept, which proposes building a pair of 34-story towers with 968 apartments and commercial space at the intersection of 145th St. and Lenox Ave a massive infusion amid the citys ongoing housing crisis. Councilmember Yusef Salaam, who represents the area and exerts tremendous influence over whether or not One45 will pass in the Council, expressed myriad concerns about the project. But he but also expressed an openness that could bode well for the its chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This proposal comes to us at a very pivotal moment. It provides an opportunity to uplift the community by creating quality housing options, local retail and a much needed community space and more, Salaam said. The question is, for whom. Approximately 291 of the units would be designated affordable, a figure Salaam described as definitely too low. That number could more than double as part of an alternate plan Teiteilbaum has floated in tandem with Borough President Mark Levine, first reported by the Daily News, that would see a nonprofit develop one of the towers as 100% affordable in coordination with the citys Department of Housing Preservation and Development. But that version would hinge on significant government subsidies and is far from a done deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deals timeline is set by project readiness, developer capacity, and financing availability, HPD spokesperson Matt Rauschenbach said in a statement. In this case, HPD continues to be actively engaged with the One45 project owner, and we look forward to continuing those conversations. Salaam and committee Chair Kevin Riley repeated longstanding concerns around affordability levels, gentrification, building heights and the potential environmental impact. They also called for more family-sized units, as almost half of the planned units are one-bedroom apartments. Teitelbaum in turn touted his years of community engagement efforts, commitment to fix up the beleaguered block and the projects green energy credentials. The development would also include a tech center, a banquet hall and retail space. One45 is not just another housing development, it is a significant and a serious community investment, he told the committee. We have listened, we have improved and we have responded and now we respectfully ask the City Council to support this project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays hearing was one of the last steps in the citys monthslong land use review process, which One45 needs to pass before the project can be built. The first rezoning attempt famously fell apart in 2022 after pushback from the local councilmember at the time, Kristin Richardson Jordan, who wanted the project to be 100% affordable. Teitelbaum subsequently withdrew the proposal and turned the lot into a truck depot, angering the community; Jordan dropped her reelection bid amid the fallout. Teitelbaum apologized Tuesday for the truck depot, saying In retrospect it was a mistake. The political atmosphere is far more pro-development than it was the last time Teitelbaum tried to pass One45, and he struck a cautiously optimistic note on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very hopeful, I think theres a real light at the end of the tunnel, he told the News following the hearing. I feel confident but were not there yet, theres still work to do. The Councils deciding vote will take place in the coming weeks. NEW YORK Mayor Eric Adams signed a business engagement agreement with Israels government on Monday, seeking to draw a sharp contrast with local progressive Democrats calling for divesting from the country over its military campaign in Gaza. Adams, who has centered his reelection bid on a need to combat antisemitism in the city, signed the agreement with Israeli Economic Minister Nir Barkat while appearing together at The Jerusalem Post conference in Manhattan. The agreement establishes a council, staffed by City Hall and Israeli government reps, tasked with finding ways to enhance economic cooperation. Specifically, the panel will support Israeli companies seeking to set up shop in New York, with a focus on firms in the artificial intelligence, life sciences and environmental innovation sectors, per the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Gaza has prompted growing calls across the globe for sanctions against Israel. In New York, progressive politicians, including mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, have voiced support for pulling U.S. funding and investments from Israel. In remarks before signing the agreement, Adams pushed back against those calls and aligned himself with Israel, while referring to Barkat, a member of Netanyahus ruling right-wing party, as his good friend and brother. Several politicians in this city and some running for mayor have called for the disinvestment in Israel. Well, they got another thing coming, he said, adding that the city will continue to foster business ties with Israel as long as I am mayor. Adams has made support for Israel a key focus of his bid for a second term, an effort that stands to curry favor with the citys politically influential Jewish Orthodox community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid fallout from the Trump administrations controversial dismissal of his corruption indictment, Adams dropped out of the Democratic mayoral primary last month and announced hes instead seeking reelection as an independent in Novembers general election, running on an EndAntiSemitism ballot line. Mondays announcement comes after Adams launched a new Office to Combat Antisemitism last week that he says will, in part, focus on pulling any city funding from nonprofits his administration deems antisemitic. _____ CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) Looking for a job in teaching? New York City Public Schools will be looking to fill positions for teachers in all subjects at an upcoming hiring fair in Brooklyn. Perspective applicants for teaching positions can join the Brooklyn South Hiring Fair on May 28 at Clara Barton High School from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. More Local News Representatives from more than 25 different high schools will be on-site to meet candidates and discuss open positions for all subjects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entry into the hiring hall is free but interested candidates are advised to register online and bring physical copies of their resumes and cover letters. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 far-left wing of the citys Democratic Party is plotting against mayoral front-runner Andrew Cuomo by helping socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani win over a larger share of minority voters, The Post has learned. Leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America still believe they see a path to victory for Mamdani in the June 24 primary by targeting older, non-white, outer borough working class voters, they told members at a recent gathering of the local DSA chapter, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting. The sources said the group also plans to focus on older liberals who are scared of President Trump. The Democratic Socialists of America are targeting older minority voters to help Zohran Mamdani win the Democratic mayoral primary. Tomas E. Gaston Mamdani, 33, is running second to Cuomo, 67, in recent polling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DSA leaders attacked the nastiest parts of the Democratic Party during the meeting, singling out AIPAC (American Israel Affairs Public Affairs Committee), Solidarity PAC and billionaires, according to sources. They also rapped the establishment shameless machine Dems who pushed the more moderate Cuomo to resign as governor in 2021 over sexual misconduct accusations he denies but now back him because they think his win is inevitable and their donors fear Zohran. The strategy is already playing out. Days after the DSA meeting, the state Assemblyman from Astoria stood by former Squad Rep. Jamaal Bowman in Co-op City, where he accepted the controversial ex-lawmakers endorsement hoping to court his former constituents in the minority-heavy section of the Bronx. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo seen marching in the Israel Day parade on May 18, 2025. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a progressive, is also one of the Latino politicians backing Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Mamdani posted a video on social media urging supporters to donate to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams mayoral campaign. The last minute pitch could help Adams, no relation to Mayor Eric Adams, qualify for public matching funds. Adrienne Adams, who is black, has moved up in the polls despite meager resources. Fourteen percent of black voters back her candidacy in the latest Marist poll second to the 50% backing Cuomo received despite only entering the race in March. Mamdani hasnt surpassed the teens in most polls. Mamdani urged supporters to donate to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in a bid to defeat Cuomo. Paul Martinka His campaign also announced Monday that it has knocked on more than 500,000 doors across the five boroughs and boasts more than 20,000 volunteers committed to knocking on more than 1 million homes by Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Cuomo camp scoffed at the DSA strategy. Thats the problem, to them its which cynical strategy do we need to fool people into embracing our brand of silver spoon socialism? said Cuomo campaign spokesman Rich Azzopardi. To us its a multi decade relationship where Andrew Cuomo worked hard, delivered, and improved their lives. DSA leaders blasted shameless machine Dems who are backing Cuomo. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images Democratic campaign strategist Basil Smikle said it will be a tall order to pull black and Latino voters especially older voters away from Cuomo. The ex-governor has been meeting with black and Latino leaders and visiting churches over the last two years, wooing support while embarking on his rehabilitation tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of older voters who saw his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smikle, a former executive director of the state Democratic Party, added. He was Americas governor the way Rudy Giuliani was Americas mayor during 9/11. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Cuomo backer, said: The Bronx is Cuomo country. Andrew Cuomo is going to be the next Mayor of New York City. Hes going to win the Bronx by an overwhelming margin, Torres, a Democrat, predicted. It wont even be close. UPDATE (5/20/25) Mazza-Siragusa was located by Endicott Police and checked out at a local hospital. DEPOSIT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) New York State Police at Deposit are asking for your help to locate a missing teen last seen over the weekend. Troopers say 17-year-old Damian Mazza-Siragusa was last seen around 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, in the Deposit area. He was wearing light sweatpants, black and white sneakers, and a dark sweatshirt. He is approximately 5-feet-8-inches, weighing around 115 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (607)561-7400. Courtesy of New York State Police Troop C Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. Tales of Cities | Fly, float, and feast your way through C China's Yueyang, a city of history and poetry 08:32, May 20, 2025 By Liu Ning, Michael Kurtagh, Cao Xinyue, Ebulayi, Zhang Wenjie ( People's Daily Online "From afar, I gaze upon Dongting Lake's verdant waters and mountains; Junshan Island appears like a jade snail resting in a silver plate." Liu Yuxi, "Gazing at Dongting Lake" Longing to experience a romance that spans millennia? Head to Yueyang, located in central China's Hunan Province. A city steeped in poetry, history, and soul, Yueyang has been immortalized in the works of literary giants like Liu Yuxi, Du Fu, and Fan Zhongyan. It's a living anthology, waiting to be explored. Climb to the top of Yueyang Tower and take in the view that inspired generations of writers. On the waters of Dongting Lake, the past and present harmonize in stunning scenery and storied legacy. As the location of the legendary poet Qu Yuan's patriotic sacrifice, it's also the birthplace of dragon boat culture, and the perfect place to enjoy the festival and the dragon boat races held to celebrate it. But Yueyang offers more than just echoes of the past. Wander through lush wetlands and meet the gentle milu, or Pere David's deer. Drop by Chenglingji Port to witness the heartbeat of modern commerce in action. And prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure. Yueyang's smoky barbecue, fresh-caught fish, and fragrant rice dishes will turn any visitor into a devoted foodie. Yueyang is ready with stories old and new, waiting for you to embark on a journey where tradition and modernity flow together like the waters of Dongting Lake itself. (Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Wu Chengliang) HARRISVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) The New York State Police are seeking the publics assistance in locating a stolen ATV as part of an investigation. Authorities state that a 2016 Honda Rancher, was stolen from State Street in Harrisville around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 315-366-6000. Reference case number NY2500418276. (Courtesy of New York State Police) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Two men have been arrested after Ontario County Investigators recovered cocaine, cash, and several firearms in the Town of Farmington. On May 19, OCSO investigators arrested Thomas Rodriguez Ortiz, 41, and John Kelley, 65 during a traffic stop in Farmington. This follows a joint investigation with the United States Postal Investigation Service with assistance from Canandaigua Police and Geneva Police. OCSO said the Investigation Division received information stating the two men were working together to traffic large amounts of cocaine in Ontario County and the surrounding area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the traffic stop, OCSO said investigators recovered around one kilogram of cocaine, over $12,000, and six firearms. Ortiz and Kelley are charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance (1st) and are being held at the Ontario County Jail for pre-arraignment detention. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department deputy killed in a crash on Monday afternoon has been identified as a 21-year-old who graduated from the academy less than a year ago and has four relatives within the department. Deputy Daniel V. Chavira was killed in the multi-vehicle crash that occurred around 3:17 p.m. on San Francisquito Canyon Road south of Dry Gulch Road in Santa Clarita. Arriving first responders found three vehicles with major damage and located multiple injured parties, and although his name was not released, CHP stated in a press release issued Monday evening that one of the crash victims was an off-duty LASD deputy who was airlifted to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital but died of his injuries there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other patients were taken to the same hospital via ambulance, but their conditions werent immediately disclosed. Paramedics are seen pulling an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) Paramedics are seen transporting an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) Paramedics are seen transporting an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy from a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita that ultimately killed him. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) The aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash that ultimately killed an off-duty L.A. County Sheriffs deputy is seen here in Santa Clarita. May 2025. (RMG News) L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna addressed the media outside the hospital on Monday night and confirmed the young deputys death. Unfortunately, we ost one of our very young deputies in an off-duty traffic collision earlier today, said Sheriff Luna in a video released by a local radio station. He was transported to this hospital where, unfortunately, he fought valiantly, but lost his life. Hannah Kobayashi breaks silence on her disappearance, fathers death Sheriff Luna mentioned Monday night that the deputys name had yet to be released at that time because hes got a very large family, and on Tuesday, the sheriffs department elaborated that four of the deceased deputys family members are part of LASD. Deputy Daniel V. Chavira as seen in a photo released by the L.A. County Sheriffs Department. Of the four, two are his siblings; brother Rene Valencia-Chavira is a deputy at LASDs Lancaster station and sister Nancy Alcaraz is a detective at the Palmdale station. Renes wife, Deputy Crystal Valencia, works with the department at the San Fernando Court and Nancys husband, Deputy Martin Alcaraz, works alongside his wife in Palmdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Southern California officer charged with fraud after drinking, dancing at Stagecoach In addition, Deputy Chavira leaves behind his father Rodrigo and another brother, also named Rodrigo. Though his watch ended too soon, his legacy of service will live on through those who loved him and continue his mission, LASD said on social media. Rest easy, Deputy Chavira. We have the watch. The cause of Monday afternoons crash has yet to be determined. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 late-night police chase sped across county lines from Westmoreland County to Allegheny County last week. Dispatch audio recordings from Broadcastify have State Police troopers in pursuit of a white Dodge Charger on Route 51 heading towards Elizabeth. While its not yet clear what started the chase, Channel 11 learned it came to a crashing end near Elizabeth Forward High School. Neighbors said the suspect hit the concrete pillar at the end of a driveway, went through the yard before hitting the curb and attempting to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources told Channel 11 an off-duty Elizabeth Township officer who lives nearby ran to help, tackling the suspect before the responding state troopers arrived. Sources said that at some point, when troopers got on scene, the off-duty officer was stomped, causing significant injuries to his face. Channel 11 was told the officer is not currently working while recovering at home. All state police troopers in Pennsylvania are required to wear body cameras. We asked the agency about the situation, how the off-duty officer was injured and if there is an internal investigation. We can neither comment on, nor confirm the existence of, any ongoing investigations, internal or otherwise, said Myles Snyder, PSP Communications Director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 11 did knock on the off-duty officers door, his family said they cant comment, as did the Elizabeth Township Police Chief. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A Pennsylvania state trooper was justified in the deadly shooting of a man suspected of stealing an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser and leading police on a multistate pursuit, according to the Beaver County district attorney. The incident started on April 4, when Deshawn Leeth reportedly assaulted an Ohio trooper, tried to steal his gun and fled in a marked cruiser that contained other firearms. Pennsylvania State Police were alerted as Leeth was heading towards the state line. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Police release video of chase that ended in crash, deadly officer-involved shooting on PA Turnpike Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He already assaulted one trooper today, stole a vehicle, and could have a weapon because there were weapons inside the Ohio vehicle, Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible said, citing the information troopers had at the time. Troopers performed a PIT maneuver on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Beaver County, causing the stolen cruiser to flip and catch fire. Despite Leeths actions, one trooper pulled him from the burning vehicle, with cover from a second trooper. Bible told Channel 11 that body camera footage shows Leeth swinging at one of the troopers and grabbing the officers rifle with enough force to dislodge the magazine. At that point, the trooper had to make a split-second decision, Bible said. You have to make a call if this guy is going to take the gun off of me and use it on me, or am I going to use the appropriate amount of force? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper fired a single shot, striking Leeth. He later died from his injuries. Bible reviewed the case and said the troopers actions were lawful. No criminal charges will be filed. State Police have not commented on the troopers current duty status. Channel 11 has reached out for further information and has not heard back. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, did not mince words about his nation's future during a regional conference in the nation's capital. According to reports by Enviro News Nigeria, the president declared a national emergency on food security. What's happening? The sixth annual African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage was held in April 2025, and officials in attendance highlighted concerns about water management in the future. Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, a region in northeast Nigeria that borders Chad, spoke plainly, "Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury." Nigeria does not lack water. According to a research paper published in late 2024, it has the most freshwater resources on the continent. However, a combination of industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage taints this precious resource. Rising global temperatures and the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events compound these problems. Why are water shortages in Nigeria important? The continued use of dirty energy is exacerbating rising global temperatures and extreme weather, making it more difficult for farmers to yield successful harvests. As a result, food shortages are a direct result of the overheating of our planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's more, according to the UN, Nigeria is one of the world's fastest-growing nations and is projected to eclipse the United States as the world's third-most populous nation by 2050. Unlike most other countries, Nigeria's fertility rate is far above the replacement rate of five births per woman. However, this growth is unevenly applied, and the poorer rural region in the north is leading this population boom. As the Economist reports, the fertility rate in Katsina state is mind-boggling at 7.4. Suffice it to say, feeding that massive population with dwindling resources will be a huge future challenge. Without drastic intervention, food insecurity could escalate into a major humanitarian crisis. What's being done about Nigeria's water crisis? Attendees at the conference are looking for innovative solutions to the problem, and researchers have called for stronger regulations and education to carve a better path forward. Adopting more sustainable agricultural practices like no-till farming has already shown some promise in South Africa. Similarly, Nigeria may also take notes from its neighbors. Farmers in Cameroon are reaping the benefits of using traditional, sustainable farming methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the long term, ditching polluting dirty energy in favor of clean renewable sources like wind and solar will also help mitigate the problem. Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. Officials are speaking out about the deadly Brooklyn Bridge boat crash that claimed two lives. For those unfamiliar, on May 17, two people lost their lives and over a dozen others were injured when a Mexican Navy training ship collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. The vessel, named Cuauhtemoc, was carrying 277 individuals and reportedly "lost power" before the crash, according to NYC Mayor Eric Adams. At the time of the incident on Saturday night, the ship was on a global goodwill tour and headed to Iceland, officials said. Officials told CNN that the ship was headed in the wrong direction due to wind currents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the current that took it under the bridge, the person said. It wasnt supposed to be headed in that direction. The senior official also stated the Cuauhtemocs captain told investigators he lost steering of the vessel after the rudder stopped working. They had some sort of mechanical issue, they lost power so without being able to use the rudder, they could not steer, the official said. Following the tragedy, the crew of the Cuauhtemoc remained on board overnight, a senior official stated. City officials are now working to safely disembark the crew and arrange their return to Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have identified one victim as 20-year-old cadet America Yamilet Sanchez. "I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet America Yamilet Sanchez. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family," the governor of Veracruz, Rocio Nahle, wrote in Spanish on social media. According to Mexican authorities, the second victim has been identified as Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos The Lake Nona High School student whose body was pulled last week from an Orlando lake has been identified. The student was 16-year-old Antony Garcia Santana, the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiners Office said Tuesday. A spokesperson said his death was ruled an accident and confirmed his cause of death as drowning. Santana was kayaking and paddleboarding May 14 with five other teenagers at Lake Whippoorwill when he went underwater, according to the Orlando Police Department. OPD officers responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m. that day. His body was recovered from the lake around 12:20 p.m. Thursday by the Orange County Sheriffs Office dive team after an extensive search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez released a statement on social media Thursday expressing condolences to Santanas loved ones. The sudden passing of a young life is an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to providing support for our students and staff as they navigate this grief, her statement said. Please keep his loved ones and the Lake Nona High School community in your thoughts as they mourn this profound loss. Vazquez said counselors would be available to anyone in need of support. King Co. Inc., based in Holland, will dredge about 12,400 cubic yards of sediment in Holland Harbor this year. [Photo/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] This story was originally published by Ottawa News Network. OTTAWA COUNTY Local, state and national officials are warning that unless Michigan environmental officials can fast-track PFAS regulations to allow for harbor dredging this year, it could end up costing Ottawa County residents millions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem arose when the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) implemented a new policy that requires testing for PFAS chemicals in sediment prior to being removed from federal harbors and channels. The new requirement has caused confusion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which said it cannot proceed with dredging Ottawa Countys Grand Haven inner harbor until EGLE determines how PFAS will impact the silt and sediment to be dredged. EGLE has not been clear regarding the terms of this policy, the extent to which this policy change could disrupt harbors and shipping throughout our state and the Great Lakes system, the relevant PFAS thresholds and disposal requirements, and the timing of implementation, said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who represents Michigans Fourth Congressional District, which includes the southern half of Ottawa County. If these matters are not properly addressed, the communities I represent could face serious economic harm. How we got here PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of manmade chemicals used in various products and industries, including firefighting foams, stain repellents, and non-stick cookware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other sources can come from industrial sites, such as power plants, as in Grand Haven. The coal-fired J.B. Sims Plant, which closed in 2020 and was demolished in 2021, left coal ash on the site, which contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium, arsenic and PFAS. Exposure in humans can lead to a range of health problems, including increased cholesterol, changes in the immune system, potential developmental delays and increased risk of certain cancers. Theres also evidence suggesting a link between PFAS and thyroid disease, liver damage and reproductive issues such as decreased fertility. As the chemicals became known to state environmental regulators there are seven known PFAS sites in Ottawa County policies were developed to help identify and monitor new contamination sites. That led to a new policy from EGLEs Water Resources Division in 2018 to require harbor sediment be tested for PFAS prior to dredging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dredging is the process of removing sediments and debris from the bottom of water bodies to maintain navigable waterways, deepen channels for larger vessels, and support various infrastructure projects. The U.S. Corps of Engineers Detroit District maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels on the Great Lakes. Some harbors, such as Muskegon, require annual dredging, while others, such as Grand Havens inner harbor, might be dredged every two to four years, depending on factors such as river sediment accumulation, coastal erosion and water levels. We have to keep the channel dredged, Grand Haven Mayor Bob Monetza told WGHN in April. It gets full of sediment and gets shallow in places where boats can get hung up, or they might have to come in with lighter loads. The Grand River is typically kept at a depth of about 23 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every five years, harbors must apply for their Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Grand Haven was due to apply for its re-certification in November, but when the location was one of 17 harbors in Michigan identified with nearby PFAS-contributing sites the former Sims site is about 2.5 miles from the outer harbor EGLE implemented the new PFAS testing standard for the site. It kind of came out of nowhere, but they want us to start sampling the river bottom for PFAs, because theres PFAs in the river in the sediment that washes downstream from farther upstream, Monetza told WGHN. The inner harbor generally refers to the area closer to land, while the outer harbor is further from shore, where breakwaters or other structures are found to protect the harbor from strong waves and currents. Meanwhile, the state has yet to establish PFAS standards for the sediment testing, causing confusion between the agencies about which levels are acceptable to allow dredging to proceed as well as who pays for the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huizenga, in a letter to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said the Corps said at the Great Lakes Navigation meeting in November that the new testing requirements will reduce the number of harbors that are dredged annually and could drive up costs by up to 70%. Standards for PFAS levels and disposal are still being circulated for review and have yet to be made available by the state. Even if the testing process is sorted out and performed, Monetza said it could take six months to a year to confirm the plan for Grand Haven. Theyll take a long period of time to analyze and decide what theyre going to do, what kind of permits theyll issue, he said. The Corps also announced it was pushing back the Grand Haven project until 2026, prompting deep concerns from local, state and federal officeholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the equivalent of writing a speeding a ticket when there is no posted speed limit, Huizenga, a Republican, said on his website . Liz Wilkinson, operations manager at the Corps Grand Haven office, described the delay as unlucky timing. It was just kind of unfortunate, unlucky timing that Grand Haven needed to be coordinated right at about the time that EGLE felt like they were ready to start doing this testing with PFAS. We had it planned for this year. We had it budgeted for this year because we knew it was needed, Wilkinson told The Grand Haven Tribune last month. Officials warn of economic impacts U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten wrote a letter in April urging Whitmer of the economic impacts of not dredging Grand Havens harbor. The congresswoman, a Democrat, represents Michigans Third Congressional District, which includes the northern half of Ottawa County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Grand Havens harbor is an economic powerhouse that supports over 450 jobs totaling $29.5 million in wages annually, as well as producing a regional impact of $88.8 million per year. A missed dredging cycle will come at a high price. Delays will directly affect our partners across the state who rely on materials to complete transportation projects and agriculture operations, with road-building materials, concrete, asphalt, and fertilizer expected to increase in cost by more than $1 million annually, Scholten said in the letter. She said lighter loads and more freighter trips will result in price hikes for consumers that could reach $3 to $5 million a year. If we see delayed dredging, goods being shipped through Grand Haven may increase in cost by roughly $3 to $5 million annually costs that will likely be passed through to consumers, Scholten wrote. In the instance that Grand Haven becomes unnavigable for commercial vessels, it is understood that neighboring harbors do not have the capacity to accept those supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement T he Corps announced in April it was actually moving up the dredging schedule for Holland Harbor after a shoal a submerged ridge or bank of sand or gravel that lies close to the waters surface developed over the winter across the entrance to the harbor, which could have caused the shipping industry to lose $1.4 million to $1.9 million per year due to ships having to carry lighter loads, according to WGVU Public Media . King Co. Inc., based in Holland, will dredge about 12,400 cubic yards of sediment hydraulically. The project will cost $344,480 out of a three-project contract that also includes Grand Haven and St. Joseph harbors. Ottawa County Commissioner Josh Brugger, who represents Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, also wrote to Whitmer urging the state to find a solution. Monetza, Spring Lake Mayor Richard Carlson, Spring Lake Township Supervisor Jerry Rabideau and Spring Lake Village President Mark Powers also signed onto Bruggers message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wish to underscore the message that, without a timely resolution, this major port cannot be maintained, and our local economy may be significantly harmed, Brugger wrote. We are appealing for your assistance to expedite the process. Scholten said time is of the essence. At a time of grave economic uncertainty and rising prices due to tariffs for the industries, we do not need to add to the increased production costs. This problem is still solvable, she said. When it comes to the shipping, construction, and agricultural industries, time is not a luxury we have. Sarah Leach is the executive editor of the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at sleach@ottawanewsnetwork.org. Follow her on Twitter @ONNLeach. (WBRE/WYOU) Ahead of the upcoming May 20 Primary election, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt is reminding Pennsylvania voters they can find comprehensive information on voting online. In a release, officials say that ensuring elections are conducted fairly and freely, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration. Vote.pa.gov gives voters resources to verify their voter registration, find their voting place, and learn how to finish and return their mail-in ballot. Vote.pa.gov is a one-stop shop for Pennsylvanians looking for trusted, official information about elections and voting. There, they can verify their voter registration, locate their polling place, learn how to complete and return their mail ballot, and even watch a video of how to cast a ballot on their county`s voting system. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt This months election is a closed primary, so only Republicans and Democrats can cast votes for their respective parties, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primary Election Day is this Tuesday However, all voters can cast their vote on any of the following if they also appear on the ballot: A constitutional amendment question A ballot question A special election in their district Every vote is precious, and municipal elections matter because officials who have direct impact on our daily lives those who set property taxes, oversee schools, and make public safety and local infrastructure decisions, for example are on the ballot. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt Officials say the deadline for county election offices to receive completed mail ballots is 8:00 p.m. on May 20. Authorities say voters can also deliver their ballot in person to a designated ballot drop box or satellite office, or their county elections office if their county has those resources. Voters are advised to check online to determine if their county has ballot drop box locations and to find the hours for their county elections office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than 60% mail in ballots turned in before Primary Election Day Voters who got a mail ballot can vote in person on Primary Day on Tuesday if they bring their ballot materials, including the outer envelope with them to be turned in, officials explained. The press release says voters who requested a mail ballot but did to receive it or do not have it to surrender may vote by provisional ballot at their polling place on Tuesday. Voters who want to vote in person at their polling place can cast their ballot as polls will be open on Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters can also call the Department of States voter hotline all year round, at 1-877-868-3772. 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. Village cafes brewing new getaways in rural China Xinhua) 08:42, May 20, 2025 This undated file photo shows two drinks on a table at the Red Guan Coffee in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo by Ye Zhongwen/Xinhua) BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- On a crisp Sunday morning, Zheng Shiying drove 130 kilometers to a village on the outskirts of Beijing, not for a hike or a hot spring, but for a cup of coffee. It took Zheng over three hours to reach the caf. Housed in a crumbling stone building that looks untouched by time, by the time Zheng arrived it was already packed with weekend visitors, and finding a seat was a bit of a challenge. "I've never woken up this early for work," she joked. A city caf keeps you awake, while a village caf helps you unwind. Zheng is one of many urban Chinese heading deep into the countryside in search of rural calm. Far from the city's polished espresso bars, village cafs offer customers a refreshing change of pace. In a village in Dongguan, for example, a caf by a railway has become an urban-escape hotspot. Facing the tracks and shaded by ancient trees, it offers front-row seats to thundering trains. Owner Ye Zhongwen, who loved chasing trains as a kid, opened the Red Guan Coffee in 2024 in a two-story house that had sat vacant for years. For Ye, the remote location wasn't a flaw but a feature. And Ye is not alone, some of the caf's customers drive 40 minutes from Dongguan, others travel over two hours from Shenzhen, and even visitors from Hong Kong have made the trip. "At first, villagers were curious and skeptical," Ye said. "Now many are regulars, and they're glad the caf is drawing more people who also buy their farm produce and other goods." China's rural caf boom has been fueled by the rise of rural tourism. According to estimates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, rural tourism across the country welcomed 707 million visits in the first quarter of this year, up 8.9 percent year on year. Over 40,000 cafs have sprung up in China's countryside. Increasingly, these village cafs are more than just coffee stops but creative hubs revitalizing rural spaces. In a village in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, one such caf sprang to life from a dilapidated sheep shed halfway up an abandoned mining hill. "It was the only usable structure around back in 2023," said Yu Jiafu, founder of the Sheep Shed Caf. "No roof, just broken walls and waist-high weeds. We gave it the English name 'Young People Coffee', a playful pun on 'Yang Peng' or sheep shed in Chinese, hoping to draw more young people to the countryside." Yu, a graduate of the China Academy of Art, saw beauty and potential in the wild setting. He and his team rebuilt the roof with thatch, kept the original stone structure, and used nearby mountain rocks to build the bar. "Our guests now range from city dwellers on weekend road trips to local youths who treat this place like their living room," Yu said. At its busiest, the caf welcomed more than 5,000 visitors in a single day. On regular weekends, guests come from nearby cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. Even foreign travelers and internet influencers with millions of followers have stopped by. Since its opening, the caf's grounds have evolved to suit the clientele, now boasting a swimming pool, an open-air performance stage, a camping area, and a wood-fired bread oven. In April, Zhejiang hosted its first "Village Caf Masters" event, where 33 coffee entrepreneurs showcased their brands and products. A rural coffee base was also unveiled that links academia, industry, and local communities in support of countryside coffee development. Alongside the event, local authorities introduced support programs including digital training, resource matchmaking, and e-commerce tools to help young entrepreneurs thrive in rural areas. These efforts are part of Zhejiang's broader initiative to encourage youth-led development in rural areas. By 2025, Zhejiang plans to establish 1,000 rural practice hubs to offer young people more room to explore, innovate, and stay rooted in the countryside. For Yu, that mission is already personal. "I'm not here just to run a caf," he said. "I want to help the village grow, one cup at a time." This photo taken in 2025 shows the Red Guan Coffee in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo by Ye Zhongwen/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) Deputies, EMS and rescue personnel responded to fatal vehicle crash in Washington County on Tuesday. According to a statement from the Washington County Sheriffs Office, officials responded to the scene of a fatal single vehicle crash in the area near the 3000 block of Hartsfield Road on May 20. Georgia State Patrol is also investigating the details of the crash. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Spanish authorities seized 19 exotic cats from Majorca and arrested the couple who allegedly intended to sell them, The New York Times reported. What's happening? A Russian couple was arrested on charges of operating a smuggling ring in multiple continents. On the island, police arrested the two suspects and seized exotic felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrids. Caracals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the raid, authorities uncovered travel documents for more than 40 other animals to countries including Russia, Belarus, and China. "The detainees sold various animal species internationally through internet portals, including white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas," they said in a statement, according to the Times. "The operation has uncovered a global criminal organization involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians." Why is wildlife trafficking important? According to Panthera, the illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion dollar market. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are a sought-after commodity across the globe. Unusual pets have become popular on social media, too. For example, the Persian Gulf is a big market for exotic pets, with the crown prince of Dubai having shown off his pet lion, Moochi, on social media. The World Wildlife Fund found that "online platforms are now the dominant market for the trafficking of live wildlife for exotic pets and wildlife products." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Economic Forum reports that 4,000 animal and plant species are affected by illegal trade. According to a United Nations report, it is part of a larger problem that puts over one million species at risk of extinction. In captivity, cats can become distressed and harm themselves and others. In South Africa, a captive tiger chewed through its own front legs. Wildlife trafficking doesn't just put those animals at risk; since they are taken out of their habitats and upset ecosystems, plants, other creatures, and insects are also in danger. Invasive species threaten ecosystems, human health, and the economy as well, causing over $423 billion in losses annually throughout the world. Even domestic cats are considered an invasive species, as they can impact bird species in certain countries. What's being done about the illegal cat trade? "Because animal trafficking is an international affair, conservationists say, curbing it requires a unified global approach," Ephrat Livni wrote for the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 5,800 animals, including tigers and caracals, are protected by CITES. In 2022, the United States passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which provides protections for exotic cats against trade, purchase, breeding, and possessing. Despite this, wildlife trafficking still happens. However, authorities do make stops. In Israel, officials discovered exotic cats were being trafficked with the use of heavy-duty drones. In Canada, a woman was fined $15,000 for illegally breeding Savannah cats. In 2024, a global operation saved more than 20,000 endangered animals, including 18 big cats. "Efforts to combat wildlife trafficking call for a decisive shift toward harmonized and dissuasive criminal sanctions at the international level," wildlife conservation specialist Meganne Natali 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. Almost 10 years to the day after a massive oil spill fouled the Santa Barbara coastline and prompted the closure of several drilling platforms, a Texas-based company says it has resumed crude oil production in nearby federal waters. To the shock and outrage of environmental activists and some state and local officials, Sable Offshore Corp. announced that it started extracting oil last week from one of three long-shuttered platforms. The announcement comes just one month after the California Coastal Commission ordered the company to stop work and levied an $18-million fine for failing to obtain necessary permits and reviews. Sable disputes the commission's authority and insists that it has obtained all necessary permits for the work it's begun. A Santa Barbara resident protests a proposal to reactivate several offshore oil rigs during a California Coastal Commission hearing in April. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) The development has enraged environmental groups, who claim Gov. Gavin Newsom and his administration have not done enough to help avert a future spill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its alarming that no agency comprehensively looked at the environmental risks of restarting this aging, corroded pipeline, and that Sable steamrolled over orders to halt construction," read a statement from Miyoko Sakashita, the Center for Biological Diversity's oceans director. "Well keep working to protect the sensitive habitats, species and communities harmed by offshore oil drilling. Read more: Texas oil company fined $18 million for unapproved work along California coast The resumption of oil production off Santa Barbara coincides with a push by the Trump administration to expand fossil fuel production and roll back clean energy initiatives. Jim Flores, Sable's chairman and chief executive, called the new oil production a "milestone achievement" that will help bring "energy security to the state of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sable "is proud to have safely and responsibly achieved first production at the Santa Ynez Unit," Flores said in a statement Monday. The impressive well tests from Platform Harmony confirm the prolific nature of the Santa Ynez Unit reservoir after being dormant for ten years." According to the company, Harmony is now extracting oil at a rate of about 6,000 barrels a day from six wells. That oil is being sent to the onshore Las Flores Canyon processing facility, and will be stored there until full operations can restart. The May 2015 spill that shut down operations occurred when a corroded section of onshore pipeline ruptured, spewing an estimated 140,000 gallons of crude oil near Refugio State Beach. Much of Sable's recent work has centered on repairing those pipelines, which were owned and operated by a different company at the time of the spill. That infrastructure still requires several outstanding approvals, including testing and plan reviews. Sable officials say the oil production that began last week involves a separate section of its operations, and has already won necessary approvals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmentalists across Santa Barbara have condemned Sable's resumption of oil production. Any responsible company would not have started producing until they have approval to restart the pipeline," said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, a group that formed after Santa Barbara's first major oil spill in 1969. She described the restart as premature, perhaps even an attempt to pressure the remaining state agencies into expediting the remaining regulatory hurdles. The timing of the announcement was particularly galling for some. Crude oil collects on the shoreline near Refugio State Beach in May 2015. (Los Angeles Times) "Making this announcement on the 10-year anniversary of the second-most devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara history is just plain cruel, and it shows a complete disregard to the residents who lived through the spill and the hundreds of birds and sea animals that died," said Maureen Ellenberger, chair of Sierra Clubs Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter. "We'll continue fighting this dangerous, unpopular pipeline until it is closed for good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alice Walton, a spokesperson for Sable, said in a statement that "the timing has nothing to do with the anniversary," pointing out that crude began flowing May 15 four days before the exact anniversary. While she conceded there are still some remaining hurdles for the onshore pipelines to become fully operational, she downplayed other legal challenges of which there are many. "Its our position the lawsuits are without merit and will not impact the project," Walton said. Perhaps the biggest legal hurdle is the dispute Sable has with the coastal commission. The company has ignored commission demands that it cease work and has filed suit against the commission, accusing it of overstepping its authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Coastal Commission is profoundly disappointed that Sable has refused to follow state law in its ongoing efforts to restart offshore oil production in Santa Barbara," Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge said in a statement Monday. "Our agency continues to coordinate closely with the state Attorney General to determine the appropriate next steps." Read more: Under Trump, Texas firm pushes to restart Santa Barbara oil drilling. Is it skirting California laws? If Sable is successful in fully reviving the offshore operation, it would mark a major reversal for California climate policy, which for years has slowly reduced the states production of fossil fuels in favor of clean energy. It also comes in stark contrast to a wave of environmental activism in Santa Barbara County, where residents have rallied several times against the Sable project and county leaders recently voted to find a way to slowly phase out all oil and gas operations. The oil platform Holly can be seen from the coastline of Isla Vista. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) "To be clear, this is happening on Gov. [Gavin] Newsoms watch," read a statement from Alex Katz, the executive director of the Environmental Defense Center. "At critical points, his administration has allowed this project to move forward in the face of overwhelming local and state-wide opposition. ... California should be leading on the climate crisis, not facilitating a high-risk fossil fuel project in our own state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the governor referred questions from The Times about Sable's restart efforts to California's Natural Resources Agency, an umbrella agency that includes the California Coastal Commission, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and other key departments in oil oversight. Kirsten Macintyre, a spokesperson for CNRA, declined to answer questions about the governor's or state's position regarding Sable's project, but said the agency is working with all entities involved "to evaluate the whole picture." She pointed to an agency document that lists the eight state agencies involved in oversight of the Sable project and where they are in their process. Sable said that it not only plans to begin operating more wells at Harmony, but it will also restart 70 wells at its other two platforms, Heritage and Hondo, come July and August. The company said it expects to fill the processing plant's storage capacity of almost 540,000 barrels by mid-June and begin oil sales in July. The three offshore platforms, the onshore processing facility and the onshore and offshore pipelines collectively make up the Santa Ynez Unit. But the company shared those plans with a long caveat, part of which focused on the ongoing requirements from California oversight agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There can be no assurance that the necessary permits will be obtained that would allow the onshore pipeline to recommence transportation and allow the [Santa Ynez Unit] assets to recommence sales," the company said. Read more: A chain-saw-wielding vandal cut 13 trees in downtown L.A. How the LAPD tracked down a suspect The most significant approvals that remain will be reviewed by the state's fire marshal. Kara Garrett, a deputy state fire marshal, said there are still "a number of conditions that must be met prior to authorization of restart." "This includes, but is not limited to, repair work, hydrotesting of the lines, and a submission and OSFM approval of a pipeline startup plan," Garrett said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the California Department of Conservation, which includes the Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), also alerted Sable that the Las Flores Processing Facility was subject to its oversight something Sable had contested. The letter, dated May 9, said the division was awaiting spill contingency and pipeline management plans from the company, and warned that financial penalties could follow without a timely response. It wasn't immediately clear if Sable had complied with that order. Legal roadblocks are also still possible. The Environmental Defense Center, along with other climate-focused groups, have sued the state fire marshal's office, contending the department failed to conduct necessary environmental reviews when it granted some prior approvals for Sable's pipeline work. Sable has also sued the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to try to obtain a necessary permit transfer for the restart project. The county initially granted a transfer from the unit's prior owner, Exxon Mobil, to Sable, but upon appeal, supervisors deadlocked over the matter, which had kept the permits from Sable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another case, the Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit against the Trump administration over its approvals of the restart, claiming federal officials failed to require updated plans for the decades-old infrastructure that was originally approved for production in the 1970s and 1980s. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON (WCMH) An Ohio congressman introduced a bill asking the National Institute of Health to study Trump Derangement Syndrome, or extreme negative reactions to President Donald Trump. Rep. Warren Davidson, a Republican representing southwestern Ohio, introduced the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) Research Act of 2025 on May 15. Co-sponsored by Rep. Barry Moore (R-Alabama), the bill would research the instinctual negative and often violent reaction to any supportive statement or event related to President Trump. The phenomenon at play here is political polarization, and this is something that has been studied extensively by social scientists like myself and many other people smarter than me, Dominik Stecula, an expert on American politics and misinformation who teaches communication and political science at Ohio State, said. It includes dislike, distrust and even dehumanization of political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South-Western school board joins groups denouncing gender identity, DEI and non-English languages Trump Derangement Syndrome is not a new concept, with psychologist and political columnist Charles Krauthammer coining the term Bush Derangement Syndrome in 2003. Former President Barack Obama faced a similar phrase in his presidency, as did Trump in his first term. However, experts agree it is a political reaction, not a medical condition. The idea that there is a Trump Derangement Syndrome has no basis in medical or scientific fact; it is a myth, said Thomas Nelson, head of the political psychology program at Ohio State University. Rep. Davidsons proposal tells me a lot more about him than about this supposed syndrome. Nelson said Davidsons bill indicates a belief that anyone who disagrees with him or Trump must be ignorant, biased or deluded, which he said is a common phenomenon in highly polarized societies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davidsons proposal would study TDS as a formal condition, and he said the TDS Research Act would investigate TDS origins and contributing factors, including the medias role in amplifying the spread of TDS. It would also look at long-term effects and research how media and polarization shape political unrest. Ohio bill to celebrate natural family month excludes LGBTQ+, single parents TDS has divided families, the country and led to nationwide violence including two assassination attempts on President Trump, Davidson said. The TDS Research Act would require the NIH to study this toxic state of mind, so we can understand the root cause and identify solutions. Stecula agreed that TDS is not a real medical condition. He said there are already plenty of researchers who examine the psychology of political polarization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats not what this bill appears to be about. Instead, it seems to focus on branding political dissent as mental illness, Stecula said. Stecula and Nelson pointed out the bill would use research funding at a time when the federal government is cracking down on university research, including cutting billions in mental health research. Davidson said the act would use existing NIH resources to avoid new spending and added it would be a better use of funds than some other NIH studies. Investigation finds Kroger overcharging for sale items Instead of funding ludicrous studies such as giving methamphetamine to cats or teaching monkeys to gamble for their drinking water, the NIH should use that funding to research issues that are relevant to the real world, Davidson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson said it was unfortunate Davidson chose to make light of serious cuts to research funding, especially to universities like Ohio State. More cuts may be coming; Trumps budget proposal cuts nearly $18 billion from the National Institute of Health and another $1 billion from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Its no secret that Trump is no fan of these institutions, and has cut their funding drastically, in part because he feels that they are too woke and politicized, Nelson said. Ironically, Rep. Davidsons proposal, if it were serious, would be the ultimate example of politicizing scientific research for partisan benefit. The act was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on May 15, but the Library of Congress does not yet have the bills text online. No other action has yet been taken on the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Border Patrol officers detain two men in El Paso in late March. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal) The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is suing the Geauga County Sheriffs office over its refusal to provide copies of contracts its signed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Geauga is one of at least five counties in Ohio that have signed contracts to house migrants detained by ICE on the belief that theyre undocumented. The ACLU on Tuesday afternoon filed a writ in the Ohio Supreme Court asking the court to mandate the release of the contracts. In a statement, the civil liberties group said that in April the sheriffs office claimed that releasing the records was prohibited by federal law and therefore not public per the Ohio Revised Code. (The ACLU) was instructed to instead contact ICE for the records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under such contracts, the federal government pays counties to house detainees. During the first Trump administration, the Ohio counties that housed detainees faced complaints and lawsuits. The ACLUs statement said that the office didnt cite a valid reason not to release its ICE contract. None of the federal statutes (the countys lawyers) have cited, however, prohibit the disclosure of the requested records, the writ said. Because (the countys lawyers) have refused to perform their clearly defined duty to provide the requested records, (the ACLU) respectfully submits this complaint for alternative and peremptory writs of mandamus to require (the sheriffs office) to provide her with the records she seeks. Geauga County Chief Sheriffs Deputy Thomas Rowan said the countys attorneys are telling a different story that only ICE can release the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its in our attorneys hands, he said. Once the court rules, well definitively know which way to go. Our attorneys believe that they have to go through ICE to get copies of any of the paperwork. As a general matter, government documents can usually only be withheld or redacted if they contain sensitive personal information, business secrets, or if their disclosure would endanger public safety or national security. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A wave of state and national public records laws were passed in the wake of the Watergate scandal to crack down on government corruption. Documents relating to the expenditure of government dollars were a particular target of such laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump promises mass deportations, the ACLU said it would try to keep a close watch. The ACLU of Ohio is deeply committed to protecting immigrants rights and our organization serves as a watchdog for government transparency and accountability, Jocelyn Rosnick, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, said in a written statement. We know that Geauga County Jail has housed ICE detainees for years, some of whom we have previously defended in court. Our lawful demands for timely and accurate information must not be ignored. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Miami University saw some well-known alumni attend its graduation ceremony Saturday. According to the university, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine were in attendance for the ceremony,. The two werent there just to watch the proceedings though, as they each received their honorary doctorate degrees. Mike and Fran have been very supportive of Miami throughout the years and have forged a special connection to their alma mater, said Miami President Gregory Crawford. We are extremely honored to award them both with honorary doctorate degrees, and we are elated they could join us for our 186th spring commencement ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DeWines met and married while students at Miami, with Mike graduating in 1969 and Fran in 1971. Their grandson Justin Darling and great-nephew Brady Struewing each graduated from Miami on Saturday, which surely made the moment more special. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Venezuelan national was arrested on May 19 after Perrysburg police say he posed as a teenager to attend high school in the northwest Ohio city. Anthony Emmanuel Labrad Sierra, 24, is accused of posing as a 16-year-old and enrolling in Perrysburg High School. He has been charged with felony forgery, according to court records, and is currently in custody at the Wood County jail. He was issued a $50,000 bond. If he is released, he is not allowed to leave Wood County. According to a letter sent by Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Thomas Hosler, Sierra presented himself as an unaccompanied minor at the high school under the name "Anthony Labrador." Sierra allegedly received various letters of documentation while enrolled at Perrysburg High School, including a driver's license, Social Security number, and federal Temporary Protective Status from the United States Immigration Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hosler said the district learned about Sierra's fraudulent identity on May 14 when the family who had taken guardianship of him contacted the school, according to reporting from WTOL11. The district contacted the Perrysburg Police Department who then conducted an investigation. "This case involves highly unusual and deceptive circumstances that impacted many local, state and federal agencies," Hosler said in the letter. According to Perrysburg police, they located Sierra riding in a vehicle at around 4:15 p.m. on May 19 and took him into custody. Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Venezuelan national posed as teen to enroll at Ohio high school A ballot counter machine. (Photo by Graham Stokes for the Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) With minimal debate last week, the Ohio Senate advanced a measure effectively prohibiting ranked choice voting in the state. Effectively because state lawmakers actually cant ban the practice. Instead, Senate Bill 63 threatens to withhold an important stream of state funding for any local government that embraces ranked choice. The proposals sponsors are bipartisan, and although the bill passed easily the vote split the chambers Democrats. Five of the Senates nine Democrats voted no. The bill now moves to the Ohio House where there is no companion legislation. Lawmakers arguments State Sens. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, and Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, sponsored the measure, and both made their pitch to fellow senators when it came up for a vote. Gavarone said shes spent much of her time in office working on elections-related legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ranked choice voting flies in the face of that commonsense work by causing greater uncertainty and delayed election results that can take days or even weeks to settle, she argued. Gavarone said the process reduces turnout and creates confusion among voters and administrators. Apparently referencing a forthcoming article, she argued 1 in 20 voters mismark their ballot in some way. She added that in 2024, several states with ballot measures enacting a ranked choice system rejected those proposals. DeMora defended their bid to deprive ranked-choice municipalities of state funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt outlaw them, it doesnt say they cant do it. It just withholds state funds for those that do it, he said. May sound harsh, but its necessary. Ranked choice voting is expensive, confusing, and time consuming. DeMora noted Cuyahoga County elections officials have testified elections equipment around Ohio isnt built to handle ranked choice elections. And he pointed to local elections in Portland, Oregon in which more than 100 candidates ran for city council and almost 20 ran for mayor. Thats not voter empowerment. Its voter overload, he argued, The result roughly 20% of all Portlanders, did not vote for any council candidate, and nearly 15% didnt vote for mayor. Following the vote, Senate President Rob McColley argued that states that instituted ranked choice like Alaska have had buyers remorse. Although the vote was close, Alaska voters actually decided to keep their ranked choice system last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, McColley argued ranked choice doesnt do what it markets itself as doing. He rejected the idea that through multiple rounds of counting, ranked choice arrives at a winner with majority support. What youre doing instead is youre saying this is the person that people ranked in their top however many choices, he said. It doesnt necessarily mean its the best candidate, it doesnt necessarily mean that a majority got it. Ranked choice supporters weigh in As the bill moved through committee, ranked choice supporters far outnumbered those speaking in favor of the ban. The group Rank the Vote Ohio helped organize that opposition and advocates for ranked choice around the state. Theyve made some inroads, but those successes have been modest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charter review committees in two cities, Cleveland Heights and Lakewood, have recommended putting a ranked choice charter amendment on the ballot. A handful of others are considering similar moves, and organizers are trying advance a charter amendment in Cincinnati. Rank the Vote Ohio Executive Director Denise Riley said Gavarone and DeMora are presenting an incorrect account of ranked choice voting to justify subverting the Ohio Constitution to suppress voters choices. These senators have ignored the pleas from their constituents to stop spreading electoral disinformation, despite ample testimony refuting their lies, she argued. Riley pushed back on claims that ranked choice delays results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of RCV jurisdictions, she said, release preliminary results the night of or day after the election, just as other cities do. Riley noted delays often have to do with allowing time for absentee ballots to arrive, not the time it takes to tabulate ballots Riley rejected claims that procedure reduces participation, pointing to Maines nation-leading turnout in 2022 and a report published by the American Bar Association. She dismissed arguments about voter confusion noting several states in which exit polling showed voters understood what they were doing. Hopefully the Ohio House and Governor Mike DeWine wont be tricked into subverting the Ohio Constitution based on lies, Riley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For what its worth, the sponsors testimony was at times misleading. Although several states did reject ranked choice voting last year, two of those cited by Gavarone (Montana and Arizona) werent voting on ranked choice they were considering different versions of open or so-called jungle primaries. That approach puts candidates from all parties on a single ballot with some number of top vote-getters advancing to the general election. And DeMoras complaints about voters not casting a ballot in a given race, known as an undervote, is at best disingenuous. He misspoke when it comes to Portlands mayoral race the analysis from OregonLive he relied on put the mayoral undervote at 11%, not 15%. Based on a comprehensive report from county election officials it appears that count includes undervotes and overvotes, where a voter marks two candidates at the same rank. The actual undervote was less than 7%. Regardless, its not uncommon at all in local races for voters to leave a race blank. Consider the 2023 mayoral and city council races right here in Columbus. Roughly 15% of voters left the mayors race blank the same amount DeMora mistakenly cited in Portland. And in Columbus city council races, the undervote was staggering. While Portland saw roughly 20% of voters leave council races blank, in Columbus the undervote ranged from 44%-77%. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An English teacher in Ohio is facing charges after an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student last week, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 27-year-old Jamelah Daboubi was a teacher at Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School. She has been charged with sexual battery. Court documents show that Daboubi is accused of kissing, sitting on the students lap, and letting him inappropriately touch her, according to WBNS-10 TV. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 2, someone was looking for the 15-year-old boy and saw that Daboubis car was parked in front of her home, according to court records. The person walked up to the car and reportedly saw the teacher jump off the teenagers lap, WBNS-10 reported. The student reportedly admitted to police that he had an inappropriate relationship with Daboubi, and they allegedly kissed in the car, according to court records. Text messages processed by authorities reportedly show that the woman and teenager had an inappropriate relationship. WBNS-10 obtained a letter from school administrators that was sent out to the community about the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It refers to Daboubi as a now-former staff member. The school took swift and appropriate action by placing the individual on administrative leave. As of now, the individual is no longer employed at Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School, the school wrote in the letter. According to WBNS-10, the school said there is nothing to indicate Daboubi had a relationship with any other students. We recognize that situations like this can be upsetting. We encourage our school community to avoid speculation or the spread of rumors, as doing so can cause unnecessary worry and harm. Please be assured that we are doing everything within our authority to protect our students, support those affected and uphold the safety and integrity of our learning environment, the school said. Daboubi appeared in court on Monday and her bond was set at over $15,000, according to WBNS-10. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Chinese FM holds talks with Danish counterpart Xinhua) 09:02, May 20, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Beijing on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that Denmark was one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The two sides have always respected and treated each other as equals, developed a comprehensive strategic partnership, and created a high-level mutually beneficial cooperation led by green development, he added. The most important experience of developing healthy and stable China-Denmark relations over the past 75 years is to adhere to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, and accommodate each other's core interests, Wang said. He noted that China fully respects Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Greenland issue and hopes that Denmark will continue to support China's legitimate position on issues related to its own sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is willing to work with Denmark to adhere to two-way opening up, take green development as the key point to give new impetus to practical cooperation, and continue to deepen cooperation in economy and trade, scientific research and innovation, green economy and other fields, he said. China is committed to expanding high-level opening up, which will create broader development space for foreign-funded enterprises, and Danish enterprises are welcome to invest and start businesses in China, Wang said. "We also hope Denmark can provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises." Wang noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and China-EU relations have shown stable and positive momentum since the beginning of this year. China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the European side to jointly promote the sound development of China-EU relations and hopes that Denmark will play an active role in this regard, Wang said. China stands ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with European countries including Denmark to jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, Wang noted. Rasmussen said the Danish government and parliament are firmly committed to upholding the one-China principle, willing to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance dialogue and mutual understanding in various fields, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in investment and green transition, and intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges to promote the robust development of bilateral relations. "The Danish side holds an open attitude towards Chinese enterprises' investment in Denmark, and Danish enterprises are also willing to make long-term investments in the Chinese market," he added. Denmark firmly upholds free trade and opposes decoupling, and looks forward to working with China to jointly safeguard the multilateral system and international order, and to maintain the momentum of globalization, Rasmussen said. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A bill to raise Oklahomas age of consent from 16 to 18 is now on Governor Kevin Stitts desk, with lawmakers largely in agreement on the need to close what they called a loophole, but divided on whether exceptions should still be allowed in certain cases. If the bill is signed into law, it would officially change the legal age of consent in Oklahoma to 18. Supporters say its aimed at preventing older adults from legally engaging in sexual relationships with 16 and 17-year-olds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would you agree that the reason were working on this is to prevent grooming for those 16 and 17 year old females and males by 30 and 40 year old men and women? Rep. Tim Turner (R-Kinta) asked the bills author, Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland), when the bill was up for debate on the house floor earlier this year. Yes sir. Thats the primary reason for this, yes sir, Olsen responded. In fact, lawmakers from both parties supported the idea to raise the age of consent. I dont believe in allowing adults to have sex with kids, State Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Del City) told News 4. But despite that position, Fugate was among more than 20 Democrats and Republicans who voted against the final version of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tragic reality is that we could have done a much better job to really nail down and isolate whats going on, Fugate said. Fugates concern wasnt with raising the age of consent, but with how the bill rewrites the states current Romeo and Juliet exception. Under current law, minors between ages 14 and 17 can legally engage in consensual sex with each other, even though 14 and 15-year-olds are below the age of consent. Stitt vetoes bill supporters say wouldve helped Oklahomans fight open records request denials But once someone turns 18, they can no longer legally have sex with someone under 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By raising the age of consent to 18, lawmakers worried that even small age gaps between older teens could now result in criminal charges. Mary is 17 and 11 months. John is almost 18, no problem, Rep. Olsen said during debate. The day that John turns 18, if he has sexual relations with that young lady who is one month younger than him, he may be charged with statutory rape. To address that concern, the Senate added language allowing people over 16 to legally consent to sex with someone within four years of their age. That means, under the new bill, a 20-year-old could legally have sex with a 16-year-old, and a 21-year-old could legally have sex with a 17-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fugate didnt like that. That power dynamic that exists between that four year age difference is just too far, Fugate said. To me, its a bridge too far when they are no longer teens. They should no longer be involved with someone who is a teen. Fugate proposed a compromise. Maybe we do a one year grace period to allow perhaps a 19-year-old to have a little bit of leeway, he said. That proposal did not make it into the final bill. Still, Fugate said the legislation marks progress. The bill is definitely progress. It is better than what we have today, Fugate 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, speaks at an announcement of a budget deal for the 2026 fiscal year on May 14, 2025. House budget chair Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, stands to his right. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma House on Tuesday advanced a measure to lower the states income tax despite concerns it would have little impact on residents. House Bill 2764 creates a process for ultimately eliminating the states income tax when revenues hit certain triggers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure would initially reduce the states top income tax to 4.5% from 4.75%. It would also collapse the six income tax brackets into three. Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, said the measure has safeguards to compensate for economic downturns. A tax cut would not occur if a revenue failure is declared, he said. It would take nearly 20 years before the income tax could be eliminated, Lepak said. Tax collections for the past 20 years on average grew at 4%, even when taxes were reduced, he said. A 0.25% cut would cost state coffers about $340 million, Lepak said. While it will have a small amount of savings for those in poverty, it is not sufficient enough to really have an impact on their circumstances, said Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, questioned the timing of the cuts. Proposed federal changes to Medicaid could cost the state $841 million, she said. Congress is considering proposals that could require states to pick up more of the cost. Cutting taxes is an effort to check a political box when there has been no substantial evidence that people want it, Pogemiller said. I think people would rather have daycare, she said. I think people would rather have health care. I think people would rather have good roads. Cutting the income tax by 0.25% equates to a Starbucks coffee a month for his constituents, said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe if you add it up over a year, itll let them buy a couple dozen eggs, Fugate said. The state expects to have $3.5 billion in surplus, said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. You reach a point as a state where you have so much surplus, you start to ask is it time we restore some of that back to the taxpayers to let them keep a little bit more of their hard earned money, Hilbert said. He said the bill was responsible. It sets up a mechanism where an additional tax cut is only triggered if revenue projections are met plus more than what the tax cut would cost in terms of lost revenue to the state, Hilbert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the triggers are met, the Legislature could still put a tax cut on hold, Hilbert said. The measure passed by a vote of 74-19 and heads to the Senate for consideration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (NewsNation) A dozen veterans ran 3,000 miles from San Diego to Washington, D.C., as part of the Old Glory Ultra Relay, a coast-to-coast trek that broke the record for the continuous relay of an American flag across the United States. Team Red, White and Blue coordinated the run, which lasted from May 2 to May 18, with a goal of raising $1 million for veterans health and wellness resources. 107-year-old man finally receives Iowa high school diploma Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization wanted to do something special for Team RWBs 15-year anniversary, longtime team leader and retired Special Forces Col. Michael Sully Sullivan told Morning in America. Though the group has previously had veterans run with the flag, this years relay had a uniquely lengthy goal. We thought this would be an amazing way to bring awareness to our cause, to show that veterans arent broken, that they can do amazing things every single day for this nation, Sullivan said. First in her family: Texas woman graduates after juggling three jobs Cole DeRosa, a retired army lieutenant and a team runner, reflected on the journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were moving 4 to 5 feet at a time, mile after mile, day and night, you know, through the deserts, over the mountains, in the snow, blazing hot, DeRosa said. So, once you hit that finish line and saw the friends and family, the excitement, it brought tears literally to my eyes. So far, Team RWB has raised more than $750,000 of its $1 million goal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OLNEY, TX (KFDX/KJTL) On Monday, May 19, the Olney Police Department was out with the old and in with the new. The department held a ribbon-cutting to showcase its new state-of-the-art building. The facility was extremely worn down, tired [and] failing, Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck said. So we were really honored to be able to get out of that and into a new, fresh environment. Birbeck said the new project was about five years in the making. It allowed the department to improve its technology and the way its officers handle cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to a lot of upgrades, one of those was a new interview room that we now have, that we didnt have at the old facility. We have a new IT infrastructure where everything has got redundant systems to it, so we dont have to worry about it, Birbeck said. We have an upgraded property and evidence system in storage. So, we meet best practices which was another goal of ours to be able to obtain Texas Police Chief Association Best Practices. Birbeck said obtaining that accreditation from the TPCA would not have been possible without generous donors and community members. During the ceremony, the building was named after Miss Perry, a long-time contributor to the Olney community. It is located at 210 South Grand Avenue, so anyone can stop by and see it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. You might have thought the Olympia Beer brand was dead when it disappeared from South Sound shelves in early 2021 as its owner announced a temporary pause in production. After some twists and turns, including a lawsuit over its motto, new versions of it are alive and kicking in some surprising places. Its current era spans north of Washingtons state border down to the city thats home to The Alamo, reinvented as an entirely different Olympia beer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall Jones is primary contributor to the Washington Beer Blog. The News Tribune recently asked how he saw the brands survival as a legacy brand. Those historic brands harken back to a time before craft beer and, even before that, the massive industry consolidation in the 70s, Jones said via email. Every city or region had its brands. Around here, it was Rainier, Oly, and Heidelberg. In Chicago, it was Old Style. In Texas, it was Lone Star. These historic brands appeal to younger folks because they are kitschy, Jones noted. Maybe they think it is ironic to order a beer like Olympia or PBR, which was pooh-poohed for years as a bad beer. Olympia Beer is making a comeback far from Washingtons capital city. The News Tribune archives Did anyone care about the water? Olympia Brewing was started in the late 1896 in Tumwater by Leopold Friederich Schmidt. Schmidts descendants sold the company in 1983 to G. Heileman Brewing, and the Olympia brand was acquired by Pabst Brewing in 1999, and the brewery was acquired by Miller Brewing Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Original Olympia Beer was known for its Its The Water slogan devised to tout its sense of place and the areas artesian water, and to differentiate it from its competitors. Fast forward to 2003: The Tumwater brewery was closed. Pabst, along with the Olympia brand, was purchased in 2014 by an LLC affiliated with Eugene Kashper and TSG Consumer Partners, and Olympia Beer was brewed under contract by MillerCoors in Irwindale, California. Irwindale, in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County, is a long way from the picturesque falls more associated with Tumwater and long depicted on the beer can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That became a point of contention for a California customer. The Olympia Beer cans vintage look labeled as The Original beer and retaining the Its the Water logo sparked a lawsuit in 2018 that sought class-action status against Pabst, filed by Brendan Peacock of Sacramento. Peacock contended Pabst was giving the false impression that the beers production was still tied to its Tumwater roots and touting on its website that it was made with pure mountain water. The Sacramento Bee in 2018 reported that the lawsuit contended, It is unclear where the water is actually from, adding that parts of Irwindale are served by a utility that chlorinates its water and that the areas water supply has been contaminated by industrial solvents in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pabst won a summary judgment and denial of class certification last year. Last month it prevailed in Peacocks appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court in San Francisco. In its defense, Pabst submitted customer surveys it contended proved its point. Of 185 people responding in one survey, no one pointed to the water used in brewing as the reason they bought it. In another survey, four out of 202 pointed to the source of the water used in the brewing process as a message they saw in the labeling, Courthouse News Service reported in March 2024. The Ninth Circuit Court stated in an unpublished memorandum, Pabst carried its burden with unrebutted expert opinion that there is no meaningful evidence that the relevant consumer population was misled by the elements of the Olympia Beer label at the heart of this case. Peacocks class-action status had been denied earlier by another judge who determined he lacked standing since the beer was out of production, according to Courthouse News Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the brand found a way to continue. Olympia Brewing ended operations in Tumwater in 2003. In recent years, the brand has been produced at sites in California, Canada and most recently as part of a revival brew in Texas. Steve Bloom/sbloom@theolympian.com New life in Canada and revival in San Antonio The brewing of Olympia Beer happens across the border in Canada at Great Western Brewing of Saskatchewan, an authorized brewer and distributor of Olympia Beer for several Canadian provinces. BeerAdvocate, an online forum that tracks and offers reviews of beers, added Great Westerns Olympia Beer to its listings in March 2021. Though the can still shows the iconic waterfall imagery, Olympia Beer is marketed online as part of Great Westerns product line, which bills itself as 100% Saskatchewan and Born in Canada, Only Made in Canada, Independently Canadian Owned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you still werent clear that Great Western is of, by and for Canada, its marketing of Olympia Beer states the product is Canadian Owned and Made, complete with a maple leaf insignia on its website. A screenshot of marketing from Great Western Brewings website promoting Olympia Beer among brands in its product line. Great Western Brewing Its marketing says of the beer: Born in the city of Tumwater, Washington and proudly brewed in Canada. Light tasting, slightly sweeter, round flavour balanced by a light and refreshing hop aroma and taste. Great Western advertises the beer as the Pride of the Pacific Northwest. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Co-Op advertises a 24-pack online for $45.99, but notes, We have run out of stock for this item. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emphasis of its Canada production, and the co-ops supply shortage, both could be tied to recent efforts in Great Westerns home province to ban the sale of U.S.-branded alcohol in response to the Trump administrations tariffs against Canada. The action was among various bans of U.S. alcohol that have been imposed in the countrys provinces to boost Canadian producers. The Saskatchewan government later modified its stance, allowing 54 U.S. beer brands (including Olympia) made in Canada to be sold, instead targeting only U.S.-produced alcohol. Michael Brennan is president and CEO of Great Western. He told The News Tribune on May 20 in response to questions that Great Western owns the rights to produce and sell the Olympia Beer brand in Canada. We have been producing this product for over 15 years. He added that We sell Olympia throughout Western Canada, including in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with a Saskatchewan radio show on April 1, Brennan noted the strain of the tariff actions and bans without mentioning the Olympia brand. Weve had multiple impacts over the last little bit, he said on the Evan Bray Show. I know on your show, you were talking about the American-name brands last last week. We got the unintended impact of people loading shelves with beers that they were worried they wouldnt be able to get, Brennan told Bray. Brennan told The News Tribune that While U.S. imposed tariffs have an impact on our sales due to higher input costs, we have not seen any material change in sales at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Unfortunately, we currently do not ship to the U.S., I believe the U.S. market remains under the ownership of Pabst. Pabst, who did not respond to request for comment for this article, currently does not show Olympia Beer among its brands on its website or include it in its online product locator. Meanwhile, a Reddit contributor discovered a version marketed by a Texas brewer in the same city that also is home to Pabsts main offices. Kunstler Brewing of San Antonio last year introduced Olympia Revival, in a red can carrying the Olympia Beer logo, and no sign of a roaring waterfall. It first promoted the beer in a May 9, 2024, Instagram post. Joining forces in the heart of San Antonio, Kunstler Brewing and Olympia Brewing Company have united to brew the iconic Olympia beer honoring its cherished place in the hearts of beer enthusiasts who treasure the legacy of historical American beer brands, and paying homage to those who paved the way for us in the craft beer industry, it states on its website. Crafted with Great Western Malt from Washington barley, this brew honors Olympias Northwest roots. Its a collaboration 128 years in the making, inspired by the pleasure of reviving a beloved American classic, and bringing it back to life for enthusiasts old and new to savor and celebrate. Another variation was added this year, with Kunstler promoting The Olympia Revival Brewers Cut. The Texas-style reinvention of Olympia Beer does not include original imagery on the cans outside of the Olympia logo, and the latest version isnt just about the water but the addition of El Dorado hops for a unique twist, its marketing notes. Echoes of the brand back home Back in the South Sound, Well 80 Artesian Brewing in Olympia tied its own theme to the areas brewing history, with its well representing one of nearly 100 artesian wells identified in a 1939 survey, according to the Its the Water portion of its website. It offers Original Lager Year 64, which it says was created in collaboration with legendary Olympia Brewmaster Paul Knight. But the future for any locally produced Olympia branded adult beverage appears to be in vodka. Tumwater-based Olympia Distillings Olympia Vodka is currently in the process of selling equity shares via crowdfunding to expand operations. Lesa Givens is co-founder and CEO of Olympia Distilling Co. She told The News Tribune via email that Pabst still owns the rights to Olympia Beer and oversees all decisions related to beer production and distribution. Lesa Givens and Ray Watson are Olympia Distilling Co.s co-founders, which produces Olympia Artesian Vodka. Olympia Distilling Co. As for us, she wrote, We operate under an exclusive licensing agreement with Pabst that covers the spirits category only. We launched in March 2020, and our vodka is proudly made in Tumwater using local artesian water an intentional nod to the heritage that put Olympia on the map. Givens added that they have been overwhelmed by the early support in the equity crowdfunding campaign with a goal of up to $1.24 million. In a short amount of time, weve already raised over $200,000 from more than 150 investments. The campaign is intended to help us expand production, grow our team, and prepare for new product launches including RTD (ready to drink) cocktails made with Olympia Vodka. For Jones of the Washington Beer Blog, there remains strong generational ties to a brand that brings up family memories as much as familiar marketing. Im 60 years old, Jones said via email. When I was young, my dad told me, Were Rainier men; your brother-in-law, hes an Oly man. People like my dad (and brother-in-law) were loyal to their brands. That kind of brand loyalty really doesnt exist in the beer world anymore, he added. Story updated May 20 with additional comment from Great Western CEO Michael Brennan. The crown jewel of Utahs new North Capitol Building is a $1.6 million, one-of-a-kind stained-glass dome designed to take visitors breath away even as it unites them in shared appreciation for the states beauty. The custom-made vaulted ceiling will flood a multistory atrium with the diverse colors of the Utah landscapes it depicts once the expanded state office building, which will also house Utahs first state history museum, is opened to the public in 2026. This stained glass laylight is a powerful reminder that Utahs strength lies in our shared roots and our commitment to building a brighter future together, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement. Dallin Orr, lead glass artist and painting manager at Holdman Studios, points out items of interest during a media tour of the stained glass dome in the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Symbols in the details Composed of 14,000 individual glass pieces, the 25-by-25-foot window carries the colors of Utahs four central ecosystems, with detailed paintings of state symbols like the honeybee, sego lily and California gull against the backdrop of state and national parks like Wasatch Mountain, Goblin Valley and Bryce Canyon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One artistic element has a special connection to Utah: a pair of bristlecone pines containing sand, rock and wood from each of Utahs 29 counties. The Great Basin, or ancient, bristlecone pine is one of the oldest-living organisms on the planet and is found in only three states, including Utah. Identifiable landmarks like Dead Horse Point, Rainbow Bridge arch and Mount Olympus stand below the deep blues, golden yellows and whites of a sky centered around crystals taken from decommissioned government telescopes that will scatter rainbows down to the second floor where tourists can pick out their favorite Utah destinations. The center glass design of a stained glass dome is shown in the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Its about joy for the land we live in, said Dallin Orr, the head artist behind the project. Orr works for Holdman Studios, a Lehi-based company that has done stained-glass displays for a number of public and private facilities, including a 200-foot wall at the Utah Valley University library, and for several temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is not their biggest project ever, it is by far the largest skylight they have built, according to James Graham, the project manager at Holdman Studios. Dallin Orr, lead glass artist and painting manager at Holdman Studios, talks with James Graham Holdman, the studios general project manager, during a media tour of the stained glass dome in the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The difficulty of applying stained glass to curved architecture meant they had to build each of the 89 glass panels on uniquely shaped forms at their workshop in Lehi before their installation at the Capitol, which was completed on May 2, Graham said. Graham hopes the project can elevate the quality of conversations on Capitol Hill as concerned citizens and elected officials stand in awe of the same piece of art. A stained glass dome crowns the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Its really an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy something on a very emotional, personal level, Graham said. How much did the new building cost? The artwork was procured through the Division of Facilities and Construction Management with input from some members of the Capitol Preservation Board and the Department of Government Operations. A jumping trout is depicted in the design of a stained glass dome in the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Coming in at $1.6 million, according to the preservation boards executive director, Dana Jones, the stained-glass dome was not part of the original plans for the North Capitol Building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the states 60-year-old office building, used mainly for executive agency staff, was torn down to make room for a new five-story, 151,535-square-foot building that would replace the former buildings mid-20th century design with a neoclassical style matching the historic Capitol building dedicated in 1916. Utah media members take part in a tour of the stained glass dome in the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The size and cost of the project has grown throughout the process. At the 2022 groundbreaking ceremony, the project was expected to come in at $168 million, but is now projected to cost a total of $281 million, which includes renovations to the central plaza, and the construction of a 400-spot underground parking garage, as the Deseret News previously reported. A stained glass dome crowns the new state office building at the Utah Capitol complex in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 19, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News While much of this increase was reportedly caused by inflated construction costs, it was also impacted by add-ons like the stained-glass dome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the buildings first-of-its-kind stained-glass double-dome marks an important investment in the future, according to Jones. It will become part of the historic fabric of the Capitol complex for generations into the future, she said. We had a vision that we wanted Utahns to connect with this building, Jones said. For anybody that comes into this building to have a wow moment and to find their own way to connect with Utah. DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) An Oneonta man appeared in court on Monday and admitted that he continuously had sex with a young child. Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 41-year-old Christopher Davis pleaded guilty to Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. Davis was previously indicted for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child on February 8, 2024. The indictment accused Davis of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13 years old. The sexual conduct continued for nearly eight years, starting in 2012 when the victim was only 7 years old and continuing until 2018 when they were 13. The sexual acts alleged included at least one act of oral sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was scheduled for a two-week jury trial beginning on May 19. However, Davis appeared in Delaware County Court on May 16 and admitted to engaging in a Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child. Following the guilty plea, the Honorable John Hubbard remanded Davis to the Delaware County jail without bail, pending his sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15. According to Smith, it is anticipated that the court will sentence Davis to serve a determinate term in state prison for 10 to 12 years, to be followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. Davis will also be required to register as a sex offender after being released from prison. In addition, the court is expected to enter a full stay-away order of protection prohibiting any contact with the child until July of 2065. This case involved sexual abuse allegations against a child, many of which occurred over a decade ago. I am grateful to our entire team that worked on this case, including the New York State Police, Safe Against Violence, Delaware County Child Protective Services, and Assistant District Attorney Denise Kerrigan, for their relentless pursuit of justice on behalf of the child (now adult) victim in this case. As a result of the comprehensive investigation and prosecution, we were able to secure a conviction and significant sentence on this dated case, and we were able to do so without having to make a victim testify, said Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. The last-gasp battle against implementing Californias AB5 independent contractor law in the trucking sector has taken what might be its final blow in a federal appellate court. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for the second time that AB5 does not violate various laws that might have kept it from becoming the law of the land in trucking. AB5 has been in effect in numerous other sectors since the start of 2020, though dozens of industries have been granted exceptions from the law. The court, in a six-page decision handed down Friday, made quick work of the arguments of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in its appeal of a lower court decision from March 2024 that upheld enforcing AB5 in California trucking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OOIDA lawsuit had roots that went back to a 2019 action by the California Trucking Association against AB5, which OOIDA joined as a co-defendant in November 2023. But after the March 2024 defeat, CTA pulled out of the case, leaving OOIDA to fight on alone in an effort that few trucking attorneys saw as likely to succeed. Legal arguments in OOIDAs effort were different from those in the original push by CTA, which succeeded in putting AB5 on the shelf in trucking for more than two and a half years on the back of a New Years Eve 2019 injunction. But that lower court injunction was ultimately overturned by the same 9th Circuit court (though with different members on the three-judge panel), and the Supreme Court decision not to review the Circuit Court decision meant that AB5, in the summer of 2022, went into effect in Californias trucking market. Since it joined the case with CTA, OOIDAs emphasis in its push against AB5 was on different legal arguments than the CTA case. But the 9th Circuit affirmed the lower court in just six pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court in its decision did little more than quote earlier precedents on the issues raised by OOIDA. For example, on the OOIDA claim that AB5 violates the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the appellate court quoted a precedent saying the clause is not a roving license for federal courts to decide what activities are appropriate for state and local government to undertake, and what activities must be the province of private market competition. Quoting another precedent, the panel said the Supreme Court has frequently admonished that courts should not second guess the empirical judgments of lawmakers concerning the utility of legislation. (As a Harvard Law Review article noted last year, the Dormant Commerce Clause has been interpreted by the Supreme Court not only as an affirmative grant of power to Congress but also as a restraint on the legislative authority of states.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OOIDA argument has been that AB5 discriminates between intrastate and interstate drivers, violating the Dormant Commerce Clause. But laying out its own arguments, the appellate court said OOIDA implicitly concedes AB5 does not preclude out-of-state drivers from working in California, nor does it favor in-state drivers at the expense of out-of-state drivers. At worst, AB5 restricts what kind of drivers may operate in California. OOIDA had argued that the multistep business-to-business exception in AB5 also did not violate the Dormant Commerce Clause. The B2B exception is a high hurdle to meet to prove a driver is truly independent and not effectively an employee. OOIDAs argument was that the B2B exception can only be achieved by an in-state driver given various federal restrictions. But the appellate court said OOIDA did not make its case how the B2B exception was discriminatory when the regulations apply to all drivers engaged in interstate commerce, including California-based drivers. The appellate court said there is no conflict with the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, because interstate and intrastate drivers are not treated differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OOIDA released a statement that it was disappointed with this news and assessing options. The next step would either be to request the 9th Circuit review the decision en banc a larger number of judges taking up the appeal or to appeal for review to the Supreme Court. Getting either an en banc or Supreme Court review hearing has a low chance of success. A third option would be for OOIDA to view the 9th Circuit decision as the end of the road for the trucking industrys litigation against implementing AB5 in trucking. AB5 was passed by California lawmakers in 2019 and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Since the day it was signed, truckings view of the three-step test for determining whether a worker is truly independent or is effectively an employee has focused on the B prong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That section says an independent worker is one who performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entitys business. A driver on a lease plan with a trucking company providing work trucking that is the usual course of the hiring entitys business was always seen as likely to trip up some carriers. But almost three years after the injunction against AB5 in trucking was lifted, there are no known actions by the state against any carriers for AB5 violations, nor lawsuits from aggrieved drivers claiming AB5 violations. More articles by John Kingston Georgia tort reform aims to change practices in judicial hell hole Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey, feds take opposite paths on independent contractor rules State of Freight takeaways: Freight crash may turn into sudden revival The post OOIDAs fight against AB5 in California dealt another loss appeared first on FreightWaves. Bellingham, you may have an easier time finding a parking spot at Trader Joes as the new location now has an opening date. Bellinghams second Trader Joes location is set to open Thursday, May 29, according to a news release from the company. This 9,831-square-foot store will be the second Trader Joes in Bellingham, the news release states. Moments before the doors open at 8 a.m., Store Captain Brian Casey and Trader Joes crew members will host a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome customers to their new neighborhood store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new store takes over the previous location of Bed Bath & Beyond at 4255 Meridian St., which closed in 2023. The crew has designed the store to immerse you in a Pacific Northwest experience at Trader Joes, like an outdoor excursion paired with great food and beverages, the news release states. As a neighborhood grocery store, Trader Joes prides itself on hiring from the local community. The store hired more than 30 new crew members from surrounding areas and transferred in others from neighboring Trader Joes stores. In addition, through the companys longstanding Neighborhood Shares Program, the new Bellingham (North) Trader Joes will donate 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to enjoy to a range of nonprofit, community-based organizations, seven days a week. The grand opening ceremony will begin at 7:55 a.m. Thursday, May 29. Trader Joes new location will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 4255 Meridian St., in the Cordata Center. On the frontlines of Hainan Free Trade Port development 15:01, May 20, 2025 By Zhou Yajun, Wang Yunshan ( People's Daily Photo shows the Sanya Bay in Sanya, south China's Hainan province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Yongdong) China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is expected to achieve independent customs operations before the end of this year. In recent years, Hainan province has steadily improved its FTP policy and institutional framework, achieving an average annual growth of over 20 percent in both goods and services trade through high-level opening up. The actual use of foreign capital has also shown steady expansion. "A 21% tariff exemption is a huge boost for sales," said Zhou Shuo, managing director of gN Pearl, a Hainan-based company specialized in pearl farming, research and development, production, and sales. One of the signature policies of the Hainan FTP is the tariff exemption for domestically sold goods that have undergone value-added processing. According to this policy, for companies in encouraged industries, products whose added value exceeds 30 percent after the domestic processing of imported intermediary products, are exempt from taxes when entering the rest of China. As a local company specializing in pearl products, gN Pearl has already imported three batches totaling over 2,000 golden and white South Sea pearls in the first quarter of this year. The company expects to increase imports to 30,000 pearls by year-end. With a procurement cost of 12 million yuan ($1.67 million), the tariff exemption policy is estimated to save the company over 2.5 million yuan. According to customs of Haikou, capital of Hainan province, as of the end of this March, domestic sales of value-added processing industries in Hainan had reached 7.54 billion yuan, resulting in approximately 601 million yuan in tariff exemptions. Benefiting from such policies, a number of modern processing enterprises targeting both domestic and international markets are thriving in Hainan. Following Hainan FTP's independent customs operations, the FTP will further ease market access and implement negative lists for cross-border services trade and foreign investment. These steps are expected to attract more foreign enterprises and international talent to invest and do business in Hainan. Photo shows a coffee industrial park invested by Thailand's CP Group. (Photo from the official account of CP Group on WeChat) From investing 220 million yuan in a new coffee processing line and upgrading a coffee culture park, to investing 540 million yuan in building a coffee-themed resort, Thailand's CP Group has been increasing its investment in Hainan year after year. "Investing in China is investing in the future. The vast scale of the Chinese market reinforces our confidence," said Wang Mengjun, senior vice president of Chia Tai (Hainan) Xinglong Coffee Industry Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CP Group. Since 2021, CP Group's business in Hainan has doubled annually. In March, its Xinglong Coffee Culture Park was successfully accredited as a national AAA-rated tourist attraction, receiving over 400,000 visits so far. Hainan is actively creating an internationalized business environment. In recent years, it has explored fully digitized processes for foreign-funded enterprises through an e-registration system, launched a one-stop investment service platform, and introduced 8 service packages for foreign enterprises and foreign nationals, including customs clearance and residence permits. "Hainan's favorable business environment and efficient services allow us to focus fully on doing business," Wang said. In 2024, despite challenges posed by globalization headwinds, Hainan saw the establishment of over 2,000 new foreign-invested enterprises, a year-on-year increase of around 20%. At 5 pm Beijing time, a livestream kicked off at a studio of a media company located in the Hainan Cross-Border Digital Information Industrial Park. A host, speaking fluent English, introduced Chinese herbal teas to fitness enthusiasts in the US during their early morning hours. "Despite changes in the external environment, our revenue has sustained rapid growth," said Chen Jifeng, general manager of the media company. "This studio's daily sales have jumped from 10,000 yuan last year to 130,000 yuan now. Our revenue in April was five times that of February." According to him, the company's best-selling product right now is Chinese herbal tea, which is popular among overseas consumers seeking a healthy lifestyle. In 2023, Chen made the decision to pivot to cross-border e-commerce exports. "We chose Hainan because the FTP's policies support the secure and orderly flow of data," he explained. Starting in 2023, China has supported Hainan in accelerating the implementation of data flow governance policies. A Haikou international communications gateway administration was approved, and China Unicom's Hainan branch and HNINFORNET, a Hainan based company specializing in information and communications, jointly began developing a cross-border information industry service platform. "A single terminal now enables users to access the global internet through a compliant, secure cross-border data channel," said Gan Quan, deputy general manager of China Unicom's Hainan branch. "This completely solves the issue of unstable internet connections in cross-border e-commerce and enables seamless global network connectivity." Dun & Bradstreet, an American company that provides commercial data, analytics, and insights for businesses, established a presence in Hainan in 2022 and became the first enterprise in the province to pass the Cyberspace Administration of China's outbound data security assessment in 2023. "In Hainan, both foreign and state-owned enterprises are treated equally with an open and inclusive environment," said Wu Guangyu, president of Dun & Bradstreet China. "We see Hainan as a key hub bridging domestic and international markets and aggregating data resources. We eagerly anticipate the launch of independent customs operations in Hainan FTP." Photo taken on April 15, 2025 shows the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo held in Haikou, south China's Hainan province. (People's Daily Online/Meng Zhongde) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Officials say Saturdays bomb in Palm Springs, California, was set off by Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old who was found dead at the scene and is believed to have been killed by the blast. Authorities seem quite certain that the fertility clinic damaged in the explosion was the target of Bartkus wrath. With the who and the what of the crime fairly established, the more complex question of why remains. What was the reason for the attack? The FBI quickly became the lead agency in this investigation when it determined the motive for the attack on the fertility clinic was ideological, and as I covered this event for MSNBC, my initial theory, based on my law enforcement experience, was that the suspected bomber may have been angry that some fertility clinics that provide IVF treatments discard some embryos that arent implanted into patients uteruses. The discarding of embryos has upset some anti-abortion-rights activists, but officials now believe it isnt the potential discarding of embryos that motivated the bomber. They think it was the opposite: that the clinic was a tangible representation of human reproduction. Based on what they believe to be Bartkus social media posts and online videos, law enforcement officials are describing the suspected bomber as anti-natalist, someone who believes that bringing children into this world is neither worth it nor justified. Among the social media the FBI is examining is a video Bartkus posted along with a website espousing the termination of life and mentioning plans to bomb an IVF clinic. Some anti-natalists may even believe it to be immoral for people to have babies. Because life is just too painful, they say, and no one asks to be brought into the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The frequently cited anti-natalist philosopher David Benatar, a former professor at the University of Cape Town and former head of its Bioethics Centre, wrote a book in 1996 called Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence. There Benatar asserts, While good people go to great lengths to spare their children from suffering, few of them seem to notice that the one (and only) guaranteed way to prevent all the suffering of their children is not to bring those children into existence in the first place. Benatar isnt known to advocate violence. He has written, Anti-natalists are not committed to any particular views about when violence is and is not justified. However, the online platform Reddit confirmed Monday that it took down a 10,000-member anti-natalist subreddit community for violating an anti-violence policy. That community, which isnt the only anti-natalist subreddit, is called Efilism, which, according to NBC News, takes its name from life spelled backward. That news report describes efilism as part of a constellation of anti-natalist philosophies that center on the belief that humans should stop procreating because of the ethical implications of continuing life on Earth. Its unclear exactly what kind of anti-natalist teachings or philosophers the suspected bomber may have followed. Though information about anti-natalism may give us some insight into the bombing suspect, there are multiple indications that Bartkus, over the course of his life, had dealt with serious challenges. His father, who hadnt seen his son in 10 years, told The New York Times that when his son was 9, he burned down the family home while playing with matches and was sentenced to juvenile probation. In 2016, for reasons that arent clear, a court ordered the then-teenager to enter therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Levin, professor emeritus and founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, has a take on anti-natalism adherents that can help us further understand the suspects motivations. Within this movement, I.V.F. is certainly disfavored, but so is procreative sex, Levin told The New York Times. He said the suspect probably targeted an establishment that was most directly related in some way to this twisted take on that philosophy. Citing the prevalence of domestic terrorism perpetrated by young men who are socially isolated and join fringe communities, Levin told the newspaper, Our terrorism problem is as much of a mental health issue as it is an ideological one. Levin is right. Its one thing to identify with a particular philosophy; its another thing to take the giant step of planning and executing violence, even risking or inviting your own death in furtherance of that philosophy. Thats why Levins link between the Palm Springs bombing and mental health, young men, social isolation and fringe online communities is so troubling. Levin is saying the scary part out loud. If theres something we have no shortage of in todays world, its fringe online communities, social isolation and young men searching for meaning. Law enforcement officials, parents, teacher and counselors should take heed. There may be more Guy Bartkuses out there. Weve got to identify those young people and get them the kind of help that shows them that, whatever their philosophies, there are better options than setting off destructive bombs. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Normally when you hear that someone has cancer, you may have questions. A lot of questions. But you push them aside to focus on the person in front of you, the new conscript into an army a terribly large army they never intended to join. A journalists job, however, is to ask questions. And so when the new cancer patient is also a former president already at the center of a roiling debate about his declining health and cognitive state while in office, then we can expect decorum about intrusive queries to go out the window. But heres the thing: The answers whether willful blindness, unbridled ambition or medical tests that did or did not happen in a timely manner dont change anything for either the patient fighting for his life or for American democracy fighting for its survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing is surreal, but the revelations in CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompsons book the latest examination of how a phalanx of Biden insiders may have covered up his declining health and cognitive function should not be surprising. Did those Biden loyalists fool themselves and hoodwink the public because of their own ambitions and proximity to power? Were they so close that they could not discern the incremental changes that in retrospect were glaringly obvious? The questions are legitimate, but beyond a reckoning with how we got to this moment, do the answers change anything about how we move forward? And isnt moving forward with strength and focus the most important mission right now? Many people including some doctors have questioned why Joe Biden did not undergo a screening for elevated prostate levels as previous presidents had done, including George Bush and Barack Obama. A screening conducted during his vice presidency or his presidency might have detected abnormalities on a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. Perhaps. Others have pointed out that aggressive cancers like Bidens can spread more rapidly, and argued that the PSA test has its own issues and is not always administered to men after age 70. All these questions are legitimate, and journalists should continue their virtuous pursuit of the truth. Democrats will no doubt continue to debate and dissect previous decisions as they try to balance the frustrations over the past and the necessity of building some kind of forward momentum. Though most Republicans have shown both grace and courtesy in offering condolences, we can expect them to return to throwing insults and conjuring conspiracies around who knew what and when. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finger-pointing from all directions will continue. That is unfortunate, and for Democrats in particular it is counterproductive. In this moment, Biden deserves the dignity and the privacy afforded to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Leave him and his family alone to wage the fight of their lives. Journalists will continue to ask questions as they should, but this need not become a national obsession. Sadly, there are indications that it is on the way to becoming exactly that. Meanwhile, Americans who care about democracy are facing the fight of their lives with a president now occupying the White House who cares little about the Constitution and the rule of law. The road ahead for this country is perilous. Looking in the rearview mirror is a necessary caution, but fixating obsessively on the stuff over your shoulder does not get you anywhere safely especially when trying to traverse a storm. The stakes are too high to keep our heads swiveled backward. So yes, the cascade of questions kicked up by this moment is to be expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the answers dont quiet the political winds that swept us to this moment. They dont mitigate the returning scourge of white supremacy and the unapologetic biases against brown people and transgender people, womens rights and civil rights advancements. They dont unite people, or lower the cost of living or raise confidence in our voting process or system of government. The answers to those questions dont make America kinder or safer or more secure right now. We see that in the consumer confidence measures and Moodys downgrade of Americas credit rating. We see that in the likely sweeping cuts to Medicaid and Social Security. We see it in the gutting of so many government programs in health care, agriculture and scientific research that were the envy of the world just a few months ago. Yes, Biden and those closest to him could have, or perhaps should have, made different decisions that would have improved our lot. But there are no do-overs. Not for him. Not for us. The former president warrants both grace and space so he can be focused on healing. Send him the well-wishes and the prayers he deserves. But send your energy and your resources toward helping preserve the America our children and their children deserve. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Since 1887, Florida A&M University in Tallahassee has stood as a beacon of excellence and resilience, nurturing generations of Black scholars and leaders who have shaped this country. That 138-year legacy isnt just worth honoring, but its also worth protecting. Im a proud alumnus of FAMU and, thus, watched the recent selection of Marva Johnson as the universitys new president with great interest. Many people who love the university fall along a spectrum of emotions regarding the selection process and the selection of Johnson, as she does not have experience in higher education and is a political ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Others have complained that the process wasnt sufficiently transparent. And before Johnson was picked, some alumni reportedly threatened to stop supporting FAMU financially if she were selected. For many, the outpouring of concern and scrutiny surrounding FAMUs new president stem not from animosity, but from a place of profound love for the institution. When an entity holds such a significant place in hearts, every decision, every transition, is met with intense passion. This vocal engagement is not necessarily a sign of discord, but rather a powerful testament to the deep-seated affection and ownership the FAMU family feels. It is a reflection of how deeply this university resonates within the lives of its alumni, students, faculty and supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The frustration is also undoubtedly tied to the states political climate in recent years. Too often, Florida has blurred the line between governance and interference especially in the realm of higher education as Gov. DeSantis has installed political allies at the helm of institutions across the state, including New College of Florida and Florida International University. It is our hope and our expectation that FAMU remains focused on what matters most: its students, its mission and its independence. The strength and integrity of FAMU, like all institutions of higher learning, rely on its ability to operate free from undue political pressures, allowing it to prioritize academic excellence and the holistic development of its students. At the end of the day, political agendas should not drive FAMUs future. Its incumbent upon all of us who care about FAMU to use this moment as a time to recommit to safeguarding it. Holding leadership accountable and offering support arent opposing ideas they are two sides of responsible stewardship. This is not the time to disengage, divide or surrender. Its time to strategize and double down on our commitment to where we go from here. Regardless of how we arrived here, the stakes are too high to lose focus. If the president fails, the university fails. And FAMU cannot afford to fail not for the more than 13,000 students who walk that campus every day, and not for the future generations who deserve the same opportunities we had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a state lawmaker, my priority is ensuring our historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) receive the resources and funding they need, particularly in the face of uncertainty around federal funding and decades of being chronically underfunded. Nationwide, HBCUs are worried about survival, only increasing the importance of what happens at the state level. This moment calls for my fellow alumni not just here in Florida, but also across the country to stay engaged and keep speaking up. Its up to us to ensure that the voices and values of those who built the university into what it is today are reflected. Ultimately, no single president defines FAMU. The people do. Weve seen leadership come and go, but the community has always held the line. It is the alumni who carry its legacy forward, the faculty who impart knowledge and wisdom, the staff who ensure its smooth operation and the students who embody its future. If we stay informed, stay involved and stay unified, we can ensure that the universitys best days are still ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The institutions legacy is worth fighting for. It is our responsibility to safeguard the legacy of excellence, to uplift future generations of Rattlers and to ensure that Florida A&M University not only survives, but also flourishes for the next 138 years and beyond. This profound responsibility rests upon each and every member of the FAMU community. It is a burden and a privilege that must be carried together, with unwavering dedication and a shared vision for a vibrant and impactful future. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As Republicans in Congress struggle to settle on a megabill they can all agree on, they might want to familiarize themselves with the story of Marjorie Margolies. Her political career stands as a warning to GOP lawmakers, especially those thinking of risking their seats to save President Donald Trumps legislative agenda. Three decades ago, Margolies (then Margolies-Mezvinsky) briefly became the most famous first-term member of the House of Representatives. She was elected in 1992 to represent Pennsylvanias 13th Congressional District a swing district in Philadelphias suburbs by just 1,373 votes. The following summer, President Bill Clinton was struggling to push his first budget through the Democratic-controlled Congress. Though the budget raised taxes only on the wealthy, Margolies had promised during her campaign that she wouldnt vote for any tax increases. In the run-up to the crucial vote, Margolies restated her opposition. But in a phone call with Clinton just before the vote, she told him that if her support was absolutely needed, she would stand with her party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it became clear that Margolies vote was, in fact, absolutely necessary, she walked down the aisle to cast a yes ballot. One Democrat after another hugged her, patted her on the back and touched her as if she were Joan of Arc, The New York Times reported at the time. As she finally voted aye, her Democratic colleagues cheered as the Republicans jeered, Goodbye Marjorie. The GOP never let her constituents forget her critical vote, and she lost her re-election bid the next year. But Margolies wasnt the only Democrat to lose her seat. When the 1994 midterms took place, Clintons approval was about where Donald Trumps is today. He had gone through a bruising two years of legislative battles over his budget, a bill to ban the sale of assault weapons and a failed attempt at health care reform. And while the U.S. economy was growing, the 1990s boom that buoyed Clintons popularity was still a few years away. The average voter was mildly disgruntled; the Republican base was enraged. Democrats ceded control of the House after 40 uninterrupted years in the majority. They lost 54 seats in the chamber and eight in the Senate, as well as 10 governorships. It was the most lopsided midterm defeat for a presidents party in modern U.S. history. Clintons 1993 budget was, in many ways, good policy: It increased the earned income tax credit while raising taxes on the rich. But it was unquestionably bad politics. The bill Republicans are now working to pass, on the other hand, is terrible politics and even worse as a matter of policy. If Democrats can get their act together, they can make its depredations a centerpiece of their 2026 campaign and give themselves the best chance at a blue wave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wont be easy for Democrats to duplicate the sweep of 1994 in 2026. Increased gerrymandering has decreased the number of true swing districts, and the Senate map is highly unfavorable for Democrats. But taking back one or even both houses of Congress isnt out of reach, especially if, as in 1994, the public is upset and the presidents opposition is mobilized. In 2024, 15 Republicans in the House won their seats by less than 5 points; 23 won by less than 10. All of them are targets for Democrats and vulnerable in a bad year for the GOP. And Democrats need to net three Republican seats to win back control. The Senate, with its 53-47 Republican majority, will be a tougher lift but there, too, a Democratic landslide could deliver the chamber. Republicans will be defending 22 seats to the Democrats 13, and while most of those 22 are in safe red states, there are vulnerable GOP incumbents in North Carolina, Maine and possibly Ohio. If scandal-tainted far-right state Attorney General Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in the primary, a seat in Texas could become competitive, and in a real blowout other results could surprise. In addition, whereas Democrats in 1993 had a large enough majority that dozens could vote against Clintons budget, nearly every Republican will have to vote for Trumps agenda which means they can all be held responsible for what it does. No component of the bill is likely to get more attention than the brutal cuts to Medicaid that Republicans are planning. In a recent KFF poll, 76% of respondents said they opposed major cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should the bill pass, the news will most likely be full of stories about millions of people losing their health coverage. The cuts will also almost certainly lead to widespread layoffs among people who work in health care; entire hospitals that rely on Medicaid could be forced to close. Thats in addition to cuts to SNAP benefits and an array of other programs. And the reason for all these cuts is to (partly) offset tax cuts that mostly benefit the wealthy. Most of these tax cuts were political duds when they were first passed early in Trumps first term. How will voters react this time, when the price is ripping away Americans health insurance? Swing-district Republicans are increasingly nervous about the budget bill, especially the Medicaid cuts. But Trump and their congressional leadership will do everything they can to strong-arm them into voting for it. If they do, just as Republicans constantly reminded Marjorie Margolies constituents of her vote 30 years ago, Democrats need to never let todays voters forget this bill. After losing her re-election race, Margolies became a teacher, an advocate for women and even Chelsea Clintons mother-in-law. But though she ran for other elected offices several more times, she was never successful. That should be the fate of any Republicans who support this abominable budget, and they should be terrified of what will happen if they vote for it. At the very least they ought to be made to pay a price the next time they come before the voters. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 9 pm ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here. 1 in 7: I am thoroughly convinced Rachel is among the 1 in 7 who would dump their partner to save their dog, according to a new study. Its an interesting question staying with your partner vs. your dog dying? And are you among the 1 in 7? If so, why? If not, why not? Well share some of the best responses on air Thursday! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hottest take: From our buddy Erick Erickson, who writes on X, Im still not convinced this is anything other than a hostage situation with Stockholm Syndrome. The news: Bill Belichick and his 24-year-old CAPTOR girlfriend are now engaged Once again, were saying that the only people allowed for public shaming are old men dating young women. Why cant we all be happy for love?! Former President Joe Biden speaks during the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled bipartisan conference at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile on April 15, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Best Days and Worst Days Politics is pretty simple: Whats bad for your enemy is good for you. The growing scandal around former President Bidens health is bad for Democrats and great for Trump oh, the irony. The more the media focuses on Biden lying and those covering for him, the more maneuvering room Trump gets to pass his Big, Beautiful Bill. The more Democrats answer for their constant assurances about Bidens health when he was president, the less credibility they have on anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets start with the Biden cover-up and media redemption attempt. First off many in the media havent learned from their mistakes For example, a CBS Mornings guest (and Biden lackey) explained without any anchor pushback that the White House doctors wouldnt have tested Bidens PSA numbers to save money. It was equally laughable when White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered age questions by saying the staff cant keep up with him Oh yes, like the time she was on with Jake Tapper. Wait isnt Jake Tapper the guy who just wrote a book about the cover-up?! Right, now you are understanding. Watch tonight: Well talk to Alex Thompson, the reporter who actually dug into Bidens health and paid a real price in his first NewsNation interview about his book with Jake Tapper, Original Sin. Was it really a cover-up if nobody was questioning it? What else is Biden covering up with his cancer diagnosis? A Biden spokesperson tells NewsNation, President Bidens last known PSA was in 2014. Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Why on Earth should we believe them? How many of their interviews are with public officials (now spilling beans on Bidens mental lapses) who openly lied to the American public during their time in office? Do they deserve protection? President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on May 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) The Biden legacy issue could determine Trumps presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is how: Trump knows his Big, Beautiful Bill is his first, last and best chance to enshrine his legacy in law. Because of the 60-vote supermajority in the Senate required for most bills, Republicans must pass everything in a bill through reconciliation. Personal privilege : Much like the body positivity movement demanding acceptance of fat people as healthy and beautiful, MAGA wants us to believe massive spending bills and big (fat) government are beautiful. Neither is true. When it comes to the government, big is not beautiful I am an unapologetic fiscal conservative the old-fashioned kind. Precious few of us are left. Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill is high risk, high reward as are most things with Trump. He can afford to lose a couple of Republican votes but thats it. Trump destroyed one of Democrats biggest talking points by reportedly telling Republican congressmen dont f**k with Medicaid. So now what? Trumps political genius strikes again For moderate Democrats, it will be difficult to vote against the bill. They love big government. They think its beautiful. Theres no cuts to Medicare and it includes a continuation of Trump tax cuts. The next three weeks combine the explosive (Bidens health) with the mundane (tax legislation on Capitol Hill). Who said summer in Washington cant be fun? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 9/8 CT on NewsNation. Find your channel here. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The first time I realized that Joe Biden might not be playing with a full deck was in 2014 when he addressed an LGBTQ+ rights group. Explaining his 2012 epiphany in support of same-sex marriage, the then-vice president recalled an incident when his father drove him into Wilmington, Delaware for a job interview. We stopped at a red light, Biden said. I looked over to my left, and there were two men kissing good-bye, and I looked, and it was the first time Id seen that. And my father looked at me and said, They love each other. In retelling this anecdote, Biden pinpointed the year as 1961. One doesnt need to be an historian of the gay American experience (like me) to suspect that this story was, as Biden himself might say, malarkey. In 1961, homosexuality was illegal in every state of the union (Delaware would not decriminalize it until 1973), diagnosed as a mental illness and categorized as a national security threat. The chance that a young Joe Biden randomly encountered two well-dressed men kissing in broad daylight in downtown Wilmington on their way to work in 1961 is close to zero. This impression of Bidens diminishing mental acuity was compounded by the fact that he had simultaneously recited a significantly different version of the story. In an interview with the New York Times published just three weeks before his speech, Biden said it was one of his sons who had seen the men kissing and that it was he who nonchalantly said, They love each other. Despite this version being more plausible, it was the implausible one involving his father that Biden would repeat on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Episodes like this, which occurred years before Biden decided to run for president in 2020, are important to remember in light of the historical revisionism that the former presidents partisans and their media sycophants have been promoting since the disastrous debate performance that drove him from the 2024 election campaign. In this alternate universe, Biden was a sharp and capable commander-in-chief at worst prone to logorrhea. Those who suggested otherwise were ageist enemies of democracy promoting deceptively edited cheap fake videos of Biden to aid and abet Donald Trump. For these diehards, still sticking to their guns in the manner of Japanese holdouts discovered on uninhabited islands decades after the Second World War, Bidens parley with Trump was not a catastrophe the likes of which had not been seen since the advent of televised presidential debates, but merely a bad night. The former presidents deterioration and the effort to hide it from the public feature prominently in three recent tomes about the 2024 campaign: Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by the veteran campaign book-writing duo Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes; Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History by Chris Whipple; and, most sensationally, Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The first two focus more squarely on Bidens ill-fated reelection campaign, while the third, which publishes this week, zeroes in on the cover-up itself. While each book has its individual strengths, revelations and insights, reading them together paints a powerful picture of a presidency in dangerous denial. The impression that the presidents true condition was being kept under wraps was only heightened by the news last weekend that Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, an illness that usually takes years to progress. Of course, well into the second Trump administration, readers have every right to also question the timing of these books, published long after their revelations could have made a difference to recent history. But better late than never. The Original Sin of Tapper and Thompsons title refers to Bidens decision to seek reelection, a choice that surprised many Democrats when his aides started confirming it not long after he was elected in 2020. In December 2019, while Biden was vying for his partys presidential nomination and four months before he vaguely promised to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders, four Biden advisers told POLITICO that it was virtually inconceivable he would run for reelection in 2024. Bidens decline was apparent to his inner circle before the 2020 Democratic Convention, in which, given the pandemic, his participation would consist mostly of pre-taped videos. Even this undemanding medium proved onerous for the then 77-year-old, whose performance speaking virtually with real Americans was, according to two aides, horrible as Biden couldnt follow the conversation at all. Despite being edited by some of the best people in the business, little of the material was usable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The morbid observation by some Biden aides that the pandemic, while terrible for the world, was an enormous boon for their campaign, was entirely accurate. With Biden granted a plausible excuse to avoid active campaigning, the American people were shielded from the physical and mental regression that would become increasingly apparent as the country opened up. And once he entered the White House, it was visible to anyone who saw him up close. The cabinet meetings were terrible and at times uncomfortable and they were from the beginning, a cabinet secretary told Tapper and Thompson, one of four to speak anonymously with the authors. In October 2021, when Biden addressed the Democratic House caucus in an effort to win their support for an infrastructure package, one member described his 30-minute speech as incomprehensible. According to Allen and Parnes, Vice President Kamala Harris communications director eventually drew up a spreadsheet listing judges across the country who could administer her the oath of office in the event Biden died. According to all three accounts, 2023 was the year Bidens deterioration became undeniable. It was also the year he formally announced his decision to seek reelection, which brought his worrisome condition increasingly into the open. A television ad in which Biden would answer pre-screened questions from a handpicked audience had to be scrapped because none of the footage was usable. At small, intimate events with donors, Biden would avail himself of teleprompters, stop randomly in the middle of his speech and shake hands, and just as randomly start speaking again. That June, following an interview on MSNBC, Biden got up from the desk and wandered off the set as the cameras rolled. The following month at a White House picnic, Biden didnt recognize Congressman Eric Swalwell, one of his opponents for the nomination. (To be fair to Biden, not recognizing Eric Swalwell is a point in his favor.) Befitting an inner circle dubbed the Politburo, the Biden ascendancy in many ways resembled the Soviet Union in the early 1980s when three successive geriatric leaders died within as many years. The pathetic sight of Barack Obama fetching a spaced out Biden from the edge of the stage at a Hollywood fundraiser and leading him off into the wings recalls the videotaped spectacle of an enfeebled Konstantin Chernenko voting in a hospital room shoddily refashioned as a polling place. In one of the more disturbing revelations from Original Sin, White House residence aides were told that they no longer needed to staff the elevator and could leave work early because the proletarian Bidens didnt like being waited on. The real motive, the authors suggest, was to expand a privacy buffer around the president and limit his exposure to household staff the kind of move one can imagine in the palace of an aging dictator. By August, 77 percent of Americans, including 69 percent of Democrats, said Biden was too old to seek reelection, numbers that Biden and his aides would have heeded had they truly cared about protecting American democracy from the threat of Donald Trump. Further validation of the publics worries arrived the following February, when Robert Hur, the special counsel assigned to investigate Bidens mishandling of classified documents, released his report. Though Hur, following a five hour-long deposition, found that Biden had willfully retained such documents, he did not recommend prosecution because the president would come across to a jury as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tapper and Thompson reprint just a few of the over 250 pages of interview transcripts that led Hur to this conclusion. Throughout, Biden rambles aimlessly about the history of various pieces of furniture in his Delaware beach house, the Mongol invasion of Europe, pictures of his wife Jill in a bathing suit, and much else having absolutely nothing to do with the matter at hand. As if to confirm Hurs conclusion, Biden, in a testy press conference responding to the report, confused the presidents of Mexico and Egypt. Despite Biden exposing himself as a real-life Mr. Magoo, Democratic partisans rushed to his defense and smeared the special counsel. Former Attorney General Eric Holder vilified Hur, by all accounts a politically impartial public servant, as extremely naive or a partisan. Then-congressman Adam Schiff, even more attention-hungry than usual given that he was running for Senate, confronted Hur at a hearing and accused him of intending to ignite a political firestorm with his entirely accurate description of the presidents fading memory. Though anyone paying a modicum of attention to the Biden presidency should have seen that its titular figure was undergoing a precipitous cognitive and physical decline, what made the debate of June 27, 2024 so significant was that it provided indisputable evidence. Biden glaring off into the distance, mouth agape, looking as if he didnt even know where he was it was the one time during the campaign when I actually felt sorry for him, even if it was a tragedy of his own making. After deceiving the country and the world about his health for years on end effectively perpetrating a fraud on the American people its sadly inevitable that that many are now questioning the timing of the revelation of his prostate cancer diagnosis. Biden had enablers, of course, none more culpable than his wife Jill, whose performance at the post-debate party was downright creepy. Joe, you did such a great job! she enthused in the manner of a mother trying to cheer up her child who struck out at t-ball. You answered every question! You know all the facts! (One feels slightly more respect for Jill learning that she has since expressed private regret for this performance). Somehow, Bidens own remarks were even more cringe-inducing. Citing a famous movie by John Wayne, he referred to Trump and his minions as nothing but lying, dog-faced pony soldiers. Its a line Biden had cited before, and it would rank as one of the Dukes most memorable had he uttered it, which, of course, he never did. An agonizing three weeks later, Biden relented to the overwhelming pressure from within his party and dropped out of the race. How did a man so evidently unfit for the presidency come so close to securing renomination? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hubris, predicated upon a series of contingencies and counterfactuals. Bidens decision not to challenge Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic nomination, her subsequent loss to Donald Trump, and his victory over Trump four years later, gave Biden and his circle a feeling of political infallibility. Add yet another counterfactual the possibility that Biden might have remained in the race and somehow beat Trump and you have a situation where the people who got us into this mess can persist in claiming they were right. The excuses the Biden team served to inquiring reporters and concerned Democrats were transparent nonsense. Hes just not a great communicator, a senior White House official told Tapper and Thompson, bringing to mind the late Christopher Hitchens moniker for Amtrak Joe, the Great Commuter. (Alas, one who never sits in the quiet car.) Speaking of the Gipper, longtime Biden adviser Mike Donilon defended his boss by pointing out that the 40th president also once had a bad debate. Indeed, Ronald Reagan became a go-to punching bag for Democrats defensive of Bidens age, his supposedly undiagnosed Alzheimers largely responsible for the Iran-Contra scandal. A quick look at Reagans vigorous final press conference dispels such illusions. The most important service these post-mortem volumes provide is naming the people who gaslit the country. Chief among the malefactors is Donilon, informal leader of the Politburo and a figure who blends the ethics of Bob Haldeman with the avarice of Bob Menendez. In 2022, explaining the rationale for a second Biden term, Donilon revealed the altruism that directed him towards a life of public service: Nobody walks away from this. No one walks away from the house, the plane, the helicopter. For his selfless contribution to safeguarding democracy, Donilon demanded an astonishing $4 million fee, a figure difficult to square with his partys ostensible commitment to gender equity considering that Jennifer OMalley Dillion, the actual campaign manager, had a $300,000 salary. Most astoundingly, Tapper and Thompson reveal that Donilon was the only person who shared polling data with Biden, thus earning him a place in history alongside the advisers who told the last Shah of Iran that he remained popular with his people. To this day Donilon is deluded as ever, recently treating Harvard undergraduates to a bizarre rant in which he declared that it was the Democratic leadership which had in fact lost its mind. Next is Steve Richetti, one of Bidens White House counselors whose main function appears to have been obsessively watching Morning Joe every day and regaling White House staff with all the nice things that the Democratic Party mouthpieces who host it said about the terrific jobs they were doing. Following a White House meeting with Democratic Governors a week after the debate, a concerned Maura Healey of Massachusetts told Richetti about the troubling exchange she had just had with the commander-in-chief in which he cited polls showing him beating Trump. Healey was unaware of such polls because they didnt exist. Ive been doing this for thirty years, Richetti retorted. I know polls. Two weeks later, after a meeting with a group of pollsters bearing bad news, Richetti angrily called one of them and snapped, Youre supposed to tell us how to win, not that we cant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One almost feels sorry for Ron Klain, Bidens first chief of staff. To have one of the most insecure men in American politics declare that only one person here is smarter than me and its Ron suggests how Klain could have become so servile towards his boss. When former Obama adviser David Axelrod told the New York Times that Biden would be closer to 90 than 80 at the end of a second term, Klain chewed his ear off. The following year, when talent agent extraordinaire Ari Emanuel expressed similar worries while subjecting Klain to one of his world-famous tirades at the Aspen Institute, Klain, according to Allen and Parnes, brushed the concern aside. Even though, as Klain later told Whipple, he feared the debate would be a nationally televised disaster, three weeks after said disaster he was telling Biden to stay in the race. The hubris of Anita Dunn, the grand dame of Beltway public relations in the words of Allen and Parnes, derived from her belief that she was the reason Biden won his decisive victory in the 2020 South Carolina Democratic primary. Though Congressman Jim Clyburn deserved the credit, Dunn and OMalley Dillon were touted as geniuses, according to Whipple. Believing her own press, Dunn vastly overestimated her abilities, lecturing a Biden pollster in early 2023 that we dont need polling. The decision has been made. Hes running. Following the debate, she told Whipple that Biden had actually wonwith people who mattered, a constituency that apparently excluded the vast majority of the voting public. Alas, not even this level of purblind loyalty was sufficient to maintain Bidens trust. Dunns one saving grace her insistence that Bidens prodigal son Hunter be kept as far away from the campaign as possible alienated the First Son, who turned his father against her. Hunters antics and shady business dealings were more than just a tabloid sideshow, Tapper and Thompson write, because the drama surrounding him symbolized a family dynamic built around rejection of reality. In a revealing display of grandiosity, Hunter told his family that if Donald Trump was able to strike back at his critics, so should he. Hunter was the leading advocate for the novel theory that it was not Biden who blundered the debate but rather his advisers who left him ill-prepared. Family dynamics comprise a significant part of this Shakespearean tragedy. When Joe was vice president, he went to great lengths hiding the extent of older son Beaus illness, foreshadowing the later concealment of his own decline. And it wasnt just the Bidens who treated the presidency as a family business. Donilons niece served on the National Security Council, Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reeds daughter was Bidens day scheduler, and all four of Richettis children had administration jobs. If there was anyone within the Biden brood who had the influence, never mind the responsibility, to stop the impending disaster that was the 2024 reelection campaign, it was Jill, or Dr. Jill as she insisted on being called. (Lady McBiden, as Alexandra Pelosi referred to her, is more fitting.) Alas, Jill was even more firm than her husband about maintaining a residence at Pennsylvania Avenue, according to Allen and Parnes. Anthony Bernal, who exerted more power than perhaps any other chief of staff to a first lady, was the natural extension of his boss, with his incessant talk about the second term, his planning Jills 2025 travel schedule, and his pronouncements that You dont run for four years you run for eight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounding out this rogues gallery are senior communications staffers TJ Ducklo and Andrew Bates, who behaved like the mooks in a third-rate mob movie. Ducklo, fired early in the administration for threatening to destroy a female reporter and who clearly saw himself as the muscle of this witless duo, was brought back for the re-elect mainly to bully Democrats into attacking journalists who reported on Bidens age. Bates, meanwhile, reached Baghdad Bob-level comedic heights during the final months of the campaign with his ludicrous attestations to Bidens fearsome mental and physical stamina. My personal favorite, issued on X during a NATO press conference in which Biden introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as President Putin and confused his own vice president with Trump, was, To answer the question on everyones minds: No, Joe Biden does not have a doctorate in foreign affairs. Hes just that fucking good. Presented with these characters, one cant help but feel pity for the luckless Karine Jean-Pierre, who as the public face of the Biden White House had the unenviable job of defending its numbskull denizens on a daily basis. Finally, there are the many Democrats who witnessed the presidents senescence yet said nothing. At the top of this list is Schiff, who lambasted Hur on national television for having the temerity to remark upon Bidens poor memory. A few months later, after Biden confirmed Hurs assessment on the CNN debate stage, Schiff went around telling colleagues that Biden needed to drop out. When Schiff finally mustered the fortitude to say this out loud, this profile in courage became the 23rd member of Congress to do so. A public apology to Hur has not been forthcoming. Revealingly, none of these books are interested in the essential role that the media played in the cover-up. Given how much the press valorizes itself for defending democracy, its dereliction of duty regarding Bidens infirmities is a massive failure. To be sure, the Biden White House didnt make things easy for reporters; its no coincidence that the two journalists granted the most access to Biden Evan Osnos of the New Yorker and Franklin Foer of the Atlantic overlooked the biggest story of his presidency. But lack of access is no excuse. When POLITICOs Ben Schreckinger produced a deeply reported, unvarnished book about the Biden familys half-century rise to power in 2021, the mainstream media ignored it. With the exception of Thompson, one of the handful of journalists who consistently reported on Bidens fitness and who bears the scars of vicious White House attacks on his character to prove it, most of the media declined to investigate Bidens disposition because it interfered with a higher priority: saving the country from Donald Trump. The individuals who collaborated in the cover-up of Joe Biden's condition deserve to be shunned. While many contributed to the disaster that was the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination process, ultimate responsibility rests with Biden himself. Like Bill Clinton, who made his family, friends, and advisers lie for him over a personal matter, Joe Biden obliged his supporters to engage in deception on his behalf. While Clinton clearly understood what he was doing, however, we cant say the same about Biden. Cocooned by mendacious aides and grasping family members, his cognitive functions degenerating rapidly, the perception of Biden as a vulnerable senior citizen manipulated by others is unnervingly realistic. But while Clintons duplicity concerned the minutiae of sex, Bidens affected the fate of the world. The lie that he, his family, and his underlings foisted on the American public was severe as any Donald Trump has ever told. The man killed by an Orange County Sheriffs deputy Friday during the execution of a search warrant in a narcotics investigation has been identified. The man was Tyrone Devon Henderson Bartley, 32, the sheriffs office said Tuesday in a statement. Orange Sheriff John Mina said at a news conference about two hours after the shooting that Bartley was shot after reaching behind a door where a semi-automatic rifle was later located. Members of the agencys SWAT team entered a residence on Lejeune Drive around 2:20 p.m., Mina said at the briefing. While inside clearing the home of danger, they saw Bartley, in a bedroom, reach behind a door where the rifle was later found. One deputy fired at the Bartley, striking him, he said. Deputies rendered first aid, but he died after being taken to a hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drug investigation began after deputies responded to the home two weeks earlier for a domestic violence call. Two guns including one that was stolen along with trafficking amounts of fentanyl and cocaine were found then, Mina said. The guns were confiscated and Fridays search warrant was to locate additional drugs or guns in the home. This case just illustrates how dangerous this is for our deputies, Mina said. You know, going into, going into a home where we know guns, loaded guns, have already been recovered, or we know trafficking amounts of fentanyl cooking have already been recovered. He said at the news conference that since Bartley had not been identified, it was unknown if he was involved in the domestic violence call. No information about whether Bartley was involved in that call was included in the news release identifying him. Bartley had been arrested in 2017 by the Orlando Police Department following a traffic stop. Officers found him with about three grams of what a drug-testing kit tested presumptive positive to be marijuana, according to his arrest affidavit. A pistol was also found in his glove compartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors charged him with carrying a concealed firearm, possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. No action was taken on the first charge and the other two were transferred, court records show. Mina said he has seen body camera footage of Fridays incident and its clear Bartley was reaching for something behind the door. The footage will be released within 30 days. Deputies gave verbal warnings on a loudspeaker as they entered and once inside the home. Mina said he doesnt know how much time elapsed between deputies giving their first warnings and the shooting. The deputy who shot Bartley will be placed on paid leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement standard practice in a police shooting. FDLE will turn over its findings to the Orange-Osceola State Attorneys Office. Once that process is completed, the sheriffs office will begin an internal investigation. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Sheridan man will spend more than three years in prison after he broke into a house in Dallas, Ore. and killed the homeowners goat in October 2024. Matthew Alan Luker, 50, was found guilty of first-degree burglary and recklessly endangering another person on May 5. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor He had also pleaded guilty to aggravated animal abuse and first-degree criminal mischief. The judge said Luker had shown no remorse for his actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to prison time, Luker will also spend three years under post-prison supervision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A bill that would allow Oregon weed brands to offer trade samples is headed to Gov. Tina Koteks desk. Senate Bill 558, first approved by the Oregon Senate on Apr. 17, passed the Oregon House with a 40-10 vote on Monday. If Kotek signs the measure, marijuana-licensed businesses could give other licensees samples of their products at trade shows permitted by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. The legislation would expand the current threshold for how many samples industry workers can receive as well. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a public hearing for the bill earlier this month, Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregons Niki Terzieff said the measure would help the marijuana companies parody practices seen in other industries. She noted it could also boost efficiency for businesses that create revenue for drug treatment services. Many of the rules in the books today were written when the legal market was new, untested and we had very little knowledge, Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon Executive Director Jesse Bontecou added. They reflect early fears and not realities of a now-mature, highly competent industry that employs thousands and contributes hundreds of millions in economic activity. SB 558 would additionally allow wholesale transactions at trade shows. According to Bontecou, the current law requires originating licensees to hold products for 24 hours before they can be given to the purchasing licensee increasing transportation costs for businesses outside of the Portland area where many of these events take place. Stakeholders have emphasized that the proposed bill permits product samples for those within the industry, not to the general public. It would also ban licensees from offering samples that exceed Oregons legal limit, while establishing sample minimums such as one gram of usable marijuana per harvest lot per strain each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon man imprisoned for killing goat with no remorse The legislation further could improve transparency and quality control within the local marijuana market, Entourage Cannabis co-founder Tucker Holland said. This ensures retail staff can have personal experience and comprehensive knowledge of our offerings because the retail staff serve as the primary educators for consumers, Holland added. Overly burdensome regulations particularly those that no longer serve the original purpose can unintentionally fuel the very issues they were meant to prevent. When legitimate operators are hamstrung by outdated rules it creates gaps that the illicit market is all too eager to fill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Nineteen northwestern pond turtles have been growing in the Oregon zoos lab, and now theyre heading back to nature. Conservationists took the endangered turtles to ponds along the Columbia River and set them loose in the Gorge. Portlands Pastificio dOro announces permanent closure in July 2025 Zookeepers say they had to wait until the turtles weighed 50 grams so they wouldnt get eaten by bullfrogs. Watch the turtles release in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The meeting of the UN Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), held in Baku, serves as an excellent platform to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the fight against corruption, said Gaby Nestor Razakamanantsoa, Director General of Madagascars Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau, Trend reports. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 6th plenary session of the GlobE Network, Razakamanantsoa stated that combating corruption remains one of the most important global challenges. He emphasized that Madagascars Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau is deeply grateful to the GlobE Network for inviting them to participate in this highly significant event. Razakamanantsoa also expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its hospitality. The 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network) are taking place in Baku. The events are bringing together about 50 senior officials representing law enforcement agencies of different countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A fifth inmate was recaptured following a breakout at a New Orleans jail last week, authorities announced, the same day a maintenance worker at the facility was arrested after allegedly helping with the escape. Corey Boyd, 19, was arrested Tuesday, days after he and nine other men escaped the Orleans Justice Center Friday. The breakout has left New Orleans on high alert with members of the district attorneys staff fleeing for their safety and local and state officials investigating how an escape could have happened. All five inmates were arrested in New Orleans. Earlier Tuesday, Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker with the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, was arrested for willfully and maliciously assisting with the escape, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged with one count of malfeasance in office and 10 counts of principal to simple escape. His bond was set at $1.1 million, $100,000 for each charge he is facing, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a social media post. Escaped Prisoners New Orleans - New Orleans Police Department Williams was appointed a public defender, Michael Kennedy, who said he has not met with his client but is expected to do so Wednesday morning. Murrill told Fox News Tuesday that authorities believe Williams was involved over a period of time. We think that it was more than just that night, she said. I cant really give all the details of times and dates, but we believe this person had multiple days of involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation described Williams as being initially evasive and untruthful before providing information, according to the affidavit. Williams said inmate Antoine Massey threatened to shank him if he didnt turn off the water to the cell used in the breakout, according to the affidavit. If the water had still been on, the plan to escape would not have been successful and potentially flooded the cell, drawing attention to their actions, according to the affidavit. Sterling Williams, 33, a maintenance worker with the sheriffs office at the time of the escape, allegedly told investigators he had turned the water off in the cell from which the inmates escaped, according to the attorney generals office . - Louisiana Department of Justice A previous escape Massey had previously escaped from a detention center in North Louisiana in August 2019, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt surprise me, because (Massey) was known for that, Morehouse Parish Sheriffs Office Chief James Mardis told CNN about learning that Massey had escaped once again. In 2019, Massey and another inmate broke out of the Morehouse Parish Detention Center in Collinston, before being recaptured in Lancaster, Texas, Mardis told CNN Tuesday. They cut through the wire of a chain link fence at the exercise yard of the facility and crawled under it in broad daylight back in August 2019, Mardis said. A vehicle with Texas tags was seen in the rural area and was believed to have picked up the men. Deputies and corrections officers were at the scene within minutes, but the men had gotten away, he said. The men were taken into custody that evening in Texas, the sheriffs office said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mardis said he was told of Masseys second escape on Monday, though the Louisiana State Police had called to ask about the inmate over the weekend, he said. The remaining escaped inmates have been identified, from top left, as Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen. - Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Massey and nine other men broke out of the Orleans Justice Center through a hole behind a metal toilet just after midnight Friday. The escapees face an array of charges including aggravated assault with a firearm, false imprisonment with a weapon and murder. This was a coordinated effort, aided by individuals inside our own agency, who made the choice to break the law, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said Tuesday at a meeting of the city councils criminal justice committee. Hutson noted the agency continues to pursue everyone involved. Audit follows escape The sheriffs office provided city council members with notes following the successful escape, acknowledging staff failed to conduct proper security checks, security checks were skipped or incomplete, and they failed to detect early warning signs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hutson added after the meeting that the jail was still operating with outdated surveillance, aging infrastructure, blind spots in supervision and critical staffing shortages. These vulnerabilities have been raised repeatedly in our funding requests and now, the consequences are undeniable, she said in a statement. Additionally, at least 10 seasoned auditors from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections are being sent to the Orleans Justice Center this week to investigate the escape. The audit will concentrate on jail operations, such as overall jail security, jail staffing and jail policy and procedures, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott said in a news release Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry tasked the department to audit the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, to ensure they were in compliance with conditions necessary to ensure the safe, efficient, effective and legal operation of a jail facility, the release added. The last audit of the facility by the Department was in 2014, according to the agency. Public trust and safety is paramount and when events such as the recent jailbreak occur it erodes that confidence, Westcott said. The Departments dedicated correctional professionals are committed to providing insight that will help local jails mitigate any future occurrences within correctional settings. How the escape unfolded The Orleans Justice Center went into lockdown at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, meaning inmates were expected to stay in their cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after midnight Friday morning, a corrections monitoring technician stepped away for food. During that time, several inmates started yanking on the door of Cell Delta 1006. A staff member should have been monitoring the cameras in the facility, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said at a Monday news conference. Eventually, the door broke open and the men snuck into another cell. Within minutes, 10 inmates maneuvered past a metal toilet, squeezed through a small hole carved in the wall and ran. The men brought blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire. They scaled a fence, ran across Interstate 10, darted into a nearby neighborhood, ripped off their inmate clothes and disappeared into the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before they broke out, they taunted jail staff with a message scrawled above their escape hole: To Easy LoL, it read. The hole itself is one sign of the continued lapses at the facility, according to the district attorney. Someone should have caught the destruction of the toilet and destruction of the wall and getting out, because that doesnt happen in a day, does it? he said. So, it was missed during the entire time that that plan was being hatched. This is not just about one lunch break, he added. The escape wasnt discovered until a routine head count at 8:30 a.m., Hutson said Friday. Counterclockwise Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Gary Price and Dkenan Dennis - Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections Boyd, Dkenan Dennis, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles and Gary Price are in custody following Friday mornings jail break, and are being held at Louisiana State Penitentiary, a maximum security facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massey, along with Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen remain at large. CNNs Caroll Alvarado, Holly Yan, Zoe Sottile and Rafael Romo contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A maintenance worker at a New Orleans jail where 10 inmates escaped has been arrested and accused of helping facilitate the breakout, officials said Tuesday. Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, was arrested and booked into jail Tuesday morning, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Williams allegedly shut off the water to a toilet to help clear the way for the inmates to escape, sources said. The prisoners, including three who are charged with second-degree murder and remain on the run, were able to get out after ripping the toilet off its hinges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 6 men at large after escape from New Orleans jail, including 4 charged with murder Williams is facing 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office. Williams was initially booked into the Orleans Parish Jail before being relocated to a different facility, Murrill said. Four other jail employees have been suspended in this investigation. "Our intent is to make sure this never happens again and so we're going to look at all the things we need to do to change those conditions, and at the same time hold everyone accountable that may have been involved before, during and after," Murrill said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrill alleged in her earlier statement that Williams admitted to agents he was involved in helping facilitate the escape. Murrill said Williams allegedly claimed one of the escapees advised him to turn the water off in the cell where the inmates escaped from. "Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams turned the water off as directed, allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape," Murrill's statement said. An arrest affidavit filed in the case alleges Williams told investigators one of the inmates "threatened to shank him" if he did not assist them in the escape plan. "During a Mirandized interview with Williams, he explained to Agents that he turned the water off from the outside pipe walk area on the exterior of cell 6 under direction of a light skinned black male with tattoos on his face, whom he named as 'Massey,' Antoine Massey, who threatened to shank him if he did not turn the water off," according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit added that Williams was observed on video surveillance footage in the jail's 1D pod, standing in the open door, talking with escaped inmates Derrick Groves, Massey and another unidentified inmate. PHOTO: The cell at Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans where inmates apparently escaped from. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office) Groves was recently convicted of second-degree murder and faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, prosecutors said. "Williams stated at that time, Groves tried to take his phone from him and attempted to get Williams to bring a book with cash app information to his cousin in the next pod over," according to the affidavit obtained by New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO. The affidavit added, "Because of Williams' actions, 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Correctional Center were able to escape from the plumbing area where Williams turned the water off at the behest of Massey. If the inmates removed the sink in the cell and disconnected the rest of the plumbing with the water still on, the plan to escape would not have been successful and potentially flooded the cell, drawing attention to their actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavits added that Williams did not reveal his alleged participation in the escape when first confronted by investigators. "He denied his involvement at the outset, but ... we've gotten more information and that's the basis of the arrest," Murrill said at Tuesday's news conference. Murrill added, "I don't think that he had to do any of the things that he did. If he was under threat, then he certainly should have brought that to someone else's attention.The facts that I am aware of indicate that there were multiple opportunities to do that, to bring it to the attention of authorities. If he wants to bring that up in his defense, then that's a matter for him and his defense attorneys." In an interview with ABC News on Tuesday morning, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, whose office is investigating the breakout, said the mass escape was clearly an inside job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ten violent offenders don't make their way into a pod made for two and make good their escape through concrete, rebar and barbed wire, without there being some sort of inside assistance," Williams said Asked why a jail employee would risk their career to help in the escape, Williams said, "Don't know, greed, avarice, friendship, the motives that cause men to do bad things." PHOTO: A screen grab taken from a handout CCTV video shows inmates running through the loading dock at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, in New Orleans, May 16, 2025. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via Reuters) Williams added that he personally tried the murder case against Groves, and two of the homicide prosecutors who worked with him on the case have left the city with their families out of concern for their safety. He also said he has asked the city council to approve funds to hire private security for the courthouse and his office as the manhunt continues. "One of these individuals shot into a crowd of women and children -- dozens of them -- in an effort to kill one person. So, he's proven he's willing to kill. He's proven he's willing to take risks. He's proven that he does not care about anybody except for himself. And when you look at that video, he's the first person taken out of that jail. So certainly, he's more dangerous," Williams said of Groves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the employee's arrest came as the search for the fugitives still at large went into its fifth day. Later Tuesday, authorities captured Corey Boyd and took him into custody. Boyd was facing charges of second-degree murder prior to his escape. Besides Groves, two other inmates -- Lenton Vanburen and Jermaine Donald -- are charged with second-degree murder, officials said, and remain at large. The 10 inmates were discovered missing during a routine headcount at the Orleans Justice Center at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time Friday, according to Maj. Silas Phipps with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. Initially, officials said 11 had escaped, but officials didn't realize one had just been transferred to another cell. The inmates are believed to have escaped from the jail around 1 a.m. on Friday, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Marshals, Louisiana State Police and Probation and Parole were notified by 9:30 a.m. on Friday, the sheriff's office said. New Orleans police officials said they were notified at 10:30 a.m. Williams said he didn't find out until a member of the news media called to ask him to confirm the breakout at about 10 a.m. on Friday. He said the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail, failed to notify local police and the public immediately. "The public is the sixth man on the team in a jailbreak. You want to let the public know immediately when something like this happens," Williams said. "The public was denied the opportunity to participate in this manhunt for eight hours. Law enforcement was denied the opportunity to start looking." The prosecutor said a friend who lives in downtown New Orleans contacted him to ask if three individuals captured by her home surveillance cameras walking in an alley behind her home at 2 a.m. on Friday were connected to the jailbreak. He said the video, obtained by ABC News, showed Groves and two other individuals walking in the alley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If this information had been put out to the public immediately, everyone could have played a role," Williams said. MORE: Texas murder suspect on the loose after escaping before court appearance In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, accepted blame. "I take full responsibility for what happened. This breach happened under my leadership, and it is my responsibility to ensure it is addressed with urgency and transparency," Hutson said. "To date, we have suspended staff, made an arrest, and launched comprehensive internal and external investigations," she added. "We are also fully cooperating with the independent investigation led by the Louisiana Attorney General, and we have provided full access to all records, surveillance footage, and facility documentation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the escapees were arrested within 24 hours of the jailbreak, officials said. One was arrested after he was spotted in New Orleans' French Quarter. Escaped inmates Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis and Kendall Myles were all recaptured on Friday, just hours after breaking out of the jail. Myles was being held at the jail on a charge of attempted second-degree murder when he allegedly escaped. One day prior to 19-year-old Boyd's arrest, authorities apprehended 21-year-old Gary C. Price, according to the Louisiana State Police. Some of the escapees began tampering with a locked cell door at 12:22 a.m. local time Friday and were seen on surveillance footage entering the cell about 20 minutes later, officials said. PHOTO: Booking photo of Sterling Williams, a maintenance employee who was arrested for allegedly helping inmates escape from the Orleans Justice Center. (Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriffs Office) The 10 inmates exited the jail through a wall behind a toilet at 1:01 a.m. on Friday, Sheriff Hutson said. They then made their way off the property through a loading dock door and scaled the perimeter wall using blankets to protect themselves from the barbed wire, according to the sheriff's office. From there, officials said they had a clear path to the railroad tracks and then the interstate. The arrest of the jail maintenance worker came after officials said they were investigating how the breach occurred, saying the inmates had to have received help, or at least some type of tool that enabled them to escape. "We have the indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from inside our department," Hutson said at a May 15 news conference. "It's almost impossible -- not completely -- but almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help from the outside." Murrill said the investigation into the breakout is ongoing. "We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows," Murrill said. "I encourage anyone who knows anything and even those who may have provided assistance to come forward now to obtain the best possible outcome in their particular case." ABC News' Matt Foster and Ahmad Hemingway contributed to this report. New Orleans jail employee arrested, accused of helping mass escape of inmates originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A New Orleans jail maintenance worker was charged Tuesday with helping 10 men break out of the jail last week, the first such arrest in the case. Sterling Williams, 33, was hit with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a press release. Soon after the 10 suspects broke out of prison around 1 a.m. on May 16, investigators said they likely had inside help. In addition to Williams, three Orleans Parish jail employees have been suspended without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the escapees told Williams to cut the water to a specific jail cell, according to Murrill. Instead of alerting other jail workers, Williams cut the water, allowing the men to escape through a hole behind a toilet, investigators said. Sources told local Fox affiliate WVUE that one of the escapees, Antoine Massey, threatened to shank Williams if he didnt cut the water. Six of the 10 escaped men remained at large on Tuesday: Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, Derrick Groves and Corey Boyd. Three men Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis were nabbed less than 24 hours after breaking out. A fourth inmate, Gary Price, was captured Monday in New Orleans East. This is a continuing investigation, and we will provide updates as often as possible, Murrill said. We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows. By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) - A maintenance worker at a New Orleans jail was under arrest, accused of helping 10 inmates escape last week, including some accused of murder, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on Tuesday. The worker, Sterling Williams, 33, admitted to agents that he turned off the water supply to a cell at the request of one of the inmates, Murrill said in a statement on Tuesday. That allowed the escapees to tear a sink and toilet off the wall, creating a hole through which they fled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of reporting the inmate, Williams did as he was asked, "allowing the inmates to carry out their scheme to successfully escape," the statement said. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Williams said that one of the inmates threatened to cut him with a "shank" - or a homemade knife - if he failed to comply. It was unclear whether Williams was represented by an attorney. Williams, who worked in maintenance at the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, was arrested on Monday, said Lester Duhe, a press secretary for the attorney general, who described the investigation as ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked at Orleans Parish jail, then relocated to another facility and charged with 10 counts of simple escape and malfeasance in office. Since the escape, four of the inmates have been captured, and a manhunt continues for the other six, authorities said. The Orleans Parish Justice Center, which mostly holds people awaiting trial or sentencing, discovered the inmates, ages 19 to 42, were missing during a routine head count on Friday morning, officials have said. The escapees broke out around 1 a.m. They first pulled a sliding cell door off its tracks, then breached a wall by ripping away the toilet and sink, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security video captured the men fleeing via a loading dock, scaling a wall and running across a nearby highway, she said. In the affidavit, authorities placed the blame squarely on Williams. "If the inmates removed the sink in the cell and disconnected the rest of the plumbing with the water still on, the plan to escape would not have been successful," it said. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Bill Berkrot) The Mansfield school board has called a special meeting for Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. to take action on the contract of Kimberley Cantu, the districts superintendent. The move has some in Mansfield questioning the timing, considering that recently elected board members have not yet been sworn in. In the May 3 elections, board President Keziah Farrar and trustees Craig Tipping and Bianca Anderson lost their seats to challengers Ana-Alicia Horn, Jason Thomas and Jesse Cannon. Farrar declined to discuss Monday what would happen with Cantus contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch the meeting tomorrow night, Farrar told the Star-Telegram. Incoming trustee Horn said she found out about the special meeting the same time as the public. In a text message exchange, Horn called it highly irregular since votes have been tallied and new trustees are awaiting swearing in at the next regular board meeting, scheduled for May 27. Mansfield residents who spoke to the Star-Telegram voiced support for Cantu and said they were worried about the outgoing trustees motives for taking action on her contract now. Decisions of this magnitude should reflect the will of the current electorate, not be rushed through at the 11th hour, Horn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cantu was hired as superintendent in 2019. She previously served as a teacher and administrator in the district. Cantus most recent contract was signed in 2024 and is set to expire on June 30, 2029. According to the Texas Education Agency, Cantus annual salary is $365,315. According to the Texas Association of School Boards, of which Mansfield is a member, predecessor trustees continue to function in their role until new trustees take the oath of office. Neither the Texas Association of School Boards nor the Texas Education Code prohibit outgoing trustees from calling a special meeting before incoming trustees take office. An investigation revealing grocery giant Kroger overcharging on items has stirred up plenty of customer angst. Several readers emailed to sound off on experiences (specifically at Kroger) where the shelf tag price didn't match the register price at checkout. Comments poured in, too, nearly 700 of them, on the Free Press Facebook post about the article, with readers spouting off about overcharges, digital coupons not working, and folks wondering what to do. Consumers are protected by whats known as the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act, also called the scanner law, which requires that prices for most items be clearly displayed near or where the product is displayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs, electronic readers or price stickers can, according to the law, be used to indicate the price of an item. First signed into law in 1976 and taking effect on Jan. 1, 1978, the law was previously known as Michigans Pricing and Advertising of Consumer Items Act or item pricing act. It is one I personally have used at local retailers, especially grocery stores. The law requires items for sale to be individually marked with a price tag or sticker. More: Trump tariffs will slow Michigan growth, kill 13,000 auto-related jobs, experts predict More: Investigation finds Kroger overcharged customers for sale items Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank Kelley, the states late attorney general, championed the law, according to Free Press archives. Over the years, the law one of the strictest of its type in the United States has had adjustments, most notably that items no longer need to have individual price stickers. Requiring that each item have an individual price tag eventually went away when the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act, also known as the scanner law, went into effect on Sept. 1, 2011. There are exceptions. For example, items that are sold by weight or volume and not in packages are exempt from the scanner law. How Michigan's 'scanner law' works One key requirement is that you must have a receipt with the price you were charged for an item. Also, you have 30 days from the date the item was purchased to notify the seller, in person or in writing. The seller then has two days after being notified to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are some restrictions, generally, heres what can happen when you are charged more than the price displayed, according to Michigan.gov. Consumers (buyers) are given an amount equal to the difference between the price displayed and the price charged for the consumer item. For example, if the price of something is $1.59 and scans at $2.09, the difference is 50 cents. The buyer receives a bonus, sometimes referred to as a "bounty," of 10 times the difference that is not less than $1 and a maximum of $5. In the example above, that would be $5. Note: If you bought multiples of the same item, the bonus only applies to one item, not all of them. Using this example, the consumer would receive $5.50 as a total bonus. If a seller refuses to pay, the consumer can take the seller to court and may receive up to $250 in damages and up to $300 in attorneys fees, according to the law. One thing thats unclear is when it comes to the term pay and whether the seller can issue a gift certificate. This is a legal question best answered by a court, according to the FAQs about the law at michigan.gov, which said that dictionaries offer differing definitions as to whether 'pay'" is limited to an offer of money. A crucial point to remember when shopping is to pay attention to shelf tags or prices displayed for items. When you are checking out, at a register with a store associate or using a self-scanner option, pay attention to prices to make sure you are being charged the correct amount. After checking out, review your receipt to also make sure you were charged the correct amount for items. Also, make sure you alert the store if you spot an error. The Kroger Michigan Division and Grand Rapids-based Meijer say they comply with Michigan's law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to the Free Press, a Kroger of Michigan spokesman said: The Kroger Michigan Division is committed to full compliance with all Michigan laws, including the Scanner Law. We prioritize transparency and affordable pricing to ensure a positive experience for our customers. A Meijer spokesman in an email to the Free Press wrote: "Meijer is committed to pricing integrity and takes accurate pricing seriously as well as the requirements of the Michigan Shopping Reform and Modernization Act of 2011. If a customer observes what they believe to be a discrepancy, we ask that they go to our customer service counter and speak with one of our team members." Retailers held accountable Over the years, according to Free Press archives, the state's attorney general's office brought claims against various retailers under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart paid the state of Michigan $780,000 in 2006 to settle a claim that the retailer repeatedly failed to price individual items in its stores here. Home Depot in 1998 paid the state $250,000 for repeated violations of the item-pricing law. After then-Attorney General Kelley, a staunch supporter of Michigans item-pricing law, retired in 1998 from the state, he went to work as a consultant for a company wanting the law rewritten. Kelley began working with Home Depot USA Inc. on a proposal to end having price tags on every item sold in Michigan and allow customers to use a system of scanners to check prices. In a 2001 Free Press article, Kelley described his work for Home Depot as an effort to "improve the law and protect consumers." "I won't be a party to any attempt to weaken the law," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until 10 years later that retailers were not required to put price tags on individual items. In 2011, there was a legislative proposal to end individually pricing items sold at retailers. Those proposing to end the law at the time cited Michigan scanner technology, and retailers called the law expensive. Proponents for keeping the law said a proposed end to it didnt do enough to protect consumers. On Sept. 1, 2011, the new law required that the price of the items needed to be displayed on shelf signs or by other methods clearly visible to consumers in the store at the place where the item is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan has a 'scanner law': Here's how it works SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Overdose deaths plummeted in 2024, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported nearly 30,000 fewer lives lost compared to the previous year. The nation is seeing the largest one-year decline recorded, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The CDC reported Georgia saw a 22% drop in 2024. Dr. Jay Goldstein, assistant medical director with Memorial Health said there are two key drivers for the overdose decline: awareness and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres just a better awareness of the overdose potential and that you know that you have this reversal agent, he said. So not only is it awareness for the consumer, the one thats actually using the drugs, but its also an awareness for the firefighters, the paramedics, the police officers and then health care worker. So, were able to get to those people more rapidly and save their lives with the with the reversal agent of Narcan. Goldstein said age range varies from teenagers to people in their 60s. He added most commonly it is 25 to 40-year-olds. There are fentanyl test strips out there, theres an awareness of where theyre getting the drugs from, and its a safer environment for those who are going to use that, he said. They use it more safely also. But obviously the big thing for us is that were trying to educate, especially the younger folks, to just never use. We feel like at this point were seeing a drop off in the consumer and the addiction starting in the younger ages. He said locally, we are no stranger to trends and waves of drug infestation in the community. He told WSAV individuals still need to watch for the alteration of certain substances like drugs laced with fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were actually trying to get a program up and running here at Memorial [Health] where a drug overdose might come in and we can actually start them on drugs that will prevent them from wanting to have drug overdoses such as like Suboxone, Goldstein said. He added, I think mental health is a big aspect of things. I think social isolation, since were coming out of the COVID pandemic, has made a major difference and then also the ability to have treatment programs. So not only do we have treatment programs that people can go to, which had dried up and now theyre getting more plentiful, but also the ability when they come into a clinic and they have an overdose, to try and attack them then and treat them there. Dr. Goldstein told WSAV while this is a sign of progress, there is still work to do. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pakistan and India have agreed to withdraw troops deployed during their recent clash to peacetime positions, in a step towards de-escalation following a ceasefire deal, Pakistani intelligence sources told dpa on Tuesday. The withdrawal was agreed during the latest round of "hotline" communication between senior military officials from both sides. According to sources, the two countries will return to peacetime deployment positions along their border and the Line of Control the de facto frontier dividing Kashmir by the end of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 10, nuclear-armed rivals agreed to the ceasefire after days of tit-for-tat drone, missile and airstrikes, targeting each others military installations and airbases. The trigger for the latest tensions was the militant attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. New Delhi pointed the finger at Islamabad, accusing it of supporting militants, and then launched attacks on both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the early hours of May 7, killing dozens of people and igniting fears the region was on the brink of an all-out war. Pakistan denied having any role in the attack on the holidaymakers and asked for independent investigations. Intelligence sources in Islamabad have told dpa that India and Pakistan have agreed to reduce their troop deployments along the disputed border in Kashmir. The numbers of troops stationed there are to be reduced to the level they were at before the recent confrontation between the two countries, the intelligence sources said on Tuesday. The process is to begin in the coming days, they said. The two neighbouring countries have conflicting claims to the Himalayan region of Kashmir and each controls a part of it, separated by a military line of control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reduction in troops would be an important step towards maintaining the ceasefire agreed by the two rival nuclear powers after mutual airstrikes earlier this month. Shortly after the ceasefire was announced, the Indian army stated that both countries would consider reducing their troop numbers in the border regions. The armed clashes between the neighbouring states were triggered by a terrorist attack in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 people dead. New Delhi accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, which Islamabad denied. Two weeks after the attack, the Indian army attacked several targets in Pakistan and the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir. This led to fierce fighting on the border and mutual airstrikes. On May 10, both countries unexpectedly announced a ceasefire. Riverside County Sheriff deputies walk past the front of a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, that was bombed on May 18. - Credit: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images Guy Edward Bartkus, the 25-year-old man suspected of bombing a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California on Saturday in a suicide attack that injured four others, left behind what the FBI described as anti-pro-life writings full of nihilistic ideations. His apparent opposition to human procreation would seem to explain the choice of American Reproductive Centers as a target for a vehicle-born improvised explosive device though no embryos were lost and the bureau is treating the blast as an intentional act of terrorism. While authorities have not confirmed any specific online material as authored by Bartkus, the FBI has said it is reviewing a manifesto and social media posts they believe reflect the bombing suspects motives. The content they are examining includes a text formerly hosted on the website promortalism.com, which no longer loads but is available in archived form, which linked to an audio file of the author speaking about his reasons for wanting to bomb a fertility clinic. Further legitimizing the manifesto as authentic is the fact that Bartkus father, Richard Bartkus, told The New York Times he believes the voice in that recording was his sons. (He did not return a Rolling Stone request for further comment.) More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The associated document likewise laid out a plan to suicide-bomb an IVF clinic, with the author writing that he is in favor of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life. The manifesto author went on to explain that your death is already a guarantee, and you can thank your parents for that one, expressing frustration at ever having been born, but stresses that he is not a psycho killer. All a promortalist is saying is lets 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 author wrote. The manifesto writer noted that he was motivated to act in part by the recent death of an acquaintance named Sophie who shared his worldview, alleging that she convinced a man she lived with to shoot her while she was sleeping. This narrative suggests a connection between the author and a 27-year-old woman named Sophie Tinney, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Washington state on April 20, with prosecutors suggesting that the homicide may have been planned in advance and Tinney possibly convinced Nelson to shoot her as she slept, according to a report in Tacoma, Washingtons The News Tribune. The manifesto additionally links to the TikTok, Reddit, and Tumblr accounts of the woman it names only as Sophie. While the TikTok account had been inactive for months, the last posts on the other accounts directly preceded Tinneys death. The final Tumblr post appeared on the night of April 19. Obscure philosophies The manifestos author pulled together various references to obscure philosophies in order to flesh out his ideas, indicating a mindset shaped by a confused amalgamation of toxic and despairing internet subcultures. One of these was negative utilitarianism, a theory which advocates for the reduction of suffering this is in contrast to the far better known utilitarian tradition of thinkers including John Stuart Mill, a 19th Century philosopher who argued for the practical benefits of maximizing human happiness. The manifesto elsewhere alludes to abolitionist veganism, a call not just to discontinue the eating or use of animals but for the total elimination of animal-based agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the author was especially keen on Efilism, linking to a YouTuber he said explains what this is quite well. The name Efilism derives from efil, or life spelled backwards, and promotes the anti-natalist tenet that people who have children are cruelly subjecting them to unnecessary misery. Efilism has been the subject of multiple web forums, and a group for its adherents has been banned from Reddit. The manifesto page even offered links to groups such as The Right to Not Exist, a global collective fighting for the unconditional right to die that is, universal legal voluntary euthanasia and grim, nihilistic YouTube channels, along with transcripts from videos allegedly recorded by Adam Lanza, the mass shooter who perpetrated the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. A social media web There are hints that Bartkus not only left behind this document but may have left his fingerprints elsewhere online. Two days before the Palm Springs bombing, a member of a pro-suicide web forum that is currently under investigation by the U.K.s internet regulator posted a detailed description of how they planned to ignite an improvised explosive device in their car in the near future, receiving encouragement from other suicidal users. Law enforcement officials have said this post is part of their investigation, and the users profile advertised that they were a VegAntinatalist, signaling a specific interest in anti-natalism, the ideology the FBI has attributed to Bartkus. In the suicide forum post, the user who went by the handle IndictEvolution predicted that they would be passed out very quick when taking their own life, adding, Ill be on opiates, with a smiley face emoticon. Previously, on May 5, the IndictEvolution account had described how they planned to kill themselves with a timed high explosive device that will be strapped to my head and detonate at 8,000 meters per second. In a separate post that day, they wrote that they had attempted suicide with this device last night in the middle of the desert, but were unable to force themselves to sleep with a drug cocktail as they had hoped to after setting the timer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The screen name IndictEvolution matches that of a YouTube account, which was deleted shortly after the bombing, and previously had close to 300 subscribers. That account, as an archived screenshot of the page reveals, featured videos of experiments with explosives in remote desert areas, which Bartkus would have had easy access to from his home in Twentynine Palms, California. Bartkus father told the media that from a young age, his son enjoyed model rockets as well as making stink bombs and smoke bombs and once accidentally burned down the family home. This account, too, is part of law enforcements investigation into the Palm Springs bombing. The same screen name and profile image, of a DNA strand behind prison bars, appear on accounts on Tumblr, X, Lemmy, Steam, and Bluesky. On the latter platform, the author responded to a post about saving an endangered wolf species by rhetorically asking, Save them from what? Nonexistence hurts nothing. Know life, know pain. No life, no pain. On Lemmy, a web forum alternative to Reddit, the IndictEvolution account has a history of comments characterizing reproduction a form of rape and endorsing infanticide as long as it is done humanely, and assuming both parents do not want the child. An archive of Reddit comments made using the same InvoluntaryInception display name the account has been suspended points to Bartkus as the likely author, as the account was often used to post in subreddits for anti-natalism and Efilism. One telling post described life as a NEET, or someone Not in Employment, Education, or Training, with the user mentioning that they used to work as a school bus attendant for special needs students. In interviews, Bartkus father has recalled him previously holding such a job. I am 25 now and have done a few gigs here and there, but for the most part have been a NEET for a while now and it just does not bother me, the redditor wrote. It especially doesnt bother me now seeing how insanely toxic society is, I dont owe society a damn thing, and I certainly dont care what they think of me. A YouTube account created under the name InvoluntaryInception is no longer available, but an archived screenshot shows thumbnails of livestream clips with a man whose appearance matches photos of Bartkus. The most recent is titled Losing decent people hard to cope with, but no other option. It was posted three weeks before the bombing, and several days after Sophie Tinneys death. Other videos address Bartkus usual issues of veganism and anti-natalism, with titles including The world is clearly overpopulated and What is the best way to communicate efilism? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All together, the accounts and writings linked to Bartkus paint the portrait of a despairing and isolated young man combining niche philosophies that ultimately drove him to an act of incoherent violence. 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, argues the manifesto being investigated by the FBI. As is frequently the case in America these days, those looking for ways to blame an act of terror on distinctly right-wing or leftist extremism will find that the truth lies in a baffling and murky middle where contrary strains of radicalism converge. If theres one consistent factor in these cases, its that the suspect almost always picks up their dark ideas online and, just as commonly, uses the internet to spread them further. Dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org). Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 20. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary covers all key directions, the expert-economist, senior researcher of the Hungarian Institute of International Relations and Trade, Professor Vasa Laszlo told reporters on the sidelines of the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Budapest, Trend reports. "Azerbaijan and Hungary maintain relations at the highest level - both in strategic and other formats of interaction. Our cooperation covers all key areas: not only the economy, but also culture, higher education, and science. Moreover, with the opening of direct air service between our countries, there has been an intensification of joint projects and expansion of inter-human contacts," he said. Vasa noted that Hungary is rightfully considered a friendly state not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the whole region of Central Asia. Stable, favorable environment contributes to the development of entrepreneurship both in Hungary, Azerbaijan and the countries of the region. We are proud that Hungarian investors are successfully working in Azerbaijan - not only in the mining sector, but also in production, logistics, as well as participating in reconstruction projects implemented with the support of the Azerbaijani government, he added. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Panama City Beach man has been arrested and faces several felony charges after he threatened to shoot his ex-girlfriend with a handgun on Monday. According to a Washington County Sheriffs Office Facebook post, the WSCO Telecommunications Center received a call in regards to a disturbance around midnight on Monday. Authorities arrived on the scene to find the victim visibly distressed, stating that the suspect was in her trailer with a handgun and threatened to shoot her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect had appeared from behind the trailer with the gun in hand. After authorities gave verbal commands to drop the weapon, the suspect complied and was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was later identified as 60-year-old Joseph Anthony Kowalski. The victim stated that when she arrived home, she found that her ex-boyfriend, Kowalski, had broken into her trailer and stolen her handgun. Authorities said that Kowalski threatened to shoot her and himself. He would not let her leave and told her that he did not want her to call law enforcement, however, he eventually allowed her to leave and get help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kowalski had a prior felony conviction out of the state of Connecticut and was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail. He is being charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure, theft of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, six counts of possession of ammo by a state felon, false imprisonment, and state felon in possession of a firearm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The panel at the Military Heritage Alliance included a rotarian, a returning economics professor and the president and CEO of a local wholesaler. Scott Sletten was not part of the first discussion but says that a second conversation is important. Former deputy sheriff charged with rape after standoff I think its just such a current topic were all hearing a lot about in the news, whether it be trade, economics, theres an awful lot going on and happening and changing right now. So, its a current topic that I think all the members are interested in, said Scott Sletten, president and CEO of JDS Industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highlights of the discussion included how consumers are being impacted by the changes. Sletten says they wont know for a few months. He said many people stocked up to avoid high tariffs, and statistics will tell when they run out of that stock. Another point of interest was in bringing manufacturing back to the United States. Sletten says this could be a good idea, but only to a degree. I applaud that goal completely, but I think we also have to be realistic. Unemployment rates, low. We only have so many people unemployed. We dont bring in a ton of immigrants. So, were going to have to pick and choose what we truly can get the most benefit from to manufacture here, said Sletten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A Virginia man who was pardoned by the Trump administration after being seen smashing the Speakers Lobby door during Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol was charged with burglary. Henrico County police responded to a call for breaking and entering on May 9. The police officers spoke with the homeowners, who said that around 8:30 p.m. local time, an unknown man entered their home in Arthurwood Place through the back door. The individual allegedly took several items before being observed by people in the house and was asked to leave, Henrico County police said in an emailed statement on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement on Tuesday identified the suspect as Zachary Jordan Alam, 33, of Centreville, Va., who they said was arrested in a neighborhood near the crime scene. Alam was charged with residential breaking and entering and vandalism, according to Henrico County police. The statement did not specify the date of the charges. Upon returning to the office in January, President Trump pardoned nearly all Jan. 6 defendants. What theyve done to these people is outrageous, the president said at the time. Alam was convicted on charges related to smashing the glass panes of the Speakers Lobby door with a black helmet. He was sentenced to eight years in prison in November last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in my heart that I was doing the right thing, Alam said in court at the time, referring to his actions following Trumps Stop the Steal rally. Prosecutors previously said that Alam assisted other rioters in scaling barriers. When he was inside the Capitol building, he allegedly threw a red velvet rope from the balcony at law enforcement and attempted to kick a door on the fourth floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Princess Cruises tells PEOPLE that Captain Michele Bartolomei died while in the middle of a 19-day cruise Bartolomei suffered a "sudden medical emergency" while the ship was in Taiwan Passengers were informed of the captain's death via a letter shared to their cabins A cruise captain died at sea in the middle of a 19-day cruise, PEOPLE has confirmed. Captain Michele Bartolomei was captaining the Diamond Princess cruise when he died suddenly on May 19 following a medical emergency while the ship was in Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who had a sudden medical emergency and died onboard Diamond Princess, Princess Cruises tells PEOPLE in a statement. Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew. JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Princess Cruises ship in 2024. Princess Cruises ship in 2024. Princess Cruises added, Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomeis family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them. We also stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him. The company says its working closely with Bartolomeis family and crew members to ensure their well-being. 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. Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Princess Cruises ship in 2024. Princess Cruises ship in 2024. According to 9News, passengers were informed of the captains death via a letter delivered to their cabins. The letter shared that Captain Salvatore Macera would be taking over for Bartolomei for the remainder of the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the letter, shared by Crew Center, Captain Macera assured passengers, that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority. The cruise ship is set to conclude its trip on May 25 in Yokohama, Japan, according to The Street. Bartolomei was set to celebrate 30 years with Princess Cruises this year, according to his LinkedIn page. Read the original article on People Medication vials marked for calibration await counting at the Exchange Pharmacy at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2023. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Duhon/U.S. Air Force) A Maryland board tasked with bringing down prescription drug costs is working through a dossier of a medication to treat Type 2 diabetes the first of many such reports to determine if there are ways for the state to save money on certain medications. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board unveiled a 92-page draft report Monday for Farxiga, a brand-name medication for dapagliflozin, to help board members determine if the drug is unaffordable for Marylanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first of several dossiers analyzing the cost burdens of six popular prescription drugs in an effort to find avenues for the state to save on medications for those on the states health plan. PDAB staff have been working on the Farxiga dossier since November, according to Andrew York, executive director for the board. He hopes that future dossiers will be easier to pull together now that staff have a format to work with. Targeted drugs Six drugs were selected for cost review, and address several conditions including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, eczema, Crohns disease and more. Dupixent Farxiga Jardiance Ozempic Skyrizi Trulicity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think staff now knows the time it takes to put these dossiers together, York told the board during the virtual Monday meeting. That organizational process and cross referencing to make sure that everything is available to the board that took a lot of time and effort. But now that that templates in place, I think well be moving forward pretty quickly. Since the boards inception in 2019, it has been involved in a lengthy rule-making process to determine what drugs could be expensive for state employees and to establish methods to bring those costs down. In March 2024, PDAB board members officially selected six drugs to undergo the cost review process, part of which includes an information gathering period to develop a dossier on the drugs. But the board has yet to bring down costs for any drugs on the state health plan. Meanwhile, Gov. Wes Moore (D) is expected to sign off on legislation Tuesday to expand the authority of the board to bring down costs for more Marylanders, not just those on the state plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics in the legislature and the pharmaceutical industry cited the pace of the boards progress to argue unsuccessfully against expanding PDABs authority, but House and Senate bills to do just that passed by comfortable margins this year. House Bill 424 and Senate Bill 357 would allow the board to establish what are called upper payment limits on the commercial market, to place a limit on how much the state is willing to pay for certain drugs. The board currently has that authority for state employees and others on the state health plan. The expanded authority would only go into effect a year after the board has successfully placed upper payment limits for two drugs on state health plans meaning it will still be some time before the state can wield its new authority on the commercial market. But the dossier Monday sheds some light on different considerations that the board will use to determine if it will take action to reduce state spending on Farxiga including overall state spending on the drug, prevalence of the diseases that the prescription drug treats, and costs of the disease to the health care system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, about 10.5% of adults aged 18 years or older had been diagnosed with diabetes as of 2022 data, the report says. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In Maryland, for calendar year 2021, total and per-patient medical costs attributable to diabetes were $6.506 billion and $11,909, respectively, the report says, citing data from the American Diabetes Association. The dossier reports similar data for other conditions Farxiga is often prescribed to treat, such as heart failure and Chronic Kidney Disease. From 2022 through 2023, Maryland spent $1.4 million on the most common dosage of Farxiga (10 MG) for those on the state health plan about 289 Marylanders, according to the dossier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dossier reports that out-of-pocket costs for Farxiga can vary, depending on insurance coverage. The median cost for 10 milligrams of Farxiga cost $160 for those with commercial insurance in 2023, but those on the state health plan paid $60 for the same dose. Meanwhile, those on Medicare paid a median of $158.90, according to 2022 data. But portions of the report are redacted from the public due to confidentiality restrictions, and the dossier is not finalized yet. Following Mondays meeting, PDAB staff will make tweaks on the dossier to more clearly relay the information. The Farxiga dossier will then go up for a 15-day public comment period. Staff is working on a dossier for another drug that helps treat type 2 diabetes called Jardiance, which should also be available for public comment soon, according to York. The board still has to officially determine if Farxiga or Jardiance pose an affordability challenge before board members can consider next steps to bring down costs, which could include setting upper payment limits. Savings for the state health plans still appear to be a ways off. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A local non-profit is calling out Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, accusing him of praising their work in public only to omit them from potential funding in private. PDX Saints Love says even before Wilson became the mayor, he had been partnering with the nonprofit to open day centers. But leadership says they were essentially cut out of the funding process to expand this work. We had this journey together, PDX Saint Love and Keith, to open day centers to meet this need in our community. And then on the other end of it, we were forgotten, said executive director Kristle Delihanty. Its been more than a year since Wilson helped open the PDX Saints Love Day Center at a former church in Southeast Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2024, Wilson spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The then-mayoral candidate told KOIN 6 News the day center was a linkage to help [the homeless] be that future person that they are. However, four months into his term, the center which serves roughly 1,800 people is set to shut its doors. Despite talks with the city about potentially expanding operations in July, Delihanty said she was blindsided to learn from Wilson that the nonprofit missed a deadline for city funding a process she claims they were left out of. She told KOIN 6 News she learned the city opened and closed a funding application for homeless service providers to run its new shelters and day centers directly from Wilson during PDX Saints Loves funding gala in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sitting there telling my staff, Are you excited? On July 1, youre expanding to six days a week, Delihanty recalled. Knowing that at the beginning of the gala, I had asked him when the RFP (Request for Proposal) was coming out, and he was like, Wait, it already came out. It closed two days ago. Frustrated, Delihanty wrote a letter to the Mayor and City Council on May 14. Our work was leveraged as part of [Wilsons] campaign platform, and our budget was solicited under the assumption that this work would continue, she wrote. Portland Chief Procurement Officer Sylvester Donelson responded in a letter obtained by KOIN 6 News. He noted the non-profit was invited to a listening session on June 10, which was held by the Mayor and Portland Solutions for interested service providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our records indicate you attended that listening session, where participants were invited to share contact information for follow-up communication, Donelson wrote. but it appears we did not receive contact details from PDX Saints Love at that time. According to Donelson, the city shared news of the upcoming application process in its newsletter and across social media platforms. He also noted that in an effort to avoid appearing biased, once the application process starts, it is city policy not to reach out to potential applicants. However, text messages obtained by KOIN 6 News show the city reached out to PDX Saints Love on the morning of the meeting. City staffer Kristopher Taft text Delihanty, So so so sorry for the last-minute invite. I was not in charge of the invite list. I dont think that Keith Wilson purposefully used me as a pawn, Delihanty told KOIN 6 news. Although, I do believe that organization name-dropping during a campaign is using the labor and backs of small, underfunded nonprofits to gain power and position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told KOIN 6 News shes not upset at any one person, as she believes the issue isnt personal, but that its systemic. I believe someone dropped the ball, and no ones taking responsibility for it, Delihanty said. I want to know why small community-based organizations that are led by peers, that are deeply embedded in our communities, continually get left out of not just funding opportunities but conversations around policies and processes in our city. While the nonprofit will continue, without city funding, Delihanty said her hands are tied and the day center will have to close this summer. What goes through my mind are faces. Im thinking about our staff that run the day center, that put their blood, sweat, and tears into this work, She added. Our participants who come here every day for a meal, or a haircut, or a shower, and how those things are not going to be accessible to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When KOIN asked Mayor Wilson about the process, his office sent the following statement: As a longtime supporter and believer in Kristle Delihanty and PDX Saints Love, Ive seen firsthand how she changes lives. While Im disappointed in this missed opportunity to compete for a City contract, I stand by our transparent and equitable procurement process. I continue to believe that PDX Saints Love has an important role in helping our most vulnerable, a belief Ive shared and discussed with Ms. Delihanty after this missed opportunity came to light. We hope to continue to explore creative options with PDX Saints Love for them to continue their important work, added Portland Solutions Director Skyler Brocker-Knapp. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. So much for Donald Trumps force of personality forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to prove he wants to end the war in Ukraine. The presidents hyped-up phone call with his Russian counterpart on Monday mostly served to highlight how far away any such breakthrough may be. And more importantly, looking ahead, it raised new questions about how involved Trump really wants to be and widened transatlantic divisions on ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and its European partners are pushing for a 30-day ceasefire to allow time for talks on a permanent peace agreement to start. Moscow has refused, insisting on talks now on a final deal. Since this process could take months, it looks like a ruse to allow Russia to press ahead with its offensives that are killing innocent civilians. By announcing after his call with Putin that Ukraine and Russia would now hold talks as only they can on a ceasefire and ultimately an end to the war while the fighting rages, Trump sided with his friend in the Kremlin. Trump also added new ambiguity to an increasingly toothless peace effort on Monday. He did nothing to quell an earlier suggestion by Vice President JD Vance that the US might simply wash its hands if theres no progress. I tell you, big egos involved, but I think somethings going to happen. And if it doesnt, I just back away and theyre going to have to keep going, the president told reporters in the Oval Office after the call. Threatening to walk away is a classic dealmakers gambit. But given the administrations extreme skepticism of aiding Ukraine, this might not be a bluff. US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Trump also left the impression that the US would play a less direct role while Russia and Ukraine talked. He launched a vague trial balloon that the Vatican and the new American Pope Leo might get involved. Most observers believe that there will be no peace unless America exerts maximum leverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels to me that the president maybe didnt really try to pressure Putin at all. Its good that they had a two-hour conversation but coming out of that what do we have? asked Beth Sanner, a former deputy director of national intelligence. We have Putin continuing very maximalist demands an agreement to talk about a framework for talking about a future peace deal and possibly a ceasefire that would come after agreements for many things, Sanner told CNNs Boris Sanchez. This is a call that I think its really hard to see this in any other way than Putin seemed to get exactly what he wanted. Russia seems very happy with the call As ever, there was mystery about the full extent of Trumps conversation with Putin, to whom he has often shown great deference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outsiders know only what the Kremlin and the White House want them to know about how it went. But Russian officials offered a few tantalizing hints of the atmosphere of the call. I will tell you that conversations of such duration are rare when both presidents neither of them wanted to end the conversation and hang up, Kremlin presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Monday in comments that will do little to stem concerns among Trump critics that hes an easy mark for Putin. Before it took place, Mondays call looked like it might mark a pivot point in the so-far fruitless US effort to end the war. After all, Trump told Fox News in an interview during his Middle East tour last week it was turkey time, raising expectations that hed get tough with Putin. And on Sunday, the presidents envoy Steve Witkoff said on ABC News that the president has a force of personality that is unmatched. Witkoff added, Hes got to get on the phone with President Putin, and that is going to clear up some of the logjam and get us to the place that we need to get to. And I think its going to be a very successful call. Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a statement after his telephone call with US President Donald Trump at the Sirius Education Center For Talented Children in Sirius, Russia, on Monday. - Getty Images But Trump wont use the leverage that the US does have for instance, it could toughen sanctions against Russia or send more arms and ammunition to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by reporters in the Oval Office why he wouldnt impose new sanctions, Trump replied, Because I think theres a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse. He cautioned, But there could be a time where thats going to happen. Absent a deadline or more specificity, however, Trumps threat comes without steel. It looks rather like a line designed to ease pressure on himself rather than to get Putins attention. Trump also renewed his complaints about the cost of the war in Ukraine, making clear that he wont emulate the military aid sent to Kyiv by the Biden administration, without which the effort to repel Russian forces will be severely constrained. We gave a massive amount Its just a shame, the president said. Zelensky, politely, contradicts Trumps position Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X after the talks that he had spoken with Trump twice on Monday once before the US leader talked with Putin, and afterward for a joint briefing with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the strategic necessity for Zelensky of avoiding new blowups with the president following their Oval Office argument in February, he was diplomatic. But in a long statement on X, Zelensky contradicted Trumps formula. He called for stronger sanctions on Russia if it is unwilling to stop killing Ukrainians. He proposed direct negotiations with Russia at the Vatican, in Turkey or in Switzerland but said they must involve European and American representatives. And he warned, It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin. This is a defining moment. The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a ceasefire and achieving real, lasting peace, Zelensky wrote, in a comment that could be read at face value or as a critique of Trumps efforts. Trump often says that he wants to devote his second term to peacemaking. And if hes sincere, he could leave the world in better shape. My whole life is like deals one big deal, Trump said Monday. Ukrainian flags and portraits of soldiers are seen at a memorial for the fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters on the Independence Square in Kyiv on May 14. - Roman Pilipey/AFP/Getty Images But his efforts so far are desultory. If anything, combat in Ukraine and Gaza has intensified since he took office. Trump claimed a notable humanitarian win last week by securing the release of the last living US hostage in Gaza by agreeing to indirect talks with Hamas that bypassed Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps receding interest in ending the war launched after the October 7, 2023, attacks has led to a vacuum. Now Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opened a new offensive aimed at controlling the entire enclave, where tens of thousands of Palestinians are starving. Their plight is an ill omen for Ukraine if Washington loses interest there, too. Elsewhere, the president claimed credit for ending a terrifying escalation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir this month. But India despite its close ties to the White House disputed claims that the US intervention was decisive. Such conflicts are brewed from decades of historical and nationalistic grievances. And each may be existential for the leaders concerned. So its hardly surprising that those involved are not being budged by Trumps endeavors, which are superficial compared to the standards of historical peace US peace drives in places like the Middle East and the former Yugoslavia. Such wars run on generational clocks. Trumps timetable is days and weeks. Putin and Trump are both tapping along I believe Putin wants to do it if I thought that President Putin did not want to get this over with, I wouldnt even be talking about it, Trump said in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its harder than ever to be optimistic that the Russian leader truly wants to end the war soon. Of course, the conflict has been ruinous to Russias economy and has killed tens of thousands of young Russians. But in its readout, Russia said that Putin stressed that for the war to end, its root causes must be addressed. This includes specious claims that Ukraine needs to be de-Nazified (in other words, that Zelensky and democratic governance must be toppled), and severe restrictions must be imposed on the countrys sovereignty, political system and right to decide its own destiny. Sure, Putin wants peace, but only on terms that it would be impossible for Ukraine to accept while remaining an independent nation. A few weeks ago, Trump called for Russia to stop attacking civilians and wondered aloud whether Putin was tapping me along. By giving Russia what it wanted on Monday, its fair to ask whether Trump is less tapped against than tapping. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A pedestrian was killed early Tuesday morning in a wreck which shut down part of the interstate in Spartanburg County. According to the state highway patrol, the incident happened near mile marker 44 on Interstate 26 at around 5:50 a.m. The Spartanburg County Coroners Office said Pernell Irvin Wofford, 60, had been involved in a crash and got out of his car when he was hit by another motorist who was attempting to avoid Woffords car on the interstate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wofford was pronounced dead at the scene. The wreck remains under investigation. 7NEWS will update this story as more details 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Someones working very hard to create an image of public support around Sean Diddy Combs, according to a bystander who told the Daily Beast she was offered $20 cash to wear a Free $Diddy shirt outside the court where hes standing trial. Sali Coulibaly, a 29-year-old tech project manager, was standing outside the U.S. District Court in New Yorks Southern District on Friday, watching the public gathering attracted by Combs ongoing sex trafficking trial, when she said she came across a strange sight. I saw a group of [people] awkwardly standing outside of the playground across the street from the courthouse, Coulibaly told the Daily Beast of the moment she spotted several people clumped together wearing Free $Diddy and Free Puff T-shirts. Sali Coulibaly/The Daily Beast I was wondering why they were wearing those shirts, she continued. I was curious. I crossed the street, and Im standing there with my phone out, and then this older lady is staring at me. Shes just staring at me for a period of time. Then she tells me, Do you want to come out here and wear a shirt for $20 an hour? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman then motioned over to a younger man and told her, Just go to that guy. If youre already standing out here, you may as well get paid. Sali Coulibaly/The Daily Beast A video of Coulibaly posted by freelance journalist Emilie Hagen went viral Friday, racking up millions of views. Rapper 50 Cent was among those who reposted it during his latest Diddy trolling session over the weekend. Diddy paying people to wear Free Diddy shirts is diabolical, but $20 an hour aint bad, he quipped. Who exactly is paying the bystanders to don the paraphernalia remains unclear. But drumming up the appearance of support is reminiscent of Combs early days as a musician and producerwhen he and others of the mixtape generation would pay people to buy up his mixtapes, generating hype for a new music release. Coulibaly told the Daily Beast that most if not all the paid protesters outside Combs trial appeared to her to be unhoused. At least one seemed to be on drugs or something, since he just kind of looked like he didnt know where he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued to observe the situation, noticing that a more coordinated version of the T-shirt operation seemed to be underway in the park near the courthouse. I went inside the park and I see the young man that was giving away the shirts, was sitting on the bench with maybe a bag or a box-full, she said. And I can see a group of [people] were changing in the park. He was asking for their sizes. An investigation by Hagen uncovered that the shirts promote $DIDDY coin, the growing internet currency token representing Combs media momentand thus, may be more of a cash grab than an ego boost for Combs. Even though Combs camp denied involvement with the T-shirts, according to Hagen, his X account did at one point promote the $DIDDY crypto currency. The rate of $20 seems to be motivation enough for the people milling around the courthouse to keep the shirt gambit going for now, whatever its endgame may be. She was very persistent, like she just wanted me to wear it so bad, Coulibaly added of the woman who approached her. I just walked away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs hopes to do the same, now that hes turned down a plea deal to face the federal charges against him and risk spending the rest of his life in prison. After his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura has finished her bombshell testimony, Combs lawyers are hard at work to defend him from more state-presented evidence that he coerced mass numbers of victims into sexual activity through threats, blackmail, and violence. Combs has consistently denied all charges. By Laman Ismayilova Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan is actively organizing events dedicated to celebrating the literary legacy of Seyid Azim Shirvani on the occasion of his 190th anniversary, Azernews reports. These series of events are organized in accordance with the Decree issued by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on April 4, 2025. As part of these commemorative activities, the Cultural Center took the initiative to establish and officially open an auditorium named after Seyid Azim Shirvani at Kokand State University. During the opening ceremony, director of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center Akif Marifli hailed the strong historical, cultural, literary, scientific, and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, rooted in their shared history. He emphasized that the forward-looking and strategic policies of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with the sincere and trusting relations between the two nations, have significantly contributed to strengthening their strategic partnership and elevating their cooperation across all sectors. Marifli also spoke about Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its rich literary and historical heritage. He pointed out that President Ilham Aliyev regularly issues decrees marking the anniversaries of notable Azerbaijani figures. In this context, he highlighted the recent decree honoring Seyid Azim Shirvani on his 190th anniversary, noting that the creation of this auditorium was part of that initiative. He underscored the importance of such projects in safeguarding cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. He further explained that the auditorium will serve multiple purposes: as a classroom, a research center for Azerbaijani culture, and a venue for events such as book presentations, seminars, and lectures. Most importantly, it is intended to facilitate the teaching of Azerbaijani language and literature. First Vice-Rector of Kokand State University Nigora Gadirova praised the opening of the Seyid Azim Shirvani auditorium as a tangible example of the strong cultural and educational bonds between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. She underlined that establishing such a center within the university will reinforce the historical and spiritual connections between the two peoples, particularly in educating and nurturing future generations through mutual scientific exchange. The center is expected to become an important platform for academic activities, practical classes, and cultural events. The auditorium, created by the Cultural Center, demonstrates symbols of Azerbaijani statehood, including national cultural artifacts, souvenirs, traditional embroidery and weaving products, and a library featuring publications on Azerbaijan's culture, literature, language, history, and political activities, including works dedicated to National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and First-Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The hall also contains materials about Seyid Azim Shirvani's life and work, scientific resources, photographs, and samples of the poet's works. This initiative enhances cultural understanding and academic collaboration between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the fields of culture, science, education, and tourism. The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Pakistan is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan on anti-corruption issues, the representative of Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, Sohail Nasir told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th plenary session of GlobE Network, Trend reports. "Last year, Pakistan's Prime Minister announced the country's intention to intensify trade and economic cooperation and investment activities with Azerbaijan. Pakistan is ready to sign a memorandum under which joint seminars, training programs, capacity-building activities, and training can be held. This will also allow for to exchange of experience and better understand how anti-corruption initiatives are being implemented in Azerbaijan and what steps are being taken in Pakistan," he said. Nasir expressed confidence that this joint initiative will yield tangible positive results, especially in the area of combating money laundering. ''Given that financial flows move freely between regions, effective anti-money laundering requires close coordination and collaboration at the international level,'' he emphasized. The representative of the National Accountability Bureau of Pakistan also expressed his country's sincere gratitude for the organization of the event. "We highly appreciate Azerbaijan's contribution and are ready to extend our full support. Pakistan is interested in close and constructive cooperation with Azerbaijan," he added. The 6th plenary meeting of the UN Global Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Operational Network - GlobE Network is taking place in Baku today. The event is attended by about 50 senior officials representing law enforcement agencies of various countries. Were learning more about how - and when - some travelers parked in the Jacksonville International Airports Hourly Garage could get their vehicles back. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority held a conference Monday addressing the fire that damaged 50 cars and shut down the airport on Friday, while also providing some new details on several points of issue. What caused the fire? JAA officials confirmed that a vehicle caught fire, and it spread to dozens of others. An exact cause has not yet been released, but officials confirmed it was not a Tesla that started the fire. JAA has confirmed ATF -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms-- is investigating. They could not confirm yet whether it was an accident or caused intentionally, as the investigation remains active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hourly Garage remains closed and officials confirmed it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. Mark Vanloh, the CEO of JAA, said demolition of the garage is expected in the near future. Retrieving cars However, officials are hopeful that people parked in the section of the Hourly Garage that was not impacted will be able to get their cars as early as Wednesday. Beginning on Tuesday, you will be contacted if you uploaded your information into the database with your vehicle, your license, and your contact information, said Tony Cugno, Chief Operating Officer for JAA. So you will be contacted on Tuesday that you can get your vehicle out on Wednesday and what the orderly process will be to remove those vehicles in the section of the garage that was not impacted by the fire. Car owners can submit their information for updates on the airports website. Parking options severely limited With the South Hourly Garage out of service, that means so are the 600 parking spots inside of it. When asked when the airport may allow cars to park in the 600 north hourly parking garage spots again, airport managers said they were working on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary goal right now is to get the vehicles out, said Cugno. Then once all the vehicles are out, then we can assess how to return back to normal operations for those 600 spaces. Back in April JIA got approved to move forward with a garage expansion that will add over 2,000 additional parking spaces. However, that project wont be completed until at least December 2026. In terms of a short-term parking solution, JAA says passengers should try to get dropped off if possible whether its by family, friends, or a ride-share service. We will work with the ride share and off-site parking to ensure that there is ample parking and ample transportation to and from the airport, said Cugno. Related: Navigating limited airport parking for Memorial Day weekend? Here are some options Lack of fire sprinklers Another thing that was pointed out during the JAA meeting today is that there are no fire sprinklers installed inside the South Hourly Garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The garage is not equipped for fire sprinklers and the reason being is when that garage was built many, many years ago, that was not part of code. The garage is not equipped for fire sprinklers, and the reason being is when that garage was built many, many years ago, that was not part of the code, said Cugno. JAA confirmed with Action News Jax that the hourly parking garage was built in 1989. According to the National Fire Protection Association, it wasnt until 2023 that fire sprinkler systems were required in new parking garages. Cugno did note that there are fire extinguishers as per code that are mounted on the wall inside the hourly parking garages. [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. LONDON (Reuters) -An Egyptian national who helped smuggle thousands of migrants into Europe from north Africa was on Tuesday jailed for 25 years in a London court. Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, 42, conspired with others to assist unlawful immigration by supplying vessels for illegally smuggling migrants from Libya to Italy from shortly after his arrival in Britain in October 2022 until June 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service said that, during that period, authorities intercepted seven crossings involving nearly 3,800 migrants and made the criminal network more than 12 million pounds ($16 million). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ebid was said to have played a leading role in the gang which advertised crossings on Facebook, charging migrants an average of over 3,200 pounds per person. Ebid's home was bugged by Britain's National Crime Agency, which revealed him on one occasion telling an associate that migrants were not allowed to carry phones on his boats. "Tell them guys anyone caught with a phone will be killed, threw (sic) in the sea," Ebid said. He pleaded guilty to conspiring to assist unlawful immigration last year and was sentenced to 25 years in jail at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. Judge Adam Hiddleston said Ebid and his associates had "ruthlessly and cynically exploited" those who tried to make the journey to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge added: "The treatment of the migrants on your orders and in your name was horrifying. They were, simply a commodity to you. "You talked of them in terms of units not as people, referring to them as 'cartons'. The important thing to you was that each paid up the exorbitant fare that was charged for their crossing and that nobody did anything to compromise your operation." (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young) SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) The Santa Fe Police Department has arrested a person of interest in connection to a bank robbery at Wells Fargo on 3150 Cerrillos Road last Friday afternoon. Police say Thomas Martin was taken into custody on an active arrest warrant on Monday. Albuquerque Police arrest man accused of exposing himself, filming women at stores Police responded to the bank at about 1:21 p.m. Friday. Upon arrival, police were told a man had walked in and passed the teller a note demanding money. It was implied he had a gun. The man left the bank with an undisclosed amount of US money and fled the scene on foot. Photo from Santa Fe police The man was described as standing at about 510 and weighing 220lbs with a dark complexion. When Martin was taken into custody on an arrest warrant, Santa Fe police and FBI investigators confirmed he was the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Fe police at (505) 428-3710 or the FBI at (505) 889-1300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two top officials of the Mexico City government were shot dead early Tuesday in the kind of attack on political figures that has become relatively common in much of Mexicobut has remained rare in the capital. The two victims were both aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, a key member of the Morena ruling bloc and a close ally of President Claudia Sheinbaum, herself a former mayor of the capital. The president was informed of the slaying during her regular morning news conference. The killings sparked immediate media speculationbut no confirmationthat the attack was timed as a warning to coincide with the president's widely followed mananera, or morning media briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum condemned the slayings as "lamentable," but cautioned against speculation as to what was behind the attack. "We have to [wait for] the investigation to be able to know the cause and help as much as we can," Sheinbaum told reporters. Since taking office last Oct. 1, Sheinbaum has been engaged in a wide-ranging crackdown on organized crime that has included hundreds of arrests nationwide, take-downs of scores of suspected drug laboratories and the transfer of 29 alleged gang capos to the United States. She has also dispatched thousands of troops to the country's border with the United States in a bid to help deter drug-trafficking and illegal immigration. Tuesday's dual assassination took place shortly after 7 a.m. near a major intersection in the neighborhood known as Colonia Moderna. Shot dead were Ximena Guzman, first secretary to the mayor, and Jose Munoz, a mayoral advisor. The two were traveling together in a car and did not have bodyguards, according to media reports here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not comment on a potential motive. No arrest have been made. In an initial statement, Brugada said the "probable" assailants were traveling on a motorcycle. "There will be no impunity," the mayor vowed in a statement. "Those responsible will be arrested and will face justice." Dramatic video images widely circulating in the news media herethough not officially confirmed as authentic show a single attacker in a white jacket and motorcycle helmet firing numerous times through the windshield of an idling car said to be carrying the two aides. The gunman appeared to have been waiting for some minutes by the car until a male figure entered the vehicle. After opening fire, the presumed killer runs off on foot against traffic down the street as the targeted car lurches forward, according to the grainy video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the most high-profile assassination attempt in the capital since a sensational assault in 2020 targeting a vehicle transporting then-Mexico City police chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch, who was shot but survivedthough two bodyguards were killed in the attack. Garcia Harfuch, who now serves as national security chief under Sheinbaum, publicly pinned the blame for that attack on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexico City has generally been spared the kinds of political slayings that frequently occur throughout much of the country, especially during election seasons. Dozens of candidatesmostly for mayoral and other municipal positionswere slain during last year's national elections. Tuesday's slayings spurred a rash of theories about what was behind the attack. David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst, noted that some gangs operating in Mexico City view themselves as unfairly targeted by official crackdowns, including arrests and seizures of illicit drugs. They perceive that rival criminal groups do not face the same pressure, Saucedo said. "For a long time there is a sense that the government of Mexico City fights against certain groups of narcotics traffickers and allows others to act freely," Saucedo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal contributed. 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. A Pewaukee school bus driver is facing four felony charges alleging improper conduct with a minor on a school bus. Thomas Felser, 62, of Sussex, was charged May 16 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with one felony count of repeated sexual assault of the same child and three felony counts of sexual misconduct by school staff or volunteer. The charge of repeated sexual assault of the same child carries a sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Each of the other three charges carries the potential for a fine of up to $10,000, up to 3 years in prison, or both, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felser turned himself into Village of Pewaukee police on May 14. In a May 16 letter to parents and staff, Pewaukee Schools Superintendent Mike Cady said that, to the district's knowledge, the incident involved a single victim and the district would notify parents if their students were assigned to one of Felser's routes. "We are devastated by the news of what is reported to have happened and stunned by the allegations of an incredible violation of community trust by an individual responsible for the safety and care of children. The police investigation continues and the Pewaukee School District and Go Riteway will remain steadfast in supporting the work of the police to ensure that justice is done," Cady said in his letter. The superintendent also said that the investigation includes a review of all available video footage from every route Felser drove. He said anyone with additional information should contact Village of Pewaukee Police at 262-446-5070. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cady said the district's priorities are caring and supporting the affected student and the student's family, supporting the ongoing law enforcement investigation and working with Go Riteway to review all safety and security practices and procedures to identify areas needing enhancement. Cady declined to speak with a reporter about the situation. Go Riteway, the bus company that contracts with the school district, also declined to comment. Craig Powell, Felser's attorney, was not immediately available when a reporter called his law office. According to the criminal complaint: A woman told Village of Pewaukee police May 13 that her child was riding home from school when she noticed on a GPS bus tracking app that her child's bus had been stopped for 10 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman drove to the location of her child's bus and said she initially did not see anyone on the bus. When she called her child's name, Felser "popped his head up 'super fast'" from the middle of the bus, and she noticed her child sitting next to Felser. She claimed Felser told her he was just talking to her child about the child's day and that he "does that sometimes." The woman also said her child had come home with packages of Skittles on multiple occasions after the driver asked about her favorite candy, the complaint said. Police review of the bus security footage showed the bus stopped for an extended period of time with just Felser and the child on it. It also showed the two walking to the back of the bus before going to a seat in the middle of the bus. Felser was seen "hunched over the seat with his back to the aisle," his head close to the child and his right arm obstructed by Felser's body position. The child was also obstructed from view for two minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage showed the child popping up from the seat and the child and Felser walking to the front of the bus after the child's mother called the child's name, the complaint said. Police also reviewed security footage from other dates and noticed Felser sitting with the child for extended periods of time while the bus was stopped and that Felser was uncomfortably close to the child. The child was also seen sitting on Felser's lap or leaning against him. At one point, Felser was heard telling the child to tell the child's parents the bus was dropping off other kids if the child's parents asked what took so long, the complaint said. When police interviewed the child, the child said Felser asked if the child would check the bus with him since the child's stop was the last stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child said that meant picking up garbage and sweeping and the child sitting in the seat with Felser and in Felser's lap. In addition, the child said Felser touched her in her private areas, according to the complaint. Cady told police Felser had been a teacher in the district for over 30 years before working for Go Riteway. Cady also said Felser was most recently a summer school teacher and an independent tutor for students in Pewaukee and surrounding communities, the complaint said. A Go Riteway manager told police Felser drove morning and afternoon routes for all four of the Pewaukee School District's schools. The manager said she had never received a complaint about Felser before. Felser made his initial court appearance May 16. He is being held in the Waukesha County Jail on $350,000 bail. He is scheduled to be in court May 28 for a preliminary hearing, according to online court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @AlecJohnson12. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pewaukee bus driver charged with repeated sexual assault of child, sexual misconduct by school staff PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) A tense standoff on Sweet Birch Drive ended after nearly five hours. The suspect, 36-year-old, Michael Deshun Jones, is being held at the Russell County Jail. According to Phenix City Chief of Police, George Staudinger, Jones is under arrest for kidnapping. Authorities arrest Michael Deshun Jones. (Fionna Magee/WRBL) Staudinger says the ordeal began with a domestic violence call. Officers assisted a woman, after she reported being held at gunpoint by a man inside. Allegations right now are that the male suspect had threatened her for some time with a gun, threatened to kill her to kill himself, explained Staudinger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patrol sergeant and the officers today on day shift responded out here; they put themselves in harms way, Staudinger said. They were able to get the female out of the house. There were some children here earlier with grandma. Staudinger continued, saying the child and grandmother were also safely removed from the house before the situation escalated to a standoff. Phenix City Police, aided by Russell County Sheriffs Deputies and the Columbus Police Department, used drones, robots, and tear gas to de-escalate the intense situation. Though no one was injured, officials say the outcome could have been much worse. Weve had negotiators out here all day in the heat, trying to negotiate with him, Staudinger said, That deteriorated. Jones standing in a window of the home. (Kevin Roble/WRBL) Staudinger offered thanks to Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor and Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was taken to the Russell County Jail, where he is currently being held. Officials say more charges could follow as the investigation continues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. GARRETT, Pa. Don Hostetlers family bar survived Prohibition and generations of change in Garrett. On Monday, Hostetler was trying to figure out how Dubs Bar and Grill will survive four feet of floodwater from Buffalo Creek. Im going to have to gut everything inside here, Hostetler said, gesturing toward water-stained wood paneling in the bar. Hostetler and co-owner Tammy Miller were far from alone. The Garrett bar is among a half-dozen commercial businesses, in addition to dozens of homes, that have reported first-floor damage caused by last Tuesdays flooding in southern Somerset County, according to county emergency management officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether the property owners get a significant amount of the help they are seeking could depend on the combined results from the 51 properties and on property visits that were underway Monday in hard-hit areas, including Garretts Pine Street neighborhood and Mount Davis Road in Meyersdale. PHOTO GALLERY | Flooding Cleanup | Garrett Borough | Somerset County Staff from Somerset Countys and Pennsylvanias emergency management agencies and the states Small Business Administration were walking door to door, documenting high-water marks and other signs of first-floor flooding. According to Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis, the Small Business Administrations findings will likely determine whether a broad spectrum of government support could be unlocked for disaster areas such as Meyersdale, Garrett and Elk Lick Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes low-interest Small Business Administration repair loans, which are only available if disasters inflict damage to the first floors of at least 25 homes or businesses, he said. And there is a set damage threshold that must be met to qualify each residence, Landis and Deputy Director Kevin Broadwater added. Its not always simple. Sometimes people have a different view of damage than what we do, Broadwater added. The American Red Cross reported Monday that its disaster response team has already provided emergency recovery relief to approximately 80 people whose property damage met its own support criteria. But the goal is to provide layers of support whether its local, state, federal or charity groups to give hard-hit Somerset County residents as many chances as possible at getting help, Landis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could be a big benefit for Hostetler, who is the second generation in his family to operate Dubs. He was still sorting out how hell rebound from last weeks devastation. He estimated that $30,000 in commercial kitchen equipment was destroyed. The losses extend far beyond the old bar itself, a onetime speakeasy that his father later bought in the 1970s. His entire inventory of food and beer had to be discarded, he said. If I can get at least some help with the (building), Id absolutely be interested, Hostetler said. Theres no doubt there are many more people who need help, too, Garrett Borough Mayor Donald Butch Walker said. After a Casselman River tributary spilled its banks last week, Walker said borough staffers immediately started contacting haulers to get as many dumpsters as they could find to help people begin clearing out their mud-soaked homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres only so much a borough of 415 residents with a $400,000 operating budget can do, he said. Were doing whatever we can to get them help, he added, but we cant do it alone. Nearby, Zac Cooney and his wife, Autumn, were sitting inside a garage that just five days earlier was flooded by knee-deep water. The flood washed out their furnace, swept up tools and carried their picnic bench two blocks down to Garretts Walker Street underpass, he said. Some of their belongings are probably gone for good, Cooney said, leaning against his side-by-side utility vehicle. Its too soon to know how theyll replace it all, Cooney said. But its all just material goods, he added. Their two sons, ages 2 and 3, were playing nearby and unharmed by the disaster. They are what matters, Cooney said. DENVER (KDVR) Sundays weather in Colorado was far from quiet: Two-inch diameter hail, 70 mph wind gusts and at least three tornadoes were tracked by storm spotters throughout the afternoon. On Monday, residents began clean-up efforts in earnest, and FOX31 got its first look at the severe and widespread tornado damage. Couple rushes to basement to survive tornado in Elbert County SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and captured images of blown-out barns, roofs that were stripped of shingles and RVs turned over by the force of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 photojournalists captured images of a solar farm near Bennett that showed the path of the tornado. No injuries were reported from the storm, but the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners declared a local emergency on Monday to help funnel funds and aid into the area. Tim and Linda Greenwood took shelter in their basement as a tornado tore through their property in Elbert County. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) SkyFOX flew over the town of Bennett and the surrounding area to see the damage left from a tornado on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) As of Monday evening, power was restored to residents in the area, but CORE Electric Cooperative told FOX31s Kasia Kerridge on Monday morning that repairs were still needed and will likely last a couple of 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 FOX31 Denver. Authorities are investigating a single-car crash in Washington Township Monday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of Wilmington Pike near Briggs Road just before 11 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7 crews on scene see one pickup truck on its side up against a tree. Centerville police officers have blocked off the scene while they investigate the crash. It is unclear if anyone was injured in this crash. News Center 7 will continue to update this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Algeria is interested in exchange of advanced solutions and expertise with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, said Mohamed Arkab, Algerias Minister of Energy, Mining, and Renewable Energy, in response to a question from Trend during a panel discussion titled Towards Sustainable Economies: Diversification Strategies for Sustainable Development in IsDB Member Countries, held as part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Groups Annual Meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. We are actively strengthening our cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, particularly through partnerships between our national energy companies. Weve already signed an agreement in Algiers aimed at increasing energy supplies from Azerbaijan and launching several joint projects to develop energy infrastructure, Arkab said. He emphasized that special attention is being given to projects in natural gas exploration, production, transportation, and processing, along with the adoption of new technologies and the advancement of scientific research in the energy field. Were especially interested in exchanging cutting-edge solutions and expertise, particularly in the face of todays climate challenges. Our countries enjoy strong, friendly political ties and work closely together within the OPEC+ framework, where both play important roles. Were committed to fully implementing the provisions of the agreement signed with Azerbaijan and have already begun joint work, both at the technical committee level and through our intergovernmental commission on hydrocarbons, he noted. The minister also highlighted active collaboration in training and knowledge exchange for energy sector specialists. A Russian-speaking student allegedly conspired to start a series of fires that damaged properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer, a court was told. Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who was born in Ukraine, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He is accused of conspiring with Roman Lavrynovych, a Ukrainian who has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, and other unknown individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested on Saturday by counter-terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit at London Luton Airport. Two of the fires took place in Kentish Town, north London, one in the early hours of May 12 at the home where Sir Keir lived before he became Prime Minister and moved into Downing Street. A car was set alight in the same street four days earlier on May 8. The other fire was on May 11 at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. As his father looked on from the public gallery, the court heard Mr Carpiuc had recently completed a degree in business studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. Credit: Starnow.com/stanislavcarpiuc Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court heard Mr Carpiuc was born in Ukraine but is a Romanian citizen who has been living in the UK for nine years. Mr Carpiuc has no previous convictions Stanislav Carpiuc appears at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday - Elizabeth Cook/PA Jay Nutkins, defending, said Mr Carpiuc did not deny knowing or being in contact with Mr Lavrynovych, but denied being near the vicinity of the alleged arson attacks. Mr Nutkins said Mr Carpiuc had been intending to visit his sister in Romania when he was arrested, adding that Mr Carpiuc had every intention to return as he has strong ties in this country and was well integrated in the community. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Mr Carpiuc in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on June 6. Stanislav Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 at London Luton Airport by counter-terrorism officers Mr Carpiuc, who is understood to run a painting and decorating firm with his brother, is an aspiring actor and model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He posted pictures on a modelling website in which he says he was born in the west of Ukraine in the small town of Chernivtsi. In a biography, he said he wanted to be the top male model in the world. He described himself as ethnically ambiguous and in a video he said he loves London and enjoys long walks in the park with his dog. A car believed to be linked to Sir Keir Starmer was also damaged in an alleged arson attack Neighbours at Mr Carpiucs home in Romford, east London, said he lived at the property with his parents and a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Dave Newland, 83, said: They were a very nice family, very quiet. Another neighbour who did not wish to be named said plain clothes police officers had been seen at the address in previous days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before moving to Romford, Mr Carpiuc is understood to have lived at a property in north London. Owners at a local barber shop said police had visited the flat Mr Carpiuc reportedly stayed in on Monday afternoon. Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life over the incidents One hairdresser said he had told them he was Ukrainian and he could barely speak English. Mr Lavrynovych, 21, appeared in court last week, charged in connection with the three fires. Like Mr Capriuc, he was also an aspiring model and had posted a number of pictures on a modelling agency website. The alleged plot bears a resemblance to the 2001 film Zoolander, which follows two male models played by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson one of whom is tricked by a fashion mogul into trying to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photographs of Mr Lavrynovych on social media show him doing press-ups in his bedroom, where there is an England flag in the background. A third suspect, a 34-year-old man who has not been charged, remains in custody following his arrest in Chelsea yesterday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Edward A. Garmatz United States Courthouse in Baltimore. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters) The contentious debate over a 67-mile power transmission line proposed for Central Maryland reached a Baltimore courtroom on Monday, with three hours of arguments on eminent domain. PSEG, the New Jersey-based power company building the line, sued more than 100 landowners along the proposed route of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, who it said were refusing access to company representatives for environmental surveys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company asked U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson to issue an order allowing it to conduct the surveys including boundary studies, wetland delineations and forest evaluations where property owners had refused. It has said that it needs the surveys for its proceeding before the Maryland Public Service Commission, which will determine whether the construction of the line planned to run through parts of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties can go forward. But the property owners, represented by five different attorneys Monday, argue that the company cant exercise eminent domain rights until it has earned its certificate from the PSC, and that entering properties for surveys constitutes a taking under eminent domain law. Kurt Fischer, an attorney representing PSEG, said that narrow interpretation of the law would set the power line up for failure from the start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It simply is untenable to try to say that all these conditions have to be satisfied before you can take surveys, Fischer said. Fischer said the company has authority for the land surveys because it has secured a designated entity agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, making it an entity that could conceivably earn the power of eminent domain from the Maryland PSC. Therefore, state law entitles it to complete the survey work. But the landowners attorneys pointed to a provision in state law granting survey access to corporations having the power of eminent domain. Having the power means you have it right now, said David Wyand, an attorney representing dozens of landowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued that in order to gain access to the properties to survey ahead of the PSCs decision, the company would need to go to the Maryland General Assembly for a law change. They dont want to go to the legislature for a fix, Wyand said. This should be a political solution not a court solution. There could be more lawsuits to come. Fischer said that the 117 landowners named in the suit were prioritized because their properties likely host flora and fauna that can only be studied at particular times. But other landowners have refused access, and they could also face similar legal action, he said. At times, Mondays arguments also reached beyond eminent domain and into the states complex energy picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the landowners argued that there is wiggle room in a directive from the regional transmission grid, calling for the power line to be in service by June 2027, in part because the grid has reached agreement to keep two Maryland coal-fired power plants running through May 2029, meaning power needs will be met until then. The predictions about disaster are not reality, said Harris Eisenstein, who represents the same set of landowners as Wyand. Because the deadline can be adjusted, the power company failed to show that it would suffer irreparable harm if it didnt get the order from the judge. If the project has to be scrapped for reasons outside PSEGs control, the company can also recoup its costs by appealing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Eisenstein argued. They have an economic safety net, Eisenstein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE But PSEG attorneys said reimbursement isnt a guarantee. FERC can determine that costs werent prudent, and nix repayment. The agency also only reimburses 50% of any costs incurred by developers before it approves a start theto project, said PSEG attorney Kenneth Thompson. Theres a guaranteed loss here, Thompson said. The order proposed by PSEG didnt set many limitations on its access to properties, allowing any access up until the Public Service Commission issues its ruling, so long as the company gives 24 hours notice. At least one respondent took issue with that proposal Monday. Attorney Jennifer Wazenski was representing the owners of River Valley Ranch, a youth camp and retreat center that hosts the most vulnerable children for activities including horseback riding, she said. The owners would take issue with characterizing any entry by strangers as non-invasive, Wazenski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But PSEG attorney Emily Wilson said the order is a proposed order for a reason and told Abelson that the company would be amenable to the court requiring a conference between attorneys to find acceptable times for surveys. It is not the companys intention to have unfettered access to these properties, Wilson said. Wilson that the assessments mostly involve surveyors walking around the properties with tablets in hand, taking note of particular features. For the wetlands surveys, surveyors would take soil samples about 4 inches into the ground, before returning the sampled material immediately. The surveys will take in the space of hours, Wilson said, rather than days and days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there were damage associated with the surveys, the landowners could seek relief in court, but Thompson said PSEG would endeavor to remedy the problem so that landowners wouldnt have to take that step. They want a good relationship with these folks. They dont want to be in a World War III fight, Thompson said. Attorneys for the landowners have asked Abelson to dismiss the case altogether. Barring that, he ought to allow three to four months of discovery, followed by an evidentiary hearing in the fall, Eisenstein said. Thats what this case deserves, Eisenstein said. Its an important case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discovery would let the landowners attorneys take depositions from key personnel at PSEG, they said, to answer unanswered questions about the lines route, and whether PSEG would face an irreparable harm if it did not get the surveys completed. Otherwise, Abelson would be granting a preliminary injunction that would essentially decide the entire case right at the beginning, Eisenstein said. The toothpaste is out of the tube, Eisenstein said. Thats the end of the case. Three new food trucks are coming to Puyallup this week. Residents will be able to get pizza, burgers, Indian food and more at a new pod, Pind Kohala, at 1824 S. Meridian. Raj Singh, one of the owners of the pod, said they are aiming to open the trucks Wednesday or Friday. We got all our permits ready to go, Singh said. Were trying to get everything ready and trying to prepare food properly starting [Tuesday] evening and then we will see how soon we can open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the three food trucks, Mocha Stop, will serve coffee. Another, Little India Puyallup, will serve Indian food and a third, Backyard Pizza and Burgers will serve pizza and burgers with an Indian twist. It was my dream project, to be honest, Singh said. I wanted to have something [where], like, the whole family can come and parents, with their kids, they can enjoy a variety of food there. The site of Puyallups new food truck pod, Pind Kohala, at 1824 S. Meridian on May 20, 2025. Raj Singh Singh has been in the food business for over 20 years, and owns two brick-and-mortar businesses in Tacomas Freighthouse Square: R.J.s Burgers and Little India Express. He came up with the idea for a food truck pod in Puyallup in 2022. I was traveling to like, California, Oregon, all the time, and I saw these food truck set-ups there and I thought: We dont have one in Washington, Singh said. It just came into my mind and I said, Lets get a bunch of different food trucks in one spot and then make it, like, a food truck park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh also said they are looking to add more food trucks down the road, such as a truck for Mexican or barbecue food. For now, hes just excited to open the three-truck pod and see the communitys response. Were local and we live in Puyallup. We want the local community to come and try our food, Singh said. We would like to give back to the community. Editors note: This article has been updated to include the name of the food truck pod and the names of each individual food truck. The Frederick County Planning Commission has approved the site plan for three more buildings on the Aligned Data Centers project, with limits on noise. The Aligned Critical Digital Infrastructure Facility features four buildings and an energy transformer yard on 74.89 acres near Adamstown. The Frederick County Planning Commission approved the first data center building in May 2023 and the transformer substation in March 2025, according to county records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building 1 will occupy the southern-most location on the site, followed in order by Buildings 2, 3 and 4 heading north, according to county records. Buildings 2, 3 and 4 total 1.15-million square feet. The commission approved the submitted plan unanimously on Wednesday with the following additions: a 22-foot-tall concrete wall enclosing Building 3, as well as along the east sides of the generator yards for Buildings 2 and 4. Sound concerns The data centers are 24-hour-a-day operations, requiring significant infrastructure to cool machines and have backup power available. Jessica Baker, technical program manager for Aligned, said generators for the site planned for a worst-case scenario total power loss an outcome that has been very few and far between at other locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of our sites, we very rarely see the generators run outside of monthly testing, Baker said. Emily Piersol an acoustics consultant with Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon, and Williams, an international design and consulting firm with corporate offices based in Carrollton, Texas said the acoustic report her team performed considered 84 rooftop chillers per building for Buildings 1, 2 and 3 and 56 rooftop chillers for Building 4. Baker said it is standard for Aligned to have chillers on the roof and generators at the ground level. The plan was for 164 generators on site between the four buildings, according to Piersol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her team analyzed the three step-down transformers within the transformer yard portion of the substation, as well. Planning Commissioner Carole Sepe said she remembered screening required for acoustics from the Building 1 plans, but saw no concrete panels in the drawings for the three additional buildings. Wheres the concrete panel screening? she asked. She said the plans as she read them included mainly chain-link fence or perforated screens, with concrete only included in one partially screened section. All the generators should be closed, not with just a metal fence, Sepe said. The only thing that should be open is just the access to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sepe said she was not concerned about the buildings, but about the fenced generator yards. Baker said she agreed with Sepes concerns about how the concrete walls were not clear enough in the presented plans. Piersol said her model factored in a concrete screening wall south of Building 1; a chain-link fence between Buildings 1 and 2; visual screening by the loading docks; and visual screening with acoustical properties north of Building 4. She said that noise is measured not at the property boundary, but at the nearest agricultural property near the intersection of Ballenger Creek Pike and Manor Woods Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piersol said the analysis found the sound levels on the east and west sides of Building 2 would be 70 A-weighted decibels the limit for industrial uses and thus did not require sound screening. She said the study considered a 22-foot concrete screening wall around the generator yard by Building 3, between the building and transformers. Piersol said the noise by the generator yard at Building 4 was less than 70 dBA and thus did not require screening walls. She said the difference came down to the fact that the physical building screens the noise from the generators at Building 4, but not Building 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Baker said the walls along the east could be designed to have aesthetic qualities in addition to sound-dampening ones. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Access to the site will come from Manor Woods Road until Quantum Place South is opened to traffic, with the goal of being able to build each building in phases through the secure access point to the site, according to the records. The plan called for 226 parking spaces, when only 90 were required by code, according to county records. Part of that offsets the proposed six large loading spaces when 115 were required. This was due to the expectation that there will be less pedestrian movement because its a secure facility, according to the records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker said this parking arrangement better served shift changes for workers of a 24-hour-a-day facility. Additionally, the plan calls for 10 bike racks and 20 total spaces, meeting county standard. The racks will be uncovered, according to Graham Hubbard, a planner for the county. Baker said she was open to discussing bike rack protections, to encourage alternative commutes to the site. Hubbard said the lighting plan for the three additional buildings would be the same as the previously approved for Building 1. Graham Cannady, project manager for Corgan, a Dallas, Texas based architectural firm, said his firm was not the original architect of the project but would gladly incorporate rooftop screening to ensure continuity throughout the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Same thing goes with the yard screening, he said. If that is required, we will gladly add the additional screening if necessary in lieu of chain-link. Following a question from Planning Commisioner Sam Tressler III, Baker said it would be possible to finish all four buildings by 2028. Market conditions and customer demand drive what that ends up looking like, she said. Baker said Aligned already has an end user lined up for Building 1. The U.S. Air Force is now actively exploring what it would take to turn an already heavily-modified 747-8i airliner from Qatar into a platform that can meet extremely stringent requirements to serve in the Air Force One role. President Donald Trumps administration confirmed earlier this month that it has been in talks with Qatari authorities about receiving the jet ostensibly as a gift. TWZ has already highlighted serious questions about the feasibility of converting the Qatari jet into an interim Air Force One, especially before the end of Trumps second term in 2029, as you can read more about here. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, who was sworn in just on May 16, and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. David Allvin answered questions about the potential of turning the Qatari 747-8i into an Air Force One presidential aircraft from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee today. The Qatari 747-8i jet that could be in line to be a new Air Force One aircraft. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images As you know, any platform used for presidential travel must be fully secure, survivable and this is the important part capable of supporting uninterrupted command and control under the most demanding conditions, including in the event of a nuclear crisis, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, said in the lead-in to a question for Meink and Allvin about the proposed conversion. This isnt just about ensuring presidential protection, though that is very important. This is about our national security and protecting all Americans from the dangers posed if the Presidents sensitive communications are intercepted, or if he is out of contact, God forbid, with our nations military during a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Meink, General Allvin, do you concur that the upgrades required for a foreign-provided plane to meet the operational security standards of Air Force One would be significant? she asked. So, the Secretary of Defense [Pete Hegseth] has directed the Air Force to basically start planning to modify the aircraft, Meink said in response to a question from Duckworth. We will have to look at all of those issues you just addressed in those modifications. Allvin responded that he was in alignment with Meinks position. Any civilian aircraft will take significant modifications to turn it into a suitable Air Force One, Meink said after further questioning. As I said, were asked, based on [the Defense] Secretarys direction, we are postured, and were off looking at that right now, what its going to take for that particular aircraft. Now-Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at his confirmation hearing in March 2025. DOD EJ Hersom It is worth noting that Boeing is already in the process of converting two other 747-8is originally built as commercial airliners into new VC-25B Air Force One aircraft. However, those aircraft were never delivered to their intended customer and are not as heavily modified to start as the Qatari 747-8i in question. Boeing stopped producing 747s entirely in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work on the VC-25Bs has been repeatedly delayed, which has been a key contributing factor in the emergence of the general idea of an interim Air Force One since Trump took office in January. Duckworth also raised concerns that requirements have been loosened to try to accelerate work on VC-25Bs. Meink said he was unaware of any such changes to the Air Force One requirements, but noted he has only been in his current post since last week. There are certainly differences in the requirements for the VC-25Bs compared to the existing VC-25A Air Force One jets, which are based on older 747-200 aircraft. Most notably, the replacement presidential planes will not be able to refuel in flight, at least as far as is currently known, something that was previously seen as a vital feature, especially in the event of a severe contingency. One of the U.S. Air Forces existing VC-25A Air Force One jets. Chris Graythen/Getty Images Do I have your commitment that you would advise the President not to reduce any requirements that will lower operational security for any aircraft to be used as Air Force One? Duckworth asked Meink. I will be quite clear and discuss that with Secretary [of Defense], up to the President if necessary, if we feel theres any threats that we are unable to address, Meink said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As TWZ has already noted, converting any aircraft into one that is secure enough to provide safe transport for the President of the United States, as well as allow for constant communication, including if they need to order a nuclear strike, is an extremely complex process. The aircraft has to be physically hardened inside and out against a plethora of threats, from the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear weapon going off to incoming surface-to-air missiles to enemy intelligence-gathering efforts. This, in turn, requires significant modifications right down to the aircrafts core structure. As is highlighted by the tight controls around sourcing spares for the existing VC-25As, there are specific processes around vetting individual parts to protect against espionage and sabotage. A briefing slide that was shown to then-President-Elect Donald Trump in 2016 highlighting various features found on Air Force One. USAF via FOIA There is the possibility that the Qatari 747-8i could end up being used as a source of spare parts for the future VC-25Bs, as well as the 747-based E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) strategic command post aircraft the Air Force is also acquiring. Whether the Qatari gift of the 747-8i to the Trump administration even goes through in the end remains to be seen, given a host of additional legal and ethical hurdles and concerns. At the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing just today, Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, asked Meink and Allvin about whether they were aware of a request from Qatar to buy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and implied the possibility of a quid pro quo exchange. Meink took the question for the record to respond to later. CNN did also report yesterday, citing anonymous sources, that Trumps administration had reached out to Qatar first about acquiring the 747-8i before the government in Doha had proposed offering it as a gift. Whatever the case, the Air Force is now at least looking into what specifically would be needed to turn the Qatari royal jet into a new Air Force One. Contact the author: joe@twz.com WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish authorities have indicted a man charged with planning to help Russian foreign intelligence services prepare a possible attempt to assassinate Ukraine's president, prosecutors said on Tuesday. The man, identified as Pawel K., was arrested in April 2024 after cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian prosecutors, and faces up to eight years in prison. According to prosecutors, he had declared his readiness to act for the military intelligence of the Russian Federation and established contacts with Russians who were directly involved in the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The activities were to help, among other things, in the planning by the Russian special services of a possible assassination attempt on the life of ... the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy," the prosecution said in a statement. Pawel K.'s tasks included collecting and providing information on security at the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland, prosecutors said. Poland, a hub for Western military supplies to Ukraine, says it has become a major target of Russian spies, accusing Moscow and its ally Belarus of trying to destabilise it - accusations which the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. (Reporting by Anna Koper; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Polish prosecutors have indicted a man charged with allegedly planning to assist Russian foreign intelligence in a possible assassination attempt on President Volodymyr Zelensky, authorities announced on May 20. The person charged, identified as Pawel K., was arrested on April 17, 2024 in Poland following a joint investigation by Polish and Ukrainian authorities. He faces up to eight years in prison, according to a press release from Poland's National Prosecutor's Office. According to investigators, Pawe K. expressed willingness to work for Russian military intelligence and established contact with Russian citizens directly involved in the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His tasks included collecting and providing information on security at the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland, authorities said. The press release also said that Pawel K.'s activities "were to help, among other things, in planning by the Russian special services a possible assassination attempt on the life of... the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky." Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine and key transit point for Western military aid to Ukraine, says it has become a major target for Russian espionage and destabilization efforts, including arson attacks and cyberattacks. Most recently, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed Russian hackers for cyberattacks ahead of Poland's presidential elections on May 18. In September 2024, the Polish government also accused Moscow and its ally Belarus of waging a "de facto cyberwar" on Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has been accused of hybrid warfare, espionage, and sabotage across Europe. Read also: EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. May 20 (UPI) -- Authorities in Britain have arrested a third suspect in connection with a fire set at a home owned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The unidentified 34-year-old was arrested Monday morning in Chelsea on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The arrest comes after a 26-year-old was arrested Saturday and a 21-year-old was arrested May 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 21-year-old suspect has since been identified as Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, London. The Crown Prosecution Service on Thursday authorized Lavrynovych to be charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Authorities accuse the three suspects of being involved in three fires set at north London residences. The first fire was set on May 8, another on May 11 and the third on May 12. The most recent fire was lit at a residence in Kentish Town that is owned by the prime minister, who is currently living at his official 10 Downing Street residence with his family. The targeted home was being rented out at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported in connection with any of the fires. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. The State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads has started an overhaul of the Gukhuroba-Khiloba-Yasaoba-Anigoba-Ashaghi Imamgulukend-Shirvanli road, connecting six settlements with a population of 5,000 in the Gusar district, a source in the agency told Trend. The source indicated that progress is being made on the 26.7-kilometer thoroughfare to elevate it to the fourth technical tier, with the roadway dimensions being augmented to a width of 10 meters. At present, earthmoving operations are in progress, alongside activities aimed at achieving optimal road profile and cross-sectional expansion, with 12 kilometers exhibiting substandard bituminous surface and 14.7 kilometers comprising unbound granular material. In accordance with the technological sequence, the construction of the road base and the laying of a new asphalt concrete pavement will be carried out next. The project also includes the construction of culverts in the necessary places to drain water along the road. In the concluding phase of the initiative, as it was noted, the implementation of wayfinding signage and distance indicators, along with pavement markings and delineation lines, will be executed to facilitate optimal vehicular circulation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A Long Island high school was transformed into a scene straight out of a movie set Monday, complete with a makeshift police academy and dramatic chopper landing to mark First Responder Career Day. A Nassau County police helicopter theatrically touched down on Roosevelt High Schools field as students crowded the landing zone eagerly capturing the memorable moment on their phones. This has never happened before, weve never had a chopper land on our campus before, said Dr. Shawn Wightman, the school districts superintendent. A Nassau County police helicopter theatrically lands on Roosevelt High Schools field as students crowd the landing zone. Dennis A. Clark Cops quickly took over for the day. K-9 units joined the festivities, while mounted officers let kids pet their horses and answered questions about training and patrol work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a great opportunity for students to see what law enforcement and first responders do for a living and see it as an option for a career, Wightman said. The event gave students a front-row seat to the criminal-justice field, with teens checking out everything from fingerprinting kits and emergency medical gear to forensic nursing tools. They were also introduced to the prospects of a career path beyond being a cop including crime-scene analysts, probation officers, court officials and forensic nurses. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who stopped by the event, told The Post the goal was two-fold: To show kids theres a bright future in public safety, and to help bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They get to see the police in a different light, Blakeman, a Republican, said. The event gave students a front-row seat to the criminal-justice field, with teens checking out everything from fingerprinting kits and emergency medical gear to forensic nursing tools. Dennis A. Clark Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the goal was to show kids theres a bright future in public safety, and to help bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement. Dennis A. Clark The goal seemed to be reached with many students admitting the experience opened their eyes to possible career paths and changed their perspective of police. It was really nice to get together as a community of students and see that there is safety in the community we live in, student Gabriela Gamez said. Another student, Takyia Wilder, said she was now intrigued to learn about the field of forensic nursing. Many students admitted the experience opened their eyes to possible career paths and changed their perspective of police. Dennis A. Clark Students were also introduced to careers beyond being a cop including crime-scene analysts, probation officers, court officials and forensic nurses. Dennis A. Clark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was part of a broader push to expose students in underserved communities to real-world careers and give them a chance to engage directly with professionals walking away with a better sense of whats possible post-graduation. We questioned, Why dont we have more diverse law enforcement? Blakeman said. Its probably because they dont know the opportunities that are available. Gary Lineker could face a police investigation over the anti-Semitic Instagram post that prompted his BBC exit, Telegraph Sport understands. Officers from Scotland Yard visited at least one complainant who told them she suffered significant distress over the social media post last week. No decision has been made yet on whether a police investigation will be launched but officers suggested to one family a crime reference number will be issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Metropolitan Police statement said: We have received a number of reports from members of the public relating to a post published on social media on Monday, 12 May. The reports will be assessed to determine what further action might be required. There is currently no police investigation into this matter. When asked whether officers had spoken to the individual responsible for the post, Scotland Yard said it could not provide running commentary. It is unclear how any law might have been broken by Lineker, who deleted the post and claimed he was unaware of the rat emoji or its historically offensive symbolism. Officers may be considering, however, whether the post amounted to a non-crime hate incident (NCHI) where records are kept for speech that is perceived to demonstrate hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linekers BBC departure was confirmed on Monday after mounting pressure within the corporation over a pro-Palestine video he shared on his Instagram story. Police were contacted last Wednesday specifically about the rat emoji, an icon used by the Nazis as a slur against Jewish people. Gary Lineker shared this video on his Instagram story Calls to remove him from the BBC grew louder on Thursday when Telegraph Sport published an explosive interview with Lineker in which he went further than ever in his comments about Israel and also criticised his boss at the BBC. It was confirmed at noon on Monday that this Sundays Match of the Day will be Linekers last BBC outing. Lineker has twice apologised for the post. He said on Monday he would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic it goes against everything I stand for in a recorded statement that announced his early departure from the BBC. Credit: garylineker/Instagram Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action. His friend Piers Morgan, the broadcaster and journalist, has since made light of the ordeal, posting an image of Lineker in a chefs outfit. Delighted to announce that Ive hired a new personal cook, Morgan wrote on Instagram. Welcome, Chef Gaz @garylineker Ive heard great things about what a decent, loyal, talented, entertaining bloke you are just no social media posting while youre in the kitchen please. Piers Lineker Alex Hearn, of Labour Against Anti-Semitism, expressed fresh concern, however, at the BBC continuing to allow Lineker to host one last Match of the Day on Sunday. While Gary Lineker faces a potential police investigation for sharing a racist post with his 1.2 million followers, the BBC have sent a clear message on the subject, Hearn told Telegraph Sport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They allowed Lineker to host the prestigious FA Cup final, host his last show the week after and leave on his own terms to a fanfare. Their message has been received: the BBC dont care about racism when its aimed at Jews. Linekers spokesman has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Traffic was diverted in Alexandria Tuesday morning after a driver crashed into a light pole, police said. In a post on the X platform shortly after 7 a.m., Alexandria police said the Telegraph Road on-ramp from eastbound Duke Street was closed due to a single-vehicle crash. Capitals player arrested in Arlington for public intoxication, police say A driver had struck a light pole in the area, which fell into the roadway, police noted. (Courtesy: Alexandria City Police Department via X/@AlexandriaVAPD) As of Tuesday morning, there is no word on the drivers condition, and it is unclear when the road will reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for a Belmont man accused of smashing the window of a car in a violent road rage confrontation on Friday night. 27-year-old Andrew Oprian is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and willful and malicious destruction of property, according to Boston Police. The warrant was obtained from the Brighton District Court and Oprian is still at large. The confrontation occurred around 11:45 p.m. on May 16 in the area of 1032 Commonwealth Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What started as a report of a motor vehicle accident quickly escalated. Boston 25 News spoke with a witness who said a victim driving a Toyota Prius was being followed by a suspect in a pickup truck at a high rate of speed. He had no idea why the guy had been following him. He had no clue. He was shocked, said witness Matt Silva. Cell phone released by Boston Police on Sunday shows the suspect repeatedly swinging the hatchet, smashing the windows and windshield of the Prius. As soon as he sticks his head out of the car and pulls his key out, some random dude from behind him starts swinging a hatchet at him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silva told Boston 25 News that the man with the hatchet appeared enraged and couldnt be reasoned with. Witnesses told police they saw the suspect chasing the victim along the sidewalk armed with the sharp weapon. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 617-343-4256, or the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS. 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 Police are investigating after receiving reports that a juvenile was hit by a car in Xenia Monday evening, a Xenia Police dispatcher confirmed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash was reported in the 1800 block of Crase Street in Xenia just before 7 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: It is unclear if anyone was injured in this crash. News Center 7 is working to learn more and will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office said an investigation is underway after a person was injured in a shooting. Deputies were notified by the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office regarding a person from Mississippi with a gunshot wound at a Zachary urgent care. According to EFPSO, the shooting victim told law enforcement that he had been shot while driving in Norwood. He was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for treatment. Zachary Police obtained a search warrant to examine the victims car, which had multiple bullet holes, after it was taken into evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim told EFPSO deputies where the shooting took place in Norwood. Deputies did not find any indication that a shooting had happened there. The sheriffs office said a witness later led deputies to a different location in the area where fired cartridge cases were found. EFPSO said the investigation was turned over to the Norwood Police Department. Man found dead in Baton Rouge apartment, police investigate 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A former employee at a South Memphis tire shop allegedly fired multiple shots at the business overnight, prompting the owner to return fire. Multiple police cars and crime scene tape were seen in the area of East Davant Avenue in front of a tire shop in the 2100 block of South Third Street. Police responded to the shooting around 1:30 a.m. Photo by WREG Photo by WREG A man on the scene told police that he was asleep inside his business when he heard gunshots. He said he got up, went outside with his firearm, and returned fire at the suspect in the area of Davant Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they were told by the victim that the shooter was a former employee who tried to come inside the business, but employees refused to let him in after seeing he had a gun. The suspect arrived at the tire shop with another suspect and fled the scene on foot after shooting at the business. The MPD did not provide any additional information regarding the suspects. Police say two vehicles in the fenced-in area of the business were hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 34-year-old man is facing drug and weapon charges after a traffic stop in El Pasos Lower Valley, El Paso Police said. Angel Marin Photo courtesy of El Paso Police Police said they arrested Angel Marin, 34, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of at least three pounds of marijuana in his vehicle and an unlawful firearm. On Monday, May 19, officers observed Marin make a traffic violation when he was driving near Pendale and Arboleda in the Lower Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the traffic stop, officers saw an unholstered pistol and a sandwich bag in the vehicle, which appeared to contain marijuana, police said. Courtesy of El Paso Police Officers then requested the assistance of a K-9 unit. The K-9 alerted officers to narcotics, police said. Marin was arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon and for possessing more than 3 pounds of marijuana, police said. He was booked into the El Paso County 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 KTSM 9 News. A police officer was among two people hurt in a crash in Ohio on Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Columbus Police responded to a three-vehicle crash around 7:45 p.m., according to a news partner, WBNS-TV in Columbus. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dispatcher told WBNS that a police cruiser was one of the vehicles involved in the wreck. Photos show the cruiser sustained damage on the right side of the vehicle. Medics transported the officer and another person to the hospital, both were listed in stable condition, WBNS says. The crash remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 20. The project of laying an electric cable under the Caspian Sea with the participation of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will be an important contribution to the energy security of Europe, the expert-economist, senior researcher of the Hungarian Institute of International Relations and Trade, Professor Vasa Laszlo told reporters, Trend reports. He made the remark on the sidelines of the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Budapest. "It is planned to build an undersea cable along the Caspian Sea bed, which will enable the transmission of electricity from power plants that operate predominantly on green energy. This project will be an important contribution not only to the energy security of Hungary and Central Europe, but also of the entire continent," he said. Vasa noted that in the energy sector, Azerbaijan became a key alternative gas supplier to Hungary after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, when Europe decided to reduce its dependence on Russian energy resources. According to him, the partnership between the two countries goes beyond the traditional model of gas and hydrocarbon exports. A truly innovative project is also being implemented - to supply green electricity from Azerbaijan to Central Europe. This is a unique initiative in scale and significance, involving not only Azerbaijan and Georgia, but also countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which have expressed interest in joining the emerging energy system, he concluded. A Scranton man cut a woman with a kitchen knife Saturday during an altercation in the city, police charge. Officers responded to the 1300 block of Schlager Street around 5:54 p.m. for a report of a physical domestic incident between a man and woman, police said. Additionally, a county dispatcher informed officers the female caller reported an assault was occurring at the residence, according to a criminal complaint. The woman told officers she got into an argument with Raymond St. John Moore when he asked her to take the braids out of her hair, and that he became angry when she wouldnt comply and began yelling and cursing at her, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore (Courtesy Lackawanna County Central Processing) Moore followed the woman outside and continued screaming and yelling, officers said. Then, when she went back inside, the argument became even more intense, police said. Moore told the woman he was going to stab her, and then he grabbed a kitchen knife and followed her into the bedroom, according to the criminal complaint. Moore held the knife to her side, poking her and claiming he was going to kill her, officers said. The woman who suffered a cut to her torso said Moore got on top of her and she struck him in self-defense to get away, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the woman ran to the kitchen to call police, Moore threw a glass candle at her, striking her in the head, according to the criminal complaint. Moore fled the scene and was later apprehended by officers near North Main and Oram streets, police said. Moore told police the incident began as a verbal argument before the woman started attacking him inside the residence, officers said. He then became uncooperative and refused to provide more information, according to the criminal complaint. Police charged Moore, 49, with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment. As of Monday, Moore remained in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 30 at 9:45 a.m. POZNAN For years, I have taken every opportunity to urge the European Union and its member states to invest more in defense. When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly asked (as a member of the European Parliament) what further proof we would need to recognize the threats facing all of Europe. What would we as Europeans do if our security was threatened while our closest ally, the United States, was otherwise engaged? Today, we confront that very situation. U.S. officials are openly stating that they do not intend to devote most of their time or resources to dealing with what they deem European issues. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. has other priorities to focus on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree. The global superpower has global responsibilities, and the number of flash points that might demand the U.S. governments attention seems only to be growing. In addition to challenges in the Western hemisphere, instability in the Middle East, and severe tensions between two nuclear powers India and Pakistan there is also the paramount goal of redefining relations with China. Moreover, according to the official U.S. Defense Department planning doctrine, the U.S. can no longer fight more than one major war at a time. The new U.S. administration has been communicating its position plainly. Were here today to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in Brussels this February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet And U.S. Vice President JD Vance was even more direct, stating that Europes entire security infrastructure has been subsidized by the United States of America, even though it is neither in Europes nor Americas interest for Europe to be a permanent security vassal of the United States. President Donald Trump himself has repeatedly accused Europe of freeloading and taking advantage of the U.S. Europeans may not like what we hear, but we cannot pretend not to hear it. We must be prepared for the U.S. to wash its hands not only of Ukraine, but even of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Le Mondes Sylvie Kauffmann recently argued, Preparing for the worst is a safer bet than hoping for the best. We can and should do both hope and prepare. Trust but verify. Ever since Trump announced his presidential candidacy back in 2015, there have been two schools of thought on interpreting his words. Some argue that we should take him seriously but not literally, whereas others urge us to do the opposite: treat him literally but not always seriously. I believe that the most reasonable and respectable approach is to treat whatever the U.S. president says both literally and seriously. Read also: Trump says he trusts Putin, wont sanction Russia, prepared to back away from Ukraine peace talks Given the current state of the world, this implies that Europe faces an existential choice. We can enter the global game united, as a heavyweight competitor, or we can condemn ourselves to marginalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much has been done already to become a heavyweight contender. Since 2016 just before Trumps first term NATO members, excluding the U.S., have increased their annual defense spending by 98%, from $255 billion to $506 billion. Moreover, after three years of Putin waging all-out war on Ukraine, the EU and its member states have proven willing to spend even more and to embrace a more cooperative, rational, and effective approach to defense planning and procurement. The new joint defense agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom is another step demonstrating this new strategic solidarity. Deterring Russia is not beyond our means. We dont need to match U.S. military capabilities; rather, we just need enough to force Putin to reconsider his chances of winning in a confrontation with a united European community of democratic nation-states. The people of Europe are clearly demanding that we develop a revitalized European defense posture. According to the European Commission, 71% of EU citizens believe that the bloc must strengthen its ability to produce military equipment, while 77% support a common defense and security policy. This gives European leaders a mandate to think and act boldly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how long will it take to restore peace to Ukraine and stability to Europe? I believe we must act on the basis of three assumptions. First, we should view this as a war of a former imperial metropole against what it regards as a mutinous colony. History suggests that colonial wars usually take about a decade to end. Anything less than that should be considered a bonus. Second, we should accept that for the invading country to start negotiating in good faith, it must conclude that the invasion was a mistake. It must acknowledge that the costs of war, and of keeping the former colony subjugated, are greater than whatever benefits the colony can possibly yield. Third, given the above, we should remember that colonial wars are usually finished by a different group of leaders than those who started the fighting. Yes, boosting European defense capabilities while supporting Ukraine will cost money. Since the start of Russias war of aggression, the EU and its member states have provided more than $165 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. That is a significant amount, but it is still less than 1% of the combined GDP of the EUs member countries (some $19 trillion). We can certainly do more. And as we reinvigorate Europes defenses, we must not lose sight of why we are doing it: we are acting for our own safety, not to undermine transatlantic relations but to improve them. To avoid a strategic dilemma, we Europeans must be able to help the U.S. defend its allies by taking on our fair share of the security burden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Editors Note: Copyright, Project Syndicate / ImpactCEE. This article has been republished by the Kyiv Independent with permission. The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, who has advanced to the second round of the election, is ready to promise a refusal to support Ukraine's accession to NATO in exchange for the political backing of Sawomir Mentzen, a leader of the far-right Confederation party. Source: Nawrocki on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Nawrocki responded to a post by Mentzen, in which the latter invited both first-round winners to a discussion, during which Mentzen intends to ask them to "sign a declaration that meets the expectations of his voters". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the points outlined in the document Mentzen has proposed to the candidates are a refusal to send Polish troops to Ukraine and a commitment not to sign a law ratifying Ukraine's future accession to NATO. "I accept the invitation and am ready to sign those proposals," Nawrocki replied to Mentzen. "We will discuss the rest on your YouTube channel. See you there." Background: Several months ago, the candidate from the ruling party, Rafa Trzaskowski, expressed his support for Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU, but recently stated that Ukraine should serve as a "buffer zone". Following the first round of the election on 18 May, Warsaw mayor Trzaskowski advanced to the second round with 31.36% of the vote, as did Nawrocki, Head of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance, supported by the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), with 29.54% of the vote. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Polish authorities have indicted a man accused of planning to assist Russian foreign intelligence in preparing a possible assassination attempt on Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: Reuters, citing a statement from Polish prosecutors, as reported by European Pravda Details: The man, identified as Pawe K., was arrested in April 2024 following a joint Polish-Ukrainian investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polish prosecutors formally charged the man on Tuesday 20 May. He faces up to eight years in prison. Information obtained during the investigation indicates that the man had expressed a willingness to cooperate with Russian military intelligence and had established contact with Russians directly involved in the war against Ukraine. "The activities were to help, among other things, in the planning by the Russian special services of a possible assassination attempt on the life of ... the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy," the statement said. The prosecutors reported that Pawel K's task was to collect and provide information about security at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland. Background: On 12 May, a London court handed down sentences to six Bulgarian citizens convicted of spying for Russia in the UK. The BBC reported that three of the Bulgarian citizens had attended at least one event in Parliament in the past, including a Brexit-related discussion in 2016. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Germany recorded an unprecedented 84,000 politically motivated crimes in 2024, amid a surge in offences linked to the far right. The figure, released on Tuesday, represented the largest number since the statistic was first collected in 2001. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) said offences soared by around 40% compared to the previous year, due to a bumper election year and the highly charged conflict in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany held a number of important votes last year, including the election to the European Parliament, regional polls in the eastern states of Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, and a re-run of a parliamentary election in Berlin. Some offences late last year may also have been linked to the election campaign for national elections in February 2025. According to the statistics, some 42,788 crimes were linked to the far right, forming more than half of the total offences and representing a large rise from the 28,945 seen in 2023. Among the 4,107 instances of violent crime motivated by politics, police said 36% had far-right backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "foreign ideology" category was responsible for 24% of violent crimes, while 19% were classified as far left. Xenophobia was identified as a motive in 19,481 cases, while 6,236 anti-Semitic crimes were recorded. A total of 7,238 politically motivated crimes were linked by police to the Israel-Palestine conflict, of which 2,832 were identified as anti-Semitic and 793 as violent. Many of the latter are believed to have occurred during demonstrations and protests over the Middle East conflict, with many offences for breaching the peace and resisting arrest. May 19The Portland City Council unanimously approved the $171.8 million school budget on Monday night, which will account for a 5.3% increase in the schools portion of the property tax rate. For the owner of a median-priced $500,000 home, the budget would raise property taxes by $210 per year. The budget approved on Monday is $28,000 higher than the budget Superintendent Ryan Scallon presented to the council's finance committee in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Lentz, who chairs the Portland Board of Public Education, explained in a note to the council ahead of the meeting that when the budget was originally crafted the district had not yet received notice of the cost of employee medical premiums. At the time it was estimated that medical premium expenses would climb by 6%, but she said the district recently learned that the actual increase for medical premiums will be 9.6%, $350,969 more than was originally budgeted for. Additionally, she wrote that the board's decision in April to add the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur and the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr to the school holiday calendar will cost about $130,000. In order to keep the budget from skyrocketing the district opted to make reductions. The board eliminated the Multilingual Center's AmeriCorps contract, restructured the student enrollment process and adjusted two positions from full-time to four and three days a week, respectively. The school budget the council approved this year is about $10 million higher than the $161.4 million school budget approved last year and brings a smaller property tax increase than last time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her note, Lentz wrote that special education, multilingual learners and early childhood capacity were budget priorities this year. New expenditures in the budget include $800,000 for kindergarten literacy staff and more than $1 million for new school and central office-based special education staff, based on an outside review of the district's special education programming There's also $200,000 for two music teachers, something educators and parents advocated for at the district's first budget workshop in February. The budget includes funding for a staff member to prepare the district for taking on early childhood special education a response to a bill that passed in the Legislature last year transferring responsibility of providing services to 3- and 4-year-olds from Child Development Services to local school districts. That change takes effect in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people spoke in favor of the budget during the public comment period. Gabriel Terraciano, a Grammy nominated violinist who attended Portland Public Schools, spoke in favor of the addition of new music teachers. "I'm a former PPS student and I'm a professional musician," he said. "There are so many things in my life that I can trace back to the music educators who I was around." Evan Smith, the parent of a child with an Individual Education Plan, said that while he supports the budget, the new investments in special education aren't enough. "There is a portion of this budget for special education that does not come close to meeting the needs of existing IEPs," he said. "It just doesn't come close." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few council members spoke during discussions, expressing support for the budget. Councilor Ben Grant, who previously served on the school board, urged other councilors to support the budget. "If we continue down this path to pass supportive budgets for the school system I think we can keep telling our neighbors this is the right place to be," he said. "I think schools should get a bajillion dollars but I appreciate the times we are in," said Councilor Anna Bullett. Councilor Regina Phillips emphasized the need for more investment in adult education programs in the future. "I just want us to remember how important our adult education program is and maybe next year really and truly look at that program with a fine tooth comb to make sure we're really and truly doing everything we can for our adult learners" The council also heard a first read of the $285 million general fund budget on Monday night, which is not expected to go to a vote until June 23. Copy the Story Link Britains ports are demanding 120m in compensation after Sir Keir Starmers EU trade deal removed the need for costly post-Brexit border posts. The request for taxpayer-backed compensation has been made after the new UK-EU agreement meant that new refrigerated inspection sheds, warehouses, car parks and roads would become surplus to requirements. The Prime Ministers agreement will remove the need for border checks on plant, animal and food imports from the EU, wiping out the fee revenue that ports were banking on to recover the hefty capital cost of setting up the new checkpoints and inspection facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ports demands could add an unforeseen taxpayer cost to the UK-EU deal, putting further pressure on the Governments already stretched finances and offsetting some of the deals benefit. It would also be controversial, given Britains ports are owned by Middle Eastern and Chinese investors. Some of the recipients would include UAE-owned DP World and the Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison. Weve prepared these facilities in good faith, and now theyre not going to be used, said Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association. Some of them may be eventually demolished, or at least modified. The Government should cover the full costs of these white elephants and put this episode behind us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020 the government doled out 200m to 41 ports across Britain in payments ranging from under 100,000 to more than 20m. The money was to be spent on infrastructure designed for inspections and spot checks on trucks from the EU carrying farm and food produce. But the Port Infrastructure Fund was not large enough to meet demand, leaving the ports to foot up to 120m of the bill much of which was incurred during the pandemic, when construction costs soared. Once built, a typical large border control post costs around 200,000 to maintain, with running costs including energy, security, business rates, cleaning and repairs. The plan was for the ports to recoup at least the operating costs of the facilities, if not the capital and opportunity costs, from charging levies or fees on the EU-origin trucks that used them. Up to 40pc of Britains trade with Europe is in agri-food or related products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the UK-EU deal will set up a common sanitary and phytosanitary area that will remove the need for the checks and inspections and for the revenue and infrastructure that supports them. Its quite impressive infrastructure. But it could be largely redundant now, Mr Ballantyne said. It could be more than a year until the UK-EU deal on animal and plant products is implemented. Mr Ballantyne said this would give the Government and industry time to set up any compensation mechanism. Based on our experiences last time, its got to be quite flexible. The conditions that were placed on ports last time were too onerous, Mr Ballantyne said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sen. Larry Scott (R-Hobbs) speaks during a committee hearing during the 2025 legislative session. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) As a panel of state lawmakers on Tuesday planned out their work for the rest of the year, their hopes to improve health outcomes for New Mexicans were overshadowed by the looming threat of federal cuts to health insurance coverage. At the Legislative Health and Human Services Committees first meeting since the most recent legislative session, Sen. Larry Scott (R-Hobbs) told the committee lawmakers need to be ready if the U.S. government turns administration of Medicaid over to the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think any of those changes should try to take us by surprise, Scott said. State and federal officials say the GOP budget bill making its way through the U.S. Congress could not only reduce federal spending on Medicaid but also the oil and gas revenue that the state government could use to cover the costs. In the worst-case scenario, the proposal would translate to cuts of more than $1.1 billion for New Mexicos Medicaid program, according to one of the Legislatures top budget advisers. The worries over Medicaid cuts come as New Mexico is in the middle of restructuring its entire behavioral health care treatment system, with the states Medicaid program expected to create a group of licensing boards to help streamline mental health providers credentialing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During public comment at Tuesdays meeting, Rick Madden, chair of government affairs at the New Mexico Medical Society, told the committee that his organization strongly supports the committees focus on the potentially extreme effects of funding cuts and work requirements on local patients and communities. Sen. Liz Stefanics (D-Cerrillos) said she wants the health panel to receive updates from the Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee, which legislative leaders created late last month in order to track all federal money coming into New Mexico. Many of us, of course, are very concerned about it, and its not just Medicaid that we need to be concerned about, Stefanics said. Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque) suggested the panel have a joint meeting with the Legislative Finance Committee for any health care-related cuts coming from the federal government, not limited to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When were talking about funding and affordability, knowing that were going to have to plug holes, what realistically does the picture look like for us? Anaya asked. During the legislative session, New Mexico created a new Medicaid Trust Fund that aims to generate enough in interest to pay for at least some of what the federal government could cut in Medicaid spending. Rep. Eleanor Chavez (D-Albuquerque) wants the committee to review whats happening with that money. The committees next meeting is scheduled for June 25 through June 27. Lawmakers also suggested where they will hold their meetings, however, a complete schedule was not available as of Tuesday. This story originally misidentified Larry Scotts position. Source regrets the error. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Power, Pio Pico and the Beginning of Los Angeles Live on Stage originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Peter Mendoza and Davi Santos in California StoryPhoto by Angel Origgi What becomes of the strong and stoic who try to preserve the old ways while the winds of change swirl all around them? Pio Pico was Californias last Mexican governor before the territory was ceded to the United States in 1848. Pico lived large in his day, partying and gambling and building lavish monuments around Los Angeles, but died nearly broke. After he died, his tomb was vandalized and his wife's body stripped of her jewels. When his name is spoken today, it's mostly to curse the traffic on his namesake boulevard. The new stage production California Story shines a wildly contemporary light on this ancient L.A. origin story. During Picos lifetime, Southern California (or as he would have called it Alta California) transformed from a dusty pueblo of maybe 300 to a burgeoning mini metropolis of 55,000 Americans. Everything Pio knew was uprooted and changed as the old traditions and social hierarchies of Spain and Mexico were superseded by cold, hard Yankee capitalism encroaching from the east. East L.A. native Peter Mendoza plays Pico with a ferocious intensity and much wailing and gnashing of teeth, flailing as his empire crumbles around him. He plays the part with such an indignant madness that I could see why he was cast as Night Stalker Richard Ramirez in an upcoming film. Sawyer Shine and Camila Arteche in California StoryPhoto by Angel Origgi As Pico descends into a righteous rage and passionate denial of the new world falling atop him his little brother Andres (played with elegant coolness by Davi Santos, perhaps best known for playing a refined knight on TVs Power Rangers) attempts to talk some sense into the ex-governor, hobbled by bad luck and bad loans. Blonde-haired and blue-eyed Sawyer Shine practically twirls his moustache in devious delight as he topples the old empires while his long-suffering wife, played by Camila Arteche, suffers some more. Playwright Roger Q. Mason (Lavender Men) spent years developing the story as part of the Califas Trilogy, three productions about land, power and dreams and the past, present and future of our state. California Story joins Hide & Hide and Juana Maria on L.A. stages through June. Masons surrealist staging shifts back and forth through three centuries with the aid of the Legendary Children, a roller-skating Greek chorus inspired by Disneys Hercules, that pops in and out of the dream. The innovative staging, lighting and special effects are almost overpowering, but then you realize youre sitting around the campfire, listening to stories of those who were here before you. California Story by Roger Q. MasonPhoto by Angel Origgi Outside In Theatre presents California Story Caminito Theater at Los Angeles City College 855 North Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 Now through June 3 This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 20, 2025, where it first appeared. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Efforts to ensure sustainable development must prioritize rural areas, said Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Trend's special correspondent reports. Speaking at a panel discussion titled "Towards Resilient Economies: Diversification Strategies for Sustainable Development in IsDB Member Countries, as part of the IsDB Groups Annual Meetings in Algiers, Lario noted that security has become one of the core themes in global development in recent years "When we talk about food security and food systems, it's not only how it's produced, but also how it's distributed, marketed, exported, and the jobs that we can create thereby," he said. The IFAD President emphasized the critical role of rural regions in achieving sustainable progress. "80 percent of poverty is actually in the rural economies. So very much, that's where a lot of the jobs need to be created, and a lot of the efforts for sustainable development need to happen," he added. Lario also highlighted the connection between economic diversification and climate resilience. Diversification and economic resilience need to happen nowadays, also with climate resilience. And for that, in our case, we're investing for every dollar, 45 cents is going into climate adaptation. Many of the small-scale farmers need the support and the investments in many of these areas, the official said. He outlined programs underway in the Sahel and in other countries, whereby the national public development banks and partners of the private financial institutions provide 0 percent loans for these climate adaptation activities. And this is already impacting 2.5 million people, for example, in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, or Senegal. Lario stressed the importance of a new approach to project implementation in fragile environments. One quarter of our co-financing with ISDB is traditioned in this type of fragile setting. And this is bridging, as it has been said, the humanitarian relief with the long-term development. It's restoring livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and also laying the groundwork for future economic recovery. Let me finalize by saying that for us, rural transformation is not just something isolated. It's a cornerstone of economic diversification, social inclusion, and climate resilience," concluded the IFAD President. The official also underscored the active role of governments, the private sector, and civil society in driving these efforts and expressing hope for expanded investment in the sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Portland Public School board unanimously voted to approve the $2 billion proposed budget on Monday night, moving one step closer to several budget cuts as the district attempts to address a $40 million shortfall. The Portland Association of Teachers told KOIN 6 that theyre disappointed in the proposed cuts. However, the organization says some things are moving in the right direction. PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong says the district is expecting to receive Title 1 funding on Wednesday, which will provide greater support to low-income schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as the impending budget cuts, PAT President Angela Bonilla says the budget woes boil down to what state leaders decide to do, which could start by getting rid of the Oregon tax kicker. We need the legislature to step up. And then what we need from is to invest every single dollar they possibly can to direct student services. Folks who are facing students. Folks who are supporting the educators, facing our students who are in our schools, making sure that every single day kids feel seen, they feel supported, they feel protected, she said. Bonilla also says voters passing the $1.8 billion bond in Tuesdays special election would help with the money problems. This bond would help with the modernization of Cleveland, Jefferson and Wells high schools. Many parents have been rallying over the last several weeks, hoping to sway peoples vote. People who have said that the bond isnt clear enough. It is a rather large bond at $1.83 billion. I think youve heard that before. So for that, we worked really hard. And I know PPS administration is working very hard to clarify whats in the bond, said Cleveland parent Megan Steffek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board has less than a month now to vote on a final budget. KOIN 6 will know more about these proposed cuts on June 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Black social media-verse has been ablaze with reaction to the burning down of Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, La. Officials believe the cause of the 160-year-old structures destruction may have been electrical. But it is a place of history, and what was lost despite what it represented was a window into the past that allows us to examine what the place really was. So here are some things you should understand about the now-burned Nottoway Plantation: The property was steeped in slavery as an industry. Nottoway was built between 1857 and 1859 for John Hampden Randolph (1813-1883), a sugar planter who owned three other plantations in Iberville Parish, La.; Blythewood, Forest Home, and Bayou Goula. He came from a family of cotton planters in Mississippi and began planting cotton in Louisiana in 1841. He switched to sugar cane, and slaves constructed the 53,000 square-foot property, through which he amassed significant wealth, according to his own papers. Some Black people at Nottoway resisted, but others found further misery. By 1860, Randolph held at least 155 human beings in bondage there. Little is known about them to this day, but according to CajunEncounters.com, Freedmens Bureau records show that at least 11 people escaped during the Civil War. As the Union army drew near, Randolph took about 200 slaves from Nottoway and his other properties into Texas to grow cotton. After the war, they were freed, but 53 of them contracted with him to return. Economically, Nottoway was cursed for generations. Postwar hard times hit the South, and the plantation was significantly reduced in size. After Randolphs death, the place changed hands a number of times due to foreclosure, crop failure, tax issues, the sale of surrounding land, and other problems. At least two later owners unsuccessfully tried to make Nottoway a sugar plantation again. It wound up in the hands of widow Odessa Owen, who lived there alone, unable to care for the mansion on her own. Millionaires tried to keep profiting from the legacy. Nottoway joined the National Registry of Historic Places in 1980, and after two more sales, it went to Australian businessman Paul Ramsey in 1985. He turned the property into a popular tourist resort. Ramsey died in 2014 after pouring $15 million into Nottoway to fix it, but it was sold to New Orleans hotelier Joseph Jaeger for $3.1 million in 2019. He was killed in an auto accident in 2024, and ownership changed again last October to Dan Dyess, a Natchitoches lawyer and preservationist. The new owner doesnt get it. Dyess has been quoted in the media as intending good things for Nottoway. He has said that he and his wife are non-racist people who understand how people feel about its past, but had nothing to do with slavery. We are trying to make this a better place, Dyess said, according to the New York Post. We dont have any interest in left-wing radical stuff. We need to move forward on a positive note here, and we are not going to dwell on past racial injustice. Madison J. Gray is a New York-based journalist. He blogs at www.starkravingmadison.com For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) Pre-trial release has been denied for four Italian nationals accused of operating a counterfeit electronics ring in DuPage County. 50-year-old Salvatore Derosa, 23-year-old Simone Signorelli, 49-year-old Vincenzo Demartino and 25-year-old Luca Demartino, all from Naples, Italy, have each been charged with possession of counterfeit items exceeding $500,000 in value with intent to sell, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced Tuesday. According to prosecutors, the charges were handed down after an investigation into a suspicious vehicle led officers to the four suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Prosecutors said it all started on Wednesday, May 7, after Elmhurst officers were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the 400 block of North Oak Street just before 11:30 a.m. Officers determined that Signorelli, who was driving a white Kia, had allegedly approached a person who was in their driveway in the area and offered to sell them a cell phone. Prosecutors said that after the person refused the offer, Signorelli allegedly drove off, but officers followed him to a home in Glen Ellyn. Officers then began surveillance on the home after they determined that all four of the suspects allegedly resided inside. 50-year-old Salvatore Derosa (top left), 23-year-old Simone Signorelli (top right), 49-year-old Vincenzo Demartino (bottom left) and 25-year-old Luca Demartino (bottom right), all from Naples, Italy, have each been charged with possession of counterfeit items exceeding $500,000 in value with intent to sell, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced Tuesday. The next day, on May 8, at around 9:35 a.m., officers allegedly spotted Vincenzo Demartino leave the home and drive to Roselle in a Jeep Compass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities followed Demartino and say he eventually approached two landscapers and offered to sell them fake AirPods for $50 or $60. After the workers declined the offer, prosecutors said Demartino allegedly drove off before eventually trying to sell the fake AirPods to another landscape worker for $60, but the worker also declined. Following the second attempted sale, authorities stopped Demartino to conduct an investigative stop on his Jeep. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland After getting permission to search his vehicle, officers allegedly found several counterfeit electronics, including five Apple iPhones, five Apple Watches, nineteen Apple AirPod Pros, three Apple battery packs, one Apple iPad, two Apple AirPods Max, three Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Cell Phones and one Dyson hair dryer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demartino was then taken into custody, but authorities continued surveillance on the home. Later the same day, just before 10 a.m., officers spotted Signorelli leaving the Glen Ellyn home carrying a black duffel bag before he drove off in the same Kia that was allegedly used the day before. Officers followed him as he allegedly stopped at a home in Hanover Park before making his way back toward the Glen Ellyn home. Given that authorities had suspected Signorelli was involved in the incident the day before, officers stopped him in Glendale Heights. Signorelli provided authorities with permission to view the items in his car and during a search, officers allegedly uncovered a trove of counterfeit electronics, including two pairs of Apple AirPods Max headphones, five iPhones, one iPad, sixteen pairs of AirPods Pros, four Apple Watches, and two Samsung Galaxy S25s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signorelli was then taken into custody following the stop and search. Prosecutors said officers returned to the home later that morning and spotted Salvatore Derosa as he allegedly left the home around 10:39 a.m. while carrying several bags, which he allegedly loaded into a Hyundai Tucson. An Elmhurst officer pulled Derosa over and during the stop, the officer allegedly spotted bags full of what were purported to be Apple brand products in the back seat. Derosa was then asked to step out of the vehicle and placed under arrest. Deadly crash causes early-morning backups along I-88 in DuPage County During a search of his Hyundai, officers said they allegedly found more than $45,000 in cash and numerous counterfeit items, including twenty-one pairs of AirPods Pro, four iPhones, five Apple Watches, one pair of AirPod Max, one iPad and three Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth and final arrest came later that day when Luca Demartino was spotted leaving the Glen Ellyn home alone in a Nissan Rogue. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Demartinos car and during the stop, he gave officers consent to search the vehicle. During the search, officers allegedly found over $90,000 in cash. Following the stop, Luca Demartino was taken into custody. Prosecutors said in the end, authorities recovered 767 counterfeit items from the Glen Elyn home. In total, the counterfeit merchandise was estimated to be worth around $573,237. Counterfeiting is a serious offense which can have devastating effects on our local economy and leaves us all to bear the cost, Berlin said. Shoppers end up paying for inferior products, employers and businesses lose sales which can translate to lost wages and lost jobs which in turn can result in reduced economic investment in our communities. I would urge everyone, if you are going to be making any major purchases, particularly electronics, which can be small, but pricy items, please do so from a reputable merchant and not from someone who approaches you on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Derosa and Signorelli are set to return to court on June 2, while Vincenzo and Luca Demartino are set to return on June 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Anyone expecting that a preliminary audit of the Youth Development Center Settlement Fund would have an explosive, smoking gun finding is bound to be disappointed. Carson requested and Legislative Fiscal Committee ordered YDC fund audit Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, requested and the Legislative Fiscal Committee approved a report reviewing the finances of the Youth Development Center Settlement Fund created in 2022 to consider damage awards to victims of alleged sexual and/or physical abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18-page report addressing seven bullet points the Legislative Fiscal Committee had called for at the urging of Senate President Sharon Carson does not cite any concern that the fund, created in 2022, has been improperly managed. Christine Young, director of audits under Legislative Budget Assistant Michael Kane, said four members of her team conducted interviews over the last four weeks of employees involved in the program with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the YDC Claims Administration (YDCCA) staff group. They've also been reviewing all policies and reports. A final report from Youngs group is due in early June. Carson said she requested the review because she didnt know enough about how the fund was dispensing awards, especially since June 2024 when a new law allowed fund administrator John Broderick and his legal team to pay out awards over time rather than in lump sums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law allows awards to be paid in up to 10-year terms, but the report found that only five of 80 approved awards would be paid over 10 years, while 50 of the 80 awards will be paid out in four years or less. Awards already agreed to are going to cost the state budget at least $20 million in the two-year period that begins July 1, according to the report. The House-approved state budget has earmarked only $10 million for the fund in each of the next two years. Broderick has requested $150 million, which would equal the $75 million the fund is allowed to spend in any given year. Payments to lawyers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carson and other fiscal members raised questions about how lawyers representing the victims are paid. The report found the average attorney fee paid to date has been 30.8% of the award, below the 33% cap allowed by state law. Youngs report confirms that 18 firms representing more than 75% of the victims have agreed to receive their fees over a three-year period. But the report found 50 claims had attorney fees totaling $11.2 million that had been paid in lump sums while their clients were all getting paid in installments. The report does reveal that Broderick has chosen not to act upon requests from Attorney General John Formellas staff for more fact finding on his cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary financial report on YDC settlement fund released A House-Senate budget oversight committee approved an immediate audit into the finances of the state-created claims fund that approves damage awards to victims of sexual and physical abuse at the Youth Development Center in Manchester (pictured). The AG hired the Verrill Dana law firm of Portland, Maine, to review claims by the administrator to assess completeness and areas of agreement or disagreement. From 2022 to 2024, the AG had to provide its position whether it agreed fully or partially with the administrators claim decision. Since June 2024, that view from the AG has been optional though the practice remains substantially in place, the report said. Young said the Verrill Dana firm has in certain cases requested Broderick refer the case to a fact facilitator, but Broderick has not done so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YDCCA staff reported requests have not been granted by the administrator to conduct an additional independent investigation because statute requires timely processing of claims, and the resolution proceeding uses trauma-informed professionals to address verification and credibility questions in addition to controls throughout the claims process, the report said. Contracts for these professionals include fact facilitation in the scope of work should it ever be needed. Other details in the report included: * Inmate victims: Nearly one in five who have brought claims are currently prison inmates. Only 17 of those inmates are in out-of-state jails while the other 181 (91.4%) reside in New Hampshire prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Administrative costs: Formellas staff spent 61.6% for the fund with the YDCCA has accounted for 38.4%. * Size of awards: The average award has been $543,000. Among the 296 completed claims, 54 of them were more than $1 million and 242 were less than that benchmark. klandrigan@unionleader.com SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Siouxland is entering severe weather season, so its time to make sure youre prepared for potential hail damage. According to AAA, an average of 245,000 auto insurance claims are filed for hail damage each year, which can make it difficult for Sioux Auto Body to get your vehicle in for repairs. All of a sudden you have, you know, 100 people that want their car fixed, so scheduling to be difficult, said Costa Tsiobanos, the manager of Sioux Auto Body Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jake Goodin with Goodin Insurance said the first thing you need to do when your vehicle has been damaged by hail is to file a claim as soon as possible. Tow to Go returns this Memorial Day If you do experience any type of damage, the first thing that you want to do is maybe take some photos and or videos, and the next thing would be to contact your insurance agent to set up a claim, said Jake Goodin. Whether your hail damage repairs are covered by your insurance depends entirely on the type of policy you have. Goodin said liability coverage will not cover for the damage, but comprehensive coverage will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itd be everything but collision is what it is. So, if you had a tree limb fall on your vehicle or if you had a hailstorm, that would be covered under comprehensive coverage Therefore, Tsiobanos said people typically wait to get the check from their insurance before they get the repairs done to their vehicle. That way they can make sure that they get paid in full, you know, if they pay the shop up front, sometimes they can get the run around trying to collect money from the insurance company, said Tsiobanos. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filing a claim can potentially increase your insurance premiums, whether its for your car or house. Usually its a catastrophic type of event. When we have large hailstorm that doesnt really impact your rates to file a claim, but, you know, with the amount of storms that weve had, rates tend to go up still, commented Goodin. Typically, if its pretty small damage, you may want to just have a roofer come out and do an inspection on it to see if it is a very large claim. The best way to protect your car from any hail damage is to store it in a garage or to cover your vehicle in thick blankets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce will host a briefing and special presentation on one of Berkeley Countys new master-planned communities. Point Hope is currently home to three Berkeley County schools and a fully leased shopping center. There are more additions planned, including the Medical University of South Carolina medical office building. Officials say the presentation will feature guest speaker Matt Sloan, president and CEO of DI Development Company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be held at The Hub at Point Hope on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., with networking starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required by visiting berkeleysc.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump made a trip to Capitol Hill to rally Republicans around his so-called big, beautiful bill. Democrats are against the plan and so are a handful of Republicans. The president and Republicans supporting this bill say it delivers on the America First Agenda but some against the plan say it will just add to the national debt. I think we have unbelievable unity. I think were going to get everything we want, said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget plan would extend tax cuts, increase border security and raise the state and local tax deduction cap from $10-$30,000. Anybody that didnt support it as a Republican, I would consider to be a fool, said Trump. The bill would also cut funding for Medicaid by adding new work requirements. Republicans, like Ohios Jim Jordan, say its about strengthening the program for those who need it. Able-bodied adults, if theyre going to get your money, should have to work, said Jordan. Democrats say that means millions will lose health care, even as the president reportedly told Republicans to back off from further cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of it is just messing around with Medicaid, said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.). The bills future hinges on a handful of Republicans who say theyre no votes, even after the presidents pitch. New York Congressman Mike Lawler wants a bigger state and local tax deduction, and Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie wants steeper cuts. The president accused holdouts of grandstanding. Speaker Johnson has said he wants this bill passed by Memorial Day and is wasting no time to get it across the finish line. The House Rules committee meets after midnight, which is the last step before getting the bill to the floor for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. (This story was updated with new information.) Indiana defense organizations are expected to play a role in building President Donald Trump's multibillion-dollar missile defense shield dubbed the "Golden Dome." The project stems from an executive order Trump signed in January directing construction of a defense shield similar to Israel's "Iron Dome." The defense system would protect the U.S. from ballistic, hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles along with "other next-generation aerial attacks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an Oval Office announcement on May 20, Trump and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, said Indiana would be involved in building the Golden Dome. Banks, during remarks, specifically named defense contractor L3Harris, which has a space manufacturing site in Fort Wayne, and the Crane naval base in southern Indiana, which helps research and develop war technologies. "Indiana is going to help you make it," Banks told Trump about the Hoosier State's role with the Golden Dome. "The space satellites that are made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by L3Harris, all the work done at Crane Navy base in southern Indiana, is going to be a big part of it. And Hoosiers are very proud of that." President Trump is bringing historic investments and more good paying jobs to Indiana. Honored to join him in the Oval Office today pic.twitter.com/tXiY2Tg20q Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) May 20, 2025 Trump responded, saying that Indiana's input in the project would be "a big factor." Banks, a strong Trump supporter, was one of three Republican senators in the Oval Office for the announcement. IndyStar reached out to Crane about their involvement in the Golden Dome project but did not immediately receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher E. Kubasik, the chair and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, in a statement to IndyStar confirmed the company will support the development of the Golden Dome. L3Harris recently tripled the size of its space manufacturing site in Fort Wayne, where the company designs and develops technologies for missile defense programs, such as hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensors that Trump has called for in the project, Kubasik said. "Our production line is ready and committed to meeting the accelerated timelines necessary for our national security," Kubasik said. No Trump at the Indy 500: Despite Roger Penske's invitation. What we know About $25 billion for the Golden Dome is set aside in Trump's budget, which is working its way through Congress. Trump said the total cost of the project would be $175 billion and would be completed by the end of his term in 2029. But an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office puts the high end of the cost for such a project at more than $500 billion over 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Trump says Indiana to have role building 'Golden Dome' missile shield WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump signed into law the Take it Down Act, increasing consequences on people who post revenge porn and requiring social media websites to take it down within 48 hours. The law also treats artificial intelligence generated revenge porn the same as real photos under the law. First Lady Melania Trump urged Congress to pass the law, part of her Be Best initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed the Take it Down Act, nearly unanimously. Thank you all for coming together to prioritize people over politics, First Lady Melania Trump said. President Trump cheered the bipartisan cooperation that led to the passage of the Take it Down Act, noting only two representatives voted against the legislation. We will not tolerate online sexual exploitation, President Trump said. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas.) said the story of a Texas teenager inspired him to sponsor the Take it Down Act. Elliston Berry said she was a freshman in high school, when someone created a pornographic photo of her using AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was really scary to even go to school, Berry said. Sen. Cruz said the social media company didnt take the photo off the app until his office got involved. It took nine months for Ellistons pictures to be taken down from Snapchat. That is not right. Everyone should have a right to get these taken down, Cruz said. Berry was at the White House with President Trump as he signed the bill into law. President Trump also encouraged First Lady Melania Trump to sign the bill to recognize her involvement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 6th plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (the GlobE Network) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Trend reports. "Dear participants, Let me welcome you to the 6th plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime held in Baku. The fact that Azerbaijan is hosting this event is a clear indicator of its growing authority within the international community. The meeting brings together professionals representing various legal systems of the world and serves as an embodiment of our shared determination in the fight against corruption. The Republic of Azerbaijan has always considered the fight against corruption a national and international priority. The legal and institutional framework in this regard has been established through the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Main Anti-Corruption Directorate under the Prosecutor Generals Office. These institutions have played an important role in strengthening transparency and accountability through digital transformation, open government principles, and international cooperation. For many years, Azerbaijan was subjected to military aggression by Armenia. During the occupation of our lands, a policy of ethnic cleansing was carried out, and numerous crimes against humanity were committed against our people. These facts were a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law and human rights. Illegal exploitation of our natural resources, large-scale corruption, and the deliberate destruction of infrastructure were pervasive in the occupied territories for years. Finally, as a result of the Patriotic War in 2020 and the anti-terrorist measures carried out in 2023, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan were fully restored. The end of the occupation marked the beginning of a new era, accompanied by the restoration of sovereignty and justice, as well as the return of life and the rule of law to those territories. Transforming the liberated lands into a space of progress is one of the main pillars of our state policy. Today, Azerbaijan continues its constructive efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in Baku last November. By hosting this prestigious event, Azerbaijan demonstrated solidarity in the fight against global climate challenges and reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral diplomacy by bringing together world leaders, representatives of international organizations, and experts in relevant fields. The Republic of Azerbaijan has made significant progress since regaining independence. As a result of large-scale reforms carried out in all areas, including the law enforcement system, sustainable development and stability have been achieved, and the rule of law, as well as the protection of human rights and freedoms, have been secured. Today, our country's law enforcement agencies contribute to the fight against transnational crime and all forms of threats by effectively cooperating with their foreign partners. The 29th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the International Association of Prosecutors, held in Baku last fall, brought together lawyers from various countries and once again demonstrated our determination to jointly combat all forms of crime and cooperate with international partners. Today, technological developments related to artificial intelligence, digital financial systems, and the cyber environment have given rise to new forms of corruption and other crimes. These complex and rapidly changing challenges pose new and diverse tasks for law enforcement agencies on a global scale. Azerbaijan is committed to strengthening its capabilities in close cooperation with international partners to counter these threats. Our country attaches special importance to cooperation with the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Although it is a young platform, the GlobE Network has quickly become an effective and inclusive international mechanism that unites professionals working in the field of anti-corruption from around the world. I am confident that this plenary meeting will open new opportunities for expanding international cooperation against corruption, making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives we have set in this area and to realizing our common goals. Let me once again welcome you all to Azerbaijan and wish the meeting every success," the address reads. There was a storm of protest last year when the state overruled local efforts to decorate bridges with rainbow lights in June for Pride month or in red for sickle cell awareness or orange for gun safety. Instead, the Florida Department of Transportation, which manages state bridges, ruled it freedom summer and called for only red, white and blue lights from Memorial Day to July 4, wiping out plans for other commemorations. Expect more of the same this year. FDOT quietly passed a rule that declared lighting colors and sequences shall be a default scheme of red, white, and blue, as of Feb. 1. The lightings will be limited to the recognition, commemoration and or promotion of government holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means just nine holidays starting with New Years Day, followed by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Any alternative lighting combinations will be decided by the department, the FDOT policy says. In the city of Sarasota, a request from the community asked for approval of an eye-catching aqua blue color scheme as the default color on the Ringling Bridge when it isnt lit up in red, white and blue for the holidays observed by the state. That was approved, and those colors lit up earlier this month. But they cant overrule the new policy on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Sarasota does not have jurisdiction over the Ringling Bridge lighting. As such, the City Commission is not able to accept or consider individual lighting requests, a city statement said. From 2020 to 2023, the Skyway Bridge had a vibrant rainbow light display for one week in June to honor Pride Month. But a single Manatee County commissioner who expressed disapproval of requests for light displays honoring Pride and Gun Violence Awareness nixed the plans in 2024. County Commissioner Mike Rahn said at the time that the requests from various groups has somewhat gotten out of control, and added: It should not fall with us as a county commission; it should fall on FDOT. St. Pete Pride president Byron Green-Calisch said he was disappointed but not surprised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Florida is amazing in the plethora of ways it is looking to be noninclusive when we should be welcoming more people to enrich our economy. He said some people may not realize what a lift to the spirits something like the Skyway Bridge lit up in a rainbow of lights is. It is a reminder that you are not alone, he said. On the upside, Green-Calisch said he hasnt been turned down by any businesses, buildings or organizations in St. Petersburg to put Pride flags out front or in their windows in the coming weeks. He braced himself after news broke that Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa decided not to display any Pride or Juneteenth flags out of concern it could lose its federal research grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said St. Pete Pride still has the strong support of sponsors like Hard Rock Cafe and Raymond James and many small businesses across the area. There is hope out there, Green-Calisch said. Even if you dont see the bridge light up, there are people out there actively engaging and fighting. NORTHPORT, Ala (WIAT) Northport residents feel their voices are not being heard after the city council voted 3-2 in favor of a rezoning for a private development. The University Beach project is a multi-million-dollar private development. It is being built off McFarland Boulevard just a mile down the road from city hall. Several residents have expressed opposition from the start. If we thought this would be good for Northport, we wouldnt be trying to stop it, Tuffy Holland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holland filed an open records lawsuit against the City of Northport once ground started to break and studies were not being shown. Nebraska banning soda, energy drinks from SNAP under first federal waiver In the past weve sued the city to get that impact study, and it sounds like the city has had it for the last two weeks, Holland said. Which I dont know why they didnt make it public. During the public hearing, an impact study was shown to the council by Kent Donahue. Donahue is the project developer, and Holland is weary about him. The information shown from the impact study was: Projected Taxation Impact First 10 Years State of Alabama: $130,858,000 Tuscaloosa County: $51,679,000 City of Northport: $61,660,000 Projected Taxation Impact Over 30 years State of Alabama: $539,918,000 Tuscaloosa County: $213,227,000 City of Northport: $254,408,000 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developer, Kent Donahue, told CBS 42 News that the impact study was done over a year ago by a third party company, Hotel and Leisure Advisors. The study, at least what was shown in the public hearing, also showed hundreds of thousands of visitors would come to Northport to stay at the resort-style development 55% being out of state. The developer behind the project has no verifiable history in competing a project to this scale, Holland told city council in the public hearing. Donahue touted a 30 year career in large scale developments but would not tell CBS 42 what those were. Instead, when CBS 42 asked why he would not say what his portfolio included Donahue responded: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can, but Im not going to do that right now. Donahue refused to answer any more questions from CBS 42 news. Some residents have expressed lack of transparency with the developer as reason to why Northport should pause moving forward until more questions are answered. Thats the same reason District 5 Councilor Anwar Ankin voted no. I will give the developer credit, hes made a lot improvements as far as trying to accommodate as much as he can but when it comes to the infrastructure Im still not sold, Ankin said. Ankin is worried about flooding, and other drainage problems on and near the property. Residents like Holland voiced similar concerns in Mondays public hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another concern is, once University Beach LLC builds the 275 single family residential properties on site whos going to buy them? The latest renderings of the University Beach LLC private development were unveiled Monday night. Residents snickered as Donahue played a video. The private development aims to give a luxury beach getaway without the beach. At the end of the presentation, Donahue said were excited, one resident shouted back were not. I dont even know if it would be viable if they put this in Birmingham, to be perfectly honest with you, Holland 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 CBS 42. A man attempts to pull his power wheelchair through the snow after it got stuck on his driveway in December 2024 in Watertown, N.Y. In recent years, a handful of large private equity-owned companies such as Sevita have acquired hundreds of smaller providers of disability services around the country and rolled them into larger corporations. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Private equity companies have gobbled up group homes and other services for people with disabilities, attracting the attention of state and federal regulators across the nation and alarming advocates. People with intellectual or developmental disabilities have suffered abuse, neglect and even death while under the care of private equity-owned providers, according to a recent report from watchdog group Private Equity Stakeholder Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private equity firms are, more than many other types of investors, laser-focused on maximizing their cash flow, often trying to double or triple their investment over a relatively short period of time, usually just a handful of years, said Eileen OGrady, the reports author. The way that private equity firms will often do that is to cut costs. For companies that provide essential services for people with disabilities, she said, those cuts can have really harmful impacts on peoples lives. In late 2023, Florida moved to revoke the license of NeuroRestorative, one branch of the private equity-owned health services company Sevita, which provides services for people with disabilities. State regulators cited repeat violations by NeuroRestorative and a failure to protect the rights of its clients to be free from physical abuse. Ultimately the state opted not to revoke the license and fined the company $13,000 in a settlement. But in recent years regulators have documented instances of patient harm at Sevitas affiliates in multiple other states, including Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts and Utah. In 2019, a U.S. Senate committee conducted a probe into the companys operations in Iowa and Oregon following multiple reports of patient abuse and neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any entity that receives taxpayer dollars, but especially those charged with caring for our fellow Americans who may have an intellectual disability, ought to be doing everything under the sun to ensure quality care and continually improve, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said in a statement in 2020 following his investigation. In a statement to Stateline, Sevita did not address the sanctions directly, but avowed its commitment to providing services and supports to give people greater independence, regardless of their intellectual or physical challenges. Since 2019, when new ownership acquired the company, there has been significant capital investment to improve and expand our services, enhance facilities, implement robust training and new technologies, and strengthen our workforce all with the goal of better serving our individuals and communities, the statement said. The disability care industry has proven increasingly attractive to private equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, a handful of large private equity-owned companies such as Sevita have snapped up hundreds of smaller providers of disability services often community nonprofits, mom-and-pop businesses and religious organizations and rolled them into larger corporations. From 2013 to 2023, private equity firms acquired more than 1,000 disability and elder care providers, according to the report by the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. Thats likely an undercount because theyre generally not required to disclose acquisitions, the report said. Cash cow Private equity firms use pooled investments from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and wealthy individuals to buy a controlling stake in a company. They seek to maximize its value often by cutting costs and then sell it at a profit. Most of Sevitas revenue comes from providing disability services. It operates companies in 40 states under various brands, including Mentor Network, NeuroRestorative and REM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sevita is currently owned by private equity firms Centerbridge Partners and Vistria Group, which also own Help at Home, a home health company with more than 200 locations across about a dozen states. Nearly all of Sevitas revenue comes from Medicaid, according to a February 2025 report from S&P Global. Through Medicaid and Medicare, the government pays for most services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The two programs cover services such as group homes, adult day programs, in-home care, and physical and occupational therapy. Sevita has been owned by private equity firms for over a decade now, and has been under investigation and scrutiny at the federal and state level for basically that entire time, OGrady said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Iowa fined a NeuroRestorative group home $10,500 after a resident was left unattended in a liquor store and drank three-quarters of a bottle of vodka. The same year, Massachusetts temporarily removed Sevitas license to operate group homes after regulators reported inadequate staff training and supervision, and a myriad of issues that were uncovered onsite, according to a Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services report. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has fined a NeuroRestorative facility in Utah four times since 2022. A February 2024 inspection report by the agency found the facility failed to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents. Last year, Florida fined another Sevita brand, Florida Mentor, for improper use of restraints. More issues have been documented in Sevita-owned locations in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire and Nevada. Meanwhile, Sevitas owners, Centerbridge and Vistria, have collected nearly half a billion dollars since 2019 by loading Sevita and Help at Home with debt in order to pay dividends to investors, according to Moodys, a financial services company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar financial maneuvering contributed to the recent collapse of Steward Health Care, a private equity-owned hospital system that once had more than 30 hospitals nationwide. Steward has become a cautionary tale about the harm that profit-driven private equity firms can do to a states health system. Before Steward Health Care ultimately collapsed, executives spent years hiding their financial information from state regulators, putting patients and our health care system at risk, Massachusetts Democratic House Speaker Ron Mariano said in a statement earlier this year announcing a new state law that beefs up reporting and financial requirements for private investors. Thats why ensuring that our institutions are equipped to monitor the health care landscape, and to guard against trends and transactions that drive up costs without improving patient outcomes, is so important. David vs. Goliath After two residents of a New Jersey group home died from choking on food in 2017, attorney Cory Bernstein became interested in private equitys involvement in disability services. The residents had been living in homes operated by AdvoServ, a company then owned by the private equity firm Wellspring Capital Management. The state had cited AdvoServ more times than any other operator in New Jersey for abuse, neglect and unsafe conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AdvoServ later ceased operations in 2019 after multiple state agencies, including in New Jersey, Florida and Maryland, launched investigations. States just dont really have the resources or tools to do what needs to be done. Cory Bernstein, staff attorney at the National Disability Rights Network But even when state regulators are doing all they can to protect people with disabilities from substandard care, theyre limited in how much they can hold a company accountable, Bernstein told Stateline. Its state-level oversight on a national entity with not much [help] coming from the federal side, said Bernstein, who is now a staff attorney at the National Disability Rights Network, a membership organization of federally mandated state disability advocacy programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States just dont really have the resources or tools to do what needs to be done. A regulatory agency in Georgia might shut down all the group homes owned by a certain company, for example, but those regulators cant do anything about the companys abuses in, say, Montana. With branches in multiple states, a company is better able to withstand sanctions or even a loss of license in one state, he said. [States] are not set up to go up against a national operator with billions of dollars in resources in a regulatory or oversight battle, Bernstein said. Further complicating things for state regulators and for consumers is that a large services company such as Sevita might operate under multiple brand names, even in one state. It can be hard to parse out who owns a sanctioned business. Multiple brand names can also obscure a companys monopoly on a particular regional market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Florida regulators reached a settlement agreement with Sevitas NeuroRestorative last year, the state dismissed its proposed license revocation. OGrady believes one reason the state chose to settle is the difficulty of finding alternative facilities to relocate the residents who would have been displaced from the 13 locations the company operated around the state. Because of that dearth of alternatives and the impotence of the state to act more fully, this company will continue to be allowed to operate, she said. Further complicating oversight: Large companies often operate various services that are overseen by different agencies. Group homes might be regulated under the states Medicaid program, while facilities that provide more intensive care might come under federal Medicare oversight. There could be two completely different oversight systems for facilities serving the same population in the same state with the same name, Bernstein said. State solutions Some states have moved to address problems with private equity involvement in health care by passing tighter restrictions on mergers and acquisitions of health care companies. In Rhode Island, where private equity companies mismanagement of health care providers threatened the future of local hospitals, a robust oversight law allowed the state attorney general to impose conditions to protect the hospitals finances. More states are following suit. In 2023 alone, 24 states enacted laws related to health system consolidation and competition, while this year at least half a dozen have considered legislation to check private equity-fueled health care mergers. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch Happy Tuesday! Attention prospective homebuyers: The Chicago childhood home of Robert Prevost, who now goes by Pope Leo XIV, will be sold at auction in June. We cant promise youll get a good price-per-square-foot for the new pontiffs former digs, but the dinner party lore would be heavenly. Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories The West Wins in Romania Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan salutes his supporters as he exit his campaign headquarters in Bucharest on May 18, 2025. (Photo by DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images) Following the shocking annulment of Romanias presidential election last year amid allegations of Russian interference, the eastern European nation and NATO ally undertook a do-over on Sunday. The result was another upset, but this time, it will count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Romanians went to the polls this weekend, they faced the same ideological choice as before: a nationalist, conservative demagogue whos a fierce critic of the European Union or a pro-West reformer who supports Ukraine. This time, instead of disqualified far-right candidate Calin Georgescu being on the ballot, they were choosing between Georgescu ally George Simion, a nationalist member of parliament, and Nicusor Dan, the independent mayor of Bucharest. Simion led by double digits after the first round of voting on May 4, but as the results came in for Sunday nights runoff, Dan was the clear winner, finishing with 54 percent of the vote. Europeans opposed to the rise of the populist right in their countries breathed a sigh of relief. But the election was also yet another example of how, across the developed world, political outsiders continue to perform better than establishment candidates. Although Dan and Simion ran on starkly different platforms, they shared one important similarity: Both were relative political outsiders, allowing them to distance themselves from the corrupt establishment that has long dominated Romanian politics. The people are mad at the establishment and the establishment parties, Iulia Joja, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and former Romanian presidential adviser, told TMD. Part of the reason why people are voting for the far right is not necessarily because theyre far right, but because they are the most credible opposition party. But Dan was ultimately able to present his own convincing alternative to the establishment.Its your victory! Dan told supporters in Romanias capital of Bucharest on Sunday night as they chanted his name and waved EU flags. For many Romanians, the mayor represented a refreshing change from the status quo. He wasnt associated with either of the two main parties, the Social Democrats and the National Liberals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the former mathematiciana two-time gold medalist at the International Math Olympiad, no lessrose to political fame after founding an architectural preservation group, campaigning against corruption in Bucharest, and becoming the citys first independent mayor in 2020. He announced his intention to campaign for the presidency as an independent in December, following the annulment of the previous presidential election, and dislodged the Save Romania Union candidate, Elena Lasconi, as the torch bearer for pro-EU Romanians. Dans campaign also drew on many of the same themes as previous opponents of the nationalist right. Our task is to convince Romanians that Romania needs to take a pro-Western direction, he said earlier this month, after finishing with 21 percent of the vote to Simions 40.6 percent in the first round of the presidential election. But Dan managed to present pro-Western policies as part of a reforming, rather than an establishment, message. He campaigned under the slogan Honest Romania, arguing that the previous political era and way of doing politics was over. Dans personality and lifestyle helped reinforce his image as a fresh face in a tired political system: He lives with his partner and two children in a small rented apartment in a modest Bucharest neighborhood and lacks much of the polish and charisma of more professional politicians. He had also gained credibility as a defender of the average Romanian through his long track record of opposing high-rise housing projects, linked to corruption and wealthy developers, in middle-class Bucharest neighborhoods. Dans campaign married that biography to a clear argument that a vote for Simion would be a vote against Europe, the West, and economic development. The country was faced with two opposed options, he declared. A pro-Western direction versus an anti-Western direction; a path of economic freedom and prosperity versus economic isolationism; and a vote between a culture of wisdom and dialogue versus a culture of hatred promoted by the isolationist candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 38-year-old Simion also ran against the Romanian political establishment, but with a markedly different tone than the mild-mannered Dan. The fourth-place finisher in the 2024 presidential election, Simion led protests against the annulment of that elections results. But when it became apparent that Georgescu would not be running again, Simion became the chosen candidate of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians with Georgescus blessing. Simion campaigned as a firebrand, focused on a perennial issue in central European politics: endless wrangling over the political rights of diaspora populations. Roughly 5 million Romanians live abroad, and substantial populations of ethnic Romanians reside in Ukraine, Hungary, and Moldova, many of whom hold Romanian citizenship and voting rights. Simion advocated for the unification of Romania and Moldova and argued that Romanian speakers in Ukraine are systematically oppressed. He has been banned from entering both Moldova and Ukraine. He also sought to position himself as part of an international populist coalition. Together, we will oppose illegal immigration and anti-American sentiments in Europe! he said onstage in Poland, campaigning with the presidential candidate for that countrys populist party, Law and Justice. Known for sporting a MAGA hat, Simion has told reporters that hes aligned with Donald Trump because they both oppose politically correct people who undermine our freedom and opinions. In Simions case, those politically correct people include prominent European politicians like French President Emmanuel Macron, whose government he compared to Irans. Simion once accused elites in Romania of conspiring with the new Soviet Union, with its commissars from Brussels to impose a new order of political correctness and neo-Marxism on Romanians. With Gods help, we will stop everyone from [Jean-Claude] Juncker to Ursula von der Leyen to Dr. [Anthony] Fauci and all those who are trying to impose the new global order, he declared in February 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the recent campaign, however, he sought to strike a more moderate tone. We are a Eurorealist group, not Eurosceptic, he said to Politico last week. He cast himself in the mold of more mainstream European conservatives, telling reporters that his party was in the same political family as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a nationalist conservative who has been pro-NATO and anti-Russia. Simion also advocated for the continued U.S. leadership of NATO earlier this month. But many Romanian voters saw these statements as mixed messaging rather than a true change of heart. Simion consistently opposed military aid to Ukraine throughout the campaign, implicitly backing a less confrontational policy toward Russia. Romanians know perfectly well that Ukraines defeat would leave a dangerous nation directly on their doorstep, Daniel Fried, the former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs and a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, told TMD. Simion also received public support from Alexander Dugin, the Russian-nationalist intellectual with a strong ideological influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Romanians, with recent memories of Soviet domination, are generally wary of any perceived Russian influence. Yet Simion was able to capitalize on public anger over Georgescus disqualification. More than 60 percent of Romanians disagreed with the Constitutional Courts decision to annul the 2024 election, which sparked protests and condemnation from across the Romanian political spectrum (as well as from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Elon Musk). Simion called the decision a betrayal of democracy, saying that the judges responsible should be publicly skinned alive and promising to appoint Georgescu as his prime minister if he won. Despite such rhetoric, Simion consolidated the votes of nationalists, cultural conservatives, and many Romanians who were fed up with the countrys persistent corruption and recent economic stagnation. He exited the first round leading Dan by more than 20 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the contest between Dans cerebral-verging-on-awkward style and Simions rhetorical bomb-throwing, the former mayor won out. Dan was widely considered to have won a televised debate on May 9, and Simions globetrotting campaigning among the diaspora in countries like Austria, Germany, and Poland in the days before the election didnt pay off: Dan won strong majorities in urban areas, in the large Moldovan diaspora, and among ethnic Hungarians afraid of nationalist leadership, with turnout reaching its highest level in over a decade. Many Romanians, especially the educated middle class, were deeply alarmed by the prospect of Simion and his party gaining power. The perception is that among many, of fear that there is a risk of Romania turning hard [right] and having a regime change, Joja said, pointing to Georgescus comments last year promising to abolish political parties and quoting prominent Romanian fascists. On Sunday, it briefly appeared that Simion would attempt to contest the results of the elections, as he wrote I won!!! on Facebook after voting ended Sunday. But by Monday morning, he had conceded. Dan cast his win as a victory for Romanians seeking to reform a failing political system. But there was also a clear international dimension. As the mayors victory became clear, crowds in Bucharest began chanting: Russia, Russia, dont forget: Romania is not yours! For its part, the Russian government was clearly displeased with the result. The elections were strange, to say the least, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. We know the story of the candidate who had the best chance and who was simply removed from the race. European leaders, meanwhile, welcomed the news. They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media. For Europe, Dans victory ensures Romanias continued cooperation in getting aid to Ukraine and checks the expansion of Russian influence along Europes border. It shows Romania is not as vulnerable, that their politics are not as susceptible to Russian manipulation, Fried said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the country still faces deep problems: a large budget deficit, persistent brain drain, and high levels of corruption. Dan also faces an uphill battle in forming a governing coalition, as he does not lead his own party. Following his victory, he said he would move to form a government made up of the four democratic parties in the Parliament: the Social Democrats; the National Liberals, his former party; the Union to Save Romania; and the Hungarian minority Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania. At his victory speech, Dan seemed to understand that merely winning would not be enough: he would have to deliver results, quickly. Let us continue to believe in Romania, he said. And get to work tomorrow! Todays Must-Read (Illustration from Getty Images) Adam White Since Michigan v. EPA, the fight over how courts should act at the beginning of major lawsuits has become a central feature of anti-administration litigation. When plaintiffs file lawsuits against executive orders or agency regulations, they increasingly ask the trial judge to issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction blocking the administrations action. Then the parties quickly appeal up the judicial chain to higher courts, eventually the Supreme Court. In the federal trial courts, these orders are known as nationwide injunctions or universal injunctions, because they block an administration from imposing its policy against not only the challenger in that given case, but against people everywhere. These universal injunctions have become a central feature of constitutional and regulatory litigation. Toeing the Company Line Joe Biden shakes hands with Kamala Harris prior to delivering remarks on artificial intelligence, in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Politics May 19, 2025 Nick Catoggio Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How will Democrats handle the Joe Biden cover-up? Separation Of Family With Broken House On Reflective Background Society & Culture May 19, 2025 Kevin D. Williamson On family, finances, and black mobility. Illustration by Simone Altamura/The Dispatch. Society & Culture May 20, 2025 Emily Oster When the lines between expert and huckster are increasingly blurry, how do we determine whats authoritative? Scott Bessent greets Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on his nomination as Treasury secretary on January 16, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images) Politics May 20, 2025 Charles Hilu By wrapping a debt ceiling increase into the reconciliation bill, the GOP faces a time crunch. Former special counsel Robert Hur testifies alongside a video of President Joe Biden to the House Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politics May 20, 2025 Michael Warren Robert Hur was right about Bidens decline. Will Democrats finally listen? Worth Your Time In the New York Times, Richard Sandomir reflected on the life of Walter Frankenstein, a Jewish survivor of Nazi Germany who died at the age of 100 last month. For more than two years, Walter Frankenstein and his small family were among the estimated 6,500 human U-boats in BerlinJews trying to elude Nazis by figuratively hiding like submarines. They took refuge in bombed-out buildings, cars, forests, craters, brothels or wherever they could survive for another day or week, he wrote. In the days before the war ended, the four Frankensteins lived in a subway station that had been converted into a bunker. I lay on a plank bed with a straw mattress on it, put the children on it, and there we stayed until liberation, Mr. Frankenstein told the historian Barbara Schieb for an essay included in the 2009 book Jews in Nazi Berlin: From Kristallnacht to Liberation, edited by Beate Meyer, Hermann Simon and Chana Schutz. We had no water, no food, nothing. President Donald Trump is optimistic that he can broker a peace deal in Ukraine, but are Ukrainians? Not quite, Anne Applebaum reported for The Atlantic. On Saturday, I asked Andriy Sadovyi, the mayor of Lviv, in western Ukraine, whether he expected the Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul to lead to a cease-fire. No, he told me. Later, I asked the audience at the Lviv Media Forum whether any of them expected a cease-fire soon. About 200 journalists and editors were in the room. No one raised their hand. Many laughed. Over several days in Lviv I didnt meet anybody who believed that the Russian president wants to end the war, or that he will negotiate to do so in Istanbul, she wrote. Ukrainian reasoning is straightforward: Vladimir Putin has never said he wants to end the war. The propagandists on Russian state television have never said they want to end the war. The Russian negotiating team in Istanbul did not say it wanted to end the war. Presented Without Comment Washington Post: U.S. To Pay Nearly $5 Million to Family of Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt President Donald Trumps administration is set to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt to settle a lawsuit brought by the estate of the Trump supporter who was fatally shot by police when she tried to storm the House Speakers Lobby during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to two people familiar with the matter. No final deal had been signed and terms had not been disclosed at the May 2 hearing. Also Presented Without Comment New York Times: Russia Beefs Up Bases Near Finlands Border In the Zeitgeist Longtime Hollywood makeup and prosthetics artist Greg Cannom died this month at age 73. You might not recognize his face, but youve likely seen the faces hes created on the big screen. He won Academy Awards for best makeup in Mrs. Doubtfire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Bram Stokers Dracula, and Vice. Let Us Know Do you think recent elections results in Poland and Romania will reinforce European resolve against Russia? Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Court filings in the criminal case against deer hunter Mark Luster include images from Luster's trail camera that show "a buck muffin" -- a deer-nutrition product derived from ethanol grains -- was on Luster's property in July 2024. Attorneys for Luster told the court that by September 2024 the "buck muffin had been removed from the property" -- a full month before Luster killed a deer on the property, resulting in charges that were later dismissed. (Photo from Iowa District Court records) A professional hunter is suing a state Department of Natural Resources officer whose alleged false claims damaged his business and reputation. Mark Allen Luster of Burlington is suing Iowa DNR Officer Dan Henderson, in his personal capacity, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, alleging malicious prosecution and blatant violations of the Fourth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court records, Luster describes himself as professional hunter and land management consultant who specializes in designing hunting properties to attract the largest and most prized buck deer for hunting. Luster has been incredibly successful as a professional hunter, and he has bagged some of the most prized trophy-worthy bucks, the lawsuit claims. His livelihood is dependent on his reputation and his ability to maintain his hunting license. In the summer of 2024, Luster began developing an 82-acre hunting property that he owned with a friend through a limited liability company called CWD Research. According to the lawsuit, on Oct. 14, 2024, Luster shot a large whitetail buck with a bow and arrow on his CWD Research property. The next day, he located and harvested the deer, then posted a photo of the kill to Facebook captioned, Checkmate! The same day, Henderson reportedly received an emailed complaint from a confidential informant who had seen the Facebook post and asserted there had been bait placed on the CWD Research property in violation of state law, as evidenced by aerial drone photos the informant had collected several weeks earlier. This photo was taken on property owned by professional hunter Mark Allen Luster of Burlington, who is suing a state DNR officer for alleged false claims that damaged Lusters business and reputation. (Photo from U.S. District Court records.) Henderson submitted an application for a search warrant, seeking to collect soil samples on the property to determine whether bait was being used. Hendersons warrant application alleged there were photos showing a deer utilizing bait in the area, and also suggested Henderson had learned of the illegal baiting through comments someone had made in in passing, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, the lawsuit claims, Henderson was trying to conceal the fact that an informant used illegally obtained aerial drone photos. In Iowa, its a crime to pilot a surveillance drone over any secure farmstead area. Officer Henderson either did not want to disclose that the confidential informant had illegally obtained the information that he was relying on, or he did not want to disclose that the aerial drone photos were obtained through some other improper means, the lawsuit alleges. A search warrant was issued allowing Henderson to collect soil samples in front of cellular trail camera near black hunting blind and in other nearby sites. On Oct. 16, Henderson visited the property, covered Lusters trail camera for roughly 14 minutes, and collected samples, the lawsuit stated. Charges filed and later dismissed In November 2024, Henderson submitted an affidavit for a search warrant for Lusters residence, indicating the samples collected by him had shown evidence of bait being used as suggested by the presence of sodium and the chemical DEET. The lawsuit alleges both substances can be explained by factors other than bait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warrant was granted and while serving the warrant at Lusters home, Henderson also served Luster with three criminal complaints charging him with making a false claim for a license, hunting a deer in the presence of bait, and attempting to hunt a deer in the presence of bait. On Jan. 10, 2025, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the charge of making a false claim for a license, which was based on the erroneous assumption Luster didnt own the CWD Research property. Luster then filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained in support of the other two charges, arguing the search warrants were based on false allegations. On March 18, 2025, prosecutors Iowa moved to dismiss the remaining two charges, telling a judge that DNR is refusing to disclose the identity of a material witness, despite multiple requests from the Henry County Attorneys Office to do so. Court filings in the criminal case include images from Lusters trail camera that show a buck muffin a deer-nutrition product derived from ethanol grains was on the property in July 2024. Attorneys for Luster told the court that by September 2024 the buck muffin had been removed from the property a full month before Luster killed the deer in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the time the charges were levied against Luster and their eventual dismissal, Lusters life and career were turned upside down, the lawsuit claims. In the professional hunting community, ones reputation is paramount to financial success, and allegations that a person unlawfully hunted with bait provide a significant stain on a professional hunters reputation, the lawsuit alleges. Luster has suffered significant reputational harm, which has led to his loss of speaking appearances on hunting podcasts, derogation by those that comment on hunting matters, and a loss of business for Luster as a professional land manager and designer of hunting grounds. As for why Henderson would have included false or misleading information in his warrant applications, the lawsuit posits that Lusters success as a hunter has led to animosity from other hunters and the DNR, including its officers, like Officer Henderson. It goes on to argue that Henderson believed that if he were to obtain evidence pursuant to the search warrant he could then pursue misdemeanor charges against Luster for hunting violations, and with a conviction on those charges, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources could revoke Lusters hunting license Luster is known to the DNR. Luster is a professional hunting consultant and a renowned hunter. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for unlawful search and malicious prosecution. Henderson has yet to file a response to the lawsuit and did not return a call seeking comment. The DNR is not named as a defendant in the case. May 20OUS social work organization has been assisting community for more than a decade "It's a see a need, fill a need organization," Joy Shytle says of the Ohio University Southern's Social Work Student Association. Shytle, who is associate professor of instruction, social work and field liaison at OUS and has been there for 12 years, said the group was formed by her 11 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And through it, students work to provide for those in need across the Tri-State in a number of ways. When Shytle and a group of students spoke with The Tribune in February, they were meeting in the school's social work classroom, where they were organizing donations collected for those impacted by that month's storms in Kentucky and West Virginia. "Today, we're sorting items to take to flood victims of this past storm," Brittney Marinich, the group's president, said. She explained that, originally, the donations they were sorting were collected for unhoused populations in the Tri-State. But, when the need for relief following the storm became apparent, they allocated some of those donations toward that effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now, we're splitting between the unhoused and the flood victims," she said. As they sorted, the group said they were also conducting a drive over the following several days to collect more items. The group was meeting in the school's social work learning lab, where they typically organize. Shytle mentioned the facility is stocked with books and other resources students can use in the program. And, two years ago, they received a grant for virtual reality headsets to allow students to do social work simulations. Of the student group, Shytle said they stay engaged, looking for ways to help throughout the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This group is very active," she said. A typical meeting will have five or six members, though she said they are never the same members, with students coming in to help, depending on their schedule. "It varies, but everyone is involved in some way," she said, noting they have nearly 50 members signed up on their distribution list. "But everyone on the list is involved in some way. They'll make donations, or they'll attend events." She said the motivation among members is strong. "They're a group that wants to create social change in the community," she said. "And, even if they can't come to a meeting most of our students are parents or work full time they will help in what whey they can." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way she said that many contribute is through the basket raffles they do several times a year, as a fundraiser for the group's efforts. "They can donate items to the baskets," she said. "Or sell tickets for the baskets. Or they can bring in items for drives like this." Shytle spoke of some of the activities they do regularly, such as the collection for the unhoused. "We did this last year," she said. "On Saturdays, we take them to places we know unhoused populations congregate, like the Ashland park or Ironton City Mission. We collected all kinds of cold weather items body warmers, lip balm, socks, and thermoses. We also have things like instant soup that they can put in the thermoses, and instant coffee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other activities the association has taken part in are hosting a trunk or treat in Ashland annually, as well as restocking blessing boxes throughout the Tri-State. "There's a list of all of them and we drove around, and filled them," Shytle said. Other initiatives have included food drives, and baking cookies for residents of the Sherman Thompson Towers senior apartments in Ironton. "It depends on the makeup of the group," Shytle said. "They have their pet projects. One year, we did a suicide prevention walk. Another, we did an Alzheimer's walk. And we do some recruiting for the program, when we can. We set up tables at events things like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shytle said the group regularly visits The Neighborhood, a nonprofit assistance organization in Ashland, Kentucky. "We see what kind of needs they have and we do a tour of the facility," she said. "Sometimes, just an odd request will come in and we'll figure out how to fill it." One project they did was through The Dressing Room at The Neighborhood. "We've done drives for prom dresses and we donate those to The Dressing Room," Shytle said. Another time, she said they asked everyone on the OUS campuses to donate extra purses, collecting 325 of them. "We collected hygiene items and money," Shytle said. "And we went to different homeless encampments and Church Without Walls. We distributed 275 purses filled with things. And the rest, we took to Ironton City Mission." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shytle said the aim of the group is to have their work impact all of the Tri-State. "We have students from Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio," she said. "And we do our best to make sure we are spreading our resources in those communities. Brittany lives in Charleston, and some of the stuff goes to Charleston. There was flood damage in Huntington. I'm going to go up and take stuff to that fire department." And they have new projects in the work, Marinich said. "We are talking about doing a dinner at the Ronald McDonald House in Huntington," she said. "For all the families who stay there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group recently earned accolades from the university, receiving the Dr. Charles Jarrett Emerging Leader Award in January, as part of the school's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards. Shytle said it is the group's nature to be flexible and aware of both longstanding concerns, as well as more urgent emergencies. "When there are needs in the community, we figure out how to help them," she said. "But, if something is more urgent, then we do what we can to help there. We just try to reallocate where the need is the greatest." She said they have done fundraisers for needs across the nation, such as those impacted by wildfires in California or Hurricane Blair in North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have a friend who boards horses at a rescue in North Carolina," she said. "And her farm was hosting mule teams there." Shytle said these teams were used to deliver supplies to areas that were not traversable for vehicles. "The mule teams from Montana, Texas and Colorado came in and set up shop at the farms," she said. "And, on their own dime, they picked up debris and made trails to get water and food to people." The group at OUS decided to help by donating to the farm, sending gift card from Lowe's and Tractor Supply. "They needed feed for mules, straw and blades to replace on chain saws," she said. Shytle also said she is proud of a new project social work students have undertaken. In the fall semester, they focused on mental health, following a conference on the topic in October. And the results were displayed in the spring semester, in the form of a photo documentary in the Riffe Building. "There were three groups, and they each picked a mental health issue," she said. Topics could include "What does ADHD look like in girls?" post partum depression and "Faces of Depression in Scioto County." "We are telling the story of specific mental health issues through pictures," she said. "There are little narratives underneath, but very they are minimal. The pictures are powerful." Marinich expanded on the project. "Mental health, if you've ever experienced it or dealt with it, can be overwhelming for people to read about," she said. "But we all know a feeling we have felt. And, sometimes, you think you're alone in that feeling. But there are millions of people who share the same issue. So, by using pictures, it connects with an audience who might not have otherwise received that information." Shytle said the group is always looking for needs to fill. She said they often hear about them when they are doing projects, such as gift wrapping at the Ashland Town Center. "People ask about stuff, and have questions about social issues in the community," she said. "We are responsive to needs, as they arise. That's why we continue to do fundraising. We'll plan things we want to do, but have freedom in what we do. All of these students are in their practicums, working in the community, and they know what the needs are." Next on the schedule for the group is their annual spring yard sale, which will take place on the OUS parking lot in mid-April. Shytle said the fundraiser for the group raised $700 last year. "And anything doesn't sell in yard sale goes to community churches and they can distribute to those who need it," she said. "Our fundraisers pay for things like the gift cards. And we'll take donations and augment them with our own funds for things like drives." Rachel Miller, one of the group members, summed up their experience doing their work. "I think its very fulfilling to be a part of something bigger than ourselves," she said. "Even though it's a small Tri-State area, we're making a very big impact, helping those around us in our community and extending help to other communities." For more information on the OUS Social Work Student Association, contact Shytle at shytle@ohio.edu. You Might Like Education Meet the Class Haylee Dancy Education Meet the class: Logan Scott Coffman Education Meet the Class Gracie Webb Education Meet the Class Open Door School COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A program in some Columbus City Schools buildings is educating students on nonviolent conflict resolution. Throughout May, many students are graduating from the Guns DOWN Program after meeting weekly for the entire school year. Fifteen seventh graders from Champion Middle School celebrated their graduation on Monday with certificates and a dance party for the whole grade. $250 million facility opens down the road from Intel in New Albany, creating 225 jobs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an important milestone after their hard work and dedication to the program. Within our curriculum, were talking about alternatives to violence. Were learning about how to be a good steward of your community, Carlton Weddington, a leader with Champions Guns DOWN program, said. Weddington used to be an Ohio state representative until he was arrested for bribery and spent more than two years in prison. Now Im trying to help young people to make good decisions so they dont fall in some of the mistakes that I had, Weddington said. Leaders said the main goal of Guns DOWN is to show students that violence is not the only option and to open them up to healthy conflict resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventh grader Alhassane Sy said the lessons from the program will stick with him as he heads into eighth grade. I learned how to be a leader, Sy said. Other people should join this program and learn how to just stop the violence. South-Western City School board joins groups denouncing gender identity, DEI and non-English languages Students take the Guns DOWN Program pledge which says they will build confidence, foster connections and create a bright future. Weddington said all 15 Champion Middle School graduates succeeded in doing just that. We want young people to take a different direction than choosing violence, he said. On choosing peace, choosing leadership, choosing to improve themselves or choosing to improve their community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, May 24, there will be a Guns DOWN Summit that community members ages 14 to 24 can attend to learn more about the program and violence prevention. Its happening from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Impact Center. For more information, 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Hunter Biden pressed his father, then-President Joe Biden, to rest during a trip to Ireland in April 2023. As the president was welcomed to his ancestral homeland, he set off on a busy schedule, including a tree-planting ceremony, the ringing of the Peace Bell, and an honor guard presenting arms, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson write in Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. The room Biden was in at one point during the trip grew empty, with fewer than a dozen people left. Two of them were Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley and then-New York Rep. Brian Higgins. Hunter Biden pushed his father to take a step back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You promised you wouldnt do this, he said, according to the authors. You promised youd take a nap. You know you cant handle all this. Biden disregarded his sons concerns and walked to the bar in the back of the room, where a woman handed him a soft drink. He appeared exhausted. It was at that point that Quigley realized why the moment felt familiar. It reminded him of his father in his last few years before his death from Parkinsons at the age of 92. Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley was reminded of his late father when he watched Biden during a trip to Ireland in April 2023 (AFP/Getty) Biden and some Democrats alongside him reject that his deterioration occurred. Earlier this month, Biden appeared onThe View, where co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Biden about the Democratic sources who had said that in your final year, there was a dramatic decline in your cognitive abilities. What is your response to these allegations, and are these sources wrong? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are wrong. Theres nothing to sustain that, he responded. Although it wasnt yet announced, Quigley questioned during the trip to Ireland how Biden could run for re-election. While Biden got a boost from the crowds in Ireland, when they werent present, he grew deflated, the authors write. Quigley believed at that moment that Biden needed to rest for the rest of the day and night. He was physically frail and had lost most of his energy. The authors describe his speech behind the scenes as breathless, soft, and weak. Quigley was frequently reminded of his dad during the trip. Biden got a boost from the crowds during his trip to Ireland - but grew deflated when they werent present, a bombshell new book claims. (PA) The Illinois congressman spoke to Higgins about Biden appearing to have symptoms akin to Parkinsons. However, Higgins viewed the president through a different lens, having lost his own father to Alzheimers and believing that he was seeing something similar in Bidens shuffling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A diagnosis is nothing more than pattern recognition, Higgins told Tapper and Thompson. When people see that stuff, it conjures up a view that theres something going on neurologically. He added that Bidens cognitive decline was evident to most people that watched him. Quigley wondered why the White House physician didnt attempt to diagnose the president. However, he reasoned that Bidens staff may not have wanted to know. The presidents staff was elated at his 2024 State of the Union performance. Biden was surrounded by Democrats on the floor of the House following the speech. Quigley hadnt been that close to Biden since the Ireland trip the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he put his hand on Bidens back, he could feel his ribs and spine. His voice soft and breathy, Bidens eyes darted from side to side. Once again, Quigley was reminded of his late father. Bidens disastrous debate performance a few months later didnt come as a huge shock to Quigley, the book reports. We have to be honest with ourselves that it wasnt just a horrible night, Quigley told CNNs Kasie Hunt on July 2. A few days later, he became one of the first Democrats to call for the president to step back from the ticket. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Lawmakers in the Texas House gave final approval Wednesday to two bills that aim to cut property taxes for homeowners in the state. The bills aim to increase the states homestead exemption, which is the amount of a homes value that is not subject to property taxes. Texas voters will decide this November whether to amend the state constitution to allow the tax cuts to be implemented. House members voted 143-0 on Wednesday to approve Senate Bill 4, which calls for raising the homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000. Supporters of SB 4 said the increase could save the average Texas homeowner nearly $500 annually in taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate approves $140K homestead exemption to increase property tax relief The House also passed Senate Bill 23, which would provide an additional raise to the homestead exemption for those 65 and older. It would raise the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. Thats on top of the current $100,000 exemption for Texas homeowners. Both SB 4 and SB 23 require amendments to the Texas Constitution to take effect. The House also approved corresponding resolutions that would put the issues before Texas voters in November. If voters approve amendments to enact SB 23 in tandem with SB 4, the total homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners would rise to $200,000. Bill author Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston estimates that the increased exemption will save the average over-65 or disabled homeowner more than $950 annually in property taxes. 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 KXAN Austin. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan continues its constructive efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, addressing the participants of the 6th plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (the GlobE Network) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Trend reports. "For many years, Azerbaijan was subjected to military aggression by Armenia. During the occupation of our lands, a policy of ethnic cleansing was carried out, and numerous crimes against humanity were committed against our people. These facts were a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law and human rights. Illegal exploitation of our natural resources, large-scale corruption, and the deliberate destruction of infrastructure were pervasive in the occupied territories for years. Finally, as a result of the Patriotic War in 2020 and the anti-terrorist measures carried out in 2023, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan were fully restored. The end of the occupation marked the beginning of a new era, accompanied by the restoration of sovereignty and justice, as well as the return of life and the rule of law to those territories. Transforming the liberated lands into a space of progress is one of the main pillars of our state policy. Today, Azerbaijan continues its constructive efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region," the address reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) New legislation is looking to revamp Pennsylvanias energy plan moving forward, but not everyone is fully on board. Gov. Shapiros administration wants to change the plan for renewable energy within the Commonwealth with the proposed Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS). The plan would add nuclear power and fusion technology into the energy generation process, which could cut down on what some consider an overreliance on other fuels. In a matter of weeks, many Pennsylvanians will see their bills increased by as much as 15%. This is due in large part to our overreliance on fracked gas for more than half of our energy production, Patrick McDonnell, CEO of PennFuture, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC: Drug overdose deaths drop by nearly 30% in Pennsylvania A big promise from the bill is the creation of thousands of energy jobs. However, Rep. Justin Fleming (D-District 105) does not want to repeat past mistakes. From an employment perspective, I know other energy sources weve utilized in the past havent necessarily put Pennsylvanians to work, Fleming said. So, how do we make that a reality with this legislation? He is not the only one skeptical about the potential job offerings. What we have not seen in the renewable industry in Pennsylvania is many of our people doing the work, President of Pennsylvania Building Trades Robert Bair said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also wants to incentivize new forms of energy development for the end goal of a more reliable power grid in the face of extreme weather or other factors. Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-District 155) wants to make sure this proposed development is future-proofed. We need to add more energy to our grid, and we have a responsibility to our children and future generations to ensure that that increased supply does not destroy the environment that they have to raise their families in the future, Friel-Otten said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. To check the status of the bill, visit the Pennsylvania General Assemblys 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. The massive tax cut and immigration bill narrowly advanced by House Republicans this week would have sweeping impacts to Medicaid users, including Virginians. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates at least 8.6 million people could become newly uninsured by 2034 as a result of Medicaid spending cuts proposed under President Donald Trumps big beautiful bill. In Virginia, experts say most people would likely lose Medicaid access by failing to comply with new administrative regulations on enrolling in and maintaining coverage. Virginia Medicaid, called Cardinal Care, and Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, together cover nearly 1 in 4 Virginians. Here are some of the potential impacts the bill could have for Virginians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Work requirements One of the measures in the House proposal is to implement a work requirement on people who qualify for Medicaid through expansion thats adults under age 65 who make about $21,000 or less annually. According to the Congressional Budget Office, many more people will lose coverage under this work requirement as structured because they will be unable to provide the documentation or meet the reporting requirements to show (that) they are working the requisite hours or that they do qualify for an exemption, said Jennifer Tolbert, director of state health policy at KFF, a health policy research nonprofit. Tolbert said most adults 64% who receive Medicaid but do not receive a disability income are already working full time. An additional 28% of that population are not working because they care for a dependent child or family member, are in school, or have an illness or disability that prevents them from working. But proving that those people meet the work requirements or have a qualifying exemption could be burdensome, Tolbert said. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also includes a provision that would increase the frequency of eligibility determinations from once a year to every six months. There are some provisions targeted directly at making it more difficult to enroll and stay enrolled in the program, said Emily Hardy, an elder law attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center. For Medicaid expansion specifically, doubling up the number of times you have to get evaluated every year and adding work requirements essentially just push people off the program. ___ Penalties for coverage for undocumented migrants Virginia has a trigger law that would end Medicaid expansion in the state if the federal contribution to the program dips below 90%. Thus far, nothing in the federal proposal appears to reduce federal contributions in a way that would trigger it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some say one provision of the bill has raised questions. That provision says the federal government would reduce its share of Medicaid expansion coverage to states that provide health coverage to people living in the United States unlawfully. Unlike other states, Virginia doesnt have a specific state program that provides that coverage, but does provide emergency care to undocumented immigrants as required by federal law. The language (in the bill) is so vague that its hard for me to say theres no way this would impact us given everything else happening, Hardy said. It would depend how they interpret that and what the final language looks like. ___ Financing Medicaid The proposal also freezes the rate of provider taxes, one of the primary mechanisms by which states finance their share of Medicaid costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States can pay for the state share of the Medicaid spending through state general funds, but they are also permitted to raise those funds through taxes on providers as well as arrangements with local governments, Tolbert said. When it comes to provider taxes, the legislation freezes existing provider taxes, so (it) essentially prohibits states from establishing any new provider taxes or from increasing rate of existing taxes. ___ Defunding Planned Parenthood The proposed legislation also excludes Planned Parenthood from participating in Medicaid. Jamie Lockhart, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia estimated about 25,000 people statewide are served by Planned Parenthood health centers. Nationally, more than half of Planned Parenthood patients are enrolled in Medicaid. In Virginia, Medicaid provides coverage of birth control, STI testing and treatment, annual wellness exams, and preventative screenings, as well as life-saving cancer screenings and other essential care, Lockhart said. Defunding Planned Parenthood really means blocking people that rely on Medicaid from accessing critical preventative services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A letter signed by 562 state legislators, including Democratic Hampton Roads representatives Dels. Michael Feggans and Jackie Hope Glass, and Sen. Mamie Locke, urged Congress to oppose those efforts. The majority of Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid and other federal and state programs to access care, and 64% of Planned Parenthood health centers are located in rural or medically underserved communities, the letter reads. Without Planned Parenthood, many patients would have nowhere to turn for care. The legislation also prohibits Medicaid from covering costs related to gender-affirming care. ___ Lawmaker reactions Some Republicans say they want to see the spending bill go further in terms of cuts to spending. Rep. Ben Cline, a Virginia Republican, praised the bill during a House Budget Committee hearing last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill reins in mandatory spending, he said. This bill includes provisions that will prevent blue states from laundering your tax dollars to subsidize the health care of able-bodied adults and those who are here illegally. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat, also spoke at the committee meeting. After weeks of statements from Republican members that the budget they voted for twice does not cut Medicaid, this bill will rip away health care from millions of Americans who use Medicaid and makes health care expensive for everyone, he said. The budget committee voted to advance the bill Sunday after some congressmembers changed their votes from no to present. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would like the whole House to consider the bill before Memorial Day. Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Prosecutors have opened an investigation related to the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit behind the welfare program that has been touted as the signature achievement of first lady Casey DeSantis. A public records custodian in the office of Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed the existence of an open, on-going investigation Tuesday in response to a records request from The Associated Press. The investigation was first reported by the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. Questioned by reporters at an event Tuesday in Tampa highlighting the work of Hope Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the initiative, which uses state employees to help connect Floridians in need with faith institutions and community-based nonprofits and wean them off government assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in this program deeply and I stand by it 100%, DeSantis said. This is a rewiring of the way that government operates, the first lady said. Its a model for the nation. Instead of saying, Heres a handout, lets give you hope and a hand up to live up to your God-given potential," she added. State lawmakers in DeSantis' own party have been scrutinizing the program and its nonprofit foundation, which gave $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits. Those groups in turn gave millions to a political committee, chaired by DeSantis then-chief of staff, that campaigned against a failed referendum on recreational marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Mark Wilson, the president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the chair of one of the nonprofits that received the grants, appeared at the event with the governor and first lady to highlight businesses that are collaborating with Hope Florida. Folks, we are just getting started, Wilson said. Imagine the connection that happens when churches and employers and government works together, he added. Last month, Republican state Rep. Alex Andrade wrapped up the investigation he had been spearheading into Hope Florida, saying he would leave the rest of the inquiry to the FBI and Department of Justice. Andrade has alleged that the flow of funds from the foundation to the nonprofits and on to the political committees amounts to conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has dismissed the investigation of Hope Florida as a politically motivated smear against his wife, who he's floated as his potential successor when he terms out in 2026. I think that everything thats been thrown at it is pure politics, DeSantis said. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. WESTFIELD The Westfield City Council again heard from advocates and some detractors of an ordinance to allow backyard chickens by right in residential areas in the city, with councilors seemingly equally split in favor and opposed to the plan. The ordinance was then sent back to Zoning, Planning and Development for further study. Councilor Nicholas Morganelli opened the public hearing by reminding councilors that the goal is to make backyard chickens by right so that residents can keep chickens. He said the Planning Board was unanimously in favor of the ordinance change, which would allow the keeping of six hens and no roosters on residential properties of 5,000 sq. ft. or more, and 12 hens and no roosters on properties of 20,000 sq. ft. or more. One of the things that [Planning Board chair William Carellas] mentioned, was that nearly every municipality in Massachusetts allows chickens, many by right, Morganelli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with advocates coming forward during the public hearing, one resident spoke up who was opposed. James Pettengill of Lewis Street said he represented residents living on 5,000-square-foot lots. I asked a simple question why had it been outlawed or not permitted? Pettengill said. Two themes the smell, and politicians sick of hearing constituents complaining about the smell. This will be your future. This is a quality of life issue in residential areas. It is allowed on five acres. My primary concern is 5,000-square-foot lots in the downtown area. Pettengill asked if chickens downtown would increase the sludge and worsen the air quality, which he said is already poor. He also talked about the diseases chickens can carry and the vermin they can attract in heavily infested downtown restaurant areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does this meet the greater good? I dont think so. Pass this legislation and get ready to answer questions, who thought it was a good idea, Pettengill said. Councilor James Adams said he was not present at an earlier hearing, but did watch the video. Referring to Kaitlin Grenon, a resident who has spoken in favor at meetings and gave out an educational pamphlet earlier on how to keep chickens safely, Adams said, If everyone was like her, I would vote for it, no questions. I know there are chickens throughout the city. We have one code enforcement officer, and he cant handle complaints now. Adams said he had previously dealt with a worst case homeowner with chickens by the river, whose yard had attracted rats that had to be poisoned, causing the death of a neighbors dog. If that one situation couldnt be handled, how can we handle by right. I could probably vote for this if we could handle two full-time code enforcement officers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilor Ralph Figy said he thought the estimates of homeowners who would opt to get chickens someone mentioned 1,000 new properties could be eligible was overblown. If it would please the council, we could exclude the downtown, he said, adding that the educational portion, rules and regulations would be part of the second phase of the project if the ordinance goes through. A lot of the concerns people have are legitimate, but they have been addressed. Councilor Karen Fanion, chair of the Zoning, Planning and Development Committee, said she would also be in favor if every chicken owner was responsible. She said through a public records request, she had received all of the complaints about chickens, which she had posted on the council share. My understanding is 800 people signed the petition. If we make this law, we will need 19 hours a week to enforce it, said Adams. We cant legislate good behavior. My son was bit by a dog unleashed. If you have an ordinance you have something to fall back on. Right now, people have chickens illegally. This speculation about smell and rats, that doesnt happen. It is in our ordinance to keep the food in a closed container, said Councilor Nicholas Morganelli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am wondering if we can get from the planner where it would and would not be allowed based on setbacks. If you could see that it didnt fit in the more populated areas, it may or may not be a moot point if not allowed, based on the setbacks. I appreciate that other people have had problems that are difficult to take care of. Without ordinances, it is difficult, said Councilor Kristen Mello. If were talking complaints, I would like to see a comparison between chicken complaints and dog complaints. When were talking about catering to a certain group of people; there is a lot of food insecurity in the town. We have a responsibility to seriously consider it When youre thinking about the greater good, look at the economic situation we are facing, and how many people are food insecure, Mello added. There was further discussion as to whether or not the animal control officer, who would be tasked with regulating chickens, was in favor of the ordinance change, whether they should be allowed by right or with a different type of permit short of a special permit, which is costly, and whether the allowable square footage should be increased. Im glad were discussing this, said Ward 3 Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane. A lot of my support for this change is because I just know there are so many chickens in my ward, I see them all the time, and I have not had a problem in my ward with chickens. I did have one rooster, but I have not seen the horror stories. I think in general, it works really well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews-Kane said she is also concerned about prices, and knows people are struggling. She said the current ordinance, which allows chickens on 5 acres, is not working, because the cost of a special permit even in rural residential is too high. We have to find a cost effective way to let people have safe, legal chickens, she said. The public hearing was then closed, and the ordinance returned to the Zoning, Planning and Development Committee. Read the original article on MassLive. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Oscar Franklin Smith, 75, is set to be executed by lethal injection on May 22 for the 1989 brutal murder of his estranged wife and her two teenage sons. Former Metro Nashville Police Department detective, retired Hendersonville police chief, and 47-year law enforcement veteran, Mickey Miller, was the lead detective on the case in 1989, detailing the investigation to News 2. It was horrific. It was one of the bloodiest crime scenes, Miller said. I personally believe that if anybody was a candidate for the death penalty, hes got to be it. To me, I felt like he was just pure evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judy Smith, 35, and her two sons, Chad, 16, and Jason, 13, were brutally murdered inside their Nashville home at 324 Lutie St. on Oct. 1, 1989. Tennessee death row inmate Oscar Smith chooses last meal before execution Miller told News 2 one of the sons made a call to 911 during the killings, but the operator couldnt decipher exactly what was being said. Metro police were dispatched to the scene, but couldnt find anything out of the ordinary outside, so they left. The next day, a relative found Judy, Chad, and Jasons bloody bodies. Chad, the 16-year-old, was in the kitchen, Miller said. In the front bedroom, Judy was in the bed and Jason was lying on the floor of the bedroom, so it was pretty bloody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith used three weapons in the killings: a gun, a knife, and an awl, which is an ice pick-like tool used in leathermaking. Miller and other homicide detectives spent long hours investigating. An audio engineer at a radio station helped police isolate audio from the 911 call, where one of Judys sons can be heard calling Smith by his name, Frank. You could hear Chad in the background saying, No, Frank. No,' Miller said. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom Another major break in the case was a bloody handprint with two fingers missing, matching Smiths hand, which is missing two fingers due to an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller told News 2 they gathered enough evidence to arrest Smith within days and brought him in for questioning. He was one guy that when youre talking to him, his blood pressure wasnt getting elevated, he was just as calm, and you looked into his eyes and there was just nothing there. One of the few that Ive seen like that, Miller said. Smith was sentenced to death in 1990, and was last set to be executed in 2022. However, a last-minute stay was granted by Gov. Bill Lee after he discovered the state wasnt following its own death penalty protocol. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com On May 20, Gov. Lee released a statement upholding Smiths execution. After deliberate consideration of Oscar Franklin Smiths request for clemency, and after a thorough review of the case, I am upholding the sentence of the State of Tennessee and do not plan to intervene. Governor Bill Lee Smith has always maintained his innocence, but Miller said the evidence speaks for itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knows hes guilty, and I know hes guilty, and I think anybody that worked on that case, there was no doubt, Miller 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 WKRN News 2. Police in New Middletown, Ohio, and state police in Pennsylvania are looking for the driver of a gray car who reportedly led them on a high-speed chase that caused an Ohio officer to crash Sunday in North Beaver Township. A New Middletown officer was flown to a Youngstown hospital with multiple injuries he suffered in the crash that occurred when speeds in the chase reportedly mounted to as high as 110 mph. According to a Pennsylvania State Police report, a New Middletown police officer engaged in a pursuit in Ohio of the vehicle that crossed the state line into Lawrence County around 9 p.m., going east on East Poland Avenue. The New Middletown officer failed to negotiate a curve in the road at the intersection of East Poland Avenue and Mohawk School Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cruiser struck a fence and the building that houses Bath and Doggy Works, a dog grooming business in a small plaza next to the Mohawk Area schools at 341 Mohawk School Road in North Beaver Township. The building and a fence around an outdoor animal area reportedly were damaged. When the officer crashed, the vehicle in pursuit sped away. The police cruiser had heavy damage and was towed. The North Beaver Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Mahoning Township police assisted at the scene. Bessemer police said they were not contacted to assist in the chase and the state police became involved at the crash scene in Pennsylvania. The crash reportedly caused a fiber-optic outage that disrupted radio signals. The chase was initiated when the gray car sped past the New Middletown officer on patrol in the village, according to reports. The dog grooming business was open and fully functional Monday, an employee there confirmed. She said the police cruiser struck both the fence and the building. She that no pets are ever left outside in the fenced-in area at night, and they are all safe without injuries. The prime minister of Qatar has denied that that a $400m (300m) plane given to Donald Trump was a bribe. The Gulf nation has been criticised for giving the Trump administration a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet which the president hopes to be use as Air Force One until the current ageing planes used by the president are replaced. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said: I dont know why people consider it as bribery or Qatar trying to buy influence with this administration. We need to overcome this stereotype. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued that many gifts to the US in the past, such as the Statue of Liberty, given to the US government by France in the 19th century, had not attracted the same level of backlash. The sheikh characterised the gift as a normal thing that happens between allies. His comments follow a high-profile visit to the Middle East by Mr Trump last week, which saw him attend meetings with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar has been criticised for giving the Trump administration a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar had discussed potential partnerships with the US on AI and energy during the visit. He added: Im hoping that people in the United States and even the politicians over there, they see us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that weve always been there for the US whenever we were needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps new aircraft, dubbed the palace in the sky is currently in the US. Karoline Leavitt, the White Houses press secretary, said on Monday that the gift would be welcomed according to all legal and ethical obligations. It comes amid a spat between the White House and aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which is late to deliver two new jumbo jets that will be used as Air Force One planes. It has raised questions about the ethics of a world leader like Mr Trump accepting extravagant gifts. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said on Monday he would introduce a bill to prohibit any foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One. Retrofitting the Qatari plane would cost billions and could never even truly eliminate all catastrophic risks, he posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Mr Trump has said it would be stupid to turn down the plane. 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. It was the Trump administration that first contacted Qatar about the swanky jet that President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed is a gift, according to a new report. Citing four sources familiar with the discussions, CNN reported Monday that Washington reached out to Doha after Boeing informed the Pentagon that it would not be able to deliver the replacements for the aging presidential jets until 2027. The Air Force began exploring different options to get a replacement plane sooner, and Trump ordered his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to identify a list of viable options, a senior White House official told CNN. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly facilitated U.S.-Qatar discussions about a plane for President Donald Trump. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Boeing reportedly provided U.S. defense officials with a list of its other clients with planes that could be used in the meantime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar was one of the clients, the second source told CNN, adding that the Pentagon offered to buy the plane and that Doha said it was willing to sell. Discussions facilitated by Witkoff reportedly began after the White House backed the idea. The third source told CNN that the initial talks were about leasing the plane instead of buying it. The matter is still with the legal teams and no decision has been made at all, the second source said. But the new reporting counters Trumps repeated assertion that the $400 million jet will come free of charge as a gift after Qatar reached out to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the plane was a donation to our country, adding the government and royal family has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast. Some people say, Oh, you shouldnt accept gifts for the country. My attitude is, why wouldnt I accept the gift? Were giving to everybody else, Trump told Fox News last week. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatars prime minister and top diplomat, similarly downplayed bipartisan security and ethics concerns over the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see that this story is taking a different direction and being more politicized while its a normal government-to-government deal, he told Fox News. Its basically part of a cooperation that weve been doing a lot together between Qatar and the United States, so I dont see a point out of this. Even Trumps most ardent supporters have been baffled by his decision to accept a plane from Qatar. Far-right activist Laura Loomer said on X that she was so disappointed by the news. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade, she wrote. This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true. The Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar are stalled due to "fundamental" differences between the sides, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Tuesday. "The rounds of negotiations that took place in Doha in the past couple of weeks, unfortunately did not lead us anywhere yet because there is a fundamental gap between the two parties," he told an economic forum in the Qatari capital. Last week, a team of Israeli negotiators landed in Doha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar has previously brokered indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, along with the United States and Egypt, though there has been no progress for months now. One party is looking for a partial deal, while the other is looking to end the war, Mohammed said, adding: "We couldn't bridge this fundamental gap with whatever proposals we provided." He also said Israel's latest intensification of it military campaign in Gaza will "postpone the diplomatic conclusion of the war, which will end only diplomatically from our point of view, and will just cost us a death toll on the Palestinian side and also on the hostages side." Qatar's prime minister said its offer to give the US a Jumbo jet was a "normal thing between allies." The Boeing 747-8 could be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump's second term. Critics have questioned the legality, while Trump said that accepting the gift was sensible. Qatar's prime minister doesn't understand the backlash over its offer of giving a Jumbo jet to the US. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called the proposed gift of a Boeing 747-8 jet, worth about $400 million, as "a normal thing that happens between allies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know why people consider it as bribery or Qatar trying to buy influence with this administration," he said at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday. The comments were reported by Bloomberg, which is hosting the event. President Donald Trump said last week that his administration was preparing to accept the gift from the Qatari royal family. The aircraft would be used as the new Air Force One in Trump's second term and then added to his presidential library. Democrats as well as some Trump supporters have criticized the deal, voicing worries about its legality. Trump defended the move, saying he would be a "stupid person" if he didn't accept it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheikh Mohammed described the proposed gift as a Qatar "Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense transaction, which is done in full transparency and very legally." "Many nations have gifted things to the US," he said, naming the Statue of Liberty as one. Sheikh Mohammed added that "we need to overcome" stereotypes of Qatar trying to buy influence in the US. Trump has said the jet would be a gift to the Department of Defense, not him personally. The DoD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The official visit of the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, to the Kingdom of Spain continues, Trend reports. As part of the visit, the parliamentary delegation visited the Prado Museum in Madrid. The parliamentary delegation members have acquainted themselves with the museum exhibits. The guests were told that the museum's visitors were presented with the tableaux by famous artists, historical sculptures, and ancient coins. The vaults of this cultural centre, which is visited by close to three million people in a year, house a collection of over 8,600 paintings and drawings. Challenger Corey OConnor ousted Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in Tuesdays Democratic primary election, beating an incumbent in a race that hinged on how Gainey was handling city finances, affordable housing and public safety. OConnor is all but assured of winning Novembers general election against a low-profile Republican nominee in a city that hasnt elected a Republican mayor in nearly a century. OConnor is the Allegheny County controller and the son of a former Pittsburgh mayor who had won the local partys endorsement over Gainey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gainey the citys first Black mayor, who grew up in subsidized housing beat his predecessor in 2021s primary campaign and had allied himself with the Democratic Partys progressive wing. He had portrayed himself as the mayor who sides with regular people and as a mayor thats going to fight for you when the Trump administration threatens the city. OConnor criticized Gaineys management of the city, saying Gainey was reckless with city finances, fell badly short in expanding affordable housing and lacked vision to bring businesses back to downtown after the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating collapse of the hometown steel industry. He also said people didnt feel safe in Pittsburgh and that city vehicles including snow plows and ambulances were breaking down at critical times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gainey touted the citys strong economy under his watch and contended that he had held the line against tax increases, been saddled with the mistakes of prior administrations and had overseen dropping crime rates in the city. OConnor benefited from support from builders and developers amid friction over Gaineys affordable housing plan, and OConnors campaign and allied groups outspent Gaineys side, which had support from the liberal Working Families Party and Service Employees International Union. Still, unions were divided in the race, and affordable housing groups had criticized Gaineys efforts as badly inadequate. OConnor, meanwhile, characterized the city under Gainey as headed for a financial crisis that threatened quality of life and public safety, a crisis that OConnor confidently said he could fix. Gainey, he said, was leading the city down a path of managing our decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That financial crisis is going to impact each and every one of us, each and every day, OConnor said during a televised May 8 debate. Its going to stop our ability to fill in your potholes. Its going to stop our ability to buy new ambulances and equipment for public safety to keep you safe. Philadelphia district attorney Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner speaks during a primary election night event in Philadelphia on Tuesday. - Matt Rourke/AP Also Tuesday, voters chose incumbent Larry Krasner in the Democratic primary for Philadelphia district attorney. Krasner defeated his primary opponent, Pat Dugan, a US Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was the head administrative judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court before he resigned to run. Krasner is running again after withstanding an impeachment attempt by Republican state lawmakers and years of being a campaign trail punching bag for President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has the benefit of crime rates falling in big US cities, including Philadelphia, after they rose sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dugan had aimed to make the race about Krasners crime-fighting policies he called Krasner Let em Go Larry and accused the incumbent of staffing the district attorneys office with ill-prepared and inexperienced lawyers. Krasner originally ran in 2017 on a progressive platform that included holding police accountable and opposing the death penalty, cash bail, prosecuting minor nonviolent offenses and a culture of mass incarceration. Like some big-city Democrats, Krasner has turned toward pro-public safety messaging, maintaining that he is serious about pursuing violent crime and touting new technologies and strategies that his office is using to solve or prevent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krasner has repeatedly invoked Trump and suggested that he is the best candidate to stand up to the president. In a TV ad, he cast himself as the foil to Trump and his billionaire buddies, the shooting groups and gun lobby, the old system that denied people justice for too long. They can come for Philly, but Im not backing down. Dugan had invoked Trump, too, saying in a TV ad that Philadelphia faces the threats of crime, injustice and a president bent on destruction. He also accused Krasner of failing to deliver real reform or make us safe. Now he wants us to believe he can take on Trump? Get real. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The rain over the last few days will help fight some of the drought conditions in some areas of Kansas. These are some of the rainfall amounts the KSN Storm Track 3 weather team gathered. They reflect the three-day rain totals: 3.91 inches 3 NNW Strong City Chase County 3.29 inches 5 SW Halstead Harvey County 3.01 inches 3 SE Wonsevu Chase County 2.99 inches 4 WNW Halstead Harvey County 2.98 inches 4 ESE Bridgeport Saline County 2.71 inches 2 NNE Goessel Marion County 2.62 inches 5 NW Halstead Harvey County 2.51 inches 4 NE Halstead Harvey County 2.43 inches Goessel Marion County 2.40 inches 6 SSE Cottonwood Falls Chase County 2.35 inches 9 NW Marquette Ellsworth County 2.16 inches 3 N Canton McPherson County 2.15 inches Tampa Marion County 2.14 inches 2 SE Marion Marion County 2.09 inches Burns Marion County 2.03 inches 7 NE Pretty Prairie Reno County 2.00 inches 5 NNE Marion Marion County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More three-day rain reports are courtesy of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network: 5.4 inches 9.3 N of Esbon Jewell County 1.66 inches Andale Sedgwick County 1.37 inches 6.2 SSW Hutchinson Reno County 1.33 inches 2.1 WNW of Colwich Sedgwick County 1.08 inches 3.5 NE of Valley Center Sedgwick County 1 inch 1.1 W of Hutchinson Reno County .97 inches 7.4 NNW of Wichita Sedgwick County The level at Cheney Lake has not changed much. As of Tuesday, it is 7.84 feet below normal. Jewell County in northern Kansas appears to have received the most rain. The Jewell County Sheriffs Office posted pictures of White Rock Creek running high. White Rock Creek (Courtesy Jewell County Sheriffs Office) White Rock Creek (Courtesy Jewell County Sheriffs Office) White Rock Creek (Courtesy Jewell County Sheriffs Office) Tracking weather: Severe Weather Preparedness: Interactive map shows tornado shelters in the U.S. RADARS CURRENT WEATHER WARNINGS AND WATCHES WATCHING THE KANSAS SKIES SEND US YOUR WEATHER PHOTOS FREE APPS KSN STORM TRACKER 3 WEATHER APP KSN NEWS APP SOCIAL MEDIA KSN STORM TRACK 3 TWITTER KSN NEWS TWITTER KSN NEWS FACEBOOK Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Raining Berries CEO calls ADA lawsuit a shakedown TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Raining Berries, a popular coffee and acai restaurant brand, faces a lawsuit that alleges its website is not ADA-compatible. The plaintiff, a blind woman in Gainesville, recently sued 26 businesses near the University of Florida campus, including Raining Berries. She claimed her screen reader software was unable to fully communicate with the websites so she was not able to conduct business. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 8 on Your Side Public records show her attorney, Aleksandra Kravets of south Florida, has filed 129 similar lawsuits in Florida federal courts in the past year. Bimal Bhojani, the founder and CEO of Raining Berries, said he believes in being ADA compliant and went to great lengths to make sure his website is accessible. He said he was in the middle of upgrading the website further when he was hit with the lawsuit in January. Father accused of shooting 3 sons in Ruskin: I tried to take your life Bhojani said his company has a certificate of accessibility from a website compatibility company and added a widget to the website to be further accessible to screen readers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are serial lawsuits by a plaintiff and an attorney, and I think the Florida Bar needs to address this because its not helping anybody, Bhojani said. He said his attorney told the plaintiffs attorney the website had been upgraded, but she said their software still showed problems with the site. Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken asked Bhojani what the plaintiffs attorneys asked for to settle the lawsuit. Large sums of money, Bhojani said. Thats what it boils down to I believe, and what is the motive here? Is that money being distributed to an individual? Are they putting that back in the community to help the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Raining Berries lawsuit, the plaintiff is described as an advocate and tester who monitors whether places of public accommodation are in compliance with the ADA. Among the business sued: a pizza shop, consignment shop, walk-up burger stand and nail salon. In recent years, there has been an uptick in ADA compliancy lawsuits over websites. The law sees a business website as a continuation of its brick and motor store, therefore the ADA states it must be accessible to people with disabilities. In the Raining Berries suit, the plaintiff alleges she was unable to order a cup of coffee. Were in compliance. Its a matter of subjective interpretation and there is no government regulation but we have gone above and beyond in making sure our website is accessible to everybody and all, Bhojani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said many of the other business owners have forked over settlements to make the suits go away, but he has no intention of settling. I think people are feared, theyre distraught, a lot of people are worried about losing their businesses, he said. Behnken reached out to Kravets, the attorney for the plaintiff, on Friday and was told she would speak about the case on Monday at a specific time. Behnken followed up with phone calls and a text message but was unable to reach her. It is worth noting that the ADA does not permit monetary damages to be awarded to an individual plaintiff, so settlements generally go toward attorneys fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Matthew Piercey, 48, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and witness tampering after orchestrating a $35 million Ponzi scheme When the FBI attempted to arrest him in 2020, Piercey fled into a lake using an underwater scooter Following his arrest, Piercey attempted to obstruct justice by using coded language to instruct associates to remove items from a storage unit A California man who tried to evade authorities by riding a scooter underwater into a lake pleaded guilty in connection with a $35 million fraud scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Piercey, 48, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, concealment money laundering and witness tampering after prosecutors said he solicited investor funds and used the money for personal expenses, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. Between July 2015 and August 2020, Piercey used the money he stole for various business and personal expenses, including paying a criminal defense firm and the purchase of two residential properties, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. When FBI agents tried to arrest Piercey in November 2020, he evaded arrest and led agents on a vehicle chase through a residential neighborhood and onto the highway before abandoning the vehicle and entering a lake with a scooter, prosecutors said. The underwater device was later identified as a Yamaha 350LI underwater submersible device, according to ABC News. Piercey spent some time out of sight underwater where law enforcement could only see bubbles, federal prosecutors wrote in court documents, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scooter, often used by divers, is a motorized device that pulls users underwater at about 4 mph, according to Water Sky Sports, a company that sells the device for around $530. After about 20 minutes, Piercey emerged from the water where he was then arrested by FBI agents, according to the statement. After his arrest, Piercey used coded language with two people who visited him in jail and told them to take actions with contents in his U-Haul storage locker, according to the Justice Department statement. An FBI search of the locker turned up a wig and 31,000 in Swiss francs about $37,000. Many invested their life savings with Matthew Pierceys companies, not knowing that the claim of guaranteed returns were the empty promises of a Ponzi scheme, FBI Sacramento Special Agent Sid Patel said. The FBI agents, forensic accountants, and other specialized personnel work tirelessly to ensure those who exploit the trust of a hopeful public will face serious consequences. 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. Piercey paid back $8.8 million of the $35 million invested, according to the statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piercey is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4, 2025, per the statement from the U.S. Attorneys office. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss for each wire fraud and mail fraud. Read the original article on People There's good news for London, as a security camera recently caught sight of an otter on a dock in Canary Wharf in the financial district of London. Rewilding experts hope this marks the sign of the species' return to the city for good. The Eurasian otter was once on the brink of extinction in England, making this glimpse of an otter rare. However, it has slowly been making a comeback, mostly thanks to conservation efforts and improvements in the area's water quality. The otter on Canary Wharf was caught by a camera of a nearby boat. At the time, the animal was studying the boats moored there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's absolutely fantastic to see footage of a healthy-looking otter captured on CCTV moving through the highly urbanised Canary Wharf area," Elliot Newton, co-founder of Citizen Zoo, told The Standard. This otter sighting isn't just excellent news for the species. London's efforts to smartly manage the environment and wildlife in the area haven't only ensured the otters' survival; these efforts are also beneficial to people. The improved water quality that brought the animals back will also help humans, as cleaner water can prevent health issues and save time and money associated with medical care. Reviving endangered species significantly impacts humans via the food supply, too, as biodiversity loss interrupts the balance of nature's delicate ecosystems. When revived species return, they can help ecosystems get back to their natural, healthy, diverse states, encouraging growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail and similar cameras can be a powerful tool in helping experts determine the health of endangered species populations. They can also be beneficial in documenting evidence of rehabilitation efforts. As for otters in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has proposed reintroducing the animals to the area's waterways over the next few years. "In a future where we more fully embrace nature within the city, and work to improve the quality of habitats in our rivers and the water itself, it would be wonderful if sightings like this became far more common," Newton told The Standard. 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. The Cayuga Generating Station. (Courtesy Duke Energy Indiana) The state agency tasked with protecting utility consumers has asked regulators to reject Duke Energy Indianas ill-advised plan to retire two coal-powered units and replace them with new natural gas units at the Cayuga Generating Station in west-central Indiana. The project would add more than 470 megawatts to the aging facilitys 1005-megawatt capacity. Cayuga has operated for 55-plus years and is the oldest coal-fired facility in Dukes Hoosier fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it also comes with an estimated $3.3 billion price tag that financing costs could balloon to $5.3 billion, according to Duke. The company is one of the big five investor-owned regulated monopolies. Between 2026 and 2032, the average estimated rate impact is about 5.4%. A future rate case following that time period will determine the projects base rate impact, Spokeswoman Angeline Protogere said in a Monday statement to the Capital Chronicle. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US If approved, Duke estimates that the first tracker filed would add $1.87 to the typical residential customers monthly bill. But that amount would rise as construction continues with the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) estimating a total impact of $19.37 monthly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke contends the pay-as-we-go approach will smooth out the impact to its Hoosier customers and save them an estimated $812 million over the life of the revamped facility. In addition to requesting denial, the office asked that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission direct Duke to consider alternatives: extending the existing units lifespan or converting them to natural gas. Adding a decade to that lifespan would cost $430 million in maintenance and compliance, per Duke and wouldnt grow capacity. Neither would conversion. Protogere said the utilitys Hoosier service area has gained nearly 116,000 customers since adding its last major generation facility in 2013. She added that Indianas economy has been growing, and we have an obligation to meet that demand. Agency pushes for a no In testimony filed this month, OUCC Electric Division Director Brian Latham said the investment is particularly ill-advised because President Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun are resoundingly reexamining the environmental factors driving the shift away from coal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latham further testified that technological advancements, like small modular nuclear reactors, could render the project obsolete before its planned decades-long lifespan has elapsed. The consequences of the project becoming a stranded asset are much greater than the costs of the alternatives, Electric Division Assistant Director Cynthia Armstrong said. Dukes Protogere rejected such arguments, emphasizing the near-term need for additional power. She wrote that waiting to see how regulations and technology might evolve isnt an option. Although Duke Managing Director Nathan Gagnon has testified that the new natural gas units are more affordable than conversion, Electric Division Utility Analyst John Hanks argued his cost comparisons were faulty, making retirement and replacement look more attractive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OUCC Natural Gas Division Utility Analyst Jared Hoff, meanwhile, contended that Duke inappropriately understated its plans operational costs by not discussing three elements: expenses for natural gas itself, transmission via the Rockies Express Pipeline system and CenterPoint Energy Indiana Norths construction of a connector pipeline. Theyre part of separate proceedings. Hoff estimated Duke undercounted natural gas spending by $300 million; pipeline-related estimates were redacted as highly confidential. He noted that Duke has entered into transmission agreements with both entities, but an executed construction contract hasnt yet nabbed commission approval. Other office witnesses accused Duke of overstating indirect and transmission upgrade costs and not fully evaluating some bids, while another said the utility company should choose the lesser of two options when it proposes profit margins for financing cost recovery. Hoosiers weigh in More than 2,000 public comments in support and opposition were additionally filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need much more capacity to allow for growth of industry, wrote Bedford resident Bradford Dykes, while Terre Haute mechanical construction company Freitag-Weinhardt called the project a sound investment in Indianas energy future. The Indiana State Building & Construction Trades Council applauded the expected 550 construction jobs, plus long-term operations jobs and increased property tax revenue for Vermillion County. In other comments, Hoosiers railed against rising bills. People have to choose whether to pay for groceries, medicine or their electric bill(s), plus whether to run their air conditioning or suffer through the heat, wrote Valparaiso resident Marissa Barnes. We heard as much through the public hearings for Dukes 2024 rate case, and that was before folks saw their Duke bills increase by $19/month from the rate hike they just got. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There wont be any AC in hell when you people get there, wrote Marty Wyatt, who accused regulators of taking bribes. He didnt identify his place of residence. Others professed support for coals retirement at Cayuga but were unsatisfied with natural gas as the replacement another fossil fuel, wrote Bloomington resident Christine Glaser. Citizens Action Coalition and Reliable Energy, two groups often on opposite sides of the energy debates, also opposed the plan. The latter called the offices recommendation a major victory for Indiana ratepayers. Duke is scheduled to file rebuttal testimony May 29. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ray Rays Hog Pit, a fleet of barbecue eateries featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, is trading one of its food trucks for a new central Ohio storefront inside the space previously home to Wizard of Za. The brands longtime food truck parked outside Ace of Cups is shuttering to make way for a new brick-and-mortar location inside a shared space with sushi chain Fusian at 4214 N. High St. in the Clintonville neighborhood. Fusian was most recently roommates with Wizard of Za, a pizzeria whose Sicilian-style pies garnered a month-long wait during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trapper Johns Livery reopens with new owner after 2024 closure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closed in January, Wizard of Za was created by Youngstown native Spencer Saylor, who sold his pizza through his Instagram in 2020 and later collaborated with Paceline Restaurants, the owner of Fusian, to move into the Clintonville store. Paceline acquired the Wizard of Za brand in 2022 and expanded with a second location in Dayton that closed last year. Ray Rays Clintonville move comes after the brand opened its first full-service restaurant inside a historic Marion building on May 13. Although Ray Rays is known for food trucks and walk-up eateries, the Marion restaurant marks the brands first foray into full-service dining. Watch a previous report on the Marion restaurant in the video player above. The barbecue fleet is currently home to several other central Ohio eateries, like the food truck parked outside Aardvark Wine & Beer in Linworth. The brand also operates a walk-up window at Land-Grant Brewing in Franklinton, a drive-thru in Westerville, and a casual dine-in and pick-up location in Granville. $250 million facility opens down the road from Intel in New Albany, creating 225 jobs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ray Rays Reload, one of the brands renovated food trucks, was parked outside The Bottle Shop in Victorian Village for most of 2024 before moving in November to Hoof Hearted Brewery in the Short North. Chef and Ray Rays owner James Anderson was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2017, praised for his succulent smoked offerings at the one-of-a-kind barbecue truck. During the episode, Guy Fieri tried Ray Rays Mangalitsa Brat Burger and St. Louis Spare Ribs. Ray Rays new Clintonville shop will open in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. RCPD talks annual campaign, holiday weekend safety and budget TOPEKA (KSNT) Riley County Police Department (RCPD) Director Brian Peete joined the 27 News morning show to discuss the annual Click it or Ticket campaign, Memorial Day weekend safety and the RCPD budget. The Riley County Police Department in partnership with, you know, law enforcement throughout the state, Dir. Peete said. Were trying to focus on distracted driving, drunk driving, just to keep communities safe throughout the click it or ticket campaign over the Memorial Day weekend. Dir. Peete discussed accidents in their jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a matter of fact, this is one of were seeing an increase in traffic accidents in our jurisdiction, especially preventable traffic accidents, Dir. Peete said. So we have to crack down on those things. And a lot of community complaints on folks who are driving while theyre on their phone or theyre texting and things of that effect. Glow-in-the-dark flowers being sold in Topeka With Riley Countys crime rate extremely low, 27 News asked Dir. Peete, what is the agency doing to keep crime down? I think its the culture of the department, Dir. Peete said. Its the servant-based leadership. Its the attitude of serving folks. But theres an also, theres a huge kudos to our community who trust us that we have a good amount of legitimacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. All recreational activities are suspended at Winton Lake in the wake of a recent sewage discharge, according to Winton Woods park officials. There's a "concerning" sewage discharge on the northern side of the lake, near the Winton Woods campground, according to news releases from Hamilton County Public Health and Great Parks. Until further notice, park officials have suspended all recreational activities at Winton Lake, including paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Swimming is already prohibited in the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extent of the discharge was not immediately available, as health officials turned toward Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, who are handling the situation, for more information. Officials were made aware of the situation on Monday, May 19, and the agency's environmental health specialists are actively investigating, according to the alert. The sewer district is taking water samples from the lake and expects results soon. Park visitors are recommended to exercise caution to prevent health issues because exposure to sewage can cause illness. Officials provided the following safety tips: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not let children or pets play near the affected area. Avoid letting bare skin come into contact with lake water. Wash hands, clothing and footwear thoroughly after being in the area. Winton Woods is a 2,529-acre park located in Springfield Township and Greenhills, north of Cincinnati. Its 113-site campground abuts the lake, which runs through the park. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Recreation suspended at Winton Lake amid sewer discharge BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. On May 20, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev received the President of the Centre for Higher Defense Studies of Italian National Defense University, Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino. The Italian delegation is on a visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. First, the Italian delegation arrived at the Alley of Shehids, visited the graves of heroic sons, who became Shehids for the independence and territorial integrity of the Motherland, laid flowers and paid tribute to their memory. During the meeting held at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General K.Valiyev welcomed the Italian guest and expressed his satisfaction with seeing him in Azerbaijan. The Chief of the General Staff emphasized that the exchange of experience within Azerbaijani-Italian military educational cooperation contributes to the development of professional military personnel potential. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, Lieutenant General S.Mannino highlighted the importance of organizing military courses, professional development programs, as well as implementing joint initiatives in the field of specialist training. At the meeting, it was noted that mutual visits play a key role in strengthening Azerbaijani-Italian military relations, and a detailed exchange of views on a number of other issues of mutual interest was held. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BENNETT, Colo. (KDVR) Resources for the Bennett tornado victims are now available on-site from the Red Cross. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the Red Cross set up a disaster assistance center at the Bennett Recreation Center at 455 S. 1st St. for dozens of individuals impacted by Sundays tornadoes. Working with folks to begin the process of identifying either short-term or long-term housing as it relates to damages that might have occurred to their homes. The other thing that were working on is collaborating with the county to conduct damage assessment of all the impacted structures, said John Seward of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross is providing physical resources as well, including cleanup kits, backpacks full of toiletries, snacks and food. FOX31 was on scene and saw supplies for pets, as well. The Red Cross was prepared to open a shelter for victims, but was able to find everyone a safe place to stay on Sunday. This is how strong 2 of Sundays tornadoes in Colorado were, according to NWS Our disaster mental health is going to be there as well. Offer that good shoulder to listen to, a good hug, and a blanket never hurt anybody, said Seward. Although it is unique that a tornado passed through Colorado, the Red Cross said its not unheard of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, all day every day, we are responding to disasters big and small, and over the last couple of weeks, weve had our hands in a great many tornadoes as well, particularly in Missouri and Arkansas, said Seward. The Red Cross said the best way to support victims is through monetary donations. For more information on resources following the tornado, visit the Red Cross 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 FOX31 Denver. Thomas Donald Smith, despite his best efforts and unfortunate twists and turns in life, did the one unforgivable condition of his probation he refused to submit to a drug test. As a result, Smiths probation was revoked during a hearing last Tuesday. Criminal Court Judge Wesley Bray, expressing sympathy for Smiths loss of his brother in a traffic crash, also found refusing to submit to the drug screen could not be overlooked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 2, 2022, Smith pleaded guilty to possession of less than .5 grams of meth with intent and received a three-year suspended sentence with 180 days to serve and the balance on supervised probation. Tennessee Department of Corrections/Board of Pardon and Parole Officer Kyla Cook testified on April 14, 2023, Smith was found in violation of conditions of probation by testing positive for meth and served an additional 45 days in jail. On June 21, 2023, Smiths probation was revoked again and this time he was granted furlough to attend Adult and Teen Challenge in Kentucky. Smith successfully completed the program and returned to supervised probation on Aug. 13, 2024, Cook testified. The next drug screens, from August 2024 to Nov. 30, 2024, Smith tested negative for drugs on weekly screens. Cook testified at no time did Smith ask for help with his addiction struggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 20, Smith declined to take a drug test despite being advised a warrant would be signed for probation violation. When made aware of the warrant, Smith turned himself in to authorities at the Justice Center, leading up to Tuesdays hearing. Smiths mother, Donna Smith, testified that her other son, Hunter Smith, 25, was killed in an August 2024 traffic crash in Pikeville by a motorist now charged with vehicular homicide. She said her surviving son, Thomas, was deeply affected by the family loss and was going to grief counseling sessions. He was coping with a lot, Mrs. Smith testified, and added she contacted the probation officer expressing concern that the tragedy was leading her son to return to meth use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Public Defender Janis Mize, noting Smiths original probation would have expired in December, urged the judge to let him serve six or seven months in jail and then terminate probation. Assistant District Attorney Allison Null asked the court to revoke Smiths probation, citing three violations of conditions of the supervised probation. In issuing his ruling, Bray expressed sympathy for Mrs. Smith and Thomas Smiths loss of his brother. But, he also noted that turning to drugs was not the answer. You do have the sympathy of the court drugs and the demon and life changing you should have taken the test, Bray said in revoking Smiths probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added testing positive, while not a result favorable for Smith, would have been better than refusing to take the test. In other cases on the docket, the following took place: Deadline docket James Michael Cain, possession of a weapon by a felon and domestic assault, continued to July 8. Jacob Ryan Edmonds, evading arrest, continued to June 17. John Christopher Garland, aggravated assault and vandalism of $2,500 to $10,000, continued to June 17. Curtis Richard Hood, aggravated child abuse, neglect or endangerment, continued to Aug. 12. Kelly Scott Hood, burglary, aggravated burglary, theft of property of $1,000 to $2,500 and joyriding, motion for evaluation granted and continued to July 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Leann Ladd, possession of meth with intent and possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony, continued to June 17. Tyler Ray Owens, possession of .5 grams of fentanyl or more, continued to June 17. Derek Brandon Parrott, theft of property of $2,500 to $10,000, vandalism of $1,000 to $2,500 and simple possession of meth, continued to June 17. William Rix Schuyler Jr., burglary and theft of property of $10,000 to $60,000, continued to June 3. Brandi Rena Stokes, simple possession of meth and simple possession, continued to June 3. Lisa Marie Wilson, vehicular homicide by intoxication, continued to June 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probation violations Cody Allen Dickenson, probation violation, capias and attachment issued for failure to appear, 10 days in jail and ordered held for bond hearing. Raylee Kay Hawkins, pleaded guilty to a probation violation of positive drug screen, to serve 15 days in jail at 75% and will keep judicial diversion with reinstatement back on probation after sentence is served. Timothy Wayne Martin, 90 days to serve at 75% after which probation will be terminated. Donnie Lynn Rector, probation violation, continued to June 3. Sunshine Angelia Schoonhoven Thomas, probation violation hearing continued to June 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Jack Williams, Public Defenders Office appointed to represent Williams and probation violation hearing continued to June 3. Continued boundover Robert Alva Sardella, one case, continued to May 20. Registration opens for WCSOs CHAMP Camp WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) will host its third annual CHAMP Camp on July 8. The camp is designed for rising fifth graders in Washington County, Tennessee, and is limited to 60 students. The kids who attended last year had almost as much fun as the deputies that led the activities, Lt. Kevin Sanders, who organizes the event, said in a news release. Theyll meet our K-9s, learn about criminal investigations, get to see our SWAT teams equipment, learn about gun safety and drive through a safety course with one of our driving instructors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 orphaned bear cubs rescued in Sullivan County Registration for the free camp is open and closes on June 6 at 5 p.m. For more information or to download an application, click here. Community members interested in supporting the event can make donations to the Friends of the Washington 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Utah Rep. Burgess Owens recent school choice bill offering tax incentives for contributions supporting student scholarships now has a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. On Tuesday, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Universal School Choice Act that allows up to $10 billion annually in dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits for individuals and businesses that contribute to non-profit scholarship-granting organizations. Owens introduced similar legislation in the House earlier this year, telling the Deseret News its one small step toward making sure that every child no matter what ZIP code, what race, what background has a choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruzs Senate bill is designed, according to his office, to enhance universal school choice and options for every child, regardless of where they live. The Republican senator calls school choice the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Every child in America deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or ZIP code, said Cruz in a Tuesday press release. In a statement Tuesday, Owens said hes grateful for Cruzs partnership to help lead the most transformational expansion of school choice the nations ever seen. Once the envy of the world, Americas math, reading, and writing scores have plummeted yet again a consequence of the federal governments one-size-fits-all approach to education, which continues to leave our kids unprepared for the demands of todays workforce, said Owens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Universal School Choice Act empowers parents to take the drivers seat in their childs future, unlocking a menu of education options that meet their unique needs. The Utah Republican has been a vocal advocate for school choice, arguing it offers parents opportunities to determine the right educational paths for their children. For some, he said, the right choice might be the local public school. For others, its a parochial school or maybe homeschooling. Universal School Choice Act highlights Cruzs bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit for individuals and corporations making contributions designated for scholarships benefiting qualified elementary and secondary school students. Individuals would be allowed a tax credit equal to the total of qualified contributions made in a taxable year with maximum limits of 10% of adjusted gross income, or $5,000. Scholarship recipients would be allowed to use the money to cover tuition, fees, curricular materials and other educational expenses including those for home-schooled students and special education services. Eligible scholarship-granting organizations must be nonprofit organizations that primarily engage in providing scholarship and operate under established guidelines such as undergoing independent audits and maintaining proper records. Scholarships should prioritize returning students, siblings of current recipients and those from low-income households. Organizers must avoid earmarking of funds for specific students. Parents retain the right to use scholarships at any qualified institution. The bill also includes protections preventing exclusion of private and religious schools from utilizing the scholarships. Utahs school choice battle being waged in the courts Of course, school choice/vouchers/scholarships debates remain litigious educational topics in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a 3rd District judge ruled that the Utah Fits All Scholarship program currently being utilized by thousands of Utah children was unconstitutional. In her decision against the scholarship program, Judge Laura Scott said that because Utah Fits All is created by the Utah Legislature and a publicly funded educational program, it must satisfy the constitutional requirements applicable to the public education system set forth in the Utah Constitution. The Legislature, added Scott, does not have the authority to circumvent these constitutional requirements by simply declining to designate the program as part of the public education system. Scott later decided the school voucher program could continue pending the expected defendants appeal before the Utah Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Fits All Scholarship program gives eligible K-12 students up to $8,000 a year for private school tuition and other costs. It went into effect in the fall of 2024. In its suit against the state, the Utah Education Association and other plaintiffs argued that the program violated the Utah Constitution because it diverts income tax revenue to fund private schools. Meanwhile, proponents of the program have countered that the program did not affect the states system of public schools, but was in addition to that constitutional requirement, and that it cleared the bar of using income tax to support children. Following the judges ruling, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and legislative supporters of the scholarship program said they are preparing to appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court. New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged on Monday for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers outside of an ICE detention facility earlier this month, a move the congresswoman claims was "purely political." Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced she was charging the congresswoman with assaulting and impeding a law enforcement officer. On May 9, McIver, along with a few other members of Congress and Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, were protesting outside of Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at ICE facility while joining Democrats to conduct 'oversight' Tensions at the protest escalated and pushing and shoving allegedly occurred, according to the U.S. attorney. "Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1)," Habba said in a statement. "That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected." "No one is above the law -- politicians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold Justice, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work," Habba added. PHOTO: Police body cam image of New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver outside of an ICE detention facility, in Newark, N.J., May 9, 2025. (United States District Court/District of New Jersey) President Donald Trump also claimed McIver was "out of control" while commenting on the charges at the Capitol on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have no idea who she is," Trump told reporters. "That woman was out of control. She was shoving federal agents. She was out of control. The days of that crap are over in this country. We're going to have law and order." MORE: What we know about the foreign college students targeted for deportation Following the charges, McIver alleged in a statement that the decision was politically motivated. "The charges against me are purely political -- they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight," McIver said. "This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges McIver tried to "thwart the arrest" of Baraka after he had been told to leave the secured area of the facility because, unlike the congresspeople, he did not have lawful authority to be there. She is accused of making "forcible contact" with authorities, including allegedly slamming her forearm into a Homeland Security Investigations agent and pushing and using "each of her forearms to forcibly strike" an ICE officer, according to the complaint. The complaint includes multiple stills from officer body camera footage showing what prosecutors allege were McIver's "multiple attempts to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with the agents attempting to take the Mayor into custody." PHOTO: Police body cam image of New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver outside of an ICE detention facility, in Newark, N.J., May 9, 2025. (United States District Court/District of New Jersey) The charges against Baraka were dropped by the U.S. attorney. Baraka said in a statement on X that he was glad the trespassing charge against him was dismissed, but that he stands with McIver and believes she will be "vindicated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated," the mayor wrote. PHOTO: Rep. LaMonica McIver speaks during a news conference with the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the Capitol Visitor Center to oppose Elon Musk gaining access to the Treasury Department's federal payment system, February 6, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Top House Democrats also released a joint statement defending McIver on Monday, vowing to "vigorously" respond to what they say is an illegitimate abuse of power. "An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place and manner of our choosing," the leaders said. Additionally, the party leaders noted that McIver toured the facility after the alleged altercation. "There is no credible evidence that Rep. McIver engaged in any criminal activity, and she would not have been permitted to tour the facility had she done anything wrong," the lawmakers claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the charges were brought following a "thorough review of the video footage." "If any person, regardless of political party, influence or status, assaults a law enforcement officer as we witnessed Congresswoman McIver do, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Noem wrote on X. "We thank our brave ICE law enforcement officers for their service to this great nation." Charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver spark backlash after incident with ICE agents originally appeared on abcnews.go.com May 20AUGUSTA The nation's top court on Tuesday ordered the Maine House of Representatives to restore the speaking and voting rights of Rep. Laurel Libby, a Republican lawmaker who was censured two months ago for a viral social media post identifying a transgender high school athlete. A majority of the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Libby after she filed an emergency appeal arguing that she should have the right to vote on legislation while her lawsuit over the punishment plays out. Two justices, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, disagreed with the ruling. Although her case is still pending in lower courts and she could still lose her right to vote in the future, Libby celebrated Tuesday's decision, calling it a victory for the Constitution. She says the ruling affirms her argument "that no state Legislature has the power to silence an elected official simply for speaking truthfully about issues that matter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This decision restores the voice of 9,000 Mainers who were wrongly silenced," Libby said, referring to her constituents in Auburn and Minot. "I am grateful for the Court's action, and I am ready to get back to work representing the people of House District 90." The Democratic majority in the House voted to censure the Auburn Republican in February for a viral Facebook post they said violated the chamber's code of ethics by putting the student and the broader school community at risk of harassment, intimidation and violence. Under long-standing House rules, a censured lawmaker cannot speak or vote on the floor unless they apologize, which Libby has refused to do. Libby said the punishment violates her right to free speech and leaves her district without representation. View this document on Scribd Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine state attorneys argued that she still has other ways to participate in the legislative process, such as through committee work, and that she could regain her voting privilege if she apologized. The ruling in Libby's favor was brief and not signed by any individual justice. It was apparently supported by seven of the justices. In her dissent, Justice Jackson wrote that the court has issued similar injunctions sparingly in the past and only in cases where intervention is needed to further the court's jurisdiction and when the applicant's entitlement to relief is "indisputably clear." "In my view, these applicants have not met this high bar," Jackson wrote. "The watering down of our Court's standards for granting emergency relief is, to me, an unfortunate development." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson noted that the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is moving quickly on Libby's lawsuit, with hearings scheduled within weeks. And she argued that Libby had not pointed to any significant upcoming votes where her vote could impact the outcome. She said Libby's case raises valid questions, but those have yet to be decided by a court, so they can't be indisputably clear. "I think this clear departure from past practice is both inequitable and unwise," Jackson said. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau said in a written statement that the House had complied with the order. "In accordance with the Supreme Court's injunction pending appeal, Representative Libby's ability to vote on the floor of the House has been restored until the current appeal process runs its course," Fecteau said. "We look forward to continuing with the important work Maine people expect of us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey declined to provide a response to the decision. REPUBLICANS APPLAUD RULING Libby's Republican colleagues, who have repeatedly called on Democrats to lift the censure, joined her in celebrating the court's ruling. "House Republicans stood united in opposing what we knew was an unconstitutional expulsion by the Democrats and today we stand vindicated by the Supreme Court's decision to restore Representative Libby's vote in the House," House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libby's February post featured photos of a high school athlete who won a girls track competition and who had competed in boys track the previous year. Her post included a photo of the student and first names in quotation marks, as well as the school's name. Libby's post went viral, causing the student's school district to beef up security when students returned from February vacation. The athlete has received an outpouring of support from 30 state and national groups, and hundreds of local community members, who held a rally in March. The post got the attention of the Trump administration, which has demanded that trans athletes be banned from girls and women's sports, and it sparked a White House confrontation over the issue between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills. While Mills has argued that the state is following federal or state laws, Trump threatened to cut off federal funds and his administration eventually filed a lawsuit against the state for not complying with Trump's executive order. Mills' stance drew national attention and she earned both praise and criticism for standing up to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libby, meanwhile, also received national attention for her defiance and position on transgender athletes, making the rounds on conservative programs and raising money in the process. She traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to stand beside U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as she announced the administration's lawsuit against the state for allowing transgender girls to compete in girl's sports. Libby and her supporters have argued that the censure was intended to silence dissent about trans athletes, while Democrats have maintained the action was taken because putting a child at risk violated House ethics standards. Maine Republicans are pushing for legislation that would ban trans athletes and potentially roll back transgender rights. During a public hearing this month, supporters of transgender athletes and students vastly outnumbered those advocating for additional restrictions on transgender student access to sports, bathrooms and changing facilities. The Judiciary Committee began discussing those bills Tuesday afternoon, and floor votes are expected in the coming weeks. Copy the Story Link CHICAGO (WGN) Rep. Lauren Underwood will not enter the race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. The Monday announcement ends weeks of speculation about the 38-year-old Congresswomans future plans. Durbin announced late last month his decision to not seek a sixth Senate term. Already, three high profile candidates have already entered the Democratic primary, creating potentially significant hurdles for additional entrants. In a statement, Underwood said her energy is better spent helping her party regain control of the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By serving in House Democratic leadership and leading the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) recruitment efforts, Ill continue working to drive down costs for American families, flip the House, and elect a new generation of changemakers, her post said. Already in the race are Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, whose campaign has been endorsed by billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi entered the contest earlier this month with more than $19.4 million dollars in donations, and Rep. Robin Kelly has received endorsements from more than a dozen House colleagues in her quest for higher office. Underwood won reelection in the 14th Congressional District last Fall. The former nurse was first elected in 2018, unseating four-term Republican Randy Hultgren in a midterm contest that flipped the U.S. House back to Democratic control and making her the youngest Black woman to join the body. Rep. Underwoods full statement: In 2018, I was elected to protect health care for people with pre-existing conditions. Since then weve gotten 19 pieces of legislation signed into law bringing home billions of dollars and expanding access to high quality affordable health care for every American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Donald Trump and his Administration are renewing their attacks on health care by trying to slash Medicaid and undo all the progress weve made, which would have deadly consequences for working families across the country. Our work is not done, and Ive decided the most powerful way for me to defend our values and hold Donald Trump accountable is to help Democrats win back the House. By serving in House Democratic leadership and leading the DCCC recruitment efforts, Ill continue working to drive down costs for American families, flip the House, and elect a new generation of changemakers. Im excited to keep leading that fight at home and in Washington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) An initial financial report called for by Oklahomas governor says the states mental health agency faces numerous errors and a nearly $30 million budget shortfall. In early May, Governor Kevin Stitt announced a series of steps to stabilize the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services amid ongoing issues with public confidence, transparency and financial and operational mismanagement. Governor Stitt shared the first step would be bringing in an independent financial expert to take temporary control of the departments finances. A news release said that individual would assess the agencys financial shortfall to give the legislature an accurate and credible supplemental budget request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financial experts dig into Dept. of Mental Healths money woes; still no exact number on shortfall The Governors office shared Monday that he has received a report pertaining to that step. Stitt appointed accountant David Greenwell to prepare the report. It first starts off by recognizing at $29.9 million dollar supplemental funding need for the agency, an amount that has been up in the air the past few weeks amid tense hearings at the state capitol. In the report, Greenwell says there is a reasonable margin of error and that needs may vary due to changes in service levels or unforeseen costs. The report doesnt say how the agency ended up in the budget hole, adding no audit or review services were done. The review goes on to recommend a little over four dozen changes Greenwell says the agency should implement over the next year and a half to protect its billing patients and integrity. Key recommendations include hiring a new Chief Financial Officer and Internal Auditor, upgrading outdated accounting systems and expanding training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenwell said in a statement he didnt believe anything about the department was permanently broken. He said that adjustments should help the agency be able to get back to the business of caring for the most vulnerable Oklahomans. Agency Commissioner Allie Friesen has not sat down for an interview with News 4 but shared her own statement on the audit: Since joining ODMHSAS, Ive been clear that I want to ensure this department is in the best position possible to care for those who need our services most. Im grateful to Governor Sitt, David Greenwell, and the team at OMES for their assistance in this matter. We are going to come out stronger on the other side. Allie Friesen, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Governor Stitt stood by Friesens leadership in a statement of his own Monday, despite calls for her resignation: No one signs up for a job like this thinking theyll have to take on decades of financial mismanagement. Commissioner Friesen has navigated this challenge admirably and has kept me and my team informed every step of the way. Oklahomans will be better off now that we have a handle on this department. Governor Kevin Stitt You can read the full report 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The King of the UK and Northern Ireland, His Majesty Charles III, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Dear Mr. President, My wife and I are delighted to send Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan our warmest congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your National Day. I am so pleased that our countries share such strong ties, and I look forward to strengthening further our friendship. It is my hope and strong ambition that our nations can collaborate to make a positive impact on climate change and environmental issues, which affect us all globally. My wife and I have great pleasure in conveying our best wishes to you and to all Azerbaijanis in the year ahead.'' First Lady Casey DeSantis and Gov Ron DeSantis at a May 20, 2025, Hope Florida press conference in Tampa. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Two Florida newspapers are reporting there is an open investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, First Lady Casey DeSantis signature social-services program, which came under legislative scrutiny this year over its finances. The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, chaired by Pensacola Republican Alex Andrade, held a series of meetings this year investigating the transfer to the foundation of $10 million from a $67 million Medicaid overpayment settlement with the state. The nonprofit organization steered the funds to two groups that wound up directing a combined $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee created to oppose Amendment 3, the failed 2024 ballot measure that would have legalized marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-marijuana campaign was of particular importance to Gov. Ron DeSantis, and was chaired by James Uthmeier, then DeSantis chief of staff, now the governors appointee as state attorney general. According to a report published Tuesday by the joint Capitol bureau for the The Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald, the papers requested documents that States Attorney General Jack Campbell who investigates and prosecutes alleged crimes in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon (the seat of Florida state government), Liberty, and Wakulla counties may have received from Andrade regarding the Hope Florida Foundation. Andrade had suggested the financial arrangements might have been illegal. The state attorneys office declined to release any information because it was part of an open, on-going investigation, the newspapers reported. The Florida Phoenix asked Campbell on Tuesday whether his office was investigating the Hope Florida Foundation. He did not respond. The Phoenix also put in a request for any documents related to the Hope Florida Foundation that Campbells office may have received from Andrade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The information you request is part of an open, on-going investigation, public records administrator Lori Abbey replied. I cannot verify what information is contained or referenced within the investigation. Also, I cannot verify how any information has been provided to this office. Meanwhile, the governor and First Lady held a lengthy press conference in Tampa Tuesday, touting the Hope Florida program and its success. When asked about the reported investigation Tuesday, DeSantis seemed surprised and said, Based on what? Then he defended the program, championed by his wife. Well, I mean, I can tell you, this has been a very successful program, DeSantis said. Everything thats been thrown at it is pure politics. I believe in this program deeply, and I stand by it 100%, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope Florida uses state employee navigators to help connect people who rely on Medicaid and supplemental nutrition programs with the private sector and faith-based communities in an effort to help them gain financial independence. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Tallahassee-area State Attorney Jack Campbell reportedly has opened an investigation into the $10 million from a Medicaid settlement given to a charity connected to First Lady Casey DeSantis that made its way into the coffers of a political committee. And Gov. Ron DeSantis isnt happy about it. Based on what? DeSantis said May 20 when a reporter asked about the probe, which was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything thats been thrown at (Hope Florida) is pure politics, DeSantis said. I believe in this program deeply and stand by it 100%. Campbell, a Democrat who first took office in 2017, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Last month he told the USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA he wasnt investigating the Hope Florida payment. "As for (an) investigation, the only source of information I have received is from members of the press," Campbell said in an email. "The Florida Legislature has many good lawyers including some former prosecutors. I am sure they would refer any evidence of crimes to me if they found them. In a recent response to a request by the Herald/Times for Hope Florida Foundation-related records, however, the records custodian for Campbell said the information couldnt be released because it was part of an open, on-going investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As state attorney for the 2nd Judicial Circuit, he is the capital region's top elected law enforcement official, responsible for prosecuting crime in six counties: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Wakulla and Leon, which includes Tallahassee. Casey DeSantis speaks during a press conference in the Cabinet Room on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Money flowing to political panel got attention from lawmakers News of the investigation came as DeSantis had finished lauding the Hope Florida program at an event in Tampa, highlighting its work to connect low-income Floridians with social services provided by nonprofits, including churches. As the brainchild of Casey DeSantis, Hope Florida began in 2021, using state employees in several agencies as Hope navigators to get those in need in touch with non-governmental entities to provide support. But an inquiry led by House Republicans discovered a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity set up in 2023 to raise money for the program, was passed through other nonprofits before ending up in a political committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The payment was part of a settlement between Centene, a provider under the states Medicaid Managed Care program, and the state. Under the settlement, which was brought by overpayments made to Centene, the state received $57 million and the Hope Florida Foundation received a $10 million donation. State Attorney Jack Campbell took questions from reporters on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, about the surprise continuance that came two days earlier in the trial of Donna Adelson, who's accused of helping orchestrate the 2014 murder of law professor Dan Markel. Days later, the Hope Florida Foundation gave two $5 million grants to two nonprofits. Those nonprofits then gave $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee. That committee was run by James Uthmeier, who in October 2024 when the payment was made was DeSantis chief of staff and is now Florida's attorney general. The committee used the money to oppose Amendment 3 on the November ballot, which would have legalized recreational marijuana. "We aren't aware of and haven't received any inquiries from the state attorney," Jeremy Redfern, a spokesman for Uthmeier, stated in a post on X. "Looks like more lawfare driven by the fake news media and those politically motivated to hurt Gov. Ron DeSantis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Health Care Budget Subcommittee Chair Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, led the initial probe into the payment. He has previously said he thinks a crime was committed but it wasnt his responsibility to conduct a criminal investigation or charge anyone. Casey DeSantis is still considering running for governor in 2026 to succeed her term-limited husband, but a criminal probe into her signature initiative even though Andrade and no one investigating the payment has suggested she was involved with any criminal activity could complicate her entry into the race. "This is not about politics. This is about doing good on behalf of the people who deserve a chance for someone to fight for them," Casey DeSantis said of Hope Florida during the event. Amid published reports that she may be reconsidering a run, the first lady also told the crowd she's in no hurry to make a decision: I've got to save the Free State, but we literally just went through an election cycle, right? Were 100 days into the presidency. And you talk to a lot of people around the state, and they are so tired of politics. Andrade 'Sent everything I had over to the State Attorney's Office' As for Andrade, he told the USA TODAY Network Florida, "Im not in a position to comment on what law enforcement is or isnt doing. Im convinced that crimes occurred and I believe those engaged in public corruption should face justice. Whether they ever face justice is up to law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He confirmed that he turned over documents his committee gathered to the State Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice. "I spoke with the DOJ, and I wouldn't expect them to talk to me about it ever again (because) I told them everything I knew," he said. "Turned over every document to them, and that was it." State Represenative Alex Andrade attends a meeting at Pensacola State College on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025. "From my perspective, I'm confident that a crime occurred, public corruption occurred," he added, "and that James Uthmeier committed money laundering and wire fraud. I'm confident enough to say that publicly ...." Uthmeier has said previously that he wasn't involved in settlement negotiations related to the Hope Florida contribution "and looking at it, everything looks legal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrade says the matter is out of his hands. "It's always premature to overreact to an investigation because one result of an investigation is that no criminal charges are brought. So when I stopped having hearings, I sent everything I had over to the State Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice, and after that, as far as collecting new evidence, it's pretty much up to them." Previous coverage: State Attorney Jack Campbell says he's not looking into Hope Florida foundation donation Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis fumes as Hope Florida cash triggers prosecutor's inquiry Protesters gather in Kenosha the second night of protests on August 24th, 2020. This was before the clashes with police later that night. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) Imagine you hear about a protest in your community and, curious, you join your neighbors who are marching in the street. Although the protest is loud and slows down traffic, it appears peaceful and non-violent. Then suddenly, someone throws a rock or spray-paints a building, and now you find yourself among those apprehended for felony rioting, regardless of whether you committed an act of vandalism or know who did. Civil rights advocates fear such a scenario if under a Republican bill that defines a riot as a public disturbance, an act of violence or a clear and present danger of property destruction or personal injury involving at least three people. A similar bill was introduced in 2017 by Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield). A new version is (AB-88), authored by Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers) and Sen. Dan Feyen (R- Fond du Lac). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who say their property was damaged or vandalized during what the bill defines as a riot would also be able to seek civil damages from people or organizations that provided material support or resources with the intent that such support or resources would be used to perpetrate the offense, under the bill. It also prohibits government officials with direct authority over law enforcement agencies from limiting or restricting those agencies ability to quell vandalism or rioting, as defined by the bill. The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. Jon McCray Jones, a policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin is concerned that the bills definition of a riot is too vague. Using that definition, a riot could be three teenagers driving around in a car knocking off mail boxes, McCray Jones told Wisconsin Examiner. Technically, with this definition, a riot could be a food fight. The bills language concerning people who urge, promote, organize, encourage, or instigate others to commit a riot is also vague according to McCray Jones, who says this aspect of the bill would open protest leaders and organizers up to criminal and civil liability, regardless of their involvement in rioting. Sortwell and Feyen did not respond to requests for comment for this story. In written testimony before the Assembly Committee on Judiciary on May 7, both lawmakers said that riots have become more common in recent years. We saw the destructive riots a few years ago in several metropolitan areas, including right here in Madison and Kenosha, said Sortwell, referring to George Floyd-inspired protests and unrest in 2020. Taking a walk down State Street, one would see busted doors and windows of businesses, products stolen, and a smashed statue of a Civil War hero. Several business owners, employees, and citizens had their lives upended. Feyen said that peaceful protests are a cornerstone of our public discourse and will always be protected under the First Amendment, but a line needs to be drawn when those protests go from being peaceful to being destructive and violent. Although the bill does not mention specific protests, Feyen wrote, stricter penalties are needed to deter protesters from crossing that line from protest to property destruction, vandalism, arson, and physical violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although scenes of burning buildings and looted stores received a lot of news coverage in 2020, studies suggest that at least 96% of Black Lives Matter protests during the movements peak in May and June of 2020 were peaceful. Reports by TMJ4 found that 74.3% of the nearly 200 people whod been placed on an intelligence list by police in Milwaukee county that year had never been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Some reports, however, using data derived from insurance claims, estimate that as much as $2 billion in damage nationally occurred due to protests in 2020. Some residents of Kenosha a city referenced by the bills authors recall how months of non-violent protest in Kenosha after Floyds death were overshadowed by the unrest that occurred in August 2020. The shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha officer Rusten Sheskey, which paralyzed Blake, led to days of protest and unrest, millions of dollars worth of property destruction, and ended when then-17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse fatally shot two people and wounded another, in what a jury later ruled was an act of self-defense. Kenosha law enforcement form up with riot shields, long rifles, and armored vehicles during unrest in the city in August 2020 after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) During committee hearings on May 7, Sortwell said that the bill seeks to punish not only people who commit vandalism but also those people who put together the riot. Several groups have either lobbied or spoken out against the bill. The Wisconsin Civil Justice Council submitted written testimony opposing the bill on the behalf of 16 business associations working together on civil liability matters. The council said that the bill would allow for civil compensation for emotional distress stemming from property destruction, noting that emotional damages are generally limited. AB-88 would also allow for any civil compensation to include attorneys fees, which would be another departure from current law, the council wrote. Others spoke against the bill in person on May 7, pointing to the bills broad language and the chilling effect it could have on political movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill is just a blatant attempt to stop people from protesting, said McCray Jones. This is a way to silence organizers from fighting for political change and threatening the status quo in power. Organizers could potentially be sued for anything that happens at a protest, or even just for transporting someone to a protest that later turns into a riot, as defined under the bill. What counts as urging or promoting a riot is broad enough to include common protest chants, like no justice, no peace, McCray Jones said. And if you have ambitious or politically motivated district attorneyspolitically motivated prosecutors, the vagueness of this bill could be weaponized free speech now gets criminally turned into inciting a riot. McCray Jones added that he wonders what a police figure like former Milwaukee PD Chief Harold Breier notorious for targeting and surveilling Black, brown and LGBTQ communities would have been able to accomplish had such a law been at his disposal. Protesters march toward Wauwatosa in 2020. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) As police departments develop their social media surveillance capabilities, its possible under the bill that making posts encouraging people to attend a protest could be seen as an attempt to urge, promote, organize, encourage, or instigate a riot under the bill. After the protests of 2020, some agencies that monitored protesters enacted new intelligence-gathering policies to help prevent broad, ideology-based surveillance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that right now this moment gives us a very opportune chance to highlight the importance of protecting the privacy of protesters here in Wisconsin, McCray Jones told Wisconsin Examiner. McCray Jones said he hopes debate about the bill will become a jumping off point to talk about not just data privacy for protesters, not just privacy from law enforcement for marginalized communities, but what does it look like to re-think our position on surveillance in the midst of this regime in D.C. that is blatantly ignoring due process, the rule of law, and civil rights. The Defense Department is reviewing a request from the Department of Homeland Security for 20,000 National Guardsmen to help with the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts, the chief of National Guard Bureau told lawmakers Tuesday. At a House hearing Tuesday, Gen. Steven Nordhaus was asked about a report last week in The New York Times that Homeland Security officials requested the Guardsmen to help with "interior immigration enforcement" -- which would mark a major change from the supporting role that the Guard has traditionally played in security at the southern border. "I do know that the Department of Defense has received a request for assistance," Nordhaus said. "It is just initially into the building and is being staffed. I don't have specific details or how the department will execute on that request for assistance at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Veterans Mortgage Assistance Plan Approved by House After VA Ends Rescue Program The National Guard has buttressed U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border for years, assisting with tasks such as patrols and building barriers. But President Donald Trump, after winning with a presidential campaign message that vowed "mass deportations now," has increasingly turned to the military to deliver that promise. Trump has deployed roughly 10,000 U.S. troops to the border, as well as more heavy-duty equipment primarily meant for overseas combat, and given active-duty troops new roles such as patrols. He also designated a large stretch of land along the border as a military zone as a way to increase criminal charges against those arrested for crossing the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military has also been tapped for deportation flights and housing migrants at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba while they await deportation. If the National Guard is tasked with helping immigration enforcement inside the U.S., it would be an unprecedented mission. At Tuesday's hearing before the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee, Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., pressed Nordhaus on several outstanding questions about the role the National Guard could play in deportations, including whether troops would be tasked with arrests, what legal authority they would have to conduct law enforcement activities, and what law enforcement training they would have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there's a lot of legal questions that our Guardsmen and women need to know before they're assigned to duties, and I expect due diligence to be done," said McCollum, the ranking member of the subcommittee. While Nordhaus had few specifics to offer, in general, he vowed that the National Guard would adhere to the Constitution. "We operate under the authorities of either the state and the governor, or operate under authorities from Congress," he said. "And so we take those things very seriously, and we make sure that we're following the Constitution, we're following the law, and any policy and guidance." He also appeared to downplay the unprecedented nature of the request, comparing it to the support the National Guard provides law enforcement at presidential inaugurations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCollum also pressed Nordhaus over how the Guard's increasing mission on the border is affecting its ability to train for war. Nordhaus brushed aside those concerns, saying that the Guard is "always ready, always there." That stands in contrast to Nordhaus' predecessor, who issued a stark warning last year about border missions distracting from training. Related: How Trump Is Leaning on the Military to Fulfill His Hopes of Mass Deportations and an Immigration Freeze BENNETT, Colo. (KDVR) First responders and residents are surveying the damage after a tornado caused serious destruction in parts of Bennett. Ronnie was outside of her home in Bennett on Sunday afternoon when she noticed an alert on her phone. Tornadoes touchdown in NE Colorado, egg-sized hail reported: Photos, NWS data There was no wind, you think that theres going to be this precursor, this like, earth-shattering event to let you know that theres another event coming, Ronnie said. The only warning I had was my phone went off, and it sounded like an Amber Alert or something. And I checked it out, and it was one of those weather alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right after the weather alert, footage Ronnie shared with FOX31 captured what rolled in. Theres just this wall of this like tsunami of brown material headed my way, she said. We occupied the safest room and it was just here. And I remember being shocked at how long it was here. Then I came back out and saw it, and it was just a beautiful day except for the war zone. Rampart Search and Rescue deployed to the Bennett area to assist on Sunday. There was quite a bit of devastation, and so you feel for the folks that, you know, have lost everything, David Haskin, chief of Rampart Search and Rescue, said. The house behind me, we just found out that the house was just sold. I dont know if the new people are here in town or theyre out of town, but that will be a little bit of a shock for them when they find out the devastation of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haskin and the volunteer search and rescue team flew drones to help the damage assessment team, helped to block roads with downed power lines and responded to homes to make sure residents were not stuck under debris. A family didnt have power, so they were looking at a way that they could get water for their livestock, Haskin said. We reached out to the Adams County Public Works Department to see if they could bring a tender in to fill up their water bales. At least 20 structures damaged by tornadoes in eastern Colorado on Sunday Ronnie said community members and volunteers came out quickly to help in the midst of the chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community really kicked in, Ronnie said. There was probably about, I would say, easily 30 plus people out here last night, late into the night. Adams Countys emergency notification process is managed by AdCom-911 using the CodeRed system. The sheriffs department tells FOX31 that residents also receive notifications from the National Weather Service through the Emergency Alert System. You can learn more about these systems here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) With the NATO Parliamentary Assembly just days away, people who live downtown near the NATO Village can expect to see some changes over the next 24 hours. International delegates are on their way to the Gem City, and local law enforcement says that means some Dayton residents will have limited access to major streets that will be closed off. Downtown road closures, security measures announced for NATO 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assembly starts on May 22, and city workers and law enforcement are already beginning to set up blockades and detours around the security zone known as the NATO Village. Some barricades will allow for local residents to pass through the security zone without needing clearance, but many in downtown arent sure what this week will look like. I think people dont really know what to expect, until tomorrow, said Nik Saxon, downtown resident. Dayton residents who live in the NATO Village area say they are still waiting on more information about how they are supposed to access their personal vehicles and sidewalks during the summit. In a news conference last week, city leaders addressed the public concern for road closures and other blockades. Police say they are doing their best to minimize the impact on people who live in and around the security zone for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saxon says police officers have come to his residents and explained some of what is to come for residents who live in that area. People coming downtown will not be allowed within the NATO Village. Weve been made to feel theres going to be pedestrian chutes, so there will be some limited pedestrian walkways, said Saxon. According to city officials, dignitaries from around the world are scheduled to begin arriving on Tuesday and Wednesday, which means several roads located in the heart of Dayton will soon be inaccessible to those who are not pre-approved. Saxon says from what hes been told, he will not be able to park on the street in front of his home he will have to park in the Oregon District, adding that it is still not clear how residents will be able to access their cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to city leaders, all road operations will be back to normal by Tuesday, May 27. Police say that people should follow their social media accounts for real-time updates during this weeks activities downtown. Click here for more coverage of the 2025 NATO Spring Session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAU CALIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) Day 1 of the Wisconsin Highway 93 resurfacing project closes traffic, or goes down to one lane, from Cedar Road south of Eau Claire to the Trempealeau County Line north of Eleva. Crews were busy restoring materials like pavement, the bridge that crosses Clear Creek south of County HH and the box culvert at Pine Creek north of County HH. During construction hours, traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Traffic will be detoured via I-94, Wisconsin Highway 37 and US Highway 10. WISODT Project Manager Daniel Rambo explains, Access to residences and businesses will be maintained during that detour. After that detour is done, the resurfacing work will be, you know, being worked on, and that will be done through a lane closure with traffic controlled by flagging. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says that construction is scheduled for completion in late September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. The Navys former No. 2 officer on Monday was found guilty of bribery and other counts related to steering work to a company in exchange for a job after leaving the service, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. Retired Adm. Robert Burke, former Navy vice chief of naval operations, was convicted of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts. His conviction makes him the senior-most member of the U.S. military ever found guilty of committing a federal crime while serving on active duty. When you abuse your position and betray the public trust to line your own pockets, it undermines the confidence in the government you represent, interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement. Our office, with our law enforcement partners, will root out corruption be it bribes or illegal contracts and hold accountable the perpetrators, no matter what title or rank they hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burke, 63, of Coconut Creek, Fla., was arrested last year and charged with the crimes along with the co-CEOs of technology services firm Next Jump the company he joined after retirement Yongchul Charlie Kim and Meghan Messenger. Kim and Messenger, both of New York, were each charged with bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, according to the cases unsealed indictment. They face trial in August, which is when Burke will be sentenced. The saga marks a devastating blow to the Navy, which in the past several years has struggled with a loss of confidence in numerous top officers, command failures and bribery scandals. Burke, who served aboard attack and ballistic missile submarines, rose through the ranks to eventually become chief of naval personnel in 2016 followed by vice chief of naval operations in June 2019. He then took command of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command in June 2020 before retiring in summer 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim and Messenger, meanwhile, via their company Next Jump, provided a workforce training pilot program to a small component of the Navy from August 2018 through July 2019. The deal appeared to turn sour, however, and the Navy terminated a contract with the company in late 2019 and directed it not to contact Burke. But in summer 2021, Messenger and Kim met with Burke in Washington, D.C., to reestablish their companys business relationship with the Navy. While at the meeting, the two agreed that Burke would use his position as a Navy Admiral to steer a contract to their firm as well as influence other Navy officers to award another contract to the company in exchange for his future employment there, according to the Justice Department. Burke in December 2021 then ordered his staff to award a $355,000 contract to Next Jump to train personnel under Burkes command in Italy and Spain, which the company performed in January 2022. Burke was accused of making several false and misleading statements to the Navy to conceal the scheme, such as implying that his discussions to join Next Jump began months after the contract was awarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2022, Burke began working at Next Jump with an annual salary of $500,000 and a grant of $100,000 in stock options. Burkes convictions of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while the other charges are punishable by up to 30 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Correction: In the three on-air reports attached to this story, the Towaliga Circuit prosecutor handing this case was incorrectly identified as Wayne Johnson. His name is Wayne Jernigan. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) WRBL is learning new information regarding the 16-month Muscogee County Sheriffs Office investigation into the citys Finance Department. WRBL has obtained from the Sheriffs Office a copy of the investigative report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigators began looking into how City Manager Isaiah Hugleys personal financial information was leaked and posted to social media. It quickly turned into an investigation of the Columbus Finance Department and claims of mismanagement and wrongdoing. The Sheriffs Office made two arrests: Finance Director Angelica Alexander and former Revenue Manager Yvonne Ivey. Both were charged with misdemeanors unrelated to financial crimes. The Sheriffs Office recommended that six current or former city employees be charged. However, the Middle Georgia DAs office, which is prosecuting the case, only chose to bring minor charges against two people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Towaliga DA Wayne Jernigan told WRBL today: The only thing I can say is my job is to evaluate the facts and surrounding circumstances and proceed on charges I believe can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. WRBL asked retired Columbus criminal defense attorney and former Columbus Police Officer Steve Craft to review the investigation. While I know that the investigators named in the report and have handled cases theyve been involved in, they dont have a financial background or criminal financial background training to understand the nuances of financial crimes, Craft said :It is obvious by some of their observations. They dont understand the terms of art or the meaning of what is happening and what is supposed to happen versus what they see as being wrongdoing. Heres Crafts take on the fact that multiple Columbus city councilors were interviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, you get this in front of a jury and you get this report; you call some of the people that testified that gave statements in this report, and now it becomes political, Craft said, I mean, obviously, there are a lot of people who were unhappy with various aspects of city departments, their performance, city leadership and different people involved. But its clearly got a tent or better yet, a taint of political issues. Ivey has been charged with two counts of simple battery on incidents from 2017 and 2022. Alexander is facing on obstruction of a law enforcement officer. You put this in front of a jury and they I just be honest I think theres a statute of limitations issue with the misdemeanor battery, Craft said. So I dont think that obviously a jury on the obstruction recommendations are based on statements given under Beckwith. So that wouldnt be admissible. Then theres the interpretation of the records and the destruction and whats lacking to all of the investigation is criminal intent. Beckwith is a Supreme Court decision that compels a public employee to answer investigators questions. Generally speaking, that information can not be used against them criminally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation started in January of last year. Sheriff Greg Countryman tells WRBL there is a second phase of this investigation that is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. A retired four-star Navy admiral was found guilty of a bribery scheme Monday following a three-day jury deliberation in Washington, D.C. Adm. Robert P. Burke, a former vice chief of naval operations who more recently served as the commander of naval forces in Europe and Africa before retiring in 2022, was convicted of bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery, and performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts. He has become the senior-most member of the United States military to ever be convicted of committing a federal crime while on active duty, according to The Washington Post. He was initially, arrested in May 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burke, 63, was found guilty of funneling work to the was initiallytechnology services company, Next Jump, in 2021 and reestablishing its business relationship with the Navy in exchange for a high-paying job following his departure from service. He began working at the company after his retirement in 2022 where he was paid $500,000 yearly. Next Jump co-CEOs Charlie Kim and Meghan Messenger will face trial in August. Burke, who hails from Coconut Creek, Florida, faces up to 20 years in prison for his bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery charges. His conviction for performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts charge is punishable by up to 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His sentencing has been set for August by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, and he is expected to appeal his conviction, according to The Post. The former vice chiefs attorney, Timothy C. Parlatore, described the verdict as very surprising and disappointing, claiming that the government tried to present a very narrow sliver of the evidence to the jury and tried to prevent the defense from putting in any exhibits, according to The Post. The Daily Beast has contacted Parlatore for further comment. The plot between Pavel Durov and the French authorities has taken an unexpected turn. Durov, the founder of Telegram, revealed that this spring, at the luxurious Paris hotel Hotel de Crillon, the head of French intelligence, Nicolas Lerner, personally approached him and politely asked him to... silence conservative voices in Romania on the messenger ahead of the elections. Well, so that democracy, apparently, doesnt become too democratic. After all, who knows what might be chosenperhaps not the candidate they like in the Elysee Palace? The request was simple: "Pashka, do for us what Iran does, but the opposite." But, to Paris' displeasure, Durov refused. He explained that Telegram had not blocked protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iranand he wasn't going to start doing it in Europe. Interestingly, the French Foreign Ministry denied the claims, but the intelligence service confirmed the fact of contact. By the way, Durov himself wrote about it. "French foreign intelligence has confirmed that they met with me, allegedly to fight terrorism and child pornography. In fact, child pornography wasn't even mentioned. They wanted to track IPs of terrorist suspects in France, but their main focus was always geopolitics: Romania, Moldova, Ukraine," he wrote. It's clear that Macronbecause, of course, the head of intelligence didnt go to Durov on his owntook Durov's refusal as a demonstration of "arrogance." How dare he? Did he just disobey the bearers of "European values"? And it was all quite picturesque: a luxury hotel, the whispers of secret services, the fight against "wrong" opinions. Macron, as usual, playing his role somewhere between freedom of speech and political hypocrisy... but it failed. To control the streetsin Paris, New Caledonia, and across Francethis "Nedonapoleon" still hasnt figured it out. He decided to go online, and there was a failure. Not just a failure, but a scandal, because Durov took and leaked the office. Didnt expect this, Monsieur Macron? BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Dear Mr. President, On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to extend to you my most sincere congratulations. The recent agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a peace treaty is a source of hope, and we welcome this promising development. We encourage the swift signing of the agreement with Armenia, thereby bringing this conflict to a definitive end for the mutual benefit of both nations' peoples. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for the well-being of you and your family, as well as for the peace and prosperous future of the people of Azerbaijan.'' A retired Navy admiral was found guilty of bribery by a federal jury Monday for steering a contract to a private company while serving in the Navy in exchange for a job with the company post-retirement, federal prosecutors said. Retired Adm. Robert Burke, a former vice chief of naval operations, was found guilty of bribery, performing acts affecting a personal financial interest and concealing material facts following a trial that ended Monday in Washington, D.C., federal court, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. Burke is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 22. He could face 20 to 30 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burke is the most senior military member ever convicted of committing a federal crime while on active duty, according to The Washington Post. Retired admiral pleads not guilty in federal bribery case When you abuse your position and betray the public trust to line your own pockets, it undermines the confidence in the government you represent, said interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro in the release. Our office, with our law enforcement partners, will root out corruption be it bribes or illegal contracts and hold accountable the perpetrators, no matter what title or rank they hold. From 2020 to 2022, Burke was a four-star Admiral overseeing U.S. naval operations in Europe, Russia and most of Africa, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that time, Burke directed a contract to Next Jump, an executive training company. Burke initially contacted Next Jump after a series of scandals involving U.S. Navy officers and defense contractor Leonard Francis, known as Fat Leonard. The contract was to help address a perceived ethical and leadership crisis in the service. But his own decisions then led to another ethical crisis. I was allowing myself to be influenced in ways that were inappropriate, Burke said in a secretly recorded Oct. 3, 2023, interview with Navy criminal investigators, the Post reported. I put myself in positions that allowed [Next Jump] to influence me, and I didnt fully disclose everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-CEOs and co-defendants Charlie Kim and Meghan Messenger oversaw Next Jump and conducted a workforce training pilot for the Navy from 2018 to 2019. But the Navy terminated the contract in late 2019 and directed the company not to contact Burke. However, the admiral met with the co-CEOs in Washington in July 2021 to reestablish [Next Jumps] business relationship with the Navy, according to the release. In the meeting, the CEOs agreed Burke would use his position to steer the contract to their company for future contracts that could potentially be worth millions. In December 2021, Burke ordered his staff to award a $355,000 contract to Next Jump to train personnel under his command in Italy and Spain. The company performed the training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burke then tried to get another contract for the company by persuading another admiral to sign off on it. He made several false and misleading statements to the Navy to conceal the scheme, according to the release. In October 2022, Burke, who had since retired from the Navy, took a position with Next Jump for an annual salary of $500,000 and 100,000 stock options. Burkes attorney, Tim Parlatore, called the decision a wrongful verdict, according to Military.com, and told the outlet it was the result of a hasty trial in which the government went to great lengths to present evidence that showed only half the story. Parlatore said the trial was initially set to run for three weeks but wrapped in five days, concluding without the government presenting all of its evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case demonstrates that when you start with a bad investigation by incompetent investigators, you end up with a case that the only way you can get a conviction is by hiding the evidence from the jury, Parlatore said. Kim and Messenger will face their separate trial in August. Next Jump attorney Reed Brodsky told the Post that he expected their trial to be very different. I expect the evidence will show that Burke and others at the Navy misled Charlie and Meghan in material ways, and they reasonably relied on Burke who was lying to them. I think itll be embarrassing for the Navy, Brodsky said. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A retired Prince Georges County firefighter was arrested in connection to the rape of a junior firefighter in the 1990s. The allegations came to light in July 2024 and the Prince Georges County Police Department opened a case. Upon investigation, police said that the victim was sexually assaulted on multiple occasions between 1991 and 1996 when they were between 13 and 17 years old. The assaults occurred at multiple locations, including the suspects home and the Hyattsville Fire Station, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police identify man killed in Fort Washington shooting The suspect was identified as 61-year-old John Inman of Myrtle Beach, SC. He retired from the Prince Georges County Fire Department in 2017. Prince Georges County Special Crimes Unit was on the case. Assistant Commander Danielle Selway spoke about how proud she is of this unit. No matter when a crime occurred, we want to know about it so that we can investigate it and we can hold those responsible accountable, said Selway. These people deserve justice, and Im very proud of my people for being able to deliver justice and closure for our victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives obtained a warrant for Inmans arrest on May 12. He turned himself in on May 17. He is charged with second-degree rape, child abuse-custodian and related charges. Police ask that anyone with any more information call detectives at 301-772-4930. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Retired Vigo County Sheriffs Office Lt. Brent Hall has been recognized for injury in the line of duty while handling a dangerous call in which police were shot at. Hall was presented the Order of The Blue Heart by The Wounded Blue organization. Vigo County sheriffs deputies on April 11, 2020, investigated a call in which a West Terre Haute woman reported her husband might have been injured or committed suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies began searching for the mans vehicle and found it in a field at the base of a hill near West Illiana Drive and Crews Place. The rear window of the SUV appeared to be shot out. Hall was examining the SUV when he came under fire from nearby trees and bushes. At least three bullets struck Halls vehicle. Deputies took cover and called for assistance as more shots were fired at them. Officers from the sheriffs department, city police and state police responded and tried to make contact with the gunman. Eventually, police spotted the shooter concealed in brush while firing at officers. A reserve sheriffs deputy shot and killed the gunman, who was identified as 51-year-old Errol Bolin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After investigation, the shooting was deemed justified by Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt, who said Bolin ambushed law enforcement officers. As Hall was being fired upon, he was moving to a position of cover when he suffered a broken ankle. Hall and other responders received the Medal of Valor for their actions. Hall, however, had not been recognized for suffering an injury during the incident. Hall has since retired from the Vigo County Sheriffs Office. He now works as a fraud investigator with the First Financial Bank in Terre Haute, where the awards ceremony was conducted. For more information on the The Wounded Blue, visit https://thewoundedblue.org/ An 11-year First Amendment saga could be put to rest on Tuesday. Ocala City Council members will vote to approve a settlement agreement with residents who sued the city over a police-led prayer vigil in 2014. The vigil was organized by frustrated officers in the wake of a series of shootings that injured three children. In the days after the shootings, few people came forward to help them solve the crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police at the time believed religious leaders could prod community members to cooperate. A group of atheists sued the city, claiming the department violated the separation of church and state. Judges repeatedly sided against the police department, ruling that the department overstepped by acting as the vigils organizers instead of simply participating in it. The city appealed last year, with council members vowing to take the fight to the Supreme Court if necessary. Its not clear what caused the city to reverse course. Terms of the settlement were not made public other than the requirement the lawsuit ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council members could vote to reject the settlement, though such a move would be rare. Prior to the appeal, the lawsuit cost taxpayers more than $500,000. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. TOPEKA (KSNT) Officials have reversed a decision to grant parole to a man who shot and killed a Kansas state trooper more than 45 years ago. The Kansas Prisoner Review Board granted parole to Nelms on March 6, 2025. He was previously convicted of shooting and killing Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy OBrien 47 years ago. On May 16, the board held a new hearing with Nelms during which it rescinded its previous decision and decided to deny him release at this time, according to a release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas State Troopers Association called the parole decision a betrayal of OBriens friends and family. Nelms was sentenced to two life terms for the following convictions: First-degree murder. Aggravated kidnapping. Unlawful possession of a firearm. OBrien was shot twice in the head in the early morning hours on May 24, 1978 after he tried to pull a vehicle over on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green. Law enforcement later arrested three suspects in connection to the shooting who were also involved in a string of armed robberies. OBrien was 26 at the time of his death and left behind his wife and unborn daughter. Jimmie Nelms was convicted of killing KHP Trooper Conroy OBrien in 1978. KHP Trooper Conroy OBrien was killed in the line of duty on March 24, 1978. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, along with other state leaders such as Attorney General Kris Kobach and Senator Jerry Moran, voiced their disapproval of the decision days after parole was granted to Nelms. The Kansas State Troopers Association also started a petition to have Nelms parole reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka fashion store to shut down soon, what to know For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. As part of the Trump administration's push to carry out mass deportations, the agency responsible for immigration enforcement has aggressively revived and expanded a decades-old program that delegates immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement agencies. Under the 287(g) program led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, police officers can interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for potential deportation. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, ICE has rapidly expanded the number of signed agreements it has with law enforcement agencies across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason is clear. Those agreements vastly beef up the number of immigration enforcement staff available to ICE, which has about 6,000 deportation officers, as they aim to meet Trumps goal of deporting as many of the roughly 11 million people in the country illegally as they can. Here's a look at what these agreements are and what critics say about them: What is a 287(g) agreement and what's the benefit to ICE? These agreements are signed between a law enforcement agency and ICE and allow the law enforcement agency to perform certain types of immigration enforcement actions. There are three different types of agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the jail services model, law enforcement officers can screen people detained in jails for immigration violations. The warrant service officer model authorizes state and local law enforcement officers to comply with ICE warrants or requests on immigrants while they are at their agency's jails. The task force model gives local officers the ability to investigate someone's immigration status during their routine police duties. These agreements were authorized by a 1996 law, but it wasn't until 2002 that the federal government actually signed one of these agreements with a local agency. The first agreement was with Florida's Department of Law Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The benefit to ICE is that it expands the ability to enforce immigration law across multiple jurisdictions, said John Torres, who served as acting director of ICE from 2008 to 2009. Earlier in his career, he said, he was assigned to the Los Angeles jail and would interview any foreign citizen who came through the jail to see if they were in the country illegally. But if a jail has a 287(g) agreement with ICE it frees up those agents at the jail to do something else. What's going on with these agreements under the Trump administration? The number of signed agreements has ballooned under Trump in a matter of months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December of last year, ICE had 135 agreements with law enforcement agencies across 21 states. By May 19, ICE had signed 588 agreements with local and state agencies across 40 states, with an additional 83 agencies pending approval. Roughly half of the pacts are in Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced the arrest of more than 1,100 immigrants in an orchestrated sweep between local and federal officials. Texas, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has also allied himself with Trump on immigration, comes in second. Other states topping the list are Georgia and North Carolina. A majority of the agreements are with sheriff's departments, a reflection of the fact that they are largely responsible for running jails in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other agencies have also signed the agreements including the Florida and Texas National Guard, the Florida Department of Lottery Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The expansion of agreements has been unprecedented in terms of the speed and the breath, said Amien Kacou, attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida. ICE under the Trump administration has made a push in every state essentially to have them cooperate," Kacou said. So what are the concerns? Immigrants, and their attorneys and advocates say these agreements can lead to racial profiling and there's not enough oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are an immigrant, or if you sound like an immigrant or you look like an immigrant, you are likely to be detained here in Florida, said Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director at Hope Community Center in Apopka, central Florida. These concerns are especially acute over the task force model since those models allow law enforcement officers to carry out immigration enforcement actions as part of their daily law enforcement work. Lena Graber, a senior staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center which advocates for immigrants, said that the Obama administration phased out the task force model in 2012 after concerns that law enforcement organizations authorized under it were racially profiling people when making arrests. The first Trump administration considered bringing back that model but ultimately did not, she said. Graber said using this model, the local law enforcement have most of the powers of ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre functionally ICE agents, she said. Rights groups say that in areas where 287(g) agreements are in place, people in the country illegally are less likely to reach out to law enforcement authorities when they're victims of or witness to a crime for fear that authorities will turn around and arrest them instead. This is finding methods to terrorize communities, said Katie Blankenship, an immigration attorney and co-founder of Sanctuary of the South. They create immigration enforcement and local law enforcement which they are not trained or able to do in any sort of just manner. Federal authorities and local law enforcement agencies deny those critics and maintain that officers follow the laws when detaining people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no racial profiling, said Miami Border Patrol chief agent Jeffrey Dinise at a recent press conference along with Florida and ICE officials. He explained that officers may stop cars after traffic violations. They run the tag plates through immigration systems and can see the legal status of the person, he said. Torres also said that local law enforcement officers operating under 287(g) agreements aren't out on an island by themselves. There's a lot of coordination with ICE agents and the local law enforcement officers. Theyre not asking them to operate independently on their own, Torres said. How does law enforcement join? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement agencies nominate officers to participate in the 287(g) program. They have to be U.S. citizens and pass a background check. On its website, ICE has created templates of the forms that law enforcement agencies interested in joining the program can use. The training varies. According to ICE's website, officers in the task force model must complete a 40-hour online course that covers such topics as immigration law, civil rights and liability issues. As of mid-March about 625 officers had been trained under that model, the website said, although that number is likely much higher now as law enforcement agencies are signing up regularly. For the jail enforcement model," there's a four week training as well as a refresher course. The Warrant Service Officer model requires eight hours of training. Austin Kocher, a researcher at Syracuse University in New York who focuses on immigration affairs, said that training has always been a challenge for the 287(g) program. Its expensive and often a strain on small departments to send them to a training center, so the training has gotten progressively shorter, he said. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday called on other countries to work with the U.S. on global health outside of the World Health Organization, as he rejected the pandemic agreement WHO members just adopted. We want to free international health cooperation from the straitjacket of political interference by corrupting influences of the pharmaceutical companies, of adversarial nations and their [non-governmental organization] proxies, Kennedy said in prerecorded video remarks aired Tuesday at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, an annual gathering of top health officials from WHO member countries. The WHO is an arm of the United Nations, and the U.S. has long been its biggest financial supporter. But President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the organization on his first day in office and stopped paying dues. Kennedy said the Trump administration is in contact with like-minded countries interested in cooperating outside the WHO, which works to combat disease across the world, and encouraged others to join them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global cooperation on health is still critically important to President Trump and myself, but it isn't working very well under the WHO, as the failures of the Covid era demonstrate, Kennedy added. Trump, who believes the pandemic began with an accident at a Chinese government virology lab, blames the WHO for helping to cover it up. Kennedy accused the WHO of caving to pressure from China to suppress reports that the coronavirus that caused the pandemic was transmitted among humans, in the early days of the outbreak. The health secretary also alleged that the WHO worked with China to promote the fiction that Covid originated from bats or pangolins, rather than from Chinese government-sponsored research at a biolab in Wuhan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WHO has rejected both accusations. And while three U.S. agencies the Department of Energy, the FBI and the CIA have said a lab leak likely caused the pandemic, theres no scientific consensus about it, with many virologists still pointing to a spillover of the virus from animals to humans as more plausible. Why it matters: Kennedys remarks point to an effort to create a global health cooperation network parallel to the WHO. The U.S. withdrawal, which will be official next January, has already encouraged other countries. Argentina has withdrawn from the WHO, and officials in countries such as Italy and Israel have expressed interest in doing so. I urge the world's health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organization as a wake-up call, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. did not register a delegation to attend the World Health Assembly, the WHO said. Whats next: Kennedy also criticized the newly adopted pandemic agreement meant to prevent and better prepare countries for future disease outbreaks. The agreement will lock in all of the dysfunctions of the WHO pandemic response, Kennedy said, adding that the U.S. will not participate in it. We need to reboot the whole system, as we are doing in the United States, he added. Kennedy touted the priorities hes brought to U.S. health agencies, tasking them with combating chronic diseases; removing artificial dyes from food; reducing consumption of ultra-processed food and seeking the causes of autism and other chronic diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're going to support lifestyle changes that will bolster the immune systems and transform the health of our people, he said, adding that few of these efforts lend themselves easily to profits or serve established special interests. Rory ONeill contributed reporting from Geneva. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A 17-year-old boy, already facing a charge of first-degree murder, was indicted Tuesday for allegedly violating the states anti-racketeering laws. Skylar Jordan, 17, was indicted on the RICO violation as well as in a separate case for a special type of unlawful use of weapons that alleges he had a machine gun. Both charges could send him to prison for decades. He will be arraigned on those charges on May 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Peoria man may get decades for murder, RICO charges He was also charged last fall with one count of first-degree murder in connection with the Sept. 25, 2023, shooting death of James Irby. His age made the case an automatic transfer from the juvenile division of Peoria County Circuit Court to the adult division. Last fall, States Attorney Jodi Hoos filed the RICO counts against 10 people under the states Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act which alleges they were affiliated with the Snakes street gang, which prosecutors said is linked to a rash of violence that has plagued the area. At the time, six of the 10 were minors, and Hoos said she planned to ask a judge to transfer the case from the juvenile division to the adult division. Unlike the murder count, it was not an automatic transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan is the third juvenile to be transferred to adult court. The other three cases are still working their way through the juvenile courts, said Anna Perales of the states attorneys office. Jordans case in the juvenile court system had been on hold pending a judges decision on the transfer request, which was granted only recently. RICO charges are normally seen in federal court and are products of federal investigations of organized crime. RICO counts often allege that people worked together to advance a criminal enterprise. The Snakes are a street gang in Peoria. It appears the group is not linked to any one area within the city limits, based on records from prior incidents and arrests. Among the incidents they have been linked to are a 2024 shooting at a post-prom party in Chillicothe that left one person with a gunshot wound to the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege the group is responsible or linked at least three murders and 12 shootings. Of the other nine people, all their cases are still pending. In regard to the homicide, Peoria police were called to the 1800 block of South Stanley Street shortly after 10:15 p.m. Sept. 25, 2023, on a report of a shooting. There they found a 20-year-old man Irby who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. The deadly shooting was the citys 21st homicide of 2023 and part of a rash string of violence that has been attributed to the Snakes. Jordan will appear back in court late next month on that case. 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 CIProud.com. A line of severe storms moved across north Georgia. Severe Weather Team 2 and Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz tracked multiple tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan says while the risk is diminishing, there remains the chance for a few strong storms on the south side. The skies will be clearing Wednesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Heres a minute-by-minute look at how the storms unfolded. 4:25 a.m. All active tornado warnings have expired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4:09 a.m. Tornado Warning for Butts and Jasper County until 4:45am. 3:47 a.m. Tornado Warning for Butts, Henry, Jasper and Spalding County until 4:15am. 3:43 a.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Butts, Henry, Jasper and Spalding County until 4:15am. 3:26 a.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Butts, Clayton, Henry and Newton County until 4:00am. 2:58 a.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Clayton, Fayette, Fulton and Henry County until 3:30am. 1:48 a.m. Flash Flood Warning for Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett and Paulding County until 7:45am Wednesday. 1:45 a.m. A tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m. central for Randolph and Cleburne counties in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1:37 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Carroll County until 2:15am. 1:26 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Rabun County until 2:00am. 1:10 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Carroll and Haralson County until 2:00am. 1:01 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Carroll, Douglas, Haralson and Paulding County until 1:45am. 12:50 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Banks, Barrow, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson County until 1:30am. 12:36 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Haralson County until 1:15 a.m. 12:26 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning for Floyd County until 3:30am Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12:20 a.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Paulding and Pickens County until 1:00am. 11:54 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Bartow, Cherokee, Gordon and Pickens County until 12:15am. 11:49 p.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, Pickens and Polk County until 12:30am. 11:37 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Gordon County until 12:15am. 11:16 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Chattooga, Floyd, and Gordon County until 12:00am. 11:13 p.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bartow, Chattooga, Floyd and Gordon County until 12:00am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11:04 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Chattooga and Floyd County until 11:45pm. 10:50 p.m.: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Gilmer County until 11:30pm. 10:38 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Chattooga, Floyd, and Gordon County until 11:30pm 10:31 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Gilmer County until 11:15pm. 10:08 p.m.: Tornado Warning for Chattooga County until 10:45 p.m. 9:53 p.m.: A storm that has sparked a Tornado Warning is on the Alabama line on its way into Georgia. A tornado warning is in effect for NE Alabama. That storm is moving into NW Georgia. I'll have an update on Channel 2 at 10pm, with extended coverage continuing on our live stream online & through our apps. I'll have immediate coverage if a tornado warning is issued for our area. pic.twitter.com/bp9G3cxmU9 Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) May 21, 2025 7:36 p.m.: A tornado watch has been issued for several North Georgia counties that include: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Lumpkin, Pickens, Union, Walker, and Whitfield. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Your Excellency, Allow me to extend to you and the people of your country my sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Czech Republic highly values the level of mutual relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as our shared interest in further developing and deepening cooperation. Your Excellency, I wish you good health and continued success.'' The Democratic finger-pointing set off by a buzzy new book on former President Joe Bidens declining fitness during his presidency is now sloshing into the California governors race. Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, tore into two other home state Democrats former Vice President Kamala Harris and former health Secretary Xavier Becerra after the Tuesday release of Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, accusing the two Biden administration officials of being complicit in a cover up about the then-presidents mental acuity. Becerra, like Villaraigosa, is running to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026, while Harris is actively weighing a gubernatorial bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters deserve to know the truth, what did Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra know, when did they know it, and most importantly, why didnt either of them speak out? Villaraigosa said in a statement. This cover up directly led to a second Donald Trump term and as a result, all Californians are paying the price. The book examines Bidens health during his four-year term and the lengths taken by the presidents inner circle to bat down any speculation that the octogenarian would not be up to the task of a second term. Harriss role as his vice president is a recurring subplot in the book as Biden worlds grim assessment of her political capabilities was a major motivator for Biden to run for reelection. Later, the account delves into the uphill climb Harris faced in running a truncated campaign after the president finally opted to step aside last July, weeks after his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. The book does not recount specific incidents where Harris witnessed Biden in a diminished capacity or the vice president expressing concerns about his fitness, but it does depict Harris forceful public defenses of Bidens sharpness after that debate, as well as after his shaky interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. Becerra makes a more limited cameo in the book, in an anecdote where Biden, at a Cabinet meeting, mixed up the former health secretary with Alejandro Mayorkas, then the homeland security secretary. Tapper and Thompson write that Cabinet meetings with Biden were scripted affairs, quoting three anonymous Cabinet officials who were unnerved by their limited access to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villaraigosa slammed Harris for repeatedly saying there was nothing wrong with the president and accused Becerra of turning a blind eye. Those who were complicit in the cover up should take responsibility for the part they played in this debacle, hold themselves accountable, and apologize to the American people, he said. I call on Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra to do just that and make themselves available to voters and the free press because theres a lot of questions that need to be answered. Becerra, in a statement, said he met with the president when needed to make important decisions and to execute with my team at HHS. Its clear the President was getting older, but he made the mission clear: run the largest health agency in the world, expand care to millions more Americans than ever before, negotiate down the cost of prescription drugs, and pull us out of a world-wide pandemic. And we delivered, he said, adding that he wished the president and his family godspeed in his treatment journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced Sunday. A spokesperson for Harris did not comment on the book or Villaraigosas comments. In a brief interview, Villaraigosa said he was moved to speak out after feeling "betrayed" by the revelations in the book. "For people at the highest levels of government to purposely and with intention hide the fact that President Biden was in decline this way, and keep him as our standard bearer, is malfeasance, pure and simple and maybe worse," he said. Villaraigosa, who has lagged in polling behind Harris and other contenders such as former Rep. Katie Porter, has been the most assertive Democrat in the field to challenge the former vice president, who is widely considered the front runner if she jumps into the fray. His pugnacious posture has added a jolt to the otherwise sleepy governor's race, but it carries some risk as potentially alienating to the Democratic base voters who are likeliest to vote in a primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salvos against Harris were not limited to intra-party spats. Steve Hilton, the GOP television personality also mounting a bid, aimed his ire squarely at Harris in a social media post on Tuesday, alleging that the vice president totally failed to do her duty. She knew that Biden wasn't fit, but she went along with it anyway. As far as I'm concerned, it's not just disgraceful, it is disqualifying, Hilton said, How dare she put herself forward for any elected office ever again after behaving like that? Harris should expect to get more incoming from Republicans after the revelations in Original Sin, said Kevin Spillane, a California-based GOP strategist. Republicans will have a lot of fun going after her because she was at the heart of what a lot of people believe not just Republicans was one of the biggest scandals in American history, which was the cover-up of President Bidens decline, Spillane said. Jeremy B. White contributed to this story. RIVERDALE, Utah (ABC4) Christopher Scott, the ex-husband of Stacy Nicole Scott, who was stabbed to death in a Riverdale apartment on Thursday, has spoken out regarding the incident. Stacy Nicole Scott was stabbed to death in a Riverdale apartment on May 15 by her boyfriend, Scott Thomas Myers, 39, who has since been charged with first-degree murder. Myers allegedly fled the scene before officers broke into the apartment, confirming Stacy Nicole Scott deceased with multiple stab wounds. Stacys ex-husband, Christopher, spoke with ABC4 regarding the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: Suspect in Riverdale homicide charged with murder, documents reveal criminal history Christopher said they both worked hard to overcome addiction Stacy graduated from Odyssey House, a rehabilitation organization with a center located in Salt Lake City. No matter where she was at in her life, whether she was in her addiction or whatnot, she always wanted to help out, Christopher said. She graduated Odyssey House. She was a big help in Odyssey House. She had many friends that was in Odyssey House with her. Shes always had a big heart and always just would give everybody a helping hand if she could. Christopher went on to say that they originally met when he was in treatment nearby to Stacy, when she had attended Blue Skies a treatment center in Ogden. He said they became great friends and married only three months after meeting. A year later, they had a son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first met her, she always kept me on time, kept me focused on the things I needed to do, the things that mattered, Christopher said. Ultimately, just was there and very supportive. Like, made sure everything was paid, made sure everything was taken care of. Even though we didnt work in a relationship, she was always going to be my best friend, he said. Christopher said he was in disbelief when he found out she had been killed. As soon as I found out, I called my wife and told my wife, and I just started going, digging through everything and to find out what happened, Christopher said. A lot of us out here, our biggest thing is we want to know what led to it. How did this person just automatically do this to somebody that somebody loved? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic violence and stuff like that, it hurts everybody, Christopher said. The community has reached out and the community is hurt by this whole situation, and its just unbelievable. Its sad. He went on to say that domestic violence, or violence of any kind for that matter, is just not acceptable. He wants to send the message that if someone is in a situation where domestic violence is taking place, or they feel at all in danger, they need to get help, to get away. I would like people that are in a domestic violence situation, or something like that, to get help, get away. Or the people have gone through and have gone away, I want them to take and use this as something to motivate them, to keep them away from somebody, Christopher said. I want them to use this as something to empower them and to help them. Family and friends held a candlelight vigil for Stacy on Saturday, May 17, outside of the apartment complex where she was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately. 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. Tensions were high at a Hollywood debate watch party on June 27, 2024, when director Rob Reiner lashed out at then-second gentleman Doug Emhoff over President Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance. A report on the confrontation appears in the new book Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios. Reiner is said to have exclaimed that the U.S. could lose our f***ing democracy, as a result of Bidens performance at the June 27 debate against now-President Donald Trump, according to reporting by The Hill. The incident occurred at the home of James Costos, the former HBO executive and President Barack Obamas ambassador to Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gathering had originally been planned as a fundraiser for the Biden Victory Fund, but then the debate was scheduled for the same night, so the hosts turned it into a fancy and hopefully fun debate watch party, with people sitting in three or four different rooms, the book states. In addition to Reiner and Emhoff, actor and activist Jane Fonda was also present, in addition to Democratic governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. As President Biden spoke in a weak voice, repeatedly stumbled over answers, misspoke, and lost his train of thought, the evening quickly turned into a debate watch horror show. Director Rob Reiner lashed out at Doug. Emhoff during the Presidential debate involving Joe Biden, according to a report. (Getty Images for TCM) A few minutes into it, Reiner, in the main living room, stated plainly: We are f***ed!' Tapper and Thompson wrote, adding that he became angry. Soon he was venting, standing, full of fury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He seemed to be looking at Emhoff. Daggers. Were going to lose our f***ing democracy because of you! the When Harry Met Sally director is said to have shouted at Emhoff. Because of me? Emhoff thought, the book states. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff in early 2025. Emhoff reportedly took the brunt of Reiners anger over Bidens debate performance. (EPA) CNN reported on the incident a few days after it occurred, but in less detail, noting: Rob Reiner was screaming about losing and Jane Fonda had tears in her eyes, according to people in the room. The first presidential debate of the 2024 election, in which Biden struggled from the get-go and Trump repeated a barrage of lies and misinformation, was watched by 51.27 million viewers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sparked deep panic among Democrats, to the delight of supporters of Trump, and ultimately led to Biden stepping aside as the partys nominee in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. On July 10, George Clooney, who just weeks before headlined a star-studded fundraiser that raked in $28 million for Bidens re-election campaign, penned an emotional op-ed telling his friend in no uncertain terms to take himself out of the 2024 race. After another 11 days of mounting calls for him to step aside, Biden pulled out on July 21, putting Harris, with Emhoff by her side, at the top of the ticket. WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his proposed budget for next year on Tuesday amid challenges from members of both political parties at a budgetary subcommittee hearing. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies hearing was the third Kennedy attended in the last week. The 2026 skinny budget, which was released by the White House earlier this month, would cut the Department of Health and Human Services more than 25% from current spending levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy's three hearings showcased the clash between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration on how health and science funding should be distributed at the federal level. In his opening remarks, Kennedy said the proposed budget would improve efficiency of the department while "cutting costs to taxpayers." "We intend to do a lot more with less," Kennedy said. "The budget I'm presenting today supports these goals and reflects two enduring American values: compassion and responsibility." In addition to Tuesday's appropriations hearing, Kennedy defended the budget proposal at two congressional committee hearings Thursday. The secretary was combative to certain challenges from committee members, repeatedly claiming that potential restructuring would reduce waste and streamline the department's work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy on Tuesday received more challenges, ranging from concern about rural health to investments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who also was in one of the committee hearings last week, was the most vocal committee member, continuously challenging the secretary's responses. "Secretary Kennedy, things are not going well," Murray said. "It's clear what you're doing across HHS is devastating to children, families, seniors, millions of Americans that HHS programs support." Kennedy rebuked Murray's opinions about the health infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have presided over the destruction of health of the American people," Kennedy said to her. "Our people are now the sickest in the world because you have not done your job." HHS already has reduced its staff to 62,000 from 82,000 in advance of the new budget, Kennedy said. When asked by both Republican and Democratic senators about current cuts, Kennedy said White House attorneys have directed him to not comment because of a temporary restraining order stopping the Trump Administration from conducting mass layoffs and department restructuring. Lawmakers instead focused on myriad programs potentially in jeopardy with the new fiscal budget. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., questioned the reduced funding for ALS, a nervous system disease that results in muscle control loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durbin noted that Kennedy had posed "legitimate questions" as secretary, but criticized the current and future cuts in research. "Cutting medical research is giving up on the future -- you can't do that," Durbin said. "These families are counting on you, secretary, and counting on your department to do this research. It gives them hope to live another day." Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who heads the Senate Committee on Appropriations but attended the subcommittee meeting as a guest, asked about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program program, which helps lower-income households with energy costs and is eliminated in the proposed budget. Kennedy defended the decision, noting that President Donald Trump's planned energy policies would reduce costs for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite some challenges from Republican lawmakers, others defended Kennedy's work for the department. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., likened the staff cuts to layoffs at Meta and Microsoft, noting those companies still function well. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., criticized universities for using grants to pay for indirect costs, such as lab maintenance, utilities and staffing, rather than using all the money for the research. Kennedy responded by saying that under Trump, the department would redistribute money to protect Americans' health. "We spend two to three times [more] for our healthcare than what other nations spend, and we have the worst outcomes on Earth," Kennedy said. "If somebody does not reorganize this mess, it is going to continue." ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester man has been sentenced for his role in two separate and deadly shootings. 22-year-old Michael Scott Jr. pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shootings of Cahjmiere Robinson and Demetrius Rucker. He appeared in court Tuesday morning and was sentenced to 30 years in total 25 years for the manslaughter charge and 5 years for gun charges. On September 11, 2022, Robinson was shot multiple times on Webster Avenue, and a teenager was shot in the face. The other individual survived, but Robinson was found dead at the scene. Investigators later learned the victims were lured to the area to be robbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 4, 2023, Rucker was shot and killed while walking down Henion Street that evening. A nearby home occupied by children was hit by a stray bullet, but no one in the home was injured. Scott was identified as the suspect in the shooting that killed Rucker and as one of the suspects in the Webster Ave. shooting. Jaiden Robinson was also accused of the shooting that killed Robinson. Scott pleaded guilty last month. He will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. May 20Upon learning he would receive the Emmett McClary Four-Way Test Award from the Rotary Club of Decatur, Ronald Terry reacted by saying, "I just lived my life the best I could and don't deserve an award for it." Rotary Club Board of Directors member Bobby Johnson, assured him, "Trust me, Ronald, you do." The Rotary Club has handed out the award to a Rotarian and a non-Rotarian each year since 1994. Recipients must excel at the Four-Way Test, in which members ask, "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Monday's meeting, the Rotary Club also presented the Emmett McClary award to Rotarian and Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long. Before announcing Terry's name, Johnson listed some previous recipients. The list included Mayor Lynn Fowler, Sen. Arthur Orr and Dr. George Hansberry. Johnson said Terry has been an inspiration in the community for decades. From the way he ran his business, Ronald Terry Electric, to his involvement with Decatur, she said, he has exemplified the ideals the award seeks to recognize. "He was one of the men who literally built Decatur," Johnson said, noting how Terry helped install electrical wiring in many houses built in the 1960s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson continued that when the city was set to destroy the historic John T. Banks building in 1999; Terry stepped in and completely restored it. The building still stands on Oak Street. Terry also oversaw the construction of Austinville United Methodist Church and saved The Church at Stone River over $100,000 by building much of its Wholistic Center with his own hands. After selling his business in 2000, he continued to help those in the community by visiting people with home improvement needs and completing the projects. "He would go and fix it and take no money. That's the most remarkable thing I'd ever seen," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terry has also built wheelchair ramps throughout Decatur for those in need. Johnson recalled Terry building a ramp for a woman who lost her leg and her husband to a tornado in 2011. "Well, I've lived with him for almost 65 years, so I can truly say that he is one that is willing to help others. That has been his life," said Joyce Terry, Ronald's wife, who attended the meeting to support him. Joyce Terry recalled knowing that when they first started Ronald Terry Electric in 1974, it would work out well between her husband's work ethic and his treatment of other people. Johnson said that the business never needed to advertise because people always knew that Terry would follow through with his promises to customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson also spoke highly of Long, a fellow Rotarian. "He serves his community because of his love for Morgan County and his desire to make things better for all of us," Johnson said when announcing Long as the winner. GraciAnn.Goodin@DecaturDaily.com or 256-340-2437 The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have been called on to explain the conspicuously high number of public votes that Israel received. Several broadcasters have contacted the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva regarding the allocation of points. "We are in constant communication with all participating broadcasters of the Eurovision Song Contest and take their concerns seriously," Eurovision director Martin Green said on Tuesday. "Now that the event is over, we will conduct extensive discussions with the participating broadcasters, reflect on all aspects of this year's competition and gather feedback. This will be incorporated into the planning of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest next year," Green further stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several television broadcasters involved in the competition questioned the voting process at the final in the Swiss city of Basel on Saturday evening. Spanish public broadcaster RTVE announced a request to review the televoting: "Several countries will also submit the same request, as they believe that the televoting was influenced by the current military conflicts and this could endanger the cultural character of the event." To decide the Eurovision winner, the votes of the public and the votes of expert juries are equally weighted. The juries consist of musicians, producers and other industry experts. This year, there was a noticeable gap between what the experts and the audience thought of the Israeli song. Israeli entrant an October 7 survivor Israel sent Yuval Raphael to compete at Eurovision. She is a survivor of the massacre by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7, 2023. Due to the Gaza war, which Israel launched in response to the attacks, there were repeated protests against Israel's participation in Eurovision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raphael received 60 points from the expert juries of the 37 participating countries for the song "New Day Will Rise," placing her only 15th in the ranking of 26 finalists. But the 24-year-old was in first place by a large margin in the public vote. She received a total of 297 public points, which catapulted her to second place in the overall ranking. It is not unusual for juries and the public to differ. However, the gap rarely stands out so clearly. For comparison, the winner JJ from Austria received 258 points from the juries and 178 points from the public. Organizer says televote confirmed as valid The EBU referred to the company Once in the German city of Cologne, which has been coordinating the televoting for Eurovision for years. They have confirmed that the voting results from all countries were correctly reported, the EBU said. The voting procedure for Eurovision is "the most advanced in the world," according to director Green. Everything is checked and verified "to exclude suspicious or irregular voting patterns." The company Once has confirmed the validity of the vote. SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen is looking for tougher laws to hold parents more accountable for the actions of their children. This comes after a fight broke out at the Cheerwine Festival last weekend. Deputy Zachery Miles Holshouser and an officer from the Salisbury Police Department got hurt trying to break apart a fight at Bell Tower Green. A very good police presence was already there, and whats interesting to find out is this took place with police watching in the park, monitoring the situation, Allen said. It popped off so fast, so the juveniles were not even abated by the presence of law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen said Holshouser is in good spirits now, but had hip replacement surgery. It could be a year before hes fully back at work. He was sworn in as a deputy in April 2024. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Our deputy was hurt during one of those processes of trying to gain control, was fallen upon, fell on, crushed up underneath a pile with his leg kind of in an awkward position while he was wrestling someone, Allen said. Allen is a member of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association, and plans to go to Raleigh next week to start getting stricter laws in these situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that the one thing thats left out of the system that is truly the piece that is missing is how we hold parents accountable, Allen said. Queen City News Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes says Allen could target criminal or civil liability. Typically, when youre in the juvenile setting, it is rehabilitative, Rhodes said. Youve tried to find ways to rehabilitate these kids so they can be reintegrated into society. What he was asking for was a secure custodial. What does that mean? They were arrested on Friday. I want them to stay in jail, and I want them to be held there until they can have their next hearing, and then a judge can make the determination if they should be let out. Allen said this goes beyond two officers getting hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just law enforcement that suffers from this, but its the citizens of every community, every town, Allen said. That system is broken because we dont hold the most important people accountable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. SNOWBIRD, Utah (ABC4) Four police officers with the Roy Police Department have been placed on administrative leave after an incident involving possible sexual assault at Snowbird Resort. According to the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a medical emergency at Snowbird Resort on May 14. The incident is currently being investigated as a possible sexual assault. Roy Police Department confirmed Tuesday that the officers were placed on leave immediately after being made aware of the allegations. The Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office said that three of the four are being investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dog is my everything: Owner says dog was severely injured at Wellington boarding center The officers and the agency are cooperating with the investigation. If the investigation determines any violation, its something we take seriously, and they would be held accountable, a Roy Police Department spokesperson told ABC4.com. The Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office, which is leading the investigation, confirmed the two incidents to be the same case. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new 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 ABC4 Utah. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Dear Mr. President, On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.'' By Daphne Psaledakis, Patricia Zengerle and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday the number of visas he has revoked was probably in the thousands, adding that he believed there was still more to do. Republican President Donald Trump's administration has sought to ramp up deportations and revoke student visas as part of its wide-ranging efforts to fulfill his hardline immigration agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know the latest count, but we probably have more to do," Rubio told a Senate appropriations subcommittee that oversees foreign affairs. Asked to give an estimate, he said it was probably in the thousands at this point, an increase from March, when he said the State Department may have revoked more than 300 visas. Rubio said the 300 revoked visas were a combination of student and visitor visas. He said he signed each action. "A visa is not a right. It's a privilege," Rubio said on Tuesday. Trump administration officials have said student visa and green card holders are subject to deportation over their support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, calling their actions a threat to U.S. foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's critics have called the effort an attack on free speech rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. "I know this will be adjudicated in court, but the idea that one individual could on their opinion of someone's future activity or expected activity ... toss somebody's visa, seems to me an extraordinary violation of due process," Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley told Rubio at the hearing. Earlier this month, a Tufts University student from Turkey was held for over six weeks in an immigration detention center in Louisiana after co-writing an opinion piece criticizing her school's response to Israel's war in Gaza. She was released from custody after a federal judge granted her bail. U.S. District Judge William Sessions during a hearing in Burlington, Vermont, ordered the immediate release of Rumeysa Ozturk, who is at the center of one of the highest-profile cases to emerge from Trump's campaign to deport pro-Palestinian activists on American campuses. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Credit - Jose Luis MaganaAP Thousands of visas have probably been revoked by the State Department since President Donald Trump took office, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a Senate subcommittee hearing on Tuesday. I don't know the latest count, but we probably have more to do, the former Senator said. We're going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimate marks a significant increase from late March, when Rubio said student visa cancellations stood at 300. "A visa is not a right, it's a privilege," he said on Tuesday. The Trump Administration has moved to cancel student visas as part of its broader efforts to crack down on immigration. Foreign-born students who have expressed pro-Palestinian views have in particular been targeted after protesters staged hundreds of encampments across numerous colleges and universities in an effort to pressure their schools to divest from Israel and voice their dismay at the U.S.s strong support of the country throughout the ongoing war in Gaza. At least one student, Tufts Universitys Rumeysa Ozturk, was arrested by ICE earlier this year after she wrote an op-ed about her universitys failure to acknowledge Senate resolutions regarding the Gaza conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozturk has since been released from custody. Another detained student, Columbia Universitys Mahmoud Khalil, a lead organizer of the college encampments, is still being held at a detention center in Louisiana, where he has been for the past nine weeks. The Administration sought to revoke the immigration status of thousands of international students in April. But it walked back the effortssaid to affect some 4,700 international studentslater in the month following an onslaught of legal challenges and protests, with the Department of Justice announcing that students immigration records would be reinstated. Tensions between the Trump Administration and higher education institutions remain fraught as federal officials attempt to pressure universities such as Harvard to comply with Administration demandsincluding the elimination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programsor face the cancellation of federal funding. Contact us at letters@time.com. The United States is working with NATO partners to locate additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 20 during Senate testimony on the State Department's budget. Ukraine has consistently warned that its current air defense capacity is insufficient to counter the scale of Russia's intensified missile and drone attacks. "The U.S. is looking for Patriot batteries to be able to transfer from other NATO nations into Ukrainian hands," Rubio told lawmakers, adding that no country is willing to give up these systems, and the U.S. cannot produce them quickly enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has requested more Patriots to shield cities and critical infrastructure. In an April 13 interview with CBS News, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to buy 10 U.S.-made Patriot systems for $15 billion. "We will find the money and pay for everything," he said. Despite Kyiv's appeals, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the request, accusing Zelensky of "always looking to purchase missiles" and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war. The Patriot is a high-precision, U.S.-made surface-to-air missile platform capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine needs at least seven more systems to defend its most at-risk regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported on May 4, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that a Patriot system currently based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine following refurbishment. Western allies are also reportedly reviewing whether to reallocate systems from Germany or Greece. Kyiv currently operates eight Patriot systems, though only six are functional, with two undergoing repairs, according to the publication. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire back in March. Moscow has continued its large-scale drone and missile strikes, including the largest drone assault of the war on May 18, when 273 drones entered Ukrainian airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: No one saw surrender as an option Mariupol defender on historic Azovstal fight and brutal Russian captivity Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After an unsuccessful run for school board last year, Frederick County Board of Education candidate Heather Fletcher said she needs every minute of campaign time before 2026. Fletcher, a former air traffic controller at Joint Base Andrews, said she pulled her children out of Frederick County Public Schools in 2021 because I didnt feel like it was a safe place. They werent listening to the parents, she said. They had no concern over the parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletcher ran for a seat on the school board in 2022, but lost in the primary. She ran as a write-in candidate in 2024 and lost again. She received 21,185 votes, or 6.42% of all votes cast for school board candidates in the election. Fletcher said after the COVID pandemic, she made it her full-time job to inform the public about whats really happening in the schools. I feel like if they know, and they still choose to elect these candidates, and they are informed voters, then thats their choice, she said. But I feel like theres been so many lies and so much deceit that the regular person might not be researching these policies and the curriculum and have no idea whats going on in these schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletcher said her biggest priorities for the school system were school safety, fiscal responsibility, academic excellence and parental rights. She explains her priorities on her website, fletcherforboe.com. She said it was not fair to students or staff members at Brunswick High School, who deal with asbestos tiles crumbling on their heads and a roof leaking, because the school boards room in the FCPS central office underwent construction last year. The Frederick News-Post reported in 2023 that community members advocated to the Frederick County Council about asbestos in Brunswick High School. In 2024, the school board met virtually from late February to early May, with one in-person meeting in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The construction was for modernization ... including the installation of new audio and video equipment, to replace dated infrastructure utilized since the building opened in 2010, according to an FCPS Facebook post. Fletcher said the construction was just a humongous waste of our taxpayer money. She said she would cut absolutely everything that wasnt down to bare basics in the budget if she were elected. Get rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary to improve our test scores, to help our teachers out, she said. Fletcher said she volunteers as a teachers assistant and a substitute at her childrens school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FCPS said in 2023, 17 out of 42 elementary schools, excluding charter schools, had more students than state-rated capacity, according to the 2024 Educational Facilities Master Plan. I would much rather pay to have assistants helping with teachers and class sizes than pay administrator salaries, she said. She said teachers assistants could help with overcrowded classrooms. Fletcher has been outspoken against a districtwide transgender and gender nonconforming affirmation policy. Policy 443 was created to prevent discrimination, stigmatization, harassment, and bullying of students who are transgender or gender nonconforming and to create school cultures that are safe, welcoming, and affirming for all students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy compels students, staff members and teachers to refer to students by their preferred names and pronouns. Fletcher said that part of the policy is unconstitutional. They cannot force speech, she said. In Policy 443, it says that whatever pronouns somebody wants to use, that the staff and teachers have to use it. You are violating our constitution. The policy also allows students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with a students gender identity, and allows students to bunk with students of the same gender identity for overnight field trips. She said if a student does not feel comfortable using the girls or boys bathrooms, they can use a private bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theyre LGBTQIA, they identify as whatever. ... I dont want any person harmed, she said. Nobody should be bullied. In 2022, Fletcher checked out around 20 LGBTQ books from a pride month display at the Brunswick Library, saying she was disturbed and worried it would prompt age-inappropriate questions from young children. She returned the books a few days later. For the 2026 election, four seats are on the ballot. Casey Day, Jess Douglass, Chad King Wilson Sr. and David Migdal have filed as school board candidates. Current school board members Karen Yoho and Nancy Allen have said they are not running again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board President Rae Gallagher and Vice President Dean Rose have said they are unsure if they will run again. The deadline to file to run is 9 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2026. The primary election is on June 30, 2026, and the general election is on Nov. 3, 2026. TOPEKA (KSNT) Hundreds of motorcycle riders stopped in the Capital City on Monday as part of the 35th annual Run for the Wall event that honors Vietnam War veterans. Run for the Wall starts in Ontario, California and has three main routes to Washington, D.C., one of which takes riders through Kansas. The ten-day ride ends at the Vietnam Memorial Wall at the nations capital. Organizers say this year is special because it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. 27 News spoke to 2025 Route Coordinator Kirk Olson about the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gosh, my favorite part of the event is almost every single stop, Olson said. Its hard to pick one because every gas up we go to every overnight stop, every dinner stop. People come out in droves to help us. Like, for example, at this stop in Topeka, people raise money all year to help pay for our fuel to get across the country. Its just a wonderful gesture that they do for us. FBI Director Kash Patel says he will pledge more agents to Kansas, Topeka Run for the Wall started in 1989 by a couple of Vietnam veterans who traveled across the country talking to radio, television and newspaper reporters about those still unaccounted for from the countrys wars, according to the organizations website. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Samantha Mostyn, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''On the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to you, the Government and the people of Azerbaijan my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people. May I express my confidence that the friendly relations between our two countries will continue to prosper in the coming year.'' WASHINGTON (DC News Now) It was a heartwarming reunion Tuesday at East Potomac Park, as a runner met with the first responders who saved her life. 24-year-old Angel Barr was running the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler last month when she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. I felt physically and mentally fine that day; I was looking forward to running. It was something I liked doing, she said. They told me I was a miracle, they told me a lot of people dont survive what I went through, and hearing the story, Im shocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors help woman escape home fire in Rockville According to DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS), the quick responses of those around her helped save her life. Two bystanders began administering CPR. Meanwhile, two DCFEMS fire boats arrived on the scene. First responders used an AED and defibrillated Barr, restarting her heart. Park Police used their helicopter to transport Barr to the hospital. This didnt just happen by accident, said Dr. David Vitberg, Interim Medical Director for DCFEMS. That happened because our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics get exquisite training. Barr had a chance to meet and thank those who saved her during a ceremony on Tuesday. Each first responder received a coin honoring their efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we do in EMS, what the Park Police do, what DC Fire and EMS does, it really, really matters. What we do in the first five, ten minutes have a profound impact, said Vitberg. Im very shocked Im still here today. And to be able to walk and do everything I was before, so to hear that, it was a gift from God, said Barr. Barr said she isnt letting this incident slow her down. She plans to continue working as a nurse and pursue her doctorate in nursing. Obstacles are there to make you stronger. But this obstacle has not set me back in any way. I will be successful, I will thrive, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. This story was updated on May 21 at 8:50 a.m. The Trump administration has acknowledged a new error in a case challenging its attempts to send deportees to any country that will take them. Another immigrant who had earned protected status was rushed out of the country and put in dangerand U.S. officials have offered little more than a shrug. This time, the immigrant is a gay man from Guatemala who fled death threats and twice tried to seek refuge in the United States. First, he was denied and deported home. He tried again last year and says that while traveling through Mexico, he was held for ransom and sexually assaulted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, identified in court documents as O.C.G., won his case in February when a U.S. immigration judge granted him withholding of removal, shielding him from deportation to Guatemala because of the risk of harm he faced there. The Trump administration promptly sent him to Mexico instead. Threatened with prolonged detention, O.C.G. left Mexico and went back to Guatemalathe country the judge had said he shouldnt be sent toand is now in hiding there. The Trump administration originally claimed that O.C.G. did not express fear of being sent to Mexico, which would have potentially stopped his deportation. But on Friday, the government acknowledged that its claim was based on an erroneous data entry, and that it has no record to support the assertion. Then, over the weekend, the government compounded its mistake by briefly disclosing the mans full name in court documents, violating confidentiality rules. The Atlantic is not publishing his name, because his lawyers argued in court that identifying him could put his life in danger, especially while he is in hiding. O.C.G. is one of several plaintiffs whose lawsuits have slowed the administrations attempts to fast-track thousands of deportees to countries that arent their own. Sending people to third countries is allowed under U.S. immigration law, and the effort to enlist countries around the world is one of several unconventional strategies the administration is using as it rushes to increase deportations. The case of O.C.G. follows that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador in March because of what the government called an administrative error. Both men had been granted withholding of removal by U.S. immigration judges who had determined that they were more likely than not to be harmed if sent back to their countries of origin. [Read: An administrative error sends a Maryland father to a Salvadoran prison] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of immigrants are living in the United States with the same protected status, which allows them to work and have a Social Security number. Most are required to regularly check in at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, making them especially easy to find. Under President Joe Biden, such immigrants were generally left alone. Under President Donald Trump, they have become targets for ICE arrest and deportation. The administration defended its use of third countries today: The White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement that theyre key to fulfilling Trump's promise to voters to deport massive numbers of immigrants. If illegal aliens home countries cannot or will not accept their citizens back, that doesnt mean they can stay here, Jackson said. Top administration officials have been pressuring world leaders to accept deportees who arent their own citizens, floating it as a way to ingratiate themselves to Trump. El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico have obliged; attempts to enlist nations such as Libya and Ukraine have not yet succeeded. The third-country strategy is designed as a work-around for cases like O.C.G.s, in which courts have deemed people to be at significant risk of harm even if they dont qualify for U.S. asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump officials overseeing the deportation campaign insist that they have two priorities for removals: the roughly 665,000 immigrants who have criminal records on ICEs docket of nearly 8 million cases, and also some 1.5 million immigrants who have received deportation orders from a judge but are still in the country. (There is some overlap between those two groups.) Before Trump took office, ICE officials estimated that only about half of those immigrants could actually be deported. Some would-be deportees had been granted a reprieve for a medical condition or other extenuating circumstance. But othersthe government has not released statisticswere allowed to stay because they have a withholding-of-removal order or a similar protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, to which the United States is a signatory, having pledged to not send migrants to places where they could face egregious abuse. Soon after Trump took office, administration officials told ICE officers to take a fresh look at such cases as part of the broader push to ramp up deportations. Officers were instructed to arrest immigrants who have withholding status if they could potentially be sent to a third country, according to an ICE memo I obtained. If removal appears significantly likely in the reasonably foreseeable future, the arrest may proceed without further investigation, the memo instructed. Its unclear how many people with withholding status have been removed from the United States since then. Some U.S. allies receive third-country deportees, especially Mexico, which began accepting non-Mexicans on a large scale during the Biden administration. But those cases were generally limited to Central Americans and other Spanish-speakers. Guatemala has agreed to host some deportees, and Trump has sent others to Panama and Costa Rica, where some have been offered resettlement. El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele is the only one putting migrants in prison, charging the United States as much as $15 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: El Salvadors exceptional prison state] Trump officials have made the effort a diplomatic priority. During a televised Cabinet meeting on April 30, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration has engaged in discussions with other nations. I say this unapologetically: We are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries, not just El Salvador, Rubio said, describing the push as an effort to expel gang members and criminals, even though the government acknowledges that many of the Venezuelans sent to El Salvadors infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, do not have criminal records. He added, And the further away from America, the better, so they cant come back across the border. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy, who is overseeing the lawsuit involving O.C.G. and others, ruled in March that the administration cannot send deportees to a third country without providing written notice and due process. The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Murphys decision on Friday. The decision is one of several that have thwarted the administrations deportation plans. The Supreme Court on Friday effectively halted the administrations attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act, which the Trump administration deployed in March to send Venezuelans to the Salvadoran megaprison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last night, Murphy ordered the government to halt a deportation in progress to South Sudan that included immigrants from Vietnam, Myanmar, and possibly other nations. Attorneys for the deportees submitted an emergency filing asking Murphy to prevent ICE from leaving their clients in the African nation, where there is an ongoing armed conflict. Murphy told attorneys for the Trump administration that he suspects that his orders have been violated, and directed ICE to keep the deportees in its custody until a hearing today. The judge said he was willing to consider criminal-contempt charges for anyone violating the order, including the pilots of the plane. When he asked about the status of a deportee from Vietnam, the government told the judge the information was classified. Murphy told the Trump administration to ensure that the immigrants are treated humanely until he determines whether the deportation attempt is lawful. Other immigrants who were already sent to third countries, even mistakenly, have no clear path to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICE official Brian Ortega said in a sworn declaration filed late Friday that his previous claim that O.C.G. wasnt afraid of deportation to Mexico was based on faulty data entry. Upon further investigation, Ortega told the court, ICE was unable to identify an officer or officers who asked O.C.G. if he feared a return to Mexico. The mistaken deportation of O.C.G tacked on a new blunder over the weekend when attorneys for the Justice Department improperly published the mans name. There was no indication that the disclosure was intentional, and the government resubmitted its court filing a day later with the name redacted, as required by law to protect the confidentiality of asylum seekers who could face harm or retaliation in their home country. Attorneys for O.C.G. have filed motions to force the administration to bring him back to the United States. They said that the government has greatly exacerbated the risk of harm to Plaintiff O.C.G. through their disclosure of his identity on the public docket, which has already garnered media attention and heightened the threat to his life and safety. O.C.G., whose age and other biographic details are redacted in court filings, had tried to show ICE officers in Arizona the immigration judges protective order as they prepared to deport him in February. The officers told him that the document had expired and put him on a deportation bus, according to his attorneys. When he asked to call his attorney, the officers told him it was too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another wrongful-deportation case, a federal appeals court in Virginia yesterday upheld a ruling by a Trump-appointed judge that ordered the government to facilitate the return of a Venezuelan man sent to the CECOT prison in El Salvador on the same day as Abrego Garcia. The man, Daniel Lozano-Camargo, was deported in violation of a settlement involving asylum seekers whod arrived in the United States as minors, the judge ruled. But federal courts have had little success compelling the Trump administration to fix its deportation errors. Its been more than a month since the Supreme Court told the White House to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from prison in El Salvador. Hes still there, and the Trump administration has not said publicly what, if anything, its doing to bring him back. Article originally published at The Atlantic The Rusk Chamber of Commerce organized a surprise retirement party for Joann Jackson. After more than 70 years operating J&J Jewelry, a jewelry and gifts store, Jackson has decided to close the business and retire. The final day of store operation will be Saturday, May 31. Chamber Chair Kelli Dover organized the party. Chamber members, friends and family members attended the event which was a pleasant moment for Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is too much of a surprise, she said. I appreciate everybody. After refreshments were brought in and set up, Dover presented a proclamation on behalf of the chamber. It recounted the 1954 opening of Henrys Jewelers with Jacksons first husband Earl Henry and her commitment to continue the business after his passing in 1970. The document noted her second marriage to Joe Jackson, the change in the store name to J&J Jewelry and the many attributes that made her business such a lasting success. Her unwavering faith, tireless work ethic and enduring lover for her family, customers and community have been an inspiration to all who know her, stated the proclamation. DSC_0413.JPG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the Rusk Chamber, Kelli Dover presents a proclamation honoring Joann Jacksons more than 70 years in business. A proclamation by Rusk Mayor Ben Middlebrooks named May 31, 2025 as Joann Jackson Day. It, too, mentioned Jacksons history regarding the store and her contributions to the community. Joann became known far and wide for her exceptional customer service, offering free engraving and gift wrapping, ordering special items for her customers and treating each person with dignity and kindness, regardless of the size of their purchase, stated Middlebrook's proclamation. DSC_0423.JPG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joann Jackson receives a proclamation from Mayor Ben Middlebrooks which declares May 31, 2025 Joann Jackson Day. Carlton Cruthers read a poem he wrote for the occasion and Michele Slaton presented a certificate from Senator Robert Nichols recognizing Jacksons 70 years of business. When asked about retirement, Jackson said, We started in 1954 and I am 91 years old and I think Im going home to rest. DSC_0431.JPG Michele Slaton presents a certificate from Senator Robert Nichols honoring Joann Jacksons many years in business. She said her family had been asking her to retire for the past 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she will miss the people most. Her plans for retirement include volunteering at the Heritage Center of Cherokee County, starting a once a month Bible study at her church and visiting relatives. I have relatives Ive not been able to visit, being in business, so Ill have time to visit my family grandkids and great grandkids, Jackson said. Although it doesnt officially begin until June 1, Jackson said she is already enjoying the idea of retirement. Russia launched more than 100 drones into Ukraine following the conclusion of a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Ukraine's air force said, and as the world waited for what Trump said would be an immediate resumption of peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine's air force wrote on Telegram that its forces shot down 35 of the 108 Russian drones launched into the country overnight, with a further 58 jammed or otherwise neutralized while in flight. The air force reported damage on the ground in four Ukrainian regions. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces shot down eight Ukrainian drones overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cross-border drone exchanges occur near-nightly and have increased in size and sophistication throughout the 3-year-old war. Monday night's barrage came despite Trump's latest assurance that a peace deal between the two sides is possible, following a phone call with Putin that lasted two hours. "I think something's going to happen," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the call. "It's a very, very big egos involved, I tell you, big egos involved. But I think something's going to happen. And if I thought that President Putin did not want to get this over with, I wouldn't even be talking about it because I'd just pull out." PHOTO: In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin is pictured during an event in Sochi, Russia, on May 19, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Despite the failure of peace talks to date -- including a chaotic meeting between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Istanbul, Turkey, last week -- Trump still appeared confident of success. In a post to his Truth Social website on Monday, Trump said Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiations toward a ceasefire. Kyiv has repeatedly requested a full 30-day pause to the fighting to facilitate peace talks. The Kremlin has so far dodged the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned if he had asked Putin to meet with him during the call on Monday, Trump replied, "Of course." "I said, 'When are we going to end this, Vladimir?'" Trump said. "I said, 'When are we going to end this bloodshed, this, this bloodbath?' It's a bloodbath. And, I do believe he wants to end it." Putin's own statement showed no sign of concessions. "Russia's position is clear," the president said in a statement to the media after the call. "Eliminating the root causes of this crisis is what matters most to us," Putin said, per a Kremlin readout. MORE: Trump says ceasefire negotiations between just Russia and Ukraine to start 'immediately' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's threats of new sanctions on Russia do not appear to have pushed the Kremlin away from its maximalist war goals, which essentially equate to Ukrainian capitulation. Those demands include the annexation of four partially-occupied Ukrainian regions -- plus the retention of Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014 -- Kyiv's demilitarization, a permanent block on Ukrainian accession to NATO and the "denazification" of the country -- a nebulous demand based on Russia's false representation of the Ukrainian government as a far-right dictatorship. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy -- with whom Trump also spoke on Monday -- has sought to present Kyiv as ready and willing to make peace, instead framing Putin as the key obstacle to Trump's desired deal. "This is a defining time," Zelenskyy wrote in a post to Telegram on Monday. "Now the world can see whether its leaders have the capacity to ensure an end to the war and the establishment of a real, lasting peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I confirmed to President Trump that we in Ukraine are ready for a complete and unconditional ceasefire, as the United States, in particular, has been talking about," he continued. PHOTO: A member of a mobile air defence volunteer unit stands next to a machine gun during the most massive Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine May 18, 2025. (Stanislav Kozliuk/Reuters) "It is important not to dilute this offer. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions for that. Pressure on Russia will encourage it to make real peace -- this is obvious to everyone in the world," he said. "We must ensure that Russia is prepared to hold such productive negotiations," Zelensyy wrote." It is very important for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the negotiations and achieving peace, because the only one interested in this is Putin." If Putin drags out or blocks real negotiations, Zelenskyy said, "America and the whole world behave accordingly, including responding with additional sanctions. Russia must end the war that it started, and it can do so any day. Ukraine is always ready for peace." Russia attacks Ukraine with drones after Trump-Putin call originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Russian court on Tuesday extended the pre-trial detention of Vadim Moshkovich, the billionaire founder of Russia's top agriculture company Rusagro who faces charges of embezzlement, until August 25, his lawyer told Reuters. Moshkovich, a member of Russia's upper house parliament between 2006 and 2014, was remanded in custody for two months in late March and has been charged with embezzling 30 billion roubles ($372.67 million). He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Rusagro, Russia's only major listed agricultural company, is a leading producer of sugar, meat, oil and fat products, and is ranked among the country's top five landowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TASS news agency has reported that the charges against Moshkovich relate to a deal to buy an 85% stake in the Solnechnie Produkty oil and fats company from its founder, in return for an investment that did not take place. Investigators filed new bribery charges against Moshkovich on Tuesday, Russian media reported. Moshkovich, who appeared in court in a dark T-shirt and navy blue cardigan, has a fortune of $2.9 billion according to Forbes. His arrest spooked investors. Rusagro's share price fell 19.5% in Moscow on March 26 and has not recovered since then. The case forms part of a wider push by Moscow to exert greater control over strategic assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign companies have grappled with the risk of state seizure ever since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, but Moscow, citing the need for strategic stability and domestic security, has increasingly brought domestic assets too into the crosshairs. The agriculture ministry last year secured a court decision that forced Rusagro to change its domicile to Russia from Cyprus. Through other lawsuits, Russia has quickened the pace of domestic asset seizures this year, with courts ruling that a leading grain trader, Moscow's sprawling Domodedovo airport, strategic warehouse assets and a zinc and lead producer be handed over to the state. ($1 = 80.5000 roubles) (Reporting by Olga Popova; Writing by Alexander MarrowEditing by Gareth Jones) Editors Note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only. Every year, as the way war is fought constantly evolves on the battlefields of Ukraine, the visuals of the fighting on the ground that constantly flood the internet transform with it. In the frantic first weeks of the full-scale invasion, it was Russian tanks stolen by farmers tossing their turrets after Ukrainian Javelin strikes. Over the Battle of Bakhmut, we got used to images of brutal World War I-style trench warfare in the 21st century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 was undoubtedly the year of the first-person-view (FPV) drones, with their characteristic screech through the air and messy static picture often capturing the last moments of a soldiers life. In 2025, something new has arrived. Images of kilometers-long tunnels of netting erected over entire roads, of city streets and fields covered in a dense tangle of glistening thread, and of the same FPV drone strike footage, but now with perfect camera quality. This years new arrivals on the visual fabric of the battlefield have one thing in common: they are all connected with the weapon shaping entire operations: the fiber optic FPV drone. In a war defined by constant innovation, this deceptively simple tweak to standard FPV drones makes them immune to electronic warfare (EW) and free of limitations brought by radio horizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drones have already made a serious impact from their role in Russias recapture of Kursk Oblast to the devastation of logistics all across the front line. Whats more: unlike many of the full-scale wars most effective innovations, fiber optic drones were first introduced not by pioneering Ukrainian drone teams, but by Russian forces. Threads from FPV (first-person view) drones controlled by fiber optics are seen in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, on April 8, 2025. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images) What is a fiber optic drone? At its core, a fiber optic drone of the kind used in Ukraine is simply a modification of the standard FPV drone that has already once transformed the way war is fought. Usually, this means a quadcopter design on a carbon fiber, aluminum, or polymer frame, upon which electronics are welded on in the middle, a battery is strapped to the top, and right before flying out on a combat mission the munition is strapped to the bottom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference is in the communication between the drone and its pilot. Most FPV drones receive their control inputs and beam back video through standard analog or digital antennas, meaning that maintaining a decent signal connection, even at great distances, is crucial for reaching and engaging targets. To achieve this, vertical antennas on the drone position are often complemented by signal booster drones, allowing the FPV to fly further, although still limited by the radio horizon of the terrain. Then there is jamming: EW devices of all shapes and sizes, from smaller systems mounted on vehicles to protect them from FPVs, to larger, more powerful units that can deny a whole area at a distance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When flying on fiber optic, the drone pilot is not concerned by questions of radio horizon or electronic warfare, and so long as the fiber itself isnt damaged or broken mid-flight can count on a perfect video feed right up to the target. Often, FPV drones on both sides are jammed by friendly as well as enemy EW, as many different teams from different units work out of the same sector without coordinating who is switching on their EW when. Fiber optic drones remove all of these problems from the equation, and for that reason, have been game-changing. The preparation of fiber optic drones with Ukraines Azov Brigade in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on April 23, 2025. (Francis Farrell / The Kyiv Independent) The testing of fiber optic drones with Ukraines Azov Brigade in Donetsk Oblast, on April 23, 2025. (Francis Farrell / The Kyiv Independent) Hanging under the drone, usually between the frame and the munition, a large but fairly lightweight cylinder holds a long spool of lightweight optical fiber which gradually releases as the drone flies forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essentially, this makes the drone a wire-guided precision weapon, like the Cold-War era TOW anti-tank missiles developed by the United States. When flying on fiber optic, the drone pilot is not concerned by questions of radio horizon or electronic warfare, and so long as the fiber itself isnt damaged or broken mid-flight can count on a perfect video feed right up to the target. Over 2024 especially, both Ukraine and Russia invested heavily in expensive EW systems to protect vehicles and other high-value targets, but against these new drones, they are rendered useless. Likewise, the same goes for radio-based drone detector devices commonly used by units to warn them of FPVs flying in the area. As has been demonstrated by both sides on the battlefield, fiber optic also allows FPV drones to fly where they never could before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're really great when you need to fly into some kind of building, like a large shed or hangar, to have a look inside if there is something there with the ability to strike it straight away, said Oleksandr Skhid, an FPV drone team commander in Ukraines Achilles Strike Drone Regiment. The same goes for other types of cover, and flying in forested areas. The drone design is not without its downsides. The weight and bulk of the fiber optic spool means that a larger drone frame with more powerful motors and a larger battery is needed, creating a final airframe that is slower, less maneuverable, and easier to shoot down with small arms than standard FPV drones. The hard connection between pilot and drone also leaves a physical trail of fiber after every flight, which, once they start to accumulate, can become visible. The fiber is very reflective in the sunlight, and it makes it possible to find the place where you fly out of, said Skhid. That's why it's better to switch positions more often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Hes mine How Ukraines ace drone unit hunts Russian soldiers near Kupiansk Russian origins In the cat-and-mouse technological game of the full-scale war, it is often Ukraine that has held the reputation of being better innovators, with more motivated engineers and volunteers allowed to work in a more flexible environment. Often, if a new Ukrainian product or solution proves to be effective on the battlefield like the early use of the basic FPV drone Russia tends to copy it and ramp up production. But with fiber optic drones, Russia was first, and the story of how it happened challenges perceptions of Russias war machine as being a lumbering, inert organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning with 2023, many key Russian military commentators, bloggers and military personalities were calling for the Russians not just to match Ukrainian (drone) capabilities step for step, but to essentially achieve a breakthrough, said military analyst Samuel Bendett, who has closely followed the efforts of grassroots Russian innovators and volunteer efforts over the full-scale war. At the time, both sides were increasingly looking to artificial intelligence as a solution to the jamming problem, with both solutions like AI-powered target recognition and pixel-locking that allow a drone to fly the last leg of its journey to the target. Ultimately though, with autonomous targeting often less reliable than a capable pilot and needing more expensive hardware on the drone itself, Russian drone engineers looked to think outside the box, arriving at the idea of the fiber optic drone. The first fiber optic drone model deployed at scale to the front line was the Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, a product of the Ushkuinik military technology accelerator project founded by Russian political scientist-turned volunteer Aleksey Chadaev. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First deployed in Kursk Oblast in August 2024 and scaled up as attempts to expel the Ukrainian presence inside Russian territory accelerated, the drone quickly proved to be extremely effective, particularly at targeting already strained Ukrainian logistics routes across the state border. By late winter, when Russian assaults on the Kursk salient intensified, soldiers reported that fiber optic drones played a crucial role in making the Ukrainian presence in the salient untenable. A Russian fiber optic drone of the Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky model, downed by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast, Russia, in September 2024. (Serhii Flash / Telegram) "Our logistics just collapsed; fiber optic drones were monitoring all routes, leaving no way to deliver ammunition or provisions, said Dmytro, a Ukrainian medic fighting out of the Russian town of Sudzha at the time, to the Kyiv Independent. Traveling there was even worse than playing Russian roulette because in this case, the revolver has five bullets and only one empty chamber." Now, top Russian drone units, including Rubicon and Sudny Den (Judgement Day), with their extensive experience of using fiber optic drones in Kursk Oblast, have transferred to Donetsk Oblast, according to the units Telegram channels. There, they have quickly begun to boost Russian offensive efforts in the area, especially around the front-line hotspots of Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Speaking to the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity, Ukrainian soldiers from two different brigades fighting near Toretsk reported a sharp increase in vehicle casualty rates after more fiber optic drones started flying in the area, with one saying that the whole brigade had run out of medical evacuation vehicles in the space of a month. With the technology continuing to be refined, and longer spools being fitted to larger drones on both sides, important logistical hubs could come under threat, even without the front line itself getting much closer. In April, Russian fiber optic drones began to fly into the city of Kostiantynivka, a central logistical node north of Toretsk and just over 10 kilometers from the contact line, with videos posted of both military and civilian vehicles hit. Read also: Ukraines mental health workers tackle war trauma and Soviet stigma in front-line regions Playing catch-up In a nondescript village house in Donetsk Oblast, a young military engineer with the call-sign Barbara screws propellers onto a quadcopter drone. On his desk, alongside the typical markers of drone-making equipment 3D printers, soldering irons, wires, and zip-ties are a row of large fiber optic spools. This humble workshop is where the legendary Azov Brigade of Ukraines National Guard, recently promoted to corps level, prepares its new fiber optic drones. Seeing the importance of the technology, Azov, along with many of Ukraines more specialized drone units, has been quicker out of the gate to experiment with and adopt fiber optic drones. Like with any other drone technology, the unit works in tight cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers, tightening the feedback loop from factory to front line. These types of drones have proven themselves in combat, they've proven their effectiveness, and the Russians are basically saying that this is something they should invest in. With Ukraines FPV drone production already well-developed at scale, the ability to pivot to more production of fiber optic simply requires a stable access to quality cable, most of which comes from China. In Ukraine, ready-made fiber optic spools are available for purchase on online marketplace AliExpress, though, as with all drone parts, manufacturers are looking to move away from dependence on China due to the countrys warm relations with the Kremlin. "Previously, it was mostly just Chinese spools, he said. Now, our manufacturers have started to take action and quite successfully. Perhaps, they lost a bit of time, but now all capacities are being ramped up." (Editor's note: the parts of the photos were blurred for security reasons.) A soldier from the Azov Brigade prepares a fiber optic drone in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on April 23, 2025. (Francis Farrell / The Kyiv Independent) In late February, Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces unveiled the Silkworm, a domestically-made fiber modular optic spool that can be used both on FPV drones and unmanned ground vehicles, which also often suffer from comms difficulties on the battlefield. As Ukrainian production gets into gear, the rapid training of pilots and the establishment of best practices are their own challenges. Receiving their first fiber optic drones toward the end of the winter, Skhids team has continued to fly mostly on standard FPV drones, turning to fiber optic only when absolutely necessary. We haven't completely figured out fiber optic yet, said Skhid. We have several different manufacturers, we are testing them continuously, we don't have a simple workflow. "Right now, I wouldn't say that quantity is the most important thing, added Barbara. We need quality, and its more important that everyone who deals with fiber optic understands what to do with it and how to handle it." Transforming the war So far, the successful use of fiber optic among Ukrainian forces is limited to the top tier of well-equipped, professional drone units, like the Achilles regiment or Azov's native drone battalion. This (2025) will be the year of fiber optic, said Kyrylo Veres, a prominent Ukrainian officer and commander of K-2, another one of the militarys top drone regiments, in an interview with Ukrainian media in March. But at the moment, its being used effectively by about one in 10 Ukrainian drone units. When we reach a point where nine out of 10 are using it, and the rest are quickly catching up, then we will see some serious results. In the meantime, Russias current advantage in the use of fiber optic right as offensive efforts are gaining momentum across the front line with the approach of summer is proving to be a serious challenge for the Ukrainian defense. It was a raw, unproven technology, but it has since expanded and everyone now recognizes this advantage, said Bendett. These types of drones have proven themselves in combat, they've proven their effectiveness, and the Russians are basically saying that this is something they should invest in. Countermeasures to fiber optic drones are so far limited to physical shooting down, entanglement, or obstruction. Along key logistics routes in the deadliest zone of the front line, both sides have been seen setting up long tunnels of lightweight netting for protection from the aerial threat, although videos have also emerged of Russian fiber optic drones simply flying underneath the nets to hit Ukrainian vehicles. The road to the border with Russia is covered with a net to protect against FPV (first-person view) kamikaze drones in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, on April 4, 2025. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images) As fiber optic drones are fitted with larger and larger spools, they consistently fly further than most standard FPVs. The long-term consequences for front-line logistics look to be transformative to the way war is fought, in the same way that drones first made the immediate zero line much deadlier than at the outset of the full-scale invasion. At the moment, most of our spools are 10 kilometers long, a few are 15 kilometes long, and the 20-kilometer spools are still being tested, said Skhid. I can't wait to try some of the longer-range spools, it will really increase our ability to find all kinds of Russian equipment in buildings further in the rear. Note from the author: Hi, this is Francis Farrell, thanks for reading this article on what could be one of the most understated yet terrifying new weapons of this war. I dont really know what we are going to do about fiber optic drones, they are making everything more dangerous near the front line, including both soldiers and our work. I have a feeling that in the near future, stumbling through spider webs of optical fiber will become a normal part of front-line work. But as with everything, as with this war, we will keep doing what we do because we have no other choice. If you want to stand there with us, without creeping through fiber optic yourself, please consider becoming a member of the Kyiv Independent. To fund our reporting, we rely on our community of over 18,000 members from around the world, most of whom give just $5 a month. Were aiming to reach 20,000 soon join our community and help us reach this goal. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Moscow released the oil tanker Green Admire on May 19, a day after detaining the vessel in Russian territorial waters as it transited from Estonia, Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) reported. The detention followed recent moves by Estonia and its neighbors to clamp down on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," which is used to bypass Western oil sanctions. The Green Admire, a Liberian-flagged vessel owned by a Greek company, departed the Estonian port of Sillamae on May 18 carrying shale oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its route agreed upon in advance by Estonia, Russia, and Finland crossed Russian territorial waters, where it was intercepted by Russian authorities. Estonian officials said the ship had followed its planned navigation route but was seized after allegedly failing to respond to repeated Russian warnings upon entering a zone Moscow had unilaterally declared "dangerous for navigation." Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the detention was likely tied to growing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet, which Western nations have accused of illegally transporting oil in defiance of international sanctions. A map of the Baltic Sea Region. (Lisa Kukharska / The Kyiv Independent) The incident occurred just days after Russia reportedly violated NATO airspace with a Su-35 fighter jet during Estonia's attempt to intercept a flagless tanker suspected of operating as part of the shadow fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Estonian Navy had previously detained such a vessel on April 11, marking the first enforcement action against Russia's covert maritime trade network in the region. Baltic countries have voiced alarm over what they describe as increasing Russian military activity in the area. Latvia's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) warned earlier this month of a heightened risk of unintended incidents due to Russia's aggressive naval and aerial maneuvers. Read also: EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Putin has appointed Andrei Mordvichev as the new commander in chief of Russia's ground forces, multiple outlets reported. Experts reacted, saying Mordvichev was a proponent of Russia's brutal "meat grinder" assaults. The attacks involve wave after wave of infantry assaults to grind down defenders. Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed a new commander in chief of Russia's ground forces who has been involved in some of the war's most brutal fighting, according to multiple reports. Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev replaced General Oleg Salyukov in the role on Thursday, state-controlled Russian outlet Izvestia reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deutsche Welle and several Russian outlets, including the government-published Rossiyskaya Gazeta, also reported the move. A list of official presidential decrees announced Salyukov's departure, but has not yet confirmed that Mordvichev is the replacement. The Institute for the Study of War said Friday that Mordvichev's reported appointment represented an endorsement of his preference for "grinding, highly attritional, infantry-led assaults," and said this suggested the Kremlin "aims to institutionalize these tactics." Military analyst Yan Matveyev credited him as one of the main initiators of the approach, in a post to Telegram after the appointment was reported. Mordvichev has previously said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is "only the beginning." In an interview with Russian state media in 2023, Mordvichev said that the war "will not stop here," Newsweek reported at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As deputy commander of the Central Military District, Mordvichev also presided over Russia's capture of the coastal city of Mariupol in 2022, one of the war's most brutal sieges. Satellite image showing the aftermath of Russian airstrikes on the Mariupol theater in Ukraine. Satellite image 2022 Maxar Technologies That battle, which is estimated to have killed more than 8,000 people, ended with Russian forces taking the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian forces had held out for two months. Mordvichev is also credited with the capture of the strategically important city of Avdiivka in February 2024. Ukrainian officials said that Russia lost more than 30,000 troops killed or wounded taking the city, using its infamous "meat grinder" approach of grinding down resistance with wave after wave of infantry attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mordvichev's reputation has grown steadily, and he was embraced by Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic, as "the best commander" during his promotion to head up the Central Military District last year, The Times of London reported. In 2022, Ukraine claimed to have killed Mordvichev in an airstrike near Kherson, but he was later seen meeting with Kadyrov. He is under multiple European sanctions, according to the sanctions database OpenSanctions. Salyukov, who became the ground forces commander in 2014, is a few days away from his 70th birthday, when he will age out of military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's being moved to a senior post on the Russian Security Council, per a presidential decree. A provocative appointment during peace talks The reported appointment came as the two sides met in Istanbul for peace talks. The talks, which began Friday, were left to lower-level officials after Putin declined to attend in person. The Russian officials included many of those who carried out fruitless negotiations in Istanbul in 2022, according to ISW. Some of Ukraine's European allies criticized Putin for his no-show, with Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna describing it as a "slap in the face." Read the original article on Business Insider MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Tuesday that Ukraine had to decide whether or not it would cooperate in discussing a memorandum ahead of a potential future peace accord that Moscow has discussed with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a call with President Donald Trump, said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord and that efforts to end the war in Ukraine were on the right track. Putin said that discussions on the memorandum would include the principles of a settlement and the timing and definitions of a possible ceasefire, including its time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that she hoped Ukraine took what she called a constructive position in relation to possible talks on the proposed memorandum for the sake of its own "self-preservation". "Now, accordingly, the ball is in Kyiv's court," Zakharova told reporters, adding that it was an important moment. She said that after Putin proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine, Kyiv's European allies had tried to prevent the resumption of direct dialogue, but that the Europeans had ultimately failed. On newly announced European Union sanctions, Zakharova said Russia would never bow to ultimatums from anyone, adding that is was clear Europe wanted to re-arm Ukraine to continue the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, triggering the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the depths of the Cold War. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov, Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Andrew Osborn) Russian law enforcement agencies have sent 20,000 naturalized migrants to fight in Ukraine for failing to register for military service, Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin said on May 20, according to state-owned TASS. The revelation signals an intensifying crackdown on Russia's migrant population as the Kremlin struggles to meet front line manpower needs. "Already 20,000 'young' citizens of Russia, who for some reason do not like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, are on the front lines," Bastrykin said during the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he had ordered military investigators, police, and Russia's National Guard to conduct regular raids on areas where migrants live to catch those evading military registration. Bastrykin earlier claimed many foreigners had begun "slowly" leaving Russia to avoid conscription and described the forced deployment of naturalized citizens as a "trick" to target migrants while fulfilling constitutional requirements. The statement comes as Russian forces continue monthly recruitment drives of 30,000 to 40,000 people, according to Western intelligence cited by the Wall Street Journal. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us With the memory of the unpopular 2022 partial mobilization still fresh when more than 261,000 Russians fled the country the Kremlin has avoided another mass draft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, it has turned to aggressive enlistment campaigns and financial incentives. On March 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the spring conscription of 160,000 men the country's largest call-up in 14 years. Although conscripts are technically barred from front-line combat, rights groups and relatives have reported that many are pressured into signing contracts that result in deployment to Ukraine. In the summer of 2024, Russian lawmakers passed legislation allowing authorities to revoke the citizenship of naturalized individuals who fail to register for military service. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. King of Morocco, Mohammed VI has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Your Excellency, dear Brother. It is with great pleasure that I extend to you my sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and I wish your people continued progress and prosperity. I look forward to further strengthening the fraternal relations and mutual respect between our countries. I am also keen to continue working together with Your Excellency to deepen and expand our cooperation in all areas for the benefit of our peoples.'' Russian authorities say they have sent some 20,000 migrants to fight in the war against Ukraine after granting them citizenship. Military investigators regularly carried out raids to find newly naturalized men who did not want to register with the military, said Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, according to the state news agency TASS on Tuesday. "We have fished out 80,000 and registered them for military service, and 20,000 of these 'young' citizens of Russia, who for some reason do not like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, are already on the front line," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 30 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia is still the destination for many immigrants, especially from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. In the countries mentioned by Bastrykin, the standard of living is significantly lower than in Russia and there is a lack of jobs, so many young men come as guest workers and then try to obtain Russian citizenship. The Kremlin also relies on financial incentives to attract volunteers to the front, especially from Russia's poor regions. In addition, soldiers loyal to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, an ally of the Kremlin, have also been deployed in recent months to recapture parts of the western Russian region of Kursk. There are also regular reports of citizens from other countries such as China, India, Cuba, Senegal and Togo being recruited. Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least one civilian and injured at least 13 over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 20. Moscow's forces launch air strikes, drone attacks, and artillery strikes against Ukrainian towns and villages on a daily basis, regularly inflicting civilian casualties. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 93 of the 108 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said. Thirty-five of them were shot down, while 58 were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces killed one person in Siversk, and injured three in Kramatorsk, two in Lyman, and one in Kostiantynivka, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. In Kharkiv Oblast, two women aged 45 and 73 were injured during a Russian attack against the village of Starovirivka, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Five civilians were injured during Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast, said the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. A high-rise building, seven houses, a cell tower, garages, cars, and machinery were damaged. Russian drones attacked border areas of Sumy Oblast overnight, damaging a civilian facility in the Bilopillia community and starting a fire, the regional military administration said. No casualties were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin refuses ceasefire after Trump call; Zelensky rejects Russias demand to withdraw troops from 4 regions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Airbus A330-300 operated by Russian airline iFLY made an emergency landing in the city of Khabarovsk, located in Russia's Far East, on 19 May due to a technical malfunction. Source: The Moscow Times, an independent Amsterdam-based news outlet Details: The Eastern Interregional Transport Investigation Department initiated an inquiry under Article 263 of Russia's Criminal Code concerning violations of air transport safety and operation rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the fifth emergency landing by Russian airlines in the past week, with prior incidents involving Azur Air, S7 Airlines and Aeroflot aircraft, caused by engine failures or landing gear issues. The condition of Russia's aircraft fleet has deteriorated due to sanctions limiting access to maintenance and spare parts. In the first 11 months of 2024, 208 aviation incidents were recorded, a 25% increase from 2023, with half involving engine or landing gear problems. In March, Sergei Chemezov, head of the Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, warned that at least 200 foreign aircraft would need decommissioning in the coming years. Background: The development of the Russian aircraft Baikal, intended to replace the Soviet-era An-2 (Kukuruznik), has ground to a halt, with mass production no longer planned. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian exile and former chess grand master Garry Kasparov has said that Vladimir Putin is calling the shots on Ukrainian peace talks, and is laughing at President Donald Trump. Trump, who vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict on day one of his presidency, has publicly demanded that Putin stop his bombing of Ukraine and come to the negotiating table. Putin kept Trumps U.S. delegation and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky waiting until the last minute before snubbing peace talks in Turkey last week, in a move that read like a power play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Putin stayed in Moscow and held a meeting with the head of a Russian bank. Since then, Trump and Putin have had an excellent phone call, according to the U.S. president. Putin said the call on Monday was very meaningful and frank, but a ceasefire remains elusive. Putin dialed in from a music school in Sochi, a city on the Black Sea, not far from Georgia. Trump was speaking from the Oval Office. Putin dialled into a call with Trump from the Sirius Educational Centre for Gifted Children near Sochi. / Vyacheslav Prokofyev / via REUTERS This too was a power play, according to Kasparov. Speaking on CNNs OutFront with Erin Burnett on Monday evening, the former World Chess Champion who fled Russia due to political persecution by Putins regime, said the Kremlin chiefs choice of venue for the call shows his true feelings for Trump. Putin is laughing at him. He didnt even come back to Moscow. He spoke to him from a music school in the obscure place in the south of Russia, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett asked him if this matters, and Kasparov continued: Of course! Putin shows disdain. Putin enjoys it. I mean, you can see the body language and also, a dictator has to show his strength. He added that this is a message to Russians from the tough guy leader. Kasparov added that it also serves as a message to other dictators around the globe. Trump is nobody. I mean, look, you know, I can play the American president as a broken guitar, he said. Kasparov added that Putin doesnt hear the strong messaging from Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Putin knows that Trump is capable of doing nothing. And this is an American position as presented by JD Vance, that if Putin doesnt want to negotiate, well do exactly what he what he wants us to do. America is walking away, he explained. Kasparov with slain prominent anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny in 2012. / Sergei Karpukhin / REUTERS He declared that the president of the United States is openly taking the side of a brutal dictator that has been carrying genocidal war against its neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And today, Putin is the main threat to the global stability. That should should tell us more about Donald Trump, he added. Kasparov even suggested that the two-hour 15-minute call that the leaders had on Monday might have even devolved into a negotiation about trade, rather than a ceasefire. I mean, the old nonsense about a ceasefire that just went nowhere could take 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, he said. What about the rest, 90 minutes? And knowing Trump he talked about trade, I think, you know, they talked about something else which interests Trump. Trump more [than] anything else, he cares about two thingsvanity and greed. So I think Putin knows how to handle it. Kasparov claimed that Trump is using his immense power to make him rich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So hes not even hiding this intention. And Vladimir Putin is laughing, he added. He struck a similar tone on his Substack The Next Move, saying Trump looks like a complete idiot and a beaten dog that has bowed to all of Putins demands. Until last week, a secretive fleet of ships ferrying Russian oil around the world showed no clear links to the Kremlin. That changed when, in a dramatic escalation, Russia used a fighter jet in an apparent effort to protect one of the tankers thought to be in the fleet. After the Estonian military contacted the Jaguar an unflagged tanker sanctioned by the United Kingdom earlier this month on May 13 in an attempt to carry out checks, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew past the ship, inside Estonian airspace, the Estonian Defense Forces said. The military eventually escorted the tanker out of Estonian waters. This is something very new, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told reporters Thursday at a NATO meeting in Turkey. Russia has now officially tied and connected itself to the so-called shadow fleet, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others agree. This seems to be a step-change in Kremlin thinking, Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a UK-based think tank, told CNN. Estimated to be hundreds of vessels strong, with no official ties to Russia, the shadow fleet includes many old, poorly maintained ships, which have in some instances wreaked environmental havoc and, according to some, have been implicated in damage to vital undersea cables off the Baltic coast. Russia has denied any role in the damage. The tankers, many with opaque ownership structures, transport Russian oil for export to avoid Western sanctions. As such, they have themselves become a focus of further sanctions on Moscow. On Wednesday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that a sanctioned ship belonging to the shadow fleet was caught performing suspicious maneuvers near an undersea power cable that runs between Poland and Sweden, before the Polish military intervened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias use, for the first time, of military action in response to economic sanctions is a testament to the level of the threat that were facing on the eastern flank of NATO, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told journalists at the meeting in Turkey. Video shot from the bridge of the Jaguar, which appears to have been edited, shows a radio call from Estonian authorities demanding the ship change course, with Estonian military ships and aircraft visible around the tanker. CNN has corroborated details of the footage, which was shared online by Margarita Simonyan, editor in chief of Russian state media outlet RT. An aircraft flies near a Russian-bound oil tanker at sea, Gulf of Finland, in this screengrab taken from social media, May 13, 2025. - Social Media/Reuters Later in the video, a sole Russian Su-35 fighter jet sweeps ahead of the tanker, which was previously named the Argent, according to shipping records and the UK government. In response, Portuguese F-16 jets on a NATO mission in Estonia were rushed to the area to monitor the Russian aircraft, NATO said. The jets are part of a strengthened NATO presence in northern Europe since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probably what the Kremlin is trying to do is push back on that, so in the hope that NATO nations get spooked by what happened (last Tuesday), said Arnold at RUSI. There will be those within NATO who are a bit worried about this and say, Well, hang on, do we really want to risk starting a wider confrontation with Russia over one ship? Reaction to larger NATO presence For the Estonians, the Russian jets intrusion into Estonian air space is proof that Western sanctions are biting. The incident demonstrates that monitoring and sanctioning the shadow fleet is effective and that such efforts must be further intensified, the Estonian Defense Forces said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN was not able to locate the registered owner of the Jaguar for comment. The Russian Ministry of Defense has declined to respond to CNNs request for comment. The Kremlin has previously refused to respond to accusations that it uses a shadow fleet. In January, following repeated incidents in which ships caused damage to undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, NATO launched the Baltic Sentry initiative to bolster its military presence in the waters. We see the (Tuesday) incident as a reaction to Baltic Sentry, Col. Martin ODonnell, a NATO spokesman, told CNN. Russias destabilizing actions will not deter us from acting within international law to maintain maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday that a new sanctions package could be adopted as early as Tuesday after Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to join Russias talks with Ukraine in Turkey last week. Merz had said earlier that Russias shadow fleet permanently operating in the Baltic Sea with up to 300 ships would be specifically targeted in this package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a possible tit-for-tat move, a Greek-owned oil tanker, Green Admire, was detained Sunday by Russia as it transited Russian waters on a route agreed by Estonia, Finland and Russia, Estonias foreign minister posted on X. CNN has reached out to the vessels owner and the Russian foreign ministry for comment. The Russian foreign ministry has not responded. Estonian authorities have conducted more than 450 checks on vessels in Tallinn-controlled waters in the Baltic Sea since last June, according to the countrys transport ministry. This includes the Gulf of Finland, one of the principal conduits for Russian overseas trade. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Fires have broken out and damage has been caused to premises belonging to a farm and a business due to a Russian drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "The enemy targeted Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones overnight. Air defenders destroyed three aerial targets. But the attack was not without an aftermath. A farm has been damaged in the Pavlohrad district. A fire broke out there, but firefighters extinguished it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Damage to business premises was recorded in the Synelnykove district following a drone attack. A fire also broke out there. The Russians attacked the Nikopol district with FPV drones and artillery. The city of Nikopol and the Pokrovske, Myrove and Marhanets hromadas came under fire. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] "No casualties have been reported," Lysak added. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (FOX40.COM) A man accused of a hit-and-run crash in Sacramento that sent a bicyclist to the hospital in critical condition before he later died was arrested. Video Above: What happens when you call 911? Around 9:30 a.m. on May 5, the Sacramento Police Department responded to reports of a vehicle and bicyclist collision near the intersection of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man with significant injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where he died about a week later, on May 13. Two people die after Jeep plunges into creek under I-5 in Northern California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD said the vehicle involved fled the scene before police showed up. Through an investigation, law enforcement said they identified the suspect as Lamont Jackson, 29, of Sacramento. He was arrested and faces related charges. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, and the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call SPD at 916-808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. 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 FOX40 News. From grocery stores to neighborhoods, a hurricane's category might be among the most discussed aspects of a threatening storm. Those categories are based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is one tool for assessing the intensity of a hurricane, but it's important to know what it means in terms of wind impacts, as well as what it doesn't mean. Let's break it down. Big Picture -What It Measures: As the name implies, the current version is strictly a wind scale that rates a hurricane's sustained winds (not gusts) from Category 1 through 5. For a storm to reach the Category 1 threshold, its winds must be at least 74 mph. Major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher on the scale, have winds above 110 mph. Rare Category 5 hurricanes pack maximum winds of 157 mph or higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -What It Doesn't Measure: Storm surge, flooding rainfall or tornado impacts. Storm surge was previously quantified by the categories, but that was eliminated in 2010 given the complex nature of that particular impact. -Damage Type By Category: In general, wind damage rises by about a factor of four for every category increase. According to the National Hurricane Center, that ranges from "some damage" in a Category 1 to "extensive damage" in a Category 2, "devastating damage" in a Category 3 and "catastrophic damage" in Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Deeper Dive -History Shows You Should Not Focus Just On The Wind Category: That's because water-related impacts like storm surge and flooding rainfall, not wind, are historically deadlier impacts. 85% of deaths from tropical cyclones in the U.S. have historically been caused by rainfall flooding, storm surge, rip currents, high surf and marine incidents, based on National Hurricane Center 2013-23 statistics. -Storm Surge Lesson Learned: Hurricane Ike in 2008 made landfall in Texas as a Category 2, but packed a much higher storm surge than you might suspect a hurricane of that wind intensity could produce. That's because it was very large, allowing it to build up storm surge heights of 15 to 20 feet, which then leveled most structures on Texas's Bolivar Peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Flooding Rainfall Lessons Learned: Tropical storms can create more rainfall flood damage than major Category 3-plus hurricanes in some cases. Tropical Storm Imelda in September 2019 produced over 30 inches of rain in southeast Texas, triggering widespread flooding. The damage estimate was $6.2 billion (2025 dollars), according to NOAA. Another famous example is Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which caused massive flooding in southeast Texas, including Houston, resulting in $15.1 billion (2025 dollars) in damage and killing 43 people. The Bolivar Peninsula wiped clean of structures by Hurricane Ike's massive storm surge in September 2008. More To Know -Category 5 Hurricanes Are Rare: There have been just 42 recorded in the Atlantic Basin since 1924, according to NOAA's historical database. It's even rarer to have two in a season like we saw in 2024 with Beryl in the Caribbean in July, and Milton in the Gulf in October. -Where Did The Scale Come From? It first came into use more than 50 years ago and is named for its developers, Herbert Saffir, a consulting engineer who lived in Florida, and Dr. Robert Simpson, who was then director of the National Hurricane Center. The earliest published versions of the scale date to 1972. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. President of the Republic of Malawi, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Your Excellency, On the occasion of your national holiday - 28 May - Independence Day, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to you and the people of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Malawi and on my own behalf. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened in line with the interests of our peoples in the coming years. Please accept my best wishes for Your Excellencys good health, and for the tranquility and prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.'' State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, at podium, with Gov. Jim Pillen and State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, from left. Brandt serves as chair of the Legislature's Natural Resources Committee. DeKay chairs the Agriculture Committee. May 7, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraskas version of One Big Beautiful Bill for property tax relief went up in smoke Monday despite an effort to narrow new revenues to increased taxes on cigarettes and vapes. It becomes the third property tax package in the past year to propose and fail to garner traction to use new sales tax revenues to lower property taxes. It also deals a significant blow to Gov. Jim Pillens pledge to keep property taxes flat this year as he eyes reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislative Bill 170, led by State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, failed 30-15. It needed 33 votes to overcome a filibuster from opponents across the political spectrum who opposed the tax shift. The proposal originally sought to add sales taxes to 20 currently exempt goods or services, including pop, dating services, chartered jets, swimming pool cleaning and maintenance services and pet grooming. It also sought to hike the taxes on cigarettes (up to $1.36) and vapes (up to 40%). The original package anticipated $110 million in new revenue, with $100 million directed to property tax credits to offset property taxes paid to local K-12 school districts. Property taxes remain one of the most painful burdens our residents face, impacting everyone from family farmers to first-time homeowners, Brandt said. This legislation is a responsible, targeted effort to address the burden by broadening Nebraskas tax base. State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln talks with State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City. April 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) However, as happened at the end of both the 2024 regular session and an 18-day special session Pillen called last summer, lawmakers ultimately rejected expanded sales taxes on several goods and services, which could have raised about $53 million, Brandts estimates indicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just rebranded or repackaged from the prior two failed attempts that this Legislature has not moved forward for a variety of different reasons, with strong support across a politically diverse coalition, said State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Representing some ideology Brandt sought to narrow LB 170 to a lower revenue target of $80 million for new property tax relief each year by striking any broadening of the sales tax base. Instead, he proposed to increase cigarette taxes to $1.64 per 20-pack, which he said would raise nearly $60 million each year, and to increase vape taxes to 40% wholesale, which he said would raise about $15 million. Both versions of LB 170 also included a proposal from Fremont State Sen. Dave Wordekemper to capture a 20% tax on cigars, cheroots and stogies purchased online, which senators estimated would raise $100,000 in revenue. That left roughly $5 million that would have needed to be made up later, such as by adding back a handful of expanded sales taxes to the package. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, center, talks with State Sens. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, left, and State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, who has fought for increased taxes on vapes, said property tax relief is necessary for the grandmas or grandpas across Nebraska, as well as retirees and veterans, who are being priced out of their homes because of property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes, State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and a handful of other conservatives in the officially nonpartisan Legislature defended the shift to new sales tax revenue as targeting optional goods or services. We are so dang lazy we cant even go to the McDonalds drive-through by ourselves to go pick up our food. We hire someone to pick it up, and thats a service, and were not even talking about taxing that service, Hughes said. A vote against LB 170, supporters said, was a vote against property tax relief. Dont tell me youre representing your constituents when you say you dont want to lower property taxes, because you arent representing your constituents, said State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. Youre representing some ideology. Tax increase with no end in sight Much of the pushback to LB 170 was bipartisan, including from Republican State Sens. Brad von Gillern of the Elkhorn area, chair of the Legislatures Revenue Committee, and Stan Clouse of Kearney, who said the bill was not sustainable relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clouse, a former longtime Kearney mayor, said the relief was not real and was simply increasing revenue streams. He suggested eliminating unfunded mandates was a better focus. State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, center, flanked by State Sens. Beau Ballard of Lincoln and Mike McDonnell of Omaha. Aug. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Added von Gillern: This is putting dollars into the top of a bucket that has a hole in the bottom of it. State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, a Pillen appointee, criticized LB 170 and its narrower components as a tax increase with no end in sight that wasnt the right path forward, even as he identified property tax relief as a top priority for his district. Von Gillern and State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman said the increased revenue also wouldnt keep up with property tax growth, which was nearly $300 million in two of the past three years. The exception in annual increases that high was last fall, after the state took on the tab for property taxes previously levied by community colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state budget passed last week included about $57 million in expanded property tax credits for next year, and about $11 million more for homestead exemptions. Even combined with the $80 million in Brandts bill, property taxes would likely increase statewide next year. That stands in direct contrast to Pillens pledge to hold property taxes flat. He has said that, without a shadow of a doubt, he and allies would find additional property tax relief this year. The right triggers Storer, a rancher in north-central Nebraska, said she was concerned that the continued reliance on property tax credits was feeding the demon and taking away accountability from local taxing authorities. We still havent pulled the right triggers, Storer, a freshman lawmaker, said. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sits in his office in the Nebraska State Capitol. To his right is Daisy, a chocolate lab in Pillens family. April 29, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Another path forward for property tax relief includes buying down property tax levies directly, an approach led by Hughes in a Pillen-backed LB 303, which also sought long-term changes to how the state funds K-12 schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the provision to lower property taxes directly has since been stripped out of LB 303 to give time for senators to further study the approach before returning next January. On the Democratic side, State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, who has consistently opposed expanding the sales tax to exempted items without lowering the 5.5-cent statewide sales tax rate, said the latest package would pick winners and losers. Dungan criticized repeated efforts for a grand slam swing at tax policy when expansive adjustments need more time to be effective. State Sens. Ashlei Spivey and Terrell McKinney, both of Omaha, noted LB 170 wouldnt have helped renters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conrad and State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha cautioned that an increased tax on nicotine products also wouldnt be paid by Big Tobacco executives, but everyday Nebraskans. Dungan and State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha added that increasing taxes on cigarettes and vapes would hopefully decrease tobacco usage, which could lead to less tax revenue. If we continue to just try to put a piece of tape over the hole in the boat, Dungan said, its not going to fix the actual problem. After the vote, Brandt said he was disappointed and that he had made his run for more relief. If the Legislature doesnt want to give property tax relief, I dont know what else I can do, Brandt told the Nebraska Examiner. Dozen senators crossed party lines on final vote Voting to move forward on LB 170: Democratic State Sens. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, Jason Prokop of Lincoln, Dan Quick of Grand Island, Jane Raybould of Lincoln and Victor Rountree of Bellevue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting against LB 170: Republican State Sens. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Stan Clouse of Kearney, Glen Meyer of Pender, Tanya Storer of Whitman, Jared Storm of David City and Paul Strommen of Sidney. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SALT LAKE CITY Transportation challenges between the east and west sides of Salt Lake City have existed for well over a century, and now transportation planners are asking for community feedback as they seek solutions. Utahs capital city launched a new online survey on Monday, which asks residents why they make east-west trips, how frequently they make those trips and what experiences they have in making those trips, among other things. It also asks about what features residents want to see out of the West-East Connections Study, which the city launched in February. An open house is also planned for Wednesday evening as the city begins work on the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solutions were looking for already exist in the minds and experiences of those most affected by the divide. This open house will help us center their voices and let them guide the way toward a more connected city, said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a statement. The study, which is expected to take two years to complete, seeks to find ways for residents to better cross I-15 and the railroad corridor that essentially separates the two sides. Its a transportation challenge that dates back to the 1870s, when the railroad corridor was created to link the city with the transcontinental railroad. Since then, areas west of the lines have generally been less desirable and often used as a dumping ground for waste, city officials point out. The divide worsened in the 1950s, when I-15 was constructed west of the railroad line, limiting the number of routes that connect the east and west sides. The east-west divide is more than just a mobility challenge. Its really feeling like the west side is underinvested in, said Joe Taylor, a Salt Lake City transportation planner, shortly after the study launched. Thats what were trying to get at with the folks who live it every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has explored some small ways to improve connections. For example, the City Council funded a Trainfo pilot program. The system, which helps alert drivers about delays tied to blocked railroad crossings, was first installed at the 900 West and South Temple crossings last year. The city also received funding from the Utah Inland Port Authority earlier this year that will help to add five additional crossings to the network. However, the study is expected to identify long-term solutions when its completed next year. Wednesdays open house will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Edison Elementary School, 430 S. Cheyenne Street. Dinner will be provided for up to 250 people. The survey will remain available until early June, but future public feedback points are expected as the study is compiled. This study is a step in the right direction, said Salt Lake City Council Vice Chairman Alejandro Puy. We need bold, community-informed solutions; this study will help us find them. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Samantha Ingram has announced she is running for the Mobile City Council District 2 seat. Samantha Ingram has announced her intention to run for Mobile City Council District 2. (Courtesy of Samantha Ingram for District 2 campaign) What fans are saying on day 1 of Morgan Wallens Sand in My Boots music festival The Mobile native has served at the local and national levels in education, and said she is ready to bring that experience to the council, according to a news release. For the past 30 years, I have poured my heart into public education, working tirelessly to improve our schools in this city and across the United States, she said. I have managed multi-million-dollar budgets, supported and empowered leaders and focused on building better communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingram has served as the deputy superintendent for Mobile County Public Schools and as chief of the Center for Instructional Leadership and Development with the United States Department of Defense, according to the release. Ingram said she wants to help everyone in Mobile, not just those in District 2. I am running for City Council to ensure that every resident, no matter their zip code, has access to affordable housing, youth opportunities, safe and healthy neighborhoods, and inclusive economic and community development, she said. I am committed to bringing real solutions and responsive leadership to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she believes that it is possible by working together. Big crowds for Sand in My Boots festival continue this weekend I have always had a core belief that we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. Together we can make District 2 better, 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 WKRG News 5. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A jungle gym was destroyed by fire at Lafayette Elementary School in San Francisco around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, as the school was hit by the second unexplained fire in less than a month. The San Francisco Fire Department responded to the scene at 4545 Anza St. and extinguished the fire. The flames did not spread to any nearby buildings. San Jose fire captains drug thefts left patients in pain: DA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco Unified School District said in a statement that the fire has affected outdoor playtime at the school. Emergency procedures have been reviewed and reinforced, and all affected areas have been secured, SFUSD said. School operations continue as normal, and students are learning in a safe and supportive environment. We have arranged supervised alternatives for outdoor play. In addition, we are working with our wellness teams to provide additional support to students in school. On May 1, a fire ignited in an outdoor storage shed on school grounds at about 1:30 a.m. The fire was extinguished and contained to the shed. Acclaimed SF eatery One Market Restaurant closing after 32 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No known injuries were suffered in either fire. Firefighters have not determined what caused the fires. We understand that two incidents in a short time is concerning, and we are working closely with the Fire Department to investigate both cases, SFUSD said. The cause remains under investigation and we are taking the situation very seriously. Until the investigation is complete, we are not making assumptions about the causes of the fires. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco Police Department officer Ryan Kwong graduated from the police academy on Thursday. Just two days later, Kwong was off-duty when he allegedly caused a major collision that sent a victim to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Investigators said they suspect the rookie police officer was drunk behind the wheel when his car slammed into a van. Kwong, 28, was arrested by his new SFPD co-workers on suspicion of felony DUI causing injuries. The crash happened around 2 a.m. Saturday on Sunset Boulevard and Rivera Street in San Francisco. Kwongs sedan collided into the van, violently shoved it into a light post, and split the van open. (Photo courtesy James Gomez Jr.) Three victims were rescued from the van and rushed to a hospital. One of the patients remained in critical condition Monday, a hospital spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers determined that the suspect driver was driving under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest, an SFPD spokesperson wrote. Kwong graduated from the 284th San Francisco Police Academy on Thursday with 30 fellow graduates. Police Chief Bill Scott conducted the swearing in ceremony and welcomed his new officers to the force. The 28th San Francisco Police Academys graduates are sworn in on May 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy SFPD) Kwong was set to begin 16 weeks of field training. After the crash Chief Scott wrote, No one is above the law. This incident was incredibly tragic, and my heart goes out to the injured victims. We will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Daniel Lurie wrote, My thoughts are with those injured in this incredibly upsetting incident. Our police officers work hard to keep San Franciscans safe. We expect them to follow the law on and off duty no exceptions. The District Attorneys Office said prosecutors are currently evaluating the case for charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Santa Barbara Investment Advisor Hit with Ten Years in Fed Prison for Bilking Elderly Clients originally appeared on L.A. Mag. (Photo via Getty Images) A Santa Barbara County financial advisor who promised to take care of her elderly clients "like a daughter," and instead sent them to the grave penniless at the end of their lives was sentenced to ten years in federal prison Monday. Julie Anne Darrah, 52, of Santa Maria, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients to fund a lavish lifestyle of luxury cars and homes, including clients that were receiving end-of-life care. The longtime investment advisor at Orcutt Wealth Management Group pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud connected to her long-running scheme that began in November 2016 and ended when she was embroiled in a Securities and Exchange Commission case in 2023 that exposed her con. Darrah, according to a social media post, was a Board President at the nonprofit OASIS which provided advice to the elderly about nursing home care in 2023. That was the same year the SEC accused Darrah and her firm, Vivid Financial Management, Inc of swindling at least nine elderly people as their investment adviser. "Darrah took advantage of trust victims placed in her often convincing them she would take care of them in their older years like a daughter, and she used this trust to convince them to sign the documents that she then used to steal money from them," federal prosecutors said. "Some victims were left in desperate circumstances, without the money to pay for end-of-life care, when the fraud was discovered." The SEC seized Darrah's assets. She will also be ordered to pay restitution at a later date by the sentencing judge. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 19, 2025, where it first appeared. By Francesco Guarascio and Elizabeth Pineau HANOI/PARIS (Reuters) -Infrastructure and energy are among issues France's President Emmanuel Macron is expected to discuss with Vietnam's leaders next week during a state visit to the former colony when dozens of deals may be signed, officials said. The first trip to Vietnam by a French president in nearly a decade is part of a larger tour of Southeast Asia. Macron is set to arrive in Hanoi on May 25, move to Indonesia on May 27 and finish in Singapore, where he will speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top defence conference, starting on May 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron's Elysee office told Reuters dozens of deals were being prepared and could be signed during the visit. One official with knowledge of the talks said about 30 pacts were under discussion ahead of a signing ceremony on Monday. Vietnam's foreign affairs ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Caught off-guard by the threat of high tariffs from the United States, export-reliant Vietnam is trying to readjust its growth model to focus more on government spending, with massive investments planned in transport, communications and energy. Macron is following leaders of China, Japan and other European countries in visiting the region in recent weeks, in a sign of Southeast Asia's strategic importance amid uncertainties on global supply chains and trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SATELLITES, ENERGY One agreement under negotiation is for the replacement of an earth-observation satellite, built by Airbus Defence's predecessor and launched in 2013. A non-binding memorandum of understanding on that could be signed during Macron's visit, one official said. A second official said other satellite discussions were under way. Airbus did not reply to a request for comment but has said in the past it was working on the replacement of Vietnam's satellite. The Elysee did not comment about this specific agreement. France is also keen to discuss energy cooperation, with progress expected on renewables projects under the EU-backed Just Energy Transition Partnership, the two officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear energy will also be on the table, although no deals were expected, one of the sources said. Vietnam has decided to relaunch its nuclear power programme as it struggles to meet growing energy needs from its expanding economy. Russia and Japan appear to be ahead in nuclear talks at the moment, officials have said. France, South Korea and the United States have also discussed possible cooperation with Hanoi. Talks with the U.S. progressed alongside trade negotiations this week, according to the Vietnamese government. France is also interested in plans for a new high-speed link between Vietnam's top cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which at an estimated cost of $67 billion would be Vietnam's largest infrastructure project. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi and Elizabeth Pineau in Paris; Additional reporting by Phuong Nguyen in Hanoi; Editing by Alex Richardson) Theres a lot of noise around gender-segregated education in Saudi Arabia. But the Kingdoms head of human rights says that if it wasnt for the system in place, many young girls would miss out on being educatedherself included. I can tell you that we received a lot of harsh criticism on segregating schools, H.E. Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri said on stage in Riyadh at Fortunes Most Powerful Women International Summit. But actually, those of us who come from this part of the world know that if schools were mixed, many conservative families would not have sent their girls to school in the first place, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Tuwaijri has been president of the Saudi Arabia Human Rights Commission, with the rank of minister, since September 2022. Its a job that, if it werent for same-sex classes, she may not have been able to work up to. Many of the educated women you see today, including myself, would not be sitting here because our families back then would not have accepted the fact that well be sitting next to boys in high schools. Studying English literature prepared her for the global job Before joining the world of work, Al-Tuwaijri earned a bachelors degree in English literature in 1998, a masters degree in English literature and drama in 2004, and, in 2011, a Ph.D. in American literature and drama all from King Saud University. Looking back, she says the qualifications prepared her for her current role. For people who know a bit about studying literature, its not about reading stories, Al-Tuwaijri said. Actually, behind every story, there is a culture, history, philosophy, ideas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My focus has always been on the issue of identity, she said. What shapes peoples identity and what actually informs the literature they write, whether its theater, or performance, or art in generaland that, of course, took me to study the sociopolitical context of these areas, and the ideas, and the philosophical background to where all of this is coming from and where its taking. So, without knowing, I was actually preparing myself for looking into a more global platform of issues pertaining to identity, rights, stories, and all of that. After graduating, Al-Tuwaijri joined KSUs staff as a lecturer and also worked as an assistant professor of English literature at the university. She worked her way up to vice chair of the English language department. Before becoming president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, with the rank of minister, she was secretary-general of the Family Affairs Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My career has been crowned and honored by this great country and our wise leadership, who celebrated women, elevated their status, and paved the way for their advancement, she told Arab News soon after the appointment. Of her new role, Al-Tuwaijri said: Saudi Arabia has made great and honorable strides in the field of human rights, and the testimony of just countries and organizations is the best proof. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com It has been 2 years since Julie and Todd Chrisley were convicted of fraud and sent to federal prison, with their daughter, Savannah, being their biggest fighter to try to get them released. When her parents went to prison, Savannah ended up becoming an instant parent to her younger siblings, Chloe and Grayson. Chrisley took to Fox News over the weekend, where she talked to Lara Trump about her fight to free her parents, how she says shes come under scrutiny because of it, and the parallels she said she sees with President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this feels to you like it was targeted, yes, and it was targeted because your family was successful, because your family was on television, and you became a bit of a mark in some ways, Trump asked Chrisley. They were unfairly targeted due to their celebrity status, Chrisley said about the investigation into her parents. Even though Todd and Julie were brought up on federal charges and were even convicted under Trumps first presidency, she says Democrats in the Fulton County District Attorneys Office are the reason her parents are now behind bars. Our case was in Fulton County, Georgia, and originally, they were not going to prosecute because they said it was very weak. They didnt have the evidence that they needed to prosecute, that it just it wasnt a case. It took nine years to issue a federal indictment. Both prosecutors were Democrats. They have donated to Democratic candidates and from at trial, we knew it was game over, Chrisley said. They referred to us as the Trumps of the South at trial, the prosecutors did. The young Chrisley has said before that the judge in the case against her mother resentenced Julie Chrisley to 84 months in prison out of retaliation for her being so outspoken about what she says is the injustice against her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She echoed those same sentiments in this weekends interview. The judge in our case used it against me in the courtroom. The judge looked at me and said, and to the person who has these minor children your custody, you need to be more concerned with these childrens wellbeing than you are spreading false information to the public, Chrisley said. Chrisley has custody of her younger siblings, Chloe and Grayson. I wasnt expecting to get two kids. None of us expected the trial to go the way that it did. I cant imagine how hard it was for my parents to turn their kids over to someone else, Chrisley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrisley has used this experience to fight for prison reform. Last year, Savannah spoke at the Republican National Convention as well as the Conservative Political Action Committees annual gathering. She has also been seen at Mar-a-Lago and the White House to make her case to President Donald Trump to pardon her parents. Savannah has used her weekly podcast to advocate against the conditions that she says her parents are living. Lara Trump asked Savannah how they were doing. Theyre okay. Its extremely sad to see how these individuals are treated. I mean, my mom, shes in a facility in Lexington. In Kentucky to where there is no air conditioning, regardless of what someone does, I think you should have basic bare necessities, and its just heartbreaking to see that my mom is in conditions like that, Chrisley said. I talk to them every day. Its short because they only get an allotted amount of minutes a month. So I do talk to them. Theyre always calling, checking in, making sure the kids are good. Im good, but its hard. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chrisleys were initially indicted in August 2019. Prosecutors said the couple submitted fake documents to banks when applying for loans. Julie Chrisley sent a fake credit report and bank statements showing far more money than they had in their accounts to a California property owner in July 2014 while trying to rent a home. A few months after they began using the home, in October 2014, they refused to pay rent, causing the owner to have to threaten them with eviction. The money the Chrisleys received from their reality television show, Chrisley Knows Best, went to a company they controlled called 7Cs Productions, but they didnt declare it as income on federal tax returns, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple failed to file or pay their federal income taxes on time for multiple years. The family had moved to Tennessee by the time the indictment was filed, but the criminal charges stem from when they lived in Atlantas northern suburbs. Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years. Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens. The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion. It has been 2 years since Julie and Todd Chrisley were convicted of fraud and sent to federal prison, with their daughter, Savannah, being their biggest fighter to try to get them released. When her parents went to prison, Savannah Chrisley became an instant parent to her younger siblings, Chloe and Grayson, our sister station in Atlanta said. Chrisley took to Fox News over the weekend, where she talked to Lara Trump about her fight to free her parents, how she says shes come under scrutiny because of it, and the parallels she said she sees with President Donald Trump. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this feels to you like it was targeted, yes, and it was targeted because your family was successful, because your family was on television, and you became a bit of a mark in some ways, Trump asked Chrisley. They were unfairly targeted due to their celebrity status, Chrisley said about the investigation into her parents. Even though Todd and Julie were brought up on federal charges and were even convicted under Trumps first presidency, she says Democrats in the Fulton County District Attorneys Office are the reason her parents are now behind bars. Our case was in Fulton County, Georgia, and originally, they were not going to prosecute because they said it was very weak. They didnt have the evidence that they needed to prosecute; it just wasnt a case. It took nine years to issue a federal indictment. Both prosecutors were Democrats. They have donated to Democratic candidates and from at trial, we knew it was game over, Chrisley said. They referred to us as the Trumps of the South at trial, the prosecutors did. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The young Chrisley has said before that the judge in the case against her mother resentenced Julie Chrisley to 84 months in prison out of retaliation for her being so outspoken about what she says is the injustice against her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She echoed those same sentiments in this weekends interview. The judge in our case used it against me in the courtroom. The judge looked at me and said, and to the person who has these minor children in your custody, you need to be more concerned with these childrens wellbeing than you are spreading false information to the public, Chrisley said. Chrisley has custody of her younger siblings, Chloe and Grayson. I wasnt expecting to get two kids. None of us expected the trial to go the way that it did. I cant imagine how hard it was for my parents to turn their kids over to someone else, Chrisley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrisley has used this experience to fight for prison reform. Last year, Savannah spoke at the Republican National Convention as well as the Conservative Political Action Committees annual gathering. She has also been seen at Mar-a-Lago and the White House to make her case to President Donald Trump to pardon her parents. Savannah has used her weekly podcast to advocate against the conditions that she says her parents are living. Lara Trump asked Savannah how they were doing. Theyre okay. Its extremely sad to see how these individuals are treated. I mean, my mom, shes in a facility in Lexington. In Kentucky to where there is no air conditioning, regardless of what someone does, I think you should have basic bare necessities, and its just heartbreaking to see that my mom is in conditions like that, Chrisley said. I talk to them every day. Its short because they only get an allotted amount of minutes a month. So I do talk to them. Theyre always calling, checking in, making sure the kids are good. Im good, but its hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chrisleys were initially indicted in August 2019. Prosecutors said the couple submitted fake documents to banks when applying for loans. Julie Chrisley sent a fake credit report and bank statements showing far more money than they had in their accounts to a California property owner in July 2014 while trying to rent a home. A few months after they began using the home, in October 2014, they refused to pay rent, causing the owner to have to threaten them with eviction. The money the Chrisleys received from their reality television show, Chrisley Knows Best, went to a company they controlled called 7Cs Productions, but they didnt declare it as income on federal tax returns, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple failed to file or pay their federal income taxes on time for multiple years. The family had moved to Tennessee by the time the indictment was filed, but the criminal charges stem from when they lived in Atlantas northern suburbs. Channel 2 Action News (WSB-TV) first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years. Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News (WSB-TV) showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens. The couple eventually went to trial, and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''As you commemorate Azerbaijan's Republic Day, it is my utmost pleasure to convey to Your Excellency and your friendly people my sincerest greetings and best wishes for further progress and prosperity. Egypt values its close and warm bilateral relations with Azerbaijan that have extended successfully over the years and are bolstered by a strong commitment to advance our shared interests. I would like to reaffirm Egypt's keenness on deepening the Egypt-Azerbaijan relationship in the coming years and working hand-in-hand to diversify our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two friendly people. Please accept, dear Mr. President, my sincerest wishes for your personal well-being and for the welfare and advancement of the friendly Azerbaijani people.'' FREMONT, Ohio (WJW) It started out as a normal walk on the bike trail Sunday night for 15-year-old Tyson Kieffer of Fremont. We just got to the end right by the bridge and thats when we saw the families yelling to the ones still on the bridge, said Kieffer. Kieffer said a family of four was walking on a bridge off of Hayes Avenue in Fremont that is only used for trains. Thats when he saw a train coming onto the span. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 40 Years Later: Survivors remember 1985 tornado outbreak that devastated Niles Id say the train was probably ten feet away and then they finally jumped. As soon as I saw people hit the water, I just ran, said Kieffer. Kieffer said he ran into the Sandusky River and swam out until the water was chest deep. I saw a little purple jacket and thought, thats a baby. And that just shook me, and I went and got the baby. You could see her go under and go back up. And when I got to her, she was leaning back and that scared me. I got her up, and I could tell she was breathing, said Kieffer. The one-year-old girl was the only survivor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said her 34-year-old mother and 50-year-old grandmother died as a result of the accident. Monday afternoon, her 5-year-old sisters body was recovered underneath the bridge where her family was struck. Authorities said the details of what happened are still under investigation. Police said the family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, had been on a fishing trip along the Sandusky River. 10-year-old boy killed in crash on US Route 422 in Solon Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez said he did not think the family was fishing off the bridge at the time the train approached. Monday night, a memorial continues to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rail operator Norfolk Southern said in a statement that the company was deeply saddened by the tragedy and is working with authorities on the investigation. Meanwhile, Kieffer said hes thankful he was in the right place at the right time for the baby girl. I just want to know if shes OK because that was so scary. She was so little, it just broke my heart seeing her like that, said Kieffer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The family of the Columbus Elementary School principal who passed away unexpectedly last year is now looking to help students reach their own potential. The family of Elizabeth Gerling recently established the Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida County. The fund serves as a meaningful way to continue her work. Gerling had been a teacher in the Utica City School District in 2004, eventually becoming the assistant principal at Proctor High School. She eventually became the principal of Columbus Elementary in 2013 until her death last August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, I watched my mom pour her heart into her work at Proctor High School and Columbus Elementary. She believed in every student and gave them everything she hadher time, care, and belief in their potential, Noah Gerling, Elizabeths son, said in a statement. Ive always been proud to be her son, but knowing this scholarship will help the same students she devoted her life to makes me even prouder. To apply for the scholarship, candidates must be attending Proctor High School and have attended Columbus Elementary School. Candidates must also intend to continue their education after graduation from Proctor High School. There will be a dinner to raise funds for the scholarship fund on Friday, June 13 at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro. All proceeds from the dinner will directly support the scholarship fund. If you would like to make a charitable donation to the fund or get more information, you are encouraged to visit this link. You may also send checks payable to the Elizabeth Gerling Scholarship Fund to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. The Cumberland County Board of Education scheduled a special-called meeting following its budget meeting, today, May 19, at 4 p.m. in the Central Services boardroom. The Cumberland County Commission rejected the school boards proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26 during the Tuesday, May 13 county budget committee meeting. The school board will discuss in tonights meeting how they intend to close the $4 million deficit to produce a balanced budget to tentatively present to the county budget committee by June 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the budget meeting, the board will discuss the budget feedback from the county, look at budget options and set new meeting dates. During the special-called meeting, the board will potentially vote on the balanced proposed budget. The next budget meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 5 p.m. This meeting is subject to change the time and date. Stay tuned to the Crossville Chronicle for more information this week at www.crossville-chronicle.com. School police in St Petersburg, Florida, have been instructed to assist President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, records obtained by The 74 show, even as leaders say an effort to secure federal arrest authorities for campus officers was a simple mistake by the districts top cop. Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick was looped in on a Feb. 24 directive from his police chief ordering campus officers to detain and question anybody they encounter with a federal deportation order and to alert U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to emails and other documents obtained through a public records request. Hendrick was also notified by district police Chief Luke Williams of plans to deputize school-based officers under a federal program that grants immigration arrest authority to local law enforcement agencies and thats experienced rapid growth since the beginning of Trumps second term in large part from new partnerships in Florida. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Immigrant rights groups and privacy advocates have for years warned that school-based police officers could share information about undocumented students and their families with federal immigration officials and that the program to deputize local cops, known as 287(g), could give immigration agents a foothold in schools. Kevin Hendrick The revelations in Pinellas County, advocates said, offer clear evidence of collaboration on immigration matters between the law enforcement division of the countrys 28th-largest school district and outside police agencies. The instructions given to school resource officers, they assert, could violate constitutional protections against unreasonable detention and childrens legal right to a free public education regardless of their immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should alarm and enrage every parent, teacher, and taxpayer in Florida that school police are being pressured to become informants for ICE and unconstitutionally detain members of our school community, attorney Alana Greer, the director and co-founder of the Miami-based Community Justice Project, told The 74. Greer noted the school district police departments directive to assist ICE, and its 287(g) application, were voluntary decisions that undermine community trust and its mission to promote campus safety. We dont need or want armed cops in our schools doing ICEs bidding. These efforts do nothing to keep our kids safe. The Florida Phoenix reported in March that the Pinellas County school district had applied to take part in 287(g), the nations first K-12 school district to take that step. In response to the resulting public outcry, Hendrick, the superintendent, said the district police chief acted in error and without his or the school boards approval. The district didnt respond to questions last week from The 74 about emails Hendrick and other district leaders received from Williams outlining the police chiefs intention to participate. Luke Williams Records show the school districts lawyers had planned to meet to discuss the 287(g) application before it became public and Isabel Mascaranes, the district spokesperson, was listed on the form as the point of contact for ICE to coordinate any release of information to the media regarding immigration enforcement actions. Asked by The 74 what knowledge she had of the 287(g) application before it was submitted to ICE, Mascaranes responded, Can I get back to you on that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a follow-up email, Mascaranes didnt elaborate on when she first learned of the agreement, simply noting that she routinely handles all media requests and releases. She acknowledged the district police chief maintains ongoing communication with the sheriffs office and other local law enforcement agencies and his decision to submit the 287(g) application was guided by state and federal directives, intending to remain fully compliant with the law. Sign-up for the School (in)Security newsletter. Get the most critical news and information about students' rights, safety and well-being delivered straight to your inbox. ICE and the Florida governors office didnt respond to requests for comment. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office also declined an interview request. Voicemail records obtained by The 74 show it was ICE not the district that withdrew Pinellas school police from 287(g) consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE will not be entering into an agreement with the district, Melanie White, an ICE deportation officer, said in a voicemail to Williams, adding that the immigration enforcement agency will not extend the program in that way to include K-12 school district police departments at this time. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan speaks at a May press conference with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Miramar, Florida, about a multi-agency immigration enforcement effort. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) An absolute priority of the Governor Perhaps nowhere more than Florida, home to an estimated 772,000 undocumented residents, has Trumps immigration agenda been so forcefully embraced, with state and local officials looking for ways to bolster ICE enforcement. That includes Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who was tapped by Gov. Ron DeSantis to lead a new State Immigration Enforcement Council. The council was tasked with carrying out a state law extending immigration enforcement far into the realm of state and local police. Records obtained by The 74 show Gualtieri threatened Williams and others to get on board or face the governors wrath. While immigration stuff is confusing, Gualtieri said in a Feb. 25 email to Williams and the heads of other Pinellas County law enforcement agencies, it is also at the forefront of Florida politics and an absolute priority of the Governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law puts legal obligations on all of us to ensure we do certain things and the consequences for not doing so include removal from office by the Governor, including his power to remove police chiefs, city managers, mayors and commission/council members, he continued, adding that he would hold a call to on how to best comply with the new Florida law. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who served as chairman of a state school safety commission after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, threatened the local school district police chief to help carry out a new state anti-immigration law. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Tribune News Service/Getty Images) DeSantis, who claims hes created the national blueprint for mass deportations, signed the law in February that establishes prison sentences for undocumented immigrants who cross into Florida after illegally entering the U.S. and requires jails and sheriffs offices in the states 67 counties to participate in the 287(g) program and facilitate arrests. A Miami judge ordered police agencies to stop enforcing the state law in April, saying it likely violates the Constitutions Supremacy Clause and unlawfully encroaches on the federal governments authority to enforce federal immigration laws. DeSantis and the Florida state attorney general are challenging the judges authority. Florida lawmakers failed to pass a stricter bill this year which would have required all law enforcement agencies with at least 25 officers to form ICE partnerships. That law would have required Pinellas County school district police and other law enforcement agencies outside of sheriffs and corrections departments to join forces with ICE. Even though that more far-reaching mandate did not pass, dozens of Florida law enforcement agencies voluntarily formed federal immigration enforcement partnerships, including the police departments at 15 colleges and universities. Pinellas County Schools Police Chief Luke Williams signed the 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under pressure from the county sheriff, public records obtained by The 74 show. (Source: Pinellas County Schools) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even though the Pinellas school police were not legally required by the law that did pass to pursue 287(g) or to act in concert with ICE when coming into contact with someone with a deportation warrant, Williams, the police chief, told the superintendent, the school boards attorney and other districts leaders that they were. Gualtieri gave instructions on how deputies and officers should respond to the new law with respect to immigration and immigration enforcement, Williams wrote in a March 5 email outlining his decision to submit the 287(g) application. As you know we are bound to follow the law and during the conversation we were all advised that the expectation is that we do so. In that same email, Williams said he related Gualtieris directions about filing the 287(g) form to school board attorney David Koperski and and we both agree we must follow the law. The chief filed the form on Feb. 26. Even without 287(g) arrest authorities, Williams told the superintendent that school-based officers would follow procedures outlined by Gualtieri to question and detain for up to an hour anyone they encounter with a federal arrest deportation order but who was not otherwise wanted on a criminal charge. Marines deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border work alongside federal immigration officials in March in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico. (Carlos Moreno/Anadolu/Getty Images) Gualtieris Feb. 24 order came after ICE added some 700,000 people with federal deportation orders to the massive National Crime Information Center, a centralized database that law enforcement agencies nationwide use to track and act on criminal warrants. Without 287(g) powers, the sheriff wrote, local officials lacked authority to arrest people with deportation orders alone. Instead, local officers should contact the local ICE office to have someone respond to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1.4 million people nationwide have pending deportation orders a third of whom live in Texas or Florida and include longtime residents, people without criminal records and those with U.S.-born spouses and children. A heightened focus on people with final deportation orders regardless of their criminal histories is part of the Trump administrations broader immigration crackdown. If an ICE officer cannot arrive at the scene within one hour, then collect as much information from the person as you can and release the person and ICE will have to try to find them through their fugitive operations, Gualtieri said. After forwarding the message to school-based officers, Williams told the superintendent that Schools Police will do the same. Schools have for decades been considered a safe haven for undocumented students and their families after the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision enshrined childrens access to public schools regardless of their immigration status a right Trump-aligned conservatives in several states are now actively trying to undo. On the second day of Trumps second term, the president scrapped a longstanding policy that instructed immigration agents to avoid making arrests at schools and other sensitive locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Defiant to Compliant, Schools Take Varying Tacks to Possible ICE Raids Trump border czar Tom Homan defended the policy shift in February, claiming Central and South American gang activity in the nations schools required there be no safe haven for public safety threats and national security threats. People say Well, will you really go into a high school? Homan said in an interview with CNN. Well, people need to look at the MS-13 members and Tren de Aragua members who enter this country, a majority of them between the ages of 15 and 17. Many are attending our schools and theyre selling drugs in the schools and theyre doing strong-armed robberies of other students. A Guatemalan woman and her two daughters return to their country after their failed attempt to reach the U.S.-Mexico border in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, in February. (Getty Images) On the same day that the Pinellas schools 287(g) application became public, Chief Williams wrote that he had no desire to ferret out the immigration status of students and families, despite his stated intention to facilitate ICE arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not know the status of any of our students, or parents and do not care to, Williams said in his March 5 email to Hendrick. I do not want to place yourself or the School Board under scrutiny because I followed my beliefs but failed to follow the law. A new chilling dimension A week after Trumps inauguration, school district lawyers released a memo dispelling social media posts claiming immigration agents had visited a Pinellas high school and outlined how school principals should respond if they were to show up in the future. Certain educational records should not be released to federal officials without a subpoena, the memo noted, but ICE agents were in their authority to bring a student to the front office for an interview and make arrests. We recommend cooperating with ICEs requests, the memo advises, and educators should make an effort to contact the students parents before the school makes the student available to the Agent, unless the Agent directs the staff otherwise. Related Federal Agents Turn Up at Two LA Schools Seeking Access to Young Children Other districts have adopted starkly different policies. In April, the Department of Homeland Security said agents visited two Los Angeles elementary schools to conduct wellness checks on unaccompanied minor children who arrived at the border without their parents. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told NPR the officials were denied entry onto the campuses and that school principals followed a fairly rigid set of protocols specific to these types of actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renata Bozzetto, the deputy director of the nonprofit Florida Immigrant Coalition which filed the lawsuit against the state immigration law, said the communications between the school district police chief and the county sheriff were absolutely horrible and could deter children from enrolling. She said she was particularly alarmed to learn that school district law enforcement officials had access to data about people with deportation orders and questioned to what degree parents are being run through the system. Federal law restricts the types of student information that public school districts can share with third parties. However, records created for law enforcement purposes, like logs of campus crimes, lack similar privacy protections. School districts have for decades been navigating how much information they should share about students with law enforcement but adding ICE to the mix is a new chilling dimension to that relationship, said Cody Venzke, a senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union focused on surveillance, privacy and technology. Related Trumps Massive Deportation Database Puts Students at Risk, Advocates Warn That Williams acted on the 287(g) application without formal approval from the superintendent or school board, Venzke said, highlights a lack of district control over its police department to ensure a students right to an education is protected. The directive to detain anyone with an administrative deportation order absent evidence of a crime, he said, raises significant equity and constitutional concerns. If school-based officers are roaming school hallways looking for students that have administrative warrants out against them, Venzke said, that is not an educational atmosphere in which students can feel safe and can learn. What happens at the Statehouse certainly doesnt stay there, and for cities like Gary, the ripple effects are impossible to ignore. As Indiana lawmakers wrapped up this years legislative session, several key bills, namely SB 1 and HB 1001, emerged that could reshape how Gary collects tax revenue and even communicate major decisions to residents. Local and state lawmakers warn these changes could threaten Garys finances and strain the public school district. State budget The long-standing compact between the cities of Gary and Chicago that established the Chicago-Gary Regional Airport Authority is set to be formally dissolved. Under the new legislation, the Gary Common Council is required to take specific steps to terminate the agreement, which was originally enacted in 1995, by Jan. 1, 2026. By July 1, 2025, a majority of Garys appointed representatives to the airport authority must adopt a resolution endorsing the termination, and the Gary Common Council must pass an ordinance to make it official. The law also directs the dissolution of a separate airport authority board previously established by Gary. This marks a significant shift in regional transportation planning and governance, raising questions about the future of the Gary/Chicago International Airport and its role in cross-state economic development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Common Council created a new committee to exclusively address state legislation that Council President Lori Latham recognized as a persistent roadblock for Garys progress. Its not lost on us that every time we try to either build, establish or maintain an economic development driver in our community that the state has something to say or do about it, Latham said, addressing the prescribed changes. Councilman Darren Washington, who will chair the committee, questioned the legality of the bill, stating the council would be conferring with its legal counsel as well as the administrations. To arbitrarily, at the last minute it was literally the night before [the] session ended that language was stuck in House Bill 1001 to put the onus of the Gary Common Council to end the compact, he said. I dont know if that is legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local state legislators like state Rep. Vernon Smith expressed concern over the bills impact on Gary schools. I fail to see how this budget invests in our communities and our families, Smith said in a statement provided to Capital B Gary. Our schools will have just enough to stay afloat, but they wont have the funding they need to thrive. Like always with the state legislature, Gary will get little. The funding for urban schools in this budget is insufficient, Smith continued. It puts Gary Community School Corporation in a difficult position. The state takeover of our school board due to financial distress just ended in 2024. GCSC has to stay in the black, and the state isnt doing anything to help. New restrictions on property taxes If the city of Gary or the Gary Community School Corporation wants to raise property taxes through a referendum, they now have stricter rules to follow. These ballot questions where voters are asked to approve extra funding for things like school improvements or city projects can appear only during general elections in November. Local officials also have a firm deadline: They must submit the request by noon on Aug. 1 to get it on the ballot. And for school districts in Lake County, including Gary, any referendum passed after May 10, 2023, could require some of that new tax money to be shared with nearby charter schools even if the vote was intended to support traditional public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garys last referendum vote was during the 2020 general election, when voters approved a $71.2 million property tax measure to support the Gary Community School Corporation. A new website for help with property taxes By Jan. 1, 2026, the state will launch an online portal designed to make property taxes easier to understand. For Gary residents and taxpayers across the state, this tool will let residents see how their current property tax bill compares to what it would be if proposed tax rates change in the future. The website will also break down what deductions and credits they might be eligible for and give them a chance to share feedback directly with state and local officials. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., who voted against both bills, said he didnt see any benefit for Lake County. Along with the impact of House Bill 1001, Lake County is set to lose hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to Senate Bill 2, he said. This budget will do nothing to help Lake County residents, who will pay much more in local income taxes while getting minimal property tax relief. No one wins under this budget. The post From Schools to Taxes: How Recent Indiana Laws Impact Gary appeared first on Capital B Gary. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries taunted New York Republican lawmakers Tuesday after President Donald Trump warned them to end a revolt over deducting state and local taxes, or SALT, and get behind his sprawling budget bill. The Democratic congressional leaders said GOP lawmakers from blue states will look like fools if they dont stick to their guns on SALT and resist Trumps push to pass his One Big Beautiful Bill as soon as this week. They have said over and over again that theyre going to fight this horrible SALT cap, which hurts so many New Yorkers in their own districts, Schumer, D-N.Y., the Senate minority leader, said. Will they stand up now to Donald Trump or cave, disappointing millions of New Yorkers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans will fold like a cheap suit, added Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, the House minority leader. The dares from across the aisle came after Trump headed to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to push squabbling Republican members of Congress to set aside differences and pass his sprawling budget bill, which includes deep cuts in spending and taxes. Trump, at a closed-door meeting, reversed his 2024 campaign pledge to end the cap on SALT and slapped down the small group of blue state Republican lawmakers, including New York Reps. Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley and Nick LaLota of Long Island, who are holding out for a big increase on the SALT cap. He accused the GOP lawmakers of acting as little more than a fig leaf for Democratic state leaders who have raised taxes and spending higher than red states have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest beneficiary, if we do that, are governors from New York, Illinois and California, said Trump. Were going to be explaining that these are all very blue states. Trump reportedly called out Lawler by name at the GOP-only meeting, instructing him to stop haggling over SALT. End it, Mike. Just end it, Trump said, CNN reported. Lawler insisted he respects Trump, but Im not going to budge. I took that as: Hey, everybody figure it out. Get in a room and figure it out, LaLota said after Trumps speech, adding he still plans to vote against the bill as it stands. The SALT Republicans have already rejected House Speaker Mike Johnsons offer to increase the annual cap on SALT to $30,000 from the current $10,000, and he has refused to budge so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the SALT squabble, Trump put the hard sell on warring factions of GOP lawmakers who are still haggling over key portions of his One Big Beautiful Bill. We have a tremendously unified party. I dont think weve ever had a party like this, Trump said before heading into the face-to-face meeting with lawmakers. There are some people who want a couple of things that theyre not going to get. We gotta get it done, he added. Trump dropped an F-bomb as he warned right-wing hard-liners not to mess too much with Medicaid. But he called the session a meeting of love and said Congress was ahead of schedule to pass his plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing alongside a grinning Johnson, R-La., Trump said the deep spending cuts in the bill dont amount to actual changes in the social safety net programs, even though they could cost tens of millions of Americans the benefits they depend on. Were cutting three things: waste, fraud and abuse, Trump said. Were not changing Medicaid. Were not changing Medicare. And were not changing Social Security. Republicans are seeking to push the bill through the House, where the GOP has a narrow seven-vote majority, before Memorial Day. It would then head to the Senate, which needs to pass the identical bill to skirt a Democratic filibuster through budget reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill extends Trumps signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion. Despite Trumps claim, it also includes draconian cuts to federal programs, especially the Medicaid program that provides health coverage to about 70 million mostly lower-income and disabled Americans. Although Republicans overwhelmingly support Trump, they are bitterly divided into factions, including fiscal hawks demanding far deeper cuts and moderates who fear voters will punish them if they cut benefits too much. Heres what youll learn in this story: The East African Rift System (EARS) is one of the most impressive geologic features on the planetnot to mention one of the most volcanically active and geothermally rich. Understanding what drives EARS is of immense importance, but scientists have debated if the rift is powered by one giant superplume or a few smaller plumes located along its 4,000-mile length. Scientists recently analyzed neon isotope ratios from a new geothermal field in Kenya, anddiscovered that ratios of the isotope are similar to other readings from other parts of the rift system, which provides strong geochemical evidence for the superplume theory. In East Africa, geothermal energy is big business, and thats all thanks to the East African Rift System (EARS). One of the largest rift systems on Earthstretching 4,000 miles from Ethiopia in the north to Malawi in the southEARS is filled with rift valleys and active volcanic regions that form some of the worlds most famous volcanoes, including Mount Kilimanjaro. This volcanic activity also means that eastern Africa is a geothermal hotspot. For example, a large majority of Kenyas electricity (90% of which comes from renewable sources) is of geothermal origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geothermal being so lucrative in the region has some positive side effects for scientists studying the ever-fascinating EARS. Because companies do so much experimental drilling for locating and running geothermal fields, scientists can use that data to gain a better understanding of whats driving these geologic processes in the first place. Although the running theory is that hot, buoyant deep-mantle upwelling drives the rifting process, its been very difficult to figure out if this comes from one deep-sourced plume or multiple plumes along the EARS 4,000-mile expanse. Now, in a new study, scientists at the University of Glasgowarmed with data gathered at the Menengai geothermal field in Kenyaanalyzed of the noble gas neon and determined that it originates in the deep mantle (likely between the outer core and the mantle). Using high precision mass spectrometry, the team also determined a common fingerprint of gases across a far distance, which supports the idea that EARS is powered by one singular superplume rather than multiple, shallower processes. The results were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters . "We have long been interested in how the deep Earth rises to the surface, how much is transported, and just what role it plays in forming the large-scale topography of the Earth's surface, Fin Stuart, the senior author of the study, said in a press statement. Our research suggests that a giant hot blob of rock from the core-mantle boundary is present beneath East Africa, it is driving the plates apart and propping up the Africa continent so its hundreds of meters higher than normal. To investigate whether EARS is in fact powered by a superplume, Stuart and his team first needed to analyze neon isotopes, as noble gasses can reveal deep Earth behavior. However, these gases are also easily contaminated, both by the atmosphere and by other noble gases formed in the lithosphere. Luckily, by analyzing noble gases from the Kenyan geothermal field, scientists found that contamination was minimal. Additionally, they discovered that those same neon isotopic features had also been observed in other parts of the rift systemincluding in basalts from the Afar plume in Ethiopia, and in the Western Rift Valley between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This study provid[es] the first geochemical evidence for a common deep mantle beneath the entirety of the East African Rift System, the authors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This data also aligns with a 2023 study from Virginia Tech that investigated why EARS displayed deformations parallel to the rift rather than perpendicular (which is more typical). Their analysis supported the idea that a deep-rooted superplume must be driving a northward-moving magma flow in order for these strange deformations to take shape. While EARS appears somewhat staticat least, to our lifespan-limited perspectivesthe rift could eventually tear Africa in two, so what were now witnessing could one day result in the birth of an entirely new ocean. However, not all rifts turn into oceans, so we wont know for sure until geologic history takes its course. You Might Also Like With the changing climate threatening so many of the amazing species on the planet, it's easy to feel disheartened about the future. However, the rediscovery of a long-thought-extinct creature offers not only hope but also a powerful message about the resilience of life on Earth. According to Research Matters, a team of scientists exploring India's Siang Valley uncovered a species of velvet worm that was thought to be extinct many generations ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typhloperipatus williamsoni hadn't been seen for over a century. Not one but two worms were spotted around the location where a British expedition last saw them in 1913. The velvet worm is a fascinating creature that looks like a cross between a caterpillar and slug, only with velvety skin. The creatures are unfathomably ancient, their bodies having remained the same for an estimated 500 million years. That makes them twice as old as dinosaurs. The rediscovery tells us that more life is thriving out there than we know. It also tells us that, like a wise man (Jeff Goldblum) once said: Life finds a way. This species has endured every mass extinction event we know of. Perhaps it was foolish to assume it wasn't still out there. However, as resilient as Earth's many creatures are, there is still a lot of work to do to protect them. Fortunately, there are many successful conservation efforts underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wattled crane was recently elevated from critically endangered to endangered because of education and wetlands conservation. England's stone-curlew was once on the brink of extinction, too, but populations are on the rise thanks in part to cooperation with farmers. Protecting endangered species is a wonderful thing strictly because it preserves the miracle of life. However, it's also crucial for protecting the planet's delicate ecosystems. Every creature contributes to the balance that sustains life on Earth, and losing one can endanger us all. You can help protect endangered species in many ways. Some of the most effective include upgrading to a natural lawn to provide healthier habitats and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. 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. BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 20. We are successfully cooperating in the energy sector. Hungarian companies hold shares in Azerbaijans two major oil and gas projects the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz fields. A new contract will be signed at the beginning of next year, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, during his press statement with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on May 20, Trend reports. A Hungarian company will begin operations in Azerbaijans onshore oil fields. Since last year, we have started exporting natural gas to Hungary, and today I emphasized as the Prime Minister also noted that we are capable of supplying the volume of gas required by Hungary, the head of state added. Scientists have discovered 866 new marine species, including a guitar shark, a deep-sea mollusk with cancer treatment potential, and the first octocoral found in the Maldives, Oceanographic Magazine reported. The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census looks to change how scientists identify new marine species by speeding up the process. This discovery marks a "significant step" in advancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity. Traditional methods can take up to 14 years, but this international collaborative effort of 800 scientists from over 400 institutions is changing the approach. Many species go extinct before they're documented. The mission's executive director explained that while oceans cover 71% of our planet, only about 10% of marine life has been discovered. By accelerating identification, scientists can better protect these species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of these discoveries might directly benefit your health. The newly found deep-sea mollusk produces peptides with potential applications in pain relief and cancer treatment. You can now access this information through the newly launched Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform. The public database was developed with the U.N. Environment Programme and showcases species found at depths ranging from one to nearly 5,000 meters. The mission has conducted 10 global expeditions and has hosted eight Species Discovery Workshops. They've found new species of sharks, sea butterflies, mud dragons, bamboo corals, water bears, shrimp, crabs, reef fish, and many more creatures from dozens of taxonomic groups. "Every new species whether a shark or a sponge deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet," said professor Lucy Woodall, head of science at Ocean Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver Steeds, director of Ocean Census, added: "Our estimates suggest that discovering 100,000 new species could require at least $1 billion. We are laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality." The team plans to provide more Species Discovery Awards, undertake 10 new expeditions, and host additional workshops across the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans in the coming year. 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. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) City leaders and residents gathered Monday to celebrate progress on the newly renovated Scotlandville Library, a project shaped by community input and deeply rooted in one of Baton Rouges historic neighborhoods. We have listened to our patrons, said Katrina Stokes, executive director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Weve conducted surveys and hosted community meetings to ask them: What do you want? What do you need from us? The renovated library will feature expanded access to technology, new programs and meeting rooms, a community fridge, and a dedicated Black Heritage Room. Its colors blue and yellow pay homage to nearby Southern University and the cultural history of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to be almost like a museum, Candace Temple said. The Black Heritage section in the library is going to be just awesome. Temple emphasized that the library system is always looking for ways to better serve its communities. Among those in attendance was East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Anthony Kenney, who grew up in the neighborhood and credits the library with shaping his path. We want to make sure were increasing literacy in our communities, Kenney said. As our kids grow up to become the next lawyers, council members, and mayors, we want to ensure the library is part of that foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor-President Sid Edwards also spoke at the event, reinforcing the shared vision among city and library leaders to make the library a welcoming space for all. The project is scheduled to be completed by February 2026. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. SCRANTON An idea a decade ago for a memorial to honor the hundreds of Scranton veterans who died in wars resulted five years later in the Scranton Veterans Memorial Park at Scranton High School. The city this year gave the memorial park a $5,000 grant for ongoing maintenance and replacement of flags. The memorial park and seven other organizations that serve veterans received city grants totaling $100,000 to help them in various ways, including renovating buildings and providing individual assistance services, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said Monday during an event at American Legion Connolly Post 568 in Minooka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announces grants awarded to veterans at the American Legion Post 568 in Scranton Monday, May 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The funding, in the citys 2025 operating budget, continues the citys commitment to local veterans, the mayor said. The $100,000 represents an increase from the $80,000 total awarded in 2023 and $85,000 in 2024. As a veteran, I like to see how this program has grown over the last three or four years. Who knows whats going to happen in the next five years? said Pat Ahern, chairman of Scranton Veterans Memorial Park during the announcement event. We have so many different organizations now. Its like planting a tree. It starts off small but eventually it grows, Ahern said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice commander of the American Legion Post 568 Tom Benson joins other legion members as Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announces grants awarded to veterans outside of the legion in Scranton Monday, May 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) The city accepted grant applications through April. The recipients, grant amounts and other representatives of recipient organizations who spoke during the announcement event included: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA (ACE), 123 Wyoming Ave., $5,000 to support the Veterans Rise and Ride program that provides transportation to employment and medical appointments. This $5,000 was really lifesaving, ACE Executive Director Jim Wansacz said. Without that grant, we would have had to shut that (ride service) down. American Legion Connolly Post 568, 2929 Birney Ave., $20,000 for upgrades to the community hall to improve energy efficiency and provide ADA-compliant seating. Post Commander Sean OShea said the posts membership is older and raising money for building maintenance and modernization is difficult. Were very grateful for this grant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bread Basket of NEPA, 550 Madison Ave., $5,000 for its Veteran Food Security Support Initiative which helps Lackawanna County veterans struggling with food insecurity. Fight4Vets, 711 Davis St., $10,000 for a rent assistance program that combats veteran homelessness by providing emergency rent support and additional prevention services. Scranton Veterans Memorial Park, located at Scranton High School, 63 Munchak Way, Scranton, $5,000 to purchase flags for each Armed Forces branch and continued maintenance of the site. UKAVETS, 237 Railroad Ave., $10,000 for the replacement of outdated facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valhalla Veterans Services, 2754 Jackson St., $20,000 to support Valhallas Hope, which removes financial barriers to mental health counseling and suicide intervention services for local veterans. Warrior Strong, 311 Adams Ave., $25,000 to support the Resilient Warriors program, its unique comprehensive health and wellness program. Warrior Strong President Tom Tice said support from the city allowed his organization to double its offerings and open its studio much more often to veterans and their families. We can really tell the community the veteran community is using our programs every single day, Tice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Legion Connolly Post 568, 2929 Birney Ave., Scranton, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * American Legion Connolly Post 568, 2929 Birney Ave., Scranton, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announces grants awarded to veterans at the American Legion Post 568 in Scranton Monday, May 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Vice commander of the American Legion Post 568 Tom Benson joins other legion members as Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announces grants awarded to veterans outside of the legion in Scranton Monday, May 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * American Legion Connolly Post 568, 2929 Birney Ave., Scranton, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 4 American Legion Connolly Post 568, 2929 Birney Ave., Scranton, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Expand Regina Ventura, mother of Cassie Ventura, arriving at federal court for Sean Combs' sex-trafficking trial. - Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty Images Follow all our Sean Combs trial coverage Regina Ventura, mother of Casandra Cassie Ventura, said that while Sean Combs was fuming over Cassies relationship with Kid Cudi, the mogul demanded Regina pay him $20,000 to recoup money hed spent on Cassies career. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While testifying at Combs sex-trafficking trial Tuesday, Regina was asked to recall a letter Cassie sent her in December 2011 (which Cassie also discussed during her own testimony last week). In the letter, Cassie told her mother that Combs was threatening to release videos from their freak-offs after learning about her relationship with Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi). Cassie also told her mother that Combs was threatening to have someone hurt her and Mescudi, with Combs allegedly saying he would be out of the country when it happened. Recalling how she felt reading the letter, Regina said: I was physically sick, I did not understand a lot of it. The sex tapes threw me. I did not know the other person in it, but I knew that he was going to try to hurt my daughter. Around the same time, Regina testified, Combs contacted her and asked for the $20,000. Regina said that she and her husband took out a home equity loan to pay the mogul. Thats the only way we could get the money, Regina said, adding that she went through with the request because she was scared about my daughters safety and because Combs demanded it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regina said that she wired the money to a Bad Boy account, per instructions from Combs bookkeeper. And about five days later, she said, the money was returned to her account. She did not have any further communication with Combs about the money. Regina spent no more than 40 minutes testifying Tuesday, with Combs defense notably declining to cross-examine her. After the prosecution finished their line of questioning, Combs defense attorney Marc Agnifilo greeted Regina before saying, I dont have any questions for you. (This is the first witness in the case so far that the defense has not cross-examined.) While Combs has often been active and engaged during the trial exchanging confidences with his attorneys and turning to look at witnesses as they enter the courtroom he avoided looking at Regina when she passed by him on the way to the stand. And as Regina left the courtroom, she tried to make eye contact with Combs, who continued to ignore her. Elsewhere during her testimony, Regina spoke about photos she took of her daughter in December 2011 after Combs had allegedly assaulted her. This was the first time, Regina said, that Cassie had told her about Combs being physically violent with her. Regina recalled of the photos: She was bruised, and I wanted to make sure that we memorialized it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near the end of her brief time on the stand, Regina also testified about a bitter argument she had with Combs in August 2016, while visiting her daughter in Los Angeles for her 30th birthday. The argument, Regina said, erupted outside of Cassies apartment after Combs allegedly stole Cassies phone. We were arguing about the phone, I wanted the phone back and he was holding it, Regina said. Noting that one of Combs bodyguards was standing between them, Regina said, I was yelling, screaming, and trying to hit him but I wasnt successful. Eventually, Regina said, Combs relinquished the phone, but then left in Cassies car. While on the stand last week, Cassie testified that, along with threatening to release the explicit videos of her and hurt her and Mescudi, Combs allegedly discussed blowing up Mescudis car, and wanting Mescudis friends to see the explosion. In 2012, a Porsche owned by Mescudi was set on fire by an incendiary device, as a contemporaneous police report put it. And Mescudi himself previously shared a statement with The New York Times confirming that his car had exploded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday began with the continued testimony from David James, one of Combs former assistants. While on the stand, James said Combs hired a former FBI agent to give lie-detector tests to his staff after some of his money and possessions went missing. He also spoke at length about an incident in which Combs allegedly took three handguns to confront his rival Suge Knight (an incident that Cassie Ventura detailed during her own testimony). I was really shook by it, James said. This was the first time as his assistant that I realized my life was in danger. While being cross-examined, Combs defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asked James if he had objected to driving Combs while he had the three hand guns on him, to which James replied, Respectfully, sir, you have someone with three guns that close proximity, I didnt think I had the option to say something. Combs defense had tried earlier to bar James testimony on grounds that it was not relevant, but the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution, who said it supported their racketeering charge. To that end, Agnifilo pressed James about a meeting hed had with the government, where he was instructed not to provide more details on the Knight incident. James said he obliged because he was told not to say anything that would incriminate himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agnifilo later asked James if he was granted immunity for his testimony. James said he was not sure of the specifics, but said he believed his attorneys arranged a proffer agreement, which would provide him some protection from prosecution. (There has so far been no evidence, however, that a crime was committed during the trip to the restaurant.) Later in the day, the court heard testimony from Sharay Hayes, a male escort known as The Punisher, who was hired by Combs and Ventura on numerous occasions for freak-offs. Hayes offered more insight into how these highly choreographed sexual encounters were carried out, recalling how Combs would give Ventura subtle directions regarding everything from the lighting to the positioning of her body. While being questioned by the prosecution, Hayes said he understood these encounters as Ventura creating a sexy scene that was enjoyable to her partner. While Ventura never refused Combs directions, Hayes said that he did observe sometimes a sigh, a wince, that seemed to be frustration at the frequency of Combs directions. During cross-examination, Combs defense lawyer, Xavier Donaldson, asked Hayes if Ventura ever appeared uncomfortable during the freak-offs. I did not get any cues that there was a discomfort with what was going on, Hayes replied. Later, he said, everything seemed consensual, and when Donaldson asked him if his reading of the situation, and Venturas comfort level, was based on 25 years experience doing dry humping on hundreds of thousands of women, Hayes replied, Correct. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement have conducted numerous searches for a missing Conejos County man last seen on April 16. Rodney Guilinger, 64, reportedly went to Conejos County to do some scoping and was scheduled to arrive home again by 3 p.m. on April 16. CBI reported that Guilingers wife, Patrice, said her husband dropped her off at work in Fort Garland that morning and said he would be scouting hunting areas between La Jara and the New Mexico border. Man arrested after multiple traffic stops, bicycle theft and admitting to DUI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He never came back, and on April 17, officials located his truck on Forest Service Road 380 in Conejos County. CBI reported that Guilinger suffers from cognitive impairment and requires daily medication. Attempts to contact his phone went directly to voicemail, CBI reported. CBI provided this image of Rodney Guilinger, 64, who was last seen on April 16 and his car was located on a Forest Service road on April 17. (Courtesy the Colorado Bureau of Investigation) We are dedicating every available resource and working tirelessly with our partners to locate Rodney Guilinger, said Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther in the CBI release. We understand the urgency of this situation, and are making every reasonable effort to find him. Near daily searches conducted since April 17 CBI shared a timeline of search efforts conducted since Guilinger was reported missing, showing that authorities have been actively looking for the missing man on at least a weekly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBI said that initial ground searches showed no signs of the missing man, and while K-9s and an aerial search were requested, weather made that impossible at the time. Rescue workers continued searching from April 17-21 before a trace of the missing man was located. On April 22, CBI said, Springfield Police K-9s were deployed and tracked Guilingers scent to a pond near a cabin. An underwater search team was requested due to the K-9s indications. On April 23, the Alamosa County Sheriffs Office used a K-9 and tracked Guilingers scent to the same pond location, with the K-9 indicating interest in the ice. CBI said at this point, arrangements were made with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for an underwater drone search on April 28. Broomfield police seek help locating man missing for at least 10 days Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone searches were made of the area for several days, but nothing was found. On April 28, the underwater drone search was conducted, CBI reported, but again, nothing was found. Searchers walked the river to try and find anything else, but nothing was located. CBI noted that around a foot of snow fell on May 6 and 7, suspending search operations during that time, and on May 8, a search for new evidence or predator tracks was conducted, but nothing was found. On May 12, officials conducted another K-9 search and found no new leads. Officials also conducted an aerial search and found nothing. Anyone with information regarding Guilingers whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Conejos County Sheriffs Office at 719-589-5807. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Seattle Fire Department medics were able subdue a man who they say shot another man in the chest in the Pioneer Square neighborhood just after midnight. Medics responded to an area near Occidental Square, near 1st Ave. S and S Washington St., to treat a patient for an unrelated pepper spray exposure. While they were responding to that, medics say they saw someone shoot a man in the chest. The medics on scene subdued him while they waited for officers to arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 26-year-old suspect fought with medics but they were able to keep him down. Its unclear if any medics were injured. The other medics on scene treated the 44-year-old man who was shot in the chest. That man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. The suspect was booked into King County Jail for investigation of assault. An initial investigation indicates the two men were in a fight before the shooting. If anyone has additional information about this incident, call SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com Seattle renters need nearly $100,000 to afford average rent, according to a new report from Zillow. Housing costs have surged since pre-pandemic, with rents growing quite a bit faster than wages, said Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow. This often leaves little room for other expenses, making it particularly difficult for those hoping to save for a down payment on a future home. High upfront costs are often overlooked, which can keep renters in their current homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average apartment rental costs have doubled in price nationwide. In eight major metro areas, renters now need to make six figures to comfortably afford rent, a new Zillow analysis reveals. Zillow wrote. So where does Seattle stand? Heres how much Seattle renters must earn In Seattle, renters must make $90,840 to comfortably afford rent, in order to keep housing costs under the recommended 30% of their total income. Thats up 23.2% since April 2020. Conversely, in Portland, a renter must earn at least $74,076 to comfortably afford rent. Since April 2020, rent for a typical U.S. apartment has increased by 28.7%, to $1,858, while rent for a single-family home increased by 42.9%, to $2,256. Over that time, the median household income has only risen by 22.5% to about $82,000. Zillow said. Here are the cities to find cheaper rent Zillow breaks down the most affordable markets to target and how renters in these areas spend their hard-earned money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most affordable rental markets are Buffalo ($55K income required), Oklahoma City ($56K) and Louisville ($57K). In these markets, the median renter would spend 23% of their income or less on rent, allowing more latitude in gaining financial freedom. Zillow wrote. Aside from high monthly rates, security deposits and advance rent payments have contributed to the uptick in total cost, according to Zillow. Beyond high monthly rent prices, large upfront costs can pose a barrier for renters looking to move. This is especially true in cities like New York and Boston, where broker fees on top of security deposit and advance rent payments of one to two months exacerbate rental affordability challenges, the report claimed. By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -A second man to be charged over a series of arson attacks on houses and a car linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared in a London court on Tuesday. Over five days earlier this month, police were called to fires at a house in north London owned by Starmer, another at a property nearby where he used to live, and to a blaze involving a car that also used to belong to the British leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Ukrainian Roman Lavrynovych, 21, was charged in connection with the fires, and on Tuesday Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who was born in Ukraine, appeared in court accused of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. "The alleged offence arises from three fires set at locations linked to the prime minister in the last fortnight," prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said. "At this stage the alleged offending is unexplained." Neither of the suspects has been charged under terrorism laws or the new National Security Act which aims to target hostile state activity. Police said the first fire involved a Toyota Rav4 car that Starmer used to own. Days later, there was a blaze at a property where Starmer once resided and the following day there was an attack on a house in north London that he still owns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer, who has lived at his official 10 Downing Street residence in central London since becoming prime minister last July, has called the incidents "an attack on all of us, on our democracy and the values we stand for". Wearing a light blue hoodie, Carpiuc, who was arrested on Saturday at London's Luton Airport, spoke only to confirm his name and address while listening to the proceedings through a translator. He was remanded in custody until a hearing on June 6 at London's Old Bailey court when his co-accused Lavrynovych is also due to appear. The prosecutor said a decision would be taken at this hearing as to whether the case would proceed under the terrorism protocol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carpiuc's lawyer Jay Nutkins said his client had lived in Britain for nine years and had just completed a two-year degree at a university in Canterbury. "He denies being at the scene of any of these fires," Nutkins said. Carpiuc funded himself through construction work, Nutkins said. On a casting website for models and actors, an entry under Carpiuc's name said he was born in western Ukraine and was seeking work as a model. On Monday, police arrested a third man in connection with the fires and he remains in police custody. (Reporting by Michael Holden and Sachin Ravikumar; Writing by Sarah Young; Editing by Ros Russell) BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Mohammed Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The letter reads, ''Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. It is with great pleasure that we extend to Your Excellency our congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your countrys Independence Day. We wish you robust health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan sustainable development and prosperity. We express our highest consideration and esteem to Your Excellency.'' BEAVER TWP., Ohio (WKBN) Biologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture say they are finally gaining the upper hand against the spread of raccoon rabies in this part of the country. Experts have returned to the area to drop baits containing rabies vaccine across counties in both eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Theyre using the Elser Airport in Beaver Township as their base of operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA has been dropping these baits each summer since 1997, but the agency received emergency funding to add another round this spring. Weve got it pretty much under control except for the more urban areas in Trumbull, Mahoning and Ashtabula counties. So, this spring is to address the issues that were still dealing with, said Jeff Raines, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. This effort is just like we do in August every year. Were doing fixed-wing helicopters as well as out-of-the-ground vehicles, targeting habitats that raccoons live in. The program started a week ago and will run through this Friday. By the time theyre finished, the crew will have dropped close to 750,000 baits across the region between Lake Erie and the Ohio 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 WKBN.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A second suspect has been arrested after a shooting on Geronimo Street in Baton Rouge left one man dead. Hazel Mancusi-Ungaro, 37, was charged with accessory after the fact of second-degree murder in connection with the April 6 shooting death of Kevin Dale Evans, 40. Police said Evans was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in the 3900 block of Geronimo Street after his friends went to do a welfare check on him. On April 17, Joshua Mancusi-Ungaro, 19, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and illegal use of weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BRPD confirmed the two are related as Hazel is Joshuas aunt. During the investigation, detectives learned that Hazel helped Joshua avoid police after the shooting. Hazel was arrested in Krotz Springs on an active warrant filed by BRPD. She was later transported to the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. This is an ongoing investigation. 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. Time is up for seven JCPenney locations in the United States. Stores in seven different states will close their doors for the final time Sunday, May 25. The closures will happen over the Memorial Day weekend, and a day before Memorial Day on May 26. JCPenney announced in February it would close eight locations this year. More than 200 JCPenney locations in the United States closed when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know about the coming closures. Will any Florida JCPenney stores closing? At this time, no Florida location is slated for closure. Which JCPenney stores are closing May 25? In April 2025, JCPenney said it would be closing seven stores in the U.S. on or before May 25. On Monday, May 19, the company told the USA Today seven stores would close Sunday, May 25. Stores closing Sunday are: San Bruno, California Denver, Colorado Pocatello, Idaho Topeka, Kansas Newington, New Hampshire Asheville, North Carolina Charleston, West Virginia Maryland JCPenney store to remain open until August Earlier this year, JCPenney had said its store in Annapolis, Maryland, also would be closing by the end of May. A JCPenney spokesperson said an extended lease agreement means the Maryland store will remain open through Aug. 31. Why is JCPenney closing stores? JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. At the time, the company said it would close more than 200 locations across the country Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020. In January 2025, JCPenney said it had partnered with Forever 21 to create a new company called Catalyst Brands. How many JCPenney stores are in Florida? Founded in 1902, JCPenney named its first store in Wyoming "The Golden Rule," saying there was one simple rule, "to treat others as we would like to be treated." Today, the company said there are 656 stores in the U.S. Forty-four of them are in Florida. Here's a list of the top states with JCPenney stores: JCPenney store locator Texas: 72 California: 63 Florida: 44 New York: 27 Ohio: 25 This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JCPenney closing 7 stores. See list, Florida locations Big changes are coming to the way people get around Seminole County. On Tuesday morning, county commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract with FreeBee, a Miami-based company that offers ride services similar to Uber but at a much lower cost. The new system will replace many of the countys existing Lynx bus routes starting October 1. FreeBee plans to launch a fleet of 35 to 55 vans that riders can book using a smartphone app. The county will be divided into five service zones, mostly centered around SunRail stations and a Lynx stop in Oviedo. Riders will be able to travel within their zone or transfer at train and bus hubs to reach other areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trips will cost between $2 and $3, with discounts for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Unlike Uber or Lyft, FreeBee does not charge surge pricing and is designed to serve people who depend on public transit. We just approved a micro mobility plan This is a win-win, said Seminole County Chairman Jay Zembower. This is going to allow people much better efficiency at a reduced impact and cost to our taxpayers. Some of the most-used Lynx routesespecially those connecting Seminole County to Orange Countywill remain in place. The county says this change will help provide better service in areas that Lynx does not currently reach. Zembower said the new system is expected to save the county about $4 to $5 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not intended to be a replacement or compete with somebody like Uber or Lyft, Zembower added. This will actually pick riders up at their home or place of work instead of them walking several blocks or a mile and standing at a hot bus stop. Officials say the county will continue to provide paratransit services for people with disabilities and medical needs through Lynx. Oviedo resident Bill Hyde was at Tuesdays meeting and said the plan sounds promising. It sounds like a really good idea, not only for a service, but also for me as a taxpayer, Hyde said. County leaders say more details will be finalized in the coming months, with a goal to launch the new FreeBee system by October 1. or transfer at train and bus hubs to reach Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Seminole County Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday to designate a Miami-based company as its transit system of the future, and replace many of its Lynx bus lines with an Uber-like system. If approved, FreeBee, Inc. will launch a fleet of 35 to 55 vans that will be able to move people throughout the county at a low cost. FreeBees plan is to divide the non-rural parts of the county into five distinct zones centered around its SunRail stations and a Lynx stop in Oviedo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers will be able to request rides through an app and move around within those zones. If they want to go further, theyll be taken to the SunRail or Lynx station, where theyll be able to hop onto the bus or train to a different zone and hail another ride. The projected cost for this service will be $2 to $3 per trip, with discounts available to seniors, students and people with disabilities. Unlike Uber, which bills itself as a premium experience, FreeBee targets customers who need an inexpensive yet easy-to-use way to get around and does not do surge pricing. Commissioners will also weigh a different system that will allow people to get rides anywhere within the service area, but that would cost more. The money for the contract would come from the removal of most Lynx lines, months after commissioners criticized the service as being too Orange County-centric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynxs most used lines, as well as lines that connect Orange County to Seminole County or pass through a small portion of Seminole, would remain. Commissioners believe FreeBee and its competitors will be able to reach many parts of the sprawling county Lynx doesnt currently serve, boosting transit use throughout the county. FreeBee is used throughout the Miami area as well as other parts of Florida, including downtown Kissimmee. City leaders there recently expanded the service after data showed an uptick in ridership last year. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) A merger of the Army Futures Command (AFC), headquartered in Austin, Texas, and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, is raising concerns among some community members. According to a release from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Army plans to undergo a transformation and acquisition reform, which would include streamlining its force structure, eliminating wasteful spending, modernizing inefficient defense contracts and restructuring the army force structure. Part of the reform includes the merger of AFC and TRADOC. The release states this will help ensure strategic readiness, efficiency, and modernization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFCs website states they currently have over 17,000 personnel worldwide and work to ensure United States soldiers remain at the forefront of technological innovation and warfighting ability. TRADOCs website states they help to train, educate and build the Army. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, however, said the merger is not expected to impact personnel at Fort Eustis, where TRADOC is headquartered. Army leadership told me that, despite the merger of TRADOC and Army Futures Command, TRADOC operations will remain at Fort Eustis with no significant change to personnel levels, Kaine said. This will provide continuity for servicemembers, their families, contractors and the Hampton Roads community. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to monitor the situation to make sure these assurances are upheld. A TRADOC spokesperson said Tuesday that no final decisions have been made about relocating TRADOC as part of the Army Transformative Initiative (ATI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it has been announced that the new commands four-star headquarters will be located in Austin, Texas, no decisions have been made regarding the relocation of TRADOC functions or personnel. Reports suggesting otherwise are speculative and not based on official decisions. TRADOC continues to operate at Fort Eustis, delivering essential training and doctrine support to the force, said SGM Jason Stadel. The full release of the Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform can be read in full below: ARMY-TRANSFORMATION-AND-ACQUISITION-REFORMDownload Continue to check WAVY.com 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 WAVY.com. WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate has confirmed real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Charles Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation after discovering his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, hiring a prostitute and arranging to have the encounter recorded with a hidden camera and sent to his own sister, the mans wife. Kushner, who was confirmed 51-45, is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. His son Jared is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka. When he announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner in November, Trump called him a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Kushner will head to France as the relationship between the two traditional allies, and between the U.S. and the rest of Europe, has been strained over Trumps trade policies and the U.S. role in the Ukraine war. At his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Kushner said he would work closely with France to bring greater balance to our important economic relationship and also encourage France to invest more in its defense capabilities, as well as lead the EU to align with the U.S. vision of increased European commitments to security. As Trump has rattled traditionally solid relationships with European allies, Kushner said he appreciates the history between the two countries and is dedicated to building an even stronger relationship." He told senators that he is a child of Holocaust survivors who came to the United States after World War II, and his grandmothers and other members of his family were executed by Nazis. New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Kushner that his nomination comes at a critical time because our European allies are anxious. Shaheen also asked Kushner about his criminal past. He replied that he made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kushner was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts, including tax evasion and witness tampering. It was the highest sentence he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie called it one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he ever prosecuted as U.S. attorney. Kushner also agreed to pay $508,900 to the FEC for violating contribution regulations by failing to obtain an OK from partners to whom more than $500,000 in contributions were credited. Announcing Kushner's pardon in 2020, Trumps first White House cited Kushners more recent charitable work as the reason he deserved clemency. This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushners conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, the White House said then. Kushner was confirmed with the support of one Democrat New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. In his prepared testimony for his confirmation hearing, Kushner thanked Booker for his special and close friendship. A key crypto bill has opened a rift among Senate Democrats as another big test approaches for the viability of legislation to regulate stablecoin issuers. Most expect the bill to clear a significant procedural vote on Monday night, but Democrats are split. The Senate's most prominent crypto critic, Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren, is leading a faction trying to dig in their heels on the bill, raising objections that include national security threats, consumer hazards and the corruption of a White House that's conflicted because of President Donald Trump's own digital assets business interests. The other group, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the bill's primary backers, has argued that presidential conflicts are already illegal under the U.S. Constitution, and the bill doesn't need to have specific constraints added to clarify that point. That side also praises a number of changes to the legislation to improve consumer protections and to partially address worries that large corporations will issue stablecoins the steady, typically dollar-based tokens that underpin so much of the crypto markets' transaction activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is set for what's known as a cloture vote on Monday night, which will decide whether it advances into a formal and time-limited period of debate before final consideration. Cloture tends to be the most difficult test for Senate legislation, because it requires 60 votes much more than a simple majority. A previous version of the bill failed such a vote once before, when Democrats demanded more time to make changes. The stablecoin bill is one of two highly significant U.S. legislative efforts that will finally establish a set of rules and system of oversight for crypto in the U.S., and many in the industry believe it'll usher in a flood of interest from investors who've waited on the sidelines until the sector is completely regulated. The supporters of the stablecoin legislation have set it up for this vote, suggesting they were able to wrangle enough backers to triumph. The current Senate bill known as the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act is worse than doing nothing, according to the arguments from the camp led by Warren, who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee. "A strong bill would ensure that consumers enjoy the same consumer protections when using stablecoins as they do when using other payment systems, close loopholes that enable the illicit use of stablecoins by cartels, terrorists, and criminals, and reduce the risk that stablecoins take down our financial system," according to a sheet issued on Monday by the committee's Democratic staff. "The GENIUS Act does not meet those minimum standards." Gillibrand, however, said the bill has been written in a "truly bipartisan effort." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Stablecoins are already playing an important role in the global economy, and it is essential that the U.S. enact legislation that protects consumers, while also enabling responsible innovations, the New York Democrat said in a statement last week. Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, also explained his view in choosing to support the bill. It sets high standards for issuers, limits big tech overreach and creates a safer, more transparent framework for digital assets," he said in a statement. "Its not perfect, but its far better than the status quo. Read More: U.S. Stablecoin Bill Could Clear Senate Next Week, Proponents Say In the hours before the planned Monday vote, a coalition of 46 consumer, labor and advocacy groups continued objecting to the legislation, which has been overhauled repeatedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A vote for this legislation would enable and condone cryptobusiness activities by the Trump administration, organization, and family that raise unprecedented concerns about presidential conflicts of interest, corruption, and the abuse of public office for private gain," they wrote in a letter to the Senate leadership. The crypto industry itself has come together to support the legislation, with various lobbyist groups publishing statements arguing lawmakers should advance the legislation. Stand With Crypto, a Coinbase-backed group focused on getting voters to support crypto issues, warned lawmakers in a statement Monday that their votes would go into its sometimes arbitrary assignment of grades for politicians' crypto sentiment. While the stablecoin bill has drawn some political heat, it's widely expected to be the easier of the two crypto efforts on Capitol Hill. The legislation to establish U.S. market rules for crypto is much more complex. For both bills, the House of Representatives is also working on parallel efforts. If the bill clears cloture, it could speed toward Senate passage in a matter of days. Jaret Seiberg, a policy analyst with TD Cowen, expects it to clear the Senate this week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means it could become law by summer as we see the House moving quickly on the bill, he wrote in a note to clients. Warren wrote her own letter on Monday to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice, pressing for answers about what's being done about North Korean hackers who stole more than a billion dollars in assets from exchange Bybit earlier this year. "These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs," Warren and Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, wrote to the Treasury secretary and attorney general. "Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe. The Scoop Republicans and Democrats alike are open to loosening sanctions on Syria as President Donald Trump seeks to give the new government a chance of greatness. Lawmakers are also wondering whether the administration removes the lingering terrorist designation on the new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to several GOP sources. In an interview on Monday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said theres some interest in sanctions relief. Obviously you worry in that part of the world about whether the new regime is committed to stability and human rights and democratic reforms and that sort of thing. But there is interest, for sure, in a new start there, Thune told Semafor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the aisle, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said on Monday he was open to it, but I am not going to sell my vote cheap. Know More Talk of a potential removal of the terrorist designation is kicking around GOP Washington, according to four people familiar with the matter. The Biden administration dropped a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa weeks before Trump took office, but the Israeli government has made clear that its skeptical of the new Syrian leaders professed interest in more stable relations with both Israel and the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Turkey last week to meet with Syrias foreign minister, indicated that the administration would begin by waiving sanctions to allow other countries to flow in aid and previewed that a future step could involve pushing lawmakers to cut some of the sanctions permanently. Democrats and Republicans alike seem open to that, seeing an opportunity to help Israel and Turkey, both US allies, and to undercut Iran by aiding Syrias new leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think [al-Sharaa] would clearly understand that having the United States of America as a friend rather than an enemy means, No. 1, he might live a lot longer, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., told Semafor. And second of all, it means that there may be a chance for development of the economy in Syria. Trumps shift on Syria is part of his vision for peace in the region, a White House official told Semafor though the person said its too early to contemplate any possible investment deals, like those the US announced last week with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Its notable, though, given that Trump was previously reluctant to involve himself with the insurgency group now ruling Syria. Yet after the shift, Thune said most of our members, I think, are kind of carving out space for the administration to see what they can do there, he said. The leader in Syria has been characterized as a terrorist in the past, but apparently President Trump wants to work with him. I hope that his faith in this gentleman can be borne out, Durbin said. And while the US retains a military presence in Syria, it is in the process of scaling back its footprint there. Officials previously estimated fewer than 1,000 US troops will be left after the completion of that effort. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen pushed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday to pass a proposal to stop the federal government from taxing tips. Rosen, joined by Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, proposed the Senate version of the bill, which came after President Donald Trump suggested the idea on the campaign trail. The president, then a presidential candidate, introduced it during a rally last summer in Las Vegas. Senators passed the No Tax on Tips Act by unanimous consent following a speech from Rosen on Tuesday. A similar proposal to ban the taxation of tips in the U.S. House was part of a larger budget and spending plan, which Democrats and some Senate Republicans oppose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevadans, our families, are being squeezed, and we need real relief, Rosen said from the Senate Floor, adding Nevada has more tipped workers per capita than any other state. For some, many service and hospitality workers, tips arent extra, its part of their income that they use to make ends meet. No tax on tips was one of President Trumps key promises to the American people, which he unveiled in my state of Nevada, Rosen said. And, I am not afraid to embrace a good idea, wherever it comes from. So I agreed we need to get this done. Its not a time for politics, its a time for progress for hard-working Americans. Another proposal from the House, from Democratic Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford, would also end the federal tax on tips. Rosen and Cruzs No Tax on Tips Act now heads to the House as a standalone. Democratic Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto also co-sponsored the Senate proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im happy to work with anyone on legislation thats going to improve Nevadans lives, and Im pleased that my bipartisan bill to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Nevadans has passed the Senate, Cortez Masto said. Tipped workers are the backbone of Nevadas economy, and with prices skyrocketing, working families deserve this break. I hope the House of Representatives passes this bill that permanently ends federal taxes on tips, instead of House Republicans unserious version that sunsets no taxes on tips in just four years while gutting health care for the very working families they say they are standing with. The Senate proposal passed Tuesday includes language to include guardrails and income limits to ensure only traditionally tipped employees will benefit, Cortez Mastos office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 20. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process in a press statement alongside Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, Trend reports. The head of state said: Following the Second Karabakh War, it was we who initiated the peace talks, and we were also the authors of the draft peace agreement. It is precisely this text that has now been accepted by Armenia naturally, with some amendments. But in principle, the proposal we put forward has now been accepted by Armenia. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Senate will move this week to block California from enforcing a series of vehicle emissions standards that are tougher than the federal governments, including first-in-the-nation rules phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that the Senate will begin to consider three House-passed resolutions that would roll back the standards. Final votes could come as soon as this week. His announcement came despite significant pushback from Democrats, questions from some Republicans and the advice of the Senate Parliamentarian, who has sided with the U.S. Government Accountability Office in saying Californias policies are not subject to the review mechanism used by the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolutions would block Californias rules to phase out the gas-powered cars, along with standards to cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. Like the House, Senate Republicans are using the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules. The Trump administration in 2019 revoked Californias ability to enforce its own emissions standards, but Biden later restored the states authority. Republicans have argued that the rules effectively dictate standards for the whole country, imposing what would eventually be a nationwide electric vehicle mandate. Around a dozen states have already followed Californias lead. Thune called it an improper expansion of the federal Clean Air Act that would endanger consumers, our economy and our nations energy supply. California for decades has been given the authority to adopt vehicle emissions standards that are stricter than the federal governments. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, announced plans in 2020 to ban the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles within 15 years as part of an aggressive effort to lower emissions from the transportation sector. Plug-in hybrids and used gas cars could still be sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration approved the states waiver to implement the standards in December, a month before President Donald Trump returned to office. The California rules are stricter than a Biden-era rule that tightens emissions standards but does not require sales of electric vehicles. Biden's EPA said in announcing the decision that opponents of the California waivers did not meet their legal burden to show how either the EV rule or a separate measure on heavy-duty vehicles was inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. Newsom has evoked Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, who signed landmark environmental laws, as he has fought congressional Republicans and the Trump administration on the issue. The United States Senate has a choice: cede American car-industry dominance to China and clog the lungs of our children, or follow decades of precedent and uphold the clean air policies that Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon fought so hard for," he said in a statement after Thune's announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats have strongly pushed back on the GOP effort. California Sen. Alex Padilla said Tuesday that he will place holds on four pending EPA nominations over reckless attempts to roll back the rules. Padilla, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats also spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon in protest. Schumer, D-N.Y., said that taking the vote under the Congressional Review Act meaning Republicans only need a simple majority and no Democratic votes against the parliamentarians wishes is akin to going nuclear," a term both parties used when Democrats voted to lower the vote threshold for executive and lower court judicial nominations in 2013 and when Republicans voted to lower the threshold for Supreme Court confirmations in 2017. Legislation to repeal these waivers should be subject to a 60-vote threshold, Schumer said. Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said he's concerned about precedent. "We are opening up a Pandora's Box of multiple abuses," Whitehouse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune said that any concerns over the process are misplaced, and noted that Democrats tried and failed to eliminate the Senate filibuster when Biden was president. We are not talking about doing anything to erode the institutional character of the Senate, Thune said. In fact, we are talking about preserving the Senates prerogatives. ___ Associated Press writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report. (Reuters) -A group of senators sent a letter to Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone on Monday, seeking information about the CBS News owner's efforts to settle a lawsuit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden are questioning whether Paramount's potential attempts to resolve the high profile lawsuit could violate federal anti-bribery laws, according to the letter seen by Reuters. CBS News faces a $20 billion lawsuit from Trump over its editing of a "60 Minutes" interview in October 2024 with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lawsuit is seen as a major roadblock to the Paramount and Skydance Media merger, according to some analysts. Paramount has also entered mediation in April to try and settle the lawsuit. The $8.4 billion merger requires approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The federal agency has authority over the transaction because it needs to approve the transfer of the broadcast television licenses held by CBS. The deal was extended for 90 days, as the companies await regulatory approval. A spokesperson for Paramount Global declined to comment on the letter but has previously said that the "lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) approval process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, CBS News President and Chief Executive Wendy McMahon is stepping down from her position, telling staffers that she and the company have differing views on the path forward. Bill Owens, the network's long-time executive producer of "60 Minutes," also announced his departure over editorial independence concerns. "Paramount appears to have begun overseeing CBS's content, presumably in order to screen it for content that could anger the Trump Administration," the letter said. A spokesperson for Redstone also declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) An appeals court in Serbia on Tuesday released three out of six political activists from jail following protests and international criticism of the populist government, which has faced monthslong anti-graft demonstrations. But the court in the northern city of Novi Sad ordered that the three remain under house arrest, pending legal proceedings on suspicion of anti-state activities. The court said that it would issue another ruling at some point about the other three jailed activists. The six were detained in March after secret recordings of their alleged plotting to take over state institutions was broadcast on pro-government media in Serbia before a major rally in the capital, Belgrade. Hundreds have been protesting for days against their prolonged detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those released from jail include a high school teacher who was transferred to a prison hospital in Belgrade last week after going on a hunger strike. The huge rally on March 15 in Belgrade was part of protests that started after a concrete canopy collapsed on Nov. 1 at a train station in Novi Sad, killing 16 people. Shaken by the tragedy, populist President Aleksandar Vucic's government has stepped up pressure on those involved while trying to curb the demonstrations. Lawyers for the jailed activists in Novi Sad say that the accusations against their clients are based on illegal wiretapping, and there's a lack of evidence. Vucic criticized the ruling in a statement on pro-government Informer television, saying it was the result of pressure from the gang of protesters outside the court. He described the activists as terrorists," adding that there is not a country in the world that would release them from jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters in Novi Sad said on Tuesday that they would continue with the demonstrations until all six activists are out of prison. Six more activists facing the same charges aren't in the country. Tuesday's ruling came as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk arrived in Belgrade. Last week, Tonino Picula, the European Parliaments envoy for Serbia, described the activists as political prisoners," while Civil Rights Defenders group called it a clear attempt by the Serbian government to silence dissent. Critics have accused Vucic of increasingly authoritarian rule that stifles the media and other democratic freedoms. The president says that he wants Serbia to join the European Union while boosting relations with Russia and China. Many in Serbia believe that widespread government corruption linked to major infrastructure projects fueled negligence and undermined construction regulations that contributed to the disaster on Nov. 1 at the Novi Sad train station, which triggered the protests. Stephen Miller, the misguided immigration-obsessed Rasputin encouraging President Donald Trump's authoritarian overreaches to drive from the country people who the administration insists (but does not want to prove) are here illegally, has floated the administration's most tyrannical trial balloon yet: stabbing the very heart of what's decent in the Western legal tradition by saying the administration can and ought to eliminate the writ of habeas corpus in order to evade legal niceties preventing them from deporting as many people as they want, as fast as they want to. As Jacob Sullum reported at Reason last week, Miller's untrue attempt to define illegal immigration as the sort of "invasion" that the Constitution does allow as an excuse to suspend the writ (though constitutional construction strongly suggests only Congress can actually do it) is prerejected by multiple federal judges, who have noted that "Trump's understanding of 'invasion or predatory incursion' is inconsistent with the law's historical context and with contemporaneous usage, including the definition of 'invasion' reflected in dictionaries, correspondence among the Founders, and the Constitution itself." The writ of habeas corpusin essence requiring the state to provide reasons and evidence before a court for holding someone in custodyis sensibly described commonly, as in this 1902 article in The American Historical Review as "one of the important safeguards of personal liberty, and the struggle for its possession has marked the advance of constitutional government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One may quibble because the original Magna Carta specifies this as applying to "freemen," the positive trend in Western law has been applying its best standards to all people and in America everyone ought to be in essence a "freeman." Centuries ago our English legal tradition explicitly included in that Magna Carta that the King agreed that no one should be "taken or imprisonedor outlawed or exiled or in any way ruined, nor will we go against such a man or send against him save by lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land." The libertarian movement has been infected by a heresy in the past few decades, springing from the writings of Hans-Hermann Hoppe, that allowed people temperamentally opposed to changes in the ethnic background of the people who live in this country to square a desire to manage that variable to their preferences with a self-image as a complete defender of total liberty. The argument is more or less that a government should be able to, and ought to, behave as a private property owner of the public property it controls, especially when the restrictions it would impose seem to be wanted by a large number of the citizens of the country in whose name they manage the property. Following from that dubious proposition is the notion that it is no more a violation of the principle of nonaggression for a government to physically bar or remove someone from America who had committed no actual harm to any individual's person or property than it would be for you as a private homeowner to do the same barring or expulsion of someone you consider an intruder from your house or yard. It's a shoddy argument that proves far too much about government's alleged proper power over behavior on "public property," though for whatever reason the pro-immigration-enforcement Hoppean "libertarian" never applies this line of alleged logic anywhere else. As Anthony Gregory and Walter Block explained in a Fall 2007 article in the Journal of Libertarian Studies, "Hoppe's position that keeping illegals off public property because of their supposed 'invasiveness' could easily be extended to other matters, aside from free trade. Gun laws, drug laws, prostitution laws, drinking laws, smoking laws, laws against prayerall of these things could be defended on the basis that many tax-paying property owners would not want such behavior on their own private property." Only with actual individual private property, a libertarian recognizes, can whatever problem a Hoppean sees with human migration be solved. But that solution, Gregory and Block say, is written off by Hoppeans as "unrealistic" in the state-ruled world we currently live in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, the authors truthfully note, "even more [unrealistic] is the collectivist notion of the state keeping out immigrants in any way that emulates the market decisions and choices of the taxpayers. Since it is unrealistic, why even consider asking the government to do so? Between two unrealistic choices, why, on libertarian grounds no less, favor the one that necessitates state action?" Even if one as a libertarian somehow believes that border control and keeping noncitizens out of the country was a legitimate government function justifying the use of force, applying even a tiny bit of real-world practical wisdom toward the practices necessary to try (even though they'd always fail) to achieve that goal should lead to the inescapable conclusion, however regretful for the dedicated Hoppean, that no libertarian could sensibly advocate the government actually try to sternly enforce immigration laws in the real world (even if such laws are theoretically justifiable). Miller's announcement about eliminating habeas corpus for the purpose of kicking out who he wants to kick out makes perfect sense for his goalsthough no sense at all for anyone with the slightest bit of respect for Western civilization or limited government. An 1988 article in The American Journal of Legal History provides interesting context to the Miller controversy today. It tells the story of California judges who, against opposition both popular and judicial, insisted on allowing fair consideration of the writ of habeas corpus, and often vindicating the rights to remain, for many thousands of Chinese victims of threatened exclusion or deportation under the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Those who found such judges' concern for the rights of denied Chinese residents or would-be residents overly punctilious mocked their court as running a "habeas corpus mill." Indeed, many such mills will have to run if the U.S. government is to obey the law, and the Western tradition of justice, in its attempt to deport millions. (The 1868 version of the Burlingame Treaty between the U.S. and China, alas amended to be made far less libertarian in 1880 and paving the way for the Exclusion Act, in its Article 5 "provided for the reciprocal recognition of 'the inherent and inalienable right of man to change his home and allegiance' and the 'mutual advantage of the free migration and emigration' of people of both nations 'for purposes of curiosity, of trade, or as permanent residents.'") Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allowing government to ban or punish behavior that is victimless in the libertarian sense (and if one wants to argue that anyone who uses government services is victimizing taxpayers, that argument applies equally well to all your fellow citizens born here, yet is never offered as a legitimate reason to deport everyone) will inevitably lead to violating a wide swaths of rights in order to punish people who rarely have victims reporting the "crimes," who mostly only the state wants to punish. If a law can't be enforced effectively while still honoring the basics of a limited government's responsibilities toward how to treat people it intends to physically harm, then it ought not be enforcedespecially immigration laws, whose enforcement even beyond the procedural issues would be a devastating blow to American productivity and prosperity, all in the name of curtailing a practice that is overall more than fine for all Americans. Yes, on occasion an illegal immigrant commits a horrific crime that would not have happened had they not been here. Still, advocating barring any of a conceivable class that committed a crime proves far too much to preserve even a semblance of limited government, and violates true justice, which must be about individuals and individual actions, not mere membership in some conceived group whose other members did wrong. Immigration enforcement, like the enforcement of any law that mostly harms the harmless and prevents desired economic transactions that make things better for all sides, is impossible to do in a way that respects procedural or substantive justice. For the same reason drug law warriors want to toss away the Fourth Amendment, so do immigration hawks quickly reach the conclusion that the core protection of people from runaway government law enforcement is just an impediment to be wiped away in pursuit of their perverse goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not surprising that a government goal as unlibertarian as strict immigration law enforcement should lead ineluctably to throwing away the most precious protection against tyranny the West has produced and mostly honored; and anyone who calls for strict immigration enforcement is in essence calling, as Miller recognized, for the destruction of the centuries-old core legal protection against malignant tyranny, the writ of habeas corpus. The post Serious Immigration Law Enforcement Means Serious Destruction to American Liberty appeared first on Reason.com. BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) A Butler County EMS paramedic who died in the line of duty will be remembered with a public service on Thursday. Paramedic Justin Lauppe was working at an emergency call last week when he went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and died Friday. (Courtesy Butler County EMS) While Butler County EMS and Rescue continues to mourn his loss, it is also preparing for his memorial service, which will be held on Thursday, May 22, at Park City Arena, 8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public viewing is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., when the service is set to begin. Lauppes coworkers say the service will be a chance for everyone to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to the service of others. His commitment to duty and his courage in the face of danger were exemplary, he will forever be remembered as a hero, Butler County EMS said in a statement. Memorial fund established for fallen Butler County paramedic After the service, there will be a procession to the gravesite. Details have not been released yet. Butler County EMS is inviting other honor guards, pipes, and drums to help honor Lauppe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand the importance of solidarity and support from our brothers and sisters in emergency response during this difficult time. It asks other departments that want to attend or to send apparatus to email butleremshonorguard@gmail.com. We are heartbroken by the loss of Justin, Stuart Funk, Butler County EMS public outreach coordinator, said. He represented the very best of us. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide our department and community. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Violent and destructive tornadoes swept through Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley on May 19, including significant damage in the Greenland area. Tornadoes were confirmed: near the Fayetteville, Greenland and Farmington area, near Lincoln and Prairie Grove area. near Gore, Oklahoma near Tahlequah, Oklahoma near Lamar, Oklahoma Highway 71 and Rush Street in Greenland Highway 71 and Rush Street in Greenland Highway 71 and Rush Street in Greenland Highway 71 and Rush Street in Greenland south of Black Oak Road in Fayetteville Blackgum, Okla. Kelley Highway in Fort Smith Courtesy: Kennedy Nelson Kelley Highway in Fort Smith Courtesy: Kennedy Nelson Kelley Highway in Fort Smith Courtesy: Kennedy Nelson Greenland Greenland Greenland Greenland Greenland Greenland Washington County emergency dispatch says damage is all over Greenland. The most significant impact is between Highway 71 and Interstate 49. Hog Valley Trailer Park is in disarray, and there is a crew there now. No injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damage is confirmed by a KNWA/FOX24 storm spotter at Drake Field in Greenland after a confirmed tornado moved through the city. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fayetteville is flooded. Flooding can be seen in the video below at the South Creekside Apartments in Fayetteville. The Arkansas Department of Transportation confirms trees are down along Highway 59 in the Lincoln area. The Prairie Grove Police Department says it is in mutual aid with Lincoln on damaged homes. At least one home was damaged near Lincoln High School. The Headstart in Lincoln is heavily damaged. According to Tad Sours with Washington County, crews are on the ground in Lincoln, Greenland and South Fayetteville. No injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damage was also spotted in West Fork. Sebastian County reports no structure damage yet. Trees are down. There are no reports of injuries or major damage. The county is reporting many power outages. Sebastian County Emergency Management says the county is experiencing flash flooding throughout. There have been 5 water rescues in Fort Smith due to vehicles stalling in high water in low areas that are prone to flooding. There are reports in Cincinnati, Arkansas, of downed trees and power lines. Damage was also reported in downtown Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on Muskogee Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Severe weather is moving through Central Illinois Tuesday afternoon, and with it comes a stream of updates and photos/videos from viewers. Follow along with WCIA for updates as they come into our newsroom. 8:34 p.m. About a dozen trees were uprooted and snapped in half in Potomac as a result of the severe weather on Tuesday. 7:21 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Montgomery and Fountain Counties until 8:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6:21 p.m. The Vermilion County EMA has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Vermilion County and southeastern Champaign County until 6:45 p.m. 5:50 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Fountain and Warren Counties until 7:45 p.m. 5:34 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for part of Vermilion County until 6 p.m. Residents of Bismarck are urged to take shelter now as a tornado is incoming. 5:26 p.m. The Vermilion County EMA has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Champaign and Vermilion Counties until 6:15 p.m. 5:08 p.m. A confirmed tornado has touched down in Vermilion County. 4:48 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Vermilion and Champaign Counties until 5:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4:38 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for part of Iroquois County until 5:30 p.m. 4:24 p.m. As of 4:05 p.m., Maroa-Forsyth CUSD #2 announced they are getting back on buses and will be finishing their routes shortly. 4:15 p.m. There is a confirmed multi-vortex tornado near Paxton moving north. People in Paxton, Perdueville and Loda are urged to take shelter now. 4:09 p.m. A tornado is confirmed to be on the ground west of Paxton according to the Ford County EMA. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Ford and Iroquois Counties until 4:45 p.m. 4:05 p.m. As of 3:58 p.m., Blue Ridge CUSD #18 is still holding students from Red and Blue buses due to weather conditions. Parents of these students are welcome to pick them up at their discretion. 4:02 p.m. Quarter-sized hail has been reported in Paxton. Courtesy: Erin Hines Courtesy: Victor Johnson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3:56 p.m. Maroa-Forsyth CUSD #2 has students on grade school buses 2, 5, 17, 16, 3, 21, 15, 10, 23 and 9 that are currently back at either the middle school or grade school sheltering in place until the all clear is issued out of an abundance of caution. The students will be dropped off once all is clear. SEE ALSO: WEATHER NOW: Severe storms possible again Tuesday 3:53 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of McLean and De Witt Counties until 4:30 p.m. 3:40 p.m. Due to tornado sirens activated in Farmer City, Blue Ridge CUSD #18 is having students from its Red and Blue buses shelter inside Schneider Elementary. They will provide an update when the students are released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Farmer City Public Library is open for anyone needing shelter. 3:20 p.m. Hail has been reported in Springfield. Courtesy: Tracey Bromley Courtesy: Tracey Bromley Courtesy: Patrick King 3:15 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Macon, De Witt, Sangamon and Logan Counties until 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2:50 p.m. The Oakland CUSD #5 school district is taking cover in the building after a funnel cloud was spotted near the school. Buses were delayed for about 15-20 minutes to ensure the storm has cleared the area and school officials have notified the Oakland Police Department. SEE ALSO: WCIA 3 Severe Weather Center The Village of Sherman Police said students scheduled to bus from the elementary school have been held at the elementary school due to imminent weather concerns related to a tornado warning. The local outdoor warning sirens have been activated. Williamsville-Sherman CUSD #15 is keeping all of its students in school until the storm passes and will dismiss them after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Sangamon and Logan Counties until 3:15 p.m. 2:03 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Sangamon and Menard Counties until 2:45 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A broken pipe in Oconee County released an estimated 145,000 gallons of wastewater before being repaired late Monday evening. Related video: Tips for water safety this summer The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority repaired an 18-inch piper, near Cross Creek Plantation, late Monday evening. Tugaloo Pipeline assisted the OJRSA with the restoration. Officials said an estimation of 145,000 gallons of wastewater entered into the Coneross Creek. 50,000 gallons of released wastewater was recovered by the OJRSA and was taken to the Coneross Creek Water Reclamation Facility to be treated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services was notified of the incident. Officials said that stream samples will be collected for analysis. People and animals are told to avoid contact with the Coneross Creek, between Return Church Road and S.C. Highway 59, until further notice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONG KONG (AP) Shares in CATL, the worlds largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles, jumped more than 16% Tuesday in its Hong Kong trading debut after it raised about $4.6 billion in the worlds largest initial public offering this year. The solid reception for the Chinese company, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., in Hong Kong suggests there is still an appetite among international investors for leading Chinese manufacturers despite trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. It sold more than 135 million shares at their maximum offer price, 263 Hong Kong dollars ($33.6) each. Its shares rose after they started trading at 296 Hong Kong dollars ($37.80), 12.5% higher than their offer price. They closed 16.4% higher. CATL also has shares listed in Shenzhen, a business hub neighboring Hong Kong. They initially fell but then edged 1.2% higher. A supplier to automakers like Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota and Honda, CATL held a nearly 38% global market share for EV batteries in 2024, its listing documents showed. The company has faced pressure from the U.S. In January, the U.S. Defense Department added it to a list of companies it says have ties to Chinas military, an accusation that CATL denied. It called the inclusion a mistake. In April, John Moolenaar, chairperson of the U.S. House Select Committee on China, wrote to the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America to demand that the two American banks withdraw from their work on CATL's IPO. But the two banks stayed on. In the U.S., Ford Motor Co. is licensing technology from CATL to build batteries, but the plan faces resistance from some Republican lawmakers, who have expressed concern that the Chinese company could benefit from U.S. tax dollars. The U.S. has listed CATL as having ties to the Chinese military and U.S. investors inside the U.S. were excluded from the Regulation S share offering. Such offerings do not require registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, many large U.S. institutional investors have offshore accounts that allowed them to participate. The company said it plans to use most of the net proceeds from its IPO to build its factory in Hungary, meant to bring it closer to the manufacturing facilities of its main European customers. Government officials, including Hong Kongs Financial Secretary Paul Chan, attended its gong-striking ceremony in the citys vibrant business district, Central, on Tuesday. The company's chairman Robin Zeng said his business is committed to becoming a zero-carbon technology company. A couple of years ago, blogger Albert Isakov translated and posted a video online about a five-year-old Armenian who was included in the national "book of records" as a child prodigy. The boy can name the capitals of the countries of the world, knows English, learns Russian, plays chess, has a phenomenal memory, and so on. Little Mikael Hakobyan is the pride of the whole of Armenia. Five-year-old Mikael is just starting life, but he has already turned into a real monster, ready to destroy all non-Armenians. The child plans to create a special weapon that will clear the planet of all other nations, and there will be only one Armenia on earth. He told about it himself in an interview with one of the Internet resources. "I will turn the whole planet Earth into Armenia. Those who came from other nations to our country, I will shoot them on the spot. I will not allow people of another nationality to remain in Armenia... I will leave only the Armenians on the planet. To blow up other nations, I will create a special unidentified flying object," the child said. Moreover, he is going to shoot "without any preliminary conversations in order to kill everyone to hell.".. So far, Armenians have managed to turn not the entire planet, but a certain part of the South Caucasus into a "clean" place, that is, into a territory without non-Armenians. Only Armenians have been living in Armenia for 35 years. The last non-Armenian, namely an Azerbaijani, left this then-Soviet republic in 1990. It didn't even require any special weapons. The neighbors acted, so to speak, in grandfathered ways - they drove, cut and burned. The boy Michael set a broader task - to clean up the entire planet, and here you can't do it with one massacre. "Armenia for Armenians" was a long-standing and most ardent dream of the Armenians. With the help of strong allies, it was possible to implement it so that the secretary of the Gafan district committee of the Mkrtchan party could say with tears of pride in his eyes, addressing marble Nzhdeh: "You have worked hard, but you have not been able to purge the republic of Azerbaijanis. Your grandchildren have fulfilled your big dream." Today, our neighbors' biggest dream is under threat. The prospect of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia returning to their homes in the neighboring country is considered a terrible threat. Military expert David Jamalyan told reporters yesterday that "if Baku's most terrible scenario is realized and 300,000 Azerbaijanis come and settle in Armenia, naturally, from that moment on, their ambitions will become reality." When talking about ambitions in such cases, Armenian experts are referring to the term West Azerbaijan, which sounds like a threat to them. After Baku raised the issue of the return of Azerbaijani refugees to their historical lands in Armenia, Yerevan lost its peace. For example, political strategist Vigen Hakobyan believes that if the Azerbaijanis return, Baku "may declare that the security of their compatriots is not guaranteed and send troops to Armenia." Hakobyan is confident that the return of the Azerbaijanis will be a ticking time bomb. This is how he reacted earlier to statements from Baku that Yerevan should agree to the return of refugees from both sides, or there would be no such clause in the peace treaty at all. The political strategist fears that this return is also from the category of Azerbaijani soft power. The fears brought Hakobyan's imagination to paintings that are a nightmare for several generations of Armenians raised in phobias. They can already see how Azerbaijani and Turkish special forces are entering Western Zangezur to ensure the safety of the returned Azerbaijanis. "If the Azerbaijani armed Forces enter Armenia, they will never leave it again," political strategist Hakobyan scares his tribesmen, reasonably believing that the Azerbaijanis can return, "but only if they receive guarantees from the point of view of force." The last words are reasonable because no international guarantees and Yerevan's word of honor can guarantee the Azerbaijani population life and security in Armenia. It will be a long time before the Armenian society will be able to accept the presence of another nation in the same space with itself, and even more so, the Azerbaijanis. A certain attitude towards the peoples whose lands are claimed by the Armenians is soldered into the Armenian mentality. And it is very difficult to erase this feature of the Armenian mentality. It is constantly fueled by ideological attitudes and new mythologies. Armenia is very annoyed and concerned that the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis has appeared on the agenda. At first, they hoped that Western patrons would talk to Baku and the topic would leave the discourse, and they would talk, as before, only about the rights of Armenians to return to Azerbaijan. Whether the Western patrons talked or not, we do not know, but the topic did not leave the agenda, and the Armenian side itself had to tone down its demands for the "dignified and unconditional return of the Armenians" to Karabakh, from where they left completely voluntarily and without losses. As opposition MP Anna Grigoryan correctly noted, a few years ago it was impossible to imagine that the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis in one form or another would be discussed. Yes, that's right. A few years ago, no one would have thought of this. The issue of the return of Azerbaijani refugees to Armenia has not been considered anywhere in principle, and the Azerbaijani side very wisely did not pedal it, realizing that there is time for everything. The occupier, feeling completely safe, surrounded by the guarantees of the powers, could sometimes afford to contemptuously, lazily yawning, speculate about such a prospect. And, of course, all the arguments ended with a verdict: the return of Azerbaijanis to neither Shusha nor Zangezur is impossible. Shortly before the liberation war, when, as he believed, nothing foreshadowed a storm for the aggressor, Taron Hovhannisyan, an expert at the Orbeli Center, responding to a journalist's question about the possibility of the return of Azerbaijanis, spoke exactly like this - haughtily, lazily philosophizing, leaning against a strong back in the face of the powers and their guarantees. The Azerbaijanis, he said, want to return to Shusha and live as part of Azerbaijan. This means that they do not just want to return to their homes, but pursue political goals. According to the expert, Azerbaijanis who have been subjected to ethnic cleansing can come on an excursion as tourists, look at their houses inhabited by aliens, but in order to live, "we need to change politics." A representative of the people who totally "cleansed" Armenia and the occupied territories of Azerbaijan from Azerbaijanis accused the Azerbaijani side of "xenophobic and racist policies" and questioned whether the descendants of victims of ethnic cleansing and genocide committed by the Armenian occupiers would be positive towards Armenians. Hovhannisyan believed that in 30 years the Azerbaijanis should have forgotten everything they had to go through because of the Armenians and rushed to them with hugs. And only Baku's "xenophobic policy" and the "threat of repression" prevent them from doing so. Hovhannisyan received all the answers to his doubts within a few months. Today he sings differently, today he has no time for philosophy. Just like everyone else. The possibility of the return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia is seen today by the "think tanks" of Armenia no longer through the prism of lazy philosophizing, but as a completely tangible prospect. Once they thought they could set conditions for Azerbaijan, but now they are trembling at the thought that Baku will insist on its terms. The principle of mirroring, which Baku uses to smash all Yerevan's arguments, makes it unarmed and shortens the tongues of its defenders. After all, no one in the Armenian pool is going to really discuss the issue of the rights of Azerbaijanis, and if you insist on the rights of Armenians, then this will inevitably have to be done. Azerbaijan has already made it clear that it is ready to consider two issues in only one package. About 300,000 Azerbaijanis should return to the 277 settlements of Armenia, to the ancestral lands of their ancestors, to their roots. For one and a half million Armenians, 300,000 Azerbaijanis is much more serious than a hundred thousand Armenians for ten million Azerbaijanis. But Baku is very peaceful and is not going to take any forceful steps in this direction. He simply says: if the Armenians want to return to Karabakh, this can only happen in parallel with the return of the Azerbaijanis to Western Zangezur. There are no other options. And Armenia and its support group have to retreat. Many people have probably noticed that the demands for the immediate return of all Armenians to the Karabakh region are becoming less and less frequent. Baku actually knocked its neighbor's main trump card out of his hands. Yerevan's last hope is to prove that the Azerbaijanis left Armenia only of their own free will, and did not run barefoot through the snowy passes to escape from the brutal nationalists, but left calmly, selling their property and receiving compensation and good wishes from the authorities. That is, they have lost all property rights and civil rights too. As Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a press conference in Tehran earlier this year, "The Azerbaijanis left Armenia in a fairly civilized manner. About 100 people sold their apartments, more than 12,000 exchanged them with Armenians from Azerbaijan, and more than 160,000 received compensation from the Armenian government." These words greatly angered the refugees. Everything was not at all as sweet and beautiful as Mirzoyan described. The Azerbaijanis did not receive any compensation from the authorities. Many were forced to sign relevant documents, including the alleged sale of an apartment, under threat of reprisals, and the owners of the houses themselves were loaded into freight wagons like cattle and sent nowhere. But we'll talk about that next time. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The Azerbaijani MPs - the head of the delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Ramid Namazov and the member of the delegation Tahir Mirkishili will visit Dayton, Ohio, US, on May 21 to participate in the spring session of the NATO PA, a source in the Azerbaijani parliament told Trend. Within the framework of the session, discussions will be held on strengthening the cybersecurity of elections, a call for transatlantic partnership, combating current and future threats, the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Accords, the unification of NATO and the bloc of authoritarian countries, and other topics. The visit will end on May 29. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) The Sharon Fire Department encourages its firefighters to keep on learning and be at the forefront of their field. That attitude is part of their identity and has been identified by the state of Pennsylvania. Sharons fire department is bringing something new with it to every call. A gold-bordered decal showing its recognition of excellence from the state. That they have a resource available to them that not a lot of other communities have. Theres a full-time career, professional, educated and certified fire department, said Sharon Deputy Fire Chief Nick Samson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharon has been certified as a gold-level participating department by the State Fire Commissioner. It means 100% of the firefighters in Sharon have at least a Firefighter I certification. The department emphasizes training and celebrates that culture. Thats the mechanism thats going to lead to having a department that is going to be able to be there when the community needs us, Samson said. Sharon has had 100% of its team with a Firefighter I certification for years, but decided to submit the paperwork and be recognized by the state. Only 42 departments of 2,448 in Pennsylvania are gold-level recognized. The honor puts Sharon in the top 1.7% of departments statewide and should give residents confidence in their training, recognizing the professional development, particularly as it relates to new hazards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things like lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles and solar panels. All of these things are problems that firefighters didnt have to necessarily deal with, maybe as recently as five or 10 years ago, Samson said. Sharon firefighters are trained and educated. The Firefighter I certificate comes after hundreds of hours of training. Many in the department have higher levels of training, too. The state recognizes its commitment to training, safety and service. When I go to bed at night, I sleep very soundly knowing that if there was an emergency in my house that I have a staff of certified and career, very professional and educated firefighters who are going to be coming to my house to rescue my family, Samson said. There are other levels of recognition from the state fire commissioner, but Sharon has achieved the highest. 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. PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN) A Sharon man on Monday pleaded guilty in federal court to selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. Larry Marrow, 37, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Judge Robert J. Colville in the U.S. Western District Court of Pennsylvania to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine within 1,000 feet of a playground, school or public housing project. Sentencing is set for Sept. 30 before Judge Colville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An indictment issued Sept. 12, 2023 accused Marrow of selling the drugs on July 6, 2023. The case was investigated by the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the FBI and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals 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 WKBN.com. Curators at Moyses Hall Museum in Suffolk, England, found that a book on their office shelf was bound in the skin of William Corder, a 19th-century murderer Maria Marten's remains were discovered nearly a year after she vanished, following a dream her stepmother had about her death Corder confessed and was executed in front of a crowd of thousands It was a skin-crawling revelation. Staff at a museum in Suffolk, England, recently learned that an unassuming old book sitting in their office was actually made from human skin believed to be that of a 19th-century murderer who was hanged nearly 200 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killer, William Corder, was convicted in 1828 of murdering a woman named Maria Marten in what became known as the Red Barn Murder. According to the BBC, the book was donated decades ago by a family member of the surgeon who anatomized Corders body. Curators at Moyses Hall Museum in Bury St. Edmunds realized what the book was and how it was made about a month ago. Its now on display. Corder was from a middle-class family of farmers and lived in the village of Polstead when he met Marten when he was 22. The two subsequently became lovers, per the outlet. In 1827 Corder came up with a plan for him and Marten to elope. He told her to meet him at the Red Barn on the Corders farm so they could run away together. But Marten was never seen again. Corder swiftly left Suffolk and wrote to the Marten family that he and Maria had eloped. In reality, he was hiding out just outside of London after shooting Maria in the neck and burying her at the Red Barn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost a year later, Marias stepmother, Ann Marten, had a dream that Maria was dead and at the Red Barn. Per the outlet, Marias father dug with his mole spud a type of spade and found Marias remains at the barn. A manhunt ensued for Corder. When authorities found him, he denied any knowledge of what had happened to Maria. But he had a letter in his possession informing him that her body had been found. Corder was tried on 10 counts of murder, each based on a different theory on how Maria was killed, the BBC reported. Corder initially claimed Maria had died by suicide, but he was ultimately found guilty after a two-day trial, which included a confession in which Corder said he accidentally shot Maria during an argument. 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 BBC reported that an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people came to see Corder hanged outside the prison on Aug. 11, 1828. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently two books about the trial both of which are bound with Corders skin, the BBC reported. Popular Mechanics reports that the practice of binding books in human skin known as anthropodermic bibliopegy dates back to at least the 13th century. By the 19th century, some doctors were using the skin of their own dissected patients to bind medical texts. According to The Times, Corder's skeleton remained at Londons Hunterian Museum for more than 70 years until it was released in 2004 following a campaign by a relative who had researched her family tree. Subsequently, Corder's remains were cremated. Read the original article on People New video obtained by Channel 9 shows multiple young people fighting as law enforcement swarmed the scene at the annual Cheerwine Festival this past weekend in Salisbury. Two of the officers got seriously hurt, and the sheriff is upset. He says its happening too much, and he wants to hold the juveniles and their parents accountable. [The] fight was short-lived, officers were there quickly and responded. Unfortunately two officers sustained serious injuries, said Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED >> Officers hurt in fight at Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury Allen says Salisbury police did a great job securing the 80,000-person event. He blamed the violence near the end of the festival on a group of a dozen or so minors, and their parents. We dont hold the most important people accountable, not the kids, not the parents who are not keeping up with their kids, who have no idea where theyre at or what theyre doing, or they do but they cant control them, Allen said. The sheriff says one deputy suffered a broken hip in the fight when he got caught at the bottom of a pile with his leg in an awkward position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juveniles were apprehended but later had to be released, the sheriff said. Allen says theres no one person to blame for their release. My concern is what were operating under as a whole -- law enforcement, DA, courts, juvenile services -- is an inadequate system, Allen said. Its not anyones fault in the system. You see people saying well whos the person who let them go? Its not a who, its a what. It was a system. The sheriff didnt give ages or criminal histories of the juveniles involved, but he said they had to be released because the incident didnt meet the requirements to hold them under state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for their parents, Allen says the charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor is too vague and hard to prove. He wants to create a new law, even if it takes years. Allen said the Salisbury Police Department is looking into whether or not the fight was gang-related. (VIDEO: Six local high school students competing in Cheerwine Festival T-shirt design contest) SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A Shippensburg University student was charged after he allegedly assaulted a woman in a university residence hall, police say. According to Shippensburg University Police, Tavian Gill, 24, of Carlisle, allegedly hit the woman 17 times in the head on May 17, admitting he Jon Jonesed her, an apparent reference to UFC heavyweight champion Jon Bones Jones. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Gill allegedly told police he assaulted the woman because she spat on him, according to the criminal complaint from Shippensburg University Police. Gill was enrolled at the university during the time of the incident, a university spokesperson confirmed, but could not provide more details due to this still being under active investigation. When police arrived at the residence hall around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, they reported seeing Gill pacing back and forth, and the victim sitting against the wall, bleeding. The complaint shows Gill was yelling slurs at the woman while police were trying to speak with her about the alleged assault. There was a witness who reported having to pull Gill off the woman to stop him from assaulting her while in the hallway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania man killed in forklift incident at Adams County RV dealership When Gill was asked if he attacked the woman, he said yes, according to the complaint. Police noted seeing blood on his hand and rug burn on his knees that matched the victims story that she was dragged out of the room. Police said when they took Gill to the station, he again allegedly admitted to assaulting the woman when he was questioned. Additionally, police say they obtained video footage of the assault that clearly showed Gill drag the victim into the hallway and hit her in the head. Gill faces a felony charge of aggravated assault, along with a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and a summary charge of disorderly conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is out on unsecured bail set at $10,000 by Magisterial District Judge Bryan Ruth, and awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHIPROCK, N.M. (KRQE) A Shiprock man has been charged with assault in connection to a shooting outside of a Little Caesars restaurant. Terrold Tyler, 35, is remaining in custody as he awaits trial, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico. Man who choked his girlfriend to death pleads guilty Investigators determined Tyler and the victim were arguing behind the restaurant when Tyler allegedly got out a gun and shot the victim in the left hand. Paramedics responded, but the victim declined treatment. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, a social media showing Tyler with the firearm was recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. If he is convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting this case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. An Oceano man was arrested Friday after allegedly pulling a knife on and threatening to kill an employee of a downtown San Luis Obispo business after he was asked to leave the establishment. According to a San Luis Obispo Police Department news release Monday, officers were dispatched around 10:24 p.m. for a reported assault and robbery at a business in the 500 block of Higuera Street. According to the release, an employee first saw a male laying shirtless across a table in the hallway of the business. When he was told to leave, the male later identified as 26-year-old Dominic Charkhian briefly left but was later found by the same employee in the restroom charging his phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said an argument began after the employee once again told Charkhian to leave. The employee also pulled out his own cell phone and began to film Charkhian during the argument, saying he was going to call the police, the release said. Charkhian then knocked the phone out of the employees hand, pulled out a knife and threatened to kill him, the release said. According to the release, the employee then put a plastic trash can between the two as Charkhian continued to threaten him with a knife. Charkhian eventually fled the restroom, taking the employees phone with him, according to police. The employee later found the phone broken in a nearby parking lot, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, officers identified Charkhian through video from nearby businesses. On Saturday, Charkhian was spotted by a police officer who was driving on Santa Rosa Street near Santa Rosa Park. He was located soon after in the parking lot of the park and arrested without incident, according to the release. Charkhian was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of felony charges of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and preventing a victim from calling law enforcement. He also faces potential charges of misdemeanor vandalism and probation violation, according to the release. Charkhian was being held in custody without bail, the release said. MCKEE, Ky. (FOX 56) An Estill County man was found dead in a vehicle Sunday afternoon in Jackson County after being shot. In a news release Monday afternoon, Kentucky State Police (KSP) said the Jackson County Sheriffs Office called around 3 p.m. for assistance with an investigation after the man was found on Richardson Road in McKee. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Carmack, 40, of Irvine, was shot by someone who fled the scene before authorities arrived, according to KSP. The identity of the shooter is still unknown at this time, a news release confirmed, and foul play is suspected. Read more of the latest Kentucky news KSP said an autopsy is underway at the Medical Examiners Office in Frankfort. Anyone with information about Carmacks death is encouraged to call KSP Post 7 at 859-623-2404. Anonymous tips can be given by calling 1-800-222-5555 or by submitting a tip through the KSP app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. QUICK FORECAST: Today: PM rain showers, storms, high 65 Tonight: Scattered showers, low 57 Wednesday: On/off rain, high 68 (57) Thursday: Early showers, high 60 (51) Friday: Isolated shower, high 61 (46) Saturday: Mixed clouds, high 66 (44) FORECAST DISCUSSION: Good Tuesday morning! It is a dry start for Central Ohio, but storms & showers are right around the corner. As our next system draws closer, it is working to bring a long stretch of wet and cooler weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isolated showers will push into Central Ohio as we head into the mid to late morning hours. We have more steady to scattered chances moving in as the afternoon and evening goes on. The second half of today carries a better chance of seeing storms in the region. The severe weather threat has been shifted farther south, but still includes parts of Central Ohio. Parts of Fayette, Ross, & Pike County have a 1/5 risk for severe weather. Risks primarily include strong winds and isolated hail. Rain and storms taper off through tonight, but the system isnt done with us quite yet. Rain remains scattered throughout the day on Wednesday. Most of the day has a higher chance of rain, but a more isolated chance of storms. Rain chances remain isolated and stray into Friday. Temperatures take a solid hit from this latest round of wet weather. Were in the mid to upper 60s through Wednesday. But, with a final passage of a cold front, we are struggling to get into the lower 60s into Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The holiday weekend sees a solid recovery from the cooler, wet weather. A mixture of sunshine and clouds moves in for Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will be building back up through the 60s. An initial look at Memorial Day has us in the lower 70s with an isolated shower in the area. -Joe Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Louisiana Senate Bill 99 was discussed Monday during the transportation committee meeting. Senator Stewart Cathey, a Republican from the Monroe area, authored the bill restricting the use of automated speed enforcement devices in the state. Cathey calls them speed-scam-eras and says he feels they are unconstitutional. Cathey pointed out that when he posted on social media that he wanted them banned, his post was shared over two thousand times, which he said goes to show how much Louisianians dislike them. Louisiana AG wants juvenile change of venue bill, Caddo DA and judges do not Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would restrict speed cameras to school zones only, areas where Shreveport already has them. Mayor Tom Arceneaux addressed the committee, saying, This has become a very effective means of changing peoples behavior, and we would like the option to proceed and deal with our constituents on a local level. Shreveport CAO Tom Dark pointed out that the city is short on police officers, and these devices can be an extension of the departments enforcement arm. If the bill passes, the city would be prohibited from installing cameras outside school zones. The bill passed out of committee and now heads to the full House for debate. 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 KTALnews.com. BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 20. We have very close cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, said Zoltan Egeresi, a researcher at the Institute for International Relations and Trade (IIRT) of Hungary, Trend's special correspondent reports. Speaking to reporters in Budapest, Egeresi emphasized that Hungary has supported Azerbaijans territorial integrity. On the other hand, Hungary is a very important partner for Azerbaijan. Especially in the field of energy, we have developed very close cooperation. Recently, gas transportation from Hungary to Azerbaijan has begun. This is very important for Hungary because, due to the war in Ukraine, the country has become highly vulnerable in terms of energy security. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for us, he noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel UPDATE: Bradley was arrested, according to Shreveport police. DISCLAIMER: All persons are innocent until proven guilty SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Shreveport Police Department is searching for a woman in connection with a domestic violence incident. Shreveport police seek man with domestic violence history Jerricka Bradley, also known as Jerricka Miles, is wanted in connection with a domestic violence accusation from May 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradley is accused of using force against the victim with a dangerous weapon, damaging the victims shoulder. (Shreveport Police Department) Bradley being at the location was in violation of a protective order. She is now wanted for one count of Violation of a Protective Order, and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. Repeat offender wanted after recent Lowes theft Bradley has been arrested five times for domestic-related incidents. Contact Shreveport Police at 318-673-7300 or Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373 with any information. Callers may remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A doctor is on administrative leave from the Emergency Department at Legacy Silverton Hospital after he was arrested for a deadly hit and run, according to his employer. Kenneth Kolarsky was arrested Saturday on allegations that he is the driver who hit and killed a pedestrian the day after Christmas 2024. Completely ghosted us: PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza, 44, was at a crosswalk on Pacific Highway north of Williams Avenue when he was hit by a driver who fled the scene. He died at Salem Hospital a short while later. Nearly five months later, Kolarsky was arrested by Silverton and Woodburn police on an outstanding warrant for felony hit-and-run. The 58-year-old Portland resident works at the Legacy Silverton Hospital and was arrested outside their facility, officials said. This car is wanted in a fatal hit-run in Woodburn from December 26, 2024 (Woodburn PD Facebook) His employer, Northwest Acute Care Specialists (NACS), shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News on Tuesday: [We] were recently made aware of the arrest of one of our physicians for an incident that occurred outside of work. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza who lost his life. The physician has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. Patient safety is our top priority, and we will continue to provide uninterrupted, high-quality care, to all our patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Sinclair Community College is partnering with a UK-based drone manufacturer to provide training and development opportunities. Photo courtesy of Sinclair Community College. Photo courtesy of Sinclair Community College. The college will partner with Sky Drones and will train on their SkyLane 250 and 350 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) models. We are excited to add the SkyLane UAS to our fleet and count Sky-Drones as a new OEM training partner, said Dr. Andrew Shepherd, Chief Research Officer at Sinclair. It is evident that SkyDrones has developed a world-class and highly capable system with utility in many applications of interest to academic, industry, and government users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinclair will utilize its National UAS Training and Certification Center to conduct the trainings. This partnership allows us to further strengthen our position as a leading unmanned systems supplier for U.S. customers, said Kirill Shilov, CEO at Sky-Drones. Sinclair College, with its state-of the-art facilities and extensive expertise in UAS education, will now provide tailored training programs on Sky-Drones advanced UAV platforms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sinn Fein has welcomed Sir Keir Starmers reset deal with the EU, saying it would protect the all-island economy because it means the Republic and the north continue to follow the same EU trading rules. The party, which wants a united Ireland, said the deal undid some of the disastrous impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland. Anything that protects the all-island economy, anything that maximises our access to both markets in terms of trade, anything that removes barriers for trade, then thats something that we would obviously very much welcome, said Michelle ONeill, the first minister of Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms ONeill, the vice-president of Sinn Fein, said relations between London and Brussels had improved but added on Monday that the devil would be in the detail. Chris Hazzard, a Sinn Fein MP, added: I welcome the reset of relationships between the EU and British Government undoing some of the disastrous impacts of Brexit. The people of the north were dragged out of Europe against their wishes, so any improvements in the relationship between the British government and the EU, particularly in areas such as trade, agri-food, energy, and climate are positive steps, the South Down MP said. Credit: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, most people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the EU, which the region would automatically rejoin if there was a united Ireland. That can only happen after a referendum, which Sinn Fein wants by 2030 but the Government has rejected. The Windsor Framework is Northern Irelands Brexit deal. It prevents a hard land border with EU member Ireland, which could jeopardise the peace process. The treaty grants Northern Ireland unique access to both the UK and EU markets. The UK region continues to follow hundreds of EU rules after Brexit. Border checks and controls are carried out on British goods and animals arriving in Northern Ireland to ensure they meet European rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all of those Irish Sea border checks will now not be necessary after the Government agreed to align with EU rules on plant and animal health as part of the reset deal. In a nod to Irish neutrality, Sinn Fein criticised the new UK-EU defence pact, which will allow Britain to participate in EU defence spending schemes. We are concerned by the focus placed on funding increased militarisation rather than on the resolution of conflicts and on peace building, Mr Hazzard said. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) campaigned for Brexit but fears the Windsor Framework jeopardises Northern Irelands place in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavin Robinson, the DUP leader, said the reset would be assessed through the prism of the union. Gregory Campbell, the MP for East Londonderry, told The Telegraph: We welcome what may prove to be progress towards removing barriers to trade within the United Kingdom, but the progress made does not deal with the host of problems created by the application of EU law specifically in Northern Ireland only. We will continue to make the case for full restoration of Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea border it creates. He added: Sinn Feins opposition to defence spending sits alongside their pro-Putin propaganda, and ignores the Republic of Irelands reliance on the United Kingdom for its air and sea defence. 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 CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Sioux City Transit is offering the Kids Ride Free program for the 19th year. The Kids Ride Free program is coming back to Sioux City this summer. Starting in June, Sioux City Transit will be offering free rides to students ages five through 18. These free rides will include unlimited rides on City Transits Fixed Route System. The program runs Monday through Friday (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below This is the 19th year of the annual Kids Ride Free program. Students can take advantage of this program until August. A student or parent/guardian must show the driver their Kids Ride Free Pass. Parents are welcome to sign up for a Kids Ride Free Pass at five locations in Sioux City. 1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Transportation Center Dispatch Office 505 Nebraska Street 2. Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center 550 Expo Center Drive 3. The Wilbur Aalfs Library (downtown) 529 Pierce Street 4. Perry Creek Branch Library 2912 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 101 5. Morningside Branch Library 4005 Morningside Avenue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus, while supplies last, those who sign up will receive a free Sioux City Transit System bus piggy 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City woman charged in a murder case will be entering a plea agreement. Court documents reported 35-year-old Katrina Barnes will plead guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. The possession of a controlled substance charge will be dropped. A plea hearing has not yet been set. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2022, Sioux City police responded to a shooting in the 500 block of 9th Street. Officials said 32-year-old Dolorean Wade was found with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital and died from his injuries. Authorities alleged both Barnes and Wade had been arguing all day before 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Skai Jackson filed a restraining order against the father of her son, Kasai. TMZ reported that the 23-year-old actress accused her ex-boyfriend, Deondre Burgin, of assaulting her on Mothers Day while she was holding their three-month-old child. Court documents read that Burgin allegedly slammed Jacksons head against a car window and punched her in the face. She also claimed Burgin frequently assaulted her choking and scratching her as well as slamming her head against a wall specifically during a six-month period in 2024. During the alleged attacks, Jackson said that her property, including a television and iPhone, were also destroyed. Burgin allegedly demanded the former child star to drink bleach during her pregnancy to get her to miscarry. Jackson claimed that he threatened to stab her in the stomach if she yelled for help. He also allegedly held her at knifepoint and choked me until I could not breathe after forcibly entering a bathroom that she was in. She reportedly has video evidence to corroborate the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson is asking Burgin to attend a court-mandated domestic violence treatment program, and requested a judge to order him to pay child support and her legal fees. Last month, Burgin was arrested in Kentucky on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant from Ohio. When Kasai was born, he was serving a 90-day jail sentence for parole violation. TMZ confirmed that he was detained for failing to display a license plate on his vehicle and then failing to show up for his court date. Jacksons temporary restraining order request was granted, and the next court hearing has been scheduled for June 9. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Skai Jackson, seen at the 81st Golden Globe Awards in 2024, has obtained a temporary restraining order against the father of her child after alleging violence and abuse. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Skai Jackson says Deondre Burgin, the father of her 3-month-old son, has been abusing her since last spring, including suggesting that she drink bleach while she was expecting in order to terminate her pregnancy. Jackson was granted a temporary restraining order against him Monday, according to court documents. The actor, her son and her dog Otis are covered by the order. Read more: Skai Jackson of Disney Channel fame confirms arrival of her baby boy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Disney Channel star, 23, detailed a litany of alleged abuses by Burgin, 21, in her request filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Most of them are from 2024, but the inciting event behind the filing appears to have been an alleged attack on Mother's Day of this year. Jackson said in her filing that Burgin attacked her on May 11 while she was carrying son Kasai. "He grabbed me by the hair, slammed my head on the back seat window of my car and hit me in the face while holding my son," the "Jessie" and "Bunk'd" actor wrote in her filing. "Deondre caused me to have a bloody nose. I don't feel safe with my son being around him due to his violent history. He also said 'F' my child." Last June, Burgin took Jackson's phone so he could check her messages because a man had texted her, the filing says. Jackson said he then broke her iPhone and choked her against a kitchen counter. "He demanded that I drink bleach to kill our unborn child," Jackson wrote about the June incident. "He then walked me to the car with a knife in his hand telling me to get in the driver seat and if I called out for help he would stab me in the stomach. He then called his friend ... telling him he was about to kill me. He then told me to drive to the doctor to get an abortion. When I tried to he asked me was I crazy and why would I want to kill our child." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Disney Channel's Skai Jackson arrested on suspicion of domestic battery at Universal Studios Jackson said she had video documentation from July when he allegedly punched through the door of an upstairs bathroom she had locked herself in for safety and choked her until she couldn't breathe. Jackson said that in 2024, there was a six-month period where he choked her or slammed her head into a wall about once a week, destroyed a television and punched holes in her walls. Jackson said Burgin threatened her with a handgun and also has a rifle and a switchblade, the filing says. The "Dragons: Rescue Riders" voice actor said he threatened in September 2024 to have a member of his family come kill her and her mother. In October, Burgin allegedly threatened to kill her after she asked him to go to therapy, the documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stands 6-foot-4 to Jackson's reported 5-foot-2, according to her application. She asked the court to stop him and his family from posting anything about her on social media, saying that he had threatened to post revenge porn. Read more: Jamie Lee Curtis just wanted an AI ad removed, not to become the 'poster child of internet fakery The two have brushed up against authorities in the past because of alleged violence between them. "The Man in the White Van" actor was arrested at Universal Studios Hollywood last August after she and Burgin were detained by security on suspicion of domestic assault. She was arrested by sheriff's deputies after security footage showed she had pushed Burgin twice. However, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office didn't pursue the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Jackson allegedly told authorities that she and Burgin were happily engaged and expecting a baby together. A permanent restraining order will be considered at a June 9 hearing. The Times was unable to contact Burgin for comment. A representative for Skai Jackson did not respond immediately to The Times' request for comment. Former Times staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. first version published at 09:50 BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network) are taking place in Baku, Trend reports. The events are bringing together about 50 senior officials representing law enforcement agencies of different countries. At the plenary session, the main theme of which is "Possibilities of applying new technologies and artificial intelligence in the fight against corruption," more than 100 presentations are planned at panel, session and parallel events on such sub-topics as confiscation of funds received as a result of corruption, direct return of received assets, suspension of suspicious transactions in financial transactions, international cooperation on quick freezing of bank accounts in criminal proceedings, public education in fight against corruption and other topics. As part of the plenary session, on the initiative of the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, a special session and parallel events dedicated to the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty", including the fight against environmental crimes in the context of Azerbaijan's presidency at COP29, will also be held. Furthermore, in conjunction with the event, a plethora of bilateral engagements and the formalization of memoranda of understanding regarding collaborative synergies are on the agenda. Addressing the event, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has turned into an important international center hosting global initiatives in recent years. "Last year alone, Azerbaijan hosted the UN COP29 Climate Conference and the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors, and successfully organized several other important events, including the High-Level Session on the fight of law enforcement agencies against environmental crimes. Azerbaijan, being an active participant of GLOBE network, highly appreciates this platform. This network contributes to strengthening international cooperation, joint fight against transnational corruption. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular its anti-corruption body, the Nazah Organization, has played an indispensable role in the creation and development of this initiative. We appreciate their contribution and leadership to this important global initiative," he said. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Head of Division of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said during her speech that cooperation is the most powerful network in countering corruption. "These sessions provide us with a unique opportunity to share knowledge and best practices. Here we can also prioritize legislation. This platform plays a key role in linking relevant bodies," she added. UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva, in her remarks, stated that Azerbaijan's active participation in the GlobE Network represents an important step towards a joint fight against corruption. "We know that corruption has an impact on the fair and equitable delivery of public services to citizens. In this regard, I express my gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the event. Azerbaijan participates in the UN Convention against Corruption as a reviewing state. We are confident that the UN will continue to support the Government of Azerbaijan in the fight against corruption," she added. Originally appeared on E! Online Content warning: This article includes graphic details of domestic abuse. Skai Jackson is detailing horrific abuse she endured from Deondre Burgin. The Jessie alumwho welcomed baby Kasai with her ex in Januaryfiled for a restraining order against Burgin May 19, alleging several instances of domestic violence that occurred in the last year. In the documents, Jackson detailed that during an occurrence last June, Burgin became jealous after she received a text, noting he was jealous that a male texted me so he broke my phone, choked me against the kitchen counter top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson went on sharing that Burgin demanded her to drink bleach to kill our unborn child. The 23-year-old explained that he then escorted her out of their home at knifepoint, and led her to the drivers seat of her car. If I called out for help he would stab me in the stomach, Jackson wrote, noting that Burgin went on to call a friend to tell him he was about to kill me. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the alleged phone call, Jackson noted that Burgin told her to drive to a doctor to attempt to get an abortion. When I tried he asked me if I was crazy, Jackson continued. And why would I want to kill our unborn child. In addition to alleging Burgin has physically assaulted her multiple times, Jackson detailed experiencing abuse weekly between the months of May and October 2024. The Disney alum noted that he also once used a hand gun to threaten her. Michael Tullberg / Stringer I locked myself in the bathroom and he said if I did not come out he would break through my bathroom door, she described of an altercation that occurred in July 2024. He then punched and kicked through the door, breaking it in half, slammed me into the bathroom wall and choked me until I could not breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in her filing, Jackson asked for the restraining order to extend to the couples 3-month-old son, alleging that Burgin had assaulted her as recently as Mothers Day. Deondre Burgin assaulted me while I was holding our son, she noted. He grabbed me by my hair, slammed my head on the backseat window of my car and hit me in the face while holding my son. Jackson emphasized that she does not feel safe with Burgin around her or their child, adding that during the May 11 incident, He also said F my child. Although Jacksons request for a permanent restraining order is still pending, she has been granted a temporary restraining order for herself and her son from Burgin until a hearing next month. E! News has reached out to Burgin regarding Jacksons filing but has not yet heard back. For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself or someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/) or call 1-800-799-7233. Skai Jackson and Deondre Burgin share one child, son Kasai In May 2025, the former Disney Channel star filed a restraining order against Burgin The Jessie alum has accused her ex of domestic violence Months after welcoming their first child together, Skai Jackson has requested a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Deondre Burgin. Although the Disney Channel alum grew up in the public eye, she kept their relationship private, making no mention of him after she welcomed their son, Kasai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court documents obtained by PEOPLE in May 2025, Jackson accused Burgin of domestic violence throughout their relationship. A source close to the actress told PEOPLE that she decided to file the restraining order to ensure her family's safety. "The safety and well-being of her family is the top priority," the insider said. "This restraining order was filed as a necessary measure to protect her and her child from continued harassment and threats." The request also comes months after the actress was arrested on suspicions of domestic battery, though she was not officially charged. In August 2024, days after her arrest, Jackson shared a TikTok saying, "Never depend on a man for anything. Period!" So, who is Skai Jackson's ex-boyfriend? Here's everything to know about Deondre Burgin and what claims she has made against him. He is known online as Yerkky Yerkky Deondre Burgin/ Instagram Deondre Burgin aka 'Yerkky Yerkky' poses for a photo in May 2024. Deondre Burgin aka 'Yerkky Yerkky' poses for a photo in May 2024. Burgin has lived a relatively private life, though he appears to use the nickname, "Yerkky Yerkky," in his social media profiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his Facebook, Burgin is a digital creator. They kept their relationship private Savion Washington/WireImage ; Deondre Burgin/ Instagram Skai Jackson attends the premiere of 'Final Destination Bloodlines' on May 12, 2025, in Hollywood, Calif. ; Deondre Burgin aka 'Yerkky Yerkky' in April 2024. Skai Jackson attends the premiere of 'Final Destination Bloodlines' on May 12, 2025, in Hollywood, Calif. ; Deondre Burgin aka 'Yerkky Yerkky' in April 2024. While Jackson has lived much of her life in the spotlight, she kept her relationship with Burgin private. In November 2024, the former Disney Channel star announced that she and her boyfriend at the time were expecting a child, though she did not publicly identify the father. Im thrilled to begin this new chapter in my life embracing motherhood and diving into new acting projects. My heart is so full! Jackson told PEOPLE. They welcomed a son in January 2025 Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty; Skai Jackson/Instagram Skai Jackson ; Skai Jackson holding her newborn baby's hands. Skai Jackson ; Skai Jackson holding her newborn baby's hands. On Jan. 26, 2025, Jackson announced in an Instagram post that she and her boyfriend, who had yet to be publicly identified, welcomed their first baby. She shared the news with a photo of herself holding her newborn baby's hands, captioned, "Kasai ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One month later, the Bunk'd alum told PEOPLE during the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors in Los Angeles, her first public outing since giving birth, that motherhood had "been so positive" and "so exciting." "I love being a new mom," she said. "I'm here tonight, I'm already missing my baby. But it's been a great month with my new little one." Jackson added, "I feel like being a mom and juggling everything probably has to be one of the hardest jobs, but it's such a rewarding job because I'm doing it for him at the end of the day. So I definitely learned that about myself. I can just handle whatever at this point." She requested a restraining order against Burgin Monica Schipper/Getty Skai Jackson attends Variety's 2024 Power of Young Hollywood on Aug. 8, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. Skai Jackson attends Variety's 2024 Power of Young Hollywood on Aug. 8, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif. Less than six months after welcoming their son, court documents obtained by PEOPLE revealed that Jackson had requested a restraining order against Burgin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the filing, Jackson claimed that Burgin assaulted her while she was holding their newborn son on Mother's Day in May 2025, alleging that he grabbed her by the hair, slammed her head against a car window and punched her in the face. The actress stated that it was not the first instance of domestic violence she experienced. Per the documents, she told the judge that she endured a six-month period where she would be abused weekly, including Burgin allegedly choking and scratching her, and slamming her head into walls. She has accused him of physical violence and damaging her property Kayla Oaddams/Getty Skai Jackson attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Feb. 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. Skai Jackson attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Feb. 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. In the restraining order, Jackson detailed an incident in which Burgin allegedly punched through a bathroom door after she locked herself inside, claiming she has video evidence of the encounter. She alleged that he then slammed her against a wall and "choked me until I could not breathe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the physical abuse she allegedly endured, Jackson claimed that Burgin damaged her physical property, including an iPhone and a television. Elsewhere in the filing, Jackson alleged that while she was pregnant, Burgin demanded she drink bleach to kill their unborn child and at one point held her at knifepoint. She also claimed that as Burgin walked her to her car, he threatened to stab her in the stomach if she cried out for help. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Special Victims Unit is requesting that anyone with information regarding the death of 17-year-old Andrey Gadson Jr., share tips to assist with the SLED investigation. Contact SLED at tips@sled.sc.gov or call (866) 472-8477. Related Story: The city is heartbroken: Allendale mourns teen shot and killed just weeks before graduation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cash reward is available for information that leads to an arrest. Allendale Police Department and Allendale Sheriffs Office responded to a shooting on Butler Street at around 1 a.m. on Sunday, May 18. Gadson Jr. was found shot and later died from his injuries. SLEDs investigation is active and ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Kyiv's European allies slapped new sanctions Tuesday on Moscow, a day after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to produce a breakthrough on ending the 3-year-old war in Ukraine. We have made clear again and again that we simply expect one thing from Russia now: namely, a ceasefire, unconditional and immediate, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in addressing the sanctions. We welcome the fact that Ukraine is still prepared to do this. We note with disappointment that Russia has not yet taken this decisive step, and we will have to react to this. Diplomatic efforts have seen little progress in halting the fighting, including Monday's phone call between Trump and Putin, and Friday's direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul. In the phone call, Putin promised Trump that Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining the framework for a possible future peace treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears that Putin has devised a way to offer Trump an interim, tangible outcome from Washingtons peace efforts without making any real concessions, said Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, in a post on X. Russian media struck a triumphal tone in reporting Putins conversation with Trump. Ukrainian leader seeks pressure on Moscow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel that "it is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation. We are working with partners to put pressure on the Russians to behave differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new European Union sanctions targeted almost 200 ships from Russia's shadow fleet illicitly transporting oil to skirt Western restrictions It also imposed asset freezes and travel bans on several officials as well as on a number of Russian companies. Ukrainian officials have said about 500 aging ships of uncertain ownership and safety practices are dodging sanctions and keeping oil revenues flowing to Moscow. The U.K. also targeted the shadow fleet with 100 new sanctions and also aimed at disrupting the supply chains of Russian weapons, officials said. Putins latest strikes once again show his true colors as a warmonger, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Tuesday: "Russia never responds to ultimatums. No new sanctions on Russia from Trump Trump has threatened to step up sanctions and tariffs on Russia but hasnt acted so far. Ukraine has offered a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, which Moscow has effectively rejected by imposing far-reaching conditions, and Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin last week but the Russian leader spurned that offer. Trump, who had pledged during his campaign to end the war in one day, said his personal intervention was needed to push peace efforts forward. He held separate phone calls with both Putin and Zelenskyy, and said the two countries would immediately begin ceasefire negotiations, but there were no details on when or where such talks might take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The status quo has not changed, Mykhailo Podoliak, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy, wrote on the social platform X on Tuesday. Russia launched 108 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. One drone dropped explosives on a passenger bus in the Dniprovskyi district of the Kherson region, injuring two people, the local administration said. Putin wants Ukraine to renounce joining NATO, sharply cut its military, and withdraw its forces from the four Ukrainian regions Moscow has seized but doesnt fully control, among other demands to curb the country's sovereignty. After the phone call, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti published an article headlined, Europes hopes crushed: Trump refuses to go to war with Putin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the pro-Kremlin tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets, columnist Mikhail Rostovsky also portrayed the call as a blow for Ukraines European allies. Kyiv will agree to a serious, fully fledged conversation with Russia only if it has no other options left. Trump is gradually cutting off these other options for Zelenskyy, he wrote. And this is very, very good. Since Trump took office, Washington has urged Russia and Ukraine to end Europes biggest conflict since World War II. European leaders remain skeptical of Putin After Monday's phone calls, European officials remained skeptical about Russia's intentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has never changed his position, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in Brussels. Russia actually doesnt want to end this war. EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said Russias failure to negotiate in good faith should trigger the threatened U.S. sanctions. We really havent seen, you know, the pressure on Russia from these talks, she said. In Kyiv, there was skepticism about Putins motives. Peace is not possible now. Only when (the Russians) run out of resources and army manpower. They are ready to fight, at least for this summer, Svitlana Kyryliuk, 66, told The Associated Press. Putin will stall for time, and thats it, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volodymyr Lysytsia, a 45-year-old serviceman visiting the capital for rehabilitation, said Putin has made the front lines in eastern Ukraine a wasteland, with nothing there, only scorched earth, everything bombed. Some were unconvinced by Putins promise to Trump that Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining the framework for a possible future peace treaty. The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscows 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours Friday, and while both sides agreed on a large prisoner swap, they clearly remained far apart on key conditions to end the fighting. ___ Lorne Cook in Brussels, Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Smash-and-grab robbery at Modesto jewelry store leads to four arrests, linked to other California cases (FOX40.COM) Four people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Modesto on Sunday. Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. Around 6 p.m., the Modesto Police Department responded to a robbery at Sai Jewelers, located at 2900 Standiford Avenue. Police said a red Mitsubishi rammed the stores front doors, which allowed multiple suspectswearing hoodies, masks, and glovesto enter the business and steal a large amount of jewelry before fleeing in several vehicles. Officers shoot man who pointed fake gun at them, Sacramento police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just minutes before the robbery call, officers said they were investigating a stolen vehicle after it was flagged by the departments License Plate Reader (LPR) system. That investigation resulted in the arrest of four individuals. Inside their vehicle, officers found items similar to those used in the jewelry store robbery. The stolen car and robbery are believed to be related, according to MPD. Additionally, police said the suspects may also be linked to similar robberies in Oakland, Alameda County, and Beverly Hills. The four suspects arrested are Nasir Blocker, 19, of Oakland, Anton Crawford, 24, of Oakland, Gangster Lawson, 24, of El Cerrito, and Nehemiah Miller, 21, of Valley Springs. Each of them face charges related to robbery, conspiracy, and vehicle theft. All of their bails are set at $1,000,000, except for Blockers, whose bail is set at $2,000,000. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information can contact Detective Keyon Turner at Turnerk@modestopd.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 FOX40 News. (WTAJ) A proposal under consideration in Congress could lead to the largest rollback of food assistance in U.S. history, and Pennsylvania hunger advocates said the consequences would be devastating. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is urging lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid as part of ongoing budget reconciliation talks. The food bank warns that the changes would reduce benefits for millions of Americans, shift costs to state governments, and force hard decisions such as limiting eligibility or raising taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food bank officials say this is the worst possible time to cut SNAP, with nearly 50 million Americans facing food insecurity, the highest rate in more than a decade. They point to rising grocery prices and health care costs as reasons to strengthen, not shrink, support systems. The proposed legislation would restructure SNAPs funding model, placing more financial burden on individual states and threatening long-standing safety nets for low-income families, veterans, seniors and children. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is calling on Congress to protect SNAP and Medicaid, and pledges to work with leaders on policies that help communities across southwestern Pennsylvania thrive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Welcome back to the Social Rundown, where you can learn about the online trends happening globally and in Texoma, too! Want to get the latest tea or news on whats trending on social media? Tune in daily! Dangerous TikTok trend Schools are warning parents and teachers about the Chromebook Challenge in classrooms. Students are trying to short-circuit their laptops by inserting small objects like needles, paperclips and even lead into the charging port, causing smoke and fires. Wheel fly-off Dramatic ring camera footage captures a semi truck driving down a road in Indiana when one of its wheels flies off and slams into parked vehicles. No one got hurt! New Airbnb technology The house rental company is now cracking down on rentals that have or plan to have parties during their stay. 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 Texomashomepage.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)The inaugural SocialCon, an event that will bring together local and national influencers to expand the networks and visibility of local content creators, is fast approaching. On June 7, 2025, social media lovers and experts will gather at the Eleven Events Center on Texas Street for the first-ever SocialCon. Two locals tapped to represent N. Louisiana creators as ambassadors for the event are photographer, stylist, and content creator Michael Anthony, and Brittany Ann, who is passionate about her engaging with her community and physical fitness. Content creators, influencers, small businesses dont miss SocialCon 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Anthony is a native of Minden but resides in the greater Shreveport area. Brittany Ann is from Mer Rouge, Louisiana, the revelation of which caused an impromptu geography lesson because of its remote location and tiny population. But they both say they are moving in their purpose: to share, guide, and create via social media platforms. Both Michael and Brittany say they were shocked when event organizer Kalli Combs invited them to serve as ambassadors. I received the email saying congratulations. You are being asked to be an ambassador for the first SocialCon for 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. And of course, I was super excited. I could not resist, Brittany Ann said. Michael said he was wowed by the invitation: When someone pays attention, notices you, and wants you to be part of what they have going on, it was just a wow for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both said that while they are very nervous about the duty of helping Kalli and Ryan Combs set a high bar with the first-ever SocialCon, they are also very excited about the opportunity. Shreveport media personality ready to share digital talents, expert insights at SocialCon I really feel that its needed because theres so much potential with so many great people who are doing content in the area, info to have this space in, you know, its everything for us, you know, because we dont have this space. We dont have moments like this where we can all come together, you know, just network and collab and, you know, just have fun, you know, and doing what we love to do, Michael Anthony said. Both creators say authenticity is the key to a successful social media presence. No one wants to become popular behind a caricature of themselves, which will require a rebrand because a lie is not sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brittany Ann admittedly is in love with social media but says collaboration over competition is the key to maintaining that love and fulfilling her purpose. Do not try to do it alone. Theres plenty of room for everybody at the top. If we can lock in with somebody, we can always grow together. You can follow Brittany Ann and Michael Anthonny on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about them or follow their journey. SocialCon 2025 is on Saturday, June 7, at The Eleven Events Center on Texas Street; for tickets or more information, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism and financing of terrorism under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, and other serious crimes, continued on May 20, Trend reports. At the open court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by judges Zeynal Agayev, Anar Rzayev, and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the defendant was provided with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, as well as a lawyer of his choice for his defense. Before the questioning, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the rights and obligations stipulated by law to the victims who were participating in the court proceedings for the first time. Subsequently, the defendant Ruben Vardanyan addressed the court and stated that he objected to the panel of judges hearing the case. The defendant's lawyer, Avraam Berman, supported the objection. Prosecutors representing the state prosecution responded to the objection, stating that the rights of the defendant Ruben Vardanyan, as stipulated in the criminal procedure legislation, were ensured during the preliminary investigation and court proceedings. They also noted that the defense had not presented any concrete evidence confirming that the court panel hearing the case was interested in criminal prosecution and requested that the objection be dismissed. The victims participating in the proceedings requested the court not to grant the objection. The court adjourned to deliberate on the motion. After the deliberation, the court's decision regarding the defense's objection was announced. According to the decision, the objection was dismissed. Presiding Judge Zeynal Agayev, when justifying the decision, stated that the defense had not presented any concrete and reliable evidence, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, that the court panel hearing the case was interested in criminal prosecution. Subsequently, the court heard the testimonies of the legal successors of the victims and the victims themselves. Makhfura Hasanova, recognized and questioned as the legal successor of the victim Umid Hasanov, stated that her son died as a result of a large-scale sabotage committed by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups in Kalbajar. Shadman Mammadaliyev, recognized and questioned as the legal successor of another victim, Niyazi Mammadaliyev, stated in his testimony that his brother died as a result of gunfire from the enemy in the Aghdam-Aghdara-Sirkhavand direction. Victims Zaur Sadigov, Ali Shikhaliyev, Peyman Jabbarov, and Zahid Gojayev stated that they received gunshot wounds during a large-scale sabotage by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Kalbajar region. Several other people who were with them at the time were also injured and killed. Victims Ilkin Musazade and Salman Imranzade testified that they received gunshot wounds as a result of gunfire during a provocation by the enemy in Khojavend. In response to questions from state prosecutors Fuad Musayev and Vusal Abdullayev, they noted that the areas where they were located were fired upon with large-caliber weapons, resulting in several deaths. Victim Suleyman Asadullayev, in response to a question from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, stated that he was injured in the village of Janyatag in Aghdara when a Kornet-type missile fired by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups exploded near him. Ramin Balakhanli, testifying as a victim in court, stated that he was injured when mortar shells fired at the village of Khanabad in Khojaly exploded near him. In response to questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for the Protection of State Prosecution of the Prosecutor General's Office, he said that Punhan Kazimov and Babak Ahmadli also sustained various bodily injuries at the time. Another victim, Vusal Mamiyev, said that he was injured in Khojaly. Sahil Aslanov and Rashid Zeynalov died as a result of gunfire from the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. Nurlan Guliyev and Rovshan Azimli, who were with him, were injured. Tale Zabitov was also one of the victims of the provocation committed by the enemy. The victim stated in his testimony that he, Gulverdi Mehtiyev, and Muslim Aliyev were injured as a result of gunfire in Khojaly. Another victim, Samir Bakhishov, said he was injured by gunfire from Khankendi. Victim Vusal Aliyev stated in his testimony that he was injured in Lachin as a result of large-scale provocative actions by the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. He stated that Joshgun Zulfuzade and Mirtalib Agazade died during the incident. Victim Farhad Ismayilli also testified that he was injured as a result of enemy provocation in the Lachin region. He stated that the enemy fired at his location using tracer incendiary bullets, mortars, and anti-tank shells. One of the shells exploded about 7-8 meters away from him. The impact of the explosion threw him aside. Victims Mirsadig Mirsadigov and Jeyhun Bayramov also stated that they were injured during provocations by the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. During the court proceedings, the findings of the forensic medical examinations conducted on the victims were also announced. The next court session is scheduled for May 27. Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) One La Vergne family got quite the shock when an SUV crashed into their home before backing up and speeding away Saturday night. La Vergne police said the driver did get away, but not for long. A home security camera captured the whole event. Homeowner Ericka Alvarado said they were in shock. La Vergne Police Department adds BearCat tactical vehicle to its fleet We saw the glass, concrete everything on top of us, Alvarado told News 2. My husband looked at me and we were just in shock. We couldnt believe [it] what is this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alvarado and her husband were sitting in their living room when the SUV crashed through their front porch and into the home mere feet from where they had been. It was a terrible experience, Alvarado added. Something that you dont expect to happen. Their son was asleep upstairs. It was even worse when we saw the guy trying to get out and making all this noise with the tires, Alvarado said. My son was upstairs and he runs Mom! And we were like, Were okay.' La Vergne police said that Joaquin Morales Bravo was allegedly behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Chief Chris Moews said that officers acted quickly to find him after the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They got a description of the suspect vehicle and within 15 to 20 minutes or so, they found the vehicle driving along Old Nashville Highway and they were able to make a traffic stop, Moews said. Bravo has been charged with driving under the influence. Additionally, he had warrants out of Smyrna for driving under the influence and evading arrest. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com This is a great example of La Vergne officers responding in a timely manner, saturating the area, finding a dangerous person and taking him off our streets, Moewes said. Alvarado has a message for drivers. I just want to make everybody out there conscious, Alvarado said. If you drink, please dont drive. Youre not only putting yourself in danger; youre also putting other families in danger, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Wayne Prokosch, of River City Welding in Stockholm, Wis., may never have to buy another drink in the St. Croix River Valley. Prokosch spent much of the weekend working to remove an abandoned 54-foot cruiser from the St. Croix River near Hudson, Wis. a move thats led to numerous people up and down the river offering to buy him dinner and drinks. People were even cheering from shore as he towed the Sweet Destiny down river on Sunday morning, he said. Im not a hero, he said. We do this every day on the job, so its no big deal to us. Everybodys just happy to see it gone, you know? And so am I. I got sick of the phone calls about it. Theres not very many people who are capable of doing the project. Sometimes you just got to do the right thing, you know? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prokosch started the job, along with three other men, on Friday morning and got the boat called Sweet Destiny to the Hudson Excursion docks in Hudson owned by St. Croix River Cruises. Prokosch worked with Josh Stokes, a River City Welding employee, and Gordy and Dave Jarvis from St. Croix Cruises and the Afton House Inn to get the water pumped out from the boat and towed away. Prokosch had a prior commitment on Saturday his daughter was graduating from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire so the boat stayed docked at the Hudson Excursion dock with constant pumping and supervision, Dave Jarvis said. By 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Prokosch was back on site with his barge and crane. We had our equipment up in the area anyway, so we just decided we could take a few hours out of our day, Prokosch said. I figured we would just swing in there and make it happen, and get rid of the story and get rid of the headache and just all the crap that went with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took until about 1:30 p.m. to make the 50-mile journey to Hager City, Wis., which included a journey through Lock #3 on the Mississippi River. We had to keep the pumps running the whole time because the boat was leaking like crazy 15 gallons every 10 minutes, he said. Once they got to Hager City, across the river from Red Wing, Minn., crews hauled the boat out on a hydraulic trailer and put it on the back of a semitractor trailer belonging to EdgeWater Boat Storage & Transport for the five-mile trip to the companys storage area, he said. Prokosch, who has worked on the river since 1992, said he has done work for the cities of Hudson and Prescott, Wis., in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats another reason why I did it: just to do a public duty, he said. I just wanted to get rid of all the talk about the boat on the river and just put it behind us. He said he hopes Grayson McNew, the man who abandoned the boat on Beer Can Island in August 2024, after it started to take on water, learned a valuable lesson from the experience. If it sounds too good to be true, most of the time, it usually is, Prokosch said. A man who hopes to restore the boat paid River City Welding $5,000 for their work; the job would normally cost much more than that, said Dave Jarvis, who helped coordinate the removal. The man, who asked not to be identified, also paid $1,300 EdgeWater for their services, Jarvis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All these government agencies couldnt get it done, he said. But two river veterans (Prokosch and Gordy Jarvis) could. Its been an eyesore and, frankly, an embarrassing thing for our community for too long. McNew, of Afton, owes the City of Hudson about $21,000 in fines for abandoning the boat, Hudson City Administrator Brentt Michalek said Monday. Its already gone to collections, he said. We could choose to waive some of it, but there are costs that are already incurred by the city that he is responsible for. This wasnt a cheap thing for us. A lot of time was spent trying to get this individual to move his boat. The Jarvises plan to work with the Hudson business community to raise extra funds for Prokosch, Gordy Jarvis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wayne deserves some some recognition, Gordy Jarvis said. Hes such a humble guy that he doesnt really want anything, but hes so deserving, and the community knows it, and they want to be a part of that. Dave Jarvis said he hopes the man who paid the initial fee to remove the boat gets it fixed up and seaworthy again. Beautys in the eye of the beholder, he said. All I can say is, God bless anyone who wants to try to fix it up. Its going to take a lot of love and the right knowledge and the right person. But it may happen. You never know. One mans trash is another mans treasure. Related Articles The Trump administration first approached Qatar to inquire about acquiring a Boeing 747 that could be used as Air Force One by President Donald Trump, four sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. Thats contrary to the narrative from the president that Qatar reached out and offered the jet as a gift to him. After Trump took office in January, the Pentagon contacted Boeing and was told the company would not be able to deliver the new jets it was building to replace the aging presidential planes for another two years, the sources said. The Trump administration, however, wanted a replacement plane much faster, and the Air Force was exploring different options for doing so. At the same time, Trump tasked his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff with finding a list of viable planes, a senior White House official told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Pentagons initial engagement with the company, Boeing provided US defense officials with a list of other Boeing clients around the world with planes that could work in the meantime, three of the sources said. And Qatar was one of the clients, the second source familiar with the discussions said, adding the Pentagon offered to buy the plane and Qatar indicated it was willing to sell it. The Pentagon had launched the discussions with Qatar after learning that the White House supported the idea, the third source familiar said, and Witkoff helped facilitated the initial conversations, the White House official said. The third source recalled that the initial discussions were about leasing the plane, rather than buying it outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump has repeatedly described the potential deal as a gesture or contribution from Qatars royal family. A GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, he wrote on his social media site Truth Social. He said it would be a temporary replacement for Air Force One and given to his presidential library after he leaves office but denied he would fly in the plane then. The details on the administration outreach sheds new light on the origins of the potential transfer of the jet, which provoked a political furor that threatened to overshadow Trumps trip to the Middle East last week. Democrats and several influential Republicans, who are normally staunch supporters the president, have said they oppose the potential deal on ethics grounds. Qatar has also faced a backlash, with Democratic lawmakers threatening to hold up weapons sales to the Gulf country. Boeing is very late with the plane, Trump said in an interview last week with Fox News, and Qatar heard about it, and hes a great leader. And we were talking, and he said, If I can help you, let me do that. And they had a plane. In February, Trump toured the Qatari plane with some aides when it was at the airport in Palm Beach, Florida, near Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort. Afterwards, Trump remarked on how luxurious the plane is to people around him, CNN has reported. Trumps communications director Steven Cheung said at the time that Trump was on the plane to check out the new hardware/technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon deferred questions to the White House. CNN has asked the White House, the Qatari embassy in Washington and a spokesperson for Boeing for comment. Both Washington and Doha have emphasized that if the transfer happens, it will be conducted legally between Qatars Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense, a point repeated by the White House on Monday. Lawyers are still hashing out the deal The four people familiar with the discussions say the transaction is still being hashed out by lawyers on the two sides. From that time [the initial US outreach to Qatar] until today, the matter is still with the legal teams, said the second source familiar with the discussions, and no decision has been made at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports have put the value of the plane around $400 million, but two of the sources said that it has depreciated in value. On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the potential transfer a donation to our country, saying Qatars royal family has offered to donate this plane to the United States Air Force, where that donation will be accepted according to all legal and ethical obligations. During Trumps Middle East trip, he said he would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person say, No, we dont want a free, very expensive airplane. But it was, I thought it was a great gesture. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani did not confirm Trumps claim of being approached by a Qatari official when asked by CNNs Becky Anderson last Wednesday, saying: It has nothing to do with personnel, whether its on the US side or the Qatari side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a very simple government-to-government dealing when Ministry of Defense and Department of Defense are still exchanging the possibility of transferring one of our 747-8 to be used as Air Force One and its still under the legal review, Al-Thani said in the interview. At the end of the day, if there is something that the US need and its completely legal and we can, we are able to help and to support the US, then we are not shying away, Al-Thani continued, adding that of course the offer would be withdrawn if the transaction were deemed illegal. Beyond the ethical and legal questions, retrofitting and installing the required security and communications equipment on a second-hand plane from another government, even a friendly one, is a monumental task. It could take two years and cost multiples of what the plane itself is worth, current and former officials have told CNN. US spy and security agencies tasked with the overhaul would need to essentially strip the aircraft down to its frame and rebuild it with the necessary equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see how you do this with an acceptable level of risk in a reasonable amount of time, if you can do it at all, a former senior counterintelligence official previously told CNN. The two Boeing 747-800s that are set to become the permanent Air Force One replacements are due to be delivered in 2027, in the second half of Trumps final term. I would not necessarily guarantee that date, but they are proposing to bring it in 27, if we can come to agreement on the requirement changes, the Air Forces acting acquisitions chief, Darlene Costello, told Congress earlier this month. Thats five years later than the original delivery date but still two years earlier than Boeing had recently predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not happy with the fact that its taken so long, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One in February. Theres no excuse for it. I could buy one that was used and convert it, he added, So were looking at other alternatives. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com South African President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to grant billionaire Elon Musk a deal with his Starlink internet network in an effort to smooth over their rocky relationship before Ramaphosa meets with Trump and friends on Wednesday. Ramaphosa is circumventing the countrys Black Economic Empowerment laws to bring Musks Starlink to rural regions, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the news. Musk has lumped the BEE initiative in with his false narrative of white genocide in South Africa, stating that Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because Im not black. Even Musks own Grok AI took issue with this claim, writing in March that Elon Musks claim about race based restrictions lacks evidence; the issue is regulatory compliance, not racial discrimination. Similar challenges have delayed Starlink in other African Countries like Cameroon. This was before Musk forced Grok to reply to everything with claims that there is a white genocide happening in South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This deal comes before what is expected to be a tense meeting, as Ramaphosa has vehemently denied Trumps claims of white genocide, which caused the administration to bring in 59 Afrikaner refugees to the U.S. this month. He may also challenge the Trump administration on its support for Israels actual genocide. [It is] laughable that you can use the genocide word on South Africa, while on the other hand youre looking the other way where the actual genocide is being committed, a spokesman for Ramaphosa told The New York Times on Monday. Only time will tell if this Starlink dealmade on the tail end of another successful deal-making trip for Trump and Musk in the Middle Eastwill be enough to soften the blow. Cranes are some of the worlds most majestic birds, with 15 species found globally. Four of these are found in Africa. The wattled crane in South Africa was in decline, but seems to have turned a corner. Its numbers have increased from just 188 birds in 2000 to 304 today. Crane researcher Lara Fuller explains how the populations recovery recently led to it being moved from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Natures list of threatened species. What is so special about wattled cranes? Wattled cranes are the largest crane species in Africa. They are only found on the continent and there are only about 9,600 left in Zambia, Botswana, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The tall birds (up to 180cm or six feet tall) have a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres wide and can weigh up to 8 kilograms. Theyre the tallest flying African bird. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wild, the wattled cranes are estimated to live for about 30 years although older birds have been observed. These birds carry striking colours and conduct spectacular mating rituals involving bowing, dancing and jumping. They symbolise grace, devotion, beauty and longevity. Whats happened to the numbers? Firstly, the number of breeding areas has increased. In 1999, there were only 70 breeding territories. Today, this has increased to 84 breeding areas in the wattled cranes core population in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. To count cranes, we use annual aerial surveys. We average the number of birds viewed over several years so that we are sure we get an accurate number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, there were just 188 individual birds in KwaZulu-Natal. By 2005, the South Africa population had increased to 242 individual birds. By 2024, 304 individual birds were found. How did the wattled cranes move from Critically Endangered? The International Union for the Conservation of Nature keeps lists of how endangered all animals are globally. This helps scientists and society know when an animal is edging closer to extinction. When an animal becomes less endangered through a conservation success, this is known as downlisting. In the case of the wattled cranes, their downlisting from Critically Endangered to Endangered was achieved by the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the International Crane Foundation working with landowners where the birds live to restore their habitats. Where do wattled cranes live? The biggest number of these birds living together in Africa is found on the southern-central floodplains (areas of flooded grasslands found in different countries across southern and central Africa). There are two smaller populations in Ethiopia and South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most wattled cranes in South Africa inhabit the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range. This area provides a large amount of drinking water to numerous towns and settlements. Wattled cranes live in wetlands and grasslands in the area. The wetlands form between 10% and 40% of their breeding territory, and the surrounding natural grasslands make up about 20% to 80% of their nesting territory. Grasslands are crucial to the health of wetlands. They keep soil stable and prevent erosion and siltation of the wetland. These areas also provide water to people through naturally occurring springs. These are often used by rural villages, and without them, many communities would not have access to drinking water. Read more: What South African farmers can do to protect endangered grassland birds Grasslands are also foraging areas for the family of wattled cranes as the chick becomes larger. Wattled cranes eat water lilies and other water plants, water insects, snails, and frogs found in wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birds breed in wetlands, where there is enough food available for chicks to grow one inch (2.54 cm) per week after they hatch. The chicks only start flying when they are several weeks old. Until then, wetlands act as natural moats, protecting chicks from being eaten by predators. Read more: Goldfinches need protection migrating songbirds might be vanishing from North Africa Wetlands are often seen as muddy, damp, insect ridden and smelly places. In South Africa in the 1970s, 50% of the countrys wetlands were drained and turned into commercial agricultural lands or degraded. As South Africa is also considered a water scarce country, this action had a devastating result and is partly the reason why the wattled cranes became critically endangered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When rain falls in abundance, wetlands soak up the water, slowing the flow down and reducing flooding. This saves a lot of damage to infrastructure and prevents soil erosion in natural areas. Wetlands are also a natural water purification system they clean pollutants from the water, and deliver water that is much cleaner than it was when it soaked into the wetland. Where wattled cranes are found breeding in wetlands, it is a clear sign that the wetland is healthy and thriving. The wellbeing of people, cranes and wetlands is intricately linked. How can the wattled crane be protected further? The size of the wattled crane population in KwaZulu-Natal fewer than 400 birds makes it incredibly vulnerable to catastrophic events, such as disease. This would put the species at risk of extinction in South Africa. Wattled cranes need more breeding sites to increase their populations. Wetlands need to be rehabilitated and restored, because the birds wont mate and breed in degraded or polluted wetlands. Environmentalists and the birds will be relying on the goodwill of landowners and everyone who uses wetlands to support this and help keep wetlands clean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We plan to deepen our work in restoring wetlands. We aim to restore wetlands in other parts of South Africa too so that wattled cranes can go back into these habitats and continue to breed. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lara Fuller, University of KwaZulu-Natal Read more: Lara Fuller works for two NPO's the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the International Crane Foundation. These orgainsations receives funds from multiple bodies. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching and boaters getting ready to hit the waters, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to prioritize safety. SCDNR officials say they are expecting the waterways to be extremely busy this upcoming holiday weekend and want to make sure boaters have everything they need to stay safe. Officials say there are easy ways to protect those on the boats, and say one of the most important things is keeping life jackets on board at all times. Also make sure your fire extinguisher is working, you have your registration, whistles and horns, and a phone in case of emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency says theyll perform quick, but thorough, inspections for required safety equipment and proper registration. Those who are not in compliance with regulations will not be ticketed, but instead, will have a chance to correct the problem before they launch their boat into any state waterways. Well set up at a landing like we are here, and youll just come down, DNR conservation officer Jay Gregg said. Weve got a checklist, and if you want us to come check your boat out, well be more than happy to do it. Like I said, were excited about it. Its a good time, but we just want you to be safe. And this weekend is when everybodys pretty much coming out for the rest of the summer. Boating inspections will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the following locations: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday: Anderson County: Twim Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell Berkeley County: William Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway Fairfield County: Molly Creek Greenwood County: SC Highway 72 Landing at Break on the Lake Horry County: Little River Landing Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing Sunday: Beaufort County: Broad River Landing Charleston County: Remleys Point Claredon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion Colleton County: Bennetts Point Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Landing, Lake Wateree McCormick County: Dorn Landing, Lake Thurmond Monday: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaufort County: Lemon Island Boat Ramp Charleston County: Limehouse Landing Georgetown County: Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex Landing Lexington County: Lake Murray Sam Pickens County: South Cove Landing, Lake Keowee York County: Allison Creek Park Landing, Lake Wylie * * * Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & 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. Powering Rural Futures: Clean energy is creating new jobs in rural America, generating opportunities for people who install solar panels, build wind turbines, weatherize homes, and more. This five-part series from the Rural News Network explores how industry, state governments, and education systems are training this growing workforce. MITCHELL, S.D. Matthew Pearson found a successful career in the wind energy industry purely by chance. After graduating from high school in Vermillion, Pearson knew he didnt want to pursue a four-year degree and instead scrolled through the list of majors offered at Mitchell Tech, one of the states four technical colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I came to the wind energy program, I thought, Well, that sounds kind of cool,' Pearson, 28, recalled during a recent interview at Mitchell Tech, the only South Dakota college with a designated wind energy major. He didnt know it at the time, but he had stumbled into one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying trade fields in the state and nation. While workforce shortages plague many industries and employers in the Rushmore State, great opportunities abound for skilled workers to build, operate, and maintain renewable energy facilities, including at wind farms. Meanwhile, strong partnerships between technical colleges, employers, and the Build Dakota scholarship program have forged a ready pathway to quickly and effectively fill the need for energy workers. Pearson obtained a Build Dakota scholarship that paid all tuition for a two-year wind technology degree, then spent about $15,000 to complete another two-year major in electrical construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After graduation, he quickly landed a job wiring wind towers at locations around the country. He was initially paid about $80,000 a year, and after six years was making $127,000 plus a daily living fee of $140. But now, with a fiancee and two children, Pearson is completing a circle by leaving fieldwork and returning to Mitchell Tech to become its only wind energy program instructor. Pearson said that in addition to teaching the skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy field, hell also share the good news about their job prospects. Theres been a steady uptick in the need for workforce, he said. When I would get to a jobsite, there would be three or four companies there, and theyd always come over and ask, Hey, you want to come work for us instead? 77% of state's power from renewable energy South Dakota is among the top three states nationally in percentage of energy generated from renewable sources, leaving it well positioned to provide both jobs in the field and trainers like Pearson who will help meet demand for workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 77% of the power used in the state comes from non-fossil-fuel sources, largely from water and wind, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The state has three solar farms but no plans filed for more. Since the mid-1950s, South Dakota has generated significant energy from its four hydroelectric power plants on the Missouri River. And over roughly the past 15 years, the state has seen a tenfold increase in wind energy production, according to the state Public Utilities Commission. That growth has created a healthy number of construction and maintenance jobs. In 2009, the state had 190 turbines capable of producing about 350 megawatts of electricity. At the end of 2024, South Dakota was home to 1,417 turbines able to generate about 3,600 MW of energy. The PUC also approved a 68-turbine project with a capacity of 260 MW and a $621 million price tag near Clear Lake in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had just a tremendous expansion of wind energy in South Dakota, said Chris Nelson, a PUC commissioner. Today, though, were in a little bit of a lull. The expected slowdown is due to a lack of transmission lines capable of carrying more power, most of which heads east out of the state, Nelson said. Despite the infrastructure challenges, renewable energy still has a bright future, he said. Two nonprofit energy consortiums that manage the power grid in the upper Midwest plan to spend a combined $37 billion to expand transmission capacity, including in South Dakota, over roughly the next decade. Two majors, 100% job placement At Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, students are offered two energy-related degree tracks, said President Tiffany Sanderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The energy technology major provides training in development and maintenance of energy systems, and the energy operations degree is aimed at managing an energy facility. In our energy programs, those are students interested in working with their hands and solving engineering or process-oriented problems, she said. Theyre very mechanically minded and can figure out how to make sure power is produced reliably so people dont have delays in service. During a recent tour of the technology labs, students used 3D printers, developed and analyzed system efficiency, and worked on unique projects like a solar-powered ice fishing shanty. The two programs have about two dozen students combined, Sanderson said. In the 2023 graduating class, 100% of all graduates were employed within six months, with average salaries of $65,000 a year in the technology major and $69,000 a year in operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is for their first jobs in the industry, so those are tremendous opportunities for a brand-new graduate with two years of college education, she said. "Crazy" number of jobs available In May, Nathaniel Bekaert will become one of those new graduates from Lake Area Tech. Bekaert, 28, grew up on a farm and came to the college after six years in the U.S. Army, which paid for almost all of his tuition, fees, and equipment costs. After touring the Gavins Point Dam hydroelectric plant in Yankton on the Nebraska border and interning at the Big Stone Power Plant near the Minnesota border, Bekaert was sold on the idea of working as a mechanic in the energy field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more you learn, the more you want to dive into it, he said. With his anticipated degree and work experience, Bekaert said he was recruited extensively by energy companies. The amount of energy companies coming in looking for workers is crazy, and you cant really grasp how many companies are looking for energy students, he said. There are a dozen or more companies within 45 minutes from here that are actively looking for technicians and operators or people with some type of energy degree. As a native of the Watertown area, Bekaert has accepted a job close to home as a wind technician at the Crowned Ridge wind farm northeast of the city, where he will make $29 an hour plus a $5,000 signing bonus and a $200 annual stipend for work boots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowned Ridge is operated by NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company that runs wind farms across the country. A recent check of NextEras website revealed 396 job openings, with 185 related specifically to wind energy. No matter what happens with fossil fuels, we can keep going [with renewable energy] and live off that, and it will benefit everybody in the world. And we wont have to rely on another country, Bekaert said of his career choice. A systematic approach to workforce development The South Dakota technical school system, which also includes campuses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, has developed a close working relationship with the energy industry to ensure students learn the right skills and employers can tap into a pipeline of well-trained workers. Lake Area Tech officials go into local public schools to promote energy and other trade jobs starting in elementary grades, Sanderson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Mitchell Tech, Clayton Deuter, the vice president for enrollment services, said the college now offers a one-year wind energy degree instead of a two-year program, a change made after energy companies said some skills taught in the longer program could be obtained on the job instead. Deuter said the energy programs at Mitchell Tech are an easy sell to students and their parents due to the low cost compared to a four-year college and the availability of Build Dakota scholarships in which students get tuition paid if they work in South Dakota for three years after graduation. Mitchell Tech also offers a dual-enrollment program to high school students so they can have a wind energy degree from the college in hand by the time they graduate. You think about return on investment, and here you can take one year in the wind turbine program and you can graduate and make $80,000 to $100,000 a year, Deuter said. With student loan debt being so crazy, you dont have to bankrupt yourself financially and be tethered to a student loan payment when youre trying to buy a house and start a family. One of the states biggest renewable energy employers is Marmen Energy in Brandon. The Canadian-owned company has 285 employees who build wind towers up to 300 feet tall that are shipped to wind farms nationwide. Aimee Miritello, human resources manager, said the companys relationships with high schools and technical colleges form a pillar of its worker recruitment strategy to overcome a nagging lack of workers in the trade fields. Historically for us that has been one of our best ways of getting qualified employees, she said. Marmen has expanded its South Dakota plant to accommodate what Miritello said has been a steady increase in demand for wind towers across the country. Marmen workers, who include welders, painters, and other construction tradespeople, make a good wage, are offered one of the best benefit packages in the region, and have strong opportunities for internal advancement, she said. Plus, theyre a part of making huge wind towers, so their pride in that is pretty big, she said. This reporting is part of a collaboration between the Institute for Nonprofit News Rural News Network and Canary Media, South Dakota News Watch, Cardinal News, The Mendocino Voice, and The Maine Monitor. Data visualizations from Big Local News at Stanford University. Support from Ascendium Education Group made the project possible. SOUTH HAVEN, Kan. (KSNW) A South Haven man is in jail after a shooting and a standoff on Monday. The Sumner County Sheriffs Office said the man shot at a vehicle that had three people inside. They were not hit, but two of them had injuries from the windshield glass. The sheriffs office said the shooting happened in the 100 block of N. Fredrick in South Haven. Before deputies arrived, witnesses saw a man lying in the grass. One of the witnesses went closer and saw that the man had a long AR-style rifle with a scope. The man went into a home. Deputies arrived and stationed themselves around the home until more help could arrive. The sheriffs office posted a message on social media, asking South Haven residents to stay inside. Social media post on the evening of May 19, 2025 (Courtesy Sumner County Sheriffs Office) The Southern Kansas SWAT team arrived and, after several hours, the man walked out of his house and was arrested. The Sumner County Sheriffs Office said the 32-year-old man was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder in the second degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Person found dead after Hutchinson storage unit fire The sheriffs office said several agencies and departments helped during the standoff: Kansas Highway Patrol, South Haven Fire, Blackwell Fire Department and The Southern Kansas SWAT Team. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEOUL, May 20 (UPI) -- South Korea sent a delegation to Washington to hold a second round of technical discussions this week over the Trump administration's proposed "reciprocal" tariffs, Seoul's Trade Ministry said Tuesday, with both sides aiming to reach an agreement by July. A South Korean delegation led by senior ministry official Jang Sung-gil will visit Washington for talks slated to run from Tuesday through Thursday, the Trade Ministry said. Discussions will be centered on the six areas of trade balance, non-tariff measures, economic security, digital trade, country of origin of products and commercial considerations, the ministry said. The agenda was set during a meeting held on the sidelines of last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers' meeting, held on South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Through this technology consultation, we will respond from the perspective of prioritizing national interests in order to derive the direction of a mutually beneficial agreement centered on the areas that both sides have discussed so far," Jang said. This week's discussions follow a first round of working-level talks held May 1 in Washington. South Korea is facing 25% tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of his sweeping package of "Liberation Day" trade measures. Trump announced the tariffs on April 2 but quickly put their implementation on hold for 90 days. Tariffs on steel and automobiles, two key South Korean industries, are already in place. Seoul and Washington agreed to work toward a "package" deal on trade and other related issues before July 8, when the 90-day pause on tariffs is set to expire, South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun said in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncertain trade environment has shaken the export-dependent Asian powerhouse, which saw its economy unexpectedly shrink in the first quarter of the year. Last month, the International Monetary Fund sharply cut its forecast for South Korea's 2025 economic growth as part of an overall global decline reflecting "effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century and a highly unpredictable environment." The April edition of the IMF's quarterly World Economic Outlook projected 1% growth for Asia's fourth-largest economy, down from a 2% forecast in its previous edition. South Korea is looking to get a reduction or exemption from the American tariffs, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun said Friday after he met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the APEC event in Jeju. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Friday's meeting, we tried to raise awareness that South Korea has a bilateral free trade agreement with the United States, unlike some other countries, and has expanded trade and investment with the U.S. under the FTA," Ahn told reporters at a press briefing. "We are continuing to request exemption from all reciprocal tariffs and item tariffs against us," Ahn added in a statement. "Our government will actively consult with the United States to establish a mutually beneficial solution by prioritizing national interests." BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism and financing of terrorism under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, and other serious crimes, continued on May 20, Trend reports. At the open court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by judges Zeynal Agayev, Anar Rzayev, and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the defendant was provided with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, as well as a lawyer of his choice for his defense. Before the questioning, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the rights and obligations stipulated by law to the victims who were participating in the court proceedings for the first time. Subsequently, the defendant Ruben Vardanyan addressed the court and stated that he objected to the panel of judges hearing the case. The defendant's lawyer, Avraam Berman, supported the objection. Prosecutors representing the state prosecution responded to the objection, stating that the rights of the defendant Ruben Vardanyan, as stipulated in the criminal procedure legislation, were ensured during the preliminary investigation and court proceedings. They also noted that the defense had not presented any concrete evidence confirming that the court panel hearing the case was interested in criminal prosecution and requested that the objection be dismissed. The victims participating in the proceedings requested the court not to grant the objection. The court adjourned to deliberate on the motion. After the deliberation, the court's decision regarding the defense's objection was announced. According to the decision, the objection was dismissed. Presiding Judge Zeynal Agayev, when justifying the decision, stated that the defense had not presented any concrete and reliable evidence, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, that the court panel hearing the case was interested in criminal prosecution. Subsequently, the court heard the testimonies of the legal successors of the victims and the victims themselves. The next court session is scheduled for May 27. Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). (FOX40.COM) The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is asking for the communitys help in identifying a man accused of stealing a vehicle on Monday. Video Above: How to protect your car from thieves Police said the owner of the car parked in front of a business and went to shop inside the store. While the victim was shopping, the suspect got inside the truck and drove away. (IMAGE: South Lake Tahoe Police Department) SLTPD later recovered the vehicle, but is still searching for the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 530-542-6100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A teenager who was native to Southern California died after being stabbed to death by her boyfriend in Illinois, her father tells KTLA 5 News. Jon Prince reached out to KTLA on Tuesday morning, saying that his daughter, 17-year-old Cadence Prince, was stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend on Sunday night in OFallon, Illinois, which is located 18 miles east of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, in southwestern Illinois. Local authorities confirmed that a stabbing took place at the Goshen Trailhead parking lot, located within the city limits, on Sunday night. While they did not disclose the exact time of the stabbing, the OFallon Police Department requested anyone who may have been in the area between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday to contact them with further information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also said an 18-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with the stabbing and that the incident was not random as the suspect and victim were known to each other. Cadence Prince as seen in a family photo. Cadence Prince as seen in a family photo. Cadence Prince as seen in a family photo. Speaking to KTLA Tuesday, Jon Prince reiterated that the suspect who has not been named by authorities was his daughters boyfriend. Prince said that after he and Cadences mother separated a few years ago, a court awarded him full custody of their daughter; however, she expressed a desire to live with her mother in Illinois, and despite Jons reluctance, he agreed to her wish. Jon stated that Cadence, a junior at an OFallon-area high school, met her 18-year-old boyfriend while they were both students there. The couple had been together for a while before breaking up, but they had recently started dating again about a month ago, he told KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things took a turn on Sunday evening when Cadence told her mother she would be going out with her boyfriend and would return later, but she never came home. According to Jon, detectives with the OFallon Police Department told him that after the stabbing, the boyfriend called his grandparents who are said to be his legal guardians and told them of what happened; the grandfather then called law enforcement. Cadence Prince and her father Jon as seen in a family photo. Cadence Prince and her father Jon as seen in a family photo. In the wake of the tragedy, Jon Prince now has to travel to Illinois to bury Cadence, who was born in Southern California and lived in Redlands. A fundraiser set up to help alleviate the costs of laying her to rest states that she leaves behind an 11-year-old sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wonderful girl was so smart and had the potential to do anything she set her mind to, the fundraiser reads. She was so happy, creative and ready to take on the real world. Click here to donate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Southern Social, a destination for classic southern fare, punchbowl cocktails and boozy slushies, will open its third Twin Cities restaurant this summer. The restaurant is headed to the west metro, where it'll take over the former Cuzzy's Brick House in Chaska. Bloomington-based Trellis Hospitality debuted Southern Social in Eagan in 2023 and added a second location, in Woodbury, last year. The group owns a range of other suburban restaurants, including Tamarack Tap Room in Woodbury, Barely + Vine in Lakeville, Woolleys Kitchen & Bar in Bloomington, the Jordan Supper Club in Jordan, and Steele & Hops in St. Anthony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing a downtown experience to the suburb is what a lot of people are looking for, Joe Nowak, with Trellis Hospitality, told Bring Me The News in 2023. Photo courtesy of Southern Social | Trellis Hospitality. The Southern Social menu was devised after the team traveled to Nashville to taste a mix of southern cuisine. Fried chicken entrees and barbecue dishes, such as pork belly burnt ends and baby back ribs, are among the menu's staples. There's also shrimp and grits, jambalaya and sides such as collard greens, mac and cheese, biscuits, roasted corn and cheese grits. Punchbowl cocktails, available in four or eight servings, include the "Debutante", which combines southern vodka, elderflower liqueur and hints of lavender and lemon. Southern Social in Chaska is expected to open sometime in the late summer. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Firefighter recruits of the Southwest Missouri Regional Fire Academy will be graduating on Thursday, May 22. The Springfield Fire Department has announced the regional fire academy will be celebrating their latest recruits at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Park Crest Baptist Church in Springfield. The department says that 21 recruits will graduate during the event. Kum & Go sued for damages in Springfield shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recruits had to complete a several monthlong training program at the Springfield Fire Departments Fire Academy, which is part of a collaborative extension of the Department of Labor-registered Pre-apprenticeship Program. Recruits also had to finish an emergency medical technician (EMT) training through a partnership with CoxHealth. Several of the upcoming gradates have already been offered full-time positions with numerous fire departments in the Springfield area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. More than 65,000 Airbnb listings in Spain are to be shut down amid a row over runaway house prices in the country. The Left-wing Spanish government has come under increasing pressure to tame a surge in house prices and rents, which have doubled in less than a decade in some tourism hotspots. Airbnb listings have been partly blamed for swallowing up the housing stock in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass protests over excessive tourism across Spain over the past two years have restarted ahead of this summer. Airbnb has now been ordered by consumer affairs minister Pablo Bustinduy to block thousands of listings on the grounds that they breach accommodation regulations. Many of the holiday rentals do not include a licence number or specify whether the owner was an individual or a company, the consumer rights ministry said. Mr Bustinduy said the properties had violated various norms regarding housing for tourist use. No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country, he told reporters on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airbnb has announced it will appeal the decision, stressing that no evidence of rule-breaking by hosts has been put forward by the government. According to official data, there are 321,000 homes with holiday rental licences in Spain 15pc more than in 2020. It is the worlds second most popular tourist destination, attracting 94 million overseas visitors last year. The tourism sector accounts for 12pc of the countrys GDP. Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez previously said there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes, while Barcelonas mayor has pledged a total ban on tourism rentals by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Mr Sanchez blamed foreign buyers for Spains housing crisis and threatened to increase sales tax on home purchases for non-EU citizens by up to 100pc. While current British residents in Spain would be unaffected by the proposals, new buyers relocating for a life in the Mediterranean sun could soon face double taxation. It is one of a series of measures launched to tackle the countrys housing crisis. Sevilles city hall, for example, ruled that water can be cut off to a property that is unlicensed after rent prices surged in the Andalusian capital. Anti-tourism protests are deterring British holidaymakers from going to Spain, according to Steve Heapy, the chief executive of Jet2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said there was a perception among some people that overseas visitors were not welcome in the country. Last May, about 10,000 people marched in Palma, Majorcas capital city, holding posters that read SOS residents and Enough mass tourism. Similar demonstrations have featured banners reading Tourists go home. Airbnb said it would contest the governments order to strip 66,000 holiday rentals of their accommodation listing. A spokesman said: The root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand. The solution is to build more homes anything else is a distraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments across the world are seeing that regulating Airbnb does not alleviate housing concerns or return homes to the market it only hurts local families who rely on hosting to afford their homes and rising costs. 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. Spain has launched a major clampdown on Airbnb properties, ordering the removal of over 65,000 holiday rental listings across the country that fail to comply with regulations. The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry cited several violations, including missing licence numbers, not specifying whether the owner was an individual or a corporation, and discrepancies between listed information and official records. The crackdown comes against the backdrop of Spain's growing housing affordability crisis, which has sparked widespread protests over rising rents and home prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Spaniards blame short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb for worsening housing shortages, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Madrid and Barcelona. No more excuses On Monday, Spains Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the move aimed to address the general "lack of control" and "illegality" in the holiday rental business. "No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country," he told reporters. The nationwide enforcement primarily targets listings in Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia, where tourism is most heavily concentrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry said it had notified Airbnb about the noncompliant listings months ago, but that the company had appealed the move in court. Spains government said Madrids high court had backed the order sent to Airbnb. Bustinduy said it involved the immediate removal of 5,800 rental listings from the site. Two subsequent orders would be issued until the total of 65,935 removals is reached, he said. Airbnb intends to appeal new ruling Official data shows Spain had approximately 321,000 licensed holiday rentals as of November last year- a 15 per cent increase since 2020 - with many more operating without proper licenses. The Consumer Rights Ministry opened an investigation into Airbnb in December last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airbnb told Euronews Travel it will continue to appeal against all decisions linked to this case. Related No evidence of rule-breaking by hosts has been put forward, and the decision goes against EU and Spanish law, and a previous ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court, a spokesperson said. The root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand. The solution is to build more homes - anything else is a distraction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson added that governments across the world are seeing that regulating Airbnb does not alleviate housing concerns or return homes to the market: "It only hurts local families who rely on hosting to afford their homes and rising costs. Barcelona bans short-term rentals Last year, the Spanish government launched a general crackdown on holiday rentals amid growing frustration among residents who say mass tourism is aggravating a housing crisis. Locals say they are being priced out of their cities due to gentrification and landlords favouring more lucrative short-term tourist lets. Barcelona has already taken aggressive measures to address the problem, announcing plans to eliminate all 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments by 2028 to prioritise housing for permanent residents. UPDATE (05/20/2025 10:58 a.m.) As of Tuesday morning, Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Sheriff Chuck Wright has assumed all sworn duties. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) During a Spartanburg County Council meeting Monday night, council members planned to discuss Sheriff Chuck Wrights compensation more than a month and a half into his leave of absence. Related video: Spartanburg County sheriff on leave, though the reason remains unclear Council member Monier Abusaft told 7NEWS he had plans to talk about Wright receiving full salary payments, while not serving in a full capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abusaft said he would discuss the matter with his fellow council members during the executive session. The plans for the discussion changed after Abusaft said that Wright has resumed control of the sheriffs office. It is my understanding that the sheriff is now once again in control of the sheriffs office. I dont know what that in practice means is he still delegating? But it is our understanding that he is in control of the sheriffs office again. Abusaft added that with council setting the budget for the year, he will need more information regarding the matter in order for the council to continue funding the sheriffs to the extent they have in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As were setting the budget this year, Ive told the sheriffs office that Ill need more information to be willing to fund them at the levels that we have before, but rest assured, not only is this county council and county staff but outside agencies are making sure taxpayer dollars are being spent correctly. There will be consequences for that, Abusaft explained. When asked if Wright has returned from his leave of absence on Monday night, the sheriffs office told 7NEWS that there is no new information regarding Wrights return, but said Chief Deputy Billy Parris still has the sheriffs authority. Sheriff Wright first became a deputy for Spartanburg County in 1986, later being elected as sheriff in 2004. This is not all about me, Wright said in a 2005 interview. This is about me taking us in a different direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then he has continued to gain support from county residents, in fact, Wright was recently reelected in November 2024. Sheriff Wrights Leave of Absence April 1, 2025 Wrights leave from the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office was announced on April 1, by county Communications Manager, Scottie Kay Blackwell. We are aware that the Sheriff has taken a leave of absence; however, we do not have any additional information at this time and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate. With that being said, Spartanburg County residents can rest assured that our sheriffs office will continue to operate as usual, providing quality service to our citizens. Per protocol, the sheriffs authority has been assumed by our Chief Deputy during this time. Though questions have loomed regarding Wrights absence, few answers have been given. Reactions to Wrights Leave April 2, 2025 When Wrights leave was announced, State Senator Josh Kimbrell (R District 11) said he shares concerns with the public. Certainly, there has been ongoing ethics investigations that we all have been concerned about, but at the same time, there may be insinuating circumstances we dont know about, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis issued a statement in support of Wright. We are praying for Sheriff Wright and his family and look forward to him being healthy again. Were here to help in any way possible, he said. In relation to Wrights leave, the FBI said they could not comment on the matter. Unable to comment as DOJ and FBI policy prohibits the confirmation or denial of potential investigations, the statement reads. Credit Card Use, Lawsuits and Investigations Wright was under fire earlier this year, on account of allegations he spent taxpayer dollars on a private credit card, without justification. Abusaft addressed Wrights alleged spending in a February county council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just believe in transparency and I think as government officials, were going to make mistakes, explained council member Monier Abusaft. The first step is saying Hey, Im sorry, and acknowledging what it is. Abusaft explained that to his understanding, Wright spent taxpayer dollars on a private credit card, without justification. He told us $1,100 has been paid back, acknowledging expenditures were made. When you are taxing people, when you are taking from them, every dollar that you spend, you provide justification for how you spend it, Abusaft said. That is Government 101. However, Abusaft added that amount lacks clarity and transparency on just how much was spent for personal use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not expect the sheriffs office to be treated differently than the other departments that are in county government, he explained. I expect them to receive the same scrutiny. I expect the same support, but I expect us to fully and intentionally look at that office like we would do any other office. In February, a former employee sued Wright for claims involving a wrongful discharge from the department. Former Lieutenant Jeremy Byrd filed an eight-page lawsuit stating that he was wrongfully fired and that Wright defamed him by calling him a mole in the sheriffs office. The lawsuit mentioned that Byrd was terminated from the sheriffs office after he expressed concerns over Wright hiring his son in July 2024. During a news conference, 7NEWS asked Wright about the lawsuit which he called a non-issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only thing I can say is the back of your commission says your commission expires at the pleasure of the sheriff, said Wright. I dont have to give you a reason, even though I did so. Its a non-issue lawsuit. The lawsuit also mentioned that after Byrd expressed the concerns up the chain of command, he was informed he was under investigation for making statements about Wrights son and saying, The wrong man won the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Election. Byrd has denied making those claims and said he was fired for insubordination on Aug. 26, 2024. In July 2024, Wright was under investigation by the State Ethics Commission for allegations of nepotism for the hiring of his son, Jared Wright, at the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt hire my son, the staff that works here hired my son, Wright said. He went through every process that everyone else did. Hes very well qualified. Hes not the only part-time person who works here. Wright said he spoke with the Ethics Commission before his son was hired by the sheriffs office. I did speak to some people down there, and they told me I needed some documentation but I did verbally and physically make sure they understood my sons not going to be treated special, said Wright. This is a developing story. Stay up to date with 7NEWS on the air and online as more information is made 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 WSPA 7NEWS. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah Police Department (SPD) is investigating a stabbing. SPD responded to a report of an injured person Tuesday morning around 8:15 a.m. in the 13000 block of Abercorn Street. They found an adult male victim with non-life-threatening stab would injuries to the back and neck. The victim told police the person who stabbed him fled after attacking him. The victim was transported to Memorial Hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an ongoing investigation and WSAV will update with details 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah Police Department (SPD) is investigating a shooting in the 700 block of E. 53rd St. that left an adult male with serious injuries. At approximately 2:55 a.m. on May 19, SPD responded to a ShotSpotter alert. Once on the scene, officers discovered a female adult victim who stated someone had entered her residence and started shooting. While on the scene, officers received a report of an adult male suspect arriving at Memorial Health University Medical Center with gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the initial investigation, officers stopped Jamile Pointer, 19, near the crime scene and found he was in possession of a firearm. After being detained and questioned, Pointer was arrested and charged with burglary. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers, 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Spectrum News - Spectrum Spectrum News has launched Spectrum News Michigan. Spectrum News Michigan is available 24/7, and available to Spectrum TV customers across the state on channel 1. The channel features local headlines every thirty minutes, at the top and bottom of every hour, and hyperlocal weather forecasts every 10 minutes on the 1s. The new network will be led by executive producer Craig Huber, a Michigan native with more than three decades of journalism experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Michigan welcomes the launch of Spectrum News to our roster of state media," said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. "At a time when it can be difficult to differentiate fact from fiction, I am glad to see more space being created for journalists who are dedicated to providing hyperlocal coverage and encouraging informed engagement in communities across the state." People across Michigan, from big cities to our close-knit communities, want access to news that impacts their lives," said Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt. "I'm pleased Spectrum News is stepping up with its trusted journalism to deliver the stories that matter most to Michiganders. The new linear network features reporting from Michigan-based journalists as well as relevant stories from across the country. "From Metro Detroit to West Michigan and Up North, Spectrum News delivers meaningful journalism," said Huber. "As a native of the Mitten State, I know Spectrum News' community-focused storytelling will resonate with our audience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huber began his journalism career in 1993. Also joining the network is journalist Brian Farber, who will report on the community in and around Grand Rapids, an area he has been covering since 1998. It is also available to Spectrum customers via the Spectrum News App on mobile, Xumo Stream Box, Roku and Apple TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The next groups of former internally displaced persons are returning to the village of Kangarli in the Aghdam district, Trend reports. The families, previously temporarily settled in hostels, sanatoriums, children's camps, unfinished and administrative buildings in various regions of the republic, left for their native lands from the Garadagh district of Baku on May 20. At this stage, 50 families (207 people) are returning to Kangarli. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Currently, about 40,000 people live in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, and specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities. In February 2024, 26-year-old Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink died after a crash during a high-speed chase after a reckless driver on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County. A bill passed by the Florida Legislature would increase penalties for people who speed or drive recklessly while fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. The bill's sponsor, State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Ocala, said the bill was inspired by Fink's death and the increase in high-speed pursuits on Florida roads. "In the Marion County Sheriff's Office alone, there have been documented over 1,100 high-speed chases," Chamberlin said. "That's almost one every day and a half, just in my district. The numbers really increase across the whole state, and with this bill, we hope to change that." Thank you @FoxNews. Its Really Simple - Dont run from the Police!- High Speed Fleeing and Eluding is coming with NEW Consequences.@foxnewspolitics @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/fTAzoO6HZT Rep Ryan Chamberlin (@RepRyanC) March 18, 2025 What does HB 113, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, do? The bill does not change the severity of the crimes, but it does change the point value used to determine sentences after conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer carries different penalties in Florida, depending on the circumstances: If you've been ordered to stop and you flee anyway, it's a third-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 5 years in prison. If you flee at high speeds or drive with a "wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property," it's a second-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 15 years in prison. If you flee at high speeds or drive recklessly and injure someone or cause damage to someone's property, it's called aggravated fleeing or eluding. That's also a second-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 15 years in prison. If you flee at high speeds or recklessly and cause serious bodily injury or death to another person, it's a first-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000-$15,000 and/or jail time of up to 30 years or more, depending on the case, with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in jail. Each violation is assigned a ranking in the offense severity ranking chart (OSRC) of the state's Criminal Punishment Code, which establishes a point system to determine sentences. That's where the "up to" part of fines and imprisonment time is decided. Under HB 113, fleeing or attempting to elude at high speeds or in a reckless manner bumps up from a Level 4 to a Level 5, which means harsher penalties may be applied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also adds a sentence multiplier for second or subsequent offenses. If the primary offense is fleeing or attempting to elude, and they've done it before, the sentence points will be multiplied by 1.5. Aggravated fleeing or eluding, in which someone is injured or killed during a chase, moves from Level 5 to Level 6. Current law requires that the pursuing law enforcement vehicle in these cases must be marked with insignia and jurisdictional markings, with the siren and lights on. The bill removes the requirement for prominent agency insignia. What happened to Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink? Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink. At about 2:40 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2024, a St. Lucie County sheriff's deputy spotted a white Kia driving twice the speed limit. The deputy pulled the Kia over, but it sped off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fink saw the car minutes later traveling at 140 mph west of I-95 and tried to stop it, but the Kia driver, identified as Michael Anthony Addison, made a U-turn on I-95 into oncoming traffic and headed north in the southbound lanes before exiting at St. Lucie West. The trooper followed, but was critically injured when his patrol car collided with a tractor-trailer. The driver of the semi, 55-year-old Arsenio Mas, was ejected from the truck. Both men died of their injuries. Addison was arrested after crashing the Kia a short time later. Investigators said the car was linked to an earlier domestic dispute out of Pompano Beach" when Addison reportedly had been threatening his girlfriend with a gun while driving, records show. DeSantis ordered flags flown at half-staff in Fink's honor at St. Lucie government buildings on Feb. 12, 2024. When does HB 113 take affect? If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis or allowed to become law without his signature, the law goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2025. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida police pursuit law ahead: Fines would increase under bill Its no secret that speeding is an issue in Florida. We hear stories of speedsters almost every single day. However, what about speeding in school zones? Are drivers taking time to protect our children? Or are they ignoring the laws there, too? Action News Jax got behind the wheel with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, where they say school zones are where they constantly see problems. You dont need to speed in a school zone. Its not that serious. Ten seconds is not going to kill you, Officer Ricardo Ranger with JSO said as we drove to a school zone off Arlington Expressway. According to Duval County Public Schools, 13 students have been hit by a car since August 2024. Three of those incidents were deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Ranger has worked in the Traffic Unit with JSO for years; he said that speeding in school zones is a guaranteed issue on his shift. He got out of the car and pointed to the school zone signs, You can see they are properly marked. At 7 oclock this morning, you are going to see that one start flashing.ac According to a ZenDrive study, in 2018, Florida was ranked the 2nd most dangerous state in the U.S. for school zone road safety. This year, Neptune Beach Police added cameras in school zones. The department is now issuing nearly 30 tickets daily in those zones. Most school zones in Duval County dont have speeding cameras. Starting at 7:00 am, the limit in the school zone off Arlington Expressway goes from 30 mph to 15 mph. Action News Jax stood in plain sight with Officer Ranger and a radar gun as the school zone lights began to blink. Florida State Law states that youre not supposed to go a mile going over the posted limit in a school zone, Ranger started, I stop people at 10 miles over, so Im giving you a big gap, he waved his hands to signify the gap. Within an hour, he looked back at the road, [we will] probably stop about nine to ten people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within minutes of Officer Ranger uttering those words, his radar gun beeped, and his whistle blew. He waved the first car into the lot where we were standing. Good morning. The reason for the traffic stop is speed, 13 miles over the posted speed limit, he leaned in to tell the driver. As he had this car pulled over, a truck flew by, going well over 30 mph. However, because Officer Ranger had a car already pulled over, he could do nothing. The driver continued to fumble around trying to find his insurance. Ranger knew that time was essential to nab another speedster, so he issued the ticket, and the driver pulled away. Within seconds, Officer Ranger pulled over another car in a rush. As she rolled down her window, she explained her situation to Officer Ranger, that she was the wife of the man previously pulled over, who couldnt find his insurance. Shes trying to be in a hurry to get him the car insurance because he couldnt show it, and she got pulled over for speeding, Ranger shook his head. He was kind towards her and decided to let her go with a warning. That would be the only person who got a warning in this school zone. Within the hour of standing in the school zone, Officer Ranger stopped eight vehicles. School zones are maybe about 100 meters at a time, so if you cannot slowdown that much for that little, short distance. You got issues, Ranger said. Some of the cars Ranger stopped were doing more than just speeding. Two reasons for the traffic stop this morning: youre speeding 30 in a 15-school zone. Two, youre not wearing your seatbelt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the driver of one vehicle was still talking on her phone as Officer Ranger patiently waited for her to finish the conversation, One, youre talking on your phone in a school zone. Two, youre speeding 30 in a 15. School and construction zones are hands-free zones in Florida. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office doubles fines in school zones, but that hefty price tag didnt matter to drivers blowing through the active school zone. In less than an hour, Officer Ranger pulled over eight speeders going more than 10 mph over the 15-mph limit. So, the slowest was 12, the fastest was 16, Ranger said as he looked around, As you can see, doesnt care if its clearly marked, lights are flashing, people are still going to be rolling. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Ranger said this is not a problem thats restricted to school zones, but for buses, too. People passed a stop school bus. They dont know the rules for the school bus, he said, adding, when in doubt, stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a reminder, unless there is a median between you and the school bus, it is law to come to a complete stop when the bus is stopped, and the arm is extended. After Officer Ranger drove away from the Arlington Expressway, we drove through a different school zone, where the crosswalk was flashing and young students were walking around a four-way, six-lane intersection. As we watched the students cross, we saw that a driver didnt yield to the students and made a right-hand turn, giving the students a scare. Officer Ranger shook his head, turned on his lights, and chased the driver. Once stopped, Ranger said to the driver, You saw the kids crossing the crosswalk and you didnt want to stop and wait for them to cross? The driver didnt speak English very well and tried to respond. Ranger pointed at the children still crossing the street, Suppose you hit one of those kids, he said as he handed the driver a ticket. Officer Ranger echoes that at the end of the day, its not their goal at JSO to give out a bunch of tickets. A majority of stops we do are not out here to write tickets. Its to educate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the officers do not take it lightly regarding keeping our students safe and enforcing the law in school zones. In July of 2023, a new Florida bill became law, allowing camera enforcement of speed limits in school zones. Lawmakers in Georgia tried to ban speed cameras, but the bill did not pass. FDOT also has a program for schools working to get cameras in their zones. You can tell JSO about safety concerns in your area or local school zones through the agencys Traffic Complaints page. [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. Spike Lee not-so-subtly shaded Donald Trump while speaking at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival ahead of the world premiere of his new film, Highest 2 Lowest. During Mondays press conference, the acclaimed Do the Right Thing director, 68, was asked if social media has negatively impacted American morals. In a clip of the moment shared to social media, Lee replied with an impish grin: Well, I dont know how much we can talk about American values considering who is the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My wife said, Spike, be very careful what you say! he laughed, per Variety. But heres the thing, I dont think we can condemn social media. People say the same thing about film or whatever. So Im not going to demonize the form. Lee was later asked more directly about Trumps plan to impose 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made films. While Lee admitted that he doesnt have the answer for that, he noted that people are definitely hurting. No ones working, the BlacKkKlansman director said. The guy just said he wanted to put a tariff on every film that shot I dont know how thats going to work. Spike Lee shaded Donald Trump while speaking at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (Getty Images) Trumps push for tariffs on foreign-made films began earlier this month with a Truth Social post, in which he claimed other countries were "offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States which was, in turn, devastating Hollywood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president then authorized the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative "to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands." Shortly after that initial Truth Social post, White House officials clarified that no final decisions had been made and that all options were being explored. Trump then spoke out again, stating: "Im not looking to hurt the industry; I'm looking to help. It remains unclear if or when said tariffs would take effect. Spike Lee shades Donald Trump in #Cannes: "I don't know how much we can talk about American values considering who is President... My wife said, 'Spike, be very careful what you say!'" https://t.co/EkomLqCvtT pic.twitter.com/dTfr4m86t5 Variety (@Variety) May 20, 2025 But Lee wasnt the only director to have spoken out against the presidents proposed tariffs at this years film festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, director Richard Linklater, who was there with his new movie, Nouvelle Vague, defiantly addressed Trumps plans, saying: The tariff thing, thats not gonna happen right? That guy changes his mind like 50 times in one day. Its the one export industry in the U.S., it would be kind of dumb to Whatever, we dont have to talk about that. Wes Anderson also mocked Trumps threats, saying Monday that hed never heard of a 100 percent tariff before. Im not an expert in that area of economics, but I feel that means hes saying hes going to take all the money. And then what do we get? So its complicated to me, he said, quipping: Does that mean you can hold up the movie in customs? I feel it doesnt ship that way. Im not sure I want to know the details so Ill hold off on my official answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Lees new movie, Highest 2 Lowest, starring his longtime collaborator Denzel Washington and rapper A$AP Rocky, premiered on Monday. The movie, which follows a music mogul who faces a life-and-death moral dilemma when he gets involved in a ransom plot, has already divided critics. The Independents Geoffrey Macnab called it generic, arguing that it is short on emotional depth in a three-star review. Meanwhile, Roger Eberts Robert Daniels hailed it as an exceptional piece of personal filmmaking that might be Lees most energetic film since Inside Man. May 19Spokane City Councilwoman Lili Navarrete will resign effective June 30, she announced Monday. "With great sadness and heavy consideration, I have decided to resign as a Council Member for District 2, where it has been an honor to represent my beloved district," Navarrete wrote in a prepared statement. "I am proud of my contributions as a Council Member, such as introducing the ordinance concerning the Human Rights and Basic Dignity of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and the Language Access Ordinance," she continued. "I have strived to bring diversity and inclusion to the workplace, and I hope my efforts have positively impacted the City Council and its employees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her time on the council, Navarrete has shepherded an ordinance to encourage the recruiting of more multilingual city employees, worked on a slate of reforms to increase employment and housing rights for the homeless ultimately whittled down to the hiring protection dubbed "Ban the Address." Most recently, she introduced legislation meant to prevent federal immigration officers from warrantless raids in city parks. The Spokesman-Review reported her pending resignation on Thursday, but at the time Navarrete said she had not yet finalized some of the details of when she would step down. Navarrete already announced in March that she would not run for a new term, citing health concerns. Alejandro Barrientos, chief operating officer at SCAFCO Steel Stud Company, and Kate Telis, a former deputy prosecutor from New Mexico, have both filed to run for the seat. Navarrete's resignation opens the door to a short-term appointment to fill her seat ahead of the election, however. That term would last until the November election is certified, at which point the candidate who won the election would be immediately sworn in. Recent appointments, including Navarrete's own in January 2023, have attracted upwards of 20 applicants. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. On Monday, May 19, a man from Springfield admitted in federal court to illegal possession of a firearm and being part of a local gang known as the 1500. Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 19, pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while possessing a stolen Smith and Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol. He also admitted he had an addiction to marijuana and opioids and that he used them daily. An affidavit from the original complaint stated that an analysis of the stolen pistols casings by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) revealed the casings to be a presumptive match to shell casings found in two different shootings in Springfield in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shell Knob man faces murder charge, illegal weapon use The first shooting occurred on Aug. 4, 2024, at an occupied home on West Brower Street by unknown suspects, who struck the residence 17 times. The second shooting happened on Aug. 14, 2024, on North Prospect Avenue, where a disturbance led to someone being struck. No injuries were reported from either shooting. Simmonds told investigators after his arrest that he had used marijuana daily since he was 11 or 12 years old. He also said he was addicted to opioids and used fentanyl. Simmonds is facing a maximum of 15 years in federal prison without parole under federal statutes. His sentencing hearing will be set at a later date. 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Springfield Police Youth Aid Bureau is asking for the publics help in finding a missing 15-year-old runaway. Massachusetts animal hospital to perform life-saving surgery on homeless puppy The Springfield Police Department stated on social media that 15-year-old Ryan DeLeon-Velasquez may be in the Connecticut area, and left a note about trying to go to Chicago. Ryan is approximately 55 tall and weighs 135 pounds. Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. If you have any information regarding Ryans whereabouts, you are urged to contact Springfield Detectives at 413-787-6360 or the non-emergency line at 413-787-6300. 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. May 19ROCHESTER A St. Charles man accused of placing a surveillance camera in a woman's room pleaded guilty on Friday, May 16, in Olmsted County District Court. Daniel Wade Wood, 48, was charged with one count of interfering with an individual's privacy by using or installing a device to secretly observe or record someone, a gross misdemeanor. Wood entered a guilty plea to the sole count of interference with privacy. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office was assigned to investigate a report of an interference of privacy on May 10, 2023, after a woman reported that she found a camera in her room. She told police she found the camera pointed at her bed on May 8, 2023. The complaint said the camera was screwed to the wall in the corner of her room behind the door, and she only saw it when she heard a noise coming from the camera. Detectives executed a search warrant to seize Wood's device. According to the complaint, detectives located photos that appeared to be screenshots from the woman's room. The woman was in all of the photos and was either completely nude or only partially clothed. The pictures ranged in date from April 9, 2023, to May 8, 2023. The complaint said the brand of camera was "geeni." Wood downloaded the "geeni" app onto his phone and created an account on April 3, 2023. The mayor of St. Louis said Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hasnt yet provided assistance on the groundthree days after a devastating tornado caused more than $1 billion in damage. Cara Spencer told MSNBC that the EF3 tornadowhich killed at least seven peoplehas brought out the best in the local response, but the federal side is lacking. FEMA has not been on the ground, she said. We do not have confirmed assistance from FEMA at this point. I do want to say, however, every other level of government has been on the ground with us helping in every capacity possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we need right now is federal assistance, she urged. This is where FEMA and the federal government has got to come in and help communities. Our city cannot shoulder this alone. The state of Missouri cannot shoulder this alone. A woman sits on the wreckage of her home following the tornado in St. Louis / Lawrence Bryant / REUTERS Spencer added that the federal government should be doing so for other affected areas as well. Another tornadoalso on Fridaykilled 19 in Kentucky. We need partners at the national level, at the federal level, to step up and helpand this is not just true for St. Louis, she said. Cities across the nation, when they are experiencing disasters such as this, this is what the federal government is for." Yet the agencyone of many hit with mass staff reductions by the so-called Department of Government Efficiencydoesnt appear to be firing on all cylinders. FEMAs interim leader, for instance, admitted that it isnt prepared for hurricane season, which officially begins in just a matter of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump has also indicated he wants to do away with FEMA entirely. I say you dont need FEMA. You need a good state government, Trump said while touring the Los Angeles area after wildfires ripped through there in January. FEMA is a very expensive, in my opinion, mostly failed situation. A woman shows support for FEMA after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina / Jonathan Drake / REUTERS Yet to those in disaster areas, its still very much needed, Spencer said Monday. When you have a disaster of this scaleeight miles of just pure destructionthis tornado didnt just touch down and leave, she continued. This tornado ripped through our community for a full eight miles in the city of St. Louis, and this is an area that has needed help. We need investment. Our North St. Louis has been neglected for a long time and we need the help of our partners here." ST. LOUIS St. Louis native and supermodel Karlie Kloss visited her hometown on Tuesday after an EF3 tornado tore through eight miles of the city. Kloss shared videos on her Instagram story of her visiting the YMCA at 4343 W Florissant, where donations of water, flashlights, batteries, imperishable food, trash bags, and more were being collected. The tornado killed five and left behind uprooted trees, downed power lines, leveled structures, and many injured storm victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctor sees a trend in young St. Louis cancer patients living near nuclear waste sites To learn more about how to donate and where to receive help after the tornado, 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 FOX 2. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network) are taking place in Baku, Trend reports. The events are bringing together about 50 senior officials representing law enforcement agencies of different countries. At the plenary session, the main theme of which is "Possibilities of applying new technologies and artificial intelligence in the fight against corruption," more than 100 presentations are planned at panel, session and parallel events on such sub-topics as confiscation of funds received as a result of corruption, direct return of received assets, suspension of suspicious transactions in financial transactions, international cooperation on quick freezing of bank accounts in criminal proceedings, public education in fight against corruption and other topics. As part of the plenary session, on the initiative of the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, a special session and parallel events dedicated to the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty", including the fight against environmental crimes in the context of Azerbaijan's presidency at COP29, will also be held. Furthermore, in conjunction with the event, a plethora of bilateral engagements and the formalization of memoranda of understanding regarding collaborative synergies are on the agenda. Addressing the event, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has turned into an important international center hosting global initiatives in recent years. "Last year alone, Azerbaijan hosted the UN COP29 Climate Conference and the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors, and successfully organized several other important events, including the High-Level Session on the fight of law enforcement agencies against environmental crimes. Azerbaijan, being an active participant of GLOBE network, highly appreciates this platform. This network contributes to strengthening international cooperation, joint fight against transnational corruption. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular its anti-corruption body, the Nazah Organization, has played an indispensable role in the creation and development of this initiative. We appreciate their contribution and leadership to this important global initiative," he said. Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Head of Division of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said during her speech that cooperation is the most powerful network in countering corruption. "These sessions provide us with a unique opportunity to share knowledge and best practices. Here we can also prioritize legislation. This platform plays a key role in linking relevant bodies," she added. UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva, in her remarks, stated that Azerbaijan's active participation in the GlobE Network represents an important step towards a joint fight against corruption. "We know that corruption has an impact on the fair and equitable delivery of public services to citizens. In this regard, I express my gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the event. Azerbaijan participates in the UN Convention against Corruption as a reviewing state. We are confident that the UN will continue to support the Government of Azerbaijan in the fight against corruption," she added. Almost four years after longtime civil servant and whistleblower Angelica Woods first spoke to local news station KSDK about the corrupt practices she witnessed after a year working in the citys tow lot, the once-buried report has finally come to light. Woods was a dispatcher for the tow lot, and in that time witnessed city staff setting aside vehicles for friends and family, then pocketing the payment for themselves. Her suit, filed in 2021, also alleged that these employees forged paperwork to cover their tracks. At the time, Woods told KSDK, People pretty much made up rules as they went." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods was fired from her role for speaking out, though she had worked for the city in various roles for 23 years at the time of the suit. Now in 2025, she has finally won the modest sum she sued the city for, and has paved the way for two other city employees to come forward with their stories. "Because a lot of cash was being taken under the table here, it was a lot of corruption within the city," Woods said about the way she and other city staff were treated for trying to do the right thing. Don't miss Audit report on the tow lot A city audit was quietly released in March of this year, finding that 568 of 1,133 vehicles (thats 50%) were missing from the inventory accounting for nearly $5 million in missing city revenue. The audit also found that more than $80,000 in cash was unaccounted for, and 33% of tow tickets were missing, incomplete or had incorrect amounts listed for vehicle sales or value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newly-elected Mayor Cara Spencer responded to the situation, stating, "This audit should not have been swept under the rug." "A lot of the employees was taking the cars and benefiting for themselves," said George Hooker, another longtime city employee who previously worked as the auctioneer for the tow lot. In spite of the fact that Hooker signed paperwork that he would be protected as a government whistleblower, he still faced consequences. "They promised me that I was protected under it, but I still got moved," he said. "Betherny is the one that transferred me. She transferred me because I was complaining to her about what was going on down here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Streets Director Betherny Williams transferred Hooker to the citys refuse division, and he claims Williams buried him in difficult work assignments as a retaliation. Systemic corruption "Once I started ruffling feathers, they got me out of there pretty quickly," said James Mundy, another city employee who briefly served as commissioner of the tow lot. He was also transferred for trying to speak up to his superiors about what he saw. Speaking to KSDK in 2021, Lynette Petruska, Angelica Woods attorney, said, "What the city is really doing here is they're sending a message loud and clear. We've got this whistleblower protection on paper, but don't do the right thing and don't blow the whistle because if you blow the whistle, you're going to pay. 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 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys audit from March recommends that payments at the tow lot be converted to online systems instead of the current cash payments a recommendation that seems long overdue in 2025. The audit also recommends implementing a digital system to track all records, which also raises questions about why city staff have been using paper-based methods for so long. The citys Comptroller Donna Baringer forwarded the audit findings and additional evidence collected to the federal prosecutors investigating the case. Impact on St. Louisans KSDK reported in 2021 that a special audit from that time found up to 150 cars appeared to leave the tow lot for free between 2018 and that year, a figure that did not include stolen cars that were released to their owners. Almost $78,000 in tow and storage fees were also waived for no reason. However, a number of citizens came forward after the news station broke the story and claimed that their stolen cars were not retrievable from the tow lot for free despite a city ordinance that allows owners to collect their stolen vehicles without a charge within a 72-hour time frame. Protection for whistleblowers According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal government alone loses an estimated $233 to $521 billion to fraud each year. These numbers are based on an assessment covering 2018 to 2022, and the GAO reported that no area of the federal government is immune to fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, no matter which level of government a civil servant works for, the US has laws in place to protect whistleblowers. Both government employees and private sector employees can find the info they need on whistleblowers.gov to file a complaint and understand their rights. When whistleblowers file a complaint, the government site recommends keeping a paper trail of related communication with your employer, including emails, meeting notes, etc. The Office of the Inspector General also maintains a hotline where federal employees can report corruption. City and state-level OIGs are also the first line of defense if you have evidence of bribery, conflicts of interest, or other criminal activity. Finally, if you are aware of a dangerous situation in your workplace, such as an employee who is retaliating against others using physical violence or threats of violence, be sure to call the police right away to report the crime. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. St. Pauls sprawling park system ranks fifth-best in the nation, down two spots from last year and two spots behind Minneapolis, according to the latest annual scorecard from the Trust for Public Land. The capital citys parks have long landed in the top three of the 100 most populous cities surveyed, and losing some ground in this years ParkScore Index is not for lack of public investment, said Sophie Harris Vorhoff, Minnesota State director with the nonprofit parks advocacy organization. In fact, Minneapolis spends $324 per person on its park system, and St. Paul invests $248, both of which are well above the national ParkScore average of $133. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, that investment is growing. St. Paul voters went to the polls in November 2023 and approved a percentage point increase to the citys sales tax, which is expected to generate $1 billion over 20 years, including $246 million for parks. As more sales tax-funded projects come online, its possible the city regains its perch in the top 3, Vorhoff said. Washington, D.C., always a strong contestant, ranked first this year, as it did in 2024. Irvine, Calif., which came in second, was recognized for its progress on building one of the most ambitious municipal parks in the country Great Park, which currently spans 500 acres, and will soon add 300 more. Minneapolis fell a spot to third this year and Cincinnati which renovated its downtown Lytle Park and engaged in a citywide effort to improve public access to schoolyards and other open spaces came in fourth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Twin Cities, the drop in rankings is really a reflection on other cities making investments and strides forward, rather than a lack of investment in the two cities, Vorhoff said. School district projects include Maxfield Elementary The Trust for Public Land is working with school districts to renovate outdated schoolyards into welcoming places that families can enjoy during non-school hours. Five such projects are underway in Minnesota from Red Lake to Rochester, including the upcoming overhaul of St. Pauls Maxfield Elementary School playground on Victoria Street in the Old Rondo neighborhood. Groundbreaking for that project which drew students and community members together for planning will take place in early June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a student-led class about what makes a great space for all, Vorhoff said. From your 8-year-olds to your 80-year-olds, what makes a great space to play? Another group of playgrounds will be chosen next year. Other parks projects Other parks projects moving forward in St. Paul include the upcoming opening of downtown Pedro Park at 10th and Robert streets, which has undergone $8 million in planning and construction, and the Wakan Tipi Center, a cultural and environmental learning center under construction within the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. The center led by Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, previously known as the Lower Phalen Creek Project is a national model project, and its exciting to see it moving ahead, Vorhoff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New this year, the Trust for Public Land surveyed voters who supported Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the last presidential election and found heavily similar attitudes toward public park space. In all, 80% of Harris voters and 83% of Trump voters described themselves as regular visitors to local parks and said they feel comfortable there. Two-thirds of both groups said they had struck up a conversation with a person they did not know at the park. The National Survey on Outdoor Public Spaces was conducted by national pollster YouGov in March, and survey details are included in the new Trust for Public Land report Parks, The Great Unifiers. Related Articles ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A man was arrested Monday night following reports that he stalked and tried to kill his ex-girlfriend, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. Investigators said they had been working nonstop to build evidence against the suspect, Peter Guirguis, 27, of Trinity, since the May 10 attack. Florida man shoots at 2 door-to-door solar panel salesmen, deputies say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believe Guirguis traveled to his ex-girlfriends apartment on 4th Street North in St. Pete early that morning, around 1:43 a.m. He then attacked his ex in the parking lot, leaving her hospitalized with a severe head injury, officials said. Detectives learned the victim had an active injunction for protection against Guirguis due to a history of domestic violence, and by May 19, said they had enough evidence to arrest him on multiple charges. St. Pete and Pasco County detectives found Guirguis at his home in Trinity around 11:37 p.m. Monday. He was taken into custody for attempted first-degree homicide and aggravated stalking, authorities said. He was being held at the Pasco County Jail and authorities said Tuesday Guirguis would soon be taken to Pinellas County to face his charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The man accused of murdering Queens EMS Lt. Alison Russo has been convicted of murder despite brazenly denying stabbing the first responder to death just steps from her Queens FDNY station, officials said Tuesday. It took a jury less than an hour on Monday to convict Peter Zisopoulos of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He faces 25 years to life in prison when hes sentenced June 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict was read before a gallery filled with EMS members and Russos family, who gathered together outside court after the verdict. This brings closure for my family. Nothing can erase the pain, Russos brother Craig Fuoco told reporters. Its tough to explain. Happy that I think justice was done. Happy to start to move forward. But Alison will continue to be missed. Its continuing to be difficult to move on, but well find a way. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said she hopes the verdict will give Russos family and co-workers solace as we continue to grieve. Alison Russo was a longtime public servant who cared deeply for the people of New York, Katz said. Our city is still in mourning for a woman who saved countless lives as a member of the FDNY EMS and as a volunteer with her local ambulance company on Long Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker, a former Queens prosecutor, hailed the conviction. The people have now spoken, and the jury brought back a just verdict for this brutal crime, Tucker said. The verdict was reached late Monday after closing arguments. On Friday, Zisopoulos took the stand and claimed he never left his home the day Russo was killed even though he stabbed the beloved EMT lieutenant in full view of witnesses and surveillance cameras on Sept. 29, 2022. I didnt go outside, he said of the day Russo was murdered. The murder suspect, dressed in an orange cit Correction Department jumpsuit, claimed he didnt know what had happened until cops were banging on his door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russo was on duty near her stationhouse in Astoria when Zisopoulos, then 34, ambushed her and repeatedly stabbed her with a serrated kitchen knife. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died. Zisopoulos stabbed Russo more than 20 times. At the opening of his case last week, Queens Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Selkowe said Zisopoulos had the desire to kill when he knifed Russo to death. He cut through her flesh, cut through her rib cage and cut through her vital organs, Selkowe told the jurors. He punctured her right lung. He punctured her left lung. He punctured her heart. He punctured her liver. Twenty times, stabbed her in broad daylight on a public street in front of witnesses and under the watch of surveillance cameras. The killer ran up to Russo as she stood on the corner and attacked her just as she noticed him, video viewed by the Daily News showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knocked Russo to the ground as he lunged at her with a knife, then repeatedly stabbed her as she lay on the sidewalk. He then ran to his apartment and barricaded himself inside for about an hour before police talked him into surrendering. Zisopoulos was in the middle of a mental and emotional crisis at the time of the attack, officials said. His mental health status has been the subject of several court hearings over the past three years, with Judge Ushir Pandit-Durant in June 2023 deeming him unfit to participate in his defense. But he was found fit that October and again this month, despite findings by two court-appointed medical experts. The trial went ahead after Pandit-Durant determined that Zisopoulos appeared to meet the legal standard for mental competence because he understood the details of the trial proceedings. Russo, a 24-year FDNY veteran, had been expecting to retire in a few months when she was slain. She was appointed to the FDNY in March 1998 as an emergency medical technician and was promoted to paramedic in 2002 and to lieutenant in 2016. Former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh posthumously promoted Russo to captain during the victims funeral on Long Island. Benjamin Netanyahu said Sir Keir Starmer was offering a huge prize to Hamas after the Prime Minister called on Israel to end the war in Gaza. In a joint statement with France and Canada, Sir Keir on Monday threatened to take concrete actions if Israel did not stop a new military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the Strip. But the Israeli prime minister said ending the war before Hamas is destroyed would be offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel accepts President Trumps vision and urges all European leaders to do the same, he added. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly wont. Benjamin Netanyahu told Western leaders to follow Donald Trumps lead when considering an end to the war - Haim Tzach/GPO On Tuesday, Jean-Noel Barrot, Frances foreign minister, said Paris was determined to recognise a Palestinian state and expressed support for reconsidering the EUs trade ties with Israel. Betzalel Smotrich, Israels hardline finance minister, accused the three countries of morally aligning themselves with a terrorist organisation that raped, slaughtered, murdered, and burned women, babies, and children, and that repeatedly declares its goal to destroy the Jewish state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have gone so far as to seek to reward terrorism by granting it a state, Mr Smotrich said, adding that Israel will never agree to the establishment of a terrorist state in its midst that would endanger its existence. But Hamas welcomed the joint statement, calling it a step in the right direction. European leaders have stepped up criticism of Israel in recent months. Last week, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, called Israels blockade of aid shameful and unacceptable. There is no water, no medicine, the wounded cannot get out, the doctors cannot get in. What he is doing is shameful, he told French television. Displaced Palestinians comb through the rubble of an old school after an Israeli air strike on Tuesday - Omas al-Qattaa/Getty Images Mr Netanyahu responded saying the French president has once again chosen to side with a murderous Islamist terrorist organisation and echo its despicable propaganda, accusing Israel of blood libels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel lifted the blockade on Gaza on Monday, with the first five trucks carrying humanitarian aid entering the enclave. Yair Golan, the former IDF depth chief and head of the opposition Democrats party, warned on Tuesday morning that Israel was at risk of becoming a pariah state like apartheid-era South Africa if it does not return to acting like a sane country. And a sane country does not fight against civilians, does not kill children as a hobby, and does not give itself the aim of expelling populations, Mr Golan told the Kan public broadcaster. His remarks were condemned by both opposition and government figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benny Gantz, the leader of the Right-wing National Unity party, called on Mr Golan to apologise. IDF soldiers do not kill babies as a hobby, he said. These words are not only outrageous, false, and extreme, but they also endanger the freedom of our heroic fighters. Israel Katz, the defence minister, echoed Mr Gantz, also a former defence minister, calling it a vile blood libel and demanding for Mr Golan to be ostracised from public life. 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. Sir Keir Starmers welfare reforms could push just 60,000 people back to work, according to a leading think tank. The Resolution Foundation said proposals to cut the welfare bill by 4.8bn would push between 38,000 and 57,000 people back to work, while 1.9bn in employment support could result in just 23,000 extra people finding a job. Under a best-case scenario 105,000 more people would be in work by the end of parliament, the think tank said in a report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation also said the number of people finding a job would be dwarfed by the quarter of a million pushed into poverty and 700,000 families falling further below the poverty line, according to the Governments own analysis. It also warned that the cuts would hit many older people who were less likely to be able to start work. The foundation noted that around 55pc of claimants of the personal independence payment (PIP), Britains main disability benefit, were aged over 50. This group was among the least likely to go back to work even if their welfare payments are reduced, the think tank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also noted that the phased nature of benefit reforms suggested savings would build over many years, with the bulk coming well into the next decade. Official figures show spending on health and disability benefits is on course to rise to almost 100bn a year by 2030, driven by claims from working-age adults. However, the Prime Minister is facing the biggest rebellion of his premiership over proposals to reduce the working-age benefits bill by 4.8bn by the end of the decade. The think tanks figures will hand more ammunition to up to 170 Labour MPs who are planning to oppose the cuts or abstain in a planned vote next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachael Maskell, a Labour MP who will be voting against the reforms, said the cuts would hurt working people and pile more pressure on public services. She said: Twenty per cent of PIP recipients are currently in work and many rely on PIP to maintain their independence, so cutting this lifeline will come at huge expense as people will lose their ability to function and become more dependent on public services, while the costs of poverty and worsening health are well understood. Jon Trickett, another Labour rebel, suggested he was prepared to lose the party whip over the issue. Its quite disturbing that the Government projects such a large increase in the number of people in poverty as a result of changes which they themselves are introducing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent all of my political life fighting on behalf of working people and especially people living difficult lives as a result of poverty. So I will continue to take that stand whatever the consequences. Greg Thwaites, at the Resolution Foundation, urged the Government to bring forward employment support so that more people are helped into work at the point at which they lose benefit income, rather than years later. Currently 1bn of the 1.9bn spending on employment support this parliament will not begin until the end of the decade. The think tank also called for PIP recipients who fail the new, tougher assessments to be given six months notice before any cuts to their benefits take effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would prevent disabled people being hit by sharp, immediate income losses, and offer them more time to find work if they can, it said. PIP is paid regardless of whether someone works. The Government has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek visited eastern North Carolina on Tuesday. His goal for his visit was to learn more about Greenville and the east. Where roadblocks exist on economic development and prosperity in eastern North Carolina, so that we can put into context how we audit things and how we look at the use of taxpayer money when were determining what the best return on investment is. And second is to get that perspective from people that live in Greenville as to what needswhatwhere does tax dollarswhere do tax dollars need to be spent here to get the greatest return on investment, said Dave Boliek, North Carolina State Auditor. He tells WNCT that since being elected, hes been working on redefining the State Auditors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dave Act passed the North Carolina Senate. Were working with the North Carolina House on their budget funding. And weve talked to House leaders, in fact, on the way up here, about what weve asked for in terms of expanding the capabilities of the State Auditors Office, Boliek said. The State Auditor is now able to appoint new members to the State Board of Elections, a duty that used to be held by the sitting governor. Weve already accomplished the first round of that, which is to appoint the board. The second part of our role is to appoint county board chairs, which we will handle over the next 30 to 45 days, he 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 WNCT. State Auditor Dave Boliek is launching an investigation into the Charlotte City Councils settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. Boliek sent a letter to Mayor Vi Lyles on Tuesday afternoon. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Interim city attorney in the spotlight as Charlotte City Council votes to settle While answers to some of the more pressing questions could be provided through quick release of information from your office, which I strongly encourage, there remains a list of unknowns regarding the potential settlement or payout to the Police Chief. On behalf of the citizens of North Carolina and the nearly one million people who call Charlotte home, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor will be investigating this matter, Boliek said in the letter. The Office of the State Auditor will be asking how much money has reportedly been paid, whether a payment exists, where did money for a payment come from, and several other pertinent questions. Even if the payment was worth one penny, it should be disclosed to the public in a timely and transparent matter. There is no tax dollar free from public scrutiny. MORE PAST COVERAGE: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim City Attorney Anthony Fox has not released the settlement information. Councilmember Tiawana Brown posted on Facebook that the settlement is $300,000, but the city has not confirmed that figure. BREAKING: State Auditor Dave Boliek is opening an investigation into Charlotte City Council's settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings @wsoctv https://t.co/t4WewHRaN2 pic.twitter.com/3TYGSRVaKG Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 20, 2025 Constituent requests and recent reporting involving the Charlotte City Council have raised serious concerns regarding the potential disbursement of public dollars outside of the public view, Boliek said. It is my understanding there is a possibility that as much as $100,000 to $300,000 in public dollars may have been given to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings for a legal settlement that may have been entered into by the City Council. This is only what has been gathered by the Auditors Office from news reports, social media, and conversation. The truth of the matter remains unclear. The city of Charlottes attorney, Anthony Fox, released a statement regarding this new development, saying: We have received the letter and will work with the State Auditor while adhering to all applicable laws. As previously stated, we intend to release all relevant public records allowed by law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9 broke the news of the secret settlement by the Charlotte City Council. Sources said it stemmed from former Councilman Tariq Bokharis quest to land outer carrier vests for officers and text messages he sent to Chief Jennings at the time. VIDEO: City council member clarifies allegations of corruption, says comments were misconstrued May 19Broadband infrastructure and home energy auditing programs are set to get a boost at Santa Fe Community College thanks to federal funding. Officials with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, or NMDWS, announced on Thursday that it has awarded $750,000 to six organizations so they can establish and deliver pre-apprenticeship opportunity programs, including the two at SFCC aimed at providing youth with training that could pave the way to well-paying careers in high-demand fields. NewSpace Nexus, Northern New Mexico College, Associated General Contractors of New Mexico, Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. NM Chapter, SFCC and STEM Boomerang LLC are the six organizations sharing a slice of the funding, officials said. The programs will provide students with hands-on training, instruction, mentorship and access to registered apprenticeship programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The awardees will launch and expand pre-apprenticeship programs in the fields of semiconductor manufacturing, carpentry, construction, broadband, clean energy and high-performance computing. A driving goal of the programs, which will be implemented by the awarded organizations within a year, is to make New Mexico youth aware of potential career paths available in the state, said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair in a statement. "Pre-apprenticeship has become one of our most successful initiatives, with over 700 participants coming through the program in two years," Nair said. The awards are being funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the "SAEF2" grant and administered by the NMDWS's "Building, Energizing, and Connecting through Apprenticeships," or BECA, program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in strengthening New Mexico's workforce pipeline," Carla Kugler, president and CEO of ABC New Mexico, said in a statement. "By investing in these initiatives, we're building a stronger, more inclusive workforce that meets the needs of our state's growing economy." BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Corruption deprives citizens of their rights and calls into question the foundations of governance, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva said at the 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network), Trend reports. According to her, we all need to roll up our sleeves and put our noses to the grindstone to pave the way for sustainable and green growth. "We must strengthen our partnership so that transparency increases. The UN Convention against Corruption is the only document with international legal force. It sets out specific issues regarding criminal prosecution," she explained. Andreeva noted that a pact was adopted in September last year. "We know that this corruption affects the equal provision of public administration to citizens. I would like to express my gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for hosting us here. Because Azerbaijan is a participant in the UN Convention against Corruption. Azerbaijan participates here as both a state under review and a state under review. We all believe that we, as the UN, will continue to support the Azerbaijani government," the official added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) Cambria Heights and State College schools will receive more than $800,000 in state funding to help pay for solar energy projects, Senator Wayne Langerholc Jr. announced Tuesday. A total of $836,810 will be awarded from the Solar for School funds $437,522 to The Cambria Heights School District and $399,288 to the State College School District. Cambria Heights will be installing a 358-kilowatt roof-mounted system at Cambria Heights Elementary. The funds will be used to purchase and install, as well as engineering, administrative operations and maintenance costs. Langerholc said the total price of the project is $875,044 and will result in an average annual savings of $58,989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State College will use its $300,000 towards the installation of a 630-kilowatt photovoltaic system on the roof of Park Forest Middle School. The total project is expected to cost $1.1 million with average annual savings of $79,095. Another $99,288 will be used for Mount Nittany Elementary School, according to the full list of approved projects. Solar energy can help school districts reduce their energy costs and save taxpayer dollars, Langerholc said. Im pleased to help secure funding that will allow schools to cover upfront costs for projects that will provide long-term savings. The grants were awarded through the Solar for Schools Grant Program, created in 2024 and funded by the 2024-25 budget. 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. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvanias economic development and community improvement programs. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. CHICAGO State and local lawmakers are pushing for a new police district on Chicagos Southwest Side, but after months of trying, the mayor still has not signed off on the plan. Elected officials say the 8th District has the lowest officer-to-resident ratio in Chicago, citing public safety concerns as the reason for needing a new district. The coalition behind the effort says their goal is to open a new police district at the Midway Flight Facility, located in the 5400 block of West 63rd Street, to better serve residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state to sell the facility to the City of Chicago for just $1. The coalition also secured $3 million to renovate the space into a police district. So far, letters to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have gone unanswered. Reporters were taken on a tour of the facility, along with members of the coalition. A press release stated Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling would be at the tour, but he was not there. Its on record. It was his interaction with me during the budget making process, Alderman Marty Quinn said. The superintendent is a very busy man, but this whole event was built around his schedule, so youd have to ask him why hes not here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN reached out to the Chicago Police Department who said the superintendent was not scheduled to attend the event today. We have also reached out to the mayors office to see if he plans to support the new police district, but we have yet to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WAJ) Two people were charged last week after state police and agents with the Office of the Attorney General made controlled buys of drugs in separate investigations. On May 15, State Police charged Kahlena Shanaya Carmichael, 39, while the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General charged Shawn A. Catlett, 48, both of whom live together in Mount Union, court documents show. According to the criminal complaint for Carmichael, state police were contacted by an informant who alleged that they could get crack cocaine from her. From March 2024 to May 2024, investigators alleged that Carmichael sold crack cocaine in a controlled buy three times in the Mount Union area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Aug. 2024, agents with the Office of Attorney General said they debriefed an informant on their investigation into drugs being sold in Mount Union, according to Catletts criminal complaint. The informant alleged they knew of a man called Shaed through Carmichael. Agents said they were able to confirm Shaed was Catlett. Agents alleged Catlett sold crack cocaine twice, in two controlled buys in August and September 2024. Through the investigation, charges were ultimately filed against both Catlett and Carmichael. Agents charged Catlett with possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance Six counts in total. Troopers charged Carmichael with the same charges, however, theres a total of 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both were arraigned May 16 and placed in Huntingdon County Prison with bail set at $200,000 each. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TALLAHASSEE Leon County prosecutors say there is an open criminal investigation relating to information a lawmaker provided concerning the Hope Florida Foundation. In response to a request by the Times/Herald for Hope Florida Foundation-related records that prosecutors received from Republican state Rep. Alex Andrade, the records custodian for Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell said the information couldnt be released because it was part of an open, on-going investigation. The response is the first confirmation of any law enforcement investigation related to the foundation, which was set up to support the Hope Florida program championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, House Republicans alleged that the DeSantis administration illegally diverted $10 million from a settlement with a Medicaid contractor to a political committee controlled by the governors then-chief of staff. Campbell declined to comment. Its not clear who is leading the investigation. DeSantis, when asked by a Tampa Bay Times reporter about a probe by Campbells office during a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday, responded: Based on what? Well, I mean, I can tell you, this has been a very successful program, DeSantis said. Everything thats been thrown at it is pure politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in this program deeply, and I stand by it 100%, he added. Campbell, an elected Democrat whose office encompasses Tallahassee, told the Times/Herald last month that he wasnt investigating because no one had brought him evidence of a crime. Since then, Andrade, the Pensacola Republican who has been leading the Houses investigation into Hope Florida, has said he delivered records he compiled to Campbells office. The information was also given to the U.S. Department of Justice, Andrade has said. Andrade declined to comment Tuesday. Last month, he abruptly ended his committees probe into Hope Florida and its charity arm, but not before accusing DeSantis then-chief of staff, James Uthmeier, and a lawyer working for the charity of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope Florida is a state program championed by Casey DeSantis designed to move Floridians off of government welfare by connecting them to churches and nonprofits that can offer them help. Its charity arm, the Hope Florida Foundation, was founded to aid that mission. Last fall, the DeSantis administration directed $10 million of a $67 million settlement with the Medicaid contractor Centene to the Hope Florida Foundation. The settlement was over Centenes overbilling for prescription drugs. Within days, the charity gave $5 million to two nonprofits, including one run by the CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Mark Wilson. The two nonprofits then sent at least $8.5 million to a political committee, which was created to fight last years ballot initiative that would have legalized recreational marijuana and was overseen by Uthmeier. Andrade has called it an illegal diversion of Medicaid funds, which are supposed to go toward health care primarily for children, pregnant women and low-income Floridians who are disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monies from Medicaid settlements must be placed in the states Medical Care Trust Fund, with a portion owed back to the federal government. Last week, two Democratic members of Congress called on federal health care agencies to investigate the transactions. A spokesperson for Uthmeier, who is now Floridas attorney general, posted on X that his office is not aware of and havent received any inquiries from the state attorney. Looks like more lawfare driven by the fake news media and those politically motivated to hurt @GovRonDeSantis," spokesperson Jeremy Redfern wrote. Times staff writer Emily L. Mahoney contributed to this report. The State of Indiana is encouraging county and city governments to impose a new wheel tax. Any county, city, or town with a population of 5,000 or more can enact a wheel tax and excise surtax, but only about 54 of the states 92 counties and about a dozen cities have, Boone County Highway Director Nick Parr told the county council this week. Changes in the tax laws this year created a significant reduction in the $1.5 million in grant money that is usually available to the county for road and bridge maintenance and replacements. And the state has set aside millions of dollars for direct distributions to municipalities and counties, but only if they have the excise and wheel taxes, which must be adopted together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boone County payers dont pay either tax at present. The county would have to enact the taxes by Sept. 1 for it to take effect in January. According to Purdue University, the tax would apply to passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, motor drive cycles (mopeds), trailers, collector vehicles, mini trucks, buses, semi-tractors, semi-trailers, and RVs. Allowable rates per conveyance range from a minimum of $5 to a maximum of $80 and would be paid annually through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The change in tax law and road funding is expected to prompt the majority of Hoosier counties to adopt the taxes, and the pool of funds will be spread thinner. But the county could lose $876,000 in state funds annually without the tax, according to a conservative estimate, Parr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parr did not ask the council to adopt the taxes, he just updated them on the situation. Council President Jennifer Hostetter thanked him for tracking changes in the tax laws this year and how they may affect the county. Planning money Also on Tuesday, the council approved of Hostetter signing a joint letter with Boone County Commissioners President Scott Pell asking the state to pay for a new county comprehensive plan at a cost of up to $400,000. A comprehensive plan is a written document that guides officials and citizens on the use of land, among other issues, according to the county website. Boone Countys plan will establish rules for future growth for unincorporated land. Officials will seek public input in developing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counties usually update comprehensive plans every six or so years, county attorney Beth Copeland told the council. Boone Countys plan is 16 years old, and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. recently began developing thousands of acres for LEAP Lebanon Innovation and Research District on Lebanons north and west sides. The development necessitated a plan update, regardless of whether the county was financially ready. The IEDC is exempt from paying property taxes on land it has bought for development, although the land returns to the tax rolls when a business buys it for development, such as Eli Lilly and Co.s 800 acres at two sites. Meta has also bought more than 1,000 acres to develop. The former agricultural and residential land is taxed at far greater rates, $100,000 per acre and more so far, when it is bought and rezoned for industrial use. Copeland said the state is careful in not referring to the money it may supply as a replacement for lost taxes, but rather as an economic development payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever they call it, taxpayer Brian Daggy asked Copeland to remind the IEDC that $400,000 is far less than it would pay for taxes on the now-exempt land. In other business, the council: * Narrowly voted to add a running time period on meeting agendas for council members to comment on matters of interest that were not on the agenda. But their comments will be limited to five minutes. The time limit proved controversial, with Aaron Williams warning that it puts the council on a slippery slope to censorship. Williams, John Riner, and Dustin Plunkett voted no, while Hostetter, Shari Richey, Kevin Van Horn and Dan Lamar voted yes. Council members are not limited when speaking about regular agenda items, and the council can suspend rules to allow for more than five minutes as needed. * Approved the Boone County Commissioners request to move money from their legal services budget line to the indirect consulting line to pay to activate a sewage district at Interstate 65 and Ind. 47 in anticipation of commercial development. * Hostetter announced the winner of the county employees spring competition to get them walking. Maria Truitt, a court reporter, was in first place until Hostetter and Boone County Sheriff Tony Harris got into a fierce but friendly match at the end. Harris had to walk 22 miles the final day of the competition to beat Hostetter after they both walked 20 miles the previous day. Hostetter said with a laugh that Harris told her he wasnt walking the last day, so she laid off out of fatigue and let her guard down, while he sailed to first place. Hostetter was second, with Truitt coming in third. The status quo in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts has not changed after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said on May 20 on X. Putin and Trump held a phone call on May 19, during which the Russian leader refused to agree to a ceasefire and instead declared readiness to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty." "Unfortunately, following the Trump-Putin phone call, the status quo has not changed," Podolyak wrote on X, adding that Ukraine continues to offer an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, while Europe fully supports this step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Podolyak noted that the United States remains a global mediator, believing that Russia will negotiate for business and strategic interests. At the same time, Russia's position remains unchanged in its willingness to continue the war, he added. "There is Russia's unchanged position: it still seeks war, destruction, and killing, believing them to be the only means of preserving its current state. There is a Russia that is unwilling and categorically refuses to accept a ceasefire," Podolyak said. "And there is also this obsessive search for the so-called 'root causes of the war,' even though the only real cause is the simple fact of Russias unprovoked aggression." After speaking with Trump, Putin said Russia's position in the negotiations remains unchanged and requires "eliminating the root causes" of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call also follows largely inconclusive Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, where Russia sent a delegation of low-level officials and reiterated sweeping territorial demands, including that Ukraine accept the loss of Crimea and four eastern regions. After the May 19 conversation, Trump said on Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine will "immediately start" negotiations toward a ceasefire and an end to the war. He also refused to commit to additional sanctions against Russia and signaled that Washington might walk away from the peace talks unless progress is made. Read also: Its our land Zelensky responds to Putins call with Trump Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Steven Paul, one of the architects of actor Jon Voights plan to save Hollywood, has acquired a small production facility in Van Nuys and intends to film there in a vote of confidence for the local industry. Paul is Voights manager and production partner, and worked with him on a package of incentives and targeted tariffs that was presented to President Trump on May 3-4. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Paul announced the acquisition of Avenue Six Studios, which has four soundstages and a backlot resembling a New York street. Paul has filmed many of his recent productions in Bulgaria, but said he intends to make three films at the Van Nuys lot. I wont film everything there, but Ill be able to utilize it, he said in an interview. Paul and his partner, Scott Karol, crafted a proposal for a federal tax incentive for production, along with a host of other ideas such as a restoration of the old financial interest and syndication rules, which were eliminated more than three decades ago. Trump seized on a single element of that plan tariffs and announced that he would impose a 100% tariff on all films produced overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of that move, a coalition of industry unions urged Trump to support three limited tax deductions that can be used to incentivize production. The unions are also supportive of a federal production subsidy, but see that as a longer-term goal. In the interview, Paul said that the team continues to meet with industry leaders on the initiative. Were all working together as one united voice to try to make something happen, he said. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Henry County man is behind bars after Alabama authorities said he led them on a multi-agency chase. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Sunday, the Baldwin County District Attorneys Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) began investigating an assault and robbery that happened on Interstate 65 near mile marker 41. Authorities identified 28-year-old Mike Thomas of Stockbridge as the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALEA said that before the robbery and assault, Thomas led them on a chase along I-65 and was shooting at officers. TRENDING STORIES: The chase began when the Evergreen Police Department tried to stop Thomas in Conecuh County. Officers learned that Thomas was wanted for murder in Georgia. Officials used spike strips to stop Thomass vehicle. According to ALEA, Thomas hopped out of his vehicle and then tried to carjack an 18-wheeler that was stopped in traffic. Officials said he hit the driver multiple times in the head and face with a pistol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an unsuccessful carjacking attempt, Thomas ran into a nearby wooded area. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] He was later caught after a six-hour search. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment for the gunshot wound to his leg, which is believed to have happened during the attempted carjacking. He has since been booked into the Baldwin County Jail in Alabama. Channel 2 Action News is working to learn details regarding the murder Thomas is charged with in Georgia. Local residents are cleaning up after Cherokee County and Tahlequah were hit Monday afternoon by what local officials believe was a tornado. City of Tahlequah/Cherokee County Emergency Management and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management are advising residents to report property damage at damage.ok.gov. They can turn in any and all if they had property damage and then the state shares that with us, said Director Mike Underwood. If they show damages, [the state] will send teams down here to meet and meet with individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Jason Chennault said that fortunately, no injuries were reported and emergency responders were mostly dealing with trees downed across roadways. There is really no way for a law enforcement agency to prepare for a natural disaster; we just try to be ready and go where we think we can be the most help, Chennault said. Deputies patrol units are equipped with chainsaws and other tools, should the need for those arise. We got good use out of our chainsaws and hand tools last night. We usually arent able to open a blocked road or highway completely, but were usually able to clear them enough to get traffic moving so the [crews] with heavier equipment can get in and finish up, Chennault said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bobby Cub Whitewater, District 1 commissioner, was clearing off fallen trees on East 730 Road in his district. [We] had several washouts that we are working on now in the Rocky Ford area, and lots of debris still that will take several days. Emergency management is out assessing the damage also, Whitewater said. District 2 Commissioner Chris Jenkins said downed trees are scattered throughout the county and several washouts as well. We are just asking everyone, please be patient. We are trying to get through the area as fast as we can, Jenkins said. District 3 Commissioner Clif Hall is also seeing the same in his district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three districts are out and have been, off and on throughout the night, and resumed again before daylight. They are clearing off roads mainly and hauling debris, Underwood said. Cookson Volunteer Fire Department said crews responded to seven calls pertaining to downed trees, electrical hazards and a possible structure fire. Tahlequah Public Works Authority reported broken poles, downed trees and broken limbs. Crews have been dispatched this morning and will restore power as safely and quickly as possible, TPWA posted on its Facebook page. According to Lake Region Electric Cooperative, approximately 140 customers are without power in Briggs; 111 in Briggs; 36 in Qualls; eight in Perk; one in Fort Gibson; and one in Whitehorn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve made great strides in our restoration efforts and are now down to just 152 meters without power, with 140 of those in the Sparrowhawk community. Contractors are actively setting new poles and pulling wire to bring electricity back to Sparrowhawk residents. LREC posted on its Facebook page. Underwood said the National Weather Service will be in the area sometime in the next few days to assess the damage and determine if the area was hit by a confirmed tornado. Tahlequah residents with storm debris are asked to place it at the corner of their driveway and submit a brush pickup request on the city of Tahlequah website. Local residents should also report property damage by visiting damage.ok.gov. This is not a substitute for an insurance claim. Tahlequah residents can drop off cut tree limbs on Allen Road, north of the Bob Adrian Regional Fire Training Center. For more information, call the Tahlequah Street Department at 918-456-4661. WAYNE, N.J. (PIX11) A 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest during a fight with another student in a New Jersey school on Monday, police said. Rayshawn Christian, 18, allegedly attacked the boy in the cafeteria at Lakeview Learning Center on Van Duyne Avenue in Wayne at around 12:40 p.m., according to police. More Local News The victim was bleeding heavily from the chest and had to be rushed to the hospital for surgery, authorities said. The teens condition was unclear on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrested Christian at the school and found the knife believed to have been used in the attack, according to the Wayne Township Police Department. Christian, of Elizabeth, N.J., was charged with aggravated Assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a weapon in an educational institute, police said. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. We reiterate today our commitment to combating corruption, which knows no borders and hides in legislative gaps, Chief of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Brigitte Strobel-Shaw said, Trend reports. She made the remark at the 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network). According to her, cooperation is the most powerful network in combating corruption. "That is why we must do everything possible to prevent corruption. These sessions provide us with a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices. Here we can also identify legislative priorities. This platform plays a key role in establishing connections between relevant authorities," she added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A student teacher at Rouse High School in the Leander school district has been charged with having sex with a student, according to an arrest affidavit. Darian Christine Rogers, 22, of Austin, was charged by Leander police with improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, according to the affidavit released on Monday. The Rouse High School principal sent a letter to parents on Friday saying, "while this individual (Rogers) briefly completed student-teaching hours on our campus earlier this spring, we want to be clear: the alleged misconduct did not occur at school, during school hours, or at any school-sponsored event." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The individual (Rogers) was not a Leander ISD or Rouse High School employee and was immediately removed from campus once the district was made aware of the situation," the letter said. "District administration promptly notified both the individuals university program and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation." Police were alerted after a Rouse student told a teacher on April 9 that Rogers was having a sexual relationship with a male student, the affidavit said. It said detectives interviewed the male student, who initially denied having sex with Rogers. After he allowed detectives to read text messages between him and Rogers, the student then confirmed he did have a sexual relationship with her, according to the affidavit. When police first interviewed Rogers, she described her relationship with the male student as being that of a "big sister and little brother," the affidavit said. It said police then told her that the male student said he and Rogers had a sexual relationship. Rogers then told police she and the male student had sex once in a truck in a parking lot off-campus in March, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The position of student teacher is the last step in the college requirements to become a certified teacher, the affidavit said. It said Rogers was assigned to the Rouse campus in January and required to be at the campus five days a week. The district pays student teachers $1,250 after completing their student teaching, according to the affidavit. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Leander police: Rouse High School student teacher had sex with student NEW JERSEY (PIX11) With the race for New Jerseys next governor heating up, Democratic candidates will address key issues at a forum on PIX11 News this Friday. Viewers can submit questions for the candidates by commenting on PIX11s social media accounts, including X, Facebook and Instagram. Submit your questions by Friday, May 23, to be included in this weeks forum. More News: Politics Come June 10, New Jersey voters will weigh in on their partys nominee for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic candidates participating in PIX11s forum Friday include: State Sen. Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Recent exclusive polling by PIX11, Emerson College and The Hill revealed Sherrill is leading the Democratic field, while Republican voters are favoring former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. Watch the forum by tuning in or streaming online starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. New Yorks sprawling state university system will begin offering free community college access to adult students beginning this fall. State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said Friday that SUNY campuses are ready to launch Gov. Kathy Hochuls free community college program. The program was approved as part of the recently approved state spending plan for fiscal year 2025/26. Through SUNY Reconnect, starting this fall, community colleges across the state will provide free tuition, fees, books and supplies for adults ages 25 to 55 who dont already have a college degree or who want to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I applaud Gov. Hochul for fighting tirelessly to advance higher education and affordability, and I thank the State Legislature for supporting this proven model to help unleash New Yorkers full potential, King said. The SUNY Reconnect program, launching for the Fall 2025 term, will help break barriers to a college degree and provide financial support and flexibility for adult students to enroll, and more importantly, to succeed through to graduation at one of our excellent community colleges. Dozens of programs will be available among the 33 community college campuses in New York. Eligible programs include associate degree programs in high-demand areas of advanced manufacturing; nursing and allied health; engineering; technology, cybersecurity, and AI; green jobs; and teaching pathways in shortage areas, according to SUNY officials. Community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist all who are interested in eligible degree programs. Information can also be found at this link: suny.edu/freeCC. SUNYs community colleges have long been a source of opportunity for New Yorkers. Our campuses provide an excellent education with robust support and an academic curriculum that prepares students for success in the workforce and continued education, SUNY Board Trustee Robert J. Duffy, Chair of the Community Colleges Committee, said. The Governors free community college program will mean so much for adult learners and our campuses are ready to serve them today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential to New York States economic future. Offering free community college to adult learners will provide a gateway to new career opportunities in high-demand fields, and feed critical workforce pipelines, New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. The news comes just days after SUNY officials announced more than $3 million in new funding is coming to the three North Country SUNY campuses in the latest state budget. The SUNY Reconnect program will be instrumental in training people to work in high demand fields such as nursing and manufacturing, which is much needed in the North Country considering our bustling manufacturing industry and struggle to hire nurses State Assemblyman Billy Jones said. This funding will also support our local community colleges and provide more educational opportunities for North Country residents, which will also help our regional economy. "It is clear that a strong university system allows continued industry collaboration and expertise, and helps to grow our states economy." (Photo by Dennis Tangney Jr./Getty Images) As the New Hampshire Senate considers the House-adopted budget for fiscal year 2026-27 which includes a potential cut in support for the University System of New Hampshire I want to express the importance of a strong university system for the states businesses. My own experience as a business owner in Portsmouth shows me that a strong, capable, and well-funded university can lead to thriving businesses and economies as well. In 2003, I moved from Canada to Portsmouth to establish the company headquarters for a business called Interactive Visualization Systems, or IVS3D, which focused on seafloor mapping technologies. We quickly partnered with UNHs Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM), a world-renowned research and education center for ocean mapping and hydrographic sciences, which operates as a formal cooperative partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). CCOM was established 25 years ago to expand the scope of ocean mapping interaction and collaboration with the private sector, government agencies, and other universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What our company quickly discovered is the operational model and structure implemented at UNH has made the rapid transfer of research and development, or R&D, from research to industry not just possible, but incredibly successful. Without collaborative R&D through a public university, it is significantly more difficult and sometimes not economically feasible for private companies and industry to make that leap. Our firms partnership with UNH resulted in the successful transfer of significant seafloor mapping and hydrographic technologies, which allowed our company to extend products with new capabilities and modules that broadened and strengthened our international market position. These technologies have led to significant economic activity, directly supported new jobs in New Hampshire, and directly or indirectly supported various areas of the blue economy the economic activities related to the oceans and coasts. IVS3D was awarded the Exporter of the Year in 2006 by the Software Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire International Trade Association. There is no doubt that our partnership with UNHs Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping was a significant factor in our firms success and in receiving this accolade. It is clear that a strong university system allows continued industry collaboration and expertise, and helps to grow our states economy; it means new ideas and innovation right here in New Hampshire. Investing in our university system means investing in the many businesses and industries in our state. Its vital to the future of our economy that New Hampshire lawmakers recognize the importance of adequately funded higher education. A stock image of a pregnant woman in Seoul. Credit - RUNSTUDIO/Getty Images The typical K-drama romance ends in marriage and, sometimes, starting a family. Traditionally, the former has been seen as a prerequisite for the latter. But South Koreas government wants more people to see that its OK to skip a step. Local media reported this week that a recent study commissioned by the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy and conducted by the Korea Womens Development Institute showed that between 2008 and 2024, among both men and women in their 20s and 30s, there have been significantly increasing approval rates for childbirth out of wedlock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for childbirth out of wedlock among women in their 20s rose from 28.4% in 2008 to 42.4% last year. For women in their 30s, it rose from 23.9% to 40.7% during the same period. A similar trend appeared for men: in 2008, 32.4% of those in their 20s and 28.7% of those in their 30s approved of childbirth out of wedlock, while 43.1% and 43.3% of the respective male age groups approved in 2024. The government clearly welcomes the shedding of what was once a stigma, as it struggles to boost its fertility rate, which rose for the first time in nine years last year but remains the lowest in the world at 0.75 children per woman. Why fertility rate matters South Korea is not alone in Asia or the world when it comes to an aging population, but by the end of 2024 the East Asian nation of 51 million became a super-aged society after 20% of its population became 65 years old and above. In order to replace a population throughout generations without immigration, a country needs a fertility rate of 2.1. Consistently lower fertility rates can result in a smaller workforce, slow economic growth, and strain social security and pension systems. To help keep the economy afloat, many of South Koreas elderly continue to work. What South Korea has done to try to boost births Over the years, particularly under since-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has thrown everything it can at its demographic crisis, from cash incentives to increasing parental leaves and benefits to even considering military conscription exemptions for parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon, a pronatalist who blamed feminism for the low fertility rate, declared in June 2024 a demographic national emergency and unveiled a slew of policies aimed at enticing families to have children, given concerns about high costs of living. The plans also included a new Ministry of Population Strategy and Planning tasked with crafting the policies, though it did not materialize before his ouster. How marriage relatesand doesntto birth rates South Koreas marriage rate actually increased in 2024, with 14.8% more couples wedded compared to the year before. But that doesnt necessarily mean more children will be born, as women, trends show, are opting to have fewer children whether they are married or not. Population experts have said that pushing couples to marry may not be the solution to reverse low fertility that so many policymakers assume; rather, escaping what experts have called the low-fertility trap may require broader changes to societal norms. For South Korea, the traditional family structure could be one such norm. Why perceptions are changing Childbirth out of wedlock is still relatively rare in South Korea. Some 4.7% of babies born in 2023 were born to women who were not married or in a civil partnership, and while that figure has been on an uptrend since 2018, it is significantly below the average of 42% in developed countries (members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deeply ingrained prejudices against South Korean women who have babies outside of marriage have contributed to the low figure. The word horojasik is sometimes used to insult a child born out of wedlock. It is just desired tradition/belief with inherited Confucian culture mostly on the female duty and role, says Youngmi Kim, a senior lecturer of Korean Studies at the University of Edinburgh. But these perceptions are changing, especially after Yoons administration introduced several welfare policies catering to single parents as part of his bid to boost birthrates. Greater visibility, including celebrities having children out of wedlock, has also contributed to the shift. The Presidential Committee released on May 20 a study on public awareness of South Koreas population problem, as well as perceptions on marriage and childbirth. The study, conducted last March, noted that unmarried individuals are increasingly willing to have kids. Joo Hyung-hwan, who is vice chair of the committee, said in a press release that the latest statistics from the country have been encouraging, but added that the committee will provide support to all those who want a child by improving the discriminatory factors and institutional deficiencies of non-marital births. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Yoon Administration recognized that South Koreas fertility-boosting policies needed to be more inclusive of those who had or wanted children but did not wish to marry. But as South Korea heads for a snap election for a new leader in June, leading presidential candidates appear focused on policies such as housing support for newlyweds. Contact us at letters@time.com. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to strip legal protections from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to deportation. Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes explains the shocking ruling and what comes next for thousands of Venezuelans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The U.S. Supreme Court threw President Donald Trump a bone Monday after it made several rulings against him over the course of five days. It ruled 8-1 to allow the Trump administration to revoke a special legal protection for 350,000 Venezuelan migrants, paving the way for them to be stripped of their work permits and face deportation. The ruling was in response to one of 15 emergency appeals the Trump administration has made to the high court since January. Many appeals have not gone in Trumps favor, and he has made his displeasure known, particularly over the courts blocking of any deportations under the Alien Enemies Act outside a time of war. U.S. Supreme Court justices pose for their group portrait in 2022, shortly after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was appointed by Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Standing (L-R): Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Brown Jackson. Seated (L-R): Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Elena Kagan. / Evelyn Hockstein / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Ketanji Brown Jackson, 54, was the only justice to dissent on Monday. She is the newest member of the court, appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mondays ruling overturns an extension granted by the Biden administration to protect hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants from deportation under the Temporary Protected Status program through Oct. 2026. Impacted migrants can still challenge the Trump administration in the lower courts, since it was elevated by an emergency appeal, but the Trump administration is free to nix the program in the meantime. For Venezuelans, the Temporary Protected Status program was granted to anyone who faced persecution under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros regime, which amounted to anyone who willingly fled the country. Critics of Biden said that such a description is too broad and that Venezuela has since stabilized, making it safe to live in. Biden first offered TPS to Venezuelans in 2021 and extended it in January, during his final days in office. Venezuelan migrants hold a demonstration in Doral, Florida, home to one of President Donald Trumps golf clubs. They say Temporary Protected Status is a necessity for Venezuelans who will face persecution if they return. / Miami Herald / TNS Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rescinded Bidens extension the following month, but the issue was quickly challenged in federal court. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, halted Noems order and issued a nationwide injunction on status removals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chen said he ruled in favor of Venezuelan plaintiffs because the administrations decision was based on racial animus. Trumps solicitor general, John Sauer, said in his appeal to the Supreme Court that the law establishing the Temporary Protected Status program gave the executive branch complete control over which groups or individuals should receive it. Trumps team, led by Sauer, has not challenged the programs legality. It was enacted by Congress in 1990 and signed into law by George H.W. Bush to aid those impacted by national disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary instabilities. Noem said in January that the special status was no longer appropriate for Venezuelans because conditions had improved in the South American country. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 53, speaks from the El Salvador prison where alleged Venezuelan and Salvadoran gang members were deported to in March without due process. Similar deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court. / Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images Noem added that the stateside presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua meant accepting Venezuelans was contrary to the national interest, in part because criminals might disguise themselves as refugees to enter the country. However, those convicted of a crime in their home country are not eligible for the TPS program. Without TPS, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants living and working in the U.S. legally will see their way of living uprooted overnight. TPS recipients have high labor force participation and pay income and sales taxes. Many contribute to Social Security and Medicare, even though they will likely never qualify for the benefits, says the Economic Policy Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a spike in nationwide injunctions in MAGA 2.0 as Trump tests the limits of his power. The Trump administration has since challenged the legality of nationwide injunctions in another emergency appeal to the high court. The DOJ argues a single judge should not be permitted to issue an order that impacts the entire nation unilaterally, but that argument has faced pushback from some in the courts conservative bloc and has been outright mocked by its more liberal members. Oral arguments have commenced on the legality of national injunctions, but no ruling has been made. The injunction that sparked the administrations emergency appeal revolves around whether Trump can remove birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, through an executive order. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Maine legislature to count the votes of a GOP lawmaker who was censured after she identified a transgender teen athlete in a viral social-media post. The court majority sided with Rep. Laurel Libby, who filed an emergency appeal to restore her ability to vote while her lawsuit over the punishment plays out. There were two noted dissents, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The majority did not explain its reasoning, as is typical on the courts emergency docket. Jackson, for her part, said the case isnt an emergency in need of Supreme Court intervention since there are no significant upcoming votes where Libbys participation could change the outcome. She acknowledged, though, that the case raises many difficult questions and Libby may ultimately win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic-controlled state House censured Libby after finding her viral post had violated its code of ethics by putting the student at risk. She was blocked from speaking and voting on the floor after she refused to apologize. Libby has argued that the punishment violates free-speech rights. She said the courts decision restores a voice in the Legislature for the thousands of constituents she represents. This is a victory not just for my constituents, but for the Constitution itself, she said. Maine state attorneys argued that she still has other ways to participate in the legislative process, and would regain her voting power if she apologized. The Maine attorney generals office declined to comment Tuesday. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Supreme Courts order halts a lower court ruling that the sanction isnt severe enough to overcome legal blocks on courts intervening with legislative functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libbys February post was about a high school athlete who won a girls track competition. She said the student had previously competed in boys track. Her post included a photo of the student and first-name identification in quotation marks. Libbys post went viral, preceding a public disagreement over the issue between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills. The Trump administration later filed a lawsuit against the state for not complying with the governments push to ban transgender athletes. Did Donald Trump just hurt his own chances of passing his big, beautiful bill? After the president urged Republican lawmakers to get behind his sweeping legislation at the closed-door House Republican Conference Tuesday, several moderate GOP members from blue states messaged House Speaker Mike Johnson to tell him they werent on board, according to Punchbowl News. Trump had specifically pressured Republican members of the SALT caucus, a bipartisan group fighting to restore state and local tax, or SALT, deductions, to agree to legislation that would cap the deductions at only $30,000 for anyone making $400,000 or less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of lawmakers have pushed to significantly increase that limit, arguing that its hurting middle-class residents in their high-tax states, such as New York, California, and New Jersey. Trumps 2017 tax bill had previously capped those deductions at $10,000. Republican members of the group include New York Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, and Nicole Malliotakis, New Jersey Representative Tom Kean, and California Representative Young Kim. On Tuesday, the president reportedly told lawmakers to let SALT go, according to The Hill. One source said that the president had specifically targeted Lawler, who represents New Yorks 17th congressional district, just north of New York City. I know your district better than you do, Trump said. If you lose because of SALT, you were going to lose anyway. Lawlers seat goes up for grabs in 2026. He has not yet said whether he will run for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official told The Hill that Trumps main message was that Republicans could circle back later on SALT, and should focus on getting the bill passed now. South Carolina Republican Mark Norman told Punchbowl News that hed gotten a slightly different message from the president: Forget SALT. It seems that Trumps visit has only caused members of the SALT caucus to dig in even more. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan has become a crucial global center hosting global initiatives in recent years, the country's Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev said at the 6th Plenary Meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network), Trend reports. According to him, last year alone, Azerbaijan successfully hosted the UN COP29 Climate Conference and the 29th annual meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors, and a number of important events were successfully organized, including a high-level session on the fight against environmental crimes by law enforcement agencies. He mentioned that Azerbaijan highly appreciates this platform as an active member of the GlobE Network contributing to strengthening international cooperation, promoting integrity, and jointly combating transnational corruption. The prosecutor general noted that Saudi Arabia, and in particular its anti-corruption body, Nazaha, played an indispensable role in the creation and development of this initiative. "We highly appreciate their contribution and leadership in this important global initiative. The fight against corruption that knows no borders on a global scale remains a complex but necessary challenge that requires a joint, coordinated, and decisive approach. Today's plenary session is a manifestation of this global will. The fight against corruption in Azerbaijan is being carried out on the basis of a comprehensive approach. Along with criminal prosecution, a wide range of measures are being implemented, including institutional reforms, public awareness, the application of digital technologies, and the participation of civil society. The political will, specific goals, and principled position of the head of state constitute the main foundation for the results we have achieved in this area," he said. The official recalled that the "ASAN Khidmet" model, established in Azerbaijan in 2012 and already recognized internationally, plays an important role in preventing corruption and strengthening trust in public administration as an example of transparent and fast service for citizens. This innovative approach is an indicator of successful state policy built on digitalization and transparency. "The great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, who lived and created in the 12th century, said in his work "Sharafnameh": 'The world can be maintained with honor, and the state and flag are exalted with it.' In the light of this deep and wise thought, we understand that corruption is not only a violation of the law. It is a blow to the spirit of society, human confidence, and the hopes of future generations. That is why the importance of today's plenary session is immeasurable. With joint efforts, we are trying to build a world that is more transparent, more honest, and looks to the future with confidence. We must go one step further in this struggle in order to leave a just society and bright tomorrows to future generations," he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Credit - Patrick McMullanPMC/Getty Images When Susan Fales-Hill agreed to pay ballerina Misty Copelands salary for American Ballet Theatre in 2004, the TV writer-producer rocketed into prominence as a new force driving the arts to diversify. For a time, Copeland was ABTs only Black performer; today, Black dancers comprise about 10% of the company. Thats thanks in large part to Fales-Hills influence, both as a prodigious fundraiser who has chaired several of ABTs glitzy galas and as a board trustee pushing the nonprofit to foster new talent in diverse communities. An executive producer for Maxs And Just Like That, Fales-Hill says her arts philanthropy is inspired by having watched her mother, Haitian-American actress Josephine Premice, and other Black performers struggle to find work when she was growing up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew from as soon as I started making money that part of my job would be to give it away and use the access I had to open doors for others, Fales-Hill says. Fales-Hill and her husband also endow a scholarship at the private high school their daughter attended and last year helped creat a fund at Harvards Radcliffe Institute for a series of symposia on civil discourse. It's all about reinforcing our common humanity and leveling the playing field so that everyone has an equal chance, she says. Everyone's not going to have the same outcome, but everyone needs an equal chance. Contact us at letters@time.com. A Canadian man accused in the cold case killing of a New Jersey woman took a plea deal on Monday, admitting to the killing in exchange for a 10-year prison sentence. Robert Creter, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said on Tuesday. He told police he strangled Tamara Tammy Tignor to death with his bare hands. Creter was initially charged with murder in the death of Tignor, who was 23 years old when she was found dead in Bridgewater Township on Nov. 4, 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tignors body was found on a dirt access road by a local resident. She had been living in Newark, about 20 miles east of where she was found dead. The case went cold for decades, until DNA found at the scene was retested in 2023. Cops said the DNA matched Creter, who was born in Canada and moved back to his native country in 2002. He was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, when cops identified him as a suspect. Eyewitnesses in 1997 said Tignor was last seen alive stepping into an orange van on the streets of Newark. Investigators said Creter had access to such a van. Creter was first charged in May 2023, and following the diplomatic process, he was finally arrested in June 2024 and extradited to the U.S. in November. Creters sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 11. Under the terms of the plea deal, he must serve at least 8.5 years without parole. The motorcyclist involved in a deadly hit-and-run in Seattles Columbia City neighborhood appeared in court for the first time Monday. Tyler Shane OBrien was at the King County Courthouse this morning with his arm in a sling, entering not guilty pleas on all four counts for the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed 57-year-old Min Huang and seriously injured her husband. OBrien is being charged with four counts: felony hit and run, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and third-degree driving on a suspended/revoked license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State requested that his bail be set at $500K, with several stipulations if posted, including home monitoring, hes not allowed to leave Washington State without approval, he cannot drive without a valid license or insurance, and he cannot have any moving traffic violations. His next hearing has been set for June 12th, with a possible trial date in early July. SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) Police say a driver led them on a chase spanning approximately 28 miles through several jurisdictions after they tried to question him about reports they had received from people in the area. Just before 8 p.m. Monday, officers were called to the area of Thornton Street and Hall Avenue for a report that a dark-colored Kia Telluride was driving slowly past the callers house. According to the criminal complaint, officers received several calls and saw Facebook posts about a vehicle of a similar description where a man inside had been approaching and speaking to children in the area. Police spoke with the suspect, Timothy Hartey, 52, on Saturday, the complaint said, and officers recognized him to be driving the vehicle spotted in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, an officer attempted to speak with Hartey, but he would not roll down the vehicles window or get out of the car. When he refused to exit, the complaint stated that the officer tried to break the passenger side window, and Hartey took off, nearly hitting the officer as he sped away. This led to a chase that went through multiple communities involving officers from Sharon, Brookfield, Farrell, Hermitage, Shenango Township and Pennsylvania State police. Police said the vehicle was traveling at speeds of over 120 miles per hour and that the vehicle ran through several stop signs. The vehicle ended up abruptly stopping at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Roemer Boulevard in Farrell, causing one of the cruisers to have a minimal collision with the back of the SUV, the complaint stated. The complaint states that officers were able to box the Kia in near a barrier on Interstate 376 east to get it to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartey faces charges of aggravated assault, fleeing, obstructing law, accident involving damage to an attended vehicle, reckless and careless driving and several other traffic-related charges. Hartey was arraigned Tuesday, and a preliminary hearing is set for May 30, according to court records. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) The man accused of killing University of Mississippi student Jimmie Jay Lee is seeking a change of venue for his retrial. According to court documents, the motion filed by Sheldon Timothy Herrington and his attorney seeks a change of venue due to extensive news coverage and social media posts about the case. Herrington argued that he would not receive a fair trial. Herringtons motion for change of venueDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herrington has been charged with capital murder in the case and has pled not guilty. The state said in court that they will not be seeking the death penalty. Tampering charge dropped for man accused of killing Jimmie Jay Lee Herringtons retrial has been scheduled for October 13, 2025. Herrington was accused of killing Lee to hide an alleged romantic relationship in 2022. He went to trial in December 2024, but a jury was unable to reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared. Jimmie Jay Lee and his accused killer Timothy Herrington (Mugshot from Oxford Police Department) Herrington is in custody at the Lafayette County Jail. Lees remains werent found for nearly three years, until February 2025. The Mississippi Crime Lab confirmed through DNA analysis that the remains belonged to Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The suspect in the recent attack in the western German city of Bielefeld has been remanded in custody on suspicion of attempted murder, authorities said on Tuesday, as investigators continued to search for a motive. The 35-year-old, a Syrian national from nearby Harsewinkel, was detained late on Monday near Dusseldorf after the incident outside a bar in Bielefeld early on Sunday morning. According to the police and the Bielefeld public prosecutor's office, there is a strong suspicion that the accused stabbed at least four people with a knife and a spear-like object with intent to kill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been issued with a pre-trial detention order on suspicion of attempted murder in conjunction with four counts of grievous bodily harm. Investigations into the motive are ongoing "in particular with regard to a possible Islamist background to the offence," prosecutors said. The attack occurred outside a bar near Bielefeld's main train station, when a man used a sharp object to attack a group of five men, aged 22 to 27. Four were seriously injured, two of them initially in life-threatening condition, though their condition has since stabilized, a police spokeswoman said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group reportedly managed to fight off and injure the attacker before he fled. According to information obtained by dpa from security sources, the suspect is believed to have had contact with Islamist circles. IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) Iberia Parish police are searching for several suspects allegedly connected to multiple burglaries of copper at business in Iberia Parish. According to authorities Jude Camacho, 43, Danny Babineaux, 46 and Chad Gros, 51, are wanted for eight counts of simple burglary and three counts of aggravated criminal damage to property. Officials said the estimated value of thefts and damages totals to over $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an ongoing case, several more arrest are expected. Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is urged to call the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. The News US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that Syria could descend into a new civil war, just days after President Donald Trump said he would lift sanctions on Damascus. Rubio told lawmakers that Syria may be weeks away from potential collapse and full-scale civil war of epic proportions. The fall of Bashar al-Assad after a 13-year civil war was met with jubilation last year, but Damascus now faces the challenge of holding those responsible for the regimes crimes accountable while maintaining social cohesion: The new government has set up groups to find thousands who disappeared during Assads rule, and compensate victims of state crimes, but legal proceedings will be difficult and complex, one official said, especially because evidence may have been compromised. BARADA VALLEY, Syria (AP) Inside a mountain above the Syrian capital, Hassan Bashi walked through tunnels that used to be filled with water from a spring famous for its pure waters. The spring rises inside the ruins of a Roman temple in the Barada Valley and flows toward Damascus, supplying the city with drinking water for thousands of years. Normally, during the winter flood season, water fills all the tunnels and washes over much of the temple. Now, there is only a trickle of water following the driest winter in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bashi, who is a guard but also knows how to operate the pumping and water filtration machines in the absence of the engineer in charge, displayed an old video on his cell phone of high waters inside the ruins. I have been working at the Ein al-Fijeh spring for 33 years and this is the first year it is that dry, Bashi said. The spring and the Barada River that it feeds are the main source of water for 5 million people, supplying Damascus and its suburbs with 70% of their water. As the city suffers its worst water shortages in years, many people now rely on buying water from private tanker trucks that fill from wells. Officials are warning that the situation could get worse in the summer and urge residents to use water sparingly while showering, cleaning or washing dishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ein al-Fijeh spring is working now at its lowest level, said Ahmad Darwish, head of the Damascus City Water Supply Authority, adding that the current year witnessed the lowest rainfall since 1956. The channels that have been there since the day of the Romans two millennia ago were improved in 1920 and then again in 1980, he said. Darwish said the spring water comes mainly from rainfall and melted snow off the mountains along the border with Lebanon, but because of this years below-average rainfall, it has given us amounts that are much less than normal. There are 1.1 million homes that get water from the spring, and in order to get through the year, people will have to cut down their consumption, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spring also feeds the Barada River, which cuts through Damascus and which is also mostly dry this year. In the city's eastern area of Abbasids, Bassam Jbara is feeling the shortage. His neighborhood only gets water for about 90 minutes a day, compared with previous years when water was always running when they turned on the taps. Persistent electricity cuts are making the problem worse, he said, as they sometimes have water but no power to pump it to the tankers on the roof of the building. Jbara once had to buy five barrels of undrinkable water from a tanker truck that cost him and his neighbors $15, a large amount of money in a country where many people make less than $100 a month. From what we are seeing, we are heading toward difficult conditions regarding water, he said, fearing that supplies will drop to once or twice a week over the summer. He is already economizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of Damascus are used to having water every day and to drinking tap water coming from the Ein al-Fijeh spring, but unfortunately the spring is now weak," Jbara said. During Syrias nearly 14-year civil war, Ein al-Fijeh was subjected to multiple shellings, changing between forces of then- President Bashar Assad and insurgents over the years. In early 2017, government forces captured the area from insurgents and held it until December, when the five-decade Assad dynasty collapsed in a stunning offensive by fighters led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, of current President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Tarek Abdul-Wahed returned to his home near the spring in December, nearly eight years after he was forced to leave with his family. He is now working on rebuilding the restaurant he had once owned it was blown up by Assads forces after Abdul-Wahed left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He looked at the parched region that used to be filled with tourists and Syrians who would come in the summer to enjoy the cool weather. The Ein al-Fijeh spring is the only artery to Damascus, Abdul-Wahed said as reconstruction work was ongoing in the restaurant, which had helped 15 families in the area make a living in addition to the employees who came from other parts of Syria. Now it looks like a desert. There is no one, he said. We hope that the good old days return with people coming here. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Israel warned over Gaza by UK, France and Canada In an unprecedented move, United Kingdom, France and Canada have threatened Israel of 'concrete actions' if it does not stop it aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and allow aid into the besieged enclave Tuesday May 20, 2025 12:12 PM , News Desk In an unprecedented move, United Kingdom, France and Canada have threatened Israel of concrete actions if it does not stop it aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and allow aid into the besieged enclave. In a joint statement released Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney slammed Israel's expansion of its war and called conditions in Gaza "intolerable", and threatened a "concrete" response if Israel's campaign continues. The Israeli Governments denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law, the leaders said in the statement released by the UK government said. We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions", they said. The latest warning to Israel by UK, France and Canada came days after Benjamin Netanyahu announced to launch a "renewed military operation" in Gaza to gain "full control" of the Palestinian territory. Israeli blockade of Gaza Israel has imposed a total blockade of aid into Gaza when the first phase of its ceasefire with Hamas ended on March 18, 2025 . More than two million Palestinians in Gaza are currently facing starvation, with many surviving on one and insufficient meal per day. Women and children are worst affected as besides necessary food medical aid has also been blocked by the far right Zionist regime of Netanyahu. Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 53,475 Palestinians and wounded 121,398 since October 7, 2023, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The Government Media Office updated the death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead. The Israeli occupation forces have killed around 200 Palestinians, majority of them women and children, in the last two days. "Outrageous, Morally Reprehensible" Meanwhile, the Amnesty International, a prominent human rights group, lambasted the Israeli allies saying, It is outrageous and morally reprehensible that it took the world nearly 80 days of starvation in Gaza to exert "pressure" on Israel to let some aid in. "And still, letting in a handful of aid trucks a drop in the ocean, while simultaneously intensifying military operations, is a cynical attempt to sugarcoat Israels ongoing genocide, the group said in a post on X. World leaders must not be fooled, it added. Nothing short of a full lifting of Israels siege on the occupied Gaza Strip and an immediate, enduring ceasefire will help to alleviate the catastrophic suffering Palestinians in Gaza are being forced to endure under the watch of Israels allies. "Manufactured Famine" Earlier, some 761 aid groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the globe have signed an appeal urging the world to halt the manufactured famine in Gaza by breaking the Israeli siege on the enclave and sending in a diplomatic humanitarian convoy through the Rafah crossing. We urge states to join the humanitarian convoy by dispatching official diplomatic missions at the highest possible level to accompany the aid trucks already waiting at the Rafah crossing, and to enter Gaza alongside them, the online petition launched by Palestinian civil society groups on May 12, said. This act is grounded in states legal obligations, moral courage, and human solidarity", they said. In a related development, as many as 22 countries, European Union, demanded complete resumption of aid into Gaza. The foreign ministers of the 22 countries in their statement outrightly rejected Netanyahus new model of aid distribution. The foreign ministers said this is completely unacceptable because humanitarian aid should never be politicized, and should be equal and accessible for everyone. The foreign ministers stand vis-a-vis the humanitarian crisis in Gaza came ahead of their meeting in Brussels where the EU will discuss its position on Gaza. [With inputs from Al Jazeera and Agencies] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. An international festival of children's creativity titled ShushaThe Cultural Gem of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in the city of Shusha, coinciding with International Children's Day on June 1, Trend reports via the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan. The festival will bring together schoolchildren from Turkic-speaking countries. The goal of the festival is to further strengthen the bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation among children from Turkic nations while offering a platform to showcase the history and culture of their respective countries. It also aims to highlight the captivating beauty of Shusha. In alignment with the concert agenda, a cohort of 300 contributors from diverse artistic collectives throughout the Turkic sphere will showcase an array of musical and choreographic presentations that encapsulate their respective cultural heritages. Notable cultural and artistic luminaries, approximately one hundred and fifty students, along with progeny of martyrs, are anticipated to grace the festival as esteemed attendees. From May 26 through June 2, festival participants will engage in curated excursions to immerse themselves in the ecological topographies of Azerbaijan, investigate historical and architectural edifices, and monitor the active restoration initiatives within the locale. More information about the event is available on its official social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/shushafestivali/ https://www.instagram.com/shushafestivali Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LONGMEADOW The towns top board unanimously called Monday for a longtime Planning Board member to resign, joining that boards decision to denounce the member earlier this month. No resident of Longmeadow or anywhere should be subjected to this treatment by an elected official, said Vineeth Hemavathi, chair of the Select Board. Walter Gunn has twice been accused of entering residents backyards unannounced during his tenure on the Planning Board once in 2014, according to a police report, and once in January, according to a complaint filed with the Planning Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyn Simmons, the Longmeadow town manager, told The Republican Tuesday she had not heard from Gunn and did not know if he was planning to resign in response to the boards call. The town does not have the legal means to recall an elected official. Gunn could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday. The incident Fabricio and Jill Ochoa emailed a formal complaint to Cheryl Thibodeau, the chair of the Planning Board, on March 16. The couple said Gunn entered their property unannounced in January, claiming he was on a bike ride through the neighborhood. In a video Fabricio Ochoa took of the incident, which The Republican viewed, Gunn asked Ochoa if he even speaks English, after they had been talking for a minute. He also asked Ochoa if he was a resident in Longmeadow, the video shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire interaction lasted 24 minutes. The encounter with Walter was both humiliating and disheartening, Ochoa said in his complaint. In comments after the May 9 meeting, Gunn said he was very apologetic with what transpired that night and cant explain why he acted the way he did. I cant sit here silently, Dan Zwirko, a Select Board member, said Monday night, before voting to endorse Hemavathis statement. To the Ochoas and any other marginalized people, we have your back. All members of the Select Board supported the call for Gunn to resign. Between 2000 and present day, there has been one other instance when Gunn entered a residents property unannounced, according to a police report filed in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resident, whose name is redacted from the report, said Gunn rode his bike onto the property. The resident said he (waved), ran and shouted to the man telling him to stop. The resident said the man introduced himself as Walter Gunn, and said he has the right to ride on my property, the report said. He said that if I dont let him, he will fight me + hurt me, the report said. The report continues that Gunn threatened the resident, claiming he had a gun and would use it if the resident did not let Gunn onto his property. Gunn also allegedly told the resident that he had previously ridden on the property on many, many occasions, and that it is his property to ride thru or go thru anytime he wishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the Planning Board, Gunn has some latitude in approaching members of the community on official matters, according to Hemavathi. Simmons, the town manager, said she was aware of the previous incident in 2014. In an emailed statement, she said, The incident the Ochoas experienced is not one that anyone should ever have to endure. Im grateful they had the strength to come forward so we can confront it directly and work to ensure every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect. Possible recourse? Mark Gold, one of the Select Board members, said he agreed the board needed to take action regarding Gunn but acknowledged that the town doesnt have clear recourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gold said that in 2019 residents requested a change to the town charter to enable the recall of elected officials, except for those on the Select Board. I would like to bring that back, Gold said of the proposal, which did not become policy, if thats what people want. I want to make sure the town has recourse, he said. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. A Tacoma home where a search has been underway as part of a cold-case investigation was considered a base for criminal activity in the early 2000s, court records show. The search was underway in the 3200 block of South Gunnison Street on Monday after detectives received a tip regarding an unsolved case, police said. Detectives have been investigating the tip for the past couple months, Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Shelbie Boyd told The News Tribune. Investigators were seen digging through the backyard of the home on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyd said she could not say which specific cold case prompted the investigation. There are 147 unsolved homicides in TPDs cold-case files and 20 missing-person cases with strong possibility of homicide, including that of Teekah Lewis, a 2-year-old girl who went missing from a bowling alley in that general area of the city in 1999. The investigation continued Tuesday at the home, she said. The current occupants of the home are not related to the case in any way. Criminal activity at Gunnison home The home was once used as a place for methamphetamine users to buy their drugs and get rid of stolen property, according to a 2003 search warrant obtained by The News Tribune. An investigation into the home began after a woman reported her 1986 Toyota truck was stolen from a grocery store at South 19th Street on May 10, 2003. Her truck was later found after a man, who was driving it, left the vehicle behind to steal someones dirt bike, documents show. The dirt bike owner reported the incident and truck to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trucks owner told police that empty of boxes of pseudoephedrine and lithium boxes were in the vehicle, but that they did not belong to her, documents show. Detectives believed the items were used to make methamphetamine. Documents show a pay stub was also found that belonged to another person whose vehicle was stolen. The stolen-vehicle suspect previously admitted to detectives that he got the car from the owner of the Gunnison Street home. A telephone bill and Washington license plate in the truck also tracked back to the homeowner, documents show. The previous owner reportedly received the house through his fathers will, documents show. The TPD drug unit at the time was aware of complaints that the home was used as a drug house. Documents show that methamphetamine users would typically steal cars for valuable items in them. They would also use the stolen vehicle to go to drug locations, documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through records, detectives determined that 26 stolen vehicles had been recovered in the area of the Gunnison Street home within the past 12 months, documents show. A witness who was familiar with the home told detectives that the house contained stolen items such as car stereos and speakers, documents show. There were also stolen car parts in the backyard, which a detective noted when they went by the home. Another witness told detectives the previous year that car thieves would get orders from people at the home on what type of vehicles to steal, documents show. The warrant shows that evidence investigators were looking for included: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records, notes, book and other papers related to the transportation, ordering, purchase and distribution of stolen property Information such as addresses or telephone numbers of any co-conspirators Any firearms and munitions Stolen property belonging to the victims Property within that was determined to be stolen Equipment used for the theft and/or dismantling of vehicles. This includes rings of car keys, lock picks, lock-out kits, pry bars and screwdrivers. Online real estate records show the home was sold in March 2004. The homes most recent sale was in July 2015. Tacoma declined Monday to release records pertaining to its internal review of ex-Police Chief Avery Moores usage of leave, which had come under scrutiny late last year around the same time he was being investigated for overseas work phone charges. Moore, who resigned in February as the citys top cop and retired from law enforcement, racked up a $1,000-plus bill on his city-issued phone while on a July family vacation in Sweden. An outside probe, which cost the city more than $11,000, concluded that Moore didnt deliberately mislead two city administrators about his knowledge of the charges, which were incurred for GPS navigation. He repaid the bill. An investigation report in December authored by Hana Kern, a contracted lawyer tasked with digging into Moores truthfulness related to the charges, also noted that City Manager Elizabeth Pauli had heard rumors in September about Moores use of leave, prompting Pauli to request an examination that was still occurring when Pauli spoke to Kern in late September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though these were just rumors and nothing concrete, she had asked City HR Director Shelby Fritz to look at Moores leave usage to see if there was any cause for concern, the report said. That process was still ongoing when Pauli was interviewed for this report. In January, before Moore announced his resignation, The News Tribune filed a public records request for all information related to the citys inquiry into Moores usage of leave, including any reports, emails and meeting notes. The citys public records office on Monday notified The News Tribune in writing that the city had taken the position that those records were exempt from disclosure and cited a state statute that indicated the review is still ongoing. The statute in question exempts the disclosure of preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations and memos in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended. Governments or agencies relying on this exemption must show, among other things, that the records contain predecisional opinions or recommendations expressed as part of a deliberative process, according to the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington. The News Tribune first learned late last week that the city planned to withhold information from the public records request due to the matter being unresolved. The city previously provided some documents, which were either redacted due to attorney-client privilege or related to the investigation into Moores work phone charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, The News Tribune asked for details about the review into Moores usage of leave, confirmation that it was still active and an explanation of why the city continued to look into the work-related activities of a now-former employee. City spokesperson Maria Lee replied that she didnt have any information to share. Its unclear what exactly about Moores usage of leave had been the subject of rumors and the subsequent review. Attempts to reach Moore on Monday were unsuccessful, using phone numbers that public records show were connected to him. Moores calendar and a Tacoma Police Department memo obtained by The News Tribune showed that he took paid time off or was out of the office last year between March 18-22, July 10-21, Nov. 6-12, Nov. 21-Dec. 1 and Dec. 24-31. In her late-September interview with Kern, Pauli noted that she was responsible for approving Moores leave as she did with others who directly reported to her, according to a copy of Kerns notes obtained in a previous public records request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore was also placed on paid administrative leave in late September, returning the following week, amid the investigation into his overseas work phone charges. Last month, The News Tribune reported that Moore was paid nearly $500,000 by the city as part of his employment separation agreement. TPDs second-in-command, Deputy Chief Paul Junger, was fired in March following a workplace investigation. The News Tribune later reported that Assistant Chief Crystal Young-Haskins had accused Junger of harassment and creating a hostile work environment. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) The Taiwanese president said Tuesday that trade tensions between the United States and Taiwan are just frictions between friends in a show of optimism as tariff negotiations are underway with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 32% tariffs on all imports from Taiwan as part of sweeping duties levied against all U.S. trading partners last month. The tariffs on Taiwanese goods were subsequently lowered to 10% for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations. Officials from both sides held a first round of talks last month, to be followed by another one in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a speech marking his first year as president and focusing on Taiwan's strategies to defuse the effects of U.S. tariffs and military threats from China, Lai Ching-te struck an accommodating tone despite the tariff pressure. The U.S. and Taiwan have long cooperated and have also encouraged each other to grow, he said. There are bound to be frictions between friends, but they can eventually be reconciled. Even if there are differences of opinion, as long as there is a foundation of trust and sincere dialogue, they can understand each other better and deepen their friendship, he added. The U.S. has traditionally been Taiwans strongest unofficial ally in the face of military threats by China, which considers the self-ruled island its own territory, to be retaken by force if necessary. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lai said Taiwan would continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities, both through foreign military procurement and domestic arms development, and stand shoulder to shoulder with its allies to exert deterrent power. We will prepare adequately to avoid war and achieve the goal of peace, he said. He kept open the possibility of talks with Beijing, saying that Taiwan is very willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is mutual respect and dignity. Taiwan's economy is supported by massive semiconductor firms that supply microchips globally as well as other electronics, advanced manufacturing and green tech makers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lai said he would continue to encourage foreign investment in Taiwan, citing Monday's announcement by American technology company Nvidia about opening a new office in northern Taipei. Nvidias Taiwan-born CEO Jensen Huang also announced his company would build an artificial intelligence supercomputer on the island in partnership with chipmaker TSMC, tech firm Foxconn and the Taiwanese government. He also backed increased investments by Taiwanese firms in the U.S. In March, TSMC responded to Trumps tariff threats by pledging a new $100 billion investment in the U.S., in addition to earlier commitments to invest more than $65 billion in three factories in Arizona, one of which began production late last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Lais controversial proposal to completely remove tariffs on U.S. goods on the basis of reciprocity, in addition to bumping up procurement of U.S. products, triggered protests last week by Taiwanese farmers. Lai opened his speech by offering his deepest condolences to the families of three people, including two 12-year-old girls, who were killed when a driver plowed through pedestrians in New Taipei City on Monday. He promised a speedy investigation into the tragedy that has shaken many on this self-governing island of 23 million people. ___ Associated Press video journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report. TAMPA When Jimmie Gardner was arrested 18 months ago on human trafficking allegations, Tampa authorities were quick to tout his past wrongful imprisonment and his relationship to a Democratic politician. Police and prosecutors accused Gardner, 58, of offering to pay a 16-year-old girl for sex, then choking her when she resisted his advances. News of his arrest became a minor political sensation. It also caught the attention of federal prosecutors, who quickly scooped up the case. Last month, though, they dropped it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the government lost confidence in the credibility of their key witness, the accuser, who admitted in a pretrial meeting that shed lied in all her previous statements to investigators, according to court records. Other inconsistencies further complicated the case, which hinged on the word of a girl prosecutors acknowledged was troubled. Gardner, through his attorney, declined to comment. Mr. Gardner has no ill will toward the alleged victim, said attorney David Little. We are thankful, and he is certainly thankful, that she finally came forward and clarified part of her misrepresentations to law enforcement. And Mr. Gardner looks forward to moving forward and putting this situation behind him. An exonerated man accused Gardner is a Tampa native who as a young man played in the storied Belmont Heights Little League. In 1984, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played four seasons in the minor leagues while spending the offseason studying business at Tampa College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is best known, though, for the harrowing story of his wrongful conviction in a 1987 West Virginia rape. That case hinged on false testimony from a blood analyst. Prosecutors were also faulted for failing to disclose lab reports that indicated someone else committed the crime. Gardner was exonerated in 2016 after 27 years in prison. He became a motivational speaker and later married Leslie Abrams Gardner, a federal judge who is the sister of Stacey Abrams, the nationally recognized Democratic Georgia voting rights activist. In November 2023, Gardner was back in his hometown, staying at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. Police were called there early one morning after a young woman told several people that someone tried to rape her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later told police that hours earlier shed been walking along Fowler Avenue when Gardner pulled up alongside her in a black Cadillac SUV. He asked if she wanted to chill, and if she wanted to do something for some money, she said, according to court records. She learned he was staying at a nice hotel and wanted to take pictures for social media, the records state. She denied there was any talk in the SUV about sex, records state. She agreed to hang out, she said, but claimed she told him she was 16 and wouldnt do anything sexual. They later went to his hotel. In his hotel room, the girl said, Gardner watched TV and made conversation with her. At some point, she said Gardner put a $100 bill in her pocket and asked if she would engage in sex acts, court records state. She initially agreed, she said, but told Gardner shed changed her mind after the encounter became physical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Gardner became angry and told her to leave. A loud argument ensued. As she yelled at him, the girl said, Gardner placed his hands around her neck, court records state. She ran out of the room and began banging on doors. A hotel guest took her to the lobby, where police were called. As officers talked to the girl, Gardner phoned the front desk and said he wanted to tell his side of the story. He claimed he met the girl in the lobby and she followed him back to his room, according to court records. He said he believed she was an escort, and told her he wanted nothing to do with her. He claimed it was she who became angry. Gardner was arrested on human trafficking and other charges. Within weeks, federal prosecutors picked up the case, bringing it to a grand jury that returned an indictment for sex trafficking of a minor. The case becomes murky Court records note that male DNA obtained from the girl the night of Gardners arrest did not match him. There was little other physical evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gardners defense sought to introduce evidence that the girl was involved in sex work. They asserted that she engaged in a pattern of lying about her age to unsuspecting men, records state. The defense disputed that the girl ever told Gardner she was a minor. He claimed he asked if she was over 18 and she responded yes. Although the girl first denied to police that shed ever accepted money for sex, she later admitted to soliciting men on North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, according to court records. The defense obtained a months worth of data from two cellphones the girl used. One phone held records of more than 4,000 text messages. More than 95% of those messages were conversations with various men about exchanging money for sex, according to a court paper filed by the defense. They showed a pattern of her reaching out directly to men she met on dating apps. She frequently sent them sexual photos of herself, the paper states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gardners defense identified eight instances in which she falsely told men she was between 18 and 22. Hours before she met Gardner, she texted with another man, discussing various sex acts in exchange for money. A judge granted a request from prosecutors to bar evidence that the girl was involved in prostitution. The government also noted one text message she sent to a friend after Gardners arrest, which was consistent with what she told police. Some man just choked me up like tried to kill me, she wrote, according to court records. But there was more the defense obtained that seemed to diminish her credibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months after Gardners arrest, the girl was named as a victim in two other sex cases. In both, police arrested men they said had solicited her on North Nebraska Avenue. In April 2024, the girl went on TikTok to boast about her role in the arrest of three men, including Gardner, according to court records. In response to a comment from a viewer, the girl said she had pending cases with the Florida Department of Children and Families due to her involvement in prostitution activities on Nebraska Avenue, the records state. She said she was getting money from the men and emphasized that she did not consider herself a snitch. State prosecutors ultimately decided not to formally charge the two other men, court records show. Neither was charged in federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the federal sex trafficking case against Gardner continued. His defense attorneys at one point argued that he was being selectively prosecuted because of his high profile and his race Gardner is Black; the other two men who were arrested were white. Prosecutors denied that accusation. A judge denied the defenses request to dismiss the case on those grounds. A trial was scheduled to begin this month. Then, in late April, Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry asked a judge to dismiss the case. In a pretrial meeting with prosecutors and law enforcement, the girl admitted to lying in her previous statements, the prosecutor wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl said she never told Gardner she was 16. Rather, she told him she was 18. She said she lied because she was angry that Gardner had choked her. The change in her testimony and other inconsistencies left the government unable to prove its case. The evidence, Derry wrote, is insufficient to sustain a conviction based on the credibility of the victim. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Hillsborough County business owner is facing felony charges after the Tampa Police Department raided his business. Smokey Jones on Hillsborough Avenue sells THC and CBD-based products, but an attorney for the business owner said its a licensed facility that complies with all state law and should never have been raided. Hernando High teacher charged with giving student Kratom They took over $200,000 worth of product, not only THC Hemp, not only THC Hemp Flower that they tested, but a bunch of other things that they just assumed may have been illegal products, including CBD dog treats, said attorney Michael Minardi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney said the raid is highly unusual for a licensed marijuana business in Florida. This is the first instance where they went in and they took product and they took money, Minardi said. Business owner Dannie Jones said the raid has been devastating for his business and the employees who were handcuffed during the raid. I havent did anything wrong and to be accused of something like that, I think its ridiculous, Jones said. The state contends there were illegal products seized. On Monday, a Hillsborough County judge set bond in the case and Jones was taken into custody. The defense said they will fight the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. OHSU Hospital is located on Marquam Hill in southwest Portland. (Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Beyond providing quality health care, tax-exempt hospitals have substantial responsibilities to the public. These hospitals not only avoid nearly all taxes they also reap billions of dollars in financial benefits from a federal prescription drug program known as 340B. The 340B drug discount program was created in the 1990s to help low-income Americans access affordable medications and to support healthcare providers in underserved areas. But today, those drug discounts are being captured by corporate hospital systems and big box pharmacies, with no guarantee patients benefit at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, while Oregon hospitals are supposed to use 340B savings to improve access to affordable care for patients in need, there are significant questions as to whether they are meeting their obligations. We do know they are devoting less of their resources to charity care than the national average. And Oregons big health systems are not exactly putting a damper on the doubts as they continue to fight to keep their finances and policies hidden from public view. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and another U.S. hospital recently sued the federal government to block an audit on how the hospitals are handling their 340B dollars. This isnt an isolated case. Its part of a disturbing pattern across Oregons tax-exempt 340B hospitals. Just look at Providence Health: Providence had to refund over $20 million in medical bills to low-income residents and cancel another $137 million in medical debt because of its over-aggressive debt collection practices, which were so egregious they warranted a feature in the New York Times describing how patients lives were ruined. The hospital system was then accused with stonewalling an investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice into similar debt collection practices. And then, Providence which, again, is supposed to be using its tax benefits and 340B resources to improve care to local communities is attempting to sell its home health and hospice operations to an out-of-state private equity firm which could diminish care for thousands of Oregon residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitals are vital pillars of our communities. They are so important that it makes it all the more distressing when hospitals focus more on their financial bottom line than on keeping Oregonians healthy. A recent investigation by the U.S. Senate revealed that hospitals are collecting revenue through the 340B drug program, but fail to share those savings with their patients. The program is in dire need of reform but big hospitals and PBMs dont want to see alterations anytime soon. Thats why they are lobbying state legislatures around the country to increase their access to 340B discounts. In Oregon, theyre pushing House Bill 2385, expanding their access to 340B profits while doing nothing to ensure transparency or community benefit. This misguided bill doesnt protect patients. It protects powerful corporate institutions and undermines public trust. When hospitals benefit from taxpayer support, they have a duty to show how those dollars are used. Oregonians deserve answers. Its time for hospitals to open their books and prove they are truly serving the public not exploiting the system for financial gain. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX May 20SUPERIOR Three years of sustained student growth in math and reading test scores has earned Great Lakes Elementary School national recognition. It was one of 600 schools in the United States and Canada to be recognized as a Model PLC at Work. The recognition is given by Solution Tree, a company that provides professional learning community resources to schools. A professional learning community, commonly referred to as a PLC, is a cohort of teachers that meets for training, goal setting and continued collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Principal Ryan Haroldson said a focus on learning, results and a collaborative culture fueled the progress improved test scores in math and English language arts at all grade levels, in all categories, every year. Third grade teacher Shelly Bong said Haroldson's trust in teachers has been key to making the professional learning communities successful. "And sharing resources. It's not a contest of who's the best teacher. We're working together," Bong said, leaning on fellow teachers to learn about new resources and programs. "We collaborate in our grade-level teams, but we also collaborate across levels. ... That's a huge piece of it." Each of the teachers is amazing on their own, Haroldson said, but by working together, they get better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think teachers need to have autonomy to try different things, to learn from each other. That's the power of the team," the principal said. That equals more resources for students. "Instead of having 15 years of teaching experience, you could have 100 years of teaching experience," said Martine Ferg, reading teacher. "With Ryan, he empowers us to make those decisions, and we rise to the occasion. We feel trusted to make the right decisions for all of our students. And then we're able to really do what's best for the child." The school's dedication to professional learning communities dates back to 2017. Initially, Haroldson said, they didn't see big gains. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Great Lakes Elementary School's state standardized test results were close to the state average. The school lost about a quarter of a percent in proficiency levels during the pandemic, according to Haroldson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We didn't have a lot of learning loss, but then we put the pedal to the metal with these processes," Haroldson said, even with the increased mental health and behavioral needs coming out of COVID. "I give credit to my staff because they mowed over that, and addressed those things and got (students) those skills in reading and math and continued to move the bar up every year, regardless. We didn't use it as an excuse." Great Lakes scores improved steadily from 2019 through 2024, with testing requirements waived in 2020 due to the pandemic. While only three years of improved scores were needed to earn the award, Haroldson submitted four. From 2019 to 2024, the overall percentage of the school's students scoring at meeting or advanced proficiency in English language arts rose from 45% in 2019 to 69% in 2024, moving the school's test results from 3.5% above the state average in 2019 to 17% above the state average in 2024. The percentage of Great Lakes Elementary students at meeting and advanced proficiency rose from 43% in 2019 to 63% in 2024, which brought the school's test results from 3% below the state average in 2019 to 9% above in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only did the overall scores rise in both math and reading, but scores rose among students with low socioeconomic status and students with disabilities. Great Lakes teachers from each grade level team up at the beginning of each school year to identify a focus for improving student performance. For kindergarten teacher Becky Herubin, that means looking at the state standards and district requirements, then taking it further. "We dig into there to set the essential learning standards that we want the kindergarten students to master before moving on," Herubin said. Grade-level teams meet every Tuesday to assess these essentials and share instructional strategies for them. Students who aren't mastering the essentials are offered additional support to help bridge the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While teachers do that, paraprofessionals step in to work with students who have already mastered essential skills, offering reading groups, writing exercises and more. "Our students are as much a part of that success, not just our special ed students, but our regular ed students, because they work together," said fourth grade teacher Kristin Trianoski. "Last year, I had two students join my class that were non-readers. ... My students just naturally started helping those kids, you know, doing things, sitting by them so they can read directions. And those kids blossomed." Great Lakes Elementary School saw a lot of change this year, from welcoming many of the students from the shuttered Lake Superior Elementary school to weathering staff cuts. "I feel like we started a new school this year, and I'm really highly motivated to take this new cohort of students and do the same thing, and hopefully put together another three years of great growth with the new cohort and earn this recognition again in 2028," Haroldson said. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Its graduation night for many in the Memphis area, including Thomas Powell, who survived a hit-and-run last July. Now, he has a full-ride scholarship waiting for him at the University of Memphis. WREG had a chance to catch up with Powell and his family outside of Mitchell High Schools graduation. ORIGINAL STORY: Hit-and-run wreck leaves honor student on life support They said theyre extremely proud because less than a year ago, this all felt unrealistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew I had to trust God because he was the only one who could bring him back to this, Powells mother, Shauntay Williams said. Williams prayers were answered as her oldest son, Thomas Powell, will be graduating from Mitchell High School. Thomas Powell (submitted photo) Thomas Powell recovering from hit-and-run. Last July, Powell was struck by a car in a hit-and-run, leaving him on life support and unable to walk on his own. Nearly a year later, his recovery has been nothing short of a miracle, as he credits God and his positive attitude for his recovery. He said hes even given his walker to a man less fortunate than him, months after his accident. There was a guy, he had a walking cane and he was walking down the street. We were looking for a yard to cut and he was having a hard time with his cane, Powell said. I just gave him my walker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday night, Thomas celebrates an academic career most could only dream of. While at Mitchell High, he was an honor roll student and earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Memphis next fall. He also earned a medal from the exclusive ACT 25+ club, a group that celebrates Shelby County students with an ACT score of 25 or higher. Honor student returns home after hit-and-run crash Im the only one in my class that has this, Powell said of the medal. To say his family is proud is an understatement. Hes a light, Williams said. Put it like that, hes a light and he shines really, really bright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After college, Powell said he plans on becoming a therapist, so he can help people overcome mental hurdles like he did. I want to be a therapist, Powell said. I want to go and be a therapist and make it so people can reach heights higher than I reached without having to go through the same things. Powell said hes also considering attending Vanderbilt, although his mom would like for him to stay close to home at the University of Memphis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, May 20. The next group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) sent to Kangarli village of Aghdam district today has arrived at the destination, Trend reports. A total of 20 families, adding up to 207 people, have packed their bags and settled down at this juncture, receiving the keys to their brand-new private abodes. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, as well as the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. Currently, about 40,000 people live in the nation's Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, and specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A massive tree came down and crashed into an East Side home on March 30. A 13-year-old was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the tree came down and she was pinned by a thick branch, her foot through the floor and stuck there for about an hour. Now, the teen is out of the hospital and the family is living in a hotel. That teen, Kallie Frederick, recalls exactly what happened that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $250 million facility opens down the road from Intel in New Albany, creating 225 jobs My grandma had told me to come listen to the wind because she had never heard something like this, Kallie Frederick said. I heard a branch or a tree snapping or something and I knew that, like, something was up. Like something was totally going to go wrong. I was standing there and I was talking about the wind, and I didnt get about, like, maybe two words out, and the tree had fell and I was shocked, she added. I couldnt think anything. I was just traumatized. I was just shocked. I was just traumatized. I just kind of couldnt even say anything. Thats when you heard the tree hit the house, Kallies grandfather Pat Frederick said. Glass busting and the ceiling tile and the four by eights and stuff come down into the living room. She got caught by a 32-inch branch, and it drove her foot into the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tree, at least six feet in diameter near the base, came down over the chimney, with branches penetrating the living room right where Kallie stood and her grandfather sat in his recliner. It happened so quick when it hit the house, I wasnt sure what had happened, and then as all the noise and the glass and the stuff coming down from the ceiling, I close my eyes and when I opened my eyes, the tree was literally from about this far. It was about 12 inches away, Pat Frederick said. Investigation alleges Kroger overcharges customers on items advertised as on sale That night of March 30, the National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes in Ohio and two more from the same storm in Indiana. Wind gusts were rampant that night as well, many recorded up to 60 miles per hour. Thats likely what brought down the large tree at the edge of a wooded area off of Noe Bixby Road in the Fredericks backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was thinking about trying to get this leg out of the way and try to run as fast as I can, but I was just, I just couldnt make it and the tree fell, Kallie Frederick said. My, like, foot had drove into the basement and I was stuck. After about an hour or so, I was finally released out of it and they put me into the stretcher, and they got me in the ambulance. Columbus firefighters arrived at the scene along with paramedics that night. They had to go into the basement of the home to prop up the floor in order to get Kallies leg freed from the tree branch. They were saying, Its going to be okay. Youre going to be safe, and then the ambulance and fire department reassured me that I was going to be okay, Kallie Frederick said. The frightening moments of living through the storm and tree crashing down on top of her continue to haunt Kallie, especially when there is the threat of a thunderstorm, common during the spring and summer in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South-Western City School board joins groups denouncing gender identity, DEI and non-English languages I couldnt sleep for one night because of how traumatized and scared and, it was just, wasnt my normal bed, and I was just scared, she said. It was scary. It was just so scary how the tree just fell right through the chimney. Kallie said she already had a fear of storms since she was very young. Ever since I was little, Ive been scared of thunderstorms, Kallie Frederick said. Even if the power goes out or Im in the dark in the hallway, Im just scared of everything and now that I saw a tree fell, Im scared of trees now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have had the tree stuck in my mind for quite a while, she added. I just cant get it out of my head. Makes me cry, makes me sad. It just makes me everything. Life is starting to get back to normal for the Fredericks. Kallie is back in school, and shes off the crutches and in a walking boot. Fire rainbow spotted in Ohio sky explained I was actually out of school for a month, she said. Ever since the incident happened, I just recently got to school on Wednesday the 14th and I had gone to school. Everybody was nice. They were concerned about me. They were really worried for me. The family is still living in a hotel. The home is a wreck inside and out after the tree sat there for weeks before it was removed. Pat Frederick said raccoons have been in and out of the home often since then, tearing the place apart, but they are still grateful and thankful to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it had gone a few minutes one way or the other, or the tree had gone 12 inches one way or the other, we probably wouldnt be here, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) A 15-year-old boy was shot multiple times during a gang-related shooting at a NYCHA complex in Manhattan Monday, according to police and sources. The teen was shot in front of the King Towers NYCHA building at 1370 Fifth Ave. in Harlem at around 2 p.m., police said. The boy was taken to the hospital in critical condition. More Local News Sources said there is a war between two rival gangs at the NYCHA complex, but it was unclear if the teen was the intended target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said two males in dark-colored clothing fled on an e-bike after the incident. There have been no arrests. The shooting happened near where a beloved Harlem grandmother was shot and killed last month. Excenia Mette, 61, was fatally shot in the head by a stray bullet when she went to check on her grandson during a shootout near 113th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem on April 22, authorities said. Darious Smith, 23, and Ricky Shelby, 23, were arrested and charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the incident, police said. Smith has 18 prior arrests, according to sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the area has been plagued by gang violence within the city housing complexes. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Chicago aldermen advanced a measure Tuesday designed to curb so-called teen takeovers with curfews after the ordinances lead sponsor made a pivotal tweak to the measure. Downtown Ald. Brian Hopkins substituted a new version of his teen curfew ordinance that places the power to declare three-hour snap curfews targeting specific areas solely in the hands of Chicagos police superintendent. He had previously proposed that curfew power be shared by the superintendent and the deputy mayor for community safety, requiring both to agree. Aldermen in the Public Safety Committee Hopkins chairs voted 10 to 7 to send it to the full City Council, capping weeks of wrangling over the citys curfew policy and whether giving police this new power will work to stop violence that has sometimes occurred at the teen gatherings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council could vote on the ordinance as soon as Wednesday. Mayor Brandon Johnson has at times over the past several months said he opposes the idea of curfews in principle, but suggested he would allow officials to utilize the power to set temporary curfews to break up the large gatherings if the council passes the proposal. Asked about it again before Tuesdays Public Safety Committee meeting, Johnson said he would support a snap curfew measure that gives my administration and the Police Department the ability to implement, an apparent indication that he would prefer the earlier Hopkins plan that required Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood to join Superintendent Larry Snelling in setting such a curfew. But he also said he has concerns about the constitutionality of the Hopkins plan, a nod to groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and GoodKids MadCity that have suggested they believe the ordinance is unconstitutional and may sue if it passes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson spoke at a City Hall news conference alongside three young people involved in violence prevention and youth activism, each of whom highlighted the need for more investment in young people. If we dont give young people real activity, we dont help them find their purpose, were just going to find ourselves in a tailspin, Johnson said. As he has in the past, Johnson argued the city should be more focused on giving the citys youth more opportunities to have safe fun and work opportunities to address underlying issues that lead to chaotic gatherings. A Johnson spokesperson did not immediately respond after the Public Safety Committee vote when asked if the mayor plans to veto the curfew ordinance if it passes the full council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the ordinance still requires the police superintendent to consult the deputy mayor, Hopkins tweak troubled some aldermen who fear the change removed critical oversight and concentrated too much power in the top cops hands. This goes above and beyond the original proposal, said Ald. Jason Ervin, a former co-sponsor of the ordinance who removed his support Tuesday. This gives the Police Department total discretion as to when and how this will be administered. The committee had previously voted down an effort to give the superintendent exclusive final say in one of several meetings focused on curfews. But for some aldermen, with the symbolic Memorial Day start of summer just days away, the need to address the large teen gatherings that have twice ended in headline-grabbing violence this year was too pressing to continue to delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ald. Pat Dowell, an initial lead co-sponsor of the ordinance alongside Hopkins and Ervin, said she remained in support and believes Snelling and his successors are well-equipped to declare curfews. That is what a superintendent is supposed to do, he runs the Police Department, Dowell said. Lets move forward with this. If we dont like it, we can always repeal it or reject it, but I think this is just one of many tools that we have. Following chaotic teen gatherings in his ward, Hopkins first proposed last year an 8 p.m. teen curfew exclusive to downtown that would have been two hours earlier than the citys long-established, citywide 10 p.m. curfew. He pushed that same curfew ordinance forward in March after two more chaotic gatherings, but has shifted his focus to give police snap curfew powers that can be implemented ahead of time when authorities suspect teen gatherings will occur. He argued Tuesday his altered ordinance does not shut out the deputy mayor from declaring curfews, but instead allows him to maintain an integral part of the decision making process. He wants the deputy mayor, a position inside the mayors office, to be intimately involved when curfews are considered, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The substitute ordinance Hopkins presented Tuesday requires the superintendent to consult the deputy mayor whenever the superintendent has probable cause to believe that a mass gathering will occur. He said he shared the change with the committees aldermen Monday night and Tuesday morning. Hopkins said he cannot envision any situation in which Snelling and Gatewood would disagree over a curfew, but believes the decision-making process needed to be clear. You have to have some measure in the ordinance to make it clear who the final decision making authority is, and clearly that needs to be the police superintendent, he said after the vote. Neither Snelling nor Gatewood attended the Tuesday afternoon meeting. Both men were appointed by Johnson. Hopkins said Snellings office and the Police Departments lawyers were in unanimous agreement that the change was necessary, a position that would put the superintendent at apparent odds with Johnson. Memorial Day is still a few days away but another unofficial start of summer is here: Starbucks has released its summer menu Tuesday, May 20. The release comes at a time when the chain is battling employee walkouts at about 100 stores over its new dress code for its baristas. The new dress code which took effect May 12 limits baristas to a black top, while their bottoms are required to be black, khaki or blue denim. Starbucks said it would provide employees with two free black T-shirts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other recent changes at Starbucks included the removal of 13 less popular drinks from its menu in March bringing back free refills and a condiment bar for its dine-in customers. Here's what to know about the Starbucks summer menu. When will the Starbucks summer menu be available? Starbucks will begin selling, for a limited time, its summer beverages today, May 20. What are the Starbucks summer drinks? Starbucks is introducing an iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. The iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a "light, smooth and subtly sweet profile that pairs perfectly with oat milk and the horchata flavored syrup which is a fusion of warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes reminiscent of the rice milk that makes up a traditional horchata." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is available throughout the summer while supplies last, Starbucks said. Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers back again The new drink will join a "returning fan favorite," Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers. The drinks were first introduced in 2024 and feature a "sweet and summery blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and water, poured over raspberry flavored pearls." The Summer-Berry Refreshers can be ordered with lemonade in the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresheror with creamy coconut milk in the Summer Skies Drink. The Summer-Berry Refreshers also are available for a limited time, while supplies last this summer. New on Starbucks menu is Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop New to the Starbucks summer menu in 2025 is the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It features strawberry cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in a chocolate icing and finished with a summer strawberry design. The cake pop will be available for a limited time, while supplies last. Summer drinkware now available at Starbucks Looking for something summery to sip your favorite beverage? FARM Rio and Starbucks launched their summer collection of drinkware "reminiscent of the vibrant colors and prints of the popular Brazilian fashion label." The limited-edition collaboration is available for a limited time while supplies last and includes cold cups, water bottles, tumblers and key chains. How many Starbucks are there in Florida? There were 17,137 Starbucks locations in the U.S. as of May 14, 2025, according to ScrapeHero, a data company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 932 Starbucks in Florida as of May 14, the third most of any state, according to ScrapeHero. The top five states are: California: 3,184 Texas: 1,471 Florida: 932 New York: 763 Washington: 728 Starbucks store locator What time does Starbucks open? This varies by location, with opening hours ranging from 4:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Use the Starbucks store locator to find the one you're interested and click on the i in the upper right corner to find its operating hours. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Starbucks summer menu: Ice horatcha, cake pop at Florida locations Prison officials moved inmate Oscar Franklin Smith from his death row cell to another room next to the chamber where he is to be executed by lethal injection. Smith's attorney, Kelley Henry, a chief in the Federal Public Defenders Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, said Smith, 75, was placed on death watch May 20 at 10:30 a.m. More: Oscar Franklin Smith execution set for May 22: What to know about case, new protocol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Death watch is the two-day period before an execution when a death row inmate is placed under 24-hour observation and stricter rules. Smith's execution is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on May 22. Prison staff, in these final two days, are inspecting all rooms and equipment in the capital punishment unit. That includes Smith's new cell, visitation areas, the execution chamber and the lethal injection room where syringes of saline and pentobarbital are prepared, according to the department's lethal injection protocol. When asked, Smith chose hotdogs, tater tots and apple pie with vanilla ice cream for his last meal. More: Nearing execution, Oscar Smith faces near-total isolation and one hope for relief Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith was convicted of murder in the Oct. 1, 1989, killings of his estranged wife, Judith Robirds Smith, 35, and her sons from another marriage, Chad Burnett, 16, and Jason Burnett, 13. Two execution dates for Smith were rescheduled during the pandemic. In April 2022, he was about an hour from execution when Gov. Bill Lee issued a temporary reprieve. That reprieve ultimately turned into a three-year hiatus from all executions, an independent audit and a new lethal injection protocol. It's been more than five years since the last execution in Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Death row inmate moved to death watch ahead of Tennessee execution Raquel Bueno, whose husband was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on May 4, wipes her eyes as ICE agents and Tennessee Highway Patrol officers stand by. (Photo: John Partipilo) Seventy-seven years ago, the United States positioned itself as a world leader in human rights. World War II had ended, President Harry Truman sent former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to the nascent United Nations where she was elected chair to the UN Commission on Human Rights and the U.S. became one of the first signatories on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Tennessees recent roundup operations in Nashvilles immigrant communities mark the states shameful turn away from core American values like human rights and constitutional protections. ICE/THP roundups have left Tennessee communities reeling Throughout the first two weeks of May, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in hundreds of traffic stops in Nashvilles immigrant communities, apparently racially and ethnically targeting drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By all appearances, government officials racially and ethnically profiled residents, requested drivers licenses, inquired about tattoos, left cars abandoned on roadways creating traffic hazards, and tore at least one mother from her children, read a letter signed by all but three of the Davidson County legislative delegation to the heads of Tennessees Department of Homeland Security and the Highway Patrol. The law enforcement operations have led to around 588 traffic stops and 103 people being detained. Despite information requests from Mayor Freddie OConnell and Davidson Countys lawmakers, state and federal officials have not been forthcoming on who has been detained, where the detainees are, whether theyve been officially arrested or charged with a crime, and what will happen to them next. These developments have been concerning to many because, before the Trump era, state and local authorities rarely enforced immigration law. Tennessees Republican lawmakers put out statements supporting the raids. They are also the ones to thank for making these raids possible, because last year the Republican supermajority passed legislation making it easier for state law enforcement to work hand-in-hand with federal immigration authorities. Its also worth mentioning that, just in April of this year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill that eliminated the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), which had safeguarded civil rights in the state since 1963. Racially targeted dragnets violate human rights One does not have to be an immigration rights advocate to be concerned about whats happening in our communities. Detaining Tennessee residents for their skin color or for the neighborhood they live in violates their rights as enshrined in both the UDHR and the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UDHR has 30 articles, but a few stand out today: Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 9: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. Article 10: Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him. Article 14: Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. These articles defend all humans from arbitrary arrest, detention, and exile while granting them the right to asylum and due process. Hispanic communities in Nashville are the descendants of families who left Latin America, often fleeing U.S. military intervention, CIA-backed covert operations and disastrous U.S.-led financial sanctions on their nations of origin. For these communities to be targeted again, this time on U.S. soil, is the height of cruelty. The U.S. Constitution provides equal protection for all The Constitution is even more explicit in the protections it offers to all persons residing in the U.S. Racial and ethnic profiling violate the Constitutions Equal Protection Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THP claimed their operations with ICE were justified because they were public safety operation[s] that targeted areas of suspected gang activity with a history of serious traffic crashes. But even if that were true, the Equal Protection Clause prohibits racial discrimination even in communities with high crime rates. Quoting D.C.-based legislative attorney April J. Anderson, The Equal Protection Clauses prohibition on intentional racial discrimination remains true even if members of a given race are responsible for more crimes in a particular neighborhood or commit more crimes of a certain type. Even if the evidence showed that police relied on racial profiling out of a perhaps ill-conceived notion that it helped fight crime, the Equal Protection Clause prohibits intentionally relying on race in policing, no matter the underlying rationale for the policy. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure and requires individual justification for law enforcement actions. The word individual is the key word there, as dragnets, roundups, and other group-focused law enforcement operations have often been successfully challenged as Fourth Amendment violations. Again quoting Anderson, It [the Fourth Amendment] does not specifically prohibit racial profiling, but courts would not consider stops and searches based solely on a subjects race to be reasonable seizures because police have identified no individualized reason for suspicion. Tennessee is at a turning point Racial profiling and ethnically motivated law enforcement actions have a long, gruesome history in the U.S.. Yet from the Show me your papers scandal in Maricopa County, Arizona to the Stop and Frisk policy in New York City, landmark court decisions were made, justice prevailed, and the protections offered by the Constitution were again held aloft as the supreme law of the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee is at a turning point. Will it ally itself with a presidential administration that, as recently as May 9, floated suspending habeas corpus? Recent events suggest Tennessee officials want to play ball with the Trump Administration. Tennesseans need to remind elected officials they work for us, not the feds, because if constitutional protections dont apply to the most vulnerable of us, then they dont apply to any of us. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A state attorney generals' conference is slamming Gov. Bill Lee's veto of a measure giving more authority to parole boards. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference is denouncing Gov. Bill Lees first veto and urging state lawmakers to override him on a bill giving the parole board more power. Passed overwhelmingly with little fanfare by the legislature this year, HB527/SB455 expands the Board of Paroles authority to deny early release when the severity of the offense demands it or where it sends a critical message that serious crimes carry serious consequences, a DAs Conference letter from early May says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not abstract concepts - they are the bedrock of public safety, justice for victims, and confidence in the rule of law, the letter says. The states prosecutors, led by Executive Director Steve Crump, further say ignoring the gravity and specific facts of an offenders crime when determining early release eligibility is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous because it disregards victims suffering and erodes trust in the criminal justice system. The letter grows harsher, saying some crimes are so egregious the defendant should not receive early release. Lee vetoed the bill May 5, calling it a step backwards from the advances of the Reentry Success Action of 2021. That measure passed with strong support and led the state to record its lowest rate of return to prison in history, Lee said when he defended his position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current statute allows the parole board which is appointed by the governor to deny parole based solely on the seriousness of the offense for 22 violent felonies. The bill seeks to broaden that authority beyond those crimes. Republican Rep. Rick Scarbrough of Oak Ridge, a former Clinton Police chief, and Republican Sen. Paul Rose of Covington sponsored the measure. Scarbrough said after the veto that the bill was designed to handle critical gaps in the states parole system to make sure serious offenses arent minimized. A spokesperson for the governor did not respond to questions immediately Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The widespread effects of the Tennessee reading and retention law will be felt again this year for thousands of public school third and fourth graders and their families. The Tennessee Department of Education released third grade results on the English language arts portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP, to districts on May 19. That setoff a fast-moving timeline that will ultimately determine if third graders who fall short on the test will move on to fourth grade or be held back. Thousands of fourth graders who opted for yearlong tutoring to avoid retention last year are also affected by the law. Here's what parents need to know about navigating the implications of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee reading law: Less than 1% of third graders held back in 2024 When are TCAPs? The standardized TCAP test, also known as TNReady, was administered in April for grades 3-5. Testing dates varied by district. When will third and fourth grade TCAP scores be available? TCAP scores are typically released in two waves over the summer and early fall each year. However, the Tennessee Department of Education releases some scores and data early for third and fourth graders affected by the reading law. English language arts scores for third graders were released to districts on May 19. Growth data for fourth graders will be released by July 1. It will be up to districts to relay that information to parents and legal guardians and inform them of next steps. A third grader raises a hand to participate during an English language arts assignment on June 6, 2023, at Dodson Elementary School in Nashville, Tenn. The student was part of Promising Scholars, the Metro Nashville Public Schools summer program. How many could be held back? In 2024, 60% of third graders fell short of the state's reading benchmark. That number does not factor in automatic exemptions. After exemptions, retakes, summer school and the appeal process all unfolded, less than 1% of last year's third graders were held back under the reading law, which totaled 655 students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also affects nearly 7,500 students who qualified and opted into yearlong tutoring in fourth grade to avoid retention last year. Those students must pass the English language arts section of this year's TCAP or meet an individualized growth goal set by the state. If they do not, their school must call a conference with the student's parent or guardian, English language arts teacher and school principal to determine if the child will be held back or move on to fifth grade with academic supports, including tutoring. 'Not a reading proficiency test': TN parents, experts question TCAP use in third grade law Are there exceptions for third graders? Yes. Some third graders whose scores fall short can move on to fourth grade without any further action. Those students include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement English language learners who have received less than two years of English language arts instruction Those who were held back in a previous grade Students with disabilities or suspected disabilities that impact their literacy development It is up to the districts to sort out those students and inform parents and legal guardians. Try a TCAP practice test: See how Tennessee measures third grade reading What options do third graders have to move on? Third graders who score as approaching proficiency must complete one of the following to move on to fourth grade: Retest and score on grade level, with a retest window of May 21-30 Enroll in summer school, meet 90% attendance and show adequate growth Have a free state-provided tutor for the entirety of fourth grade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, third graders who scored at or above the 50th percentile on their spring reading screening test can also move on if they enroll in tutoring for the entirety of fourth grade. Students arrive at Sterchi Elementary for the first day of school for Knox County Schools on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The State Board of Education defines "adequate growth" for third graders as a student scoring at least five percentage points higher on a post-summer school test than their baseline score. The baseline can be either their initial TCAP English language arts score or their retake score. Third graders who score as below proficiency have the following options to move on: Retest and score on grade level, with a retest window of May 21-30 Enroll in summer school with 90% attendance rate and have a free state-provided tutor for the entirety of fourth grade Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retake scores will be given to districts within two days of testing. Retesting and summer school dates vary by district. What goals must fourth graders meet to move on to fifth grade? To move on to fifth grade with no additional steps, fourth graders who enrolled in tutoring under the reading law must either pass the English language arts section of the TCAP or reach an "adequate growth" goal. The state formula for adequate growth for fourth graders factors in the student's English language arts score on the TCAP and the probability that they will eventually reach proficiency. The growth goal is individualized to each student. Adequate growth data for fourth graders will be sent out to districts by July 1. If a student does not meet either benchmark, the next steps are up to the student's parents or legal guardians, English language arts teacher and principal. Katie Hock walks her daughters into the building on the first day of school at the Clovercroft Elementary in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Hocks daughter, Bellamy, 8 is in front and Willow, 10, is behind her. Can I file an appeal? There is an appeal process for third graders who scored as approaching expectations and faced a catastrophic event that impacted their ability to perform on the TCAP. The appeal window will be open from May 28-June 27. Once parents and legal guardians are notified of a retention decision, they have 14 days to file the appeal. Authorized school personnel are also allowed to file an appeal on behalf of a parent or legal guardian. When will retention decisions be made? Final retention notifications will be made sometime in July and will vary by district. For students enrolled in summer programming, decisions must be relayed to parents within 10 calendar days of the first day of school. Decisions for students who are not in summer programming may be made sooner. A student gets a high five from a parent as she walks in for the first day of school at Shelby Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, August 5, 2024. Full timeline for third, fourth grade retention Here are all the key dates in one place for 2025: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 19: English language arts TCAP scores for third graders released to districts May 21-May 30: Third grade English language arts TCAP retake window May 28-June 27: Appeal window for third graders By July 1: Adequate growth data for fourth grade students released to districts In July: Final retention notifications made, including for students who participated in summer programming Where can I learn more? More information on the third grade reading and retention law from the Tennessee Department of Education can be found at tn.gov/education/learning-acceleration. This story has been updated to add more information. Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on Twitter or Bluesky under the handle @RachelAnnWegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee reading law: What to know as third grade TCAP scores release NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Multiple Middle Tennessee school districts will be dismissing early on Tuesday, May 20, due to the threat of severe storms across Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Below youll find a list of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky school districts that have announced early dismissals for Tuesday, so far. Jump To: AZ Close Menu 123 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recent closings and delays are listed here when there are active closures. RADAR | Track weather across TN live All modes of severe weather are possible with the storms Tuesday. Damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes (some strong) are possible. There is also a Flood Watch up for portions of Southern Kentucky. 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. Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. On the sidelines of the 6th Plenary Meeting and 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the UN (GlobE Network) organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and held in Baku from May 19 through 23, Azerbaijans Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev held bilateral meetings with delegations from several countries, the general prosecutor's office told Trend. The meetings took place on May 20 and focused on strengthening international cooperation in anti-corruption efforts. Kamran Aliyev briefed foreign officials on Azerbaijans ongoing legal and institutional reforms spearheaded by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, particularly those aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and combating corruption. He emphasized Azerbaijans commitment to international collaboration and noted that the GlobE Network is a vital global platform in the fight against transnational corruption. The delegations included Vit Hendrych, Director of the General Inspectorate of the Security Forces (GIBS) of the Czech Republic; Hari Paudel, Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal; and Abdullah Gaderbu, Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority of the State of Libya. During the meetings, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev outlined the key reforms undertaken in the country under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, highlighting the prosecutions institutional activities, especially in combating corruption, and the innovative management mechanisms in place. He also emphasized the GlobE Network as a crucial platform in the fight against transnational corruption and expressed Azerbaijan's commitment to deeper participation in this global cooperation. The delegations praised Azerbaijans anti-corruption measures, particularly the consistency of legal reforms and the noticeable progress within the prosecution authorities. Discussions also focused on enhancing the exchange of experiences and information, strengthening direct contacts between law enforcement agencies, and expanding cooperation. The delegations, impressed by Azerbaijan's advancements in promoting transparency, ethics, and accountability, expressed interest in adopting these practices in their own countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A line of severe storms will bring all modes of severe weather, including winds over 70 mph and the chance of tornadoes, to Middle Tennessee during the evening hours of May 20, according the National Weather Service in Nashville. A tornado watch is in effect for all of Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m. May 20. Some parts of Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky are also included in the watch. Wind will be the primary threat but tornadoes and hail are possible, "We will also see scattered thunderstorms ahead of the line and all modes of severe weather are possible with those storms," the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep up with weather updates and alerts: Download our app for the latest and get alerts delivered to your phone. Storms are expected to move into the Nashville area between 5 and 7 p.m., possibly as early as 4, with 6 p.m. being most likely said National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Husted. The weather service recommends remaining weather aware throughout the evening. While having multiple ways to receive weather warnings is a best practice, NOAA weather radios will not be in service until May 21 due to maintenance. This includes transmitters serving Clarksville, Waverly, Nashville, Centerville, Lobelville, Clifton, Lawrenceburg, Hickman, LaFayette, Cookeville, and Spencer. Here's a look at the latest radar conditions, power outages and warnings issued as storms move through the area. Nashville, Middle Tennessee weather radar Tornado, flood warnings in Tennessee: Map the latest Tornado and storm damage tracker for Tennessee Tennessee power outage map What the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning? When a tornado watch is in place tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service suggests people who are in the warning area review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room incase the weather takes a turn for the worse. When a tornado warning is issued it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Here are some suggestions from the National Weather Service if a tornado warning is issued for your area: Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building Avoid windows If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warnings typically are for a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar, a trained spotter or law enforcement who is watching the storm, according to National Weather Service. Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office. How to receive weather alerts in the Nashville area Despite NOAA weather radios being offline, there are still plenty of ways to remain weather aware in the Nashville area. Here's how: MEANS (Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System) - MEANS is a public safety program that provides you critical information in a variety of situations, such as weather notifications, criminal activity and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Sign up online at member.everbridge.net or download the MEANS mobile app, available on the App Store of Google Play. Nashville Office of Emergency Management - Follow the Nashville Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and X to stay up to date and engaged. Although social media isn't always the most reliable way of receiving weather updates, the office routinely posts critical information. National Weather Service - For the most up-to-date weather updates, visit the Nashville office of the weather service on their official website and follow their social media channels. Be sure to enable push notifications to receive timely alerts. Tornado sirens - Davidson County's tornado warning siren system is designed to alert people when a tornado warning is issued for any part of the county. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has either been detected by Doppler radar or visually confirmed by a trained spotter. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee storm warnings: Track power outages, tornado damage reports May 19TERRA ALTA The city of Terra Alta failed to submit its 2025 26 fiscal year budget by the March 28 deadline, raising concerns over potential repercussions including the collection of taxes and the implementation of levies. In published reports, the state announced that the town had not submitted the budget despite notices being sent, and also had not set the levy rate for the year. Failure to set the rate means the town would be unable to collect excess levy revenue. West Virginia law requires all municipalities to have their budgets passed and submitted to the state for approval by the end of March. Extensions can be granted by the state auditor's office until the beginning of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post, Terra Alta Mayor Dan Hauger acknowledged the error. "As of right now, I'm not sure what level that mistake was made, but at the end of the day, I am the leader of this town as the sitting mayor, and I take full responsibility for the budget information not being submitted to the State of West Virginia, " Hauger said. Hauger added that the city is working to submit the required information to the state as quickly as possible. According to the May 20 2025, city council meeting agenda the council will discuss the approval of the 2025-26 fiscal year budget and the approval of levies Tuesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the missed deadline, the city's ongoing water project will not be affected, according to Robbie Baylor, executive director of the Preston County Economic Development Authority. "It should have no impact on the ongoing water project, " Baylor said. "That project is fully funded, so (it) should not impact it at all." Baylor said the project includes the rehabilitation of one water tank, replacement of another, and upgrades to the water treatment plant. However, she noted it remains unclear whether future infrastructure initiatives will be delayed due to the city's failure to submit the budget on time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former town recorder Josh Dodge emphasized the importance of the budget submission as a matter of public accountability. "In West Virginia, municipal governance is entrusted to elected officials who are responsible for fiscal stewardship and transparency, " Dodge said. "The budget process is not just a formality it's a public declaration of how tax dollars will be spent to serve and protect." Dodge added that missing the deadline was "not just an oversight, but a failure of a civic responsibility." Terre Haute North Vigo High School has been recognized as an endorsed Early College High School by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis. Endorsed Early College High Schools offer students the opportunity to graduate from high school with a high school diploma and the Indiana College Core, an associate degree, a technical credential, or 15 or more dual credits. The goal is to reduce barriers between high school and college. For the 2022 cohort, 79% of Early College High School program graduates went on to college, compared to 53% of Indiana graduates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early College programs are a nationally recognized model enabling students to earn college credit while in high school. In Indiana, CELL endorses or accredits high quality Early College High Schools based on their adherence to meeting eight core principles, such as establishing a college-going culture and providing strong student supports. To be considered, Terre Haute North prepared a portfolio that addressed the eight core principles of Early College High Schools. In addition, a team from CELL visited the school to interview stakeholders about the program and its benefits and challenges. As of the 2023-24 school year, 60 high schools across the state were recognized as endorsed Early College High Schools. Earlier this week VCSC announced a similar achievement for West Vigo High School. West was selected by CELL at the University of Indianapolis to be a partner school in the Rural Early College Network 2.0 as part of a $10 million Education Innovation and Research grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through RECN 2.0, CELL will help 20 rural high schools implement Early College High School programs, providing advanced coursework and increasing the number of students who go on to college. For more information, visit cell.uindy.edu/earlycollege. U.S.-sanctioned terrorist organizations appear to be enjoying the perks of paid, premium accounts and verified blue check marks on the social media platform X, a potential violation of U.S. sanctions, according to a report published Thursday. The social media giant has accepted payments from individuals who appear to be affiliated with Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Hamas militant group, among others, for paid accounts in a move strictly prohibited by the U.S. government, said the Tech Transparency Project, a research organization that seeks to hold big tech companies accountable. The findings add to questions, first raised by [Tech Transparency Project] in February 2024, about Xs adherence to sanctions designed to protect U.S. national interests, even as the company maintains it has a robust and secure' approach to its monetization features, the report reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People or groups sanctioned by the U.S. government are prohibited from engaging in transactions with U.S. companies, per the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC. Xs terms of service states that the company is aligned with these restrictions and premium membership will not be granted to anyone sanctioned by the OFAC. However, multiple U.S.-deemed terrorist organizations sanctioned by the OFAC have X Premium or blue check verified accounts, the report said. Approval for blue check marks is granted only after the company exercises due diligence and individually verifies the account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Musks purchase of X, formerly known as Twitter, individuals procured blue check marks, or verification, for free, after the company had verified the account. But Musk instituted a pay-to-play approach in 2023, which drew the ire of many users and ushered in a new era in which premium features could be accessed only by spending money. X Premium currently costs $8 per month, while X Premium+ costs $40 per month. Users must purchase one of the two to qualify for verification, which yields a blue check mark. Accounts are given the status bump after a review to ensure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria, according to Xs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S.-sanctioned terrorist organizations do not qualify for such services on paper, as OFAC strictly prohibits any transactions whatsoever between such entities and U.S. companies. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person, OFAC said in a 2023 release. VA staff told to reply to Musks What did you do last week email In November 2019, OFAC reached a settlement with Apple after the company disclosed that a Slovenian software company that violated Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Sanctions Regulations was peddling applications through its app store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OFAC reduced the cost of the fine, based on the fact that Apple had informed the Treasury Department about the problem of its own volition, and the tech giant ended up paying nearly $467,000. Tech Transparency Projects new report comes more than a year after it published a report detailing how X accepted payments for premium accounts that appeared to be linked to U.S.-sanctioned groups, specifically Hezbollah, among others. X removed check marks from the accounts described in that report after it was published, according to the Tech Transparency Project. But the groups new report claims X has not upheld that brief standard of account policing, as many other U.S.-sanctioned groups appear to have since slipped through the cracks and secured premium accounts or verification, while other previous offenders appear to have reupped their membership to X by creating a new account after their previous one was banned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some sanctioned parties can make money from the social media platform through a tips function, the report said. Several key figures from U.S.-sanctioned terrorist organizations were given access to Xs premium services and benefits, the report claims. Mahdi al-Mashat, chairman of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, was granted blue check verification a month after OFAC announced sanctions against him for purchasing and smuggling weapons for Houthis, said the Tech Transparency Project. Subhi Tufayli, a Hezbollah founder, was given blue check verification in October 2023, the same month Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. The account is branded with an ID verified badge, which can only be attained through a vetting process that requires a government-issued ID and a selfie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OFAC sanctions against Tufayli began in 1995 for his role as a senior figure in Hezbollah, the report said. Some accounts even reportedly made money through X, the report claims. Gaza Now, a media outlet sanctioned in 2024 for its affiliation with Hamas, runs an alias account according to the OFAC, as reported by the Tech Transparency Project. While the official Gaza Now X account no longer boasts a blue check mark, according to the report, the alias account was given a verification check in June 2024 after U.S. sanctions were announced. Despite OFAC labeling Gaza Now as an entity engaged in fundraising efforts to support Hamas, the alias account utilizes a subscribe button, which allows it to raise money. Only X Premium users have access to this feature, which requires an application, according to the report. X receives a portion of a premium users subscription earnings. Passion was on display Monday as residents of Tesuque, who have repeatedly raised concerns about a wastewater permit application from luxury resort Bishop's Lodge, again made their staunch opposition known during a public hearing for the state in the Capitol building. Bishops Lodge has built an on-site leach field and new treatment plant on its property to discharge treated wastewater. But the plan has drawn sustained pushback from residents concerned about the proximity of the new leach field to Little Tesuque Creek, leading the neighborhood group to challenge the lodges permit application. Felicia Orth, the hearing officer assigned to the case, will create a report and make a recommendation to Environment Secretary James Kenney, who will have the final say in whether the permit application from Bishop's Lodge is approved by the state. Orth said the hearings on the permit application will likely finish on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing, which began Monday, was requested by opponents of the permit application, which seeks to up discharge limits on the property from nearly 15,000 gallons a day to 30,000 gallons. The start of the hearing included testimony from officials with the New Mexico Environment Department specializing in water and wastewater permitting, as well as public comment. Vince Jaramillo, a Tesuque resident who is raising his 10-year-old daughter in the community north of Santa Fe, said during Monday's hearing he is concerned about clean water. "We are here and we are not going away. When the current owners of Bishop's Lodge sell what's called their luxurious property ... with a substantial profit, who will be living in fear of one failure of their system?" Jaramillo asked. "These residents should not be put at risk due to the lack of responsibility of a multi-million dollar resort. Please save our community." Bishops Lodge representatives argue its plan to use the leach field which is about 75 to 100 feet from Little Tesuque Creek is environmentally sound and will comply with state and federal environmental standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new plant can treat wastewater to a much better quality, according to a document prepared by the Environment Department. Treated water will be used for irrigation on the property during parts of the year. "The nitrogen discharge limit that is being imposed on Bishop's Lodge is very stringent," said Deborah Carpenter, a water resource professional with the state Environment Department, speaking to the discharge and leach field aspect of the application during the meeting. "The sizing, it meets the requirements they want to use it for, and it is protective of groundwater and public health." Protect Tesuque has asked a hearing officer to rule the Environment Department would be allowing the resort to bypass mandatory wastewater treatment and disposal regulations adopted over 50 years ago by issuing the draft permit. It recently filed a state Supreme Court petition, asking the Environment Department to apply the states liquid waste regulations, rather than the ground and surface water protections, arguing the latter are less rigorous. A lawyer representing Bishop's Lodge, Cristina Mulcahy, noted in an interview on Monday that Bishop's Lodge has a newly constructed wastewater treatment plant, a membrane bioreactor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bishop's Lodge has made it very clear that water quality matters, and so they installed a state-of-the-art treatment plant that treats water to a very high quality," Mulcahy said. She continued, "The water after treatment so it's fully treated is discharged to a low-dose disposal area and the lodge is sure that is protective of groundwater quality. That's always been what they've wanted, and that's what they are doing." Jeffrey Rogers, who described himself as a "person in the community," said feels he has heard "a lot of hyperbole" around the wastewater permit. "The opportunity is there to provide outstanding wastewater treatment that, frankly, our community hasn't had before that is being brought to fruition by Bishop's Lodge and their partners," Rogers said. "There has been a lot of hyperbole about all of this other stuff that has nothing to do with a wastewater permit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal argument from Protect Tesuque involves the testing of Bishops Lodges discharge for contaminants: The groups attorney, Thomas Hnasko, argues the Environment Department is applying the 1967 New Mexico Water Quality Act to discharges greater than 5,000 gallons a day, rather than the 1971 Environmental Improvement Act. In an interview during a break on Monday, Hnasko noted Bishop's Lodge could generate waste from things such as agriculture and cleaning machinery. "The reality is downstream property owners are going to bear the risk of unauthorized materials entering the waste stream," Hnasko said. During cross-examination, Hnasko asked Jason Herman program manager for the Pollution Prevention Section in the Ground Water Quality Bureau at the state environment department about the potential for "hazardous waste" and whether there is anything in the draft permit to "preclude the introduction of hazardous waste into the waste stream." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We generally rely upon $15,000 per day per violation potential for penalties as a deterrent to people [doing] what you are suggesting could be done," Herman said. "Now the environment department witnesses say 'That shouldn't end up in the waste stream,' " Hnasko said in an interview. "Well, it shouldn't. That doesn't mean it won't. It's just like anyone else who flushes something down their sink that they shouldn't. And they do, right?" May 19SANTA FE The fight over a Santa Fe luxury resort's new proposed wastewater discharge permit drew more than 100 local residents to the Roundhouse on Monday for the first day of a public hearing that was part town hall meeting, part legal drama. One after one, most area residents expressed concern, if not outright anger, about possible groundwater contamination in the Tesuque area caused by the release of up to 30,000 gallons per day of treated wastewater by Bishop's Lodge. "This puts our community in danger," said Bernadette Romero Jaramillo, who said the treated wastewater would be released into a disposal field located within a local flood zone near Little Tesuque Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But wastewater experts and attorneys representing Bishop's Lodge insisted a recently-installed wastewater system used by the resort and a nearby subdivision is state of the art and designed to filter out contaminants down to 0.04 microns or just a fraction of the size of a human hair. "The law and the science must govern this permit hearing," said Christina Mulcahy, a Santa Fe-based attorney representing Bishops Lodge. She accused local opponents of "fear-mongering," and held up a jar of treated effluent for attendees' inspection at one point during Monday's hearing. That prompted some residents to call out "Drink it!", a challenge that went unheeded by Mulcahy and drew warnings from the hearing officer presiding over the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public hearing that began Monday came about after local opposition to the new permit erupted last year. A nonprofit group called Protect Tesuque has helped organize the opposition, in part by holding weekly protests at the entrance to the Bishop's Lodge Resort. The group has already tried unsuccessfully to get the permit denied, and has also asked the state Supreme Court to intervene in the case. The dispute has highlighted simmering tensions between local residents and tourists in the pricey, quasi-rural area north of Santa Fe. It's also prompted signs to be posted along Bishops Lodge Road, which runs through the village of Tesuque. Several Tesuque Pueblo representatives also testified Monday, with former tribal governor Mark Mitchell requesting more data monitoring and for the disposal field, or leech field, to be relocated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Tesuque Pueblo, which is located downstream from the wastewater treatment facility, uses creek water for ceremonial purposes. "We found in the past that when people got sick, that's where they got sick from," Mitchell said. But not all area residents spoke in opposition to the new wastewater treatment permit, as some residents of Bishop's Lodge Hills and Villas, the adjacent subdivision that features about 80 homes and home sites, showed up to testify in favor. Bishop's Lodge's attorneys also pointed out the high-end resort has held a state wastewater discharge permit since 1979. The new permit would represent the eighth renewal of the permit, but the first since the new treatment facility was built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would specifically allow water from toilets, sinks, bathtubs and washing machines that is submitted to a multi-step filtering and treatment process to be discharged into the ground via a piping system. The treatment process includes exposure to ultraviolet light to destroy disease-causing organisms. While not all state permit applications trigger public hearings, the high-profile nature of the Bishop's Lodge case and a request from opponents led to this week's hearings, said Environment Department spokeswoman Muna Habib. Felicia Orth, the hearing officer appointed to the case, will issue a report and recommendation on the permit application within 60 days after the public hearing concludes, Habib added. Environment Secretary James Kenney, who did not attend Monday's hearing in person, will then make the final decision on whether to approve or deny the new permit. BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A Texarkana man was found guilty last week of federal drug trafficking after 3,600 illegal pills were discovered inside his home. According to officials, Deablo Deshown Lewis, was arrested in Texarkana, Ark. on April 1, 2021 after he was caught agreeing to sell 150 counterfeit OxyContin M-30 pills to another person. Following his arrest, Lewis admitted to having marijuana inside his home, which led to a search warrant being issued. Tyler police investigate death of 28-year-old woman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search of Lewiss home, officers were able to locate over 2,800 counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl, over 700 ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine along with over 180 counterfeit Xanax pills, according to officials. Two loaded firearms were also recovered from Lewis home during the investigation. After posting bond, Lewis was arrested once again in February 2022, after officers stopped a vehicle that they suspected was doing a drug deal, a press release said. The driver then admitted he had purchased counterfeit M-30 pills from Lewis. Following a three-day trial, Lewis was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. A sentence hearing will be scheduled following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. Lewis could potentially spend the next 40 years in federal prison, according to a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas has a new law aimed at rooting out bad actors from educational settings, with another in the works. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill from Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, on Monday. Senate Bill 1437 allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to designate former employees or volunteers permanently ineligible for certification if they engage in conduct that threatens juvenile safety. It takes effect Sept. 1. The bill comes after a KXAN investigation found records showing the Texas Juvenile Justice Department allowed former Juvenile Corrections Officer Isaiah Smith, who was being investigated for sexual misconduct at the Giddings facility, to resign and remain eligible for hire weeks after firing him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show that as part of a settlement agreement with Smith, TJJD agreed to change his termination, which rendered him ineligible for rehire, to show that he resigned for personal reasons. The agency also reclassified Smith as eligible for hire in its database, which is accessible to other county juvenile facilities. Records show TJJD did not reverse its decision until more than a year after the settlement, in December 2023, after Smith was arrested and charged with indecency with a minor at an Austin Independent School District high school. Close all the loopholes Sen. Bettencourt filed another bill, Senate Bill 571, as a direct result of KXANs investigation into Smith. The House Public Education committee reported the bill favorably on Friday, and it is expected to go before the full House for a vote. KXAN uncovered that Smith got a tutoring job at the Austin ISD high school through nonprofit Austin Partners in Education, despite the TJJD Office of Inspector General already determining he had an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show that during his time tutoring on an Austin ISD campus, he was arrested on allegations that he inappropriately touched a student. The non-profit that hired Smith did not have immediate access to TJJDs database, which typically contains information about suspected misconduct. The non-profit also told KXAN that Smith did not disclose that he had previously worked at the state agency during the hiring process. Even now, the Texas Education Agencys publicly available Do Not Hire list does not list Smith because Commissioner Morath says his agency has no statutory authority to investigate or place third-party contractors on its misconduct registry. Austin tutors arrest reveals cracks in how Texas vets school employees Sen. Bettencourt initially said he filed SB 571 to close those loopholes. The bill allowed third-party non-profits to access the states database, the Interagency Reportable Conduct Search Engine, which will eventually house multiple agencies state misconduct records. More than two years after lawmakers greenlit the project, the database is still not operational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 571 also authorized TEA to investigate third-party contractors for misconduct and place them on its Do Not Hire registry. The legislation has since been expanded to a 72-page bill that, in his own words, attempts to close all the loopholes at one time. A bill analysis from the Senate Research Center explains that school employees, including third-party service providers, can be placed on TEAs Do Not Hire registry for inappropriate communications with students, failing to maintain appropriate boundaries with students, or physically mistreating or threatening violence to students. SB 571 also expands the list of convictions that would result in a mandatory termination and loss of certification to include felony offenses of public indecency or an improper relationship between an educator and a student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has received criticism over a newer provision making reports and other records related to the TEA or the State Board of Education Certifications review or investigation of a misconduct allegation confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. The bill summary says the confidentiality provision was added because current law requires seeking an [Attorney General] opinion each time on whether the records are releasable. When Texas is in crisis with the growing number of educator misconduct events, we should not be hiding any record related to educator misconduct from the public, Amy Ratleff from Plano wrote in public comments to the Texas House on the bill. Continuing Coverage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, headed for a floor vote in the House, includes the confidentiality provision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Texas House on Monday and Tuesday advanced a package of legislation that would significantly change the way bail is administered in the state but one key part of the package hit a snag. The four pieces of legislation aim to make it easier to keep some defendants behind bars without bail as they await trial. Proponents say the bills will help keep Texans safe, citing instances in which defendants have allegedly committed violent crimes while out on bail for other charges. Opponents, however, have argued the bills are unjust and could further burden an already stressed pretrial system in Texas. Senate Joint Resolution 5, a proposed constitutional amendment to give judges and magistrates wider discretion to deny bail for suspects charged with certain violent crimes like murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and other serious offenses, easily advanced in the House on Monday. The Senate passed the legislation by a wide margin in February, and the House gave its nod to the resolution with a 133-8 vote. The Senate is expected to agree with House's changes to the resolution before Texas voters will have the opportunity to decide if it becomes law in a November election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House added safeguards to the bill that were absent in the Senate version, including an elevated legal standard for denying bail and the right to counsel in bail-setting hearings. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, left, talks to Rep. Jolanda Jones, D- Houston, during debate of Huffmans SB9, which would reform bail, on the House floor. Another proposed constitutional amendment to keep defendants charged with a felony who are in the U.S. without legal authorization faced more scrutiny, however, and appeared to be on life support in the House on Tuesday afternoon. If approved by the Legislature and Texas voters, Senate Joint Resolution 1, or "Jocelyn's Law," would keep persons without authority to be in the U.S. who are charged with certain felonies in jail until trial, barring judges and magistrates from setting bail in those cases. The proposal is named for 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose body was found in June in a Houston bayou after being bound, sexually assaulted and strangled to death allegedly by two men believed to be in the U.S. illegally, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Denying bail? Why a Texas Senate panel approved reform plan to keep some defendants in jail The Senate overwhelmingly passed the proposed constitutional amendment in February, but sponsors of the measure had not yet secured the constitutionally-required two-thirds majority of House members for the proposal to prevail by Tuesday afternoon. The lower chamber on Monday voted 88-50 to advance SJR 1 to a second vote, when it will require 100 supporters to head to Texas voters. Currently, judges may only deny bail under specific circumstances prescribed by the Texas Constitution's Bill of Rights. Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, who authored the legislation, has said the current constitutional requirement to offer bail to some defendants, even if a judge might find them to be dangerous, is a massive public safety risk. Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, sponsored the bills in the House. He said during debate on SJR 1 that the bail reforms are a matter of life and death, calling the proposals some of the most important pieces of legislation he's voted on in his four decades in the House. Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, explains SB9, which would reform bail. "Had we passed this constitutional amendment six years ago, there would be little boys and girls still alive today who were tragically killed," Smithee said Monday. "I can promise you this: If we adopt this amendment and the voters approve it, it will save innocent human life. Period." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the bail reform proposals are generally noncontroversial among lawmakers, SJR 1 garnered some blowback from Democratic House members who said the measure is discriminatory and redundant with federal law, which requires the detention of non-U.S. nationals charged with certain crimes. Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, cast a "reluctant" yes vote on the resolution. He said the narrower House version of the proposal constitutes good public policy, but he warned of the dangers of the "ugly" rhetoric that often surrounds immigration issues. "From Twitter to town halls, the language around immigration is toxic, it's dehumanizing, and in some cases, it's nakedly racist," Moody said. "This type of scapegoating led to a mass murder in my hometown just a few years ago. Since then, that rhetoric has gotten worse, not better, and that makes it very hard to deal with just the policy on the paper." Others, like Edinburg Democratic Rep. Terry Canales, argued the bill unfairly targets immigrants when its provisions should apply to all allegedly dangerous criminals, regardless of immigration status. He urged his colleagues to "vote no on this piece of crap." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related legislation, Senate Bill 9 and SB 40, also passed the House on Tuesday. The Senate will need to approve the House's changes to those bills before they head to the governor's desk to become law. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, left, talks to Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, during debate of Huffmans SB9. SB 9 is a comprehensive bail reform bill that would change several things about the bail system, including increasing the amount of information available to judges when setting bail. It would also require judges who do not deny bail for certain violent charges to provide a written statement on the reasoning for their decision. SB 40 would prevent public money from being transferred to charitable bail organizations like the Bail Project. Texas' top elected officials have called for lawmakers to fast-track bail reform legislation this session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the three-term Republican who presides over the Senate, identified bail reform as one of his top legislative priorities, and Gov. Greg Abbott designated it an emergency item during his biennial State of the State address Feb. 2. Abbott has consistently voiced support for the measures on social media, firing off a spate of tweets in recent weeks urging lawmakers to vote in favor of the legislation. The governor made an impromptu visit to the House just as it was finishing up its daily floor session late Monday afternoon, ostensibly to shore up support for bail reform and other legislative priorities. Texas broken bail system must be reformed. Innocent Texans across the state are being MURDERED by violent repeat offenders. I bet all 88 Republicans in the Texas House will vote for it. We need 12 Democrats to join. Lawmakers must reform Texas' deadly bail system. Now. pic.twitter.com/tgdWnb0zvr Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 19, 2025 Speaking briefly with reporters on the House floor, Abbott was clearly pleased with the passage of much of the bail reform package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've been working hard on this for a long time," the governor said after chatting informally with several House members. "Too many people have been murdered because of the broken bail system that we've had. "It needs to get done." Staff writer John C. Moritz contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas House OKs bail reform bills; immigration-related proposal stalls BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The total number of Azerbaijani citizens hitting the road abroad took a slight dip of 0.9 percent from January to April this year compared to last year, landing at 632,700 people. The data obtained by Trend from the State Statistics Committee shows that the number of Azerbaijani citizens making their way to Iran has seen a jump of 25.9 percent, while those heading to Georgia have risen by 20.4 percent. On the flip side, travel to Turkiye has taken a dip of 6.3 percent, and the figures for Russia have plummeted by 26.4 percent. Moreover, a significant 36.1 percent of Azerbaijani nationals embarked on journeys to Turkiye, while 16.1 percent ventured to the Russian Federation, 11.1 percent explored Georgia, 11 percent traversed to Iran, and 25.7 percent sought destinations in various other nations. 66.9 percent of the cohort engaged in travel were male participants, while 33.1 percent comprised female counterparts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AUSTIN (Nexstar) On Tuesday, the Texas House was set to discuss an amended version of Senate Bill 3, which increases regulations on the consumable hemp industry and outlaws synthetic cannabinoids. The bill was significantly altered from the Texas Senate version to completely ban consumable hemp with THC, a bill which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said hes willing to go to a special session to complete. On Monday afternoon, State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Tomball, authored an amendment to reinstate most of the Houses changes to SB 3 amidst pressure from Patrick on social media to completely ban all forms of THC. As a board-certified anesthesiologist trained in chronic pain, Ive seen the quiet suffering of Texans who are desperate for safe, effective relief, Oliverson said on social media. Texas patients need real medicine, not unregulated hemp THC products sold at gas stations. These products pose serious risks, including overdose and psychosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As SB 3 was set to be heard on Tuesday, State Affairs Chair Ken King, R-Canadian, motioned to delay his bill until 3 p.m. Once it was brought up again, he delayed until 6 p.m. However, the House adjourned a little after 4:30 p.m., pushing discussion on SB 3 to Wednesday. House Changes to Senate Bill 3 The Senates version of SB 3, which passed 27-4, is 18 pages long. The version the House State Affairs committee came up with is 140 pages, nearly eight times the length. During the State Affairs Committee meeting, King explained how the new version would allow regulated sale of some hemp products that contain below 0.3% THC. It allows for some hemp sales to be continued. It bans vapes. It bans vape shops. It bans all synthetics. Delta-9, the natural flower thats grown and sold in Texas, would remain, King said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to synthetics being banned, the bill would prohibit consumable low-level THC hemp from being packaged as chips, candy, chewing gum or other products attractive to minors, and bans all artificial products unless expressly allowed. Tinctures would be allowed to have 2.5 milligrams of THC per each milliliter serving and up to 75 milligrams of THC in a container. Other products would be allowed 10 milligrams of THC per serving, with up to a gram of THC allowed in a container. Raw hemp flower would also be allowed under the Houses version, as long as it contained less than 0.3% THC by weight. The bill also opens up opportunities for a larger low-level THC-based drink market, including regulated THC drinks sold on-premises (brewpubs, etc.). If a person knowingly or intentionally possesses products banned under this bill, they would be committing a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. The bill requires licenses for any producer, tester or seller of the low-level (<0.3%) THC products. Retailers must be in a fixed location (not a vehicle) and can sell natural hemp flower and consumable hemp products, hemp beverages with a hemp beverage permit and other products without cannabinoids. A hemp retailer cannot sell tobacco or alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House version of SB 3 also includes a list of provisions designed to prevent those under 21 from accessing consumable hemp. No retailers employees can be under 21 or 18 if the store is owned by their parents. Sale would be prohibited within 300 feet of a school, church, public playground, day care center, child care center, homeless shelter or substance abuse treatment center. Some form of ID would have to be scanned to make a purchase. Pushing a THC ban across the finish line On Monday night, Patrick released another long-form video on his X account urging support for his proposed THC ban. We cannot in good conscience leave Austin without banning THC, which is harming our children, and destroying Texans lives and families, Patrick wrote. Some Texas House members chimed in, echoing Patricks message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets get it done @DanPatrick, State Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth, wrote. The Lt Gov joining with virtually every law enforcement group from across Texas is 100% right on this, State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-McKinney, wrote. Texans are counting on the House to join the Senate in taking a strong stand against THC and those who are peddling it to our children. Anything less than a full ban will miss the mark and miss the moment. Back in April, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller a proponent of the states growing medical program also showed support for Patricks efforts. Texas never intended for high potency and dangerous substances like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products to be readily available to Texas children, he wrote. Currently, we have an unregulated marketplace which allows exactly that. Thats why I support Lt. Governor Dan Patricks efforts to protect our kids and end the lawlessness. Hemp growers concerned Kyle Bingham, a farmer in west Texas, operates a 2,000-acre farm and says he dedicates about 5%, or about 100 acres, for growing hemp. He is also the vice president of the National Hemp Growers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He calls the bill overreaching, claiming it will impact all hemp-derived products. He draws that conclusion from a sentence in the bill version passed by the Senate that reads, prohibits a license holder from manufacturing a consumable hemp product that contains any amount of cannabinoid other than cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG). An amendment by Rep. Oliverson has the same sentence. Bingham argues all products will have trace amounts of THC. It may be 10 parts per billion. It may be very small amounts, Bingham said. One example is hemp hearts, which is the inner part of a hemp seed. You can buy them at your grocery store and add them to your dish when youre cooking. Bingham says the hearts will have trace amounts of THC, but not nearly enough to make its consumer feel any psychoactive effects. His argument is all hemp-derived products can be tested for THC, but he doesnt feel the bill is clear on how testing will be conducted. What are the clear rules for testing? What are your detectable limits? How are we going to test this, Bingham asked. 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 KXAN Austin. A bill greenlit by the Texas Senate on Monday would block school districts from purchasing instructional materials that do not use the terms Before Christ (B.C.) and Anno Domini (A.D.) when referring to historical time periods, marking the latest effort by lawmakers to emphasize Christianity in public schools. Senate Bill 2617 passed the chamber on a 22-9 vote, sending the proposal to the Texas House for further consideration just two weeks before the legislative session is set to end. In addition to preventing schools from purchasing certain materials, the bill would require districts to adopt policies mandating that teachers use B.C. and A.D. during classroom instruction, running contrary to the terms some academics prefer to use Before Common Era (B.C.E.) and Common Era (C.E.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By putting this into law, the Senate bill protects Texas' long standing approach to teaching history clearly, consistently, without political distortion giving parents, teachers and students confidence in a consistent foundation for learning, said Sen. Brandon Creighton, the Republican bill author who chairs the education committee. The legislation passed without a debate on the Senate floor. Before Christ and Anno Domini (which means In the year of our Lord) are commonly used to keep track of years before and after Jesus Christs birth, a precise date that is unknown. Historians also use Before Common Era and Common Era in an effort to ensure time-tracking is inclusive of different faiths and cultures other than Christianity. It pains me that we would not be teaching our students to understand the terminology that is widely used throughout the world, said Paul Colbert, a former state legislator who was the only person to testify on the bill during a committee hearing last month. But it pains me even more that we would be denying them the opportunity to learn about the respect for others religious backgrounds, others cultural backgrounds, that were the reason for that shift over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation is being proposed three years after the Texas State Board of Education considered moving away from using B.C. and A.D. in favor of the more religiously inclusive terms. The board ultimately did not adopt the policy which members considered among broader revisions to the states social studies standards deciding instead to push back further discussion on history instruction to this year. The State Board of Education has shifted further to the political right since then. It seems unlikely that the 10 Republicans who currently make up the panels majority would support the policy previously put forward. SB 2617s approval in the Senate comes as conservative Christians continue pushing to infuse more religion into public schools and life. Earlier this month, Texas became the latest state to allow families to use taxpayer dollars to fund their childrens tuition at private and religious schools. The Senate has also advanced bills that would require public schools to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allow time for prayer. Meanwhile, the State Board of Education authorized an optional elementary school curriculum last year that includes heavy references to the Bible and Christianity while omitting context highlighting the role slavery and racism played in major historical events. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 1315 in Austin. Get your tickets today! Texas triplets Cate, Ava and Truman Crawford all graduated from the same college They were inspired to go to Texas Tech after their grandparents met there The siblings received degrees from the schools College of Media & Communication Texas triplets have celebrated yet another major milestone with one another their college graduation. Round Rock natives Cate, Ava and Truman Crawford recently finished at Texas Tech in Lubbock, inspired to attend the university after their grandparents, Joe and Betty, met at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we first toured the university together, it just made sense, even though we never thought wed all end up at the same school, Cate said during a Friday, May 16, interview with Texas Tech. According to the triplets, their parents, Clark and Amanda Crawford, have always raised them to have a sense of individuality despite being multiples. Still, there are definitely similarities between the siblings, who are all graduating from Texas Techs College of Media & Communication. Truman has a degree in public relations and strategic communication management. Ava holds a degree in creative media industries, and Cate going for digital media and professional communication, per KBTX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact the college had so many diverse programs that we all found something we like, says a lot, Truman told Texas Tech. Speaking to KCBD, Cate said, Growing up was really fun. Our parents were the best and we had a really fun, but individual experience for each of us really focusing on yes, we are triplets, but were also our own individuals. Weve kind of gone through everything together in life, added Truman. High school graduation, turning 16, and getting your first license and all that. To have another monumental step in our life that weve all been able to do together, I think for all of us, its really valuable. The family said it was Truman who first had his sights set on Texas Tech, the rest of them only joined while he visited for a tour before he decided to enroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truman really wanted to go to Tech, so we all went to tour as a family, and I think Ava and I were a little hesitant, Cate told her school. My perception of Lubbock was there was a lot of dust and that was pretty much it. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Once there, her views quickly changed. When we got to Lubbock and did the full tour and spoke with advisors, it felt like the perfect fit, Cate said. Truman graduated from Texas Tech six months ago and now works for the Texas Senate under Senator Brian Birdwell on the border security committee. Cate plans to return to the Texas Workforce Commission to be a campaign coordinator for the Office of Media and Communications, and Ava intends to move to Austin to pursue content creation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just really excited and were gonna miss Texas Tech, but I think its a good thing well miss it cause that means its meant so much to us over the last four years, Cate told KCBD. Read the original article on People BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. (WSPA) Tim Clark joined the Air Force twice. I tried out college right out of high school, and things just werent clicking Clark told 7NEWS. His first go-around, Clark served as a communications computer systems operator. I definitely wanted to have a guaranteed job, Clark explained. I knew I wanted to work with computers. He said the Air Force doesnt get the credit it deserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There still is a lot of physicality. Its very high speed, Clark said. I think thats the one thing Ive always liked about the military. The thing Clark didnt like his first duty station. I never heard of Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, Clark said, recounting the days. And I didnt know that anywhere in America could get that cold. Clark said its where the military stores its weapons. And in his job there, he had big responsibilities to uphold. So here I am, 19 years old. I cant buy beer. You know? Im not technically an adult, but here we are holding the launch codes to the nuclear missiles, said Clark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he deployed to Okinawa, Japan, for 3 years. I spent the next three years and seven months and the most beautiful place on earth, Clark shared. So I was rewarded for freezing my butt off! Clark separated from the Air Force in 1996. He went on to work for a local automotive manufacturer and had plans to start a family. I was there for quite a few years, and then I really just started missing it, Clark said. I found out in 2009 that I could get back in. And everybody thought it was nuts! Clark said it was one of the best decisions he ever made. I really wasnt even thinking about the retirement, Clark said. I just wanted to get back in and do something different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he did. Clarks second contract involved serving as a machinist in the Air Force Reserves at Joint Base Charleston. You learn how to take raw metal and through either manual machining or C.N.C., which is Computer Numerical Controlled Machining, he explained. Basically make parts for the aircraft. Clark said it was a great experience. It makes you feel good when you see those aircraft flying around, and you see that tail number, and you know you did something on that aircraft, Clark said. Its a point of pride. Clark retired from the Air Force Reserves just recently in December of 2024. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark said hes in a good place now, but its time to put the focus on his health. And naturally, as a veteran, thats not stopping him from keeping involved. With my free time, I went ahead; right off the bat, I knew I wanted to join the American Legion, Clark said. And so Ive been active with the Post 28 in Duncan Park. Clark said the Legion needs younger veterans to join. They need fresh blood, he explained. And its a great place and a great resource for veterans. Clark said it feels great to be a part of the organization, and it reminds him of the career he committed to in his life. I was always proud that they just let me be part of the team, Clark said. That I was good enough to be, you know, in the Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Clark, thank you for your service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) A non-profit brought together athletes of all abilities for a special fitness class at a local farm. People of all abilities were seen breaking a sweat and having a blast at Cloverbrook Farm in East Longmeadow for a fun and unique aerobic workout class. They were able to exercise in a relaxing and therapeutic environment surrounded by goats and horses. It feels good. Ive never been here before to see animals. I have been exercising for a long time, said Molly Ciszewski of Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was put on by the local non-profit, Totally Adaptive. The founder, Kelly Phillips, who is a retired special education teacher, explained, this class was created with the goal of promoting inclusion and accessibility in physical activity. Her daughter, who has Cerebral Palsy, is the inspiration behind it all. People make amazing changes in their abilities to reach, to grasp in their strength and their mobility, all sorts of things, said Phillips. When coupled with cuddles from baby goats, these classes are helping people feel more in the moment and at peace. It lowers your blood pressure and lowers your heart rate. And theyre a universal icebreaker. So everybody just loves being around them and holding them, said Owner of Cloverbrook Farm, Shannon Gallagher. This class also allowed participants to socialize and build friendships. Exercise itself is super important, but also isolation is a big problem among the disabled population, isolation and loneliness, and depression. So we try to break through all of that, added Phillips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for one mother, she was excited to see the smile it brought to her daughters face. Its a wonderful experience. We love it. We like to interact with them. You know, the people that she knows of course, new people, and the animals on the farms. Its so Beautiful, said Maria Reyes of Springfield. The non-profit continues to offer classes like this one at the gym Continuum Performance Center in East Longmeadow, and the first week is free. 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. After being stuck in neutral for 15 years, it appears that efforts to build a new live music venue in the Santa Fe area to replace the Paolo Soleri Amphitheater are generating some momentum. The release two weeks ago of a feasibility study and public opinion survey that examined whether demand exists for such a facility and whether it would be financially sustainable answered both those questions in the affirmative, as outlined in a story I wrote that appeared in Mondays edition of The New Mexican. The city and the county partnered on the report, and now officials from both entities will determine how to proceed. Randy Randall of Tourism Santa Fe, the city agency that commissioned the report, suggested the most likely path forward involves creating a working group to begin identifying possible sites for a facility and exploring how it might be funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That likely cant come quickly enough for Jamie Lenfestey of Lensic 360, who has been deeply involved in the local music scene for more than 30 years. Lenfestey, who said he would be eager to be part of any such working group, has been pushing for a new amphitheater since the Paolo Soleri closed to the public in 2010. Randall and County Commissioner Justin Greene also appear to be deeply invested in the idea, giving it three strong advocates across a variety of public platforms. There have been other attempts to jump-start the pro-amphitheater movement in Santa Fe in the past, of course, but this one appears to be the most serious. Its too early to tell if this one will yield results. But there is at last some reason to believe that, maybe three to five years from now, Santa Fe music lovers could be enjoying a new outdoor live music venue featuring some of their favorite acts. The Colorado House of Representatives debates a property tax relief bill during a special session on Aug. 27, 2024. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) People convicted of first-degree car theft in Colorado will be unable to have a firearm under a new law signed by Gov. Jared Polis on Monday. House Bill 25-1171 adds the offense to the list of crimes covered by the Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender statute in the state. POWPO makes it illegal to own a firearm for people with one or more of the listed convictions on their record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From now on anyone convicted of first degree motor vehicle theft (is) ineligible to possess a firearm, keeping guns out of the wrong hands and protecting our communities, Polis said in a statement. I am proud of our work to improve public safety in Colorado, and with this bill signed into law, I look forward to continuing our bold progress to protect Coloradans and our communities. A person can be convicted of first-degree vehicle theft only after two other vehicle theft convictions. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Shannon Bird of Westminster and Andrew Boesenecker of Fort Collins and Sens. Nick Hinrichsen of Pueblo and Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City, all Democrats. It passed the Legislature with bipartisan support. A 2021 law narrowed the scope of the POWPO application in Colorado, and while a 2022 law then added more felonies back to the list, it left car theft out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we heard in committee from law enforcement is a plea. They are begging us, in these situations where you have someone who has been convicted three times of auto theft, they are asking us to please take the firearm out of the equation, Boesenecker said on the House floor during bill debate. What we heard in committee from law enforcement is a plea. They are begging us, in these situations where you have someone who has been convicted three times of auto theft, they are asking us to please take the firearm out of the equation. State Rep. Andrew Boesenecker As the bill made its way through the Legislature, Hinrichsen said that car theft is distinct from other property crimes and non-violent offenses left out of POWPO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we look at punishments relative to crime, either in terms of sentences or in terms of restrictions, what we should be looking at is the severity of the action and the risk and harm done to the victim and community more broadly. When youre dealing with the theft of a vehicle, youre disrupting the entire life of an individual, he said during the bills first Senate committee hearing. The bill was amended in the House, under a change brought by Republican representatives, to allow a person to petition a court to restore their firearm possession rights after 10 years. This is the crucially important piece for someone who has turned their life around, they can petition to get this removed, Rep. Ryan Armagost, a Berthoud Republican who helped negotiate the amendment, said on the House floor. But that amendment ended up being a sticking point. Other crimes on the POWPO list do not have that restoration pathway for adults, creating equal protection concerns. Sponsors said, however, that the attorney generals office said the bill with the amendment is defensible if a legal challenge emerges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Senate stripped the amendment from the bill and passed a version without the restoration piece. The House then refused to accept the change and forced the Senate to decide, in the last hours of the session on May 7, to either pass the House version of the bill or allow the legislation to die. The Senate passed the bill. I appreciate the hard work of the House sponsors to work on deals that bring parties into agreement, that brought representatives to be able to get behind this policy that I believe will save lives in Colorado, Hinrichsen said. Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. RATON, N.M. (KRQE) A third person is facing charges in the drug smuggling scheme involving a northern New Mexico jail guard. Maryann Romero is accused of giving drugs to Amber Salazar, an officer at the Vigil Maldonado Detention Center in Raton, so she could get them inside the facility. Person of interest in Santa Fe bank robbery arrested Investigators said Salazar then delivered the drugs to inmate Gilbert Romero. Authorities learned about the scheme when Salazars husband, a sergeant at the jail, saw Salazar on surveillance engaging in an inappropriate relationship with inmates. 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. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. LAGRANGE, Ala. (WHNT) 84-year-old Buddy Coan went to LaGrange Elementary school nearly 70 years ago. We had some good times back in the day, but most of them are about dead and gone now on about two or three of us left, you know, Coan said. RELATED: Authorities on scene of weather-related fire at old LaGrange Elementary School Coan watched as his former Elementary school burned on Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was roaring, boy, she was roaring, Coan said. But while the fire brought some sadness, it also brought to life memories of the good times. We had a lot of girlfriends in this school, Coan said. Benefits behind Botox: How it can help with migraines, other conditions While Coan was a young student nearly 70 years ago, he told News 19 about his time at LaGrange Elementary. We just ran and played and had school for nine years, and they got moved on to Leighton or somewhere else, you know, he said. Its been part of the community right here, and when it shut down, our community bout went down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coan said he remembers being a teen and that all the classes would gather at the school for different occasions. Its a part of us out here, you know we all used to have stews here for the Fourth of July all day deal, theyd play music and wed make hamburgers and hot dogs after school let out, Coan said. Coan tells me, though the former school may be burned, the memories there will last forever We had some good times back in those days, Coan said. Fire crews tell us they believe the fire started as storms rolled through the Shoals Monday morning. The old gymnasium is a total loss, but the rest of the school was largely undamaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Thousands of children in Gaza are at risk of imminent death after a nearly three-month total Israeli blockade on the besieged enclave, which has spread famine, the United Nations relief chief warns. That has put 14,000 babies at risk of dying in the next 48 hours, Tom Fletcher said in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday. We need to flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid, the UNs undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs said, describing the situation as chilling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All food, medicine and other life-saving aid had been blocked by Israel from entering Gaza beginning on March 2. As of Monday, a trickle of aid was authorised to enter for the first time since then but was not immediately distributed. Addressing the European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels on Tuesday, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said relief organisations have run out of words to describe the horrors unfolding in Gaza at Israels hands. But the worst in all this is that we are confronted with a situation: If there is political will, the war can stop. The siege being imposed on Gaza can be lifted, Lazzarini said. Since early March, at least 57 children are reported to have died from malnutrition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment says more than 93 percent of children in Gaza, or about 930,000, are at risk of famine UNRWA Director of Health Akihiro Seita added on Tuesday that the situation is getting exponentially worse and may soon arrive at a point that is beyond our control. (Al Jazeera) Israel told the UN on Tuesday that it would allow the entry of 100 trucks carrying humanitarian aid, a day after it said it allowed only nine aid trucks into the enclave for the first time in more than 80 days. But UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said no humanitarian aid has been distributed yet, despite more supplies being dropped off on the Palestinian side of the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli moves have been roundly slammed for fulfilling only a drop in the ocean of the humanitarian needs in Gaza, which has been largely reduced to rubble by Israeli air strikes and ground operations, which were expanded at the weekend. Israeli attacks continue to kill dozens of Palestinians, including many children, each day while whats left of infrastructure and aid supplies are being destroyed. The municipality of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza announced on Tuesday that a major well, the last remaining source of drinking water in the area, was destroyed along with its generator in an Israeli strike. This comes as more than 100,000 Palestinians have been driven out of their homes and shelters in the past several days alone, according to the UN, and have nowhere safe to go as they face famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli army on Tuesday bombed the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gazas Khan Younis as well, hitting life-saving medical supplies and causing widespread destruction across the hospitals different facilities, including oxygen lines and a laboratory. In northern Gaza, the Indonesian Hospital is under siege by the Israeli military with patients unable to enter or get out, Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary said, reporting from Deir el-Balah. Aside from the Nasser and Indonesian hospitals, two other major hospitals in Gaza, the European and al-Awda, have been bombed and largely put out of service in the past few days, she added. Tess Ingram, a UNICEF communications manager, explained to Al Jazeera why a scheme hatched by the United States and Israel to take control of aid distribution in Gaza was unacceptable for the international community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the UN and its international partners had 400 distribution points all over Gaza to help Palestinians whereas now only a handful of militarised points in southern Gaza will be used under the US-Israel plan. This would mean that people would have to walk a long way to collect a packet that weighs up to 25kg [55lb] and then walk back again, she said. Speaking on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised that only a minimal amount of aid will be allowed into Gaza for diplomatic and political reasons as international pressure and condemnation is directed at him and his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said allowing any aid into Gaza while some Israeli captives taken during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, are still held inside the enclave is a grave mistake hindering our victory. As the Israeli military and government continue to promise to defeat Hamas, devastating military strikes on the Palestinian territory have intensified. The Israeli army said on Tuesday afternoon that it attacked 100 targets in Gaza in the preceding 24 hours, claiming they were all terrorist targets. At least 53,573 Palestinians have been killed and 121,688 wounded since the start of the war, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. MARYLAND (DC News Now) As thousands of Marylanders get ready to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, officials are urging drivers to stay alert and drive safely. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), thousands of residents are expected to travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday weekend. This means that traffic could be heavy toward the Eastern Shore beaches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Monday, Memorial Day. According to AAA, 45.1 million people will travel for the holiday weekend. This is a 1.4 million increase in travelers compared to 2024. The company added that most travelers will drive, while 3.6 million plan to fly. The rest will reach their destinations by train, bus or boat, according to AAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memorial Day celebrations in DC, Maryland, Virginia Summertime is when many Marylanders explore our states beauty and create life-long memories, said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. Historically, the summer months are also when we see an increase in deadly crashes across the state. Help us save lives this summer. I urge everyone to join the Department in being Serious About Safety and practicing safe driving buckle up, slow down, pay attention and drive sober. Together we can bend the curve on roadway fatalities and work towards Marylands goal of zero deaths. The department noted that in 2024, more than 575 people lost their lives on roads across Maryland. So far this year, there have already been 150 deaths. MDOT encourages Marylanders to stay focused, slow down, drive sober, move over for any stopped cars and to stay prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the holiday weekend, all major lane closures for non-emergency roadwork will be suspended from 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. All Marylanders planning to fly from the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport should arrive for their flights early to allow time for check-in and security checkpoints. Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline? Where to expect traffic delays in Maryland? MDOT said over 340,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday and Monday. All drivers should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roads open for first responders and residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department added that all drivers can expect delays in both directions at the Bay Bridge and along US 50 when traveling through peak hours. MDOT said the best time to travel across the Bay Bridge during the holiday include: Eastbound Thursday, May 22 before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Friday, May 23 before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Saturday, May 24 before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Sunday, May 25 before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Westbound Thursday, May 22 before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Friday, May 23 before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24 before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Sunday, May 25 before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Memorial Day Monday, May 26 before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Will trains and buses run on Memorial Day? Yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, May 24, the Maryland Transit Administration will run, but on a modified schedule. All CityLink and LocalLink buses, Light RailLink and MetroSubway will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. The Commuter Bus will operate Bus Route 201 on a Weekend/Holiday S schedule. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. All New York City families who applied to preschool for 3-year-olds received an offer on Tuesday but with a catch: Thousands received placements they did not ask for. Of the more than 43,000 families who applied this cycle, 15% of children were placed in 3-K programs not listed on their parents applications, according to data shared with the City Council at a hearing on the Department of Education budget. The figure was in line with last years and sparked concerns that, once again, some offers will be unrealistic for families despite the city school systems best efforts to tweak programs to better match the demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a small percentage of families who did not get something [that works for them], that may not be close to home, said Trevonda Kelly, the chief enrollment officer. Thousands more families, on the other hand, were likely to be thrilled with their placements: 65% of 3-K applicants received offers to their top-choice programs. First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg added that families shut out of their preferred programs were automatically waitlisted for the sites they ranked and could receive offers in the coming months. Just because maybe one of the families got an offer to a site that isnt close to home or just isnt the one you wanted for whatever reason, he said, you have a reasonable chance over the course of the summer, as things shake out, to get an offer from one of those sites you did list on the application. Alexandra Minaie, a mom in the Queens neighborhood of Middle Village, was offered a spot for her daughter at a preschool center not on her application or in her neighborhood. Right away, she called the program and learned it would cost $720 per month for an early drop-off time, which was still incompatible with her work schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its disheartening to me, Minaie said, because, as a public school educator for the past 15 years, I feel like my job is to take care of other peoples children. And now I feel like I dont have a spot for my daughter and I dont think thats acceptable. Minaie, who pays $15,000 per year for daycare, added that she and her husband had been waiting to expand their family until their daughter entered 3-K. But discussion of having another child is on hold as long as they cannot afford daycare for two children. We have to unfortunately play a waiting game now and see if we get bumped up on the waitlist, she said. As a native New Yorker, it is upsetting to feel like you cant have a great quality of life and raise the family you dreamed of having in the home where youve always lived. A discrepancy between supply and demand has vexed school officials for years. The early childhood education system has a capacity of 130,000 seats, but only 70% are currently filled even as waitlists have proliferated elsewhere, according to Department of Education data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minaie was one of 72 frustrated parents who responded to a New Yorkers United for Child Care survey within hours of offers being released. Rebecca Bailin, the groups executive director, said she was not surprised families were being placed in mismatched 3-K programs, saying the patchwork system doesnt fully work for parents. Families are relying on 3-K to afford to stay in New York City, and for those who get their seats, its a game changer, Bailin said. Mayor Adams talks a big game about making New York affordable but his actions have resulted in the opposite, she added. Theres no reason that the city cant match programs with the families that need it, and make sure families hear about the programs with robust outreach. Offers for pre-K which is for 4-year-olds were released last week. About 80% of nearly 52,000 pre-K applicants received their top choice, and 93% got an offer from a program listed on their application, according to Department of Education data. Just last month, Mayor Adams made a momentous announcement: For the first time in history, the Adams administration will provide baselined, annual funding to ensure a seat in 3-K for every child and family who wants one, said Zachary Nosanchuk, a spokesman for the mayor. This is a lasting commitment to New York Citys working families that [we] are proudly upholding. We continue to work with families to ensure every child can attend a program that meets their needs. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A suspected drone strike killed four children and wounded five others in northwest Pakistan, prompting thousands of residents to stage a protest by placing the childrens bodies on a main road to demand justice, local elders said on Tuesday. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind Monday's attack in Mir Ali, which has been a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, and there was no comment from the army. We are not blaming anyone, but we want justice, and the government should tell us who killed our children, local tribal elder Mufti Baitullah said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He warned that the protest, currently staged at one regional roadblock, could expand if authorities fail to answer. We will not bury the bodies until we are told who is responsible for killing our innocent children, he said, as people chanted we want justice. There have been civilian casualties in military strikes in some parts of the country in recent years. In March, 11 people, including women and children, were killed when a drone attack targeted a house in the northwestern city of Mardan. A statement by the provincial government at the time had only said that there was "collateral damage" in an operation that was conducted to target militants in a remote village. Residents in March also rallied until the government agreed to compensate the victims' families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdullah Khan, the managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies think tank, said Tuesday that militants also have been using quadcopters to target troops, but it still was unclear who was responsible for the drone attack in Mir Ali. The latest civilian casualties came amid ongoing military operations against the Pakistani Taliban, which have a strong presence in Mir Ali, a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are a separate insurgent group from the Afghan Taliban, and they often target troops in the region. Nayak Muhammad Dawar, a provincial minister, condemned the attack in a statement Tuesday. He said that investigations were ongoing. Mir Ali and nearby districts located near Afghanistan were long a base for the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups. The TTTP have stepped up attacks in the region in recent months. ___ Rasool Khan contributed to this report. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) Three people were arrested in Urbana on Monday in two separate illegal weapons incidents. U of I Police, Crime Stoppers looking for pair of package thieves Firearm located near the 800 block of Oakland Ave. Photo provided by the Urbana Police Department. Urbana Police officers responded to a report of an armed person in the 800 block of Oakland Avenue. After investigating, officers arrested a 43-year-old man from Chicago. Police said they had determined that he is a convicted felon with an active arrest warrant from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is now facing charges of obstruction of justice, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. 4 years later: Champaign Deputy Chief reflects on death of Officer Chris Oberheim Later in the afternoon, officers responded to a domestic situation on S. Philo Road. During their investigation, officers found two additional firearms. A 33-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, both from St. Louis, Mo., were arrested. The two are facing charges including endangering the life or health of a child, aggravated assault and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. We are proud of our officers quick response and investigative efforts that helped remove dangerous weapons from our community, the Urbana Police Department said in a post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police department added that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Three people have died in severe weather in southern France, local authorities said on Tuesday. Two bodies were found in Le Lavandou, located on the Mediterranean coast between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, the local prefecture announced on Tuesday. Another person was found dead in the municipality of Vidauban, further north. Around 300 firefighters were reportedly deployed. Le Lavandou and other towns in the south-eastern Var region had earlier been hit by thunderstorms and heavy rain. Several roads were closed due to flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mole and Giscle rivers were threatening to burst their banks, according to reports in the morning. Hundreds of households were without power. Like many areas on the French Mediterranean coast and the Atlantic, the Var region is a popular holiday destination in summer. Parts of south-western France were also hit by storms on Monday evening. French media reported that people had to be evacuated from a stranded train near Tonneins late in the evening due to flooding. Train services on the route between Bordeaux and Toulouse were still partially disrupted on Tuesday. TOPEKA (KSNT) Catholic Church officials in Kansas have released new reports this month into allegations of abuse against three former priests. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas released three announcements on May 12 regarding allegations of abuse against three of its priests. Fr. Joseph Cramer, Fr. Donald Redmond and Fr. John Fidelis Forrester are named in the announcements. Each of the priests died before the release of the abuse allegations this month. The priests served at dozens of different churches across Kansas, including in the areas of Topeka, Lawrence, Atchison, Seneca, Sabetha, Olathe, Emporia, Marysville and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mans truck parked at casino for hours before deadly crash that killed a Topeka teacher: court documents The Archdiocese called the allegations of abuse credible and substantiated for the priests. Allegations designated as substantiated are corroborated with evidence such as witness statements, documents, emails, photos and other sources of information or law enforcement authorities. All three priests were added to the Substantiated Clergy Offenders list, which can be found online here. Inclusion on this list does not necessarily mean the priests were found guilty of a crime or are liable for civil claims, according to the Archdiocese. Fr. Joseph Cramer Cramer was accused of sexual abuse of minors, according to the Archdioceses website. There have also been substantiated allegations against him of abuse of a vulnerable adult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ordained in 1977. Died in 2022. Estimated timeframe of abuse: 1987-1992. Churches he served at under the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas: Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood. Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Holy Name Church in Topeka. Hayden High School in Topeka. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Paxico. Savior of the World High School Seminary in Kansas City. St. Paul Catholic Church in Olathe. Didde Catholic Campus Center (formerly Emporia State & Schooling) in Emporia. Assumption in Reading. St. Leos Catholic Parish in Horton. St. Marys Catholic Church in Purcell. St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Marysville. St. Malachys Church in Beattie. St. Philip Neri Church in Osawatomie. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mound City. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in LaCygne. Divine Mercy Parish (formerly Sacred Heart Catholic Church) in Gardner. Parole decision reversed for man who killed Kansas state trooper Fr. Donald Redmond An investigation by the Archdiocese found credible allegations against Redmond of abuse against an adult, according to the Archdioceses website. Redmond has appeared on the Substantiated Clergy Offenders list before. He also served in the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. Ordained in 1957. Died in 2019. Removed from ministry in 2002. Estimated timeframe of abuse: 1960-1968. Churches he served at in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas: St. Peter and St. Paul in Seneca. St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence. Benedictine College in Atchison. Sacred Heart Parish in Atchison. St. James Parish in Wetmore. Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha. St. Augustine Parish in Fidelity. Fr. John Fidelis Forrester The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and St. Benedicts Abbey report that Forrester was recently the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Archdioceses website. He was also found to have substantiated allegations against him from outside the Archdiocese. Forrester also served in the Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington and the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ordained in 1954. Died in 2022. Estimated timeframe of abuse: 1947-1961. Churches he served at in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas: Prior to becoming a priest: Camp St. Maur Hill in Atchison. Maur Hill Mount-Academy in Atchison. Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison. Ursuline Academy in Paola. After becoming a priest: St. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. Five Kansas fashion stores to shut down soon, what to know The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said it takes all allegations of misconduct by its personnel seriously and will investigate allegations even if they happened decades ago. It encourages people who have knowledge of misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member to contact law enforcement before calling or texting the Archdioceses confidential reporting number. My thoughts go out to all survivors of clerical sexual abuse, and I pray for their healing. The Archdiocese and St. Benedicts Abbey make these public announcements with the hope that it may enable others to come forward and allow the Church to meet our obligation to a survivors healing. Our desire is for the Church to be transparent when priests and other representatives of the Church betray the trust of Gods people and become instruments of harm instead of mercy and healing. I invite survivors of abuse in the Church to engage with our Office for Protection and Care and participate in our restorative process aimed at accountability and peace. I am grateful to the Office for Protection and Care, which has been dedicated to making our response to the tragedy of clerical sexual abuse victim-centered. I recognize that each survivor walks their own path, and as the institution that caused the harm, we must meet them where they are, offering support without judgment and respecting their unique journey. Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas You can make a report to the Archdiocese by calling 913-276-8703 or by clicking here. You can also get in touch with a victim care advocate by calling 913-298-9244. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas Forest Service at risk of 80% funding loss, layoffs with proposed federal cuts The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) released a report in early 2023 into cases of abuse involving members of the clergy. The report represented the work of numerous KBI agents in the Catholic Clergy Task Force (CCTF), organized by then-Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who investigated multiple allegations of abuse into Catholic clergy members and those associated with the Society of Saint Pius X. The KBI initiated 125 criminal cases in connection to their findings. However, law enforcement was hindered by the statute of limitations or deaths of those who were accused. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Israeli settlers attacked a village near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday evening, Palestinian residents and local media reported. Three Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces, one of them seriously, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said. Eyewitnesses told dpa that armed settlers entered the village of Beitillu and fired on residents. The Israeli army was reportedly also at the scene. It was initially unclear who exactly fired the shots that hit the three Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian WAFA news agency reported that Israeli settlers came from a nearby settlement and that the Israeli military used tear gas against the villagers. The information could not initially be independently verified. The Israeli army said on request that it was investigating the reports. Tensions in the West Bank have intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Since then, 923 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations, armed clashes or attacks by extremists, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. In a bid to roll out the red carpet for international tourism, Uzbekistan is set to open the floodgates with a visa-free regime for citizens of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Sultanate of Oman, kicking off from June 1, 2025, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan. This landmark policy will allow nationals from these countries to visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without the need for a visa, making it easier than ever for tourists to explore the rich cultural and historical treasures of the country. The introduction of the visa-free regime is part of a larger strategy by the Uzbek government to enhance its status as a premier tourism destination in Central Asia. The government aims to significantly increase the flow of international visitors, positioning Uzbekistan as a must-visit location on the global tourism map. In line with these efforts, the government has set ambitious targets for the tourism sector. By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan plans to attract 15.8 million foreign tourists and generate $4 billion in tourism service exports. Domestically, the country aims to facilitate 40 million local travelers and support the creation of 378 new tour operators. These initiatives show how Uzbekistan is stepping up its efforts to boost its economy through tourism and build up stronger international ties. With this move, the government aims to set Uzbekistan up as a leading hub for both international visitors and regional tourism. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel HELSINKI (Reuters) -Three pupils were injured in an attack at a school in southern Finland on Tuesday and a fellow student suspected of carrying out the assault has been apprehended, police said. The attacker used a bladed weapon, police said in a statement, adding that the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Police said they were investigating written material believed to have been published by the suspect prior to the incident, but did not elaborate on the content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not state the age of the victims but said their parents had been informed. Pupils at the Vahajarvi school in Pirkkala, some 180 kilometres (110 miles) north of Helsinki, range from pre-school age to ninth grade, according to its website. (Reporting by Essi Lehto, Anna Ringstrom and Elviira Luoma; Editing by Louise Rasmussen, Terje Solsvik, Alexandra Hudson) Three Marylanders pleaded guilty to more than $3.6 million in Medicaid fraud, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said Monday, outlining a scheme involving behavioral health companies. Between 2019 and 2024, the three individuals operated two companies to falsely bill for psychiatric rehabilitation program services, the Office of the Attorney General said in a news release Monday. The companies, Guiding Lives, Inc. and Another Chance Supportive Services, Inc., were located at 6305 Belair Road in Baltimore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tasha S. Saunders, of Parkville, pleaded guilty in February to two counts of defrauding the Maryland Medicaid program of more than $3.6 million by billing for mental health services that were never provided, the release said. Saunders was previously convicted for another Medicaid fraud scheme in 2021. In that case, she was sentenced to nine months of jail time, nine months of home detention and five years of supervised probation. In addition, she was also ordered to pay over $470,000 in restitution, according to the release. She was also barred from participating in federal health care programs in the future. In her previous guilty plea, Saunders admitted to stealing the identities of licensed counselors, faking patient files and making fraudulent Medicaid claims for psychiatric rehab services that were never provided. Despite the conviction, she continued the scheme, according to the release.. Robert Higgins pleaded guilty for his role in operating the two fraudulent behavioral health companies with Saunders. He agreed to pay back $341,900, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamyra Jordan, Saunders daughter, pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicaid of almost $300,000, the release says. Online court records show Higgins guilty plea was in March, while Jordans was earlier this month. Saunders orchestrated Guiding Lives from jail via Jordan and Higgins before creating Another Chance Supportive Services in 2022, the release says. Jordan and Higgins forged signatures[,] created fake patient records and stole the identities of both providers and recipients to submit false claims, the release says . When Saunders formed Another Chance, she hid her ownership by using others stolen personal information, it says. For violating her probation, Saunders was sentenced to three and half years of incarceration, the release says. Higgins and Saunders will be sentenced in July; Jordans sentencing is in November. Jordans attorney, Peter S. ONeill, declined to comment. Higgins and Saunders attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment Monday. _______ President Donald Trump honored the three Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office motorcycle deputies who died in a November roadside crash at the White House on May 19, making them the first recipients of the Medal of Sacrifice. The medal will go to law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. During a ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump presented the medals to the families of Cpl. Luis Paez and deputies Ralph "Butch" Waller and Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, who died after an SUV struck them on the morning of Nov. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened on Southern Boulevard west of Wellington while the deputies stood on the shoulder of the road awaiting assistance with one deputy's stalled motorcycle. Waller and Paez died at a hospital that day. Diaz succumbed to his injuries days later. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. 'They were lions': Mourners honor three PBSO deputies killed in SUV crash near Wellington Idea for medal sparked at memorial service for PBSO deputies (Left to right): Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy Ignacio Diaz, 51; deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller, 54; Cpl. Luis Paez, 58. During the White House ceremony, Trump praised the deputies' commitment to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and "well beyond." Today, we remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medal's first-ever recipients," the president said. "We will never forget their legacy, and we will never forget the debt we owe all these law enforcement heroes who have given their lives to keep our communities safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those joining Trump at the ceremony were his son, Eric, and U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Byron Donalds. Eric Trump recalled attending a memorial service for the three fallen deputies with his father and Mast in December at the South Florida Fairgrounds. He said that event started a conversation about finding away to honor first responders who die in the line of duty. "One simple question was asked," he said. "'Why is there no Medal of Valor, Medal of Sacrifice that commemorates law enforcement officers, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty? We said 'We're going to take care of this problem. We're going to get involved.'" Prior to the news conference, Mast introduced a bill before Congress to establish the Medal of Sacrifice Act, which authorizes the president to present an official medal to local, state or federal law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. President Donald Trump stands with Cameron Paez, the son of fallen PBSO Cpl. Luis Paez, during a ceremony on May 19, 2025 at the White House in Washington, D.C. Paez was one of three PBSO deputies honored as the first recipients of the Presidential Medal of Sacrifice. The bill would create a commission of 12 law enforcement officers appointed by the president who are charged with determining eligibility for the medal, promoting its establishment and determining procedures for award presentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day, law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives while protecting our communities, Mast said. While we will never be able to truly thank the officers we have lost, this medal is a small way to express our eternal gratitude to those heroes and their loved ones. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Remembering the fallen: Union honors 3 PBSO deputies killed in Southern Boulevard crash One fallen deputy's son: 'I viewed my dad as Superman' The medals will feature national symbols and heraldic elements, including the Great Seal of the United States, redesigned by Tiffany & Co. in 1885. The word sacrifice" is inscribed on them, as well as three oak leaves, representing strength, resilience, and honoring the families of the fallen. The medals were designed by the Arnault family, owners of Tiffany & Co. The family agreed to participate without hesitation, Eric Trump said. After accepting the award, Paez' son, Cameron, spoke to reporters. The family of a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputy who died in a crash along Southern Boulevard on Nov. 21, 2024, shows off the Presidential Medal of Sacrifice it received from President Donald Trump on May 19, 2025, during a visit to the Oval Office. I viewed my dad as Superman, someone my whole life you look up to," he said. "An amazing guy. Its horrible that this happened to all three families, but Im glad that something was done about it and we got represented and everyone in the future will be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he will look into the possibility of awarding the medal to first responders who died in the line of duty in the past. He presented a fourth medal to be given to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw in the event that it is needed to honor another deputy in the future. "I hope it never has to be given out," Trump said. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump honors three PBSO motorcycle deputies killed in November crash At least three students were injured in a stabbing attack at a school in southern Finland on Tuesday, authorities said. Police said a student has been taken into custody and that none of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries. The attack took place at Vahajarvi School in Pirkkala, which lies to the south-west of the city of Tampere. About 1,250 children from pre-school to ninth grade attend the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local media reported that the suspect, believed to be 16 years old, sent a manifesto to news outlets ahead of the attack, claiming he intended to target girls. Police have not officially verified the existence of such a manifesto but said they are aware of published material and are reviewing it as part of the investigation. Authorities plan to provide further details at a press conference later Tuesday. Three construction workers were killed in south-western Germany on Tuesday after they crashed to the ground on a suspended work platform attached to a crane. A police spokeswoman said it was initially unclear why the platform had come down. The three men had been working on an elevated bridge set to be incorporated into the B32 motorway near the town of Horb am Neckar, some 50 kilometres south of Stuttgart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge, expected to open to traffic by 2028, is set to be some 2,100 metres long and up to 90 metres high. It was initially unclear from what height the platform had fallen. Previous images of the construction site show several cranes towering well above the partially constructed bridge. Work at the construction site has been suspended following the incident, with large numbers of emergency counsellors deployed to the site to attend to workers, some of whom had seen the platform dropping to the ground, according to local daily Schwarzwalder Bote. On behalf of the state government, regional Transport Minister Winfried Hermann expressed his deep shock following the tragic incident. "We are deeply saddened that three people have lost their lives in a terrible accident today. This is one of the most serious industrial accidents that has ever occurred on a road construction site in the country." Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is teeing up a contentious vote to overturn Californias electric vehicle mandate, defying a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian. This week, were going to be moving to take up Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn Clean Air Act preemption waivers the Environmental Protection Agency granted to California that allow California to dictate emission standards for the whole country, effectively imposing a nationwide electric vehicle mandate, Thune said in a Tuesday floor speech. In December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden administration approved a California state rule requiring all new cars sold in the state to be electric or otherwise nonemitting by 2035. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 10 percent of the U.S. population lives in California, giving it a significant share of the auto market on its own. But other states can also adopt Californias rules and 11 other states and Washington, D.C., have adopted the gas-car phaseout making the shift even more impactful. The Senate plans to use a tool known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reverse the EPA approval of the California mandate. The CRA allows Congress to revoke recently passed federal rules with a simple majority vote, bypassing the filibuster. Its often used at the start of a new administration to undo rules passed by the last president. However, both the Senate parliamentarian and the Houses Government Accountability Office (GAO) have determined that the waiver is not a rule and therefore is not subject to the CRA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the Senate is barreling ahead. The House has already passed the CRA resolution in defiance of the GAO. Democrats have accused their Republican counterparts of using the nuclear option and have said moving ahead despite the Senate arbiters ruling creates a slippery slope. The import of overruling the parliamentarian extends far beyond CRA resolutions. Once you overrule the parliamentarian on a legislative matter, all bets are off. Any future majority would have precedent to overrule the parliamentarian on legislative matters. There is no cabining such a decision. It is tantamount to eliminating the filibuster, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said in a recent floor speech. Republicans, meanwhile, have said the Senate parliamentarians decision deferred to the GAO, arguing a GAO determination should have no authority in the upper chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to act to ensure that this intrusion into the Congressional Review Act process doesnt become a habit, and if the Senate doesnt end up transferring its decisionmaking power on CRA resolutions to the Government Accountability Office, Thune said in his remarks. Thune added that this week he will also bring the question of GAOs unprecedented interference to the floor, adding that Democrats procedural concerns were misplaced. We are not talking about doing anything to erode the institutional character of the Senate. In fact, we are talking about preserving the Senates prerogatives, and I would like to see Senators from both parties vote to uphold the Senates rights under the Congressional Review Act, even if Democrats support the California Green New Deal rule, he added. Updated at 11:33 a.m. EDT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tiny Chinese-made phones are being smuggled into French prisons and used by inmates to order hit jobs and drug deals, police have said. Prison cells were raided across the country on Tuesday as authorities launched a search for hundreds of imported devices. Dubbed Operation Prison Break, investigators began searching 500 cells in 66 detention centres on Tuesday morning, looking for tiny mobile phones that are no bigger than a cigarette lighter and available to buy for as little as 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also known as suppositories, the phones are often smuggled by mules inside their bodies and passed on to inmates in visiting rooms, according to Le Monde. Made mostly of plastic, the phones usually dont set off metal detectors, making them even harder to detect. The sweeping searches are part of a crackdown against criminals who are too often able to continue to operate and orchestrate crime while behind bars. Investigations have established that some of these telephones were used to commit crimes from inside detention, including drugs trafficking, racketeering, arson and attempted murder, a statement from the prosecutors office said. Completely undetectable The main supplier, French retailer Oportik, based in Drancy in Seine-Saint-Denis, is said to have sold 5,000 of these mini phones alone. While the phones are legal in France, it is a crime to supply a prisoner with a phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oportiks website has been shut down, it has been ordered to stop trading, and three of its staff members have been arrested. Archived pages of its website promote the ultra-small phones as completely undetectable. All our products are prepared to the maximum (unpacked) and tested so as not to set off metal detectors, the description said. The L8star was marketed as the smallest phone on the market and the benchmark of ultra-compact mini phones. Thanks to its low weight and small size, the L8star is easy to carry and will slip anywhere for optimal discretion, it said. To pass security undetected, the phones are stripped of most metal parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On its website, the retailer said it aimed to make everyday life easier for lawyers, judges and security personnel who regularly have to pass through metal detectors. In your line of work, you regularly have to remove your mobile phones and other accessories as you pass through security gates. Simplify your life and opt for discreet, space-saving equipment. Our products are also aimed at the general public, who are looking for a high-performance, space-saving device. Ineffective jamming systems But on the Oportik Snapchat account, posts include photos from satisfied customers currently in prison. One photo captioned Well received is tagged Fleury-Merogis Penitentiary Centre located in the department of Essonne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their size, the phones are capable of texting, storing up to 250 phone numbers, and can have an hours worth of talk time. Similar phones on the public market include voice modification features, which authorities note are particularly useful for extortion or making telephone threats. In 2024, more than 40,000 mobile phones were seized in French prisons, Gerald Darmanin, the justice minister, said. Some prisons have installed mobile phone jamming systems, but they have been criticised for being ineffective. 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. Tommy Robinson is due to be released from prison in the coming week after his 18-month sentence for the civil offence of contempt of court was reduced at the High Court. The far-Right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee. On Tuesday, Robinson was told his sentence would be reduced by four month after he agreed to remove a film which contains the libellous allegations from his social media profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film, Silenced, was pinned to the top of Robinsons profile on X throughout his imprisonment but has now been taken down. Robinsons sentence comprised a 14-month punitive element and a four-month coercive element, with sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson telling him he could have the latter taken off his sentence if he were to purge his contempt by taking steps to comply with the injunction. Robinson, who was previously due to be released on July 26, applied to purge his contempt at a hearing on Tuesday, with his lawyers telling the court that he had shown a commitment to comply with the order. Lawyers for the Solicitor General said they agreed that Robinson had taken steps to adhere to the injunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said that there was an absence of contrition or remorse from Robinson, but that he had shown a change in attitude since he was sentenced. He said: He [Robinson] has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again. He added: I consider it appropriate to grant the application. The practical effect, subject to confirmation by the prison authorities, is that the defendant will be released once he has completed the punitive element, which I understand will be within the next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson, who attended the hearing via video-link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, showed no immediate reaction once the judgment was handed down. Ten breaches of injunction He was jailed last year for 10 admitted breaches of the injunction, after the Solicitor General issued two contempt claims against him. The first alleged he knowingly breached the order on four occasions, including by having published, caused, authorised or procured the film in May 2023. The film was pinned to the top of Robinsons profile on the social media site X, while he also repeated the claims in three interviews between February and June 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second claim was issued in August last year and concerned six further breaches, including playing the film at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London last summer. Handing down the sentence at Woolwich Crown Court, Mr Justice Johnson said Robinson could purge his contempt by showing a commitment to comply with the injunction. He said this could include taking steps such as removing Silenced and other publications which breached the injunction from his social media accounts. Segregated from other prisoners After being jailed, Robinson lost a bid to bring a legal challenge against the Ministry of Justice over his segregation from other prisoners behind bars in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then lost a challenge to his sentence at the Court of Appeal in April, but three senior judges said he could still reduce the period he has to spend in custody by taking the steps identified by Mr Justice Johnson. The injunction was issued after Robinson was successfully sued by Jamal Hijazi, a then-schoolboy who was assaulted at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorks, in October 2018. After a clip of the incident went viral, Robinson made false claims on Facebook, including about Mr Hijazi attacking girls in his school, leading to the libel case. Mr Justice Nicklin ordered Robinson to pay Mr Hijazi 100,000 in damages and his legal costs, as well as making the injunction preventing Robinson from repeating the allegations. 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. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The 19th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance: Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance is underway in Algiers, as the city hosts the IsDB Annual Meetings, Trends special correspondent reports. The Forum delves into critical development areas, focusing on enhancing postal services for e-commerce, SMEs using digital Islamic finance tools, and harnessing participatory financial instruments like Sukuk for vital infrastructure and sustainable development financing. Key issues to be addressed include: Integrating postal services with digital Islamic finance tools to support e-commerce and SMEs. Utilizing participatory Islamic finance instruments such as Sukuk for financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Strengthening domestic capital markets and promoting local currency Sukuk to enhance financial liquidity. Expected Outcomes are: Development of a strategy for integrating Islamic finance with postal systems and pilot projects in selected Member Countries. Support for AI platforms that enhance the Islamic finance industry's capabilities. Improved understanding of Sukuk as a viable tool for financing SDGs. Increased awareness of sustainable finance taxonomies and their alignment with national climate and development priorities. Dozens of highly-rated Los Angeles Unified schools in wealthy neighborhoods have empty seats but most students cant access them, according to a new analysis of state enrollment data. Crisis in the School House, a 36-page report published by Available To All, a nonpartisan nonprofit led by Tim DeRoche, an author and parent who lives in Los Angeles, draws on official attendance data for LAUSDs zoned elementary schools for the years 1995 to 2024. Among the 456 LAUSD elementary schools examined in the report, enrollment is down 46% from their peak over the last two decades, while over half of these schools have seen enrollment decline by over 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decline has left a lot of open space in 39 high-performing schools, but that doesnt mean LA students are filling them, according to DeRoches analysis. In fact, he and his team found nearly 7,000 empty seats in the sought-after schools. Available to All Founder Tim DeRoche DeRoche said that leaves a lot of empty seats at those schools and others like them. For example, high-scoring Ivanhoe Elementary in Silverlake enrolled 432 students in 2024, down from its peak of 467 students, leaving 35 empty seats, according to DeRoches analysis. Overland Elementary in West L.A. enrolled just 488 students, down from its peak of 557. Lanai Road Elementary in Encino had ten empty seats, according to the report. Under state law, traditional district schools are required to offer available seats to any LAUSD student who lives outside of the schools attendance zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAUSD officials disputed the findings and methodology of Crisis in the School House, saying its use of peak enrollment to measure school capacity is inaccurate, because those schools were overcrowded then. DeRoche admitted his measurements were imperfect but said the gist of his analysis stuck. Given the fact that most kids in L.A. attend lower-performing schools, and that the district is shrinking dramatically with no end in sight, DeRoche wants the district to open those high-performing schools up by reassessing enrollment zones. Were trying to work for a system in which theres more equitable access to these really coveted public schools, and its not based on your wealth, said DeRoche, who wrote a book on U.S. attendance zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeRoches critique of admissions comes as LAUSD is contracting. Since the pandemic, the district has lost more than 70,000 students. Current enrollment sits at 408,083, down from a peak of 746,831 in 2002. Available to All Decades of shrinking classes recently prompted L.A. school board president Scott Schmerelson to say district leadership needs to start talking about closing or combining schools, something that some other big U.S. cities are already doing. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has countered with a proposal to close down unused parts of school campuses while keeping schools operational, a tactic LAUSD is already deploying at some campuses. Crisis in the School House focuses in part on a group of L.A.s two-dozen top-scoring traditional district elementary schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports analysis of enrollment data for last year shows those schools had room for at least 4,306 more students. In addition, the report found almost 3,000 additional seats in district-run charter schools. But just four district schools reported only 58 open seats in the districts Open Enrollment system for incoming students, DeRoche said. The upshot is that kids, including those most in need, are shut out of good schools, said DeRoche, something hes seen happen in other districts around the country. Like those of other districts, Los Angeles schools post uneven scores on state exams, with lower-income, mostly minority schools earning lower marks. This matters, said DeRoche, because it perpetuates cycles of poverty and hands an unfair advantage to the wealthy. Of the 456 LAUSD neighborhood elementary schools in DeRoches study, just 39 managed to get 70% or more of students reading at grade level. In those 39 schools, 45% of the students were white, while the other 417 schools in the study were only 7% white. Available to All In an interview, LAUSDs senior executive director of strategy and innovation Derrick Chau said DeRoche also failed to account for important programs that are serving district students, such as magnet schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have programs that have been and continue to be in high demand, said Chau. The reality is, as a system, we are recalibrating across the board on how to deal with changing enrollments. Chau said the district is pursuing a number of tactics to boost enrollment in schools and also ensure seats in sought-after schools are distributed in a fair and equitable manner. I think we just need to readjust our system to make sure that we look at those programs, replicate them, and bring them to more students, he said. Topeka Fire and Police clash for the Kansas community TOPEKA (KSNT) Topeka Police and Topeka Fire competed for the most blood donations with Mondays 9th annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Those donations go to support patients all around the Sunflower State. A member of the local Red Cross says that while we arent in a critical blood shortage now, this time of year is imperative for blood drives. The summer season has unique challenges that make it a difficult time to collect donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI Director Kash Patel says he will pledge more agents to Kansas, Topeka People are on vacation, we collect a lot of blood at schools and universities, theyre closed for the summer, Jane Blocher with the Greater Kansas Area Red Cross said. So its a great way to fortify our blood resources going into the summer season. Were grateful not only to the first responders that come in and donate blood, but to the community as well who come in and roll up their sleeves and give that gift of life. The goal was to bring in 42 pints of blood, the two emergency response organizations collected 47 pints. For the second year in a row, Topeka Fire was the victor of this years Battle of the Badges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Tornadoes battered the Midwest Friday night, with one leading to the death of a motorist in Linton. About 7 p.m. Greene County Dispatch was advised of a single vehicle with a tree collapsed atop it near 1461 N. 1500 W. in Linton. Deputies found the driver Allison L. McCammon, 33, of Dugger was deceased. There were three juvenile passengers in the vehicle, one of whom was listed in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our community was devastated by a tornado," said the sheriff's office news release, completed by Greene County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Shelton. "This storm caused a long line of damage north of city Linton that stretched an estimated 15 miles. We were so thankful and encouraged to see the amount of people out helping their neighbors." City utility workers were out repairing damage within an hour after the storm had passed, the sheriff's department said. "While the worst is over, we still have several utility workers working diligently day and night to rebuild our infrastructure," the deputy continued. "Make sure to drive responsibly and do not clog the streets to survey the damage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Weather Service Meteorologist Earl Breon said the tornado's highest winds were measured at 128 miles per hour, which would make it category EF-2 (winds between 111-135 mph). The EF-2 tornado traversed a path from 1 mile east of Indiana 54 just north of Linton, extending 14 miles to Switz City. By the time it reached just south of Worthington, it had been downgraded to an EF-1 tornado. McCammon's death appeared the only known fatality in Indiana due to the storm, though tornadoes also descended upon Bloomington. In Kentucky, 19 people died as a result of tornadoes. Linton Mayor John Preble offered a Facebook post with a message from Roger Axe, director of Linton Emergency Medical Services, announcing a multi-service center to offer assistance to those affected by the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former National Guard Armory at 2000 W. Indiana 54 will be open for the next few days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering aid to those in need as well as receiving donations from the United Way, the Red Cross, Baptist Disaster Relief of Indiana and other generous neighbors. Those wishing to contribute are asked to provide essential personal items like clothing, pillows and blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items. No monetary contributions will be accepted, Axe said. On Tuesday, the Linton Assembly of God at 1503 A St. will provide mental health care from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those traumatized by the storm. Axe surveyed the damage with members of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security early Saturday. About 60 homes were damaged, displacing 200-250 people, he said. They are being cared for now but will need other shelter in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A turkey barn was also destroyed, with no remaining turkeys found in the area, Axe said, adding that he has not heard any reports of other damaged structures. Fairview Road, home to the town's cemetery, was hit pretty hard, he noted. The county's Emergency Management Agency had recently created a "Reverse 911" service instead of people calling in for assistance, the county will phone those in localized areas to alert them about all manner of emergencies. Residents are encouraged to sign up at gcema.ddns.net/signup/. "This (tornado) underscores the need for people to sign up for Reverse 911," Axe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axe said the NWS said that tree damage was worse than usual because of the wet spring and the fact that trees have sprouted leaves that were caught in the wind's gusts. The NWS tracked and surveyed the results of Fridays storms in Monroe, Sullivan, Greene, Brown and Bartholomew Counties on Sunday. Those looking for direct assistance from the American Red Cross can call 1-800-RED CROSS. Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com. Have the latest Reality Checks delivered to your inbox with our free newsletter. A tornado swept through Grinnell, Kansas, Sunday evening, causing widespread damage just over a week after the National Weather Service announced it was cutting around-the-clock staffing at its Goodland office in the northwestern part of the state. The cuts at the Goodland office came as President Donald Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency continue their efforts to shrink the government, according to The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, the weather service had more than 4,200 employees before Trump took office, but since then nearly 600 people have left amid staffing reductions and early retirements, a union official representing the weather service staff told The Washington Post. The cuts have left weather forecasting offices nationwide without enough meteorologists to staff overnight shifts that run from midnight to 7 a.m., with neighboring offices taking over the duties to monitor the weather and issue forecasts and warnings, The Washington Post reported. The Goodland office continues to issue weather warnings and provide weather support for local emergency managers, according to the Hays Post. On Sunday, severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings were issued before the tornadoes swept through Grinnell shortly before 7 p.m. , and weather service staff interacted with people on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our severe/tornado threat has ended for the day (Sunday), the weather service in Goodland said on X shortly after midnight. Managers at the Goodland weather service office were not immediately available for comment Monday Tornadoes that occur at night are nearly twice as likely to be deadly as those during the day, according to a recent study. The study, led by Stephen Strader from Villanova University, examined 140 years of tornado records and found that the proportion of all tornado fatalities that occurred during daytime hours decreased 20%, while the nocturnal fatality proportion increased 20% during that time period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service said people are less likely to receive warnings overnight because they are asleep. Tornadoes are also more difficult to spot in the dark. The Lexington Herald-Leader, which is owned by The Stars parent company McClatchy Media, reported Sunday that the weather services office in Jackson, Kentucky, is also among the eight forecasting offices that no longer have overnight staff. On Friday night, deadly tornadoes tore through southeast Kentucky. The Hearald-Leader reported that the Jackson was staffed overnight when the strong winds and tornadoes swept through Laurel and Pulaski counties. Other forecasting offices that either ceased or are expected to stop 24-hour staffing include Sacramento, California, Hanford, California, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Marquette Michigan, Pendleton, Oregon and Fairbanks, Alaska. The Stars PJ Green contributed reporting. ST. LOUIS People are just shell-shocked. Its like a war zone, said Richard Ashley, the Pastor of St. Philips Evangelical Lutheran Church. Residents of North City are coming to terms with reality, following the devastating tornado that struck St. Louis on Friday. Many in the area are without power, along with other resources. Ameren Missouri says it is continuing to restore power for its customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News At this point weve replaced around 300 poles and counting. Were still bringing in stacks of poles for all of the poles that are broken, said Landy Wince, Senior Director of Regional Operations at Ameren Missouri. The company also said that about 2,400 workers are working across various states, including Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana and Oklahoma, to help Missouri. Despite various efforts being made, residents in St. Louis are waiting for their power to return. I see them busy and working. I know people are naturally frustrated to want your power on. Youre losing food and whatnot. But theyre working like trojans, Ashley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your home can be stolen without a knock What you can do to prevent this With devastation already hitting the St. Louis region, the weather doesnt seem to cool down. More storms are expected to be on the way, leaving residents concerned. We dont know what were going to do. Or where were going to go. Its just hard, said Pastor Byrd. If additional power outages occur, Ameren said that its prepared. We have alliance contractors from the neighboring utilities and weve already put a plan together. if we get some more severe weather, were going to pull some triggers and get some more contractors in here, Wince 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 FOX 2. Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has made headlines after publicly calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a pardon for Canadian rapper Tory Lanez. The artist is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence in connection with the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. The high-profile case culminated in his sentencing in August 2023, sparking ongoing debate over the trials fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking to social media, Luna voiced her concerns about the conviction and its broader implications. I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanezs case and issue a pardon, Luna wrote. His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind not driven by headlines. She concluded her post with a clear call to action: Free Tory Lanez. Supporters of Lanez have echoed similar sentiments, with some pointing to alternative narratives surrounding the events of the night in question. Notably, Bradley James, a bodyguard, has claimed that Kelsey Harris Megan Thee Stallions former friend and assistant admitted to possessing and firing the gun multiple times. These claims have fueled petitions and social media campaigns pushing for Lanezs release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The movement gained further traction when fellow Canadian and former collaborator Drakes Instagram Story featured the message Come home soon, along with a link to a Change.org petition titled, Pardon Tory Lanez: Urge Governor Newsom to Correct a Deep Injustice. While Governor Newsom has not responded publicly to Lunas appeal, her intervention marks a rare case of a sitting member of Congress weighing in on a celebrity legal battle, and it adds a new political dimension to a case that has already captivated public attention. See Anna Paulina Lunas X post below. I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanezs case and issue a pardon. His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind not driven by headlines. Free Tory Lanez.https://t.co/7rvvrJI4r7 Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) May 19, 2025 More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. At Middleton High School in Wisconsin, shop class is back and booming. For three decades, Justin Zander has shaped both wood and minds. "My goal is to teach them comfort and skills so they become comfortable with a few skills and those skills will be transferable from many different trades," Zander told CBS News. The revival is fueled by the demand for tradespeople. With some top earners in blue-collar jobs like electricians and plumbers now making six-figure salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, such positions are now considered gold-collar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It used to be kids were interested in it as a sideline. Now the kids are interested in it because it could lead to a good-paying job for the future," Zander said. Middleton High School built a $90 million campus in 2022, putting trades in the spotlight. It's part of a larger trend embraced by 27 states that increased spending on technical education by an average of $182 million from 2012 to 2022, according to Advance CTE, a nonprofit that supports career technical education across the United States. Aidan Down is among more than 75% of students at Middleton who take tech education classes. "I think it's a pretty easy option to go into a trade job, especially if you have some experience in these classes," Aidan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interest in trade schools has nearly doubled since 2017, according to market research firm Validated Insights, Inc. Meanwhile, university enrollment has declined slightly since the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Center for Education Statistics found. "I think that's really important is showing kids even just from the get-go that college isn't the only option," said Thalia Madden, a senior taking building construction. At Middleton, students can take woodworking, welding and robotics. Students are learning to program the same kind of industrial robots used in factories across the country. Carlo Zwettler got his hands dirty in the same classrooms at Middleton. He landed a job right out of school at Zuern Building Products, putting the skills he learned directly to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Shop classes helped a lot," Zwettler said. Now working in the trades as a yard manager, he said he hears the same debate come up often: whether to go straight into the workforce or take on college debt. "Oh yeah, we always give each other a bunch of crap about that," he said, laughing. "Like, you go into a four-year college, you're gonna lose all this money." For Zander, his return on investment is introducing students to a profitable way of life he loves. "I'm not opposed to having kids smiling when they leave the room," Zander said. "There's nothing else," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italy's Trulli: From Past to Present Car bomb outside Palm Springs fertility clinic was act of terrorism, officials say Everything we know about investigation into blast outside Palm Springs fertility clinic Video covers Gov. DeWines visit to Springfield. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Springfield is testing the necessity of a traffic light on Lagonda Avenue and Sherman Avenue. According to a press release, the citys Service Department will review the traffic light as it does not meet signal warrant criteria. $11 million in federal funding to Springfield; city seeks input The light will be in flashing mode for the next 45 days, beginning today, and City employees will monitor the intersection for crash data. After the 45-day window has passed, the signal will be covered for an additional 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signal will be removed if theres not a significant uptick in crashes in that area. Signal Under Study for Removal, Stop, and Advance Warning, signs will be placed near the intersection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Colombo A Sri Lankan express train killed an elephant and was derailed on Tuesday despite safety measures introduced after the country's worst wildlife railway accident three months ago on the same route. Local officials said the young wild elephant crossing the track near Habarana was run over by the same train involved in the Feb. 20 accident that killed seven elephants. After that crash, officials imposed speed limits on trains passing through elephant habitats. No passengers were injured in the accident, which occurred some 110 miles by road east of the capital Colombo. Railway authorities said an investigation was underway, and engineers were trying to put the Colombo-Batticaloa train back on the track after the pre-dawn crash. The authorities had earlier announced changes to train timetables and efforts to clear shrubs from either side of the track to improve visibility for drivers, to give them more time to avoid hitting elephants. Wildlife officials have said that 139 elephants have been killed by trains over the past 17 years, since authorities began collecting such data. A sign alerts train operators to the presence of wild elephants, near the site where a passenger train hit a herd and killed six elephants in Minneriya, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20, 2025. / Credit: Priyan Malinda/AP The government has also announced that 1,195 people and 3,484 elephants have been killed in the past decade due to the worsening human-elephant conflict on the island. Killing or harming elephants is a criminal offense in Sri Lanka, which has an estimated 7,000 wild elephants considered a national treasure, partly due to their significance in Buddhist culture. However, the killings continue, as desperate farmers struggle with elephants raiding their crops and destroying livelihoods. Many elephants have been electrocuted, shot or poisoned. Sometimes, explosive-laden fruits are used to maim the animals, often resulting in painful deaths. India, which has a wild elephant population more than twice as large as Sri Lanka, also deals with regular train-pachyderm collisions. India has lost about 200 elephants over the last decade to train accidents alone, and that's in addition to the high number of deaths from poaching and accidental electrocutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indian government has introduced measures to limit train speeds in dedicated elephant corridors, but campaigners say the rules are often poorly enforced. Earlier this year the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu became the first to launch an artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled surveillance system to help prevent elephant deaths on railways. Rubio interrupted at Senate hearing during remarks on changes at State Department Car bomb outside Palm Springs fertility clinic was act of terrorism, officials say Trump and Hegseth announce "Golden Dome" missile defense system TROY, Mo. A Troy, Missouri police officer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a man from a burning car over the weekend, likely saving his life. Matt Schneider, a Troy Police Department K9 officer, responded to the crash around 5:40 p.m. Friday near Old Moscow Mills Road, shortly after the driver crashed into a large tree and the car went up into flames. (Photo provided by: Troy, Missouri Police Department) As responding officers and EMS personnel attempted to battle the blaze with fire extinguisher, Schneider ran toward the car without hesitation and rescued a trapped driver from the front passenger side, according to the Troy Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctor sees a trend in young St. Louis cancer patients living near nuclear waste sites In a remarkable act of courage, he successfully extracted the trapped driver from the front passenger compartment area and dragged him to safety, away from the rapidly intensifying flames which fully engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle, said the department via Facebook. K9 Officer Schneider exemplifies the very best of our department, said Jeff Taylor, Chief of the Troy Police Department. His selfless actions and quick thinking undoubtedly saved this young mans life. The rescued driver, a 23-year-old man, was treated at the scene for burns and rushed to a St. Louis hospital for further treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneider will be formally recognized for his actions in a public ceremony Tuesday at Troy City Hall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The "Nasimi" tanker, owned by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), which operates under the Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON), has completed its dockyard repairs, ASCO told Trend. The maintenance work was carried out at the Zigh Ship Repair and Construction Yard and was completed in a short period with high quality. The main repair processes took place at the Bibiheybat Ship Repair Yard. During the repair, the underwater and above-water sections of the tanker, mechanisms in the engine room, and the main deck were cleaned and repainted. The vessels valves were repaired, and wood processing, hull welding, and electrical installation works were completed. The ships communication and electronic navigation systems were also repaired. Malfunctioning spare parts were replaced with new ones. Modern equipment such as Inmarsat-C satellite communication terminals, a stationary ultra-shortwave radio station, an emergency radio beacon, emergency-rescue radio stations and transmitters, the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a magnetic compass, a gyrocompass, an echo sounder, and a log speed sensor were installed. Following the completion of the repairs, the tanker has been returned to operational service. The "Nasimi" tanker has a length of 149.9 meters, a width of 17.3 meters, and a total carrying capacity of 13,800 tons. The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Joint-Stock Company merged the countrys main fleets, the Azerbaijan State Caspian Sea Shipping Company and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republics Caspian Sea Oil Fleet. The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC has two shipyards and offshore support and commercial fleets. The merchant fleet has 51 ships: 20 tankers, 12 ferries, 16 dry cargo, 1 Ro-Ro, and 2 Ro-Pax. By integrating maritime fleets, the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC takes on high-level responsibilities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Trump administration charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) on Monday following a chaotic confrontation at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in New Jersey earlier this month. The acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced on social platform X that she was charging McIver with assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement. No one is above the law politicians or otherwise, Habba said in a statement. It is the job of this office to uphold Justice, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work. McIver said that the charges against her are purely political and mischaracterize and distort my actions and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. In a statement, McIver said that the administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right, adding that she [looks] forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Democratic New Jersey Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and McIver visited New Jerseys Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility, to conduct oversight, as is their legal right. The center was recently reopened amid opposition from immigrants rights groups, and the city of Newark filed a lawsuit in April to halt occupancy and construction. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has argued that the facility should not be allowed to open due to building permit issues. Baraka was arrested outside the facility on a trespassing charge. In her announcement Monday, Habba said that the charges against Mayor Baraka would be dropped for the sake of moving forward. The Department of Homeland Security accused McIver of ASSAULTING an ICE agent during the Democratic officials visit this month, posting a video showing a chaotic scene, with McIver attempting to get through a crowd of law enforcement officers who are pushing people. The video includes a clip that has been slowed down to emphasize McIver apparently pushing an ICE agent, who appears to have stopped walking right in front of her near the gate. Yesterday, at Delaney Hall, I witnessed firsthand the chaos and cruelty that defines the Trump administrations immigration policy, McIver said in a previous statement. As we have done before, we went to conduct lawful congressional oversight to do our jobs and demand answers for our constituents. We were met with contempt, disrespect, and aggression from ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver accused the Trump administration of roughing up members of Congress, adding that the incident shows the presidents blatant abuses of power. 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. The Trump administration has deported at least two immigrants to war-torn South Sudan in defiance of a federal court order, according to attorneys for the immigrants. The two men are originally from Myanmar and Vietnam and were being held in U.S. immigration custody. Their lawyers say they learned of the deportation plan after receiving an abrupt notice Monday evening. By Tuesday morning, the men were already on a plane along with as many as 10 other deportees, the lawyers said. The lawyers revealed these details in an emergency motion to a federal judge in Boston who hasalready forbidden the Trump administration from sending foreign nationals to so-called third-party countries, rather than their country of origin, without providing meaningful notice and a chance to raise concern about torture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That judge, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, has already intervened once before when the Trump administration seemed poised to deport people to Libya, a country that, like South Sudan, is mired in a humanitarian crisis. Murphy declared that summary deportations to Libya would clearly violate his earlier order. Lawyers for the Burmese man, identified by the initials N.M. in court papers, say he was originally slated to be on one of those flights to Libya, which they say were aborted amid national media and legal scrutiny. They also say the notice to N.M. about the deportation to South Sudan was provided only in English, apparently violating another requirement of Murphys order because N.M. has limited English proficiency. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. South Sudan, a landlocked country in East Africa, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is the worlds newest widely recognized sovereign state. The country descended into civil war in 2013, causing tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions of people. According to the CIA, the country remains plagued by ethnic violence and is facing a food crisis, with nearly two-thirds of the countrys 11 million citizens in need of humanitarian assistance. A March 2025 advisory from the U.S. State Department recommends that Americans not travel to South Sudan due to a high risk of violent crime and weak human rights. Washington plans to spend about $250 million of foreign aid funds to repatriate people from active conflict zones, including about 200,000 Ukrainians and 500,000 Haitians, the Washington Post reported on May 20, citing the draft internal documents the newspaper obtained. During Joe Biden's presidency, Ukrainians and Haitians were granted temporary protection, allowing them to stay in the U.S. if they could not return to their home country. With the Trump administration coming to office, the U.S. has tightened its immigration policy. U.S. President Donald Trump previously pledged to impose harsher legislation on migrants and launch the "largest deportation program in U.S. history," aimed at removing 15 to 20 million migrants from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the draft internal documents, the proposal was prepared after the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on May 5. The statement read that those immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. for their home countries would be eligible for $1,000 in assistance. Besides Ukrainians and Haitians, the draft documents also mention Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians, and Yemenis, who could become other targets of the deportation program, the WP reported. Tricia McLaughlin, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, verified the documents' authenticity, but described them as "outdated." McLaughlin added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a "final" decision on temporary protected status for Haiti or Ukraine. According to the draft documents reviewed by the newspaper, the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) will fund the voluntary resettlement program using funds allocated by Congress for charter flights or commercial airfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department has acknowledged that it is working with the Department of Homeland Security to provide "travel support and financial incentives" to encourage migrants to leave the country voluntarily. The Trump administration's proposal has been criticized, including by former government officials who called it inhumane and counter to long-held U.S. ideals, the WP reported. According to the plan's opponents, the Trump administration is forcing asylum seekers to return to countries where they are "at risk of being killed." They also questioned whether the plan constitutes an abuse of foreign aid funds intended primarily to support refugees and their resettlement. In late January, Washington suspended acceptance of applications from Ukrainians for asylum under the Uniting for Ukraine program. This program allowed for two years of asylum in the U.S., as well as the right to work, study, and have health insurance, among other benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are about 200,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., according to the United Nations. Read also: Zelensky had to remind Trump peace talks already underway during call with EU leaders, Axios reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Donald Trumps administration has deported at least two Asian nationals to war-torn South Sudan in defiance of a court order blocking their removal, according to court documents. On Monday night, two immigrants from Myanmar and Vietnam held in federal custody were abruptly notified that they would be deported to the African nation, which the State Department reports is plagued by slavery, kidnapping, sexual abuse, torture and extrajudicial killings. By Tuesday morning, the men were already on a plane with at least 10 other immigrants, according to their lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys have filed an emergency request to a federal judge in Boston to order their immediate return to the United States. District Judge Brian Murphy previously blocked the government from deporting people to so-called third-party countries, and he has already intervened to stop the administration from deporting people to Libya, another African nation in the grips of a humanitarian crisis. Earlier this month, Murphy ruled that any removals to Libya would clearly violate his court order. The Burmese man identified in court documents as N.M. was initially scheduled to board one of those flights to Libya, according to his attorney. Their removal to South Sudan blatantly defies the judges order, attorneys wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Judge Murphy ordered the government to maintain custody and control of any immigrants being deported to South Sudan or any other third country in case the court finds that their removals are unlawful. A hearing in the case is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 21. Donald Trumps administration appears to have deported people from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan despite a court order blocking removals to other countries (Getty Images) The removal of immigrants from the United States to another foreign country would mark a significant escalation of the administrations aggressive anti-immigration platform, which already has sent several planes to Latin American countries, including El Salvador, where dozens of deportees are imprisoned in a notorious jail condemned by human rights groups. South Sudan, the worlds youngest country, has experienced waves of violence and political instability since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Civil war broke out in December 2013, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A peace agreement in 2018 ended the war and established a unity government, but the arrest of a vice president and opposition leader compounded by military clashes with civilians has created a rapidly deteriorating crisis, according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Current conditions are darkly reminiscent of the civil wars that killed more than 400,000 people, he said in March. Last month, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan warned that a standoff between forces loyal to the president and vice president have degenerated into direct military confrontation and escalated tensions across the country. Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, and nor can the wider region, Nicholas Haysom told the U.N.s security council. More than 60 immigrants self-deported from Houston on Monday as part of the Trump administrations latest immigration enforcement program, which offers free flights to undocumented immigrants and a $1,000 stipend, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. If you dont, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. The Trump administration said this was the first flight as part of DHSs Project Homecoming, which was announced in March. The charter flight carrying 64 people took off Monday morning, taking 38 to Honduras and 26 to Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the presidential campaign, President Trump promised mass deportations but has reportedly grown frustrated that immigration agents have not been able to deport enough people to stay on pace to meet the administrations goal of 1 million removals for the year. To participate in the voluntary removal program, immigrants must request to be flown to their home country through the governments cellphone application, CBP Home. lllegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure, according to a statement by DHS in May. The average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an immigrant is $17,121, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though Mondays flight was characterized as the programs first flight, the Trump administration had announced a government-sponsored flight of an immigrant who voluntarily self-deported from Chicago to Honduras in May. Also on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court gave the Trump administration the legal right to revoke legal protections for nearly 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants who were enrolled in the Temporary Protected Status program a decades-old designation given to migrants by the federal government allowing them to stay in the U.S. temporarily because of natural or political crises in their home countries. Those immigrants could now be vulnerable to deportation. On social media, the Trump administration has also threatened to fine immigrants $998 every day they decide to stay in the U.S. after an immigration judge has issued a deportation order. It has also threatened to fine immigrants who sign up for Project Homecoming, but fail to follow through, between $1,000 and $5,000. The Trump administration has described the program as an incentive for undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. on their own without legal repercussions. But immigrant rights advocates say the Trump administration cant be trusted to follow through on paying people the $1,000 stipend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maribel Hastings with Americas Voice, a nonprofit that advocates for the legalization of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, recently wrote that it's not very likely that the immigrant will ever get paid. Undocumented people who have spent their whole lives contributing billions of dollars to the economy, to the fabric of this country, who work in key industries, and who have citizen children and grandchildren, deserve to be legalized, Hasting added, not given $1,000 and a one-way ticket to self-deport. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, a Washington, D.C., group that advocates for immigrants, warned that immigrants should be careful if they choose to participate, in part because undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for more than year can be barred from entering the U.S. for a decade. Even though President Trump has said that people who participate may one day return to the country legally, the details of the program dont indicate if participating immigrants would be exempted from the 10-year ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crucially, leaving the country may mean giving up on a very real chance at staying here legally under laws and processes that already exist, Reichlin-Melnick wrote. Given this, its critical for anyone considering taking this offer to speak with a qualified and competent attorney first. The idea of self-deportation is not new in modern politics. Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney proposed the idea in 2012. At the time, Trump, years from launching his presidential campaign, commented on Romneys proposal: He had a crazy policy of self-deportation, which was maniacal. It sounded as bad as it was, and he lost all of the Latino vote, Trump said after Romney lost the election to President Obama. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 1315 in Austin. Get your tickets today! The Trump administration has orchestrated the first repatriation flight of migrants it claims were part of a group of 68 voluntary deportations. The migrants were sent back to Colombia and Honduras on Monday on the first self-deportation flight funded by the government. Thirty-eight Hondurans, including 19 children, were sent to San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras after they were handed $1,000 debit cards from the U.S. government and the offer to apply for legal entry into the U.S. in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to conduct mass deportations during his second stint in the White House. Experts believe that the offer to self-deport wont encounter high demand and is only set to attract a small number of migrants already thinking about going back. The offer to self-deport comes as the government has also conducted high-profile migrant detentions in the U.S. and as it has flown hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to a top-security prison facility in El Salvador. Kevin Antonio Posadas, from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, had lived in Houston for three years and had already thought about returning to Honduras when the Trump administration revealed its new self deportation offering. Honduran migrant Kevin Antonio Posadas said he took up the government on its self deportation offer because he wanted to see his family (REUTERS) I wanted to see my family and my mom, he said, noting how easy the process was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You just apply (through the CBP Home app) and in three days youve got it, he added. The flight departed Houston early on Monday. Its good because you save the cost of the flight if you have the intention of leaving, he said. Posadas added that he hadnt been worried about deportation, and while he had enjoyed living in the U.S., he had been considering leaving for some time. He said he would eventually think about taking up the offer for those who choose to leave of their own volition to apply to enter the U.S. legally. Announcing the Monday flight, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you dont, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation, and will never be allowed to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that a further 26 migrants on the flight were being taken to Colombia. Antonio Garcia, the Honduran deputy foreign minister, said the government would give the returning migrants $100 in cash and a $200 credit at a government-run store that sells basic goods. He added that four of the children arriving in Honduras on Monday had been born in the U.S. Garcia met the arriving migrants at the airport and said they had told him that being undocumented in the U.S. had grown increasingly challenging, and that the situation was becoming more hostile. They were concerned about going to work. Wilson Paz, the Honduran immigration director, said that fewer Hondurans have been sent back so far compared to last year, noting that 13,500 have been deported this year, compared to more than 15,000 by the same time the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think it will be thousands of people who apply for the program, said Paz. Our responsibility is that they come in an orderly fashion, and we support them. The Associated Press contributed to this report It was early January when Blake Shook realized the bees were in trouble. Shook, the CEO of a beekeeping outfit called Desert Creek, was coordinating Californias annual almond pollination, the largest such event in the world. The affair requires shipping nearly 2 million honeybee colonies from all across the country to California orchards. But this year, Shooks contacts were coming up short. Their bees were all dead. From June 2024 to February 2025, the United States suffered its worst commercial honeybee crash on record. An estimated 62 percent of commercial colonies perished, according to a survey by the nonprofit Project Apis m. As Shook and other beekeepers were struggling to fill their contracts, they notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which promptly collected samples of pollen, wax, honey, and dead bees from both live and lost colonies to analyze at its five bee-research laboratories around the country. The USDA has long been the countrys frontline response to honeybee die-offs, using its labs to characterize threats to the insects. But this year, before the researchers could uncover what exactly had killed the bees, the Trump administrations sweeping federal funding cuts scrambled the operation. Now scientists, farmers, and beekeepers alike are racing to recover and prevent the next massive die-off before its too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honeybee colonies in the U.S. have occupied a precarious position for nearly two decades. Since official recordkeeping started in 2007, approximately 40 percent of honeybee colonies kept by both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers have died off each winter. Keepers have still managed to keep the total U.S. honeybee population relatively stable by breeding new queens, and by relying on the USDA to quickly identify what caused any given die-off so they can prevent it from happening the next year. Quickly is the operative word. Identifying which killeror, more likely, combination of killersis responsible for a colonys death is crucial for beekeepers as they restock and adjust for new threats. They need to know whether they should provide their bees with supplemental food, or treat their gear with chemicals to kill specific parasites, viruses, or bacteria. Until they have results from the samples that were taken, they dont know if its safe to rebuild with that equipment, Danielle Downey, the executive director of Project Apis m., told me. [Read: The last thing bees need right now] After a major winter die-off, the USDA usually returns its verdict by late March or early April, Downey said. But several beekeepers and the American Beekeeping Federation told me they are still waiting on this years report. Its a little frightening, Russell Heitkam, a commercial beekeeper in Northern California, told me. In addition to delivering its report on a given years die-off, the agency offers financial aid for beekeepers to offset the costs of replacing their stock during years with particularly high losses. But Heitkam and Shook both told me that after they applied for the funds this year, they received a notice from the USDAs Farm Service Agency that said they should expect to be paid less than usual. If beekeepers dont have answersor moneybefore summer begins, they will have missed their window to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Agriculture seems hard-pressed to return answers in time. In February, the agency approached Cornell University and asked its bee experts to take on pesticide testing due to government staffing cuts and the high expense involved with testing samples for pesticides, according to a university press release. The university was able to take on the job because it already had the necessary equipment, and because of a $60,000 donation from an anonymous donor. Scott McArt, the program director of Cornells Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies, told me that he and his team are close to wrapping up their analysis, but they will need to run their results by the USDA before they can be shared. (A university spokesperson declined to comment further on how the partnership was worked out.) Because of widespread government cuts, its unclear to what extent the USDA is equipped to test for any other potential killers. An agency spokesperson told me, USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists are working closely with federal partners, stakeholders, and impacted parties to identify the source of this agricultural challenge, but did not answer my questions about what, exactly, that work comprises. In February, The New York Times reported that roughly 800 employees had been fired from the Agricultural Research Service, the branch in charge of the agencys honeybee labs (among other services). Before that round of layoffs, each bee lab employed 10 to 20 researchers, each with their own highly specialized skill set. About a dozen of them were fired in February, according to a USDA bee-lab researcher who asked to remain anonymous to protect their job; some were rehired temporarily, then placed on administrative leave. The exact scope of the layoffs remains unclearas of this week, none of the five labs has any listings under their websites staff pagesand any loss of staff could prove debilitating as the deadline for beekeepers to rebuild approaches. John Ternest, an expert in bee pollination, told me he was abruptly let go in mid-February, just as he was helping select which tests for environmental contaminants to run on dead colonies at the USDAs Stoneville, Mississippi, bee-research unit. [Read: The NIHs most reckless cuts yet] Without fully funded and staffed USDA labs, experts fear that beekeepers wont know why their colonies are dying the next time disaster strikes. Beekeepers are relieved that Cornell has stepped in this year, but asking outside labs to pick up the agencys slack isnt sustainable in the long run, Katie Lee, a honeybee researcher at the University of Minnesota, told me. For one thing, Cornell is one of a small handful of institutions in the country that have the equipment to test dead colonies for pesticides. Plus, the USDA has years worth of data and well-established partnerships with beekeepers, universities, and nonprofits; nongovernmental agencies would have a hard time coordinating, communicating, and responding at the same scale. And aside from Cornells anonymous benefactor, deep-pocketed donors have not exactly been coming out of the woodwork to fund entomology research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Agriculture still has a few precious weeks to finish its research and distribute funds before many American beekeepers will be in real trouble. At the very least, the Trump administration is making beekeepers jobs more complicated at a precarious moment. One chaotic year will likely not spell the end of American beekeeping, but if the upheaval continues, it will bring real risks. More than 90 commercial crops in the U.S. are pollinated by bees, including staples such as apples and squash. Even a modest reduction in crop yields, courtesy of honeybees dying off or beekeepers quitting the business, would force the U.S. to import more producewhich, with tariffs looming, is unlikely to come cheap. The responsibility to keep food production stable through the ongoing bee crisis is putting immense stress on commercial beekeepers, most of whom operate relatively small family businesses. Every year for the past two decades, they have had to rebuild from some level of mass bee death. Carrying on is beginning to feel Sisyphean. Were seeing a lot of commercial beekeepers quitting the field, Nathalie Steinhauer, an entomologist at Oregon State University, told me. Shook said that many of the beekeepers he works with now face bankruptcy. Still, a number of them plan to hold out for one more year, in hopes that this winter was a fluke, that federal funding will stabilize, that researchers will somehow figure out what killed their bees so it doesnt bring the American food system down too. Article originally published at The Atlantic BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to women entrepreneurs, focusing on the field of inclusive economic development, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Kairat Sarybay at the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council held in Baku today, Trend reports. "I'm very glad that a large delegation of women entrepreneurs from my region - Kazakhstan - is here," he mentioned. According to him, Azerbaijan attaches special importance to this issue, paying special attention to the field of inclusive economic development. "The initiative of the chairmanship to establish the CICA Women's Council is a concrete step towards institutionalizing broad cooperation and dialogue among member states in this area, including by ensuring the significant participation of women in decision-making processes. The member states show great interest in expanding the activities of this new advisory body. I call on CICA member states to pay special attention to young entrepreneurship. In this regard, the partnership network of leading universities can be used to unlock the potential of young scientists and researchers. It's extremely important to provide our youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support systems so that they can make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Asia. Azerbaijan has built its chairmanship around the theme Stronger Connectivity, Digitalization, and Sustainable Development in Asia within CICA. This compelling vision underscores the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states a crucial step toward addressing common challenges together and transforming CICA into a fully fledged international organization. As Asia's economic influence continues to grow both regionally and globally, CICAs economic dimension alongside other key dimensions such as environment, humanitarian issues, new challenges and threats, and military-political aspects has never been more relevant for ensuring peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development in our region," he added. He pointed out that they highly value Azerbaijan's strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investment, business, and trade: "During our meeting with Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) Orkhan Mammadov here in Baku last February, we discussed initiatives to support SME digitalization, promote the transition to a green economy, and advance women's entrepreneurship through the CICA Business Council. This advisory body, which brings together representatives from SME associations and government agencies, plays a foundational role in achieving these important economic goals. I'm pleased to facilitate discussions today on ways to develop SMEs. SMEs are the backbone of our economies they drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the continent. Today our speakers will explore key topics aimed at empowering SMEs in the CICA region, including digitalization, womens entrepreneurship, and the green transition, as mentioned. They will also touch on the role of SMEs in the development of smart cities," the secretary general concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BOTHAVILLE, South Africa (AP) Days before South Africa's president meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Afrikaner farmers at the center of an extraordinary new U.S. refugee policy roamed a memorial to farm attacks in their country's agricultural heartland, some touching the names of the dead both Black and white. Here in Bothaville, where thousands of farmers gathered for a lively agricultural fair with everything from grains to guns on display, even some conservative white Afrikaner groups denied the Trump administration's genocide and land seizure claims that led it to cut all financial aid to South Africa. The bustling scene was business as usual, with milkshakes and burgers and tow-headed children pulled in wagons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The late President Nelson Mandela South Africa's first Black leader stood in Bothaville over a quarter-century ago and acknowledged the increasing number of violent attacks on farmers in the first years following the decades-long racial segregation system of apartheid. But the complex problem of crime on our farms, as elsewhere, demands long-term solutions, he said. Some at the agricultural fair said fleeing the country isn't one of them. I really hope that during the upcoming visit to Washington, (President Cyril Ramaphosa) is going to be able to put the facts before his counterpart and to demonstrate that there is no mass expropriation of land taking place in South Africa, and there is no genocide taking place," John Steenhuisen, minister of agriculture, told The Associated Press. He will be part of the delegation for Wednesday's meeting. The minority white Afrikaner community is in the spotlight after the U.S. granted refugee status to at least 49 Afrikaners claiming to flee racial and violent persecution and widespread seizures of white-owned land despite evidence that such claims are untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many at the agricultural fair raised serious concerns about the safety of farmers and farm workers, others were quick to point out that crime targeted both Black and white farmers and farm workers, as shown by South Africa's crime statistics. Thobani Ntonga, a Black farmer from Eastern Cape province, told the AP he had been attacked on his farm by criminals and almost kidnapped but a Black neighbor intervened. Crime affects both Black and white. ... Its an issue of vulnerability," he said. Farmers are separated from your general public. Were not near towns, we are in the rural areas. And I think its exactly that. So, perpetrators, they thrive on that, on the fact that farms are isolated." White farmers echoed his thoughts and called for more resources and policing but said there wasn't any genocide that would make them flee South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime especially hits small-scale farmers worse because they dont have resources for private security, said Afrikaner farmer Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt. He and other farmers wondered why they would leave the land where they have been rooted for decades. We are not interested in going anywhere, he added. The thing we want to do is be part of this country. Ramaphosa, himself a cattle farmer, also visited the agricultural fair for the first time in about 20 years to buy equipment but also do outreach as many in South Africa puzzle over the Trump administration's focus on their country. We must not run away from our problems, the president said during his visit. When you run away, youre a coward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applying to be a refugee The fast-tracking of the Afrikaners' refugee applications has raised questions about a system where many seeking asylum in the U.S. can languish for years, waiting. The State Department has not made details of the process public, but one person who has applied to be resettled told the AP the online application process was rigorous. Katia Beeden, a member of an advocacy group established to assist white South Africans seeking resettlement, said applicants have to go through at least three online interviews and answer questions about their health and criminal background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also required to submit information or proof of being persecuted in South Africa, she said. She said she has been robbed in her house, with robbers locking her in her bedroom. Theyve already warned that you cant lie or hide anything from them. So its quite a thorough process and not everyone is guaranteed, she said. By the numbers Violent crime is rife in South Africa, but experts say the vast majority of victims are Black and poor. Police statistics show that up to 75 people are killed daily across the country. Afrikaner agriculture union TLU SA says it believes farmers are more susceptible to such attacks because of their isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twelve murders occurred on farms in 2024, police statistics show. One of those killed was a farmer. The rest were farm workers, people staying on farms and a security guard. The data don't reflect the victims' race. Overall across South Africa last year, 6,953 people were killed. Government data also show that white farmers own the vast majority of South Africa's farmland 80% of it, according to the 2017 census of commercial agriculture, which recorded over 40,000 white farmers. That data, however, only reflects farmers who have revenue of $55,396 a year, which excludes many small-scale farmers, the majority of them Black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the white minority just 7% of the population is white still owns the vast majority of the land in South Africa, which the World Bank has called the most unequal country in the world. According to the 2017 government land audit, white South Africans hold about 72% of individually owned land while Black South Africans own 15%. ___ Associated Press writer Michelle Gumede in Johannesburg contributed to this report. ____ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Donald Trump has ordered weapons to be deployed to space for the first time under a futuristic Golden Dome missile defence system plan. The system, which is inspired by Israels Iron Dome defence shield, would aim to counter next-generation aerial threats, including hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles, the US president said. An initial $25bn (18.7bn) has been earmarked for the project, though the government believes the Golden Dome could cost as much as $175bn to build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said the defence system would stretch across land, sea, and space and that the programme would be led by Michael Guetlein, a US Space Force general. The Golden Dome will protect our homeland, Mr Trump vowed, adding that Canada had also asked to be part of it. Israels defence system has played a key role in intercepting rocket and missile fire from Iran and allied terror groups since Oct 7. The Golden Dome, however, will be much bigger and more significant endeavour, and will be designed to neutralise a wider range of more advanced threats. Credit: Reuters This includes hypersonic missiles, which are hard to shoot down due to their manoeuvrability at high speeds, and fractional orbital bombardment systems - also called Fobs - that could fire warheads from space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of them will be knocked out of the air, Mr Trump said. The success rate is very close to 100 per cent. Responding to the announcement, Chinas foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it would urge the US to abandon its development and deployment of [the] global anti-missile system. US officials suggested the Golden Dome would include a massive array of surveillance satellites and a separate fleet of attacking satellites that would shoot down offensive missiles soon after lift-off. The systems ground and space-based capabilities would be designed to stop missiles at all four stages of a potential attack: detecting and destroying before an attack, intercepting early, stopping them mid-flight, and halting them as they descend toward a target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding for the project remains uncertain as Republican lawmakers proposed a $25bn initial investment for the Golden Dome as part of a broader $150bn defence package. But the funding is tied to Mr Trumps wide-ranging and controversial One Big Beautiful Bill on tax, which faces significant hurdles before passing in Congress. There has never been anything like this The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the US could spend as much as $542bn on space-based aspects of the project alone over 20 years. Weapons for the project are expected to come from existing production lines, with 3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp named as potential contractors for the massive project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L3 has invested $150 million in building a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it makes space sensor satellites that are part of the Pentagons efforts to detect and track hypersonic weapons. The Pentagon has warned for years that the US has not kept pace with the latest missiles developed by China and Russia, meaning newer countermeasures are needed. There really is no current system, Mr Trump said in the Oval Office on Tuesday. We have certain areas of missiles and certain missile defence, but there is no system... there has never been anything like this. Worlds strongest space computing power Last week, China launched 12 satellites into space, in the first batch of a planned 2,800-strong orbital satellite network, to build the first ever supercomputer in space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supercomputer could signal the beginning of space-based cloud computing and open up a new arena for competition between Beijing and the United States. ADA Space, a private company that helped to develop the satellites along with Zhejiang Lab, said that it would be the worlds strongest space computing power with each satellite capable of 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). The ADA announcement also said that it hoped the satellites would help China take the lead in building space computing infrastructure in the world. While there is limited information about the new supercomputer, Chinese variations on Earth have reportedly been used to advance the countrys military technology, hypersonic weapons and AI-driven defence capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A supercomputer in Guangzhou has reportedly been used as a military system to build nuclear weapons, hypersonic missiles and aerospace systems. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Acting Chair Andrea Lucas has directed agency officials to compile a list of cases in line with her own personal priorities for the agency, two sources familiar with the matter tell Talking Points Memo. Those priorities include defending the biological and binary reality of sex and related rights and rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination, according to a document reviewed by TPM. It is the latest example of a step taken by the acting EEOC chair, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, to reorient the worker-protection agency toward pursuing Trumps culture-war priorities. And, with three commissioner slots currently vacant, the directive suggests Lucas is shifting the agencys enforcement priorities unilaterally in absence of a quorum, which would violate longstanding agency policy, EEOC veterans told TPM. It is circumventing the agencys agreed-upon process, said Jenny Yang, a former EEOC chair and commissioner and current partner at Outten & Golden LLP. It is exceeding the authority of the chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EEOC did not respond to requests for comment. The EEOC is the sole federal agency tasked with enforcing workers rights to be free from discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Amid the Trump administrations quest to root out DEI policies and its attacks on transgender peoples rights, the agency has also shifted its focus. A recent email to EEOC staff reviewed by TPM describes Lucass priorities, and requests agency staff curate lists of cases in line with those priorities. The priorities are listed as rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination; protecting American workers from anti-American national origin discrimination; defending the biological and binary reality of sex and related rights, including womens rights to single sex spaces at work; protecting workers from religious bias and harassment, including antisemitism; and remedying other areas of recent under-enforcement. The email says that it is critical that those doing the work of screening and investigating claims are actively investigating charges that fall within Acting Chair Lucass stated priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Chair Lucas sent the email to EEOC field office directors, according to one EEOC employee. It requested that they identify their top 10 identified Chair priority investigations. A list of each districts top 10 cases has now been compiled, two EEOC employees confirmed, and it is being used as a way to track and monitor the cases that the field office directors came up with. This directive, made unilaterally by an acting EEOC chair, is a break with agency policy, former agency officials told TPM. The EEOC has a document called the Strategic Enforcement Priorities (SEP) that is voted on by a quorum of commissioners and sets out the issues to which the agency will devote its resources. The EEOC is an independent executive branch agency overseen by a bipartisan panel of five Senate-confirmed commissioners, one of whom serves as chair. It takes three commissioners for the agency to have a quorum. Trump fired two Democratic commissioners in February, and the EEOC currently only has two commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Setting priorities outside of, or in conflict with, the SEP runs afoul of the rules of the agency and is outside of Lucass authority, people who previously worked for the EEOC told TPM. All chairs come in with a wish list, but they work with the commission, said David Lopez, former EEOC general counsel and current Rutgers Law School professor. The chair cant set enforcement priorities, it has to be done by the commission. The SEP is voted on by the commissioners every four or five years. Commissioners typically hold meetings with stakeholders and the public as the plan is compiled to identify the most pressing issues the agency should focus on. The current document was the result of a pretty deliberative process of policymaking, Lopez said. Because the SEP is voted on by the commissioners, it holds more weight than a directive from a chair and has generally been understood to be something that the whole agency, including the chair, has to follow until and unless commissioners vote through an updated or changed document. That should govern what the EEOC does, Lopez said. Compiling a list of cases related to priorities that fall outside of the SEP, on the other hand, is actually working contrary to the Strategic Enforcement Plan, he said. It means Lucas is no doubt ignoring the policies established by a bipartisan commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current SEP has a focus on defending workers against harassment based on gender identity, and it says the EEOC will support employer efforts to implement lawful and appropriate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices. The document mentions religious discrimination under its emerging and developing issues, but it names both antisemitism and Islamophobia as equal problems to guard against. Meanwhile, it doesnt mention anti-American national origin discrimination, and two former EEOC officials said they had seen no evidence that this is a rising problem that deserves special attention. The current SEP is in effect until 2028. Lucas could seek to change it, but because, after Trumps firings, just she and Democratic Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal remain, she lacks a quorum to vote anything through until new commissioners are nominated by Trump and approved by the Senate. There are other documents that should guide the agencys work, such as an update on guidance around harassment that, when it was voted on a year ago, included harassment based on gender identity as a form of harassment the agency considered to be illegal. Lucas has vowed to strike those provisions when she has a quorum, although a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas recently issued a ruling striking them down for now. Lucass priority of pursuing cases based on the biological and binary reality of sex potentially holds even larger problems: It likely conflicts with Supreme Court precedent. In a 2020 decision in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County, the court found that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the law that the EEOC enforces, protects transgender people under the ban on sex discrimination. Even a quorum of the EEOC commission doesnt have the authority to deviate from Supreme Court findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the list of cases is not the first time Lucas has set this priority publicly. In January, she announced that one of her priorities for the agency is to defend the biological and binary reality of sex and related rights, including womens rights to single-sex spaces at work. Under Lucas, the EEOC moved to dismiss seven lawsuits on behalf of transgender workers that it had been pursuing before she became acting chair, and it has also paused investigating and moving forward on any previous or new claims of gender identity-based discrimination. Lucas also sent letters to 20 law firms in March requesting information about their DEI programs that, she said, may entail unlawful disparate treatment. In a letter to Lucas in response, seven former EEOC officials, including Yang and Lopez, said the letters exceed your authority. Experts and EEOC employees TPM spoke with also expressed concern that, by focusing on the list of cases in line with Lucas priorities, the agency will have fewer resources for others. The EEOCs resources have long been very limited, which means that anything that gets prioritized inevitably draws resources away from other issues. Even adding one or two additional priorities to what field offices are meant to be pursuing will reduce their ability to work on other issues. Given that the agency is perpetually underfunded, devoting any more resources to these cases would take the resources away from perhaps a case involving sexual harassment of a woman or rac[ial] black discrimination or anti-Muslim discrimination, Lopez said. Yang agreed. There is absolutely a resource choice, she said. Donald Trump has cleared the path for a $5bn (3.8bn) wind farm off New York that could power half a million homes. The Empire Wind project to build 138 giant wind turbines, each three times the height of the Statue of Liberty, was blocked by the US Interior Department last month. The move infuriated developer Equinor and the Norwegian government, its main shareholder, as it immediately imposed costs of $50m a week to keep its contractors and suppliers on site while doing nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has now rowed back and lifted the block after meeting Jonas Gahr Stoere, Norways prime minister, and Jens Stoltenberg, its finance minister, in Washington. They are understood to have reminded him of the extent of Equinors investment in the US mostly in oil and gas. Donald Trump with Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stoere. The decision to block Empire Wind infuriated Norways government - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Anders Opedal, the Equinor president and chief executive, thanked the pair for their support at a critical time after they raised the situation with the US administration. The decision to block Empire Wind had caused consternation in the US and in the global renewables industry, as it had been approved only after multiple lengthy assessments of its costs and environmental impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It suggested no other project was safe from a Trump intervention a risk too great for many investors. rsted, a Danish company with advanced plans for two other windfarms off the US east coast, instantly lost 40pc of its share value a decrease of $10bn. Mr Trump has repeatedly made the bizarre claim, with no known evidence, that offshore wind turbines are killing whales in numbers never seen before and that they kill all the birds. The US president issued an executive order on his first day in office pausing new leasing and permits for wind projects, which he claimed were ugly, expensive and harmful to wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Doug Burgum, the US interior secretary, told Equinor to also halt construction of Empire Wind covering 80,000 acres of sea 15 miles south of Long Island. He said the Biden administration had approved it without proper analysis of the environmental impacts. Equinor purchased the Empire Wind lease during Trumps first administration in 2017, and the project was approved under former president Joe Biden in 2023. Turbines to rise 900 ft above sea level The project, which will use wind turbines from Vestas, is 30pc complete, according to the company. The machines will rise 900ft above sea level, whereas the Statue of Liberty is just 305ft tall. Equinor generated huge interest from lenders keen to finance the project because of the high and guaranteed returns under the 25-year agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal to supply electricity from Empire Wind to New York, agreed in June 2024, is at a strike price of $155.00 (116) per megawatt hour which is far higher than the amounts on offer in the UK. The US has four operating offshore wind farms with three more under construction, besides Empire Wind. rsted owns both Sunrise Wind off the coast of New York and Revolution Wind off the coast of Rhode Island. Dominion Energys Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind is also under way. This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the United States and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region, said Molly Morris, the president of Equinor Wind US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina. Erik Milito, the president of trade body the National Ocean Industries Association, welcomed the move, saying it would activate American shipyards, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate the build-out of infrastructure needed to deliver reliable, domestic energy to the East Coast. 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 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump awarded the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice, during a ceremony Monday at the White House, to three "heroic law officers" who were killed in the line of duty last year. "Today we remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medals' first-ever recipients. That's a big honor," Trump said, as he remembered Corporal Luiz Paez Jr., Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller Jr. and Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The three officers were struck and killed by a vehicle last November while on motorcycle patrol. Going forward, the Medal of Sacrifice will be awarded to any law enforcement or first responder who makes the "ultimate sacrifice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Earlier today, Congressman Brian Mast introduced a bill to ensure this new medal will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty," Trump said. "The three officers we recognize today were close friends and colleagues. And together, they dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and well beyond." "This was a terrible tragedy. It shook the entire Palm Beach community," Trump continued. "All of Florida mourned their loss and today our entire nation joins in honoring these three incredible patriots taken from us much too soon." President Donald Trump presents a Medal of Sacrifice to Cameron Paez in honor of his father, Palm Beach County Sheriff Corporal Luis Paez who died in the line of duty, during a ceremony with family members of fallen law enforcement officers in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI Eric Trump spoke Monday about attending the officers' funeral with his father and the inspiration to honor their sacrifice. "My father and I attended the funeral that day and I can't tell you how moving that experience was," Eric Trump told the families. "And one simple question was asked: Why is there no medal of valor, medal of sacrifice that commemorates law enforcement officers, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty?" President Donald Trump presents a Medal of Sacrifice to Denise Waller in honor of her husband, Palm Beach County Sheriff Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller Jr., who died in the line of duty, alongside Waller's father Ralph E. Waller, during an event with family members of fallen law enforcement officers in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI The medal was designed by Tiffany's, the jewelry-maker that created the Medal of Honor in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's only natural that we follow with this heritage just as we work on other important American heirlooms," the company said. The medals were made in Providence, R.I., of silver and 24-carat gold and contain the coat of arms of the United States. President Donald Trump presents a Medal of Sacrifice to Alexandria Diaz, daughter of Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, who died in the line of duty, during an event with family members of fallen law enforcement officers in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI "These medals can be given for hundreds and hundreds of years to come," the president's son added. "For the first time in our nation's history -- all of our first responders, all of our law enforcement, all of our firefighters -- we're going to recognize that sacrifice from the office of the presidency," said Mast. "And that has never taken place before." President Donald Trump holds up a Medal of Sacrifice, designed by Tiffany's, before presenting it to a family member of a fallen law enforcement officer during an event in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI Each of the families of the three fallen officers were honored Monday with the new medals, including Denise Waller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thank you very much for honoring my husband," said Waller. "Making this so very special for him and for all those people to come. It is a club you never want to be in. But, you've honored them, and it just means the world." Three Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office motorcycle deputies who died in a crash last year were honored by President Donald Trump on Monday with the first ever Medal of Sacrifice, a newly created honor from the White House for first responders who die in the line of duty. Trump, his son Eric Trump, and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, who represents northern Palm Beach, announced the new honor in the Oval Office with relatives of Deputy Ignacio Dan Diaz, Cpl. Luis Paez and Deputy Ralph Butch Waller in attendance. Diaz, Paez and Waller were waiting on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard about 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21 for help to arrive because one of their motorcycles broke down when the driver of an SUV swerved off the road while trying to pass a slower car and crashed into the three of them, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw previously told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waller and Paez died the same day. Diaz was hospitalized in critical condition and died on Nov. 25. The three motormen had each rode in Trumps presidential motorcades. Trump, Eric Trump and Mast attended the deputies memorial services in December, prompting the idea for the Medal of Sacrifice, Eric Trump said. One simple question was asked. Why is there no medal, Medal of Valor, Medal of Sacrifice, that commemorates law enforcement officers, first responders, who have fallen in the line of duty? We said were going to take care of this problem, he said. Paezs son, Cameron, briefly spoke to reporters after accepting the award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I viewed my dad as Superman, someone my whole life you look up to. An amazing guy. Its horrible that this happened to all three families. But Im glad that something was done about it and we got represented and everyone in the future will be, he said. The medals were designed by the Arnault family, whose luxury conglomerate LVMH acquired Tiffany & Co. The family agreed without hesitation, Eric Trump said at the news conference. The word sacrifice is inscribed on the medals, in addition to three oak leaves to represent strength, resilience, and honoring the families of the fallen, the White House said in a news release. A fourth medal was made to be given to Bradshaw, in the event it is needed to honor another deputy in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope it never has to be given out, frankly, Trump said. Mast introduced the Medal of Sacrifice Act earlier Monday. It creates a commission of 12 law enforcement officers, who are appointed by Trump, to determine eligibility for the medal and determine procedures for presenting the award. Trump told reporters they are looking at the possibility of presenting other families whose loved ones died in the line of duty with the honor. President Donald Trump said he wants a major investigation into celebrity endorsements of former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election. Harris ran against Trump in a surprise shakeup election when former President Joe Biden dropped out in the face of mounting questions about his fitness for office. Despite swift support and fundraising for Harris, Trump won all of the swing states in a decisive win. But in the early morning hours of May 19, Trump questioned whether Harris paid Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and Oprah, a few of the big names who stumped for Harris in her presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was a very expensive and desperate effort to artificially build up her sparse crowds," Trump said on Truth Social. "ITS NOT LEGAL! For these unpatriotic 'entertainers,' this was just a CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL way to capitalize on a broken system." But the claims come without evidence, as the Federal Election Commission does not explicitly ban paid endorsements. Here is what to know about celebrities in the 2024 presidential election. 'She's no longer hot:' President Donald Trump takes aim at Taylor Swift Trump focuses on Beyonce, says without evidence she was paid millions to support Kamala Harris In a second Truth Social post later in the morning on May 19, Trump singled out Beyonce, claiming "news reports" said that she was paid $11 million to appear at a Houston, Texas, rally in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyonce did appear at the rally with former Destiny's Child co-star Kelly Rowland to address the crowd, but she did not sing. Federal Election Commission records show the Harris campaign paid $165,000 to Beyonce's production company, Parkwood Production Media LLC, but there has been no evidence of an $11 million payment. Beyonce's mother and the Harris campaign previously denied a rumor about a $10 million payment for the star during the campaign. Tina Knowles said her daughter paid for flights for herself and her team. Beyonce is currently on her Cowboy Carter and Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. Her song "Freedom," which was used by the Harris campaign, is part of her setlist. What did Bruce Springsteen say about Trump? Bruce Springsteen performed at multiple Kamala Harris rallies during the 2024 presidential election. The call for an investigation into him comes after the star spoke out about the Trump administration on a British tour earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My home America, the America I've 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, said Springsteen, as USA TODAY previously reported by a livestream of the show. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices and stand with us against authoritarianism and let freedom ring, said Springsteen. There's some very weird, strange, and dangerous (expletive) 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. More: Bruce Springsteen doubles down after Trump calls him 'dried out prune' Which celebrities endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024 election? Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen were just a few celebrities who endorsed Kamala Harris. Some big names stopped by virtual organizing calls like "White Dudes for Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some other celebrities who endorsed Kamala Harris: Beyonce Taylor Swift Bruce Springsteen Kerry Washington Julia Roberts Jennifer Lopez Harrison Ford Dick Van Dyke What celebrities endorsed Donald Trump? Here are a few celebrities who endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election: Joe Rogan Megyn Kelly Jason Aldean Savannah Chrisley Amber Rose Caitlyn Jenner Kid Rock Hulk Hogan Contributing: Chris Jordan, Joey Garrison, Cache McClay, Jay Stahl, USA TODAY Network Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What did Bruce Springsteen say about Donald Trump? POTUS wants probe President Donald Trump was optimistic that he could facilitate a ceasefire with one phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, Trump seems to have bought the dictator even more time to continue his brutal war in Ukraine. While Trump has repeatedly said that only he could produce a breakthrough via one-on-one talks with Putin, he has failed thus far to sway the Russian leader to make any substantive change. In an op-ed Monday for The Washington Post, Max Boot a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations said that for all of Trumps boasts of being a master dealmaker in the face of Russian intransigence, he keeps violating the prime rule of successful negotiating: You must apply leverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin is playing him for a fool, and Trump doesnt even seem to realize it, Boot added. In a post on Truth Social, Trump lauded his two-hour discussion Monday with Putin asexcellent in tone and spirit, and suggested (without evidence) that hed kickstarted negotiations between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In reality, though, Trump had no progress to report. The Russian president apparently rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, which already had been endorsed by Ukraine and its allies. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War, Trump wrote. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. Trump also seemed to suggest the U.S. would play a more distant role in the process, approving the idea of having the talks hosted by Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The Vatican has not addressed Trumps comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ian Bremmer, the president and founder of Eurasia Group, assessed Trumps post as a veeeeery long way to say no concessions on that phone call. Indeed, despite Trumps declaration that Putin wants to end the war, the Russian leader seems determined to drag out the process as much as possible. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said there are no deadlines and there cannot be any when it comes to agreeing to a memorandum between Moscow and Kyiv about a future peace settlement previously floated by Putin. It is clear that everyone wants to do this as quickly as possible, but, of course, the devil is in the details, Peskov said, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beth Sanner, a former deputy director of national intelligence, told CNN its really hard to see this [phone call] in any other way than Putin seemed to get exactly what he wanted. After rejecting a 30-day ceasefire plan backed by the U.S., Europe and Ukraine, Putin had called for direct talks between his country and Ukraine in Istanbul an invitation that Trump pressured the Ukrainian leader to accept. Zelenskyy had one condition he would only attend if Putin joined. But the Russian leader chose to not show up for Thursdays meeting and sent a low-level delegation in his place. His delegation met with a Ukrainian team but the talks produced limited results. Three days later, Russia also launched its biggest drone attack on Ukraine since its full-scale invasion started in February 2022. Beyond Trumps call with Putin, Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the U.S. can always just walk away an outcome that would effectively punish Ukraine, which wants and needs the U.S. to remain engaged in negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is not going to spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes, Vance said. Meanwhile, Europe is stepping up by applying new sanctions on Russia to pressure it toward a ceasefire an effort that Trump chose to stay out of. I think theres a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you can also make it much worse, Trump told reporters, explaining his reluctance. But there could be a time where thats going to happen. Zelenskyy, who spoke to Trump twice on Monday, acknowledged that U.S. participation in the measure remains important. The European package will be there, and it will be strong, Zelenskyy said, according to The Guardian. As for the United States package, that is a different story. Here, we all need to work hard with the United States of America so that at some point, when they are able to, they will impose appropriate sanctions. Related... Investing.com -- President Trump, accompanied by Speaker Johnson, addressed the unity within their party and the potential for significant tax cuts in comments to reporters on Capital Hill. The President emphasized the unity within their party, stating that it was stronger than ever before. He also highlighted the robust state of the economy, mentioning that $5.1 trillion had been extracted from the Middle East, leading to unprecedented levels of investment. He stated that this economic boost was just the beginning and expressed optimism for the future. The President also praised the work of John Thune in the Senate and mentioned a forthcoming bill, which he referred to as "one big, beautiful bill." He stated that this bill would include significant tax cuts and incentives, as well as reductions in regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump also expressed concern over legislation that he claimed had opened U.S borders, allowing for an influx of criminals from around the world. He questioned who had signed this legislation, suggesting that it had not been President Biden but rather, radical left individuals using an autopen. The President also addressed the issue of tax cuts, stating that the proposed cuts were bigger than any previous ones, including those implemented during Ronald Reagans presidency and his own. He added that these cuts were being extended and increased, making them the largest in the history of the country. He also warned of the potential for a 68% tax increase if the proposed tax cuts were not implemented. He claimed that any Republican voting against the tax cuts would not remain in the party for long. He reiterated that he was a cheerleader for both the party and the country and expressed optimism for the upcoming discussions on the proposed tax cuts. He also clarified that the only cuts being considered were those related to waste, fraud, and abuse, specifically within Medicaid. He assured that there would be no changes to Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security. Related articles Trump comments on party unity and tax cuts on Capital Hill Evercore ISI remains bullish on Dell after annual user conference Paramount Group raised to buy at Evercore ISI Uzbekistan, World Bank, and ADB to cook up fresh tools to drive reform agenda forward Photo: The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan is strengthening its ties with international financial institutions as part of its ongoing economic reform agenda. In a recent high-level meeting in Tashkent, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov met with senior delegations from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to discuss new avenues of cooperation, including innovative financing tools and infrastructure development. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register After the Trump administration announced cuts to a program that funded mental health resources for students at Tacoma Public Schools, staff say the loss of the funds would be a significant detriment to a student body that contends with higher rates of anxiety, depression and trauma than other students in Washington. Tacoma Public Schools received a grant under the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program from the Department of Education in 2022, providing it with $6,066,390 over five years to pay for 36 mental health clinicians to provide resources and care for students. The grant is the result of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which lawmakers passed in response to growing concerns about student mental health after a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that year. Pierce Countys biggest school district had been using the funds, which it was supposed to receive in roughly $1 million chunks each academic year, to provide around 3,000 students at Tacoma Public Schools with access to mental health care, according to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Education has notified districts that were receiving the money that they will have until Dec. 31 of this year to utilize the funds, meaning the mental health resources will remain in place until then. But TPS wont receive the remaining $2,655,740 it was supposed to receive for 2026 and 2027. The bipartisan legislation from 2022 doled out $1 billion in grants to school districts to address youth mental health. The letter notifying grantees about the cuts stated that funding for programs that reflect the prior administrations priorities and policy preferences conflict with those of the current administration and could violate the letter or purpose of federal civil rights law, EdWeek reported. Laura Allen, director of Whole Child for the district, said the district is exploring other opportunities to fund the resource after the money runs out in December. We have this runway to explore alternative sources, so were actively working on that, Allen told The News Tribune. Theres an appeals process, so were in the process of engaging in that process. Weve also alerted our congressional delegation and hope that theres some possible advocacy there. Its the right thing to do for kids, and we arent giving up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program allowed for school staff to identify students who could benefit from additional mental health counseling and recommend them to one of the 36 support staff who are funded by the grant to meet with students in regular counseling sessions or to identify whether they could benefit from other resources, Allen said. Mental health specialists who provided support to Tacoma students came from local organizations like Mary Bridge Childrens Hospitals Youth Engagement Services. Ashley Mangum, director for kids mental health in Pierce County for Mary Bridge, said the program provided three specialists who served students at 23 middle and high schools in the district last year and this year has served 468 students across the district so far. Mangum said the resource has been crucial in helping kids with their mental health before issues theyre contending with escalate to crisis level. Our system is designed to be reactive, to only be able to manage crisis, she told The News Tribune. Not having access to these services is going to prevent our opportunities to intervene earlier for kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential loss of the program also comes as the city of Tacoma contends with a spike in youth homicides four among people 18 and under killed since the start of 2025. Mangum and Allen said that highlighted the need for resources like the ones that the grant funded. We know our kids arent without traumas, Allen said. How do we help them navigate that and be able to come be in class and engage in their learning brain and then have this successful future in front of them? Its everything. Tracie Barnett, a clinical social worker and mental health specialist with Mary Bridge, has worked with hundreds of students across Tacoma Public Schools middle and high schools as part of the federal grant. Barnett said shes noticing higher rates of anxiety, depression and trauma amongst the students she works with as they contend with the lingering effects of the pandemic, when some were forced to quarantine in toxic households. My clients dont even really care about politics. My clients arent Republican, they arent Democrat, Barnett told The News Tribune. This is money that the government, all parties agreed that our youth needed and its devastating to have it taken away when I feel like were at this peak of a mental health crisis. In what is now a semi-regular occurrence, the workings of U.S.-led global diplomacy has cast a dark shadow over Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on May 19 in the latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. The call came just days after a U.S.-backed but largely inconclusive negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow, where Russia sent a delegation of low-level officials and reiterated sweeping territorial demands. Following the call, Trump told reporters that he trusts Putin, will not sanction Russia, but will abandon Ukraine peace efforts if progress is not made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a follow-up call between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, the latter had to remind his U.S. counterpart that negotiations with Russia are already underway and that Moscow has been stalling all efforts to impose a ceasefire. "It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation," Zelensky later wrote on X. Yet the tone coming from the White House after the call suggested that at least to one man, it wasn't that obvious at all. "Nothing good is expected," Yelyzaveta Yasko, a lawmaker from the governing Servant of the People party, told the Kyiv Independent when asked for her initial reaction to the phone conversations. The results of the Trump, Putin call Despite the U.S. president claiming "it went very well," that "some progress was made," and that the "tone and spirit of the conversation was excellent," Ukraine and its European allies were stunned by the outcome of Trump's call with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also claimed that Putin had agreed to "immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire," seemingly forgetting that he himself has been demanding one since March 11, and that direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are already underway. According to Axios, when Trump told Zelensky and other European leaders about the results of the call, he was met with a stunned silence. Once this had passed, Zelensky had to gently remind Trump that it had been his idea all along to start the peace talks with an immediate 30-day ceasefire. "Putin has humiliated him in public several times in a row, and the U.S. president doesn't want to recognize that and doesn't know what to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Russia once again refused to agree to the ceasefire, instead saying it was prepared to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty." Neither Trump nor Putin discussed a deadline for a ceasefire, and the U.S. president once again threatened to walk away if Ukraine and Russia could not negotiate a peace between themselves, effectively giving Putin free rein to continue waging war against Ukraine. In Kyiv, the news was met with a now familiar mix of resignation, disappointment, and increasing unease over Trump's continuing appeasement of Putin's position. Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles during a meeting with students at the Sirius Education Center for Talented Children in Sirius, Russia, on May 19, 2025. (Contributor / Getty Images) "The main conclusion of the latest phone conversation between Trump and Putin is that Trump doesn't know how to deal with real gangsters," Andrii Osadchuk, a lawmaker from the Holos faction, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin has humiliated him in public several times in a row, and the U.S. president doesn't want to recognize that and doesn't know what to do." Of particular concern is the idea that future negotiations should be conducted solely between Russia and Ukraine, without a mediator, and that Trump appears to perceive his attempts at brokering a peace as bearing fruit, despite Russia not having budged from the demands it set way back in 2022. "The fact that Americans believe that peace can be achieved through direct conversations is a dangerous sign," Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the Holos faction, told the Kyiv Independent. "The Russians are only willing to negotiate and compromise if there is some pressure on them that they feel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any hopes of the U.S. placing its first real pressure on the Kremlin since Trump took office was swiftly quashed by the U.S. president immediately after the call he told reporters at the White House that he will not impose further sanctions against Russia "because there's a chance" of progress towards a ceasefire. The view from Ukraine, however, is very different. "Ukraine, through years of dealing with Russia, has learned one very clear lesson: Putin constantly lies," Halyna Yanchenko, a lawmaker from the Servant of the People party, told the Kyiv Independent. "Today, he continues to use the same tactic trying to blind Donald Trump, stall for time, and use any pause to seize even more Ukrainian territory," she added. Russia's demands Underpinning the intense feeling of frustration in Ukraine is a fact that appears obvious to almost everyone except Trump that after 119 days, Putin has not made a single concession that suggests he is truly interested in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This phone call hasn't changed anything at all," Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, told the Kyiv Independent. "Putin continues to insist on his ultimatums and maximalist demands, and keeps rejecting ceasefire proposals." At the May 15 Istanbul talks, Russia sent a delegation of low-level officials and reiterated maximalist demands, including that Ukraine accept the loss of occupied Crimea and four oblasts in their entirety despite Russia not fully controlling any of them. "I will continue to resist even if Crimea remains part of Russia, because Crimea was and is Ukraine, regardless of political decisions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attacks against civilians have only escalated since Trump took office, and on May 18, Russia carried out its largest drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk / Anadolu via Getty Images) 'One big deal' Trump, the author of "The Art of the Deal," once again trumpeted his alleged negotiating skills when telling reporters on May 19 about his call with Putin. "My whole life is like deals one big deal," he said. In the context of his failed peace process in Ukraine so far, the claim rang hollow. "The stance of the EU and the U.S. was to step up pressure on Russia if it rejects a ceasefire," Olena Halushka, a board member at the Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC), told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It rejected it, so now it's time to act step up sanctions and military aid, and confiscate frozen Russian assets. Russia doesn't want peace, it wants Ukraine," she added. On May 20, the EU kept up its side of the bargain, formally approving its 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia over aggression in Ukraine, including measures against almost 200 shadow fleet vessels. To date, Trump has not taken a single concrete action to place any pressure on the Kremlin. The cost of failed negotiations While phone calls, negotiations, and Truth Social posts play out on the global stage, those with perhaps the most at stake Ukrainians living under Russian occupation watch on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am worried that as a result of the negotiations, Crimea may be left under Russian control," a woman currently living in occupied Crimea, whose name is being withheld for security reasons, told the Kyiv Independent on May 19. She is an activist with the Yellow Ribbon resistance movement, fighting back against Russian occupation because she wants the "world to see that Ukrainians here have not surrendered." "I will continue to resist even if Crimea remains under Russian rule, because Crimea was and is Ukraine, regardless of political decisions," she added. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Photo by Wichayada Suwanachun/Getty Images) The issue of drug pricing has been as pressing in Ohio as anywhere. President Donald Trump last week issued an executive order requiring drugmakers to offer their products as cheaply here as they do overseas. But players in the industry say the order lacks detail about how it would make that happen. An Ohio expert said the order ignores the arcane, often self-serving way drug prices are inflated by myriad players in the United States including the government itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ohio, the cost of prescription drugs has been an issue of major contention the last several years, including lawsuits against drug middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers, whove been accused of vertical integration, inflating prices, and deterrence of competition. Trump last Monday issued his executive order, Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Drug Pricing to American Patients. The order notes that the United States has less than 5% of the worlds population, yet Americans pay three quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. It accuses drugmakers of unfairly billing Americans for research and development while agreeing to lower prices demanded by governments of other developed countries. Drug manufacturers, rather than seeking to equalize evident price discrimination, agree to other countries demands for low prices, and simultaneously fight against the ability for public and private payers in the United States to negotiate the best prices for patients, the order says. The inflated prices in the United States fuel global innovation while foreign health systems get a free ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order instructs U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. within 30 days to communicate most-favored-nation price targets to pharmaceutical manufacturers Using that list, the government could import drugs selling more cheaply in other countries on a case-by-case basis, the order says. However, there are about 20,000 different prescription drugs sold in the United States. The order doesnt explain how, in just a month, anyone can gather and analyze global pricing data and decide which countries are getting the best deal on each much less set up and administer a case-by-case system on such a scale. And theres the much bigger question of what Trump means by price. That word can have many definitions in the inefficient health care system of the United States. Theres the list price the price you would have to pay if you dont have any insurance or other form of discount. But thats not the price that is typically paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drug middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, play a huge role in determining list and net prices in tens of millions of prescription drug transactions. The biggest three are part of giant health care conglomerates UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health and Cigna-Express Scripts that also own top-10 insurance companies. The big PBMs represent those insurers and other payers in prescription-drug transactions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Two facts about the big PBMs are of great relevance to drug pricing: Combined, the big three handle almost 80% of the insured drug transactions. And they decide which drugs are covered by insurance, and which of those get the most favorable treatment usually in the form of the lowest copayment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That enables them to get drugmakers to pay them big and growing rebates in exchange for favorable treatment. Drugmakers have been shown to increase list prices to cover the often-nontransparent rebates. Because rebates are based on list prices, PBMs are incentivized to prefer drugs with higher list prices, even when cheaper generics and biosimilars are available, Emma Freer of the American Economic Liberties Project wrote in an MSNBC column Tuesday. For example, the Federal Trade Commission is suing the big PBMs over insulin practices it says benefitted both the PBMs and the three companies that manufacture almost all the insulin in the United States. It said the PBMs excluded cheaper drugs from coverage so it could chase bigger rebates from more-expensive alternatives. That would be a win-win for the drugmaker and the middleman. But it would be a big loser for the diabetic who has to make copayments based on inflated list prices, or who has to shoulder the full freight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trumps executive order accuses other countries of taking advantage of Americans, its silent on rebates. The order is also silent on whether most-favored-nation pricing would be enjoyed by all Americans, or just those covered by government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Antonio Ciaccia, the Columbus, Ohio-based president of drug-pricing consultant 3 Axis Advisors, said the government also has a strong interest in high drug prices. Thats because the federal government also gets huge amounts in drugmaker rebates. And thats money it can use to justify other spending, or tax cuts. For example, drugmakers are only allowed to pay rebates in Medicare because theyre exempted from the federal anti-kickback statute. Trump in 2020 issued an executive order that would have greatly narrowed the exemption, but it went nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in 2022, an extension of anti-kickback exemptions under Medicare was slipped into an unrelated gun bill. Democrats and Republicans voted for the bill. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, gave a reason the federal government stood to collect an estimated $180 billion in Medicare rebates over a decade. Allowing rebates might cost Americans and their government more over the long run, but as budgets are written, theyre revenue that can be used for other things. In government circles, its known as a pay-for. In an email, Ciaccia said that giving government an incentive to chase rebates inflates drug prices and that works against Trumps stated priorities. The biggest lie in the drug supply chain is that government wants lower prices for medicines, he said. What government actually wants is bigger discounts off the prices of medicines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, When public policy is explicitly designed to inflate drug prices and then soak discounts off those prices to fund other things, if you actually lower the prices, those other things are in big trouble. This is why the U.S. government cant get enough of this addictive horse-trading of drug money for other priorities, which is why high prices reign supreme. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump listens to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speak about the Golden Dome missile defense shield. (Jim Watson via Getty Images) In an Oval Office reveal Tuesday, flanked by U.S. military generals and Republican senators, President Donald Trump offered new details about his ambitious Golden Dome missile shield project, which he expects to have a price tag of around $175 billion and be completed before the end of his term. Im pleased to announce that we have officially selected an architecture for this state-of-the-art system that will deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors, Trump said. Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if theyre launched from space. And we will have the best system ever built. Trump also announced he has appointed Gen. Michael Guetlein, the Space Forces second in command, to oversee the effort, which has become one of the presidents signature defense projects just months into his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guetlein, currently vice chief of space operations, previously led the Space Forces primary acquisition organization, Space Systems Command. There, he oversaw major development efforts and helped streamline the space enterprises notoriously fragmented acquisition system. Earlier in his career, he served as deputy commander of the National Reconnaissance Office and program executive officer for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency two of the organizations that will play a significant role in building out the Golden Dome architecture. I greatly appreciate your trust in me and your trust in the team to deliver this, Guetlein told Trump. It is a great day for America. Iron Dome for America gets a golden makeover Trump first announced plans to develop an advanced, layered homeland missile shield in the early days of his second presidency, issuing an executive order that called for a 60-day study of architecture options. The capability is expected to include a mix of ground and space-based interceptors designed to defeat a spectrum of threats from lower-end weapons to advanced hypersonic and cruise missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the current homeland missile defense system focuses on threats from rogue nations like North Korea and Iran rather than from peer adversaries like China or Russia, Trumps homeland missile defense shield would focus on addressing threats from peer adversaries, as well as those rogue threats. Beyond his cost and schedule projections and an assertion that Canada had signed on to be part of Golden Dome Trump was light on details about the architecture and approach to fielding what many analysts and officials have called a bold and challenging endeavor. He alluded to fielding space-based and hypersonic interceptors but offered little more about the scope of the project. Trumps promise Tuesday to deliver the layered, integrated system in around two-and-a-half to three years would require the Defense Department to field the more advanced elements of the architecture years ahead of schedule. For example, the space-based missile interceptors that he said will be part of the effort have not yet been developed. Meanwhile, hypersonic interceptors are not expected to be developed and delivered until the mid-2030s. While the more advanced elements of Golden Dome will take time to deliver, several pieces of the architecture are already in various stages of development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes a space-based missile defense and tracking layer comprised of satellites and sensors that can identify and monitor high-end missile threats, which MDA and the Space Force are currently developing and fielding. Those capabilities are part of the Space Development Agencys Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and could potentially be scaled to support Golden Dome. Republicans in Congress have largely been supportive of Golden Dome. In February, Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. both of whom were in the Oval Office for Tuesdays announcement introduced a bill that proposes $19.5 billion for Golden Dome in fiscal 2026. Their bill, the Golden Dome Act, proposes the addition of Aegis Ashore Systems for U.S. territory which took years to install in Romania and Poland and the use of blimps for detecting complex threats. The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, or GMD, at Fort Greely, Alaska, would be expanded and upgraded with next-generation interceptors along with a brand-new interceptor site on the East Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the House GOP included $25 billion for the project in its budget reconciliation package for fiscal 2025 a number that Trump referenced and validated in his remarks Tuesday. Asked how confident he is that Congress will fully fund Golden Dome given the administrations $175 billion cost projection, Trump called the process easy. Its amazing how easy this one is to fund, he said. Some funding is tough and some is easy. When we say were going to save everyones lives in a crazy world, it seems to be very easy to get. Trump noted that Golden Dome systems will be made in the U.S., but didnt confirm whether contracts had been awarded. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., highlighted the work that L3Harris, which is based in his home state, is doing to build out the current space-based sensor architecture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan also referenced Lockheed and RTX, who have developed ground-based missile interceptors, while noting that the project will also likely involve more nontraditional defense contractors. Lockheed won the contract last year to build the interceptors that will replace the current ones. Its all across the board in terms of companies. Sen. Cramer and I just met with a bunch of them last week that are interested in this, he said. Our technology sector is head and shoulders above any other place in the world, and theyre going to be a key part of this. Presidential legacies are built on legislation, not executive orders a lesson from Donald Trumps first term that now presents a pressing test for his second. For years, Trump has relied on sheer force to pressure Republicans into doing as he pleased. For the most part, its worked: the party long ago fell into line, with skeptics cast into the wilderness. Yet even with a GOP now aligned almost entirely behind him, Trump is still finding there are limits to the power of his bully pulpit, even with the fate of nearly his entire domestic agenda in the balance. The president visited Capitol Hill Tuesday morning in hopes of convincing holdout Republicans to align behind his big beautiful budget bill, but many skeptics remained unconvinced after an hour-long meeting that Trump described as a pep rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the rifts between moderate and ultraconservative factions of the party only seemed to deepen, without a clear pathway to success for a bill that could come to define Trumps legacy. I dont think he convinced enough people that the bill is adequate the way it is, Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said afterward. Harris ultraconservative group has pressed for deeper spending cuts, particularly to Medicaid, as a way to counter the bills expansion of the federal deficit. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) arrives for a House Republican meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump will join conservative House lawmakers to help push through their budget bill after it advanced through the House Budget Committee on Sunday evening. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images White House officials believe passage of the bill is vital if Trump is to deliver on his campaign promises of tightening border security, extending his first term tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. Both advisers and lawmakers believe they have a narrow window for success ahead of next years midterm elections. With the economy locked in a state of uncertainty due to Trumps trade war, the package represents what White House officials believe is their best chance to spur growth and improve Americans views of the countrys financial state. Moodys recent decision to downgrade the US credit rating only heightens the urgency of the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps message heading into Tuesdays closed-door session was not particularly subtle. Republicans who oppose his bill wouldnt be a Republican much longer, he said as he arrived at the Capitol. They would be knocked out so fast. He even called out Rep. Thomas Massie, who has promised to oppose the bill, several times before and during the Republican meeting. But even the threat of a primary challenge was not enough to sway the resistors. Its math, is what it is, Massie said. If this vote were based on intuition or likability of the president, I might vote yes. But its not. Not for me. There are real consequences. UNITED STATES - MAY 20: Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., talks with reporters before a House Republican Conference meeting with President Donald Trump on the budget reconciliation bill in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images Four months into his term, Trump has signed hundreds of executive actions and repeatedly tested the bounds of his presidential authority. But hes signed only a handful of bills into law and only two of those warranted major signing ceremonies at the White House. One of them, a measure he signed Monday cracking down on revenge porn, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill he tried to sell on Capitol Hill Tuesday is an altogether different animal, with a far less certain future. Republicans must pass it on party lines, and they cant afford to lose more than two votes on the House floor, assuming no absences. Currently, Speaker Mike Johnson doesnt have the necessary support. And negotiating in either direction risks further alienating the other side while conservatives are seeking deeper cuts, moderates worry about the politics of stripping away health coverage from vulnerable Americans. Still others want a bigger deduction for state and local taxes, which Trump once supported before making clear Tuesday that he did not want so-called SALT provisions to hold up his prized bill. Quit talking about SALT, one Republican quoted Trump as saying during the meeting. Dont ask for any more. For a president eager to make a more permanent mark than executive orders, which a successor can quickly overturn, the battle over his budget has become his most difficult test yet exposing deep divides in the GOP-controlled government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are not necessarily divisions the president has been eager to repair. From his perspective, the bill already contains everything he promised as a candidate. The ensuing debate among Republicans over exploding deficits or cuts to Medicaid is a byproduct of his campaign pledges, but is not itself something the president had vowed to resolve. And while Trump declared himself the biggest fiscal hawk of all ahead of Tuesdays meeting, he also appears wary of becoming the face of deep cuts to government health or food assistance programs. He told Republicans Tuesday not to f**k with Medicaid as part of the haggling to get the bill over the finish line. President Donald Trump arrives with House Speaker Mike Johnson for a House Republican meeting at the US Capitol on May 20 in Washington, DC. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images For Trump, branding is king. By wrapping his entire domestic agenda into one piece of legislation under the title One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the president was putting nearly all his eggs into one basket. And failure is not an option entertained by the White House. For all of Trumps travels of late, including a Middle East trip last week where he received opulent welcomes and announced deals in three Gulf capitals, his jaunt up Pennsylvania Avenue on Tuesday might be his most important trip of all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some people who want a couple of things that maybe I dont like or that theyre not going to get, Trump said, sending a message to his fellow Republicans that standing in the way of the bill would be neither allowed nor forgiven. One of the biggest legislative accomplishments from his first time in office was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Trump signed into law on Dec. 22, 2017. It came as an early Christmas present that put a bow on a rough first year in office And it included an expiration date that is soon due. As summer dawns, Trump is at a critical juncture of his presidency. Since taking office, he has been well aware that the clock is ticking. Even if House Republicans manage to overcome objections and pass the bill, senators are expected to make significant changes to clear it through their chamber. That would mean another jaunt through the fractious House and potentially weeks of further negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knows that this year will shape his presidency, a senior Trump adviser told CNN, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations with the president. This is the best chance to deliver on his promises. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Trump administration is considering using foreign aid funds to remove migrants including Ukrainians who came to the U.S. fleeing violence and returning them to active war zones, according to a report. Hundreds of thousands of migrants, including those from Ukraine and Haiti, are being considered in the plans that would see the administration spend up to $250 million earmarked for foreign assistance, according to The Washington Post. In draft documents obtained by the newspaper, Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians and Yemenis could also be targeted in the administrations voluntary deportation program. Afghans are likely to be the first group targeted with the voluntary packages, despite the risk they face at home from the Taliban, according to the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haitians were first given temporary protected status in 2010 after a devastating earthquake, which in turn triggered more than a decade of instability across the country. President Donald Trumps administration is looking into plans to remove migrants who fled violence from the U.S. and send them back to active war zones with money earmarked for foreign assistance, according to a report. The migrants reportedly being considered include Ukrainians and Haitians. (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainians were given temporary protected status after Russia invaded the country in 2022. It comes as the Trump administration moved at breakneck speed to gut U.S. foreign aid and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development in its anti-immigration crackdown. The plans were reportedly in development before the Department of Homeland Security announced earlier this month that illegal aliens who use the Customs and Border Protection Home app to self-deport will receive financial and travel assistance, including a $1,000 stipend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous administrations have supported using taxpayer money for the voluntary removal of migrants, the Post noted. But the plans the outlet reviewed are unusual because they are targeting those who fled violence and escaped from some of the worlds most dangerous places. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a final decision on the temporary protected status of Ukrainians or Haitians, a spokesperson said. Noem terminated the temporary protected status of Afghans in March. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The Post reports that the UN-affiliated body that typically assists in returning migrants to their home countries, the International Organization for Migration, appears to have been bypassed. The UN office does not support the return of people to any of those places, the documents said, according to the newspaper. The documents were produced between late April and early May, the outlet reports. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said that the documents were outdated, and added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a final decision on the temporary protected status of Ukrainians or Haitians. Noem has already canceled humanitarian protections for more than 11,000 Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department has indicated that it could roll back the protected status of Haitians as soon as August. The Independent has contacted the department for further comment. DHS and the State Department are working together to further implement the Presidents agenda by using foreign aid money to assist those illegally in our country to voluntarily self-deport, McLaughlin said in a statement to the Post. The State Department told the outlet that it was seeking to provide travel support and financial incentives to encourage migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, but did not directly address questions about Ukrainians and Haitians, the newspaper reported. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump hammered Republican lawmakers behind closed doors on Tuesday, urging the party to drop specific demands and pass his massive budget framework before the end of the week. Trump attended House Republicans weekly conference meeting in a last-ditch effort to get his agenda through Congress, pressing GOP holdouts to accept negotiations with party leaders so that he can begin enacting key components of his agenda. His pleas come as GOP leaders have negotiated for weeks with certain factions of the party over Trumps massive budget framework that would advance his priorities on border, energy, national security and tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes frustrated with the pace of our progress, he made it pretty clear, Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., told reporters after the meeting. His message was that we need to quit screwing around and we need to get the one big, beautiful bill passed. GOP leadership aides told reporters in a briefing on Monday morning that about 95% of the budget framework is agreed to among the conference. However, a handful of issues remain that must be hashed out before the House Rules Committee meets at 1 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, which will establish rules for debate and floor proceedings before it can be voted on by the full House. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and President Donald Trump arrive for a House Republican conference meeting, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson Sticking points in big, beautiful bill House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., acknowledged last week that the biggest sticking point at the moment is the issue of federal deductions for state and local taxes paid, also known as SALT. The policy mostly affects high-tax states, but the handful of Republicans in these states have repeatedly threatened final passage if a higher deductible is not included. Republican leaders offered to increase the current deduction cap to $30,000 up from the current $10,000 limit and incorporate a new $400,000 income limit. Inside the closed-door meeting on Tuesday, Trump urged SALT proponents to accept that deal and not ask for more, according to lawmakers inside the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump even went so far as to call out some lawmakers by name, including New York Rep. Mike Lawler, one of the most vocal advocates of raising the SALT cap. During the meeting, Trump told Lawler he know(s) your district better than you and that the expansion would not be that big of a deal for his reelection prospects. However, Lawler did not seem convinced. The president can say whatever he wants, and I respect him, but the fact is, I certainly understand my district, Lawler said after the meeting. Im one of only three Republican members that won in a district Kamala Harris won, and I did so for reasons. Another top issue among conservatives is new work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill would require able-bodied adults without dependents to work at least 80 hours a month or complete some other activity such as community service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, those requirements wouldnt kick in until 2029 a stipulation that conservatives say must be moved up or else they wont support the final package. Similarly, Trump told Republicans demanding more on Medicaid to accept the current proposal even telling lawmakers dont (expletive) with Medicaid. Instead, the president said to only focus on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from the program. However, its not clear if that message was enough for conservatives on the House Freedom Caucus, who emerged from the meeting still adamant to accelerate the timeline. Were still a long ways away, but we can get there. Maybe not by tomorrow, but we can get there, Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., said. The president, I dont think, convinced enough people that the bill is adequate the way it is. The president called for eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, and we have not eliminated waste, fraud and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House is expected to vote on the reconciliation bill as early as Thursday, but that timeline could shift if leadership is not confident support will be sufficient. Because of Republicans slim majority, they can only lose three lawmakers support, assuming full attendance and all Democrats vote against the measure. GOP leaders already have one solid no: Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has said he would not vote for the bill in any form because it doesnt reduce the nations deficit. Trump called out Massie by name on his way into the meeting, telling reporters he doesnt understand government. Trump singled Massie out behind closed doors as well, but that did little to convince the Kentucky Republican. If this vote were based on intuition or likability of the president, I might vote yes. But its not, Massie said. Theres real consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Massie predicted the remaining holdouts would likely fold to Trumps pressure and support the bill on the floor. I predict they get the bill passed. He was very personal, very persuasive, Massie said. I predict that the president persuaded the Freedom Caucus and these blue-state Republicans to give up their fights. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to try and jolt his big, beautiful bill past the finish line with a clear message for Republicans to fall in line. Trump paid a visit to the House Republican Conference Meeting in hopes of unifying lawmakers behind his more than 1,100-page proposal. A senior White House official told NewsNation that Trump urged all holdout factions in the conference, including the SALT Caucus and the House Freedom Caucus, to support the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that every Republican should vote yes and warned members not to f around with Medicaid, The Hill reported. The official said Trumps main requests were: Dont let SALT impede this bill. Republicans can fight for SALT later on. Dont touch Medicaid except for eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, including booting off illegal immigrants and common sense work requirements. Stick together and get the bill done to deliver for the American people. The bill would extend tax cuts, beef up border security, raise defense spending and increase the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for single and joint filers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also cut funding for Medicaid, food stamps and green energy programs. Trumps big, beautiful bill faces hurdles to become law I think we have unbelievable unity. I think were going to have a great victory. I think this was a great session, Trump told reporters Tuesday after the meeting. He called the Tuesday visit a meeting of love, and added that he was not losing patience, despite a senior White House source telling NewsNation his frustration was clear. Prior to the meeting, Trump said his legislation would not cut anything meaningful and that his bill focuses on cutting waste, fraud and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is bigger than any Ronald Reagan tax cut. Its even bigger than the tax cut that I gave you, he said, adding that the bill is the biggest tax cut in the history of our country. President Trumps tax policies would add roughly $3.8 trillion to the national debt, per an an analysis from by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Freedom Caucus chair predicts big beautiful bill lacks support to pass this week Debate over Trumps tax cut bill Trump is looking to unify his party behind his domestic agenda, but parts of the bill have faced intense debate in the House. Some Republican lawmakers, such as Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, have concerns about the budget. They worry that tax cuts and new spending are front-loaded in the bill, while measures to offset costs are backloaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roy has also said more needs to be removed from programs related to the Green New Deal, while more centrist Republicans have shared concerns over cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Senate confirms Charles Kushner to become ambassador to France Democrats have sought to unite against the bill and criticized Trumps budget and its unusual late-night advancement through the House Budget Committee on Sunday. They literally are trying to take health care away from millions of Americans at this very moment in the dead of night, said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills next stop is the House Rules Committee, which is scheduled to examine the proposal and make last-minute changes later this week. Republicans will need just about every vote they can get to pass this cornerstone piece of Trumps agenda. NewsNation partner The Hill 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. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. As part of efforts to expand Uzbekistans international air connectivity and boost its tourism potential, a working meeting was held with representatives of Singapore Changi Airport, one of the worlds leading aviation hubs, Trend reports, citing Uzbekistan Airlines. During the talks, both sides discussed the prospects of launching a direct air route between Tashkent and Singapore. Representatives of Changi Airport expressed strong interest in the initiative, citing a growing demand among Singaporean tour operators for Uzbekistan as an attractive travel destination. Special attention was given to the strategic role of Tashkent International Airport as a key transit hub. Changi Airport officials noted that Tashkents extensive flight network to European cities positions the Uzbek capital as an important gateway for passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed their readiness to continue working together and outlined next steps for exploring logistical, marketing, and regulatory aspects necessary for launching direct air service between the two countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Supreme Court is signaling fading confidence that the Trump administration will act in good faith in response to judicial decisions limiting its immigration agenda, a sign that the courts are growing as frustrated with President Trump as he is with them. The dynamic came into focus as the Supreme Court mulled Trumps birthright citizenship restrictions and swift deportation efforts, while lower courts have also expressed a creeping doubt that the government can be trusted to abide by their decisions. The divide could become a test on whether judges will maintain their long-standing deference to the governments representations in court. However, its not always clear-cut, as the justices proved Monday when they sided with Trump by allowing him to strip nearly 350,000 Venezuelans temporary legal protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has charted an ambitious course to carry out his promised immigration agenda from attempting to redefine birthright citizenship to employing rarely used legal authorities for mass deportations that has fueled a barrage of litigation. Perhaps most notably, he has looked to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which permits swift deportations in certain circumstances. Previously, presidents have only leveraged the law during declared wars. But it can also be invoked during an invasion or predatory incursion, which Trump claims enables him to quickly send to El Salvador the Venezuelans whom the administration alleges are members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The Supreme Court has declined to resolve that question yet, but its emergency decisions so far reveal an apparent 7-2 split over whether to trust the governments assurances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest battle emerged after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) flooded the courts over concerns that a group of migrants detained in Texas was being bused to the airport on April 18 to be immediately flown to El Salvador. Government lawyers, however, insisted no flights were scheduled that evening. They also said no flights were scheduled for the following day, though the government would reserve the right to change that. It wasnt enough to fend off the Supreme Court. In a remarkable order issued in the middle of the night, the court blocked any flights until it could issue a ruling. That ruling landed Friday, providing the courts most detailed thinking yet on its slipping faith. Evidence now in the record (although not all before us on April 18) suggests that the Government had in fact taken steps on the afternoon of April 18 toward removing detainees, the majority opinion reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opinion revealed a deepening divide among the courts conservatives. Even Trumps appointees seem unconvinced the government is good for its word, with only Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas publicly dissenting in favor of Trump. The majority pushed back against Alito and Thomas in an unusually biting manner, writing they reject their characterization of the events on April 18. Alitos dissent, meanwhile, called the courts opinion misleading, saying the migrants only had sketchy evidence about imminent removals and the majority overstates the Trump administrations position. This theory rests on a mischaracterization of what happened in the District Court, Alito wrote of his colleagues opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Supreme Court declined to take up whether Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act in the first place, one justice had seen enough. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trumps second appointee, said the circumstances call for a prompt and final resolution and he didnt want to put off settling what he called the critical legal issues. He voted to take up the case in full, immediately. Trump responded to the order with some of his sharpest criticisms yet of the Supreme Court since taking office. On Truth Social, he shared a post from Mike Davis, a rabble-rousing Trump adviser on judicial matters, suggesting the president should house the migrants near a country club within walking distance of Kavanaughs and Chief Justice John Robertss homes with daytime release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court of the United States is not allowing me to do what I was elected to do, Trump wrote in another post. Its a notable shift from earlier in his term, when Trump took care to express his great respect for the Supreme Court even as he accosted lower district judges who were ruling against him in various cases. Frustrations with the justices were already building before the court handed down its Alien Enemies Act decision, however. A day earlier, concern over the governments willingness to abide by the courts seeped into arguments stemming from Trumps bid to narrow birthright citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several justices tiptoed around the constitutional crisis that would arise from an administration refusing to yield to court orders or precedent as they weighed whether courts should be allowed to block the order nationwide or just for the people who challenged it in court, probing Solicitor General D. John Sauer on where the line falls. Justice Elena Kagan pressed the administrations chief legal representative over whether it would commit to following a federal circuit court order finding Trumps birthright citizenship order unlawful. Sauer said that is generally the governments practice, but there are exceptions. Yes, that is generally your practice, Kagan said, and Im asking whether it would be your practice in this case. I cant answer because it would depend on what the lower court decision said, Sauer replied, insisting some exceptions would let the presidents policies go into effect for people who havent sued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Amy Coney Barrett later asked Sauer if his contention was that the administration could disregard a circuit courts precedent because it might disagree with the opinion. Is that this administrations practice or a long-standing one? Barrett asked. As I understand it, long-standing, Sauer replied. Really? Barrett pushed back. The justices creeping concern comes as Trumps limit on the high courts rulings against him seems nearly reached. The morning after the argument, he suggested the justices were being swayed by outside forces. THE SUPREME COURT IS BEING PLAYED BY THE RADICAL LEFT LOSERS, WHO HAVE NO SUPPORT, THE PUBLIC HATES THEM, AND THEIR ONLY HOPE IS THE INTIMIDATION OF THE COURT, ITSELF. WE CANT LET THAT HAPPEN TO OUR COUNTRY! Trump posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It hasnt been all losses for Trump, however. The justices on Monday greenlighted Trumps bid to revoke nearly 350,000 Venezuelans Temporary Protected Status, lifting protections that bar deportation due to civil unrest and dangerous conditions in a migrants home country. But even there, the justices showed caution. The order took care to explain that some of those migrants could still sue if the Trump administration revokes their extended work authorizations or other legal documents. And battles continue to bubble up in the lower courts that could soon reach the justices, including in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March whom the administration accuses of being a gang member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Friday hearing, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis expressed concern that the administration wasnt complying with the Supreme Courts order to facilitate the mans return. Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democrat who represents where Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland, said outside the courthouse that the administrations ultimate day was coming. I think theyre going to have to put up or shut up, and I think were closer to that than we have been ever before, he said. An appointee of former President Obama, Xinis is set to soon rule on whether the administration can avoid handing over documents by asserting state secrets privilege remains ongoing, which could spark a new wave of appeals. I dont see how you can make the point to me that this is some good faith effort to comply with the courts order, Xinis 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 The Hill. (NewsNation) President Trump could use Russias struggling economy as leverage against President Vladimir Putin, according to the former ambassador to Ukraine, Bill Taylor. He joined NewsNation Now in the hours following Trumps two-hour call with Putin. The president said via Truth Social that Russia wants large-scale trade with the U.S. and would negotiate for a ceasefire. President Trump does have leverage over Putin, and its clear that President Putin knows that, and trade is one of them, Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure that President Putin knows how weak his economy is, how important it is, and that gives President Trump the ability to put pressure on President Putin. Cassie had best friend sign NDA after Diddy fight: Testimony Ending the war in Ukraine was something Trump repeatedly promised to do on the campaign trail, the president boasting that he could even end the war before he took office. People in the administration tell me that this is their top foreign policy priority, Taylor added. We see the president of the United States spending a lot of time, the vice president, the national security adviser, secretary of state, they spent a lot of time on this. Walking away is not an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Nandita Bose, Tim Cocks and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON/JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to raise several issues in a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, including seeking an exemption for U.S. companies from laws requiring equity ownership by disadvantaged groups, a White House official told Reuters. The meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa marks a pivotal moment in strained U.S.-South Africa relations, which have soured over diverging positions on racial equity laws and international diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has taken aim at South Africa during his second term, criticizing its land reform policies and its genocide case against U.S. ally Israel at the International Court of Justice. His administration cut funding to the country in February and, last week, granted refugee status to a group of white South Africans it claims are facing racial discrimination - a claim the South African government strongly denies. The two heads of state are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, and South African officials have been preparing a trade proposal to present to Trump to reset the relationship. The White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the meeting will likely include a request that all U.S. companies be exempt from South Africa's "racial requirements." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under South African law, businesses over a certain size must have a 30% equity stake held by disadvantaged groups, which includes black South Africans. Alternatively, the businesses can spend an equivalent amount on training or other initiatives. Any change to the laws may pose an uphill battle at home for Ramaphosa, as they are largely seen as aligned with the principles of restoring racial justice that Ramaphosa's party fought for. Trump is also expected to address slow economic growth in South Africa and what the official described as the "trade imbalance" and "persecution of Afrikaners," who are descendants of mostly Dutch early settlers and also sometimes called Boers. The South African government "needs to loudly condemn politicians who promote genocidal rhetoric like the 'kill the Boer' chant," the official added. "The government of South Africa needs to classify farm attacks as a priority crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said, without evidence, that Afrikaners were being killed and that a genocide was taking place. South Africa refutes the claim that white farmers are victims of a genocide. Murders of white farmers, though sometimes cruel and gruesome, make up about 0.25% of the roughly 20,000 murders in South Africa every year. A court ruled in March that "kill the Boer" is not hate speech but a historical chant from the struggle for liberation from apartheid. The administration's move to grant refugee status to 59 white South Africans, after deeming them victims of racial discrimination, drew criticism from Democrats and stirred confusion in South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday's meeting was an outreach from Ramaphosa. "He said he wanted to come to Washington. He wanted to reset relations with the United States... If there's a willingness on their side to reset relations, obviously something we'll explore, but we do so with eyes wide open to what they've done so far," he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Nandita Bose in Washington and Tim Cocks in Johannesburg; Editing by Nia Williams) President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered his most forceful appeal yet to House Republicans to line up behind his massive domestic policy bill, but its still not enough to guarantee the votes for Speaker Mike Johnson. The presidents emphatic, 90-minute address to House Republicans in which he alternated between strong-arming his fellow Republicans and cheering them on brought Johnson and his leadership team a big step closer to delivering that bill, according to half a dozen GOP lawmakers and senior aides. But lawmakers emerged from the closed-door meeting with differing views on whether the president had done enough to convince them to send the bill to the Senate this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wants us to quit screwing around, said South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, a GOP leadership ally, adding that Trump has become frustrated with the pace of our progress. That message from Trump, according to sources in the room, was directed to the hard-right House Freedom Caucus and a group of mainly Northeastern lawmakers, both of which are demanding changes to the sweeping tax and spending cuts bill. Making the rare, personal appearance on Capitol Hill, Trump argued that Republicans are tremendously unified despite party infighting over key sticking points in the legislative package. But while Trump told reporters the meeting was just a pep talk, the stakes are high. Tuesday marked Trumps first in-person meeting with the full group of House Republicans since the conference began drafting his agenda. And the meeting comes at a critical time for Johnson, who is pushing to pass the legislative package before Memorial Day, despite significant opposition from some of his members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains an open question whether the speaker can stave off a revolt from the factions of his conference and deliver on the presidents agenda under the ambitious timeline. No, we are still a ways away, but we can get there, said House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, a conservative who has called for more time to work through negotiations. I dont think he convinced enough people that the bill is adequate the way it is, the Maryland lawmaker said. As Johnson pushes for a Wednesday floor vote, he will spend the next day holed up with the remaining holdouts both the hardliner conservatives, like Harris, seeking deeper cuts to Medicaid and the GOP Northeasterners who are demanding bigger tax breaks to benefit their home states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson told reporters that he believed there was a great esprit de corps in the meeting with Trump, and that he now planned to tie up the remaining loose ends in more member meetings Tuesday. Im very confident well be able to do that, the Louisiana Republican said of a floor vote this week. We are going to get this done. The presidents main priority Tuesday was to urge his party to stop squabbling and make progress on moving the major piece of legislation that contains his core promises from the campaign trail, White House officials told CNN ahead of the meeting. From Trumps point of view, the officials said, he has succeeded in getting what he wants in the package. The president cares most about his campaign-driven goals to deliver sweeping tax cuts and no taxes on tips and overtime pay, they said, and the rest is simply negotiating to the finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett told CNN earlier this month that the presidents top priorities have been communicated, and I have not seen anyone suggest that theyre not going to be in the bill. He added at the time that Trump understands that in the end, the final bill will include some priorities of members of the House and of the Senate. Still, Trump has a monumental task before him to bring together the factions of the party. With a slim majority in the House leaving little room for detractors, the presidents attempt to sway key holdouts marks a major test of his dealmaking abilities. Ahead of the meeting, Trump had not directly engaged in whipping the vote of individual members, the officials said, though several of his aides have been closely involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations. The White House isnt freaking out yet, one person close to Trump told CNN. The president has been down this road before. He and the team understand that pushing through a bill of this size is going to take time. The key is starting the clock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind closed doors, Trump was blunt with lawmakers on major points of contention, telling the conference dont f**k around on Medicaid, according to two sources in the room. The warning from the president not to touch the program, except for waste, fraud and abuse, comes as theres been a major question over how many Americans would lose access to Medicaid benefits under Republicans proposed package. Major sticking points remain unresolved But its not just conservatives who are frustrated with Johnsons strategy. The speaker is also working to win over some in the moderate wing of his party, a group that has threatened to oppose the bill without an increase in the amount that taxpayers can deduct on their state and local taxes a tax break that conservatives loathe. Trump repeated his message to the conference Tuesday that Democratic governors are to blame for high state and local taxes and they need to deal with it, according to a person inside the meeting. The president didnt sound particularly warm to fighting for SALT, the person and another source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underscoring the tension over the tax provision, New York Reps. Mike Lawler and Nick LaLota made clear as they headed into the meeting that they were not satisfied with the latest offer from GOP leaders to raise the SALT cap. In one exchange during the meeting, a source in the room said Lawler made his case for a higher SALT cap. But Trumps message in return was clear: Its time to stop haggling and move ahead with a vote. Afterward, LaLota said he was fired up. Im here to fight for Long Islanders, regular middle-class people who are just trying to make a living. Those are the people who need to be included in this bill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who said following the meeting that he was closer though not yet in full support of the bill, has said hes concerned about the bills increase to the SALT tax deduction. He also wants to see sufficient work requirements for Medicaid benefits to eliminate the fraud. Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky called the White Houses insistence that the major policy bill would not raise the US deficit a joke a comment that drew the presidents ire. I dont think Thomas Massie understands government. I think hes a grandstander, frankly. Hell probably vote we dont even talk to him much. I think he should be voted out of office, Trump told reporters ahead of the meeting. Massie, asked whether hes concerned about pressure to support the bill as it stands, told CNN: They wrote off my vote weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president called him out a number of times during the Republican meeting, but Massie said he remains immovable. Its math, is what it is, he said. If this vote were based on intuition or likability of the president, I might vote yes. But its not. Not for me. There are real consequences. GOP leader says Trump is always the closer The dissatisfaction from some in the party comes as House GOP leadership is trying to get the bill to the House Rules Committee by 1 a.m. ET Wednesday. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said ahead of Trumps meeting that the president is always the closer and has been very engaged and hands-on this whole process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes called members directly, hes had some of us over in the White House a few times to talk about different pieces of this bill, so we werent surprised when he said, you know, OK, youre ready now, the Louisiana Republican said. Despite a push by some in the party to delay full debate on the package until sticking points are resolved, Scalise said GOP leaderships plan is still to hold a full House vote Wednesday or Thursday. A number of lawmakers agreed after Trumps appearance that it was time for the party to put down its pens and vote for the bill. Congressional Republicans, Florida Rep. Kat Cammack argued, have to keep our eye on the bigger picture here. I cant think of a single member who doesnt want to see something changed in the bill, but at this point we have to be Americans, right? We all cant just hunker down in our respective delegations, she said. Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart similarly said, There are parts that I like and there are parts that I dont like, but the alternative is devastating, adding that the alternative is really catastrophic for the American people. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments Tuesday. CNNs Annie Grayer, Morgan Rimmer and Alison Main contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com It has become very apparent that President Donald Trump is intentionally looking for every opportunity to enrich himself financially this time around, even at the expense of our country. In his first term, he was given some guardrails by the Republican Party. Not having any experience as a public leader, he usually deferred to the norms of how our democracy worked in the past. But this time? Trump selected a completely unqualified Cabinet that swore its allegiance to him. The Republican Party has consistently shown it will not go on record or vote to stop him (except for a few brave souls like Rand Paul). They see exactly what Trump is doing. To make matters worse, the United States Supreme Court gave Trump a pass by ruling the president cannot be held liable for many of the illegal things he might do. Trump sees this as his green light to do whatever he wants to make himself wealthier and more powerful this time around. From the Qatar "sky palace" to the crypto meme coin, to cozying up to Saudi Arabia to further his Middle East financial relationships, the amount of corruption in the first four months of his term is staggering and unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Ohio's Rep. Warren Davidson introduces bill to study 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' Those of us who voted against him knew what was at risk. Despite Trump saying he knew nothing of Project 2025 (reshaping our government to give more power to the executive branch), it is reported that 40% of this authoritarian movement has already happened. We simply cannot wait until January 2027 for Democrats to take the House of Representatives to address what is going on. The American people need to show more outrage and badger their representatives and senators nonstop until they grow a spine and stand up to this man. Our Ohio senators are useless. They admit nothing about Trump's corrupt actions. When you write to them, you get a form letter back. U.S. Rep Warren Davidson is even worse. His website says he has introduced the "Trump Derangement Syndrome Research Act." (I wish I were joking.) He implies we need to understand the irrational, intense hostility towards Trump. I can save Davidson a lot of time and trouble: We see through Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew Trump was a selfish narcissist even before he ran for president. From not paying his share of taxes to defrauding charities to other personal scandals, we knew Trump was a conman with little empathy for others. He has always gotten his way in life, being handed his fortune from his father. He has shown us that he is corrupt; everything is a transaction for him to benefit from. He consistently lies and has no concerns over violating his oath of office. We are embarrassed that we have a man who says things like "immigrants are eating cats and dogs" as our leader. Our world is suffering greatly from the impacts of climate change, yet this man signs an executive order to "bring back coal." Someone who would not serve in the military himself wants to spend $45 million on a military parade for his birthday. We are sickened that he has alienated our allies and pals around with other corrupt authoritarian leaders. We are disgusted that he would pardon violent Jan. 6 offenders. The list goes on and on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have Trump supporters in my family and can say confidently that they are not well informed. They do not know what he has done, what he has said. They believe many of his lies, and they will not do a deep dive to understand what is really going on in our government. He promised them a better economy, but now admits himself we may have to do with less. He doesnt care since he is benefiting. So, this is not an irrational, intense hostility that we have. This is our country. This is our future and the future of our children. We see it quickly fading away. Informed and honest Americans do not like leaders who repeatedly lie and show us they are in it for themselves. Jimmy Carter had to sell his peanut farm, but Trump can rake in the tens of millions with these schemes? That does not even include the on-again-off-again tariffs and their impact on the stock market. (Trump had said he loves it when the stock market is down because then he can buy low and make more money.) We will never know how much he made on that scam. Theres an obvious reason Trump was impeached twice, and we cannot ever forget who this man is. Unfortunately, he is more delusional and dangerous than the first term, and there are no strong, ethical Republicans left willing to stand up to him. Trump supporters must start to realize they are not going to get what they were promised, and Americans need to pay closer attention to whom they are voting for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The writing was on the wall, but voters clearly failed to read it. Cindy Johnson Cindy Johnson lives in Cheviot. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The real Trump Derangement Syndrome belongs to Republicans | Opinion US President Donald Trump believes that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire, but he needs time to assess Kyiv's efforts to achieve this goal. Source: Interfax-Ukraine citing Trump during an event honouring law enforcement agencies in the Oval Office of the White House Details: When asked by a journalist whether Ukraine is doing enough to achieve peace, Trump said he needed time to draw conclusions Quote from Trump: "I'd rather tell you in about two weeks from now, because I can't say yes or no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, he's a strong person, Zelenskyy is a strong guy, and he's not the easiest person to deal with. But I think that he wants to stop, and it's a very bad thing that's happening over there. I think he wants to stop. But I could answer that question better in two weeks or four weeks from now. I hope the answer is that he wants to get it solved." Previously: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is considering hosting an international meeting attended by delegations from Russia, the US, the EU and the UK. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made several statements following the conversation between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, mentioning in particular a "memorandum" with Ukraine regarding a ceasefire, adding that there are "no and cannot be" any deadlines for its preparation. Background: On 19 May, Trump had a call with Putin, after which he announced that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start ceasefire talks. Putin claimed that Russia is ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine which would include a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time. The Russian ruler also said that contact had been "resumed" between the negotiating groups that met in Istanbul. Earlier, the media learned that before the call with the Kremlin leader, Trump spoke with Zelenskyy for "several minutes". Trump stated that he was ready to "back away" from the talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine if no progress was made. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The exterior of the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center near Sioux Falls. (Courtesy of USGS EROS Center) A preliminary budget request from President Donald Trump takes aim at a satellite program with a 50-year history whose data is housed just northeast of Sioux Falls, at a facility employing hundreds of people. Trumps discretionary budget request for NASA would cut $1.1 billion in funding for Earth observation programs, including what the request describes as cuts to the gold-plated, two billion dollar Landsat Next mission. The cut amounts to roughly half of the space agencys budget for Earth observation, which includes money for Landsat design. Federal fallout As federal funding and systems dwindle, states are left to decide how and whether to make up the difference. Read the latest > Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landsat Next is planned as the next generation of Landsat, whose nine iterations have created the longest continuously collected Earth observation record in history. The first satellite launched in 1972. NASA builds and launches Landsat satellites. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates them and curates the data collected by them. The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center near Sioux Falls has housed Landsat data since 1973, in addition to millions of images from other satellites and modern and historical aerial imagery, all of which is accessible at no cost to users. Landsats free data is used to calibrate data from commercial satellites, contributing to what the USGS calculated last fall as a $25.6 billion return on public investment since the agency began freely sharing data in 2008. The most recent satellite in the series, Landsat 9, entered low-earth orbit in 2021. Between that satellite and its near-identical predecessor, Landsat 8, the system gathers new imagery data of the entire Earths surface as well as imagery from spectral bands like infrared that are invisible to the naked eye and measurements of Earth surface temperatures every eight days. Powerful storms containing heavy rains caused major flooding to areas in the east central portion of the United States in early April 2025. Some communities in Kentucky saw more than 15 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. In the days following April 7 the day Landsat 8 captured this imagery over a portion of the affected area the Kentucky and Ohio rivers were forecast to reach historic levels and crest in dozens of locations. (Courtesy USGS Landsat program) Landsat Next was set to launch around 2030, with improvements in resolution and speedier repeat image collection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps budget request would restructure the Landsat Next mission while NASA studies more affordable ways to maintain the continuity of Landsat imagery, which is used by natural resource managers, States, and industry. The request also calls for the elimination of $562 million in USGS funding. The change eliminates programs that provide grants to universities, duplicate other Federal research programs and focus on social agendas (e.g., climate change) to instead focus on achieving dominance in energy and critical minerals, Trumps budget request says. The cut to USGS amounts to about a third of its $1.6 billion budget. The budget request is separate from the federal governments efforts under Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency to pare down the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probationary employees across multiple federal agencies were first dismissed in February, but many returned to the federal payroll and placed on paid administrative leave after legal challenges. Its unclear how those moves to reduce the federal workforce have impacted the EROS Center. Around 600 government employees and contractors work at the center, according to the latest figures posted on the USGS website, but the site including that figure hasnt changed since March 2023. Emails from South Dakota Searchlight to USGS press contacts at EROS and in regional and national offices on the number of employees whove departed since Jan. 25 went unanswered. Searchlight also asked about the potential impact of the USGS budget cut proposal to EROS science programs, and about how changes to the Landsat program could affect EROS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A NASA spokesperson told South Dakota Searchlight that the agency would be in a better position to respond once we receive the Presidents full budget request in the coming weeks. U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, pointed out that presidential budget requests are aspirational and rarely implemented as written. Dusty will continue to be supportive of Landsats efforts in Congress, said a Johnson spokesperson. The NASA budget has not emerged as a discussion point in budget reconciliation talks underway in Washington, D.C., on Trumps so-called big, beautiful bill. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, sounded similar notes in his response to questions about Landsat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents discretionary budget is just that discretionary. It outlines the presidents priorities and wish lists, but it will ultimately be our job in Congress to set the budget and appropriate federal dollars, Rounds said in an emailed statement. Representatives for Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota did not return emails requesting comment on Landsat and EROS. Republican South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden told Searchlight during a visit to Sioux Falls recently that he hadnt heard about requested cuts to the satellite program or to the USGS. Even so, Rhoden said he trusts that an open relationship with the Trump administration on South Dakotas priorities will help preserve them through budget negotiations. A poster on display at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center on May 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Janelle Atyeo) They give you some wiggle room as far as what your priorities are, and so Im kind of optimistic that they are tempering some of those decisions with common sense, Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps actions have had at least one public impact on EROS, though not an operational one. EROS is home to a supercomputer whose processing power is shared across multiple arms of the Department of Interior. The system came to EROS with the name Denali, named after the tallest peak in the U.S. Like the Alaska mountain after which the computer was named, the Denali system at EROS was renamed McKinley after the issuance of a Trump executive order. Denali has long been the mountains name among Alaskas Indigenous Athabascans, but the federal government embraced the name given to it by a prospector for about 100 years. The prospector called it Mount McKinley, after then-presidential candidate William McKinley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Barack Obama renamed it Denali in 2015, matching the name the surrounding national park had taken nearly 40 years earlier. The order does not mention the USGS or supercomputers, but rather instructs the Department of Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect the renaming and reinstatement of Mount McKinley. The EROS supercomputers name was changed based on the order, however. Pursuant to President Trumps Executive Order No. 14172, Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness, this supercomputer has been renamed to McKinley, a poster in the EROS visitor area now reads. EDITORS NOTE: Reporter John Hult worked at the Eros Center from 2018 to 2021. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries taunted New York Republican lawmakers Tuesday after President Trump warned them to end a revolt over deducting state and local taxes, or SALT, and get behind his sprawling budget bill. The Democratic congressional leaders said GOP lawmakers from blue states will look like fools if they dont stick to their guns on SALT and resist Trumps push to pass his One Big Beautiful Bill as soon as this week. They have said over and over again that theyre going to fight this horrible SALT cap, which hurts so many New Yorkers in their own districts, Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate minority leader, said. Will they stand up now to Donald Trump or cave, disappointing millions of New Yorkers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans will fold like a cheap suit, added Jeffries (D-Brooklyn), the House minority leader. The dares from across the aisle came after Trump headed to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to push squabbling Republican members of Congress to set aside differences and pass his sprawling budget bill, which includes deep cuts in spending and taxes. Trump, at a closed-door meeting, reversed his 2024 campaign pledge to end the cap on SALT and slapped down the small group of blue state Republican lawmakers, including New York Reps. Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley and Nick LaLota of Long Island, who are holding out for a big increase on the SALT cap. He accused the GOP lawmakers of acting as little more than a fig leaf for Democratic state leaders who have raised taxes and spending higher than red states have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest beneficiary, if we do that, are governors from New York, Illinois and California, said Trump. Were going to be explaining that these are all very blue states. Trump reportedly called out Lawler by name at the GOP-only meeting, instructing him to stop haggling over SALT. End it, Mike. Just end it, Trump said, CNN reported. Lawler insisted he respects Trump, but Im not going to budge. I took that as: Hey, everybody figure it out. Get in a room and figure it out, LaLota said after Trumps speech, adding he still plans to vote against the bill as it stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SALT Republicans have already rejected House Speaker Mike Johnsons offer to increase the annual cap on SALT to $30,000 from the current $10,000, and he has refused to budge so far. Along with the SALT squabble, Trump put the hard sell on warring factions of GOP lawmakers who are still haggling over key portions of his One Big Beautiful Bill. We have a tremendously unified party. I dont think weve ever had a party like this, Trump said before heading into the face-to-face meeting with lawmakers. There are some people who want a couple of things that theyre not going to get. We gotta get it done, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump dropped an F-bomb as he warned right-wing hard-liners not to mess too much with Medicaid. But he called the session a meeting of love and said Congress was ahead of schedule to pass his plan. Standing alongside a grinning Johnson (R-La.), Trump said the deep spending cuts in the bill dont amount to actual changes in the social safety net programs, even though they could cost tens of millions of Americans the benefits they depend on. Were cutting three things: waste, fraud and abuse, Trump said. Were not changing Medicaid. Were not changing Medicare. And were not changing Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are seeking to push the bill through the House, where the GOP has a narrow seven-vote majority, before Memorial Day. It would then head to the Senate, which needs to pass the identical bill to skirt a Democratic filibuster through budget reconciliation. The bill extends Trumps signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion. Despite Trumps claim, it also includes draconian cuts to federal programs, especially the Medicaid program that provides health coverage to about 70 million mostly lower-income and disabled Americans. Although Republicans overwhelmingly support Trump, they are bitterly divided into factions, including fiscal hawks demanding far deeper cuts and moderates who fear voters will punish them if they cut benefits too much. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Geopolitical challenges are increasingly disrupting development and logistics, said Mansurjon Rasulev, Acting Director of the Investment Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, speaking at the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council in Baku, Trend reports. I believe that the governments steps towards privatizing assets in banking, manufacturing, and service sectors are creating new opportunities for international investors. However, this simultaneously limits the market share currently held by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the Investment Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, our mission is to actively promote foreign investment in the country. A key priority in this effort is fostering strong partnerships between international investors and local companies. We believe the best and fastest way to set up a business in Uzbekistan is through partnerships with local SMEs. Many investment promotion agencies and ministries are working to create projects to attract investors. But we think the most effective method is to work directly with SMEs operating in the private sector, help them develop attractive investment proposals, and present these to international investors. This approach allows foreign partners to build more personal and trustworthy relationships, he stated. According to Rasulev, when investors get to know the "personality" behind a business, trust forms more easily, making it quicker and simpler to establish a presence in Uzbekistan and avoid missteps when entering a new market. I would like to take this opportunity to note that some regional initiatives promote sustainable development. Geopolitical challenges are increasingly disrupting both development and logistics. The implementation of green investments is becoming a crucial tool for policymakersnot only to mitigate the short-term effects of conflicts but also to contribute to long-term diversification and risk reduction. In this context, I would like to draw attention to the Middle Corridor, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel President Donald Trump headed to Capitol Hill Tuesday to push squabbling Republican members of Congress in person to set aside differences and pass his sprawling budget bill including deep cuts in spending and taxes. Insisting the GOP is unified, Trump promised to put the hard sell on warring factions of GOP lawmakers who are still haggling over key portions of his One Big Beautiful Bill. We have a tremendously unified party. I dont think weve ever had a party like this, Trump said before heading into a face-to-face meeting with lawmakers. There are some people who want a couple of things that theyre not going to get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We gotta get it done, he added. Trump dropped an F-bomb warning right-wing hardliners not to mess too much with Medicaid and warned rebel suburban lawmakers to end their revolt over the state and local tax deduction, or SALT. But he called it a meeting of love and said Congress was ahead of schedule to pass his plan. Standing alongside a grinning House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump said the deep spending cuts in the bill dont amount to actual changes in the social safety net programs, even though they could cost tens of millions of Americans the benefits they depend on. Were cutting three things: waste fraud and abuse, Trump said. Were not changing Medicaid. Were not changing Medicare. And were not changing Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump slapped down a small group of blue state Republican lawmakers, mostly from the New York suburbs, who are pushing for a big increase in the deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT. He accused those GOP lawmakers of acting as little more than a fig leaf for Democratic state leaders who have raised taxes and spending higher than red states. The biggest beneficiary, if we do that, are governors from New York, Illinois and California, said Trump, effectively flip-flopping on his vow to raise the SALT cap during a presidential campaign rally on Long Island. Were going to be explaining that these are all very blue states. Republicans are seeking to push the bill through the House, where the GOP has a narrow seven-vote majority, before Memorial Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would then head to the Senate, which needs to pass the identical bill to skirt a Democratic filibuster through budget reconciliation. The bill extends Trumps signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion. Despite Trumps claim, it also includes draconian cuts to federal programs, especially the Medicaid program that provides health coverage to about 70 million mostly lower-income and disabled Americans. Although Republicans overwhelmingly support Trump, they are bitterly divided into factions including fiscal hawks demanding far deeper cuts and moderates who fear voters will punish them if they cut benefits too much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SALT Republicans including Rep. Mike Lawler and Long Islands Rep. Nick Lalota have already rejected Johnsons offer to increase the annual cap on SALT to $30,000 from the current $10,000, but he has refused to budge so far. Trump reportedly called out Lawler by name at the closed-door meeting, instructing the Westchester County lawmaker to stop haggling over SALT. End it, Mike. Just end it, Trump said, CNN reported. Theres no such thing as a free plane. Donald Trumps administration specifically sought out the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatars government to replace Air Force One, despite the presidents insistence that the plane was a gift, sources informed CNN. A senior White House official told CNN that Trump tasked Steve Witkoff, the presidents special envoy to the Middle East (and shady crypto partner), with tracking down a replacement for Air Force One, after Trump learned that Boeing would not have new jets ready for another two years. Witkoff ended up leading initial conversations with the Qatari government, according to the White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boeing provided the Pentagon with a list of other clients who might be able to help with Americas search for a new plane, three sources told CNN. One of those sources said that Qatar was included on that list of clients and that the U.S. reached out about purchasing the luxury plane from the Qatari Defense Ministry, which indicated it was willing to sell. There were also discussions about leasing the plane, said another source. Legal negotiations over the planes transfer are still ongoing, and its unclear how the plane went from being a potential purchase to a $400 million gift. Trump and his administration have repeatedly stressed that the plane will be free of charge, a gift of goodwill from a foreign governmentsparking major backlash on both sides of the aisle over concerns of foreign corruption. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the potential transfer a donation to our country on Monday, but the plane is much more of a personal gift to Trump himself than to the people of the United States, whose tax-paying dollars could end up funding the costly rebuild for the presidents supposedly free gift. Trump reportedly toured a Qatari plane with aides in February and began lamenting how luxurious the plane was compared to his own transportation options. Last week, Trump whined that the current Air Force One is a much less impressive plane than the lavish ones dictators use. CNNs reporting upends a recent claim from Senator Markwayne Mullinwhich was then repeated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessentthat negotiations to receive a plane from Qatar began under Joe Bidens administration. President Trump on Monday questioned why former President Bidens prostate cancer diagnosis was not caught and disclosed sooner. I think its very sad, actually. Im surprised that it wasnt, you know, the public wasnt notified a long time ago, Trump said of his predecessors diagnosis, which was publicized on Sunday. Trump called a prostate test very standard as part of a medical exam for men. A test that screens for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is often used to detect prostate cancer, as is a rectal exam. Those screenings are not typically recommended for men 70 and older, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that if you take a look, its the same doctor that said Joe was cognitively fine. There was nothing wrong with himthats being proven to be a sad situation, Trump said. The president offered praise for his own White House medical team, as well as the doctors at Walter Reed, where presidents typically go for their annual physical exams. The other thing is you have to say, why did it take so long? When you this takes a long time, it could take years to get to this level of danger, Trump added. So look, its a very, very sad situation, and I feel very badly about it. And I think people should try and find out what happened. A Biden spokesperson confirmed Sunday that the former president has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that was discovered Friday after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, adding that it has spread to his bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As news of his cancer diagnosis spread, Bidens allies and rivals posted well wishes and tributes across social media. Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places, Biden posted Monday morning on X. The former president, who is 82, has been in the spotlight in recent weeks amid new reporting about his mental sharpness while in office and his decision to run for reelection before ultimately dropping out of the race last July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. During the recent oral arguments in Trump v. Casa, Solicitor General John Sauer repeatedly defended President Donald Trump's executive order stripping birthright citizenship from millions of U.S.-born children on the grounds that the 14th Amendment "extended citizenship to the children of former slaves, not to people who are unlawfully or temporarily present in the United States." Unfortunately for Sauer and his boss, the historical evidence tells a different story. On May 30, 1866, the U.S. Senate kicked off its debate on the Citizenship Clause of the proposed 14th Amendment, which says, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." The first opponent to speak was Sen. Edgar Cowan (RPenn.), who objected to the 14th Amendment on the grounds that it would bestow U.S. citizenship on the children of unpopular immigrants. "Is it proposed that the people of California are to remain quiescent while they are overrun by a flood of immigration of the Mongol race?" Cowan demanded. "Are they to be immigrated out of house and home by Chinese?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cowan also worried about the presence of "Gypsies" in Pennsylvania. "They wander in gangs in my State," he declared. "These people live in the country and are born in the country. They infest society." Are their children also to be granted birthright citizenship by the language of the amendment? "If the mere fact of being born in the country confers that right," Cowan complained, "then they will have it; and I think it will be mischievous." Sen. John Conness (RCalif.) then rose to speak in response to Cowan. "I beg my honorable friend from Pennsylvania to give himself no further trouble on account of the Chinese in California or on the Pacific coast," he said. "We are entirely ready to accept the provision proposed in this constitutional amendment, that the children born here of Mongolian parents shall be declared by the Constitution of the United States to be entitled to civil rights and to equal protection before the law with others." Note that Cowan and Conness both agreed on the meaning of birthright citizenship. They only disagreed about whether or not that meaning would produce a welcome result. And note also that their shared original understanding runs counter to the position now advanced by the Trump administration. In that same 1866 speech, Conness also pointed out that he had already joined a majority of Congress in voting for birthright citizenship once before. "The proposition before us," he said, "relates simply in that respect to the children begotten of Chinese parents in California, and it is proposed to declare that they shall be citizens. We have declared that by law; now it is proposed to incorporate the same provision in the fundamental instrument of the nation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conness was referring here to the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which Congress had passed in April over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. Why did Johnson veto it? Among "the provisions I cannot approve," Johnson wrote, was the first section of the law, in which "all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are declared to be citizens of the United States." It was bad enough, according to Johnson, that this statutory guarantee of birthright citizenship would make citizens "out of the entire race designated as blacks." In his view, "four million of them have just emerged from slavery to freedom. Can it be reasonably supposed that they possess the requisite qualifications to entitle them to all the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States?" But Johnson also objected to the fact that the Civil Rights Act would make citizens out of the children of "the Chinese of the Pacific States, Indians subject to taxation, [and] the people called Gipsies." Just like Cowan and Conness, Johnson also understood that birthright citizenship would apply to the U.S.-born children of unpopular immigrants. Trump may think that birthright citizenship is only "about the babies of slaves." But as these statements from the 1866 debates make clear, the historical evidence proves him wrong. The post Trump Says Birthright Citizenship Is Only 'About the Babies of Slaves.' Historical Evidence Says Otherwise. appeared first on Reason.com. President Trump said he didnt bring up his Easter plea to halt attacks on Ukraine during a phone call Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a post on Truth Social at the time, Trump posted Vladimir, STOP! after a particularly devastating attack in which Russian missile strikes against Kyiv killed a dozen civilians and injured scores more. No, I didnt bring that up, Trump said when asked by a reporter about the presidents specific appeal to Putin. But I did say its time, you got to stop this thing, and I believe he wants to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has rebuffed attempts by the U.S. and Europe to broker a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump on Monday instead backed the Kremlins idea of beginning negotiations on a memorandum to end the war, without any immediate commitments to halt hostilities. Trump said he was holding back imposing sanctions on Russia, believing Putin could still be coaxed along. I think theres a chance of getting something done, the president said. Trump said he believed Putin has had it with the war in Ukraine when asked by a reporter what gave him confidence that the Russian leader was open to ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hes had enough. Its been a long time. This has been going on for more than three years, Trump said. He added that Putin was having trouble extraditing himself from the war. But Putin is showing no signs of backing off the war. Russia on Sunday launched its largest drone attack against Ukraine since the start of the war, Reuters reported, destroying homes and killing at least one woman. Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky twice on Monday, before and after his call with Putin. European leaders joined Zelensky in the second call with Trump. Ukraines supporters in Europe and Washington are pushing Trump to impose consequences on Russia for Putins failure to make progress on halting the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Financial Times reported that one person familiar with the conversation said the leaders on the call were stunned by Trumps description of Putins commitments. They added it was clear Trump was not ready to put greater pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table in earnest. Europe is expected to impose a 17th round of sanctions on Russia on Tuesday and is readying an 18th package of sanctions. Europe and America are very united on this point: We will closely support Ukraine on its path toward a ceasefire. Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. We agreed on this with [President Trump] after his conversation with Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted on the social platform X. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Basil Gooden, center, visits a grocery store on Aug. 29, 2024 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that's supported by federal dollars (Preston Keres/ USDA). In 2016, Tillman County, a politically deep red area in southwest Oklahoma with a population of less than 7,000 and dropping, lost its hospital. Emergency services calls skyrocketed, and health outcomes deteriorated. Trey Caldwell, the areas Republican state representative, said his office found at least three people died after long ambulance rides. They would have survived, he said, if they could have gotten immediate emergency care right then and there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But hope for the community dotted with dairy farms arrived in 2023, when construction started on a new hospital. Breaking ground required state and federal law changes, funding from former President Joe Bidens administration and, perhaps most importantly, seed money from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development agency. The last thing you want to do is saddle that hospital with a lot of debt, Caldwell said. That USDA funding mechanism was massive. It really helped move the needle. But former agency officials worry fewer projects like the hospital could be built in rural America as the Trump administration and Elon Musks DOGE have targeted Rural Development for large staffing cuts. With fewer employees in rural communities assisting local leaders with their funding needs, there is concern Trumps chainsawing of the federal workforce could leave rural America without a robust safety net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We invest in so many businesses in rural America, and when you have fewer businesses, you have fewer jobs and fewer economic opportunities, said Basil Gooden, who led Rural Development during Bidens last year in office. Its not going to happen overnight. Its going to take a little while before people realize things have really broken. In a statement, the USDA said Biden officials left the USDA in complete disarray, including hiring thousands of employees with no sustainable way to pay them. Fortunately, President Trump is taking strong action to support farmers. Rural Development is how the federal government ensures rural areas arent left behind as those residents move to cities for higher living standards. It funds broadband infrastructure and helps lifelong renters buy homes in population-losing communities. Former agency officials said keeping rural areas attractive is essential to national security. Consumers have grown accustomed to the convenience of fully stocked grocery store shelves and freezers, and the countrys fuel supply increasingly uses ethanol grown in Midwestern corn fields. To keep the supply chain running, some people have to live in areas often bereft of modern-day necessities, such as hospitals or high-speed internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investing in rural communities is critical to ensure a long-term agricultural workforce, especially as the average age of U.S. farmers increases rapidly. That means the people growing Americas food and fuel need access to quality grocery stores, childcare and health care. Farming ranks among the most hazardous occupations, making access to emergency medical services and hospitals a critical infrastructure need, said Bette Brand, who led the agency during Trumps first term. Ensuring that rural families can live and work safely is fundamental to maintaining a stable food supply and sustaining agricultural productivity. The number of projects Rural Development has funded each year has trended downward for years, but it began to nosedive in 2021, agency data shows. Biden officials pointed to the loss of about 2,000 agency employees, out of a total of about 6,000, during the first Trump administration. Our investments have gone down because we just dont have the staffing that we used to have, Gooden said. We dont have the people on the ground. Thats very detrimental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gooden hired about 800 more staffers during his tenure, he said, but they were probationary employees, the classification the administration has targeted for dismissal. More than 500 of the employees were let go in the administrations mass terminations at the USDA in February. To date, more than 1,500 Rural Development staffers have left, the USDA said likely leaving the agency with fewer staffers than at the end of the first Trump administration. Thats roughly 10% of the 15,000 total USDA employees who have left the department. Brand said the agency made meaningful gains in efficiency in Donald Trumps first term. Continuing to improve efficiency, DOGEs stated goal, is important, she said, but the recent job cuts risk destabilizing rural communities, which have largely supported Trumps candidacies. Theres a persistent undercurrent of stress among federal employees thats slowing the pace of loans and program implementation, she said. That doesnt mean change isnt needed, but the way its executed matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She likened the agency to an ocean liner thats left port. Its as if the agency is mid-voyage charting a course and making progress and someone dropped anchor without warning, she said. You dont stop a ship of that size without consequences. The abruptness disrupts momentum, strands key personnel and risks throwing off balance the very systems rural communities rely on. Reform is necessary, but if the process causes collateral damage to people who are simply doing their jobs, it could create long-term harm. Brand added reforms must produce lasting results to justify the disruption. If youre going to put the agency and the communities it serves through this kind of turbulence, the outcomes better be meaningful and durable, she said. Otherwise, the cost to individuals and local economies may never be recouped. In an early March speech, Brooke Rollins, Trumps agriculture secretary, announced she would release a plan to restore rural prosperity in the coming weeks. No plan has been released yet, but she said it would improve the agencys efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Trumps 100th day, Rollins released her own list of accomplishments, which included taking leadership to make rural America prosper again. It linked to her previous statement about her unreleased plan. In a statement to Investigate Midwest, the USDA said more information will be released soon. Rollins also said the USDA would invite the private sector to participate in the endeavor, and she specifically mentioned satellite internet. Musk owns Starlink, which provides satellite internet. The White House has said Musk has pledged to avoid potential conflicts of interest, according to NBC News. Across the country, only 55% of farms have broadband access, and Starlink has been pushed as an alternative in rural areas because it relies on satellites instead of traditional cable infrastructure. But the federal official who led the governments broadband program pilloried Starlink in a resignation letter in March, according to Politico. Stranding all or part of rural America with worse internet so that we can make the worlds richest man even richer is yet another in a long line of betrayals by Washington, the official, Evan Feinman, wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if the USDA saw a conflict of interest in Rollins pushing satellite internet, the department did not answer directly. It said its programs are technology neutral and it will allow communities to decide what technology is best for their project. In her March speech, Rollins added her plan will restore more power to local leaders who know (their) communities better than anyone in Washington. Its unclear how Rollins plan differs from Rural Developments existing role. The agency was designed to spur private investment in underserved areas, with the USDA acting as a lender of last resort that cannot compete with banks. Former officials said local communities largely drive what projects are funded. The federal employees working in state Rural Development offices are also members of the communities in which they operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, in South Dakota, local developers have received grants to update rural water systems. Its South Dakotans doing the work, and its South Dakotans who care about making sure that theyve got clean water for their community, said Nikki Gronli, a Biden political appointee who led the agencys state office. We are a place that is often forgotten, she added. I think the best people to do the work here are South Dakotans because they care. Its personal for them. I dont see some large developer coming from Chicago or L.A. thats going to want to invest in South Dakota with our small population. Out of 39 people in the South Dakota office, nine were fired in February and a few others have accepted retirement offers, Gronli said. In a matter of months, the office has been reduced to 26 staffers. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins speaks during a roundtable at the agencys headquarters on May 7, 2025, in Washington D.C. (Tom Witham/USDA. Recently, Rollins said federal workers who assist farmers with direct loans would not be terminated, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Employees with the Farm Service Agency, a separate USDA division from Rural Development, or those on the frontline or with the farmers would be spared, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if Rural Development was included in the definition of front line, given its importance to farmers lives, the USDA pointed to an April 22 declaration in which Rollins exempted national security and public safety positions from the hiring freeze. As the memo states, Food Security is National Security, and Secretary Rollins will not compromise this critical work, the USDA said in a statement. The memo lists dozens of positions that are exempted, including firefighters and food inspectors. None are related to Rural Development. First Trump administration instituted agency cuts Trump has often declared his love for farmers and rural communities, but, like now, his first administration targeted Rural Development for job cuts. Months into the first Trump administration, then-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue proposed restructuring the USDA, including abolishing the undersecretary for Rural Development position. In the USDA hierarchy, an undersecretary is just below the departments top leader. Several undersecretary positions exist, and they can be seen as commitments to important aspects of the USDAs mission. Undersecretaries oversee farm production, food safety and natural resources, for example. Perdue established an undersecretary of international trade, a priority of the first Trump administration. At the time, advocates worried the move signaled less investment in rural America. The administrations hiring freeze, implemented in January 2017, also affected Rural Development, and the agency reduced headcount by consolidating administrative duties, such as human resources. Leadership at the agency turned over a few times before Brand was tapped to head it in early 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic started. That leadership transition made it difficult for us to stay on target on some of these bigger priorities, she said. In her new role, Brand fielded complaints from state offices. You would hear it quite often from states that said, Well, I need more people. I need more help, she said. But the real question was whether the issue was staffing levels or whether better technology and systems could help existing staff be more effective. She said modernizing operations was key to meeting demands. In her opinion, if IT systems were stronger, field staff could spend more time in the field. When the pandemic forced the department to work remotely, Brand, who worked for decades in the farm credit industry, worried about customer service, but, she said, our customers didnt notice a difference. Although Trump and Musk have alleged that many federal employees are lazy, Brand had the opposite experience during Trumps first term. During the pandemic, one employee in a rural area did not have high-speed internet at his house. However, he could connect to broadband at the end of his long driveway. He built a shack there so he could work remotely, Brand said. Trump actions reverse Biden staffing additions When Biden officials took over the agency, they heard a similar complaint as Brand: One of the things I heard right away from one of our veteran employees was we need more people, said Gronli, South Dakotas former state director. As the pandemic still raged, Robert Lyons, a political appointee in Washington, joined the USDAs office in late 2021. Following the previous administrations reduction in staff, there were less people doing more work, he said. Everyone was rolling up their sleeves and doing what felt like two to three jobs. Many employees did not document their overtime, Lyons said. We had to tell them, Hey, we need Congress to understand that when they allocate funding, this is the amount of work thats actually going into processing these grants and meeting with the community, he said. Fewer staffers, especially at the state level, could translate into frustrating experiences on the ground. Bert Cunningham, the city manager of Bowie, a town of about 6,000 in north Texas, said he recently applied for a grant to extend a waterline. He had little personal interaction with agency employees, which delayed the process as he tried to navigate the agencys website. Its all email with Rural Development, he said. The attractive part is that the USDA offers better terms than banks or other lenders, Cunningham said. It could forgive up to 40% of a loan, he said. Eventually, Cunningham found an engineering firm that frequently works with the USDA. He said that approach has been more successful. In the last year of Bidens presidency, the agency pushed to hire more workers in state offices. Many of them were younger workers who, the thought was, would become the next generation of Rural Development leaders as USDAs older workers naturally retired. After Trump was elected, members of his transition team asked Rural Development leaders questions focused on its workforce: How many worked remotely? Where were they located? In the opinion of Gooden, Bidens last head of Rural Development, the questions were not focused on the agencys mission. That was surprising to me, he said. Whenever I go into an organization, I want to know what keeps folks up at night. Soon after inauguration day, Trump officials illegally placed a freeze on funding that Congress, the branch of government that controls Americas purse strings, had appropriated. The flow of Rural Development funding stopped. As payments to farms stopped, state offices had little information to share. In response to the rejection of a reimbursement payment for a Maryland farm in early February, a Rural Development staffer said, We will need to wait and see if the hold will be lifted, for now we cannot process the reimbursement, according to records submitted in a lawsuit against Trumps funding freeze. On April 15, a judge ruled the USDAs freeze was illegal and ordered funding to resume. At a May 7 Congressional hearing, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, said funding for several programs, including for broadband, were still frozen. Rollins did not dispute it. She said the USDA was complying with court orders and funding for many programs would be made available by the end of May. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could imperil new hospital Oklahoma has long struggled with health care access. By 2020, Oklahoma had the second-highest uninsured rate in the country, according to Oklahoma Watch, and Tillman County had one of the highest uninsured rates in the state. About 18% of its several thousand residents had no insurance. The first step, then, in bringing a new hospital to the area was Oklahomas expansion of Medicaid access. In June 2020, voters approved a ballot initiative that increased how much a family could make and still be eligible for the program. Since 2021, an additional 330,000 people have received benefits, according to the state. Expanding Medicaid was a godsend for rural hospitals, said Rich Rasmussen, the Oklahoma Hospital Associations president. It opened up a new revenue stream, as the state now reimburses hospitals for care at a level closer to private insurance. Medicaid has the ability to close the gap for these rural hospitals, he said. But another obstacle presented itself at the federal level, said Caldwell, the Oklahoma state representative. Because facilities in rural areas primarily serve small populations with many low-income and senior patients, they often require federal grants to remain operable. To qualify for the funding, the facilities must be designated as critical access hospitals. They need to provide 24/7 emergency care. They also need to be at least 35 miles from another critical access hospital. The hospitals location was too close by several hundred feet, Caldwell said. We started looking at all the loopholes about the road requirements, he said. We started putting together a plan. He lobbied James Lankford, Oklahomas Republican U.S. Senator, who began pushing for a rule change, Caldwell said. Chuck Schumer, the current Senate minority leader for the Democrats, also advocated for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to loosen its rules, as rural New York hospitals had faced similar problems, according to his office. In 2022, CMS clarified the distance requirement for critical access hospitals. Originally, hospitals needed to be at least 35 miles apart via a primary road. The definition was narrowed down to be more specific, which allowed the future hospital in Tillman County to be eligible for federal funding. At the same time, revenue streams to build the hospital were secured. Caldwell and a few other state representatives shepherded legislation that increased funding for rural hospitals. Money from the American Rescue Plan Act, a Biden economic stimulus to address the COVID-19 pandemic, was also tapped. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, a Republican that represents Tillman County and chairs the powerful appropriations committee, wrangled $6 million for the $15 million project from Rural Development. The agencys state lead, Ken Corn, a Biden appointee and a former state senator, was also a huge help, Caldwell said. Corn declined to comment. Cole said the state Rural Development office was instrumental in jumpstarting the hospital. Im hardly an advocate for the Biden administration, he said, but the local people that we had working in the ag department were critical to this. Oklahoma is not an area that Joe Biden was going to do particularly well in, and yet the USDA stepped up. Caldwell said its his understanding the hospitals construction has not been affected by the Trump administrations funding freeze. Comanche County Memorial Hospital, which will run the new Tillman County facility, said the project remains fully supported. But another Trump initiative could affect the hospitals long-term viability. Trump has advocated for slicing Medicaid funding to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson released the GOPs tax plan, which includes Medicaid cuts. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated 8.6 million people would lose health care under the proposal, according to the Associated Press. If Medicaid is slashed, that would erase a significant income source for all hospitals, impact their financial sustainability and scuttle any new projects under development, Rasmussen said. Not only would health care access suffer, but local communities would lose many jobs, further hurting their economies. These small hospitals would not be able to survive without that program, he said. Asked about cutting Medicaid, Caldwell, who chairs the states appropriations committee, said it was a significant concern because the state would face a budget shortfall. Medicaid access is in our state constitution, he said. If the feds pull back, we will be legally obligated to make it whole. Well have to find cuts in other spots of the budget. Speaking before the GOPs budget was released Monday, Cole said reining in government spending was necessary to deal with the governments budget deficit. The potential effect on the Tillman County hospital depends on how the cuts are done, he said. Everybody worries about cuts to Medicaid, Cole said, but this gets down to focusing on things that are essential, and Im comfortable that thats what well do. Comanche, the hospital, said Medicaid cuts would have a minimal effect. A significant portion of Tillman Countys population is eligible for Medicare, which is reimbursed under a different structure, a spokeswoman said. As a result, the hospitals financial outlook remains stable. While Congress debates Medicaid cuts and the potential fate of the Tillman County hospital Caldwell takes pride in the work he and others did to revive a hospital. He drove by it recently, and the construction warmed my heart, he said. Its going to save peoples lives, he said. There are going to be people over the next 50 years who get to spend extra time with their loved ones because that hospital is there. This article first appeared on Investigate Midwest and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. US President Donald Trump has said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are to take place "immediately," following his telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after the call, which lasted over two hours. "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he had informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as the leaders of the European Commission, France, Italy, Germany and Finland of the outcome of his call with Putin. He added that the Vatican had offered to host the negotiations, ending his post: "Let the process begin!" Trump did not provide any further details, such as who exactly would participate. Ukrainian and Russian delegations met last week in Istanbul for the first time since 2022. The two sides agreed to a large prisoner exchange but did not achieve any major breakthrough on the war. However, neither Putin nor Trump nor Zelensky attended those talks. Putin describes useful call Trump said Monday's call went "very well," emphasizing that "the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to state media in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin also said the conversation had been substantive and useful. "First of all, I thanked the President of the United States for the US support for the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on a possible peace agreement," he said. He said that Russia is prepared to work on a memorandum with Ukraine that would include a ceasefire. Putin emphasized that Russia wants to end the fighting but that the most effective path to peace must be found and that both sides must make compromises, without specifying what these should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Kremlin, Putin and Trump also discussed a possible personal meeting during their call. Both leaders agreed that the meeting should be well-prepared and focused on concrete results, though no date or location has yet been set, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told the Interfax news agency. Zelensky open to talks, rejects withdrawal from annexed territory Meanwhile, Zelensky said he is open to further talks with Moscow but reiterated that Ukrainian troops will not withdraw from the territories annexed by Russia. "If Russia makes it a condition that our troops withdraw from our country, that means they do not want a ceasefire or an end to the war," Zelensky said late on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow understands this, Zelensky said, emphasizing that the function of the Ukrainian army is to protect its own territory. Russia has repeatedly stated its demand during peace talks that Kiev's troops withdraw from the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which are only partially controlled by Russia. Zelensky confirmed that Trump had contacted him once before the phone call with Putin and once - along with European leaders - afterwards. The Ukrainian leader expressed his openness to further high-level talks with Russia, the United States and European countries, adding that these meetings could take place in Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said he now expects details on the memorandum mentioned by Putin after the call. Berlin, Brussels vow support for Ukraine ceasefire German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Europe and the United States intend to "closely support" Ukraine in its efforts toward a ceasefire with Russia. Writing on X on Monday evening, Merz said that Europe also plans to increase pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions. His comments followed a briefing by Trump, who informed European leaders about his earlier phone call with Putin. According to a German government spokesman, Trump held a joint call with several European leaders after his call with Putin. The leaders agreed to coordinate closely on the negotiation process and expressed their intention to organize a technical follow-up meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also thanked Trump "for his tireless efforts to bring a ceasefire to Ukraine." "It's important that the US stays engaged," she wrote in a post on X. Trump emphasizes trade possibilities after war Trump noted that Russia aims to trade with the US on a large scale after the end of the war. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth," he wrote. Trump added that Ukraine too "can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country." Trump had previously spoken to Putin twice on the phone since taking office in January - once in mid-February and again in mid-March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His contact with the Russian president follows a long period of radio silence between Washington and Moscow under former US president Joe Biden. Shortly before the phone call, US Vice President JD Vance made it clear that the US was slowly running out of patience. "We realize there's a bit of an impasse here," he told reporters aboard Air Force Two after a visit to Rome. Russia reports gains on battlefield Ahead of the call, fighting continued in Ukraine, with Russia declaring that it had made further territorial gains. The Defence Ministry in Moscow said that the military took the settlements of Marine in the Sumy region near the border with Russia and Novoolenivka in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukrainian military observers did not confirm the Russian advance at Marine, but partially confirmed it at Novoolenivka. Several world leaders were shocked by how submissive Donald Trump was to Moscows demands following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Shortly after hanging up Monday with his favorite autocrat, Trump hopped on the line with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and a few other world leaders to update them on negotiations. Sources told Axios that some of the leaders seemed surprised and shocked when Trump reported that Putin had agreed to begin negotiations toward a ceasefiresomething that the Russian president had previously done, as talks had already taken place in Istanbul last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Zelenskiy pointed this out, Trump did not respond. Additionally, Trump reportedly pushed back on commitments to impose penalties on Moscow, after previously discussing levying sanctions on Russia with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer if Russia refused calls for a ceasefire. While Trump declined to ramp up pressure on Putin, Starmer followed through, imposing 100 new sanctions on Russia Tuesday. It seems that, if anything, Putin was able to come out of the conversation with new economic prospects, rather than penalties, as Trump touted the largescale trade Russia could conduct with the U.S. once the bloodbath was over. The leaders were surprised that Trump was presenting his discussion with Putin as a new development, when clearly nothing had been achieved during the discussion, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin seems to have once again succeeded at efforts to prolong peace talks with his latest nothingburger conversation with the U.S. president. After the call, Putin said that his government was prepared to work with Ukrainian officials on a memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty, which means it will present a deal to Ukraine for its approval. During the group call, Zelenskiy warned Trump that Russia wouldnt budge on its unacceptable requests, such as obtaining Ukrainian territory, unless the U.S. president started to apply some pressure. One source on the call said that Trump claimed to have told Putin to pitch something that people can agree to and not something that will immediately be rejected. Trump also seemed to want out of negotiations altogether, pitching direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, Russian officials seemed far from ready to make nice, after Putin bailed on talks with Zelenskiy in Istanbul, as did Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called the jilted wartime president pathetic. President Donald Trump signed legislation Monday that bans the nonconsensual online publication of sexually explicit images and videos that are both authentic and computer-generated. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Eurasian Development Bank intends to become a platform for the development of Islamic finance in Central Asian countries, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank Nikolai Podguzov, said, addressing the 19th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance: Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance, held as part of the IsDB Annual Meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. The further development of Islamic finance in Central Asia will expand financial inclusion and connect local businesses to the global Islamic market, contributing to regional economic growth. The Eurasian Development Bank intends to become a platform for the development of Islamic finance in Central Asian countries. To this end, the Bank is currently working on creating relevant institutional and administrative solutions to develop the Islamic finance industry in its member states, particularly in Central Asia. The Eurasian Development Bank is considering attracting investments, including issuing Sukuk, to finance projects in Central Asia, he said. Podguzov highly appreciated the cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, which provides its methodological and advisory support in implementing the principles of Islamic finance in the Eurasian Development Banks operations. The Eurasian Development Bank is also undertaking economic studies that are relevant to Central Asia, he added. CHICAGO (WGN) The cost of fireworks could rise significantly following President Donald Trumps Liberation Day tariffs. Trumps April 2 announcement imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports and targeted dozens of countries with higher reciprocal tariffs. Import tax rates on nearly all Chinese goods raised to 145% as part of the tariffs, that are currently paused for 90 days to allow the two sides to negotiate a longer-term deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States imports about 96% of its fireworks from China. Officials say the tariffs could cause the cost of fireworks to increase dramatically. A study done by ValuePenguin found that in 2024, the U.S. imported $452 million in fireworks from China. Spain is the closest next country with $9.7 million of imports. Officials say if the tariffs hold up, the $452 million would equate to $1.1 billion. The study found that Missouri imports the most fireworks per capita with $85.7 million in fireworks in 2024. Illinois ranked 34th with nearly $4 million worth of fireworks last year. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on countries worldwide, but its fight with China has been the most intense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Trump sued over Liberation Day tariffs Trumps import taxes on goods from China include a 20% charge meant to pressure Beijing into doing more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States. As trade and political tensions mount, so could the price of celebrating Americas independence this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. President Trump and his allies are trying to thread the needle as they take digs at former President Bidens fitness for office in the wake of his prostate cancer diagnosis. Bidens diagnosis comes as a forthcoming book, due Tuesday, is shining a spotlight on his health and painting a dim picture of quick aging. Trump often bashes Biden for having no idea what the hell he was doing, but the president was quick to say Sunday that he wished for his predecessor to make a fast and successful recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later questioned why Bidens cancer wasnt caught and disclosed sooner, saying in the Oval Office that he feels very badly about it but that people should try and find out what happened. On Monday, Vice President Vance discussed both topics at once, outlining how the team could move forward with the balancing act. We can pray for good health but also recognize that if youre not in good enough health to do the job, you shouldnt be doing the job, Vance told reporters. Bidens personal office announced Sunday afternoon that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, a diagnosis that came after a regular medical exam found a small nodule on his prostate earlier this month. The finding necessitated further evaluation, a spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first four months of Trumps second term, the idea that Biden, 82, wasnt fit for office, let alone to run for reelection, has come up often in the White House. Trump has blamed his predecessor for issues from the economy to foreign policy, and Saturday called Biden hapless and cognitively impaired. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently called Biden mentally incompetent, adding that trust in mainstream media outlets has taken a major hit partly because of news coverage of Bidens mental acuity. On Monday, a reporter asked Leavitt if there is interest in further scrutiny of Bidens physician Kevin OConnor, given the revelations of his fitness uncovered in the new book. Leavitt, in response, said Trump extended his wishes to Biden but as for any further action, Ill let the president speak on that first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporting from Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by CNNs Jake Tapper and Axioss Alex Thompson includes revelations that aides considered the possibility of putting Biden in a wheelchair if he were elected to a second term and that two weeks before Bidens debate with Trump, he didnt seem to recognize actor George Clooney at a fundraiser. And, just before Bidens cancer diagnosis was announced, Axios obtained audio from his October 2023 interview with special counsel Robert Hur that appeared to show Biden struggling to answer questions. Hur decided to not file charges after classified documents were found in Bidens private home, writing that a jury would find him a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Biden has maintained he was up to the Oval Office job, and aides insisted he remained cognitively fit. Biden ultimately chose to drop out of the 2024 race following the disastrous debate performance against Trump in June. Straddling concern and criticism, Vance said Monday theres a need for a conversation about Bidens health and whether he wouldve been capable of handling a second term, while also hoping for a recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can separate the desire for him to have the right health outcome with the recognition that whether it was doctors or whether there were staffers around the former president, I dont think he was able to do a good job for the American people, Vance said. In some ways, I blame him less than I blame the people around him, he added. Why didnt the American people have more accurate information about what he was actually dealing with? This is serious stuff. A former communications aide in the first Trump administration agreed Biden doesnt have to be the main focus of scrutiny, considering accountability lies with Democratic operatives and the media. You can wish someone well, acknowledge the seriousness of a cancer diagnosis and still be honest about the fact that President Biden been capable of doing the job. It doesnt have to be mean-spirited, its just honest. And it reflects what many have seen for a long time, the former aide said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the recent revelations, some Republicans are calling on Trump World to back off Biden while he fights cancer. I dont know if its just my bias or background but I dont want to hear anything else about Bidens health coverup, tell alls, interviews with staff etc. Let the Biden family be in peace right now. This is all just so sad and imprudent, Meghan McCain, the daughter of Bidens longtime friend Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who died of cancer in 2018, wrote on social media Sunday evening. One source close to Trump World said digs at Biden over his aging were getting stale even before the diagnosis. By and large, the Biden acuity issue has passed. Even the Hur audio reaffirms what already know. Not much more to gain there, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to be sure, some Republicans havent let a cancer diagnosis get in the way of bashing Biden. Does anyone believe President Biden knew what he was doing when on Jan. 17 he granted 2,490 commutations, more in a single day than any prior chief executive had granted over their entire presidency, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said Monday morning, repeating questions Trump has floated over whether an aide operated an autopen for Biden in the final days before the inauguration. Also Monday, Donald Trump Jr. in a social media post called for accountability and questioned who was running the country? Meanwhile, political strategist David Axelrod, who served as an adviser to former President Obama and was among the Democrats who pushed for Biden to exit the presidential race, said discussions over mental acuity and whether Biden should have bowed out sooner should be set aside as he deals with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think those kinds of discussions are going to happen, but they should be more muted and set aside for now as hes sort of struggling through this, Axelrod said on CNN. This story was updated at 6:12 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. One House Republican is calling out the Trump administrations lies that the big, beautiful budget bill wont raise the deficit. Speaking to CNNs Manu Raju on Tuesday, Representative Thomas Massie said that Under the policies of this bill, were going to add $20 trillion dollars to the debt over the next 10 years, which is three and a half to $5 trillion more than would have been added otherwise. When Raju told Massie about the White Houses claims that the bill is deficit neutral, Massie chuckled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a joke, the Kentucky congressman, whose votes often align with libertarian principles. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie on WH claims the bill wont add to the deficit. Thats a joke. Were going to add $20 trillion dollars to the debt over the next 10 years, which is three and a half to $5 trillion dollars more than would have been added otherwise, he said of the bill pic.twitter.com/BgjvAXFq2b Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 20, 2025 Earlier in the day, President Trump attacked Massie after a meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill. I dont think Thomas Massie understands government. I think hes a grandstander, frankly, Trump said. We dont even talk to him much, I think he should be voted out of office. Trumps threats to oust Massie may not go very far, as he was able to survive a primary challenge in the 2024 election despite facing attack ads over his criticism of Israel. He ended up winning with 75 percent of the vote, and even stepped up his criticisms over the next year. Massie has long been skeptical of the Trump administration claims about fiscal responsibility, and is not likely to cave and vote for the budget bill if theres any indication that it would increase the budget deficit. With the GOPs narrow margin in the House, the bill would likely need near-unanimous approval to pass, and Massies opposition could inspire other Republicans to join him. President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled plans to begin building a sophisticated new missile defense shield that could intercept threats from space, estimating the endeavor would cost some $175 billion and become operational in three years. The project "Golden Dome," which will be led by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, echoes President Ronald Reagan's failed "Star Wars" program, which was criticized for being overly ambitious and siphoning money away from other national priorities. The White House cited advancements in technology as a reason why some of Reagan's vision was now possible. "This design for the Golden Dome will integrate with our existing defense capabilities and should be fully operational before the end of my term," Trump said in announcing the plan. "So we'll have it done in about three years. Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Iran launches attack on Israel: What is the Iron Dome? Trump began calling for a U.S. missile defense shield similar to Israel's Iron Dome a year ago on the campaign trail after watching Israel deflect some 300 missiles and drones amid Iran's attacks that spring. Military officials said at the time that they hadn't expressed a need for such a comprehensive shield to defend the U.S., while critics noted the U.S. wasn't under threat from its neighbors, Canada and Mexico, and is buffered by two oceans. PHOTO: Space Force vice chief of operations Gen. Michael Guetlein listens as President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, May20, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) Still, some experts say the idea of improving the nation's ability to fend off aerial threats is long overdue. Tom Karako, a missile defense expert, said the current U.S. system is focused mostly on the ability to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles from rogue states like North Korea. But the U.S. needs better protection when it comes to other threats like drones, cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is, we're pretty vulnerable, said Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project and a senior fellow with the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. One question, though, is how much capability the U.S. can develop in just three years, particularly considering Trump's stated goal of developing a network of space-based interceptors. It's not to say that it can't be done sooner than perhaps some folks think, but three years is going to be pushing it for some of those things, Karako said. Standing beside Trump in the Oval Office was Guetlein, the Pentagon's vice chief of space operations who will lead the project, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said the project was possible now because technology has improved since the Reagan days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technology wasn't there. Now it is, Hegseth said of Reagans "Star Wars" program. And you're following through to say we will protect the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear. PHOTO: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks as he makes an announcement with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Golden Dome missile defense shield in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) On Capitol Hill, early indications were that Republicans would support the effort with Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, promising to include a $25 billion "down payment" in an upcoming spending bill. Democrats, though, have questioned the steep price tag. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, noted last week the White House requested some $113 billion in its budget for next year without outlining a clear plan on what the program would achieve and when. Thats essentially a slush fund at this point," said Reed, D-Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's talk of building "the greatest dome of them all" seemed to originate on the campaign trail. After watching Israel's successful use of its Iron Dome, Trump's calls for a U.S. version was met with cheers from crowds at his rallies so much that Republicans included the construction of a U.S. missile shield in its party platform ahead of the 2024 elections. In January, Trump signed an executive order calling on Hegseth to make it happen. MORE: A timeline of the intensifying Israel-Hezbollah-Iran conflict "The threat of attack by ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial attacks, remains the most catastrophic threat facing the United States," Trump wrote in the Jan. 27 order. Since then, "the Defense Department has gathered the brightest minds and best technical talent available to review a full range of options that considers current U.S. missile defense technology and cutting-edge innovation to rapidly develop and field a dependable umbrella of protection for our homeland," Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman and Hegseth's senior adviser, said earlier this week amid reports the Defense Department has been working on the proposal. PHOTO: President Donald Trump makes an announcement regarding the Golden Dome missile defense shield next to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Still unclear is exactly how comprehensive the system would be. Also in question is whether such an ambitious program might siphon away money from other vital programs. The Air Force, for example, is in the process of replacing 400 of its intercontinental ballistic missiles built in the 1970s with new ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Army expects to spend up to $45M for its 250th birthday celebration in DC Some U.S. technology in space such as space-based sensors and air and missile defense exist today, but all of the systems comprising the Golden Dome architecture will need to be seamlessly integrated, Hegseth said in a statement. Golden Dome will be fielded in phases, prioritizing defense where the threat is greatest. Trump's plan appears to be on the lower end of congressional cost estimates, but dramatically sooner than thought possible. Earlier this month, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the U.S. would need to spend anywhere from $161 billion to $542 billion over 20 years to develop and launch a network of space-based interceptors. According to the CBO, these cost estimates are lower than they would have been years ago because of a decline in the cost of available launch services. Trump unveils plans for $175B 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Trump visited Capitol Hill today to try and urge Republicans to unite behind his megabill. NBC News' Melanie Zanona reports more from Capitol Hill. Mark McKinnon, former Advisor to President George W. Bush, joins Chris Jansing to explain more on the impact of Trump's agenda. President Trump is in a tight spot. Amid the global race to dominate artificial intelligence (AI), Trump is facing growing pressure to withhold emerging American technology from foreign adversaries while making sure U.S. chipmakers dominate the global stage. Trumps tech policy was a priority of his visit last week to the Middle East, where he signed a slew of multibillion-dollar AI deals between U.S. companies and Gulf countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the White House argued the investment will increase U.S. technology companies global footprint, the idea of selling American-made AI chips to Gulf countries also raised security concerns back in the U.S. The Trump administration is trying to walk a geopolitical tightrope, emerging tech and geopolitical researcher Tobias Feakin told The Hill. It wants to contain Chinas AI ambitions without choking off the global reach of its own tech champions, Feakin added. Thats an increasingly difficult balance to maintain in a world where supply chains, research ecosystems, and compute infrastructure are transnational by design. Gulf deals draw scrutiny The backlash is highlighting the dilemma the White House faces in balancing innovation and national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI chips are a critical component to the AI race, serving as the power for AI technology. The AI chips are specifically designed to meet the high demands of AI functions, which is not possible with traditional chips. Washington is increasingly concerned with China getting its hands on American tech, including if it comes through third-party deals. In response to those fears, both the Biden and Trump administrations have tightened export controls on advanced chips. Fears ramped up among lawmakers and government officials earlier this year following the release of Chinese AI startup DeepSeeks new, high-performing models, which the firm claims were built at the fraction of the price of U.S. models. Reports have circulated of U.S.-made chips being smuggled into China despite the tightened export controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Rep. John Moolenaar (Mich.), the chair of the House Select Committee on China, said any AI deal needs scrutiny and verifiable guardrails. He expressed concerns with deals under consideration between the Trump administration and Abu-Dhabi based firm G42, which has reported ties to China. Under a new agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the U.S., G42 will build a massive 5G data center in Abu Dhabi that is expected to be the largest AI campus outside the United States. The U.S. must lead the world in AI technologybut we must do it securely, Moolenaar wrote on X. The CCP is actively seeking indirect access to our top tech. We raised concerns about G42 last year for this very reason and we need safeguards in place before more agreements move forward, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While China has developed much closer economic ties to Persian Gulf countries, geopolitical experts note they do not compare to Chinas relations with U.S. adversaries like Iran and North Korea. Its a little more of a soft issue of would there be more opportunities for either individual companies or actors that could see a benefit in starting to sell chips or components to China that violate U.S. export controls? said Alison Szalwinski, vice president of The Asia Group. When asked about the scrutiny over the deals, a White House spokesperson said the agreement will help ensure the global AI ecosystem will be built with American chips and use American models. The agreement also contains historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of U.S.-origin technology, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly wrote in a statement. Administration, tech leaders dismiss concerns Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tried to quell concerns about the deal with G42, stating the agreement has strong security guarantees to prevent the diversion of U.S. technology to foreign adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Sacks, the White Houses crypto and AI czar, fiercely pushed back against the criticism, writing on X, The only question you need to ask is: does China wish it had made these deals? Yes of course it does. But President Trump got there first and beat them to the punch, Sacks added. Leaders of the countrys largest technology firms are lining up behind the deals, which stand to bring their private companies more cash and stretch their global footprint. In a repost of Sackss remarks, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said this was an extremely smart thing for you all to do and Im sorry people are giving you grief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman was among the various technology leaders on the White House trip, and Bloomberg reported OpenAI is expected to help develop the 5G data center. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who also attended the trip, also brushed off concerns about diversion over the weekend. Nvidia makes some of the worlds most popular computer chips powering the AI race and is the second-largest publicly traded U.S. company. Theres no evidence of any AI chip diversion. These are massive systems. The Grace Blackwell system is nearly two tons, and so youre not going to be putting that in your pocket or your backpack anytime soon, he told reporters, referring to Nvidias latest AI computing platform. The important thing is that the countries and the companies that we sell to recognize that diversion is not allowed, and everybody would like to continue to buy Nvidia technology. And so they monitor themselves, carefully, Huang added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trip, Huang announced Nvidias plans to sell more than 18,000 of its AI Blackwell to Saudi Arabia-based Humain to help power a data center project. Nvidia saw its stock jump 16 percent last week, giving the chip manufacturer some relief as it navigates export controls. The company said last month the Trump administrations recent tightening of export controls on computer chips will cost the company $5.5 billion. Push for AI dominance Days ahead of the Middle East trip, the Commerce Department reinforced the administrations pro-innovation stance when it reversed a Biden-era rule that would have placed caps on AI chips sales to all but 18 countries around the world. The rule stifled American innovation, the federal agency said, hinting a replacement rule would be issued. Many tech companies from Nvidia to Microsoft and tech policy experts agreed the rule was overreaching and threatened the U.S.s ability to compete on a global scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was too complicated, convoluted. It was too bureaucratic. It would have required a lot of effort on the part of us, agencies who just didnt have the resources to implement this thing and in an expedient manner, said Matt Mittelsteadt, a technology policy research fellow at the Libertarian think tank Cato Institute. China if this rule was to be enforced, would have had a much freer hand to compete globally than American industries, he added. The Bureau of Industry and Security attempted to strike a balance in its rule rescission and issued new guidance, stating the use of Huawei Ascend chips anywhere in the world violates U.S. export controls. Huawei has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party. AI bargaining chips The Gulf deals underscore the Trump administrations leveraging of AI infrastructure like chips and data center investments in bilateral agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these deals were not directly related to Trumps trade war negotiations, experts suggested the administration could use the strategy in other tariff talks. They could want to use those as leverage to extract concessions from countries they might be negotiating with, said Sam Winter-Levy, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. And that could be tariffs reductions. You could link it to anything, and this administration generally really likes using leverage, added Winter-Levy, whose research focuses on the intersection of national security and AI. As the White House prepares to negotiate tariffs with various allied nations, technology observers are concerned guardrails will be ignored. And if you want to do this with dozens of countries at once, Winter-Levy said, the government does not have the capacity to do so efficiently. The U.S. could accidentally end up turning off exports altogether or giving away a core strategic technology in exchange for concessions that may look good, but are actually not worth all that much, he added. The policy could backfire in the long run, experts warned. It could end up creating a race to the bottom, where every AI company faces pressure to move to the Gulf to compete, and you end up offshoring a key strategic technology away from the United States to a group of countries whose interests do not always align with ours, Winter-Levy said. Its definitely a concern thats animating countries to look elsewhere. And where are they looking? China. And China, because of the US restrictions on exports to China itself, it needs alternatives, Daniel Castro, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, told The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the constitutional provision that allows people to legally challenge their detention by the government is actually a tool the Trump administration can use in its broader crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. She called habeas corpus a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country and suspend their rights. Noem, testifying before a congressional committee Tuesday, gave that response when asked by Sen. Maggie Hassan to define the legal concept. That's incorrect, the New Hampshire Democrat swiftly interrupted Noem, defining the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people." Hassan, a former attorney who practiced in Boston, went on to call habeas corpus the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back and forth follows comments by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who said earlier this month that President Donald Trump is looking for ways to expand his administration's legal power to deport migrants who are in the United States illegally. To achieve that, Miller said the administration is actively looking at suspending habeas corpus. What is habeas corpus? The Latin term means, literally, you have the body. Federal courts use a writ of habeas corpus to bring a prisoner before a neutral judge to determine if imprisonment is legal. Habeas corpus was included in the Constitution as an import from English common law. Parliament enacted the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which was meant to ensure that the king released prisoners when the law did not justify confining them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitutions Suspension Clause, the second clause of Section 9 of Article I, states that habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. Has it been suspended previously? Yes. The United States has suspended habeas corpus under four distinct circumstances during its history. Those usually involved authorization from Congress, something that would be nearly impossible today even at Trumps urging given the narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate. President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus multiple times during the Civil War, beginning in 1861 to detain suspected spies and Confederate sympathizers. He ignored a ruling from Roger Taney, the Supreme Court 's chief justice. Congress then authorized suspending it in 1863, which allowed Lincoln to do so again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, it was meant to counter violence and intimidation by groups that opposed Reconstruction in the South. Habeas corpus was suspended in two provinces of the Philippines in 1905, when it was a U.S. territory and authorities were worried about the threat of an insurrection, and in Hawaii after the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor but before it became a state in 1959. Writing before becoming a Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett co-authored a piece stating that the Suspension Clause does not specify which branch of government has the authority to suspend the privilege of the writ, but most agree that only Congress can do it. What has the Trump administration said about suspending it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller has said the administration is considering trying. The Constitution is clear, and that of course is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in a time of invasion, he told reporters outside the White House on May 9. So, I would say thats an option were actively looking at, Miller said. Look, a lot of it depends on whether the courts do the right thing or not. Asked by Hassan on Tuesday if she supported the provision, Noem said she did, adding that the president of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to decide if it should be suspended or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassan, who responded by saying that even Lincoln had obtained retroactive approval from Congress, then asked Noem if she would follow a court order overturning a theoretical suspension of habeas corpus, or if she would follow Trump's decision. Noem said she was following all court orders ... as is the president, prompting Hassan to say that is obviously not true for anybody who reads the news." John Blume, a professor at Cornell Law School, said Noems response to Hassan was either evidence that she fundamentally misunderstands habeas corpus or was giving an answer she knew was wrong to appease the president. Should the administration argue that the constitutional provision should be suspended due to what Trump officials have characterized as an invasion by migrants, Blume said he felt such a position would be very unlikely to fly with the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could the Trump administration do it? It can try. Miller suggested that the U.S. is facing an invasion of migrants. That term was used deliberately, though any effort to suspend habeas corpus would spark legal challenges questioning whether the country was in fact facing an invasion, let alone one that presented extraordinary threats to public safety. Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administrations past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher. Trump argued in March that the United States was facing an invasion of Venezuelan gang members and evoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime authority he has tried to use to speed up mass deportations. His administration acted to swiftly deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua to a notorious prison in El Salvador, leading to a series of legal fights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal courts around the country, including in New York, Colorado, Texas and Pennsylvania, have since blocked the administrations uses of the Alien Enemies Act for many reasons, including by raising questions about whether the country is truly facing an invasion. If courts are already skeptical, how could habeas corpus be suspended? Miller, who has been fiercely critical of judges ruling against the administration, advanced the argument that the judicial branch may not get to decide. Congress passed a body of law known as the Immigration Nationality Act which stripped Article III courts, thats the judicial branch, of jurisdiction over immigration cases, he said earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That statute was approved by Congress in 1952 and there were important amendments in 1996 and 2005. Legal scholars note that it does contain language that could funnel certain cases to immigration courts, which are overseen by the executive branch. Still, most appeals in those cases would largely be handled by the judicial branch, and they could run into the same issues as Trumps attempts to use the Alien Enemies Act. The U.S. system of government is divided into three branches: executive (the president), legislative (Congress) and judicial (the courts). Have other administrations tried this? Technically not since Pearl Harbor, though habeas corpus has been at the center of some major legal challenges more recently than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican President George W. Bush did not move to suspend habeas corpus after the Sept. 11 attacks, but his administration subsequently sent detainees to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, drawing lawsuits from advocates who argued the administration was violating it and other legal constitutional protections. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled that Guantanamo detainees had a constitutional right to habeas corpus, allowing them to challenge their detention before a judge. That led to some detainees being released. ___ Associated Press writers Will Weissert and Mark Sherman contributed to this report. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Kazakhstan is expected to be the main driver of growth in Islamic assets in Central Asia, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. With reported total Islamic finance assets of $699 million in 2023, or 0.01% of total global assets, Central Asian nations still make a modest contribution to the industry. This is despite the large average share of the Muslim population, which constitutes 85% of the total population in these countries. The region is served by full-fledged Islamic banks, Islamic banking windows, takaful operators, microfinancing, investment, leasing companies, and Islamic FinTechs. However, Islamic capital market instruments are developing more slowly than Islamic financial institutions, reads the document. The report reveals that each Central Asian country has different sectors contributing to their overall Islamic finance industries. In terms of regulatory frameworks and legal environments, the region is relatively nascent compared to highly developed Islamic finance markets. Among the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have made significant progress in establishing their regulatory and legal frameworks for Islamic finance. Despite the developments in the region, challenges exist. Key challenges facing the regional Islamic finance industry include limited awareness, a shortage of talent, and the need for harmonisation of regulatory frameworks. Additionally, regional opportunities exist that can bode well for the regions Islamic banking and finance industry, says the document. Overall, the authors note that Islamic finance offers a unique opportunity for Central Asia to promote inclusive growth, financial stability, and sustainability. Overcoming these challenges will require coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. By capitalising on its strategic advantages, the region can position itself as a key player in the global Islamic finance industry. In conclusion, it is expected that the industry in the region will continue to grow, with projected sukuk assets of $5.6 billion and Islamic banking assets of $6.3 billion by 2033. Given the demographics as well as economic growth and size of the banking industry in each of the five Central Asian nations, Kazakhstan is likely to be the main driver of this growth, followed by Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This assumes that the governments in the region will actively work to create a facilitative environment for Islamic finance, putting in place appropriate regulatory regimes and other elements of the supporting ecosystem of the industry. These projections are also aligned with the experiences of other emerging Islamic finance markets, the report says. By Tim Reid WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of U.S. government workers have chosen to resign rather than endure what many view as a torturous wait for the Trump administration to carry out its threats to fire them, say unions, governance experts and the employees themselves. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on taking office to dramatically slash the size and cost of government. Four months later, mass layoffs at the largest agencies have yet to materialize and courts have slowed the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, most of the roughly 260,000 civil servants who have left or will leave by the end of September have taken buyouts or other incentives to quit. Some told Reuters they could no longer live with the daily stress of waiting to be fired after multiple warnings from Trump administration officials that they could lose their jobs in the next wave of layoffs. As a result, Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have managed to cut nearly 12% of the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce largely through threats of firings, buyouts and early retirement offers, a Reuters review of agency departures found. The White House did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Trump and Musk say the federal bureaucracy is bloated, inefficient and beset with waste and fraud. The White House has yet to provide an official tally of the number of people leaving the federal workforce. It said 75,000 took the first of two buyout offers but has not said how many took a second buyout offer last month. Under the scheme, civil servants will receive full pay and benefits through September 30, with most not having to work during that period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deep cuts are earmarked for several agencies, including over 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and 10,000 at the Department of Health and Human Services. Since January, many government workers have spoken of living in fear of being fired. Many agencies have sent regular emails to staff that couple incentives to quit with warnings that those who stay face the possibility of being laid off. They have also endured cramped offices after Trump ordered all remote workers to return to work and dysfunction inside their agencies caused by a brain drain of experienced workers. Don Moynihan, a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, said a series of moves by DOGE and Trump have worn down the early defiance of many civil servants and led them to leave the workforce, a strategy that avoids the legal pitfalls of firing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They include the first buyout offer, which told workers they needed to leave their "lower productivity" jobs; a demand by Musk for workers to summarize five things they had achieved at work in the previous week, and workers being asked to do jobs they were not trained for. "It's inappropriate to think of these as voluntary resignations. Many of these employees feel that they were forced out," Moynihan said. Charlotte Reynolds, 58, took an early retirement offer and left her job as a senior tax analyst at the tax-collecting Internal Revenue Service on April 30. Reynolds chose not to take the first buyout offer in January, deciding to tough things out. By April she had had enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They told us we weren't productive, we weren't useful. I've devoted 33 years to working for the IRS and I worked hard. It made me feel horrible," Reynolds said. UNION ANGER Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the biggest federal workers' union with 800,000 members, cited comments made by Trump's budget chief Russ Vought when he said government workers needed to feel "trauma." "When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work," Vought said in 2023 at an event at the think tank he founded, the Center for Renewing America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The president has empowered people like Elon Musk and his DOGE team to harass, insult, and lie about federal employees and the work they do and force tens of thousands of employees off the job," Kelley said. Vought did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An employee at the Social Security Administration, which oversees benefits for older and disabled Americans, said he decided to take the second buyout offer, in part because the uncertainty of what might happen to him each day took a toll. Speaking on condition of anonymity, for fear of having the buyout offer rescinded, the worker said the stress led him to stay up later, drink more and exercise less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were definitely moments when I felt defeated," the worker said. "It turned your world upside down." Dozens of lawsuits have challenged Trump administration efforts to fire federal workers. In the broadest ruling so far, a California federal judge on May 9 temporarily barred layoffs at 20 agencies including the departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Treasury and Veterans Affairs and said workers who had already lost their jobs must be reinstated. The administration is appealing the ruling, which said Trump can only restructure federal agencies with authorization from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of mass layoffs at big agencies to date does not mean Trump won't trigger them in coming months, especially if the legal obstacles to mass firings are lifted by appeals courts. (Reporting by Tim Reid; Additional reporting by Nathan Layne; editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller) President Donald Trump ordered something last week that previously seemed impossible: lifting U.S. economic sanctions. At a U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, he declared that he was "ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness." Then he shook hands with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new Syrian president, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani. As Trump alluded to in his speech, U.S. sanctions were imposed to put pressure on the previous government of Bashar Assad. When Sharaa overthrew Assad late last year, the embargo outlived its policy purpose. But the devil is in the details. Sanctions are a complicated bureaucratic knot to untangle. Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, warned on X that "people in [Trump's] own administration are trying to stop it or slow it down severely." And a Syrian government minister tells Reason that a U.S. delegation has come with a set of "requests" for Syria to fulfill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Caesar Civilian Protection Act, passed after Assad had fought a civil war against rebels to a standstill, punishes foreign investment in reconstructing areas under the Syrian government's control. There is also a general U.S. trade embargo on Syria passed by executive order. And Sharaa himself is a designated terrorist because of his past fighting for Al Qaeda, which he later violently turned against. Turkey and the oil-rich Arab monarchies are keen to invest in Syria's postwar reconstruction without incurring U.S. sanctions. After Trump's announcement, a company in the United Arab Emirates signed an $800 million deal to develop Syrian ports. On Tuesday, the European Union lifted all remaining sanctions on Syria. Later that day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified in favor of sanctions relief to Congress. Syria's neighbors "want to start helping them, and they can't, because they're afraid of our sanctions," he said. Rubio added that the administration can only issue temporary waivers, so permanent sanctions relief would require Congress to repeal the Caesar Act. As Rubio was speaking, Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa was giving a speech at Oxford University about his lofty hopes for Syria's revolution. (One of them was abolishing his own job: "In a democratic country, you don't need a ministry of information.") In his speech, Mustafa alluded to "requests" recently brought to Syria by a U.S. delegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They sent their requests, 10 requests, for the Syrian government, especially about counterterrorism, how the Syrian government deals with minorities, and also the military existence [sic] in Syria," he explained to Reason after the event. "We sent our response. It's an ongoing process." On the military question, Mustafa clarified that the U.S. and Syria were discussing matters such as intelligence sharing and interactions with U.S. troops currently on the ground, but not a permanent U.S. military presence. He was ambiguous on whether these requests would get in the way of sanctions relief: "It's not 100 percent conditional." The U.S. State Department has not responded to a request for comment. After the Trump-Sharaa handshake, the White House stated that Trump had asked Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-sponsored alliance between Israel and Arab states. Mustafa told the audience at Oxford, however, that the Abraham Accords were off the table for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Normalizing with Israel is not a part of the American requests sent to the Syrian government. Different delegations from the U.S., from Western countries, came to Syria and asked if you can join the Abraham Accords. The [Syrian] governmental response was also clear. The Abraham Accords are between [sic] a state, Israel, that doesn't occupy their countries," he said. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during a 1967 war and seized an additional buffer zone after Assad fell. The Israeli government has promised to stay for an "unlimited time" and threatened to push further in response to attacks on Syria's Druze minority, a religious community that has political sway within Israel. In indirect talks with Israel, the Syrian government is not demanding the Golan back, only a return to the pre-2024 front lines. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked Trump not to lift sanctions on Syria. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee argues that any change to the sanctions "must be based on a sustained demonstration of positive behavior from the new Syrian government." Factions within Washington itself have also tried to push Trump away from sanctions relief. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch (RIdaho) said during a hearing last week that Trump lifted sanctions "a little more robustly than we had in mind. Nonetheless we're still in a wait and see, and those sanctions that were taken off, they can be put back on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the Trump administration itself, the loudest voices against engagement with the new Syria have reportedly been Sebastian Gorka, who runs counterterrorism at the White House's National Security Council, and Joel Rayburn, who has been appointed assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs. (Risch was speaking at Rayburn's confirmation hearing.) Rayburn has denounced Sharaa as "delusional" and a would-be "dictator," while Gorka has focused on Sharaa's past fighting for Al Qaeda. "Jihadis very rarely moderate, especially after they win," Gorka told an audience at the Politico Security Summit last week, adding that Trump's engagement with Sharaa is "not unconditional." Rubio, however, insists that integrating Syria back into the world economy is urgent to stabilize the countryand that the risks of isolation are greater than the risks of engagement. "The transitional authority figures, they didn't pass their background check with the FBI. They've got a tough history and one that we understand. But on the flip side of it is, if we engage them, it may work out, it may not work out. If we did not engage them, it was guaranteed not to work out," Rubio told Congress. "In fact, it is our assessment that frankly, the transitional authorities, given the challenges they are facing, are maybe weeksnot many monthsaway from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions." The post Will Trump's Order To Lift U.S. Sanctions on Syria Be Followed? appeared first on Reason.com. The dispersed shot-pattern of President Trumps approval ratings proves hes still confounding pollsters. For weeks, and especially since Trumps announcement of sweeping tariffs on what he dubbed Liberation Day, the establishment medias prevailing narrative has been that the president is plummeting in the polls. However, a closer look at todays polling reveals a far different story. There is no avoiding the fact that Donald Trump is a divisive politician. RealClearPolitics historical average of his national favorability polling shows his first (7/16/16) favorability reading as 26.3%-61.3%. On Jan. 1, 2017, just days before he took office following his November 2016 upset win, he was still underwater by nearly 4 percentage points. Even around the time of his 2025 inauguration, Trumps favorability was barely positive at 48.1%-47.9%. Trumps popularity has never been a good predictor of his electoral performance or the publics appraisal of his job performance. But if you listen to the establishment medias prevailing narrative, Trumps divisiveness, his second terms frenetic pace, and especially his tariffs have coincided to catch up to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to RCPs average of Trumps national job approval polling, on May 12, the day the administration announced a 90-day ceasefire in the tariff war with China (and before this hiatus could have an impact on his polling numbers), Trumps differential was 45.8%-50.1% - a net negative-4.3 percentage points. However, a closer look at the 14 surveys used in the RCP average paints a more complex picture. The net spread of Trumps job approval rating ran from a positive-6 percentage points (Rasmussen) to a negative-12 percentage points (NewsNations poll by DDHQ). Such a large 18 percentage-point difference merits closer examination. First, lets look at the very different results based on poll respondents. Rasmussen Reports sampled "likely voters." As the label suggests, these are the most motivated voters - those most likely to vote. Only one other (Trafalgar) of the 14 polls sampled likely voters; its net was a positive-2 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, averaging the two likely voter poll results, Trumps job approval/disapproval rating was 49%-45%, for a 4 percentage-point positive margin. It is also startlingly close to Trumps 2024 November popular vote total. The next category of respondents is "registered voters." As the name implies, these are simply Americans who are registered to vote. Nine of the 14 RCP polls queried registered voters. The spread of these polls went from a tie on Trumps job approval/disapproval (Quantus Insights and Emerson) to DDHQs minus-12. Averaging the nine polls of registered voters yields a net negative job approval of 4.8 percentage points - virtually a mirror reversal from the likely voter average. The last category of voters polled is "adults," simply those old enough to vote. Three of the 14 polls sampled only adults, and their results were all in negative territory: from a minus-5 to a minus-11 percentage points. Averaging these three poll results, Trumps net job approval is minus-8.7 percentage points - roughly double the average from registered voter polls. Looking at the quality of the respondents, there is a very clear breakdown from likely voters positive appraisal of Trumps job performance (plus-4 percentage points); to registered voters moderately negative appraisal (4.8 percentage points); to adults very negative appraisal (8.7 percentage points). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what of the quality of the pollsters themselves? This too breaks down similarly. ActiVote released a March 25, 2025, "2024 Most Valuable Pollster (MVP) Rankings," a rating or "scorecard to indicate which pollsters did well in 2024, and which pollsters did not." The breakdown according to pollster performance is strikingly similar to the breakdown by respondent type. With a lower score equating to a better polling performance, the two "likely voter" pollsters had an average ranking of 4.5. The nine "registered voter" pollsters had an average 27.4 ranking. And the three "adult voter" pollsters had a 33.3 ranking. Not only did Trump poll better with the most motivated respondents, he also did markedly better with the higher-ranked pollsters. To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of Trumps demise in the polls are greatly exaggerated. It isnt the first time a general overview of polls has gotten him wrong. It likely wont be the last. Theres a reason why Trump is able to disregard polls with impunity; and theres all the more reason we should scrutinize them carefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.T. Young is the author of the recent book Unprecedented Assault: How Big Government Unleashed Americas Socialist Left from RealClear Publishing and has over three decades experience working in Congress, the Department of Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, and representing a Fortune 20 company. Right-wing tech moguls who are part of President Donald Trumps White House are casting doubt on the state of democracy in Romania, putting them at odds with the chief U.S. diplomat in the country. In much of Europe, the response to Sundays Romanian presidential election was a sigh of relief. The winner, Nicusor Dan, is a centrist who supports Ukraine, and his victory shut the door on what Romanian authorities say was an attempted coup supported by Russia. But to a handful of right-wing tech moguls, Dans defeat of George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, was something else entirely. Two of them, Elon Musk and David Sacks, both of whom are advisers to Trump, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Romanias democracy. Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan prepares to cast his ballot in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Fagaras, Romania, on May 18. (Eduard Vinatoru / AP) Sacks, a wealthy investor, denounced the result Monday in a post on X as statistically unlikely, if not impossible. The statement amounted to an accusation of fraud, although Sacks provided no evidence, and he criticized Romanian authorities for disqualifying a leading pro-Russia candidate, Calin Georgescu. Simion, the losing candidate, had already conceded defeat when Sacks posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sacks, who was named czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency by Trump in December, made the comments on his personal account on X, where he has 1.3 million followers, not on his government account. Musk weighed in separately. On X, he amplified an accusation by the head of the messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, who said the French government had asked him to ban conservative voices in Romania from Telegram ahead of the election. Durov, who has dual French and United Arab Emirates citizenship, said he refused. Frances foreign ministry denied ever making such a request. Durov, who was born in Russia, is embroiled in a legal battle in France. Last year, French prosecutors charged him with enabling various forms of criminality on Telegram. Durov returned home to Dubai in March, but said he met with French authorities this spring in Paris. Wow, Musk wrote, sharing Durovs allegation with his own 219 million followers. Responding to another Durov post that said Romanian democracy was at risk, Musk wrote, Hear, hear! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the statements by Musk and Sacks, two of the most prominent tech figures in the Trump administration. Neither Musk nor Sacks responded to emailed requests for comment. President Donald Trump and David Sacks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on March 3. (Samuel Corum / Bloomberg via Getty Images file) The U.S. Embassy in Romania posted Sunday that it had sent several teams to observe voting. On Tuesday, the interim U.S. head of mission Romania, Michael L. Dickerson, posted a congratulatory note to Romanias president-elect on X. We look forward to working with you as Romanias new president and the government to advance our shared priorities, including defense, energy, and commercial partnerships, Dickerson wrote, tagging Dan. Dickerson was named to the interim diplomatic post earlier Tuesday, when the embassy announced the retirement of U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec on Facebook. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unusual in recent history for White House advisers to comment individually on foreign policy subjects unless their job is specific to national security, but Musk in particular has veered far from past practice. He has pushed right-wing political movements, policies and administrations in at least 18 countries, especially in Europe, according to an NBC News tally. The social media posts by Musk and Sacks show how Romanian politics has risen in importance in the minds of some wealthy tech figures in recent years, especially as a proxy for attitudes about Russia. Romania borders Ukraine and has provided aid to its neighbor as it defends itself. Political candidates in the country hold a wide range of views about Russia, although pro-Ukraine candidate Dan prevailed on Sunday. Musk and Sacks have both expressed support for Russias position in its war against Ukraine. In 2022, Musk suggested that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, and this year he called Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a traitor for expressing support for Ukraine. Sacks has repeatedly criticized the U.S. decision to back Ukraine and has said Russia is not our enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two are also longtime friends and business associates, dating to their time as early executives at PayPal two decades ago. Elections have recently been a charged issue in Romania. A voter prepares to cast her ballot in Bucharest, Romania, on May 4. (Andrei Pungovschi / Getty Images file) Georgescu won the first round of Romanias presidential election in 2024, but the countrys top court annulled the result in December, two days before the final runoff vote, amid accusations that Moscow had interfered via a TikTok disinformation campaign. Georgescu, who is under criminal investigation in connection with alleged Russian meddling, was barred from the new ballot in March. The same month, Romanian authorities announced the arrest of six people who they said were plotting a coup against the government in collusion with Russia. Sacks, on X, turned the coup allegation around: He shared a post by another X user Monday who accused the European Union of mounting a quiet coup with the disqualification of Georgescu. However, Georgescu was disqualified by a Romanian election authority based on Romanian law, unrelated to E.U. membership, according to a Reuters fact-check. The E.U.s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has singled out Russia for allegations of interfering in Romanias election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has denied interfering, but on Monday the Kremlin criticized Romanias election as strange, according to Reuters. Both Sacks and Musk had earlier expressed support for Georgescu, the pro-Russia candidate, remaining on the ballot. Musk called the decision to bar him crazy, while Sacks said it represented the death of democracy. Vice President JD Vance has expressed similar views, saying that the evidence against Georgescu was flimsy, although he has not commented on the results of the election. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Donald Trump seems to think that cuts to food assistance mean cheaper and more abundant food for everyone. You campaigned on lowering the price of groceries. How can you justify cutting food assistance in this [budget] bill? a reporter asked the president, on Capitol Hill Monday, after he emerged from a meeting with House Republicans. The presidents response didnt make any sense. Let me just tell you, the cut is going to give everybody much more food because prices are coming way down. Groceries are down, Trump said. He added, You know that eggs now? Way down. Everybodys buying eggs. Grocerys down. Energys down. Gasoline? Theyre now buyingtheyre buying gasoline now for $1.99. Reporter: How can you justify cutting food assistance? Trump: The cut is going to give everybody much more food because prices are coming down.. pic.twitter.com/63sEsQdx3M Acyn (@Acyn) May 20, 2025 First of all, gasoline is not selling for that price anywhere in the United States, except possibly in wholesale markets. And cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps, would not lower food prices. As the head of a Nevada food bank told NBC last month, These reductions dont just affect people facing hungerthey also hurt the retailers, farmers, and businesses that supply fresh, local food to our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents answer seems to miss the point of the question, which was calling into question Trumps campaign promise of lowering food prices, in contrast to Republican plans to cut food aid and shift the cost to the states. The Republican budget would threaten benefits for close to 42 million low-income Americans and would have little effect on overall food supply or prices, which the president would know if he understood basic economics. But Trumps mismanagement of the economy, as seen in his nonsensical, flip-flopping tariff policies, demonstrate that he doesnt know what hes doing. His decisions are already causing food prices to go up, and retailers like Walmart are complaining. Trump and his allies are responding to their concerns with threats and no recognition that theyre responsible for the problems. Twelve German nationals and their closest relatives have been allowed to leave the Gaza Strip, a spokeswoman for the German Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday. The individuals' departure was closely coordinated with the Israeli authorities, she said. "They had to hold out for months in catastrophic conditions, in some cases without sufficient food and drinking water and without functioning medical care," the spokeswoman continued, adding the German government was relieved that the group, which included six minors, had been brought to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival in Germany, they will receive support from state counsellors as well as the airport chaplaincy, according to the Foreign Office. The spokeswoman stressed that Germany was not evacuating Gazans to Germany, noting that the group's departure was not connected to Israel's policy urging Gazans to voluntarily leave the war-torn coastal territory. The German government and its European partners fundamentally reject the resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to the Foreign Office. According to the spokeswoman, a total of 86 German nationals, including their closest family members, have been able to leave the Gaza Strip since March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Israeli's military campaign in Gaza continues unabated, with hundreds said to have been killed daily since attacks were intensified amid a new offensive announced on Friday. Dubbed Gideon's Chariots, the operation is intended to eliminate the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages abducted during the unprecedented October 7 attacks in 2023. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intention to take control of the entire Gaza Strip. Observers fear the new campaign will lead to many more deaths in the coastal strip, where people have been living in catastrophic conditions for many months. After a nearly three-month blockade, Netanyahu began allowing small amounts of basic aid to enter Gaza on Monday. He cited pressure from international partners who said the 2 million Palestinians living in the territory were being pushed into famine. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) LifeServe Blood Center is hosting two major blood drives right at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. The first will take place Friday, May 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, located at 624 Jones Street. This drive is held in partnership with MercyOne Air Med. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registered donors will receive a free T-shirt while sizes and supplies last. To sign up for the blood drive, you can go to this link or call (800) 287-4903. The second will take place the same day, but will take place in two different locations and at two different times. The Center will team up with the Sioux City Explorers to host a drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Park (3400 Line Drive) or from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LifeServes Sioux City Donor Center (4501 Southern Hills Drive, Suite #17). All registered donors will receive a T-shirt and two Explorers ticket vouchers, also while sizes and supplies last. You can sign up for the blood drive by visiting this link, or calling the same number listed above. Sioux City Marina reopening after year-long closure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blood Centers website indicates supplies of both O- and A- blood are running critically low. The need for blood products frequently jumps around the summer holidays, so its a vital time for the Center to stock up. If you cant make it to either of the blood drive events, you can also sign up to donate anytime at the Sioux City Donor Center by visiting this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. May 20 (UPI) -- A pair of capybaras escaped from a private zoo in Poland and were rounded up by police with help from local residents. The Municipal Police in Gdansk said on social media that officers responded just before 8 p.m. Monday when the local Ecology Department received a report of two capybaras on the loose from a small private zoo. Police and ecology officers responded to the scene to find local residents pursuing the escaped animals, which are native to South America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The capybaras were found "hiding in the dense undergrowth and apparently had a great time in the wild," the post said. The rodents were successfully returned to their home. "What prompted them to go for an evening escapade? Beautiful weather? We probably won't know this, but we do know one thing -- catching them proved to be quite a challenge," police wrote. Two children were injured when a school bus crashed through a playground fence outside a Minneapolis day care center on Monday. The incident, reported at around 4:15 p.m., happened outside the Creative Early Learning Center at 8 West 6th Street on the city's south side. The playground outside the day care center abuts a parking lot outside the Richfield Lutheran Church, which is across Nicollet Avenue from Cub Foods. Joe Nelson, Bring Me The News Minneapolis PD has said that three children were on the playground at the time of the crash, with two of them taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of their injuries are not available at this time. Joe Nelson, Bring Me The News There were two children on the bus, who were unharmed. KARE 11 spoke with a witness who said her car was struck by the bus prior to it hitting the fence. Bring Me The News has been to the scene and there is a black SUV in the parking lot with driver's side damage and air bags deployed. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Despite the development of the industry and milestones reached over the past decade, the Islamic finance industry globally is still facing certain challenges, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports The authors of the report note that the first challenge is related to considerably higher cost of transactions. This requires a solid solution, particularly in the area of home financing, which is ubiquitous in many Muslim countries and also for Muslim communities living in non-Muslim countries, the report says. The second issue is about limited options of risk management instruments, mitigation techniques, and quantitative measurement models. Despite numerous efforts by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) in issuing guidelines pertaining to risk management, stress testing, and capital adequacy standards, more detailed technical guidance which features the techniques and methodologies of risk assessment, taking into account unique risks in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs), is still required, the authors believe. A restricted legal and regulatory framework is named as another hurdle. There is a dire need to develop a proper legal environment and suitable regulatory framework to encourage sound risk management for IFIs. In addition, limited liquidity instruments for Islamic capital markets are another challenge, says the report. Finally, the authors note the lack of Islamic monetary policies. At the macro level, the availability of Islamic monetary instruments is indispensable to support the macroeconomic objectives of the Islamic financial system. Another important element of such an instrument is liquidity management. More efforts need to be undertaken to also allow inter-jurisdictional transactions and liquidity management between the countries implementing an interest-free financial system, reads the report. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Congratulations on being perfect. Those are the words Principal Barry Whittington, Jr. of Dutchtown High School said to two students. Whittington was speaking to Noah Owers and Emma Stewart, who are both juniors at the high school in Ascension Parish. The duo both earned perfect scores on the ACT. They took the test on March 12, 2025, and later found out that they received a score of 36. Noah Owers and Emma Stewart earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. (Photo courtesy of Dutchtown High School) Stewart was proud and ecstatic when she learned what her score was, while Owers was happy and excited at the result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Principal Whittington said, Their scores are a testament to their hard work and the support of their families and our Griffin community. Stewart said the toughest section on the ACT was science, but math was challenging too. Owers agreed that the science section was hard, along with English. Whittington added, This accomplishment reflects their dedication and commitment to excellence. Both students talked about how they prepared for the test. Stewart said she used practice questions from ACT books and spent about 30 minutes a week practicing with a particular focus on science. Owers, on the other hand, prepared through the Honors and AP classes at Dutchtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zachary High student earns perfect ACT score after 4 tries This was not the first time that Owers and Stewart took the ACT. Owers said it was his second attempt after producing a 34 on his first try. Stewart said she took the ACT for the first time during her freshman year. After getting a perfect score on the test, Stewart said students should definitely practice for the test. Owers suggested developing the base skills needed to take the exam. At school, Owers said he enjoys STEM and, to a lesser extent, English and History. Stewart said she enjoys her art, band, and math classes. She wants to take that love of art and study it along with illustration in college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owers wants to focus on an engineering degree, specifically Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. He would like to turn that education into a career in mechatronics and robotics engineering. Stewart said she would like to cultivate a career in concept art for cartoons, and/or create the backgrounds for them on TV. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. May 20---- Two people were transported for treatment of injuries after a crash Monday afternoon near Brooten. Initial investigation by Stearns County Sheriff's Office deputies found that a vehicle had entered a ditch and the driver accidentally hit the accelerator. The car then struck a field approach and went airborne before coming to rest, according to a news release. A 2008 Ford Escape was traveling eastbound in the 47500 block of Stearns County County Road 27 when it entered the south ditch. The vehicle was being driven by Dawn Blume, 66, of Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blume and her passenger identified as Jeremiah Blume, 11 were transported to Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood for treatment of injuries described in the as non-life-threatening. The crash was reported around 3:51 p.m. Monday about three miles north of Brooten in North Fork Township. The was assisted by the Belgrade/Brooten Police Department, Brooten Fire Department and Brooten Ambulance. Two men have been arrested in Israel on suspicion of spying for Iran. According to a joint statement by the security authorities issued on Tuesday, the two 24-year-old Israelis carried out intelligence missions for Iran within Israel. The men are accused of shadowing Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in the community of Kfar Ahim in southern Israel. The news site ynet reported that the two young men had been instructed by Iranian agents to purchase a camera for live video transmission and install it in the area where Katz lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security authorities say the two men from near Haifa were arrested at the end of April. In a statement, Katz thanked the security authorities for "foiling an Iranian plot to harm [him] as minister of defence of the state of Israel." In recent days, there have been reports of the arrest of other Israeli citizens who are said to have been recruited by Iran for intelligence missions. Israel is considered Iran's arch-enemy. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Two Peoria men face time in federal prison for allegedly robbing three massage parlors and possibly more within the past few months. Titus Alexander, 32, and Mitchell Smith, 43, both appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday, charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence. They are accused of robbing spas in Peoria, Dunlap and Jacksonville within the past month. But according to a recently unsealed federal affidavit, as many as seven massage parlors within Central Illinois have been robbed since the start of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were ordered held in pending a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Its also possible that a federal grand jury could be reviewing the case as well. The charges carry a possible prison range of at least five years and possibly up to 20 years behind bars. Ocean Spa robbery On April 22, deputies with the Peoria County Sheriffs Office responded to Ocean Spa, located at Lake of the Woods Plaza. Thats near the Wheels O Time museum. A woman was found at the spa lying on a couch in the lobby with both eyes almost completely swollen shut, the affidavit stated. She was taken to an area hospital for her injuries. About $500 was taken from the business. Residents decry possible wine-bar/gaming cafe in Lake of the Woods Plaza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two men were seen on surveillance video entering the store, holding packages. One of them wore a vest indicating he worked with Amazon, according to the complaint. Footage from inside the business shows the men grabbing the woman and assaulting her before restraining her. Another person was also inside the store, and she was also attacked. A pistol fell out of the clothing of one of the men during the fracas, the complaint said. The second woman was struck in the head several times with the pistol, according to court records. Sister Relax Spa robbery On April 25, members of the Peoria Police Department as well as agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded just before 4 p.m. to the Sister Relax Spa on a report of a robbery there. The spa is located in a shopping center at the corner of Lake and Knoxville avenues. A woman met them and told them that two people came into the spa wearing masks and gloves. She refused to serve them as they were masked and one of them grabbed her and began to choke her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said she was choked unconscious by Suspect 1. She told police she waited until they left before seeking help, the complaint stated. Her legs and hands had been zip-tied together. About $200 to $300 was taken from the store. Footage from nearby businesses captures images of the two suspects which matched the images seen from the footage taken inside the spa. The investigation Clothing from the Peoria incident matched clothing from the two assailants involved in the Dunlap robbery, the complaint states. DNA taken from the zip ties matched DNA found at the Ocean Spa robbery as well as a robbery at a spa in Bartonville on March 15, the complaint stated. That DNA, court records allege, matched Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers also used cell phone records of both men to see that they were making calls to each other on the April 22 robbery in Dunlap and the April 25 robbery in Peoria. Summer Spa robbery in Jacksonville Authorities witnessed three calls between Smith and Alexander between 6 p.m. and 6:50 p.m., which had communication consistent with that of the other two burglaries in Dunlap and Peoria, the complaint said. Because of this, surveillance was set up outside a home at the 1500 block of North East Monroe Street, where they allegedly saw Alexander leave the house and enter a white sedan. The car left and got onto Interstate 74 with agents tailing it all the way to Jacksonville, which is about an hour south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car stopped in a restaurant parking, and the two men allegedly got out and walked over to Summer Spa, 1164 W. Morton Ave. Smith was allegedly seen entering the spa at 9:16 p.m. A few minutes later, Alexander was seen entering the spas parking lot before going inside. About 30 minutes, both men left the business and tried to leave the parking lot but were taken into custody by federal agents. A woman at the spa told Jacksonville Police officers that Smith allegedly entered the store, asked for a massage. When she reached for his money, he grabbed her around the neck and choked her to the point of being unconscious, the complaint states. Like in a prior heist, she was zip tied at the hands and ankles. A gun was put to her head and the Smith and Alexander demanded to know where the money was, the complaint stated. Its estimated they took between $800 and $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents allegedly found the womans wallet, an Amazon vest and a bag of zip ties, among other things. They also allegedly found a black .45-caliber pistol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO One man is dead and another is in critical condition after Chicago police say an argument escalated into violence on the citys South Side Monday afternoon. Chicago police were called to a parking lot in the 0-110 block of E. 111 St. shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of a shooting involving two victims. When officers arrived, they found a 34-year-old man, identified as Monte Potts, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back and another man who had been shot in the head and right forearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were transported to Christ Hospital in critical condition, where Potts later died. Police say the incident began inside a business in the area when the two victims got into an argument with a male suspect. It quickly escalated into a physical altercation outside, during which the suspect pulled out a gun and fired. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and is at Roseland Hospital in good condition. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) An additional two tornadoes have been confirmed in Barry and Ottawa counties from Thursdays storms. According to the National Weather Service, an EF1 tornado touched down in Barry County near Heron Pointe. The tornado had estimated winds around 100 miles per hour and stayed on the ground for 6.75 miles. The tornado crossed the most southern part of Gun Lake and moved northeast near Otis Sanctuary. Damage included several trees down and homes with minor roof damage. Several docks in Gun Lake saw damage as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second tornado touched down in Zeeland Township in Ottawa County. The EF0 tornado produced winds of 75 miles per hour and remained on the ground for 3.5 miles. While surveying, the National Weather Service came across several damaged buildings and downed trees. Neither tornado resulted in any fatalities or injuries. With these two additional tornadoes, the Michigans total count for Thursday is now up to 11. The states tornado count for the year has now reached 27, placing it among the top 10 most active tornado years in Michigan history. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) Two people are dead after a fatal crash on I-5 near Modesto on Sunday. Video Above: What to do if you witness a crash Around 5:11 p.m., the California Highway Patrol responded to a call about a traffic collision on southbound Interstate 5, north of Howard Road. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they found a jeep fully engulfed in flames in Ingrams Creek, underneath the freeway. Two people are dead after a fatal crash on I-5 on May 18, 2025./CHP Smash-and-grab robbery at Modesto jewelry store leads to four arrests, linked to other California cases Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, a 21-year-old man from Tracy, and a passenger, a 23-year-old man from Tracy, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to CHP. Police suspect the jeep was traveling southbound in the fast lane when, for unknown reasons, it veered to the left shoulder and went down the embankment. From there, it landed in the creek, which was dry at the time. Somehow, the jeep caught fire and became fully engulfed. Police said a passing motorist stopped, ran down the embankment, and extricated the right front passenger without causing any significant harm to himself. The cause of the crash is under investigation. It is unclear if drugs or alcohol were a factor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating an incident where a United Airlines plane and a Republic Airways jet nearly collided on the runway at LaGuardia Airport on May 6 An air traffic controller had to tell the jet to stop after realizing that the United plane was taxiing on the same runway The planes were reportedly just over a quarter mile apart when the pilot on the Republic jet hit the brakes An investigation has been opened after a Republic Airlines jet had to hit the brakes to avoid a collision with a United Airlines plane at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident, which occurred around 12:35 a.m. on May 6 is being looked into by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. "An air traffic controller at LaGuardia Airport in New York canceled the takeoff clearance for Republic Airways Flight 4736 because United Airlines Flight 2657 was taxiing on the same runway," the FAA said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. Larry MacDougal/AP Stock image of a Republic Airways jet Stock image of a Republic Airways jet The near-miss occurred even though LaGuardia is equipped with an advanced surface radar system, according to the FAA. The system is designed to help air traffic controllers identify if there is a conflict where planes might collide from within the control tower. "I thought United had cleared well before that," an air traffic controller said in an audio clip obtained by ABC 7. "Just stay there for the moment, and I got to get the other United off the way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the pilot was stopped, the outlet reported that the planes were just over a quarter mile apart. Bruce Bennett/Getty Stock image of a United Airlines plane at LaGuardia Airport in February 2024 Stock image of a United Airlines plane at LaGuardia Airport in February 2024 The United flight was arriving after departing from George Bush International Airport in Houston on May 5. It carried 107 passengers and 6 crew members, the airline confirmed. Renee Hoffer, a passenger on board the Republic jet, told the Associated Press that she suffered a pinched nerve after being jolted by the plane's sudden stop. She reportedly received the diagnosis after going to the emergency room presenting with neck pain and a numb arm. The stop was as hard as any car accident Ive been in, Hoffer said. Sipa via AP LaGuardia Airport LaGuardia Airport 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 FAA confirmed to PEOPLE that they had not heard reports of passengers injured in the incident and stressed the importance of passengers being buckled into their seats as recommended by flight attendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Airlines, Republic Airways and the Port Authority directed questions about the investigation to the FAA. The NTSB confirmed that they were also conducting an investigation into the incident. The news comes shortly after United cut 35 daily flights into Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. The decision was announced by the CEO of United, who said that the decision was to "protect" customers amid FAA staffing issues." Newark's airport has generated national headlines in recent weeks, notably after a 90-second blackout cut off communications between planes and air traffic control. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said, "Air traffic controllers in Area C of the Philadelphia TRACON (PHL), who are responsible for separating and sequencing aircraft in and out of Newark Airport (EWR), temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The controllers did not 'walk off the job' as it has been reported by the media. Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act," their statement continued. "This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job." Read the original article on People Two students are dead following a "targeted and isolated" incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Monday afternoon. University Chancellor Tammy Evetovich confirmed the deaths of the students on Monday evening, identifying them as Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin. "This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals," Evetovich said. "Families of the students have been notified." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UW-Platteville Police Department confirmed in a statement that the incident was isolated and there "is no ongoing threat to the public." Few details regarding the manner of the students' deaths have been revealed as of Tuesday morning, but there was a shelter-in-place and a large police response to Wilgus Hall around 4 p.m., with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel speaking to "campus sources" who said there was a shooting. Google The newspaper notes that in a 7 p.m. press conference, UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman wouldn't even confirm there had been a shooting, an attack, or whether anyone was injured or killed. The deaths of the two students was officially confirmed later with the statement from Evetovich. Final exams have been canceled at Platteville for the week, according to Channel 3000, though the campus will remain open and counseling will be offered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been briefed on the situation at UW-Platteville, and we will continue to remain in close contact with university officials," said Gov. Tony Evers. "As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts." UW-Platteville has an enrollment of around 6,700 students as of fall 2023. By Diego Ore and Aida Pelaez-Fernandez MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Two top aides of Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were shot dead after being ambushed by gunmen on a motorbike in a daytime attack in the city center on Tuesday. The victims were the mayor's private secretary, Ximena Guzman, and an adviser to Brugada, Jose Munoz, according to a statement from the city. The assassinations have sent shockwaves through Mexico's capital, widely regarded as an oasis of relative security in a country plagued by violence. Political violence has become common in many parts of Mexico, where scores of local political candidates have been assassinated in killings usually linked to drug cartels seeking to exert influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial reports indicated Guzman had been driving to work and stopped on a busy avenue in downtown Mexico City to pick up her colleague, an official at the federal prosecutor's office said. Munoz was approached by two gunmen on a motorbike who shot and killed him in the street. The attackers then fired at least four shots at Guzman inside the vehicle, killing her. Authorities have not yet given a motive for the attack although security experts say it appeared to be a hit carried out by organized crime. Mexico City's civil security office said that a motorbike had been seized not far from attack, as well as another vehicle in the Iztacalco neighborhood, while investigators were looking into ballistic and fingerprint evidence from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel very sad for the loss of Ximena and Pepe (Jose), with whom for many years we shared dreams and struggles," a noticeably distressed Brugada said. She thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet for the support and cooperation they had provided since the attack. Sheinbaum is a former mayor of Mexico City. "It is a deplorable incident and we are going to give all the support that the mayor may need," Sheinbaum said. Brugada added that there would be no impunity for those responsible for the killing. She was not in the car when the attack took place, a Mexico City government official told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos in local media showed a black Audi with four bullet holes in the front window and a sheet covering what appeared to be one body, while another body was covered with a white sheet on the pavement. Police patrols taped off the area so forensic specialists could examine the scene. "It was a harsh message sent to Clara (Brugada), undoubtedly perpetrated by drug traffickers," said David Saucedo, a public security specialist. Groups affected by drug seizures have previously launched attacks against the capital's authorities, he said. In 2020 then Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, now the federal security minister, was shot and injured in an assassination attempt that killed two of his bodyguards. That attack was blamed by him on one of the country's most powerful drug groups, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. (Reporting by Raul Cortes, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Diego Ore; Editing by Kylie Madry, Rosalba O'Brien and Christian Schmollinger) ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Kazakhstans Islamic banking sector is projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2033, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. The two sectors most likely to drive Kazakhstans Islamic finance industry forward are Islamic banking and Sukuk. Given this as well as the recent initiatives towards developing the industry, the prospects for the industrys development, as well as the high demand for Islamic finance products (AIFC, 2024a), the countrys Islamic banking sector is projected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2028 and $3.3 billion by 2033 under the baseline scenario. For the Sukuk asset class which is more active as more sovereigns and corporates have issued Sukuk globally over the past few years, something which Kazakhstan could observe and learn from its total value is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2028 and $3.4 billion by 2033, reads the report. The authors point out that although the Islamic banking sector accounted for less than 1% of total banking industry assets at the end of 2023, the country is building on strong foundations to develop its Islamic finance industry, as can be seen by the introduction of the Islamic Finance Master Plan for the Republic of Kazakhstan 2020-2025 prepared for the AIFC with technical assistance from the IsDB (AIFC, 2020). Developing the Islamic banking sector is expected to strengthen the countrys domestic financial system by mobilizing locally available liquidity, in line with the governments aim to develop a market-driven rather state-supported economy. The key pillars covered under the Master Plan include the internationalisation of the AIFC; Islamic banking; an Islamic capital market; takaful; Islamic non-banking institutions; Islamic social finance; FinTech; the Halal sector; and Islamic finance education and training, the report reads. YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two York County women have been arrested and charged with ill-treatment of animals. On May 16, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Amari Anne Mitchell, 27, and Kaitlyn Johnson, 26, with two counts of ill-treatment of animals as well as burying a dead animal improperly and criminal conspiracy. Mitchell, who is a York County deputy, was arrested after animal control was called to her residence in regard to an animal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to arrest warrants, the Animal Control Officer witnessed a very malnourished Goldendoodle named Axel on the property. When the ACO talked to Mitchell on the phone, she told him that the dog had a vet appointment on May 12. The vet examined Axel and euthanized him. Part of the vets report said, Axels decline and starvation occurred over a long period of time (months), and he suffered a great deal. My clinical suspicion is high for long-term neglect. Unfortunately, given Axels level of emaciation, dehydration, and shock, his prognosis was grave, and he was humanely euthanized to end his suffering. Warrants say that Johnson and Mitchell violated the South Carolina Code of Laws by failing to bury a deceased animal at least three feet underground. The animal carcass was found near the rear fence gate of her backyard during the execution of a search warrant on their home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents also show that the pair also had a small Maltese locked in a small hallway closet marked Dog Room with no lighting, water, or minimal air circulation. Officials say the temperature in the closet was warmer than 75 degrees. The backside of the door had significant scratch marks, indicating the dogs efforts to escape. Sandpaper was placed on the interior of the door, which Johnson states was intended to prevent the dog from scratching the door. Following Mitchells arrest, she was placed on administrative leave without pay, pending an internal review of the incident. She had served as a deputy for two years. Mitchell and Johnson were booked into the York County Detention Center. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories 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 Queen City News. TYLER, Texas (KETK) A Tyler woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after a deputy found fentanyl inside her 6-month-olds diaper during a traffic stop in 2024. Man gets 10 years in prison for Gun Barrel City motorcycle chase According to the Smith County Sheriffs Office, around 11:30 p.m. on May 5, 2024, a deputy pulled over a vehicle near Van Highway and Loop 323 for a traffic violation. Officials said when the deputy pulled over the driver, Dre-Darian Taerondrick Ester, they smelled marijuana from the vehicle, resulting in a search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy then asked the childs mother, Jada La Nae Speight, who was in the passenger seat, to change the babys diaper, officials said. At this moment, the deputy saw a bottle of pressed fentanyl inside the diaper. Mugshot of Jada La Nae Speight, courtesy of Smith County Jail Mugshot of Dre-Darian Taerondrick Ester, courtesy of Smith County Jail Ester pleaded guilty to manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance on Oct. 21, 2024, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. On Friday, Speight pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. As summer fast approaches, many Americans have already begun planning their trips and out-of-the-country vacations for the next few months. But as you plan your travel, the United States has an active travel warning for one of the more popular vacation spots in the Caribbean. Jamaica is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, with the country welcoming 4.3 million visitors in 2024, which generated $4.3 billion for the country's economy, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board. However, the United States Department of State is warning Americans to think again before visiting the Caribbean vacation destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has an active Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, warning Americans to "Reconsider Travel" to Jamaica as a result of crime and health concerns. The travel advisory warned that violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. While the tourist destinations typically experience less of this crime, U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crimes even while on resorts, and law enforcement is often slow and/or inadequate. "The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common," the travel advisory states. "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to concerns about violent crime, the State Department also warns that Jamaica's health care may not be adequate in the case of a medical emergency, either. "U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States," the advisory states. "This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain." Needless to say, if your travel plans include Jamaica this summer, it would be wise to reconsider or at least take special care. In a small ceremony with oversized implications, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed his Congolese and Rwandan counterparts to Washington on April 25 for the signing of a U.S.-brokered declaration of principles that could lead to a peace agreement between the two countries. Framed as a step toward regional stability, the accord also marked a deeper shift in U.S. foreign policy. For decades, Washingtons diplomacy followed the oil. Today, it follows cobalt and copper. The initiative by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump in Central Africa reflects the new resource geopolitics of the fourth industrial revolution, where control of critical minerals, not petroleum, determines technological primacy in an age of AI, quantum computing and green energy. This diplomatic push follows closely on the heels of the United States watershed minerals deal with Ukrainea template for the emerging Trump doctrine of resource-based statecraft. That agreement established a joint reconstruction fund focused on critical minerals development, granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukraines reserves, even as Kyiv maintains ownership. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with its estimated $24 trillion in mineral reserves, represents an even greater strategic prize in this new competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washingtons prominent role in the ongoing effort to broker peace between Congo and Rwanda reflects the strategic importance of Kinshasas mineral wealth. Congo has the worlds largest cobalt reserves and substantial copper deposits. As China continues to dominate global critical minerals supply chains, the U.S. is leveraging its diplomatic engagement to stabilize the Great Lakes region of Africa while also securing access to the critical minerals that power next-generation technology, electric vehicles and weapons systems. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The two sides pledge to hammer out a peace deal mandates expanded mining cooperation with direct U.S. involvement, promising significant investments facilitated by the U.S. government and private sectora clear bid to challenge Chinas dominance in critical minerals supply chains. This initiative follows Congolese President Felix Tshisekedis proposal in March offering the U.S. access to Congos mineral reserves in exchange for military support against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels that have made dramatic advances in eastern Congo since January. The Trump administration expects to finalize the agreements within two months, backed by the Export-Import Bank and International Development Finance Corporation. It remains unclear if Washington will provide military assistance to Congo in the fight against the M23. However, if the recent U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement is any indication, the chances appear slim. Kyiv was unable to broker security guarantees from the Trump administration for its ongoing conflict with Russia as part of that deal, suggesting that the Tshisekedi government should prepare for a similar outcome. Washingtons prominent role in the ongoing effort to broker peace between Congo and Rwanda reflects the strategic importance of Kinshasas mineral wealth. Yet the prospect of a minerals deal demands serious reflection. The U.S. has a long history of transactional engagement with Congo, often prioritizing access to critical minerals over good governance. During World War II, the Congothen a Belgian colonyemerged as the largest supplier of uranium for the U.S. war effort. In the Cold War era, following Congolese independence, Washington supported the removal of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and backed dictator Mobutu Sese Sekoan anti-Soviet allyas his successor, in exchange for access to cobalt and uranium. Mobutus 32-year rule institutionalized corruption and weakened Congolese institutions, a legacy that still burdens Congo today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Cold War echoes are hard to ignore. Today, Blackwater founder Erik Prince is reportedly brokering a deal with the Congolese government for his private military company to oversee security for mining operations as well as taxation of those operations, an arrangement reminiscent of foreign mercenary involvement during Congos turbulent post-independence era. The Congolese government has also hired foreign security firms, including Bulgaria-based Agemira and Romanian-led Congo Protection, to fight the M23 in eastern Congo, further entrenching the trend of outsourcing security in politically volatile regions. These efforts, however, have delivered mixed results. In January, nearly 300 Romanian mercenaries who were reportedly being paid $5,000 a month surrendered to M23 rebels after the latter seized Goma. These recent negotiations over peace and resource extraction are unfolding in a vastly different global landscape than the Cold War, where China, rather than the Soviet Union, has emerged as the United States principal strategic rival in Congo. Chinese firms like China Molybdenum Company Limited, or CMOC, and Zijin Mining dominate the Congolese mining sector, controlling 80 percent of its cobalt production, while U.S. companies are largely absent. Arizona-based Freeport-McMoRan exited the Congo in 2020, selling significant mining assets to CMOC. Other than the Bill Gates-backed mining and AI start-up KoBold Metals, which agreed to buy a stake in projects developing Congos lithium reserves recently, the U.S. commercial presence there remains minimal. China is also Congos largest trading partner, but growing Congolese dissatisfaction with profit-sharing arrangements as well as environmental damage and labor conditions at Chinese-run mining sitesin addition to Tshisekedis fight for political survivalhas created an opening for U.S. businesses. In principle, this moment offers an opportunity to redefine U.S.-Congo relations. Ideally, Kinshasa would leverage its mineral wealth to forge a partnership delivering broad economic development rather than elite enrichment. Such a path would require security reforms, anti-corruption measures and improvements to the business climate. The Tshisekedi government would need to develop a clear strategy for U.S. companies to operate alongside dominant Chinese interests and articulate a coherent vision for industrialization. Without these reforms, new investments risk perpetuating the paradox of a resource-rich nation plagued by poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the U.S. side, this critical window of opportunity would ideally see a reimagining of U.S. foreign policy in Congo and Africa more broadly. A meaningful shift would demand moving beyond traditional foreign aid models to increase commercial diplomacy and build long-term Congolese capacity in mining and agriculture. Future U.S. engagement in Congo would also prioritize the creation of a more resilient and equitable supply chain that benefits both nations. The ultimate focus would be on establishing a strategic partnership that prioritizes investments in shared objectives, such as human capital development, technological innovation and value-added mineral processing. Such initiatives would position Congo as a sovereign actor in the global mineral supply chain rather than merely an extraction site, as was the case during the Cold War era. Unfortunately, the Trump administrations transactional approach to foreign policy, which prioritizes the pursuit of critical minerals, coupled with the Tshisekedi governments fragility and governance challenges, makes this best-case scenario unlikely. But that doesnt mean giving up on the current diplomatic efforts seeking to bring an end to the conflict eastern Congo. To the contrary, it might be the first step on a path that in the future may lead to more transformative outcomes. But ultimately, those transformative outcomes will be necessary. As the worlds demand for critical minerals grows, the DRCs stability is not just an African concern but a global one. And while military assistance and extractive mineral deals may quash conflict for the time being, they are not a path to achieving lasting peace. Innovative strategies that depart from Cold War tactics will be needed, as well as a bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the DRC that is rooted in a shared vision of economic growth and mutual prosperity, and finally grounded in mutual respect, fairness and true partnership. Laura Kupe is a Planetary Politics senior fellow at New America. She is a German-born, Congolese-American attorney who has worked in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, and as a congressional staffer. The views expressed here are her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is part of an ongoing partnership between World Politics Review and New Americas Planetary Politics program, which will focus on the energy transition, the digital revolution and the shifting dynamics of global power blocs, with a particular emphasis on how these factors impact the Global South and global governance. The post The U.S. Should Aim Higher in Its Minerals for Peace Deal With Congo appeared first on World Politics Review. The United States Department of State has issued a new travel advisory for a foreign country, and it's a nation that many travelers visit from America each year. The new advisory on Tuesday says that Switzerland is now a "Level 1" country in terms of travel, which means that travelers are meant to "exercise normal precautions." Travelers have been instructed to sign up for alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Bern, to read the country security report for Switzerland and to prepare for emergencies as they would while traveling to any other country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country security report says that travelers should watch out for "petty crime" during their stay in Switzerland, particularly in larger cities like Geneva. "The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pocket picking, petty theft, and larceny," the State Dept. says. "These crimes are particularly prevalent in transportation hubs and tourist areas. Exercise good situational awareness and take common sense precautions with belongings when out in public, especially in larger cities, to mitigate risk." The State Dept. also noted that pickpockets often work in pairs - one to distract the victim while the other actual steals their belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kidnapping was not noted as a threat, but the State Department noted Bern as an area of low threat for terrorism and political violence, while giving Geneva a medium rating for both scenarios. "Extremists have long viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and providing logistical support for terrorist operations, but the country had long avoided the terrorist attacks that have stricken other Western European nations," the department noted, adding that "spontaneous acts of violence from jihadist-inspired individuals" were the main source of terrorism in Switzerland. "Lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational; their willingness to attack civilians and soft targets; their ability to inflict significant casualties with weapons that do not require specialized knowledge, access, or training; and their unpredictability. " "The global call for self-radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or via social media, continues," the department said. As a busy summer travel season prepares to start in a matter of days, we'll see if travelers decide to heed the warning form the state department, or if they choose another country to travel to. Earlier this month, the United Nations Security Council renewed the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan amid a worsening security climate in the country. In voting for the renewal, the U.S. acting ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, stated that the United States is committed to the UN returning to its foundational purpose of maintaining international peace and security. But for all the United States rhetoric about the value and importance of peacekeeping, only two weeks prior it had withdrawn its own small contingent of military officers from the U.N. force in South Sudan, known as UNMISS. A week before that, a memo that leaked to the press included a plan to freeze U.S. contributions to peacekeeping missions altogether. This disconnect between U.S. rhetoric and actions may seem puzzling, but is consistent with U.S. President Donald Trumps policy agenda in three ways. First, pulling money from Blue Helmet peacekeeping operations, which is the main thing Americans think of when they think of the U.N., fits the Trump administrations broader political promise to voters to conspicuously slash what it considers to be wasteful bloat at the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the removal of U.S. military personnel from UNMISS appears to be connected to South Sudans initial denial of entry to a Congolese national removed from the U.S. as part of Trumps mass deportation policy in early April, though Juba later relented and admitted him in the spirit of the friendly relations between South Sudan and the United States. If so, this kind of retaliation would be consistent with the transactionalism Trump is known for. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Third, the U.S. rhetoric at the Security Council is aimed at countering what it views as mission creep in U.N. practice. As Shea pointedly noted when UNMISS was renewed, Peacekeeping mandates, including this one, should not pursue ideological goals that are difficult to define and even more challenging to implement on the ground, but rather focus on core Chapter VII functions. As for the U.N. more generally, she added the potential of the system is commendable, but it has fallen quite far from its original mission, reflecting a general White House concern for the U.N. to get back to basics. Shea is correct that U.N. peacekeeping is worthwhile, and acknowledgment of that fact could offer the Trump administration an opportunity to further rethink and pivot on matters of global peace and security, as it has done in recent days on the India-Pakistan and Israel-Hamas conflicts, and may be planning on the Russia-Ukraine war. After all, of all the U.N. agencies that Trump could target for funding cuts, peacekeeping is actually the one most aligned with the U.N.s core mission of conflict prevention. It is also the one that is most likely to be cost-effectiveeight times more cost-effective than unilateral U.S. stability and support operations, to be exact. Based on that cost-benefit analysis, the Trump administration could actually get a better bang for its buck by coupling its desired U.N. reforms with efforts to enhance the factors scholars know help peacekeeping missions succeed, rather than by pulling resources altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.N. peacekeeping is widely understood to be one of the most powerful and effective conflict-intervention tools in human history. Political scientists who have studied these missions have found marked improvements across the board on various measures, including the speed with which wars end, the reduced likelihood of them restarting and the reduced likelihood of civilians being killed or sexually assaulted. The Trump administration could actually get a better bang for its buck by coupling its desired U.N. reforms with efforts to enhance the factors that help peacekeeping missions succeed. But as political scientist Page Fortna notes, U.N. missions are often sent to intervene in the hardest conflicts where they are least likely to succeed, and they are often inadequately resourced to boot, which explains why they are also widely perceived as ineffective. The many successes these missions achieve go uncovered by the media, while any failures that occur take the spotlight, with commentators then using those failures to call for the elimination of peacekeeping altogether. Instead, we should be learning from the wider picture of peacekeepings many successes. To be sure, South Sudan is a case that might cast doubt on the efficacy of peacekeeping. Efforts toward sustainable peace have stalled. Refugee flows into neighboring countries remain at crisis levels. And war crimes against civilians by government forces are endemic, including a disturbing turn toward the use of chemical incendiary weapons as well as a recent attack on a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders. But this is a reason not for withdrawal, but rather for a stepped-up U.S. troop presence and infusion of funding, alongside reforms of the missions mandate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because peacekeepers in South Sudan havent always had the ability to put their best foot forward. Its easy to blame the U.N. for this, but in reality the organization is always beholden to the political constraints imposed by member states, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council and especially the U.S., its biggest donor. Member states set out the mandate for each peacekeeping mission from scratch, and they have opportunities to make substantive changes to improve effectivenessincluding by holding senior commanders accountablewhen they renew missions. In fact, as the penholder for South Sudan at the U.N., the U.S. has greater latitude, and therefore greater responsibility, than most for setting that agenda and wielding what leverage it has. Member states also choose whether or not to provide adequate resources for operational success. Washington has historically provided 22 percent of the U.N. peacekeeping budget, and as a result, as Mark Leon Goldberg makes clear, the U.S. footprintand therefore leveragein the peacekeeping world is heavy. Rather than pull out of peacekeeping, the Trump administration could use that leverage to wring even more value out of peacekeeping missions in exchange for its funding. For example, it could require that South Sudan and the Security Council implementand fundspecific fixes known to make a difference. As an example, demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation, or DDR, programs are a staple of successful peacekeeping missions, but they are being starved for resources in South Sudan. This is a fixable problem and a missed opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protection of civilians also works best if small units of dedicated peacekeepers with situational awareness have the latitude to put themselves between vulnerable civilians and armed groups without waiting for approval from up the chain of command. Consider the contrast between the Dutch and Norwegian peacekeeping battalions in the former Yugoslavia. Future updates to the UNMISS mandate could strengthen the ability of the mission and its contractors to operate to prevent massacres without prior authorization. Political scientists Hanne Fjelde, Lisa Hultman and Desiree Nilsson also show that civilian protection operations work better in constraining nonstate actors than in constraining the armed forces of the government whose consent is required for the mission. To solve these problems, member states must use leverage at their disposal to change the behavior of the peacekeeping missions host government as well as militias. In some respects, the U.S. approach to South Sudan following its initial withdrawal of personnel last month is heartening, as the updated rules just approved by the Security Council do call for more accountability for government forces. The Trump administration should be credited with these positive steps. But more could be done. In South Sudan, one driver of the ongoing tensions and civil war remains the easy flow of small arms and tanks into the country through Uganda. An arms embargo is up for renewal later this month, but according to retired U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Edward Carpenterformer chief of policy and plans for UNMISS and author of Blue Helmet[full disclosure: hes also my brother]the embargo is not only ineffective, as it goes largely unenforced, but also ironically counterproductive. Thats because the ban on military aid has historically been interpreted to prohibit the kinds of nonlethal supplies and assistancesuch as uniforms, meals and military-to-military training in professional conduct and the laws of warthat actually assist government forces in maintaining discipline, creating the conditions for peace and providing alternatives to scorched-earth tactics. The language of the embargo was relaxed in 2023 to allow for just this kind of assistance, but so far the U.S. has failed to offer any to the South Sudanese government through various programs at the Defense Departments disposal. Thats unfortunate, because these nonlethal services are exactly the sort of leverage Washington could use to pressure South Sudans government to protect civilians. The government wants and needs these goods, which means they can be used to incentivize real change, Carpenter says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, if the Trump administration really cares about the success of U.N. peacekeeping missions, it has the ability to set new standards of risk and reward for participating states. One of the key political problems any peacekeeping mission faces is domestic casualty-aversion, which makes it harder for senior personnel to protect civilians when it counts. Peacekeeping can be dangerous: Just last week, two Cambodian peacekeepers lost their lives in South Sudan. And because member states often have no appetite for announcing such casualties to their home constituents, missions sometimes get shut down when they become too dangerous. But danger is to be expected in situations where civilians lives are on the line. If the U.S. really wants to support not only the institution of peacekeeping but the idea of it, Washington could commit more troops rather than fewerand model the resolve in the face of casualties that other troop-contributing countries have sometimes lacked when the going gets tough. This would reinforce U.S. leadership on the U.N.s core mission. The U.S. is right to be concerned about revitalizing the U.N.s core mission and values. If Trump views conflict resolution as the most important of those, the data shows that peacekeeping remains the surest of bets, despite the fact that certain hard cases have offered a mixed record. A foreign policy consistent with that goal would see the commitment of U.S. troops and treasure being increased rather than deprioritized, as they would yield valuable returns on investment. Charli Carpenter is a professor of political science and legal studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, specializing in human security and international law. She tweets at @charlicarpenter. The post U.N. Peacekeeping Can Help Trump Advance His Back to Basics Agenda appeared first on World Politics Review. May 20 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, marked the 123rd anniversary of Cuban Independence Day on Tuesday. "On Cuba's Independence Day, I want to express my unwavering support and solidarity for the Cuban people," Rubio said in a prepared statement. "I commend all those who have stood up against over six decades of brutal repression, censorship and human rights violations at the hands of the illegitimate Cuban regime," Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their tireless advocacy for a free, democratic and prosperous Cuba remains a beacon of hope and resistance for the world," he added. "Today we honor their sacrifice, courage and resilience." Cuban Independence Day marks the anniversary of the date when Cuba officially became independent of Spain in 1902. Cuban pro-democracy groups in the greater Miami area also are celebrating Cuban Independence Day with a rally scheduled in Tamiami Park during the evening hours, WFLA reported. The rally's aim is to pressure the Cuban dictatorship and communist government to leave the island nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bay of Pigs Assault Brigade veteran Rafael Montalvo said President Donald Trump could help remove the Cuban regime through his foreign policy and "restore the island into a first-class destination," according to the WFLA report. Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and in February expanded visa restrictions on Cuban officials and others who are forcing Cuban citizens to participate in the Cuban labor export programs. Rubio said Cuban elites profit from the forced labor of workers, including skilled healthcare workers who are forced to provide healthcare services overseas. The Cuban labor export program deprives Cubans of much-needed medical care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States is committed to countering forced labor practices around the globe," he added. "To do so, we must promote accountability, not just for Cuban officials responsible for these policies, but also those complicit in the exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers," Rubio said. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a case on whether or not citizen ballot proposals could amend the Michigan Constitution regulating federal elections, one previously dismissed by a lower court. In 2023, a group of state legislators filed a complaint in Lindsey v. Whitmer, claiming that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution by adopting amendments (Proposal 18-3 and Proposal 22-2) regulating federal elections without the state legislatures participation. The Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution reads: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. These lawmakers called for a declaratory judgment that allowing a petition and ballot proposal to amend the Constitution regarding federal elections without the state legislatures approval or participation violated their constitutional rights. They also sought to have the 2018 and 2022 constitutional amendments rendered null and void, as they were adopted through the petition and ballot proposal process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, a federal judge dismissed the complaint, saying the lawmakers did not have enough standing and that their complaints were too generalized, meaning that the court had no case or controversy to decide under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which confines the authority of federal courts to only concrete cases. Later that year, the U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed that decision, and, Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, one of the named defendants in the case, weighed in. The U.S. Supreme Courts action has rightly upheld the power of Michigan voters to amend the state constitution and preserves the important checks and balances in our democratic process, said Benson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read the petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, which also contains background information on Lindsey v. Whitmer, below. 20250320172442430_24-PetitionDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. U.S. Supreme Court | Susan J. Demas The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a lawsuit filed by nearly a dozen Michigan Republican lawmakers seeking to roll back voting rights measures passed by voters in 2018 and 2022. The suit, filed in 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, argued that because the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution, found in Article I, Section 4, provides for state legislatures to regulate the times, places, and manner of holding federal elections, measures passed by citizen-led petition initiatives are unconstitutional as they infringed on the state Legislatures role within state election law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Courts refusal to take the case was the third, and now final, rejection after the lawsuit was initially dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Beckering, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, in April 2024 for a lack of standing, a decision which was then affirmed by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2024. The lawsuit was sponsored by Michigan Fair Elections and the Great Lakes Justice Center and named Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Michigan Director of Elections Jonathan Brater as defendants. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Benson hailed the decision not to take up the case as a victory for the people of Michigan, saying the U.S. Supreme Court had correctly upheld the right of Michigan voters to amend the state constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, voters in Michigan have overwhelmingly supported ballot initiatives to create a citizen-led independent redistricting process, to guarantee at least nine days of early voting for every statewide election, and to make voting more accessible for every eligible citizen. Todays action ensures that the will of the voters will stand on these and other issues important to the people of our state, Benson said. Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022 both passed with at least 60% of the vote and guaranteed the rights to same-day voter registration, nine days of early voting, absentee voting, among other rights. After voters approved the constitutional amendments, the Legislature passed legislation implementing the measures. The suit sought not only to halt the changes brought on by the voter-passed initiatives, but also prohibit the future use altogether of citizen-led petition initiatives when they pertain to state election law. We also have procedures in place at the state level to amend election law, state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), one of the 11 lawmakers who filed the suit, said at the time. However, these processes were violated in 2018 and 2022 when an alternative amendment process was used without regard to federal constitutional requirements. This lawsuit challenges recent attempts to subvert our constitutional process and will protect against such actions in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal argument behind the lawsuit, known as the independent state legislature theory, was mostly rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2023 when it ruled in Moore v Harper. In that cases 6-3 majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that there were limits to state legislative power in such matters, effectively repudiating the claim that only state legislatures had the power to make election rules, thus providing state and federal courts, and by extension, state constitutions, a role in that process. May 20 (UPI) -- The United States and United Arab Emirates are deepening their commercial and defensive ties following President Donald Trump's recent diplomatic trip to the Middle East. Officials with the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and the UAE's Tawazun Council signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday in a news release. "We are building a global network by fostering collaboration to stay ahead of emerging threats," DIU Director Doug Beck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are accelerating the integration of commercial technologies into the defense markets," Beck added. He said the accelerated integration of technologies will occur by working together to develop technologies with the help of national security and private sector experts and non-traditional companies. The MOU includes using "non-traditional practices" to develop and access "cutting-edge technologies" to improve both nations' defensive capabilities. The collaborative effort expands defensive investments and industrial partnerships while building a "strong international community of defense innovation entities, according to the DOD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department "is enhancing best practices for harnessing and sharing the best commercially derived technologies for the warfighter in defense of the free and open international system through mission-driven collaboration among the many nations that rely on that system," the DOD release said. Trump on Thursday also announced $200 billion in commercial agreements between the United States and the UAE. The agreement includes forming an artificial intelligence alliance and launching a 1-gigawatt and jointly run AI technology cluster that will be located in the UAE's capital of Abu Dhabi. Other elements of the $200 billion deal include the UAE's Etihad Airways spending $14.5 billion to buy 28 U.S.-built Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emirates Global Aluminum will invest another $4 billion to develop an aluminum smelter in Oklahoma and double that nation's annual aluminum production capability. UAE entities also will collaborate with U.S.-based oil and natural gas producers to expand production of both inside the United States and to lower energy costs in both nations. Many other deals were secured during Trump's visit to the Middle East last week and total $2 trillion in investment agreements, according to White House officials. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. There is a strong demand for Islamic financial services in Turkmenistan, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. In Turkmenistan, the Islamic finance industry is still in its nascent stage, with no Islamic financial institution currently operating in the country. However, there is a strong demand for Islamic financial services, given the high Muslim population. Efforts have been made to raise awareness, such as the Islamic trade finance workshop organized by the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the IsDB Group, in 2022. The workshop, which focused on operational aspects of Islamic banking, attracted numerous local financial institutions, indicating substantial interest in the industry, reads the report. The authors note that with a mix of state, joint-stock, and overseas banks operating in Turkmenistan, the presence of Islamic windows could potentially benefit the countrys financial sector. Due to data inaccessibility, forecasting future Islamic finance assets in Turkmenistan remains challenging, says the document. Moving is hard enough, from dealing with the logistics of transporting household items all the way to unpacking. But what if you were essentially forced to move and pay more in rent? Its a prospect students and their families say they face at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theyre putting up a fight. Who is affected? A number of students with families are upset about a planned upgrade to housing at the school that will push them out of their current student apartments which are offered at below-market rates and into a new facility where they will pay 30% more in rent per month, according to ABC7 News Bay Area. Local newspaper Lookout Santa Cruz reports the 200-unit family housing facility on the west side of campus is set to be demolished to make way for new undergraduate housing. The university could start moving out families in the fall. Students were informed of the rent increase in January. What was going through my head was that its $600 more a month, its like money coming directly from my paycheck, from the university, back into the university, Nate Edenhofer, a teaching assistant, told ABC7 News in a story published April 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complex visited by the broadcaster was old and run down, but residents insist many units remain livable. Here are four vacant units in a row, and every single one is a two-bedroom apartment that a family could be living in right now, Aaron Chang, whose wife is a grad student, told ABC7 News while giving a tour of the area. The university says it has a plan to increase student housing by 40% in the next five years. 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 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed rate increase is necessary to cover rising operational costs, including expenses associated with the new building, staff salaries and utilities a spokesperson for the school told Lookout. Officials have repeatedly shot down requests to rescind the rent increase. Chang and other tenants planned to hold a rally to protest rent hikes at the new facility, per ABC7 News, while Edenhofer was handing out posters that said No rent hikes for student families and asking fellow residents to display them in their windows. How to budget for higher rent Whether youre forced to move into a place with higher rent, or your current landlord has decided to raise the price at your current home, its important to account for the additional costs. First, take a look at how much the increase will be for each month so you have a clearer understanding of the budgeting changes youll need to make. Look at your current spending plan to see which other areas you may be able to cut back on. For example, is it possible to take public transportation a few times a week to cut down on gas? Or will cutting back on dining out once a week suffice? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also possible that theres no room to cut expenses in your budget. If this means you cant cover your essential costs, you may need to make a plan on how to increase your income, whether its by taking on additional part-time work or starting a side hustle. Taking on roommates could help lower costs. Assuming this is feasible, you can save because youre splitting rent and utilities with others. Be sure to ask your landlord whether this is possible, and add roommates on your lease. Moving to a more affordable apartment could make sense if any of the above options dont work. There may be some costs associated with moving, like setting aside funds for a security deposit and any applicable fees from breaking your current lease. Dont forget moving costs, such as renting a truck and purchasing moving supplies. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Later this week, the city of Dayton will welcome people from across the world for the NATO summit. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] University of Dayton professor Dr. Natalie Hudson will speak to lawmakers about improving protections for women and girls across the globe. Last month, the US Secretary of Defense stated he planned to end the Women, Peace and Security program by next budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hudson hopes her NATO address will keep the conversation about the agenda going. TRENDING STORIES: NATO, since the early 2000s, has adopted this agenda. Its a commitment to the inclusion of women and gender perspectives in all the work, Hudson said. She will speak to a private panel on behalf of 60 lawmakers about improving protection needs for women and girls globally. Hudson has studied this agenda for more than 20 years and said a lot has changed since it was introduced 25 years ago. Particularly this time, when some of the policy agendas are under question. Particularly my own country here, she said. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Ugandas parliament has passed a controversial bill authorising military tribunals for civilians, drawing condemnation from opposition figures and rights groups, who accuse the government of trying to silence opponents, which it denies. The practice has long been used in Uganda, but was struck down by the countrys top court in January. The Supreme Court had ruled that the military tribunals lacked legal competence to try civilians and failed to meet fair trial standards. Despite that ruling, lawmakers moved ahead Tuesday with the legislation, which permits civilians to be tried in military courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment, said General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the military and son of President Yoweri Museveni, in a post on X. Earlier this month, Kainerugaba said that he was holding a missing opposition activist in his basement and threatened violence against him, after the mans party said he was abducted. Musevenis government has frequently defended military trials as necessary for national security amid concerns about armed opposition and alleged threats to state stability. Military spokesperson Chris Magezi said the legislation would deal decisively with armed violent criminals, deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes, and ensure national security is bound on a firm foundational base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But critics say the move is part of a broader pattern of repression. Theres no legal basis to provide for the trial of civilians in the military court, opposition MP Jonathan Odur told parliament during debate on the bill. He described the legislation as shallow, unreasonable and unconstitutional. Uganda has for years used military courts to prosecute opposition politicians and government critics. In 2018, pop star-turned-opposition-leader Bobi Wine was charged in a military court with illegal possession of firearms. The charges were later dropped. Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition figure who has challenged Museveni in multiple elections, was arrested in Kenya last year and returned to Uganda to face a military tribunal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Supreme Courts January ruling, his trial was moved to a civilian court. His party, the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF), has denounced the charges as politically motivated. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has previously criticised Ugandas military courts for failing to meet international standards of judicial independence and fairness. Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at HRW, said earlier this year: The Ugandan authorities have for years misused military courts to crack down on opponents and critics. KAMPALA (Reuters) -Uganda's parliament on Tuesday passed an amended law that permits military tribunals to try civilians, prompting protests from the opposition who said the move violated a Supreme Court ruling in January that banned such trials. The practice, in use for the last two decades, has long been criticised by opposition politicians and rights campaigners who accuse the government of using courts martial to silence opponents, which it denies. In a post on the X platform, parliament said the legislation had been passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The head of the military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praised the speaker of parliament and government lawmakers for passing the bill. "Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment," he said on X. Military spokesman Chris Magezi said the law "will deal decisively with armed violent criminals, deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes, and ensure national security is bound on a firm foundational base." During a debate on the law, opposition politician Jonathan Odur, said the legislation was "shallow, unreasonable and unconstitutional." "There's no legal basis to provide for trial of civilians in the military court." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next step will be for President Yoweri Museveni to approve the law for it to take effect. In a ruling in January, Uganda's Supreme Court forbade military trials of civilians, saying the tribunals lacked legal competence to handle criminal trials in a fair and impartial manner. The verdict forced authorities to transfer the trial of a major opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who was undergoing military prosecution for offences including treason, to a civilian court. Besigye, who has previously challenged incumbent Museveni four times in elections, was detained in neighbouring Kenya last year and brought to Uganda to face a military court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers and his party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), have called the charges politically motivated. Opposition leader Bobi Wine was also in 2018 charged in a military court for alleged illegal possession of firearms although the charges against the pop star-turned-politician were later dropped. Human Rights Watch has previously criticised Uganda's military courts, saying they did not meet international judicial standards of competence, independence and impartiality. The courts also routinely use evidence extracted through torture of defendants while also ignoring other key fair trial rules, the rights group said. The military denies the accusations. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa, Ammu Kannampilly, Alexandra Hudson) KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) Ugandan lawmakers on Tuesday passed a government-backed bill to authorize civilian trials in military courts, defying widespread criticism by opposition figures and others who called it a backward gesture. The contentious legislation was introduced earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled that civilians cant be court-martialed, questioning the competence of untrained military officers to dispense justice. The bill states that civilians can be court-martialed if their alleged offenses are in support of or in association with persons subject to military law. It also says that presiding officers must be qualified in law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But opposition figures, rights activists and others insist such legislation is an anti-democratic effort as the east African country heads into elections scheduled for 2026. They say the bill is a danger to everyone who opposes President Yoweri Museveni, an authoritarian leader who has held power in the east African country since 1986. Some members of the opposition walked out of the parliamentary chamber before the bill was passed, protesting what they said was an illegality. The legislation is an attempt to unconstitutionally grant judicial powers reserved for superior courts to subordinate military courts that have specialized jurisdiction to handle only military disciplinary offenses, the Uganda-based rights group Chapter Four said in a statement. Museveni is expected to sign the bill within days. The president and his son, army commander Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had condemned the Supreme Court's decision to effectively disband court-martials. Days after that ruling, government officials launched the process of introducing legislation to keep military courts active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Museveni said in a statement following the courts decision that the country is not governed by the judges. He is expected to run again in polls set for January 2026. Many Ugandans expect an unpredictable political transition because the 80-year-old Museveni has no obvious successor within the ranks of the ruling National Resistance Movement party. Some observers fear that in future he may step aside in favor of Kainerugaba in a bloodless coup. Kainerugaba has asserted his wish to succeed his father as president. A long-time opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been jailed since November over alleged treason charges his lawyers say are politically motivated. Besigye, a qualified physician who retired from Ugandas military at the rank of colonel, is a former president of the Forum for Democratic Change party, for many years Ugandas most prominent opposition group. Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of political power since independence from the British in 1962. ____ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa By Sam Tabahriti LONDON (Reuters) -Britain announced wide-ranging new sanctions targeting Russia's military, energy and financial sectors on Tuesday, ramping up pressure on Moscow in coordination with the European Union, which announced parallel measures. Britain said the sanctions against 100 new targets follow Russian drone attacks over the weekend against Ukrainian cities, the biggest drone onslaught of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new measures target the supply chains of Russian weapons systems including Iskander missiles, Kremlin-funded information operations and financial institutions that help Russia evade sanctions, Britain said. "We urge (Russian President Vladimir Putin) to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace," UK Foreign Minister David Lammy said. "We have been clear that delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putin's war machine." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leaders of major EU countries have jointly called for Washington to join them in imposing tougher sanctions against Russia for rejecting a ceasefire in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Putin on Monday that ended with no ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement late on Tuesday, Starmer's office said the British prime minister held a call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss the new sanctions imposed on Russia. Both leaders agreed it was "vital to keep the pressure on Russia while they continued their illegal invasion of Ukraine," Downing Street said. The new British sanctions target all levels of a group called the Social Design Agency, previously sanctioned in 2024, which London has described as a Russian disinformation body that tried to incite protests in European countries. Forty-six financial institutions that London said help Russia circumvent sanctions were also hit, including the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency, which insures Russian banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighteen more vessels were added to the sanctions list, described as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" of ships used to bypass Western restrictions and maintain Russian crude exports. Individuals associated with this fleet were also hit, including a British national the government said had procured ships and two Russian captains of shadow fleet tankers. Britain said it was also working with international partners to lower a $60 per barrel oil price cap that limits the price Russia can charge for its oil when transported using services such as insurance and shipping from major industrial countries. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Writing by Sarah Young and Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Paul Simao) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man from the United Kingdom was sentenced in Washington, D.C., for his involvement in a fraud scheme while he was a contractor for a U.S. Agency for International Development-funded (USAID) program in Pakistan. 53-year-old Stephen Paul Edmund Sutton pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. While serving as a logistics operations manager, Sutton took a portion of USAID funds that were used to pay for services. It took more than two years for him to be extradited to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From May 2015 through November 2015, Sutton and one of his employees conspired to conduct a kickback scheme in order to steal funds from the federal government. In 2010, the power distribution program (PDP) was launched in Pakistan to help improve the countrys government-owned electric power distribution companies. The goal was aimed at addressing government issues, including low revenues, by advancing their technology. Video: Fire rages at mansion-style home in DC Under the PDP contract, Suttons employer subcontracted through purchase orders with vendors in Pakistan for certain goods and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the scheme, Sutton and his co-conspirator obtained purchase orders for forklift and crane services, but instead transferred the profits to themselves. As part of the scheme, they hired low-grade local vendors to provide the services for at least half the contract rates, and Sutton ensured that the company paid the invoices despite suspicions raised by an accounts payable officer. U.S. government sentencing documents indicate USAID was defrauded of almost $100,000. For his part, Sutton reportedly received at least $21,000 in kickbacks. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. He was sentenced to time served and one day of supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suttons co-conspirator is also charged by indictment his case is pending disposition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The UK government has announced the extension of sanctions against Russia in response to the large-scale Russian UAV attack on Ukraine on the night of 17-18 May. Source: European Pravda; a statement by the UK government Details: The sanctions will affect 100 facilities in Russia's defence, energy and financial sectors, as well as those waging an information war against Ukraine. The measures target supply chains for Russian weapons systems, including Iskander ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sanctions also target 14 other members of the Social Design Agency (SDA), which conducts Kremlin-funded information operations designed to undermine sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine and around the world. In addition, these measures will disrupt Putin's efforts to avoid sanctions and help block his failed attempts to re-establish ties with the international economy. The restrictions include 46 financial institutions that help Russia evade sanctions, as well as the St Petersburg Currency Exchange and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency, which insures Russian banks. The sanctions will also apply to 18 shadow fleet vessels transporting Russian oil and to those who facilitate the activities of this fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, sanctions were imposed against a British citizen, John Michael Ormerod, who purchased ships for Russia's shadow fleet, and two Russian tanker captains of the shadow fleet. "Putins latest strikes once again show his true colours as a warmonger. We urge him to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace," said David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary. The UK is also working with partners on a proposal to lower the price ceiling on Russian oil. Background: On the night of 17-18 May, Russia attacked Ukraine with 273 attack drones; 88 of them were shot down, while another 128 disappeared from radar. On 20 May, the EU also approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 17th in a row since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the EU is already working on, may include restrictions on banks outside the European Union that support the Russian defence industry and armed forces, in addition to Russian banks. On 16 May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the new package of EU sanctions against Russia, which is being prepared to increase pressure on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, may include sanctions against Russian financial institutions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A variety of vegetables and fruits imported from outside the EU could become more expensive in the UK, following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pledge to align the country with the EUs food and drink import regulations. This could impact fruits such as pineapples, avocados, oranges and mangoes, as well as more regularly used items such as tomatoes. According to the Fresh Produce Consortium, only 5% of fresh food products on average are inspected currently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the moment, EU import checks are more rigorous than those already in place in the UK. This means that the UK may soon have to deal with more border red tape, which could in turn result in price hikes for these food items. Nigel Jenney, the chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said, as reported by The Telegraph: Whilst we have resolved the EU border position, we have moved the problem and the cost to non-EU goods. What we have saved on one hand, we have lost on the other. A lot of that cost or a lot of that burden now appears to have been applied- subject to dynamic alignment- to goods being sourced from the rest of the world. Less than 5% of citrus fruits coming into the UK are inspected currently, but following this deal, that figure could rise to 100%, increasing costs and delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related What does the UK currently import? The International Trade Centre estimates that nearly one-third of avocados imported into the UK last year originated from Peru, whereas almost 93% of imported pineapples were from Costa Rica. The UK imports around half of its oranges from South Africa or Egypt, whereas around a quarter of tomatoes come from Morocco. The country also imports onions, lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, cauliflowers and broccoli, along with exotic vegetables such as yams, which could also be affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European fruit and vegetable producers are not yet able to replace these imports at the required scale, which means that UK importers will likely have no option but to cough up the higher costs and deal with the delays involved. Although European farmers could eventually plant more crops, especially for citrus fruits, to meet the higher demand coming from the UK, prices are still likely to increase in the short term. Similarly, worries about delays at ports and longer wait times before products reach shop shelves have been expressed. However, the UK government has emphasised that this deal is expected to help the EU and UK to sidestep inspections for several plant and animal products, which in turn could lower the prices for those food items and provide greater choices to consumers. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Sukuk, or Sharia-compliant bonds, could play a key role in attracting foreign investors seeking opportunities in Central Asia, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. For Sukuk to flourish in the region, a number of enabling factors will need to be realised, such as a level playing field in tax laws and capital markets regulation, more benchmark sovereign Sukuk issuances, and the subsequent fostering of a corporate Sukuk market in Central Asia, reads the report. The authors note that over the next 5-10 years, as Central Asian countries continue to build on previous initiatives, momentum should build towards strengthening the fundamentals underpinning their nascent Islamic finance ecosystems. These could include a more developed Islamic banking landscape with more varied products and services on offer, thriving Islamic capital markets with greater Sukuk and Shariah-compliant equity issuances, and growing markets for Islamic asset management and Islamic FinTech. Beyond these core elements, Central Asian jurisdictions may also look to eventually incorporate wider developments from the evolution of Islamic finance in leading jurisdictions such as Malaysia and the UAE, as well as market practices from large Islamic economies such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the document says. The report reveals that some of these developments would likely include a move towards greater integration of Islamic finance with ESG and sustainability practices; linkages with the halal economy sectors such as halal food, Muslim-friendly travel and tourism, and modest fashion; and the deepening of Islamic banking products and services and local Islamic capital markets so that Central Asian Islamic banks can increase their domestic market shares and Central Asian countries can tap foreign investments into their burgeoning economies. As a sector, the Islamic finance industry in these five countries will need to develop a wide range of products and services that can serve Shariah-sensitive corporates and investors looking to Central Asia for business and investment opportunities. Products such as working capital (e.g., murabahah-based contracts), leasing (ijarah structures), and various trade finance instruments (such as Shariahcompliant letters of credit) may be needed to cater to these corporates needs in Central Asia, the document says. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada have strongly opposed the expansion of Israels military offensive in Gaza, threatening to take concrete actions if Israel does not cease its onslaught and lift restrictions on aid supply to the Palestinian enclave. In a statement released on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said they also oppose settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank. Settler violence has surged in the occupied West Bank as the worlds focus has remained on Gaza. Nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and thousands displaced in Israeli raids. The statement comes weeks after the Netherlands urged the European Union (EU) to review a trade agreement with Israel as the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified its bombardment of Gaza amid an aid blockade in place since March 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western countries backed Israels right to self-defence when Netanyahus government launched a devastating offensive in Gaza on October 7, 2023. That offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians and turned vast swathes of Gaza into rubble. On Tuesday, the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Israel has the right to defend itself, but its current actions go beyond proportionate self-defence. So what steps might Western countries take against Israel, and has Israels latest Gaza onslaught forced them to change their position? Here is what you need to know: What did the UK, France and Canada say? The countries three leaders criticised Israels renewed Gaza offensive, while describing the human suffering of Palestinians in the coastal enclave as intolerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also said that Israels announcement of letting some aid in was wholly inadequate. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response, the leaders statement said. The Israeli Governments denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three Western leaders said that while they supported Israels right to defend itself following Hamass attack on October 7, this escalation is wholly disproportionate. We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions, they said. On Tuesday, the UK announced it would suspend trade talks with Israel over the Gaza war. It also imposed sanctions on settlers and organisations backing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israels conduct in its war on Gaza and the governments support for illegal settlements is damaging our relationship with your government, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. My joint statement with @EmmanuelMacron and @MarkJCarney on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/76vYpB42xf Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 20, 2025 Amid intense international pressure, Israeli authorities on Monday cleared nine aid trucks to enter Gaza, where harsh restrictions on food and aid have sparked accusations that Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the United Nations relief chief Tom Fletcher called the entry of the trucks a drop in the ocean, adding that significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza. Fletcher on Tuesday warned that 14,000 Palestinian babies were at risk of dying in the next 48 hours if aid doesnt reach them a figure he called utterly chilling. Some half a million people in Gaza, or one in five Palestinians, are facing starvation due to the Israeli blockade. Starving Palestinians have resorted to eating animal feed and flour mixed with sand, highlighting acute suffering among the 2.3 million people in Gaza. The UN humanitarian offices spokesman Jens Laerke said on Tuesday that about 100 more trucks have been approved by Israel to enter Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shifting their focus to the occupied West Bank, the leaders of the UK, France and Canada said they opposed all attempts to expand Israeli settlements, as they are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions, they said. Yara Hawari, co-director of Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network, says the statement by the UK, Canada, and France is reflective of states wanting to backtrack and try and cover up their complicity, highlighting that the situation in Gaza is the worst that it has ever been and that the genocide is reaching new levels of cruelty and inhumaneness. They can point to the statement and say, you know, well, we did stand up against it, Hawari told Al Jazeera, adding that none have stopped arms sales to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawari specifically referenced the UKs role, saying it was particularly complicit in this. There are reports coming out every day on how many weapons have been transferred from the UK to Israel over the course of the last 19 months, she said. Displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Younis, Gaza, amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the area, on Monday, May 19, 2025. [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo] What else have Western nations said? Swedens Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said on Tuesday that her country will push for EU sanctions against Israeli ministers because of insufficient steps to protect civilians in Gaza. Since we do not see a clear improvement for the civilians in Gaza, we need to raise the tone further. We will therefore now also push for EU sanctions against individual Israeli ministers, Stenergard said in a statement. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded that Israels blind violence and blockade of humanitarian assistance must come to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, 24 countries, overwhelmingly European ones, issued a joint statement saying Israels decision to allow a limited restart of aid operations in Gaza must be followed by a complete resumption of unfettered humanitarian assistance. It was signed by the foreign ministers of countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the UK. Meanwhile, the European Unions top diplomat, Kallas, has decided to order a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a free trade deal between the two regions. Kallas told Al Jazeera that the Netherlands earlier this month had sought review of the Association Agreement, particularly Article 2 which states that both parties must respect human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has been backed by other member states, including Belgium, France, Portugal and Sweden. Robert Patman, a professor of international relations at the University of Otago in New Zealand, says the recent criticism emanating from Western capitals was in part due to public pressure. I think theres a sense that in liberal democracies, they cant ultimately be indifferent to public concern about the situation I think another factor is a perception among many countries that [US President Donald] Trump himself is getting impatient with the Netanyahu government, he told Al Jazeera. Patman explained that with many countries in the Global South having experienced colonialism before, they were quicker than the West to condemn Israels actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have a history of having to struggle for their own political self-determination, and given that experience, they can empathise with the Palestinians whove been denied the right, he said. Palestinian mourn their relatives who were killed in an Israeli army airstrike at the morgue of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah on May 20, 2025. [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo] How has Israel responded? Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday criticised Carney, Macron and Starmer following their joint statement. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on 7 October while inviting more such atrocities, he posted on X. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) May 19, 2025 Meanwhile, Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich lashed out at the three leaders, saying his country will not bow its head before this moral hypocrisy, antisemitism, and one-sidedness. In a post on X, Smotrich accused the three countries of morally aligning themselves with a terrorist organisation. In particular, Smotrich took issue with the three countries saying they are committed to recognising a Palestinian state. They have gone so far as to seek to reward terrorism by granting it a state, he said. Netanyahus government and his far-right coalition partners have been vocal against the realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state despite broad international support for the so-called two-state solution. What is Operation Gideons Chariot? This major ground offensive, launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, came after days of intense bombardment that killed hundreds of Palestinians. Since Sunday, more than 200 people have been killed in a relentless wave of strikes. Major hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, have been rendered nonoperational after attacks by Israeli forces. Medical professionals said it could lead to the deaths of thousands of sick and wounded people. With the backing of Israels lethal air force, the operation is targeting both southern and northern Gaza. The Israeli military said the offensive was launched to expand operational control in the Gaza Strip. Israel says its campaign also aims to free the remaining captives held in Gaza and defeat Hamas. However, Netanyahu has been repeatedly criticised by segments of Israeli society, including captives families, for failing to prioritise their return. He has also rejected Hamass offers to end the war and free the captives. Relatives of journalist Mohammed Amin Abu Dhaka, who was killed in Israeli attack on the town of Abasan al-Kebira, mourn after the body is taken from Nasser Hospital for funeral in Khan Yunis on May 20 [Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency] How will the Western actions impact Israel, and whats next? Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at Kings College London, said that the threats from the UK, France and Canada against Israel set a precedent for other Western governments to emulate. While it will not have a direct impact on Israels behaviour on the ground, it widens the boundaries of discourse internationally and makes it easier for other governments to openly stand against Israeli atrocities, he told Al Jazeera. Key to a change of behaviour in Israel, however, remains the United States, he said. The US supplies the bulk of arms to Israel as well as providing diplomatic cover at the United Nations. Yet, there is a tangible erosion of consensus at play internationally as to the perception of Israel, which taints Israel increasingly as a rogue actor, Krieg said. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, told Al Jazeera that the number one thing the three countries could do was impose an arms embargo on Israel. The UK has taken some measures to suspend some arms exports. Its not enough. It has got to be full and comprehensive, he said. Zomlot also said that the states should act to ensure that war criminals were held accountable. They must absolutely support our efforts at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, he said. Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant face ICC arrest warrant for war crimes, but some European nations have said that they wont arrest them. Francesca Albanese, the UNs special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, questioned how the threatened sanctions would be targeted. Targeting whom? You need to impose sanctions on the state. Its not about the prime minister. This is the entire government enterprise, she told Al Jazeera. Krieg from Kings College London says the reputational damage will affect Israel far beyond the current war in Gaza. It will be difficult to build consensus in the future around the narrative that Israel is an ally because it is the only democracy in the Middle East, he told Al Jazeera. By Alistair Smout and Muvija M LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers as its foreign minister condemned a "monstrous" military escalation in Gaza. The Israeli military announced the start of a new operation last week and medics in Gaza say Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past eight days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has also blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March, prompting international experts to warn of looming famine, although some trucks were allowed to enter on Monday. Foreign minister David Lammy said the offensive was "a dark new phase in this conflict", called for Israel to end the blockade of aid and condemned comments by finance minister Bezalel Smotrich on the possible cleansing and destruction of Gaza and relocation of its residents to third countries. "It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," a visibly angry Lammy told lawmakers, adding the operation in Gaza was "incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship". "Today, I'm announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel said Britain had not advanced the trade talks, which started formally in 2022 under a previous Conservative British government, for some time. "The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago," a spokesperson for its foreign ministry said. "External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction." SELF-DEFENCE Britain has said it is committed to Israel's security and argues it has a right to self-defence following the deadly attack on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas. However, Lammy said the new offensive would not secure the release of remaining hostages and that January's ceasefire had shown the better path that Israel should follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "horrified by the escalation" after issuing a joint statement with France and Canada. Lammy said Britain would take further action if Israel pursued its military offensive. Netanyahu has said his country is engaged in a "war of civilization over barbarism" and vowed it would "continue to defend itself by just means until total victory." Israel's ground and air war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly its entire population and killing more than 53,000, according to Gaza health authorities. Britain suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licences with Israel last year over the risk that equipment could be used in serious violations on international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain on Tuesday also sanctioned a number of individuals and groups in the West Bank who it said had been linked with acts of violence against Palestinians, building on sanctions on a number of settlers and settler organisations imposed in 2024. Most countries deem Jewish settlements built on land Israel occupied in a 1967 Middle East war as illegal, and their expansion has for decades been among the most contentious issues. (Reporting by Muvija M, Sachin Ravikumar and Sarah Young, writing by Sam Tabahriti and Alistair Smout; Editing by Kate Holton and Conor Humphries) LONDON (Reuters) -A British man accused of defrauding investors out of nearly $100 million through a Ponzi-like scheme involving non-existent luxury wines lost his fight against extradition from Britain to the United States on Tuesday. Andrew Fuller, who was named by U.S. prosecutors as James Wellesley when he was indicted in 2022, is wanted on wire fraud and money laundering charges in New York. Prosecutors allege that Fuller and his co-defendant Stephen Burton who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023 and pleaded not guilty ran Bordeaux Cellars, a company which said it brokered loans between investors and high net worth wine collectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair allegedly defrauded dozens of investors out of at least $99 million between June 2017 and February 2019. Fuller, 58, challenged his extradition to the U.S. at London's High Court, arguing he should be prosecuted in Britain as the majority of his alleged offending took place there. But Judge Ian Dove dismissed Fuller's appeal, ruling that most of the loss caused by the alleged fraud "occurred or was intended to occur in the U.S." and that Burton's pending trial in New York meant the two defendants should be tried together. Fuller can apply to take his case to the United Kingdom's Supreme Court. His lawyers were not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Alex Richardson) LONDON (AP) The U.K. suspended free trade talks with Israel on Tuesday and hit West Bank settlers with sanctions, less than a day after vowing concrete actions if Israel didn't stop its new military offensive in Gaza. Pressure from close allies is mounting on Israel following a nearly three-month blockade of supplies into Gaza that led to famine warnings. Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government couldn't continue talks on upgrading its existing trade agreement with an Israeli government pursuing what he called egregious policies in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History will judge them," Lammy said. "Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible. And it must stop. Israelis ambassador to the U.K., Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would call the 11-week blockade of aid to Gaza cruel and indefensible. Separately, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza. She said a huge majority of member nations are very keen on sending this message that the suffering of these people is untenable. She did not provide clear details on timing and mechanisms for review. Utterly intolerable Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lammy said the U.K. was imposing sanctions on a further three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organizations supporting violence against the Palestinian community. He said the illegal Israeli settlements were spreading across the West Bank with the explicit support of this Israeli government. Israels Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, called the sanctions against West Bank settlers unjustified and regrettable and said the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced by the U.K. anyway. While Lammys words were welcomed by some in the House of Commons, others called for stronger action, suggesting economic sanctions against Israel and recognizing the state of Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of members shouted for him to call Israels actions genocide, though Lammy labeled it extremism and monstrous. Still others criticized the joint statement, saying it favored Hamas. Opposing the expansion of a war that has killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas, Lammy said. The U.K. announcement followed comments by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called children's suffering in Gaza utterly intolerable and repeated his call for a ceasefire. I want to put on record today that were horrified by the escalation from Israel, Starmer said. Starmer calls for ceasefire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in issuing one of the most significant criticisms by close allies of Israels handling of the war in Gaza and its actions in the West Bank. The three leaders threatened to take concrete actions if the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not cease its renewed military offensive and significantly lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. Netanyahu called the statement a huge prize for Hamas. Starmer said a ceasefire was the only way to free the dozens of hostages Hamas still holds. He also called for increased shipments of humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying the basic quantity allowed by Israel is utterly inadequate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This war has gone on for far too long, Starmer said. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve. While Israel allowed a first few trucks with baby food and desperately needed supplies to begin rolling into Gaza on Monday, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described it as a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed. Israel said dozens more trucks entered Tuesday. Tensions between France and Israel Israel initially received widespread international support to root out Hamas militants following the group's surprise attack that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023, and took 251 captives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But patience with Israel is wearing thin after more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. Israels latest onslaught has killed more than 300 people in recent days, local health officials said. In recent weeks, Macron intensified diplomatic efforts to put pressure on Israel, urging a ceasefire and calling for lifting the blockade of humanitarian aid. Last month, Macron said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, possibly in June when France and Saudi Arabia co-host an international conference about implementing a two-state solution. Macron, who has said that recognizing Palestine is not a taboo for France, last week suggested that revisiting the EUs cooperation agreements with Israel is on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions between France and Israel have escalated after Macron called for stopping arms deliveries for use in Gaza in an October radio interview, prompting Netanyahus criticism. France also sought to impose a ban on Israeli defense companies to prevent them from exhibiting weapons at the Euronaval trade exhibition. Settler violence The U.S., France, the EU, the U.K. and Canada previously hit Israeli settlers and settler groups with sanctions for their involvement in violence against Palestinians and in illegal development in the West Bank. The measures expose the sanctioned people and groups to asset freezes and travel and visa bans. The Associated Press previously reported that these measures have had minimal impact as a deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Settler attacks causing injury or death to Palestinians have surged since the Hamas attack in 2023. Israel says it opposes settler violence and blames it on an extremist fringe. Palestinians say the Israeli army does little to protect them and that the attacks are part of a systematic attempt to expel them from their land. ___ Associated Press writers Natalie Melzer in Nahriya, Israel, and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. The British government announced 100 new sanctions against Russia on May 20, pledging to ramp up pressure as Moscow continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine. The new measures, announced in coordination with the EU's 17th sanctions package, target "entities supporting Russia's military machine, energy exports and information war, as well as financial institutions" supporting the Russian war effort. Even as London and Brussels unveil new economic measures, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington does not plan to impose additional sanctions to avoid disrupting peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K. stressed that the sanctions follow the largest Russian drone strike against Ukraine, involving 273 drones launched against the country overnight on May 18. The restrictions aim to disrupt Russia's supply of weaponry, namely Iskander missiles, which are often used in strikes against civilians. The sanctions further target 14 more members of the Kremlin-funded Social Design Agency (SDA), a sanctioned Russian company accused of information operations aimed at undermining democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine and abroad. The package also includes 18 shadow fleet vessels, 46 financial institutions helping Russia evade sanctions, and measures to prevent Russia from reconnecting to the global economy. The U.K. further said it is reviewing the possibility of further lowering the $60-per-barrel price cap imposed on Russian crude oil. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putins latest strikes once again show his true colours as a warmonger," U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have been clear that delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putins war machine." European leaders have threatened Russia with additional sanctions unless Putin commits to a ceasefire and agrees to seriously engage in peace efforts. President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that a new "strong EU sanctions package" is underway. While European leaders have proclaimed that the new sanctions are coordinated with Washington, Trump denied plans for new U.S. restrictions on the Russian economy after a phone call with Putin on May 19. Read also: EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, has announced that Ukraine has already completed the screening of three negotiation clusters for EU accession talks. Source: a statement by Kos before the start of a meeting of the EU Council on defence and foreign affairs on 20 May in Brussels Details: These are clusters 1 Fundamentals, 2 Internal Market and 6 Foreign Relations. Quote from Kos: "Ukraine has done its homework, so its ready for Cluster 1 Fundamentals to be open. And now the Council will have all the elements to make a decision. Last week, we sent two other screenings to the Council Cluster 2 and Cluster 6 for both countries, Ukraine and Moldova." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kos said that if the work were to advance with the same speed as it does now, all screenings could have been processed by autumn. She said that it would also be a message for Ukraine. Kos stressed that Ukraines integration into the EU would be a key element of the security guarantees after peace talks started. She pointed out that it concerned not only the security of Ukraine but also the security of Europe and the European Union. Background: On 16 January 2025, the European Commission sent the EU Council its first screening report on Cluster 1, Fundamentals, for Ukraine. However, in February 2025, Hungary blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and promised to block the opening of clusters until consultations with the population on this issue were held. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban already voted in a poll against Ukraine's membership in the EU. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC, said on May 19, Yonhap reported. "There is an opportunity for Ukrainian authorities, as the victim, to file a complaint against North Korea with the ICC," Song said. "While a complaint filed by Ukraine would be ideal, the ICC also has the authority to initiate an independent investigation." Song's statement comes as North Korea confirmed in late April for the first time that it had sent troops to fight against Ukraine alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite numerous human rights violations in North Korea, the ICC has not indicted Kim. However, as of now, there are sufficient legal grounds for Ukraine to initiate a case against him for assisting Russia in waging the war, according to the former ICC chief. "The time is right to bring Kim Jong Un before the ICC," Song said at an international conference in Seoul, adding that North Korean military assistance to Russia is grounds for filing a complaint against Pyongyang. Song also urged the ICC to respond more actively to war crimes committed by the North Korean leadership and their allies. North Korea first dispatched around 11,000 troops to aid Russia in the fall of 2024. An additional 3,000 troops were reportedly sent earlier this year after Kyiv reported that more than a third of North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim has been one of the key allies of Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine, providing not only soldiers but also artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and other supplies. Read also: Whats next for North Korean troops fighting for Russia? A possible Ukraine deployment, experts, officials say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Kyrgyzstans Islamic banking sector to experience substantial growth by 2033, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. Projections for Kyrgyzstans Islamic banking sector assume that sector will experience substantial growth, reaching $58 million by 2028 and $67 million by 2033. Alongside the growth in Islamic banking, the Sukuk market in Kyrgyzstan is also expected to witness significant development. The outstanding value of Sukuk is projected to grow to $67 million by 2028 and $170 million by 2033, reads the report. The authors point out that the countrys central bank set a targeted indicator of 5% share of the Islamic banking sector in its strategic document for the 2013-2027 period. According to the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR), previously conducted studies and surveys have shown a high unmet demand for Islamic finance in the small and medium business sector. In 2022, the Islamic banking sectors assets accounted for just 1.5% of total banking sector assets, despite the countrys proportionately large Muslim population. This suggests that there is great potential for the industry to develop. In 2023, government approved the concept for the development of the Islamic economic platform in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2023-2027, with the aim of making the country a regional centre for Islamic finance. It was also reported in March 2023 that there were plans to launch the countrys first Islamic investment bank, the document reads. A Memorandum of Understanding between Kyiv and Prague has been signed by Ukraine's Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitalii Koval, and Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny. Source: press service for Ukraines Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food Details: Key areas of cooperation include: support for Ukraines integration into the EU in the agricultural sector; alignment of Ukrainian agricultural laws with EU standards; development of livestock farming, crop production and aquaculture; veterinary and phytosanitary control; food safety; exchanges in science, education and innovation; strengthening bilateral trade in agricultural products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries also committed to exchanging expertise, conducting joint research projects, participating in exhibitions and fairs, and forming a working group to coordinate the implementation of joint efforts. Background: This follows similar agreements with Saudi Arabia, which plans to collaborate with Ukraine on crop cultivation, veterinary medicine, feed production and beef cattle breeding with a focus on organic products. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian authorities on Tuesday said they have begun evacuating more than 200 locations in the Sumy region near the border with Russia. So far, 52,000 people have been brought to safety, Sumy's military governor, Oleh Hryhorov, said on Ukrainian television on Tuesday. He said that this accounts for some 60% of the total 86,000 civilians subject to evacuation in the settlements. "We ensure transport, accommodation, as well as humanitarian, financial and psychological assistance," said Hryhorov. He did not specify when the evacuation is expected to be completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sumy region has been the site of heavy Russian attacks for months. Military experts consider Sumy to be one of the targets of Moscow's expected summer offensive. Over the weekend, the Russian military attacked a minibus with a drone, which was supposed to bring Ukrainian civilians to safety, near the town of Bilopillya in the Sumy region. Nine people lost their lives. Russia said 20,000 naturalized citizens sent to the front Russian authorities said on Tuesday they have sent some 20,000 migrants to fight in the war against Ukraine after granting them citizenship. Military investigators regularly carried out raids to find newly naturalized men who did not want to register with the military, said Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, according to the state news agency TASS on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have fished out 80,000 and registered them for military service, and 20,000 of these 'young' citizens of Russia, who for some reason do not like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, are already on the front line," he added. More than 30 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia is still the destination for many immigrants, especially from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. In the countries mentioned by Bastrykin, the standard of living is significantly lower than in Russia and there is a lack of jobs, so many young men come as guest workers and then try to obtain Russian citizenship. The Kremlin also relies on financial incentives to attract volunteers to the front, especially from Russia's poor regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, soldiers loyal to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, an ally of the Kremlin, have also been deployed in recent months to recapture parts of the western Russian region of Kursk. There are also regular reports of citizens from other countries such as China, India, Cuba, Senegal and Togo being recruited. Ukraine and Russia accused each other of launching attack drones on one another overnight, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with his US counterpart Donald Trump - and again refused an immediate ceasefire. Russia launched 108 Shahed drones and various types of decoy drones, Ukraines Air Force said on its Telegram channel Tuesday, adding air defenses had destroyed 93 of them in the east, center and north of the country. The strikes come after Trump and Putin spoke for nearly two hours on Monday Trump from the Oval Office and Putin phoning in from a visit to a music school in the city of Sochi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the call Trump said Kyiv and Moscow would begin ceasefire negotiations immediately. But Putin said the Kremlin was ready to work with Ukraine on a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, provided the corresponding agreements are reached. Neither Putin nor Trump discussed a timeframe for a possible truce, said Kremlin presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Moscow is attempting to delay negotiations in order to continue the conflict. It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation, Zelensky wrote on social media after a discussion with Finnish President Alexander Stubb that touched on Trumps call with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has previously ignored a proposal from Washington and Kyiv for a 30-day ceasefire and last week snubbed Zelenskys call to meet face-to-face for talks in Istanbul. As the Turkey talks sputtered, Trump said he didnt think there would be a significant breakthrough on peace talks until he spoke directly with Putin. Unfortunately, following the TrumpPutin phone call, the status quo has not changed, said Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky European leaders decided to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions after Trump briefed them on the call with Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an X post late on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he would not join in any new sanctions on Russia because theres a chance of progress. I think theres a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse. But there could be a time where thats going to happen, Trump said. Following the call Zelensky said discussions would take place about the future location of a further round of talks which would be aimed first at achieving a ceasefire. Russian state news agency TASS cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as telling reporters that so far, no specific decisions have been made regarding the location for the continuation of possible future contacts with Ukrainian officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are primarily interested in a prompt settlement by eliminating the root causes of this conflict, Peskov said. Putin wants Ukraine to surrender, William Taylor, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council, told CNNs the Newsroom with Rosemary Church. He wants Ukraine to capitulate. He wants Ukraine to disarm to be in a position where the Ukrainians cannot defend themselves, said Taylor. Thats what Putin means when he says the root causes. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraine has commended the European Union for adopting further sanctions against Russia, but has proposed increasing the pressure on Moscow by lowering the price cap for Russian oil, above which Western companies are prohibited from providing services for its export, to US$30 per barrel. Source: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Brussels, as reported by the Ukrinform news agency Details: Sybiha also said he believes that sanctions must be imposed on Russia's banking infrastructure, including the countrys central bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that tough measures are needed now, as it is imperative to exert pressure on Russia. "Thats why its so important to have this full diplomatic mobilisation to deter Russian aggression and restore peace," Sybiha said. Sybiha is in Brussels to attend an EU foreign ministers' conference. Background: At a meeting of the G7 finance ministers this week, the EU will propose lowering the current price cap (US$60 per barrel) on Russian seaborne oil. Reuters has reported that the EU is likely to propose a price cap of US$50 per barrel. On 20 May, the EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, targeting nearly 200 vessels in Moscow's shadow fleet and introducing measures to counter hybrid threats and human rights violations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on May 20: 'Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war' Zelensky says after Putin-Trump call EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet Rubio says US, NATO seek more Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine Kyiv to receive 400,000 more shells from Czech initiative, Ukraine's PM says Trump administration considers deporting nearly 200,000 Ukrainians using foreign aid funds, WP reports Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 20, reacting to a recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky's statement follows his call with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, during which the Ukrainian leader told his counterpart about his May 19 phone call with Trump, as well as the latter's talks with Putin. "It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation," Zelensky said on X. "We are working with our partners to pressure the Russians to change their behavior." Zelensky thanked partners who continue to impose sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and stressed that the war should end at the negotiating table. "Clear and realistic proposals must be on the table. Ukraine is ready for any effective negotiation format. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine possible results, there must be harsh consequences," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Axios reported on May 20 that Zelensky had to remind Trump that negotiations with Russia are already underway after Trump announced to EU leaders the Kremlin's readiness for talks, citing sources present at the call. The exchange reportedly took place during a phone call involving Trump, Zelensky, and the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Finland, and the European Union. It followed Trump's earlier call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the Russian leader provided vague assurances about peace efforts but again rejected a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump told the leaders that Putin agreed to start direct negotiations on a ceasefire immediately, which led to a few seconds of "puzzled silence" during the call, Axios' source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky then reminded Trump that Putin had previously agreed to this, and the first round of direct talks had already taken place on May 16 in Istanbul, marking the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022. Trump did not directly respond, the sources said. The Ukrainian president and other leaders also pointed out to Trump that it had been his idea to start the peace talks with an immediate 30-day ceasefire, according to Axios. Participants on the call reportedly seemed "surprised" that Trump was "relatively content" with what he heard from Putin. Even though the Kremlin's position has not changed, Trump presented this as a new development in the negotiation process. Read also: Trump doesnt know how to deal with gangsters US lets Ukraine down, once again EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet The EU has formally approved its 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia over aggression in Ukraine, including measures against almost 200 shadow fleet vessels, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on May 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kallas said on X. The step comes as the U.S. signals disinterest in imposing additional sanctions against Russia, even as Moscow refuses Western-backed ceasefire proposals. The 17th package was supported by EU ambassadors last week, but has since then been criticized as weak and watered down. The new sanctions target members of Russias military and political elite and foreign entities in China or the United Arab Emirates, accused of helping the Kremlin evade already-imposed measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU will also sanction more than 20 entities and individuals disseminating disinformation, and 20 judges and prosecutors involved in legal cases against Russian opposition, specifically Vladimir Kara-Murza and late Alexei Navalny. The package also targets components vital to Russias defense industry, namely chemicals, materials, and dual-use goods. The EU has threatened Russia with additional sanctions unless President Vladimir Putin commits to a ceasefire and agrees to seriously engage in peace efforts. President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that a new "strong EU sanctions package" is underway. While European leaders have proclaimed that additional sanctions are coordinated with Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump, who held a phone call with Putin on May 19, said he does not intend to impose new measures on Moscow to avoid disrupting peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Rubio says US, NATO seek more Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine The United States is working with NATO partners to locate additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 20 during Senate testimony on the State Department's budget. Ukraine has consistently warned that its current air defense capacity is insufficient to counter the scale of Russia's intensified missile and drone attacks. "The U.S. is looking for Patriot batteries to be able to transfer from other NATO nations into Ukrainian hands," Rubio told lawmakers, adding that no country is willing to give up these systems, and the U.S. cannot produce them quickly enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has requested more Patriots to shield cities and critical infrastructure. In an April 13 interview with CBS News, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to buy 10 U.S.-made Patriot systems for $15 billion. "We will find the money and pay for everything," he said. Despite Kyiv's appeals, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the request, accusing Zelensky of "always looking to purchase missiles" and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war. The Patriot is a high-precision, U.S.-made surface-to-air missile platform capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine needs at least seven more systems to defend its most at-risk regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported on May 4, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that a Patriot system currently based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine following refurbishment. Western allies are also reportedly reviewing whether to reallocate systems from Germany or Greece. Kyiv currently operates eight Patriot systems, though only six are functional, with two undergoing repairs, according to the publication. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire back in March. Moscow has continued its large-scale drone and missile strikes, including the largest drone assault of the war on May 18, when 273 drones entered Ukrainian airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: No one saw surrender as an option Mariupol defender on historic Azovstal fight and brutal Russian captivity Kyiv to receive 400,000 more shells from Czech initiative, Ukraine's PM says Ukraine will receive 400,000 additional artillery shells in 2025 through the Czech-led munitions initiative, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on May 20 on Telegram. The initiative, supported by contributions from Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other nations, has significantly enhanced Ukraine's artillery capabilities. Launched in 2024, it has become a vital supplement to the country's firepower amid shell shortages. Following a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Shmyhal said Ukraine received around 1.5 million artillery shells of various calibers through the initiative in 2024. He announced that Czechia has increased its annual aid allocation to Ukraine to over $43 million. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Prague has provided $900 million in military assistance to Kyiv. Fiala and Shmyhal also discussed expanding cooperation on weapons production, economic support, and humanitarian assistance. "We will strengthen the integration of the Ukrainian and Czech defense industries," Shmyhal wrote. "In addition, we agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian pilots of F-16 airplanes." Czechia has played a leading role within the EU in rallying military support for Ukraine and has hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees since the start of the war. The country's opposition party, ANO, has threatened to suspend the munitions initiative if it wins parliamentary elections in October 2025. ANO deputy leader Karel Havlicek made the remarks in January, raising concerns about the future of one of Ukraine's most reliable arms pipelines. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Trump administration considers deporting nearly 200,000 Ukrainians using foreign aid funds, WP reports Washington plans to spend about $250 million of foreign aid funds to repatriate people from active conflict zones, including about 200,000 Ukrainians and 500,000 Haitians, the Washington Post reported on May 20, citing the draft internal documents the newspaper obtained. During Joe Biden's presidency, Ukrainians and Haitians were granted temporary protection, allowing them to stay in the U.S. if they could not return to their home country. With the Trump administration coming to office, the U.S. has tightened its immigration policy. U.S. President Donald Trump previously pledged to impose harsher legislation on migrants and launch the "largest deportation program in U.S. history," aimed at removing 15 to 20 million migrants from the country. According to the draft internal documents, the proposal was prepared after the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on May 5. The statement read that those immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. for their home countries would be eligible for $1,000 in assistance. Besides Ukrainians and Haitians, the draft documents also mention Afghans, Palestinians, Libyans, Sudanese, Syrians, and Yemenis, who could become other targets of the deportation program, the WP reported. Tricia McLaughlin, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, verified the documents' authenticity, but described them as "outdated." McLaughlin added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not made a "final" decision on temporary protected status for Haiti or Ukraine. According to the draft documents reviewed by the newspaper, the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) will fund the voluntary resettlement program using funds allocated by Congress for charter flights or commercial airfare. The State Department has acknowledged that it is working with the Department of Homeland Security to provide "travel support and financial incentives" to encourage migrants to leave the country voluntarily. The Trump administration's proposal has been criticized, including by former government officials who called it inhumane and counter to long-held U.S. ideals, the WP reported. According to the plan's opponents, the Trump administration is forcing asylum seekers to return to countries where they are "at risk of being killed." They also questioned whether the plan constitutes an abuse of foreign aid funds intended primarily to support refugees and their resettlement. In late January, Washington suspended acceptance of applications from Ukrainians for asylum under the Uniting for Ukraine program. This program allowed for two years of asylum in the U.S., as well as the right to work, study, and have health insurance, among other benefits. There are about 200,000 Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., according to the United Nations. 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. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ground Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi ordered an inspection of the scandal-hit Ukrainian 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Brigade following misconduct allegations within the brigade's command, Ukrainska Pravda reported on May 19. Drapatyi said this in a written statement to Ukrainska Pravda after the outlet published an investigation into a possible involvement of the brigade's commander, Colonel Taras Maksimov, in handing out falsified bonus payments and demanding bribes. The investigation also noted over 1,200 cases of personnel going absent without official leave (AWOL) since 2025 and failure to sufficiently supply the unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Western-trained brigade had previously faced a scandal in 2024, where a media investigation uncovered rampant mismanagement and desertion among the personnel, leading to an inspection and a command change. In early May, a new controversy arose after law enforcement officers detained the acting commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the 155th Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumsky. According to investigators, the officer demanded bribes from his subordinates to grant them falsified bonuses for allegedly participating in combat on the front line. Ukrainska Pravda's sources in the brigade said that Shumsky was merely an intermediary between service members and the command, and that similar schemes likely operate in other battalions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maksimov's possible involvement in the scheme is under investigation, the outlet said, citing law enforcement sources. In response to Ukrainska Pravda's inquiry, Drapatyi emphasized that he devoted much time to setting up the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade, finding a capable command, building up its combat capability, and providing it with drones. The commander added that Maksimov's candidacy for the 155th Brigade commander position was also selected by Volodymyr Shvediuk, the chief of the Western Operational Command. Drapatyi said that when looking for a candidate, he considered personal experience, feedback from his comrades, and the results of Maksimov's previous service. Drapatyi added that other candidates were also considered, but some had a lower professional level, and some refused because of other offers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us The commander mentioned that the brigade was uncoordinated and poorly prepared at the time of the change of command. In Drapatyi's opinion, Maksimov's appointment significantly improved the brigade's condition and combat capability. "Whatever the achievements, I will not cover for anyone there are no untouchables for me. I'm waiting for the results of all the inspections and what the investigation will find," Drapatyi said, adding that the investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) is still ongoing. "The command... is fully committed to exposing all those involved in the extortion. I want to emphasize to everyone who organizes such schemes: robbing their own brigade, mocking their comrades, profiting from blood. The punishment will be severe," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brigade, initially intended as a flagship project for Ukrainian military modernization, was trained and equipped with assistance from France and other foreign partners. The brigade, which has approximately 5,800 troops, faced challenges from its inception. According to an investigation by Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Censor.net, 2,500 service members were reassigned to other units before training began, depleting its experienced personnel. Between March and November 2024, over 1,700 soldiers reportedly abandoned their posts, with an additional 50 deserting while training in France. Of the 1,924 soldiers sent to France for training, only 51 had more than a year of military service, while 1,414 had served fewer than two months. Replenishment efforts brought in new recruits, but Butusov claimed proper selection processes were often neglected, exacerbating the unit's operational challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The media investigation prompted a high-level inquiry and led to the dismissal and detention of its then-commander, Colonel Dmytro Riumshyn. Maksimov was appointed to take his place. Read also: As Russias fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russians attacked Ukraine with 108 Shahed UAVs and decoy drones of various types on the night of 19-20 May. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Details: As of 09:00, 93 Shahed attack UAVs and other types of drones had been confirmed downed in the country's east, north and centre. A total of 35 UAVs were downed by air defence and another 58 disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy and Zhytomyr oblasts came under attack. Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will participate in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels on 20 May. Source: press service for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Details: During the meeting, Sybiha will brief his EU counterparts on the current situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and the progress of the peace process after the Ukraine-Russia meeting in Istanbul and after contacts between the United States, EU countries, Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sybiha will emphasise the importance of continuing pressure on Russia and strengthening Ukraine in order to achieve a just and lasting peace. Background: Talks between delegations from Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul on 16 May. The media reported that during the talks, the Russians demanded that US representatives not be present at the negotiations with the Ukrainian side and also put forward a number of unacceptable conditions. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov said that a ceasefire and humanitarian issues were discussed during the talks, as well as a possible leader-level meeting. It is also worth noting that on 19 May, US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, after which he stated that Ukraine and Russia would "immediately" begin negotiations on a ceasefire. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian serviceman Vitalii Lutsenko has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in Russia for allegedly committing a "terrorist act" in Russias Kursk Oblast. Source: Investigative Committee of Russia in a statement Details: The Russian investigators claimed that in October 2024, Lutsenko, a private first class from the 33rd Separate Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, "illegally crossed the Russian border" together with a group of soldiers and carried out a series of armed actions in the Sudzha and Korenevo districts of Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is alleged that Lutsenko "threatened local residents, hindered evacuation, opened fire on military personnel and civilians", and also took part in blocking the village of Olgovka. The Russians claimed that he was captured by Russian Armed Forces personnel and handed over to investigators. The court sentenced Lutsenko to 16 years imprisonment, with the first three years to be served in prison and the remainder in a maximum-security penal colony. Background: On 19 May, Russia found another Ukrainian serviceman, Serhii Chumasov, guilty of allegedly committing a "terrorist act" in Kursk Oblast. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The United Nations has received permission from Israel to send 100 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, a spokesman said on Tuesday. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, expressed the hope that the emergency deliveries would be examined and cleared for entry by Wednesday at the latest. After a nearly three-month blockade, Israel on Monday cleared nine trucks full of aid to enter Gaza, although only five have so far made it inside, Laerke said. Distribution is expected to begin on Tuesday, with baby food among the supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are babies in life-saving need of these supplements; if they do not get those they are in mortal danger," Laerke said. During a brief ceasefire earlier this year, up to 600 trucks a day crossed into Gaza. The current deliveries, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher noted on Monday, are a "welcome development" but also "a drop in the ocean" of need. Aid agencies and the UN have been warning for weeks of imminent famine in Gaza, where the population of roughly 2 million is almost entirely reliant on outside food and supplies. Appeals to Israel have grown increasingly urgent. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid to fund its operations and fighters. Report: Israeli strikes kill at least 60 across Gaza Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday, as Israel presses ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate Hamas and take over "all areas" of the densely populated coastal territory. The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip. Further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City. Israel's ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon's Chariots operation announced late Friday, have killed more than 100 people daily, according to tallies. Israel's stated goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the October 7, 2023, attacks. Qatar says Gaza ceasefire talks stalled by 'fundamental' differences The Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar are stalled due to "fundamental" differences between the sides, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The rounds of negotiations that took place in Doha in the past couple of weeks, unfortunately did not lead us anywhere yet because there is a fundamental gap between the two parties," he told an economic forum in the Qatari capital. Last week, a team of Israeli negotiators landed in Doha. Qatar has previously brokered indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, along with the United States and Egypt, though there has been no progress for months now. One party is looking for a partial deal, while the other is looking to end the war, Mohammed said, adding: "We couldn't bridge this fundamental gap with whatever proposals we provided." He also said Israel's latest intensification of its military campaign in Gaza will "postpone the diplomatic conclusion of the war, which will end only diplomatically from our point of view, and will just cost us a death toll on the Palestinian side and also on the hostages side." ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Uzbekistans Islamic finance assets are projected to grow to $1.1 billion in 2028 and $2.4 billion in 2033, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. The Sukuk market is anticipated to thrive, with outstanding Sukuk expected to total $601 million in 2028 and $1.9 billion in 2033, says the report. The authors note that while data for Uzbekistans Islamic finance industry are not publicly available, the country has sizeable potential to serve its large Muslim population. The government is planning to launch the Tashkent International Financial Centre, a special free economic zone that would support development of the countrys Islamic finance industry. In addition, in its 2030 strategy, as part of reforms of the banking system, the country plans to introduce criteria and procedures for Islamic financing in at least three commercial banks. Also, the Financial Sector and Banking Working Group at the countrys Foreign Investors Council, which aims to increase the share of private banks in the banking sector to 60% by 2025, is proposing to dedicate a subgroup for the creation of an Islamic banking roadmap, including Islamic banking law, the report says. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -No humanitarian aid has been distributed yet in the Gaza Strip, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, despite more supplies being dropped off on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. "Today, one of our teams waited several hours for the Israeli green light to access the Kerem Shalom area and collect the nutrition supplies. Unfortunately, they were not able to to bring those supplies into our warehouse," Dujarric said. Israel allowed limited aid deliveries to Gaza to resume on Monday after an 11 week blockade. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Doina Chiacu) An injured baby brought to Al Awda Hospital in Gaza city after an Israeli airstrike on the Al Hassayna school on May 19. Credit - Moiz Salhi - Anadolu via Getty Images Thousands of babies in Gaza could die within days without immediate food and medical aid, the United Nations has warned, as Israel allowed a limited number of humanitarian trucks into the besieged enclave for the first time in weeks. The U.N. said on Tuesday had been granted permission to send "around 100" aid trucks into Gaza following an 11-week blockade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours if they do not receive urgent nutrition and care. Five trucks entered on Monday, he said, describing the situation as catastrophic and the current aid flow as "a drop in the ocean." "This is not food that Hamas is going to steal," he told the BBC. "We run the risk of looting, of being hit by the Israeli offensive. We will be impeded, we will run huge risks, but I dont see a better idea than getting that baby food in, to those moms, who at the moment cannot feed their own kids. Before the war began, an average of 500 aid trucks entered Gaza each day. That changed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza, immediately halting the entry of all goods, including humanitarian aid. The blockade marked the start of a prolonged crisis, with only a fraction of previous aid levels allowed in since. The deepening humanitarian crisis comes amid renewed offensive. On Tuesday morning, at least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes within a 30-minute span, Gazas Health Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day aid was partially restored, the U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Israels restrictions on humanitarian access as "wholly inadequate." The statement called for an end to the military campaign and warned of "further concrete actions" if Israel did not comply. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on Tuesday, accusing the Western leaders of rewarding "the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7" and said Israel would continue its military operations until "total victory is achieved." Later on Tuesday, the U.K. said it was suspending negotiations with Israel on a new free trade agreement, and that the Israeli ambassador had been summoned to formally receive the message. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision during a speech in the House of Commons, urging Netanyahu to end the blockade and military offensive. "The world is judging. History will judge them," Lammy said. Earlier this month, Israel formally announced an expansion of its military operations in Gaza, stating its ultimate goal was to occupy the entire territory. Airstrikes intensified following former President Donald Trumps tour of the Middle East over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 300 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes during the 72 hours before Monday morning, May 19, according to Gazas Health Ministry. As of Monday, the Health Ministry said that the total death toll since the war began stood at more than 53,000. In Deir al Balah, Oday Basheer runs one of only three community kitchens still operating in the area. "Starving people is the most vicious weapon they are using on us," Basheer told TIME. "You can't function if you are hungry all the time. Everyone is fighting for food. Basheer, who says several of his cousins, close friends, and an uncle have been killed in recent airstrikes, described a constant state of fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can't be sure that your house won't be destroyed. I keep looking at the sky, at the drones that monitor us. Just one press of a button and you can be killed in a second. Your memories will vanish and you will just be a number." He added that his kitchen, once producing six pots of food a day, now makes 15each serving about 250 people. But soaring prices for basic supplies are further hampering their efforts. Since March 18, the price of flour has risen by 5,000%, while cooking oil is up 1,200%. 100 trucks wont be enough to cover anything, he said. I dont think our kitchen will get anything from these trucks. Read more: $25 Butter and $40 Eggs: The Search for Food in Gaza The U.N. and aid organizations have warned that the worsening humanitarian conditions are being exacerbated by continued bombardments of critical infrastructure. On Tuesday, Medical Aid for Palestinians called for urgent protection of Gazas healthcare facilities following the bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nasser Hospital is the backbone of what healthcare remains in southern Gaza," the group said. "The hospital has been targeted twice in the last week and, with each assault, risks being shut down entirely, pushing Gaza's health system closer to total annihilation. "The attack damaged medical supplies essential for lifesaving treatments and is a further violation of international law. It marks yet another assault in Israels campaign to systematically dismantle Gazas health system," it continued. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli strikes also hit Al Awda hospital in northern Gaza on Monday. Two clinics in Khan Younis were forced to close after one was "directly attacked." OCHA also reported that on Tuesday, Israeli authorities issued new evacuation orders affecting 40 neighborhoods in Khan Younisabout 23% of Gazas total area. "Thousands of people and hundreds of humanitarian facilities, including wells, pumping stations, health facilities, and schools, are impacted," the agency said. Since Israel ended the ceasefire in mid-March, more than half a million people have been displaced across Gaza, according to the U.N. Contact us at letters@time.com. FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) A traffic stop in Fayette County leads to the discovery of undocumented aliens concealed inside altered hay bales. Sheriff Keith Korenek says a traffic stop was conducted by a deputy at approximately 12:50 p.m. Tuesday. A white Ford F-250 was pulling a gooseneck hay trailer loaded with round bales on Interstate 10 at Mile Marker #658, near Flatonia. A closer inspection revealed that the round bales of hay were meticulously altered and hollowed out to create concealed compartments. Inside those compartments, deputies discovered multiple undocumented individuals being smuggled in dangerously confined spaces. The individuals were hidden behind metal frameworks and layers of hay designed to evade detection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Korenek says this method of concealment is not only deceptive, but incredibly dangerous to human life. Smugglers are continuing to use increasingly creative and hazardous techniques to transport individuals across Texas highways. (Courtesy: Fayette County Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Fayette County Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Fayette County Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Fayette County Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Fayette County Sheriffs Office) The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 44-year-old Delbert Flanders, of Kansas, who was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The coordinators of the operation have been identified as 22-year-old Adanaylo Lambert and 25-year-old Lency Delgado Fernandez, both of Houston, who were also taken into custody and are facing federal and state charges related to human smuggling. The undocumented individuals were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing. Sheriff Korenek says agencies that assisted with the traffic stop include the Texas Department of Public Saftey, the Flatonia Police Department and Fayette County EMS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case 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 KWKT - FOX 44. UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) In his decade of being Unicoi Countys Director of Schools, John English says this past year, specifically, has been like no other. Definitely the toughest, English said about this school year. You know, just from everything thats transpired, I mean, you go back to September and the flood, certainly the aftermath of that. Kids missing school. Kids losing, you know, parents, loved ones. Between the flood and wintertime, more than 30 instructional days were missed in the county this past school year. Students at Temple Hill Elementary havent yet returned to their school building after it was flooded. Many families still struggle financially after homes or workplaces were destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement English says hes not received year-end test scores for the county, but theres an uptick in summer school enrollment and a real need to continue making up for lost instructional time. Our teachers worked hard, our kids worked hard throughout this year, but theres no way to get around it; there was a lot of time missed, English told News Channel 11. And so, well be working really hard this summer for those students in summer school, trying to make sure that when August comes, you know, theyre ready for that next grade level. Students who attend summer school will receive free meals. The district will also provide free meals at the YMCAs summer care and the countys Book Bus locations. Michael Smith, the countys School Nutrition Supervisor, said the Book Bus meals are grab and go and any child, age 1 through 18, is eligible for the meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a book bus that goes around the county, and thats an open feeding. So anyone is able to come, Smith explained. They have books on there, they have videos and theres just different things that they can do. Its grab and go, its sandwiches for lunch and then, you know, some kind of individually wrapped item usually for breakfast with fruit and milk and juice. English says meeting the students academic needs throughout the summer is a priority, but he completely understands that some families just need a break for the summerand thats okay, too. I know a lot of people are looking forward to summer because it was such a tough year. So we just want our families to enjoy it, but also walk that fine line of enjoying your summer, but yet staying active and engaged and being ready come August to jump back in, English said. He added that just because school is out, it doesnt mean he is. If any family has any concerns over the summer, they are welcome to call the central office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about the Book Bus, summer school and other resources is available on the school districts 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) Remains of an unidentified woman who was found dead alongside an Alabama highway 40 years ago were exhumed from Oak Hill Cemetery on Friday. According to Walker County Sheriffs Office cold case investigator Mike Cole, the woman was found alongside Alabama State Route 5 in October 1984. The WCSO exhumed her remains in collaboration with medical examiners and pathologists from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences as well as the Jasper Police Department. Cole stated her identity could not be determined because of the limited forensic technology available in the 1980s. The ADFS, however, was awarded a grant to fund the advanced testing required to identify the remains. Those procedures typically cost around $15,000 to $20,000, according to Cole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama family says call police if missing grandfather from Kenya found Area residents attended the womans funeral. Her footstone reads Only God Knows. Cole stated the WCSO is hopeful to discover the womans name and find any surviving family 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 CBS 42. United Airlines is apologizing to passengers at a major American airport this week following significant issues related to in-flight meals. The airline switched to a new catering company, and is now experiencing "significant disruptions to its in-flight food and beverage service," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. A spokesperson for the airline told the outlet that it switched from Gate Gourmet to LSG Sky Chefs, and that the change has presented unforeseen logistical challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers at SFO have shared photos and videos online of meals with missing items, while some have reported no meals at all on their flights. One passenger said that his flight had wine but ran out of sparkling water, and that passengers were offered pre-packed snack boxes instead of actual meal options. Too often, businesses switch suppliers and cut over too quick, usually to save money, the passenger said, calling the situation a "complete disaster." United shouldnt be allowed to fly under the radar on this one. The flight attendants' union noted that the changes are still being ironed out, and that the problems could persist for weeks as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gate Gourmet's decision to pull out of the San Francisco airport resulted in the loss of over 800 jobs. The company cited the recent loss of a customer account," noting that it needed to drastically cut staff in order to remain afloat as a business. Gate Gourmet was United's previous catering supplier, and the change to LSG Sky Chefs is only one week old. The Gate Gourmet layoffs went into effect on May 13, giving the airline little time to prepare for a shift in food service protocol. The issues at SFO come after significant problems with safety and air travel around the country this year. Passengers have been advised to avoid Newark's Liberty International Airport entirely after multiple air traffic control malfunctions, and tragic accidents have taken place in major cities like Washington and Philadelphia. 2025 hasn't been the best year for major airlines in America, and it seems that United's issues in San Francisco are emblematic of a larger problem with the entire industry. Republican Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has called for Tory Lanez's freedom. The politician posted a plea for the rapper's freedom on social media, which has caught the attention of many fans. Luna's call comes a week after Lanez was brutally stabbed multiple times in prison, where he is currently serving a 10-year jail term for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. Congresswoman Makes Special Request To California Governor I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanezs case and issue a pardon. His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind not driven by headlines. Free Tory Lanez.https://t.co/7rvvrJI4r7 Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) May 19, 2025 On Monday, Luna took to Twitter to share a link to a petition championed by the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to sharing the link, Luna made an impassioned plea to Newsom. She wrote, "I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanez's case and issue a pardon." Luna continued, "His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind not driven by headlines." She concluded by writing, "Free Tory Lanez." Reactions To Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's Call For Tory Lanez's Pardon MEGA Luna's request to the California Governor generated wide-ranging reactions from netizens, with some supporting her call while others questioned it. One person in support wrote, "At one point, I was on Megan Thee Stallion's side, but I actually took time to read this case Jesus Christ, bro... it is so messy and inconsistent.. and the people that are upset are the people that have never read into the case at all. They're just getting all their information from Twitter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person supporting the call for Lanez's release wrote, "Absolutely agree. Every case deserves a fair review, free from politics or media pressure. Equal justice should always come first." A third person added, "Thank you for using your voice to bring an innocent man home." On the other hand, several others slammed Luna, asking her to focus on what she was elected for. One person wrote, "Stick to Florida and stay out of California business." Another person added, "@RepLuna, you are totally wrong. Have you reviewed the case? There was nothing political about this shooting that occurred in 2020. You have been lied to and misled. This man had 3 years to gather a defense and have his witnesses. Including his personal bodyguard who disappeared then on the last day suddenly appeared. His own witness a neighbor put the weapon in his hands. So by all means, let's review the evidence. You will find the verdict was justified. You just made it a political issue." Tory Lanez's Defense Team Presents New Evidence Live on fox 11 LA : New Tory Lanez evidenceKelseys bodyguard comes forward and confirms that Kelsey was the one who shot the Megan. He chose not to say anything because he wanted to protect her up until recently. pic.twitter.com/gUc5mDdawL We Got The Word (@whatstheeword) May 14, 2025 Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's call for Lanez's pardon follows new evidence presented by his attorneys in their continued fight for his freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 14, The Blast reported that Unite the People (UTP), a nonprofit focused on legal advocacy, held a press conference introducing a statement from Bradley James, the former driver and bodyguard of Megan's ex-best friend, Kelsey Harris. James claimed he overheard Harris confess to firing the weapon herself, with Lanez intervening to stop her. According to James, Lanez never fired or touched the gun. Alleged Loopholes And Conflicting Evidence MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA UTP's legal consultant, Walter Roberts, stated that James's account aligns with previous trial testimony from Sean Kelly, the only non-involved eyewitness, who also placed Harris near the weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts raised concerns about investigative inconsistencies, pointing out that Lanez was the only person tested for DNA, despite unknown DNA being found on the gun. He questioned why Harris and the driver, Jaequan Smith, were not tested or if their results were withheld. The new claims added further complexity to the case, which has been riddled with controversy and unanswered questions from the very beginning. Tory Lanez Was Stabbed In Prison UTP's presentation of new evidence came two days after Lanez was brutally stabbed 14 times on May 12, 2025, at California Correctional Institution. The attacker, 42-year-old Santino Casio, is a convicted murderer with a long history of violent offenses while incarcerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casio reportedly ambushed Lanez in a housing unit, causing both of the rapper's lungs to collapse. Emergency responders rushed Lanez to the hospital, where he was placed on a breathing device. Despite the severe injuries, he is now breathing on his own and is in stable condition. Meanwhile, authorities began an investigation into how Casio was able to carry out the attack, given his violent background. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Tajikistans Sukuk market is projected to flourish in 2028-2033, reads the joint report of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. Tajikistans Islamic banking assets are forecast to grow from $132 million in 2028 to $562 million in 2033. The Sukuk market is also projected to flourish with outstanding Sukuk reaching $57 million in 2028 and $155 million in 2033, the report says. The authors note that Islamic banking looks to have huge potential to grow from the 1.1% share of the countrys total banking sector at the end of 2023. According to the National Bank of Tajikistan, as of July 31, 2024, the assets of Islamic credit institutions increased by 28.4% and profits increased 1.5 times compared to the same period in 2023. One driver for the development of Islamic finance in the country was the establishment of the Consultative Council for Islamic Banking Services by the National Bank of Tajikistan in 2017. In addition, the countrys National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022-2026, which was developed with the support of the International Finance Corporation, includes diversifying financial services partly through Islamic financing, the report says. By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Head Start preschool programs for low-income U.S. children are scrambling to cope with funding cuts and delays, as they feel the squeeze of President Donald Trump's cost-cutting drive. Local administrators and advocates for the program that serves nearly 800,000 children and families say the closure of five U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offices that oversee the program in Chicago, Boston, New York, Seattle and San Francisco has led to delays in processing grant applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to the strain, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency released $943 million less in congressionally-approved funding for distribution through April 15 compared with the previous year, according to congressional Democrats' most recent estimates. The delays left hundreds of families searching for costly private care for children through the age of five, according to Head Start association executives in Wisconsin, Illinois and Washington state. Administrators have sought bank loans or other lines of credit to meet their payrolls, as grant approval deadlines loomed. Congress appropriated $12.27 billion to the program in the fiscal year ending September 30. That funds 17,711 Head Start centers across the U.S., according to Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association. "The administration continues to slow-walk grants," Jennie Mauer, executive director of the Wisconsin Head Start Association, said in a telephone interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in an email that the agency is following Trump's drive to cut spending and that the closure of regional offices in high-cost cities would not reduce services. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., added in a statement, "I will ensure that the next generation of families living in poverty have access to this vital program that offers what they need to thrive. Head Start focuses on establishing an educational foundation for disadvantaged children and arming them with the social skills needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. It teaches early math and reading skills and provides dental, mental and nutritional health services to children and parents at the prenatal stage through birth. CLOSURES, DELAYS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One childcare program in central Washington state closed for a few days in late April while awaiting funding, said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs. A Seattle Head Start program was awaiting approval on a grant request for property improvements needed to comply with state licensing requirements, Ryan said, adding, "Nobody is getting back to them." Another Washington state pre-school program was unable to provide vision screenings while it awaited money for new equipment. Around 15% of all enrolled Head Start children have disabilities. At a Friday press conference, Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean said a program in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, submitted a grant application in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In five months they've received no updates. Nothing," Dean said, adding that the program runs out of money on May 31 and would result in 360 children losing access to Head Start education and care and 85 employees laid off. Asked about these problems, a HHS spokesperson blamed "outdated and inefficient systems set forth by the Biden administration." 1960S ROOTS An outgrowth of 1960s civil strife, Head Start aimed to provide opportunity for disadvantaged Black families. The program, which celebrated its 60th anniversary on Sunday, has served 40 million racially diverse children and parents now at or below the $32,150 federal poverty line for a family of four living in the continental U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program also is accessible to children who are homeless or in foster care. U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the senior Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said regional office closures hinder "investigating child health and safety incidents and providing training and technical assistance." Illinois Head Start Association Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl said the administration requirement that anything related to "diversity, equity and inclusion" be scrubbed from federal grant applications was proving particularly onerous. "DEI is core to our mission," she said in a phone interview, adding that federal regulations require hiring teachers who reflect classroom children. "If it's a majority of Latinos we need to have a Spanish-speaking teacher in that classroom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'MONEY WE DIDN'T HAVE' Parents with Head Start children fret over program funding going forward. Maria and Omar Castro of Chicago have one biological son and are guardians to two brothers, all of whom are aged between three and five and are enrolled in Head Start. An eight-year-old biological daughter attends public school. Maria, 33, said the two brothers experienced developmental delays, requiring speech and other Head Start assistance. "Obviously that was money we didn't have," Castro said. "I just needed support." The conservative Heritage Foundation urged the termination of Head Start in its "Project 2025" blueprint for a second Trump administration, saying the programs "have little or no long-term academic value for children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Head Start Association disputes that claim, noting that participants are 12% less likely to live in poverty as adults and 29% less likely to receive public assistance. Congress is weighing Head Start funding for the next fiscal year. A partial White House budget detailing major spending increases and reductions across the federal government made no mention of Head Start. Castro, whose children are enrolled in the program, said that cuts "would be a blow to the family." While the two older boys will be transitioning to kindergarten, the youngest who is continuing in Head Start "would have nowhere else to go." (Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has ruled that U.S. officials must retain custody and control of migrants apparently removed to South Sudan in case he orders their removals were unlawful. U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy in Massachusetts issued the ruling late Tuesday after an emergency hearing, after attorneys for immigrants said the Trump administration appears to have begun deporting people from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan despite a court order restricting removals to other countries. Murphy said the government must maintain custody and control of class members currently being removed to South Sudan or to any other third country, to ensure the practical feasibility of return if the Court finds that such removals were unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Murphy left the details to the government's discretion, he said he expects the migrants will be treated humanely. Attorneys for the migrants told the judge that immigration authorities may have sent up to a dozen people from several countries to Africa, which they argue violates a court order saying people must get a meaningful opportunity to argue that sending them to a country outside their homeland would threaten their safety. The apparent removal of one man from Myanmar was confirmed in an email from an immigration official in Texas, according to court documents. He was informed only in English, a language he does not speak well, and his attorneys learned of the plan hours before his deportation flight, they said. A woman also reported that her husband from Vietnam and up to 10 other people were flown to Africa Tuesday morning, attorneys from the National Immigration Litigation Alliance wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorneys asked Murphy for an emergency court order to prevent the deportations. Murphy, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, previously found that any plans to deport people to Libya without notice would clearly violate his ruling, which also applies to people who have otherwise exhausted their legal appeals. Murphy said in his Tuesday order that U.S. officials must appear in court Wednesday to identify the migrants impacted, address when and how they learned they would be removed to a third country, and what opportunity they were given to raise a fear-based claim. He also ruled that the government must provide information about the whereabouts of the migrants apparently already removed. The Department of Homeland Security and the White House did not immediately return messages seeking comment. South Sudans police spokesperson Major General James Monday Enoka told The Associated Press Wednesday that no migrants had arrived in the country and that if they arrive, they would be investigated and again "re-deported to their correct country" if found not to be South Sudanese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some countries do not accept deportations from the United States, which has led the Trump administration to strike agreements with other countries, including Panama, to house them. The Trump administration has sent Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador under an 18th-century wartime law hotly contested in the courts. South Sudan has suffered repeated waves of violence since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 amid hopes it could use its large oil reserves to bring prosperity to a region long battered by poverty. Just weeks ago, the countrys top U.N. official warned that fighting between forces loyal to the president and a vice president threatened to spiral again into full-scale civil war. The situation is darkly reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, which took over 400,000 lives, Nicholas Haysom, head of the almost 20,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission. The U.S. State Departments annual report on South Sudan, published in April 2024, says significant human rights issues include arbitrary killings, disappearances, torture or inhumane treatment by security forces and extensive violence based on gender and sexual identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Homeland Security Department has given Temporary Protected Status to a small number of South Sudanese already living in the United States since the country was founded in 2011, shielding them from deportation because conditions were deemed unsafe for return. Secretary Kristi Noem recently extended those protections to November to allow for a more thorough review. South Sudan's diplomatic relations with the U.S grew tense in April when a deportation row led to the revocation of visas and a ban on South Sudanese nationals. The U.S is one of the biggest donors to South Sudans humanitarian aid programs with the total funding in 2024 standing at over $640 million, according to the U.S embassy in South Sudan. ___ Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana, Tim Sullivan and Elliot Spagat contributed to this report. (Reuters) -New intelligence obtained by the United States suggests that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing multiple U.S. officials familiar with the intelligence. It was not clear whether Israeli leaders have made a final decision and there was disagreement within the U.S. government about whether they would ultimately decide to carry out strikes, CNN added, citing the officials. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The National Security Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond, nor did the Israeli Prime Ministers Office, which was contacted after hours. One source familiar with the intelligence told CNN the likelihood of an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility "has gone up significantly in recent months." The person added that the chance of a strike would be more likely if the U.S. reached a deal with Iran that did not remove all of the country's uranium, CNN added. President Donald Trump's administration has been conducting negotiations with Iran aimed at achieving a diplomatic deal over its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new intelligence was based on the public and private communications from senior Israeli officials as well as intercepted Israeli communications and observations of Israeli military movements that could suggest an imminent strike, CNN reported. CNN cited two sources saying that among the military preparations the U.S. had observed were the movement of air munitions and the completion of an air exercise. Earlier on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said U.S. demands that Tehran stop enriching uranium are "excessive and outrageous," state media reported, voicing doubts over whether talks on a new nuclear deal will succeed. (Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Jasper Ward and Stephen Coates) By Sonia Rolley and Daphne Psaledakis (Reuters) -Congolese minerals such as tungsten, tantalum and tin, which Kinshasa has long accused neighbouring Rwanda of illegally exploiting, could be exported legitimately to Rwanda for processing under the terms of a peace deal being negotiated by the U.S., three sources told Reuters. Kinshasa views the plundering of its mineral wealth as a key driver of the conflict between its forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo that has intensified since January, accusing Kigali of smuggling tens of millions of dollars worth of minerals over the border each month to be sold from Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington is pushing for a peace agreement between the two sides to be signed this summer, accompanied by minerals deals aimed at bringing billions of dollars of Western investment to the region, Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters earlier this month. He said on X last week that the U.S. had provided the first draft of a deal to both sides, though its contents have not been disclosed. Two diplomatic sources and one U.N. source briefed by U.S. officials told Reuters that the negotiations could lead to minerals from what are now artisanal mining zones in eastern Congo being refined and marketed from Rwanda. "Their (Washington's) point of view is simple: If Rwanda can legitimately benefit from Congo's minerals through processing, it will be less tempted to occupy its neighbour and plunder its minerals," one of the diplomats said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And for Congo, industrialization would increase its revenues, improve traceability, and combat the armed groups that currently live off the miners." A government spokesperson for Congo, which has long said it wants to move away from raw exports and towards local processing, referred questions to the foreign ministry, which did not respond. A Congolese official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no cooperation on minerals could happen without the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and "their proxies", a reference to M23, which controls more territory than ever in eastern Congo. The official said Rwanda would also need to respect "our sovereignty over everything, including our minerals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Rwanda, the negotiations could bring a massive inflow of cash that could help it clean up what has until now been a largely illicit sector of its economy. The U.S., for its part, would be able to secure for itself and its allies deeper access to Congolese mineral assets that are dominated by China. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said that in a declaration signed in Washington last month, Congo and Rwanda had committed to creating "transparent, formalized, and licit end-to-end mineral value chains (from mine to processed metal) that link both countries, in partnership with the U.S. government and U.S. investors." Details of the exact scale of investments, and who would be making them, are as yet unclear, but Boulos told Reuters last week that U.S. officials had engaged with "probably up to 30" U.S. investors about "doing business in Rwanda in the mining space," including downstream processing activities. He said separately that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation - a body tasked with mobilising private capital to further U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, offering support like debt financing - would "provide full support on these transactions and investments". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region's long history of violence underscores the risk that any companies taking the leap could be exposed to losses. ROOT CAUSES The minerals projects alone won't halt a conflict that stretches back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the sources said. "A mining agreement cannot bring peace. These projects will take three, five or 10 years," another diplomat said. "There are immediate problems and root causes that need to be addressed." Congo, the U.N. and the U.S. have repeatedly accused Rwanda of profiting from the illegal exploitation of Congolese mineral resources, allegations Kigali denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A previous attempt to foster deeper official mining cooperation between Rwanda and Congo four years ago failed. In June 2021, the two sides signed deals including a memorandum on the joint exploitation and commercialization of Congolese gold between state-owned Sakima and private Rwandan firm Dither. But Kinshasa suspended the deal in June 2022, citing Rwanda's alleged military support for M23 and the rebel group's capture of the strategic border town of Bunagana. Rwanda has denied backing M23 but acknowledges deploying "defensive measures" in eastern Congo against Rwandan Hutu militias. Analysts say the most commonly cited group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, no longer poses much of a threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One diplomatic source said that from Kigali's point of view, Kinshasa is not a reliable negotiating partner. "The collapse of the Sakima deal bothered them," they said of Rwandan officials. "Neither country trusts each other," said William Millman, an independent consultant on the tantalum-niobium industry who has visited mines in both countries. "So unless you've got somebody with a big club, like the United States, they're not going to honour agreements." (Reporting by Sonia Rolley in Paris and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Mills in Doha; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Jan Harvey) Washington, D.C. In a rare display of bipartisan unity, a group of U.S. senators has introduced a resolution calling for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, urging that no peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine be finalized until all minors are safely repatriated. The resolution condemns what it describes as Russias systematic abduction, forced transfer, and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. It states that "Russia's abduction and Russification of Ukrainian children demonstrate Russia's intent to erase the Ukrainian nation and identity." The effort is being led by a group of six senators, including Republicans Charles E. Grassley, Roger Wicker, Joni Ernst, and Rick Scott, and Democrats Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin and John Fetterman. The resolution underscores that the invasion of Ukraine has increased the vulnerability of children to multiple threats, noting that the "invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has significantly increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukrainian authorities, as of April 16, more than 19,500 children have been confirmed as unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred to Russia, Belarus, or areas of Ukraine under Russian occupation. So far, only 1,274 have been returned to Ukrainian-controlled territories. Read also: Because of Russia, my child understood fear early The resolution frames the abduction of children as a violation of international humanitarian law and the Genocide Convention, citing Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Article II(e) of the Genocide Convention, which prohibits the forcible transfer of children from one group to another. The U.S. State Departments 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report has also documented Russias recruitment of child soldiers and described the country as a global epicenter for state-sponsored human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting Ukraine, has endorsed the resolution. The organization stated, "This is an important step in President Donald Trump's March 19 promise to ensure Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are returned to their families. By kidnapping over 19,546 children from Ukraine, Russia is simultaneously erasing these children's identities as Ukrainians while holding them hostage. The United States must say clearly that children are not bargaining chips and must be returned immediately." Ambassador John Herbst, senior director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, said that "Ukraine's kidnapped kids are counting on Congress and President Trump to insist that Moscow free them. Full stop." "According to available data, Russia has abducted more than 19,400 Ukrainian children since 2022 an outrageous crime. Freeing Ukraine's children should be a prerequisite to any negotiations, and I thank President Trump for expressing his desire to help free Ukraine's children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mykola Kuleba, CEO and founder of Save Ukraine and former ombudsman for children in Ukraine, emphasized the urgency of returning the children. "As a nonprofit leader working to rescue and reunite these children with their families, I'm grateful for every voice raised on their behalf. We deeply appreciate leaders urging action to ensure that these children are safely returned with urgency," he said. The resolution also references earlier remarks by former President Donald Trump, who has claimed he could persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to release the abducted children. "President Trump promised...to help make sure those children were returned home," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz at the time. In 2022, Putin signed a decree that made it easier for Russian families to adopt Ukrainian children. The Russian government revised its adoption laws to fast-track the placement of abducted children with Russian families, often after stripping them of their names, language, and national identity. The State Departments Conflict Observatory reports that at least 35,000 children have been affected by these forced transfers. Researchers say the data is vital to Ukraines ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate abducted children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russian Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their roles in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The United States has also sanctioned at least 32 individuals and three Russian entities for their involvement in these abductions and related human rights violations. The bipartisan resolution signals that both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are united in condemning Russias actions and in demanding the immediate return of Ukraines children. Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. STORY: The first group of migrants to voluntarily leave the United States through a 'self-deportation' app landed in Honduras on Monday. A total of 38 people arrived, of which 19 were minors. The group included four U.S.-born children and one of Mexican nationality, according to local media. The Trump administration launched the app, called CBP Home, in March. It's part of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security program to allow immigrants in the United States to "self deport" rather than face possible arrest and detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It offers migrants financial and travel document support to travel back to their home country or another country where they have lawful status. Each returnee under the program receives a $1,000 card upon confirmation through the app that return has been completed, according to the Homeland Security website. Though one man Reuters spoke to named Kevin said he got his stipend before departing from Houston. Migration and Foreign Affairs Director Wilson Paz said Honduran returnees also receive assistance from the Honduran government to facilitate their reintegration. On Monday, the DHS said people who choose to leave, quote, "may help preserve" their ability to return legally, but did not cite any specific pathway or program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York has called the program "cruel" and "misleading" and said the Trump administration failed to note the barriers that many migrants would face to return to the U.S. It advised migrants considering the offer to first consult with an attorney. Russia has pledged to send the U.S. terms for what they would require in order to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine following this weeks phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday. Its our understanding that the Russians are going to write up terms for what they would require in order to reach a ceasefire that then would allow broader negotiations, Rubio told a Senate committee in a public hearing. We await those terms and then well have a much better understanding about Mr. Putins calculation once we see what those terms look like. His remarks were the latest sign that the U.S. is in no rush to change its posture toward Russia, even as many European officials and lawmakers believe that Putin is playing for time. Its unclear how active a role the U.S. will play in future negotiations between the parties after Trump said Monday that Russia and Ukraine will directly negotiate the terms for an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps two-hour-long phone call with Putin on Monday did not yield any breakthroughs on a ceasefire or talks to end the fighting, disappointing Washingtons European and Ukrainian allies who want to see the U.S. do more to ratchet up pressure on Putin. Rubio, facing questions from Democrats and Republicans in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the U.S.s approach to Russia, defended the presidents efforts so far. Others are pushing a more aggressive approach. The EU on Tuesday passed their own new measures against Russia, and Republicans in Congress have said they are awaiting a greenlight from the White House to pass bilateral sanctions on Moscow. He wants to preserve as long as he possibly can the opportunity to influence both sides towards peace, Rubio said of Trump, adding the minute you do certain things you lose influence with one of the sides of the conflict an implication that sanctioning Russia could jeopardize Washingtons ability to speak with Moscow and Kyiv. Trump said Monday he was not yet ready to impose sanctions but could in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think there's a chance of getting something done. And if you do that, you can also make it much worse. But there could be a time when that's going to happen. Rubio cited talks in Istanbul last week between Russia and Ukraine that ended in an agreement to swap 1,000 prisoners of war as a positive step but said what we haven't seen yet is moves toward peace. The U.S. decision to await a Russian proposal is the latest in its shifting stance on bringing an end to the war between Moscow and Kyiv. Trump came to office saying that he would end the war in 24 hours, then began a process by which Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff began direct talks with Moscow in a bid to broker a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance has since said Washington is abandoning that approach after Russia refused to engage in anything temporary and is instead focusing on bringing the parties together to speak directly. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States is working closely with NATO allies that possess a certain number of Patriot air defence systems to encourage them to transfer them to Ukraine. Source: Marco during a hearing in the US Senate, as reported by European Pravda Details: Responding to a question from Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Rubio emphasised that aside from a one-week pause, the US has not halted deliveries of previously approved aid to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New aid packages, however, are another matter, he noted. "The White House would have to make a determination about whether to come to Congress for a supplemental. But everything thats been approved and congressionally appropriated is ongoing," Rubio said, adding that not all Ukrainian requests can be fulfilled. He emphasised that Ukraine has specifically asked for Patriot systems, "which, frankly, we dont have". "But we are working closely with our NATO allies there are NATO allies that do have some batteries of Patriot missiles that they could provide or transfer over to the Ukrainians to defend, for example, the airspace of Kyiv and other places. And weve been encouraging on that front," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As you can imagine, none of these countries want to give up their Patriot systems either. We cant make them fast enough," Rubio noted. He reiterated the position that there is no military solution to the war and that everything will have to be resolved at the negotiating table. "The fundamental challenge we have in Ukraine is this: Russia wants what they do not currently have and theyre not entitled to. And Ukraine wants what they cannot regain militarily," he said. Background: Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine may receive the necessary number of air defence systems after the minerals agreement has been finalised with the United States. Ukraine has made repeated appeals to the US for air defence systems, but the Trump administration has suggested that European countries should assist in purchasing these systems. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The Islamic Development Bank Group is committed to supporting the advancement of Islamic finance in Central Asia, reads a message from the Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, published in the joint report the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group. It was presented during the IsDB annual meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. Islamic finance has become an important tool for addressing economic and social challenges, contributing to sustainable development and inclusive financial systems globally. The Central Asian countries, namely the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, are at a crucial stage in developing their financial systems and economic growth, he said. Al Jasser pointed out that with strong cultural traditions and a growing demand for financial options, the region has great potential for the growth of Islamic finance. This growth could help financial systems expand and achieve broader socioeconomic objectives. The Islamic Development Bank Group is committed to supporting the advancement of Islamic finance in Central Asia and beyond. Our collaboration with Eurasian Development Bank demonstrates how development banks can work together to create inclusive and resilient financial systems, said the IsDB Group chairman. He expressed confidence that Islamic finance will continue to have a significant impact on fostering shared prosperity and contributing to sustainable development in Central Asia. We are committed to strengthening our relationships and expanding the positive influence of Islamic finance across this important region, he added. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced on Tuesday the availability of low-interest loans for agricultural producers impacted by drought through the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program. Up to $2 million is available for impacted agricultural producers in 17 counties widely expected to suffer the worst effects. In April, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a state of emergency due to ongoing drought in the following counties: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration recognizes the significant challenges the drought presents to Utahs agricultural economy and rural communities. Eligible producers in those counties may apply for relief loans of up to $100,000 per entity; up to $2 million total is available through the program. The loans are low-interest, seven year loans with no interest for the first two years, and 2.75% thereafter. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 23. Utahs agricultural producers are on the front lines of drought impacts, facing difficult decisions as water scarcity threatens crops, livestock, and long-term viability, said Agricultural Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help. This loan program is just one of the tools were using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong, he added. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 93% of Utah is abnormally dry. Just over 42% of the state is already classified as suffering from severe drought, while southwest Utah is in extreme drought. A recent report outlining the water supply outlook for Utah noted the precarious conditions playing out in that region. Soil moisture values in that area are breaking records for dryness, according to the Utah Snow Survey with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peak runoff forecasts are predicted to be in the bottom 15th percentile, if not record-setting. Despite resilient reservoir supply conditions, the agency said it remains very concerned about the water supply outlook in the St. George area due to these factors. The area, in fact, is the driest its been since the state first started taking records in 1895. Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District, said winter was particularly stingy to the region. While the spring did deliver some relief, the district will be relying on reservoir storage to get through the summer. We are very used to drought conditions in the southwest part of the state so we plan for it, he said. Fortunately, we have these large water projects and we can use them for a dry period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renstrom said some springs that farmers have typically relied on are going dry, so that makes conditions tough. He stressed residents in the county have listened and responded to the message of conservation, so in years like this there is adequate reservoir storage. For drought relief, interested applicants should visit https://ag.utah.gov/emergency-disaster-relief-loan-program/to review program guidelines and application materials. UDAF encourages all producers to also contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to explore other federal drought assistance options. More drought resources are available at: https://ag.utah.gov/droughtresources/. A family of seven allowed their daughter's boyfriend, Dominic Garcia, to move into their home in December 2024 Quickly, he allegedly told the family that his family was part of a business with ties to a cartel and they needed to abide by his instructions to stay alive Before his arrest on Saturday, May 17, he held the entire family hostage and woud threaten to kill them over the course of six months A 23-year-old man was arrested on 28 charges after he allegedly terrorized a Millcreek, Utah, family for nearly six months, according to the affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominic Garcia was booked in Salt Lake County Jail on Saturday, May 17, for 28 total alleged offenses, including seven counts of aggravated assault, seven counts of aggravated kidnapping, seven counts of threat of violence, and seven counts of hazing involving the use of a dangerous weapon, per the court documents. Greater Salt Lake police officers responded to a call from a Millcreek home that a man and his six family members had been held against their will by their pregnant daughter's boyfriend, Garcia. The complainant, referred to as RS in the affidavit, told authorities that they were holding Garcia at gunpoint because they "weren't able to take it any longer." Upon the authorities' arrival, they found Garcia at gunpoint. He was taken into custody without incident. The family was then interviewed by detectives. Getty Stock image of yellow police tape Stock image of yellow police tape Garcia began living with the family in December 2024, after the family allegedly allowed him to move into their home. Garcia told the family, "almost immediately, that his family was part of a business with ties to a cartel. He said for the family to stay on the cartel's good side, they had to do what Garcia said, per the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegedly, Garcia repeatedly told them the cartel would kill them if they did not do what they were told. RS bought a handgun out of protection, and then Garcia began carrying around the home, ultimately intimidating the family. Then, one day, Garcia allegedly said that his family had made a bad deal, and he and the victims had to leave the home for over a month. But once they returned, one of the family members referred to as HS, texted a friend explaining their disappearance. Garcia saw the text and immediately responded by threatening to kill the family if they stepped out of line. Garcia then allegedly forced HS into a "boot camp," which included five workouts a day at any hour of the day. HS was also forced to do ice baths and made to hold her face underwater to the point of being unable to breathe. Getty Stock image of police car. Stock image of police car. Also, as a result, he allegedly monitored the family members' phones and limited who could leave the home, and for a maximum of two hours per person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another family member, referred to as AS, told authorities that she only left home three times after they returned from their month-long disappearance. She was also told to stand guard until 5:30 a.m. every night. Seventeen-year-old family member, TS, missed a month of her senior year of high school and was extremely scared and believed her life was in danger. Garcias pregnant girlfriend, KS, said Garcia made threats to kill her and her family on numerous occasions. Garcia also choked out their pet dogs on occasions when he became upset and had been violent towards her sister HS. After his arrest and being informed of his Miranda rights, Garcia admitted to carrying the gun, putting HS through the boot camp and that all the claims about the cartel were lies. He said he "did not know how to stop it in fear that they would not like him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia is currently being held without bail. 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 affidavit included arguments for felony charges to be filed and claimed Garcia is a flight risk and could flee to his family in Mexico. The affidavit states that the family believes Garcia is still a danger to them and will come after them if he is let out of jail, and multiple family members believe theres still a chance the cartel could kill them. Read the original article on People Utah has more than 100,000 medical cannabis card holders, a new peak since the program got underway in 2020. (Getty Images) Five years after medical cannabis became available in Utah after being legalized by voters, the program, while still controversial, keeps on growing. This year, the state counted over 100,000 medical cannabis card holders, a new peak in the programs five-year existence. Members of the Utah Patients Coalition, a plant medicine advocacy group which lobbied hard to help pass the 2018 referendum that allowed the medical cannabis program in deeply conservative Utah, see the milestone as a demonstration that the system to obtain a card is getting easier to navigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even now that a major 2025 cannabis bill has gone into effect and eliminated a system that allowed for a cheaper, more accessible way to obtain a card, the group remains hopeful for the future of medical cannabis in the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The growth in 2025 has been encouraging, just because we have seen a lot of patients struggling in the past. And every year we go back to the legislative session, we go back to our platforms with education, and just try to remove some of those barriers, Desiree Hennessy, executive director at the Utah Patients Coalition, said on Monday. One of the 2025 general sessions routine bipartisan medical cannabis bills, sponsored by Minority Whip Jennifer Dailey-Provost, D-Salt Lake City, and Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, went through several iterations and proposed allowing more medical cannabis pharmacies in the state. But, it didnt make it to a vote on the Senate floor, ultimately failing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the provisions of the House bill, including new licenses for pharmacies, were included in HB54, another bill sponsored by Dailey-Provost that passed, allowing 17 pharmacies to operate in the state, up from 15. However, SB64, another bill sponsored by Vickers, also became law, containing a provision that Utah Patients Coalition considered a heartbreaking loss. Up until this month, pharmacies were allowed to partner with clinics that have medical providers qualified to prescribe medicinal cannabis to host card drives, a sort of pop-up clinic in pharmacies parking lots in which doctors could see patients and issue cards, often at a discount. Those partnerships allowed cards, which are good for up to a year, to go from a regular $200 to about $75, Hennessy said. Let us know what you think... This year, we lost the ability to allow pharmacies to do that. So now no longer can somebody write a card within 500 feet of a pharmacy unless theyre in their own business, she said. And so its really not going to hurt anybody thats middle class or higher, but these patients struggling with finances that used these card drives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was one of the last additions to Vickers bill. He explained on the Senate floor that the bills authors didnt feel like the pop-ups were appropriate, and patients should be going to a doctors office for medical advice. If someone is a qualified medical professional, they cant go to a pop-up tent in front of the marijuana pharmacy to give cards. We want to make sure that we are not producing a recreational environment, SB64s House floor sponsor, Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St George, told House members about the change. But, with that loss, also came some flexibility on who gets to recommend medical cannabis to a patient. Now, medical providers who are licensed to prescribe controlled substances can recommend the treatment, which according to a Department of Health and Human Services April report is mostly used to treat pain. According to Hennessy, that change would improve patient accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients can go to their regular care physician, hopefully not get charged any more than a co-pay, and have this medical cannabis conversation with their doctor, she said. While advocates celebrate the numbers, the program remains a contentious point among Utahns, with some still protesting the annual technical bills, arguing that the state shouldnt allow cannabis at all. But, ultimately, Hennessy hopes that medical cannabis patients get to be treated like those receiving any other treatment. Especially, she said, since the program has been demonstrated to lower rates of opioid use and opioid-related deaths, according to a study by Management Science Associates in partnership with Dragonfly Wellness, a medical cannabis pharmacy. We do believe that theres a lot of good that can come out of using medical cannabis as a first-line drug, and not as a second or third or fourth when everything else fails, Hennessy said, but we could use this first and treat a lot of conditions with a lot less risk than other medications that patients are now using. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Correction: A previous version of this story didnt specify that while an initial bill allowing for additional licenses for medical cannabis pharmacies failed, another House bill passed that increased the number of licenses. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah-based company that operates over 20 Subway sandwich shops is facing a federal lawsuit after allegedly failing to prevent a manager from sexually harassing and assaulting a 16-year-old employee. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the lawsuit against the company, identified as Franchise Management, LLC, earlier this week. This dog is my everything: Owner says dog was severely injured at Wellington boarding center Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a media release, the EEOC said the manager made sexual comments toward the teenager for months, including asking him for pictures in his underwear and trying to discuss sexual preferences, sexual experiences and pornography with him. The manager also reportedly sent the teenager pictures of himself in his underwear. The harassment culminated in the manager sexually assaulting the teenager twice during a work shift in September 2020, according to the EEOC. Court documents obtained by ABC4.com indicate the manager later pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. Remains of Utah woman found a mile away from where her original remains were discovered last year An investigation conducted by the EEOC over the following years determined that Franchise Management, LLC violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sexual harassment. EEOC said it attempted to provide Franchise Management an opportunity to remedy its practices, but the two were unable to reach an agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young workers are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment because they have less work experience and may be afraid to report an older or more powerful harasser, said Mary Jo ONeill, regional attorney for the EEOCs Phoenix District Office. This is why training on employment protections under Title VII and maintaining a work environment free of harassment is especially important to protect young people starting out in the workplace. Kathleen Weron, a lawyer representing Franchise Management, said in a statement provided to ABC4.com that the company is confident in the integrity of the workplace environments created across its locations and is confident in the strength of its legal position. Franchise Management remains committed to fostering a safe and respectful workplace where employees are valued and protected, the statement read. Weron said the company would be unable to comment further on pending litigation. In the lawsuit, EEOC is asking for Franchise Management, LLC to carry out policies, practices and programs that provide equal employment opportunities for all, as well as providing the victim compensation, including backpay, front pay, and interest in amounts determined by trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As frequent employers of young people, fast food businesses must have strong systems in place to ensure that teenage workers are not sexually assaulted by older managers, and that workers new to the workforce understand their rights when harassment occurs, said EEOCs Phoenix District Director Melinda Caraballo. 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. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Utica Police arrested two juveniles on Monday night in connection with a weeks-long investigation into menacing incidents on Mohawk Street. According to Utica Police, officers have responded to the McDonalds on Mohawk Street regarding several juveniles over the last several weeks. Witnesses have said that the juveniles have been harassing customers and staff and causing a general disturbance. Police have said that violent behavior with the group of juveniles has increased throughout the investigation. On Monday, May 19, at approximately 9:15 pm, police were called there once again. Witnesses at the scene claimed that the group of juveniles were possibly in possession of multiple handguns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived on the scene, a group of approximately 10 juveniles fled on foot in several different directions. Two of the group were apprehended; one immediately, one a short distance away. A search of both persons found BB guns, which looked exactly like Glock handguns. Both juveniles both approximately 15 years old, according to police were turned over to the care of their guardians. According to police, no charges are currently pending against either juvenile. Police say that they will continue to increase their presence in the area of the Mohawk Street McDonalds to deter the groups behavior. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. A supporter of former president Donald Trump wears a "Make America Great Again" hat while attending a rally for Trump's reelection campaign in Chesapeake on June 28, 2024 (Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury) This is primary season and candidates have to double down on what the truest of your partys true believers truly believe. The common logic is that you steer as far as you can to the right (for Republicans) or left (among Democrats) to rouse their base voters until theyre ready to chew barbed wire and spit out roofing nails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, after the preseason scrimmage is over, its time to tack back toward the center where the dispositive mass of Virginias electorate has repeatedly proved it resides and, if you still can, appear less the wild-eyed zealot and more the measured, moderate and sane candidate of November. But something weird is happening this year: folks with no primary opponent seem locked in primary mode, especially within the GOP, where the statewide nominations are already settled. On the Democratic side, the only statewide candidate without a primary fight is former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who has a bye into the November governors election. She and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, will contend for historys distinction as the first woman governor in Virginias more than 400 years. There are a half-dozen Democrats state Sens. Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach and Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield County, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Prince William County School Board member Babur Lateef, lawyer and labor leader Alex Bastani and career federal prosecutor Victor Salgado vying for lieutenant governor. None are known statewide and its anyones guess where that roulette ball lands. The victor will take on Republican John Reid, Virginias first openly gay statewide nominee who survived a homophobic attempt to blackmail him off the ticket that backfired spectacularly on the top echelon of Virginias GOP. In the Democrats attorney general sweepstakes, Jay Jones, a former assistant attorney general in the District of Columbia and former House of Delegates member from Norfolk, is battling Henrico County Commonwealths Attorney Shannon Taylor. The winner will oppose Republican Jason Miyares, who is running for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP nominees have the luxury of sniping at these down-ticket Democrats as they go after one another hammer and tongs until the June 17 primary. But the Democrats share a unifying theme. Each promises to shield Virginia from the varied predations of the Trump White House, whether it be reproductive or LGBTQ rights, mass layoffs of Virginias large federal workforce or protecting Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for the poor. That messaging is unlikely to change much after the primary, with good reason: Trump is historically toxic in Virginia. Every time he has either been in office or on the ballot, Republicans have paid the price in Virginia elections. Trump himself is 0-3 in the commonwealth, losing to Hillary Clinton by 5 percentage points in 2016, Joe Biden by 10 in 2020, and Kamala Harris last November by 6. Beginning in 2015 when he descended the golden escalator into the lobby of his eponymous Manhattan skyscraper to announce his first presidential bid and for the next five years, Virginia Republicans lost. They lost majorities in the states U.S. House delegation. They lost every election for statewide office. They lost control of the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2020, Democrats owned every statewide lever of elective political power in Virginia for the first time since 1968. As soon as Trump was gone, GOP fortunes improved. In 2021, Republicans swept all three statewide executive offices and retook the House of Delegates majority. The ticket was led by Glenn Youngkin, a wealthy former hedge fund executive running for governor in the first election of his life as a fresh-faced, kinder, gentler Republican who judiciously distanced himself from Trump but is now a reliable Trump lieutenant. Now, Trump is back, and if you thought the first term gave Virginia Democrats plenty to chew on, version 2.0 supercharged by modern-day Croesus and chainsaw-wielding grim reaper of livelihoods Elon Musk serves up a banquet. And that puts this years GOP slate in a pickle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure, theyre free to make Democrats account for years of out-of-control federal spending, and a border and immigration policy that the party couldnt or wouldnt address when it had the chance. Yes, the GOP is advancing the attack as it has done for years, and with considerable success last year that violent crime is on the rise (its not) and that illegals are driving it (theyre certainly not). But what theyve been unwilling to do so far, even though there are no nomination battles to wage, is put distance between themselves and Trump. Republican candidates who were once stalwart globalist free-traders now sit either in meek acquiescence or voice throaty support for daunting tariffs the president has imposed unilaterally without the concurrence of Congress. Not one has registered a notable protest over Trump unleashing Musk to eviscerate the federal workforce and curb federal government contracts, even though Northern Virginia has the richest concentration of them in the world with the possible exception of its nextdoor neighbor, the District of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These candidates sit mute as the president openly defies the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which guarantees citizenship to all persons born on U.S. soil. They turn blind eyes when masked, unbadged federal agents, without warrants, arrest foreigners both those here legally and illegally and try to hustle them outside our borders, often without the due process of law. Those arent conservative vs. liberal issues. Those have been foundational principles of our republic for nearly 250 years! Theyre as elemental as our right to face our accusers in court, the right to be free from unwarranted government intrusion into our homes, the right to free speech and religion and the right to keep and bear arms. But they dare not dispute their president who holds a death grip on what was once the Republican Party and now presumes a measure of almost imperial authority, unbounded by the courts, the Constitution, Congress and certainly not centuries-old norms of decency and civility. They need look no farther into history than former Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., for a sobering lesson on the consequences of displeasing Trump. Good, however, was felled in last years 5th Congressional District primary by Trump acolyte John McGuire. As Reid convincingly proved, the 2025 GOP statewide ticket is locked in, there are no primaries, and its time to move on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing that, lets see if Republicans Earle-Sears, Reid and Miyares can reconnect with their partys longtime creed and muster the character it takes to speak frankly about what Virginia voters including persuadable moderates and more than a few Republicans already recognize as the Trump administrations gross abuses. That would be so refreshing. Its also the only hope the GOP has for avoiding a Virginia wipeout this November. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a fiery back-and-forth during Tuesdays Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Intense interruptions marked the entire exchange. But the fiercest of them was when Rubio mentioned Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. While responding to Van Hollens initial comments, Rubio accused Garcia of being a gang member and involved with human trafficking. Van Hollen cut him off, saying that he was spreading unsubstantiated claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chairman Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican, banged his gavel and repeatedly told Van Hollen that his time had expired. Secretary Rubio should take that testimony to the federal court of the United States, Van Hollen said. Because he hasnt done it under oath. Garcia was detained and deported after a traffic stop in March. A court had previously ruled that Garcia could not be deported to El Salvador due to his risk of being a target of gang violence. The Trump administration admitted Garcias deportation was a mistake. The Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Garcias return. Garcia remains imprisoned in El Salvador. Van Hollen has been a staunch defender of Garcia. He flew to El Salvador in April and met with Garcia. He has also introduced legislative measures that would require Rubios department to produce a human rights report on El Salvador. Van Hollen has accused the Trump administration of violating Garcias right to due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judicial branch cannot tell me or the president how to conduct foreign policy, Rubio said. No judge can tell me how I have to outreach to a foreign partner or what I have to say to them. Just like a judge cannot order me to negotiate with a foreign minister of Russia, they cannot order me to negotiate with a foreign minister or the president of El Salvador, Rubio added. The verbal melee started immediately. Van Hollen lambasted Rubios leadership of the State Department. For seven minutes, all of his allotted time, Van Hollen questioned Rubios decision-making, discernment and decency. I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you as Secretary of State, Van Hollen said as he ended his speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your regret for voting for me confirms Im doing a good job, Rubio responded. The exchange momentarily devolved into chaos. Van Hollen interrupted Rubios response, causing Risch to stop him. Your time is up senator, and woefully used I might add, Risch said. Your remarks do not represent the view of this committee. When Van Hollen interrupted Rubio again moments later, Risch cut him off and told him to suspend his comments. The Maryland senator broached a litany of grievances with Rubio. Referencing the war in Ukraine, Van Hollen told Rubio that he and Donald Trump had thrown Ukraine under the bus and have been played like a fiddle by Vladimir Putin, Van Hollen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the United States Agency for International Development, Van Hollen said Rubio stood by while Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency took a chainsaw to USAID. Van Hollen said that the abrupt dismantling of the agency led to the closure of 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan. People died because of those actions, Van Hollen said. Tons of emergency food that could have saved their lives were left rotting in warehouses because you and Elon Musk refused to let USAID do its job. Rubio said that he was proud of the work the administration had done with USAID, saying he didnt regret cutting programs that didnt make America more prosperous as a nation. We spent $14 million dollars for social cohesion in Mali whatever the hell that means, Rubio said. _____ ROME Vice President JD Vance shuffled between presidents and prime ministers this week, tending to complicated relationships with U.S. allies and puzzling over two wars. But it was his meeting Monday with newly installed Pope Leo XIV that could prove to be most consequential on the world stage, Vance said in an interview with NBC News. As his SUV limo sped to the airport here at the end of a three-day trip centered around the first U.S.-born pontiffs inaugural Mass, Vance spoke of Leo as a key potential partner in President Donald Trumps efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine and in other conflict areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We talked a lot about whats going on in Israel and Gaza. We talked a lot about the Russia-Ukraine situation, Vance said of the nearly hourlong audience he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had with Leo. Its hard to predict the future, but I do think that not just the pope, but the entire Vatican, has expressed a desire to be really helpful and to work together on facilitating, hopefully, a peace deal coming together in Russia and Ukraine. Vance, who is Catholic, said he found the pope to be extremely sweet. He described their conversation as substantive a promising sign given how Leo had, in his previous service as a cardinal, signaled disapproval of Trump administration immigration policies. Hours after the audience, Trump issued a social media post suggesting Leo could be helpful in the Russia-Ukraine talks. We have an American pope of the worlds largest single religion a guy who doesnt have an army, but who I think has an incredible amount of capacity to convene and to influence, not just Europe, but, really, the entire world, said Vance, riding in the backseat alongside second lady Usha Vance as their motorcade delivered them to Air Force Two for their return to Washington. I hope its the beginning of a very good relationship, because I think he does care a lot about peace, he added. If there is a single most productive thing [from the trip], my hope is that it will be that the relationship between us and the Vatican leads to a lot fewer people getting killed and a lot less humanitarian disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Vatican acknowledged an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which hope was expressed that humanitarian law and international law be respected in areas of conflict and that there be a negotiated solution between the parties involved. This weeks diplomatic efforts underscore the large foreign policy role Vance has carved out in Trumps administration. Trump has shown a limited appetite for travel in his second term. The presidents recently completed Middle East visit was his first major overseas trip and only his second when counting his attendance last month at Pope Francis funeral, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance, who met briefly with Francis the day before his death, has now been to Italy twice as vice president. He has also visited India, represented the White House at conferences in Paris and Munich and touched down in Greenland to reinforce Trumps interest in annexing the island from Denmark. And the White House nearly sent Vance from Rome on a last-minute mission to Israel which Trump skipped on last weeks tour but said the logistics could not be worked out in time. I dont think theres a particularly deliberate strategy of him traveling less or me traveling more, Vance said, weighing his globetrotting against Trumps. I just think its kind of the way its fallen. Vice President JD Vance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Sunday. (Alberto Lingria / IMAGO / Reuters) But Vance acknowledged that he has been given a broad portfolio and wide latitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I definitely think the president has a lot of trust in me, and Im honored by it, and I think it makes me a more effective vice president, Vance said. A lot of people always asked me between the election and the inauguration: What would my role be? I would always say I think itll be being an extra set of eyes and ears for the president, doing the things that he thinks that I need to do, and thats largely how its worked out. There was plenty for Vance to do in Rome. After Sundays Mass, he and Rubio hosted Zelenskyy at the U.S. ambassadors residence here. A February clash between Vance and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office seemed like a distant memory when the vice presidents office released a statement about their shared goal of ending the bloodshed and a photo of the two leaders smiling. From the Zelenskyy meeting, Vance hustled to Chigi Palace, where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had brokered a meeting between Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The sitdown was framed as an opportunity for constructive dialogue at a time when Trumps tariffs and Vances adversarial posture toward European leaders have rattled the Continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, the president has had some pretty tough words I guess I have, too, pretty tough words for Europe about the importance of opening their markets, but also the importance of doing more burden-sharing in defense, Vance said in the interview. And I would say that one leader that both of us have consistently found is a really helpful bridge between the United States and Europe is Meloni. Meloni, like Trump and Vance, is known for her far-right politics. Vance observed that she has two qualities that he believes make her a strong diplomatic partner. The first is that shes a very, very good listener. So if you have two people who really disagree on something, she tries to understand where both of them are coming from, and shes perceptive and insightful enough that she actually understands it, he said. The second thing is, shes extraordinarily direct. She actually reminds me a little bit of Usha in that way, where she can deliver an extraordinarily direct message without coming across as offensive. Thats just a skill, right? Theres a skill in actually being direct with somebody but not raising their guard. Vance also met Sunday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and with British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He said his discussions with Carney centered on trade policy, a major issue between the U.S. and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomacy to this degree wasnt originally on the agenda for Vances return to Rome. When we first started sketching out the trip, I thought, oh, this is kind of nice. Well go to the papal Mass, Usha and I will have lunch afterwards, and just kind of take it easy on Sunday and fly home Sunday night or Monday, Vance, who had just finished a leisurely lunch with the second lady, said before clarifying that he looks for opportunities to do as much as I possibly can on taxpayer-funded trips overseas. It was a very personally rewarding trip, he added. Once youre here and there are all these other world leaders here, you might as well try to try to sit down with them and talk to them. Vances expansive role has placed him alongside Rubio, the administrations chief diplomat, as a face of Trumps foreign policy. The president stoked speculation of a 2028 rivalry between the two earlier this month when, in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press, he suggested both as potential successors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, allies of both Vance and Rubio dismissed any notion of competition or friction. Vance did so himself Monday, mentioning a recent conversation with a political consultant. I can just feel it the media is going to start telling some story of me versus Marco or me having a rivalry with Marco, Vance recalled telling the consultant. Most of the time, Vance said, I dont give a s--- about this stuff. I dont even think that much about it. He and Rubio, Vance added, talk five times a day on a light day. If theres a call Vance knows Rubio will be on, he said, he knows he can skip the call and catch up with him later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the level of trust and confidence that I have in Marco, Vance said. My attitude is, if I do end up running in 2028, Im not entitled to it, he continued. But I really think that Marco and I can get a lot done together over the next few years. Thats how I think about our friendship and our relationship. And I would be shocked if he thought about it any differently. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Virginia Beach City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson spoke for the first time publicly since the citys School Board voted to suspend diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the divisions schools. Monday night, Virginia Beach NAACP hosted a town hall meeting over the school boards decision to suspend initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and Robertson was in attendance, saying he understands the anxious feelings of the community. However, he wanted to assure parents, students and staff the core values of the school division will not waver. Virginia Beach board votes to keep suspension of DEI in place Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Give us a chance to demonstrate what we are doing, Robertson said, which is continuing to provide a needs-based education where all students in the division are provided what they need to have access and opportunity to succeed, and thats not changing. Robertson is asking the community to allow him and the School Board to prove they will handle the divisions recent suspension of DEI policies with care. So what will be cut or changed? Not much, he said. The most visible change is the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion changed names to the Office of Opportunity and Achievement, Robertson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Programs like the Tide Coalition, Beach Girls Rock and others, will remain intact. When we create those programs, they are open to all students, Robertson said. They may have a particular focus. Beach Girls Rock has a focus on getting girls into STEM programs. We have our African American Male Summit that weve had for now 17 years. There are White students there, there are Asian students there, there are Spanish students there. Its inclusive. Since those programs have been inclusive to everyone, not just the demographic that they serve, Robertson says they are in line with the recent executive order from the White House. Those in attendance at Monday nights town hall meeting just want to make sure the students remain at the center of it all. Kids want to be challenged, but they want to be supported, and then they want to be in a classroom where, when they look up at the front of the room, theres a teacher who believes in them, Robertson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board voted to suspend DEI policies to abide by the executive order and to continue receiving their more than $70 million in federal funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has funded a total of 462 projects across Central Asia, with total financial support exceeding $8.39 billion, according to data released on the sidelines of the 2025 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. Uzbekistan stands out as the leading beneficiary of IsDB Group support in the region, both in the number of projects and the volume of funding. The country has implemented 168 projects, of which 73 have been completed and 95 are currently active. Total funding provided to Uzbekistan by the IsDB Group amounts to $3.974 billion, nearly half of the banks cumulative commitments to Central Asia. Kazakhstan, with 74 projects (57 completed and 17 ongoing), ranks second in terms of funding volume, having received $1.656 billion. Despite having fewer projects than some of its neighbors, Kazakhstans projects have attracted significant financial resources per project. Turkmenistan follows with 33 projects and a total funding of $1.387 billion. Only 17 of these projects have been completed, with 16 remaining active. This relatively balanced split indicates ongoing engagement between the country and the IsDB. Tajikistan, which has 105 projects, comes next in terms of project count. The country has completed 72 initiatives, and 33 are active. Total IsDB Group funding for Tajikistan stands at $0.825 billion, demonstrating a consistent but comparatively moderate financial allocation. Kyrgyzstan has received support for 82 projects, of which 63 have been completed and 19 remain active. The total volume of IsDB Group funding to the country is $0.554 billion, the lowest in the region, though the number of completed projects signals a productive history of cooperation. In total, Central Asia has benefited from 462 projects, including 282 completed and 180 currently active, backed by $8.396 billion in financing from the IsDB Group. This underscores the growing importance of the region in the banks portfolio and highlights its strategic relevance for sustainable development and regional integration. The best candidate the Tories could ever find to lead them out of their current slough of despond is a Frenchman youve never heard of. Unfortunately for them, hes just won himself the job here in France. Bruno Retailleau, 64, the current Home Secretary in the wobbly Bayrou Cabinet, triumphed on Sunday with 75 per cent of the vote for leadership of Les Republicains, crushing his flashier rival Laurent Wauquiez, a former Sarkozy minister and top civil service mandarin, in what had been billed as a neck-to-neck race. In an increasingly polarised (and messy) political landscape, Retailleau, the son of a grain dealer and Mayor of their small Vendee town, is the quiet man. He was an MP for two years, but a Senator for twenty: the French Upper House (which enjoys more powers than its British counterpart the House of Lords) is a less restless place, where compromise is the rule. Unlike Wauquiez and Emmanuel Macron Retailleau attended local Catholic schools, not grand Parisian Lycees and ENA. Also unlike them, he did his military service, in Frances grandest cavalry regiment, at Saumur, once attended by General George Patton before WWI. He then progressed in local, then regional politics, almost under the radar even when he became one of the LR grandees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, he is a type wed almost forgotten existed: a soft-spoken grassroots politician, with traditional values and an interest in practical things, led by observation rather than ideology. He may be a classical liberal, yet in 2005 he (unsuccessfully) denounced Jacques Chiracs projected privatisation of the French motorway system, arguing that in the absence of actual competition, it would risklessly transfer state monopolies to private entities. (Two decades on, parliamentary and National Court of Audits reports have pointed out precisely the kind of unchecked profits private conglomerates then made from state-funded infrastructure). Retailleau also voted against the projected 2005 EU Constitution, as well as against its replacement, the Lisbon Treaty in 2006, which he viewed as encroaching on Frances sovereignty. Any Home Secretary is usually the target of the Left: the hoary accusation of racism has been levelled against Retailleau when he criticised separatism, which in France refers to immigrant communities living in cultural bubbles rather than trying to integrate in the wide French polity. He also riled the Melenchonistas when said he would use every means to reduce immigration which he said doesnt benefit our country. And after Suella Braverman and Giorgia Meloni, he, too wants to resettle illegal arrivals in third countries, negotiating with Iraq, Kazakhstan and Egypt. It would be enough to make him the usual punching ball of the liberal classes, except that he says these things with unfailing politeness. Leftists have to pay attention to realise hes standing against everything they want to push. As a result, Retailleau has become an acquired taste among many French voters who still have qualms about supporting Marine Le Pen or her youthful party president Jordan Bardella. Thats not so much because theyre Fascists (theyre not) but because theyre perceived as incompetent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The selfie-taking screaming Bardella fans are highly visible, but the voting classes are mostly older. Their own self-respect may well lead them decide that a father of three who flat refused to appear with his young family on the cover of Paris Match (a rite of passage for presidential candidates) could be a blessed relief from the publicity-hungry crowd that noisily begged for their votes for decades, never to deliver on their promises. 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. Venezuela has suspended flights from neighbouring Colombia after authorities detained more than 30 people allegedly plotting activities to destabilise the country before Sundays parliamentary election. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on state television on Monday that the flight ban was immediate and would last for a week. The arrests were announced just as an independent panel of experts released a report documenting serious human rights abuses committed in Venezuela in the aftermath of the July 28, 2024 presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabello said the antigovernment plans involved placing explosives at embassies, hospitals and police stations in Venezuela. He said authorities had detained 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners, some of whom hold Colombian, Mexican and Ukrainian citizenship. Cabello said those detained arrived from Colombia, some by plane, others over land, but had set out originally from other unnamed countries. Cabello, without offering any evidence, said the group included experts in explosive devices, human smugglers and mercenaries, and was working with members of Venezuelas political opposition. The scenario they want to present is that there are no conditions in Venezuela for holding an election, Cabello said, referring to the opposition. Colombias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it had not received any information from Venezuelas government regarding the detention of Colombian citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colombias civil aviation authority confirmed that commercial flights between the countries had been suspended, while Venezuelas aviation authority said the measure will last until Monday, May 26 at 6pm local time. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro was re-elected in July 2024 [File: Juan Barreto/AFP] Political repression The government of President Nicolas Maduro, whose re-election in July 2024 to a third term was rejected by much of the international community as fraudulent, frequently claims to be the target of US and Colombian-backed coup plots. In an interview over Zoom with the AFP news agency last week, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who went into hiding after last years presidential election, pledged a voter boycott on Sunday that would leave all the [voting] centres empty. The opposition says its tally of results from the July vote showed a clear victory for its candidate, former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who went into exile in Spain after a crackdown on dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The independent panel of experts backed by the Organization of American States on Monday wrote in their report that Venezuelas post-election period has seen the most severe and sophisticated phase of political repression in Venezuelas modern history. This included the execution of unarmed protesters, enforced disappearances and an increase in arbitrary detentions. They also noted that the state had expanded its repression targets beyond political opponents and human rights defenders to include poll workers, election witnesses, relatives of opposition members, minors and others. The diplomatic outcry that followed last years election saw Venezuela break off ties and flight routes with several countries. Some airlines have also cancelled operations to and from the country due to unpaid debts. Venezuela and Colombia reopened flight routes in November 2022, after the election of Colombias first-ever leftist President Gustavo Petro, who reinstated bilateral ties broken off in 2019 when then-leader Ivan Duque refused to acknowledge Maduros re-election to a second term. Thousands of Venezuelan migrants living in Tennessee may face deportation after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a move by President Donald Trump's administration to end the program shielding them. An unsigned order by the court upheld a decision by the Trump administration to abruptly end temporary protected status for nearly 350,000 Venezuelan migrants nationwide. Federal law allows for protected status when a country's living conditions are not safe enough for citizens to return, and the Biden-era program had allowed the Venezuelans to live and work temporarily in the U.S. As of 2023, there were 7,000 people under temporary protected status in Tennessee, according to data from the American Immigration Council. Around 3,500 were Venezuelans, according to a spokesperson for the council. More recent data shows 10,295 temporary protected status holders in Tennessee as of 2024, but an exact number of those from Venezuela was not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the May 19 order, some will have protections until September, while others will lose their status immediately. While the ruling allows the Trump administration's decision to stand for now as he ramps up deportations, litigation over the program is ongoing. More: Supreme Court lets Trump strip Venezuelan migrants of protected status for now 'Disappointed but not deterred' Advocates for the Venezuelan migrants cited the wide-reaching impact of the court's decision, which came via an unsigned order. The order gave no explanation, which is typical for actions on emergency requests. The federal Justice Department argued that courts don't have authority to review the Trump administration's decisions "in this fast-moving area of foreign affairs." A spokesperson for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition said Trump dismantling the protected status program is further evidence that he and his administration do not care about someone's legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you don't fit their narrow view of what it means to be an American you are on the chopping block," the Nashville-based nonprofit said in a statement to The Tennessean. "We are disappointed but not deterred, and we will keep fighting for a government and immigration system that treats us with the dignity we all deserve." The organization also pushed back at the Supreme Court's brief order that overturned a federal judge's decision that would have blocked Trump from ending the program while litigation unfolds. "In two paragraphs, with no explanation, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision to strip legal status from the largest group of people in recent history," the TIRRC read. "Temporary Protected Status is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking safety and security, and this heartless ruling places all of them in limbo about their futures." Ahilan Arulanantham, a lawyer who represents the group of migrants suing over the policy change, told USA TODAY that many may be deported while the case continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The humanitarian and economic impact of the Courts decision will be felt immediately, and will reverberate for generations," Arulanantham said. Lawyers for the Venezuelans also said that "it should be uncontroversial that federal courts say what the law is." USA TODAY reporter Maureen Groppe contributed to this story. Reach reporter Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or follow her on Twitter and Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Venezuelans in TN face deportation as court upholds Trump policy TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Supreme Court is clearing the way for the Trump administration to end the protected status of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan citizens living in the United States. On Monday, the justices released an order pausing a ruling by a federal judge that had blocked the secretary of homeland security from terminating Venezuelans protections. Tampa smoke shop raided; business owner says he sells only legal, licensed products Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the question is: What could this mean for Venezuelans in Tampa Bay? News Channel 8 went to Immigration Attorney Danielle Hernandez to find out. There are people in the Tampa Bay area that are highly stressed and dont know what this means to them, she said. Theyre like, Well, does my license expire? Can I still go to work tomorrow?' A temporary protected status, TPS, is granted to people from countries experiencing extraordinary conditions that make it unsafe for them to return home. A couple examples include war or an environmental disaster. In 2021, Venezuelans were granted TPS, given their countrys political turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the Biden administration extended that designation for another 18 months. In February, Kristi Noem, the new secretary of homeland security reversed those protections, giving many Venezuelans until April 2 to leave the country. But a judge in California temporarily suspended that decision in late March. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services addressed that decision with the following alert: The Administration is committed to restoring the rule of law with respect to TPS. On Feb. 3, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noems vacatur of the Jan. 17, 2025 notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela was published in the Federal Register. On Feb. 5, 2025, the Secretarys decision to terminate TPS under the 2023 designation for Venezuela was published. On March 31, 2025, Judge Edward Chen, a federal judge in San Francisco, ordered the department to continue TPS for Venezuelans. See National TPS Alliance, et al., v. Kristi Noem et al., No. 3:25-cv-01766 (N.D. Cal. Mar. 31, 2025). The court did so even though the TPS statute says that TPS decisions are not subject to judicial review. For more information, please see the Federal Register notice. DHS has every intention of ending Venezuela TPS under the 2023 designation as soon as it obtains relief from the court order. Further updates regarding TPS Venezuela will be posted on this webpage. Separately, TPS under the 2021 designation for Venezuela remains in effect through Sept. 10, 2025. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials specifically noted, [The Department of Homeland Security] has every intention of ending Venezuela TPS under the 2023 designation as soon as it obtains relief from the court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That brings us to Monday when Hernandez said the Supreme Court temporarily paused that order granting a motion to postpone agency actions that were issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The government is free to move forward with ending TPS the way they see fit, Hernandez said. News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, What will this mean for the people who, before, had to be out by early April? Technically, right now, thats the $100M question, she said. We know what we know. We know the government is free to move forward with their plan to dismantle it and do away with it, she continued. I dont know precisely what this means for those people, they are in the state of a limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her advice? If you have your attorney, make sure you stay up to date on what you have going on, what you have pending, and a copy of all of your documents, Hernandez explained. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Vermonts Progressives will be looking for someone new to guide them for the first time in eight years. Josh Wronski, who became the partys executive director in January of 2017, announced Monday that he will be stepping down on July 4 to take a position with the Vermont State Employees Association. The partys executive director is its only paid position. Wronski wrote, I came into this role from the labor movement, and am excited to now be joining the staff of the VSEA one of the most impactful unions in our state. Working people are under attack like never before, and the need for a powerful labor movement is clearer than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opioid overdose deaths in Vermont dropped significantly last year The Vermont Progressive Party, the third largest political party in the state after the Democrats and the Republicans, is known for its platform of economic, social, and environmental justice. It currently counts among its members five members of the Vermont State Legislature and five of the twelve members of the Burlington City Council. It is frequently associated with independent Senator Bernie Sanders, from whose campaign for Burlington mayor it originated; Sanders has been an affiliated non-member since 1981. Progressive candidate David Zuckerman narrowly lost the election for lieutenant governor in the state last year to Republican John Rodgers, by less than 6,000 votes out of over 330,000 cast. Anthony Pollina, who served in the Vermont State Senate from 2011 to 2023, remains as the partys chair. He thanked Wronski for his time as director, saying, Josh has been an incredible asset to the Progressive Party and the progressive movement in Vermont, providing leadership and working tirelessly behind the scenes. Thanks to Josh we are a stronger, more resilient party. He will be missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partys leadership will meet next week to discuss next steps. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. MONTPELIER, VT. (ABC22/FOX44) The Vermont Senate is set to advance a House bill that would phase out and eventually ban toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in more consumer products, including dental floss and cleaning products. The Senate expanded the bill, H.238, by adding a ban on PFAS in firefighting gear beginning in 2029. PFAS are a group of some 15,000 chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nations air, water and soil. PFAS accumulates in the body, and health experts say low doses of the chemicals can build up in the body over time, so even small amounts are a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Vermont Department of Health, exposure to PFAS can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders, certain types of cancer and other serious health problems. A year ago, Vermont lawmakers approved a ban on PFAS in a slew of consumer products, including cribs, cosmetics, cookware and products aimed at children under 12, including electronic games. That law will take effect in July 2026. Reducing and eliminating PFAS in consumer goods and the environment protects personal and public health, said Senator Virginia Lyons, chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Removing PFAS from products including dental floss, cleaning products, firefighting equipment, and textiles limits exposures that could lead to cancer, lower antibody response to vaccines, or negative child development outcomes. Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to weaken limits on some forever chemicals in drinking water that were finalized last year, while maintaining standards for two common ones. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Throughout Tuesday and continuing Wednesday is Vermonts 2025 Substance Use Conference. More than 350 people gathered in-person and virtually to share information and create connections that will enhance their ability to serve, and support people impacted by substance use disorders. The conference directly follows the health departments release of the Annual Fatal Opioid Overdoses Among Vermonters Report, which highlighted the largest decline in deaths from opioid overdoses in Vermont since 2019. MyChamplainValley spoke with Health Department Deputy Commissioner, Kelly Dougherty, and she tells us the conference includes people and professionals from all over the substance abuse spectrum. From prevention, treatment, intervention, recovery and bringing it altogether so that folks can connect and learn something Kelly Dougherty, Health Department Deputy Commissioner The conference also includes breakout sessions and workshops which include talks focusing on different populations such as people involved with the justice system and other groups that are impacted by substance use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are someone you know needs help, click here for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national helpline, or here for Vermonts Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. We have been teasing this awesome, very exclusive story for the last week or so. Its something were super excited to tell you about because its a story that you will only see on ABC22 and FOX44. Homeward Bound, Addison Countys Humane Society has asked our Forever Home series to help them launch a search for the first-ever Dog Mayor for the Town of Middlebury. We are proud to announce that the nomination process is underway and will last two weeks. This official business of Middlebury has been approved by the Town Manager at a recent board meeting. Nominees must have a professional headshot, a campaign slogan, and a few more qualifications if they are seeking this top spot in the marvelous, magical Town of Middlebury. We are so ecstatic about this, but we also find it to be a privilege and honor to be a part of this whole process. There has only been one other pet mayor in Vermont and it was in Fairfax where there was a goat elected mayor, then eventually a dog. Starting spreading the news, get your friends with viable candidates involved, and lets help Homeward Bound raise a pretty penny in the process! What do you say? Each vote cast will cost five dollars with all the money going back to benefit the animals in Homeward Bounds care. Talk about having fun while doing good at the same time. Well have more updates about the nominees and news about the winner of this election when they become available, so stay tuned! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Last year the Village Trust Initiative helped seven small towns in Vermont take on projects like new community centers, renovations of historic houses, and more. This year grant applications will open once again. Any town with a population under 2,500 as of the 2020 Census is welcomed to apply for a grant under the program, which must be a revitalization project utilizing a historic resource or site in an established village environment in other words, nature trails dont qualify, but anything from a school to a general store could be the start of a proposal. Last years accepted projects included the rebuilding of the Benson General Store after it was destroyed in a fire in 2019, as well as the transformation of the Snowsville Hotel in East Braintree into a community space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stowe Community Church celebrates return of historic spire The Vermont Council on Rural Development writes, The Vermont village is often recognized as an iconic hub of general stores, churches, and community gathering spaces where residents come together. These villages have no shortage of people who want their communities to thrive and the Vermont village continues to be the stage of vibrant social life. World Population Review identifies Vermont as the most rural state in the U.S., with over 66% of Vermonters living in rural areas as of 2025. The new round of applications will open July 7 and close September 5 at 5:00 p.m.. An informational webinar will be held on Zoom at noon on June 9. To register, interested parties are directed to the programs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a 2026 candidate for California governor, criticized former Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra on Tuesday as complicit in covering up former President Biden's cognitive decline while in office. Villaraigosa said those actions, in part, led to President Trump winning the November election. Becerra, who previously served as California's attorney general, is also in the running for governor, and Harris is considering jumping into the race. All three are Democrats. "At the highest levels of our government, those in power were intentionally complicit or told outright lies in a systematic cover-up to keep Joe Bidens mental decline from the public," Villaraigosa said in a statement. "Now, we have come to learn this cover-up includes two prominent California politicians who served as California attorney general one who is running for governor and another who is thinking about running for governor. Voters deserve to know the truth, what did Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra know, when did they know it, and most importantly, why didnt either of them speak out?" Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, from left, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and former Vice President Kamala Harris. (Godofredo A. Vasquez, Nathan Ellgren, Susan Walsh / Associated Press) Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villaraigosa based his remarks on excerpts from "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," written by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson and publicly released Tuesday. The book, largely relying on anonymous sources, argues that Biden's confidants and inner circle kept his deteriorating state from the American people, resulting in the Republican victory in the 2024 presidential election. The book portrays Biden as in decline for as long as a decade, and argues that a circle of political advisors and his family hid his condition from voters. "Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra took an oath of office and were entrusted to protect the American people, but instead Kamala Harris repeatedly said there was nothing wrong with Biden, and Becerra turned a blind eye, Villaraigosa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original Sin was published shortly after the former president disclosed on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Read more: Cancer diagnosis and a new book fuel questions about Biden's decision to run in 2024 The race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom has been going on for months, or for some candidates, more than a year. They have largely been focused on fundraising, given that the primary election is more than a year away. More than a half-dozen prominent Democrats are running, and many of their policy positions are similar. So an issue such as this the first major attack in the race could help voters differentiate the candidates. Dan Schnur, a politics professor at USC, UC Berkeley and Pepperdine, said the issue is more dangerous for Harris than for Becerra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No normal voter knows what a secretary of Health and Human Services is," Schnur said. "But they all understand the role of the vice president. So this is a minor issue at best for Becerra but a much bigger challenge for Harris. She's already stuck with defending everything voters didn't like about the Biden administration, but this is much more difficult." He said this vulnerability applies whether she runs for governor next year or president in 2028. "Theoretically, Joe Biden's vice president should be more familiar with Joe Biden's health than anyone on the planet aside from his doctor and his wife," Schnur said. "Even Cabinet members have some small amount of deniability. But for Harris, she's going to have to explain either why she didn't know about the extent of the president's health challenges or why she was part of the cover-up. There's no good option there." Attempts to reach a representative for Harris were unsuccessful Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former vice president defended Biden in the aftermath of a disastrous debate performance against Trump last summer, describing him as "extraordinarily strong." His performance in the debate led to Democrats publicly questioning whether he should seek reelection, and, ultimately, his decision to bow out of the race and Harris becoming the 2024 Democratic nominee. In her first major interview after becoming the party's standard-bearer, Harris was asked whether she regretted defending Biden after the debate. No, not at all. Not at all, she told CNN's Dana Bash in August. He is so smart and loyal to the American people. In October, Fox News' Bret Baier pressed Harris on when she first noticed that Biden was slipping mentally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Joe Biden, I have watched from the Oval Office to the Situation Room, and he has the judgment and the experience to do exactly what he has done in making very important decisions on behalf of the American people," Harris responded. But when asked whether any concerns had been raised, Harris pivoted to Trump. "Bret, Joe Biden is not on the ballot and Donald Trump is," Harris said. One example of Bidens cognitive decline cited by the "Original Sin" authors was that he confused Becerra with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, according to the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked to respond to Villaraigosa's attack, Becerra did not address the incident but expressed well wishes for the former president and his family as Biden begins cancer treatment. He also defended his dealings with the former president when he was the nations health chief. "I met with President Biden when needed to make important decisions and to execute with my team at HHS, Becerra said in a statement. Its clear the president was getting older, but he made the mission clear: Run the largest health agency in the world, expand care to millions more Americans than ever before, negotiate down the cost of prescription drugs, and pull us out of a worldwide pandemic. And we delivered. 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. The head of the bank noted that as of the end of 2024, at the national level in Algeria, there were about 900 open Islamic finance windows, as well as over 100 specialized and certified branches. "In terms of products, the number of Islamic current, savings, and investment accounts exceeded 600,000, with deposits reaching around AED 1,000 billion, representing a growth of 17.6 percent compared to 2023. The volume of Islamic finance also showed a significant increase, exceeding AED 530 billion [$144 billion], representing a growth of 15.6 percent compared to the previous year. These figures indicate growing customer confidence and interest in Islamic financial products," he added. Taleb mentioned that this leap forward in the Islamic finance sector is unfolding amidst a perfect storm of economic and financial hurdles, including a host of global pressures, the rollercoaster of international market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and the lingering shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. "In Algeria, despite the scale of these challenges, especially regarding the financial capacity of the banking sector, there remains strong confidence in the future of Islamic finance, particularly if coordinated and effective efforts are made at the national level. In this context, the importance of financial innovation and the introduction of modern technologies such as mobile banking, Islamic fintech solutions, reforms of internal banking processes, and the use of artificial intelligence is highlighted as key to expanding access to Islamic finance, improving inclusion, and attracting customers who were previously excluded from the traditional banking system, including those who still rely on informal financial services," he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NORFOLK , Va. (WAVY) Another local arts organization faces a significant loss of funding due to federal cuts, as Norfolks Virginia Stage Company works to navigate forward short of needed grants. Virginia MOCA loses federal education grant The Virginia Stage Company, which has been in existence since 1978, is one of many arts groups nationwide affected by the withdrawal of National Endowment for the Arts funding. Its producing artistic director fears things may only get worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time where grants have been rescinded because of a political agenda, said Tom Quaintance, Virginia Stage Companys producing artistic director. And, thats scary. Those emotions echo among arts groups who received the same email early this month about previously awarded grants by the National Endowment for the Arts now terminated. Quaintance said they were blindsided by the email. but this was certainly not the first indication of this funding being under attack. Loss of funding to federal agencies could impact Va. libraries, museums The NEAs correspondence stated that VSCs programs do not meet funding standards that reflect the nations rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got notification that an NEA grant that we had already been approved for, for $15,000 to support Every Brilliant Thing, a play that we tour around all of Virginia, that is a piece that deals with mental health and suicide prevention, Quaintance said. The loss of the NEA funding entirely would also dissolve funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts and city of Norfolk, who receive financial backing from the NEA to support organizations like the VSC. The fact [is] that the NEA has been instrumental in some of the most interesting and important work weve done here at Virginia Stage Company, he said. And the idea that art should fit a certain agenda and then that it is not important enough to include in the federal budget, those ideas are important. Approximately half of the Virginia Stage Companys budget comes from donations, whether state, federal or individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to serve our broadly diverse community to to be a place for people to come together and grow as a community, Quaintance said. And that takes funding. It takes funding from individuals. It takes funding from corporations. It takes funding from the government. And if that funding disappears, youre going to see, theaters, operas, symphonies, museums, youre going to start seeing folks closing. President Trump has proposed eliminating the NEA entirely from the 2026 federal budget, which would be the end of the largest annual supporter of the arts in the U.S. The Virginia Stage Company has appealed the rescinded offer and is waiting to hear back. If you would like to donate to VSC, 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 WAVY.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) has been named the beneficiary of Artport 2025, the regions premier art and culture celebration supporting community nonprofits. Each year, Artport transforms an aviation hangar at the Shreveport Regional Airport into a pop-up gallery and immersive art experience. The event aims to highlight local nonprofits, and this years will be VYJ, which serves children and families in crisis across Northwest Louisiana. We are honored and grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary of Artport 2025, said Alex Person, Director of Community Engagement for Volunteers for Youth Justice. This opportunity not only provides vital support for our programs but also raises awareness of the work we do to bring hope, healing, and justice to the most vulnerable members of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana projects receive Brownfields revitalization funds Proceeds from Artport 2025 will benefit VYJs restorative and preventative programs, including CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Youth Programs, TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) training, Families in Need of Services (FINS), Truancy Assessment Service Center (TASC), and the Family Resource Center (FRC). VYJ also has The Harbor, a building with programming and organizations dedicated to providing resources to families in crisis, a press release stated. The funds will directly impact the lives of thousands of children and families by providing critical advocacy, education, and intervention services. According to the release, Artport 2025 will feature work from local and regional artists, live performances, interactive exhibits, and curated experiences for art lovers and philanthropists. The event is scheduled for Fall 2025, with full details to be announced soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Non-profit incubator honors former Shreveport councilman We believe in the power of community and creativity, said Artport Director Abigail Simmons. VYJ embodies the mission of using compassion and innovation to make a difference, and we are thrilled to support their mission through this years event. Source: Volunteers for Youth Justice For more information about Artport 2025 or to become a sponsor or participating artist, go to artportshreveport.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) On Tuesday, voters will take to the polls to vote for the 2025 Bay County Municipal Runoff Election. This week, Bay County will have a runoff election for two races. For race one, Robbie Hughes will face Daniel Schultz for the Commission Ward One Seat. And in Lynn Haven, voters will have to choose between Judy Tinder and Jeff Snyder for the City Commission Seat Four race. Panama City voters will go to Panama City City Hall and Lynn Haven voters will go to the Lynn Haven Senior Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday is also the deadline to submit mail-in ballots at the polls or the Supervisor of Elections Office. News 13 will have complete coverage on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. (NewsNation) The families of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza are hoping for more to be done to facilitate their release. Nimrod Cohen is one of the 59 hostages left. Cohen is a 19-year-old IDF soldier who was taken on Oct. 7 and has been held captive by Hamas for nearly 600 days. His brother, Yotam Cohen, joined NewsNation Now on Monday to talk about how he and the rest of his family have felt since his capture. We wake up every single day to this horrific reality, Cohen said. And we have to keep on waking up and hoping that maybe tomorrow Nimrod will be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it will allow basic aid into Gaza after nearly 3 months of blockade Cohen said when American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was released, he and his family hoped there was a bigger plan in play by the Trump administration to get more of the hostages, including Nimrod. He added they were afraid the U.S. would lose interest after only releasing American hostages but found that not to be the case. Every time we meet a U.S. official, they assure us that they wont stop fighting for every single hostages release, Cohen said. We trust them. Cohen called Trumps statements calling for the end of the war a small ray of hope for his family. He said lately they believed the Israeli government was not doing enough to bring hostages home and only wanted to continue the war. He believes the pressure from the U.S. and other countries will persuade Israel to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we all want to see the end of the war, Cohen said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Despite a prison population with 4,000 fewer incarcerated people than a decade ago, uses of force inside Alabama prisons have increased 47% during that time, according to ADOCs own internal data. (Alex Cochran for Alabama Reflector) The account of what happened during a 2018 incident between an incarcerated man and three Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) officers at Donaldson Correctional Facility differs according to the parties involved. But the results are inarguable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prisoner was rushed to UAB hospital with multiple injuries, including broken ribs, broken vertebrae and a collapsed lung, according to findings by a U.S. magistrate judge. May 19: The Alabama Department of Corrections has settled over 90 lawsuits alleging corrections officers used excessive force, costing the state millions of dollars. May 20: Even as the prison population has declined, use of force incidents in Alabamas prisons have soared, and some corrections officers named in lawsuits alleging excessive force have not only held onto jobs, but been promoted. May 21: The anatomy of one inmates allegations against a corrections officer, and the aftermath. May 22: Whos paying for these settlements? You are. Whos getting the most money from this litigation? Attorneys defending corrections officers. The injured man spent three nights in the hospital. In 2020, he sued the three officers for excessive force. The officers didnt deny that theyd used force, but denied that it was excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADOCs internal use of force report about the incident noted that the prisoner weighed 145 pounds, and one of the officers involved the one who kneeled on the prisoners back weighed about 300 pounds. The officers said that the prisoner had refused an order to enter a cell. One officer then sprayed him with a chemical agent called Sabre Red. They said the prisoner then refused to lie down. So another officer took him to the floor, and the prisoner continued to resist and engage in combative behavior. This version of the story was used to justify the 300-pound officer forcefully kneeling on the mans back, sending him to the hospital. The ADOC supervisor who investigated the incident concluded that the use of force was necessary. Officers used a minimum amount of force to gain control of the situation, he wrote in his report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, U.S. Magistrate Judge Herman N. Johnson determined the evidence could support a finding of excessive force, and wrote the officers statements cannot be reconciled with plaintiffs verified claim that he was already handcuffed and that offers beat him, as assessed in combination with the extent of his injuries. Lawyers from the Alabamas Attorney Generals Office representing the three officers negotiated a settlement of the case for $40,000, one of 94 settlements paid in excessive force claims against ADOC officers since 2020. ADOC would not comment on specific lawsuits against officers. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office, which handles litigation involving ADOC, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The consistent details inside the recent surge in complaints against ADOC officers mirror the DOJs conclusion in 2020 that the states seeming indifference in addressing and preventing uses of force in its prisons fosters a culture where unlawful uses of force are common. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And despite a prison population with 4,000 fewer incarcerated people than a decade ago, uses of force inside the prisons have increased 47% during that time, according to ADOCs own internal data. The highest number of incidents, 2,659 across the entire system, was reported in 2020. Beginning in March 2020, ADOC facilities were locked down because of COVID, with limited movement, and no outside visits or educational programs. ADOC does not report use of force statistics publicly, but the Reflector obtained the data through an open records request. Three maximum-security prisons reported more than 300 use of force incidents, an all-time high, in 2020. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer reported 348. Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest reported 308, and Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka 329. So much of this violence by officers is senseless and unnecessary, said former ADOC Warden David Wise, who retired from the agency in 2010 after working in the prisons for 28 years. Theres not a convict in that system that if he refuses an order, that I cant put in a cell without hurting him. Use of force vs. excessive force ADOC policy around use of force is governed by an administrative regulation that the agency will not release publicly, but the Reflector obtained a copy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Correctional officers are allowed to use physical force against men and women in Alabama prisons as a means of control. Force can include the use of batons, chemical sprays or electronic devices like tasers, or physical control defined as the use of empty-hand techniques to gain control and compliance of resistance and/or combative subject. The DOJ defines empty-hand techniques as takedowns unlikely to cause injury, and can include strikes or kicks. But DOJ drew a distinction between legal uses of force that may be justified in a prison setting and ADOCs large number of incidents it deemed unjustified under the legal standard. In findings sent to Alabama leaders in July 2020, the DOJ said that excessive force was used frequently in 12 of the states 13 major correctional facilities for men. The report cited 17 specific incidents, as well as two that ended in deaths. The state has argued the DOJs lawsuit was based on vague and conclusory allegations and denied the findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An excessive force claim requires allegations plausibly suggesting that officials applied force maliciously and sadistically for the very purpose of causing harm, wrote William Lunsford, the lead attorney representing the state in a motion asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Plaintiffs barebones allegations fall far short of this standard. Former ADOC Warden Wise said officers are trained to use the minimum force necessary, and could de-escalate almost every situation by just using their voice. Ninety percent of the time, thats how I got out of coming to blows with inmates. I talked to them, reasoned with them, he explained. I also let them know real quick that there was no way they were going to win. Usually, if you let him think about that for a minute, hell do whats right. Every once in a while you come across an inmate acting like Hercules, but thats very rare. According to ADOCs use of force policy, officers are allowed to use physical force if a prisoner is aggressive, for self-defense, the protection of others and property, to prevent escape, quell a disturbance or when an inmate exercises physical resistance to a lawful command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wise said that last justification, when an incarcerated person disobeys a lawful command, is where some officers push the bounds of whats legal and necessary. Some of them take that to say, OK, well you disobeyed my command. I can whoop your ass. Thats not the way its supposed to go, he said. If they use proper strategy and do what theyre taught in the academy, there should be very few incidents and lawsuits. Repeat offenders The largest excessive force settlement paid since 2020 was in a lawsuit filed by the mother of Steven Davis, whose son was beaten to death by a group of officers, including Roderick Gadson, who was promoted to lieutenant after Davis death. An internal investigation determined the officers use of force was justified because they said Davis brandished two prison-made weapons and did not comply with their demands to drop the weapons. Some witnesses disputed this account, saying that officers continued to beat Davis after he dropped the weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama Attorney Generals Office declined to press criminal charges against the officers and the state never admitted wrongdoing. But attorneys for the officers agreed to a $250,000 settlement in August 2024. Another case with Gadson at the center involved a beating incident in the same cell block of Donaldson prison in which Davis was killed, three months before his death. The victim, who survived, was taken to UAB hospital via ambulance with multiple injuries, including a broken leg and nose, and fractures in his hand that required surgery. Lawyers representing ADOC agreed to settle that case for $10,000. A review of liability trust fund data and court records identified 10 officers at the center of excessive force lawsuits that settled after 2020 who are still working for the agency, according to payment records available in the Open Alabama checkbook database maintained by the Department of Finance. ADOC confirmed employment of the 10 officers as of March 6, 2025. Gadson is one of five officers identified in this review who was promoted after being named in an excessive force lawsuit leading to a large settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages seeking comment on Gadson were sent to the Alabama Attorney Generals Office and Steven Herndon, an attorney who represented Gadson in the Steven Davis civil suit. Attempts to reach Gadson directly were unsuccessful. Accountability David Gespass, an attorney who has represented incarcerated people in litigation against ADOC, views the agencys excessive force problem as one in which repeater beater officers are not held accountable, even when these officers are sued repeatedly for harming prisoners. They get defended, Gespass said. They dont have to pay for defense. They dont have to pay if theres liability found, so the problem is that ADOC just doesnt do anything about these guys. They get defended. They don't have to pay for defense. They don't have to pay if there's liability found, so the problem is that ADOC just doesn't do anything about these guys. David Gespass, attorney In response to the question of what actions ADOC takes when multiple excessive force lawsuits are filed against an officer, ADOCs spokesperson Kelly Betts wrote that the agency keeps a close eye on litigation, and that trends are monitored and discussed with the appropriate stakeholders. She said ADOC investigates all uses of force and if there is a question about whether the force was justified, the case is presented to a use of force review board, which ADOC established in 2024. Betts wouldnt name review board members, but said the board includes all ranks of security staff and meets as necessary. Consequences of the reviews follow State Personnels progressive discipline guidelines and Betts wrote that cases constituting criminal acts are handled by ADOCs Law Enforcement Services Division and referred to the local district attorney for prosecution. But Betts could not say how many referrals ADOC has made to prosecutors in excessive force cases. ADOC does not currently track that data, she wrote in response to a request for the number of cases sent to the local district attorney since 2020. Litigation process The 1996 federal Prison Litigation Reform Act or PLRA sought to curtail unnecessary or frivolous prison lawsuits by severely restricting the ability for prisoners to file any claim. It made it much more challenging for incarcerated people to succeed in court, and resulted in a sharp decline in lawsuits filed over prison conditions. Still, prisons are litigious environments. Incarcerated people across the nation file civil rights complaints against officers and prison staff, but 80% of such cases filed in 2021 resulted in a pre-trial decision in favor of the defendants, according to data compiled by University of Michigan Law Professor Margo Schlanger for IncarcerationLaw.com. A lawsuit will typically only reach settlement after passing complicated procedural requirements, and then passing a courts scrutiny to not dismiss the case for lacking a plausible claim. Several attorneys who have represented incarcerated Alabamaians said in the last few years, courts are dismissing fewer excessive force complaints at the preliminary stages because of the extent of the injuries, and because of video evidence from prison surveillance cameras. Betts said settling a case is not an admission of wrongdoing. Cases may settle for a multitude of reasons, the most common one being the cost of continued litigation and/or trial, Betts wrote in an email response to questions about the record number of excessive force settlements. Often, a settlement is reached to save taxpayer money. Its usually cheaper to settle than it is to take a case all the way to trial. But former ADOC Warden Wise said the record number of excessive force cases resulting in paid settlements should be a red flag to leaders in Montgomery. You should have enough confidence to be able to, even when there is a lawsuit, defend it, not settle it, Wise said. And the system needs that money, not for lawsuits, it needs that money to make it better. This reporting was made possible by support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. How we reported Blood Money When state employees are sued as individuals, Alabamas General Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for their legal defense and any monetary settlement for the plaintiff. This use of the fund was the subject of our reporting, and records helped us identify 124 lawsuits against Alabama Department of Corrections employees that resulted in settlements between 2020 and 2024. Read more about our strategy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A second Walmart boycott begins Tuesday, May 20, with consumers participating in a week-long spending pause against Walmart, Sam's Club, and all of their affiliates. Led by grassroots organization The People's Union USA, "Walmart Boycott 2.0" is part of a series of protests against major corporations, including Amazon and Target, which most notably scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. While the spending strike isn't directly tied to companies' DEI stances, boycott leader John Schwarz told The Arizona Republic that the boycott is intended to "hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable...with the one thing that actually affects them, the money we spend." The organization strongly supports DEI on its website, and calls the abandonment of DEI " backward, regressive, and dangerous." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Walmart boycott is happening this week. Here's what Ohioans should know. When is Walmart Blackout 2.0? How long is the nationwide boycott? The second Walmart boycott is May 20-26, 2025. The boycott will last seven days. Shoppers are urged to avoid spending any money with Walmart. "On blackout days, avoid shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and everything in between," The People's Union USA's website reads. "Our second Walmart Blackout is here, May 20-26," John Schwarz, founder of The Peoples Union USA, said in a TikTok video. "And after that, we move to Target, and McDonald's, and we are pushing hard all the way until the fourth of July." The latest Walmart no-spending blackout also applies to Sam's Club and Walmart affiliates. The People's Union urges participants to shop local instead. Why are shoppers boycotting Walmart in 2025? Scaled-back DEI measures a factor The world's largest retailer has rolled back DEI programs in the past year. The company said it will not renew a five-year commitment for an equity racial center created after the police killing of George Floyd, NPR reported in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also no longer consider race and gender diversity of suppliers or participate in a survey measuring workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ people. Boycotts against Target, McDonalds on the way These are the dates for the rest of the year's boycotts, according to The People's Union USA: Walmart : May 20-26 Target : June 3-9 McDonald's : June 24-30 Independence Day boycott: July 4 This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Walmart boycott 2.0 begins, Sam's Club included, Target, McDonald's next Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is urging her colleagues to vote down updated stablecoin legislation, arguing it fails to sufficiently address concerns related to President Trumps crypto ties and leaves financial markets and consumers vulnerable. The GENIUS Act, which would create a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, is expected to head to the Senate floor again Monday, after Republicans and crypto-friendly Democrats reached an agreement on new bill text. Here we are again, Warren plans to say on the floor Monday, according to prepared remarks. So, what has changed with the bill? Not much. Its basic flaws remain unaddressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats initially blocked the Senate from moving forward with consideration of the GENIUS Act earlier this month amid a dispute with Republicans. A group of crypto-friendly Democrats pulled their support for the bill, accusing Republicans of cutting off negotiations prematurely after Senate leadership sought to expedite a floor vote. After two weeks of negotiations, the two sides appear to be back on the same page. The crypto-friendly Democrats circulated a memo last week, touting major victories, including stronger anti-money laundering, national security and consumer protection provisions, as well as new restrictions on Big Tech firms issuing stablecoins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Warren is slamming the updated bill, arguing it fails to rein in Trumps ties to the crypto industry. The GENIUS Act will accelerate Trumps corruption by supercharging the size of the stablecoin market and the reach and profitability of USD1, she will say in Mondays remarks, referring to the stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial, Trump and his sons crypto venture. The companys stablecoin was recently used to complete a $2 billion transaction between Emirati firm MGX and crypto exchange Binance. And for the first time in American history, it also makes our president Donald Trump the regulator of his own financial product, Warren continues. This Congress should be a check on the President. Congress should not be making it even easier for him to line his pockets with even more shady crypto cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts Democrat will also underscore that Trump is set to attend a dinner with the top investors in his meme coin later this week, which she argues has similarly enriched the president and his family. Separately, Warren plans to voice concerns about the GENIUS Acts impacts on financial markets, comparing Congresss efforts to regulate the crypto industry to its earlier efforts to regulate the derivatives market. Derivatives ultimately played a central role in the 2008 financial crisis. This is not the first time Congress listened to the financial industry and created a weak regulatory regime for a new, innovative financial product. Weve seen this story before, and we know how it ends, she will say. Make no mistake, Warren adds. We are likely to see another financial crisis in the coming years. And we are virtually certain to see another set of wild swings in cryptocurrency values. And it will be the American people who will bear the costs of a massive financial crash facilitated by the stablecoin market if Congress passes this bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will also cite concerns about risks to consumers, terrorist financing and Big Techs ability to launch stablecoins despite the new restrictions touted by her colleagues. It doesnt have to be this way, she will say. A bill that meaningfully strengthens oversight of the stablecoin market is worth enacting. A bill that turbocharges the stablecoin market, while facilitating the Presidents corruption and undermining national security, financial stability, and consumer protection is worse than no bill at all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) At Mondays county commission meeting, concerned Washington County, Tennessee residents planned to bring a series of requests before the commissioners. We just feel like that tax was very much over the top, resident Karen Nelson said. It was 21%, plus they doubled the appraisals on homes at a time when we were already struggling from the flood. Nelson and a group of other concerned residents said they want to reverse the countys 21% property tax increase that was approved last year. Nelson claimed the commission is raising property taxes to cover the costs of recent large purchases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like the Gray Library that was sold, she said. And then they bought the Citi [building] to put the Gray Library in. And we have to kind of look at whats a necessity right now in this economy, and whats going on. And a $7.7 million deficit, you shouldnt be buying up things. You should be working to make it easier on the people and not more of a burden on them. The group started a petition to be presented to the board. On the petition, the group stated 11 requests to the commission: Stop the unnecessary spending of our tax dollars on unneeded projects such as the Gray Library, Citi Bank Building, and new schools to subsidize developers and inflate the value of their properties. Stop the abuse of power to enrich the rich with taxpayers money. Vote in an environmental impact fee of 5% on every new house to pay for the expansion of infrastructure and services. Reverse the 2024 tax increase caused by the abuse of power by politicians Cap all future tax increases. Do what the majority of the electorate wants, not what the special interests want. Tax dollars should never be used to pay for bad decisions made or crimes committed by public servants without consequences to the offender. Total transparency in every aspect of county government, including all expenditures. People with conflicts of interest should not hold public office. Protect future generations by stopping spending and paying off debt instead. Establish Washington County DOGE done by independent auditors. The petition currently has around 1,240 signatures. Nelson said she wants the commission to make choices that are positive for the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mainly, we need to have checks and balances on whats going on, she said. And to be sure that when we make these decisions, that its for all of the communities and all of the counties benefit. The group was unable to present their petition at Mondays meeting, but said they plan to present at the next commission meeting. Members of the commission declined to comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. A Washington state man, who came to the United States from the Philippines as a young child and is a green card holder, was detained by immigration agents as he returned from vacation with his family. Maximo Londonio, 42, was detained Thursday at SeattleTacoma International Airport, organizers with the community group Tanggol Migrante Network WA said at a news conference on Monday. The group is assisting Londonio's wife, Crystal Londonio, as she fights his case. Crystal Londonio, center, at a news conference outside Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Monday. (KING) "Four days is too long," Crystal said through tears. "The lack of accountability by the United States Customs and Border Protection is failing him right now. ... Im a U.S. citizen, you failed me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Tanggol Migrante Network WA said Maximo, a father of three who lives in Olympia, immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines at 12 years old. A member of the group said he and his family have traveled back and forth from the Philippines in the past with no issues. Maximo, his wife, and their 12-year-old daughter landed at the airport on Thursday when he was pulled aside by CBP agents and then detained. The group believes his detainment may be connected to nonviolent convictions from when he was a young adult. "Hes not violent," Crystal said at the news conference. "Hes always been willing to go the extra mile. ... I just want somebody to go the extra mile for him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described her husband as "hard-working," "family-oriented," and "loving." "I want to know if he's OK," she said, telling reporters and members of the community that she has received little information since his detention. Londonios detention comes amid President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan. Among them is Kilmar Abrego Garcia, of Maryland, who was arrested by immigration agents and deported to El Salvador in March after the Trump administration accused him of being a member of the Salvadoran gang MS-13. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, May 20. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people, held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of the Presidential Court, to discuss the prospects for new joint projects, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main point of discussion during the talks was the need to further trade and economic cooperation, with an emphasis on the encouraging trend of increased bilateral commerce and partnerships with UAE-based businesses. Special attention was given to agreements in the energy sector involving the UAEs Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Malaysias PETRONAS. Both sides noted that these partnerships are expected to make a significant contribution to the further development of mutually beneficial relations. The talks wrapped up with a hearty handshake of good vibes for ongoing success in their official roles, sprinkled with wishes for peace and prosperity for the peoples of Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates. Diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the UAE were established in 1995. In recent years, bilateral trade has experienced steady growth, reaching $1.3 billion in 2023 a 15.8 percent increase from the previous year. By mid-2024, trade volume between the two nations had already risen by an additional 6.3 percent year-on-year. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Guns are shown at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor) Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit. Starting in two years, House Bill 1163 will require those interested in purchasing guns to apply for a five-year permit through the Washington State Patrol. Applicants must pay a fee and have completed a certified firearms safety training program within the past five years, with limited exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun violence in Washington state breaks apart too many families and kills too many children, Ferguson said. We must put commonsense reforms into place that save lives. Ferguson, a Democrat, advocated for gun control in his three terms as Washingtons attorney general. The permit system, set to take effect on May 1, 2027, goes beyond the states existing background checks, which also require proof of completion of a firearm safety course. Washington also has a 10-day waiting period after a gun dealer requests a background check before they can hand over the gun. State authorities will have to approve one of these new permits if the applicant meets the criteria, as long as they arent the subject of an arrest warrant or barred from having guns in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state patrol must issue the permit within 30 days, or 60 days if the applicant doesnt have a state identification card. If an applicant feels the state wrongly denied them a permit, they can appeal in court. The state patrol expects the new program will cost just over $20 million in the 2027-29 budget cycle. Fees collected for fingerprinting and background checks would offset the cost. The system could bring in over $35 million in the 2027-29 biennium, according to the latest fiscal analysis. The measure passed the Legislature along party lines, with Democrats in support. Democrats say the law will strengthen the states efforts to limit gun violence and suicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills prime sponsor, Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, said the law has been a decade in the making. I am a mom of two young kids, and Im someone who has lost someone I love to gun violence, she said Tuesday. This bill is transformative for our state, and were not done. Weve got more to do. Republicans and gun owners counter that the law is an unconstitutional barrier to the right to bear arms, which is embedded in the state and U.S. constitutions. Some critics insist the law will face court challenges in light of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 in which the justices ruled new gun laws need to be aligned with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a dozen other states have such permit-to-purchase systems. Courts across the country have largely upheld them. This month, the state Supreme Court upheld a similarly divisive ban on the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines in a 7-2 ruling, but didnt grapple with whether Washingtons law stayed true to the historical tradition. Opponents of that law vowed to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on Second Amendment grounds. The new permit-to-purchase law was the primary piece of gun control legislation lawmakers approved in Olympia this year. Failed measures would have restricted bulk purchases of ammunition and firearms, imposed an excise tax on firearm and ammunition sales, added new requirements for weapons dealers and further limited the public places where people can carry firearms. EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) A heartwarming reunion unfolded at North Elementary School in East Liverpool Monday as a military father returned from deployment to surprise his two boys at school. Master Sgt. David Demarest just wrapped up a two-month deployment in Germany his sixth deployment. The 20-year Air Force veteran works in aircraft maintenance with the 911th Airlift Wing out of Pittsburgh. Master Sgt. Demarest walked into the cafeteria on Monday and surprised his two boys, Mason and Riley, who werent expecting to see their father at school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a whole lot of emotions at once, and sometimes its hard to keep it all in, Demarest said. You want to try and keep your composure about things, but when youve been missing them for so long and you finally get to see them. And every single time, theyre always so much bigger. Youre like, Holy cow! Youre just so much bigger! Its just so exciting. The boys had some requests for souvenirs, and of course, Dad didnt come home empty-handed. Mason and Riley wanted a German cookbook, a toy and some baguettes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The family of the high school student fatally shot last month at the RTA hub downtown addressed the media for the first time Tuesday. Alfred Hale III, 18, was waiting to transfer buses on his way to school at the Greater Dayton RTAs Wright Stop Plaza around 7:30 a.m. on April 4 when he was shot. Hale managed to make his way to the In and Out Restaurant on Jefferson Street, where he collapsed. Employees called 911 and attempted to save him, but he ultimately died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Tuesdays conference, Nellie Bailey and Alfred Hale II each expressed frustration over what happened to their son. Joined by attorneys Michael Wright and Robert Gresham, the family wants Dayton Public Schools and the RTA to be held accountable. Its just they put them kids out there without a plan, without protection, without any deep thought of what would possibly happen, said Bailey about busing from the hub to DPS schools. Some type of change has got to happen, said Hale II. According to Bailey, theres been no outreach from DPS leadership, which she says has left her feeling frustrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright and Gresham said the next step is to obtain information from DPS and the RTA to learn more about their collaboration on transportation for students. According to Wright, the RTA Hub has seen an increase in disturbance calls made per year. 2022 3,195 calls 2023 3,627 calls 2024 4,138 calls Bailey and Hale II also spoke a bit on who their son was, calling him a good friend, a sports fan namely basketball and baseball and a great kid. Bailey said that he wanted to go into the Marines before learning how to operate on 18-wheelers. Ultimately, he wanted to establish his own trucking business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of watching their son graduate tomorrow from Dunbar High School, the family is now calling for the community for support to make meaningful change. Save these kids, said Hale II. Let this be the catalyst to change something, to save the children. These children are our future, right? Well why are we not looking out for our future? The family has not said if they will be filing a lawsuit. They are currently requesting information related to the investigation into Hales death. Watch the full press conference below. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified Tuesday morning before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the departments fiscal 2026 budget request. Much of the request was focused on Kennedys Make America Healthy Again agenda from his vow to find the cause of autism to the administrations efforts to ban artificial food dyes. It also includes significant reductions to social and research programs. The hearing was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the video replay above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Police in Lady Lake said they had to chase down and arrest a man on an electric bicycle. Officials release dashcam video of the bizarre pursuit through a Lady Lake neighborhood. Police said they were responding to a call about a suspicious man on a bicycle. However, when police tried to speak with him, he refused to stop. Eventually, officers were able to arrest him after he abandoned the e-bike. Hes now charged with fleeing and eluding.through Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an announcement from the Oval Office Tuesday afternoon. Defense Department officials told The Hill and NewsNation that the comments would focus on national security. The remarks came after Trumps trip to the Middle East last week, when he visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, to tout significant investments. Multiple outlets have reported the announcement is centered on the presidents proposal for a Golden Dome missile defense system. It also comes after Trump said he will accept a luxury jet from Qatars royal family, which sparked controversy on both sides of the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the video replay above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sometime between today and 200 years from now, scientists say the big one will hit the United States. There is danger lurking on the sea floor off the Pacific Northwests coast: After centuries of two tectonic plates pushing up against each other, the Cascadia subduction zone that runs from Northern California all the way up to British Columbia is due to rupture possibly in our lifetimes. We know that we have the potential for a really massive scale earthquake, the largest weve ever seen on the planet, said Harold Tobin, a professor at the University of Washington and director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. We know that the Pacific Northwest has that possibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting earthquake could be a devastating magnitude 9.0, and the subsequent tsunami could be 100 feet high, overwhelming coastal cities and towns. Around 13,800 people could die and more than 100,000 others could be injured, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has estimated. In short, it could be the worst natural disaster the United States has seen in modern times. And many scientists say we are less prepared for it than ever before. The league of experts and scientists who have spent decades keeping watch the guardians at the gate is being decimated by the Trump administrations staffing cuts. Its not just earthquakes and tsunamis; experts who sound the alarm for volcano eruptions say the cuts will be felt most when theres a crisis. The scientists who watch the sun for invisible-yet-crippling solar storms are not just losing staff; they face being moved into an entirely different agency. A spokesperson for US Geological Survey, the federal agency tasked with monitoring earthquakes and volcanoes, declined to comment on personnel matters in a statement to CNN, but added it remains committed to its congressional mandate as the science arm of the Department of the Interior. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees tsunamis and solar storms, did not return a request for comment from CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, new spending restrictions for some federal agencies are creating extra hoops for scientists to jump through to fix earthquake seismographs and deep ocean sensors that capture how fast tsunami waves are traveling, four separate people with knowledge of the situation told CNN. The same goes for equipment that monitors earth tremors before volcanoes erupt. We are already underprepared for these events, said Corina Allen, the former tsunami program manager at NOAAs National Weather Service Tsunami Program. Allen was recently fired from her position, like thousands of other probationary federal employees who had been on the job less than a year. Being able to detect forecast and alert people of an incoming tsunami will save hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands of lives, Allen added. That is the impact. That is the risk we face by reducing the capability to do this work at NOAA. Heres more on four major earth hazards that experts are warning will get tougher to plan for due to staffing cuts and funding restrictions. Earthquakes A network of roughly 800 seismographs in the West is the first line of defense against the big one. It senses shaking and movement deep underground, alerting scientists when tremors occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of (the sensors) have to be in remote locations, Tobin said. Up on mountaintop, the back end of a logging road. Its pretty rugged terrain. And every one of them needs maintenance one way or another. Teams of scientists from the USGS typically go out every summer to fix broken instruments or dig them out of deep snow. Its gotten more difficult after federal workers there and at other agencies were told they could spend no more than $1 on any single expense, making that critical task increasingly difficult. There are loopholes to the limit, but getting travel approved has become onerous, and a culture of fear is spreading through the agency, a person familiar with the matter told CNN, creating more of a barrier to getting the work done. A USGS electronics technician performs maintenance on a ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning sensor station in the San Francisco Bay Area. - William George Seelig/United States Geological Survey Tobin, who along with USGS oversees the ShakeAlert early warning system for major earthquakes, is particularly worried about what could happen if Trumps budget passes without funding for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wouldnt be able to have the staff we have right now without that funding, Tobin said. All by itself, it represents something like 50% of my budget. Without enough staff or funding for maintenance to support the ShakeAlert system, it wouldnt shut off on day one, but I dont know how long it would sustain, Tobin said. Tsunamis Tsunamis are deadly disasters that can emerge from an earthquake in the ocean giant waves that push far inland, inundating miles of normally dry land. Similar to the seismographs scattered along the West coast, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration keeps a network of sensors deep in the ocean, designed to alert scientists when a tsunami wave rolls through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NOAAs two tsunami warning centers and the National Weather Service program working to modernize their outdated software systems have been hit with probationary firings and several staffers taking the so-called buyouts, according to Corina Allen, who used to work as the tsunami program manager at NWS. The 24/7 monitoring centers were already thinly staffed, Allen said, and the further reductions are deeply concerning, especially given the threat of an earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest. These programs are already at the bare bones, Allen said. Theyve been reduced; theyve been cut. The vacancies havent been filled. At the time she was fired, Allen was tasked with modernizing the tsunami warning programs software to integrate it more seamlessly into the alerts system used by the National Weather Service a critical upgrade to help get alerts out to communities faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These staff cuts and the potential budget cuts make the United States more at risk for a tsunami and earthquake, and they will have devastating impacts for coastal populations and the US economy, Allen said. Volcanoes The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has been erupting on and off since last year spewing lava and ash. USGS, which monitors volcanoes in addition to earthquakes, predicts more eruptions to come, according to its website. Its scientists are also closely watching Great Sitkin, a volcano in Alaskas islands that has been slowly spewing lava since it began erupting in 2021. Another volcano thats actively being monitored right now is Alaskas Mt. Spurr, where small volcanic earthquakes have been recently detected. There are two main USGS offices monitoring volcano activity one in Hawaii and the other in Alaska. Some USGS volcano scientists have taken the deferred resignation program, according to Jeff Freymueller, a professor at Michigan State University who used to work at the Alaska Volcano Observatory and who remains in touch with the remaining USGS staff. A US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist checks a webcam during an eruption at the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii in December 2024. - M. Patrick/USGS/Reuters The volcano observatories are monitored 24/7, and if there is a big volcanic eruption, it turns into an all-hands-on-deck situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The staffing shortages will be made much, much worse when theres a volcanic crisis, because you simply need to bring everybody on board to cover the workload, Freymueller said. For now, data is continuing to flow. But Freymueller is watching to see if seismograph maintenance happens this summer. He says, theyre hoping that theres been enough blood to appease the higher ups so that there wont be further staff cuts. Solar storms While many of the biggest hazards that take constant monitoring happen on earth, there are others in the cosmos. Particularly, from our sun. Solar storms happen when the sun flings plasma and other charged particles carrying the suns magnetic field toward Earth. The resulting storms, which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye, can create awe-inspiring auroras, but can wreak havoc on our electric grids and radio systems. And these kinds of storms have been happening more because the sun is in a particularly active phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are roughly a dozen experts who work at NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, with generally two scientists on any given 24-hour shift. They have recently lost three employees, according to Tim Keebler, a space weather researcher at the University of Michigan. Forecasters monitor satellite feeds and other data at the federal Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, in May 2024. - Trevor Hughes/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Theyre wildly understaffed for a small team, Keebler said. More big changes could be coming to the program, which is one of just a handful like it in the world. The Trump administration has proposed moving it from NOAA to the Department of Homeland Security. The program is preparing to launch a new satellite to better measure and predict space weather, but so much uncertainty could threaten the future of a small but important program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many, many people rely on these few people at this one office, Keebler said. Its the power companies, its the satellite operators, cell phone operators, railroad companies. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The further development of Islamic finance in Central Asia will expand financial inclusion, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Nikolai Podguzov said at the opening of the 19th Global Forum of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) on Islamic Finance, held under the motto of "Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance", Trend reports. "Many businesses like Islamic Trade Financing Solutions are getting the opportunity to expand their presence in global markets. By integrating Islamic financial instruments into digital trade platforms, we can unlock new prospects for small and medium enterprises and boost regional trade," he said. Podguzov underscored that Central Asia is currently positioned at a critical juncture in its fiscal metamorphosis. "By embracing digital Islamic finance and financial inclusion, we can empower millions, strengthen our economies, and ensure that ethical finances remain at the heart of our development strategy. Further development of Islamic finance in Central Asia will help expand access to finance and connect local businesses to the global Islamic market, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the region," he said. Podguzov also said that the EDB intends to become a platform for Islamic finance in Central Asia and, probably, the first multilateral financial institution to play a leading role in Islamic finance. "We propose enhancing cooperation with other stakeholders in the development of Islamic finance in the region," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KENTUCKY (FOX 56) As another round of severe weather approaches Kentucky, the National Weather Service warns residents that their weather radios will not work when the storms hit Tuesday night. LIST: Kentucky Storm Shelters The National Weather Service (NWS) Louisville office said NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters will be down due to a system upgrade through Wednesday, May 21. According to the NWS, the outage will only affect the Louisville office, which serves 49 counties in Kentucky and 10 in south central Indiana. NWS Paducah and NWS Jackson arent impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you live in the following counties, officials urge that you prepare several ways to receive severe weather alerts. National Weather Service Louisville counties (NWS) Adair Allen Anderson Barren Bourbon Boyle Breckinridge Bullitt Butler Casey Clark Clinton Cumberland Edmonson Fayette Franklin Garrard Grayson Green Hancock Hardin Harrison Hart Henry Jefferson Jessamine Larue Lincoln Logan Madison Marion Meade Mercer Metcalfe Monroe Nelson Nicholas Ohio Oldham Russell Scott Shelby Spencer Taylor Simpson Trimble Warren Washington Woodford Latest central Kentucky weather forecast Leaders emphasized the importance of staying weather alert, as the severe weather threat has the potential to be life-threatening. The NWS suggested the following alternatives: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local television and radio Wireless emergency alerts and weather apps Outdoor sirens Internet sites From our friends, family, and coworkers FREE WEATHER APP | Download the FOX 56 Weather App today Gov. Andy Beshear said he confirmed that weather radios in London will not be affected but affirmed the news of the outage is concerning. The next round of severe weather comes on the heels of the southeastern Kentucky tornadoes that killed 19 late Friday into Saturday. Hard-hit areas are forecast to be targeted again. But what I would ask everybody, as we got hit when we were asleep last time, Beshear said. Lets make sure we see this storm through and that we know everybody is safe tonight. Before we go to bed, please have your phones charged, and please have a plan to get shelter if need be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? For the latest information on Tuesdays storms, visit FOX56News.com/weather or download the FOX 56 Weather Authority app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. By Olga Popova and Gleb Bryanski MOSCOW (Reuters) -High temperatures and a lack of rain over the coming months are expected to deplete the harvest in Russia's largest grain region Rostov, the head of the local grain lobby group said after a farming emergency was declared. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar issued a decree on May 19 introducing the state of emergency for farming after spring frosts and ordered local authorities to evaluate the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration allows farmers to seek compensation. Insurance payments to farmers linked to bad weather grew by 76% in 2024. Apart from the frosts, a lack of rain is expected to deplete the harvest further, Anatoly Kolchik, head of the local branch of the Russian Grain Union lobby group, told a local edition of the Vedomosti daily on Tuesday. "The problems affected not only winter crops but also spring crops. They simply won't have enough time to gain the necessary strength," Kolchik was quoted as saying, adding that only the upper layers of soil had sufficient moisture. Andrei Sizov from Sovecon consultancy also cited the lack of rain as the biggest threat to crops in Rostov and that yields were set to decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Overall, the situation has improved with the recent rainfall, but it's far from sufficient. The potential yield is below average," Sizov said. Rostov became the third Russian grain-producing region to declare a farming emergency after frosts in late April and May. The others were Voronezh and Belgorod. The region's grain harvest fell by 22% last year after Rostov was hit by spring frosts and then by drought, with the wheat harvest declining by 38%. The grain harvest for the whole of Russia, the world's biggest wheat exporter, declined by almost 14% in 2024. In February local authorities forecast this year's harvest in Rostov would be 13.7 million metric tons, 20% more than in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The situation this year remains tense, both in terms of weather and economic parameters," Rostov's First Deputy Agriculture Minister Olga Gorbaneva said during the public hearing of the region's budget. Gorbaneva said the region's agricultural sector profit margin fell to 8% in 2024 from 16% the previous year. She also said that grain farming costs rose by 35% last year while revenue rose by 13%. Russia's Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said last week that crop damage from May frosts is not significant this year and is estimated at only about 10% of last year's damage. She also said that a lack of moisture in the soil was the next big risk. ($1 = 80.8500 roubles) (Reporting by Olga Popova and Gleb BryanskiEditing by Barbara Lewis and David Goodman) LONDON, Ky. (WATE) A nightly curfew has been implemented in Laurel County, Kentucky as recovery efforts begin following the deadly tornado that ripped through the area on early Saturday. Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield on Monday declared a state of emergency and issued an order for a nightly curfew. The state of emergency will begin on Tuesday, May 20 and run through Tuesday, May 27 with the curfew in effect from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Kentucky communities begin disaster relief, emotional support after tornado Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nightly curfew will be imposed in any Tornado Damage Zone or any Curfew Boundary within the City of London and all unincorporated areas of the county. This includes the London Corbin Airport, Sunshine Hills, Wyan Pine, Sublimity, Crooked Creek, Cold Hill and North Farriston. During the curfew, most people will not be allowed to be on public streets, avenues, boulevards, walkways, alleys, parks, or other public areas, or any unimproved private property. It will not apply to residents living within an evacuation warning zone or residents who are traveling to or from their places of residence. Peace officers, firefighters, National Guard or other military personnel deployed to the area, emergency medical personnel, those seeking medical treatment, and media members are also exempted from the curfew. See more top stories on WATE.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who are found to have violated the curfew could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. By Amina Niasse NEW YORK (Reuters) -Online weight-loss company Noom has begun offering smaller doses of compounded versions of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy as the U.S. drugs regulator clamps down on mass production of copies of the in-demand medicine. Noom will offer its version of compounded semaglutide - the active ingredient in Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic - as part of a program personalized for patients, which it says will comply with changing U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demand for the new generation of highly effective but pricey weight-loss drugs has catapulted sales at Noom and rival telehealth sites including Hims & Hers, WeightWatchers and Ro over the past two years. Taking small doses of the weight-loss drugs, sometimes referred to as micro-dosing, has become popular due to the high cost and side effects of the medicines. For hundreds of dollars less than the name brand drugs, patients could access doctors and pharmacy-made versions based on semaglutide or tirzepatide, the main ingredient in Eli Lilly's rival Zepbound and Mounjaro, due to a regulatory exception allowing them during drug shortages. However, the FDA declared the shortages over and its sunset deadline for compounded versions of Wegovy is May 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noom offers its compounded semaglutide at a starting price of $149 for the first month. A 2.5 milligram vial of Wegovy or Zepbound costs $349, according to Novo and Lilly websites. Analysts have said the telehealth companies must pivot to working with branded drugs in order to survive after WeightWatchers filed for bankruptcy. Jeffrey Egler, Noom's chief medical officer, said providers would determine if patients need a smaller dose because of concerns about gastrointestinal side effects, or to boost adherence or help keep lost weight off, for example. Noom CEO Geoff Cook said the move would not conflict with regulations. There is a personalized, and there has always been a personalized, exception, Cook said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novo Nordisk said it is illegal to make or sell semaglutide copies in the U.S. with only rare exceptions. "As the FDA has warned, compounders cannot evade federal compounding laws by selling knockoff semaglutide drugs with manipulated, unnecessary, and pretextual changes to doses and ingredients," a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in a statement. DOSING Noom's documents show that a personalized approach could start with half the typical starter 0.25-milligram dose of Wegovy and gradually increase to about half the FDA-approved maximum dose of 2.4 mg over 20 weeks. Noom said the move is not meant to capitalize on the microdosing trend, saying patients could increase their dose to the target, just more slowly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noom said it will continue selling branded Novo Nordisk drugs as well as Lilly's Zepbound. Clinical trials of Wegovy and Zepbound have shown the drugs can lead to reductions of 15% to 20% of a person's body weight. A recent study suggests that half the usual dose of semaglutide may be as effective a weight-loss tool as current dosing. While compounders can create copies for individuals of doses not available in branded drugs, ongoing FDA reviews of whether tirzepatide and semaglutide fall into a category of drugs too complex to qualify for any compounding could put an end to the practice, said Rosalie Hoyle, a research scientist at Avalere. As it stands today, compounders still can technically make a personalized dose of semaglutide and tirzepatide, she said. (Reporting by Amina Niasse; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot) A former actress who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in a New York City hotel cried on the witness stand Monday as she recalled the alleged decade-old attack and the disgusting discovery she found in the trash afterward. Jessica Mann, 38, returned to Manhattan Supreme Court, five years after she delivered graphic testimony at the disgraced Hollywood producers first sex crimes trial. The ex-actresss answers at the ongoing retrial were broken by sobs as she detailed Weinstein forcing her to have sex at the Doubletree Hotel in Midtown on March 18, 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the alleged rape, Mann said, she found an erection-inducing drug needle apparently used by Weinstein in the garbage can with a puzzling label necro-something that she later Googled, yielding a horrific answer. Jessica Mann recounted a 2013 alleged rape by Weinstein. Steven Hirsch I found on Google that it basically meant dead penis, and you inject it and it can only be used a certain amount of times back to back over a certain time, she told the jury. I was freaked out. Did I get exposed to something? Mann remembered asking herself. It was scary. Mann testified she later continued a consensual relationship with Weinstein whom she referred to as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because sometimes he validated me so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone said going to Hollywood was the devils playground, she testified. He told me I was beautiful and encouraged me and that meant a lot to me. But at other times, the powerful producer showed his dark side, Mann said. There were times I wouldnt want to do something and I felt like I was just being used for sex, she testified. The word no was a trigger for him. This other personality I called it The Monster side would come out. Weinstein, 73, wearing a filthy charcoal suit, sat in a wheelchair as Mann haltingly told Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo that she feared no one would believe her. Weinstein wore a filthy charcoal suit. Steven Hirsch She said she was anxious about Weinsteins relationship with powerful people, such as former President Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember imagining if I ever said anything, he would call his friend and the Secret Service would come get me, she said. I dont know, I had all these ideas. Manns testimony largely rehashed her last stint on the witness stand in 2020, when she recounted that Weinsteins genitalia were so deformed, she pitied him. Jurors eventually found Weinstein guilty of third-degree rape for an attack on Mann, but found him not guilty of first-degree rape. Weinsteins conviction was overturned last year, leading to the retrial. Former teen model Kaja Sokola and former TV production assistant Miriam Mimi Haley have both also testified in the trial that Weinstein raped them. He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 25 years behind bars if convicted. Its quiet on the North Quay in Grimsby. There arent many fishermen left, and those who remain dont have much hope for the future. Weve all got grey hair down here, and weve only got a few more years [at it], says Darren Kenyon, whos been fishing since he was 13. Now hes 58 and no longer believes that anyone will listen when he talks about the plight of those in the local industry, which once formed the backbone of the town. Grimsby used to be the worlds premier fishing port, famous for its cod and haddock, but by 2018 there were just 20 trawlers left. Now there are only a handful. Some date the start of the industrys demise to the cod wars of the 1970s, while others blame the European Union (EU) common fisheries policy, which introduced strict catch quotas to preserve stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, Euroscepticism was common among fishermen and Brexit enjoyed a high level of support in the industry. In Grimsby, some 70 per cent of voters backed it in the 2016 referendum. Taking back control of our waters and liberation from EU regulations were meant to be among its chief selling points. But since Britain left the bloc, many fishermen have felt betrayed. New paperwork has created obstacles to selling to EU countries, which make up Britains biggest export market. Credit: Reuters And now comes what they see as another blow, in the form of Sir Keir Starmers new Brexit reset deal. Under the terms agreed by the Prime Minister, EU fishing boats will continue to have access to UK waters until 2038. This access had been due to expire in June next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quid pro quo for the extension, says the Government, is that importing and exporting food and drink will be made easier as paperwork and checks will be reduced. Some checks on animal and plant products will be entirely scrapped. None of which seems to impress the fishermen in Grimsby, who dont sell to the continent anyway. Weve ended up with hardly anything Its just the same old story, says Kenyon, who lands crabs, lobsters and whelks from his four boats and also owns a fish processing factory on the quayside. Its another good hiding for us, Im afraid. The jobs knackered now. The promise of Brexit, as he sees it, has been broken. We were promised we were going to get our fishing grounds back, he says. Weve ended up with hardly anything. This deal is giving everything away. A crabbing vessel leaves Grimsby fishing docks - Asadour Guzelian The situation in Grimsby reflects the wider mood in fishing communities across the UK, as they try to come to terms with the catastrophic consequences of Starmers new deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenyon is standing on the dock, surrounded by the paraphernalia of his trade: the lobster pots and crab pots, coils of rope and rolls of netting. But hes one of the few still at it. Jim Walker, whos been fishing for 40 years, is another, but he works from a little estuary 20 miles down the coast because we cant afford to come in this dock. He too is scathing about Starmers deal, which was described by the Conservatives and Reform as a surrender to the EU. Theyve just given the French, the Dutch, the Belgians free rein, he says. Under the current rules, EU fishing boats are meant to remain outside a six-mile zone off Britains coast. But they dont, claims Walker, who lands shellfish and sells them to Kenyon. The industry is going to die pretty quick Shellfish from Kenyons 17-year-old factory on the Quayside is sold all over Britain. He took over the business from his father and had wanted to pass it on to his children but is no longer sure that will happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last 15 years [have seen a] big crunch, weve got a lack of crews a lot have left to work for the wind farms because its good money and were all of a certain age, he says. I think the job is done and the industry is going to die pretty quick. Red tape, he says, has stunted his ability to do his job. Besides which he feels certain that he and the other British fishermen are more heavily policed than their foreign counterparts fishing nearby. Under the new deal also branded disastrous by the Scottish Fishermens Federation it seems likely such resentments will continue to simmer. Would things have improved under the plan to deny EU vessels access after June 2026? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it would have made a difference for the whole of England, says Kenyon. In 10 to 20 years time there could have been a sea full of fish, we dont let anybody in, we fish it for ourselves. But in Grimsby, he admits, we havent got the vessels because we havent had the help. Most of those that sit on the shimmering water in the dock today are not fishing trawlers but boats working in the renewable energy industry. Offshore wind was meant to breathe life back into Grimsby (its home to one of the worlds largest offshore wind farms) but theres little evidence of that in the streets of run-down or boarded up shop buildings. Theres a sense of sadness about this among the fishermen, who are keenly aware of what has been lost here. Its another food source being smashed Were an island, says Kenyon. We should be farming ourselves and fishing ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as he sees it, the new deal is another nail in the coffin of an already ailing industry. Rob Evans, who runs Taymore Ltd, a Grimsby-based shellfish company with one trawler, brands the agreement terrible. He says: First [Starmers] done the farmers, now hes done fishing. My biggest concern is its another food source being smashed. Hes perplexed by Starmer agreeing to an extension of as long as 12 years because thats three future governments possibly. If EU access to British waters had ended next year as originally planned, there would have been more fish available, which would have helped the local industry, he believes. As it is, there are European vessels that steam up from France and take tonnes and tonnes of whiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He adds: I cant see any fishermen in the country thinking its a great idea to have more boats turning up and taking fish that, if left alone, will breed. Fishing is a small but politically sensitive part of the British economy, estimated to make up just 0.03 per cent of GDP. In Grimsby, though, it still forms an important part of the local identity. Seafood processing provides 6,000 jobs in the town, even if the numbers of men going out to sea has dwindled to near zero. The Government has announced a 360 million investment fund in coastal communities and the fishing industry. But it isnt enough to reassure the fishermen in Grimsby, who feel they have been sold out by successive governments. The Government doesnt care about the fishing industry, says Walker. Fish quotas Behind him, some of the buildings are no longer in use, or have been demolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unreal, sighs Kenyon. You could get anything here, you didnt have to go out of the dock. It was like its own little mini-town, I loved it. The dock was alive. There were thousands of people working night and day Nobody seems to want it any more. That thriving place has gone now and no-one seems to believe theres much of a chance of it ever returning. 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. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) State governments 911 Coordination Board is offering to pay LUMEN Technologies an additional $22,000 per month for the next four-plus years so that the company will put a service technician back into western South Dakota. Board members spent a half-hour in closed session during their teleconference on Tuesday discussing the proposal with state 911 coordinator Jason Husby and the boards lawyer, Paul Bachand of Pierre. Never mind extra paycheck that state employees got Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bachand said afterward in public session that the board also now wants the right to approve where LUMEN will base the technician. At this point, LUMEN hasnt agreed to the proposal, according to Bachand. The boards chair, Perkins County Sheriff Kelly Serr, noted the cost of the proposed change. If LUMEN accepts the amendment, the remaining 50 months of the current contract will cost a total of an additional $1.1 million, on top of the present $36,328,977.66 total amount. LUMEN had a western South Dakota service technician who lived in Belle Fourche prior to retirement. The companys two service technicians are currently based in Huron and Sioux Falls. Most South Dakota telephone customers pay a $2 monthly surcharge per line to support the 911 system. The Legislature raised the monthly fee by 75 cents in 2024 on a temporary basis and then made the new $2 rate permanent this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Lumen announced a light pole installation caused a widespread 911 outage in South Dakota and other states. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) West Virginia has officially submitted a request for a waiver to remove soft drinks from its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offerings. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, currently only restricts the purchase of alcohol, tobacco and hot foods. Gov. Patrick Morrisey has said that he is moving for reforms in SNAP as part of his Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia, but he officially announced on Tuesday that he has formally submitted the waiver request to remove soft drinks. This comes just hours after the first such waiver was granted in to the State of Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governors in Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas and Colorado are considering requesting similar waivers, according to The Hill. Correctional officers union pays for billboards calling out West Virginia politicians Morrisey said in a press release that he also plans to make other SNAP changes in the future, including updating the programs working requirement and making healthy food more affordable. In a press conference with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. back in March, Morrisey said that he wants to to expand work, training and educational requirements for SNAP benefits and provide what he called healthy bundles of more affordable healthy foods. 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. EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) New state census data is showing most cities and towns have grown in population over the past year, but thats not necessarily true for communities here in western Massachusetts. List of Massachusetts agencies impacted by federal funding cuts by Trump Administration The estimates show that about four in five Bay State cities and towns had more residents on July 1, 2024, than a year earlier, fueling a nearly one percent statewide population growth. Most of the communities that lost population are here in western Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of western Massachusetts is in orange, which means population decreased, alongside the blue increases in the eastern part of the state. Its mostly affecting Franklin, Hampshire, and Berkshire counties. While most of these communities are so small, the difference is just a few people, its still an alarming trend. The city of Easthampton saw a decrease of 0.2%, which is 37 people. Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle told 22News the census report was not surprising, as the demographic in the city is getting older. Our efforts are to bolster first-time homebuyer programs, financial assistance, work with people to obtain grants they need to stay and age in place, as well as funding our schools and promoting our curriculum, LaChapelle said. LaChapelle said the city is working to combat this decrease by adding housing, working with individuals to create new businesses or build the businesses they have already started, and working with bigger businesses to ensure they stay in the city. She also said they need to start having conversations with the younger generations to hear about what they want to see in a town or city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the towns and cities in Hampden County did go up. The town of Pelham in Hampshire County seems to be an outlier. It had a population increase of 5.6 percent, but in a town of just over 1,300, thats an increase of just 71 people. Data shows thousands of people continue to leave Massachusetts for other states, but incoming immigrants have made up for it. The UMass Donahue Institute said the Bay State experienced its largest annual population increase in 60 years from 2023-2024. 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. Officially titled the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," this megabill fulfills a laundry list of President Donald Trump's campaign promises from taxes to border security. As House Republicans continue to negotiate the final details of the legislation, here's a look at some possible ways the bill could affect everyday Americans, according to recent estimates. Keep in mind, the Senate is likely to significantly change this bill and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) continues to review the legislation. PHOTO: Potential Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (ABC News) MORE: Trump urges House Republicans not to mess with Medicaid amid push to pass bill advancing his agenda: Sources Changes in Medicaid work requirements Republicans say their main goal is reducing "waste, fraud, and abuse" within Medicaid, the health care program for lower income Americans and those with disabilities, in order to achieve hundreds of billions in savings over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early estimates requested by House Democrats put the number of people who could lose coverage at more than 8 million, but that number continues to fluctuate and the Congressional Budget Office has not yet released its final score of the GOP bill, which is not yet even finalized itself. PHOTO: Proposed Medicaid Changes Under GOP Bill (ABC News) The bill imposes new work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients aged 19-64 who don't have dependents, which includes working at least 80 hours per month. The bill also requires states to conduct eligibility redeterminations at least every 6 months for all recipients. The legislation also removes undocumented migrants from Medicaid eligibility (per the White House, this accounts for approximately 1.4 million undocumented migrants losing coverage provided through state Medicaid programs). Under the bill's current text, these work requirements don't kick in until 2029, as President Trump leaves office. But House Republican hardliners are looking at moving that date up to 2026 or 2027 in their negotiations with leadership. PHOTO: With Speaker of the House Mike Johnson by his side President Donald Trump speaks to the press following a House Republican meeting at the U.S. Capitol, May 20, 2025 in Washington. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) The bill also increases copays for Medicaid recipients who make more than the federal poverty limit, for single beneficiaries that's just over $15,500. They would be required to pay an extra $35 dollar copay in some visits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also increases the required Medicaid paperwork for income and residency verification as lawmakers look to crack down on people who are "double-dipping" in multiple jurisdictions. These additional steps are expected to especially impact seniors and others who can't promptly respond. SNAP cuts The bill tightens eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), what used to be called "food stamps" program, which helped roughly 42 million low-income people per month buy groceries in 2024. Adults aged 55-64 and children would face additional work requirements to qualify for SNAP benefits. The bill also shifts some SNAP costs to the states. The program is currently 100% federally funded. This bill requires states to share in at least 5 percent of SNAP benefit costs starting in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SNAP cuts total an estimated $230 billion over 10 years. The changes could have an indirect impact on school lunch programs, requiring some previously eligible families to apply for access and impact federal reimbursement payments for some school districts. No tax on tips and overtime pay This addition to the bill helps Trump fulfill one of his major campaign promises -- exempting workers who receive tips from paying federal income taxes on them, as long as they make less than $160,000 a year. The tax break would expire at the end of 2028, after the next presidential election, according to the proposal. Expanding Trump tax cuts Makes tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent that fiscal hawks complain adds trillions of dollars to the deficit over the next decade; does not include a tax increase on the wealthiest earners. Trump posted last week that the proposal shouldn't raise taxes on high-earners, "but I'm OK if they do!!!" PHOTO: President Donald Trump, alongside Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks to the media after his meeting with House Republicans about his so-called 'big beautiful bill' in Washington, May 20, 2025. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) Creation of MAGA savings account for children The bill would create so-called MAGA savings accounts for parents to open for their children. The contribution limit for any taxable year is $5,000. It includes a pilot program to start the accounts with $1,000. Raising the SALT cap The current bill raises the deduction limit of state and local taxes from your federal income tax filing from $10,000 to $30,000 for joint filers making less than $400,000 per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans from states such as New York and California are pushing House Republican leadership to further increase that cap to help their constituents. Hardliners warn increasing that limit would worsen the deficit. PHOTO: Proposed SALT Changes Under GOP Bill (ABC News) On the campaign trail, Trump promised to eliminate the SALT cap first imposed by the 2017 tax law he signed during his first term. More money for border security enforcement The legislation provides almost $50 billion to revive construction of Trump's wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and it makes changes to immigration policy. The bill includes $4 billion to hire an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents as well as 5,000 new customs officers, and $2.1 billion for signing and retention bonuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's also funds for 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and investigators. It includes major changes to immigration policy, imposing a $1,000 fee on migrants seeking asylum, which has never been done before in the United States. The bill includes a $4 trillion increase to the statutory debt limit as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls on Congress to act by the end of July. What's in Trump's 'big' tax and immigration bill House Republicans are struggling to pass originally appeared on abcnews.go.com ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. Central Asian countries must strengthen ties with global Islamic finance leaders, said Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), Trend reports. Podguzov noted this at the opening of the Global Forum on Islamic Finance organized by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), under the theme Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance. "Islamic finance is not just an alternative financial model. It is a powerful tool that aligns with the values of social responsibility, risk sharing, and economic justice. As Central Asian economies seek greater financial inclusion, we must ensure that technology becomes an enabler rather than a barrier," he said. Podguzov highlighted one of the most promising opportunities: integrating Islamic finance with digital postal services. "In many parts of the region, especially in rural areas, traditional banking services remain out of reach for many citizens. At the same time, postal networks are extensive, making them a perfect channel for delivering digital Islamic finance products. Imagine, complementary or alternatively, to a conventional banking system, following Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Kyrgyzstan, being able to assess Islamic microfinance solutions through a single mobile app linked to the postal service," he added. Furthermore, Podguzov noted that regional post offices could become a unified Islamic financial window, offering Islamic financial services on behalf of Islamic banks, which are currently concentrated in major cities. " Furthermore, digital wallets and mobile banking platforms can bridge the financial gap for unbanked populations, providing them with Sharia-compliant savings, investments, and payment options. By utilizing FinTech, we can expand financial assets while maintaining transparency and ethical governance, the key principles of Islamic finance. This approach can revolutionize e-commerce and SME financing, fostering economic growth," he said. Podguzov also recalled that last year, the EDB, together with the IsDB Institute, began developing a project to create a digital postal platform in Kazakhstan. "Another exciting frontier for Central Asia is the role of artificial intelligence in Islamic finance. They recognize the potential of AI-driven solutions in regulatory compliance, fraud detection, and customer service automation. For example, AI-powered chatbots can educate customers about Islamic finance products in their native languages, helping them make informed financial decisions. AI brings possibilities and challenges as well. If it is not regulated and certified by trusted institutions. This is particularly important in emerging markets like Central Asia, where strong Islamic finance regulatory frameworks are still evolving," the official said. According to Podguzov, digital transformation is not just about technology but about cooperation. "Central Asian countries must strengthen ties with global Islamic finance leaders, including institutions like ISDB Group, to develop harmonized regulations, FinTech partnerships, and investment frameworks. One area where this collaboration is crucial is trade financing. Central Asia is one of the major producers of Halal-certified goods, including agricultural products and textiles," he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Colleen Stan was abducted 48 years ago while hitchhiking Her captors, Cameron and Janice Hooker, kept her in a box for seven years giving her kidnapping the moniker 'Girl in the Box' Stan finally escaped and has gone on to tell her story The harrowing story of Colleen Stan's Girl in the Box kidnapping captivated the country in the 1980s when she escaped and named her abductors, Cameron and Janice Hooker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 19, 1977, 20-year-old Colleen was hitchhiking on the way from her Eugene, Ore., home to a friends birthday party when she was picked up by a couple, Cameron and Janice, who had their baby in the car. The child in the backseat made Colleen think they were a safe option, as she told CBS News in 2009. After 30 minutes, Cameron pulled over and threatened to kill Colleen while holding a knife to her throat. He bound and gagged her and placed a homemade wooden head box," which weighed 20 lbs. according to Snapped Notorious: Girl in the Box, over her head. I thought I was going to die, Colleen told PEOPLE in 2016. The Hookers kept Colleen imprisoned in their Red Bluff, Calif. home for seven years. She was kept in a coffin-like box for up to 23 hours a day, released only to be beaten, raped and tortured. Cameron told her that a group called The Company would hunt her down and kill her if she tried to escape, and forced her to sign a slave contract that he claimed was from the group. Years later, Colleen eventually made a miraculous escape and has gone on to share her story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres everything to know about the Girl in the Box kidnapping and Colleen Stans life now. Who is Colleen Stan? Rick Perry/ The Bee/ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Colleen Stan in 1989. Colleen Stan in 1989. Colleen was 20 years old when she was kidnapped while hitchhiking in California. She earned the moniker the Girl in the Box for the torture she faced at the hands of her kidnappers, Cameron and Janice, who kept her locked in a box for up to 23 hours a day. Not much is known about Colleens life before her 1977 abduction and subsequent captivity. However, during her ordeal, her family theorized that she had joined a cult. Under Camerons supervision, Colleen was allowed to visit and call her family three years into her captivity, but her sporadic, inconsistent contact and appearance made them believe something was wrong and she never told them the truth about what was happening to her. They assumed she had joined a cult, as Colleen told Closer in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was so scared of Cameron and The Company that even when I was alone with my parents, I didnt tell them where Id been for three years, she told the outlet, adding that Cameron posed as her fiance. We mostly talked about everything Id missed out on special occasions and family news. They were convinced Id joined a cult. What happened after Colleen was kidnapped? teve Ringman/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Defendant Cameron Hooker on trial for kidnapping and raping Colleen Stan at Superior Court in Redwood City, Calif. on September 24, in 1985. Defendant Cameron Hooker on trial for kidnapping and raping Colleen Stan at Superior Court in Redwood City, Calif. on September 24, in 1985. After kidnapping Colleen in 1977, Cameron and Janice subjected Colleen to torture, rape and abuse throughout the seven years they kept her in captivity. Colleen was also repeatedly electrocuted and whipped by Cameron, often while chained to basement rafters or a homemade rack, according to court documents. She was kept in a box under the couples waterbed and only let out for a few hours late at night. Eventually, the Hookers let Colleen out of the box more regularly, as she performed chores around the house and babysat the couples two children, according to court documents, and she later got a job as a hotel maid a few miles away from the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colleen didn't try to escape at first out of fear of The Company a group Cameron told her would kill her if she attempted to flee. Colleen told PEOPLE in 2016 that she got through the experience by focusing on all her happy memories of her family and friends. I learned I could go anywhere in my mind, she said. You just remove yourself from the real situation going on and you go somewhere else. You go somewhere pleasant, around people you love. Whatever makes you happy. How did Colleen escape? Owen Brewer/ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Cameron Hooker's former home at 1140 Oak Street in Red Bluff, California. Cameron Hooker's former home at 1140 Oak Street in Red Bluff, California. Colleen escaped from the Hookers in 1984 with the help of one of her abductors. That year, Janice confided in a pastor about the past seven years of keeping Colleen hostage. The religious leader advised that both she and Colleen, as well as Janice and Camerons children, should leave him and turn him into the authorities, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Cameron was at work, Janice took her children and Colleen to her parents' house, where Colleen called her father. I dont know why she waited so long, and really until this day I dont know exactly why, Colleen told PEOPLE in 2016, adding that she believed Cameron did something that made Janice fear for her life and made her decide that we needed to get out. The feelings Colleen experienced when she finally escaped were overwhelming. My first feeling when I was free and reunited with my family was just, I was so filled with joy, Colleen said. It was just like my cup was overflowing with joy. Where is Colleen now? Thomas Broening Colleen Stan Since her escape, Colleen has attempted to live a normal life, though the impact of her captivity still remains with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closer reported in 2008 that Colleen was living in northern California, working as a secretary. Eight years later, Colleen told PEOPLE that she was still living in the southern state, having just married for the fourth time, and was raising her then-2-year-old grandson. She said that she had had a wonderful life since she escaped, and was grateful to be alive. Your life is just kinda in limbo when youre in captivity, and once you get that freedom back and you have that choice again, it's just like the gates open, and you just run for it," Colleen shared. Every year on August 10 the day she escaped from the Hookers Colleen and her family, including her daughter, have a party on the beach to celebrate, as Oxygen reported in 2021. I thoroughly enjoy my freedom. Always, always, always. Life today is good, Colleen said in the Oxygen documentary Snapped Notorious: Girl in the Box. You have to learn how to live in the now and not let that past drag you back." Where are the Hookers now? Morgan Ong/ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Cameron Hooker. Cameron Hooker. In November 1985, Cameron was convicted for kidnapping and sexual assaults, and sentenced to 104 years in prison, per the Los Angeles Times. During his sentencing, the judge on the case called him the most dangerous psychopath I have ever encountered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was incarcerated at the California Institute for Men in Chino, Calif., per Record Searchlight, but was released on parole to the Department of State Hospitals in 2021, according to Red Bluff Daily News. The Tehama County District Attorney in California has lobbied to get Cameron designated as a sexual violent predator, the proceedings of which delay his hearing and parole eligibility, per Record Searchlight. Colleen lobbied for the designation, as she did not want Cameron released into the world. Hes just an evil person, she told local California news outlet KRCR in 2021. I would really love to say that he is a different person ... but hes not. In April 2024, Camerons hearing to determine whether he will be designated a sexually violent predator was delayed again to August 2024. Pending that outcome, his next parole eligibility hearing wont be until 2030, per The Mercury News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Janice was involved in the kidnapping and torture of Colleen, she faced no charges, as she agreed to testify against Cameron in exchange for immunity. I felt like I didnt have any choice, she said at Camerons trial, explaining that he threatened her life if she didnt participate in Colleen's torture. Which movies and documentaries are about Colleen Stan's kidnapping? Darren Goldstein/DSG 'Girl in the Box'. 'Girl in the Box'. Multiple documentaries, books and a full-length movie have been released depicting Colleens kidnapping and torture. At the time of Camerons trial, the case was highly publicized, resulting in a 1989 book written by a district attorney who prosecuted the case titled Perfect Victim. Then, in 2009, Colleen published a memoir about her kidnapping, written by Jim Green but told through her first-person perspective. In 2013, the Investigation Discovery series Dangerous Persuasions included an episode about Colleen called Seven Year Slave, and in 2016, the A&E Crime Central documentary series Girl in the Box featured first-hand testimony from Colleen and police officials involved in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same year, Lifetime released a two-hour movie about Colleens ordeal. The movies director, Stephen Kemp, met Colleen while filming the Dangerous Persuasions docuseries, which he also directed, and sparked the idea for a movie. [I was] struck by both her and her story, Kemp told PEOPLE in 2016. I was very surprised it hadnt been sampled as a drama before, so I began the process of developing the script." Colleen was on set for the movie, meeting the actors and watching the filming. She told PEOPLE that the lead actor who played Cameron was afraid to meet her, thinking she would be angry with him for playing the role of her captor. I met him and I said, Hon, somebody had to play him. I said, I feel bad for you that you had to play this guy, Colleen said. In 2021, Oxygen also released a documentary special, Snapped Notorious: The Girl in the Box, which included first-hand accounts from Colleen about her experience. Read the original article on People Oregon was ranked 35th on U.S. News & World Report's list for the 2025 best states in the U.S. The digital media company conducted a study determining which U.S. states were the best based on each state's health care, education, economics, infrastructure, public safety, government, environment, and opportunities. The state's ranking was a drop from its 2024 ranking as the 31st best state in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the study, Oregon stretches more than 98,379 square miles and has a population of around 4,272,371. The study found that 47% of Oregonians are college educated. It noted the state's overall median income is $45,295. Oregon's gross domestic product is $331 billion and is among the most trade-dependent states, U.S. News & World Report said. "The state's greenhouse and nursery products, cattle and calves, milk, hay, grass seed and wheat also generate significant revenue," the report said. How did Oregon rank in each category? Oregon ranked fifth for infrastructure, 17th for health care, 22nd for fiscal stability, 37th for economy, 39th for opportunity, 41st for education, 44th for natural environment and 44th for crime and corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon's highest ranking was for infrastructure, which looked at a states use of renewable energy, the quality of its roads and bridges, and its residents access to high-speed internet. Oregon's lowest ranking was for crime and corrections, which looks at corrections and outcomes and public safety. U.S. News & World Report 2025 best states in U.S. methodology U.S. News & World Report calculated its rankings for the 2025 best states in the U.S. by evaluating the performance of each state using 71 metrics across eight categories. Each category was weighted based on three years of national survey data. To see U.S. News & World Report's full methodology, go to usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/methodology. The 2025 best states in the U.S. Here is U.S. News & World Report's full list of the 2025 best states in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No. 1: Utah No. 2: New Hampshire No. 3: Idaho No. 4: Minnesota No. 5: Nebraska No. 6: Florida No. 7: Vermont No. 8: South Dakota No. 9: Massachusetts No. 10: Washington No. 11: Colorado No. 12: North Dakota No. 13: North Carolina No. 14: Iowa No. 15: Connecticut No. 16: Virginia No. 17: Wisconsin No. 18: Delaware No. 19: New Jersey No. 20: Maryland No. 21: Georgia No. 22: New York No. 23: Wyoming No. 24: Rhode Island No. 25: Kansas No. 26: Montana No. 27: Maine No. 28: Hawaii No 29: Texas No. 30: Arizona No. 31: Missouri No. 32: Tennessee No. 33: Indiana No. 34: Nevada No. 35: Oregon No. 36: Illinois No. 37: California No. 38: Ohio No. 39: Kentucky No. 40: South Carolina No. 41: Pennsylvania No. 42: Oklahoma No. 43: Michigan No. 44: Arkansas No. 45: Alabama No. 46: West Virginia No. 47: New Mexico No. 48: Mississippi No. 49: Alaska No. 50: Louisiana Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon ranked 35th on US News & World Report list for best US states Missouri officials are calling on the federal government for help after a tornado tore through St. Louis last week, killing five people and damaging thousands of structures throughout the region. Two other people were killed in Scott County in southeastern Missouri. We need partners at the national level, at the federal level, to step up and help and this is not just true for St. Louis, city Mayor Cara Spencer told MSNBC on Monday. Cities across the nation, when they are experiencing disasters such as this, this is what the federal government is for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer said she is pleading with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help. FEMA has not been on the ground, she added. We do not have confirmed assistance from FEMA at this point. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe made a similar plea. "Local first responders, officials, businesses, and volunteer groups are working around the clock to recover, but the task before us is tremendously large and recovery will not be easy," Kehoe said Monday in a press release. "A federal Emergency Declaration will provide an immediate infusion of needed funds while the joint preliminary damage assessments will allow the normal federal Major Disaster Declaration process to move forward." Five died in St. Louis and two more were killed in Scott County amid region-wide storms on Friday The governor said such assistance could immediately unlock $5 million in federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After a thorough assessment, FEMA will approve a disaster declaration request if the assessment shows the events damage exceeds the state, local governments, and voluntary organizations capacity to respond. Just like all declaration requests, this decision is based on policy, not politics, a FEMA spokesperson told The Independent. FEMA is working with state and local officials to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments in the areas impacted by the recent tornadoes and severe weather, the spokesperson added. Once completed, the collected information will be turned to the state(s) for evaluation and for the Governors consideration to submit or not, a request for a disaster declaration. The tornado, part of a series of deadly storms across the region, was an EF3 that generated winds between 136 and 165 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Surveying the damage, north St. Louis resident Dolly Baskin said her neighborhood was nearly unrecognizable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of my life I lived here on the north side, and I've never experienced a tornado in St. Louis at all, never, she told St. Louis Public Radio. I had to park down the street because I couldn't get through, she said. I jumped out and I ran down here and when I got here and walked in, I just fell to my knees and cried. The Trump administration has said it plans to eliminate FEMA and have states take the lead on disaster recovery. On the campaign, Donald Trump and JD Vance made inaccurate claims about FEMA, including that it diverted money from hurricane survivors to migrants, and that the agency didnt respond in the days after Hurricane Helene. Hannah Kobayashi chose to disappear on Nov. 11, 2024, after she didn't catch a connecting flight to New York City from Los Angeles on Nov. 8 The Hawaii native was later declared a "voluntary missing person" after footage showed her buying a bus ticket to Mexico, alone and unharmed Six months since she returned to the U.S. on Dec. 15, Kobayashi is beginning to share her experience on social media Hannah Kobayashi is making headlines six months after her return to the U.S. with her posting on social media again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hawaii native first made the news when she disappeared on Nov. 11, 2024, taking a bus to Mexico the following morning and ceasing contact with her family and friends. However, three weeks later, Kobayashi, who was 30 years old at the time, was declared a voluntary missing person after footage surfaced of her crossing into Mexico, alone and unharmed. While she was missing, Kobayashi's family searched for her in Los Angeles, where she was last seen. On Nov. 24, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, died by suicide amid the search. Now, Kobayashi is reflecting on her experience with "loss and pain and suffering," as she put it on her Instagram Stories in May 2025. So where is Hannah Kobayashi now? Here's a look at what we know about the formerly missing photographer's life six months after she returned to the U.S. What happened to Hannah Kobayashi? Hannah Kobayash/ Instagram Hannah Kobayash in August 2019. Hannah Kobayash in August 2019. On Friday, Nov. 8, Kobayashi flew from Maui, Hawaii, to L.A., where she had a connecting flight to New York City. However, she never made the second flight and spent a few days in the city instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobayashi was spotted in various spots in L.A. over the following few days, including at the shopping mall, The Grove, and at a Taschen bookstore, per CNN. During her time there, she continued responding to her family members, expressing her frustration at her struggle to rebook a flight to N.Y.C., where she was planning to visit her aunt, Geordan Montalvo. On Monday, Nov. 11, Kobayashi returned to LAX to attempt to rebook her flight again. That day marked the last time her family heard from her before she disappeared. "Her phone pinged at LAX at 4 p.m. and then after that, Geordan kept trying to talk to her, and then it went dark. Her phone went dead, and her communication cut off completely, her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told Hawaii News Now. Security footage later showed that Kobayashi left the airport in the evening with an unidentified stranger. Police ultimately tracked him down and confirmed that the two had met in the waiting area of LAX and both spent the night at Union Station, which is common for travelers awaiting their buses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have this gentleman, we have them walking [on video]. We're looking hey, does this person seem like she's in distress, what does she look like? We see a lot of smiling, Lt. Doug Oldfield told PEOPLE. We see smiling from the guy. The following morning, Kobayashi boarded a bus to Tijuana, Mexico, and crossed the border by foot at around 12 p.m. Since she voluntarily crossed and did not appear to be in distress, police declared her a voluntary missing person on Dec. 2. What did Hannah Kobayashi say after she returned to the U.S.? Courtesy of Larie Pidgeon Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi A little over a week later, Kobayashi was found "safe" in Mexico and four days later, on Dec. 15, she crossed the border back into the U.S. After her return, Kobayashi said in a statement to PEOPLE that she was focusing on "my healing, my peace and my creativity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time," the statement continued. She also added that she wasn't aware of the media coverage of her after she went missing. "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding," the statement concluded. Why did Hannah Kobayashi disappear? LAPD Missing person Hannah Kobayashi was last seen at LAX Airport on November 8th, 2024 Missing person Hannah Kobayashi was last seen at LAX Airport on November 8th, 2024 Kobayashi has not spoken out about why she chose to go to Mexico, leaving her phone behind and her relatives unaware of her whereabouts. However, on May 19, she told SFGate that she planned to share more details soon, acknowledging the criticism she's received online from some who questioned her choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it, Kobayashi told SFGATE over Instagram. She continued, I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless weve walked in their shoes. Where is Hannah Kobayashi now? Hannah Kobayash/ Instagram Hannah Kobayash in March 2022. Hannah Kobayash in March 2022. On May 3, Kobayashi posted on social media for the first time since she went missing, sharing a black-and-white photo of trees. "for all that i have yet to say, the love in my heart remains the same, for every being that exists and those to come," she wrote in the caption. She continued her message of going "deep within" and bearing witness "to your unwaivering resilience is a true remembrance," telling her followers to "rise up" against "tyranny" and "hate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "overcome fear and nothing will ever stop you from becoming that in which you are destined," Kobayashi concluded. She also replied to a comment that wondered why she didn't attend her father's funeral. "You don't know the whole story. my intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me," Kobayashi responded. "I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment." Read the original article on People Waco, TX (FOX 44) Culinary student Karicia Parker first started working with at-risk youth, but also had a love for cooking. I wanted to be able to do both without the restrictions, and thats what got me into culinary, Parker said. Balancing working with the kids and classes was hard for Parker. I had to pick one, but its been amazing, Parker gushed. Ive experienced things I wouldnt have never experienced unless I was in the culinary program. Ive been to competition skills and Ive competed in restaurants over there. Ive gotten third place the last two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker one day plans to return to working with at-risk youth to teach them about culinary arts. We were able to bond with culinary, Parker said. Every day it was like, What are you cooking today? What are you cooking? All you teachers, can you teach us? I was like, Well, maybe I should go get certified. The food industry needs skilled workers, and technical college grads are job-ready right after graduation. Technical colleges provide hands-on training, industry ties, and a faster path to a culinary career. They taught me technique, how to build flavors, Parker said. They taught me food costs and how to proportion plates, design plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker said the Texas State Technical College in Waco (TSTC) was a good choice for its five-semester classes and affordable programs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. (WGN) A group has unveiled new whistleblower documents accusing Pope Leo XIV of mishandling abuse allegations while he was a bishop in Peru. The documents, presented by a group known as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), claim the pontiff mishandled clergy sex abuse cases, leading to them being swept under the rug. SNAP press conference on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Pictured from left-to-right: Shaun Dougherty, Sarah Pearson, Peter Isely and James Egan. (Photo WGN TV News) This is the underground story of [Robert] Prevost, SNAP Founder and Global Affairs Chair Peter Isely said. This is the side of him and his management and his decisions that were finally able to bring to light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP filed a complaint on March 25 against then-Cardinal Prevost with the Vatican Secretary of State, claiming he abused clerical power in the handling of abuse cases. The reason we filed that complaintand we filed six of them at that timeit wasnt because of any personal vendetta that we had against Prevost, SNAP Activist Sarah Pearson said. He held this very important position at the de Castro for bishops, where he was then put in charge of managing the conduct of all of these bishops around the world. It raised alarms for us, and we believe that what we had seen in their open letter reached a level of proof that we needed to demand an investigation. And thats what we did. Two cases in SNAPs complaint relate to alleged incidents in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One case pertained to a then-priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago, who was placed on restricted ministry in 1990 due to abuse allegations. According to the group, the priest was not an Augustinian, but was allowed to live at an Augustinian Friary from 2000-02. The friary was around the corner from an Archdiocese elementary school. The second case involved a principal of a catholic high school in Chicago who had a reported history of abusing children from 2006-10. I think these cases show a pattern of inaction, of covering up abuse, of mishandling cases, of not following church policies and endangering children, SNAP Spokesperson James Egan said. The complaint goes on to mention three women in Peru who came forward to accuse two priests during Prevosts tenure as a Cardinal, and asks the new Pope to establish a new law written into canon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were asking for a law written into canon law that makes it a crime to cover up the rape of a child, SNAP Board President Shaun Dougherty said. Its not asking much. There is no crime. There is no law on the books right now that has a punishment for helping to cover up for child rape. SNAP said they have received pushback from the Vatican and Cardinals from around the world, who told them Pope Leo XIV properly handled the cases. WGN TV News has reached out to the Archdiocese of Chicago for comment on this story. They have yet to return our requests for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A federal jury approved a $2 million award in a whistleblower lawsuit against a former unit of PPG after an employee said he was wrongfully terminated from his job when he spoke up. A former PPG employee, Wallen Wally Lawson, was awarded $20,000 in back pay and $2 million in noneconomic damages by a federal jury at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, California. The lawsuit, Wallen Lawson vs. PPG Architectural Finishes Inc., was originally filed by Lawson in May 2018 and then later heard by the U.S. District Court for Central California in Santa Ana. That unit of PPG is now part of Pittsburgh Paints Co. after PPG (NYSE: PPG) sold it in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson, 74, was a territory manager for PPG with responsibilities for the companys paint products at Lowes in southern California. In his lawsuit and subsequent court documents, Lawson claimed a manager at PPG had directed employees to mis-tint poor-selling paints at Lowes and have them put on the discount rack to keep PPG from having to repurchase them from the home retailer. Lawson, who reported it to PPG management and confronted the manager, was later put on a performance improvement plan by the manager and then later fired. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Minnesotans love White Castle, it's official. The fast-food chain known for its iconic sliders recently inducted 14 "devoted fans" into its "Cravers Hall of Fame" at a ceremony in Columbus, Ohio. Five of those 14 are from Minnesota. The ceremony has been held each year since 2001 to "recognize its most zealous fans," with inductees invited to share their "personal connection" to the burger chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the inductees was Don Graffam, of Shoreview, who according to an announcement from White Castle said "many of his fondest memories involve White Castle." This includes late-night trips with college buds, a Valentine's Day with his wife, trips to grab sliders with his sons, and even the gift "(or possibly stolen)", White Castle says of a White Castle garbage can "that still graces his kitchen." Another inductee is Sean Ruecker of St. Paul, who has been "instrumental in making White Castle a staple of his offices weekly lunches," introducing "numerous colleagues" to the chain. Gary and Denny Schwartz and Steve Uppman.White Castle The final three are Minneapolis brothers Gary and Denny Schwartz and their friend, Steve Uppman of Plymouth, who in 1967 started an annual tradition: a slider-eating competition they dub "The White Castle Eating Derby." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event takes place every Saturday before Thanksgiving, and sees a bunch of family and friends gather to see who can eat the most. "The record, set in 1983 and reached again in 2000, is 34 Sliders," White Castle says. "This coming November will mark 59 years that Gary, Denny and Steve have been spreading the Crave." Signing off on the final routine medical examination of Joe Bidens presidency, physician Kevin OConnor declared the former US president to be a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male. But the diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer, said only to have been discovered last week, has raised questions over the transparency of White House physicians and their personal loyalty to the presidents they serve. It is unclear whether the former president was screened for prostate cancer during his presidency and health bodies have warned that PSA testing is often unreliable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As with all presidents, the responsibility of their medical care lies with the White House physician, who serves as the personal doctor to the leader of the free world. They run a military-like operation providing round-the-clock medical care to the president, often accompanying them on Air Force One during domestic and international trips. Sean Conley, Donald Trumps White House physician, answers questions after Mr Trump was diagnosed with Covid in October 2020 - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP Among their biggest jobs is to perform an annual physical exam performed at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre to determine if the president is fit for office. Stringent and thorough, they test everything from the presidents general health, to their neurological and cognitive ability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the White House has publicly released the results of the presidents annual physical, listing their medications and other basic details about their health status. But administrations have great discretion over what to include in the releases, given that there is no federal law requiring US presidents to release their health records. In turn, some reports have faced questions over their accuracy. At the centre of Mr Bidens medical care is Dr OConnor, who has had a close relationship with the Biden family that dates back to 2009. Dr Kevin OConnor is at the centre of Joe Bidens medical care - Shutterstock The man Mr Biden simply calls Doc treated Mr Bidens mother after she fell ill while recovering from hip surgery. Years later, he is said to have consulted with Mr Bidens niece about an eye problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His relationship with Mr Biden grew as he shadowed the medical team involved in the treatment of his son Beaus brain cancer. As Beaus condition worsened, Dr OConnor was the familys eyes and ears at the hospital, according to the memoir Promise me Dad. He would go on to become a voice of reason for the former president. When Mr Biden developed a fever ahead of trip to Central America, he described in his memoir how Dr OConnor urged him not to travel and to rest instead. Right now, you look like s---. I cant make you not look like s---, Mr Biden recounted. He ultimately took this advice. He was initially contracted to be Mr Bidens physician for just six months when the Obama administration began in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That didnt work out and, so, I ended up doing the whole eight years with him, Dr OConnor joked in an interview last year with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine about his role as the presidents chief physician. Mr Biden brought Dr OConnor back to the White House when he became president in 2021. I retired and had a plan, and here I am again, Dr OConnor, who grew up in New Jersey, said at the time. Dr OConnor worked closely with Bidens brother Outside of the White House, Dr OConnor is said to have worked closely with James Biden, the presidents brother, at a company that operated rural hospitals. The stocky former army surgeon was always close to his number one patient, ready to provide care as needed though few outside the building would know who he is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Bidens politically crippling debate performance changed all that. It was he, just four months before the disastrous debate that unfolded in front of that world, who had overseen Mr Bidens most recent physical exam in 2024 insisting the president at the time continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations. Since then, a new book based on the accounts of White House insiders, Original Sin, claimed that aides shielded the public from the extent of Mr Bidens decline. We have a long history of where the illnesses of presidents have been hidden from the public, Dr Zeke Emanuel, vice provost for global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania told The Telegraph. We need an independent group of doctors, three doctors, not chosen by the president and not politicised. 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. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev started his official visit to Budapest with the signing of several key investment agreements, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek Presidents Office. During the event, agreements were reached on a range of new projects across key sectors, including the modernization of transport and road infrastructure, the construction of logistics centers and utility networks, as well as the production of construction materials, textiles, chemical products, and pharmaceuticals. The Hungarian side was represented by top executives from leading companies, including OTP Bank, BDPST Group, 4iG, Indotek, MVM, Duna Group, MOL Group, H2O Consortium, Inpark, Wizz Air, among others. President Mirziyoyev expressed satisfaction with the growing volume of Hungarian direct investments in Uzbekistans economy. Notably, OTP Bank recently acquired one of Uzbekistans major banks, securing a strong foothold in the country's financial sector. The President also welcomed OTP Banks new initiatives, which include the creation of a joint venture to develop auto lending services, the launch of a business financing program, and the construction of a large-scale poultry cluster. Meanwhile, a special industrial zone for European companies will be created in the Tashkent region to develop industrial cooperation and promote the transfer of advanced technologies, which will be managed by the Hungarian company Inpark. President Mirziyoyev outlined several priority areas for expanding bilateral economic cooperation, including co-financing joint projects and supporting exports of finished goods to promising third-country markets. He further stressed the importance of improving transport connectivity, particularly by boosting cargo transportation and developing direct air links between Uzbekistan and Hungary. In conclusion, the President proposed institutionalizing such business forums as a regular platform for advancing strategic economic partnerships. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Whooping cough is causing concern in Washington state, with public health officials reporting over 1,000 cases statewide so far in 2025. In Clark County, the numbers are beginning to decline, but health officials remain deeply concerned. From October through November 2024, the county recorded more than 100 cases. That was followed by 67 cases in December and a spike to 89 in January 2025. Although numbers began to taper off in February, 20 cases were still reported in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intentionally cut utility poles lead to crash in NE Portland Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark Countys Public Health Director and Health Officer, said thought that may seem like progress, seeing 20 cases in a single month is still very alarming. For comparison, the entire year of 2023 saw just 14 cases of whooping cough in the county. Melnick attributes the high number of cases to declining vaccination rates, stressing the importance of immunization. This 2016 illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention depicts Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough, based on electron microscope imagery. (Meredith Newlove/CDC via AP) The whooping cough vaccine is incredibly safe, its effective, he told KOIN 6 News. But you hear people refusing to get the vaccine, say its dangerous. Whatever reason youre giving yourself for not getting the vaccine puts other people at risk including infants and thats really concerning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be especially dangerous and even fatal for infants. Dr. Melnick said vaccination remains the most effective form of protection, and that babies should receive their first dose at 2 months old. In Washington state, vaccination against whooping cough is required for all students. Still, during the 202324 school year, 11% of children entering kindergarten in Clark County were not up to date on their required immunizations. According to public health officials, most of these children were granted personal, religious, or in rare cases medical exemptions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. India's Supreme Court has questioned why the country's central government cannot formulate a "clear cut" policy on crypto regulation, the Economic Times reported on Monday. Justice Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said that there is "parallel under-market" for cryptocurrency that can affect the economy. "Why does centre not come out with a clear cut policy on regulating cryptocurrency?" they posed. "By regulating the cryptocurrency, you can keep an eye on the trade." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Kant added that bitcoin (BTC) trading is "an illicit trade more or less like a Hawala business," referring to a term used for the informal transferring of money from one place to another without the actual movement of physical money. Hawala transactions are illegal in India. The justices posed their question to Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who requested to seek instruction on the matter. They were speaking while hearing a bail petition filed by Shailesh Babulal Bhatt, a Gujarat resident accused of crypto-related fraud. Bhati had claimed Bhatt was one of the biggest BTC trade aggregators in Gujarat, victimizing others with promises of high returns. The court however said that it could not ascertain whether Bhatt was a victimizer or a victim, lamenting the government's inability to come up with a clear regime regulating cryptocurrency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India's government had plans to release a discussion paper outlining its crypto policy stance by September last year, though this has yet to materialize. A senior official said in February that the delay was due to plans to review the effect of more crypto-friendly policies from the U.S. under President Trump. Senator Cory Booker broke from the Democratic Party to confirm convicted felon Charles Kushnerfather of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushneras the new U.S. ambassador to France. Booker was the only Democrat to vote for the elder Kushners nomination. Kushner was convicted in 2005 for tax evasion, illegal campaign donations to the Democratic Party, and witness tampering. He even went so far as to retaliate against his sisterwho was a cooperating witness against him by paying a sex worker to seduce her husband and film it, likely for blackmail material. He was sentenced to two years in jail and was pardoned by President Trump at the end of 2020. Kushner admitted that he paid a private investigator $25,000 to arrange for the seduction and videotaping of the cooperating witness husband. Kushner admitted to personally recruiting the prostitute and instructing that the videotape be mailed to the cooperating witness, the Department of Justice wrote in 2005. This is the man Booker bent over backward to make the new ambassador to one of our most important European allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Christie, New Jerseys former Republican governor, who investigated Charles Kushner as district attorney, described his case as one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes hed encountered. I dont sit here before you today and tell you Im a perfect person. I am not a perfect person. I made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake, Kushner said at his confirmation hearing earlier this month. I think that my past mistakes actually make me better with my judgment, better in my view of life, better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job. Bookers break from the party has caused some real backlash, especially after he evoked the good trouble of civil rights leader John Lewis in his record-breaking symbolic filibuster in the Senate in April, an act that inspired many and raised his presidential profile. Its become clear once again that Booker is all talk. Booker and the Kushners go way back. Charles Kushner helped fund Bookers first failed mayoral campaign in 2002, and Booker came to his defense when he was convicted in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlie has helped fuel my hope, as well as made me believe that even in the questionable world of New Jersey politics, there are still spirits who dont simply act in their self-interest, Booker wrote glowingly of Kushner before he was sentenced. Booker maintained his relationship with the Kushners. In 2013, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner hosted Booker at their home in a fundraising event that raised $41,000 for Booker. He defended this relationship in 2017, well after their (unsurprising) conservative turn. Listen, I wouldnt take a dime from them now, but this was a time when they were Democrats, Booker said at the time. I mean, they were supporting Hillary Clinton, uh, and the Kushner family were big New Jersey Democrats, and really helped to fight against Chris Christie and a lot of other folks. That sounds fine then, but now the Kushners are full MAGA. So how does Booker explain his most recent vote? Especially after his bleeding-heart filibuster? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cory Booker losing his newfound Resist Lib credentials by being the only Democrat in the Senate to vote to advance the nomination of convicted felon Charles Kushner (yes that Kushner) to become Ambassador to France is very funny to me, political analyst Adam Carlson wrote on X. Jersey gonna Jersey I guess. Theres a lot going on in the world at the moment and hows the Senate spending its time? Democratic Senator Tina Smith asked on X. Were voting on Jared Kushners dad (a convicted felon who Trump pardoned) to be Ambassador to France, sending a billionaire convicted felon (and relative) to serve as a top diplomat. Booker has yet to comment. According to a new analysis from POLITICO, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are on the outs despite Musk traveling to Saudi Arabia with the president. The analysis looked into President Trump's public communications, including social media, fundraising emails and White House press briefings, and communications from his allies. Through the study, POLITICO found that Musk has disappeared from Trump's social communications. "The president, who used to mention Musk every few days on Truth Social, hasnt posted about him in more than a month," the analysis wrote. "Once a staple of White House briefings, Musk now hardly gets mentioned at all. Even members of Congress have essentially dropped him from their newsletters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last post from President Trump's Truth Social account mentioning Musk was on March 31, when he mentioned Musk three times that day. For other accounts related to the president on X, formerly Twitter, the last post was on May 3. Despite the lack of mention online, The New York Times reported that Musk traveled to the Persian Gulf with the president in mid-May to secure business agreements. Musk announced business deals for both SpaceX and Neuralink with Gulf countries. Musk making money from Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia The New York Times reported on May 20 that Musk hitched a ride to the Persian Gulf with President Trump to make business deals for SpaceX and Neuralink. Musk announced that SpaceX had secured approval to provide its Starlink satellite internet services to companies in Saudi Arabia. Musks Neuralink, which makes implantable brain chips, announced a deal with the local health ministry to conduct a clinical trial in Abu Dhabi. Neither deal's terms were disclosed. What did Musk do with DOGE? Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency, a role given to him by President Trump with a goal to identify and eliminate excess or wasteful spending in federal programs. He promised his program would cut trillions from the federal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was made a "special government employee," which allows him to work for the federal government for a limited period of time with or without pay. According to the United States Department of the Interior, a special government employee is "an officer or employee in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government who is appointed to perform important, but limited, services to the Government, with or without compensation, for a period not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days." Musk's 130 days allotted to work under the title of special government employee were expected to finish near the end of May. The earliest reported work from DOGE is dated Jan. 21, 2025, which would put the end of his 130-day period on May 31, 2025. How much has DOGE saved? When Musk first began his position with the Department of Government Efficiency, he set the ambitious goal of cutting $2 trillion from government spending. On Friday, April 11, Musk announced that DOGE would lower its projected savings estimate for fiscal year 2026 from $1 trillion to $150 billion. As recently as a March 27 interview on Fox News, Musk said he was on pace to eliminate $1 trillion in federal spending by the end of May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent estimate for DOGE savings was $170 billion on May 11. This is up $10 billion from the estimated $160 on April 20. The agency estimates it has saved each taxpayer about $1,055.90. Why did Musk step back from DOGE? During an April 22 earnings call for Tesla, Musk announced that he would reduce his hours with DOGE starting in May to refocus on his role as Tesla's CEO. This announcement came a week after the White House press secretary fired back at claims on X, formerly Twitter, that Musk was leaving his position in the coming weeks. "Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla," Musk said during Tesla's earnings call. He reported that the majority of work needed to establish DOGE has been completed and that his time spent cutting government spending would decrease significantly in May. With the month more than halfway over, Musk or DOGE have said little about plans, savings or work being done. Since the April earnings call, it seems Musk has completely diverted his efforts back to Tesla. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why is Trump no longer mentioning Elon Musk on Truth Social? MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - : Bruce Springsteen performs during the first night of his "The Land of Hopes and Dreams" tour at Co-op Live on May 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images) Weve all heard about the nine Republican state Senators who decided they were going to start voting their conscience, only to be censured by their own party. As if they would somehow become contagious. This series of events reminded me of something Ive been wondering about, which is: Why it has become so fashionable to present liberals as if we are dangerous, scary people. It is now one of those labels that Republicans throw around in order to discredit a persons character. It showed up on every other flyer that I received during the last election cycle. And of course its one of those terms, for example communist, that most people probably wouldnt be able to define if you asked them, even liberals themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I thought about the qualities that most of my friends have in common. And the top thing on that list would probably be curiosity. I hang out with people who always want to learn more, whether its about you, or about the history of the region where they live, or about whatever hobby theyre interested in. And of course that also means that they are readers. Because what is the best way to learn? Another thing that most of my friends have in common is that they love people. They love meeting new people, they like to be in small groups where they can have discussions. They like to connect. And they like to help. I feel fortunate to know so many people who believe that helping others helps them become better people. And it also helps make the world a better place. So far, Im not seeing a lot to be scared of. But lets keep looking. Most of my friends love the arts. They love how music and films and dance and visual arts force them to look at things a little differently. They love how songs and movies make them feel something, whether its warm or frightening or confusing or ecstatic, the arts bring strong emotional responses into our lives in a way that is always unpredictable and surprising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of my friends also love to be outside. They love what the earth has to offer. They like the challenge of a long bike ride, or a hike into the mountains. They like to hunt and fish, or float one of the incredible rivers that flow through our beautiful state. They value having access to the best that Montana has to offer. A few days ago, Bruce Springsteen, who is only three years younger than Trump but looks at least 10 years younger, opened his latest tour in Manchester, England by sitting down at the front of the stage and delivering a calm, measured criticism of the current president. He didnt make anything up or call him a bunch of juvenile names. He didnt threaten him. He just laid out his opinion of the mans actions in a way that was thoughtful and most importantly, factual. Heres how he opened his speech, and its pretty brilliant: In America, my home, theyre persecuting people for their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. Thats happening now. In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the worlds poorest children to sickness and death. Thats happening now. In my country, theyre taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. Theyre rolling back historic civil rights legislation that led to a more just society. Theyre abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those who are struggling for their freedom. Thats happening now. They are defunding American universities that wont bow down to their ideological demands. And they are removing residents off American streets without due process of law and deploying them to foreign detention centers and prisons. Thats happening now. So maybe thats it. Its the honesty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of my friends have never been convicted of a felony. Most of them have never been accused of rape, especially by multiple sources. Most of my friends wouldnt think of referring to another country as a shhole country. They wouldnt think to lump an entire race of people into one group and make sweeping generalizations about those people. Most of my wealthy friends wouldnt think of rubbing their wealth in your face, or bragging about the fact that they dont pay taxes, because they do. Most of them wouldnt brag about going into the dressing room of a bunch of teenage girls while theyre getting ready for a pageant. Most of my friends wouldnt encourage people to beat the crap out of other people. Most of them wouldnt make up lies on the spot just to make others look bad because they got their feelings hurt. So the only thing that I can think of that makes liberals scary is that they try like hell to be honest, and if theres one thing that scares Republicans at this moment in time, its the truth. Springsteen is fortunate to be huge enough that he can lose a huge chunk of his fan base without worrying about his career going off the rails. But of course that doesnt stop Donald Trump from trying his damnedest to discredit the man. And among other things, that means hitting him over the head with the dreaded liberal label. It didnt stop Springsteen from doing the same thing at his next few stops, to the dismay of many of his long-term fans, and as someone so accurately pointed out, have they not been paying attention to what this man has stood for from the beginning? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The saddest part about Trumps tantrums is how utterly childish they are. He always resorts to the most basic insults, saying he never liked Springsteen and that he has no talenta meaningless insult coming from a guy who pals around with Kid Rock and Ted Nugent. Trump has and always will resort to the lowest form of attack, and that is exactly why he is so threatened by someone like Bruce, who did just the opposite. So I guess Ill keep doing what most of my friends have been doing, trying to become better people, failing here and there, but always striving to improve. Telling the truth as well as we know how, without resorting to hissy fits when someone offers constructive criticism. And hopefully it will continue to scare the hell out of these people. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) This week, international delegates will visit Dayton but why exactly was the Gem City picked for NATOs Spring Session? The NATO Parliamentary Assembly was created in 1955 to serve as a link between the 32 member nations of NATO, which stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Delegates meet in different locations throughout the world to conduct their work a few times each year. The last time America hosted was in Florida in 2003. So why is NATO coming to Dayton, of all places? 30 years ago, the Dayton Peace Accords were signed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which effectively ended the Bosnian War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To commemorate the 30th anniversary, Dayton was chosen to host the NATO Spring Session. This milestone anniversary is expected to be celebrated throughout the week. NATO delegates will be in town for the summit from May 22-26. Click here to learn more about how the NATO summit will affect downtown drivers and pedestrians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Richard Vinall was in the midst of his morning routine, a swim at Port Noarlunga, last week, when the 60-something-year-old man was attacked by a shark. He was bitten on the thigh, badly. After being treated on the beach, he was transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition. This was just the latest in a surge of attacks, sightings, and curious behavior from sharks on South Australias coastline. The area has a history of being sharky. But this is something different. And now, officials believe they know why or at least a contributing factor to the spike in attacks. Speaking with ABC, Deputy Premier Susan Close, (and also the states environment minister) named a huge, toxic algal bloom as the culprit for sharks not behaving normally. She continued: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre more numerous along our metropolitan coastline than we normally expect to see and also they appear to be in some distress and theres some talk of them being more aggressive. The apparent algal bloom which is harmful to marine life, even causing neurological damage is the size of Kangaroo Island off South Australia. Thats more than triple the size of Los Angeles. Related: Aussies Rescue 10Ft Great White Shark with Bare Hands (Video) Recently, a 10-foot great white shark found itself stranded in shallow water at a South Australia beach. Locals waded out to the shark, and helped it back to sea, using only their bare hands. Speaking to the aberrant nature of such an incident, one of the rescuers recounted: The tide was on its way out, and it looked to be confused. In that scenario, luckily, nobody was nipped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And soon after, another 10-foot great white beached itself at a different South Australia beach. This one could not be saved. As one witness said, It was struggling. It was rolling around. Its belly was up. It looked like it was pretty sick. Related: Search for Missing Surfer: Lances Bodys Inside the Shark Looking back over the last two years, it hasnt just been sharks washing ashore sick and confused. Two surfers have been killed in South Australia. Earlier this year, 28-year-old Lance Appleby was taken by a shark while surfing Granites Beach on the Eyre Peninsula, and his body was never found; then, in 2023, 15-year-old Khai Cowley was attacked and killed while surfing Ethel Beach. Watch out, South Australians. Its getting seriously sharky down there. Why Are Sharks Attacking Like Crazy in South Australia? first appeared on Surfer on May 19, 2025 South Africas president wont offer refugee status and a chartered airplane to Black Americans when he visits the White House on Wednesday. But if he uses the same standards Donald Trump used in bringing a plane load of white Afrikaners to the United States last week, he should. Black Americans have it much worse than those poor Afrikaners who have been so fulsomely championed by Trump. Afrikaners make up just over 7 percent of South Africas population but own 73 percent of its privately-owned farmland. Here in the U.S., Black Americans make up nearly 14 percent of the population but own less than 1 percent of this countrys privately-owned farmland, according to FoodPrint, a program that researches food production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while Trump has grossly exaggerated the threat of violence Afrikaners face in South Africa, Black Americans have long been brutalized in the U.S., often with the blessing of their own government. So, President Ramaphosa, wheres that plane? It doesnt even have to be a $400 million palace in the sky from Qatar! Of course, the South African president knows he cant discuss Black Americans with the American president, just as he knows he will be lectured about the plight of those unfortunate white South Africans in South Africa. Expect South African expat Elon Musk, whose family suffered so much there hes only worth $424,700,000,000, to get in on that action. If Ramaphosa tries to interrupt that lecture with facts about whats happening in South Africa, about the effort to redistribute land to the nations Black residents after generations of brutal apartheid, he could get the Vladimir Zelensky treatment. There likely will be little opportunity to note that Afrikaners have it so bad in South Africa that, of the 2.7 million of them who still call that nation home, a whopping 59 were on last weeks flight to the U.S. (Try offering refugee status and chartered flights to residents of, say, Venezuela, and see how many tens of thousands try to cram onto those planes to the U.S.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe Ramaphosa can find some other way to relay to the American president just who the Afrikaners are and what they and their ancestors were up to until that long, long ago year of 1994. Thats the year South Africa held its first multi-racial elections. Thats the year Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers, began to lose their primacy in a society upon which they had inflicted nearly 50 years of racial segregation. Just like segregation in the U.S., South African apartheid was brutal and dehumanizing for its Black countrymen. Just as segregation did in the U.S. for white Americans, apartheid reserved land rights and the best education and employment opportunities for white South Africans. And just as todays wealth gap between whites and Blacks in the U.S. is due at least in part to generations of slavery and then legal discrimination against Black Americans, Black South Africans have a similar tale to tell. But there will be little, if any, time for that on Wednesday. Ramaphosa knows his task is to smile, shake the presidents hand, have his picture taken and then scurry on back to the Land of the Oppressed Afrikaner. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. DENVER (KDVR) Colorado is known to have, on average, over 50 tornadoes a year, but theres a reason most of them occur in one part of the state. A tornado forms with wind variations and updrafts. This usually happens when theres warm, moist air near the ground and cooler, dry air above, with a change in wind speed and direction, according to the National Weather Service. This process occurred on Sunday, when tornadoes touched down in Colorado, destroying several homes in their wake. While its not uncommon for a tornado to occur in the state, its more likely to occur in the Eastern Plains rather than other areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Tornado damage in Adams, Arapahoe counties seen from the sky Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said that of the average 53 tornadoes per year in Colorado, 95% of tornadoes occur east of Interstate 25, and the other 5% are mostly between the foothills and I-25. Michels said Denver and anything toward the mountains arent as likely to see tornadoes. This is because the environment in western Colorado isnt prime for tornadoes to form. The mountain areas usually have a cooler, more stable environment. However, the Eastern Plains have warmer and more humid air, as air warms as the elevation drops, which is better for tornado development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, its not impossible for a tornado to hit Denver, or even further west. In 2023, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree saw a tornado, meanwhile, Michels said there have even been tornadoes in the mountains, including Pikes Peak a few years ago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon announced that she was leaving the network after four years on May 19 She wrote in a memo that she could "not agree on the path forward" with management CBS News and its parent company, Paramount Global, are reportedly close to settling a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump's team CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon announced that she was leaving CBS News after four years with the network on May 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She shared the news in a memo sent to her colleagues, according to Deadline. "Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward," she wrote in part. "Its time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership. McMahon resigned in the midst of a $20 billion lawsuit from President Donald Trump, whose team is suing the network over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, are considering settling the lawsuit as they hope to complete a merger with Skydance, for which they need regulatory approval from the Trump administration. McMahon, who became the CEO in 2023, called it both "a privilege" and "challenging" to lead the network over the last few years. She became the second CBS leader to leave the company in a month, as 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why are Wendy McMahon and other leaders leaving CBS News? Here's what we know about her surprise exit. Why is Wendy McMahon leaving CBS News? Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Wendy McMahon ahead of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 30, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Wendy McMahon ahead of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 30, 2022 in Washington, D.C. McMahon announced that she was stepping down as CEO and president of CBS News in a memo sent to colleagues and obtained by Deadline on May 19. "Championing and supporting the journalism produced by the most amazing stations and bureaus in the world, celebrating the successes of our shows and our brands, elevating our stories and our people ... It has been a privilege and joy," she wrote in part. McMahon called her time at CBS News "one of the most meaningful chapters in my career" and the "honor of a lifetime." However, she also added that before resigning, she struggled to agree on how the company would move forward amidst the lawsuit with President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, the past few months have been challenging," she wrote. "Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. Its time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership." Shortly afterwards, George Cheeks, the co-CEO of Paramount Global and president and CEO of CBS, wrote in a separate memo to staffers that McMahon would continue staying on as CEO for a few more weeks to "support the transition." "In a rapidly changing world, Wendy and her teams have worked diligently to articulate a vision and lay a foundation that adapts our news operations for the future," Cheeks wrote in the memo obtained by Deadline. "This includes advancements in data journalism, community journalism, technology and centralizing editorial decisions to help teams move faster. McMahon was originally named as president and co-head of CBS News in 2021, along with Neeraj Khemlani. When he left in 2023, she became the sole president and CEO. According to Deadline, McMahon had been a "defender" of the news division, which includes 60 Minutes. What is President Trumps lawsuit against CBS News? CBSNews/60 Minutes 2020CBS Broadcasting Donald Trump on '60 Minutes'. Donald Trump on '60 Minutes'. McMahon resigned from CBS News in the midst of the company's lawsuit filed by President Trump's team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His team has alleged that the 60 Minutes team edited former vice president, and then-presidential candidate, Harris' answer in an October 2024 interview with Bill Whitaker. Trump and his team claimed that the network edited one of her answers to improve her chances of winning the 2024 Presidential Election and to "tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party," according to Reuters. Paramount has tried to dismiss the lawsuit and claimed that it is "without basis in law or fact." However, in April, both Trump and Paramount Global's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, began mediation and were in talks to possibly settle the $20 billion lawsuit, according to The New York Times. In addition to the company's looming lawsuit with Trump, Paramount is also trying to complete an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. The acquisition would require regulatory approval from Trump and his administration. In February 2025, The New York Times reported that Redstone did not explicitly connect Paramount's lawsuit with Trump and the company's hopeful merger with Skydance, but she did "underscore the fact that a pending multibillion-dollar lawsuit from the president made it difficult for Paramount to do business. Who else has left CBS? Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Bill Owens during day two of Collision 2022 at Enercare Centre on June 22, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. Bill Owens during day two of Collision 2022 at Enercare Centre on June 22, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. McMahon stepped down from CBS News less than one month after 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned because of alleged difficulties maintaining journalistic independence, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 22, 2025, Owens sent a resignation memo to colleagues and expressed how it became "clear" to him that he "would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it, to make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience." The departure later made headlines when longtime anchor Scott Pelley announced the news in an unconventional message to viewers and told them how "no one here is happy" with the exit during the April 27 episode of 60 Minutes. "He was our boss," Pelley said. "He covered the world, covered combat, the White House. His was a quest to open minds, not close them. If you've ever worked hard for a boss because you admired him, then you understand what we've enjoyed here." Pelley also implied that coverage surrounding Trump's second presidency was being influenced by the pending lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Stories we pursued for 57 years are often controversial. Lately the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. Bill made sure they were accurate and fair. He was tough that way," he said. "But our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways. None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires." In addition to Owens' resignation, CBS News also faced a shakeup when Norah O'Donnell stepped down as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News after five years in January 2025. However, PEOPLE confirmed that O'Donnell was staying in the CBS family and transitioned to a new role as a CBS News senior correspondent. I love what I do, and I am so fortunate to work with the best journalists and people in the business, ODonnell wrote in her staff departure announcement in July 2024. Theres so much work to be proud of! But I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at CBS News, tied to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. Its time to do something different." O'Donnell was replaced by longtime CBS broadcasters John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois as co-anchors. Who is replacing Wendy McMahon? Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Bill Owens, Wendy McMahon, Cecilia Vega and Scott Pelley at the CBS fall schedule celebration on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Bill Owens, Wendy McMahon, Cecilia Vega and Scott Pelley at the CBS fall schedule celebration on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. The person replacing McMahon has not been named. However, Cheeks said in his memo that the head of CBS News, Tom Cibrowski, and the head of CBS Stations, Jennifer Mitchell, would be reporting to him during the transition, according to Variety. Meanwhile, CBS' CFO and chief operating officer, Bryon Rubin, will oversee CBS Media Ventures executives Scott Trupchak and John Budkins. Read the original article on People Kazakhstan, Bulgaria sign key agreements to strengthen bilateral economic relations Photo: Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Bulgaria's Minister of Economy Peter Dilov co-chaired the 5th Kazakh-Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Sofia on May 20. After 30 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries have built significant links in numerous industries. Increased trade, investment, agriculture, energy, culture, and other cooperation were discussed. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Over 31,000 patients of Wichitas Hunter Health Clinic are being notified of a data breach found on May 1, according to a law firm investigating the case. According to the clinics website, an unauthorized party accessed an employees email account on Sept. 30, 2024. The health clinic had cybersecurity professionals look into the incident and found that between Sept. 27, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2024, certain files containing protected health information and/or personally identifiable information were stored in the impacted account and may have been subject to unauthorized access or acquisition. Some files included the persons full name, date of birth, Social Security numbers, drivers license, state identification and other government identification numbers, financial account information, medical and clinical information, patient account numbers and health insurance information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainfall amounts in Kansas, including 5+ inches in one county On May 15, the clinic began notifying those whose information may have been included in the files. Those who havent been notified and wish to determine whether they were impacted can call 877-547-9047, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. Federman & Sherwood law office is investigating the incident and looking at the clinics cybersecurity measures. The law firm says the non-profit clinic has offered 12 months of identity theft protection services through IDX Monitoring. Federal law also entitles people to one free credit report every 12 months from the three major nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). You can obtain a free copy of your credit report by calling 877-322-8228, visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Health Clinic sent KSN News this statement: The privacy and security of information is of utmost importance to Hunter Health Clinic, and we continue to take significant measures to protect that information. Hunter Health Clinic experienced a cybersecurity incident. Upon learning of the incident, we immediately commenced an investigation with third-party cybersecurity professionals who regularly analyze these types of incidents. The investigation revealed that the unauthorized party gained access to an employee email account between September 27, 2024, and September 30, 2024. To date, we are not aware of any reports of identity fraud or improper use of any information as a direct result of this incident. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, beginning on May 15, 2025, we provided written notification of this incident via U.S. Mail to individuals whose information was impacted to the extent we had their last known address. Individuals with questions regarding this incident, can contact our toll-free number, 1-877-547-9047 Monday through Friday, 8 am 8 pm Central Time, except holidays. Hunter Health Clinic is committed to maintaining the privacy of personal information in our possession and has taken many precautions to safeguard it. Hunter Health Clinic continually evaluates and modifies its practices and internal controls to enhance the security and privacy of the personal information in our possession. Hunter Health Clinic 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas House gave preliminary approval to legislation that aims to better prepare the state for wildfires. The bill is one of several measures filed after the 2024 Panhandle wildfires, which burned more than one million acres. Senate Bill 34 would create a database of firefighting equipment that is available for use in responding to wildfires. The goal is to have a better idea of what resources are available during emergencies. The Texas A&M Forest Service would create and maintain the database. The legislation also calls for appointing an Interoperability Council to develop a strategic plan to improve emergency communication equipment interoperability betwen local, state, and federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal comes after a Texas House of Representatives report on the handling of the 2024 Panhandle wildfires. The report said although volunteer firefighters fought valiantly to contain the wildfires, response efforts were inhibited by a lack of properly positioned, readily available, and timely dispatched air support on top of ineffective communication and coordination among agencies, local governments, and responders due in part communications equipment that lacked interoperability. The fiscal note for SB 34 does not include funding for equipment. But at a hearing in March, State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, noted that the Senate Finance Committee dedicated $192 million to bolster the states firefighting equipment. The bill passed on second reading Tuesday afternoon. House lawmakers will likely schedule a third reading vote for Wednesday. If approved, SB 34 would then head to the governor for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Zoo in Forest Park is inviting guests on a one-of-a-kind adventure that pairs global wines with wildlife education at its annual Wine Safari event. Fawn rescued from Springfields Forest Park construction area The popular fundraising event, set for Saturday, May 31, from 2 to 6 p.m., offers adults a chance to sip wine from around the world while meeting animals native to those regions. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with animals and hear directly from the zoos animal care and education teams during scheduled keeper talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How often do you get to drink wine for a good cause? said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at The Zoo in Forest Park. Wine Safari is a unique way to support our animals care, as many cannot survive in the wild for reasons related to injury, illness, permanent disability, or habituation to humans. The admission ticket includes wine samples served throughout the event (while supplies last), a reusable wine glass provided by MGM Springfield, and food from Jersey Mikes Longmeadow. All attendees must be 21 or older and present a valid ID at the entrance. The Zoo will remain open to the public for regular admission from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 31, but will close early at 1 p.m. to allow staff time to prepare for the event. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the zoos website, and availability is limited. 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. Randy Bryce in a still from the video for his 2026 Congressional campaign. (Bryce campaign photo) Randy Bryce, the former iron worker who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Wisconsins First District in 2018, is taking another shot at the seat, focusing again on a pitch for voters to send an everyday worker to Washington. Bryce announced Tuesday he would seek the Democratic nomination to run against Republican incumbent Bryan Steil in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryce said he expects the top issues in the race to be preserving Social Security and other safety net programs, resisting President Donald Trumps steep tariffs and attacks on immigrants and pushing back against the general climate of fear as Republicans enact the Trump agenda. I cannot sit and just watch this happen, Bryce said in an interview Monday. And with Trump its even worse now, with people literally being afraid. Bryces first 2026 campaign video, launched Tuesday morning, hearkens back to the 2018 campaign, when one man stood up to Washington, in the words of the opening narration. Hes not a politician or a billionaire. Hes something much more rare in Congress, someone who actually works for a living. The video puts Trump and his policies front and center, and it depicts the 2026 campaign as finishing a job that Bryce began in his first run for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the presidents image first appears, the narrator says, as old enemies come out of the shadows A follow-up shot shows a welder Bryce in a darkened workshop, and the narrator says, we need him one more time. Ive never left the job unfinished, Bryce tells the camera. For 20 years, Ive helped build Wisconsin with these hands while they shipped our jobs overseas. I stayed right here fighting for working families. Trump promised to bring manufacturing back. Eight years later, were still waiting. Bryce made national headlines with the 2018 race a campaign he launched the year before with the intention of running against the districts 20-year incumbent, then-U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan. Ryan, who by then was U.S. House Speaker, unexpectedly declined to run for an 11th term however. Since then Bryce has claimed credit for having chased Paul Ryan out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steil, a corporate lawyer who was once a Ryan congressional aide, ran in Ryans place after handily overcoming five primary election challengers. Bryces campaign was widely seen as energetic and novel for the district, which has been in Republican hands since the 1994 election. With the exception of Rob Zerban in 2012, Ryans Democratic challengers since 2004 garnered only about a third of voters, ranging from 30% to 37%. In 2018, Bryce finished with 42%. Since that election, Democrats have cleared from 40% to 45% in the 1st CD. Since that campaign Bryce has headlined a fundraising operation raising money for progressive political candidates, many of them with working-class backgrounds akin to his. Bryce is entering the 2026 campaign midway through the first year of a Trump term. Progressive and Democratic Party groups who asked if he would run again pointed out that his last campaign had roughly the same timing in Trumps first term, Bryce told the Wisconsin Examiner, and the decision to run has been gradually building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts to the Veterans Administration is another issue that helped push him to run, said Bryce, a U.S. Army veteran. The agency is one of several that have been disrupted by the DOGE operation (the Department of Government Efficiency, although it is not an official U.S. government department) that until recently was run by billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk. The campaign video plays up Bryces longtime social media nickname, IronStache trading on the thick mustache he has sported for decades. While it shows flashes of Steils face and includes snippets of voters who are criticizing the incumbent, neither the narration nor Bryce mention the incumbent by name. In the interview, Bryce said in addition to working with the union and grassroots progressive groups that rallied behind him in his first race, he would make an appeal to disaffected Trump voters who are being harmed by current federal policies. I want to go places where Democrats normally havent gone, he said. I want to bring more people together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steil is listening to his leadership [in Congress] and his donors, hes not listening to the people that voted for him, Bryce charged. And hes not doing anything to stand up to Trump. The Constitution was drawn up to stop somebody like Trump. But Congress isnt doing their job. Theyre helping enable whatever Trump wants to go on. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) Aurora police say speed is believed to be a major contributing factor to a deadly four-vehicle crash that happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. It happened at the intersection of East Quincy Avenue and South Uravan Street. Elizabeth Albe, a witness who saw the aftermath, happened to be passing through the intersection when she stumbled upon the crash scene. 2 arrested for menacing couple, Weld County deputy and barricading inside home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never seen anything like it, Albe said. We were driving west on Quincy, and we saw just the cloud of smoke, so we immediately slowed down. As soon as we came to the top of the hill, you could see there was parts of cars everywhere. Tires were in the road. The scene of a four-car crash on Sunday, May 19 in Aurora. (Courtesy Elizabeth Albe) Police say the preliminary investigation reveals that a Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on East Quincy Avenue when it crested the hill at a high rate of speed. The car that was going fast had gone up two yards behind a privacy fence into the mans yard on fire, said Albe. There were two gentlemen there that were absolute heroes. This fence was damaged in a crash on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) This fence was damaged in a crash on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) This fence was damaged in a crash on May 18, 2025. (KDVR) An Infiniti SUV was turning left from eastbound East Quincy to northbound Uravan when it was struck by the Mustang. An adult male driver and an adult female passenger in the Mustang were taken to the hospital with serious injuries and are expected to survive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had pulled them out, faced them the ground the driver was in really bad condition his leg was clearly broken, and his wife was definitely struggling. The car was still smoking, she said. Police say the driver and sole occupant of the Infiniti SUV, a woman, died scene. 2 suspects arrested on first-degree murder charges in deadly Aurora parking lot shooting To find out it was fatal, it broke our hearts, said Albe. We knew it had to be another vehicle, but we couldnt find it. We certainly didnt hear someone yelling for help. Two other vehicles were also damaged from the collision, but there were no further injuries reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody, please be careful, someones mom, sister, friend. I dont know who she was, but someone died, and thats absolutely not OK to be careless and take someones life, said Albe. Police say charges will be pending with a further analysis and a crash reconstruction. This marks the 12th fatal crash in Aurora this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Witness for Prosecution in Karen Read Case Misrepresented His Resume Before Taking the Stand originally appeared on L.A. Mag. The retrial of Karen Read on murder charges connected to the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, whose body was found in a snowbank on a fellow cop's front lawn, has made national headlines Charles Krupa via AP Photo Testimony resumes Tuesday in the Karen Read trial a day after the case took a dramatic turn with testimony from a prosecution witness who tried to present evidence that the state claims shows the 45-year-old woman smashed into her Boston cop boyfriend with her Lexus SUV, but was instead exposed for misrepresentations on his resume. Shannon Burgess, who works for Aperture, an accident reconstruction, biomechanics and digital forensics company, testified about a crucial timeline connected to movements of Read's vehicles and the locking of her boyfriend John O'Keefe's phone in the hours before his body was found in a snowbank on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022. Read is charged with hitting O'Keefe after a night of drinking with her boyfriend's friends, many fellow law enforcement, and leaving him to die outside the home of a fellow Boston Police Officer. Her defense team insists that O'Keefe was attacked inside the home at 34 Fairview Road in Canton and dragged outside. But as the case enters its 19th day, Burgess' expertise has been called into question by a member of Read's defense team, Robert Alessi, who asked the witness about the resume posted by Aperture, which lists him as having received a bachelors degree in 2022 in computer science and mathematics. Under cross-examination, Burgess admitted he does not have a bachelor's degree in mathematics, and in fact the school he listed does not offer one. In fact, Burgess admitted on the stand, he has been pursuing his bachelor's degree since 2008, raising questions about his company's report that tries to place blame on Read for O'Keefe's death. "Either you have a bachelor of science degree or you don't," Alessi said at one point, after pointing out that in a new report Burgess wrote this month he changed the time of when the alleged "collision," which had been noted in earlier reports as an "incident," happened. Feels like a devastating day for the Commonwealth. After ditching Trooper Joe Paul, the state police reconstructionist in the 1st trial, Shanon Burgess of Aperture admitted to errors in his work for the 2nd #KarenReadTrial and alarming misstatements in his resume. pic.twitter.com/qrrgnda4Xl Glenn Jones (@GlennBostonTV) May 19, 2025 If I did the math correctly, you've been pursuing a bachelor of science degree for 17 years, correct? Alessi asked Burgess, as he pushed the state's expert on whether he was familiar with the terms mendacity and academic dishonesty. Alessi challenged Burgess on technical errors in his analysis, including confusion between bytes and bits in his proposal. Burgess admitted to making that error. The testimony could prove problematic for the state's case, and prompted Read herself to tell reporters outside the courthouse Monday that the digital forensic expert's doctored report was the "definition of an ambush." This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 20, 2025, where it first appeared. SIOUX COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) A woman was killed in a house fire in rural Sioux County early Monday morning. According to a release from the Sioux County Sheriffs Office, the Rock Valley Fire Department was called out to a fire on the 2000 block of 340th Street, about seven miles southwest of Rock Valley, just after 6 a.m. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that the home was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene. Officials said that after the fire was extinguished, they found the body of a woman in the basement. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sioux County Medical Examiner. Her name is not being released at this time. A 67-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with fire-related injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Rock Valley Fire Department was assisted by the Rock Valley Ambulance, Hull Fire Department, Ireton Fire Department, Sioux County Fire Department, and Sioux County Sheriffs Office. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. AMHERST TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Authorities in Lorain County said a case of road rage on Monday morning led to the shooting of an innocent and uninvolved victim who was driving a van with five developmentally disabled passengers. Investigators said the 32-year-old victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the road rage suspect intended to hit another vehicle with a family of five inside. A judge has ordered the suspect to be held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pivotal moment: Greater Cleveland Partnership backs Browns dome plan Detectives said it was just before 8 a.m. when a dispute began to unfold between two drivers near South Broadway and Cooper-Foster Road in the city of Lorain. The incident eventually boiled over into a senseless case of road rage on Leavitt Road in Amherst Township. Investigators said 27-year-old Nicholas John DeJesus, of Amherst, who had exchanged words with the other driver, opened fire on the other vehicle on Leavitt near Middle Ridge Road. Deputies said one of the rounds struck a van owned by the Rising Sun Centers for the developmentally disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives told FOX 8 that the bullet shattered a window, went through the back of the drivers side seat and struck the female driver in the back. The van ended up being in the line of fire. She was a complete victim, not part of the road rage, just happened to be in that place at that time, said Lorain County Sheriffs Office Maj. A.J. Torres. The victim was initially treated at the scene by Amherst paramedics and later taken by medical helicopter to the University Hospitals Main Campus in Cleveland. Authorities said they have been told she is facing a long road to recovery. Theres no fault to her. She was doing her job and its just shameful that we have people like that still in our community and its sad that something like has to happen, said Torres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies have not released the victims name, but friends and co-workers said the 32-year-old is a hero. Rising Sun Centers issued a statement that reads, in part: After she sustained a gunshot wound to her back, she was still able to maneuver the van to safety as it contained several adults with developmental disabilities in the backseat. Even in her toughest moments, she was still thinking about the safety and wellbeing of others. A very humble person and to be caught up in this situation is horrific, Torres said. Police confront moms accused of leaving kids in car to go drinking According to investigators, inside the vehicle that the road rage suspect was targeting was a family on their way to drop off children at school in Oberlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although they were unharmed, Oberlin schools were placed in a brief lockdown out of concern that the suspect might still pose a threat. Investigators said DeJesus later turned himself in at the Amherst Police Department and is now being held in the Lorain County jail on a charge of felonious assault. DeJesus pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Tuesday and was ordered to be held without bail. A temporary protection order for the victims is now in place. Hes due back in court on May 28. Authorities said the case illustrates how road rage can lead to irrational decisions with unintended consequences that last a lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think that youre being cut off or somebody is speeding next to you, call 911. Theres always a police officer or a deputy in the area. We can stop the vehicle, said Torres. Dont take the law into your own hands. Theres other means. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the victim. Learn more about it here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) A young woman is fighting for answers after her life was turned upside down when she realized the man who raised her may not be her biological father. Instead, according to an Ancestry.com result, a local businessman, who passed away in 2020, could be her dad. An unaffiliated Manhattan family and matrimonial attorney said hes never heard of a case quite like it before. It might be a case of first impression, said Ankit Kapoor, a founding partner with Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP law firm, indicating it could feature an uncharted legal issue. Jordan Tripi, a Grand Island native who now lives in Florida, said when she thinks of her dad, she pictures a hardworking, blue collar construction owner who always made sure his family was cared for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He removed every barrier that he ever could so that I could pursue the fullest life, Tripi said. Those loving memories live on, three years after his passing. After a short illness in the Spring of 2022, he died the day after her wedding day. It shakes your whole world, Tripi said. And I think the circumstances around it, shook my world even more. Jordan Tripi and her dad, the man who raised her. Those circumstances are the results of a DNA test from Ancestry.com. I was really interested to know more about my family, and the origin, and the story about my ancestors life, she said. But the results didnt indicate any of her dads Italian and German heritage. It did show her mothers roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just assumed it was a fluke, Tripi said. We all really resembled [our mothers] part of our genetics. The number of times I got from fellow students, peers, saying You dont look Italian at all, I could count on my fingers and toes. One of the strangest parts of the results: two people on the Ancestry.com app she did not know showed up as a slight DNA match with her. She said their last name was McGuire. Questions built up in Tripis mind in the months after her dad passed away. She eventually sat down with her mom to ask questions. She was also shocked and confused by the results, Tripi said. She had felt assured that I was my dads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that last name jogged her moms memory of another man. They realized her dad might not have been her biological father. In many ways, this rebooted made me start the grieving process all over again, she said. The man Tripi now believes to be her biological father is Frank McGuire, a local businessman who passed away in the summer of 2020. I would never know my biological dad, and he would never know me, Tripi said. McGuire, the chairman of the McGuire Group, was 92 when he passed. According to an obituary in The Buffalo News, McGuire built a business of more than 30 companies that employed 1,700 people in Western New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To think he was such a staple, such a man of notoriety in the city of Buffalo, and for her (my mom) to never mention him I knew of no connection there, Tripi said. For two years now, Tripi has fought to get a definitive answer about her biological father. At 30 years old, I found out that every medical record that I filled out my family history was completely inaccurate, Tripi said. On a lighter note: that history project that I did at Heathrow Elementary was grossly inaccurate. In a deeper sense, knowing our heritage, our ancestors, where we came from [its] important for the soul. What Tripi wants now is for one of McGuires seven children to do a DNA swab, to prove whether or not she is in fact their sibling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year ago, State Surrogate Court Judge Acea Mosey decided in Tripis favor. But the McGuire siblings argued a privacy concern. Its now being appealed. Kapoor, the Manhattan attorney, said he hasnt found a case like this, where a sibling was forced to take a DNA test. DNA testing is definitely not uncommon in New York courts, Kapoor said. [But] in terms of Jordan Tripis case where the siblings are ordered to do a DNA test, that I believe might be a case of first impression. I did not encounter other cases where siblings are ordered. An identical twin of the descendant was ordered the grandparents in a case were ordered but siblings might be something new. Another issue at play is McGuires sizeable estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I consider the fact of his wealth, of his empire, I dont assume any of it to be mine, Tripi said. News 4 reached out to the attorneys for all the children of Frank McGuire. They released a joint statement, saying in part: If Ms. Tripi had shown any interest in getting to know us, rather than filing a claim for go away money in Surrogates Court, we are sure family members would have been more welcoming. In fact, Ms. Tripi only reached out to one of seven siblings more than a year after her legal effort began. While none of us are beneficiaries, we would like to see our fathers wishes and bequests in his will fulfilled, rather than dragged out in this tawdry process. In the court decision a year ago, Judge Mosey said a challenge to Frank McGuires will would be a matter for another day. Kapoor said challenging the will would be an uphill battle. One of the main things I noticed was the will of Frank McGuire does not give whats called a class gift where he named his children in the will, Kapoor said. If his will said, I leave X to my wife, and X to so-and-so, and the remainder to my children, than any child out there will be entitled to make a claim against the benefit. But when you name children, then youre limited to the children who are named generally speaking, but there are some exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kapoor said if Tripi wins the appeal and is able to prove shes a daughter of Frank McGuire, shell have to try and invalidate his will if she wants a piece of the pie. That would be difficult. Instead, there could be non-probate assets she could go after, like a life insurance policy or retirement account. But Tripi exclaims, that is not what this is about. For those who assume I am pursing this because he is a millionaire, Tripi said, theyre likely missing the piece that I just genuinely want to know who my dad is and conclusively. Latest Local News Kelsey Anderson is an award-winning anchor who came back home to Buffalo in 2018. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. We can open the doors to new opportunities for regional development and build a more inclusive, digital, and sustainable economic future, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Kairat Sarybay said at the 10th plenary session of the CICA Business Forum in Baku today, Trend reports. "Today's forum is a great opportunity to share ideas, build direct connections, and explore new areas for collaboration. I hope that today's discussions will be fruitful and pave the way for partnerships that will bring real benefits to businesses and communities across the wider CICA region," he mentioned. The 10th Business Forum of the CICA is attended by Sarybay, Chairman of the Board of the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KOBIA) under the Ministry of Economy, Orkhan Mammadov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Yusif Abdullayev, President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan, Mammad Musayev, Advisor to the Chairman of KOBIA, Elnur Aliyev, as well as Russian and Kazakh guests. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A woman was injured Monday night after shots were fired into an apartment in East Nashville, according to Metro Police. Officials said the shooting was reported after 11 p.m. in the 600 block of South 5th Street. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee According to Metro police, three people dressed in black fired shots toward an apartment in the complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 36-year-old woman inside one of the apartments was struck in the leg. Officials added she was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be treated. Investigators said video surveillance footage is under review as they work to identify the suspects. 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. Two teenagers accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old woman in Puyallup during an apparently random robbery have pleaded guilty and were sentenced to about seven years and nine years in state custody. Ethan Quinn Byron Nordgren and Noah Maurice Loyd-Branch, both 19, each pleaded guilty May 15 to first-degree manslaughter for the Feb. 25, 2024 killing of Gianna Stone. Loyd-Branch additionally pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Nordgren was suspected of driving Loyd-Branch and a third defendant, DaeMeion Carmello Purdy, to and from Sam Peach Park where Stone was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone was with other people in a BMW at the park when the defendants walked up to the vehicle and pulled out handguns, according to charging documents. They demanded the groups property, and as the driver drove off, shots were fired. Court documents described Loyd-Branch and Purdy as the ones who fired the gunshots. One bullet went through the back of the BMW and struck Stone in the head. Purdys case remains pending with a next court date in July. Stones mother spoke during the defendants sentencing hearing May 15 in Pierce County Superior Court. KING 5 reported that the mother said the defendants were her definition of pure evil. 22-year-old Gianna Stone went to Bainbridge High School and Kingston High School. Her last job was at the Kingston Ferry Terminal. Courtesy of Mike Stone Judge Joseph Evans handed down the defendants punishments. Nordgren received a mid-range sentence of 7 years, eight months. Loyd-Branchs sentence was at the high end of the standard sentencing range, nine years, six months. According to court records, neither had prior criminal convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, the defendants will serve their time in juvenile rehabilitation in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. If they remain there at age 25, they would transfer to the Department of Corrections. In other news from Superior Court: Man accused of killing friend in car in Pierce County sentenced to prison A 21-year man suspected of fatally shooting his friend in a vehicle in Parkland pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced Friday to five years in prison. Julian Lafayette Hart Padilla pleaded guilty to the May 21, 2022 homicide of AnJai Whitted, 21. According to court records, the victim was shot while in a vehicle outside an apartment complex in the 11300 block of 10th Avenue Court East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a victim-impact statement submitted to the court, Whitteds mother said Hart Padilla taking her sons life was the beginning of the darkest time of her life. In one senseless moment, you shattered everything, the mother wrote. His absence is a daily ache that no words can fully express. I wake up every day to a world that no longer feels whole, haunted by the silence where his laughter and smile used to be. Julian Hart appears in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Hart was arraigned on counts of first- and second-degree homicide in the 2022 shooting death of Anjai Whitted. Tony Overman/toverman@theolympian.com Whitted was driven to St. Clares Hospital in a private vehicle after the shooting. According to court documents, he underwent surgery there and died from his injuries. The Pierce County Medical Examiners Office determined he died of a gunshot wound to the back. At the hospital, deputies spoke to a friend of Whitted who reported he, Whitted and their friends were hanging out in an apartment when Whitted decided to leave. The friend said he fell asleep and woke up to someone saying Whitted had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives found a single expended shell casing in a Chevy Camaro in which the victim was shot. They determined Whitted was sitting in the front passenger seat. A Glock and a Tokarev semiautomatic pistol were found in the car, and detectives alleged the Tokarev belonged to Hart Padilla after finding photos of him with the gun on social media. Judge Susan Adams sentenced Hart Padilla, giving him a punishment at the middle of the standard sentencing range. According to court records, the defendant had no prior criminal convictions. When Brenda Hampton suffered two heart attacks, a stroke, and kidney failure linked to forever chemicals in her drinking water, she decided to become a community advocate for others impacted by the harmful chemicals. What's happening? As AL.com reported, Hampton noticed that her neighbors were also dealing with similar health problems and said she traced them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in their water supplies. Their community is adjacent to the Tennessee River, where several industrial plants including 3M are located. Hampton founded the Concerned Citizens of North Alabama, an advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness about the health effects of drinking PFAS-contaminated water. She's also one of four people featured in a newly released book on PFAS called "Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS have been found in drinking water across the United States, with one study finding that at least 45% of the nation's tap water could be contaminated with the chemicals. "Our idea was to take four different communities around the country that each have a unique type of PFAS problem. Unique among each other, but not unique nationwide," one of the book's co-authors, Sharon Udasin, told the news outlet. Hampton told AL.com that she kept herself going with the goal of saving others. "I keep saying that the chemicals are going to get the best of me," Hampton said. "I made a promise to God when I was sick, down for 18 months, and I had smaller children at that time: 'God, if you would help me to help these people and give me back my strength, I would do all that I can to help people.'" Why is PFAS contamination concerning? As Hampton explained, PFAS have been linked to serious health issues, including increased risk of cancers, immune system problems, respiratory illnesses, and liver damage, among others. They can even lead to death in some cases, according to research. Because PFAS don't break down easily in the environment or our bodies, they can have far-reaching impacts, especially since they're used in so many household products including nonstick pans and food packaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS can get into drinking water from industrial plants, firefighting foams, and leaching from landfills, which is concerning for anyone who lives nearby. What's being done to help? AL.com reported that Hampton's advocacy work has paid off, with a reverse osmosis plant opening in Lawrence County in 2021 that will improve the water quality. She's also spoken at conferences nationwide to raise awareness about the chemicals. How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. New Hampshire lawmakers recently banned PFAS in ski, board, and boat waxes, and France announced the chemicals would be prohibited in clothing textiles and cosmetics starting next year. Scientists have also made notable progress on removing PFAS from drinking water with high-tech water filters and activated carbon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers can avoid the harmful chemicals by using stainless steel or cast iron cookware, opting for clean beauty products such as Walmart's line of PFAS-free makeup, and natural cleaning products like good old-fashioned baking soda and vinegar. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A woman lost her "entire family" after a head-on crash killed her husband, daughter and son on May 17 The driver is facing three counts of manslaughter and the bond is set at a total of $3 million That same weekend, six other people died in three separate crashes in North Texas A father and his two young children died after a head-on collision the same weekend that three other deadly crashes occurred in North Texas, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tommy Moorehead III, a 41-year-old man from Leonard, and his two children who were later identified by a family friend as his 6-year-old daughter, Lynnlee, and his four-year-old son, Tommy Jr. were pronounced dead at the scene after a three-vehicle crash in Van Alstyne on Saturday, May 17 caused the fathers Chevrolet Silverado to catch fire, NBC affiliate KXAS, CBS News and FOX affiliate KDFW reported. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the crash at around 12:30 p.m. local time on Farm-to-Market Road 3133 after the 63-year-old driver of a Dodge 3500, Rocky Patterson, was going up a hill and tried to pass a Toyota Tacoma in a no-passing zone, KXAS reported. Instead, Patterson hit Tommys Silverado head-on, causing the fire. DPS told the outlet that Patterson then hit the Tacoma. The driver of the Tacoma, a 74-year-old man, who is not named, was injured and treated at the scene, CBS News reported. Patterson was transported to a local hospital for treatment. According to Grayson County Jail records, Patterson was booked the next day and is facing three counts of manslaughter, a second-degree felony. His combined bond totals $3 million. It is unclear if Patterson has legal representation. DPS and Grayson County Judge Bruce Dawsey did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. The Van Alstyne Police Department was unable to provide further information, as DPS is leading the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tommys widow, Brooke Mustard Moorehead, is facing an unimaginable tragedy now that her entire family is gone, a friend wrote in a GoFundMe page to support funeral costs. In a single instant, Brooke lost everything, wrote the friend, who works with Brooke. Tommy was a devoted husband and father, a kind soul who worked hard and loved his family with his whole heart, continued the organizer, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Lynnlee was full of life, joy and curiosity. Little Tommy Jr. was just beginning his journey in the world, always smiling and full of love. GoFundMe The father with his two children. The father with his two children. 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 Moorehead family isnt the only one left to navigate an unexplainable tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same weekend, six people died in three separate crashes on north Texas roads, including a collision involving a wrong-way driver that left two dead in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 18, KXAS reported. Read the original article on People YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman accused of operating an illegal massage parlor in Canfield appeared in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Tuesday morning. Shanshan Zhang entered a not guilty plea on charges of promoting prostitution and remains free on bond. Zhang was arrested earlier this year following a raid on the Sunshine Spa on W. Main Street by Canfield Police and agents with the Human Trafficking Task Force. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman reported a sexual assault while at a Warren business. Read next: Investors, landlord sue company they say abandoned Youngstown facility, broke promises Officers were called about 10:15 a.m. Friday to a store on Parkman Road NW where a woman reported being sexually assaulted earlier that morning. The woman said she was at the business at about 6:30 a.m. when a man she didnt know approached her and started a conversation. The two exchanged numbers, and the woman said that the man asked her for a hug and she gave him a church hug, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said the man asked for another hug and took her hand and put it on his genitals over his clothes. When the woman objected, the man said something like, I seen you staring at it and I thought you wanted to feel it, the report stated. A cashier at the store witnessed the exchange. The victim shared with police a screenshot of the suspect from a video call he made to her after he left. The woman shared the picture on social media and was able to identify the man. Police confirmed the identity with a previous booking photo of the suspect and advised the woman to speak with the prosecutor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. China's green system wins key approval 08:20, May 20, 2025 By Zheng Xin ( China Daily China's energy market is becoming more accessible to green businesses worldwide, now that a key global renewable energy initiative has given its full backing to the nation's green electricity certificates, authorities said. The National Energy Administration is pushing for wider use of the certificates to boost green power consumption, following the recent unconditional recognition given to the GEC system by RE100, a global campaign involving more than 400 member businesses that have committed to eventually using 100 percent renewable electricity in their operations. Wan Jinsong, deputy head of the NEA, said that RE100's unconditional acceptance of the GECs is a "landmark achievement" that signals the international standing of the system. The move confirms that China's renewable electricity market has made a crucial step forward in providing confidence to companies that use the GEC system, as they can make credible claims about using green power, knowing that their renewable energy purchases have a verifiable impact, according to the RE100 website. It also said that China has become an attractive international market for companies' drive toward 100 percent renewable electricity, as proving their use of renewables in the country is now easier. Furthermore, the GEC system ensures that renewable energy use by large manufacturers in China is recognized throughout global supply chains, it said. Currently, 270 RE100 member companies purchase green electricity in China, according to Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, which co-launched RE100. They reported an annual green electricity volume of 77 billion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 59 percent of their electricity consumption. Among these, the manufacturing sector consumed the most green electricity, reaching 63.876 billion kWh, said Clarkson. She added that RE100's unconditional approval shows the influence of China's GECs on the international stage. The system helps RE100 members and their suppliers meet renewable energy commitments, offering them more flexible ways to do so. This recognition followed successful discussions between RE100 and the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute based on the mutual consensus on improvements to China's GEC system that were led by the Chinese government. RE100 was launched in 2014 by the Climate Group and Carbon Disclosure Project. Member companies commit to using 100 percent renewable electricity by no later than 2050. Its technical guidelines influence how global companies and their supply chains buy renewable electricity. Yi Yuechun, deputy head of the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute, said the GEC system helps assess provincial-level renewable energy targets and the use of green power by industries such as aluminum production. He said it also supports carbon accounting and carbon footprint calculations. Manufacturing sectors such as telecommunications and automotive account for 70 percent of green electricity certificate purchases, he added. The GECs are the sole proof of the environmental attributes of renewable energy in China and serve as the only certificate for verifying renewable energy production and consumption. One certificate is generated for every 1,000 kWh of green electricity. China started its GEC system in 2017. Previously, China's green certificates were only conditionally accepted by RE100, requiring extra proof. China improved the system by expanding the GECs to cover all renewable power projects in 2023 and making it the sole proof of renewable energy attributes. German chemical giant BASF was one of the first foreign companies to buy green power in China. BASF has been investing in new energy projects while also buying green electricity in China through power trading and the GECs to reduce its carbon emissions, it said. Pan Huimin, deputy head of the NEA's new and renewable energy department, said the RE100 recognition will significantly increase the willingness and enthusiasm of RE100 member companies and their supply chains to purchase green electricity and use China's certificates. This is expected to further expand the demand for the GECs, she said. Pan said that the NEA will continue to work with relevant departments to strengthen communication and exchanges with RE100. It will encourage RE100 to issue technical guidelines related to purchasing the GECs, which would better assist Chinese companies in buying them. The NEA will also enhance communication on the GEC system with China's major trading partners to accelerate the process of achieving international mutual recognition. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Press Release May 20, 2025 Villar Ensures that DFA Retirees will Receive their Adjusted Retirement Benefits Senate Bill No. 2863 was signed into law as Republic Act No. 12181, or An Act Adjusting the Monthly Benefits of the Retirees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), last May 2, 2025. In sponsoring the bill, Sen. Villar raised the prevailing problems of retired DFA officers and employees: "Imagine an Ambassador who has spent decades representing our country, safeguarding our national interests abroad, and being the face of the Philippines in foreign lands. Now, picture this same individual after a lifetime of service, struggling to make ends meet for their daily and medical needs." The law aims to provide a monthly pension differential and gratuity benefit for DFA employees receiving a monthly pension from the GSIS. With the steady increase in the prices of goods and services in our country, Villar underlines the importance of RA 12181, especially for those who retired years ago, in order for their pensions to be at par with the benefits received by recently retired personnel. The newly passed law allows qualified retirees to receive a monthly pension differential, which is the difference between the adjusted monthly pension computed by the DFA and the actual monthly pension provided by the GSIS to the DFA retiree, to be multiplied by an adjustment factor determined by the DFA. Villar assures that the adjusted monthly benefits will not strain the national budget: "Funding will come from the fees charged for consular services collected under Executive Order No. 906, series of 2010, and not from the General Appropriations Fund." The newly passed law also helps alleviate the burdens of bereaved families of deceased retirees by allowing the surviving unmarried legal spouse and the qualified dependent children to receive 50% of the pension differential that the deceased retiree was receiving or is entitled to receive. "This provision aims to provide financial support to the family members of deceased retirees, ensuring that they are also taken care of after the retiree's passing," Senator Villar highlighted. Senator Mark Villar, the bill's principal sponsor, expressed the immense help and recognition that the newly passed law will offer to the retirees. "We are not just approving an increase in retirement benefits, we are sending a powerful message that their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country are valued and remembered. It is a statement that we stand with them as they stood for us in the international arena," Villar emphasized Senator Villar recognizes that through RA 12181, DFA retirees, with their sacrifices and efforts, will now receive their rightful and deserved benefits and recognition. This law stands as proof that Filipino civil servants must be recognized for their dedication and endeavors to help the nation. Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) has officially launched Employability Week, an initiative aimed at supporting students career development and integration into the labor market. Implemented in partnership with Synergia Academy and with the participation of 12 prestigious companies under the umbrella of Pasha Group, the initiative offers a wide range of opportunities to facilitate the employment of final-year students. Throughout the week, UNEC students will have the chance to engage directly with human resources professionals, attend seminars and networking sessions, and further develop their skills and competencies. In addition, selected students will be invited to participate in interview rounds with participating companies. Speaking at the opening ceremony, UNEC Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov, emphasized that Employability Week is one of the most significant events organized as part of the universitys 95th anniversary celebrations. The Rector noted that ensuring UNEC graduates secure well-paid and field-relevant employment remains one of the universitys top priorities: The fact that leading employers are coming to UNEC to meet our students is, in itself, a reflection of the value placed on our institution and its students. I am confident that the 12 companies represented this week will identify talented, knowledgeable students who meet their recruitment criteria. Professor Muradov also highlighted the educational reforms implemented at UNEC in recent years to develop students as competitive and highly skilled professionals. He offered practical advice on how students should present their knowledge and abilities effectively during interviews. CEO of Synergia Academy, Ms. Rana Afandiyeva, stated that the activities planned as part of Employability Week would offer valuable career development opportunities: This initiative is an invaluable platform for students to gain insights into real working environments and establish direct connections with potential employers. I believe it will serve as a crucial stepping stone in their professional journeys. Human resources managers representing the participating companies also addressed students during the event, sharing practical insights into the interview process and offering guidance on professional presentation and career planning. https://youtu.be/Jk_5GtLhbdg BOSTON (WWLP) A Georgia woman was sentenced to prison for her role in trafficking over 10 pounds of methamphetamine to Massachusetts, hidden in a bag of dog food. In a news release from the Department of Justice, in September 2022, a confidential source was informed by a drug trafficking organization that a woman courier would be transporting 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Massachusetts. The woman called the confidential source to coordinate the time and location to complete the sale. 60 convicted of trespassing on new border military zone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courier, later identified as 28-year-old Brooke Logan Paniagua of Dalton, Georgia, arrived at the pre-arranged location. Law enforcement intercepted and found a .22 caliber Ruger handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and a partially opened bag of dog food that contained five plastic containers filled with 12.3 pounds of 97% pure methamphetamine. Paniagua pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 48 months of supervised release. 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. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after a woman was shot during what may have been a road rage incident on Tuesday morning. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to KTLA that officers were flagged down to investigate a gunshot wound victim at Avalon Boulevard and 89th Street in the Green Meadows neighborhood around 8:50 a.m. It appeared as if the shooting took place at the intersection of Avalon and Florence Avenue, the spokesperson said, which is over a mile north of where the officers were eventually flagged down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was only described as an adult woman. She was transported to a hospital where her condition was not known as of 11:15 a.m. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after a woman was shot during what may have been a road rage incident on Tuesday. May 20, 2025. (Citizen App) The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after a woman was shot during what may have been a road rage incident on Tuesday. May 20, 2025. (Citizen App) The suspect was described by authorities as a Hispanic man in a white Nissan Altima. While it could not be confirmed, police believe that road rage was possibly involved in the shooting. Video posted to the Citizen App shows police blocking off the scene of the original shooting near Avalon and Florence; additional police activity surrounding a silver sedan was seen near Avalon and 89th. Nidia Becerra contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A 19-year-old woman was physically attacked and called "derogatory" names at a McDonald's in Illinois, with two males -- including one juvenile -- charged for the incident, according to the Carpentersville Police Department. The incident occurred on May 13, when police responded to a report of a fight at a McDonald's in Carpentersville, Illinois, which is about an hour outside of Chicago. Once on the scene, officials determined the incident "involved an aggravated battery against a female victim," police said in a press release shared over the weekend. PHOTO: John Kammrad was arrested and charged for allegedly attacking a young woman at a McDonald's in Illinois on May 13, according to the Carpentersville Police Department. (Carpentersville Police Department) Officials said the altercation began when two male suspects made "derogatory remarks about the victim's sexual orientation as they passed by her." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The female victim, 19-year-old Kady Grass, told ABC News she and her 13-year-old cousin were grabbing food at the McDonald's when Grass decided to use the bathroom. Both the restroom stalls were full, so she walked out right away, when one boy out of a group of three began calling her a derogatory name, she told ABC News. She said she "mumbled" under hre breath but walked away and told her cousin to "not give them another reason to talk to us." One of the boys, the juvenile who was later charged, approached Grass again, saying they "wanted to fight" her and they should "take it outside," she said. Grass said she then proceeded to go outside of the McDonald's, but "no one came out." MORE: Hate crimes, particularly against LGBTQ community, on the rise: FBI data Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she returned inside to her cousin, she told Grass she overheard the males and said "they have a gun and they are going to kill you." Grass later found out that it was an "empty threat" as police did not find a gun in the suspects' possession. The other male who was later charged, 19-year-old John Kammrad, approached Grass and said, "You're a woman, you're not tough," to which Grass replied: "I know I'm a woman, I'm a lesbian," she told ABC News. She said she then looked at the juvenile, who "had this look in his eyes" and began to smile at her. "I had a bad feeling about what was going to happen," Grass said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Police seeking assailant who allegedly used anti-gay slur in NYC subway attack Kammrad proceeded to get close to Grass, so she placed her hand on his chest to signal he should "keep his distance," she said. Then the confrontation escalated into a physical fight, with one male punching her in the front and the other hitting her in the back, she said. A manager at the McDonald's attempted to break up the fight, but he also "got hit in the process," Grass said. In an attempt to protect herself, Grass closed her eyes and fell to the ground, which led to the two males stomping on her head, causing her to become unconscious, she said. Grass, who does not remember most of the attack, suffered a broken nose, bruises on her shoulders and the suspects' handprint marks on her shoulders, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were trying to kill me," Grass told ABC News. Grass sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where "she was treated and subsequently released," police said. Grass, who claims the whole attack was based on her sexual orientation, said, "It's so crazy that there are people out there that are willing to go this far or even worse just because they don't like who you are." MORE: 4 teens charged in suspected homophobic attack against women on London bus Police said "multiple felony charges" were approved against the two males involved, including "the most serious" charge being aggravated battery causing bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juvenile suspect turned himself in to police on May 16, and Kammrad was arrested on May 17, officials said. "This incident underscores the importance of addressing violence and discrimination within our community. The Carpentersville Police Department remains committed to ensuring public safety and promoting respect for all individuals," police said. Kammrad was charged with two counts of aggravated battery and mob action-use of force or violence disturbing the peace, according to court records. He was in custody at the Kane County Jail, but court records indicate that on Monday, the suspect was "released to other agency." Grass told ABC News the state's attorney's office asked for her permission to issue hate crime charges on Kammrad. Additionally, police told Grass that the two girls occupying the bathroom of the McDonald's were with the males that attacked her and they will face misdemeanor charges for stealing Grass' wallet, phone and her cousin's phone, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even if they don't agree with the LGBTQ community, they have no right to make it physical or bully you into something. There was no right to do this to me just because they didn't like that I date women instead of men," Grass said. Kammrad's status hearing is scheduled for May 22 and his plea setting is set for June 27, according to court records. Court records indicate that Kammrad has appointed an attorney, but the name of the public defender is not listed. Woman speaks out after alleged homophobic attack at McDonald's in Illinois originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A 50-year-old woman from New Jersey was found dead in the water near a popular vacation spot in South Carolina, according to authorities. On Sunday, May 18, just before 1 a.m. local time, deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office responded to a report that there was an unresponsive woman in the surf near Collier Beach Road on Hilton Head Island, the sheriffs office said in a statement. A responding officer spoke with the man who discovered the woman, later identified as Aine Ni Cheallaigh by the Beaufort County Coroners Office. He located the victim while riding his bike on the beach, one of the responding officers wrote in the redacted report shared with PEOPLE. The officer noted that the man was unable to provide any additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officers found Cheallaighs body, she was lying face down in the sand. The woman was wearing a black and pink wetsuit and still had a boogie board attached to her ankle, according to the report. Cheallaigh was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroners office confirmed that Cheallaigh died as a result of drowning on Hilton Head Island in a statement shared with PEOPLE. 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. Meanwhile, the sheriffs office is working hard to determine what happened, Master Sergeant Bob Herlong tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still an active investigation, he says. In the initial statement, the sheriffs office said the circumstances around her death did not appear to be suspicious at this time. Herlong says he has no further information about the investigation into Cheallaighs death. Read the original article on People PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Hosford Middle School is mourning the death of a young boy who died by an accidental gunshot wound in his Clackamas County backyard last week. Elios Renteria, a 12-year-old boy and a sixth-grade student at the school, was found with life-threatening gunshot wounds at the home near 5200 SE Glen Echo Avenue shortly before 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Clackamas County deputies. Umatilla County sheriff arrested for DUII in Gilliam County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Renteria was still breathing when he was taken to a local trauma hospital, but he died four days later. The school reported that the gunfire had been an accident. Principal Jill Liddle shared the following statement on Saturday, when Renterias death was announced: We will all remember Elios as a sweet, fun-loving, and wonderful kid who brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. We will all miss him so dearly. I know that many in our community may be impacted by this loss whether they knew Elios or not. Staff from the Trauma Intervention Program will be on-hand to support staff and students on Monday near the counseling offices The circumstances that led to the boys death are unclear. An investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Tuesday that City Hall will add security guards on its first floor and install security scanners. Beginning May 27, security compliance officers will be stationed at City Hall when the building is open, according to an email the city issued Tuesday. These officers will be branded as Worcester Municipal Security and are responsible for opening and closing the building, screening visitors, patrolling the facility and responding to incidents inside the building, the email reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of these security measures comes a week after City Hall closed its doors to the public during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Worcester Police Department on May 13. However, the city manager said the city has been reviewing security options for months. These important security measures are the result of several months of evaluating City Hall and its vulnerabilities, a security audit, and direct feedback from staff and the public who are often in the building for meetings and other business, Batista wrote in the email. These are practical measures that establish a basic level of security and safety while keeping the building open and welcoming to the public. It is critical that we take the safety of the public and staff inside City Hall seriously and these measures will ensure we are proactive in preventing any major issues. Boston, the biggest city in Massachusetts and New England, also has security guards and scanners at its City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Worcester Municipal Security officers will use screening technology on the first floor to screen all visitors entering City Hall, the email reads. They will also be responsible for identifying and restricting weapons and contraband from entering the facility. When visitors pass through, they will be required to sign in before making their way to any department. Visitors will be asked to provide their name and the purpose of the visit when entering, and they will be provided a sticker badge. The reason for the badge, according to the city, is to help security identify people conducting business in City Hall. It will also help staff account for all people inside the facility if an emergency takes place that requires a lockdown, shelter-in-place or evacuation. After visitors pass through the screening device, they will be asked to sign in before making their way to the department with which they are conducting business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accessing the building through the Worcester Common will also be restricted to public restrooms, the email reads. There will also be changes to City Hall parking in June, with the city designating new public parking spaces in front of the building on Main Street. The public parking spaces will be available as free 30-minute spots to conduct business in City Hall, according to the email. As part of this change, access to the City Hall parking garage will be restricted to authorized vehicles only, the email reads. I acknowledge these updates will be a change and take some time to get used to, said Batista. They are in best interest of everyones safety and will be implemented in a courteous and professional manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters had planned to attend the May 13 City Council meeting to speak out against ICEs arrest of 40-year-old Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira on Eureka Street on May 8. The city council meeting was switched from in-person to virtual after the rally was announced. Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty said city officials had received threats of violence. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Sterling man enrolled at Assumption University in Worcester has agreed to plead guilty to hacking two American companies and extorting them for ransom, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said. Matthew D. Lane, 19, has agreed to plead guilty to one count each of cyber extortion conspiracy, cyber extortion, unauthorized access to protected computers and aggravated identity theft. A date for his plea hearing has not been scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Lane apparently thought he found a way to get rich quick, but this 19-year-old now stands accused of hiding behind his keyboard to gain unauthorized access to an education software provider to obtain sensitive data which was used in an attempt to extort millions of dollars, Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, said in a statement from Foleys office. Between April and May 2024, Lane agreed to extort a $200,000 ransom payment from a telecommunications company, Foleys office said. He would threaten them to publicly share customer data that was already stolen from a companys computer network. Once the company asked if the ransom would actually end the threat, Lane replied, We are the only ones with a copy of this data now, Foleys office stated. Stop this nonsense [or] your executives and employees will see the same fate ... Make the correct decision and pay the ransom, Lane said, according to Foley. If you keep stalling, it will be leaked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane also stole the login credentials to access a different companys computer network, specifically a software and cloud storage company that served school systems across the country, in Canada and elsewhere, Foleys office said. In this second hack, Lane caused personally identifying information (PII), such as names, phone numbers, medical information, Social Security numbers and more, that was stored on that companys networks to be transferred to a computer service he was leasing in Ukraine. Then the second company received threats that the PII of over 60 million students and 10 million teachers would be leak[ed]... worldwide if that company did not pay a ransom of around $2.85 million in Bitcoin. Lane allegedly caused personally identifying information (PII) of students and teachers stored on that companys networks to be transferred to a computer server that Lane leased in Ukraine. Members of the public who have questions or concerns as to whether a particular student and/or teachers information was compromised should contact their local school district, Foleys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cyber extortion is a serious attack on our economy and on all of us, Foley said in her statement. As alleged, this defendant stole private information about millions of children and teachers, imposed substantial financial costs on his victims, and instilled fear in parents that their kids information had been leaked into the hands of criminals all to put a notch in his hacking belt. The alleged ransoms that this defendant and others like him demand hurt victim companies and their innocent customers whose data the companies are entrusted to hold." The charges of cyber extortion conspiracy, cyber extortion and unauthorized access to protected computers each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, consecutive to any sentence imposed on the computer fraud charges. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. New details on last years death of a construction worker at the VAI Resort in Glendale show a ladder was incorrectly used to reach a height other equipment couldnt reach, according to a new worker safety report. Tyrone "Ducky" Tyre Wilson, 22, died after falling six stories last December, according to police. He installed concrete for E & E Cos., which has been fined. The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health found Wilson and other employees used a scissor lift that couldnt get high enough, so they placed a ladder inside of it to reach the needed height. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson fell off the ladder during this process, according to the report that says the practice violated ADOSH standards. While the exact amount hasn't been determined, Wilsons employer could be fined as much as $27,423. Dustin Escapule, who founded E & E, was reached by phone on May 20 but declined to comment. Wilsons death was ruled accidental by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Worker who died at VAI Resort fell off a ladder, firm fined by ADOSH Nursing home workers at five Ciena Healthcare sites in Detroit, West Bloomfield and St. Clair Shores walked off the job May 20 in a one-day labor strike as contract negotiations have grown contentious between the company and SEIU Healthcare Michigan, which represents about 300 workers. We dedicate our time to caring for our residents, but Ciena makes us jump through hoops to care for ourselves, said Tikesha Williams, a certified nursing assistant at Regency at St. Clair Shores, in a statement. We dont have adequate supplies, and we are constantly short-staffed, which takes a huge toll on us. The workers at three Detroit nursing homes Qualicare Nursing Home, Boulevard Temple Care Center, and The Regency at Chene in Detroit along with Notting Hill of West Bloomfield and Regency at St. Clair Shores have been working without contracts for several months and are asking for higher wages, along with paid sick time and holidays, and improvements to shift differentials and health insurance coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They allege Ciena Healthcare proposed to: Eliminate paid mealtime at Regency St. Clair Shores. Offer a health insurance plan for unionized workers at Boulevard Temple that is more expensive than the plan available to nonunion employees at the same facility. Allow for no paid vacation time for workers in the first year of employment at the Notting Hill nursing home, and one paid vacation day in the second year of employment. In a statement issued to the Detroit Free Press, Ciena Healthcare said the one-day strikes are unnecessary because bargaining is not at an impasse at any of the nursing homes, which each have distinct collective bargaining agreements. SEIU Healthcare of Michigan has not been in a hurry to reach new agreements until now, Ciena said in a statement. The employer has offered numerous contract enhancements including wage increases for each year of the contract and for years of seniority. Simply stated, this strike is diverting attention away from bargaining to resolve the few remaining open issues in each agreement and we look forward to working with the Union to obtain favorable contracts for our employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEIU said contracts at each of the nursing homes expired between four and 16 months ago, and worker turnover at the sites ranges from 40%-60% each year. April Robinson, a CNA at Boulevard Temple Care Center, holds a sign during a one-day strike outside the Boulevard Temple Care Center on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. More: In 'resounding victory,' 63% of metro Detroit's Corewell Health nurses vote to unionize More: Strike averted at U-M Health as 'memorandum of understanding' is reached with UMMAP The care suffers as a result, the union said in a statement, adding that its contract proposals will help the company recruit and retain staff like Janie Brown, who is among the longtime workers at Regency St. Clair. Im a mom of 13 kids some grown, some younger ones and Ive been a cook in this nursing home for 28 years, she said in a statement. ... Ive been out on the picket line, Ive stood up for my co-workers because I believe in fighting for our rights. When you love what you do, you want to make it better for yourself, and for the people coming up behind you. Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Workers at 5 metro Detroit nursing homes walk off in 1-day strike CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Connecticuts veterans of World War II received a special honor Monday. Gov. Lamont and state leaders gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. They recognized dozens of retired service members who dedicated their lives to serve in the war all those decades ago. Blumenthal urges staffing cuts to be reversed after Newark airport incidents Thank you for taking time to recognize your World War II veterans and honoring our service, Ret. U.S. Air Force veteran Moe Bressard said. To be part of the greatest generation is to understand sacrifice, courage, and service to our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event comes after Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz launched a search earlier this year for any World War II veterans who live in Connecticut. She received about 70 responses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan's exports to CICA member states reached $1.2 billion and total trade turnover amounted to $4.6 billion in just the first quarter of 2025, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev said at the 10th CICA Business Forum held in Baku today, Trend reports. According to him, these figures reflect the growing interconnectivity between Azerbaijan and CICA economies. He noted that this years event holds special significance for Azerbaijan. "We have assumed the Chairmanship of the CICA Business Council for 20242026. We are proud to lead this platform at such a critical time for regional cooperation and economic transformation. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to CICA's mission as a unique multilateral forum for building trust, promoting peace, and supporting cooperation across Asia. Within this framework, economic dialogue and private sector development have become key pillars of sustainable progress. Azerbaijan maintains strong economic and political ties with many CICA member countries. We have already established strategic partnerships with several of the nations represented here today from Central Asia to the Gulf, from South Asia to the Far East. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, our country can serve as a vital bridge connecting these regions. We see clear opportunities to facilitate economic cooperation, promote shared prosperity, and strengthen the infrastructure for multilateral collaboration across the continent," Abdullayev noted. He pointed out that to sustain and expand this momentum, AZPROMO actively supports local exporters in accessing regional and global markets. "Our approach focuses on creating practical tools and platforms that facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen business ties, and enhance cooperation among CICA member states. Through targeted initiatives such as export and buyer missions, participation in international exhibitions, market research, and certification support, we help our exporters grow beyond borders. Just last year, with AZPROMOs support, nearly 70 Azerbaijani companies participated in international trade fairs under the 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand in countries including Germany, the UAE, Russia, Japan, and China resulting in contracts worth approximately $18 million. This year, we have already supported our exporters participation in the Saudi Food Show and the Russia Halal Expo, and we plan to continue this support at events such as WorldFood Moscow, Anuga, the 8th China Import Expo, and the 'Rebuild Karabakh' exhibition," Abdullayev emphasized. The official added that these efforts aim to equip Azerbaijani entrepreneurs with the tools needed to compete, collaborate, and grow in regional markets. "These activities fully align with CICAs agenda for SME resilience, inclusive growth, and promotion of cross-border business partnerships. Meanwhile, our agency serves as a gateway for foreign investors, operating on a 'one-stop shop' principle. We provide comprehensive support throughout all stages of the investment process from initial alignment to project implementation. Joint projects successfully implemented with Russia, Uzbekistan, China, and several Gulf countries clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of our open investment policy. AZPROMO not only supports investment and trade initiatives but also creates platforms that bring international partners together. Recently, in partnership with Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), AZPROMO organized the China-Azerbaijan Conference on Promotion of Industrial and Investment Cooperation in Beijing. The event was attended by over 250 participants and resulted in the signing of 13 agreements worth about $335 million. AZPROMO also has experience organizing business meetings at major international events such as COP29 and SPECA. Looking ahead, we plan to hold our first Investment Forum in Baku this June. I invite all entrepreneurs and investors to take part in this important event," Abdullayev added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)- Wreaths Across Americas Jacksonville chapter honored Onslow Commissioner Paul Buchanan for his Vietnam War Service at last nights Board of Commissioners meeting. The group surprised the purple heart veteran with a 50-year commemorative pin and a proclamation from President Donald Trump welcoming home the way Buchanan and other Vietnam veterans should have been welcomed 50 years ago. Its absolutely amazing because its such an honor to be able to give to these veterans because of the way they were treated when they did back, Kathy Marks, Wreaths Across America location coordinator, said. They didnt deserve what they got. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizations goal is to lay wreaths on over 8,500 veterans grave in both Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery and Onslow Memorial Park during their wreath laying ceremony in December. You can help sponsor a wreath for $17 at this link Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, held up a poster of Raylee Browning, a child who died from abuse and neglect after her parents removed her from public school to homeschool her. The West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 5180 with Raylee's Law as an added amendment on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Raylee's Law would prevent parents from removing their child from school to homeschool them if a teacher has reported them for abuse. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals says convictions must stand against three adults who are in prison for their roles in the death of 8-year-old Raylee Browning. The high-profile case has spurred attempted legislative changes a bill known as Raylees Law by a Democratic lawmaker who says the states limited homeschool regulations create a loophole to shield child abuse and neglect. Raylee was being homeschooled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was underweight when she died in 2018 from sepsis because of a severe bacterial pneumonia infection. Raylees father, Marty Browning Jr., his wife and another adult ignored her deteriorating condition, a judge said, and court records said the adults failed to provide medicine or water. They were found guilty of neglect and sentenced to prison for 3 to 15 years. Marty Browning, his wife Julie Browning and Sherie Titchenell each appealed their convictions for a list of reasons that included a denial to a speedy trial and improperly admitting certain evidence. In three separate opinions issued Monday, the state Supreme Court denied their appeals, upholding the adults 2022 convictions in Fayette County Circuit Court. Browning had been removed her from public school after her teachers reported suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services. According to testimony during the adults trial, CPS didnt respond to the referral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation, sponsored for multiple years by Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, seeks to pause a parents request to homeschool if theres a pending child abuse investigation against the parent. A bill including Raylees Law passed the House of Delegates this year, but wasnt taken up by the Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) The 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, will celebrate Memorial Day by bringing history to life at the Chippewa Area History Center. The three-day event will transform the history center into an interactive wartime encampment with authentic uniforms, vehicles, and other memorabilia from World War II. The community will be able to hear stories from history buffs and Wisconsinites who have served during conflict and times of peace. Reenactor Don Nelson explains, Even though were not going to be doing a reenactment battle, the knowledge of World War II is fading, and our job as reenactors is basically twofold. We try to keep that history alive, and our other mission, our other job, is to honor those who have served. Many of the re-enactors will also participate in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday. People can learn more about WWII during their event, May 24th through the 26th, from 11 am to 5 pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Wyandotte High School will welcome a new principal this summer, the school district announced Monday. Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) said Dr. Brian Guliford will be the new principal of Wyandotte High School, beginning on July 7. FOX4 Forecast: Storms hit Kansas City, surrounding areas He is replacing long-time Wyandotte High School Principal Mary Stewart, who served as the principal for nearly 20 years and has been with the school district for over 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I look forward to the most is getting to know the students and staff at Wyandotte High School, Guliford said in a news release. Equally, I look forward to understanding how I can contribute to making Wyandotte High School a special place for students. KCKPS said he currently serves as principal at Tempe Union High School in Tempe, Arizona a position he has held for nearly five years. Prior to that, KCKPS said Guliford served as principal at The Academies at South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona; he held that position for four years. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guliford has nearly 30 years of service in public education, according to KCKPS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Masters in K-12 Education Leadership, a Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education; Social Studies, and a Doctorate in K-12 Educational Leadership. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) In less than a week, high school seniors will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, celebrating years of hard work and dedication. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Wylie High School Class of 2025 are cherishing these final moments before the big day. Tehzeeb Grewal is this years Salutatorian. She was born to Indian parents who immigrated to America a year before she was born. Growing up in Wylie, she discovered her voice through her uniqueness. I just was really shy, and I didnt think what I had to say was worthwhile because I felt like nobody really truly understood what I was saying and what I was going through or how my background was different from theirs, Grewal recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abilene Rotary celebrates top seniors at 64th annual banquet Looking back over her high school career, she is soaking up every last memory she can make. Senior year has definitely flown by for me, Grewal said. You know, the thing about how everybody just looks at their destination, but not the journey that they take to their destination. She said her biggest supporter is her mom, and she appreciates all the sacrifices and affirmations she has given her. She has made me the person I am today. She has been my ultimate voice of reason whenever Ive reached my limits, always making sure to ask, Have you eaten today? when I forgot, Are you sleeping enough? when I wasnt, and Whats really bothering you? when I didnt even know myself, Grewal said. The sacrifices that she has made to ensure that my brother and I would live a better life have never gone unnoticed; from navigating systems she wasnt born into and learning things from scratch, she still gave me the hope to continue on with my dreams and instilled in me the value of working hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grewals friendly competition turned friend and class Valedictorian, Justice McGuiness, said that for his big speech, he wants to share the biggest lesson high school has taught him: having your own identity. Only you can say who you are, and only you can push yourself beyond. Only you can make that decision at the end of the day to work hard, succeed and be a good person, McGuiness said. Wylie expansion ramps up as summer break draws near McGuiness said that while he is grateful for his accomplishment, it does not define him. He credits his parents and teacher, Holly Kirby, for teaching him this lesson the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She reminded me that I can do much more than I really believe I can. She has always been like this light in my life who has inspired me, McGuiness said. My mom and dad, theyve been the most supportive people, and theyve really helped me focus on myself. They havent been the parents that they could have been, where they pressured me and made high school a lot harder than it had to be. Kirby said she saw both students blossom from shy freshmen to seniors who are confident classroom leaders. They dont just strive to get a perfect grade. They strive to be better humans. Thats what makes them very special, Kirby said. They are more confident in themselves. I think theyve come into themselves a little more, and they feel more comfortable being who they are and leading, whereas freshmen, they were kind of timid. Abilene High and Wylie Gymnasts perform well at state meet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are ready to take on the world: Grewal will attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in biochemistry on a premed track, and McGuiness will attend Abilene Christian University to study actuarial 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Jakayla Alexander didnt know the 16-year-old killed at a graduation party in Orange Mound Saturday night, but was with her when she died and believes the girl may have saved her life. Alexander was grazed by one bullet and suffered a seizure on the way to the hospital, but was not seriously hurt. Jakayla Alexander was grazed by a bullet at a graduation party in Orange Mound Jakayla Alexander suffered a seizure after being grazed by a bullet Saturday night. Im just glad to still be here. It could have been worse, Alexander said. 3 killed in separate overnight shootings in Memphis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander said several hundred were attending the graduation party in a club or event space in the 1300 block of Airways, near Park, when the gunfire started outside the venue. She said everyone started running for cover when the shots began getting closer to the building. She said the 16-year-old was pushed to the ground by a group of people trying to get inside the club. She helped the girl get back on her feet and said the teen was facing her when she was shot in the back. 16-year-old was killed when shots were fired outside a graduation party in the 1300 block of Airways It was like she didnt feel it, said Alexander. She was crying and screaming. I said weve got to go over here. We went outside and sat on the sidewalk where she died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander said she was trying to put pressure on the girls wound and heard the stranger utter her last words. When she was lying there, she kept saying, Tell my momma I love her. It was like she just knew she was going to pass and die. She knew she wasnt going to make it. She knew she wasnt going to be okay, Alexander said. This isnt the first time Alexander has been exposed to gun violence. She was just seven years old when she discovered her parents had been shot to death inside their Orange Mound home in 2014. Her three younger siblings were also in the house when James and Danielle Alexander were killed. Ricky Durham, Kendrick Starks, and Devin Gary were charged with their murders. They are all serving prison sentences. James and Danielle Alexander were shot to death in their home on Enterprise in Orange Mound in 2014 I lost both my parents to gang violence. So, for me to go through something like that 11 years later, being that close to death again, Alexander said. That hurts me to know that girl died, and I cant reach her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander was grazed on the leg by a bullet and also has bruise marks on her arms. She said if the 16-year-old hadnt been standing in front of her, she probably would have been shot in the chest. Jakayla Alexander said shes lucky to be alive after shots were fired outside a graduation party Saturday night I woke up this morning and I cried. Ive been crying since I left the hospital because I dont wish that on anybody. That girl was only sixteen. To lose your life at sixteen, said Alexander. Alexander is now in college, majoring in criminal justice. She said she wants to make a difference as a probation officer and a therapist for young children. I just feel like there is enough crime going on. Too much gun violence. That girl didnt deserve to die like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security company responds after teen girl killed during graduation party An 18-year-old male was also wounded in the Orange Mound shooting. Police have not released the names of the victims. Police have not made any arrests or released any suspect information. If you have any information that could help investigators, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Yellow fever is a dangerous mosquito-borne virus that, for hundreds of years, has caused sporadic, deadly outbreaks in the tropics of South America, Central America, and Africa. According to a new perspective from infectious disease specialists and the Yellow Fever Advisory Group, the chances of the virus going global have only increased with each passing decade. A recent resurgence in yellow fever cases in Africa and the Americas has experts seriously worried about future spread to the Asia Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The world is clearly at high risk for epidemic/pandemic yellow fever," the international team concludes, led by infectious disease specialist Duane Gubler from the National University of Singapore. "A yellow fever pandemic in today's world would cause a devastating public health crisis that, because of the much higher lethality, would make the COVID-19 pandemic pale by comparison." Suspected yellow fever cases in South America from 2023 (left) to 2025 (right). (PAHO/ WHO Unfortunately, the yellow fever virus has a long history of travel. Prior to the 1600s, yellow fever and its mosquito carriers were endemic to Africa. Later, they spread to the Americas via the transatlantic slave trade, sometimes killing up to 10 percent of local populations in the New World. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the virus began taking over Europe, roughly a century later, it became known as the "American plague". The development of a highly effective yellow fever vaccine in the 1930s changed everything. Yellow fever mosquitoes were also almost completely eradicated in the Western Hemisphere, and the two factors stopped urban spread in the Americas. In the decades since, yellow fever mosquitoes have re-infested much of the neotropics, and while Africa continues to experience intermittent epidemics in urban centers, the Americas have been free of a yellow fever epidemic for 80-plus years, only experiencing small and infrequent outbreaks. Scientists are concerned that reprieve won't last for much longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, there's been a worrisome resurgence in yellow fever outbreaks in Africa and the Americas, possibly because of poor vaccine coverage, expansion of human populations, lack of travel restrictions, and/or lack of mosquito control. Distribution of reported confirmed yellow fever cases in eight countries in the WHO African Region between 1 October 2023 and 21 February 2024. ( WHO According to Gubler and colleagues, tropical cities that have not historically experienced yellow fever now face "the greatest risk in over 70 years" of an epidemic. "Of primary concern in this regard is the Asia-Pacific region," the team adds, "where over two billion susceptible people live in areas infested by yellow fever mosquitoes." These mosquito populations aren't carrying the yellow fever virus just yet, but they are species that are capable of doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a human traveller with yellow fever returns to the Asia-Pacific region after travel in Africa or South America, it is possible that local mosquitoes bite them and contract the virus. This could allow for spread among new insect populations in new regions, threatening local humans with a spillover event. Yellow fever risk countries map based on 2019 WHO designations. Red = risk countries. Yellow = partial risk countries. For France, it only applies to its overseas department of French Guiana. ( Nederlandse Leeuw/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 "Today's megacities all have modern airports through which billions of people pass every year, many of them visiting remote locations and carrying exotic pathogens back to crowded tropical cities, where the probability of secondary transmission is increased," warns the recent perspective. "If the virus is introduced to a permissive nonendemic country, especially one located in Asia, the disease might be first misdiagnosed as dengue, likely resulting in spread before being recognized as the yellow fever virus." So what are we to do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers say that first, we need to expand the global supply of yellow fever vaccines and improve coverage. Otherwise, outbreaks will continue and we won't be ready if the virus spreads to new regions. Gubler and colleagues also argue for increased surveillance of yellow fever cases in poor countries where the disease is endemic, and in non-endemic countries where the virus could possibly spread in the future. "Immunization services, disease surveillance, and the outbreak response in nearly 50 countries are already being disrupted with setbacks at a similar level to what we saw during COVID-19," warned UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in April 2025. "We cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against preventable diseases." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The perspective was published in NPJ Viruses. Related News NEW YORK (PIX11) As summer approaches in just a month, summer camps are increasing their preparations. Many summer day camps in New York City, including the YMCA of Greater New York, are looking to fill full-time and part-time positions. More Local News Below are several open positions listed. Click on the links for job information, salary, and to learn how to apply. To browse the full list of openings, visit the YMCA of Greater New Yorks career opportunities and job search website. Greenpoint YMCA Long Island City YMCA Ridgewood YMCA West Side YMCA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summer Day Camp programs run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., July through August. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 remains of Marcus Freiberger, 45, who was last heard from on Feb. 21, were discovered at a rock quarry on the outskirts of Phoenix about a month later, police said We are obviously heartbroken," friend Amber Cranford previously told PEOPLE following the news of Freiberger's death at the time. "Its going to take a while to process this" The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner's website listed Freiberger's manner of death as "undetermined" Authorities determined the cause of death of a yoga teacher whose body was found just over two months ago at a rock quarry on the outskirts of Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office listed on its website that 45-year-old Marcus Freiberger's manner of death is "undetermined." In the medical examiners annual report from 2023, undetermined is when a clear manner of death cannot be found, typically due to a lack of available information or where competing manners [of death] are equally likely. Freiberger was last heard from on Feb. 21 before he was scheduled to meet a blind date, The Arizona Central reported. At the time, -olice said that officers began investigating his disappearance on March 14, 2025, after receiving a missing person report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The investigation was led by the Missing Persons Detail, who completed thorough investigative checks," the Phoenix Police Department said in a March 25 press release. "No additional leads or evidence were discovered to determine if Freiberger left town or fell victim to any particular crime. Investigators continued to work with family and friends but were unable to determine Freibergers whereabouts." Police said human remains were discovered at the rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road on March 19, adding that the medical examiner's office later identified them as belonging to Freiberger. Freiberger's sister, Tina Hall, also confirmed the death of her brother in a March 25 Facebook post. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that Marcus is no longer with us," Hall wrote. "Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves and I know this will be just as difficult for you. We thank all of you for the love and support you have given Marcus and our family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends believed something was amiss when they discovered that Freiberger's beloved dog was left alone in the apartment. He just did everything with his dog, Freibergers childhood friend Amber Cranford told PEOPLE. He was constantly at the dog park or taking him hiking, and any time he left, he would call somebody to watch the dog. He was just so into his dog, and the dog ended up being by itself for at least six to eight days. Freibergers last correspondence with his father and a friend seemed normal, nothing out of the ordinary, said Cranford. And then that same night, his phone was disconnected. When you called it, it went to Verizon, basically. And then we called his phone after that, and it's dead now." Freiberger, who had relocated to Phoenix from Prescott, Ariz., three years ago, had started a new career as a yoga instructor. Courtesy Amber Cranford (L-R) Marcus Freiberger and Amber Cranford (L-R) Marcus Freiberger and Amber Cranford He had just graduated a couple months ago, and he was working at a place and had a huge following, and he was just very, very happy about that, Cranford said. He was so excited because he had all these ideas for classes and what he was going to do. It was the spiritual thing, and then also just a stress-free job, doing what he liked. He felt that he had finally found what he was supposed to be doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Keir, a friend of Freiberger who had worked with him at a hotel in Austin, remembered the former roofer as very lively and friendly. He was really enigmatic, big smile, she told PEOPLE. We used to all go dancing after work. And there was always fun, like work outings and he would participate. We just got along very well and just always were supportive of each other. Upon hearing the news of Freibergers death, Cranford said: It is devastating, and we are in shock. We are obviously heartbroken. Its going to take a while to process this. There will be a huge void left for all of us. It is a huge loss for every single person who knew him, especially his parents and sister. Our parents were best friends, Cranford added. Our parents were in the military. They worked together, and we lived across the street from each other, so we've known each other since then. Additional reporting by Christine Pelisek and Kristen O'Brien. Read the original article on People YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A York County elementary school beat 70,000 schools nationwide at one of the worlds largest math contests. According to Prodigy Education, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from Sinking Springs Elementary School, a Title I school in York County, were awarded a $100,000 tech grant for their classrooms after winning the Prodigy National Cup. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Prodigy Education said 630 students from Sinking Springs correctly answered around 730,000 math questions to win the competition. This is an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication our students have shown, said Dr. Heather Dick, Principal of Sinking Springs. Competing in the Prodigy National Cup energized both students and teachers. It brought us together across every grade level and made math feel like a team sport. As a Title 1 school, we cant overstate what $100,000 will mean for our classrooms, or how much pride this win brings to our entire school community of students, teachers, and families. Prodigy Education added that Pennsylvania students have scored lower on the National Math Test than they did before the pandemic, and this achievement represents significant growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan-based Mister Decor LLC, a resident company within the Agdam Industrial Park managed by the Economic Zones Development Agency (EZDA), has started exporting its wallpapers to Uzbekistan, Elchin Kazimli, the agencys press secretary told Trend. Kazimli said the initial export phase will see shipments valued at 1.36 million manat ($799,900) sent to the Central Asian market. "Mister Decor LLC operates on 1.6 hectares within the Agdam Industrial Park and stands as the first factory in the South Caucasus specialized in wallpaper production. With an investment of 8 million manat ($4.7 million), the facility has an annual production capacity of 2.1 million rolls of wallpaper," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A man from Bayside, New York pleaded guilty to threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel after she posted a photo of herself and a murdered friend online, federal authorities announced. Kevin Delgado, 40, admitted he made the threats because of Nessel's religion and perceived sexual orientation, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit sent Monday, May 20 Nessel is Jewish and gay. Delgado now faces a maximum of five years in prison for the federal crime of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 21, 2023, Nessel posted on X, formerly Twitter, a photo of herself and a friend who had been murdered and expressed grief and shock, the federal office wrote in a news release. According to Nessel's account, the friend was Samantha Woll, a prominent Jewish leader and political activist who was found stabbed to death outside her Detroit home that same day. Woll had worked on several Democratic campaigns, including Nessel's reelection campaign. Nessel posted a picture of herself and Woll, and wrote: "I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sams brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone." The FBI said Delgado posted an "especially outrageous" threatening reply to Nessel's post the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Threatening public officials is both illegal and unacceptable. The hateful comments made by Mr. Delgado online were especially outrageous," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NY man pleads guilty to threatening Michigan AG Dana Nessel SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) There is still time to nominate students for the Sioux City Young Ambassador program, but the deadline is coming quickly. The Sioux City Mayors Youth Commission is accepting applications for its Young Ambassadors program until June 20. The Young Ambassadors program honors students who have displayed exceptional leadership and character both in and out of the classroom. Students currently in 4th through 7th grade are eligible. The student must be enrolled in a Sioux City public or private school, reside in Sioux City but attend a school outside Sioux City, or be home-schooled in Sioux City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below According to a press release, Nominations will be made online by teachers, counselors, parents, or adult friends of the nominee. There will be a Young Ambassadors Parents Form link given to the parents/guardians of the nominee for them to submit. This form must be submitted for the students name to be officially placed into the competition. Once all nominations are in, students will be selected and mentored by members of the Sioux City Mayors Youth Commission. The students selected will receive a free Young Ambassadors t-shirt. Along with the shirt, those selected will receive public recognition at 7 p.m. in the Sioux City Council Chambers, located on the 5th floor of City Hall. This recognition will take place on September 8 at 7 p.m.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone interested in submitting an application is asked to visit the Young Ambassadors Nomination pagr. Both the Youth Ambassadors Nomination application and the Youth Ambassadors Parent Form are located at the bottom of the page. The deadline to submit nominations is June 20. For questions, email the Mayors Youth Commission at siouxcitymyc@gmail.com or call Mary Koster, the Young Ambassador Coordinator, at (712)-898-5783. To learn more about the Young Ambassadors Program, visit the Sioux City website or the Growing Community Connections 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks with members of the media in Virginia's Capitol on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods /Virginia Mercury) Gov. Glenn Youngkin directed state leaders to develop resources to track incidents of antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry at Virginias schools through an executive order announced Monday evening. Executive Order 48 expands on his administrations efforts and work by the legislature to combat prejudice against Jewish students at all levels of Virginias education system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the executive order, surveys conducted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), a commission established by the governor in 2022, found 554 recorded antisemitism incidents in Virginia over the past year, with most of them occurring in Virginias schools. No one should be unsafe in the classroom or on campus or feel targeted because of their religion or heritage. This executive order reaffirms and strengthens the commonwealths commitment to safe educational environments free from discrimination and continues our actions against antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry in public schools and institutions of higher education, Youngkin said in a statement. On day one, I signed Executive Order 8 establishing the Commission to Combat Antisemitism. We have made tremendous strides implementing their recommendations, but our work is far from done. Under the executive order, the governor directed the Secretary of Education, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), and the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV) to develop resources that will help local school divisions, colleges and universities prevent, track, report and follow up on incidents of antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry. The governor also directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security to establish a working group to design a comprehensive reporting and tracking mechanism for alleged incidents targeting Jewish students. The working group which will include representatives from VDOE, SCHEV, the Department of Criminal Justice Services and stakeholders from the Jewish community, among others must provide recommendations for executive, legislative, and budgetary actions to the governor and General Assembly by Sept. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between April 2024 and April 2025, CAM found the number of harassment cases increased from 50 to 158 and vandalism from 19 to 62, Youngkins order stated. Three assaults were also identified in April of this year, while none were reported in 2024. The order also states that these trends have placed Virginia 11th in the nation for the number of reported antisemitic incidents, most of which occurred in Virginias public schools and universities. Anti-war protests roiled Virginia college campuses after Hamas, a militant group, unexpectedly attacked Israel near the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel struck back with a full-scale war campaign that has left over 52,000 Palestinians dead to date. Both Hamas and Israel began exchanging hostages and prisoners between January and March and the groups are still negotiating a ceasefire agreement. In the meantime, federal lawmakers, including Virginia U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, are urging President Donald Trumps administration to act on delivering food and emergency aid to civilians. The violence and hostages taken led to a string of campus protests, encampments, and arrests at Virginias colleges and universities in the months to follow at the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, more than 125 students from five Virginia institutions of higher learning were arrested at on-campus demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas War in 2023. Virginia lawmakers have sought answers in hopes of determining if the demonstrations and universities responses to them warrant potential policy changes. Despite the committees being formed a year ago, no action has been taken. In March, the U.S. Department of Education warned 60 higher education institutions, including George Mason University and the University of Virginia, that they could lose federal funding, after the federal agency claimed the institutions have not kept Jewish students safe based on a backlog of complaints. After George Mason responded to the December 2023 complaint, the institution said the Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education has requested no further information after providing the office with an update of its efforts to combat harassment and discrimination. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Renju Jose SYDNEY (Reuters) -The New Zealand government on Tuesday deferred a vote over the rare suspension of three Indigenous lawmakers from parliament for performing a haka, the Maori ceremonial dance, during the reading of a contentious bill last year. A parliamentary privileges committee last week recommended temporarily suspending three Te Pati Maori parliamentarians for acting in "a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the house." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Te Pati Maori members performed the haka last November ahead of a vote on a controversial bill that would have reinterpreted a 184-year-old treaty between the British and Indigenous Maori that still guides policy and legislation. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi should be suspended for 21 days and representative Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for seven days, the committee said. Chris Bishop, the leader of the house, said delaying the vote would allow the suspended members to participate in the federal budget on Thursday. The vote will take place following the budget, he said. "Deferring consideration of the debate means all members will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the budget," Bishop said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several protesters gathered outside the parliament in Wellington for the vote over the suspensions, and New Zealand media reported they might perform a haka in support of the Maori lawmakers. Judith Collins, who heads the privileges committee and serves as attorney-general, told parliament that the haka forced the speaker to suspend proceedings for 30 minutes and that no permission had been sought to perform it. "It's not about the haka ... it is about following the rules of parliament that we are all obliged to follow and that we all pledged to follow," Collins said. Suspending lawmakers is rare in New Zealand's parliament, with the last occasion in 1987, according to media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition Labour party called for a compromise and proposed censure instead of suspension. The committee's proposal is "totally out of line with existing parliamentary practice and is disproportionate to the allegations," opposition leader Chris Hipkins said. "We have never seen a sanction of this nature in New Zealand's history before ... it is disproportionate. A sanction is appropriate, this level of sanction simply is not." The haka was traditionally a way for Maori to welcome visiting tribes or to invigorate warriors ahead of battle. It is now performed at important events as well as ahead of matches by New Zealand's rugby teams. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry) President Volodymyr Zelensky had to remind U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations with Russia are already underway after Trump announced to EU leaders the Kremlin's readiness for talks, Axios reported on May 20, citing sources present at the call. The exchange reportedly took place during a phone call involving Trump, Zelensky, and the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Finland, and the European Commission. It followed Trump's earlier call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the Russian leader provided vague assurances about peace efforts but again rejected a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump told the leaders that Putin agreed to start direct negotiations on a ceasefire immediately, which led to a few seconds of "puzzled silence" during the call, Axios' source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky then reminded Trump that Putin had previously agreed to this, and the first round of direct talks had already taken place on May 16 in Istanbul, marking the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022. Trump did not directly respond, the sources said. The Ukrainian president and other leaders also pointed out to Trump that it had been his idea to start the peace talks with an immediate 30-day ceasefire, according to Axios. Kyiv agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire on March 11, though Moscow has rejected it. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose additional sanctions against Russia unless it accepts the deal, but has not taken the step. Participants on the call reportedly seemed "surprised" that Trump was "relatively content" with what he heard from Putin. Even though the Kremlin's position has not changed, Trump presented this as a new development in the negotiation process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about potential sanctions against Russia, the U.S. president said he did not think it was a good idea, adding that he believes Putin wants a deal. Trump told the group that Putin would present a "peace memo" with his terms for a ceasefire and an end to the war. Axios' source also said that Trump told Zelensky and the European leaders that he asked Putin to present "something that people can agree to," not a proposal that would be immediately rejected. Responding to Finnish President Alexander Stubb's question on his next steps, the U.S. president said that somebody "has to come out and say whether the negotiations are going well or badly," and then the U.S. will decide what to do, Axios reported. European leaders have urged the U.S. to impose additional sanctions on Russia to pressure it toward a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters after his call with Putin, Trump said he has no intention of taking the step so as not to disrupt peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president also declared he trusts Putin and reiterated his readiness to withdraw from the peace process unless progress is made. Trump has vowed to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow within 100 days after taking office. As this self-imposed deadline has passed, the White House has grown increasingly frustrated with the delays, threatening to abandon the effort entirely. Read also: Polish FM: Europes existential choice Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a phone call with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, during which he discussed, among other topics, his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy stated that he and Stubb updated each other on their respective contacts with international partners. Quote: "We informed each other about our contacts with partners and discussed details of yesterdays conversation with the US president. The key point is that diplomacy aimed at peace must be well-coordinated and focused on tangible outcomes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: Zelensky emphasised that Russia is trying to buy time to prolong the war and occupation and added that he is working with partners to ensure that pressure forces Russia to change its behaviour. Quote: "There is no doubt that the war must end at the negotiating table. The proposals on the table must be clear and realistic. Ukraine is ready for any negotiation format that delivers results. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences. More conversations with our partners are scheduled for today." Background: Following his call with Trump, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and its allies were discussing the possibility of holding a meeting with Russia involving representatives of the US and European countries. He also reiterated that Russias demands for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from its own territory demonstrate Moscows unwillingness to cease fire and end the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been coordinating next steps with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following a recent conversation with US President Donald Trump. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: On Tuesday 20 May, the two leaders discussed Zelenskyy's 19 May phone call with Trump and the conversations with European leaders that have taken place today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are coordinating all our contacts and steps as closely as possible," Zelenskyy stated. "It is crucial to maintain unity among all partners and to seek solutions that can truly bring this war to an end with a just peace." Zelenskyy and Merz also discussed Ukraines post-war recovery. Quote from Zelenskyy: "We must already be thinking about this and have a clear plan that can help bring genuine peace closer now and provide support later. We will work together to make it all happen." Background: On 20 May, Zelenskyy also spoke with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni about his conversation with Trump. On 19 May, following his call with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, Trump announced in a social media post that Ukraine and Russia would immediately start talks on a ceasefire. Trumps post made no mention of his administration's demand for an unconditional ceasefire, which Putin has openly rejected, or of potential sanctions pressure if Moscow refuses to make concessions. Trump then held a one-hour conversation with Zelenskyy and European leaders. Media reports suggest that the European leaders did not perceive Trump as being willing to pressure the Kremlin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Iran's large industrial plants have been licensed to import electricity from Azerbaijan and Turkiye to meet their needs, Mohammad Allahdad, deputy CEO of the Iranian Tavanir company, told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, this step was taken to reduce pressure on the country's electricity grid and ensure sustainable energy supply. Allahdad said that Iran's large industrial plants can import electricity from the two countries using the country's electricity exchange capabilities based on an agreement. With this, the plants that supply electricity will have a discount in the country's electricity management programs for the amount of electricity they import. The company official added that there are no technical problems with importing electricity from the mentioned countries. There is a 500-megawatt electricity exchange line between Iran and Turkiye. Iran has recently experienced a serious electricity shortage. In order to reduce the electricity shortage, electricity is supplied to various facilities and plants intermittently. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hosted Norway's Crown Prince Haakon in Kyiv during his first-ever visit to Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy noted that the Crown Prince had begun his visit to Ukraine with a tour of a rehabilitation centre in the town of Irpin in Kyiv Oblast, where wounded Ukrainian soldiers are recovering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "During the meeting, we discussed strengthening energy resilience. We appreciate the US$450 million contribution of Norway to Ukraine's energy security. We also touched on deepening cultural ties between our nations and investment in the defence sector. There is strong potential in all these areas. I thank Norway and the Norwegian people for their continued support of Ukraine." I met with Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. The Crown Prince began his first visit to Ukraine by visiting a rehabilitation center in Irpin. I am grateful for this meaningful gesture of attention and support for our people. During the meeting, we discussed strengthening energy pic.twitter.com/a58cchHvzR Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 20, 2025 Background: On the morning of 20 May, Crown Prince Haakon arrived in Ukraine. In addition to visiting the rehabilitation centre, he also travelled to the village of Moshchun the site of key battles during the defence of Kyiv in February and March 2022. Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland also joined the visit. This is the first visit by a member of Norway's royal family to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, and the first visit overall since Crown Princess Mette-Marit came to Kyiv in 2008. In April, the Norwegian government approved an increase in assistance to Ukraine for 2025, raising it to nearly US$8 billion. In April, Norway officially joined the Ukraine drone coalition. Additionally, Norway continues to support the evacuation of seriously ill Ukrainian patients who require special transport. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have held a phone conversation following the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia to discuss the next round of restrictions to strike Moscow. Source: Zelenskyy and von der Leyen on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Von der Leyen spoke with Zelenskyy on Tuesday 20 May, after the European Union adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She reported that the 18th package of sanctions against Russia is being prepared "with further hard-hitting sanctions". "Its time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire," she emphasised. Zelenskyy welcomed the move and stressed the importance of "tough restrictions on Russias tanker fleet, which serves to finance killings, as well as on all the schemes Russia uses to build up its military industry". Quote from Zelenskyy: "Ursula and I also discussed preparations for the EUs 18th sanctions package. Russian oil, energy trade infrastructure, banks and financial schemes these are the areas that hurt Russia the most, and therefore contribute the most to peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: In addition, Zelenskyy and von der Leyen discussed in detail his conversation with US President Donald Trump, which took place on 19 May. Background: On 20 May, the Council of the EU approved the 17th EU sanctions package against Russia for its war against Ukraine and separate restrictions for the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine. The Council has also revealed details of additional personal sanctions imposed in response to Russias hybrid destabilising activities targeting EU countries and partners. These restrictions are part of a series of packages prepared for adoption on 20 May. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. "The MiG-21 Project" by Ralph Ziman is on display June 21-Jan. 26 at The Museum of Flight. It's a decommissioned Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet covered with tens of millions of colorful glass beads. (Mauricio Hoyos) A Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport, after President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on Feb. 15. Trump plans to accept a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One and then continue flying in it after his tenure, despite strict rules on U.S. presidential gifts. Kazakhstan reveals record-breaking economic partnership with Germany Photo: Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan At the 16th Kazakhstan-Germany Business Council (KGBC) meeting, 63 Kazakhstan-Germany cooperation projects were valued at over $54.4 billion. Of these, 32 $1.1 billion projects have been completed and 12 are ongoing. Kazakhstan is 43rd among Germany's top international trade partners and largest EU commercial partner. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register KazTransOil, Chinas SPI join forces to upgrade pipeline operations Photo: KazTransOil Negotiations took place in Astana between KazTransOil JSC and Sino-Pipeline International (SPI), focusing on bilateral cooperation. The meeting addressed joint project progress, operational activities, and the maintenance of the Kazakhstan-China pipeline. A protocol was signed to enhance oil transportation efficiency and infrastructure development. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Ever wondered what sparks the creation of a painting or shapes a sculpture before it graces a gallery? The amazing Mutargyak Ejszakaja Fesztival, running across over 70 Budapest venues, pulls back the curtain on the artistic process. This three-day celebration invites art enthusiasts and curious minds to dive into the heart of creativity, offering exclusive access to artists studios, galleries, museums, and creative spaces. From meeting Hungarys top talents to exploring their works-in-progress, heres why this festival is a must for Budapests expat community. The Night of Artworks Festival transforms Budapest into a vibrant art playground, offering expats a rare chance to go beyond the gallery and connect with the creative process. Expect guided tours, hands-on workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive studio visits that reveal the raw, inspiring world of art-making. Unlike traditional exhibitions, this festival focuses on the journey of art - sketches, experiments, and the creative chaos that fuels masterpieces. 4 Festival Highlights Studio Visits: Step into the private workspaces of Hungarys leading contemporary artists, where youll see unfinished pieces, tools, and the environments that shape their work. Artist Talks: Engage with creators as they share stories, techniques, and inspirations behind their art. Interactive Experiences: Participate in workshops or guided tours at venues like the Hungarian National Gallery, Ludwig Museum, or smaller galleries in the Jewish Quarter. Diverse Venues: From historic museums to hidden studios in Districts 6, 7, and 8, the festival spans Budapests cultural hotspots, perfect for expats exploring the city. Meet the Artists: Exclusive Studio Visits The festivals standout feature is its intimate studio visits, where expats can meet innovative artists and witness their creative worlds up close. Here are four must-visit creators featured in 2025: Bullas Jozsef What to Expect: Enter the studio of acclaimed painter Bullas Jozsef, whose mesmerizing works blend Western constructivism with Eastern ornamentation. His paintings, known for their interplay of light, color, and optical movement, create transcendent spaces. Meet Bullas, explore his works-in-progress, and learn how he crafts his captivating compositions. Why Expats Will Love It: Bullass global influences resonate with expats navigating cross-cultural lives, and his warm, personal approach makes this a memorable encounter. Nemeth Marcell What to Expect: Discover the studio of young sculptor Nemeth Marcell, celebrated for his bold reliefs and steel sculptures. This visit unveils the journey from concept to finished artwork, showcasing his innovative materials and methods. Why Expats Will Love It: Nemeths fresh perspective and dynamic sculptures appeal to expats interested in Hungarys modern art scene, offering insights into a rising star. Nagy Boglarka What to Expect: Contemporary painter Nagy Boglarka opens her creative sanctuary, guiding visitors through her latest works and sharing the stories behind her art. Her personal tour offers a deep dive into modern painting techniques and inspirations. Why Expats Will Love It: Nagys approachable style and vibrant works make this ideal for expats seeking a connection with Budapests contemporary art community. Heri Dono Where: HAB (Hungarian Art and Business), 5th District What to Expect: Meet Indonesian-born, internationally renowned artist Heri Dono during his residency at HAB. Known for his imaginative paintings, sculptures, and installations, Donos studio visit offers a window into his unique, cross-cultural artistry. Why Expats Will Love It: Donos global perspective and boundary-pushing work will captivate expats who appreciate art that transcends borders. More: For the latest updates, visit mutargyakejszakaja.hu New Delhi: The much-anticipated Yash Raj Films (YRF)'s spy universe sequel WAR 2 teaser is here and it looks high on the action and glamour quotient. The makers dropped the teaser on Jr NTR's birthday, making it an even special moment for the Pan-India star. If Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's collab made you excited, then Kiara Advani's entry to the spy universe makes it even more palpable. KIARA ADVANI IN WAR 2 TEASER Kiara Advani makes a striking entry into her first-ever Yash Raj Films (YRF) project with War 2, joining the high-octane spy universe. Kiara brings a fresh, bold energy to the sequel, offering fans a glimpse into an unseen side of her filmography. While the details of her character are currently under wraps, her appearance has already created massive anticipation among the audience. In the teaser, Kiara Advani stuns in her hottest avatar yet, sporting a hot bikini look that instantly grabs attention. Her sizzling presence, paired with glimpses of fiery chemistry with Hrithik Roshan, makes her a clear highlight of the teaser. And yes, she has given her first ever Bikini shot too. The momma-to-be took to Instagram and wrote in the story: Sharing the teaser, Kiara wrote, Lots of firsts in this First YRF film First action film First with these 2 amazing heroes First collaboration with Ayan And ofcourse First bikini shot Heres the teaser hope weve got you excited for August! WAR 2 TEASER Though the story is still closely guarded, its clear that her role is important within the films high-stakes narrative. War 2 is the sequel to the film War (2019). In the first instalment, Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor were a part of the film. It's produced by Yash Raj Films. The film is directed by Ayan Mukerji. The teaser was launched today, marking Jr NTR's birthday. The film will release in theatres on August 14. New Delhi: Among the top senior citizen travel agencies in Golden Agers boldly reveals their most recent international group tour packages from Georgia to Baku. Designed especially with consideration for the elderly, these packages provide a travel experience rich in culture, leisure, and shared events with like-minded guests. Under the motto "Travel is the Best Medicine," Golden Agers keeps creating travel plans for those fifty years of age and above so they may maximise their free time. Many seniors, whether retired or about to retire, eagerly await these packages in search of quality time loaded with fresh experiences, meeting new people, and travel exploration of new locations. Senior citizens have a chance to discover new locations, learn about the many cultures, and widen their social circle with their recently launched international group trips from Georgia to Baku. The packages guarantee safe travel in pleasant surroundings free of concern about anything. These trips are especially designed to assist the elderly with carefully thought out schedules, knowledgeable guides, and capable tour captains ready to provide assistance. Having a lot of knowledge in the travel business, Golden Agers manages both domestic and international trips so that senior citizens may have a hassle-free vacation and maximise their leisure time in a relaxed way. Usually comprising sightseeing in Tbilisi, cultural events, scenic drives, visits to vineyards, and all else required for a successful and complete travel experience, Georgia tour packages In a similar vein, the Baku tour provides visitors with a planned whole city experience by guiding them through the historic streets, contemporary architecture, and UNESCO heritage sites of the city. "We offer experiences seniors will remember for life, not just travel," Golden Agers Director and Founder Nidhi Mehra said. The long-standing dedication of Golden Agers to provide customised services is still very strong. Their motto as a holiday planning company is also that every trip should fit the comfort level and interests of senior citizens. Travellers are helped all along to provide comfort and assurance; everything from booking to returning home is done meticulously. Apart from generating income, Golden Agers seeks to enhance senior citizens' quality of life by means of well-coordinated trips to various locations. Golden Agers offers a unique experience by means of specially crafted itineraries for the elderly combining rest with travel. They allow visitors to combine travel with other seniors and widen their experiences at a stage of life when all else has slowed down. Golden Agers has been the perfect travel agency for senior Indian citizens since it offers services to fit and meet their needs continuously. Its staff offers full-fledged help so that every holiday is hassle-free and unforgettable; it also offers group holidays and tailored holiday packages for persons above the age of 50. For specific information, visit our website at https://www.goldenagers.in/grouptours.html. (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) Mumbai: Acclaimed Hollywood director Bronwen Hughes, known for her work on hit series including Breaking Bad, The Good Doctor, and 13 Reasons Why as well as films starring Sandra Bullock and Hilary Swank, has arrived in Mumbai on May 12th midnight for her forthcoming untitled romantic comedy centred on Indian culture and wedding celebrations worldwide. Produced by Val Hill (Blade Runner 2049, 12 Strong), the film looks at the rich customs of Indian weddings from around the world. Hughes is in India finalising the Indian cast and crew and doing preliminary location scouting all around. Starting late 2025, the project aims to replicate the grandeur and emotional depth of Indian celebrations. This interesting mix strongly reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for "Global Collaborations" at the Waves event, in which he invited Indian filmmakers to work with foreign talent.Combining Hollywood narrative with India's cultural splendour, the movie exactly reflects this vision. Driving this cross-cultural endeavour is Indian producer Shivam Aggarwal behind several worldwide projects. He said, "This movie honours worldwide celebration of Indian marriage customs. Bronwen's knowledge and Val's artistic genius help us to create something quite magical. Attached to the project also is Preeti Singh, director of Aliya Basu Gayab Hai from last year. The team thinks that this is the ideal time for such a movie since the world's growing obsession with Indian weddingsstarted by events like Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's fairy-tale celebrationmakes perfect sense. (This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) Almost everyone would be unwilling to stake their future on a startup. For Dr. Sandip Patel and his father, however, it was an option they decided to pursue in 2017. Three properties were disposed of; all were to be for the retirement of the father. The idea was funded by selling the three properties in a tiny corner at Rajkot. What started from a tiny idea is now Docthub-a healthcare career platform that supports thousands of doctors and students from all across India in finding jobs, courses, and other opportunities in medicine. But it did not start as a tech company. Dr. Patel was originally a physician who helped hospitals find their medical staff. In no time, he saw how terribly old and disjointed the system was, making it very hard for young professionals in smaller towns to prosper. "There were so many gaps," he says. "I kept thinking: what if there was a single place where people could find all the information connected to their medical career?" That very question pushed them into a mission. However, developing this into a tech platform was a big challenge. "I didn't come from tech," admits Dr. Patel. "A lot of mistakes happened in the first three years. I had to learn everything on the fly how to design a website, how to lead a team, how to really listen to the users and understand what they needed." His perseverance was supported by a quiet but steady flow of support from his father. The father-son duo had invested approximately 12 crores in the business over seven years, not through an investor or by way of a big funding round, but through their savings and by selling three family properties. The words are still frozen in memory: "It was scary" for him. Those properties were meant for giving my father security after retirement. But he believed in me. Such trust gives strength. Rather than chase investors, Dr. Patel chose instead to bootstrap: With slow building, focus on real issues, and ensuring that the platform actually mattered to end users. Docthub currently operates as a one-stop platform for healthcare professionals, offering job listings and online courses--it has really brought together resources that used to be scattered across various websites, agencies, or even different cities. Dr. Patel looks back at the days gone by and realizes that the process was tedious but worth the journey. "This isn't just a company. It is a promise I made to my father that his sacrifice would go into something meaningful." And with every young junior doctor or student that has stood on firm ground with Docthub, the promise is being lived out. New Delhi: Nikes, Americas biggest shoe brand, has started laying off employees from its tech division as part of a larger plan to revamp the company. The work done by these employees will now be outsourced to outside vendors. The move comes shortly after new leadership changes introduced by CEO Elliott Hill who has taken the charge last year. Nike recently reshuffled its top leadership and promoted experienced executives to key roles on its Senior Leadership Team. The goal is to help drive fresh growth for the brand. According to Nikes Finance Chief Matthew Friend, the changes are meant to give CEO Elliott Hill the space to reconnect with teams, review current strategies, and shape plans to better position the company for the future especially looking ahead to fiscal 2026 and beyond. Nikes New CEO Reshapes Strategy The recent job cuts seem to be part of CEO Elliott Hills broader plan to reshape Nikes operations. Since taking over, he has been reviewing the companys strategy and leadership setup to tackle ongoing market challenges and set a new direction for growth. Even with its strong global presence, Nike has faced some challenges lately mainly due to a slowdown in new footwear designs. Meanwhile, rival brand Adidas has been making gains by rolling out fresh products and stepping up its marketing efforts, leading to a boost in market share. Addressing the tough competition, Nikes Finance Chief Matthew Friend said, The multi-brand environment is very competitive today, and it will take time to expand market share. This was reflected in our spring 25 order books, which came in roughly flat versus the prior year. New Delhi: With urban wireless tele-density already at 131.45 per cent and telecommunications contributing over 6.5 per cent to GDP, India has reached a pivotal moment where connectivity transcends its traditional boundaries, the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) said on Tuesday. The digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by end-2025, yet this figure only hints at the profound transformation underway as connected living redefines sectors from healthcare to agriculture, education to transportation. "We're witnessing the birth of ambient intelligence, where connectivity becomes the invisible force empowering every aspect of daily life," said Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General, DIPA. India's telecommunications infrastructure is no longer just about communication it's becoming the neural network of society itself. The future belongs to connected living environments where automated systems, mesh networks, and intelligent applications work in symphony to enhance human experience. This isn't incremental improvement; it's a fundamental reimagining of how technology serves humanity, Singh explained. The magic happens in the invisible mesh networks blanketing the nation. India's telecom operators have deployed an extraordinary 4.78 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations by March 2025, contributing to a total of 30 lakh BTSs across all technologies. But the true innovation lies not in the infrastructure itself but in what it enables a continuous, self-healing web of communication that powers millions of intelligent devices working in concert. In healthcare, connected living has revolutionised patient monitoring through IoT medical devices that transmit vital data to AI systems capable of detecting anomalies hours or days before they become clinically apparent. Rural areas previously underserved by medical professionals now access specialised care through high-definition telemedicine enabled by robust connectivity. According to Singh, agricultural productivity has surged through precision farming networks where thousands of sensors monitor soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health automatically adjusting irrigation and nutrient delivery while predicting optimal harvest times. Farmers report yield increases averaging 28 per cent while reducing water consumption by 31 per cent. Education has been transformed through immersive connected classrooms that erase geographical limitations. Students in remote regions now engage with the nation's leading instructors through near-holographic experiences, manipulating virtual objects and conducting collaborative experiments across vast distances, said Singh. The Smart City Mission, having completed 7,549 projects at a cost of Rs 1,51,285 crore, showcases how telecommunications enables environments to respond to human needs without conscious interaction. "Connected living represents a paradigm shift from reactive to predictive systems," Singh said. The vision extends to commercial 6G deployment by 2030, which promises to further dissolve barriers between physical and digital realms. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The Islamic Chamber Holding Company (ICCIA Holding) can support Azerbaijans private sector, Mohamed Ibrahim, CEO of the Islamic Chamber Holding Company (ICCIA Holding), established by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, told Trend on the sidelines of the IsDB Annual Meetings in Algiers. We can support the private sector in Azerbaijan. We have a very strong knowledge and we have a very qualified team to ensure access to everything needed by private sector in Azerbaijan as well as OIC countries, he said. Ibrahim pointed out that the Islamic finance is a very right way to finance all cash need by the Islamic treatment. As the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Development (ICCD), we collaborate with Islamic financial institutions to provide Sharia-compliant financing solutions that meet the cash flow needs of the private sector, in order to help the private sector to find right way of the finance through the Islamic bank or the Islamic treatment. We have a very successful deal. It's already done in Egypt with a well-known Islamic finance institution, which is Baraka Bank, and with the private sector. It is the Islamic deal worth up to $2 million. This will help the infrastructure in Egypt to move from the traditional ticket for the public transportation to a prepaid card for the public transportation, he added. New Delhi: Shares of Protean eGov Technologies Ltd continued to decline for the second consecutive session in Tuesday's trade. This has extended their two-day rout to nearly 30%. After plunging 20% on Monday, the stock dropped another 13% in early trade. Reasons Behind Protean Stocks Freefall Protean's stock fell after the Income Tax department turned down the company's bid for the managed service provider (MSP) contract under the PAN 2.0 project. The project includes design, development, operations and maintenance of the PAN system, a business area in which Protean has long been a major player. "We were informed by the Income Tax department that we have not been considered favourably for the next round of RFP (Request for Proposals) selection process. Any further update/development in this regard shall be informed in due course," Protean stated. Protean tried to reassure investors, stating that the development would have "limited or minimal impact on our ongoing PAN processing and issuance services under the existing mandate with the tax dept." Protean eGov Technologies Limited is an Indian technology company that specialises in developing digital public infrastructure and e-governance initiatives for various governmental entities in India. Meanwhile, stock Exchange has sought clarification from Protean eGov Technologies Ltd on May 20, 2025, with reference to news appeared regarding the company's shares plunge, for which the reply is awaited. New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government's foreign policy has come under intense scrutiny, with opposition questioning the effectiveness of the Prime Minister's frequent foreign trips. The Opposition argued that PM Modi's foreign trips seem more focused on 'photo opportunities' rather than yielding tangible benefits for the country. The lack of international support on key issues has raised questions about the effectiveness of India's foreign policy under the Modi government. In the same line, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, questioning the effectiveness of his frequent international trips. Despite 151 foreign visits to 72 countries, including 10 trips to the US, Kharge alleged that India seems isolated on the global stage. Kharge wondered if PM Modi's trips have yielded meaningful results for India's global standing, accusing him of prioritizing photo opportunities over diplomatic achievements. "Is it the Prime Minister's job to visit foreign countries and only pose for photos?" Kharge asked. Meanwhile the recent bailout loan of $1.4 billion to Pakistan by the International Monetary Fund (IMF's) has further fueled criticism, with many wondering if India's foreign policy is yielding desired outcomes. The age old party's chief Kharge also highlighted the IMF's grant to Pakistan and the sudden ceasefire declaration during anti-terror operations as examples of India's diminishing influence. He criticized Modi for not addressing US President Trump's claims of brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire, suggesting a lack of clarity and transparency in India's foreign policy. "The IMF has provided a bailout loan of $1.4 billion to Pakistan. But nobody supported Indias stance. A ceasefire was suddenly declared while our brave Armed Forces were conducting operations against terrorists. The US President has insulted our country by saying, "I brokered" the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and repeated this, not less than 7 times," Kharge jibed in a post on his X. PM Modi has been making frequent foreign trips for the last 11 years, but when India needed international support to expose Pakistan, no other country came forward to support us. In the last 11 years, Prime Minister Modi has made 151 foreign trips and visited 72 countries. Out pic.twitter.com/frtnFOLCtU Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 20, 2025 Kharge further added that the entire nation was behind the anti-terrorism efforts, but PM Modi's failure to address Trump's claims is 'puzzling.' "The entire country was united in the tough action against terrorists, but Modi ji is trying to cover up the issue by not providing clarity to the people of the country regarding US President Trump's statements, so far," he said. Earlier today, while speaking at an event in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Modi government's handling of the Kashmir situation, saying, "26 people were killed in Kashmir because the government failed to provide adequate security to tourists. Why didn't the government warn tourists about potential risks in Pahalgam? Had they done so, these lives could have been saved." Kharge's statement highlights the government's alleged failure to ensure tourist safety and its potential role in preventing the tragic loss of life. NEW DELHI: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday briefed Members of Parliament and delegation members at a meeting held in the Parliament building, ahead of their visits to various countries to highlight Indias fight against terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. Seven all-party delegations are visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against cross-border terrorism. The delegations are led by Congress member Shashi Tharoor, BJPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, JD-Us Sanjay Kumar Jha, DMKs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and (NCP-SP) leader Supriya Sule. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde that members from three groups - led by him, Kanimozi and Sanjay Kumar Jha were present at Tuesdays briefing. Shinde said their group will leave for the UAE and West Africa tomorrow. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, all seven delegations are leaving for different countries to put forward our country's stand. MEA did a country-wise briefing for all the groups today and gave anecdotes of previous terrorist attacks on India. This briefing will prove to be useful for our visits... We will sensitise other countries on what India has been facing at the hands of Pakistan and terror over the years... MEA will provide dossiers to every group," Shinde told media persons later. (It was briefed that) there was no interference by anyone (in understanding between India and Pakistan), there was no mediation. But when such things happen in the worlds different people try to send a message. But whatever has happened, has happened only between the two nations. When the matter escalated, it was between our two nations. When it ended, it ended between the two nations. It was initiated by the Pakistan DGMO, they said that we should end this. We said that it should be done if they are ready," Congress leader Salman Khurshid said. India carried out Operation Sindoor and carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian Armed Forces effectively responded to subsequent Pakistan aggression and pounded its airbases. BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said apart from members of UNSC, all-party delegations are also visiting countries which will become non-permanent members of the Council in the coming months. When the meeting is held at the UNSC, Pakistan, which will be a member of the UNSC for the next 17 months, will try to present its position. It will make anti-India claims...So, it is essential now and our Governmet rightly thought that MPs of different parties should visit these different countries together and present our narrative to the bureaucracy and political representatives there...and we condemn Pakistan's approach of promoting terrorism...This is our responsibility. We want to convey that India stands united against terrorism," she said. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Centre works for the security of 140 crore people of the country...There is zero tolerance to terrorism..." she added. Referring to Operation Sindoor and Indian Armed Forces effectively repelling subsequent Pakistan aggression, she said India never attacked civilians. We need to understand this. India destroyed nine terror camps and killed more than 100 terrorists. So, it is baseless to say that we attacked Pakistani civilians. With great precision, we did our work...We will present this. As far as the Indus Water Treaty is concerned, the Government of India has made repeated requests to Pakistan that the Treaty needs amendments, so we should talk. But, there was no cooperation from Pakistan. So, as far as the Indus Water Treaty is concerned, India has said that blood and water cannot flow together. They killed 26 tourists, so we suspend this Treaty...It has been kept in abeyance," she said. Sanjay Kumar Jha said Pakistan-sponsored training camps are responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack. India took steps after that, and nine terrorist training centres were hi - - this has to be told. Pakistan State and Pakistan Army are both involved in this. This was done like a proxy war against India...PM has said that it is enough now, we know your designs, and we will hit you deep inside. India did this in their self-defence," he said. Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai said there is need to expose Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. What stand we have, what events took place from Pahalgam to ceasefire and how Pakistan was involved, what we expect...all of these were discussed. We have to expose Pakistan and make them realise that India was never against Pakistan, their military or their people. We attacked terrorist camps," he said. We are going out as representatives of the nation. The nation is supreme. There is no party. If the nation remains, there would be party and politics only then," he added. BJP leader SS Ahluwalia said they will meet legislators, members of business community, intellectual community in the countries and tgell them about Indias zero-tolerance to terrorism. Different things are being spread, especially by the media in Pakistan - what happened on 7th May, 22nd April, and between 7th-11th May. They are spreading lies across the world...It is the responsibility of a nation and representatives of all parties to go to other nations and meet legislators, the business community, and the intellectual community there and tell them what happened there. India has always argued that this fight is not against common citizens. Terrorists came, their terrorist activities, and our fight is against them," he said. AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, who is a member of Group Six that will go to Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia and Latvia, said there was a detailed briefing. The basic concept of the briefing was to know what we have to do or not do there, who we have to meet, what precautions we have to take and how we have to present India's side impactfully. The Foreign Secretary briefed us in detail. He answered our questions. So that when we go out, we can present India's position impactfully...Dossier details are being prepared; it will be provided to us...We are united when we are outside India. When it comes to the security of the country, we are united. When it comes to the honour of the country, we are united. There was never any doubt about it," he added. On Monday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs had a comprehensive meeting and Misri briefed members on current foreign policy developments regarding India and Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor on May 7 and the subsequent understanding reached between the two countries to stop military action and firing. The meeting lasted nearly three hours. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who heads the Standing Committee on External Affairs, said the members expressed a desire to have a resolution expressing solidarity with the Foreign Secretary in the face of the unwarranted attacks or comments. Tharoor said the Foreign Secretary requested that there should be no resolution. 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 UN Security Council. The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. Each delegation will include members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats. India had carried out Operation Sindoor early on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and launched precise strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. India responded effectively to Pakistans subsequent aggression and pounded its airports. The countries have reached an understanding for stopping military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. 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. Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats are part of each delegations. Bangalore School Holiday: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Bengaluru on Tuesday. The city is expected to see a maximum temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain near 20 degrees celsius. Intense overnight rain on Monday severely affected daily life in Bengaluru, causing widespread waterlogging. The city witnessed typical monsoon visuals flooded roads, people navigating through waterlogged areas, and rescue operations using inflatable boats, disrupting normalcy in Indias IT hub. As per data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru recorded 105.5 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on May 19. The last time the city experienced such heavy rainfall in May was on May 18, 2022. Will schools be closed this week? Currently, schools in Bengaluru are closed for summer vacations. However, if waterlogging persists and a red alert is issued, the holidays may be extended as a precautionary measure. CM Siddaramaiah to carry out inspection Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are scheduled to carry out a city-wide inspection on May 21. The Chief Minister confirmed that the recent heavy rainfall caused a wall collapse, resulting in one fatality. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for various parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, with more rain expected over the next two days. Authorities are actively working to manage and reduce the impact of ongoing waterlogging across the city. Two individuals in Bengaluru lost their lives due to electrocution following a bout of heavy rainfall in the city on Monday, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The victims have been identified as Manmohan Kamath, 63 and 12-year-old Dinesh, the son of Bharath, a Nepal national. According to South East Bengaluru DCP Sarah Fathima, Kamath was electrocuted while trying to operate a motor to drain water from his apartment basement. New Delhi: It could have turned out catastrophic if India had not been ready. A barrage of Pakistani missiles and drones hurtled through the skies. They had a well-defined destination military bases, civilian areas and Amritsars sacred Golden Temple. But fortunately, they all measurably failed to hit their targets, thanks to Indias full-scale air defence preparedness. Protecting civilian targets was top priority of the Indian defence forces. But defending a place of religious important, the Golden Temple, needed something more. Some media reports are circulating with respect to the deployment of AD Guns in the Golden Temple. However, the Army clarified that no AD guns or any other AD resources were deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Indian Army shows a demo of how Indian Air Defence systems, including the upgraded L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/acej4SgL3v ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Infantry Division, Major General Kartik C Seshadri, revealed how he and his soldiers did a job well done. We had already anticipated that they would target religious places as the Pakistan Army did not have any legitimate targets. Given geographical location, the Golden Temple was the most vulnerable target, he said. Accordingly, the Army pressed into action holistic air defence umbrella around the holy site that included modern air defence systems such as L-70 guns and AKASH missile batteries. Meant for shaking India, the drone and missile assault came to retaliate Indias Operation Sindoor, which was a precision strike launched on the intervening night of May 6-7. Indian controlled and well-coordinated attacks targeted terrorist infrastructures at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Indian Army shows a demo of how Indian Air Defence systems, including AKASH missile system, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/3HchX0yHJI ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 These attacks were Indias loud and clear response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians who were both Indian and foreign tourists. Talking about Indias military offensive, Major General Seshadri said, Consequent to Pakistan Army-sponsored dastardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists, the nations anger under able leadership took the form of Operation Sindoor, under which befitting punitive strikes were carried out on exclusive terror targets. He said nine major terror hubs were hit seven of which were destroyed by the Army. Of these, the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters at Muridke, near Lahore, and the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur were struck with absolute precision, he said. He clarified Indias position. We issued a statement clarifying that we intentionally did not target any Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure, he added. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Indian Army shows a demo of how Indian Air Defence systems, including the upgraded L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/acej4SgL3v ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 Pakistan responded as expected, but not with soldiers. It responded with drones and missiles, aiming to terrorise Indian civilians and hit religious places. We were fully prepared and thwarted their plan. Our alert air defence gunners shot down all drones and missiles aimed at the Golden Temple. We did not allow even a scratch, said Major General Seshadri. This was one of the first instances when the religious site came under direct threat from coordinated aerial attacks. Defence officials did not mince words. One of them said that the Pakistan Army lacks the courage or capability to face Indian forces directly. Hence, it uses terrorism as a national policy and resorts to unmanned aerial weapons launched from its own soil, the officer said. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC, 15 Infantry Division says "Indian Army is a professional, righteous and responsible force which in spite of grave provocations, has always responded in a calibrated and measured manner. We target only terrorists in https://t.co/AAJsOE4zqg pic.twitter.com/z95jbU24qK ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 He continued, Drones and long-range missiles were launched. Indian military installations, civilian population centers, including innocent women and children, were also not spared. They even targeted our faith. Pakistan touched a new low. He emphasized that Golden Temple witnessed a surfeit of drone and missile attacks, all thwarted by our Army air defence gunners. #WATCH | Amrisar, Punjab: Soldiers of the Panther Division of Indian Army say "...We are representatives of the panther...We will enter and kill the enemy from within, now we don't fear anyone. There is revenge in the mind, there is passion in the heart and pride in the eyes. To pic.twitter.com/EwGljIqUS8 ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025 As the skies lit up with defence operations, locals near the border stood with the Army. A farmer from a Punjab border village, Jasbir Singh said, Our Army is the pride of our nation. They protected us and the Golden Temple. We stood with them in the fields. They kept their promise. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Panther Division expressed fierce determination. We are representatives of the panther. We will enter and kill the enemy from within. We do not fear anyone. There is revenge in the mind, there is passion in the heart and pride in the eyes. To uproot terrorism, India has launched Operation Sindoor, said an officer. The message is crystal clear: Indias faith will not fall to missiles. New Delhi: Imagine buying a popular beauty cream online, only to discover it's made in Pakistan. Unthinkable, right? Yet, several Indian websites are selling Pakistani products, including beauty creams and soaps, without any restrictions. In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, of Zee News, analysed and revealed that several Indian websites are selling products made in Pakistan. Despite the strained relations between the two countries, these products are being sold online without restrictions. One website alone had over 800 transactions for a single product in just a month. The sellers, aware of the product's origin, are potentially supporting Pakistan's economy. The product description clearly mentioned 'Country of Origin: Pakistan.' While some buyers might have been unaware of the product's origin, the sellers were likely aware. Five sellers were found to be selling the cream on one website. These sellers knew the product's origin but continued to sell it in India, despite Pakistan's ongoing tensions with the country. The sale of these products raises questions about India's trade policies and the government's stance on supporting Pakistan's economy. Why are these products being sold in India when Pakistan is behind attacks on Indian soldiers and civilians? Shouldn't the government intervene and ban these sales? It's time for India to take a stand against supporting Pakistan's economy through these sales. The government must ensure that no Indian funds are used to support terrorism. The people selling these products should also reconsider their actions and prioritize national interests. Every year on May 21, India pauses to observe National Anti-Terrorism Day, a solemn reminder of the scars terrorism has left on our nation. This day isnt just about remembering the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Its about renewing our resolve to stand united against the menace of terrorism, which threatens the peace and progress we hold dear. As we mark this day in 2025, Indias recent triumph in Operation Sindoor shines as a powerful example of how our nation has learned to fight backhard, smart, and unitedshowing the world what it means to take a zero-tolerance stand against terror. Rajiv Gandhis assassination was a wake-up call for India. At just 40, he was a leader who dreamed of a modern, peaceful India. His brutal killing showed us that terrorism respects no boundaries, no dreams, no lives. Since 1992, National Anti-Terrorism Day has been a time to reflect on this loss and to educate our people about the need to stay vigilant. But in 2025, this day carries extra weight. Operation Sindoor, Indias bold response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent lives were snuffed out, has redefined how we tackle terrorism. Its not just about mourning anymoreits about action, precision, and sending a message that India will not bow down. Operation Sindoor was no ordinary military operation. It was a masterclass in strategy and resolve. After the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists targeted civilians based on their religion, India didnt just sit back. The Indian Armed Forces, with the Army, Air Force, and Navy working like a well-oiled machine, launched a punishing 88-hour campaign. They struck nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, wiping out over 100 terrorists and destroying 15 airbases. The Indian Air Force used clever tactics, like dummy aircraft to fool Pakistans Chinese-made defenses, showing the world that Indias military isnt just strongits smart. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it just a trailer, warning that Indias fight against terror is far from over. This wasnt just a strike; it was a statement: mess with India, and youll pay a heavy price. What makes Operation Sindoor stand out is how India backed its military might with diplomatic muscle. The government didnt stop at destroying terror camps. It sent seven all-party delegations, with 59 MPs from across political lines, to 32 countries, including big players like the UN Security Council members and the European Union. Leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Supriya Sule carried Indias message of zero tolerance to global capitals, exposing Pakistans role in sponsoring terrorism. This wasnt just about fighting on the groundit was about winning the narrative war. As experts like Brahma Chellaney pointed out, Operation Sindoor set a global benchmark in tackling terrorism, much like the US operation that took out Osama bin Laden. India showed the world that we can hit hard, deep, and still aim for peace. The success of Operation Sindoor lies in its unity. From PM Narendra Modi, who named the operation after the sacred sindoor symbolizing the lives lost in Pahalgam, to the soldiers who executed precision strikes, to the MPs who took Indias case globaleveryone came together. Even opposition leaders like Congresss Sandeep Dikshit and Shiv Senas Priyanka Chaturvedi praised the armed forces, proving that when it comes to fighting terror, India speaks with one voice. This unity is what National Anti-Terrorism Day is all about. It reminds us that terrorism thrives on division, but Indias strength lies in standing togetherHindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, or any other faith. Operation Sindoor also sent a clear message to Pakistan: your days of using terrorism as a tool are numbered. Home Minister Amit Shah said Pakistan is scared after Indias strikes, and for good reason. By targeting terror hubs like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, India didnt just hit their infrastructureit exposed their lies to the world. The ceasefire agreement on May 10, where both sides agreed to stop firing, shows that Indias actions forced Pakistan to rethink its strategy. But as Rajnath Singh warned, Indias watching. Any misstep, and were ready to hit back harder. As we observe National Anti-Terrorism Day in 2025, Operation Sindoor is a beacon of hope and strength. It tells every Indian that were not helpless against terrorism. Our armed forces, our leaders, and our people have shown that we can fight back and win. But its also a reminder to stay alert. Terrorism is a global problem, and Indias fight is far from over. We must keep supporting our forces, stay united across political and religious lines, and keep telling the world that we wont tolerate terror. Operation Sindoor isnt just a victoryits a promise that India will keep fighting until terrorism is wiped out, not just from our soil but from the world. On this May 21, lets honor Rajiv Gandhis memory by recommitting to his dream of a peaceful India. Lets salute our brave soldiers who made Operation Sindoor a success. And lets tell the world, loud and clear, that Indias fight against terrorism is unstoppable. Because when India stands united, no forcenot even terrorcan break us. (Girish Linganna is a Defence and Aerospace Analyst based out of Bengaluru. He is also the Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. The views expressed in this article are of the author only.) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has echoed recent remarks made by Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai on protocol, stating that adherence to protocol is "fundamental" and must be respected across institutions. Speaking at the launch of the book 'The Constitution We Adopted', edited by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, the Vice President said, "This morning I was reminded of something which is very critical in the country, and that is not for oneself. What the present Chief Justice saidwe must believe in protocol." Referring to recent developments, Dhankhar said, "The Chief Justice of the country and protocol is placed very high. When he indicated this, it was not personal, it was for the position he holds, and I am sure this will be kept in mind by one and all." Chief Justice of India Bushan Gavai made the original remarks on Sunday during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in Mumbai's Dadar. CJI Gavai said, "When the Chief Justice of any state visits for the first time, the CP and DG come and meet them. But when told that I came to Mumbai, they didn't come to meet me. I don't want to get into this small thing, but there is some protocol." VP Dhankar said, "In a sense, I am also a sufferer. You have seen the photograph of the President and the Prime Minister, but not of the Vice President. Once I demit the office, I'll ensure that my successor has a photograph. But I am really beholden to the present Chief Justice for inviting attention to the people in bureaucracy, adherence to protocol is fundamental." Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj criticised the absence of senior state officials at the felicitation event, calling it an insult to CJI Gavai and a Dalit holding a top constitutional post. Speaking to ANI, Udit Raj said, "The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa organised a felicitation event for CJI Gavai, who is from Maharashtra. It was his first visit after becoming the Chief Justice of India, but the Chief Secretary and DGP were not present. This is a serious breach of protocol. Gavai always speaks about the Constitution, which has three pillars the legislature, executive, and judiciary and the judiciary is led by the Chief Justice. The absence of these top officials is an insult to a Dalit holding such a high post. BJP cannot support Dalits. Modi ji and the Chief Minister should apologise to the people of the country." He added, "CJI Gavai may not have taken it seriously, but we do. This is an insult to the Constitution and to a Dalit. BJP is the B-team when it comes to Dalit issues. They cannot tolerate a Dalit in such a top position." He demanded action against the officials, saying, "The DG Police and Chief Secretary should be removed from their posts for not attending the CJI's event." While Indian health officials have comforted the public that the situation in the country is still stable and within their control, Singapore and Hong Kong, among other parts of Asia, are battling a fresh surge of COVID-19 cases fueled by Omicron subvariants. During a high-level review meeting chaired by the Ministry of Health on Monday, officials presented a total of 257 active COVID-19 cases across the country as of May 19, 2025. The meeting, presided over by the Director General of Health Services, had attendance by representatives of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, and key central government hospitals. Referring to official sources, news agency PTI had stated that almost all active cases are mild and no hospitalisation is needed at present. The ministry underlined that though surveillance and monitoring have been stepped up, there was no suggestion of a large-scale resurgence at this point. Regional Rise Spurs Caution The review comes amid growing concern over rising COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, where infections and hospitalisations have surged in recent weeks due to new Omicron subvariants such as JN.1 and its descendants. Singapore saw a 28% spike in weekly infections, rising from 11,100 cases in late April to 14,200 in early May. Hong Kong, meanwhile, recorded 31 virus-related deaths in the week ending May 3its highest weekly toll in a year. India Not Yet In Danger Zone, Say Experts India's top epidemiologist, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, emphasised the need for caution but dismissed panic. "COVID-19 has become endemic in India. There is no cause for alarm unless there is a significant increase in hospitalisations or fatalities," he said in an interview with News18. He also urged elderly and immunocompromised persons to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, such as hand hygiene, wearing of masks, and avoidance of crowded places. On vaccine readiness, Dr Gangakhedkar referred to GEMCOVAC-19, an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 made by Pune's Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, and which is formulated to hit Omicron variants. "India can scale up production if need arises," he said, and existing trends do not suggested that they need to scale up immediately. Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Lead Case Count Among Indian states, Kerala has the highest number of new cases reported since May 12 (69), followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). Other states including Karnataka, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have reported low single-digit numbers. Hospitals have been told to increase surveillance of flu-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Surveillance activities are ongoing under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR network. Government Emphasises Pre-Emptive Actions The Union Health Ministry stated that it is "vigilant and proactive" despite international developments. "The situation in India does not seem to be alarming at present. Our preparedness and surveillance measures are strong," a senior government official stated. Though analysts are still keeping close tabs on worldwide trends, India has seemingly dodged the severity of spikes in other areas of Asia for the time being. India-Pakistan Ceasefire: After days of hostilities, a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10 between India and Pakistan after the Islamic State's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart. Highlighting the Indian military's prowess, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday stated that New Delhi has the power to strike targets across the full depth of Pakistan. In an interview with the news agency ANI, Lieutenant General D'Cunha said, "The whole of Pakistan is within range." He added that even if they relocate the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to "find a deep hole." Also Read: Pak Targeted Amritsar's Golden Temple, But India's Air Defence Saves The Day | Here's How The Indian Armed Forces' precision strikes, codenamed Operation Sindoor, were launched on May 7 and hit nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The actions of India were 'focused, measured, and non-escalatory.' Lt Gen D'Cunha clarified that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. "I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole," Lt Gen D'Cunha added. Also Check: India Nabs Alleged ISI Operatives, Including YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra To Shahzad For Pakistan Espionage "Our job is to protect our sovereignty, our people... So, I think that the very fact that we have been able to protect our motherland from this onslaught, which was aimed at causing a lot of problems in population centers and our cantonments, the very fact that we have given this reassurance to our people, not only to our civil population... a lot of our jawans, officers, wives were staying in cantonments," he said. "And the very fact that we ensured that this did not manifest in any casualties, I am sure it not only made the soldier feel proud, it made the families feel proud. And finally, the population of India feels proud. I think that's the takeaway," he said. Pakistan began drone and missile attacks on Indian territory after Operation Sindoor was launched to avenge the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. (with ANI inputs) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has signed the law ratifying the alliance agreement with Azerbaijan, Trend reports, citing the National Database of Legislation of Uzbekistan. Earlier, in April 2025, the ratification was approved by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan. The agreement was signed by the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev, during the first session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council between the countries on August 23, 2024, in Tashkent. According to the Senate of Uzbekistan, the document establishes mutual commitments not to participate in any blocs or alliances directed against each other and to refrain from actions that could harm the strategic partnership and alliance relations between the two countries. The agreement creates favorable conditions for expanding political cooperation, developing trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties, as well as implementing new joint projects. The Indian Armed Forces successfully executed Operation Sindoor during the night of May 7-8, targeting and dismantling terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation involved nine strategic strikes, with seven launched from key positions in Jammu aimed at terrorist camps situated opposite the Pir Panjal range, an area that has seen a troubling rise in terrorist activities in recent years. Indian Army officials reported that the Poonch Brigade played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, engaging in continuous operations to counter unprovoked aggression from Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC). "We did not wait to react; we were prepared to respond. The Poonch Brigade was not just a part but the heart of Operation Sindoor," said a senior military official. The operation was a calibrated response to a recent Pakistan-sponsored terror strike at Pahalgam, focusing initially on neutralizing terrorist infrastructure. Six out of nine critical targets were effectively struck in the areas in PoK opposite Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor. As tensions escalated with the Pakistan Army indiscriminately targeting civilian areas, the Indian Army shifted its focus towards military assets, showcasing unmatched precision and determination. As the threat of drone swarms emerged, the Army Air Defense units demonstrated exceptional skill, intercepting every aerial threat and safeguarding Indian territory with unwavering vigilance. Reports indicate that Pakistan suffered significant losses, not only in personnel but also in morale, as their credibility within their own nation continues to wane. Intelligence inputs suggest heavy casualties inflicted upon the enemy, with numbers still being corroborated by ongoing assessments. Operation Sindoor was meticulously planned, targeting key installations linked to notorious terrorist outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Notable targets included their headquarters in Bahawalpur and Muridke, both of which were successfully neutralized. Following the strikes, Pakistan attempted retaliatory measures against Indian military installations but failed to achieve their objectives, reportedly suffering over 50 casualties south of the Pir Panjal due to India's counterstrikes. In response to Pakistan's aggressive actions, including drone and artillery attacks aimed at civilian areas, India's air defense systems showcased remarkable efficiency. Explosive-laden Turkish drones targeting the Udhampur airbase were intercepted midair, preventing potential damage to Indian military assets. Notably, some of these drones bore markings indicating their connection to Muridke, where the Indian Armed Forces had previously destroyed LeT headquarters. As Operation Sindoor remains suspended for the time being, high-ranking military officials emphasize that the Indian Army remains alert and prepared to respond decisively should further provocations arise. "If challenged again, we will respond not with words but with fire and the resolve of our nation," they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva virtually from New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting India's contributions to global health initiatives under the unifying theme of "One World for Health." PM Modi mentioned India's Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest health insurance program, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. He outlined three cores for the future of a healthy world -- inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration. "The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, integrated vision and collaboration. Inclusion is at the core of India's health reforms. We run Ayushman Bharat - the world's largest health insurance scheme. It covers 580 million people and provides free treatment. This program was recently extended to cover all Indians above 70 years," said PM Modi. He emphasised India's network of health and wellness centres, which screen and detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. "We have a network of thousands of health and wellness centres. They screen and detect diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Thousands of public pharmacists provide high-quality medicines at far less than the market price," added PM Modi. PM Modi invited countries to participate in the International Day of Yoga, with the theme "Yoga for One Earth One Health." "In June, the 11th International Day of Yoga is coming up. This year's theme is 'Yoga for One Earth One Health.' Being from the nation that gave yoga to the world, I invite all countries to participate," said PM Modi. PM Modi congratulated the WHO and member states on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty, aimed at fighting future pandemics with greater cooperation. "I congratulate the WHO and all Member States on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty. It is a shared commitment to fight future pandemics with greater cooperation while building a healthy planet. Let us ensure that no one is left behind," he said. The INB was established in December 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly, bringing together Member States and relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, private sector, and civil society. At the World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments made concrete commitments to complete negotiations on a global pandemic agreement within a year. The upcoming Assembly, starting May 19, 2025, will consider the proposal developed by the INB and decide whether to adopt the instrument under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. PM Modi also highlighted India's digital health initiatives, including a platform to track vaccination and a telemedicine service enabling over 340 million consultations. "Technology is an important catalyst to improve health outcomes. We have a digital platform to track the vaccination of pregnant women and children. Millions of people have a unique digital health identity. It helps us integrate benefits, insurance, records, and information. With telemedicine, nobody is too far from a doctor. Our free telemedicine service has enabled over 340 million consultations," he added. PM Modi offered to share India's learnings and best practices with the Global South, particularly in addressing health challenges. "The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable. The Global South is particularly impacted by health challenges. India's approach offers replicable, scalable and sustainable models. We would be happy to share our learnings and best practices with the world, especially the Global South," he added. PM Modi also highlighted that India's initiatives have brought down the out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of total health expenditure significantly, while government health expenditure has gone up considerably. "Thousands of public pharmacies across the country provide high-quality medicines at prices significantly lower than market rates, increasing access to essential drugs for all," he added. He concluded his speech with a verse from the Vedas, calling for universal well-being: Sarwey bhawantu sukhin sarwey santu niramaya. Sarwey bhadrani pasyantu maa kashichit dukhbhag bahavate (May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer). Apart from this, after India was conferred the certificate of elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Union Health Minister JP Nadda lauded this achievement and said it was a proud moment for the nation. In a post on X, JP Nadda said, "A proud moment for the nation at WHA78 (World Health Assembly) India has been conferred the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO, at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva." Pakistani Spy Scandal: Security agencies have revealed fresh details about the alleged espionage ring, including the Pakistani visa of alleged spy Ghazala and now Zee News has accessed passports belonging to Ghazala and Yameen Mohammad. Sources indicate that Danish, a Pakistani official stationed at the High Commission's visa desk, was allegedly involved in entrapping Indian citizens for espionage by engaging in bribery. Danish reportedly charged approximately Rs 5,000 to clear each visa application, with the bribe money being kept with suspect Yameen Mohammad. Yameen Mohammad allegedly enticed individuals seeking Pakistani visas, introducing them to Danish. Subsequently, at Danish's behest, Yameen would collect the bribe money from clients. Evidence Revealed Zee News has obtained the mobile number, ****8939, registered under the Pakistan High Commission's name, allegedly used by Danish to communicate with Jyoti, Ghazala, and Yameen via WhatsApp, Snapchat, and voice calls. Investigations show Ghazala's passport and Pakistani visa, which bears the stamp and signature of Tariq Javed, Visa Attache, High Commission of Pakistan, New Delhi. Yameen Mohammad's passport has also been presented as evidence. Interrogation Reports Central agencies have released interrogation reports detailing the questioning of Ghazala, Yameen Mohammad, and Devendra Singh Dhillon. Ghazala's Interrogation Ghazala stated that her husband died from COVID-19. She first visited the Pakistan High Commission in February and again in March. During her initial visit, she met Danish at the visa desk, who inquired about her and gave her his mobile number. Danish later contacted her, claiming missing documents for her visa and requesting another visit to the High Commission. During this subsequent visit, they conversed extensively and continued to communicate regularly. Danish allegedly told Ghazala he was married but wanted to marry her and would inform his wife. He offered her money due to her financial difficulties, transferring approximately Rs 20,000 via UPI through Yameen. Danish then asked her to use the amount for shopping and other expenses. He also allegedly inquired about her access to information related to the Indian Army in Punjab, asking her to provide or arrange it. Ghazala mentioned relatives in Lahore, Pakistan, who suggested that she move there for a textile business to improve her financial situation, which was her motivation for wanting to travel to Pakistan. Yameen's Interrogation Yameen stated he had visited Pakistan twice and knew Danish well. He met Danish at the Pakistan High Commission while applying for his visa. Danish allegedly asked Yameen to stay in touch with visa applicants, promising expedited visa processing in exchange for a commission that Yameen could keep. However, Danish clarified that the commission money was his bribe money. Yameen then began working for Danish, sending clients and collecting Rs 5,000 per application. He processed four applications, receiving Rs 20,000, which he transferred to Ghazala's UPI account at Danish's instruction. Yameen also mentioned visiting Gujranwala twice to see relatives. Devendra Singh Dhillon's Interrogation Devendra Singh Dhillon stated he visited the Kartarpur Corridor with a group of approximately 3,000 people, including 125 from Haryana. Upon reaching the Wagah border, they met a Pakistani national named Vicky, whom Dhillon later realised was working for Pakistan's ISI. Vicky assisted Dhillon extensively, arranging tours and religious ceremonies. In Lahore, Vicky introduced Dhillon to Arsalan and his female friend at a hotel. They exchanged numbers and went shopping. Dhillon also had the woman's Instagram ID, but she blocked him upon his return to India. Vicky asked Dhillon to transfer Rs 1,500 to an Indian phone number with a QR code, claiming it was for charity. Dhillon complied. Dhillon had also contacted Vicky to request prayers at Kartarpur for his acquaintances. One day, Vicky asked Dhillon to provide an Indian SIM card. Security agencies are currently investigating the ownership of the Indian phone number and how it reached the alleged Pakistani ISI handler, Vicky. The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Wednesday a plea seeking criminal prosecution of Justice Yashwant Varma, who is embroiled in a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of a huge pile of burnt cash in the storeroom attached to his bungalow in the national capital after the fire brigade had gone there to douse a blaze on March 14. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan will hear the matter on May 21. On Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai told advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, the lead petitioner-in-person, that the apex court may take up the plea for hearing on May 20. After Nedumpara submitted that he would be unavailable on Tuesday, the CJI Gavai-led Bench agreed to list the matter on May 21. Last week, declining to give an out-of-turn hearing, the CJI Gavai-led Bench told Nedumpara to follow the "mentioning procedure", which requires sending an email to the apex court registry for urgent listing of the petition. If Justice Varma has committed the offence of accumulating wealth through corrupt means, an impeachment by itself will not suffice, said the petition, demanding his criminal prosecution. "What has happened is a grave crime against public justice. When it is a judge, the defender of justice who is himself the accused or culprit, then it is no ordinary offence, the gravity is far greater, and so must be the punishment. [I]t is imperative that criminal law is set into motion, the matter is thoroughly investigated, and most importantly, ascertain who were bribe givers/beneficiaries and what was the cause/judgment in which justice was purchased," said the petition. "It was indisputable that the huge volumes of money that were burned and partly burned and clandestinely removed were nothing but bribe/corruption -- a crime punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. There was no official explanation as to why no FIR was registered and why the criminal law was not set into motion, which would have meant the seizure of the currency notes securing the crime location, the arrest of suspects, etc.," added the plea. In the last week of March, a bench of Justices Oka and Bhuyan disposed of another plea filed by the same petitioners seeking direction to the Delhi Police to register an FIR and cause an effective and meaningful investigation into the cash-discovery allegations. "The in-house inquiry is ongoing. If the report finds something wrong, an FIR could be directed, or the matter could be referred to the Parliament. Today is not the time to consider (the registration of FIR)," the bench had remarked then. Questioning the non-registration of an FIR on March 14 itself, the day when unaccounted cash was reportedly found, the petition said the delay on the part of the authorities concerned to make available to the public the electronic records leads to the irresistible inference that what was going on was an attempt at a cover-up. Following the alleged cash discovery, which sent shockwaves across the judicial corridors, the then CJI Sanjiv Khanna had constituted a 3-member committee to conduct an inquiry against Justice Varma. Amid the in-house probe, Justice Varma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium had earlier recommended that the Centre repatriate Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court. Earlier, this month, then CJI Khanna had forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister the report of the top court-appointed in-house enquiry panel. "Chief Justice of India, in terms of the In-House Procedure, has written to Honble the President of India and Honble the Prime Minister of India enclosing therewith copy of the 3-Member Committee report dated 03.05.2025 along with the letter/response dated 06.05.2025 received from Mr Justice Yashwant Varma," said a press statement released by the apex court on May 8. New Delhi: The Supreme Court today heard the petitions, challenging the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act. It sought to know from senior lawyers representing different petitioners impact (if any) of the new legislation on religious freedom and control of Muslims over endowed property. As the hearing began, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal led the charge. He said waqf is not a secular creation. It is a property dedicated by Muslims to God. As earlier, he strongly opposed the laws new provision of inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf bodies. He told the bench that the new Central Waqf Council can now have a Muslim minority. He backed his statement with the fact that the councils 22-member body will now have 10 Muslims, the minority affairs minister and others who include a bureaucrat, eminent personalities and jurists. As a result, according to him, the government has taken away Muslims control on the donated properties. Referring to Hindu and Sikh institutions as examples, Sibal told the top court, Every religious endowment, not a single person is a Muslim or non-Hindu. Chief Justice BR Gavai, at that point, asked Sibal, What about Bodh Gaya? All are Hindus. I knew you will ask this, responded Sibal and explained that some worship sites are shared between Hindus and Buddhists. These are mosques. This is not secular. Creation of Waqf is itself not secular. It is a Muslim property dedicated to God, he said. Representing a petitioner, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi stepped in and said the new law forces petitioners into a never-ending process just to register a waqf. This is just to infuse fear. Endowments exist in every religion. Which other endowment demands proof that you have followed the religion for five years? he asked. He reiterated the much heard argument that once a dispute is raised, the property can lose its waqf status. He called the provision unfair and damaging. Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhawan told the court that religion is being redefined for the first time in Indian law. We are a secular nation. One of my clients is a Sikh. He says he wants to contribute to waqf and believes his property should not be taken. This issue strikes at the heart of secularism, he said. Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi wondered as to how authorities would check if someone is a practicing Muslim under the laws requirements. Can someone ask me: do you pray five times a day? Or if I drink? Is that how it will be judged? he asked. The hearing will continue tomorrow. Chief Justice Gavai reminded the court earlier in the day that Parliament-approved laws are presumed constitutional and that courts cannot strike them down without a glaring violation of Constitution. Passed last month, the Waqf Amendment Act triggered widespread protests. Muslim organisations claim the law is an attack on minority rights and accuse the government of trying to take over waqf properties. However, the government argues that the changes will improve how waqf boards work. It says the amendments will make the system more efficient, inclusive and transparent. Zee News's Regional Channel Hacked By Pakistan: Frustrated with Zee News' nationalistic coverage post Operation Sindoor, frustrated Pakistani and Bangladeshi hackers have hacked Zee News' regional channel Bihar-Jharkhand. While the live TV feed was hacked, the channel continues to broadcast its content from its YouTube platform. Talking about the cyberattack, Pawan Duggal, Cyberexpert, said that while this hacking attack is a tool of to divert attention, Pakistan cannot gain anything from this failed attempt. Pakistani hackers also tried to hack the Zee News' main channel but their attemp was foiled. Notably, during the Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has banned Zee News in the country. Pakistan's condition is deteriorating day by day. Failed to counter Indian Armed Forces, Pakistan has now started attacking ZEE NEWS, a channel which exposes its evil intentions all over the world. Pakistan has launched a cyber attack on ZEE NEWS. However, it has been foiled. This failed attempt from Pakistan was recorded at three centers of Zee News (Mumbai, Bhopal and Patna). ZEE NEWS has been a thorn in the eyes of the Pakistani government and army since long because Zee News has always been showing the truth of Pakistan to the world. During Operation Sindoor, when Zee News was telling the truth to the whole world about Pakistan's evil intentions, the Shahbaz Sharif government had banned ZEE NEWS in its country. However, the people of Pakistan were still watching ZEE NEWS using VPN and YouTube. Dhaka: In yet another significant development highlighting the growing bonhomie between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has granted permission to another private Pakistani airline, Air Sial, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi. CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan was quoted by the local media as saying that a formal order will be issued later on Tuesday after which the ministry will appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) and apply for flight slots. Once operational, Air Sial flights will allow Bangladeshi passengers to not only travel to Pakistan but also transit through the country to other international destinations, bdnews24.com reported. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) had formally revived the proposal for operating direct flights during a meeting with Bangladesh's Advisor for Travel and Tourism Sheikh Bashir Uddin in Dhaka on January 12, earlier this year. The last Pakistani airline to fly directly to Bangladesh was Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) which ceased operations on the route in 2018 due to low booking rates and financial losses. Earlier in February, CAAB had approved Fly Jinnah to operate direct flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported that Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain had said that, if approved, Air Sial may be able to commence flights to Dhaka within two months. The prospect of renewed direct flights gained momentum under the current administration led by Muhammad Yunus, following a shift in Dhaka-Islamabad relations after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. Hyderabad Metro Ticket Discount: The Hyderabad Metro Rail management has announced a 10% discount on the newly increased fares, which started on May 17. L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) said the discount will be available from May 24 and will apply to all routes across the three metro corridors. The company said this decision was made after listening to passenger feedback and to make travel more affordable while also managing costs. Last week, the metro had increased fares by Rs 2 on the minimum fare, raising it from Rs 10 to Rs 12, and by up to Rs 15 on the maximum fare, making it Rs 60. This was a 2025% hike overall. This is the first fare increase in seven and a half years since the metro service began. L&TMRHL said the hike was recommended by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC). The discount in fare is part of a long-term plan to keep the metro running smoothly and sustainably. However, the hike was not well received by commuters, many of whom demanded a rollback. The opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), urged the government to withdraw the hike immediately by absorbing the cost on behalf of the Hyderabad Metro Rail. Responding to public concerns, L&TMRHL announced a 10% discount on the revised fares. The company stated that this decision underscores its commitment to addressing passenger needs while maintaining operational sustainability. While the fare revision was essential for the sustainability of metro operations, we understand the importance of minimizing the financial impact on our valued passengers. In alignment with our passengers feedback and welfare, we have decided to offer a 10 percent discount on the newly revised fares across all fare zones in all three metro corridors, effective May 24, 2025. This move demonstrates our dedication to making daily commuting more accessible, said KVB Reddy, MD & CEO of L&TMRHL. The FFC, chaired by a former High Court judge, was constituted by the Centre on September 5, 2002. It had recommended a revised fare structure on January 25, 2023. The committee had proposed a two-stage fare hike two years ago, with a six-month gap between each stage starting from February 2023. However, due to various factors, including the general elections, the implementation was delayed. While announcing the fare hike, the company stated that it could no longer afford to postpone the decision, as losses had been mounting. It emphasized the need for funds to procure new metro trains and increase service frequency during morning and evening peak hours. (With IANS Inputs) New Delhi: In an unexpected development, actor Akshay Kumar has reportedly sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal for backing out of Hera Pheri 3. A tweet posted by film critic Rohit Jaiswal stated that the production house of the Khiladi actor has sued Paresh for Rs 25 crore. The tweet further read: "The production house alleges unprofessional conduct and seeks damages for his abrupt departure from the film, which caused financial and reputational harm" Multiple media reports suggest that Rawal leaving the project despite officially signing on is a breach of contract. Akshay Kumar reportedly bought the rights to the film from Feroz Nadiadwala. Raju and Babu to now fight legal battle Cape of Good Films sues Paresh Rawal for 25 crores over breach of contract. The production house alleges unprofessional conduct and seeks damages for his abrupt departure from the film, which caused financial and reputational harm.. pic.twitter.com/HY5q65Xa5M Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) May 20, 2025 The iconic trioAkshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawalhad allegedly started shooting for the film under director Priyadarshan in April. Earlier, Paresh Rawal confirmed his exit from the franchise and denied rumours of creative differences. I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film's director, he shared on X. His exit has left fans angry and disappointed. Before this, Rawal had backed out of Oh My God 2 in 2023. Director Reacts To Legal Notice Speaking to Hindustan Times, Priyadarshan, the director of the movie, said that Akshay has the right to sue Paresh Rawal since he invested money in the film. The director said, I don't know why this happened because Paresh didn't inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel, and I did, and both were onboard. He further added, I don't have anything to lose, but Akshay has invested money, and that could be the reason why he is taking this action. Paresh Rawal hasn't spoken to me till date. Priyadarshan returned for the third installment of Hera Pheri and reunited with the original cast, including Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel in the roles of Raju, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, and Ghanshyam. Cannes : Actor Denzel Washington received a big surprise at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night, reported The Hollywood Reporter. According to the publication, Washington was honoured with the prestigious honorary Palme d'Or, a special award given to celebrate his long and successful career in cinema. The unexpected moment happened just before the screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee. Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux presented the award. This makes Washington the 22nd person to ever receive the honor. Washington is currently performing on Broadway in Othello and made a short visit to France for the festival. The award came as a surprise, unlike the one given earlier this year to Robert De Niro, which was announced ahead of the festival. Since the honorary Palme d'Or was introduced in 2002, it has been given to some of the most respected names in the film world. Past recipients include Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Michael Douglas, Meryl Streep, and George Lucas. In 2022, Tom Cruise was also surprised with the award. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. A high-level delegation from the Tbilisi Free Trade and Industrial Zone, led by Giorgi Pertaia, is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan on May 2122, 2025, to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation and logistics, Trend reports via the Ozeltexsanoat Association. During the visit, Giorgi Rogava, Commercial Director, and Soso Nibladze, Chief Executive Officer of the Tbilisi Free Trade and Industrial Zone, are set to hold talks with the Ozeltexsanoat Association. The discussions will focus on several key areas. First, there will be a detailed overview of the activities of the Tbilisi Free Trade and Industrial Zone, as well as the conditions it offers to businesses. Second, the delegation will present opportunities for establishing electrical engineering production within the free trade zone, with the added benefit of exporting these products to European Union markets under preferential conditions. Finally, the meeting will address strategies and mechanisms for optimizing supply chains and reducing logistics costs for local enterprises. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Georgia reached $325.7 million in 2024, reflecting a remarkable 3.7-fold increase compared to 2017 ($89.1 million). This growth underscores the expanding economic cooperation between the countries. Cannes : Actor Denzel Washington, who was honoured with the prestigious honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night, got into a heated argument with a handsy photographer. The Hollywood star walked the red carpet for the premiere of his movie 'Highest 2 Lowest' when he started exchanging words with one of the many photographers lined up to capture the stars of the event, reported Page Six. Washington approached the shutterbug, pointed his finger in his face, and appeared to reprimand him, as per the outlet. The photographer tried to lighten up the mood by grabbing the Oscar winner's arm, but this only worsened the issue, according to Page Six. "Stop it, stop it, stop it," Washington repeated as he flung the man's hand off his arm and walked away, as per the outlet. Before this incident, Washington was busy interacting with his co-star A$AP Rocky. While director Spike Lee started his conversation with the rapper, Washington's attention was turned towards the camerapersons, according to Page Six. Washington received a big surprise at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night as he was honoured with the prestigious honorary Palme d'Or, a special award given to celebrate his long and successful career in cinema. The unexpected moment happened just before the screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee. Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux presented the award. This makes Washington the 22nd person to ever receive the honour. Washington is currently performing on Broadway in Othello and made a short visit to France for the festival. The award came as a surprise, unlike the one given earlier this year to Robert De Niro, which was announced ahead of the festival. New Delhi: Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas made headline as her graceful presence goes viral at the BVlgari Polychroma High jewellery brand event in Sicily, Italy. Priyanka who is long-time brand ambassador for Bvlgari stole the show in a timeless beige Christian Dior ensemble, Priyanka exuded effortless elegance, pairing the look with a statement Serpenti Aeterna jewellery piece from Bvlgaris latest Polychroma collection. Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to share glimpse from her night at Bvlgari's fashion event. Sharing multiple photos she simply captioned the post as, ''A night in Sicily. '' Take A Look At The Post: The evening also saw Priyanka warmly interacting with Bvlgaris CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, BLACKPINK's Lisa, and actress Liu Yifei. Pictures from the star-studded Bvlgari event made rounds on social media. Her viral videos and photos with BLACKPINK member and South Korean sensation Lisa sparked buzz, as the duo were seen enjoying a conversation. Meanwhile, her photos from a gala dinner with Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin also made headlines. Having represented Bvlgari on global platformsfrom Venice to Paris to MumbaiPriyanka continues to embody the spirit of modern luxury, blending heritage with high fashion. Her red-carpet moment was as poised as it was powerful. She dazzled at the 2025 Met Gala wearing the ''Magnus Emerald'' necklace from Bvlgaris Polychroma High Jewelry collection. Featuring an emerald of 241.06 carats, the necklace showcases one of the largest and most exquisite precious stones in the world. On professional front, Chopra is all set to star in 'Heads of State' alongside Idris Elba and John Cena, the action-comedy is scheduled for release on 2nd July 2025. She also has 'The Bluff', second season of hit series 'Citadel' in her kitty. Talking about her other projects, Priyanka is currently gearing up for 'SSMB29' with Mahesh Babu and acclaimed director SS Rajamouli which will mark her comeback to Indian cinema after her 2019 film 'The Sky Is Pink'. With her recent visit to Hyderabad fans are now waiting for more updates from her New Delhi: At the recently concluded 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, all eyes were on action superstar Tiger Shroff as he set the stage ablaze with his high-octane dance performanceonly to surprise fans with the most heartwarming twist of the evening. Just before his electrifying act, Tiger was joined on stage by a young fan and choti dance rival in a fun, impromptu face-off that had the audience cheering in delight. Known for his unmatched flawless dance moves, Tiger once again raised the bar with what many are calling the best performance of the night. From flipping through the air to grooving with effortless finesse, he quite literally broke the dance floor. But it was the adorable moment he shared with the young dancer that won hearts across the board. Tiger, who has always had a soft spot for kids and is often seen interacting with his youngest fans, matched moves with the tiny performer in a sweet, playful showdownreminding everyone why he is not just an action king but also a favourite among children. Fans wont have to wait long to see more of him in action. Tiger Shroff's much-awaited Baaghi 4, is all set to release on September 5, 2025. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned. Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as "utterly intolerable," and called for an immediate ceasefire. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer said, "The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable," and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are "horrified by the escalation from Israel." He said an "immediate ceasefire" remains "the only way to free the hostages." He also reaffirmed Britain's opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza. "The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate," Starmer said. "We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve." Britain, France and Canada said on Monday that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete actions, Xinhua news agency reported. In a joint statement, the three countries said that these actions could include targetted sanctions. They described the recent Israeli escalations in Gaza as "wholly disproportionate," and emphasised that the three countries will not stand by "while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions." The statement also indicated that the three countries oppose expanding settlements in the West Bank, and urged Israel to halt settlements "which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back by saying that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his allies have offered Hamas a "huge prize," calling on "all European leaders" to follow US President Donald Trump's vision for ending the conflict. Four weeks after a massive power blackout, which left millions without electricity for around 23 hours in April, mobile network across Spain went down on May 20 leading to a countrywide communication crisis. Users lost both internet access and phone signals. Even emergency lines (112) stopped functioning in several areas. The situation reached to the extent that authorities had to issue temporary numbers for emergency services to help people in need. Major cities such as Valencia, Seville, Barcelona and Madrid faced the heat of this outage. All big communication services providers like Telefonica and Vodafone were affected by the outage. Compared to cell phones, the outage hit harder landline communication services. It also affected voice services. According to Downdetector, the outage began around 2 a.m., with at least 72% of users reporting it. Eighteen percent users had no signal. Ten percent of them faced a complete blackout. The crash took place, according to Telefonica, as a result of a network upgrade. We did some upgrade work, and it affected fixed voice and internet services for some companies. We are working to fix it. Some services, like 112, are already back, media reports have quoted a spokesperson as saying. Meanwhile, the authorities claim to have restored emergency numbers in areas such as Andalusia, La Rioja, Aragon and Valencia. The Spanish government said it is monitoring the situation, and the Ministry for Digital Transformation has asked Telefonica for updates on the outage and a timeline for a full recovery. As a result of the crash, metro systems in Portugal and Spain faced a halt, darkness blanketed streets and airlines faced disruptions. Hundreds of flights were canceled. Sensing the possibility of a cyber attack, Spain has launched multiple probes, headed by a high court judge, into the blackout. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasised that renewable energy should not be blamed for the outage. And REE, the head of Spains power grid, too agreed with the prime minister. Following calls with US President Donald Trump and other European leaders on the potential ceasefire talks with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday (local time) voiced his uncertainty about Russia's readiness to commit to a ceasefire, citing a lack of trust in Moscow's intentions. Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's willingness to pursue a full ceasefire without preconditions, a proposal initially put forward by US President Donald Trump, while emphasising the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment through concrete actions. "I don't know the principles from the Russian side. As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian side wants to send us a memo on how they see the principles, and they want to see not only a ceasefire; they want some more principles," Zelenskyy stated. "I really count on it that everybody is very interested in a ceasefire. Too many losses; we really want to finish this war. I'm not sure that Russia is ready, and we don't trust them. And that's what we want from them: a ceasefire, at the first step, to show that they're really ready to stop the war," he added. The Ukrainian President also underscored his consistent communication with international partners, saying, "I always share with all our partners, with the United States, with Europeans... I was very happy when President Trump proposed a full ceasefire without any conditions or preconditions. We've been ready for this. So these are our principles: ceasefire and then other steps, an exchange of prisoners." Zelenskyy's remarks follow his engagement in a call with Trump and European leaders, during which he reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for direct negotiations with Russia. This development follows after US President Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would "immediately" begin negotiations toward a ceasefire and a potential end to the ongoing war, with the Vatican offering to host the talks after the recent failure of ceasefire talks in Istanbul, despite the agreement to exchange prisoners between the two nations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Hungary may become a key hub within the Middle Corridor, the political scientist from Kazakhstan Zamir Karazhanov said in an exclusive interview with Trend. According to him, Hungary, as a member of the EU and a partner of the OTS, can use its geopolitical position. In 2024, an agreement was reached to create an intermodal freight terminal in Budapest with the participation of Kazakhstan, China, and Hungary, he said. Karazhanov also commented on the launch of the Turkic Investment Fund. "The Fund has just started its work, but it has become an important step in strengthening economic interaction. So far, the capital is limited ($500 million), so the emphasis is on supporting small and medium-sized businesses," the political scientist noted. He noted that in the context of modern geo-economic challenges, Kazakhstan is betting on strengthening regional trade and industrial cooperation. We set specific goals: for instance, with Uzbekistan - to reach a trade turnover of $10 billion by 2030, Karazhanov said. The political scientist emphasized that an important element of strengthening the OTS is the development of institutional mechanisms and joint documents. Kazakhstan was the initiator of the concept Vision of the Turkic World 2040". This is a strategic document that sets the vector of development. The practical implementation of joint projects, for example, in the field of green energy, also contributes to the growth of the organization's efficiency," he added. The political scientist stressed the importance of cooperation between the OTS countries also in the field of emergency response. "There are already examples of such solidarity - during the COVID-19 pandemic, during the earthquake in Turkey. It is important to develop this experience and formalize it through interstate agreements," he concluded. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. Uzbekistans Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, met with Japans Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Koga Yuichiro, in Tokyo to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the digital and technological sectors, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the sides expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership and consistent support between Uzbekistan and Japan. They exchanged views on expanding collaboration, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as digital innovation and trade. Shermatov extended his gratitude to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) for its efforts in organizing Japans first national pavilion at ICT WEEK 2025, set to take place in Tashkent this fall. He affirmed Uzbekistans full readiness to ensure the success of the event, which is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing technology partnerships. The initiative will offer Japanese companies direct access to the Uzbek market and new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the IT sector. Koga Yuichiro emphasized the significance of opening an IT Park representative office in Tokyo, calling it a milestone in bilateral relations and a strong foundation for future business collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of implementing projects aimed at developing digital human capital. Following the meeting, the Japanese side was invited to participate in ICT WEEK 2025, scheduled for September 2326 in Tashkent. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing friendly and strategic cooperation through a range of joint initiatives. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban are charting a path to an expanded strategic partnership, increasing mutual trade to 500 million euros through import substitution and GSP+ preferential conditions, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek Presidents Office. This was declared at a meeting at the Carmelita Palace, during which the sides discussed further steps to deepen the strategic partnership and expand the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary. The leaders acknowledged the steady progress in practical cooperation across all key areas, including enhanced contacts between the parliaments, governmental structures, sectoral ministries, and regions of the two countries. Cooperation within international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organization of Turkic States has also been effectively strengthened. Currently, the total portfolio of joint investment projects exceeds $500 million, with initiatives and projects valued at over 1.5 billion euros outlined following the current visit. The opening of the Hungarian OTP banks branch in Uzbekistan was particularly noted as a crucial step for European business in the region. Both sides have reached agreements to deepen their cooperation, including the establishment of a joint venture to develop car loans and a program to support entrepreneurship. Additionally, a poultry farming cluster project is actively underway in the Syrdarya region. During a morning meeting with business representatives, the leaders discussed new projects in various sectors such as transportation infrastructure modernization, road construction, logistics centers, development of utility networks, textile production, building materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, and aquaculture. A special industrial zone in Uzbekistan is also planned under the management of the Hungarian operator Inpark, targeting European investment companies. Both sides have agreed to prepare and adopt an Investment Partnership Program, which is to be approved during the next intergovernmental commission meeting in July in Budapest. Additionally, a proposal was made to revive the Uzbekistan-Hungary Business Council and hold its next meeting with broad participation from the business communities of both countries. The successful outcomes of the first Regional Forum, held last October in Kokand, were highly praised. Both sides reached an agreement to carefully prepare for the second Forum, which will take place in Hungary, aimed at further expanding interregional ties. In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Prime Minister Viktor Orban to pay a reciprocal visit to Uzbekistan. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The official opening ceremony of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Groups 2025 Annual Meeting took place in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. In his opening remarks, Algerias Minister of Finance Abdelkrim Bouzred emphasized that hosting the Annual Meeting reflects the countrys strong commitment to the Bank and its mission. Im pleased to welcome you all to Algiers for the 50th session of the Islamic Development Bank Group. This marks the third time weve hosted the meetingfollowing previous sessions in 1999 and 2001which speaks to the deep and lasting ties between Algeria and this international organization, he said. We greatly value the role the IsDB plays as a financial institution that supports development across its member countries, promotes improvements in the environment and infrastructure, and invests in human capitalall of which contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Bouzred added. He reaffirmed Algerias commitment to a strong partnership with the Bank, noting that Algeria, as one of its founding members, has always considered the IsDB a shared home. Also speaking at the event, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha stressed the need to deepen economic cooperation among OIC member states. In this context, we are filled with hope. We have important partners who will help our member states meet todays challenges and move toward a more prosperous and sustainable futurea future we deeply believe in, he said. The OIC General Secretariat will continue working closely with you to better serve the interests of our member countries. Chairman of the IsDB Group, Muhammad Al Jasser, said that the Islamic Development Bank and Algeria share a long-standing history of successful partnership. "Since its inception, the IsDB Group has been supporting Algerias development efforts through various financing and development activities, totalling about $3 billion, which reflects the depth of our partnership and the strength of cooperation ties.In this regard, I would like to commend the Algerias efforts to diversify its economy and make it more inclusive and equitable. Algeria is confidently moving forward on an ambitious development path that places economic diversification at the heart of its priorities. This underpins the Country Engagement Framework 2025-2027 which we are proud to launch on the occasion of these Annual Meetings," Al Jasser said. He went on to note that the world is going through a period of instability, marked by overlapping crises. "In the midst of a highly complex global landscape where crises are intertwined, the global economy today faces unprecedented challenges, on top of which are the escalating geopolitical tensions, the worsening economic fragmentation and the repercussions of climate change. These and other factors have led to a slowdown in global growth to 3.3% in 2024, with a further decline to 2.8% in 2025, according to the latest IMF report," IsDB Group chairman noted. According to him, developing a unified market and strengthening regional integration are key steps toward enhancing economic resilience, increasing self-sufficiency, and ensuring long-term economic stability. Al Jasser emphasized that despite all the challenges, the Islamic Development Bank has continued to play a leading role in advancing development efforts and promoting economic stability in its member countries. The event, which runs through May 22, is being held under the theme: "Diversifying Economies, EnrichingLives". BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, May 20. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov will pay a working visit to Budapest on May 2021, Sagynbek Abdumutalip, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, said, Trend reports via the presidential administration. The visit will take place at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to attend an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The informal meeting, which is being held for the first time in Hungarya country with observer status in the organizationwill be held under the motto "Meeting Point of East and West." The summit will be attended by the member states of the OTS countries. Representatives of the observer states to the OTS and the Secretary General of the Organization will also participate in the event. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), previously known as the Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, is an intergovernmental entity that includes all but one of the internationally recognized Turkic sovereign nations. The primary objective is to foster extensive collaboration among the Turkic nations. The General Secretariat of OTS is situated in Istanbul, Turkiye. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kyrgyzstan discloses number of investment project to be implemented this year Photo: Cabinet of the Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan is gearing up to roll out a treasure trove of investment projects in 2025, with a whopping $1.7 billion in the pot and the promise of thousands of new jobs on the horizon. The government is rolling up its sleeves to lend a helping hand to small and medium-sized enterprises, offering a leg up with preferential and interest-free loan programs. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Kyrgyzstan is ready to support initiatives aimed at developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as discussed within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), said Maksat Mamytkanov, the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Speaking at the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council in Baku, Mamytkanov emphasized that the innovations and cooperation projects being tossed around at the platform are worth their weight in gold for Kyrgyzstan. In this regard, the ambassador expressed his countrys willingness to offer diplomatic resources to advance cooperation. The diplomat called on the CICA Secretariat and the current chair Azerbaijan to consider using Kyrgyzstans embassy in Baku as a platform to strengthen cooperation and promote initiatives. We are always open to cooperation and ready to provide comprehensive support to ensure that your initiatives and best practices reach their target audience representatives of small and medium-sized businesses as quickly as possible, he stated. Mamytkanov underscored the criticality of engaging women entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan in collaborative initiatives within the framework of CICA. He posits that the evolution of small and medium-sized enterprises is pivotal in the economic metamorphosis of Kyrgyzstan, facilitating its assimilation into global logistics networks and propelling the progression of sustainable economic practices and alternative energy solutions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Tajikistan sees foreign investment growth while direct funding lags Tajikistan attracted 15.4 billion somoni ($1.4 billion) in foreign investment during JanuaryApril 2025, which is a notable year-on-year increase. However, foreign direct investment (FDI) made up only 5.5 percent of the total. Authorities have been instructed to intensify efforts to attract direct investment, especially in support of industrialization and job creation. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Tajikistan's industrial output rises in January-April 2025 Photo: Embassy of Tajikistan in Austria, Hungary, Norway, Romania, and Slovakia Tajikistan's industrial sector picked up steam in early 2025, with output shooting up over 25 percent year-on-year. While the extractive industry kicked off the surge, the sluggish performance in manufacturingespecially textile productionbrought about calls for targeted reforms and new investment. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 20. Hungarys OTP Bank Group is steadily strengthening its presence in Uzbekistans financial market, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated during a meeting with OTP Bank Group Chairman of the Board Sandor Csanyi, Trend reports via the administration of the President of Uzbekistan. The meeting took place during Mirziyoyevs official visit to Hungary. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic growth of OTP Banks activities in Uzbekistan since 2023 and its increasingly solid position in the local financial sector. Mirziyoyev welcomed joint programs launched in the areas of auto loans and business financing and highlighted the importance of promptly launching a major poultry cluster project. Focused emphasis was strategically allocated towards the enhancement of Hungarian capital deployment initiatives within the industrial zone presently in the developmental phase in the Tashkent region. In this framework, OTP Bank was acknowledged for its pivotal contribution in delivering fiscal backing and strategic counsel for high-potential ventures. The parties reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral synergies, especially via innovative channels of investment collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Iran's Bahar Azadi gold coin gains in price Prices for Irans Bahar Azadi gold coin rose again on May 20, with the new edition selling for nearly 740 billion rials amid ongoing currency volatility. The increase follows the Central Bank's shift to a floating exchange rate system, which has contributed to broader fluctuations across Irans gold market. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS)(ASX:EOS) develops, manufactures and sells sophisticated aerospace technology with a wide range of applications through two business divisions - military and space.EOS' remote weapon systems enable a weapon to be fired rapidly and accurately by a gunner safely relocated away from the weapon. Typically the technology is applied for mounting weapons on the top of an armoured vehicle, and the gunner inside the vehicle. EOS remote weapon systems have been produced in significant numbers for US Army, NATO forces, Australia, and other countries around the world.EOS' space division is as a manufacturer of telescopes and technology to support space surveillance and space debris management, including removal. In space surveillance, EOS's laser tracking systems and computer technology can simultaneously track tens of thousands of orbiting objects - as small as 2 cm in diameter -while its space ablation technology and systems can potentially alter the orbits of objects (e.g. satellites) in spaceEOS has around 140 employees, based in Canberra (Australia), Tucson (Arizona), Singapore and Deggendorf (Germany). The company also has manufacturing centres in Queanbeyan and in Tucson, Arizona. Iran proposes extension of electricity swap deal with Turkmenistan Iran has thrown its hat in the ring to extend its electricity exchange agreement with Turkmenistan. The progress of the Mashhad-Mari power line was on the table, with the goal of boosting energy exchange and keeping the lights on for everyone involved. The project will bolster regional ties and put Iran's energy standing in Central Asia on the map. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Iran intends to comprehensively expand and strengthen gas cooperation with Turkmenistan, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said during a meeting with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, constructive understanding with neighboring countries, especially with friendly and brotherly Turkmenistan, has always been of great importance for Iran, and the current Iranian government is also interested in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan in the energy sector. Paknejad spotlighted the rapid implementation of the swap of Turkmen gas to Turkiye through Iran, adding that Iran also hopes for the same rapid implementation of agreements in the energy sector, including the Turkmen gas import. At the meeting, Meredov said that in recent years, relations between Turkmenistan and Iran have taken a new format, and the two countries are in favor of developing cooperation in various fields. He pointed out that gas exports to Iran, the construction of gas pressure boosting stations and gas pipelines, and the swap of Turkmen gas to various countries through Iran are the three main objects of discussion with the Iranian side. According to the foreign minister, currently, Turkmenistan produces more than 80 billion cubic meters of gas per year, and it's possible to export a significant part of it in cooperation with Iran. The Turkmen minister called the imminent start of the swap of Turkmen gas to Turkiye via Iran a sign of positive cooperation between the two countries and said that more steps could be taken to develop relations. He mentioned that Turkmenistan has its sights set high for gas exports to Iran. To note, the four-day 18th meeting of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission began in Tehran on May 17. The meeting is chaired by Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh and Meredov. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the US on the nuclear program can play an effective role in the regional peace and stability, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, the countries of the region are throwing their hats in the ring to back the ongoing talks between Iran and the US. They're rolling up their sleeves to help clear the air and bridge the gap between the two sides, hoping to bring their positions closer together. He pointed out that peace and stability in the region are one of the most important issues for all regional countries. Araghchi said that Iran attaches great importance to the policy of cooperation with neighboring countries. Dialogue, discussion, and diplomacy are the directions that Iran has chosen as its priority. Speaking about the meetings with officials from various countries within the framework of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, the minister noted that detailed talks were held with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi on the ongoing discussions between Iran and the US. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also attended the meeting. A number of ideas of the Qatari minister were also discussed at the trilateral meeting. It is encouraging that the positions of the region, especially the countries around the Persian Gulf, regarding Iran are more diverse. Its signs can be observed in the discussions between Iran and the US. To note, three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Iran will never give up its rights in indirect talks with the United States, said the country's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports. In an interview with local media in Tehran today, Araghchi pointed out that Iran has stepped into the talks with both guns blazing, standing firm on principles that safeguard its position and rights. He emphasized that the positions put forward by US officials in recent days do not represent a logical approach for Iran. "Iran does not consider uranium enrichment negotiable under any circumstances," Araghchi stated. To recall, three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Iran commits to enhancing relations with Turkmenistan in all areas, especially in the economic and trade spheres, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said during a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Trend reports. According to him, the Tehran Dialogue Forum, along with creating conditions for consultations on the development of bilateral relations, is an opportunity to examine important issues at the regional and international levels. At the meeting, Meredov said that the agreements reached within the framework of the 18th meeting of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission being held in Tehran will result in an increase in trade turnover and the development of cooperation between the two countries. The ministers of the two countries also exchanged views on cooperation in international circles and mutual support for each other's initiatives. To note, on May 18, a two-day Tehran Dialogue Forum was held in Tehran with the participation of officials from 53 countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The boosted mutual cooperation and increased joint investments between Iran and Turkmenistan will guarantee the welfare and friendship of the two nations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a meeting in Tehran with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov today, Trend reports. According to him, Iran has its sights set on forging a strong partnership with Turkmenistan across a multitude of fields, including the economic landscape, cultural exchanges, investment opportunities, road infrastructure, freight transport, transit routes, and beyond. The Iranian president stated that, in addition to importing Turkmen gas, Iran has the potential to swap and export Turkmen gas to regional countries. The gas pipelines between Iran and Turkmenistan should be designed and built in a way that accommodates all three goals. Welcoming the Turkmen governments initiative to hold the next Caspian Sea summit in Ashgabat, the Iranian president emphasized that the Caspian Sea is a valuable asset for protecting the environment of all littoral states. All efforts must be made to preserve its ecological condition and climate. During the meeting, Meredov mentioned that Turkmenistan is keeping its eye on the ball when it comes to long-term economic cooperation with Iran and is pulling out all the stops to make it happen. To note, the 18th four-day session of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission began in Tehran on May 17. The session is co-chaired by Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Meredov. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) is preparing a strategic framework to become premier partner in human development, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser said, addressing the official opening ceremony of the IsDB Annual Meetings in Algiers, Trends special correspondent reports. In 2024, total financing approvals exceeded US$13 billion, an increase of more than 12% compared to the previous year, reflecting the IsDB Group's commitment to providing quick and effective solutions to confront crises and emergency challenges. In 2024, total financing disbursements on project exceeded US$9 billion, representing about 70% of the approvals, further demonstrating the IsDB Group's keenness to turn commitments into real achievements, he said. Al Jasser noted that as part of the Bank's focus on critical sectors, $1.5 billion were allocated to support the transport sector given its pivotal role in stimulating growth and facilitating regional connectivity. We have also paid close attention to food security, with nearly US$2 billion allocated to the agriculture sector in 2024. The energy sector received US$918 million in financing to help build sustainable and integrated energy systems. Regarding the other IsDB Group entities, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector has approved US$663 million to support the growth of the private sector in member countries and enhance its role in economic and social development. The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation has exceeded US$7 billion in approvals, while business insured by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit amounted to approximately US$13 billion, said the IsDB Group chairman. Al Jasser pointed out that after celebrating the Bank's Golden Jubilee in April last year in Riyadh, we launched a new phase of strategic planning that will shape the IsDB Group's journey into its sixth decade. We have since embarked on the preparation of the Group's Ten-Year Strategic Framework for the period 2026-2035, with an ambitious vision to make the IsDB Group the development partner of choice promoting comprehensive human development and safeguarding human dignity. As directed by the Governors during last year's Roundtable, the Bank has launched a strategic initiative to design a concessional financing window which will be dedicated to least developed member countries, he added. ALGIERS, Algeria, May 20. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has launched its innovative Matchmaking Platform for South-South Cooperation (SSC) under the spirit of From the South to the South, and by the South, during a high-level event held at the Centre International de Conferences (CIC) in the Algerian capital city, Algiers, as part of the 2025 IsDB Group Annual Meetings, Trends special correspondent reports. The IsDB Matchmaking Platform was developed under the Roadmap for Scaling Up the Reverse Linkage Mechanismand brought to life by the IsDBs Reverse Linkage Division. It directly responds to the requests of the IsDBs Governors and is a key outcome of the Riyadh Declaration@50, adopted during the IsDBs Golden Jubilee in 2024. This declaration reaffirmed South-South Cooperation as a central pillar of the IsDBs future direction. The platform offers Member Countries seamless access to over 300 onboarded Resource Centres across 11 thematic areas, showcasing a proven track record of technical expertise, development cooperation, and innovation. It also allows new institutions and resource centres to join the ecosystem and ensures real-time feedback and knowledge sharing. In southern Argentina, bordering Chile, lies South Americas most famous glacier: Perito Moreno. In 2024, nearly 700,000 people gazed out from the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park, from where they could glimpse the end of this imposing 260-square-kilometer (100 square miles) ice giant. This year, visitors were surprised by the collapse of larger-than-usual ice sheets, which even temporarily blocked the dock from which boats depart. These are one sign, but not the only one, of the progressive loss of mass that Perito Moreno has been experiencing since 2018, when it ceased to be in equilibrium and began a retreat that scientists consider irreversible. In the last seven years, its margins have shrunk by almost 2,000 meters, and the walls are losing height at an ever-increasing rate. One of the first people to sound the alarm was 81-year-old geodetic-geophysical engineer Pedro Skvarca, who has been monitoring the evolution of this natural monument for more than three decades. There is a noticeable and accelerated retreat of the glacier, Skvarca said during a public talk last week. The scientist noted that rising temperatures caused by climate change have been decisive in the reduction of the ice mass. The climate is warmer, there is more melting and more water at the base. As a result, the glacier is accelerating and thinning, he noted. Glacier geologist Lucas Ruiz confirms that Perito Moreno has broken the exceptional balance it maintained for at least a century, which differentiated it from the general trend affecting other glaciers such as Upsala and Viedma. This means that the amount of ice it accumulates annually at its sources is now less than the amount it loses. The Perito Moreno Icefield starts from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and advances, like a conveyor belt, at a speed of about two meters per day in its central area toward Lake Argentino. According to Ruiz, the loss of mass began between 2017 and 2018 and is increasingly rapid. At the front, the obvious signs began a little later, starting in 2020, says the National Scientific and Technical Research Council researcher and consultant for Geo Estudios, referring to the five-kilometer-long wall that rises more than 60 meters above the waters of the lake, where tourists can admire it. Tourists walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier, near El Calafate, Argentina, in 2021. Natacha Pisarenko (AP) Breakups increasingly unlikely One of those signs is the thunderous breakup of the Perito Moreno Glacier, which used to occur every two or three years. The glacier advanced toward the peninsula and completely closed off one of the lakes branches, turning it into a natural dam. The water level began to rise and exerted increasing pressure on the mass of ice. After several weeks, the water managed to bore a tunnel through, and as erosion progressed, it eventually collapsed the ice dome. The last major closure was in 2018, when the water level of the Brazo Rico River rose nine meters, Ruiz notes. In 2022, there was a small closure lasting just one week. Its unlikely to happen again. We can maintain a little hope until contact with the peninsula is completely lost, because other processes are influencing it, and the closure is occurring in a small area. But the probability is increasingly lower, he warns. The temperature increase caused by climate change is behind the retreat of Perito Moreno and much of the over 16,000 ice bodies surveyed in Argentina. However, those that end in bodies of water like Perito Moreno have a particular behavior, determined by a ratio between the thickness of the ice and the depth of the lake. When this value exceeds a certain threshold, the only thing it can do is retreat. Perito Moreno has already crossed it in some places, but not in others, Ruiz points out. On average, the total surface melts one meter of water equivalent per year, but at the front, the thinning is about eight meters. We say that the decline is irreversible because the moment it begins, it doesnt slow down. That doesnt mean it will never slow down, but rather that it will lose the position of balance it held and seek another, Ruiz clarifies. This glaciologist laments that the budget cuts imposed by Javier Mileis government on Argentine science since the end of 2023 have slowed data collection, even on this iconic glacier, and caused a new brain drain. Perito Morenos retreat is now visible to the naked eye, although its enormous size continues to astound tourists who see it for the first time. If things continue on this path, they will be seeing it from further and further away. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The journey has come to a successful conclusion. A decade ago, Guillermo Galoe, 39, began visiting Canada Real, the Madrid neighborhood considered the largest informal settlement in Europe: 8,000 people living on both sides of a 10-mile-long, old cattle track, just a few minutes drive from downtown Madrid. Specifically, he went to Sector 6, the southernmost sector, between the Valencia highway and the border with the suburb of Getafe. Galoe began teaching film workshops at the same time as collecting his first Goya Award for Best Feature Documentary, for Delicate Balance, in 2017. I didnt take out the camera to film them until after the first two years, because a camera provokes a violent act, that of putting it in front of someone, and it involves a tremendous power dynamic, he recalls at Cannes. He began filming, shot a short film, Aunque es de noche (Even Though Its Night, 2023), which competed at Cannes and won the Goya in its category. And he kept goingg. I had a feature film, he recalls. Thats why he stayed in Canada Real, with his people (Ive been there every week, with the sacrifices that entails), and those residents are the ones who enjoyed most, on Monday, attending the premiere of Sleepless City in Cannes during Critics Week. And the idea is, in some way, to remain there. Some of the protagonists, thanks to the transition from short to feature film, are making their second appearance at Cannes. The Madrid regional government headquarters may not receive them, but at this festival, theyre seen on screen, and theyre loved on the red carpet. Sleepless City is not a continuation of the short film, but rather an expansion and refinement of that universe, narrated through the friendship between two teenagers, Toni and Bilal. Each seems to have their days numbered in the settlement. The former, a Romani, watches as his mother struggles to get an apartment; the latter, a North African, begins to prepare for a move to the south of France. Meanwhile, they spend their days filming themselves with their cell phones, playing with image filters. All around them are drugs, poverty, and despair. But there is also pride, a love of freedom, courage, and rebellion against pre-established notions. We decided to make a film with their community, not about that community, Galoe reflects. A scene from 'Sleepless City,' by Guillermo Galoe. On screen, this communion with the residents of the settlement which has been without electricity for years allowed for impressive camera shots and a depth of field that reveals meters and meters of life. Everything feels true because everything is true. Everything has nourished us, confirms the filmmaker. I realized how far we had come when filming the final sequence, which is extremely important to me. The van moves down that street in a straight line, as if it were a Wild West territory. We managed to blend more cinematic aspects, with circular camera shots, with that extra-cinematic life that is added with the animals, or the demolitions. Canada Real, in 'Sleepless City.' Galoe was driven by a challenge: I wanted to live up to the space. And to its inhabitants: Many are fighting to maintain and improve Canada Real. Thats why I focus on the intimate. The sociopolitical aspect is there, but the priority is the characters, a mix of actors who got their start with the short film, with other residents who have come along for the journey. What will happen to Canada Real in the future? And to its residents? I dont have answers, but I do have many questions that appear on screen. Its interesting to realize, for example, that those who are relocated to apartments end up trapped in neocapitalism, which keeps us in cells with only a refrigerator, a microwave, an oven... Consumption and needs multiply. Galoe continues: A character points out: Thats where they want to keep us under control. Its true, because it also perpetuates the ghetto. The story of Canada Real isnt a temporary one, its an eternal story: that village that is dismantled and disappears like a ghost and appears elsewhere. All in all, lets be critical, not romantic. Im worried about those children who see a guy using heroin on their doorstep. Those children are our children too. Guillermo Galoe, during the 'Sleepless City' shoot. Theres something else: racism. Of course. Thats why I talk about what social policy truly reflects the needs of its inhabitants. Lets think, for example, about Romani people, whose identity includes mobility. The filmmaker pauses for a moment. And then raises his voice: Lets not forget that theyve been discriminated against in this country for centuries. Theres an intergenerational problem that we have to address and stop. The filmmaker wants to end the interview for Sleepless City, which will be released in Spanish theaters in September, by talking about the community. We must put ourselves in the others shoes, he begins. And not just economically. They lack electricity, access to culture. Canada Real has been stripped of many basic needs. And I think weve given something back. Sleepless City is a collective event. Of course, theres an aesthetic focus, and its shaped by a perspective, that of the filmmaker, but its also enriched by what those two teenagers were filming. In this way, the audience sees how they see their world and how they see themselves. Suddenly, the screen explodes with color. And that, too, is Canada Real. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ronald Johnson rises from his chair and addresses his dinner companions. Hes surrounded by mariachis and says what almost any newcomer would say: Thank you, Mexico! Applause and cheers erupt, and the new U.S. ambassador places a hand on the shoulder of his host, Eduardo Verastegui, the most famous face of Mexicos far right: My brother here, he calls out. May God bless you all, he says before the diners applaud again and thank him, and the songs resume. Donald Trumps hawk has arrived in Mexico. This CIA veteran, former Green Beret, and friend of Nayib Bukele of El Salvador formally presented his credentials on Monday before President Claudia Sheinbaum, who also welcomed the new ambassadors from Colombia (Carlos Fernando Garcia Manosalva), Algeria (Messaoud Mehila), the Dominican Republic (Juan Bolivar Diaz), and Slovakia (Milan Cigan) at the National Palace. But out of all the newly appointed ambassadors, all eyes were on Johnson. The diplomats first days in Mexico have been intense. Almost upon landing, he and his wife, Alina, visited the Basilica of Guadalupe, north of Mexico City. Upon arriving in Mexico, as people of faith, my wife Alina and I visited Our Lady of Guadalupe to ask for wisdom and strength in this responsibility for the benefit of both nations, the diplomat posted on the embassys X account. It was after 10 p.m. and the couple, wearing American flags on their lapels, were posting their photos at the revered shrine. The next day Johnson met with Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente in the morning and had dinner with Verastegui in the afternoon, in a scene shared by the far-right leader on his social media. Ronald Johnson and his wife Alina Johnson, during a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe, on May 16, 2025. EMBAJADA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS EN MEXICO Dear people of Mexico, many greetings, the new ambassador officially introduced himself, striking a very different note from his predecessor, Ken Salazar. Our relationship with you, with Mexico, is of great importance; there is no other in the world that has a greater impact. We are more than partners; we are neighbors and friends, the diplomat said in a video in which he stated that he was in the country to work with President Sheinbaum on issues of interest such as security, the border, and migration. Johnsons appointment, with no experience in economic, trade, or financial affairs, fits into the tough-on-crime attitude that Trump wants for Mexico. The new ambassador is part of the Republican cadre that hasnt ruled out military action against the cartels in the country. He acknowledged as much before the U.S. Congress in March, when he was ratified, and where he went so far as to say that although cooperation with the Mexican government must first be sought, all cards are on the table. Sheinbaum contradicted him at that point: We dont agree: thats not on the table, not on the chair, not on the floor, not anywhere. This Monday, after the symbolic ceremony, the diplomats words were different: I thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for the conversation and her warmth during the presentation of credentials. He also later recalled the many calls between her and Trump that reflect the importance of the relationship and shared priorities. In the Republicans four months at the helm of the White House, tensions and crises between the two countries have ranged from fentanyl and migration to tomatoes, water, and screwworms. Johnsons military background precedes him. He began in the army as a secondment officer in Panama and over the years specialized in intelligence and covert operations. From there, he made the leap to the CIA, where he worked for decades in connection with various wars: the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and back to Latin America as an advisor to the Central Intelligence Agencys Southern Command. This isnt the first time Johnson has played the role of Trumps strongman abroad. During the Republicans first term (2016-2020), he served as ambassador to El Salvador. The deployment of the former military officer was symbolic of the shift in strategy the magnate was pursuing for the Central American country: the White House wanted a tougher line against the at that time all-powerful gangs and greater immigration control in one of the nations with historically the largest number of migrants to the United States, in addition to closer monitoring of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who was threatening trade deals with China. The selection of a military envoy for the post was almost unprecedented, and during his tenure, Johnson developed an unorthodox relationship with Bukele, criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and the systematic human rights violations of his administration. Johnson allowed himself to be photographed eating lobster or strolling through a park with his friend, as he described the Salvadoran leader. El Salvador followed Trumps lead, and in return, Washington avoided looking too deeply into the dirty laundry of its new ally in Central America. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition David Lammy, 52, arrived at the Foreign Office of the British Labour government almost a year ago, defending his idea of progressive realism. According to him, we must confront the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. But at the same time, it is important to pursue progressive goals, not just think about retaining power. Thats why he argues that the agreement from the first bilateral summit between the United Kingdom and the EU in the post-Brexit era, held this Monday, was never intended as a way to return to a club that the British decided to leave, but has instead managed to mend many fractured links between London and Brussels after years of Conservative and Eurosceptic governments. Lammy talked with reporters from four leading European newspapers (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Le Monde, Corriere della Sera and EL PAIS) immediately after the summit. Question. Some EU critics point out that this agreement isnt a big deal. Its too generic and leaves issues half-negotiated, they say. And British Eurosceptics accuse you of selling out to Brussels. Answer. I think that its hugely significant that we have been able to sign a security and defense partnership with our European friends, a partnership that means that were working not just on the conventional issues of defense spending and warfare, but also working together on hybrid threats and issues like irregular migration. This is groundbreaking for the European Union and the UK, and we shouldnt underestimate that. Despite a war in Europe, we didnt have that relationship with the European Union. It also opens a pathway to the United Kingdom playing its full part in the big issue for Europe over this next decade, which is, how do we re-industrialize and ensure that we have the adequate procurement to keep us safe. Q. Do you have any specific examples of what this agreement will entail? British troops on European missions, for example? A. I was talking to Kaja Kallas [the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy] about the challenges in the Balkans. Having traveled to Serbia, to Kosovo, to Bosnia, there are concerns about the undermining of the Dayton Accords, and we want to work closely with our European partners there. I think that its hugely important that we are able to complement NATO and to meet our obligations with the alliance in an era where Europe has committed to step up its burden-sharing responsibility. I think it is good that this agreement opens a pathway for us to be able to access the 150 billion (($163 billion) Defense Fund [SAFE, promoted by the European Commission]. Q. Two key aspects of the new agreement: the United Kingdom will see relaxed sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on products it exports to the EU, in exchange for aligning itself with EU regulations. And work is already underway on a Youth Experience Scheme that would allow young people to travel and work on both sides of the English Channel. The right-wing Eurosceptics are already talking about a betrayal by Labour. A. My sense is that the British people have moved on, and what they want is a pragmatic government that is able to look to the future and to negotiate a deal that lowers their bills and this government does that with deals on energy and electricity and carbon emissions that is able to make their supermarket purchases cheaper and thats what weve achieved with the SPS deal and of course, that makes them safer, and thats the defense pact. And thats what theyll be judging. Those in our political system who want to rehash the fights of the past can do so. But in the end, we must be pragmatic on behalf of the British people, and this is a deal that delivers prosperity, security, and economic growth. Q. In the end, its proof that geography matters. The UK is an island, but its not isolated. A. We left the European Union, but I dont think anyone suggested that we left Europe. The last government had run our relations with countries such as France, Germany, and Ireland into the ground. They were at an all-time low, and trade between the European Union and the UK was falling. This is agreement that begins to arrest that decline. We were very clear in the last general election that we would not be going back into the single market or the customs union. But we said we did want to make better the botched deal that Boris Johnson struck. Q. But with these aspirations, why havent you gone further in the commitments? There arent many details regarding the youth mobility plan. It seems as though youre still afraid of the specter of immigration. A. We made a deal with the British people, and were going to stick to it. And one of the deals we made alongside not joining the single market or the customs union was that we were not returning to free movement [of EU citizens]. We will work out the details of this Youth Experience Scheme, and I think it is a wonderful thing for young people in Europe to have the opportunity to spend time to work or study here in the UK and vice versa, just as we have similar arrangements with about 13 other countries in the world. But it will be capped and it will be time-limited, because thats what the British people expect. Q. Now that the defense agreement is out of the way, are we any closer to a Gibraltar deal? A. Weve always been clear that we want a deal that protects the sovereignty of Gibraltar, but together with the EU Commission, with my Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares, and with Gibraltar Chief Minister Picardo that we are doing everything we can to work towards getting a deal. And just so you know, Im putting a lot of effort into it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A worker carries a sack of ore at the Rubaya coltan mine in the M-23 rebel-held town of Rubaya in eastern DRC, March 24, 2025. The worlds largest exporters of coltan essential for digitalization, the energy transition, and weapons production have become the latest example of the U.S. governments transactional policies. At a time when world powers are seeking to secure supplies of critical minerals for the economy, dominated by China, the Donald Trump administration has sat down with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring Rwanda, with whom it hopes to close economic agreements within a couple of months. The U.S. plan is to pacify eastern DRC, a mineral-rich region where conflict has claimed some six million lives over the past 30 years, and pave the way for U.S. investors. A plan that sounds good on paper, but one that has raised red flags among experts and civil society representatives inside and outside Africa, tired of seeing local political elites and foreign corporations enrich themselves at the expense of the Congolese population, which remains among the poorest and most aggrieved in the world. EL PAIS spoke with leading experts in Congo, the U.S., and Europe about the key issues surrounding the negotiations; why the DRC is a wealthy country, but at the bottom of the Human Development Index; and what role various actors, including the European Union, should play in ending the regions natural resource curse. Miners work at the entrance of a shaft at the Rubaya coltan mine, near the M-23 rebel-held town of Rubaya, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 24, 2025. Zohra Bensemra (REUTERS) Risky agreements In February 2025, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi wrote a letter to the Trump administration offering access to key materials for the U.S. weapons and technology sectors. In return, Washington was to help Kinshasa expel the M23 rebel group from the east of the country, which continues its deadly advance to control critical mineral deposits. The U.N. and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supporting this Tutsi militia in neighboring Congo with weapons and troops, and of exporting minerals such as gold, tungsten, and tantalum plundered from the DRC. In this context, the Trump administration has chosen to pressure Kinshasa and Kigali to work on a peace agreement. Once signed, it plans to seal bilateral agreements that ensure the supply of critical minerals to the U.S. in exchange for investments. The details of these pacts are still unknown. However, a possible agreement between the U.S. and the DRC raises questions about its ability to promote development in a region marked by plunder and abuse since Leopold II of Belgium seized the Congo in 1885. Local authorities see the DRC as a prize, a mere source of raw materials to be exploited for their private benefit, as in the era of Leopold II" Jean Pierre Okenda, expert in extractive industries Alex Kopp, an expert with the investigative NGO Global Witness, fears that these deals suggest that only countries with resources to offer can afford to live safely. Its easy for these kinds of negotiations to border on extortion, because one of the parties is a country under attack and needs immediate protection, so theres a risk that they will end up paying an exaggerated price for it, Kopp warned via email. He referred to the recent minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine as a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, U.S. expert Jason Stearns, affiliated with Simon Fraser University and founder of the Congo Research Group at New York University, warns of the dangers of an economic agreement with Rwanda. If the U.S. gets involved with the mining sector in Rwanda for example, with companies dedicated to processing minerals it will be investing in contraband goods, he said in a telephone interview. Another key question, according to Stearns, is what all these agreements will mean for ordinary Congolese people. The cancer of corruption The DRC is a rich country, but its population is poor. Jean Pierre Okenda, a leading expert on extractive industries and governance, points out that the country has been governed by a kleptocratic system since colonization and the subsequent dictatorial regime of Mobutu Sese Seko, who rose to power with the support of the U.S. and Belgium and plundered the country for three decades. Local authorities see the DRC as a prize, a mere source of raw materials to be exploited for their private benefit, as in the era of Leopold II, laments Okenda, who currently heads the Congolese NGO La Sentinelle des Ressources Naturelles. Systematic and institutionalized corruption is a real cancer, he adds in a telephone conversation. Abusive trade pacts, such as the minerals agreement the DRC signed with China in 2008 and renegotiated in 2024, are often a consequence of this system. Exploitative agreements often go hand in hand with corruption and state capture, says Kopp of Global Witness. In fact, colonial and neocolonial powers have frequently turned to local authorities who supported their plans and accepted bribes in exchange for repressing those who demanded that the countrys resources be used for the benefit of the population. Crumbs for development Okenda, who participated in the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains held in early May in Paris, has delved into the topic of state capture, a type of influence exercised by economic and political elites, in the DRC. Seventeen years after the so-called deal of the century with China, the African country still lacks a national strategy on critical minerals to guide their management. According to the expert, who participated in the revision of the DRCs Mining Code in 2018, the majority of the countrys budget ends up being allocated to the operation of political cabinets, and barely a tenth of the annual national budget is allocated to the flagship development program launched by Tshisekedi. Furthermore, the salaries of the deputies in the National Assembly are unknown. Provinces like Katanga, rich in cobalt and copper, are exporting minerals in their practically raw state that is, without added value due to issues such as the lack of electricity supply. This is despite a minerals for infrastructure agreement with China and a promise to industrialize the Congolese economy. The Chinese legacy The DRCs General Financial Inspectorate, which audits public accounts, concluded that China invested less than 30% of the planned resources in 2008 and that the whereabouts of more than 60% of these funds remain unknown. Then there are the tax exemptions stipulated in the agreement, which have cost the DRC a fortune. The agreement between the U.S. and the DRC should strengthen rather than undermine the stability of Congolese democratic institutions, breaking with the kleptocratic conception of the state that has existed since colonization, Okenda summarizes. In his view, Americans should demand profound reforms against the corruption that has destroyed the DRCs democratic and economic progress, and support the processing of raw minerals on Congolese soil based on principles of good governance. Otherwise, there will be no difference between a pact with the U.S. or with China, which takes advantage of fragile states like ours to enrich itself while the Congolese live in misery, says the expert. Lessons for future agreements Okendas main appeal to Congolese leaders is to put the common good before their own political aspirations. The long-term before the short-term. Public benefit before private profit. A key practice, he explains, is selecting negotiators with the appropriate technical knowledge and capabilities, rather than relying on criteria of political loyalty. He also says its necessary to break the culture of opacity in decision-making: the Congolese learned about the DRCs initial offer to the U.S. through foreign media, for example. And, he adds, independent monitoring of the agreements must be guaranteed. One challenge is that only 19% of the DRCs territory has been explored for mineral resources, so the country doesnt really know what resources it has. Exploration can only be achieved with multi-billion-dollar private sector investment, which in turn requires legal certainty and carefully calibrated incentives to offset investor risk without compromising the DRCs long-term interests, as has been the case to date. The role of Europe and the US In any case, Stearns of the Congo Research Group doubts that the U.S. will be able to wrest dominance from China, which controls the entire ecosystem of critical minerals, from extraction to subcontracting, transportation, and processing. Regarding the escalating violence in eastern DRC, experts agree that international pressure is needed to force Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the neighboring country and its support for the M23 militia. At the same time, powers such as the EU and the U.S. should avoid purchasing minerals linked to the conflict. A Global Witness investigation published in April, for example, found that a Luxembourg-based company purchased 280 tons of coltan in Rwanda, allowing the country to export and thus launder contraband minerals connected to the war in eastern DRC. Western countries, which provide nearly a third of Rwandas income, must freeze aid, and the European Union must suspend its shameful raw materials agreement with Rwanda, Kopp said. Okenda observes that in the race for access to minerals, theres a temptation to turn a blind eye to corruption: If China doesnt follow any good practices and is cornering the market, why should we? He concludes: The truth is that more and more of us Congolese are fed up with this predatory model. The unbridled exploitation of our resources must end. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition On the outskirts of Khan Younis, beneath blackened adobe walls, 22-year-old Abdel Rahman Asfour balances long metal pipes, carrying heavy drums to his companions. Beneath these pipes, a primitive fire burns for 12 hours, slowly melting nearly a ton of crushed plastic into a sticky yellow substance. This viscous concoction is then piped into barrels, cooled using water pipes, and finally transformed, through trial and error, into precious drops of homemade fuel. We transport 900 kilos of this material by hand, without motors or pumps; we dont have the necessary equipment to do it any other way, says Asfour, father of a boy named Nahid. His team works four-hour shifts in scorching heat, sealing the iron pipe with thick bolts and feeding the fire with wood to obtain a kind of gasoline or diesel. His boss, Mohamed al-Aqqad, 47, watches the process from a safe distance. Months ago, his workshop was burned to the ground by an explosion caused by a cooking gas leak from a secondary pipeline; a mistake theyve since corrected by separating the gas and fuel lines. Now, as the first trickles of gas shoot upward, Al-Aqqads face lights up with a smile. Its proof its working, he explains as he prepares to collect the liquid fuels: first the gasoline and then the diesel, each evaluated for its color, smell, texture, and even how it burns in a motorcycle engine. Since early March, Israel has not allowed the entry of any supplies for Gazas 2.1 million inhabitants, a siege that has caused extreme shortages and driven up the prices of those items still available. On Monday, for the first time in more than two months, Israel announced that it had authorized the passage of at least five trucks carrying humanitarian aid, under international pressure, primarily from its main ally, the United States. This is a paltry amount of aid given the magnitude of the requirements. Faced with this bleak outlook, Gazans have resorted to extreme improvisation in recent months: inventing jobs that didnt exist before and reviving others that had practically disappeared to create a subsistence economy. What we do is help people survive, keep the water wells and old trucks running" Mohamed al-Aqqad, producer of homemade fuel These new jobs arent just a product of necessity, Al-Aqqad asserts. Theyre a way of hanging on, a way of saying were not throwing in the towel. For this father of seven, this tough trade is both a means of subsistence and a necessity. The siege has left us no other option, he says. Previously, he worked to resolve tribal disputes; now he risks his life and those of his workers to produce the fuel the territory can no longer import. Its not of the same quality, of course. Some engines break down, but repairing them costs much less than paying the black market price for Israeli or Egyptian fuel. A ton of shredded plastic costs him about $2,000, and a ton of firewood another $1,000: a significant investment to produce only about 700 liters of fuel, 200 liters of which are gasoline, which he then sells for $20 a liter (compared to $60 for commercial fuel). Diesel sells for $6 a liter, roughly half the price they ask for the scarce foreign fuel still available in the Strip. General view of the homemade fuel production station in Khan Younis, Gaza, April 15. Mohamed Solaimane Its an act of patriotism, Al-Aqqad concludes. What we do is help people survive, keep the water wells and old trucks running. However, while he proudly says he employs 10 men and supplies hundreds of customers, he laments the ineffectiveness of this method: without the proper equipment, they cant capture the gas byproducts or extract industrial solvents, which are lost in the process. The man who repairs lighters In the center of Khan Younis, 50-year-old Wael Barbakh leans over a table piled high with small springs, wheels, and nozzles. This father of eight repairs lighters, a trade unthinkable before the war, when a new one cost just 20 cents. Now, with imports blocked, a lighter sells for over $12, so its worthwhile to offer a repair service for just $1. I used to work in construction in Israel, says Barbakh, his face lined with fatigue. Before the outbreak of this war in October 2023, several dozen Gazans had received permission to work in Israel, often on construction sites, as bricklayers, or on farms near the Strip. When my savings ran out, I turned to this. People need fires for cooking, for light... for everything, he adds. He usually fixes about 20 lighters a day using parts from broken ones. He sometimes repairs them for free for poorer customers. Were all in the same boat, he adds. Ive had to move more than six times myself. Ive lost everything: my house, my money, even the most basic things. In the past 19 months, at least 53,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, according to figures from the local Health Ministry, which the UN uses as a reference. Wael Barbakh, 50, uses pieces from broken lighters to repair ones that no longer work, in Khan Younis, Gaza, April 15. Mohamed Solaimane. Despite the terrible circumstances they face, Barbakh says he feels fortunate to be able to earn some money to feed his family with this work. Demand is highest during periods when humanitarian aid isnt coming in, while when border crossings are open and goods are allowed to enter, prices for lighters can drop to $5 each, he explains. Never in my life did I imagine Id be repairing lighters, and that they would become such a rare and essential commodity. Repairing banknotes, another trade born out of necessity A few blocks away, 35-year-old Badr Sharab leans over a counter and carefully glues torn 20-shekel banknotes together, touching up their faded colors with water-based paints. His customers three of them queued around his table need these mends to keep their battered cash in circulation. Banks in Gaza have been closed for months, and Israel hasnt allowed new banknotes into the Strip since the outbreak of the war, nor has it removed damaged ones, so the local population has to make do with their tattered currency. Sharab, a father of three, used to sell blocks of ice. Now he restores banknotes, charging between 20 and 80 cents per bill. He only accepts payment once the repaired banknotes have been tested and accepted on the market. A detail of the repair process on a banknote in Khan Younis, April 15. Mohamed Solaimane I feel an immense responsibility. If the banknotes I fix dont work, people lose their money; and right now, every shekel counts for them, he explains. On a typical day, he handles more than 100 bills. Most are 20-shekel, although sometimes there are higher denominations from older issues, and merchants are reluctant to accept them unless they are pristine. Im not worried that Israel might bring back new banknotes, Sharab says, carefully brushing a bill. For now, Im doing what I can to help people keep their money. I feel an immense responsibility. If the banknotes I fix dont work, people lose their money; and right now, every shekel counts for them" Badr Sharab, repairer of damaged banknotes Among those waiting to be served by Sharab is 62-year-old Maha Al-Muzayyen, clutching a wad of crumbled banknotes that no shopkeeper will accept anymore. This mother of seven has seen her entire life transformed and, like the rest of the Strips residents, clings to these emergency solutions. We cook and bake with firewood, not gas. We no longer live in houses, but in tents. We use donkey carts as a means of transportation. We connect solar panels without batteries, only with cables, because we cant afford anything else. Al-Muzayyens voice trembles. I never imagined the day would come when we would be forced to repair paper money just to buy a little soap, she laments. But this is Gaza: we invent ways to survive. We just ask to be able to live, to be given a chance, instead of being pushed toward death. This article is published in collaboration with Egab, a platform that works with journalists in the Middle East and Africa. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The war continues in Sinaloa, ignoring the urgent needs plaguing the Mexican government. Authorities continue to count the dead, while the warring factions of the Sinaloa Cartel seek ways to prevail. This weekend, dozens of armed men appeared in a video widely distributed on social media, confirming a long-standing rumor: an alleged alliance between Los Chapitos, the faction headed by the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Previously, gunfights in the mountainous areas north of Culiacan heralded the possible strengthening of the opposing group, led by the henchmen of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, through alliances with local gangs. The weekend video enriches the tradition of recordings alluding to the underworld, now common in Mexico. A shadowy voice reads a kind of statement, then the armed men shout and fire into the air. On this occasion, the narrator states that the rumors are true, the alliance between the CJNG and Los Chapitos is confirmed, the cleanup has begun. Its all Mr. Mencho and Mr. Ivans people [referring to Ivan Arhivaldo Guzman and CJNG leader Nemesio El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes]! Then the gunshots begin, and immediately afterward, what sound like shouts imitating roosters crowing (another reference to the CJNG). The video cuts out at this point. Beforehand, the voice addresses all the victors who have become corrupted, that is, the allies of Los Chapitos who have switched sides. Its impossible to determine how much of the propaganda in the video is true. Since October, weeks after the internal Sinaloa Cartel war began, rumors about a pact between Los Chapitos and the CJNG began to surface on social media. At that time, journalist Luis Chaparro, a specialist in the Mexican criminal underworld, indicated by citing a source within Los Chapitos that the alliance was real, and that it centered around Adrian Alonso Covarrubias, known as El Ocho, El Menchos godson. There was no further news of the pact for several months, until now. Disregarding the statements of an alleged member of Los Chapitos speaking to reporters, or the information revealed in a propaganda video disseminated by alleged criminals, might seem reasonable, mainly due to the opaque nature of their motivations. But this case is different. Late last week, the DEA confirmed the rumors, stating that a strategic alliance between CJNG and Los Chapitos has the potential to expand these groups territories, resources, firepower, and access to corrupt officials, which could result in significant disruption to the existing balance of criminal power in Mexico. Authorities assist people wounded by gunshots in Culiacan, on May 19. Jose Betanzos Zarate (Cuartoscuro) This month thus appears as a kind of turning point in the war. Since May 5, clashes between the two sides, which had occurred mainly in the capital of Sinaloa, Culiacan, and the southern municipalities, have spread to the mountainous area north of the city. Trucks with armed men have circulated in broad daylight through municipalities like Guamuchil, and gunmen have exchanged fire in Choix and Badiraguato. Shots have reached the once peaceful municipality of Mocorito, known for its mining activity. On social media, rumors have swirled that some of the dominant gangs in those municipalities, previously close to Los Chapitos, have joined the opposing side. In the video, the suggestion is the same: all the allies who switched sides. Again, its difficult to know whether this is true or not, but it seems like the most sensible explanation. On Friday, the YouTube channel Ocran Leaks, which specializes in the underworld in Mexico, particularly in Sinaloa, reported that the flipped groups respond to the structure of Los Cholos, commanded until a few years ago by Ivan El Cholo Gastelum, a former lieutenant of El Chapo Guzman. Ocran points out that Los Cholos would have received support from the groups commanded by Isidro Meza, alias El Chapo Isidro, from Guasave and Los Mochis, a little further north. All these movements also coincide with rumors circulating since February about Ivan Archivaldo Guzmans last-minute escape from authorities in Culiacan that same month. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported on the evasion, which occurred in a house in the north of the city, thanks to a hidden tunnel in a bathroom. Ivan was thus emulating his father, a former criminal kingpin and master of escapes in North America El Chapo broke out of prisons, plural, as well as evading authorities from some of his homes who is now serving a life term in the United States. Ivan Archivaldos escape, first reported by Mexican journalists Luis Chaparro and Jose Luis Montenegro, highlighted the difficulties facing his group. On the one hand, Los Chapitos were focusing their efforts on containing El Mayos henchmen; on the other, they were trying to hide from authorities, who, while arresting members of the two factions and seizing drugs and weapons from both, have been targeting Los Chapitos more in recent months with regard to the number of alleged members arrested. Uncertainty looms over the future of the conflict. These alleged new alliances are reminiscent of those established during the previous cycle of the war between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, 17 years ago, when then-allies El Chapo and El Mayo clashed with the Beltran Leyva brothers, a battle that arose, as it does now, because the former handed one of the latters members over to the authorities. The difference is that the person betrayed now was El Chapos former partner. The Beltran Leyvas allied themselves for war then with the bloodthirsty Los Zetas, one of the many battles that explain the Mexico of that era, and also the country of today. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Its often said that the Brazilian passport is the most coveted among forgers because any citizen in the world can pass for a Brazilian: from Peles dark complexion to Gisele Bundchens Germanic features. The intermingling of Indigenous populations, early colonizers, enslaved Africans, and waves of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries created a mestizo society of enormous genetic diversity, but one that has been little researched. Now, a study published in the journal Science by a team of Brazilian scientists has discovered more than 8.7 million previously undocumented genetic variants, more than 30,000 of which could affect the health of the population. The enormous diversity of variants was found in newly generated complete genome sequences from more than 2,700 Brazilians who participated in the study over the past five years. One of the studys authors, renowned geneticist Lygia V. Pereira of the University of Sao Paulo, explains by phone that the study fills a gap in the field of genetics, where data on white European populations predominate. The fact that we are sequencing the genomes of a population with many African and quite a few Indigenous ancestors is what allows us to describe millions of genetic variants that had not yet been described worldwide, she says. Brazil, with over 200 million inhabitants, is the result of some of the most profound population movements in history: the 10 million Indigenous people who lived on its territory at the time of Portuguese colonization were joined by five million enslaved Africans brought by force. Later, between the 19th and 20th centuries, the authorities encouraged European immigration to whiten the country. Around five million Italians, Germans, and Spaniards, mainly, settled in the south and southeast of Brazil. There were also strong waves of emigrants from Lebanon, Syria, and Japan (Sao Paulo is home to the largest community of Japanese descendants in the world). People at a bus stop in the Pinheiros neighborhood of Sao Paulo. Lela Beltrao Geneticist Pereira emphasizes that, unlike other countries that are also quite diverse, such as the United States, where there were strict segregation policies, in Brazil the population was intensely mixed. Of the more than 2,700 Brazilians analyzed, all had Indigenous, European, and Black African traits. The only exception were 10 residents of Sao Paulo with almost 100% East Asian ancestry, possibly due to the relatively recent Japanese immigration. Throughout history, this miscegenation has been described as the greatest attribute of Brazilianness and has given rise to myths that Brazil was a country of racial democracy, where three races (Black, white, and Indigenous) coexisted in peace and harmony. Although it is not the central focus of the study, the findings of the team that worked on it help dismantle this idea and reveal the extent to which this mix was, for a long time, the result of violence. For example, the vast majority of Y chromosome (male) lines are of European descent (71%), while the majority of mitochondrial (female) lines are of African (42%) or Indigenous (35%) origin. This pattern is likely the result of a historical asymmetrical union between European men and Indigenous and African women, the study says, referring to the rape of women from these communities by colonizers and the higher mortality rate among enslaved men and Indigenous peoples. Bahians prepare their costumes for the Salvador de Bahia Carnival in February 2023. Raul Golinelli (Getty Images) One of the studys main discoveries is the 36,637 rare and potentially harmful variants, which are more common in individuals of African or Indigenous descent. This is a first step toward studying how genetics can predispose people to certain diseases, Pereira says. Now well begin to see what impact these variants have on Brazilian health. For example, we know the genetics of breast cancer and the genetic variants that increase the chances of developing breast cancer based primarily on studies of white populations. Now we need to know if there are variants in other populations that also impact this risk. The study is part of the Genomas Brasil program, which the Brazilian Ministry of Health launched five years ago with the goal of sequencing the complete genomes of 100,000 Brazilians. The long-term goal is to implement so-called precision medicine in public health, to choose safer and more effective treatments and detect the likelihood of developing certain diseases earlier. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Google is advancing its vision of bringing AI mode to all aspects of work and daily life. During its developer conference (Google I/O 2025), which kicked off this Tuesday in Mountain View, California, the company presented current and upcoming developments that essentially extend their achievements across all applications but with greater accuracy, speed, and ease of use. Demis Hassabis, researcher and CEO of Google DeepMind, sums up the concept, which he calls universal AI: To be useful in your daily life, to be intelligent, to understand the context youre in, and to be able to plan and act on your behalf on any device this is our ultimate goal for Gemini [Googles AI]. The main advancements will begin to be available in the highest subscription tier (Ultra) at a cost of $249.99 per month. Microsoft has also announced similar advances in agents capable of reasoning and completing complex tasks for users. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, boasts that one of this years achievements is the effective integration of its AI into the worlds most used search engine. He adds personalization, coding capabilities, advances in audiovisual content generation, and reduced latency in results retrieval. The executive points out that these capabilities come at a cost but defends that subscription fees for model pricing are dropping significantly. There is a difficult balance between price and performance; however, time and again we have been able to deliver the best models at the most cost-effective price, he argues. Reinvention of search Pichai previewed the launch of an AI mode that will be incorporated into the search engine to handle the exponential growth in its usage. Its completely new, a total reinvention of search with more advanced reasoning, answers to longer and more complex queries [up to five times the length of traditional searches], and the ability to go further with follow-up questions. This new tab started rolling out this Tuesday in the United States before expanding globally. Audiovisual advances In the video field, Google is introducing Project Starline, a technology that recreates images simulating three dimensions. The goal is to create the feeling of being in the same room with someone, explains Pichai. In this regard, Google Beam was unveiled, a tool that transforms two-dimensional video streams into a realistic 3D experience thanks to six cameras that capture and merge different angles in real-time. It can be used for video calls, but the first devices with this technology wont be available until the end of the year. Google also presented improved versions of Flash and Astra, AI tools that allow Gemini Live to interact with the device while it observes, memorizes, and analyzes the environment where the interaction takes place. These form the foundation of future Android XR glasses, an augmented reality device to access the agent integrated with the user. Similarly, the new version of VEO, the AI audiovisual creation platform, combines video with audio for the first time, Hassabis explained. Translator The Starlight feature will be added to Google Meet, enabling simultaneous translation of video calls (initially only available in Spanish and English). The AI adapts to the tone of the speakers and mimics their expressions. It will also be available by the end of the year for subscribers. Agents The evolution from chatbots to agents (tools capable of acting on behalf of the user) is based on Project Mariner, an agent that, besides planning, can execute different tasks simultaneously and learn from its actions to be proactive and anticipate user requests. It will be available starting this summer. We are beginning to incorporate agent capabilities into search in Chrome, and the Gemini app will feature a new agent mode, announced Pichai. Work and study tools Geminis advances, featuring personalization capabilities (adapting to the users characteristics), will also be integrated starting this summer into common workplace utilities such as Gmail, Docs, and Keep. Improvements will also be made for students, who will be able to use AI not only for occasional queries but also, as Hassabis explains, for exam preparation, understanding materials, taking practice tests, and watching videos. Shopping Vidhya Srinivasan, Vice President of Ads and Commerce, highlighted one of Googles new shopping-oriented features that aims for AI to handle the entire process from inspiration to payment and ordering. The AI wont just show options for example, clothing items but can also, based on a personal photo, show how the item looks on the user and complete the purchase or hold it until it finds the desired price. Microsoft and X Googles path mirrors that taken by the company founded 50 years ago by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. At Microsoft Build, the companys annual developer event, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, announced the open agent web, a concept similar to Googles, which allows AI agents to interact, decide, and act on behalf of people, teams, and organizations. Microsoft unveiled updates to its programming environment to facilitate the creation of more capable and secure AI agents, boost scientific research, and promote open standards and shared infrastructures and protocols. In this context, the company presented GitHub Copilot, a programming agent; Windows AI Foundry and Foundry Local, a unified platform for full and customized AI development from training to inference (reasoning ability in new contexts); and Azure AI Foundry Models, among other new tools for model evaluation. Microsoft also announced it has incorporated Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini models from xAI, Elon Musks company. Musk participated via video during the event and acknowledged past errors, which he said have been quickly corrected thanks to developer collaboration. Grok has generated responses about the white genocide on X, Musks social network, even when the questions had no relation to South Africa, the magnates home country. For example, Jen Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland, received this reply from the AI: The claim of white genocide is highly controversial. Some argue that white farmers face targeted violence, citing farm attacks and rhetoric such as the song Kill the Boer, which they consider incitement. Red Hat Red Hat, a global open-source solutions provider, has also released Enterprise Linux 10 after six months of testing. This platform is designed to meet the dynamic demands of hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. More than just an update, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 provides a strategic and intelligent backbone for managing increasing complexity, accelerating innovation, and building a more secure computing foundation for the future, the company said. Red Hat credits its platform with the ability to integrate AI workloads with an operating system it describes as intelligent, resilient, and durable, as well as flexible and agile. The integration of generative AI directly into the platform helps provide contextualized guidance and actionable recommendations through a natural language interface, according to the company, which asserts that this feature makes management easier for both novice and experienced professionals. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A new error has been added to the tally of unjust deportations in the campaign launched by the Donald Trump administration. The first known case, involving the Salvadoran man Kilmar Abrego, became a symbol of the arbitrariness of the new administrations anti-immigration crusade; by comparison, the second and third erroneous deportations have gone almost unnoticed, despite being acknowledged by the administration. This time, it concerns a Guatemalan migrant who said he fled his country to escape persecution and that he was targeted while crossing Mexico for being gay. According to a statement filed in the Massachusetts court handling a class-action lawsuit, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) forcibly removed O.C.G.as he is identified in the lawsuitto Mexico due to a flaw in the software database that tracks individual deportation cases and allows authorized personnel to enter comments, Politico reported. Official documents show that O.C.G. was deported to Mexico in March because when ICE agents asked him if he was afraid of being sent there, he said no. But the fact is that O.C.G. didnt give any answer because no one ever asked him. Attorneys for the Department of Homeland Security stated that upon further investigation, the defendants were unable to identify any officer who asked the O.C.G. if he feared deportation to Mexico. His deportation was prompted by information obtained from an internal database, but it was never verified. Upon arriving in Mexico a few weeks ago, O. C. G. requested to be transferred to his home country, Guatemala, where he faces great danger, according to his own account. In a court statement, the man explained that he arrived in the United States in March 2024, fleeing persecution and torture, but was not allowed to file an asylum application, and after being detained for a week, he was deported to Guatemala. He tried again in April of that year. Upon arriving in Mexico, in Iztapalapa, he said he was raped and held captive by a group of men for days until his sister paid the ransom. Once in the United States, he began his asylum process. O.C.G. claims that the judge confirmed that he would not be returned to Mexico, where he feared retaliation for being gay, and that he was granted protection that prevented him from being deported to Guatemala, also due to possible persecution in the Central American country. None of that helped him amid the current administrations campaign to deport a million people in its first year in office. O.C.G. was locked up for two days, after which they put him on a bus with 20 other migrants bound for Mexico, ignoring his request to consult with his lawyer as well as his judicial protection. They told me I could apply for asylum in Mexico, but that they would keep me locked up for the months it took to make a decision, or that I could simply accept being taken back to Guatemala. After what had happened to me in Mexico, I was too afraid to apply for asylum there. I had no safe options, so I told them to send me back to Guatemala, he explained. The O.C.G. case is, for now, the latest error acknowledged by the government in its deportations. This was preceded by the case of Abrego Garcia, whom the administration accuses without evidence of belonging to the MS-13 criminal gang. The executive branch is violating the directives of the federal judge handling the case and even those of the Supreme Court, which has repeatedly requested that the government facilitate his return to the United States. Daniel Lozano-Camargo, a Venezuelan man sent to El Salvador in March despite a court-approved settlement requiring his asylum application to be adjudicated first, should never have been deported either. While O.C.G. is sheltering somewhere in Guatemala, his lawyers are seeking to appeal to the courts to try to twist the governments hand and have him returned to the United States. So far, the administration has ignored all the judges. Sign up for our weekly newsletterto get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition NEW YORK - U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres may visit Japan in late August to attend an international conference on African development and visit the World Exposition, diplomatic sources said Monday. Guterres is unlikely to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 80th anniversary of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of the cities, the sources said, noting he plans to deliver a speech in Japan that would highlight the importance of a world free of nuclear weapons and the Asian country's resilience after World War II. Guterres has visited the two atomic-bombed cities as chief of the world body, a role he took up in 2017. The sources also said Guterres may meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and make a trip to Kyoto, a former Japanese capital. Japan will host the ninth round of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development from Aug. 20 to 22 in Yokohama, a port city near the Japanese capital, and the government has asked Guterres to attend. At the World Expo venue in Osaka, Guterres may visit the U.N. pavilion with the theme "United for a Better Future" on Aug. 22, designated as a special day for the world body, and attend an event there, the sources said. Izumi Nakamitsu, U.N. undersecretary for disarmament affairs, plans to read speeches on behalf of Guterres during annual events to commemorate the U.S. nuclear attacks in Hiroshima on Aug. 6 and in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, the sources added. *As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. *Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. *China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for "China Travel" continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging -- one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 percent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) FRESH EXPERIENCES During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 percent, 60 percent, and 50 percent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. "Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen," Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 percent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Foreign tourists visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. "Seeing is believing," said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). "When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is -- open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered." A border inspection officer guides foreign tourists at Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 3, 2025. (Photo by Zhu Jipeng/Xinhua) EXPANDING ACCESS Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasized that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimized. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 percent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 percent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. A staff member provides departure tax refund service for a tourist from Russia at a shopping center in Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasized the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. "So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience." "As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage," he added. (Video reporters: Sun Min, Li Aibin, Li Xiaoting; Video editors: Hong Yan, Roger Lott, Liu Xiaorui.) BANGKOK, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and Indonesia officially agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership on Monday, during the first official visit by an Indonesian leader to Thailand in 20 years. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the government house in Bangkok, where they held discussion under the newly established leaders' consultation mechanism, which aims to enhance cooperation in various fields. In a statement, Paetongtarn stressed the need for regular high-level meetings and the development of a clear plan of action to operationalize the newly formed strategic partnership. On security cooperation, Thailand and Indonesia agreed to intensify efforts against transnational crimes, particularly online scams, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. Prabowo thanked Thailand for aiding Indonesian victims of online scams and expressed full support for information exchange. He emphasized potential enhanced security cooperation, including defense industry partnerships and joint military exercises. Recognizing significant trade growth potential, Paetongtarn said Thailand will host the inaugural Thai-Indonesian Joint Trade Committee ministerial meeting this year to increase trade volumes, reduce trade barriers, and concretely promote economic cooperation. The two sides highlighted enhancing ASEAN economic integration to strengthen the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) amid global volatility and potential U.S. trade measures. The two leaders also witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on health cooperation, which facilitates knowledge exchange. The visit marked Prabowo's first official trip to Thailand since taking office last October and coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is ready to continue contacts with Kiev and will propose to work on a memorandum about a potential peace deal, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Tuesday. Zakharova said Russia has "once again affirmed its desire to achieve a final, fair settlement of the crisis," adding that progress towards a resolution of the conflict cannot be achieved without tackling the root causes. She said it is necessary to agree on many aspects, including the main principles of the settlement, the timing of the potential peace agreement and details regarding a possible ceasefire if relevant agreements are reached. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev must now prepare for contacts on the development of the joint memorandum regarding the peace treaty and ceasefire. He welcomed the renewed contacts between Russia and Ukraine, saying there is no deadline for the completion of the memorandum. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on the Ukraine crisis and recent Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. CHONGQING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- On May 20, a date cherished by Chinese couples as "520" sounds like "I love you" in Mandarin, newlyweds in southwest China's Chongqing exchanged vows at a downtown marriage registration hall. Li Bailing, a marriage counselor at the registration hall, has witnessed countless such moments, and her role has taken on renewed significance as China strengthens its family support systems. The country's newly revised marriage registration regulation, effective May 10, 2025, mandates enhanced marriage counseling services to strengthen family stability. "We help turn romantic ideals into practical relationship skills," said Li, noting that her sessions use scenario-based simulations and communication exercises to teach conflict resolution and household planning. "The counseling aims to help young couples learn that marriage also requires practical wisdom," Li added. Against the backdrop of around 2.62 million divorces registered last year, China has made family counseling a national priority, drawing on the expertise of marriage and family consultants and other social resources to strengthen premarital education and provide guidance on family relationships. Chongqing has emerged as a pioneer in these efforts, with the municipal civil affairs bureau launching innovative initiatives such as a marriage counseling hotline and a series of measures designed to help couples build stronger relationships. These initiatives now serve over 1 million residents, supported by a 10,000-strong team of counselors, social workers and psychologists. Shedding more light on the practical efforts, Li explained that through family planning workshops, newlyweds are guided to communicate openly and make joint plans for their future, turning their legal union into a warm and thoughtful beginning for married life. With a focus on supporting newlyweds in building a prosperous and lasting married life, the Chongqing municipal government has established a comprehensive and professional marriage and family service system through the launch of specialized counseling services. Besides, it has organized events such as "Family Day" and collective weddings to strengthen family bonds and promote harmonious relationships. "The collective wedding was both solemn and simple, avoiding extravagance. We really appreciated this fresh and modest approach," said a couple who took part in last year's ceremony. Li noted that while a marriage certificate marks the beginning of a couple's journey, lasting happiness depends on continuous growth. "When romantic commitment meets practical wisdom, families thrive." UNITED NATIONS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The UN relief chief on Monday welcomed the temporary lifting of an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza by Israel, but cautioned that the amount of aid into Gaza is too little. "It is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. "Significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting tomorrow (Tuesday) morning." He said the United Nations was assured the operation would be through existing, proven mechanisms that should remain in place. "I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel's agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation," he said. "I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimized." Israel in the past has criticized the UN distribution operation in Gaza, saying it allows Hamas to take control of some aid for its use, which the United Nations denies while admitting looting does occur, whether by armed men or hungry civilians. "To reduce looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes," Fletcher said of aid distribution in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the United States and approved by Israel, reportedly plans to take over aid distribution, blocking the UN operation. This prompted Fletcher to point out that the world body's operation is the only way to supply Gazans: "The UN has a clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale." Pointing out the risk aid workers face in resuming aid distribution during a spike in Israel's military offensive, the relief chief said that with bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant. "It is our job to do everything we can to deliver, even against these odds," he said. "I am grateful to our humanitarian colleagues for their immense courage and dedication. They are the best of humanity." Fletcher said the limited quantities of aid Israel is allowing into Gaza are no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in dire need. He said an initial nine truckloads of aid were allowed to pass from Israel into a Gaza checkpoint at the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, at a regular briefing, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters that by nightfall in Gaza, the truck's payload had not been cleared for distribution by UN aid workers. Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 20, 2025. Strategic professionals and scholars from top think tanks of Nepal and China met in the Nepali capital on Tuesday and deliberated on the prospects for bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Government officials and experts from the two countries also attended the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. (Xinhua/Yi Aijun) KATHMANDU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Strategic professionals and scholars from top think tanks of Nepal and China met in the Nepali capital on Tuesday and deliberated on the prospects for bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Government officials and experts from the two countries also attended the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to work with Nepal to build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Wang Xin, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar, Wang voiced hope that the two think tanks will play the role of national teams and take this seminar as an opportunity to further deepen the exchanges between China and Nepal think tanks and continuously provide policy recommendations and intellectual support for the development of bilateral relations. Nepal-China relations have been on an upward trajectory from "good-neighborly partnership" in 1996 to "comprehensive partnership of cooperation" in 2009 to "strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity" in 2019, noted Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. "I am confident that this seminar will succeed in generating fresh insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape and the shared challenges faced by Nepal and China," Rai said at the inaugural session. "More importantly, it provides an opportunity to review our progress and explore new opportunities to strengthen the Nepal-China strategic partnership of cooperation, guided by friendship, mutual respect and a vision for prosperity," he added. On the occasion, the two think tanks signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation. Wang Xin, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, addresses the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 20, 2025. Strategic professionals and scholars from top think tanks of Nepal and China met in the Nepali capital on Tuesday and deliberated on the prospects for bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Government officials and experts from the two countries also attended the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. (Xinhua/Yi Aijun) Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai addresses the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 20, 2025. Strategic professionals and scholars from top think tanks of Nepal and China met in the Nepali capital on Tuesday and deliberated on the prospects for bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Government officials and experts from the two countries also attended the seminar organized jointly by Nepal's Policy Research Institute and the National Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. (Xinhua/Yi Aijun) HANOI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese lawmakers on Tuesday proposed tougher prison sentences for certain environmental crimes, drug-related offenses, and violations of food safety regulations. The proposals were made during the National Assembly (NA)'s discussions on a draft revision of the Penal Code in capital Hanoi, the Vietnam News Agency reported. According to the report, the amendments aim to strengthen deterrence and enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention and control. Hoang Thanh Tung, chairman of the NA's Committee on Legal and Judicial Affairs, proposed doubling monetary fines for environmental offenses and crimes that threaten public safety and order. The draft law should further require offenders to take responsibility for remedying the consequences of their actions, he said. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. The 78th World Health Assembly kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) GENEVA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme "One World for Health." Addressing the opening ceremony, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said every WHA is significant, but this year's gathering is particularly historic as member states are expected to consider and potentially adopt the pandemic agreement. Tedros also called on member states to approve the next round of assessed contribution increases to help ensure the WHO's long-term financial sustainability and independence. Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission and leader of the Chinese delegation, delivered a statement during the general debate Monday, highlighting China's active engagement in global health cooperation. He stated that over the past six decades, China has dispatched more than 30,000 medical personnel to 77 countries and regions, providing treatment to over 300 million patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China supplied 500 billion personal protective items and 2.3 billion doses of vaccines globally. Lei reiterated that China will continue to support the WHO and multilateralism through concrete actions. He welcomed the organization's internal reforms and expressed China's willingness to work with other member states to build a global community of health for all. He also said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and the WHA has long made clear decisions not to include in its agenda a so-called proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer. The remarks made by a small number of countries concerning Taiwan disrupted the agenda and went against the will of the international community, he noted, adding that China urges these countries to stop interfering in its internal affairs. A major focus of this year's assembly is the deliberation of the much-anticipated pandemic agreement. The WHO announced on April 16 that, following more than three years of intensive negotiations, member states have reached a consensus on a draft of the agreement. Delegates will also review the 2024 results report and deliberate on around 75 agenda items covering a wide range of topics, including the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, polio and climate change, among other issues. Sustainable financing is another key issue. The Assembly is expected to discuss the proposed program budget for 2026-2027, which may be reduced from 5.3 billion U.S. dollars to 4.267 billion dollars, alongside efforts to refocus priorities, strengthen core functions, and enhance organizational efficiency. The World Health Assembly is the WHO's highest decision-making body and is typically held every May in Geneva. Its main responsibilities include setting organizational policies and reviewing and approving the program budget. This year's Assembly is scheduled to conclude on May 27. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. The 78th World Health Assembly kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. The 78th World Health Assembly kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. The 78th World Health Assembly kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) PARIS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of France, Britain and Canada on Monday voiced strong opposition to the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access. In a joint statement released by the French presidential office, the Elysee, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the Israeli government to halt its military operations and immediately allow life-saving aid to reach civilians in Gaza. "The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," the leaders said, warning that blocking essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. The statement also condemned what it described as "abhorrent language" recently used by Israeli government officials, including threats of Gaza's destruction. While reaffirming Israel's right to defend its citizens against terrorism, the three leaders stressed they could not remain passive in the face of what they called egregious actions by the Netanyahu government. Regarding the West Bank, the leaders demanded an immediate halt to Israeli settlement expansion, warning that continued settlement activity would prompt targeted sanctions. France, Britain and Canada also reiterated their commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as a step toward achieving a two-state solution. NEW YORK, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Americans on Monday for their "love and support," a day after it was disclosed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. "Cancer touches us all," Biden wrote on X in his first public comment about the diagnosis. "Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support." Biden shared a picture of himself seated with former first lady Jill Biden and their cat, Willow. Biden's personal office said on Sunday that he received the diagnosis two days earlier and that the cancer had spread to his bones. A statement from Biden's office said the diagnosis "represents a more aggressive form" of cancer but that it appears to be sensitive to hormone therapy, allowing "for effective management." KABUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of 438 Afghan inmates were released from Pakistani prisons and returned to Afghanistan in the past three days, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported on Tuesday. The returnees, after receiving assistance at the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province and the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar province, were transported to their home provinces, it said. Nearly 1,000 Afghan inmates imprisoned in Pakistan were released and returned to their homeland in the past two weeks. An estimated 7 million Afghan refugees, many undocumented, still reside abroad, primarily in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. ZHENGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has underscored unwavering confidence in boosting high-quality development and enhancing governance efficiency, while urging central China's Henan Province to write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour of the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou in the province on Monday and Tuesday. He emphasized that Henan should focus on building a modern industrial system and strengthening its agricultural capacity, improving people's well-being and social governance, enhancing ecological and environmental protection, and promoting cultural prosperity. On Monday afternoon, Xi visited Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. Its predecessor was a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957). The five-year plan laid the industrial foundation via concentrated efforts to build New China's first steel production base and first auto manufacturer. It is imperative to maintain a robust and reasonable share of the manufacturing, a key pillar of the national economy, in the process of advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. "Modern manufacturing relies on sci-tech empowerment," Xi said, while calling for greater efforts in the quest for core technological breakthroughs and pursuit of a path of independent innovation. Xi then visited the White Horse Temple, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), where he learned about the adaptation of Buddhism to the Chinese context and local efforts to preserve cultural relics. At the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site which also represents the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, Xi underlined the importance of preserving, inheriting and promoting these treasures of Chinese culture. The integration of culture and tourism holds great potential, Xi said, requiring efforts to promote the high-quality development of the sector and turn it into a pillar industry that benefits the people and enriches their lives. JERUSALEM, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Five UN aid trucks entered war-torn Gaza on Monday, a unit under Israel's Defense Ministry said, a day after Israel agreed to lift over two months of blockade and allow limited relief into the enclave -- a step the UN considered far from adequate to meet dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. The trucks loaded with aid, including baby formula, passed through the Kerem Shalom border crossing after undergoing security inspections, according to the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an official Israeli unit responsible for civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance in Gaza while making every effort to ensure the aid does not fall into Hamas' hands," COGAT said in a post on social media platform X. However, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said on X that the trucks were "a drop in the ocean," stressing the aid "must reach the civilians who need it so urgently, and we must be allowed to scale up." Earlier on Monday, Hamas' media office said that to avert a full-scale humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the entry of 500 aid trucks is required at a daily minimum. In addition, the enclave needs 50 fuel trucks per day to operate bakeries, hospitals, and water and sewage stations, which have shut down due to the Israeli blockade since March 2. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would allow the entry of a "minimal and basic" quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent "images of mass starvation." The decision comes amid a recommendation by the Israeli military, pressure from Israel's close allies, and increasing international criticism over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The aid entered as Israel launched its new military campaign, dubbed Gideon's Chariots, over the weekend. Israeli officials said the campaign's objectives include seizing key parts of Gaza, pushing a majority of its population further south, and resuming humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight. The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had struck 160 locations across Gaza in the past hours, targeting militants, anti-tank missile launchers, military infrastructure, and a weapons depot. It also reported dismantling a tunnel in southern Gaza and hitting a structure in Nuseirat, central Gaza, which it said has served as a Hamas command and control center. At least 136 people were killed by Israeli strikes over the past day, bringing the overall death toll since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, to 53,475, the Gaza-based health authorities reported on Monday. Guests attend the listing ceremony of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China's Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) HONG KONG, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) on Tuesday listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with shares surging over 10 percent at market opening. CATL announced allocation results showing that, before the exercise of the overallotment option, the Hong Kong public offering was oversubscribed by about 150.2 times, raising a total of approximately 35.66 billion HK dollars (4.55 billion U.S. dollars), with net proceeds of 35.33 billion HK dollars after deducting listing expenses. On its listing day, CATL opened at 296 HK dollars, rising 12.55 percent from its offering price of 263 HK dollars. By midday, it traded at 307.6 HK dollars, up 16.96 percent, with a turnover exceeding 5.7 billion HK dollars. Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said at the listing ceremony that CATL's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can accelerate its global strategic expansion. Leveraging Hong Kong financing to support international growth is set to be a trend for mainland enterprises in export development, marking a new milestone in Hong Kong's role in serving national development strategies, Chan added. Bonnie Chan, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), said that in terms of funds raised, CATL's IPO is the largest in Hong Kong in recent years and the biggest globally so far this year. This demonstrated the depth of the Hong Kong market and its solid fundamentals in supporting large-scale financing projects. CATL is an innovative new energy technology company, primarily engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of EV batteries and energy storage system batteries. It is already listed on the A-share market. (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.82 HK dollars) Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, addresses the listing ceremony of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China's Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) This photo shows a poster of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China's Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) This photo shows posters of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China's Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) This photo shows a poster of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in south China's Hong Kong, May 20, 2025. CATL was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, with the stock code 3750. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, south China, on May 30, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. At a regular news briefing on the same day, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that in 2022, China and nearly 20 countries with similar positions jointly launched the initiative to establish the IOMed. Through concerted efforts, negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed have been concluded, and all sides agreed to situate its headquarters in Hong Kong. Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and around 20 international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), will send high-level representatives to the signing ceremony on May 30. The Global Forum on International Mediation will be held in the afternoon that same day to carry out discussions on "mediation of disputes between States" and "mediation of disputes between a State and foreign investors and commercial disputes," among other issues, Mao added. Noting that mediation is one of the important measures to settle disputes stipulated in the UN Charter, Mao said that as a relatively more amicable way to settle disputes, mediation fully respects the will of parties concerned and has the unique advantages of greater flexibility, convenience, lower costs and more effective implementation. It is reflective of the tradition of amity and harmony which is valued in the East. Aimed at settling differences and resolving disputes through mediation, the IOMed will be the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will serve as an important mechanism in safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, she noted. She said that the establishment of the IOMed is a response to the shared need of countries in the world for peace, stability and development, and echoes the call of today's world for cooperation and mutual benefit. It pools the advantages of all major law systems, and will help bring about more fair and equitable global governance in terms of the rule of law. "We welcome support and participation from more countries in creating the IOMed, to better enable it to coordinate with existing international dispute settlement mechanisms to make one another more effective, and provide increased options and pathways to resolve international disputes through efficient and peaceful means, and better safeguard international fairness and justice," the spokesperson said. Guests display a commemorative UN stamp sheet marking the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum at the UN headquarters in New York, May 19, 2025. The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. (Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. Geng Shuang, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the United Nations, said that the newly issued UN Postal Administration stamps not only mark the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum, but also showcase "the enduring charm of Chinese culture to the world." He emphasized that just as cultural relics require dedicated restorers, the United Nations, an 80-year-old institution, also needs the world to work together not just to restore it, but to revitalize it for the new era, "to help it to make greater contributions to world peace, common development and civilization exchanges." UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare highlighted the unique and powerful role of museums as "places where culture lives, where stories are told, and where people come together to learn and connect. They preserve our past, help us understand our present, and inspire our future." He praised the Palace Museum as "one of the world's great cultural institutions," and commended its work in giving Chinese heritage new meaning in today's world. "Through its exhibitions, research, and international collaborations, the Palace Museum has brought Chinese civilization into conversation with the world." Eliot Minchenberg, director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in New York and UNESCO representative to the United Nations, described the Palace Museum as "a guardian of Chinese heritage" and "a testament to the richness of human experience." He noted that its 1987 inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List symbolizes the long-standing partnership between UNESCO and China. "The stamps we unveil today should serve not only as symbols of commemoration, but as invitations to celebrate our shared heritage, and to draw strength from our cultural roots as we look ahead together," he said. Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum, said that in recent years, the Palace Museum's cultural and creative products have embraced sustainable values, including eco-friendly design, intangible heritage protection and rural revitalization, offering "a unique cultural perspective in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals." Geng Shuang (2nd R), charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the United Nations, UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare (1st R), Eliot Minchenberg (2nd L), director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in New York and UNESCO representative to the United Nations, and Wang Yuegong, deputy director of the Palace Museum, display a commemorative UN stamp sheet marking the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum at the UN headquarters in New York, May 19, 2025. The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. (Photo by Zhou Huanxin/Xinhua) People visit the "Endless Vitality" exhibition at the UN headquarters in New York, May 19, 2025. The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. (Photo by Zhou Huanxin/Xinhua) Musicians stage a performance during the "Endless Vitality" exhibition at the UN headquarters in New York, May 19, 2025. The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. (Xinhua) This image shows a commemorative UN stamp sheet marking the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City, once the seat of Chinese emperors, was honored on the global stage on Monday as diplomats, UN officials and cultural leaders gathered at UN Headquarters to celebrate the centennial of the Palace Museum. The occasion featured the unveiling of a commemorative UN stamp sheet and the opening of the "Endless Vitality" exhibition, co-hosted by the Palace Museum and the UN Chinese Book Club, with support from the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center. (Xinhua) WASHINGTON/MOSCOW, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine "will begin immediately," said U.S. President Donald Trump after his two-hour call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Monday, noting that "the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent." Upbeat as he is, the talk remains "inconclusive," with little sign of a breakthrough, said U.S. media, as the timing, location and participants of any negotiations remain unclear. WHAT DID TRUMP SAY? Right after his phone call with Putin, Trump posted on his social media Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine will "immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire," and work to end the conflict. He said Russia is eager to pursue major trade deals with the United States once the conflict ends. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country." He added that the ceasefire conditions will be negotiated between Russia and Ukraine, "as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." However, when speaking to reporters later, Trump warned that he could back out of the negotiation process. "Big egos involved, but I think something's going to happen. And if it doesn't, I just back away, and they're going to have to keep going again," he said. After falling short on his campaign promise to quickly end the Ukraine crisis, the Trump administration has repeatedly warned that it may withdraw from its mediation efforts if there's no progress toward ending the conflict. U.S. Vice President JD Vance reiterated such warnings ahead of Trump's call with Putin. "We realize there's a bit of an impasse here ... The United States is not going to spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes," he said. "I'm not sure that Vladimir Putin has a strategy himself for how to unwind the war," Vance added, while Trump later told reporters that he believed Putin was serious about wanting peace. Trump also said that holding the peace talks at the Vatican, as represented by the Pope, would "have some extra significance." Pope Leo XIV noted efforts to end the Ukraine conflict at his inaugural mass on Sunday and held a meeting with Zelensky. The newly elected pontiff had called for an end to the conflict in his first days in office. Earlier this month, the Pope offered the Vatican as a potential site for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, after Putin declined to meet Zelensky face-to-face in Turkiye for negotiations. Eventually, neither president showed up at the negotiation table on Friday in Istanbul, where the two sides agreed to a swap of 1,000 prisoners of war but failed to reach a deal on an immediate ceasefire. PUTIN AND ZELENSKY'S REMARKS? In contrast to his enthusiasm, Putin offered a more cautious response, saying only that Russia "is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord," stopping short of agreeing to an immediate ceasefire. And his aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that a ceasefire timeframe was not "discussed." Although Putin called the conversation "frank, informative and constructive" and thanked Trump for his diplomatic efforts, he signaled that Moscow's core demands remain unchanged. "I would like to note that, in general, Russia's position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis," Putin said. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that if the United States can "help to achieve our goals through peaceful means, then this is indeed preferable." Asked about the possibility of an in-person meeting between Trump and Putin, an idea the U.S. president floated on Friday, Peskov said that "it will largely depend on what they themselves decide." The timing and details of such a meeting "need to be worked out" by the two leaders, he added. In response to the Putin-Trump call, Zelensky said Monday that he spoke to Trump twice, before and after the phone call. "I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire," he said on X, highlighting that it is crucial "not to dilute this proposal." "I also reiterated that Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results," he said. "It is not necessary to convince Ukraine, and our representatives are prepared to make real decisions in negotiations." He added that "it is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace," calling for further sanctions if Russia "refuses to stop the killings." One day ahead of the Putin-Trump call, Russia launched what Ukraine said was its largest drone attack since the conflict began. After a night of air raid alerts, Ukraine's air force said Sunday morning that Russia had launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, surpassing the previous record set in February on the third anniversary of the war. EUROPE'S REACTION? Following the phone call, clear differences in the approach between Washington and Europe are emerging, the Frankfurter Rundschau, a German newspaper, said in a Tuesday article. While Trump depicted Russia as an economic partner, Europe stressed the need to "increase pressure on the Russian side through sanctions," it said. A day before the phone call, leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Italy said they spoke with Trump, urging "Putin to take peace talks seriously." French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that Putin must show his commitment to peace by accepting a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe. The leaders "also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and peace talks," the British government said in a statement. According to Bloomberg, several European countries were "shocked" that Trump did not want to push Putin with sanctions, and have aired their disappointment after being briefed by Trump following his phone call with Putin. European leaders agreed to step up sanctions pressure on Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an X post late on Monday, following Trump's briefing. The EU approved a fresh package of sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, set to be adopted this week, including blacklisting some 200 oil tankers used to circumvent curbs on Russian oil exports as the bloc threatens further punishment if Moscow does not agree to a Ukraine ceasefire. Ursula Schrode, professor of Political Science at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, said in a recent interview that though details have not yet been announced, this will send a strong political signal of European unity, noting that the move is especially significant amid the bloc's growing fatigue and frustration towards Trump's stance on the negotiation process. "One of the greatest risks now is a complete U.S. withdrawal from the peace process, leaving the EU to bear full responsibility," she said. Palestinians check damage after an Israeli airstrike on a school that shelters displaced people, in Gaza City, May 20, 2025. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. Around Gaza City, 13 people, including women and children, were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Musa bin Nusair school, east of the city, which shelters displaced people, whereas a woman and a man were killed in two separate attacks in the city, Basal told Xinhua. In central Gaza, 13 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential home belonging to the Abu Samra family in the Al-Mahatta neighborhood east of Deir al-Balah, and 15 others were killed and several more injured in an Israeli airstrike on a gas station housing displaced people west of the Nuseirat refugee camp, Basal said. In northern Gaza, nine people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit the home of the al-Maqeed family in Jabalia, and four others were killed in an Israeli attack on the Khalifa school housing displaced people in Beit Lahia, he added. In southern Gaza, eight people were killed in two Israeli attacks in Khan Younis, he said. Meanwhile, Ahed Samour, director of Primary Care at the Gaza-based health authorities, said in a press statement that Gaza's health system "is on the brink of collapse," warning of the risk of "a health disaster in the coming months due to the shortage of basic vaccines for children." "Health facilities are shrinking day by day" amidst "almost non-existent" stock of medicines, out-of-stock basic items, and nonfunctional medical equipment, Samour said. Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities. Over the weekend, Israel launched its new military campaign, dubbed Gideon's Chariots, which it said aims to seize key parts of Gaza, push a majority of Gaza's population further south, and resume humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a "minimal and basic" quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent "images of mass starvation." Later, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom border crossing on Monday after undergoing security inspections. On Tuesday, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israel is "entering a new phase (of operation), different in size and strength," to achieve its objectives of returning the hostages and defeating Hamas. Palestinians grieve after an Israeli airstrike on a school that shelters displaced people, in Gaza City, May 20, 2025. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians check damage after an Israeli airstrike on a school that shelters displaced people, in Gaza City, May 20, 2025. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) SINGAPORE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday issued a warning about the dangers of working at height, after uncovering more than 1,330 safety violations during inspections conducted between February and April. The ministry inspected approximately 550 worksites across the construction, marine, and manufacturing sectors, with a specific focus on height-related safety measures. As a result, 13 Stop Work Orders were issued. Falls from height continue to be one of the leading causes of serious and fatal workplace injuries, the ministry said. In 2024 alone, four workers have died and 74 others sustained major injuries from such incidents. The ministry emphasized the importance of constant vigilance among employers, contractors, supervisors, and workers, noting that workers can report unsafe practices. NEW DELHI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and two others critically injured Tuesday after rocks caved in inside a stone quarry in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, police said. The stone quarry collapsed in Singampunari of Sivagangai district, about 418 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Following the collapse, a police team and rescuers from the fire and emergency department rushed to the site to carry out rescue efforts and pull the workers trapped under the debris. "Three bodies were first extricated from the debris, and later on, four others were pulled out in an injured condition," a police official said. "Of the injured, two succumbed on the way to the health facility and two others were admitted to the hospital in critical condition." Police have registered a case and ordered an investigation into the incident. The victims were identified as workers at the stone quarry. Reports said the workers were 30 feet deep in the quarry when the rocks fell upon them. ISLAMABAD, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the statement said, adding that the promotion was approved "in recognition of the army chief's outstanding military leadership, courage, and efforts to ensure the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The promotion follows the recent "Operation Bunyanun Marsoos" in response to an escalation of hostilities with India. According to the statement, Munir led the armed forces "with exemplary courage and coordination," and the operation concluded with what officials called "a historic success." Following the announcement, General Munir issued a statement through the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), expressing gratitude for the honor. He dedicated the promotion "to the entire nation, the Pakistan Armed Forces, and especially to the civil and military martyrs and veterans." "This is not an individual honor but one for the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire nation," he added. Sharif also briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on the cabinet's decision, the PMO said. The cabinet also approved the continuation of service for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and decided to confer national honors on military personnel, veterans, and civilians for their contributions during "Operation Bunyanun Marsoos." BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India to properly handle their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Tuesday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar, saying that this is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, conducive to regional peace and stability, and also the common expectation of the international community. JERUSALEM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli government said Tuesday that it will not stop its new military campaign in the Gaza Strip despite pressure from Britain, France, and Canada. "Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. Netanyahu's remarks came as Britain, France, and Canada -- three allies of Israel -- issued a rare joint statement on Monday calling on Israel to halt its new military campaign in Gaza, dubbed Gideon's Chariots and launched over the weekend, which Israel said aims to seize key parts of Gaza, push a majority of Gaza's population further south, and resume humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight. "If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response," said the joint statement. Meanwhile, in response to Britain's announcement of pausing free trade talks with Israel on Tuesday due to the ongoing military escalation in and blockade on Gaza, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said on social media platform X that the British decision is "regrettable," stressing "external pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction." Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities. On Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a "minimal and basic" quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent "images of mass starvation." On Monday, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom border crossing after undergoing security inspections. Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it is "entering a new phase (of operation), different in size and strength," to achieve its objectives of returning the hostages and defeating Hamas. URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A three-hour drive from Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the towering silver structures of a monumental power transmission project emerge from the vast, sunbaked terrain. Each day, the transmission lines stretching over 3,000 km deliver electricity generated from Xinjiang's abundant wind and solar resources to east China's Anhui Province, where it is redistributed to power the bustling cities of the Yangtze River Delta. Independently developed, designed and constructed by China, the Changji-Guquan ultra-high voltage (UHV) direct current transmission project stands as a world leader in terms of voltage level, transmission capacity and distance, and technology level. Since its launch in 2019, the project has delivered 84 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity -- equivalent to annually cutting 65 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in eastern China. "By leveraging Xinjiang's unique advantages, this project enables large-scale, cross-regional transmission of renewable energy, which is a pivotal step in the country's green transition," said Chen Shoujun, chairman of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. GREEN ENERGY GOLDMINE Xinjiang's sprawling deserts and barren land, once seen as an economic hurdle, have turned into a renewable energy goldmine, blessed with strong wind and long hours of sunshine. Latest data shows that Xinjiang's total installed power capacity has surged to 201 million kilowatts, with 112 million kilowatts -- or 55.72 percent -- coming from renewables. In southern Xinjiang's Ruoqiang County, this transformation is visible in the rows of solar panels standing in neat arrays, resembling a vast dark blue ocean shimmering with metallic luster under the blazing sun. The photovoltaic project, with the largest single-site installed capacity in China's sandy, rocky and desert areas, is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of this May and will generate 6.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually -- enough to power 2 million households for a year. With abundant power generation capacity, Xinjiang faces the challenge of ensuring this energy doesn't go to waste. The region's local demand can not fully absorb the massive power it generates, creating a stark imbalance with the energy-hungry eastern regions. This imbalance spurred China's West-to-East Power Transmission Project. Since 2010, Xinjiang has built four major transmission lines, including the Changji-Guquan UHV project, boosting its cross-regional capacity to 25 million kilowatts. In eastern Xinjiang's Hami, another UHV transmission project is preparing to send electricity to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Upon its expected commissioning later this year, it will transmit over 36 billion kilowatt-hours annually, and more than half will come from clean energy sources. "This is equivalent to replacing 6 million tonnes of coal consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 16.5 million tonnes each year," said Xu Jiayang of State Grid UHV Engineering Construction Company, who oversees the construction of the project. ENERGY STORAGE INNOVATIONS While transmission solves allocation challenges, innovative ways of energy storage provide a solution to maximizing renewable usage. Nestled in the rugged Tianshan Mountains, about 100 km northwest of Urumqi, a pumped-storage power station turns natural elevation into renewable energy reservoirs. By exploiting a 400-meter height difference, the facility stores surplus energy by pumping water uphill during low demand hours and releases it to generate power at peak times. "The unique feature of this project lies in its ability to improve the utilization rate of wind and solar energy," said Yang Hongtao, chairman of State Grid Xinyuan Xinjiang Fukang Pumped Storage Co. Ltd., noting the station can utilize over 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of renewables annually. Beyond clean energy, these mega projects are changing the lives of local people. Construction of the pumped-storage station has created more than 3,500 jobs while boosting tourism and catering industries, according to Yang. For Huanxbek Sayran, a Kazakh engineer from northern Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture, working at the station fulfills both professional and personal aspirations. "After university, I always wanted to contribute to Xinjiang's development," said Sayran. "Now with expertise to share, I hope to help build the next generation of projects." As dusk falls over the Tianshan Mountains, the station's reservoirs shimmer under the desert sun. Above one reservoir, a slogan reads: "Energizing better lives, empowering brighter futures." KHARTOUM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said Tuesday that it has been fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since Monday in western and southern Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. "Our forces continue to crush the remaining militia elements in western and southern Omdurman, while advancing to clear the Al-Salha area and its surroundings," SAF spokesperson Nabil Abdalla said in a statement, adding that the SAF is nearing the complete clearance of Khartoum State from RSF fighters. Footage posted on social media platforms showed the SAF advancing in Al-Salha of western Omdurman and inside the RSF headquarters in the area, reportedly the RSF's last remaining military base in Khartoum State. A local eyewitness told Xinhua that the SAF "recaptured the areas of Wad Bakrawi, Al-Qiaa, and the main market in Al-Salha" on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, a military source, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that the SAF, advancing in southern Omdurman, has "taken control of the Al-Muthallath area, west of the Jabal Awliya Dam." Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the SAF 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. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday said a recent decision by the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) once again proved that the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to the decision made by the WHA, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), not to include in its agenda a Taiwan-related proposal. Noting that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle as a basic norm shall not be challenged, Chen said that as a result of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' obstinate separatist stance, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in the WHA no longer exists. Therefore, the DPP authorities' attempt to push the so-called proposal concerning Taiwan, which violates the consensus upheld by the international community, rightly failed once again, said Chen. Despite Taiwan not being a WHA participant, the Taiwan region has unimpeded channels to participate in the WHO's communication and cooperation in the technical domain as well as effective pathways to acquire public health emergency information and assistance. The rights of the people of Taiwan regarding health are effectively protected, said Chen. However, for some time, the DPP authorities have colluded with external forces to distort and challenge the fundamental principle established by the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. Such acts challenge not only China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also international justice and consensus as well as the postwar international order, he added. The spokesperson warned the DPP authorities that all separatist provocations will be met with resolute countermeasures and all attempts to collude with external forces to seek "Taiwan independence" are doomed to fail. BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday called Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's proposal of cross-Strait dialogue "on equal terms" a hypocritical gesture attempting to revive dialogue based on his new "two states" theory. "Only by recognizing the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China will cross-Strait dialogue and consultation have a basis to resume," said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, when commenting on a speech made by Lai and his media interviews on Tuesday. Lai's recent remarks repeated his separatist stance and underlined his desire to achieve his aims by force and with the support of external actors, Chen said. Lai has hyped the so-called "mainland threat," incited cross-Strait confrontation and advanced economic decoupling measures, Chen added. Only by ceasing separatist provocations can cross-Strait relations improve, and only through enhanced exchanges and cooperation can tension across the Strait ease, Chen said. He reiterated that nothing Lai does can alter the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, nor can it hinder the historical trend toward national reunification. The spokesperson reaffirmed the mainland's commitment to upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and opposing all forms of separatist activities and external interference. "On the basis of the one-China principle, we are willing to engage with all political parties, groups and individuals in Taiwan to discuss political issues between the two sides and other matters related to advancing the process of national reunification," he said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Wang said that China stands ready to work with Indonesia to deepen political mutual trust, advance high-quality development of landmark projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor, strengthen cooperation in various fields such as ocean and minerals, and explore the potential for cooperation in emerging fields. Wang said that the world is currently facing the impact of unilateralism and trade bullying practices that harm the interests of various countries. China and Indonesia should maintain independence, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and safeguard fairness and justice, he added. China congratulates Indonesia on becoming a full member of BRICS and is ready to jointly advocate the Bandung Spirit with Indonesia, Wang said, adding that China is willing to advance regional economic integration, resist unilateralism and anti-globalization trends with Indonesia, jointly build a shared Asia-Pacific homeland, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity. Luhut said that the Indonesia-China friendship remains solid. Noting Indonesia's economic development is inseparable from mutually beneficial cooperation with China, he said that bilateral cooperation in trade, finance, technology transfer and talent cultivation is fruitful, and landmark projects such as the HSR have benefited both peoples, radiating positive impacts across neighboring countries. Indonesia looks forward to enhancing exchanges at all levels with China, expanding cooperation areas, enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges, pushing for greater development of the Indonesia-China community with a shared future, and jointly promoting solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, said Luhut. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) An aerial photo shows rows of charred homes after a slum area fire in Manila, the Philippines, May 20, 2025. Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. Officials said the two killed, who were cousins, were trapped inside their house. The fire damaged a nearby school building and torched several vehicles. Residents told firefighters that they had heard a loud explosion and saw smoke billowing from one of the houses before the fire. Local authorities said the cause of the fire is under investigation. A resident returns to his charred homes after a slum area fire in Manila, the Philippines, May 20, 2025. Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) A resident returns to his charred homes after a slum area fire in Manila, the Philippines, May 20, 2025. Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Residents return to their charred homes after a slum area fire in Manila, the Philippines, May 20, 2025. Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) An aerial drone photo shows a damaged car outside a row of charred homes after a slum area fire in Manila, the Philippines, May 20, 2025. Two people were killed and two others injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded residential area in the Philippine capital, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the three-hour blaze, which occurred on Monday afternoon, quickly spread in the closely packed houses made of light materials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about local efforts to accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing while visiting the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) ZHENGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has underscored unwavering confidence in boosting high-quality development and enhancing governance efficiency, while urging central China's Henan Province to write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour of the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou in the province on Monday and Tuesday. He emphasized that Henan should focus on building a modern industrial system and strengthening its agricultural capacity, improving people's well-being and social governance, enhancing ecological and environmental protection, and promoting cultural prosperity. On Monday afternoon, Xi visited Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. Its predecessor was a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957). The five-year plan laid the industrial foundation via concentrated efforts to build New China's first steel production base and first auto manufacturer. It is imperative to maintain a robust and reasonable share of the manufacturing, a key pillar of the national economy, in the process of advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. "Modern manufacturing relies on sci-tech empowerment," Xi said, while calling for greater efforts in the quest for core technological breakthroughs and pursuit of a path of independent innovation. Xi then visited the White Horse Temple, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), where he learned about the adaptation of Buddhism to the Chinese context and local efforts to preserve cultural relics. At the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site which also represents the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, Xi underlined the importance of preserving, inheriting and promoting these treasures of Chinese culture. The integration of culture and tourism holds great potential, Xi said, requiring efforts to promote the high-quality development of the sector and turn it into a pillar industry that benefits the people and enriches their lives. On Tuesday morning, Xi heard the provincial authorities' work report. Xi emphasized that high-quality development is fundamental to advancing Chinese modernization. In the face of a complex external environment, China should unwaveringly focus on managing domestic affairs well and expanding high-standard opening up, he added. Xi called for concrete efforts to maintain the stability of employment, businesses, the market and expectations. As an economic powerhouse, Henan should strengthen its real economy as the bedrock of development and foster new quality productive forces tailored to local strengths, Xi said. He also highlighted the need to enhance farmland protection and development, advance comprehensive rural revitalization through integrated urban-rural development, and strengthen the ecological conservation of key river basins. Xi urged more efforts to strengthen social governance as Henan faces complex and diverse social issues due to its large population, high population density, and significant population mobility. He also demanded the province to enhance Party-building within new-type economic and social organizations and among groups in new forms of employment, emphasizing the need to improve public services, and forestall and defuse risks in key sectors to safeguard social stability. Carrying out the education campaign to implement the Party central leadership's "eight-point decision" on improving work conduct is a major task for Party-building work this year, and the focus should be put on solving problems, Xi said. As drought has lingered in certain regions of the country since the beginning of this year, Xi called for better water allocation to safeguard water supply for residents and meet agricultural irrigation needs. Xi urged all regions to make thorough preparations for flood prevention and control as the flood season arrives. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with employees while visiting the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with employees while visiting the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about local efforts to accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing while visiting the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about local efforts to enhance the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, and promote the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector while visiting the White Horse Temple in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with tourists while visiting the Longmen Grottoes in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about local efforts to enhance the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, and promote the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector while visiting the Longmen Grottoes in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with tourists while visiting the Longmen Grottoes in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. Xi on Monday inspected the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, China, on May 30, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutierrez Luna in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutierrez Luna in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang said China is willing to work with Mexico to actively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen practical cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, jointly safeguard multilateralism, and promote the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. The National Committee of CPPCC is ready to make contributions to promoting the development of bilateral relations, Wang added. Sergio Gutierrez said Mexico is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, science and technology, education and cadre training, and jointly safeguard multilateralism. The Chamber of Deputies of Mexico is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the National Committee of the CPPCC and promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutierrez Luna in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with employees while visiting the Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) ZHENGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has underscored unwavering confidence in boosting high-quality development and enhancing governance efficiency, while urging central China's Henan Province to write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour of the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou in the province on Monday and Tuesday. He emphasized that Henan should focus on building a modern industrial system and strengthening its agricultural capacity, improving people's well-being and social governance, enhancing ecological and environmental protection, and promoting cultural prosperity. On Monday afternoon, Xi visited Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd. Its predecessor was a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957). The five-year plan laid the industrial foundation via concentrated efforts to build New China's first steel production base and first auto manufacturer. It is imperative to maintain a robust and reasonable share of the manufacturing, a key pillar of the national economy, in the process of advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said. "Modern manufacturing relies on sci-tech empowerment," Xi said, while calling for greater efforts in the quest for core technological breakthroughs and pursuit of a path of independent innovation. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about local efforts to enhance the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, and promote the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector while visiting the Longmen Grottoes in the city of Luoyang in central China's Henan Province, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi then visited the White Horse Temple, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), where he learned about the adaptation of Buddhism to the Chinese context and local efforts to preserve cultural relics. At the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site which also represents the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, Xi underlined the importance of preserving, inheriting and promoting these treasures of Chinese culture. The integration of culture and tourism holds great potential, Xi said, requiring efforts to promote the high-quality development of the sector and turn it into a pillar industry that benefits the people and enriches their lives. On Tuesday morning, Xi heard the provincial authorities' work report. Xi emphasized that high-quality development is fundamental to advancing Chinese modernization. In the face of a complex external environment, China should unwaveringly focus on managing domestic affairs well and expanding high-standard opening up, he added. Xi called for concrete efforts to maintain the stability of employment, businesses, the market and expectations. As an economic powerhouse, Henan should strengthen its real economy as the bedrock of development and foster new quality productive forces tailored to local strengths, Xi said. He also highlighted the need to enhance farmland protection and development, advance comprehensive rural revitalization through integrated urban-rural development, and strengthen the ecological conservation of key river basins. Xi urged more efforts to strengthen social governance as Henan faces complex and diverse social issues due to its large population, high population density, and significant population mobility. He also demanded the province to enhance Party-building within new-type economic and social organizations and among groups in new forms of employment, emphasizing the need to improve public services, and forestall and defuse risks in key sectors to safeguard social stability. Carrying out the education campaign to implement the Party central leadership's "eight-point decision" on improving work conduct is a major task for Party-building work this year, and the focus should be put on solving problems, Xi said. As drought has lingered in certain regions of the country since the beginning of this year, Xi called for better water allocation to safeguard water supply for residents and meet agricultural irrigation needs. Xi urged all regions to make thorough preparations for flood prevention and control as the flood season arrives. The mayor of Turkiye's Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has hailed China's development and the growing scope for bilateral cooperation in green energy, artificial intelligence, and tourism. #GLOBALink VIENTIANE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Officials from the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, along with development partners, met here on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in the protection and sustainable management of forests and protected areas. The meeting brought together representatives from the ministry, the European Union, and other relevant sectors, Lao News Agency reported on Tuesday. In his speech, Somvang Phimmavong, director of the ministry's Forest Department, emphasized the importance of the meeting in raising awareness and deepening understanding of key directives related to the forestry and mining sectors. Laos is known for its abundant forest resources. However, decades of widespread and unregulated exploitation have led to significant deforestation. In response, the Lao government has prioritized the sustainable management and use of forest resources. The government has set a target to restore forest cover to 70 percent of the country's land area, with a strategy focused on ensuring that people and forests coexist peacefully, balancing conservation efforts with the development of local livelihoods. JAKARTA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian Ministry of Trade plans to increase exports of food, beverages, and agricultural products to Asian markets as part of its efforts to meet the national export target, a minister said on Monday. Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that Asian markets, such as China's Taiwan, China's Hong Kong, and other regional countries with significant Indonesian diaspora populations, are easily accessible. "Those regions are the easiest for us to reach. Asian countries and regions have markets that allow our food and beverage products, as well as agricultural goods, to enter," Santoso said during a press conference at his office. To achieve this goal, the minister said the government would intensify efforts to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a key role in producing these goods. According to Santoso, Indonesia aims to increase overall exports by 7.1 percent this year, with most of the growth expected from non-oil and gas sectors. TEHRAN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and 24 others injured in two road incidents in Iran, the country's IRIB news agency reported Tuesday. Three police officers, all members of the highway patrol, were stationed on the northern shoulder of an intercity highway in northern Alborz province on Monday night, when a pickup truck veered off the lane due to the driver's "carelessness and drowsiness" and crashed into them, said an IRIB report. The three were all severely injured and immediately transferred to the hospital, and one of them, identified as Ali-Akbar Sijani, succumbed to his wounds despite efforts by the medical staff, the report added. Later, a passenger bus carrying five Iranians and 37 Afghan nationals, which was en route to Iran's southeastern border in Sistan and Baluchestan province, overturned early Tuesday on an intercity road in southeastern Kerman province and left 22 injured, IRIB said in a separate report. Two of the injured were transferred to the hospital, and the rest received primary medical care at the scene, it noted, without specifying the cause of the incident. MOSCOW, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine, which could include a potential ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the press after his call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Putin and Trump held a telephone call on Monday, during which the leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis and recent Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. "We agreed with the President of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum regarding a possible future peace treaty," local media reported citing the Russian leader. Putin noted that this treaty could define various aspects, "such as the principles of a settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement," and "a possible ceasefire for a certain period given the relevant agreements are reached." The president said Russia supports a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, and reiterated that Moscow's priority is to eliminate the root causes of the crisis. Putin said that Moscow and Kiev must find compromises that would be acceptable to both sides. He thanked the U.S. leader for helping restart direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, and called the telephone conversation substantive, frank and very useful. BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday marked the first anniversary of Lai Ching-te's tenure as the leader of Taiwan. The 65-year-old spent his first year in office taking actions that undermined cross-Strait peace and stability and harmed the island's overall well-being -- revealing his true colors as a stubborn separatist. With Lai as the leader, Taiwan grapples with protracted social and economic challenges and the Taiwan Strait has been turned into a tinderbox of heightened tensions. A recent poll released by Taiwan's United Daily News shows that among those surveyed, more than half expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the island's leader and believed that Taiwan's society has become more divided. Over the past few days, protesters took to the streets in large numbers in Taipei, Taichung and other cities on the island, voicing anger over what they see as poor governance and ineffective policymaking by Taiwan authorities. What follows is a review of six grave mistakes Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) made over the past year. AGGRAVATED SEPARATIST NARRATIVES Having openly rejected the 1992 Consensus, which affirms the one-China principle, Lai brought out a new version of the "two states" theory, asserting that the two sides of the Strait do not belong to each other, upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's leader on May 20, 2024. During the past year in office, Lai has used various statements and actions to clearly express this view. In March, Lai went further to portray the mainland as a "hostile external force" and outline 17 strategies to counter so-called threats facing the island. Earlier this month, Taiwan's executive body removed explicit recognition of the Han people -- the majority ethnic group in both Taiwan and the Chinese mainland -- from the island's official demographic profile. The move was part of a broader scheme aimed at severing the historical and cultural ties between the island and the mainland. Lai's separatist rhetoric and actions have repeatedly provoked the mainland, prompting countermeasures and escalating tensions across the Strait. SABOTAGING CROSS-STRAIT EXCHANGES The DPP authorities led by Lai have maintained the ban on group travel to the mainland, restricted direct flights, and prohibited collaborations between Taiwan-based institutions and 10 mainland universities. Lai proposed policies to investigate Taiwan residents holding mainland identity documents, expand the scope of scrutiny over Taiwan artists' remarks and behaviors, and establish a review system targeting cross-Strait exchanges in religion, culture and education. In Taiwan, groups and individuals who support reunification and cross-Strait exchanges are facing harassment and business people are discouraged from investing in the mainland, while pro-DPP media have launched smear campaigns vilifying cross-Strait cooperation. ENFORCING POLITICAL PERSECUTION Taiwan's democracy and rule of law are in decline, as Lai's DPP has increasingly suppressed political opponents, silenced dissenting voices, and restricted freedom of expression. Given that the DPP's campaign color is green, many in Taiwan have begun referring to its recent authoritarian tactics as "green authoritarianism." The primary targets of this crackdown are those who oppose "Taiwan independence" and advocate for closer cross-Strait relations. One high-profile case involved a woman from the mainland, known online as "Yaya," who married a man in Taiwan and publicly expressed support for China's reunification. Her residence permit was revoked by the DPP authorities, and she was forced to leave, separating her from her husband and three children. Similar measures were imposed on two other mainland spouses. NEGLECTING THE PUBLIC'S BASIC NEEDS Under the leadership of Lai, chronic issues in Taiwan, such as power shortage, water scarcity, wealth inequality, and imbalanced industrial development, are worsening, while supply shortages of daily necessities and frequent price surges have occurred periodically. The DPP authorities' rash decision to phase out nuclear energy amid an ongoing energy crisis sparked public outrage, with critics accusing the DPP of "powering Taiwan with lies, not electricity." Instead of addressing these problems, Lai has diverted significant resources toward political vendettas, including orchestrating recall campaigns against opposition lawmakers. SELLING OUT TAIWAN To obtain support for his separatist cause from the United States, Lai has willingly sacrificed Taiwan's interests. Key industries like semiconductor heavyweight TSMC are pressured to relocate to the United States, risking industrial hollowing-out in Taiwan, while few measures were taken to counter the unfair tariff demands from the United States. Local residents have bluntly condemned the DPP authorities for "emptying Taiwan's coffers to serve as an American ATM." DISTORTING INTERNATIONAL LAW Since taking office, Lai has openly challenged the international community's fundamental adherence to the one-China principle and the post-WWII international order by claiming that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 "does not mention Taiwan" and the People's Republic of China "has no right to represent Taiwan." He also continued his predecessors' practices by manipulating the issue of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) to advance his separatist agenda. However, the proposal on Taiwan's participation as an observer was rejected by the WHA. Over the past year, Lai and his followers have exploited the so-called "stopover" trips to collude with external forces and attempted to form ideologically-driven economic cliques that disrupt global trade order. He sought to secure external forces' endorsement of his separatist agenda, fabricating the notion of so-called "international space" in the attempt to mislead the international community. ANKARA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will provide new economic opportunities for Turkiye, especially for its underdeveloped eastern and southeastern regions, said a Turkish official and analysts. On May 12, the PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, declared it would disband and cease its decades-long armed insurgency against the Turkish state. The move followed a February call from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan urging the group to lay down its arms. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said the PKK's disbandment will enhance investor confidence in Turkiye and unlock resources for such vital sectors as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, especially in areas neglected due to security concerns. The conflict with the PKK "has cost the country an estimated 1.8 trillion U.S. dollars," Simsek was quoted recently by local English newspaper Daily Sabah as saying. "Now we can pivot toward productive spending that supports long-term growth," the minister added. "This is a significant economic development opportunity for Turkiye," Istanbul-based economist Atilla Yesilada told Xinhua. "The return of security and stability in conflict zones would be followed by private investment flows into impoverished regions." Industrial zones once deemed risky may now attract manufacturers and logistics firms, especially given their strategic proximity to Middle Eastern markets, he noted. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute showed that unemployment rates in Turkiye's southeastern provinces have historically remained above the national average, while per capita income in many of those provinces is less than half that of western provinces. "With proper planning, these regions can become drivers of Turkiye's economy," Yesilada said, highlighting agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing as key sectors for potential growth. The PKK's disbandment, a "historic shift" for Turkiye, "will lower Turkiye's country risk premium," said Gurkan Yildirim, head of the Turkish Young Businessmen Association. "Creating a secure and stable environment would boost investor confidence, reduce perceived risks, and highlight Turkiye's economic strengths," he told Xinhua. The eastern and southeastern Anatolia regions, bordering Syria, Iraq, and Iran, will be well positioned to benefit from new investment opportunities, thereby improving local living standards and contributing to broader national economic growth, Yildirim said. "Revitalizing the tourism sector in these areas could play a role in driving economic transformation," he added. JERUSALEM, May 19 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli soldier was killed during combat in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, the military said, marking the first Israeli fatality since the launch of a major ground operation over the weekend. The military identified the soldier as Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22, from the West Bank settlement of Harasha. He served in the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion. No further details were provided on the circumstances of his death. Chirak's death comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza under "Operation Gideon's Chariots," which began on Saturday. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has struck 160 targets across the enclave on Monday, including militant positions, anti-tank missile launchers, weapons depots, and military infrastructure. It also reported the destruction of a tunnel in southern Gaza and an airstrike on a building in Nuseirat, which it described as a Hamas command and control center. Gaza's health ministry said at least 136 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours, raising the Palestinian death toll to 53,475 since the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023. BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China renovated 280,000 old residential communities from 2019 to 2024, benefiting more than 120 million people, Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Qin Haixiang said Tuesday. The nationwide program has benefited 48 million households, Qin said at a State Council Information Office press conference on a set of guidelines regarding the country's urban renewal efforts. The renovation program has upgraded 360,000 km of aging pipelines, added 3.87 million parking spaces, and constructed 78,000 community service facilities for elderly care and childcare, according to official data. Local authorities have focused on addressing residents' most pressing concerns. They also implemented energy-efficiency renovations covering 446 million square meters of residential buildings nationwide. Regions across China have also prioritized installing elevators in existing residential buildings as a key livelihood project. This initiative has particularly benefited the elderly and mobility-impaired. "This allows elderly people with mobility difficulties and trouble navigating stairs to now conveniently go downstairs to enjoy sunshine and chat with longtime neighbors," Qin said. "This benefits their physical and mental health and has been widely welcomed by the communities." By the end of 2024, China's urbanization rate reached 67 percent, with 940 million people living in urban areas, according to official data. The country is intensifying efforts to advance its urban renewal initiative as it strives to build livable, resilient and smart cities, and to bolster high-quality development. In its latest push, China on May 15 unveiled a set of guidelines, pledging increased policy and financial support for urban renewal projects, which can range from gas pipe updates and lift installations to the renovation of old factories into commercial zones. The guidelines, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, are designed to achieve key progress in the country's urban renewal campaign by 2030. They also aim to improve safety conditions, enhance service efficiency, elevate living environments, develop business models, and preserve cultural heritage. "We're working to improve utilization of existing resources by renovating old factories, inefficient buildings, and traditional commercial facilities," Qin noted. BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's commerce ministry on Monday condemned the United States for abusing export control measures targeting Chinese chip products, urging the country to immediately correct its wrongdoings and cease discriminatory measures against China. Commenting on a revised U.S. announcement concerning Chinese chip products, the spokesperson said that the announcement in essence still contains discriminatory measures and will distort the market. The United States has abused its export control measures and imposed stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products based on unfounded allegations, the spokesperson said, adding that China firmly opposes such unilateral bullying. The U.S. actions have seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, threatened the security and stability of global semiconductor industrial and supply chains, and disrupted global technological innovation, the spokesperson noted. The spokesperson urged the U.S. side to work with China to jointly safeguard the consensus reached in the high-level talks in Geneva, and promote the building of sustainable, long-term and mutually beneficial bilateral economic and trade relations. If the United States continues to cause China substantive harm, China will take resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, the spokesperson said. BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) monitored a Philippine civilian ship throughout its process of delivering essential provisions to an illegally grounded ship at Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea, a CCG spokesperson said Tuesday. Spokesperson Liu Dejun said the Philippine vessel was dispatched to carry out the resupply operation after securing approval from the Chinese side on May 16. Liu urged the Philippines to honor its commitments and work with China to keep the maritime situation under control. The CCG will continue to protect maritime rights and carry out law-enforcement activities in China's Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and its surrounding waters, the spokesperson added. In May 1999, the Philippines "grounded" the tank-landing ship BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Ren'ai Jiao. Despite Manila's repeated promise to tow it away, the ship has remained there for over 25 years. An Ethiopian student registers with a Chinese company at a job fair event at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) by Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang ADDIS ABABA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- As graduation season nears, Habtamu Tiruneh, a fifth-year mechanical and industrial engineering student at Addis Ababa University (AAU) in Ethiopia, is determined to leverage the school's annual job fair to secure employment despite the daunting labor market challenges. Tiruneh is particularly interested in finding a job or internship opportunity with one of the dozens of Chinese companies present at the fair, which is held from Monday to Tuesday as part of the AAU's Research and Fairs Week themed "Enhancing Employability and University-Industry Collaboration." "Finding jobs relevant to our field of study has become a challenge these days. Job fairs like this serve as an important platform as we meet potential employers directly, and it also builds confidence," Tiruneh told Xinhua as he approached the booth of a Chinese construction company. At the fair, Chinese firms engaging in Ethiopia's key development sectors -- from infrastructure to information and communications technology -- drew waves of eager applicants. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a construction giant that has been operating in the East African country for over a decade, is one of the 20 Chinese companies at the job fair. With nearly 5,000 local employees in Ethiopia, CCECC aims to further enhance its local team by recruiting about 40 graduates from this fair for positions, including engineers, accountants, marketing managers, and translators. "Chinese companies are prominent in Ethiopia's infrastructure, manufacturing, and other sectors," Tiruneh said. "I believe that working as a junior mechanical and industrial engineer in one of these companies would be a great opportunity for my future career, especially because of their extensive expertise and advanced technologies." Data from the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills indicate that a mismatch between labor demand and supply is a major challenge in Ethiopia's labor market, with the country's working-age population estimated at 60 million. Encouraging educational institutions and companies to invest in bridging this gap, Solomon Addis, a labor market information system expert at the ministry, emphasized the critical role of job fairs in connecting the labor force and companies. "Today's job fair highlights a significant issue in our country, regarding the stagnation in employment opportunities and the lack of confidence employers have in new graduates," said Kassu Jilcha, director of the Student Career Development Center at the AAU. "The rising unemployment rates and the hesitance of industries to hire recent graduates cannot be resolved without the support of university units and other stakeholders." Jilcha also highlighted the vital role of Chinese companies, such as Huawei Ethiopia, in partnering with the university to host job fairs, serving as a platform to facilitate information sharing among companies and the university community. Students attend a job fair event at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang) A Chinese employer talks to an Ethiopian student at a job fair event at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang) Students talk to a Chinese company's staff member at a job fair event at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) GENEVA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Monday decided not to include in its agenda a so-called proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer. Addressing the assembly, Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery and return to China, and that Taiwan's return is an integral part of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. Chen said the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 have long since resolved the issue of China's representation, including Taiwan, in a comprehensive and conclusive manner. He said the WHA has, for consecutive years, rejected so-called Taiwan-related proposals, thereby upholding the authority of the UN and the post-war international order. Facts have proven that the path of "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, he added. The Taiwan question, he said, is China's internal affair and a remaining issue from the Chinese civil war. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have yet to be reunified, the legal and factual status of Taiwan as part of China has never changed. He noted that 183 countries have established official diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. Ahead of this year's WHA session, many countries sent letters to the WHO reaffirming their support for this principle. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle embodies the broad consensus of the international community. China's central government has always attached great importance to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Provided that the one-China principle is upheld, technical experts from Taiwan Province face no obstacles to participating in WHO activities, he added. The so-called claim of a "gap" in the international pandemic prevention system is inconsistent with the facts and is purely a political manipulation, he said. BISSAU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Trade relations between Guinea-Bissau and China are favorable and mutually beneficial, and both countries should deepen their cooperation, Bubacar Mane, a Guinea-Bissau expert in foreign trade, has said. "I advise national authorities to fully harness China's economic potential to strengthen human capacity and import Chinese technologies," he told Xinhua on Monday, encouraging Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Guinea-Bissau, particularly in cashew nut processing and the fisheries sector. "Chinese investors should step up their presence in these two key sectors, which are crucial for our country's economic development," Mane emphasized, noting that "China is a major market, and its cooperation is essential for Guinea-Bissau." According to the expert, Bissau-Guinean authorities must also adopt strategies to protect Chinese investments and mitigate the impact of any potential trade conflict between China and the United States. "Chinese products are affordable and significantly help reduce poverty in Guinea-Bissau," he noted, advocating for Guinea-Bissau to "export timber and fish to China by taking advantage of zero-tariff opportunities." Highlighting the progress Chinese companies have made in Guinea-Bissau, Mane called on the government to deepen cooperation with China in education and technology, areas where "China serves as a model." CARACAS, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela has suspended all flights to and from Colombia after authorities said they have uncovered a plot to smuggle explosives into the country via Colombian airports on Monday. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the move is in response to an uncovered destabilization plan that included bombing foreign embassies, police stations and healthcare facilities in Venezuela. "We have decided to immediately suspend all air traffic between Venezuela and Colombia," Cabello said, adding that the move is a security measure to prevent further infiltration. The minister said that the plot aims to disrupt the national and regional legislative elections scheduled for May 25. HELSINKI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- At least three people have been injured in a violent incident at a Finnish school in Pirkkala on Tuesday, Finnish police said in a statement, adding that the suspect has been arrested. A couple holds a destination wedding in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, May 10, 2025.(Xinhua) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- On Tuesday morning, Yang Min and his bride, He Xingyue, registered their marriage at the lakeside of Erhai, hundreds of miles away from their home in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The date of May 20 holds a special significance in China, as its Chinese pronunciation "520" resembles the phrase "wo ai ni," meaning "I love you." It is a peak time for marriage registrations, seeing long lines at marriage registries nationwide. With China scrapping household registration rules for marriages earlier this month, couples are embracing a new "wedding plus travel" trend, merging their nuptials with vacation getaways. "Since the marriage registration has become so much easier, we decided to get married where we first met," said Yang, from Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan. Their park-style registry is located on a peninsula at Erhai Lake, where a group wedding ceremony was held Tuesday morning in the Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, also in Yunnan. Yang added that following the wedding ceremony, the couple will spend a few days in Dali as a honeymoon. The latest hassle-free marriage rule has made cross-region marriage registration more convenient, especially for those working outside their hometowns. According to a national population census in 2020, China's mobile population reached 376 million, including 125 million interprovincial migrants. As the policy no longer requires people to register their marriage back home, young couples prefer to plan their weddings in their own way -- traveling to an ideal destination for a commemorative wedding, or a destination wedding. To attract more lovebirds to arrange their weddings there to boost the consumption economy, places across the country have taken various measures. Yunnan, a hot tourist destination known for its breathtaking landscape views, rich ethnic cultures and cuisines, has set up 114 park-style marriage registries, offering one-stop services for marriage registrations, wedding ceremonies and honeymoon tours. Chengdu, capital of the neighboring Sichuan Province, has moved a marriage registry to a snowy mountaintop at an altitude of 3,250 meters for marriage registration services, the highest spot in the city. Sayram Lake, a scenic area in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, offers free lifetime entrance to couples who register their marriage there, making it an even more appealing destination for newlyweds to tie the knot. Liang Sen, a native of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and his girlfriend Wang Mingyi, from Jilin Province in northeast China, recently drove over 10,000 km from Jilin to Sayram Lake for marriage registration. "Both of us love traveling. The new marriage policy grants us the convenience and a special wedding," said Liang, adding that their experience of tasting local snacks, climbing the Great Wall and snow-capped mountains on the way became their romantic memory. The booming destination weddings have stimulated businesses of various kinds, such as photography. Chen Liuling, a Chengdu-based private photographer, said the photo shooting for marriage registration is usually priced from 200 yuan (about 27.8 U.S. dollars) to some 400 yuan, while more upscale studios charge up to 699 yuan. "Many young couples seek both a sense of ceremony and cost-effectiveness. They're willing to spend a few hundred yuan to document this special moment," she said. Zhao Canhui, head of the destination wedding branch of Dali's tourism association, said that young people today hold more diverse interpretations of romance, driving the emergence of popular wedding destinations. He noted that these innovative marriage registration models reflect both consumption upgrades following policy relaxation and young people's redefinition of wedding ceremonies, making the "sweet economy" a new growth engine. Women in wedding dresses are pictured at a wedding art center in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, May 20, 2025.(Xinhua) A couple registers at a marriage registry in Panlong District, Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, May 20, 2025.(Xinhua) Couples are pictured at a marriage registry in Panlong District, Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, May 20, 2025.(Xinhua) LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as "utterly intolerable," and called for an immediate ceasefire. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer said, "The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable," and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are "horrified by the escalation from Israel." He said an "immediate ceasefire" remains "the only way to free the hostages." He also reaffirmed Britain's opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza. "The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate," Starmer said. "We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve." Britain, France and Canada said on Monday that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete actions. HELSINKI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Three students were injured in a stabbing incident at a school in the town of Pirkkala, near the city of Tampere in southern Finland on Tuesday. A fourth student has been arrested as the suspect, Finnish police confirmed. The injured students have received medical treatment, and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The suspect was apprehended approximately half km from the school shortly after the attack, according to the police. The police received a report of violence at the school through the emergency center at 10:42 a.m.. At 11:00 a.m., they stated that several patrols were on the scene to investigate the situation. Later, at 12:18 p.m., the police announced that they had inspected the school premises and that the acute situation was over. However, officers remained at the scene. Vahajarvi School, where the incident took place, serves more than 1,200 students from grades one through nine. The town of Pirkkala is some 180 km north of the capital Helsinki. Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported receiving a manifesto allegedly sent in advance by the suspect. Police have confirmed that the document is now part of the ongoing investigation. According to the manifesto, the suspect is a 16-year-old male who used a knife and intentionally targeted female students. The document states that the suspect had planned the attack for six months, intending to kill one person and injure at least two others. It also notes that the suspect intended to surrender to police after the attack. Eyewitnesses told Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that the boy, dressed in black, was standing at a street corner when police arrived and he was detained without resistance. Finnish Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz condemned the violence in a written statement, saying: "Violence in schools is unequivocally to be condemned." A police press conference is scheduled to be held in Tampere at 5:00 p.m. local time. HANGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for efforts to accelerate the implementation of pro-employment measures to guarantee stable employment. Shen made the remarks during a research trip centering on employment and vocational skills training in the cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, from May 17 to 20. During her trip, Shen learned about the latest employment situation by visiting various locations, urging greater support for sectors and businesses with strong job creation capabilities. She also emphasized the need to help businesses mitigate burdens and stabilize employment to effectively overcome external shocks. It is vital to safeguard employment for key demographics, such as college graduates and migrant workers, especially those who have shaken off poverty, she said. She also called for the launch of large-scale vocational training programs to improve labor skills and cultivate more high-caliber professionals. BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Nine people, including two children, were injured on Tuesday in an Israeli drone attack targeting a motorcycle in southern Lebanon, according to official Lebanese sources. The official National News Agency reported that a "hostile" Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle on the Mansouri-Majdal Zoun road in the Tyre District, whereas the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, affiliated with the Health Ministry, said three of the injured are in critical condition. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Tuesday in a statement that it killed the commander of Hezbollah's Mansouri complex in a drone attack in southern Lebanon. The IDF did not mention the commander's name but said he planned "numerous" attacks against Israel, facilitated the transfer of weapons, and was responsible for attempts to reestablish the complex. Despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, which has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024 and brought an end to more than a year of clashes linked to the war in Gaza, the Israeli military continues to carry out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating "threats" posed by Hezbollah. PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian and Chinese artists will jointly perform here this weekend to mark the official launch of the "Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025," said a statement from Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday. The "Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025" opening ceremony will be held on Friday evening at the iconic Chaktomuk Theater with a joint cultural show, the statement said. Moreover, the artists from both countries will perform at the pedestrianized "Walking Street" along the riverside Sisowath Quay on Saturday and Sunday evenings, it added. The cultural event aimed to "entice more Chinese tourists and investors to Cambodia," the statement said. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said designating 2025 as the "Cambodia-China Tourism Year" marked a significant step forward in revitalizing bilateral tourism and people-to-people exchanges. "Chinese tourists have historically played a crucial role in Cambodia's tourism industry, and this initiative will stimulate market growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster related sectors amidst global economic uncertainties," he told Xinhua. Sinan said tourism is a vital bridge that fosters mutual understanding and cultural exchange. "The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 will open new avenues for educational and social cooperation, strengthening the social fabric and deepening the people-to-people bonds between our nations," he said. "In a challenging global environment, such efforts are essential for building resilience and shared cultural appreciation," he added. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia received a total of 1.83 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2025, up 16 percent year-on-year. Of them, 286,156 were Chinese visitors, accounting for 15.6 percent of the total. Tourists enter Suzhou Archaeological Museum in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province on May 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Shuo) NANJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The overwhelming number of visitors flocking to the newly opened Suzhou Archaeological Museum came as a surprise to the curator Cheng Yi. Cheng said he had expected 3,000 to 4,000 visitors at most on the first day, mostly those with archaeological knowledge or professionals in the field. "We ended up receiving 7,000 to 8,000 people -- many of them ordinary citizens and tourists from outside the city," he said. Located in the eastern city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, the museum opened on May 17, right before China Tourism Day and International Museum Day, which fall on Monday and Sunday, respectively. Cheng believes the upcoming Children's Day, which coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from May 31 to June 2, will bring another peak in visitors, as the museum will hold a special exhibition of ancient toys unearthed in Suzhou for the occasion. An even greater influx is expected during the summer holidays. Suzhou Archaeological Museum reflects a growing nationwide enthusiasm for archaeology-themed tourism. In recent years, archaeological and historical museums across China have become trending destinations, often requiring online reservations and drawing long queues. People have not only gained interest in traditionally famous museums like the Palace Museum, but are also eager to explore remote ancient sites such as Yanmen Pass in Shanxi Province. According to Cheng, it is meaningful to build such an archaeological museum in Suzhou, which was a hub of cultural and economic exchanges in the Yangtze River Delta in ancient times, and the significance is beyond public archaeological education. "It also stirs pride in our hometown," he said. He believes the country's economic development and growing national strength have played a significant part in fostering public interest in history and culture. "In the past, when people struggled to make a living, they wouldn't think about these things. Today, people feel proud of China's achievements. This represents the revival of an ancient civilization," he said. Cheng noted that the country is also vigorously promoting a national project on tracing the origins of Chinese civilization, and as more and more cultural relics are unearthed, the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization is being substantiated. As archaeology as an academic discipline becomes more widely known to the public, Cheng believes that presenting the full process from relics' excavation to museum display both meets the needs of professionals and captures the interest of the general public. A hallmark of archaeological museums, according to Cheng, is that the exhibits are authentic, since they were all unearthed by experts and verified through scientific methods before display. "What was this object used for?" "Who was buried here?" "Are all the relics real?" Cheng was surrounded by visitors bombarding him with such questions. Many visitors were interested in a large tomb of the ancient Eastern Wu state. It is believed to have belonged to the family of Sun Quan, founding king of the Wu State during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), though the exact identity of the tomb's occupant remains unknown. Despite having been looted, the large tomb has largely retained its structure, with its architectural design, passageways, and side chambers all faithfully presented. After its excavation was completed in 2018, the tomb was divided into parts and stored at a facility due to the lack of a proper display venue, until the Suzhou Archaeological Museum was constructed. The tomb parts were carefully delivered to the museum and recombined to show visitors the tomb's original appearance. A 62-year-old visitor excitedly took pictures and repeatedly told nearby visitors his childhood memories about the tomb. "I used to live here as a child and played on these mounds," said the visitor who declined to give his name. "I had no idea that such a grand tomb lay underneath." Yan Xinfeng, a warehouse keeper who moved from Sanmenxia in central China's Henan Province to work in Suzhou years ago, is a fan of historical dramas and often visits museums. "After visiting this archaeological museum, I realized Suzhou's history is older than I thought, and ancient people were far more advanced than I imagined, as they created so many such intricate items," he said. "I feel proud." After visiting, 9-year-old Xu Xuhan said she was impressed by a hairpin unearthed from the Eastern Wu tomb, which might help identify the tomb's owner. "I love history and want to know how our civilization started," she said. The third-grader has not yet taken history lessons at primary school, but said she had learnt a lot from a number of museums across China she visited with her parents. "I want to become an archaeologist when I grow up," she said. Many of the exhibits at the museum are newly discovered artifacts that help fill gaps in archaeological knowledge from the Neolithic Liangzhu culture, to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (770 B.C.-221 B.C.) and beyond. For instance, a pottery shard offers clues that the Wu and Yue regions, which cover the current-day Suzhou, were once under the rule of the Qin Empire (221 B.C.-207 B.C.), as the Chinese characters inscribed on it were written in the Qin script. Numerous other artifacts on display also support the idea that the area was a hub of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. More notably, the museum also houses archaeological tools and explains excavation methods to highlight archaeology as a science and dispel public misconceptions. "There was a time when people thought archaeology was just tomb-raiding," Cheng said. He added that the museum is looking to use virtual reality and artificial intelligence in the future to let the public experience archaeological digs firsthand. As China places greater emphasis on history and culture, and as traditional Chinese aesthetics grow in popularity among the public, more museums of this kind will open to the public across the country, Cheng believes. TEHRAN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Tuesday warned the United States against making "nonsensical" remarks regarding Tehran's uranium enrichment during the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the two countries. He made the remarks at a ceremony in Tehran to commemorate the first anniversary of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's death, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, according to footage of Khamenei's speech published on his website. Khamenei said, "I should give a warning to the other side. The American side that has entered the indirect talks and is negotiating should refrain from idle remarks." "For them to say that 'we do not allow Iran to enrich uranium' is a big mistake," he added. "No one (in Iran) is waiting for permission from anyone. Iran has its independent policy and method and pursues its own agenda." The leader said he would later explain to the nation why the Western countries, including the United States, were insisting so much on stopping Iran's uranium enrichment. Khamenei, in addition, said he expects no results from the ongoing nuclear talks with Washington. Facilitated by Oman, the Iranian and U.S. delegations have so far held four rounds of indirect talks since April on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. A fifth round is expected to be held in the coming days, with its date and venue to be announced later. However, over the past days, U.S. officials have kept saying that Iran should completely cease its uranium enrichment, a request rejected by Tehran, which considers the issue "non-negotiable." SAO PAULO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Three construction workers died on Monday when the forklift elevator they were in plummeted 17 floors at a building site in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Fire Department reported. According to the report, the three victims, aged 20, 26 and 43, were riding the forklift elevator installed on the outside of a residential building under construction in the city's Butanta neighborhood at the time of the incident. The construction company told local media it will wait for the results of police investigation to clear up what happened. The mayor of Sao Paulo, South America's largest city, lamented the deaths and verified that the construction project had corresponding permits. People attend a celebration organized by the Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 19, 2025. The Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society on Monday celebrated the World Crafts Council's designation of Kuwait City as the World Craft City for Al-Sadu Weaving, honoring the centuries-old Bedouin textile tradition and underlining efforts to preserve this unique art form. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) KUWAIT CITY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society on Monday celebrated the World Crafts Council's designation of Kuwait City as the World Craft City for Al-Sadu Weaving, honoring the centuries-old Bedouin textile tradition and underlining efforts to preserve this unique art form. The celebrations will run from Monday to Thursday. "This art embodies the spirit of Kuwaiti authenticity and reflects the skill of Bedouin women in transforming wool and natural materials into artistic masterpieces," said Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, chairwoman of the board of directors of the Sadu Crafts Association. "This global recognition motivates us to continue working to protect this heritage and pass it on to future generations," she added. Saad Al-Qaddoumi, president of the council, told Xinhua, "Today is a special historic day for the State of Kuwait, as it has become a global craft city for Sadu weaving." Sadu weaving has long been a symbol of desert life and nomadic culture. People watch an art show on interactive screens during a celebration organized by the Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 19, 2025. The Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society on Monday celebrated the World Crafts Council's designation of Kuwait City as the World Craft City for Al-Sadu Weaving, honoring the centuries-old Bedouin textile tradition and underlining efforts to preserve this unique art form. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) A man watches an art show on interactive screens during a celebration organized by the Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 19, 2025. The Kuwaiti Al-Sadu Society on Monday celebrated the World Crafts Council's designation of Kuwait City as the World Craft City for Al-Sadu Weaving, honoring the centuries-old Bedouin textile tradition and underlining efforts to preserve this unique art form. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua) China expects Poland to further promote China-EU relations as rotating EU chair: FM Xinhua) 08:26, May 20, 2025 BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), China expects Poland, the holder of the rotating EU presidency, to play a greater constructive role in advancing China-EU relations toward new progress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his phone call with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Poland is an important strategic partner of China in Europe, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Poland and expand practical cooperation across various fields. Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, Wang said that China is willing to work with Poland to uphold the post-World War II international order, safeguard the central role of the United Nations, and defend the international law and the basic norms governing international relations. The return of Taiwan to China is an integral part of the victory in World War II and the postwar international order, he said, voicing his hope that Poland will uphold the international consensus, continue to adhere to the one-China policy, and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist attempts. Sikorski said that Poland attaches great importance to its relations with China, will adhere to the one-China policy, and is committed to strengthening exchanges at all levels with China, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, jointly maintaining the post-World War II international order, so as to promote the continuous development of Poland-China and EU-China relations. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wang said that the development of the situation in Ukraine has proved that the four-point proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping have taken into account the concerns of all parties and is an important guiding principle for promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China has always been committed to promoting peace talks and has never given up its peace efforts, including jointly establishing the "Friends of Peace" group with other countries in the Global South, Wang said. Russia and Ukraine have recently resumed direct negotiations, taking the first step towards peace despite their different positions, Wang said, adding that China expects all parties to further demonstrate their willingness to resolve the crisis politically, and eventually reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement through continued dialogue. Sikorski said that he expects China to continue to play an active role in promoting lasting peace in Europe. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SINGAPORE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore reported 151 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in 2024, with 78 of them diagnosed at a late stage of infection, according to the latest data released by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on Monday. About 62 percent of the newly reported cases were detected during the course of medical care, with the majority already in the late stage of HIV infection. The fact that more than half of the new cases were diagnosed late is a cause for concern, Wong Chen Seong, head of the national programs for HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections under the CDA, told local media. He said that although both early- and late-stage patients can typically suppress the HIV viral load to undetectable levels after three to six months of treatment, those diagnosed at a late stage often already suffer from serious complications due to weakened immune systems. Treatment for late-stage patients involves not only suppressing the virus to prevent further immune damage, but also managing these concurrent illnesses. He added that once the immune system has been compromised, it can take longer to recover, with the duration varying depending on the patient's overall health, age, and baseline immune status. During this recovery period, individuals are also more vulnerable to other infections. As of end-2024, a total of 7,137 Singapore residents were known to be living with HIV. The annual number of new HIV cases in Singapore has been gradually declining over the years, from 300 to 500 cases annually between 2009 and 2019, to around 200 to 250 cases annually between 2020 and 2023. BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner has approved 27 fixed-asset investment projects worth 573.7 billion yuan (about 79.8 billion U.S. dollars) in the first four months of this year. These projects are primarily focusing on industries of energy, agriculture, forestry and water conservation, as well as high technology, Li Chao, a spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference on Tuesday. In April alone, the NDRC approved eight fixed-asset investment projects worth 377.1 billion yuan, Li said. China will update the catalog of industries where foreign investment will be encouraged, opening more sectors, including advanced manufacturing and the digital economy, Li revealed. China has steadfastly advanced its reform and opening-up policy in more than 40 years, remaining an ideal, safe and enabling investment destination for foreign enterprises, Li said. However, current unilateral and protectionist measures adopted by certain countries have compelled businesses to take sides and make choices that do not align with economic principles, causing significant disruption to the normal operations of multinational companies, Li said, urging relevant countries to promptly return to the correct path of multilateralism and free trade, working together to inject certainty into global economic development. Li said that the NDRC has coordinated with relevant departments to accelerate the introduction of several measures aimed at stabilizing employment and economic development while promoting high-quality growth. Currently, relevant departments are working diligently to implement these measures, with most policies expected to be in place by the end of June. ZHENGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for continuous efforts to build the manufacturing industry stronger to advance Chinese modernization. Xi made the remarks during his inspection tour in a bearing producer in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province, on Monday afternoon. Xi visited the company's intelligent manufacturing plant to learn about the performance and applications of various types of bearing products. He inspected the intelligent production lines and had an amiable conversation with the workers. "China has always adhered to the path of developing the real economy. From the past reliance on imported matches, soap and iron, to now becoming the world's largest manufacturing country with the most complete industrial categories, we have taken the right path," Xi noted. China must continue to strengthen the manufacturing sector, adhere to the principles of building self-reliance and strength, and master core technologies in key fields, Xi said. He also urged efforts to strengthen collaboration between industries, universities and research institutes, and cultivate a large number of high-quality talents. The producer, Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd., is a traditional manufacturing firm that has invested heavily in scientific and technological research and made significant progress in industrial upgrading in recent years. Its wind turbine main bearings now hold over 40 percent of the domestic market share. *Chinese culture is better promoted across the world, luring more curious overseas visitors to have a closer look. *Thanks partly to China's eased visa policies, an increasing number of foreign tourists are now turning their attention to lesser-known destinations to delve deeper into Chinese history and culture. *Along with eased visa policies, they can also feel the convenience in terms of payment and traffic, as well as more diversified tours. TAIYUAN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Basking in the sunshine, John Jammet and his wife sat in the courtyard of a traditional house in the historic Pingyao County of north China's Shanxi Province, with coffee in hand. Their trip seemingly offered them a glimpse into the lives of Chinese back in the day. "Last night we traveled in the main streets and the lanterns were very beautiful," said the man from France. "What attracted me most were a lot of young girls and boys wearing traditional clothes. It showed that they love their culture and history." Fascinated by the video game "Black Myth: Wukong," Jammet became interested in the culture behind it, and thus decided to come to China and have a look. The couple carefully planned their trip, with it including China's capital Beijing, Pingyao, the ancient capital Xi'an in northwest China and the picturesque Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, reflecting their quest to see "both modern cities and traditional culture." "In the Western world, I think there is misunderstanding about China, because our countries are different," he explained. "It is important to see with our own eyes what's the truth about China. For me, China is safe and clean, people are kind and helpful." At the mention of China, images that immediately jump into the minds of many foreign tourists are normally the Great Wall, giant pandas and the many skyscrapers in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai in east China. Thanks partly to China's eased visa policies, an increasing number of foreign tourists are now also turning their attention to lesser-known destinations to delve deeper into Chinese history and culture, just like Jammet and his wife. Foreign tourists learn to make traditional wheaten food at a homestay in Pingyao, north China's Shanxi Province, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Qiao Yan/Xinhua) OFF THE BEATEN TRACK As of the beginning of May, China has granted unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries, and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. In 2024, China recorded 64.88 million border crossings by foreign nationals, an 82.9-percent increase year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, this number stood at 17.44 million, up 33.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024. During the five-day May Day holiday, the most recent vacation in China for family outings and tourism, statistics regarding air ticket bookings on Chinese travel services platform Qunar showed that in addition to the megacities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the lower-tier cities of Chengdu, Xiamen, Nanjing, Chongqing and south China's Haikou were also among the top-ranking destinations for non-Chinese tourists. In addition, hotel bookings made by foreign passport holders in Zhuhai, east China's Qingdao and central China's Wuhan grew by 70, 60 and 50 percent respectively. Hotels, restaurants and even hairdressers in residential areas not very close to traditional attractions in Beijing are beginning to greet foreign tourists, while small cities and counties are also seeing more inbound visitors. Zachary Iziah Smith, an American travel blogger, poses for a photo at Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 11, 2025. (Xinhua) Kang Mobei is general manager of a shop affiliated to the Gansu Provincial Museum, which sells creative cultural products inspired by items in the museum, like a green fluffy toy based on the iconic copper galloping horse. Notably, Gansu Province in northwest China is home to many historical sites, including the Mogao Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the May Day holiday, she found more foreign tourists in her shop, many of whom came from countries like Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. "Some of them had already been to the museum, and a few even showed me pictures they found on social media platforms like 'rednote' when asking for products," said Kang, who observed that some customers had fluffy toys from other creative cultural product shops dangling from their bags. With overseas customers in mind, the store installed POS machines for international bank cards and carried out language training for their staff. A foreign visitor (L) learns how to make matcha beverage at a tea industrial park in Jiangkou County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) EASIER, FASTER, BETTER KNOWN To meet this increasing demand from foreign customers for niche tourist destinations, Chen Wanni and Chen Min last year founded China Explorer Tour (CET), a tour operating company specializing in authentic food, adventure and cultural-immersion themed retreats and experiences across China. "It was more successful than we had expected," said Chen Wanni, admitting that she was prepared for a loss in the first year, but surprisingly they managed to break even. The referral rate of the tourist routes reached 60 percent, with many customers recommending to their friends to come back, while quite a few have come more than once. "Tourism is not only an industry, but also a window for overseas travelers to learn about China," she said. Chen Min informed Xinhua that more and more overseas tourists are expressing interest in China's lesser-known destinations, in addition to the traditional attractions, representing the maturity of the nation's tourism industry in recent years. Tom Peacock-Nazil from Britain last September booked a 10-day tour with CET, and visited not only Beijing and Xi'an but also southwest China's Guizhou Province, where he saw both the stunning beauty of nature and various ethnic cultures. "I realized I had massively underestimated China," he said. "I think I've fallen in love with China. That's mainly because we've been off the beaten track. I'm dying to come back and I've been learning about other provinces. I've got plans already." Tom Peacock-Nazil (2nd R) and other tourists pose for a photo in Leishan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, in September 2024. (China Explorer Tour/Handout via Xinhua) Sun Weili, a regional manager with the Chinese travel platform Trip.com Group, noted that the surge in foreign tourists for in-depth tours in China is a result of combined efforts. "Along with eased visa policies, they can also feel the convenience in terms of payment and traffic, as well as more diversified tours," he said. For instance, a 16-day luxury train tour from Chengdu to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has attracted overseas visitors, which promises to take them to an in-depth journey to the northwestern region. So far tickets for all the 10 trips between May and October have been sold out, with 70 percent of the customers inbound tourists. Meanwhile, thanks to movies, video games and social media, Chinese culture is better promoted across the world, luring more curious overseas visitors to have a closer look. "We are more open and confident," Sun said. Zhang Jun, who is with a travel agency in Datong in Shanxi, has worked as a tour guide for 18 years. He has noted the huge development of inter-city transportation which has made self-guided tours possible. "For instance, we used to sit in overnight trains and transfer to reach Pingyao from Beijing. But now the journey takes less than four hours." John Jammet this time traveled in China for 15 days, which he found not enough to explore the country. "China is big," he said. "I might need to spend a month here." (Reporting by Bai Xu, Fang Ning, He Wen, Wang Xuetao, Ma Sijia and Chen Aiping; Video reporters: He Wen, Ding Chunyu, Deng Haoran, Xu Wei, Wang Huan and Yu Xiaosu; Video editors: Hong Ling and Wei Yin.) SINGAPORE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- All 30 people on board an Indonesian-registered vessel were rescued on Tuesday after it capsized in waters northeast of Pedra Branca, within Singapore's maritime search and rescue region, authorities said. In a statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Singapore received an alert at 7:20 a.m. local time (2320 GMT) on Monday from a Hong Kong-registered containership reporting the incident. The center coordinated the search and rescue operation, issuing navigational broadcasts to nearby vessels. A Liberia-registered bulk carrier was directed to the scene and successfully rescued all 30 individuals from the water. The rescued persons will be disembarked in Batam, Indonesia. SYDNEY, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A man has been killed in a late-night shooting in Sydney's southwest suburbs. Emergency services were called to reports that a man had been shot at a home in Condell Park, 20 km southwest of central Sydney, about 10:30 p.m. on Monday night. A police statement said that officers arrived at the scene and found a man in his 20s suffering from a gunshot wound. He was treated by ambulance paramedics but could not be revived and died at the scene. Police established a crime scene and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that officers are investigating whether a burnt-out car found in a nearby suburb a short time later is linked to the shooting. CAIRO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Li Shulei has called for strengthened cooperation with Egypt in culture, tourism, media, publishing, think tanks, urging efforts to make China-Egypt cooperation a model of exchange and mutual learning between civilizations. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his visit to Egypt from Saturday to Tuesday. He noted that both China and Egypt are ancient civilizations and the friendship between the two peoples has a long history, adding that the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership has flourished under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders. China is ready to work with Egypt to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate high-level political mutual trust, promote high-quality cooperation, and enhance coordination on international and regional affairs, Li said. He also noted China is willing to join hands with the Arab League to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship and continue to advance the "leapfrog development" of China-Arab relations. During his visit to Egypt, Li met with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and Ahmed Saad El-Din Mohamed Abd El-Rehim, leader of the Nation's Future Party of Egypt and first deputy speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives. Li also met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit. During the meetings, the Egyptian officials said that China is the sincerest friend and partner of Egypt and other African countries, expressing gratitude for China's long-standing support. They said Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle and strongly supports China in achieving national reunification. Egypt is willing to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with China, expand practical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, new energy, and high technology, enhance dialogue between civilizations and people-to-people exchanges, and deepen coordination and collaboration in multilateral settings, so as to benefit both countries and their peoples and safeguard the common interests of developing nations, they stressed. Aboul-Gheit said that the Arab League is willing to play an active role in ensuring the successful hosting of the second China-Arab States Summit and in promoting the building of an Arab-China community with a shared future. JERUSALEM, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Israeli imports of goods from China rose by 31.45 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2025, according to data released by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. Israeli imports from China totaled 4.43 billion U.S. dollars from January to April, up from 3.37 billion dollars during the same period last year. This extends the upward trend seen in 2024, when Israeli imports from China totaled 13.53 billion dollars, up from 11.29 billion dollars in 2023. An article published Monday by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) noted that Israel aligns with a broader global pattern of countries that boosted imports from China last year. INSS researcher Tomer Fadlon, the author of the article, attributed the sharp increase to China's export efforts and internal developments in Israel. He noted that private consumption in Israel rebounded in 2024 after declining in 2023, largely due to the government's controversial judicial reform and the outbreak of a multi-front conflict. Fadlon emphasized that Chinese imports have demonstrated their great value in mitigating the cost of living in Israel. According to the data, China maintained its position as Israel's leading source of imports, surpassing the United States, which exported goods worth 3.32 billion dollars to Israel in the first four months of 2025. Israel's primary imports from China include electrical equipment, electric vehicles, machinery, and clothing. Israeli exports to China amounted to 747.7 million dollars in the first four months of this year, a 27.7 percent decline from 1.03 billion dollars during the same period last year. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kyung-wha Kang, president of the Asia Society of the United States, in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kyung-wha Kang, president of the Asia Society, here on Tuesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that recently, progress has been made in the high-level economic and trade meeting between China and the United States, which proves that equal dialogue, mutual respect, and properly handling each other's legitimate concerns align with the common interests of both countries. Meanwhile, the United States has continued to suppress China's legitimate development rights, and China strongly opposes the unilateral bullying, Wang said. He called on both countries to achieve positive interactions in the Asia-Pacific region first, thereby establishing a correct way for them to get along with each other and finding effective channels for win-win cooperation. Noting that the Asia Society has a deep understanding of China's thousands of years of cultural heritage, Kang expressed the willingness to continue sharing fact-based and objective insights about China, and build a dialogue platform to eliminate misunderstandings and promote mutual understanding, together with people with vision in the United States. by Mahmoud Fouly CAIRO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- In a corner of the Textile Hall of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), a weathered clay coffin is placed under protective glass. Its earthy texture and fragile walls hint at the centuries it has endured beneath Egypt's sands. Inside lie skeletal remains, faint but solemn, accompanied by a modest pottery vessel -- testimonies to a life millennia ago. It is one of the centerpieces of a special exhibition titled "Hands That Shape Eternity," which was held on Sunday to honor the patient hands of expert artifact restorers as part of the NMEC's celebration of International Museum Day. Standing beside the coffin, Ehab Ahmed Mahmoud, head of the first aid lab under the NMEC's restoration units, reflected on the painstaking work that went into its revival. The coffin contained the remains of a 16-year-old, buried in a squatting position alongside a pottery vessel. "This piece dates back to pre-dynastic times. It was unearthed during excavations in Helwan in 1973 and had since been stored in a fragile state for decades," he explained. "We began with careful imaging and testing, then moved step by step to stabilize and restore it for display." Mahmoud praised the museum for recognizing the behind-the-scenes efforts of its conservation staff. "Our job is to safeguard Egypt's heritage and pass it on to future generations in the best possible condition," he told Xinhua. "Days like this show that our silent work, essential to preserving civilization, is seen and valued." Nearby, another restoration caught visitors' eyes -- two wooden boxes, each with a lid topped with a falcon figure. Dating to the New Kingdom (1550 BC-1069 BC) and Late Period (747 BC-332 BC), the boxes were uncovered during excavations at Saqqara. Though small in size, their vivid paintwork and delicate structure made them susceptible to deterioration. Restorers documented and cleaned the boxes before reinforcing them by reassembling fragments, straightening warped panels, and stabilizing their surfaces against heat and humidity. "Restoring ancient pieces is more like performing surgery," said Ahmed Ali, a restorer at the NMEC's wood lab who joined the team working on the boxes. Ali welcomed the spotlight on conservators, stressing that "restorers are vital to the survival of heritage." "In Egypt, we have rich experience. But to keep advancing, we need to exchange expertise with international museums by digitally sharing 2D and 3D models of our works for discussion," he added. Another display featured a dark stone statue of a cow, once in pieces, now visibly serene. It was shattered when discovered, missing key parts of the face, lower head, and sections of the legs. Before-and-after photos showcased the effort involved in restoring the artifact. The exhibition also showcased historical manuscripts dating from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, repaired using both biological and chemical methods. Mohamed Nabil, who visited the exhibition, was particularly struck by the restorers' dedication. One artifact that caught his attention was a large pottery jar reassembled so precisely "that it looked whole again." "It is a beautiful experience," he said. "You could clearly see how much work the restoration team has put into bringing back pieces that were completely destroyed." NMEC CEO El Tayeb Abbas expressed pride in hosting Egypt's official celebration of International Museum Day. He emphasized that museums today are no longer static spaces but dynamic institutions that educate, innovate, and connect with their communities, calling the celebration "an opportunity to exchange expertise and showcase successful heritage conservation models." Similar exhibitions were held at some other museums nationwide, with free admission to mark the International Museum Day. TRIPOLI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Libyan authorities said on Monday they had discovered 58 unidentified bodies stored for an extended period inside a morgue at Abu-Saleem Hospital in southern Tripoli, a facility under the control of a powerful armed group. In a statement published on Facebook, the Interior Ministry said the morgue was controlled by the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a militia aligned with the Tripoli-based Presidency Council. The ministry said the bodies had been kept "for a long time without notifying the judiciary or relevant police departments." Forensic sampling and legal procedures are now underway. The discovery comes amid rising tensions in the capital following days of armed clashes between the SSA and the 444 Brigade, a militia loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah. Fighting erupted last week after an SSA commander was reportedly killed in a facility controlled by the 444 Brigade. On Sunday, the 444 Brigade reported uncovering a mass grave south of Tripoli containing 10 bodies, which it alleged had been killed by the SSA. The claim could not be independently verified. Libya has remained fractured and unstable since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Muammar Gaddafi. The country is divided between two rival administrations: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli, and an eastern-based government backed by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by commander Khalifa Haftar. Armed groups continue to operate with relative impunity across territory held by the GNU, particularly in Tripoli, where rival factions frequently clash over power and resources. Participants are pictured during the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) in Kigali, Rwanda, May 19, 2025. The ISCA kicked off here on Monday, with calls for African-led solutions to the continent's security challenges. Held under the theme "Reshaping Africa's Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment," the two-day forum gathered defense, intelligence, and security actors to tackle pressing security issues and shape a collaborative future. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) A visitor (front) learns about an automatic rifle displayed at the site of the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) in Kigali, Rwanda, May 19, 2025. The ISCA kicked off here on Monday, with calls for African-led solutions to the continent's security challenges. Held under the theme "Reshaping Africa's Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment," the two-day forum gathered defense, intelligence, and security actors to tackle pressing security issues and shape a collaborative future. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) This photo shows a scene during the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) in Kigali, Rwanda, May 19, 2025. The ISCA kicked off here on Monday, with calls for African-led solutions to the continent's security challenges. Held under the theme "Reshaping Africa's Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment," the two-day forum gathered defense, intelligence, and security actors to tackle pressing security issues and shape a collaborative future. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) This photo shows armored terrain vehicles displayed during the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) in Kigali, Rwanda, May 19, 2025. The ISCA kicked off here on Monday, with calls for African-led solutions to the continent's security challenges. Held under the theme "Reshaping Africa's Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment," the two-day forum gathered defense, intelligence, and security actors to tackle pressing security issues and shape a collaborative future. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) YAOUNDE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon on Tuesday marked the 53rd anniversary of its National Day with military and civilian parades held across the country. In the capital Yaounde, President Paul Biya presided over a ceremony that featured hundreds of soldiers and civilians marching in front of national and international dignitaries. A contingent of the Nigerian Armed Forces also participated in the parade, underscoring growing military cooperation between the two neighboring countries. "Cameroon and Nigeria have excellent relations as neighbors. We collaborate in several military aspects to fight terrorism, especially terrorist group Boko Haram," Cameroon Army spokesperson Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo told reporters. "The presence and participation of the Nigerian army during this very important day in Cameroon is a testament to the cordial relationship existing between both countries." Marches also took place in all 10 regions of the country, including the war-torn Anglophone areas, where separatist fighters had imposed a lockdown to disrupt the celebrations. Local authorities reported clashes in Bambili in the Northwest Region but said they did not affect the events. May 20 is a key date in Cameroon's national calendar. It commemorates the 1972 referendum in which Cameroonians voted to replace the federal system with a unitary state. LUANDA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people were injured, including four in serious condition, after a fire erupted early Tuesday morning on an offshore oil platform in Angola's northern enclave of Cabinda, according to a statement from the African country's National Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG). The platform is operated by Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, a subsidiary of U.S. oil giant Chevron. The blaze broke out during scheduled annual maintenance at around 3:00 a.m. local time on the lower deck of the Benguela Belize Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) deepwater platform, located in Block 14 in the maritime area off Cabinda, the ANPG said in the statement. All the injured have been brought ashore and are receiving medical care, while the cause of the incident is currently under investigation. According to ANPG, the BBLT facility had been offline since May 1 for a planned shutdown. Block 14, where the platform is located, covers more than 4,000 square kilometers and has been producing oil since 1999. An ANPG report in February said that Block 14 had an average daily output of 42,195 barrels of crude oil, accounting for about 4 percent of Angola's total national production. Chevron has been looking to withdraw from Block 14 and the adjacent Block 14T, both of which have experienced prolonged declines in production. The company has already begun the process of relinquishing the licenses for these blocks. The incident occurred amid growing labor unrest at Chevron's Angolan operations. In March, local media outlet Club-K reported rising worker dissatisfaction over layoffs and alleged pay disparities between frontline workers in Cabinda and administrative staff in Luanda, sparking concern for a potential strike. PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The 46th meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and related meetings kicked off in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province on Tuesday, discussing ways to advance regional collaboration and resilience. Cambodian Senior Minister Kun Kim, first vice president of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), presided over the opening ceremony of the four-day event, which brought together ASEAN disaster management senior officials and experts, as well as Timor-Leste as an observer, said an NCDM press release. Representatives from ASEAN dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, and South Korea, also participated in the regional meeting, the press release added. The event reaffirmed ACDM's commitment to enhancing regional disaster resilience and to further strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders, it said. ACDM serves as a regional platform for enhancing cooperation among ASEAN member countries focused on disaster risk reduction and management, enhancing resilience and preparedness for disasters through capacity building and exchange of good practices. "The ACDM has increasingly contributed to the coordination and proactive approach to disaster management to enhance the safety, well-being and resilience of communities across the Southeast Asian region through the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response," the press release said. ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (C, front) cuts the ribbon to inaugurate a cement production plant in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia on May 20, 2025. The 250-million-U.S.-dollar cement production plant, jointly invested by Chinese and Cambodian investors, was put into operation here in western Cambodia on Tuesday. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) KAMPONG SPEU, Cambodia, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A 250-million-U.S.-dollar cement production plant, jointly invested by Chinese and Cambodian investors, was put into operation here in western Cambodia on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the plant, built on the parcel of 407 hectares in the Aural district, is capable of producing 2.2 million tons of cement a year. "It's the sixth cement plant in Cambodia, bringing the total cement production capacity in the kingdom to about 11 million tons per year," he said. "These cement plants have transformed Cambodia from a country that imported 100 percent of cement from overseas into a country that is capable of supplying its domestic demand entirely on its own," he added. Moreover, the kingdom exported more than 30,000 tons of cement to Thailand in 2024, he said. It is estimated that Cambodia needs more than 10 million tons of cement per year to meet the growing demand for the construction sector. An aerial drone photo taken on May 20, 2025 shows a cement production plant in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. The 250-million-U.S.-dollar cement production plant, jointly invested by Chinese and Cambodian investors, was put into operation here in western Cambodia on Tuesday. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on May 20, 2025 shows a cement production plant in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. The 250-million-U.S.-dollar cement production plant, jointly invested by Chinese and Cambodian investors, was put into operation here in western Cambodia on Tuesday. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) convened its 10th plenary session on Monday to review the implementation of work plans for the first half of 2025, set priorities for the second half, and discuss preparations for the 12th National Congress of the Party. The meeting, chaired by General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, is being held in capital Vientiane from May 19 to 23, according to Lao Economic Daily on Tuesday. It is scheduled to review the implementation of socio-economic development, budget, and monetary plans for the first half of 2025, and to set priorities for the remainder of the year. The meeting also focuses on advancing the national anti-drug campaign, reinforcing the Party's commitment to social stability, and finalizing preparatory documents for the 12th National Congress of the Party. BISHKEK, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov received leading members of the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the press service of the Kyrgyz president reported on Monday. During the meeting, issues of regional security, strengthening inter-parliamentary interaction and further development of cooperation within the CSTO were discussed. The Kyrgyz president, addressing the participants of the meeting, said that the modern world is facing many new challenges, including terrorism, extremism, cyber threats and climate change. He emphasized that all these factors put pressure on stability in these countries and require consolidation of efforts. The president outlined the significant role of parliaments in developing and supporting effective mechanisms for interstate interaction. Japarov emphasized that efforts within the CSTO should be aimed at building prompt and coordinated actions in the spirit of alliance, mutual understanding and support. He noted that Kyrgyzstan, as the presiding party, is firmly committed to strengthening the organization, increasing its authority in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and respecting the sovereign interests of member states and their right to their own development model. Chairman of the CSTO PA Vyacheslav Volodin noted the importance of parliamentary dimension in the activities of the organization and emphasized that the efforts of the parliamentary assembly, combined with the decisions of the heads of state, make it possible to quickly respond to emerging challenges and ensure coordination between member states. In his speech, CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov briefly spoke about the work done by the Secretariat within the framework of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in the organization and expressed confidence that the coordinated work of all bodies will contribute to strengthening peace, security and stable development of the entire region. A meeting of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Council was held in Bishkek on Monday. The heads of parliaments of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Belarus took part in the work of the Council meeting. ULAN BATOR, May 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of 16,930 foreigners from 53 countries and regions were granted Mongolian electronic visas in the first four months of 2025, marking a 0.4 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024, local media reported on Tuesday, citing Mongolia's Immigration Agency (MIA). More than 2,282 visa applications were rejected by MIA in January-April due to missing paperwork, it said. Currently, Mongolia's economy relies most heavily on the export of mineral resources. Tourism promotion is considered one of the priorities for diversifying the country's economy and improving the competitiveness of its tourism in the global market. In view of this, the Mongolian government has decided to continue the "Years to Visit Mongolia" tourism program until 2028. According to the Immigration Agency, electronic visas for foreigners were officially launched on Oct. 1, 2021. In 2024, Mongolia issued electronic visas to around 92,400 foreign citizens. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store meets with foreign journalists in Oslo, Norway, on May 19, 2025. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Monday that Norway seeks to continue developing bilateral trade with China and engage in cooperation on major global issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance and climate change. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) OSLO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Monday that Norway seeks to continue developing bilateral trade with China and engage in cooperation on major global issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance and climate change. Store made the remarks during a meeting with foreign journalists in Oslo, where he responded to questions on a range of topics including the 2025 Norwegian parliamentary elections, Arctic affairs, Norway-U.S. relations, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and recent tensions between India and Pakistan. In response to a question from Xinhua, Store said that during his visit to China in September 2024, he had "the opportunity to talk very openly with the Chinese leadership," and felt the discussion was "good, open and low tension." He acknowledged that Norway and China have differences on security-related issues, but reiterated that "we want to have cooperation with China on trade, on some of the major global political issues ... we need cooperation to move forward." Store said Norway is not a key global decision maker on AI, but emphasized the country's intention to encourage major powers to act responsibly. "We will continue to tell China and the U.S. that you should find a way to deal with AI and avoid the most negative impacts on climate, on the environment," he said. "And on the broad global issues, we are very much engaging with China and will continue to do so," he added. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store meets with foreign journalists in Oslo, Norway, on May 19, 2025. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Monday that Norway seeks to continue developing bilateral trade with China and engage in cooperation on major global issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance and climate change. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Beekeeper Erik Luznar works on his beehives in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) LJUBLJANA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- As soft spring light dappled the forest floor beneath the Slovenian Alps, a whisper of wind stirred the leaves, blending with the drowsy hum of bees. The air carried the sweetness of blossoms and the faint, golden tang of honey -- a symphony of nature in perfect harmony. It was a scene made for celebration, arriving just in time for World Bee Day on May 20. The date, chosen by the United Nations, honors Anton Jansa, Slovenia's 18th-century apiculture pioneer whose legacy still buzzes through these hills. In a small apiary nestled among the trees, Erik Luznar stood calmly before his beehives, immersed in the rhythm of nature. "I never imagined I'd become a beekeeper," he reflected. "But my father was one, so was my grandfather and great-grandfather. Maybe it was fate." Luznar originally pursued a career in journalism, but the buzz of headlines never quite filled the quiet void. Years later, he found his answer in the rhythm of the hive, returning to his roots, embracing the family tradition and dedicating his life to beekeeping. "Bees are everything to me -- my work, my passion, my responsibility. Turning a passion into a profession is a gift," he said. In Slovenia, where nearly 60 percent of the land is covered by forest, beekeeping is deeply woven into the national identity. With a population of just over 2 million, the country is home to around 11,000 beekeepers. From March to September each year, Luznar followed the bees through blooming meadows, moving hives, monitoring colonies and collecting nectar. "You need both heart and instinct to keep bees," he said. "It's not just a job; it's a relationship." Though technology has brought innovation, such as sensors installed in hives to remotely monitor nectar flow, Luznar said human care remains essential. "Every hive still needs to be checked by hand every 10 days. There's no robot that can replace that -- and maybe there never will be." For Slovenians, bees are lifelong companions. "When a baby is born, we light a beeswax candle. When someone passes away, we do the same. Bees accompany us through every stage of life," Luznar said, gently scooping golden honey from a tank into glass jars. This honey, rich in flavor and tradition, is destined for Medex, a heritage Slovenian brand established over 70 years ago. The name combines the Slovenian word for honey ("med") and the English word "export" -- a reflection of the company's mission: to share Slovenia's finest honey with the world. According to Alesa Mizigoj, CEO and owner of Medex, the company takes both quality and sustainability seriously. Each batch of raw material and finished product undergoes rigorous testing, and consumers can trace the honey's origin online from hives to tables, which ensures full transparency and builds consumer trust. "Bees survive through collaboration," Mizigoj said. "They communicate, divide tasks, adapt constantly. Their model of teamwork is something human society can learn from." That philosophy drives Medex beyond business. The company supports global beekeeping education and sustainable development programs, establishing training centers in countries across Africa and South Asia. In November 2024, Mizigoj joined a Slovenian agricultural delegation to China. She hoped to see closer ties between Slovenian honey producers and Chinese consumers. "We believe Slovenian honey and beekeeping expertise are a perfect match for the Chinese market," she said. Bees are pictured inside a beehive in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) Bees are pictured at the entrance of a beehive in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) Alesa Mizigoj, CEO and owner of Medex, presents one of her products in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) Beekeeper Erik Luznar works on his beehives in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian National Assembly has voted in favor of the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Tuesday. The motion passed with 134 votes in favor, 37 against, and seven abstentions. The government will formally notify the United Nations (UN) secretary-general of the outcome. Hungary needs to send a note to the UN secretary-general to withdraw from the ICC because the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, designates the UN chief as the depositary for formal notifications of withdrawal. Speaking in a video message posted on his official Facebook page, Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary had been an active participant in the creation of the ICC, signing the Rome Statute in 1999, and ratifying it in 2001. But he said the move was prompted by recent developments that have raised concerns over the court's impartiality and credibility. Hungary announced plans to withdraw from the ICC in early April during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the country. Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. In late April, Szijjarto presented a bill to the National Assembly proposing Hungary's formal withdrawal from the ICC. Hungary is the first European Union member state to take formal steps toward exiting the ICC. LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned. Lammy said in a statement in the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament, that Israel's blockade of Gaza is "morally wrong, unjustifiable, and it needs to stop." Lammy said he thinks all lawmakers "should be able to utterly condemn the Israeli government's denial of food to hungry children." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as "utterly intolerable," and called for an immediate ceasefire. Addressing the parliament, Starmer said, "The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable," and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are "horrified by the escalation from Israel." He said an "immediate ceasefire" remains "the only way to free the hostages." He also reaffirmed Britain's opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza. "The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate," Starmer said. "We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve." Britain, France and Canada said on Monday in a joint statement that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete actions. Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a "minimal and basic" quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent "images of mass starvation." Later, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom border crossing on Monday after undergoing security inspections. LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned. Lammy said in a statement in the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament, that Israel's blockade of Gaza is "morally wrong, unjustifiable, and it needs to stop." Lammy said she thinks all lawmakers "should be able to utterly condemn the Israeli government's denial of food to hungry children." LONDON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Britain, France and Canada said on Monday that "if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid," they will take further concrete actions. In a joint statement, the three countries said that these actions could include targeted sanctions. They described the recent Israeli escalations in Gaza as "wholly disproportionate," and emphasized that the three countries will not stand by "while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions." The statement also indicated that the three countries oppose expanding settlements in the West Bank, and urged Israel to halt settlements "which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back by saying that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his allies have offered Hamas a "huge prize," calling on "all European leaders" to follow U.S. President Donald Trump's vision for ending the conflict. Participants attend a plenary session of the "Russia-China Forum" held in Khabarovsk, Russia, May 19, 2025. The two-day "Russia-China Forum" opened on Monday in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, attracting more than 3,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, government officials, industry experts and scholars from both countries. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) KHABAROVSK, Russia, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The two-day "Russia-China Forum" opened on Monday in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, attracting more than 3,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, government officials, industry experts and scholars from both countries. In his opening remarks, Governor of Khabarovsk Territory Dmitry Demeshin said that economic and trade cooperation between the region and China has been strengthening year by year, with collaborative projects in industry, energy and transportation steadily advancing. "In the Russian Far East, enterprises from both countries are working hand-in-hand to promote modern production and technological innovation, creating new jobs," he said. "What we are building is not just a physical bridge, but also a bridge of trust, mutual understanding and shared prosperity." In his speech, Chinese Consul General in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang highlighted that Khabarovsk Territory, as a major logistics, industrial and technological center in the Russian Far East, holds broad prospects for cooperation with China. Participants in the forum will engage in discussions at over 30 sub-forums and plenary sessions, focusing on key topics such as the joint development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island (known as Heixiazi Island in China), expanding regional cooperation in areas like trade, industry, energy, transportation and cultural exchanges, and establishing direct dialogue between entrepreneurs from both countries. In addition, the forum features a series of events aimed at boosting cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises, including investment promotion and China-Russia business dialogues. A press conference of the "Russia-China Forum" is held in Khabarovsk, Russia, May 19, 2025. The two-day "Russia-China Forum" opened on Monday in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, attracting more than 3,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, government officials, industry experts and scholars from both countries. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) A lion dance is staged at the opening ceremony of the "Russia-China Forum" in Khabarovsk, Russia, May 19, 2025. The two-day "Russia-China Forum" opened on Monday in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, attracting more than 3,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, government officials, industry experts and scholars from both countries. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) LOS ANGELES, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves. "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote. "The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of." Trump noted that Russia wants to "do largescale TRADE with the United States" when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," the post read. Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump shows the signed Take It Down Act during a bill signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) speaks to the press after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump attends a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "went very well." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) SAN FRANCISCO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft and GitHub announced they are joining the steering committee for MCP, the open standard developed by Anthropic to enable artificial intelligence (AI) models to connect with external data systems, at the Microsoft Build 2025 conference on Monday. MCP (Model Connection Protocol) is rapidly gaining adoption across the AI industry. Earlier this year, both OpenAI and Google expressed their commitment to supporting MCP in their respective AI products. The protocol allows AI models to access and interact with data sources such as business applications, content repositories, and development tools. It supports two-way communication between AI-driven systems and backend data sources. Developers can build MCP servers to expose data and services, and create MCP clients that interface with those servers on demand. Microsoft and GitHub are promising broad native support for MCP across their ecosystems. This includes integration with Microsoft Azure and Windows 11. "Developers will be able to wrap desired features and capabilities in their apps as MCP servers and make them available for Windows," said Microsoft. GitHub, Microsoft's corporate, said that the company and the MCP steering committee collaborated to design a registry service for MCP servers. To answer the question of whether anything will change after Buffett hands the reins to Greg Abel, his chosen successor, the simple reply is "Of course." There's no way that things couldn't change, since Buffett is Buffett and Abel is Abel. Every investor's approach is slightly different, hard stop. Investors buying Berkshire Hathaway with the goal of investing alongside the Oracle of Omaha have the right idea. In some key ways, the conglomerate is more like a mutual fund than an actual operating business. Further enhancing that view is the small collection of rather large investments that Berkshire Hathaway has in publicly traded companies like Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), and American Express (NYSE: AXP). Its broad portfolio of wholly owned businesses that get broken out for detailed reporting every quarter includes insurance, as noted, but also utilities, pipelines , and railroads. Then there are the more than 100 businesses it owns that only get discussed in the annual report and not broken out in detail. Even then, the discussions are usually fairly brief given the sheer diversity and number of businesses that Berkshire Hathaway owns, from retail to manufacturing. Before discussing Buffett's retirement, it is important to first dig into Berkshire Hathaway's business model. Although when it has to be categorized, it is usually placed in the financial sector because of its large insurance operations, it's really a gigantic, diversified conglomerate . Where most companies can summarize their businesses in a paragraph or two, Berkshire Hathaway's business description runs more than 20 pages. Every year, shareholders, investors, and the media flock to Omaha, Nebraska, for the Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) annual meeting. It is a chance for Wall Street and Main Street to hear directly from Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett, whose long-term investment success has earned him the nickname "the Oracle of Omaha." This time, however, what Buffett had to say was a bit different because he announced his plan to retire at year-end. Will anything change now that this leadership transition is finally taking shape? His replacement will be Greg Abel, who has been with the company since 1999. Warren Buffett said that he will retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025. Story Continues However, Abel joined Berkshire Hathaway in 1999 when the company bought MidAmerican Energy. That means that he has been steeped in the Berkshire Hathaway ethos for more than a quarter of a century. He earned enough trust to rise up through the ranks until he was, basically, Buffett's right-hand man. The two obviously work closely together, and have for years. While Abel will have his own investment approach, that approach has been directly molded by Buffett. You might call Buffett the mentor in this relationship, in a similar way to how Benjamin Graham mentored Buffett. However, Buffett has spent a lot longer tutoring Abel. And it is important to note that Abel has probably had a hand in every major investment decision at Berkshire since Buffett's late partner Charlie Munger, passed away in 2023. That said, it's likely Abel's involvement started well before that. He isn't simply stepping in with no knowledge of, or history with, Berkshire Hathaway. The future probably won't be too different from the past There's a safety valve here because even as Abel takes the reins as CEO, Buffett isn't walking away from the company he built. He is slated to remain the chairman, which means he's still Abel's boss. Their relationship will be vastly different, since Buffett won't have day-to-day operational control of the business, but he will be there as a sounding board and to provide guidance if it's needed. So will things change at Berkshire Hathaway after Abel takes over? Yes. It is unrealistic to think that a new CEO won't make some changes. Will things change drastically from the way that Buffett ran the show? Probably not. Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway right now? Before you buy stock in Berkshire Hathaway, 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 Berkshire Hathaway 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 $642,582!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $829,879!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 975% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of May 12, 2025 American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway and Chevron. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Will Anything Change Now That Warren Buffett Has Announced His Retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway? was originally published by The Motley Fool Key Points Archer Aviation shares are flying as a result of a new partnership. Yet, the company is still pre-revenue and burning a lot of cash. At least for now, this stock has a lot of risks and little upside. 10 stocks we like better than Archer Aviation The bull market may be returning. Investors in Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) certainly think so, with the stock shooting up close to 70% in the past month on the back of an optimistic earnings report. The upstart builder of electric air taxis is trying to disrupt the transportation market with its new Midnight aircraft and has orders from governments and corporations around the world. However, the company is still in the certification stage and is not generating any revenue at the moment. With the stock soaring, should investors buy Archer Aviation stock below $13? Let's run the numbers and investigate further. Betting on transportation disruption Electric air taxis -- sometimes called eVTOLs -- are aiming to disrupt the transportation market and alleviate traffic in large cities. There are plenty of start-ups trying to build these aircraft, with Archer Aviation being one of the leaders. With advancements in materials and electric propulsion, Archer Aviation's Midnight aircraft can theoretically safely and quietly fly a group of four people above a city, skipping the vehicle traffic below. Initial contracts are set with carriers such as United Airlines and with the city of Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. In New York City, Archer Aviation is planning to have a takeoff site in Manhattan to various airports in the surrounding area, turning what could be a two-hour drive into a 10-minute air taxi ride. With a price tag of around $5 million per vehicle, Archer Aviation is betting that air taxi operators will be able to sell tickets for a pretty penny, especially to wealthier clientele. More excitement is coming from Archer Aviation's recently announced partnership with Palantir Technologies, a stock that growth investors love at the moment. Details of the partnership are scarce. The two companies aim to work on implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into next-generation aviation technologies, which include hardware and software. Image source: Archer Aviation. Major cash burn and zero revenue today Investors are excited about the potential of Archer Aviation and its disruptive aviation technology. However, this is a product in the very early stages. The Midnight vehicle is still only through 15% of the Federal Aviation Authority's (FAA) compliance verification documents, and while management says the certification should move quickly throughout 2025, there is still a risk that the Midnight will not get approved for use in the United States. The FAA certification is generally what leads to certifications in other major countries around the world, meaning this is vital for Archer Aviation's business viability. Design consultancy Arup, in collaboration with Norwegian architectural companies Nordic Office of Architecture and Rodeo Arkitekter, has won the design competition for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's (NRK) new headquarters at Normannslkka in Oslo. The project encompasses the design of 60,000m of gross floor area and 50,000m of utility floor area, with a focus on developing contemporary specialist spaces, including studios, publishing desks, post-production facilities, concert studios, workshops, and warehouses. The design of the new building will feature a four-storey base that aligns with the surrounding urban scale. Above this, a recessed, circular upper structure will provide modern workspaces with views of Oslo, reflecting NRK's brand through its distinctive form. Arup's UK architecture team is providing support in bringing this design to fruition, aligning with NRK's vision for a future-proof workplace. The HQ is expected to accommodate evolving media production technologies and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among the corporation's staff. Currently in the development phase, project construction is anticipated to begin after the receipt of formal planning consent. NRK has set a goal to relocate to the new headquarters by 2029. Arup director Nick Jackson said: NRKs investment will provide a vibrant platform for world-class media production and an outstanding workplace for future generations. The collaboration on its new headquarters reflects a shared ambition to create a flexible, future-ready media environment that fosters creativity, collaboration and innovation. This appointment builds on Arups longstanding experience delivering innovative media and cultural facilities globally, and we are pleased to continue our strong partnership with Nordic Office of Architecture, following our recent work on FK Bod/Glimts new sustainable stadium. Recently, Arup was also appointed as the primary engineering consultant for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commissions Millbrae Campus Improvements project in the US. "Arup and others win NRKs new headquarters design in Oslo" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Stock trading can be confusing even to someone with a bit of knowledge, and mine is moderate. One thing Ive noticed, however, is that Tesla stock has been bouncing around like kids on a trampoline. Find Out: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldnt Sell Read Next: 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement With headlines crowing that stock is either soaring or tanking, I thought Id ask ChatGPT to step in and explain whats going on with Tesla stock like Im 12. (Frankly some 12-year-olds probably have a better idea, thanks to TikTok). Heres what the generative AI told me after it ran an internet search. Imagine Tesla as a Roller Coaster Ride ChatGPT urged me to think of Teslas stock as a roller coaster with its ups and downs. When Teslas stock was low at the beginning of the year, the ride was a bit rough, it wrote. Teslas stock price went down faster than Space Mountain at Disneyland, without the fun, because fewer people were buying its cars, and some new models didnt sell as well as expected. The Cybertrucks recalls, lack of popularity and rough internet memes probably didnt help, either, ChatGPT mused. Also, other car companies, especially from China, were making cool electric cars that people liked, which did nothing to improve Teslas stock because it meant steep competition. Learn More: Im a Financial Advisor: 4 Investing Rules My Millionaire Clients Never Break But Then, Some Good News Came Along Teslas stock started climbing with the enthusiasm of the first half of the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster at Epcot. Why? ChatGPT said investors got excited about Teslas plans to launch self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas. People thought it could be a big deal for the future of transportation, it wrote. It didnt hurt that the U.S. and China eased some trade tensions, good news for companies like Tesla that make a lot of their car parts in both countries. So, What Can Investors Expect Next? Even though Tesla stock has had more ups and downs than the Incredicoaster at Disneys California Adventure, ChatGPT said, theyre now focusing on new and exciting projects. This has made investors feel more confident, and the stock price has climbed again as a result. What Does It Mean for You? I wasnt satisfied with this information, so I asked ChatGPT what these ups and downs mean for the average investor. It told me, Lets say you (or your parents) own one share of Tesla stock. That means you own a tiny piece of the company. When Tesla does well and people want to buy more of those pieces, the value of your piece goes up cool, right? On May 20, the Bprotocol Foundation and LocalCoin filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Uniswap Labs and the Uniswap Foundation, accusing them of unlicensed use of patented technology that underpins automated trading on decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Bprotocol Foundation is a nonprofit known for supporting the development of the Bancor protocol, while LocalCoin is the original developer behind Bancor. Both firms claim that Uniswap has been infringing on Bancors intellectual property for years. The lawsuit centers around key elements of decentralized trading specifically, smart contract structures that power whats known as the constant product automated market maker, or CPAMM, the same mechanism that drives Uniswaps core functionality. Bancor says it first created this technology in 2016 and filed a provisional patent for it on January 8, 2017. The team then built the Bancor Protocol widely considered to be the first decentralized exchange built entirely on automated market makers. Bancors patented technology is one of the most important innovations in blockchain, and we are exceptionally proud of the role it has played in revolutionizing the world of decentralized finance, said Mark Richardson, project lead at Bancor. However, when an organization continuously uses our invention without our authorization and does so as a means of competing with us, we must take action, Richardson continued. For the last eight years, Uniswap has been using our patented technology in its projects without our permission. As a result, we have taken legal action to defend our technology for the good of the entire DeFi community. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, claiming that Uniswaps alleged unauthorized use of the patented CPAMM tech gave it an unfair competitive edge while ignoring the foundational work done by Bancor. Both Bancor and Uniswap are well-known DEXs that allow users to trade crypto assets directly from their wallets without the need for centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. A Uniswap Labs spokesperson told TheStreet Roundtable, This lawsuit is meritless, and we will defend ourselves accordingly. The code for the Uniswap Protocol is public and has been for years. What a wasteful distraction at a time of historic momentum for DeFi. Bancor files patent infringement lawsuit against Uniswap first appeared on TheStreet on May 20, 2025 Perenti has announced that its underground mining subsidiary, Barminco, has secured a new contract to continue its underground operations at the Agnew gold mine, owned by Gold Fields, under a contract valued at approximately A$500m ($320m). The contract commenced on 1 January 2025 and spans 36 months, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months. The scope of the contract encompasses underground development, production and related mining services. This agreement reaffirms Barminco's decade-long presence at the site, where it has provided underground mining services since 2010. Perenti managing director and CEO Mark Norwell said: We are very pleased to be extending our relationship with Gold Fields at the Agnew Gold Mine. Gold Fields is one of our most long-standing and valued clients, with history of more than 30 years working alongside the various Perenti businesses. Our Australian operations are important for Barminco to deliver enduring value and certainty for our clients and shareholders. Maintaining long-term contracts with high-calibre clients such as Gold Fields supports continued delivery of reliable earnings for the business. The Agnew gold mine, located near Leinster, Western Australia, comprises multiple underground operations. The mine's current ore sources include the Kim, Main and Rajah Lodes at the Waroonga underground complex. Barminco employs more than 300 individuals at the mine, contributing significantly to the local economy. Perenti Contract Mining president Gabrielle Iwanow said: Barminco has successfully ramped up development and production at Agnew in recent years. We very much value the relationship with Gold Fields and we look forward to continuing to deliver safe and productive underground services through our highly capable team in Australia. Last month, Barminco announced that it will cease operations at MMGs Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana after its current contract is completed in June 2025. "Barminco secures new $320m Agnew gold mine contract" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. This story was originally published on Fashion Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Fashion Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Biomaterials startup Gozen has named a new CEO as it prepares for its next stage of commercial growth, the company said in a news release last week. Ece Gozen, the companys co-founder, is stepping down from the CEO role to become chief innovation officer and creative director. In her place, Sedef Uncu Aki will become CEO. Uncu Aki was most recently the startups chief product officer, a role shes held since January 2024. Prior to joining Gozen, she worked at denim brand Orta Anadolu and Bossa. Dive Insight: The leadership changes come a few months after the biomaterials company opened a 40,000-square-foot production facility in Turkey to expand the reach of Gozens leather alternative material Lunaform at scale. The new leadership structure will support the ongoing rollout of Lunaform following the adoption of the material by brand partners Beymen Collection and Kering-owned Balenciaga, Gozen said in the release. Gozen was founded in 2022, and it made its debut during Balenciagas Paris Fashion Week runway show in the fall of 2023. The startup is now looking to deliver Lunaform across product industries in mass, premium and luxury segments, per the release. Pelin Gozen, Gozens other co-founder and chief operating officer, will remain in her role and continue to lead the companys product roadmap and operations. Po Bronson, managing director of SOSV, a Gozen investor, said the new team structure gives the startup the ability to scale with focus and the ability to harness its creative capabilities, exactly whats needed to continue growing the adoption of Lunaform. Gozens other investors include Happiness Capital, Accelr8 and Astor Management. Recommended Reading Blackstone Infrastructure has agreed to acquire TXNM Energy for $61.25 per share in cash, reflecting a total enterprise value of $11.5bn including net debt and preferred stock. The acquisition provides significant capital to support TXNM Energy's subsidiaries, PNM and TNMP, in their efforts to meet the growing electricity infrastructure demands and clean energy goals. PNM, a subsidiary of TXNM Energy, is working towards transforming its generation portfolio to align with the US state of New Mexico's clean energy objectives. Meanwhile, TNMP is increasing its capital investments to cater to the high growth rates in its Texas service territory. This transaction is expected to bolster the long-term capital required to achieve these initiatives. Blackstone Infrastructure global head Sean Klimczak stated: We are excited to partner with Pat, Don and their fantastic team to accelerate growth at TXNM, and across New Mexico and Texas. We are long-term investors who back industry-leading companies using our perpetual capital to support economic development. We are focused on being great long-term partners to the communities in which we invest, and we look forward to having the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can create win-win, growth-oriented investments across both states. With $60bn of assets under management, Blackstone Infrastructure is dedicated to investing in North American infrastructure and enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies. The company plans to fund the acquisition entirely with equity and does not intend to increase TXNM Energy's leverage levels for the purchase. Blackstone Infrastructure will also invest $400m in TXNM Energy by purchasing 8 million newly issued shares at $50 each through a private placement agreement. This investment, set for completion in June 2025, aims to support TXNM Energy's growth plans. TXNM Energy anticipates issuing an additional $400m of equity before the transaction closes to fund its growth rates. The funding for the transaction will come from equity and the assumption of existing debt, with no new debt being issued as part of the deal. Wells Fargo and Citi are acting as financial advisors, while Troutman Pepper is the legal advisor for TXNM Energy. RBC Capital Markets and J.P. Morgan are advising Blackstone Infrastructure, with Kirkland & Ellis providing legal counsel. In a related development in January 2025, Blackstone's private equity fund, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, agreed to acquire the 774MW Potomac Energy Center in Virginia. BreachRx, a provider of incident response platform for enterprises, has closed a $15m Series A funding round to enhance its incident response platform. The oversubscribed funding round was led by Ballistic Ventures. It also saw participation from Overline, SYN Ventures, and Silver Buckshot Ventures. BreachRx plans to use the proceeds for expanding its go-to-market and engineering teams. The BreachRx platform is designed to offer a secure, central workspace for stakeholders across an organisation to coordinate cybersecurity incident response management. It fosters real-time collaboration, clearly defines roles and responsibilities, and automates the creation of customised playbooks for various incidents. This streamlining of the incident response process is designed to reduce costs and increase efficiency for enterprises, BreachRx said. Currently, the company serves more than 100 clients, including publicly traded and Fortune 500 companies in sectors such as financial services, technology, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. The company's total funding has now surpassed $23m. BreachRx has also added new members to its leadership team. Ballistic Ventures General Partner and former Mandiant CEO Kevin Mandia joined the board of directors, while former New York Times lead cybersecurity reporter Nicole Perlroth took on the role of board observer. Mandia said: Every company should consider how to prepare for and manage through a cyber incident and BreachRx empowers companies to both plan and execute through cyber events in a manner that promotes far more effectiveness and resilience. BreachRx CEO and co-founder Andy Lunsford said: From founding the company that the Fortune 500 have on speed-dial when they have a breach to expertly leading his own company through one of the most high-profile breaches in history, Kevin knows better than anyone the importance of transparency, speed and precision in the response process. His experience and knowledge of how organisations should prepare for and operate cross-functionally in response to cyber events, coupled with Nicoles perspective from reporting on major cyberattacks, are invaluable as we execute our next phase of growth. "BreachRx raises $15m to advance incident response platform" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Vipshop Holdings (NYSE:VIPS) reported its first-quarter results on Tuesday, with sales reaching $3.62 billion (26.27 billion Chinese yuan), in line with the analyst consensus estimate. This is a 5.46% decrease over sales of $3.83 billion the same period last year. The Chinese online discount retailer registered adjusted earnings per ADS of 61 cents or 4.43 Chinese yuan, missing the analyst consensus estimate of 66 cents. Total orders for the quarter were 167.2 million, compared with 178.5 million in the prior year period. The number of active customers for the quarter was 41.3 million, down from 43.1 million a year ago. Also Read: Vipshop Stock Jumps After Q4 Earnings Beat, CEO Highlights Apparel Growth And Discounted Offerings, Sees Up To 5% Revenue Decline In Q1 The quarters gross margin was 23.2%, down from 23.7% in the prior year period. Gross profit declined 7.1% to $838.2 million (6.1 billion Chinese yuan). GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) for the quarter was 52.38 billion Chinese yuan versus 52.44 billion Chinese yuan a year ago. As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash of $4.0 billion (28.9 billion Chinese yuan), and short-term investments of $26.5 million (192.3 million Chinese yuan). During the quarter, the company repurchased $16.9 million of its ADSs under its current $1 billion share repurchase program. It continued share repurchase of $4.3 million under its current $1.0 billion share repurchase program, which is effective for a 24-month period through February 2027. Chair and CEO Eric Shen said the company continued to make progress on the strategic actions it had set out to return to growth. He further noted the expansion of its off-price brand supply, which drove the double-digit growth in Super VIP customers. Outlook: For the second quarter, the company expects total net revenues between 25.5 billion Chinese yuan ($3.51 billion) and 26.9 billion Chinese yuan ($3.71 billion). This range falls slightly below the analyst consensus of 26.42 billion Chinese yuan ($3.64 billion) and represents a year-over-year decrease of approximately 0% to 5%. Price Action: VIPS stock is trading lower by 8.21% to $14.20 premarket at last check Tuesday. Read Next: Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. On May 15, Citi increased its price target on Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) to $540 from $480 while keeping a Buy rating on the shares. The bank raised its estimates for Microsoft's cloud unit, Azure, and is upbeat on its AI offerings. Citi also reacted positively to Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)'s decision to lay off 3% of its workforce. Satya Nadella Microsoft MSFT Stock Why Citi Is Bullish on Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) The bank pointed out that MSFT had expressed confidence in the demand for its cloud products and reported that it plans to increase its capital spending going forward. As a result, Citi raised its estimates for MSFT's cloud unit, Azure. The bank now expects Azure's sales to surge at least 30% in MSFT's fiscal 2026. Citi also believes that the company's layoffs will improve its financial results. Finally, the bank asserts that Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) remains a leader in generative AI. The Recent Performance of MSFT Stock In the last three months, the stock has gained 11%, while it has soared 24% in the last month. While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT, 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 MSFT 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. Citigroup is eliminating up to 200 IT contractor positions in China, reported Reuters, citing undisclosed sources. The news agency further noted that the bank seeks to hire more full-time staff to improve risk management and data governance. This decision follows a fine imposed by US bank regulators last year July, amounting to $136m, for Citigroup's "insufficient progress" in addressing data management issues. Last week, approximately 100 IT contractors at Citigroup Services and Technology China were informed that their contracts would not be renewed, with another 100 anticipated to be notified shortly. The sources noted that Citigroup Services and Technology China, founded in 2002, employs a total of around 3,000 individuals. It is currently unclear how many of these employees are contractors. The unit in question provides support for Citigroup's global operations, which span 20 countries and regions, including New York, London, and Hong Kong. Citi was quoted by Reuters as saying: "As part of the regular business operations of Citigroup Services and Technology (China) Limited (CSTC), we review our HR strategy on an ongoing basis, including decisions about renewing (fixed term) employment contracts." "When decisions are made on non-renewal of fixed term contracts, this will be done in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and procedures. We are committed to supporting impacted employees," the bank added. Earlier this year, Citigroup head of technology Tim Ryan, revealed plans to reduce the bank's reliance on external IT contractors, lowering their share of the workforce from 50% to 20%. In China, the bank is offering severance package to most of the affected contractors, calculated based on their length of service. Citigroup's banking operations in China extend beyond IT, with plans underway to set up a securities division. A spokesperson for Citigroup in Hong Kong stated that the bank's business strategy and commitment to serving both local and global clients in China remain steadfast. For the first quarter of 2025, Citigroup reported a net income of $4.1bn on revenues of $21.6bn. "Citigroup to shed 200 IT contractor jobs in China " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. CloudSEK, an AI-powered cyber threat prediction and intelligence company, has secured $19m through its Series A2 and B1 funding rounds. The funding round saw contributions from India and US-based investors, including MassMutual Ventures, Inflexor Ventures, Prana Ventures, Tenacity Ventures, and strategic investors such as Commvault. CloudSEK's earlier backers, including Meeran Family (founders of Eastern Group), StartupXSeed, Neon Fund, and Exfinity Ventures, continue to lend their support to the company's vision. The company was established in 2015 by cybersecurity researcher-turned-entrepreneur Rahul Sasi, with a vision to build a safer digital future by predicting and mitigating cyber threats proactively. The company is claimed to have evolved into a trusted threat intelligence platform, serving over 250 enterprises across various sectors including banking, technology, and the public sector. The newly secured capital will facilitate CloudSEK's continued product innovation and global expansion. The company focuses on advancing its AI models and platform integrations to enhance its threat prediction capabilities. Unlike traditional tools, CloudSEK identifies initial attack vectors, such as leaked credentials and exposed APIs, to prevent breaches. CloudSEK co-founder & CEO Rahul Sasi said: We built CloudSEK to predict the initial attack vector and stop threats before they hit the headlines with the goal of preventing threats before they escalate. Unlike conventional threat intelligence that focuses on indicators of compromise after an attack, our platform detects the earliest signalsleaked credentials, exposed APIs, compromised vendorsweeks before an incident unfolds. Thats our version of threat intelligence: predictive, not forensic. Today, over 60% of our net new revenue comes from international markets, with the U.S. emerging as our fastest-growing region. Weve achieved this scale while staying cash flow positive. This roundbacked by top financial and strategic investorsnot only validates our vision but reinforces what weve believed from day one: cybersecurity must be proactive, not reactive. CloudSEK VP of Finance Kalyan Kumar Vattipalli said: CloudSEK has grown 3x in ARR over the last 24 months and continues to grow well above industry standards. The round attracted significant interest from global financial investors, and we will soon be announcing Series B2 as an extension of B1, both to onboard new investors and to facilitate partial exits for some of our early backers. "CloudSEK secures $19m to advance AI-driven cyber threat intelligence" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Columbia Threadneedle Investments will join other legacy fund managers entering Europes active ETF market with a suite of four equity strategies later this year. The Boston-based asset manager is awaiting regulatory approval to launch its initial UCITS ETF offering covering global, U.S., Europe and emerging markets. New ETFs Build on RECS The four ETFs will build on the investment approach of the U.S.-listed Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS), which is passively managed and replicates the performance of the Beta Advantage Research Enhanced US Equity index. The index is sector neutral versus the Russell 1000 and combines quality, value and catalyst factors to select well-rated securities based on the manager's own quantitative model. The upcoming UCITS ETF suite will also be benchmark-aware, with a repeatable investment strategy and rules based approach. However, the European offering will be run by U.S.-based Senior Portfolio Manager Chris Lo and his team, intended to be truly active, designed to outperform the index, the firm said. Columbia Threadneedle Gets Active in Europe Richard Vincent, head of product EMEA at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, commented, Bringing active ETFs to Europe and building on the foundations of our successful offering in the U.S. is a natural expansion, tapping into years of expertise in delivering ETF solutions to our U.S. clients. Michaela Collet Jackson, EMEA head of distribution and marketing, added, Active ETFs are increasingly adopted by clients as an efficient way to implement portfolios. By leveraging our U.S. track record, we can provide clients excellent value for money. We believe this presents a real growth opportunity for us in the region. The firm currently offers 14 U.S.-domiciled ETFs housing $5.5 billion in assets under management collectively. After debuting its initial four-strong suite, it plans to build out its range in Europe to include active fixed-income ETFs next year. This article was originally published at etf.com sister publication ETF Stream. Permalink | Copyright 2025 etf.com. All rights reserved Columbia Threadneedle Investments is set to introduce a selection of four UCITS active equity ETFs in the UK and Europe, pending regulatory approval. This initiative will expand the firm's existing Active ETF offerings, available in the US. The new product line will be managed by Chris Lo, a senior portfolio manager based in the US, along with his team, who currently oversee $15bn in assets across 13 funds domiciled in the US. The ETFs will provide European investors with access to equities from global, US, European, and emerging markets. The firm intends to expand this range to include fixed income active ETFs in the following year. Columbia Threadneedle Investments Product (EMEA) head Richard Vincent said: We continually look to develop and broaden our investment offering for clients by providing innovative, value for money products and solutions that complement our existing offering. The forthcoming active equity ETFs are designed to meet specific requirements of discretionary fund buyers. These include providing core equity exposures that are benchmark-aware while aiming to generate alpha through selective stock choices. The investment strategy will utilise a combination of quantitative and fundamental research in a structured approach that is straightforward for investors to comprehend. Additionally, the ETFs are claimed to offer transparency and cost-efficiency, with daily disclosures of investment decisions, a portfolio structured for low transaction costs, and competitive fee structures. Columbia Threadneedle Investments EMEA distribution and marketing head Michaela Collet Jackson said: We are excited to bring this innovative and differentiated investment strategy to market in Europe within an Active ETF wrapper. The four new Active ETFs will complement our existing open-ended fund offering, increasing optionality for clients who are looking for core active building blocks for their portfolios. As of 31 March 2025, Columbia Threadneedle had $5.5bn in assets across 14 US-domiciled ETFs. "Columbia Threadneedle to roll out active ETF offering in Europe" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. On May 19, DBS analyst Nashrullah Putra Sulaeman reiterated a Buy rating on Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) with a price target of $95. The analyst highlighted Ubers strong financial performance, particularly its better-than-expected adjusted EBITDA in its recently reported Q1 2025 results. Although Q1 revenue growth was on expected lines, operating performance benefited from mobility growth and cost discipline. The analyst liked the companys outlook for further margin expansion and extrapolated it to a potential for long-term profitability. Where Does Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:LI) Stand in the EV Industry? A fleet of electric vehicles lined up in uniform, highlighting the convenience of the company's transportation solutions. The analyst noted two other factors that are very important for Uber's investment case. The first is Ubers dominance in the US and Canadian markets, with a 70% share. The second factor is Ubers diversification into delivery and freight, beyond the mobility business, which gives the company a competitive edge and leverage between these businesses. Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is a technology platform that utilizes its vast network, cutting-edge technology, and operational expertise to facilitate transportation and logistics services. The company offers ride-hailing, food delivery, and freight transportation, with key segments including Uber Eats for food delivery, Uber Freight for logistics, and advancements in autonomous vehicles and aerial ridesharing. While we acknowledge the potential of UBER as an investment, 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 UBER and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Debt Free IT Penny Stocks To Buy and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. DP World's San Antonio terminal supports Chile's ambitious electric mobility plan with the arrival of 300 electric buses -the first in a historic 1,800-vehicle shipment to transform Santiago's public transport fleet. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / DP World is proud to support one of the largest global shipments of electric buses, advancing Chile's national commitment to sustainable urban transport. Our terminal in San Antonio has successfully received the first 300 electric buses from China - part of a total 1,800-bus fleet destined for Santiago, the nation's capital. This landmark initiative will help Santiago reach its goal of converting 68% of its public bus fleet to electric, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing mobility for more than 3.5 million residents. The shipment marks a major milestone in global clean energy logistics, connecting Chile to a more sustainable future. "We are pleased to have ensured the safe and timely arrival of this first batch of electric buses at our terminal in San Antonio," said Stephenie Dewulf, Commercial Manager at DP World San Antonio. "Without a doubt, these will have a positive impact on many people, and we are proud to play such a key role in Chile's automotive supply chain, leading the logistical efforts to see these buses reach their final destination as planned." With over 90% of vehicle imports to Chile passing through DP World's San Antonio terminal, our dedicated team and specialized facilities ensure safe, efficient handling of electric buses to their final destinations. Chile's Minister of Transport, Juan Carlos Munoz, commented: "This is very good news for our public transportation system. This consolidates our country's leadership in the use of this type of technology, since by the end of the year, three out of every five buses circulating in Santiago will be electric." The new fleet will add to the 2,555 electric buses already on Santiago's streets, bringing the total to more than 4,300. Each vehicle includes upgraded safety and accessibility features such as blind spot sensors, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, air conditioning, and security cameras - enhancing both passenger experience and road safety. DP World remains committed to unlocking opportunities and driving sustainable growth. As the remaining electric buses arrive in the coming months, our San Antonio terminal stands ready to support Chile's bold transition to cleaner, smarter transportation. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com. Morison Global has expanded its international network with the addition of Dutch accounting firm Koeleman Groep as a new member firm. Headquartered in Hilversum, Koeleman has five other offices across the Het Gooi, Amsterdam, and Hague regions. The firm offers a range of audit, accounting, tax and management consulting services, supported by nine partners and more than 150 employees. It also has specialist offerings in ESG audit and advisory, international tax structuring, cross-border transactions, transfer pricing, expat tax services, and estate planning. Koeleman has a diverse client base, with particular emphases on the healthcare, government, and not-for-profit sectors. International Liaison partner Barry Damen and managing partner Edo de Jong will serve as the firms principal contacts. Damen said: The steady growth of Koeleman in recent years urged the need for a strong worldwide partnership. In analysing the possibilities, we found in Morison Global a reliable and ambitious international association which matched our DNA as entrepreneurs globally delivering high quality audit, accounting and tax services. Morison Global felt like a family from the first contact. Koeleman is set to complement Morison Global's other Dutch members - Hoek en Blok and Kallen Accountants en Adviseurs. Morison Global CEO Ryan Piper said: Were thrilled to welcome Edo, Barry, and the team at Koeleman to the Morison family. With our new strategy taking shape, coupled with our impact initiatives, bringing in a large firm like Koeleman is testament to our strong DNA. The firm will be an excellent fit for the Association, through the services and expertise the firm provides, in addition to the Koeleman Groep culture and personality. In November 2022, Morison Global appointed new members across three regions. The company welcomed R&R Auditoria e Consultoria in Brazil; MSW Consulting Kft in Hungary; and Afrique Audit et Conseil in Mali. "Dutch accounting firm Koeleman Groep joins Morison Global" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) recently revealed that it is selling a stake in its West Coast natural gas system. Let's shed some light on the development. Enbridge Inc. (ENB) to Sell Stake in Westcoast Pipeline A pipeline of natural gas cutting through a rural landscape. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) is a midstream energy company that focuses on transporting and distributing oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The Canadian company moves about 40% of the crude oil produced in North America. The Canadian pipeline operator recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with an Indigenous-owned partnership representing 36 First Nations in British Columbia. According to the deal, Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance will pay C$715 million ($511.19 million) to acquire a 12.5% stake in Enbridge's Westcoast pipeline, which stretches for 1,802 miles from northeast British Columbia to the Canada-U.S. border, with a capacity of 3.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the second quarter of 2025. On closing, this will be the first major investment to receive a loan guarantee under the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, announced by the Government of Canada last Spring. Following this agreement, Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) has now struck four equity deals with Indigenous groups as part of its Indigenous reconciliation program launched in 2022. Cynthia Hansen, Enbridges Executive Vice President and President of Gas Transmission and Midstream, stated: Enbridges Westcoast natural gas pipeline system is a critical piece of energy infrastructure that has been providing people with the energy they need for more than 65 years. This transaction provides an opportunity to build on our relationships with Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation. While we acknowledge the potential of ENB 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 ENB 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. By Felix Njini, Pratima Desai JOHANNESBURG/ LONDON (Reuters) -China's CMOC Group, the world's top cobalt mining company, called on Democratic Republic of Congo last week to lift a ban on exports of the battery metal, which is currently due to expire next month, three sources told Reuters. Congo, the world's leading cobalt producing country, imposed the four-month ban in February in an attempt to curb surpluses as cobalt prices touched nine-year lows around $10 a lb, or $22,000 a metric ton. CMOC's Vice President Kenny Ives told delegates at a closed-door session during an industry meeting in Singapore that Congo should lift the export curbs on the metal, an important ingredient in electric vehicle batteries, the sources said. Congo's Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba was attending the session, said the sources, who heard Ives' remarks. Congo has kept the market guessing on its next steps when the ban ends on June 22. The government could extend the suspension and could also look at export quotas for the future, sources told Reuters in February. Ives said China's pipeline inventory was running out, and Congo needed to allow miners to freely export cobalt, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. Ives argued that Congo's restrictions on cobalt exports risked accelerating automakers' switch to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that do not need cobalt. Some Chinese EV makers, including BYD, have already adopted LFP batteries, which are also used for utility-scale energy storage projects. Two of the sources said Congolese officials present at the event construed Ives' reference to LFPs as a threat. One of the sources said the comments reinforced the officials' concerns that China is seeking to depress cobalt prices in order to build up strategic stockpiles. Congolese officials, including Pakabomba, did not respond to emailed requests for comment or phone calls. CMOC spokesperson Vincent Zhou declined to comment on Ives' remarks or questions regarding Congo's stockpiling fears but said that the company favours a "healthy market environment". Chinese electric vehicle battery maker CATL is among CMOC's largest shareholders, with a 30% stake in the miner, according to LSEG data. CMOC expects to produce between 100,000 and 120,000 metric tons of cobalt this year - within range of last year's 114,000 tons and roughly double the 56,000 tons produced in 2023 - as it ramps up activity at its Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu copper and cobalt mines in Congo. FedEx Corp. has announced some of the new leaders for its less-than-truckload unit that is expected to be spun off into a new publicly traded company by June 2026. John Smith, who is currently the chief operating officer of Federal Express (U.S. and Canada) will become president and CEO at the nations largest LTL carrier, FedEx Freight. Smith logged 25 years of service at FedEx Freight, serving as president and CEO from 2018 until 2021. Smith will remain in his current role, which oversees leadership at FedEx Freight and the U.S. and Canada ground operations of Federal Express, until the separation occurs. FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) Vice Chairman Brad Martin will become the chairman of FedEx Freight. Martin is credited with leading the boards strategic review of separating the LTL unit into a stand-alone business. Martin is also expected to remain on FedExs board following the spinoff. I cannot think of two individuals with more knowledge of, or commitment to, the long-term success of the FedEx Freight business than John Smith and Brad Martin, said FedEx Corp. President and CEO Raj Subramaniam in a Monday news release. Together they have the track record and expertise to successfully lead this new and exciting chapter for the independent FedEx Freight company. The consolidated FedEx enterprise continues to be overhauled through various initiatives that are expected to deliver $4 billion in cost savings. FedEx Freight has been working to improve freight mix, which includes heavier shipment weights and better density across the network. It has also been onboarding sales staff in recent months to drive the changes. The company tapped Tom Connolly at the end of last year to be vice president of LTL sales. Connolly has been at FedEx for nearly 30 years. FedEx has made other recent moves ahead of the spin. It created a separation management office and a transition team. It also completed a $16 billion debt exchange to facilitate the split. Wall Street analysts, however, said the news may not be well received by investors. Deutsche Banks (NYSE: DB) Richa Harnain acknowledged the success Smith has had at FedEx Freight and at its Express unit but said the move may create a leadership void at the remaining FedEx entity as it is undergoing the largest transformation of its history with the combination of Express and Ground. She also said investors were mostly hoping FedEx would pluck talent away from an established competitor. The popular preference we heard among the investment community [was] that FedEx Freight leadership be an experienced executive outside the organization, Harnain said. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is pressing lawmakers to halt Californias aggressive zero-emission vehicle mandate, marking a notable change in the companys position as demand for electric vehicles in the US shows signs of slowing, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. General Motors Company (GM) Reportedly Seeks to Overturn California's Electric Vehicle Mandate The automaker shared its stance in an email sent to thousands of its salaried employees last week. Here is what the email read: Emissions standards that are not aligned with market realities pose a serious threat to our business by undermining consumer choice and vehicle affordability. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), once a strong supporter of Californias ambitious ban on gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035, is now lobbying against it. The company is urging employees to push Senators to overturn a waiver allowing California to set stricter emissions rules, which have been adopted by 11 other states. Although GM had previously aligned its own EV goals with the states, slowing EV demand and market challenges have prompted a shift. EV sales are falling behind expectationseven in Californiaand automakers, including General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford, are pulling back on electric vehicle plans. GM has scrapped its goal of building 400,000 EVs by mid-2024 and delayed key launches as consumers turn to cheaper alternatives and federal tax incentives face potential rollbacks. GM has surged by nearly 12% in the past 12 months. While we acknowledge the potential of GM 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 GM 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. By Foo Yun Chee BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's antitrust head Andreas Mundt on Monday addressed mounting concerns about the deviation in approaches between European regulators and their U.S. peers, saying the divergence is more in terms of rhetoric than substance. Such worries have been amplified in recent months by U.S government and lawmakers' criticism of EU scrutiny of Big Tech and fines levied on U.S. companies for breaching EU rules. Mundt said feedback that he has received from the markets, speeches by antitrust officials and conferences suggested there could be some grandstanding involved. "I think that divergence that we often talk about is more rhetoric and maybe competition policy is one of the rare branches where we have more convergence in substance between the Biden and Trump administrations than we had before," he told a conference organised by ECA Economics. Both the European Commission and U.S. antitrust regulators are cracking down on Big Tech, demanding in some cases a breakup of lucrative units core to the companies' businesses. Mundt also took aim at EU telecoms operators demanding looser merger rules such as reviewing their deals on a pan-European level rather than national level and to give more weight to their investments. "I generally agree with the Draghi report but not in telecoms," he said, referring to a wide-ranging study by former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi aimed at boosting Europe's competitiveness. "To define the telecoms market at an EU level would make market definition completely artificial and fictional. As long as you have something like 26 regulation regimes, it would be very hard to define an EU-wide market," Mundt said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by David Evans) For April, the Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate is estimated to be 92 million units/year, building on the improvement seen in March. In year-on-year (YoY) terms, the market saw another strong month of growth, with sales up 6% to 7.3 million units. Both China and the US demonstrated a strong performance, YoY, while Western Europe continues to face challenges. In the US, the momentum from the pull-forward effect observed in March persisted, contributing to another impressive sales figure in April. Meanwhile, in China, sales have remained stable, buoyed by government stimulus measures. Conversely, Western Europe experienced a decline in sales, as EU consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest level in the past 17 months. Source: GlobalData North America US Light Vehicle sales grew by 11.3% YoY in April, to 1.47 million units, and increasing by 7.0% YoY on a selling day-adjusted basis. The annualized selling rate eased to 17.4 million units/year in April, from 17.8 million units/year in March. The pull-forward effect first noted in March when consumers rushed to make purchases ahead of potential tariff-related price rises was still present in April, but the pace of sales appeared to weaken later in the month. This could be a sign that the initial surge has ended, while average transaction prices are already rising, to US$46,054 in April, up by US$1,177 YoY, even without the full impact of tariffs being in effect. In Canada, sales reached 179k units in April, growing by 7.8% YoY. However, the selling rate slowed to 1.78 million units/year in April, down from 2.05 million units/year in March, and the lowest rate since August 2024. Similar dynamics were observed in Canada as in the US, with consumers incentivized to buy now rather than wait and face possible price rises. Mexican LV sales totaled 116k units in April, up by 2.8% YoY. The selling rate for April was broadly in line with the previous month. Mexico has not retaliated with tariffs on vehicles imported from the US, and any economic impact from the trade war is yet to be felt. Europe The LV selling rate for Western Europe rose slightly to 12.8 million units in April. In YoY terms, the market was down over 2%. YTD LV sales are now down 2% as well. The region is currently experiencing several economic challenges. Growth has stagnated in major markets such as Germany and France. Furthermore, consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest point since November 2023, highlighting the prevailing concerns about the region's economic outlook. In Eastern Europe, the LV selling rate rose to 4.3 million units in April. Sales were down a modest 1% YoY, a relatively better result in comparison to the weak results seen in the previous two months. The Russian LV market saw a 26% YoY decline despite a 16% increase in the selling rate. Aggressive discounting temporarily boosted sales while high-interest rates and fading consumer hopes for the return of Western brands contributed to postponed purchases, prompting calls for state intervention to support the auto industry. LV sales in Turkey continue to thrive, with consumers continuing to turn to vehicles as a safeguard against rampant inflation. By Kenrick Cai, Jeffrey Dastin, Greg Bensinger MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (Reuters) -Alphabet's Google said on Tuesday it would put artificial intelligence into the hands of more Web surfers while teasing a $249.99-a-month subscription for its AI power users, its latest effort to fend off growing competition from startups like OpenAI. Google unveiled the plans amid a flurry of demos that included new smart glasses during its annual I/O conference in Mountain View, California, which has adopted a tone of increased urgency since the rise of generative AI challenged the tech company's longtime stronghold of organizing and retrieving information on the internet. In recent months, Google has become more aggressive in asserting it has caught up to competitors after appearing flat-footed upon the release of Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022. On Tuesday, it further laid out a vision for Google Search that lets consumers ask virtually anything, from simple queries to complex research questions, from analyzing what a smartphone camera sees to fetching an event ticket to buy. Google likewise said it aims to build AI that is personal and proactive, whether phoning a store for users or sending students a practice test generated on the fly. CEO Sundar Pichai said at the conference that Alphabet would build such AI with the cost in mind as well. "Over and over, we've been able to deliver the best models at the most effective price point," he said. Google's AI assistant Gemini app now has more than 400 million monthly active users, Pichai said. In a major update, the company said consumers across the United States now can switch Google Search into AI Mode. Showcased in March as an experiment open to test users, the feature dispenses with the Webs standard fare in favor of computer-generated answers for complicated queries. Google also announced an AI Ultra Plan, which for $249.99 monthly provides users with higher limits on AI and early access to experimental tools like Project Mariner, an internet browser extension that can automate keystrokes and mouse clicks, and Deep Think, a version of its top-shelf Gemini model that is more capable of reasoning through complicated tasks. The price is comparable to $200 monthly plans from AI model developers OpenAI and Anthropic, underscoring how companies are exploring ways to pay for the exorbitant price tag of AI development. Google's new plan also includes 30 terabytes of cloud storage and an ad-free YouTube subscription. Google already offers other subscription options, including a $19.99-per-month service with access to some AI capabilities unavailable for most free users and cheaper plans with additional cloud storage. Last week, the company told Reuters it had signed up more than 150 million subscribers across those plans. Parents already have some tax-preferred savings options for their kids, albeit with slightly different parameters. A 529 savings plans is most commonly structured as a tax-advantaged investment account that can be used to pay for qualified education expenses like tuition. The plans and their exact tax structure vary by state, but so long as the funds go toward qualified educational expenses, earnings and withdrawals are tax free. Until the MAGA bill writers define the final tax incentives, its unclear if a given state plan would be more or less advantageous. Many states also offer other tax deductions and credits related to education. The proposed MAGA savings accounts would represent a new vehicle for parents to save for their children, but states have long offered variations of such plansmeaning parents would want to evaluate the various merits of each. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tx., previously told Semafor that the accounts would help children in the U.S. begin the journey of savings and benefit from the wonders of compound interest. The U.S. Treasury would automatically set up accounts for those who do not have them, and fund them with a one-time $1,000 payment for the next four years. The proposal also calls for letting parents with kids under the age of 8 establish an account, though only newborns receive $1,000. Half of the funds could be withdrawn between the ages of 18 and 25, while any remaining funds would have to be disbursed by 31. As currently written in the draft legislation, the MAGA account would allow parents to contribute up to $5,000 per year that would be invested in U.S. equities. Money contributed to the account could be put toward qualifying expenses like school or job training expenses, to buy a home, or to start a small business. Republicans are still working out what they mean by tax advantaged. One plan says it would be exempt for taxation, while another bill summary says the withdrawals would be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, akin to a brokerage account. The government could also contribute, and those would not be subject to a cap. Republicans are proposing the creation of a new tax-preferred savings account for children dubbed the money account for growth and advancement, or MAGA account, in their one big beautiful tax bill . The proposal calls for giving $1,000 to children born between 2025 and 2028 to kickstart savings, and supplies other incentives for parents to save for their kids future. Story Continues A custodial Roth IRA, meanwhile, is a Roth retirement account managed by a parent or guardian for the benefit of their under-18 (or 21, depending on the state) child. When they reach adulthood, the accounts are rolled over to a standard retirement vehicle. And depending on how withdrawals are taxed, they may not be that advantageous to many savers, says Sam Taube, lead investing writer at personal finance site Nerdwallet. If withdrawals are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, this would effectively be the same tax treatment as a passively-invested brokerage account, except that in a normal brokerage account, all sales of investments that have been held for more than one year are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, regardless of what youre using the money for, says Taube. In that way, the MAGA account would actually be less advantageous, because it limits when beneficiaries can use the funds and what they can be used for. Aside from what funds invested in the accounts can be used for, one of the main differences between the proposed MAGA accounts and existing accounts for kids is the $1,000 the federal government is proposing to give children born from 2025 through 2028 says Taube. But similar funding options exist at the state level in some places. Taube points to Colorados First Step Program, which gives a $100 contribution to a 529 plan at birth, and matches $1,000 contributions during an eligible accounts first five years of funding. Parents can check out the National Conference of State Legislatures for more information on what their states offer. Something to watch out for, says Taube, is that some state 529 programs have income limits, and the funds can only be spent on educational expenses, limiting their usefulness. The proposed MAGA accounts, in their current form, may offer a little more flexibility, both in terms of income-based eligibility and in terms of what the money can be spent on, says Taube. But its not one-or-the-other. Given that the proposed MAGA accounts are not 529 plans, parents could take advantage of both. Status of the 2025 Republican tax plan Overall, its hard to say what the effect of the GOPs broader proposed $5 trillion tax bill will be on Americans personal finances, says Taube. The current proposal calls for eliminating certain tax cuts, while expanding others. It also taxes private university endowments, which could lead to additional costs passed onto students. The bill also calls for cutting Medicaid benefits, which would likely financially harm low-income Americans. The GOP tax bill is still being debated, and needs to pass both the House and Senate before President Donald Trump can sign off on it, something that could take months. Republicans are under something of a ticking time bomb to pass their bill. The last time Trump was in office, the sweeping tax legislation he signed into law came with an end date: Most of the provisions, especially those related to individual tax cuts, would expire at the end of 2025. That includes lower tax rates for many Americans, as well as a more substantial estate and gift tax exemption and other tax breaks. As it stands, Republicans are torn on a few of the provisions, including deep cuts to Medicaid and the state and local tax deduction known as SALT. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Greggs reported a 2.9% rise in comparable sales in the first 20 weeks of the year. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA Sales at Greggs have picked up after the UKs biggest bakery chain branched out into iced drinks, pizza boxes and a macaroni cheese that has gone viral on social media. The bakery, which is headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, reported a 2.9% rise in comparable sales in the first 20 weeks of the year, with an improving trend in the last 11 weeks helped by warm, sunny weather. New beverages and food on the shelves also helped step up sales growth, including a peach iced tea and a mint lemonade. Greggs said that a newly launched mac and cheese went viral on TikTok, with a video of the snack played more than 3m times. Roisin Currie, the chief executive of Greggs, said consumers disposable income was on the rise, helped by the April increase in the legal minimum wage, but the evidence was that households were saving, not spending, even though they have got more money in their pockets. She said Greggs had been helped by the good spring weather, which had encouraged people to come out of their home more, but added that consumers remained cautious. Currie said the whole retail industry was in a heightened state of alert after the cyber-attacks on Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods, and Greggs had continued to invest in improving the security of its systems. Peter Green Chilled, a small food distributor to supermarkets, said it had been hit by a cyber-attack this week. The industry is coming together to share learning, Currie said. Related: UK cheesemaker welcomes new EU deal but says it comes four years too late Shares in Greggs rallied on Tuesday, rising 6%. However, the stock has suffered this year, losing about a quarter of its value since January, amid broader concerns around slowing sales growth. The near 3% sales rise marks an improvement compared with its recent performance sales rose by 1.7% in the first nine weeks of the year and by 2.5% in the final quarter of last year. John Moore, a senior investment manager at the wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin, said that while Greggs had been going through a tougher period recently, there were optimistic signs in the update. Recent price increases suggest the company is trying to right-size in the aftermath of the national insurance increases, recalibrating its rollout and growth ambitions, he said. This year Greggs increased the price of its sausage rolls by 5p to 1.30, blaming wage, tax and food cost rises. It formed part of an average 4% price rise on key items including coffee and doughnuts. Currie defended the decision to increase prices at the time, saying the company had to pass on the rising cost of its wage bill after two-thirds of Greggss workers received a 6.1% pay rise in January. IQM Radiance Quantum Computer IQM will deliver two IQM Radiance quantum computers to VTT in Finland: first a 150-qubit computer in 2026 and a 300-qubit computer in 2027. The 300-qubit system is powered by two superconducting 150-qubit quantum processors. The quantum computers will be specifically designed to serve as testbeds for quantum error correction (QEC) to enable research and development for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The two quantum computers will be integrated with the Finnish HPC infrastructure. ESPOO, Finland, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in superconducting quantum computers, announced today the signing of an agreement with VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland to deliver a 150-qubit and a 300-qubit quantum computer. The systems will be delivered in 2026 and 2027 and integrated with the Finnish HPC infrastructure. The 300-qubit quantum computer is purpose-built and designed to support quantum error correction experiments an essential step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. The system is expected to enable algorithm research for techniques such as circuit knitting. IQM has previously delivered 5-qubit, 20-qubit, and 50-qubit quantum computers to VTT, marking key milestones in the development of Finlands quantum ecosystem. Each system has played a crucial role in advancing research capabilities and supporting the growing needs of the quantum community in Finland. "We are excited to continue our long-term partnership with VTT and ship our next generation of quantum computers to power Finlands quantum ecosystem," says Mikko Valimaki, Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. "We are committed to delivering and deploying full-stack quantum computers worldwide, and Finland will get our highest performing quantum computer to date as the next step on our common journey to reach fault-tolerant quantum computing," he continues. "This 300-qubit superconducting quantum computer has the most superconducting qubits procured anywhere in the world. In addition, the delivery schedule is quick," says Piia Konstari, Project Manager for VTT's quantum computer tendering process. IQM has sold and shipped more on-premises quantum computers in the last 12 months than any other quantum computer manufacturer, while its systems have been deployed by various universities and HPC centers globally. The companys approach is to power local quantum ecosystems with an open and transparent hardware and software platform. In addition, IQM on-premises users will get hands-on access to system hardware and software platforms including pulse-level access to control the qubits. ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) has unveiled the Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) certification, a pioneering credential for auditors to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the field of audit. This certification is designed for experienced auditors who are navigating an evolving technology and compliance landscape, with AI taking a central role. The AAIA certification is built upon ISACA's expertise in IT audit and the rigorous standards of credentials like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It validates the expertise necessary for conducting AI-focused audits, addressing integration challenges, and improving audit processes with AI-driven insights. Eligibility for the AAIA extends to those holding active CISA, CIA, and CPA certifications. The certification encompasses key domains such as AI governance and risk, AI operations, and AI auditing tools and techniques. ISACA chief content and publishing officer Shannon Donahue said: ISACA is proud to have served the global audit community for more than 55 years through our audit and assurance standards, frameworks and certifications, and we are continuing to help the community evolve and thrive with the certifications and training they need in this new era of audits involving AI. Through AAIA, auditors can demonstrate their expertise and trusted advisory skills in navigating AI-driven challenges while upholding the highest industry standards. To aid in exam preparation, ISACA offers the AAIA Review Manual, an Online Review Course, and a Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database (QAE), each providing a year of access for preparation. A recent ISACA survey highlights the importance of AI skills for digital trust professionals, with 85% of respondents indicating the need to increase their AI knowledge within two years. In response to this demand, ISACA has expanded its offerings with a range of AI courses and resources, including the upcoming Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM) credential. In April 2025, in a move to strengthen digital resilience against cyber threats, a coalition of industry bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA) and ISACA, urged the UK government to fast-track audit reform legislation. "ISACA introduces new Advanced in AI Audit Certification" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has enforced a return-to-office policy, requiring most employees to work in person five days a week. While Dimon emphasizes that the company, not individuals, will decide what's best for business, research shows that such mandates have led to the loss of senior talent, and overall office occupancy across major U.S. cities remains just over 53%. While JPMorgan's return-to-office policy has ruffled feathers with some staff members, CEO Jamie Dimon has maintained that it is people's right to work remotely if they wishbut he won't be held accountable for letting it happen at America's biggest bank. The majority of JPMorgan's staff have been asked to come back to the office five days a week, though 10% of the company's more than 300,000 staffers worldwide work remotely. Dimon, the Wall Street veteran who has led the bank for almost two decades, has said he's got no problem with remote work as long as it makes sense for his business. Previously 69-year-old Dimon has shared frustration with not being able to contact people as easilyespecially on Fridaysbecause of remote work, and doubled down on the sentiment in a recent interview that not being in the office creates inefficiency. You have an awful lot of Well pick it up again next week when we meet together, which is very different to Get back to me later today, Dimon told The Sunday Times. Im not against people not wanting to [work in the office], but what they will not do is tell JPMorgan what to do, he added. Tensions between JPMorgan staff and management at the banking behemoth have been heightened over the employer's RTO policy. Like other Wall Street giants, JP staff have been asked to return in person for the full working week. This has resulted in petitions being launched and Dimon being questioned on the policy in company meetings. The man paid $39 million for his work in 2024 has been firm, reportedly telling a town hall: "Ive been working seven days a goddamn week since COVID, and I come in, andwhere is everybody else? Dimon has also been a staunch advocate for bringing people back to the office because younger staffers in particular can learn so much. He told Bloomberg on Thursday that being in the office allowed younger staffers to pick up on the good habits of their seniors, adding: You cant learn working from your basement. Is the RTO debate over? In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, the return to office debate raged with businesses battling their staff over changing policy. Middle Eastern eyewear retailer MAGRABi Retail is seeking to acquire all issued shares of Kuwaits optical chain Kefan Optics. This transaction is a pivotal step in MAGRABis strategic evolution and follows the successful integration of Rivoli Vision in September 2024. The latest acquisition will enable the integration of MAGRABi's customer-focused approach into Kefan's existing outlets while preserving Kefan's brand identity. The deal will see 37 Kefan Optics stores joining the MAGRABis portfolio, expanding its total store count to more than 350 locations by the end of 2025, strengthening its market share in the region. MAGRABi Retail Group chair Amin Magrabi stated: "This acquisition marks another defining moment in our transformation journey. We are proud to strengthen our presence in Kuwait and reinforce our leadership in a region poised for consolidation. Our goal remains clear: to lead the evolution of eye care in the Middle East." Kefan Optics was founded in 1978 and has a strong presence in Kuwait's co-operative societies and an expanding footprint in shopping malls. The chain also made strides in omnichannel retailing with e-commerce. Its manufacturing ventures include a joint venture with Nikon for lens production. Another joint venture partner of Kefan, the Optical Supplies Company which distributes Bella coloured contact lenses, is not part of the deal with MAGRABi. The retailer reported double-digit growth in 2024 and anticipates replicating this performance in 2025. Kefan Optics chairman Wael Al-Subaih stated: Today marks a significant milestone as Kefan Optics continues its journey of excellence under the Magrabi Retail Group. We celebrate this new chapter with great optimism and extend our best wishes to all involved. "As we look to the future, we are confident that the legacy of excellence and dedication built over nearly five decades will continue to thrive and grow under the stewardship of Magrabi Retail Group." Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, MAGRABi CEO Yasser Taher told Arab News about the company's approach to financing. He explained that their strategy typically involves a combination of sources, with a preference for securing 70% of funds through banking institutions and covering the remaining 30% with internal equity. In September 2024, MAGRABi confirmed a merger deal with Rivoli Group, a premium lifestyle retailer in the Lower Gulf. "MAGRABi Retail proposes complete takeover of Kuwaits Kefan Optics" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Mexico's shift to 45% clean electricity by 2030 could save $1.6bn in gas imports annually, according to an analysis by global energy think tank Ember. This transition is poised to reduce the nation's reliance on gas imports from the US, making it the largest buyer of US gas worldwide. The country could see a 20% reduction in gas-fired electricity generation, from 204 terawatt-hours (TWh) last year to 163TWh in 2030, despite a projected 15% rise in electricity demand over the same period. Mexico would need to install 36 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 10GW of onshore wind energy capacity by 2030 to meet the clean energy target of 45%. This development is expected to create more than 434,000 direct jobs, with 419,000 in construction and over 15,000 permanent roles in operating the renewable generation plants for over two decades. Last year, only 22% of Mexico's electricity came from renewables, which falls below the global average of 32% and the Latin American average of 62%. In contrast, 54% of its electricity in 2024 was generated using gas imported from the US. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's announcement in October 2024 of the 45% renewable electricity generation target marks a significant policy shift towards clean energy. Ember's report compares two scenarios from Mexico's National Electricity Sector Strategy one with a 45% and another with a 36% clean power target by 2030. The findings indicate that the 45% scenario would not only deliver ten times the fuel cost savings but also nearly double the job creation compared to the 36% pathway. The report also draws attention to the success stories of Brazil and Uruguay, which have rapidly expanded their solar and wind energy sectors through streamlined planning processes. Ember Latin America energy analyst Wilmar Suarez said: Clean energy is a win-win. Achieving ambitious targets for solar and wind energy will allow Mexico to strengthen its energy independence, while creating multiple socio-economic benefits. "Mexicos 2030 clean electricity goal to cut $1.6bn in annual gas imports" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. Mizuho Financial Group has announced a partnership with Mercer Japan and Mercer Investments (Japan) to provide outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services in Japan. This collaboration aims to enhance the investment services available to clients, including pension funds and educational institutions, through Mizuho's asset management subsidiary, Asset Management One. The partnership will enable Mizuho to offer a comprehensive suite of OCIO services, building on existing solutions provided by Mizuho Trust & Banking and Asset Management One. The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including optimised asset management across various asset classes, addressing the shortage of specialised talent, improving risk management, and ensuring robust reporting and oversight. Additionally, Asset Management One plans to enhance its investment solutions by utilising Mercers proprietary manager research and global investment platform. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for value-added services for clients. Mizuho stated that it aims to support the Japanese governments initiative to establish Japan as a leading asset management centre through its expanded offerings for asset owners. Mercer, which is part of Marsh McLennan, employs over 25,000 people and operates in 130 countries. The company collaborates with private and public pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors. It manages more than $17.5tn in assets under advice and $613bn in global assets. Earlier this month, Mercer acquired SECOR Asset Management, founded in 2010 by Tony Kao, Ray Iwanowski, and their partners. SECOR offers diverse portfolio solutions designed for institutional investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and family offices. "Mizuho, Mercer collaborate for OCIO services in Japan" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Despite a weekend downgrade of U.S. government debt by credit rating agency Moody's, municipal bonds remain insulated from federal credit concerns, say fixed-income experts at WisdomTree Inc. (WT). In a Monday webinar titled "What to Expect in the Muni Markets as Fiscal Policy News Heats Up," Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income strategy at WisdomTree, addressed investor concerns following a one-notch downgrade of U.S. credit by Moody's to AA1 from AAA. "It was not unexpected. Matter of fact, it was widely expected," Flanagan explained during the session, noting the U.S. had already lost its AAA rating in August 2023 when Fitch downgraded it to match S&P's AA+ rating. While Treasury markets briefly reacted to the downgrade news, municipal bond investors can take comfort that current budget negotiations in Washington appear to leave tax advantages for muni investors intact, according to the WisdomTree experts who highlighted potential opportunities in an asset class the firm recently entered with two new actively managed ETFs. "We got some good news last week that at least in this current version, there is not really anything that's on the table currently that would relate to reducing the ability for investors in municipal securities to see those potential tax benefits eroded," said Brad Krom, U.S. head of research at WisdomTree, during the webinar. "This is always the fear, I think, every time you start to get the government focusing on different ways that they can raise revenue." The discussion comes just weeks after WisdomTree launched the WisdomTree Core Laddered Municipal Fund (WTMU) and WisdomTree High Income Laddered Municipal Fund (WTMY) in early April, with expense ratios of 0.25% and 0.35%, respectively. Research-Backed Muni Strategies Unlike federal debt, municipal bonds remain attractive for their tax efficiency and credit quality, according to Flanagan. The new ETFs employ a laddered maturity strategy in partnership with Insight North America, which manages approximately $17 billion in municipal assets. "What I love about our Muni funds is that they're not only laddered, a time-tested strategy, but it's also an active approach," Flanagan stated. "We have a dedicated Muni research team, not just a person or two trying to figure out how these credits fit in your portfolio." WTMU focuses on core investment-grade municipal bonds with over 50% in revenue bonds, while WTMY takes a more opportunistic approach with over 50% in high-yield municipal securities, according to Krom's presentation. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) recently announced its results for the full-year 2025. Let's see how the company performed during the year. National Grid plc (NGG) Announces its FY 2025 Results National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) is the UK's largest electricity distribution network, serving nearly 8 million customers in the country. The company also operates in the US, delivering electricity, natural gas, and clean energy to more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) recently posted its results for FY 2025, reporting an underlying EPS of 73.3p, up 2% from the previous year and ahead of guidance, with the underlying operating profit increase more than offsetting the increased number of shares after the Rights Issue. Moreover, the company's record 9.8 billion of capital investment helped to drive regulated asset growth of 10.5%. However, revenue decreased by 7% YoY to 18.38 billion. NGG's cash flow generated from continuing operations during the year came in at 7 billion, 0.3 billion lower than last year, mainly due to adverse timing movements. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) also declared a total dividend of 46.72p for its shareholders, an increase of 3.21% on last years rebased dividend. As of the end of FY 2025, the company had 18 billion of distributable reserves, which is sufficient to cover more than five years of forecast dividends. National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) has earmarked tens of billions of pounds in capital expenditure over the coming years to upgrade the UKs grid system, and recently raised 7bn via a share placing from investors to fund its growth and strengthen its balance sheet. John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG), stated: "We've made significant progress in the first year of our five-year financial framework, with record capital investment of almost 10 billion, 20% higher than 2024, helping to drive regulated asset growth of around 10% this year. Strong performance across all areas of the business underpins our plans to successfully invest c.60 billion over five years. At a time of international economic uncertainty, National Grid continues to provide stable and predictable growth through our resilient business model. We remain focused on delivering secure, affordable and clean energy to our customers and communities, and providing long-term value and returns for our shareholders." While we acknowledge the potential of NGG 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 NGG and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. Key Points NextEra Energy is a leader in all forms of clean energy. The company is in an excellent position to capitalize on the expected surge in power demand. It could continue to generate strong total returns for its shareholders. 10 stocks we like better than NextEra Energy One of the smartest things you can do as an investor is focus on megatrends that should drive above-average growth in the coming years. The top companies focused on a major growth trend tend to deliver strong earnings growth and total returns over the long term. U.S. power demand is becoming a massive growth trend. After barely rising over the last two decades, forecasters expect electricity demand in the country to surge 55% by 2040. Several catalysts will power this acceleration, including artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, the electrification of transportation, and the onshoring of manufacturing. This catalyst drives the view that the U.S. will need to add a staggering 450 gigawatts (GW) of new power generation capacity by 2030. NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) is in a strong position to capitalize on this megatrend. Here's a look at whether the utility is one of the smartest investments you can make right now. Image source: Getty Images. A leader in the field "NextEra Energy is the quintessential 'all-forms-of-energy' company," stated CEO John Ketchum on the first-quarter earnings conference call. He noted that his company knows "renewables and storage because we're a world leader in the space." NextEra also knows "gas because we operate the largest gas-fired fleet in America and have built more gas-fired generation than anyone over the last two decades," and "nuclear because we operate one of the largest fleets in the United States." Further, NextEra Energy knows "how to serve growth because we've been doing it for decades across the United States." The company currently has 72 gigawatts of power generation capacity across the country. It's the largest electric utility in America and a leading North American clean energy company. NextEra's massive scale gives it a huge competitive advantage. Its years of experience in the development of renewable power have made it a leader in the sector. It's the No. 1 originator of renewable energy development projects among power and commercial and industrial customers, with a 20% share of the market. The power to grow NextEra Energy's leadership in the sector puts it in a strong position to grow its business and shareholder value in the future. The company plans to invest about $120 billion in American energy infrastructure over the next four years. It's investing that capital in renewable energy projects (more than 25 GW of projects currently in its backlog), energy transmission lines, and other energy infrastructure projects. The company expects these investments will help grow its adjusted earnings per share at or near the high end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through 2027. It will also support dividend growth of around 10% per share through at least next year. Nippon Steel (NPSCY) plans to invest $14B in U.S. Steels (X) operations, including up to $4B in a new steel mill, if the Trump administration green lights its bid for the U.S. company, according to Reuters, citing a document and two people familiar with the matter. Under details of the plan included in the document, the company will invest $11B into U.S. Steels infrastructure through 2028, the news service stated. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks straight to you inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See the top stocks recommended by analysts >> Read More on X: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Nissan Motor Company announced that it plans to shut down seven of its current 17 vehicle assembly plants worldwide and make around 20,000 redundancies from its global operations by the 2027 financial year (FY2027), which ends on 31 March 2028. The restructuring is part of its Re:Nissan recovery plan, after the Japanese automaker reported a net loss of JPY 671 billion in FY2024. Unconfirmed reports in Japan, citing an unnamed company source, have suggested that Nissan is considering closing two plants in Kanagawa Prefecture as part of its restructuring plans. The plants said to be marked for closure include the main Oppama plant in Yokosuka, which makes the Leaf, Note and Note Aura models, and the Shonan plant, which makes the NV200 and AD and is controlled by its subsidiary Nissan Shatai Company. The two plants have among the lowest capacity-utilization rates in the companys domestic network, due mainly to weak demand for the models they produce. Nissan has yet to initiate talks with labour unions, suppliers and the local governments, however. Nissan pointed out that it has not named any specific domestic plants that it plans to close, and that the reports are speculative and not based on any official information from the company." In terms of overseas facilities, Nissan has already announced that it will close a plant in India and one in Argentina. By FY2027, Nissan plans to cut its global capacity by 30% to 2.5 million units, excluding China, as it focuses more on higher-margin products. "Nissan to close two plants in Kanagawa Prefecture reports" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Nuclear Vision Limited (CSE: NUKV) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Derrick Dao as its new Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective immediately. Concurrent with Mr. Dao's appointment, Mr. Allan Bezanson will step down as CEO and remain as Chair and Executive Director on the Board. Mr. Dao is a seasoned executive with extensive international experience in the commodities sector including financing, M&A, and capital markets. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary and is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Dao has held senior executive positions and advised multiple high-profile commodity transactions across Africa, MENA, Asia and North America. He has founded multiple high growth companies headquartered in Singapore and Canada and has held CEO roles in multiple public and private companies involved in uranium, gold, oil and gas and carbon. Mr. Dao has advised numerous high profile M&A transactions in Africa and the Middle East including Mining Lease divestments exceeding US$16 Billion in value. Previously, Mr. Dao was President and part of the founding team of King Tide Carbon which was acquired by Cel AI listed on the London Stock Exchange. Commenting on the new appointment, CEO Derrick Dao said, "I am excited to join Nuclear Vision at such a pivotal time in the uranium cycle. With a dominant land position in Botswana's Karoo Basin and a clear strategy to unlock basin-scale potential, we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Our focus is on disciplined exploration, strategic targeting, and leveraging Botswana's stable, mining-friendly environment to accelerate the path to discovery. I look forward to working with the world class team we have assembled at Nuclear Vision and working towards our mission of becoming the world's next global uranium company." On Behalf of the Board of Directors Allan Bezanson Chair and Executive Director About Nuclear Vision Limited Nuclear Vision Limited is an early-stage mineral resource exploration company. The Company's material property is the Regnault Project, consisting of 71 contiguous mineral claims covering an area of approximately 3,678 Ha located north-northeast of Chibougamau in the Province of Quebec. The Company also holds the UA92 uranium project, consisting of 7 prospecting licenses totaling approximately 4,828km2 located in central Botswana. This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. The Trial Balance is CFO.coms weekly preview of stories, stats and events to help you prepare. Part 1 New York City leads U.S. in RTO With return-to-office efforts being implemented across the country, new data from Placer.ai indicates that in the U.S., New York City is closest, by far, to pre-pandemic in-office working rates. Nationwide, office visits were 30.7% below April 2019 levels. However, New York City traffic was just 5.5% short of pre-pandemic traffic, the smallest drop in the country. Miami followed, down 15.3%, while other major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Dallas stayed consistent with the national average. The data comes from Placer.ais Office Index, which uses anonymized location information from cell phones to measure real-world foot traffic of around 1,000 office buildings across 11 U.S. cities. This embedded content is not available in your region. Boston showed moderate improvement, though it still trailed New York City and Miami. San Francisco, while still the furthest from full recovery compared to the other cities in the report, posted the strongest year-over-year growth. This may reflect the impact of return-to-office mandates in the tech sector despite the numerous challenges the city faces that impact the workers there. April marked the third-busiest office month since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, behind only October and July 2024. Hybrid trends remain dominant, with midweek in-office appearances, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, surpassing 2019 levels in NYC. Mondays and Fridays continue to lag, likely due to hybrid work models allowing some employees to skip the commute and work from home on those days. Part 2 This week Heres a list of important market events slated for the week ahead. Monday, May 19 Tuesday, May 20 Wednesday, May 21 Thursday, May 22 Friday, May 23 Part 3 Gartner CFO and Finance Executive Conference coverage This week, some of the CFO.com team will be in National Harbor, Maryland, for Gartners CFO and Finance Executive Conference. There will be an event takeaway piece published this week (5/21), as well as multiple interviews from the event from CFOs and thought leaders that will roll out over the next few weeks. UK-based gold exploration company Panthera Resources, through its Australian subsidiary Indo Gold (IGPL), has filed a claim for damages totalling $1.58bn against the Republic of India, alleging breaches of a bilateral investment treaty. This claim arises from the alleged breach of the 1999 Agreement between the governments of Australia and India on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (the "Treaty"). The dispute centres on the Bhukia project in Rajasthan, India, where IGPL's rights to a prospecting licence, held through a wholly owned subsidiary, Metal Mining (MMI), were denied. MMI commenced its initial investment in the Bhukia project around 2004. IGPL supplied significant funding and oversaw the joint venture's (JV) exploration programmes in collaboration with MMI. IGPL claims that its entitlement to receive a prospecting licence for the Bhukia project, through its JV stake, was obstructed and hindered by the Government of Rajasthan over an extended period. The company contends that the Government of Rajasthan's actions and the enactment of the MMDR2021, an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 2015, which led to the revoking of preferential rights to mining licences, constitute a breach of the Treaty. Further complicating the matter, India auctioned part of the Bhukia project area to a third party, Saiyyed Owais Ali, with terms including $60m (Rs5.14bn) in upfront payments, $60m in performance guarantees and a 65.3% mineral share for India. This auction occurred despite IGPL's ongoing dispute over the project's licensing rights. The Treaty claims include allegations of expropriation and failure to protect investments under Articles 3 and 7 of the Treaty. However, the outcome of IGPL's Treaty claims remains uncertain. The Bhukia project's potential was highlighted early on, with a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate reported in 2006 and updated in 2017. The JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of the project is 38.5 million tonnes (mt) at 1.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold for 1.74 million ounces (moz) of gold using a cut-off of 0.5g/t gold in the area. Recently, a gazette notification from the Government of Rajasthan included an updated resource estimate of 113.52mt at 1.96g/t and 0.14% copper. This equates to 7.2moz of gold, along with copper credits, as well as additional nickel and cobalt. To support the legal efforts, IGPL has secured up to $13.6m in nonrecourse litigation financing from LCM Funding, a subsidiary of Litigation Capital Management, which specialises in international arbitration and cross-border disputes. PetroVietnam has announced the commencement of the first commercial oil flow from the ai Hung oilfield phase three project. The state-owned oil and gas group acquired the field in 2003 for a nominal $1 after it was abandoned by international contractors. The Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, hailed the project as a testament to the nation's energy sector capabilities. Since taking over the ai Hung oilfield, PetroVietnam has faced numerous challenges including low oil prices and technical difficulties. However, the company has successfully turned the field into a profitable venture. The project has been a success story for PetroVietnam, with steady production since 2005 and better financial results. In 2024, the oilfield generated $4bn in revenue and contributed $600m in taxes. The phase three project, which began in 2022 and uses solely domestic resources, has already achieved a daily production rate of 6,000 barrels, starting 20 days ahead of schedule. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the need for PetroVietnam to continue innovating and adopting new technologies to maximise efficiency. The ai Hung oilfield is expected to produce an additional 76 million barrels (mbbl) of oil, with total revenue reaching $6.4bn by 2034. Oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) is the core field of Petrovietnam. Effective oil and gas E&P activities have allowed Vietnam to have the second-largest oil reserves in South East Asia. Hibiscus Petroleum recently secured a 20-year extension for the PM3 Commercial Arrangement Area production sharing contract and upstream gas sales agreement. The agreement, which involves Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia, Petronas and PetroVietnam, will be effective from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2047, with Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia remaining the operator. "PetroVietnam produces first oil from ai Hung phase three project" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. As of Friday, well-known investor Steve Weiss stated that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) constituted just 1% of his total holdings, down from 6% prior to February 21. Weiss stated that he would likely sell the remaining 1% on Friday afternoon or today. Is UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) the Best Dow Stock? A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. A frequent guest on CNBC, Weiss is the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of Short Hills Capital Partners. Why Weiss Has Become Cautious on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) Weiss reported that he had sold the shares due to the Department of Justice's investigations of the firm, the order by President Donald Trump that seeks to restrict how much drugmakers can charge, and the departure of the firm's CEO. Noting that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) is reportedly under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, Weiss suggested that the latter development could be "distracting" for the firm's new management team. Weiss added that he "doesn't think the stock is going anywhere," so he decided to use his losses in the name to reduce his investors' capital-gains taxes. UNH Stock Is "Very Cheap," Weiss Believes Despite his cautious comments on UnitedHealth, Weiss thinks that the name is "very cheap." Moreover, he is upbeat on its new CEO and its CFO. The investor suggested that he may repurchase the shares in about a month if it turns out that the insurer is not facing a criminal probe by the Department of Justice. While we acknowledge the potential of UNH, 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 UNH 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 Indian power generation company Reliance Power has signed a commercial term sheet for a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Green Digital, owned by Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), the investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The initiative marks a significant step in promoting regional clean energy integration and enhancing cross-border infrastructure collaboration in South Asia. Reliance Power and DHI will jointly develop Bhutan's largest solar power project through a 50:50 venture, offering installed capacity of 500MW. The project represents a capital investment of up to Rs20bn ($234bn) under a build-own-operate (BOO) model - the largest private sector foreign direct investment in Bhutan's solar energy sector. The agreement underscores Reliance Power's commitment to investing in long-duration clean energy assets and strengthens its strategic position in the regional power infrastructure landscape. Reliance Power has begun the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tendering process and is engaging with financial institutions to structure sustainable project finance solutions. Solar investment in Bhutan aligns with the Reliance Group's strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio and re-inforces its commitment to India-Bhutan economic cooperation. Reliance Power's clean energy pipeline includes 2.5 gigawatts peak solar and more than 2.5 gigawatt hours of battery energy storage system (BESS), positioning it as India's largest player in the integrated solar plus BESS segment. The project will be implemented over the 24 months up to May 2027 in line with Bhutan's sustainability framework and the South Asian region's energy transition agenda. It is expected to significantly enhance Bhutan's solar generation capacity and diversify its renewable energy portfolio. In October 2024, Reliance Enterprises, a joint venture between Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure, formed a strategic partnership with DHI to develop solar and hydropower projects in Bhutan, including a 500MW solar project and the 770MW Chamkharchhu-I hydroelectric project. In January 2025, Reliance NU Suntech, a subsidiary of Reliance Power, announced plans to invest $1.16bn in establishing a solar power plant with a BESS in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The project will be Asia's largest, featuring a 930MW solar energy contract and a 465MW/1,860 megawatt hours BESS. "Reliance Power enters long-term PPA with Green Digital in Bhutan" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. UK-based neobank Revolut is set to invest 1bn ($1.12bn) in France over the next three years, with intentions to apply for a French banking licence. The announcement was made during the "Choose France" investment summit, which took place at Versailles Palace in France and was hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. As part of this expansion, Revolut will establish a new office in Paris, aiming to create a minimum of 200 jobs in the country, reported Reuters. Revolut has indicated that Lithuania will continue to serve as a significant base for its operations in Europe. The existing Lithuanian banking licence allows the company to operate across the European Union (EU), facilitating the sale of products to customers in France. A spokesperson for Revolut was quoted by the news agency as saying that acquiring a second banking licence within the EU would enhance its ability to engage with regulators and provide services that are more specifically tailored to the French market. The neobank, which is claimed to be one of the largest financial services applications in Europe with more than 55 million customers, currently operates without physical branches. Revolut obtained a banking licence in the UK in 2024 after a three-year application process. The company has approximately 300 employees in France at present. Earlier this month, Revolut selected Dutch identity services provider Fourthline as its strategic partner to support its expansion plans as well as operational agility and scalability. "Revolut to create 200 jobs in France amid $1.12bn expansion" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Rigetti Computings (RGTI) Q1 results perfectly capture the quantum nature of being in several different states of existence simultaneously. In this case, incredible technological breakthroughs occurred alongside challenging financial results. While the company surprised markets with unexpected profitability and major technical milestones, a dramatic revenue shortfall sent shares tumbling 13% after earnings. While the stock managed to claw back that loss the following few days, it remains 22% lower year-to-date. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks straight to you inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Rigetti Computing (RGTI) stock price history year-to-date Published last week, Rigettis results offer compelling reasons for optimism and a sobering reminder of the challenges facing early-stage quantum computing companies. I am long-term bullish on the potential of quantum computing, and Rigetti is among the leaders in the space (though, as there are several paths to market for this nascent technology, I encourage investors to consider spreading their bets across several holdings). RGTI Spearheads the Quantum Realm Rigetti is a frontrunner in the growing field of full-stack quantum computing. It offers cloud-based quantum computers to various sectors, including government, enterprises, and research organizations. Notably, the company has developed the first-ever multi-chip quantum processor in the industry, paving the way for scalable quantum computing solutions. These processors are manufactured at their dedicated facility, Fab-1, emphasizing Rigettis commitment to innovation and advancement in quantum technology. Rigetti Computing (RGTI) Revenue by Segment The companys recent efforts include creating the 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system, which exhibits improved hardware design and progress in two-qubit gate fidelity. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Rigetti has laid out an ambitious roadmap. Theyre targeting a 36-qubit modular system launch by mid-year and a 100+ qubit system by year-end, with the ultimate goal of achieving 99.9% qubit fidelity by 2027, a threshold many experts believe is necessary for practical quantum advantage in commercial applications. RGTI Profits Dont Tell the Whole Story Rigetti posted earnings of $0.13 per share, shocking analysts who expected a loss of $0.05. That sounds fantastic until you dig deeper into the numbers. The companys profit came almost entirely from $62.1 million in accounting gains from changes in how they value specific financial instruments, not from selling more products or improving operations. SCRYPT, a Swiss-licenced entity specialising in crypto solutions, has selected financial infrastructure provider OpenPayd to power Euro payment infrastructure. The alliance aims to augment SCRYPT's Euro (EUR) payment capabilities, enabling compliant settlement services for its institutional clientele. SCRYPT's customer base spans a variety of sectors, including traditional financial institutions, Web3 companies, brokers, fintechs, payment service providers, family offices, and banks. The partnership will offer the fiat infrastructure that facilitates entities to expedite their launch and expansion while retaining control over their financial operations. Through this collaboration, SCRYPT will leverage OpenPayd's pan-European infrastructure and its connections with over 200 digital asset businesses. This will provide SCRYPT's clients with the ability to conduct instant EUR transfers continuously for third-party payment channels. The integration is expected to enhance SCRYPT's institutional framework by providing quicker access to liquidity, improving capital efficiency, and enabling cross-border transactions for institutional clients. SCRYPT markets & trading managing director Gabriel Titopoulos stated: Partnering with OpenPayd allows us to offer instant Euro rails that match the speed and security expectations of our institutional clients. We see OpenPayd as a valuable addition to our growing network of trusted providers, supporting our continued commitment to deliver fast and seamless institutional-grade settlement solutions. OpenPayd chief commercial officer Lux Thiagarajah said: We are delighted to be working with the team at SCRYPT. Our mission is to provide a universal financial infrastructure that empowers innovators like SCRYPT to move and manage money globally. Through our proprietary platform, and deep network of digital asset firms, were enabling faster, safer and more scalable payment flows powering the future of the digital economy. This development follows OpenPayd's announcement in July last year regarding the ability for its clients to utilise Pix, the Brazilian real-time payment network, for sending and receiving payments. "SCRYPT extends Euro payment capabilities with OpenPayd collaboration " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. SSP Group has commenced its activities in Bulgaria, debuting with a Starbucks and a Camden Food Co at Sofia International Airport. Both are situated in the airside departures area of Terminal 2. The collaboration with airport operator SOF Connect aims to improve the passenger experience through a series of upgrades and refurbishments. SOF Connect CEO Jesus Caballero stated: We are proud to mark the roll out of the airports new food and beverage area with the opening of a Starbucks coffee shop and Camden Food Co. In partnership with SSP, we have created an innovative experience to suit each passengers journey through the airport. This demonstrates our commitment to elevate the passenger experience to the highest industry standards and achieve a 5-star airport rating. The Starbucks coffee shop location features a design influenced by the landscapes of coffee-growing regions. Its menu features Caramel Macchiato, Iced Cafe Latte and White Mocha, and its 250m space can accommodate more than 100 patrons. The menu at Camden Food Co includes gourmet salads, artisan sandwiches and hot and cold beverages. The launch is part of a larger agreement between SOF Connect and SSP, which will introduce additional global brands in phases as the airport undergoes renovation. Upcoming openings include Burger King and TGI Fridays, along with SSP concepts such as Upper Crust and Soul + Grain. Meshana A Taste of Bulgaria and Bar 09-27 are also set to be introduced. SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East CEO Mark Angela stated: Our brand line-up was created following extensive research into the needs of passengers at Vasil Levski Airport. In November 2024, SSP was awarded a seven-year contract to operate its first units at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. "SSP launches operations in Bulgaria with outlets at Sofia Airport" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Stellantis has opened a new Mopar parts distribution facility in the Hudson Valleys East Fishkill, New York, a move the company said will enhance its services across the Northeast, according to an April 24 press release. The new facility, which covers more than 500,000 square feet, has more than 46,000 unique parts in stock. Stellantis invested $64 million to open the center, which has capacity to fulfill more than 2 million shipments each year, per the release. Darren Bradshaw, Mopar SVP for North America, said the center boosts the companys supply chain, accelerating delivery times and reinforcing our commitment to dealer and customer satisfaction, per his statement in the release. Mopar is Stellantis parts and accessories arm, supplying replacement and custom parts to Stellantis dealerships as well as aftermarket customers. The facility is one of 21 parts distribution centers Stellantis operates across the country. However, it is the first in the U.S. to use AutoStore technology, which automates parts storage and retrieval. The system is composed of 40 robots that retrieve parts from more than 70,000 bins and deliver them to be processed for shipment by staff. AutoStore, a Norway-based company, claims that its system quadrupl[es] capacity for warehouses, according to the company website. The new East Fishkill facility is the result of a merger between the former Mopar parts centers in Tappan, New York; and Boston, due in part to the AutoStore system enabling a smaller warehouse footprint. This state-of-the-art automation significantly enhances parts order completion speed, accuracy and dependability while minimizing the warehouse footprint needed for inventory storage, the press release said of AutoStore. Roughly 100 workers will staff the East Fishkill parts distribution center. Recommended Reading TRIQ I-IMSIDA IL-GZIRA, MALTA / ACCESS Newswire / May 20, 2025 / The shareholders of Raketech Group Holding Plc (STO:RAKE) gathered in Malta on 20 May 2025 to hold an annual general meeting. The following resolutions were made. It was resolved to approve the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company, the Director's Report and the Auditor's Report for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. No dividends were declared for the financial year ending 31 December 2024, in accordance with the directors' recommendation. Ulrik Bengtsson was elected as board member and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Erik Skarp, Clare Boynton, Patrick Jonker and Marina Andersson were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. All directors were elected for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting, except for Ulrik Bengtsson, who was elected until 30 July 2025, everything in accordance with the Nomination Committee's proposal. The meeting resolved that the fees to be paid to the members of the Board of Directors shall be allocated as follows: EUR 50,000 to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and EUR 30,000 to each of the other members of the Board of Directors. No Director holding an operational role in the Company or its subsidiaries under which the Director receives a salary, or a consultancy fee shall receive any additional compensation for the work conducted in the Board of Directors and any committees. The meeting further resolved that the Chairs of the Audit Committee and of the Remuneration Committee shall respectively be entitled to a remuneration of EUR 10,000 each, while any other member of the aforesaid committees (excluding the Chairs) shall each be paid EUR 3,000 each. PricewaterhouseCoopers Malta was re-elected as the company's auditor for the time until the end of the next annual general meeting in accordance with the Nomination Committee's proposal and Audit Committee's recommendation. The meeting resolved that the auditor's fees shall be payable in accordance with any invoice approved by the Remuneration Committee. The meeting resolved to approve the Nomination Committee's proposal on the principles for appointing the Nomination Committee of the company until the annual general meeting of 2026. The meeting resolved to adopt the Board of Director's proposal for guidelines for remuneration to senior management. The meeting further resolved to adopt an incentive program in accordance with the proposal from the Board of Directors. The program comprises of share options which the participants are entitled to exercise to subscribe for shares in Raketech. The program included a maximum of 31 participants and a number of share options to be converted into an aggregate number of shares not exceeding 2.5% per cent of the share capital and votes of the company. The share options will vest for three years from the allocation to each participant, whereby 1/3 will vest after the first year, an additional 1/3 after the second year and the remaining 1/3 will vest after the third year. US drinks company Systm Foods has appointed Elizabeth Stephenson, a former executive at The Wonderful Company, as its new CEO. The company, positioned as a provider of better-for-you beverages, is a joint venture between investment firms Systm Brands and GroundForce Capital. Its brands include protein shake brand Rebbl, Chameleon Organic Coffee cold-brew coffees and Humm, a low- and no-sugar kombucha brand acquired in 2024. The company has a manufacturing site in Oregon for Humm products. In a statement, Systm Foods said Stephenson brings a strong track record of leading high-growth brands through transformative expansion. From June 2023 to January this year, Stephenson was CEO of US meals manufacturer Intelligent Brands. Before joining Intelligent Brands, she worked at consultancy AlixPartners for three years. Earlier in her career, Stephenson held senior roles at The Wonderful Company, home to brands including Fiji Water and Pom Wonderful. GroundForce Capital co-founder and managing partner Mark Rampolla said: Elizabeth's proven success with building and scaling purpose-driven brands deeply resonates with our mission at Systm Foods." Stephenson added: "Consumers today are seeking beverages that deliver on both wellness and taste and Systm Foods' portfolio is uniquely positioned to meet that demand. "The System Foods platform is an amazing and innovative approach for acquiring, incubating, and accelerating healthy better-for-you brands, and one that I feel honoured to help grow and build." Outgoing CEO Andy Fathollahi is moving to a role on the board of directors. In the statement, Systm Foods credited him with playing a key role in shaping Systm Foods' growth and strengthening its portfolio. "Systm Foods appoints Elizabeth Stephenson as new CEO " was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. Margherita Della Valle, the Vodafone Group CEO, says the company remains open to further talks. Photograph: Vodafone Talks to settle a 120m legal claim between Vodafone and more than 60 of the mobile phone groups franchise operators have ended without resolution leaving the case potentially heading for the high court. The case was filed in December with the claimants accusing Vodafone of unjustly enriching itself by implementing a series of cost-cutting tactics as the UK emerged from initial Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. The drastic cuts to commission rates paid to franchisees were blamed for the small business owners running up huge personal debts and fearing for their livelihoods or homes, with some reporting suicidal thoughts. A group of 62 of about 150 Vodafone franchise operators joined the legal claim against the telecoms company. Vodafone has said it apologises unreservedly to anyone whose experiences while operating their business has impacted [their health] in this way and added that where issues have been raised, we have sought to rectify these and we believe we have treated our franchisees fairly. The opposing sides had been engaging in a series of mediation talks, butfailed to come to an agreement. A spokesperson for the claimants said: As a group, we entered into the mediation process with the best intentions. We are extremely frustrated that the process failed to resolve this dispute, which would have allowed both parties to move on. Our group was formed because Vodafones decisions have caused significant and direct harm to the individuals businesses and lives. We will now continue our efforts to seek justice through the court process. We remain absolutely committed to securing redress and accountability for everyone affected. Margherita Della Valle, the chief executive of the Vodafone group, said that despite the initial talks failing to end the dispute, the company intended to engage in further discussions. The commercial dispute is specifically between Vodafone UK and some of our franchisees, she said, announcing the companys results for the year to the end of March. Our first joint attempt at mediation has not resolved the dispute despite our best engagement. We remain open to further discussions as the process continues. A spokesperson for Vodafone said: This is a complex commercial dispute between Vodafone UK and some franchise partners and as we have said from the beginning, we refute the claims. We entered into a mediation process in good faith and are disappointed that this first attempt did not result in a resolution. However, we remain open to further discussions. Vodafone, which reported an annual pre-tax loss of 1.5bn (1.26bn) due to non-cash writedowns at its struggling German and Romanian operations, is in the process of completing a deal to merge its UK operation with its rival Three to create the UKs biggest mobile phone operator. The price target of Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) was recently lowered by Argus Research. Let's shed some light on the development. Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP) Price Target Lowered at Argus An oil tanker at sunset, symbolizing the company's supply of global crude oil. Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) is one of the largest independent midstream infrastructure companies in North America. It was recently revealed that Argus Research, a New York-based investment research firm, lowered the price target for Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) from $250 to $190, while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The analyst has blamed Targa's unimpressive performance in Q1 2025 for the move. However, it still projects the energy companys 2025 EBITDA to exceed managements $4.65 billion-$4.85 billion guidance, assisted by strong production in the Permian basin. Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) recently reported lower-than-expected results for its Q1 2025, posting an EPS of $0.91 against expectations of $1.98. The company's revenue of $4.56 billion also missed forecasts by over $337 million. However, TRGP's adjusted EBITDA rose by 22% YoY to a record $1.18 billion, while it also raised its quarterly dividend by 33% in April to $1 per share. Moreover, the company repurchased $124.9 million worth of shares in the first quarter, with $890.5 million still remaining under its stock buyback program. While we acknowledge the potential of TRGP 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 TRGP 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. During the shareholder meeting, Buffett and Jain were asked how autonomous vehicles might disrupt GEICO's auto insurance business. Jain responded, "There's no question that insurance for automobiles is going to change dramatically once self-driving cars become a reality." He's right, except for the future tense: Self-driving cars are already a reality. GEICO has been a remarkably stable business. Buffett noted: "The interesting thing about auto insurance is that we're selling the same product as in 1936 when the company was started. We're just being more sophisticated about pricing it." However, that stability could soon be rocked. Buffett said at the recent annual shareholder meeting that GEICO's auto insurance "is by far the largest item in the property & casualty insurance business. It's huge." Ajit Jain, who heads Berkshire's insurance operations, added that "in addition to underwriting profit, GEICO provides $29 billion of float." In his latest letter to shareholders, Buffett said that property and casualty (P&C) "continues to be Berkshire's core business." More than 10% of the conglomerate's total earnings last year stemmed from insurance premiums. Investment income from Berkshire's insurance business generated another 15% of total earnings. What is Buffett's golden goose? It's Berkshire Hathaway's insurance business -- especially GEICO. Berkshire first initiated a position in GEICO in 1976 and wholly acquired the company two decades later. GEICO now ranks as the third-largest auto insurance company in the U.S., with a market share of around 12.3%. However, that doesn't mean that Berkshire couldn't still face a bumpy road ahead. Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Google parent Alphabet 's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Waymo unit are poised to poke Buffett's golden goose. Don't expect Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) to skip a beat when Warren Buffett hands the reins over to Greg Abel as CEO next year. Buffett even told Berkshire shareholders at their annual meeting earlier this month that the company's prospects "will be better under Greg's management than mine." Robotaxis from Tesla and Waymo could dramatically disrupt GEICO's business, especially if they replace personal car ownership. Story Continues Alphabet's business unit Waymo operates 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing -- also known as robotaxi -- services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. It plans to soon launch in Atlanta and Miami. Waymo doesn't have a spotless safety record, but it's nonetheless impressive. In over 57.6 million miles of driving, Waymo's robotaxis had 92% fewer crashes with injuries to pedestrians and 82% fewer crashes with injuries to cyclists and motorcyclists than human drivers did. Tesla will soon jump into the robotaxi market. The electric-vehicle maker hopes to introduce its Cybercabs in Austin in June. CEO Elon Musk said on Tesla's first-quarter earnings call that most Tesla EVs are capable of being robotaxis. He stated, "Once we make it work in a few cities, we can basically make in work in all cities." Sure, both Tesla and Waymo have run into some speed bumps. Waymo recently announced it's recalling 1,200 vehicles to address collision risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation is also investigating Tesla's fully autonomous driving technology in advance of its robotaxi service debut. However, it's almost certainly a question of when, not if, robotaxis become much more prevalent throughout the U.S. How robotaxis could impact Berkshire Hathaway Jain's comments at Berkshire's shareholder meeting centered on the safety of self-driving cars. He believes that "the number of accidents will drop dramatically because of automatic driving." On the other hand, Jain thinks that repair costs will jump because of the expensive technology in autonomous vehicles. GEICO is already preparing for this shift. Jain mentioned that the Berkshire subsidiary is exploring options to focus less on insurance for operator errors, and more on insurance for product errors and omissions in the design and manufacturing of self-driving vehicles. But GEICO could face a much more consequential change from robotaxis. Cathie Wood and her team at the investment management firm Ark Invest think that robotaxis "could be the most impactful innovation in history." In particular, they expect the technology will cause auto sales to decline by roughly 50% in North America and Europe. If those projections are anywhere close to being right, Buffett's golden goose could be headed for a sharp revenue decline with fewer auto insurance policies sold. At the same time, errors and omissions insurance policies typically cost much less than auto insurance. GEICO might be hit by a robotaxi double whammy. Is Berkshire Hathaway still a safe bet? Does the coming robotaxi revolution threaten Berkshire Hathaway's status as a safe bet for long-term investors? I don't think so. Not everyone agrees with Ark Invest's predictions about the robotaxi market. For example, Lux Research thinks that robotaxis will replace human-driven taxis and ride-hailing services. However, the research and advisory company expects that the costs of robotaxis will be higher than personal car ownership. Lux also believes that "car ownership as a status symbol" will be an obstacle to robotaxis disrupting the auto market too much. It's also important to remember how diversified Berkshire Hathaway is. Although auto insurance is a key part of the conglomerate's business, Berkshire generates a lot more revenue and profits from its other businesses than it does from GEICO. That diversification could increase with Abel as CEO. The bottom line is that Tesla and Waymo (along with other robotaxi leaders) will likely cause GEICO to change its business model in major ways over the next decade. But I don't expect Buffett's golden goose to be cooked anytime soon. Berkshire Hathaway should remain a safe long-term pick. Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway right now? Before you buy stock in Berkshire Hathaway, 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 Berkshire Hathaway 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 $642,582!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $829,879!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 975% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of May 12, 2025 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Keith Speights has positions in Alphabet and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Berkshire Hathaway, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Tesla and Waymo Are Poised to Poke Buffett's Golden Goose: Is Berkshire Hathaway Still a Safe Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool French defence group Thales, French connector and component maker Radiall, and Taiwan-based Foxconn have initiated preliminary discussions to consider the establishment of a semiconductor production facility in France. The proposed project aims to develop an industrial capacity in the field of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test. This collaboration aims to develop a facility with an annual production capacity of more than 100 million system in package (SIP) units by 2031. The project is expected to attract additional European industrial partners to support an investment exceeding 250m ($272m). According to Foxconn, the proposed facility would utilise fan-out wafer level packaging technology. The facility is expected to address the European aerospace, automotive, space telecoms and defense advanced packaging markets, while bringing together other European industrial investors. In a press statement, Foxconn said: With this development, Foxconn deepens its industrial expertise and global footprint, strengthening the resilience of the supply chain and making key investments in new businesses. Details on potential locations within France or a timeline for final investment decisions were not disclosed by the companies. Recently, Nvidia and Foxconn Hon Hai Technology Group expanded partnership with plans to build an AI factory in Taiwan. For this initiative, the two companies are working with the Taiwanese government, and aim to provide the latest NVIDIA Blackwell infrastructure to a wide array of users including researchers, startups, and various industries. "Thales, Radiall, and Foxconn discuss semiconductor production" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Key Points Berkshire Hathaway collects over $800 million in dividend income from Chevron. The oil giant pays a high-yielding dividend supported by a low-cost business and rock-solid financial profile. It has plenty of fuel to continue growing its dividend. 10 stocks we like better than Chevron Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is one of the top holdings of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B). Buffett's company owns 6.8% of the oil giant's outstanding shares (118.6 million shares worth $16.7 billion). It's Berkshire's fifth-largest holding at 5.8% of its investment portfolio. One of Chevron's top investment features is its high-yielding dividend. Buffett's company stands to collect more than $800 million in dividend income from Chevron this year. Here's why investors who want to generate passive income should take a closer look at this top Buffett stock. Image source: Getty Images. A high-quality, high-yielding payout Chevron currently pays its investors $1.71 per share in dividends each quarter ($6.84 annualized). With the oil stock recently trading in the low $140s, it has a 4.9% dividend yield. That's much higher than the average dividend stock (the S&P 500 index's dividend yield is currently around 1.3%). The oil company's big-time payout is on rock-solid ground. While oil prices can be very volatile, Chevron has a very resilient business. A big factor is its low-cost portfolio of oil and gas resources. It currently has the lowest break-even level for its upstream business in the industry at around $30 a barrel. With crude oil currently in the $60s, Chevron can generate enough cash to cover its dividend payment and capital spending program with room to spare. Chevron also has an elite balance sheet. The company ended the first quarter with a net debt ratio of 14%. That's at the low end of its peer group and comfortably below its 20% to 25% target range. Chevron's strong balance sheet gives it the flexibility to continue investing capital into growing its business and returning cash to shareholders during periods of lower oil prices. The oil giant has demonstrated the durability of its dividend over the decades. "We've grown our dividend for 38 consecutive years, through multiple commodity cycles, leading our peers in growth over the last decade," highlighted CFO Eimear Bonner on the oil company's first-quarter earnings conference call. Built for continued growth Chevron is in an excellent position to continue growing its dividend in the future. The oil company currently expects to increase its oil and gas production at around a 6% compound annual rate through next year, fueled by projects in the Gulf of Mexico (also referred to as the Gulf of America in the U.S.), Permian Basin, and Kazakhstan. The company estimates that its investment in growing its high-margin output in those regions will position it to generate an incremental $9 billion in free cash flow by next year at $60 oil. TOKYO (Reuters) -Toyota Industries Corp plans to accept a tender offer by Toyota Motor Corp, the automaker's Chairman Akio Toyoda and others, and is making arrangements to announce its intention as early as May, Kyodo news agency reported on Monday. Both Toyota Motor and auto parts supplier Toyota Industries declined to comment on the report, saying that neither had made any announcement. "We are always examining the optimal approach regarding our holdings in Toyota Group shares, but currently no decisions have been made," a Toyota statement said. The Nikkei business daily later reported that Toyota and its group companies are considering borrowing up to 3 trillion yen ($21 billion) from financial institutions to fund the planned acquisition. A Toyota spokesperson said the company cannot offer any additional comment on top of its statement issued after the Kyodo report. Bloomberg News reported last month that Toyota Motor Chairman Toyoda had proposed the potential acquisition of supplier Toyota Industries in a possible 6 trillion yen deal. Following the Bloomberg report, Toyota said it was considering a potential buyout of the parts supplier in a deal that could transform Japan's most influential corporate group. ($1 = 144.8900 yen) (Reporting by Daniel Leussink, Maki Shiraki, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Kantaro KomiyaEditing by David Goodman) Initially, UnitedHealth denied that patient information had been breached in the attack. It later admitted that the breach affected 190 million patients and forecast a greater financial burden from the attack. Investors continued to sell the stock, but some believed it would recover and was worth buying. The first hit in February 2024, when the cyberattack halted a key payment system for health providers around the country, prompted a US Health Department (HHS) i nvestigation, a congressional inquiry, and a need for the federal government to step in to help process Medicare and Medicaid payments for several months . What caused the spectacular sell-off is a confluence of factors that began with the cyberattack. Here's a brief timeline of key events that caused the stock to slip: So, how did the company that was riding high boasting 10% of all physicians in the US having ties to its OptumHealth business and projected to be the first trillion-dollar healthcare company by market cap spiral in just a matter of six months? Since last week, TD Cowen, Raymond James and Bank of America have all downgraded UnitedHealth's stock from a buy to either a neutral or hold equivalent. The losses weighed heavily on indexes last week, and UnitedHealth was blamed for dragging down both the Dow and the S&P healthcare subsector . Six months later, that has all come crashing down. The megacap was trading at about half its November share price, at $311 per share Monday, and now has a market cap of just $286 billion. The next day, the company reached its all-time high of $625 per share and a market cap of $575 billion. "The stock shakes off almost every fundamental issue/set-back and still manages to outperform most peers," wrote Mizuho healthcare equity strategist Jared Holz in a note to clients on Nov. 10, 2024. It had seemingly survived the largest cyberattack in healthcare history and overcame two years of elevated Medicare Advantage costs a headwind that plagued the entire insurance industry last year. In November 2024, UnitedHealth Group's ( UNH ) stock appeared to be on an unstoppable upward trajectory, reaching an all-time high of $625 per share. Story Continues "The impact ($0.80/share) is being absorbed by UNH's pricing power and cost-cutting measures. [UNH] boosted reserves by $800 million post-attack," according to Shams Afzal, managing director and portfolio manager at Carnegie Investment Counsel, in a note in June. Just as others did at the time, he recommended that "if you're considering investing in a health insurer, UNH is a strong choice." Then, just as investors seemed ready to forgive and forget, the company suffered a tragic leadership loss in the shocking killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which abruptly ended the company's investor day in December. The attack subsequently unleashed public fury against the healthcare giant, which faced mounting frustrations that patients faced with the industrywide claim-denial system and Thompson's killer was sadly celebrated by some as a result. The company was slow to respond to the public reactions, and other insurers refrained from defending the claim-denial practice publicly, for fear of being the next target of a violent attack. These incidents throughout the year compounded the financial pain felt by insurers from elevated costs in the Medicare Advantage market. UnitedHealth has particularly struggled as it gained a greater share of the market. UnitedHealth is the largest player in the market, with 29% of enrollees in 2024, according to KFF data. That's why the increased utilization of health services means it is paying out more to cover those services, which in turn impacts the company's revenue and profit for the year. This is also because the company gets hit twice by the increased utilization, both in its insurance business and the Optum Health business, to support the cost of seeing more, generally sicker patients. When UnitedHealth missed Wall Street's estimates in its first quarter earnings report in April, but the rest of the industry didn't follow, it singled out the healthcare giant for poor management and underestimating its pricing for the second year in a row. UnitedHealth first estimated $10 billion less in revenue for the year based on the higher costs. But it could be a steeper loss than that for the year. Medicare has adjusted prices higher for the 2026 plan year, so the company has an opportunity to regain its footing in how it prices and designs its MA plans. That's something investors are watching. That is a key reason behind what came most recently as a shock to the stock: CEO Andrew Witty announced he was stepping down in May, and longtime former CEO and board chair Stephen Hemsley took over. While Hemsley isn't expected to stay long, the return of the man credited with building UnitedHealth into the vertically integrated company it is today signaled to investors that the ship needs right-sizing. "I still think they're the best run insurance company and Stephen Hemsley is the right person to fix it (probably only for 1-2 years)," Gabelli Funds portfolio manager Jeff Jonas said in a note to clients Friday. But the CEO shake-up also indicated the toll the past year may have taken on Witty, according to Jason Schloetzer, an associate professor at Georgetown University. "This has a feeling of some weariness on both sides of the table," he told Yahoo Finance, referring to Witty facing his board. "It could certainly be a very weary time to be the public figure in [the] organization," Schloetzer said. FILE - A view of the UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s campus is shown Oct. 16, 2012, in Minnetonka, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS The stock Still, it appears investors aren't ready to completely give up on the stock, as evidenced on Monday. A few executives, including Hemsley and CFO John Rex, purchased shares worth up to $30 million, which helped boost the stock 8% in Monday's trading. But that isn't a big enough Band-Aid to cover the hundreds of billions in market cap lost in the past month. "I've been basically saying stay away over the near-term. It's not like I don't want to be bullish or want to like the stock at this price I mean, it's gotten cut in half over just a couple of months. I just feel like there are too many things going on," Mizuho's Holz told Yahoo Finance. He recently wrote in a note that with such a steep decline, it's possible the stock gets thrown out of the Dow. It's just one of 30 stocks that make up the index, but it was responsible for 88% of the Dow's decline since November 2024. Meanwhile, some analysts, including JPMorgan's Lisa Gill, remain bullish on the company and its ability to recover performance by 2026. Gill has repeatedly said OptumHealth is "UNH's biggest growth driver." But she has dropped her price estimates twice this year so far. In April, after the earnings call, it dropped from $625 per share to $525. On Friday, she lowered it again to $405 per share. That steep decline signals the tough path to recovery for UnitedHealth. "It's going to take years for the stock to earn back any sort of premium P/E [price-to-earnings] multiple in the market," Gabelli's Jonas said in his note last week. "Clearly investor confidence is shattered right now." StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Anjalee Khemlani is the senior health reporter at Yahoo Finance, covering all things pharma, insurance, care services, digital health, PBMs, and health policy and politics. That includes GLP-1s, of course. Follow Anjalee as AnjKhem on social media platforms X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky @AnjKhem. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Tariffs could end up being a big drag on corporate earnings, one veteran investor says. - giorgio viera/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images For something that the pundit universe uniformly says doesnt matter the Moodys downgrade of the U.S. debt rating Monday kicks off with stocks and importantly bonds lower as well. More on that in a bit. Most Read from MarketWatch Americas deteriorating finances plays a role, but not a starring one, in a new forecast from David Kotok. Kotok co-founded and until this year was the chief investment officer for the $3.3 billion investment advisory firm Cumberland Advisors. An author or co-author of five books, he is known for his summertime retreat called Camp Kotok, where various analysts, investors and economists gather in Maine. Kotok, in his latest email to clients, walks through an estimate of just how much tariffs will take a bite out of corporate earnings. These estimates below are mine alone. The only thing we know about them is they are wrong. But I think they are within a reasonable guessing range for a starting point, he says. He says that over 12 months, S&P 500 earnings per share will be reduced by 30 dollar from tariffs, which would take current estimates of $260 down to $230. Of course, this figure assumes that there are no other protectionist policy changes. I derive that number from models that attempt to convert a tariff level to an equivalent corporate tax-rate change, says Kotok. Granted, the Trump administration and Republican Congress are trying to cut corporate taxes. But even so, every percentage point reduction in the existing 21% rate boosts S&P 500 EPS by only 2 dollars a share. Kotok says in total so not just the tariffs but also the economy slowing down earnings would fall to between $200 and $220 per share. That would, at a price-to-earnings multiple of 20, take the S&P 500 down to 4,000 to 4,400 range. But rising Treasury yields a feature of trading on Monday could drag that multiple even lower, he says. So, the worst case for the S&P 500 Index looks to be under 4,000 for a bottom, he says. Granted, thats the worst case a moderate case would be for the S&P 500 closer to 5,000, assuming a final tariff policy more in line with the originally expected 10% tariff level and with mild retaliation on Americas services trade surplus, he says. Victorias Secret & Co. has an admirer who might be getting a little too close for comfort. The lingerie company adopted a shareholder rights plan commonly described as a poison pill to protect the best interests of all shareholders after Australian entrepreneur Brett Blundys BBRC International amassed a 13 percent stake in the business. More from WWD The poison pill is designed to prevent any investor from taking over the company on the open market without paying a control premium that is typically seen in acquisitions. The plan lasts for one year and will allow shareholders to buy additional stock at half price if any party acquires 15 percent of Victorias Secret stock. BBRC has been an investor in Victorias Secret for a few years, but switched to a more active stance in February 2024 and, over the past three months, has been ramping up its stake. Victorias Secret claims that BBRC bought shares of the company in violation of U.S. antitrust law for nearly three years by failing to file forms required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and observe the regulatory waiting period. Now, BBRC has made corrective filings and the company said it could theoretically acquire up to 49.99 percent of its stock once the waiting period has expired. That is expected to happen at the end of the day on Wednesday. Shares of the company got a little boost from the interest signaled by the poison pill and gained 3.2 percent to $23.51 in premarket trading on Tuesday. Donna James, chair of Victorias Secret, said: The company has engaged in open and constructive dialogue with Mr. Blundy and other representatives of BBRC over the past three years and appreciates BBRCs investment in the company. Our board and management team remain focused on effectively managing near-term headwinds in the macro environment, while pursuing a focused strategy to unlock the full potential of our brands and business under our new CEO Hillary Super, James said. The company also noted that BBRC has a a track record of acquiring controlling interests in retail companies and recently launched a new global lingerie, sleepwear and beauty business. BBRC did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but its website touts its 40-plus year track record as a private investment firm that makes fast and confidential decisions, with Brett Blundy acting as a partner, investment committee, and decision-maker all in one. (Reuters) - Victoria's Secret (VSCO) adopted a shareholder rights plan on Tuesday, after Australian billionaire Brett Blundy's investment firm increased its stake in the lingerie maker. The 'poison pill' plan, known as a limited-duration shareholder rights plan, was adopted to "guard against tactics to gain control of the company without paying all shareholders an appropriate premium for that control," Board Chair Donna James said. Shares of Victoria's Secret were over 4% higher at $23.80 in early trading. Under the plan, Victoria's Secret said it will issue one right per share on May 29, which would become active only if a shareholder acquires a 15% or more stake. Blundy-controlled BBRC International Private Limited has increased its stake in Victoria's Secret since March, the apparel maker said. As of April this year, the investment firm holds about 10.31 million shares, or about a 13% stake in the lingerie maker. Model Tyra Banks walks the runway during the 2024 Victorias Secret Fashion Show in New York City, U.S., October 15, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly REUTERS / Reuters BBRC bought Victoria's Secret shares for nearly three years without the required filings, which was in violation of U.S. antitrust rules, the specialty retailer said. The investment firm has now corrected its paperwork, which will enable it to acquire up to 49.99% of voting stock once a mandatory waiting period ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 21, Victoria's Secret added. Victoria's Secret's poison pill comes at a time when the lingerie maker has been grappling with tepid demand, as consumers avoid expensive purchases amid rising tariff uncertainty and fears of an economic recession. BBRC, which recently launched a new lingerie and beauty business, has a history of taking control of retail brands, Victoria's Secret said. Spring fashion in London Blundy's investment firm has also backed consumer companies such as shoe brand Bared Footwear and Oz Hair & Beauty. BBRC did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. (Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) Volkswagen is contemplating to divest its design and engineering unit, Italdesign, as part of its strategy to revamp European operations, reported Reuters, citing union representatives. The German automaker is exploring options, including a sale or partnership for the Turin-based unit, according to union representatives from Italian Federation of Metalworkers (Fiom) and FIM Cisl after a meeting with Italdesign management. The move comes as Volkswagen faces increased competition and a challenging European car market. Audi, which fully owns Italdesign, is reviewing its strategic alignment, including its holdings. Audis spokesperson was quoted by the news agency as saying, the company continuously reviews its strategic alignment, including its holdings." Italdesign employs approximately 1,350 people, with 1,100 based in Turin, and reported a turnover of $374m last year. Union representatives revealed that Volkswagen has received preliminary interest from four or five parties but is currently not considering offers from competitors or financial groups. Rocco Cutri, head of FIM Cisl union in Turin, mentioned that Audi is conducting preliminary due diligence at Italdesign to prepare for the plan. Founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Italdesign has created models for brands like Volkswagen, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Audi. Volkswagen acquired Italdesign in 2010 and assumed full ownership in 2015. Volkswagen recently announced significant changes to its German operations, including job cuts and capacity reductions. The company ended Volkswagen-branded car production in Dresden and Osnabrueck and is exploring alternative uses for these plants. Audi also closed its Brussels plant after failing to find a buyer. Also, Volkswagen Group reported a mixed start to the fiscal year, with operating profit in Q1 FY2025 down 37% at 2.9bn, despite a 3% increase in sales revenue to 78bn and a 1% rise in unit sales to 2.1m vehicles. "Volkswagen considers sale or partnership for Italdesign unit" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The Trump administration's 90-day tariff pause is "a dream scenario" for Apple Inc. (AAPL), Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives stated recently. The analyst kept a $270 price target and an Outperform rating on AAPL stock. According to Ives, the tech giant can pursue a number of attractive strategic options going forward. Wedbush: Apple (AAPL) Eyes India as Key iPhone Hub A wide view of an Apple store, showing the range of products the company offers. Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s Potential Options, According To Ives By this fall, the iPhone maker could manufacture 60% to 65% of its smartphones in India, Ives believes. Indeed, he now has " a high level of confidence that Apple is accelerating the transfer of its manufacturing operations to the South Asian country. On the other hand, Apple Inc. (AAPL) " could easily pivot back to a China driven iPhone strategy," Ives stated. The analyst believes that AAPL's actions in this area will be based " on the tariff situation and deal negotiations." Apple Inc. (AAPL) Won't Make iPhones in the U.S., Ives Believes Despite President Donald Trump's calls on Apple Inc. (AAPL) to manufacture its products in the U.S., Ives says there is no chance that iPhone production starts to happen in the U.S. in the near term. The device's large supply chain and the high cost of making iPhones will prevent the firm from making a significant number of the smartphones in America, Ives stated. If AAPL did manufacture iPhones in the U.S., it would charge consumers $3,500 for them, Ives asserted. While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL, 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 AAPL 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 This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Mastercard invested in Corpays cross-border unit last month largely because of a synergistic fit between the companies, Chief Financial Officer Sachin Mehra explained at an investor conference last week. Its unusual for one large publicly-traded company to make a minority investment in another publicly-traded company, and for just a 3% ownership stake in this case. When Mehra was asked to explain the move during JPMorgan Chases Global Technology, Media and Communications conference on May 13, the CFO expounded on the benefits of the tie. Corpay handles big-dollar, account-to-account cross-border payments, mainly for corporate clients, and primarily in the U.S., Mehra explained at the JPMorgan event. By contrast, Mastercards expertise is in lower-value cross-border card payments globally, tapping its financial institution partner channels, he said. Bringing those capabilities together benefits both companies, he contended. This is very synergistic for both companies in many ways, Mehra said, praising Corpays currency conversion, currency management and basic platform technology. The announcement came just before Mastercard reported first-quarter results that showed cross-border payments volume growth slowed for the period, with that business emerging as a potential pain point for the card network. Analysts who follow the company attributed the slowdown in growth to weakness in regions including the Middle East and Africa. Purchase, New York-based Mastercard is the no. 2 U.S. card network behind Visa. Atlanta-based Corpay provides digital payments services that allow its business customers to manage and better track their payments to other businesses. Those clients use Corpays cards for lots of different types of payments, but it has a sweet spot in the transportation field. As its former FleetCor Technologies name implies, Corpays clients use its cards to manage an array of transportation expenses, including fuel, tolls and parking. Mehra noted during the conference that under the new pact Mastercard will be able to offer its other digital, cross-border payment services to Corpays corporate clients. The two companies have been business partners for more than a decade. Now, Corpay will be the exclusive provider of currency risk management and big-ticket cross-border payments services to Mastercards bank customers. And Corpay will offer only Mastercards virtual cards to its business clients. Six Front Range cities have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Jared Polis and the state over housing laws they claimed violate the Colorado Constitution's provisions on "home rule," a century-old authority that gives municipalities some control over local matters, particularly in land use and zoning. In this Jan. 19, 2016, file photo, handguns are displayed at the Smith & Wesson booth at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. China's top legislator holds talks with president of Mexico's Chamber of Deputies Xinhua) 08:30, May 20, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutirrez Luna at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji held talks with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutirrez Luna in Beijing on Monday. Zhao, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China is willing to work with Mexico to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, jointly carry out the five programs to build a community with a shared future between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, enrich the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership and promote China-LAC solidarity and prosperity. The five programs, with their focus ranging from solidarity, development and civilization to peace and people-to-people connectivity, were announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing last week. Zhao said the Chinese side highly appreciates the Chamber of Deputies' long-term commitment to the one-China principle, and welcomes Mexico to participate in Belt and Road projects in a flexible manner. China welcomes Mexico to deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as infrastructure construction, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as electric vehicles, new energy, and agricultural machinery, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and enhance cooperation in areas such as education, think tanks and news media. China's NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico's parliament and maintain close coordination, Zhao said. As important members of the Global South, China and LAC countries should carry forward their glorious tradition of independence and autonomy, protect their right to development, safeguard international fairness and justice, and practice true multilateralism, Zhao said. Mexico is willing to work with China to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the China-CELAC Forum and strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, culture, education and tourism, Sergio Gutirrez said. Mexico supports strengthening international cooperation instead of erecting barriers, and the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico hopes to deepen exchanges with China's NPC and advance Mexico-China and LAC-China relations, Sergio Gutirrez said. Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Sergio Gutirrez Luna at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Gov. Jared Polis on Friday effectively threatened to pull millions of dollars in funding from local governments that have balked at the difficulty of implementing zoning, building codes, and other housing changes pushed by the General Assembly over the last two years. It looks like a national campaign aimed at preserving clean energy tax credits in legislation making its way through Congress is no longer targeting U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, a consistent supporter of the credits, though the advocacy group behind the TV and digital ads isn't saying. Land managers have long worried about the convergence of mountain goats, bighorn sheep and masses of people on Mount Blue Sky. Denver Zoo continues research in hopes of finding a solution. A 50-year-old man who had threatened to shoot it out with deputies was taken into custody "after hours of intense moments and impassioned negotiations," according to the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office. Pueblo County sheriffs deputies responded at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday to a home in the 700 block of Sandusky Drive in Pueblo West on the report of an armed and suicidal man sitting in a vehicle in front of the residence. When deputies arrived, the man, Jason Monett, 50, had gone back into his home where he had access to multiple weapons. Two other people were in the house at the time. Deputies spoke with Monett and attempted to get him to come outside. He refused to leave, and threatened to shoot at deputies. The other two people within the home were able to leave safely. Deputies tried again to convince Monett to come out, but he continued to refuse. The deputies opted not to escalate the matter and left the home. A little more than two hours later, Monett called the Pueblo County Sheriffs Communication Center and asked to speak to the lieutenant on duty. Monett told the lieutenant he had firearms, and he was going to look for the lieutenant so he could shoot him in the head. He also threatened to go to the Pueblo West Sheriffs Office substation and shoot it out with deputies. He told the lieutenant that if deputies attempted to do a traffic stop, it would be bad for them. He also said that if deputies came to his house, he would shoot at them. Featured Local Savings The Sheriff's Office said that Monett seemed to have driven by the Pueblo West Sheriffs substation several times before returning to his home. The County SWAT and crisis negotiations team were then called out to assist with trying to get Monett to surrender peacefully. After hours of negotiating, Monett agreed to come out of the home, and was taken into custody without incident. He was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance. Due to his actions and the threats made, Monett was arrested for first-degree assault and was booked into the Pueblo County jail. Deputies said they found 11 firearms, including handguns, long guns and rifles, along with assorted ammunition in Monett's vehicle and residence. The Sheriff's Office said Monett's guns and ammunition were taken for safekeeping. Its pretty scary when you have someone armed with guns, threatening to shoot at deputies, and then going out to look for them, said Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero. Members of the Colorado Springs City Council and El Paso County Board of County Commissioners met Monday afternoon to choose who would take on a scrutinized role with the Board of Trustees for the Pikes Peak Library District. A 3-1 majority recommended Kaname Kenny Kuniyuki, a retired Army colonel and intelligence officer, to fill the board seat that has been open since the end of December, when former board president Dora Gonzales term expired. The committee meeting room at Colorado Springs City Hall was packed with more than 20 residents organized by COS Reads, the nonprofit created after the library board voted in October not to keep the Rockrimmon Librarys lease and let the branch close. The group pressed for board members to be recalled because of the vote and kept attention on the new appointment process. According to his application to the board position, Kuniyuki moved to Colorado Springs at the beginning of 2024 as his familys permanent home. Kuniyuki had volunteered with the Harker Heights Public Library, north of Austin, Texas, on its 3D-printing programs and said he wanted to expand the librarys technical resources but had not served on a public board before because of the military demands. Councilmember Lynette Crow-Iverson and County Commissioner Holly Williams said they liked Kuniyuki because of the budget experience he brought as a military officer and contractor. Kuniyuki was pursuing a doctorate in education and was reportedly interested in taking a harder look at the librarys budget. This is a governing board, so when we make an appointment there, its important because they are making all these decisions and handling this money, Williams said. Featured Local Savings The vote of opposition came from Councilmember Nancy Henjum, who said Kuniyuki was her fourth choice of the seven nominees because he had less passion about the community engagement aspect of the role. That is a conversation the library district and we all need to have as a community. I thought he was a little one-sided on where he would land on that, Henjum said. Henjums top choice was Harry Karasopoulos, who had been actively involved with the Save Rockrimmon Library campaign last year. Williams said that shed enjoyed talking to Karasopoulos and hearing from the Rockrimmon area even if he was not her top choice. Henjum asked Carrie Geitner, the commission chair who had interviewed Kuniyuki and only two other nominees, how she chose who to consider. Geitner said she had different criteria for the role than Henjum and she was not interested in rehashing the interview process. COS Reads leader Karla Powers was mixed on Kuniyuki as the nominee. Powers said that he seemed well-intentioned from his application but the group had hoped for someone who had the governing experience or drive to work on replacing the Rockrimmon branch and ensure that no other locations closed. We had people who were highly qualified for finances and leadership and their library background. He has the library box ticked but Im not sure about the finances, Powers said. Kuniyuki will need to be confirmed by both the Colorado Springs City Council and the Board of County Commissioners before joining the library board. A confirmation vote for both bodies could come as soon as the May 27 meetings. DENVER Right after the defense alleged the hate crime hoax that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election was an act of political theater, Yemi Mobolade, now the citys mayor, got emotional during his testimony Monday. With only an hour left in the days proceedings, the prosecution called Mobolade to the stand. During his testimony, Mobolade teared up at times when identifying Derrick Bernard Jr., in the courtroom and seeing his defaced campaign sign again. In November, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Colorado announced that three individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury for maliciously conveying false information about a threat made by means of fire to draw support for the eventual mayoral race winner, Mobolade, who is Colorado Springs first elected Black mayor. The indictment alleged the crew staged a hate crime by defacing one of Mobolades campaign signs with a racial slur and placing a small burning cross in front in the early hours of April 23, 2023. Videos and photographs of the incident were sent in a mass email to media outlets along the Front Range, calling the act disgusting, and indicating Mobolades opponent, Wayne Williams, who is White, could be to blame because he was pushing hard to win (the) candidacy. Monday marked the first day of trial after previous trial dates were vacated earlier this year. Co-defendants Bernard Jr., 35, and Ashley Blackcloud, 40, sat through several hours of jury selection and opening arguments before hearing from the man at the center of the hoax. The third suspect, Deanna West, 38, pleaded guilty in March and is set to testify on behalf of the prosecution ahead of her sentencing in September. During opening arguments, Blackclouds attorney, Britt Morton Cobb, alleged the hate crime hoax was never intended to intimidate anyone or cause harm. Cobb claimed it was never a true threat but was done in support of Mobolade. The cross burning happened in the middle of the night, Cobb continued, and the small cross and flame were never meant to be seen by anyone else. This was the definition of political theater, Cobb said. Continuing, Cobb alleged that Mobolade asked for help and did not treat the incident as a real threat himself. Cobb added that Mobolade was allegedly under criminal investigation for his alleged involvement. Bernards attorney, Tyrone Glover, alleged Bernard was never at the scene and did not have any part in planning the hoax. Glover said the text messages between Mobolade and Bernard were not a sign of plans to fabricate any hoax, but plans to call for community and voter engagement. Glover claimed no forensic evidence places (Bernard) at the scene, and the only DNA found was that of Wests. According to prior Gazette coverage, the indictment alleged that Bernard sent a message to the other two defendants in which he explained he was mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother. He also allegedly sent messages referencing a desire to prevent the klan from gaining political control of Colorado Springs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Candyce Cline gave the prosecutions opening argument, in which she claimed the hate crime hoax was not a political stunt, not political theater, but rather a threat of violence. In addition, Cline brought up West and how her testimony later this week will shine a light on the defendants actions. She can take you inside this conspiracy like nobody else can, Cline said. Prosecutors introduced photos of the alleged staged hate crime. The slur, written in red, was clearly visible behind the small flames starting to scar the seemingly handmade wooden cross. To the rest of the world, this is exactly what it appears to be: a true threat, Cline said. Featured Local Savings Mobolade testified that he knew Bernard as Phoenixx Ugrilla, and photographs of text conversations between the two had his contact name as such. The Colorado Springs mayor said his first interaction with Bernard was at his radio show studio also known as Family Flavors The Slide World Broadcasting Network, or The Slide. Mobolade testified he tried meeting with Bernard several times during his campaign, but only met him in person once. Mobolade said he thought of Bernard as the media, and nothing more. Absolutely not Mobolade answered when asked by Cline if he would call Bernard a personal friend. I wouldnt call him a friend. Mobolade said he knew of Blackcloud and Bernard but had never heard of West until the FBI called him. While the email containing footage and photographs of the burning cross and defaced sign was sent to his campaign email, Mobolade said he did not learn about the incident until the morning after when his team called him. In the final minutes of his testimony Monday, Mobolade was shown the defaced sign and asked to repeat the derogatory slang word written on it out loud. With a shaky voice, Mobolade said This is the first time Ive seen this (in person). Mobolade testified he felt the burning cross was personally targeted against him, saying he came to Colorado Springs as a pastor before ran for mayor and was elected. In an interview with the Associated Press before the trial, Blackcloud said Mobolade knew in advance about their plans to burn the cross, but she would not comment further, citing a court order that bars discussing information gathered in the case before the trial. During their opening arguments, prosecutors emphasized that Mobolade had no part in the plan and that the act itself was a true threat to the now Colorado Springs mayor. Blackcloud and Bernard, who are married, did not appear to exchange words Monday and were not seated together. Bernard is already serving life in prison without chance of parole after he was convicted of ordering the 2019 murder of William Underwood, who went by the rapper name FYL Jackk. Aee Shawn Mathews, 26, Aee Shawn Mathews, 26, the accused triggerman, was acquitted of killing Underwood, but still found guilty of conspiracy to commit the killing in a jury trial last month in the 4th Judicial District. Mobolade will resume his testimony on Tuesday morning. Following the conclusion of Mobolades testimony , his wife, Abbey Mobolade, will be called to the stand next, according to court records. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A multinational effort has led to the sentencing of a child sex offender who fled the U.S. in an attempt to avoid prosecution, according to a Tuesday news release from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. Bobby Allen Stark, 49, was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, officials said. Starks case goes back to October 2020, when detectives from the Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit began an extensive investigation into reported sex crimes at a residence in unincorporated El Paso County. In the course of their investigation, detectives learned that Stark had adopted the victim and had repeatedly subjected her to physical and sexual before losing custody. Stark attempted to kidnap the child to be his wife, officials said. By April 2022, investigators had developed probable cause to arrest Stark, and on April 30, he was arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual assault and child abuse-related charges. Featured Local Savings Stark had initially been held without bond, but after his initial court appearance, he was placed on a $25,000 bond. He posted bond and was released May 2, 2022. After he posted bond, Stark fled the U.S., according to the news release. After Stark managed to remain hidden for several months, authorities were alerted that he had been seen in Guyana, in South America. Following a coordinated between U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement agencies, Stark was arrested on May 12, 2023, and extradited to the U.S., the release stated. This case underscores the critical importance of law enforcement agencies working together with our federal and international partners to bring child predators to justice, said El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal. This individual shattered the innocence of a child and should never have had the chance to leave jail, much less continue trying to manipulate and reach his victim. A Denver District Court judge has dismissed a marijuana cultivators lawsuit requesting that she force Colorado to overhaul its testing rules. In a ruling issued on Thursday, District Court Judge Jill Dorancy found that the lawsuit from the cultivator, Mammoth Farms, attempts to circumvent the process put in place to implement regulations prior to judicial review. Saguache-based Mammoth Farms had claimed in the lawsuit that Colorado regulators had allowed bad actors to sell hemp-derived THC in retail marijuana shops, imperiling consumers. Marijuana consumers are at risk, the lawsuit claimed, because highly toxic chemicals are used in the banned process that converts hemp into THC products. Dorancy concluded that, before bringing the suit, Mammoth Farms should have formally petitioned the state for specific rulemaking around expanded testing. The states lawyers had argued that point but also had claimed that the case violated the doctrine of separation of powers, which constrains the judiciary from interfering with the functions of the executive or legislative branches of government. Dorancy, however, ruled there is not an absolute rule against such judicial intervention, holding that there are instances when judges may have to intervene. This simply means that while courts must be cautious not to overstep their bounds and interfere with the executive branchs discretion, they can compel the agencies to fulfill their explicit statutory obligations without violating the separation of powers doctrine, Dorancy stated in her ruling. Featured Local Savings Justin Trouard, the owner of Mammoth Farms, said he would appeal the ruling dismissing his lawsuit. Trouard had testified that cheap hemp-derived THC products often are mislabeled and illegally sold in marijuana retail shops in Colorado. He said rogue actors in the marijuana industry swap out high-quality marijuana products because it is much cheaper to produce THC products derived from hemp. The switch also facilities illegal trafficking of high-grade marijuana from Colorado to black markets in states where illegal marijuana is grown, he further claimed, adding that the infiltration of hemp products into Colorados retail shops has threatened to put cultivators like himself out of business. In an industry bulletin, officials with the states Marijuana Enforcement Division stated that its regulators will act when they find instances of chemically derived THC that comes from hemp. MED investigations led to enforcement action against manufacturers when evidence found they were engaging in the conversion of hemp into THC in violation of the law and rules, the industry bulletin states. Other investigations are ongoing. Trouard testified that the illegal conversion of hemp into THC products for sale in marijuana shops in Colorado is widespread. He also argued that state regulators have not sufficiently cracked down on the practice. The Marijuana Enforcement Division earlier this month announced plans for an off-the-shelf testing program that would test samples of products that are sold in marijuana shops in the state. El Paso County Sheriffs Office deputies on Sunday arrested a man who was allegedly threatening people with swords in a Security-Widefield neighborhood. Daniel Adolpho-Rivera, 32, faces felony menacing and criminal trespass charges in connection with the incident, according to a news release. At about 10:50 a.m. Sunday, Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a call about a man walking through a Security-Widefield neighborhood, threatening residents with two large swords. The deputies found the man, identified as Adolpho-Rivera, walking on Larch Drive, the release stated. When the deputies tried to contact Adolpho-Rivera, he ran into the backyard of a nearby residence. The deputies said they found him hiding under a pile of plywood boards. Adolpho-Rivera initially refused to comply, but deputies were able to convince him to surrender. Deputies found the swords after searching the area. Adolpho-Rivera sustained minor injuries while running and hiding, according to the release. He was medically cleared at the scene. Two neighborhood residents told investigators that they were working in their yard when Adolpho-Rivera showed up, swinging swords and making verbal threats. No injuries were reported. Adolpho-Rivera is currently being held on a $2,000 bond, jail records show. A desire to respond to a top challenge facing low-income families in Colorado Springs caught the eye of state officials deciding how sales tax money will be spent to create more affordable housing projects across Colorado. A quality, government-subsidized early childhood education center for kids from six weeks to 6 years old will be one of the rich amenities at the proposed 336-unit Bradley Ridge Apartments, which recently got a boost of financial assistance from the 2022 voter-approved Proposition 123. The 14-building complex with 24 units apiece will be built on 20 acres southeast of the Colorado Springs Airport along Bradley Road. Out of 21 projects that won awards totaling nearly $48 million in the latest round of Land Banking funding from the 2022 election ballot measure, land buyer Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation received the largest cut of $4.85 million. We know finding stable housing isnt simply about a roof over our heads its all the things like child care, transportation, employment, education, health care and more, said Sam Clark, executive director of the Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation. We need to start thinking about affordable housing holistically. The taxpayer funds will buy a vacant parcel thats surrounded by newly rising commercial and residential construction projects in a fast-growing subdivision. The transaction should close in October, Clark said. The developer, Lincoln Avenue Communities, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based company whose first local new affordable housing project was InterQuest Ridge in northern Colorado Springs, sought to add amenities that would add value for residents, Clark said. And child care is a bullish commodity. We said well do the groundwork, you do the assets, Clark said. Theyll do the building and own it and manage it and take care of all upgrades. A 99-year lease for $1 a year will be part of the deal. Working families need good jobs and stable housing, and one of the gaps is its hard to find affordable child care in Colorado Springs, Clark said. El Paso County has an estimated shortage of 16,000 child care slots for children under age 5, said Liz Denson, president and CEO of Early Connections Learning Centers. The nonprofit organization will operate the standalone center at Bradley Ridge Apartments. The facility will have 70 seats, with preferred placement for apartment residents. Denson will hire another 20 employees to work there. The critical need for early education has not lessened, she said. The Bradley Ridge model could be easily replicated. It creates such an opportunity to solve two of our countrys most pressing challenges housing and high-quality child care. Amanda Gonzalez, director of the organizations center on Chelton Road, said many people needing affordable child care are single parents, but her 64-slot center is maxed out at capacity with a waiting list thats getting longer. We have kids that come to us at 6 weeks and leave our facility as theyre ready to go to kindergarten, she said. They become like family. A new center will be very beneficial to the community. Gov. Jared Polis and the Land Banking funds overseers, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, announced the 2024-2025 award recipients on May 7. The selected proposals for newly built and rehabbed existing properties are estimated to add 1,892 multi-family rentals and homes for ownership in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Fruita, Montrose and Pagosa Springs, according to the governors office. The Bradley Ridge complex will offer 924 beds for renters earning 60% or less of the annual area median income $112,500 for a family of four. Thus, the maximum rent at 60% for a three-bedroom unit would be $1,755, including utilities and parking, according to the Colorado Housing Finance Authoritys 2025 rate for El Paso County. The incomes that qualify for this housing mean a family making $45,000 a year would save $4,800 a year on housing and $7,000 a year on child care, Clark said. Child care is a high expense for working families, and we know that when we invest in early childhood education, the children get a really good start in life. The complex will also feature a community clubhouse, splash pad, playground, dog parks and open space. The project has received other funding breaks, including a $76 million private activity bond that Colorado Springs City Council approved last week, another $64 million in bond capacity from the city over the past year and $12 million in state allowance. The first phase of Bradley Ridge is projected to open in the spring of 2028. Another affordable housing project in Colorado Springs, the Flats at Sand Creek by Arvada-based Fairview Housing Partners Ltd., also received Land Banking funding of $4.05 million to construct 144 rental units on about 7 acres northeast of North Carefree Circle and Peterson Road. Plans call for six, three-story buildings and 282 parking spaces. Last fiscal year, the nonprofit We Fortify was awarded $470,000 in Proposition 123 funds to purchase property on North Prospect Street, north of Fillmore Avenue, to build its second tiny home village for young adults exiting homelessness or at-risk of losing housing. Contact the writer: 719-476-1656. Summer closures are ahead for one northeast Colorado Springs intersection, while a downtown street will soon see long-term construction closures. The city of Colorado Springs is also planning to extend construction on an Old Colorado City parking lot, though spots will be available for the upcoming Territory Days celebration. Here are a few of the Colorado Springs road construction updates that might affect traveling in the weeks ahead. Dublin Boulevard Drivers might see detours and delays in the northeast part of Colorado Springs, where the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Peterson Road will be closed for two months for a widening project. According to the city, Dublin Boulevard will close between Fieler Drive and Mustang Rim Drive. The closure is planned to coincide with the summer break for Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy, which is located at the southwest corner of the intersection. Access to the school will only be possible from the south through the intersection at Peterson and Hawkwind Boulevard. The city said the dates chosen would help shorten the time of the construction project by six months. The project will widen Dublin from two lanes to four with shoulders and a raised median. The new roadway will also include a 10-foot pedestrian walkway on each side, trail connections and a traffic signal at Issaquah Drive Closure planned dates: Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. and scheduled to last until Aug. 1. Only authorized personnel will be able to access Colorado Springs Fire Station 21, which is north of the intersection. Mustang Rim Drive north of Dublin Road to Chickasaw Way will also be closed, though the same road south of Dublin will be open. The closure's primary detour will take drivers onto Tutt Boulevard, then to Stetson Hills Boulevard, Peterson Road, and Issaquah Drive. An eastbound detour will be able to take drivers to Black Forest Road, then to Wolf Bridge Road, Templeton Gap Road, Tutt Boulevard, Woodmen Road and Marsheffel Road. For up to date information, drivers can text DUBLIN to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts, call the project hotline (719-472-3065) or visit the project webpage at coloradosprings.gov/dublin. Boulder Street Boulder Street near William J. Palmer High School is entering into a multi-year closure on June 3 to make space for construction materials on the school's renovation, said the district. The closure will include the street between Nevada Avenue and Weber Street. According to a statement from Colorado School District 11, the closure will allow the laydown of heavy materials and to create an access route for construction traffic. The project is also expected to impact the southbound side of Weber Street from June 3 through July 2026. Featured Local Savings Drivers can expect a long-term need for detours. The closure is expected to last about 2 years, according to the district. Nonetheless, the project is still temporary and separate from the district's discussions to permanently close the road to enclose the school's campus, according to Max D'Onofrio, a spokesperson with the city of Colorado Springs. The permanent closure decision, removing the public right of way, would require a public input process and a decision from the City Council. The city confirmed that district has not yet begun that process. To keep the road closed until 2028, the district will need to apply each 90 days for a permit to continue. D'Onofrio said the arrangement was not uncommon when it came to construction projects in the city. "The closure supports a major renovation to one of Colorado Springs most historic schools and is part of an ongoing effort to modernize learning environments for current and future students," read the district's statement. More information can be found at www.d11.org/palmerrenovation. Pikes Peak Parking Lot The completion of a construction project on a public parking lot near Old Colorado City for repairs has been delayed to add "greater structural support" to a retaining wall, according to the city of Colorado Springs. The lot will be open to provide more spots for the annual Territory Days celebration. Originally planned to be completed at the end of May, the project to reinforce the Pikes Peak parking lot is now looking at a mid-June completion date. The city of Colorado Springs said one to three stalls will still be unavailable due to construction, though the rest of the lot will be available for the annual street festival. The lot is between 25th and 26th streets north of Colorado Avenue. The city suggests celebration goers use the free shuttle from the City Administration Building parking garage in downtown Colorado Springs at 30 S. Nevada Ave. Parking is free on Sundays and otherwise $1 per hour. Other alternate parking includes: East side of Pikes Peak lot. Cucharras Lot at 2422 W. Cucharras St. Colorado Alley Lot at 2617 W. Colorado Ave. For more information on parking options, visit www.coloradosprings.gov/parking. Questions or concerns on the Pikes Peak lot can be sent to City Engineering at City.Engineering@coloradosprings.gov or via phone at 719-385-5918. John Malone is the founder of Liberty Media and Ken Salazar is the former U.S. Secretary of the Interior. A man who allegedly caused an explosion in his Monument home that sent five law enforcement officers to the hospital has a history of violence and mental health issues, according to court records. (Guam Visitors Bureau) Join us in Guams capitol city of Hagatna for the Liberation Parade Festival July 21, 2025! Witness Guams biggest parade of floats as the entire island community gathers for the annual commemoration of the invasion by U.S. military forces on July 21, 1944, which ended the Japanese occupation that had begun in 1941. On July 21, 1944, the 3rd Marine Division stormed the islands beaches off the coasts of Asan and Agat to recapture the island from the Japanese Imperial Army. Marines fought their way toward the center of the island to Manenggon in Yona, the site of Guams largest concentration camp. It was there that Chamorro men, women and children found re-invigorated hope in Americas return to the island. Though many lives were lost during the war, the people of Guam remember and pay them homage every year at memorial sites. After years in dispute, Montana will pay into a multi-jurisdictional local law enforcement relationship thats created heartache and tension on the Flathead Indian Reservation. A bill signed last week by Gov. Greg Gianforte will infuse $6 million into a peculiar law enforcement agreement over jurisdiction between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal government and Lake County, which overlaps much of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Senate Bill 393, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, is not intended to be an ongoing expense to the state, but to smooth out the financial wrinkles as the county and tribal governments work out a stable division of the law enforcement duties. "This has been a living topic on our minds for some time," said Rob McDonald, a spokesperson for the CSKT and an associate justice on the tribal appeals court. "It's one that's been waiting for a moment like this where, yes, we've got funding, a green light to expand our court system and now we need to hammer out the exact details as to how that will shape up." The arrangement in place for roughly 60 years in the area is unique among Montana's tribal governments and their county counterparts. Where federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the FBI, traditionally handle felony-level crime enforcement of tribal members on the reservations, Montana signed an agreement with the CKST, known as Public Law 280, in which local law enforcement from Lake County would take up the task. Fast forward to today, and Lake County has been hurting for help shouldering the cost of the agreement for which the state has never contributed. Many jails in Montana are overcrowded and substantially under-resourced. Lake Countys detention center in recent years has been in such disrepair that officials there had to pledge to expand their jail as part of a settlement with inmates who sued over poor conditions. Recent legislative actions to fund PL-280 either failed or were vetoed by the governor. But by the time Hertzs bill cleared the 2025 Legislature, however, both parties had been buttressing a criminal justice system that more evenly divided the caseload. CSKTs tribal courts in the past year have taken on more than 150 felony cases. "We approached this more focused on our collective needs," McDonald said. "There were challenges we had to look at, including our capacity, if we were to take on a bigger load." The bill requires Lake County to abandon a resolution it enacted to withdraw from PL-280, and begins dispersing the largest allocations once the two parties have arrived at a formal agreement to continue divvying up the public safety workload. Bill Barron, a Lake County commissioner and former law enforcement official, agreed that approaching the Legislature with a collaborative mindset helped grease the skids for SB 393's success. "We went with a unified front into this Legislature," Barron said of the turnaround, from a veto in 2023 to a bill signing last week. "Because it's a funding issue for them as it is for us. If this is all successful moving forward, then we'll stay in Public Law 280 because it benefits everybody." Lake County's $3 million half of the appropriation in SB 393 doesn't quite enrich the county, but rather fills its deficit for taking jurisdiction over the more complex, high-profile crimes. "It's going to go fast," Barron said in a phone interview on Monday. "It sounds like a lot of money, and it is. But in the scheme of things, when you have a public safety entity that, between detention (center) and sheriff and 911, is over $7 million a year it's going to stop the bleeding, I'll say that." The tribal court system that's taking on more felony cases is likewise embracing SB 393 as the opportunity to fortify its public safety mechanisms. This funding, for example, sets up a springboard to potentially leverage federal dollars into the long-term, McDonald said. "We're aware this is a high-traffic area for tourists with the bison range, Flathead Lake or passing through on their way to Glacier (National Park) or getting a recreation permit to access some of our area," he added. "Quality of life is definitely a key factor in the minds of tribal leaders." DECATUR A judge has rejected, for now at least, St. Teresa High Schools attempt to seek an injunction to block Heritage Behavioral Health Centers plans to become its new neighbor. The 112-year-old Catholic school claimed Heritages mix of patients with mental health and substance abuse conditions posed a danger to the safety of its more than 230 students. St. Teresa also alleged it would be damaged financially because fearful fee-paying parents would refuse to send their children there. But Macon County Circuit Court Judge Phoebe Bowers granted a motion by Heritage to dismiss the schools legal complaint in a decision that was announced Monday. In her ruling, the judge, who had heard verbal arguments May 14, said St. Teresa had failed to establish a case in law for blocking Heritage's planned $43 million project to remodel the former Northgate Mall as a massively expanded treatment facility next door to the schools North Water Street campus. The allegations that plaintiff has a right that is in need of protection from defendant are vague, conclusory and speculative, and without factual support, the judge said. She dismissed legal arguments by the school that, aside from claimed safety concerns, the arrival of Heritage also represented an invasion that would harm the school financially. There are no factual allegations that plaintiff will suffer irreparable harm, just conclusory and speculative statements that the threatened invasions will chill private donations and may reduce tuition revenues, Bowers said. Because plaintiff has not alleged facts sufficient to state a cause of action for permanent injunctive relief, the defendants motion is granted without prejudice. This legal language opens the way for St. Teresa to come back and try again for an injunction, and the school has already said that is exactly what it will do. Mary Garrison, Heritage president and CEO, welcomed the judges ruling as wonderful news, when informed by the Herald & Review on Monday. I am glad to hear that, and our whole focus is to move forward with this project and continue to serve the community, she said. Garrison, who was in court for the May 14 hearing and heard Heritage clients described as predators who must be kept away from student prey, said she hoped there was still a chance to mend fences between the two sides. There were some very difficult things to hear on how individuals we serve were characterized, she added. But we will move forward and take the high road and make sure we are good partners in the community. Garrison said there is still much preparation and planning to go, along with detailed bidding plans for the giant construction project that she said will employ local labor. We are looking at about three years, she said when asked when the new facility is expected to be open and treating patients. Only just begun to fight For its part, St. Teresa insists it has only just begun to fight. Decatur attorney Jerrold H. Stocks, representing the school, rejected any reading of the judges decision as being soundly dismissive of the schools arguments. I dont interpret it that way at all, not at all, he told the Herald & Review. All she (the judge) is saying is please submit some more evidence. So well have no issue in doing that, and we can really load it up. And while we certainly think there were sufficient facts alleged to survive the motion (to dismiss), we have no shortage of facts that we can add to the complaint to bolster it and we will certainly do so. As for any hope of forging a compromise with Heritage out of court, Stocks said St. Teresa has been the party consistently reaching out with alternative solutions and being rejected. They portray St. Teresa as the entity that is not willing to talk, and I want to underscore it is and has been Heritage that has refused to talk, he said. Stocks said the school and wealthy friends of the campus have come up with everything from alternative sites to even offering financial assistance to buy other locations. But they (Heritage) wont sit down to even initiate a discussion, Stocks added. St. Teresa now has 28 days to file its amended complaint with the judge, and then Heritages lawyer, Lisa Petrilli, will have 28 days to file a response. The first 100 days of the second Trump administration have been rapid and unconventional on trade policy. Every U.S. dairy producer needs exports, and tariffs may bring new leverage to negotiate expanded U.S. dairy export market access opportunities. Yet, retaliation from China and Canada has weighed heavily on the short term, creating urgency for action to help offset the losses. The May 12 announcement of a preliminary deal between the United States and China to de-escalate tariffs is an important step in the right direction. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) are working together to ensure U.S. dairy farmer priorities are front and center in the ongoing negotiations. Working closely with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and USDA, NMPF and USDECs joint trade policy team is leveraging its status as confidential trade advisers to advance new market access opportunities and ensure that barriers to dairy trade are prioritized. This advocacy isnt abstract. Preparing for President Trumps April 2 rollout of a Fair and Reciprocal Trade plan, NMPF and USDEC developed a comprehensive road map for the U.S. government aimed at unlocking new dairy market opportunities. NMPFs trade advocacy has focused on four areas: securing new market access, eliminating nontariff trade barriers, resetting the imbalanced U.S.-European Union (EU) trade relationship, and quickly resolving tariff retaliation by China and Canada. Securing new market access is essential for ensuring the long-term growth and competitiveness of U.S. dairy exports. NMPF is prioritizing engagement with markets including Vietnam, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and others where U.S. exporters face tariff disadvantages relative to competitors from the EU, New Zealand, or both. Ahead of the administrations Fair and Reciprocal Trade rollout, NMPF submitted 45 pages of comments detailing the specific dairy products and markets where exporters would stand to gain the most. NMPF has identified a long list of nontariff measures that also hamper trade, including unscientific certification requirements, monopolization of common cheese names like Parmesan and Feta, and lengthy manufacturing facility approval processes that are thinly veiled attempts to block trade. Tariffs become a secondary issue when U.S. dairy plants and products can take years to be approved to even reach a market in the first place. These challenges arent just bureaucratic red tape they directly determine whether U.S. dairy products can compete globally. The most egregious example is the EUs use of nontariff barriers, which has driven the nearly $3 billion U.S.-EU dairy trade deficit. The EU has long employed tariff and nontariff measures to block U.S. dairy imports while enjoying relatively streamlined access into the United States for its own products, particularly cheese and butter. Contrary to what the Europeans claim, this blatant protectionism has nothing to do with history, pricing, or quality advantages it is completely political. NMPF urges the U.S. government to use all tools, including the tariff leverage, to rebalance the deeply one-sided trade relationship. Even in the face of retaliation against U.S. dairy producers, NMPF has pushed for strategic engagement to de-escalate conflicts and secure new opportunities for dairy. Both Canada and China, the United States second- and third-largest dairy export markets, respectively, have rolled back retaliatory measures in recent weeks, with China reducing retaliation from 125% to 135%, down to 10% to 20%, and Canada implementing an exemption process for dairy imports used as inputs for further processing. This proactive approach is rooted in decades of experience. While the trade policy landscape continues to change day by day, NMPF is doggedly advocating for global trade opportunities that bring real, tangible results for U.S. dairy producers. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2025 May 19, 2025 The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireline Competition Bureau has approved Verizons US$20 billion acquisition of American internet and voice services provider Frontier Communications. Frontier, which has a substantial fibre optic network, offers broadband internet, digital television, and computer technical support to residential and business customers in 25 US states. In order to secure FCC approval for the deal, Verizon has joined a growing list of US corporations that have dropped their current DEI policies and returned to the traditional merit based systems. "Verizon has also committed to ending DEI-related practices as specified in the FCCs record and has reaffirmed the merged entitys commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination," the FCC said in its announcement. "This will ensure that the combined business will enact policies and practices consistent with the law and the public interest. "By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins. "The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the countryincluding rural America. "This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones. "And it delivers for Americas tower and telecom crews who do the hard, often gritty work needed to build high-speed networks. According to the FCC, approving the acquisition allows Verizon to upgrade and expand Frontiers existing network in 25 states, bringing more fibre to more communities. "Verizons new fiber deployments will enable the retirement of old copper networks, ensuring that more communities benefit from advanced technologies," the FCC said. "Following the transaction, Verizon expects to deploy fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually." The FCC said the acquisition will also deliver benefits for American workers. "Following its engagements with NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, Verizon made valuable commitments to Americas tower and telecom crews, the FCC said. "These commitments remove costly burdens on this workforce and provide good-paying jobs for Americas workers while improving safety. "A world-class wireless industry depends on having healthy companies that both construct and operate these networks. "Verizons new commitments promote exactly that type of outcome." When Radhika started her Bachelor of Data Engineering degree at UTS, she didnt yet see herself working in cyber security. Like many students in STEM, she was curious, driven, and uncertain of where she fitted within the vast landscape of technical careers. Today, Radhika is a Lead Cyber Security Analyst at BT, at the frontline protecting some of our companys largest customers against cyber attacks. And shes a proud mentor to the next generation of women in STEM for the very program that helped launch her career: Lucy Mentoring. Ive had a front row seat to success stories like Radhikas over the past five years, as the BT lead for the UTS Lucy Mentoring Program; her story is just one shining example of whats possible when talent meets opportunity, and when young women in STEM are given the tools and belief to thrive. When BT first joined the Lucy Mentoring Program, over five years ago, our goal was simple: offer women real, hands-on support that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional pathways through BT mentors, industry events and skill development workshops. Why? Because women are underrepresented in STEM and we wanted to help change that. For Lucy Mentoring graduates like Radhika, a typical day as a Lead Cyber Security Analyst is beyond what shed imagined as a student. Shes part of a highly skilled, multidisciplinary cybersecurity team working at BTs advanced Next Generation SOC. Alongside her colleagues, they collaborate to solve complex security challenges keeping the data of some of Australias largest companies across telecommunications, mining, health and government, safe. Thanks to the cross-collaboration opportunities within the wider security team, Radhika has also been developing skills in threat intelligence and threat hunting in her BT role. But her introduction to cyber security wasn't textbook - it was hands-on. She discovered a sub-major in cybersecurity during her studies with the spark coming when she joined the Lucy Mentoring Program at UTS. Radhika says I did the program twice because I saw how much it helped me. Not just with technical skills, but with confidence, networking, and understanding what the industry looks like. In an industry long since dominated by men, programs like Lucy Mentoring open new doors to new possibilities for women in STEM. Radhikas first mentor was instrumental in opening doors, introducing her to professionals in the field, which helped her land an internship at a security startup. And that internship was the basis for her career in cyber security. Cyber security can feel ambiguous when youre starting out. But mentorship gave me visibility. It helped me see where I might belong, and that I do belong, Radhika says, My mentor was my stepping stone. Without that connection, I wouldnt have had the chance to gain that first bit of experience. And that experience changed everything. And while the stats from the Lucy Mentoring program speak for themselves - more than doubling mentees confidence in job readiness, building networks, and boosting communication skills, its stories like Radhikas that bring the numbers to life. Programs like this matter. Especially for women. Its not just about being a straight-A student. Its about knowing how to navigate this world and having someone to walk beside you while you do, Radhika told me. Now at BT, her role is both technical and customer-facing - an ideal combination for someone who thrives in both analysis and relationship building. Shes still refining her niche in cyber, but shes certain of one thing: she belongs here. And now, shes helping others find their place, too. A Lucy mentor herself, Radhika says After seeing how impactful the program was to me, I thought it would be good to give back to the community. Because Ive been through this experience and now that Im a woman working in STEM I can relate to the experience of my mentee. BT is proudly supporting the Lucy Mentoring Program again in 2025 - a UTS initiative now in its fifteenth yearproviding industry mentors, live workshops at BT head offices in Sydney, and access for mentees to exclusive industry events. The Lucy Mentoring Program, with support from industry partners like BT, has now supported over 1,355 female STEM students to enter the industry with confidence. Programs like Lucy Mentoring have revealed a powerful synergy between industry commitment and transformative industry outcomes; thats why we remain committed at BT to creating sustainable pathways for women in STEM. (Oshi no Ko Cafe) Whether youre into vintage mecha models, steamy sento collabs or photo-worthy theme cafes, Tokyo continues to be the go-to city for limited-run anime events. If youve been searching for the best anime pop-up Tokyo has to offer this season, youre in luck. Summer 2025 brings everything from Gundam figure exhibitions to character-themed cafes, shrine collabs and manga-inspired treasure hunts. Heres your guide to the must-visit anime pop-up shops happening in Tokyo 2025 GUNDAM Figure Exhibition, until September 8 (GUNDAM Figure Exhibition) Gundam fans, its time to suit up. At Akihabaras Tamashii Store, visitors can view every collectors figure ever released from the legendary Gundam franchise. From early series to the newest releases, admire the mechanical precision and detail of Mobile Suits from across the decades. Whether youre a longtime Gundam enthusiast or just curious about the origins of Japanese mecha anime, this free exhibition is a rare chance to see over 40 years of design evolution up close. Tamashii Store Tokyo, 1-1 Kanda Hanaoka-cho, Chiyoda-ku 11am 8pm Free tamashiiweb.com/store/tokyo Mashin Hero Wataru Pop-Up Store, May 23 June 22 (Mashin Hero Wataru) Akihabara welcomes back the classic anime Mashin Hero Wataru with a retro-meets-modern pop-up. Featuring characters from both the original 80s series and the new 2025 installment, the store sells nostalgic merchandise like vintage-style T-shirts and illustrations. Perfect for parents introducing their childhood favorites to a new generation. Atre Akihabara 2F, 1-17-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku 10am 9pm Free bandainamco-am.co.jp/chara_shop The Apothecary Diaries x Kanda Shrine, until June 1 (The Apothecary Diaries x Kanda Shrine) At Kanda Shrine, illustrations from The Apothecary Diariesdrawn by manga artist Shino Tokoadorn the grounds in celebration of Kanda Matsuri. Characters wear shrine-inspired outfits in a setting that fits perfectly with the animes spiritual themes. Dont miss the exclusive on-site merch. Kanda Shrine, 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku Times and prices vary; see the Kanda Matsuri official site for more information hikariterrace.co.jp/kandamatsuri-kusuriya Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe, May 30 June 29 (Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe) Celebrate the theatrical release of Jujutsu Kaisens omnibus edition with a limited-time cafe collaboration. Expect character-themed drinks and desserts, limited-edition coasters and new visuals featuring Gojo, Geto and the rest of the crew. Animate Cafe Gratte locations across Tokyo Times vary Prices vary https://www.animate.co.jp/gratte/22937 Apocalypse Hotel Pop-Up Shop, May 24 June 1 (Apocalypse Hotel Pop-Up Shop) Yurakucho Marui hosts this brief but moody pop-up for the anime Apocalypse Hotel. Stop by to enter a lottery-based prize draw and pick up exclusive items like illustration cards and a collectible canvas board. Limited to just one week, so plan ahead. Yurakucho Marui 8F, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku 11am 7pm Free anime-press.net/events Blue Lock x Gokurakuyu: Onsen Edition, May 22 June 17 (Blue Lock x Gokurakuyu: Onsen Edition) What if your favorite Blue Lock characters joined you at an open-air bath? This second collaboration with hot spring chain Gokurakuyu brings new illustrations, themed menu items and limited merch to 16 stores nationwide. Tokyos closest venue is Gokurakuyu Tama Center. Multiple locations nationwide Gokurakuyu Tama Center, 1-39 Ochiai, Tama-shi Prices vary anime-press.net/events The Apothecary Diaries x Gokurakuyu: Onsen Edition, May 22 June 17 (Blue Lock x Gokurakuyu: Onsen Edition) A second collaboration for The Apothecary Diaries also arrives at Gokurakuyu and RAKU SPA locations. With medicinal-themed baths, themed meals and original goods, its a natural fit for this courtly crime-solving anime. Tokyos closest venue is Raku Spa Station Fuchu. Multiple locations nationwide Raku Spa Station Fuchu, 1-5-1 Miyanishicho, Fuchu-shi Prices vary anime-press.net/events Oshi no Ko Cafe, until June 1 (Oshi no Ko Cafe) At this Omotesando, Tokyo pop-up cafe, popular anime characters from Oshi no Ko don tea house uniforms and serve up photo-ready meals and sweets. The cafe offers themed drinks, limited-time dishes and exclusive merch. Reservation recommended. Natslive Cafe Omotesando, 3-11-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku 11am 8pm Prices vary cafe.natslive.jp Tamagotchi Cafe, until June 19 (Tamagotchi Cafe) Relive your digital pet days at this adorable Tamagotchi theme cafe. The characters from Puchi Puchi Omisetchi are running the show, dishing out themed food and managing shops inside Capcom Cafe in Ikebukuro. Capcom Cafe, Grandscape Ikebukuro 3F, 1-30-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku 10am 10pm Prices vary capcom.co.jp Hunter Hunter Hisoka Cafe, May 28 June 30 (Hunter Hunter Hisoka Cafe) Magician Hisoka takes center stage in the third Hunter Hunter theme cafe at Animate Cafe. Head to Ikebukuro for specialty drinks, food inspired by the series and Hisoka-only visuals. Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 3rd Store, 1-20-6 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City 11:30am 7pm Prices vary animatecafe.jp/event Sakamoto Days Cafe, May 20 June 22 (Sakamoto Days Cafe) The laid-back assassin Sakamoto gets a cafe all to himself. Featuring menu items, exclusive merch and life-size panels of the main characters, this Dish Up collaboration brings Sakamoto Days to life in Omotesando. Dish Up, Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F, 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 11am 9pm Prices vary sweets-paradise.jp/collaboration/sakamotodays Demon Slayer Mocktail Bar, now open (Demon Slayer Mocktail Bar) Ufotable Mocktail Bar Ginza Reservation-only https://www.ufotable.co.jp/bar/mocktail_bar_ginza/ Detective Conan Cafe, Now July 27 (Detective Conan Cafe) Celebrate the new Detective Conan film with themed cafes in Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Solamachi. Expect mystery-themed meals, goods featuring characters in butler outfits, and photogenic cafe interiors. Multiple Tokyo locations: Ikebukuro: BOX cafe&space Grandscape (Apr 4 Jul 27) Shibuya: BOX cafe&space GEMS (Apr 18 Jun 29) Solamachi: BOX cafe&space (Apr 11 Jun 8) https://conan-cafe.jp metropolisjapan.com (Godzilla The Art Exhibition) Explore cinemas most iconic monster from a whole new angle at Godzilla: The Art, now showing in Tokyo. This is one encounter you cant missafter all, when in Tokyo, you have to meet Godzilla. To mark the 70th anniversary of the King of the Monsters, this thought-provoking exhibition at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills reimagines Godzilla through the lens of contemporary art. But this isnt your typical film retrospective. Instead of retracing Godzillas cinematic history, the exhibition poses one bold, deceptively simple question: What is Godzilla? A New Form for a Timeless Giant (Scenes from the Godzilla: The Art Exhibit (TM & TOHO CO., LTD.)) Ever since his first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has taken on many rolesmetaphor, menace, savior, and pop culture icon. With each new film and filmmaker, the creature evolves, resisting any single definition. That fluid identity is precisely what this exhibition aims to explore. Through a wide-ranging collection of contemporary works, Godzilla: The Art showcases how artists from Japan and around the world interpret the legendary kaiju. From sculptures to video installations, these pieces push past cinematic tropes to reveal Godzillas deeper symbolic impact. Art Meets Special Effects (the One (6) TM & TOHO CO., LTD. Motohiko ODANI) Curated by Qiuyu Jin, the exhibition treats Godzilla as more than a characterit approaches the monster as art. Inspired by the stark message and experimental style of the 1954 original, Jin aims to spark new conversations. I hope everyone will find their own version of Godzilla here, Jin explains. (TM & TOHO CO., LTD.) Visitors can expect immersive dioramas, interactive displays, and a brand-new short film by director Taichi Kimurabest known for his dynamic work in music videos and cross-cultural documentaries. Exclusive to this exhibition, the film offers yet another fresh take on the ever-changing creature. Info & Tickets Event Details Dates: Until June 29, 2025 Location: Mori Arts Center Gallery (52nd floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) Hours: 10 AM 7 PM daily (open until 8 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and April 26 May 6; Last entry 30 minutes before closing) Admission: Weekdays Adults, university & vocational students: 2,200 yen / Middle & high school students: 1,500 yen / Ages 4 to elementary school: 500 yen Weekends & holidays Adults, university & vocational students: 2,500 yen / Middle & high school students: 1,600 yen / Ages 4 to elementary school: 600 yen From May 7 - 30, 500 yen discount on weekday tickets after 5 PM For details see the official website here Book Now: GODZILLA THE ART Exhibition Ticket in Tokyo Bonus Content: Films, Stickers, and Special Screenings! Godzilla movies posters (TM & TOHO CO., LTD.) To complement the exhibition, a special Godzilla film screening series will take place at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills from May 7 to June 18. The lineup (separate admission required) features digitally remastered classics and modern blockbusters: May 21 Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) 4K Remaster May 28 Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) 4K Remaster June 4 Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1993) 4K Remaster June 11 Shin Godzilla (2016) June 18 Godzilla Minus One (2023) Whether youre a lifelong kaiju fan or simply curious about pop cultures biggest monster, Godzilla: The Art is an unmissable opportunity. Come prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about the King of the Monstersand maybe walk away with more questions than answers. Via Live Japan Integrity and trust are foundational. But today, that trust is under assaultnot from human error, nor negligence, but from the sophisticated but disturbingly unreliable outputs of artificial intelligence (AI). What the media euphemistically calls AI hallucinations are not benign mistakesthey are dangerous fabrications, systematically undermining both clinical and legal standards. As a psychiatrist, I confront the reality of hallucinations regularly. Patients vividly describe voices, visions, and sensations with profound distress. Hallucinations, in medical terms, represent profound and involuntary perceptual disturbances. In stark contrast, the inaccuracies spewed forth by large language models like ChatGPT are not involuntary misperceptionsthey are systematic, plausible-sounding falsifications generated by probabilistic algorithms, devoid of ethical accountability. A recent editorial by Robin Emsley in the journal Schizophrenia reveals the alarming truth: ChatGPT-generated references, presented with confidence and eloquence, are often wholly fabricated. Emsley described requesting literature references from ChatGPT to support his research into structural brain changes with antipsychotic treatment. Initially impressed, his enthusiasm quickly turned to dismay. Out of five citations provided, several were entirely fictitious or grossly inaccurate. One real reference was irrelevant, and three others simply didnt exist. This was not an isolated case. Additional research highlighted even more disturbing statistics: of 115 medical citations generated by AI, 47 percent were entirely fabricated, another 46 percent inaccurate, leaving only 7 percent both accurate and authentic. Emsley emphasizes that calling these inaccuracies hallucinations is misleading and diminishes the gravity of real clinical hallucinations. Instead, these are fabrications and falsifications, a term that correctly assigns moral and professional weight to the AI-generated falsehoods. Medicine isnt the only domain suffering from AIs plausible fabrications. Consider the notorious incident involving attorney Steven Schwartz, who submitted legal arguments citing six court cases invented entirely by ChatGPT. The court was stunned, Schwartz was sanctioned, and the incident sent shockwaves through the legal community. Schwartzs defensethat he didnt know AI could produce false referenceshighlights a deeper systemic problem. Legal professionals, trained rigorously in verifying sources, were caught off-guard by the convincing fabrications of AI, endangering justice and undermining public trust. Some Federal courts now outright ban AI pleading. We see a disturbing parallel between these AI fabrications and the phenomenon of clinical hallucinations following sensory alterations. This is exemplified vividly by the case of musical hallucinations post-cochlear implantation (source). A woman, following cochlear implantation, experienced persistent and increasingly intrusive musical hallucinations. Initially gentle and non-intrusive, these hallucinations eventually became overwhelming. Interestingly, the music continued even when the implant was inactive, driven perhaps by the brains parasitic memory phenomenona desperate neurological attempt to fill sensory voids. AI-generated fabrications, though algorithmic rather than neurological, similarly fill informational voids, creating plausible but false data to satisfy user queries. However, unlike the involuntary neurological processes, AI-generated falsehoods arise from inherent limitations of machine learning modelsspecifically, their probabilistic approach that blends bits of factual and false data seamlessly. These issues raise critical ethical and professional questions. How much can we safely rely on AI in professions built on verifiable truth? How do we hold an algorithm accountable when it deceives? Unlike human malpractice, AI errors currently have no clear accountability. ChatGPT cannot be sanctioned, sued, or disbarred. The responsibility and risk fall solely on the humans who use it. The Psychiatric News piece Moving from hallucinations to fabrications' emphasizes the ethical imperative to shift terminology. Labeling AI outputs as hallucinations inadvertently trivializes real psychiatric experiences. By explicitly calling them fabrications, we highlight the deliberate and structured nature of these errors, making clear that these inaccuracies must trigger rigorous verification and accountability. The potential consequences of continuing to overlook these fabrications are severe. ADVERTISEMENT Imagine a scenario where medical students, pressed for time and resources, rely on AI-generated references without verification, inadvertently propagating false information. Clinical guidelines could become contaminated by inaccuracies. Physicians may unwittingly compromise patient safety, guided by fictitious evidence. Similarly, in legal contexts, fabrications could erode foundational precedents and jurisprudence. Cases relying on AI-generated content could jeopardize justice, sending innocent individuals to prison or letting guilty parties escape accountability based on phantom precedents. What steps should the medical and legal communities take? Rigorous educational initiatives must inform professionals about AI limitations. Training should explicitly teach skepticism and the essential skill of cross-verifying AI-generated content. Stringent standards for disclosing AI use must become mandatory in publications and court submissions, akin to conflict-of-interest disclosures. Such transparency will foster accountability and caution. The AI industry must develop and enforce verification tools that flag fabricated citations or case law proactively, integrating ethical oversight directly into the technological framework. We must advocate for clear terminology, distinguishing neurological hallucinations from intentional AI fabrications, maintaining both scientific integrity and ethical clarity. Our trust in medicine and law has always hinged on accuracy and ethical standards. AI, for all its promises, currently challenges both. The damage already inflicted demands immediate response. We cannot passively accept AI-generated fabrications under the comforting illusion that they are harmless hallucinations. Real hallucinations cause genuine human suffering; fabricated evidence leads directly to real-world harm and injustice. We stand at an ethical crossroads. We must actively decide whether we are willing to surrender critical standards of truth and accountability to convenience and technological expediency. As medical professionals sworn to uphold truth and justice, we must resist this erosion vigorously. Lets reclaim our responsibility. Lets clearly distinguish hallucinations from fabrications. Lets remain vigilant guardians of the truth in the age of AI. Our patients, our clients, and our professions depend on it. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist based in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. He is the founder, CEO, and chief medical officer of Blue Mountain Psychiatry, a leading multidisciplinary practice known for innovative approaches to mental health, addiction treatment, and integrated care. Dr. Rifai currently holds the prestigious Lehigh Valley Endowed Chair of Addiction Medicine, reflecting his leadership in advancing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. Board-certified in psychiatry, internal medicine, addiction medicine, and consultation-liaison (psychosomatic) psychiatry, Dr. Rifai is a fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA), and the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (FACLP). He is also a former president of the Lehigh Valley Psychiatric Society, where he championed access to community-based psychiatric care and physician advocacy. A thought leader in telepsychiatry, ketamine treatment, and the intersection of medicine and mental health, Dr. Rifai frequently writes and speaks on physician justice, federal health care policy, and the ethical use of digital psychiatry. You can learn more about Dr. Rifai through his Wikipedia page, connect with him on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. His podcast, The Virtual Psychiatrist, offers deeper insights into topics at the intersection of mental health and medicine. Explore all of Dr. Rifais platforms and resources via his Linktree. The heart, often overlooked in its relentless duty, only garners attention when it falters. For centuries, the notion that life is impossible without this vital organ has been unchallenged. However, recent advancements have shattered this belief. The groundbreaking implantation of a fully artificial heart by BiVOCAR, led by the visionary Dr. Daniel Timm, heralds a new era in cardiothoracic surgery. This achievement is not just a medical milestone; it is a beacon of hope, signaling unprecedented possibilities for the future of health care. As an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon, I am thrilled about the future of this specialty. The prospect of helping patients without the prolonged wait for a compatible donor heart is exhilarating. However, as a Ghanaian, I am compelled to consider the implications of these advancements for patients in Ghana and across Africa. While the global health care community celebrates this breakthrough, it underscores an urgent imperative for action in Africa. We can no longer afford to merely acknowledge our developmental lag; it is time to bridge the gap and ensure these innovations benefit all. The relentless pace of global innovation, exemplified by this groundbreaking technology, demands a fundamental shift in our approach. The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up anymore, and failure to make significant and immediate strides in embracing such advancements will only put us at risk for further marginalization that will have profound consequences for the health and well-being of our people. Decisive action is now a necessity to ensure we are not left behind in this new era of medical progress, lest we go extinct in the face of treatable conditions. Contrary to popular skepticism, achieving parity in advanced medical fields like cardiothoracic surgery is not a distant fantasy for Africa. A crucial starting point lies in revolutionizing our medical education. We can no longer afford to be tethered to outdated curricula and limited exposure. To truly catch up, African medical schools must proactively integrate opportunities for promising students to pursue dual degrees, such as MPhil or PhD programs, alongside their core medical training. These advanced programs should be strategically designed to bridge the expertise gap with the developed world. This necessitates forging robust collaborations with international institutions, particularly those pioneering fields currently underdeveloped in Africa, such as robotic heart surgery. Imagine medical students earning credits for introductory modules in these cutting-edge techniques, with structured opportunities for immersive learning through summer school visits to partner institutions. This approach would not only equip them with recognized certifications but also ensure that upon graduation, they possess the foundational skills to support and eventually lead in these specialized areas within their home countries. Furthermore, early exposure to research in these evolving technologies would position them to drive future innovations tailored to the unique challenges and contexts of Africa. This proactive investment in medical education offers a tangible pathway to rapidly close the health care gap. Even if each cohort produces only a handful of graduates with this advanced training, the cumulative effect will be transformative. These individuals will become invaluable resources, capable of training subsequent generations of medical professionals and elevating the standard of care across the continent. It is a shameful indictment that many African leaders seek medical treatment abroad. By prioritizing the quality of education and early career experiences for our medical professionals, we can cultivate the expertise necessary to provide world-class care within our own borders, fostering self-reliance and reclaiming our dignity in the global health landscape. The difference between a doctor trained in a low-resource setting and one from a developed nation often boils down to educational opportunities and early exposure. It is time we strategically invested in these critical areas to forge a lasting and impactful change. Beyond our traditional medical training, actively fostering collaboration between medical students and residents with biomedical engineers is a potential yet often overlooked opportunity to accelerate health care advancements in Africa. A compelling discussion at the recent General Thoracic Surgery Club conference highlighted a potential future where biomedical engineers, equipped with focused medical training, could play a more direct role in patient care to help in addressing the global shortage of skilled health care workers. This underscores a critical gap of the lack of training for medical professionals in understanding and utilizing complex medical technologies, often leading to inefficient on-the-job training. By creating platforms for medical students and engineers to collaborate from the outset, we can cultivate a generation of innovators capable of developing solutions specifically tailored to Africas unique health care challenges. When technology is developed in isolation, it often lacks sustainability and practical applicability within our context. The recent introduction of an alternative pediatric CPAP machine in Ghana clearly illustrated this. While intended to address equipment shortages, its limitationswhich included requiring high-flow oxygen at a rate of seven E-cylinders per use and capable of delivering only 100 percent oxygenposed significant risks of oxygen toxicity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity in neonates. This highlights a critical disconnect between engineering ingenuity and clinical realities. Meaningful and sustained collaboration between medical students and residents, who possess invaluable firsthand clinical insights, and biomedical engineers, with their technical expertise, can directly address these shortcomings. By working together during their formative training years, they can co-design and refine technologies that are clinically sound and contextually appropriate. This interdisciplinary approach promises lasting solutions that truly meet the needs of our patients and communities. The proven success of collaborations like the Harvard Medical School-MIT model offers a compelling blueprint for the strategies discussed. We must cultivate the immense potential of the brilliant minds within our borders who are eager to contribute and innovate. By adopting forward-thinking educational frameworks and fostering strong interdisciplinary partnerships, we can not only catch up but also be significant contributors to global medical knowledge, practice, and innovation. Princess Benson is a medical student in Ghana. (Photo by Busan Cultural Center. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea.) The Canada National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) will perform in Busan on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Busan Citizens Hall Grand Theater, joined by world-renowned Korean pianist Son Yeol-eum and conductor Alexander Shelley. This performance marks a key stop in their 2025 Korea tour. The program includes Strausss Don Juan, Murphys Dark Night, Bright Stars, Ravels Piano Concerto in G Major with Son Yeol-eum, and Beethovens Symphony No. 5. The orchestra aims to showcase the depth of Canadian musical artistry while promoting cultural exchange between Canada and Korea. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 100,000 won with discounts available for youth, students, and the disabled. The concert is supported by the Embassy of Canada in Korea and features a mix of classical repertoire and contemporary Canadian music. More details and reservations are available through interpark.com. ATLANTA President Donald Trumps executive order seeking to overhaul how U.S. elections are run includes a somewhat obscure reference to the way votes are counted. Voting equipment, it says, should not use ballots that include a barcode or quick-response code. Those few technical words could have a big impact. Voting machines that give all voters a ballot with one of those codes are used in hundreds of counties across 19 states. Three of them Georgia, South Carolina and Delaware use the machines statewide. Some computer scientists, Democrats and left-leaning election activists have raised concerns about their use, but those pushing conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election have been the loudest, claiming without evidence that manipulation has already occurred. Trump, in justifying the move, said in the order that his intention was to protect election integrity. Even some election officials who have vouched for the accuracy of systems that use coded ballots have said its time to move on because too many voters dont trust them. Colorados secretary of state, Democrat Jena Griswold, decided in 2019 to stop using ballots with QR codes, saying at the time that voters should have the utmost confidence that their vote will count. Amanda Gonzalez, the elections clerk in Colorados Jefferson County, doesn't support Trump's order but believes Colorado's decision was a worthwhile step. We can just eliminate confusion, Gonzalez said. At the end of the day, thats what I want elections that are free, fair, transparent. Whether voting by mail or in person, millions of voters across the country mark their selections by using a pen to fill in ovals on paper ballots. Those ballots are then fed through a tabulating machine to tally the votes and can be retrieved later if a recount is needed. In other places, people voting in person use a touch-screen machine to mark their choices and then get a paper record of their votes that includes a barcode or QR code. A tabulator scans the code to tally the vote. Election officials who use that equipment say its secure and that they routinely perform tests to ensure the results match the votes on the paper records, which they retain. The coded ballots have nevertheless become a target of election conspiracy theories. I think the problem is super exaggerated, said Lawrence Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice. I understand why it can appeal to certain parts of the public who dont understand the way this works, but I think its being used to try to question certain election results in the past. Those pushing conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election have latched onto a long-running legal battle over Georgia's voting system. In that case, a University of Michigan computer scientist testified that an attacker could tamper with the QR codes to change voter selections and install malware on the machines. The testimony from J. Alex Halderman has been used to amplify Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, even though there is no evidence that any of the weaknesses he found were exploited. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, defended the state's voting system as secure. In March, the judge who presided over Halderman's testimony declined to block the use of Georgias voting equipment but said the case had identified substantial concerns about the administration, maintenance and security of Georgias electronic in-person voting system. Trumps election executive order is being challenged in multiple lawsuits. One resulted in a preliminary injunction against a provision that sought to require proof of citizenship when people register to vote. The section banning ballots that use QR or barcodes relies on a Trump directive to a federal agency, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which sets voluntary guidelines for voting systems. Not all states follow them. Some of the lawsuits say Trump doesnt have the authority to direct the commission because it was established by Congress as an independent agency. While the courts sort that out, the commissions guidelines say ballots using barcodes or QR codes should include a printed list of the voters selections so they can be checked. Trumps order exempts voting equipment used by voters with disabilities, but it promises no federal money to help states and counties shift away from systems using QR or barcodes. In the long run, it would be nice if vendors moved away from encoding, but theres already evidence of them doing that, said Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting, a group that focuses on election technology and favors ending the use of QR and barcodes. Kim Dennison, election coordinator of Benton County, Arkansas, estimated that updating the county's voting system would cost around $400,000 and take up to a year. Dennison said she has used equipment that relies on coded ballots since she started her job 15 years ago and has never found an inaccurate result during postelection testing. I fully and completely trust the equipment is doing exactly what its supposed to be doing and not falsifying reports, she said. You cannot change a vote once its been cast. Perhaps nowhere has the issue been more contentious than Georgia, a presidential battleground. It uses the same QR code voting system across the state. Marilyn Marks, executive director of the Coalition for Good Governance, a lead plaintiff in the litigation over the system, said her group has not taken a position on Trump's executive order but said the federal Election Assistance Commission should stop certifying machines that use barcodes. The secretary of state said the voting system follows Georgia law, which requires federal certification at the time the system is bought. Nevertheless, the Republican-controlled legislature has voted to ban the use of QR codes but did not allocate any money to make the change a cost estimated at $66 million. Republicans said they want to replace the system when the current contract expires in 2028, but their law is still scheduled to take effect next year. GOP state Rep. Victor Anderson said there is no realistic way to prevent the train wreck thats coming. Domestic violence cases surged by 37.5% in 2024, with 55 confirmed incidents reported locally, according to a Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) report released recently. The data reveals a troubling rise in abuse, especially affecting children and the elderly, underscoring a growing social crisis in the city. The report highlights a 45.5% increase in child abuse cases, reaching 16 incidents, which now represent nearly 29% of all domestic violence reports. Elder abuse rebounded to eight cases, while spousal violence also climbed by 15.4%, accounting for more than half (54.5%) of the total cases. Physical violence was the main culprit, involved in 80% of incidents, while psychological abuse made up 10.9%. Victims were predominantly female (69.6%), with those aged 35 to 44 most frequently targeted. Perpetrators were mostly male (78.2%), with many unemployed (30.9%) or earning less than MOP 20,000 monthly (50.8%). Permanent residents comprised 89% of abusers. The report attributes 60% of spousal violence to emotional dysregulation, often worsened by financial stress 13.3% of victims and 30.9% of abusers had no income and alcohol was a factor in 26.7% of partner assaults. Children aged 7 to 12, mostly boys (56.3%), suffered abuse linked to caregivers irrational expectations (43.8%) and physical punishment (31.3%). More than half of child abuse cases involved a breakdown in parental communication. Elder abuse victims, primarily women, endured mostly physical attacks, with 62.5% of perpetrators showing cognitive impairments. The IAS report also reveals systemic gaps in detection and support. While 41.8% of cases were self-reported, NGOs and schools identified 14.5% and 12.7%, respectively. The report links the rise in violence to pandemic-related stress and complex cross-border family dynamics, noting that half of spousal abuse victims were mainland-born. Initiatives to combat the surge in violence cases include expanded mental health screenings at border checkpoints and subsidized therapy for low-income families. The citys domestic violence law (No. 2/2016, listing domestic violent actions as a public crime), enacted in 2016, established a legal framework to combat abuse, promote family harmony, and provide victim assistance. Despite initial declines from an average of 10.3 monthly cases in 2016 to 3.2 cases by 2020 cases have rebounded. The rebound is believed to be attributed to better reporting and economic pressures following the regional economic downturn. Advocates call for urgent reforms, including mandatory parenting classes for offenders, real-time cross-border data sharing with Zhuhai authorities, and corporate partnerships to employ vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, a legislative proposal to criminalize emotional abuse is set to advance to the Legislative Assembly next month. Lawmaker Che Sai Wang addressed the plenary yesterday at the Legislative Assembly, calling on the authorities to review the policies for the economic acquisition of public housing. The lawmaker stated that current policies have gradually drifted away from the original purpose of providing housing for residents with low- and middle-income levels. He noted that currently, the price of this type of public housing has reached approximately MOP3,300 per square foot, a situation he described as highly disconnected from the recessionary real estate market, which is in a state of constant adaptation and also jeopardizes the preservation of the value and attractiveness of affordable housing, given the dual constraints of high prices and strict application requirements. He wants the government to return to the original policy and purpose, which is to provide affordable economic housing at prices significantly below those in the regular private market sector, benefiting, in particular, younger generations. RM The new government should implement a more moderate policy in its first year to foster resident support and mitigate potential backlash from mixing consumption cards with cash handouts under its Wealth Partaking Scheme, unless the amount is increased, according to Nelson Kot, chairman of the Macao Comprehensive Social Studies Association. If consumption cards and cash handouts are combined, it will cause social controversy unless the amount is increased, Kot told the Times. He believes that the new government should adopt more moderate policies in its first year to gain resident support and avoid excessive negative feedback. In his view, given the governments relatively strong financial position, it should avoid combining these two distinct policies. Unless the cash handout and consumption card amounts are increased to MOP15,000 or even MOP20,000, maintaining the MOP10,000 standard while merging the two will likely provoke a strong reaction, he cautioned, advising the government to refrain from rushing into this decision for now. These remarks were made to the Times a few days before Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai delivered his first Policy Address, with the aim of shaping expectations for the inclusion of these issues in the address. The 2025 Policy Address outlined the continuation of cash handouts this year. Regarding potential changes to the cash handout measures and the eligibility of recipients, the government has recently sought input from community groups on these issues. Among the feedback were calls for the government to consider alternative distribution methods, such as consumption cards or vouchers, to replace cash. On April 14, the day the Policy Address was released, the CE reaffirmed through the media that the cash handout scheme is a temporary measure established annually through administrative regulations, rather than a universal policy mandated by law. Therefore, it must be adjusted through these regulations. He emphasized that the current scheme will not be abolished; instead, there is a consensus to improve it. The 2025 cash handout scheme will provide eligible permanent residents with MOP10,000 and non-permanent residents with MOP6,000, with an estimated expenditure of about MOP7.4 billion. Sam previously stated that the funds saved from these changes will not be allocated to the fiscal reserve but will instead be redirected to support groups and industries in need. Cash handouts have indeed provided important support to most Macau residents. While some residents have differing opinions on cash handouts such as whether friends living overseas should receive this benefit we believe that this matter should be reviewed by the government, Kot said. The chairman told the Times that he had previously advised the government to redistribute consumption cards, originally part of the previous administrations efforts to mitigate the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to consider increasing their value. He believes that this measure will help enhance the economic capacity of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Macau in the short term, thereby reducing the number of business closures and vacant shops. However, he emphasized that the consumption cards should never be linked to the ongoing Community Consumption Grand Prize campaign. That campaign is temporary assistance for SMEs or businesses in the northern district, while consumption cards can be used over the course of a year. If each consumption card is set at MOP10,000, it is estimated that over MOP6 billion will be injected into the Macau economy, he added. On one hand, Kot hopes the government will issue consumption cards again, but he urged officials not to conflate the two schemes. Several lawmakers have expressed concerns about the current economic situation and the decline in visitor spending, calling on the government to find a solution to support the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are in a critical condition. Taking the period before the agenda of yesterdays Legislative Assembly (AL) session, Ip Sio Kai, Ella Lei, and Ngan Iek Hang all addressed the matter in separate spoken inquiries to the government. Ip noted the recent results on visitor spending, calling on the government to utilize a so-called ticket economy scheme. In this system, people who are holders of an event ticket (concert, sports, or other) can obtain discounts on other purchases. This system is often used to boost sales during large-scale events. He noted that this type of scheme has already proven its effectiveness in other cities and countries. In her inquiry, Lei also noted that local authorities should consider launching new community consumption carnivals and optimizing existing promotional activities. The lawmaker noted that there are some positive effects, but these are slow, and to produce the desired effect, it is necessary to extend the duration of these activities and promotions. The same lawmaker also called on the government to continue seeking support from the six gaming concessionaires for organizing large-scale events that can attract more visitors and generate additional consumption, particularly in the older districts, to boost the local economy. On the other hand, Ngan called on the government to quickly proceed with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the latest consumer rewards programs and draft new and improved plans and measures to refine the system, boost the community economy, and enhance overall consumption. Other lawmakers, such as Leong Sun Iok and Lei Chan U, also addressed similar matters but called for the acceleration of the economys diversification so that youngsters can have more job opportunities and better career paths. Leong noted that Macau is undergoing a period of adjustment to its economic structure and that the employment environment has also changed, creating more employment difficulties for young and middle-aged people. In Leongs opinion, these shortcomings and difficulties are also causing social conflicts, noting that the diversification of the economy cannot be separated from the creation of a high-quality workforce. Noting the information provided during the policy address on this field, Leong said he hopes that data on employment can be effectively collected and addressed, as he claims there exists a significant difference between employment data (people with a job) and the feeling of accomplishment at work (people who are happy with their jobs), as a way of promoting high-quality employment. On the same matter, Lei Chan U called for better planning, guidance, and conversion schemes tailored to different people and generations, noting that there is a need to adjust and address the diverse needs of various groups continually. He noted that the development of emerging industries is a time-consuming process. While these new industries might bring more opportunities for future generations, it is necessary to address the pressing needs of the current generation concurrently with preparing for the future. One person has died in an apparent shooting at an outdoor restaurant in the city of Wuhan in what would be a rare case of gun violence in China. A police statement said yesterday that two other people were injured on Sunday night in what it called a case of deliberate injury resulting from a dispute. Social media posts described what happened as a shooting and shared images of a person slumped in a chair and another person lying on the ground. The statement from the Qiaokou District police branch in Wuhan didnt say what weapon had been used. China has strict gun control laws, and reports of gun violence are extremely rare. While some may be covered up by government censorship of negative news, knife attacks appear to be more common, as well as driving a vehicle into a crowd. Chinas state-run media plays up reports of gun violence in the U.S. in what is seen as part of a campaign to convince the population that the nations one-party, communist-led system is better than Americas democracy. The attack on Sunday occurred in an area with a cluster of restaurants with outdoor seating serving barbecued meat on skewers. A video of the aftermath, which has been taken down from social media, shows a crowd of people milling around the well-lit, nighttime scene, before emergency medical workers arrive and bring out a stretcher to take the victims away. In 2010, a man firing a small automatic weapon burst into a court office in central China and killed three judges before taking his own life. He reportedly held a grudge against the court over a ruling in a property dispute between him and his wife, who were getting divorced. Wuhan is an industrial city on the Yangtze River in central China. The Chinese government locked down the city in early 2020 in the first major outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. MDT/AP Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, has confirmed a payment of MOP7,000 for 2025 to residents with individual accounts under the non-mandatory central provident fund scheme. The announcement was made official through an order published in the Official Gazette. This one-time sum aims to support residents participating in the voluntary savings program, enhancing their financial security. The non-mandatory central provident fund system allows individuals to save for retirement with government incentives. Eligible account holders can expect the payment to be disbursed later this year. Related Concerned about the recent rise in suicides and attempted suicides in Macau, which has sparked public alarm over a deepening crisis, legislator Ron Lam yesterday urged the government to abandon its current ostrich policy. An ostrich policy refers to the deliberate avoidance of reality or refusal to confront an obvious problem, drawing from the popular myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when faced with danger. Society must prioritize the issue of suicide by studying and analyzing its causes and trends, Lam stated during yesterdays Legislative Assembly session. However, he noted that the governments current data is inadequate. For example, the Health Bureau (SSM) releases suicide monitoring reports quarterly, but only categorizes cases by gender and residency status, offering only broad age ranges without deeper insight. I understand that depression can be contagious, but this has become an excuse for relevant government departments to ignore the problem in recent years, he criticized. Citing figures from the Secretary for Security, Lam stressed the urgent need to address Macaus suicide crisis. According to him, there were 91 suicide deaths in 2024, equating to a suicide rate of 13.6 per 100,000 people significantly higher than the international average of about 9 to 10 per 100,000. Compared to 9.4 per 100,000 in 2015, Macaus suicide rate has increased by 44% over the past decade. Lam highlighted a worrying trend of increasing suicides and attempts among younger age groups. Last year, there were four suicide cases among children aged 5 to 14 the first time in a decade this number exceeded one along with nine cases among those aged 15 to 24. Of the 249 suicide attempts in 2024, individuals aged 5 to 24 accounted for an average of 40% over the past five years. He also criticized the governments use of broad age brackets such as 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 in reporting statistics, arguing that this obscures the specific circumstances facing minors. The lack of transparency complicates efforts to fully assess student mental health, he said. Lam acknowledged the governments commitment to the principle that prevention is better than cure, but emphasized that residents are increasingly concerned about the lack of timely support for those experiencing emotional distress. He called for concrete measures to tackle the issue more directly. He argued that the governments ostrich policy has left frontline personnel under-resourced and reactive. There are no consistent intervention strategies to ensure that individuals receive ongoing emotional and mental health support. Even in cases of persistent suicidal behavior, frontline staff can only scramble to respond passively highlighting the current systems inability to manage suicide risk effectively. Early yesterday morning, the body of an elderly female resident was discovered floating near Sai Van Lake. At 8:31 a.m., the Judiciary Police (PJ) issued a statement outlining their response to the discovery. Following a notification from the Fire Services Bureau, PJ personnel retrieved the body and transported it to a nearby pier for examination. Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of foul play. The IAS encourages residents to remain conscious of their psychological and emotional wellbeing, as well as the health of relatives and friends. If in need, residents can call Caritas Life Hope hotline (28525222) or IAS counseling hotline (28261126). Sands Macao marked its 21st anniversary on Sunday by distributing complimentary boxed lunches to taxi drivers dropping off guests at the property. This gesture continues a tradition started in 2004 as a token of appreciation for the drivers daily contributions to the citys transportation network. Danny Tang, vice president and general manager of Sands Macao, remarked, On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the opening of Sands Macao, we continue our long-standing tradition of delivering meal packs to local taxi drivers to express gratitude to those who travel through Macaos streets and alleys every day and connect every corner of the city. The lunch included a variety of dishes such as soy sauce chicken with minced ginger, wok-fried shrimp and scallops, seasonal vegetables, and traditional Chinese birthday buns. Tang reaffirmed Sands Macaos intention to continue offering quality services and supporting the citys sustainable development through hospitality and leisure. Macau and Zhuhai launched a real-time weather warning platform yesterday to combat extreme weather risks in the Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The new system enables real-time sharing of weather updates between Zhuhai and Macau, offering alerts for severe conditions such as heavy rain and tropical cyclones. Alerts will also be displayed on 15 digital screens at major border checkpoints and transport hubs, including Zhuhai Airport. Related